Braves

By sri

April 19, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

DOB, thanks for the Gonzo update. If Gonzo goes down for an extended period of time, do you think the Braves will trade for a reliever? Won’t the other teams ask for a steep price knowing that the Braves are desperate for help? I know it is too early for making any calls, but in your opinion do you think the Braves should trade one of their promising infielders for a middle reliever?

I hope that Thor can also heat up so that the only concern for the Braves come mid season might be middle relief and not acquiring another bat. Guess the upcoming Mets series will reveal if the batting lineup really has a gaping hole in it. Thanks again for all the updates

By parks

April 19, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

sri, don’t think we are desperate for help .. We have a great 8th, 9th pitcher. Last year pre Wickman was desperate

By 22oz

April 19, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

DOB’s got competition!

By ElbravoX

April 19, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

The most uncomfortable, iffy 10-4 ever. 10-4! Roger that!

By TennesseePaul

April 19, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

So what is this? Is the Beat Blog a Platoon situation? I understand a couple of pinch blogs here and there, but this is turning up every other day. Thankfully no one’s production has suffered from the inconsistancy…. yet.

By Blobie

April 19, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

DOB, Read you often, but never responded till now. Quick question about what is going on with Blain Boyer. Can you tell me what he is doing? Is he hurt? Did they leave him behind in Florida? I see he is on the Richmond roster, but have not seen where he has pitched yet. If healthy I believe he will help this year.

By James

April 19, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Phil Stockman pitched awesome in his first outing at triple A. I think we will see him in atlanta sooner rather than later.

By 22oz

April 19, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

So is Carroll Rogers Craig Wilson and DOB Scott Thorman? Or is it a Langy/Diaz type of thing? Or maybe the classic Klesko/whoever was right handed?

By AZBravoFan

April 19, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

I just want to throw this out there about our beloved Smoltzie. He’s still my second favorite Braves pitcher of all time. (Knucksie being the 1st) But I’m starting to get this nagging, uncomfortable feeling that he’s becoming a 6 inning pitcher. Seems like there’s been a lot of games over the past couple years where he’s been sailing along for 6 innings, then like the other night the wheels come off. I hope I’m wrong, and it’s just early and the cold weather, blah, blah, blah. But I fear the he might be turning into Pedro. Still dominant and wily, but when the clock strikes 6 innings or 100 pitches, things start to go south. And since he’s so stubborn, he’s never going to admit it, and he’s going to start some 7th and 8th innings with waning stuff. And since Bobby is so loyal and also stubborn, he will leave him out there. And some nights, like against the Nats, it will catch up to him. Fortunately, this year (presuming Gonzo is OK) they have the pen to bail him out, unlike last year. Again, I hope I’m dead wrong. I just have this uneasy feeling. Anyone else feel the same way?

By Lee

April 19, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Some many different blogs - so many different confused bloggers.

By Gustopher

April 19, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

I believe Blaine Boyer is injuried

By bo

April 19, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

I worry about Aybar…He needs help-Not everyone jumping on him!

By MizzouGuru

April 19, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Blaine Boyer is injured (oblique) and probably won’t be available until May at least. I don’t think there would be a need for a trade. There is a lot of depth at the minor league level.

By MGL

April 19, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Someone needs to take Aybar under their wing. Perhaps Renteria or Pena, maybe even Perez. Sounds like he is struggling.

By KC

April 19, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Last night on the post-game show, Ron Gant said they call Bob Wickman “The Sandman”, because it’s lights out and good night when he takes the ball.

THE SANDMAN… is that cool or what? Why hasn’t this caught on publicly.

Can anyone else envision him trotting from the bullpen to the mound with a sinister laugh, followed by Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” playing over the loudspeakers?

Speaking of good nicknames… how bout’ “Automatic Langerhans” (as in automatic out)?

By Todd

April 19, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

PLAY DIAZ FULL TIME, PLAY DIAZ FULL TIME. Or “maybe even better” DIAZ at first, he was there the other night. Move Kelly Johnson back to LF, athough I think he’s all star material at second. Give Prado the chance he deserves at second. Gives us more offense and defense does not suffer.

By The Stranger

April 19, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

KC, Rivera has been “The Sandman” for almost a decade. Wagner also enters to Metallica at Shea. It’s been done and done and done. Wickman deserves better.

By Luke

April 19, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Right TODD!!! Move Johnson from second base… where he has played all star defense and is finally getting comfortable to where his offense is coming around. But move him back to left field where he was not an all star defender and make him have to adjust and become not comfortable anymore. Ya… Smart move!!

By Rodger

April 19, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Does Krispy Kreme have a theme song/jingle?

By KC

April 19, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

Stranger: Oh… didn’t know that. Oh well.

By Greg in TN

April 19, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Afternoon denizens…

The Aybar situation is a bad one for both parties. The Braves have taken the typical Braves approach by keeping things low key, but by suspending him, which is the right thing to do in both instances. I hope Aybar is able to get everything straightened out for his sake.

Loved the Back To School reference by Maddux. What a classic.

Folks, act three of the Mark Redman story is front and center at the Ted tonight. If the third act go along the same lines as the first two, things could get ugly early.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 19, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

that is sad news about aybar. now, a backup for chipper … pete orr? nah, not for more than a game or two. tony pena, jr? nah, now a starting shortstop in the american league. prado? escobar? richard russell’s statue? who will be primary backup to chipper jones? must be someone “still on the team” or available at the turn of a toe. journalist favors escobar, then prado. depth chart on the braves site lists orr as chipper’s backup. canadians at first and third - not wise - not at all wise.

By chipdip

April 19, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

i’m playing a tiny violin for willie!!!!!!!!! grow up and get off the crack rock..be a man!!!!!!!!!! MY BALLS FEEL LIKE A PAIR OF MARACAS!!!!!!!!

By AZBravoFan

April 19, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Sandman would be really cool…except Mariano Rivera already uses it.

By Lew

April 19, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

KC-I’m not sure I can picture Wickman(or want to) trotting at all.

By ZB Pike

April 19, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Dude…I agree, the Cubs are going to tee off on Redman…heck, I could hit him.

By genus Phallus

April 19, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

well i see journalist jimmy smith is at the monent playing journalist jimmy smith, when will journalist jimmy smith play rosalynn, or when will journalist jimmy smith play journalist segundo persona? journalist jimmy smith is quite adept at playing multiple characters, and using many names with which to blog as, many not mentioned here, isn’t journalist jimmy smith? then journalist jimmy smith plays hypocrite by complaining about others using multiple names, don’t you journalist jimmy smith?

By Ed Glennon

April 19, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

I have been around a long time. I notice a lot of people in their 20’s and 30’s think they know everything and have no respect for folks my age. Last year I saw a number of people ask how old Furman Bisher was, as if he has no credability because of his age. I knew Furman Bisher when he covered the Crackers and my dad was with the Barons. He was a great sportswriter and a fine gentleman. He still is.

By Lew

April 19, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Yeah-Stinky got a new computer.

By fastasballs

April 19, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

I’m partial to Bob “Whoop A*” Wickman or maybe the Brave’s Ambassador of Whoop A*.

By fastasballs

April 19, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Maybe Redman can pitch like Moyer did today for the Phillies. I doubt he has it in him but stranger things have happened.

By partlydave

April 19, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Write it down. Tyler Yates is to henceforth be called Crazy Yates. You have been advised.

By liz

April 19, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Regarding the Phillies….couldn’t have happened to a nicer fan base. No pity.

By BIG DADDY

April 19, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Aybar needs help. Let’s all give him a chance to pull out of this before we write him off. Maybe he will and become an important cog in the Braves wheel.

From what I hear from my contacts in LA this is not a new problem. If he can whip it then he could become a top notch player and that would be great for everyone.

Redman’s opportunity is NOW. It’s do or die time with Cormier coming back.

Gonzalez may be a real problem. I wonder if the folks in Pittsburg knew about this. Just maybe they slid one by Scheurholz and just maybe the Dodgers did the same the same thing with Aybar. If so they will both have to wait a long while before getting another chance.

By Todd

April 19, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

THANKS, GLAD YOU THOUGHT SO. TRUTH IS, KJ COULD BE AN ALL STAR OUTFIELDER TOO, HE WAS GOOD OUT THERE 2 YRS AGO. AND ALTHOUGH KJ IS GOOD AT SECOND, MARTIN IS EXCELLENT. MORE OFFENSE, MORE SPEED, BETTER DEFENSE

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 19, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Hello all, went to the Richmond Braves game today to check out the kids….. Great game. Richmond won in 11 innings 3-2 over Louisville. Had the opportunity to see Harris, Prado and Escobar play. Prado and Escobar are the real deal folks. They will be playing for a major league team by the end of this year for sure and I would not expect to see them back. The only reason they are in AAA now is so they can play everyday. They are both good enough to play for Atlanta now but I suspect they will be traded for someone else. No lie though, they are both too good to keep in the minors.

McKay McBride pitched two innings of relief. In his first full inning he looked sharp. Two strikeouts and a ground ball to second. He was not flying open and he had good control. Second inning…. Not so good….. seem as if he reverted to form… gave up one run, walked two. He just was not sharp at all. Looks like there is still work still to be done.

All is not lost though, two kids to keep in the back of your minds, young right-hander named Paul Bush and a Panamanian named Manny Acosta. The later has some serious heat and shows some promise, he also has a nice slider to go with the heat. Good command of the strike zone.

By BamaBrave

April 19, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

The whole Sandman thing has been used by Mariano Rivera as well as Billy Wagner…probably some others too.

By Efrim

April 19, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

So, how many innings does Redman need to go tonight? Who the heck is going to pitch after him?? We used everyone last night? I’m thinking Moylan and Soriano are available. As well as Wickman if it is a save situation. But my thinking is that Cox may keep Redman out there through 6 innings.

By Z Green

April 19, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it time to move over rated Andruw down in the order, he is awful. All you have to do is throw him a slider away and he will swing and miss evry time. He WILL NOT hit to the opposite field at all and he is not clutch. Why is he still batting 4th? He seems more like a 6 or 7 batter to me. Trust me, I watch every game and am die hard, but we should trade him this year so we can get somebody good before his stock falls or we lose him to free agency. And Langerhans, he is just not cut out to be an every day or 2/3 of the time MLB outfielder. We have got to have someone in the minors better. You have to have production and power from your corner outfielders. he had had plenty of time to come around. We should have kept Dye. Let me know if I am being to harsh!

By Alan

April 19, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Gil, I agree with you about Prado and Escobar - probably the best DP combo (offense and defense) in the minor leagues. The R-Braves have a really good team for a change - kind of like the early ’90s when they had Chipper, Klesko and Javy. BTW, I don’t think it’s foolish at all to consider moving KJ back to the outfield and calling up Prado (or Escobar for that matter) to play 2B in Atlanta. It may not happen this year or even next, but it just may in ‘09 (Edgar’s last year as a Brave could be ‘08). But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. People were really ranting earlier on DOB’s blog about Aybar’s troubles and Gonzalez’s MRI, blasting those trades. I like Betemit and LaRoche as much as the next guy, but they are both off to terrible starts this season. It hasn’t even been determined that Gonzalez is seriously hurt. And no one knows the whole truth about Aybar yet, either. Why don’t you give these guys - and John Schuerholz - a break. You’d think the Braves’ record was 4-10 instead of 10-4. Ease up already.

By Lew

April 19, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

ZGreen-Maybe not harsh, but totaly unrealistic. Andruw can’t be traded without his consent and he has gone on record (as has his agent) saying he won’t give permission. Langerhans has no options left and would have to be placed on waivers, which means we would likely lose him completely.

By Jim

April 19, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

Even if the prognosis for Gonzalez is good and he only needs a bit of rest, he should be put on the DL IMMEDIATELY. We need to get another bullpen arm up for tonight’s game (REDMAN IS PITCHING!), and we can’t afford to overuse the pen before the Mets series. Fortunately Hudson is pitching Friday night, and he is the starter most likely to give us 7-8 innings.

It is also a good idea to give Gonzalez a sufficient rest to have the tendinitis (hopefully that’s all it is) time to heal properly. We need him to be healthy and productive for the greater part of the season.

Will we see Yates in the 8th and Soriano in the 9th tonight if somehow we get that far with a lead?

By The Stranger

April 19, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Z Green, with all due respect, you are being too harsh. You’re talking about trading a future HOFer based on performance thru 14 games…50 ABs? Salary considerations are one thing, but to dump your clean-up hitter because he refuses to spray singles to right may be, in your words, to (sic) harsh.

Andruw has never been a contact hitter, so why hold him to that standard now. I guarantee he is more frustrated with his AB’s so far this season than you could ever be. And Jermaine Dye? Dude, that was 1996.

By Efrim

April 19, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

I think Yates threw a lot last night, am i wrong?

By Jim

April 19, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

There is also one other wild card in the Betemit trade. We get a pair of extra draft picks this year for Baez. So maybe the real value from that trade will come down the road.

Also further down in the minors there are Lilibridge, Andrus, and a 2B named Hernandez at AA. We have an abundance of infield talent (including KJ) and have to evaluate it very carefully. (Also I don’t remember KJ being anything more than an adequate defensive outfielder with a (now) below average arm.)

By Oregon_Braves

April 19, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

I just got off the phone with Bobby Cox and he wanted me to let everyone know that, in no uncertain terms, Dayn Perry is indeed a douchebag.

By fastasballs

April 19, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

I’ll agree Andruw has looked awful, even more so than his usual April/early May slump. He is going to see nothing but down & away pitches as long as he keeps trying to pull everything. Is he just too pig headed to try and go to the other way?

When he changed his stance back in 2005 was that at the encouragement of TP or did he make the change on his own? I can’t recall.

I really hope the Braves don’t pay 18 mil a year for a long term deal. I’m sure he won’t sign anything less than a 5-6 year deal though. I would love for him to stay but the money probably can be better invested in the free agent market. With the young talent in the farm system coming up within a year or two. I really don’t think he will be missed as bad as everyeone thinks.

By prgal

April 19, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

everyone should read carroll rogers’ story about looonggtime braves coach jim beauchamp. check under the ‘braves’ link on the sports page. he’s given so much to the organization.

By Carroll Rogers

April 19, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

Gonzalez mri was negative. said he thinks he can pitch in a couple days….big relief for him and for the braves.

By Ron Roberts

April 19, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

So did the docs give any explanation as to the discomfort and loss in velocity??

By sri

April 19, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

wohooo!! thanks for the update Carroll. wonder why he a couple of mph on his fastball.. does the cold affect a pitcher that much?

By Carroll Rogers

April 19, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

they’re saying inflammation. he said he didn’t feel any soreness until monday’s outing. i did ask if his stuff was giving him any indication that his elbow wasn’t right. he said no. he said he thinks it’s the cold weather.

By Efrim

April 19, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

He has a tired elbow. He probably should be put on the DL for precautionary reasons. Bring up a reliever from AAA.

By fastasballs

April 19, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Great news about Gonzo!

I thought I heard a lot of cursing a little bit ago. The Mets fans must have heard the news first, lol.

By Efrim

April 19, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

It still isn’t great news though. Elbow inflammation should mean the 15 day DL. Lets not think this is okay and Gonzo can go out their this weekend. Rest this guy for two weeks and lets get him where he is effective. We need this guy this year, as well as the next two years. He is an important part of this team this year as well as the future.

By fastasballs

April 19, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Why would you put him on the DL? The MRI was negative.

Although I will admit I’m not buying the weather is his problem.

By Efrim

April 19, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Well, just to be safe, you want this guy to rest for 5 days, then throw a couple of bullpen sessions, then he can get back out there. Lets not throw this guy out there this weekend and have himself hurt himself.

By bruce

April 19, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

Liz: Completely agree with your 4:35, but I do not want to jinx them… would like to see their trend continue. I was at a Braves-Phillies game and if I had written down the 800 number they posted pre-game on the scoreboard to call when fans are out of line, I would have… there was a family in front of me, kid had his 7th birthday and the guy behind me is screaming repeatedly nasting cursing his own team… it was primarily focussed on Bobby Abreu just before they traded him, but I turned around twice and spoke to him about their being a kid right in front… completely out of control. I’ve had a couple of good experiences there, but the bad are really bad. Thanks, Bruce

By Ron Roberts

April 19, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

Why would Mets fans be cursing Gonzalez’ good news? Did ya actually see his performance against ‘em?

By N8

April 19, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Hey Y’all.

Just got home to see Andruw “roll over the top” of a curveball and ground WEEKLY to short.

BIG surprise.

Something just occured to me. The ONLY person Mark Redman might be capable of getting out consistancy with his stuff (or lack there of), is Andruw Jones.

Not sure why everybody is so down on Langerhans and not Andruw. Langerhans is only costing the Braves $410,000 this year. Which is $2530 per game. So through 14 games he has cost us $17,710 per hit.

Andruw is costing us $14,000,000 this year. Or $86,419 per game. So through 14 $241,973 per hit. WOW. Isn’t it crazy what a quarter of a million dollars will buy these days. Seems so cheap.

By fastasballs

April 19, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

Ron, It was my attempt at being funny. Yes I saw his performance against the Mets. He hasn’t pitched very well at all but don’t tell me the Met’s fans would shed a tear if his MRI showed some damage.

Don’t be so serious.

By Greg in TN

April 19, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

So far so good at the ‘ol ballpark. Redman had a rough start of the first, but has pitched just fine after that.

Nice basehit by Kelly Johnson.

I am stupified at how Theriot got greedy and tried to steal third with Derrick Lee up and Aramis Ramirez on deck. Ran them right out of the threat in the first. He didn’t pay too much attention to what happened with Victorino in Philly.

Nice defensive stop by Chipper in the fourth, which turned out to be huge since Barrett hits a two out homer.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 19, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

player of the game last night on the bench tonight.

By fastasballs

April 19, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Another great AB by Andruw. Is he even seeing the ball?

By brent a.

April 19, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

Dear Chip Caray,

Please stop your incessant rambling about the Chicago Cubs.

Signed,

Brent A.

By serbok

April 19, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

8:49 post should be deleted

By fastasballs

April 19, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Kick that piece of s&^* off of here for using that screen name. What an A&%

By serbok

April 19, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

the sad part about using that name is it was spelled correctly and knows the words that were on the news, thus eliminating it was not posted by a child! means there are still sick people in this world:o(

By N8

April 19, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

fastasballs

Watch yourself. If you question the greatest baseball player the world has ever seen’s ability to hit a curveball, the resident homers tend to get a little restless.

In fairness to him, they did happen to be DAMN NICE curveballs.

But, eerily similar to the 1997 playoff game against Livian, there appears to be ZERO adjustments by the veteran Braves. THREE STRAIGHT curveballs to Andruw….he wasn’t looking for any of them. NOT that it would’ve mattered, had he been looking for them. Even if he knew they were coming, he would’ve rolled over them and grounded out harmlessly to SS.

Hell, even the kid with NO APPROACH at the plate (Francoeur) came up looking for a curveball, didn’t try to pull it and hit the ball HARD up the middle. The guy made a great play, nothing you can do about that.

Sad day, when the most aggressive hitter in the NL, if not all of baseball, has more of a clue than a 14 million dollar man (who happens to want about 20 million after this season).

On a high note, Redman doesn’t look half bad on normal rest. I heard Skip and Chip say that Redman has said he needs steady work to stay sharp. Makes sense to me. He’s a finesse, location pither.

Which makes me wonder….WHY IN THE WORLD would Bobby put the guy in the position to succeed?

Double edged sword, I guess. If you give the guy too much work and he still sucks, you’re putting the team at risk. But if he needs the “work” to stay sharp and he’s NOT getting it, then Bobby has to be partly responsible for his performances.

Does Langerhans make that catch?

Hey SHAUN, what’s your thoughts on playing small ball/manufacturing runs, in a 2-0 game, where the opposing pitcher is DEALING IT, and the Hack-n-Jack just aint working?

By Gil in Machanicsville

April 19, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

That is the most tasteless post in memory.

By ssiscribe

April 19, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Hey folks back at tech headquarters, get that 8:49 post the hell outta here and ban whoever the hell that is who posted it. Period.

What a @#$%ing jerk.

—30—

By brent a.

April 19, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

Of course people are down on Andruw. But, Andruw has shown us plenty throughout his career. He’s in an early season slump. We’ve seen this before.

Comparing L-hans performance to AJ’s, and using salary as a metric is silly.

L-hans has done ZERO. He was decent in ‘05, but has nothing since April ‘06.

Andruw has had an amazing career and he is only 29.

Just because L-hans doesn’t make any money doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be disappointed in him. He is an automatic 4 outs a game.

Andruw, is at least a threat, and has hit 3 homeruns.

If Andruw doesn’t come around, he will suffer in the FA market at the end of the season.

If L-hans doesn’t come around, his career is over.

By N8

April 19, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

He STILL has no clue on what to do with that curveball.

UNREAL.

He is SO set up after that fastball.

By MBATL

April 19, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

AJC, you really ought to delete those posts and ban that IP. Reading stupid posts is part of blogging, but you shouldn’t allow that garbage on your web site.

By N8

April 19, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

“Comparing L-hans performance to AJ’s, and using salary as a metric is silly.”

Why is it silly? Because it’s ACCURATE? Or because you like Andruw? Or BOTH!?

Listen. I know that at the end of the year, Andruw will have his 40 HR and 110 RBI. THAT’S THE PROBLEM. He’s all or nothing, REALLY hot or REALLY cold. No consistancy whatsoever. Yet he’ll command 20 million in the off-season.

The numbers DON’T LIE. Through the first 14 games of the season, ANDRUW has been considerably MORE overpaid than langerhans has. Thus making him (Andruw) more of a dissapointment at this point.

I realize the “trend” won’t continue. But explain to me what logic you’re using to determine that the numbers that, to the best of my logic (and the ESPN website) aren’t accurate.

AGAIN, for Shaun and the people against playing small ball. KJ gets a gift double leading off last inning. Renteria FAILS to get him to third. Had he done so, KJ scores on Chipper’s groundout. Making it a 2-1 game.

Being a person that is FOR Hack-n-Jack, to me, is “SILLY”.

By fastasballs

April 19, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

KJ is looking good. Too bad his double was wasted. If Edgar could have moved him over Chippers ground out would have brought him in.

Hill is making so damn good pitches. Andruw has not swung at the curve yet I don’t believe.

Redman is doing a nice job. Gave them some innings, only allowed two so far with two down in the 7th. Hope the Braves get into their pen because other than KJ they are not doing much against Hill.

I’m not down on Andruw, he’s one of my favorite players. He always slumps in April/early May but this year seems worse than I recall in past years. He just seems lost up there.

By Robert

April 19, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Nice to see Redman pitching decently

N8 - you didnt expect, cmon now

If we happen to get a three run bomb, we’ll win this game. There aint gonna be no manufacturing of runs.

By Lew

April 19, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Dude p!ssed off the Scribe. You don’t p!ss off the Scribe. Selah. Plus the Dude’s a jerk.

By eric the elder

April 19, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Carroll Rogers are you monitoring your blog? If so, please put in a phone call and get this psycopath out of here.

By Robert

April 19, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Holy cheaps%^t Batman - Craig Wilson just got on base

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 19, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Random thoughts and musings on Thursday..

For the first time, I had a post removed from the blog - seems the hall monitor doesn’t like sheep jokes in conjunction with SJA. Oh well, I am now annointed, I suppose.

Watching Chris Hill (Cubs pitcher tonight), I am reminded of a song from the 70’s.

*Hey, y’all prepare yourself For the Rubberband man You never heard a sound Like the rubberband man You’re bound to lose control When the Rubberband starts to jam

Oh, Lord, this dude is outta sight Everything he does seems to come out right*

This guy is as rubber as anybody I have ever seen. It’s like he is double jointed in every joint.

Diaz crashes the wall on a home which clears by 1 foot. The Langerhans/Diaz debate continues. I think Langerhans would have snagged that ball, as opposed to “Magellan” crashing against the wall with no chance at the ball. Diaz, with all of his hitting prowess has not created any runs tonight. Langerhans would not have created any runs tonight. Would he have saved a run with his defense? I think so.

Craig Wilson hits the prettiest foul ball blasts to deep left I have ever seen. Just wish one would go fair. Just once, damnit!

DeRo playing the outfield for the Cubs looks as sad as LouPins two day growth. Is LouPins vowing not to shave until the Cubs win again? He may look like Santa Claus by July.

Bobby Cox is our manager for life. HEE HAW Robert.

Gonzalez need not worry about his elbow - the MRI says it is fine. He must take care of his toes, for we Braves fans know that the toe creates woe. Just ask Hoss, Dru, et. al.

By Carlos Amato

April 19, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

What the hell is Redman doing out there in the 8th?

By brent a.

April 19, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

I shouldn’t have used the term silly.

But, I just couldn’t come up with a better word, at that moment. My apologies.

The point is that L-hans is doing nothing. He is a clear detriment to the team’s performance. Sure, he doesn’t make any money, nor will he ever if he keeps this up.

Personally, I don’t care about Andruw all that much one way or the other. I want him to do well because he wears a Braves uniform (same as L-hans). I’ve never quite understood message board logic of accusing someone of “liking a player” (shame!) just because they defend him in some way.

It is no secret that Andruw isn’t performing well early this season. But, nor did he hit well early in ‘05. But, you do seem to recognize that over the course of the season, he will give us something.

Believe it or not, 40hr and 110 RBI will help us to win games over the course of the season.

Tonight, Andruw looks bad. That’s true, and it’s not uncommon. But, Andruw makes $14 million because he has played great baseball during his career.

If people don’t expect him to continue to perform after this season, then he won’t make that much money.

If someone gives him $20 million, it will be another team, and we won’t have to be disappointed with his inability to hit Rich Hill’s curve ball anymore.

Again, L-hans is doing absolutely nothing with the bat. ZERO offensive production, and no real signs or evidence that he’ll improve.

Andruw is at least getting on base over 30% of the time (not great, but at least some), and has hit with some power.

If he continues to hit like this the rest of the season, then the joke will be on he and Scott Boras, not us any longer.

Of course he’s more overpaid than L-hans. And, he’s more overpaid than Redman. But, that comparison is easy to make when you have multiple poor performers, and one happens to have a high salary (due to strong past performance and (one-time) projected future performance), and the other doesn’t make any money because they’ve not done anything.

That’s why it comes back around to being a “silly” argument.

By brent a.

April 19, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Also, I don’t no where I ever said that the numbers you were referring to weren’t accurate.

By Carlos Amato

April 19, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Hey, just one stupid but genuine question from a non-american baseball fan:

When a reliever comes in the game with a guy on base, and he picks that guy off, does that out counts for the reliever’s ERA or for the starter’s ERA?

By MBATL

April 19, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Good eye, Kelly!

By N8

April 19, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

“Believe it or not, 40hr and 110 RBI will help us to win games over the course of the season.”

Yeah, the 50-60 games that ALL of the HR and most of the RBI come in.

Remember Samy Sosa before 1998? Every year, he’d end up with about 30 or so HR. He’d have about 10 multi HR games and hit HR in 10 others. Numbers looked “good” at the end of the year, but ANYBODY watching realized that if he actually helped the team in as many games as he “hurt” them in the remaining games, they would be onto something.

Of course, Andruw ALSO has his glove, which I realize is a BIG part of his success and salary.

I understand your points. I’m sure you sense my sarcasm. I’m also with you on Langerhan’s production at the plate. THAT is precisely my point though with the previous post’s comments.

Here you are saying how Langerhans is a “clear detriment to the team’s performance.”, and how he offers NOTHING at the plate. Yet he has 3 less hits than Andruw does!! in 25 les AB’s.

So you have helped me prove my sarcastic point. Langerhans is worthless, yet he essentially has performed equal to Andruw at the plate in the way of hits.

Don’t give me the “HR” argument either. Francoeur showed us ALL last year what can happen if you swing for the fenses in everytime over 600 AB’s. Every now and again, the crappy approach by the hitter is outdone by a pitcher that has LESS CLUE than the hacker at the plate, by hanging a curveball over the plate, or in the case of Francoeur, throwing a first pitch fastball.

But I hear you. I’m not trying to argue with your opinion. Just trying to back my sarcasm up. LOL!

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 19, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

More musings and observations…

Redman was an “inning eater” tonight, and did so in fine fashion. Shame on those of you who compared him to Fred Sanford, “The Junk Man.” He’s John Thomson reincarnated. He is a reclamation project, he will give us a few good outings, a few terrible outings, and several outings in between. He went up against a pitcher who, at least so far this year, is mindless, and damned effective. If we give Redmon 4 or 5 runs, we’re ahead, and the call is going to Beefy Bob to walk in and shut things down. For now, until Cormier is ready to come back, and the Brain Trust can decide what to do about him, Davies and Redmon. Far be it from me to make those decisions. If the Braves want to pay me $5MM a year to make those decisions, I will do so and absorb every body shot thrown by the bloggers. Though it would likely be akin to Nero fiddling while Rome burned, I would laugh all the way to bank.

New nickname for Dru - “Corkscrew” - that’s what he looks like at the plate these days - early season blues, funk, slump or whatever - its sad to see it, especially in his walk year, when we all expected a slimmer and trimmer Dru to rake. The body is willing, but the mind ain’t able, so far. Still love his defense, and still want him to retire as a Brave.

By Robert

April 19, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

I am gonna have to defend keeping redman out there in the 8th.

We’re already down 3-0, and it doesnt look like the bats are gonna come to life anytime soon

The bullpen, given Gonzalez’s issues and the way they have been abused recently, needed rest

I just agreed with a Cox decision. And I happy to report that there are pigs flying around Lawton Oklahoma

Like Joaquin Andujar said “Yaneverknow”

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 19, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Dempster warming up in the pen for the 9th. Now we have a chance!!!!!!!!!!!

By N8

April 19, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

brent a.

“Also, I don’t no where I ever said that the numbers you were referring to weren’t accurate.”

You didn’t. But you said my arguement was “silly”. I was just assuming (again sarcasm), that you didn’t believe the salary/hit totals.

I was being facetious.

Thus proving my point again of my argumenent (sarcasm), being accurate to an exaggerated extent.

If the numbers (hit totals) are accurate, and the salary of each player (that helped me determin how much the Braves have “paid” for each of their hits), were accurate……..then since 2+2 = 4…..my sarcasm was pretty frickin accurate, wasn’t it? LOL!

By Robert

April 19, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Well, it was a good idea in any case (Redman in the 8th)

“Dempster warming up in the pen for the 9th. Now we have a chance!!!!!!!!!!!”

Half a chance. Bring in Dempster AND get Cox ejected, and we have a REAL chance

I still have an open challenge to anyone to provide the won-lost record in games from which Cox was ejected. I’d love to see that data

By eric the elder

April 19, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Carlos, because the out occurred while the reliever was the pitcher of record, he gets credit for it, and it is his ERA that is affected (improved).

By N8

April 19, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Hmmmmm. Andruw “rolls” out to the SS.

No pigs flying around this neigborhood, Robert.

By N8

April 19, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

I 100 percent agree with giving McCann the night off.

But anybody else out there think he would’ve had as terrible of an approach against Hill as the rest of the boys did?

By Carlos Amato

April 19, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Eric.

By 3trees

April 19, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Man, that kid Hill looks really good. Very nice easy motion, works fast, has a wonderful curve and looks like a little heat to go with it. Hopefully, the Cubs can keep this one healthy. I know the Braves tend to make some ptichers look like world beaters, but this guy looks real. Not trying to needlessly trumpet the Cubs, just enjoy watching good young talent (good old talent for that matter =P)

Night

By JasonInMaine

April 19, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

I have to admit…KJ was the only one that looked like he had a chance up there tonight!

By N8

April 19, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

So, with the help of my trusty calculator, since we started the season 7-1, we have gone 3-4 in our last seven games against Florida, Washington and the Cubs. Three teams that have gone a combined 17-28.

Yup. We certainly ARE the best team in baseball, aren’t we? Oh. I guess we’re not even the best team in the East anymore. 1/2 game behind the Mets now.

But, (there’s ALWAYS a but), the current trend continues. Even though he pitched alright tonight and deserved a better fate, 3 of the 5 losses are on Redman’s watch. We are 10-2 when Smoltz, Hudson, James and Davies start.

Hurry back Mr. Cormier……we apparently need you.

By Robert

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

I’d love to see a video montage of Andruw corkscrewing into the ground on the low and away offspeed pitch thru the years

I’m trying to think what song would go best with that video

By JasonInMaine

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

N8, I don’t care how good Redman pitched tonight. His pitches were about the same, and against a team that is hitting well; he will get lit up like a Christmas tree. I admit he gave us a chance tonight, but he still accounts for 60% of our losses! But, he isn’t going to the pen, so he most likely just guaranteed himself a few more starts ):

Regards, Jason

By Robert

April 19, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

“Man, that kid Hill looks really good”

Here’s another list to compile. A list of all the obscure/unknown/mediocre pitchers that Cox managed Braves teams have made look like Cy Young thru the years

By Robert

April 19, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Tho in fairness, Hill may be a guy who isnt gonna be obscure or unknown for very long. He has poise out there

By fastasballs

April 19, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Did Andruw even swing at a pitch until the Dempster AB? I swear he took everything from Hill but I may have missed a wiffff or two.

I see a&% clowns posts are still up an hour & a half later.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 19, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Re-post of lyrics from Rubberband Man (The Spinners), since it didn’t italicize, and wasn’t emphasized as intended. Hope it works this time.

*Hey, y’all prepare yourself

For the Rubberband man

You never heard a sound

Like the Rubberband man

You’re bound to lose control

When the Rubberband starts to jam

Oh, Lord, this dude is outta sight

Everything he does seems to come out right*

Mills is the Rubberband Man. Guy’s arms hang down to his ankles, for God’s sake.

By fastasballs

April 19, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

I’ll be damned the a&% clown’s posts I was referring to disappeared while I was typing my last post. Thanks to whomever had them pulled!

By SoundsFamiliar

April 19, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

Hey LEW….

Who’s in first place NOW?

You loudmouth.

By Robert

April 19, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

N8 - Gotta agree with your overall assessment of the team. Except for one or two games, they have looked terrible in their losses, and it’s more the opposition looking bad in their wins than them looking good

That’s as a team. Individual players have looked very good, foremost among them Hudson and Smoltz

To chime in on KJ - the kid is a scrapper. I think you’re gonna get it all out of him every game. As long as he gets on base at a .370 clip, cool. Thing is, he’s walking every 5th plate appearance to get to that OBP. Once pitchers fully realize that they dont have to nibble at him, … He’ll give you everything he’s giot, but it’s just not very much

As for Langerhans - I propose we let Cox hit and let Langerhans manage. I think we’d see slight improvement in both areas

By MBATL

April 19, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Indeed, the AJC finally took care of business… it’s got to be a fine line - welcoming all comers but also exercising a little control… anyway, Thanks, AJC/Carroll.

To you guys who are obsessed with stats, but are mis-interpreting them: here’s one for you: When Diaz starts, the Braves are 4-4. When Langerhans starts, we’re 6-1.

Whatever do we make of that?

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 19, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Robert:

I would vote for the Rod Stewart version of “Twisting the Night Away” to accompany Dru’s follies at the plate this year.

By Coach

April 19, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

I’m defending Mark Redman ? to start with , I figured the score would be 13-0 instead of 3-0. He really did a good job tonight , in fact , he actually pitched a quality start. The fact is , it would not have mattered who was pitching for the Braves tonight , Rich Hill handed us our a.s.s in a handbag. He was magnificent with an eight inning four hit shut out , its been a long time since I saw a pitcher freeze Andruw Jones. He threw AJ curve ball after curve ball and AJ just stood there and took them for strikes , he got boo’d for it too and deservedly so. The Braves were pounding that curve ball of Hill’s into the ground all night , we got beat by an ace pitcher at the top of his game and thats all there is to it. Bring on the Met’s !!!

By N8

April 19, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

JasonInMaine

“N8, I don’t care how good Redman pitched tonight. His pitches were about the same, and against a team that is hitting well; he will get lit up like a Christmas tree.”

Couldn’t agree with you more. Like I said, he got the loss tonight, but this one is pinned on the hitter’s inability to manufacture two runs that were RIGHT THERE to be had.

As Robert said, since it didn’t look like the lineup (other than KJ) had any interest in playing tonight, at least the two big guns in the pen got the night off.

Not to mention, every now and then you have to tip your cap to the opposition. Looks like the Cubs have a good one…..again. I’ll put the over/under as to when the Cubs wear him down and ruin his career at 3 months.

I’m sure when Andruw is playing for the Angels next year, Mike Sciocia will convince him to take the ball to right field, and his HR total will drop a little bit (or maybe NOT), but his RBI will go up, not to mention he will hit about .320.

I’m gonna go with the theory of him “just not getting it”, or he just doesn’t care. Robert might have us believe that Bobby is to blame for not teaching him. Normally I would agree. But what makes me believe that he just doesn’t get it/care, is his hitting coach. TP used EVERY INCH of the field. He took the ball the other way if it was pitched that way, and he took it there WITH POWER. Who do you think has more natural power/ability? Yeah, me too.

I’m sure about 2 years after TP had the hitting coach gig, he just gave up wasting his breath.

TP won an MVP award (how many does AJ have?), in 1991 by hitting .319 with 22 HR and 86 RBI from the 2-hole. Pendleton hit .320 with 7 HR and 66 RBI with RISP that year. With 2 outs and RISP he hit .281 with 2 HR and 19 RBI in 57 AB. In “late and close” (Late & Close are PA in the 7th or later with the batting team tied, ahead by one, or the tying run at least on deck.), he hit .351 with 3 HR and 16 RBI in 114 AB’s. Here’s a breakdown of his batting averages based on the score:

Tie Game: .314

1 Run Game: .346

2 Run Game: .340

3 Run Game: .333

4 Run Game: .328

5+ Run lead: .232

See a trend there??? As the game got (or stayed) close, TP’s average WENT UP. Maybe I’ll look up Andruws numbers in the same scenario last year and see what he did in “tight” games.

In other words, the guy KNEW HOW TO HIT and when to NOT go for the HR. Andruw hasn’t got it yet, more than likely won’t get it this year, and there is a good chance he NEVER will get it. But everybody love the 3-Run HR, especially fans of teams that NEVER win the world series. TP’s 1991 season is the very DEFINITION of an MVP. Andruw will NEVER win an MVP until he hits better with RISP. If he ever does that, his numbers will make Pujols’ numbers look minimal.

Sorry to go off on Andruw two nights in a row. But last night I vowed to rag on him until he turns it around.

Anybody wanna give me an over/under on how long I’ll be complaining?

By Robert

April 19, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

“Believe it or not, 40hr and 110 RBI will help us to win games over the course of the season”

Not as many as they should, cuz a bunch of them will come during a few hot hot streaks when he’ll homer 2 or 3 times in a 15-2 game

The lack of development that Andruw has shown as a hitter since his arrival in the majors is disappointin, to put it mildly. To this day, I have never seen a prospect that came to the majors with the TOOLS Andruw possessed. Yes, he is one of the finest defensive centerfielders of the past 50 years. Yes he is going to wind up with a lot of home runs and rbi. But he has never been, and, alas, will never be, a great hitter. The tools never translated into skills at the plate

Is this Andruw’s fault, or the fault of his teachers and mentors? Likely some of both. I still think that in the right hands, Andruw couldve become the second coming of Willie Mays. Instead, he’s Killebrew with a great glove

By gotigers72

April 19, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

If you were considered one of the better players in MLB and are hitting .170 after 15 games, wouldn’t you listen to and try to do what your hitting coach tells you? I have heard TP say on numerous occasions that he has done everything he knows to get Andruw to go the other way with pitches. I don’t know if Andruw is stubborn or wants to hit everything out of the park or what, but pitchers are just eating him up this year. He isn’t even hitting balls hard. he either strikes out, hits a weak pop up, or lately, rolls over and hits a weak ground ball. He tries to pull everything, and as TP has told him, there are a lot of hits in right and right center. Chicks dig the long ball, but Andruw’s agent won’t if he continues to try and pull everything.

Decisions are going to have to be made soon on Wilson and Langerhans. Can they continue to keep them until say, midseason if they continue with their lack of hitting? They both look terrible at them plate. Wilson’s better days may be over, Langerhans may never be enough of an offensive player to play regularly in the majors. Yeah, yeah, I know they’re 10-5, but you have to admit, the offense is gonna have to get better. They can’t continue to [not] hit like this and keep a good record.

By Eric C.

April 19, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Reality is setting in…look for the Mets to sweep, or at least take 2 of 3 this weekend. The Braves have a good shot at the wildcard this year with Wickman…but the Mets are too tough to get the division.

By N8

April 19, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

THAT IS SCARY!!

My 10:37 post and Robert’s 10:38 post say pretty much the same thing. Which means that darn near at the same moment we had the same thought.

YIKES! Or should I say HEE HAW? LOL!

By Robert

April 19, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Dont put too much blame on Pendleton for Andruw. I agree with N8 that what probly happened is TP figured out he was wasting his breath

The fault, teacher wise, lies with those who were in charge in 96,97,98. Andru shoulda got the lesson drilled into him right then that if he didnt change his approach to hitting, he wasnt gonna see big league playing time

One time - ONCE - Cox sent that kind of message - the infamous incident when he yanked Andruw for not hustling while making an out

But beside that, he got the superstar treatment from day one.

Same as everything with Cox. He’s gonna wind up wind a guy with 600 or so dingers, a bunch of ribbies, and a closetfull of Gold Gloves, and most people will say, wow what a great player.

Only a few will look at things in full context “A very good player, but oh what mightve been”

Based on poll results, I;d say 9-10% of folks will constitute the latter group

By N8

April 19, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

“Based on poll results, I;d say 9-10% of folks will constitute the latter group”

2 of them have typed the last few posts.

By Ron Roberts

April 19, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Kudos to Redman for doing what we needed him to do, tonight. He…

a. gave us a quality start

b. kept us in position to win and,

c. essentially gave our bullpen a break tonight, needing only to use Villareal and Yates. So Soriano, Wickman (obviously, with no save to earn tonight), etc. got a much-needed night off.

Can’t really be frustrated with the bats, either. Tip your hat to Rich Hill for pitching a damn fine game. You could quibble a bit with our big bats being a no-show tonight (and frankly, they have to improve against good pitchers for us to have a chance in the postseason), but on the plus side, Kelly Johnson had his third good night in a row at the plate. Two hits and a walk have his average up to .269 and his OBP at .373. Those numbers still aren’t up where you’d like ‘em to be, but considering his slow start, they look freakin’ awesome now.

My only gripes, offensively, were when we had runners at 2nd with 1 out, and no outs, respectively, and our veteran bats kept grounding to the left side of the infield, thus keeping the runners at 2nd. We should expect better from our veterans than that. But all-in-all, Rich Hill just pitched a monster game and without McCann in the lineup, it was easy-breezy past Francoeur in our lineup.

It’s on to Shea, and with the Mets’ bats heating up, our rotation is set just the way we want it: Smoltz, Hudson, James.

I think now is when we find out if we have what it takes to compete with these guys the full length of the season.

Yeah, I know, it’s early, but those are our big three in the rotation, and whether we win none, one, two or three games, their performance against that potent lineup will go a long way towards telling us if we can hang with ‘em.

The other good thing, timing-wise, is that Soriano and Wickman had a night off going in, so they’re fresh and ready to do battle in Shea.

Here are the pitching matchups (which favor us Friday & Saturday, and I say it’s a toss-up Sunday):

FRI Hudson v. Pelfrey

SAT James vs. O. Perez

SUN Smoltz vs. Glavine

Oh, and to do my best to give you as much on this weekend as possible…. here’s the three-day weekend forecast:

FRI Partly Cloudy HI 63 LOW 42

SAT Mostly Sunny HI 68 LOW 50

SUN Partcly Cloudy HI 68 LOW 52

No more cold weather excuses, dammit.

By Ron Roberts

April 19, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

Yeah, ‘cause Andruw certainly doesn’t hustle after all those fly balls he miraculously catches… you know, the ones that wind up on SportsCenter’s Top Plays, right?

Sheesh.

By Coach

April 19, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

Rich Hill in his last 11 starts dating back to August of 2006 , 77 innings , 13 earned runs and an ERA of 1.51

By fastasballs

April 19, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

As for Langerhans - I propose we let Cox hit and let Langerhans manage. I think we’d see slight improvement in both areas

I got a good laugh out of that one Robert.

Look I think 10-5 is great when you consider that Langerhans, Andruw, Wilson, Thor (minus the 2 timely dingers) & for a while KJ, have done little if anything at the plate. Did I leave anyone out? Add that to Redman every fifth day & Gonzo/McBride troubles & the makings of 5-10 were not out of the question.

I think when the weather warms & the O starts clicking on all cylinders this team will be a force. The pen is strong with or without Gonzo, much better if he is there & healthy. Smoltz, Hudson & James are pitching well. Davies looks much better than last year. I think the 5th starter will work itself out shortly.

The big hole I see right now is the lack of back-up for Chipper. I would assume they go with Escobar if he goes down? The Aybar situation will linger on for a long while I would suppose. I wish him well but I don’t think baseball is in the near future.

Pitching is deep & they will need it as the year goes on. The Mets don’t have the depth of the Braves pen or the arms in the minors ready to go. As the season plays out this may become a great advantage. Also I think our starters will be more durable & successful than theirs in the long run.

It’s a long season but I like the Brave’s chances.

By Robert

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

“Yeah, ‘cause Andruw certainly doesn’t hustle after all those fly balls he miraculously catches”

Did anyone say he doesnt hustle in the field? Did anyone say he wasnt a good fielder?

Why is it that some folks take every critical comment of their heroes as if it were sacrilege or personal insult?

Pretty good aint good enuff when you got the tools to be great

And if you think Andru is a great hitter, you’re smoking cheap crack

Andruw is a great defensive center fielder. Andurw is been a solid if unspectacular run producer.

Pointing out that a guy with a 3/1 career K/BB ratio and a .266 career BA and a 117 career adjusted OPS and a .344 career OBP is NOT a GREAT hitter, is nothing more than unsugarcoated truth

By geauxbraves2000

April 19, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

I’ve watched Rich Hill pitch since last year, fellow bloggers, he is the real deal. Forget Prior, Wood & Z, Rich is the man the Cubs need. He doesn’t try to overthrow, and his curve is awesome. Look for him, if he stays healthy, to be in Cy Young contention. If the Cubs can score some runs, there is no reason why he can’t win 20.

Tip your hat to him Braves, and let’s go Shea and take this series.

Geaux Braves!!

By N8

April 19, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts

“Yeah, ‘cause Andruw certainly doesn’t hustle after all those fly balls he miraculously catches… you know, the ones that wind up on SportsCenter’s Top Plays, right?”

I have NEVER questioned his defense. I believe at age 29, after years of taking MUCH abuse in CF, he’s isn’t as nimble as he once was. But even 85 percent of Andruw in CF is better than most CF’s that have ever strapped on a glove could do.

He was the best CF on our team in 1997 and he wasn’t starting in CF, Kenny Lofton was. NOBODY has ever questioned his “ESPN highlight catches”, especially me. In fact if you look back a couple of posts, I used his DEFENSE to help justify his salary.

But for ANYBODY to deny that he hasn’t reached the full limit of his potential, is just pure denial.

He’s twice the CF that Kirby Puckett ever was. He has twice the power that Puckett had. He (in his younger years) was MUCH quicker than Puckett. Yet I can’t help but think he’s HALF the player Puckett was during his career. Not even getting into the fact that Puckett’s career was cut short due to his glaucoma.

Andruw is a GREAT player. He (as was discussed in a forum last week), quite possibly is in the Top 3 of ALL-TIME greatest defensive CF’s. He very likely will go into the HOF some day.

But he has NEVER been what I thought he would end up being after seeing his first 2-3 full seasons.

If he can command 20 million per year (or his agent thinks he can), imagine what a guys in the past that had COMPLETE games, would command. What would an “in his prime” Cal Ripken command in today’s market? What about Pete Rose? Hank Aaron? Reggie Jackson? Just my opinion.

By N8

April 19, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

One thing I meant to add to my last post, while describing all of Andruw’s “great” qualities, was the fact that, YES, he is a great player.

But that’s a sad conclusion, when he could’ve been one of the GREATES EVER ALL AROUND PLAYERS to play the game. But chose to “roll” with the Hack-n-Jack philosophy. You can almost see the surprise and confusion on his face, when he is “late” on a fastball (you know….the ones that Joe Simpson says he “took” the other way) and it STILL goes over the fense in RF. As though he’s saying to himself:

“Hmmmm. I’ve never seen THAT side of the field before. Are you telling me that the runs STILL count if I hit the ball that way?”

Watch Pujols hit. You watch that guy’s approach for about 20 AB’s and then watch Andruw, and it’s NIGHT AND DAY! There is a reason that Pujols is the MVP. And he isn’t even HALF the 1B that Andruw is a CF. His “stick” changes EVERY game he plays in. Good pitchers AVOID Pujols. Good pitcher ATTACK Andruw, going after his weaknesses. Now if the make a mistake, Andruw will hammer it. He’s a GREAT mistake hitter. Both Andruw and Pujols get AND hit mistakes. The difference is, Andruw occasionally gets one early in the count and hammers it. Pujols MAKES the pitcher throw a “mistake” by being patient and drives in runs EVEN if he doesn’t hit a HR with those mistakes.

Pujols 162 game Average for his career:

.330 BA(.343 RISP), 43 HR, 131 RBI

AJ 162 game Average for his career:

.266 BA (.255 RISP), 31 HR, 103 RBI

You see…..it IS possible for players to knock in runs without Hacking all the time. Strange though, how Pujols has not hacked and STILL averaged 12 more HR/per 162 games played than Andruw. Not to mention the nearly 30 more RBI.

Can’t wait to see what Pujols is getting when he’s “up” for a new contract.

Now, oddly enough, Pujols is struggling BIGTIME this year too.

.200 BA, 4 HR, 8 RBI

But DON’T put these two guys in the same conversation, when discussing good “hitters”. It’s NOT close.

By Robert

April 19, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

2000 was the key year for Andru

Tho his adjusted OPS didnt show it, Andru took a step up from 98 to 99, with a major improvement in his K/BB ratio and his OBP.

Then in 2000, despite a decline in his walk rate and no improvement in his OBP, he spiked in HR AND hit .303

It’s almost as if at that point, at age 23, he figured he didnt have to worry about plate fundamentals (or conditioning, for that matter)

Sure enough, in ‘01, he had a major regression. After that, his power numbers spiked a little, but his OBP and K/BB have not improved from the ‘00 numbers

The kid stopped developing as a hitter at age 23, when he shouldve bumped it up two more times if you believe the Bill James bell curve career profile stuff

Look also at Andruw’s steals numbers. Everyone stops running at some point, but age 24?

Heck. I may look a lot more like Fred Flinstone than Charles Atlas, but even I was still running at age 24

By N8

April 19, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

Coach

“Rich Hill in his last 11 starts dating back to August of 2006 , 77 innings , 13 earned runs and an ERA of 1.51”

Those ARE impressive numbers. YIKES. I guess it wasn’t the old case of the Braves struggling against some “no-name” the first time they see him.

That’s awesome. Good for him. Good for the Cubs. But more over, GOOD FOR MLB.

We need to return to the days of dominant pitching. Make teams work for their runs. Not just hack at mistakes, that result in slowpitch softball type scores.

But, he DOES pitch for the Cubs. I give him 3 months TOPS before he’s on the DL. Worse than that, I give him 3 years at the most before he misses a season with TJ surgery.

Obviously, I’m being sarcastic. But if I was a pitcher for the Cubs, I’d want off of that team ASAP. LOL!

By jed

April 19, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

Well, the Aybar news is not surprising, and, given the circumstances, well, it doesnt sound like he’s a bad guy, just a guy with some bad problems. I can hear many of you groaning already, but remember that even Terry Pendleton had some problems as a young player. Aybar’s only 24…gosh i can remember when I was 24, so I certainly wont be throwing any stones. Wouldnt be surprised to see TP embraace Aybar like he did Furcal, and I wouldnt be surprised to see him bounce back and contribute a good deal this year. Yall be nice…

By We Have Mets the Enemy

April 19, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

REGGIE FREAKING JACKSON was a complete player? N8, what are you smoking?

You were doing great until you grouped Reggie’s all-around game with the likes of Hank Aaron.

I’m gonna give you the benefit of the doubt and assume it was just a mental slip-ip on your part. Take it back, and we won’t discuss it further.

By Robert

April 19, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this

N8 - I cant bring myself to use the word great to describe Andruw’s tot al game.

Seriously, it isnt really fair to compare anyone to Pujols. Pujols is Ted Williams

By Robert

April 20, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

Reggie Jackson and Andruw are actually an interesting comparison/contrast.

It’s not at all unreasonable to think that Andruw will end up with Reggie type career numbers.

And yet, they arent the same player. Reggie numbers in his time translated to a career adjusted OPS of 139, while Andruw is in the 110’s.

Just another example of how raw numbers need to be interpreted in CONTEXT

By Bill

April 20, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

JED Agree 100% Help The Kid.

By David O'Brien

April 20, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

MBATL, I had your back. Saw the miscreant posted as you, same guy that posted as … well, I’ll not repeat.

Anyway, it was my one contribution to the blog tonight, to gladly get rid of that trash’s four posts and forward them to the proper authorities.

Robert, what’s the deal, you save all your sane, interesting debate for nights when I’m not blogging? Must say, I’m pleasantly surprised.

Just when we fear you’ve slipped into the abyss, you remind that you actually do analyze and think about baseball and not just one man. Thanks. Please do continue along those lines when I’m back for this nine-game trip starting tomorrow.

By Robert

April 20, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

It’s now what - two hours since the game ended?

Just wondering if Cox is still sitting in the dugout staring out at the field and drooling on himself or whether they’ve led him back to the stable for the night.

Seriously I’d like to think Cox kept Redman in with the idea to rest the bullpen, but I’m not sure it didnt happen just cuz he dozed off during the seventh inning stretch

By Robert

April 20, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

DOB - I dunno. Maybe Grinch taking my bet somehow placated me

By We Have Mets the Enemy

April 20, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

Now as hitters, Reggie Jackson vs. Andruw Jones (through 2006) is an interesting comparison.

At-bats: Reggie 9,864, Andruw 5,886

Batting average: Reggie .262, Andruw .266

Walks: Reggie 1,375, Andruw 657

Strikeouts: Reggie 2,597, Andruw 1,272

Home runs: Reggie 563, Andruw 345

Andruw’s strikeout pace can’t quite equal Reggie’s, who whiffed more than once every four at-bats (YIKES!), but he’s on pace to be roughly where Reggie is in every other offensive category when he reaches Reggie’s total at-bats. Yet because Reggie Jackson thrived often on the October stage, while Andruw’s postseason performance has been going downhill since his first two World Series at-bats in 1996, Reggie probably is generally regarded as a better hitter than Andruw, when in fact they’re about the same. The two are anything BUT comparable defensively, however.

And N8 — both Reggie and Andruw are vastly overshadowed the the Great Henry Aaron.

By N8

April 20, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

Robert

“And yet, they arent the same player. Reggie numbers in his time translated to a career adjusted OPS of 139, while Andruw is in the 110’s.”

Exactly what does that mean. I’ve never really paid too much attention the whole “adjusted OPB” number. Seen it many times, but never bothered asking anybody what that means.

I guess I’ve tried to ignore Shauns numbers (even though I’ve been on a bit of a numbers crusade the last few nights), rants.

Not being a smart a$$. Really asking. Is a higher number or a lower number better?

By N8

April 20, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

DOB

It appears to me that Robert was typing his 12:15 Bobby rant, as you were hitting “post” on your 12:12 complimentary post, telling him you’re pleasently surprised.

Sorry. That just ammuses me.

By N8

April 20, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

We Have Mets the Enemy

I had a post that apparently isn’t “posting” from about 15 minutes ago or so. It basically covered the same numbers that you did in your last post comparing Andruw and Reggie AS HITTERS.

At the end of it, I did “take back” the comment putting Reggie in the same breath as the other great “all around” players. But I did go on to say, that I wasn’t appologizing for comparing them as hitters.

But it looks like you and Robert pretty much covered it. Nice Job.

I also talked about the post season’s of the two.

It’s conceivable that in 1996 had the Brave won that world series, Andruw would’ve been MVP and his 2 HR game at age 19 might be talked about in the same breath as Reggie’s 3 HR game. But as I stated in the other post: They didn’t, he didn’t, and it isn’t.

Time for bed.

L8R guys.

By N8

April 20, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

Just saw the AROD walk off homer on ESPN.

Man alive is John Sterling a blast to listen to. I remember him being HORRIBLE as one of the TBS announcers in the late 80’s. But maybe that’s because he never got to say:

The Braves WIN…THE E E E E E E E E E BRA A A A VES WIN!!

Still, nothing compares to that Bernie Williams walk off homer from the mid 90’s (forgot the year, 96?). THAT was awesome.

What a spaz. (If you’ve ever seen Ronnie Gant in a T-Shirt, you know that he works out)

By Robert

April 20, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

It’s an attempt to normalize run producing ability. A 100 is an average player for that year, or career wise an average run producer for the league during his career. Higher is better

Reggie’s numbers, tho similar to Andruw in raw terms, translate to a MUCH higher adjusted OPS because of the difference in league wide offense and run production between the two eras

40 home runs in 2007 aint the same as forty home runs in 1977.

In other words, Reggie was far higher up the ladder of offensive producers in his league during his career tahn Andruw is in his league in modern times

Gotta chime in on the Aaron and Reggie thing. Dude, Reggie was a slugger with a flair for the dramatic and a narcissistic love of the limelight

Hank Aaron is ine of the top 5 or 6 elite of the elite complete package players of all time

In the CONTEXT of the HOF, Jackson is an fourth outfielder while Aaron is an All-Star everyday starter

By We Have Mets the Enemy

April 20, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

N8 — lots of mediocre minds thinking alike tonight. Thanks for the update.

John Sterling actually dates back to the early ’80s with the Braves, I believe. And he certainly was quite the dweeb. You’d think he was Chip Caray’s dad instead of Skip — Chip certainly seems to have learned a lot of geekish habits and phrases from Sterling.

By N8

April 20, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

Thank you Robert.

Appreciated. NOW I can go to bed.

By Robert

April 20, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

“Sorry. That just ammuses me.”

I got a giggle out of that as well.

N8 - Andruw is the most visible and extreme example, but think there’s been quite a few Braves that, althoiugh they became good players, or very good players, or allstars even, just never became as good as they couldve, or who became better once they left the Braves, or were rejuvenated once they left the Braves

Klesko. McGriff. I fear it is going to happen to Francoeur. And I wonder WHY/ What’s the underlying root cause problem.

But I dont wanna go back there

Just heard a very interesting but completely useless bit of trivia with which you can amaze your friends for years to come - last night’s White Sox game was the first in big league hostory to feature a no-hitter, a player with a multi-homer game, AND a grand slam all in the same game.

HOW they came to realize that, or what it took to verify it, I dont think I even wanna know

By Ron

April 20, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

Andruw is doin exactly what Furcal did in his Free Agency year. Furcal stunk it up until Mid June and then Hit Great for the Braves, and then when the season was over he cashed in with the Dodgers, give Andruw some time, he will do the Exact same thing, except he may not go to the Dodgers.

By We Have Mets the Enemy

April 20, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

And yet Hank Aaron was met with a certain coldness from Atlanta fans in his playing days — except for April 8, 1974, of course. Thank goodness Aaron’s lived long enough and the times have changed enough that he gets the respect and adulation now that he deserved then.

And thank goodness Milwaukee fans treated him like a king in his days there.

By Robert

April 20, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

Sleep tight sweetie :P

By Robert

April 20, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

News story of the day (actually yesterday)

http://www.lufkindailynews.com/news/content/shared-gen/ap/National/BRFFirstGrader_Crack.html

“TAMPA, Fla. — A first-grader searching his jacket pocket for money found a bag of crack cocaine worth $8,900, authorities said Wednesday.

The 7-year-old boy found the bag Tuesday at Forest Hills Elementary School. It contained 89 grams of crack, said Tampa police spokeswoman Lisa Parashis.

The boy had been reaching in his jacket when he felt the bag, “got scared and told his teacher,” Parashis said.

Authorities were interviewing the boy and his relatives.

Youlnow what this means of course. Soemwhere out there, Dwight Gooden or Daryl Strawberry reached into HIS jacket and found a pbj sandwich and some lunch money

By We Have Mets the Enemy

April 20, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

Hey, Robert — don’t forget Jermaine Dye on your list of Braves who became better once they left the Braves. But at least we got standouts Keith Lockhart and Michael Tucker for him.

By The Grinch

April 20, 2007 1:41 AM | Link to this

Robert, that 12:52 was classic. I just got home and for whatever reason I can’t access yahoo. In case you mailed, I’ll try again later in the morning.

By DAP

April 20, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this

robert i think that its wrong to say that andruw jones is an unspectacular run producer. a guy that has averaged over 100rbis in a ten year career is doing pretty good. and especially after his last two years, i think you have to say he is one of the elite run-producers in the majors.

i think its fine to compare him to pujols as much as you guys want, but when it comes down to it, maybe hes just not as good as pujols, and by that i mean, maybe he just CANT be as good as pujols. few can be. give the guy a break. maybe he IS as good as he can be. we just dont know.

i would like to see him improve in some areas that he struggles in, but even if he doesnt, he is still a great player, and im glad hes in a braves uniform.

By jed

April 20, 2007 3:14 AM | Link to this

I understand the concern about the offense of Langerhans and Thorman, but I’m not concerned about Wilson at all. It’s just a slow start. He’ll be fine. Did I read that Langerhans is out of options? If so, that’s not good at all. Only option is to have him hit his way out of it, and the only way for that to happen is that he continues to get at-bats. Sorry folks, but dont blame Cox for that.

By Bob, journalist

April 20, 2007 3:22 AM | Link to this

My computer has been locked up all evening and I missed the abusive and I imagine vulgar posts … mixed emotions … as I could use some energizing tonic.

Matthew, as you grow older you’ll come to realize that those who use their senses, including their third eye, are becomming an endangered species … certainly a minority group that should be protected.

Following the VT tragedy, the media interviewed a friend of the girlfriend of the fellow … an English major … very nice and sincere; speaking highly of her friend, but she truly butchered the language so badly that we were so embarrassed for her that we changed the channel. That may seem insensitive but it’s really quite the opposite.

Alcoholism is certainly a disease but it has become politically correct to lump many conditions into what we label as “alcoholism” … much of which is selective behavior that can be controlled. From my limited perspective, those who drink heavily or engage in alcohol abuse can become can become alcohol dependent without being alcoholic.

As I understand what David wrote, Valdez said that Aybar is addicted to alcohol and drugs and drove alone to Boston to spend time with his brother.

Aybar obviously has a problem and I sincerely hope that he finds a satisfactory resolution but we certainly don’t know enough to reach conclusions as to what the problem is … it could be that alchohol and/or drugs are his answer to a problem, real or perceived, of which we know nothing … or he could just be one of the unfortunate ones who are indeed alcoholic.

By Spike

April 20, 2007 4:14 AM | Link to this

I think what is so frustrating for those of us who expect more from Andruw is that if you look at what his offensive potential is, and what he achieves, it is obvious that he is missing an opportunity to be one of the great all round center fielders of all time because of lack of discipline. At least after you have two strikes try to put the ball in play instead of coming out of your shoes and missing the ball by a foot. There are times when it’s OK to take a shot at the fence, but there are many more times when putting the ball in play would help your team, and baseball is the best team sport of all. The sad thing is that it seems that Frenchie has already figured that out and Andruw hasn’t.

By Robert

April 20, 2007 5:16 AM | Link to this

More news of the weird

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/04/19/canada.couch.ap/index.html

Who is writing the software for our friends in China?

By Braveheart

April 20, 2007 6:07 AM | Link to this

I have been pretty vocal in my dislike of the Betemit-Aybar trade. I have been pretty mean towards Aybar.

At least now we know what the guy’s problems are. As a human being, I am saddened (for him) that he has to endure a demon (even if self-inflicted) such as this. As a fan, I am saddened (selfishly for myself and the team) to hear of his personal struggles.

Hopefully, it being out in the open now, will help him and allow the Braves, the players, the manager, management, and the fans to rally around him. I know many have no respect for people who develop drug problems but we all know people in our families or circle of friends who do have those problems.

I’m just hoping for the best for him. I hope he is just honest about it with everyone, gets over the pride and shame and humiliation, busts his butt conquering that demon, and gets back out there and becomes the player that he has the talent to be. Could you imagine if we were reliant upon this guy to be the second baseman instead of KJ? What happens if Chipper goes down? Scary stuff.

But Willy, just do what you have to do not for anyone else. Do it for yourself. You do not want to have the sad life after your career that has happened to Doc, Straw, and Otis Nixon.

When you are ready to come back, be prepared for the judgmental ones amongst us, but also do not be surprised that many of us in the Bible Belt will sing Amazing Grace for you and praise your redemption.

Hopefully, I am not incorrect in assuming that there is more than enough room and heart in the Ted for a Prodigal Son to return to.

By ssiscribe

April 20, 2007 6:25 AM | Link to this

Well, last night was a tough one, denizens. Redman pitched really well. The kid for Chicago pitched better. Dude was lights out. Really like his stuff. He’s 3-0 with an ERA under 1 for a reason.

So, five losses on the year, but in three of them, the other guy totally locked up the Braves. Now, it’s onto New York for the start of an important trip. New York, Florida, Colorado, three places that typically challenge the ballclub. Should be fun.

Hadn’t been on much lately. Really hope things can slow down so I can jump back into the fray. Actually may be frying a really big fish here soon; we’ll see what happens.

For now, the Scribe abides. Safe travels to all on this Friday.

—30—

By David O'Brien

April 20, 2007 7:03 AM | Link to this

Before I board this flight to New York, want to clarify one thing: The agent DID NOT say Aybar was “addicted” to alcohol and/or any other drugs. The AP story misrepresented what I wrote when they said the agent told me Aybar was “addicted.”

The agent stated Aybar is having a problem with “drinking and drugs,” then seemed to realize a bit later than I hadn’t known that before I called him and backpedaled a bit and said he didn’t know if more than alcohol was involved.

Now, most of us will have a strong suspicion it’s both, or he wouldn’t have said it. But the point is, he never said “addicted.” That’s a pretty sizeable leap from, he’s had an episode with drinking and/or drugs to, he’s addicted. And maybe he is, but no one has said that so far, so I just want to clear that up and say the AP story paraphrased that incorrectly from my story, after the agent didn’t return phone calls after I talked to him in the morning….

On to a big weekend series, big in the sense the Braves are a half-game back and are probably going to either going to come out of the weekend a half-game ahead or 1-1/2 games behind (I’m guessing neither team will sweep).

Looks like Glav-Smoltz might be this year’s Pedro-Smoltz (Pedro M. and John faced each other five times last season, if I remember correctly). Gonna be relatively nice weather in NY, highs in upper 50s to 60s.

Talk to you folks after I get there and get checked into my hotel.

By ssiscribe

April 20, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this

I’m really, really hoping Aybar isn’t addicted to the bottle or something worse. It’s harder than hell to stop drinking if you’ve done it for a long, long time. Breaking a habit isn’t easy, for sure, especially one as powerful as substance abuse.

From one standpoint (that of a Braves fan), I’m far from happy with Aybar. He hit over .300 last year, played a good third base (a position where the starter has a history of injury problems) and he did a nice job at leadoff in September. The ballclub needs him to be healthy, focus and ready to go should Hoss get hurt.

From a far more important standpoint, I’m hoping Aybar can get his situation under control. More than a baseball player, he’s also a human being, one who has people who love him. Alcohol and drugs destroy people and relationships. It’s in that context that I hope Aybar can shake this. If he can get it under control and get his life together, that’s most important. If he can do that and help this baseball team, so much the better.

As we’ve all been reminded this week, life is so fragile. As a husband and father, I’m reminded each and every day just how precious our existence is, and I’m praying Aybar gets the help and support he needs.

Alcohol is tough to shake, folks (I know that first hand). I’m hoping, for Aybar’s sake, he can take control and get the help he needs.

Everybody enjoy their Friday. DOB, we’ll talk to you when you get to NYC. Thanks much for checking in, and for all you do. And thanks much to Carroll for doing a great job this week on the beat.

Denizens, take care. More later. For now, more special sections and deadlines await. As always, the Scribe abides.

Selah.

—30—

By JasonInMaine

April 20, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this

Robert,

You can’t have it both ways my friend…don’t blame Cox for people’s failures and give others credit when people succeed. You give Leo all of the credit for the pitchers, despite what they say, but you want to give Cox the blame for the hitters? If you recall, when Andruw got it turned around a couple of years ago, it was BOBBY* that worked with him on a couple of drills to take the ball to right and right center. It was **BOBBY that Andruw gave credit to for helping him stay on the ball. Why does Andruw go into these prolonged slumps? You guys already hit the nail on the head…he doesn’t care! All he cares about is trying to hit the 700 ft HR. I swear I think he would be happier going 1-5 with a 550 HR than he would be going 3-4 with a couple of singles and a double to right center. As TP has already said, he is trying to hit the ball a “country mile”. Only Andruw can stop that mindset.

Regards,

Jason

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 20, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

LEWIE….come out, come out where ever you are. Since you brought it to my attention several times yesterday, I guess you might not be happy with the standings today.

By cmc

April 20, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Amazing how quickly we have gone from rags to riches with our bullpen. With the likes of Stockman, Boyer, Startup, Devine and now McBride in Richmond - and with Colyer looking impressive this past week after his call-up, do you think JS may use a couple bullpen pieces down the road to upgrade the roster? We once thought the extra middle infielders might be obvious trade pieces. Other teams are desperate for bullpen help right now, so I assume this can only be good for the Braves. Your thoughts???

By JJ

April 20, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

Bob Wickman - “Wickerman”

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 20, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

No Chop Zone - get a life, you bag. It’s all of a freakin 1/2 game lead, hardly insurmountable. Leave it to the teams to settle on the field - big series this weekend, much anticipated by us Bravos and you Muts. And, this time, you get our best arms, instead of the 4th and 5th starters. See you at that dump you people call a stadium. Were I there, I would be sure to wear my earplugs so I wouldn’t have to listen to jet wash and the bleating of Muts fans when Chipper drives a dagger through your hearts.

By KC

April 20, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

I propose a trade:

Manny Aybar, Ryan Langerhans, and Mark Redman…

for Rich Hill

Who’s with me?

By KC

April 20, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Meant to say Willie Aybar. Sorry.

By KC

April 20, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

NO CHOP ZONE:

Enjoy the standing today. You won’t be in 1st after this weekend. Hudson, James, and Smoltz going for Atlanta at Shay! Yeah baby. Let’s do this!

By JasonInMaine

April 20, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

I see Salty went 3 for 4 last night to raise his average to .395 in the early going. B. Jones got 2 more hits to raise his average to .362…

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 20, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

Scalp’em & KC….That post was directed at LEW. Several times yesterday he brought up the 1/2 game lead. I agree at this point in the season it meant little. I still do, I was just giving Lew some of his own medicine…….Easy boys.

By Lew

April 20, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

ChopZone, Chop Zone-How did I know I’d find your smiling presence waiting for me when I woke up? I swear it must make your life coming to the Man In Black Blog and giving me grief. Yes, you’re right. I’m not as happy today as I was yesterday, but feel the same as you did yesterrday (and probably will tomorrow when Smoltz takes out Glavine tonight). I still like the place we are. We’re neck and neck with the Mets (and it’s likely to be like that all season). I will tell you that saying the Mets will barely break .500 was smack talk. They will come out much better than that. So will the Braves. I really don’t think your pitching will hold up, but they have been impressive to this point. How’s that for honesty, Little Chop Zone? Make you happy? Bring on the Apple in The Outfield. Chipper needs a target-he’s going to play at his son’s namesake. We know what that means. Met’s pitchers in a state of major lament. Have a nice day, Little Chop Zone. DOB-Are you sure it’s only going to be in the 50’s and 60’s? It’s supposed to be in the mid 70’s here this weekend. NY should be a bit warmer-especially after Chipper lights it up.

By Renegator

April 20, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

The difference in the Mets bats and the Braves bats is night and day. If the Mets pitching keeps up - you won’t win the division. This should be a tough series this weekend.

By Tony

April 20, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

Not to scare anyone, but…

Reyes is batting .356 Beltran …..351 Alou….367 Delgado…220 with no homeruns yet, you know he is going to break out Wright …327 S.Green……321 J.Valentin…..298 Castro…..357

Lo Duca is hurt, and was batting .250

Braves? Johnson……269 Renteria…..298 CJones….286 AJones…..170 B.McCann…..327 Francouer….255 Thorman…..207 Langerhans…074

Diaz……303 WIlson…160

The Mets don’t have a platoon against righties and lefties, they don’t need it. With that lineup, the Mets could run away with the East in a second….Braves bats better wake-up, and I mean in a hurry!!!

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 20, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

DOB, your 7:03 clears things up a little. Maybe it was a first-time binge because something else was bothering him, for all I know. It’s not my business, it’s his.

Bob, journalist, you’re right.

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 20, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

Scribe, your 7:47 a.m. post is great.

By Renegator

April 20, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

I meant to say “we won’t win the division” - not “you won’t win the division”

So if everyone is blaming the cold weather for the cold bats - how are the Mets ALL able to hit over .300

Damn their lineup scares me.

By KC

April 20, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

JasonInMaine:

Yeah, when you look at the young talent already in Atlanta, and all the talent on the way up… it really cements just how silly it was for so many to jump to conclusions (that the Braves were finished) when they missed the playoffs last year.

Yeah, we’ll probably lose Andruw, but the future still looks very bright.

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 20, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

I like the “Stand up” Lew better than the Trash talk Lew…..Yes, I agree it will be an exicing weekend for the fans. I’m not as a afraid of Larry anymore. He seems to have cooled off against the Mets. The weather is supposed to be high 60’s all weekend with lots of sun. The Mets and their #1(AVG)/#1(ERA)will be ready. Beautiful Shea Stadium will be rocking!!!

By Mad Mike

April 20, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

It’s true. The Mets bats are hotter than our bats…but they should be. They have an All Star at every freaking position. (Even Smoltz said it may be the best lineup he’s ever faced.) Which makes the 2 out of 3 we took from the back end of our rotation even more impressive. And the 2 out of 3 we take from “S#%T STADIUM” this weekend will set the tone for the rest of the summer. Enjoy….

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 20, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

I would like to remind you that the Braves are sending their top three pitchers in this series. If they don’t take at least 2 out of three you brave fans may want to lower your expectations for the season…….

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 20, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

KC - wishful thinking, dumping our dead weight for the Cubbies current stud. Come to think of it, though, this is the team that paid Marquis $10 million a year, and Ted Lilly $11 million a year, so maybe they would be dumb enough to bite on this - heck, we’ll even throw Pete Orr in for good measure.

By Lee

April 20, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

ESPN will properly not even acknowledge the upcoming series about the Braves and Mets this weekend. The Yankees and Red Sox play this weekend. When I turned the T.V. on this morning anybody care to guess what the 1st thing I saw.

There is no thing as a must win game this early in a baseball season. However, with Hudson being our most dominate pitcher so far this season, tonight is a big game for the Braves to set the tone for this series. The thing that scares me is this is the first time the Braves have faced Mike Pelfrey —————- facing pitchers for the first time is not exactly what Braves team hitting thrives on.

I consider Andruw Jones as an elite center fielder - but an Alex Rodriquez (who apparently can hit in cold weather) he is not. His hitting will not justify the amount of money his agent will demand next season.

By Renegator

April 20, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Prediction: Mike Pelfrey throws a 3 hit shutout since the Braves have never seen him before.

By Lew

April 20, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Yes, The bats are cold-no doubt. However, we know Chipper and Andruw will hit-Francoeur, too. How would you like to be the team that we’re playing when they get hot? Could be the Mets this weekend. Stranger things have happened. The Mets won’t have Redman to beat up on this weekend. Our big three are pitching and the pen is rested. We’re good to go.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 20, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

No doubt, Muts lineup is formidable. It has been in the past, at least on paper. This year Muts hitters are much more than paper tigers. The difference will be in the pitching. Hope we see the Perez of last week, as opposed to the Perez when he last pitched against the Braves.

Despite the impressive numbers, hitters, etc, that the Muts have, look at the Stankees - same thing, all stars everywhere. And their record so far is 8-6. 3 walk off homers for ARod, 10 HR’s so far. Without his heroics (finally), the Stankees are below .500.

Interesting that the Muts have both the lowest ERA and the highest BA in the league, yet they’re only a half game ahead of us. One side, or the other, is going to crack. I predict it will be the pitching.

By KC

April 20, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Scalp ‘Em Braves:

I hope you realize I was joking about that trade. Not joking in the sense that I’d love to see that deal!!!!! But, yes, I know there’s a better chance of a salary cap in baseball, or the Yankees under-spending the Marlins, than there is of that deal happening.

By Robert

April 20, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

” Only Andruw can stop that mindset.”

True. Do you think that if Bobby had not let the youngh Andruw play unless he permanently changed his mindset, that things might be different?

Maybe it wouldve alienated Andruw to the point where in ‘07 he’d be long gone and forgotten as a Brave

But just maybe he would’ve realized his potential

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 20, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Scalp’em…..the braves have also played twice as many home games than the Mets(10 vs 5). Also they’ve only played only 14 and 15 games respectively. I think it will take many more games to get a true indication of which team is better. Of course I think over the next 45-50 game the Mets will prove they are the best team in the division.

By Robert

April 20, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

“(and probably will tomorrow when Smoltz takes out Glavine tonight”

Like with a beanball? Or a good right cross?

By Braveheart

April 20, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Who the heck is born in the middle of NYC and becomes a Mets fan? A born loser, I guess. It’s almost like being born in Georgia and becoming a Tech fan or being born in Alabama and being an Auburn fan. Only a born loser born in NYC, Georgia, or Alabama could be a Mets, Jackets, or Tigers fan. For any loser born in Georgia who roots for the Mets, well, I don’t know quite what to say about such a dweeb.

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 20, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Robert:

No, with the knuckleball he threw to Laroche in Spring Training.

I fell off my chair laughing that day.

By KC

April 20, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Scalp ‘Em Braves:

Yeah, ya know in all honesty, I have to tip my hat to the Mets for the way they’ve played so far. 15 games into the season, they’re leading the league in ERA by a substantial margin. I don’t have any clue how they’re doing it. I really don’t. But they are, and they certainly deserve credit for it.

However… they certainly aren’t going to finish the year 1st in ERA. And I don’t think they’re going to finish 3rd in that category as they did last year either.

That said, I do think the Mets pitching is going to be better than many of us thought. In the end, I think the Mets will finish 1st in runs scored, and maybe 5th or 6th in team ERA.

The Braves, I believe, will finish top 3 in team ERA, and will be in the top 3 or 4 in runs scored. This Atlanta offense has not yet begun to fight.

Last night was just latest display of the long ago proven truism that great pitching beats good/great hitting. But the Braves are going to hit.

Johnson and Thorman appear to be coming around. Now, when Andruw gets it going, this offense could be the second best in the league.

By Bowilly

April 20, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

If it is true about Aybar being in Boston for rehab. Braves should unsuspend him and give him all the support they can. I wish him well in his recovery.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 20, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

“Hadn’t been on much lately. Really hope things can slow down so I can jump back into the fray. Actually may be frying a really big fish here soon; we’ll see what happens.” - scribe

well, scribe will need a really big frying pan. peanut oil. best to use peanut oil. really big fish can be very tasty when fried properly. and will this fish fry be open to all bloggers? and to wicky? just how big is this fish?

now, baseball … nothing from the middle of the lineup. nothing. and what is gained by sitting thorman last night after the great game thorman had Wednesday night?

and chipper had a good night with the glove. journalist will acknowledge good play. the ball seemed to be hopping right into chipper’s glove last night.

and redman … should be able to win if redman gives up only 2 runs in 7 innings. should be able to.

and it is truly sad about aybar -or anyone- who makes it to the major leagues and has such a problem interfere with the career and with life.

By KC

April 20, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

NO CHOP ZONE:

Really and truly, all bravado aside… I think the Mets and Braves look fairly evenly matched right now. And I don’t say that just because of similarity of their records.

When you boil it all down… The Mets pitching is better than many people realize. And on the flip side, the Braves offense is better than most people realize.

The Mets have a little better offense, and the Braves have a little better pitching staff. Whoever wins the division, both of these teams will win well over 90 games, and both will play in October. I’m just praying for a Braves/Mets NLCS. That would be awesome!

By JasonInMaine

April 20, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Robert,

Actually, I disagree completely. I think Bobby, while you may question his strategic insights, is unquestionably the best at managing people that has ever managed. Period. Actually, Bobby is a great leader and would be successful in whatever he does. I remember a study that an Atlanta based group did on leadership…and the model that they wanted use? Bobby Cox. So, I think Bobby helped Andruw as much as Andruw could have been helped. Is Davey Johnson to blame for Strawberry never reaching his potential and his subsequent addiction? No, at some point it is the player’s responsibility to put in the time and effort.

Check out this link

Regards,

Jason

By Lew

April 20, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Robert-If that’s what it takes. A golf club, perhaps?

By N8

April 20, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Lee

You said:

“There is no thing as a must win game this early in a baseball season.”

I couldn’t DISAGREE more with you. I’m not saying losing 2 of 3 “kill” our season this weekend. But I’ve never understood why people assume that games in September count in the standings anymore than the ones in April. THEY ALL COUNT THE SAME.

IMO, if a team takes care of it’s business ALL SEASON, that can greatly diminish the need to be playing meaningful games late in the year.

On the other hand, I’m sure DOB can attest that if a team “owns” another team early in the year (especially a division rival), the way the Marlins handles us in 97, that it will go a LONG way to planting the “bug” in the head of the said team they handled. In other words, put some doubt in their mind if they can beat them.

All 162 games are MUST WINS in my opinion. I will however, state that I think playing .500 ball against the elite teams is acceptable as long as you dominate the HORRIBLE teams. Which, quite honestly, we’ve faild to do so far. The other good teams are good teams for a reason, they are hard to beat. So playing “well” against them, is probably more important than winning. So in that regards, I’ll agree with you. Winning this weekend isn’t as important as it should’ve been to dominate the Nats and Cubs.

We’ve got our Top 3 starters going this weekend, so it should be a good measuring stick on where we stand. But the Mets aren’t going away anytime soon, so we need to win AT LEAST one game, IMO. Otherwise, we will be 3.5 games back and with the way we’ve handled our business against the “wannabe” contenders, that’s not good. Not sure we’ve got the fire power to dig out of a big hole in the standings, should we fall into one.

MUST WIN? Probably not. But should we be concerned if we get swept or lose 2 or 3? I say yes. Especially with our ACES going this weekend.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 20, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

KC - of course I knew that the proposed trade was made tongue in cheek. I certainly didn’t take it the way that some here were clamoring for us to trade Dru to get someone of value, when Dru & BorA$$ have made it clear no trades, period. Or, the guy that kept saying we should get Santana or Kazmir, etc. Like its as easy as picking up the phone, telling the GM “we want this guy”, and its a done deal.

No Chop - Take note that the Muts home record so far is 3-2. Braves at home are 6-4. Neither one of them is exactly tearing it up at the house. Muts are 7-2 on the road (Phils, Fish, Braves so far). Braves are 4-1 on the road (Gnats, Phils). Neither team has exactly been playing its road games at intimidating venues. I’ll definitely agree with you that its too early to say definitively which team is better. I look forward to you coming back here mid summer and taking your licks, to be administered by Lew’s paddle, when the Braves are ahead.

By Renegator

April 20, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

KC: How can you say the Mets offense is a little better than the Braves? Are you kidding me? They’ve scored 20 more runs than us and EVERYONE in their lineup is hitting over .300. We have one guy hitting over .300 (not counting Diaz who doesn’t play everyday) and we still have guys hitting well under .200. They are light years ahead of us.

2nd - how can you say that we have a little bit better pitching staff - right now they have allowed 25 fewer runs than we have. I know its early but we have a lot of improving to do if we are going to hang with the Mets.

Sorry to pick on you but I think you are way off on this one.

By KC

April 20, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Probable pitching matchups for Mets series:

Hudson vs. Pelfrey tonight

James vs. O.Perez tomorrow

Smoltz vs. Glavine Sunday

While it’s still only April, this is a big series. The pitching match-ups definitely favor Atlanta for this weekend… but that’s all the more reason why the Braves need to take 2 of 3 up at Shay. You don’t want to send all 3 of your top guns to the hill, and wind up losing the series. That would be discouraging, and would put the Braves 2 games back in the loss column.

If the Braves can take 2 of 3, they’d finish the weekend in 1st, and tied with the Mets in the loss column.

Tonight especially is as close to a must-win as you can get in April. While I’ll take James and Smoltz over Perez and Glavine any day… Perez has always been tough on the Braves, and Glavine is always tough to beat. So we gotta take this game tonight and get the series started off right.

By the way, while it’s true that the Braves haven’t seen Pelfrey, it’s also true that this Braves lineup likes fastball pitchers, and that’s what Pelfrey is. So I wouldn’t be surprised to see Atlanta have a decent night at the plate.

Okay Chipper… we’re in NY baby… time to do you thing!!!

By Mark Anthony

April 20, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Sorry

By Sorry for tasteless post last night

April 20, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

I would like to take this time to apologize for my idiotic screen name and posts last night. I thought it was a joke, but it was in fact a tasteless cowardly act on my part. For those who know what I’m talking about including Dan O’Brien and Carroll Rogers it will not happen again.

Thanks for your forgiveness.

By Apologizer

April 20, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

That’s David O’Brien.

By Lew

April 20, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

I’ve got a little different take on this whole Aybar situation than some here on the blog seem to hold. Before it was found out that he was experiencing a problem with substance abuse (whatever the substance may be), most here have gone from total castigation for his playing hooky and his seeming lack of concern during his rehab process to an almost complete reversal of feeling. Why? He’s still a pro ballplayer making 4 times as much (at ML minimum) than a well paid person in the private sector. He is no longer a part of whatever childhood he may or may not have gone through (I only have known one person to make it through childhood unscathed-two if you count Bob) and has the world lying at his feet. Poor poor kid. He had it rough, but who didn’t? He has also had opportunities that few others have. Would you feel the same if it was some John or Jose Doe crackhead who just ripped off your tv or killed your best friend while drunk driving? Hell no. It’s time for this kid to get his act together, realize which side his bread is buttered on and buck it up. Sorry, damn little sympathy here.

By KC

April 20, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Renegator: I understand your reaction, but you need to understand something… I didn’t say “the Braves pitching has been better to this point”. Nor did I say “the Mets offense has been slightly better than Atlanta’s so far”. I’m not speaking to their performance to date. I’m talking about what these teams have in their arsenals, and what they’re likely to do over the course of the season. Obviously, the Mets have been better than anyone in the NL in both pitching and hitting. But we’re only 3 weeks into the season.

Let’s take a look at where these teams are now, how they’re winning, and ask ourselves what is sustainable over the next 5 months, and what isn’t…

The Braves are 4th in NL ERA right now with a 3.55. Is that sustainable? Very much so.

The Braves are 6th in runs scored right now. Is that sustainable? Absolutely. In fact, I’ll be surprised if they don’t finish top-3 in runs.

When you consider they got very little our of KJ until the last few days, and nothing out of 1B (until the other day) or Langerhans… in addition to the fact that AJ is still hitting under the Mendoza line… it’s seems they’veunder-achieved offensively. This team was 2nd in the NL in batting average last year, and is 13th in the league in that category right now. This team is going to hit much better.

And as I’ve pointed out multiple times before, if you compare the Mets and Braves lineups… the only real advantage (unless Shawn Green has a resurgence) they have in their lineup is Jose Reyes. This Braves lineup is not far off from the Mets. It really isn’t.

Is the Mets offensive production sustainable? Yes and no.

The Mets are 1st in runs scored, and that’s likely where they’ll finish the season. However, they are on pace to score 1,007 runs this year. Last year, they scored 834. The Yankees led the bigs last year with 930 runs, and that’s with a potent lineup and a DH. So the Mets aren’t going to score at quite the clip they have so far.

The Mets lead the league in pitching with a 2.40 team ERA. Is that sustainable? LOL!

By TennesseePaul

April 20, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Where’s Lew on this? I’ve been reminded by several that comparing hitters of different era’s is just not something you can do. With this in mind, adjusted OPS would still not be a valid comparison. I got that lecture when the Cub 3B didn’t get into the hall despite his career .270 batting average and 300 homers. Payne even went on to say he is the best 3B of all time and better than all but 2 or 3 currently in the HOF. Said he was the “Adrian Beltre of his day.” (probably the worst line of defense for any player one could give.). But by doing so he not only compared eras he also Compared against the Negro Leagues.

Cross era comparison is an interesting debate. I can see the point on both sides. Similar to the Koufax/Maddax discussion of a month or so ago. I never personally witnessed Koufax pitch, but I can see his numbers and they are down right impressive. Yet, compared to the league averages, Maddux put up some numbers that were more disproportionate (so did Pedro). I’m not sure that makes him better than Koufax though. I’m not sure it’s a matter of who was better. They are different types of players playing in different eras. We may never again see some one dominate the way Koufax did. At the same time, we’ll never see anyone pitch off a 15 inch tall mound again. So is the litmus test of Adjusted OPS appropriate compared across eras? Are the standard bench marks valid? Or should we use the most common case for Dale Murphy, simply compare a player against his peers during the time he played? I think right now the practice is some sort of combination of the latter two options.

By GeorgetownKid

April 20, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Lee,

I agree with you in that I don’t consider this to be a “must-win series.”

It is, however, a very big series, and winning 2 out of 3 would further bolster our confidence and would further solidify our standing. And of course, any time you play a division rival, especially one with whom you expect to closely compete for a title, the stakes are high.

But, should we lose 2 out of 3, or even 3 out of 3, the world would not end, nor would our season.

Even in the best-case scenario in which we sweep the Mets, the Mets would be 2 games behind us.

Right now, the Braves and Mets are jockying for position in the early stages of what will undoubtedly be a close fight all season. Any win against the Mets will be huge, but that does not mean that we need to push the PANIC button when they beat us.

By fastasballs

April 20, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

You don’t deserve forgiveness, maybe a swift kick in the a&@. So what screen name do you usually post with? Or are you going to hide behind another one now?

You have a warped sense of humor to say the least.

By Lew

April 20, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

TenPaul-I’m not sure exactly what you’re referencing here. As far as the Koufax/Maddux thing. Is the best pitcher of a generation of great pitchers better than the best pitcher in an era of lousy pitching? I doubt we’ll ever answer that question to everyone’s satisfaction. We sure didn’t when we discussed it last month.

By TennesseePaul

April 20, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

So about the game last night. Redman actually produced a quality start… and still got the loss. But I saw Wilson was playing. I’m not sure why. Thor is ready to break out. I say, let Thor break free and smack the ball all over creation. It’ll only help the team.
KJ Has broken free. His average is .269 now. His OBP: .397, 3rd on the team for position players. 46 points higher than Marcus Giles. And this kid is just getting warmed up.
The only thing left is AJ. Once Andruw gets comfortable up there this team should take off. But as it stands now he’s turning in the worst walk year for a Boras position player in history. I think Kolb put in the worst walk year for a Boras pitcher. However, I’m fairly certain AJ will come out of this with a vengance.

By Renegator

April 20, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

KC: I can see where the Mets pitching certainly won’t keep it up but I disagree with you on the bats. I think they will still continue to be way ahead of the Braves in terms of offense. I just don’t think the Braves will finish in the top 3 of runs scored. I think there will be a big disparity between the Mets offense (sure to finish first) and the Braves. I just don’t trust the young bats (KJ, Thorman, Langy, Wilson, etc)

By caveman22

April 20, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

renegator 3 things you don’t do in life

1-pull Superman’s cape 2-grab the Lone Ranger’s mask 3-ask KC a question or engage in some pansy a* debate with him, but if you do your going to need to have a hi-speed connection for the download and nothing better to do for the 30mins it takes to read his frk’n post’s.

NoChop Suck it dude. Braves rock - Meatheads suck & so do you!!

Now back to my nap

By Wayne in UT

April 20, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Yes, I am still alive, but working my kiester off. Still love the Braves, and thanks for giving BC an extension (Take that, Robert!!!).

Like what I saw of Redman last night. Also, KJ is doing what many of us said he would…….Thorman AND Wilson are next. I am not sure if Langerhans has learned the fine art of the “toe” tap yet.

Go gettum Braves, and hope Gonzo comes around in the next few days.

A note on Aybar: Maybe that sinus thing he had in the spring was self-induced…..

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 20, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

15 games into the season may be too soon to make proclomations as facts. It will take about 45 games to get a feel for the character and potential of this seasons team. So far the Braves seem to be a true competitor for the division/wild card. The Mets are as advertised, a run scoring machine.Lets not forget their defense and speed. Another thing that gets overlooked is the balance of that line-up and having three switch hitters puts great pressure on a pitcher/manager.

By Renegator

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

Caveman where you been brother? I missed you. Awwww….

Anyway, I knew I might regret engaging KC but I just didn’t want to let it go by without at least challenging him. I think its going to end up that we just disagree - I’m not going to get into a debate about it - I know I’m not going to change his mind - nor am I trying to because, hell, I could be wrong on this one.

By Lee

April 20, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

I do agree with this series being a big one for the Braves and Muts; if a sweep is accomplished by either team it will definitely give that team an emotional lift to say the least.

By Reality Bites

April 20, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Folks, KC would convince us we’re gonna win 2 of 3 this weekend if we came in 0-15 and they were 15-0. He’s an optimist, and there’s nothing wrong w/that, but countering his opinion is a fruitless exercise.

I was convinced as soon as he started trying to compare the wet noodled-bats the Braves carry to the Mets’ vaunted lineup. The Braves have an edge in pitching, but c’mon, dude… the offenses are nowhere NEAR as comparable. Everybody on the Mets’ lineup is hitting above or near .300, aside from one guy. The Braves? Two hitting over .300 and only two more even near it.

By TennesseePaul

April 20, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Last night when I got home my wife told me she got to watch the Braves play on TBS. “I have bad news” she says. “The Braves lost, but that Redman guy actually pitched well. But I don’t think I like the blond haired mullet guy very much.”
Maybe the mullet is part of Wilson’s struggles. Samson lost his strength when his hair was cut. I think, though, that it was due in part to the Mullet which Delilah sculpted. Maybe Wilson ought to find a more empowering hair style. Mullets tend to only lead to a quick flame out. Samson did get his strength back for one last go round, but then it was over. Lose the mullet and Wilson might start doing better.

By ssiscribe

April 20, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

well, scribe will need a really big frying pan. peanut oil. best to use peanut oil. really big fish can be very tasty when fried properly. and will this fish fry be open to all bloggers? and to wicky? just how big is this fish? — JJS

Well JJS, I don’t know if I can use peanut oil, given the fact there are people in my family who are allergic to peanuts. As for the fish to fry, we’ll see what happens, but it would make the Scribe quite happy indeed.

But to have a fish fry for the bloggers? I’ve seen Grinch and Metro Man tear down some wings; I’d need a mighty big fish, especially if we bring Big Bob into the fray.

Alas, we may know something soon. But either way the fish flops, the Scribe still abides.

Peace.

—30—

By beachcomber

April 20, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Forgive me if this was touched on earlier. There is an idiot (a word I don’t use lightly) named Rob Parker who writes for the Detroit News who has proclaimed Hank Aaron “a coward” because he will not take a stand on the Bonds controversy. Anybody who watched any part of Hank’s career knows he is a 180 degree opposite of a coward. Rather, he is a gentleman who refuses to say about Barry Bonds what so many of us are thinking. Mr. Parker needs to join Imus on the sidelines for that incredibly stupid comment.

By David O'Brien

April 20, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Lew, did you actually write this?

“Would you feel the same if it was some John or Jose Doe crackhead who just ripped off your tv or killed your best friend while drunk driving? Hell no.”

I guess I must have missed something in the Aybar story. What in the hell did he do that drew a comparison to someone who “ripped off your TV” or “killed your best friend while drunk driving?” You totally lost me on that one.

What, he didn’t provide enough quality at-bats? Lock him up for that crime against humanity.

By TennesseePaul

April 20, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Lew: It was more or less just a point about comparing eras. The pitchers era compared to the hitters era. It’s not like there were all crappy pitchers during the hitters era, or that the majority of hitters were crappy during the pitchers era. Pedro, Maddux, Clemens, Randy Johnson and even Nolan Ryan pitched after the mound was lowered and offense started picking up as well as many other very good pitchers. The main point was the value of adjusted OPS. Is adjusted OPS the best, or only means to compare players across eras or against each other? Or should eras be left as is and just taken for what they are? Can we justifiably compare across eras? If one should not compare hitters across eras, then should one not compare pitchers across eras?

By Mad Mike

April 20, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Robert: more posts like your 12:52 and less posts like your 10:27. Only reason I read your 12:52 is because Grinch said it was “classic.” And it was.

By JasonInMaine

April 20, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

I am starting to think the only way that BC will end the platoon at 1B is if Salty moves there, the Braves trade for Tex, or Eddie M comes out of retirement!

By Lee

April 20, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

JasonInMaine - I think you are right about BC and his desire to platoon the first base position. About time Thorman shows a little life with the bat, Cox starts Wilson the next game. I do not see how anyone is ever going to get a clear evaluation on which one (perhaps neither) really deserves consistent playing time there.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 20, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Like reading the “posts” on a chithouse stall—similar chit, only a little more class with those chithouse scribes…

TheJackAss abides…

Selah…

_469_

Scalp Em is a waste…

By JasonInMaine

April 20, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

LEE, agreed! They should let Thor try to get in a groove and forget the platoon. I say the same thing in LF. Start Diaz and use Langerhans as the defensive replacement. I think most are in agreement that players should at least get the opportunity to get in a groove. Some may argue that it should be Langerhans, but the point is still valid.

Regards,

Jason

By geauxbraves2000

April 20, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Didn’t it take Jordan getting hurt before LaRoche played regularly, and we all saw what he was capable of. I just wish BC would remember this, and let us see what Thorman is capable of. Maybe he will break out, maybe he won’t, but at least give him a chance. Come on BC, enough with the platooning!

Geaux Braves!!

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 20, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

I don’t know why DOB would be surprised at Lew’s comments concerning Aybar’s problems, which are really none of Lew’s business, cause ol’ Lew is always the one who ‘casts the first stone’ here on the blog…

Regards,

TheJackAss

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 20, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

Well Robert it looks like they finally whipped your A$s—now you’re just another generic member of the “Bore Club”—same club ol’ Stinky joined just before his banishment…Enjoy!…

TheSouthernJackAss abides…

By Coach

April 20, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

Everybody has missed the obvious. 15 games , 8 against left handers , 7 against right handers. 6-1 against righty’s and 4-4 against lefty’s. 68 runs scored , 23 RBI against lefty’s , 43 RBI against righty’s. Left handers are killing us and they are pitching three of the next four games. Hudson , James , Smoltz and Davies need to bring their A game if we are to do anything more than split the next four games.

By ernesto

April 20, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

What’s No Class Zone doing back here? We haven’t heard from him since the Bravos won the last series. Couple of good Met series and “poof” out from under the rock.

On to the Mets- that’s a hell of a team they’re bringing down here, and they all seem to be red hot right now. If we take the series that would be huge on a number of fronts - slow them down, build our confidence, get rid of the Muttley Crew for another few weeks of clean fresh blog air (MetMan excepted).

By TennesseePaul

April 20, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Coach: Lefties are killing us because we put our worst possible combination of players in an awkward line-up on the field to compete against them. Keep the line up the same and leave Thorman and Kelly in there (as opposed to Wilson and Woodward) and we just might start winning these lefty games. The NL East was wise enough to see this coming and went out to procure some lefties. We responded with Mark Redman, Woodward and Wilson. Diaz and Pena may do well, but the defense suffers from this platooning inflatting the opponents chances to get on and get in. I fear this issue will follow us throughout the year until the platoons are dropped.
Wilson is no Ward and he’ll never be Franco. Franco and Ward you can platoon with, not Wilson. Wilson is a pinch hitter or Left Fielder. But apparently he can’t shoulder left field these days.

By BB FAN

April 20, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Robert,

“…adjusted OPS because of the difference in league wide offense and run production between the two eras. 40 home runs in 2007 aint the same as forty home runs in 1977.”

I guess one would have to believe in the “adjusted OPS” stat in order to think Reggie Jackson’s numbers between 1969 and 1988 were much tougher to put up than Andruw’s numbers today.

The offense has increased throughout baseball over the years. And part of the inflation today can be attributed to steroids and HGH. I also think part of it is due to the smaller stadiums throughout baseball.

And some say that part of it is the extra 4 teams in MLB therefore pitching is a little thinner. However, I don’t buy into the this as much as the first two reasons. I think many more people are playing baseball today therefore there are more players to choose from. And there’s the fact that starting in the early 90’s, a lot more foreign players started partipating in MLB. Every team has a scouting department and/or baseball clinic/academy in every country in the world now. There are players from other countries that before the early 90’s, had never been represented in MLB.

The problem with lumping all of today’s players into this “inflated numbers” category is that some have not had the advantages of the “inflated offenses” of today.

Andruw is one of the few players believed to never have experimented with steroids and HGH.

Andruw has also played in the NL East where all of the stadiums have been “pitcher’s parks.” He plays most of his games within these “pitcher’s parks” because of the unbalanced schedule.

So Andruw Jones has put his numbers up without the help of steroids and smaller ballparks.

I think every generation has had there great players. And each generation has had it’s advantages and disadvantages.

Here are a few examples:

Since the early 90’s, a batter is likely to see three or four different pitchers in a game. The reliever has become a big part of the game. Before that, a starting pitcher usually went 8 or 9 innings. But now, there’s two or three fresh pitchers coming in the game to pitch the 7th, 8th and 9th innings.

Another big advantage the “stars of yesterday” had was something I mentioned before. They did not have to play against the best of the world. There is a lot more talent playing the game today than there was in the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and even the 70’s and 80’s. Until 1947, african americans were not even allowed to play in MLB. It wasn’t fully intergrated until years later though. And players from other countries (ie: Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Japan, ect) didn’t really start coming to play in the US until the late 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. There were a few, but not like today.

Also, there were not the cross country road trips there are today. There’s a lot more travel for today’s players than there was for a player in 1950.

Another differnence is the media scrutiny. Tday’s players have so much more media scrutiny than players from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s.

So like I said, there have been great players from every generation. However, it’s almost impossible to compare stats from one era to the another. There are so many different advantages and disadvantages of each era.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 20, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Have no doubt that whichever team takes this series will not determine a break away in the standings. Rather, any edge gained will be psychological. Looking back, the series records are as follows:

1992, 7-5 ; 1993, 9-3; 1994, 5-4; 1995, 5-8 (interesting - we won the WS that year); 1996, 7-6; 1997, 5-7; 1998, 9-3; 1999, 9-3; 2000, 7-6; 2001, 10-9; 2002, 12-7; 2003, 11-8; 2004, 12-7; 2005, 13-6; 2006, 7-11.

Overall, the record has been 128-93. That demonstrates superiority over a long period of time, and there is little doubt the Muts dreaded playing the Braves. That it had been 10 years, before last year, since the Muts had won the season series, no doubt frayed nerves. Last year, we dreaded playing the Muts because we knew that no matter how good our starting pitching might be, the bully was going to let us down.

Not so this year. The swagger is back, with our rebuilt bully, our starting pitching being fairly sound so far, and being 10-5 with our offensive numbers being low.

Psychologically, the Muts have a lot more to lose this weekend than the Braves. If we lose the series, or, god forbid, get swept, a definite chink in the armor will appear. But, we don’t have the history of losing to the Muts, so our guys will likely shrug it off, and go to the next series. I don’t see panic on the horizon. On the other hand, if the Braves take the series or sweep, you bet your bottom dollar that Randolph, Glavine, Beltran, et. al., will be saying “here we go again.”

Just my thoughts. Gonna be an interesting weekend.

By KC

April 20, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Renegator: *”KC: I can see where the Mets pitching certainly won’t keep it up but I disagree with you on the bats. I think they will still continue to be way ahead of the Braves in terms of offense. I just don’t think the Braves will finish in the top 3 of runs scored.

Renegator, yes Mets will finish 1st in runs scored. However, I think almost a verifiable fact that the Mets won’t keep up this scoring pace (there’s no way they go from 834 runs last year, to over 1,000 this year in the NL with no DH), and it’s an absolute certainty that the Braves are going to perform better offensively.

The Braves have several guys who have had averages under .200 most of the season… and nobody hitting at an unsustainably high level, as nearly everyone in the Mets lineup (except for Delgado) is. Again, the Mets offense is going to cool down a little, and the Braves offense is going to heat up at least a little.

Just to remind you, the Braves were the best offensive team in the NL last year. Kelly Johnson is going to provide offense that is at least commensurate to what Giles gave us last season… so Adam LaRoche is the only thing missing from last year’s lineup. When it’s all said and done, the Braves will absolutely get at least 15-20 homers and 70 RBI out of 1B.

I say again, the ONLY real difference between last year’s NL-best offense, and this year’s lineup is the transition at 1B. If we lose 10 homers and 20 RBI… that’s not insignificant, but it’s not enough to take this offense from best in the league to middle of the pack. It just isn’t. And if Chipper can stay on the field for 140 games, the Braves will likely score every bit as many runs this year as last season.

Also, as I’ve mentioned several times before… compare the core of these two lineups:

[Lo Duca, Beltran, Delgado, Wright, and Alou] is not any better than [Renteria, CJ, AJ, McCann, and Francoeur]. And the numbers will back that up.

Their biggest advantage is the speed of Jose Reyes. I think Kelly Johnson’s power and his ability to get on base matches up just fine with Reyes, but he doesn’t have his speed. They also may have a bit of an edge at the bottom of the lineup (7/8)… but we’ll have to wait and see what we get out of 1B this year before we can judge how that position compares to Shawn Green offensively (remember, this is not the Shawn Green of old). And when Diaz is in the lineup, I like him every bit as much as Jose Valentin (for the Mets). Valentin has a lot more power, but last year was the first time since 2001 that he’d hit over .249. Matt Diaz doesn’t have his power, but he’s a .300 hitter through and through.

“I just don’t trust the young bats (KJ, Thorman, Langy, Wilson, etc)”

Bro, nothing has changed in left-field. It’s exactly the same as last year when they had the NL’s best offense, and again, KJ isn’t going to give you anything less than what Giles gave last year (hopefully more). Once more… the ONLY difference is at 1B, and that ain’t enough to relegate last year’s league-best lineup to mediocrity.

Yes, the Mets have an edge over ATL offensively, but it’s not as great as many people think.

By Coach

April 20, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Yep , thats vintage Cox. He loves the platoon system. However , Cox did start KJ against a left hander last night. So , if Wilson continues to struggle maybe he will give Thor a chance to swing the bat when a lefty is on the mound. It will be VERY INTERESTING to see who is starting in left field today with a right hander on the mound for the Mets.

By sri

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

an interesting article.. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/siblogs/baseball/fungoesblog/2007/04/art-of-platoon.html

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 20, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Ernesto, If you must know I was in Florida with my family on vacation during that series. You say that MetMan is excepted….it should read as Accepted……OK Papi. Did you not learn anything in your ESL classes?

By GeorgetownKid

April 20, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

I wish this series wasn’t being played at the same time as the Yankees-Red Sox.

Maybe the Braves and the Mets should wear Yankees and Red Sox hats so that the national media pays some attention to our rivalry.

Or maybe they should take the field wearing Redskins and Cowboys football helmets.

By caveman22

April 20, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

what the f##k is up with f’n novels???

I’m glad you couple of guys have found some place to get “published”.

Everything you guys are saying is something that’s been said a f’n hundred times already.

If I may quote SJA: GEEZ !! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Renegator

April 20, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Coach: You obviously haven’t been a Braves fan that long. It won’t be VERY INTERESTING to see who is in LF - it will be Langerhans. Bobby is loyal to the platoon to a fault (Robert) - we will continue the platoon no matter how poorly one half is doing compared to the other half. 100% chance that Langerhans plays left tonight. Same with 1B - no matter how poorly Wilson does - there is no chance that Thorman will see left handers. The only time it has happened (lefty facing lefty) since Gallaraga left the team is last year when Jordan was the righty 1B and he got hurt and couldn’t play. Then look what Laroche did when he got to play everyday. The only way we don’t see a platoon is if someone goes down with a season ending injury.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 20, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

SJA:

Glad to see ya buddy. You get up for a belch, a crotch scratch and a fart, peek in on the blog, and toss a few insults about. Now, its time for you to crawl back into the septic tank so you don’t stink up the rest of the trailer.

By Willy Wally

April 20, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

You gotta wonder about a Mets fan who makes racist Hispanic remarks against bloggers. What does the racist guy do when he watches Omar Minaya’s players every night on the Mets?

By ernesto

April 20, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

No Class, no I didn’t need to know. Any chance you’re going back for an extended stay? Please.

Here’s my prediction for the series. Mets do well No Class will be on here every other post rubbing it in, Mets don’t do well…hello “Florida”.

By ernesto

April 20, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

By the way No Class, look up “excepted” and do your self a favor next time you run your mouth, grab a dictionary first.

By The Grinch

April 20, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Ouch, that was a nasty post. Speaking of nasty posts I’d give a cold ringfinger to know what was so awful yesterday that it got half the blog lighting torches and grabbing pitchforks. Must’ve been tasteless indeed. 10Paul, I agree our problem with lefties has a good deal to do with our “lefty” personnel. Wilson’s just not getting it done, and Woodward has no business in the majors. The guy simply just doesn’t have the talent. Unfortunately, “The Book” says we have to play them, so the only way our better players get a chance this season is if they go down to injury (either self inflicted or fans taking matters into their own hands). Scalp ‘em, about that right cross…you think Glavine might lose his two front teeth? Thanks for the link the other day; I think I’ve finally found the right girlfriend. New Zealand’s a long way to go, but it could be worth it. Scribe, remember to clean the fish first, especially if it’s a mullet. :-)

By DonCoburleone

April 20, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Tonight we show little Pelfry what major league hitters can do… He won’t make it out of the 4th inning.

By JasonInMaine

April 20, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Renegator and Coach,

I have to say I agree…it won’t be interesting. I will be very surprised if Bobby doesn’t start LangerWhiff.

Regards,

Jason

By Rodger

April 20, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

No chop, excepted-as in the exception.

By Willy Wally

April 20, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Caveman, post something of substance already, then attack other bloggers. Until then, enough with your yapping. And, what is the deal with all the cursing on here by you? Can you express yourself without a curse word every other sentence? Pathetic. Your method of expressing yourself makes you sound like a certain infamous loser from the other morning. And stop sucking up to SJA. The guy has no use or respect for you. When are you gonna realize that? As for attacking the bloggers with the long posts, at least they have something they want to say and are capable of putting two thoughts and two sentences together without getting so overwhelmed that they need to curse like you.

By DonCoburleone

April 20, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Renegator you are exactly right. Cox is loyal to the platoon to a fault. There is no question as to who will start in left field later today. LANGERHANS! DUH! So stupid too, cuz if Hudson is on again I would bet probably only 3-4 balls even get out of the infield; so why exactly would we need a defensive stud in left when he’s probably only gonna get 1 or 2 chances??? Totally frustrating…

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 20, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Grinch:

I think Glavine lost his two front teef playing hockey - the right cross will just put a bigger dimple in his chin.

Brittany Shears turned you on, huh? BAAAAAA- Bleat.

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 20, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Ernesto…..All your insults aside. It’ll take more than this series to crown any team with anything. But I will say this, Shea Stadium will be rocking. I beleive the Mets are the best team in the NL East and we’ll play the games to prove it…….LETS GO METS!!!!!!!

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 20, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

A couple of quick points:

First, lay off KJ for a while. Over the last three days, KJ leads the Majors in hits (8)and is fourth in OBP (.714). This is over the last three days only, but his overall numbers are improving and he is playing a very sound second base. He also has 11 walks already, good enough to tie for 9th in the majors. I think he’ll be fine.

1. On the Mets series and “the race,” in looking at the pitching matchups I have to pick the Braves to win at least two out of three. This would give the Braves a 6-4 series lead (at the least) and a half-game lead going to FLA. A sweep would give us a little more wiggle room and a lot of confidence, but it will be hard against that lineup.

2. Cormier can’t get back soon enough. Redman had a quality start last night, but cannot be counted on over the course of the year. Hurry up, Lance!

3. The Braves are tied for the Major-League lead in quality starts with TEN already. They are second in save pct, at 8 for 9 (the one save they blew, they still won).

All in all, not a bad start. If Andruw ever starts hitting, we’ll be unbeatable!

Go Braves!

By caveman22

April 20, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

willy wally oh go read my last 10 post from earlier in the week dipsh#t.

I suck up to nobody.

And what do you mean post something of substance ?? I thought this was a blog?? substance and meaning don’t belong here, it’s gets in the way of the asinine self-contradictory unholy crap that you and your butt buddies spew back in forth in a neverending conversation about nothing.

Now , “picture my rollin’” *(2pac)

By ncscoots

April 20, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

You may think Langy starting tonight is bad, but wait until you’ve had a chance to see Wilson at 1B for three days in a row. I actually hope against hope that Bobby might at least let Thor have a shot at Glavine, if not the other lefties.

On the other hand, maybe the Diaz fans get a glimpse of what “every day” might look like. You would think he gets three days in a row coming up, no?

By MBATL

April 20, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

DOB, much thanks. And, Kieren and Matthew, good posts at the end of yesterday’s blog.

This series will be a distant memory by September. Of course the games count in the standings, and it’s head to head among (so far) the division’s top teams, so it’s big in that regard, but “emotionally” it’s nothing to get too high or low about, whatever happens. Interesting, of course, but not decisive in any way.

Worst case, we get swept and we’re 2-4 against the Mets; best case we sweep, and we’re 5-1 against them. Reality will probably fall somewhere in between, and that means the teams will be within about a game of “even” so far this year. (getting swept would put us 3.5 games back, of course, which would not be a good thing… but it’s mid-April!)

At this point in the year, I’d rather lose all three games and learn that Gonzo has his mojo back, that Langerhans can hit again, and that AJ is out of his slump… but of course, I’ll be kicking the dog if we do get swept, just like the rest of you (MetroMan, No Chop excepted).

By TennesseePaul

April 20, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

or fans taking matters into their own hands
This could then get VERY interesting after all…

By Lee

April 20, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Langerhans is lucky he don’t play for the Red Sox. That supposedly phenomenon pitcher Dice-K was gripping about no run support in his last start in a 2-1 loss. He properly would refuse to pitch the game with Langy in the line-up.

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 20, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

One more tidbit that you’ll probably hear tonight on TBS:

Tim Hudson and John Smoltz have started seven combined games going into tonight. Of those seven starts, only SEVEN of them are quality starts. For the Braves’ staff as a whole, 10 quality starts out of 15 possible. Not too shabby!

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 20, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Thanks MBATL.

By sammy miller

April 20, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

NO CHOP ZONE you can believe in one hand and crap in the other for all we care!

By Willy Wally

April 20, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

it’s “picture me rollin’”.

not surprising you could not get even that right.

By Renegator

April 20, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

The thing that concerns me about KJ is that he seems very streaky (like Andruw). We saw this two years ago where he started out 1-34 then won the NL player of the week then went into another slump. I hope he can begin to gain some consistency since he is playing almost everyday now.

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 20, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Sammy Miller…..I love you too.

By choppinmama

April 20, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

This just in, from a recent Yankees press release:

The Yankees have just been granted permission by the Commissioner’s office to allow one of our players to make a uniform adjustmentfor the rest of the season. Starting tonight against bitter rival Red Sox, lucky #13 will be wearing a tasteful, but flirty red cape while batting. When asked why he wouldn’t be wearing his new accouterment at the hot corner, A-Rod said “it would interfere with my Gold-Glove defense.”

When asked to comment, Derek Jeter said “I’m happy to see my teammate rewarded for his super-sized April performance, but I am a little peeved with the Commish that he denied my request to wear a Spidey mask.”

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 20, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Okay, before I start quoting adjusted OPS and inflated KKA (Krispy Kreme average) let me give you one more thing to chew on (pun intended):

Check out the Braves Press Pass at this address:

http://presspass.mlb.com/pp_viewer.asp?d=33157&p=8

There you will find Chipper’s .331 career average against the Mets (36 HR, 110 RBI), Andruw’s 26 HR and 86 RBI, and the others’ numbers. Of those with at least 100 AB against the Mets (the Jones boys, Renteria, and Francoeur) the average is .304 BA, 18 HR, and 62 RBI. The real Met-killer though is Chipper. I can’t wait to see what he does tonight.

He’s healthy folks-the shakes are working!

By The Grinch

April 20, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Actually Scalp, it was “OnceEweGoBlack;” I’ve been feeling like some variety lately. My favorite band is Ewe two. From the looks of some of these posts, “Bad Engrish” is probably the most popular 80’s band. :-)

By caveman22

April 20, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

typo’s happen dude, but I glad to see that I get under your skin. Must of hit a little to close to home for you.

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 20, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Tim Hudson lifetime at Shea Stadium?

3-1, 3.62 ERA. I like our chances tonight, and can’t wait to watch it on TBS!

Okay, I should get back to work now.

By JasonInMaine

April 20, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Consistency in of itself isn’t what we are looking for…

LangerWhiff is very consistent!

(:

Regards,

Jason

By Lee

April 20, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

RENEGATOR - I have also considered that with KJ. We will find out soon enough - I have regreted bashing on him before so I hoping he will continue to improve. His streaky hitting would not be as bad if he was batting down in the order but batting in the leadoff positon…well..you know the answer to that.

By 22oz

April 20, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

That was a good article on platoons on the SI page. But lets all face the cold hard facts: Bobby lives by the platoon. Although i did almost fall out of my chair when he left Thorman in the other night against Eyre. Its gonna be tough for Thorman to develop b/c of the massive amounts of lefties in the NL East this year. He has a good game like he did Wednesday night, and has to sit the next day. This will never change under the Bobby Cox regime.

By Rodger

April 20, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Sammy sounds like he could live in a cave.

By Bushwacker

April 20, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Be careful Kincaid, I heard your crack on Thursday to Buck about math not being a strong subject here in the south, again furthering the stereotype of southerners being uneducated. Who thinks he should lose his job?

By caveman22

April 20, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

rodger

oh hell no!!! aint no sammy’s allowed in the cave.

By David O'Brien

April 20, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOG IS UP. And a new ballpark going up in the distance, beyond that monstrosity of a scoreboard here at Shea.

By Willy Wally

April 20, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

cavemen22 evidently happen as well

By Renegator

April 20, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Bushwacker: who are you talking to? Does Kincaid blog in here?

By choppinmama

April 20, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Scalp ‘em: I think Glav’s most recent tooth loss was from a NY cab accident a couple of years ago. It was his seminal “welcome to NY” moment.

By Renegator

April 20, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Did you see John Rocker on the 7 train? Wasn’t that his favorite one?

By Renegator

April 20, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

oops - wrong blog

By Coach

April 20, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Renegator , I have been a Braves fan all my life. I blog almost everyday , Who the FU** are you ?

By Robert

April 20, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

“Andruw is one of the few players believed to never have experimented with steroids and HGH.”

You know, that may be true. However, I dont that at this point, you could carte blanche just ASSUME it to be true and DECLARE it to be fact for ANY ballplayer on ANY team since the mid 90’s

The sad state of the game means that even the real Boy Scouts are suspect