AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > October > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCardinals in … No, I can’t
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
So many people are predicting a Tigers sweep or, at best, one or two wins for the Cardinals, it raises concern for me. When the popular sentiment is this overwhelming, my intuition says to go the other way.
And so, after much analysis and a look far deeper than the glaring, obvious reasons to pick Detroit, I’m going to predict … oh, I can’t do it.
I’ve gotta go Tigers, too. Like a sheep. But I’ll at least be daring and say six games. Bit whup, huh? Bold, courageous, I know. That’s me….
By the way, the Tigers go 19-31 in their final 50 regular-season games and the Cardinals go 22-28 in their last 50. Guess that shoots a hole in the theory so many of us have espoused about one reason the Braves have fared so poorly in the postseason — because they clinch the division too early and aren’t able to flick the switch out of cruise control when the postseason begins….
Actually, on second thought, it doesn’t. Instead, it’s a reflection of two things, in my opinion: 1. Jim Leyland is the rare manager with the ability to get his players back into the right mindset and get max effort from his guys when it counts, and 2. NL competition in this postseason was injury-depleted and/or simply underperformed against the Cardinals in the first two rounds, and St. Louis got enough good pitching from Suppan and Weaver — Jeff Weaver? — to beat the Mets, whose hitters slipped when they needed to carry the team….
Just saw that an AP poll shows 48 percent of fans don’t want Bonds to break Hank Aaron’s record. Just 48? Are the other 52 percent feeling sorry for the maligned Mr. Bonds, or perhaps sensing some inner beauty others are missing?…
Jeff Weaver facing the Tigers in the World Series is an underplayed story and such delicious irony. But since it’s a touchy subject for TV as to the final straw for why Weaver got booted by Tigers prez Dave Dombrowski in 2002 — let’s just say it reportedly involved smoking something in the back of the team plane — it’ll probably not get the full treatment. Besides, it’s easier to focus on so many other storylines in this series….
Nine teams have filled the 10 spots in the World Series field during the past five years. Nine teams. Amazing. Only the Cardinals have made more than one appearance in that span….
Mickey Lolich won three games for the Tigers in their 1968 World Series win vs. St. Louis, including Game 7 on two days’ rest. Can you imagine that happening today? Today we do backflips celebrating a starter if he pitches an inning of relief on two days’ rest in the postseason, and spend multiple paragraphs discussing the decision to pitch a guy on three days’ rest instead of four….
OK, the Drive-By Truckers. Let’s just say if the World Series is remotely as entertaining as that 2-1/2 hour spectacle that the preeminent present-day Southern rock band put on Friday night at the Majestic Theatre only blocks down the street from Comerica Field, well, then it’ll be a Series to remember.
The DBT’s — Athens-based but most of them from Alabama — were amazing. What a show. At the end, sweat-soaked and inebriated front man Patterson Hood told the crowd it was the greatest (expletive here) audience the band had played in front of all year, and he might have meant it. The place was jumpin’ and the band was so tight, playing before an adoring packed house in smoke-filled, steamy old converted movie theatre.
Fans of the band should know they played EVERY big song off their last four albums and even a few off the first two. Even went all the way back and played Bulldozers and Dirt, a song they put out as a single before their first CD came out.
The highlights for me were the inclusion of possibly my favorite two Truckers songs, “Outfit” and “Carl Perkins’ Cadillac,” during the encore. Tremendous. As were the steamrollin’ versions of “Ronnie and Neil,” “Life in the Factory,” “Marry Me”, “Decoration Day,” “Sin City,” “Butt&@ville” (they ended the show with a long, smokin’ version of this)…
Too many songs to remember. And their cover of Alice Cooper’s “Eighteen” … stunning.
Anyone who ever gets a chance to see the DBTs, it’s the best $20 you’ll spend. I felt like I should have left them some more money on the way out the door.
Comments
By Gerald
October 21, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
I’ll have to check out DBT. Tonight however it’s Paul Stanley in Atlanta! Hey, if I can’t see the Braves in the world series this year, I can at least see one of the best front men in rock history at the Tab!
By Brad in KY
October 21, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
DOB
I think your claim that Leyland is the rare manager who can get his players to ‘turn it on’ in the postseason is probably false. Exhibit 1: Jim Leyland’s own Pittsburgh Pirates in the early 1990’s. If he has the ability you claim he has, then he picked it up somewhere between that time and now, because he certainly didn’t have it then…
I think the most we can say about baseball’s postseason is that the best team doesn’t always win because there aren’t enough games for the best team to show its ‘betterness’. Baseball is such that it’s really not unusual over any small sample of games (such as a 3, 5, or 7 game series) for an inferior team to win more games than a superior team. And in the postseason, the disparity between teams is very small, so it’s even more unpredictable. Given this line of thought, I agree with your reluctance to attempt to forecast what will happen in the upcoming Series…
By Robert
October 21, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
“When the popular sentiment is this overwhelming, my intuition says to go the other way. “
I must say, I about spit my Sprite up thru my nose when I read that.
Oh the irony, or as someone might say, the humanity
There it is. The elegant words I have been trying to find all this time.
By Tom A. Hawk
October 21, 2006 04:02 PM | Link to this
Geez, Dave, just making a joke on the last blog. You sure take an innocent joke personally sometimes.
Maybe I’ll drop in an adoring comment about Drive-By Truckers next time to appease you.
No, on second thought, I’ll just make sure not to address you directly any more.
Thanks for the new blog. Enjoy the Series.
By Robert
October 21, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this
The last two times I can remember that the World Series was thought to be this much of a mismatch were 1998 and (interestingly) 1990
In 1998, it was cuz the Yankees were THAT good
In 1990, the A’s were supposed to blow the Reds off the field, but were instead swept 4-0
Who managed that underachieving A’s team but Tony LaRussa
This Tigers team COULD be had - Leyland or no Leyland, the young pitchers and Kenny Rogers might wake up from the dream at some point and realize just exactly where they are - and at least momentarily freeze when they stare into the headlights
But Tony LaRussa aint the one to exploit this chance.
I loved the line in the last blog about how LaRussa realized Suppan was baffling the Mets. The guy gave up 2 hits in 7 innings. It did NOT take a law degree, or expertise in animal rescue, or 14 consecutive division titles, to figure out he was baffling the Mets.
Of course 5 walks in seven innings means that everyone including Suppan was baffled as to where the ball was going once it left his hand
Anyone remember Joe Cowley and his 9 walk no hitter?
By EEJAY
October 21, 2006 04:22 PM | Link to this
It is no dream when the Tigers starting pitching had the best era in baseball this year. They shut down the best hitting team ever assembled according to the experts in the Yankees. Frank Thomas of the Oakland A’s desroyed the Twins pitching. He was 0 for 13 against the Tigers. They have already seen the big stage in New York. Both teams hit luls at the end of the season but thats the great thing about baseball. You never know. One thing is for sure. When they win the world series they will be the best team in baseball because they will have the trophy as proof. The best team on paper isn’t worth the ink it’s printed on.
By David O'Brien
October 21, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
“It did NOT take a law degree, or expertise in animal rescue, or 14 consecutive division titles, to figure out he was baffling the Mets.”
You sure can be a smarmy, insufferable bore. Enjoy your discourse with Tom, genius.
By Jeff
October 21, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this
With Wainwright clinching Game 7 for the Cards, it brings back memories of that incredibly bad trade for J.D. Drew and Eli What’s-His-Name? Three pitchers, including top prospect Wainwright, for an injury-plagued outfielder who flew the coop after the season.
Pitching is far too important to trade it for position players, especially outfielders, who are a dime-a-dozen.
By Robert
October 21, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
Let’s just sum things up
DOB Position Statement - “Everybody” considers Bobby Cox to be a great manager
DOB Axiom - When the popular sentiment is overwhelming, his intuition says to go the other way
By George, I think he;s finally GOT IT!
By Peter
October 21, 2006 04:51 PM | Link to this
Great to see a writer who’s actually interested in the WS because here it comes. The drone of the “national” media on why this WS isn’t as interesting because neither of the NY teams are involved. The only thing worse is having to listen to light bulb shaped head Joe Buck.
Two things..did you guys catch the item about Selig “trying to get FOX to schedule a day WS game next season? Shouldn’t baseball have that right? They don’t get the multimedia age at all. Saturday blackouts are another example.
The other is what would it look like now if the NL has won the All-Star game? How stupid would it be if the Tigers with their record wouldn’t have the home field advantage against the Cards?
By David O'Brien
October 21, 2006 05:15 PM | Link to this
DOB Axion: No one likes you.
By Bryan
October 21, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this
Hank 3 at the 40 Watt last night… it was better then any DBT show and I am a friend of patterson’s.
By Paul Hamilton
October 21, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this
I think Barry Bonds is completely insane for actually trying to break the record. It will be so controversial he will live to regret it. I am shocked that under 50% said they would hate to see him break the record. Such a shame. Talk about a time bomb waiting to blow up in someones face, including mlb.
By Lew
October 21, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this
Paul-About 24% said they didn’t even care, so it wasn’t like the majority was in favor of him breaking the Hammer’s record. I, too, wish he would just go ahead and retire after this season It would be the right thing to do, just like Barry Sanders, who could have walked away as number one if he so desired. I don’t think Bonds will have enough class, though. I just read an AP story that said the Collective Bargaining Agreement could be finished next week. The old agreement expires Dec. 19. Baseball looks like it is on the road towards getting their act together (somewhat). DOB-I picked up Southern Rock Opera today in honor of your concert. Sounds pretty good so far, but I think I like Decoration Day better. Too early to tell, though.
By Carolina Lady
October 21, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this
Bonds poll: that would be 48% of those who responded - influencing factors would be where was it taken, how many people responded (size of sample), HOW WAS IT WORDED. I don’t think it is establishes the fact - just my opinion. (I hope and pray that he does NOT! He is a cheat and isn’t worthy.)
By David O'Brien
October 21, 2006 07:01 PM | Link to this
Bryan, I’m upset I’ve been out of town for each of Hank III’s shows in past year in Atlanta.
But dude, come on, how can you say it was better than DBTs show. What, you called Patterson last night and compared notes?
Anyway, how was Hank III? Did he play all the stuff off that Straight To Hell CD?
By Robert
October 21, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this
“DOB Axion: No one likes you”
Sticks n stones DOB
My message may not be popular, but neither is it untrue
Pick a town. Any town. Get out the white pages. Close your eyes, open that phone book, and point to a name
As long as you ARE NOT pointing at
Cox, Robert Joseph Paul, Tennessee, or Coach, Head
you have just identified one of the now 300 million plus Americans who would make a better Braves manager than the one we are stuck with at present
By jimmy
October 21, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this
i cant for the life of me understand why everyone acts like larussa is such a genius. just because he wears sunglasses at night and looks mysterious and rubs his chin like he is deep in thought doesnt make him particularly smart. he has been a manager since 78 or 79 and has won the grand total of one world championship and i think 4 or 5 pennants. that is less than bobby cox and everyone around here thinks that cox doesnt have enough sense to get out of the rain. i just dont understand.
By The Grinch
October 21, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this
Robert, you’re a trip.
KC, sorry; I was a bit drunk last night (surprise!), and I saw another post of yours with the “Top 15%” point elaborated again, and I suppose I went off a little too hard. I happen to think ERA is enormously important, much more so than wins and losses when evealuating a pitcher. However, like all stats it can occasionally be misleading. I did mention that Hudson has pitched some great games since he’s been here, I just tend to go more by gut feeling and I just don’t ever feel confident in him like I do Smoltz or Hampton. Maybe I’m missinterpreting his facial expressions and vibe as you say. Maybe he’ll be lights out the next three seasons. I hope so, for our payroll’s sake. I’m not saing the guy’s a worthless douche; I’m just saying he already makes me nervous and when his payroll doubles I’ll be even more so. No biggie. Anyhoo, sorry if I made you mad; sometimes I come off a little stronger than I mean to.
DOB, I’ve been wanting to check out Hank III. Which alblum (s) should I start with? I’ve heard his sound is pretty varied, but then so’s my taste.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
October 21, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this
Robert, still fighting the good fight I see. Man, at least you have conviction. That is more than I can say for most people.
Anyway, I pick the Tigers in five. However, my gut is telling me there will be a sweep. The Cards don’t have the pitching to stand up to the Tigers. They did beat the Mets and it wasn’t because of the Mets pitching. However, the Tigers have that same look that Boston had two years ago and the White Sox last year. They just won’t be beaten. Its their year.
By David O'Brien
October 21, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this
Grinch, Bryan is probably a better authority on Hank III than me. I’m late to the game on him, only gotten into his stuff in the past year. I bought that “Straight to Hell” CD that came out last spring and played it to death driving all over the byways of Florida during spring training. Good, raw, rockin’ stuff. But he’s not for everyone. It’s rough, the language and all, but it’s real and his life’s a train wreck. Much of his stuff, maybe too much, is autobiographical, and it’s a bit scary. But again, it’s good stuff, and to hear him blast all of today’s hat-boy “country” artists and the Nashville commercial crap, is worth the price of admission.
I’ve also got “Lovesick, Broke and Driftin’” but not “Risin’ Outlaw.” I’d recommend “Straight to Hell.”
By StingerSplash
October 21, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this
Have seen the DBTs three times. Last time was in Charleston, by the beach, and they put on a fantastic three-hour tour de force. Absolutely unbelievable. Also saw them with the late, great Slobberbone at Variety Playhouse. One of the best shows I have been witness too. DOB, nice call on MMJ and DBTs earlier. Two great, underrated, airplay-deserving bands. Tigers in 3. The Cards will just up and quit after being down 3-0.
By Andy
October 21, 2006 09:14 PM | Link to this
DOB—I have watched alot of “Lost” lately but why all the change in braves managers in the minor leagues and in the front office? Are the rats deserting the ship—if this is a really boring question please just ingnore it. But isn’t it strange all of this turn over in a braves system that is pretty steady? (Except when the corp. dorks let go of alot of the scouts)
By Carolina Lady
October 21, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
A note from Journalist Bob who continues to have computer problems:
“I’m basically recovered from my golfing misadventures and maple syrup overdoses … and look forward to a Tigers WS victory, having rooted for Kuenn and Kaline … in days of yore. A Yellow Jacket victory tonight would be nice too!
What reaction, if any, are we getting on the Blog with regard to the Cards winning the pennant, … or.the Mets losing?
Regards to David O’B, Jimmy, Scoots and all … and hope to be back in a week … at the latest!
Bob”
By journalist jimmy smith
October 21, 2006 10:04 PM | Link to this
that explains this cardinals lead … journalist bob is picking the tigers! and what of the most famous tiger of them all … ? now, sweet potato pie and cold milk. this journalist is quite happy tonight.
more baseball … jim leyland puts his pants on just like bobby cox. you put your right leg in … do the hokey pokey and shake it all about …
By Carolina Lady
October 21, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this
“and what of the most famous tiger of them all … ?”
Tony?
By Tom A. Hawk
October 21, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this
Don’t know what’s got you so testy, Dave, that you’re equating me with Robert, but I don’t think there’s any justification for it. But if I’m as big a detriment to this forum as Robert is, I’ll do everyone a favor and get the hell off.
By The Grinch
October 21, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this
Who will you come back as next? Should be interesting.
Night, all; got a long day tommorrow. Guess this series looks to be more closely contested than we thought.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 21, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this
tony tiger … a good guess. tiger woods also a good guess. ty cobb a good guess, too. bob must have watched ty cobb. now, how about the player named pie traynor? hof player - pirates. this is why the braves must acquire felix pie from the cubs over the winter. pie players are winners. not to be confused with “p” players who are not. now, harmony on this blog … where is the civiility? we must be kind to one another - except to you know who.
By 2007 Mets
October 21, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this
Brave fans I have some bad news. I heard an interview the day after the Mets lost game seven. Minaya said minutes after that game he was with his staff laying down the game plan for the 2007 Mets. I quote “Anything less than a World Series championship is a failure”. We played a few games in the post season but we have little to brag about since we don’t have a title. brave fans have been patting each other on the back for 13 years of failure. We will re-group, re-load and come out kicking @ss in 2007.
By Bob
October 21, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this
2007 Mets. Guess you guys can get ready for a “failure” in the coming year. You better spend the winter figuring out who is going to pitch for you with Pedro out till summer at best, Glavine probably moving on to another team and your closer in desperate need of help for his “head”. You guys couldn’t beat a team with all their stars injured and a pitching staff and bullpen totally depleted. With Wickman here for the year, I wouldn’t count my eggs too soon. You might be favored, but you know if the Braves are close…you will choke like you always do.
Go Cards.
By Lew
October 21, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this
2007 Mets-I will forever remember the look on Carlos Beltran’s face as his knees buckled on strike three from Wainwright. He looked about to be incontinent. A perfect picture for your perfect (yeah, right) year. Carry it with you always.
By Drummerdad
October 21, 2006 11:59 PM | Link to this
2007 Mets, Is that you in there NLChamps? I think you should have just kept the old handle, but I am glad to see that you have come back to us for some help. Omar is really good. And of course he said that. To get so close and have your main man fall on his face at the hands of a former Brave would make you think resolutely for next year. Did you see Carlos having to pick up his cup off the ground after that pitch? Here’s where it gets really interesting. Try re-tooling every year and still winning 14 division crowns. It’s a tricky business. And that will become terribly apparent when one or more of your guys fails and the NY Media starts to eat him alive and not give him a shot at playing through it. (see the note above about the cup.) How should I spell A-Rod?
I think that Omar and Willie are class acts. And they have built an excellent team. Like several other teams in the league they have acquired former Braves to help them get over the hump in winning. Some of your Mets fans brethren should take note of how Omar and Willie handle themselves. Now tell me ‘07, what pitchers would you like to see Omar go after in the very near future? Talk to me. We’re all here listening. Even the Grinch will listen. We understand how you feel right now.
By David O'Brien
October 22, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this
Wow, who was that in Anthony Reyes’ uni tonight? Guess that’s why he was the top prospect in their organization not too long ago. Don’t know why he’s not done anything like that consistently, but what a time to have the game of your life.
Can you imagine if the 83-win Cards knock off the Mets and Tigers back-to-back to win the damn World Series? Unthinkable, just about. But after tonight… all bets are off.
Stinger, three-fifths of Slobberbone is now in the band The Drams, who opened for DBTs last night. They were quite good, sounded a lot like Slobberbone, not surprisingly.
I just like saying Slobberbone. Eh-eh.
By nathan
October 22, 2006 03:38 AM | Link to this
DOB
Thanx for your reply on the “other” blog. I wasn’t being sarcastic with my question, just asking. I’ve also contended all along while I rip Bobby’s post-season managing, that the players should carry MOST of the burden for the failures. Also, I have always stood by Bobby for being the right guy, not only for the 162 game grind (though he still makes some head-scratching moves…like sticking with Kolb or Reitsma), but also for keeping the rookies and younger players from getting too high or too low. Look at LaRoche. A lot of managers might have given up on him in May (I damn near did). I believe he is too loyal at times. Take Jeff Blauser for instance. That guy was “given” the SS job every year waaaaaaaaaaay too long.
Speaking of Blauser, what’s the inside scoop on him getting “canned” after one season? Just not cut out for the job, or did he do something that upset the organization?
PS: gerald, how was the Paul Stanley show?
L8R
By Dale
October 22, 2006 05:20 AM | Link to this
What is up with Reyes hat? He wears it like an 85 year old man, come on dude, bend the bil.
By Bravo Nam
October 22, 2006 06:48 AM | Link to this
Robert Cox may be hung like a donkey, but no need to have spent the past three months bagging the man just because he’s got one bigger than yours!
Robert (JITB) You wrote: “Robert, still fighting the good fight I see. Man, at least you have conviction. That is more than I can say for most people.”
I think you give the little fella waaay too much credit.
DOB and Tom A. Hawk
Have to agree with Tom. You were way too harsh equating him with the toolboy Robert. That’s just about the biggest insult you could lay on anyone!
On to other things than the toolboy
Many on this blog say we don’t need a SP, DOB says we need at least another, and I say we need at least two. There is not one SP in our entire current rotation who doesn’t have a question mark over them.
Hampton- Coming back from surgery. I think he’ll be fine and do well…but no promises.
Hudson- Do I need to explain?
Davies- Ditto.
James- Will he be the pticher he was this year or will he spiral downwards in his sophomore year- a trend all too common.
HoRam- Inconsistency and injury.
Smoltz- The guy has a heart the size of Texas…and herein lies part of the problem. After returning to the rotation two seasons ago, both he and BC have ridden him into the ground a bit. Over 200 innings both years is not really how you should be treating the staff ace given his age and injury history. All of us are making the assumption that he’ll be fine. In everybody’s list of SPs for the coming year, he’s the one constant without a question mark. And I think by the way the Braves have managed him they think that too- but gee- one has to wonder what toll his workload of the past two years has taken on him. One thing is for sure- if the Braves make the playoffs and want to go deep, they better hope and pray Smoltz has pitched no more than 180 innings before the playoffs start.
Six SPs and in all but one case, significant question marks-the Braves will need a couple of reliable SPs this offseason- a horse and a no.2/3 type starter.
By Robert
October 22, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this
Check this out from cbs sportsline
http://sportsline.com/mlb/story/9743621
Or as DOB said - Now all bets are off
The wind shifted again, and so did their predictions/opinions
Dawgz won, insects lost = it’s a good weekend
By Braves 20
October 22, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this
First - never ever believe a travel agent who tells you that you’ll be able to see all the playoff games while you’re on a cruise - you can’t - but thanks to a dear friend who taped all the NL games for me. Second - I was two for three in predictions. Wrong about Delgado choking in the spotlight but right about Wagner doing so and Randolph getting outmanaged by LaRussa. Third - go Cards! Fourth - Bud Light - let’s please get rid of the stupid win the mid season exhibition game get home field advantage in the Series policy. That takes care of no baseball for seven days!
By Robert
October 22, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this
“Speaking of Blauser, what’s the inside scoop on him getting “canned” after one season? Just not cut out for the job, or did he do something that upset the organization?”
I guess they thought he did a Blausey job as manager
Pa-pa-poom
By Robert
October 22, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this
“but why all the change in braves managers in the minor leagues and in the front office? Are the rats deserting the ship”
Cuz it cant be the emperor’s fault, even when it’s the emperor’s fault
This organization will purge the season ticket roster (blaming the fans) before they banish Eeyore
By Metropolitan Man
October 22, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this
Every time the Yankees don’t make the World Series again, we hear that it’s Yankee fans who are spoiled, who set unreasonable expectations.
Sometimes this even comes from the Yankees themselves, who like to raise the bar on those expectations before the season and then lower them to half-staff like an old pennant when they flame out again, another bonfire of the vanities.
This is the Yankees wanting to have it both ways, selling the same old hype and World Series tradition like it’s part of a season-ticket package, then scaling everything back when they aren’t good enough to get it done against a team like the Tigers.
Yankee fans are only doing what they’re told, believing what they’re told to believe.
George Steinbrenner tells them it’s all or nothing.
So does Derek Jeter.
The general manager and manager go right along with this most of the time, at least until the Yankees don’t make it out of another first round.
At which point Yankee fans are told about the glories of being Braves North.
Incidentally, this is going to be the fifth year out of the last six when a team with a payroll under $100 million wins the old Fall Classic.
It means that while other people can’t come close to spending like the Yankees - again, the Mets were more than $100 million behind them in payroll - the teams that are winning now are spending their dough on pitching a lot better than Cashman’s guys.
By Robert
October 22, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this
“At which point Yankee fans are told about the glories of being Braves North”
You are utterly delusional if you think the Yankees strive to be like, or aspire to, or model themselves after - ANY team, much less the Braves
“Braves North” would be taken as a total insult to anyone, player, fan, or employee, affiliated with the Yankees organization
In case you lost count, I think it’s 26 to 1 Yankees over Braves in championships
By Lew
October 22, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this
Metro Dude-I’m looking forward to going to that game with you, Grinch and anyone else from the blog, but Dude, I will carry that look on Beltran’s face taking strike three, for a long time. I know you’re less than happy about the NLCS outcome, but I’ve got to tell you, for me it was wonderful. Ask Grinch how my play by play went. You are right about the Yankees, though. Maybe they should hire Shaun as GM. At least he has a plan, Robert, as usual, I can’t disagree with everything you say. Go Dawgs-salvage that season.
By Robert
October 22, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
Man, I think next week is gonna be ugly, but gotta hope
Losing to Tennessee, Florida, AND Tech in the same season (a distinct possibility at this point)
This could be the start of some trying times for the UGA faithful (a quarterback named COX - Jesus wept)
By Metropolitan Man
October 22, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this
I’m with you Lew. Im very proud of the season, and miffed at Beltran for not swinging. I dont care if he swung and miss or checked his swing and got called out, but a $119 million dollar man does not go out with the bat on his shoulders, thats just unexceptable. J. Thompson you must be new. I keep up with all NY and ATL sporting news more than any other. Get used to me posting things from NY and GA. Sorry I’m too well rounded for you and can think about more than 1 place at a time.
And Lew, whenever you are ready to coordinate these games for next year let me know. I want to see real fans and make the METS-braves the rivalry it used to be. Oh Robert I didnt write that stuff, it was cut, copied and pasted here from the NY Newsday. Unlike J. Thompson I thought you guys might want to be informed. Remember keep your friends close and your enemies close.
By Metropolitan Man
October 22, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this
KEEP YOUR FRIENDS CLOSE AND YOUR ENEMIES CLOSER!
By kreedham
October 22, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
I don’t remember if you ever mentioned country but alot of the bands you like have a country flavor. Anyhow got the new Vince Gill 4 CD set (great price of $17.99 plus tax) and it’s really, really good. Four themes 1)Rockin 2) Groovy 3) Country and 4) Bluegrass. #1 is the best. It’s still country but does rock, #2 is pretty good with Bekka Bramblett, Cheryl Crowe, Alison Kraus, Diana Krall,Bonnie Raitt and others on it. #3 and 4 are good too but not the match for the first two. Check it out!
By Amber
October 22, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this
This is probably going to be a stupid question, but I have to ask… DOB, you are the same DOB who makes an occasional appearance on ESPN?
I was thinking the odds of 2 DOBs both in baseball were slim, but hey - we thought the Cards dispatching the Mets were slim chance too.
If so, then it just slays me to think of you rawkin’ out to DBTs! In a good way - my dad likes a very diverse bunch of music. I think I’d pay money to see him at a Scissor Sisters concert!
OK, I’m done being weird!
By KC
October 22, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this
Amber… nope, he’s not the same guy.
By KC
October 22, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
Hey, has anyone here done any snow skiing in North Carolina? I’m thinking about going, but I’m just wondering if any of the slopes up there are worth the drive from ATL. +
By Robert
October 22, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
I am walking thru ankle deep snow on a crisp December morning. Chris Reitsma is leading me toward the barn on his Minnesota farm. He opens the doors and we amble over to Bobby Cox’s pen. Bobby is curled up on a bed of fresh straw, but when he sees us he gets to his feet ,comes over, and sticks his head thru the slats. Reistma gently pats and massages his ears with one hand while offering him some apple slices dipped in honey with the other
Reitsma - “Yeah, I got the old boy for the winter. Least I could do you know. After all, he has lengthened my career considerably”
Me - “But how can you afford the upkeep?”
Reitsma - “Cmere I’ll show ya”
As we walk over to a storage area, a black SUV stops in front of the barn and Chipper and Andruw Jones step out and walk over to join us.
Reitsma opens the doors to the storage area, revealing a veritable cornucopia inside, inside bags of oats stacked to the ceiling, bushelfulls of apples and carrots, no less than ten crates of sugar cubes with a large handmade card on top of the stack, and, curiously, a bag of onions
“The carrots are from from Rafy. The oats are from Wohlers. Blauser and myself take care of the apples. Here, read this” he says, handing me the card off the stack of sugar cubes
“We “eight (and oh)” at your expense, now you eat something sweet on us. Come bacl soon, we miss you” - signed by the 96 and 99 Yankees team - I am impressed
I ask about the onions
“John Rocker sent those. Cant quite figure out what he meant, but watch this”
Reitsma picks up an onion and throws it towards Cox. Bobby watches disinterestedly as it bounces low and outside. Andruw swings at it and misses. This is repeated twice more in rapid succession
The fourth onion is on target. Bobby rears up and kicks at it with his hind legs, sending a screaming line drive towards the open barn door. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, Andruw is seen running into the frame. He leaps against the barn door and catches the onion.His relay throw back to Reitsma grazes against Chipper’s pantleg. Chipper goes down in a heap and is immediatley put on the 15 day disabled list
Reitsma casually tosses one more onion towards Cox, who kicks at it and sends it on high arc towards the silo three cornfields yonder
“It’s gonna be a long winter” says Chris, as he closes the barn door
By David O'Brien
October 22, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
kreedham, you never heard us mention country? really? i’m gonna take a guess that you haven’t ready many posts here on the Braves and the Man in Black, then. There have been days in the past six months where Johnny, Merle, Hank, the Possum, Patsy Cline, et al, have been discussed more than baseball (if you don’t believe me, ask some of those who complain)….
Amber, no, not the same. But to take the level of coincidence even higher, the “other” David O’Brien is a friend of mine and we spent several years confusing the hell out of people while he was a Marlins broadcaster and I was the Marlins beat writer for the Sun-Sentinel. Imagine how many screwups occured at hotel front desks, how many reservations got messed up, how many phone messages he got for me and I got for him. In fact, I just got one yesterday from an ESPN producer calling to confirm a lunch date with the other DOB. He’s a good dude, by the way. Not cranky like me. But he’s not a huge fan of DBTs or Merle Haggard, either…
Bravo Nam, Tom A Hawk, I don’t recall “equating” Tom A with Robert. I thought I just made a dismissive comment about how they could continue their discourse and mentioned to Tom A that I was very busy and was having trouble getting a new blog up, something like that. If I did equate them, then it was a mistake along the lines of my Yanks/Red Sox World Series typo, done strictly because of utter fatigue. I’m rested now after finally getting a full night’s sleep, and I can tell you I would never lump with Robert any of our other regulars (and I don’t consider one banished tool who’ll go unmentioned here a regular in any way). Robert and Shaun are both unique, for God is merciful.
By KC
October 22, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this
Interesting question… Which Braves do you think will improve and have better seasons? Who will fall short of last year’s production?
Here are my guesses: (+ improve / - decline)
Brian McCann + (I don’t know if he’ll top the batting average, but I’m guessing 30 homers, 100 RBI next season)
Jeff Francoeur + (He showed a little more patience over the last couple months of the season. That’s a very good sign heading into next season.)
Andruw Jones + (It’s a contract year)
Tim Hudson + (I think he’ll bounce right back. Besides, he can’t do much worse, can he?)
John Smoltz + (I think with an improved bullpen, he’ll win at least 18 games.)
Adam LaRoche + (He seemed to really come into his own in the second half. I look forward to a full season of the new and improves Rochy)
Matt Diaz - (I’m not sure he can duplicate that batting average. However, if he gets more playing time, he should put better all around numbers up. His playing time will depend on whether or not the Braves add a leadoff hitter in LF)
Edgar Renteria +/- (I suppose I expect about the same kind of production next year)
Chuck James + (It’ll be nice to watch him for a full season)
Bob Wickman - (Don’t get me wrong. I think he’ll be great next year. It’s just that he was darn near perfect as a Braves this season and I don’t think it’s realistic to expect that of him again.)
Chipper and HoRam depend entirely on health.
By Lew
October 22, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this
Metro Dude-The Mets (according to the 07 schedule in Chop Talk magazine) play in Atlanta over Labor Day weekend-the same weekend as DragonCon, which I usually go to because I do Sci-Fi/Fantasy aret. I will be staying with Grinch and would like to go to at least one game at the Ted. We’ll get it figured out and we can all get tickets together. You’re right-nothing like an old fashioned rivary. I think KC mentioned interest, too. DOB-A friend of mine up here works for the local classic rock station and saw Greg Allman the other night. He says the Toler Bros. were backing him up and they started of with Midnight Rider. He said it was the best Greg has sounded in years and they did several Allman songs. He’s going to send me the play list later.
By journalist jimmy smith
October 22, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this
slobberbone? a blogger? not sure who this slobberbone is but journalist has an idea. american league, right? now, the young pitcher for the cards can wear his cap any way he wishes if he can pitch like that. maybe we can flatten the bills of some braves caps and see if it helps. now, lew coming to town … letwan’s mama will bake a pie. must get in touch with letwan …
By Metropolitan Man
October 22, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
Thats the plan Lew. The closer that date approaches then we baseball fans can get together and heckle each other. Next season I’m even gonna take a couple of games in at SHEA so I wont be so outnumbered like every year here in Turner. But I did notice more METS fans finally showing up, we have bandwagon fans also. (not many)
By David O'Brien
October 22, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
Yes, DOB is. And you’re a pathetic wuss.
Now, to real adults: Lew, I’m not surprised on that report about Allman. He sounded really good at the Ga. Music Hall of Fame thing, and he was phenomenal when I saw him sit in for a few songs _ includng Statesboro Blues _ with Gov’t Mule not quite two years ago at Tabernacle.
By MEB
October 22, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this
What a shame the Steelers lost a home game in OT at the Georgia Dome today. Speaking of bandwagon fans, much like the Red Sox and Yankees, the Steelers have them all over the country.
By Lew
October 22, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
Now Stinky-Don’t be dissin’ Ricky Martin. He lived La Vida Loca, Dude.
By Shaun Payne
October 22, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this
Interesting question… Which Braves do you think will improve and have better seasons? Who will fall short of last year’s production?
I don’t see any key players due for much of a decline. Maybe Wickman, but at 37 he was great for the Braves. Chipper and Renteria may drop off some, but they are obviously great players so they’ll remain very productive. The Braves are in good shape if even half of their young pitchers come through. And who knows what Schuerholz could pull off this winter?
One of my favorites, Rob Neyer over at espn.com, says the 2007 Braves could be next year’s version of the 2006 Twins. I agree with that. They are missing a Johan Santana, but have a Smoltzie.
Of course, they need to stay healthy, but it’s kindof pointless to say that—the teams that win are usually the talented and lucky.
The offense should remain in the top 3 or 4 in runs and I see no reason why the pitching can’t jump to the top 5 or 6 in fewest runs allowed.
By Shaun Payne
October 22, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this
It is hard to imagine Wickman posting around 1.04 ERA all season As long as he keeps pounding the strikezone, he’ll be just dandy. Two walks in 26 innings…outstanding.
By 2007 Mets
October 22, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this
Lew, I know you’re a Met hater and all but I got to think you’re stupid or something. Last I checked your braves didn’t even play .500 ball. You’ll spend the rest of your off season jerking off and trying to think of clever things to write. But regardless of your post I’m sure you’ll ignore the reality of your season and how the Beltran and the Mets sent you and your team packing. So keep jerking off A-HOLE.
By Shaun Payne
October 22, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this
Beating a decaying OBP horse
Here’s a good way to think about on-base percentage:
The best way to guarantee that you’ll score at least one run is to get your first batter of the inning on or for him to hit a homer, right? Sure there are other ways to score. And sure, if your leadoff hitter gets on, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to score. But getting a hitter on before there are any outs is the best offensive situation. Keep in mind that getting on-base includes hitting a homerun (HR count in on-base percentage).
What is the best way to increase your chances that your hitters that leadoff an inning get on base? Load your lineup with as many high on-base guys as possible. Having just your number 1 hitter with a high on-base percentage is not enough because he may only leadoff an inning once a game. But if almost every hitter is like a number one hitter (in terms of a high OBP), your chances to score are going to be great.
No matter what kindof offensive philosophy you take (smallball or BillyBall or longball or whatever), I think we would all agree that the best way to greatly increase your run-scoring chances is to get your first batter of each inning on base (again, keep in mind that homeruns count as getting on-base). Well, the best situation would be your leadoff hitter getting a homerun, but you at least want him to get on base any way possible; you want him to avoid an out and get on base.
By Stinky
October 22, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this
“By David O’Brien
October 22, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this
….I just like saying Slobberbone. Eh-eh.”
By David O'Brien
October 22, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this
OK, so Sparky Anderson is brought to the interview room tonight, and he’s rambling all over the place with his answers to a variety of topics, mostly related to the Tigers. And he’s asked, “Is it bittersweet on any level that Alan Trammel was fired a year before this happened.”
And here’s the man’s answer (remember, he was asked about Trammel):
“When you sign a contract, I think you sign to be fired. I certainly got it and I don’t know … Bobby Cox got it, and Tony got it. And I’ll tell you what, right now, if you want to know something, Bobby Cox and Tony La Russa, if we had to vote today, you would have to vote one of the two the greatest manager of all time. You’re not going to give Connie Mack that, because he used to leave after the third or fourth inning if things were bad. The elevator girl was waiting for him. “Those two guys, just look, somebody asked me about Bobby Cox, and he’d won 14 straight divisions _ if I could ever do that. I said, yeah, give me a .38 and I’ll stick it in my mouth and when I pull the trigger I’ve done it. You ain’t going to do something like that. “No, these are two unbelievable managers.”
OK, he kinda lost me on the .38 bend in the answer, but I thought I’d share that with you folks.
By Lew
October 22, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this
2007Mets-Aside from proving right there that you aren’t much better than you claim that I am, you make me wonder-Do you realize that when I said Beltran looked incontinent when he stared incredulously at that called third strike I meant that he looked like he was about to wet his pants? Rant on-I know it makes you feel important and covers up your pain at the realization that the Mets weren’t all that.
By David O'Brien
October 22, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
Oops, forgot I needed to put a space between paragraphs for the blog (I’m sitting here writing regular stuff for the paper and we don’t have the space thing there). So here’s that quote from Ramblin’ Sparky, a little easier to read:
“When you sign a contract, I think you sign to be fired. I certainly got it and I don’t know … Bobby Cox got it, and Tony got it. And I’ll tell you what, right now, if you want to know something, Bobby Cox and Tony La Russa, if we had to vote today, you would have to vote one of the two the greatest manager of all time. You’re not going to give Connie Mack that, because he used to leave after the third or fourth inning if things were bad. The elevator girl was waiting for him.
“Those two guys, just look, somebody asked me about Bobby Cox, and he’d won 14 straight divisions _ if I could ever do that. I said, yeah, give me a .38 and I’ll stick it in my mouth and when I pull the trigger I’ve done it. You ain’t going to do something like that.
“No, these are two unbelievable managers.”
By JJMB
October 22, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this
Man, Sparky had some players with the Big Red Machine. Pretty much steroid HGH free in those days. I think George Foster hit 50hrs at 185lbs.
By Stinky
October 22, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this
“By David O’Brien
October 22, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
Yes, DOB is. And you’re a pathetic wuss.
Now, to real adults:…”
By ernesto
October 22, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB you probalby know this already, but just in case you didn’t here’s a metting of 2 of your faves
Kelly Hogan sings the part of Cassie on the Southern Rock Opera “Angels and fuselage” “Cassie’s brother” and one other I can’t remember.
Dig it.
By ernesto
October 22, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB you probalby know this already, but just in case you didn’t here’s a metting of 2 of your faves
Kelly Hogan sings the part of Cassie on the Southern Rock Opera “Angels and fuselage” “Cassie’s brother” and one other I can’t remember.
Dig it.
By David O'Brien
October 22, 2006 09:38 PM | Link to this
George Foster was The Man. With that black bat and those muttonchops, he was so sinister looking. Loved him as a kid, him and Dave Parker.
Kenny Rogers … talk about a total image and performance overall. This guy’s the king of Detroit, and pitching his butt off. To think where he was a couple years ago, one of the most hated guys in the game.
Hey, is there any particular reason Stinky is posting nothing but my lines? A point you’re trying to make, perhaps? Or just nothing to say?
By David O'Brien
October 22, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
Ernesto, I had no idea the lovely Miss Hogan sang on the DBTs tracks you mentioned, or any others for that matter. Damn, I knew she was the coolest, but that cements the status.
By David O'Brien
October 22, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
Why don’t you just send another whiny complaint to the folks who oversee the blog? That might make you feel better.
By Lew
October 22, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this
AP just reported a tentative agreement by players and owners on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. It should be finalized on Monday or Tuesday. It is supposedly a fve year deal. DOB-apparently the mosquitoes have escaped confinement again and are off their medication.
By JJMB
October 22, 2006 10:15 PM | Link to this
Yeah Dave, I would think the Detroit fans love Kenny Rodgers. How do the camera men like him now?
By Calvin
October 22, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien, Good piece on Glavine. I was interested to see his thought process since Pedro will be out for most of next year. I doubt Glavine, an athlete, will take less than 10 mil to play next year. He is definitely in the drivers seat in terms of naming his price.
By David O'Brien
October 23, 2006 12:41 AM | Link to this
JJMB, they absolutely love the dude here. But he’s still got an edge with some media members, I tell you that. in the postgame interview room, he wouldn’t take questions from several Texas writers who’d written stuff I guess he didn’t like during the cameramen fiasco. Three of them asked questions and he said, ‘Next question.’ Hilarious. And quite awkward.
Anyway, he’s absolutely pitching his tail off. Becamse oldest starter ever to win a World Series game tonight, by more than two years. He’ll be 42 next month, and no other 40-or-older starter has won a game, just a couple of relievers have.
Did ya’ll know Rogers was born in Savannah, by the way? I didn’t, until I looked at the media guide tonight.
By Head Coach
October 23, 2006 02:38 AM | Link to this
Bobby Cox , one of the greatest managers of all time according to Sparky Anderson ? Gee , the blog idiocracy must be…………….. WRONG. again , lol. Yea for real , Cox is a first ballot shoe in for the baseball hall of fame. We have all been blessed to have him for so long and to have been privileged to witness the 14 year streak of consistent winning baseball.
By Calvin
October 23, 2006 04:28 AM | Link to this
Seems Kenny Rogers’ brilliant game 2 peformance is being overshadowed by what was on his hand in the first inning….
By Stinky
October 23, 2006 07:05 AM | Link to this
By David O’Brien
October 22, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
Why don’t you just send another whiny complaint to the folks who oversee the blog? That might make you feel better.
By Bravo Nam
October 23, 2006 07:29 AM | Link to this
DOB Didn’t think you meant to equate Tom with Robert…unfortunately, looks as though it upset Tom and he may not be back…while we’re still stuck with bloody Robert!
By the way DOB, really interested on the latest goss you’ve heard on the grapevine about Braves players to be traded and kept…and players on other teams the Braves are targeting.
By Tome Glavine is a union STOOGE
October 23, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this
Even if something was on Rogers hand the first inning he still was lights out afterwards. Go Tigers!
By Roebrt
October 23, 2006 08:41 AM | Link to this
“OK, so Sparky Anderson is brought to the interview room tonight, and he’s rambling all over the place with his answers to a variety of topics …. I said, yeah, give me a .38 and I’ll stick it in my mouth and when I pull the trigger I’ve done it. You ain’t going to do something like that.”
DOB, show up at your local ER one night and start rambling like that. The guys in the white suits will be your buddies.
Sparky is a nice guy. Sparky could manage in his day, and Sparky has probabl;y forgotten more about baseball than I ever knew
Which is the problem really
The guy is OBVIOUSLY majorly senile
By Arkansas Hillbilly
October 23, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the DBT report. Guess I’ll go home and watch my “Live at the 40 Watt” DVD and wish……
Tired of my job and my wife Lucille, Tired of my kids Ronnie and Neil, Tired of the 68 Bonneville.
By Shaun
October 23, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this
Come on everybody, give Robert a break. Everybody knows that if a team reaches the postseason and doesn’t win, it’s all the manager’s fault. That’s why Joe Torre, Ron Gardenhire, Bruce Bochey, Willie Randolph, Grady Little, and whichever manager losses the World Series all deserve to be fired over many of the managers whose teams did not make the playoffs. See the A’s got it! Am I right, Robert?
By Shaun
October 23, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this
Actually, Robert, isn’t this one of Bobby Cox’s best seasons. He didn’t cost the Braves any playoff games, right?
By Shaun
October 23, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this
Obviously the Cardinals look like one of the worst teams ever to reach the World Series (maybe the worst, according to Dayn Perry).
But could it be this was just a fluke regular season for the Cardinals and they are actually one of the better teams in the NL. I mean, they won over 100 games in ‘04 and ‘05.
Also, a team could be very different from one part of the season to another. Maybe the post-season version of the ‘06 Cardinals are closer to the ‘04 or ‘05 Cardinals than the regular season Cardinals.
By ZB Pike
October 23, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this
What about the Glavine rumblings? If we sign him, who is the odd man out of the rotation? It gets kind of sticky up there..??
(R)Smoltz (L)Hampton (R)Hudson (L)Glavine (L)James Davies Ramirez
This would give us additional trade bait for a LF or, if you put these 2 in the BP until an injury occurs (and you know it will)…we should be fine for the year? If you could get 5-6 with each starter, have these 2 great arms in the pen to get to Wick…might work?
By Lew
October 23, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this
Shaun, Dude-You’re more than one dimensional. It’s great. See, you didn’t even need obscure stats to make your point. We may carry on a real conversation, yet. I certainly look forward to it. It really is you, isn’t it? Kenny Rogers sure pitched a great game last night, didn’t he?
By Shaun
October 23, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this
Lew,
Yes. Rogers has been out of this world this post-season.
It’s kindof hard to bring up stats when you’re talking managers. You just have to look at results and look at what players and peers say about a particular manager and trust that they know what their talking about. The field manager is one of the few jobs where perception may be almost as important as reality—if a manager’s players think he’s great, he probably is great (unless he makes a ton of really idiotic strategic moves or personel moves).
But Robert doesn’t see it that way. I’m not sure how he evaluates managers other than their success in the post-season. A major flaw in his argument against Bobby Cox is that he’s given us no criterion for evaluating managers; he just points to the Braves’ failures in the post-season as evidence Cox is a bad manager. I think it takes more than that to judge a manager.
By Robert
October 23, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
Shaun - I have said before that NOT EVERY manager who doesnt win the World Series in any