Braves

By Braves20

September 15, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this

James does remind you of Glavine a bit but at times he reminds you of Sosa - one lucky pitch or lucky catch saves him from the iceberg loooming ahead. Would feel more comfortable about him if he kept the ball down in the strike zone a bit more often ala Galvine - but that may come with time.

By Cory H

September 15, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

Great points all around. Atlanta has many pieces in place to be a great team. Why not put out the money for glavine to return, what better tutor for the young James and it would be nice to see him get 300 victories with a Braves uni. on I felt cheated with Maddux. And i say resign Andruw, Smoltz, Wickman, this offseason. Keep Aybar to lead off and trade Chipper and possibly Marcus Giles for a power hitting player we need that line up intimidator we haven’t had all year. How about hope hope Manny Ramirez who is always unhappy in Boston put diaz at 3rd or Alfonso soriano who can lead off and keep chipper plus we can put soriano where he loves to play 2nd. But either way the future is very bright.

By David O'Brien

September 15, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

Braves20, good point. But a bit harsh to compare the young kid to Sosa. Ouch. I thought enough of your opinion on balls up in the strike zone to go back and amend a line in the blog.

By geauxbraves2000

September 15, 2006 02:40 PM | Link to this

I posted this on the last blog, seems relevant here. I tweaked it a little:

Looking at next year’s team, with 2 to 3 or more year’s of ML experience, the Braves have Francouer, McCann, Langerhans, Diaz, LaRoche, and the “p” players, Orr (he’s shown flashes), with youngsters Prado & B. Pena. With Chipper (when he’s not hurt) Edgar, Giles & Andruw, I don’t know about the rest of you all, but this team looks awesome to me.

But, it won’t mean a thing with a decent pitching staff. Chuck James is showing flashes of turning into a top notch starter, Smoltz is Smoltz, I think he’s hurt and/or just wearing down trying to carry the staff. Hudson is unreliable, Ramirez is hurt all the time, Hampton may or may not be okay, I’ll lean towards “may”, Comier/Villareal should be okay for #5. Too many youngsters in the bullpen, need some veteran presence, and for goodness sake, sign Wickman.

Geaux Braves!!

By David O'Brien

September 15, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

I also went back and made mention of Cormier and Villarreal, who’ve been fairly impressive, but to me, haven’t been in the starting role long enough to be able to count on them for a spot in the rotation next year. Not after this year’s debacle of starting-rotation musical chairs.

By David O'Brien

September 15, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

Surely ‘Nam will catch the reference to one of his favorite singers….

By DonCoburleone

September 15, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

DOB I don’t think Cain is eligible to be a rookie this year, but i could be wrong… He started 7 games for the Giants last year and posted 46.1 innings, so last year would be his rookie season right? Anyway, I think you got just about every legitimate candidate for ROY except for Andre Ethier of the Dodgers. He has a pretty good shot, his only problem is he’s been slumping as of late and he didn’t get called up until like early june. Anyway, nice post.

By The Grinch

September 15, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

DOB, I must have missed your previous reccommendation; I am indeed on my way to office max to pick up my new office chair (maybe it will save my back); Larry Mac is one of my very favorite authors. I will swing by the two or three music stores on the way and purchase same. Just for that, I’ll sing you a song!

Set to “The Highwaymen.” Kris’ verse (now Grinch’s)

*I was a blogger…/

Intel Pentium inside…/

With DOB I did abide…/

Trolled the website when I felt both high and low…/

Posting comments telling Met fans that they blow…/

And when the pie ran out they said that I’d fell ill…/

But I am blogging still…*

By DonCoburleone

September 15, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

Did I get blocked from posting or something?

By The Grinch

September 15, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

I ain’t belivin’ this. I just wrote you a song, DOB, and it didn’t even post. Just went right up into cyberspace without an explanation. Oh, well; it must have sucked.

By Shaun

September 15, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

I think Davies will be fine. His numbers seems to indicate that he’s fine in the areas he has control over; his K/BB ratio, his HR allowed are decent. Sure, he’s getting too much of the plate sometimes but I think balls are just finding holes (i.e., bad luck). Given his track record throughout his pro career, and barring serious injury, he should be fine. I believe he’ll be at least a very solid pitcher and I wouldn’t be surprised if he develops into one of the better pitchers in the league. Remember, he’s still four or five years from his peak seasons.

Click here for an interesting article on how much control a pitcher really has.

By Carlos Amato

September 15, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

DOB, about Thomson’s departure via free agency. How much would that save, financially, for the Braves?

By Ptown Bravo

September 15, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

“…I used to think I was an artist, come to find out I’m a beer salesman…”

I think Larry stole that line from Tim Hudson.

By Georgetown Kid

September 15, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien,

What do you think the Braves would have to give up in order to get a legit starter this offseason?

They don’t have the money to sign one in the open market, which would mean they’d have to get one via a trade. Could HoRam + Thorman fetch us a proven starter, or would we have to give up more?

Also, do you think it a higher priority to acquire another starting pitcher or a bonafide leadoff man? With the inconsistency of the offense this year, and with the complete lack of speed in our lineup, it would seem to me that a proven base-stealing leadoff man would be a higher priority.

But, if you and the Braves’ management believe that Giles can be a solid #1 hitter next year, or if Kelly Johnson or Gregor Blanco could fill in at leadoff, then that would give us the freedom to go after a pitcher.

But those seem like big ‘ifs’ to me.

Consequently, I’m going to offer this idea simply to gauge your reaction: would it be possible to trade Andruw Jones for Johnny Damon?

They make approximately the same amount of money, the Yankees have other players who could lead off, and the Braves have other hitters who could thrive as a cleanup hitter.

Damon, Giles, C. Jones, LaRoach, McCann, Francoeur, Renteria, Diaz: that is a genuine murderers row!!

Then we could deal HoRam, Thorman, et al. for your starting pitcher.

But I don’t know if that trade is realistic. But I’d love to know what you think.

Thanks!

By Shaun

September 15, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

Davies will be fine, barring a serious injury. Look at his track record throughout his pro career, look at his K/BB ratio and HR rate, and check out this article:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=878

Sure he’s getting too much of the strikezone sometimes but batted balls are just finding holes (i.e., he’s just a victim of bad luck).

By The Grinch

September 15, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

Oops! Finally showed up, though not in italics as I indicated. Oh, well. Glad to hear Elton John and George Michael ended their feud…didn’t know they had one. I bet it was b!t#@y. Can’t you just see the two of them facing off in public, arms raised out in front of them slapping and clawing? Hee-hee! Off to the max; I shall return.

By Shaun

September 15, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

Davies will be fine, barring a serious injury. Look at his track record throughout his pro career, look at his K/BB ratio and HR rate, and check out this article:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=878

Sure he’s getting too much of the strikezone sometimes but batted balls are just finding holes (i.e., he’s just a victim of bad luck).

By Georgetown Kid

September 15, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien,

What do you think the Braves would have to give up in order to get a legit starter this offseason?

They don’t have the money to sign one in the open market, which would mean they’d have to get one via a trade. Could HoRam + Thorman fetch us a proven starter, or would we have to give up more?

Also, do you think it a higher priority to acquire another starting pitcher or a bonafide leadoff man? With the inconsistency of the offense this year, and with the complete lack of speed in our lineup, it would seem to me that a proven base-stealing leadoff man would be a higher priority.

But, if you and the Braves’ management believe that Giles can be a solid #1 hitter next year, or if Kelly Johnson or Gregor Blanco could fill in at leadoff, then that would give us the freedom to go after a pitcher.

But those seem like big ‘ifs’ to me.

Consequently, I’m going to offer this idea simply to gauge your reaction: would it be possible to trade Andruw Jones for Johnny Damon?

They make approximately the same amount of money, the Yankees have other players who could lead off, and the Braves have other hitters who could thrive as a cleanup hitter.

Damon, Giles, C. Jones, LaRoach, McCann, Renteria, Francoeur, Diaz: that is a genuine murderers row!!

Then we could deal HoRam, Thorman, et al. for your starting pitcher.

But I don’t know if that trade is realistic. But I’d love to know what you think.

Thanks!

By matches

September 15, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

It’d be nice to pick up a 30/200 pitcher to eat innings, but if Hampton is healthy I’m fairly comfortable with Cormier in the 5th spot. I know it’s a small sample size, but durn he has been impressive lately.

Then you have Davies, Villareal or Lerew if someone gets hurt.

Bullpen would be Wickman, Devine, McBride, Boyer, Villareal, and one other (Yates? Foster? Paronto? Davies?)

That’s not a bad staff at all. It needs someone (Devine) to step into a setup role, but I’d be pretty happy going into next season with that group.

By matches

September 15, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

As for the lineup, Giles needs to go. Love the guy, but we won’t pay him after next season and he’s replaceable. Big question is LF - it’d be nice to get a Crawford-esque leadoff hitter in that spot. But otherwise:

Prado/ Aybar - 2B Renteria - SS Chipper - 3B Andruw - CF McCann - C Franceour - RF Laroche - 1B Langerhans/Diaz/Thorman/KJohnson - LF

If we pick up a leadoff LF, Prado/ Aybar drop to 8th. Not a bad unit at all.

By Ptown Bravo

September 15, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

DOB, IF the Braves traded Giles in the offseason, how willing do you think they’d be to give Kelly Johnson a shot at playing 2nd and batting leadoff? Not the prototypical leadoff guy, I realize, but he does bat from the left side, and his defense is probably better suited for the infield. He’s also maintained a pretty nice OBP in the minors.

By Ptown Bravo

September 15, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

Grinch, when you get back, I need some money picks for Separation Saturday. Taking my paycheck to Vegas for a long weekend. Mountaineers covered for me last night, but it was too close for my comfort. Send me your winners and I promise to buy the blog a round come Monday.

By AZBravoFan

September 15, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this

Don’t forget Ryan Zimmerman: .283 41 2B 18 HR 96 RBI for ROY

By DonCoburleone

September 15, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

DOB I don’t know about Villareal, he seems like just an average starter or reliever to me… But Cormier has some potential IMO. I mean, you don’t strike out 10 batters in a game by accident (even if it’s the Cubs).

I like how you think they are going to trade HoRam, I was saying trade HoRam in the middle of his great stretch after the All Star break… He’s freakin’ INJURY PRONED!!! He is a liability to have in the starting rotation because the Braves count on him every year to be the #2 or #3 guy and he always gets hurt! Then the Braves are caught with their d!ck in their hand and Kevin freakin Barry(or whoever else) has to start.

But DOB, my question is, what do you think the Braves could really get in return for Ramirez? I see his trade value being no more than maybe a B prospect and maybe another really young prospect with potential thrown in… Do you think that is about right? Or do you see better value than I do?

By Chris

September 15, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

Shaun, How much is the baseballprospectus.com site paying you for all the “hits” that you continually spam these blogs with?

By Ptown Bravo

September 15, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this

DOB, Live In Aught-Three is a lyrical road map of America. Having kin in Oklahoma, I thoroughly enjoyed “Chocktaw Bingo.” Like a great movie, this album will have to be listened to over-and-over again to appreciate McMurtry’s songwriting and all the wonderfully obscure references to people and places that all of us know in some way or another.

Now back to baseball and the eternal hope that springs from homegrown undersized lefties with thick drawls and charismatic smiles.

By Ptown Bravo

September 15, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone, remember we got Sheffield for Odalis (& BJ) from the Dodgers and JD Drew from the Cards for Marquis (& Wainwright, King), so I guess anything is possible in return for HoRam. Injury-prone, or not, as long as he continues to throw the ball hard with his left arm, he will have value.

By TennesseePaul

September 15, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this

DOB: Nice post. Picked up the Second World Party CD. I haven’t listend yet, but it’s there waiting along with the new AudioSlave. I picked it up at BestBuy. The AudioSlave had an extra disc for 2 more dollars which includes 4 extra songs. Grabed that too. Looking forward to listening to them.

By David O'Brien

September 15, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

PTown, I’m glad you got that. Is that some incredible songwriting, or what? He writes more great lines and gives more compelling detail in six minutes than most can in a book….

How ‘bout Choctaw Bingo followed by Lights of Cheyenne and the daughter with the “cowboy problem.” Great stuff.

I lived about 12 years in a redneck town on the Kansas/Oklahoma border, so the stuff about Indian res’s and Baxter Springs, etc., really hits home….

Grinch, outstanding tune you composed.

Let me know what you think as soon as you hear “Choctaw Bingo” on that McMurtry live CD. Ol’ Uncle Slaton…

And if you like that CD (you will), get the latest studio CD he put out last spring. Awesome. Great, great songwriter.

By 3trees

September 15, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

Good to continue to give props to the Braves who have come to the fore this year. Perhaps a special nod to LaRoche for getting it together. McCann - nothing to not like except that he wears his pants like Bonds. :-) Chuck James has done very well as noted and seems to have the makeup not to wilt in tough situations like some of the pen has this year.

What concerns me is (and DOB noted some the reasons in the Marlins lineup/staff) the rest of our division is looking pretty good as well. Counting on continued development of young players, the Marlins look to be tough. I think Girardi has done a really good job down there (as well as Beinfest, et.al.). The Phillies have a pretty good core as well (although, I’m not all that up on the SP) - Howard, Utley, Rollins. And the Mets will still have a potent lineup and since they have $, will more than likely go and spend it to upgrade their rotation.

I believe the Braves won’t be as bad next year, but I’m not wholly sure they’ll be better than 3rd/4th in the division. Maybe I’m viewing it based too much on this season, but… Lots of questions.

Last thing in a lengthy post. I’m not sure moving Giles is the best thing for the team. It makes tons of sense in some respects, but I think the team would miss his buoyancy. I’m not a big fan of his swing, but he’s made himself into a pretty dadgum good 2nd baseman (thanks Hubbard). Not saying no, but I’m not sure who would “that character” on the team. I’m a big fan of intangibles, ‘cause they’re so… intangible!

By Scalp 'em Braves

September 15, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this

Cory - wow, you just spent about $150 million next year with your proposed roster moves! The Braves won’t touch Soriano - he’ll go for around $18 mil per year, and will want a long term deal. Trade Chipper? Get outta heah!! First, he’s not exactly at the top of his game right now, and still has time left on his current contract at $10 mil, or so, per year.

I like Villareal in long relief and spot starter. I’m not sold on Cormier yet, but he sure looked great the other day.

I think Davies, in the long run, is going to be a good pitcher - I think he needs the same that Dave said James is beginning to understand - trust your stuff and pitch, don’t just get up there and throw to a spot. One thing I think Davies might benefit from is the what Smoltz did when he was a younger pitcher - talk to a sports shrink. Although Davies doesn’t necessarily take on the “deer in the headlights” look when he makes a mistake or is getting hammered, he seems to get rattled pretty easily. Just a thought - I’ll bet Smoltz will admit that all the mental hocus pocus he learned helped him a great deal.

By TennesseePaul

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

Ryan Zimmerman isn’t eligible this season. He was in the running last season with Francoeur, McCann and Howard. The ROY is going to a player in Florida. They have the best odds. Just too many of them down there. You go look at one, and there is another right next to him. Helps all of them out in the race.

I must say, this crop of young pitching we are seeing come up is very promissing. It’s been a long, long time since this many good young pitchers have been around. Who knows how they’ll fair, but it’s looking better now than it has in a while. I’m not just talking about the Braves. There are a ton of good young pitchers. That’s what’s been lacking since expansion. It’ll be nice to watch the games and see a lot of 2-3, 0-1 and basically 4 and below games.

PTown: If you toss in Max Ramirez for Wicky then you got another example of low value for high value.

Next year looks better already without a trade. It at least looks like a .500+ club.

Now… can I get a Hotdamn!? Let’s win tonight guys!
GO BRAVES

By Tim McGraw

September 15, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this

I’m an Indian Outlaw, half Cherokee and Choctaw…

By Rodger

September 15, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

When you talk about Davies as a head case, remember Smoltz in 91. He was falling apart til he got together with Jack Llewelyn. Maybe Davies needs to go talk to him.

Maybe Smoltz should talk to him as well. Calling teammates out for not performing when you dropped (punted?) the ball in your last 3 starts is not the best thing to do. As has been discussed, those games could have gotten us a lot of momentum-instead, they slammed the door on our fingers.

By Johhny Cash

September 15, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this

Tim McGraw couldn’t carry my jock.

By Johnny Cash

September 15, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t want to, you’re dead.

By tyyosh

September 15, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

There has always been talk about Giles’ uppercut swing. But except for some unusual situations (ball movement or submariners), I believe that strikes are traveling downward from the mound+pitcher’s head level to hitter’s chest or lower. As a kid, I read Ted Williams’ book The Science of Hitting, where if I recall he taught a swing that was uppercut enough to match the trajectory of the ball, providing the best chance of solidly connecting (no Charlie Lau theories came from there!) Now maybe Giles’s is too much uppercut, not sure.

By The Grinch

September 15, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

P’town, I actually hadn’t planned on betting this week (other than a couple of cash bets on Sunday with some hard-headed friends from Tampa), but send a list of the games you’re interested in to voton1066@yahoo.com (we wouldn’t want to take up TOO much space here with football) and I’ll see if I can be of assistance. Also tell me if you want straight up or against the line.

By Louis Vales

September 15, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

Dear David, Talk to your highly placed baseball friends and ask them what kind of pitching the Marlins have on the horizon—and I’m not even talking about the 3 studs already in place—power pitchers with a clue on how to pitch at a very young age and 2 of about 11 of these guys will be parlayed into a young centerfielder and when they get the CF to go with what is in place and what’s coming, well there will be a whole new meaning to money ball. Really do hope the Braves sign “Homeboy” Smoltz to a 3 year extension at big money and when that 39 year old elbow finally goes from age and abuse many Braves followers can come here and bemoan the bad signing and impact on salary space. Carl Pavano, Matt Clement and AJ Burnett in a couple of years will also be available—Go For It!!! AJ—-55 Mil and the man has NEVER won a big game in his life as Casey said “You can look it up”

By Johnny Cash

September 15, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

And yet I still have more talent, Tim.

By Lew

September 15, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

I think the one fact we all need to realize is that our biggest needs- another starter, solid bullpen help and a lead off hitter-are exactly the same needs that most teams are trying to fill themselves. This offseason as was the case last year, may prove difficult to land the players some people think we need. Georgetown Kid-No, Andruw for Damon is not practical. I also doubt that Thorman and Horacio will bring a pitcher any better than we already have with Horacio. Thorman has power potential, but with his performance this season, all he has shown is potential. Horacio is so iffy health wise, that no one will take a chance until they see if he can pitch again. That may not even happen until the spring. Giles, indeed, may have the highest trade value, but it is doubtful that JS will let him go for the $5million he will make in arbitration. He’s still cheap and I’m certain the Braves have not given up on him because of his slow start. They may not resign him as a free agent, but they will probably keep him this year. To those suggesting that JS will act differently this offseason because of changing Braves’ conditions-This entire year was different and there was no deviation from “THe Plan”. Again, I stress looking to JS’s past performance for what will happen this winter. In DOB Blog speak-This tiger ain’t gonna change his spots.

By Head Coach

September 15, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this

The Titanic ? o for funny ! I must respectfully dissent on the need for another veteran starter , the Braves are hip deep(eight current pitchers who have started in the rotation) in pitching already. The injuries in the pitching department have created depth and they will need it in 2007 going up against the Mets , Marlins and Phillies. Im already seeing something special in the rotation next year. James , Hampton and Ramirez are all left handers and that could give Atlanta a huge edge because nobody has three leftys in a five man rotation , nobody. Its a 162 game marathon and every playoff caliber team needs six veteran quality starters , Atlanta already has them in Smoltz , Hudson , Hampton , James , Ramirez and Cormier. Davies is getting a bad rap and just needs time to develop. Villareal can start and Anthony Lerew , Matt Harrison and Jo Jo Reyes are on the way. I agree with the old baseball adage : You can never have enough pitching , so if they do go out and get another veteran I hope he is a lefty because the Braves would be missing out on a huge advantage with three southpaws in the 2007 rotation. Im Chuck James BIIIAAATTTCHHHH ! LOL !

By Head Coach

September 15, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this

Dear AJC , please pull your BUTTHEAD software out of your rear section. I post and it disappears , thanks for the screwup guys.

By Shaun Payne

September 15, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Actually Zimmerman is a rookie this season. He was playing the University of Virginia during the early part of the 2005 major league season and came up for only 20 games.

By Braveheart

September 15, 2006 05:49 PM | Link to this

If all the home teams (except Chicago, they have already lost today) sweep 3 game series this weekend involving the top 7 NL wildcard teams, the Braves would be only 3.5 games back & only 7 combined games back. This is a highly unlikely scenario, but we can all can hope for the best. Go HOME teams!

Fri-Sun 9/15-17 games involving top 7 NL wildcard teams:
Atl sweeps FL, LA sweeps SD, Stl sweeps SF, Hou sweeps Phi, Chi wins 2 of 3 from Cin
Team W L PCT GB
San Diego 76 72 .514 -
Houston 74 74 .500 2
Philadelphia 74 75 .497 2.5
San Francisco 74 75 .497 2.5
Atlanta 73 76 .490 3.5
Cincinnati 73 76 .490 3.5

Florida 73 76 .490 3.5

—-
Braves Sum GB 7

By DonCoburleone

September 15, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones, Horacio Ramirez, and Marcus Giles could potentially infuse this team with ALOT of young talent very quickly. I for one wouldn’t mind seeing it. I just don’t know though, it is so tough to try and predict what John Scheurholz is going to do this offseason because he’s never been in this position with the Braves before. He’s usually just trying to add the one piece to hopefully get the team over the top, and, as we’ve seen this year, they are one piece away from being .500! So big changes (at least bigger than JS has ever done before) are need IMO to turn this team around. And, IMO, trading Giles, Andruw Jones, and HoRam are BIG changes…

By 10-7-4

September 15, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

Greetings all—Lew & Grinch—saw you two mention the words ‘romance’ and ‘cemetary’ last pm and it brought to mind a story that Drunky Clint swears is true. Several years ago, Clint went to Mardi Gras. He was in what he described as a ‘swinging’ watering hole, and struck up a conversation with a really weird gal. She was of the gothic look—pink hair, black lipstick,very pale complexion and wearing all black clothing, with some sort of cape. They went for a walk and the next thing he knew they were in a cemetary. She told him to take off all of his clothes and lie down on one of the marble headstones. He quickly complied. At this point she yelled some gibberish and was gone, nowhere to be found. The next morning he awoke with a chest cold and went to the doctor. The doctor put the stethoscope to Clint’s chest and mumbled about mild congestion and went around behind and put the stethoscope on his back and gasped jumping back—exclaiming “this is much worse than I thought. It says on your back, that you’ve been dead since 1940!!!”

By The Grinch

September 15, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

Lord ‘a mercy, 35; it’s too early in the day for that! Actually, it’s after six and I didn’t even know it. Hmmmm. Beer run; will return.

By TennesseePaul

September 15, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

Payne: Yeah… sure enough that is the tooth. I thought he had been up longer than just September last year. Still don’t know that he’ll win it, but I suppose he’s got a shot.

Lew: JS already said this team needs a tune up. He never says that. It’s always a part here or there, nothing more. I just think he’ll make some deals. I can’t fathom the team getting that much younger though. It’s a pretty young team as it is. The Bullpen is almost entirely made of rookies or rookie cast offs. 4 spots on the field are held by guys with 3 or less years of service. And the pitching staff has a grip of youngsters in it. So all things considered, I think they’ll make a move for pitching depth. And it wouldn’t surprise me to see Hudson moved or HoRam. Neither of those two are at top value though. It’ll be insteresting.

Head Coach: If the 3 lefties are as good as Chuck James is throwing right now, then yes, We’ll be in a good spot. But I do recall the Pirates had a bunch of lefties recently. They weren’t really good lefties though. How has that team been terrible for 13 years? That’s amazing. You’d think, just blind luck in the drafts would have produced a couple of guys that could carry the team to at least a .500 season.

By Miss Spell

September 15, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this

It’s “cemetery,” people. Geez. Somebody get it right.

Miss Spell normally would not bother bringing up these mistakes, but The Grinch was the instigator of the now-chronic “cemetery” misspelling, which is quite ironic considering the very hard time he was giving a fellow blogger recently about fellow blogger’s misspelling of the word “business.”

Miss Spell encourages everyone to use spell check, like The Grinch so charmingly suggested to fellow blogger at the time of his chiding post that now has come back to bite him on his a-s-s.

By David O'Brien

September 15, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, I was just scrolling down and about to tell you that Zimmerman IS a rookie when I saw some folks already did.

I don’t know how I overlooked him, but I think he’ll win it. Talking to one reporter this afternoon here at the ballpark who’s voting for ROY, he’s voting for Zimmerman over Uggla.

Zimmerman, statistically, is having a slightly better year, when you look at extra-base hits, RBIs, etc

As for KELLY JOHNSON, someone asked about him at 2B. I can’t see him as a viable every-day guy there next season, not when he hasn’t played the position and having missed an entire season. And I don’t think he’s got the speed to lead off. You need someone who can cause havoc on the bases next year leading off, someone speedy, who can hit balls to the gaps and run, and steal bases.

As much as I dislike his horrendous throwing arm, and as much as I’ve bashed him in the past, I’d say that one potential free agent who’d fit the bill because you could plug him into left field (his arm best suited for that among the 3 OF spots) and bat him leadoff …. drum roll, please … Juan Pierre.

Yes, Juan Pierre is the rare guy who could fill the Braves’ LF and leadoff needs (Diaz isn’t an every-day guy, as he’s shown defensively a few times; but he’s a good fourth OF and pinch-hitter). And if they get Pierre, they could play Prado or someone else at second base and bat him eighth. I’d say Aybar would get a shot there, too, but haven’t seen him play second and wondering why Braves haven’t tried him there yet. Gotta think Prado has more chance of being the guy to replace Giles, although a lot could happen.

By ncscoots

September 15, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this

There are no priceable, mid-rotation SP available this winter among free agents (at least, none that are attractive, IMO), so any PDR has to come via trade. And to do THAT, Braves may have to let go of some young pitching, so DOB may have something re HoRam. The possible rotation for 2007 (no matter how you roster it) could be either lethal or brutal, and therein lies the quandary, I guess. Getting another PDR would tilt the odds the Braves’ way, I think, and if all the “ifs” fall the Braves’ way, why, you can never have too much pitching, right? Besides, that would open up some plays for deadline trading next July, if need be. And if the starters lean more towards brutal, another vet starter would sure soften the blow. I confess, though, I have not a clue as to who the Braves might or should seek in such a trade.

By TennesseePaul

September 15, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this

Slap me silly… DOB recommends Pierre. I’d rather not see that jelly arm in Atlanta, but if that’s the best JS can do, I’ll have to deal with it. I really hope JS can do better.

By ncscoots

September 15, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this

omigod, DOB, did somebody slip something in your drink??? Jeez, if the Braves pick up that no-glove, no-lumber rag-arm, I swear I’ll have to start rooting for the…Brewers or somebody. Spare me, Pierre can’t carry Marcus Giles’ cleats, fer gosh sakes.

By Head Coach

September 15, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

Yep , Zach Duke and Paul Maholm are leftys , but just the two are in the Pirates rotation. Juan Pierre , a free agent , how nice ! He is making 5.75 million , can the Braves afford to sign both Wickman and Baez ? then pay another big contract for a veteran leadoff hitter like Pierre ? I dunno , but it sure would be nice if they could.

By MiaBchBravesFan

September 15, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this

I do not have a problem with any permutation of a rotation that has Smoltz-Davies-James in it. I have a BIG problem with Horacio Ramirez (I think Chipper’s disease is contagious, and Ramirez caught the bug) being someone I can depend on in this rotation.

The real question is this: can the Braves afford ($$$) to keep Hampton and Hudson in the rotation? They are both relatively expensive, and one is coming back from Tommy John surgery (Hampton), while the other has been the biggest pitching disappointment this season (Hudson). I agree with the notion that Anthony Lerew- Oscar Villarreal-Lance Cormier can fight it out and become the fifth starter.

However, it beggars the serious question. Can we count on the health of those who were hurt this year to shore up what was a pathetic bullpen effort, or do we trade either Ramirez-Hampton-Hudson for bullpen health? An even more important question is can the Braves rely on a whole season of Bob Wickman (at 39 years of age), or do we sign Wickman and a pay-cut-taking Chris Reitsma and combo the two as closers (you may substitute Reitsma with Danys Baez should the Braves wish to go that route)?

Frankly, if Blaine Boyer and John Foster come back in full health, and the closer problem is rectified, I consider that Chad Paronto-Tyler Yates-Macay McBride-Boyer-Foster make a solid bullpen. A top-notch steup guy (Baez) and closer (?) will shore up the bullpen pitching.

If it were up to me, I would trade Tim Hudson for bullpen pitching and a prospect, enjoy Mike Hampton in his walk year, and give Horacio Ramirez ONE LAST CHANCE! My rotation has Hampton-Smoltz-Ramirez-James- Davies in it, with Villarreal and Cormier in the mix in some way shape or form.

Wudduya think?

By Scoots Sucks

September 15, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this

Pierre’s hitting over .290 with a ton of stolen bases and is one of baseball’s best leadoff men. It’s the other way around on Giles and the cleats.

By David O'Brien

September 15, 2006 06:48 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, but only if he was affordable, and he probably won’t be since Cubs plan to try to re-sign him. No way I’d pay huge dollars ($8 mill or more a year) for Pierre. But at, say, $6 mill, might be doable. Again, just thinking aloud….

OH, and PEOPLE: THE POSTS ARE TAKING A FEW MINUTES TO APPEAR TODAY FOR SOME REASON, SO DON’T RESEND WHEN YOU DON’T SEE IT IMMEDIATELY. OR YOU GET TRIPLE POSTS AND LOOK LIKE A DORK.

By David O'Brien

September 15, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this

Scoots, he wouldn’t be filling Giles’ cleats _ he’d be playing LF and filling Langy/Diaz cleats. Again, I hate his girl arm, but he still has decent range and he’s a menace on the bases. Check his numbers after awful start, when I was at head of line ragging his steady decline. Watching him in second half, I have to admit he’s got plenty left. Again, I only say he’s an option because he could HIT LEADOFF and PLAY LF. Think about it. Braves need a leadoff guy, Giles hates doing it and will make $5 mill or so next year, and they have a second-base replacement, but no LF replacement. Kill two birds with one stone (just don’t have Pierre throw the stone, because he won’t kill anyone _ thanks, tip your waiters and waitresses).

By Salty55

September 15, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this

If…if the rotation is Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, James, and…???…then why shouldn’t it have HoRam? I simply don’t get the thought behind trading him. Injuries happen…the Braves went years without ‘em and now are paying the piper.

Frankly, trading HoRam, especially given the four named already, makes no sense whatsoever. You never have too many lefties, and someone name a starter out there who, if left injury-free, would be a better option than HoRam. Hell, I’d take him over Huddy, who I think will be back in a big way next year. (Oops…sorry CLady…I have a potty mouth!) :-)

By Carolina Lady

September 15, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this

Girl arm. DOB has never seen this lady throw rocks at JDeere! :-)))

By DonCoburleone

September 15, 2006 07:03 PM | Link to this

“To those suggesting that JS will act differently this offseason because of changing Braves’ conditions-This entire year was different and there was no deviation from “THe Plan”. Again, I stress looking to JS’s past performance for what will happen this winter.”

Your right Lew, he didn’t act differently this season than he has in the past, but the outcome for this season IS different than they have been in the past. Before the trade deadline hit, the Braves (and JS) believed with the right move, this team could easily take the wild card and get into the playoffs. And why not, he’s done it before… But now they DIDN’T MAKE THE PLAYOFFS, do you see how that’s different than in years past????????

By ncscoots

September 15, 2006 07:06 PM | Link to this

sorry, man, I can’t think about it (Pierre as a Brave), too much stimulation of the gag reflex. I meant by the cleats remark that I much prefer Giles to remain in the lineup as opposed to replacing him with…the guy you mentioned. He’s exactly the type of player that many fans love, he looks flashy, looks as if he’s actually doing something to create runs, and, in reality…he isn’t. Add in the fact that he’ll COST pitchers runs with his defense, and I can’t see that he improves the team an iota.

By DonCoburleone

September 15, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

DOB NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! You have always been on my side when it comes to Juan Pierre! What has gotten into you??? Please, god, for all things holy, I DO NOT WANT JUAN PIERRE ON THIS TEAM NEXT SEASON!!! DOB, how could you change your mind? I mean, I have been screaming all year that the Braves need SPEED in this lineup but if that means Juan Pierre than no thanks! Talk about streaky, wow, this guy make AJ look like Mr. Consistency. Not to mention he is absolutely horrible in the clutch (ie late in games, with runners in scoring position, etc…)

Please, DOB, come back to the light!!!

By Carolina Lady

September 15, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

Uh oh! 2 demerits for Salty!! :-)))))

By cutty

September 15, 2006 07:17 PM | Link to this

My apologies to everyone about my difficulties in posting the other night. As an old fart I’m computer illiterate and my wife was at a meeting thus unable to help.It was embarrasing to see and hopefully won’t happen again.Trying once more…….1. I’m not a LaRoche hater if that was what Mr. O’Brian was referring to.I do question his hustle and mental make-up.2.The Braves strike out way too often and lack plate discipline(not just Frenchy).3.Andrew and Chipper could lead by hustling more. To suggest either belong in Cooperstown is a stretch. It’s not the Hall of Damned good.4.Your thoughts re pitching are right on.41/2.If PIP’s comment’s about Harvey Cochran were directed at him you are a sad soul. He is a class act who is as responsible as anyone for the excellent brand of high school baseball that the Braves have reaped benefits from.

By ncscoots

September 15, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this

CLady, you’re not a girl, you’re a woman. Big difference in girl-arm and woman-arm! As far as that goes, you probably CAN out-throw…that guy DOB mentioned.

By DonCoburleone

September 15, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this

Totally agree ncscoots, couldn’t have said it better myself…

By The Grinch

September 15, 2006 07:24 PM | Link to this

I’m back momentarily. Stinky, before you try to stir up S@@t (“Miss Spell”); please find where I got onto anyone about misspelling anything. I’d really like to see it. I have stated several times on this blog I have now and always had a hard time spelling all sorts of things. I get onto people for being stupid, rude, unoriginal, or in your case just plain obnoxious, but c’mon, man. You can do better than that. I have many flaws, but hypocrisy isn’t one of them.

By Carolina Lady

September 15, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this

Scoots, you do have a way with words! DOB owes you one! :-))))))

By Ptown Bravo

September 15, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this

Cutty, I realize 1999 seems like a millennium ago, but Chipper Larry Wayne Jones will have a big red “A” on his cap as he enters Coopertown deferring all credit to Larry Sr. and Bobby Cox.

And he will most certainily have earned it.

Chipper has taken some heat here most of the season, but I believe he’s earned the benefit of all doubt. A rash of injuries this year at 34 - not denying his age or recent infirmary. But the dude has played through pain while still posting a .978 OPS with just under 400 AB’s.

By 10-7-4

September 15, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

Miss Spell—Drunky Clint couldn spell cat if you spotted him the c and a.

By The Grinch

September 15, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this

Cutty, sorry for getting on your case the other day. We have people around here who do that sort of thing for fun. I’m off for a couple of hours; P’town, you have mail.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 15, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

I was asked the question earlier what I thought Andruw would command money wise. I think that depends. If he has his usual solid (sometimes brilliant) season then I would say somewhere in the area of $15 mil. But, if he has the typical walk year guys tend to have then I guarantee he could get $17 or $18 mil. Don’t fool yourself. The Red Sox, White Sox, Angels, Dodgers, and even the Mets would pay him that kind of cash. Is he worth that kind of money? Doesn’t matter. He’d get it. If Johnny Damon can get $13 mil, then Andruw can get $17 or more.

DOB, I think Pierre would be a good fit here and I bet JS is kicking himself right now for not getting him. He could have been had. The Braves have to get a leadoff hitter with speed.

I still say a deal should be offered to the Devil Rays for Crawford. The Braves could offer Horacio, Thorman, and Diaz. The Rays may tell JS to go to hell or they may just think to themselves we could get three major league ready players for the price of one.

I don’t want anyone thinking I want Giles and Andruw gone. In a perfect world, they would stay. But, this isn’t a perfect world. Those guys can bring the Braves the things they need to win and quite frankly can be replaced. Sounds a little cold but it is the truth.

By David O'Brien

September 15, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this

Sorry, Tar Heel Lady. I don’t know who got hold of my laptop, but I was shocked to return and see glowing words written about Juan Pierre and a reference to “girl arm.”

OK, DonC, I’ll come back from the dark side. Pierre still stinks, like I always said he did (but if they could get him for $5 mill a year, say a three-year deal, and hide his chick arm in left field, where he wouldn’t hit the mound throwing home … then it’d take care of leadoff for a couple years…. There I go again. He stinks. He’s overrated. Nevermind.)

By Richard Cory

September 15, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this

Miss Spell[stinky]—you must come in now and eat your spinach.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 15, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this

No, DOB, Pierre would be good. Yes, he is a liability defensively but his offense would offset that.

By berigan

September 15, 2006 08:35 PM | Link to this

DOB, if your willing to consider Juan Pierre, why not Dave Roberts??? A bit older, but hasn’t slowed down a bit! Remember how his running of the bases, inspired the Red Sox down 3-0 to the Yankees? He is a gamer, no doubt.

By berigan

September 15, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this

DOB (Trying again, posted seemingly aok, but didn’t show up!) if you are talking about Juan Pierre, why not Dave Roberts??? He is older, but the same kind of player(Tons o’ speed) except with playoff experience. Remember how his speed inspired the down 3-0 Red Sox against the Yanks? He is a gamer for sure, and his arm can’t be as bad as Pierre’s is it???

By journalist jimmy smith

September 15, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

dob must remain alert to girl sensibilities. a defending wurlitzer winner must not offend carolina lady - faithful doblogger. now, tony pena, jr. let him leadoff. he can work with mccann’s daddy and learn how to meet the pitch then he can run like blazes. toes appear sound and reminds this journalist of belliard.

By TommyB

September 15, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this

Evenin’ all,

I vote no on Pierre, also.

He ranks 24th in OBP (out of 30). Gets thrown out 27% of attempts.

Added to his non-existent arm and “humble” range… No, Thanks.

By berigan

September 15, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this

Ah there is the phantom post of mine!!! I guess the line above the comment box… There will be a delay of up to 5 minutes before your comment appears. is now really in effect!!! Hopefully the few isane in the membrane posters here are being watched a bit more closely as well.

By berigan

September 15, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this

Dave Roberts stats….g-114 ab-436 r-70 h-131 d-17 t-12 hr-2 rbi-41 bb-45 so-46 SB-42 CS-5 BA-.300 Not bad, eh what???

By Stinky

September 15, 2006 09:13 PM | Link to this

Grinch, Sorry, but I’m innocent. I’m not a transverbite (one who posts as a member of the opposite sex).

By ssiscribe

September 15, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this

Juan Pierre? Dear god, Little Scribe and Baby Scribe can throw farther than he can.

And they’ll play for a heck of a lot less than $6 mil a year :-)

Wife’s out with friends tonight, which means I get a night here at some point in time. I need a primer on some good shows upcoming in the ATL, since in 16 more games, it’s hockey/concert season for the Scribe once of the SSI.

Denzines of the Blogosphere, thanks for warm welcomes back on the previous blog. Gonna try to check in throughout the weekend. Don’t get the computer as much as home as I wish, but when I’m on, I’ll be here.

Juan Pierre … tisk, tisk, tisk (Scribe shaking his head while firing up a stogie and putting a new spool of ribbon into the classic Royal).

—30—

By Richard Cory

September 15, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this

Stinky—O. J. was innocent too!!!!

By Stinky

September 15, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this

I’m just a little missunderstood.

By Richard Cory

September 15, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

Stinky—some of us understand you very well.

By Lew

September 15, 2006 10:09 PM | Link to this

DonC-The point I was trying to make about JS was that just because the Braves were and are in worse shape than before (Duh-You think I don’t know they aren’t going to make the playoffs?), didn’t mean that his offseason actions would be any different than before. A lot of things were different this year, but there still has been no deviation from the way the Braves do things. I don’t know why anyone thinks they will be done differently now.

By Stinky

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

hehe, dä isch o ni schlächt schlächt, mitem ischlafe ufem wc…

em kolleg isch eismau ou e geile passiert:

är eme konzärt.. chle gsoffe u so u äu äau anger drumum ou tou.. de heter emu dr eint kolleg schomau ines hingerzimmr zur band bracht u di heine derte la chröse.. dr kolleg widr füre u vou d party gha.. hockter ufenes sofa u chunt sones froueli dahär, äuä oscho aduslet.. hockesi so dert u ja, nid lang gange sisi em umemache wi di wiude… schön und guet sowit.. =)

de so nacheme toue zytli si mau so chle ne agluegt u plözlech mit schrecke festgsteut: Du bisch ja gar ni mi fründ!!!!

By doc

September 15, 2006 10:25 PM | Link to this

dob, you sent chills down my back with that pierre stuff. there has got to be someone better down in a ball than that.

By BravesFaninRockies

September 15, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this

Aside from the speculation about Juan Pierre (say it ain’t so, DOB), what’s alarming to me as a fan is the lack of progress this season by No. 7, Mr. Francoeur. No one doubts his tools, or his charisma, but what we have to wonder is, what player is he more likely to resemble in a couple of years: Dale Murphy or Brad Komminsk?

For every time he walks, he strikes out six times. (Last season, the year he “never” walked, he struck out slightly less frequently.) He runs the bases as poorly as Adam LaRoche (and Rochy has the excuse of being as slow as Bruce Benedict). He hits remarkably few doubles for a guy who hits a fair amount of home runs.

People compare him to Vlad Guerrero, but Vladdy has never struck out 100 times in a season — Frenchy’s struck out 120 times this year and we have 15 games to go. Vladdy also walks more, hits more doubles and a few triples, steals a base every now and then AND hits for a much higher average.

I’m not saying it’s time to get rid of the guy, but from what we’ve seen, you can’t build a franchise around him. (McCann, maybe.) Right now, LaRoche is a better offensive player than Francouer and still has some upside.

We may get a better idea of what kind of player he’ll really be next year. I hope it’s better than what he’s shown so far.

By David O'Brien

September 15, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this

So, is the blog down, or have we just reached the end of interest on this Friday night? (if that’s the case, can’t say as I blame you folks for pursuing other interests)

By TommyB

September 15, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

I’m watching Maddux/Dodgers trying to actually win their first game of the season against the Pads. No score in the bottom of the 4th.

Probably shutting down shortly…

By Head Coach

September 15, 2006 11:28 PM | Link to this

Why dont the Braves just call up Gregor Blanco and we can see how he fares , thats of course asssuming he isnt already getting ready to play winterball in Venezuela ? Any outfielder who leads off all season and hits .290 with 31 stolen bases and a freakish .400 OBP deserves a look. O yea , he has a cannon for an arm but strangly no power with the bat and is rated the best defensive outfielder in the Braves system. His 93 walks vs 109 strikeouts is a damn good ratio and they wont have to pay him 5 or 6 million.

By BravesFaninRockies

September 15, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Posts are taking forever to show up, as you mentioned.

Actually, it’s worse than I thought. Jeffrey may be the third- or fourth-least-productive right fielder in the NL:

[http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players?type=position&c=NL&pos=RF]

I wish some of Chipper’s patience would rub off on the kid. He seems like a really good guy.

By Miss Spell

September 15, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this

Miss Spell wishes to apologize profusely to The Grinch. It was Head Coach, actually, who behaved like a perfect a-s-s the other day taking Robert (Justice Is the Best) to task over his lack of spelling prowess. Only excuse Miss Spell can offer is that both Grinch and Head Coach are practically twins in obnoxiousness whenever a blogger offers even the most polite challenge to their positions, so it is quite easy to get the two confused. Again, Grinch, Miss Spell apologizes.

By John Scheurholz

September 15, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this

Head Coach, is Gregor Blanco your love child or something? Because every time I log onto this blog hoping to find some good suggestions for helping me run this team, there you are again and again and again hollering for Gregor Blanco. Were you not watching last season when I ruined Joey Devine’s career by calling him up too soon? I’ll call up Blanco when I’m good and damn ready, so just shut the hell up about it!You just let me run this team, Mr. Know-It-All.

By Head Coach

September 15, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this

DOB , I rented Old Boy the other day and man what a mind bender of a movie. The plot gives revenge a whole new definition of hate twisted around backwards. I found it to be highly interesting and unpredictable to the point that I kept asking myself after it was over , What in the Hell just happened ? Oh Dae-Su’s character is unlike any Ive ever seen before , he is slowly turned into a raving lunatic hellbent on revenge only to find out there are things far worse than revenge. The English dubbing over the original korean took some getting used to but I give it three and a half stars !

By The Grinch

September 15, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this

Back again! Whoo-ha! SScribe, you really sportin’ an old Royal? I got me a 1940’s Remington that doesn’t work, and a ‘72 Smith-Corona electric that does. I don’t use either; I’m lazy. (Take that back; I use the Smith when sending clues to cops about where I hid the bodies). DOB, while I don’t think Juan Pierre is all that great, he’s more exciting than Langerhaans (at least he sometimes gets on base, and often runs). Of course, his defense isn’t nearly as good. I can’t see making the switch unless JS is really just trying to shake things up, which I wouldn’t blame him if he did. I couldn’t find “Live in aught three” at the two places I stopped; I’m going to Atlanta tommorrow afternoon and I’ll pick it up there along with the new Audioslave. I’m trusting you now, dude; the new ‘slave better not sound like Backdoor Boys….:-)

By David O'Brien

September 15, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

Head Coach, they won’t call him up for two weeks because he’s not on the 40-man roster and option clock will start as soon as he’s added to the 40-man roster.

Silly to waste an option on a guy for two weeks, and start his “clock.”.Once the clock starts, he’s only got three option years, when he can be sent back and forth from minor leagues.

Once he’s added to the 40-man roster, it’s an option used. You only get three, so he’d be down to two option years.

Teams don’t want to waste an option for two weeks in September.

By The Grinch

September 15, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

Here we go again. While I admit to being perfectly vile when neccessary (and sometimes when not), I can also be quite pleasant when I wish to be. I shall do so now, stinky, and simply accept your apology. The comparison was hitting below the belt, however. Are we trying to hard to bait others?

By Miss Manners

September 16, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

The Grinch, it is very rude to publicly look down on Head Coach and say you resent being compared to him. It’s that superior attitude of yours that causes you to get into so many violent arguments here. Remember to always respect the opinions of others — even that long-winded blowhard Shaun Payne — and to emphasize politeness in your disagreements with them. That way, you won’t come off as so, well, disagreeable. Thank you.

By Thomas

September 16, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this

The Braves have very good young (exept Smoltz, and Hampton) pitchers:

• SP John Smoltz

• SP Chuck James

• SP Tim Hudson

• SP Mike Hampton

• SP Kyle Davies or Horacio Ramiresz

• RHP Oscar Villareal

• RHP Chad Paronto

• RHP Tyler Yates

• LHP McCay Mcbride

• RHP Danny Baez

• RHP Bob Wickman

Next year we rule…………..

By Thomas

September 16, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

a delay of 5 minutes

By Head Coach

September 16, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this

Thanks DOB , I learned something new about the option process. I guess spring training will have to suffice.

By Stinky

September 16, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this

Grinch, please see 9:13 post. And is it all right to address you as “Grinch”? Or would “The Grinch” be more prefferable?

By John Scheurholz

September 16, 2006 12:23 AM | Link to this

O’Brien, let me handle this guy.

You want to keep your beat, junior? Then butt out.

By The Grinch

September 16, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this

I was polite to Shaun Payne because he was polite to me. If you’ll look through my body of work here, you’ll see I’m only holier-than-thou or violent in my language when unneccessarily provoked. Often times it has been by you, much like in this case where you’re inserting events and character traits that never happened or do not exist. Nice try. Go after easier game. :-)

By The Triumph of the Id

September 16, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this

“My body of work”? Who do you think you are, Faulkner or something? You’re as big a drunk as Bill was, but you’re not quite the talent.

By Stinky

September 16, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this

This is starting to get good.

By The Grinch

September 16, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this

So I see we took art history as well as English lit before we got kicked out for molesting little boys, huh? I like Breugel as well. I said “…my body of work here…” not my complete body of work. Judging by how much time you spend here, this IS your complete body of work, which is nothing to crow about. Next try.

By The Grinch

September 16, 2006 12:52 AM | Link to this

Unless that was a reference to Rihfenstal (which would explain the earlier foray into German, as well as the Nazi/dictator complex and obvious frustrations at the spurnings of other little boys). My bad. I was attributing too much to you, perhaps, with one of the Dutch masters.

By Abner Snopes

September 16, 2006 01:01 AM | Link to this

Hey, Grinch — wood and hay kin burn.

By Stinky

September 16, 2006 01:05 AM | Link to this

Grinch, which one of us are you addressing?

By The Triumph of the Id

September 16, 2006 01:07 AM | Link to this

It’s spelled Riefenstahl, dumbkopf!

By The Grinch

September 16, 2006 01:08 AM | Link to this

Back to Faulkner? Thought you’d show more range. Too bad this takes five minutes to post.

By Lew

September 16, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this

Bruegel-Didn’t he paint scenes of peasants making pies? We should adopt him as our patron artist.

By John Kennedy Toole

September 16, 2006 01:13 AM | Link to this

Grinch, I’m positively ashamed to be your favorite author! It’s pretentious bags of wind like you that drove me into the deep blue sleep.

By The Grinch

September 16, 2006 01:14 AM | Link to this

Hah! Ladies and Gentlemen, we got ourselves a Nazi on the blog! The Grinch is no longer the bad guy. And Stinky, did you actually ask someone to clarify who they were speaking to? Hypocricy overload! Lew, glad you could join all 40 of us: me and Stinky.

By Lew

September 16, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this

Grinch-Henceforth it/he/she/they should be referred to as Sybil. The pathology is certainly appropriate. N’est-ce pas?

By Stinky

September 16, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this

Toole is his favorite author because he only wrote one book.

By The Grinch

September 16, 2006 01:22 AM | Link to this

Mr. Toole, though I appreciate your work, you’re not my favorite author. The person posing as you, however, is most certainly a tool. And Lew, though he is definitely a peasant, he has likely never had (nor even desired) pie. It’s of a different sex.

By Ignatius J. Snopes

September 16, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this

Taking the pigtail in one of his paws, he pressed it warmly to his wet moustache. He did not look back.

That’s known as a signoff, Grinch. You’re too sober to be of any amusement to me tonight.

By Lew

September 16, 2006 01:24 AM | Link to this

Sybil-If that last one about the author’s ouevre is the best you can come up with, you’re not even worth staying awake for. Converse among yourselves. Just remember Stinky, in the immortal words of Ian Hunter-“You’re never alone with a schizophrenic”. Good night.

By The Grinch

September 16, 2006 01:28 AM | Link to this

Night as well. Actually, I’ve been drinking a fair amount. I’m just paying closer attention. :-) Enjoy being alone!

By Stinky

September 16, 2006 01:30 AM | Link to this

Nice working with you Mr. Snopes.

By The Grinch

September 16, 2006 01:32 AM | Link to this

That was a good signoff, though. Till later, Moriarty!

By Carter Stanley

September 16, 2006 01:34 AM | Link to this

Enjoy cirrhosis!

By Stinky

September 16, 2006 01:41 AM | Link to this

I wonder what would have become of Ignatius.

By Bravo Nam

September 16, 2006 02:02 AM | Link to this

Thanks Dave*, great reference to Harry Chapin!

Bloggers, the loss of Mazzone is not the reason for the Braves pitchers struggling this season…our ERAs were heading north well before he left…and there’s no way he would’ve done any better this year given the plethora of injuries and a number of sub-par seasons from our pitchers. Anyway, it doesn’t matter what we think- the Braves pitchers and BC love him, so he ain’t going anywhere soon.

JS and BC have been far more integral to our run of 14 titles than Mazzone ever was. Three players who nobody seems to be mentioning for our BP next year- Kevin Barry and Devine…and a trade for Mike Gonzalez!

By Bravo Nam

September 16, 2006 02:03 AM | Link to this

Testing

By Louis Vales

September 16, 2006 02:27 AM | Link to this

Thomas,———Olsen, Sanchez, and Johnson are already here. Not here BUT REALLY CLOSE(next year close 0r 08) are a group of 9 to 11 pitchers that are the envy of all of baseball. And for the team with no money, no stadium, no fans and no prospects for a home the image of these studs on the 25 man roster and with the players 3 to 4 of those guys will bring to the CF and RF positions—Well, let’s just say while arbitration and free agency lies 5 years in the future these guys will give new meaning to “Money Ball”.

By Bravo Nam

September 16, 2006 04:07 AM | Link to this

This offseason will be something to behold. The first time in 14 years JS has faced this situation. Make no mistake, there is going to be major changes- after a season like this- there is no way he will be trimming the edges. Hudson will go- there is no indication that next year will be any different to the past 2 years, and for the money JS will have to start paying him in 2008, he clearly is not worth it. Ramirez will also go- terrific upside- but I don’t believe JS or the team can stomach too much more his inconsistency and injuries. Smoltz will definitely be kept. For 3 reasons- bargain rate, consistency/workhorse, heart of the Braves (just wish he’d refrain from making boneheaded comments). James will be kept. Davies is a curious matter. They’ll keep him- still cheap and has potential- but I think they’ll only keep him for one more season if he can’t bounce back. No way are they keeping Baez- too expensive and injury prone.

As I said a while back, three things in life are certain- death, taxes and JS signing Bob Wickman. On Wickman, I love BC (despite his lack of fans on this site), but I have felt that he hasn’t handled Wickman all that well in terms of workload- a number of times BC has brought him in during none save situations- some of the time it’s because he hasn’t pitched for a while- but about a week ago he brought Wickman into two games running in non save situations- and from memory Wickman was then required to pitch a third nite running- where that would’ve come back to bite Braves on the a* is if WMan had’ve been required for a 4th and 5th nite in save situations- bottom line, you protect your investment, no way known you pitch the big fella two nites running on non-save situations.

I don’t think we should bring either Maddux or Glavine back- too expensive for what they still bring to the table.

By brian

September 16, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this

What we need is another reliever who can get lefties out. McBride has come a long way. But in a divion heavy schedule a 2nd lefty or reliever who can get lefties out can play huge in the middle and late innings. Bobby wouldn’t have to hold back on using one because we have another option. We face some good lefties; Howard, Delgado, and turning around Rollins,Reyes, and Beltran may help too.

By Richard Cory

September 16, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this

Stinky that was a very entertaining at least, screaming fit!! And now some lyrics apropos for stinky——he was a most peculiar man, that’s what Mrs. Reardon said, and she should know—she lived upstairs from him. She said he was a most peculiar man. He had no friends, he seldom spoke- and no one in turn, ever spoke to him, cause he wasn’t friendly and he didn’t care, cause he wasn’t like them, oh no—he was a most peculiar man. —————- and all the people said, what a shame that he’s dead—he was a most peculiar man.

By Sonny

September 16, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

DOB…Not sure why we’d want to keep Hudson around after this year? To say he’s been a bust would be an understatement. We’ve got Smoltz, Hampton, Davies, Ramirez and James already, plus we can trade for another starter or two due to Hampton being kind of iffy. I say cut ties with Hudson though…if he hasn’t had it for 2 years with the organization, I doubt he’ll have a resurgence next year…especially because his problems are mental not physical.

On the positive side, it’s great to see Laroche come around and be a consistent player. If we retool the bullpen, and figure out LF and 3B we’ll be fine next year, although the days of dominating the NL East are officially OVER now that the Mets, Phillies and Marlins are figuring out how to win.

BTW: The Marlins scare the sh*t out of me…imagine if they can keep this team intact for about 5 years and bring in some proven veterans. Scary.

By Paul Simon

September 16, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

Richard, sorry your so blue. Try soma. A gram is better than a damn.

By Richard Cory

September 16, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

Stinky..you must come out of the shadow of your dad. He had a problem and you must let go of your emotions. You’re heading down the path of major trouble. Seek help—or at least try to look inward and save yourself. You are a bright person, now try to be a complete one.

By Metropolitan Man

September 16, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

We are gathered here today to say goodbye to your beloved braves. So many people have good things to say about their untimely demise, but then there are some who are happy they are no longer with us in a division race. The braves were an o.k franchise that just won and won and kept on winning. But they only got to taste glory 1 time out of 14, a success and failure within itself (sobbing from the audience). So dont sob to hard because they live in out hearts, just not in cooperstown. We know those METS and other foes have been trying to bury them for years and now the inevitable has finally happened. So take solace in the fact knowing that the braves did have offspring during its survival so their children will try to avenge the death of their parents. So without further or do, ashes to ashes, dust to dust….RIP braves of old, a new leader has been born in your division.

By Lew

September 16, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this

MetroDude-Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. You can only hope to acquit yourselves as well as the Braves have. Enjoy your division championship. When the Mets lose in the Division Series, the NL Championship Series, or even if the happen to make it to the World Series and lose there, will you come back to our site to prostrate yourself in abject apology? Or more likely, will you slink away with your tail between your legs like the beaten dog you will surely be?

By Shaun Payne

September 16, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

Schuerholz’s goal, in my opinion, is simple—get as many quality young players around the same age as McCann, Francouer, Davies, James and Saltalamacchia as he can. The Braves must do this to have a shot at a World Series title soon.

In four, five, six years you never know what the NL East landscape is going to look like. It appears the Mets are turning into the Yankees and Red Sox. The Braves aren’t going to be able to outspend the Mets even if Atlanta gets an owner willing to spend. They need to start preparing now for the peak years of McCann, Francouer, etc. even if it means we have to part with AJones, Giles and Hudson. They have a solid core, but it’s time to make the core even stronger for a run at it in the next four, fix, six years.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 16, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

I think Bravo Nam has a very good point about Mike Gonzales of the Pirates. He would be a very good pickup that would be a lot cheaper than trying to keep Baez and the guy is a dang good closer. Why not offer a deal involving Diaz or Langerhans, Ramirez, and maybe even Thorman for him. I believe this would be an excellent deal for both teams. Gonzales could serve as the setup guy and apprentice for Wickman next season. The Pirates would love to have a guy like Thorman because it would allow them to move Nady to the outfield where he is more experienced and comfortable. Horacio would shore up the rotation and give them a more bonafide starter (albeit one who can be injury proned). And Langerhans or Diaz would give them a solid outfield additon. Diaz if they seeked offense and Langerhans if they would like to have a terrific defensive OF to patrole in that spacious park. Of course, the only problem could be I see teams like the Red Sox, Dodgers, Phillies, and even the Yankees trying to break their necks to get him.

By Metropolitan Man

September 16, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

I will most definatley visit again Lew, win or lose. But you must admit the funeral bit had a nice touch, it want mean but it want nice either. Where there is baseball talk about the METS, braves, stankees, sox, phillies marlins and nats, I will be there, and any other important baseball news.

By Carolina Lady

September 16, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

‘Mornin’, Lew! I am amused that the same people who blew off all the Division Championships that the Braves won now strut and crow over their one, single Division win. If one is so great and worthy of such acclaim (by those particular fans), how are 14 straight to be sneered at (by those same particular fans)? Doesn’t compute. Like a Little Leaguer who finally gets a hit and makes it to first base thinks he is the next Babe Ruth. I have to laugh. :-)))

By Haywood Jablome

September 16, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this

Hey Metropolitan Man, Thanks for your heart-felt condolences. My hat is off to you guys, you’re definitely the class of the NL this year. But remember, you’re still only half-way there. An NL East title is a hollow feeling if there’s no ring to go with it! Trust us, we know! Kudos to the whole division, as a matter of fact….after all the bad-mouthing the NL East took this year…it’s turned out to be the most talented and the most competitive…so ESPN can take that and it’s Yankee-RedSox love affair and shove it! I’m choking as I say this but…..”Let’s Go Mets”

By Metropolitan Man

September 16, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

Hey Carloina lady, it was posted, 14 trips and 1 title =accomlishment and failure at the same time. One blogger put it best, you were a straight “A” law student who couldn’t pass the bar.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 16, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this

Bravo Nam, Maddux has given the Dodgers a HUGE boost during their playoff run. He took a no-hitter into the seventh inning last night. They’ve won all but one of his starts, I believe. Put him back on a team that can score runs like the Braves can, and he’s a lock to win 15-18 games again, if only because he’s NEVER hurt and will take the ball every time the Braves need him. Plus there’s probably more than a thing or two he can teach the Braves’ young pitchers. Don’t try to tell us that doesn’t make him worth several million dollars next year to this franchise.

That said, I’ve heard that at this stage of his career, Maddux wants to be on a West Coast team. But the Braves should try to entice him back to Atlanta if they can. They won’t be disappointed, I’ll guarantee you.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 16, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this

Well, Metropolitan Man, I sure hope your Mets win the WS because if they don’t they will just be the Braves without the 14 straight divison titles. I hope all this crowing that is going on translates into a championship. I tell you what Pedro (whom I love by the way) didn’t look to good last night. I would take the Dodgers or the Padres rotation over the Mets’ anyday right now.

Payne, I totally agree with what you said about building around the core of McCann, Francoeur, Davies, James, and Saltalamacchia. I would also include LaRoche into that core. My only question is where does Salty fit into the plans? Unless LaRoche regresses next season Salty has no where to play with LaRoche at 1st and McCann as the catcher. I guess he could learn to play LF. I would think he is too slow to play 3B and take over for Chipper when Chipper leaves. Maybe they can teach the kid to pitch. (I’m kidding, of course about the pitching.)

By Metropolitan Man

September 16, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

Appreciate the love Haywood and props to your squad. I do beleive for 2 years straight we have had the best division. With the exception of the nats, the N.L. east has the best talent by far. The METS just had to have a winning formula eventually.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 16, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this

Most talented? Most competitive? Oh, the humanity! The Mets had the NL East clinched by Memorial Day. The Phillies have floundered around .500 all season and the Braves have been a major disappointment. Only the Marlins have been a pleasant, overachieving surprise.

If you want to see a truly talented and competitive division, check out the race between the Tigers, Twins and White Sox in the AL Central. One of those teams most likely will be throttling the Mets in the World Series.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 16, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this

Some on here criticized DOB for his belief that the Braves should pick up another solid #3 or #4 starter. I totally agree with him. They should pickup someone even if it were Maddux or Glavine. You can’t seriously go into next season believing that Smoltz and Hampton will get through the entire season healthy. If they do, great, but it is silly to do that. Nothing wrong with having depth. I like the rotation of Hampton, Hudson, Smoltz, James, and that aforementioned starter. Davies could go back to AAA and get more seasoning. Cormier and Villereal would still be here. With those three guys and maybe Berry and/or Lerew you would have the depth to overcome any injuries that could occur. The Braves got caught with their pants down this season because of the lack of depth. And, yes, I didn’t have Horacio on the list because like DOB I beleive he will be and should be traded in the offseason.

By Metropolitan Man

September 16, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

Robert, if the METS make it out of the 1st round, then they would have accomplished more in 1 year than the braves have in the past 3. We have had pitching problems all year and yet they mangae 90 wins with more to come. I know the playoffs is a diffrent beast but looking at the competition keeps us METS fans giddy. If we dont make it to the WS, watch what Omar does to make sure we get there again and win it. Do you feel Shurholzt will do the smae????

By Metropolitan Man

September 16, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

Lets see the Tigers just showed up, the Whit sox showed up last year and the twins are reappearing, lets not just go by the current season Tom.

By The Grinch

September 16, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

Morning, all! Looks like I already missed a funeral. Hope it wasn’t mine. Is the blog timer fixed yet?

By Tom A. Hawk

September 16, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

You’re going to have a guy who’s saved 28 straight for the Pittsburgh Pirates apprentice for Wickman? That’s like having Mariano Rivera pitch the eighth, then letting Terry Forster close.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 16, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

How many seasons do we take into account, then, Met Man? Should we go back to the days when Hubie Brooks was the closest thing the Mets had to a superstar? Let me in on the cutoff point so I can gauge these things.

By Metropolitan Man

September 16, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this

Ok, go back as far as when the tigers had a winning season.

By The Grinch

September 16, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

The AJC reports “Artic Ice Seal visits N.C. beach.” Can Carolina Lady or Jimmy Smith confirm if this was, in fact, baby seal? They say he growled at those who approached him and was taken to a local zoo. CL, you might want to go post his bail!

By Metropolitan Man

September 16, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this

And Tom lets not forget the “talent statement. I will name proven talented players from the NL east, you go to the central and see if you can keep up. Wickman, C. Jones, A. Jones, Smoltz, Beltran, Delgado, Reyes, Wagner, Wright,Glavine, P. Martinez, R. Howard, Soraino, D. Willis, M. Cabrera, Renteria, (many baby Marlins) and there is more that wont get mentioned because I dont think you can come close to matching that.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 16, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

Uh, Met Man, that would be this year. So I guess I’m right — the AL Central is the most talented, competitive division.

You’re either too young to drink or you drink too much. Either way, you’re not worth the effort. I’m going to let you and Carolina Lady duke it out while I look for a fair fight.

By doc

September 16, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

met man very few teams have spent more for so little over the past decade than the mets. i guess we could compare you with the red sox but they have won a world series within the last two decades. it is plain stupid to argue about what js can do with a for sale sign hung around his neck and a limited budget which the mets have never had but still continued to cough it up every time.

now with glavine and the matador on the mound healthy there are no excuses to not winning the ws this year so quit even talking about next year. that really strikes fear in my heart and suggests nothing more than the loser(s) you are. dob said it best go to your own blog but with your petty knowledge base you just cant hang there so you come here to rank right up there with sja, great company.

By Carolina Lady

September 16, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

Grinch, ‘tis true! Hurried down to bail him out early this morning and all is well. He is presently scarfing down the whole week’s supply of fish I had.

By Lew

September 16, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

Yes, Metro Dude-And you noticed, I hope, that I was not overly contentious with you, either.

By Metropolitan Man

September 16, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

Yeah Tom, 1 good year and the central is the best. Get a brain dude. I’d rather talk to the others anyway, you my friend do not have a baseball mind. Anyway thanks for showing what lack of baseball sense you really have.

By 10-7-4

September 16, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

Greetings all—you know the ‘green’ people say we will have a far more devastating hurricane season,[if not this year-then perhaps next?] because of—yep, global warming. This causes ocean temperatures to rise and results in more, and stronger storms. They are also saying that a strong El Nino, is appearing—yep due to some degree of global warming. The conflict seems to be that when you have a strong El Nino, you have fewer and weaker storms—due to shearing of winds. Can Al Gore really have his cake and eat it too?? Of course, as my ancestor—the long lost- Marie Antoinette once said—“let them eat cake”.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 16, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

Yeah, you got me, Met Man. Those long-time Mets stars like Beltran and Delgado and Wagner and Pedro Martinez go waaaaaaaaaaaay back in the NL East, don’t they?

And let’s not forget the “competitive” part of the equation. Let’s see, before this year, exactly when was the last time a team besides the Atlanta Braves won the National League East? Gosh, I have to think about this one… let’s see… 2005? No, Braves won that year… 2004? Nope, Braves. 2003? Braves. 2002? Braves. 2001? Braves. Hell, I guess I just don’t have your baseball mind, Met Man, because I can’t freaking remember back to the last year before this one that the Braves weren’t able to hang an NL East banner. That’s some fierce competition you’ve been able to give them!

By Lew

September 16, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

No 35-Let them eat pie. It might have saved her life.

By 10-7-4

September 16, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this

Lew—pie is good[if not squared] but my friend, I am partial to cake. Chocolate cake in particular.

By Metropolitan Man

September 16, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

But Tom you are sucking the Tigers, how competetive has your bandwagon team been since the 80’s. My point has been proven by you. The braves, a long time of success in the NL east you idiot and went wire to wire witt the METS,Phils and Marlins during their strecth. How many actual close races in the central have there been lately. You Tom are a nimcompoop????

By Carolina Lady

September 16, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

Tom A. Hawk, (1:16) bravo! Well put. :-))

By Kirk Gibson

September 16, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Met Man, I’m sick of hearing your sh!t about the Tigers! You keep it up, I’m gonna have to come up there and kick your @ss just like I did in ‘88! I was too much for Roger McDowell and Sid Fernandez, so believe me, wuss, I’m too much for you! Just ask Eck!

By Tom A. Hawk

September 16, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this

Thank you, Carolina Lady. I believe, based on all the desperate name-calling in his last post, Met Man must think the same.

By The Grinch

September 16, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this

35, I am a “Green Person,” and I have said nothing about the hurricane season. Of course, it’s always nice and frosty at the top of Grinch Mountain. I, too, am partial to both cake and pie. I’m suddenly in the mood for red velvet with cream cheese icing. Or for that matter, chocolate silk pie. Haven’t had that one in a while. Yum.

By Kirk Gibson Came to Play

September 16, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Nice to have a visit from Kirk Gibson. Who doesn’t remember where they were and what they were doing the night the Dodgers brought out the Gimp to take Eckersley deep in the World Series? Even a fan of another team (except A’s fans) had to appreciate that magical moment. Stories, anybody?

By Metropolitan Man

September 16, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

Kirk, go back to the nursey, they are showing ” a league of their own again”. Go worry about those dodgers who cant seem to make up their mind on winning or conceeding. Carolina lady and Tom, get a room!

By 10-7-4

September 16, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Grinch—nothing wrong with being a green person. In fact I like breathing clean air myself. I’m just bothered by folks who want it both ways. You know, as I do— the truth is usually somewhere near the middle. I was talking with Drunky Clint one day on this issue and he said something very profound—he said ” I’m in favor of saving our children—but not their children.—cause I don’t approve of children having sex.” You don’t talk to Clint without your Excedrin handy. Anyway, watch your spelling closely—you don’t want to get into any trouble!!!

By The Grinch

September 16, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the advice, 35! Actually, though I do love my clean air, I was making reference to my skin tone. Have you not read my book? It’s the best kind: it rhymes and has pictures! As for getting in trouble; I’d like to point out the hypocricy of the person who accused me yesterday: “The Grinch…it’s that superior attitude of yours that causes you to get into so many violent arguments here.”

Later in the same conversation: “Grinch…you’re too sober to be of any amusement to me tonight.” Well, THAT certainly isn’t a superior attitude! Oh, well.

By The Grinch

September 16, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

I’m off to the big city, Y’all; later on…

By Alex Rodriguez

September 16, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this

Bring it on Met boy , you and your redheaded stepchild of a kindergarten baseball team , The Yankees own New York and we will be waiting for you in the postseason to kick your silly little A.S.S.E.S. back to that cookie cutter stadium names after my little sister Shea.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 16, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this

r-i-n-g! r-i-n-g! sda? stinky? y’all there? dob wants to know where all his bloggers are. well, about 15 of them can be found at your ip address. the rest leave when you begin to post. sorry, should have said s-t-r-i-n-g, s-t-r-i-n-g. why so sensitive about the string? now, baseball … anyone got an idea who the braves announcers will be next year? they won’t keep 8. who will survive?

By Ed Smith

September 16, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

If the 4 or 5 self-important, obnoxious, long-winded, retarded morons that only use 1 blog name, but post their mindless monotonic blabber continuously, over and over and over, then DUB wouldn’t even have a blog!

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 16, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this

When TheSouthernJack$$s speaks—AJC brass listen!…DOB’s blog suffers!…

By Jon B

September 16, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this

Hey Metropolitan Man, why don’t you take what you said yourself to heart? Which is this, “Yeah Tom, 1 good year and the central is the best. Get a brain dude.” Now we have a bit of a problem, if you say that, then how can you possible go against what you said and say the Mets are the best, after only 1 year??? Hmmmmmm

By Lew

September 16, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

Now Metro Dude-Name calling and unkind remarks to and about Carolina Lady will not be tolerated. Don’t even push those buttons. You will no longer be treated with kid gloves. It tends to bring out the worst in us. We will sic the Souther Jacka$$ on your but. You certainly don’t want that.

By Brad

September 16, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this

DOB DOB DOB

For comparison’s sake you posted some stats covering the first 1500 or so at bats by LaRoche, Andruw, and Chipper. I just want one more piece of information. How old were each of those players over their respective time periods. Andruw is easy…he was in his very early 20s. I don’t remember how old Chipper was during the ‘95-‘96 seasons (but I remember he was a year late due to his knee injury). And I think I remember Laroche already being 25 or 26 his rookie season. But I’m just curious…

By dadgum

September 16, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

Don’t have the time to read these monster blogs top to bottom so here goes:

Some people on this blog are trying to set up our pitching rotation for next year. Some still have Smoltz as our #1 guy. The Braves main problem is we still have too many #4-5 type starters. And yes I am throwing Hudson and Hampton in that mold. James may well be a #3 type guy but don’t want to elevate him any higher than that as we trudge into ‘07. I don’t see anyone on our starters that are clear cut #1-2 starters. I will give Smoltz, as oft mentioned here, his due and put him at a #2. But blogger friends, we don’t have a clear cut #1 to get us to the promised land. I mean I am sorry but it is the way it is dudes/dudettes.

I mean we all love Smoltz but he ain’t the answer going forward to get this team back on track. He needs big time help. Will we get it? Can’t help you there. It is going to be tough on JS to work any magic without hitting the free agent route with money to burn.

The bottom line is guys don’t sugar coat this thing. It is going to take big deals. Yes, we have a strong nucleus(without Andruw) to move in the right direction but it is going to take some of our young pitchers like James to continue to blossom (that will be harder as the league gets to know him better)and get a front end starter to replace Smoltz moving him to a #2-3 type guy..

As for Andruw, the pundits thing he is gone. The local talk is he is gone and frankly he may have to go to get what we need to be competitive. A lot of conjecture. Frankly I am a head ‘em up move ‘em out type of guy. That is sports today. Love ‘em while you got ‘em cause the next thing you know they will be gone. Just the way it is I didn’t make the rules. Some people may say that sounds like a lot of marriages. Yeah, well………..

By Bob, journalist

September 16, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

There’s more here than I can digest and Mama’s called me to supper but it would be nice to get a synopsis of what’s been goiing on.

I can say that the behavior of Met Fans described by My Lady was certainly on point … though not unexpected!

However, as one who long struggled to get his first base hit, I must say that I never thought about the Babe … my hit was more like a “Country” Brown drag bunt!

Later

By ncscoots

September 16, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this

well, bubba, if Andruw goes, you can kiss that “speedy LF leadoff hitter” bushwah goodbye. Without AJ in the lineup, you’ll need run production from both corner outfield positions (sorry, I don’t think Vernon Wells is on the radar, for those who brought up THAT other-wordly scenario). You can’t have it both ways, IMO. BTW, I waffle every day about whether to trade/not trade Andruw. Today I’m in no-trade mode, but check with me tomorrow, I’m sure my mind will have changed!

By KC

September 16, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

I don’t think we need to look for any more starting pitching this winter unless it involves a pitcher with the last name Schmidt or Zito. (If you can get a pitcher like that… you make room for him).

Horacio Ramirez should not be traded and personally, I think there’s a better chance of Hudson being traded than Ramirez (though I don’t think either will be dealt this winter). If we trade HoRam, it should not be until he’s had more of a chance to show what he can do for some extended injury-free stretch, and bring his trade value up.

Kyle Davies hasn’t done anything this year, either before or after his injury, to convince the Braves to make room for him in next year’s rotation by trading HoRam. Davies appears to have a lot of potential, but he will probably start the year at AAA. Davies will start the year as an insurance policy. That’s probably not a bad thing given a 40 year old ace, a guy coming off of TJ surgery, and a somewhat injury-prone HoRam.

I think our rotation will be (in no particular order): Smoltz, James, HoRam, Hudson, Hampton. That’s got a chance to be a darn good one. Much will ride on whether or not Hudson is able to bounce back from this disaster of a season for him.

By TommyB

September 16, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

To “Kirk Gibson Came to Play,”

Here’s a confirmed story. A Dodgers scout/assistant (forget his name but he’s still working somewhere) had been focusing on Eckersley. Pre-game, he told all the Dodgers in the meeting that Eck tends to go for a back door slider when he gets a full count/in trouble.

Lo and behold, old Kirkie was sitting on it and you know the rest.

Best baseball moment I’ve ever seen.

By 10-7-4

September 16, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this

TommyB—good input. I agree with your assessment of the Kirk Gibson World Series moment. It truly was one of the best baseball moments any of us has seen, or ever will. It was like it was straight out of the movie ‘The Natural’. Oh, for our N.Y. friends—Drunky Clint lived in Chicago for a while, and claims that the way Chicago got started was-‘bunch of people in New York said “gee, I’m enjoying the crime and the poverty, but it just isn’t cold enough. Let’s go west!!” ———addio

By Kirk Gibson Came to Play

September 16, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this

I agree, TommyB. In fact, most exciting moment I’ve ever seen in sports. A batter with two bad legs taking the greatest closer of his day out of the yard. Unbelieveable, even 18 years later!

By TommyB

September 16, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this

Keep your eyes peeled for the Beyond The Glory series on all the sports stations. That entire season is covered with, I think, one episode devoted to That Game.

I hanker for it on DVD, if they ever get around to it.

That still sends goosebumps to me. I was at my parents house (just stopped in for the weekend with the wife). Everybody was already asleep. Gibbie comes out and even then, you could feel what was up. He was so focused. So oblivious to everyone else except for Eckersley… sanding the bat… looking down, batting helmet drooping over his eyes.

Whew.

By TommyB

September 16, 2006 08:00 PM | Link to this

And you are right. Best sports moment I’ve ever seen. Nothing comes close.

And pretty danged near one of the most incredible moments I’ve ever witnessed, PERIOD. Top Ten, for sure.

By Kirk Gibson Came to Play

September 16, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this

I’ll have to admit, I couldn’t feel it. I was questioning Tom Lasorda’s sanity for allowing the poor man to face Eckersley in that condition. When Mike Dais stole second, I hoped Gibson could somehow loop a single into left to tie the game. It never entered my mind that it was even remotely possible that Gibson could hit it out unitl the next pitch. I’ll never forget the ball leaving his bat and watching in amazement as Jose Canseco stopped running and just looked up helplessly. I love Jack Buck’s call — a veteran announcer of thousands of games was just as amazed as we were!

By Head Coach

September 16, 2006 08:09 PM | Link to this

The Braves needs are obvious , 1. A closer 2. a leadoff hitter 3. A reliable setup man 4. take your pick. The Braves are not in the habit of trading starters unless they have a damn good reason 1.(Millwood was a contract dump) 2.(Marquis and Leo didnt get along and Wainwright has never developed)3.(Odalis Perez was a bust) About the only arguable mistakes Schuerholz has made in 15 years : Jason Schmidt for Denny Neagle and Zach Miner , Ramon Colon for Kyle Farnsworth. But then again he got 36 victories and two pennant years from Neagle in 97-98. 10 saves and a pennant from Farsworth last season. So again , back to my original argument. the Braves are not in the habit of trading starters.

By Kirk Gibson Came to Play

September 16, 2006 08:12 PM | Link to this

I’ve seen the episode of “Beyond the Glory” — very well done. Takes us behind the scenes and sets up the great moment extremely well. Lots of good interviews, too. Eckersley is an incredibly good sport about it!

By TommyB

September 16, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Eckersley actually comes across as a likeable fellow.

Shocking!

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 16, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

Head Coach, I agree with you in principle. However, I think JS may trade either Horacio or Davies but more than likey Horacio to get one of the two things this team needs desperately which is a leadoff hitter of a solid reliever. That is why I suggested that maybe a trade to the Pirates for Mike Gonzales is viable. The Pirates actually have some good relievers already. The starting rotation is their problem. Not to mention his name was shopped around at the trade deadline because of his impending salary increase which the Braves could afford but the Pirates can’t. Tom A. Hawk mocked my use of the word apprentice for Gonzales. However, Gonzales could use a year of “tutoring” from Wickman about closing for a team in a pennant race. As has been mentioned many times about Baez, it is easy to close for a team with no hope of the playoffs than it is for a team where every save opportunity is an important one.

By Carolina Lady

September 16, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

Hellooooooooooooooooooooooooooo??

Was there an evacuation order??

By Tom A. Hawk

September 16, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, this having to wait several minutes for your post to show up is really off-putting to a lot of the regular bloggers with short attention spans. These are instant gratification times we’re living in. I truly think this recent delay tactic could well spell the death of this blog.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 16, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this

Sure seems like it, CL, huh? Where’s Jimmy, Lew, and Shaun?

By MEB

September 16, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this

Hey Carolina Lady… Sorry I have been in a football coma for most if not all day. How is everything in your neck of the woods? The multi-personality posters have been dominating the blog lately and I refuse to converse with them. Nice win by the Braves tonight and nice to see Smoltz pitch so well.

By Carolina Lady

September 16, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this

For the poll on ‘Do you like the 5-min delay for posts?’, put me down for a ‘No’!

By MEB

September 16, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

Hey CL… whats up? Sorry, but I’ve been in a football coma all day. Nice win by the Braves tonight and great to see Smoltz end the losing streak.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 16, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this

Robert, are you for real? Tutoring? Any pitcher who’s saved 28 straight doesn’t need tutoring from a fat tub of goo like Wicky-Wicky-Woo. Do you know how difficult it is to save 28 straight? Hell, has Smoltz, even, ever accomplished that? If the Braves are lucky enough to land Gonzalez, that makes Wickman completely expendable, which is probably a good idea, because I’m guessing Wickman will have eaten himself right out of baseball by next season.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 16, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

Smoltz gave the team what it needed, which was a good solid performance. Has anyone heard who is starting tomorrow since the doubleheader Wednesday threw off the rotation?

By Whose Blog Is It, Anyway?

September 16, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this

Maybe we should give the keys to the blog to MEB, since he seems to think he owns it.

Talk with or ignore whomever you please, snob. But don’t make out like you’re too good for the rest of us. Hell, the multiple-personality bloggers — at least the more polite ones — are the only ones bringing any life to this dull little corner of cyberspace.

By Carolina Lady

September 16, 2006 09:59 PM | Link to this

Hey, guys! To me, the delay disrupts the thread of the ‘conversation’. Don’t like it.

MEB, all’s as well as it can be, many thanks for asking! A tiny hint of fall in the air - ie, the humidity is down a little, and for that I am very thankful! I hate hot sticky weather! My people (European side) have been here since the 1600s; seems like I would have adapted by now, don’t you think?? :-))))

Goooood game tonight! I was so glad to see Smoltz pitching so well! He sure was hustling down the base line after that bunt, too.

Robert, don’t know where everybody else is. Something must have happened and I didn’t get the memo!

Tom, I hope you’re wrong, but have a feeling that it will decline sharply. Really would hate to see that! Where else can you find such a wonderfully diverse group of good folks!?

Heck, by the time I read posts, write my response and it gets posted, six chapters of life have gone by…… hmmmm!

By Tom A. Hawk

September 16, 2006 10:03 PM | Link to this

College football and the final, fatal Bravos nose dive probably has a lot to do with much lighter traffic as well.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 16, 2006 10:05 PM | Link to this

Since it’s Saturday night, DOB and all other bloggers hip to the music scene could be at a concert, too.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 16, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith checking in … are they here again tonight? sda/stinky/etal? if so, the blog surely will die. seems to be hanging by a string today. and what of journalist bob? he returns and tells us nothing of his adventures of the past weeks? and he has no congratulations for the wurlitzer winner? tonight when wicky came in for the save it put the entire season into perspective. too many games were wasted early without a true closer. reitsma may have had no feeling in his fingers but he also had no feeling for his team by pitching with numbness and telling no one. it is much like the sda/stinky/etal blogger who blogs with numbness and has serious b.o. (blog odor) - just hurting others. now, smoltz rushes to second base and argues with the ump. bad form. that is bobby’s job. smoltz needs to remain composed and in control on the mound. still, everything worked out okay. how about that uggla at-bat to end the game? not the uggla we’ve seen all year, huh? wicky had pink cheeks tonight. blushing? rouge? dresses up like a girl after the game? best closer in atlanta since smoltz.

By Carolina Lady

September 16, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this

You’re probably right, Tom. I figured that football would take its toll.

MEB, glad you enjoyed your day! How many games did you look at?

Robert, is your Mom doing OK?

Don’t know about the others, but I know that Lew has been working hard lately and is preparing for another show of his artwork. Hopefully, he’ll get rested and rejoin us! Good guy!

By Carolina Lady

September 16, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, the images you cause us to conjure up! Chipper is fishnets. Wickman in drag. As someone once said, “Oh, the humanity!”

Did you see that Baby Seal made the papers this morning?? Made a mad dash to bail him out and all is well. Whew!

By journalist jimmy smith

September 16, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

carolina lady, we have one - perhaps two (a child) multi-identity bloggers. nothing deep. nothing to say. just like to pester others. probably will lose internet service at the end of the month when the bill is due. we must be patient.

and to the sda/stinky/etal who suggest meb is “too good” to blog with the vulgar ones, that is not meb at all. journalist thinks meb may be saying you are not of “atlanta braves man in black” quality. there must be a blog out there where people will blog with you and you don’t have to blog with yourself - though journalist can think of no one right now who would care to blog with you. now, delay - perhaps the delay is because of the blue worm.

By The Blog Is Your Blog, This Blog Is My Blog

September 16, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

journalist jimmy, another damn snob who thinks blogging begins and ends with his monotonous seal/pie/toes posts.

Heaven forbid, bloggers you don’t like might be here! Well, ignore them, dude, and converse with CL and Bob and Grinch and DOB and those you do like. I personally finf you boring, jimmy, but I don’t feel compelled to address you until you stick your nose — not your toes — high into cyberspace and act like you’re better than someone else. Well, trust me — you ain’t better than anybody.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 16, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this

carolina lady, tell jimmy smith more of baby seal. baby seal is not answering his cell phone. bail him out? in a flood?

now, what wicky does after the game is wicky’s business. the big reliever fell off the mound as if he were already in heels. still, he is fearsome when he takes the mound.

By Carolina Lady

September 16, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this

News in many papers this morning, including AJC, about arctic seal that showed up at Wrightsville Beach. There was much consternation about why an arctic seal would be so far from his native habitat and what to do with him; there was talk of a zoo. I didn’t even try to explain - just paid his fine and left as quickly as possible. Have been eluding the press all day.

By Whose Blog Is It, Anyway?

September 16, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this

I’M not of “atlanta braves man in black” quality?

Sorry there, jimmy. But if you’re the standard by which we judge who’s worthy to post here and who’s not, then Barney and Baby Bop are good enough. Go join Mensa if you want to rub mouse pads with society’s elite. This is just a lowly Braves blog (and a PUBLIC one, I might add).

By journalist jimmy smith

September 16, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this

not sure who you really are, hotshot, but you are not the caliber person to blog here. did your mama teach you no manners? you are in over your pin-head. pick another identity and post again - pretend you are clever. now, carolina lady … not a thread - a “string”. so much string on the blog lately.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 16, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this

well, isn’t that something? baby seal made good time on his trek to carolina. there are those on this blog who do not believe there is a baby seal. this should be revealing to all. now, carolina lady … if you choose baby seal over dadgum you must let dadgum down easily. dadgum could already taste the pot roast and potatoes. speaking of pot roast - has wicky gained a few pounds already around the sunbelt? may have to order some more pants from omar.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 16, 2006 10:39 PM | Link to this

How do you like me now?…This little 5 minute delay thing is only the beginning…We wouldn’t want any young children logging on to these blogs full of profanity and filth spewing misanthropes now would we…Guess DOB can’t really say anything he wants on “his” blogs!…How do you like me now???…

By journalist jimmy smith

September 16, 2006 10:45 PM | Link to this

did journalist jimmy smith touch a nerve? seems like you are the one who picks at the other bloggers and assumes their identities. you don’t need jimmy smith to repeat to you that you are in the wrong place, dob has told you that for the past several days. by the way, this journalist does find many bloggers here of elite quality. nice people-intersting people. a good number seem far more intelligent than you. not to worry, soon we will all turn off the computers and you can blog with yourself. imagine a PUBLIC blog and you can’t find anyone who likes you.

By Carolina Lady

September 16, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, don’t know about weight gain, but Wicky certainly has “Presence”! Can’t help but wonder what range his blood pressure is in…… I really like the guy! :-)

By Bob Wickman

September 16, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this

Who the hell is calling me a fat tub of wicky-wicky-woo ? Babe Ruth looked just like me , so does Curt Schilling and David Wells. you got something against healthy , large Pitchers ? I would like you to stand your skinny little butt in the batters box and see if you can hit my fat wicky-wicky-woo fastball. Now Im gonna go eat the whole postgame spread , screw you skinny people. Fat is where its at !

By Stinky

September 16, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this

Baby Seal is code for Jimmy Smith in diapers. He has a fetish for running around in diapers. He likes being changed after making poopy-doo. And then he likes making poopy-doo just for the pleasure of making poopy-doo and feeling the pooopy-doo on his hind quarters. Carolina Lady purports to bailing out the seal. CL, don’t be an enabler.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 16, 2006 10:57 PM | Link to this

well, journalist can’t say anything that would make sda/stinky/etal look any worse than his own posts. mensa-quality stuff there. journalist is gonna pull the string on this one tonight. g’night sda, g’night stinky, g’night etal. find someone to blog with you - journalist out.

By Carolina Lady

September 16, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

SJA, quite sincerely, there are a lot of people who just don’t like being amidst profanity and filth. Honestly, that just isn’t appropriate for a public forum. I’m not arguing, attacking, villifying, calling you names or anything else, just politely making a small statement.

By Stinky Sucks Wang

September 16, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

I’ll admit it , stinky is a H.O.M.O.S.E.X.U.A.L. and has the hots for a threesome with Jimmy and baby seal.He only asks that Carolina Lady watch and document the whole sordid sexual encounter with a video camera please.

By Stinky

September 16, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

Poor Journalist Jimmy Smith. Knocked off the blog like the lite-beer weight that he is.

By Thomas

September 16, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this

why dont the braves trade Saltamachia if they need something this offseason, he has a lot of trade value and the braves wont use him unless he is a better player than McCann that is really tough to do.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 16, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this

Here is a neat little link for all you complainers here [gm@ajc.com]…They will listen to you…They sure listened to the ol’ JackAss…And since a bloggers’ participation here is dependent upon ones level of intelligence, I shall not return—it’s too far beneath my standards of intellectual proficiency!!!…Man oft dislikes what he fears most!

By Stinky

September 16, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this

Sorry SJA. Everybody thinks that you are me. I have tried to differintiate Stinky from SJA, but they just won’t listen.

By Thomas

September 16, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this

Look at this:

• Trade Hudson, and Horacio to LA for Andre Eithier, Matt Kemp, and Chad Billingsley.

• Trade Saltamachia, Chad Billingsley, and Matt Kemp for Dontrelle Willis.

• SP John Smoltz

• SP Dontrelle Willis

• SP Chuck James

• SP Mike Hampton

• SP Kyle Davies

By Stinky Sucks Wang

September 16, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this

Stinky baby ???? it sucks getting your own medicine doesnt it ???? Two can play this silly little game just like you play with yourself and fantasize about donkeys , horses and goats.

By Thomas

September 16, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this

and with the money freed from Hudsons departure we can sign Schmidit so it would look like this:

• SP John Smoltz

• SP Dontrail Willis

• SP Jason Schimit

• SP Chuck James

• SP Mike Hampton

By Stinky

September 16, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this

Don’t feel any different. The medicine must not be working, mental midget.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 16, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

It’s quite easy “Stinky”, I can spell—you can’t!

By Stinky

September 16, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

I’m hurt. Next.

By Stinky Sucks Wang

September 16, 2006 11:36 PM | Link to this

So stinky likes horses , donkeys , goats and midgets ! what a filthy gangbang this will be , the whole thing must be documented with video camera and SJA wants the job !WEEEEE !

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 16, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this

OK I’m gone for good now—If you feel up the challenge you can find me over on one of the rocket scientist or brain surgeon blogs!

By Stinky

September 16, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this

“Stinky sucks wang”, you’re not man enough, girly man. And what is your real blog name? Tell me if you’re not afraid.

By Whose Blog Is It, Anyway?

September 16, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this

While not attempting to align myself in any way with those resorting to vulgarity and crudity here, I can somewhat understand where they’re coming from. Jimmy speaks loftily of who is and is not of a “caliber” to post here; this from someone pretentious enough to attach “journalist” to his name in a pathetic attempt to lend validity to what are invariably stultifyingly dull and frivolous (and tonight you can add snobbish) posts. Well, I’m not sure who’s the bigger offender here — someone like journalist jimmy who’s so puffed up with pride and self-importance that he honestly believes he’s better than most people who blog here, or the people who blog here who take offense and rage back in a much more vulgar and obscene manner than they should. It’s not up to me to decide, but I’m not too sure that the One who ultimately must judge us all wouldn’t put jimmy in a slightly lower circle of hell than the SJA.

By Stinky

September 16, 2006 11:56 PM | Link to this

Thank you, thank you. I’ll be at the Sands in Atlantic City all this week and then the MGM Grand in Vegas next week. You’ve been a wonderful crowd. Thank you.

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2006 12:06 AM | Link to this

Just got back from one of the more memorable music experiences I’ve had, seeing REM and Gregg Allman get inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

REM, with Bill Berry on the drums, received thunderous applause before, during and after their three-song set, which included Begin the Begin, Losing My Religion, and Man On The Moon, the latter dedicated by Mike Stipe to the late Texas governor Anne Richards, whom he had great respect for.

The band was phenomenal, as if Berry never left. They were tight, they were loud, they were exceptional. And they’re going into the studio to record a new album soon, we can only hope with Berry on the drums. They’re far too young and full of p%$# and vinegar to not record again together.

Allman closed the night (he was performer of the year, and thus got the last slot) by singing Sweet Melissa while he played guitar, no band. He sang Georgia On My Mind while playing piano, again with no backing band. That voice of his perfectly suited to that great song. Then, to top off an unforgettable night, Gregg played Midnight Rider … with REM backing him. Spine-tingling stuff.

The show was shown live on Georgia Public Television, so I’m sure they’ll replay it if anybody wants to see it.

When Allman was inducted they showed a bunch of clips of him with the Allman Brothers and with his brother Duane, the late legendary guitarist who was inducted himself more than 20 years ago. The band’s also already in the GA Hall of Fame, as well as, of course, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

War hero Max Cleland inducted REM, each member of the band giving him a sincere hug and Stipe calling him a true patriot. Good stuff.

I guess Smoltz was pretty outstanding tonight, huh? Didn’t see the game, but looking forward to seeing some highlights.

Oh, and PTown, I bought the new Black Keys CD today over in Athens (went to the UGa-UBA football game today), and when I got back home and opened the shrink-wrap, there was no CD in it. Can you believe that?! Got it at Wuxtry over there, so at least I’ll be able to swap it at the Wuxtry here in Atlanta…

Now, to briefly change the subject away from good, cool stuff and people of integrity that I enjoy: you’re so wrong, you sad, pushed-around-all-his-life misanthrope (person who hates people, if you don’t want to look it up). Nobody actually cares about your complaints, only the decent folks who don’t attack others are cared about by the folks behind the curtain, the blogmasters. we’re just amused enough by your rantings, that’s the only reason you’re allowed to continue spewing forth your little diatribes. they’re harmless and humorous. and entertaining, like a car wreck. keep ‘em coming.

But I warn you, threats, even if they don’t get you banned, can certainly be used in later legal proceedings, you special little fella.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 17, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this

They have not only tried to ban me from this site, but now I have been bannished to Hell!

By Tom A. Hawk

September 17, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this

Dave, Dave, Dave. Now you’ve got him going again.

By TheSouthernJackAss

September 17, 2006 12:21 AM | Link to this

Your outbursts sure do expose your true character there DOB—disgusting for an AJC beat writer of your calibre—and legal proceeding can fly both ways, big boy!

By Stinky

September 17, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this

SJA, DOB has been threatened by you. You talk loud, but I doubt you’ve got the Kah-Hown-Aaes to do anything other than quake in fear if you think that someone might recognize you. Get a life. DOB, sorry, too much lite beer. Mayuh Culpa.

By Stinky

September 17, 2006 12:46 AM | Link to this

What are you looking at. I’ll rip off your head, poopy-doo down your windpipe…And throw up on your grilfriend. I meen it. I’m no as think as you drunk I am.

By Stinky

September 17, 2006 01:05 AM | Link to this

Sja, I’m sorry man. I love you. Really. You are way cool. I just lost… What? Your Mama, truthermucker… I’ll kick your asz lite weight… you ain’t shotunda… I… I’m going to sleep… If I ever see you or Jenny Smith, I swear, I’ll kick your azs into the middle of next week… Don’t try to cassh no check your body can’t cash… All I nneeed is this ashtray… this ashtray and this chair, that’s all I need, and this lighter…

By Drummerdad

September 17, 2006 01:19 AM | Link to this

Wow! This is like Ghostbusters. All of this negative energy running inside the blogosphere. SJA could change his handle to “BrayMoore” and thereby adopt a kinder, gentler personna.

Baseball:

Smoltz was Smoltz tonight.

As for all the speculating about trades and improvements, it’s hard to get a handle on what John Schuerholz will do because he plays his cards so close to his vest. I was living in San Diego when they traded for Fred McGriff. They knew about it out there and were talking about same before the trade went down. But I don’t think anybody heard anything about Sheffield till the deal was done. Probably more of the same this year.

DOB, What do you think happens with Andruw and on what time table?

By gpburdell

September 17, 2006 01:22 AM | Link to this

Way to go Smoltzie…nice game tonight. I love it that the muts can’t seem to clinch the division.

By Stinky

September 17, 2006 01:29 AM | Link to this

Enjoy every sandwich.

By Jacques Brun, Freelance Sex Machine

September 17, 2006 01:37 AM | Link to this

Has any mention been made by the Braves of actually trading Hudson (rumor, or otherwise)? I understand he’s underperformed, especially given what he’s being paid, but the likelihood of getting at least similar value back is all the lower because of his diminishing returns. When he was in Oaktown, he was one of a big 3 with Mulder and Zito, so maybe what we’re seeing is his inability to shoulder a bigger burden than that; other than Smoltz, he’s been the only consistent in the rotation this year (James didn’t really find himself until a couple of months ago), and he can at least eat innings. With Hampton being nothing better than a question mark next year (ditto Horacio and Davies), I think we’re looking at needing to acquire 2 middlin’ rotation arms for next year, not just 1, which is why I think some vetran position players and prospects will be moved. If the Braves really do go into next season counting on a rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, James, Hampton, and Davies/Villarreal/veteran scrapheap retread, it would be tantamount to what they did at the beginning of this season with so many question marks in the bullpen. I really hope Huddie can rebound to become at least a 15-game winner agaion, because I believe he will at least open the season as a Brave…of course, Schuerholz may have just a little bit more of that ol’ black magic left in his bag o’ tricks—we’re gonna need it. If Giles is traded and a 2nd baseman not brought in, I’m assuming Prado gets the nod as a starter, so that leaves a potential pool of bench players including Diaz, Ward (I hope they re-sign him, because he finally seems to have found himself), Thorman, Perez, Pena, and Aybar—that’s not enough offense for a playoff-caliber bench, so while everyone is worried about the rotation and LF/leadoff, let’s go ahead and assume the bench will need some work too.

By Bravo Nam

September 17, 2006 01:42 AM | Link to this

Tom A. Hawk I hear what you’re saying about Mike Gonzalez, but I agree with Robert, the Braves should trade for him. Your concern is why trade for a closer if we’ve already got Wickman. My point is that there are many examples in recent years of having two calibre closer types pitch the 8th and 9th innings…because they’re often the difference between winning and losing. Look no further than right now…Baez and Wickman. The problem with this is that Baez is paid way too much money given his annoying inconsistencies. Gonzalez on the other hand is younger (28), far cheaper, and far more consistent (career ERA of 2.37). He’s only been in the bigs about three years, so has minimal tear and a huge upside.

We talk about how many losses the Braves have had through lost saves, but actually almost as many saves have been blown in the 8th as they have in the 9th inning. Point is that if we could get Gonzalez, we’d have a shutdown 8 and 9 inning tandem. With an improved SP lineup next season, that would virtually assure us of winning most games if we’ve got a lead going into the 8th. The other thing is that as we’ve seen this season, all you need is to have some bad luck, say lose Wickman for the season or part of it, and you’ve got a ready fill-in. If Wickman loses form, you’ve got a ready fill-in. If Wickman needs a rest, you’ve got a ready fill-in. For the guys worth, he is a bargain. With Wickman and Gonzalez, JS wouldn’t need to go looking for any further BP help…we’ve got enough talented, young relievers that we’d have the potential to be the best unit in the NL.

As Robert said, the main problem is prying him away from Pittsburgh- we’d need to give up a bit- a couple of decent players- but it can be done.

As for Maddux, I love him, but I don’t think he’s what the Braves are needing. He’s a champion, no doubt, but the last two years have highlighted great inconsistencies in his performances…while you quote how well he’s done since going to LA, the reality is that he was doing quite poorly with the Cubs the two months preceding that…furthermore, he doesn’t want to head back east, and the guy will cost a bit to get back here.

By Lew

September 17, 2006 01:47 AM | Link to this

Actually, it’s more like Sybil or Three Faces of Eve. It’s too surreal even for Dali.

By Bravo Nam

September 17, 2006 01:47 AM | Link to this

By the way, Metrosexual Man, I wouldn’t be coming onto this blog being such a smart*ss if I were you…two nights running your Mutts have been humbled by lowly Pittsburgh…and now Pedro baby is in a funk of depression because of his bad health!

By Bravo Nam

September 17, 2006 01:55 AM | Link to this

Ah DOB, I wasn’t sure who you were subtly suggesting was the biggest ass*- SJA or Metrosexual Man?

By Bravo Nam

September 17, 2006 01:58 AM | Link to this

I suppose that was Smoltz’s answer to Curtwright’s suggestion that he was getting old in the tooth!

By Tom A. Hawk

September 17, 2006 02:23 AM | Link to this

Bravo Nam, I respectfully submit the you might be underestimating how much Maddux has left in the tank. I wouldn’t write him off so blithely if I were you. After all, Glavine had a couple of inconsistent years, but I’d take what he’s accomplished this season.

But it is probably a moot point. Much as I’d love to see him pitch another season as a Brave, I don’t think Maddux would love it. So I guess we’ll never know.

If the Braves can manage to secure the services of Wickman and Gonzalez, more power to them. But the main point I was making is that if the Braves have them both, Gonzalez is the obvious closer. Anyone who saw him save the Pirates’ last win in Atlanta, when he struck out the side on 11 pitches, would tell you that Wickman had best swallow his ego and prepare to be the setup guy.

In other words, Gonzalez needs a “tutor” at closer like Wickman needs a bag of Krispy Kremes.

Whenever I see Wickman take the field, I’m amazed that such a tub of lard can pitch effectively at the major league level. And granted, he has been effective, but it simply can’t last for long. Can it?

By Bob Wickman

September 17, 2006 03:04 AM | Link to this

I got your tub of lard you little punk a.s.s loudmouth. I bet you couldnt hold my jockstrap , much less even step onto a mjor league diamond. I’d like to meet you in person Tom a hook so I can stick my size 12 foot way up your skinny little butt.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 17, 2006 03:25 AM | Link to this

Sorry, Mr. Wickman. I guess I was being unfair. And you are a good major league pitcher, which I’m not. What do I really know about baseball?

Not a damn thing.

I’m surprised you don’t just laugh your @ss off at the crap that gets posted here every day.

We see you guys play and wish so badly it was us, so we get on this blog and spout off like we’re Branch Rickey or something as our little way of trying to be a part of your world. And some of us deceive ourselves so thoroughly that we truly believe our bullsh!t has merit. In truth, we’re all about as pathetic as the Southern Jack A*.

So it’s ridiculous for me or anybody else to be posting our opinions here, because when you put them all together, you’d still have to add a dollar to buy a cup of coffee.

Thank you, Mr. Wickman, for the ice-water dousing of cold reality. It’s been a revelation more profound than any Flannery O’Connor story. And again, Mr. Wickman, my apologies.

Wanna split a doughnut?

By Girl Blurtwrong

September 17, 2006 05:47 AM | Link to this

Guy Curtright is now at the top of my sh!tlist as far as AJC scribes go, which is saying something when Bisher, Moore, and Bradley are considered. His article about Smoltzie’s performance last night is hinged around the premise that John had something to prove because of an AJC article earlier this week that questioned his ability to get it done anymore because age is catching up with him. Of course, Curtright fails to mention it was his article that started it all. What a hack! I guess now that journalistic standards are in the sewer it’s completely reasonable to go out and create your own controversies as fodder for your work. Again, what a HACK you are, Guy! That sounds like a nom de plum: Guy, Curt, Right—you may be a guy, but are not a man, it’s possible you’re writing is curt, but you are definitely WRONG. It’s not like these were blogs we’re talking about here. DOB, not to drag you into this, but don’t you guys have editors?

By ncscoots

September 17, 2006 07:08 AM | Link to this

I’ve been touting Mike Gonzalez here since before most of the bloggers even knew who we was, but the logic of trading for the guy still begs the same question now as it did in May: if the Pirates deal him, who then becomes THEIR closer? If you can’t answer that question satisfactorily, then that trade scenario is just pie-in-the-sky. On the other issue of having both he and Wickman in the same bullpen (if by some miracle the Pirates front office were to go completely whack), that wouldn’t be very logical from a roster standpoint, IMO. If you get the guy, you try to sign him long-term because you think he’ll be a good closer for a number of years, and that leaves no budget room for a $5MM Wickman.

By Bravo Nam

September 17, 2006 07:40 AM | Link to this

Tom A. Hawk and ncscoots Fair points. Good point too scoots about signing- what’s the point with trading for the guy if you’re not going to sign him long-term. Hmmm. I’d love to have both Wickman and Gonzalez. But, both of you are correct, realistically it’s not going to happen. I believe the Braves will make a strong pitch to keep Wickman. The Big Fella’s main concern is more his family than money. They are in Cleveland and while the Braves appealed to him last year, it just seemed to hard coming all this way for a one year contract. I think JS will offer him a multi-year contract (2-3 years) to appease Wickman’s concerns about his family. But, for less money than he’ll make in the open market. There’s no doubt the Braves will pick up Wickman. If for some inexplicable reason that doesn’t happen, then I’d be doing my utmost to trade for Gonzalez.

Under no circumstances would I consider bringing back Baez though- he was making just slightly less than Wickman this year. Unless Baez is prepared to give the Braves a substantial discount, their money is better spent elsewhere.

In relation to Maddux, there’s no way I’d pay him more than Smoltz’s 8 mill…and I think with Boras as his agent, he’ll be looking for more.

Having said that, I’d take Maddux back before I’d Glavine.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 17, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, sorry I didn’t respond last night. I left the blog when I felt the presence of a certain childish instigator about to reappear. My mom is okay. She has got a long road to recovery but my sister and father are there taking care of her. Thank you for asking. It was much appreciated.

I know I should let this go, but I have to say it. SJA, you are an immature, childish, moronic sad little creature. You really think that all of your ranting, raving, and instigating is going to get you somewhere. I mean what is excactly your deal, my man. Did Suzie Hot Pants from high school not give it up on your prom night and you are still feeling resentful or what. Sorry the rest of us actually made something out of our lives and are accepted members of the human race. But, deal with it. If you can’t come on here like an adult then go to one of the kids only blogs where even there you probably wouldn’t be welcomed.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 17, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

Bravo Nam, I would take either Maddux or Glavine next season but not for more than $5 to $6 mil, and the reality is that either of them will demand and can get more from other teams. The Red Sox, who desperately need starters would pay either of those guys $10 mil or more and for that matter so would the Yankees. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Dodgers don’t make an offer to keep Maddux. As for Glavine, I have a feeling the Mets will exericse his option as well since its apparent Omar has an infinite amount of money at his disposal.

By Plate O' Meat

September 17, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

I’m watching this Outside the Lines episode about LaRoche and ADD……this is a perfect example of todays “we have a drug that can fix you” society. ADD is an acronymn for laziness and lack of discipline - period. Adam LaRoche is a lazy individual with a lack of discipline - period. I have known people like this guy my whole life, but suddenly - somehow, laziness gets replaced by ADD and it is now a medical condition. So instead of forcing someone to become disciplined, they can now simply fall back on their ADD pillow and swallow some magic pills (which are nothing more than speed, incidentally). And because Adam has ADD, he is now allowed to gobble banned substances and PRESTO - look at the numbers go up!! WOWWW!!! What a miracle drug! Another gem of a job by Bud Selig and co. - if you have a doctors note go ahead and pound all the speed you need to Adam, but the rest of you watch out - we’ll put your career in jeapordy if you do the same! I like Adam and have always enjoyed watching him play, but this is over the line of ethics in my book. The guy needs an ear chewing and a swift kick in the azz - not PERSCRIBED SPEED. I know my argument falls on many deaf ears in this twisted society we live in today, but I had to say it just the same. GROW UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS YOU LAZY SLOBS! Gotta go now - I need to pick up my speed perscription because I played too much solitaire on the computer at work last week…

By Lew

September 17, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

RobertJIB-Didn’t know your Mom was under the weather. Sure hope she’ll be well soon. You’re right about this mystery poster. There is serious psychopathology at work there for a fact. He/she/they/it/them need to find help-if it’s not already too late. To all of these who feel that radical wholesale changes are necessary. First, I don’t think we need radical changes. Second, why do you think they will happen. I’ve been saying for several days that JS has never made wholesale changes and won’t start now, for several reasons. As I’ve said, using DOB speak-JS is a leopard that won’t change his stripes. He has said the team needs a tune up. What makes you not take him at his word? He is not a person given to radical understatement. He will see Marcus as a relatively cheap option a 2nd and he will see Andruw as the best chance he has of leading the Braves to another division. Secondly, with the sale of the Braves pending, don’t expect him to make so many changes with so much still up in the air. Don’t forget that he is also under contract for one more year. Speculation is that he will retire. If he does, he will want to go out a winner. DSo you think he would rather try to win with Andruw or with Coco the Cereal Kid?

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

Intelligent response, there, plate o’ whatever. Why don’t you try talking to people with ADD and see if they agree with your educated assessment of their illness? Or would you just dismiss anything they said, too? How ‘bout alcoholics, drug addicts? Are they just undisciplined slobs in your book, too? Just wondering.

The world must be a pretty black-and-white place to you, Oh Wise One. Who needs doctors and shrinks, just go to ol’ slab-of-brains for an assessment of what ails ya, punks!

good god, sometimes i’m just left scratching my head.

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

Oh, sorry, just realized it was Plate O’ Meat, not Slab. My bad. Just an undisciplined slob here, trying to wake up with an infusion of caffeine (but not speed, so it’s cool, Plate).

By Lew

September 17, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

Meat-Are you, by any chance, a friend of Tom Cruise? Were you bitten by a Ritalin tablet when you were a child? Or did someone have the temerity to diagnose YOU with ADD and you’re still sulking? Solitaire sounds like the perfect game for you.

By This Date in Country Music History

September 17, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

Happy 83rd brithday, Hank Williams!

Anybody out there old enough to have any Hank stories?

If not, favorite Hank record and why?

I’ll go first. “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” because it’s the most awe-inspiring vocal performance in the whole history of the genre.

And it was written about a gal just like my first ex-wife.

By Metropolitan Man

September 17, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

Bravo nam, we will clinch when we get ready, how is your clinching scenario going in 2006. Oh year dont worry about Pedro, he will have help next year when Smolzt and Maddox are both wearing orange and blue. Cant wait until next season when the METS recieve there WS rings at Shea during a METS braves series, the looks on their faces (braves players) will fail in comparison to what Pedro look liked the other night.

By Lew

September 17, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

DOB-So you got to go listen to all that great music while some of us were left with MC5? The equities of life, Abiding Dude. So you wnet to the legendary WUXTRY and got burned? I used to have art work hung there back in the days when Pete Buck was a clerk and REM was playing pizza joints and O’Malley’s just starting out. They have, indeed, come a long way. Isn’t it a great thing going to a Dawgs game?

By Reading Between the Lines

September 17, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

Plate O’ Meat’s post obviously was written simply to provoke a response and is not to be taken seriously. Nobody could really be that ignorant. Could they?

By Tom A. Hawk

September 17, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this

There’s been one whole hell of a lot of mellow harshing going on on this blog lately. Everybody’s grumpy.

By Lew

September 17, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

Between The Lines-Read some of the posts from around 11:30-1:30 this morning and answer your own question. It should be quite obvious that ignorance is the least of the problems exhibited. The creatures known as Stinky (among other aliases) should long for just plain ignorance.

By Carolina Lady

September 17, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

Reading, unfortunately - yes, they are. That poster wrote from sheer ignorance and predjudice.

By Carolina Lady

September 17, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

DOB, please have the IT people get rid of the 5-min delay. Very irritating! SJA was taking credit for having the delays instituted while crowing “What do you think about me now?” A response to that could be “Less than we did before.”

By Jeff

September 17, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this

Maybe you are too hard on Davies, but I think the guy needs more seasoning in the bushes; he’s just not ready for prime time. The rotation you suggest may be good, may be marginal, depending on 1) how quickly—or if—Hampton regains his form; 2)did Hudson have an off-season or is the guy out of gas; 3)Smoltz’s arm, given it will be forty next season and he’s shown fatigue toward the end of the ‘05 and ‘06 seasons.

That I was GM for a day, I’d certainly be shopping Hudson and Smoltz (Giles and A. Jones, too), going for good young arms in exchange. A team never has enough pitching.

By Lew

September 17, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this

Good Morning, Ma’am-Hope you are well today.

By dadgum

September 17, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

Great to see that Smoltz had a good game but I am still surprised the Braves are using him in the main rotation this late in Sept. Given his age, innings pitched, and no playoff chance, why not give him some extended rest. The Sept. innings are the real killer on pitchers and October even worse. We are going to need Smoltz near the top of the rotation next year. Why not protect him a little.

Thomas…good post. I feel teh Braves will go after Dontrelle but so will 12 other teams. Will we be able to dangle enough for teh Marlins to bite? Big question there. I do feel the Marlins will deal Dontrelle though. Just their M.O. tells me that.

By 10-7-4

September 17, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

DOB—Drunky Clint is very upset!! He read the post where it may be implied[plate o’ meat] that imbibers of certain spirits could in any way be considered as ‘slackers’. He wants it clearly understood that it takes great energy to drink as much as he does… As to concerns for his health, considering his proclivity,for ‘strong drink’, he assures me, no one should be concerned. He says he wants to die like his Grandfather—who died peacefully in his sleep—not screaming like all the passengers in his car.

By Lew

September 17, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this

Jeff-Just what good young arms do you think we will get for half of our team? We were offered one young pitcher and a so-so outfielder for Andruw earlier this year. That was before his slump and publically acknowledged banged up knees and sore back. What do you think someone will offer now for his $13 million contract? Don’t you think that every organization out there is trying to come up with a Marlin”s like rotation? Pretty much the only way we will come up with young pitching is through our own farm system. Dadgum-What kind of a package do you have in mind for Dontrelle? Salty and who? DTrain is still real cheap and with the miniscule team payroll that the Marlins have, why do you think they will dump his very cheap salary? As Louis Vales insists on banging into our heads, the Marlins still have bunch more good kiddies on the way up. They really don’t need any more. Unless JS comes up with another Renteria-like trade, the only pitching we’ll get this offseason is Wicky and more vets for the bullpen. Don’t be so certain that the Marlins have the next Glavine-Maddux-Smoltz trifecta, either. Remember Penny, Beckett et al several years ago? They aren’t there anymore and not all of them are tearing up the world, either. We may very well have seen a one time only pitching staff for all of those years.

By Carolina Lady

September 17, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

Morning, Lew! I’m well, thank you, and hope you are! :-)

RobertJITB, I sure understand about your Mom and pray only the best for you and your family. I also understand about your sudden departure last night. I’m really dismayed about the hostile take-over by this miserable person who calls himself by many names.

Why should 1 or 2 people be allowed to disrupt and destroy an entire blog by their meaness, foulness and hatred? Reminds me of the Muslim terrorists - anything goes as long as they can destroy something or somebody.

By Plate O' Meat

September 17, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

Great response, Dave - I could have almost typed it word for word before you did, being well aware of your confrontational nature regarding anyone with a different take than yours on what is supposed to be an opinion based board. This from a guy who uses his position at a major newspaper to bore us to sht with his musical tastes - like anyone cares what your craggy old azz listens to - do your job, you fishwrap sap - if you’re assigned a baseball blog then talk baseball, not about some sorry cant hack it down & out bums screeching in some broom closet somewhere. As for the ADD thing - people like you are only part of the problem. Go ahead and cry a few more tears for those in this world looking for any excuse to bail out & get doped up rather than face their problems head on. ADD is nothing more than a fabrication of todays “poor me”, media driven society where accountability & reponsibilty have been replaced by a pillbox, just like that other ridiculous, pity party generated affliction thats supposedly caused by cloudy/rainy weather. HA! People will blame anything other than themselves for every single problem they have before long. And all the while those leeches at the pharmaceutical companies are laughing their collective azzes off as they watch their multi-billion dollar industry continue to mushroom into the stratosphere thanks to a society that continues to embrace self pity and easy outs rather than determination and fortitude. And as for your other smart azz remarks…you dont intimidate me, Dave. You’re a writer - a loud mouth without a face hiding behind a keyboard for a living. I’ve seen you climb onto your rickety, self erected throne so many times on this board I now have six pack abs from laughing so hard. You aren’t hip and you don’t scare anyone, so you can stop assuming that when someone sees your name in bold font that they climb under their desk trembling and waiting for the great Oz to respond. Sorry, but balloon heads like you will always cross paths with safety pin eventually…

By 10-7-4

September 17, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

C. Lady—first, good morning to you. I hope you and your Mom are doing ok. 2nd-please be careful in your reference to any ‘peaceful’ religious group—you could end up like the Pope!!

By ssiscribe

September 17, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

Top of the morning. Yeah, I vote to ditch the delay, too. Ruins the flow of the blog.

My vote is to just ignore the idiots, loud-mouths, vulgar posts and just talk around and above them. They’ll go away once their credit cards are maxed out and AOL shuts them down.

Now, baseball (to use JJS’s great transition line … imitation is the sincerest form of flattery): Smoltz was awesome last night, pure and simple. Listened to parts of the game while buying birthday stuff for Little Scribe and Baby Scribe, but he sounded like he was on. And my goodness, the FIRST thing the Braves have to do once the season is over is work on re-signing the big fella in the ninth.

Shame we’re gonna run out of time. I believe somewhere this team has a nine- or 10-game winning streak in it, but it’s not going to do any good unless they run the table the final two weeks. And that’s asking a whole lot.

Here’s hoping for a win today to win the series. The evenings are starting to get a little bit of a nip in them. They’re skating in Duluth and playing great defense in Athens. The Dome will be rocking today. I imagine there even are three or four people awaiting the sound of sneakers squeaking at Philips.

Ah, here comes autumn, an earlier version for the first time since 1990. Denzines of the blogosphere, the Scribe, the Man in Black and all you fine people abide.

Peace.

—30—

By Lew

September 17, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

Ma’am-I have no idea what to do with these yahoos except to stress psychological counseling. Ignoring him/them has not worked and trying to negate him/them with intellect is becoming not worth the feeling of swimming in sewage. Jeff-You say a team never has enough pitching. How right you are. But dumping Hudson and Smoltz is not the way towards too much pitching. Smoltz has literally been our only reliable pitcher for two years now. If not for the bullpen woes this season, he could well have 19 wins right now. Even at 40 he will be our ace. Trading him will probably not bring anyone we could plug in to replace him-especially at that $8 mil he’s under contract for next year. Odalis Perez makes that much, for crying out loud. Also, how many good young pitchers do you think we will get for Hudson after his performance this season. Think the Marlins would give us Johnson and Sanchez?

By Plate O' Meat

September 17, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

And the rest of you - you continue to astound me. A difference in opinion automatically consitutes hatred and intolerance. It’s just like we were talking race or religion. You people are about as open minded as the volleyball from “Castaway”.

By 10-7-4

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

{under my desk trembling]—wow, how would you like to have a boss like that?? Oh well, must go see the bail bondsman concerning Drunky Clint—there was quite an incident last night!!! —-addio

By Lew

September 17, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

Well, the transformation is complete. Stinky has gone from posting as the semblance of a real person to an inanimate plate of decaying flesh. How appropriate. We all know how meat left out smells in a short time. This slab is well on the way to rotting already. Dude, we feel your pain. Go take your meds and it will be all right in the morning. Please don’t bother to call with a progress report, but DO see your Doctor.

By Carolina Lady

September 17, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

ssiscribe, love your posts!

‘Nam, you are unfailingly interesting and I read every word.

35, just love you!

SUDS, where are you????

Lew, you’ll have mail shortly… :-)

dadgum, good morning! Now is the time to come to the coast on vacation…the humidity is dropping and it’s just perfect!

Where is jimmy smith? At church? This lady is remiss this morning; sent Mother off with brother and is now enjoying a QUIET uninterrupted morning at home! :-))))

Morning, Tom! :-)

By WILSON

September 17, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

hey plate o’ meat watch it!! I resemble that remark!!!

By Lew

September 17, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

A final thought Slab-DOB is a loudmouth without a face hiding behind a keyboard? Dude, what exactly are you in this instance.

By Carolina Lady

September 17, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

Hey, WILSON! You were sensational in that movie! Kudos on a marvelous performance! :-))

By Adolph Hitler

September 17, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Well said, Plate O’ Meat.

By true braves fan

September 17, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

as a true brave fan, i am living with the bad as i did over 14 years ago, i will always love the braves, if we had the zillions of dollars the yankees and mets have to throw around we would have had several titles, but we do most of our damage with home grown boys. The mets will not make it out of the national league and if they do it will be a short lived ws, as they have no starting pitching, if pedro gets lit up by the powerful pirate line up i can only wonder what the billion dollar yankee lineup will do to him, wagner has not exactly been a lights out closer either. Money buys championships, but it is so much more fun to watch teams like the braves and marlins that do it with homegrown talent

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Folks, I agree with the 5-minute delay thing _ I don’t like it at all. But I don’t know if it’s intentional, or if we’re just having some problems tech-wise. We’ll see Monday, I guess. Anyway, I had nothing to do with it, rest assured.

Slab, thanks for your response. I’m sure it was solid. I read about two lines, saw you had nothing but bile and ignorance to spew, moved on. But keep it up, brother. I know I’ll keep doing exactly what I do, and you’ll keep reading. It’s a great thing, ain’t it.

And I think the vast majority here disagree with you on music _ most love it, and aren’t bored by Johnny Cash, REM, Gregg Allman, Hank Williams, or the other guys my old-azz (good spelling, hipster) listens to. So tell you what, read it, skip it, read it and make dumb comments, or go elsewhere. How’s that? Because me stopping isn’t an option, big man.

And I ain’t hiding behind a keyboard. I’m sitting here in the pressbox, doing my job.

By Bob, journalist

September 17, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

Justice Supporter Robert,

Hope it wasn’t me whose anticipated reappearance caused your referenced departure … childish though I am, “banana pudding” was my last attempt at instigation.

In my absence, I must have missed the news of you mother’s problems … my sincere best wishes for her full recovery … may it be without incident and quicker than you imagine.

It’s just my opinion, but … Moronic he is, moron he’s not … A man of 3 digits, Honorable Southern knows that he’s accepted within the community for what is his persona … and chooses to derive his meaning therefrom. Perhaps he feels entrapped and obligated to proffer as he perceives is expected. Regardless, methinks it’s far better to challenge him to put his talents to good use than it is to rise to the bait and find fault with his intentionally faulty behavior. From what I’ve read, the neighboorhood faces far greater threats from the insidious behavior of others.

Ramblings …

In some of my earlier pontifications, I compared “childish” and “adult” behaviors and, at least from one perspective, I prefer the innocence, imagination, and spirit of children to the apathy, vulgarities and preoccupation with self indulgence and selfimportance that come with adulthood. We must never lose sight of the fact that, generally speaking, children are the users while adults are the peddlers of whatever it is that is being proffered and ingested.

Speaking of pontification, it was especially alarming to read of some Muslim extremists calling for the death of the Pope for having wrongly suggested that Muslims are militant. I suggest that it was ill advised for the Pope to present well reasoned retoric for acedemic consideration; regardess of his objectives or intended audience … that could be taken out of context and abused by members of all religions and the secular world … it reminds me of Barry Goldwater being defamed as an enemy of the elderly when he proposed replacing Social Security with something more efficient.

For some reason, the referenced Muslim response also reminds me of the posts of some of the “moles” on the Blog … pseudoelitists proclaiming themselves to have maintained a position high above the fray … while critizing others for being selective with regard to those with whom they choose to associate. Such behavior is to be disdained.

It’s as disappointing as it is interesting to see how some folks respond when desired attention and acceptance are not forthcomming.

Later …

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

Oh, and by the way, HAPPY 83rd BIRTHDAY HANK WILLIAMS, indeed.

Since the good blogger asked (see Slab O Bile, not everybody dislikes music like you), I’ll pick as my faves of Hank: “I’ll Never Get Out of The World Alive” and “You’re Gonna Change (Or I’m Gonna Leave)”

What’s your fave, Slab? And no, “Are You Ready for Some Football?” isn’t an option. See, we’re talking about Hank Sr., not his son … oh, nevermind.

You know why I wrote that? Because I can.

By journlaist jimmy smith

September 17, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

journalist is enjoying the beautiful day - doing things other than baseball and blogging. somehow, the blog is less fun than before. sda/stinky/plateofcrap/etal and his ilk take some enjoyment away. journalist was right last night - journalist left just in time to allow a lengthy one-man diatribe. gets uglier and uglier, doesn’t it? now, baseball … can they run the table? not likely - but journalist will retain hope. scribe is wise - wicky must be re-signed. and the answer to the question, “what do you think of me now?” still a punk.

By Bravo Nam

September 17, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this

Metrosexual Man No need to fast forward to next year my brother, coz as you keep reminding us, the Mutts are going to win the WS- looking forward to seeing that! By the way, you aren’t related to Southern Jackass* or Slab are you?

Robert Sorry to hear about your Mom. Prayers are with you both.

By Bravo Nam

September 17, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t pay more than $6 mill for either Maddux or Glavine either- I can’t see JS bringing either back given what both of them are likely to command.

By Metropolitan Man

September 17, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

Hey Bravo MAM, I have no clue who Southern Jack or Slab is just like I dont know who you are. But yes, the METS will win the WS this year and next, while the braves will be lucky to stay in front of the NATS. If you hadnt noticed, all the teams in the NL east are getting better while the braves are going further south with their homegrown talent. You guys can’t hit but the players are more than welcome to go to Mcanns house after the game for some good old fashioned whisker biscuits.

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

Oops, that should have been “I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive,” not the world. Not that anybody’s reading anyway….

Journalist Jimmy, we all know why the blog’s been less fun lately. Obviously because we’ve got a couple _ that’s really it, a couple of guys using many different screen names, as you surely can tell _ who are bitter, unhappy folks and, as I’ve said before, can’t stand the thought of all of us having pleasant conversations that don’t pertain to them, stuff they can’t relate to about pursuits of good food, music, movies and baseball. Notice they never have any insight or questions about baseball? I find that hilarious. But what are they going to do, explain the importance of OPS as opposed to batting average? Come on.

Anyway, hey, it’s kinda sad, but what are you gonna do? They’ve troubled souls, man. Let ‘em get their kicks whining and lashing out.

By Bravo Nam

September 17, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

DOB There’s been a lot of talk on the blog about what the Braves should do with Andruw. Of course, it all ultimately depends on him, and he can block any trade until he’s a free agent. I was wondering if you have heard anything or have a gut feeling on what Andruw’s reaction might be if JS wants to shop him in the winter?

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this

Oh, and as much as I’d kinda like to see the team that dethrones the Braves go on to win the World Series, I’m having a tough time figuring how the Mets are going to even get past the NLCS with that starting pitching chaos they’re dealing with right now. How many wins do Glav and Pedro have between them since the All-Star break?

By glembo

September 17, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

hey, everybody, i don’t seem so bad now, huh? i may not be smart or pretty by blog standards but then i’m not smart or pretty to begin with. this time last year andruw had a lot more homeruns. i think andruw lost some homeruns when he slid over that bat earlier in the season. dob, don’t you agree? somebody must agree. he hit that bat pretty hard.

By Bravo Nam

September 17, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

As if having bloody SJA, MM and Slab on tihs blog wasn’t bad enough, now we’ve got Adolf Hitler! Yes, Mr. Lennon, Mama warned me there’d be days like these!

I hope Chipper’s back for the Mets!!

By the way, Meterosexual Mam, sorry Man, good to see you’ve at least got a sense of humour (Bravo MAM- but you didn’t need to put it in italics- I’m not in need of glasses just yet)!

By the way sweet boy, it is astounding that you can spend so much time on this blog and not realise that this year was an aberration- the Braves will be back in first next year (and if this doesn’t happen, it’ll be the fish, not the mutts, who’ll knock us off)!

By Metropolitan Man

September 17, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

My point exactly DOB. The METS continued to win without Pedro or Glavine in strecht runs this season. If we win convincingly without them, then why would METS fans worry aobut them returning to the rotation. Glavine looked good his last outing (# 2 from the clot scare). Pedro will have his second start next week and El Duque has had his second outing from rest and only gave up a couple of runs. Bottom line is we dont have to count on pitchers to be brilliant, just enough to keep the METS in the game. Besides all 3 pitchers had plenty of August time to rest, now they are doing spring training sessions just waiting for the playoffs.

By Bob, journalist

September 17, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

David O’B,

Having grown up with “Cheatin’ Heart”, “I Saw The Light”, “Jambalaya”, and so many others, including … I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”, “Cold, Cold Heart”, “Hey Good Lookin’”, and “I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive” … there’s really no way to choose a favorite, but I guess … I know that I should leave, but then, I just can’t go … says a lot, about me and this blog and may just be my favorite.

Somehow, the Blog is less fun than before … truth is truth.

By elbravox

September 17, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

It is a lovely day in the ‘hood! How are you virtual people doing?

By Metropolitan Man

September 17, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

Well Bravo Mam, the fish are young and good but until they get satisfied with a stadium and some dough it will take money AND talent to win. Granted they got all the talent in the world, but as soon as they get that team jelled, it will be a free agent year and the young talent will be looking for a payday. Come on, who is gonna play for FLA and take a discount. Until then I will worry about the Phils, you should too because they seem to have the braves number the past couple of years.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 17, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

sure is a pretty day in atlanta. not so much humidity now. dob, you say it is two mis-guided souls? journalist thought it was only one for a time but has considered there may be a child copy-cat on here. in any case, their horizons are as limited as their social skills. now, baseball … are the braves playing hard today? is journalist jimmy smith the only one to suspect they are not? maybe it is just that the marlins seem to play so hard - very aggressive team.

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this

there we go again with the “whisker biscuits” from Metrosexual Man. Dude, what in the hell are you talking about? Most of us live in the South, and your joke falls on deaf ears with even us, large consumers of biscuits that we are.

It might be clever, but clue us in. Because if nobody gets a joke, it’s not funny except to the guy telling it.

By Shaun Payne

September 17, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

Metropolitan Man,

I agree with O’Brien. The only thing that really matters in the post-season is pitcher strikeout rate, having a great closer and defense, so with Pedro and Glavine not up to their standards, they could be in trouble in the post-season. I think they have to be the favorites in the NL right now, but the Dodgers’ or Cardinals’ or even the Padres’ pitching could get hot and I wouldn’t be surprised if any one of those teams represented in the NL in the World Series.

By elbravox

September 17, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

Delay sucks, why bother writing when the topic will be different by the time one comes back? In the year two-thousand…

By Metropolitan Man

September 17, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

1st of all D.O.G, you got my name wrong. 2nd I can care less if you dont get the whisker biscuit joke, us northerners will continue to snicker about that 1. It is no different than your country song tirades that only 3 people respond to. So with that said, go sop up your whisker biscuits and watch espn tonight and see the big METS celebration.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 17, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

Better watch it, Met Man!

DOB’s mad; he’s done got peeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeved!

No matter how you struggle and strive, you’ll never get out of this blog alive!

Much less the division series!

By Bravo Nam

September 17, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

Great pitching performance by Hudson today.

By the way Meterosexual Mam, ahem, Pittsburgh 2, Mutts 0. Inspirational series against the Pirates with the finals just round the corner.

Not afraid of the Phillies, Fish, Mutts or Nationals…just afraid of seeing more of your posts…by the way, it’s Maam, not Mam…make a deal with you, I’m happy to be a woman if it makes you happy…even happy to be your Daddy…as long as you can agree not to make us your hosts anymore (which makes you a parasite!).

By Carolina Lady

September 17, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

DOB, in archery a whisker biscuit holds an arrow. They have twisted it into something dirty; 3rd grade level stuff some kids snicker about on the playground when they are pretending to be what they vaguely imagine a grownup to be. Pure immaturity.

By Metropolitan Man

September 17, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this

Nobody is talking archery CL!

By The Grinch

September 17, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this

Morning, All! Bob, glad to see you back among us; though I think it is agreed by all it’s a much darker place than you left it. See, Jimmy, I told you it was two losers all along!
To whoever asked about Hank Sr; I’ve always liked Hank pretty well but never been a huge fan until someone burned me a cd of him alone in the studio singing covers before he was popular. That man had talent. Metropolitan Man: Whisker buiscuits! Having lived up north a long time ago I understand your reference (yes, everyone, it’s inappropriate). However, it also doesn’t happen to be very funny; I expect you’re getting most of your satifaction from the fact that you know something other people here don’t, because if they did they’d look at you like you were a fool. Try a little harder, dude.

By Bravo Nam

September 17, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this

Metro Boy oi! DOB didn’t get your name wrong- it is indeed Meterosexual Man- and for as long as you continue to inhabit our blog, that’s what we’ll call you!

Woeful! Woeful! Runner on 1 and 3- none out- no runs. Is that symbolic of this season or what?

Anyway, good to see Renteria steal his 16th base. It’s the one area where people argue for Furcal- but hey, 16 bases doesn’t exactly make him a slouch.

Good to see the Falcons up 14-3 at half-time! Ouch!! Should’ve been 20-3, except for two very short field goals. Too bad we weren’t beating up on the NY Giants or Jets to keep Metero happy. But then again, the Pirates are doing a pretty good job of beating up on the Mutts, so all is well in the world.

Now for some whisker biscuits for ya my little chum.

By Carolina Lady

September 17, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this

I know that. Read past the first sentence.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 17, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! the last few days of atlanta braves baseball and the blog is invaded by sda/stinky/etal. this is no different than buying a ticket, finding your seat, and enjoying the game only to look up and see some undesirable come sit next to you. vulgar, no manners, smells bad. pretty much sums up what we have blogging here with us. either you have to move or hope the usher/security will step in and remove the offender. journalist is struck by the earlier comment about this being a PUBLIC blog open to anyone. well, we’ve certainly seen a demonstration of that - only the incessant pest should recognize that your freedoms end where others’ begin. carolina lady likened you to a terrorist but journalist thinks dob had it right - just a punk. now, baseball … langerhans at first, orr at the plate …

By The Grinch

September 17, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

Between the losers flinging their poo (bad) and the five minute delay (even worse), I’m inclined to go finish watching the Falcons shoot themselves in the foot despite a completely dominating effort. This place has gone from an enjoyable, civilized place for decent folks to blog to an unsupervised monkey house full of violently frustrated substitute teachers (stinky) and their former students who never grew up (SJA and 95% of the Met fans; you all know who you are). For every 20 zombies there is a zombie king. Pathetic. Go Falcons!

By Bravo Nam

September 17, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

It’s 2.25am here in the Nam, so I’m going to bed.

DOB- if you get a chance, please answer my question about Andruw above!

Go Falcons…go Braves…good night everyone.

By Drummerdad

September 17, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

Just watched Yates groove one to Olivo. The one question I have about this year’s bullpen is how do they do this? It’s amazing. No sooner were the words out of Pete’s mouth: “watch out for this guy”. The words of my brother come to mind: sometimes you feel like you could screw up a 2 car funeral.

By Bob, journalist

September 17, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this

My Lady in always the lady … Whisker Biscuits, as used herein isn’t childish … it’s fully growed vulgarity!

I’ve often posited that one should strive to behave in such a way as to make family members proud. Unless this person is an unclaimed and unwanted orphan; unmarried and without children … it’s difficult to imagine his having considered his behavior in those terms.

My view is that those who find it difficult to compete often revel in finding fault with those who can … and in making things uncomfortable for those to whom they feel inferior … it is a delusional defense mechanism of the weak in mind and character.

In truth, that should be expelled from these environs. At best, they are but pitiful parasites seeking recognition and I would be surprised if the fans of the teams they purport to support even acknowledge their existance … why should we allow them to spread their bile, garbage, and filth within our neighboorhood?

By WILSON

September 17, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this

Greetings all—sir journalist jimmy smith & Grinch. Guys, our blog here isn’t the only problem. I just read Furman Bisher’s article concerning the Tech game. The blog that followed was shocking, even to me. I guess we just have to face it—they are everywhere—the mental midgets, that is. I guess it’s what we get when we have ‘free speech’. By the way, just saw where Bill Maher, was turned down by CBS, on his request to do an opine about religion. He was given a list of ‘approved topics’ for possible discussion on a segment they will call—-“FREESPEECH”. Isn that just tooooo much!!! It’s right up there with the headline I saw not long ago—Monks riot at peace rally!

By Drummerdad

September 17, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Yates and Paronto have taken this thing to a whole new level. Remember when the Braves tried out Roberto Hernandez? It was disastrous and my kids and I used to joke that he had a special pitch called a burrito ball. Today, those guys made Hernandez look good.

By The Grinch

September 17, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Wilson; I actually came here originally to get away from the cretins on the Falcons blog. Excellent essay, Bob. It has lately become my understanding, however, that the powers that be aren’t interested much in controlling this blog (no, not you DOB); they’d rather throw in a 5-minute delay and make EVERYONE mad. At least they’re equal opportunity offenders. No biggie, though; now we just play with the hand we’re dealt. And Lew, I just mainly came back to say HOW ‘BOUT THEM FALCONS! That vaunted Bucs defense held the Falcons to a paltry 306 yards rushing. That’s right: Three hundred and six yards on the ground! Funeral to be held Thursday. :-)

By Thomas

September 17, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

jajajajajajajjajajajjaajajjaa

By Lew

September 17, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

DAMN-I wasn’t expecting that finish. Braves win and the Mets STILL haven’t clinched.

By Glass Half Full

September 17, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

Incredible ending to the game! You couldn’t have scripted that any better.

By Thomas

September 17, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

thats why the marlins cant win.

By Head Coach

September 17, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

UNFREAKING BELIEVABLE ! I cannot believe what I have just witnessed. Five errors by the Marlins and a total meltdown defensively. I was pulling for the Marlins to make the playoffs but not after what I have just witnessed. The Marlins are an embarrassment to major league baseball and have no place in the playoffs. I still cannot believe it , five straight errors in one inning , Im laughing my butt off.

By Glass Half Full

September 17, 2006 04:41 PM | Link to this

Incredible ending to the game! You couldn’t have scripted that any better.

By Glass Half Full

September 17, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

You couldn’t have scripted that ending

By Jon B

September 17, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

Hey Metrosexual dude. Who just got swept by the Pirates???????? AH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Did you say watch ESPN for you all celebrating??? That was a good one. I almost pee’d my pants. But since I am not a juvenile such as yourself, I was able to refrain from it.

By Thomas

September 17, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this

rookies

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 17, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

Was that the most improbable unbelievable finish to a game ever? Did we just see the “Baby Marlins” choke under pressure. The mistakes they just made wouldn’t be made by the average 9 yr old little league team. That is the kind of game that can send the team who loss into a downward spiral and the team who won into a sizzling hot streak. Lets hope the Braves get on a hot streak and end the season on a good note. They have seven games coming up that they should win a minimum of five if not six or all seven. Also, gotta love the hustle of Brayan Pena. He kept running and made it home easily. If that had been Pratt the ball could have rolled all the way to the wall and he still would have made a play at 3rd base bang bang.

By Calvin

September 17, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

Wildest game I have ever seen…

By Thomas

September 17, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

phillies winning 6-4 in the 9th inning.

By Drummerdad

September 17, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

wow! I’m just glad we could receive that game the Marlins just gave us. Who knows, if the bullpen had another shot at it they might have been able to give that sucker back again. Reminds me of Woody and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story. “That’s not flying, it’s falling with style!!!!!!” Carolina Lady: Would you be a North or South Carolina Lady?

By Lew

September 17, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

Grinch-I will not discuss the Bucs. I will remain completely quiet, as I have recently eaten and have no room for my foot in my mouth. Almost as digusting a performance as our current spate of intellectually challenged purveyors of venom and vitriol. Oh well. So much for the vaunted Bucs defense. I am not an Evangelical Christian. However, I am no longer going to claim that the apocalypse is not crawling up our behinds. After reading the headlines in the news and listening to this bunch of anal retentive emotional infants (yes Metro A$$, that means you), I now believe that anything is possible. I mean WTF, the Braves just came from four down in the 10th and the Bucs no longer have a defense. Talk about the world turning.

By MEB

September 17, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

We had them the whole way. No doubt about it!

Did the Mets really get skunked by the Pirates today? Did the amazing Mets get swept by the lowly Pirates today? Oh, the humanity!

The blog sure is getting that bbblllllloooogggeeedddd down feeling.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 17, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this

Does anyone but me find it interesting that the same Mets fans who mocked the Braves for losing two of three to the Pirates a couple of weeks ago and who just two days ago were infiltrating this blog crowing about how the Mets were about to officially end the Braves’ run are nowhere to be found now that their precious Mets just got swept by the Pirates? Not lost two of three but got swept three in a row.

Seriously, do these people really feel that confident about this team going into the playoffs against the Phillies, Dodgers, or Padres? Their startig rotation is in shambles to say the least, Floyd is banged up, Green hasn’t been what they thought he would be, Beltran is hurting, and again that rotation is awful. I realize the Mets swept a doubleheader from the Braves just last week but the Braves aren’t the ones talking about how they are going to win the WS and show just how “putrid” the Braves’ title run was. Now, are they?

Mets fans, start praying! I would take the Padres or Dodgers rotation over yours any day of the week and the Padres’ bullpen is just as good as yours. Good luck!

By Thomas

September 17, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

Phil Garner is an idiot why would he give the green light to Ausmus with the game on the line.

By 10-7-4

September 17, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

Greetings all—boy that Wilson sure is one funny dude!! Probably very handsone too—and smart. I know he sure is one great actor from his performance in ‘Castaway’. I thought that to be an excellent film. Drunky Clint won’t watch movies about bodies of water. Says he learned to swim when his uncle took him out on the lake and threw him off the boat! I told him “Clint, he wasn’t trying to teach you to swim”.

By dadgum

September 17, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this

Hi Carolina Lady….yes the weather has changed and the humidity is shall we say gone with teh wind….can’t go down to your lovely area until the golf trip in late november. Love ya …mean it.

By Metropolitan Man

September 17, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this

No problem, we’ll just clinch at HOME against the fish!

By journalist jimmy smith

September 17, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this

this journalist is ashamed. journalist gave up hope and left the braves game to watch the falcons. did you know that reitsma is now kicking field goals for the falcons? using another name like sda/stinky/etal. anyway, journalist gave up on the home team and missed the many marlins errors and the comeback by the braves. bad judgment by journalist. now, wilson … familiar bloggiong style. reminds this journalist of someone else … hmmm …

By Head Coach

September 17, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this

Like I said a couple of weeks ago , the Mets starting pitching is all smoke and mirrors. the rest of their team is dynamite , but that rotation is going to be the downfall of the Mets in the playoffs.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 17, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

Head Coach, couldn’t agree more. If(and that’s a big if) the Mets win the pennant, they will get crushed by whomever they face in the WS. I want someone to name one AL contender that the Mets could definitely beat in a seven game series.

By You Dont Say

September 17, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this

DOB….When do you see JS making his first move? I sure hope the first one is Smoltz and the second is Wickman. Well maybe they both should be first moves.

By The Grinch

September 17, 2006 06:53 PM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy, I agree the Falcons’ kicker seems to have toe problems (not good in a kicker), but I believe it’s a testament to how thoroughly they beat the brakes off the Bucs that they missed four field goals and still won decisively. Changes must be made, however. Sorry I missed the end of the Braves game too. Falcons, Braves and Dawgs all win; time for pie!

By Carolina Lady

September 17, 2006 07:11 PM | Link to this

Hi, Drummerdad! This lady is in southeastern North Carolina (on the coast).

Hey, dadgum! You’re the best! :-))

DOB, “You know why I wrote that? Because I can.” Thanks for the good laugh!! :-))))

Guess who had the opportunity to take a RARE afternoon nap and missed the last half of the game??! Rats! But, at least they got the win! :-))))

Lew, I never did finish that email. Will get it out either tonight or in the morning! :-)

By Carolina Lady

September 17, 2006 07:14 PM | Link to this

Journalist Bob, we are SOOOO glad to have you back!!! At one point I was about to head to TN to gather a search party until a mutual friend assured me you were all right! :-)))

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, you didn’t miss much in that 10th inning (wink).

Just nine runs, three doubles, a homer, four Marlins defensive gaffes, and a partridge in a pear tree.

By 10-7-4

September 17, 2006 07:51 PM | Link to this

Hey gang—you know there is one thing good about this 5+ min. blog wait. Ole stinky, even with his slew[for northerners that is many]of personalities can only blog roughly 12 times per hr. I figure even with DOB math, we[the good guys & gals] can outnumber him. If our crowd, which surely numbers 10 or more, can blog just two times per hour— we will have, lets see—2x0 is 0, and 2x1 is —-well I’m sure it’s more than 12!! Sir journalist jimmy, I took off my shoes and socks to count with my toes, but I passed out and was unable to continue. I really need to get a calculator—do you suppose it does DOB math??

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 17, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

DOB, what happened to the Marlins out there. They just fell apart. I don’t think I have ever seen defense that bad in one inning.

By ncscoots

September 17, 2006 08:05 PM | Link to this

Yes, it’s good to have Bob back (I’ve missed our conversations, my friend). It’s unfortunate that he returns to a less-pleasant neighborhood than the one he left. But in every fine neighborhood I’ve inhabited, and this blog counts as one, I’ve always seen the arrival, at some point in time, of new neighbors with whom I’d prefer not to have dinner. Their garbage piles up, their grass grows long, and they always leave those d*ed little icicle lights up ALL YEAR! But eventually they leave. Our neighborhood here is still fine and in good shape, Bob, and the quality of the blog content will sooner or later return to its natural, higher state. A .300 hitter ALWAYS hits .300, given enough time, and this blog will do the same.

By Carolina Lady

September 17, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this

(I have discovered that 5 minutes can be an awful long time!)

This below is something I found that, though a bit long, expesses some excellent food for thought. Just skip over it if you’re not interested. :-)

Live A Life That Matters
Ready or not, someday it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations and healousies will finally disappear. So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won’t matter where you came from or on what side of the tracks you lived, at the end. It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant; even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant.
So what WILL matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is:
not what you bought but what you built;
not what you got but what you gave;
not your success but your significance; not what you learned but what you taught; every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example;
not your competence but your character;
not how many people you knew but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone;
not your memories but the memories that live in those who knew you;
not how long you will be remembered but by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters.”
Author unknown

By Carolina Lady

September 17, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this

DOB, :-)))))))! ;-)

By Lew

September 17, 2006 08:18 PM | Link to this

Scoots-If you don’t like icicle lights, yesterday I saw Christmas lights that were baseballs. I bet you could keep those up all year. You’d still have to mow the lawn, though. Maybe your neglectful neighbors got their John Deere from the same place as CL.

By Lew

September 17, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-You’re right- it isn’t material wealth that makes you a wealthy person, but I’m still not giving up my baseball museum. I might take bids on who gets it willed to them when I’m gone, though.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 17, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this

scoots has made this journalist feel as if the blog is on the road to recovery. 35, journalist is not sure about the math but anything that limits stinky is good on this blog. grinch, perhaps the falcons kicker was suffering numbness and failed to tell coach mora. probably too late to talk about it now. a new kicker will be in town before sundown tomorrow. now, the woes of the bullpen - even parontoe has been roughed up. 4 earned runs is the stuff of sosa.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 17, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this

It would be really nice if today’s events sparked a winning streak and the Braves can avoid a losing record. I just read the quote from Marcus Giles where he said that the dugout during that 10th inning reminded him of when he was a kid and they were just having fun. You could tell that they were geniunely excited after B. Pena crossed home plate. That kind of emotion isn’t seen very much from this team.

But, boy, I think today’s game probably killed the Marlins’ playoff hopes. Playoff caliber teams just can’t have what they had in that 10th inning. They gave the Braves five outs and I don’t care who you play in the big leagues, when you do that you’re going to lose. I bet Girardi went off in that clubhouse on Willingham and Ambercrombie. I had read a article a few weeks ago that the Marlins were deeply disappointed with Ambercrombie and he could be on his way out. Today sure didn’t help his chances of staying.

By The Grinch

September 17, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

Back again. Of course, I may be gone before this post shows up. My company didn’t make it over tonight, and I made the mistake of grilling for four anyway. I’m getting the meat sweats. Thank god for the extra alcohol to keep the digestive juices flowing! Anyone want some ribs?

By JJMB

September 17, 2006 09:17 PM | Link to this

Grinch, ribs sound good, but I had a big ole slab of salmon tonight. Man it was good.

Did I read you were buying a new desk chair for your back? If you did, how’s it working for you? (I’m in the market for one).

By journalist jimmy smith

September 17, 2006 09:18 PM | Link to this

must have been a big girl if grinch was grilling for four. this 5-minute deal is tough on this journalist. on the bright side, sda/stinky will likely soon depart. robertjitb, you are a good braves fan and an optimist. journalist is surprised they won today because they played with so little intensity in the early innings. journalist wishes the best for robertjitb’s mama. now, carolina lady … how is baby seal?

By Carolina Lady

September 17, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

jimmy smith, baby seal is not happy! Keeps staring at the screen asking, “Has it been 5 minutes yet?” Tapping flipper. Waiting. Goes to kitchen for snack. Comes back, asks “Is it posted yet??” Asks (again), “How long is 5 minutes??” sigh….

By The Grinch

September 17, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this

JJMB, salmon (grilled or broiled with a little butter and coarse-ground pepper) is divine, and much better for you as well. Polar Bears know what the deal is. The chair has helped enourmously! I’d taken to sitting in whatever happened to be laying around, and it cost me in the long run. You can’t tell all that much difference in comfort at first; the difference shows up in that you feel as good when you get up after an extended period as you did when you sat down. I got this one on sale at Office Max for $100, and I’m feeling more and more like an idiot for not getting it sooner. There was one I liked even better for $150, but I haven’t hit the best seller list yet. Jimmy, big girls need love too! :-)

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 17, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist Jimmy Smith, thank you for your concern about my momma. It is much appreciated. She is doing okay. She could be better but she is getting healthier everyday. I’m trying to be an optimist. This season has been full of frustration and confusion. I still don’t think this team is as bad as it has played even with all the injuries. I trust JS is already brainstorming to make this team a contender again next season.

By JJMB

September 17, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this

Thanks Grinch, I’ve spent my time in the back “pain amplifier.” I have to upgrade. I’m convinced sitting at unergonomic (not a word, but should be) desk chairs is to blame.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 17, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this

journalist bob, are these the molasses candies you crave?

“Made with old fashioned black strap molasses, the Black Jack sticks have a smooth, rich long-lasting all natural flavor. Black Jacks come in a 6 oz. package consisting of approximately 10 sticks. These candies are all made by hand just the way they were back in the 1800?s, using the original recipe. Circa 1830.”

date sounds about right for a journalist bob boyhood treat. just kidding, journalist … now, polonius …

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this

Robert, I was equally astounded by the Marlins’ total collapse in the 10th, especially given their viability in the wild-card race (well, until today, at least).

Their broadcasters and writers were all shocked that Girardi had Willingham and Abercrombie in there in the 10th, given their defense. They had other much-better defensive outfielders, including a couple of callups, who could’ve gone in to protect the four-run lead.

Oh, well. Not the Braves’ problem. It made for an interesting day and certainly helped them take some stench off the homestand, that and the Saturday win as well.

By berigan

September 17, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this

RJITB, what AL contender could the Mets beat?? The A’s. But no way will the A’s get past Detroit, Twins, Yankees.

By TennesseePaul

September 17, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this

GO BRAVES

OK, I haven’t read the posts. I need to get caught up. First things first. GO BRAVES amazing! I received a text, i was unable to be near a TV, that the Braves had lost. I get home and low and behold the Braves came back. THAT’S WHAT I WANTED TO SEE! GO BRAVES

So excited I don’t know what to do. I love it! I lobe it!

Anywho, GO BAVES and I’ll get caught up.

DOB: I’ve listened to the first two albums of World Pary. I’m not sold on them entirely. It’s interesting, that’s for sure. But I need to listen to the 2nd album more. I’ve only gone through once. It’s good, but not entirely up my ally…. needs time I suppose.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 17, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this

Berigan, I don’t think the Mets could even beat the A’s because the A’s have good starting pitching and a good bullpen and their offense is just good enough to score enough runs to win games. The only hope the Mets have is that Glavine and Pedro get healthy quick and El Duque pitches like it was 1999 instead of 2006.

By Shaun Payne

September 17, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

A few weeks ago we had a discussion on this blog about Braves fans. A few people were criticizing the lact of interests in the Braves from Atlantans.

Over the years many in the national media have criticized Braves fans saying they’ve become complacent with winning all those years and the fans don’t show up to playoff games.

My point was that, as far as percentage of the population going to games, I would guess Atlanta was right up there. Also, I pointed out that there is really no team out there with fans that show up to see a losing team, with the exception of maybe Cubs fans and Red Sox fans. Even the Yankee fans didn’t show up in the periods of the 1970’s and 1980’s when the Yankees did not win.

I was at the Braves game Saturday night and it was pretty amazing. This team probably has a less than one percent chance of making the playoffs, but the 28,000+ were having a good time rooting for the home team. Braves fans may not be the best, but they are as good as any fans in baseball.

Sure attendance has gone down since their ‘99 World Series appearance, but I think most teams would see an attendance drop if their team lost consistently in the first round for a few years.

Every city has a few hardcore fans, a lot of casual fans, and a lot more people who love a winner. Atlanta is no different.

I’m not trying to defend us Braves fans. I’m just saying the truth is the criticism is a bit unfair. If you want to criticize Braves fans, you have to criticize the fans of most other baseball teams.

By Head Coach

September 17, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

The producers at ESPN can K.I.S.S my lily white A.S.S. they are clearly biased against the Braves and Adam Laroche. I know the Braves are not going to the playoffs and Ive known it since the end of May. However , If you take a closer look at the monthly record of the Braves it will suprise you. April 10-14 and June 6-21 BUT then the other 4 months : May 18-11 , July 14-10 , August 15-13 and 9-8 so far in September. I have news for the Braves nation , if they resign Wickman and or Baez and put some speed at the top of the offense this team will be a playoff contender in 2007 barring massive injuries. Go braves !!

By Thomas

September 17, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this

Blooopers of the year marlins total defensive collapse in September 17, of 2006.

By The Grinch

September 17, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this

No problem, JJ; back problems are no fun whatsoever. By the way, I’m watching the Cowboys/Redskins game (don’t care for either team, but I love Madden and Michaels calling it)…score is still close but you gotta be dissapointed if you’re a ‘skins fan this year. They’re like the Yankees of football the way they spend (even with the salary cap) and they’re still mediocre. I revel in it, though; I still haven’t forgotten them knocking the Falcons out of the second round in ‘91.
Robert(JIB), I share much of your enthusiasm for this team. I gave up on them making it this year about three weeks ago, but I liked enough of what I saw to be convinced that with one or two key aquisitions (and addition by subtration), this team will be much better next year than people think. They’ve used up about four years of bad luck in one year; it’ll swing back the other way.

By Thomas

September 17, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

is anyone seeing the yankee boston game, does yankees dont have a weakness in their lineup, they have so much payroll its so unfair.

By JJMB

September 17, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this

Yeah Grinch. Did I see the Washington Redskins were the most high valued (monetarily) pro football franchise? 1.something billion. Ridiculous. T.O isn’t doing that great. (breaking my heart ;-Þ).

By MBAA

September 17, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this

The Misanthropic Bloggers Association of America will be holding its bi-weekly meeting tonight on this blog at 12:45. Topics to be discussed include: Mayhem in the A.M.; Organizing Anarchy; and Do’s and Don’ts for Blog Identity Theft. All are welcome.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 17, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this

Head Coach, you are absolutely right.

Shaun, I have to disagree with you some. I agree any team (except the Marlins) will have loads of people show up to the games when that team is winning. And fans don’t go see a losing team. However, this team isn’t what I would consider a losing team. Yes, they have a losing record but its the first time in 15 years. Up until 10 days ago this team had a legit shot at winning the wild card. I think the reason some people call the Braves’ fans complaciant is that they could not even sell out a playoff game. I know the whole excuse about the Braves never win in the playoffs and the whole load of crap, but isn’t it the job of the fan to go cheer and support their team.

I look at teams like the Astros, Mariners, Angels, and Rockies and wonder why is it their fans support those teams win or lose. I didn’t use the Cubs or the Red Sox because as you said the other day, Shaun, the ballparks are as much of an allure as anything.

The Braves have some terrific fans and a lot of them blog here every day , but the overall support of this team is lacking. Smoltz acknowledged it last year during the NLDS when he made the comment about all the negativity that can surround the city and the team. Even a lot of the people here who predicted this season would go as it has, have to be honest and admit that their opinions were formed more out of cynicism than it was an objective opinion.

BTW, is anyone watching the Yankees-Red Sox game? That Hansen kid looks like he can pitch.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

September 17, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this

MBAA, are all welcomed to this meeting? Should a certain someone (SJA) be informed of this meeting and required to attend?

By TennesseePaul

September 17, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

I got a good buzz on. It’ makes typing exciting, but treacherous.

GO BRAVES

By flbravesgirl

September 17, 2006 11:13 PM | Link to this

Good evening, fellow bloggers! Wasn’t that the craziest game? Great to see our boys so fired up. Too bad Hudson didn’t get a win though, much better performance from him.

Grinch, did you ever get that Red Velvet cake?

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this

Robert, good points in your post about the fans, as compared to some other places. It’s interesting and not an easy one to figure out sometimes.

The lack-of-fan-support story is certainly overstated by national media types who base it on nothing more than not selling out the first round of the playoffs _ hey, when you have one of the largest stadiums and you go to the playoffs every year for a decade-and-a-half, and they don’t announce start times until very close to the actual game date, etc., and the team loses so many times in the first round, yes, it’s understandable that it makes the first round a little less a must-see proposition for Braves fans than those in a lot of other places who rarely make the postseason.

At the same time, shouldn’t the Braves, with such a winning tradition and a nice ballpark, rank higher than the middle of the pack among 30 teams in regular-season attendance? I don’t know the answers, just interesting to think about it.

By The Grinch

September 17, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this

That game is essentially over; back again. Yeah, JJ; the Skins are worth 1.4 billion, almost twice as much as the Falcons (but they’re not as good). MBAA, I’m afraid I’ll have to be present. Tennessee Paul: Welcome to my world!

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2006 11:29 PM | Link to this

But again, as Shaun pointed out, there were 25,000, 27,000 and 28,000 at the games against the Marlins, on a huge football weekend and with the Braves having almost no chance of making the postseason.

And the Marlins would absolutely KILL to have crowds like that, and they’ve got an exciting young team that’s performed way over expectations. So hey, it could be a lot worse. And maybe the Braves have actually turned the corner, given that attendance the past two years is actually up a bit over previous season, after that long period of annual decline.

But I don’t want to get into a whole discussion that brings out the tix are too high, concessions and parking are too high, etc, talk. Because while I certainly agree with you that concessions and parking at sporting events are waaaay too high, the argument doesn’t answer questions about Braves attendance as it relates to other teams, because the prices at EVERY stadium are too high and the Braves are quite comparable in terms of tix, food, parking, etc.

They did, however, screw up royally by not building the stadium close to a Marta station or building a Marta spur to connect. Huge mistake they’ll never overcome, I’m afraid. Attendance would be up by thousands instantly if people could take Marta directly to the ballpark, but it ain’t going to happen now because a spur would cost ungodly ammounts to build in this day and age. Not going to happen.

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2006 11:32 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, you’ve GOT to get James McMurtry and the Heartless Bastards’ live album from a couple years back, “Live in Aught-Three.” Talk about up your alley; you’ll absolutely dig the songwriting and straight-ahead rootsy rock with a hard edge.

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this

Oh, before I forget: Nam, I don’t really have a strong gut feeling about what’s going to happen to Andruw yet. I really don’t, and anyone who says they do is probably not being honest, unless they’ve actually gotten some indications from Andruw or someone close to him. I haven’t heard anything yet, and with Boras as his agent, I just think Braves are going to have to consider offers this winter, seriously consider offers, because they might fear they have little chance to sign him.

If they don’t move him this winter, it’s the quandry of, how on earth can you trade the guy next summer if the Braves are in the middle of a playoff race, but how could you not trade him and then risk him leaving as a free agent and you getting nothing but a couple of draft picks in return from the team that signs him? Very interesting and difficult set of circumstances with a unique-in-many-ways player and situation.

By The Grinch

September 17, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this

I’m afraid not, my dear; not yet, anyway. I will uproot one somewhere, however; it’s on the brain (it would go especially well with this Sam Adams Oktoberfest). I got spoiled when I lived in South Ga cause my buddy’s girlfriend worked at a local bakery; red velvet was her specialty. Yum. Good to see you posting again.
DOB, I always wondered why they didn’t link Marta. That shuttle that makes you walk through underground doesn’t get it.

By flbravesgirl

September 17, 2006 11:55 PM | Link to this

Grinch, I’ve been reading the blog but every time I come on to post, it’s being “invaded”.

If I wasn’t so far away, I’d make the cake for you. Not to brag, but I bake an outrageously good Red Velvet cake.

I always thought it was strange they didn’t build a spur while they were building for the Olympics. Someone really messed up in the planning dept. there.

By Tom A. Hawk

September 18, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

It’s interesting. Best I can tell, Metropolitan Man went silent this afternoon around the time the Marlins were imploding and the Pirates were sweeping the Mets. And he hasn’t been heard from since. Gosh, I hope everything’s all right up in Big Apple.

By David O'Brien

September 18, 2006 12:13 AM | Link to this

Before the Mopes and Misanthropes arrive (and to think, the early morning hours used to be the domain of the thoughtful and sensible blogging crew), I wanted to share an e-mai from Stats Inc. They send us a bunch of assorted team and individual notes and stats each day, and this one caught my eye.

Again, I can’t believe I’m even advocating this guy, considering how weak his past couple of seasons were and how little I think of his awful arm, but remember, I said for LF only, not CF (I couldn’t bear to watch him hit the mound with his wimpy throws if he tried to throw home without the cutoff man. And again, it’s only because I think Braves could take care of both leadoff and LF with one guy if they get him, so here goes, directly from Stats Inc:

“Cubs center fielder Juan Pierre is enjoying a solid second half, batting .309 with 33 runs scored in 59 games. His ability to make contact has been impressive, as Pierre has struck out just eight times in 259 second-half at-bats. That’s the fewest strikeouts since the break among big league regulars, and no one has as many at-bats as the Cubs’ leadoff man.”

OK, don’t pummel me too harshly.

By The Grinch

September 18, 2006 12:24 AM | Link to this

Awww…I feel all warm and fuzzy inside now! :-) Thank you for the sentiment; a girl who can make a good red velvet cake is a rare and valuable commodity. Visiting Atlanta anytime soon? As for the blog; I’m afraid it’s like marriage at this point; we must take it like it is for better or for worse. Today (at least the last few hours) hasn’t been too bad though. As for Atlanta’s infastructure, it was designed in the 60’s to support about 300,000 people. Nobody forsaw this, and it’s been patched together with WD-40, duct tape, bailing wire, bondo and whatever else the state can find. The traffic is an obvious reflection of the situation. I am safely tucked away in my own little part of the suburbs, however. Do you put any sort of shelled nuts in your cake, or do you go bareback? I am a fairly accomplished cook, but I’m envious of those who can bake; it’s a whole different ballgame.

By Lew

September 18, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this

The way things have been going here recently, I never figured “shelled nuts” would be in reference to cake ingredients.

By The Grinch

September 18, 2006 12:38 AM | Link to this

DOB, you really think Pierre could hit the mound from CF? I bet he’d two-hop it. :-) Really, though; I could think of worse alternatives. We had either defense or offense in LF this year, with nobody leading off and look how it turned out. Andruw’s got the range to take up the slack, especially with Frenchy in RF; he can cheat. As for the thoughtful and sensible late-night crew, I assume you were referring to people other than me? Aside from me having honnor, integrity, decency (when faced with same), and a life I’m not all that different from Stinky. Umm…well, you get my point.

By Lew

September 18, 2006 12:45 AM | Link to this

Grinch-At least we can dress you nice and take you into polite society occasionally. Just don’t try to hit the mound from center field.

By The Grinch

September 18, 2006 12:53 AM | Link to this

There you go, Lew, lowering the standards to Beavis and Butt-head level again. I hope you meant crazy people with post traumatic stress disorder? :-)

By The Grinch

September 18, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this

I’d need a sniper rifle to do that, unless I was aiming for third. That’s why I only played one year in little leagu before switching to football (and defense there). Did you have potatoes with supper? I hope they were as fresh as mine; I feel rather silly (even more so than usual).

By The Grinch

September 18, 2006 01:00 AM | Link to this

God I hate this delay! I’m always at least one subject behind (even more so than usual)!

By Lew

September 18, 2006 01:02 AM | Link to this

Grinch-Of course I meant crazy people. What did you think it meant? This blog takes too damn long to post. I’m going to bed. Good night all. Abide, Dudes (and FlBravesGirl). Enjoy your blog peace for a change.

By Head Coach

September 18, 2006 01:02 AM | Link to this

Juan Pierre ranks 3rd in stolen bases with 51 , 6th in hits with 187 , 3rd in triples with 12 and is hitting .291 , he has 37 strikeouts vs. 32 walks which is outstanding. He is a career .303 hitter with a .351 OBP for his career , 258 walks vs. 248 strikeouts and 318 stolen bases in 7 seasons. OK DOB , you win. Other than his jelly arm he is an outstanding leftfielder and leadoff man. Curiously enough , he was part of the three team swap between Atlanta , Colorado and Florida in 2002 that brought Mike Hampton to the Braves.

By Lew

September 18, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this

Yes, Potatoes. Good night.

By The Grinch

September 18, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this

I’m off, as well; in the mood for a horror movie. Y’all behave while I’m gone…

By Tom A. Hawk

September 18, 2006 01:21 AM | Link to this

Well, ideally, a leadoff man has a whole lot more than 32 walks. But the rest of Juan’s numbers are good.

By DumberdadADHD

September 18, 2006 01:48 AM | Link to this

jimmy smith—-go back and read the comment by WhoseBlogIsIt,Anyway? on September 16, 2006 11:49 P.M.—I think it is meant for you.

By Head Coach

September 18, 2006 02:23 AM | Link to this

I think I’m gonna be sick. Guess who is the number one available free agent closer this offseason ? You guessed it right , Bob Wickman. Somehow I think the Braves better get Baez under contract first because Wickman is going to command top dollar when you consider that Scott Boras is his agent and boras will want a contract in the 8 to 10 million dollar range. the other four closers are Baez (DL appendectomy) , Eric Gagne(out all season rehabbing from arm surgery) , Eddie Guardado(DL and needs surgery) , Kieth Foulke( lost his job to Jonathon Papelbon). So , yes Wickman will command top dollar and its unlikely the Braves will be able to afford his contract. now I feel all warm and fuzzy , think I’ll get a beer.

By Bob, journalist

September 18, 2006 03:10 AM | Link to this

Ramblings and Reactions from the Wreck

Thanks Grinch, the last time I had my essays assayed, the results were far less positive. Perhaps bloggers should be triaged … (1) those who strive to make the most of the hands they’re dealt, (2) those who complain, fold or ask for a new deal, and (3)those who just aren’t playing with a full deck.

My Lady, the many expressions of welcome are are both humbling and appreciated by the persona and the man behind the mask. The Blog gives us the opportunity to present ourselves as we would like to be, a second chance if you will … rather than what we really are … but you are a rare treasure indeed, where persona and self are one in the same! The notion that someone like you would consider organizing a search party, well … that’s plenty powerful stuff … thanks for caring!

Live A Life That Matters … I didn’t write it, but I wish I had!

Scoots, your amazing facility for being on point and saying exactly the right thing at the right time makes me envious!

It’s nice to have one’s conversations missed … and to have the opportunity to once again be so engaged. I agree that the permanant residents, not the transients, define the neighboorhood and since ours are among the very best, revitalized restoration should be expected … at least there’s hope for such an outcome.

Agreement with my esteemed friend doesn’t keep me from being appalled by the behavior being exhibited by some … he knows that! Surely it is less satisfying to denounce and/or defame someone than it is to make a friend. To bring tears or a frown to someone’s face when a smile could be easily had … is, or at least should be, a capital offense. Of course, I also like the songs of Hiriam Williams and John Cash and agree with those who prefer lighting candles to cursing the darkness.

Ted Williams, the last .400 hitter … don’t forget our Scoots.

Wurlitzer winner David O’B’s “… and a partridge in a pear tree” says a lot about why this neighboorhood is something special … as do the words of 10 Paul, one of the best Brave’s fans we have among us “… THAT’S WHAT I WANTED TO SEE! GO BRAVES! So excited I don’t know what to do. I love it! I love it!”

Jimmy Smith,

Black Jack sticks don’t sound like the candy for which I’ve been searching but after reading your description, it is something for which I’m now craving! Thanks!

I only look and feel that old … but I’m not too old to enjoy that candy … or your wit!

Lew, mighty fine work, Thanks!

By David O'Brien

September 18, 2006 03:28 AM | Link to this

Damn, we should shut the blog right now, so as not to allow any possible overnight posts to sully the stellar post by Bob. Truly raising the level of the blogosphere. Fine job, sir.

Just spent an exhaustive hour making hotel reservations for NLCS and World Series (man, it’s gonna be strange covering a Braves-less postseason), and thought I’d check the blog before retiring. Bob’s prose was quite encouraging in relation to the health and well-being of the neighborhood.

Regarding the recent period of blog turbulence and nastiness … this, too, shall pass. Bob’s post serves to underscore that sentiment.

By The Grinch

September 18, 2006 03:47 AM | Link to this

Enthusiasm is indeed contagious, Bob. I tried not to break out the red paintbrush on that essay out of consideration for my elders…:-) That, and my grammar has always been horrible. I pride myself on content, rather than semantics. Good thing, eh? As for triage, my last disastrous relationship before my most recent one was with a triage nurse in Houston. Closest I’ve ever come to getting married. Ouch! From now on, I’m just going to focus my attention on Alison Krauss. She’ll either come around, or she won’t. I’m an all-in kind of dude. I’m already in a sweepstakes for a day on the set with her Oct. 15; heaven help her if I win. Bob, it’s a mighty fine thing to have you back; don’t take the nasty ones too seriously; they seem to have fallen off since your return anyway. All will be well; I’ve got your back. G’night, All!

By gpburdell

September 18, 2006 04:29 AM | Link to this

Very nice post Bob…a good way to go out as I log off.

By Bob, journalist

September 18, 2006 06:09 AM | Link to this

Thanks folks!

By ssiscribe

September 18, 2006 07:08 AM | Link to this

Morning, all. Sheer madness yesterday. I, too, unfortunately didn’t get to see the roller-coaster ride otherwise known as the 10th; was gathered with the family celebrating Baby Scribe’s birthday, so it was all good.

Also, I didn’t see the ESPN piece on LaRoche, but it’s a shame if all of the credit was placed on the medicine. Makes for better TV, I’m sure, but the guy has worked his tail off and he’s been one of the best players in baseball in the second half of the season. He deserves a heck of a lot of credit. And, I’m glad he’s getting at-bats against leftys (I don’t have the numbers; maybe DOB has them, AL’s AB’s against LHP second half as opposed to first half). Always felt the dude could hit with that sweet, sweet swing; just needed to play everyday.

And one of LaRoche’s pals when coming up in the minors, Adam Wainwright from the SSI, is going to get to close some in the STL now that Izzy’s shut down for the year. Guess that’s where my heart will go come October since there appears to be scant chance of playoff baseball in the ATL.

But, time to start another streak in 2007. To all, a good day, and may it also be the farewell to the five-minute delay.

—30—

By Bravo Nam

September 18, 2006 07:37 AM | Link to this

DOB Thanks for getting back on AJ. I agree with you that Andruw’s situation and overall meaning to the Braves makes this all very messy. I further agree that it would be very wise for the Braves to see what they can get for him in the off-season; how would you be being in JS’s shoes, whatever path he takes with Andruw, will be a no win!

Tom A. Hawk I noticed the same thing about Meterosexual Man and all his Mets buddies- went very quiet around the time the Bravos were coming back against the Marlins and the Pirates were knocking off the Mets- real front runners those guys- unfortunately, I don’t think it will make them any more humble!

Bob the Journo Nice stuff.

Head Coach Yikes! I had no idea Boras was Wickman’s agent. That changes things a little, doesn’t it. Nevertheless, whatever I read on Wickman suggests he is his own man. Let’s hope that his affection for BC and enjoyment of the Braves environment will have him chase more important things than just dollars. He should lasso Boras, corral the bastard, and do an Andruw! I still believe that JS will do whatever he can to keep Wickman. If he misses out, then he really needs to do whatever he can to get Gonzalez!

By dadgum

September 18, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this

Just catching up a little as the blog, obviously, is somewhat less than warp speed. Went to YOUTUBE and caught the 7 part interview with Robert Plant. Insightful to say the least and worth the time of any Zep fan young or old. Still think Gallows Pole form the Page/Plant unplugged concert is just about as good as it gets. You can see that again at YOUTUBE if you don’t have the DVD.

DOB….My gut feeling is that Andruw will be moved as the Braves will need the cash to go after team needs. Front and center is to sign Wickman. Andruw’s .258 average may just be the indications of an off year or maybe not. Anyway, I think JS has to pull the trigger and I hope he goes to the AL. The caveat is that with Andruw’s stock slipping there may be less in return via trade so he may be easier to resign than to trade. Without question though he has to be traded (probably winter meetings) if he can’t be resigned prior to that.

By ncscoots

September 18, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this

Re the “need for speed”, I started to do a long, logical discourse filled with all sorts of run potentialities, runs created vs. runs erased, and other assorted neat, geeky stuff to support my position, but I figured, why bother? I probably couldn’t change anybody’s mind about base-stealing leadoff hitters, anyway, and if Juan Pierre (gaack!) or someone of his ilk would make the blog happy, then so be it. I promise not to sulk, honest! LOL

By geauxbraves2000

September 18, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

For all of those who wish to trade AJ, look into your crystal ball and imagine him not in CF. Imagine all of the base hits and runs allowed on balls that will drop in, ones AJ would track down and catch. It wouldn’t matter if you resurrected Cy Young himself, without AJ in CF, era’s will go up.

Braves pitchers aren’t strike out pitchers for the most part, they rely on the defense behind them and AJ is the best CF in the game. He is not replaceable at this time in his career, not for anyone that could come over in a trade.

Geaux Braves!!

By journalist jimmy smith

September 18, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

journalist jimmy smith can help bob find the black jack sticks candy if bob needs assistance though this journalist suspects bob has already placed his internet order. the sda/stinky/etal blogger(s) thinks someone would read his nonsensical post twice? few are willing to read it once. jimmy smith thinks the ugly blogger has run out of string. lew has it right … a big sissy hiding behind the keyboard. probably a booger-eater, too. oh, the humanity! please forgive this journalist. boogers and black jack candy in the same post! now journalist bob won’t be able to eat his molasses candy. sorry, journalist. now, baseball and football … this journalist turned off the game too early yesterday. journalist decided to watch the falcons for a few minutes. the falcons have a mighty defense and a mighty running game - but they missed four field goals. will that weakness be addressed quickly or will falcons management wait like the braves did when their closer couldn’t close? time will tell. could make a difference in the season, as we have just found out.

By Carolina Lady

September 18, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

Good morning, Geaux! I have those same thoughts about AJ. I’ve watched other teams and I haven’t seen anybody I’d feel comfortable with in center except AJ.

Juan Pierre - hmmmm. That just doesn’t sit well with me. Can’t really say why except that it doesn’t ‘feel’ right somehow.

What a delight this blog has been of late!
:-))

By Lew

September 18, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

Scoots and GeauxBraves-I’ll chime in on the Abdruw situation also. I won’t say whether or not it will be a good or bad move, but rather comment on peripheral matters. First, the 10-5 rule. He has the ability to veto ANY trade. He claims he wants to play in Atlanta only. He can make that happen. This year and in the future by giving the home town discount. Second-Everyone thinks we should just trade him for young pitching. Yes- Young pitching would be a wondrous thing-MAYBE! When the Red Sox made an offer to JS, only one young pitcher was offered. When JS asked for a better one to be included(who since has been diagnosed with cancer), he was turned down flat. Andruw just might not bring in the young horses everyone thinks he will. Third-Andruw has had a sub par season avg. wise and it has been publically acknowledged that he has knee and back problems. His stock is dropping. Are we really so much in need of jettisoning salary that we should just give him away? Maybe Hudson, but Andruw? I don’t know. Just something to think about.

By 10-7-4

September 18, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

Greetings all—just saw the headline-‘Stink Smell On Space Station.’ Boy, does that guy get around, or what!!! Speaking of space, Drunky Clint told me that he once applied for a job at NASA. He wanted to be an astronaut. He washed out however, during the oral interview, when they asked him what kind of mission he wanted to go on, and he said he wanted to go to the sun!! They quickly told him “man, you’ll burn up before you get halfway!” He replied, ‘well, we’ll go at night’.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 18, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

juan pierre sounds sissy. that is the problem. two first names, one hispanic, one french. pierre is a good name for a cat. not as good as ralph, but still a good cat name. still, juan pierre is doing a good job in chicago. and what would bobby call juan pierre? see, there is no logical nickname. is this blog politically correct? can journalist say these things? guess so since the standards here have changed. now, can juan peirre hit the cut-off man? that is the question. journalist thinks an outfielder who can consistently hit the cut-off man would be helpful in the braves outfield. not every throw has to be air-mailed. yes, juan pierre and young felix pie would make good acquisitions from the cubs. perhaps we can send them some of our older players in exchange.

By ncscoots

September 18, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

jjs has hit on the one thing that would definitively keep Juan Pierre from becoming a Brave…he would be forever nickname-less in Bobby’s lexicon. “come on, get a hit, Wanny!”, I’m sorry, that just does not compute! :-)

By Carlos Amato

September 18, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

What about Hudson? Looked confortable out there yesterday. I still believe he will have a much better season next year. I would keep the guy since his trade value is not that high, and give him more confidence. Maybe next year he’ll return to the form he had with the A’s. You don’t just “unlearn” how to pitch…

By Lew

September 18, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist-If the Braves did, indeed, acquire Pierre and Pie (not quite Mantle and Maris or Bagwell and Biggio, is it), BC would be forced into retirement. There is no good nickname for either one of them. Johnny and Feely? I just don’t know. Souinds pretty creepy to me. Good Morning, Ma’am.

By Carolina Lady

September 18, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

Good morning, jimmy smith! :-) You make a good point about hitting the cutoff man (Edgar?), but the nickname may be a major problem! Juany? (cringe) Pierrey? (chuckle-snort-grin) We could have an insurmountable hurdle here!

By geauxbraves2000

September 18, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this

Good morning CL and all. CL, I pray all is well in your house.

As far as Pierre, my wife is a Cubs fan and I work part time at a radio station that carries Cubs games, so I’ve followed them all year. Pierre is hitting now, it took him a while to get it going, but at least he’s getting on base. He’s stolen 51 bases so far. He has probably a LF’s arm and he is decent. He couldn’t replace Andruw or Francouer, so he’d have to play left, and I sure would hate to see Diaz lose a starting job. Then again, Diaz could be great trade bait, not that I want that to happen. Right now, I’d say no on Pierre.

OTOH, I think Hudson needs to go back to the AL. Some players are NL players (Renteria) and some players are AL players and simply cannot change leagues. Hudson is probably a good guy, and maybe he will turn it around, but how many times has the phrase “maybe he will turn it around” been uttered. Yes he had a good game against the Marlins, good for him, but his inconsistency just cannot be good for this team.

Was to be an off night tonight, but another rain out makeup game, this time vs Washington, is on tap, so -

Geaux Braves!!

By Carolina Lady

September 18, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

The GOOD guys are here! Makes the morning coffee break a happy event!

Thanks, Geaux! Things are going well this morning! :-)) And my wishes are the same for you!

Morning, Lew! I still haven’t gotten back to that email I promised. Think I’ll start all over fresh! :-)))

Sure hope AJC will let this blog off its tether ASAP! Like talking with a tin can and a string! :-))

By Lew

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

Ma’am-Take your time. I’ll be here all day. Got prints made yesterday and they look good. I, too, am uncertain about Hudson. Maybe the problem lies in the fact that we have been looking at him as a number one or number two starter. A number three or four starter that wins 12-15 games would not be considered a bad thing. However, there is the salsary issue. Next year his salary is worthy of a #3 guy, but not in 08. What to do? We need all of the pitching we can get. Smoltz will look fine for #1 next year, but can Hampton return to #2 form? That, I think, may be the real question. If Hampton can come back strong, and I’m of the opinion that he can and will, will this take enough pressure off of Hudson? Let us keep in mind that he always had Mulder and Zito in Oakland. Maybe he’s just not an “Ace”.

By Carlos Amato

September 18, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

Lew, I agree with you. Maybe he felt the pressure of having to be THE ACE for an organization known for strong starting pitching in the past. Maybe if he can work without the spotlight on him, he’ll become dominant again.

But, honestly, a rotation of Smoltz, Hampton, Hudson, James and Comier/Villareal/Davies/Ramirez for the 5th spot, if healthy, doesn’t look bad at all, compared to most teams in the MLB.

By ncscoots

September 18, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

Certainly, yesterday was a prime example of all that is maddening about Hudson. Exactly when he is (figuratively) about to be thrown on the scrap heap, he’ll uncork yesterday’s effort, seven great innings of nothing but slime, opposing a a good pitcher against whom no lesser effort would have sufficed. It was an ace’s performance. Unfortunately, five days from now he might look like Ted Lilly, and therein lies the rub. Braves need 25 of yesterday’s starts and 10 grinders, not the other way around (grinder: I don’t have my A game, or even my B game, but I’ll try to get through 6 or 7 without getting totally nuked, and hope I can keep us in the game).

By geauxbraves2000

September 18, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

Wow Lew, excellent points about Hudson. The way they talked about Zito, Mulder and Hudson, I thought they were the next coming of Maddux, Glavine & Smoltz. I guess I thought they’d all be aces on other teams, but maybe you are right. I guess only time will tell. Still, if the Braves moved Hudson I don’t think I’d be disappointed. But, then again, if Hampton comes back strong and takes the pressure off of Hudson, and Hudson pitches well for the Braves next season, then I’ll admit I was wrong and be thankful he didn’t get moved.

Geaux Braves!!

By flbravesgirl

September 18, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this

Good morning, all (though it will probably be afternoon by the time this posts). Nice to see friends on here instead of cretins.

Head Coach, I didn’t know that danged Boras was Wickman’s agent. Yuck!

It breaks my heart to even consider Andruw being traded. I know he isn’t living up to last season offensively but even with banged-up knees & back no one could replace him in CF. I hope he truly means it about wanting to stay a Brave and works out a deal.

By 10-7-4

September 18, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

ALL the great baseball minds, of the blog: Clint, respects you’se guys baseball acumen, and has requested insight to the ole ‘enigma-wrapped in a riddle. Bobby Cox-genius or moron. Clints position is 1]how can anyone win 14 straight division titles?? 2] how can anyone only win once out of 14 trips to the dance? Seems you would win more, if only by chance. He thinks Bobby’s strength is also part of his weakness. Part A: season is 162 games—here Bobby shines like perhaps none other. He runs a happy team—encouraging, never publicly offering anyone up for ridicule always being supportive, even to the point of nonsense, such as when a pitcher get’s shellacked and he tells the press-‘what good stuff he had’ and such. He played for the Yankees and has managed in Toronto as well as served as a respected GM. He knows more baseball than I or most likely anyone else on this blog and when given good talent—can win.[in the long run] Which brings us to Part B: the post-season. Here he is always matched against a team of comparable talent. Here he almost always fails!! Here is where his strength becomes his Achilles heel. Here his commitment to his players comes ‘home to roost’.—goofy lineup decisions, in particular. He is a Hall Of Fame manager-there is no doubt. He is also guilty of considerable underachievement. Yes, Bobby Cox—enigma wrapped in a riddle.

By Lew

September 18, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

Scoots-I’m thinking that Hudson’s problem is mechanical. In this day and age of video abundance, I’m surprised they haven’t been able to figure out the problem. It’s got to be something that affects his release point, because he is getting the ball up too much. Not good for a ground ball pitcher. That was Leo’s claim to fame-the mechanical engineering, so to speak. Carlos-I’m right with you Dude. I think the staff next year is going to be good without making wholesale changes. I like what I have seen from Villarreal and Cormier has shown flashes of potential, too. There will be enough left over from saying Bye Bye to Thomson, etc. to resign Wicky and pay for raises to our arbitration eligible players (including Giles). Remember, Smoltz salary drops next year, too, enough to cover Roachy’s boost. The bullpen, if Wicky is resigned (and I doubt JS will let this year’s situation happen again) is not looking too bad. Paronto has shown himself to be effective, Villrreal is great in long relief, if not as a starter. Barry looks great in relief, and Yates is going to be that much further along from his surgery. I think JS will make a few acquisitions of vets for the pen and that will probably be it. There are definitely question marks, but wholesale changes are not really merited and it is doubtful JS will indulge in wholesale change. He never has before.

By Carolina Lady

September 18, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this

Hey, 35! Good post. He and his teams are built for the long haul - and I think I had rather have consistent excellence (this year excepted!) than a flash-in-the-pan good year now and then. Sorta like having a lot of money in the bank ALL the time instead of only on payday and just getting by the rest of the time.

By Lew

September 18, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

I think the point we all (and everyone in baseball, for that matter), needs to realize is that this current fixation with the youth movement is going to burn them in the end. Look at the Marlins yesterday if you want a perfect example. Now I don’t mean to rag on the Fish-their success is engraved in stone. However, let’s see how all of these rookies do next year before we bust a gut trying to duplicate what they have done. Face it. The best records this year are not posted by the youthful teams, but by teams loaded with vets, like the Mets and Yankees. The Marlins will not even make the wildcard. Those kids may very well have overachieved this season. Actually, I think it QUITE LIKELY that they over achieved. What happened to the last Marlin’s youth movement? Where has the vaunted rotation of Beckett, Clement, Burnett et al ended up? Have any of them put up HOF credentials? Rhetorical question there, we all know the answer. As far as trading all of our basically untradeable players for young pitchers, there has been a noticeable lack of quality pitching in MLB for years. Why do you think we are going to catch lightning in a bottle again and end up with Glavinge, Smoltz and Avery. It has only happened once that I know of. It led to 14 straight.

By Bob, journalist

September 18, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this

‘Morning All!

Jimmy, I’m much obliged for the information about the molassas candy but could sure use your help in paying for it!

I ordered 2 packages for $13.90 but they wanted another $31.50 to overnight same … so I settled for a $5.95 UPS Ground charge.

Now I guess I’ll have to go out on the street and raise the money … one must learn to control ones cravin’s!

I have no intention to enter into the trade discussions but I share the seniment that it would be nice to have Bob Wickman back and though I continue to have major problems with AJ’s stubborness and his trots to first; a Braves’ game without his presence and smile in the clubhouse or in the outfield is something to which I am not looking forward.

Personally, I’d like to see our Mister Diaz given some advanced coaching in the defensive arts during the off season to go along with his spirit and obvious talents … he just might do well in the number one lineup position … at least I’d like to see him given that chance.

Later …

By matt

September 18, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

The Braves have 28 blown saves this year!!! If half of those (which still isn’t good) were converted we’d be sitting pretty up there with the Mets. If we converted more like 23-25 of those opportunities which a quality closer will do, we’d be in first place getting ready to add another banner on the wall! Do what you have to do, trade whoever but get some pitching, especially bullpen help in here!

By Carolina Lady

September 18, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this

Uh oh! Now we gotta take up a collection for journalist Bob! Ok - here’s my dollar towards a worthy cause! :-))

By ncscoots

September 18, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this

35, I always wonder about the rip that the Braves “only won it all once in 14 tries”. How many of 14 would have been enough? 2? 5? 10? Anything fewer than 14 would have gotten the same rip from a lot of folks, IMO. Bobby doesn’t run, hit, or throw in the postseason, he does the same thing he always does, which is try to put the best available people in positions to succeed. That they succeed or fail is beyond his scope. Bobby is seldom out-managed, so blaming the failure to “win it all” on him is misplaced.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 18, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this

journalist bob, this journalist has been experimenting with the manufacture of molasses candy and is able to offer you a sharp discount off the prices you have quoted. journalist has dabbled at candy-making since the unfortunate departure of excellent candy-maker diane lane. unfortunately, diane lane was not as accomplished in the pudding department and had to go. back on subject, this journalist is willing to sell journalist bob some experimental molasses candy for half what bob spent on the two small bags of black jack sticks. journalist would estimate the current batch of molasses candy to weigh about 3.5 pounds - and it continues to expand. that is quite a bargain. you may contact journalist if this idea is appealing to you. journalist will ship via hartebeest and you will have your candy today. now, a nickname for felix pie. pie-sey will be made fun of. it will quickly be turned into piesey wisey by the opposition. it cannot be pie-sey. felixy speaks for itself. not felixy. perhaps lew is right that neither pierre nor pie can be given proper nicknames in this organization. better that we trade for pitching and not worry about these cub sissies who can have no clever nicknames. rememeber that parontoes’ nickname is “none”. it served him well until yesterday.

By Bravo Nam

September 18, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

K. Barry continues to put in a solid showing since he’s returned to the bullpen.

If the Braves can’t get Wickman, they should deal for Gonzalez. The last thing they need is to sign an inconsistent guy like Baez at 4-5 million per year- bad return on their investment- JS knows the Braves absolutely must have a dependable closer starting next season.

By David O'Brien

September 18, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

The Coxian nickname quandry vis-a-vis Juan Pierre is an interesting and potentially perplexing situation. I see no obvious solution, either. As Jimmy notes, the name is inherently rather sissy, much like his arm (it’s NOT a LF’s arm, but rather a high school player’s arm. a high school SOFTBALL player).

But he is still faster than all hell and causes havoc on the bases, and with the Braves’ hard, fast infield, he’d get a load more infield hits. He’d be a menace if he hits anywhere like he has in second half. But again, I repeat, NOT a CF, not a solution if they can’t keep Andruw, that’s for sure. They’d move Francoeur over there first, and yes, there’s a couple of prospects who’d get a look in spring. But if Braves can’t keep Andruw, they need to get an OF in part of return package, like Coco Crisp or someone of that ilk, affordable but solid and productive.

Jessi Colter … you go too long without listening, and forget what a honey-sweet voice she has. And that look … wow.

Listening to her and Waylon’s version of Suspicious Minds now. Almost, but not quite, as good as The King’s version.

By David O'Brien

September 18, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

Baez is absolutely not an option to be the full-time closer next year. Don’t worry your heads on that one. Not going to happen (he says, and immediately regrets that famous-last-words type of utterance).

Well, it’s off to the frame shop. Got me a Man in Black etching to frame, gift from a cool individual up north…

I’ll be back on the Braves’ case in Colorado, going out a day early to see family in Boulder. Guy can handle the three days at that armpit of a stadium in D.C.

By Dick Cory

September 18, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this

AJC’s enforcement of the 5 minute delay is great, now if they would just limit each blogger to only 1 or 2 posts within a 24hr. period maybe more people could participate. It’s a shame that AJC resources are being wasted just to provide instant messaging service for 4 or 5 “journalists” that insist upon running a continuous private conversation. If you can’t say what you need to say within 2 comments per day then you shouldn’t be here. Maybe it does make DOB’s blog appear to be busier than it really is, but I think that should also be determined on IP address counts also.

By 10-7-4

September 18, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

Thank you C. Lady & ncscoots—your insight is much appreciated.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 18, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

okay, dick cory - you’re done for the day. and you forgot to talk baseball … what a shame!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

September 18, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

DOB Ah yes, David Allan Coe does an excellent version of Suspicious Minds in his live shows sometimes. I saw him here in Arkansas about two months ago (for the seventh time) and he cranked out a verse of it along with his other mixed bag of surprises. If you ever get a chance to see him live, you might want to check it out. He plays bits and pieces of songs, some of them are his songs, some are not. That’s what I love about his shows. You never know what you’re liable to hear. I’ve heard him play Waylon, Willie, Merle, AC/DC, Marshall Tucker Band, Jerry Jeff Walker, Billy Joe Shaver, The Band, just to name a few, but my favorite is his encore specialty—Allman Bros Midnight Rider. Gives me goose bumps every time.

The absolute best concert I’ve ever seen from any artist was DAC 3 days after Waylon passed away. He played with so much heart and emotion that night and fed off the wild El Dorado crowd, it was truly a chilling emotional experience for us and for him as well I would bet. He did a 20 minute waylon medley and even mixed in Buddy Holly’s that’ll be the day, (for anyone who didn’t know that Waylon was a bassist for B.H. way back in the day). Anyway that’s just my two cents worth for anyone interested. Also don’t forget about that DAC c.d. I recommended a couple of weeks ago.

By Dick Cory

September 18, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this

Also sorry for using “also” one time too many in my last post. In addition, the people complaining most about the 5 minute delay are those 4 or 5 that misuse the blog, isn’t that right jimmy smith? My, you seem to have either an uneducated or naif (look it up) opinion on just about everything.