Braves

By caveman22

April 6, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

FIRST IN WITH A GO BRAVES AND KICK THE F’N CRAP OUTTA THE METS!!!!!!!!!!!

By Josh

April 6, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

I agree, Tommy left on a VERY bad note on several levels but you have to remember how many games he won for us for over a decade. I’m really looking forward tonight, I think Mark Redman could be a pleasant surprise this season, he’d sure be under the radar for having gone to an all star game last year.

By rammerjammer

April 6, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

Welcome back DOB.

By Kentavo

April 6, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

What, I’m the first blogger?

By Rodger

April 6, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Glavine would just be more lovable if it weren’t the DAMN METS!

By braveheart

April 6, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

This is going to be so fugly for the Mets tonight and tomorrow. Against lefties during their ENTIRE careers:

Edgar: .300/.384/.456

Chipper: .308/.396/.513

Andruw: .275/.366/.524

Wilson: .294/.393/.540

Frenchy: .316/.356/.595

Diaz: .303/.343/.471

McCann: .286/.360/.481

By rammerjammer

April 6, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Was Tom Glavine not the winning pitcher in game seven for our only Atlanta World Series champion?

DOB, I’m with you. Folks, let it go. He took the money. You would too.

He’ll retire in Atlanta, and we could do worse than have him (and Smoltz, for that matter) hang around and teach our young pitchers all about pitching.

That said, hope he loses 1-0 tomorrow!

By TennesseePaul

April 6, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

GO BRAVES

By caveman22

April 6, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

DOB Before the blog gets long, did you get a chance at anymore comments from KJ about gettin the monkey off his back?? It wasn’t just a lucky hit, he had some good swings going in previous at-bats. Anything at all from KJ on that?

By Chop Chop

April 6, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

The traffic’s so bad in Atlanta because so many people live so far away from the city. The city itself has a little over 400,000, but the metro area is well over 5 million. Philly’s metro area is 5.8 million, but 1.4 million people actually live in the city itself. The public transportation is better in and around Philly, etc. Blah, blah, blah.

As far as Glavine goes, I don’t boo the guy. The Braves let him go. He pitched the most important game in Atlanta Braves history and won it. Threw a one-hitter in eight innings in that Game 6. That’s what I remember about the guy. He helped my team win a world championship. That being said, I hope he gets lit up like a Christmas tree tonight.

Let’s play some freakin’ baseball.

By rammerjammer

April 6, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop,

I stand corrected. Glavine brought us the WS title in game six. What a game, too.

By caveman22

April 6, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

chop chop amen brother, preach it to the choir!!

I will always be thankful for Glavines contributions to our Divisional Dynasty and WS Title, and I will gain great pleasure tonight in watching his ERA balloon to the size of MY MOUTH!!!

Dude , that’s frk’n HUGE!!

Chop That Met-holes !!!!!

By Greg in TN

April 6, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Just about time to head down to the ‘ol ballpark. It’s breezy but nice but it’ll be chilly once the sun sets.

I think there are several keys to the game in my mind:

• Keep Reyes off of the bases. St Louis did not do very well at that (but they also had a problem keeping a lot of mets batters off base in their series) and paid dearly for it.

• Jump on Oliver Perez early. I’ve seen more of his starts where he’s struggled with location, especially early. It would behoove the Braves to be patient at the plate and not give him any help by swinging at balls well out of the strike zone.

• Fan support. Guys and gals, we need to get behind these guys and be loud early and often.

Expecting a good night of baseball tonight. Tracy Byrd will be singing the National Anthem, someone from Georgia Power will throw out the first pitch and we have fireworks after the game. Great night to be in Georgia.

By Lew

April 6, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t boo Glavine, either, but he is with the Mets. He must get hit very, very hard and often in tomorrow’s game. He must be made very sorry he left and reminded what a mistake his leaving was.

By The Grinch

April 6, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Glavine’s gonna feel like Santa in Philly when I get done with him tomorrow. Grinches never forget. MetroMan, we’re on a different level than you Saturday. Shoot me an e-mail at voton1066@yahoo.com; maybe we can grab a beer before first pitch. I’m dying to see what an actual mets fan with a working command of the English language looks like. :-) Really, though; I promise to be nice. You’ve got stones for showing up in Mets gear; I respect that. PhillyGirl, pay no attention to Braveheart. I am not, I repeat NOT, a pimp, nor am I trying to turn you out (Jedi mind trick).

By Fred from CT

April 6, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

glavine will be cheered when he retires. I live up here with all these mets fans and I would never cheer anyone on the mets. I don’t care who it is. I don’t care if Dale Murphy came out in a met uniform I would boo him. My brother and I went to shea a couple of years ago and we let tommy here it. Brave fans need to let tommy have it.

By Kentavo

April 6, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

All the Yanks move to ATL and complain about transportation. But they’re a part of the problem because they move to the burbs instead of the city, further supporting/crowding the car-based infrastructure. Yeah, MARTA can suck, but you can also get out of your car once in awhile and ride MARTA to Phillips or the GA. Dome. That being said, I don’t like taking MARTA to the TED, either.

As for other annyoing things from N.Y., didn’t Oliver Perez make the Braves look stupid at a critical point in the season when they were still grasping at the Wild Card?

By rammerjammer

April 6, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Non-bulletin board material from David Wright in today’s NY Post:

“The road to the National League East title has to go through Atlanta each year, so they’re a good team and they’ve made some great improvements. Just like everybody else in the division, they’re going to be gunning for us.”

And here’s one from Chipper in the same newspaper:

“They’re the measuring stick for us,” Braves third baseman Chipper Jones said. “We’re the ones hunting. This is an important series for us. We’re not putting a huge emphasis on it, but we would like to make a good showing.”

No Jimmy Rollins’ on these teams.

By ElbravoX

April 6, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Stoked, pumped, freaking crawling up a wall in Seal Beach. Only my dog is allowed eye contact until the game starts. Guns and Roses blasting. I hate the Mets more than my in laws and taxes. I would love for Soriano to drill Beltran between the numbers.GO B5RAVES XXXXX.

By 74 Dawg

April 6, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

second that on Glavine, Chop. He and Justice hold a special place in Atl sports history,regardless of what you think of them otherwise. like this town has had so many world championships…/Additionally, I watched him pitch for a gruesomely bad Braves team when first called up,saw the potential,and feel a little like, you know, how can you hate a guy you watched grow up and become one of the all time greats right in front of your eyes. thirdly,as a looong time Braves fan, every member of the ‘91 team will get my undying gratitude for delivering us from baseball hell. duh.

By braveheart

April 6, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Yeah right pimp. Classic Mallrats quote: Jedimaster craves not these things.

By caveman22

April 6, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

I wonder how many people are going to blog from the game on their mobiles??

My tix are tomorrow, so I’m gonna sit back, relax and watch my Bravos and my Thrashers KICK A$$!!!!!!!!!!

TONIGHT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Lew

April 6, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

I just wish I was going to be there with y’all. I’ll be watching on the tube, so y’all better make a good and loud showing. Don’t let those Mets’ fans out yell you. Raise hell and hold up a DOB card so we know who matters.

By jed

April 6, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

I love Glavine and will always think of him as a Brave. He’s intelligent, articulate, unpretentious, and carries himself with class and dignity. Not to mention all he did for the Braves. Hell, there are certain players who ARE the Braves (Maddux, Smoltz, Chipper, Andruw, etc), and Glavine is certainly one of those players.

By Jason

April 6, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Hey AJC - Get it right. The Mets might be considered “The Evil Empire” in the NL, but the term has always referred to the hated Yankees, not the Mets. Get your baseball terms right!

“The Evil Empire” = Yankees.

Braves nemesis = Mets

Southeast Division Champs = Thrashers!!!

By Lew

April 6, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

You know, that may not be a bad idea. The blog needs to represent and testify. Make signs that say “I Blog With DOB”. Let the world know where you stand! The game Saturday is the Fox game of the week. They’re even broadcasting it here in Vermont instead of the Red Sox or the Yankees. Let the world see why The Man In Black Blog won the Coxie Award. I’ll be watching. I want to see the Blog make a showing here. Yell some for me, too.

By caveman22

April 6, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

LEW Every now and then I act my age and support a good idea. DOB RULES will be my sign of Saturday and it will be right in front of the METS on-deck circle.

Ya’ll c’mon down and get a beer y’hear!

By Epinephrine

April 6, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

Im excited, but I dont see this series being particularly indicitve of anything. Redman and Davies shouldnt even be in the rotation in a month and a half. I am worried that they will strain an already tired bullpen, though.

By Lew

April 6, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Caveman-Good deal. Atlantans have gotten a real bad rap for being lousy fans. Let’s show them that it’s really a bunch of crap. Let’s hear yelling and screaming like never before. Who cares if it’s only April? Don’t let it be like last year with the Mets and Red Sox fans making us look bad at our own yard. I just wish I was going to be there with you. I’ll be in Boston, though. I’ll have my sign.

By dcarp23

April 6, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

DOB-do you get a feeling that the players feel this is a “bigger than April” game? I don’t personally think it matters one way or another, but was just curious.

By ElbravoX

April 6, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

A Presidente X 2 six pack is the beer of the game. Almost impossible to get in the West Coast. Here, Corona rules, I say it sucks. GO BRAVES XXXXXX

By Fred from CT

April 6, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Let’s Go Braves

By DonCoburleone

April 6, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

Lets go Bravos!!! Take their freakin heads off tonight!

By Lew

April 6, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

There’s a great, funny article about the Braves’ bullpen by Jerry Crasnick on ESPN. Com. It even had a quote from BC about Wicky and Paronto not being able to take the same cab. Check it out.

By Alan

April 6, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Jason, have you forgotten already that there is only one Evil Empire? Tell him, DOB, it’s that place in central Florida where the Braves train each spring. In certain circles, it has another name: Dark Star.

What a terrific start to the season - especially for those of us Braves fans who live in Pennsylvania. Phillies fans are absolutely apopletic - already screaming for Charlie Manuel’s head, which they’re likely to get before the end of the month.

The Mets, though, are a whole ‘nother kettle of fish. They destroyed the Cardinals - in St. Louis. Let’s take this series one game at a time. Tonight should be interesting. I think Redman is going to be all right, but I am concerned about Perez. Notwithstanding the stats cited earlier, the Braves have been known to struggle against lefties. Cole Hamels dominated them just 2 days ago, don’t forget. Wilson and Diaz will be in the lineup, I’m sure. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Woodward at second, either. Go, Braves!

By Haze Gray

April 6, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

The Mets manager said Glavine was his ace. If that turns out to be true, they will finish well below the Braves. Anybody but the Braves and their hair faced cry babies.

By DonCoburleone

April 6, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

I put this up on the blog late last night, so I doubt anyone read it so I will revisit it… The more I see Kelly Johnson play, the more it dawns on me that he is not a lead-off man. If he ever reaches his full potential, I could see him becoming more of a 5 hole hitter; kind of in the mold of a JD Drew (High OBP, 22-28HR’s, close to 100RBI). One thing is for certain this year though, barring injury, the only thing the Braves (should) be going after towards the end of the trading deadline is a solid stolen base threat. I know everybody says it, but thats because it’s true: You have to be able to MANUFACTURE runs in the post-season. Against a stud pitcher in the cold in the 175th game of the season you can’t be relying on home-run or nothing baseball.

By David O'Brien

April 6, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

Lew, damn if I didn’t forget Crasnick was in Bobby’s office when we were talking to him about the bullpen. Hate that he used that quote before I did… But it ain’t gonna stop me from using it, too. It was classic.

I also mentioned to Bobby that the Braves should do just fine if the bullpens clear when a brawl breaks out, with Paronto, Wickman, Yates, etc.

To which he smiled and replied, “I don’t know if they could make it in fast enough.” Guffaws filled the room. He was in a good mood that morning.

By Leon

April 6, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

It’s time for pie.

By JB

April 6, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

perez sucks braves should win easly if redman pitces 6 strong, and screw glavine boo his a*.

By DonCoburleone

April 6, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

LOL, interested tid-bit here DOB, right now in the Cleveland-Seattle game Horacio Ramirez is pitching to Andy Marte…

By dcarp23

April 6, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

DOB-do you get a feeling that the players feel this is a “bigger than April” game? I don’t personally think it matters one way or another, but was just curious.

By bravos11

April 6, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know why woodward is starting over KJ tonight? KJ faced Hamels so it is not a lefty,lefty thing.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 6, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable!…

By David O'Brien

April 6, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout tonight’s leadoff hitter: Chris Woodward, playing second. Against his former team.

Bobby said he wanted to get him some at-bats, since he only had one in the Philly series. And with two lefties tonight (Perez) and tomorrow (Glavine), he said it was a good chance to do it. But he made sure to note that Kelly would be back in there tomorrow.

Francoeur is batting fifth and McCann sixth, which _ for better or worse, you decide _ is apparently the way it’s going to be against lefties, at least for now.

By David O'Brien

April 6, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

So DonC, how’d Marte do against Ho?

By David O'Brien

April 6, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

Almost forgot to post lyrics. They’re there now.

Nothing against Tracy Byrd, who’s singing and strummin’ a little new-country music right now behind home plate in a Braves jersey and cap. Nothing against him, but he ain’t no Possum.

By geauxbraves2000

April 6, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

I have no ill feelings for Glavine at all. He will forever go down as one of the best pitchers in Braves history. I’m very thankful for his tenure as a Brave, especially for game 6.

Okay, he left for more money, that was his prerogative. He is a good pitcher, and he earned a raise. I would’ve loved to see him stay a Brave, but he didn’t, and that’s that.

My question though is, when these players are making the money they are nowadays, how much more do they need?

Geaux Braves!!

By Yars

April 6, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

I hope 2B is not going to be a platoon. Bobby is already worried about Woodward not getting enough at bats 4 games into the season? I bet you anything if Kelly Johnson had a few more hits for the season, he would be in the lineup tonight. DOB………..give us your insight on the 2B situation. KJ is still the everyday 2B?

By Rodney Derrick

April 6, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

On the subject of former Braves pitchers, we all know Adam Wainwright and Jason Marquis were traded for one year rentals; I do not remember who we got for Jason Schmidt. Was it Neagle? Just saw Matt Belisle of the Reds get Adam LaRoche on a popup; the Reds announcers are raving about his stuff. Does anyone remember who the Braves got for him?

By ElbravoX

April 6, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

mariposas…

By Brett "the hitman" Hart

April 6, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

who are the braves?

By Wayne in Utah

April 6, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Rodney: I think we got Reitsma for Belisle and someone else.

Please don’t go off and say that it was a bad trade. I am not a Reitsma apologist, but I also can appreciate what he did for the Braves when not injured.

By DonCoburleone

April 6, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

Great start… frickin’ Reyes, he may be their best player already…

By TennesseePaul

April 6, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

so far Redman stinks and I still hate platoons. To get a weak line up from the Braves, toss a lefty at ‘em. When you do that, you get a lot of bench players sporting subpar offense and poor defense.

By N8....I'll give you my opinion ANYWAY

April 6, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

FUNDAMENTALS.

Isn’t that what I preached all of last summer?

You give Reyes a second chance, he’s gonna burn you.

I’ll go on the record and say this, because the offense (to me) was NEVER in doubt with Wilson/Thorman replacing LaRoche.

EVEN IF Thorman/Wilson COMBINE for 30-40 HR and 100 RBI, LaRoche will still be missed due to his glove.

Does that make it a bad trade? No.

Once Gonzalez “settles in”, we will be very happy (not to mention grateful and lucky) to have him in our bullpen.

But as DOB and myself, (along with many others) have been saying for weeks, is that LaRoche’s defense (minus one bonehead play) from last year, will be greatly missed.

Not sure what Wilson will do at the dish tonight, but with LaRoche at 1B, this game would still be 0-0.

By Rodney Derrick

April 6, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

Wayne— I thought it might be Reitsma, who was a positive workhorse until he got hurt. But if anyone remembers for sure, let us know.

Meanwhile, Thorman so far is much better than Wilson or KJ in catching the pops in the wind. Thorman and KJ have also had very important homers against the Phillies

By Rodger

April 6, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

Either 2B can strike out-nice!

By DonCoburleone

April 6, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

Woodward, WOOOH! That’s how you get back at your old team… Nice whiff… KJ! KJ! KJ!

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 6, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

LETS GO METS…LETS GO METS…LETS GO METS…LETS GO METS…LETS GO METS…LETS GO METS…LETS GO METS!!!

By N8....I'll give you my opinion ANYWAY

April 6, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul

You said:

“so far Redman stinks…”

While he OBVIOUSLY doesn’t have the “stuff” to power his way out of a jam with the strikeout. The first inning was HARDLY his fault.

The way I see it, he got three outs with a double mixed inbetween. ANYBODY else playing 1B and Reyes doesn’t get on.

NICE PLAY by Wright. WOW.

I’m telling you people, I watched 2 of those 3 Mets games. Cardinals stinking it up aside, they aren’t going ANYWHERE. This team can HIT, hit for POWER, clutch hit, their bullpen is just fine, and they are FAR AND AWAY the best defensive team in the NL East, IMO.

I like our chances, don’t get me wrong. But unless the Mets rotation completely falls apart, they aren’t going away. Last time I checked, their rotation “fell apart” last year as well and seemed to do O.K.

By Rodger

April 6, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

That was a p-poor 1st inning. Got lucky we got out with just 1 run scored.

I hope Redman settles in and maybe we play some d behind him

By TennesseePaul

April 6, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Looks like Redman is really fooling this team.

By N8....I'll give you my opinion ANYWAY

April 6, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

ATTENTION BRAVES SECOND BASEMAN!!!!!!!!!!!

When there is a pop up…….USE TWO HANDS!!!!! It’s not that hard to remember. My 8 year old does it on every one!

By Rodger

April 6, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

This really s*x! I had confidence that we (that is Redman) would do better than this. Andruw hasn’t been showing a lot of hustle out there…

By TennesseePaul

April 6, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

N8: It’s early, I know. And it’s also early in the game. So I labeled Redman based on 2 innings of ball in his first game in the uniform. It isn’t so far off base though as he is picking up where he left off last season and the season before and the one before that…

By N8....I'll give you my opinion ANYWAY

April 6, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Anybody else out there see how a team that makes contact and has a good approach (ALL OF THEM) attacks a pitcher with no command??

hint: They are wearing the grey uniform tonight.

HACK and JACK….unreal.

By Rodger

April 6, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Dru’s “market value” may be dropping.

Man that low and away was there the whole time and Jeff still chased

By Wayne in Utah

April 6, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

We’re making Oliver Perez look like Cy Young tonight.

By Rodger

April 6, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Macs looking like the description the oyher day of Pujols-a machine

By TennesseePaul

April 6, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

OK. That was a good case study in the “toe-tap”. McCann has a nice paced, rhythmed toe tap. Francoeur looks like he is doing some sort of gig as fast as possible prior to swinging. I don’t know how anyone could time anything with that crazy step.

By mnm

April 6, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

what did i say i told yall the mets would light up Mark redman he sucks he sucks really bad i mean oliver perez is going to shutout the braves tonight the mets are just all around beter than the braves.

By Braves20

April 6, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

Wilson-Thorman update - .125 combined, five strikeouts but then there’s that great defense we’re getting over there.

By LivininAL

April 6, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

After 2 innings I see why the Braves got Redman for 750 K.

By LivininAL

April 6, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

After 2 innings I see why the Braves got Redman for 750 K.

By TennesseePaul

April 6, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

that low and away was there the whole time and Jeff still chased

Chasing that pitch made Andruw what he is today. And Francoeur said he was modeling himself after AJ as a hitter.

.

FRICKIN WOODWARD! KJ would have made that. I hate this platoon crap. We play our bench while the other team plays their starters.

By Meanie

April 6, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB you should post on N8’s blog more often. You always have interesting things to say. N8 is apparently a major league-caliber fielder, hitter, and manager. Says he’s been preaching fundamentals to the MLB players on the team and they just won’t listen.

By Rodger

April 6, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

lucky we got an out at all on that one

are these guys tight, or just cold, or should we hear hee haw?

By N8

April 6, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul

Fair enough, with the Redman assessment.

Strange, don’t you think, that the Mets are getting all these hits, to the opposite field taking the pitches the other way, after they TAKE a few pitches and come up with an APPROACH?

Nice job Bobby. You’ve got 4 guys on the team that have actually had BIG HITS (McCann, Renteria, Johnson, and Thorman), WHY ON EARTH would you sit two of them. Oh, btw…..let’s bat your BEST HITTER 6th. Take the lefty/righty sht and shove it right up your (as a Kid Rock song once said…RADIO EDIT*).

WHAT DO YOU KNOW!!!!???? ANOTHER fricking defensive blunder. UNREAL. Let’s give the BEST hitting team in about 6 extra outs tonight, see if we can make it REALLY HARD.

By Shaggy

April 6, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Redmond has the velocity of a 65 yr. old!

By N8

April 6, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

Mediocre pitching. HORRIBLE bunt.

That’s our 4th starter. Love him or hate him.

You people got really tired of hearing me say this last year, but you’re gonna get tired of hearing it again. It’s the new F-Word.

F.U.N.D.A.M.E.N.T.A.L.S.!!!!!!!

I’d rather lose a game, getting OUTPLAYED by the other team, while playing smart, sound fundamental baseball. Rather than play sloppy, crappy baseball all day long and then “LUCK OUT” with a late inning HR.

People, don’t be fooled by the 3-0 start. Our offense is pathetically, lethargic at this point. Weak, weak, weak.

Way to let Perez off the hook by “taking” a couple of pitches Renteria.

Oliver Perez vs. Braves = Cy Young + Bob Gibson + Roger Clemens, all wrapped into one. LOL!

YIKES.

By Ramble 'ON

April 6, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

The Braves are going to CHOKE against the mets. Mark it down.

By serbok

April 6, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

I never heard~was it hamptons oblique?

By N8

April 6, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Andruw hitting into a DP, anybody?

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 6, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Where’s Lew? I want to talk to him about how great the braves are. Oh yeah you’re right, Oliver Perez is so Awful just like you said. You’re such a baseball guru….

By N8.....Waaaaaaah! Meanie doesn't like me.

April 6, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

I’ll say this for Redman. With 2 outs in the 5th, he’s 1 1/3 scoreless innings away from having a “better” outing than Smoltz did on opening day. LOL!

Don’t worry. I’M not convinced either.

By Wayne in Utah

April 6, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

It’s amusing how a few innings makes a series…….settle down guys. Win or lose, the night is still young and the season is a long one.

By David O'Brien

April 6, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Shaggy, Nolan Ryan will be 65 in a few years, at which point your assertion regarding Redman’s velocity will no longer be accurate.

By N8.....Waaaaaaah! Meanie doesn't like me.

April 6, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

HA HA HA HA HA HA! ROFLMAO!!!!

Oh my goodness. What a sound defensive team we have.

Now before you MOCK me for my sarcasm, ask yourself this:

Does Oliver Perez and/or Valentin makes that play? Quite simply……YES.

Then a walk. But what does Bobby do, rather than get “on” his players for poor defense? Yup. That’s right. He yells at the UMP for calling a ball that is a foot inside a “ball”.

Classic Bobby at his best.

But don’t take my word for it. I have the same eye doctor as Ronnie Milsap.

By Lew

April 6, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

Delgado almost screwed himself into the ground on that 75 MPH pitch. If anyone had said before game time that Redman would go five and only give up 2 against the Mets, no one would have complained at all. He kept things from getting out of hand and didn’t give up a big inning, even against that offense. I say he did good.

By Wayne in Utah

April 6, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

1 run in 5 innings (Wilson gave up the first one on the “non-catch”). Not too bad for 750K??

Give it some time guys…..

We might lose this game 10-1, but it drives me insane to see how short-termed some folks can be. Give it some time. We have a good team, as does the Mets. It will be a fun year, so long as the injury bug doesn’t hit us any worse than average. In the end, it will probably come down to who’s starting pitching holds up all year.

By N8.....Waaaaaaah! Meanie doesn't like me.

April 6, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

DOB

Now THAT was funny. Advil is probably NOT on Redman’s after game “request list”, I’m guessing.

Am I wrong to be frustrated, btw, that Wilson has 2 AB’s and has seen TWO PITCHES? Strike that. He hasn’t seen ANY pitches. You have to take a pitch, to SEE IT. Way to make Perez work in the mid innings.

By Wayne in Utah

April 6, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

I am a bit surprised that Redman is batting in the bottom of the 5th. Go get them Cy!!

It doesn’t matter how hard you throw it sometimes, it’s where you put it and how you vary it. Ask Mad Dog.

By Lew

April 6, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

ChopZone-I never professed to being a Guru. Just a good Braves’ fan. You, however, have proven yourself a royal pain in the….oh, sorry. It’s family hour, but I’m sure you can fill it in. I wouldn’t exactly claim to have found the second coming of Sandy Koufax, either. This is just Perez’s Dr. Jekyll phase. Plenty of time for Mr. Hyde toshow up. You do understand the literary reference, don’t you?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 6, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Yes, it would seem many of our bloggers/fans are more suited to Philly than Atlanta.

By N8.....Waaaaaaah! Meanie doesn't like me.

April 6, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

Way to play the “hop” out there Diaz.

I don’t think that I’m being to picky or WRONG when I say that, if Bobby is going to put Wilson, Diaz and Woodward in for our “better” defensive players, they NEED to put some runs on the board, or it is a COMPLETE waste of time.

It didn’t happen THIS TIME, but the way Diaz played that ball on Wright’s double, could/would be the difference between a guy scoring from 1st on a double.

GOTTA love playing the infield in against a team that DOESN’T strike out much to begin with, but especially against a pitcher that CAN’T strike anybody out.

Any reason Redman is STILL out there????

By Wayne in Utah

April 6, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

Lew: The only thing that could be better than sitting here and watching the Braves on good ole TBS would be to be at the park, watching it (in warmer weather, of course).

I love how some of the nay-sayer are giving up on the Braves before the end of the 4th game.

Another run, oh dang, it must be time to trade off Andruw and Hudson, huh!! Let’s recall Prado……..

By nate

April 6, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Tom Glavine and David Justice will always be legends in my opinion for what they did for the Braves. Everybody talks David Justice running his mouth before game 6 in the World Series in 1995 about the fans, but it sured fired up Glavine. He pitched a master peace. Not that Justice comments was the difference for Glavine, but we’ll use it for this blog anyway. Glavine has been no doubt one of the greatest Brave to ever play. His decision to leave is no different from any business decision that people make and I respect that. I’m not a die hard braves fan but I enjoyed the run the braves had with Glavine in the 90’s. He’s one of the best in my book, Brave or Met.

By Wayne in Utah

April 6, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

I remember last year, that Oscar picked up quite a few early wins by letting the go ahead run score, then he picked up the victory later. By June, I think he had 4-5 victories.

Oscar, let’s go get Reyes and go take a seat and let our hitters back out there.

Wait a minute, maybe we should good ahead a just give this one to the Mets, since our team are terrible hitters…….right N8.

By Wayne in Utah

April 6, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Dang, Oscar, your turning me into a prophet……

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 6, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Yeah I know Lew……Get out your excuse book…..you’re gonna need it.

By Lew

April 6, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Wayne-I’m still not sure why Redman was out there in the 6th, though.

By N8.....Waaaaaaah! Meanie doesn't like me.

April 6, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Wayne

You said:

“…but it drives me insane to see how short-termed some folks can be. Give it some time.”

Sorry dude. They just spent more than a MONTH in Florida working (allegedly) on the things that 10 year old kids work on getting ready to play the game.

Do I realize it’s early? Yup.

Do these games WIN or LOSE mean anything this “early” in the season? YES & NO. Obviously there is 159 more games to go, so YES, it’s early. But last time I checked, these games count in the standings, just the same as the ones in September do. Or didn’t we learn anything by saying “this slump won’t last” when referring to our bullpen last year?

I said it earlier tonight. I can handle losing. Losing doesn’t bother me. The MANNER (or should I say the manure) in which a team loses, says a lot more than the lass itself.

Oliver Perez, huh? I wonder what Glavine is gonna make our HACKERS look like tomorrow? LOL!

Looks like you spoke too soon Lew. :-)

Did bobby REALLY think Shawn Green was gonna bunt? If he’s NOT having the infield play in, this inning is over as soon as Green made contact.

By Wayne in Utah

April 6, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

nate: 1995 or not, I will boo Glavine. He left for money that was not really significant. Then this past winter, he didn’t even give the Braves a chance to bid. Again, some would say that he was smart to take the money, but what happened to being a team player. It’s not like the Braves were offering him 750K per year. I don’t remember all the numbers, but when you get to that point in your career, do you really need 35 million over 30 million??? How much does Tom need to secure his family??????

By Braves20

April 6, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Question - you are at a crucial juncture of the game, down two with two on. Would it not make sense in bring in one of the two pitchers you paid mightly for in the offseason rather than your 9th or 10th best pitcher? Even Paranto would have made more sense in that situation. Bobby’s in post season form.

By mnm

April 6, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

lets all just face it the mets are just to damn good for the braves

By Meanie...N8 you moron NO ONE likes you

April 6, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

Braves have missed some meaty pitches tonight. Woodward seems like a waste of a roster space. I’d rather have Prado up here platooning at 2b even if he’s never played short. Bet he wouldn’t embarass you at SS if pressed into action there…

By Bruce

April 6, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Is Oscar not getting warm enough in the pen before he comes in?

By Wayne in Utah

April 6, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

N8: No matter how you want to couch it, you are being a bit over the top in your “early” negativity. You are right, we all learned fundamentals when we were kids playing little league. You think these guys didn’t?

Also, did you ever just plain old “stink it up” in a game. I know I did, and I was a heckuva defensive first baseman in my day.

Its cold out there. Why did the Braves play worse than the Mets in the cold, heck, I don’t know, but it is not because they lack fundamentals. Sometimes you just have a bad game.

If we are 10 behind in a month, then I will listen. But for now, let’s stay positive.

Perez was an up and comer a few years back, then went to he!! in a handbasket. Maybe he is going to put it all together, or maybe we will kill him in the seventh inning. Who’s to say?

So, please, lets stay Braves buddies and not get too crazy over a few bad plays in the 4th game of the year.

CHOP: Enjoy it brother. Sometimes it doesn’t last long.

By The Grinch

April 6, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Wow. This wasn’t Redman’s fault. Either Oliver Perez has suddenly become a pitcher or our offense looks kind of weak tonight. Aren’t y’all glad we’ve got Bobby to make sure we’ve got the righty-lefty thing covered? I’d hate to think how far behind we’d be without Woodward in there…still, it ain’t over yet and it’s only one game if it is.

By N8

April 6, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Meanie

I don’t really care if YOU like me or not. In fact, I don’t care if ANYBODY likes me.

What I find amusing though, is that while you mock me, rip me and sarcastically jab me about my “knowledge”.

Yet you’ve done, nor said anything to contest ANYTHING I’ve said, or come up with your own thoughts.

So son, until you actually have some baseball to discuss, run along now. The other day you compared me to a little kid that “watches the games with the grown ups”.

SUCKS when the “little kids” can run circles around your knowledge of the game and how it should be played, doesn’t it?

By Wayne in Utah

April 6, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Grinch: you are correct. Redman deserved better…..

By Wayne in Utah

April 6, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Nice play for Woodward, off the shot that hit Yates. Prado, better stay put for the time being.

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 6, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

You people down there have every saying in the book to make you feel better except “I was Wrong””

By Lew

April 6, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

ChopZone-Like Grinch says-enjoy it while you can. I guarantee Oliver Perez has not turned into Superman. He’ll go out and give up 6 runs his next start. Or if not, the time after. It’s a bad night for the Braves-especially for some boneheaded defensive plays and the fact that Redman should have been pulled after five. I wouldn’t go crowning any champions quite yet, or annointing anyone on the Mets staff the next Cy Young winner. However, I wouldn’t be sad if Reyes tore his hamstring or something. Nathan-You’re rambling again, Dude. Don’t go getting too manic. Remember to take your medicine.

By N8

April 6, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

Wayne

My negativity is ALL sarcasm. I totally believe this team is better than last year. Good enought to catch/pass the Mets. I don’t think so, but that’s just me. Good enough to win the wildcard and be one of the “top 4” teams in the NL? ABSOLUTELY.

As for the “bad day”? Yeah. Everybody has them. But having a bad game, doesn’t give you an excuse to NOT USE two hands when catching a pop up or a fly ball.

Having a bad game doesn’t give you an excuse to HACK at the first pitch EVERY AB.

This team just looks lethargic. I know I used that word earlier, but it FITS. They look bored. They look like their minds are elsewhere.

Just as I’m responding to your “bad day” post, Yates makes a NOT SO NICE play. YIKES.

Obviously this is a game tonight is a lost cause. Time to file this one in the “we’ll get em’ tomorrow” category.

As for you being a good defensive 1B, I’ll take your word for it. I’ve never doubted ANYBODY’S claim of what they did in their younger days playing sports. I’ll go on the record as saying after High School, I had a helluva time playing the game at the next level (and I played for a small town College that didn’t have enough players to actually CUT anybody….thus I made the team).

So I’ll ask you this. Bad day or good day, did you use TWO HANDS when catching (or attempting) to catch a flyball/popup? I did. I wasn’t very good. I had to do EVERYTHING to assure that I had an advantage.

Every SINGLE Mets player on the infield tonight has used two hands when catching popups. Chipper is the ONLY guy on our infield that has. Hmmmmm. I’ll leave it at that.

I realize that I’m ranting on something due to ONE PLAY in the first inning, that apparently isn’t going to be a big part of the outcome of this game. But changed the first 5 innings of the game, didn’t it?

In hindsight Andruw has turned out to be (and probably was always destined to be) a great CF, but Bobby thought he was slacking on that one play and let him know about it. As a fan, I’d like to see EVERY player try hard on EVERY play. Too much to ask. I don’t think so. Now that is not to say that Wilson didn’t “try” on the 1st inning foul popup.

We may win the next 10 games after tonight, in which case I would look like an a$$. Maybe I do right now. LOL!

But I challenge ANYBODY to dispute that the Braves played fundamentally HORRIBLE toninght.

Time to throw up the white flag. So much for our bullpen. LOL!

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 6, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah Lew you’re right. There’s no way the Mets could do to atlanta what they did to the Cards. Of couse the Braves are so great and mighty and all….LEW, It’s called Living in the past

By Lew

April 6, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Poor Little Chop Zone-Still looking for attention, are we? Considering that a.We’re none of us Hillary Clinton b. We’re not running for office and c.We did not vote to go to Iraq, we don’t really have to admit anything to you or anyone else. One game out of 18 we play you this year. Enjoy it while you can.

By ernesto

April 6, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

N8, MetroMan, No Class Zone, and all you other Met fans poaching the Braves Blog, as the man says sometimes you just gotta tip your hat. I thought we’d rake against Perez but he pitched a hell of a game. Props.

Now for Bravos fans- Redman looks like a 5 to me. And I think that botched play in the first set the tone.

Thank god Saturday’s another day.

By From Flushing With Love

April 6, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

What a game! Keep piling it on…

By Tony Almeida

April 6, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Yeah, the Braves have the best bullpen in the league…In the famous words of Borat,…..NOT

By Lew

April 6, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

ChopZone-You, on the other hand, are welcome to burst a blood vessel-or two.

By MrC

April 6, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Is McBride this years bomb i.e. Devine, Reitsma, Wholers, etc.??????

By N8

April 6, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

McBride looks HORRIBLE so far.

But it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to realize by looking at the numbers last year that he WAS horrible against righties. If I’m not mistaken, of the 3 guys he faced yesterday, TWO were right handed. He throws differently to righthanders.

NICE EFFORT Chip. (though I don’t want him to get hurt in THIS GAME - Why is he still in there?). This team has TOTALLY GIVEN UP in this game.

HOW do they give Chipper an error on that foul pop up, and NOT to Wilso in the first inning, not to mention the one KJ dropped on opening day? Anybody see a trend here, regarding “pop ups” and our defense?

Back to McBride. Just another case of Bobby (the guy who goes by the book on everything), NOT looking at what his guys do against righties or lefties. Remlinger anybody?

Oh wait. That’s right I’m the guy without any history to back up my rants. LOL!

Time to go make sure my kids are using two hands on their pop flies.

Tomorrow’s a new day. Let’s hope I have nothing to complain about tomorrow.

By ElbravoX

April 6, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

suck ain’t the adjective.

By Meanie...N8 you moron NO ONE likes you

April 6, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

N8

If you’ve ever played baseball or any sport (it’s obvious that some i.e. Shaun who throw stats around haven’t) you would know that the true players don’t talk about themselves, knowledge of the game, etc. It’s always the guy with little to no talent who wants to be good so desperately that runs his mouth constantly about everything his coach told him at the last practice. See, this might impress someone since his work on the field doesn’t. Go to your local high school game and try to engage a legit D1 prospect in conversation about his game. Reality is, he’s sick of talking about it.

If you must know I am a baseball, football, and basketball lifer. I have coached many seasons of youth league sports. My son plays on a travel baseball team currently in a U9 league…65 kids tried out for 12 spots and he made it. I coached him in rec ball for three seasons. Played three sports at a good size high school myself. Doesn’t matter.

Point is, I love DOB’s column. He’s the one who’s with the team. His insight matters. Yours, on the other hand, just doesn’t. At least not when you dominate (and slow down)the blog, making it harder to get through to DOB’s stuff. Nobody takes over this thing like you do. But, that’s your choice. You should understand that I’m not the only one with this opinion. If you make the decision to keep doing what you have then, well, I guess your need to read your iwn crap outweighs any desire you have to keep from annoying others and looking like a jerk.

By chipdip

April 6, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

are bullpen is so f—-king awesome…..mcbride is so dominating its scary….we have nothing to worry about.

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 6, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

When Lew realizes he’s so wrong he turns away from Baseball and turns political…you’re so full of you know what…check the score LEW-ser

By ernesto

April 6, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Also I know it’s early but Redman, to me, looks way more like a 5 than a 4.

By t-towndawg

April 6, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

So much for our great bullpen. Offensively, this team is a mess. Yeah, it’s early, but so far, this team looks earily similar to the 2006 version of the Braves. Wait on the 3 run bomb to bail out a $hitty bullpen.

By MetsMachine

April 6, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Wow….the Braves really look scary. As a Mets fan, I’m really concerned. Mets pitching looks really bad….and its very evident the Braves offense is as good as the Mets.

I’m really worried about the division this year. Pshh.

You Braves fans are pathetic…go back to watching your Nascar because its gonna be a loooong season.

By (TBFnB)

April 6, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Well this sucks…..looking foward to smoltz/glavine II.

By ernesto

April 6, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Once again, Redman a 5 not a 4…third time is the charm I hopel

By Lew

April 6, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

ChopZone-You are the most irritating little Dork I’ve encountered in a long time. Always have to get personal, don’t you. Go to bed before someone goes all Name That Tune on your a$$. You have such poor anger management, I’ll bet we could come up with a poll to see how many posts it would take you to get yourself banned again.

By Rodger

April 6, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

I see an awful lot of criticism of Bobby’s decisions tonight, rightfully so. But when a certain blogger mkes the same observations he’s ridiculed.

Robert how many days?

We have bashed the Mets and the interlopers on this blog for their pitching, but is it we who are deluded (or diluted)?

By Lew

April 6, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Well, I’ve had four posts not even show up that didn’t even have anything to do with Chop Zone. I guess only Nathan and the Mets fans are allowed to blog tonight, so I’m outta here. Talk to yourselves Little Chop Zone and Manic Nathan. See you in the morning. Round one to the Mets. Chop Zone-whatever, you’re not worth it.

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 6, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Awwwwww ..You know I love you Lew…..Good nite sweetie.

By Train Wreck Bystander

April 6, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Fugly.

By Carolina Lady

April 6, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Wow. What a pleasure to read the blog tonight. Especially those whose every passing thought has to be posted at length. And all the 3rd graders.

CL out.

By Josh

April 6, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, wish the Saturday game was on true national TV. Up here in Ohio we get the exciting White Sox-Twins tilt at 4pm. Worst part is that I can’t see the game even though I have the DirecTv package. Never have understood why Fox doesn’t just put its regional feed on those channels like they do with the NFL. Their ads would still be seen by the people watching those games. In fact, seems that they’d be seen by more since people like me won’t watch the game they’re forcing down our throats. You’ve got a lot of pull…call Bud and see if you can get this fixed, OK?

By the way, cold weather affects power hitters much more than it affects slap hitters. The Braves have more of the former than the latter. Explains why a contact man like McCann is off to a great start while Andruw, Wilson, and, to a lesser extent, Francoeur have been a little slow…

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 6, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

I’m not ready to delare the season but you have to ask yourselve’s……..* are the 80’s far behind??*

By Ron

April 6, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Hey guys we traded Jung Bong and Bubba Nelson for Chris Reitsma, and we traded Belisle for Kent Mercker!!! and yes we traded Schmidt for Neagle.

By N8

April 6, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

Meanie

Whether you believe me or not. I respect that opinion. I’m not on this blog to “impress myself”. I have NOBODY in my area that is a Braves fan. MOST games are not on TBS anymore. Most of the time I’m listening online, thus sitting at my computer bored, so I tend to “hang” on the blog.

As I’ve stated, I wasn’t a great player. Have ALWAYS loved the game. Have always RESPECTED the game. Since I didn’t have as much talent as others, I had to TRY HARDER. So you’ll excuse me, if I’m offended (when watching ALL sports) when great players play lazy and give a half/hearted effort at being fundamentally sound. I’m sure THAT is why Bobby got on Andruw as opposed to getting on a lesser player. Bobby knew Andruw was and would be great, thus not TOLERATING his (alleged) laziness. It just seems to me that if you drop a popup while NOT using two hands, that AT LEAST for the next 2 or 3 innings, it would be on the back of your mind to use two hands NEXT TIME.

Not trying to annoy anybody. Just yappin.

DOB is “closest” to the team, but he (from past comments) is NOT a die hard Braves fan, not to mention, I’m sure he has NO INTEREST in insulting anybody that he may need to interview, on his blog. He has always been honest, and outgoing with his opinion, which I respect. He calls it like he sees it. But he surely isn’t BOOING at the Braves game, when something isn’t going well, is he? He works for a (THE) papaer that covers the Braves. I’m sure do to his being around the team on a regular basis, he has a nice “relationship” (possibly even friendships) with Bobby and MANY players/coaches.

I’m a BRAVES FAN, who on nights/days when the team looks good will praise what I am pleased to see, and RIP what I’m not happy about. That’s the difference between going to your kids’ games and watching PROS, IMO.

Kids need positive reinforcement when they fail, MULTI-MILLIONAIRES do not. I buy merchandise. I pay my cable bill. I pay for MLB radio online. I buy jersey’s caps, posters for my kids, t-shirts and every couple of years travel to see the Braves.

I am entitled to praise/b*** about whatever I see. I’m really not an angry human being “on meds” as Lew jokes. I’m an OVERLY sarcastic person, who happens to see things for what they are.

We are an improved team over last year. Improved by 18 games in the standings?? I don’t think so. Just my opinion. Sorry you think I’m a jerk.

For the sake of the people whom I respect (the other regular bloggers), I’ll “tone down” my quantity and length of post, as to not slow the blog down.

Tomorrow’s your lucky day. I’m going out of town. Won’t be online AT ALL.

Enjoy.

By N8

April 6, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Lew

“Well, I’ve had four posts not even show up that didn’t even have anything to do with Chop Zone.”

I’ve had 3 or 4 as well.

If it’s MY FAULT, I appologize to everybody. LOL!

L8R

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 6, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Muts Offense - 1; Bravcs Pitching/Defense - 0

Hope this is the game where we get the bad stuff out of our system early. Redman good for 4 innings, then lost it. Yates/McBride awful. Hope we can blame it on the cold weather, but the other team had to play in the same weather.

It’s time for Dru to make his statement - other than the double yesterday, he has been awful, offensively. And this is his “walk year”? Heard Bor-A$$ on XM yesterday.. said that “Andruw is firm that he will finish this year in Atlanta.. I would hope he has made it known to Braves management that he would love to continue playing for the Braves after 2007.. He’s going to consider what his value on the market is after the year.” Bor-A$$ & Andruw - take note If Dru continues to hit at, oh, .180, leaves runners on base every time up, etc., he will stay in Atlanta next year, because nobody is going to pay you $20 mil for your current performance.

As always, I am the eternal optimist. Smoltz vs. Glavine tomorrow - can’t wait for the matchup, and can’t wait to have warm fuzzies after the game tomorrow.

By Coach

April 6, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

I told you. Redman = MEDIOCRITY. The back end of this rotation and bullpen got exposed tonight. I told you. The Mets have the best line up in the N.L. , It’s plumb amazing what a great lead off hitter can do. It’s just one game , Smoltz will restore order tomorrow. I TOLD YOU ALL , Cormier and Davies looks better than Redman and Davies at the back of the rotation now doesn’t it ? Take a bow Mets fans , your boys kicked a.s.s !

By dadgum

April 6, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Hey let’s keep this real OK. The Braves are actually not hitting on all cylinders offensively just yet. OK we swept Philly. Thank God….worst franchise city in existence. Nasty fans top to bottom. But frankly the Braves had things go their way.

They were handed their heads on a platter tonight and it had to hurt. It was one game though. We’ll bounce back. We’ll see. We need to take 3 of 4 to make a statement and anything less is just a push until the season unfolds. Can’t get too excited either way. Let the media unravel this one. It won’t matter until much later. I think I will have another beer and watch the Zeppelin DVD. Ah… the song remains the same,

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 6, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

DOB….I know you’re ignoring me and all but I want to say I was sincere about my apology the other day. my post was way over the top. I didn’t consider women and children when I wrote it…..My Bad.

By The Grinch

April 6, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Well, y’all, we got taken to the woodshed tonight. No other way to put it. The Mets look tough, but we knew they would all along. We’ll pick back up tomorrow and get back in this thing. We’re 3-1, remember? Redman did ok, Yates and McBride won’t suck like that all year, and Smoltzie’s on the mound tomorrow. We got tagged with the Mets opening jab. Wipe the blood, smile and start throwing bombs. It’s a 12 round fight.

By brian

April 6, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

Nice to hear you have been “banned” tonight too Lew. I have had 3-4 posts not show up and began wondering if I had been banned. I thought the AJC just didn’t run one of my posts due to a Bulldog/Tech line in it

By Ron

April 6, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

We just lost a game big freakin deal, and we will lose more, so what. It aint like there are only 16 games in a season or 81 games, there are 162 games in a BASEBALL SEASON!!!!!!!! I know the Met fans dont want us to blab our mouths on every time we beat them this season, so quit blabin because yall beat us. Yall were better than us tonight.

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 6, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

MetsMachine - Geez, is the season already over? I thought only 4 games had been played. You want to come here and debate stats, performance for the game, trends, etc., fine. You want to claim the title after the first game between the teams, get the hell out. Not to say that I wouldn’t care if you Muts swept us this weekend - I would… but the season wouldn’t be over, because there would be, um, let’s see, 156 games still to play. No more so than I would have declared the season over if the Braves had won 2-1, 10-1 or 20-1 tonight. Smugness does not become a Muts fan. You are only an injury or two away from being very average.

Come here and prop your team up (with real issues) talk, argue, etc. You’re welcome to do so. Come here and do nothing but beat your chest, bash the Braves, etc., well if that is what you want to, get the F* out.

By Josh

April 6, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

N8 just a suggestion dude, but if you feel that way about DOB then why post on his blog at all? It sounds like he lacks credibility with you. No offense here, just saying…

By Rodger

April 6, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

NCZ-

Yeah, bad game. Congrats. But the 80s? No. This team has shown enough in spring and the first 3 games to know they’re better than tonight. But many players and the manager are going to have to make some adjustments.

DOB, we did better when you did the in game blog…

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 6, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

No Chop Zone:

You won’t hear anything from DOB about your transgression the other day. Don’t worry about it - none of us are worried -it was what we expected from a Muts fan. Quit asking for an apology. You’re forgiven, and we’ll understand the next time you act like an A-Hole.. which will no doubt be very soon.

Have to say I was disappointed at hearing boos from the stands for Yates and McBride walks and generally crappy pitching. Bad thing… We’re gracious Southerners, not Stankees, Phil-Thies or Muts fans. Hope those at the games can show more class in the games to come when our guys are having a bad night.

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 6, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Scalp’em sounds angry at us Met fans. I’m with you…..It’s only four games but you have to admit. The Mets look pretty good.

By Patric

April 6, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

DOB,

How long before the Braves recall Boyer??? My guess is by May

By brian

April 6, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

Will try one more time….

In regards to Glavine, I am a big fan of his. He will be in the Hall of Fame wearing a Braves cap. He should have his place on the OF wall with all the Braves great players, and I would love for the Mets to be out of the playoffs and Glavine pitches one game for the Braves to retire as a Brave. Glavine has done a lot in and for Atlanta and that should not be forgotten.

That being said I am leaning more and more to joining the crowd and booing Glavine tomorrow with the only chance for applause is when he is pulled and is leaving the field (hopefully early in the game!). The man left the Braves for the Mets. The stinkin’ Mets. That is like someone leaving the Tar Heels to play/coach basketball for the Blue Devils (or vice versa for Carroll to understand - Coach K leaves for the Tar Heels), an Auburn Tiger leaving for Bama, a Bulldog leaving for the Yellow Jackets (actually that last one would make sense but i digress). He left us for the enemy and as much as I like Glavine I cannot cheer for him currently in Atlanta. To paraphrase Chip Carey, I will cheer for him after he has left Atlanta.

The Braves fell apart tonight and have no excuse, cooler weather or not. Have to make solid contact with the ball regardless of weather. Have to play defense.

Woodward has to be a little nervous when Aybar comes off the DL. If he is not going to be a big hitter then he needs to play stellar defense. If Cox needs a stellar defensive middle IF who doesn’t hit much he has Orr, and Orr is one of his favorites. Woodward is going to have to play better than tonight if he is going to stay on our active roster.

By Fred from CT

April 6, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

It’s one game. 158 to go and the post season. Don’t get too high after a win and don’t get too low after a loss. It worked pretty well for 14 years.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 6, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! the mets have a very good team. so do the braves but we didn’t see the braves’ first team tonight. opposing managers will know that they can take our best weapons away with the lefty-righty tease. bobby was managing by the coloring book tonight. home opener and 3 starters on the bench. the humanity!

now, having a real leadoff batter pays doesn’t it?

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 6, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

Looks like the polemic, and black, AJC columnist Terence Moore finally got one thing right when he said, “Simply put, the Braves are back”…because tonight they looked exactly like the same ol’ pathetic bums of ‘06!…and don’t try to blame it on the cold weather, because the stinkin’ Mets had to play in the same conditions…that was one of the worst performances by a baseball team that I’ve ever had the displeasure of watching, if I were a Brave, I would be ashamed, and determined to never let that happen again…there are no excuses for this one…

The most noticeably pathetic non-play of that entire game was when “Hoss” Jones just sort of casually watched that pop up drop right at his feet, which if caught, would have gotten them out of the inning!…and the rest of the team looked like a herd of sheep staring at a new gate…confused as hell!

By the way—Seeing Tom Glavine do that interview, while wearing that Mets uniform, looked about as out of place as a fresh, hot catturd lying on your mama’s new, white, lace tablecloth!…

I hope all the smack talkers learned a valuable lesson tonight too…

Unbelievable!…

By ssiscribe

April 6, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

ATLANTA — This was not what Braves fans wanted, to be sure.

For one thing, it started with a massive traffic jam that kept some of the 51,014 who filed into Turner Field for Friday night’s home opener from getting to their seats until the third inning. By then, it already was 2-0 Mets, and by all rights, it should’ve, could’ve, would’ve been worse.

Toeing the slab for the Braves was Mark Redman, he of the $750,000 salary (and in what other field can that be considered a bargain?) who didn’t have a job until three weeks ago. For the hated Mets, who drew plenty of vile and vinegar from the partisans wearing tomahawks across their chest, Oliver Perez, who we last saw in Game 7 of the NLCS.

Perez did what he needed to do, working his way in and out of trouble thanks to his ability to get a ground ball up the middle to start a double play when he needed it.

Redman also had the chances to wiggle in and out of the soup, but as the winds picked up and the temperature plunged by the sixth inning, the game was up. Oscar Villarreal, summoned to keep the game close, could not, giving up a big hit to make it 5-1 Mets.

By that time, Little Scribe and Baby Scribe — troopers to the end, flirting with the girls behind us and shaking hands with members of the military as we left — could not hang any longer in the blustery, November-esque weather. So we turned it south and cruised toward the southern suburbs, listing on radio as things for the Braves took a turn for the worse.

The Mets blew the game so wide open, you could’ve drove a Mack truck through the opening. Tyler Yates and Macay McBride had outings to forget, and as a whole for the Braves, this night was one to forget, too.

But actually, there were good points. The fans had plenty of energy, fired up after an offseason of hearing how the Atlanta run was done, after watching the ballclub win three games in a row in Philly to open the campaign. Problem was, Perez was too good tonight. Over the course of a long season, it happens. You get shut down. It happened tonight. You tip your hat and move on.

The Mets have a great team. So, too, do the Braves. It’s a long season. Tonight goes to the Mets, and the big crowd goes home disappointed and cold, even more so after the postgame fireworks show was scrapped due to the high winds that have brought the Arctic air so far south so late in the season.

But it makes it feel like October, and indeed, Saturday’s matchup of good friends, golfing buddies and former teammates Tom Glavine and John Smoltz is a delight for the first weekend of the season. Another lusty crowd will file into Turner Field, and the Braves and Mets will tangle for the second time on this journey known as the 2007 season.

It’s a long road, and for Braves fans, that’s a good thing. On this night, the Mets clearly were the better team. But the sun rises in a few hours, and we’ll reconvene at the Ted — as the Grinch and the Scribe, two denizens of the Braves/Man In Black, meet up to cheer on the boys in white from our seats in the upper deck.

Baseball, and tomorrow, is another day. And until then, the Scribe abides, knowing that tomorrow brings more baseball, not to mention the first dawn of the reign of my beloved Thrashers as Southeast Division champions.

—30—

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 6, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

No Chop Zone - I agree with you. Don’t know how much better a team could look than the Muts have for the first 4 games. Not taking anything away from them at this point. Pitching has been solid, offense has been awesome. Only point I was trying to make it don’t make a season out of 4 games. Lots of things happen - hammies pull, elbows swell, calf muscles strain, etc. Guys go into slumps (though I don’t think that is possible for Reyes - the dude is awesome), pitchers have bad nights, etc. Happens to every team - don’t think it won’t happen to yours.. it will, just as it will happen to ours. Good luck tomorrow - you’re going to need it, just as we will need some luck to prevail.

And, by the way - no anger here, just don’t like blowhards who know little about the game coming in here spouting off platitudes without reason. You’re good… for 4 games - lets argue in July, August or September, when we have a better picture of the season. In the meantime, let’s debate GAMES.

By N8....I'll give you my opinion ANYWAY

April 6, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Josh

Just the opposite about DOB. All sorts of respect for the guy. He has TONS of credibility.

But I know that due to his job description, and his assumed desire to be given access and “off the record” remarks. Not to mention that he often says that there are Braves players who “probably” read these blogs, he’s not gonna RIP anybody (even if they deserve it), in any way other than to say “bad play” for example.

Whenever he states something that he is guessing on, he states “I haven’t been told this for sure”, or if something is concrete he’ll say “Bobby told me so and so”.

DOB is in the thick of it, and I love the “inside” info. It’s great. Kudos to the job he does.

But he is not a Braves fan (other than if he’s become one due to covering the team), so his opinions are UNBIASED observations, not passionate (or overly passionate in my case sometimes), feelings.

I’m bummed out when the Braves lose or play lousy. He’s gotta write a story without passion or prejudice WIN OR LOSE. He can’t “turn the channel” or yell expletive while in the press booth. He can’t say “to hell with this team” and leave the house to have a beer. He’s there for WORK, and must watch every EXCRUCIATING inning of a tough loss, or sit through the “unneccesary” later innings of a blow out victory, when the game was decided in the first inning (or 6th inning like tonight). For all purposes, we ALL could have turned the game off at that point. My guess is DOB was still working through the 9th inning.

Does his opinion matter? ABSOLUTELY.

Do I have respect for him? MOST DEFINITELY.

Has he been a Braves fan since he was 11 years old, who wanted to play baseball because he watched Dale Murphy EVERYDAY for most of the early 80’s? My guess is NO.

This blog is for fans (or fanatics) to discuss what happens on a daily basis (or ining to inning, sometimes pitch to pitch)! DOB gives ALL OF US much insight as to what the “pulse” of the team is, based on him being around ALL of the players and coaches.

Again, I’ll appologize for “bogging” down the blog. I’m sure this post isnt helping matters. LOL!

But last time I checked, the first ammendment (along with high speed internet) allows me to say whatever I want on these blogs as long as I’m not threatening anybody, or using harsh language and such.

Similar to Robert, Metro Man and even stinky, if you want me to go away……ignore me.

But MOST of the time, there is at least one person (even you Meanie) responding, so of course, I’ll keep “talking”. LOL!

Goodnight everybody. Have a Happy Easter Weekend, no matter your religion.

By The Grinch

April 6, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Yes, a leadoff hitter and a manager who plays his starters in the home opener would definitely benefit this club. Still think we’ll have a good year though, so much so I’ll give NCZ, MetroMan and whoever that third Mets fan the other night was my same bet if you want to take it. 20-50 bucks (your choice): we finish ahead of you in the division. Voton1066@yahoo.com.

By Metropoitan Man

April 6, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Finally home after a great game. Dam I had fun. I’m still a lil drunk and no brave blogers came to visit in the lexus level. Anyway come and get a brew 2morrow, section 228. You guys were ready tonight but Metroplitan man enjoyed every minute of Redamans performance. I know its only 4 games into the season but that was an excellent win with both team facing the same elements. Hope to see some bolgers 2morrwo but if not, good luck 2morrow, the METS are 4real.

By N8....I'll give you my opinion ANYWAY

April 6, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

btw: Coach

As I said I would, I may be starting to see your point about Redman. Tonight wasn’t ALL his fault. For the most part he kept us in the game through the 5th inning.

But even at $750,000.00, he’s gonna have to do better than that, once Cormier and (or) Hampton come back.

If Cormier/Davies look “good” in any of their starts and Hampton comes back OK, and Redman is STILL in the rotation, I’m gonna freak! He’s a fine stopgap until those guys are ready to go. But he’s at the end.

By A.J.

April 6, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

I want to preface this by saying, the Braves are fine and all, and that people who give up on a 3-1 team are sad pathetic people.

But I will say that game such a let down, and coupled with the weather was at least tied for the worst baseball experience of my life.

It was absolutely miserable by the last few innings.

It was the first game I have EVER left early. I didn’t leave early when Wright got THRASHED by the Astros in game five of the 2003 (I think) NLDS. I didn’t leave early last Memorial Day when it was about 1000 degrees out and we gave up like 9 runs in the first 2 innings. But I legitimatly could not stay for all of this one. I was actually in pain up there in section 417. Couple that with my girlfriend who is recovering from a concussion yesterday, my visiting family needing to get home tonight (4 hr drive to my hometown) for my brother’s opening day tomorrow, and the half bottle of beer spilled down my back in the 6th inning.

That was COLD!! And the wind was ridiculous, I legitimately got hit in the head by a windblown object that actually hurt.

As for the game, what a let down. It really doesn’t mean any more than one game in the standings, but that really hurt the soul.

The thing is, until that last inning, Redman didn’t even do bad after such a scary start.

One thing that did annoy me was the McCann for Pena substitution. I hope he was just resting McCann, but I doubt it b/c at that point we had a chance still. I know he is going to have to work to keep McCann fresh and healthy, and it sucks to squat on a night like tonight, but Bobby needs to get over this pinch-hit Pena fetish.

I am not a Bobby hater, I love him, but he can be frustrating when he really latches on to a pinch hitter who hasn’t earned it, case in point, Dewayne Wise in the 2003 NLDS, five pinch hit appearances, 0-5. I just hope he doesn’t get too into Pena.

The last thing about the game was the fans. They were just sad. I was as disappointed as anyone, but it’s lame to boo your own team, even if the game is that disappointing. We make fun of the Yankees and Phillies fans for booing A-Rod and Burrell. But I saw some of the most ignorant fans I’ve ever seen at a Braves game today.

It was a sad day, but I am not even going to read the blog and hear how the season is over.

I will say one thing, I wanted so badly to beat the Mets because I didn’t want to be scared of them anymore. Seems like last season we just could not catch a break against them. We certainly can’t afford to get into that rut again.

By The Grinch

April 6, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Scribe, The Grinch will be in full force tomorrow, my friend. I’ve got my Glavine voodoo doll out already. And how bout them Thrashers? Thank god it didn’t come down to heads up. I may have to sell some blood for playoff tix. MetroMan, shoot me an e-mail. Put your money where your mouth is or just meet us for a beer. I doubt they’ll let us working class peons into the Lexus Level.

By krath

April 6, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Sending a message to the Mets was/is important this weekend. The Braves didn’t have to sweep or even win 2 of 3 to do that. They needed to win at least one and play really tight games in all three contests.

The Braves sent a message tonight. Unfortunately, it was the message that the Braves are not yet ready to compete with the Mets for best team in the NL east. Hopefully, the Braves can turn it around in the last two games of the series. Smoltz can pitch a gem tomorrow, but if the defense plays like they did tonight and the offense sleep walks thru the game again, it won’t matter how well Smoltz pitches.

It’s like a bully on the playground. If you don’t bloody his nose and let him know he’s been in a fight….. he’s gonna keep picking on you. The Braves need to bloody the Mets nose before the weekend is over or I’m afraid the team will play scared against the Mets the entire season.

Heck, the Braves don’t have to win the season series with the Mets, but they need to split or be within a game or two of splitting.

To borrow a baseball saying and twist it a little….. “You can’t win the pennant in April….. but you can set the tone for how you are going to perform against a division rival the rest of the year.”

Ok…. I’m through whining now.

By ssiscribe

April 6, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

MetroMan, congrats much on tonight. Your team was better and kicked the snot out of my team. I was at the yard tonight with my wife, my best friend and my two kids, so obviously my mobility was limited. But, I’ll be with the Grinch for tomorrow’s game, so we’ll definitely try to swing by. It’d be nice to meet somebody else who’s been on here and talk baseball.

Gonna be a fun race all season long, dude. Both of our teams are solid. You’re 4-0 with 30 runs in four games. My bunch is 3-1. One helluva matchup on the hill tomorrow. Like I said, fun times, fun times.

OK, time for bed. I’m starting to feel a little too happy regarding my Thrashers, and I know my kids; even though they didn’t get to bed until 10-sometime, we’ll be up and at ‘em by 6:30 at the latest.

Denizens of the Braves/MIB, a good evening. Grinch, see ya tomorrow bro (2 p.m. at the Knucksie statue). The rest of you, the Scribe abides.

—30—

P.S. How bout them Southeast Division champion Thrashers!! Peace.

By gotigers72

April 6, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

Hurry back Hampton!!!!! I know Redman made an All Star team last year, but NL or AL, it doesn’t matter, an ERA of 5.5 is pretty bad. A soft tossing lefty in the mold of Odalis Perez and Horacio Ramirez. And you know how good they were. Odalis got lit up in his first start the other night and HoRam got lit up tonight before the game got snowed out. Redman may have a good game or two along the way, but basically he’s a ragarm whose career is almost over. You didn’t see teams exactly beating down his door, and he signed for a bargain basement price with the Braves. He had one DECENT [not great] year with the Marlins, but that was it for him.

Bobby can not put up with all the walks by the relievers. You have an 8-2 lead and walk 5 people in 1 inning, causing you to have to use your set up man and warm up your closer, that’s ridiculous. If that trend continues, and it did tonight, it’s time for the Richmond shuttle to warm up and get a Boyer or somebody up here that will throw the ball over the plate. I hope this wild streak does not get in McBride’s head and he ends up a Rick Ankiel or Wohlers that mysteriously can’t get the ball over the plate.

Tom Glavine indeed should get a loud cheer amd no boos for what he did when he was a Brave. Won 242 games, plus a bunch in postseason, including that brilliant, otherworldly performance against Cleveland to clinch the World Series. That lineup Cleveland had was as powerful an offense that baseball has seen in the past 15 years, and he held them to ONE hit over eight innnings. He should be cheered just for that one performance. I hope the Braves beat his brains in [not literally], but he was a huge part in that long division title run and in the World Series win.

By David O'Brien

April 7, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

No Chop, thanks for that. It’s appreciated.

N8, also appreciated.

By The Grinch

April 7, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

Gotgiers, I’m well aware of Glavine’s accomplishments as a Brave. If I didn’t like him so much when he was here I wouldn’t be booing him as bad as I will tomorrow. Nobody cares when John Thompson defects; Glavine’s a different matter. Anyhoo, gotta grab some shuteye. Save my energy for tomorrow. Looks like the Met fans STILL don’t really believe; no hits on that bet yet. I’ll leave it up all weekend for the three of you, even if we get swept (which we won’t). Any bloggers are invited to meet me and Scribe at the Neikro statue at 2:00. 1st round of beers on me. Later.

By Chop Chop

April 7, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

The way I see it, if DOB were to ever leave the denizens at the Braves/Man In Black blog, I’d hope that the give and take with the fans, nutcases, ne’er-do-wells and genuinely good people here will make him feel like the job he does really means a lot to the poor schmoes who scream, cheer, boo (at times) and bleed for this team. Win or lose, I’d rather have an honest beat writer who delves into some of the issues facing my team than one who just gives me a brief overview twice a week. I’ve been a sports fan my whole life and I have to say that this blog has been the most important outlet for me as a Braves fan. Whether it’s music talk, baseball, toes…whatever, this blog makes me appreciate the game more.

In other words, thanks a lot, DOB.

By flbravesgirl

April 7, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

I’m not going to be all doom & gloom after just 1 loss but that was really ugly. Blecch.

Now, about tomorrow. Grinch + beer + Mets fans. This could be bad. Try to to stay out of trouble, green one. Scribe, you may want some protective head gear.

I missed out on the McCann blog due to computer problems (and my email is still MIA, Grinch), so I’ll thank you for it now, DOB. Great stuff. And yes, CL, I was loving all that praise of my boy.

Got to mention something that made me chuckle. Choptalk arrived the other day & in Jay Busbee’s column, he mentions the bullpen “chewing through hitters like they’re Krispy Kremes”. Think he reads the blog?

By Gil in Mechanicsville(zoo keeper)

April 7, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

OUCH…. Feel like we have been taken out back to the wood shed for an old fashion a$$ whooping…. Oh well. still only counts as one in lost colume. Getting the idea that the Braves don’t like cold weather.

Okay, tip your cap to the Mets who played in the same conditions and reload for tomorrow. Maybe Smoltze will have a little something for them…

By alan from Atlanta GA.

April 7, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

“Gadzooks Batman have we been teleported back to 2006?” “No Robin, it’s just going to be a continuation, we now have Redman and Gonzales, it’s 2007, and McDowell and comapny have promised us better pitching.”

“But Batman, it is almost the same, look at the score.”

“Look away Robin, young people should not be subjected to a score like this.”

“Holy Toledo, Batman is this a joke?”

“No Robin it’s just the 2007 season starting.”

By tyyosh

April 7, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

We were high in section 406 (upper deck, above home plate area). Toward the end, the wind was whipping so bad it was intolerable. About Chipper’s foul ball drop - it looked like he went to the spot where it would have come down, and then the wind just caught and blew the ball backward - fast. He chased it but could not get there. Not his fault, from what we saw.

By N8....I'll give you my opinion ANYWAY

April 7, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

Anytime DOB.

By Greg in TN

April 7, 2007 1:05 AM | Link to this

Late evening one and all…

It wasn’t our night, that’s for sure.

I think DOB hit the nail on the head in his post-game story. Redman wasn’t horrible, but wasn’t spot on as far as location goes tonight. Villareal was victimized by the aforementioned Reyes before he settled down. Yates and McBride, well, they really have got to step it up.

The mets were just as advertized. That kind of talent on offense is not forgiving for errors and the type of results we got tonight from Redman and the bullpen. That having been said, I think Redman will pitch better.

Frenchy’s homer was very nice, however it came just after AJ hit into a double play. Offensively, there are still several trying to get their feet under them.

It’s disappointing to start off at home like this, especially after watching three games where everyone seemed to be more focused.

I recall the words of a cinematic southern belle, who proclaimed at the climax of the film, ‘Tomorrow is another day.’

Looking forward to watching Smoltz on the mound tomorrow.

By Bravo Nam

April 7, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this

G’day DOB and Fellow Bloggers

It’s been a while. After seven years in Vietnam, I switched to the wilds of Cambodia last December. Has taken me some time to adjust and unfortunately I don’t have my own computer. You wouldn’t believe how slow the Net is here. Anyway, while I have been flat out like a lizard drinking and haven’t had a mo to scratch myself (hence no posts to the blog), I have been regularly checking in and reading it.

Congrats to DOB and Bloggers

For the AJC award for best blog. But quite frankly, I don’t think any of us bloggers deserve much credit for this. It’s DOB’s deserved award and his alone. Is there another writer who cares about his blog and bloggers like DOB? Any time he goes off on a break, we have other people step in and take over the blog- not only is most of what they write uninspiring, but rarely do they respond to bloggers questions. Ditto for every other AJC blog- basically none of the writers respond to their bloggers. DOB, a deserved reward for caring and spending countless hours getting the inside goss and responding to bloggers at all kinds of crazy hours.

I can recall about a year ago thinking that I wish the blog would focus on baseball rather than all sorts of other things- but, I have changed my mind- it’s all those other things that lighten the mood, makes it more interesting and attracts other readers who may not normally be attracted to a baseball only blog- and frankly, given DOB’s commitment to his bloggers, he would have the right to regularly talk about his toileting habits if he wanted!

Some things different, but most things the same

In the four months since I’ve blogged, a few things have changed, but mostly things have stayed the same (e.g. our friend Robert still bagging Mr. Cox, Mets and other fans still finding this blog much more interesting and stimulating than their own blogs)!

Glavine

DOB, I agree with most things you write, but as a rabid Braves fan, I don’t share your generosity to Mr. Glavine. Yes, his years of service and performance for the Braves deserves credit and respect. But let’s face it, he was richly rewarded financially and success wise for his efforts. It’s not as though he was on a volunteer stipend or the average minimum while he played without complaint and injury, and performed at a high level. He was being paid exceptionally well for doing his job. I have met hundreds of volunteers and poorly paid workers from all walks of life who go to work every day without complaint, work through illness, and perform their duties at a high standard. Granted, in comparison to other ballplayers, he’s up there, but in comparison to your average Joe, the guy pales in comparison once you consider how well recompensed he is for his services.

Then there is the issue of success. Glavine was fortunate to have pitched for the Braves during a time when they were successful, year in and year out. I would have liked to have seen if he could’ve retained his exemplary standards for 15-16 years on a team like, say the Royals. Rarely did Glavine have to perform through hardship, drudgery and meaningless games.

Ultimately, Glavine did much better out of the city of Atlanta than vice versa. I don’t care about his union stance, but I do care about his loyalty. As a fan, I do have the right to expect more. At a point in his career where he was highly successful and wealthy, he was found wanting. Instead of making a small sacrifice to return to the Braves for less (how many million does one’s family need before their future is secure- 1, 20, 100, 200?), he turned his back on a city and franchise that had been very good to him and went for the higher offer. But even worse than that, he went to the hated Mets.

Let’s fast forward to recent times. Glavine makes a song and dance about how important his family’s happiness is to him (that travelling between Atl and NY was not good for their welfare) and how good it would be to get no.300 in a Braves uni- then he shows how important to him his family’s happiness and commitment to the Braves is by signing with the Mets.

Glavine got 242 wins in a Braves guernsey- his family lives here- many players and a coach he admires are with the Braves- but he chose money and whatever else over staying.

Ultimately, what has Glavine really sacrificed for the fans given all he has received from the team- like most ballplayers, he chose self-interest over loyalty- that’s his right- and as a fan it’s my right to abhor his selfishness and lack of loyalty. Glavine is a good guy…but ain’t it easy to be a good guy when you’re making millions and winning plaudits for your success…so, tonight when Glavine goes against Smoltz, fans have every RIGHT to boo Glavine and show their displeasure at two very selfish decisions.

Gonzalez

Robert (JITB), take a bow. At the end of last season, we were the only two who said the Braves should go after Gonzalez when everyone else thought it was a pipe dream.

Ahem…unfortunately, his tenure to date with the Braves has been less than stellar.

Fred from CT

Take a bow. Great post at 11.13pm. Bottom line is that one game don’t make a season, it doesn’t even make a series. Both Mets and Braves fans who start doing cartwheels, boasting about how great their team is, or rubbing opposition fans noses in it after one loss better take a step back and be careful they’re not eating crow by the end of the season.

Tonight’s match

Win or lose, tonight’s second match in the series is not going to make or break the season. But, I can’t help feel that this match is much more important for the Braves than the Mets (in terms of getting a win). The Mets clearly outpointed us last season, and are looking menacing this season (don’t believe the hype about how bad their SP is)…if they lose to the Braves tonight in Atlanta, it’s just a loss…if the Braves lose, it’s a lost series on OUR TURF, it’s their ace besting ours, and the psychological impact on the Braves players is significant.

Braves bats

The Braves bats will come around, but there is no doubt that this is not a line-up that sends the shivers through any opposition. It’s clear to me that to provide more protection for our big bats, to counter the possiblity of injury, and to gain more respect from opposition pitchers, JS is going to need to get a big bat if the 2007 Braves are going to make the playoffs. With streaky hitters like Jones, Francoeur, Langerhans and Johnson, it is imperative that the big bat is also someone who hits for high average.

Starting Pitchers

I said at the end of last season and I’ll say it again, the Braves need two new starting pitchers (a 2 and 4). They got a 4 in Redman, but they’ve got to get a two. Hampton’s availability for this season is extremely shaky (and even if he does come back, I predict he’ll be in and out of the team the whole season), Davies is erratic and Cormier is injury prone- a strong bullpen is one thing, but at the moment there ain’t much swagger in the starting staff.

By tyyosh

April 7, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

Another sobering thought when trying to measure the Braves against the Mets - Reyes. Wow, at 23 years old now…what kind of damage is he going to do in the leadoff spot for the next 5 years? And for a shortstop, the all-around numbers he is capable of putting up could approach some of the great seasons in baseball at that position, from a quick glance. I wish we had someone remotely like him.

By Wayne in Utah

April 7, 2007 2:12 AM | Link to this

Bravo Nam: Well said on the Glavine issue. I am with you 100%.

For all you Mets fans on the Braves blog, I know you don’t have a decent blog to call your own, so please gloat as much as you feel. You have a very good team. But watch over your shoulder.

Grinch and my other blogging friends: Redman deserved better tonight. He did what a 4/5 starter is supposed to do, keep you in the game. Our bullpen failed us big time tonight, and our defense was particularly bad. Did Bobby play the wrong guys, maybe. I have never been overly fond of the platoon, but he has gotten us 14/15 titles. Also, we sucked pretty bad on offense. Tomorrow is another day.

Sorry I missed all the fun at the end of the game, but family issues called me away.

N8: I was only a punch and judy 6’1”, 140 lb wonder in high school, so my sports career was short lived. But I have been told by many that I could pick ‘em out of the dirt with the best of them (at our level) in high school.

But oh how I DO LOVE THIS GAME!!!! (and this team!!)

By Wayne in Utah

April 7, 2007 2:14 AM | Link to this

tyyosh: maybe we can hope that andrus, escobar, lillibridge, or fontaine will approach his potential….

By DonCoburleone

April 7, 2007 4:05 AM | Link to this

“It’s clear to me that to provide more protection for our big bats, to counter the possiblity of injury, and to gain more respect from opposition pitchers, JS is going to need to get a big bat if the 2007 Braves are going to make the playoffs. With streaky hitters like Jones, Francoeur, Langerhans and Johnson, it is imperative that the big bat is also someone who hits for high average.”

We don’t need a big bat. Andruw, Chipper, McCann, Francoeur and Renteria are big enough bats for the Braves. We need a leadoff man who can hit for high average, steal bases, and most importantly can go from 1st to 3rd or 2nd to home on a base hit, or from 1st to second and second to third on a deep fly ball. Look at every single Braves team that won the division 14 straight times; every single lineup had one thing in common: A very good or great lead-off man. Nixon, Deion, Grissom, Lofton, Furcal… Scheurholz NEEDS to address this in 2007.

By Bravo Nam

April 7, 2007 5:35 AM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah

Thanks mate.

DonCoburleone

Absoutey agree with your comment on the leadoff man. Still doesn’t take away from the fact that we still need a big bat if we’re going to keep up with the Mets- Chipper is likely to miss time this year through injury, and Andruw and Francoeur are way too streaky to keep consistent pressure on teams in a playoff race- McCann is a stud- Renteria is extremely reliable but not your typical big bat- it is my firm belief that if JS can do a Fred McGriff style trade, then we can confidently take it to the Mets.

Braves and Certain Pitchers

I don’t know what it is with the Braves and certain pitchers. Perez is just another classic example of a pitcher who does poorly against other teams but seems to have the wood on the Braves…but I’m not suggesting an Albie Lopez situation…one year he pitched exceptionally well against the Bravos and sucked against everyone else…so the following year JS signed him to a significant contract!

Bullpen

While getting a couple of saves and performing quite well so far, only Wickman, Soriano and Paronto have pitched well…McBride, Yates, Gonzalez and Villareal are struggling a bit. It’s fortunate for the Braves that should this trend continue, we’ve got a strong group of pitchers waiting in the wings at Richmond, led by Mr. Boyer.

By robert

April 7, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

i hope these guys win.

By Raoul Duke

April 7, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

Should I turn out the lights?

By DonCoburleone

April 8, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

DAVIES DAVIES DAVIES!!!

By DonCoburleone

April 8, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

Did anybody see the play Tony Pena Jr. made today? WOW!

http://mlb.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=kc

By DonCoburleone

April 8, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this

It’s time for a beer and a blunt for Mr. Smoltz…

4-1 folks. And neither Chipper or Andruw have had any major impact yet (I see that as a good sign, they will start putting up numbers eventually).

Right now, Soriano is our best arm out of the bullpen… He’s got closer written all over him.

By DonCoburleone

April 8, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this

It’s time for a beer and a blunt for Mr. Smoltz…

4-1 folks. And neither Chipper or Andruw have had any major impact yet (I see that as a good sign, they will start putting up numbers eventually).

Right now, Soriano is our best arm out of the bullpen… He’s got closer written all over him.

By gotigers72

April 8, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

Bet ol’ Leo is about ready to slit his wrists tonight. The Orioles were ahead of the Yankees today 7-3 going to the bottom of the eighth. the Yankees scored 3 in the eighth and 4 in the ninth and won 10-7. 4 of the 7 runs came on walks or hit batsmen, and 2 came on homers, including A-Rod’s walk off grand slam. Guess who was at the beginning of the meltdown by the Baltimore bullpen? Danys Baez. And oh, in the ninth inning, the 4 run rally started with 2 out and nobody on. A single, a walk, a hit batter and a grand slam were all given up by Baltimore’s closer. That loss made the Orioles 1-4.

Keep all sharp objects away from Leo for awhile.

By Braves fan 202

April 8, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this

This sucks davies is going up against the mets # 2 guy. The offesnse BETTER step it up

By DonCoburleone

April 8, 2007 1:29 AM | Link to this

Soriano is a beast. He’s got closer written all over him…

By Braves fan 202

April 8, 2007 2:58 AM | Link to this

Gotigers72, your dumb. Leo is not responsible for the bullpen, and it seems the starters did good. So leo is doin the job good

By DonCoburleone

April 8, 2007 3:03 AM | Link to this

Yeah, but the Mets “#2 guy” is freakin’ Orlando Hernandez… If you look up the term “washed up” in the dictionary, it’s a picture of El Duque.

By DonCoburleone

April 8, 2007 3:05 AM | Link to this

Yeah, but the Mets “#2 guy” is freakin’ Orlando Hernandez… If you look up the term “washed up” in the dictionary, it’s a picture of El Duque.

By David O'Brien

April 8, 2007 4:33 AM | Link to this

Well, that was the longest technical blog snafu we’ve had since the thing started. Completely shut down from before 7 a.m. today until almost 11 p.m. tonight. Wow.

Just woke up from passing out in front of the TV, came downstairs to turn off the laptop, noticed the e-mail from tech guy saying it was finally up again.

Sorry, folks, to have deprived everyone of a full day of canvas to blog upon. Not good. I even tried filing a new blog today, but took it down after seeing no one could post to it.

Should be a very interesting matchup this afternoon, Davies vs. the ancient wizard, El Duque.

By Gil in Mechanicsville(zoo keeper)

April 8, 2007 5:58 AM | Link to this

Good morning friends, well… I guess the presses stopped for a while with that win eh?

By ncscoots

April 8, 2007 6:49 AM | Link to this

A good win yesterday. Braves needed to show the Mets that their offense can be shut down, and, frankly, I think they needed to get off the schneid against these guys for their own peace of mind. 4-1 and the bats are nowhere near their potential yet, ya gotta love that.

If you’re writing the movie, today’s the day Kyle Davies gets redemption. Down to the minors, recalled due to injury, goes on to have a great game, pitches too well to be sent back down, etc., etc., etc. And there’s a little tickle in the back of my head that says he comes of age today. Don’t know why, but there it is.

Frenchy? Since opening day, 4-for-12, only two K. That homer the other day, taking two tough pitches to get to 2-0,a hitter’s count, and then mashing, was a beauty. Some more of that, and whoo boy.

Need McBride to settle in, for sure. Braves HAVE to be able to count on him. Ther might be some choices available in the minors for other righties to add to the ‘pen, but don’t think that’s so from the left side. Get right, young man.

Anyway, state of the Braves seems OK after a week. Maybe the wheels of karma are bringing the universe back in balance, LOL.

By john hoar

April 8, 2007 7:08 AM | Link to this

Went to the game yesterday and it was so damn cold! My most important observation is that baseball was not meant to be a winter sport. Neither Smoltz, Glavine or anyone else brought their best game. I don’t believe the game Friday night meant much because of that, and I would feel the same even if we had won and the tone of the game had been reversed. However, the daytime game was a little less harsh and I left feeling good about the Braves.

 Another observation is that the Mets are not invicible. I think I went to the game thinking that we were playing some group of supermen (other than the pitching staff) and that is definately not what I saw. I saw more frustration  and lack of poise from the Mets than I saw from the Braves. If Green had not had a great day battting it wouldn't have been very close. I absolutely believe that we are going to be alright.

 The last observation or rather a couple of them. Thorman is going to be a force. He may have saved the game in the ninth when he snared that screamer over first. An absolute bullet that would have tied the game. On the other hand, I am yet to see something positive from Wilson. Early in the year, can't tell much and all of that, but I will be very comfortable seeing both Thorman and Johnson with most of the playing time. Diaz also looked good and I don't believe his batting last year was just a fluke.

 I don't know how Davies will do today but maybe there will be less wind  and a better chance for baseball. Under  the conditions I also thought Redman (Friday night) did pretty well all things considered. You know if he had been left in for the last out Friday the result cdould not have been any worse, but that's hindsight. 

Go get them today!

By Josh

April 8, 2007 7:23 AM | Link to this

Wow DonC, thanks for the video.

So let’s get this straight:

A guy (T. Pena) who has started the season with a .970 ops, decent speed, and range like that (not to mention his MLB pedigree) had to be moved to make room for Kelly Johnson to start. I’m thinking that his .333 OBP, though not GREAT, would look pretty good at the top of the lineup and I’m guessing from 2b he’d have speared at least a couple already that made the outfield. I know it’s early but giving that kid’s roster spot to Woodward and giving the 2b job to Johnson basically before Spring started is looking silly right now…

By Bob, journalist

April 8, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this

Baseball always takes a back seat on Easter Sunday … Services, Easter Egg Hunts and … the last nine in Augusta … have to tape the game.

I like 4-1 but it seems that most of our guys try to pull everything and hit long fly balls while the Mets seem to go with the pitch and try to get base hits.

I like a lot of what I see from Gonzalez … but I don’t think I’d want to be his pitching coach … and were I the opposition, I think properly executed bunts would prove quite productive.

Of course, were he playing for the opposition, I wouldn’t recommend it … our execution of such fundamentals is laughable.

In the sports with which I’m familiar, it’s the differences among players that makes them what they are … but, the great ones all seem to have certain things in common. Timing, focus, balance, confidence and emotional control seem to be key … it should be an interesting season.

Happy Easter!

By Gil in Mechanicsville(zoo keeper)

April 8, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

Josh… Don’t begrudge the trade too soon. It is a great opportunity for Pena who is not a 2nd baseman. Kelly is looking better all the time. Give the kid a chance.

I think the pitching prospect they traded for will be a keeper in a couple of years.

Sometimes I think fans take what they hear on Sports Center and Baseball Tonight too seriously. We do not live in a 60-minute world where everything is solved in the time constraints of a single TV show. It takes years to develop a winning organization and years of planning for the future.

Watched the Diamondbacks and the Nationals last night. The D-Backs are a good-looking young club. The Nationals are just sad…. Can you say 120 losses? The Braves bats should get very healthy next week.

By bergian

April 8, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this

Man, those mets fans are poor sports! They just knew they were going to lose on Saturday, so they hacked into the blog as shut it down so we couldn’t gloat! ;)

By bergian

April 8, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

Man, those mets fans are poor sports! They just knew they were going to lose on Saturday, so they hacked into the blog as shut it down so we couldn’t gloat! ;)

By Coach

April 8, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this

A 16 hour glitch ? Um , O’Brien thats called human error. somebody should be fired for incompetence.

By bergian

April 8, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

Man, those mets fans are poor sports! They just knew they were going to lose on Saturday, so they hacked into the blog as shut it down so we couldn’t gloat! ;)

By Metropoitan Man

April 8, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this

DOB, thanks for the blog. It has officially brought the Grinch and the Scribes to drink with Metropolitan man and his lady. They are probably still sleep from drinking last night but Metroman is in full form early ready to take this series. Grinch and Scribes are some cool cats, we had everybody confused on why 2 braves fans were with a METS fan. See you guys today, section 221, come and get a drink and enjoy the game. Those post game drinks were crazy, drinking and talking ball, Happy Easter folks and LETS GO METS!!!

By bergian

April 8, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

Didn’t ever get past please wait, and now my comments posted 3 times! It wasn’t that funny! A gremlin is in the works!

By MEB

April 8, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

Got back late last night from the frigid ATL and the blog was DOA. I figured after our ugly loss on Friday that things got out of control here and the AJC or maybe even the FCC pulled the plug on the blog. Some observations:

The Mets have a potent lineup and so far their starting pitching looks pretty solid.

Their middle relief (like ours) doesn’t look so hot. I don’t think we call Soriano and Gonzalez middle relief… do we? Along with Wicky they are our closing trio.

Soriano is the man! His stuff is electric. Can this guy be a starter???

The ball that Redman throws looks like its in slow motion going to the plate. I know it was cold out there and maybe he didn’t have his best stuff but I think major league hitters are going to light him up.

Dang I wish we had a burner like Reyes at the top of our lineup. Not to say I don’t think KJ will do OK at second base but I mean… DANG!

Turner Field is a wonderful ball park. I made a special effort to visit just about every inch of the place and the sight lines in the place are fantastic. The staff, security, and everyone involved were friendly and make Turner Field a pleasure to visit.

Not so wonderful were the four scuffles and shouting matches I observed between Braves and Mets fans.

That is all for now and I am thankful that I still have of my toes and fingers because it was COLD!!! Lets win the series today.

GO BRAVES!!!

By Lew

April 8, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

GoodMorning everyone. I was so despondant after Friday’s game that I went on a music buying spree yesterday. Thank God they won yesterday, because I can’t afford 10 CD’s every time they lose. At least now the Mets’ fans know they won’t win 162 games and the Mets are capable of boneheaded plays, just like everyone else. We’vve also seen the raves may just win a fewe in the season series. Now we can get to just playing some ball. We both have good teams, though I have this perverse desire to see Reyes on the DL (no I don’t wish him ill-just want him somewhere other than on the field). The man can play some ball, that’s for sure. I still think the Mets’ pitching will fall aprt, but Reyes is the real deal. I wish he was OUR real deal. I certainly would like to see what the Braves can do when Andruw and Chipper start to get hot. We will have an excellent offense when they do. The jury’s still out on Woodward, though.

By David O'Brien

April 8, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

Excellent news on the confab between Metroman, Grinch, Scribes, et al. Good stuff…

MEB, Soriano could definitely be a starter, and would jump at the opportunity. It could happen next year if they decide that Gonzalez is the closer and Soriano would be more valuable as an ace (say, if one of the other aces were gone) than as a setup man.

Yes, his stuff is definitely ELECTRIC.

By Metropoitan Man

April 8, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

Its cool Lew, we’ll take J. Reyes out when you guys take McCann out. Both of them guys have their respected positions locked up. Dam yesterday was the 1st time I could take a METS loss to the braves graciously. You guys be cool and enjoy the season, I know I will. I know we were drunk last nite Grinch but remember we did make a friendly wager and after when the METS and braves finish the season, you will owe.

By Lew

April 8, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

DOB-I picked up the new Kings of Leon yesterday. Haven’t had a chance to listen yet. Also picked up Live At Leeds, a remastered Robert Plant’s Principle of Moments and a remastered CSN. I’ve been eyeing that for a while and finally broke down and got it. Got my first shipment from EllaGuru, too. He got me a remastered McCartney’s Venus and Mars. That album is the closest to the Beatles any memeber did after the breakup. He also picked up Blue Murder with Carmine Appice on drums, for me. A good day at the park and on the music front.

By ssiscribe

April 8, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON — At least, that’s where I feel like I’m at this morning.

Just got home a little more than an hour ago, denizens. Mrs. Scribe isn’t real happy, but we talked and all is well. Plus, she’s glad I didn’t try to drive home last night.

Grinch and Metro, what a night, bros! Cold beer, wings and plenty of talk about baseball after a great game at Turner Field. That’s what it’s all about, folks. This will be the first of many meetings, although I’ve made a promise to my bride to drink Diet Coke the next time we converge!

And yes, there was a wager made, as the Scribe witnessed the handshake. I like Grinch’s chances to pocket some cash.

Great game yesterday. Another day of playoff-type electricity in the frosty yard. Love the way we got to Glavine in the sixth. Love that bullpen shutting the door, even though it got a little dicey here and there.

Love the fact it’s baseball season again, and we’re 4-1 on the year and tied for first.

Grinch, thanks much for letting me crash at your abode. And thanks, too, for talking to my wife this morning and deflecting some (if not all) of her angst. All is well in the newsroom; she told me to get some rest.

So, off to bed I go. Then, Easter dinner and the rubber match awaits. Until then, the bleary-eyed Scribe abides.

—30—

By MEB

April 8, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Metro Man, Grinch & Scribe… I wish I would have known about the linkup at the Niekro statue. I would have loved to meet y’all.

GO BRAVES!!!

By doc

April 8, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

is soriano a surly copy of smoltz? his stuff reminds me of big john a few years ago when he came out of the bullpen; nobody has done it better in such a short time. it was fun watching him literally blow up hitters. maybe soriano is close but a lot younger.

By Lew

April 8, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

Scribe-It’s too bad far y’all I live all the way up here. I’m the perfect designated driver. I don’t drink and if you do, my driving wouldn’t bother you. Glad you got home safely and that you haven’t been forced unto the sofa.

By doc

April 8, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

is soriano a surly copy of smoltz? his stuff reminds me of big john a few years ago when he came out of the bullpen; nobody has done it better in such a short time. it was fun watching him literally blow up hitters. maybe soriano is close but a lot younger.

By KC

April 8, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

DonCoburleone “Look at every single Braves team that won the division 14 straight times; every single lineup had one thing in common: A very good or great lead-off man.”

Don, I agree with you about our need to find a leadoff man. I like Kelly Johnson and I think we should keep him. But I don’t like seeing him thrust into a full-time leadoff role when (even though ht’s a disciplined hitter) hitting leadoff is probably not his true calling.

However, I do have to correct you just a bit on the above statement. You’re forgetting about seasons when the like of Walt Weiss and Gerald Williams hit leadoff. We haven’t always had a good leadoff man over this run.

But again, I’m with you on the need to go get one. Don’t get me wrong, I think the Braves will score a lot of runs with the lineup exactly as it is now. But the Mets have an offensive edge over the Braves in the person of Jose Reyes… and I’m just not comfortable conceding that, and letting them have that edge.

I think we should go after Washington’s Felipe Lopez.

His OBP% last year was a respectable .358 (Jose Reyes had a .354 last year), he stole 44 bases in 56 attempts last year and, like Reyes, Felipe has a little pop in his bat. Over the last 2 seasons (combined), he’s hit 37 homers and 137 RBI.

While he’s playing SS now, he’s played 2B most of his career, he still comes at a modest price tag, and he should be available for the right package of young talent. It’s not like the Nats are going to need to keep him around for a post-season run or anything.

By David O'Brien

April 8, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Lew, let me know what you think of the Kings. Listened to it going to and from the park yesterday. Great album. Love the first song.

Good to hear you’ve got ol’ Don at EllaGuru doing some work, ordering you stuff. Otherwise he gets a bit lazy hanging out in there at that store, playing music all day and blabbering about his Gators,

By Ron Roberts

April 8, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Argh. Typed a nice post yesterday (or so I thought) about Mike Gonzalez. Lemme try and re-create what my thoughts were.

So far, we’ve faced the two teams most people are predicting will win the division, and so far, Mike Gonzalez has looked no better than the bullpen arms we’d use last year in his position. While it’s early, I’m starting to get a little concerned, here.

No, I don’t regret the trade made for him, yet. I wasn’t one of those who were excited about the deal, since we’d re-signed Wickman and picked up Soriano beforehand. Those omves, in my mind, made our bullpen good. Picking up Gonzalez is supposed to make our bullpen great, and I’m hopeful he’ll get it together and work out the kinks.

Two thoughts came to mind about Gonzalez that make me wonder if he’s all that’s been advertised, thus far.

1. He pitched on a team in the NL Central, which means he pitched against NL Central teams more than others, last season. Think about it - Houston, Milwaukee and Cincinnati all struggled offensively, last season. In fact, they were the three worst-hitting teams in the NL last season. I’m just wondering if his glowing statistics weren’t postiviely influenced by that. I like the guy’s stuff, but we can’t use the “it’s early” excuse forever. We used “he’s working on mechanics, etc.” in spring training, but it’s not spring training anymore.

2. I can’t help but wonder if he’s putting too much pressure on himself. He’s been traded to a perrenial playoff threat - a team that expects to contend, from a team that only could hope to contend. I wonder if it weights on him that he knows what the Braves gave up to get him and how important he is to the team’s success and if this first whiff of pressure is affecting him.

Speculative b.s., I know. But if we’re going to contend with the Mets lineup, the bullpen has to be lock-down fantastic. Aside from Gonzo and a coupla bad pitches from Villareal, it’s been spot-on. But we need Gonzo of 2006 this year.

By Lew

April 8, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Ron-It’s still real early and the weather has been terrible. Gonzalez hasn’t been great, but he hasn’t sucked it up yet, either. He’s leaving his pitches up, it appears to me, and that definitely indicates mechanics. He just doesn’t have his release point where it needs to be. I doubt it’s anything serious, though, any more than Andruw or Chipper not hitting yet. The weather HAS been brutal. When it warms up, I would be willing to bet the Braves will, too. This season has reminded me of an Easter game I saw in Boston a couple years ago-the first time I went to Fenway. We wore two fleece sweatshirts (one with hood) gloves and heavy pants. Out by Pesky pole (which has the worst sight line I’ve ever not seen), we cursed ourselves for leaving the long johns at home. I also saw the Smoltz game there the day after Davies, debut. The seasts were better, but it was still cold-and that was in May.

By Yars

April 8, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

It’s the leadoff spot or bust for Kelly Johnson. The Braves have nobody else they can put in the leadoff spot. I think as long as K-Jo keeps playing solid defense at 2B, & the team keeps winning, Bobby will keep him in the lineup. It’s not like K-Jo is off to a bad start. He’s playing well & his bat is starting to warm up. I would say as of right now, he’s playing better than Andruw & Craig Wilson. Chris Woodward has already proven he is not an everyday player.

By Lew

April 8, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Yars-I’ve got to agree with you. KJ will be fine. He’s hit at least 4 or 5 balls right on the nose and right at a defender. As long as he makes solid contact, the hits will come. Except for the muffed pop up, his defense has been better than expected, though his range is not what Giles’ was. As far as Woodward, my inclination is to say drop him and bring up Prado, but maybe the jury should be out still. He DID do a good job on that Sac fly to the opposite field yesterday. He hit the ball hard.

By P'cola Michael

April 8, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Hey, is McCann playing today?? Just didn’t know if today would be his day off.

By Head Coach

April 8, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Time for Davies to step up today , opportunity is knocking , he has to step through that door.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 8, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

It looks like the award-winning AJC blog desperately needs a competent ‘tech guy’—about as bad as Chipper ‘the Hoss’ Jones needs a larger glove…they both dropped the ball!…

By Carolina Lady

April 8, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Bravo Nam, a great pleasure to see you back! We’ve missed you!

Scribe, please tell me you at least CALLED home last night!………

Happy Resurrection Day!

By The Grinch

April 8, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Oohhhh, my head. Anyone want to go deal with my family today in my stead? Had a great time last night. Scribe decided to hang with the Grinch beer for beer, drink for drink, and safe to say Micro Scribe won’t be conceived in the next day or two. Scribe blogging from the couch. :-) Of course, he was man enough to eat chocolate chip cookies with his beer at the park, which earned my admiration; I would have tossed them soon after had I attempted that trick. MetroMan is definitely not your average Met fan. We found him waving a Mets flag in a section full of Braves fans like he was on top of Iwo Jima. And yes, even though I was plastered by the 4th inning, I remember the bet. Later all; alka seltzer and the family await.

By ssiscribe

April 8, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Oh yeah, I called. She’s not too, too upset; I’m not under the sofa (or under the house … not yet, at least).

Time to go eat. Grinch and Metro, alka seltzer for all. Go Braves!

—30—

By ElbravoX

April 8, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

Maybe Hoss has a new pop-blocker. Shouldn’t the catcher benefit from cold weather?

By Greg in TN

April 8, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Happy Easter Denizens…

Yesterday was just what the doctor ordered. Smoltz went out and pitched the game we needed him to pitch. Gonzalez looked shaky from my seat and needs more time to lock down the location of his fastball. I think he’ll do it, though. Soriano was flat out impressive. He’s very imposing on the mound and mixes his pitches well. Wickman shut the door in the ninth after a little angst by issuing a hit and a walk.

I believe yesterday’s game is indicative of what we’ll see over the long haul of a season. Today is just how we needed to bounce back from Friday’s game. The saying goes, ‘sometimes you eat the shark, sometimes the shark eats you.’ That’s very true even after the first few strides in this marathon we call a baseball season.

I spent times yesterday watching KJ as he played 2B and I have no qualms about him being there defensively. He was where he should have been on every play I was watching.

One last thing, I think after watching Green and Reyes struggle with ball in the air yesterday, Chipper is off the hook in my mind for what happened Friday night and early yesterday. It’s been two very difficult days for high pops and I believe another cold windy day is on tap for today. Let’s hope we find out where that wind machine is plugged in and pull it out soon.

By David O'Brien

April 8, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Bravo Nam, I had put up a thanks-and-good-to-have-you-back post yesterday morning, soon as I read your post. Of course mine got eaten up. Yours was the last on the blog for about 16 hours, if I’m not mistaken.

Anyway, great to have you back. Vietnam, now Cambodia? Have I asked before what it is you do? Or can you even say (based on your locales, I’m thinking you can’t say).

Anyway, if you’re just there by choice, maybe next time you should try Puerta Vallarta, dude! Or Maui.

By mr baseball

April 8, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Folks, please give it a rest on the importance of leadoff hitters. The best leadoff hitter the Braves have had over the past 15 years was Furcal, and the team NEVER won a playoff series with him in the lineup. The last time the Braves got past the first round, Furcal was hurt and Walt Weiss (I think) was the leadoff hitter.

Grissom, who was not a real leadoff hitter (drew too few walks), hit in that spot when the Braves won the World Series. The last time the Braves got that far, Cox went most of the season before finally realizing that Gerald Williams, also not a true leadoff hitter, was his best option.

And for all the fond memories of Otis, he was almost completely useless when he came to bat with runners on base, much like Juan Pierre is now. Anybody remember the last out of the ‘92 World Series against the Blue Jays?

The Braves scored lots of runs last year with Giles having a so-so season, and should be fine offensively this year with comparable production from the leadoff spot. If Johnson conclusively proves he can’t do the job, Cox should at least give the LF platoon a look at batting first.

Not exactly sure why you would bat your weakest offensive player first yesterday (Woodward instead of Diaz), but Cox has frequently displayed an odd approach to batting orders when sitting out regulars. He seems to think that if you sit out your leadoff/cleanup hitter, the guy who replaces him bats in that spot. At least that’s what he did yesterday and did the year when Joyner was Gallaraga’s caddie.

As suspect as Cox is when it comes to things like putting together a batting order and game strategy, he has done very well for his teams by not making overly hasty decisions based on early season performances. Those of you who like him as a manager a lot more than I do need to follow his lead and not make snap judgments about Johnson, Gonzalez, Redman, McBride, Thorman, Wilson, etc. Relative to the NFL, the Braves are at halftime of their season opener.

Win or lose today, the Braves will have a winning first week and play 5 of their next 7 games against the Nationals. Save your complaining for when it’s actually merited.

By mr baseball

April 8, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Folks, please give it a rest on the importance of leadoff hitters. The best leadoff hitter the Braves have had over the past 15 years was Furcal, and the team NEVER won a playoff series with him in the lineup. The last time the Braves got past the first round, Furcal was hurt and Walt Weiss (I think) was the leadoff hitter.

Grissom, who was not a real leadoff hitter (drew too few walks), hit in that spot when the Braves won the World Series. The last time the Braves got that far, Cox went most of the season before finally realizing that Gerald Williams, also not a true leadoff hitter, was his best option.

And for all the fond memories of Otis, he was almost completely useless when he came to bat with runners on base, much like Juan Pierre is now. Anybody remember the last out of the ‘92 World Series against the Blue Jays?

The Braves scored lots of runs last year with Giles having a so-so season, and should be fine offensively this year with comparable production from the leadoff spot. If Johnson conclusively proves he can’t do the job, Cox should at least give the LF platoon a look at batting first.

Not exactly sure why you would bat your weakest offensive player first yesterday (Woodward instead of Diaz), but Cox has frequently displayed an odd approach to batting orders when sitting out regulars. He seems to think that if you sit out your leadoff/cleanup hitter, the guy who replaces him bats in that spot. At least that’s what he did yesterday and did the year when Joyner was Gallaraga’s caddie.

As suspect as Cox is when it comes to things like putting together a batting order and game strategy, he has done very well for his teams by not making overly hasty decisions based on early season performances. Those of you who like him as a manager a lot more than I do need to follow his lead and not make snap judgments about Johnson, Gonzalez, Redman, McBride, Thorman, Wilson, etc. Relative to the NFL, the Braves are at halftime of their season opener.

Win or lose today, the Braves will have a winning first week and play 5 of their next 7 games against the Nationals. Save your complaining for when it’s actually merited.

By Jim

April 8, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

I just read some of the post from the previous 2 blogs and have these reactions:

Lew — Redman was in to start the 6th inning because James only went 5 the day before and we had 2 extra inning games earlier that taxed the bullpen. As it turned out, it was right to save the pen for Saturday’s game, and for the situation today where we don’t know what we will get out of Davies. I was in dread of the matchup of Villareal vs. Reyes from the time Bobby walked out to the mound and would have preferred to let Redman pitch to one more batter.

Most worriesome things so far: 1) a pop-fly hit anywhere near an infielder. 2) Renteria’s defense. His range combined with a weak arm is producing hits for anything hit to his right side. 3) The front end of the bullpen 4) Gonzalez’s delivery — I’ll assume that he will pitch better than he has so far, but that delivery looks like an injury waiting to happen 5) I’ll assume the offense will come around when the weather warms up, but even in the spring training games it was the group sent down to Richmond that produced most of the offense. Even Howard and Pujols are off to slow starts, so I won’t read too much into one week of the season played in miserable weather. 6) McBride was all over the place Friday night, but Pena did a poor job of catching his pitches. 7) Overall team defense is a prime concern.

Reasons for optimism: Cormier, Hampton, Boyer, Sturtze, Stockman, Moylan, or Devine waiting in the wings.

By Lew

April 8, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Yeah-Kelly Johnson can’t hit-can he? The boy will be just fine. Jim-I see your point, but Redman had been pulling a Houdini act all day (I consider this to be a trait of an experienced pitcher, unlike Sosa), and had barely got through the 5th. As it ended up, he only went 2/3 of an inning more and lost it. It wouldn’t have taxed the bullpen much to let them go one more inning. We might be undefeated if we had. So much for second guessing, the bullpen may have performed as it did, anyway and we would have lost. Who knows?

By David O'Brien

April 8, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOW UP _ don’t say I don’t care about you folks on Easter

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 8, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

K Jo takes one deep.. one zip Bravos :-))

By Lew

April 8, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Yeah-Andruw’s lost it too, hasn’t he?

By brian

April 8, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

you all are onto something wtih Soriano as a starter. If Gonzalez is our future closer, then what a rotation we would have. I would love for Smoltz to be around for another year or two to help mentor Soriano.

Future young starters of James, Davies, Soriano, and Harrison is a superb young core (future 4 aces?).

Bullpen would need to continue to develop though for the Braves to consider moving Soriano. Boyer would be the main candidate to replace Soriano, and if Devine continues to develop we would still have a deep bullpen. If Gonzalez becomes the closer we will really need Will Startup to develop into a major league lefty reliever as well

If Davies keeps pitching like this then the braves may be looking to move Cormier or Redman sooner rather than later. It will be a nice dilemma to have having 7 starting pitchers

By knowitall

April 8, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

Ahhh, I have just returned from Turner Field where I was lucky enough to have tickets right behind home plate. I was close enough to see the paper airplane wings on El Duque’s pitches as they floated up to home plate. I have to give the guy credit, he rarely threw a pitch above 75 MPH yet it got the job done.

Young Kile Davies was just as masterful. Fought threw two early homeruns and kept his team in the game. Can’t ask for much more than that. It’s only April but it’s nice to serve notice to the Mets that things won’t be as easy as they were last year for them.

By El Caganer

April 8, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Exciting game today. The season is young but I like the “comeback” ability this team shows. With this “revamped” bullpen and timely hitting, if the game is close no opponent’s lead is safe.

I am wondering, where are all those loud mouthed Mets fans who were talking all their smack now? What were you guys saying about the Braves bullpen again? Looks like that was the difference in the last two games with the Mets getting the short end of it.

The season is young and a lot of things can happen, but don’t come on here talking all your trash when things are going your way if you are too much of a pansy to eat crow when yoru team gest schooled.

By Greg

April 9, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

It is important for the Braves to start off good. I’m surprised how they swept the Phillies. The NL east hopefully will be the Braves to win. I feel that McCann is going to have a beast year. I am skeptical about Johnson at 2b and the platooning at first base. The pitching is solid, but not great as the pitching in the early and mid 1990’s. The bullpen is stronger this year. Hudson has to pitch better, Chipper has to stay healthy and produce, AJones has to take it to another level (he is probably trade bait, Davies/James have to perform well, Smoltz has be strong. This should equal a playoff berth. But, I still feel the Mets are stronger and the Phillies are long overdue. I think the Braves can fight for a wild card.