Braves

By dcarp23

April 10, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Just looked at the lineup tonight and it made me wonder: how many friggin lefties are the Braves going to face this year? Seven games in and this is the fourth one they’ve seen. Not that it makes that big a difference, but I’m excited to watch what Thorman can do, and the schedule isn’t falling the big guys way. That, and I think the team is better suited to face righties with McCann, Kelly and Chipper.

By Chris

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

I wish Hampton the best and hope he does make it back to the mound next year, but I’m not going to hold my breath. Hopefully we can re-sign Smoltz and have enough starting pitching next year even without Hampton.

FWIW, here is a comparison of some stats from the first six games of 2006 and the first six this year:

2006 Record: 3-3 Total runs scored/allowed: 48-47 Starting pitchers: 0-3, 11.57 ERA (yikes!) Bullpen: 3-0, 2 saves, 4.55 ERA

2007 Record: 5-1 Total runs scored/allowed: 25-25 Starting pitchers: 2-1, 3.47 ERA Bullpen: 3-0, 5 saves, 3.05 ERA

By KC

April 10, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

“It would be a fair assumption to make if a player on any team were insured and the team was certain they would get a return on some portion of the player’s salary, they would likely invest it in the team.”

LOL… How’s that for an indirect answer! lol

By KC

April 10, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Caveman22: “KC Just when I go thinking your 75 yrs old and a Lawrence Welk fan you go and pull out one of my favorite groups.”

Nope. Only 30. I agree… P.O.D. does rock. I like a pretty wide range of music, ranging from old Rat Pack stuff to groups like P.O.D.

Hey whadya think? Would that song be a perfect closer song or what?

By Oregon_Braves

April 10, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Get well Mike Hampton. See you next year.

David Justice was responsible for some of my fondest memories for the first 5 years of the run.

Dayn Perry is indeed a douchebag.

By Penno

April 10, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

DOB

Is there a list of other players who are wearing 42 on Sunday? I know about 3 or 4 so far.

By MidGaBravo

April 10, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

Let’s just close the book on Hampton for the year. Maybe we can get at least one full season out of him next year.

The Braves will be alright.

Even if Redman didn’t look that good his last start, I still think he will be a productive starter. And I thought Davies looked pretty dam@ good his last time out too.

If the starters can get us a good 6 or 7 inning a game, our bullpen will handle the rest.

By JACK

April 10, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

I hate to keep saying this but what good is the so-called Best BULL-PEN IN THE N.L. when the tired-old starter’s give up 5-6 runs in the first 5 or 6th INNING’S,and the poor hitting braves,cannot get back?AND JUST A QUSTION OUT OF CURIOSITY FOR THE SO-CALLED GREAT MANAGER BOBBY COX AND THE EQUALLY GREAT G.M. J.S. BOTH LEGAND’S IN THEIR OWN MIND BY THE WAY,DO THEY FEEL THAT MOST OF FORMER PLAYERS OF THE BRAVES ARE OWED A COACHING JOB BY THE BRAVES?BUT THEY BOTH REFUSE TO BRING UP YOUNG TALANTED PLAYERS TO FILL IN,OR JUST GET THEIR SHOT AT STAYING IN THE MAJOR’S WITH THE BRAVES.

By Ohio Brave

April 10, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Also in the Braves defense of whatever happened with Justice, if I remember right he really didnt endear himself to the fans with his comments following his trade. I cant remember exactly what he said without looking it up, but I remember him saying some stuff when he didnt need to.
The other thing is it would help to have a reason to invite him to throw out a 1st pitch or whatever honour to award him. I mean it just doesnt make sense to invite him to throw out the 1st pitch on say, 4-22 because we love you and miss you Dave.

By robdawg06

April 10, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Andruw walks on 4 straight pitches and Francoeur taps the first pitch (a ball) into a DP… Cox should bench Francoeur if he doesn’t take at least one pitch every at bat. His overaggressiveness kills innings.

By justin

April 10, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

hudson looked good in first inning but double play sucked.

By robdawg06

April 10, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Hey Carol, you should have asked Mike if he thinks he deserves his millions while on the DL for 2 straight years ? JS & Cox not saying much is par for the course. We all hate it for Mike but a real man wouldn’t take money that he was paid for to earn but that is not earned. Mike Hampton hit the lotto jackpot millions with the Braves 2 consecutive years !

By robdawg06

April 10, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

Why McCann isn’t batting 2nd or 3rd is a mystery. A guy that will hit .330 hitting behind .260 Andruw and .260 Francoeur is stupid.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 10, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

david justice did not like it when a fan threw a peanut at david justice and that is the reason david justice wanted out of atlanta. that peanut could have put out an eye. or lodged in an ear. or hit a sensitive area. thrown objects are discouraged at the ballpark today for this very reason. and how is chipper’s glove working tonight? is it the “new” glove (bunny) or the “old” glove (cowhide)? and the “aggressive” talk is starting again about francoeur. there is a reason for calling it “aggressive” behavior. tissues in the dugout again tonight! this is a new era of braves baseball.

By MidGaBravo

April 10, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Is there such a thing as a Washington Nationals fan?

I’ve heard rumors that they exist, but just like Bigfoot, the proof is very thin.

By Calvin

April 10, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

I am living in Maryland now and they blacked out the game on TBS so I have to watch it on MASN, which means I get a earful of one Mr. Don Sutton for the Nats. Strange to hear him talk about the Braves as a Nationals announcer.

By Lew

April 10, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Well, it was only a matter of time before Andruw hit one, but I swear that Francoeur boy needs to learn impulse control. That pitch was in the dirt in front of home plate. I’m half blind and still would have held up on that one.

By Eli

April 10, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

If Hampton’s salary is fully insured and the Braves are in the playoff/division hunt in early summer, why not take a shot at landing Roger Clemens?

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 10, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Interesting comment - “the surgery was successful” Bet they said the same thing the last time around. The only time they say surgery was unsuccessful is when the patient dies - thank goodness that didn’t happen.

I think Justice should be brought back into the fold - he was a hell of a player for us during our great days. Sorry to hear that he thinks he has been slighted. He didn’t leave here on his own accord - remember they sent him to the Indians for Kenny Lofton and somebody else who didn’t help us - little did JS accept or realize that Dave was far from washed up.

Glad to see Druw go yard tonight - maybe he’s starting to heat up - we’ll need him in the months to come.

By Carroll Rogers

April 10, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

robdawg, you are one of many who’s asked me to ask mike hampton things. i know because we’re dealing in words on a screen, it’s easy to forget that the guy is in New York, he just went under the knife. His teammates haven’t even talked to him yet to wish him well. Guy’s got bigger fish to fry today.

Secondly, on McCann. given his command of the strike zone, his bat control and his hitting ability, hitting second or third wouldnt’ be a bad idea. but his lack of speed works against him at the No. 2 or No. 3 spots. and his power will allow him to drive the faster guys in like Andruw and Francoeur. that’s my take anyway.

By Lew

April 10, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Eli-Hampton’s full salary won’t be the insured amount. Clemens makes about $17 million for the half season he pitches and he doesn’t live in Atlanta. I’m sure there are many more reasons why we won’t sign him. Besides, IF we got that much, which we won’t, it would be better spent in other ways-like resigning Andruw.

By MidGaBravo

April 10, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Come on guys. Let’s not go swapping batters around just yet. We are 5 and 1, let’s give the batters a chance to settle in. For now, McCann is fine where he’s at.

By Braveheart

April 10, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

McCann hits behind Frenchy and Andruw against lefties because their numbers against lefties is lower than Frenchy and Andruw. Repeat post from Friday that is going to annoy people but again, 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

Normally, I would agree that it would make more sense for McCann to hit #3 or #4 but not against lefties. Against righties, I would have McCann bat third and Chipper fourth - didn’t they do that back in the day when Sheffield and Drew were here with Sheff & Drew batting third and Chipper fourth.

By MidGaBravo

April 10, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Carroll What I want to know is will Liberty Media increase the Braves payroll after they win the World Series this year?

($25,000,000 more would be a nice start)

By fastasballs

April 10, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Hudson is dealing tonight. It’s great to see him follow his first outing with an even better one tonight.

What is with Francoeur? Twice he makes the effort to go to right field & twice he doubles driving in runs. Why the H*@l can’t he do that all the time?

By Alan

April 10, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Good news, Carroll, about Hampton. I wish him all the best. He’s a good guy and a terrific competitor, who just happens to be injury-prone. It’s ludicrous for folks to suggest that he should “give back” part of his salary. If any of you were injured on the job, would you repay your employer? Didn’t think so. As far as the Braves seeing a lot of lefties, we’d better get used it, considering the early-season success of Hamels, Perez and even Chico. Opposing managers obviously prefer to pitch to the Braves’ RH platoon, which includes Chipper hitting from the right side, not to mention the possibility that McCann might sit. Things will turn around a bit when Andruw and Frenchy heat up.

By Braveheart

April 10, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

If Scalp ‘Em will allow me to blather a bit tonight, I don’t know why people would prefer to pitch lefties against the Braves as opposed to righties. Here are the stats for key members of the Braves against righthanders (with the exception of McCann, they are far worse against righties than against lefties during the course of the entire career):

McCann - .329/.384/.547

Edgar - .285/.335/.388

Frenchy - .255/.287/.434

Chipper - .303/.404/.550

Andruw - .264/.338/.499

Wilson - .252/.338/.454

McCann and Chipper are beasts against righties during their careers. Chipper has a higher OBP and more speed, so he should bat third and McCann fourth against righties.

By brent

April 10, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Pirate Fans scratch their heads:

Blow a 2-0 lead in the top of the 9th (where’s Mike Gonzalez?)

Then, in the bottom half, LaRoche grounds out to the pitcher (0-4), dropping his average to .097 on the year.

By F. A . Skippy

April 10, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Who does McCann look like at the plate ? any team, all time.

By MidGaBravo

April 10, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Nothing to worry about with Gonzo! That was some excellent pitching in the 8th.

By Braveheart

April 10, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

1, 2, & a 3 for Gonzalez. Who would have known? It is possible. Great Job.

By Scalp 'em Braves

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

Braveheart:

Blather all you want, my friend. Actually, I was just crackin’ the other night when I said that. You have some good points - sometimes, though, takes you too long to make it. No problem. This is the written word, after all. God knows I have been accused of being verbose, at times.

I acknowledge the stats you posted. However, I’m not sure switching the batting order for righties vs. lefties would work. One thing about baseball players - they like routine, comfort, same song, second verse, etc. I think they do better as a number 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc hitter, day to day. Switch things up and they freak out, and so do the fans. How many hits would Wade Boggs have gotten if they made him eat a burger from time to time to time instead of chicken?

One observation about Frenchy. Two nights in a row, he has gone to right center gap with a laser shot with two strikes against him. Could he be growing up, as a hitter? I’m impressed.

By Braveheart

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

Funny Bill Simmons take on the Masters:

3. My mom (visiting for the weekend) thought Zach Johnson was Joaquin Phoenix and kept saying in a deep voice “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash” every time a close-up of him was shown. (Note: I was much more excited about her comedy chops until I logged onto my mailbox and had about 200 Phoenix/Cash jokes waiting for me.) And let’s face it — he looked EXACTLY like Joaquin Phoenix. Which raises the question, out of the 300 announcers CBS had covering this event, couldn’t one person have brought this up? Is it a rule that your sense of humor gets disabled as soon as you’re within 10 miles of Augusta? Does everyone take themselves seriously there, even during the 51 weeks when the Masters isn’t going on? I just picture the locals gingerly walking around and whispering to one another.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 10, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

It’s so much better to have Ray King pitching to us instead of for us…

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 10, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Interesting stat thrown up by Skip and them during the game. The Hammer had 342 HR by his 30th birthday. Druw has 343, and he’s not quite 30. Interesting to try to compare- Hank was 20 when he broke into the majors, Druw was 19. Wonder if all those diving catches Druw will shorten his career, power, or effectiveness. As good a fielder as Hank was (and he was damned good - not Willie Mays or Roberto Clemente good, though), he didn’t make the plays that Druw does everyday. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Druw finish his career with 550 to 600+ homers (if he can stay healthy), but don’t think he can reach 700. Anybody agree or disagree?

By fastasballs

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

I’ll second that Gil. Too bad King left with an injury, he may not be available to beat up on the next two nights.

By MBATL

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

Scalp ‘em, I agree on the batting order. Hitting #2 is probably the most specialized position in the order - maybe behind leadoff, but probably not.

I don’t think it’s wise to put a catcher in a real specialized spot in the order because he’s gonna be out of the lineup more often than, say, a shortstop. If you have no choice, okay, but I’d rather have my catcher hitting 5-8, so when he’s out, it doesn’t turn the whole lineup upside down.

I think the top 4 - KJ, ER, CJ, AJ - should stay as consistent as possible, so those guys can focus on their roles. No harm in flopping guys at 5, 6, 7 depending on the pitcher.

By The Grinch

April 10, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Frenchy goes opposite field all night and finishes with 5 RBI. Go figure, everyone in America was right. Maybe he’ll do it more in the future. Good luck to Hampton; hope he’s back next year. You know, the Nationals would have all manner of fans had they taken on the name “Senators.” Not really sure what they were thinking.

By Braveheart

April 10, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Yes, Scalp ‘Em, I am longwinded (can be a strength and a weakness depending upon the circumstances). I’m trying to do better. As tiring and annoying as it is to read those long posts, it is just as tired and annoying writing them. But it’s cool. No hard feelings. I was a in a funky mood that night and snapped back and should have left it alone. But it’s cool. BTW, you do have the coolest moniker on this blog. Quite envious of that one. As for the lineups, I agree. If we were playing computer games, then we could make the lineups however we think best. But, in real life, their egos and psyches are much too large to play around with. Wade Boggs would act like Rain Man missing an episode of Wapner if you messed with his routine.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 10, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Well, Hudson looks like the guy we expected two years ago… Sure glad he finally showed up. One more start like that and I am going to sleep better at night….

By MidGaBravo

April 10, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

It looks like Manny Acta and the Nats are in for a long year.

Go Braves!

By TennesseePaul

April 10, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

SCORE!!! Alright Carroll, you got some serious points. Leaps and bounds over anything Guy did in his walk year last season. Responded to the posts and had great insight and reasoning for the McCann batting order issue. Very well done indeed. That’s like a pinch hit double.

GO BRAVES
Really really pleased with how this series is starting off. We should keep pounding this rotation. Hopefully when we are finished with them, our offense will be firing on all pistons. Then we can race through the rest of this season and claim the WS trophy.
An outstanding outing by Hudson. Very pleased with this guy so far. I only wish I could have seen the whole game. But the line score looks good. 6-1! Best in the East.

By The Grinch

April 10, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Good point, Braveheart; I’d pay money to see Shaun in General Population lockdown for a while without a pencil. Or better yet, give him all the equipment he asked for. He’d be measuring everyone in the shower and making charts. :-)

By The Grinch

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

“It’s Thursday; T-Bone plays Spades 12.6 % better after a lunch of creamed corn…I’ll try to be his partner.”

By Lew

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

5 outof 7 quality starts and James only gave up 1 in 5 IP. Pretty good start. That’s exactly what we should do to bad teams. I told you Gonzo would come around. He only threw 4 pitches called balls and two of them were damn well strikes. He looked great.

By Braveheart

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

OddJob, now if Hampton hurt himself doing something stupid like this stunt by Joey Gaithright, then hell yeah the Braves should demand their money back from him:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cySfw8f0beg

By MBATL

April 10, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Yep… great to see Gonzo pitch well. I raised the red flag yesterday, not about his ability, but wondering if he was healthy. He sure looked healthy tonight.

We weren’t playing the ‘27 Yankees tonight, but that was pretty close to a perfect ballgame.

Hudson looks seriously reformed, and again, great to see Gonzo do his thing without difficulty. Frenchy may not walk all year, but he’s still showing improvement.

Best record in baseball, and we’re really not hitting all that well yet.

Do we have James and Smoltz the next 2 nights? Make hay while the sun shines, boys!

By KC

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

DAMN Huddy was filthy tonight!

Now, ladies and gentlemen I’m really not the kind to say I told… aaah, what the hell… I TOLD YOU SO!!!!!!

By Scalp 'em Braves

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

Grinch:

How do you figure Shaun would do with sabremetrics with guys constantly throwing soap on the floor demanding he pick it up? Something tells me he would be getting 3 square meals every day and lots of big round ones in that environment.

Braveheart - we’re cool. The “moniker” goes back to the 60’s, when the Braves came to town, and I saw my first major league game in the summer of 1966 - they used to actually chant that at games, and have it on posters, and such, before the days of political correctness. Now, if we could just figure out somewhere at the Ted to put Nocka-Homa’s teepee. I still want to see his dance after every HR.

By KC

April 10, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

Hey ya’ll… Kelly Johnson’s got some pop in that bat of his. That was as close to his 3rd homer in 20 at-bats as was humanly possible.

And would someone PLEASE remind me why Matt Diaz hasn’t been outright handed the left field job full-time! The guy can rake. That’s all there is to it. He is a .300-plus hitter through and through. Last year was no accident.

I’d much rather have a .300 hitter with an average glove, than a great fielder who will hit .250 and strike out 1 out of every 2 or 3 AB’s.

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 10, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

Damn Braveheart… Gaithright doesn’t have legs - the dude has two pogo sticks attached to his body - if I was him, would never slide - just leap to the base.

By KC

April 10, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

MBATL: I saw in the last blog that you do web design. Do you do that independently? Do you have a website yourself?

By MBATL

April 10, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

KC, heads up again… ESPN.COM has a big feature on… Jose Reyes!!!

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

April 10, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

Good job by the Braves tonight. They played well and Hudson looked terrific. I think he is truly committed to having a better than good year. A Cy Young in his future perhaps?

Think about this folks. The Braves could very well be 10-2 or 11-1 by the end of the week. What a difference a year makes!

By Braveheart

April 10, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

Grinch, I think his statistical analysis may go something like this: Bubba abuses more men than anyone else in Gen.Pop., so I will avoid him because his OBP (on behind percentage) is the greatest. But Pookey packs the most punch in Gen Pop in his abusive acts against his fellow men, so I am wary of him because of his high slugging percentage. Ray-Ray tries to abuse alot of men but he strikes out alot in his attempts to make passes at his fellow man, so I like my chances with him. Now Rex he complies alot of RBIs (rears banged into) but that is just a function of the fact that he hits on the most men in Gen. Pop. Rex in a sense is the Frenchy of Gen. Pop. - he has the lowest OBP (on behind percentage) of any prisoner in Gen. Pop. So I will take my chances with him. Why does T-Bags keep calling me “Pockets” and sticking his pockets out for me to hold onto? And why does Cooley keep calling me Fingercuffs?

Sorry Carroll and DOB. You can delete this if you want. I will not be offended.

By KC

April 10, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

YET ANOTHER Mets headline on ESPN.com. Another article fawning over Jose Reyes.

Reyes is great, don’t get me wrong. But maybe at some point they might want to take notice the fact that the Braves might have the best all around catcher the NL has seen since Johnny Bench. There’s a story there somewhere, isn’t there?

By The Grinch

April 10, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

Oh, man; you were wrong for that one. Hee-hee! It’s tempting, but I’ll quit there. The Knock-A-Homa I remember from the 70’s and 80’s (‘66? you old fart) was definitely an alcoholic. You could tell by the way he did his dance and how out of time he was he was probably some homeless wino they lured into costume by keeping the teepee stocked with Thunderbird. Alcoholic Indians? Oh, the political incorrectity!

By MBATL

April 10, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

KC, yeah, I build sites and data management systems, among other things (all independently). Send me an email at mbatl@mindspring.com if you have a need… would be happy to point you to some of my work, and discuss any needs you may have.

By Braves Since '66 Fan

April 10, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

One in defense of Hampton. I don’t think any person, or player, would hurt themselves just to collect the money and not play. Sure, the guy’s arm has gone bad, but how many of us have had serious medical problems and I don’t think we self-inflicted them. I was wounded in Vietnam. I did not run out in front of the bullets to get hit, so that I could get out of combat. I don’t think Hampton is too happy with having to go through all that rehab again to get ready to pitch again. He HAS to perform big time next year, both in innings pitched and quality of his work, or his career will indeed be over at 35, because no one will sign him again. If he comes back and pitches some what decently, like 12-8, 3.50 ERA, 150-180-200 innings, then he will get a contract somewhere. But if he comes back 2-10, 7.50 ERA and 115-150 innings, he’s done. I feel sorry for the guy. I know he wishes he could be out there. I think we all would.

By KC

April 10, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Atlanta is 6-1, and the 4 other teams who have only 2 losses in the NL, have played weaker schedules to this point… with the possibly exception of the Mets.

Arizona and Florida both had a full series against the Nats already to help pad their early win totals. And The Padres had the Giants (who are not getting good pitching), and the Rockies… not exactly the Phillies and Mets.

Anyway, the Braves have been impressive and have the best record in baseball right now… which was enough to bump us all the way up to #10 in Dayn Perry’s power rankings (posted an hour ago)! EVERYONE BREAK OUT THE PARTY FAVORS!!!

Unbelievable. lol

By The Grinch

April 10, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

Thanks for taking that and running with it, Braveheart; now I don’t have to feel so bad. That was hilarious. I’m coming up with stuff for WHIP and VORP but I don’t feel like getting banned…

By KC

April 10, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

GRINCH: Final offer… wanna raise the stakes on that Tim Hudson bet? lol lol lol

By Don Ghan

April 10, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

It’s plumb scary how good Frenchy can be,his bat speed is up there with the best.If he can tame his bad self just a bit look out! there’s no limit to what he could be.Like I said …..SCARY!!!

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 10, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

Grinch:

Don’t you be knocking down Knocka-Homa. He was an icon. Who cares if he occasionally stumbled during his dance, or told, on national television, comely female sideline reporters he wanted to kiss them? Damn, I admired the guy - he had real cajones - did what he wanted when he wanted.

ESPN baseball tonight just posted stats the Nats. They have not scored a run in the first 3 innings of any game. Can’t remember the other sorry stats - bottom line, the Nats SUCK!! If any self respecting team loses a game to them this year, they should have to go to the general population shower in the local prison, and bend over to pick up soap.

By KC

April 10, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

Oh… and I forgot to mention the best part about Dayn Perry’s rankings…

GREAT NEWS!!! WE’RE ONLY 6 SLOTS BEHIND THE DIAMONDBACKS!!! WOW, HOW EXCITING!!!

I knew we’d be better this season, but I never dreamed we might be almost as good as the Diamondbacks!!!

By KC

April 10, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

We’re also aaaaall the way up to #10 at CBS sportsline as well (one behind the Marlins).

Talk about having to earn your respect!!!!!!

By Braves Since '66 Fan

April 10, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Re Braves wins early. I don’t agree with this stuff that, “well, it’s early yet, we will get going.” A LOSS is a LOSS and one less game on the schedule. If you win them early, then they are positive for you later. If you go 15-5 to start, then that 3-5 road trip does not hurt as bad. If you start 10-15, and go 2-5 on that road trip, then you are 8 games under. A win is a win. You take everyone you can get. You win those games you are suppose to win, like 2 of every 3 home games and better against those like the Nationals if possible. Then play .500 on the road and you will have a good season.

By The Grinch

April 10, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

KC, I even screwed up so far as to see him on the fantasy waiver wire the day before the season started and didn’t pick him up. Now I’ve got some butt munch from the Angels killing my team with a 16-something ERA instead. You’re not exactly Nostradamus yet, though; Hampton’s at home munching Percocets as we speak. Unfortunately, we didn’t bet on him. OK, everyone…number 10? It’s time someone filled out a letter to Dayn Perry saying simply:

“Dear Mr. Perry,

you, sir, are a douchebag.”

Signed: The Braves/Man in Black Blog

Whaddaya think?

By Stevo

April 10, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

Restructure the deal Hampton so the Braves can resign Andrew and Smoltzie for 2008. Hampton for the most part has done nothing but run up doctor’s bills the last few years. He is good when healthy, but face it - he needs to go to the Diamondbacks since the snake bites won’t hurt as bad. The 14.5 the Braves owe Hampton this year and 15 million in 2008 needs to spent on players that are not constantly injured. Too bad JS is stuck on this one.

By Braveheart

April 10, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Hudson was darn impressive … Hoping he keeps that up …. If the Braves can win 65% of the 70 or so starts of Smoltz and Hudson, the Braves would only need to get a .500 record out of the rest of the staff to win 90 games …. if the pen keeps it up and Gonzalez gets into a groove, they just win win 95 games this year …. Once you get to the seventh with a lead this year, you feel like the game is over …. If only Gaithright could transfer the power in his legs to his arms, he would be a helluva baseball player ….. Nice to see Gonzalez have a 1,2,3. Very nice …. Frenchy will get 110 RBIs at least this season …. I think in Frenchy/McCann we are watching the reproduction of the Jones boys from 10 years ago ….. I am dying to see Langerhans and Thorman get some at bats already this season ….. I have no idea why they did not pick up the Senators name. The Nationals is such a terrible name. Before they decided to use it, did they stop to think that people would shorten it to call them the Gnats. As the Seinfield SNL skit went, who are the ad wizards that came up with that? ……. As for Druw, I don’t think he is going to make it to the Hammer. All those dives and rough play in center and being overweight is going to take a toll on him in his thirties. It might be like what happened to Griffey (although hopefully not as bad). I think what alot of people do not understand about how remarkable Aaron was is that he averaged over 30 home runs for like 25 years …….. I wish they would stop the P.C. nonsense. I understand it may be degrading to Native Americans but well, I don’t know. It was fun and I loved it. But, then again, I am not a Native American either. Does anyone remember when the train ride around Stone Mountain used to feature Indians attacking the train? When did that stop? I was disappointed when I went out there five or so years ago waiting for it and it never came.

By im from Crackworth

April 10, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Terence Moore is going to write an article saying that Andruw Jones is not black enough to represent Jackie #42?

By The Grinch

April 10, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Scalp, a lot of alcoholics have cojones; they go together somehow. That’s how I wound up totin’ about 3/4 of my career @$$-whuppin’s. BTW, I just got an empty e-mail. I assume that was not the intention?

By KC

April 10, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

GRINCH: I’ll sign that letter!

In my defense (since I’m catching more crap for Hampton than I’m getting credit for calling Hudson)…

Statistically, there was a 90% chance that Hampton would pitch this season. Unfortunately for him and the Braves… he was the unlucky 1 in 10. Sucks. But I’m not embarrassed by going with those odds.

But I never looked toward Hampton as the savoir. I’ve always felt this year’s rotation would hinge on Hudson. Still feel that way.

I figured Hampton would come back, post an ERA somewhere in the 4’s over the first half, but then start turning it on in the 2nd half. I figured by the time September and October rolled around… he’d be a serious weapon again.

But we’ll never know if my predictions of his performance would have been on or off. He never got that chance. Again… that sucks. But hey, if either Davies or Cormier (or both) step up this year, we really won’t feel the loss of Hampton. Let’s hope that’s the case.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 10, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

baby seal also dabbles in web design but is primarily devoted to small engine repair. grinch, remember that braves mascot with the big, plastic, native american head? oh, the humanity! that was not at all pc. tony pena, jr has 4 triples in 8 games and is currently hitting 50 points higher than chipper jones. oh, the humanity! maybe tony pena, jr got chipper’s old equipment when it was discarded. and now, carroll rogers is doing a good job, huh? does carroll rogers enjoy ukulele music? and what is the sound of a toothless ballplayer whistling? and how powerful is this best of cox blog? who is reading this blog? and why is bobby now using tissues? and why has there been no crow report from the carolina coast? if this blog continues to grow and prosper will dob become a franchise? will need a new picture. oh, the humanity!

By Scalp 'em Braves

April 10, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Braves Fan Since ‘66:

You and I have two things in common. We’ve been fans since day one in Atlanta, and according to Grinch, we’re “old farts”. Tis ok - he’s nothing but a young fart.. I’d rather have the wisdom of age than the folly of youth.

I was too young (by one year) to go to Nam. Thanks to you for serving our country, and thanks to all of the men and women serving us now. The jerkwads bashing our military now really peeves me, irrespective of whether one feels we should be over there or not.

KC: quit freakin looking at the power ratings - don’t matter, the season will be decided by the records. Don’t care what the crackheads think about us.

Battery on the computer is dying, and I am fading as well. Night all

By Braves fan 202

April 10, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Man i love the braves, they better sweep the nats. Dayn perry is such a f*. 10th. 10th! Best in majors. Maybe 8-1 will make us look good. Well KC so far your hudson promise is working out. Anyways the rankings will go up if the braves success continues

By Braveheart

April 10, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

Who the heck is Dayn Perry? I have never heard of this guy but you all keep talking about him as if his opinion matters. I just looked him up and saw that he writes for Foxsports.com. Come on, with all the websites out there, why is anyone venturing over to Foxsports.com? Out of all the baseball websites and writers out there, does Mr. Perry and Foxsports.com even crack the top 100 in the power rankings? All you guys referencing Dayn Perry answers the age old philosophical question, if a tree falls in the woods with no one around to see it fall, does it make a sound? By you guys talking about him and his site, you are telling me that the tree does make a sound. Pretty sad.

By KC

April 10, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

Scalp ‘em Braves: “KC: quit freakin looking at the power ratings - don’t matter, the season will be decided by the records. Don’t care what the crackheads think about us.”

I know it Scalp ‘em. I know it. A small part of me can’t entirely stop caring what these idiots have to say about our team. I have a problem. But the first step to recovery is admitting it, right?

By KC

April 10, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

Well, time for me to retreat to my eerie basement, where the walls are covered with Dayn Perry power rankings and newspaper clippings, with “DIE DAYN” written in blood on the ceiling.

Just kidding. I don’t have a basement… that was my garage I was describing. =)

Gotta go nighty-night now. Sweet dreams ya’ll.

By The Grinch, young fart

April 10, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, you didn’t see or get attacked by those indians last time because they’re sneaky…as for Dayn Perry; never read him. Just responding to other posts. By those posts, I can tell I have no need for his opinion. BTW, you’re advocating ignoring him but you just mentioned his name three times in one paragraph. That’s like letting the terrorists win. Just messin’ with ya, man.

Jimmy Smith, are you sure that person you’re thinking of wasn’t Jane Fonda? :-) And if Baby Seal’s good at web design, maybe he could help make Chipper’s glove more like Pena’s. His feet are already webbed.

OK, time to snooze. G’night, all.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 11, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

peeps. all colors. yellow peeps are most popular followed by pink, lavendar, blue, and white. well, journalist has a trunk full of peeps and when the bloggers attend a game together this year the peeps are on jimmy smith! peeps soaked in ball park beer are considered a delicacy (beer is on grinch). now, imagine 50 or so fans soaking up the beer with peeps. this is a camera moment much like mccann’s cans, only better. and chip, “those bloggers are really enjoying those peeps soaked in beer tonight. wow! that guy with the lavendar peep must be about 6’11” and the guy with him must be on radio. and dob is out there with his bloggers tonight. looks like a canned ham he’s working on … ”

By Braveheart

April 11, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

yeah, pretty lame to mention that guy’s name 3 times. I have honestly never read anything he has ever written. Much like you, after seeing what other people on here have to say, I have zero interest. If you ever check out his website like I just did though, be careful and wear sunglasses. The glow off his pasty skin can be harmful to your eyes.

By The Grinch, young fart

April 11, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

I can just see the headline: “Ugandan journalist arrested in Turner Field parking lot with trunkload of Peeps. Small, beflippered Braves fan held for questioning.” Ok, I’M GOING TO BED.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 11, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

Un..Believable!!!…

By TennesseePaul

April 11, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this

In my defense (since I’m catching more crap for Hampton than I’m getting credit for calling Hudson)…

KC: LOL! You had to know it was coming =)

By Lew

April 11, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

SteveO-Let’s get this straight. You’re upset that we’re spending so much money for a chronically injured Mike Hampton and you want to retructure his deal so you will pay all that money and a chunk more additionally and spread it out so we have to pay him for how many more years? What if he is totally ineffective when he comes back next year, almost three full years since he has pitched, or if he can’t even come back at all? So then we can pay him even more years. Are you even aware how completely stupid that suggestion is? Since you are responsible for all of the $29 million anyway, why not just take whatever insurance there is and next year, if he comes back and pitches well, you talk about a new contract at a much reduced rate for 09 and afterward. Dude-You don’t renegotiate a contract on someone who hasn’t pitched for 3 years and may never again.

By snowball's chance

April 11, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this

I missed Francour’s first at bat but that drive to right center was a great at bat. He is getting some quality at bats so far. JS played hardball with his agent. I hope this isn’t something personal between them because I would like the Braves to lock him up If he continues to show improvement.

By Coach

April 11, 2007 1:54 AM | Link to this

For the record , I think Hampton is done. hope I’m wrong , but two elbow surgeries pretty much spells doom for almost every pitcher not named Smoltz. I watched the first six innings of the game and then went to bed confident that the Braves would polish off the last three inning. What a difference a season makes. Who still thinks we should trade Huddy ? I didn’t think so. I spent the entire off season defending the guy and now I’m smelling like a rose , don’t you just love it when your right ! OK , I’ll shut up and stop bragging. 6-1 and the offense is just starting to click. The Indians and Mariners get snowed out for days , the Marlins and Brweres are tied 2-2 in the tenth and will stay that way until after they play their next game. Just how weird is this season going to get ?

By DonCoburleone

April 11, 2007 2:12 AM | Link to this

King James against that National’s lineup, 2-0 start for Chucky anyone???

Man, this is the perfect time to be playing the Nationals. Right between the Mets and Marlins we get to beat up on this sorry excuse for a team. BEAUTIFUL…

HE’S CHUCK JAMES B!!ATCH!

By DonCoburleone

April 11, 2007 2:19 AM | Link to this

“Dude-You don’t renegotiate a contract on someone who hasn’t pitched for 3 years and may never again.”

Lew, the the most rational Braves fan on this blog (when I’m not here anyway), couldn’t agree more. How stupid of an idea is that? Lets face it, Hampton and his contract are just going to be an anchor on this team for another 2 years; lets not make it any more difficult than it has to be…

By DonCoburleone

April 11, 2007 2:30 AM | Link to this

And BTW, is it just me or do the Marlins look like they are for real? If they can find a closer, lookout. They are very solid everywhere else. Starting pitching is excellent. Lineup is very well balanced from top to bottom with alot of young guys who are only getting better(plus super-stud Miguel Cabrera). I say forget the Phillies, the Marlins (and Mets) are the teams along with Atlanta who will be battling all year.

ATLANTA TAKES IT WITH 96 WINS!!!

By Bob, journalist

April 11, 2007 3:59 AM | Link to this

robdawg06

Salary continuation in case of disability is not a question of “deserving” … it’s a question of contractural agreement and the existing “employee” benefit package/agreement then in effect.

While it may be popular to be critical of folks accepting contractural compensation while physically unable to perform their duties … millions of people receive some form of such benefits, worldwide.

It’s like suggesting that any of the players “earn” or “deserve” the money they receive … a matter of perspective.

By Bravo Nam

April 11, 2007 5:44 AM | Link to this

Grinch

Thanks for the welcome back. Braves are into the groove…now on to the Falcs!

By Ron Roberts

April 11, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this

Morning ladies, gentlemen and assorted self-created characters, misfits and former/future felons.

Braves did what they were s’posed to do last night, pure and simple. The Nats have assembled a squad that’s about as potent as a AAA team, in all honesty. For example, I live in New Orleans, and the Mets’ AAA roster here is built comparably. Check this out:

http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2007/04/10/another_recover.html

Put that roster next to the Nats and compare. Rosters both have guys you’ve heard of and haven’t… guys with bright futures and guys who have major league experience.

That being said, we can rave about the Braves’ performance last night as a team and the individual performances and feel proud, or we can take it in stride with a measured response.

I won’t, however, discount how Tim Hudson looked last night. His stuff was filthy good. He had terrific command of his pitches and I’m coming around on my opinion of what to expect from him. To me, he’s always been sort of an enigma since joining the Braves, so a hesitancy to jump on his bandwagon is clearly understandable to all but the rose-tinted spec-wearers. But he looks sharp.

Here’s a question, DOB: is it just me or does Huddy look skinnier than las season? Couldn’t help but notice he looked thinner in his uni last night.

Was good to hear Skip’s voice on the TV last night, too. I’m an old-schooler and just like Skip, Pete, the occasional Ernie Johnson game.

I thnk we’ll know more about our ‘07 Braves after the Marlins’ series this weekend. Those of us who’ve been with this team since before the title run know that every good Braves team has trouble with at least one team that, on paper, we should match up well against, but don’t. We’ve seen what we can do against the Phils, the Mutts and Nats; so how will we fare against the Fish?

No reason not to expect 2 of 3 from ‘em this weekend and a 10-2 start.

And the Bobby Cox naysayers have to tip their hat to the ol’ guy. He out-managed Randolph last weekend. No doubt about it.

KC… good to see ya still standin’ proud in here, bro. You can told ya so us about Hudson, ol’ boy, and good call. I’m almost with ya on him. One more quality start (this time against a team better than the AAA Washington Nationals) and I’m on-board. I reserved my told ya so about Hampton, ‘cause I knew there’d be plenty to jump it without my assistance. Anyhow, good to see ya keeping your head up. Plenty for any true-blue Braves fan to feel positive about, at this point.

By Josh

April 11, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this

WOW. Sad to see the Cash house up in flames. One has to wonder though if old JR didn’t look down from the heavens and bellow, “I’ll be damned if a Bee Gee is movin’ into MY house”…

By Ron Roberts

April 11, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

Sorry… that link SHOULD have been…

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ros&cid=588&stn=true&sid=t588

My bad.

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

David Justice was a little underrated by a lot of people for a while here. Maybe the Braves haven’t invited him back that often because, I don’t know, he has a job during the season.

To get political for a moment… How dare Andruw wear Jackie Robinson’s number. He’s not “African American.” Never mind the fact that he wouldn’t have been allowed to play in the majors before Robinson came along. (See how ridiculous labeling people for political purposes is on either side.)

By Lew

April 11, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

14 IP in two games, 1 ER and only 5 hits. I will wait just a wee bit longer before I proclaim Hudson is back, but damn, he’s looked very good in those two games. Let’s hope Chucky keeps things rolling along. 5 of 7 quality starts and if Chuck had gone one more inning, it would be 6 of 7. Gonzo looked great too, last night. Two of the four balls that were called should have been strikes. The guy was right on. I think this whole pitching staff will continue to impress in a major fashion.

By KC

April 11, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts: Thanks bro. Yeah… history is repeating itself. Anytime a season like Hudson’s 2006 has happened to a healthy, top-tier pitcher over the past 25 years (and it has happened to a number of greats, including Clemens and Smoltz), that pitcher bounced right back the following season.

Looks like Hudson won’t be the exception to the rule, thank God!

Gotta say though… even I was reluctant to predict he’d be this good. I was certain he’d be much better, and said I wouldn’t be surprised if he returned to Oakland form, but I wasn’t betting any money on a return to Cy Young form. It’s still very, very early, but right now he looks like he could compete for a CY this year. It’d be nice to see that particular trophy back in the Braves’ clubhouse.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 11, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

Okay then Shaun… Why don’t we just forget the race thing. That is the problem with all the political correctness. My wife (who is native ameican) says everybody should leave.

Get past your own shortsighted hate and allow the man to be honored by one of the best players in the Braves’ history.

As far as I am concerned the only difference in the racism on the KKK and the Black Panthers is who’s side you are on. So if you are a racist baseball dosen’t need you and the blog dosen’t need you and I sure don’t need you…..

By KC

April 11, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Hey, do you guys realize that Kelly Johnson literally came within an inch of leading the Braves in homers and being tied for 2nd in the NL?

This kid’s got some pop in his bat. I’ll bet he hits 20-plus dingers this year.

By ncscoots

April 11, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Shaun, you gotta start throwing in the “SARCASM ALERT” message for the folks who don’t read a whole post, LOL.

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Gil in Mechanicsville,

I think you missed my point. I was sarcastically taking a shot at those who want to label people “African Americans” or “European Americans” or whatever and who ignore the fact that some people who wouldn’t be labeled “African Americans” still would have been kept out of baseball before Jackie Robinson.

Sorry I brought it up. Just trying to express my view that political correctness and labeling people has gone too far and is ridiculous. To me anyone who wants to honor Jackie Robinson on his day should be allowed to, whether they’re black, white, hispanic, asian, whatever.

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

KC,

Not trying to toot my own horn but I told everyone criticizing Kelly Johnson that everyone would fall in love with him as the secondbaseman and leadoff hitter within a month.

By Bo

April 11, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Good to have you back Ron Roberts or have I just miss your blog.

By Metropolitan Man

April 11, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

“Beauty is in the eys of the beholder”, same thing goes for RACE!!!!

By Metropolitan Man

April 11, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Of course that is EYE of the beholder!!!

By KC

April 11, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

Shaun: I like Kelly Johnson. I think he’s going to be a good big league hitter. However, I’ve gone on record as saying the Braves should pursue a true leadoff hitter with both a good OBP and plenty of speed. That’s not a knock on KJ… it’s just that I’d rather see the Braves hand Langerhans’ job to Johnson, and get a guy like Felipe Lopez to play 2B and lead off.

Again, not advocating getting rid of Johnson. I like him a lot. I’d just rather see him get broken-in at the big league level while hitting at the bottom of the order. Plus, it’d be nice to have a stolen base threat at the top of the order. Essentially, if we got a guy like F.Lopez, he would be replacing Langerhans, not Johnson, since KJ would take over Langehans’ job alongside Diaz in LF.

By Ron Roberts

April 11, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Bo. Nah, just spent the past month or so relocating to New Orleans; ya know how stressful that is, starting a new job, packing, moving, etc.

By Novice Ned

April 11, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

In a 5-0 game, why is Gonzo pitching and Soriano warming up in the bullpen? Cox is at it again. He wore out Reitsma during the first half of the past few seasons, wore out Ken Ray last season and is trying to do the same with Gonzales and Soriano. Why not throw Yates, McBride or Villanueva in a 5-run blow-out? I don’t care how much depth we have in that bullpen, if Cox has these guys warming up or pitching in 2 of every 3 games, their arms will simply fall off.

By Carter G. Woodson

April 11, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

So Andruw is wearing Jackie Robinson’s #42 jersey, huh? Why didn’t the Braves ask one of their African-American players (a true benefactor of Robinson’s legacy) to wear that number? Oh, yeah, that’s right. Never mind.

By caveman22

April 11, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

grinch OK man I got defend Chief Noc-A-Homa. I’m not sure if your referring to the last person who portrayed the character but his name was Levi Walker. He was a great guy and a real community man. I grew up on the southside of Atlanta and Levi lived in the same suburb. He drove around in a car with the Noc-a-Homa and Braves logo’s on his car. He was 24/7 with his gig and he was also a real native American — he was Chippewa Tribe.

He was always active with the kid— cub scouts, little league, church groups and school functions. He did eventually lose his position for missing to many dates “supposedly” but the backside of the truth was the front office had some PC crap going on and that his act was offensive despite the fact that he WAS a Native American and until they took down the TeePee (we all remember the losing streak that followed) he was a MUST SEE for fans of the Braves.

I’m off the soapbox now, but I don’t want Levi Walker slammed as a homeless alcoholic. He was a good man and a credit to his Tribe….and a homeowner.

By Runnin

April 11, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

DOB, I’m sure you noticed where Johnny Cash’s house burned down, just before Barry Gibb could officially move in. It’s too bad for that great house, but probably better off.

By KC

April 11, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

We’re still more than a week away, so somthing could change, but…

It looks like our starters for the next Mets series will be Hudson, James, and Smoltz! =)

By KC

April 11, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Novice Ned: Gonzalez needed to pitch last night. He’s been, by his own admission, a little too revved up early on and has struggled just a bit. He needed to get in a meaningless game where he could lower the adrenaline level and get his mechanics in sync.

As for Soriano… I don’t know why he was warming up. At the time it was only a 4-0 game, so maybe Bobby didn’t want to take any chances.

And as for Yates… I’m in total agreement with you there. If you don’t use Yates in an 8-0 game, then when do you use him??? The Braves like his stuff and his ability, but he’s got to get some innings and get him self right so the Braves can use him in a more meaningful situation if the need arises. I was sure they would take that opportunity to get Yates some work, but they didn’t. I just as perplexed as you on that one.

By Lew

April 11, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

I think the only point that can and should be made on race in MLB is that it is now 60 years after Jackie Robinson broke in. NO ONE is excluded from MLB because of race anymore. Y’all, that’s the way it is-no matter what spin anyone cares to put on it. Amen and Selah. Let’s try to move on.

By Lew

April 11, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Maybe it was Soriano’s turn to throw. He didn’t get in the game, anyway. People-it’s early in the season. We’ve already had two off days, even though we’ve also had two extra innings games. The players shouldn’t be tired yet. Maybe there were other factors that led to Yates sitting. Yes, BC has tended towards using a pitcher maybe more than you would like, but we have many more effective arms this season and he is only (with the exception of Villarreal-not Villanueva) using them one inning at a time. If there was a problem, or if the player was way tired, I think BC would have acted accordingly. They’re big boys and professionals. I don’t think we’re dealing with an overuse situation here.

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

KC,

You know how I feel about speed—it’s nice but not necessary. Speed may help your on-base/out-avoiding ability but And I don’t think Kelly Johnson is exactly slow.

Kelly Johnson is going to be on base all the time in front of Renteria, Chipper, AJ and McCann. And he’ll steal when he has a good chance of being successful. That’s good enough for me.

Also, I think the Braves are fine with Langerhans/Diaz and Kelly Johnson.

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

KC,

Left off some stuff…

You know how I feel about speed—it’s nice but not necessary. Speed may help your on-base/out-avoiding ability but it’s not going to make you a better hitter. Kelly Johnson is a fine hitter. And I don’t think Kelly Johnson is exactly slow.

By caveman22

April 11, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

BC’s tendency to overuse a pitcher had more to do with the fact that he had limited options he felt comfortable with in the bullpen. With the plethora (that’s right a PLETHORA) of arms we have down there now you should see more total bullpen involvement and less of the one-man show from the past.

I also think that considering the pasting the bullpen got in that Mets loss and the need to build momentum, the fact we had a big lead was inconsequential to the need for the Braves “announce their presence with authority”!!

“Alright, give’em the heat —-meat!!” Love that movie!!

It’s the first month of the season, ain’t nobody’s arm hurting but Hamptons and he’s gettin the good drugs to deal with that!!

By journalist jimmy smith

April 11, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

not saying the nats are a bunch of clowns, but now that the braves have faced chico, can harpo and groucho be far behind? and welcome back ron roberts! this should liven up the blog a bit and bring sja out of sja’s shell. and now, bold type we should see some bold type again soon. and where is carroll rogers with an update? seems to know a lot about baseball - a nice addition to this blog. cr can correct bloggers with a gentle touch rather than slamming bloggers to the ground like dob :-). and why not let the position player (2b) in every stadium wear the 42? doesn’t matter what color does it? and were all the eggs removed from the stadium after the egg hunt? and what is the ruling if a ball strikes an easter egg and the fielder fails to make the play? maybe chipper should carry a few easter eggs in chipper’s pocket and chipper could throw an easter egg on the ground anytime chipper fails to make a play. hmmm….

By KC

April 11, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

Shaun: True… KJ is not slow. He’ll probably steal at least 10-15 bases. I also agree that it’s not necessary to go get a speedy leadoff man in order for the Braves to score a lot of runs. I think the Braves will score plenty this year.

But when you chief competitor has something you don’t… your lack of a thing cannot as simply be termed a “luxury”. I just look at the Mets lineup and realize that the speed of Jose Reyes is the only real advantage they have there over the Braves offensively. But if we could get a guy like Felipe Lopez, it would almost entirely close the offensive gap between these two teams.

Lopez stole over 40 bases last year, had a slightly higher OBP than Reyes, and like Reyes, has some pop in his bat (37 homers, 137 RBI over the past 2 seasons). While Reyes gets all the NY press and all the glory… Lopez’s numbers weren’t all that different. And again, if we got a guy like Felipe Lopez… he would essentially replace Ryan Langerhans, not Kelly Johnson. KJ would simply be moved to the back of the order, further strengthening the bottom end of the lineup, as well as the leadoff spot.

The Mets are going to get a lift later in the season when Pedro returns to the rotation and Mota returns to the bullpen. I thought the Braves would get better as Hampton came back and progressed… but of course, that’s not going to happen now.

So as good as the Braves look (and I still think they’re the favorites to win the division)… I would like to see them improve even more at some point during this season, since the Mets almost certainly will.

By Samuel I AM

April 11, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

I want to like David now. That guy ego and his sucking up to the Yankees. I just can’t find it myself to like him as much as I used to. I thank him for the days of past. For now though I can’t stand him.

By caveman22

April 11, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

shaun on base / out avoiding ability????

where the hell is that stat listed?

By fastasballs

April 11, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

About as quick as Soriano started warming the Braves tacked on the extra runs. Glad he didn’t have to come in.

There is no better time to get Yates some work than with an 8-0 lead against the Nats.

I was checking out the Mississippi AA roster & stats a bit ago. Take a look at the future of the Braves. Salty, Reyes, Harrison, Lillibridge, etc. Salty has gotten off to a great start as have a few others. The future looks bright indeed!

By TennesseePaul

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

Now this is cool
Indians Home Opener in Milwaukee

By Carter G. Woodson

April 11, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Lew, you’re right. The fact that a team that plays in a city with Atlanta’s diversity does not have a single African-American player to wear Robinson’s number on the 60th anniversary of him entering MLB is not a story worth mentioning. And no, I’m not trying to incite a “Mike Vick-type” blog riot. Nor am I claiming any insidious reasons that there are no African Americans on the team (I certainly would cringe to see Brian Jordan hobbling around the bases again). But I personally do think it is ironic that many other clubs in far less diverse cities will have direct benefactors of Robinson’s legacy wearing #42 and we won’t.

By KC

April 11, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Francoeur’s batting average: .310

His On-base-%: .310

It’s not too often that you see that from a guy 29 AB’s into the season.

But that’s okay if he keeps hitting like this. If he hits .300 to go along with the 30-40 homers and 100-plus RBI he’ll almost certainly hit… he’ll be a legitimate superstar.

As the league figures out that he can do something with those pitches out away from him now, he won’t get as many of those to hit. So there will be some more necessary adjustments forthcoming. But I think Frenchy will make the all-star team this year. I really do.

In fact… I predict that 4 or 5 Braves will be on the all-star team this year.

Brian McCann is a lock assuming he’s healthy. Other players that will have a great shot at being named to the team, either as a starter or a reserve: Chipper, Andruw, Renteria, Smoltz, Hudson, and Wickman.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 11, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

I’m glad to hear that Ron Roberts could move to a city where he was able to find ‘affordable housing’!!!…

By NationalLeagueEast

April 11, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

So, if Cox keeps using Gonzalez and Soriano as much as he has been, what’s the ETA on their blown elbows/shoulder strains? I’d say July at the latest.

By N8,,,,All of my posts will now be ONLY 1 sentence.

April 11, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Coach

As you know, I was as concerned about Hudson’s “revival” as anybody on this blogosphere.

I will go on the record that SO FAR he’s proved me wrong. However, I still need to see more before I’m thoroughly convinced of his revival.

His sinker looks NASTY like it did in Oakland, and he seems to have his confidence, not to mention command back. His fastball is consistantly in the low-mid 90’s now, it wasn’t last year. So like I said for NOW, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, and temporarily conceed that you were correct.

That being said, the team he just dominated last night is NOT a very good team. I will also remind you that after he started last year with an 0-1 record and a 9.20 ERA through 3 starts, he went on an 11 game stretch, going 6-3 with a 2.76 ERA. Look how the season ended up for him.

Like I said, I need to see more. Truth be told, we (stating the obvious), won’t be able to say “he’s back”, until we see how he’s doing in the dog-day months of July and August when it’s hot and humid in the souther summer months. Stamina and conditioning was his biggest detractor last season. I will point out though (again…stating the obvious), that with THIS bullpen, he should be allowed the luxury of NOT having to go 7-8 innings everytime he takes the moung. That will help him (along with ALL of the starters) out BIG TIME, IMO.

I’ll declare you the winner in the “Tim Hudson Predictions” game we held in the off season…….for now. LOL!

He truly is a joy to watch pitch when he is ON his game.

BTW: My uncles (you know, the ones who don’t know anything about baseball after being season ticket holders for the Mariners since 1984), have BOTH begged for the return of Soriano. LOL! HoRam got his butt saved with the “snow out” game that wasn’t a complete game last week. After that performance along with a mediocre (at best) spring, apparently hasn’t given the city of Seattle any confindence in that trade.

But fair is fair, if I’m stating we can’t judge Tim Hudson after 2 starts, it surely isn’t fair to judge HoRam in a new city. Just thought I’d razz you a little bit.

By Josh

April 11, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Every non-white player is a “benefactor”. JJS has the best idea. Honoring the player by having his number worn by every second baseman would be more appropriate. I would suggest that singling out “black” (is that word a no-no? can’t keep up) players to wear the number is bigotry in and of itself, prolonging the problem. Reality is that ALL people involved in baseball including fans are benefactors because we now get to have the best players in the world to watch, regardless of color. Without Jackie a large percentage of the great players we have today wouldn’t be here, INCLUDING ANDRUW, which means the product would be lessened for all of us…Carteryou, sir are quite racist whether you choose to ackowledge it or not. That is all I will speak on this topic. Carry on…

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

April 11, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

The one thing that impressed me about Francoeur last night was how he made adjustments within the game. He swung at the first pitch in the first inning, which he shouldn’t have done of course. In his second AB he took a more patient approach and looked at some pitches from Chico. In his third AB he took a couple of pitches and did exactly what good hitters do and went the other way with two strikes. In his fourth AB he sat on a pitch expecting that the Nats would come inside since he went the other way the previous at-bat and he slammed that pitch. Yes, I wish he would walk more but considering he is hitting 5th or 6th in the lineup. His ability to drive in runs is more important than getting on base.

And, as for K. Johnson, he may not be tearing it up yet but he is getting on base and that is what a leadoff hitter does. He gets on base.

By KC

April 11, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

NLEAST: Calm down. The first 6 games were mostly close contests against division rivals. Those guys will get plenty on nights off.

Again, the only reason Gonzalez was in last night is because he needed a low-adrenaline outing.

By flbravesgirl

April 11, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Great article, TennPaul.

A standing ovation for the Brewers’ staff & the fans up there!

By N8.....the bible length posts are BACK!

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

OOOPS!

I guess I didn’t hold true to my moniker on that last post.

It was a little longer than one sentence. Guess I coulda left out the periods and made it one big run-on sentence.

By Mitchell

April 11, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

I had that same thought about the All-Star team this morning. I feel good about Frenchy and McCann; and Smoltz and possibly Hudson, making the team. We’ll have to wait and see on the others. Andruw and Chipper still haven’t shown very much at the plate, and they don’t have long to prove that they are worthy of being All-Stars this year. The ASG really puts the spotlight on people that get off to hot starts, and break into the national headlines early. Francoeur and McCann will almost certainly do that if they keep up their level of play.

By Josh

April 11, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

KC, don’t forget Soriano. I know it’s tough for setup men to get noticed but if he gets to midseason throwing like this he may have an ERA that sounds like a bingo number. If that happens he’ll likely make it.

By TONY

April 11, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

MR. MOORE U R A UNCLE TOM. I HAVE NO RESPECT FOR U. U NEED TO THINK ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAT MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR U TO BE IN THE POSITION THAT U ARE IN. U NEED TO B FIRED

By caveman22

April 11, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

TONY U R A AS$CLOWN. E V E R Y BLACK MAN DOES NOT HAVE TO BE YELLING F I R E I M U S TO BE IN LINE WITH HIS ASSOCIATES. CALLING HIM AN UNCLE TOM IS THE SAME TYPE OF RACIST REMARK AS NAPPY HEADED HO IS.

YOU SHOULD BE FIRED, BUT FIRST YOU NEED A JOB!!

By caveman22

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

U R ALSO ON THE WRONG BLOG

By ncscoots

April 11, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

The Marlins are “solid at every position”? You mean, with the likes of Borchard, De Aza, Cody Ross, Josh Willingham, Mike Jacobs, Miguel Olivo, that kind of solid? Not exactly the lineup to invoke fear, would you say?

By NationalLeagueEast

April 11, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

KC - you know if either Gonzalez or Soriano goes down, this bullpen is just like last year’s.

By JasonInMaine

April 11, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

KC, you still out there?

By Coach

April 11, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

N8 , you once again fail to understand the obvious. Hudson was flat out near unhittable last night. It made no difference what team he was pitching to , he was on his game. his splitter was coming in knee high and diving down to their shoe tops. The Mets would have fared no better than the Nationals did. hell , I didn’t even watch the last three innings. I knew the game was over in the sixth and hit the sack.

By Rodger

April 11, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

caveman, hate to have to agree with you for once, but you are right about Noc-A-Homa. He came to several of our little league functions, in various forms of regalia. Was genuinely interested in the kids and the programs.

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

KC,

I think Reyes get more press than Lopez, yes, because he’s in NY but also because Reyes hasn’t peaked yet so he’s likely to get even better.

Felipe Lopez is a great player, but he’s not likely to get much better and the Braves would not only have to give him more money than whoever he’s replacing (I think), they would also have to give up a quality player to get him. I don’t think it’s worth it considering they have a good lineup already.

By David O'Brien

April 11, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

It’s good to occasionally watch a game on TV, since you get to watch the replays and often see more than when you’re actually out there tapping away on notebook, game story, etc, and don’t get to see every angle on the broadcast.

I say that because watching Huddy last night, damn, he’s walking the walk after talking the talk _ saying all the right things last fall and all winter _ about how determined he was to get back to what he was. The splitter is a huge difference _ he said this spring he was throwing it effectively, with confidence, for the first time since his next-to-last season with Oakland, which was also his last beginning-to-end dominant season.

Also, someone asked me if he looked thinner this year than last. That’s just the uniform. He’s a little more muscular this season in the shoulders and legs, certainly not thinner. He’s in great shape. Just a small guy, not like a typical pitcher. But Oswalt’s pretty small, too, and Wagner’s not big at all. They’re not as thin as Huddy, but they’re not big guys, not what you expect from power pitchers. Clemens, he’s huge. And Smoltz, Lowe, Penny, Zambrano, and so many others are big guys about 6-2 to 6-5, with generally wide hips and powerful lower bodies.

OK, had to get online to offer this when I saw it. From this day in history, an amazing stat:

1996 _ With a 2-1 loss to the Padres away from home, Greg Maddux’s major league record of road victories is halted at 18. The Braves ace was 18-0 with an ERA under 1.00 per game in 20 regular-season road starts dating back to July of 1994.

AMAZING.

And JJS, you think I’m too rough on certain bloggers? You like Carroll’s gentle touch better? Maybe you’re just too sensitive. What do you guys think? I don’t think I’m too rough, not given the bloggers I respond to in that way. I disagree entirely with JSS on that one.

By Rodger

April 11, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

KC,

May be early yet. Lets hope that you can say told ya.

Frenchy really had me going last nite after Andruw walks on 4 straight, then he swings at the first (bad) pitch. Had me cussin up a storm! I guess he made up for it, but…

By caveman22

April 11, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

RODGER He was great. And he was one of the Fastest guys I ever saw. One of my next door neighbors went with me to a game and put his watch on stopwatch and we timed Noc-a-homa from the mound to the left field wall. That’s about 100 yards and he was clockin it at about 13 secs. And he was close to 40 at the time.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 11, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

The Houston Astros were the first team to win a World Series in 50 years without a single ‘black’ player on the team since the Yankees…so it’s not just the Atlanta Braves…

With approximately 9% of all players in MLB being black, around 50% in the NFL, and damn near 100% of all players consisting of ‘blacks’ in the NBA…it appears to be more about preference, or choice, of which sport with which ‘blacks’ participate in, rather than the idea that ‘blacks’ are kept out of MLB because of being ‘black’. I must also disagree with AJC’s racially tuned columnist Terence Moore’s assertion that ‘black’ children are prevented from playing baseball because their parent’s, mostly single mothers, just can’t afford to spend money on things needed for their children to be able to play, thus ‘black’ kids have no chance of making it to the MLB level…insert Expletive!!!…I suppose that all those skinny, barefoot Latin kids that use bottle caps for baseballs and broom handles for bats pretty much slam the door shut on that excuse by Mr. Moore…there are poor children everywhere…if you need to observe this for yourself, just take a little trip into the hills of Appalachia, and take a look around…

I’ve never had a racist bone in my body…but this crap is getting old in a hurry, and very childish, on all fronts…If A$sClowns such as Michael Richards, Mel Gibson, and Don Imus would keep their ignorant pieholes shut…and self-righteous, hypocritical loudmouths like Jesse Jackson, Tavis Smiley, and Al Sharpton would stop fanning the flames of racism, and riding it as far as they can…Things might begin to change for the better…we all were created from the same blood…so grow up America!…

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

shaun on base / out avoiding ability????

where the hell is that stat listed?

caveman22,

Plenty of people on this blog have heard this song and dance, but time for some more education. This is a fact that should be more evident in baseball: For a long time batting average was the standard because people seem(ed) to think it measures how much a hitter succeeds and fails. But the stat that actually measures success and failure (whether a hitter makes an out or doesn’t) is OBP. OBP takes into account all aspects of avoiding outs (hits and walks) while batting average does not (AVG only takes into account hits in non-walk, non-sac plate appearances).

I think a big reason the sabermetric community gets a bad rap is because of the misconception about on-base percentage. People seem to think, “getting on-base isn’t everything.” No one ever said it was. But OBP is not just measuring getting on base, but also out-avoiding ability. (1-OBP=Out Percentage.) It seems the people that have a problem with OBP as an important stat don’t understand this concept.

When you think about it, though, it’s common sense that avoiding outs would be the best way to create scoring opportunities. You only get so many outs, they are baseball’s only finite resource, so you have to make your move before you use up all those outs.

By David-ATL14

April 11, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Shaun, before you get carried away with the self congratulations about KJ, harken back to a short time ago when armed with your precious stats and no understanding of the game , you waxed less than poetic about the “market” for Giles how many teams with high dollar offers would battle for Giles and his services, you just couldn’t understand why JS would not pay Giles 6m+ per when there were 20 other teams just waiting to get the chance to overwhelm Giles with a long term high dollar contract.

Alas, forward to actual major league GM’s who know a little more than the geeks at Baseball Prospectus and Giles has only 2 teams that make actual offers for much less than the Braves were paying Giles.

Just a little context for the denziens of the blog.

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

O’Brien, I think you’re a nappy-headed ho…oops, can’t say that.

By caveman22

April 11, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

DOB You know where I stand on smartassing.

You gotta keep your PIMP hand strong and Smack A Blogger UP.

Remember LUKE , the POWER of the DARK SIDE is STRONG!!

By TennesseePaul

April 11, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Nathan: In HoRam’s defense, the runs scored were all unearned. He would have ended that game with a zero ERA and one loss. It was like DeRo was backing him up again. But whatever, we need more time for all of this to unfold. But I can’t complain with the way it’s starting.

I’ve never understood the Uncle Tom remarks. First, why the idiot is talking to Terrance Moore on DOB’s blog, with Carroll Pinch Blogging. You can’t get much further off base than that and still be considered on the field, so to speak. And Secondly, I’ve read the novel. The character was a stand up guy. He had honor. Other characters in the novel did not. The situation he was in was not the best mark in American history, but he stood tall anyway. I guess I need to put on my blind-rage goggles to get a better view. But whatever. The remarks have no place on this blog.

flbravesgirl: When I read that article I wanted to go up there and watch a game myself. Sounded like a good time and a great tribute to baseball in general.

By MBATL

April 11, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Lots of flashbacks to my childhood in this blog! Caveman, I also grew up on the southside (East Point), and Noc-A-Homa (Walker) came to our school and represented the Braves really well. And Braveheart, you mean that Indian attack at Stone Mountain wasn’t real? I’ve been afraid of trains, Indians, and huge mounds of granite since 1969!

Also, I’ve still got a “scrapbook” I kept in ‘69 - used to clip the pics and headlines out of the AJC and glue them into the book - it turned out to be a magical year (until the playoffs).

Anyway, end of trip down memory lane.

On the Jackie Robinson tribute: Black latin players were direct beneficiaries of Robinson’s efforts. There were white latins in MLB for decades, but Minnie Minoso was the first “black latin” in the league, in 1949, and he wouldn’t have been there without Robinson’s breaking the color barrier in ‘47. So, it’s quite appropriate that AJ represent the Braves in honoring Jackie.

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Carter G. Woodson,

I think there are a few benefactors of Robinson’s legacy—players that would not have been allowed to play in the majors before Robinson. They are just not what have come to be known as “African American.”

By the way, what do we now call a white African that immigrates to America? This is confusing. How about we not label people based on political convenience? There’s a concept!

By caveman22

April 11, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

SJA It’s getting scary but I’m right there with you all the way on that one. We played one-on-one with a tennis ball and broom handle with a piece of plywood propped against the fence as the “stike” zone. We peppered the house across the street so bad it looked like somebody had done a “drive by” on it.

I do notice that the protest marches are getting smaller and smaller. I think the rhetoric only sounds a big because of the news coverage and not so much the movement behind it.

Damn that’s two intelligent and well thought out posts in one day.

What the F**K is that about?

And now ——- back to the A-town A-clown!!!

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 11, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

DOB—-I know TheSouthernJackAss’s opinion doesn’t matter because no one cares, and no one likes me…but I don’t think you’re rough enough in handling these As$Clown bloggers, you tolerate far more ignorant crap than I would…Hell! It makes my day when you come in here and slap TheJackAss around!…I live for this!!…

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

David-ATL14,

I’m not sure how many teams made offers to Giles or at least contacted him or his agent. If you could find that information, I’d love to see it.

I don’t recall saying Schuerholz was dumb for not offering $6 million for Giles. Maybe I did. I think I probably did say I think it would be smart for the Braves to keep Giles but I probably didn’t look into it in-depth enough.

I do think a lot of teams would love to have a 2B like Giles for the right price. Giles should be one of the better 2B in the game this season.

By The Grinch

April 11, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Jeez, I was just having a little fun with the Cheif; didn’t realize it would develop into this. Actually, I didn’t know squat about him, so thanks for the info. And I was also not bashing him for alcoholism, that would be a rather silly thing for The Grinch to do. I always liked what I perceived to be “The ol’ sot.” Loved him as a kid, and hate the fact he lost his job over political correctness, which is by and large a bunch of hooey in my opinion. For god’s sake they even got rid of Bernie Brewer’s beer. What the hell’s a “brewer” supposed to slide into, a cup of green tea? I HATE that crap. Now the Braves aren’t black enough. Well, I’m a Grinch and you don’t hear me b*** about the lack of green people in pro sports, do you? Take that somewhere else. OK, I gotta get some work done; props to Shaun for not responding to us about last night. And JJS, Wicky coming to the mound with a mouth full of Easter eggs tonight instead of chaw? Or maybe chaw on one side and eggs on the other. Yargh! Scary thought. Later.

By N8.....the bible length posts are BACK!

April 11, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Coach

TAKE THE COMPLIMENT/CONSESSION!!!

I said he looked AWESOME last night and he did. I believe he is back. But I’m not gonna get excited about it, until he’s made about 10 starts.

OK. I lied. I’m ALREADY excited about it. LOL!

But he also had a complete game shutout last year in about his 6th start of the season (against Colorado a pretty good offensive team themselves), where he allowed ONE HIT

Fact: He looked GREAT last night.

Fact: He lookS great so far in BOTH starts.

Fact: It’s STILL only 2 starts (one against arguably the WORST team in baseball).

Fact: He had a few dominant starts LAST YEAR as well after his 3 game swoon to start the season.

Call me a Debbie Downer, a pessimist, an A$$…whatever you want to call me.

I’m calling myself: Cautiously optomistic. I’m a realist. Sorry.

I HOPE TO HELL you’re right and I’m worrying for nothing. It will ge a GREAT year to be a Braves fan if that happens.

Kelly Johnson has 2 HR and JUST MISSED another, that would’ve given him 3, last night. That would’ve put him “on pace” to hit 64. As it stands, he’s “on pace” to hit 46. Do you REALLY think that’s gonna happen?

Like ANY season, we won’t have a good idea of how things might turn out until the season is about 1/3 of the way done.

PS: Alex Rodriguez is “on pace” for 138 HR and 347 RBI. Add to that, that Francoeur is on his way to a 208 RBI season. I gonna go out on a limb and say that he won’t end up with those numbers after 162 games. LOL!

By TennesseePaul

April 11, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

When did the Astros win a WS?

By "D" in Houston

April 11, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

David Justice never should have pushed to the Yankees if you ask me…..we seem to always do anything and everything for our pitchers but consistently let the wrong hitters go…..Gee….Haven’t we lost alot of close games with Runners in Scoring Position? Damn clutch hitters!!

By Coach

April 11, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

African - American is a misnomer. Simply put , if your black , born on American soil , your a black-American. Which of course makes me an Anglo-American , Mexican-American , Native-American , black-American…….Ridiculous isn’t it ? I’ll just stick with American and leave the confusion to the politically correct yo yo’s.

By Lee

April 11, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

on cold pizza on espn they still are picking the mets and phillies to finish ahead of the braves and now the marlins too. thats fine. i hope we can keep playing at this clip. at what point though are people going to say, “hey, their rotation is pretty solid, their bullpen ace, and their lineup was one of the tops in the league last year”?

but how do you start the season 6-1 and fall in predictions from 3rd to 4th? our team is good. give us a little credit. lets see where things are in two months.

By Micah

April 11, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

DOB - I see a bit of hostility in your posts from time to time but, in general, your “being real” goes both ways as I see you giving the love to those who are elder postmen (and women!).

I have always felt that Huddy was very deliberate in his preparations and his confidence of wanting the ball in his hands for nine innings. I can only hope that he stays healthy for a whole season because I know he wants nothing more than to exceed here in Atlanta where he grew up being a fan.

Lookin forward to Patty this weekend!

Go Braves!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

April 11, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Southern Jackass,

12:22 post: I’ve been noticing for a while now that there’s more to the Jackass than what the occasional crude, vile bit(h-Slapping sessions lead many people to believe about you. While I still don’t condone some of the nasty tirades you put forth, I must admit you seem like a very intelligent specimen. Excellent post.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 11, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul—TheJackAss’s mistake…I meant to say “team to play in a World Series”…referring to the Astros’ ‘05 appearance…but at least you read my post…

By Jim

April 11, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Since nobody east of SF is in a mood to “celebrate” Bonds breaking the HR record, why not celebrate Hank Aaron this year. If not MLB, then at least the Braves should celebrate Aaron’s record and his contributions to the game and to society. He was in the second wave of black players to integrate MLB, but still had to suffer many of the indignities that his predecessors faced. He also had to face the threats and taunts that came with being a black player breaking the most revered record by the biggest legend in the sport.

Baseball and the Braves should make this year the time to remember and celebrate Aaron for his accomplishments and for Aaron the person while he still holds the record and while he (unlike Robinson) is still around to reflect on it and enjoy it.

For starters, the message board could highlight during each game that “on this date in history ..Aaron achieved this or that milestone or had this or that accomplishment”.

By flange1

April 11, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

DOB,

You are not too rough! You put up with so much crap, then you tell the blogger the way it is, I personally like that.

SJA,

Your 12:22 post is very acurate and articulate. I wish more folks ofa all races creeds colors would listen and learn from the SJA!!!

By Coach

April 11, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Alright N8 , the reason I am so sure about Hudson is because I know what and why he struggled last season. There was nothing wrong with his arm or basic mechanics , he simply wore down , he got older and didn’t keep his legs strong enough(Hudson said as much himself). Check his game log’s from 2006 , he could not string more than four quality starts together all season( he did that just once ). He worked his butt off in the gym during the off-season building his legs back up and thats why he looks so dominant and barring injury will continue to do the same all season. By the way , the Braves have five quality starts in seven games , James would have contributed one more but due to his high pitch count Cox pulled him after five innings. If the rotation of Smoltz , James , Hudson and Davies keeps this pace up(I can dream can’t I ?) they will blow the doors off the division race and run away with the N.L. east.

By Richard Cory

April 11, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

SJA—per 12:22 post—amen. Preach it brother. The truth apparently, does not ‘set everyone free’.

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

caveman22,

Hope you saw the out-avoiding/on-base ability post. Seems to be a lot going on here today. I don’t know much, but I do think grasping out-avoiding/on-base is a pretty important thing and some still want to rail against OBP.

By rammerjammer

April 11, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Here’s an interesting article about Elvis Andrus, taken from The Sun News in Myrtle Beach.

Apr. 5—LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The two plays came on consecutive batters during the muted hum of a spring training game, yet they spoke ever so loudly about the blossoming talent that is Myrtle Beach Pelicans shortstop Elvis Augusto Andrus.

The first was a coverage play with a runner on first. The runner broke for second and catcher Clint Sammons, with a blurry-fast release, fired a laser to the front of the second base bag.

Andrus gracefully moved to the ball and picked the short-hop throw with such ease it might as well have been a sedentary grape on the vine.

With astonishing quickness, he flicked his glove down and into the runner for the out.

Not bad for an 18-year-old middle infielder.

Not bad for a player at any age.

The next batter lofted a popup to left field that drifted toward the foul line.

Andrus, with superb anticipation and an explosive first step, seemed to just materialize in the outfield, his back to the plate.

Two steps from catching the ball, he smoothly angled his body, taking the ball out of the sun and making the catch appear far easier than it was.

It was yet another instance in a growing portfolio of why the young Venezuelan is the pick of the litter when it comes to the young shortstops in the Atlanta minor league system.

“Elvis probably has more of the tools we look for than what the other fellows we have,” said Paul Snyder, the director of baseball operations for the Braves. “I think that’s what’s going to separate him from the rest.”

While most American kids his age are busy planning for their prom, Andrus will take the field tonight as the Pelicans starting shortstop against the Wilmington Blue Rocks at Coastal Federal Field.

“I’m looking forward to playing in Myrtle Beach and helping the Pelicans win,” Andrus said.

The road to Myrtle Beach

Andrus is entering his third season in professional baseball.

You should think about that for a moment.

Think of the many cultural obstacles that stand in the way of Latin players who come to the United States to play professional ball.

Think of the language problems. Think of the dietary changes and the different pace and the lack of family and friends to help in the difficult times that come from living and working in a far-off place.

Now think about facing all of that at the age of 16.

That’s how old Andrus was when he signed with the Braves on Jan. 26, 2005 as a non-drafted free agent.

Even before Andrus turned 16, the word already was out about the shortstop prodigy from Maracay, a coastal city just west of Caracas, with natural gifts and immense desire for the game.

At 16, the competition among the major league teams for his services already was feverish.

It came down to the Texas Rangers and the Braves. he worked out for both.

The word around baseball is the Rangers, despite owner Tom Hicks’ penchant for ridiculously overspending for players, under-sold their interest and low-balled their offer to the young shortstop.

The Braves, in the person of then director of player development Dayton Moore, made no such mistake.

Moore saw the good hands and great feet. Moore saw the strong arm and the kid’s intellectual grasp of the game. Moore saw an advanced offensive approach and a kid with a great makeup for the rigors of the full baseball season.

Moore saw a player that projected as a major league shortstop.

“I had a chance to sign with the Rangers, but when Dayton Moore come to Venezuela and see me in the tryout, he say, ‘I want to sign you today’,” Andrus said. “In the next two or three days, we talked with both teams and I signed with the Atlanta Braves.

“And I’m very happy.”

With the Braves, the first professional stop for a Latin player of such a tender age would be the club’s summer league team in the Dominican Republic.

But Andrus’ social skills were as advanced as his playing skills and the Braves brought him to the United States to play on their team in the rookie-ball Gulf Coast League.

“His maturity is beyond his years,” Snyder said. “He didn’t go to the Dominican summer league. He came right over here and played.”

There was a pause as Snyder considered his own words and the story they told.

“My gosh,” he said, barely keeping the amazement from his own voice.

Andrus played in 46 games in the GCL, hitting .295 and played the final six games of the season in Danville.

In 2006, Andrus played for former Pelicans skipper Randy Ingle at lower Class A Rome. Asked about Andrus, Ingle’s eyes grew wide.

“He is the genuine thing,” Ingle said.

Andrus hit .265 in 111 games last season, belting 25 doubles and driving in 50 runs from the No. 2 spot in the batting order — the same spot he will occupy in Rocket Wheeler’s batting order.

“I like the way he works the ball the other way,” Franklin Stubbs said one day while watching Andrus taking batting practice during spring training. Stubbs was particularly impressed with Andrus’ balance and his shortened approach with two strikes.

“He’s surely ahead of the game,” Stubbs said, echoing the sentiment of the Atlanta player development staff.

Indeed, Andrus is squarely at the center of the Braves search for their next major league shortstop.

He has the size (6-foot, 185) and skill-set of the modern major league shortstops.

He lists Edgar Renteria, Miguel Tejada and Derek Jeter as his favorites at the position.

“We have similar skills, I think,” Andrus said. “I look at those guys and I see me in a few years.”

And so do the Braves

“We all think that Elvis is going to be that kind of guy, as well,” said Braves assistant general manager Frank Wren.

Andrus is the primary reason that Diory Hernandez is now playing second base and the Braves’ desire to get Andrus a full season and 400 at-bats in the Carolina League is why Brent Lillibridge is playing at Double A Mississippi.

Yunel Escobar is above Andrus at Triple A Richmond, but he’s not in front of him.

“Right now, he’s the shortstop who really is deciding where other guys are playing in the system,” Snyder said.

Andrus is aware of the expectations and seems to relish the opportunity to meet them.

“I’m really glad other people think that about me, but I never have any pressure,” Andrus said. “I just go to the field and play baseball. I just try to enjoy the game. That’s when I’m happiest.

“If it’s a bad day, I let it go. If it’s a good day, I just go straight to the field the next day.”

He’s 18.

You should think about that for a moment.

By KC

April 11, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

NL EAST: “KC - you know if either Gonzalez or Soriano goes down, this bullpen is just like last year’s.”

Nothing could be further from the truth. This bullpen was already very different before the Gonzalez trade. Assuming Gonzalez’s roughness over his first few outings means nothing (and that’s exactly what I believe… then it would not devastate this pen to lose either Soriano or Gonzalez for a time.

We’d still have a dominant setup man and a dominant closer to go along with some other good arms in the pen. And if any one relieve goes down, we’ve got several good options at Richmond to fill in: Peter Moylan, Phil Stockman, and as soon as they get healthy… Blaine Boyer and Tanyon Sturtze.

Obviously it would hurt to lose a pitcher the caliber of Gonzalez or Soriano for any length of time, but the bullpen would still look NOTHING like last year’s pen looked for most of 2006.

Hell, even if Wickman went down, we’d be fine since both Soriano and Gonzalez can close.

Now let me ask you this… what would happen to the Mets bullpen if Wagner went down? That’s a scenario much more likely to resemble the 2006 Atlanta bullpen.

By Mr. J

April 11, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

We’ve seen plenty of imposters on this blog, but this is the first time an impersonation has been an improvement. This new SJA simply cannot be the same fool I used to have to scroll past.

By sammy miller

April 11, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

I actually am Birkheads father!

By David O'Brien

April 11, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Funny stuff today, people. Makes me realize what a wondeful, motley assemblage of intellectuels, pseuds and most of us somewhere in-between that we have here. Great discourse.

And as frightening as this would have seemed at times in the past, I’ve gotta say the SJA had made some succinct and astute points that I agree with. (Damn, do I have time to take that back before I hit the “post” button….)

By ncscoots

April 11, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Even if David body-slammed every poster on the blog for absolutely no reason other than his own desire to do so, that still wouldn’t make him too rough. Hey, it’s his blog…have at it.

Frankly, I find his restraint admirable. He probably reads most of, if not all of, the posts here. Meaning he is constantly subjected to the blustering blowhards, the blindingly obtuse, and the hopelessly baseball-bereft that the rest of us leisurely scroll past without another thought (Oh, yeah…I’m sure that somebody probably includes me in that eminently-scrollable group, too, LOL). The fact that the man is not totally snarky ALL the time is a tribute to his character :-)

By N8

April 11, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Coach

“If the rotation of Smoltz , James , Hudson and Davies keeps this pace up(I can dream can’t I ?) they will blow the doors off the division race and run away with the N.L. east.”

AMEN to that. See, we can agree once in a while. :-)

I agree with you, as far as “why” he struggled last year. Not to mention, he was his own worst enemy, by throwing to many pitches due to control issues EARLY in games. Thus, even if he was effective, having to come out of games too soon, or getting hammered in the 7th or 8th inning due to being out of gas.

I hope you are right about his conditioning and what not. I just worry that with how skinny he is that when it comes to the hot summer months he just flat out dehydrates himself, going through the rigorous duties a starting pitcher goes through. Oakland doesn’t come close to the heat that he has gone through in Hotlanta.

But then again, that’s my theory and I’m no doctor, so what the hell do I know? LOL!

By brent

April 11, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

LaRoche not in the line-up today - against a right-hander (Adam Wainwright).

I wish no ill will on LaRoche (or the Pirates), however, it doesn’t hurt my feelings to see him get off to a slow start, while our bullpen is shutting our opponents down.

By Lew

April 11, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Carter-I think Josh pretty correctly stated the case. There is plenty of diversity on the Braves, as well as everywhere else in MLB. There are no all white teams, which is how it should be. Unless you can site a specific example of a player of any race, color, or any other possible area of diversity, who has been denied a chance to perform in MLB because of any of these criteria, then you have no leg to stand on. I repeat. NO ONE is denied a roster spot in MLB because of race. If you can’t see this then I don’t know how to put it to you in any other fashion. This is 2007, not 1947. Andruw is a perfect choice for this honor. I would imagine, if you really chose to look, that HIS ancestors were originally from Africa, too. In 1946 he would have been excluded from the game just as if he had been from Mobile, Ala.

By N8

April 11, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

KC

Well said in your 1:31 post.

You can throw Paranto into the mix of IMPROVEMENTS over last years pen as well. The second half of last year he really came on, and apparently has continued that into this season.

The ONLY flaw I see is McBride. Not that he is a flawed player. But last year he was nothing more than a situational lefty. There is nothing wrong with that. But at his age (especially for a guy that they allegedly contemplated using in the rotation), I would’ve hoped that he’d have come up with an “out” pitch against righties.

Not only has he NOT done that, I don’t think he’s looked as effective against the lefties early in the year so far. I’m not sure how much longer Bobby/JS will “waste” a roster spot on him, if he continues to be as inconsistant as he has so far. Oh wait. Judging by how long Reitsma was on the 25 man roster, it may take a TOTAL collapse on his behalf. LOL!

By KC

April 11, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

Lee: I am wholly amazed and utterly mystified by what the national media has seen (and apparently continues to see) in the Phillies, and what they don’t see in the Braves.

The Phillies lost a couple of pieces in their lineup over the winter. And don’t forget that Bobby Abreu played a role in their run production for much of last year, and he obviously wasn’t in their opening day lineup as he was last season. What I’m saying is that it seems likely to me that they won’t score quite as many runs as they did last year.

And I’m still scratching my head over their “greatly improved pitching”. Freddy Garcia could very well wind up having a very good season for them… but there’s no guarantee of that whatsoever. He had an ERA around 4.50 last year, and is moving from a pitcher’s park to a hitter’s paradise. I find it very unlikely that he’ll outperform Atlanta’s 3rd starter, Chuck James. And Adam Eaton? ADAM EATON??? Are you kidding me?

Bottom line… their offense will be good, but not quite as good as last year. I like Brent Myers and Cole Hamels a lot, but the rest of their rotation is suspect right now. Their bullpen is not good, and their defense is average at best. I think they’ll turn it around to some degree and will win well over 80 games… but that’s not going to be nearly enough to hang with Atlanta and NY.

As for what the national media doesn’t see in the Braves… As good a rotation 1-3 as any in the majors. The back end of the rotation looks stable as well between Davies, Cormier, and Redman. The bullpen is as good or better than any in the game. And their offense is grossly underrated. Yes, I know, I know… the bats have started slow. That won’t remain the case. In fact the Nationals gave them a nice jump-start last night. If Chipper’s healthy, this team will easily finish top 3 or 4 in the league in runs scored.

All of these things seem clear as day to me. Maybe there’s something the national media types see, that I’m blind to. Or maybe they’ve been blind and are slow and reluctant to admit it.

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Lew,

I guess when you use a vague term like ‘race,’ it’s easy to say there are not enough players of a particular ‘race’ in the majors. Race can be defined however one chooses, which is why I prefer to use ‘skin-color discrimination’ over ‘racism.’ You are saying much more when you use ‘skin-color discrimination’ and I believe it’s more accurate.

I think if you rewind to before Jackie Robinson, the criterion for keeping certain players out of the majors had to do with skin color and skin color only. The evidence is that players from a Latin American country who were light-skinned would have been allowed to play while players from the same country with darker skin were not.

By KC

April 11, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

N8: I think Hudson’s a little better adjusted to the climate than he was when he first came here.

I don’t think wearing down we saw from Hudson both late in games and late in the season had nearly as much to do with climate as it had to do his performance early in games and throughout the season.

He wore himself out by giving up hits and walks, forcing him to work much harder early on than he ever had to in the past.

Besides… the bullpen greatly changes the demands places on our starters. There won’t be any pressure on our starters to pitch tired. This year when a starter gets tired, he leaves the game. What a concept!!! I’d forgotten how that was supposed to work. lol

By Arkansas Hillbilly

April 11, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

DOB

First off, I have to mention how great it was to hear Skip’s voice during the telecast lastnight. Listening to him, Pete, and Ernie Johnson is a part of my chilhood that I will miss significantly once this season is over. No radio coverage in Arkansas for me to listen to.

Now, DBT. Is it just me or does the song, “Goodbye” on the album A Blessing and A Curse take on a whole new meaning now??? Listen to it again and apply it accordingly.

By NationalLeagueEast

April 11, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

With all due respect, the Braves have only really played one good team so far. The Phillies are a mess right now, and let’s be honest, anyone can beat the Nationals. So yes, 2 out of 3 from the Mets is impressive, but it is way too early to start claiming the Braves are “back.”

By Lew

April 11, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Shaun-It really doesn’t matter what term you apply. Their is plenty of diversity in Atlanta and all throughout MLB. Think of how many nations of the world have players on ML rosters. Players from how many Continents? Just because some choose to break it down that finely says much more about them than it does about the state of MLB since Mr. Robinson joined the neighborhood.

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

KC,

I think the smarter members of the national media realize that the NL East race will be tight among the Braves, Mets and Phillies. I think most of them think the Braves will be better, the Mets will be worse and the Phillies will probably be about the same as last season, which seems fairly reasonable.

It’s still way too early to say the Phillies are done and they can’t compete with the Mets and Braves.

Something to keep in mind about Garcia: Yes, he’s going to a hitter’s park. But 1) US Cellular is also a hitter’s park, 2) the AL is a tougher league, 3) the AL Central was a tougher division, and 4) the AL has the DH.

Not saying Garcia is a great pitcher or even that he’ll be good this season, but I don’t expect his ERA or RA to be significantly worse if he’s healthy. If I were a Phillies fan, I’d be more concerned about his health than his ability.

Also, I know there were several people within the national media that picked the Braves ahead of either the Mets or the Phillies or maybe both.

I’m not trying to stand up for anyone in the national media that you are talking about but it gets old hearing this stuff from any fans. There are fans out there that say the media hates the Yankees, love the Yankees, hate the Braves, love the Braves. It’s ridiculous. If you really think the national media is biased, don’t pay attention to them and just cheer on your team. They have very good reasons for their predictions and most are fairly intelligent. Stop lambasting them because they don’t pick your team to win.

By Devin

April 11, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

JS can’t come out and directly say he’ll have more money, but he’s hinting at it. When he’s negotiating at the end of the year with an agent, they don’t want the agent to think the Braves have the ability to overpay. It’s like when Chipper offered to lower his contract publicly in order to sign Hudson to an extension, it was a nice offer but he then gave Hudson’s agent more leverage to get more money.

By DonCoburleone

April 11, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

“The Marlins are “solid at every position”? You mean, with the likes of Borchard, De Aza, Cody Ross, Josh Willingham, Mike Jacobs, Miguel Olivo, that kind of solid? Not exactly the lineup to invoke fear, would you say?”

Jacobs and Willingham are very underrated. But that’s not the point, all I am saying is that in my opinion, the Marlins are a better team than the Phillies and should have a better record this year…

By Lew

April 11, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

KC-Another point about Garcia and the Phillies-You mention him moving from a pitcher’s park to a hitter’s field and having a 4.50 ERA. All of this is true. He also gave up 32 HR in that pitcher’s park. How many do you think he might give up at Philadelphia’s Little League stadium. It certainly won’t be less-unless he remains disabled for an appreciable length of time. The Phillies not only no longer have Abreu, but Lieberthal and Delucci and David Bell are also gone. Wes Helms is also pretty unproven as a starter and full time player. I just don’t think their offense is as good as they seem to believe, either, especially if Rowand runs into the wall one time too many.

By Braveheart

April 11, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Part of what keeps us coming back is that DOB smacks us all around whenever he needs to. This blog could be a quite boring place if we all turned it into a worship service for the Braves with no differing opinions allowed and no fighting with each other.

While I understand Shaun’s points about defining ourselves as members of the human race and not members of a particular nationality, I do think that it is important not to ignore who you are, who your ancestors were, your culture, and your heritage. We are humans, we are Americans, but we are also Southerners and Northerners, Mets fans and Braves fans, Gator fans or UGA fans, black, white, Irish, Italian, Hispanic, Asian, whatever. You should not define your very being by these classifications but you also can not ignore them either. They are a big part of who you are. You are never gonna know where you are going, if you don’t remember from whence you came. So long as people are going to still call college girls nappy headed hos, a black man should not be told to forget that he is a black man. I definitely agree with SJA about Imus, Gibson, Kramer, Sharpton, and Jesse Jackson. I don’t agree with you about Tavis though. I found Tavis not to be lazy with harping on racial issues as a means of self promotion. I find him to be intelligent and reasonable about those sorts of difficult issues - for the most part. But that’s just me and I don’t want to argue about it. And, no, I am not black. And, yes, I am usually a fan of Don Imus despite his pathetic remarks of last week. The public disgrace of his comments, the loss of sponsors, and decreased appearances of politicians and prominent media types on his show will be a better punishment for him. Ostracizing someone is a much more effective weapon than firing or suspending.

By Lew

April 11, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Hillbilly-You are 100% dead on about ole Uncle Ernie. I really miss him on the broadcasts. When he was filling in for Joe while he was attendeding his daughter’s graduation, Ernie read my question on air during the broadcast. I actually had my name and question read by Skip and then answered by Ernie. Definitely cool. I had the feeling they would pick mine (because they were looking for someone from Vermont, where Ernie is from), so I got it recorded. Ain’t foresight amazin’?

By JasonInMaine

April 11, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

KC, I think Gonzalez will be fine as well. While he was obviously great last year in the closer’s role, he was also great in 04. In that year, he was 3-1 with a 1.25 ERA, 13 holds, 55 strikeouts, and 6 walks in 43.1 innings.

The only thing that concerns me is his velocity seems to be down 3-4 MPH. Has anyone else noticed that.

Oh yeah, I have to admit…it is looking like I was DEAD wrong in regards to Hudson. Man, he had no-hit stuff last night! I hope it continues, and if it does; man, you were right on and were one of very few that said so!

Regards,

Jason

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Lew,

I agree. There’s diversity.

I’m just saying that’s the reason why some don’t see it; because they use vague terms like race. They can say there’s not enough left-handed Indians in the big-leagues and that’s racism because “left-handed Indian” is a race.

By KC

April 11, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Shaun: I don’t think it’s too early at all to say the Phillies won’t be in the thick of the race with the Braves and Mets come lat Sept.

Yes, I think they’ll get better. Their offense will do more than it has early on, and their defense probably isn’t as horrible is it would appear. I would also assume that a trade or two will be made at some point to help the bullpen.

They will get better. But not before Atlanta and NY put some healthy distance between themselves and the Phillies. And the Mets and Braves are too good to fall significantly behind at any point in the season.

I think the Phillies are going to once again prove the old adage “you can’t win a pennant in April or May, but you can lose it then”.

By A-town As$clown .....formerly caveman22

April 11, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

DOB when did rammerjammer and kc get hired to do columns??

I thought shaun had posted another half hour disertation on the the validity of the “hold” stat in the saberhagen / sabertooth / saber—whogivesacrap method.

If this is a trend I would like to post my “small” 3000 word essay on the demise of the foot-long hotdog in the face of increased competition from Nachos w/cheese. Also includes a section of the best method for picking the right boiled peanut vendor.

Maybe I just need some Midal.

By KC

April 11, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

JasonInMaine: I’m not sure that Gonzalez’s velocity is down. There are some guys that dominate with a 93mph fastball as well as others do with 96/97. His delivery is tough to read, and his fastball has late action… so his 93 is as hard or harder to hit than the 97mph fastballs of many other pitchers.

That said, I really didn’t pay attention to the radar gun last year when he was pitching against the Braves, so you could be right. Maybe that’s something DOB can ask a scout or someone in the Braves’ clubhouse.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 11, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

“Racism” will continue to exist until it becomes “nonprofit”!…TheJackAss

By KC

April 11, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Anyone heard about this college “switch-pitcher” who can throw with either arm? Pretty cool. Wasn’t there a switch pitcher in the Red Sox organization years ago?

http://blueherald.com/2007/04/a-sports-figure-to-watch-2/

By JasonInMaine

April 11, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

KC, agreed he can be effective without throwing 96. I may be wrong, but I remember him throwing harder last year. DOB, any thoughts in regards to his velocity?

Regards,

Jason

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

I agree that it’s good to know where we came from, etc. but I also think it’s dumb to obsess over it. There are some who would probably be offended if even a white African who came to America called him/herself an African American.

I don’t think the point is to forget your black or white or even that your ancestors came from Africa or Spain or England.

My view on the Imus thing: it was a crude and disgusting and offensive joke. But no more offensive than what you may hear on South Park or The Sarah Silverman Show. You can say there is a difference, but I just don’t see it. And why not a bigger out-cry over those shows?

I understand there has to be a line drawn somewhere when it comes to free speech and expression—obviously networks shouldn’t put porn on Saturday morning network TV—but that line should be pretty liberal, and the line shouldn’t be based on what’s offensive.

I thought Imus was wrong and stupid and crude to say what he said, but it obviously wasn’t meant to defame anyone. It was so outrageous that you’d have to go a long way to prove he said it to hurt people. He was trying to be funny and took it too far, and I have a feeling he’d be the first to tell you that.

People should just stand up and say how stupid it was and accept his apology and move on.

By MBATL

April 11, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Dumping this argument on the definition of race is a cop-out.

It’s a fact that American-born, inner-city black kids aren’t pursuing baseball. I think it’s a shame because we’re probably missing out on a lot of great players - they’re choosing basketball or football instead of baseball, which isn’t readily accessible to them. And at the same time, a big potential fan base (and a lot of revenue to the game) is lost.

I don’t think it’s a matter of racism at the pro level, but a “societal issue” that is legitimate. Don’t really understand why most here are so defensive about it.

By ncscoots

April 11, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

DonC, I might even agree with you on Jacobs (less so on Willingham). And I certainly hope you’re right about the Marlins having a better record than the Phillies, since I can’t see the Marlins winning more than 80 games.

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

KC,

It’s still way too early. The Braves were 9 1/2 games out at the All-Star break in 1991. How far were they out in ‘93 late in the season? The Braves had a 6-21 June and were still in the Wild Card race until the last two or three weeks? The season is only a week and a half old. It is definitely too early to tell who will contend and who won’t.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

April 11, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

KC,

I havent’ heard about the switch-pitcher, but it reminds me of a story from my little league days:

We had a kid who had never played organized ball before, and my dad (the coach) put him at second base to take infield. He couldn’t make the throw from second to first, and his form looked awful even at the little-league level. It appeared he wasn’t even trying.

Finally my dad got fed up, and yelled “One more try and if you don’t make the throw all the way to first, You’re gonna start running laps.”

The ball was hit on the ground, he fielded it, removed the ball from his glove, slung the glove away like a catcher does his facemask, and with his left-hand (glove hand) fired an absolute laser to first base.

Moral of the story: When buying a glove for you kid, note that “Left-Handed” glove on the tag in the store is not for a left-handed thrower.

By Lew

April 11, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

MBATL-Not defensive, but as you say, it is a societal issue, NOT a baseball issue. I also fail to understand why it is so hard to afford baseball and equipment, but where does the football equipment come from? Aren’t pads and helmets a lot more expensive than a bat, a ball and a glove? I think it’s a matter of whomever playing whatever sport they choose to play. There may not be many inner city programs, but if someone doesn’t like this situation, then try to remedy it-don’t go blaming it on racism. That’s just ridiculous.

By ncscoots

April 11, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Did Imus say something?

By A-town As$clown .....formerly caveman22

April 11, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

shaun You just proved to the world in writing that your anal over-analysis is predicated on the fact that you just don’t “get it”.

South Park (and maybe Sarah Silverman) are comedy shows that use fictional characters who are based on real “types” of people or composites of several different types. They are not promoting racism but mocking the point of racism by putting it right in your face and showing the stupidity of those who hold those particular views.

Imus is a deliberate as$hole who is condesending and arrogantly obnoxious to the point of being funny or attempting to be. He wasn’t mocking racism he was being racist in his comments in an attempt to be sarcasticly witty and poke fun at both blacks and females. His crap was over the top, South Park is a CARTOON because real characters coulnd’t say that stuff and get away with it.

Dam!! I need a Mets fan to razz or something, this bs is giving me brain cramps.

Where’s N0 CHOP??

“Cuz Clifford Franklin — is lookin for a NEW HO !!!”

By Matthew, Walter's Dad and Scotch-Irish, Cherokee, Anglo-Franco American

April 11, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Just thought I’d get my heritage out there too…I’m not a Caucasian, since I am not from the Caucasus region of Russia and neither is my family.

They say that all no-hitters require a handful of outstanding defensive plays. I was thinking about that last night in the 5th, when the bloop went over KJ’s head. Nothing KJ could have done, but it is that type of play that ruins no hitters.

I too noticed Huddy’s movement on the sinker. Filthy, and it reminded me of his Oakland days. Outstanding.

FWIW, for those asking about Gonzo’s velocity, I saw the TBS radar register 94 twice last night. I know he throws harder than that, but what impressed me was the offspeed stuff following that fastball. He has the stuff to be LIGHTS OUT, if he doesn’t get too nervous on the mound.

Give him a few appearances to get used the ATL. He is used to pitching in games that do not matter.

Go Braves!

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

KC,

I heard about the switch-pitcher. Rob Neyer actually blogged about it over on espn.com.

And there was another switch-pitcher, Greg Harris. He pitched for the Red Sox and Expos and switched-pitched in one game.

Basically, I think the kid isn’t much of a prospect, based on what I’ve read, but it’s interesting that he can do that at the college level.

By Braveheart

April 11, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

I am going to try to let the racial issue go for me at this point because I think that is far too complex and too deeply personal an issue much like politics and religion to be adequately and intelligently discussed on a blog. However, the biggest impediment to me at this point in America for continued progression in race relations is that we are all too afraid to speak for fear of saying the wrong thing when we are actually well intentioned and trying to say the right thing. I think if people like Jackson and Sharpton would stop being lazy and taking cheap pot shots at Imus like situations as a means of self promotion and instead used it as a means to create a thorough, interesting, intellectual conversation and dialogue b/w us all, race relations would progress much more rapidly as opposed to what I perceive to be a stalemate at this point in the progression of race relations. Just my thoughts.

As for the hypothetical you raised about the absurdity of a white guy from Africa being labeled an African American, didn’t Steve Martin (sort of) do a movie 30 or so years ago called the Jerk like that?

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

April 11, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

SJA, I have to say that your 2:46pm post was one of the most intelligent things said on this blog in a long time.

For what it is worth I believe the entire Imus thing has been blown out of proportion. As a black man in America, I am quick to point out racism when I think it takes place but I’m not sure it has here. What Imus said was stupid, indefensible, and wrong and most all ignorant. But, I can’t call the man a racist because while his comments were definitely racist in nature I am not convinced they were meant that way. I think he should have been fined and suspended but he should not lose his job. He needs to address the Rutgers women’s team as a group and individually and move on from this fiasco. That is my two cents.

By F.A. Skippy

April 11, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

The thing that jumps out with Hudson (other than not getting hit) is he doesn’t whip his upper body like he was.This should make his delivery more consistent and leave him less vulnerable to the muscle pulls that have plagued him in resent years.This may be a result of leg strength,whatever the reason it bodes well for him and the team,I think!

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Lew and MBATL,

I’m not sure the answer to why black kids aren’t playing baseball as much as maybe other kids. I have a hard time believing it’s racism or discrimination on any level but maybe I’m wrong.

I think it probably has to do with how groups—whites, blacks, Asians, Hispanics—identify themselves.

And, as Lew points out, football seems more expensive than baseball. And why not soccer—it’s the least expensive?

I think it has more to do with how certain groups of people see themselves. Kind of like I don’t see the rap music industry as discriminatingly against whites so much as group identity and group mentality guiding things.

I don’t know the numbers but it seems like there are a lot more Hispanics playing in the majors than there are in the general population. And, as someone pointed out once, why would there be societal discrimination towards blacks but not Hispanics.

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 11, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

F.A. Skippy:

I think you’re right about movement. Huddy definitely wasn’t convulsing like he has done in the past. I’m not sure if the extra movement in the past was to compensate for injury like in ‘05, or if he just got out of symv moving to the NL. But I sure liked the pitching he, Gonzo, and Paronto did yesterday!

By Shaun

April 11, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

A-town As$clown …..formerly caveman22,

I don’t think it’s over analysis to ask why free speech is okay for one group or one entertainer but not another.

Have you ever seen the Sarah Silverman Show? She says and does the most offensive things about all groups and makes fun of the most serious things (abortion, rape). Why is it alright for her but not for Don Imus?

Is it because she isn’t meant to be taken seriously and Imus is? Seems like Imus obviously wasn’t being serious just like Silverman and South Park never are serious.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

April 11, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Shaun, you are right. The reason more black kids don’t play baseball is because basketball and football are seen as more “glamour” sports. To many in the black community baseball is seen as a “white sport” whether blacks admit it or not. My sons are into baseball big time. I hope they stay that way. I have a nine year old that has Alfonso Soriano written all over him if I must say so myself. But, he and my younger son also have an interest in basketball and football and are already being lead to believe that the “real” money is in those two sports. Now, so far, neither one of them seem to be buying it but who’s to say what will happen when they get older?

By JasonInMaine

April 11, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Matthew, thanks for the update on the radar readings from last night. Again, radar readings aren’t that important, but I thought it may be an indication of lingering issues with his shoulder. I didn’t notice the 94 from last night, but I was multi-tasking during the game.

Speaking of radar readings being useless, DOB’s post regarding Maddux got me thinking of how dominant he really was. Arpil 30th of 93 to April 27 of 96 he had 7 starts that he allowed more than 3 earned runs. Out of those 7 times, he let up 4 runs 4 times and 5 the other three. During that stretch, he never let up more than 5 runs and he only did that 3 times. That’s crazy.

Regards,

Jason

By flange1

April 11, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Lew,

I think you nailed the inner city thing to a t. My thoughts are that inner city youth are seeing hero’s in football and basketball and are CHOOSING to play those sports to emulate those heros. I fail to see how their CHOICE of what sport to play can be misconstrued into any sort of discrimination or failure of MLB or anyone else for that matter.

If the kids want to play basketball and not baseball, that is what they will play, and somehow their parents will scrape up the funds for shoes and a ball.

I don’t see this as discrimination or anything other than what it is, smoe folks want to play baseball, some want to play golf and some want to play tiddly-winks.

By joebrave

April 11, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Excuse me guys, while I never agree with S.J.A In have to say He is right on the money. As far as any Idiot that would suggest that the Braves are a racist organization, thay probably don’t know what the hell they are talking about! how about the first so-called African-American G.M. I believe he was Bill Lucas whom I may add was hired by the Braves,and what about H.Aaron,R.Garr,G.Mathews,E.Solomon,C.Washington,D.Baker,etal. Trades are made for the betterment of the team at the particular time the deal is made,not because your skin color is ifferent so stick that race s** up your asses!!!!

By MBATL

April 11, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Shaun, Lew: I do NOT think that racism is the reason that more blacks don’t choose baseball. I think there are a variety of reasons… some of them have to do with lack of facilities and programs in the inner cities, and some are more a matter of personal choice. The shortage of college scholarships, the much better marketing by the NFL and the NBA… and I’m sure a lot of other factors come into play.

Racism is very low on the list… if it’s even on the list at all.

However, I think that baseball is losing good athletes to other sports, and that’s a shame, for a lot of reasons. It waters down the talent pool - what if Hank or Tony Gwynn had chosen another sport? - and it gradually erodes the fan base in the black community (which, even if you don’t care about the social aspect, has a financial impact on the game).

I really don’t mean to lecture on race relations… I’m a relatively conservative white guy. But I do get bothered at the tendency to write off issues like this as meaningless.

By F.A. Skippy

April 11, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Black kids for the most part prefer basketball and football to baseball,so what !! I think saying Robinson would be disapointed in the number of black baseball players is like saying Jesus would be disapointed in the number of fishermen and carpenters,it’s about the opportunity to play not the number who choose the sport.It’s a free country and they choose other sports.That is the real point,IT’S THEIR CHOICE!!THAT WAS THE BATTLE!!THAT BATTLE WAS WON!!IT’S A FREE COUNTRY!!THEY’RE FREE TO CHOOSE!!AMEN TO THAT!!

By Braveheart

April 11, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

It is sort of like the history of heavyweight boxing. When the Irish were the immigrants, you had guys like Dempsey. When the Germans were the immigrant group, you had guys like Baer. When the Italians were the immigrant group, you had guys like Marciano. When blacks were allowed to finally box for the “official” heavyweight championship, you had Jack Johnson, Patterson, Louis, Foreman, Frazier, Ali, Tyson, and Holyfield. Pretty soon, when Latino immigrants become Americanized and start eating that American food, their bodies will grow big enough that they will dominate the heavyweight division like they do the lesser weight divisions. It’s the nature of things, I guess. The Irish, Italians, Germans, and Blacks do not seem to care too much anymore about boxing as a means out of poverty or the ghetto and thus the sport is dying.

Baseball is just much harder to play on an informal basis than football or basketball. You need too many people, too much equipment, and too much space to get an informal game going. Informal pickup games of football & basketball are quite easy when you are five years old or 55 years old to get going. Whatever happened to stickball though? That is a great activity that seems to have completely died for some reason. Baseball is much harder to pick up than football. By the time you get to junior high where the schools furnish you equipment, you can really just pick up football quite easily. Baseball on the other hand is a sport you need to be taught from the time you are five or six through repeated games of catch and batting practice, usually with your father. You can’t really just show up at 14 years old and try to learn to play baseball like you can basketball or football. So, if you did not have the means or money or equipment to learn to play as a child before you were a teenager, you are at a great disadvantage by the time you get to be a teenager and playing for schools that provide you with the football and basketball equipment. Usually, schools also do not provide you with things like a glove which is the most essential thing to have if you want to play baseball. I don’t know the answer. Too complex.

But fans can not have it both ways. They can not say that it does not matter that there are no black guys on the Braves but then wonder why black kids in Atlanta do not want to grow up to be baseball players. Those two things to me, at least in part, go hand in hand with one another. Who is the black kid supposed to look up to, worship, and emulate? Could be a white guy of course. But I would imagine that he would identify much more with a Justice, Grissom, Deion, Gant than a Chipper, Frenchy, or McCann. BUT, I don’t think the lack of black baseball players has anything to do with racial discrimination. It probably has much more to do with socioeconomic factors than anything. That’s enough race talk for me.

By Braveheart

April 11, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

I do find it quite interesting that out of all the inappropriate comments he has made over the years, that this is the deplorable comment he is getting killed for. Consider the timing of it. CNN revamps their morning show last week in response to declining ratings for CNN and increased ratings for Imus’ MSNBC morning show. Is there a coincidence then that this firestorm was created during that same particular week? This goes back to our whole Red Sox/Braves media manipulation argument that no one else on the blog wants us to dare repeat. The comments were inexcusable but he has made a career out of those kinds of comments. The reported respective fortunes and misfortunes of CNN & MSNBC last week raise my suspicions greatly about the timing of this media firestorm. Very fishy but all too obvious to me.

By sammy miller

April 11, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

tom Glavine ate my last cookie and stole my teddy bear!

By F.A. Skippy

April 11, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Sorry about the caps, a bit of a rant I guess.Let me add however if Robinson were to wake up and see the decline in black American baseball players,and also see senator Obama,secretaty Rice,etc I think he’d take the trade off.The idea that a black would have a real chance to be the next president of this country would probably have been beyond his imagination.I think his disapointment would be the poverty and violence not who starts in center field.

By Ron Roberts

April 11, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

I’ll agree with Don Imus being fired when Sharpton, Jackson, the “Coaltion” and PUSH all march for the firing of the MANY black radio personalities who don’t HESITATE to call women b*** and hoes on their black-targeted shows. I’ll also agree with them when they start berating B.E.T. for essentially airing music videos where women are denegrated and treated like pieces of propoerty to BRAG ABOUT by these mindless rappers. What Imus said is NO more derogatory towards black women then what 95% of all rap lyrics and accompanying videos air on a daily basis.

By F.A. Skippy

April 11, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Advertisers have spoken,Imos is finished.

By A-town As$clown .....formerly caveman22

April 11, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

SJA Before you go getting all “mainstream” and accepted let’s get this blog back 0ff-topic — your donkeyboy act and the pack mules who follow you will continue to amuse me in a pre-school kindergarten playground kind of way.

AS$MUNCH!!!

There- that’s a little more normal for this blog — totally lacking in intelligence and creativity.

By rammerjammer

April 11, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Caveman, my 1:31 post wasn’t a column but a cut-and-paste from a newspaper.

This, on the other hand, is a column.

Basketball and the mainstream black culture are a perfect fit. It’s the marriage of a sport and a culture into a blend of skill and showmanship, with an emphasis on the showmanship.

The histrionics and posturing in basketball and football are discouraged in baseball, correct? How much grief has Jimmy Rollins caught…not because he was wrong (so far) but because he spoke out!

Personalities such as Reggie Jackson and David Justice STOOD OUT in baseball, but they’re tame compared to the hip-hop gangsta culture pro basketball and its fans seemingly embrace.

It’s all about choices.

Anyone crying “racism” is looking for ancient answers to a 21st century question.

And it’s a question, not a “problem.” Baseball won’t be diminished due to lack of black participation.

It’s evident that Latin players are filling whatever void might have existed. As the Latin/Hispanic population continues to grow in America, baseball will only get bigger.

By flange1

April 11, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

RON ROBERTS,

I think you need to take it a step further and say that both groups, Imus and the rappers have a serious void of class. My feelings is that people have the right to say and listen to what they want. But I also have the right NOT to listen to you if what you are saying is crap.

I don’t understand why anyone would waste their time listening to Imus or Rush Limbaugh for that matter! All they do is tear things down, nothing is ever good or getting better it is all bad news and negative.

By F.A. Skippy

April 11, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Braveheart Good points, it’s the kid in D.R. hitting the bottle caps with a stick,not the young Hank Aarons in Mobile.Why is that? I don’t know, why do I prefer cocoanut over chocolate cake ? does it matter ? I don’t think so as long as I have the freedom to choose.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 11, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Now Baseball…. If anyone cares…. Richmond Braves finally played two games. Willie Harris, Prado and Escobar continue their good work.

Peter Moylan has pitched two innings of no hit ball in two games striking out three, giving up one walk and picking up his first save of the year last night againt the Yankee’s AAA club.

Hudson really looks like the guy Atlanta expected when they signed him in ‘05. If he pitches his next game like that I will be convinced that he has returned to his Oakland form.

And finally, I don’t care what the national media thinks, it only makes the final results sweeter when the Braves win the division.

By doc

April 11, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

dob, i think that jjs just wanted to be complimentary to miss carroll and was afraid if he said what was really on his mind that he would sound mystoegynistic, so instead of saying she sounded prettier than you he just left it that she was nicer than you. dont take it personal, remember it is his story, not yours.

By Lew

April 11, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Braveheart-Go find a copy of Psychoschizophrenia by Lillian Axe and forget the whole damn discussion. Go rock instead.

By F.A. Skippy

April 11, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

RammerJammer You’re about a step away from saying blacks have such natural rhythm.People are people! give individuals the choice without prejudice and respect their choices.This speculation on why people do this or that gets to sound kind of bell curve or shockly after awhile.

By rammerjammer

April 11, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Now, baseball.

Will it soon be time to agree that Ryan Langerhans is not a major leaguer and Matt Diaz has earned a shot at everyday play? I mean, all he does is hit. He hit last season and he’s hitting this season. He’s also cut back on his strikeouts. I can’t imagine a better #8 hitter.

I wanted Langerhans to succeed, but it just ain’t happening.

By Braveheart

April 11, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

Okay, Lew.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 11, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Chipper has not had an RBI yet either but I don’t think we better give up on him this early.

By Seymour

April 11, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Rammerjammer,

I agree with you about Diaz. The man tied the National League record for consecutive hits for crying out loud.

By Ron Roberts

April 11, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

I’ve been on the Matty Diaz bandwagon ALL offseason, RammerJammer. He’s young and far more dependable than RL has been thus far.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 11, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

sja is feeling the love. what will rr do now that sja is the accepted one? oh, the humanity! the worm turns! and dob, this journalist was just noting a touch of femininity on the blog with carroll rogers instead of the belching and farting journalists to which we have become accustomed. too much cheese wears on a journalist. and now, baseball … why is the baseball white? why is the golf ball white? and the football and the basketball are brown. that should answer the questions of all the racist ranters on this blog. it has only to do with the color of the ball, not the ballplayer. simple answers for complex questions. and a puck is not a ball so don’t use that one on jimmy smith. in fact, what the heck is a puck? and how did it get its name? and doesn’t some guy named puck play for the nats? chico and puck. could be a battery.

By rammerjammer

April 11, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

F.A. Skippy,

With all due respect, it is what it is.

When Tiger Woods and Venus Williams first made their mark, all the sociological experts said they were blazing a trail for other blacks to follow.

Except, it didn’t happen.

You remind me of something a former news director said. “I don’t give people hell. I give them the truth, and they think it’s hell.”

As a matter of fact, I do respect individuals making choices, but to deny cultural norms is to deny reality.

Now, if it’s ok with you, I’m going to kick back and listen to my favorite black classical music composers while I watch my video of all-star Hispanic basketball players.

By joebrave

April 11, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

THIS SHOULD REALLY PUT AN END TO THE STUPIDITY CALLED RACE!!! Blood is red everyone”s,moneyis green and choices are choices each individual makes> talent is talentan dit’s how a personchooses to enhance teir warning capacity that dictates what endeavor they opt for in life no MATTER WHAT DAMN SKIN COLOR YOU ARE!!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

April 11, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

doc, jimmy smith would never be mistytoed if jimmy smith had a heads up on the matter. yes, it is true that this journalist was attempting to praise carroll rogers without damaging dob. guy curtright was never praised by the blog faithful and dob needed no reinforcement at that time. should carroll rogers become a favorite here it could become like the mike vick and matt schaub controversy. who should start? not saying this journalist is taking sides - just wondering.

By TennesseePaul

April 11, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

I’m willing to give Langerhans more time this season before a I make a judgement call. I think he will hit. KJ, Chipper, AJ, all these guys have played 7 games. And in the unfortunate case of almost all Braves Left Handers, they have played even less than 7 games. Who knows if Langerhans isn’t a major league hitter… maybe he’d take off like LaRoche if he got to play every day. I doubt Langerhans will ever hit like Diaz. However, he should hit more Homers than Diaz. Even with Diaz’s beefed up legs.
But for the sake of posting… Let’s take this a little further.
Player AVG/OBP
Wilson .071/.278
Langerhans .091/.286
Thorman .154/.154
Woodward .143/.222
A Jones .154/.290
Johnson .167/.310

Looking at it in perspective, I think we need to give Langerhans a little more time. But I must say, I’m impressed with KJ. Second on the team in walks.

By joebrave

April 11, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

For all intensive purposes,joebrave wonders what is the reason behind keeping C.Woodward around? since he is obviously the automatic out in any situation critical or not. me thinks Y Escobar is the better option!!!

By doc

April 11, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

jjs why is a hockey puck black?

By TennesseePaul

April 11, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Blood is red, everyone’s money is green

Crap! I’ve gotta few pink 20’s and a yellow 10 in my wallet. I’m headed straight for the doctor to check the other stuff.

By A-town As$clown .....formerly caveman22

April 11, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

And now

the typing and spelling skills of joebrave

thanks for jumping on the pile after the whistle dude.

and thank you for putting in end to racial strife and tension in America with your insightful and CAPITALIZED final sentence.

By Rodger

April 11, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Throw into the mix Cowherd today. His stance, of course, was “not my opinion, not trying to start anything, just asking”.

Last night, our old, unfortunately not lost, pal John Sterling, called an A-Rod homer “an A-bomb from A-Rod”. His “question”, might the increasing number of Japanese players take offense?

That is how so much of this starts, by someone, with no actual offense, sparking interest until someone actually claims offense, which then snowballs.

By Dom Ibis

April 11, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

My favorite team is the Chicago White Sox. I really like their attractive caps.

Yes, you might call them the natty headed hose.

By Lew

April 11, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist-In the 1970’s, Oakland A’s owner Charles Finley tried to introduce an orange baseball to the game. The Commissioner, I believe it was the recently departed Bowie Kuhn, would have nothing to do with this breaking of the color barrier. Racist?

By Lew

April 11, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-The Doctor is an excellent place to relieve oneself of all that multicolored money, too, isn’t it?

By F.A. Skippy

April 11, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

joebrave intents AND purposes

By TennesseePaul

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

Lew: Unfortunately it is. I try to hide a few of these in my socks when I go… I think this is why they make you put on the robe… so one of them can sift through your belongings for lose change while the other advances on you with a large needle.

By F.A. Skippy

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

rammerjammer much ado about dodo !!

By Sonny

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

So the Braves have been giving Hampton $25+ mil to not play the last 2 years. Assuming another injury next year, the guy will have sat on the bench for almost 4 years and collected $40+ million in the process???

For the penny pinching Braves, how can this deal be considered anything but a catastrophe? I don’t suppose the guy will just retire so we can stop being indepted to his fragile a*…

By Bobby Hebb

April 11, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

Sonny - one so true! I love you. NOT.

By Robert

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

Just remembering early spring training, before the muscle pull, when Hampton was frustrated by his efforts but Cox wasnt a bit worried, saying everything was just fine as far as he was concerned.

I guess maybe now Donk realizes something was wrong

What an incredible manager we have

By Bob, journalist

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

The Most Honorable Southern said a lot in his 4:46 … but I’m not convinced that we control that in which we believe.

Neither am I familiar with the Imus situation but know that his remarks can be quite caustic and that he is prone to engage in the outrageous.

I remember “The Greek” being fired after making statements that were at least directionally correct regarding black athletes … for reasons of political correctness.

Considering the programs, personalities, and pervision that the networks endorse, it may be a badge of honor to fall into disfavor.

Jesse calling someone racist … goodness!

It’s good that we have things in common … but aren’t you glad we have our differences?!

By DonCoburleone

April 11, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Chipper needs to get going here. Everyone on the team who gets significant playing time already has at least 1 home-run except Chipper and Langerhans. Andruw, Thorman, McCann, Francoeur, KJ, Renteria and Diaz have all went yard… Wake up Chipper!

By The Grinch

April 11, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Bob, what did Zorba say that was so offensive?

JJS, Puck was a fairy. Not sure what that says about Hockey; just glad to be helpful.

As for Woodward, I feel bad for the guy but I really fail to see how they can justify playing him much longer instead of Escobar. It may wind up costing us in a tight race at some point, a la Remmy, Reitsma, Sosa et al (though to a lesser extent, of course).

By DonCoburleone

April 11, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

Robert!, he’s back to torment the greatest manager of all time…

By DonCoburleone

April 11, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

HE’S CHUCK JAMES B!TCH!!!

By greg

April 11, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

david, go f*** yourself!!

By F.A. Skippy

April 11, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

rain,rain stay away!!for five or so, if you may! Chipper goes loooooong!!!

By Carolina Lady

April 11, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

CR has a new blog up!

By TheSouthernJackAss

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

One final point concerning my opinion on racism in sports—-Whether or not people want to accept the fact that young children are looking up to athletes and music personalities as roll models, (and for many ‘black’ children it’s the NBA, NFL, and Rappers, and the Rap culture and philosophy which usually encourages and praises overnight riches and success), these are the types of examples kids relate to when pursuing their own fortunes…so if I was looking for instant fame and fortune…it is a much quicker journey from being nothing to signing a multi-million dollar contract to play in the NBA or NFL, including lucrative contracts endorsing various products than it is for baseball…it usually takes several years to reach this same level of success in MLB…

By Steve in Richmond

April 11, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

I have to tell you……..I don’t mind having Joe Simpson as a broadcaster but Chip Caray isn’t anywhere near as entertaining as his dad and Pete. What idiot thought to do this to us?

By joebrave

April 11, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

I’ll address cavefag only,on this one, I was under the impression that everyone could voice his or her opinion on this blog or anywhere else,but I gues since this is your blog only $hithead,I’ll leave your undeserved snips and you alone simply because I don’t play with ladyboys!!!

By joebrave

April 11, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

So please excuse this $hitty keyboard i’m using tonight!

By joebrave

April 11, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Dang: another long shot by A.J. that boy is waking up!!! It’s about time!!! no really it’s good to see those Jones boys come alive!

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

This is my last words on Hampton. He’s a good pitcher when healthy. But two straight years on the DL means its time to move on. And I would return most of my salary if I wasn’t healthy enough to earn it. Hopefully the insurance will offset most of his salary. Remember Paul Byrd sat a year on the DL with the Braves then got healthy and signed with another team for more money. He’s the worst gold-digger. But wait, I forgot about Sheffield & Arod… Great to see Andruw & Chipper swinging the bats well. IMO the only weak spots are Redman & McBride. Replace Redman with Cormier and let’s roll ! Soriano threw everything up last night and got smashed. His pitches looked like batting practice pitching : 90 mph right down the middle. McCann would hit 3rd period for me. A guy that will hit .330 needs to hit more times in a game than a guy hitting .260 bottomline.

By Jim

April 12, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

For joebrave: stop posting so many times, you’re boring.

By joebrave

April 13, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

For Jim $uck My A$$ dog$hit!!