AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > April > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBelieve this: It’s go time
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The sun is breaking through the clouds, the temp’s rising toward 70, the crowd is starting to fill the seats … we’re ready for some ‘ball, folks.
Or as the fired-up dude who produces the radio broadcast said to me just a while ago, “It’s go time.”
Walked past the clubhouse on my way back to the pressbox and glanced over and saw John Smoltz in there alone, changing into his game jersey while his teammates were out taking batting practice.
He had a look that said this was serious.
It’s time for some baseball. Some baseball that matters. Really matters.
“Best feeling in the world, Papi,” Brayan Pena said to me an hour ago, as he prepared for his first opening day in the majors. “Believe that.”
This is rich stuff, man. Opening day. New season. New stories everywhere you turn. And after today, there will be 161 to go. Then the postseason.
Oh, two quick things before we get started: Lance Cormier didn’t throw his bullpen today; they moved it back to tomorrow, because that’d give him four days until what would be his first start April 8 in the series finale vs. the Mets at Turner.
But that’s only if the shoulder feels good when he throws. If not, they’ll DL Cormier and recall Kyle Davies to make at least one start in place of Cormier.
And a request: If anyone would like to comment on your feelings about the upcoming Braves season in an AJC story that Steve Hummer’s doing, please e-mail him at shummer@ajc.com. Include your name, hometown, and phone number, in case he needs to call you to confirm.
Now, where were we?
We’re going to do a bit more today on the old Braves/Man in Black blog, by offering some thoughts and observations every half-inning, and maybe trying to answer a few questions (but absolutely nothing to do with Rocco Baldelli).
Let’s see if we can’t crack the ajc.com mainframe (is that what tech geeks say?) with an overwhelming show of posts here from the denizens of our blog, whaddya say?
Did I mention this is a beautiful sport?
If baseball doesn’t matter to you, well, I feel bad. Because the greatest game should matter to everyone who cares about sports, no?
I mean, baseball and Johnny Cash _ how can any good American not love both of those?
But I digress.
It is, indeed, go-time. Time to start this marathon. Time to kick off what could well be the best NL East race in a while.
The Mets look ready (or, at least their lineup and Tom Glavine do). The Phillies say they’re ready (can Jimmy Rollins be any more up-front in his opinion? Good for him, I say. If that’s the way he wants to fire up his squad, then good for him for caring enough to say something and take on leadership).
And the Braves? They certainly look ready. Encouraging spring for the Bravos.
Kelly Johnson’s first opening day in the majors, and he’ll be standing up there to face the first pitch of the season. Batting leadoff, playing second base for Atlanta. Can you even imagine the butterflies the guy’s got to be feeling?
And Smoltz. Twenty years since he reached the majors. Twenty! All in an Atlanta uni. An institution. An icon. One strong word of advice to the new owners: If you want to please the fans, make it known you intend to sign Smoltz to a new contract and will do all you can to make sure he finishes his career in Atlanta.
And make it known you’ll at least make a genuine, serious effort to sign Andruw, not some low-ball offer that is too far below the market value for him to even consider. Raise the payroll to $95 mill or so and you could make at least an offer he’ll have to think long and hard about.
But those are issues for another day. For today, it’s about the game only, the stuff on the field. About trying to make big pitches, get key hits, turning double-plays and running down a fly at the warning track.
The bunting’s hanging on the stacked seating decks here at Citizens Bank Park. The city skyline is peaking through the fog beyond center field.
The lineups:
Kelly Johnson, 2B; 2. Renteria, SS; 3. Chipper, 3B; 4. Andruw, CF; 5. McCann, C; 6. Francoeur, RF; 7. Scott Thorman, 1B; 8. Langerhans, LF; 9. Smoltz, RHP
Jimmy Rollins, SS, 2. Shane Victorino, RF; 3. Ryan Howard, 1B (after batting fourth the whole second half last season and all spring); 4. Chase Utley, 2B; 5. Pat Burrell, LF; 6. Wes Helms, 3B; 7. Aaron Rowand, CF; 8. Rod Barajas, C; 9. Brett Myers, RHP.
Go time.
Ya’ll ready?
TOP OF FIRST INNING:
Good start for Kelly, or at least good first pitch: He took it. Good leadoff man.
Wait, not as good after that. Took a strike, then fouled one back, then swung and missed. Four-pitch strikeout
Edgar lined one that I thought might be a gapper, but perspective is off from high in the pressbox here (I’m used to little spring stadiums) and ball was in air too long. Caught easily by LF Burrell.
Chipper being Chipper: Makes the pitcher throw him a strike. Works a five-pitch walk. Booed lustily when introduced. If they don’t boo or cheer for you, they don’t care, right?
Andruw infield pop-up on second pitch.
OK, that’s done. Now Smoltz.
BOTTOM OF FIRST:
Smoltz looks nasty. Struck out first two batters, Rollins swinging at 2-2 pitch in the dirt to start inning, then Victorino.
Howard single through the right side (I forgot he actually does hit singles sometimes). This just in: He’s still huge.
Utley, batting cleanup instead of Howard (skipper Charlie Manuel likes to throw a curveball now and then). Utley grounds out routinely to Kelly Johnson _ and those are words that Braves fans want to hear.
TOP OF SECOND:
Someone send Aaron Rowand a memo: McCann hit 18 second-half homers in 2006. Kid’s got some power. Rowand playing him too shallow, McCann doubles off his glove as Rowand races toward warning track.
Runner at second and none out. Good start. Braves need to score here, get it started right.
Francoeur hits a nubber, fails to advance McCann. Thorman flies out to LF, again fails to advance McCann. Langy does what he did most of the time when he wasn’t getting a hit this spring: Struck out. Inning over.
Braves 0-for-3 RISP.
BOTTOM OF SECOND:
Smoltz gets Burrell trying to check his swing on a nasty slider. K.
Kelly’s getting more defensive work than he got in most spring games _ he ranged well into right field to catch Wel Helms’ pop fly for second out.
Roward infield hit; Edgar had no play coming in.
Barajas pop-up to end inning. No harm done. No Phillie has reached second. (Is the singular of Phillies a Phillie? A Philly Phillie? Oh, the humanity.)
TOP OF THIRD:
Braves go down in order, as does my internet connection. Sorry, folks, but the wireless here is overloaded, and my wireless card just shut me down.
BOTTOM OF THIRD: Innings going too fast now, and my Cox Resource Portal has shut down. Oh, nightmare. Trying to log on desperately, while also trying to score and follow game. Welcome to 2007. I hate modern life.
What would Red Smith do? He’d say, what the hell’s a blog? That’s what he’d do. Then a shot.
Man, it sure is nice out here today. Nice skyline in Philly… wait, back to the game.
Three-up, three-down for Smoltz with TWO more K’s in the third. That’s five strikeouts in three innings.
He might be past his opening-day curse (actually he pitched very well in one of his three openers before today, but lost anyway).
TOP OF FOURTH:
Chipper draws leadoff walk. But another harmless pop-up by Andruw, who usually ranks at this ‘yard. Not a good start for ‘Dru.
McCANN two-run BOMB on first pitch. Almost a line drive to the right-field seats. And just like that, it’s 2-0 and the Philly folks are steamed.
McCann, by the way, is very good. That’s a double and homer in his first two at-bats. Maybe he wants to be an All-Star again….
Hey, forgot to mention: Albert Hammond Jr. is playing in Philly tomorrow night (the Strokes’ guitarist). Braves are off tomorrow, of course. Might have to go.
Supposed to rain tomorrow and Wednesday. Not good. I can already see the DH being scheduled for our next trip here….
BOTTOM OF FOURTH:
Another leadoff single for Howard. Oh, I get it: They move him from cleanup to third and he becomes a singles hitter.
OK, Utley just singled hard past 1B to RF, but NOOOO…. Howard is called out for interfering, ump says ball hit his foot on way through infield. Replays inconclusive, but if ball hit him it sure didn’t slow down much. It was a hard grounder that got to the outfield corner in a hurry….
Braves may have caught a break there. I was about to say, before the interference, that that was a play LaRoche makes because he’s left-handed and flicks his glove out to get that ball. Thorman had to reach over and try to back-hand it, and it was too hot for him to handle that way.
But irrelevent, right. Interference.
Now Burrell walks, runners on first and second with one out and ex-Bravo Helms up….
Nice play by Thorman to field Helms’ slow roller and under-hand throw to always-alert Smoltz covering first. Runners at second and third now, two outs. Rowand up.
Rowand lined out to Edgar. Big inning for Braves and Smoltz. Dodged a bullet (because Howard couldn’t dodge one) and now have a 2-0 lead, with that formidable bullpen waiting in the wings.
How many of you are anxiously awaiting the order of the Big Three, or waiting to see how Cox uses them not just today but the first week? We’ll have a better idea after a few games, but I’m wondering how it’ll go today. Couldn’t really get a handle on it just from spring training, when none of them pitched when they’d normally pitch.
TOP OF FIFTH:
Kelly gets behind 0-2, then fouls one off, then foul-tips another, then pulls one foul (that’s five pitches, no balls). Now takes one outside. Now swings and misses for third out.
OK, that was futile. Kelly’s having a tough time at plate, good day in the field.
After 4-1/2 innings, the two leadoff guys (K.J. and Rollins) are 0-for-5 with four Ks.
BOTTOM OF FIFTH:
Well, I spoke too soon about Jimmy Rollins. He just CRUSHED one to right-field seats, a two-out solo homer on a 1-2 pitch. It’s 2-1, folks. Good ballgame
TOP OF SIXTH:
Chipper lines a single to left-center on first pitch with one out. Having himself a game, folks, two walks and a hit in three PAs.
OK, Andruw’s popped up each of first two at-bats with Chipper on. This time…
Long fly ball to CF. Looks like it has a chance to go out, but no, caught near track. Chipper tags up and advances.
Myers gets McCann this time, strikes him out to end inning.
Braves are 1-for-5 with RISP, but the one was big _ McCann’s homer.
BOTTOM OF SIXTH:
Burrell hits a little bloop hit to center field with two outs on 90th pitch for Smoltz. I’m sure this will be all for him, this inning.
Helms followed with a loooong double that goes just beyond outstretched glove of a leaping Andruw Jones almost at the center field warning track, in front of the 409 sign to the left of straight center. DRIVES in TYING RUN, 2-2.
That’s 92 pitches for Smoltz, and the few have been costly. He’s staying in to face Rowand with potential go-ahead run at second.
Guess I also spoke too soon about Smoltz’s opening-day curse….
ROWAND’s BLOOP bounced out of Kelly’s glove in shallow center field. Ruled a hit. BAD, BAD CALL. Can only be a hit if he lost it in sun, and that landed in his glove.
That drove in the go-ahead run. Let’s see if they change the call. If not, Smoltz gets three earned runs. He’ll surely leave the game now trailing 3-2.
Brutal day for Kelly and the scorekeeper. Brutal.
TOP OF SEVENTH:
Three up and down for the Braves, including strikeouts by Francoeur to start and Langy to end. That’s 0-for-3 with two Ks for Langerhans.
Mike Gonzalez warming up in Braves ‘pen. He’ll have the seventh.
BOTTOM OF SEVENTH:
This day has sure taken a bad turn for the Braves the past couple innings. Gonzalez’s FIRST FOUR PITCHES as a Brave are balls _ TO THE DAMN PITCHER! Walks Myers on four pitches. Then Rollins doubles down left-field line.
Runners at second and third with none out.
Victorino strikes out. Now in comes the Big Man, Howard. Lefty on lefty.
Gets ahead 0-2, the second on a high curve Howard watched. Strikes him out on a checked swing. Damage averted so far. Strikeouts can sure be nice sometimes, huh?
Now the dangerous Utley. But again, lefty on lefty (also nice to be able to go to a guy who is as close to unhittable for lefties as anyone).
6-3 groundout. Inning over.
TOP OF EIGHTH:
Wilson pinch-hits for Smoltz, strikes out looking to start inning.
Kelly Johnson long fly out to the warning track just to left of center field.
Myers is roaring now, over 100 pitches.
Edgar LOOONG homer on 0-2 pitch OFF THE BRICK WALL BEYOND CENTER FIELD. Ball just kept going and going. Wow. Big, big knock ties score 3-3.
That’s it for Myers, 106 pitches, he’s leaving to a standing O from sellout crowd of 44,742.
Smoltz won’t get any decision.
By the way, Renteria came in a team-best 10-for-29 (.345) with a homer off Myers, so appropriate he’d be the one to chase him.
On comes lefty Matt Smith to face Chipper. Grounds out to end inning.
On to eighth and the scowling Soriano in his debut.
BOTTOM OF EIGHTH:
Soriano gets ahead of Burrell 0-2. Nice start. Then a ball, then he fouls one back. Then a ball. Burrell pulls next pitch just a few feet foul down left-field line. Pop out to Thorman for first out.
A middle-aged fan who looks to be 6-7 beers into his day catches foul ball just in front of the clubhouse. Yes, the sun apparently affected him less than Kelly (oh, cheap shot. First of the season). (If he’d dropped it, the scorekeeper was prepared to award a hit _ second cheap shot in one paragraph. Now we’re rounding into shape.)
Helms out on a nubber in front of plate.
Count goes to full on Rowand. Two outs. And the pitch … walks him.. Looked like a damn good pitch, caught the plate. Replay shows it was a great pitch. (OK, now I sound like Bobby. Sorry. But it was a good pitch.)
Soriano gets out of the inning with a groundout.
On to the ninth, A.J. up first.
TOP OF NINTH:
Andruw long fly out on a broken bat, sounded like.
McCann SINGLE to left, opposite-field knock, third hit of day for new face of the franchise.
Orr to pinch-run for McCann.
Don’t know that I like taking McCann out with potential extra innings. But Bobby must be hoping for Frenchy of Thorman to double and get Orr in with go-ahead-run….
Francoeur strikes out. Well, up to Thor.
ERROR on Howard, boots a grounder, then Tom Gordon late covering. Orr to second.
Langerhans infield single to second, LOADS BASES. Pena up to pinch-hit with two outs and bags juiced…
NO CHANCE. Gordon strikes him out, leaves bases loaded. On to bottom of ninth, the big dockworker set to enter the fray. Hello, Mr. Wickman.
BOTTOM OF NINTH:
Wickman induced leadoff groundout by someone named Greg Dobbs. No, really. Greg Dobbs.
… A quick perusal of my resources shows that Dobbs hit .370 _ albeit in 27 at-bats _ last year for Seattle.
On, to Rollins. Strikeout Rollins. That’s 3-for-5 with homer, double and three Ks for Rollins. Eventful day.
Now, Victorino, the man whose name sounds like it belongs to a Vegas lounge act.
No crooner, he: Victorino doubles to left-field corner. Now, trouble. Up comes … MVP.
Ryan Howard steps to the plate. How can this be? He always seems to come up in big moments against the Braves, doesn’t he? Maybe not. Maybe it just seems like it.
Anyway, here goes….
After he gets behind 2-0 on Howard, Braves elect to have Wick walk him intentionally. Crowd is booing more than it has since Chipper was introduced. All are on their feet now, with Utley coming up and runners at first and second, two outs, scored 3-3.
I mean, didn’t EVERY Brave-Phillies game last year end this way?
Utley pops out foul to Chipper near the fence. Whew.
On to extra innings. I’m telling you, these two teams have played more games like this than any two teams in the NL in recent years. Or at least I’m gonna say they have, without actually looking for evidence to support the statement.
TOP OF TENTH:
Chance for redemption for Kelly J. leading off against Ryan Madson.
Draws a walk.
Edgar up. Tries to bunt, fouls it back. Then fouls back another bunt. (oh, the lost art of bunting. I don’t know why hitters, not just pitchers, don’t practice it more).
It’s 1-2 count now. Fouls off one to the right side. Takes a ball in dirt, 2-2 count.
HOME RUN EDGAR! Wow. Second home of game for the shortstop, puts Braves up 5-3. Wow.
Edgar joked with me in spring training that he was stronger this year, would hit 40. He was only joking, though.
Sixth two-homer game of his career. Good for him. Great guy. I’ve known him since the Marlins brought him up as an 18-year-old in 1996, I believe it was. Classy kid.
BOTTOM OF TENTH:
Paronto in to pitch for Bravos (they’re not going to go two innings with Wickman this early, not after having him pitch so little in spring and all).
Paronto had four saves for Richmond last year and 34 in his minor league career, but this would be his first in his fourth opp in the majors, if he gets it.
Srikes out Burrell to start.
Helms flies out to shallow center.
Rowand 5-3 groundout to end it. Chipper pumps fist. Game over.
Braves are 1-0.
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Comments
By Josh
April 2, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Man I want your job DOB
By Josh
April 2, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
Man I want your job DOB
By Phillip
April 2, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
Yes, I’m ready! I’m skipping work today to watch the game, so I hope Smoltzie can mow these clowns down. Go Braves!
By John Adcox
April 2, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
You know, there is something almost cruel about the end of Spring Training and the start of the season.
For a true baseball fan, you invest yourself, heart and soul, in the fortunes of your team. That is especially true, I think, when the team is your home team. It’s in spite of the lies you manage to tell yourself year after year—like, it’s just a game, it’s just entertainment. It doesn’t really matter. Those lies are logical and common-sense black and white. That’s what makes them so insidious. They are like stone walls with cracks in the mortar—the truth seeps past them like water and settles in the pools in the deepest part of the heart. Despite the weight of logic and common sense, we know better. It matters. It means something. God save us, we care.
And one thing is always consistent — a certain budding, bubbling hope that the hardest cynicism is powerless to cork. It’s spring, the time of renewal and rebirth. And no matter how your team finished last year, you can’t help thinking that the rookie phenom Johnson is going to astonish us far above our expectations, Redman is going to exceed our hopes, and the war-tested veteran Smoltz is going to find, well, something to make this year the best of his career.
And that’s the cruel part. We care, and in spring, we can’t help but hope. We can’t help it. Despite our harshest admonishments, we believe. We care. A true baseball fan can’t help it, any more than he can grow wings or teach Steinbrenner fiscal responsibility. Which means, of course, that twenty-nine out of every thirty ball fans are going to have their hearts shattered. Again. And despite next year’s promises, the same thing will happen again the year after. Hope, it seems, is a very slow learner.
But to hell with it. I’m going to hope anyway. It’s spring, and it’s opening day. We’re tied for first; the magic number is 162. And despite all the weight of logic and the black and white finality of pages of stats, you can’t help feeling that, yes, yes, this is IT! This is our year. The year we go all the way, until the sudden, unexpected victory with two out in the bottom of the ninth in game seven of the World Series leaves us hoarse from cheering and our cheeks damp with tears. It matters. It means something.
This is it. My God, this is really it. This is our year.
Isn’t it always?
By London Correspondent
April 2, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Just about to leave work - we’re a good few hours ahead of you here. Sadly I’ll be on an underground train at first pitch. I’ll get home around 6:30 (that’s 1:30 to you), put the computer on, and find that mlb tv isn’t working. It never does on opening day! You’ll hear the swearing from Atlanta. As Thomas Boswell said, “Time begins on Opening Day”
By jamster
April 2, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
ME LIKIE BRAVES ME THINKs 5-2 (John Smoltz 6ip 1ER 7SO 1 Walk) GO BRAVES!
By rammerjammer
April 2, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Great word painting. How can any American not love the game?
PLAY BALL!
By KC
April 2, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
Shaun: “Again, it pains me to say it, but the Phillies have six potentially decent to good starters; no other team in the division can boast that.”
You’re right Shaun, the Braves can’t say they have six potentially decent to good starters… the Braves have SEVEN potentially decent to good starters.
Redman’s mixing in a good little curveball, and could be decent for Atalanta in Hampton’s absense.
Cormier’s looked great.
Davies looked good this spring despite ocassional control issues. In his last start, he made the necessary adjustments and settled in nicely, which is what you have to do sometimes.
And when Hampton comes back (likely in about 5 weeks) that’ll make 7 “decent to good” starters on the Atlanta staff.
By David O'Brien
April 2, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
London Correspondent: Can’t say it any better than the esteemed Mr. Boswell, perhaps my favorite contemporary ‘ball writer.
Just so you folks know, gonna break with regular procedure today and add inning-by-inning comments to the original post up top, rather than here. So if you don’t see any BLUE responses from me here, look back at original post. We’ll bold face each half inning so it’s easy to follow
By StingerSplash
April 2, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
Nothing like listening to “Driver 8” on the Retroplex before switching over to hear Skip and Pete on the call. Of all the offseason moves, most of which have been good, depriving us of Skip and Pete on TV is one of the dumbest of all time. Ranks up there (down there?) with New Coke and Gary Cherone. Let’s find out just how bad that Phillies’ bullpen is today, shall we?
By MS
April 2, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
DOB, can you give us 3 predictions?
-Highest number of wins Braves could realistically top out at, if everything goes right.
-Lowest number of wins if things go wrong and we get hit with multiple injuries. -Number of wins you think we’ll end up at.
Thanks as always for the great work. An hour to go…….
By kdbanks
April 2, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
I like the batting order - McCann before Francoeur is perfect, and will help them both, and Langerhans in the 8 spot means no pressure on him.
How high’s the water, mama? ‘Two feet high and rising’ How high’s the water, papa? ‘She said it’s two feet high and rising But we can make it to the road in a homemade boat ‘Cause that’s the only thing we got left that’ll float It’s already over all the wheat and oats’ Two feet high and rising
How high’s the water, mama? ‘Three feet high and rising’ How high’s the water, papa? ‘She said it’s three feet high and rising Well, the hives are gone, I lost my bees Chickens are sleepin’ in the willow trees Cows in water up past their knees’ Three feet high and rising
How high’s the water, mama? ‘Four feet high and rising’ How high’s the water, papa? ‘She said it’s four feet high and rising Hey, come look through the window pane The bus is coming, gonna take us to the train Looks like we’ll be blessed with a little more rain’ Four feet high and rising
How high’s the water, Mama? ‘Five feet high and rising’ How high’s the water, Papa? ‘She said it’s five feet high and rising Well, the rails are washed out north of town We gotta head for higher ground We can’t come back till the water goes down’ Five feet high and rising Well, it’s five feet high and rising
KDB
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
Go time indeed, from the rim of the capital city to the subways of London, from the visitor’s clubhouse in Philly to wherever denizens of Braves Nation call home.
Go time. Showtime. Game time.
The Scribe, and the millions out there who proudly wear the tomahawk and the A, abide on this, the greatest day of the year. And now, the two greatest words in the English language:
Play ball.
—30—
By Arkansas Hillbilly
April 2, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
Shoulder stiffness and the stomach virus….Hillbilly has been on the DL all weekend. Now what a day. Opening day. National Championship day (D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F), and a busy day in Arkansas, too.
DOB,
I know you’re probably too busy to discuss non-baseball issues, but The Razorbacks just hired Dana Altman as the head basketball coach. He used to coach at Kansas State before he moved to Creighton, and since you’re a K-State rival, do you know anything about him? I can’t get any straight info out of any of those malcontents (borrowed word) at Hogville.net. I’m afraid we’ve hired a mediocre coach to replace a mediocre coach.
By Greg in TN
April 2, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
Opening day friends… It doesn’t get any better than this.
Bunting hanging off of the facades in every direction you look, grounds crew in a line watering down the infield, the beginning of life in the stands as folks file in to find their seats and take photos of the ballpark.
Broadcasters and scribes from the present to today all marked this day on their calendars. Rice, Barber, Allen, three generations of Careys, Ern, Pete, DOB, Carroll, Boog and Joe. And we the fans also do this. So for DOB, Lew, KC, CL, JJS, Bob, ssiscribe, Nate, eric the elder, Scalp ‘Em, Braveheart, Arkansas Hillbilly, Shaun, MTATL and all the others that I’ve had the priviledge of sharing this piece of blog ether in the past several months, my sincere thanks.
Now…. Let’s get it on!
By The Stranger
April 2, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Why would they move Howard into the #3 spot? Just to surprise Smoltz or is this something they are going to stick with to try and get Victorino more fastballs?
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Is the artist formerly known as DOB going to be referred to now as O’Papi?
Helms? Barrajas? Victorino? Rowand? And these are supposed to be title contenders? LOL!!!
By michael of b'ham
April 2, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
John Adcox, Very strong post man! Well done!
By ElbravoX
April 2, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
Every one healthy through the season and PLAY BALL!!!!
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
KC,
I hope you’re right about the Braves seven starters. But I think the Phillies six starters are a little more of a sure thing. I think it’s reasonable to think the Phillies will get good years from at least four of them. The Braves are likely to get great to good years from three starters.
I think the season for the Braves may depend on Kyle Davies getting off to a hot start then having a break-through year in the majors.
By Steven
April 2, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
Its Go Time, Play Ball. The Best Words in the English Language. Go Braves, 07 World Champs!!!!!!!!!!
By Steve McP
April 2, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
HI DOB, more than one listener over on the UK side of the pond, I am a Brit, but got into baseball when I moved to western NC in 2004, now I am having to be in the UK for opening day it surprises me the lengths that I will go to to get coverage, but good news for those of us traopped on the internet is that the radio is qworking well.
Still learning the rules (can anyone explain the infield fly rule for instance) but enjoying the day and looking forweard to a good season, although I think that injuries could undermine the optimism especially on the pitching front, we don’t seem to have a lot of depth, although the new bull pen will help.
Hope that it is a great season and that we are all still as interested in October!
By Whitney
April 2, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
DOB, Why does MLB start the season with a single Sunday night game? It seems to steal the thunder of true “opening day” like today when almost all teams are kicking it off. Don’t get me wrong, I watched every inning of last night’s contest but it still felt like a spring training game.
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
April 2, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Hillbilly:
Check out http://www.wholehogsports.com or http://arkansas.scout.com.
It’s official-news conference at 5 p.m. to introduce Altman.
Oh, and before I forget…
GO BRAVES!
By HOSS HOMIE
April 2, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
here is to the BRAVES. AMERICA’S TEAM…Here is to chipper playing 135 games and feeling healthy in the end. here is to new owners paying the players well. And here is to DOB keeping us informed. GO BRAVES!
By Mad Mike
April 2, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
Got goose bumps reading the blog just now. It is, in fact, go time.
By TennesseePaul
April 2, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
GO BRAVES
So frickin stoked! Let’s gittirdun boys!
By Brown-Eyed Girl!
April 2, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
IT’S BASEBALL TIME, YALL! LETS GO BRAVES AND TAKE THIS DIVISION BACK!
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
I’m back from Boston everyone (if anyone even noticed I was gone, haven’t posted in about 10 days)… Anyway, so glad the season is finally here. Spring training (unless you live in Florida or Arizona) just completely starts to drag by the beginning of the second week. Anyway, just a quick thought on the Mets game last night… That lineup is a MEATGRINDER! As much as I hate to say it, they (IMO) have hands down the best offense in the NL (with the Phillies, Cubs, and Braves on the next tier below them). I mean, if Moises Alou can stay healthy all year, they hardly have a weak spot in the order. And Glavine, that freakin’ old man is going to be asked to do even more this year than last. But, they are good guys, they ain’t going away…
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
How many homers are the Braves gonna smack out of that little band box in this series? I say the over/under is ten. Anyone wanna take bets. Frenchy will begin his MVP campaign today, folks! Smoltz will begin his Cy Young campaign! The Braves are gonna kill the Phillies in this series. Put ‘em 3 games out before things even get started. If you put ‘em three out now, the crappy Phillie fans and media will jump all over ‘em and the negativity will feed on itself and the Phils will be long gone before July. Then we will focus our sights on slaughtering the Mets. We own Glavine. The rest of their rotation is a joke. We are gonna kill the Mets! This is gonna be a runaway train this year! We’re gonna coast with this thing. It will start by sweeping the Phils and then the Mets. After that, everything will be golden and Frenchy will be the MVP and Smoltz will win another Cy Young and cement his HOF status. After we win the World Series this year, Bobby & John S., Andruw & Smoltz, & Skip will all ride off into the sunset together.
Get out the broomsticks, ‘cause I’m feeling a
SWEEP! SWEEP! SWEEP! SWEEP! SWEEP!
And, oh, Welcome to the Bigs! what a queer slogan.
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
With that said, barring injuries, the Braves should be able to keep pace with the Muts all season, and then of course anything can happen come August and September. We just need to get off to a good start! GO BRAVES!!!
By Alex
April 2, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
hey guysw… gretings from germany and listening to the game by radio… i am nervous like every year…. good luck braves….we will need it like every year.
By Some Yahoo
April 2, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
I’m settled in with the DOB blog and the game audio in LA and I’m as jacked as I’ve been in years for this edition of the Bravos.
This season kind of feels like the last year of high school though. Johnny is getting long in the tooth, Andruw is represented by Scott Friggin’ Boras in a contract year and you just get the sense that something that has been a part of our lives, the men who won all those divisions, the manager who lead them and the GM who assembled those clubs are all about to ride out into the sunset en masse. I don’t think it has to do anything with “the run” being over or anything, it just seems like this year has a looming cloud of finality over, and that the glory days will be over in October and then the future will officially begin. Until then, let’s get one more trophy for Bobby.
My prediction: 6-4 Bravos. Myers gets roughed up, Johnny S. has a so-so game and Wickman gets a save today.
By tkg
April 2, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
Hey Stingersplash,
Appreciate your vigor toward the Braves … but, dude, hating on Gary Cherone? I know he’s the Van Halen III punchline, but that was all on our boy Eddie. Cherone’s a better singer than what everybody heard on VHIII.
Agree with you completely on New Coke, however. :o)
Anyway, I’m sitting right here with you today on another thing … go Braves!
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
April 2, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
I like the upgrade to mlb.com’s Gameday tracker. Anyone else using it? I am a teacher and can’t use the audio during class.
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
DonC, we’ve all been too busy suffering cabin fever over the last ten days to notice that anyone is gone. We’ve been fighting like a bunch of little children. We just figured that anyone not posting was a little sick and tired of all the catfighting we are doing with each other. BUT now, the season is here and everything is good. We need all hands on deck ‘cause we’ve got a freaking division title and World Series to fight for. It ain’t gonna happen without us bloggers. So, welcome back, Don and the rest of the dysfunctional family! Let’s go kill those cheesesteaks and metrosexuals! Let’s kill ‘em!
By Najeh Davenpoop
April 2, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Ah, nothing like watching the Braves on Opening Day with Skip and Pete…
…wait, never mind. Oh well. At least there’s still the radio. 640 WGST in the house. Go Braves!
By braves fan
April 2, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
I’m absolutely ready for the season to start and I’m tired of reading predictions that the Braves will finish 3rd and win less than 90 games. That’s a crock. The Braves lost 29 games by blown save last season. That means that had they had the current bullpen they could have converted more than half of those 29 saves, not unrealistic considering Bob Wickman converted 18 of 19 and Gonzales 24 of 24, and they would have been in contention for the NL East and the Wild Card. So to think they won’t be a top tier team is ridiculous.
By Chief Knockahomer
April 2, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
THAT pitch was NASTY!
By ElbravoX
April 2, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
Where is the blog DOB?
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
Steve McP, call into Skip Caray and ask him to explain the infield fly rule. I freaking dare you. I want you to do it so bad. Please do it. The entertainment value of him going into the fetal position under his desk just because you asked that question will be so freaking awesome.
It would be almost hilarious as a Steve Traschel game where Skip has his gun locked and loaded the entire game ready to kill Traschel. Oh, the Human Rain Delay. I’m gonna kill this guy. If he delays my martini one second longer, I’m gonna go Oswald on him but there won’t be any mystery about whether the gun shot came from the grassy knoll. Everyone will know that it was Skip Caray up in the broadcast booth taking out Traschel.
By OddJob
April 2, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
Watching Chipper work a pitcher is a thing of beauty.He coaxed a walk with his first at bat of the season.He understands that he has improved odds of getting a pitch in his zone next time up with his patience.Good first inning for Smoltz,two k’s,lets see that projects to 460 or 480 over a full season.Well maybe the sample is too small,still good start.McCann doubles,that projects!well never mind.
By T
April 2, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
DOB, what’s the patch on the braves left sleeve?
By Jaye
April 2, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Some Yahoo, I wonder if Scott Boras has ever seen Jerry Mcguire.
By Alex
April 2, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Well…..did we practice how to manufacture runs in SP….?? Frenchie ahs trully worked on his plate discipline..LOL
By stuckinuk
April 2, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
I like the new gameday as well. Discouraged slightly that it looks like Meyers is all around the zone but Francoeur swings at the first 3 pitches he sees. Or were they actually good pitches to hit?
By Metro Mike
April 2, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
It took John Smoltz exactly one batter to “appeal” a call with the third base ump—when it wasn’t even close to a swing.
It took him exactly five batters to pull his “what no strike?” routine after a close pitch.
I had really hoped someone had managed to get John’s attention during the offseason and convinced him to drop those Little League antics. It detracts from his otherwise solid reputation.
But if you are not going to grow up by the age of 40, I guess you never are.
By bong hits 4 jesus
April 2, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
Well, Franceour is certainly picking up where he left off. two swings, two misses, a dribbler in front of the plate. doesn’t advance the runner, fly ball by Thurman, no chance for sac fly. And this guy thinks he is going to be a .300 hitter?
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 2, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
great idea to provide the half-inning updates. thanks.
how about that “ball” that smoltz threw to chase utley? that looked like a perfect strike, but i guess it was just off the corner. it looked like smoltz and the umpire were laughing about it once the inning was over.
a-rod is not having a good first inning at all. he botched an easy pop-up in foul territory, then struck out with 2 men on.
and right as i type that, they cut to that clip on tbs! ha. nice to see kelly johnson running down a pop-up like that…especially right after a 2-time mvp and all-star can’t handle one.
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
Ah, they are booing Burrell up there already. Aren’t they Philly fans special? That’s why the Phillies have no shot. After we sweep ‘em, the negativity will feed upon itself and kill that team.
By supa
April 2, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
Agree with you Matthew. I like MLB’s upgrade too. It beats the heck out of ESPN’s gamecast.
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
Somewhere, Shaun must be saying Frenchy just made one of the 500 outs he will make this season.
By David O'Brien
April 2, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
Again, just to clary: I’m adding half-inning by half-inning to the top, to the original blog, rather than posting here.
That 0-for-3 with RISP in second inning reminded too much of too many Smoltz starts last two years, the lack of run support….
By Carolina Gent
April 2, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
The second inning is becoming an all-too-often recurring theme for the Braves. Not doing the little things, moving runners over, putting pressure on the defense. It happened a lot last year, and IMO, wasmalmost as reponsible as the bulpen woes for the struggles. I know you can’rt read too much into one inning of the first game of the year, but it’s an important part of the game, maybe more so, as much as the three-run homer. GO BRAVES!!
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Two innings into the season; never too early for some analysis from the noted Scribe is it?
Nah.
Smoltz looks filthy so far. Great movement on his pitches. Kelly looks good at second base. Great job by McCann on that drive to center. Wish Frenchy could’ve hit it to the right side. Good drive by Thorman. Tough play on the ball by Rowland; Edgar had no chance (great pitch by Smoltz).
—30—
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
T: Patch honors Lou Burdette and Johnny Sain, both former great Braves pitchers who died in recent months. Both wore No. 33, by the way, so the patch (I believe) is LB 33 JS.
—30—
By NRBQ
April 2, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
If we weren’t geeked for the season to begin, your column really closed the deal, Dave. Great job!
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
April 2, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
Hey bong hits, would you mind picking someone else’s Lord’s name to use? Thanks.
Not starting anything, just a request for fair treatment. If I started a thread with the name, “Pork Rinds for Mohammed” I’d probably get banned. Thanks.
Oh, BTW, Smoltz sounds good so far. Hey Liberty, PAY THIS MAN TO STAY HERE!!!!!!!
By Jaye
April 2, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
Phillies fans booing Pat Burrell? What’s new about that?
Kelly Johnson, I have reservations about. And I’m thinking he’s still proving himself with Braves management here in the regular season.
By Rotgut
April 2, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
Yo DOb!! ITS GO TIME
Smoltz is looking like a Cy Young candidate so far! It sounds like everybody is pumped for the start of the season. Im surprised how excited i am even with the BIG GAME tonight. (I got $20 riding on FL to win by 10+). Sounds plausible.
But what happened to Bernie Williams? Is he playing or did he finally retire or is he in AAA somehow or still just a free agent? Im one of the few Yankee/Brave fans but Bernie was the man. Mr Accountability. I dont care how old he is THROW THE MAN A FREAKIN BONE! You give a player they dont even like a monster contract but you cant keep a true Yankee around in the clubhouse? Could somebody tell me whats the deal with Bernie and if it sounds like hes gonna play again?
By Rip
April 2, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
Did Pat Corrales and Bobby Dews retire? Why do we have a new bench and bullpen coach, respectively?
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 2, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
great idea to provide the half-inning updates. thanks.
how about that “ball” that smoltz threw to chase utley? that looked like a perfect strike, but i guess it was just off the corner. it looked like smoltz and the umpire were laughing about it once the inning was over.
a-rod is not having a good first inning at all. he botched an easy pop-up in foul territory, then struck out with 2 men on.
and right as i type that, they cut to that clip on tbs! ha. nice to see kelly johnson running down a pop-up like that…especially right after a 2-time mvp and all-star can’t handle one.
By bluespotredsea
April 2, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
help us dave keep the game posted that gametracker only shows score
By Sting
April 2, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
tkg,
you’re right, it wasn’t his fault. still, is there anyway to take that whole experience back? looks like we got an old-fashioned pitcher’s duel brewing. DOB, whose stuff looks better for those of us deprived of watching on TV or not getting our browser to cooperate for the MLB.TV feed?
By Chop Chop
April 2, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
Ahhhh…blogtastic!
Looks like Messrs. Myers and Smoltz are on their games today.
By flange1
April 2, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Thanks for the new blog and the updates! THANK GOD THE SEASON IS HERE!
Let’s kick some Phillie butt!
By Rotgut
April 2, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
I am f****n loving the way Smoltzy is pitching to Rollins. And not just because of his preseason comments. Hes always been a player and him and Utley have always seemed to get good wood on some of Johns good pitches. But not today! Keep it up JS
By coach
April 2, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
I don’t suppose Frenchy ever heard the idea of dropping a bunt down the first base line and advancing McCann to third , because if he had the score would now be Braves 1 Phillies 0.
By Mike
April 2, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
Mow ‘em down Smoltz!!!
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
Chipper walks again. This is where Druw, McCann, & Frenchy need to come up huge!
By TennesseePaul
April 2, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
YEAH WAY TO GO MCCANN!!!
By Rodger
April 2, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
YES! Mac drills one, 2-0 Bravos
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
BMAC! BMAC! BMAC! BMAC!
By OddJob
April 2, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
That Smoltz change-up looks naaasty!!! whoever posted on his questioning the called ball,that’s just working the ump,Smoltz is more on top of the game to make pointless gestures.McCann goes yard….I….LOVE YOU MAN!!!
By Steven
April 2, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
MCcann for MVP
By Lew
April 2, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
Home Run and a double for McCann in two AB. Does anyone really doubt this kid is the real deal?
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
I’ve got Smoltz on my fantasy team, YEAH BUDDY!!!
By Rodger
April 2, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
Think Andruw’s trying too hard? Pulled way off that pitch-should have ended up in Cherry Hill.
Odd day for Hoss-BA .000, OBP 1.000
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
McCann is a freakin’ stud!!!
By Wilkun
April 2, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
Two at-bats, two first-pitch swings. Looks like we’re back to the caveman approach, Frenchy.
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
Shaun wants everyone to know that Frenchy has just made two of the 500 outs he will make this year.
By Skydawg
April 2, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
I have a very good feeling about this team this year. It just feels different. I honestly believe that not winning the division last year has been better for us for the long haul. Sometimes it takes a bitter pill to wake you up. This team seems very hungry coming out of a a very successful spring training.
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
Bernie Williams is still listed as a free agent, according to an AP story updated yesterday evening.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=2821555
He’d probably take a major league job if he can get it but that seems like a big if.
By coach
April 2, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
Believe it , Mac can rake. Great pitching , great defense , Two run bomb , bobby ball at its best so far.
By Skydawg
April 2, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
Oh, and great idea DOB for the real-time blog. Nice concept.
By NRBQ
April 2, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
How clutch is McCann? After a mediocre spring, he comes out smokin’ in game one!
May I suggest: “Money” McCann?
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Yeah, the McCann kid is pretty good. A rip double and a bomb homer. Good start for Mac, who’s pretty good.
So’s that Howard kid, too. Good job of hitting Smoltz to right field for a single to lead off the home fourth. Still, Johnny’s got great movement on the change and hitting mid 90s with the fastball.
2-0 Braves, bottom of the fourth.
—30—
By Carroll
April 2, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
Good call, umps!
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
I don’t suppose Frenchy ever heard the idea of dropping a bunt down the first base line and advancing McCann to third , because if he had the score would now be Braves 1 Phillies 0.
Why bunt when he’s already in scoring position and you have a power hitter up?
Also, it’s McCann. Even if he reaches third, he’s not as likely to score as a faster runner.
“You play for one run, that’s all you’ll get.”
By Greg in TN
April 2, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
McCann and Ryan Howard both brought the lumber to the yard today.
Smoltz is light’s out to this point. As long as he’s consistantly able to use his change-up effectively the Cy Young race is between him and a handful of others.
By OddJob
April 2, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
Smoltz got him to hit right at Howard,NOW THAT’S PITCHING!!
By Bong hit 4 Jesus
April 2, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
Chip needs to work on his home run call. I can’t take credit for the user name. it came from a supreme court case.
By Lee
April 2, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Rip … In reference to your earlier question. Bobby Dews is semi-retired as special advisor to John Schuerholz and also works with the Braves minor league farm system at Richmond. Pat Corrales has the same position with the Washington Nationals.
By Rodger
April 2, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
TBS still has the best crew in baseball-three angles of Howard getting hit. Fox & ESPN would be listening to McCarver, or Miller & Morgan pontificating as to what a bad call it obviously was, with no video to back them up (or more precisely, shoot them down)
By Hatfield
April 2, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
WHAT THE F***
Strike-em out Throw-em out to PERFECTION and they didnt call it!
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
Why would they have Opening Day set for Philly and not for Atlanta? I know the championship game is here and all and the weather up there is decent today but why would you start a season opening series in a bad weather city when you can play it in a better weather city? That’s MLB for you.
By MBATL
April 2, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
DOB, you mentioned the weather forecast. I’ve been curious all along: why make the off day on Tuesday, instead of Thursday? Of course there’s no way to predict the weather months in advance, but wouldn’t it make sense to have put the off day at the end of the series to give a better chance of making up a rainout while we’re in Philly?
By kdbanks
April 2, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
McCann is on pace to hit 162 homeruns this year…that’d be a record.
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
Good one in Philly through four innings. Braves caught a break on Howard getting hit in the foot, but Braves also have been squeezed like crazy behind the plate. Smoltz worked his way out of trouble in the fourth, a liner to Renteria to end the inning with runners on second and third.
One out in the fifth, Smoltz at the plate (two outs, Smoltz strikes out, here’s KJ). 2-0 Braves from the City of Brotherly Love, where they’re already in midseason form by booing Pat Burrell.
—30—
By Arkansas Hillbilly
April 2, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
SUGGESTION BOX
Loving the Play-by-Play at the top of the Blog. You’re spoiling us, DOB. It sure would be nice to see this on every day game during the work week. From those about to work, we salute you.
By A.J.
April 2, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
That Burrell walk was a beautiful pitch. None of the Braves even knew what happened, they thought it was a strikeout throw down.
I don’t know where he saw it. No damage though.
By caveman22
April 2, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Just got back from lunch and once again — Smoltzie is Pure Filth to this point. Myers stuff is pretty nasty too except when he’s getting up in the zone. McCann hit that inside slider like he knew it was coming.
“It’s gonna be a good day ‘TATER!!”
By Thrillhouse44
April 2, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
DOB, did you ever hear why Wickman didn’t pitch as often as you had anticipated this spring?
By ZB Pike
April 2, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Getting close to time to see if that new bullpen is going to shut down everyone like we think!
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
KJ struck out again, but a good at-bat none the less. He really showed in that at-bat why he can make a good lead-off man. Went down 0-2, battled back and got the count to 2-2, made Myers throw 8 pitches… How many times last year did Giles see 8 pitches in an at-bat?
By EJ
April 2, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
I wish I had called in sick for the game today. Go Braves. Winning is good way to start the season. Go Mac.
By ZB Pike
April 2, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
Let’s go smoltz!! Get us through six with a shutout and let’s see how smart we were this offseason!
By Greg in TN
April 2, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
I clicked post before I wanted to… Opening day jitters?
What I meant to convey earlier was that Smoltz is a favorite for the Cy Young anyway. If he’s successful using his change-up, I think he wins it hands down.
By Art in Tenn
April 2, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
I’m afraid that if I actually verbalize how ridiculously nasty Smoltzie looks that I might jinx him… so I’m not saying it… oh, wait…
By Scott
April 2, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
Let’s hope the Bravos don’t have to use the Big Three in the bullpen today!! It appears Smoltzy is pretty efficient with his pitch count today, so maybe he goes 7+ and we only have to use one, maybe two at the most today.
By ncscoots
April 2, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Just took a look at the new GameDay on MLB.com, and it truly blows. Guess the folks are determined that you MUST buy the TV pack if you want to check out a game on your computer, ‘cause that might be the worst interface I’ve seen designed in 20 years of software architecture. Just a word to the wise…
By Bigmuddy
April 2, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
Reading from Croatia. Keep up the blog. Thanks
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
There goes the shutout …
A BLAST to right field by Rollins, a two-strike fastball from Smoltz that the Phils’ shortstop rockets into the seats.
A groundout for the third out of the inning. To the sixth, 2-1 Braves.
—30—
By ernesto
April 2, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
Anyone trying to watch on MLB.com??? The sound is a few seconds ahead of the picture, which is choppy and ocassionally freezes…it’s going to be a long year for us out of town Bravo-fans.
By Chop Chop
April 2, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
Jimmy Rollins is on his way to tying McCann’s single-season record for HRs.
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
April 2, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
I saw the case bong hits. I just thought I’d ask if you’d consider changing it to something less offensive. I guess if it doesn’t involve race, sexuality, or any other religion, then there is no point in asking. But I thought was worth a try.
BTW, McCann and Smoltz seem to be on today. Who else is standing out, for those of you who are watching?
GO BRAVES!
By Epinephrine
April 2, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
Rollins crushed that. Let’s hope this crew can get us some more runs.
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
Not saying you don’t have a point about the weather but I’ve always been amazed at how MLB can make a schedule, especially before computers. Seems like a difficult task.
I’m assuming travel is taken into account a lot more than weather. Don’t know if that has anything to do with why a team would open in Philly.
By ZB Pike
April 2, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
I don’t think the Gameday is that bad…I bought the streaming audio, but, they are not in synch with each other.
Gameday gives you pitch location and other stuff.
Philly announcers about to put me to sleep though.
By ZB Pike
April 2, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
I don’t think the Gameday is that bad…I bought the streaming audio, but, they are not in synch with each other.
Gameday gives you pitch location and other stuff.
Philly announcers about to put me to sleep though.
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
April 2, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
Hey scoots, it is better than what they had last year, and it is much better than ESPN’s game tracker. It is a good thing for those of us stuck at work.
By coach
April 2, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
Shaun , shut up. they could have scored one run and ended up scoring zip.
By Kieran, Long Island Brave Fan
April 2, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
Johnson Can’t Catch up to the fast ball, he looks completly lost. He’s going to have to do a lot to prove that he’s NOT a minor league hitter.
(That one hot streak he hit his first year, when opponents weren’t even concerned with him doesn’t count)
By paul
April 2, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
okay so far. bullpen is going to get first test
By hk
April 2, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
… so here’s where everybody is, wondered why it was so quiet over on the regular blog :))
… say, you remember that awful ‘sing-song-itus the announcers were all afflicted with last season ???… it’s early yet, but so far Chip (who was the worst) is infinitely better !! … Joe (who was not so bad) is better as well …
… Smoltzy, one BB, 6K’s through 5, terrific !
By coach
April 2, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
What Cy Young race ? Smoltz can only lose it. He had 23 quality starts in 05 , 24 more in 06 and is showing why he is the ace of the staff in Philly today.
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
Spot on, DOB. Real good ballgame, fun way to start the season.
Smoltz facing Howard in the sixth of a 2-1 game. Struck him out with a great pitch! Seven K’s for Smoltz, who’s pitching like the horse he is.
The Big Three wait in the bullpen. Like Chip said on the pregame show, “haven’t been able to say this in the past two years, but can’t wait to get this game into the bullpen.”
—30—
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
MBATL,
Just heard Van Weiren say beautiful weather in Philly today. I’m guessing rain in Atlanta is just as likely this time of year as rain in Philadelphia. And with the way the weather is now, it could be 85 degrees anywhere in the country.
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
MBATL, my thoughts on why they might put the offday the day after opening day is that opening day is different than other days with regard to who and why people buy tickets. people specifically buy the opening day tickets to see the opening day whereas they might not buy the second and third game tix. then, if there is a rainout, they sort of got ripped off. just my thoughts on why. not really sure why though. Normally, your idea would make much more sense than the awkward way they do it. speaking of which why does NASCAR take the third week of the season off. Just like the second day of baseball, it kind of kills the spirit of getting all pumped off for the start of the season.
By rammerjammer
April 2, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is due up fourth next inning. If anyone gets on, do you pinch hit and bring in Soriano for the 7th, Gonzo the 8th and Wick the 9th?
By MEB
April 2, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Just want to contribute to cracking the AJC mainframe. Great game so far and I love the fact that McCann is starting just like he left off. Smoltz looks great. Too bad about the pitch he grooved to Rollins.
NICE!!! Howard down on strikes. 7 SO’s for John, so far. Would love to see Kelly Johnson get his first hit.
By SlimG
April 2, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Okay, I’m sold. Let’s trade Andruw. Thought I would never say that but he just can’t hit.
By NO CHOP ZONE
April 2, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
Only three hits from that mighty line-up in that Philly bandbox.
By ccrider
April 2, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Where I can I hear audio of the game?
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Just get us through 7 with the lead Smoltz, then it’s all over… BTW, Myers is not looking bad at all today either… Those Phil’s could have a legitimate 1-2 punch if Hamels reaches his potential this year… man, how good is the East going to be this year?
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
Bloop single for Burrell with two outs in the bottom of the sixth, off a good pitch from Smoltz, his 98th offering of the day.
Here’s former Brave Wes Helms. Blast to deep center, AJ dives … NO. Pitch No. 100 of the day goes for a run-scoring double, tying the game at 2-2 on a hanging slider, probably the worst pitch Smoltz has thrown on an otherwise great day.
—30—
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
coach,
Still no guarantee they would have scored one run. If Francouer or Langerhans had homered, I wonder if you would have posted that Francouer should have bunted.
Outs are more precious than bases, coach. It’s only wise to use up outs in a few situations and that wasn’t one of them.
Hindsight is a beautiful thing, huh?
By SlimG
April 2, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
2-2. Smoltzie is hanging breaking balls. Where’s this great pen I keep hearing about.
By SlimG
April 2, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Kelly U SuK
By ZB Pike
April 2, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
You’re kidding me!
By Chop Chop
April 2, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
Unless things change, I think Kelly Johnson is going to want to burn the tape of this game.
By EJ
April 2, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
Oh no, Shoot. We need some more runs. Go Braves.
By MBATL
April 2, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
scoots, I think the MLB gameday is pretty nice for free… it does have a slot for pitch speed, that is not currently being used. If they add that, and I’m guessing they will since they created the field, I think it’s pretty good; seems to run a little quicker than last year too.
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
Oh no: KJ drops a tough pop-up behind the bag at second to score the go-ahead run for the Phils, a ball that should have been caught. Ouch. He was ranging to his right but he had it and it just hit off his glove. Ouch, ouch.
3-2 Phillies, two outs in the sixth with a runner on first. Paronto and McBride warming up in the bullpen. Smoltz due up fourth in the inning. All of this, mind you, started with two outs and nobody on.
Francoeur catches a ball to end the sixth. Two in for Philly, to the seventh, Braves find themselves trailing for the first time this season, 3-2. Frenchy to lead off for Los Bravos.
—30—
By OddJob
April 2, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
If Smoltz can repeat that changeup,why not use it more when he has a hitter set up? It’s not likely the ball would’ve left the yard in the fifth with that pitch. There’s an rbi on a slider,maybe he’s just too set in his tendencies to trust the pitch in a tough situation.Johnson error,there’s always a price to pay at a new position.
By stuckinuk
April 2, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
What happened on the pop up to Johnson? I curse not having TBS.
By N8
April 2, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
THAT being scored a hit is RIDICULOUS.
Apparently KJ and Hubbard NEVER worked on using 2 hands? LOL!
As for those who say Andruw hasn’t LOST a step in CF? Andruw in 1997 makes the catch on Helms hit…..standing up.
Then again to give him the benefit of the doubt, it WAS a hanging slider from Smoltz, which seemed to have crossed up the defense a little.
But I still thank AJ gets to that earlier in his career, without having to dive.
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
I have no idea how the hell some poor guy probably spent months developing a schedule before computers. I think they take into account special events like the Final Four as well. Sometimes, the circus is in town (more applicable for NBA & NHL teams). For example, the Knicks always get kicked out of the Garden when the circus is in town. Travel and schedule conflicts probably are some of the important factors. But I would think they would take into account things like weather. Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Florida, Minnesota, Houston, Milwaukee, Arizona, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Texas, San Diego should all play at home for the first ten games of the season. all nice weather and domed environments.
By MBATL
April 2, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I’m not complaining that the series is in Philly; I have no problem with that. My question was why put the off day on Tuesday instead of Thursday.
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
Shaun wants everyone to know Frenchy just made the third of his 500 outs this season.
BTW, KJ sucks. Where’s Prado when we need him? Oh, that’s right. Keith Lockhart passed on the compromising pictures of Bobby to Pete Orr.
By JohnGTfan
April 2, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
at least 1 guy on the team can hit
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Brutal day for scorekeeper; no way the ball to KJ should be anything but an error.
Brutal day for the umps, too. Several bad calls behind the plate, for both teams.
DOB, I grabbed pitch count off TV. I trust your numbers more than mine, though.
Two quick outs in the seventh. Let’s see if Smoltz is on deck as Langerhans steps to the plate. No. Craig Wilson on deck. Damn shame Smoltz leaves this game losing, gang. He pitched great, made one real mistake (hanging slider to Helms in the sixth).
Ry-Ry facing a 2-2 pitch as the Philly crowd cheers: just fouled off (Barajas could not hold on). Another 2-2 pitch: struck out, swung over a breaking ball. Three hits for the Braves as we go to the bottom of the seventh, stretching in Philly, down 3-2.
—30—
—30—
By JohnGTfan
April 2, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
problem is, McCann is the only guy.
By coach
April 2, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Shaun , your ignorance is unbelievable. It should be three all at the moment , but you right and the Braves are losing playing your way.
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Que pasa, O’Papi?
By OddJob
April 2, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
I love Frenchy’s potential,but as long as he just goes up and hacks away the opposing pitchers will love him.
By N8
April 2, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Looks like the Braves players and Bobby are in MID-SEASON FORM with their whining about the strike zone. LOL!
Coach
I’m with you on the bunting. Of course you realize that had Francoeur bunted there (even had it led to a run), Cox would’ve given him an earful in the dugout, when he got back there.
(sigh)….. Nothing like game one of the season, and we’re LIVING and DYING by the HR on offense. Too bad it wasn’t a 3-Run HR for McCann. That would be just like Bobby “drew it up”.
Tip your cap to Myers. The Braves keep swinging and missing (shocker), so he must have pretty good stuff today. AJ’s let him off the hook TWICE with hangers, but similar to all the strikeouts…nothing shocking there.
3 hits for the Braves. 2 by McCann. That pretty much sums it up.
By chipdip
April 2, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
kelly johnson f—-king blows!!!!!!!!!!!and is going to continue to blow….giles rules and losing laroche is going to hurt.
By chipdip
April 2, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
kelly johnson f—-king blows!!!!!!!!!!!and is going to continue to blow….giles rules and losing laroche is going to hurt.
By chipdip
April 2, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
kelly johnson f—-king blows!!!!!!!!!!!and is going to continue to blow….giles rules and losing laroche is going to hurt.
By We Have Mets the Enemy
April 2, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
Think Giles woulda had it?
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Only three hits from that mighty line-up in that Philly bandbox.
Okay, I’m sold. Let’s trade Andruw. Thought I would never say that but he just can’t hit.
Kelly U SuK
Is it always like this on Opening Day? I guess so. People who pay so much attention to such a minuscule sample size like 6 1/2 innings.
Kind of like those people a couple of years ago who said Smoltz, after his bad Opening Day outing, shouldn’t be starting.
Have you folks never watched baseball before? Are you new to the game?
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
April 2, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
Gonzo walked the pitcher? This is not a good start for the reason we traded Laroche.
Come on Gonzo!
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
Gonzo, walk the pitcher on 4 straight??? OUCH!
By N8
April 2, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
When did we trade for Rick Ankiel and put him in Gonzalez’s uniform.
4 pitch walk to the FRICKIN PITCHER!!!!
Yikes.
I suddenly fell like quoting the two asian groundskeepers in the first Major League movie……..”There still Sh*tty”.
YIKES, YIKES…..DOUBLE YIKES!!
By stuckinuk
April 2, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Gonzales comes in and walks the pitcher (to quote JJS) Oh the humanity!
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
GONZALEZ SUX!!!!!
BRING BACK ADAM!!
MYERS IS BEATING EVERYONE EXCEPT FOR CHIPPER AND MCCANN WORSE THAN HE BEATS HIS WIFE!!!
By Rodger
April 2, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
N8, that was me sticking up for dru…
Didn’t see those plays, but it sounds like I need a little salt for my crow…
By N8
April 2, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
MBATL
You asked:
“My question was why put the off day on Tuesday instead of Thursday.”
Last week DOB mentioned that with how big of a deal that Opening Day is in baseball, that many of the teams that play in potentially cold weather cities (like Philedelphia, Chicago, etc..), have an off day after opening day. Just in case it get’s rained out, then they can have a “make up” game right away. You essentially could do the same thing by making the off day be on Thursday, IMO. So I get your confusion.
btw: NICE JOB by Ankiel getting out of that jam.
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Lets face it, we lived and dyed by the long-ball last year too. That is who this team is. Our only real patient hitters who can work counts and take walks are Chipper, McCann, Renteria, and maaaaybe Kelly Johnson (still has to prove himself). Don’t worry too much though guys, only game 1 of the season, plus Myers has legitimate Cy-Young stuff…
By brad in KY
April 2, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
The reason for the day off after opening day is in the event of a rain-out.
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
coach and N8,
If Francouer or Langerhans had gotten a hit and McCann had scored, I’m just wondering if you would say Francouer should have bunted. Also, there’s no guarantee McCann would have scored if Francouer had laid down a successful bunt.
Why do you bunt with a power hitter and the bottom of the order due up? It would have been ridiculous to use up an out there. Again, hindsight is great, huh? We can say the results didn’t work out therefore it was a bad move…how convenient.
By Chop Chop
April 2, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Gonzalez showed why he’s tough. He doesn’t always have the best control, but the man can flat mow ‘em down.
By N8
April 2, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
HACK & JACK, is BACK on the ATTACK, think I’ll go find my self some CRACK, cuz I’m going WACK.
YACKITY YACK!
By hk
April 2, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
… Edgar !!!!!!!!!
By Rodger
April 2, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Edgar just took one dead center-tie game
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
“MYERS IS BEATING EVERYONE EXCEPT FOR CHIPPER AND MCCANN WORSE THAN HE BEATS HIS WIFE!!!”
HA!
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
RENTERIA with a game-TYING homer to dead center to tie it at 3-3 with two outs in the eighth, on an 0-2 fastball.
NEW BALLGAME, folks.
—30—
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
EDGAR!!!
By Lee
April 2, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
K. Johnson is going to be a bust from the start - both on the field and at the plate. Please get a lead-off man or give Prado a chance at second.
By Renegator
April 2, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
It’s going to be a long year on offense with Johnson & Thorman. Anyone think they can hit their body weight?
By ppaddy123
April 2, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
boom! 0-2 pitch. Go Edgar!
By Chop Chop
April 2, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
Renteria! BOMB!
Smoltz is off the hook.
By Smoking Factor In Raleigh
April 2, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
All im saying is Prado would have caught that..
By paul
April 2, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
like i said bullpen gets first test today
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
Two words—SAMPLE SIZE. Do all you people really think what the Braves do in one game is necessarily telling about what they will do the whole season?
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
Shaun, everyone knows that it is opening day and that it is a small sample size but, dude people are fans.
It’s called passion Shaun.
I’m sorry, Mister Shaun Spock, we’re not Vulcans like you. Humans have emotions. Captain Kirk, what is this thing you humans call emotions, like crying? I can not comprehend this human experience. It is not rational.
EDGAR!! EDGAR!!! EDGAR!! EDGAR!! That was for your wife Myers!
By ppaddy123
April 2, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
Bringing in Soriano.
By Some Yahoo
April 2, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
Ease up you psychos. Gonzalez settled down, got out of it and then Edgar puts one out of the park so we can all calm down and enjoy the final inning and a half.
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
April 2, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Good job Renteria!
Tie game going to the bottom of the 8th:
Soriano anyone (no, not Alfonso)?
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
April 2, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
When will TBS be available in HD? I was thinking it should be this season since TBS now has the division series and one of the championship series.
By zak
April 2, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
renteria homers to tie it up
By Phillip
April 2, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
Edgar is the man!
By coach
April 2, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
tied up three all , this will be the first and last time I blog during a game. This is just to d.a.m.n. stressful.
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
My imitation of a lot of people on here today:
“Trade Renteria! He’s 0 for 3! He’s horrible!”
A few innings later…
“Renteria is the MVP. He’s the best SS in baseball history!”
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
Some Yahoo told me to calm down about Dan Kolb as well
By Thrillhouse44
April 2, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
I love having a bada$$ to come in late in the innings. Let’s go Soriano!
By ppaddy123
April 2, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
Soriano = Nasty! Go getem’
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
April 2, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Hey check out the Gameday picture of Soriano from mlb.com. Is he really smiling? DOB, do you have an offical update?
By OddJob
April 2, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Why is it when Myers beats his wife he has some personal problems,but if a neighbor does the same thing he’s a wife beater?
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
Just because your passionate, doesn’t mean you have to call for everyone to be traded after 6 innings. I guess Opening Day is when the Howard Stern’s of baseball come out—the loud-mouth lunatics.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
April 2, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
McCann and Edgar on pace to hit 162 homeruns.
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
April 2, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Good grief people. Do you realize how incredible it is going to be for the next 161 games to watch the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings dominated by Atlanta pitchers? I’m loving every minute of this. All we need now is one more run-Rafael and Bob, slam the door while while the Bravos take charge!
By matt_T
April 2, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
DOB, Go see Albert Hammond Jr. and do a review, I hear good things about that disc
By ppaddy123
April 2, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Ed Montegue is the WORST ball and strike umpire this side of Eric Gregg.
By brad in KY
April 2, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
Passion is exactly the problem. Shaun is referring to the morons who think that Johnson and Thorman aren’t up to the task because of how they’re performed today…in one game. So it’s plainly obvious that he’s correct.
You may not be Dr Spock, but you’re most certainly an idiot.
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Soriano gets the first two outs in the bottom of the eighth.
Renteria really, really put a charge in that blast to center. Clutch, clutch, folks. Everybody standing, Myers one strike away from ending the inning, and Renteria just unbuttoned the first two buttons on his jersey and rip a man shot to dead, dead center.
Had a post about Gonzalez’s inning that got lost out there somewhere. Great job by the lefty in shuting down Howard and Utley with runners on second and third. Game could’ve been salted away for Philly right there.
Soriano just got squeezed. Montague has been brutal all day, hurting both teams with his inconsistency behind the plate. Hate to b*** about the umps and really try not to do that, but it’s been noticably bad and inconsistent.
Soriano facing Barajas, with pinch-hitter on deck for Smith. Two outs bottom of eight, tied at 3-3 in what’s been a fun game to start the season, folks. Almost like a playoff vibe to it. Good pitching, clutch hitting, etc. and so forth.
Soriano ahead 1-2, throwing fastballs in the mid 90s with that easy motion. The 1-2: throw to first. Again, the 1-2: grounder to Chipper, on to first.
Inning over. To the ninth, heart of the order up for the Braves, tied at 3-3.
—30—
By Some Yahoo
April 2, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Great ballgame today, no matter the final score. Whew. Just think what it would be like if we were facing a tie game on opening day and we had Reitsma as our best pen option. Oh wait. That was last year.
Thanks Bravos for reminding us so early why this season the 7th inning on is going to cause fewer ulcers for the faithful. Or at least we hope so …
By MBATL
April 2, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the replies that at least address the question I asked; so, why don’t 18 other teams have days off tomorrow, in case opening day is rained out?
I just don’t see the logic of an off day 1 day into a series. It IS spring, and rain is likely (everywhere); and I’m pretty sure that the odds of making up a rainout would be better if the off day was Thursday instead of Tuesday…
But enough of that; it was just a question and it’s been answered - let’s get back to trashing every Brave who hasn’t excelled today!
By EJ
April 2, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
Edgar saves game for Smoltz and McCain. Just hold on Braves and take it home from here in last ending.
By N8
April 2, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
Shaun
I’m not so sure you DO bunt with Francoeur at the plate. I LIKE SMALL BALL. That’s all there is to it. It keeps guys heads in the game. It’s more exciting to me than mammoth HR’s.
Renterias was a BOMB, make no mistake. But Renteria is NOT a hacker. He has an approach up there.
OBVIOUSLY homeruns have served Bobby and the Braves well for 14 years. But in a TIGHT game, why not manufacture (or at the very least, attempt to), a run.
I’m with you. There is NO guarantee that they score a run there had Francoeur bunted. But with a runner at 2nd, there is two was and TWO WAYS ONLY for a run to score:
Homrerun (Bobby’s preferred method), and a basehit (which coincidentally isn’t a GUARANTEE with McCann being the runner.
With a runner at 3rd base and less than two outs, there are MANY ways for that run to cross the plate:
Wild Pitch, Pass Ball, Sac Fly, Infield Groundout, Balk, and yes…..BASEHIT AND (or) A HOMERUN.
It’s just common sense…NO MATTER WHAT YOUR NUMBERS say.
Doesn’t make EITHER way the RIGHT OR WRONG way to do it. Just a matter of personal preference, I guess.
(NOTHING QUITE LIKE ANDRUW SWINGING AT THE FIRST PITCH - LOVELY!)
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Some Yahoo! They’re killing me.
Do all you people suffer from heart trouble? Getting this worked up over one play at a time. The game’s not even over and many of you are already calling for the heads of Andruw, Gonzalez, Francouer, Cox…I don’t know who else.
DonCoburleone,
Yeah, the Braves relied a lot on homers. They also put up a good amount of doubles, and got on base at a good rate. It worked last season, so why not? (I know, I know, they didn’t “manufacture” runs…well, they “manufactured” enough runs to finish second in the league in that category.)
By ppaddy123
April 2, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Mccan is the man, man.
By ppaddy123
April 2, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
c’mon Thor!
By Rosalynn
April 2, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Suah looks like the Braves have a whole lotta pitchin’ this yeah. Did you see how hahd those boahs were throwin’ the ball? Mike Remlinga was a nice boah but I suah like Gonzales and Soriano comin’ in instead of Mike. Don’t be to hahd on Kella Johnson. He will improve in time or Bobba will let that nice boah Pete Oah plah some at second base. I think McCann is gonna be a supastah. That boah looks good to me. Francoeur looks like Francoeur looked this time last yeah. Thohman is next.
By ppaddy123
April 2, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
Oh Yeah!
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
brad in KY,
This may be politically incorrect but I’m going to type it anyway…Hitler had passion.
These are the same type people who would boo Pat Burrell if they were Phillies fans or Alex Rodriguez if they were Yankees fans.
By Frenchy with a BB
April 2, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
In a shocking development, Franceur struck out swinging against T. Gordon…
By ppaddy123
April 2, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Bases loaded….2 outs….be the man Brian Pena!
By Bear
April 2, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
GHF,
TBS does produce a HD broadcast of the Braves for us in the Atlanta market.
By Rodger
April 2, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
Two hustling bases by Thorman Roachy would have never gotten.
By journalist jimmy smith
April 2, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
langerhans executed a perfect toe-tap. langerhans will be a much better player this year.
By MBATL
April 2, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Oddjob, many of your neighbors have probably done much worse than Myers did to his wife, and it’s not splashed on headlines across the U.S.
By Renegator
April 2, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Brad in KY: show us where Thorman or Johnson has ever performed well…
By Greg in TN
April 2, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Some thoughts as we’re knee deep into the ninth…
Myers and Smoltz both pitched well today and both will get a no decision. Such are days at the ballpark sometimes. I haven’t seen the play, but looks like Smoltz got jobbed by the scorer on the pop to KJ.
Tough day for KJ, but I still believe in the guy. Equally tough day for AJ from the dish and it looks like he was a step or two late on Wes Helms’ double.
Sorry guys, I wouldn’t have Francoeur bunt at any point in time. Swing away.
Nice homer by Edgar. We’re keeping up the same theme from spring training in rallying back.
By Jeff S
April 2, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
I hate it when managers just insert a pitch hitter for the sake of him batting left handed versus a righty. The matchup may have favored Pena, but I would have much rather seen Diaz pinch hit there with the bases loaded.
By ppaddy123
April 2, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
ARGH!!!
By Matt
April 2, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
Typical 2000’s Braves. Loaded, two outs, and we send up Pena??? Of course he struck out …
By AZBravoFan
April 2, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
How about Thorman busting it down the line on Howard’s error? Ya think Rochey would have beaten that out?
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
It has nothing to do with passion. I have passion for the truth. And the truth is 6 innings does not a season make. The truth is, even if the Braves had lost this game 10-0, it’s still just one game.
By Mike
April 2, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
…and Bobby Cox makes bone-headed move #1 this year (taking out McCann with a potential extra-inning game). I’m not a Bobby Cox hater, but McCann is one of two Braves that has hit the ball today.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
April 2, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Thanks Bear. We have Mediacom Cable here in Americus, Ga. and no HD for TBS or TNT yet.
By ElbravoX
April 2, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
What an opening day! A W IS FORTHCOMING…
By coach
April 2, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
I’ll spell it out for Shaun ONE MORE TIME. In the second McCann doubled , Francour cant get it out of the infield ,THORMAN HITS A FLYBALL TO LEFT. Langerhans strikes out. NO SCORE , Shaun 0.My way , McCann doubles , Francoeur drops a bunt down the first base line , McCann to third. Thorman hits the flyball , McCann scores. Shaun 0 , Coach 1 , Shaun , son you are flat out wrong and everybody in this blog but you knows it.
By knowitall
April 2, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
GHF,
I’ve been wondering the same thing since last season. I have DirecTV and even the Sports South games were in HD. Oh now I remember. TBS is run by that corporation I refuse to name and we know how much they care about what their viewers want. The management at that company is such a joke. I try to avoid supporting them as much as I can.
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
N8,
I don’t know, I think doubles and homers are pretty exciting.
As soon as I see that sac hits has any relation to run scoring, I’ll be a fan of small ball. But the things that matter most to run scoring are gaining bases and avoiding outs, NOT using outs to gain bases one at a time.
By T
April 2, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
I didn’t like B. Pena batting in that situation! I know he had to come into the game, but a veteran like Diaz would have been a better option. That might have been our only chance to take a lead.
By N8
April 2, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
That was one UUUUUGLY at bat for Frenchy. Funny how after McCann goes up there fouls off a pitch, then takes a pitch, the HITS THE BALL WHERE IT’S PITCHED, Francoeur follows up McCann’s AB with that HACK AND JACK approach.
Anybody ELSE still question why the Braves locked up McCann and haven’t done so yet with Frenchy.
McCann, if he stays healthy (and gets enought AB’s being a Catcher) WILL win a batting title in his career, before it’s done. I will venture to say that Francoeur….will not. LOL!
Shaun I’m as “doom and gloom” as anybody on this blog has ever been. Having said that, my complaining is SO MUCH more about approach, as appposed to result.
I realize that the results aren’t always gonna go in favor of the Braves hitters. After all, they are deemed “succesful” if the succeed 30 percent of the time. But EVEN YOU have to understand that for one to even come close to succeeding 30 percent of the time, you have to have a plan, a clue, basically a general idea of how the game is played. I fully EXPECT a youngster like Francoeur to HACK at the first pitch of an AB in a tie game.
Andruw (you know - Mr. 20 million dollar man to be), KNOWS BETTER.
McCann and Chipper are HITTERS that have a good/great approach that happen to have enough natural power, that when the make contact (due to hitting the ball where it’s pitched), they HAPPEN TO HIT HOMERUNS.
Guys like Francoeur and Andruw are guys who swing as hard as they can, seemingly guessing at EVERY PITCH they see. Well gues what! About 100 times a year (combining ALL extra basehits), out of 500-600 plate appearances, they’re GONNA make contact. So their numbers look good.
Just don’t EVER count on them to give you a BASEHIT to knock in the winning run in the clutch (though I have to admit - Francouer seems to have a knack for the big hit). It’s ALL or NOTHING with these two. PERIOD. Always has been, always will be for Andruw. Probably will be the same for Frnchy.
Fortunately for both of them, and their careers, they BOTH play pretty good defense, to make up for it along the way.
I wonder how many HRs Chipper could hit if that is all he tried to do. 50??? I think he could. But the real question is this. Could Andruw hit .320 if he cut down on his “homerun attempts”? I seriously DOUBT IT.
(NICE HACK AND JACK PINCH HITTING JOB BY PENA….Yikes)
By caveman22
April 2, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe you people would use something as painful as domestic violence and turn it into a public hazing. I mean really, just because a man loses his freakin mind and pops the crap out the love of his life and the mother of his children in public —then is single handedly responsible for a huge wave of backlash against his own club for continuing to play him — then is the cause of every single player on the team having to attend a seminar on Dom Viol and a nationwide push against pro athletes and there public problems, — I mean really, is that something that we should even mention on the blog.
OH HELL YEAH !!!!!!!
By Arkansas Hillbilly
April 2, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
Gotta agree with Shaun for once. I would think being passionate about your team would mean giving a man more than 3 at bats before shipping him off to the gallows…How many hits does Andruw have today? Are y’all ready to replace him yet?
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
FREE BASEBALL on Opening Day. Oh the humanity!
The Big Three make it interesting, but hold serve. Onto the 10th, knotted at 3.
—30—
By ppaddy123
April 2, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
I hope every game ain’t like this.
By OddJob
April 2, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
As long as Frenchy has this approach at the plate he is a hole in the lineup.There’s no way I’d sign him long term till we see that he can adjust.This is an era where good power hitters can hit for average and oba.I know he’s young and he gives you rbi but no way a .290 oba is acceptable in the long run.
By A.J.
April 2, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
This is another way that having a real bullpen is good for us. Sure we’ve used up our big three before the extras, but they’ve used up their big one, Gordon. Now we still have Yates, Paronto, Villareal, and McBride, compared to last year when we’d be tapped out by now.
I didn’t really like Pena pinch hitting there with Diaz still on the bench, and the winning run on second. I know he was conserving the bench since Pena had to come in anyway. I can’t really argue with the pinch runner for McCann, but if you are going to go for the win, go for it and put in your best hitter with the winning RISP.
By MBATL
April 2, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
DOB, in case you’re taking a pole; the between-innings reports don’t mean too much to me; seems like a lot of work for you, and the basic play by play is available elsewhere. Of course, your analysis is always appreciated.
Please take that in the spirit it’s intended - just some feedback from a loyal customer of your blog - and if those around the country who have less access to the games than I do feel differently, great.
By A.J.
April 2, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
excuse me. we didn’t just have the winning run on second, we had them loaded. even worse. shoot, should have tried Bobby’s favorite move, the squeeze.
just kidding…but really.
By rammerjammer
April 2, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Wickman reminds me of Don Stanhouse, Orioles reliever in the late ’70s that Earl Weaver called “full pack” because of all the cigarettes Earl would smoke watching him pitch.
Anyway, way to go Wick!
By Jeff S
April 2, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Well at least now we know Renteria can’t get a bunt down.
By Jeff S
April 2, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
RENTERIA!!!!!
By Chop Chop
April 2, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Renteria.
Silent killer.
By hk
April 2, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Edgar for MVP !!!
By HOSS HOMIE
April 2, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
BOOOOYAAAA
By knowitall
April 2, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Bear,
Who is your service provider? I live in Atlanta and have the HD package on DirecTv but TBS is not a part of the package.
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
EDGAR RENTERIA, HAVE A DAY, BRO!!
Long two-run homer to right-center in the 10th. 5-3 Bravos! Second homer of the day for Edgar, giving the Braves the lead again.
Wow, what an opener, gang. Still gotta get three outs in the bottom of the 10th.
—30—
By caveman22
April 2, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
EEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDGGGGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
April 2, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Renteria now on pace for 324 homers.
By N8
April 2, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Shaun
AGAIN (even though the AB is not over), I AGREE with Cox’s decision to try and bunt with Renteria (I’m sure you don’t - especially after he’s shown his power with a HR).
That being said, his APPROACH to the bunt WAS HORRIBLE. If you are going to have a guy bunt (it’s called a sacrifice for a reason), square you damn BODY over (NICE. LOL! Renteria hits another homer - to the poster that said he’s on pace for 162…how about 324? LOL!), and sacrifice yourself. If you’re gonna sacrifice….COMMIT TO IT.
MAN ALIVE! I LOVE THIS HACK AND JACK TYPE OF BASEBALL! Just kidding.
(btw: don’t forget about KJ drawing the leadoff walk to get the inning started. Nice Job kid.)
By Greg in TN
April 2, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!
Go Edgar!
By OddJob
April 2, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
EDGAR….I….LOVE YOU MAN!!!!!!
By Renegator
April 2, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Renteria = player of the game.
By EJ
April 2, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
Now thats good Braves baseball. Time to go home.
By paul
April 2, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
Thank you edgar. now wo is going to close this out
By Some Yahoo
April 2, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
Haha! Do your thing, Edgar. Now let’s hope that Citizen Bank plays large for the home team and we get through this great ballgame with a W.
I love baseball.
By mr baseball
April 2, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
Once again, the Braves’ talent overcomes their manager’s strategic shortcomings. If Renteria successfully gets the bunt down, the Phillies intentionally walk Chipper, pitch carefully to Andruw and then go after Diaz. Why any manager with functioning brain cells would take the bat out of both Renteria and Chipper’s hands is a mystery known only to the cheerleader in the dugout, but the Braves will (?) escape with a win in spite of the guy making the decisions.
By A.J.
April 2, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
I like Kelly, but he is killing me fantasy-wise. The non-error error cost me a win from Smoltz, plus thanks to the scorekeeper error it hurts my ERA too.
But I’m really glad we didn’t lose this game because of that, we haven’t won yet, but at least if we lose it won’t be COMPLETELY because of the error.
I think even if you don’t believe in Kelly, you can’t think that it would be good for your starting 2b and leadoffman to go 0-fer and cost you the game with an error. That doesn’t help your head.
But we may win now, plus he contributed a run, technically the winning run if we hold em, so that’s a nice bit of consolation. Not to mention the win if we hold on, which is obviously more important.
I’m also glad they didn’t stick with Wick for 2 innings. That would have been a bad idea.
GO PARONTO!
By Thrillhouse44
April 2, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Edgar “picks up” his double-play partner. I love it! Let’s give Wicky an even bigger cushion.
By Shaun
April 2, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
N8,
Actually, a good hitter succeeds about 40 percent of the time. 35 percent is pretty respectable, too.
That’s taking into account every way to avoid an out (hits, walks, HBP), not just hits in non-walk, non-sac plate appearances.
The Braves’ approach that you seem to be complaining about worked fine last season (second-most runs in the game, I’d say that did the job).
By Rodger
April 2, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Midseason math form? 3/5 with 3K-huh?
By A.J.
April 2, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Fantasy managerial move of the day: drafting McCann. I love that kid.
Not as impressive managerial move of the day: Having Edgar lighting up my bench. Whoo hoo! Go my bench!
By Mike
April 2, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Come on! Get ‘em Kevin Gry… I mean Chad Paronto!
By Carolina Gent
April 2, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
One down, 161 to go… I LOVE IT, THE UNDEFEATED SEASON IS INTACT!!!
By Carroll
April 2, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
WOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Wow we actually have a real team again…at least for a day! Great job by all the new guys today and, of course, Edgah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By N8
April 2, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Shaun
you said:
“But the things that matter most to run scoring are gaining bases and avoiding outs, NOT using outs to gain bases one at a time.”
I can’t argue with that. Not sure ANYBODY could. But I think a manager (and the players) have to able to adapt to scenarios base on the game and situation. To me there is no ONE WAY to do it. The “strategy” should be base, as I said, on game, situation, remaining players left on bench and pitchers in the bullpen. Also, is there an off day tomorrow??
But the MOST important one is WHO IS ACTUALLY at the plate. I can LIVE WITH the decision to agree with you that Francoeur was probably NOT a good guy to bunt with (even though the situation could’ve called for it). Having said that, I believe that the decision to attempt a bunt with Renteria (in extra innings - with NOBODY out), was a good choice. He knows how to handle the bat. Of course he then proceeds to STAB at two pitches attempting to bunt and fouls them off, then hits the two run HR. Blowing my whole theory up. LOL!
Anyhow. Just trying to prove a point that I don’t think you are as crazy as some think you are. But I don’t have as much problem with “small ball” as you do. I’m somewhere in the middle.
As far as HR’s and Doubles being exciting. I agree. But I absolutely LOVE a very tight, offensive struggle, with GREAT pitching and defense. Making EVERY pitch and moment seem like it’s the most important.
But as I said before, that’s just me. Everybody is entitled to their favorite style of game.
After Ankiel…er, I mean, Gonzalez’s wildness to the first two guys he faced, he along with the rest of the “newlook” bullpen looked VERY good.
AWESOME. We’re tied with the Mets. BOTH of our magic numbers are down to 161! It’s gonna be a dogfight. LOL!
By Lew
April 2, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
That’s exactly the kind of game we would have lost last year. Excellent bullpen. Who would have thought Edgar would go deep twice? 3 Hits for McCann. Chipper on base 3 times. Great start to the season.
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
There’s the first one: Paronto a perfect 10th for his first save. Braves win 5-3.
Four scoreless innings out of the bullpen today. You folks realize that’s the type of game the Braves lost a bunch of the last two years.
Great way to start the season. Two big bombs by Edgar to save the day, and the bullpen shines through.
Magic number 161, ha ha! For now, the Scribe abides.
Selah.
—30—
By MEB
April 2, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
BRAVES WIN!!! I am looking forward to more W’s this year featuring some clutch hitting and outstanding bullpen work. Gotta love Paronto’s heavy sinker. Shame we have to take tomorrow off. JJS… I am happy all the way down to my toes!
By Rodger
April 2, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Wow! Edgars on pace for 324 HR!
By Chris
April 2, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
That’s a nice way to start the season.
By ernesto
April 2, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
EDGAR!!!!!
By T-Town Dawg
April 2, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Game over. Parontoe gets em 1,2,3 in the 10th. I need to get a bigger bottle of TUMS if every game is going to be like this.
By paul
April 2, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
forget about it kelly. ONly 161 to go. GO BRAVES
By TennesseePaul
April 2, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
GO BRAVES
Excellent start for the season. We get the W. THe team has to fight for it and hangs on. I like it. I would have perferred what Sheets is doing to the Dodgers, but the Phillies are a tougher lineup than the Dodgers. And I would have like Smoltz to get the W. Plenty of time to pile those up.
The pen was perfect! Can’t believe how nice it is to say that. Just what the doctor ordered.
By rammerjammer
April 2, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Terrific PBP, much appreciated! How cool that the unsung Paronto shuts the door, and the three amigos did not disappoint!
Ah, it feels good to win the opener.
By Some Yahoo
April 2, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
That’s a way to start.
So McCann is going to hit .700 this year (I’m going to rule my fantasy league!), Renteria hits 320 homers (he’ll have a few days off) and we win every extra inning game. Sounds good to me.
Seriously though. Good ballgame today. Good to connect with some Bravo fans having to stomach all the Dodger hogwash out here, even is some of you people are insane … I mean passionate.
By Chop Chop
April 2, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
When Gonzalez gave up that double to Rollins, it looked like the Braves were in big trouble. After that, the bullpen took care of business and the quiet guy went all SBD (silent, but deadly) on the Phils. Parontoe gets his first career save and the Braves take the first game of the series.
By Darren
April 2, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Actually, Renteria’s on pace for 324 home runs this season. That would also be a record.
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Shaun, NO KIDDING! You get rational after the game and before the game. Once that first pitch is thrown, as a fan, you live passionately in the moment. You have fun. You say crazy things because it is fun or because you are angry. When you wake up the next morning, you read the box score and the season stats, the articles, and the standings and you get rational about things. It’s just like dating Shaun. You can be rational before you see the girl and after you see the girl but when you are with the girl, you live in the moment with her. The funny thing is that the self proclaimed Mr. Rational on this blog is actually the most closed minded Mr. Irrational Guy on here. Do you ever cheer when you are at a game? Or do you immediately start to say while that brings his OPS to .871, his intrinsic OPS value is really .837. So, big deal he hit a homer. It just means he is going to slip down to .837 over the next 100 or so at bats. LIVE, LOVE, LEARN Shaun. That’s human life, you freaking Vulcan.
By Wayne in Utah
April 2, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
162-0?? It could happen….
By john
April 2, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
way to go braves! see you on friday for the home opener against the mets… i’ll be in center field drinking!!!!
By N8
April 2, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Just trying to give you a little grief here.
I know you just said that with walks, HBP, etc…a player is succesful if he gets on about 40 percent of the time.
Fair enough.
I also know in the past, you’ve stood by Francoeur.
Also, Fair enough.
Explain to me then how (even with his 29 HR and 103 RBI), he can be considered “successful” (which btw: I believe he is for a kid), with a .293 OBP?
Why the double standard on your behalf?
You can’t have it BOTH ways, since you like Francoeur.
By Wayne in Utah
April 2, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
I know it is a popular thing, but I do get tired of all this talk about fantasy ball. So after one game, KJ is killing you??
By LivininAL
April 2, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
Braves Bullpen = 4 innings of shoutout baseball…A new year yes!
By Stat Tracker
April 2, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
This is going to be a great season! Edgar is on pace to hit 324 homeruns, Paronto on pace to saves 162 games, and our leadoff man (who doesn’t strike out) is going to strikeout 324 times this year. Go Braves!
By John Adcox
April 2, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
The magic number’s down to 161…
By Taylor
April 2, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Wow, 4 shutout innings from the Braves bullpen.
Gonzalez, though had trouble throwing strikes at first, looked electric. Soriano was impressive, as well as Wick. This is gonna be one hell of a team!
By caveman22
April 2, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
Say what you want to about KJ (and most of you are) but he did what he was supposed to when it really counted and that was to get on base anyway you can. Yeah he didn’t have a great game , hell he didn’t really even have a good game, but at least he ain’t a MET or a PHILLIE. He’s our cute, little, lovable, paranoid about him f’n up a perfectly good game, nervous fielding second baseman. Bless his little heart.
By TennesseePaul
April 2, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
I like Kelly at the plate today. He saw a lot of pitches. Last season Giles just flung at everything and was out before anyone in the dugout got to see the pitcher. I think KJ is going to turn out alright.
By Phil in Alabam
April 2, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
Well done! I stole away from the office enough to catch a few peeks on TV and a few listens on the radio. I’d say there’s not a single signing that didn’t come through today: McCann, Gonzalez, Soriano and Smoltz (he had an option picked up - that counts).
Of course, we talk about everybody new, all the youth, etc., and then the quiet, dependable bat of Edgar Renteria comes through.
B-e-a-utiful.
Looked gorgeous out there. Too bad the home opener temp is going to dip into the 40s or 30s. Oh well, cold baseball can be beautiful, too.
By Frank Robinson (not that one)
April 2, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
HOW ABOUT THOSE BRAVOS! Looks like Renteria put on a few pounds this winter. Now I see why. Sillies Phuck!
By Stingersplash
April 2, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
OK, Mets, Daddy’s home. Move along now.
By Braves fan 202
April 2, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
Hell ya! Man that win felt great, can wait to see how hudson does. Good announcing by chip carey. Braves are on pace for a 162 win season!
By Najeh Davenpoop
April 2, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this
Wow! It’s been a while since I have seen a good bullpen. Renteria for MVP.
By N8
April 2, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
Lew
“That’s exactly the kind of game we would have lost last year.”
I was thinking the same EXACT thing. I’ll take our chances with this bullpen, whether we score our runs with “small ball” or the old standard “hack-n-jack” that we’re all so used to.
Runs are runs. With this bullpen, if we score enough of them for the starters to keep us in the game. This bullpen will assure us of winning more than we lose this season.
Am I predicting playoffs and a 95 win season? Nope. Just remember, with my above statement: 82-80 would constitute “winning more than we lose”. LOL!
Win or lose. This season should be MUCH less painful than last year. Maybe JUST AS stressful, but in the end less painful. :-)
By Luther
April 2, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Of course you bunt Edgar. He is usually the best bunter on the team. Then you have a runner in scoring position, one out, and your three best hitters due up. You put the pressure on the Phils. Moot point. However, I see no reason to criticize the strategy. Bunting and moving runners over is what has been expected of the #2 hitter since the begining of baseball.
By rammerjammer
April 2, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
I thought Bobby pinchrunning Orr for McCann was a good move. Late game, big hitters coming up. Orr scores on an extra base hit, not McCann.
And having Edgar bunt in the 10th made sense. Sure they walk Chipper, but then you have Andruw and Diaz with a man on second. I wouldn’t do it early in the game, but definitely would in extra innings of a tie game.
By caveman22
April 2, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
shaun not messing with you but asking a question, where do get all of these stats from? do you compile them from multiple lists or do you just have one source?? I’v been playing baseball for 30 years and the one constant is “you never know until you know and then you know”. That’s the beaty of baseball—Bucky Dent / Aarron Boone / Jim Leyritz and so forth. It’s the ultimate game of team play through individual performance. The best pitcher in the game could face the worst hitter and he could still be taken yard. Sometimes it’s all about feelings and hunches. You got good stats and analysis but I think your missing something in the translation. But at least your a fan and that’s really all that counts.
P.S. — how long does it take you to order in the McDonalds Drive-Thru??
By D Stone
April 2, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
The Braves have Pitching, watch out !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By orange & blue suede shoes
April 2, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
stat correction: Edgar will only hit 320 homeruns - there will be 2 games where he is rested and will not play.
by the way: go gators!
By DAP
April 2, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
it was a good game today against the phillies ace. the braves didnt get many hits, but they made them count.
i was really worried at first when gonzalez was struggling, but he recovered, and the face-off against howard is exactly why we needed gonzalez this season.
WOW. edgar renteria. hes awsome. i hope he started another hitting streak.
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
Who would’ve guessed? Of all the pitchers in the bullpen that Paronto would get the first save of the year??? Pretty cool…
By The Truth
April 2, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
Enjoy it today ….. You will looking up at the rest of the division for the rest of the year. Reality hurts …. Just a bunch of untrained monkeys and dumber than my bowling ball. What does it make you when you hook your wagon to such a loser ….. Go get a job at the Varsity ….. Would you like fries with those dogs, Massa ????
By DAP
April 2, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
tony pena jr. just hit a triple against shilling in his first at-bat for the royals. good for him.
By supa
April 2, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
If you would’ve told me beforehand that Paronto would finish the game, I’d have thought it was in mop-up duty. But he actually looked the BEST out of all 4 relievers today (no base runners allowed).
CONFIDENCE is CONTAGIOUS, especially in the pen.
Good day for the Braves, and a depressing loss for the Phils, espcially after they came back against our ace.
By caveman22
April 2, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
c’mon Truth , it’s whatayahave whatayahave whatayhave??
Hey—- are you Jimmy Rollins??
By OddJob
April 2, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
This is exactly what BC AND JS had in mind,four innings of shutout pitching by the pen.The braves have the best management in the game,and maybe all pro sports,(in this country anyway).
By David O'Brien
April 2, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
Fine work today, folks. More than 300 posts from you folks in just four hours. Damn. I’m impressed _ with the passion, and with the fact that our system didn’t crash at any point (my wireless did, but not this system you’re filing to).
OK, time to do what was once my only job _ write a game story and notebook.
Later
By Kentavo
April 2, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
So we re-sign Wickman, go get Soriano and Gonzalez, giving up a starting pitcher and starting first baseman.
And who’s our closer? Paronto?
That’s Bobbyball for ya.
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
caveman, shaun actually rarely has stats or facts or evidence to back his stuff up. all he knows are the talking points of the neyer/james doctrine. he just repeats their mantra over and over and over again like a mindless parakeet mimicking other. challenge him to have a thought of his own, and it becomes comical
By scott
April 2, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
Wow, what a freakin game!!!! Smoltz was insane to start the game and I think he just got gassed towards the middle.
Kelly Johnson looked terrible at the plate and in the field.
Brian McCann is a STUD. He’s the next Chipper Jones. Chipper by the way looked great at the plate and made a couple of nice plays in the field. Francoeur looked BAD at the plate as did Langerhans.
By MBATL
April 2, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
Kentavo, Wickman, Soriano and Gonzalez all contributed to the win today. It is a team game, isn’t it?
By caveman22
April 2, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
hey DOB — what was your impression of Paronto at the end?? Was he throwing above his level out there or was he throwing as normal? I didn’t get to see the game but evidently he looked the best out of all 4 relievers. You know ESPN is going to lead the story with “Braves use their big three relievers all in the first game so who get’s the save ——Paronto! who? PARONTO!!”
If I was him I be nicknamed Piranha .
By rammerjammer
April 2, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson had one of those character-building days, but he stayed with it, worked the pitcher for a leadoff walk and scored the winning run.
By snowball's chance
April 2, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this
My name is Snowball and I am a fan—atic. DOB you have whipped this blog into a frenzy. Gametime was 10am on the left coast so I wasn’t ready to self medicate.It’s opening day and every play is under the microscope. Time to calm down. It’s a long season.
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
DOB, you may just have to go to 2 new blogs every day! LOL. And Kentavo, who cares who ended up with the save? Cox pitched his 3 bullpen horses in the 7th, 8th, and 9th… Just like he will be doing all year long. Why change things just because the score is tied??? On the road in a tie game, you play it like you are winning. If extra innings come, then you have to make due with what you’ve got left… One thing did bother me about todays game though; take away McCann, Chipper, and Renteria and it’s a no-hitter for the Phil’s.
By MBATL
April 2, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
Your name is snowball?
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this
Is it just me, or is this blog totally backed up?
By snowball's chance
April 2, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this
MBATL , My friends on the blog call me that. You can call me snowball’s chance if you want to be formal.
By caveman22
April 2, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
snowball there is no formal here, so you can just be “yellowsnow”
By Jo
April 2, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
Good game, good blog, DOB. Thanks from a fan so fantical I’m utterly sick, twisted, and warped. PLAY BALL!!!
By journalist jimmy smith
April 2, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! that was exciting! and snowball, the first attic fan to blog with us. dob has indeed whipped this blog into a frenzy - that and the team winning in 10. now, how will bobby cox use these relief pitchers? bobby did a good job with them today. in the past he uses the same pitchers ‘til they run out of gas. if bobby cox uses them wisely this team is going to be very good.
By MBATL
April 2, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this
Snowball, just struck me as very funny, the way you said it…”My name is Snowball… “
I don’t want to be formal, and no offense intended. Glad you’re here again.
By Jeff R
April 2, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
Braves pitchers were in command today…just like the old days.
1 down, 161 to go…
By gotigers72
April 2, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
Great day. Once again, Smoltz should have had a W. McCann with 3 hits, WOW. That guy could roll out of bed and rake. Only negative was KJ, although I’m sure he was nervous as hell today. He swung at several bad pitches, including 2 in both strikeouts, and then dropped the pop fly. I’m sure he’ll improve.
Was nice to see the bullpen come in and shut Philly down completely. What Gonzalez did was magical. I’ll bet anybody that the ‘pen won’t blow 29 saves this year. Thank you Mr. Schuerholz for fixing that mess. GO BRAVES!!!!
By MBATL
April 2, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
Snowball, just struck me as very funny, the way you said it…”My name is Snowball… “
I don’t want to be formal, and please, no offense intended. Glad you’re here again.
By Steve S
April 2, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this
To Steve McP Didn’t see explanation of infield fly rule. Runners on first and second and could be third with less then two outs. Batter hits fly ball that can be caught by infielder with normal effort. Batter automaticaly out and runners can advance at their own risk.
By The Stranger
April 2, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
“He’s our cute, little, lovable, paranoid about him f’n up a perfectly good game, nervous fielding second baseman. Bless his little heart.”
Caveman, Marcus Giles is playing for the Pads this season. I’m assuming that’s who you were writing about.
By caveman22
April 2, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this
Yeah I know, It’s like he never left.
So is the Stranger with your Left Hand or your Right Hand??
By Bong hits 4 jesus
April 2, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this
Shame Smoltz didn’t get the win. still concerned about the lower 3rd of the braves order. but, the bullpen looked really good!
By Rodney Derrick
April 2, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this
Bravos have a pretty good shortstop and more on the way. Just consider, Tony Pena was considered the weakest of the prospects and traded. ESPN’s announcers, dazzled by his great fielding and hitting today against the Red Sox, just called him Kansas City’s new star.
By Chop Chop
April 2, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
Joe Morgan ain’t big on stats, Rodney. Of course, the Royals desperately needed solid D at short. Pena can provide that. Anything he does at the plate is just icing on the cake for Dayton and his bunch.
By caveman22
April 2, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this
Rodney — just goes to prove the theory that you could put together 2 whole teams of ex-braves players from their division title streak years and both of those teams would be playoff contenders.
By Brad in MT
April 2, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this
I am a little late getting to the blog today, but the game today was great, especially the pen. The offense wasn’t great, but I’m sure some of the younger guys had some nerves and they were facing a good pitcher, so we shouldn’t read too much into one game. All in all, I can’t think of a better way to start off the season!
By The Stranger
April 2, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this
“Yeah I know, It’s like he never left.”
Caveman, Kelly Johnson is 6’1, 205 pounds of Texas tornado. Are you saying that there is no difference between Johnson & Giles as players, or are you saying that you find both equally physically attractive? If the former, then you are wrong; if the latter, then you are confused…not that there’s anything wrong with that.
By Carolina Lady
April 2, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
A Day At The Races: Mother has an appointment a 1:30. I watch a couple of minutes of the opening then have to leave, but I know that if all goes well, I should be back by about 2:45.
Yes! The appointment goes quickly, the lights are green, traffic isn’t terrible and I pull in here at 2:43. Should be able to at least see it from about the 5th on….. that’ll work!
Get Mother in the house and settled. Turn on the TV……
and the cable is out.
:-(
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
April 2, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this
What a day!!!!!!!!!!!! Braves win! Braves win! I think we saw today why this team could be very dangerous this year. We also saw why this bullpen might just be the best in baseball. Gonzales made me nervous one minute and totally confident the next. He showed composure that was totally lacking from last year’s bullpen. Last season that 7th is at least a three run inning and the game is over. Gonzales took a deep breath and then mowed the Phillies down. Soriano was terrific and got robbed on a couple of pitches. Wickman was Wickman. Paronto was terrific as well.
The Braves showed the NL that they are back. Frenchy and Andruw will have better days. McCann showed why the Braves signed him for seven years. Renteria showed his worth as well and showed why Escobar and Andrus will have to wait one more year before arriving in Atlanta. Good start.
And, Johnson did a great job today. That miscue was partly his fault and partly Renteria’s. But, both of them atoned for the mistake!
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this
My boy Betemit took an ohfer today with a strikeout. On the other hand, at least he played. Didn’t recall seeing Will He Aybar out there nor Baez. I can’t let it go man. Can’t let it go. Great victory today. That should buy Edgar alot of love for the rest of the season. I jumped all over Gonzalez in the first two hitters. But he shut the door after that. Gonzo, Soriano, and Wickman with Paronto as well is just going to be filthy. We just might have a Dibble, Charlton, Myers or Rivera, Stanton, and Nelson combo going for us this season. Great games by Chipper, BMac, and Edgar. Good resiliency shown by KJ fighting back with that walk in a big spot. Frenchy, Thorman, and Langerhans, did they play today? At least Langy pulled out a hit though. Craig Wilson will be the starting firstbaseman here by June 1st. Once Aybar and Hampton come back and Wilson becomes the regular at first, this team is going to be wicked good.
By Rick
April 2, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
awsome win lets keep this ish going!
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this
The real question is, how far back-logged is this blog? Anyone else’s posts showing up like an hour or 2 late?
EXAMPLE: I posted this at 7:26EST… and it shows up when???
By Carolina Lady
April 2, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
DonC, I’m reading it at 7:31EDT
By Steve-O
April 2, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
Yo DOB, HOW ABOUT THAT WEATHER!!!?? A steady 72 degrees throughout with sun glaring….
Geez, I left my home in Trenton, NJ around 11, get to the park around 12 and sat and baked in the sun all day. I lovvvvved it!!! Great game, great to be one of a few scattered ATL fans. It was great seeing 43,000+ upset devestated fans. I even heard a couple guys sayin trade Howard for bullpenn help..LOL!!! Everyone was cheering and being rowdy then after both of Edgar’s shots the crowd went silent and you could hear a pin drop (And me slappin my Dad’s hand) Baseball is the greatest thing ever….
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
Hmmmm, strange, something wasn’t right though… Anyway, go Royals! Poor East-Coast biased media. Now they have to wait at least one more day before they declare the Red Sox the greatest team in the history of baseball.
By ernesto
April 2, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
Tony Pena Jr. had two triples today for a 2 for 3 day for the Royals. Not bad for a guy who was going to be released by us. If he puts together a season, there will be even more pressure on Kelly to justify the faith the Bravos have put in him.
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
Trade Howard for bullpen help?!?!?! Oh thank God Shaun didn’t hear that. He would have blown that guy’s brains out.
By humbug
April 2, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
I Think KJ had some first game jitters that messed him up a little today. I also think he’ll soon calm down and realize he plays the first-second base side, not second-third base side - we have people over there. But just in case I’m wrong I hope someone in authority tells Prado,”Don’t unpack your bags yet.” This is a good looking Braves team. They will all only get better. Bullpen sure looked better than we’ve had in the past.
By DonCoburleone
April 2, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
KJ is going to be fine. Maybe not a .300 hitter this year, but I will bet he approaches a .360-.370 OBP, which IMO is good enough for a lead-off hitter.
By Wayne in Utah
April 2, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this
Nor worried about KJ or Thorman or Langerhans. I suspect 2 of the 3 will do well or acceptable, and we have enough on the bench and at Richmond to cover if someone doesn’t cut it.
What abour Rent-a-SS!!! I guess we can wait on Escobar/Lillibridge/Andrus for a year or so.
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
I think there would have been more than 300 posts during those 4 hours. There was a terrible delay in between when your posts were submitted and when your post actually showed up. Probably drove alot of people away who were trying to pay attention to the game but add their commentary but found it too time consuming to divert their attention from the game while waiting to see their post show up. Kind of annoying when your commentary killing a player like Gonzales after the first two batters in the seventh does not show up until Wickman is standing on the mound in the ninth. Other than that, a great blog as always though, O’Papi.
By Tomahawkin
April 2, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
Gonzalez, was rough at first, I was ready to throw my remote for a while, then everything steeled down, I thought we should have lost today becuz of our offense, then Edgar Saves us…Correct that we should’ve lost today, with the way we hit with runners on, and dropping pop ups…We Got lucky…
And Langerhans, man I have not seenm any change in his swing, nor his approach from last season (barring that its only one game)…I see the same stats from him that we saw last year…and Gawd I hope that I’m worng on dat one…
By Rosalynn
April 2, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
Mah, mah, that Edgah suah had himself a good ballgame todah. When Bobba had Edgah buntin’ theah in the 10th, Jimma was just a hollehin’ at the top of his lungs, “No, Bobba, let Edgah swing the bat.” Well, Bobba did let Edgah swing aftah two strikes and Edgah hit that ball right out of the pahk. And that boah, Paronto, look at what a dah he had! Is that a sinka that boah throws?
I suppose the end of todah’s game should be summarized as follows: edgah hit a homah and then chad threw some sinkas for the win.
By Brad in KY
April 2, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
Caveman
Your claim about knowing that you know only when you know it misses Shaun’s point. Shaun’s claims are all based on probability arguments. As such, the predictions sometimes fail because there are no claims made with a probability of 1 (that is, certain to happen - happens in every case).
This is the basic idea that many people here miss - they think because one prediction doesn’t occur that somehow the argument fails. So, for instance, if you play the scenario from today’s game where everyone wanted Francouer to bunt, the idea behind the theory that Francouer should not be bunting (roughly) is that - if you play the scenario 100 or 1000 times - more runs would be scored in the inning if Francouer doesn’t bunt (given that he’s likely to hit a homerun or double in many of those instances). But since Francoeur didn’t bunt and he failed to knock the run in, somehow the decision to let him swing is wrong. I disagree because I think in most cases it works out better than trying to bunt (especially with Francoeur).
Of course, the argument for the bunt is that you’re more likely to score the ONE run (but diminishing the likelihood of any further runs scored since you’re giving up an out). And, of course, the odds of putting down a good bunt with Francoeur aren’t good, imo.
FYI: The claim by Braveheart that Shaun doesn’t present statistical evidence to support his claims is absurd to anyone that reads this blog with any regularity.
Further, supposing Braveheart is correct that Shaun merely repeats arguments he hears from Rob Neyer or Bill James, it doesn’t follow that the arguments are invalid or unsound. This is called the genetic fallacy when one rejects an argument due to its source. However, the source of the argument is irrelevent. What matters is the argument itself.
Basic reasoning skills, however, are rarely on display on this blog.
By Rosalynn
April 2, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
Tomahawkin, honah, I think it is the toe-tap that yoah ah missin’. Langahans is tappin’ his toes at everah at bat.
By Braves fan 202
April 2, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
Im sorry boys im bad luck. I was in the bathroom on mccans homer, and i changed the channel in frustration to come back and see renteria tied it up. Im comin to all the games this weekend but ill leave early if i have to, im willing to make the sacrifice. jk
By jouranlist jimmy smith
April 2, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! genetic fallacy! this blog continues to expand this blog’s horizons. imagine genetic fallacy on this blog tonight! too bad somebody’s cable was out this afternoon. john deere cable, right? betcha somebody will have the cable fixed by tomorrow, right? just don’t go up on the roof. now, tony pena, jr. had a fine game today in a kc uniform. hope the braves kept the right players. looks like a good team to this journalist.
By ernesto
April 2, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this
Pena Jr. was 2 for 3 today with 2 triples for the Royals. If he has a great year it’s oging to put Kelly under greater stress to live up ot expectations, but it’s a long season - hopefully they’ll both be butt-kickingly good.
By ernesto
April 2, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
Whoops double post, b/c I thought the first one didn’t send. My bad.
By Steve-O
April 2, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
All good Ernesto, I like Pena Jr., wish him nothin but the best cus the Royals aint goin nowhere for long. God its great to have a bullpen. All of the Big 3 were not even on their best games today and still ZERO runs allowed….Imagine when their on..
By Tomahawkin
April 2, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
Rosalynn
I mainly just think that as long as Langerhans remains a dead pull hitter pitchers will just work away to him unless he proves that he can hit the ball to da opposite field…and if he keeps trying to pull outside pitches…he’ll keep yielding similiar stats to that of last year…
Where da hell is Headcoach, I’m curious to know if he threw any beer cans at the TV today, I bout FREAKED OUT!!! when K.J. dropped that pop up…Use Two hands dude…Thats a pet peeve of mine, even when Andruw does it…
By Tomahawkin
April 2, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
We’ll D.O.B. U know how I love to get onto Crappy music…That Crap “This Is Why I’m Hot” song that Ryan Howard Came out to is Garbage…Gawd I hate that Song, Absolute Shyt…!
BTW I as much as everyone says that Tim Hudson is gonna come out clownin, We shold easily take two of three in philly….
By J-MAN
April 2, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
Great game today, this was a game last year that we don’t come close to winning but the BP was on the money - Pun intended - now if Hudson gives us 6 stong next game well be 2-0. By the way this is the best team blog on AJC because D.O.B. establishes a true dialog with his readers, so big props D.O.B. And finally does anyone know how Hampton is doing with his rehab.
By ssiscribe
April 2, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
Game balls on day one of the march to the World Series title:
— Edgar Renteria. Two CLUTCH homers, both MASSIVE shots. Is there a better No. 2 hitter in baseball? Edgar’s name is up there around the top of the list.
— Chad Paronto. OK, who had Paronto’s name in the pool for first save of the year? (Put your hands down, liars!) Big Chad had the sinker working as he toed the slab in the 10th today. Excellent job.
— The Big Three. It was a little iffy at times, but Gonzalez, Soriano and Wickman got done a job that so many times did not get done in 2006.
— John Smoltz. Excellent outing. One bad pitch (slider to Helms that he crushed in the sixth). He pitches like this, folks, with that type of movement on his change, dude’s gonna make a serious run at 20 wins.
— Brian McCann. What else to say about the best young catcher in baseball (yes, that includes Mauer)?
— DOB. Bro, you brought your A game with the updates (know that had to be a distraction as you write and rewrite a gamer). The blog intro was maybe your best yet; gave this old Scribe and baseball fan chills. Thanks much, dude.
— Denizens of the Braves/Man In Black. We brought our A game, folks, and while the delay was a little maddening (I lost one post I know of), it made the first meaningful game the Braves have played in months all the more enjoyable.
And the ballclub sits tied for first in the NL East with a 1-0 record. Sweet indeed.
That’s all I’ve got. Fighting one hell of a cold and needing to try and so something I haven’t done much of lately (sleep), I’m outta here. Can’t even stay up for hoops if I’m gonna try and answer the bell in the morning. But all is well, because baseball is back.
The Scribe abides. Peace, good night and selah from the southern rim of the capital city.
—30—
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
TuckyBrad, maybe Shaun at one time did post stats. Have not seen him do that since the end of January. Alot of his problems with people on here is that he often speaks of things as if they are empirical truths, as if there is no gray area to anything. He rarely provides facts or evidence of his absolute truths. He just states them as if we are all supposed to accept them as truth just because he said them. If he were more willing to admit that not everything was black and white (like that whole bizarre stubbornness over the Red Sox front office issue), he might find alot more love for what he says. If he provided evidence to back up his assertions with the sabermetric stuff, people would listen and accept his arguments. I actually usually agree with what he says with the sabermetrician analysis. I get very frustrated though watching him go round and round and round with people when he could end the argument pretty easily and demonstrate that he is right by simply providing facts to support his assertions. When he fails to, I am often left believing that he fails to because all he knows is what James and Neyer have told him to think. When he is asked to do his own thinking, he comes up short.
I think that people grow very tiresome of the two of you because of the perception that you are both so darn full of yourselves. It is so bad that it seems that you can’t even recognize your problems. For example, was today really the day to give people a lecture on being giddy or disappointed about the performance of a player or the team? Was it really? What point were the two of you trying to make? What were you proving? Explain that. As if fans don’t know that Opening Day does not mean Tuffy Rhodes was going to be a HOFer merely because he hit 3 home runs off Dwight Gooden. All the two of you showed was that the two of you think you are better than people. No one appreciates that guy, BTW.
I have never stated that anything that Neyer or James says is invalid or unsound. But you can not be a mindless slave to their doctrines. Neyer and James are not as reluctant to bend on the merits of certain issues or players or teams as the two of you. I am actually a big believer in the importance of the sabermetric analysis. I think most people completely understand the sabermetrician stuff. I think we have all been educated as to the importance of it. But I am also a fan who rides the ups and down of 162 and each and every pitch of it. And so are the rest of the blog denizens. We have our favorite players and we love them, sabermetric and financial faults, sabermetric and financial warts, and all the rest of it.
The biggest problem with the two of you is that you both come off as know it alls who are pretty darn condescending even on a day like today when there was absolutely no reason to try to prove your superiority. Criticize other people’s logic and reasoning skills all you want. But you might need to look in the mirror on that one. It seems like the two of you have forgotten how to be fans of the game and not merely slaves to a spreadsheet. Because of that, there is often a lack of logic and reasoning and reasonability to your assertions such that we all see you as the irrational ones and not us.
But go ahead. Tell people I am employing fallacy tactics while you do the very same thing to me. Mock me for being long winded as you have done before while at the same time no one appreciates the points you are trying to make because they are short, and shallow, and superficial. Did you ever stop to think that maybe people don’t understand your points because you worship at the temple of brevity and never prove your point because of it?
Whatever, ole vapid one. You’re an alright dude. Usually like your posts. You are just very full of yourself.
By David O'Brien
April 2, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
Just a few points before diving into the game and 24 simultaneously: Caveman, I thought Paronto looked very strong. That changeup makes a big difference with him. Braves have the Big Three in one respect and the Biiiiig One in another. But seriously, he’s gonna be big this year, I have a feeling. What a ‘pen. Best in the majors, long as they stay healthy….
You wouldn’t believe how fast the Philly fans and especially their media jump on this team. One loss in and it was hilarious hearing them rip apart a team that nearly beat Smoltz on opening day and got a damn good start from Myers….
Anyone who wanted to trade Edgar, raise your hand. …
Braveheart, agreed the delay sucks. But, hey, all in all it worked. But god forbid they make this a regular thing. My workday becomes quite a grind when I don’t get to start my gamer or notebook until I get back from the clubhouse after the game.
Hey, helluva first day for the Braves. Too bad they’ve got a day off tomorrow.
By ernesto
April 2, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
Leo’s staff is getting torched again tonight…but I know…it’s just one game. Bedard looks shell-shocked on the bench though, like “uh-oh, this ain’t good.”
By choppinmama
April 2, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
A sweet, sweet opener and we are looking stong. Sure wished it could have been a W for Smoltzie, but with this bullpen to hold the late innings, he and Cy should hook up at the end of the season without a doubt.
As much as I enjoyed the game, (hang in there Kelly; you coulda been a hero, Bryan; walking the pitcher on 4, Gonzo?; McCann is the McDaddy; Renterria is silent but deadly), I’m lovin’ the blog! You folks are awesome. You too, O’Papi.
By MEB
April 2, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
Great Job DOB! Now… speaking of a helluva day, Saturday, April 7, 2007 at Turner Field for a matinee performance its Tom Glavine vs. John Smoltz. Wow, and I’m going to be there!!!
By Tomahawkin
April 2, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
D.O.B.
Ur Comment…”You wouldn’t believe how fast the Philly fans and especially their media jump on this team”
Dude, I read the philly.com phillies Forums…and there is this one dude on there that is already throwing out the season, Its hilarious…they are madd crazy on that forum, And Man it does suck they are off 2morrow…
By Greg in TN
April 2, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the hard work today DOB. It was a pleasure following the goings on in Philly through the Braves/MIB blog.
I think one of the points Shaun was trying to make was not to jump on these guys day one. That’s what’s going on right now in Philly for sure. It happens in NYC, it happens in Chicago. I am pretty dang sure it’s happening in overdrive in Boston tonight.
And speaking of Boston… How about Tony Pena Jr and those KC Royals today? That brought a smile to my face. Good to see a full house at Kaufmann Stadium leave happy for a change. Had nothing but positive things to say about my stop there a few years back, so it’s great to see the fans cheering, even if it’s only for one day.
We certainly have much less questions about the pitching from this time last year after our opening day merry-go-round game with the Dodgers. The bullpen today was just as advertised.
All in all, a great day to be a Brave.
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
How the heck did O’Papi manage to blog all day, watch the game, do his interviews, write at least three articles, and still find time to squeeze in an episode of 24 within an 8 hour span? Now that is freaking hardcore.
By ernesto
April 2, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Roachy 0-5 with 4 k’s. Ouch.
By KC
April 2, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
I would like to take a moment to thank ESPN…
for not carrying the Braves opener! There’s nothing worse than having to listen to Joe Morgan and John Miller on opening day. THANK YOU ESPN!!!!!
By TheSouthernJackAss
April 2, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
hohlemann22—du sein a fluch esel affe!…
By JJMB
April 2, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
Mein Gott. I hope this isn’t the year of the marathon typist. There is a thing called efficiency of words. Try it sometime when your blathering posts go over 20 lines! (Not you, DOB).
A win is a win, but I don’t see this a “great” win. More of a “pulled out of a$$” win. The great Renteria saved it. I have grave doubts about Johnson, and dead meat at the top of the order. Not to mention Thorman.
Hudson, James, Cormier. YIKES!
By ernesto
April 2, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
Had to go check out the philly’s blog and theyr’e not so over the top in their philly vitriol. The one thing I did notice though was a lot of “oh no, here come the mutt trollers” comments. evidently they have them as well. classic quote “quit snickering muttley.”
By ernesto
April 2, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
by the way, anyone who signed up for mlbtv.com (thanks to Bud-sucks exclusive Extra Innings deal) DEFINITELY download the mosaic software you got sent today…it’s far superior to the mlb.com crapcasts.
By Braveheart
April 2, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
JJMB, point well taken - you can call me out by name. It’s cool. I am aware of my shortcomings.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 2, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
What a terrific game today. It was most entertaining to the end. Cannot say they will all turn out that way but Smoltz was on his game today and the relievers looked super. Edgar definitely showed up today. I guess he wants everyone to forget about Escobar for a while.
I have to hand it to the wife in her assessment a year ago when she said she thought McCann would be a better player long term than Francore. May be a little early on that one yet but she was a fan of Smoltz over Glavin so what can I say? He sure makes somebody looks like a genius the way he hits. Two more weeks and they move Francore to the seven or eight hole in the batting order. He does not look comfortable at the plate at all.
I switched over after the game and watched the Royals beat up on the Red Sox. Tony Pena Jr. legged out two triples. That was in addition to some stellar defense. Telling you he has a chance at making the All Star team from the Royals this year.
And oh by the way, IT’S A BLOG!!!!! If you don’t want to read the stats. Skip over them. No one is forced to read anything they don’t want to.
I have witnessed enough actual events to know that eyewitness accounts can be suspect and prone to embellishment so consider your sources carefully. Personally, I enjoy the banter on the blog as it gives me a different perspective. However, living as close to Washington D.C. as I do I have developed a keen perception for bulls**t. It comes from being in such close proximity to politicians. My apologies to Ms Roslyn of course but you would especially know what I mean.
And DOB… So good to have you back… Careful on the cheese steaks or you will find the term “hog” taking on a whole new meaning….
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 2, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
What a terrific game today. It was most entertaining to the end. Cannot say they will all turn out that way but Smoltz was on his game today and the relievers looked super. Edgar definitely showed up today. I guess he wants everyone to forget about Escobar for a while.
I have to hand it to the wife in her assessment a year ago when she said she thought McCann would be a better player long term than Francore. May be a little early on that one yet but she was a fan of Smoltz over Glavin so what can I say? He sure makes somebody looks like a genius the way he hits. Two more weeks and they move Francore to the seven or eight hole in the batting order. He does not look comfortable at the plate at all.
I switched over after the game and watched the Royals beat up on the Red Sox. Tony Pena Jr. legged out two triples. That was in addition to some stellar defense. Telling you he has a chance at making the All Star team from the Royals this year.
And oh by the way, IT’S A BLOG!!!!! If you don’t want to read the stats. Skip over them. No one is forced to read anything they don’t want to.
I have witnessed enough actual events to know that eyewitness accounts can be suspect and prone to embellishment so consider your sources carefully. Personally, I enjoy the banter on the blog as it gives me a different perspective. However, living as close to Washington D.C. as I do I have developed a keen perception for bulls**t. It comes from being in such close proximity to politicians. My apologies to Ms Roslyn of course but you would especially know what I mean.
And DOB… So good to have you back… Careful on the cheese steaks or you will find the term “hog” taking on a whole new meaning….
By choppinmama
April 2, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
KC: Amen, amen!!!!
By chipdip
April 2, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
kelly johnson still sucks and always will…..im sure he will turn out to be the next furcal…..not!!!!!!!!!!!!
By choppinmama
April 2, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this
MEB: What a matchup you’ll get to witness on the 7th. That one will definitely go to my videotape. No DVD available.
Did you see Gammons talk to Tom in the clubhouse after he came out of the home opener? These past couple of years I’ve been thinking Glavine is showing his age, living and working in that NY sports media pressure-cooker. But, in that interview, with him sitting on a 4-run lead into the 7th, he had that smirk on his face and a twinkle in his eye and he looked like a young kid. He looked bulked up a little too. Is this the year of the SUPERGLAVINE?
In my heart, I wish he was pitching for ATL - still or again.
Wouldn’t you love to listen to Tom and John’s phone conversation with each other on their way in to the game that day?
How about - they pitch a 0-0 tie into the 8th, the bullpens take over and Frenchy hits a walk-off in the bottom of the 9th? Redemption! And Tom’s feelings aren’t hurt too bad.
By choppinmama
April 2, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
….-ly.
By Rosalynn
April 2, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
Now, Gil, honah, when we weah in Washington Jimma used to shell peanuts with a boah named Gil who wohked at one of the monuments. Is that you? If it is, you keep a real tida monument. Jimma said Gil alwahs picked up the peanut shells aftah the peanut pahta. Sleepin’ with a polatician is close proximita, right?
By Scalp 'em Braves
April 2, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this
Glad the bully came through. 4 innings, one hit, no runs - hell of a change from last year. Good to start the season with a win.
If I could pick any college basketball player in the land to build my team around, it would be Corey Brewer, no doubt - a shooter, a defender, a slasher, a thief - the guy is money. I don’t like the Grators - at least don’t like the fans - but, the team deserved this one - kicked some Buckeye butt tonight.
By Scalp 'em Braves
April 2, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
Front office proves prophetic by signing Baby Huey to long term deal, and telling Frenchy he still has to earn his deal. Edgar makes all the naysayers eat dirt.
Dayumnnnnn… Anybody check out Noah’s mom? How can such a beautiful woman (fomer Miss Sweden) turn out such an ugly kid???
By N8
April 2, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
As I’m sitting here watching the Angels/Rangers game, I can’t help but think, that even with Furcal’s success. When healthy, Kenny Lofton is/was the best leadoff hitter in the last 10-15 years.
I know the guy didn’t fit in here for whatever reason, but you just have that feeling EVERYTIME he comes to the plate, that he’s gonna find a way to get on base. Then when he does, even at age 65 (or whatever he is) he’s gonna steal. (He just stole his SECOND base of the night as I’m typing….UNREAL).
.299 liftime batting average, with a .372 OBP. Not to mention 599 (now 601) SB’s. At age 39, he stole 32 bases last year, or 20 LESS than our whole team did. YIKES!
By Scalp 'em Braves
April 2, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
Forgive me for being a serial poster, but was working on taxes with one eye on the basketball game. Take my advice folks - never, ever, NEVER agree to be a trustee for a family member, friend, etc. - it never ends, it is a thankless task, there is no pay, and you will have to sift through reams of paper just to comply with your “fiduciary duty”.
No Braves baseball tomorrow? Geez, I’m already going through withdrawals. Maybe I’ll get some work done, though, as opposed to trying to keep up with the Fox Sports “Live” updates on their website. Never could find a webcast of the radio team without having to pay for it, and don’t have a radio at work.
DOB
I wish I had known you were posting during the game - would have followed it. Read through it just a while ago - even though I knew the outcome of the game, and lots of the “line items” concerning the game, was captivated by your “play by play”. Awesome post/blog, my friend.
Glavine kicked some Redbird butt his first start - Smoltz kicked some Reda$$ for 5 innings, then tuckered out. Division is tied right now. Can’t wait for the days, weeks and months to come.
Bring on the Muts!!
By mr baseball
April 2, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox has been a Major League manager for 20-some years, and he still has no clue when to call for a bunt and when not to. The same goes for lots of you on the blog.
As long as he’s hitting 2nd, Edgar should NEVER be asked to bunt. He & Chipper are 2 of the 3 Braves players you most want to see at the plate in the late innings of a close game (McCann’s the other), and by having him bunt, you’re taking the bat out of both their hands. No offense, folks, but that’s just plain STUPID. If the opposing teams will agree not to intentionally walk Chipper, the strategy might not be so bad, but how often will they comply.
Cox manages almost strictly by the book. He’s going to make his decision based on the situation, not on what’s the most likely scenario for success, given the players involved and what the opposition is likely to do.
Baseball games are won with good pitching and timely hitting. You may win a few games over the course of the season by advancing runners with outs, but for every one you might win, you are just as likely to let a W get away by giving up outs in an attempt to scratch out one run.
The Braves won today IN SPITE OF, not because of their manager, although he did a commendable job of handling the bullpen, especially his use of Wickman in the 9th.
BTW, how in the world did the Philadelphia official scorer get that job. If he really thinks the ball KJ dropped was a hit, he is clearly unqualified for the position.
By The Grinch
April 2, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
Man, I can’t believe this. The busiest day of the year for me so far, and I miss opening day. I don’t have SQUAT to do tommorrow and they’re off. Thank you kindly for the summary, DOB; it really helped me feel like it wasn’t a total waste. Braveheart, you predicted a final of 5-2 and McCann going 3-4 on the previous blog; good job. Time to pass out; I can sleep easier knowing we put the Phillies in their place. It’s amazing how nice this place is without Mets fans, isn’t it? ‘night, all.
By Scalp 'em Braves
April 2, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
N*
Good take on Lofton - the guy has raked for every team he ever played for, except us. Has been an offensive royal pain the butt for years, and does it quietly, not like the circus that Ricky Henderson always created. We’ve had a couple of centerfielders/leadoffs like him (Otis, Marquis), but neither had his staying power or success. Too bad the only WS rings he got was with the Stankees. A horrible legacy to any fan outside of New York.
By Scalp 'em Braves
April 3, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this
Mr Baseball (also known as Robert) - glad to see you haven’t let up on BC. Don’t you know it was all part of Bobby’s plan? Have Edgar foul off two pitches by faking bunts, get down in the count, so that the pitcher would groove one? Geez, man, how little you know about the game!
By KC
April 3, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this
JJMB: “Hudson, James, Cormier”
I asked this question of you the other day… don’t think I ever got an answer.
Do you have a crystal ball up your a$$ we should know about? What are you basing your assessment of Tim Hudson on? After 7 years as one of the top 2 or 3 pitchers in baseball, he had the first and only lousy year of his career in 2006. He’s still young, he’s healthy, and he had a terrific spring during which more than one scout told reporters than he has his Oakland form back. But you know better.
Apparently, you have information the rest of us aren’t privy to. If you were to share your insight, perhaps we won’t waste our time thinking that maybe last season, and not the first 7 years of his career/his great spring this year, was a fluke. Please enlighten us.
I’m also amused by your characterization of Chuck James. Here’s a guy that posted a sub-3.00 ERA every year at every level of the minors. He then came to Atlanta where he pitched extremely well out of the bullpen. He was then moved to the rotation where he was once again outstanding. Overall, he went 11-4 with a 3.68 ERA in his rookie season last year. He then gave us a terrific spring this year, posting another sub-3.00 ERA for the spring. Yet, you repeatedly talk about this guy like he’s a joke. Again, you apparently know something the rest of us don’t.
Lance Cormier is completely unproven, but looked damn good as a Braves starter last September and again this spring. I for one am look very much forward to watching him pitch. And you have to keep in mind… he’s our 5th starter. How many teams have a proven winner as their #5 guy? Certainly not anyone else in the NL East. That’s for damn sure.
JJMB, again on all fronts… you must know something we don’t. What’s your secret bro? Enlighten us.
And as for tonight’s game… you can’t dominate every night. No one can. The sign of a true winner is the ability to gut out wins (or “pull them out of you’re a$$” as you put it) sometimes. Especially against division rivals.
By KC
April 3, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
CORRECTION: JJMB’s quote was “Hudson, James, Cormier. YIKES!”
I left off the “YIKES” part in my previous post. My apologies JJMB. I would surely hate to misquote you.
By Brad in KY
April 3, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
Braveheart
First, you’re still missing Shaun’s point. The point isn’t that you can’t get excited about the game. The point is that claims such as “Johnson and Thorman can’t hit” based on one game are ridiculous. Those are two different claims and you’re conflating them. I’m sure Shaun doesn’t care how excited you get. Just don’t start complaining about players after one game. It’s dumb.
Second, I don’t know what you’re talking about with respect to the length of your posts. My posts are usually on the longer side and I certainly don’t mind reading longer posts. So I really have no clue what that’s about. Maybe Shaun said something. I dunno.
Third, you refer to my logical fallacies and yet you don’t actually point out where my argument(s) go wrong. Arrogance is not a fallacy. It might be a character defect, but it’s no sign of a bad argument. Try again.
Fourth, Shaun frequently posts stats. Sorry. Plus, the relevant stats are widely available on the internet.
Fifth, see my earlier post for an explanation of why your claim concerning the “absolute truth”, “black and white” claims that Shaun makes is utterly ridiculous. The claims are based on statistical evidence and are probabilistic. That is, they’re most often predictions based on past experience [i.e., statistical evidence]. Probability claims are not claims of “absolute truth.” They say things like, “If Francouer doesn’t bunt here, out of 100 times we’ll score more than one run X number of times, one run X number of times, and not score X number of times. If he bunts…Therefore, we should not bunt because it is most likely that …”
That’s all.
By N8
April 3, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this
Pulling one out of your a$$
Sounds painfull. I just like to be patient and let it come out by itself.
Anyways here’s my take on “luck” and the above “phrase”.
Last night (Sunday) the Mets, in my estimation “pulled one out”. They turned 4 double plays, Alou had a diving catch, there was the ill-advised sending of a runner by the Cardinals that Beltran threw out.
Today for us, there was the ball hitting the runner (the right call, btw) that saved a BIG inning, and the the “get himself into trouble by walking the pitcher and giving up a double/Houdini act by Gonzalez.
Lucky breaks? Maybe. But I’ve always felt that EVERY TEAM gets lucky breaks during the course of games. It’s the really good teams that DO SOMETHING about those breaks.
As for the Mets last night. Well that’s a combination of great pitching, even better defense, maybe just a little luck.
Were the Braves “lucky” for most of the 90’s due to playing good defense and forcing teams to hit into a lot of double plays? Nope. They were just a good team.
By Phillip
April 3, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
Two gold stars for DOB’s in-game commentary, plus the blog intro. Great job…as always.
By Braveheart
April 3, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this
Bradtucky, let’s call a truce. I actually don’t really have a problem with you. It actually looks like you don’t have much of a problem with me. You really just seem annoyed with me right now and maybe rightfully so. I’m always annoyed with Shaun for whatever reason and when you jumped in, I lashed out on you. I went off the deep end on you there. Shaun, when you read it in the morning, go ahead and take a cheap shot or two or ten if you feel like it. After my rant, I probably deserve it.
I do have concerns about Thorman after watching him last year. I just don’t believe he’s anything worth wasting time developing. Could be wrong. But I don’t see it in his minor league stats and I do not see it with my eyes when I watch him play. But who died and made me the GM or manager? The ones we got are just a tad bit smarter than me about such things. Just a tad bit ;-) Won’t stop me from wishing Wilson was the full time guy though.
By Jared
April 3, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this
Paronto, Soriano, Gonzalez and Wickman means game over.
Tom Gordon and the AAA-level Phillies’ bullpen means plenty of fun comebacks for opposing teams.
By Coach
April 3, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this
Good game from Smoltz(he deserved the win)and the bullpen held together for five scoreless innings. Renteria hits one bomb right at the end of spring training , then one game into the season he unloads two. Freaking insane this game of baseball is……… time to put my two cents in , Chipper and McCann are the two toughest outs on the team , why in the hell isn’t McCann hitting fourth behind Chipper ? KJ looked like a deer in the head lights today , but it’s to be expected , his first game leading off and playing 2B , he was in over his head. Shake it off kid , tomorrows a new day and a fresh nine to prove yourself. Smoltz has 23 and 24 quality starts in 05-06 and one more so far in 07 , the man is a machine. He can only lose the Cy Young this season. Tomahawk , I have given up the beer , currently throwing tennis ball at the boob tube , its less destructive.
By Spike
April 3, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this
Mr Baseball Unless the game has changed I believe the 2nd batter in the lineup is always your best bunter and bat control guy. The intention of course being to get the leadoff guy on, bunting or hitting behind the runner to get him to second and in scoring position for the three, four, or five hitters. Isn’t that NL baseball? As for the criticism of not having Francouer bunt I’m sure Bobby has seen him attempt to bunt and that’s why he let him hack away. Bunting situation yes, but wrong guy at the plate since Francouer doesn’t look like he’s been asked to bunt many times in his career. Sad statement for a major league hitter IMO.
By Tomahawkin
April 3, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this
Man…Ernesto, I told U about the philly.com/phillies forum, Dey are off da chain up in dere…
Oh yea…I forgot to give da props to D.O.B… U handled your biznuss today…man Dude I don’t know how you do it…Nuff Respect…Dude…And It shows becuz this is da hypest blog on da whole website…Everyone, and Dey Mama is up in here today…
By Braveheart
April 3, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this
AS for the Frenchy bunting thing, didn’t the pretty boy fracture his face trying to lay down a bunt while in the minors? Doesn’t sound like a good idea to have him laying down a bunt (or laying it up right into his face).
By Tomahawkin
April 3, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this
Headcoach Dat was funny…I might have to do the same…How many did u throw today???( I’m laughin as I’m typing…Coach, I just could see you doing dat shyt in my mind, Funny as hell..)
Coach I dunno about you, but I Bout Freaked Out when Johnson droped that pop up…I was yellin to high hell…
By Tomahawkin
April 3, 2007 1:43 AM | Link to this
Grinch, said it earlier, where are all those bandwagon Mutts Fans…?
Hell I guess I need to kill dat question till da weekend, becuz I’m sure dat all da mutts fans will be in here talkin shyt…I’m just glad I will be too busy clubbin/partyin all weekend (Wit my braves shyt on, BTW) to put up wit dat crap…
By mr baseball
April 3, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this
Spike: It all depends on who your No. 2 hitter is. If it’s a David Eckstein/Omar Vizquel type singles hitter, by all means consider the bunt. But Renteria has extra base power and is a proven clutch hitter. And if a right-hander is on the mound, you’re almost begging the other team to intentionally walk Chipper.
Let Kelly Johnson bunt. Let Langerhans bunt (when a pinch-hitter is on deck). But don’t take the bat out of the hands of your best hitters and don’t have a more dangerous offensive player bunt with less accomplished hitters coming up behind him.
One of the many reasons the Braves lost the 4th game of the 2005 playoff series against the Astros was because Cox managed by the book in extra innings and called for a bunt when that was not the best strategic option for the situation.
A manager needs to take into account who he’s asking to bunt, who’s coming up to bat and what the opponent is likely to do. In Cox’s case, all he does is consult the baseball “book.” When it says bunt, he bunts, no questions asked. Today, the Braves won in large part because Renteria “failed” to execute his manager’s flawed decision.
By David O'Brien
April 3, 2007 6:31 AM | Link to this
MS, realized I forgot to answer this post from you yesterday: Can you give us 3 predictions?
-Highest number of wins Braves could realistically top out at, if everything goes right. -Lowest number of wins if things go wrong and we get hit with multiple injuries. -Number of wins you think we’ll end up at.
MY ANSWERS: 100, 78 … and 90-92 (or, a couple more than the Mets).
By Metropolitan Man
April 3, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this
All I have to say is congrats on following last years formula on your 1st win. If its not a 2run/3run bomb, you guys will mostly lose. How many times will a guy follow a failed attempt to bumt a guy over and hit the game winning blast?? Heck, Frenchy couldnt even advance a guy on a leadoff double and of course I saw some shoddy defense. Your bullpen looked shaky but got the job done. So with all that said, I cant wait for the METS to spank you this weekend. Oh yeah once again Smoltz got burnt becasue of a manager who cant seem to take him out early enough for him to get a win. If the pen is so tight, why not get them in there to save his game when he had the lead? I know its a long season and you still won, but the victory looked all to familar to last season that lead to losses last year against good and bad teams. No long ball and a 6-1 victory for the METS, 3 long balls and an extra inning victory for the braves. You guys might want to learn how to manufacture runs, just a thought.
By Glenn
April 3, 2007 7:27 AM | Link to this
Did anyone notice the quality of Jeff Francouer’s at-bats? I think he is a good player with a chance of being great but he really frustrated me yesterday. He still seems to swing at every first pitch no matter what. During the times I watched, I only saw him take one pitch total. It seemed like he swung at everything all game long. What happened to his new philosophy of being more selective? Let’s hope it can be written off as first game excitement. Maybe Terry P. or Chipper should calm him down a little.
By AFSOC Shirt
April 3, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this
That’s a game the Braves would have lost last year. What a difference a bullpen makes.
Still not sold on KJ leading off, though.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 3, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this
Actually Ms Rosalynn, there wasn’t much else I could do after Mr. Jimmy told the world about the stealth bombers we had and I had to quite my day job. Of course it wasn’t too bad as I soon got a contract to clean up behind all the President’s late night peanut sorties. Woo wee… I never knew you could do so many things with a peanut. Don’t worry though. I have kept all the evidence stashed safely away so ya’ll secrets are safe with me. Of course there were so other positive perks to the jobs too. Like when I got to meet that nice Mr. Turner and Ms Jane. Boy those exercises let you do some funny things with your body don’t they?
Sorry he couldn’t get those nice folks back from Iran sooner. Should have used one of those bombers instead of just yapping about it I guess. Anyway, glad to hear ya’ll are doing fine and watch out for them vicious bunnies ya’ll hear, it is nearly Easter.
And DOB….. 98 wins this year if all goes well this year. 78 wins if the bottom drops out but 91 wins are realistic in a very tough division this year for a good team.
By dadgum
April 3, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this
Outstanding clutch homers by Edgar. Too bad Smoltz couldn’t get the W as he pitched great with the nasty slider working awesome.
I will withhold judgment on Kelly Johnson as I am sure he had more butterflies than most of the players but even fielding teh routine grounders was iffy. His throws to first just barely beat the runners. Also not sure this has been mentioned but that muff in shallow center should have been an error all the way on KJ. Incredible the scorer ruled it a hit but on this day he needed a break. NOt a good start for KJ but hey let’s give him a few weeks.
Did anyone notice that LaRoche went 0-5 with 4 K’s. OUCH!!
Go Braves!!!
By journalist jimmy smith
April 3, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
Gil, honah, that stora about Jimma and the bunna was contrived by the media. No bunna is gonna scah my Jimma! Especialla no swimmin’ bunna! Jimma did have a few problems in office but his heaht was in the right place. Thank you for not mentionin’ run-awah inflation during Jimma’s tehm. And speakin’ of runnin’ awah - what has happened to all the Mets fans that have been bloggin’ heah? Jimma said this mornin’ at breakfast that Francoeur may not be as smaht as Chippa. That is the fihst time I have heahd Jimma say such a thing. Maybe that nice boah hk can do a graph and show us who is the smarta playah.
By Rosalynn
April 3, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
I was just thinkin’ how much I admiah that boah jimma smith when I accidentla posted like I was jimma smith myself! I must go get some rest! “Commanduh, heah I come, honah. I need a nap.”
By NO CHOP ZONE
April 3, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
Journalist….Do you and other Brave fans realy need Met Fans to come over and give you a pat on the back for every regular season win. Are you that insecure?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 3, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
Well, with Roachie gone it is little like a tooth ache. You didn’t realize how bad your shoulder hurts because you had a tooth ache. Once the tooth is fixed the shoulder pain which was there all along shows up. Now if they will just keep him away from that awful Mr. Boras…..
All those folks clammering about what the Braves gave up in LaRoach. Four wiffs yesterday. At least Thorman is getting wood on the ball. Also knows direction to first base and how to pack his jersey….
By KC
April 3, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
MetroMan: “All I have to say is congrats on following last years formula on your 1st win.”
Let’s see… turn the ball over to the bullpen for 4 innings and ask them to hold the other team where they are until you scratch out a go-ahead run… yeah… JUST like last year. lol lol lol!!!!!
By CM
April 3, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
Ahh..it’s baseball season. Who’s pumped for the home opener? Can’t wait!
GO BRAVES!!!
By KC
April 3, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Metro Man: I forgot to congratulate you on your opening day win, so CONGRATS!
I think Glavine will win a lot of games this year. The problem is that while your bullpen will be as tough as ever in the late-innings… you don’t have the depth to consistently bail the other starters out in the 5th or 6th innings as you did last year.
Your rotation leaned heavily on the bullpen last year, and that was somewhat okay… because you had the depth to do that. But that’s not the case this year. You’d better pray for a good season from Maine, and that another starter or two can really step up. If not, you’re bullpen will be worn out than the $20 hookers that hang around Shay Stadium, come September.
By love16
April 3, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Hey Metro Man..Maybe you should go blog some place else. This one is for Braves fans, or perhaps you missed that. I would imagine we’ll see you and some of your classless counterparts this weekend at the Ted.
LETS GO BRAVES!!
By KC
April 3, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
NO CHOP ZONE: Yes, I’m that insecure. Hold me. Please hold me.
By Shaun
April 3, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
N8,
Morning. About Francouer: I do like Francouer because of his potential. I’m not a big fan of his performance so far because he has costs the Braves way too many outs for a corner outfielder. I think you can have it both ways, if you understand that Francouer is still about five years from what will probably be his peak seasons.
Braveheart and others,
I do like Rob Neyer and Bill James. I like the Baseball Prospectus guys even more. And my arguments are sometimes similar to their’s because in a lot of ways I would say I agree with them.
But my argument aren’t regurgitating their arguments. They are simply building on the obvious from points those guys (and gals) make. Should be pretty obvious that out avoidance is a pretty important aspect of offense. It should be obvious that one game is a minuscule sample size and a player should be judged just by what they do in one game. Should be obvious that wasting outs in favor of advancing one base is often not a good thing. When it’s not obvious to someone, I just enjoy trying to explain that it’s not and why.
caveman22,
This may be hard for you and others to believe, but I do think the unpredictability of the game is a thing of beauty (Bucky Dent, Mark Lemke, etc.) That doesn’t mean I can’t look into stats that measure and give us insight into player ability, does it? In fact, I would argue that with stats, the performances of players like Lemke and Dent in some important games, looks even more amazing.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 3, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
Hey NCZ… At least I don’t have to hang out on the Mets blog looking for something to do. Feel pretty secure right here. Have to hand it to you though. Two of your best players are ex Braves so I can understand why you feel the need to show up.
Who you looking for next? Smoltz? He is about the right age. Andruw is too young for your team. I think he will go to the Dodgers. Likes warm weather.
By stan
April 3, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
To those of you out there who are doing their best imitations of Phillies fans (KJ doesn’t suck, really), remember that “suck” is a relative term. Have a bit of compassion. The guy isn’t out there trying to drop a fly ball or striking out! It’s a long season, and everybody makes a mistake (or a big play) throughout. Enjoy the journey, keep your head. Go Braves.
By KC
April 3, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
Did anyone else wet their pants two hitters into Mike Gonzalez’s debut?
I have to admit, while I knew it would be way too early to panic, visions of Dan Kolb were carving up my brain for a moment there.
Then he showed us why he is a great closer… balls of steel. He didn’t get rattled. He just recovered and blew past the heart of the Phillies order. Making Ryan Howard look silly isn’t easy. The bullpen looked great overall.
I think Paronto’s 10th was the only 1-2-3 inning by the pen, but that’s okay. Great relievers have to have ice water in their veins. They have to stay cool and collected when they give up a hit or a walk, and get the next hitter. We’ve got a great group of guys who can do just that.
Speaking of Paronto… he’s looking damn good, isn’t he?
Very, very nice win.
One of the Mets fans… who by the way are so not threatened by us that they spend all their time in our blog talking trash… I wonder if they spend time talking trash in the blogs of other teams they’re not threatened by, like the Nats or the Marlins? Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah… one of the Mets fans here the other day said that wasn’t a good win yesterday. Rather it was one the Braves “pulled out of their a$$”.
But the reality is that in order to pull out the well over 90 wins the Braves will need to win the division… you’re going to have to win games like that. And unlike last year, the Braves seem exceedingly equipped to do that.
I like our chances this year. I like them a lot.
By KC
April 3, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Francouer has got to mature as a hitter as Andruw did. Even though Andruw still isn’t hitting .300… he’s not the easy out he once was. Andruw used to be solely a mistake hitter. If you pitched him the right way, you’d get him out.
Francoeur made some nice adjustments this spring, but has gone into a bit of a mini-slump. He’ll snap out of it, and I think he’ll have a better year than last year. This guy’s just going to keep getting better and better.
By Shaun
April 3, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
In the previous post it should read “players should NOT be judged only by what they do in one game.”
By Lew
April 3, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
Everyone-Braves and Mets fans- it’s one game into the season. No one is being crowned NL East Champs quite yet. It was one bunt attempt. The Braves won the game. Do any of you (besides the Mets’ fans) really give a damn how we won? Two run HR or a sacrifice bunt and a single-it doesn’t matter. It’s a W and that IS all that matters. There’s no third column qualifying how the W got therte. However, I will say this. We now have a pretty fair idea that our bullpen is going to be excellent. The Mets have yet to see just how bad their staff is. We knew they would hit. Like I said. It’s one game. Let’s move on. We’re tied with the Mets. Or they’re tied with us. It makes damn little difference how you look at it. Glavine won’t go 35-0 and Andruw will not be 0-545. I’m pretty certain. You can quote me on that.
By John Hoar
April 3, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
Back to the MLBDirectTV thing. Missed the game so tried to watch it in the archives on MLB.com. Premium and after thirty minutes I just gave up. Kept getting the intro over and over and could not advance past that. Maybe next time…
Just read Jeff Passan on Yahoo.com and he had his comments on the DirectTV, Selig situation also. Certainly not supportive. He did mention something called a “SlingBox” whereby all the games could be viewed regardless of blackouts and regardless of where you were. Does anyone know much about that? Lew, I’m depending on you to help me out here.
By Lew
April 3, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
John-I have never heard of a slingbox before you mentioned it. Sorry, can’t help you on this one.
By Shaun
April 3, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Lew,
I think we had an idea that the Braves bullpen had a good chance to be excellent before the season started. One game isn’t enough to tell us that. But the performance of those pitchers so far in their careers gave us that idea. In fact, that’s why Schuerholz acquired them.
By olcottr
April 3, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
Heh. I used to live near Philly. Meanest city in the U.S.
By Rocco Baldelli
April 3, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
Wish I was there! Maybe soon.
By Lew
April 3, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
Whatever, Shaun, whatever.
By caveman22
April 3, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
See what happens when your home computer is disconnected, you get a hillbilly from Kentucky respond to your post and uses the term “genetic fallacy”. He’s from KY and he’s using genetic fallacy in his argument.
KY and genetics. Dam that’s just putting the ball up on tee and smackin it with the big fat wiffle ball bat.
Doesn’t KY stand for Kin to You. Cuz everbody in KY is KIN. you know —Genetics.
OK, Now some actual conversation. What I was saying was there are so many infinite possibilities on every pitch that stating with fact what will happen is like trying to predict the movements of a Kite. You can’t to a certainty. I’m sure this next comment will get plenty of smartass remarks but hey who am I to throw stones, it’s what I do too.
Mike Cather, relief pitcher for the Bravos from 1996-1999, played on our MSBL team here in Atlanta for 2 years. I caught him in games and at his batting cage and spoke to him alot about situations and stuff and he quoted Cox alot. It doesn’t matter what the book says so much as what abilites you have at that specific time and place to implement your game plan. It’s a round ball and a round bat and your trying to hit it SQUARE while it’s being thrown from 60 feet away at speed over 85 mph into a target the size of a watermelon and everybody is trying to outguess everybody else…..OH YEAH you got 40,000+ in the stands and millions watching on TV. NOW —-what could happen. ANYTHING!!! Like EDGAR’S JACK! AFTER missing a bunt that he could put down in his pajama’s with a cup of coffee in his hand right after he got out of bed. Your right if it works, your wrong if don’t, and you don’t have to guess which side of the fence your on b/c you got 40000 advisors on hand to let you know IMMEDIATELY!
He threw a slider to me in a game that came in about 91 mph and broke all the way across the plate with a NASTY sink on it…. a the batter flailed at it in desparation …….. a blooped it into right field to score the winning run. You never know until you know!!!
And Bobby Cox knows more about baseball than you know about the inside of your own palm so stick that up your butt and analyze THAT!!
OH you knew I wasn’t going to let this freakin’ diatribe end without the smartass. C’mon , I got a reputation to live down to.
and DOB — thx for Giving Me Somethin on Paronto —Piranha !!!
By Yars
April 3, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
Let’s go easy on the Kelly Johnson bashing. 1 game into the season, and some of you have already written him off. He was the most nervous Braves player on the roster yesterday. Sure, he should have been charged with an error on that pop up, & he looked confused at times at the plate, ( 0-4,2 K’s. ouch!) but the first game of the season should not give us any indication as to how well KJ will perform at the plate, & on the field this season. He will be given about a month I would think to prove he can play 150 games at 2B. He wasn’t the only player who had an off game. I think within 2 weeks, we will see C. Wilson playing 1B everyday. Francoeur seems to be back in form. Swinging at every pitch. I also hope Langerhans proves to us that his spring training stats weren’t a fluke. Believe it or not, the last player I ever think of when thinking Braves baseball is Renteria. Due to him being a quiet guy & letting his stats & defense speak for itself. I’m happy for him that he got a lot of media coverage yesterday. In any case, the season just started. 161 games left. Way too early to start dissing players.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 3, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
Some final thoughts on yesterday’s game before moving on to the real world…..
John Smoltz’s delivery looked to be really smooth. Very nice release. Good movement. The one pitch Jimmy Rollin’s hit for a dinger didn’t break. Okay tip your cap to him.
McCann is going to be a super star as long as he does not get hurt. The kid just flat out knows how to hit. I wish Frenchy could learn something from him. Now that would be something. Edgar showing us how smart JS really is taking advantage of the Red Sox and all. Yes, Was a little nervous with the bullpen at first but settled down. Hey, I am still a bit shell shocked from last year. I know we will blow a few but at least it won’t be like last year. Just have a good feeling. Trust me, things could have gone the other way very easily in the seventh with runners on 2nd and 3rd and no outs.
I don’t know what the problem some of you guys have with Kelly Johnson but that is not the first pop up I have seen dropped by an infielder. Come to think of it. Did not the same thing happen early last season in San Francisco by Giles? I just don’t get your expectations? Give the kid a chance. This is not New York or Philadelphia. Do you think Johnson is supposed to bat .1000 and play errorless ball? If you have him on your fantasy team then trade him. You won’t care then.
No, he is not going to make the All Star team this year but he does not have to. He is doing what is expected of him. He is going to get better if given the chance. Some of you act like you went to the “Dick Vital School of Baseball” when it comes to your knowledge of the game. Loud, stupid and without a real understanding of the long-term consequences of a move.
By caveman22
April 3, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
OK everybody you heard YARS say it, the NO DISSIN light is ON.
..
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Yeah ok that idea sux,
the NO Dissin light just cut shot out.
ENJOY!!
By Adam
April 3, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
KJ is going to hit. Myers pitched him well yesterday and he dropped a pop fly. He will be fine on defense and you will see his OBP go up and he will hit the ball, no doubt about it. Give him a month before you pass judgment on him.
By Rocco Baldelli
April 3, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
Wish I was there, maybe soon. Go Braves.
By caveman22
April 3, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
“Loud, stupid and without a real understanding of the long-term consequences of a move.”
OH , I’m sorry. To find that you need go down 3 floors, hook a left outta the elevator, down the hall to the basement access, bottom of the steps you’ll see mens room, go to the back stall. You’ll hear a guy on the toilet talking sh#t, tell Metosexual Man the blog would like a courtesy flush.
Don’t forget to wash your hands.
By David O'Brien
April 3, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
New Kings of Leon record out today. Someone let me know how it is if you buy it before I do. It got a great review in the Philly paper today (yeah, I guess even a Philly critic can recognize and give proper credit for good Southern rock when he hears it).
By Renegator
April 3, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Adam & everyone else who thinks KJ will hit:
Why do you think that? Show us some stats to back it up… Oh you can’t, because he never has hit. When he played in 2005 - he started out like 2 for 36 and then got his average up to a whopping .241. I say there is absolutely no chance that KJ hits over .250 this year. Same with Thorman. I think Francouer and Langy will end up hitting about .275 - .280 this year.
By wildman
April 3, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
get off thorman’s case he will be fine if you give him some games. adam laroach struck out 4 times in his first pirates game
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
April 3, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, I know it is a long shot, but I am wondering if any of the Braves brass have mentioned Jorge Cantu. He is going to AAA ball after being replaced. If KJ doesn’t do well, would the Braves consider bringing in Cantu? In addition to getting a 2B who has been a 2B for a while, the Braves would keep the Mets from acquring him.
What do you all think? Is it worth the trouble?
By Atilla 747
April 3, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson is a joke we need Penya in his place. Brayan Penya is better at 2nd, he can hit better as well. Anybody disagree? We also need a outfielder.. Langerhans is not going to cut it..Go BRAVES
By MS
April 3, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the predicitions DOB. I hope you’re right. :)
Man, what a game yesterday. I can’t wait to be at Turner Field on Saturday. Any word on who’s going to be pitching? If Cormier is still a week away, why not just skip him and let Smoltz go on normal rest (in lieu of disabling Cormier and bringing up Davies for a start or two)? Would they rather give Smoltz and everyone else an extra day of rest since it’s early?
By ppaddy123
April 3, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
Has anyone else noticed the bias against the Braves on ESPN’s Baseball Tonight? First, they show the highlights of an exciting, nail-biting extra inning game after the wacking the National took at the hands of the Marlins. Secondly, they NEVER talk about Brian McCann’s importance and contibution in the line up. He’s every bit as good as the kid playing for the Twins, but gets NO RESPECT. If the Phillies had won today, they would have put that story up front and talked about that team. But maybe this is a good thing. Maybe the rest of MLB can pretend the Braves won’t contend. Let them put every other MLB team ahead of us. Because come September, all of MLB will have the same view it’s had since 1991. Looking at our backsides!!
By Lee
April 3, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
DOB - Can’t say about New kings of Leon CD but thanks for your input a couple of weeks back on Albert Hammond JR’S new CD Yours to Keep - it is excellent.
I am no KJ supporter myself - hope he proves me wrong. An overall average of 250 is high expectations. Maybe with many walks that is acceptable, but I don’t see it as an adequate lead-off man.
By Mrs. Schuerholz
April 3, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
Brayan is our backup catcher. I think you mean Tony Jr., atilla.
Can’t help myself because I’m still so overwhelmed by Terence Moore’s declaration.
DOB, you are a great writer, lots of insight, fun to read and committed to us fans.
Terence, I cannot believe that you are possibly employed for pay as a baseball writer. Amazing.
Apologies for this public act of ventilation, but oh my Lord have mercy on us all. As journalist Jimmy would say, Terence, “oh the humanity.”
Hallelujah, pass the tylenol.
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
April 3, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
Atilla:
Brayan Pena at 2B? you mean our backup cathcer? Or do you mean Tony Pena, Jr., who was recently traded to KC?
Prado would be fine there, as would Aybar. Even Escobar could learn the position.
Did no one even want to dignify my question regarding Cantu? Is it that bad an idea?
For shame, I’m going into the corner.
By ppaddy123
April 3, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
There’s a guy named Terence writing for the AJC? Never read him. Not going to.
By Shaun
April 3, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
ppaddy123,
I’m not here to defend ESPN but could it be that the Braves game ended after the Marlins-Nationals game? I’m sure there are all kinds of reasons they order stories the way they do. Maybe if we don’t know the full story, we shouldn’t assume bias. Also, I don’t know of them not respecting Brian McCann.
You’re right McCann is probably just as good or better than Mauer, but I don’t think it has to do with an anti-Braves or pro-Twins bias. I think it has to do with a batting title over more meaningful numbers bias which is not unique to ESPN.
By NO CHOP ZONE
April 3, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Terrence Moore said “The Braves are back” after just one game??…….only in Atlanta.
By DC Braves Fan
April 3, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
It’s only one game…but the Braves may need to be looking for a new LF - Langerhans is not going to cut it. And that LF might just very well be in our own organization - Brandon Jones He should be getting some seasoning right now. Dude is only 23 (they let Andruw play at 18) and he might be the CF of the Braves’ future.
By Shaun
April 3, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
Lee,
Batting average just takes into account hits in non-walk, non-sac at bats, which is not a complete way to measure a hitter for obvious reasons.
By ppaddy123
April 3, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Shaun, Who are you? Never mind. No one cares.
By Mets Stink
April 3, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
John Hoar:
Sling Box is a device that you hook up to your tv and it will allow you to watch it on any internet connected device. I don’t have it myself, but I’ve seen some good reviews on it. I don’t know if it will let you watch blacked out games or not. Here’s a link to their web site. Link:SlingBox
By MBATL
April 3, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I agree!
Matthew, I don’t think the Braves need Cantu - he’s a middle infielder, and we’ve got plenty of those; and he’s a pretty high-strikeout, low OBP hitter, and we’ve got plenty of those too. If we didn’t have Johnson, Aybar, and Prado, I’d say yeah, let’s go after him. Oh, and he’s not a leadoff hitter either.
Plus, even though the DRays optioned him out, they’d probably want Chuck James in a trade (that was the deal Steve Phillips spent the spring predicting, btw), or at least Kyle Davies.
By Greg in TN
April 3, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
Renegator,
I have reason to believe he’ll improve. Will he? I’m thinking he will, but he might not. Roberto Clemente hit .255 with 5 homers his rookie year, would you have dumped him too?
By MBATL
April 3, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
MS, that’s a good question, regarding Smoltz. Doesn’t seem like we need a 5th starter until about the 16th, but maybe we’re missing something.
By TheSouthernJackAss
April 3, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Gosh!..Golly!..Gee Whiz!!…Rosalynn is an impostah!!!…Oh, the Humanity!…
By Ken Sly
April 3, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Did you enjoy the other two KINGS OF LEON? I sure did…heading out in a few to go pick it up.
By TheSouthernJackAss
April 3, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
That was a slick move jimmy smith…
By Shaun
April 3, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
DC Braves Fan,
Jones has only played 48 games above A-ball. And the Braves are fairly deep in the outfield. No need to rush him. He’s probably going to get more seasoning in the minors as an everyday player than he would get in the majors as a part-timer, which is probably what he’d be. But there’s no way the Braves would think about bringing him up at this point.
Langerhans is fine. He’s almost certain to hit at the very least .254 AVG/.347 OBP/.399 SLG, which are his very respectable career averages. He’s been solid and he’s at the perfect age for a career year, which means he should exceed what he’s done so far.
Langerhans’s career highs in AVG/OBP/SLG are .267/.350/.426. If he exceeds those numbers, which is pretty likely, he’ll be more than adequate.
By caveman22
April 3, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
OK DOB, SHAUN, KC, LEW, JOURNAL JIMMY, ETC. ,ETC
All over these blogs you got the “enemy” baggin on Bobby for the Braves failure to win another title. It’s an ignorant point of view , but whatever. My question/statement is this: I believe that the Braves playoff exits have more to do with the change in playoff format with the addition of the wildcard and the “gunslinger” style divisional series setup than with any “mistakes” Cox has made. And he makes them like everybody else but saying he’s responsible for their lack of success is like saying he signaled Wohlers with the ‘let’s throw this slider a little higher and flatter and see if we can get Jimbo to chase it’ sign. yeah yeah , I’m sure this has been discussed in previous Vol 3, version 4, posts 176 so the discussion isn’t really about Cox ( hell Torre could get the same commments said about him) so much as why do they use such a weak and lame argument on here day after day, year after year, when every “prognosticator” (hey-no spell on that either) of value or stature generally agree that Cox’s entire package of abilities as a manager are deserving of all-time status?? And if you think that Cox has impeded the Braves - what examples could you point to specifically to argue that point? And I mean a pattern of decisions not that he brought in the wrong guy in one inning of one game.
OK - rip me up !!
By Lew
April 3, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Matthew-There was a reason Cantu was dropped by the DRays-THE DRAYS dropped him. Not the Yankees, the DRays. It is because he never again hit like he did in 05 and he forgot how to catch and throw the ball at 2B. I don’t care how little time KJ has in, Cantu is NOT the answer. The DRays dropped him.
By Shaun
April 3, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
MBATL,
In about a month, these people bashing Kelly Johnson will be talking about Schuerholz’s genius in turning him into the secondbaseman and leadoff hitter, mark my word.
By Lew
April 3, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Matthew-Just so I don’t sound too subjective. Cantu’s career Fielding Percentage is .971. Marcus Giles NEVER had a percentage that low and his lifetime FP is .981, for comparison. As far as at bat, Cantu went from a BA of .301 to .286 to .249 over the past three years. He dropped from 28HR in 05 to 14 last year (and that’s at the Dome, where Andruw would hit 60). His OBP has dropped from .341 to .311 to .295. The guy just isn’t worth what you would have to pay him, which is certainly more than they are paying KJ.
By Shaun
April 3, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
caveman22,
I guess a lot of people assume that Cox isn’t doing his job because of the Braves’s post-season record. I would argue that there is plenty of blame to go around.
In the book Baseball Between the Numbers, there is a chapter on winning in the post-season. They find that post-season success is about good luck, power-pitching, defense and a great closer.
My theory is that the Braves haven’t succeeded as much as we would like in the post-season because they’ve never really had much power pitching and they’ve never really had power pitching and a great closer in the same year. Also, they’ve lost at least a couple of series that could have gone either way (bad luck).
I’m not blaming Schuerholz for not getting power pitchers because, as I’ve brought up before, if he goes after power pitching maybe they don’t acquire or keep guys like Maddux and Glavine all those years or maybe he doesn’t go after the offense that could keep the Braves in the playoff hunt.
But this is my theory and I like to think it’s a reasonable one.
Is Cox perfect? No way. But his record and reputation clearly show that he’s a Hall-of-Fame manager. Only a few misguided people would argue that he’s not.
By ernesto
April 3, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
SJA- was there ever any doubt?
By Lew
April 3, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Caveman-I never contended BC was a bad manager. You’re thinking of Robert. He’s the one totally anal about Bobby. You probably don’t want him to start his rant, though, it’s like arguing with a brick wall. You will make no impression on him.
By TennesseePaul
April 3, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
So many posts, I haven’t read through them all, so I appologize if this is a repeat…
LaRoche 0-5 with 4Ks.
Thorman 0-4 with 1K
Already an improvement on the strikeout rate of our first baseman. And the hustle… love the hustle.
By Renegator
April 3, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
Caveman22:
I think the rips on Bobby are because he so stubbornly goes with the “by the book” strategy that it makes him look stupid sometimes (see yesterday’s attempted use of Renteria to bunt in the 10th). I agree with you that the players ultimately decide who wins or loses the game, but the manager has to make the right calls to put those players in the best position to win. I don’t think Bobby always does that because of his strict “by the book” approach.
By meansonny
April 3, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
Shawn The KJ Project will never turn out to be a “genius” move by Schuerholz unless you’re referencing management to a salary cap. I think that it could be referenced as a success in the future only as it will not impede us from producing runs and losing a shot in the playoffs.
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
April 3, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
It’s like I said guys, I’m not sold on signing him up either. Just was making an observation. I realize that the D-Rays cut him, and I know we have a stockpile of middle infielders, but they are all unproven. I thought Cantu would be worth a chance if he was cheap. Certainly not worth giving up James.
By TennesseePaul
April 3, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
Payne: Batting average just takes into account hits in non-walk, non-sac at bats, which is not a complete way to measure a hitter for obvious reasons.
Since your into battling nuances, and taking high roads… This statement doesn’t work. Let’s paraphrase it…Batting average just takes into account hits … which is not a complete way to measure a hitter.
If you want to continue pushing the OBP, you should go back to your library of repeated posts and change the term “hitter” to “batter” or simply state that AVG is not a complete assesment of offensive contributions.
However, it is not off base to compare or discuss the AVG of players. This is baseball after all; all stats are up for comparison or discussion.
By MBATL
April 3, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
I think the short series gives a huge advantage to the underdog (wildcard) team. I also think the DH rule typically gives the AL a better lineup for a 7 game series.
I’m a traditionalist at heart, but can deal with changes to the game (not much choice). The wildcard has added a lot of excitement to the late season (though even it is unfair - a lot easier to win the WC in the AL West than the AL Central, for instance).
But I really believe the 5-game div. series, the DH, and the unbalanced interleague schedule all create “unfairness”, and so I don’t like any of those rules.
By Shaun
April 3, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul,
First of all, it’s one game. Second of all, it’s what and how much they do in between K’s that matters. Thorman will be fine and I have absolutely nothing against the trade. But LaRoche will be better than Thorman in 2007 (barring some sort of disaster).
By ppaddy123
April 3, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Caveman22, I agree with you 100%. It’s real easy to sit here in front of a keyboard and talk about Cox’s decision making in hindsight (it’s 20/20, right?). But when we look at Cox’s record in relation to all the other current MLB managers and the recognition they show him for his record, he’s in a class by himself.
By caveman22
April 3, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
LEW I know you didn’t say that about BC, I’m was asking the GROUP for your opinion on why people continue to throw that out there? I’ve never seen one consistent theory that would support it but it gets put out there like its a proven fact. Other than just pure shock value. What theory has anybody ever put out that would support this?
By Atilla 747
April 3, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
I wanted to say Prado at second not Penya,my bad. Come August we will have a 5 games lead over Philty and the hated Mats…! The bullpen looks real. McCann is a superstar in the making..he gets no respect at all..I don’t understand that ..Francoeur is going to be just fine we need to worry about Chipper…
By jed
April 3, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
MBATL—I echo your sentiments on the 5-game series. It absolutely favors the weaker team and should’ve been done away with years ago.
By caveman22
April 3, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
thanks peepee , by the way ,
the next number is 4
c’mon , I’m just kiddin
By Adam
April 3, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Renegator,
Are you kidding me? Having Rentaria attempt to bunt is absolutely the right play in that situation. You have the heart of the order coming up behind him in extra innings. As a manager you aren’t looking for your 2 hitter to hit a home run, you are looking for him to move the runner into scoring position so that your 3 and 4 hitter has a chance to drive the run in. That’s what they get paid to do. Come on, please show some sense before making a comment like that.
By meansonny
April 3, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
I feel pretty comfortable about stealing 2 of 3 in PHI. What are the chances of a sweep going against Hamel and Eaton?
By chief
April 3, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
DOB- New KOL album is legit. Perhaps slightly more polished than Aha Shake Heartbreak and Youth and Young Manhood, but very good. Much like their past albums, you can play this one all day long without missing a beat. By the way, their playing the Tabernacle 6/1 and Albert Hammond Jr. is the opening act.
By David O'Brien
April 3, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: Cormier still had some soreness in his shoulder when he threw a bullpen today, so the Braves are probably going to DL him and recall Davies from Richmond to start Sunday vs. the Metropolitans.
It’s a shame for Cormier, who had the spring of his life and earned a spot. But I don’t blame the Braves _ if there’s any lingering soreness at all, gotta DL him and try to nip it in the bud.
Besides, it’s not like Davies was bad this spring. He was actually quite good in all but about three innings, when he walked too many guys. His final numbers _ 2.84 ERA, .212 opp average, 14 hits, nine walks, 11 strikeouts in 19 innings _ were solid, and he also had that lights-out intrasquad game.
Anyway, I just called Bobby and that’s the story. Braves had a voluntary workout today at the ballpark and that’s where Cormier threw.
By caveman22
April 3, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Renegator thx , cool.
by the way congra…..
congr……
con…….
The Dawg in me wont let me say it!!
By ncscoots
April 3, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Those deriding a manager who manages “by the book” should remember why a certain tactic is in “the book” to start with…over time, that tactic has proven to have a positive outcome more often than not (or at least the perception exists that this is so).
Most folks here know I’m much less a fan of “small ball” than most, but even I would have had Edgar bunting yesterday. At that point in time, and with that game situation, that’s the right call, regardless of whether it’s the “book” call. Sure, Chipper gets walked, so what? Hitters hit in the middle of the order for a reason. If Andruw fails in that situation, then so be it, but that doesn’t mean the bunt was a bad move. To knock Bobby for a move that 29 other MLB managers would have made in the same situation is windmill-tilting at its most forlorn, “book” or no “book”.
By MBATL
April 3, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
DOB, as mentioned earlier, do the Braves really need a 5th starter before the middle of the month?
By caveman22
April 3, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
DOB
any thoughts on the Swedish “scandal” topic of a couple trying to name their daughter Metallica??
You think they would have it easier if they named her Molly Hatchett??
“Flirtin with Disaster”
Now that was a great anthem for southern teens.
By TennesseePaul
April 3, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Payne: As I’m sure you are well aware, baseball is a game of failure. This means the batter will fail more than he will succeed. Knowing this, it is then very important for a player to make his failure be as productive as possible. The K is the least productive failure.
it’s what and how much they do in between K’s that matters.
Unfortunately for LaRoche, in between K’s, he was striking out. There isn’t much “in between” 0-5 with 4Ks.
You’re right though, it is one game. So, while I’m celebrating a trade I like, and so far has turned out well, and the play of the new first baseman who hustles and doesn’t K, I’ll bring up another tid bit.
Tony Pena, Jr had 2 triples yesterday. Not too shabby! Glad to see he’s in there making things happen.
Anyways, I watched the Dodger game yesterday on Tivo. I am so very thrilled we never picked up Juan Pierre. I watched that guy come in on a ball, pick it off the grass on it’s second hop, and toss it to third to get a runner advancing from 1st on the hit. By the time Pierre got to the ball, had it in his hand ready to throw, he was about 15 or 20 feet behind 2B. His throw hopped, skipped and rolled to eventually arrive late and off the mark at 3B. The runner was safe. This happened all through the game. I’d never really paid that close attention to Pierre’s arm before. It’s awful.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
April 3, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
DOB,
If Davies is pitching Sunday, who’s pitching Saturday? By my Arkansas education, I figured Hudson Wednesday, James Thursday, Redman Friday, Davies Saturday. Or does it have something to do with the extra off day.
By Chop Chop
April 3, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s a great manager of men. That’s why he’ll be a Hall of Famer. Cox is fifth all-time in managerial wins. He’ll pass Sparky Anderson for fourth place in a couple of months. Every manager from 11th place on up is either in the Hall of Fame or will be (La Russa, Cox, Torre). It’s certainly true that Bobby Cox is not a Hall of Famer in the postseason, but everyone has faults. His teams’ postseason troubles have certainly frustrated the hell out of a lot of us over the years, but that does not change the fact that Bobby is one of the all-time greats. As the Braves’ run winds down (it’s winding down when Schuerholz and Cox are almost out the door, people), I look forward to seeing Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz and Bobby Cox go into the Hall someday. At the very least, we were treated to some great baseball for 15 years of our lives. Bobby has had an awful lot to do with that.
By David O'Brien
April 3, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
chief, we’ll be in Chicago June 1. you should go see KOL if you haven’t seen ‘em live. Really solid live.
I’ve got a ticket to see Graham Parker in a little place in Chicago June 2 (we’ve got all day games against the Cubs, thankfully). I saw the great Bobby Bare Sr. (playing with his son’s band) at the same place last year, called the Old Town Music School, I think.
It’s an actual music school, not far from Wrigley Field, and they have a little room with great acoustics for performances.
By Renegator
April 3, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Thanks Caveman22 - I know what you’re trying to say and I won’t make you say it.
Adam, easy brother. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I personally don’t like that call because Chipper would’ve been intentionally walked and then Andruw and Francouer would’ve most likely struck out and ended the inning without getting the run. If you give (one of the best clutch hitters on the team) a chance to do something with the bat - good things can happen. And that is exactly what happened - he hit a two run HR to win the game.
Just my humble opinion. Sorry that it made you so upset.
By Matthew, Walter's Dad
April 3, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Be careful knocking that Arkansas education, HIllbilly. I am responsible for developing that in our bright young minds.
That’s why I’m blogging during the school day…
By michael of b'ham
April 3, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
So if the Mets win on Sunday won them the division…does that mean the Braves just clinched a tie for the division? So that would make the rest of the season a 161 game playoff involving every team in both leagues. Anybody know where to get a bracket to fill out?
By David O'Brien
April 3, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Hillbilly, the extra day allows them to move back the No. 5 and to start Smoltz on Saturday on regular rest. Not official yet, but it’s almost certainly going to be Smoltz vs. Glavine on Saturday afternoon. How’s that for a matchup in the second home game?…
Caveman, how ‘bout Flogging Molly? (another band)…
MBATL, yes, they need fifth starter or else they’d have to bring back Hudson on short rest Sunday (since he’s pitching tomorrow).
By Adam
April 3, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Renegator,
Didn’t make me upset, but that thought process doesn’t make any sense. Why have Chipper and Andruw hit 3 and 4 in the lineup if they aren’t going to be expected to drive a runner home from second with less then 2 outs. That’s simple ABC baseball. If you don’t trust those guys to get a run home from second with less than 2 outs, your team is in HUGE trouble.
By caveman22
April 3, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
by the way, what happened Metro Punk?
By Greg in TN
April 3, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Tough to hear about Cormier having to go on the DL. From looking at Davies’ starts during spring training, he pitched well after an adventure or two in the first inning. I think as long as he gets past the first inning on Sunday without a lot of problems, we’ll be just fine. He seems to settle down and pitch well once he gets that first inning under his belt.
By MBATL
April 3, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Yep. Makes sense. Thanks DOB.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 3, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
Okay, chores done.. Livestock fed, fields mowed… I noticed Caveman you took offense to my earlier post. Funny, I did not address it to you directly but I guess when the crap hits the old Westinghouse the splatter will strike the innocent as well as the guilty. I have been thinking though that you should change your pen name to one that is more suitable. I was thinking Chattahoochee Catfish would be more fitting because you are all mouth and full of s**t
By Renegator
April 3, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
Adam, do you trust Andruw and Francouer to get that run in? I’ll help you with this one - they went a combined 0-9 yesterday. I personally do not trust them to get the run in. I do trust Chipper but he would’ve been intentionally walked (assuming their manager has a brain).
Don’t get me wrong - I’m not hating on Bobby, in fact I think he is a great manager. I just think sometimes you have to look past the “book” thing to do and look at how your hitters are hitting that day or that week and make a more educated decision. That’s all.
By rammerjammer
April 3, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Thanks for the breaking news on Cormier. I feel for him, man. Gotta be depressing for him.
I assume that’s the 15-day DL? Assuming the rest helps, he’ll lose some stamina so I guess he’ll, what, start a few times in Richmond before he comes back to Atlanta?
Boy, amazing how quickly seven starting pitchers is down to five. Hope Davies is up to the challenge.
And Smoltz vs. Glavine???
Sweet.
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 3, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
i thought that glavine was going to pitch on friday, since that would be 5 days’ rest for him. that’s no longer the plan?
By caveman22
April 3, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
GIL what post? seriously I don’t know
If your referring to my Cox question the last post I saw was on Terence Moore’s blog but that was b/c my computer got “lost” and I found myself stuck in the 1973 Black Panther Reunion sports blog. “Cuz the WHITE MAN IS KEEPIN US DOWN!!”
I don’t get offended by any of this. I mean c’mon if your gonna dish it you gotta take it , and poke a little fun at yourself at the sametime.
I like Chattahoochee Catfish though, It’s on target and creative while at the same time showing a knowledge of the local fishing scene and a particular appreciation for the often misunderstood Catfish.
It’s not just for breakfast anymore , I give it 2 Shhhwwwwwiiiingggss!!
Garth?? ……..
garth ” I thought it sucked !!!!!!!!!!”
By Lew
April 3, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
Caveman-I go along with naming your kid Metallica being weird. However…..I just read an article where Keith Richards, in response to the question of his weirdest drug experience, claims that it was the time he powdered his father’s ashes, mixed them with cocaine and snorted his father. Now THAT’s the most bizarre rock and roll story I ever heard. Oh-Molly Hatchet apparently was a real person-a homicidal southern prostitute. Whether legendary or not, I’m not sure. Thus endeth today’s history lesson.
By Adam
April 3, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
Renegator,
This has nothing to do with the “book”. If I didn’t trust Andruw or Frenchy then I wouldn’t have them hit where they hit. How many runs did they drive in last year? That tells you they come through enough to trust them to get the job done. Before Edgar’s homer in the 8th, what had he done all day? It just takes one AB to get the job done. I’m not saying the only play was to bunt, I could see a hit and run, but in extra innings you can’t sit back and hope someone ends it with one swing when you have a real opportunity to manufacture a run and let the heart of the lineup do its job. What if Edgar grounds into a double play, then you are stuck with hoping for a big fly with 2 outs. Don’t get me wrong, I am thrilled Edgar hit a 2 run shot, but you can’t fault the idea of trying to manufacture a run in extra innings with the heart of your lineup coming up.
By Adam
April 3, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
Renegator,
This has nothing to do with the “book”. If I didn’t trust Andruw or Frenchy then I wouldn’t have them hit where they hit. How many runs did they drive in last year? That tells you they come through enough to trust them to get the job done. Before Edgar’s homer in the 8th, what had he done all day? It just takes one AB to get the job done. I’m not saying the only play was to bunt, I could see a hit and run, but in extra innings you can’t sit back and hope someone ends it with one swing when you have a real opportunity to manufacture a run and let the heart of the lineup do its job. What if Edgar grounds into a double play, then you are stuck with hoping for a big fly with 2 outs. Don’t get me wrong, I am thrilled Edgar hit a 2 run shot, but you can’t fault the idea of trying to manufacture a run in extra innings with the heart of your lineup coming up.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 3, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
You never have too many starting pitchers, ever…… They still have Oscar as their emergency guy in the bullpen.
Davis is going to try and make it impossible for them to bring Cormier back. He did not want to go to Buffalo this week…… Cannot say I blame him on that one.
By Thrillhouse44
April 3, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
Smoltz vs. Glavine - that’s worth the 7 hour drive right there! Tough break for Cormier; hopefully Davies is motivated and pitching with a lot of determination
DOB, what’s the music scene going to be like this coming weekend?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 3, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
My 11:25 And yes Lew… I thought the Kieth Richards story was weird and disgusting. No wonder the Stones could get No Satisfaction….. Just blows my mind…..
By Arkansas Hillbilly
April 3, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
Matthew, HAHAHA!!! Keeping your eyes on the prize I see. I’m sure you haven’t been reading up on the UA coaching carousel during school time either, huh? I think I was actually knocking DOB’s infamous Kansas math education, but he put me in my place on this one.
Smoltz vs. Ringfinger sounds like a good first Weekend battle to me, too.
By caveman22
April 3, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
LEW
Keith Richards is PURE ROCK N ROLL.
If that means that you do the most disgusting thing I have ever heard in my life. We’ll the second most disgusting thing, Number one is “Felching”. If you need to know that one , hit google. Even the Chattahoochee Catfish has standards.
If think I dated Molly Hatchett’s great- great granddaughter,
That b@#ch was CRAZY!!!!
Save your breath Miss Manners.
By Chop Chop
April 3, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
From the AP:
“The strangest thing I’ve tried to snort? My father. I snorted my father,” Keith Richards was quoted as saying by British music magazine NME.
“He was cremated and I couldn’t resist grinding him up with a little bit of blow. My dad wouldn’t have cared,” he said. “… It went down pretty well, and I’m still alive.”
Amen, brother. Rock and roll will never die!
By Renegator
April 3, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
Fair enough Adam - I can see where you are coming from. I just don’t like the bunt call there. Especially since Braves players aren’t very skilled at bunting.
By snowball's chance
April 3, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
Just finished listening to a DOB pick-West by Lucinda Williams. Really good stuff. I’d read that her father was a poet and the CD says that quotes from his work are in the CD but I couldn’t find the quote. So I googled Miller Williams and find out he read his poetry at President Clinton’s second inauguration.” His early stints at universities across the South compose part of the growing legend of his daughter’s career, as do his friendships with the likes of Flannery O’Connor, James Dickey, Charles Bukowski, and country singer George Jones.” That’s covering a lot of Southern wisdom.
Oh yeah, the bullpen isn’t too shabby,is it.
By Lew
April 3, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
ChopChop=I’ve heard of passing things from father to son, but the Richards family has taken it to new levels.
By ssiscribe
April 3, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
I may have an extra ticket for Saturday … the bride doesn’t want to go because it’s supposed to be in the 50s.
Whatever. Glavine vs. Smoltz, an October-esque matchup on a day that will feel like October. I’m there.
—30—
By Chop Chop
April 3, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Lew. Later that day, Keef blew his nose and saw his father again. It was a touching moment.
By caveman22
April 3, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
DOB
I think it’s time to flip the etch-a-sketch over and shake it up some.
This blog is starting to download like it’s on dial-up.
Not NetZero. I talking Mindspring on a 28.8 modem through a rj-11 jack.
KNOW-WHAT-I-MEAN-VERN!
Now c’mon guy’s , we’re headed over to Metro Man’s house in Lithonia for a cook-out. He’s got the 4 cinder blocks laid out in a square and the front end piece of an old New Yorker Towncar for his cooking surface.(you didn’t think he was goin to actually have a grill?) dude, he’s a Met’s fan that lives in LITHONIA!! ON PURPOSE!!They still use metal garden shacks for a sports bar with milk crates and plywood for the actual bar.
So grab the Styrofoam Cooler and a case of Milwaukee’s Best cuz it don’t get no cheaper than that and when the Hatfields and the McCoys start brawlin’ you don’t want have to worry about leavin anything important!!
And don’t worry about seats, they just dropped off 15 tree stumps and a full set of BlueBird School Bus Seats circa 1975 so we got plenty of plastic crap to bust up!!
C’MON DOB, START A NEW BLOG ALREADY!!
By caveman22
April 3, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this
And don’t forget to bring the keys to the ZAMBONI cuz New Jersey just ruled it legal get bombed and smooth the ice!!!!!!!!!!
By Lew
April 3, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this
ChopChop-Maybe he should have just mixed him up with some shrooms-then he could have talked to him as well as seen him. That’s enough. I’m leaving now.
By Chris
April 3, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this
Dave,
The Old Town Music School is where the great Roger McGuinn learned to pick.
By TheSouthernJackAss
April 3, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this
cuevahombreveintidos—tu ser a completo ignorante asnopayaso…Asnoagujero!!!…
By David O'Brien
April 3, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this
New blog is up
Thrillhouse, can’t tell you who’s playing in Atlanta this week _ I’ve been home two nights since Feb. 14. Kind of out of the loop.
By mr baseball
April 3, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
caveman22 (and other Cox worshipers): Cox made the absolute wrong move by having Renteria bunt, and the Braves won in large part because he “failed” to what Cox wanted him to. Went over this late last night, will do so again. Any of you tell me which is the better situation.
1) Runner on 1st, no outs, next 3 hitters are Renteria, Chipper & Andruw.
2) Runners on 1st & second, 1 out, next 2 hitters are Andruw & Diaz, pinch-hitting for Wickman.
If Renteria gets the bunt down and advances KJ to 2nd, the Phillies are almost certainly going to walk Chipper. With runners on base in late inning situations, the 3 Braves you want at the plate are Edgar, Chipper and McCann, who was out of the game. By asking Renteria to bunt, you are taking the bat out of the hands of the 2 best clutch hitters in your lineup (and giving up an out) so Andruw and a pinch-hitter can have a shot at driving in the go-ahead run.
If the advocates for a bunt in that situation truly believe the Braves are better off with the second scenario, there’s not much more I can say. I think it’s pretty obvious which one gives the Braves the best chance to succeed, and as it turned out, it did.
Too many times over the years, Cox has gone by the “book” in similar situations and it has cost the team, the best example being game 4 of the ‘05 series against the Astros. He bunted with 2 on and no outs, taking the bat out of the hands of 2 guys swinging hot bats in favor of a tired catcher and a bench-warming pinch-hitter. You have to take into account who the hitters involved are and what the opposing team is going to do. Cox evidently doesn’t.
Take a look at the Braves’ yearly record in 1-run games since 1991. For a team as good as they have been over that span, the record in that category isn’t that impressive. Any guesses why that is?
And for those of you whining about the 5-game division series: The first 5 years of the NLDS the Braves won all 5 series and were a combined 15-2. Since then, they’ve lost 5 of 6 series, all of those losses to inferior or comparable teams. The Braves were a perfectly competitive post-season team from 91-96, but have been mostly awful since. I think that’s more due to the general manager than anything else (with a helping nudge from ownership), but it’s got nothing to do with the number of games played in the first round.
When the Braves face a team on or near their level, they typically are at a disadvantage, because the guy making the decisions in the other dugout is more likely to make the more astute moves with the game on the line. Cox has several admirable qualities as manager. Game strategy, however, is not among them.
By MetsRule
April 6, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Braves are putting up a good fight tonite