AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > September > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFrancoeur fading down stretch, and that’s a shame
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One of them has played 46 games since June 24, and the other has played 82 games since June 24.
One of them has 35 extra-base hits, 17 homers, 45 RBIs and 41 runs since June 24, and the other has 27 extra base hits, 11 homers, 44 RBIs and 44 runs since June 24.
Chipper Jones is the one who’s played 46 games since June 24, and Jeff Francoeur is the one who’s played 82 games since that date.
Guess which guy has more extra-base hits, home runs and RBIs in that span? That’d be Chipper.
I’m not sure, but I think Francoeur’s performance might just fit into the Law of Diminishing Returns. He looks tired, worn out, and to me it’s a shame that he has let starting every single game this season possibly affect the greater purpose, which is to perform at the highest level possible as frequently as possible in order to help the team.
He means well, he’s a great kid, and he’s certainly done the “as frequently as possible” part of the equation. But Francoeur’s insistence to play every day certainly hasn’t helped his performance, and I think it’s probably hurt it.
(Before we go any further, let’s point out that everyone wishes Chipper had stayed healthier and played more this season, and that if he had, considering the level to which he played when healthy, the Braves just might have been in this wild-card race to the very end. OK, now back to Francoeur).
After going 2-for-18 during the debacle of a 1-3 weekend series at Colorado, Francoeur’s average is down to .258 and his on-base percentage is down to an alarmingly awful .290.
He says he’s a far better hitter than he was last season in his rookie year, and he’s probably right. But it’s not showing up statistically, and that could have something to do with the fact he’s started ever game in his first full season in the majors. It’s a grind enough without playing every inning of every game, and to allow a 22-year-old rookie who plays as hard as Francoeur, to allow him to go out there day after day, inning after inning, just for the sake of proving _ what, that he’s a hard-nosed, hungry kid? _ to me makes no sense.
It’s done now, or almost done. But in the future, I’d hope Francoeur and the Braves would be more sensible and that Bobby Cox will make the kid sit a day or two next year, or at least pinch-hit a day or two, to rest when he shows signs of fading.
And if these aren’t signs of fading, I don’t know what is: Beginning with his 0-for-4 in the second game of a Sept. 3 doubleheader at Philadelphia (the second doubleheader in two days, and he played all four games), Francoeur has gone 15-for-77 (.195) with two homers, six RBIs, six walks and 20 strikeouts.
In 12 road games during that stretch, he’s 4-for-42 (.095) with one homer, three RBIs and 10 strikeouts.
He grounded into double plays in each of the last two games in Colorado while going 1-for-10 in those slugfests in which everyone else was teeing off on mediocre pitching and building stats in the thin air of the Coors Launching Pad.
Francoeur has also made a couple of fielding gaffes in the past few weeks that could probably be attributed to fatigue, letting routine balls skip past him for multiple-base errors.
The Braves have a lot of problems that need fixing this winter. It’s been a hugely disappointing season, and there’s plenty of troublesome areas we’ll address in the coming days and weeks.
Francoeur isn’t the biggest problem, not by a long stretch. He’s a hugely talented kid who could end up becoming a star before long. He’s got tons of raw power and a cannon for an arm.
But it’s time that someone _ Bobby, Terry Pendleton, Chipper, Francoeur’s housemate Brian McCann _ sit him down and make him understand that it’s not about trying to be a young Cal Ripken, some sort of Iron Man who can crash into walls and keep playing every inning.
It’s about becoming the best player he can be. It’s about deciding that taking pitches and working counts and getting on base more isn’t an option, but a necessary part of the job description.
Francoeur is tied for the fourth-worst OBP in the league (.290), the fifth-worst road batting average (.217), the second-worst OBP vs. right-handers (.276). He’s too good for that, even in just his second season.
Chipper, by the way, leads the league with a .355 road batting average (did I mention it sure would be nice if he can figure out a way to stay healthy next year, maybe hire a track coach to give him a stretching program and a trainer to get in the best condition of his career?).
Six games to go. Let’s hope Francoeur, for his sake, gets through them without passing out on the field. He’s come this far and paid a big enough price with his stats.
Oh, and please excuse any typos. I’m writing and filing this in the Denver airport, and I’m late for my flight and don’t have time to even re-read it, much less do so carefully.
Comments
By Stinky
September 25, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
Gee, You mean Bobby should act like a Manager of the Year and make a conventional decision for the good of the team that anybody else would make?
By Georgetown Kid
September 25, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this
There has been much discussion about the Braves’ needs this offseason, and about where additions are most needed.
However, if Chipper Jones can avoid the DL next year and play in 150 games, and if Jeff Francoeur can hit .290 while drawing more walks (the two will go hand-in-hand), those two players would generate significantly more runs, RBIs, and HRs next year than they have done this year.
If those two scenarios come to fruition next year, that would be the statisitcal equivalent of adding a top-notch free agent hitter to the lineup.
By ebineezer
September 25, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this
Fading down the stretch?? He is playing the same way that he did his first day in a Braves uniform. You cain’t expect the new golden boy to actually take a pitch or two. The league has caught up with him and his free swinging. His numbers wont improve until his plate dicipline does. Have the Braves coaches forgot how to give a take sign? Comparing Chipper and Francoeur is silly. Chipper has never been the free swinger that Francoeur is. It is comparing apples and oranges.
By ncscoots
September 25, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this
I doubt there was a plan for Francoeur to play 162, but, when he was going badly, I’m sure BC wanted him to play to work through it, and, when he was going well, I’m sure that Jeff wanted every AB he could get. Just circumstance, I hope. That, and maybe a lack of options for Bobby. With Langerhans’s spotty offense, and Diaz’s pedestrian glovework, maybe Bobby just didn’t want them in the lineup at the same time. Who knows? But no days off for a guy who has never played a full season in the bigs does seem a bad idea.
By whoever
September 25, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
the odds Jeff Francoeur .290 ANY YEAR in his big leagur career is going to be slim and none.
Let’s all put our honest hats on here and lets be real with each other, while yes he is exciting to watch, hes NOT as good as this city and this paper make him out to be.
If he was not from Gwinnett County would we really be all over him like we are……if he was Jeff Francoeur from Podunk, Alabama….there is no way we would be applauding him for a .258 average and a .290 (worst in the league on-base %) i mean come on…doesnt that term WORST IN THE LEAGUE mean something…it means of the other all national league players, EVERY ONE OF EM has a higher OBP than him.
exciting to watch, sometimes…..someone i would want to try and rebuild a team around. Not in a million years.
By whoever
September 25, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this
the odds Jeff Francoeur .290 ANY YEAR in his big leagur career is going to be slim and none.
Let’s all put our honest hats on here and lets be real with each other, while yes he is exciting to watch, hes NOT as good as this city and this paper make him out to be.
If he was not from Gwinnett County would we really be all over him like we are……if he was Jeff Francoeur from Podunk, Alabama….there is no way we would be applauding him for a .258 average and a .290 (worst in the league on-base %) i mean come on…doesnt that term WORST IN THE LEAGUE mean something…it means of the other all national league players, EVERY ONE OF EM has a higher OBP than him.
exciting to watch, sometimes…..someone i would want to try and rebuild a team around. Not in a million years.
By Robert
September 25, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this
“Gee, You mean Bobby should act like a Manager of the Year and make a conventional decision for the good of the team that anybody else would make”
Reminds me of one of my all-time favorite Cox follies - late Sept in ‘04 when he was talking about Chipper’s 100 rbi season streak - the quote isnt exact but went something like
“Hee-haw (translated - “why not let him go for it, whats the harm?”)
One or two days later, there’s Chipper, chasing that 100th rbi, popped on the wrist - poor guy was hardly able to swing the bat in the playoff series against Houston
I am not saying that one had to see the injury coming. Not at all. But I am saying that one had to CONSIDER the possibility of that happening - and act like at that point the upcoming playoffs were the important thing, not one player’s regular season statistical streak -
His failure to even consider that - THAT’s the flaw - but it’s typical Eeyore managing
By TennesseePaul
September 25, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
Nice Blog DOB. I agree with all of it. But I think they might as well let Francoeur finish the remaining 6 games. Next year they can all start anew. Francoeur will be the wiser, realizing that having time off is helpful. His numbers should improve with that in mind and an offseason of watching his allstar, almost league leading in batting, silver slugging roommate relax with all his hardware.
And Chipper, I hope he does figure out the routine that keeps him healthy and happy a whole season. I’d love to see that guy produce on this level for a whole season. He’s amazing when he’s out there. Too bad about the bum toes. If he does go down again next year and it looks like it could be a long one, maybe he ought to see about having those things fixed.
At any rate, 6 games left. Let’s go out on a 6 game winning streak. GO BRAVES
By hk
September 25, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this
… here’s the hitter’s ‘MVP’ through yesterday’s game … Andruw up 18 this week, McCann up 13, Frenchy down 4 …
As Tennessee Paul pointed out last night,
Betimet-Braves/La - .281/.237 avg, .344/.297 obp, .842/.732 ops …
Aybar—-Braves/La - .285/.250 avg, .351/.356 obp, .694/.770 ops …
Year End..Runs..Homers..RBI’s..MVP..Last
Andruw….106…..41…..129…275…257
LaRoche….90…..32……92…215…220
Frenchy….82…..27…..104…212…216
Chipper….86…..25……83…194…197
Renteria..100…..14……68…181…179
McCann…..60…..24……91…176…163
Giles……86…..11……60…158…163
Betemit….48…..18……51…116…119
Langy……46……7……28….81….83
Team Average……………….174…172
click here for chart
By Kentavo
September 25, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this
Francouer is just a carbon copy of his mate in the outfield, Andruw Jones. Both stubborn as the day is long. Both as talented as the day is long. One’s almost 30 and still hasn’t totally harnessed his talent. Will the other one? Not if the coaches and manager don’t do some real coaching and managing.
By Ed
September 25, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this
This is Francoeur’s first full season as a major league ball blayer. What have we learned. He needs to sit every once in a while just like anybody else. He also needs to become a “coachable” player and be willing to channge his hitting philosophy. Hanging around Andruw and watching him try to pull everything is not helping. He needs to know that this is a business and should not get a free pass based on where he went to high school. Ticket sales will not go on forever. Sooner or later he will wear out his welcome. In fact he may be good trade bait if you put him and a minor league player together for a promising young pitcher. I would demand that he plays winter ball to improve his game.
By The Grinch
September 25, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this
Is it just me, or does Francouer look a whole lot like Adam Sandler, especially with his hat off (they’ve even got the same haircut)? No reflection on his playing, of course. Off to the gym; it’s WAY to nice a day to be typing! Later, all.
By 3trees
September 25, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this
Well, abiding time in nigh. There’ll be plenty of time to hash all this out over the coming months. How will Hampton be, will Boyer be ready come spring (really liked his temperment on the mound), how to strengthen the Pen, will Chipper be healthy, will Francouer learn, who’ll get traded, for what, AJ, et. al.. Thanks for a terrific run guys (all of ‘em).
Since Braves fans, and this blog, haven’t been in this situation in a while, will we have to comment on the playoffs or can we ratchet up the music talk?
BTW - ncscoots, I think you nice mention of Nina Simone the other day (week)? Just listened to “Pirate Jenny” and her version of “I Put a Spell On You”. Amazing stuff! And in the stupid trivia area: Septemeber 23rd Birthdays: John Coltrane (also from NC), Ray Charles, Roy Buchannan and Bruce Springsteen (all personal favs).
Go Braves - Let’s see some kids play!
By Dave knockahomer
September 25, 2006 12:35 PM | Link to this
Good column, DOB! And if someone does sit ole Jeff down and have a heart-to-heart, let us hope he listens. But if would be better if Cox, next year, just sat him down some. Shall be interesting but am sure hoping Chipper is healthy ALL next year! We could get that 15th division, even if not in a row. What would be so good,would be another World Series ring to add to the one we have. BUT we gotta have better starting rotations AND a manager who knows how to manage in the post season. Cox is great regular season manager, but he seems to go brain dead in the post season. But we continue to hope!
By Tony Almeida
September 25, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this
If the Braves win the rest of their games and all the teams in front of them for the wild card are disqualified for massive steroid use, then we’re IN!! KEEP THE FAITH!! We’re not out of it yet!!
By journalist jimmy smith
September 25, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this
He doesn’t have the egg shaped head that Sandler has, that would be the only difference - Oh the Humanity!
By gotigers72
September 25, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
He HAS looked tired lately, bat seems slow. I agree that Bobby needs to rest him occasionally even though he’s only 22. I also agree that he is a future star. I believe as he matures he’ll be more selective at the plate, draw more walks, strike out less. He still has a lot to learn. I compare him to a young Dale Murphy. Murph was the same way when he first came up. Then Joe Torre got into his head and he realized his potential as a hitter. The main thing Torre did was convince Murph to go the other way with pitches that were on the outside half. Frenchy is still pull happy. If he could learn to go the other way, his average would go up and he would strike out less.
To chqange the subject from Frenchy, I can’t believe how pitiful this bullpen continues to be. I saw somewhere that Tyler Yates would be a good setup man. I don’t know who thinks that, but they must not have been watching the Braves this year. He, and others on the staff [Hudson, Davies especially, etc.], continue to pitch up in the zone too much. Yates also walks too many, pitches behind too much. He has an ERA over 4 for God’s sake. Is that a number a setup man should have? I think not. JS needs to do some serious work on the pen for next year. He’s off to a good start by signing Wickman. I think the pathetic work of the bullpen early in the year effected the moral of the whole team. Those blown saves are devastating to team morale, and the Braves lead the world in blown saves. After Wickman, I believe the Braves need to look at each reliever individually and decide who to keep. Yates ain’t a keeper IMO. Neither are most of the members of the current bullpen. I would keep McBride and Paronto, maybe Devine, and then start all over.
By Tony
September 25, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this
Whoever…
I couldn’t have said it better myself. It’s sad but true. Unfortunately, he is really given Ga a bad name. Anyone who swings at anything and your name is not Vladimir Guerrero…then I hate to say it, but you are dumb.
So Francouer will drive in 100 runs, well he has 629 at bats to do so. If you want to compare Francouer with a contemporary…let’s see Ryan Zimmerman 101 RBIs, .284 batting avg, 589 at bats and only 22 y/o…same age as Francouer…how about that.
And Bobby what’s wrong with resting your players every now and then…Damn
By ncscoots
September 25, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this
I’m pretty sure Chipper has an offseason training regimen (besides hunting and Twinkies, I mean), though at 34 it might need to be tweaked some to provide more flexibility to go with the musculature. As far as his bunions go, I don’t think he can have those fixed and still be able to play baseball (I can’t source that, but believe I read it somewhere on good authority).
By Tony Almeida
September 25, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this
Bobby only rests guys who have a chance at the batting title, but not enough at bats.
By 22oz
September 25, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this
Whats even worse is that before, he couldn’t hit those pitches down and away, now he’s missing them down the middle. Sit him down, golden child or not, he’s not above management.
By rammerjammer
September 25, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this
What about Renteria’s numbers? August batting average, .237, OBP, .290. September, BA, .235, OBP, .293. Hope this isn’t a preview of next season.
By NLCHAMPS
September 25, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this
All your IF’S and MAYBE’S couldn’t help you. Face it, .500 isn’t happening either. it’s back to pre 1991 for you.
By rammerjammer
September 25, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this
What about Renteria’s numbers? August batting average, .237, OBP, .290. September, BA, .235, OBP, .293. Hope this isn’t a preview of next season.
By 22oz
September 25, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this
I hope Brayan Pena makes the team next year, he looks like a solid backup, and i believe two very good years at AAA should get him a opportunity.
By rammerjammer
September 25, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this
What about Renteria’s numbers? August batting average, .237, OBP, .290. September, BA, .235, OBP, .293. Hope this isn’t a preview of next season.
By Shaun
September 25, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this
Francouer is just a carbon copy of his mate in the outfield, Andruw Jones. Both stubborn as the day is long. Both as talented as the day is long. One’s almost 30 and still hasn’t totally harnessed his talent. Will the other one? Not if the coaches and manager don’t do some real coaching and managing.
As undisciplined as Andruw Jones has been at some points, he was never as undisciplined as Francouer. Jones, although he has always struck out a lot, has always drawn a decent amount of walks.
For so many years Jones was underrated because he struck out so much and sometimes gave the impression he wasn’t trying. But people overlooked his power and his ability to take a walk.
A more accurate comparison I think is Dale Murphy. We’ll see what happens. Murph posted a .284 OBP his first full season, then jumped up to .340 his second full season mostly because his batting average jumped from .226 to .276; his walk total was higher in his first season.
Francouer is never going to walk 80-100 times a year. He’s going to have to hit .280 with power and around 40-50 walks to be productive.
By Robert
September 25, 2006 01:12 PM | Link to this
“But I think they might as well let Francoeur finish the remaining 6 games”
Tennessee Paul - Why? The games mean nothing to the Braves, and almost certainly nothing to the race - the Mets have clinched the best record in the league, and the chances are slim that Houston will still be mathematically alive come the weekend.
Why risk injury to the kid at this point?
The outfield this last weak should be Jordan Langerhans Thorman
By Shaun
September 25, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this
Tony,
Good point. Zimmerman also didn’t have Chipper, Andruw, McCann hitting in front of him. All three are on base pretty often.
By tyyosh
September 25, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this
Wow, so much criticism. He was in AA last year. He is 22 and already is a great defensive outfielder who is going to drive in 100 runs from the #6 spot in his first full year. Prediction: He is going to develop right field power (Murphy II), shorten his swing a little, and learn to be more selective while staying aggressive. With some people, what you see is all you will ever get. Not with Francouer. There will be better and better years ahead. By age 25 he and McCann will be the new core of leaders around whom the Braves will build the future.
By Robert
September 25, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this
Dale Murphy - 1977-81 180 walks and 417 K’s in 1853 at bats
Dale Murphy - 1982-85 352 walks and 488 K’s in 2410 at bats
I think the comparison is of Francoeur to Murph is interesting, but I think the figures above clearly show that Murphy learned some selectivity
This season, Francoeur only took a walk like once every 30 plate appearances. In 2005, the league had 15207 walks and 166335 at bats - so around one every 12 plate appearances.
Major league pitchers are just too good - you cant not take advantage of the free passes they’ll give you and give them that many more chances to get you out
The kid needs to learn to take a walk.
He needs a manager who doesnt drool on himself and have a hoof shoved into his frontal sinuses to help him learn how to improve as a hitter
By journalist jimmy smith
September 25, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
the impostor has posted several times today using the journalist jimmy smith name. through use of sophisticated electronic gadetry the real journalist jimmy smith and accomplices have now identified the true offender (may be a surprise to some - not to jimmy smith). journalist will again withdraw journalist jimmy smith posts until such time as journalist is able to confront and persuade the offender to blog using one of his own identities. persuasion comes in a tight package. pull the string to release the contents.
now, scoots … pointed shoes (cowboy boots) are often the cause of bunion distress. unless chipper grew up wearing cowboy boots … not likely in coastal florida … we must wonder if he was wearing little pointed shoes to school. furthermore, bunion surgery is not to be trifled with - a toe must be broken to accomplish what must be accomplished. in chipper’s case it my be something bigger than a big toe (not certain, just rumors). surgery is not the answer here.
and what of the campaign to turn dob into a columnist? is there no popular support for this endeavor?
By journalist jimmy smith
September 25, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this
the impostor has posted several times today using the journalist jimmy smith name. through use of sophisticated electronic gadetry the real journalist jimmy smith and accomplices have now identified the true offender (may be a surprise to some - not to jimmy smith). journalist will again withdraw journalist jimmy smith posts until such time as journalist is able to confront and persuade the offender to blog using one of his own identities. persuasion comes in a tight package. pull the string to release the contents.
now, scoots … pointed shoes (cowboy boots) are often the cause of bunion distress. unless chipper grew up wearing cowboy boots … not likely in coastal florida … we must wonder if he was wearing little pointed shoes to school. furthermore, bunion surgery is not to be trifled with - a toe must be broken to accomplish what must be accomplished. in chipper’s case it my be something bigger than a big toe (not certain, just rumors). surgery is not the answer here.
and what of the campaign to turn dob into a columnist? is there no popular support for this endeavor?
By Shaun
September 25, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this
tyyosh,
Actually players generally peak in their late 20’s, so it’s not unusual for a young player to struggle. In fact, it’s pretty common. I have no idea if he’ll become another Murphy, but I would guess he’ll be a “star” at his peak.
By journalist jimmy smith
September 25, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! a double post and journalist was being so careful not to let it happen! real journalist this time - but checking out now until able to complete secret operation. any other jimmy smith posts today will be from impostor. g’day.
By paluka
September 25, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this
DOB: What do you think the plan for Thorman is? Will he get a shot at being next years left fielder or will he be used as trade bait?
By geauxbraves2000
September 25, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this
With a little more plate discipline, I too think Francoeur could be dominate at the plate, but he needs to learn to listen to the advice of others at times. When you do things your way and they constantly don’t work, don’t you think you’d at least listen to what others may say?
I’m a big TP fan, but this overagreessiveness at the plate is ridiculous. This team could score 10 runs a game if they made the opposing pitcher work. Too many times the Braves have let no-name pitchers dominate them. Too many times have 5-12 8.75 era pitchers dominate them.
It was not the best year for Braves fans, of course, but I’m still proud of this team. Here’s to another streak beginning in ‘07.
Geaux Braves!!
By Georgetown Kid
September 25, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this
I hope that TennesseePaul is correct in his assessment that the Braves will have enough money to sign a quality free-agent this offseason, without dumping Giles or Andruw.
If that is indeed correct, I hope the Braves muster all of their pennies to sign the best starting pitcher they can get. I certainly hope they do not do what the Cubs did last offseason, in which they spend many millions on over-priced middle relievers.
For I believe that the Braves bullpen will be strong next year, as it is currently constructed. For I do agree with those who state that Yates could be a good set-up man.
The kid is still recovering from elbow surgery, and it is well accepted that a pitcher’s power returns quicker than his control. Well, Yates’ power has obviously returned (I have seen him hit 98mph).
If he can improve his command over the offseason, and there is good reason to believe he will, I think he will be much improved next year over this year.
There is also good reason to believe that McBride will improve this offseason, as will Devine (they are both so young).
With an improved Yates, McBride, and Devine, along with Paronto who is solid but not great (plus Boyer, Foster and Villareal), the Braves’ middle-relief will be well above average, and might actually be quite good.
Both Yates and Devine have the ability to dominate major league hitters. With improved command and pitch selection, both could be very good 8th inning options, and both could be effective closers later in their careers.
By Calipso
September 25, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this
Yes, by all means give DOB a column.
It is so refreshing to read a “tell it like it is” article about the Braves, instead of the spruced-up, whitewashed cheerleading most of the media dishes out.
Yesterday, after the 9-8 debacle that eliminated the Braves from the play-off race, the Braves post-game show devoted their time to “celebrating the run.” I think in most cities, the discussion would have centered on what went wrong this year.
Mark Lemke and that other rah-rah guy had to be wearing cheerleader’s skirts during the show.
The Braves announcers have been just as bad this season. Chip Caray was insisting the team was still in the race right up until yesterday. He might still be in denial today.
Joe Simpson commented that the team needed to go 6-1 to finish over 500. The real numbers were 7-0.
Here’s an idea Joe: Pick up a newspaper Do a little research before the game. It’s only your job.
As for the AJC columnists, they are a little more objective. But I’d still like to see DOB get a column and give us the real scoop every day.
By Georgetown Kid
September 25, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this
paluka,
I have been wondering the same thing about Thorman.
He seems like an intriguing prospect, and I think he will become a comparable player to Ryan Kesko.
But with Diaz, Langerhans, Kelly Johnson, and with the possible addition of Gregor Blanco, the Braves have a real backlog of players at LF.
And there doesn’t seem to be much of a future at 1B for Thorman either.
The Braves will have to move/cut someone at LF. And Thorman would seem to have higher trade-value than the rest.
By TennesseePaul
September 25, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
Robert: I’ll agree Francoeur needs more discipline at the plate, but his year end figures are looking slightly better, in that regard, to his year begin figures. I don’t think he is tearing it up at the plate by any means.
First walk was at 138 Plate Apperances. It came in the second month.
Month 1— BB/K: 0/19 BB/PA: 0/100
Month 2— BB/K: 3/23 BB/PA 3/129
Month 3— BB/K: 4/25 BB/PA: 4/115
Month 4— BB/K: 2/19 BB/PA: 2/106
Month 5— BB/K: 6/20 BB/PA: 6/118
Month 6— BB/K: 6/29 BB/PA: 6/94
It’s some improvement. Not much. But it is promissing to see the guy draw a walk after digging an 0-2 hole. He’s done that several times lately. The off season should help. Everyone on that team in the ATL area should spend time with Mr. McCann in his hitting school. It worked for Brian.
The other thing I’ve noticed… Strike Outs go up for players under Terry Pendelton and they go down when players are away from Terry. Aybar and Betemit are good examples. Aybar isn’t the power guy that Betemit is, but Aybar is starting to K like a power guy without the power.
By geauxbraves2000
September 25, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
Come on y’all, it ain’t over, I agree with Tony, If the Braves win the rest of their games and all the teams in front of them for the wild card are disqualified for massive steroid use, then we’re IN!! KEEP THE FAITH!! We’re not out of it yet!! I’m not giving up hope!
Thanks Tony, that was very amusing :)
Geaux Braves!!
By Bravo Nam
September 25, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this
Some random thoughts:
I suppose it’s not going to help by reminding both of you putrid little individuals that you were smashed, pummelled to death on the last blog over the Cox issue.
Robert, you call yourself a Braves fan. Frankly man, that is embarrassing. All you seem to be interested in doing is downplaying every achievement of the Braves and bagging coaches, players and the organization for not doing it the Robert/Stinky way. JS and Smoltz are heavyweights in the ego stakes…but you beat both those guys hands down. Oh Robert, you’re so wonderful…you have all the right moves…you understand exactly what needs to be done with the Braves…fire Cox and bring you in! When do you want us to bow before you, Master?
You can lie to us, cheat us…but don’t do it to yourself buddy. You’re not a Braves fan…in fact…you’re not a fan of any team if the truth be known…you’re a fan of one thing only…and that’s yourself buddy.
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I actually have more time (a millisecond more) for Metrosexual Boy than you, little guy. Yes, Metro Boy is totally predictable and consistently sucks like you, but at least he really does root for the Mets. I get sick of him, but at least he’s faithful to his team to the end…you my friend…are a fraud.
3). On to happier, more positive matters. DOB mentioned a new movie with Sean Penn in it. Don’t know it. Hasn’t reached Nam. Can anyone please tell me what it’s called, and for those of you who have seen it, what did you think?
4). Two highly original, controversial, intriguing and slightly off the wall independent movies that I’d recommend: “Edmond” with William Macy and “Sorry, Haters” with Robin Penn-Wright. And if you want something even further left of centre, check out the Mexican movie: “Battle of Heaven”. It’s like no other movie I’ve ever seen. It has the most original pacing of a movie any of you have ever seen. I’m still a little speechless, even now.
5). Rammerjammer Renteria’s numbers are a little weird coz actually historically he’s a slow starter and heats up as the season wears on. This year, he’s done the opposite. Nevertheless, for a number of months he was our most consistent player, and for his price, he’s a steal.
6). I noticed a little while back a blogger said we should trade Francoeur. Irrespective of what any of us think on this subject, it’s not going to happen- and the reasons relate just as much to other factors as his baseball performance. The Braves dig local guys…have for a long time…he doesn’t yet have the talent of Dale Murphy, but he has those other qualities you can attribute to Murphy that fans and Braves management love- clean cut, boy next door image, handsome, polite and well-spoken, straightforward and honest, hard-working, humble, wears the Braves on his sleeve. The other important factor is Brian McCann. These two are tight. If the Braves were to trade Francoueur, they’d greatly upset not only the city, but McCann. And as an integral piece in our future, management are not likely to actively ruffle McCann’s feathers. Whether we like it or not, baseball and the decisions made is much more than just ability.
By the way, I applaud the Braves, who unlike most other teams, are prepared to invest a great deal of time and energy in unearthing and developing local talent. They also take a lot more risks come draft time in doing this…it feels really good to be a Braves fan and know that a large proportion of the team are local lads…I appreciate this and I’m not even a Georgian, so how much more so for those born and bred in the state?
By Phat Bat Boy
September 25, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this
OVER RATED (clap, clap, clap, clap, clap) OVER RATED (clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)
This year and likely for the next 10 years, the star player from last season’s baby Braves is Brian McCann. He doesn’t have his own sports section, like Frenchy. Nor does he get to do commercials for a bankrupt airline. His Q score may not be up to par with his roommate, but if they were on different teams, I wouldn’t trade McCann for 2 Francouers. And the notion that a 22 year-old needs to stop putting his name on the starting line-up list is hilarious. Dude is like a 4 year-old who doesn’t want to go to sleep for fear he might miss something. That’s why most teams have their manager complete the line-up card and not a 22 year-old acting like a toddler.
OVER RATED (clap, clap, clap, clap, clap).
And let’s hope that Bobby gives McCann some extended rest, before his ankle dislodges from his leg.
By Bravo Nam
September 25, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this
The Braves are done and it’s bloody depressing…but it’d put a smile back on my face if we could sweep the Mutts!
By geauxbraves2000
September 25, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this
Nam: Sean Penn in “All The King’s Men”: An idealistic southern politician, “Boss” Willie Stark, who appeals to the common man whilst effectively playing dirty politics, slowly becomes corrupted by the system.
Nice post BTW
Geaux Braves!!
By Bravo Nam
September 25, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this
Thanks geauxbraves2000. I’ll keep a look out for the movie.
Catch up with you all later- hitting the sack- almost 2.00am here.
By Robert
September 25, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
Bravo Nam - I dont have all the answers. Never claimed to either. But I DO know that when it comes to managing a baseball team, Bobby Cox is NOT the answer
I think that honest criticism is part of being a fan.
I think the Braves accomplished a lot the past 15 seasons. I also think they let a lot of golden opportunities go by the wayside - wasted
In 1909 the Detroit Tigers lost their third consecutive World Series. Ya think a 22 year old kid named Cobb had the same “Oh well, we’re entitled by birthright to be back next year” attitude that Bobby seems to condone?
How many big leaguers out there would give their throwing arm or their batting eye to have ONE chance at what the Braves so nonchalantly expected and wasted so many times the past 15 years?
I want to see a team that treats their next playoff appearance like it will be their ONLY chance -
The 91 and 92 Braves actually played that way. Save Smoltz, the last vestiges of that disappeared when the club decided David Justice wasnt worth keeping
The folks on the bandwagon make a big deal of 14 straight Little League Division titles - (because they dont have the World Series titles to make a big deal about)
Pardon me if I dont jump onto that bandwagon.
But I am still a fan of the team
By Robert
September 25, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
Brian McCann is a great young hitter. That combination of power, average, and batting eye - in a 22 year old - is truly exciting
The team does need to rest him some, and I’d think they should get him out from behind the plate
As far as McCann and Cox, it should be punishable by 20 years in the penitentiary for Cox to have any kind of contact with McCann - McCann shouldnt know who the man is
By ncscoots
September 25, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this
Well, if the Braves do indeed have a backlog of players at LF, and don’t do the oft-muttered trade for a LF leadoff hitter, Thorman is the LAST guy I’d like to see go. He hit for average and power in the minors, and given enough big league AB, I think he can do the same there. IMO, he’s got “horse” written all over him (no intentional ref to Robert, of course) if given the chance to get some experience. He was a first-round pick, wasn’t he?
By 1 for 14
September 25, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this
If sweeping the Mets would put a smile on your face. Let me tell you Mr aussie living in Vietnam. I feel happy all over evertime I look at the standings and see the braves just a few games from last place and several games under .500…..I just giggle with delight!!!
By MGL
September 25, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this
ncscoots - I have to agree with you on Thorman, I’d like to see him have at least another season to see what he can do. As well as being a horse, he really hustles, almost beat out an infield hit yesterday.
Robert - I’ll register my vote with those tired of your incessant anti Cox babble. I wish you would take your stupid “donkey” crap and peddle it somewhere else. You may think that 14 Division Titles is Little League, but I and a lot of others don’t agree with you.
By journalist jimmy smith
September 25, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this
journalist believes we need to fire TP and Roger McD. coaches with no talent are not to be trifled with. journalist jimmy out - Oh the Humanity!
By Head Coach
September 25, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
Francoeur is just one of the many symptoms of what has gone wrong this season. Everybody knows that Cox loves guys who play defense , otherwise Frenchy wouldnt be playing everyday. I agree he is wore out and is ready for the season to end. Bobby will let him finish his ironman marathon which leads to my next gripe. I’m not exactly enamored with the job that Cox has done this season. His stubborn insistence on trotting Reitsma out to close(blow another lead), dragging Remlinger off the scrapheap , keeping Giles in the leadoff hole and staying with Jorge Sosa way to long were just some of the many boneheaded mistakes this season. I’ll give Cox a C- for 2006 and try to forgive and forget this debalicle of a season.
By TennesseePaul
September 25, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
All The King’s Men is a remake of an older film, both are based upon a novel by some guy I don’t remember.
Joe Morgenstern had nothing but bad things to say about this movie. It’s acually comical if you can get it to work. KCRW has his review on line. I’m not sure how on spot Joe is, but the review is worth listening to if you want a good laugh and desire to listen to the use of words rarely heard.
By Squared Away
September 25, 2006 03:15 PM | Link to this
First of all the Braves don’t have a backlog of anything. If anybody needs to rest a bit it’s Andruw. He’s been playing nearly every inning, every game for years.
Hell, Francoeur is 22, former football player. He’s no baby. He worked out with Brian, and some of the younger Braves players at Andruw’s place this winter.
I can’t believe that in this day and age of diet, lifting and private batting cages that a 22yr old is getting people writing that he needs a break.
If he needs a mental break that’s one thing but there are one hell of a lot of people in that age group over in Afghanistan and Iraq who work every damned day. Spare me with Francouer.
Jebus!!
By rammerjammer
September 25, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
Bravo Nam, perhaps Renteria’s numbers are nothing to worry about, although that’s two straight months of a BA and OBP that are 50 points below his career averages.
Still, don’t disagree that he has been a steal. It’s been one of his top offensive years ever. Just think Bobby should give him a breather, too, because he might be wearing down.
By Tomahawkin
September 25, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
D.O.B. Any news on Who’s gonna but the Team in da offseason…?
As 4 Frenchy, I cutting him some slack…Around 27 homeruns and around 103 Rbi’s is steallar for a guy who just played his first full season in the Majors
By Tomahawkin
September 25, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
D.O.B. Any news on Who’s gonna but the Team in da offseason…?
As 4 Frenchy, I cutting him some slack…Around 27 homeruns and around 103 Rbi’s is steallar for a guy who just played his first full season in the Majors
By Tomahawkin
September 25, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
D.O.B. Any news on Who’s gonna but the Team in da offseason…?
As 4 Frenchy, I cutting him some slack…Around 27 homeruns and around 103 Rbi’s is steallar for a guy who just played his first full season in the Majors
By Tomahawkin
September 25, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
Oh yea, Not to mention that The McCann/Pratt Duo behind the plate has produced 27 homeruns and 107 Rbi’s I believe thats probably among tops in the league, I like that Combo 4 next year as well behinf the plate, I Dunno Why everyone gets off at bashing Todd Pratt, He’s probably the best backup we’ve had since Eddie Perez…
By Tomahawkin
September 25, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
Oh yea, Not to mention that The McCann/Pratt Duo behind the plate has produced 27 homeruns and 107 Rbi’s I believe thats probably among tops in the league, I like that Combo 4 next year as well behinf the plate, I Dunno Why everyone gets off at bashing Todd Pratt, He’s probably the best backup we’ve had since Eddie Perez…
By Tomahawkin
September 25, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
Oh yea, Not to mention that The McCann/Pratt Duo behind the plate has produced 27 homeruns and 107 Rbi’s I believe thats probably among tops in the league, I like that Combo 4 next year as well behinf the plate, I Dunno Why everyone gets off at bashing Todd Pratt, He’s probably the best backup we’ve had since Eddie Perez…
By Tomahawkin
September 25, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
Oh yea, Not to mention that The McCann/Pratt Duo behind the plate has produced 27 homeruns and 107 Rbi’s I believe thats probably among tops in the league, I like that Combo 4 next year as well behinf the plate, I Dunno Why everyone gets off at bashing Todd Pratt, He’s probably the best backup we’ve had since Eddie Perez…
By Tomahawkin
September 25, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
Oh yea, Not to mention that The McCann/Pratt Duo behind the plate has produced 27 homeruns and 107 Rbi’s I believe thats probably among tops in the league, I like that Combo 4 next year as well behinf the plate, I Dunno Why everyone gets off at bashing Todd Pratt, He’s probably the best backup we’ve had since Eddie Perez…
By Tomahawkin
September 25, 2006 03:38 PM | Link to this
Oh yea, Not to mention that The McCann/Pratt Duo behind the plate has produced 27 homeruns and 107 Rbi’s I believe thats probably among tops in the league, I like that Combo 4 next year as well behinf the plate, I Dunno Why everyone gets off at bashing Todd Pratt, He’s probably the best backup we’ve had since Eddie Perez…
By Tomahawkin
September 25, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
Oh yea, Not to mention that The McCann/Pratt Duo behind the plate has produced 27 homeruns and 107 Rbi’s I believe thats probably among tops in the league, I like that Combo 4 next year as well behinf the plate, I Dunno Why everyone gets off at bashing Todd Pratt, He’s probably the best backup we’ve had since Eddie Perez…
By Tomahawkin
September 25, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
Oppps…My Damn Computer keeps f—-cki—ng up…
By Tomahawkin
September 25, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
Oppps…My Damn Computer keeps f—-cki—ng up…
By geauxbraves2000
September 25, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
Man, I got a hangnail. If I had a better boss (manager) maybe that woulndn’t have happened.
Aw man, I just stubbed my toe. I sure am glad BC is not my boss, then I may have stubbed my other toe also.
Aw man, my eyes are blinking out of sequence. Must be BC’s fault. Man, he sucks.
The time clock is 5 minutes fast. Come on Bobby, what are you doing to me?
Did I sanitize after I sneezed. Man, if BC weren’t around maybe I would remember.
My newphews Babe Ruth team lost in the playoffs. I blame in Bobby Cox.
Man, my teeth are stained……
Geaux Braves!!
By Tomahawkin
September 25, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
Im bout to roll out…my computer keeps Phyucking up…
Catch U guys later after Monday Nite Football…
By Tomahawkin
September 25, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
Im bout to roll out…my computer keeps Phyucking up…
Catch U guys later after Monday Nite Football…
By TheSouthernDumbAsz
September 25, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
I ate 12 Krystals once.
By Head Coach
September 25, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this
I’ll agree with DOB. The Braves need more pitching. The problem is they really dont have the money to spend on a leadoff hitter and another veteran pitcher via free agency. Here is what this crazy old Coach would do. I would make Dave Roberts my only free agent acquisition. He plugs into left field and leads off. I would approach the Pirates with a three or four player trade proposal for left hander Zach Duke and I would make Saltalamacchia the centerpiece of the trade. Its crazy and too many players , I know. But thats the risk that must be taken if the Braves want to be a contender next season. I would offer Thomson an incentive based contract and that would give Atlanta a total of eight pitchers (four right handers and four lefthanders) in Smoltz , Hudson , Davies , Thomson , Hampton , James , Ramirez and Duke vying for five spots in the rotation. That gives plenty of depth to the rotation , fleshes out the bullpen and adds to the offense and defense. not to mention the real potential of three lefthanders in the rotation. Its crazy and brilliant , I’ll take a bow and get ready to duck the tomatoes coming my way , lol.
By 0 for 19 (soon to be 20)
September 25, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
Mets finally show up. Congrats. But as I’ve heard from the Met Nation (population 1 maybe 2 on this blog) nothing matters but that WS ring. Giggle away. Padres will wipe the floor with you guys. Possible the Cards will too. And the Phillies sure are on a roll. After a decade and a half of besting the Mets, it was learned that coasting into postseasons is not a wise thing to do. Leave to those hapless Mets to witness it, rag on it, and then immediately do the same exact thing. Fools. Every last one of them.
By Calvin
September 25, 2006 03:58 PM | Link to this
I wonder if Frenchy finally gets that last RBI to make a 100, will Bobby finally take him out of the lineup? There is not much to play for. The team can’t finish over .500. No playoff birth. No division title. Other than trying to finish in third place, there is nothing really to play for other than pride. Sit Francoeur down for a couple of games when and if he gets that final RBI.
By Robert
September 25, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
Y’all say I dont have anything good to say, that I dont appreciate the streak and so on
Well, folks, to my way of thinking, it is an insult to guys like Maddux, and Glavine, and Smoltz, and Chipper, and McGriff, and Galarraga, and Grissom, and Millwood, and Andu, and so on and so forth to say that they needed a j^&a&s like Cox to get them to the playoffs - one time, six times, fourteen times, or two thousand eight hundre and twelve times, in a row
I say this about the Braves and how good they were all these years.
They were good enough to come pretty close to winning it all despite having an idiot calling the shots on the field
If Torre or Herzog manages this team, Maddux and Glavine might have more rings than fingers
By Robert
September 25, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
Head Coach - explain to me why in the world the Pirates would trade Duke? He has less than 2 years of ML service time and makes under 500K a year
The Pirates arent in business to solve the Braves’ problems
Hey, why dont we trade Mike Hampton for Lastings Milledge while we’re at it
By Bob, journalist
September 25, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this
Scoots, you’re correct, as per usual … section 63912 of the Commissioners Code states that no player shall be allowed to play following the removal of bunions. Bunion removal is considered to be a performance enhancing procedure and the eligibility of any player violating this rule will permanently revoked.
Most know that I want nothing but the best for the Delta Poster Boy … and, quite seriously, we don’t want to risk breaking the his spirit, especially at the end of a disappointing season … but having Jeff sit a game or two might work wonders … it just be the 4x6 that sends a couple of messages and allows someone to put things into perspective for him. It’s one thing to want to play … it’s another to want to be able to say you played every day … and that’s also quite different from rightfully taking great pride in having so done.
Sinatra’s “My Way” is one of my favorites but it sometimes seems that Jeff takes “I Gotta Be Me” to a new level … it ain’t the Army but it is a team sport … it would be wonderful if he were to change his tune to “be all you can be”! Unlikely to happen, but a sight to behold if it were!
That said … a bunch of folks tried helping Jeff when he was struggling early in the year … it appeared that they totally confused him, only making things worse. After that experience, it may take more than a 2x4 or 4x6 to get Jeff to chance listening to anyone. Here’s hoping that whatever it takes gets done.
Tell the Esteemed Journalist from Cordele that Black Jack has just arrived, all the way from the Home of the Witches … Salem, MA.
Two problems … (1)it ain’t that for which I’ve long been looking and (2) it’s good enough to make me wish I had ordered more. Thanks for the tip!
Most of us had mixed emotions when Wilson was traded … I wonder how it was really received by his teammates … there were times when this team showed signs of being the best, but there were also times when they showed some signs of unrest.
By Rodger
September 25, 2006 04:08 PM | Link to this
I don’t know which side of the fence to land on. Although Robert does tend to wear out the “Bobby S&X” line, I have to agree with a lot of what he says about him. I know you can’t win in the playoffs if you’re not in them, and Bobby has kept his guys in races over the long season, but…
I’ve seen him lose a LOT of games over the years, with much of the same thinking. He keeps putting ineffective pitchers in the game, and they keep getting shelled. Platooning LaRoche, when we see the improvements he made playing every day (think Klesko). Putting guys in the lineup when they need to rest. Bringing in Leibrandt to face Kirby Pucket. The list goes on and on.
That said, he’s not going anywhere until he’s ready, so lets just drop the subject and get on to something else-
like, who’s going to spend $200 to see the Who?
By MGL
September 25, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
Robert - Why don’t you do some real fact-finding instead of your idiotic personal rants. I suggest that you contact each of the players that you mentioned in the 3:59 post and get their opinions of Cox vs the rings. Then come back and enlighten us!!
By Rodger
September 25, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this
I don’t know which side of the fence to land on. Although Robert does tend to wear out the “Bobby S&X” line, I have to agree with a lot of what he says about him. I know you can’t win in the playoffs if you’re not in them, and Bobby has kept his guys in races over the long season, but…
I’ve seen him lose a LOT of games over the years, with much of the same thinking. He keeps putting ineffective pitchers in the game, and they keep getting shelled. Platooning LaRoche, when we see the improvements he made playing every day (think Klesko). Putting guys in the lineup when they need to rest. Bringing in Leibrandt to face Kirby Pucket. The list goes on and on.
That said, he’s not going anywhere until he’s ready, so lets just drop the subject and get on to something else-
like, who’s going to spend $200 to see the Who?
By beachcomber
September 25, 2006 04:17 PM | Link to this
Been awhile - too busy to blog I guess. Just wanted to say thanks for the run guys. It was great to watch pros like Maddux, Chipper, Javy, Tom and John, Andres during the last 14 years. Not to mention some classic overachievers like Blauser and the Lemmer - guys who were at their best during the big games. Have a feeling I’ll be saying the same thing soon about McCann, Frenchy, Adam, and another bunch of guys who haven’t left A or AA yet. But thanks guys. Would we all have liked another ring or two - heck yes. But just having that chance for 14 consectutive years is more than a fan could wish for.
By David O'Brien
September 25, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
Just got home from airport, and what a pleasure to be back in Atlanta on such a beautiful day.
Wasn’t a bad travel situation, sitting in a two-seat side of the plane with a woman flying home to Sweden….
Anyway, good to see such a great volume of interesting, passionate (in every direction) posts. You 3-4 folks must be working awful hard to come up with so many screen names, right Long Time Observer?
I think it must just perturb some less-interested baseball fans to see so many people exchanging thoughts daily on this blog. That or they don’t like Johnny Cash, in which case their IP addresses should be blocked (if only there was a way to know…hmmm).
Hillbilly, which David Allan Coe CD did you recommend a while back? Finally found a record store (in Denver) that had quite a bit of his stuff, and I got an import CD that’s got a TON of good stuff on it, called David Allan Coe: Unchained/Son of the South. Damn fine record album (actually CD, but just wanted to say record album)….
Oh, and the live CD I’ve been pimping and begging everyone to buy, James McMurtry and the Heartless Bastards’ Live in Aught-Three, came to mind today when I saw in USA Today that McMurtry won album AND song of the year awards at the American Honors and Awards in Nashville this weekend. For his CD “Childish Things” and the song “We Can’t Make it Anymore,” about the working class, veterans and others who are struggling so much in recent years to make do.
I’m telling you, any of you into great singer-songwriters of the Steve Earle/Lucinda Williams/Townes Van Zandt school, you’ve GOT to get some McMurtry. Start with those two CDs just mentioned, the live one and Childish Things. Awesome stuff.
OK, gotta crank out an off-day story real quick. I’ll check here later.
By Robert
September 25, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
“Robert - Why don’t you do some real fact-finding instead of your idiotic personal rants. I suggest that you contact each of the players that you mentioned in the 3:59 post and get their opinions of Cox vs the rings. Then come back and enlighten us!!”
Dude, have you seen a situation where highly trained, well educated people, perfectly sane and adept in their field, will make decisions and judgements that in reality are to their detriment?
I KNOW that his players love Cox. Heck, of course they do. I dont think Maddux, Glavine, and company ever missed a tee time in all the years they played for Bobby, and a player has to not only step on his wee wee but pretty much stick it up his own behind before Cox will call him to the carpet for it
Sure they love him. I bet Reitsma loves him most of all, hell he owes his big league pension to uncle Bobby. But for all those pleasnatries, they missed out on being the best they could be
How many of the Packers do you think loved Lombardi? How many of Parcells’ players love him?
The manager’s job isnt to be the goofy uncle who when he shows up it’s popcorn and late night movies all weekend.
By Head Coach
September 25, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
Robert , your an idiot. but , you already knew that. With or without Duke the Pirates are going to lose. If somebody offered up a deal of three or four for one , thats called a deal you cannot refuse. The Braves give up to much , they get Duke. Braves win in 2007 , end of story.
By Tony Almeida
September 25, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this
Don’t hold out DOB, did you join the mile high club on the way back?
By Robert
September 25, 2006 04:29 PM | Link to this
On the now outdated blog, one of the last posters suggested that Bobby Cox had personally wronged me in the past
True, in a sense
He actually personally wronged every single Braves fan - in 93,94,96(especially),97,98,99(especially), and every year since then
He personally wronged me when he stuck Reitsma in to two consecutive tied playoff games in the late innings, cuz I for one wasnt ready to surrender yet
By ncscoots
September 25, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this
Bob, most ballplayers are hard-headed as a matter of course, else most would not have had the perseverance to endure in the face of astronomical odds against making the bigs in the first place. However, most of them HAVE had to make adjustments at some point in their minor league careers (no drafted player moves up in the minors without making improvement), so the concept isn’t totally foreign to them. I doubt it is to Frenchy, either. Unless the guy is absolutely clueless, and I don’t think he is, he knows that a .290 OBP is more than brutal and has to improve. He knows that he has to find that line between being selective and being passive. How he approaches the offseason, and what he shows this coming spring, should tell us quite a lot about the young man. Will he get it, and if he does, will his makeup let him do anything about it?
By ernesto
September 25, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this
My order for next year, hold the Tyler Yates please.
By Robert
September 25, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
“If somebody offered up a deal of three or four for one , thats called a deal you cannot refuse.”
Well, since what’s good for the goose is good for the gander, that means that the Braves would trade say Francoeur for 3 or 4 unproven suspects - and that you’d think that was a great trade
Go make that offer you proposed to the Pirates - they are one of the worst teams in terms of such decision making and they’d laugh you out od dodge
By Head Coach
September 25, 2006 04:39 PM | Link to this
Robert , you are hereby annointed head of the idiocracy. The blog is all yours , knock yourself out.
By Rodger
September 25, 2006 04:45 PM | Link to this
I agree Yates is a setup man-set the ball on the tee, let them hit!
Problem is, sometimes he doesn’t set the tee on the plate.
By ncscoots
September 25, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this
DOB, please! A female Swedish travelmate? Sh-weet! Who says six months of travel doesn’t have its upside?
By Stinky
September 25, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
Bravo Nam, Thank you for not posting one of those lame azz gaee love songs to Dob. I know you have the same taste in Men as DOB, but try to be ambiguos if you can, if not outright flamming. (Incidentally, your post from 6:XX was well written, but based on a false premise. You don’t have the benefit of sitting at Duke’s Diner and being schooled by some Wise Braves’Fan Elders, so I’ll cut you some slack.)
Jimmy, there is no crying in blogging. Stop trolling for sympathy. I liked your Manilow post.
Robert, I have nothing negative to say about you. Keep on Keeping on.
Head Coach, I agree with so much of what you have said. I remember you predicting the Braves were through at the end of May. Cut Robert some slack.
By Carolina Gent
September 25, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, glad you made it back from Denver! As someone who was dragged to that Sean Penn movie over the weekend, my advice to anyone thinking of going is—- don’t waste your time. It’s really pretty boring.
Now to the Braves. I’m a little bit relieved now that the postseason is “officially” over for us. An admitted pessimist, I did get tired of the announcers playing the party line that “all the team has to do is win 50 of their last 48 games” in order to win the wild card.” I realize that they have to say something in order to keep the casual fan interest, though. Overall, I still like the Skip-Pete, Joe-Don-Chip (sounds like a good ole boy) team better than “Boring Bob” Rathbun and “Never stop talking” Torborg.
A week or so ago, I proposed the following trade, or something like it, which would help address pitching needs. Andruw to Boston, who really wants him, as part of a three-way deal. Put Giles with him, then have Boston ship Manny Ramirez to the Angels, who’d then send Ervin Santana and Scott Shields our way. An additional thought… some of our best hitting teams came with Don Baylor as hitting coach. Time and again you hear about Andruw, Francoeur or other Braves being too stubborn to listen to TP. Doesn’t that say something? Any thought of bringing Baylor back again?
By journalist jimmy smith
September 25, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this
esteemed journalist jimmy smith is taking heed to stinky’s latest blog. journalist will stop trolling for sympathy. sympathy for journalist jimmy smith should not be trifled with. Oh the humanity!
By MGL
September 25, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
An interesting comment from the Marlins mailbag: “Someone else who could catch the Marlins’ attention in the offseason is Ryan Langerhans of the Braves. The team is aware it will likely have to part with pitching to make any significant deal.”
By MGL
September 25, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this
From the Marlin’s mailbag: “Someone else who could catch the Marlins’ attention in the offseason is Ryan Langerhans of the Braves. The team is aware it will likely have to part with pitching to make any significant deal.”
By Robert
September 25, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this
Head Coach - let’s ask Dave
Dave - do you think the Pirates would have any interest in trading Z Duke - salary 300K and change, ML service time less than 2 seasons - for a fistful of prospects?
Is that the kind of trade any ML team would make?
By Robert
September 25, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this
““all the team has to do is win 50 of their last 48 games””
that’s FUNNY!
The Braves announcer crew is an entertaining bunch. A little overboard on the homey bias, but whose announcers arent?
Whenever I see that panorama of our fearless (cuz he’s clueless) leader, I immediately need an antacid
By Bob, journalist
September 25, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
Scoots, though your argument is the same one that’s in my head, I’m not sure that he’s reached those realizations … I just sense that there may be too much positive reinforcement from his mates and coaches.
But I totally agree with your “How he approaches the offseason, and what he shows this coming spring, should tell us quite a lot about the young man. Will he get it, and if he does, will his makeup let him do anything about it?”!
Jimmy, who is it that trying David O’B into a communist?
By Bob, journalist
September 25, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
My face is red … you said “columnist”, and I just assumed … still, I could claim that much of the time, I can’t see much difference between the two … but, I won’t.
By dadgum
September 25, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this
Never realized Francouer played every game, actually hard to believe in this era. You know all Bobby has to do is tell Francouer to have a seat a few games. He does have that ability, right. To make player decisions that is. Of course if you will allow me to play Bobby Cox here for a minute I will tell you that I would have not let Chipper come back and play nor Smoltz continue to pitch given the serious nature of the injury and Smoltz nearing the wall in a pathetic season to boot. Pathetic for the team not those two certainly.
Many of you are 100% sold on Cox but he has a stubborn way about him that I guess has served him well over the years. Just can’t see the wisdom in playing Chipper regardless of how well he has done since returning the 2nd time from the injury. I have also posted here prior about the stress innings accumulated by Smoltz over the past 14 seasons/post seasons and that resting a tiring arm on a sub .500 team ain’t a bad thing. Forget Francouer I wouldn’t have played Chipper or Smoltz even if they were ready to return. BUt that’s just me. See I was looking at ‘07. Having 15 mil locked up in those two players makes me think that way. Just want to make sure they get to ‘07. Nothing wrong with that is there?
By dadgum
September 25, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this
Let me add I’m not ripping Cox here. Simply talking about resting players for ‘07. A long off season isn’t a bad thing for either Chipper or Smoltz. Their ego wants to play but it is better for both of them if they don’t. That’s all.
While DOB has hinted at an upcoming story on Andruw I think it is safe to assume Andruw wants to stay. He has probably brushed Boras aside a little and told him to stick it. Andruw wants this thing settled in the early off season and can’t blame him.
Never seen anyone here mention Rosanne Cash but I think she is very talented. Seven year ache is still great every time I hear it.
“The older I get the better I used to be.”
By David O'Brien
September 25, 2006 06:39 PM | Link to this
Dadgum, it’s $19 mill for Chipper and Smoltz in 2007, not $15 mill. But I don’t see how playing Chipper is any significant risk for next year. If he tears the muscle or pull it again, he’s got the offseason to heal. The only time he reinjures it is swinging the bat, which he doesn’t have to do all winter or until it heals completely, once the season is over. It doesn’t have to be babied like that.
As for Smoltz, he’s scheduled to pitch Tuesday and Sunday, but said yesterday he won’t risk anything by pitching Sunday if he’s sore or tweaks anything or has any physical concerns at all. So don’t be surprised if he’s scratched.
Then again, if he wins tomorrow, don’t be surprised if Smoltz, being as competitive as he is, wants to go out and get a 16th win and pass Frank Tanana on the strikeout list, if he doesn’t do that tomorrow….
I kid you not on Veronica, the blonde Swede. Very nice, and on her way to Copenhagen, then driving to her home in the southernmost part of Sweden, she said. I almost stayed on the plane….
Carolina Gent, yes, I’ve seen disappointing reviews on the remake of “All The King’s Men.” I think I’ll just read the book and/or rent the original. Can’t believe Penn would be involved in such a poorly reviewed film, at this stage of his career. Right now he’s directing a movie of the book I just finished, “Into The Wild,” but the guy who wrote “Into Thin Air.” Into the Wild is about the dude who graduated from Emory, from a rich family, donates his post-graduate college fund to charity and drops out of society, doesn’t tell parents or anyone else where he’s going, spends couple of years hitchhiking around the country, ends up starving to death in the wilds of Alaska. Fascinating book, true story….
Ernesto, your “order for next year” made me smile.
By ncscoots
September 25, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
I think, too, that Frenchy has yet to come to grips with a fact of baseball life: sometimes, the pitcher just beats you. Could be that Jeff’s nature makes accepting that difficult. But he has to learn that some strikes are made to be watched, and if you strike out looking at an outside-corner-at-the-knees unhittable strike, it’s no disgrace. He has not yet made the leap of recognizing the difference between hitters’ strikes and pitchers’ strikes, and so misses out on the balls that could come his way while waiting for the former and not swinging at the latter. To me, that is the toughest adjustment to make in hitting at the major league level, and it’s there he will either rise or fall, IMO.
By TennesseePaul
September 25, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this
Dadgum: Interesting outlook and reasoning. Quite frankly I don’t think it’s going to matter. Cox, I believe, should play Francoeur the rest of the season. And I have no issue with letting Chipper and Smoltz finish it out. Let me re-phrase that, Cox should let Francoeur play another week and let Smoltz make his last 1 maybe 2 starts and Chipper get a few at bats in… It’s going to be the longest off season in a while for these guys. Plenty of time for them to heal between October 2nd and April 4th.
By MetsGrl
September 25, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this
So you almost stayed on the plane did you??? Please do tell…
By Robert
September 25, 2006 07:07 PM | Link to this
“Let me add I’m not ripping Cox here. “
Dadgum, you cite three seperate ongoing instances of what could be considered gross player mismanagement - exposing players who would be keys to ‘07 success to needless risk for the rest of this year
You are correct in your assessment. So scream it out and dont hold back
If a football coach made this kind of move, he’d be excoriated, and heaven forbid anything happened to one of those guys, he’d be run out of town (and rightly so)
And then you go out of your way to make sure and say that you arent ripping Cox, like you are apologizing for pointing out that a saint made a mistake
Y’all treat the man like he is holy. It’s frickin ridiculous
Are y’all afraid of some kind of reprisal if you dare point out a Cox mistake?
Frickin Koresh, Rev JimmY Jones and that pseudomormon freak they just nailed in Utah a few weeks back didnt have their people as brainwashed as Cox and company have y’all
By Robert
September 25, 2006 07:18 PM | Link to this
Dadgum isnt the only one either - Several of y’all have said you agree with some of the issues/questions I raise regarding Booby, or they meekly voice some complaints of their own but always careful to end it with a Cox apologist line - so that you dont offend the vehenment crowd whose vociferous attitude is that to even DARE and THINK disgrement with Cox is tantamount to idiocy and sacrilege
Someone starts to protest, they glare at you,they rap your knuckles with the ruler, shout “14 straight you fool” and demand silence
It’s like everyone is afraid to offend the silent moral majority that has decided Cox is a demigod and fears being ridiculed, so after they take time to open their eyes and look around for a minute, they drop their heads back down and moo the Cox praises along with the crowd
DOB said yesterday I was way out on a limb. Well, at least I’, not afraid to declare myself there
By Bobbymahlon
September 25, 2006 07:21 PM | Link to this
Now that the season is over I’m going to ask you one more time DOB what is your evaluation of Saltalamacchia after the horrible season he had in AA ball. I compared him earlier to Andy Marte another number one rated player that turned out to be a flop. About a month or two ago you could see that Franceour was swinging a slow bat and it showed up in a homerun drought. He also looks like he has lost weight something that has not happened to Andruw.
By Don
September 25, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this
I’m late to the party, but I’ll pile on too. Bobby surely doesn’t seem to mind sitting McCann every 5th day for that sorry a#$rs Pratt and he doesn’t seem to play a different left fielder about every day, and he’s even sat Giles more than enough, so what’s he letting a 22-year old rookie make decissions for him for? DOB hit it on the head, the guy is worn out. Maybe Cox sould bench Francouer for the next 5 games and then let him play the finale.
By Robert
September 25, 2006 07:23 PM | Link to this
I’m gone on vacation for a week. (celebrate if you like) Just letting y’all know I”m not gone because the moral majority cowed me into silence
Here’s to next year and here’s hoping that I retyrn in a week to some uplifting headlines
“Cox Retires - Hope Reborn in Atlanta”
By dadgum
September 25, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this
DOB… have you heard any talk about the Richmond Braves leaving Richmond after ‘07. Apparently Charlotte is making some overtures to Atlanta or vice versa. They have plans for a new stadium complex uptown adjacent to Bank Of America Stadium that will be finished sometime around 2009. The Braves would be a perfect fit there and with the shuttling of players back and forth it would make sense.
I can tell you here that the new stadium talk is dead and the mayor is not Braves friendly. The Diamond isn’t even the best ballpark in town. A sad state of affairs. The Mets just pulled their franchise from Norfolk citing travel logistics etc. and were replaced by the Orioles minor league team. Makes more regional sense anyway. Gotta believe the Braves will follow suit soon as contract talks with Richmond have come to a standstill.
By dadgum
September 25, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this
Robert…..Pointing out some issues with Cox is certainly valid but the man has his credentials if not a lot of World Series rings. If every solid authority in baseball backs Cox then it is going to be hard for me to bash him with any credibility. So yeah..I don’t agree with all his decisions and yeah I would be playing it differently of late but rip him for being an overall bad manager not going there. It is not because I am a afraid to do so. I have spoken of Cox more than once here and actually weighed in on what I thought (and still do) of his mismanaged efforts in Washington a month or so ago when we were losing to a sorry team. Won’t rehash that scenario. So call me a homer if you want Robert but the regulars on this blog aren’t afraid to post thoughts that go against the Cox grain if you will. If we were all yes bloggers then it would not be a discussion board. I sound off and if you don’t like it well then you don’t have to. Have a nice vacation dude.
By Bob, journalist
September 25, 2006 07:43 PM | Link to this
Dadgum if Dadgum ain’t right about that!
I’m not going to say what was on my mind when I typed “… who is it that trying David O’B into a communist?” but it wasn’t molassas candy. In truth, I meant to type “… who is it that trying to turn David O’B into a columnist? With whom would he be replaced?”
It’s been a long season … pleasant surprises … so many nice people on one blog, Edgar’s first inning plate appearances, Matt Diaz, Wilson Betemit, Chipper’s midseason resurgence and “extrabase” hit streak, Adam LaRoche’s emergence, Chuck James, Mackay McBride, Ken Ray, Bob Wickman, and The Grinch!
Disappointments … non-productive plate appearances, Hudson, Yates, Langerhans, Chris Reitsma, Jorge Sosa, the swings of Marcus Giles and Andruw Jones, and of course, Robert.
Later …
By Bob, journalist
September 25, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
It isn’t a surprise to learn that Robert doesn’t identify with morality … but it is disappointing to see that he is evidently proud of that fact.
By tyyosh
September 25, 2006 08:14 PM | Link to this
Well, one thing about Robert, he is not afraid to stake out an unpopular position and defend it to the end.
While I greatly appreciate Bobby Cox and the 14 straight titles (which seems to validate his regular season “take the long view, trust people” approach), at times I do wonder if he has a separate “postseason” mode that seems to come out with, say, Joe Torre. (I know as an average fan I cannot see what really goes on behind closed doors). In “postseason” mode maybe he would put the onus on a core set of people and do things like:
Glueing the people who are struggling (unreliable relievers, platoon players who hit .230, etc.) to the bench unless absolutely necessary.
Refusing to use struggling finesse starters (Leibrandt, etc.) as relievers in the late innings of ballgames.
Seizing opportunities to pad big, seemingly safe leads (that were later given up) with some ABC ball (bunts, squeeze plays, etc.)
This is just an average fan’s view from living and dying with every postseason game since 1991. So I do not have any inside access, but on the other hand I have been here for all of it.
By jc
September 25, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
Yeah DOB I’m sure it’s Ernesto’s comment you’re smiling about…
Why is it that Swedish chicks are smokin while Finnish women look like A$$? They’re all Scandinavian…
By jc
September 25, 2006 08:25 PM | Link to this
Yeah DOB I’m sure it’s Ernesto’s comment you’re smiling about…
Why is it that Swedish chicks are smokin while Finnish women look like A$$? They’re all Scandinavian…
By jc
September 25, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this
And I hope I don’t lose all my cred by saying that the Green Day performance at the pregame show was pretty strong till the butcher job of Rising Sun.
By Anne Cox Chumbers
September 25, 2006 09:12 PM | Link to this
There has been some sentiment for making DOB a columnist. However, there has been no outpouring from the bloggers- and if the bloggers aren’t in his corner - well, it ain’t going to happen. Sometimes I blog as Stinky and as half-dozen other names plus jimmy smith. I do this because I can and because I own everything you see and touch at the paper. Sometimes I will eat an entire canned ham, then belch as loud as I can. I do this because I can and you can do nothing about it. Today, I dressed a local Atlanta television weatherman as a Swedish woman just to see if DOB would hit on him. Bingo! DOB has the character of a columnist. Will he get his own column?
By 1 out of 14
September 25, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this
I see there are more predictions from the brave fans about the Mets demise in the playoffs. I wonder if they’re the same fans who said the Mets would not win this season. I’ll be back to tell you that you f#$%^ucked up again when the Mets are in the World Series!!!
By brian
September 25, 2006 09:28 PM | Link to this
Although this season has been a huge disappointment, I think there will be more anticipation of the offseason than ever. What will JS do to rebuild the Braves? I agree with JS that pitching will be key.
To throw in my 2 cents (rip away everybody), signing Wickman was huge. Continued progress with Devine, a healthy Boyer, Will Startup, McBride, Yates, Paronto is a great start to the Bullpen. Picking up Smoltz’s option was not only the right thing to do professionally but also it is the best thing for the team. In my opinion only 3 spots are solidified for next year in the rotation: Smoltz, Hampton (don’t have a choice there) and Chuck James.
I expect to see JS to really shake things up on the roster. Like most people I would love to see the Braves obtain Dontrelle Willis if there is anyway the Marlins take Salty and Davies or a prospect deal. If they cannot sign Andruw long term or decide to make a change, the team that fits the best with the Braves is the Angels- Ervin Santana, Chone Figgins, plus one of their bevy of top prospects. Trade Hudson to Boston for Coco Crisp. I would still love to see the Giles for Adam Wainwright deal. If Willis is unavailable, I would strongly consider Davies and Salty for Carl Crawford if Tampa would be willing to unload him and then keep Hudson.
SP: Smoltz, Willis, Santana, Hampton, and James 1. CF Figgins 2. Edgar 3. Crisp 4. Chipper 5. McCann 6. LaRoche 7. Francoeur 8. Aybar/Prado 9.SP
If Giles is still here than swap him and Crisp with Prado being included in one of the deals.
If no Willis then SP Smoltz, Hampton, Santana, Hudson, James 1.Figgins LF/CF, 2. Edgar , 3.Crawford LF/CF 4.Chipper, 5.McCann, 6. LaRoche, 7.Francoeur, 8. Giles/Prado/Aybar
Rip away and wake me from my dream world
By Rosalynn
September 25, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this
Jimma once slept in the Lincoln Bedroom. I put Jimma in there because he had been lusting after the Swedish Ambassador’s wife. The Ambassador and I were having a conversation and I looked up and Jimma was offering to show Inga how to boil peanuts in the kitchen - and they were walking that way with Jimma leering at her and slobbering something terrible. I quickly recognized what was happening and had the Secret Service wrestle her to the ground. Jimma kept trying to get in the pile and that’s when I lost my tempa and kicked Jimma in the grone. The purpose of this post is to tell all that DOB is not the first to lust after a beautiful Swedish woman. My Jimma did the same thing. Jimma and I were talking about whether DOB should have his own column in the newspaper. Jimma says, no, they already have the old journalist. I say, yes, the old journalist is not looking well. What if the Sporting News comes and hires DOB away from the paper and the next day the old journalist expires? It is better to be safe than to be sorry.
By brian
September 25, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this
Although this season has been a huge disappointment, I think there will be more anticipation of the offseason than ever. What will JS do to rebuild the Braves? I agree with JS that pitching will be key.
To throw in my 2 cents (rip away everybody), signing Wickman was huge. Continued progress with Devine, a healthy Boyer, Will Startup, McBride, Yates, Paronto is a great start to the Bullpen. Picking up Smoltz’s option was not only the right thing to do professionally but also it is the best thing for the team. In my opinion only 3 spots are solidified for next year in the rotation: Smoltz, Hampton (don’t have a choice there) and Chuck James.
I expect to see JS to really shake things up on the roster. Like most people I would love to see the Braves obtain Dontrelle Willis if there is anyway the Marlins take Salty and Davies or a prospect deal. If they cannot sign Andruw long term or decide to make a change, the team that fits the best with the Braves is the Angels- Ervin Santana, Chone Figgins, plus one of their bevy of top prospects. Trade Hudson to Boston for Coco Crisp. I would still love to see the Giles for Adam Wainwright deal. If Willis is unavailable, I would strongly consider Davies and Salty for Carl Crawford if Tampa would be willing to unload him and then keep Hudson.
SP: Smoltz, Willis, Santana, Hampton, and James 1. CF Figgins 2. Edgar 3. Crisp 4. Chipper 5. McCann 6. LaRoche 7. Francoeur 8. Aybar/Prado 9.SP
If Giles is still here than swap him and Crisp with Prado being included in one of the deals.
If no Willis then SP Smoltz, Hampton, Santana, Hudson, James 1.Figgins LF/CF, 2. Edgar , 3.Crawford LF/CF 4.Chipper, 5.McCann, 6. LaRoche, 7.Francoeur, 8. Giles/Prado/Aybar
Rip away and wake me from my dream world
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
September 25, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
Great post, DOB. You are absolutely right.
This is another one of those decisions that spur on people like Robert. Anyway, this can lie squarely at the feet of Bobby Cox. I read that ridiculous comment he made when asked why Francoeur plays every single day. He said because he wants to. So, what if he wants to. Who’s run the team there, chief? Bobby, aren’t you the manager. If you tell the kid he has to sit a game every now and then then that is what he is going to do.
Bobby should have given him a day off every three weeks or so. A couple of weeks ago after he had the collision with Nick Johnson he should have sat the next day.
I understand what its about. He is trying to impress the fans. He wants so badly to succeed. I think those boos he heard at the beginning of the year really affected him. Someone has to tell him that he has to let that go. Some fans can be idiots and will boo because a guy goes 3 for 10 instead of 4 for 10. I for one don’t think he has to play every game to be seen as a great player.
Now, I’m not blaming the fans so don’t anyone get all riled up. I’m saying his desire to please the masses causes this desire to never come out of the game. Its not selfishness. Its the A-Rod thing. He wants people to like him and feel that he is a part of the team.
Well, Frenchy, you are part of the future of this team. Hell, this team’s future in part depends on you and your buddy McCann. Playing 162 games isn’t heroic; its stupid. Take a day off here and there and don’t put your body in such peril. There is only one Cal Ripken and to be honest he should have had a day off here and there too but the streak began to have a life of its own.
Again, this lies at the feet of Cox. It is his job to say who will play and when. Hopefully, he will learn his lesson next season. And, yes, Frenchy’s lack of production of late has nothing to do with him “not living up to the expectations” but because he is tired. You can see it in his eyes. When someone plays as hard as he does, 162 games is just too much.
By J Hartlage
September 25, 2006 09:56 PM | Link to this
I propose dealing Francouer for a solid, proven starter.
I know he’s Atlanta’s “poster-boy” but he’s also cheap, young, talented and loaded with potential (mostly unrealized) all of which makes him very valuable to a team looking for some affordable offense.
His numbers (.260, 26HR, 98RBI) are good but not great (not even very good in my opinion), and pretty average when you consider the rest of Braves’ line-up.
The addition of a solid starter should round out a very good staff top to bottom for ‘07.
At present we have Wickman to close and Smoltz and James as starters. You’ve go to believe (hope, pray???) either one or both of Hudson and Hampton will return to prior form. Which leaves the rest of the crew (Davies, Cormier, Ramirez, Thomson and anyone else at Spring Training) to step up and claim a spot (or two). Middle relief can be handled by Paronto, McBride and the rest.
The bottom line is, the Braves are a very good offensive team (with lots of unrealized potential from several sources) but we need consistent pitching; badly. Let’s deal some of this “unrealized potential” for what we need, solid pitching, and make this team a contender in ‘07.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
September 25, 2006 10:07 PM | Link to this
1 out of 14, I thought you weren’t a Mets fan. If you’re not one, then why do you care if Braves fan predict their demise or not. You called me arrogant and ignorant last week for suggesting you’re a Mets fan. Don’t call me arrogant and ignorant, pal. Look in the flippin mirror. Okay!
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
September 25, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this
Trade Francoeur? Are you insane?! Why in the hell would you a trade a 22 year old talented kid with a boat load of potential who is also cheaper than dirt away? Yes, his numbers are good but could be better. He has been disappointing in some respects. But, he is only 22. If plans had went right, he wouldn’t have even been considered for the Braves roster until next season but because Mondesi was such a bust he was rushed to the majors. C’mon, get real. Let’s trade McCann too. I mean he’s been good and all but that average against lefties has been horrible. Unbelievable. Heck, lets trade James too. He has been awful the last two starts so he is already on the downside of his career.
Brian, I happen to think your suggestions are good and have made the same ones myself. You need to be prepared to be ripped. Although IMO those are very solid suggestions some on here will say in so many words that you are stupid and ignorant of baseball. I don’t agree. I think people who say that Francoeur should be traded, Hudson should be a #4 starter making $8 mil, and LaRoche is a bum are the ones who are stupid and ignorant.
By Bob, journalist
September 25, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this
Tyyosh, I really agree with your 8:14 comments regarding Robert … though his use of the term “moral majority” suggests naivety … and I directionally agree with almost all of what you said.
I’m sure most of us have our own thoughts regarding how Bobby should have handled different situations (he drives me up the walls on occassion) … especially those that seemed to occur frequently and always seemed to turn out badly. But, you’re also right in that we’re on the outside looking in … and when all things were considered, the old man, who is younger than at least one of us … has been right more times than not.
Postseason always receives the greater scrutiny, especially from those of us who quickly became accustomed to Bobby’s regular season magic, only to be disappointed in postseason performance.
But, just as it is easy and accepted practice for us to rationalize away our own failures … so is it also common practice to impose our own judgements, usually with the benefit of hindsight, and hold the manager to whatever standard of excellence we so choose.
I’m living on Social Security and would like just a small fraction of the money he makes doing his thing … but with all my secondguessing and selfcondifence, I don’t really think I could do as well as Bobby has done and I doubt that I could stand the criticism and abuse that seems to come with the job; especially from some of our own bloggers.
There was a time, back when kids didn’t carry guns to school or tell the teachers what to teach … back when the home team all wore white hats and the visitors wore black … when effort and proper play were appreciated more than result … or at least that’s what I telly my grandson. We certainly wanted to win but I must admit to be taken aback when I consider how much times have changed.
Pardon the pontification but preoccupation with winning, stardom and financial success, at the expense of our fundamental values, is at the root of many of our problems … and it most certainly deserves to take its rightful seat alongside amorality and apathy.
By Bob, journalist
September 25, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this
I was remiss in not giving HK a Howdy.
Howdy HK!
Good to see you’re well … and with that, I say goodnight to all … except Grinch!
By 0 for 19 (soon to be 20)
September 25, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this
Oh noooooo. A mets fan is un-furled and un-feathered. Whither should we go? What must we do? His make up is running. His tears are streaking down his beat red irate face. He can’t handle it. The truth is too much. Met fan falls. Falls to a doom he knows has only been awaiting him. After 19 years, he has a chance to blow it again and in royal fashion.
5 wins from Glavine and Pedro since July. Looks promising. Don’t get your panties in a wad shifting around on your computer bench struggling to put together a deragatory sentence about the most loyal fans on the planet. Might want to wipe the cheeze off you finger before you type. You can use one of your many fat rolls as a napkin.
By TheSouthernJackAss
September 25, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this
DOB for COLUMNIST!…You gotta be kiddin’!…Hell, I don’t think “Highlights for Children” really has a need for a columnist do they???…
By TennesseePaul
September 25, 2006 11:30 PM | Link to this
I’m not sold on this idea that there is nothing left to play for. Screw that. Play for pride, play for .500. But, more importantly, play to keep those filthy Astros from the post season. They could over take the Cards in the Central. We can’t let that happen. Our boys need to go out there and kick the ever lovin’ sh!t out of ‘em. It’d be a good note to go out on. Take it all away from those Astros.
On a side note, Lloyd Bridges was just down right hillarious.
GO BRAVES!!!
We gonna win tomorrow!
By David O'Brien
September 25, 2006 11:42 PM | Link to this
Dadgum, you must not have been around when several of us were pining for and praising Rosanne Cash. Actually, several times we have. She has a hardcore following here, at least among a niche audience that includes me. She’s great, and not just because she came from John.
Her last album, Black Cadillac, was also outstanding, if you haven’t heard. It’s a sort of tribute to all those she’s lost in recent years, Johnny, June, a brother, etc….
Let’s all say a prayer that Robert leaves his laptop at home when he goes on vacation. Seriously. All of us….
And someone, if you know his address, maybe … nah, just kidding. Robert, have a good vacation. And relax, don’t be in a hurry to get back…
Dadgum, I’ve heard they’re leaving Richmond, but don’t know if that’s solid info. Just casual conversation recently, don’t even know who said it. So yes, I’m spreading unfounded rumors…
BobbyM, my evaluation of Salty? Well, he’s probably not as close to being ready as we all thought during the 2005 season and during spring training. That was one of the worst first halfs I’ve ever heard of from such a highly rated prospect, and it was only Double-A. But he’s young, and there’s no denying he’s very, very talented. Probably just going to take a year or two longer than we thought.
But the fact that they haven’t worked him anywhere but catcher tells me they realize how valuable a switch-hitting catcher with power is, and if they decide to trade him at some point he’d probably be a lot more attractive as a solid defensive catcher who can hit from both sides than a questionable defensive first baseman or OF or whatever who can hit.
And since the Braves aren’t going to need a catcher anytime soon, it wouldn’t shock me if they listen to any offers that might come this winter and/or next year….
Ann Chumbers, that was actually quite funny. You had the Swede accent down pat today, too…
Brian, I found your trade proposals interesting and not at all outlandish. Don’t know if the other teams would agree, but they’re not crazy….
I’ve made all my various hotel reservations for NLCS and World Series possibilities, and I’m pulling like h&*% for San Diego to get in. C’mon folks, while you’re on your knees on the Robert situationn, put it a good word for the Padres to make it past the first round so your buddy here can make his third trip of the year to S.D….
Metsgrl, you know there’s no Swede that could take the place of you.
By David O'Brien
September 25, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this
NonSouthernJackBall, welcome back. We did a poll. You’re still despised far more than Robert. Because as much as he’s frustrating as all hell to argue with, he makes points and sticks to them. You spew bile in incoherent sentences, still angry over never getting picked for any of the football, basketball or baseball teams as a child.
Oh, and make ridiculous threats that no one takes serious. Now make some more. Right now.
By Bob, journalist
September 25, 2006 11:51 PM | Link to this
Amen
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 12:09 AM | Link to this
DOB: I’ve been hoping the Padres would make it. I really, really want them to make it. I’m no Dodger fan. Both are close enought to go too, but San Diego is a lot of fun.
By hk
September 26, 2006 12:11 AM | Link to this
Howdy Journalist Bob, welcome back!
… I’m mostly a listener these days …
By Stinky
September 26, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this
We did a poll? Nobody told me. What poll was that?
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this
Fun, indeed. What a great downtown now that the ballpark’s there.
I was there for the 1998 NLCS when they played the Braves at old Qualcomm/Jack Murphy Stadium, and that place might have been the loudest stadium I’ve been in when they were blasting the music and every fan (way over 60,000) was waving a white towel before the first pitch.
That and the Superdome the night that Alabama kicked UM’s butts in the Sugar Bowl. Two loudest stadiums I’ve been in as a reporter.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this
You’re not on the insider e-mail list, apparently, if you didn’t receive the poll. Sorry. We’ll try harder next time to be inclusive.
By fastfoodfreak
September 26, 2006 12:23 AM | Link to this
Is it me… or is there something about this team, that every night they lose, you want to just throw that remote and vow never to watch again… only to wait with baited breath the very next day, counting down the minutes like New Years’ Eve at times square… i’m no happier than anyone else that the Braves aren’t going to the playoffs. But I still relish every opportunity to watch them. They don’t quit (remember beating the Marlins 8-7 in extras a week or so ago?) I for one can’t wait till ‘07… Hopefully I’ll be home from war at some point during the season to watch them again.
By Head Coach
September 26, 2006 12:26 AM | Link to this
DOB , just finished watching the twinkies(TWINS)clinch a playoff spot and the dirtybirds get their tails kicked in the big easy…….. just when I thought it couldnt get any worse , lol. What do you think of a Salty plus two players(Lerew ,Thorman) for Zach Duke trade ? Too much ? Yes ! I think I’m crazy and the Pirates would do it………. Quick , Robert is sweating bullets , lol.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 12:37 AM | Link to this
Coach, can you believe there were only 18,000 there to watch the Twins clinch? Wow.
Guess I can cancel my Chicago W. Series hotel reservations, huh?
Salty plus two for Duke? I wouldn’t even give up Salty alone for Duke. Not sold on Duke. He’s 10-14 with a 4.44 ERA, 69 walks and a .299 opponents’ average. I know he’s only 23, but Salty’s even younger. No way.
10-14 4.44 114 67 1.49
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
September 26, 2006 12:39 AM | Link to this
They are the most frustrating team I have seen. I too have declared many times (on this blog in fact)I am through with them only to find myself going nuts waiting for the next game to be played. Today was such a day. I think the reason for that is because this team has so much promise. If the right moves are made and I think they will be, this team will be very dangerous next season.
The trade proposals Brian made earlier are ones I have repeated exhaustively many times. I happen to think the trades are possible. I believe the Angels would be very open to a trade involving Andruw. I also think the Devil Rays would seriously consider trading Crawford for Ramirez, Thorman/Diaz, and Salty.
DOB, who do you think will be some of the people the Braves target either by trade or free agency in the offseason? Also, will any changes be made in the coaching staff?
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 12:40 AM | Link to this
I went to one of the last Baseball games played at that stadium. It was empty and terrible on the inside. The outfield had hardly any grass left in it. They gave away little models of the park. It was cool though, they beat the Dodgers. Knocked them out of the playoffs. Much like the Braves should do to the Astros. That new stadium is just amazing. They have a pretty good pizza place in that area of the town, I think it’s called Woodfire Pizza. Something close to that at least.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
September 26, 2006 12:41 AM | Link to this
It amuses me how so many here ridicule “smallball” but yet here are the very essence of “smallball” the Minnesota Twins going to the playoffs for the 4th time in 5 years.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 12:47 AM | Link to this
Too early to say with any authority who they’ll target. Maybe in a week or two I’ll have something, and I’ll probaby hear some stuff while covering the NLCS. but it’s just so early that no one’s really talking much yet.
As for changes on the coaching staff, it could happen. For one, there’s a good chance this could be the year Fredi Conzalez gets a managerial job. If Girardi’s fired, I think Fredi will be offered that job, and I think he’ll take it, being from Miami, a Cuba native, a former Marlins coach and Marlins minor league manager, etc. And most importantly, with all that young talent they have in place. They can contend right away (I mean, they already are, really). All that might offset all the questions about the franchise’s future, the lack of crowds, etc. Be a good team for a manager to start with, I tell you that.
T.P. will probably get more managerial interviews, but I don’t know how many openings there will be this winter.
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this
Ramirez is a 20 million a year guy. There’d have to be a lot of cash involved in that trade.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this
Alright, that’s it for me. Gonna go watch taped episode of Prison Break and call it a night. Later.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
September 26, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this
I doubt TP will leave. He likes Atlanta and wants to stay. The Dodgers job was his last year and he turned it down. I have this feeling he’s been promised the Braves job after Bobby leaves.
DOB, who would you like for the Braves to target since you have received no early indications?
This Robert guy is relentless. I just read Terrance Moore’s column which was very good by the way, and this dude is all over that column ripping Cox. What’s his deal? Is Cox his daddy that left him when he was three and was never there for him or what?
By Bob, journalist
September 26, 2006 12:58 AM | Link to this
FastFoodFreak, You sound a lot like Robert(JITB) has on occassion in spirit, if not in expression … I’m adding you to my 10 Paul list … and in case you don’t know, that’s good not bad!
HK, I’m a bad penny … we could all benefit by following your example, especially big mouths like me … but, then some folks would get upset because we removed ourselves as targets.
However, I sure miss seeing the names of folks like Doc, PENN, young Matthew, Eric the Elder, Voice of Reason, yourself … and many others who brightened my day more than they will ever realize … making it a little easier through what has been a disappointing season … remember when I asked Billy his reasons for blogging? That’s another one to add to the list.
Take care old friend!
By Head Coach
September 26, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this
Well DOB , only if you look at this season. Zach Dukes career numbers are much better. 18-16 3.68 ERA 293.1 innings 90 BB 172 SO . I value pitching , especially left handers and dont forget he is pitching for the Pirates which can skewer a solid pitchers numbers and make him look worse than he really is. He wont be an unrestricted free agent for four more years and with McCann behind the plate Salty will be eventually traded somewhere. The Braves would be well served to invest in another young inexpensive pitcher with a lot of potential.
By Lew
September 26, 2006 01:09 AM | Link to this
Good Night.
By TheSouthernJackAss
September 26, 2006 01:10 AM | Link to this
Well now DickHead O’Brien, whether or not I’m so despised by you and your 3 or 4 gay lovers that seem to be so enamored with your charms matters not to me…but I sure must to have hit a sore spot with you somewhere along the line…was it the gay references?…hey, to each his own…Don’t like what you can’t control do you DOB?…and Bob, if you were about a tenth as witty as you think you are you would be a freakin’ Einstein, you long-winded, self-righteous old baztard!…Say on…
By The Grinch
September 26, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this
Hey, Y’all; I’ve had a truly wondrous evening. I’m on cloud nine. I’m exuding benevolence, and I’ll spread some to the rest of you. No animosity whatsoever; I’m just happy to be conversing with you all, and glad you’re there so I can just say I’m extraordinarilly happy. Hoo-ray for me, and I’d share it all with you if I could. God bless.
By Stinky
September 26, 2006 01:17 AM | Link to this
I have to say that TheSouthernJackAss is my hero. Says whatever most people think….rock on my brutha….
By hk
September 26, 2006 01:24 AM | Link to this
Joournalist Bob,
…am watching ‘The Fountainhead’ (Ayn Rand … she was one sick puppy, but she could really write) …
… ‘Atlas Shrugged’ finally coming out in ‘007, really looking forward to that …
By berigan
September 26, 2006 01:35 AM | Link to this
SJA, what’s the matter? Why are you such a sad sack? I’m sure the fact you don’t have a girlfriend, a job, or your original teeth can be a drag, but still, something seems to be bothering you. Is your welfare check running late this month? Have all your favorite beastiality websites been shut down? Do you now find that you have even more freetime than usual, and yet still no friends? Well, besides that “other” welfare cheat, senor stinko.
By The Grinch
September 26, 2006 01:53 AM | Link to this
Bob, since you just received such a nasty post, I’ll give you some positive reinforcement. You’re a fine human being sir; no matter which morons spew their poo in your undeserved direction. Take the high road…as if I need to tell you that. :-)
By Bob, journalist
September 26, 2006 03:12 AM | Link to this
Esteemed Honorable Southern, I appreciate the compliment though Albert might feel insulted … still, it’s nice to see that he’s remembered! It’s a shame that so few people are aware of his wonderful sense of humor and, genius though he was, the fact that he was also a caring individual; much like you and me … if folks mailed him a question, his answer would be in the mail the same day he received it.
What’s worse, if you were about a tenth as witty as I think I am, we’d both be in bad shape! Speaking of bad shape, almost a halfcentury of smoking makes the suggestion that I’m long-winded nothing but wishful thinking … on my part, not yours.
However, you do me an injustice sir! While I will never be as succinct as you … and though I’m sometimes embarrassed by the length of my posts, you’ll have to admit that I’ve improved in that arena … or at the very least, surrendered my position on the leaderboard.
As an aside, I was quite surprised to read on National Geographic that some Jackasses aren’t sterile … and thought of you … gee, haw … Heaven help us all!!
It’s time you come out from behind the mask and donned your white hat … and Southern, thanks for the “z”!
By Big Tobacco
September 26, 2006 03:34 AM | Link to this
Bob, which do you endorse more highly - the carcinogens in me? Or the simple carbohydrates that Coke contains via High Fructose Corn Syrup?
By Bob, journalist
September 26, 2006 04:00 AM | Link to this
Big Tobacco, I figure we’d probably be better off with neither but I admit to having enjoyed too much of you both for more years than is smart to admit.
Luckily, 5’8” - 150 and 126/72 at my age is better than I have any right to expect … but, I’ll take it!
By Shaun
September 26, 2006 07:53 AM | Link to this
It amuses me how so many here ridicule “smallball” but yet here are the very essence of “smallball” the Minnesota Twins going to the playoffs for the 4th time in 5 years.
The Twins rank 10th in MLB in runs scored and 7th in the AL. Their “smallball” offense is NOT the reason they are in the playoffs. Their pitching ranks 3rd in MLB in fewest runs allowed, 1st in lowest OBP/highest Out Percentage, 1st in fewest BB, 2nd in fewest IBB and 3rd in K’s.
You get a high percentage of outs per plate appearance/low percentage of baserunners, you are going to allow fewer runs. Doesn’t it follow you make a low percentage of outs per plate appearance/high percentage of baserunners, you are going to score a lot of runs? So, does throwing away outs with a lot of sac bunts (SmallBall) really work to help run scoring? Common sense says no. Oh, and the evidence says no, also.
By Shaun
September 26, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this
It amuses me how so many here ridicule “smallball” but yet here are the very essence of “smallball” the Minnesota Twins going to the playoffs for the 4th time in 5 years.
The Twins rank 10th in MLB in runs scored and 7th in the AL. Their “smallball” offense is NOT the reason they are in the playoffs. Their pitching ranks 3rd in MLB in fewest runs allowed, 1st in lowest OBP/highest Out Percentage, 1st in fewest BB, 2nd in fewest IBB and 3rd in K’s.
On defense if you get a high percentage of outs per plate appearance/ allow a low percentage of baserunners, you are going to allow fewer runs.
Doesn’t it follow on offense if you make a low percentage of outs per plate appearance/high percentage of baserunners, you are going to score a lot of runs?
So, does throwing away outs with a lot of sac bunts, giving yourself up by hitting the ball to the right side and giving up outs intentionally to help a baserunner advance one base (SmallBall) really work to help run scoring? Common sense says no. Oh, and the evidence says no, also.
Well, it helps in certain situation when you need only one run (you’re the home team, bottom of the 9th, no outs, runner on 2B, tie game). But you aren’t going to score a lot if you preach to your team to give themselves up when there is a runner on. Building your team around guys that are tough outs/get on-base (yes, these two things are mutually exclusive) is the key to building a high run-scoring team.
By opieandy
September 26, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this
That’s the most ridiculous article I’ve read in a while. You mean fans shouldn’t expect baseball players to show up for work every day? They only “work” 162 days a year, if you can call it work, it’s mostly sitting and standing around for a few hours.
Give me a break.
By Jeff
September 26, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this
Right on the mark: Francoeur is a 22 year old kid in his first full major league season. It would probably do him good to sit out a game here and there, but for a guy only in his first full season, he’s doing darned good.
As to whether the Braves would have been able to make a run if Chipper had been in the line up all season, doubtful. It’s all about pitching and defense. DOB, your other piece about the emptiness of the final week really tells the tale. All the hitting in the world doesn’t win titles. You got to have the guns in the starting rotation and bullpen to get the job done.
By 1 out of 14
September 26, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this
Here’s a prediction of my own. In years to come there will all sorts of discussion on this blog. Music, food and movies. There will be the occasional nostalgic back and forth about the good old days and questions will abound as to why the braves didn’t win more Titles. Reality will set in when discussing all those division titles, they were just consolation prizes given to those who didn’t acheive the ultimate goal of a world series.
By ncscoots
September 26, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this
It appears to me that 2007 success will hinge on two things: Smoltz’s health and Hudson’s head. Figure a Mike Hampton even at reduced effectiveness will produce more wins than Thomson/Sosa/callup of the week did this year; get 60 starts from some combination of Ramirez/James/Davies/Cormier/et al and just play .500 ball in those; and the difference-maker would be the play of Smoltz and Hudson. Even if Braves trade for a PDRSP, a middle rotation guy, that would only give them about five games more over .500, so it still comes down to how well the top two guys perform. If they don’t (injuries, underperformance, etc.), then chances to return to the playoffs remain slim. Unless, of course, all the other starting pitchers exceed reasonable expectations, and I guess that could happen, too.
By Lew
September 26, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this
Hk-Just who is John Gault? 1Out of 14-Yeah, they are consolation prizes. Know what? They beat the hell out of a losing season. Maybe it isn’t the same as winning it all, but only five teams out of 30 get the consolation prize. It still makes you one of the elite teams for that year, Or for the other 13 we didn’t win the series. Oh well. What ya gonna do? Apparently even Atlas shrugs occaisionally.
By Stinky
September 26, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
Recipe for Hartebeest Stew:
3 cups dry red wine 2 large, peeled onions 1 bay leaf 4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 lbs chopped hartebeest shoulder roast 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 celery stalk, sliced 5 garlic cloves, chopped 1 pound chopped carrots 1 3/4 cups chicken stock or broth 4 whole cloves 2 wide strips orange zest 1/4 -inch-thick slice fresh ginger or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Salt, freshly ground pepper 2 ounces dried mushrooms Cayenne pepper 3 tablespoons potato starch 4 tablespoons chopped parsley
By Matthew
September 26, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
Journalist Bob, Carolina Lady, and the real Jimmy Smith:
I am back! Sorry to have been so long away, but with school having been out for the summer I didn’t have time to blog. I appreciate the compliment from you, Bob (if I am the young Matthew to whom you referred in your earlier post). I thought I would weigh in on this year, so bear with me.
I learned to follow the Braves with my grandfather, a retired Air Force vet, who taught me about the Braves starting around 1989 or 1990 ( I was 8 or 9 then). We followed them every weekend when I stayed with him and my grandmother. We watched Sid slide, Glavine’s one-hitter, Andruw’s homers against the Yankees in ‘96. I cursed Kirby Puckett, Joe Carter, Scott Brosius, and countless other Yankees. I am a true fan, and seeing the streak end is painful in more ways than one. My grandfather died in 1997, and one of the last connections that I still had to him was the streak. It may sound weird, but ending the streak was almost like losing him again.
Let’s end on a positive note. I am a new daddy! My wife gave birth to our first child, a son named Matthew Walter (the Walter is after my grandfather) on Sept. 10th. He was 3 1/2 weeks early, but he’s doing fine now. He was 7 lb, 2 oz, and 20” long. Thanks to the Lady, Bob, and Jimmy, as well as others that I have now forgotten, for your good wishes and prayers. They were answered!
World Series in 2007-can’t wait!
By Matthew
September 26, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this
Journalist Bob, Carolina Lady, and the real Jimmy Smith:
I am back! Sorry to have been so long away, but with school having been out for the summer I didn’t have time to blog. I appreciate the compliment from you, Bob (if I am the young Matthew to whom you referred in your earlier post). I thought I would weigh in on this year, so bear with me.
I learned to follow the Braves with my grandfather, a retired Air Force vet, who taught me about the Braves starting around 1989 or 1990 ( I was 8 or 9 then). We followed them every weekend when I stayed with him and my grandmother. We watched Sid slide, Glavine’s one-hitter, Andruw’s homers against the Yankees in ‘96. I cursed Kirby Puckett, Joe Carter, Scott Brosius, and countless other Yankees. I am a true fan, and seeing the streak end is painful in more ways than one. My grandfather died in 1997, and one of the last connections that I still had to him was the streak. It may sound weird, but ending the streak was almost like losing him again.
Let’s end on a positive note. I am a new daddy! My wife gave birth to our first child, a son named Matthew Walter (the Walter is after my grandfather) on Sept. 10th. He was 3 1/2 weeks early, but he’s doing fine now. He was 7 lb, 2 oz, and 20” long. Thanks to the Lady, Bob, and Jimmy, as well as others that I have now forgotten, for your good wishes and prayers. They were answered!
World Series in 2007-can’t wait!
By Nelson Hawkins
September 26, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this
Since the issue was raised of Chipper hiring Body By Jake to train him back into MVP form next year, I thought I’d pass on this Chipper quote from Mark Bowman’s mlb.com article of one week ago:
“Back when I ate cheeseburgers four or five times a week and did my own program, I never got hurt,” he said. “When I started eating healthy and getting trainers, I started getting hurt. Maybe it’s time to get back to the old-school way of working out. I certainly don’t feel [that] playing 110 games is worth all the work that I put in this offseason.”
By Nelson Hawkins
September 26, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this
Since the issue was raised of Chipper hiring Body By Jake to train him back into MVP form next year, I thought I’d pass on this Chipper quote from Mark Bowman’s mlb.com article of one week ago:
“Back when I ate cheeseburgers four or five times a week and did my own program, I never got hurt,” he said. “When I started eating healthy and getting trainers, I started getting hurt. Maybe it’s time to get back to the old-school way of working out. I certainly don’t feel [that] playing 110 games is worth all the work that I put in this offseason.”
By The GM
September 26, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this
I like Andruw, and Giles for Santana, Figgins, and Shields, and a prospect. Santana is going to be an awesome top of the rotation pitcher in the very near future. Figgins gives us a true leadoff guy, who is also really fast and he can get our running game going since we havent had anyone to steal bases consistently since Furcal in 03 & 04. And Shields can be a true setup man. Forget Yates! He is awful!!!
By BB FAN
September 26, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this
1 out of 14,
The Mets haven’t done sh!t the last 20 years and you continue to bash the Braves for winning only one WS in 14 years. The Braves may be 1 for 14 but the Mets are 0 for 19, you moron.
And the Mets have been buying up every free agent they can. Then the Marlins pretty much gave the Mets half their team from last year. So the Mets have been spending, spending and spending more but have sucked all this time until this year. They had one of the best teams in baseball for half of those 14 years when the Braves dominated them. But the Mets kept losing year after year. And they don’t have any pitching this year so I would not put money on them going to the WS let alone winning it. They may win it because they do have the best team money can buy. But the Padres and Phillies are pretty good teams.
Only Yankee fans have bragging rights over the Braves for what they have done since 1991. But Steinbrenner has given them an unlimited payroll to do what they have done. And even the mighty Yanks have not won it all since 2000! I guess that 200 million dollar payroll is not really worth it after all.
By rammerjammer
September 26, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
A free-agent, fast outfielder (Juan Pierre) is a much better option than dealing two kids with a HUGE upside for Crawford.
And as suspect as the Cardinals’ pitching has become, Wainwright is untouchable.
By Mystic Man
September 26, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
Delta Dawn Yep, Frenchy’s troubles seemed to begin when he flew that Delta jet to his 15 minutes of mainstream fame…knockin’ balls all over the world like Clark Kent. His focus on the field faded like a rose in that dated old ditty from the 70’s.
He’s a good kid though. Just got caught up in the fast lane of fame and forgot to do, with consistency, what got him to the ML in the first place. That, and he didn’t have a manager, mentor or parent telling him what everybody knew that watched two games this season. Funny thing is…ESPN and others are still caught up in the misconception that JF is a hot young Cal Ripkin type. Guess they haven’t read the stats either.
If he get’s a little coaching next year…or some bench warming if he doesn’t heed advice…he may actually live up to some of our expectations. I for one hope he fools everyone and becomes the next Dale Murphy.
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
I did a quick run through. ncscoots’ post got me thinking… How much better could Hampton be? Well I looked at this season and combined Villarreal, Smith, Shiell, Barry, Sosa, Thomson and Cormier into one and tallied what the team results were:
Team record in those starts: 14-31
Avg RS: 4.36
Avg RA: 5.33
That’s strikingly close to our 1 run loss record. I think it’s safe to assume Hampton will be better than that. If anything we should score more. Hampton can hit! If we can pull in Willis, we’d have a power hitting pitching rotation. More so than most other teams anyway.
I can’t believe we actually rolled Sheill out there. Those games were shellings. In his 3 starts the opponent scored 8, 6 and 8 runs. For a grand total of 22. We scored a grand total of 10 in those three games (3, 1 and 6). Out scored by an average of 4 runs. Awful. Simply awful.
By 1 for 14
September 26, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this
Nothing in 20 years???? I thought they went to the playoffs in 1999 and the World Series in 2000?? For Gods sake please stop the crying about money. You sound like a teething baby, WAHHHHHHHHHHH!!
By Mystic Man
September 26, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
Delta Dawn Yep, Frenchy’s troubles seemed to begin when he flew that Delta jet to his 15 minutes of mainstream fame…knockin’ balls all over the world like Clark Kent. His focus on the field faded like a rose in that dated old ditty from the 70’s.
He’s a good kid though. Just got caught up in the fast lane of fame and forgot to do, with consistency, what got him to the ML in the first place. That, and he didn’t have a manager, mentor or parent telling him what everybody knew that watched two games this season. Funny thing is…ESPN and others are still caught up in the misconception that JF is a hot young Cal Ripkin type. Guess they haven’t read the stats either.
If he get’s a little coaching next year…or some bench warming if he doesn’t heed advice…he may actually live up to some of our expectations. I for one hope he fools everyone and becomes the next Dale Murphy.
By TheSouthernJackAss
September 26, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
That’s just the trouble with you boys, you know that you are dealing with an individual who has an extremely superior development of the encephalon than 99.9% of you wanglers and bogus intellectuals that drag your knuckles across a keyboard every damn day on these blogs. You have castigated the ol’ JackAss for various faults, while at the same time you self-righteous posers are guilty of “spewing the bile” in my direction as well by saying such statements as I have no education, wife, girlfriend, house, vehicle, money, career, friends, teeth, that I never got picked for sports, and my welfare check is late(can you get anymore juvenile than this boys?). Well you couldn’t be more wrong on all counts. You know nothing about me, other than I will never cave in to your petty insults. DOB, you sure like to dish it out, but you can’t take it, and whether or not you, or any of these other idiots like me is at the top of my list of insignificant items in my life. Guess your skin isn’t quite as thick as you say. And BOB, stick to baseball, philosophy, and pie. Try minding your own business once in a while, just possibly the “nasty posts” aimed in your direction won’t be necessary. As for the rest of you cretins, well you’re not worth the keystrokes.
I do have one major announcement: TheSouthernJackAss will now be known as TheTEFLONSouthernJackAss!…I think you know why!!!…
By 0 for 19 (soon to be 20)
September 26, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
Nothing in 20 years???? I thought they went to the playoffs in 1999 and the World Series in 2000??
they were just consolation prizes
the only thing that counts is winning the WS.
Nice try MetMan. But your Mets still suck by your own admition, and they didn’t even get a consolation prize… no division title for you. Banned! One Year!
By 1 for 14
September 26, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
The Marlins and Blue Jays also have bragging rights over the braves. They have more titles during your run. You see BB, outside of atlanta, Championships are worth more than divisions idiot!!
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
Who’s pitching tonight? Is Cormier getting the start? Does anyone know?
By 0 for 19 (soon to be 20)
September 26, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this
The Marlins and Blue Jays also have bragging rights over the Mets.
The White Sox, Angels, D-Backs, Yankees, Braves, Red Sox, Dodgers, A’s, Reds and Twins also have bragging rights over the Mets in the last 19 years.
The thing all these teams have in common? They’re better than the Mets. They’ve all won more WS titles in the last 19 years than the Mets. They’ve all appeared in the post season, more times in the last 19 years than the Mets.
But no one put it better than the Met fan: See the synopsis in the 11:36AM post.
By MGL
September 26, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this
TennesseePaul - Smoltz vs Perez tonight, Hudson vs Martinez tomorrow, Daves vs Hernandez Thurs. Friday it’s James vs the rocket.
By 1 for 14
September 26, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this
Where are the braves in the standings? How far under .500 are they? If the Mets suck then the braves are taking it up the @ss without lubrication beeach.
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this
MGL: Thanks. Sheeesh… James has his work cut out for him. I hope we can quash the Astros play-off hopes. That’d be a lot of fun.
By 1 for 14
September 26, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this
OK….if you wanna play that game I say lets go back 36 years instead of 19. You can start kissing my @ss since The Mets have 2 World Titles and the braves only one. Now pucker up and start kissing it!!
By Lew
September 26, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
Now Jacka$$-I never said you were stupid, just that you were a mean a*******ed human with a 4x6 chip on his shoulder. Doesn’t mean you’re dumb, or that your encephalon was small. Maybe other things, but certainly NOT your encephalon, Dude.
By Lew
September 26, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
Well, one things certain and despite the best efforts of the Tigers a couple of years ago, it remains the same. The Mets have the record for the worst season in the history of baseball. 1962-120 losses. Isn’t that special.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this
NonSouthernBigotZithead, sorry I logged off before your witty reply last night at 1:10 a.m. Alone again, eh? Sorry, pal. Try some Oxy10 and get out more often, mingle.
Oh, I’ll be at the games this week, too, if you’d like one last chance to prove how tough you are. What was it, 6-10 and 300 pounds, some idiot said you were? Should be easy to spot you among the smaller crowds this week.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this
oh, and SDA, what’s with the “z’s” you throw into words, like you’re some sort of hybrid redneck/hip-hop enthusiast? you really are confused about your identity, aren’t you, Mensa Man?
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this
Stinky, if the eloquent SDA/zithead is your hero, well, my friend, that’s all we need to know about you. Thanks for that insight into that special place that is your mind.
And remember, the IP addresses don’t lie, you two kindred spirits.
But please keep coming back. It’s great for comic relief. (love that line from SDA about not being able to control him. We can zap his 7th-grade comments with one keystroke and block his IP address with another, yet he thinks we can’t control his comments … brilliant. Keep ‘em coming, tough guy. And please, the gay references are your best ammo. We like those.
By Lew
September 26, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this
Now DOB-You’re assuming they know what Mensa is, much less being a member thereof. Glad you like the Heroines cd. Tony Joe has been a favorite since the days of Poke Salad Annie. One of the roots of Southern Rock for sure.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this
HK, I was just working my way down overnight posts, saw yours about The Fountainhead … love the beautiful juxtaposition with the slightly less high-brow posts from the other “two” (you guys don’t really believe their two different posters, SDA and Poopy, do you?).
You think he … er, “they” … were watching The Fountainhead last night, too? Oh, wait, no car chases. Nevermind.
Poopy, why don’t you use “z’s” like the hip-hop SDA?
By BB FAN
September 26, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
1 out of 14,
Yes, that’s one year in 19 years. However, they could not even win the division that year and they lost the World Series with the best team in baseball.
And I’m not crying about payroll…I was just stating a fact: the Mets have tried to buy success every year and failed. They finally put together a good offense with chemistry this year but they forgot to buy enough starting pitchers. It’s funny that only Mets and Yankees fans tell people to stop crying about payroll. Even Red Sox fans realize the team spends a lot more money than they should be allowed. He1l, they even understand the frustration of teams trying to buy WS rings. I say “trying” because it still has not worked for the Mets.
The only reason the Mets won the division this year is because the Braves had 4 starting pitchers get hurt and miss significant time. But that is part of the game and I can live with it. But that is what makes the Braves run of 14 years even more great. They were able to overcome some big injuries over the years and still win. This while the Mets just kept buying players and continuing to fail. The Mets have been the pathetic ones, not the Braves. They have spent all that money every year and they can’t even say they have multiple division titles. Anybody with any common sense at all would know that.
By BB FAN
September 26, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this
1 out of 14,
The Braves have 3 WS championships, thank you very much. And don’t give me that bullsh!t about Milwaukee and Boston does not count. It’s the same franchise.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 12:45 PM | Link to this
Rammerjammer, agreed on your suggestion that a free agent like Pierre might be better option than dealing multiple prospects for a Crawford.
Another free-agent option, cheaper than Pierre, would be Dave Roberts. I know he’s getting old, but he had a hell of a year and no reason to think he can’t have one or two more….
By Shaun
September 26, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this
I completely understand World Series titles are the goal and the Braves deserve some criticism for only one. But it’s rediculous to judge a team soley on the basis of World Series titles. It’s rediculous to think that Marlins or Blue Jays fans were luckier than Braves fans in the years 1991-2005 as a whole, for what that’s worth. Maybe I’m biased, but I’d rather have a team that reaches the playoffs every year and wins one World Series title than a team that wins two and is up-and-down the rest of the time. I mean, it’s not as if Braves or Mets or Blue Jays or Marlins fans can do anything about their team’s performance. All you can really ask for is that your team puts a good product on the field and the Braves did that every year from 1991-2005.
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this
All this jib-jab going on got me looking into the Braves history books. Baseball history is fascinating no matter the team. But I’m a Braves fan so I spend my time reading up on the Braves.
Braves Franchise Championships
1872 NA Champions (Overall Champtions of Baseball)
1873 NA Champions (Overall Champtions of Baseball)
1874 NA Champions (Overall Champtions of Baseball)
1875 NA Champions (Overall Champtions of Baseball)
1877 NL Champions (Overall Champtions of Baseball)
1878 NL Champions (Overall Champtions of Baseball)
1883 NL Champions (Overall Champtions of Baseball)
1891 NL Champions (Overall Champtions of Baseball)
1892 NL Champions (One Championship Series that year against the Spiders)
1893 NL Champions (Overall Champtions of Baseball)
1897 NL Champions (Overall Champtions of Baseball)
1898 NL Champions (Overall Champtions of Baseball)
1901 AL is created, two leagues formed WS started. Prior to this there was only the one pro league. 1914 NL Champions (WS Champions)
1948 NL Champions
1957 NL Champions (WS Champions)
1958 NL Champions 1969 NL West Champions (first year of divisional play)
1982 NL West Champions
1991 NL Champions
1992 NL Champions
1993 NL West Champtions
1995 NL Champions (WS Champions)
1996 NL Chamions
1997 NL East Champions
1998 NL East Champions
1999 NL Champions
2000 NL East Champions
2001 NL East Champions
2002 NL East Champions
2003 NL East Champions
2004 NL East Champions
2005 NL East Champions
Crazy! So many championships. Of all the ones on the end-all be-all level of the World Series, the Braves have tallied 15 Championships in their 135 years of existence. 3 since the WS was created and 12 prior to the existence of the AL.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this
SDA, you’ll be known by teflonJA? No, you’ll be known by whatever we want to know you as, and you’ll like it. Because we don’t like you, see? That’s how it works. And you’ll keep coming back and taking it, because, contrary to your insistence, we are quite worth your keystrokes. Your repeated returns, see, they speak louder than you and the thesaurus you pulled out this morning to try to sound slightly less ignorant.
Keep it coming. But please, more gay references, more hatred, and more “Z’s”. The stuff that makes you the hero of not only poopy, but all of us. Hail the SDA!
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this
Payne: There is some insight into that 12:47 post. But, according to David Justice, the fans can do a lot to help. ;)
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this
I bet Roberts will try to stay in SD if they make an offer. All the papers out here quoted him when he joined the Padres. He seemed really pleased. It’s his home town, or at least, close to it. But he’s a good guy and has shown the ability to play and hit in a large pitchers park. He is a little more on the fragile side than I would like to see.
By Head Coach
September 26, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this
Just when you didnt think it could get worse , trust me it will. Three games at home against the hated Mets with a losing record staring us in the face. Yea , its gonna happen against the Mets. O the agony and irony of it all…….lol. DOB , a little censorship is in order and lord knows I hate it when freedom of speech is muffled. But with the mindless blather being spewed all over this blog its time for your IT guys to bust out with the filters.
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this
Victim of the copy and paste. Ignore the typos.
This message would have appeared sooner if it didn’t take 10 minutes for a post to show up in the first place. Void where prohibited. See official rules for details.
By Shaun
September 26, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul,
Also, according to Tony Tarasco and the ‘96 Orioles.
By Shaun
September 26, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this
TennPaul,
And Moises Alou and the ‘03 Cubs.
By Lew
September 26, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this
DOB-What do you think it would cost to bring in either Dave Roberts or Juan Pierre as a free agent? I’m not really convinced we can’t just keep Marcus or move Diaz to leadoff, but I’m curious about the price tag. Now don’t be so hard on The Jacka$$-he has a large encephalon.
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this
Payne: And Moises Alou and the ‘03 Cubs
LOL.
I love it. I’m so glad I got to witness a Classic Cub melt-down of historical proportions.
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this
For comparison:
Mets Franchise Championships
1969 NL Champions (WS Champions)
1973 NL Champions
1986 NL Champions (WS Champions)
1988 NL East Champions
1999 Wild Card
2000 Wild Card NL Champions
That didn’t take as long to type in.
By El Bravo
September 26, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this
I heard on the radio by the editor of Chop Talk that it was a possibility that the braves could move K. Johnson to second and hit leadoff. I don’t think I like the idea of another experimental leadoff hitter, but it’s out there.
By Lew
September 26, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this
Is Kelly Johnson’s shoulder well enough? I didn’t even know he could play second.
By rammerjammer
September 26, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this
Something else to like about Pierre is his durability…seven big-league seasons and more than 590 ABs in six. Roberts has eight years in the bigs and only three years with more than 400 ABs.
And Pierre’s only gonna be 29 next season. I think he makes us a lot better for now and years to come.
By BB FAN
September 26, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul,
Nice research. I was just counting 3 WS rings but the Braves franchise actually has 15 championships. Those first 12 were overall champions of baseball and they are well deserved. Thanks
By Stinky
September 26, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this
Wow, DOB, the sad 45 year old with the subscription to Rolling Stone comes on strong claiming that SJA is my hero. I say you’re a liar. A pitiful liar.
By berigan
September 26, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this
Henceforth, SJA will be forever more known as TheSouthernCandyAss Senorita stinky, do you agree???
By The Grinch
September 26, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
Encephalon; I thought that was an olympic event (or maybe a new full-size Chrysler)! :-) Stinky, that recipe for Hartebeest sounds pretty good. You negelected to include cooking method, temperature and time, however. Lew, looks like the Falcons and Bucs are both gonna be in bad shape ‘till the injured return. Things to do; I’ll holla at y’all later.
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
rammerjammer: I don’t know… his jelly arm doesn’t settle well with me. And JS likes defense. We may get him, but I’ll wait and see on that. He’d have to play left field. And we’d have to keep Andruw just to cover the defense.
By MGL
September 26, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this
Stinky - You and SJA remind me of a couple of dogs running round in circles sniffing each other up. SOS.
By Bravo Nam
September 26, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul Thanks for the additional info on the Penn movie.
Robert, Robert, Robert I actually agree that Cox, over the years, has made a number of poor tactical decisions. But what GM hasn’t? Yet, as the end of the day, what we judge as good or bad tactics is still very hypothetical and subjective. If we look simply at the facts, not our own little biases and axes to grind, you’ll see that BC has a very impressive record…and that most of the baseball world think he’s very special.
I don’t think Cox is perfect…but I do appreciate the way he treats people and his loyalty…and of course, what he has done for the Braves organisation. If you really do love the Braves, then how could you not be grateful for the turnaround in this organisation since the early 90s…and if you ask any player or rep of the Braves, you’ll find the great majority will say that out of all the people who have represented and played for the Braves during this period, that he’s the person due the most credit.
But, this is all by the by. What you lack is decency and respect. It’s laughable that you defend your incessant criticisms of Cox by saying their an honest appraisal. There are many people on this blog who criticise Cox for some of his decisions…and rightly so. But they’re also prepared to give credit where credit is due.
Your only agenda is to bash Cox and character assassinate him…there is nothing measured in anything you say. Again, as I said last night, you, along with your weasels Something Jacked My A* and Stench, are frauds.
Stench, Poopy, Stinky whatever your name is- knowing how much you like real men, and are the least homophobic person on this website- just wanted to let you know that the 2 homo boys and I are up for some six way action with you and your two toy boys.
Brian Agree with you. I don’t think there will be too much fiddling around the edges this offseason from JS. The man is like a bull at the gate- he literally can’t wait for the season to end- he’s already broke his own rules by picking up Smoltz’s option and re-signing Wickman- this offseason is going to be both intriguing and exciting- the possiblities are enormous fun debating!
0 for 19 and BBFan Keep up the good fight. Enjoy the way both of you have ripped apart a few pretenders on this site.
By ncscoots
September 26, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this
You’ll need someone with a stronger arm than Renteria if you put Pierre in left, since the cutoff man will have to be 60 feet deeper. The scariest part, though, was the idea of Pierre “for years to come”. gaaack!
By Bravo Nam
September 26, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this
Stench, Stinky, Poopy oi Check your post at 1.17 am. I quote: “I have to say that TheSouthernJackAss is my hero”. Who’s the liar? Who needs a lobotomy? Who hasn’t done a pooh today?
By rammerjammer
September 26, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
Pierre’s arm isn’t the greatest, but he’ll produce far more run-scoring opportunities than he allows.
By the way, he has ZERO errors this season, and his putouts and assists are very comparable to Andruw’s. Not saying he’s Andruw; just saying he’s not Shirley Temple either.
By Bravo Nam
September 26, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this
DOB The Braves beat writer, in his latest Mailbag, has suggested that the Braves may trade Escobar for some talent, and then use Andrus to replace Renteria when he leaves. Is it that clear cut at even this stage that Andrus is a better player than Escobar?
By Stinky
September 26, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
Bravo Nam, Thanks for not posting another schlocky love song to you know who. You should thank me. I’m trying to stop you from embarrassing yourself further. And the six-way? Try DOB, since you both have the same taste in men (your words).
And, DOB, any 45 year old who still has a hard on for talking about his cd collection and going to concerts shouldn’t cast aspersions on anybody, you Kurt Loder wanna-be.
By ncscoots
September 26, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
rammer, Andruw’s relatively few assists are because most runners don’t dare run on his arm. Pierre’s relatively few, on the other hand, are because most runners beat his arm.
By El Bravo
September 26, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this
Lew
Apparently Johnson was drafted as a SS. He is supposed to be healthy next spring.
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
ncscoots: Nice break down of the assist issue. I’d be interested in knowing how many extra base hits, sac flies, and the likes involved Pierre’s defense. Those are numbers I don’t keep. It’d really be good to use the zone set ups to see how deep Pierre was when they ran. I bet there are a few sac flies to him when he was standing 15 feet behind 3rd. The runner could still tag up and score before the ball rolled to the pitchers mound.
By rammerjammer
September 26, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
Understand concerns about Pierre’s arm. Still, he has zero errors and 56 stolen bases, and brings an offensive dimension we need and don’t have (and don’t have any internal prospects).
By BB FAN
September 26, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
SJA,
Give it a rest!! Why the hell do you enjoy bothering Braves bloggers? What the hell is your major malfunction? Did your mother not pay enough attention to you? Or did your your father pay TOO much attention to you? Don’t you have anything better to do do? Your posts do nothing but prove how ignorant you actually are.
I’m not sure who you remind me of more; that 6 year old brat at the game that keeps crying and throwing food and soda all over everybody or that drunk a*******hole that trys to start fights with everybody just for attention.
By Carolina Lady
September 26, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
DOB, I checked by to see if the blog is any better. It isn’t. Your blog is now controlled by one or two people who have driven off most of the decent people who used to enjoy being here. No, it isn’t funny; it’s disgusting. Much like a cheap mud-slinging fest. It is no longer a Braves forum; it is a forum for those few who wait to attack anyone who dares try to blog. It’s very sad, because it used to be a wonderfully popular place for some really great folk, even those who don’t post.
MATTHEW, I am thrilled to learn of Matthew Walter’s safe arrival and I send my sincerest congratulations to you and Jennifer!! I’ve thought of you often and had hoped to have news from you. God bless, my friend!
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this
Bravo Nam, it’s still too early because Elvis Andruw is only 17 or just turned 18. But yes, he’s really, really gifted. Still at least a couple years away from bigs.
Escobar could definitely be traded. He’s very, well, unusual. All the on-field chatter, the noises and such, rub some folks the wrong way. And not just the opposition. That’s what I hear, at least. But really good, and would draw something in return in trade….
Oh, and when’s the six-way going down?
Ahh, last-picked for school sports, AKA, zithead: Oh, I will keep it shining. I will. And Poopy… whatever. Funny, you two posting alongside each other again. Hmmm, why’s that, I wonder?…
Poopy and SDA, sitting in a tree….
Hey, what’s a B* Guide? Must be another Mensa term. I’m clueless.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
September 26, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
DOB That album was Longhaired Redneck/Rides Again. I don’t have “Unchained/Son of the South”, but I’ll check into it. I do have “Tatoo/Family Album” and “Tennessee Whiskey/Invictus(Means Unconquered)”, both of which rank very high on my all-time country music list. I would recommend both of these to you as well, but LHRN/Rides Again is without question my favorite. All of these albums are actually two original albums combined on single cd’s. I guess the reason I like them so much is because I’m a sucker for the stuff you don’t hear on the radio every 30 minutes.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
Oh, and I’m 42, stinkypoo. But 43 soon enough…
And yes, RS subscription since college. It went downhill for a while, but has made a mild resurgence. Still too many bubblegum bands on the cover (but you wouldn’t know bubblegum pop from Zep or Hank, now wouldya?)
By SDA
September 26, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
And, DOB, any 45 year old who still has a hard on for talking about his cd collection and going to concerts shouldn’t cast aspersions on anybody, you Kurt Loder wanna-be.
BUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRNNNNNNNNNNNNN
By 1 for 14
September 26, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
You stupid rednecks. Of course it took less time to write. there’s a difference of almost 100 years. Why would I compare stats prior to 1962?? And yes I will give you that s-h-i-t about the braves not playing in atlanta. You’re just going back beyond the time the team moved to atlanta because it serves your purpose not because you gave a damn about them in Boston or Milwaukee. Like I said I will keep things equal and compare the Mets with any team after 1962.
By Stinky
September 26, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
Bravo Nam, 1:17 was not me. DOB insiuated it was, saying that IP addresses don’t lie. Well, I say he is a liar.
By Bravo Nam
September 26, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
Stench/Stinky Pooh A lobotomy is indeed just around the corner. You’ve said the same thing in your past 3-4 posts. Let’s get back to baseball- are you a Mutts or Braves fan?
On to other things, we can blog all we want, but it is pointless bloggers talking about things that won’t happen- firing Cox and trading Francouer. There are far more real, intriguing questions out there. Let’s stick to them.
Heard there’s a remake of The Wicker Man out. Haven’t seen it. But, anyone who hasn’t seen the original 1973 movie with Edward Woodward, should see it as it rocks, particular when you consider when it was made. I mentioned some controversial independent movies that have recently come out…another one, if you haven’t seen it, released in the past year, is Hard Candy- has some faults, but compelling (if you’re a guy, there is one particular scene that is gonna make you wince).
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this
I’ve talked to Kelly Johnson about second base. That’s a real reach, projecting a guy to play there who’s never played the position at any level. He hasn’t even begun to throw yet, or hit. Chances are, he’ll recover, but no way are the Braves penciling him in to play 2B and hit leadoff next year. That’d be an emergency option, only. if that.
By Shaun
September 26, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this
Pierre is an okay option, but what’s wrong with Diaz? Pierre’s career OBP is .351 but his slugging numbers aren’t that impressive. His speed helps to off-set it some.
Still he’s going to be more expensive than Diaz and there is nothing wrong with Diaz at all.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
uh, SDA, “Kurt Loder wanna-be” WAS written by you, schizo.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this
Sorry about that typo _ ELVIS ANDRUS. Not Andruw. I’m doing a story on Andruw Jones, had it on the brain.
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this
Nothing wrong with Diaz, but I just don’t know if he’s a great fit for leadoff. Although, I must say, he’d probably be as good or better than Giles has been in the role.
By Tony Almeida
September 26, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this
who cares about Kelly Johnson? He’s another Langerhans .230 hitter.
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this
Payne: I love Diaz, but he isn’t the fast guy that Pierre is. I think, when people are searching for a leadoff man, they are shooting for Ricky Henderson, and hoping to land anyone with speed over power.
By BB FAN
September 26, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Speaking of the story on Andruw, when is that going to be posted? Will it be in the AJC newspaper? Or just on the website? Just curious. Thanks.
By Shaun
September 26, 2006 02:51 PM | Link to this
O’Brien,
You probably know my feelings on that—being a “good” leadoff hitter or good #2 hitter or whatever is overrated.
I would rather have the hitters that are in the lineup everyday, can get on base and give you some power at a decent price than a “good leadoff hitter.”
Batting order isn’t that important to scoring runs, according to pretty much every study ever done on the subject.
By Bravo Nam
September 26, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
DOB Thanks for responding to the question. It’s that kind of feedback which doesn’t reach the papers or the website…as I said the other day, a lot of baseball decisions have nothing to do with ability.
Unfortunately, the six way won’t be going down…Stinky is determined not to share Robert and SDA…wants them all to himself…the homos were offended and went home…I’m left holding my….photo of Natalie Wood. Sorry buddy, being the generous soul that I am, I’ll leave Penelope all for you.
Off to bed- 2am in the Nam- sure to have nightmares about the three stink bombs!
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
I’d take Diaz’s bat and arm in LF over Pierre though
By rammerjammer
September 26, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
Nothing against Diaz at all. Has had some big hits and needs to return next season. Just don’t think he addresses the one offensive problem…lack of a leadoff man.
In the same way JS determined we won’t enter next season without a proven closer, I’m convinced he’s going to get a true leadoff man…no more experimenting with Giles, no thoughts of Johnson, Langerhans, or anyone else in that role.
By Shaun
September 26, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
rammerjammer,
The offense was just fine this year without a “leadoff man.” Batting order is overrated. I’ve tried to make this rather controversial point before but here I go again: There are only good hitters and bad hitters and there is no such thing as a good leadoff hitter, #2 hitter, #3 hitter, etc.
Almost every bit of research done on the subject has found that how a batting order is arranged is worth only a handful of runs per season. Who’s in the lineup is much more important than where you put them.
By 1 for 14
September 26, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
1800’s??? How many teams were there back then? I think there were nine outs an inning during that time. The Mets came into existence in 1962 so I don’t compare their overall numbers to any team prior….sorry. You’re all full of S-H-I-T if you’re gonna tell me you were a fan of the Milwaukee or Boston braves(There may be one or two old timers). You know and I know all you care about are the “atlanta” braves. But being honest may be a little too much to ask of all of you.
By Shaun
September 26, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
1 for 14,
I agree. I’ve only been alive long enough to be an Atlanta Braves fan. But trying to be objective as possible, I still think Braves fans have been luckier from 1991-2005 as a whole than every other team’s fans except the Yankees.
By Georgetown Kid
September 26, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul,
I haven’t gotten the impression that Diaz has much of an arm. I really haven’t gotten the impression that he is a very good fielder in any respect. He’s not bad, but nothing special.
He is a very good contact hitter, with a little bit of power, and he’s quick on the bases.
I think that if Matt Diaz is your 7th or 8th hitter, you have a very strong lineup. If he’s batting in the top half of your batting order, you have a pretty weak lineup.
DOB would know better than any of us, of course, but Diaz also seems like a really good guy. The sort of player that is fun to root for.
By Stinky
September 26, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
No wonder the AJC won’t let DOB be a columnist. He can’t get his facts straight. Some Journalist. And The 1:17 a.m. post was not me.
AND
… DOB, any 45 year old who still has a hard on for talking about his cd collection and going to concerts shouldn’t cast aspersions on anybody, you Kurt Loder wanna-be.
was posted at 2:02 pm.
You’re started this, F***.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
September 26, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
DOB, I posted this on your “Chuck James/Titanic” blog a while back, but I think the blog had already died and been replaced. You had mentioned something about Suspicious Minds and a replied:
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 1 for 14
September 26, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
Shaun, your honesty has earned my respect. Now of course you are of the opinion that regular season wins and playoff are the measure of success. But as I have stated, myself and many others use the World Title. So I beleive that during your run of regular season success the Yankees, Marlins and Blue Jays have had more success. But, I do respect your point of view. I am well aware that the Mets have had little to boast about in since 1986 but My hope is that will change after this playoff apprearance.
By Lew
September 26, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
Shaun-Dude, for once I agree with you wholeheartedly. I think we will do just fine without a “True” leadoff man. I’m much more concerned with the pitching staff. I think Diaz is a good, very inexpensive option for everyday in left. He isn’t great defensively, but his arm isn’t bad. BBFan-Don’t get on the Jacka$$ too much. His encephalon is bigger than his…..Oh well, better not go there.
By Bob, journalist
September 26, 2006 03:53 PM | Link to this
Poke Salad Annie and the Encephalons, Goodness!
Esteemed Honorable, I admit that’s sage advice but why couldn’t you have offered it when it might have done some good? Not minding my own business is why I’m broke.
This Teflon thing is bemusing … I may not be able to stick to pie, baseball, and philosophy but Teflon’s another story … things I put on Teflon surfaces always seem to stick like superglue. Besides, a rose is a rose and you’re the Honorable Southern.
Of the many things we probably share in common, one is for sure … too many folks take us too seriously, and that’s probably a bad thing.
It’s a boy!! Welcome back Matthew and congratulations! I know that My Lady was hoping for October 7 … and me the 6th, but any day is a great day to become a proud papa. We expect great things from young Matthew Walter … and with such a fine role model, he can’t miss!
They grow up quick Matthew … and if you doubt that, just pay a daily visit to Atlanta Zoo web site’s webcam and observe the progress of the baby Giant Panda.
By MetsGrl
September 26, 2006 03:54 PM | Link to this
DOB - “You made me smile”
By Carolina Gent
September 26, 2006 03:57 PM | Link to this
All of those folks whose sole purpose on this blog is to attempt to demean others, GO AWAY. Find another blog elsewhere that’s dedicated to personal insults. Let’s return this thing to what it was, and should be, a forum for fans to give their opinions on the Braves and to get updates from DOB on what he’s hearing in and around the organization. And to others, who get caught up in, and advance the name-calling in their posts, what are you contributing, other than venom. Let’s stay focused, people! We have lots of Braves problems to “solve” over the winter.
By rammerjammer
September 26, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
You wrote, “There are only good hitters and bad hitters and there is no such thing as a good leadoff hitter, #2 hitter, #3 hitter, etc.”
Thanks for simplifying things.
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this
Georgetown Kid: I’d agree. Diaz certainly doesn’t field the position like a gold glover. But I like his bat better than Pierres, and I’ve seen him throw out runners more than I’ve seen Pierre hit the cutoff man without a hop. Only saying I’d rather stick with Diaz than sign Pierre.
By Stinky
September 26, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this
I think John Schuerholtz will be the only person “solving” the Braves problems, not people on this blog.
By Stinky
September 26, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this
The Swedish chick on the airplane was laughing after an aborted attempt to join the mile-high club with DOB. “EET looked juust like a peeenniss, only smaller,” she was heard to say.
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
Payne: While you may not believe there are good #2 hitters, certainly you’d agree that some players hit better in certain spots? Giles for instance is over .300 in the Not-1-hole and below .300 in the 1 hole. Similar stats for Renteria. It’s part of the intangibles. Nothing particular about the swing or the physics of hitting a ball changes, but the psychological approach does, regardless of whether you think it should, and that affects the hitter greatly.
I’d agree, the lead off hitter is only guaranteed of being a leadoff hitter once in a game, but the psychological approach is certainly still there. And while order may not matter so much in one respect, it does not matter so little that one would bat the pitcher leadoff.
By rammerjammer
September 26, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
TennPaul,
You said it far better than I.
By Matthew
September 26, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this
The frustration on this board is so thick that it can be cut with a knife. The Braves have had an historic run of 14 straight division titles without the benefit of a NY Yankee payroll. Bobby Cox may or may not be a great postseason manager; I will readily concede that he has made some questionable calls. But the Braves are fortunate to have a Hall of Fame manager and, like the Streak, he will likely not be appropriately appreciated until after he is finished. I like how one poster put it: asking the players and managers of Major League Baseball their opinion of Cox is worth a lot more than the vitriol hatred spewed by too many “fans.”
Carolina Lady and Journalist Bob, thanks for the good wishes. I will lurk around on the blog for a little while to see if things cool down a bit, but if it coninues to be this bad I will have to leave. I hate it, because there are several like you (and others as well) who are classy and post informative and enjoyable material. But reading the trash is just too much. Thanks again, and God bless.
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
So the Met fan only goes back to the start of the Mets franchise. Well, baseball was around long before the Mets showed up to play, but let’s make it fair and compare the first 38 years of each team.
For The Braves: 12 Championships
For the Mets: 2.
As for me, I celebrate the entire history of the franchise. I don’t have to be 140 years old to do so either. Very much like I’m proud to be an American, and I celebrate American History dating back hundreds of years.
And I don’t believe I called the Met fan a name. At least not on this blog. No need for it.
By Bob, journalist
September 26, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
Like most everyone else, I’m looking from the outside in but, given his apparent work ethic, I wouldn’t be too surprised to see a new and vastly improved version of Matt Diaz in 2007. Kelly Johnson, Matt Diaz, Brian McCann, MacKay McBride … they may just all be of the same ilk.
DisHonorable Southern, you’ve lost my respect … amateurish use of the vulgar when addressing a Lady is inexcusable, despicable and beneath you … and that sir, is everyone’s business!
By MGL
September 26, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
An interesting article on base stealing. TennesseePaul, hk, and others might enjoy. It minimizes in my mind the importance of a speedy lead-off hitter, particularly for a strong offensive team such as this one - leading the league in SLG. Anyway, it builds the case that you have to have at least 3 SB for every CS or you are in the hole. Enjoy!!
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=2607
By Carolina Gent
September 26, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
I’m getting a feeling of longing for the “good old days” when the bloggers here treated everyone else with respect (with the possible exception of some of our “favorite” Braves players who’ve been brought up here their fair share of times). Agree, disagree, argue about BC’s and JS’s decisions and DOB’s opinions, but why degenerate into name calling, personal insults and general crass-ness? For those who wish to do such things, GO AWAY! Find or start your own blog to do that. During this over, but not-quite-finished season, we Braves fans have exulted some, been frustrated a lot and have read, with interest, the opinions of the regular contributors here. Looks to me like we could ALL use a break right now. I never tire of talking about the Braves, and will gladly offer my opinions on that subject. But there is no point in taking personal potshots at Carolina Lady, DOB, JJS, SDA, SJA, etc, etc.
Having gotten that off my chest, my two cents worth is that Juan Pierre would be a wash. Might help a bit on offense, but poor defense would likely offset any offensive help. Not sure who out there would be an available upgrade over Marcus, but I would really like to see more speed in the lineup and less reliance on the HR.
By Lew
September 26, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this
Journalist Bob-I know that DOB mentioned earlier that Kelly Johnson was not yet throweing or hitting. Do you or anyone else know jusat what the timetable for his return may be? I was not overly impressed with him last year, but so many others believe him to have an upside, and it is obvious that you are impressed at least with his work ethic. Maybe I am wrong and there is more to him. Can someone make his case?
By journalist jimmy smith
September 26, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! good news and bad news! good news, first! matthew walter is here! congratulations to matthew and jennifer! it is good to have matthew back on the blog. now, bad news … sda/stinky is here, too making the blog less enjoyable for all. sda can take his shots at dob, jimmy smith, and bob - but messing with carolina lady shows a complete lack of character. like a parasite, sda/stinky won’t go away. now, dob … one day at the ballpark you will hear a little shriek and some puddling and you will have had your encounter with the sda.
By ncscoots
September 26, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Shaun is saying that batting the pitcher leadoff is the same as batting a position player there. The studies to which he refers (if I’m referring to the same) show no statistical evidence that there is a “non-traditional” lineup which should be favored over a “traditional” lineup, i.e., both non-traditional and traditional types of lineups are about equally effective with the same hitters. Therefore, there is no reason NOT to favor the old-school approach of OBP at the top, power in the middle, weakest hitters at the end, etc. But as to whether a batter hits better at 1 as opposed to 2, or 5 as opposed to 6, there is no statistical evidence to support that notion. Is it true? Maybe, because the mental side of the game does affect the physical. Guess that would depend on the player (BTW, Crawford has been just less than awful as a leadoff hitter, and sterling otherwise. Just so you trade mavens know, LOL).
By journalist jimmy smith
September 26, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
this esteemed journalist is back for more psycho babble to share for all. i am back to discuss pudding, hartebeests, toes and fake kidnappings. also esteemed journalist will continue to troll for sympathy - Oh the humanity!
By 1 for 14
September 26, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
Tennessee….I think you misunderstood my post. I said when comparing the Mets achievments, in order to be fair, I can only compare them after the Mets came into existense. I too have an admiration for ALL of the history of baseball. Why wouldn’t I? It was here where organized baseball got started. So, since the Mets have existed the Mets have been World Champs more than the braves. And as we fast forward to the here and now your braves haven’t seen .500 in a while and are looking up at the METS, the NL East Champs. It’s ok if you want to live in the past, cause right now buddy ,it’s all you got…..C’YA
By Georgetown Kid
September 26, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this
Matthew,
Congratulations, by the way. From what you wrote earlier, you and I are about the same age. I don’t have any little fellas on the way, though.
You are also dead accurate about this blog. But the jerks are few and far between. Most of the bloggers are just die-hard fans who like speculating about what the Braves might do.
O’Brien is pretty cool too. It’s funnier’n hell when he rips into somebody.
Now let’s get busy ruining the Astros’ season!!!
By geauxbraves2000
September 26, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this
Oh man, what a fun place this used to be. How fun it was to argue respectfully with your fellow bloggers. What awesome points were made when I had an opinion overturned. It was fun, but I don’t think I can hang out anymore gang, the person trying to drive us all away is being very successful. CL, you are (no offense to others) the classiest person on this blog. Take care of you and yours. Gent, I agree with you on all points, including Pierre. Lew, TennPaul, jjs and others, have a good offseason. I may be back a time or two but not a whole lot until things get cleared up, ie, banning IP address, which I know is possible.
With that, any teams of interest to anyone. I may have to pull for the Braves West in the NL and the Twins in the AL, pull for the Twins for my dad who lives in MN and is a big Twins fan.
With that, I’m out. Have a wonderful offseason everyone, and here’s to hoping JS pulls the strings on a VERY BIG deal!
Thanks DOB for all the hard work you put into this very dismal season. You work does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
Geaux Braves!!
By Roaslynn
September 26, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this
Jimma does some conflict resolution work over at the Carta Centa. I thought he might be able to help this poor, SouthernDumbAsz fellow and his alter-ego Stinky who appear to be in conflict with just about everyboda on this blog. Jimma has worked with all kinds of wierdos from all ovah the world and this should not take long for Jimma to resolve. If DOB becomes a columnist we will not want these boys lurking around. The columnist thing could happen according to my friend Anne Cox Chumbers. She says that the old journalist is starting to run low on cheese.
By Metropolitan Man
September 26, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this
This is not going to be a fun series. This was suppose to be the series that would determine who made the wild crd and who won the division. Now I am forced to watch those Mighty METS beat up on those richmond braves for 3 days.
Hey Bravo dude, I had no clue you were a woman. Anyway I dont know what you are talking about with your statement from yesteday. I dont correct other poeples spelling here because I dont have enough time. I have to make sure my post are understandable before anything else. Besides if I were to correct the spelling here, I wouldnt have time to down the braves. And you spelled defence wrong. (defense) Next, lay off Francouer. If he is a little off its just that he is still young and its a long season. I had to witness the same thing with D. Wright this year. After the all star break and trying to continue to hit bombs, he looked tired a lot of the times. METS announcers were trying to figure out what was wrong. Their bodies just arent ready for the grueling 162 game schedule….yet. But within the next 3 years, expect Wright and francoer to be putting up some big numbers and then we will be talking about promising rookies who cant seem to maintain strenght for 162 games. Anyway brave bloggers enjoy the next 3 days, I know I will.
By BB FAN
September 26, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this
1 for 14,
Give me a break. The Mets win the damn NL East for the first time in 20 years and you are going to start saying how great they are. All they do is buy players year after year. Of course they eventually had to get good. I can’t believe it took them this f*** long! It just goes to show how pathetic they are as a franchise. They can’t even buy a WS ring!
You can’t just decide that a franchises first 90 years of existance doesn’t count, just so it makes the Mets look better. The Braves franchise has 15 Championships in approx 135 years of existance. The Mets have 2 in approx 45 years of existance. The Braves have the better percentage. It’s irrefutable.
You Mets fans have been crowing about how the Mets were going to be division champs every year for 15 years. It finally happened. Odds are in your favor after 15 years. Congrats.
By Lew
September 26, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this
GeauxBraves-Sorry to see you go, Dude. Good luck to LSU (at least until they face the Dawgs in the SEC Championship. Take care.
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this
MetFan: Then there is no point. Your sample size is askew. You are comparing the oldest team in baseball to one of the younger teams in baseball and when confronted with the Championships that the older team has won, you invalidate them all, save the one you want, based on an obscure date range. If one is to compare the beginning of the Mets Franchise, it only stands to reason that we take the beginning of all Franchises and put them all side by side.
Also, you cannot justifiably compare the entire history of one team to only a sample of another team, as you did with all the Mets History to only part of the Braves History.
As another point, you disapprove of the inclusion of the Milwaukee era even when that era for the Braves spans the Mets inception.
You say It’s ok if you want to live in the past but then brag about past events of the Mets and disallow past events of the Braves.
You say nothing counts but the WS and then point to this year as a great victory when no WS has even been played.
By posting the entire history of each team it was pretty clear which team is better.
I’ll admit, the Braves have nothing on the Yankees, A’s, Cardinals, Dodgers, Giants and so on in terms of WS rings.
Have your hay-day if you must. But I think if you read this blog you will notice that no Braves fan on here believes this season was a success for the Braves rendering your rants irrelevant.
By Metropolitan Man
September 26, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
Please BB fan. Like you would live in Atlanta and root for the Milwalkee or Boston Braves. You dont see METs fans touting the Dodgers and Giants who used to play in NY. Thats the reason why we have the METS. William Shea (lawyer) was so hurt by the Dodgers and Giants leaving NY, he franchised the Metropolitans becasue he like myself cant stand the Stankees. Anyway just continue to support your Atlanta braves and let the ghost of Milwalkee and Boston stay where it is. Its just one season, you guys are so thinskinned and spoiled.
By Metropolitan Man
September 26, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
Please BB fan. Like you would live in Atlanta and root for the Milwalkee or Boston Braves. You dont see METs fans touting the Dodgers and Giants who used to play in NY. Thats the reason why we have the METS. William Shea (lawyer) was so hurt by the Dodgers and Giants leaving NY, he franchised the Metropolitans becasue he like myself cant stand the Stankees. Anyway just continue to support your Atlanta braves and let the ghost of Milwalkee and Boston stay where it is. Its just one season, you guys are so thinskinned and spoiled.
By TennesseePaul
September 26, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
GeauxBraves— Sorry to see you take off as well. However, on you way out, you think you can drop the AJC a line and let them know of the goings on. It can only help.
Take Care and I hope to see you back in the neighborhood some day.
By Bob, journalist
September 26, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
Matthew, you are a most deserving young man and I’m sure that our sincere good wishes are shared by everyone!
Most of us will on occassion ponder our reason for being and our purpose in life … and while the biggest fools are probably those who think thay have the answers, I do think it is possible to evaluate how you’re doing … if you’re responsible for more smiles than frowns and tears, you’re winning the game; if you’re not … you’re probably losing!
The Grinch would probably say that it’s not your cards but the ability to play the hand you’re dealt that defines the man.
Self-righteous or no, we should take pride in whatever it is that we do; do the very best that we can … with dignity, and respect others who are attempting to do the same.
When folks finally realize that … what we’re witnessing on the Blog will cease … and probably not before.
Rest assured that David O’B is making a difference … it’s the only plausible explanation for this large collection of wonderful folks and parasites. Methinks it’s more than just admiration or curiosity about someone who knows both baseball and music … whatever it is, it’s good!
Your feelings of frustration are shared by many … as is your solution. Unfortunately, that only causes some of the evil doers to intensify their efforts. Perhaps, those who confuse “privileges” with “rights” shouldn’t have many. Even Miss Miranda recognizes that to remain silent is a right while to speak is a priviledge.
By 1 for 14
September 26, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
Listen….if you are around longer logically you’ll have more time to accumalate championships. this is all I’m saying. I’m not saying that they’re less important because the Mets weren’t around. does that make sense? It’s like getting a head start in a race. This is why when comparing success I start with the date my team was around. I am not…REPEAT am not dimishing the succuss a franshise had before the Mets existed……RELAX!!
By journalist jimmy smith
September 26, 2006 06:08 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! is that the former first lady on the dob blog? surely dob will get his own column now! this journalist has begun a campaign to have dob named as a columnist. this may take time like the wurlitzer but journalist will be pesistent. today this journalist bought a fine canned ham for ms. anne cox chumbers (she really likes those little canned hams) and mailed it to her with a card from dob. this journalist thinks ms. chumbers will be very happy to receive this ham and will name dob a columnist soon. now, baseball … it is well known that soaking one’s toes in the juice of a canned ham is a good cure for bunions. pass it on.
By 1 for 14
September 26, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
The “atlanta” braves are your team. That’s the team I and all of you refer to. All you fans on this post who want to try and make me believe that you were fans of the braves before they came to atlanta are so full of S-H-I-T….try selling that crap to one of your redneck friends.
By Kentavo
September 26, 2006 06:17 PM | Link to this
Please guys, don’t get too excited about off-season acquisitions - I dare say that there won’t be much - the significant moves have been made by locking up Wick and Smoltz. You know how his team has been run since Time-Warner took over. We’re gonna hear a bunch of baloney about how Yates and Paronto got experience under their belts this year, and will be ready to go, along with the return of Reitsma. There you go, there’s your bullpen. And they’ll use the old Hampton coming back is just like getting a free agent line.
By journalist jimmy smith
September 26, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this
Oh the humanity! esteemed journalist is blogging under former first lady id so journalist jimmy can have someone to talk to. this journalist feels lonely at times and must create other invisible bloggers to continue communication. Fake invisible bloggers are not to be trifled with. I am trolling for sympathy, so please send some my way-journalist out. Oh the humanity!
By Jeff Porter
September 26, 2006 06:20 PM | Link to this
I’ve tried most everything I know to do to keep Chipper on the field but I had never heard of the deal with the canned ham. I sent Pendleton over to Walgreen’s to pick up a couple canned hams a few minutes ago. When he gets back I plan to let Chipper soak his feet in the ham cans. It can’t hurt anything. I remember when I first broke into the game a lot of players soaked their fingers in pickle brine. Fingers in pickle juice, toes in ham juice. We could be on to something. Two more hams in the clubhouse - just what we need.
By journalist stinky
September 26, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this
dob has not printed retraction and apology to stinky. dob is sob.
By Jimbo
September 26, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this
A quiz for fellow Braves fans—-I swing at everything. It doesn’t matter if it bounces, is over my head or in the other batter’s box, I’m hacking. I think it’s possible I could strike out 5 times in one game on 15 pitches. I think its very funny that broadcasters and media will tell you I had a great season. In the next breath, they will apologize for me by saying I’m only 22. They say I have a lot of homers and runs batted in. What they don’t say is if I had patience and a plan at the plate I could hit .330 with even more homers and RBI and be an MVP. I laugh when I hear the apologists because there is another guy on the team who is my age who hits like a seasoned pro. You would think that if he could do it so could I. I think any opposing pitcher who throws me a strike should be fined by his manager. It is easy to make me look like a clown at the plate, but I can’t help myself. Unknowing fans and media think I’m cute, but all that does it give me the courage to continue being a clown at the plate. Why should I change? They think I’m great right now. Who am I?
By journalist stinky
September 26, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this
jimbo is actually kurt loder.
By journalist jimmy smith
September 26, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this
well, has everyone left but the sda/stinky? no fun blogging with him. journalist out for awhile . . .
By Metropolitan Man
September 26, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
Answer-Who is Jeff Mcann, or Bryan Francoer! You are talking about 2 people arent you. (trick question)
By David O'Brien
September 26, 2006 07:19 PM | Link to this
Looks like it’s been another rich and productive day in the life/lives of NonSouthernAH and Poopy. You guys get laid off at Mickey D’s, have a lot of time on your hands today? Or was it a teacher workday at elementary school today and you were off?
Anyway, for ALL the the other bloggers who have interesting lives and passion for baseball or music and other stuff other than lashing out at the well-adjusted, happy people: There’s a new blog.
By Bob, journalist
September 26, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this
1 for 14, I like your identity … is that your batting average against 10 Paul?
Seriously, I’m not the only Atlanta native here who identified with, and pulled for the Boston Braves … then Milwaukee, and now Atlanta.
The Braves have long been a common topic of sports conversation in Atlanta, at least since WWII … with many, many folks identifying them as our “Major League” team.
Consequently, many of us have always thought of them as our Braves, regardless of the location. The primary reason … Earl Mann!!
It’s not limited to my generation … both my son and grandson will tell you that Warren Spahn, Johnny Sain, Lew Burdette, Gene Conley, Ernie Johnson, Del Crandall and Johnny Logan, and Eddie Mathews … are Braves … though I think Eddie is the only one who played in Atlanta; both as a Cracker and a Brave.
We even like to think of Babe Ruth as a Brave … and Casey Stengel, he is one of the few links with the Mets to which we like to admit.
By dadgum
September 26, 2006 07:50 PM | Link to this
DOB….actually the Richmond Braves scenario is fueled partly by the Atlanta Braves’ Mike Plant. Richmond has given him no response to his repeated demands for upgrades or a firm stadium relocation. It appears Richmond is waiting for the word from Atlanta that they are definitely looking elsewhere so Richmond can find other suitors. Richmond is just not an Atlanta Braves area anymore so exactly why Atlanta hasn’t pulled the plug on Richmond is somewhat of a mystery to me anyway. Richmond’s attendance is among the worst in AAA at just around 5,000 per game down from about 8,000 just a few years ago. The Braves lose about 1 mil a year in Richmond. Turn out the lights the party’s over.
To the AJC, DOB, any others in control of this blog. Sensorship is not taking away freedom of speech when the likes of a few on this blog go attacking relentlessly by using slurs and vulgar language to establish their points whatever they are. By pulling their IP’s you are doing this blog a favor. Their issues are not rooted on this blog trust me but the bile they leave behind is quite annoying to the good bloggers trying to make points and counter points on issues of common interest. NOt sure we will ever rid this blog of vile and vulgar individuals but maybe it is coming to the point we need to shut some people down. Rock on……..
By bill
September 26, 2006 09:35 PM | Link to this
ur wrong francoeur is amazing, u need to shut up
By matt
September 27, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this
Amazing players don’t bat .250 with an OBP of .290. Amazing players don’t continuously look inexperienced at the plate. Amazing players make adjustments and learn from there mistakes. Amazing players don’t constantly have their weaknesses exposed. Amazing players do amazing things, consistently. NO, Jeff Francouer is not an amazing player. Jeff Francouer has the POTENTIAL to be an amazing player. Until someone teaches that kid some discipline he will NEVER be an amazing player.
By BB FAN
September 27, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this
Metropolitan Man,
You are not touting the Dodgers and Giants because they were not the Mets. The Mets franchise started in 1962. The Braves franchise started in 1871. The Braves franchise moved from Boston to Milwaukee to Atlanta. The Dodgers franchise moved from Brooklyn to LA. The Giants franchise moved from NY to SF. Dodgers and Giants have no relation to the Mets. They are separate Franchises.
By JD
September 28, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this
Jeff doesn’t need a break. This is an athlete who played nearly every play on offense, defense, and special teams while playing football at Parkview. He can handle the daily grind better than most major leaguers. Give him time. He will eventually be putting up .300+ batting averages while hitting 40+ homeruns in a season. And he has possibly the best throwing arm of all major league outfielders.
By Paul
October 1, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
the last time Andruw hit over .280 was in 2000. The braves need speed and a setup man. Why do think the Mets were successful this year? They have a lead off man who can swipe 60 bases and score over 120 runs. Hampton being compared to Byrd? Did Byrd ever win 22 games? Or have an era under 3? Gime a break.