Braves

By F.A. Skippy

April 12, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

It’s way too early to pass the ace title over to Hudson or James.Smoltz is the man till proved otherwise,and we ain’t there yet!

By Mackey Sasser

April 12, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

welcome back DOB. Your day away felt like a month.

By Coach

April 12, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

O’Brien , You pretty much covered it all concerning Hudson. I really believe he will stay in top form all season(injury excluded)due to his stronger legs and off season conditioning program.

By sri

April 12, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

DOB, Hope Hudson really turned the corner.. Is there anything wrong with Yates? Was there any reason he was’nt pitching in big lead situations last two days other than the big three wanted the work to stay in rhythm after the day off in between? How long would you stick with the platoon in LF before making Diaz the everyday player?

By Micah

April 12, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Andruw’s being robbed! I’m heading over to the voting booth now, this is a travesty and a complete abomination. And, as soon as I vote, I am going to sit back and eat a hamburger, probably pass gas, and think about how the Braves are off to a 7-1 beginning! Life is good!

Go Braves!

By Mike

April 12, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Dave, Im curious as to what your thoughts are on bobby using soriano and wickman last night? I understand bringing in Gonzalez because it was a two run game at the time but it was a five run game when soriano and wickman were in. Wouldn’t they have been better off using yates, villareal or mcbride?

By Matt

April 12, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

DOB, I was comforted by the fact that everyone in the national press overlooks the Braves and their players. Makes it much more satisfying to beat them that way.

By 22oz

April 12, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

DOB Weigh in on the hot topic from the last blog, the overuse of the Big 3, or 2 of the Big 3, as i feel.

And Robert, donkeys do not chew their cud, they are monogastrics, and do not need to regurgitate their food, as cattle and sheep do, who are ruminants.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 12, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

i LOVE what we’ve been seeing with hudson. he did fantastic against philadelphia, even better against washington. i’m looking forward to see how he does against stronger offensive teams like the mets, diamondbacks, and even florida on sunday.

By Fred from CT

April 12, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

What a joke that whole thing on andruw is. Most baseball people say he is either 1 or 2 of the best defensive outfielders of all time. The other being willie mays. willie was before my time so I can’t judge him. I know griffey and edmonds can’t hold andruw’s jock. It’s obviously one of those popularity contest.

By MBATL

April 12, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

AJ fifth, huh? I have no problem with him lagging Mays and Clemente… though he’s in their class - those guys have so much “romance” about them that they’re gonna get the nostalgia vote, and they were both great. Don’t quite agree about Griffey.

However, Jim Edmonds dives when you toss the car keys to him. He doesn’t get near the jump AJ does, and so creates endless ESPN ‘web gem’ opportunities for himself. No way.

By snowball's chance

April 12, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

DOB, The split finger seems to be a deal with the devil. An out pitch that takes it’s toll in arm trouble. Hudson was unhappy with last season. Does he think ,what the hell, I’m going for it with the split finger? I hope for his and all Braves fans sake that he stays strong.

By The Stranger

April 12, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente, Andruw Jones, period!

This Rawlings Gold Glove 50th Anniversary Team might as well be MLB’s version of American Idol, and Jim Edmonds, king of the late-break-diving-catch, might as well change his name to Sanjaya Malakar.

By Fred from CT

April 12, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

soriano was already warming at 2-0 and the runs came with two out. The same happened with wickman. It was 5-3 and he was ready to close and we scored with two out again. At least that’s why I beleive he let them pitch. Not saying I complete agree with it but that makes the most sense.

By Pulpwood Smith

April 12, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

DOB- Sweet Springsteen reference. While he’s made great decisions as to which songs to release, as evidenced by “Tracks”, I’ll never understand why “The Promise” never made the cut on “Darkness”. Have you ever heard “The Ties That Bind” the album he completed and ultimately put on the shelf in favor of “The River”? If not, I’ll hook you up.

By TennesseePaul

April 12, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

We get no respect. But whateva. It’ll make it that much more enjoyable when we win the WS.

DOB: Thanks for the blog. Nice to have you back.

By Renegator

April 12, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

DOB,

What are you hearing around the clubhouse about Langercanthit? Do you think there is a chance Diaz can become an everyday player and Langy become a defense replacement only? You have to get that bat into the lineup more often.

By jbzm

April 12, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Hudson will have a great year in 2007. He was quoted as saying he spent alot of time in the weight room this past winter. Wonder why he did not spend alot of time the first two years of his contract in the weight room. But then again his contract is up this year. Alot of players coast after signing a big contract until the final year then the bust but for a good year and sign a new contract.

By Rodger

April 12, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

From Hoss to the Boss…

Not really wild about any Springsteen in awhile. Don’t know how much is music, how much is political stance. Born to Run and Born in the USA tho were phenomenal. Saw him a couple times without the E-Street band, and it just wasn’t happening. With them tho was the highest energy 3-4 hours you could imagine. Awesome!

By Steve

April 12, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

DOB, your blogs are always great reads, kudos to you my friend.

By Steve

April 12, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

DOB, your blogs are always great reads, kudos to you my friend

By StingerSplash

April 12, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

I’ll back MBATL on the Edmonds thing. I think he plays to the crowd and camera a lot. He does play hard, but I’ve always considered him a showboater (Why I drafted him all those years for my Stratomatic fantasy team, I’ll never know). I watched Clemente (on TV) in his very final years, but he was still fearsome with the glove and the arm. I think sometimes a great player like that - and you can include Al Kaline and even Musial to a degree - get lost in the discussion of great players because of all the Williams, Mantle, DiMaggio and now Bonds, Griffey Jr., et al, talk. Thanks for the Springsteen, DOB. Makes me want to go listen to Darkness on the Edge of Town on the way home tonight. Go Thrashers!

By KC

April 12, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

MBATL: You couldn’t be more right. Edmonds leading AJ in votes??? That’s a joke.

By sammy miller

April 12, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

First am I first baby!

By David O'Brien

April 12, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Mike, others: I agree on the overuse concerns you have. Especially didn’t understand using Soriano and Wickman last night. Really didn’t understand that at all.

Consider these numbers I just looked up:

San Diego can lay claim to having the NL’s best bullpen so far, considering the absurd numbers the Padres relievers have put up: Zero runs allowed _ earned or otherwise _ in 28-1/3 innings, with four walks, 23 K and only 12 hits. That’s staggering.

But the thing that jumped out at me: The Padres have played one more game (nine) than the Braves, yet used only one reliever as many as five times, and none more than that.

The Braves, in eight games, have already used Soriano and Gonzalez six times apiece, tied for the majors lead with a bunch of others, and Paronto five times.

Soriano and Gonzalez are both guys who missed time last year with arm problems, Gonzalez with an elbow that kept him out the last five weeks and Soriano a 15-day stint on the DL for a sore shoulder, which he had previously, too.

I just don’t see the wisdom of using them with that lead last night, when you had a chance to rest them against the pathetic Nationals.

By BamaBrave

April 12, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Yes indeed…here’s hoping we’re still talking the same way about Hudson in July. One thing I’ve noticed about him the last few years is that the hot/humid weather seems to turn his legs into mush and he sweats like a Ho in church. If he still has that extra 3-4 mph when the summer really hits, I’ll be one happy Braves fan.

By N8

April 12, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Fred from CT

You said:

“I know griffey and edmonds can’t hold andruw’s jock.”

First of all……Eewww!

Second, I don’t disagree that Andruw is better than both Griffey and Edmonds, but to say that Griffey can’t hold Andruw’s jock, is an insult to Griffey. The guy WAS Andruw for 8 years BEFORE Andruw came to the Big Leagues.

From 1989-2000 (12 seasons) he averaged 140 games played, and the games he DID miss, were due to making outstanding defensive plays in the outfield (remember his wrist snapping in half on the GREAT catch against the wall in CF?). He was EVERY BIT as good as Andruw in CF for the first 12 years of his career (not to mention a MUCH better overall hitter).

The ONLY thing that Griffey can’t hold Andruw’s jock to, is his durability. Had Griffey stayed healthy, HE would be the one passing Hank Aaron’s HR record rather than Bonds, all while NEVER being under the suspicion of juicing up.

I love Andruw, and TOTALLY AGREE that he belongs ahead of Edmonds, and probably ahead of Griffey as well, but your acting like it’s Ryan Klesko being listed ahead of him.

In the day and age of steroid use and HACK and JACKERS that can hit for power, but not for average, Griffey stood out above all the others, and still does when healthy. Sweetest swing in baseball in my lifetime, IMO.

By GOLDEN BEAR

April 12, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

PULPWOOD SMITH,

I feel like we may have some things in common…

Anyone know the ticket situation for this weekend?

By braves fan

April 12, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

That whole Rawlings Gold Glove vote is a joke. Fans are not equipped to judge such a thing, since none of us have ever seen Willie Mays play, and since there are more fools in St. Louis or Cincinnati who will vote in this thing than in Atlanta, so Andruw won’t get his deserved credit as the best CF ever.

I’m prepared to say Tim Hudson is back to his ace status. Sure you can compare the stats of quick starts that turned into okay seasons, but it’s the way Hudson is doing it that counts. He’s making bats miss, with the splitter and keeping the ball down. That’s different.

As for Chuck James (b***), can we all stop referring to him in any manner that questions what he’s going to deliver? He has a track record of always winning in the minors, and did the same the second half of last year. 13-4 in 20 major league starts with a 3.45 ERA. He’s money. So I don’t think he’d be phased by pressure if Hudson was not pitching as well as he is. James is a top of the rotation pitcher, end of story.

By TennesseePaul

April 12, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

There it is. That was more well put than I had it yesterday. No real reason to use your best arms in a blow out. Typically this is when the bench comes into take the field. But for some reason we had the frontline of the pen come in to take the mound.
Last year’s melt downs must still be keeping Bobby awake or something. Of course, last year, with an 8-0 lead, we’d bring in the pen around the 7th inning and finally claim an 11-10 victory in extra innings.

By tokyobrave

April 12, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

I’m not nearly as concerned about Francour’s road results as I am about the early (very) return at 1st base. Francour’s road woes not withstanding, he still has to be reckoned with by opposing staffs because of his potential to change a game with a swing of the bat. I think he is getting much better though….Thorman and Wilson have not hit the floor getting out of bed - and although Wilson has a decent track record, it’s tougher to get out of a slump when you only get a few AB’s every two games or so. I know the Jones will hit, but we have to have some production from the 7-8 spots to continue to perform well in the NL East. We can’t win this thing with 6 guys doing all the hitting. Sooner or later those guys will be pitched around to get to the bottom of the order and by the way they are going, our chances for additional run support will go out the door. The good news is that I have complete faith in the team and the manager to get better and to make the right choices over a really tough long season.

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 12, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

I know this question demonstrates my ignorance of the game, but since I never played organized baseball I’m going to ask anyway.

What is the difference between a splitter, a sinker, and a forkball? It seems to my untrained eye that they all do the same thing, dive either into or away from the hitter, depending on what the pitcher is trying to do. Can someone help me understand? Thanks.

Oh and by the way, I can’t wait to see Smoltz’s knuckleball. Will he use it tonight against the hapless Nats?

By N8

April 12, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

DOB

HOW DARE YOU!!

You question the overuse of Braves relief pitchers with a 5 run lead????

You MUST be insane! You don’t know what you are talking about. Don’t worry. It’s still April!

(am I leaving anything else out?)

Just kidding man. I see both sides. I like that Bobby is NOT treating these games like meaningless games. Win and win as often as possible. But there will come a time when possibly Soriano, Gonzalez and (or) Wickman are NOT available, and we’ll have to rely on somebody else. Another poster earlier on the other blog, stated that how are guys like Yates, McBride and Oscar supposed to feel like Bobby has confidence in them in a tight game, when he WON’T even put them into a 5-0 game? Doesn’t make sense to me.

I’m all for winning EVERY chance you get. Enough games slipped away last year, to make me feel that way. I just don’t think we should do it at the expense of burning these guys out.

But like I said earlier. Maybe Bobby is trying to win this thing in April? Win EVERY game at all costs. Build up a huge lead in the division, and “ride it out”, and let the bats carry us through the summer months. You got me.

By F.A. Skippy

April 12, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Hudson has been good so far but two games does not a season make.OK Yoda time for a nap!Really though it’s usually the same people who jump on the wagon quickest who jump off just as quick.I like what I see from Hudson and James,let’s see how it plays out.

By The Stranger

April 12, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

The 2006 Braves bullpen obviously still haunts Bobby. That’s the only reason I can think of for why he stayed with the big guns last night. Only thing Wickman should be warming up in the pen tonight is good BBQ.

By yellowblood

April 12, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

This is the most ignored team in baseball right now. Go on ESPN you can’t find anything about the Braves. Dice, the Phillies meltdown, Zito and other useless information but no one wants to comment about Atlanta. This team is in first but its obvious that all the experts (like economists who predict the stockmarket) are now afraid of Atlanta. They don’t know what to expect. How can this be ? How can a team with umpteen consecutive pennants go to hell in one year ? The answer is they can’t. This team is back which doesn’t mean that they will win the division but it does mean that they will take it down to the last week of the season.

By MBATL

April 12, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

N8, that’s a great post about Griffey. It’s easy to forget how great he was and what might have been if he’d stayed healthy.

By Randy

April 12, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

I agree with everyone else on the overuse of the Big 3. Bobby has a new toy that he wants to play with. Hopefully he won’t break it before we really need it. Hudson and James have both been outstanding so far, and the offence is coming around. I am really looking forward to the summer.

By N8

April 12, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

With this offense and the improved bullpen, I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that Hudson, Smoltz and James will ALL win 15 games (if not more) this season.

However it’s what happens in the games that Davies, Redman, and Cormier pitch that will determine if we are a true contender or not.

It doesn’t matter how good the bullpen is, if the starter gets hammered in the earlier innings, that kind of takes the bullpen out of the equation.

IMO, the Braves can play .500 baseball in the games NOT started by Smoltz, Hudson, and James, they will be in good shape, because those guys are NOT gonna have losing seasons (notice how I’m not predicting ERA’s - but I think all three of them will keep the Braves in more games more often than not), and surely the Braves shouldn’t have a losing record in games started by the Top 3 guys in the rotation.

If ALL goes well in the way of injuries (both pitchers and everyday guys like Chipper), I think we win between 95-105 games. But I think things would TOTALLY have to collapse for us to NOT be a .500 team like last year.

My best guess?

94 Wins and 68 Losses, while finishing about 4-6 games ahead of the Mets.

By Renegator

April 12, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

N8 - way to stand up for Griffey - I agree with you 100%. Dude was a stud until he pulled a Chipper (before it was a Chipper) and started to get hurt every year. I wish it was him passing Aaron and not sorry-a$$ Bonds.

By Mitchell

April 12, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

I don’t know why Bobby continues to work Soriano like he is, either. Maybe he is *trying to scrape up as many wins as he can early in the year. All I know is…the Nats are a team that, in this division, you *do not want to lose to. It will be important to any team that wishes to contend in the east that they dominate the Nats.

As for Hudson, he has looked much better. His dominant performance the other night has to be taken with a grain of salt, as it was against the worst team in the league; but all the same, success only tends to breed more success. Hudson can use that jolt of confidence if he wants to play to his potential this year.

By Randy

April 12, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

yellowblood. That has been the case as long as I can rember. The Braves games are always in the second half on Sportcenter, and are hardly ever on the front page on espn.com. When you win as often as we have in the past the media gets tired of talking about you.

By MBATL

April 12, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

I don’t care WHAT the circumstances… Soriano and Gonzalez can’t pitch in 75% of our games. That works out 120 appearances each, which is more than double what either has ever done, and both have histories of arm injuries.

I know it’s early, and this will probably change as soon as (a) McBride decides to throw strikes, and (b) we score some early runs for a change.

By jh

April 12, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

I hope Hudson’s obliques hold out. Is there an oblique doctor in the house. What the hell’s an oblique anyway?

By alb

April 12, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

DOB,

i wholeheartedly agree with the overuse issues…however in both cases with soriano and wickman last night bobby had already got them warm because it was a save situation before we scored 2 out runs. once those guys have warmed up you might as well use them because most of the energy they are going to expel has already been used. i dont think we see wickman in the ninth if soriano doesnt give up runs in the eighth, probably mcbride/villarreal/yates.

By 74 Dawg

April 12, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

I saw Willie Mays play. Andruw is better. Aaron was about as good. Aaron had a better arm. Some players get extra points for playing part of their career in New Yawk. That said, Mays was still one of the all time greats.

By Rodger

April 12, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

OK, Yoda-begun this Cy Young battle has…

I guess with the way things went downhill, I hadn’t remembered Huddy getting off to such good starts the past 2 years, so maybe it is too soon to get too excited, but doggone he’s looking good.

I must have missed it last year-why did Chuck James get the biatch title?

By matt

April 12, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Let’s see where he’s at when he gets to 10-12 starts. I have to ask this question to everyone in here. My wife asked me this last night and I didn’t really know how to answer. IS CHIPPER JONES A FUTURE HOF?

By Jo

April 12, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

DOB, I knew you wouldn’t let me down: great choice from the Boss. The only thing I love more than Springsteens’ music is baseball. And I’m with you on the overuse. But wow aren’t we having fun so far!

By KC

April 12, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Interesting note… the Braves are now 3rd in the NL in runs per game at 5.1

By Jeff R

April 12, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Good take on Hudson. Best to be caustiously optimistic. Seems that he worked hard in the off season to figure out how to compensate for the problem he has with his obliques. Look, if Hudson can give the Braves fifteen wins, two hundred plus innings and an ERA under four, that would be a huge contribution.

I’m most interested about Davies. He’s been given a reprieve and has a small window to prove that he can pitch consistently well. He seems to be very, very competitive, so let’s hope that he takes advantage of the opportunity and focuses and makes the pitches. It would be great to add him to the rotation.

By KC

April 12, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

POLL: How many total games will the Braves win in the month of April?

They are of course, 7-1 now, and there are 18 games remaining in the month.

One interesting thing to note is that the way the rotation shakes out… it appears Atlanta’s starters for their series at Shay Stadium next weekend will be Smoltz, Hudson, and James.

My guess is 19 games (19-7 record). Whadya think?

By KC

April 12, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

N8 “However it’s what happens in the games that Davies, Redman, and Cormier pitch that will determine if we are a true contender or not.”

I’m going to disagree with you, but only slightly.

It’s what happens in the games that Davies, Redman, and Cormier pitch that will determine if we WIN the NL East.

We are going to be true contenders this year. Even if we only win half the games started by the back end of our rotation, we’ll win 90-plus.

By BamaBrave

April 12, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

If Dale Murphy doesn’t made it in the HOF…then Chipper probably won’t make it either.

By gajawjacker

April 12, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

I suppose all Fatty McBride does is eat while he watches Soriano, Gonzalez and Wickman pitch. If Cox does not have confidence in these other pitchers something needs to be done before all of the big are on the DL.

By snowball's chance

April 12, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Rodger, the Chuck James biatch line comes from The Dave Chappelle show. He does a funny Rick James bit where the punch line is I’m Rick James B——-! You need to watch it and among others The Great Lebowski to get some of the in-jokes on the blog. I know I am missing some others so if anyone can add others please post.

By bruce

April 12, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Dave, that is great news about Oliver Perez, he keeps that up, he will not be in the Mets line up for long, which is good for us. Thanks, Bruce

By Fred from CT

April 12, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

N8 I agree that griffey would be even greater if he was healthy but it is supposed to be about defense while griffey was a great defense centerfielder. He can’t touch AJ’s defense. You wait to next year when we see are pitching numbers go down because we don’t have AJ. I hate to say that but I don’t care about the offense we lose with him gone. It’s all about his defense. AJ is the most underrated defense player in the game.

By Renegator

April 12, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

KC: I say 17-9 which still is phenominal compared to how this team usually plays in April.

By Peter

April 12, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

David:

Caught BOTH shows of Levon in NYC. Just tellin’ ya to make you hate me! Gone a year and it’s like you gotta get a ticket to post!

If we go back to the SHO’s during this run we’ll see that a lot of them had starters out in the late innings. It’s the ONLY thing that I’m even willing to listen to when it comes to in goofy hatred (by some) of Bobby Cox.

As far as Amdruw goes it’s hard to make the case when Atlanta itself still isn’t fully sure how they feel about him. Did you catch Newsday’s beat guy asked if “the Braves are a good team?” I don’t hate the Mets, don’t hate their fans (except I still hate the TW guys) but their media people??

By Drew

April 12, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

DOB, I definitely agree with you on Soriano and Gonzalez being used last night. There was no reason for them to pitch. I would much rather have seen Bobby give Yates or Villareal some work.

By Jason

April 12, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

jbzm, you need to check your facts about Hudson being in a contract year. He’s not. He is signed through 2009 with a mutual option for 2010. He’ll be a Brave for a while. Great blog, DOB. Just to echo other comments, I’m also wondering when Bobby will stick with Diaz for a while in left. To me, he just looks like a pure hitter. Maybe the Braves feel differently though since they tried to unload him to Japan in the offseason.

By mark

April 12, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Chipper’s stats offensively are better than Dale’s in most categories. After this year he’ll probably have more HRs than Dale did also. Chipper is a career .300 hitter, Dale was a career .260 hitter. I’m sure Chipper will make the Braves HOF just as Dale did but will he put up the numbers to make it to the real HOF? I doubt it.

By Jason

April 12, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Bama, no worries on Chipper making the hall. He may go down as the second best switch hitter in the game (to Mantle). His numbers prove it.

By JasonInMaine

April 12, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Looking at the schedule, I came to the same number as Renegator: 17-9. I just have a hard time seeing the Braves winning too many games that Redman pitches. I guess I am in the minority, but he looked like he should have been pitching in a slow-pitch softball game in his first start.

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Good post Dave. But Helton,Bay,and P.Fielder are legitimate MVP candidates. A lot of times the MVP choices will be the best player on each team. With Andruw,Chipper,and Francoeur on the Braves, all very good hitters, the writers probably figured the MVP voting would be split on the Braves so they didn’t choose Mccann. My pick is Pujols or Beltran in the NL. Can you ask Bobby Cox if the Braves ever plan on stealing any bases ? Has Kelly Johnson (leadoff) even attempted a steal yet ? Johnson,Francoeur,Andruw,Langerhans,andRenteria should all be stealing bases. By the way, I like “Fran The Man” better than “Frenchy” as Francoeur’s nickname.

By KC

April 12, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

BamaBrave: I don’t think that’s true at all. Chipper and Murph are totally different cases.

Dale Murphy didn’t have a very good career batting average. Also, he faded quickly, which hurt his career totals. Murph was really only a big-time player for about 7 seasons (1980 through 1987).

Chipper has already been big time for 11 or 12 seasons now, and appears to have some more good years ahead of him.

Chipper is going to pass Murphy’s career RBI total this year, and will most likely eclipse Murph’s career HR total next season. Murphy’s career batting avg. was .265… Chipper’s is .304.

By StingerSplash

April 12, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Does Bobby’s use of Soriano and Wick in games like last night, rather than the Yates/Paronto/McBride triumvirate, say more about his faith in the new Big 3 or his lack thereof in the holdover 3? Bobby does tend to fall in love with certain relievers (Gryboski, for instance). I recommend for such instances Padraig’s or Canoe, for something intimate. Nice bottle of wine. Perhaps a good dessert. Some INXS on the CD player (“Never Tear Us Apart” really sets the mood) on the drive home ….

By Josh

April 12, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Randy, the Braves don’t get good coverage on Sportscenter is b/c ESPN falls all over themselves by talking up the Yankees, Red Sox, and Barry Bonds. After they are done doing that there is little time for a great story like the Braves start.

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Chipper will be in the MLB HOF. He has an MVP award and probably 4 more good years left to get around 500 hrs. for his career. Many of you probably don’t know this but until last year Chipper had never played on a team that didn’t finish first including little leagues,jr. high,high school,Richmond,and all his years as a Brave. That spells winner to me.

By Sir Stealth

April 12, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Chipper will be in the hall. He would probably be borderline as a regular hitter, but being a switch hitter and having people bring up how he is one of the best hitting switch hitters ever will carry him over the top. All those titles can’t hurt either. He’s the face of a dominant franchise and should get in. Would be a good idea to keep that great lookin’ career BA over .300 though.

By geauxbraves2000

April 12, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Our research into the Man Who Only Excels Versus Atlanta shows that Perez, since June 1, is 2-0 with an 0.56 ERA in two starts against the Brave

That doesn’t surprise me very much, the Braves offense at times can make any 10 ERA pitcher look like a CY Young winner. I really don’t think it’s the pitchers doing that good as the offense just not producing, missing their pitches, swinging at the first pitch they see instead of trying to work the count and get a pitch they can hit, etc. Not every 10 ERA pitcher pitches the best game of his life against the Braves, it’s just no possible, yet it seems it happened so often last year.

I’ll give kudos to the offense also though, at times they can be the most potent in baseball, as we saw last year with all of those 10+ runs games in a row.

Geaux Braves!!

By tokyobrave

April 12, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

To Walter, Matthew’s Dad:

A splitter is the pitch that Hudson throws. It is held by holding your fingers slightly further apart (split) than a fast ball grip. The reulting delivery and arm slot indicates to the hitters that the pitch is a fastball. However, the pitch drops dramatically. The elbow and fingers have to create a snap, a hard pull down like a window shade, so that the rotaion of the ball creates that downward movement and decreases somewhat in speed from a fastball. You see this pitch in the dirt a lot. Hudson was not as effective last year because he could not get the torque and grip right to cause the pitch to drop off the table and at the same time have a velocity that caused players to hit the top of the ball. That’s why he gets so many ground ball outs. You see early fly ball outs with Hudson and you may be in for some scary innings.

A sinker is a fast ball that moves a lot less dramatically that the splitter. It is generally held by the two seams that are closest togther on the baseball. The pitch is thrown like a fast ball, and is the speed of a fastall but as it comes towards the plate it will begin sinking. Slightly. Not as dramatic and in the dirt as a splitter. Sinker ball pitchers are in demand because they induce groud ball outs - useful for double play situations. However, a sinker pitcher usually has a fast ball in the high 80’s to low 90’s.If they get the sinker up, it drifts into the hitters zone and we have problem. Look at Kelly Johnson a few games ago. The location of his fast ball on the dingers he gave up were in the upper part of the zone.

The forkball is rarely used anymore I would think. It is gripped with a much wider finger split than a splitter and it actually can tumble out like a knuckleball. Tough to throw and control.

Another pitch is the cut fast ball. By altering the grip on the seams a bit, a guy can throw a fastball that looks like it’s off the plate, but at the last second it “cuts” in to the zone. Maddox is the best ever at this pitch. Glavine throws it now with his change up.

You are correct though that all these pitches are designed to move, dart and drop. :Look at sharpness of the movement and speed of the pitch to determine what is what. Look for the splitter to be in the dirt a lot.

By the way, never, ever encourage a youngster to throw a splitter. Tons of careers were and have been lost because of the elbow problems that pitch has caused since it’s introduction by Roger Craig in the 80’s.

Hope this helps.

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

I also don’t think a pitcher should be able to be the MVP. Pitchers have the Cy Young award to win. If you choose a pitcher (who will pitch in about 30 games) as MVP then you’ve not awarded the best hitter for that year that played in between 150 and 162 games. I think an everyday player is more valuable to any team.

By Lew

April 12, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Pulpwood-IThe River is my favorite Springsteen, but I never heard of The Ties That Bind (other than the song on the River). How much of that album actually made it to the River and where can you find it. Bama Brave-Comparing Chipper to Murphy doesn’t hold up for several reasons. 1.Chipper already has almost as many HR’s as Murph and will likely exceeed his total by a substantial number 2. Chipper has a career batting average over .300. Murphy’s is nowhere close 3.Chipper, as a pinch hitter, is the only one with a career BA over .300-even Mantle didn’t do that. 4. He’s the only switch hitter with more than 300 HR to have a BA over .300. 5. Chipper played on a WS winner, and 11 Division winners-Murphy played on one division winner. The only area(s) Murph may exceed Chipper is the two MVP’s to Chipper’s one and in citizenship. Chipper’s in, Murph, unfortunately, not.

By dougp

April 12, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Two questions for anyone who can answer them. How many blown saves did the team with the fewest in the league have last year? and, What is the record for fewest blown saves in a year? I’ve read alot about how many saves the Braves blew last year (i hate writing braves and blew in the same sentance, but I can’t figure out another way to say it), but what kind of difference can we expect. Just wondering, please feel free to ignore this request, but I know Shaun or KC might know. Thanks.

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Put in (your cd player) some Tool,Shinedown,Breaking Benjamins,and Metallica and hit play !

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

It would have helped Murphy to get those 2 more homeruns and have 400 instead of finishing with 398.

By Oldtimer

April 12, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

DOB Great Post! Don’t worry about the pitchers; Bobby is just sending a message to the league. 74DAWG- I agree. I saw Mays, Mantle, Kaline, Rose and of course Henry, and Enos Slaughter at the end of his career. Andruw is the best, then Henry. You can take your pick among all the others. Henry could get to more balls standing than most could diving or going into the stands. Absolutely no showboating, all business.

By Jim from PA

April 12, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

To Walter, Matthew’s Dad

I never threw a forkball, splitter, or sinker when I pitched. However, to the best of my understanding a Forkball and Splitter are gripped similarly (between the pointer and middle fingers spread widMatthew:

I never threw a forkball, splitter, or sinker when I pitched. However, to the best of my understanding a Forkball and Splitter are gripped similarly (between the pointer and middle fingers spread widely) with the Forkball grip being a little wider and the pitch a little slower, whereas the Splitter is a slightly faster pitch with a tighter spin. A sinker is held ely) with the Forkball grip being a little wider and the pitch a little slower, whereas the Splitter is a slightly faster pitch with a tighter spin. A sinker is held between the middle and index finger over the narrow area of the seams and drops as it nears the plate.

I agree with Tokyobrave about not letting younger kids throw those pitches. You can be good with a well placed fastball and changeup as a kid

By KC

April 12, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

dougp: I don’t know what the all-time record is, but the lowest blown-save total of any team last year belonged to the Twins, who blew only 10 saves all year (converting 80% of save opps.)

The Braves of course blew 29 last year. I’ll be shocked though if they blow any more than 15 saves this year.

By knowitall

April 12, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

I agree with Sir Stealth, it will be the fact that Chipper is one of the greatest switch hitters ever that will get him into the hall. Especially in this day and age where guys want to focus on power so they only hit from their power side. Their just aren’t a lot of power-hitting switch hitters. Plus, don’t under estimate the fact that for the most part, he was the #3 hitter for teams that won 14 straight division titles.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 12, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

number of games each reliever has pitched in thru the first 8:

Gonzalez: 6 Soriano: 6 Wickman: 5 Paronto: 5 McBride: 3 Villareal: 2 Yates: 2

…and unless it’s a non-save situation tonight, i wouldn’t be surprised if we see gonzalez, soriano and/or wickman again tonight after smoltz comes out (if he does). i figure that bobby will want to make sure the bullpen seals the deal for smoltz.

By KC

April 12, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

dougp: Here’s a link to the ESPN stat page where you can take a look at the blown save totals from last year…

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/aggregate?statType=pitching&seasonType=2&group=9&type=exp1&sort=&split=0&season=2006

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t know about the old timers like you guys that witnessed it do but Ted Williams has got to be the best hitter ever. You look at those numbers he put up hitting .400+ with over 40 hrs. and 120 rbi’s about every year. You will have to grade his defense for me. Lol.

By Burt

April 12, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Everyone wants to second-guess BC, but here’s a guy who watched his ace (Smoltz) and other starters labor through extra innings last year because they had NO CONFIDENCE in a bullpen that proved no one should have confidence in it. So now don’t you think that maybe, just maybe, BC is making a statement with his new Big 3? Go ahead, Smoltzy and Huddy: wrap your arms in ice and take the rest of the night off. These guys — Gonzo, Soriano and Wickman — can mind the store and secure the W. This strategy is going to pay BIG dividents come August/September.

By Summerteeth

April 12, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

I think Bobby is trying to separate from the pack as early as possible and is throwing Soriano and Gonzo out there while we are on this little roll. We never have good Aprils and I think he is going all out to have a good one this year.

By Josh C

April 12, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Read the debate on the other blog about overuse. No question these guys are overused. Don’t get the whole Yates deal either. We kept him ‘cause he’s out of options…but if he sucks do bad we can’t put him in, who cares if he leaves? It ain’t like the dude is 20 anymore. Give somebody else a chance.

Robdawg

Agreed on pitchers winning MVP, disagree on importance. A pitcher literally makes or breaks 30-35 games a season. Since a hitter only comprises 11 percent of the batting order, he would be of much less significance even though he’s in there every day. The Braves would have a much better chance to win the division if, say, Andruw went down as opposed to Smoltzie. Let’s all knock on wood together twice now.

DOB

Just curious, is there any chance that Cormier is relegated back to long relief when he comes back? I could see it since I’m sure they’d want to keep the veteran Redman and Davies looks sharp. Maybe Yates is designated when Lance comes back? I know Lance had a great spring but the way Davies looked…thoughts?

By Lew

April 12, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

RobDawg-I’ve got Lillian Axe, Dirty Looks and The Cult in the old CD player myself. The end result is what matters. Ours are likely the same. Plenty of rockin. As far as Ted. Keep in mind he missed a couple years for WW2 and then some more for Korea. There’s no telling what his numbers would have been with four more productive years added to his totals.

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

I hear ya Josh ! Take Pujols off the Cardinals last year or Chris Carpenter. I’d still say Pujols was more valuable. Its almost a push. I really made up my mind about pitchers not winning the MVP when my man Don Mattingly hit .335 47 135 (or there abouts) and lost the MVP to Clemens because he struck out 20 something in a game that year twice and won 20.

By Lew

April 12, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

I’m pretty sure Yates is out of options. Could be wrong, though.

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Exactly Lew. And he went off to war in his prime years !

By Eric from MO

April 12, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Braves might as well as claim they’re the team to beat in the east. They will easily win 100 games.

RobDawg06-are you really complaining about the Braves stealing bases? Why? The Braves are 7-1. They are also 3rd in runs. If we had a guy like Jose Reyes then ask that question but we dont. Be who you are and the Braves are team that arent goin hit for average or steal alot of bases. However the Braves will score alot of runs just like last year. Last year the Braves were last in stolen bases and in the lower half in average but they were 2nd in runs. Isnt scoring runs what really matters?

By BamaBrave

April 12, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

While it’s true Chipper’s stats give him an edge between the two men, it’s also pretty clear that the HOF is very political. It’s not just about stats. Murphy meant more to those (mostly) pathetic teams than Chipper has to his…at least that’s how I remember it. He was often the lone bright spot, and was Mr. Brave across the nation. Mind you…as a Braves fan, I want both to get into the HOF, but if you want stats, Murph’s resume is pretty damn impressive: All-Star (NL): 1980, 1982-1987 MLB Most Valuable Player Award (NL): 1982-1983 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award: 1985 Roberto Clemente Award: 1988 Gold Glove (NL OF): 1982-1986 Silver Slugger (NL OF): 1982-1985

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Stealing bases puts pressure on the defense and gets hitters better pitchers (with the pitcher partially worrying about the runner). The Braves are 7-1 today because of the 2 run homeruns. Those won’t come every game especially against Oswalt,Carpenter,Glavine,etc. There will be many games won or lost by the advancement of runners or lack there of. Good teams like the Mets beat you with speed,power,and pitching. You can’e be one diminsional and win for very long.

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Take away Mike Scmidt and Murph would have 3 more MVP’s too.

By Braves20

April 12, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

DOB - A thought provoking column. In order, Hudson - while encouraged I want to see him in the heat of July at the Ted before passing judgment. He seems to wilt more than most in the heat. Conversely, I’m not so sure the .134 we’ve seen out of the first base tandem isn’t the real thing. Like you, read the predictions of the Sports Weekly posse and was scared that only Nightengale picked the Braves. He’s also the guy that predicted that Gary (.062 in postseason) Sheffield would deliver the Braves to the promised land. Thanks for a provocative column.

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Typo city. Sorry. Schmidt,can’t…

By Rodger

April 12, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Burt, August/September/October is precisely why these guys shouldn’t be overused now.

Josh C I agree on Yates-if you can’t trust them, why waste a spot on them?

By The Stranger

April 12, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

BamaBrave, from one Braves fan to another, how much can a player really mean to a team that doesn’t make the post-season?

As has been mentioned here many times, Chipper has won consistently at every level. No slight to the Murph, but winning (and winning and winning) matters. Chipper is a 1st ballot HOFer.

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

We’ve got to remember how they kept Kolb & Reitsma. I almost had blew blood vessels some nights watching those bums lose games. Hopefully Cormier will soon supplant Redman and Davies will stay in the rotation.

By Rodger

April 12, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

robdawg, good thing you didn’t leave out the “m”…

Remember, KJ was running last nite when Chipper hit the homer.

By Matt

April 12, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Stark Blog:

If you’ve followed this team, you know the two things you can count on every April are Easter egg hunts and another April debacle by the Phillies. They’ve now started 2-6, or worse, in three of the last four years. But while they found ways to get back into contention the previous two times, that’s a precarious tightrope to walk this year, when the Braves and Mets appear 100 percent for real.

By dougp

April 12, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

KC, thanks, all else being equal, I think we will all take a 14 - 19 game improvement over last years record.

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

I think Murphy should be in the HOF because in his era he was one of the 5 best hitters. For me, it was Schmidt,R.Jackson,Stargell,Murphy,and Dawson. There was Carew,Rose,and others that didn’t hit for power and average (just for average). J.Morgan and G.Foster were pretty good too.

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Left out Eddie Murray too… Geez.

By Oldtimer

April 12, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

robdawg6- Ted Williams absolutely was the best hitter in my time. He gave it his best as a fielder but was average. He sustained some injuries running into the right field wall to catch high drives a few times. Missed most of six seasons serving the US in WWII and Korea. Fighter Pilot in Korea.

By N8

April 12, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

KC

I stand corrected with you 3:12 post.

I agree with you. I misused the term “contender” as opposed to meaning we will prevail in the division if those guys do OK.

Fred from CT

I don’t disagree with you about our pitchers numbers being in trouble without Andruw out there. But I think we’re BOTH nitpicking here a little bit. ARGUABLY both Griffey Jr. and Andruw along with Mays are the greatest CF’s of all time. But there is really NO WAY of telling which one is actually the “greatest”.

Let’s just let it go at: THEY ARE ALL GREAT CF’s. Everyone of their teams were better off with them in CF rather than ANYBODY ELSE who was playing at the time they were.

Sure, Andruw and Griffey’s careers overlapped a little bit. But not fair to compare Andruw in his prime, to Griffey in his prime. Hell, it’s not fair to compare Andruw NOW to Andruw in his prime.

I give the slight overall edge (on defense) to Andruw over Griffey. But that probably has more to do with seeing him play so much. So defensively, YES. Andruw in a photo finish.

Now if we’re talking OVERALL playing ability………LOL!

By KC

April 12, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

dougp: “KC, thanks, all else being equal, I think we will all take a 14 - 19 game improvement over last years record.”

I would too! But the even better news is that all else isn’t equal.

Tim Hudson is the biggest reason for that. I’m sure you’ve watched the games, so I don’t really need to say anything about that.

But also, many people forget that we only had Chuck James in the rotation for a half-season last year. Having him in there from day-1 this year will help significantly.

If either Davies or Cormier (or both) can have a good year, that would be a further improvement on last year’s team.

We lost a little bit of offense with the LaRoche trade, but the improvements to the pitching dwarf the impact that will have. Besides… I’m confident that Wilson and Thorman will come around and start giving us solid offense at 1B.

By Braveheart

April 12, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Damn, David O’Brien, Damn! I always love your great writing, reporting, opining, and blogging but today’s blog was GREAT in so many ways you have no idea. DAMN! GREAT blogging & GREAT writing! After all that information and data, the Blathering Blowhard Braveheart doesn’t even feel like writing anything because he will be too busy reading DOB’s stuff all over again. Keep DOB away for a few days and he comes back with ferocity. DOB is almost like his boy Hoss - so consistently great & productive everyday that you almost take him for granted. And then he takes a day off and comes at you with a 3 home run day like today, and you remember why you think he is so great. Alright, enough buttkissing but DAMN GREAT writing, reporting, blogging, and opining today.

By bruce

April 12, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Washington Times writer calls for Stan Kasten to acquire Andruw Jones for the Washington Nationals to bring back the fans next year because things might get so ugly this year. Thanks, Bruce

By robdawg06

April 12, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Anyone else thought about the year that Bonds hit 70 something homeruns he was walked (over 100 intentionally) over 200 times. I think he (and his steroids,lol) would have hit 100 homeruns that year if he had been pitched to. He was unbelievably locked in with his homerun swing that year.

By Henry

April 12, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Nice column, DOB. As I said before the season started, I think this whole season hinges on Hudson. And I’m starting to get my hopes up. Between spring and now two prime-time starts, he’s looking like the Huddy of old. If that happens, and Smoltz and James are their usual selves, this is going to be one tough team to beat.

Now, all-time Gold Gloves: ok, it’s unanimous, Andruw’s getting ripped off in this beauty contest. But I agree with Oldtimer, who said above that Aaron deserves consideration, too; he also made it look so easy that he was easy to overlook. One of you statheads look it up — how many Gold Gloves did he win?

Go Thrashers. I was at the last NHL playoff game played in Atlanta. Won’t be at this one, but sure pulling for the boys in blue (hair).

Henry

By Fred from CT

April 12, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

N8 if your talking overall then yes it would be a laugher. Griffey would have broken aaron’s record without cheeting if he stayed healthy. I respectfully disagree with your defensive assesment but respect your opinion.

Let’s go braves.

By joebrave

April 12, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

It seems now that Ken rosenthal is jumping on the bandwagon,He had some really nice remarks for the Braves new core.I think i’ll name the Braves New World Order!!!

By Alan

April 12, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Welcome back, DOB. I, for one, have to reserve judgment on Hudson simply because of his recent past. No doubt, he’s been sensational so far, and I hope it continues all year. “Hope” is the key word. I’m not yet confident that he will. If he’s still dealing like this when May rolls around, I’ll gladly jump on the bandwagon. Regarding the all-time Gold Glove, no one can argue with Mays and Clemente (I’m old enough to have seen both of them - they were terrific fielders - and Hall of Famers, for goodness sake) and I agree with those who trumpet Griffey, who also was terrific in his prime. Andruw, though, has more range and a better arm than Griffey ever had and should finish 3rd in the balloting. It wouldn’t be terrible if he finishes 4th, but 5th? Behind Jim Edmonds? No way!

By Lew

April 12, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

RobDawg and Bama Brave-I’m not debating Murph’s credentials. He was one of my favorites. He also led all of baseball in HR for the 80’s-that includes Schmidt and everyone else. But Murph didn’t quite reach 400 HR (which for that time was a benchmark) and he played for mostly terrible teams, with no one batting behind him. Because of this, he will just never get the respect. Chipper on the other hand, has had an extremely visable career, played for some great teams and had the hitting stats I mentioned earlier. Believe me, the Murphy autographed ball I got some years ago at spring training is a valued possession, but he still won’t get in. Chipper will.

By JasonInMaine

April 12, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

Henry,

I believe Hank had 3 gold gloves from 58-60.

Regards,

Jason

By AdirondackDave

April 12, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

RobDawg- Williams was a fair to poor defensive left fielder. #1 with the stick though.

By David O'Brien

April 12, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Alan, others: Agreed on Andruw third. No one who saw Clemente would argue against him being in the top two, and Willie Mays is Willie Mays. But I’d put Andruw above Griffey and Edmonds.

I just asked Bobby about using the relievers. He said Gonzalez is off tonight and tomorrow. Soriano told me he just tried to use his curveball for some reason last night, didn’t even know why but knows now he shouldn’t have. “No one is hitting my fastball,” he said, with a tone that said, so why in the world did I throw the breaking ball?

By Rodger

April 12, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Henry (Hank?) - are you one in the same?

Aaron fails to get credit for the excellent all around player he is, overshadowed by the home runs. The offensive stats alone are mind-boggling: 1st in HR (of course), RBI, total bases, extra base hits, 3rd in hits!, and runs scored. Then throw in the 3 gold gloves, excellent base running, and for a while, a great arm.

On Murph, if character counts for anything, and by God it should, Murph could have hit .200 with 100 homers, and should be in the Hall. Just me though, I guess…

By KC

April 12, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Anyone know why HoRam hasn’t pitched for the M’s yet??

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 12, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

I read some blogger’s comment on the previous blog that the SJA is now classy because of being “smacked down”…Well which “smack down” were you referring to genius?…I do recall many ‘attempted’ smack downs, but I just don’t recall the one that made me so damned classy…and what would you inbred morons know about class anyhow, most of you nutcases can’t even spell the damn word correctly—-I’m no idiot, I can hang with the best of you, and I can hang with the worst…and as far as me having aliases, well DOB can tell you with certainty just who’s who on this blog…

So don’t go gettin’ too warm and fuzzy with TheJackAss, trying to feed me carrot sticks and sugar cubes, handfuls of oats, fresh hay, rubbin’ my mane, and using a currycomb on me, thinking I’m your my friend, and that you can lead me around on a rope…cause when you least expect it, the ol’ SJA will slam you right in your damn piehole with both hooves!…so if you enjoy being cut down to size, bring it on…and I may as well start with that retarded A$sMonkey Ron Roberts…

By TennesseePaul

April 12, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

the Braves offense at times can make any 10 ERA pitcher look like a CY Young winner

I think this is because the team is over excited. They see a pitcher they should tee off on and start swinging away. Then when a descent or better pitcher comes, they rely more on fundamentals. They work counts, look for the pitch to hit, try to go the other way, and basically try to put some wood on the ball. If they kept this approach with Perez and other crappers we meet, they’d have more success.
The other type of pitcher that baffles Braves lineups is the rookie call up. Could be for similar reasons. I think, though, this is more to do with no familiarity with the pitcher. The only rookie call up I can think of that the Braves destroyed was Gavin Floyd. That guy had no hope against us. We pounded him out of the starting rotation and into the pen. Then blasted him from the pen back to the minors. He was called back up and we ran him out of the league. Sure do miss that kid. Maybe we shouldn’t have been so hard on him.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 12, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Murph had the misfoutune of playing number one in media poor Atlanta and number two on player poor Braves teams. If he had the same type of hitters in the line up to protect him as Chipper then Dale would be in the Hall of Fame.

As for Hudson… As I have said, it is not just the stats but the style. He looks different this year. If he continues to show us this “stuff” we won’t have to worry about Hampton being lost for the season.

As for the “Ace”…. When you have been as spoiled as the Braves’ fans what’s one more ACE in a marked deck?

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 12, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Looks like joebrave took my advice and invested in SpellChecker—either that or forgot which alias he was using…

By Fred from CT

April 12, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

KC he did pitch on friday and got hit but the game was called due to snow and the game didn’t count they got snowed out all weekend i clevland so the went back to the front of the rotation.

By JasonInMaine

April 12, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

DOB, thanks for checking on the relievers. But, I still don’t understand why he would use Gonzalez & Soriano last night with a 5 run lead, especially considering he is giving Gonzalez tonight and tomorrow night off. He may actually be needed in those nights!

Regards,

Jason

By TennesseePaul

April 12, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

KC: He has pitched. His game was snowed out. He threw about 4 innings of no earned run ball and then all the stats were wiped clean. He allowed about 4 unearned runs though and held Andy Marte hitless.

By Fred from CT

April 12, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

sorry about the grammar on that last post. It looks like a first grade posted it.

By Skip Carey's Left Testicle

April 12, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

I’m a nut and I can see how good Hudson looks!

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 12, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

Who gives a tinker’s damn why HoRam isn’t pitching for the M’s?…this is a damn Braves blog…is HoRam a damn Brave?…I would rather know why the hell HoRam didn’t ‘pitch’ for the Braves when HoRam was a damn Brave!!…

By JC FROM UT

April 12, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

DOB: It seems to me that BC has no confidence in Tyler Yates. That being siad why not try to trade him or get him through waivers and send him down (I think he is out of options) and bring up Moylan. He was great this spring. If not Moylan how about Buddy Calisle. It would be nice to have 3 lefties in the pen.

By old timer journalist

April 12, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Hudson’s work might be the most exciting aspect of the fast start this year. Him and the nice feeling that if the Braves are tied or ahead after 7, they’re going to win with this bullpen. Exact opposite of last year.

As for the Gold Glove selections, anything that involves fan voting is meaningless.

By TennesseePaul

April 12, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

I’ve noticed since the memo-gate scandle of the 2004 presidential elections, blogs have gotten considerably more attention from the national media. Goes for sports too. I keep reading articles by SI, FoxSports or even ESPN (of which they all now seem to have some variation on the blog/article theme) keep quoting team blogs or at least making reference to them. However, in all these quotes and references this blog has not been mentioned. The other thing I’ve noticed is, every time they reference a team blog, it’s when the blog locals are absolutely furious with some aspect of their team. I think we’ll have to toss this on KC’s pile of the National Press bias against the Braves. Right there with the mountain of Dayn Perry articles. I bring all this up because there is an SI Article out there that goes into the Braves expectations and subsequent loss of Hampton. Then it goes on about Phillies bloggers…

By N8

April 12, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

SJA

I find that when I read your posts, and imagine Al Pacino reading them, they are downright hilarious!!

Keep up the good work.

Whoo-AH!!

By The Grinch

April 12, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Workin’ on a sixer of Sam Adams’ Longshot (two beers each of the 2006 homebrew contest winners)…nice to know Americans can still make decent beer when they want to, even in their basement. It appears Jackass has both hooves flying tonight; order has been restored. Man, my remote’s gonna have smoke pouring out of it switching from Braves to Thrashers and back tonight. Everyone pray Scribe sticks to the diet coke plan tonight; I won’t be there to drunkenly circumnavigate the downtown area looking for 75/85 again.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 12, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

So where’s the resident A$sClown/caveman this evening_down at Wal-Mart picking up some more commedia dell’arte?…

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 12, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

N8—-I like that…..WHOO-AH!!!……mind if I use that from time to time??…

By snowball's chance

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

Grinch, did you ever take that Martin in for repair? I can see you serenading the ladies along with the Victrola.

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

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

Jim and tokyobrave:

Thanks for the explanation. I am Matthew, and my son is Matthew Walter (goes by Walter, named for my grandfather). But no worrires, I appreciate the insight!

By Robert

April 12, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

“And Robert, donkeys do not chew their cud, they are monogastrics, and do not need to regurgitate their food, as cattle and sheep do, who are ruminants.”

Well I flat didnt know that. But now you have raised an intriguing question. What is Cox chewing on all the time in the dugout?

The utility man’s cap? A piece of a backup infielder’s glove? A hemorrhoidal suppository?

By Oregon_Braves

April 12, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

NEWS FLASH: Dayn Perry is indeed a douchebag.

By Robert

April 12, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

“I just don’t see the wisdom of using them with that lead last night, when you had a chance to rest them against the pathetic Nationals”

And yet, should one of those misused relievers happen to falter in a sitaution that MATTERS later on in the season, it will be inconceivable to you to hold Cox accountable.

By Braveheart

April 12, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

Did anyone else wonder whether the title of yesterday’s blog was a double entendre of sorts by the writer?

If so, who was going to be the possible cause of the condition?

Ah, never mind.

By Bob, journalist

April 12, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Mid April is far too early to reach conclusions regarding the use of the bullpen staff … I seriously doubt that Bobby operates in a vacuum … and one can only assume that there are good reasons for the decisions being made.

Rationalization is the forte of the irrational but we are consistently reminded of the difference in the level of stress on pitchers when expectations are high and the game is on the line with every pitch … and when it is not.

Not only is it early April … eight games into the season … but the identity of the pitching staff is yet to be defined. There may be more method to the madness than meets the eye.

That being said, Soriano’s performance of gestern Abend is of some concern … while we were deprived of seeing the game … preempted by Hockey … it didn’t sound too good.

Not much has been said about Matt Diaz’s defensive play but his level of play seems much improved. Good news, especially given that Langerhans’ early Spring Training adjustments seem to have been abandoned.

Perhaps even more encouraging are the indications that Jeff Francouer may resume his efforts to go with the pitch rather that attempting to pull everything … unfortunately, the announcers may be correct in their assertions that it is but a defensive mechanism employed when down to his last strike.

Andruw continues to amaze … it’s truly amazing that one so gifted … and supposedly intelligent … doesn’t try as hard to hit .500 as he does to hit the ball 500 feet. He responded well to being removed from the game for his defensive play … the same action won’t … but should … be employed for offensive reasons … what a waste of talent.

Andruw posits that he is a team player but his actions at the plate seem to decry his words. The sad thing is that he has demonstrated the ability to hit consistently … like the smoker that has quit … time, and time again.

Returning to the dynamics of expectations and stress, it will be interesting to see how John pitches tonight …

By The Grinch

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

Man, this is one hell of an intense hockey game; there’s even a rowdy, sold-out home crowd to match. Good stuff; I may have to break down and go myself shortly. Snowball, I have not yet repaired my Martin. While I’ve traditionally been more of a Les Paul/Marshall kind of guy, it does run in the family. Grinch I (grandad) played Hawiian steel guitar on WSB radio back in the late 20’s. I’ve still got a bunch of ukulele 8-tracks from the 70’s. Never underestimate Grinch III’s versatility in musically charming the ladies; Victrola foxtrot, ukulele, smokin’ blues from the Paul, Spanish guitar from the ol’ nylon strung Martin accoustic (much newer model), and if worse comes to worse I can always break out the Al Green vinyl. If you can’t get the job done with Al, you might as well like dudes. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 12, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

I just read in the Braves Vent where some A$sMonkey said that the Braves need to “dump Mike Hampton and use his salary to keep Andruw”…damn, I sure hope that wasn’t one of you’s guys…the reasons that the Braves cannot do that has been beat so far into the ground on this DOB blog that a damned Chinaman could understand it…oh, that was very nice, was it?…calling certain people A$sMonkeys—-Hell!..I don’t think a monkey did anything to me…

By N8

April 12, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

SJA

Go for it. LOL!

By David O'Brien

April 12, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout that _ Smoltz came within two feet of hitting a two-run homer to center field.

By the way, when I asked Cox today (since I hadn’t been out here in two days) if Hampton absolutely intended to pitch again, he said, “Oh, [bleep] yeah,” and said Hampton even intends to pitch in winter ball.

So I guess the Braves will have no choice but “release” him if they want to use that money to sign Andruw, right? (that’s a jab for those out there who can’t grasp the concept of a guaranteed contract)

By MEB

April 12, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

Grinch… are we supposed to dislike the Rangers as much as the Mets? I’m not feeling the same level of hate here. Am I doing something wrong?

Dang… Smoltz just put a charge in one that Church caught against the wall in right center.

By David O'Brien

April 12, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

Like most of you, I hoped Langerhans’ strikeout affliction of spring training was just spring training. But after that second-inning K, he’s 2-for-16 with seven strikeouts this young season. Yikes.

By David O'Brien

April 12, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

Wow, the Nationals haven’t scored a RUN IN THE FIRST THREE INNINGS ALL SEASON. And what happens when they get guys at first and second with none out here in the third? Why, the pitcher pops up a bunt to Chipper to start a 5-6 DOUBLE PLAY! Unbelievable.

120 losses … or more.

By mr baseball

April 12, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

It’s no secret that the Braves get no love from the national media. If you understand how media types operate, the answer is fairly simple. The two key elements for media types, sportswriters in particular, are new topics and controversy.

Most national media types long ago tired of the Braves’ act. The team is much too vanilla for national media consumption. No outlandish personalities. No clubhouse disputes. Too much post-season failure. They were perfectly happy to see the Braves fall on their face last year so they could focus on the Mets, who have the added advantage of being in one of the four favored media markets (NY, LA, Chicago, New England).

Teams in Minnesota, St. Louis, Houston and Oakland are in pretty much the same boat as Atlanta. They’re just not in a division with a media darling team (Mets). The media wanted the Braves to go away after last season’s flop so they could turn to more important matters like Bonds, A-Rod, the amazing Mets, Dice K and the annual Roger Clemens soap opera.

Aside to DOB: when you encounter some of your beat writer brethren who picked the Braves to finish 3rd or 4th in the division, please ignore sportswriter protocol and tell them how deficient they are in baseball knowledge.

By David O'Brien

April 12, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

JasoninMaine, while I also disagree with using all three of those guys last night, it’s incorrect to say he used them with a 5-run lead.

It was a 2-0 lead when Gonzalez pitched the seventh. Now, it’s important to note, Soriano’s already warming up for the eighth when the Braves score three in the bottom of the seventh. If he’s already up and throwing, some say might as well use the guy, because he’s already warmed up the arm and he’s already exerted himself plenty in the ‘pen.

OK, so he pitches the eighth and gives up three, so Wickman is warming up for the ninth already when the Braves score three more in the bottom of the eighth. See above for rationale for going ahead with Wickman.

Again, please note I don’t necessarily agree, especially with Wickman pitching the ninth even if he’s already warmed up. But that’s the rationale you’ll hear in those instances _ if a guy’s already up in the ‘pen and throwing hard to get ready, might as well use him.

By David O'Brien

April 12, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

N8, you’ve done it now _ I can’t read SJA’s posts without reading ‘em in the Pacino whoo-ah voice. Damn you.

By The Grinch

April 12, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

MEB, you are since they’re leading 3-1. I’ll be honest though without bias, two of those three were cheap goals. This is a hell of a good matchup and this should be a good series. We’ll get some cheap ones too. Just tuned into the Braves, are we making another scrub pitcher look like Cy Young (despite the leadoff double Andruw just hit as I was typing)?

By TheSouthernJackAss

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

WHOO-AH!!!…

By flange1

April 12, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

WOW!

SJA is on tonight, too much coffee today dude?

Grinch, I know you have a uke, but r u a guitar player as well?

DOB, new album for you to check out by LIMBECK, great alt/country/pop. This is their third record and they get better every time! It has finally pushed the new Son Volt out of my CD player. Still have copies at Ella Guru!

By Drunk driving isn't cool

April 12, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

I guess Frenchy is too cool to run that one out.

By AuburnStudent

April 12, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Well there goes Smolts’s no-hit bid! darn that ryan church.

By JasonInMaine

April 12, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

DOB,

My bad…you are correct Sir. Like Pink Floyd, I had a momentary lapse of reason. I forgot that it was only 2-0 when Gonzalez came in. I can also see the the logic, at least somewhat, of having the guy come into the game if he has already been up in the pen.

Shoot…I wanted Smoltzie to pitch a no hitter. From my vantage, it appears he just let up his first hit. (I had to come back to the office, so I am relegated to following it on Gamecast).

Thanks for the additional thoughts and correction DOB.

Regards,

Jason

By The Grinch

April 12, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

DOB, same here. N8, you’ve singlehandedly made him a lot more charismatic; you should be receiving Jackass royalties from here on out. Gotta picture him flicking his tongue out in between sentences, too. Maybe mix in some Scarface…”Ron Roberts (rolling the r’s), joo know what is a Hasa? Ees like a pig with wings. Joo is a Hasa, Ron Roberts, only joo don’t fly straight no more.”

By AuburnStudent

April 12, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

So how many home runs does everyone think Kelly Johnson will hit this year at the leadoff spot this year?

By JasonInMaine

April 12, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

I know I am being repetitive, but seriously; it is time to start Diaz in LF and bring in Langy for a defensive replacement. I keep hearing the announcers try and describe what’s wrong. Well, here’s what’s wrong…dude isn’t a major league hitter. Period. He can flat out go get it, but he can’t hit it!

Regards,

Jason

By MEB

April 12, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Grinch… seems to be a tradition when Smoltz pitches. Bergmann looks like the second coming of Tom Seaver out there pitching a 1 hit shutout with 7 SO’s. I really don’t think they can score any runs so I think we may pull this one out. Stay tuned!

By JasonInMaine

April 12, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Where’s the O??

By ssiscribe

April 12, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

I see where Smoltz is doing his thing, but so, too is this dude on the mound for the Nats.

Over at Philips, Kari’s catching like the Nats. Couple of real softies have Le Thrash down two entering the third.

That’s where the similarities end between D.C.’s baseball team and our hockey team. Nats gonna lose 117. Thrashers are gonna win this series in seven, and hopefully I live to see the end of it, he he he.

One down in the sixth. Keep rollin, John.

—30—

By The Grinch

April 12, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

Flange1, the uke was my dad’s; I’ve played it a total of about 10 minutes in my life. After I get it fixed, though, we’ll see. Yes, much to the chagrin of my neighbors I have my Marshall half-stack back. :-)

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 12, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

“I neva f*&^$% anybody over in my life, who didn’t have it comin’ to ‘im, you got that? All I have in this world is my balls, and my word, and I don’t break ‘em for no one, jou understand?”…

By flange1

April 12, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

GRINCH,

My neighbors like my bluesbreaker and my bassman as well. If dirty looks could kill, I would be dead……

Maybe I should just play the AC-30 and jangle with the Ric.

They would hate that too!

By JasonInMaine

April 12, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

Gamecast must not be functioning properly…it says that the Braves have one hit against the Nats…must be a programming error in the applet…

By brian

April 12, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

last year at this time Roger McDowell was taking a beating here for the poor performance of the Braves pitchers especially relief pitchers. I for one would like to give him props for the early success of the Braves pitchers so far this year.

By The Grinch

April 12, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Good classic stuff, man, both of ‘em…I’m envious. Mine (JCM 2000) totally rocks, but it’s only a couple of years old. Amps are like whiskey…well, you obviously know. :-) Thrash are laying some major hits on NY, 1 minute to go…let’s go Thrashers!

By JasonInMaine

April 12, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

Anyone out there watching the game…is Smoltz losing his control? I see that he has hit a batter, walked another, and thrown a wild pitch. Man, we can’t lose to the Nots!

By Dudley Dude Right

April 12, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Howdeeee!! we have a pitchers duel in the dust.Smoltz the hard-assed old war horse is still my ace till James or Hudson take it away. Ouchy !! that run is a result of using the pen up last night.There goes the game !! maybe.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 12, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

TOE INJURY! the umpire was struck directly on the toe by a john smoltz pitch! smoltz is tired out. why is smoltz still in the game? now, it is two runs for the nats. time to take smoltz out and bring in paronto. where is bobby cox? where is mcdowell? the umpire must have a really sore toe by now …

By ssiscribe

April 12, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Sigh, Thrashers with a heck of an effort at the end, but the softies by Kari prove too much to overcome. Lose 4-3 to the Blueshirts in Game 1.

So, I flip over just in time to see Belliard hit that fastball to right to give the Nats their SECOND lead of the season. Second lead of the season? You gotta be kidding me.

Smoltzie’s gutting it out, though, roaring back to strike out Church. But, it’s 2-0. Time to go to work with the sticks, boys. Time, with the gym awaiting at 5:15 a.m., to shut this thing down and retire upstairs.

Grinch, guess I’ll have to get the Thrash a win when I go to Philips Saturday. Denizens, here’s to a rally for the Bravos.

Later. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Dudley Dude Right

April 12, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Once in awhile even a great manager does a bone head thing.First the pen was over used last night when it wasn’t needed,and tonight Smoltz is over used as a result of it.

By The Grinch

April 12, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

What the hell is Langerhans doing hitting for himself in the 8th with a 2 run deficit? Smoltz does NOT deserve to lose this. Oh, look, strike 3. What a shock.

By N8

April 12, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure what I’m more upset about.

The fact that Soriano was up AGAIN in the bullpen, or the fact that Bobby didn’t go to him. LOL!

Riddle me this:

If Wickman, Gonzalez and Soriano are the only relievers Bobby will use, and add to that the 5 starters, WHY ON EARTH do we have more than an 8 man pitching staff right now. Hell, make it 9. Keep Oscar out there for “emergancy”.

Also, I’m officially OFF of the “Ryan Langerhans should start everyday, due to his defense” train. 10 strikeouts in 17 AB’s? That spells only one thing to me.

Matt Diaz as an EVERYDAY leftfielder.

Paging COACH…….Coach where are you?

I take back what I said last night and earlier today. Sometimes the “not very good” starters can shutdown this lineup. LOL!

7-2 aint so bad (even though there is an inning left), but this is a game that shouldn’t have gotten away.

UUUUGLY.

By N8

April 12, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Dudley Dude Right

How right you are. Though it happens far too often, for a guy that gets a complete flyer on his “decisions” or lack thereof.

DOB reported that Bobby had said before the game (OH GREAT! We get to see McBride face some righties…YIKES!), Gonzalez had the “night off”.

Apparently Yates has the week off.

My hats off to the Nats. They came out playing tonight.

Hey Shaun, still think McCann failing to get Andruw over to third after his double with no outs, wasn’t any different that had he grounded out to the right side?

I see that McWalk is off to his normal start.

By mnm

April 12, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Langerhans is awfule completly sucks a* it seems to me that about everybody in the braves lineup trys to hit a HR.

By Bubba

April 12, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

God Mcbride cant throw strikes. Walked the first batter. JS does not diserve this lose but the bats stunk it up 2night. May be in trouble against the fish and the D-train!

By The Grinch

April 12, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Wow. I love Bobby as much as anyone as a guy and a traditional icon, but like when you got to finally take the car keys away from Grandma or Grandad “but I’ve been driving since before you were born!!”…exactly…man, it just doesn’t get more evident than tonight the guy just doesn’t much know what the hell he’s doing anymore. Can we keep him manager in name, and give him a fake steering wheel at the top of the dugout steps while TP (or anyone) secretly drives in the background? Wow again.

Scribe, The Thrash layed some hits on NY and let ‘em know we were there; that’ll come back in our favor later in the series.

By Sonny

April 12, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

With averages like this, it was only a matter of time before we start losing to bad teams. Time to take some of that Hampton money and go find a REAL lead-off hitter to get this offense GOING!

K. Johnson .161
A. Jones .182
S. Thorman .167
R. Langerhans .111

By JasonInMaine

April 12, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

We can’t waste pitching performances like this and lose games to the Nots and still regain the NL East crown. There is no way on earth the Braves should lose this game. There is also no way on earth that the Smoltz should have thrown 120+ pitches.

By Sonny

April 12, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Sad.

By N8

April 12, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

I get the feeling that if McBride was throwing to a FAKE righthanded batter (like the one that Rick Vaughn took the head off of in Major League), he STILL would be afraid to throw a strike to a RH batter.

He needs to go to Richmond ASAP! Because he can’t improve without work, and right now I don’t think he can be trusted to get that “work” in with Atlanta.

By JasonInMaine

April 12, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Send McBride down and call Assenmacher out of retirement!

By Sonny

April 12, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

WE NEED A LEAD-OFF HITTER!

By Calvin

April 12, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Wow…9 walks for McBride…terrible.

By Bubba

April 12, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Mcbride is f******* awfull. Why is this guy still on the roster, is this the best we can do for a second lefty?

By Gil in Mechanisville

April 12, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Looks like McBride still can’t find the strike zone.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 12, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Oh well!…the sun don’t shine on the same dog’s A$S everyday…

By Dudley Dude Right

April 12, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

No way should a pen this deep should have to use the fifth option in the ninth inning of the ninth game of the year.Like I said even a great manager has the occasional brain fart.

By Gil in Mechanisville

April 12, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Braves are only batters to swing at all those balls out of strike zone…

By krath

April 12, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

If nothing changes, it looks like walking the offensive tightrope is finally going to catch up with the Braves. Had to happen eventually. I’ll be glad when they start taking advantage of opportunities early in games. Looking at it glass half full, starting 7-1 and missing so many scoring opps early in games like they have so far….. is a good thing I guess.

Langerhans….. I know he had a good spring but he’s really stinking it up right now at the plate. Spring after all, isn’t the regular season. The Braves waited for him to come around all last season and he never did. Diaz didn’t have a great spring but proved at the end of last year he could play every day. He’s hitting again this year. I think it’s time he gets the job full time. I’m basing my thoughts on the fact that Langerhans was down ALL of last year and is a strikeout machine this year. Every game is important and giving away an out everytime he hits seems a bit useless.

Walked the bases loaded….is Mcbride a head case or what?

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 12, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Oh here we go with another foreskin who wants to take Hampton’s money to buy a lead-off hitter…Unbelievable!…Great idea Sonny!…why don’t you give Schuerholz a call, and run that idea by him?…

By N8

April 12, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

That’s the problem with Yates.

He has an outing like tonight, where he looks unhittable, and then BAM, gives up a bunch of runs in a hurry.

Inconsistancy is his problem. McWalk on the other hand is VERY consistant…….consistantly HORRIBLE. LOL!

By Dudley Dude Right

April 12, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see Yates spend some quality time with Smoltz.Maybe some golf, zen, weedhopper, stuff.I think he could be one of the better setup types in the game if he can get it all together.

By N8

April 12, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

You see Coach, when the other team makes good pitches, all of that THUNDER turns into strikeouts, popups and Warning Track power flyballs.

WOW! Chipper actually knows how to take the ball the other way. Let’s see, whats the over/under on how many pitches it takes Andruw to hit into the game ending double play?

By Robert

April 12, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

“Once in awhile even a great manager does a bone head thing.”

Bobby Cox, on the other hand, does bone headed things as a matter of course

If the Braves lose this game, you can place it squarely on Cox.

“it just doesn’t get more evident than tonight the guy just doesn’t much know what the hell he’s doing”

No more or less evident tonight than in any other game he has blown

By N8

April 12, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

nice pitch by Cordero.

By N8

April 12, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

If Francoeur walks here, could we be witnessing a Thor moment?

By N8

April 12, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

Damn! Does Thorman remind me of a young Ryan Klesko. He gives ME back pain, just watching him swing. LOL!

By krath

April 12, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

No

By JasonInMaine

April 12, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

Did Thorman just swing at a ball in the dirt that would have been ball 4 to win the game?

By JasonInMaine

April 12, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Oops…I meant to end the game…I wish to win it!

By N8

April 12, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Harry Doyle: That’s all we got, two g******* hits?

Assistant: You can’t say g******* on the air.

Harry Doyle: Don’t worry, nobody is listening anyway.

By HEE-HAW

April 12, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

HEE-HAW

By Homer Simpson

April 12, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

D’OH! D’OH! D’OH! Man…well I’ve already said it all.

By cardvol

April 12, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Whether I’m an idiot or not, this team will not make the playoffs with KJ and Langerhans playing on a reuglar basis. They can’t hit major league pitching or steal first base. And, the jury is still out on Thorman and McBride.

By Gil in Mechanisville

April 12, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

Okay, Braves have a weakness for pitchers who throw pitches out of the strike zone. A great effort by Smoltz wasted…. Okay…. Get over it and come back tommorrow.

By MEB

April 12, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Blame the manager for not winning a game when the team has all of two hits. The bullpen didn’t lose this game and no matter how you try and spin it neither did Cox.

McBride is having some problems right now but so is our anemic offense. Be glad we have a 7-2 record and hope we can take a series from the Fish.

By AK

April 12, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

That is a rough loss. Now we have Willis, Olsen and Sanchez coming in this weekend. I see the marlins sneaking in and taking two outta three from us.

By JasonInMaine

April 12, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

Bad loss…we need to get some of the guys in the lineup going…Thor, Andruw, Kelly, and Langerhans. Looking at their averages is a little scary. Chuck in Wilson, and you have 4 positions that are lucky to be hitting a buck at this point.

By AK

April 12, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

I know we are still 7-2, but this offense has to get going. It’s either we hit home runs, or we can’t hit at all. Our starting pitching has been great so far, bullpen has been okay, not as good as I thought it would be, but our hitting in general hasn’t been up to par.

By N8

April 12, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

There is actually a point and a time when a team can lose and still look good, and the reverse is true as well.

Tonight for 7 innings Smoltz looked unhittable, and the offense looked lethargic, at best. Though, Bergman looked pretty darn good himself.

Then in the 9th inning, it had that feeling that the Nats were gonna let it slip away.

I realize that Bobby is all about the Hack n Jack style of play. Tonight all we were missing was the 3 run HR and the equation would’ve been complete, with victory not far behind. But on the nights when the opposing pitcher looks like he’s not gonna give up a solo HR, much less let 2 guys get on base to give up a 3-Run HR, we might…..(GASP!)….occasionally have to manufacture a run or two, to NOT let a game like this slip away.

Unfortunately Andruw, Francoeur, Thorman and Langerhans don’t seem to fit the bill (and tonight even the great McCann failed usto get the runner to 3rd with less than 2 outs after Andruw led off with a double earlier in the game).

So I have the feeling, we’re gonna have a lot of 8-3 victories followed by 2-1, 2-0, 1-0, 3-2 losses when we fail to hit HR’s.

Sorry Shaun, occasionally we’re gonna have to conceed some outs, for the chance to score a couple of runs, on the nights where it’s painfully obvious that the opposing starting pitcher is in control (like tonight).

By Homer Simpson

April 12, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

MEB, I’ll meet you halfway and agree the team didn’t hit worth a plastic dime-store turd as usual against no-name pitchers with Smoltz on the mound…will even say that’s more of the reason than the managerial decisions. That still doesn’t make them good decisions, though. But, tomorrow is another day even though the Mets won too. Long season. Yes, it is. Breathe deep, Grasshopper.

By Oops, I mean Grinch

April 12, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

I do this so infrequently I forget to change back.

By N8

April 12, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

MEB

You said:

“Blame the manager for not winning a game when the team has all of two hits. The bullpen didn’t lose this game and no matter how you try and spin it neither did Cox.”

Your damn right you do. It’s his philosophy that fuels the aggressive AB’s that these guys have, when they are looking for and occasionally get the mistake pitches to drive out of the park. He gets the credit when it works. So he should shoulder some of the blame when it fails.

I’m all for praising the opposing pitcher. After all, he’s trying to get people out as well. But did any of you see the swing Belliard had on the MISTAKE pitch (it was up and over the plate) with RISP??? He didn’t try and drive it 550 feet, he didn’t “loosen up a button on his shirt” and let it all hang out, he didn’t screw himself into the ground trying to tear the cover off the ball.

He put a nice swing on an up and away pitch and took it to RF for the go ahead hit. We have 3 guys that do that and do it consistantly: Chipper, Renteria, McCann….THAT’s IT.

Like I said early this morning to Coach:

“Live and die, by the 3-Run HR”.

I just didn’t think I was prediction tonight’s game. LOL!

Cox wants guys to “wait” for their pitch and be aggressive. Most of the time Francoeur translates that into: “wait for the first pitch to be released from the pitcher’s hand”.

Again, like I told Coach earlier today, that theory works against CRAPPY pitching, or if we would be patient enough EARLY in games to wear a pitcher down, by making them throw more pitches, THEN hammering them late (similar to what the Nats did to Smoltz - though he was his own worst enemy with the 2 strike HBP).

This analogy, in a nutshell, is EXACTLY why the Braves have had domination during the 162 game schedule and complete FAILURE in the post season (other than the one time that they face a team in the world series that used the same philosophy in the Indians). Guys like Kevin Brown, Roger Clemes, David Cone, Jack Morris, Al Leiter, Livian Hernandez, Russ Ortiz (actually only against US!), Roy Oswalt, etc….don’t MAKE MISTAKES IN OCTOBER for us to hit 3 Run HR off of.

I think this team has enough pitching, defense, and POWER to overcome their deficiancies this season. But ALL of the weaknesses will be glaring come October if I’m right about us getting their.

By AK

April 12, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

If the Braves can go 17-9 in April, I would be very happy.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 12, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

that umpire better rest that toe tonight! imagine being hit on the toe by smoltz! that umpire was hopping around like the easter bunny! and why was smoltz throwing at toes tonight? smoltz was gassed. too many pitches early in the season for that 40 year old surgically repaired arm. all those pitchers in the pen and finally bobby brings in a situational walker. oh, well … journalist is mostly upset for smoltz who can’t catch a break. and the 3-run homer did not appear tonight. advancing runners and scoring runs is also part of the game. and where was remlinger tonight? still, 7 wins out of 9 games is very good.

By krath

April 12, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

It’s a balancing act. When do you give the pitcher credit and when do you lay it on an offense that is stinking it up that night. Bergmann did look pretty good tonight, on the other hand, look at Oliver Perez the other night. He looked like Cy Young against the Braves. He didn’t get out of the third against the Phils yesterday. As they said the other night, the Braves are the only team Perez has beaten during the regular season since the AllStar break last year! So was he that good or did the Braves make him look that good?

PS….even though we scored a ton of runs last year, are we gonna repeat the striking out a ton MO again? Put the ball in play! Something good could happen. If you don’t touch the ball, nobody moves anywhere.

By Robert

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

“The bullpen didn’t lose this game and no matter how you try and spin it neither did Cox. “

Darn right. They did nothing to try and generate a run or two with the few baserunners they had. They couldve scrapped out a run or two if they knew how to play small ball

Smoltz was also left in there when he was GASSED. Result was 2 runs - one of which was enough to lose the game

Managed correctly, this game couldve been 1-0 or 2-0 Bravos.

At 7-2 it doesnt appear crucial, but what you saw out there was a typical Braves postseason performance, from the players and the donkey manager

By JasonInMaine

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

There is no question that the best teams are well-balanced. Again, as others have pointed out, it’s one of the differences between the Mets offense and ours. Will we score as many runs? Maybe. Maybe we will score more due to the times that the 3-run homer doe happen. But, when you are locked in a tight game, like tonight, patience, making pitchers work, stealing a base, advancing the runner, productive outs, etc are big. It is nice to be balanced, and I have to agree to with N8 and others; it is very important, especially in October.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 12, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

i love this: for the past two nights, when the braves beat the nats, espn.com had nothing on their MLB front page. no article on the right-hand sight list of stories, nothing about hudson’s masterful performance, nothing about the jones boys going yard, nothing about francoeur’s 5 rbi, nothing. but when the braves lose to the worst team in baseball, it’s the top video story and the headline is “Nats win! Skid halted with close win over Braves.”

let me be the first to point out how little credibility espn gives the braves. ;)

By Scalp 'em Braves

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

Not one of Bobby’s better managed games. Robert, I’ll give it up to you that he should have brought out the hook sooner on Smoltz. Outside of that, no complaints since Yates bailed McCay out of a jam - Tyler looked damned good tonight - who knows how he’ll look tomorrow. And, Bobby don’t bat, so can’t blame him for the lack of offense tonight.

Before anyone gets into panic mode about this loss, it was one game. Bats weren’t humming - it happens. Smoltz pitched well until the 7th, made a couple of mistakes, but on an average night, giving up only 2 runs means a win.

Tokyobrave - thanks for the lesson on pitches and physics. Interesting reading.

Auburn Student - So how many home runs does everyone think Kelly Johnson will hit this year at the leadoff spot this year? Young man, you bring shame to my alma mater (Class of ‘79) with that statement. Using “this year” twice in the same sentence? Geez, hope you are an engineering or architecture student, and not an English major. Your redundancy is, well, redundant. Grinch, lay off the young man - otherwise he might ask whether you Georgia leg humpers hump legs.

SJA - you are getting some love here tonight. However, I cannot, and will not, imagine your posts in Al Pacino mode. Just can’t imagine Pacino sitting in front of computer all day and night in his underwear, quaffing cheap beer, in a trailer. Sorry, just doesn’t work for me. But, will give you props on some funny stuff this evening.

Murph in the HOF - Nobody, and I mean Nobody on this blog loved Dale Murphy as a Brave more than me. Be that as it may, he will never make it - too many snobs voting, he didn’t hit 400 HR’s, and his .267 career BA will keep him out. I think he should be there, but my opinion don’t count.

DOB: agree with you on the “top 50” defensive players. No argument with “Say Hey” and Clemente, though I’m not sure that Roberto was any better than Dru. He gets a nod for being a great fielder in his day, and his career being tragically cut short when he was still one hell of a player. Griffey was a very good center fielder - but I don’t think he was, under subjective or objective scrunity, or evaluation, close to Dru. I’m going to the website to vote, over, and over, and over, again, and hope others who come here will do the same.

By Scalp 'em Braves

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

Daybed: Good point about ESPN bias against the Braves. However, take into account that the way things look this year, the Nats losing isn’t news… it’s expected. On the other hand, the Nats winning a game, now THAT’S NEWS. It won’t happen often, so let them pander to the Northeastern audience - it’s what they do best.

By Robert

April 12, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

“And, Bobby don’t bat, so can’t blame him for the lack of offense tonight.”

Wrong. Braves had a leadoff runner at second base in a 0-0 game - and the inning ended with that runner still on second base. Bobby Cox’s assinine offensive philosophy is to blame

“Bats weren’t humming - it happens”

You know, part of what makes a guy like Glavine such a great pitcher is that he can give his team a chance to win even when he isnt “humming”

A good manager instills a philosophy that gives a team a chance to generate a few runs even when the bats arent “humming”.

I repeat, this was a typical playoff style performance from the Braves, and a typical managerial fustercluck courtesy of the big stupid incompetent donkey in the dugout

By parks

April 12, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

WWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH were 7-2

sniff, sniff, WWWWAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 12, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

That’s quite alright Scalp ‘em Blah Blah Blah—-neither am I able to imagine your posts as being written by an intelligent, articulate, educated, bipedal homosapien who is capable of saying the abc’s, counting beyond 10, or tying your own damn shoes…now wasn’t that funny…props for the ol’ JackAss!…

By David O'Brien

April 12, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Well, a few things we learned tonight, and one point reinforced:

McCann is human. The NL’s majors’ best clutch hitter with RISP and two outs last season struck out with runners at second and third to end the first inning. He went 0-for-3 with RISP for the night, including a strikeout looking with two on and one out in the ninth against Chad Cordero.

McBride could be headed to the minors soon. Maybe real soon. He issued three walks in the ninth, when things could have gotten totally out of hand if Tyler Yates hadn’t come on to get him out of the jam.

McBride has been stunningly bad with his control, piling up nine walks while recording just seven outs all season in four appearances (he got one out Thursday). He’s got a 7.71 ERA and more than one-fifth of the team’s 44 total walks.

The rest of the Braves have issued 35 walks in 81-2/3 innings. He’s got NINE in 2-1/3. NINE.

Smoltz gets no run support, as we already knew. He’s 19-9 in 37 home starts since returning to the rotation in 2005, and in all nine losses the Braves scored two or fewer while he was in the game.

By Ron

April 12, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

The pitching matchup tomorrow aint gonna get no easier with Willis facin Redman! This offense is homer or nothin, Cox play Diaz more, Langy suxxxxxx!!!!!!!! We gotta win these games against the Nats, GOTTA!!! The road to the Division win is of course who wins against each other, but who also wins the MOST against those damn NATS!!!!!!!!!!

By gotigers72

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

Andruw proved once again that he’s not a thinking man’s hitter. He’s hitting with 2 men already on by walks, he gets to a 3-1 count and then swings at two horrible pitches to strike out. If he had walked, at least one run would have scored because there was a wild pitch to McCann. Andruw is a mistake hitter, but he can’t hit a pitcher’s pitch like someone such as Chipper. He has been in the league 10 years and still tries to pull everything. Keep that up Andruw, this is your free agent year.

He’s not the only one, the Braves had 4 starters tonight well below the Mendoza line. Langerhans needs to pick up the pace. The Braves can’t afford to have a corner oufielde hitting.120 with all those strikeouts, no matter how good he is on defense. And McBride will join him on the bus to Richmind if he continues to walk everybody he faces.

Went on Amazon.com this week and ordered a copy of “Astral Weeks” by Van Morrrison. based on DOB and other bloggers recommendations on this site. Figured if DOB says it’s a dynamite album, it must be, as much music as he listens to. Always been a Van Morrison fan, but strangely I don’t believe I’ve heard that album. Can’t wait until it gets here!

By Scalp 'em Braves

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

Last post tonight from me - I promise (hold down the applause, please). Feeling a litte melancholy the past fews days. Lost a couple of friends to death this past week. One was one of those larger than life types - kind of like Jimmy Buffet’s buddy described in a “A Pirate Looks at Forty” (“And I have been drunk now for nearly two weeks, I’ve passed out and rallied and I’ve sprung a few leaks…”I’ve done a bit of smuggling, I’ve run my share of grass, I’ve made enough money to buy Miami, but I p** it away so fast.. never meant to last, never meant to last.”). He ran through wives and girlfriends like I run through socks. But, great guy. Great guy. During the party thrown in celebration of his life (no memorial service for this fella - it was an open bar with all buds, ex-wives, family, etc - that’s what I want, sans the ex-wives - still married to the same pretty lady for 27 years), amidst all of the upbeat stuff, thought of this song by Todd Rundgren.

Dust in the Wind

*Tell everyone that I am sorry, truly sorry

For all the wrongs I done

I never meant to hurt nobody

Lord I never want to do no wrong

I have lied, I have begged and I have cheated

And I know my ship won’t be coming in

As I lay me down to take my rest

I see that it’s just dust in the wind

Take hold my hand, hold it tighter, ever tighter

You must believe that I love you still

But my strength, it grows weaker, ever weaker

And my body has lost it’s will

Oh my lord, I have lost once again

And I got no one to help me find my way

But I never wanted to hurt nobody

And I never wanted to do no wrong

But I have lied, I have begged, and I have cheated

And I know my ship won’t be coming in

As I lay me down to take my rest

I see that I’m just dust in the wind*

Peace be with you Chuck. You lived one hell of a life.

By David O'Brien

April 12, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

Flange, you gotta get some Centro-Matic, man. That band kicks arse, and it’s relatively hard to find. But they’ve got it at Decatur CD (I hate recommending any store except my man Don’s Ella Guru, but he doesn’t have that).

He’s got a ton of other stuff, though, including the seven-CD Sly and the Family Stone remastered and expanded set that’s coming out this week. I just bought the first one he got. It’s all seven Sly albums, remastered with about 30 tracks added including 23 never-before-released.

By mr baseball

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

If I read one more comment about “manufacturing runs” or playing “small ball,” I think I’m gonna barf. The Braves lost tonight for a simple reason: they had 3 opportunities to produce with runners on base and failed on each occasion. The main culprit tonight was McCann, who was involved in all 3 failures. I hate to break it to those of you who fancy yourselves as knowledgeable baseball observors, but sometimes players like McCann have bad nights, and sometimes teams simply can’t do anything offensively, even against suspect pitching.

This tripe about manufacturing runs that has been shoveled down the throats of baseball fans for years by the likes of Joe Morgan has poisoned much of the discussion about baseball. What the hell is “manufacturing a run?” I suppose it’s a leadoff walk, a stolen base, a groundout advancing the runner to third and a sac fly. That’s wonderful if the guy getting the leadoff walk is Vince Coleman, Juan Pierre or Jose Reyes, but last time I looked, there’s no one like that on the Braves. And without stealing a base, you’re not going to score in that scenario UNLESS YOU GET A HIT.

How exactly did the Braves beat the Mets Sunday? Because McCann and Francouer got hits in the 7th inning with runners on base to score the tying and go-ahead runs. You get hits in those kind of sitations, you win. You don’t, you lose. No matter how many productive outs you make or how you’ve mastered the art of small doesn’t mean a thing if the hitters don’t hit in those situations.

I find it amusing that those of you who worship Cox will suddenly turn on him when the Braves lose a close game. Tonight wasn’t his fault. He probably should have gotten Smoltz out of the game after 7, but there are few (if any) managers in baseball who are going to yank their ace after 7 in a scoreless game when he’s under 100 pitches.

Good baseball teams occasionally lose games to bad teams. That’s baseball. The Braves are 7-2 despite half the lineup on the wrong side of the Mendoza line. You want to rip Langerhans, McBride, Thorman, fine. They deserve it. Just quit whining about a loss that was so easy to explain.

By David O'Brien

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

GoTigers, you’ll absolutely love Astral Weeks and wonder how the hell you never had it before.

By David O'Brien

April 12, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

Alright, packing and leaving. D-Train tomorrow vs. Redman. Yikes.

Got my ticket for Arcade Fire May 1 at Atlanta Civic Center. Got a lot of baseball between now and then, including three-city trip to NY, Colorado and Fla.

Gonna be a hell of a season, folks. I can tell. This baby is going to go to September. But I’ve seen nothing so far to make me change my mind on my preseason picks, including Braves to win the East and Milwaukee to win the Central.

Later

By Robert

April 13, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

This “baby” will be over before the 10th of October

By Bob, journalist

April 13, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this

He didn’t try and drive it 550 feet, he didn’t “loosen up a button on his shirt” and let it all hang out, he didn’t screw himself into the ground trying to tear the cover off the ball

Good Night Gracie

By Robert

April 13, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

Notice the difference in the two managers working tonight’s game

Manny Acta did not have a tail hanging out the back of his uniform. Nor did he spend the last seven innings with a hoof rammed into his sinuses. Nor did he leave a pile on the dugout steps. Nor did he hee-haw. Nor did he lose the game by making stupid decisions

By Oops, I mean Grinch

April 13, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

Rough stuff, Scalp ‘em; that’s no fun. I recently buried my stepdad (who unlike most stepdads was a thoroughly cool dude) and my girlfriend’s psycho ex just got out of prison today. Guess I gotta go get myself in harm’s way like a dumbass. Sounds like the makings of a country song. Later.

By HP

April 13, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

A quality start from Smoltz was wasted by the offense. Matt Diaz deserves to play everyday from the way he is hitting this year and did last year. Langerhans plays good defense, but hits for low average. I think Diaz provides more threat to the lineup than Langerhans.

McBride needs to be sent to minors to work on control. Compare to last year he allowed 32 walks in 72 appearances and this year already allowed 9 walks in 4 appearances. Beside that, the 7-2 record is not a bad start for the Braves. GO BRAVES!!!

By Coach

April 13, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

There are games that are simply unwinnable. This was one of those. We got beat by superior pitching and thats all there is to it. Redman vs. Dontrelle tomorrow , Yikes ! exactly.

By parks

April 13, 2007 1:05 AM | Link to this

Mr Baseball gets it

Robert, I’m glad you post here b/c your idiotic posts make me laugh

By Robert

April 13, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

“There are games that are simply unwinnable. This was one of those”

There have been what, 20 or so perfect games thrown in big league history?

Short of that, no game is simply unwinnable.

Any time a team gets seven shutout innings from a starter, that game is eminantly winnable

That unwinnable bs is exactly the kind of philosophy I’d expect to hear from Donk. It’s horse manure.

That isnt to say the opposing pitcher wasnt very good. Or that it was going to be easy or likely that we win this game. But it was possible.

That’s the manager’s frickin JOB people, figure out how to win tough games.

Any frickin body can manage when you score 8 runs and hit three or four dingers.

Show me the guy who can scrape out wins when the team isnt hitting well, when they are scoring just a few runs a game, when the opposing pitching is nasty nasty and the other guys seem to be making all the plays and getting the bounces besides. THAT’s a great manager.

A great manager isnt a guy who watches his guys hit home runs off AA pitching

By Robert

April 13, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this

“This tripe about manufacturing runs that has been shoveled down the throats of baseball fans for years by the likes of Joe Morgan has poisoned much of the discussion about baseball”

Uh huh. You know the game better than a guy like Joe Morgan. Or a guy like John McGraw, who was the ultimate champion of small ball

Of course, I’d be more than a little surprised if you even have a clue who John McGraw was.

Good teams do occasionally lose to bad teams. That IS baseball.

Teams with good players but who are poor fundamentally and have a p** poor stupid as crap manager will more often than not lose to good teams who execute and have competent leadership.

That’s also baseball.

Matter of fact, that’s the legacy of Braves playoff baseball

By Scott

April 13, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

Tough loss tonight by the Braves and the Thrashers. Hopefully the Braves can rebound tomorrow but I have no confidence in Redman. I’m going to be p** if they keep Redman in the rotation over Davies. Davies will probably struggle some this year but let the guy take some licks in the show and see how he holds up.

Going to be tough tomorrow night with Willis vs. Redman. Hopefully Redman does SOMETHING because he did nothing in his first start. Go Braves Go Thrashers

By Robert

April 13, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this

I am reminded of what DOB cited as a funny the other day, namely, Cox, upon being asked what player he admired growing up, said “Eddie Perez” after having heart one of his players give that answer

Folks, Cox wasnt trying to be funny. He thought that was the answer to the question. He didnt understand. He didnt know what they were talking about. But he thought he was smart because he had overheard someone else give the answer before him.

When people laughed, it confused him and hurt his feelings. His ears drooped. He had figured JS would be so proud of him that he’d get a sugar cube AND an apple slice. But instead everyone was pointing at him and laughing. Why? What had he done wrong? “Eddie Perez” was the correct answer. Hadnt that other player, whatshisnamey, just said so? Why were the people being so mean?

By Coach

April 13, 2007 1:25 AM | Link to this

Richmond has played three games. Yunel Escobar is hitting .538 with a walk , four RBI , a stolen base , seven for thirteen with three doubles. It’s to bad he can’t play second because he is making Kelly Johnson look bad. KJ so far in nine games , batting .161 , five for thirty one , two home runs , two doubles , five RBI , a stolen base and seven walks. If Chpper goes down , Escobar is ready.

By jed

April 13, 2007 1:28 AM | Link to this

—122 pitches for Smoltz in a mid-April game?
—Langerhans and K.Johnson will eventually be solid everyday players. All they need is confidence. Problem is that, especially with Ryan, you get the feeling that’s 2 years from happening, as a hitter. KJ may have a good second half. Confidence is the key. —Offense will be the struggle all year. They will win or lose based on whether Cox can find a lineup that hits. I agree that you re-evaluate after 40 games, but i can think of all sorts of possibilities when the time comes—and it will, i’m afraid. for example, aybar to 3b and chipper to 1b. and/or trading for a lefty bat for LF.
These are just examples of possible lineup changes if/when needed, but between LF, 2B, and 1B, i only have confidence in Diaz (against lefties) and KJ (eventually). Not so promising….

By Coach

April 13, 2007 1:56 AM | Link to this

One world Championship , five National League championships( Yea, they give trophies for that to) , Fifteen division winners(did I mention Cox had a division winner in Toronto) Four mananger of the year awards , fifth all time in wins(2178) , Six Cy Young winning pitchers under his management , Two MVP’s , one rookie of the year , Did I mention that Cox traded Doyle Alexander for John Smoltz ? Drafted Justice , Mercker , Stanton , Avery , Klesko and Chipper Jones. He helped develop Dave Steib and Jimmy Key who both went on to be a part of the 1992 Championship Blue Jays. Twenty-seven seasons as a big league manager , five as a general manager. Do I really need to bring all this up for a first ballot shoe in hall of fame manager ? Yo , robert , lets see your resume. O’yea that would be resident blog comedian…….lol

By Wayne in Utah

April 13, 2007 2:13 AM | Link to this

Robert: Dude, if you weren’t so frickin negative, you might get more people to actually communicate with you. So, while I have some small semblance of agreement with you on some of your points about Bobby’s strategic decisions over the years, your negative crap makes me want to support him EVEN MORE! JEEZ.

You need to take a valium and enjoy the ride. Nobody, especially the Braves upper management, gives a damn about your opinions, and to be honest, in the beginning, it was fun to go out and back with you on BC, but now you are just turning into a royal pain.

Nobody wants to read your stuff because it is all too negative. You are definitely coming across as a “glass half empty” person. Did someone p** in your mess kit?

A word to the wise. Join the conversation, and get off the constant BC bickering, and others might actually enjoy your contributions. You seem to be an articulate person otherwise.

If you want me and others to read your blogs, then tone it down, and make your points without being such an A$$ about it. I really would like to keep reading your stuff, but you are making it hard.

Sincerely from someone that could be your friend.

By Wayne in Utah

April 13, 2007 2:28 AM | Link to this

Coach/Jed, Some thoughts. I think it is way too early to judge a guy like KJ, but my first instincts are that he will be a 280 hitter, 360 OBP, 15+ HR, and play a decent second base. If that becomes the norm, then he is definitely a find.

So, if that does happen, then I would be getting guys like Lillibridge some work in CF or RF, and Escobar some time at 3B.

I think that Escobar only stays in Richmond for a 2-3 month stay if he keeps hitting the cover off the ball. Somebody else will go (Woodward, Orr, Aybar or all of them) Personlly, I don’t think Orr or Aybar will be long lived for the Braves if Escobar continues to hit. As for Prado, if he hits at Richmond, I wouldn’t mind seeing him and Escobar doing the infield back-up work the second half. Only issue is both are righties, and Aybar, when healthy is a decent line drive type hitter.

As for Langerhans: I think he is destined to be proven by the end of May, or his time with ATL will be short. We might have to make a midseason trade for another hitter with some pop from the left side, if he can’t cut it. In these days of 12 man pitching staffs, you can’t carry a defensive minded ONLY outfielder.

I think Wilson will be serviceable and will come around to his career averages. Diaz, while I like his stick, I don’t think he has enough pop to be a 150 gamer at the corner OF position. We either need a platoon partner, or a starter for LF if Langy doesn’t produce. Maybe this kid Brandon Jones fits the bill, as he looked good at the end of spring.

Just an old southern boys two cents worth.

I will check back in tomorrow morning.

nite all…..

By Robert

April 13, 2007 2:29 AM | Link to this

Ok Wayne, then let’s talk ‘09

Let’s talk about how the Braves can continue to build on what looks like a solid foundation for ‘09

I refuse to get excited about the present, because 7-2, 72-2, or 272-2, I have seen this before.

By N8

April 13, 2007 2:44 AM | Link to this

“…but there are few (if any) managers in baseball who are going to yank their ace after 7 in a scoreless game when he’s under 100 pitches.”

I disagree. It’s early in the year, his fastball was in the 89-91 range in the 7th inning after consistantly being in the 93-95 range all night. The gun doesn’t tell the whole story, but it can surely be an indicator of when a guy is running out of gas, can’t it?

Had Soriano and Gonzalez NOT been used in a 5-0 game the night before, they would’ve been available for the 8th inning tonight……EXACTLY the kind of game we aquired them for, IMO.

By Contra

April 13, 2007 2:55 AM | Link to this

Robert and N8 basically said what I wanted to say…

Except I’d like to add that Langerhans and ESPECIALLY Thorman are not major league caliber hitters by any stretch of the imagination.

And I felt this way long before Thorman’s choke job in the ninth. That guy has so many holes in his swing and so little plate discipline it is sick. Great call on having him play first this year.

By mr baseball

April 13, 2007 2:59 AM | Link to this

N8: you’re right. As I said in my post, I probably would have taken Smoltz out after 7, but there’s no way Cox would in that situation. His loyalty to his players is one of his main assets, but sometimes it’s a negative in game strategy. He was hoping Smoltz could get through the inning in short order, but wanted so badly for Smoltz to have a chance to get the win that he wasn’t going to pull him if he got into trouble. Smoltz wasn’t that bad in the inning, but wasn’t that good either.

Cox will give away a handful of games during the season because of his strong sense of loyalty to individual players. You just have to hope that he will get a few in the W column down the road as a result.

By Coach

April 13, 2007 4:29 AM | Link to this

This is for all you blog geniuses. What year did Bobby Cox win his first World Championship ? Here is a clue , it wasn’t 1995. Have fun twisting your brains !

By Spike

April 13, 2007 4:33 AM | Link to this

I think what we saw tonight is what we will get sometimes this year. There are going to be times when we don’t get the basehit at the right time and we get beat by a lesser team. Happens every day in baseball. To try and manufacture runs with this lineup won’t work. Teams that manufacture runs have speed and the Bravos aren’t one of those teams, so we have to accept that there will be games when we just get beat. Tonight’s game is a perfect example…Smoltz was toast in the 8th, but Bobby sticks with him, he gives up two runs and we lose. Would I have pulled Smoltz after the 7th? You bet, but I’m a blogger and not a coach. Would it have made a difference? Can’t tell. I do know that if you don’t score your chances of winning are diminished somewhat. The point is that we are 7-2, Bobby will coach the way he always has and when September comes we will find out how much we have learned thru the season. My fear is that we won’t learn how to move runners along, but my heart says that’s OK because we have done it this way so many times before.Time will tell which is the right way. One other note. It’s hard to defend Mc Bride right now, but I remember last year when he was struggling with the same type of control issues and Wicky gave him a little advice about his follow thru. Had to do with letting his movement take him toward the plate so he could finish his pitches instead of planting against his front side and standing almost straight up after the delivery. He pitched great after that. Sure hope he finds something soon. Was also great to see Tyler throw so well tonight. All this talk about not knowing what you’ll get from him, but that’s what we got for the second half of the season last year and if it’s not freezing and below I think that’s what we’ll get for the rest of the year. Not fair to ask the “lesser three’ to be perfect then give a pass to the Big Three when they get the same results.

By cashmere

April 13, 2007 4:51 AM | Link to this

i think the team is fatigued at some positions i mean b-mac striking out twice was a shock. id like to see prado,harrison,and jo-jo reyes get some attention in the show. why doesnt diaz hit lead-off,or start hes better at both positions(chheck the stats) WHY DID SMOLTZ PITCH IT WAS REDMANS TURN,NOW REDMAN FACES D-TRAIN, D-TRAIN VS. SMOLTZ OR D-TRAIN VS. REDMAN U PICK

By wowbobwow

April 13, 2007 5:17 AM | Link to this

DOB, glad to see you giving the Centro boys some love. Sorry I haven’t posted in awhile. Been on tour like crazy since January. Mostly Europe and over there, internet access is short and sweet, reserved for loveydovey emails with the wife and the quick Braves overview. No posting time to be had. Get a chance to check out that period-specific Sir Douglas stuff I was telling you about? Hope so. Greatness.

Stumbled upon Alejandro at SXSW and my oh my,what a performance he gave. 2 violins and 2 cellos added to the mix. Completely unique sound going on with this material. Very dark,very raw.

Another great Texas band to check out is Shearwater. They are in the process of signing to Matador at the moment and will be re-releasing “Palo Santo”, which was originally out on the same label as Centro’s last couple (Misra). Anyways, they started out as a side-project of Okkerville River, but turned into a completely different band, much better IMO. If you appreciate the two genius Talk Talk records, “Spirit of Eden” and “Laughing Stock”, then you will like. Much different texturally, but Jonathan’s songs and vocal timbre quite reminiscent, to my ear anyways. Another reason to check them out is that they have a female upright player and a drummer named Thor that looks the part!

I did notice that you got see Lucinda awhile back. She still sporting the same band with Jim Christie and Taras as rhythm section royalty? I so, WOW! What a band,huh? Got to hang with those guys a few years back in Ft. Worth when my brother was playing with Chuck Prophet, who opened for Lu for some twenty-odd dates. VERY cool guys.

One more question….. Heard the new Bright Eyes yet? good stuff, as is new Arcade Fire. I was in Omaha yesterday and it is interesting to see that the entire city, regardless of demographic, is completely aware and proud of Conor and the group. Even middle-age guys that are super Republican, normally not into any indierock whatsoever, are fans of Bright Eyes. Regional loyalty can be a funny thing.

Speaking of, thanks alot for all of the great Bravos coverage. Even though I don’t live in the South anymore, this team is forever in my heart and I’d surely go crazy without the news that you and the rest of the writers provide. Keep it Up!!!! And thanks for supporting all of us broke musicians as well!!!!!

By ssiscribe

April 13, 2007 6:35 AM | Link to this

OK, so it sucks to lose to the Nats, especially when Smoltz pitches as well as he did. But look at the Braves’ two losses: shut down enough by better starting pitching by the other team. It happens.

I said three days ago while a sweep would be nice, to win two out of three against the Nats — suck as much as they may — would put Atlanta at 7-2, and that’s not bad.

I’m worried about McBride, though. Dude just can’t throw a strike right now. Don’t know how much longer you can run him out there. He’s so critical to the bullpen because he’s a lefty and he gets guys out in the clutch, but when he comes in with nobody on base to start an inning, he just doesn’t have it.

I think he may have to go to Richmond and work this thing out.

D’Train vs. Redman tonight. Hopefully the defense gives Redman some more help than it did last Friday night.

Grinch, yeah, Le Thrash laid the wood to the Blueshirts. They played great the final 15 minutes; gotta play like that for 60 minutes Saturday.

One more day under deadline, then it’s the weekend. So, off we go. Selah, denizens. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Ron Roberts

April 13, 2007 6:43 AM | Link to this

Last night’s game provides us with an example as to why baseball is a great game, and a frustrating one, as well.

The mighty Yanks lose to the D-Rays all the time, the St. Louis Cardinals were a juggernaut through the postseason in ‘06 despite their paltry near-.500 record during the regular season, and last night, the lowly AAA Washington Nationals beat the first place Atlanta Braves. It happens. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say… it’ll happen again, this year, at least once. At least once.

I have a hunch that the only reason Bobby Cox didn’t pull Smoltz in the 8th last night was because he’d used his three horses from the ‘pen too much in meaningless games earlier in the series. His use of McBride is puzzling, to say the least, last night. Everybody in Braves nation seems to realize that McBride’s confidence isn’t running at full-steam, so using him in a runaway 8-0 or 8-3 win would’ve made far more sense than blowing a Soriano appearance. Same goes for Tyler Yates, confident, accomplished at this level (somewhat) but yet still young and out to prove himself.

That being said, McBride’s shaky confidence didn’t serve us well last night, but Tyler Yates did his thing and did it well. I’ve always liked this kid’s moxy, and I think, as the season rolls on, he and Paronto are going to be as good and dependable as Soriano, (I pray) Gonzalez and Wickman.

That being said, the lesson learned by Cox (I hope) is that his use of Soriano and Gonzalez in previous games cost us a “should”-win game last night.

Cox is a great manager, his accomplishments can’t be denied, and yet even while going 7-1, that mistake in wins cost us in a game we wound up losing. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say “he’s probably just learning who to count on and when” as well as developing confidence in these guys, maybe he needed to see more of their work in real action.

Just sucks that that cost us last night, when he probably would’ve gone to Soriano or Gonzo in the 8th when Smoltz was clearly spent.

As for the bats… I won’t harp on McCann’s lousy plate performance when the guy’s been so clutch from the moment he left Pearl, Mississippi to play for Atlanta, but that last at-bat, in particular, was disappointing. The Nats’ closer didn’t seem to have command of his pitches, and a typical McCann at-bat would’ve resulted in a walk at the very least.

By John Smoltz is Michael Vick - 58 Percenters

April 13, 2007 6:49 AM | Link to this

Y’all keep blaming the wrong people. This was vintage Smoltzie. He pitches just good enough to lose. If his team scores 4, he will give up 5. If the Braves score 2, he gives up 3. If the Braves score 0, he makes sure to give up 1 or 2. It’s just vintage Smoltz. He is the Michael Vick of starting pitchers. Loads of wasted talent and a 58% winning percentage for both. Vick can’t close out games in the fourth quarter and Smoltz can’t close out games he starts. Maybe Vick and Smoltz should be sent to the bench and pen. We know SMoltz is much better as a closer than as a starter. Maybe the same will be true for Vick. Smoltz has never been an ace. We better hope Hudson is ready to be the ace this year. Smoltz has never been ready for that role. He has always been the #3 or the #4 on the Braves. It’s funny how often y’all will make pathetic excuses for Smoltzie when he repeatedly comes up short. It’s the pen. It’s the offense. No, boys. Baseball is a game of pitching matchups. Smoltz just repeatedly gets outpitched by the opponents. The other teams repeatedly pitch just well enough to win and Smoltz pitches just well enough to lose.

By Ron Roberts

April 13, 2007 7:21 AM | Link to this

You’re nuts. Smoltz pitched fantastic, dude. Starters aren’t expected to, nor conditioned for, going into and through the 8th inning all that often this early in the season, and for crying out loud, the man’s, what, 40?

Get with the program. Smoltz isn’t the person to bash. You know what 2 ER in 7 1/3 innings pitched gives you for an earned run average? 2.57. Find me an MLB starter who’d be at all disappointed with that ERA at the end of a season. Ya know what a game pitched like does for most pitchers’ ERA?

For most pitchers it lowers it.

By Jeff R

April 13, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this

Smoltz is one of the best pitchers of the era. The idea that if the Braves fail to score, but Smoltz gives up a run or two, he’s failing, is plain dopey.

Thorman whiffing with the bases loaded was disappointing. Braves only getting two hits, more so. But even with the cold bats, this team is 7-2. The bats will heat up. And it was good to see Tyler Yates work his way out of McBride’s jam.

Just keep winning series…

By Metropolitan Man

April 13, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this

Morning all, here is some news from the other side if interested…. Hey Scribe and Grinch, how bout them Rangers????

Even though the Mets don’t face a stiff NL East rival this weekend, it’s still critical they win.

The Mets need to avoid suffering a tough weekend in their three-game set against 2-8 Washington. It seems like Washington’s other opponents are going to stack up wins against the Nationals this season. The Mets must make sure they do, too.

“You’ve got to beat those teams. Those teams are the teams you’ve got to lay it on,” Billy Wagner said yesterday. “You can’t have a man on third base and not get him in. That’s a team, you’ve got to pound ‘em. And they’re a team that all of a sudden you go out there and you’re playing a 3-2 ballgame, all of a sudden they’re in it… . You make it more difficult. You’ve got to bury these teams.

“You know you’re going to play tight games with the Braves. You know you’re going to play tight games for the most part against the Phillies. You can’t afford to let games against teams like Washington escape you.”

As happy as Beltran was to see the Mets take two of three from the Phillies, he also said he doesn’t care if they are 2-7 or that the Braves just found out that Mike Hampton is lost for the year with yet another injury.

The Mets, Atlanta and Philly are good for different reasons; all three teams have flaws. Beltran said he can’t see the Mets repeating their division title romp last season. So might as well get used to this. Resign yourself to a tense summer of booing Rollins even more than he was last night, and feeling that little ripple of dread as Ryan Howard strolls to the plate practicing his home run hack. Check the scoreboard to see how Atlanta’s doing. Then watch Billy Wagner try to close out another game.

“The better any of us play in our division is going to go a long way toward who wins it,” Glavine said. And he should know.

By Jeff R

April 13, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

Tight race in the NL East makes for exciting baseball. I prefer the Braves and Marlins pitching to the Mets and Phillies. Late summer should shake things out a little, though. We’ll see how well all the staffs are holding up by August.

By Apaul404

April 13, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

If Bobby Cox can’t take out the guy he’s been with for almost 20 years when it clear to me and anyone else watching that he’s out of gas, then we are going to lose a few games like this. Smoltz went out there and pitched 7 strong innings. The real story is our hitters inability to get the job done tonight. There is also some dead weight on this team that needs to be cut.

By John Smoltz is Michael Vick - 58 Percenters

April 13, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this

Blind loyalty and Blind faith will get you nowhere in life, except maybe heaven.

By Robert

April 13, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this

Little leaguers are good cheerleaders who are unswervingly loyal to their heroes, even when those heroes are too tired or hurt and cant be reasonably expected to get the job done

Major league managers need to be grown ups who can make the tough decisions that need to be made in order to win ballgames and championships (including taking the hero out of the game every so often)

Cox’s accomplishments as a GM can be documented. As a manager, his accomplishments are a litany of blown games.

As a manager, he isnt just a zero but rather is a substantial SUB-zero.

A half a game to a game a week in the minus column.

We’ll continue to follow it and document it thru the season. Thursaday of week 2 and we got our first clear Cox blamable loss. He is right on his quota. More will come. Sure as the sun rises in the morning.

By John Smoltz is Michael Vick - 58 Percenters

April 13, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

The real story was that the Braves were outpitched last night.

By bruce

April 13, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

KC: regarding your queston about why HoRam has not pitched yet in your 6:11 post yesterday, he pitched the game against Cleveland one week ago (Friday April 6) and was losing 4-0 when it was called for snow with one out remaining before the game would have been official. Here is the story and here is the interview with the ump The Mariners have had really tough weather on their seven game roadtrip, only played two out of seven games: Cleveland (four consecutive snow-outs) and Boston (rain out last night). HoRam is scheduled to pitch on Sunday. I’ve been watching because I am rooting for him to have a good season and career. I bet other Braves fans care too. Thanks, Bruce

By HugeLongTimeBravesFan

April 13, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cox lost this game for the Bravos. Why didn’t he relieve Smoltz after 2 walks and a wild pitch. John Sch. has gotten the Braves to the playoffs all these years and Bobby has lost the games. If John Sch. is such a good judge of talent in finding ball players he should take a chance on a new manager.

By Robert

April 13, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

“That being said, the lesson learned by Cox (I hope)”

Dude, seriously.

Cox? LEARN?

Now, THAT’S funny?

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 13, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah:

Nice try to get Robert to say something here other than Bobby bashing. It’s been tried over and over, without success. Give Robert credit though. He is focused, and the fact that he can say the same thing, over and over again, in so many different ways, is remarkable. Bray on Robert!

By Stuart

April 13, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

All you people bashing Smoltz are idiots, period. The two fatal flaws in the team showed up last night

Flaw 1: Unless the Braves are ahead after 6, the bullpen’s soft underbelly gets exposed. These are the same guys that gave us all ulcers last year. Lepards don’t change their spots. The “not big three” still cannot locate consistently. Be honest people, if you had to pick, (and since the Braves were not ahead you cannot pick the big 3) Smoltz, or any of the following: Yates, McBride, Villareal to sew up the 8th last night. After watching McBride, I see now why Cox went with Smoltz. (I know, I was screaming at the TV too, but you cannot pitch Soriano 120 times.) The same people who are ripping Cox about leaving Smoltz in there are the same ones that rip him about pitching Soriano too much. You guys need to shut your mouth and understand that this is not an XBox game. These are real people with real body parts and lots of factors we will never hear about go into many decisions.

Flaw 2: This is the biggest flaw on the team. The 1B, 2B and LF are sure outs in our lineup right now. I think KJ is going to get better and least looks like he has a clue.

However, Langerhans and Thorman are not Major leaguers and they do not have a clue. They suck and are getting us killed. Franceour is going to have 150 walks this year as long as these are behind them. Again, be honest, you stupid Cox/Smoltz bashers, would you throw Franceour anything close knowing Langerhans and Thorman are behind him. I submit that you would not. Until one of them quits swing like a beer league softball player, we are going to lose a LOT of games like this.

I know we are 7-2, but do you honestly feel really confident with this team? I bought in, but last night really brought me down to reality. If the natty’s did this to us, what is the top of the Marlins’ rotation going to do to our lineup this weekend? The natty’s didn’t pitch well, we only hit in small spurts. Same as we did in Philly, same as we did against the Satans, er Mets. Hitting like this will NOT get it done over 162 games, period.

In closing, I want this team to be great, and if they find one more stick and 1-2 people in the pen Cox can trust when the Braves do not have lead, then it very well may be great.

By Savannah Guy

April 13, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Right pitcher, wrong strategy Smoltz, as usual pitched a gem. When he came out in the eigth inning he was probably doing so because he wanted the win…and he had the heart to go out and battle. That’s his job. you want all of our pitchers to think like that and do what he did. Trouble is, Cox should have pulled him. Hey, it ain’t last year. We HAVE a bullpen (although we’re throwing some of the kids out there when we could be using our new relief arms…not sure why).

As usual, seems our batters relax just a bit too much when Smoltzy is on the mound. Over and over. Is Cox savvy to that?

TO “SMOLTZ IS MICHAEL VICK 58 PERCENT GUY”: shouldn’t you be on a different blog? It’s obvious you don’t know anything about Smoltz or baseball. Go check out goofball.com. It’s where you belong.

By meansonny

April 13, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this

How many games have been won by teams scoring 0 runs.

We didn’t deserve the win. If you still feel like complaining, then feel free to look at Cox and Smoltz. But you’re only letting out hot air with no substance.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 13, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

Until one of them quits swing like a beer league softball player, we are going to lose a LOT of games like this.

As a “beer league softball player”, I resent being compared to Thorman or Langerhans!!

By BIG DADDY

April 13, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

If Andruw wants a $20 million a year contract after this year he better start swinging the ball better than my granddaughter ANDREA. Right now she’s a better hitter. She doesn’t swing at outside pitches in the dirt (with one hand yet).

By Ron Roberts

April 13, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

My GOD, Robert…

…you’re not a broken record, dude; you can’t keep hearing the same lousy, crappy, stupid song if he record’s broken.

You’re a horrible CD on skip, constantly playing the same drivel over and over and over again.

I wear, if Bobby Cox were eer assassinated, I’d tip off the authorities to find you and ask for your alibi. Look up the term “obsessed” and see if they added your mugshot to it in the dictionary.

I wasn’t bashing Bobby, and generally think he’s a damn fine manager - probably one of the three best in the game today, and a sure-fire HALL OF FAMER. But there isn’t a manager in baseball history, alive or dead, who’s managed the perfect game every game of the season, postseason or ccareer.

Thank God, though, that if something goes horribly wrong, and the Braves needed a managing GENIUS, then you’d be available. Because you’re apparently well-versed in being the perfect and flawless manager.

Right?

By Gil in Mechanisville

April 13, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

It’s a sign of manic depression. I would not let Robert out of the basement without adult supervision.

By Bill

April 13, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

As I said on another blog, the Braves offense is terrible. It’s time to make a trade or bring up Brandon Jones for left field and Salty at first and Prado at second.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Robert-You sure are in midseason form, even if some of the Braves are not. Only problem is is that your whole rant got way old a long time ago. Come up with something new or just pretend you’re an old soldier and fade away. As far as the rest (or a good number, anyway). What the hell do you want? We’re overusing our bullpen. No, we’re leaving our starter in too long. Get real. We lost that game because we had no clutch hitting-not even from usually reliable McCann. God Almighty, y’all-it happens. The entire season didn’t hinge on this game (and don’t give me that crap about a win in April…). Even the Mighty Red Sox got one hit two days ago. It happens.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 13, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts said: You know what 2 ER in 7 1/3 innings pitched gives you for an earned run average? 2.57. Find me an MLB starter who’d be at all disappointed with that ERA at the end of a season.

almost any pitcher would be disappointed with that if their team didn’t win.

By Lee

April 13, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

As usual Smoltz is provided with no run support. The man cannot pitch a shutout every time he pitches in order to record a victory. Key positions are not providing offense. Some players are proven and will eventually get into the groove (hopefully or we are really in trouble). Some players are not proven at the major league level. How long will Cox stick with these non-prodctive players? I love it when the announcers say that was a good at bat even though the results are a strikeout, pop up or a grounder back to the pitcher.

By Coach

April 13, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Dear God , did anybody actually notice the third straight quality start from John Smoltz. Here is a big hand clap for Smoltzy !

By krath

April 13, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

I don’t understand how anyone can get upset with McCann. That sounds like Philly or NY fans in my opinion. McCann has carried the Braves so far this year. He’s entitled to have off games. In baseball, you’re a hero if you are successful 3 out of 10 times with the game on the line. McCann is better than that! What is making it tough right now is that the TEAM isn’t hitting. Up until last night, they have come back late, missed early opportunities, and been bailed out by McCann, Renteria and Francouer. That can’t go on forever, especially when Francouers name is uttered in that group. Francouer is more disciplined that last year, but has a long way to go. (What was up with night before last when Williams had thrown 6 straight balls and Francouer is swinging at the first pitch to take them out of a potentially big inning? Whats up with that?? Bobby doesn’t have a “take” sign?)

KJ is gonna struggle. He missed almost a year of baseball. Hopefully, he’ll come around. Thorman may struggle for a while. He’s been thrown into the first base job and has to produce. Wilson isn’t a long term option…. he isn’t hitting either. I can live with those situations…. can’t be helped. What does stink is that they all seem to be trying to hit a 9 run Homer! I’m convinced that situational hitting can be taught …at least to a degree. TP evidently doesn’t share that philosophy. I would love to see Thorman choking up on the bat with a 3-2 count and the tying run at second. I would love to see Andruw choking up with two strikes at times. What’s wrong with trying to put the ball in play?

Barry Bonds is a cheater. His record will be tainted. I don’t care for him at all and wish he would go away. That being said, he’s probably the best hitter in the game. These guys need to look at what he does. He has about 2 inches of bat showing between his hands and the knob. That’s one reason he has such bat control. Andruw is totally out of control at the plate! His body is flying out everywhere! His first course of action should be to get his body under control at the plate, THEN he can start worrying about hitting the ball 500 feet.

There is no need to panic about this ballclub yet. They are 7-2 and haven’t done much offensively. The pitching can keep them around all season barring injuries. But they need to start righting the offensive ship pretty soon. They are going to face some good teams this year and they aren’t always going to face a team who will leave 30 players on base during a series.(the Mets) NY is a better team and the Braves will have to have their act together all season to win the East. It is do-able.

I just think management needs to be more proactive with managing the offensive approach. This team has pitching this year. They shouldn’t be sitting around waiting for someone to launch a bomb. They need to be pushing across a run or two when the opportunity presents itself rather than trying to clear the bases with one swing!

Hope the Braves start hitting. Oh yeah…. and Diaz should be playing every day. Langerhans ain’t never going to hit consistently. He didn’t produce last year and he’s pathetic this year. Probably a great guy, but with the Braves anemic offense, they can’t afford to give up an out everytime he comes to the plate.

By braves fan

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

DOB,

So who gets the call up if McBride gets demoted (as he deserves)? Would they insist on a lefty, or would righties like Moylan or Stockman (I’d prefer Boyer, but he’s got an oblique strain I think) get some consideration?

As for the offense, it’s the same bug that was a thorn last year….the strikeout. If these guys could turn half of these strikeouts into balls put in play, then they’d move some runners over or drive them in via a sac fly or something. They get guys on, but fail to make contact that could result in making something happen. Langerhans needs to be benched in favor of Diaz. Diaz hits righties the same as lefties, so it’s not like a platoon makes him more effective (as it should with Craig Wilson, who’s hitting squat so far). Let Diaz start, and sub in Langerhans for late inning defense. Let’s steal a base or bunt some guys over instead of waiting for a big hit. Until Chipper and Andruw are firing on all cylinders (both are showing signs of heating up) Bobby should try to manufacture some offense.

By ECU Grad

April 13, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

We get two hits all night and it’s bobby cox’s fault we didn’t win.

Talking bout high standards…….

By Ron Roberts

April 13, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Sure thing, Daybed… Smoltzie being the team guy that he is, he was disappointed that his pitching wasn’t good enough to win a game, but it CERTAINLY wasn’t what cost them the game.

You have to score at least one run to win any baseball game. The point was, if a pitcher were on a lousy team and due to be a free agent, he’d have only his performance to go on, and he’d be damn proud of the job he did if he did no better or worse than Smoltz did last night. Pure and simple.

Anybody blaming SMOLTZ for the Braves’ loss last night only watched one-half of an inning of the game.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 13, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

We cannot have all stars at every position. Look at the Stankees and Muts - they have (over)spent trying to load every position with lumber. On paper, the lineups are awesome. However, their records (at present) are less than awesome. With the payroll limitations the Braves have, a certain amount of patience for player developement at the major league level must be shown. Rare is the player who can come straight from the minors and hit major league pitching consistently. McCann is the exception. Frenchy is still struggling after his honeymoon rookie season in 2005.

Last year several of you were calling for LaRoche’s head before the All Star break, saying the same thing - he can’t hit major league pitching, get rid of him, bring Salty up, trade for somebody, etc. LaRoche proved the naysayers wrong by tearing it up in the second half. Given his performance (or lack thereof)so far, maybe he can’t hit major league pitching, or maybe he’s pressing, trying to live up to expectations from this new team mates and community (much like I think Gonzalez is doing here).

The point being this. There is NO reason to panic and start dumping players now. We are winning lots more games than we are losing. Winning ugly is better than losing pretty. Let’s give Thorman and Langy time. All the whining in the world on this blog is not going to stop the platoon in left or at first, as least not until the wheels come off and we start losing regularly. But, I think our pitching (barring injuries) is too good for that to happen.

By Kentavo

April 13, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

What’s the deal with the Braves’ bats. Why can’t they hit starting pitching? If I’m the opposing manager, I’m gonna leave my starter in as long as possible and just go starter stright to closer.

By rammerjammer

April 13, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

BC being BC, he’s probably going to give Langerhans and McBride at least the rest of the month to get in sync.

Diaz is a terrific option, and with a weaker offense than last season, BC has to be thinking about an everyday role for Matt.

As for McBride, BC could move Redman to the pen I guess (when Cormier returns), although he’s got only 12 career relief appearances and the most recent was seven years ago.

Or he could bring up Steve Colyer, who threw strikes in spring training (12 IP, 1 BB, 14 Ks).

Andruw, by the way, looks even more undisciplined than usual. And for him, that’s saying a lot. I wonder if he’s pressing a bit, trying to have a monster season in his walk-off year.

Amazing how many weaknesses can be overcome with pitching!

By flange1

April 13, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

DOB, Thaks for the tip! I will check out Centro-Matic!

Any word on Aybar? Is he still hurting? I think with all of this drama, the Braves might just release him because I don’t believe that he is tradeable.

I said a couple of days back that McBride’s delivery does not look the same as last year. I think McDowell needs to look at some film and send the lad down to AAA to get his arm slot back.

Someone above said something about having to have a left to replace McBride. Read the article on espn.com about Kevin Towers building bull pens in San Diego. Interesting, he does not believe in situational lefties, but normally has righties that can pitch to both lefties and righties.

If Stockman has gotten some work in, I would love to bring him up. Would love Boyer but he is hurt again!

THOUGHTS?

By MEB

April 13, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Lew… thanks for being the voice of reason so far this morning. Baseball has a long season for a reason. Hey that rhymes! Its going to be fascinating to see how things play out this year. We knew we had experiments under way at first base, second base, and in left field. All the lab results are not in yet on these experiments so I say give them some time. Thorman/Wilson platoon so far is not working offensively. I really like how Thor plays the game so I am really pulling for him. I like what I see out of KJ so far but the average has got to improve. Left field should belong to Matt Diaz because I don’t think we suffer too bad defensively with him in the game. Our bullpen has been bolstered but we still sorely need that situational left hander. I really thought that McBride had the right stuff so I hope I’m not wrong about him. So… lets have a fish fry this weekend and put another game or two between us and the evil Mets.

GO BRAVES!!!

By Adam

April 13, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

At what point do the Braves realize that Langerhans isn’t a major league hitter? His defense is good, but lets face it, LF isn’t a position you want a player out there just for there defense. Let Diaz play, he has hit the ball hard and has earned the right to play everyday. Langerhans second at bat last night was about as bad as it can get. I don’t know if he’s a guess hitter or just doesn’t pick the ball up well, but right now he is a very easy out.

By MBATL

April 13, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson will be fine. After a very rough start, he hasn’t struck out in any of his last 5 games.

Despite a cold start with the bat, he’s playing solid defense, he’s taking walks, and he’s scored 7 runs in 8 games played. And, 2 HR, 2 DB, and 5 RBI is not bad from the leadoff spot at this stage. He’s obviously got some pop in his bat… and he’s putting the ball in play. The hits will come.

A year ago, this blog spent most of the first 2 months obsessed with sending Laroche to the minors, and Francoeur too. A little patience is in order with Johnson, Wilson, Thorman and Langerhans, IMO.

By Carroll

April 13, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

A few words come to mind: embarrassing, unacceptable, typical, inexcusable. I’ll bet the gNats don’t shut out ANYONE for the rest of this season….let alone, a 2-hit shutout. Why do the Braves have such a hard time against NOBODY pitchers?????!!!! Damn Bobby Cox and his ridiculous swing-from-the-heels, wait-for-the-homerun offensive approach!!

By N8

April 13, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Lew, Lew, Lew

“Even the Mighty Red Sox got one hit two days ago. It happens.”

Yup, they did! By Felix Hernandez! A KID BEING TOUTED AS THE NEXT BIG THING, not by Jason FRICKIN’ Bergmann, of the 5.55 lifetime ERA!!

I had NO problem a couple of years back, when the Big Unit threw the perfect game against us. It was AMAZING to watch. But our inability to hit and have an approach against young guys is silly. Who knows, maybe Bergmann ends up being the next Curt Schilling, and in 10 years, we can say we saw “the game” that turned his career around. LOL! I remember Jeff Bagwell in 88 or 89 beating us with a late HR, and think WHO THE HELL IS THIS GUY??!! Sh*t happens. Stars are born everyday.

As far as the “don’t overuse the bullpen” / “should’ve taken Smoltz out sooner” arguement? I see where you might think it’s a DOUBLE standard and we (I) should pick a side of the fence and stay on it. But to me, what’s happened the last two nights is the ESSENCE of that arguement.

Wednesday night, 5-0 lead Gonzalez and Soriano are BOTH used. This would’ve been perfect for Yates or McBride to come in. Gonzalez succeeds, Soriano hit’s a bump in the road. Technically, no harm done (unless you have Soriano on your fantasy team. LOL!), right? WRONG.

NOW, Wickman has to get up, because the 5-0 lead, has turned into a 5-3 lead. Well we go ahead and add 3 more runs to make it 8-3 in the 8th, but Wickman already warmed up, and since he hasn’t pitched since Sunday, you might as well use him. I’ll repeat, Wickman is the LEAST of my concern, when it comes to the BIG 3.

Then like clockwork, DOB reports that Bobby states before the game that Gonzalez has the night off. RIGHT THEN, I bet everybody realized that we’d need him in last nights game. Sure enough Smoltz pitches BRILLIANTLY through 7 innings (though in my eyes, he looks fatigued in the 7th inning). Hmmmm. Perfect spot to bring in your “7th & 8th inning guys” JS aquired in the offseason, right? One would think.

Classic Bobby, trying to leave Smoltz in long enough to be the pitcher of record, in case the Braves score. Thinking of Smoltz’ “stats” rather than the best thing for the team. Sound familliar to anybody? Kinda reminds me of game 1 of the 1999 WS against the Yankees.

I realize I’m typing a lot (like normal), and may seem like I’m angry. I’M NOT!!

We are 7-2 which is better than I thought we’d be after starting the season againts the Phillies and the Mets. I’m elated, that we’ve shown we’ll be “in it” all year. We’ve got a good team. It just needs to be managed properly.

I usually side with Robert when discussing Bobby’s playoff managing, but MOST OF THE TIME, I tend to try and convince Robert that Bobby’s true strength is in how he runs the team from game 1 to game 162. I still believe that. Unfortunately, Bobby just treated games 8 & 9 of the regular season like they we’re games 4 & 5 of the WS. He made two bad decisions, two nights in a row. For some of you to NOT see that, is pure blind faith.

Hell, DOB even said he was confused as to why Bobby would use Soriano and Gonzalez in a 5-0 game. I don’t see anybody calling him stupid. Even IF Smoltz gets out of that 8th inning without any runs scoring, it was STILL the wrong move to leave him out there. But it was the ONLY move Bobby could do, since he used Gonzalez and Soriano the night before (though Soriano was shown warming up, not sure why he warmed up but never came in, during the 8th). The MISTAKE of using those guys on Wednesay “tied” Bobby’s hands on Thursday. PERIOD.

I’m not gonna start calling Bobby a Donkey…..yet. But I’m also not wearing the rose colored glasses, as to think he always pushes the right buttons.

By flange1

April 13, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Scalp Em,

I totally agree with you that we need to give Langy, Thorman and KJ some time. I do think we need to worry a bit about Langy’s strike outs. He has got to get more selective and be better able to punch the ball with 2 strikes.

Also, although he can hit, I do not think Diaz is an everyday player. Pinch hitter and part time player at best.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

MEB-Thatnks, Dude. I still like Langerhans, myself, though he is off to an horrendous start. I really wish that BC would either give him the job fulltime and let him sink or swim, or just give it to Diaz and be done with this damn platooning. How in the world can anyone achieve continuity this way? I’m quite impressed with the way KJ has played in the field. His defense was a major question mark two weeks ago, but I don’t see it that way any longer. He will be more than adequate, defensively. The hitting will come, though I doubt he will ever be a prototypical leadoff hitter (has anyone kidnapped Reyes, yet?). As far as the left field platoon goes, was anyone aware that Diaz’s team nickname is Magellan? Apparently he is thought to need a map to find the ball.

By Wayne in Utah

April 13, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Lew: Good points. How many victories does Bobby create by instilling confidence in his players. How many “non-moves” has Bobby made that snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat. According to some, only players can win games, and only managers can lose them. Did we guess wrong last night on Smoltz, maybe (Maybe not). Did that lose the game for us, heck no. We didn’t hit.

Does Aybar still have that sinus situation that kept him out of a game or two in Florida??? Just curious….

By fastasballs

April 13, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Since when did Salty play first base?

Diaz has proven he can hit at this level for a prolonged period & his defense is not a huge liabilityso he should play every day. Langy can come in as a late inning defensive sub, that is if he must stay on the team.

KJ will be fine, he at least is putting some nice swings on the ball. Has some power & a decent OBP despite a sub Mendoza average.

Not sure about Thorman yet although I do think the potential is there unlike Langerhans. Even if Thorman had walked his last at bat, do you actually think Langerhans would have done anything but stike out or pop out to one of the infielders?

The bottom third of the line up is a total waste at the moment unless Diaz is in there. Throw in Andruw’s 3 bad AB’s a game & maybe a few from Francoeur. That leaves only about 13-15 outs the opposing staff needs to get.

The pitching has been outstanding but the O is going to have to be a little more consistent or there will be a lot of games like last night.

By Renegator

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

Last night’s loss really brought us all back to reality. With no offense out of 1B, LF, and 2B (two of those being power positions on most teams -1B, and LF) we are going to lose a lot of games this year. We are off to a great start, yes, but I think we are playing over our heads. This team is not going to keep this pace up with so many weaknesses in the lineup. We essentially lost a game to the whole division last night because we lost to the Nats. You know the Mets are going to sweep them this weekend. They aren’t going to lose a game to the Nats because they have a complete offense. The Braves do not. We have no team speed - no ability to steal a base, hit & run, etc. We have four positions batting under .200 not including the pitcher. Matt Diaz needs to play every game - he should probably bat leadoff. His OBP is 70 points higher than Johnsons.

By Carroll

April 13, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

braves fan: completely agree with you about the strikeout bug. Unfortunately, until Bobby is gone—bless his heart—and with him goes his ridiculous offenseive philosophy, I doubt we will EVER see a change. We have been through about 5 or 6 different hitting coaches during the run, and it is ALWAYS the same offensive approach.

Hell, if it wasn’t for an act of God in the 1995 World Series (i.e., an improbable error in game 1 by the best defensive shortstop in history, and a dominating pitching performance by a non-big-game pitcher in Glavine allowing us to escape scoring only one run in game 6) then we’d likely be complaining about NO championships.

And I couldn’t agree more about Langerhans…and it’s not a snap judgment based on 10 games this year. In three seasons, I can think of two shining moments for Langy at the plate: one was the homer in Houston and the other was a bloop walk-off single that only happened thanks to a drawn-in infield. But there you go again with Bobby and his stubborn ignorance…his insistence on platooning just kills this team. He keeps players form getting into any kind of groove or gaining confidence, and gives the other team an easy, almost automatic out with likes of Langy and Craig Wilson…just like he used to do with Keith Lockhart, Danny Bautista and the like.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Nathan-Take your pills. It’s way to early in the day for your manic nonsense. It happens. Flippin’ get over it.

By matt

April 13, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

At first it makes you a bit mad to see McCann overlooked all the time, but then you realize, hey, nothing like a stealth weapon. The media can continue to ignore him all they want and McCann will continue kicking @$$ at the plate.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Carroll-I wasn’t aware that Ozzie Smith played short in that 95 game you mentioned.

By Carroll

April 13, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Lew: it’s a close call between Ozzie Smith and Omar Vizquel. For sheer defense alone I’d go with Omar, but Ozzie was clearly the better all-around player.

By MBATL

April 13, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

I just wonder how much credit Bobby would’ve gotten if he’d pulled Smoltz after 7 (with a 2-hit shutout going), or even with 2 on and 1 out in the 8th; and Soriano (or whoever) had given up the runs.

It would be exactly the same level of criticism, but based on completely different logic.

And if Smoltz was so “gassed” how did he strike out Kearns and Church - on 6 pitches - to end the 8th inning?

By Rodger

April 13, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

As embarassing/disappointing as losing last night was, equally disturbing was the Philthies snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. They should be history, but, forgive me for this, the Mets aren’t going away.

That said, we have to make some moves. “Walk the Line(up)” McBride has to go. And Langy, even though I like the guy, just isn’t cutting it. Even though Diaz’ defense(?) in LF scares me, he has to be the better option.

And N8, please remove the “L” and “O” keys from your keyboard.

By N8

April 13, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Lew

Dude. I am over it. Read my post. I’m happy with the way the season is going. Are we as bad as we looked last night? No. Are we as good as our 7-2 record? Probably not. We are NOT gonna win 126 games this year (that’s what we’re “on pace” for).

I just want SOMEBODY who claims to be a Bobby supporter (which I am, during the regular season), to acknowledge, that sometimes he makes BAD decisions. Everybody acts like he’s perfect. He’s a damn good manager from April to September. He installs confidence in players that might not get it from another manager, he USUALLY knows what buttons to push with the platoons and pitching staff.

He made TWO BAD DECSISIONS on Wednesday and Thursday. PERIOD. Would we have won the game, had he “saved” Gonzalez for Thursday, instead of using him Wednesday? NOBODY knows. I do however believe, it would’ve given us a better chance to win last night, than leaving an obviously fatigued Smoltz out there one inning too long.

Hell, maybe on Wednesday, if McBride comes in instead of Gonzalez, along with Soriano’s bad outing, we might actually have LOST Wednesday’s game. So I see both sides.

But if McBride/Yates/Villareal can’t be trusted with a 5-0 lead, when exactly WILL they be trusted??? Why are they on the roster???

Bergmann pitched a GREAT game last night, but we had Cordero on the ropes BIG TIME last night, and couldn’t get the big hit take advantage. But had Smoltz not had to stay in the game too long, maybe the Nats don’t score or only score 1 run. That would’ve (should’ve) changed the whole philosophy in the 9th inning for our offense.

I’m not sure who said this, it might’ve been Tommy Lasorda. The season is divded into thirds. Three 54 game stretches. EVERY team is gonna lose 54 games, EVERY team is gonna win 54 games. It’s what you do in the other 54 games that determines what your season turns out to be.

Bobby just gave away a possible victory in one of those 54 games, IMO, while going ALL OUT the night before in a game that in all likelyhood was already in the 54 win “category”.

I’ll repeat. I’m NOT angry, I’m not ranting. Just expressing some thoughts. Besides, I’m going out of town this weekend, so I’ve gotta get all of my posting in early. LOL!

Believe me, due to the cold I’ve got right now, if I had some “happy pills”, I’d be taking them like pez.

Have a good weekend guys.

I hope we hit better against the trio of Marlins pitchers, than we did against Bergmann. YIKES!

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 13, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Carroll:

Omar Vizquel the “best defensive shortstop in history”?? Are you serious? I think you’re seriously stoned, drunk, or perhaps your last name is Vizquel - normally let comments like that go, but, come on, you’re not even in the ballpark on this one. Where the hell is Shaun Payne when you need him? He could stat you to death on this one, and for once, I’d agree with him.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 13, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

If Dontrelle Willis watched the Braves game last night—I bet he’s frothing at the mouth in anticipation of the A$skickin’ that he plans on handing them…

Somebody should tell Bobby Cox that his team is not an American League team…but then again, maybe it should be…they can’t manufacture a run, bunt, steel a base, move a runner, or slap a gapper, it’s long ball, or no ball…maybe they should go get a couple big bats and then just wait for the right pitches…Braves have been running on luck and adrenalin so far, but both will soon run out…their bullpen will soon have it’s weaknesses exposed, the offence already has…that’s why sportswriters have thee Braves finishing 3rd. or 4th. this year…just as myself and Richard Cory do…

By N8

April 13, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Rdger

I’m srry if yu dn’t ike the way I pst. But if yu wuld ike me t eave the ” ” & ” ” keys ut f my psts, I’ve gt n prbem with that.

**MBATL”

yu said:

“I just wonder how much credit Bobby would’ve gotten if he’d pulled Smoltz after 7 (with a 2-hit shutout going), or even with 2 on and 1 out in the 8th; and Soriano (or whoever) had given up the runs.”

Good point. But that criticism wouldn’t have come from me. It was obvious, he (Smoltz) had lost some command in the 7th inning. Worst case scenario, he should’ve been pulled after giving up the first run.

He did however, reach back for a little extra to get out of the jam. But the question there, is where was that little extra to get out of the innning without the runs scoring?

I thought the WHOLE reason we got Gonzalez and Soriano, was to allow Hudson and Smoltz (when they don’t have the gas), to NOT have to pitch into the 8th inning all the time? Not being a smarta$$, just asking a legitimate question.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Nathan-You are ranting. You have been all season, and I doubt it will change over the next six months. However, it isn’t just you. How many times in the past two weeks have we had posters gnashing their teeth and wring their hands, moaning, wailig, b!tching and groaning about the Braves’ perceived inadequacies. For crying out loud, y’all, we’re 7-2 and in first place in the division. Their is no third column next to W and L explaining how you got those W’s and L’s. Does anyone remember how any team got to their final total, or do they remember the final total of wins and losses? It’s two weeks into a six month season. You will win some, you will lose some. BC will be second guessed constantly and you know what? He will STILL do things his way. Roberts, nor anyone else rants will make an iota of difference to him. Some games the Jones boys will go deep together, others they will strike out six times. It happens. Any single game this early in the year is too insignificant to be considered a microcosm of a season that is barely underway. Chill, y’all. We’re in first place. We’re doing something right-just like that unknown Nats pitcher did last night. Give the Dude some credit. He was right on for last evening, if not for the whole season. Who was the team shut out by Glavine for the first time after he lost 18 games? Does anyone remember? How do you think they felt. You don’t know. The kid may turn into a star. Carroll-It’s not that close. Ozzie was the best. That’s all there is to it. Vizquel is/was good, but not Ozzie.

By jrm

April 13, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

If you, like me, are tired of the terrible quality and vareity of food and beer at Turner Field, please make your displeasure known by following this link. Committed Braves fan who turn out to the support the home team deserve better than the slop we’re being fed.

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/help/email.jsp?c_id=atl&primarySubject=Other&secondarySubject=None&dest=fanfeedback@braves.mlb.com

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 13, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

…and no, I didn’t misspell ‘offence’ in my above post…Hell!…the lack of offense by the Braves is an offence!…

So where is caveman today?…did someone forget to remove the cover from his cage?…

By Lew

April 13, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

Excuse me- That was Vizquel is not Ozzie.

By MBATL

April 13, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

N8, I have yet to read one person on this blog claim that Cox is perfect. I see a lot of bloggers, including myself, and also just about everyone associated with the game of baseball, say that he’s one of the greatest managers of all time, but that doesn’t mean that every move will work, or even that every move is the right one.

I too question some of the use of Gonzo and Soriano. There were “rational” reasons for using them (including DOB’s report that Gonzo has asked for a lot of work to try to get sharp). But, I’ll grant you that one.

However, far as I know, Soriano was available last night, and so was Wickman.

I’m only guessing here, but I would guess that Smoltz probably had some input as to whether to go back out in the 8th. Now, if I’m Bobby, I don’t give McBride or Yates a lot of say-so in the matter, but I probably do give Smoltz a lot of consideration if he says he wants to continue (part of being a great manager!).

Guessing again: in a tie game, Bobby probably wanted to give Smoltz a chance to get the win by lasting the 8th, and assuming (ever optimistic) that we’d put some runs on the board in the bottom half.

And last guess: if we’d have had the lead, Bobby would’ve used Soriano in the 8th and Wickman in the 9th. That’s the “pattern” envisioned for our new and improved bullpent; it changes a little in a tie game.

I’m not being argumentative either (or don’t mean to be…). Just sharing my view of it, which gives Cox a little more credit for knowing what he’s doing, and a little slack when players don’t perform well enough to win the ballgame (i.e., no runs!).

By Lew

April 13, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

SJA-It is defintely offensive.

By Chris

April 13, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Jesus people, It’s just one loss. All this crying sounds just like after our last (and only other) loss. We’re not going to win every game we play. If we go out and derail the D-train tonight, we’ll all be proclaiming our greatness again. It’s a long season folks, we ain’t gonna win em all.

By JasonInMaine

April 13, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

What’ the over/under on how many runs Redman lets up tonight?

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 13, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable!…Many people never have the privilege of actually going to see a major league baseball game in person, at an actual stadium…while those who do, have the gall to complain about the quality and variety of the damn beer and food at Turner Field?…only in America…

jrm—you should be bytching about deserving better than the slop that’s being served on the ‘field’…rather than in the stands!…

By NationalLeagueEast

April 13, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Lew - why do you have to get so offensive and nasty everytime someone raises the idea that the Braves might not be perfect? Jeez—relax, dude. “Take your pills” is a pretty jerk-faced thing to say to someone trying to discuss baseball with you. The Braves have flaws. YOU get over it.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Chris-Even if we beat Dontrelle tonight, I doubt greatness will be proclaimed. Someone will register their contempt for a poor Francoeur swing or lament the fact that we only won by six runs instead of the 14 runs we should have won by. Or maybe McCann won’t move a runner up and doom weill be predicted. Or maybe BC will bring in the wrong pitcher, or have someone pitch who others feel should be in Richmond. Or someone else will complain that we never got Carl Crawford or Rocco Baldelli. It will always be something. I swear the comments couldn’t be any more negative than they would be if we were 2-7 instead of 7-2.

By N8

April 13, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Lew

After all this time I’ve spent “ranting” as you put it, over the last year or so. I’d like to think that YOU of all people, can determine when I’m being sarcastic, rude, or just plain old letting some thoughts out.

If Wolfgang Puck cooks something I don’t like, does that make him a bad chef? Not likely. I like Bobby Cox. That doesn’t mean that I have to like every move he makes.

I’ve NEVER been a big fan of “moving the infield in”, unless the guy at the plate is a legitimate threat to bunt. But that doesn’t stop Bobby from doing it EVERY chance he gets. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

All I’m doing here, is a little “fanatical” second guessing. Aren’t we entitled to do so? Isn’t that what the blog is for? For all of us to “discuss” our opinions?

There is no law that says you and I have to think alike. Shaun has his thoughts on small ball, I have mine. Coach liked HoRam, I didn’t.

Like you said. NOBODY cares in the end, how you get your wins, or your losses. Just so that you have more in the W column at the end of the 162 game grind. I believe that we will.

But is my firm belief, that while we have won quite a few games already this year that we would have LOST last year, due to the new bullpen guys (Wickman included), we still haven’t really “looked good” at the plate in general.

It’s a tribute to how good the pitching has been that our record is 7-2 with a .226 team batting average. YIKES. Even you, Lew, have to admit that THAT can’t stay as is, and expect this team to win more than we lose.

Right now we are 2nd in all of MLB in Hr’s, 8th in Runs and 25th in BA. To me that spells PLENTY of runs and victories against mediocre to bad pitching and getting SHUT DOWN (like last night), when we face a pitcher who is “on”.

Am I excited by our “fast start”? Absolutely. Am I convinced that we’re as good as our record shows? Not hardly. The “ball” has bounced our way. Based on the way these games have gone could easily be 5-4 or 4-5. But we’re not. We’re 7-2 and as you said, in FIRST PLACE in the NL East.

For that, I’m excited. Let’s hope things improve, or our LUCK continues.

Go Braves.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

NL EAST- Nathan and I have been going back and forth for much longer than you have been around the blog. I never said that the Braves were perfect or that they (or myself for that matter) never make mistakes. My point is that we are in first and many seem to be as unhappy as if we were in last. I quite honestly don’t care what you consider to be jerk faced (which is a pretty lame put down, anyway). If Nathan has an argument with me, let him respond. He has many times in the past and we have yet to get upset with each other. He will be the first to admit he gets manic.YOU get over it-or maybe you’d like to go back and forth for a while?

By Coach

April 13, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

All these opinionated people who have never managed so much as a barbecue , never mind a major league baseball team. Lets check the baseball IQ. What year did Bobby Cox win his FIRST World Championship ring ? FIRST , as in …. more than one.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

See, NL EAST (or is that NL Champs from last year?)-Nathan can respond all on his own, can’t he? He’s a big boy, quite capable of holding his own against me or anyone else. If you want to see some real back and forth, ask Nathan how he and Coach go to it. We’re just like a couple of brothers with a good, healthy case of sibling rivalry. Neither one of us takes the other all that seriously. Nathan-we just got another foot of snow. Are you frozen, yet?

By Braves20

April 13, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Last night it was obvious even to someone who never coached above the high school level that Smoltz was gassed after the 7th. Everything he threw in the 7th was up in the zone. It was amazing to see him come out for the eighth given our pen. Jeez oh Pete, why did we bother getting those studs if we aren’t going to use them in situations like that? It’s not enough to have a great bullpen, you have to effectively manage it - something Cox will never learn. Last night was a game that should have never gotten away from us.

By Renegator

April 13, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

If everyone in here was just typing about how great the Braves and how everything is perfect, then it would be a boring blog. We have to point out the inadequacies of the team so that we have something to talk about.

Show of hands - how many people think we will still be in first after this weekend? Remember - the Mets get the Nats!

By N8

April 13, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

NL EAST

Thanks for the “help”. But as Lew just stated, he and I have respect for eachother. We BOTH see some things the same, sometimes we don’t. We can “argue” with each other very civally and have never (at least I think never) have offended eachother.

I am VERY up and down with my emotions, when it comes to the Braves. But I’m always pretty grounded, in what I think is reality.

Lew telling me to “take my pills” is his way of letting me know to settle down. It’s basically an inside joke between the two of us. I have no problem with it, I rather enjoy it. For the most part it lets me know, he’s paying attention. LOL! SORRY RODGER!!! It appears the “L” and “O” keys are back in business. LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

But none the less, NL EAST, thanks for having my back.

OK. Off to go gig for the weekend. Anybody have any remedies for singing with a cold. I’m not sure benydryl and tequilla go together so well.

Type at you all on Sunday. Enjoy the games, and the “silence” of my abscence on the blog.

L8R

By DonCoburleone

April 13, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Hey does anyone know when McCann is going to get his first day off? Seems like the guy needs it; he didn’t do anything in this series against the nationals and he seems to be dragging a bit.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Braves20-It’s not a matter of Smoltz running out of gas-we couldn’t get a hit when we needed it. It doesn’t matter if you’re tied or back by two. If you can’t get the necessary hit with the bases juiced, well, you’re just not going to win. We had the men on base several times during the game and couldn’t come up with a timely hit. In the ninth, all we needed was a single to tie the game. We didn’t get it. It has nothing to do with Smoltz being tired (yet he found the extra gas on the final two hitters), it had to do with only two hits in the game and no one stepping up with runners on.

By Rodger

April 13, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Coach, not that anyone cares about your trivia, Cox got a ring with the Yanks in 77

By Lew

April 13, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Told ya so. It’s time for me to go take my own meds. Later, y’all.

By mr baseball

April 13, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

This idea about the Braves’ offense living or dying by the long ball is pervasive on this blog and is ABSOLUTELY WRONG. The same can be said for the Braves’ inability to play “small ball” and “manufacture runs.”

The Braves beat the Mets last Sunday because McCann and Francouer had run-scoring hits in the 7th to erase a 2-1 Mets lead. They lost last night because Andruw, McCann, Francouer and Thorman failed with RISP. There is no amount of managing or coaching that would have changed the outcome of the game from an offensive standpoint.

Andruw & McCann struck out with 2 runners on base in the 1st inning. Period. When Andruw led off the 4th with a double, should Cox have signaled McCann to bunt. He failed to advance the runner to 3rd. Wouldn’t have mattered. Francouer failed after him, so did Thorman.

Chipper grounded into a DP in the 6th. Should Cox have bunted then, too? McCann and Thorman failed again in the 9th with men on base. Let’s send ‘em both to the minors, along with Langerhans, Johnson, Wilson, McBride and whoever else has a bad game.

Here’s an idea. Whenever the Braves get the leadoff man on base, the next guy automatically bunts. Doesn’t matter if it’s Chipper, Andrew, McCann or Francouer at the plate, let’s get that runner into scoring position. And if the hitters fail to drive the run in, send ‘em to the minors and recall whatever guy at Richmond had 2 hits the nights before.

There are a lot of people on this blog who need to consider thinking about what they say before they hit the post button. If not, you’ll continue to display your extremely low baseball IQ.

By Lee

April 13, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Florida is no pushover. This weekend series will tell a lot about the character of this team and how they bounce back from a loss like last night. Taking 2 out of 3 from the fish would be a great accomplishment and a successful homestand.

By Coach

April 13, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Roger , dodger ! You win the golden genius award ! Hey , somebody who knows their baseball. Cox was the first base coach for the Yankees in 77 , that championship got him him first job managing with the Braves in 78 and the rest as they say is history.

By Jimbo

April 13, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Bobby blew last night’s game by trying to get Smoltz a win. He should know better.

By DonCoburleone

April 13, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

“Last night it was obvious even to someone who never coached above the high school level that Smoltz was gassed after the 7th. Everything he threw in the 7th was up in the zone. It was amazing to see him come out for the eighth given our pen. Jeez oh Pete, why did we bother getting those studs if we aren’t going to use them in situations like that? It’s not enough to have a great bullpen, you have to effectively manage it - something Cox will never learn. Last night was a game that should have never gotten away from us.”

Come on now, you know BC asked Smoltz if he felt like he could go back out for the 8th and Smoltz told him “heck yeah”. If Smoltz hasn’t earned the right to decide whether or not he needs to come out of a game where he has yet to allow a run, then who has? Cox knew Smoltz had pitched well enough to get the win, and he trusted Smoltz’ judgement to continue pitching and try to get that W. I mean come on guys, did anyone on this blog really think we were going to go 161-1? Losses happen in baseball! Even the worst of the worst teams are still going to win 30% of their games. As long as you can win 2 out of 3 games in 3 out of 4 series’, you’re going to be there in October.

By Greg in TN

April 13, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Greetings gang…

Last night aside, it’s been a delightful start of the season. Hudson’s start has been much better than anyone could have expected or foreseen. I don’t think anyone is ready to officially proclaim that he’s back, but the early returns are in and they look really good so far.

In looking at last night’s game, I think offensively, Chipper hit the nail on the head. Our aggressiveness at the plate killed us against Bergmann. There’s a lot of hand-wringing about getting shut out last night, however I begrudgingly accepted those things happened a long time ago. To further illustrate that point, what does Omar Olivares, Brian Rose, Rick Helling and Dan Reichert all have in common? I’ll answer that in a second…

Fredi Gonzalez and the Florida Marlins are coming to town. The D-train is going tonight. Let’s welcome Fredi back, but let’s also send Fredi out of town 0-3 in his career against his former employers.

Now, what does Olivares, Rose, Helling and Reichert all have in common? Each shut-out the Yankees in their ‘99 season. None have ever won the Cy Young, none have ever been called the ace of their respective staffs. Even a blind squirrel will find a nut sometimes. That’s just baseball.

By snowball's chance

April 13, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Here is my submission for the blog theme song. Fans get too high with wins and too low with losses. Here is for getting too high more often than too low.

Manic Depression, Jimi Hendrix

Manic depression is touching my soul I know what I want but I just don’t know How to, go about gettin’ it Feeling sweet feeling, Drops from my fingers, fingers Manic depression is catchin’ my soul

Woman so weary, the sweet cause in vain You make love, you break love It’s all the same When it’s, when it’s over, mama Music, sweet music I wish I could caress, caress, caress Manic depression is a frustrating mess

Well, I think I’ll go turn myself off, And go on down All the way down Really ain’t no use in me hanging around In your kinda scene

Music, sweet music I wish I could caress, caress, caress Manic depression is a frustrating mess

By snowball's chance

April 13, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

One more time

Manic Depression, Jimi Hendrix

Manic depression is touching my soul

I know what I want but I just don’t know

How to, go about gettin’ it

Feeling sweet feeling,

Drops from my fingers, fingers

Manic depression is catchin’ my soul

Woman so weary, the sweet cause in vain

You make love, you break love

It’s all the same

When it’s, when it’s over, mama

Music, sweet music

I wish I could caress, caress, caress

Manic depression is a frustrating mess

Well, I think I’ll go turn myself off,

And go on down

All the way down

Really ain’t no use in me hanging around

In your kinda scene

Music, sweet music

I wish I could caress, caress, caress

Manic depression is a frustrating mess

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 13, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Here’s a little pointing out of inadequacies thru the eyes of TheJackAss…fodder for further discussion, and or controversy—-McCann is a damn good hitter, can only get better—Rentashortstop is a very good hitter, and if he had someone on either side of him that you could say the same thing for, he could be even more effective, but I think for a team that claims to emphasize pitching, where defense and speed is very important, Pena should still be somewhere within the organization for future use, Braves will regret that deal—Chipper Jones will never be Chipper Jones again, his age and physical condition will determine his contributions to the team, who knows, time will tell, but I don’t think there’s much left, unless he goes to DH on some American League team, he will most likely DL on this one—Andruw Jones is too stubborn, likes the longball too much, has periods at the plate where he looks like Barry Bonds on steroids, the rest of the time he just looks like a blindfolded, little schoolgirl swinging at a pinata with a broom handle, as he tries to hit those low and away balls in the dirt, not worth the money that he will be expecting in the future—Francoeur wants to be a star, right now, but he ain’t, he wants to be like Andruw and swing right out of his cleats, that’s why McCann got the money deal and Frenchy did not, maybe someday—Langerhans doesn’t appear to be able to hit the ground with his A$S if he slipped on a banana peel, he plays, while Diaz, who can hit, sits—Thorman, that cat could be good, someday—and last, but not least, the pitchers…the Braves don’t have pitchers on the team now who are capable of laying down a bunt like ol’ Glavine and Maddux used to do, on a regular basis…

By David O'Brien

April 13, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Snowball’s Chance, I’d have to go with Hey Joe or Crosstown Traffic, not because they have anything to do with Braves fans, but because they are freakin’ GENIUS, like just about everything the great left-hander did (Hendrix, not Steve Carlton).

By David O'Brien

April 13, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Lew’s right about one thing: last night’s loss wasn’t about Smoltz running out of gas _ it was about him having to be absolutely perfect because the Braves couldn’t get a damn hit when they needed one. Hey, even McCann is human, despite so much evidence to the contrary in the past year or so.

It happens. it’s one freakin’ game. Chill. The Nationals are going to win at least two out of 10, and probably three to four out of 10 over the course of the season.

But … Bergmann?

By Braves20

April 13, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

DC - I’m sure Cox asked Smoltz about the 8th. What the heck did BC think he would say? If Smoltz’ arm is still attached, he’ll say he can go another inning. As a very wise man said more than once - “Coaches (managers) don’t ever win games but they often lose them.” The L in last night’s game should go to Bobby Cox not Smoltz.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 13, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Oh…I almost forgot to mention Kelly Johnson—Wonder why??…

By David O'Brien

April 13, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Hey, forgot to mention it, but Salty hit another homer night before last (don’t know what he did last night), after hit two-homer night a couple days earlier.

Good signs that the primo prospect could be in store for a good bounce-back season. All I know is, Thorman needs to have a good year. Not saying anything other than that….

By snowball's chance

April 13, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss, Thoughtful post. Didn’t think I would ever write that line. Hudson did lay a good bunt down the other day. Seemed like a waste with 1 out. Thorman had already bunted. I wonder if he did that on his own. Looked like he was going for a hit. I don’t know if he has any speed but he runs like he swings. All or nothing- which the Nats took advantage of. I support Langerhans but he looks lost at the plate. He reminds me of DeRosa. He got every chance just took him a few years to figure it out.

By gajawjacker

April 13, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

I will boldly make this prediction. Fatty McBride, Yikes Yates, Joke Johnson and Ryan Langerhitless four future non-hall of famers.

By snowball's chance

April 13, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

DOB, I would go with all of Electric Ladyland. I”ll stick with Manic Depression for this blog. It is a subject I know to much about. I think a lot of geniuses musical and otherwise suffer from it. The genius comes out in the manic phase and the self medicating in the down phase that has taken so many too early. I think Jimi may have been writing from experience.

By MBATL

April 13, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

DOB, Salty was 1 for 2, 2 BB and a double last night. He’s locked in, to say the least. So is Escobar.

The guy I’m geeked about is Dan Smith, LHP for Mississippi. The guy’s 22, fits our profile (6’5”, 250 lbs) and is a strikeout machine. Dominating at A+ in ‘05 and again at AA last year. He’s got an .90 era with 13 Ks in 10 innings so far this year… McBride is another guy who needs to look over his shoulder…

By Mr. J

April 13, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

When the Nationals series began everyone was concerned about the Braves having a let down against an inferior opponent. Then the Braves won the first two easily and there was congratulations all around that the team hadn’t lost its focus. Well, I think that was the bogeyman that jumped up and bit us last night. Bad team, bad pitcher, just beat them twice, lets just show up and get this win over with. Oops…

Like Livan says, “That’s Beesbol!”

By ncscoots

April 13, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

The truism is that people remember only the bad meal at a restaurant, not the ten good ones before it. Same with hitters. Bloggers always remember the AB during which the hitter failed to move the runner to third (a blog favorite), but never the base-knocks that produced RBI in previous, similar situations. The nature of fandom, I guess. It’s pretty hard to at once try to drive in a run and also plan to make a “productive out”. Two different approaches for the AB altogether.

By Coach

April 13, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

That’s what I said , Chris who ? This Bergmann kid was effectively wild. He was spotting his fastball in the 95-96 MPH range , throwing a nasty slider and a nice change up , not to mention his curveball , which was decent. He had all four of his pitches working for the most part , but was just wild enough to keep the Braves off balance at the plate. Believe me , its hard to hit a fastball in the high nineties when you don’t know whether the damn thing will be in your ear or on the plate. At any rate , give the kid some credit , he pitched a good game striking out everybody in the middle of the order at least once and giving up just one hit in six innings.

By Burt

April 13, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

mr baseball, Bob journalist & DOB — you’re right on target. At least you guys understand major league ball. It’s way too early to start yanking folks and changing lineups. Be concerned? You bet. Overreact? Huh-uh.

Rodger and Robert: It’s OK guys, but keep your training wheels attached… It’s a LONG season.

Bobby Cox also knows the majors. He’s not worried about a mere loss to the Nats in April. Anyone who’s watched him over the years knows that he emphasizes winning SERIES. And he’s not about to make a move — not with McB, Langy or anyone else — this early in the season. Geez, the Braves are NINE GAMES into a 162-game schedule, and they’re 7-2 at that. It takes some guys 30 or 40 games to warm up to the pace. Just ask Andruw.

Amongst all of the fingerpointing between last night and today, did ANYBODY friggin’ notice the at-bat snafu by (1-3) Chipper last night? Renteria walks on five pitches and Chipper follows up by swinging at the very next pitch, hitting into a DP. Made a no-name pitcher look good. Granted, McCann’s LOB was atrocious, but he was not the only one with anemia at the plate last night.

By TennesseePaul

April 13, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

I should have never posted my 6:17PM Remarks. They followed it to a tee. Unbelievable. I watched them go up there and fan the other team with their bats. No wonder the Nats held on. They’ll do well against Willis. They’ll go into the game with a plan to stay back, be patient, look for their pitch, protect the plate, try not to K, and pull out a win. Too bad they don’t take the same approach against the bad pitchers.
In highschool my baseball coach was Jose Alverez. Yes, the very same. He had a rule… in practice, you do it right. You execute the fundamentals. In the game, you play.
He’d make us practice forever! By the time we played a game, we couldn’t go up there without the right approach because we’d practiced it so much it was the natural instinct. Our team still lost. Jose was the Larry Bowa type. 162-0 or you’re all fired! Plus we were in highschool and, quite frankly, we weren’t that good. But we had the fundamentals down.
Anyways, I said all that because when the Braves go up against these subpar pitchers and teams, it’s practice. They should maintain the fundamentals so that they are prepared for the good teams.

Jose was a bit of a hard @ss. I knew I’d never make it to the bigs with my junk, but he wouldn’t even show me how to throw a screwball. “Just practice throwing fastballs and changing speeds.” I just wanted to know. I figured he’d be the best source for that knowledge. Instead I was forced to learn it on the streets, in dark alley ways from people of questionable character.

By TennesseePaul

April 13, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

So I’m thinking McBride will be the one sent down when Tanyon is ready. Or they trade Yates. How’s Boyer doing? Any chance he could come up and replace McBride?

By DonCoburleone

April 13, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

DOB, did you see my question about McCann? When is Bobby planning on giving him a day off? Seems overdue to me…

By Ron Roberts

April 13, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

To give Scott Thorman the idea that he needs to have a good year (or else?) is sort of what made the deal to get Gonzalez such a head-scratcher to many people.

If you couldn’t afford to trade off your 30+ HR, sure-handed first baseman, then why did you?

I think Thorman’s gonna be fine, in time. He doesn’t look any more hapless at the plate than LaRoche did early in his major league career, quite frankly, and that turned out quite alright. And I actually think Thorman’s a more heralded hitter coming out of the minors than Adam was, if memory serves.

Besides, throwing a rookie into the position, then implying he needs to have a good year because there’s somebody else breathing down his neck to play the position awaiting a chance in the minors is kinda counter-productive, I think.

It’s asking a lot of a rookie to try and match what LaRoche did, or even do 2/3 what LaRoche did, production-wise, and he’s looked no worse at the plate than Andruw Jones has so far. It’s been nine games, we’re 7-2 and the hitting hasn’t even caught fire yet. Let’s count our blessings and see what happens when the hitting does come around.

Don’t think for a second that the rest of the National League, particularly the East, isn’t sweating that notion.

By DonCoburleone

April 13, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

“Good signs that the primo prospect could be in store for a good bounce-back season. All I know is, Thorman needs to have a good year. Not saying anything other than that…”

Enough already! Can’t we move Salty to first base already? Rather have him learn to play a new position somewhere that is not going to hurt the Major-league club…

By ncscoots

April 13, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

TPaul, you’re lucky your arm isn’t twisted 90 degrees from the elbow, LOL. Learning the screwball in dark alleys, indeed…why, you might have graduated to, to, throwing a forkball or something equally vile, and then who knows how you would turned out? :-)

By JasonInMaine

April 13, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

For the fun of it, would people take the over or under on 5 ER allowed by Redman tonight?

Also, what is a good site to get the box scores from the minor league squads?

As always, your time is appreciated.

Regards,

Jason

By MBATL

April 13, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Jason, I’ll take the “under” on that. I’d expect 3 or 4 runs in 5-6 innings from Redman. I doubt we’ll stay with him long enough to give up 5 or more…

By geauxbraves2000

April 13, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

The over and under should be on the Braves scoring one run tonight.

Geaux Braves!!

By Renegator

April 13, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

JasoninMaine - I’ll take the over. Those Marlins bats are en fuego right now.

How about this over/under 1.5 homeruns for Cabrerra tonight?

By Lee

April 13, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

memory serves me correctly the Braves usually fare well against Dontrelle Willis. The Braves need an offensive outburst to get the bats going. Hitting is contagious and for goodness sakes they need a hit marathon even if it means winning a high scoring game for both teams.

Tonight with Redman going I would not count on a low scoring game for the fish - my guess is over 5 runs will be scored by Florida. Maybe it is too early to judge some of these players but there comes a time to admit they need more fine tuning in the minors and maybe promoting someone else to see what they can accomplish at the major league level.

As long as the Braves continue to win the series with each team they should be o.k. The Mets are not going away and you can expect them put together a long winning streak sooner or later.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

You can’t go wrong with ANY Jimi. Consider this, though-what if the song was writeen now? Would it be Bi-Polar disease is a frustratin’ mess? Just not quite the same, is it?

By KC

April 13, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

DonC: I think the only reason McCann hasn’t gotten a day off yet was because of the off-days that were built into the early schedule.

When he does rest McCann, I’d very much prefer that he does it on a day when Smoltz or Hudson is pitching, and we aren’t likely to need as much offense to win.

By rammerjammer

April 13, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

The Mississippi Braves will be interesting to follow. They have FIVE lefties in their rotation, none older than 23.

By JasonInMaine

April 13, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Renegator, I will take the under, but barely. I had to think about it!

By KC

April 13, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!!

Maybe Ryan Langerhans will suddenly turn it on and prove me wrong. I hope he does. But I think he’s been given a more than ample opportunity to prove he can hit at the big league level. Enough of the LF platoon already!

IT’S TIME TO HAND THE EVERYDAY LF JOB TO THE GUY (Matt Diaz) THAT HIT .327 LAST YEAR, AND WHO IS HITTING .375 (through 16 at-bats) THIS YEAR WITH ONLY 1 STRIKE OUT!!!!!!!!!!

By Coach

April 13, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Don , how many six foot four switch hitting , rifle armed catchers with home run power are there in the majors ? Answer is : ZILCH , NONE , NADA. Salty is a baseball freak and his trade value as a catcher is astronomical. Move him to first and he is just another player. The Braves are undoubtedly thinking about his trade value first. He is more than worth a top flight pitching prospect or two if he continues to improve.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

There’s a good article on getting off to a bad start by Jason Stark on ESPN.COM. Check it out.

By JasonInMaine

April 13, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

KC, Amen to that! I couldn’t agree more. Bring Langy in as a defensive replacement and give him he occasional start. Diaz should be the every day LF!

Plus, while Diaz is no Langy, I don’t remember him being *that bad…

By ElbravoX

April 13, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Here comes Salty!

By KC

April 13, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Coach: I’m afraid I’m going to have to side with those that want to see Salty training in at 1B. BUT, I don’t want him to stop catching.

If Salty came up as a first-baseman/back-up catcher… potential suitors will still know that he can be their everyday catcher (assuming he turns into the big-league playere we all think he will).

By Ed Glennon

April 13, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

I need to get something off my chest. It is a joke to compare the modern player to the greats of the game before 1970. Let’s take Andruw Jones. Great guy, great ballplayer but he would be on the second string outfield in the early fifties: Mays, Williams, Aaron, Clemente, Mantle, Joe D, and maybe some more would be ahead of him. He would be in the outfield with Frank Robinson and Al Kaline{my favorite player}.
If in the future anyone wants to compare Andruw with Willie Mays let’s look at what happened last week. Chipper was walked intentionally to get to Andruw. Maybe Elias Brothers could tell us if anyone ever walked the guy in front of Mays intentionally? I don’t think so. When Andruw gets to 660 career home runs he should then spend two years in the Army and we all might realize just how great Mays was. If you still don’t get my point then think about a man on third base with less than two outs. Who would you like to see come up to bat: Andruw or: Mays, Williams, Aaron, etc? Oh yeah no contest.

Ed in Eugene

By DonCoburleone

April 13, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

But Coach, Andruw Jones is gone after this season. Renteria after 2008, and Chipper is a slip at 3b away from an extended trip on the DL. Wouldn’t it be nice to have that 3rd stud hitter behind McCann and Frenchy for 2008 and beyond? IMO, a proven minor league position player (regardless of the position) is more of a sure thing than a proven minor-league pitcher… However, if you are talking about using Salty in a package to acquire a Dontrelle Willis, or Jake Peavy, or Ervin Santana, then I’d be all for it…

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 13, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

KC—-While you’ve got Jarrod Saltalamacchia catching, and at 1st. base…why not have him selling peanuts, watering down the infield, and going for Bobby Cox’s coffee too??…

By Glass Half Full

April 13, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

DOB

Let’s do some supposin’…if Langerhans and Wilson continue to struggle, what are the chances JS uses some Hampton insurance money to trade for an outfield bat? Or what about Brandon Jones or Escobar getting promoted (hey, I know he’s an infielder, but couldn’t he play left with that arm until Edgar’s gone?)?

By Lee

April 13, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

KC - I like the idea about Saltly being 1st baseman and reserve catcher. Langerhans is pathetic - I am starting to walk away from the T.V. when he comes to bat. At best he is a fourth outfielder used in late innings for defense and occasional fill-in-role to provide a day off for other outfielders.

By beachcomber

April 13, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Seeing Ed Glennon’s post brings back the name of Carroll Hardy - the one and only man who ever pinch hit for Ted Williams. And thanks Ed for reminding me of Willie’s two years in the Army - makes his career all that more special.

By Glass Half Full

April 13, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Or Gregor Blanco, perhaps.

By DonCoburleone

April 13, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

I hate to agree with you KC, but I also think Diaz should be the everyday LF. I’ve tried to defend the platoon in the past, but Langy just isn’t a ML quality hitter. The most important thing IMO is the fact that Diaz has only struck out 1 time in 16AB’s this year. That’s what this lineup needs, a hit-for-average guy who rarely strikes out. Langerhans is just Andruw Jones with no power….

By KC

April 13, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

JasonInMaine:

Agree on Diaz’s defense. There were times last year when I thought he looked truly outstanding in left, and then there were other times when he looked bad. But all in all I’d say he’s at least an average left-fielder, and that’s good enough for a .300 hitter.

Langerhans still has value right now as a defensive replacement, and a guy who can give Andruw an occasional day off in center… but I’m not sure he’ll ever be more than a 4th or 5th outfielder.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

KC-Langerhans has had all of 18 AB so far. If he were to get the job full time and then after a couple of months he did nothing playing everyday, THEN maybe you could tell me he will never hit. I just don’t have your confidence in an outfielder known to his teammates as Magellan-because every fly ball is an adventure and he needs a map to get there. Give Langerhans some SERIOUS playiong time and then maybe I’ll agree with you. 18 AB while playing every other day just won’t tell you anything.

By JasonInMaine

April 13, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Well, it’s decided then. DOB, can you please inform Bobby that the real decision makers in the blogosphere say Diaz is the everyday LF… (:

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 13, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

caveman22—must have to stay after school cause he got hisself a detention…

By joebrave

April 13, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Good Evening Gentlemen: with the exception of a few turds here like cavefag and Jim! I’d have to say that Bergman kid was lights out last night and if he ever builds some confidence,wow!! everyone is right on about Langy as well mann he sucks,but he really isn’t the only one A.J. aint doing so damn hot either!!Thanks for the well wishes on the Anniv. S.J.A. and Lew

By Adam

April 13, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Salty isn’t gonna get moved to 1st base unless the Braves decide they don’t want to trade him. The reason he is still a catcher only prospect is that he holds much more value as a switch hitting catcher with power than a switch hitting 1st baseman with power. Excellent catching prospects are much more difficult to find than 1st base prospects. Everyday that he stays just a catcher is another day that the Braves are trying to drive up the value of Salty for a possible deal.

By Robert

April 13, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

“But there isn’t a manager in baseball history, alive or dead, who’s managed the perfect game every game of the season, postseason or ccareer. “

Aint nobody askin him to be perfect. I’d settle for two weeks without blowing a game outright for starters

Best manager ever huh? I wonder what all those managers rated below Cox wouldve done last night. Brought Smoltz out to pitch the 9th?

“last night’s loss wasn’t about Smoltz running out of gas”

No, it was about his donkey manager trotting him back out there after he had run out of gas

” Sound familliar to anybody? Kinda reminds me of game 1 of the 1999 WS against the Yankees.”

And yet people here are blogging in terms of Bobby Cox “learning”

N8 - your 11:01 post was right on target

“How many victories does Bobby create by instilling confidence in his players. How many “non-moves” has Bobby made that snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat. “

Name one

By KC

April 13, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

SouthernJackAss: “KC—-While you’ve got Jarrod Saltalamacchia catching, and at 1st. base…why not have him selling peanuts, watering down the infield, and going for Bobby Cox’s coffee too??”

Sorry, I’ve got Ryan Langerhans taking over those duties if I get my way. But maybe Salty could dance on the dugout to “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” during the 7th inning stretch… if we insist on giving him any off-the-field responsibilities.

By Adam

April 13, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Langerhans has looked terrible for 3 years hitting the baseball. How much more proof do we need that he isn’t a big league hitter?

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 13, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Run for cover!…Find yourself a hole in the ground!…Tornados in Texas!…

By ncscoots

April 13, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Wow, and I thought the knee-jerk reactions were bad in ST! Posters are ready to throw players with fewer than 20 AB or 6 innings this year under the bus, and slot in some new faces. Do those players also get kicked if they don’t go 7-for-20 out of the gate? Shall we then reach down to high-A and grab a few more new faces who managed to throw three scoreless innings the first 10 days?

The new plan for excellence, per the blog: turn over 20% of the roster every ten games based on a handful of of AB and/or a couple of pitching appearances. Just the thing.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

JoeBrave-No problem, Dude. Anniversaries are something I’m pretty good at. We hit 32 and are still going strong.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Adam-Apparently I need more, cause I ain’t convinced.

By KC

April 13, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

LEW: “KC-Langerhans has had all of 18 AB so far. If he were to get the job full time and then after a couple of months he did nothing playing everyday, THEN maybe you could tell me he will never hit. I just don’t have your confidence in an outfielder known to his teammates as Magellan-because every fly ball is an adventure and he needs a map to get there. Give Langerhans some SERIOUS playing time and then maybe I’ll agree with you. 18 AB while playing every other day just won’t tell you anything.”

Lew, 18 at-bats???

I’m not basing anything on only 18 at-bats. This is Langerhans’ 3rd year as a fixed part of Atlanta’s outfield, and he has 675 career at-bats.

Over those 675 AB’s, he has a .250 average with only 15 homers, 70 RBI (not great for that many AB’s) and 180 strikeouts… a category he led the world in through spring training.

He hasn’t shown all that much power, he certainly doesn’t appear capable of hitting for average, and he has 1 career stolen base in 6 attempts… so he’s not going to help you there either. This guy is all glove, no lumber.

By rammerjammer

April 13, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Going all the way back to his rookie league days in 1998, Langerhans has never hit .300. His minor league career averages of .265/.355/.414 in more than 2,700 ABs never indicated greatness.

As long as the Braves could score lots of runs, they could afford to hide his bat…but no longer. With OJT at first and second, we need another bat.

BC, of course, is VERY LOYAL to his starters so it’ll take an act of congress to make a change. A few more shutouts oughta do it.

By Carolina Lady

April 13, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Losing to the Nats is like having your dog get beat up by the Easter Bunny.

By Adam

April 13, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

KC,

I couldn’t agree with you more about Langerhans. 3 years tell the story.

By Braveheart

April 13, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Oh, my god. The season is over. Oh my God. How could they let this happen? Why are we even going to bother trying to play the next freaking 153 games? Why? We have fallen down in the BCS rankings? Will we ever recover? Oh good lord what will Dayn Perry rank us in the power rankings next week?

Calm down. One of 162.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

I’ve got to go along with Scoots, here. Everyone is looking at an extraordinarily small sample and are insisting it is a microcosm of a season that has yet to play out. It’s a 9 game sample-you can isolate ANY 9 game samples and make even Albert Pujols look like he’s rotten. You’ve just got to give the players a bit of time. Andruw has looked as bad as anyone I’ve seen this year. Are you ready to concede that he will hit below the Mendoza line for the season? The same with Langerhans. He will not end up hitting .111-he never has before, no matter how bad y’all like to think he is. If Diaz is as great as you seem to think, then it is totally mistifying why in all this time, he never caught on with such talent laden teams as the DRays and the Royals, not to mention why BC and JS haven’t decided he’s the second coming. Didn’t we just hear from our Esteemed Blog Master that Diaz had already approved a move to Japan this spring? Gee, it sure sounds like the Braves have all the confidence in the world in the guy, doesn’t it?

By Fred from CT

April 13, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

All that matters is that the braves keep winning series. It was a ugly loss with the fact that we had only two hits but a long season. Keep winning 2 out of 3 and we will be ok. The one thing I would like to see cox do is give Diaz a shot at LF everyday.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Look Y’all-I’m not saying Langerhans is the forever answer for the Braves in left field-far from it. But if he were hitting .250, his career BA right now, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion, but half the team is below the Mendoza line right now. Langerhans isn’t going to hit .300, but as others have pointed out, you don’t have to have superstars at all positions. If the Braves were hitting like we all know they’re capable of, you’d all be talking about something else-probably griping again that we can only hit HR’s. Langerhans is holding down the fort until Brandon Jones is ready. I will guarantee you that Langerhans will not be and never has been seriously considered as Andruw’s replacement. However, as of now, apparently Diaz does not inspire the confidence of Atlanta’s brain trust. Maybe there’s a reason for that. If Chipper and Andruw start to get hot, Langerhans and a .250 BA won’t make any difference. I’m almost positve that with playing time, he will hit .250-even y’all admit he’s DONE that.

By mallcops

April 13, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

I think Caveman’s assistant turned him in for blogging all day and got his job. SJA has been looking for the Caveman for a while now. Maybe he is lonely?

By your daddy

April 13, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

i’m first babyyyy

By joebrave

April 13, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

And again I’ll ask why in the blue hell is Chris Woodward still here man he is worse than Langy

By flange1

April 13, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Also remember on Diaz, the Braves almost sold him to a team in Japan over the winter. He is not a full time player.

By Renegator

April 13, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

If Langercanthit hits .250 this year, I’ll eat my hat. He only hit .241 in a full season last year.

By Rodger

April 13, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Woodward is here because he rocks at second…no, wait, his glove’s a rock!

By Renegator

April 13, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

Woodward is here for two reasons:

1) Bobby LOVES veterans 2) JS signed him before he realized how good the prospects were going to be and so now they have to use him since they are paying him at least $500,000

By mr baseball

April 13, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

A brief history lesson: The esteemed individuals responsible for acquiring talent and developing it at the major league level do not have a great track record when dealing with players of less than star status. Graffanino, Simon, Bautista, DeRosa & Helms were all deemed expendable by Braves’ management, and all of them became productive players elsewhere. Cox displayed some patience with both Giles & LaRoche and seems to be doing the same with Langerhans, which to this point appears unwarranted.

You don’t play a guy in LF for his glove. It’s the least important defensive position on the field. Diaz needs to get most of the starts and the genius GM needs to begin making inquiries on who might be available for a trade. Not sure exactly what those of you who like Langerhans have seen in his stay here that makes you want him to get a longer look. Doesn’t hit for power. Doesn’t run that well. Doesn’t hit for much of an average. Great glove, but point out the last championship team with a LF who couldn’t hit.

By Braveheart

April 13, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

“There is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first or last time, I owe him my best.” - Joe Dimaggio

By MBATL

April 13, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Matt Diaz is the next coming of … Wilson Betemit!

I don’t know that there’s much direct comparison, except that Betemit and Diaz seemed to be hitting machines; both were suspect defensively; and the Braves didn’t seem to think that either was an everyday player. I’ll put a little faith in their evaluation. The Dodgers seem to be finding the same thing with Wilson…

Everything in Langerhans’ past suggests he’ll hit about .250, with an obp of about .350. And play great defense. I’m not opposed to a change if things don’t pick up, but I think 18 ab’s is way too little to go on.

By rammerjammer

April 13, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

My concern about the braintrust is that they pegged LaRoche as a platoon player and he only had his breakout season when injuries forced BC to play him every day. Truth be told, BC was wrong about Rochy.

Diaz’ numbers versus lefties and righties last year were consistenly strong, yet BC is bound and determined to platoon him, too.

I can’t answer why two pathetic organizations gave up on Diaz, although maybe giving up on him is one example of why they’re pathetic.

In any event, I’m glad we’re 7-2 and our greatest worry is about our #8 hitter!

By Braveheart

April 13, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

“I never smile when I have a bat in my hands. That’s when you’ve got to be serious. When I get out on the field, nothing’s a joke to me. I don’t feel like I should walk around with a smile on my face.” - Hank Aaron

Andruw, would you listen to the Hammer already? We’re beyond a little tired of the perpetual smirk as you strike out again.

By ElbravoX

April 13, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

AJ on Jim Rome NOW!

By TennesseePaul

April 13, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

KC: Did you see this one? You might be getting through to them. The first step to over coming a problem is admitting you have one…

By Braveheart

April 13, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

“You can only milk a cow so long, then you’re left holding the pail.” - Hank Aaron

Maybe Cox should have taken this advice of the Hammer last night with Smoltzie?

Or maybe the Braves will take it when it comes contract time for Andruw?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 13, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Man has a point, left field is usually reserved for the weak fielding strong hitters ala Bonds, etal….

Still too early to judge this team though. Kelly Johnson’s defense looks pretty good so far. Hitting is not bad. Just going to take some time for things to fall into place.

Who knows, tonight the score might be 11-10….

By Braveheart

April 13, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

“I’m just a beat up old third baseman. I’m just a small part of a wonderful game that is a tremendous part of America today.”

Chipper Jones quote? Nope. Eddie Matthews is the man of the quote.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Rene-Hope that hat you’re having for dinner’s got one of theose big, ugly Gators on it. Did you realize that Langerhans hit .267 the year before in more AB’s than he had last year? That’s higher than .250, a fact I wouldn’t have to explain to anyone other than a Gator.

By ChucktownBrave

April 13, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Help My memory? Does any one recall a comment Cox made in ‘06 about wanting to win every series. ie >= 100 wins. IF this philosophy/logic is true it may explain why Cox played the big 3 in game 2 of the Nats series. Maybe he’s planning ahead having the big 3 available for game 1 with the fins to aid Redman.

I guess we’ll find out soon.

Let’s go Braves!!!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 13, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

rammerjammer… Ever think that maybe it took a couple of seasons for LaRoach to develope until he could hit left handers? That is what platoons are all about. It allows players to gain exposure without being too much of a liability to your club.

Diaz can hit. He is just not the player Bobby Cox wants in left field. Don’t know the answer to that one, he has not retuned my phone calls….

By Lew

April 13, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

MrBaseball-What you say in your first paragraph needs a caveat. All of those players had somewhat productive seasons for other clubs after leaving the Braves, but several years after leaving the Braves. Doesn’t that make my argument of keeping Langerhans and giving him a chance a bit more valid? If you give up on him, then you are going to be in exactly the same situation you have with those others. You just can’t have it both ways.

By Renegator

April 13, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Lew: I understand that he has hit over .250 before - I’m saying that he won’t hit over .250 THIS year.

If it makes you feel any better, I’ll eat a Gators hat.

By Braveheart

April 13, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Well, in other news, Natalie Portman has stated that she would consider a lesbian relationship. Now, I love having Ms. Natalie on my team but I will certainly not object to the beauty of watching her play for the other squad either.

By Rodger

April 13, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

“Uh”

Hoss

By joebrave

April 13, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Btaveheart: HELL YEAH brother I’ll go along with your take on Natalie.

By Braveheart

April 13, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Funny stuff, Rodger.

From what DOB says, Soriano’s only quote would be an angry stare.

By Braveheart

April 13, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Why is it that whenever Chipper Jones is interviewed following a game, all you ever hear are spikes being clapped together in the background the entire time? Very strange.

By rammerjammer

April 13, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Gil,

I’ll defer to BC’s wisdom (not being sarcastic) but if Jordan had not gotten hurt, we’d still have LaRoche, who never would’ve gotten the opportunity to break out.

By jed

April 13, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Glad to see the talk about LF (Diaz & Ryan). My view’s basically that pressure and lack of confidence are killing Ryan at the plate. I think he’s potentially a .270 hitter who can play a good CF. But if f this hitting skid continues another 20 games, which it problably will, why not send him to Richmond to work out his problems? He goes down for a month, relaxes a bit, and comes back. It’s a far better option than running his confidence off the cliff. He’s young still. In the meantime, you pull up the right guy from Richmond, and Diaz gets the bulk of the starts.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Rene-I think all Gators fans should eat hats-at least until the Dawgs finally get their act together and beat them. Nah, even then Gators fans should eat hats.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

Rene-Being that you’re a Gators’ fan, I’ll do the math for you. Last year, Langerhans had 76 hits in 315 AB. If he had three more hits-79-he would have hit .250. Hope that hat is looking more appetizing. Make it a big fat ugly Gator on that hat-maybe one of those with those fake gator jaws that y’all delight in snapping together. Maybe wash it down with that terrible Gator Ade stuff. I want film.

By Rodger

April 13, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Thanks Braveheart-not as good as yours, but just as memorable.

By Lew

April 13, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Braveheart-Can you get me tickets, too?

By Lew

April 13, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

Jed-His options are long gone. You’d have to put him on waivers.

By bfred

April 13, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Check out how many posts ol’ Terrance had following his latest column - about a dozen. The AJC should take the Braves’ approach and ship Moore off to NY in favor of a younger player with talent. DOB=MVP.

By TennesseePaul

April 13, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Langerhans is going to come around. He and Thor need to just keep their heads still when they’re in the box. Thor especially. That guy moves his head all over the place. I don’t see how he could hit anything moving around so much.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 13, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

mallcops—guess your name says all that’s needed concerning your position in life…

By DonCoburleone

April 13, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

See, I knew it was about time for a McCann day-off…

By Yars

April 13, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson just needs to start getting more hits. He needs to be a little more consistent, & he’ll be fine. He’s playing good defense, drawing walks, & scoring runs. I still think he can hit around .280 this season. As for Thor, he needs to relax. He’s too anxious at the plate. I don’t know what is wrong with Langerhans. He had a good spring, but from what I recall, did strike out a lot. Diaz deserves more playing time.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 13, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

new blog up—A$sClowns…

By ryguy

April 13, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

I just saw ol Lemmer on the braves game. And thinkin about Rodger’s piece the other day including Justice, I was wondering about a piece on the braves from different parts of the streak. What about a what are they doing now piece, say on Blauser, McGriff, Galarraga, Bream, Olsen, Avery, Wohlers, (even Rocker), among as many others as you can get.

By .30-06

April 14, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

…1st time blogging and i’m sure to catch hell with this, but why not package salty with some other minor league talent, and go out and try to get a carl crawford, or a rocco baldelli. I know this has been talked about a helluva lot over the past few months but seriously lets be honest, Andruw is gone unless he takes a major cut. We have one of th ebest young catchers in the game in McCann and a damn good young backup in pena (mayboe not now but projected to be)….salty is just a trade piece in my eyes and i believe the braves will use him as bait for a trade….lemme hear some positive or negative feedback thanks

By LivininAL

April 15, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

Gawd, I’s sick of people suggesting the use of Hampton’s money to sign other players. Do they not know the reason that teams and players sign CONTRACTS.