Braves

By Rodger

April 24, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Absolutely agree on Huddy. Wasn’t sold, even after 2 starts. But he’s looked nasty, and strong. Let’s just hope we get something out of Redman this time, as well as some offense. Last time I checked, very few wins result from 0 runs scored!

By MGL

April 24, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

DOB - Thanks and it is getting a little scary. Any word on the lineup yet? Hopefully KJ, Thor and Diaz are all in there. Do you remember Diaz hit .500 in FL last year? Hopefully he can find that majic tonight.

By Baron

April 24, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

It’s been a herky jerky year. First we’re all like WE ROCK (but Kelly sucks) and then we’re all Dang! can we get it together for a few days in a row? and then WE RULE THE METS KELLY FOR PREZ and now we’re all like oooh nooo, our team is falling to pieces before our eyes! We’ve only got one good starter! Our 7 and 8 holes are actually black holes! Can somebody please, please, send us a Jacque Jones or something! Get Salty up here now and play him in LF and then have him pitch!

I’m as guilty as anyone, I’m thinking about taking some lithium. I guess this is what it’s like when you aren’t expecting a division title as your birthright. The dizzying highs! The terrifying lows! It’s fun though, innit?

By TennesseePaul

April 24, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the hard work DOB. I hope you enjoy being back in Florida.

Redman better put on his best cologne. I don’t want to see him stinking up the place.

By Efrim

April 24, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

7-1 to start

5-6 since…..

This team has dominated the Mets and Phillies. 7-2

But is 5-5 against the Marlins, Nationals and Cubbies???

Odd. I expect the bullpen to pitch better. The starting rotation worries me. Not Hudson or Smoltz. James has to pitch better. He hasn’t pitched into the 7th yet. He is pitching like a #4, not a #3. Davies and Redman are nothing more than 5th starters. I remember when Hampton was declared done for the year. No one cared. Why? Kyle Davies pitched a great game against the Mets. Braves fans….guys….we still needed Hampton. We are now awaiting the comeback of Lance Cormier. Please. At some point, the Braves will need another starter. If we lose Smoltz and Hudson starts, are we prone to a losing streak because are 3, 4,5 are below average? Say what you will about the Mets, but John Maine has been lights out. I’m sure when we scream about how good Chuck James is Mets fans say “it was a fluke”. Basically, the point I am getting to is that if this team wants to win the world series, or even win the division, they will need to get more from their 3,4,5. Mainly a trade to get a starter would be the route they should go. I know you all are going to call me negative, but the fact of the matter is…in baseball….over 162 games….YOU ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR NEXT DAYS STARTING PITCHER!!!!!!

By KC

April 24, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 24, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

“KC, Do you realy think IF the Braves go on that tear you’re dreaming of they’ll leave the Mets that far behind…..honestly”

No, of course not, No Chop… I think the Mets will win the division by 17 games, just like you.

By DAP

April 24, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Baron, amen to that, you nailed it. great post.

By BB

April 24, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’m driving up from Albququerque for the Rockies series. Do you know what the pitching matchups might look like at this point?

By James

April 24, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Please say somenone will finnaly agree with me that Kelly Johnson should almost never sit. When we have played Woodward, we have lost every game. When I saw him in the lineup last night, I immeadiatly knew that we were not going to win.

By MBATL

April 24, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Regarding signing Jones, Floyd or any other established outfielder:

Wouldn’t it make more sense to be a little patient with the guys we’ve got? They are NOT gonna hit .134 forever.

More importantly, I’m assuming Scheurholz has limited funds to play with this year. Seems to me to make a lot more sense to hold our hand for a while, because come the July trading deadline, we might just need starting pitching, or something else, instead.

By then, we’ll have a true picture of what we need, and more players will be available, for a better asking price, as the losing teams look to dump payroll…

Plus, it’s quite possible that next year we’ll see Salty, Escobar, Blanco, Lillibridge, and/or Brandon Jones in the lineup. I don’t want to commit to a contract we don’t need just because a couple of guys are slumping for 2 weeks.

We’re 12-7, not 7-12, and there’s every reason to think that the guys struggling now will come around. We don’t need massive numbers from any of them, just a decent OPB to keep innings alive. I think we’ll get it.

By Richard Cory

April 24, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Rodger—good one on Gary Carter. I recall another young catcher who came here with the Braves in 66, and went on to have a decent season or two as a thirdbaseman, with the Cardinals, by the name of Torre. Mantle was a ss that the Yanks moved to CF. Don’t see many moving to 2B or ss from other positions. That makes what KJ is doing even more impressive.

By beachcomber

April 24, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

R. Cory - filed this post on the old blog. Damned right Robinson was out. Like you a big Yogi fan. Still have my first Yogi catcher’s glove displayed in my office.

Tenn Paul - Holmes and Berra are apples and oranges. (88 career HR’s versus 358 - contact hitter versus clean-up hitter). Try comparing Gary Carter - 33 fewer HR’s in about the same AB’s but over 500 more K’s than Berra. And I should mention Carter’s similiar stats shouldn’t be in the Hall if Murph’s aren’t, but I digress.

By Kieran from Long Island

April 24, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

I have to say, you guys are all very off on Mike Piazza. Living in New York I’ve seen the guy catch quite a bit and he is not at all a bad defensive catcher, in fact he was always quite good. The problem was, of course he couldn’t throw out Cecil Fielder if old Cess had an upside-down Chevy tied to his back. Piazza always took a lot of pride in his defense and it killed him that he struggled so much with the throws(Images of him with the medicine ball in the dugout between innings are damn near heart breaking haha), because he called a solid game, could keep anything infront of him and could go out and get a popup as good as anyone this side of Pudge Rodrigez. All you baseball card collecters buy in to these common and cliched thoughts inside the culture of the sport, such as bad arm=defensive catcher, and you regurgitate it insesently as if it were infalible truth. Its not your fault I suppose, espn and talk radio set the bar.

PS- don’t look now… Jeffys up to a .278 AVG and leading the NL in RBIs

By Efrim

April 24, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

MBATL- “We’re 12-7, not 7-12”

Dude, its baseball. Things can change quickly. We are on the road the next two games in florida. We go to Colorado then come home for 10 games against the Phillies. Dodgers and Padres. That ain’t cake man. Dodgers and Padres are tough, and the Phillies are not dead by any means.

By MBATL

April 24, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Probably the most dramatic position move for a catcher that I can think of is Craig Biggio - catcher to outfield to 2B.

By Roper

April 24, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

How about Brian Jordan in Left? I’m sure he’d give it a whirl.

By Yars

April 24, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

I have more faith in Davies than I do Redman. Hopefully tonight, Redman will change my mind. Atlanta hasn’t lost a series yet this season. It will be up to Redman to keep the streak going. The Fish are throwing a RH pitcher tonight, so I expect Kelly Johnson to be in the lineup. Knowing Bobby, he will rest McCann another day. Brayan Pena isn’t really that bad. I have more confidence in Pena than I did Todd automatic out Pratt last season. I want to see Thor break out and have a good game, that is if he’s playing. Out of Langy, Diaz, Wilson, & Thor, I truly believe Thor’s bat will heat up soon before the others. DOB……..A long time ago, you mentioned that you saw Depeche Mode live in the early 90’s. I can’t help but wonder what your favorite Mode song/album is? The reason I’m curious is because I’m doing a lot of spring cleaning in the house this week & I came across tons of cd’s I forgot I had. Mode, the Cult, Soundgarden, Sponge, Ministry, Duran Duran, the Byrds, Green Day, Motley Crue, just to name a few….. now playing: Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode.

By KC

April 24, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Any notice who’s leading the league in RBI?

By Alan

April 24, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Not to sound like the proverbial broken record (oops - now it’s a broken CD, I guess), DOB, but there is serious cause for concern with this team. All of a sudden, Hudson is the ace (and I remain skeptical, although a bit less every time out) and everyone else in the rotation (including, unfortunately, Smoltz) is very, very ordinary or worse. The good news is, every other team in the NL (heck, in all of baseball - the Yankees’ starters are horrible) is in the same sad shape. The bullpen, however (even with Oscar’s bad outing last night), is really, really good - which is not the case with many other teams (including the Yankees, by the way). And something has to be done in LF. I believe the time is now - don’t wait until Memorial Day like 2 years ago. If the Braves had a legit guy in left, maybe they’d be more willing to let Thorman play every day at first. As it is now, though, the bottom third of the order truly is automatic outs. It is a long season, so no one should get too high or too low this early, but it’s not hard to see the trend here. The Mets’ offense is awesome, so whenever they get any pitching at all, they figure to win. Notice, too, the Phillies are heating up a bit. Rollins has been hot all year; now Utley and Howard are starting to hit, too. Yes, they are the Phillies and no one wants to take them too seriously with Charlie Manuel at the helm, but they’ve got a lot of talent - they can score runs in bunches. It’s going to be a long, tough haul, boys and girls. Get used to it.

By N8

April 24, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

DAP

This is continuing our “discussion” on the other blog.

I’m with you. Winning SERIES is what it should all be about.

We do that, we’ll be in good shape. We’re already in good shape, all things considered. I just would like to see us playing better all around ball. Pitching, defense, hitting. PERIOD.

Last year, we LOST a lot of games, playing some bad baseball. This year we seem to be winning many games, despite being relaitively sloppy at times (in at least one are of the above mentioned three).

I would just feel more comfortable about our chances if we were playing good ball, not to mention having better hitting approaches BEFORE THE 8th INNING!

That’s all.

By JasonInMaine

April 24, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

I agree on the need of another starter. I posted similar thoughts on the other blog. I think if we get a LF that can be productive, play Thor at 1B full time in order to see what he’s got, and get another starter; we will be able to hang with the Muts all year baby!

Regards,

Jason

By MBATL

April 24, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Efrim, huh? I didn’t say we’re unbeatable or that there was no need for concern. I said it’s too early to make a panic deal for an outfielder we may not need longterm.

Frankly, I’m a lot more concerned about our pitching than I am our hitting.

By ncscoots

April 24, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

David was insightful with the “incrementally worse” observation. If Davies had two good starts and then a clunker, so be it, take it all season. But he seems to ratchet it up and then slide, slide, slide. Still, you don’t kick 23-year-olds to the curb, especially when they are tanned, long-legged blondes who…

Sorry. Lost my place for a moment.

…when they have the tools Davies possesses. I’m afraid, though, that he keeps tossing the rope back every time the team gives it to him, and maybe Richmond is the place for him to learn how to swim.

By Rodger

April 24, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Pratt was more than an automatic out-he usually gauranteed a LOSS!

Ofcourse he also drew the AA scrubs we sent to the mound. Never mind, we touched on that the last blog…

By Efrim

April 24, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

MBATL-

Agreed. I think the Braves issue is their Pitching, not their LF/1st base situation. Redman is terrible, and I don’t really like Davies either. James is okay, and yes he pitched great last year. BUT he should be our 4th starter, not our 3rd. Time to start scouring the league for a pitcher. I know tons of teams need starters, but we have some serious chips. Lets offer Salty, Escobar and Harrison for Dan Haren and call it a day. There is your World Series here we come trade. Although that would deplete the system.

By Novice Ned

April 24, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

No doubt that we need help in LF and an experienced starter. The question is can our GM wait until the trade deadline when bargain hunters can make out a little better. My best guess is he will need to address LF sooner than later and maybe wait for a pitcher. We can try to out-score teams in the regular season but will need better pitching when/if we make the post-season. And while many of us had “assumed” James would be more than solid, he has been mostly average in his first few starts. I assume there is little chance that we move KJ to LF and call Prado up from the minors, huh? And what’s up with Craig Wilson? YUCK!

By Wayne in UT

April 24, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

LF: I would love to see us put Langerhans on the DL (make something up, for crying out loud) and bring up Blanco. Don’t throw him to the wolves, but give him a start here, a start there, and some PH assignments with no pressure. Bat him 8th. See if he has anything???

As for pitching, I wonder if the long layoffs are affecting Davies. Go Redman tonight! Time to put it all together with some hitting.

By Adam

April 24, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Braves need to find a way to pick up an arm like Zach Grenke. He would solidify the rotation and make the Braves what they use to be…pitching rich.

By dawgbrave

April 24, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Once again, it amazes me, when the braves win they are the best team in baseball and can do no wrong, but when they lose, they are the worst team in baseball. Make up your mind! In a perfect world, we would all want them to win by 15 runs a night with a no hitter every time. I am sure with all your wonderful suggestions that will probably happen and they will go undefeated for the rest of the season. I agree they aren’t as consistant as they could be, but give it time. I still think they have a lot of fire and although not as perfect as we would all want it to be, they are going to be in the thick of things. But what do I know. If anyone else is like me they are enjoying yelling at the t.v. every night, even though I could never hit the ball out of the infield. One way or another, go Braves.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Concerning the bully’s high ERA - I’m not nearly as worried about that as I am the starting pitching performance recently. Yes, the bully has given up runs. But, only 1 blown save so far. Villareal’s 2 runs last night didn’t help, but I’m not going to say we would have won the game had he not given up those two runs. Too many variables to say that as an absolute. Despite Soriano having a shaky outing, he has been awfully tough when it counted. Despite Gonazalez not being dominant, he still hasn’t hurt us. Yates has been mostly hot, cold a couple of times - but, again, when it counted, he held his own. Beefy Bob - can’t ask for any better than 6 saves in 6 opportunities.

We know to be scared when Redman and Davies take the pill. My concern is James - he got shelled Saturday - granted, by the best offense in the league (possibly the majors). Hope his confidence doesn’t get shaken because of that. With his pitching style, velocity, and “stuff”, he has to have confidence to succeed.

With the lack of production in the left field, offensively, perhaps the “Mendoza Line” will instead be renamed the “LangerDiaz Line”, or maybe the “Bozo the Clowns Line”. Sheesh, hope for a breakout by the guys tonight.

By Braves20

April 24, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Yars - Thanks for putting things in perspective. I cannot think of a single player on our roster I would compare to Todd Pratt. Even Langy at .0whatever - at least he can catch the ball which seemed to challenge Todd all last year.

And where’s that dude on the blog who argued all last year that Todd was providing “veteran leadership” for McCann? Brain seems to be doing very well without Pratt thank you.

By TennesseePaul

April 24, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

beachcomber: Just comparing K/AB rates. I can’t think of anyone better than Holmes. There could be, but that guy was impressive.

By Richard Cory

April 24, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

MBATL—great one on Biggio.Beachcomber-know how you feel about that glove. I have a Mantle model bat, that I’ll never get rid of. It’s not autographed, but it’s still valuable to me.

By rupert

April 24, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

DOB, have you heard and rumblings about a move on Langerhans front? maybe send him down to get some confidence back?

By BossLady

April 24, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Yeah Dawgbrave, good job. Thanks.

By Kerry

April 24, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

I wish Bobby would go with the hot hand for a change instead of the righty,lefty platooning. I believe Langerhans would be a more productive player by now if he’d been given a chance to play everyday in 2005.

By jsizzle

April 24, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

PATIENCE young paduans. it is way too early in the season to be panicking. for now, the braves have a good record and i think bobby has been experimenting with the lineup, giving pt to everybody (except pete orr, it seems), to see what kind of team he’s got.

the bullpen is straight. the lineup is straight (as long as kj, and NOT woodward, is leading off), and the defense is above average (awesome when langerhans is playing LF).

the braves should be concerned about the starting rotation though. smoltz and hudson are as strong a 1-2 as anyone in bigs, but i think js and bobby were counting on big things from hampton this and it is HUGE loss that he is out again. think about how crazy it is that we are all on here posting and waiting for the return of….lance cormier?!

By Richard Cory

April 24, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul— did you ever see a better ‘bad ball’ hitter than Yogi. Maybe Vlad, but can’t think of anyone else. Course, if Frenchy made a little more ‘contact’, he would top the list-no question. LOL

By JasonInMaine

April 24, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

rupert, Langerhans can’t simply be sent down. He is out of options.

Regards,

Jason

By N8 says: The 1st Amendment RULZ! LOL LOL LOL LOL

April 24, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Richard Cory

“did you ever see a better ‘bad ball’ hitter than Yogi. Maybe Vlad, but can’t think of anyone else.”

Kirby Puckett comes to mind. He didn’t have the raw power that Vlad has. But he definitely was a guy that would swing at anything and usually ended up doing some dammage.

By geauxbraves2000

April 24, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

I’m not one to just say send _ down to Richmond, these players are people, but sometimes all it takes is one roster shake up to wake up the rest.

Big game tonight, want to keep that “not losing a series” streak going.

Geaux Braves!!

By eric the elder

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

DOB, you could do us all a favor. Please arrange to have a scrolling banner across the top of the website that says, “Langy cannot be sent ‘down’ because he is out of options.” Run it 24/7 for the rest of the season. This might result is a 20% decrease in the size of the blog.

By Chop Chop

April 24, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Cut Langerhans outright.

By CK

April 24, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

The raves are going to have to stick it out and hope they can stay away from injuries. Redman and Davies will have their good games but they are average pitchers at best.

At least Davies has an upside… room to improve. Redman is on the bottomside of his career and I wouldn’t be surprised if he is out by midseason.

On the other hand the Mets get Pedro back at midseason and will be much improved compared to our Braves. The truth hurts but it is still the truth.

Even if the Braves are close at midseason the Mets have the power to pull ahead in both pitching and offense. As badly as I want to believe that the current stanings will hold … the reality is that the mest are enduring the loss of their ace while the Braves are placing their season on the capabilities of just two arms.

But I will still catch every game i can and root for the Bravos as I have for the last 30 years.

By David O'Brien

April 24, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

McCann’s back in the lineup, K.J. leading off obviously.

Thorman and Langerhans in the black holes … er, 7-8.

It’s not good when the bottom third of your lineup are very likely outs _ Thorman (.206), Langerhans (.063) and Redman (.000)….

Rupert, no “rumblings” about Langerhans that I’ve heard. Nothing at all from Braves or from guys covering other teams. Not a fertile time of season for trade rumors.

By Efrim

April 24, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

CAN EVERYONE LOOK AROUND THE LEAGUE AND FIND A STARTING PITCHER THAT MAY BE AVAILABLE IN THE COMING MONTHS….I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE. I HAVEN’T FOUND A SINGLE ONE YET.

By Ricardo

April 24, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Eric -

While we are at it, may need another to mention that we can’t cut Hampton to avoid his salary!

By David O'Brien

April 24, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Baron, good early post. Solid points.

BB, pitching matchups for Colorado series are: James vs. LH Jeff Francis (1-2, 6.46), Smoltz vs. RH Jason Hirsh (2-1, 3.16) and Davies vs. RH Aaron Cook (0-1, 4.00).

By brad in KY

April 24, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

I think it’s a false dichotomy. If neither Davies nor Redman gets it in gear they’ll both be dumped. I think the Braves will try to make something happen to shore up the back end of the rotation. You simply can’t carry around a guy (any guy) with an era over 6 who can’t throw strikes.

I’m not suggesting that I know what they’ll do. I have no idea. But I think JS will do something - no more waiting around for things to iron themselves out after what happened last season and sans Mazzone.

By brad in KY

April 24, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

Efrim

What did you say? I couldn’t hear you.

By Wayne in UT

April 24, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Check out all the other teams #4 and #5 starters. Maybe we aren’t so bad off after all.

Looking for Thorman and Langerhans to break out big time tonight. Let’s get some positive vibes going on………

KJ for Mayor!

By N8 says: The 1st Amendment RULZ! LOL LOL LOL LOL

April 24, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

*”Langerhans can’t simply be sent down. He is out of options.”

From where I’m standing, one of the Braves options should just be to dump him.

I know Bobby says that he saves runs with his glove, I don’t dispute that, in fact I support it. He’s THAT good in LF.

But at this point, IMO, he’s COST US more games with his bat, than he’s saved us with his glove.

If he doesn’t start hitting, he needs to go. At the VERY LEAST, if they don’t want to “give up” on him or just release him, he should become the pinch runner/late inning defense guy in LF. Not to mention that he’s an adequate backup in CF, should Andruw go down (defensively of course).

I get the whole “out of options” thing. Believe me. But at what point do you keep running a guy out there that is HURTING the team more than he is helping it, just because he is “out of options”?

That would be similar to if Cormier comes back healthy in a couple of weeks and Redman is STILL struggling, we keep him in the rotation because he is “out of options” and we got a “good deal” on him at $750,000 for the year? Would that make any sense?

At some point you have to cut ties. We did it with Quilvio Veras. We did it with Mondesi. Hell, last time I checked, we gave up on Gary Matthews Jr. too.

JS should cut our losses, and cut him loose.

By Lew

April 24, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Nathan-The best bad ball hitter of all time was Roberto Clemente. He could hit anything he could reach with his bat.

By Fed Up

April 24, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

DOB:

How many of our losses have come against lefties?

By Lew

April 24, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

CK-The Mets aren’t getting Pedro back until August at the best. He won’t even start throwing off a mound until June at the earliest-and that’s according to Mets’ reports. Add to that the fact that he could experience setbacks, just like Hampton. Even if all goes well and he does get back by August, how long until he gets back to any kind of prior form? There’s many things to concern ourselves with and Pedro isn’t one of them.

By bergian

April 24, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

n8, from the other blog… N8, Move McCann to 1st you say, and have Salty as the catcher! Great idea! I thought so when I suggested it at 2:02 am as well! ;)

Great minds think alike!

By 96,sc

April 24, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Bring up Salty! I read an article a couple of weeks ago that Salty was better behind the plate and MCcann could be moved to 1st. I’m not so sure about all that. I have seen Brandon Jones in person for the pelicans and Rome and think that he could possibly help in left field.

By journalist jimmy smith

April 24, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

bobby cox must not let ryan langerhans’ batting average drop below .050. it will be better to sit ryan langehans than to let the average dip below .050. there are many reasons for this, but if it is true that chicks dig the long ball and langerhans cannot produce even contact with the ball, then female fans may quit coming to turner field. imagine a game at the ted with no girls. sad. for this reason, langerhans must not be allowed to drop below .050. thank you.

By N8

April 24, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

I should note, before people accuse me of “giving up too soon” on Langerhans, that I’m basing my decision on him being 27 years old, in his 3rd season up with the Braves and basically showing me little to nothing in the way of ability to hit big league pitching, much less being consistant at doing it.

I’m bumbed out by Andruw’s slow start as well, yet he at least has a track record that says he’ll eventually turn it on, if not completely carry the team for about a month with his bat. OH, btw, he can save games with his glove as well.

However, Andruw’s slow starts, and streakiness ARE ENOUGH for me to be hopeful that JS doesn’t break the bank to keep him after this year.

Lew

I’ll take your word on Clemente. Everything I’ve seen on him shows me that he was a wonderful player, (and a better person), who died much too young.

I just happened to be about 2 when he died, so my memory doesn’t serve me real well on his abilities.

By bergian

April 24, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Lew, I think Vlad is just as bad…I mean good bad ball hitter as Roberto. But since, you saw Roberto, I will defer to your opinion. And Ichiro has hit a few bounced up there as well, but haven’t seen that ability to hit them way low and outside like Vlad. They were showing some clips of Roberto throwing people out on Baseball tonight a week or two ago, not just the one they always show of him in the last games he played in, and man, his arm looked better than Dave Parker in his prime!

By beachcomber

April 24, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

Richard Cory - You keep stirring up memories. Best two “bad ball” hitters I ever saw were Yogi, of course, and the great Roberto Clemente. Whoops I see Lew beat me to that! Off to the house to get ready for tonight’s TBS broadcast. Go Braves!

By N8

April 24, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

berigan

Not only am I long winded, I appear to be a plagiarist as well.

I’m with you. But NOT for this year. Down the road, is my thought on that one. Thus the basis for me to want us to hang on to salty.

Sure we will have two catcher’s if he’s ready in a year or two. But how many middle infielders do we have right now in the minors?

We have WAY MORE depth at middle infield, let’s trade from that pool of talent, before giving Salty away.

After all, let’s not forget, McCann is one Darin Erstad collision away from not being available for a while, as are ALL catchers.

By ChampDawg

April 24, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

I’ve said it all along. The pitching rotation is simply too weak. Unless this improves and unless Andruw and Francour start to put up better numbers (BA), this team will again dissappoint us in the end. The “fast start” was just that, nothing more.

By Lew

April 24, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

Y’all-Salty and Brandon Jones have had two weeks at AA. We’re getting a bit carried away here. You can’t keep calling up all your AA players, even when they’ve had much more time there than Salty and Jones have had. My God-I mean someone suggested bringing up Kai’ahue and he has had two weeks at A ball. If they were to come up now, all any of you would do would be b!tch when they performed just like they are-AA (or less) players that just got to AA or A. Ease up. Our left field platoon will not keep hitting .130 and Thorman is already warming up a bit. You have to have some patience. It’s only been three weeks. Until last week all everyone wanted was to kill KJ-now everyone thinks he’s the best leadoff hitter we’ve ever had. Take medication and breathe deeply. Repeat as necessary. Frequently.

By Efrim

April 24, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

Right now this team is a 85 win team, and that isn’t enough to win the division or the wild card.

By TennesseePaul

April 24, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

Sid Bream comes to mind =) But only one instance. The one where he checked his swing and it went out of the park. That was in Colorado though. But ridiculous nonetheless. Not to often you get one of those, “Oops didn’t mean to” Home Runs.

By JM

April 24, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

Remember the name Matt Harrison. He doesn’t turn 22 until August and he’s still in double-A ball, but don’t be surprised if he’s in the rotation by the end of the year. I just don’t see Davies or Redman sticking in the rotation all year.

By Lew

April 24, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

Berigan-I saw Clemente hit balls over his head and outside of the opposite batter’s box (but in the batting circle). In right field, I saw him throw out several runners at first who had singled to right. He was a special player.

By TennesseePaul

April 24, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

However, Andruw’s slow starts, and streakiness ARE ENOUGH for me to be hopeful that JS doesn’t break the bank to keep him after this year

The difference between Player’s idea of fair value and everyone elses idea of fair value. It’ll be interesting to see where AJ is on this. Part of me thinks he leans more to the realistic side; that Boras is the one pulling him to the other side. I say AJ should shun Boras again… it’d be one less ivory back scratcher for him!

By David O'Brien

April 24, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

By the way, Chipper is 35 today. He’s 18-for-50 (.360) with 10 extra-base hits (six homers), 11 RBIs, 10 walks and a 1.287 OPS in his past 13 games.

By James

April 24, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Everyone who does not think that Davies can succeed needs to read this: Right-hander Kyle Davies lasted only four-plus innings, getting strikeouts almost at will with his curveball but sailing his fastball high or wide for six walks. If Kyle Davies can learn how to throw his fastball for strikes with the help of Roger Mcdowell, he can be an ace. Last of all, I would like it to be noticed that Davies best pitch, his changeup, has not even be mentioned.

By MBATL

April 24, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Lew, for the record, Salty played 92 games at AA last year (but struggled until late season), and Brandon Jones played 48. But, your point is certainly taken…

I think the only way Salty will see significant time in Atlanta this year is if McCann is seriously hurt, and I think Salty would be brought up as the starting catcher in that case. Not for 10 games, but if we’re talking the rest of the season, I bet he would be.

However, I wouldn’t be that surprised to see Jones brought up IF we keep having problems in LF. A AA player coming to Atlanta to play outfield would not be unprecedented.

But again, I agree with you; I think all this talk is premature… let’s get the guys on the team going and let the young guys develop.

By Wayne in UT

April 24, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

N8 & Berigan

A couple of weeks ago (really late, if I remember correctly) when I should have been in bed I rambled on about using a tandem of McCann and Salty (we gotta get a correct pronunciation of that young man’s name) behind the plate and at 1B. Would that work?? If both were decent catchers. Catch one guy for 3 games, then the other guy for 3. Rotate. I know that has some downside, but what an upside, IF (HUGE IF) Saltalmacchia becomes a top notch major leaguer.

Understand that I know there are some holes in this theory, and it goes against a lot of proven wisdom. Just something to ponder. Has any team ever really done that? I am not talking about a lefty/righty platoon, but using 2 catchers and playing them at alternating positions enough to keep their bats in the lineup for 150 games plus a year, versus 130-135 games.

Whaddya think Brave Nation??

By Rob

April 24, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

We should just send Diaz, Langerhans, Thorman, and Wilson to the D-Rays for Kazmir, Baldelli, and Crawford. Then trade Crawford to the Yankees for A-Rod, Wang, and Jeter. The Yanks will pick up the salary….yada yada yada. Get the point folks? This is how pathetically stupid some of you sound. They’re not even playing that great of baseball and they’re right there. Relax!!!!

By Wayne in UT

April 24, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

TennPaul: AJ’s dad needs to have a family picnic, invite Bora$$ and John Schuerholz. Get Bora$$ drunk on his A$$, then sign up for 3 years at 15 mil per with options for years 4 & 5 with escalating salaries if he continues to produce. That’s the only way I would say we should resign him. Personally, I don’t think in 4 years he will be worth more than 5 million in todays dollars.

Whaddya think?

By Epinephrine

April 24, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

Everyone just needs to take it easy until the end of April. Chances are, of the four “black holes”, at least one of them will get it together. My money says Thorman develops, and Wilson gets it together.

I think Diaz simply is not an every day big league hitter. I think Langerhans has the potential, but I am starting to become pretty skeptical that he will work it all out.

So, I think we might have a gap to fill in left field. With Thorman/Wilson, though, by Mid May I’ll be pretty darn shocked if we are not looking at a satisfactory 8-hole platoon.

DOB-any word on Boyer and Paronto? Their addition to this squad could make the bullpen pretty nasty-especially if Gonzo continues to look like he did last night.

By Wayne in UT

April 24, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

James Agree with you completely on Davies. Can’t give up too quick on a kid with the potential he has. Problem is, we need his quality starts to keep us going. Redman is stop gap. Lets hope the last start for James was an abberation.

Gotta run for a while.

Lew Agreed that we don’t need to rush now. I would entertain bringing up Blanco though. Wait until summer if things are still dire for guys like BJones, Salty and Harrison.

By Wayne in UT

April 24, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

What’s up with all these oblique strains?????? Is this some backlash from ‘roids use?????

By Jay

April 24, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

Lets try to have just a LITTLE perspective. We havent even played a month yet!

By TennesseePaul

April 24, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Lew: I’m not sure anyone wanted Kai’ahue called up. There was some one wondering if there were any first basemen of promise in the system. This after they listed how stacked the minors were at nearly every position.
I’m not seeing to many posts requesting Salty be brought up right away. There is the occassional poster calling for 100% roster turn over after 1 loss to the Marlins. Other than that it seems most of the talk is about what the future holds for top prospects and how they might fit into positions of weakness on the team.

I think it’s fair to say that 3B, 2B, C, and RF have long term to fairly long term players holding down the fort. SS as well, but with the plethera of middle infielders and the need for peices else where, Renteria becomes a valuable trading chip. Especially if he is traded with no cash. We got him for 6 million a year due to the lump sum Boston stuck in his suit case. If he is traded and we pocket the money, we get him for even cheaper. Or another way to view it, we get that extra cash to off set other player salary increases. Not bad either way. But I see this team getting younger next year. THe only issue is, we have to sit through the learning phase of a few more call ups. Hopefully, when the time comes, they’ll break out of the gates with a vengence.

As for this season… If the pitching doesn’t get better by the end of May, that will be addressed. After that, the bench will need to be looked at. Fixing the bench would resolve the platoon situations. Much like it did last year. Though we fixed the bench by DLing Jordan.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 24, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Can Woodward play left field?

By Lew

April 24, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

MBATL-What everyone tends to forget is that we still have Billy McCarthy and Blanco at Richmond. McCarthy hit .300 at every level of the Braves’ system, until he tore up his ankle in 05. It took all of last year to get him back. He’s almost 28 and he can hit for average. We really don’t need to go to AA-at least not yet. We brought up the entire farm year before last and I’d like to avoid that again,if possible. We’ve got the makings of fine teams for years to come with Brandon, JoJo Reyes, Harrison, Pope, Campbell, Lillibridge, Escobar and others. They need to play out their minor league careers, though, and develop naturally. The streak’s over-what does it really matter if we save the kids until their time?

By Brent

April 24, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

DOB- I’ve noticed Soriano is unhittable in close and late situations, but has gotten killed in his two outings where nothing was on the line. Is this just coincidence, or do you think this has to do with his concentration, and just stepping it up when the pressure is on? As bad as his ERA is right now, he has been dominant in every hold situation Cox has given him, so if he keeps that up then I have no problems with him.

By meansonny

April 24, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

lew

Thanks for bringing some sanity in your 6:02 pm post.

Go Braves

By TennesseePaul

April 24, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

Wayne: It’s hard to say. Seems like every day I read articles about old players finally figuring it out. There is one on Omar Vizquel of the Giants on ESPN right now. The most common phrase is, if I had known then what I know now, there is no telling where I’d be.
Maybe AJ will be like Aaron and actually increase production after the age of 30. It wouldn’t be hard for him to do. All he need do is start using the whole field and stop pulling every pitch. He’ll hit them out no matter what.
If AJ does age like a fine wine, he’d be worth it. Even with all his banging around in the outfield. I don’t see a lost step with him yet, but even if there is, he can be shifted to LF or RF when the time comes.
Part of the issue with a player contract is, it is a delicate balance between expectations and rewards. The contract isn’t just about paying for expectations. It’s about rewarding past success. Part of the reason why one can’t really pitty a call up player. He may pull in leageue minimum for a few years, but he’ll get his when the time comes. A portion of that is an award for skills demonstrated.
I have no idea what AJ will do or what he’ll command vs settle for. All I can do is hope. Hope he and Smoltz can return. I like the idea of players spending their entire career with one team. It’s my biggest hang up with Glavine. It wouldn’t be any easier watching AJ go some place else. Or Smoltz for that matter. Especiallly since these are HOF players. Smoltz, Glavine, Chipper, AJ… all of them could be in the Hall one day. I’d like them all to be there with a Tomahawk, and where possible, only one team name listed in their credentials.

I am curious about that pending sale. There is a legal deadline with the Tax loop hole… and then the Owners meeting coming up. That deal could change a lot for better or worse.

By Brent

April 24, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

The Davies problem really isn’t that complicated. It doesn’t matter how good your stuff is, if you leave 90 MPH fastballs with no movement up and over the plate they will get crushed. When Davies keeps his fastball down he is dominant, as average hitters (like Olivo) are not able to drive the pitches at their knees.

On top of that, when Davies keeps the fastball down it is a great compliment to his curveball- as hitters may take a stab at a pitch down and away thinking it is a fastball, and swing right over the top of a curve in the dirt. There is no doubt that he has the arm to be a solid 15 game winner. But he has to get consistent with that fastball. You just cannot beat major league teams when you can’t control your fastball.

That being said, I would rather suffer through a grueling and frustrating Davies start, than an altogether hopeless Redman start (as his first two were). At least when Davies pitches you can see the potential there, and hope he will get it all together. But watching Redman throw 90 pitches of absolute junk is very depressing.

By Tomahawkin

April 24, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

Aw…Man, Hope I’m wrong but the Marlins are gonna have their way with Redman tonite…I have the Beer cans to throw at the tube, Becuz I think its gonna get ugly, unless our bats can come out smokin early…

By MBATL

April 24, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Lew, I don’t really see it with McCarthy; maybe you’re looking at different stats than me.

He’s posted some pretty low BA and OBP numbers at AAA the last 2 years, and he has very little power, and doesn’t steal bases. What’s the upside? But can’t pretend that I know his game, so maybe there’s something I’m missing.

By Bambino Bravos

April 24, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Jarrod Saltalamacchia 0.370 0.469 0.685 1.154

Diory Hernandez 0.310 0.444 0.655 1.100

Brandon Jones 0.352 0.405 0.563 0.968

J.C. Holt 0.394 0.412 0.424 0.836

Greg Creek 0.283 0.364 0.391 0.755

Matt Esquivel 0.217 0.280 0.435 0.715

Brent Lillibridge 0.258 0.351 0.348 0.699

Mark Jurich 0.286 0.286 0.400 0.686

Jonathan Schuerholz 0.222 0.364 0.222 0.586

Josh Burrus 0.143 0.234 0.286 0.520

Van Pope 0.167 0.214 0.288 0.502

Carl Loadenthal 0.174 0.220 0.174 0.394

Fernando Lunar 0.143 0.200 0.143 0.343

Willie Harris 0.378 0.482 0.667 1.149

Bill McCarthy 0.306 0.390 0.528 0.918

Martin Prado 0.327 0.424 0.449 0.873

Yunel Escobar 0.339 0.383 0.482 0.865

Gregor Blanco 0.349 0.429 0.372 0.801

Wes Timmons 0.233 0.303 0.467 0.770

Anthony Lerew 0.250 0.250 0.500 0.750

Corky Miller 0.200 0.400 0.320 0.720

Carlos Mendez 0.333 0.321 0.370 0.692

Barbaro Canizares 0.242 0.308 0.364 0.671

T.J. Bohn 0.238 0.333 0.310 0.643

Doug Clark 0.231 0.295 0.333 0.629

By Lew

April 24, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

TenPaul-Yes, someone actually called for Kai’ahue to replace Thorman. Not just an inquiry, but an outright demand to have him up now.

By Pink Elephant

April 24, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Najeh, as bad as Woodward and Orr are, they certainly could not do worse than what is going on in left right now.

By N8

April 24, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

“When Davies keeps his fastball down he is dominant”

“On top of that, when Davies keeps the fastball down it is a great compliment to his curveball…”

Yeah. OK.

I’m sure somebody said that about Albie Lopez at one point or another, too. After all, he DID throw a no-hitter once.

By MBATL

April 24, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

DOB, what does it mean that Redman signed a “minor league contract” with the Braves. I remember hearing that when we signed him, and Skip just mentioned it again. Does that give us any flexibility with him if we need it?

By Chop Chop

April 24, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Face it: The Braves’ bench stinks. Woodward has a career OBP of .303. Wilson has power (we haven’t seen it yet), but he’s a strikeout waiting to happen, and I’m not basing that on this season. I’m basing it on his career. Orr is a decent pinch hitter and a good pinch runner, but his power is nil. Langerhans is very good defensively, but on a team with a money crunch for bats off the bench, he’s been a sieve at the plate and really shouldn’t be in Atlanta right now, but someone said he’s out of options…and I don’t believe ‘em! Bah!

Anyway, Diaz and Pena are solid coming off the bench. They usually put the ball in play, which is a rarity for this bunch. Thorman hasn’t been very good in the lineup or off the bench, but he hasn’t been in the bigs that long. I’ll give him a free pass. As many of us know, the bench is the main part of a team that is affected by having a set payroll. You either have to go young and cheap on the bench or old and washed-up. The Braves do a little of both and just pray that guys will overachieve.

By Brent

April 24, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

N8- if you have watched Davies pitch, the only times he gets hit is when he leaves the fastball above the belt.

By Chop Chop

April 24, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

I think I posted this last season, but for anyone who wants to keep tabs on the guys down in the minors, here’s a link for you:

Baseball America Minor League Teams and Stats

You can just click on the various Braves affiliates and bookmark them on your browser.

By N8

April 24, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Brent.

I’m not trying to be an a$$ or argue with you, ok….maybe just a little.

YES. I’ve watched him pitch. Yes, when he pitches well, he succeeds. Kinda common sense, isn’t it?

That’s like saying, when Andruw has a good approach and he makes contact, he hits the ball really far. DUH!

You claim that “the only times he gets hit is when he leaves the fastball above the belt.”

I won’t disagree with you. You’re correct. However, I will say that about 75 percent of the time he’s pitched since being up with Atlanta he’s “left the fastball above the belt”.

That’s all I’m saying.

By Pink Elephant

April 24, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

The only time Davies gets hit is when he is not walking people.

Don’t give me that zone location crap.

By N8

April 24, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Well THERE YOU HAVE IT.

TP can’t help Francoeur, yet after watching ONE SWING in the cage, McCann “fixes” Francoeur for a day.

Unreal.

DOB, I know guys have been player/manager before. Has there ever been a player/hitting coach?

By brent a.

April 24, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

In today’s USAToday Bobby Cox was quoted as saying something to the effect of,

“(I’ll) keep watching him snag those balls in the gap,” when asked about the slumping Langerhans.

By Chop Chop

April 24, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Damn good start tonight, guys. Let’s see if Redman can put together another good game.

By N8

April 24, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

This is a NICE job of 2 out hitting by the Braves.

But these runs are ALL gifts, since Andruw should’ve been out on strikes, with the missed check swing call, by the first base umpire.

Nice job though, guys. Redman needs ALL the help he can get.

By Brent

April 24, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

Nice start

By Coach

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

Did I tell you the Braves would jump all over this kid ? Yes I did.

By Brent

April 24, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

N8- I agree completely. It is common sense to say that when you pitch badly you will get hurt. I was merely trying to distinguish Davies from Redman. Davies at least has a major league arm, and if he ever masters his control he will be a solid starter. I don’t think Redman has the physical ability to be a sucessful pitcher.

By Marc

April 24, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

Langerhans strikes out to end the inning, shocking. Why don’t the umpired just call him out while he is in the dugout.

By fastasballs

April 24, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

This is looking like a shoot out.

By Brent

April 24, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Redman- wow, this is brutal

By futurebravesgm2413

April 24, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Bye Bye Redman, hello Matt Harrison

By eric the elder

April 24, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Freddie Gonzalez should fine two of his players. Hanley for gesturing at the fan who reached out to catch the ball, and Cabrera for hitting one off the right field wall, going into a home run trot, and ending up with a single.

Freddie and Bobby should let both of their starters go 9 tonight just to see whether the score could end up 43-37.

By N8

April 24, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

“I don’t think Redman has the physical ability to be a sucessful pitcher.”

I don’t disagree with that statement (though one might argue, that in his younger years he was a left handed version of Davies)

I don’t think that Davies has the MENTAL ABILITY to be a successful pitcher.

BTW: to whomever claimed we were in for a 9-8 game, kudos. Only problem is, that might not be enough runs. Maybe more like 15-13.

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 24, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

Raise your hand if you can pitch better than Mark Redman…

(everyone raises their hand)

By Hunk Erdown

April 24, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

Redman is getting chewed up and spit out.

By Efrim

April 24, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

WAY TO GO BACK END OF THE ROTATION!!!!!

THESE STARTERS ARE BETTER THAN THE METS??????????

JOKE

By Calvin

April 24, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

When did we pick up Albie Lopez again?

By interested observer

April 24, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB: First time poster. Question: Can Langerhans come down with “flu like symptoms” and be sent on an extended minor league rehab assignment?

This is going to be a LONG game!!

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 24, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

damn, redman gives up a 4-run lead, just like that. DOB - can we re-flip that coin?

By Kieran, Long Island Brave Fan

April 24, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Enough already with Redman, He can’t start anymore, thats it. A four run lead and he can’t get out of the Bottom of the 1st without giving it back? It’s time to explore other options this guy is cooked. He’s not pitching against teh Yankees here, its the florida Marlins, what an embaressment

By Coach

April 24, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

4-4 , back to zero , time to grab the tennis balls.

By Braves Fan Trapped in Oregon

April 24, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Redman Sucks!!! Dan Kolb is a better pitcher than this joke. They gave him a big lead and he just gives it right back. Terrible, terrible, terrible. The optimism from a couple weeks ago is slowly rounding the bowl and headed down the hole.

By Ken

April 24, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Looks like a real pitcher’s battle today. Who can give up the most runs? Shouldn’t someone tell Redman that good ERA’s are low not high.

By The Truth Hurts

April 24, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

LanceLanceLanceLanceLanceLanceLanceLanceLance…

Hey, it’s extended batting practice in the bottom of the 1st!

Good thing we only spent $750,000 on Redman. What a bargain! It’ll cost that much to buy more baseballs during his starts.

I like a pitcher that rears back and throws his best 83mph fastball down the middle and just dares the hitters to connect. Let’s see what you’ve got!

Let’s keep perspective in this interminable season. At least we’ve got the same starting pitching as the $200 million Yankees! We’ve saved $120 million and plenty of worry about extended winning streaks!

Time for beer.

By LT

April 24, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

Redman cannot cut it- he has got to go when Cormier is ready. With all of Davies issues, at least he gives you the possibility of a good outing.

By A.J.

April 24, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

Man, I thought the Redman deal was a good one b/c of the low risk since the price was low, but DANG!

I tend to be relatively even keeled with things like this, the whole “He is a solid guy who will eventually get some wins” and the “THIS GUY WON 11 GAMES FOR THE ROYALS LAST YEAR,” and of course the ever popular, “He can’t really be THIS bad can he?”

But I’ve gotta say Redman has me doubting (him not the Braves, I still think we’ll figure it out).

The big start fever is wearing off as is the Mets series win high, I definitely believe in our Wild Card chances even the way things are right this second. But I will say, as much pressure as the Mets are putting on, the Braves back end needs to pull it together.

Good news is, Redman may be a better hitter than pitcher. Leadoff walk. I’m picking the Braves in this one about 29-20. Once we get into the bullpen this should settle down.

By The Truth Hurts

April 24, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

Steal a base, Reddy!

Calvin, nice Albie Lopez reference. Propers to you.

Eric the Elder…nice idea…Marlins are going to outscore a Greg Knapp offense.

By N8

April 24, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

GOTTA LOVE Chipper and Andruw’s AB’s there.

Nice job of pitching, I guess.

Anybody out there think that Andruw looks a little like Craig Heyward with the beard?

By N8

April 24, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

Anybody else out there think McCann and Francoeur should be 3-4 in the order?

By James

April 24, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

Some more two out magic

By Brent

April 24, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

Good job by the young kids bailing out Chip and Andruw. Nice to see such consistency from Frenchie right now. And McCann being McCann.

By Greg in TN

April 24, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Evening folks…

Looks like it’s arena baseball tonight at the house that Marino built. I think we’re in for a 28-26 squeaker.

Wow. McCann walks in a run. As much as we’re struggling right now, it’s nice to know we’re not alone in struggles with the pitching staff.

Alright, RBI single by Francoeur. I think Frenchy’s making good progress from his swing-even-if-the-pitcher-throws-to-first approach. I think he’ll keep improving on that as the season progresses.

Nice barehand throw from Chipper for out number one in the 2nd. Happy Birthday Chipper.

By Efrim

April 24, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Why are we cheering for Lance???? I guess he will be better than Davies and Redman, but please guys. You should all be cheerig for a trade.

By N8

April 24, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

WOW! Redman BLEW that 87 mph fast ball by him!

My grandma has more gas than him, and it aint the “good kind”.

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 24, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

mark redman is the pitching version of raul mondesi

By Najeh Davenpoop

April 24, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

As of right now, I’m all for bringing in John Burkett to be the 5th starter and Raul Mondesi to play left field.

By TennesseePaul

April 24, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

Why don’t the umpired just call [Langerhans] out while he is in the dugout.

Now that is funny.

Lew: I did not see that. I’m with you on it though. Not a good move and little reactionary to say the least.

By Calvin

April 24, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

lol that is funny.

When did we trade for Sidney Ponson?

By N8

April 24, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

Uh…..Earth to Bobby.

McFLY!! You gonna go get Redman, or what?!

Oh, I get it. Bobby likes how much this team is able to come back. This is just a test. Wow, way to make the guys “work” for a win.

Nothing like having a manager leaving his hitters to get all “Munson’d” out there.

Is there even anybody warming up??

WHAT A JOKE.

By Jimbo

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

Redman should go back to pitching in his basement. He gets most of them out down there. Come back Cormier…please.

By N8

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

I know this is being a little “rude” to Langerhans on a VERY hard hit ball.

But if the ONLY reason your manager can give for keeping you on the 25 man roster, is because of your game saving defense, than THAT is a catch that has to be made, IMO.

Like I said, a little harsh, but enough already.

By Jimbo

April 24, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Oh yes…and Redman…take Langy with you. Even you can get him out.

By ChopTalk

April 24, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Please send Redman back! He can’t hold a lead!!

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 24, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

i think redman’s problem is that he didn’t imagine all of these runners on base while throwing in his basement

By N8

April 24, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

This game reminding anybody of last year a little bit?

Spooky.

By Coach

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

Can Salty pitch ?………. I’m kidding of course. Get used to this because we simply don’t have any other option at the moment.

By Mets Stink

April 24, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

I know Redman is a “bargain” at $750,000, but I’d be happy to take his place at the league minimum. I can’t be any worse.

By Mets Stink

April 24, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

N8, you’re right on about Langerhans.

By Mets Stink

April 24, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe they’re walking McCann to get to Francouer. Don’t they know there’s 2 outs?

By N8

April 24, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

HOLY CRAP!!!

Douschebag Dayn Perry actually has the Braves ranked #2 in the power rankings this week.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/powerRankings

Here’s what he had to “say”:

“The Braves have won both series against the Mets this season, and they’ll now begin what should be an accommodating nine-game stretch against the Marlins, Rockies and Phillies. After four starts, Tim Hudson’s ERA now stands at a Mary Kate-thin 0.62.”

So, after we get pummeled by the Marlins, he’s gonna get off of the Braves bandwagon, faster than he got on. Mark it down.

By David O'Brien

April 24, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

Daybed, can’t believe you’re talking about 2006 All-Star Mark Redman like that….

Wow, this game is torturous.

Speaking of Mondesi, he’d be an upgrade, at least offensively, over the LF duo so far this season. Of course, he’s been retired a couple seasons (or whatever it’s called when nobody wants to sign you)

Did you guys notice the look on Bobby’s face in the dugout after Redman hit Aaron Boone with the pitch in the third? Something resembling exasperation. Rare show of that emotion from the skipper.

By The Grinch

April 24, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

Wow. Redman having been an all-star doesn’t say much for the Royals as a team. How bad did the REST of their rotation suck?

By N8

April 24, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

“i think redman’s problem is that he didn’t imagine all of these runners on base while throwing in his basement”

THAT is funny.

But really, the only reason he’s struggling, is because that fastball is above the belt.

Oh WAIT. That’s Davies. My Bad. What’s Redman’s excuse again? Besides “he sucks”.

By parks

April 24, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

N8, you gen have good info on this blog.

all I ask is please don’t drink anymore during games

By N8

April 24, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

DOB

“Speaking of Mondesi, he’d be an upgrade, at least offensively, over the LF duo so far this season.”

WOW. I thought I was being harsh to Langerhans (and Diaz), but that is just plain ol’ nasty! Ouch!

By eric the elder

April 24, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

Chip just called a slider from righty Moylan to righty Uggla a “back door” slider. Is that correct? I thought a backdoor slider is from a lefty to righty (or righty to lefty) that comes in and catches the outside corner. Help?

By Mets Stink

April 24, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

I know Yates hasn’t been great this year, but he used to be a starter. Why not use him has a 5th spot starter until Cormier gets back. Oh wait, our 4th AND 5th starters both suck!

By Brent

April 24, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

what’s amazing, is that comparatively Redman had a great start. 6 runs in 3 innings is a quality start compared to 6 runs in 1 inning. Redman is really eating up innings like we knew he could.

By JasonInMaine

April 24, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

I see the Muts are getting another spectacular pitching performance…3 hits and 0 runs through 6…

By Lew

April 24, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

MBATL-Re: Billy McCarthy-He severely injured his ankle in 05. He played on it hurt until July and then shut it all down. He rehabbed and didn’t do well coming back from the injury last year. If you look at his BA before the injury, he hit .300 at every level, including Richmond. I haven’t checked since this weekend, but he was hitting in the .290’s so far this season. I mention him primarily because he is almost 28 (the injury really set him back almost two years) and this may be his last shot, which could provide much motivation. As far as power, well, if you bring up Blanco or leave Langerhans and Diaz out there, you get no power, anyway.

By fastasballs

April 24, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Langerhans, Please BUNT!!

By Brent

April 24, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

now langs is costing us two outs per at bat, i simply cannot watch him anymore. he is aweful

By JasonInMaine

April 24, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

For the love of all that is good in the world…WHAT IN THE FLYING HECK IS LANGERHANS IN THE LINEUP FOR????

I am all for giving a guy a chance, letting him battle himself out of a slump, but man; his slump has lasted 3 years!!!!!!! I actually feel bad for him when he comes to the plate. End his suffering!

By Brent

April 24, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

Moylan had a better at bat than Langs

By Lew

April 24, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

McCarthy is currently batting .306 at Richmond. He has 1 HR and 4RBI, with 3doubles and an OBP of .390 and an OPS of .918 He has 19TB in 12 games.

By Mets Stink

April 24, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Moylan to Uggla was more of a front door slider.

By N8

April 24, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Hey, just when you thought Langerhans was an “automatic out”, he does something even worse……grounds into a DP. What’s next? Accounting for ALL the outs in an inning with a triple play?

You have that feeling that if the Braves ever busted out for a rally where they went through the order a couple of times, he’d be “the guy” that made two outs, if not ALL three in the same innning.

YIKES.

By eric the elder

April 24, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Langy is snapping out of it. Now he is getting TWO outs with one swing of the bat.

By jd

April 24, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

i said i wouldn’t say it again, but i lied…langerhans sucks, big time…the worst hitter i’ve ever seen…bring back jeff blauser and brad komminsk…he is awful, horrible, putrid, disgusting…and i’m sure we’ll be watching him well into june…there truly are people on this blog right now (not me, i’m too old) who can outhit langerhans…

By Summerteeth

April 24, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Yeah, the problem with Redman is that he is still pitching like he is throwing to his neighbor.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

April 24, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

As someone who praised the signing of Mark Redman, please allow me to apologize. If you want to stone me, please do. OMG! Is this jackass terrible or what. I’m sorry. This assclown needs to be released immediately. I would rather take my chances with Lerew or Harrison. They couldn’t be any worse. Heck, at least Davies has an out pitch.

Redman should never start another game for the Braves again. And, Langerhans? Are people still going to defend this guy. He is awful. Horrible! Horrendous! Terrible!

1B will work itself out. But, LF and the backend of the roation could be the difference betweena 80 win team and 95 win team.

By doc

April 24, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

i am not sold on this team yet, can easily throw together a bad streak as quickly as it started is my thought. too many holes in the field and at bat right now. dodged a bullet with the way kelly j has come around. one out of three long shots isnt too bad just need to spend some of that insurance money fast to fill 1b and lf.

it is time to get on the cingulat/att line to richmond and find that kid bobby was so high on spring and get him up here fast. would have been a good story for redman but he needs to go to baltimore to speak to the guy that reconstructed pitchers, doesnt seem that lightening is going to strike twice here with retread arms and a pitching coach.

davies must be giving away his pitches again.

By kevin

April 24, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

DOB, do you think that after this outing by Redman that the Braves will decide to go with him instead of Kyle Davies?

By MBATL

April 24, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Lew, thanks for the background on McCarthy. I have nothing against the guy… Good that he’s off to a hot start. Like I said, I don’t know anything about him beyond the stats I can read on the web.

I don’t think ANY quick moves are in order, and the Braves are scoring at a pretty good rate lately… we just need to hold some teams to 5 runs or less for a change!

By David O'Brien

April 24, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Please make it stop.

By jed

April 24, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Good lord…I can do what Redman did tonight. Truly dreadful.

By jd

April 24, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

on a positive note, thorman is starting to hit…and 2 good innings from moylan…but i’m turning the tv off when langerhans is at the plate-i was going to say “hitting” but that’s a joke…

By Greg in TN

April 24, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

Peter Moylan pitched well tonight, going two scoreless innings to stop the bleeding.

KJ draws another base on balls. He’s hitting the ball well, getting on base, setting the table for Renteria and Chipper.

By brian

April 24, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

The Braves have to be preparing for possible moves in the next 4-6 weeks. We cannot continue to be competitve with the LF and 1B not hitting better than most pitchers. We also cannot have the number 4 and 5 starters continue to give up 6+ runs and not go 6 or more innings. It will kill our bullpen and it puts too much pressure on James.

I do not see a significant trade on the horizon except DOB’s afore mentioned trade with the Cubs. JS will not and should not give up one of our top young prospects unless he can get the Cubs to give up an OF for Prado.

Blanco, McCarthy, or Brandon Jones should get a look in LF if current production does not improve. It will be interesting to watch if Salty keeps hitting to see if the Braves give him some work at 1B.

Cormier should help out the starters, but he is only one man. The Braves have significant issues with the 4 and 5 starters. There is no way the Braves will be able to or willing to pick up a starter. They are too scarce. A well known choice will be Villareal to try and take the 5th spot. Lerew may finally get his chance, and who knows what will happen if he has a few more 3-5 inning stints.

Time to take my lithium.

By N8

April 24, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

DOB

Seriously, how long is Bobby gonna really go with Langerhans?

My guess is that it’s only a matter of time before he starts getting booed in Atlanta. Probably by the time they return from this roadtrip.

If Bobby is a guy that “cares” about his players, or doesn’t wan the kid to go through that, he’d sit him down….quickly.

By Bryan

April 24, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

Mark Redman is the Pitching Version of the batting Mark Redman …

Sorry to one up you Daybed… just a quick drop in to the boards … see you back home in two weeks!

To dave and the rest of the bloggers, i am almost done in Utah running chainsaw with the Navajo’s … maybe Redman can take my place out here?

By N8

April 24, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

hmmm. let me guess. 2 on NOBODY out with Chipper and Andruw coming up.

Which will lead to……2 on and TWO OUTS for McCann and Francoeur.

By Brad in MT

April 24, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Wow…after watching this game I wonder how Redman was able to win any games with the Royals…

By N8

April 24, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Time to state the obvious.

Due to his CONSISTANT hitting, hitting for power, average w/RISP and his work behind the plate (calling the game)….

Brian McCann is the BEST PLAYER on the Braves roster. Hands down.

The contract he just signed, is a STEAL. It’s a shame that he won’t ever be the highest paid Brave, because he deserves to be.

By N8

April 24, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

You know what.

That strike out was the most impressive AB by Francoeur to date.

He layed off of a close pitch, with 2 strikes, because he thought it was a ball. He was RIGHT. That ball was outside.

Ladies and Gentleman, Francoeur is starting to recognize that strike zone. When he “get’s it” he’s gonna be something else to watch every night, and he’s already exciting.

Nice job kid.

See guys. It’s not always about RESULTS for me. The little things are what get me excited for the future. You know, signs of GOOD THINGS to come.

THAT is a good sign.

By JasonInMaine

April 24, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Man, was I wrong about KJ. If he had just a touch more speed, he would be a phenomenal lead-off guy! As it is, I guess will will have to settle for darn good. I don’t know if I have been more wrong about a player. I wish I was that wrong about Langerhans…

By jd

April 24, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

N8…can’t agree more…who would have thought it 2 years ago…he’s clutch…

By MBATL

April 24, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

N8, try to relax.

By The Grinch

April 24, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Moylan’s looking pretty good…his pitching, that is. That dude’s got a serious busted-up grill.

By Brad in MT

April 24, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Are any bloggers going to be taking in the Colorado series? It will be the first chance I’ve had this year to see the team, and its by far the closest the Braves get to us out in Montana, but still a 600 mile drive. It would be nice to have some Braves fans there, esp. some fellow bloggers!

By Pink Elephant

April 24, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Survey sez……… Redman sucks!

By StingerSplash

April 24, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Well, the Braves got what they paid for with Redman. Boy, that abundance of starting pitching a month ago really is starting to resemble a south Georgia lawn now. And look at four of the last five starts by the Braves staff, Smoltz’s outing Sunday included. Not pretty at all.

By Mets Stink

April 24, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Great work from Moylan!

By interested observer

April 24, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

Bobby said he wants to get Woodward more at-bats. How about in LF. Why sit KJ just to get Woodward AB’s. He can’t do any worse than Langerhans.

By JJMB

April 24, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

DOB, caught your interview on 680 today. Great job, as usual.

Would you ever consider doing radio as a regular job? Is that a step up, down, or sideways? I suppose it depends on the $$$.

By N8

April 24, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

(exhale)

Whew. Thanx MBATL. I needed that.

By Meanie

April 24, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

Wow 4 out of 6…looks like N8 the lonely idiot is blogging solo again…Hey N8 I’ll make a deal with you- I’ll send you some rope if you promise to hang yourself with it. Your wife can then get a real man to satisfy her and raise your kids, we won’t have to read your crap anymore, and you won’t have to live with, well, being you. Deal or no deal, NATE?

By Mets Stink

April 24, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Does Langerhans still have options? If the Braves brass will send McBride down to work himself out of it, why not do the same with Langerhans? No one they brought up could do any worse.

By Meanie

April 24, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

…and jd…what’s up with all the pauses…do you think you have a style…cause you dont…just type your comments…you might not look so stupid…well, let’s not go too far…

By Wayne in UT

April 24, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

N8: I was thinking the same thing about Frenchie’s last AB. Even though he took the K, he looked like he had a plan.

By The Grinch

April 24, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

I think it’s safe to say KJ’s made the transition to 2nd. I actually happened to hear you today too, Dave; that was messed up when Buck asked you if y’all were partying with Aybar last night.

By Wayne in UT

April 24, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

I know Redman looked horrible tonight, but he has to get 2-3 more starts before he is jettisoned. I think it is way too early to bring up someone from Richmond or Mississippi. We need to either wait on Cormier or give Villarreal a shot at a start or two.

I think Davies will work it out (maybe that is just the fan in my with some wishful thinking!)

KJ for Mayor.

By krathone

April 24, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

So I guess now the Braves know the dirty little secret that most every other major league team evidently knew about Redman. The guy can’t get big league hitters out with any consistency. When a veteran pitcher is pitching at home in his basement when spring training begins instead of being on a major league roster, alarm bells should go off.

The Braves really didn’t have anything to lose…. they got Redman cheap so it’s not like it was a huge gamble. Just a shame he isn’t gonna cut it. Could have used the help.

By N8

April 24, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Meanie

The younger brother of one of my best friends, hanged himself in Jr. High.

I’m willing to tolerate rudeness, sarcasm if not BOTH. But you’ll understand, why I don’t find your post funny.

But thanks for looking out for my family, like that.

By Brent

April 24, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Langs is out of options, so no, they can’t send him down

By jd

April 24, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

hi meanie, most people who engage in ad hominem attacks on others live lives of desperation, e.g. dead end jobs, lack of significant others, inability to deal with ideas and concepts, abuse as children, a general lack of control over their environment…hopefully, you’re not that pathetic…but if you are, get help

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Chip Caray announces, again, “can of corn” for Andruw. Get rid of this guy and his freaking cans of corn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Meanie

April 24, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Wasn’t an attempt at humor…

By N8

April 24, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Meanie

What I find amusing most of all, is that you’ve mocked me for about a week now, without actually making any sort of valid BASEBALL comment/point whatsoever. I can take it, though. You see, I can apparently do to you what you can’t do to me…..BLOCK ME OUT and ignore without attacking.

As silly as I might look for posting non-stop, you’re the one coming across as an A$$, so keep going my friend. You’re doing a wonderful job of making my negativity not seem so bad.

I appreciate it.

By ernesto

April 24, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Hey Carl Crawford just hit a grand slam for the D-Rays, think we should try to make a trade for him?

Come on! That’s my first one ever.

By Brent

April 24, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

I’d like to reiterate my point on Soriano- he is lights out with the game on the line. That was just nasty pitching. When he comes in with a seven run lead he doesn’t seem to concentrate, but every outing when it is late and close he is nearly unhittable.

By fastasballs

April 24, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Instead of Redman they can start Oscar, let him go three, maybe four. Follow with Moylan for 2-3 and then turn it over to the big guns.

By ernesto

April 24, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

I remember at the start of the run Smoltz just got killed every time out before the All Star Break.

But he had a sports psychologist and stuff.

I don’t know if Redman has the former but he sure ain’t got the latter.

Seriously, are we so depleted in the org. we can’t bring up someone who would give us a better chance?

Quite frankly, I think Oscar gives us a better chance. Redman doesn’t just lose, he gets shelled.

By Meanie

April 24, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

When I have a comment worth posting I post it. I don’t, however, regurgitate every passing thought. Something tells me you’re a yapper in person as well…god help the people stuck in a car with you on a road trip…

By sri

April 24, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

If we make a trade, it needs to be for a starting pitcher.. we have a few infield prospects in our farm.. i know KJ put in a lot of time to learn second base.. but he can take one for the team and move to LF. But i guess starting pitching is a very precious commodity out there and we have to wait until July for teams to fall out of the race.. Lets hope that Lance can fill in for a while, maybe even try Oscar.. Thor seems to be coming around so we can survive for a while with 1 weak spot in our lineup.. The more the league sees of James, I am afraid they are going to ‘deceived’ less and less. I am more worried about our starting pitching now than our offense.. It’s time JS/BC got creative..

By JJMB

April 24, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Well, well. We are introduced to the Chip Carey family, and the next two no-talent bums that will be Atlanta television announcers.

By ernesto

April 24, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Alright, maybe big Thor’s heating up!!!

By **VENEZUELA**

April 24, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

DOB DOB DOB

Is it possible that JSchuerholz, can do this tonight…Send Langersh1T through waivers…and bring up willie harris, who is a decent LF, pretty quick, i n fact amazzzzzzinnnngglyy quick , blazing speed, and pretty decent bat, who can steal a bunch of bases and bring a new weapon to our team !!!

PLEASE LANGERHANS FOR HARRIS,,,,at least until we get jacque jones

By MBATL

April 24, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

N8, with you on this one… but fighting probably doesn’t help on a blog unless the guy crosses the line (whatever that means) and gets banned. Short of that, let it go and get back to endless baseball posts!

btw, Thorman is up to .256. Can we scratch him off the dump list?

By fastasballs

April 24, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Oh my God I don’t believe what I just saw!!!

By sri

April 24, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Freddi has lost it.. why the heck is walking Langy????

By Wayne in UT

April 24, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Brad in MT: Where in MT?? I have gotten to a few games over the years in Denver, but it is about 500 miles for me. On top of that I have a killer schedule these days.

By The Truth Hurts

April 24, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

The Seventh Seal has been broken.

Langerhans is intentionally walked with two men on.

Are the Marlins drunk?

My head is about to explode.

By **VENEZUELA**

April 24, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

hahahaha the marlins intentionally walked langersh1t is this crazy or what…WHAT is Gonzalez thinking????

thanks ex-coach…

hope orr doesnt make look stupid

By ernesto

April 24, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

HUGE!!!!!!! ORR!!!!!!

By Brad in MT

April 24, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

What a great at bat for Pete Orr…thats the kind of at bat you want from a guy off the bench…nice to see him get a hit, he’s been getting hammered on the blog.

By Wayne in UT

April 24, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Pete Orr for Sheriff!

By krath

April 24, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Damn…walking Langy??? Freddie is on crack!! lol

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

This is the first time I have seen Redman pitch. Have seen DOB’s reference to the “junk” dealer that he is, some calling him Fred Samford, etc. I think you guys were being kind. He throws about 3 decent pitches an inning. Otherwise, he’s serving up gophers or trying to induce a hitter to go after a pitch high and a foot outside. Bobby will give him one more start - him being Bobby, and all. Hopefully, instead, though, will give Villareal a start. He may not be great, but he ain’t as bad as this guy.

Good work by Moylan, Yates and Soriano. Anybody notice the guys with the 2 highest ERA’s on the staff (excepting Redman, of course) threw scoreless innings in a close game?

I can’t freaking believe Freddy G called for the pass to Langerhans. What the hell is he thinking?

Thorman has a 3 hit night. Langy goes 0-3 - for those keeping track, the BA for left field is down to .127? How low can it go?

Orr comes through with a pinch hit - KJ has 3 walks, 3 runs and now drives in a run with a single.

WOW - what a wild game. We have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Bring on Beefy Bob!!!

By James

April 24, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Cox needs to play thorman every day. Hes got to be hitting at least 400 in his last five or so games

By fastasballs

April 24, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Way to go Pete & KJ!!!

Why the hell would you walk Langerout? That was one of the dumber moves I have seen in quite a while.

By mr baseball

April 24, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

It’s obvious that Freddy Gonzalez paid close attention during his time as a Braves coach to the way Bobby Cox managed a game. The decision to walk Langerhans intentionally may have been the single most stupid decision any manager has ever made. DOB, I hope your former compatriots on the Marlins’ beat ask him for an explanation. Unfortunately for Gonzalez, there isn’t one. What an idiotic decision. Thanks, Freddy.

By Brad in MT

April 24, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Wayne in UT: Billings, MT…Coors is a pretty good place to watch a game, its not the same as going to Atlanta, but its sure a lot easier to make it there for me, I try to make it to Atlanta every couple of years, but I just can’t make it every year.

By bergian

April 24, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Wayne in UT, I like the rotating catchers idea…why should McCann sit 30 games a year?

By eric the elder

April 24, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

The odd part is that sometimes just getting a walk and scoring a run can turn a guy around mentally. Not saying it will happen with Langy, but you never know. Of course, he will sit in tomorrow’s game, so the glow could wear off.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy Smith:

Where are you? Perhaps, using your considerable journalistic contacts and persuasion, you can prevail on Chip Caray to stop the corn. Convince him to call an easy fly out a canned ham? A bag of grits (would even settle for a handfull of hominy) A wheel of cheese? A fluffy biscuit? Ralph the Shark? Anything but a can of corn!!!!

By Sir Stealth

April 24, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

I know I’m not the only one who laughed out loud when they intentionally walked Langerhans. Fredi didn’t exactly overwhelm me with that one…

By Sir Stealth

April 24, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

It seemed like you could tell that Thorman was looking better lately, just like KJ did before he busted out. I’ll join the let him play everyday bandwagon. Craig Wilson seemed to be a valuable pinch hitter guy more so than an everyday guy anyway. Maybe pinch hitting will make Wilson better too.

By Sir Stealth

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

After last year, any game one largely on the back of the bullpen feels that much more satisfying. What a great job by the ‘pen today. It really can be a difference maker.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

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

Brent:

Your “point” about Soriano is well taken and accurate. However, it is hardly novel here. That “point” has been made on this blog several times since his first “gaffe” against the Nats, and more recently, against the Muts Friday night.

By Meanie

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

Must have a nice looking dessert n the post game buffet table…Wickman is dealing! He is certainly pitching motivated- he must have smelled cobbler or something

By Sir Stealth

April 24, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

I’m a person who usually is very skeptical of the zany ideas people casually toss off on this board that have absoltuely no chance of actually happening. That being said, I’ll make an exception for that rotating catchers idea - that sounds pretty cool. Let McCann play more games and add longevity to his career and let Salty eventually come up and catch some at the same time. Acutally sounds like a good ideaThat being said, it’s just never ever gonna happen. Salty will probably never play in Atlanta.

By N8

April 24, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Don’t look now everybody, but the Phillies have won 4 in a row.

Ooops. Did I just type that? Sorry, I was THINKING it and felt the need to regurgitate it to you all.

Nice game tonight, considering Redman started. ANYTIME we can win a game that he starts, it’s a good thing.

Some AWFULLY nice range shown tonight by KJ. Six innings of ONE HIT relief.

Very nice.

By ernesto

April 24, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

If Langy hits any less they’re going to have to add a fourth zero to the equation .0000.

Freddi’s going to catch a world of sh&t for that decision.

By N8

April 24, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

“When I have a comment worth posting I post it.”

Fair enough. But then you back that up with:

“Must have a nice looking dessert n the post game buffet table…Wickman is dealing! He is certainly pitching motivated- he must have smelled cobbler or something”

Uh……..OK.

By The Grinch

April 24, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

I for one am happy Langerhans got that walk. He’s a decent dude; hope he breaks out now. Scalp ‘em; at least you know what to serve Chip if he comes over for supper. See if he can catch a “can o’ corn” goin’ about 95 from three feet at his nads.

By brent a.

April 24, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

LaRoche update:

0-3 tonight

.098/.247/.262/3hr/7rbi

nice trade

And Pittsburgh’s bullpen has 2x (at least) the number of blown saves as the Braves bullpen.

By ernesto

April 24, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

By the way, I like the “can of corn”…tradition.

By Meanie

April 24, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Look at young Natie jabbing back…I can appreciate that a short, three-line post is a foreign concept for you, regardless of content. The rope offer still stands…

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

JJMB

Good take on Dip & Sip Caray. One day soon I’m gonna pull a Forrest Gump and pull the plug on Chip’s mike. Question: If Chip talked in the forest, would any animals hear him? Answer: - nope, they would all run for the hills, or dig so far underground they wouldn’t have to listen to him throwing cans of corn.

Grinch:

You don’t like Moylan’s teef? He’s from Australia, and I hear he shears a mean sheep. Right up your alley - EweCan’tGoBack awaits you, dude.

And the bleat goes on……

By TennesseePaul

April 24, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Awesome! Just got back in and checked the results. When I had left, Redman had found a way to blow 2 leads in just over 2 innings.
Thor is breaking out. KJ is on fire. Francoeur is hitting on the road. All this says to me, bench Wilson and let Thor play.
And, I gotta smile… Langerhans gets intentionally walked. So good.

GO BRAVES

By KC

April 24, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

LOL - LOL - LOL - LOL - OMG… THEY WALKED LANGERHANS!!!!!!!!! I haven’t laughed that hard in months.

In other news… Redman has GOT to go!!!!! Let’s get Cormier in that rotation. Let’s give Villarreal another shot at it. ANYTHING but Redman. Davies isn’t looking much better, but at least you still have to think he has the potential to be decent. With Redman, he has a proven track record… and it’s not good.

Time to give him his walking papers. Give him a “Get your a$$ out the door” Hallmark card and the rest of his 750k, and send him on his merry way.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

GRINCH

LMAO on the nads comment. Wish I had thought of that. But, you’re quick on the uptake. I’m just a frickin

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

… frickin canned ham. (I hate the mechanics of posting on this blog)

By KC

April 24, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Leadoff man aboard for the Mets. That’s not good.

What the hell is O.Hernandez on? Can we please request that he be tested for every banned substance on the planet. I know he’s overacheiving… but he won’t quit doing it, and it’s pi$$ing me off.

By Tony Almeida

April 24, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

Why do people keep saying “I hope Langy breaks out of his slump”…its been on this blog for the past week….The Bravos need to cut their damn losses….he’s not cutting it. I don’t think Mondesi was cut til after May, so I’m sure we’ll have to endure atleast another month of “instant out” Langy.

By Chris

April 24, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

Redman is absolutely putrid.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

Slick Willy - “I did not have sex with that woman, Ms. Lewinsky - it all depends on what the definition of is is.”

Freddie Gonzalez - “I did not give the sign to intentionally walk that man, Mr. Langerhans. I picked my nose, and the catcher thought I touched the tip of my nose, which is our sign for a pass. That booger was killing me. It was just unfortunate mis-communication. Who would be stupid enough to walk Ryan Langerhans?”

By brent a.

April 24, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

mets win. so be it.

wild card coming from the East, I suppose

Braves-Mets NLCS is likely

By KC

April 24, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

Grinch: No doubt that Langerhans is a great guy. I’d like nothing more than to see him succeed. But…

For most people, their strengths and weaknesses are sometimes the same thing. I think Bobby’s patients has served this team well over the years, and has been far more positive than negative. But I think right now, where Langerhans is concerned… it’s a negative.

Langerhans has proven that he’s capable of hitting much “better” (.250 or so) than his is right now, and I guess that’s why BC’s leaving him in there… but even at his best, he’s a below average hitter. It’s time to do something different there.

Not that Diaz looks a whole lot better right now, cuz he doesn’t. But he’s a better option than Langerhans. It should be noted that Diaz hit righties better than lefties last year. Langerhans needs to be relegated to defensive replacement/fill-in duties IMMEDIATELY! And ultimately, I’d love to see the Braves deal for a solid left-fielder.

However, their biggest need appears to be for one more starter. Quality starters aren’t exactly a dime a dozen. Mediocre starters are making a mint on the market these days, and to get one via trade usually takes a kings ransom.

Oh well, as I said… let’s get a look at Cormier and Villarreal in that rotation.

By KC

April 24, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Mets win. DAMNIT!!!!!!

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 24, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Oh crap….Mets win, braves still in second……oh well.

By The Grinch

April 24, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Scalp, I was just helping that sheep over the fence… Really. Having it’s feet stuffed down in the thigh-high boots was sheer coincidence. Ha! Sheer coincidence. I thoroughly enjoy my own wit, such as it is. You’re right about Moylan; he looks like he could shear a mean sheep without using his hands. Man o man, what’s up with Limey’s (and thus Aussies by extension) and the whole inbred/crooked teeth thing? It’s almost like people from Alabama…:-)

By krath

April 24, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

I guess I must be bored cause now I find myself thinking about options outside the box for the LF situation. I suppose what made this train of thought “fair game” was DOB getting the conversation going by mentioning the logic of trying to get Cliff Floyd.

Some factors to consider are…. affordability, length of need etc. We’re not going to be able to find Andruw’s replacement and LF help for now in the same package. Only when/if Andruw leaves and his salary clears are we going to be able to replace him…unless a deal is done mid season but I ain’t going there right now and probably neither are the Braves.

I’m going to throw my wildcard out there now.

Bernie Williams

He would be a stop-gap solution, probably only this year. He hit somewhere around .285 last year so his skills haven’t totally left him although he isn’t the player he was 5 or 10 years ago. He has plenty of post season experience and would be another veteran presence with a winning resume. If he’s in shape and working out (which supposedly he is and waiting for the Yankees to call) he might be a good fit. He and Diaz might work out in Left.

I have no idea what he would cost, but he couldn’t be a 7-8 Mil guy because he just can’t command that salary right now.

He has also said he’ll play for the Yankees, or no one.

Who knows, maybe he would find it intriguing to play for the Braves….. maybe not. Maybe there is a reason he wouldn’t be a good fit. Surely his salary can’t be that high. Perhaps he wouldn’t even be considered by the Braves anyway.

By JJMB

April 24, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Scalp’em and Grinch, thanks for the laugh. Y’all cracked me up.

By KC

April 24, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Chris: “Redman is absolutely putrid.”

Yup.

By Greg in TN

April 24, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Very nice work by the pen tonight and we have Huddy going for us tomorrow. mets win in 12 tonight. Chavez laid down the perfect bunt to score Shawn Green.

Another nip and tuck night in the NL East.

By Lew

April 24, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Got to say I’m not sure why they walked Langerhans. If Moylan can pitch like this, I say give him the long reliever’s spot and let Villarreal start. He sure can’t do any worse than Redman has. KC-I agree. Test the whole Mets’ staff. Someone’s spiked their Gatorade.

By Alan in FL

April 24, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

DOB-

Just read your 8:57pm post and couldn’t stop laughing. Not the first time I’ve heard the phrase, but when mixed in with the rest of the exasperated blogging it was priceless with its brevity…

Keep up the good work my friend. And all of you bloggers - this is not only my favorite blog, it’s my favorite sport website period.

Go Braves!!!

By KC

April 24, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

meant to say patience not patients. oops.

By ernesto

April 24, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

Up here in enemy territory, there would be big time pressure on DOB to produce a headline like

Dedman pitching

And then write an article publically wondering how much longer the team could put up with this performance and wonderign when they would cut their losses.

Even with his historical start, A-Rod is one prologned slump away from being greeted with chants of “opt out! opt out!”

Athletes up here get cut so much less slack than their ATL counterparts.

I’m not saying that’s a good thing- just it’s the difference I notice beign an ATL guy living up here, and maybe why NYC teams are always spending heavy on the latest hot free agent.

By ernesto

April 24, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Wow. No Class shows up for a Mets win..where are the flying pigs?

By Greg in TN

April 24, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

LOL Right on cue, No Chop… Bravo.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

No Chop:

Awesome showing by the Muts tonight. Playing the last place team in the West, with the lightest air and friendliest hitters venue in baseball, for your vaunted line-up - 2 runs scored. Plenty of reason to crow here.

By Alan in FL

April 24, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

The Truth Hurts at 9:59:

“The Seventh Seal is Broken … Are the Marlins drunk?”

Second time tonight I’ve laughed out loud at this blog.

Priceless.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

Grinch:

No mystery about you and sheep. You damned Dawgs will hump anything…. a tree, a leg, Rosalyn, etc.

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 24, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

Know what ernesto……if you took some time from watching TBS and univision you might realize the Mets are pretty good.

By TennesseePaul

April 24, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

Man that’s good stuff catching up on the posts. I’d toss in my two cents on the futility of Redman but it’s pretty much covered.

I’ve hung by Langerhans for a while. I hoped he’d figure it out and start doing something. But another ohfer day… he needs to be sent down or something. A fake DL trip, I don’t know. Any more of this and the next we’ll hear of him will be headlines about a lone gunman in a book depository.

Thor is breaking out of his slump. His 3 for 5 tonight gives him a .368 average in his last 6 games. Give this man the everyday job. Let him prove he can’t hit a major league left hander. He’ll probably surprise.

By Braves fan 202

April 24, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

The mets are paying off redman, they have to be

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 24, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

if i can consistently give up 6-7 runs every time i pitch, do you think the braves would pay me $750,000 plus incentives? DOB, you mentioned the look on bobby’s face after he hit Aaron Boone. redman’s face was one of pure embarassment after he gave up the 3-run jack to cody ross.

man, did the bullpen look great tonight or what? their ERA withstanding, they really did a number tonight, giving up only 2 hits and a few walks. i had flashes of giles running into andruw’s chest when kelly went back to record that last out, but at least kelly was screaming for it to let andruw know to back off. KJ is really looking very solid at 2B.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

Krath:

Bernie Williams??? hmmmmmm.. interesting idea. If he can’t cut the muster in left, at least the team will be relaxed in flight with the guitar virtuoso. Actually, I’d be willing to go with Bernie over Langer Fans Again.

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 24, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

Scalp’em…..it’s a long season. A win is a win is a win. What….you would give it back if it was the braves. We beat the hell out of the Marlins down there and yet they’ve given the mighty braves all they could handle. What’s up with that???

By The Grinch

April 24, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

KC, I guess if even you are down on the guy it’s time to give up. That makes him like a troubled inner city kid Edward James Olmos couldn’t even turn around (please someone get that obscure 80’s referrence so I don’t feel like a douche). JJMB, glad somebody besides ourselves find us funny. Not that it has any bearing on wether or not we continue to make wretched puns. :-)

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

Breaking News

ESPN leads with the Stankees. Even when they lose they get top billing.

OH, and this just in - from the ESPN wonks - ARod gets no HR’s tonight.

Can a television network have sex with a baseball team? Geez, get a room you two!!

By ernesto

April 24, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

I’m not saying the Mets aren’t good, I just think you’re the worst kind of fan. I’ve got Mets buddies - they’re just not, well look at yourself in the mirror, they’re just not that.

By Greg in TN

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

I think at the time, the Redman signing made sense. Take a chance and see what happens and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to work out.

This really puts more pressure on Davies to get his location issues settled. Lot’s of uncertainty right now in the back end of the rotation.

By KC

April 24, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

NO CHOP ZONE:

What’s up with that? I can sum that up in two words for you… Davies-Redman. End O story.

By KC

April 24, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Scalp Em’: “Can a television network have sex with a baseball team?”

Niiiice

By Don

April 24, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

DOB, you mentioned that McBride threw 3 innings in a relief appearance for Richmond. Any chance they’re thinking about trying to convert him to a starter given the gaping holes at the 4 & 5 spots in the rotation? I know it’s a long shot but unless McBride has become Rick Ankiel, he can’t be worse than Redman or Davies.

By KC

April 24, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Grinch: I gave up on Langerhans last year. I was utterly mistified as to how a guy that was hitting .327 couldn’t make his way into the lineup every day over a career .250 hitter with no power.

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 24, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Ernesto, since you’re so experienced on the proper behavior of a Mets fan why don’t you enlighten me on how YOU think I should behave. I will wait for your response with great anticipation….Please don’t keep me waiting too long….come mielda

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

Grinch:

I get the Olmos reference. But, you’re still a douchebag ;o)

By TennesseePaul

April 24, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

Our bullpen pitched 6 innings of shutout ball. I haven’t checked, but was there a 6 consecutive inning stretch of shutout ball pitched by the pen all of last season?

I worry about over use of the pen in some ways. But with Redman crapping all over the mound every 5th day, I’m thinking we might put too much pressure on the offense.

I just can’t stop thinking about the glory days. We all remember them right? You could turn on the game and Maddux, Glavine or Smoltz would be on the mound, maybe some wonder pitcher of the year, and it’d be a good game. Low scoring, exciting. You always had the confidence that the pitchers are going to keep you in the game. When tard takes the mound, the other team has this confidence. They know, that junk balling loaf is going to keep them in the game, no matter who they have pitching. The Marlins came at us with Van Helsing tonight. He went 1 inning, walked 4, gave up 4 hits and allowed 6 runs, and they were still in the game!

How does Redman look himself in the mirror?
And who do we see about getting our money back?

By geauxbraves2000

April 24, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

Tis my wife’s birthday day, so we went out of town for dinner and shopping, and I came home to see the Braves extend the lead to 11-6. Then I saw the line score and could not believe Redman was handed a 4 run lead and gave it right back.

But, the Braves won, which is the bottom line, so WTG team, and WTG bullpen. (Couldn’t say WTG Bullpen much last year, could we?)

Geaux Braves!!

By parks

April 24, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

No Chop Zone is no where to be found when the Braves beat the muts. Why do yall still respond to him?

By KC

April 24, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

Greg in TN: I agree with you. It did make sense at the time, but enough is enough. Some might say we should have more patience with Redman… but what exactly would we be waiting for… for him to get back to his 5.71 ERA form???

Joe and Chip were talking about Villarreal in the rotation tonight. I like it. He did a good job over a handful of starts last year. Let’s see how he does this year. Can’t be any worse, right?

And obviously, as soon as Cormier’s ready, we’ve got to get him in the rotation and see what he can do.

By TennesseePaul

April 24, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Greg: I’m not sure it puts more pressure on Davies. With Redman suckin wind the way he is, Davies just has to keep doing what he’s doing and he looks leaps and bound better. When the music stops, Davies could find himself sitting in a starters slot, so long as it leaves no room for Redman. Like KC said up above, at least Davies has potential. Redman has a track record of being horrid… even in his basement.

By Don

April 24, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

And with regard to Langerhans, the heck with him being out of options. Waive him, he’s hitting what, sub .200 over his last 300+ ABs and striking out at a rate not seen since Rob Deer? At some point even Bobby has got to say he’s seen enough.

By Greg in TN

April 24, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

KC,

I’m fine with pulling the plug on the Redman experiment once Cormier finishes his rehab assignment.

I didn’t catch the mention of Villareal moving into the rotation. Honestly, I think it’s worth a shot and I think he’d pitch more effectively than Redman or Davies right now.

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 24, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

Hey Parks, I was right here when the Braves took 2 of 3 from the Mets. I gave them kudo’s and all…..where were you? obviously not here or you would have read my post. I won’t back away from My team no matter what…..dipshi-t.

By The Grinch

April 24, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

“Lots of uncertainty at the back end of the rotation.” Greg in TN, whatever do you mean? The back end of our rotation? Tonight was 5 1/3, 2H, 1BB, 8K’s…or maybe that was the bullpen. Yikes; Redman must’ve sucked again.

Scalp, at least you know our equipment’s working properly. And how dare you compare our lovely former first lady with a table leg! For shame. BTW, That photo of Jessica Lynch on the main AJC page; she’s kinda got that Linda Hamilton from the 1st Terminator look goin’ on. Makes me feel all kinda funny and stuff. Table leg, you say? Hmmm. Sic ‘Em! Woof Woof Woof

By ernesto

April 24, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

No Class Zone - that’s easy - look to your compatriot MetMan, he’s here win or lose. I dont’ like hearign from him personally - but you can tell he’s a sportsfan. He loves his team. he’s a warrior for them. You, on the other hand, are a sniper, you only take pot shots. You would be the guy who finally got to sit dugout level and shined a flash light in the opponents eyes. That’s what I think you’ve shown yourself to be. What do you ever have to say?

By Wayne in UT

April 24, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Nobody on the farm is ready to call up for 3-4 starts yet. Gotta be Villarreal if not Redman.

By Baron

April 24, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

Rocco Baldelli.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

Muts Win With Small Ball

In the 10th inning, after a towering home run by Damion Easley, the Muts won the game on a squeeze bunt by Endy Chavez.

Grinch

I think we should fix our buddy No Chop Zone up with Brittany Shears. That way he could stop bleating off on our blog. Sheep don’t care about his small balls, adn would put the squeeze on him.

By Greg in TN

April 24, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

TennPaul,

Excellent point. As bad as Redman has looked, Davies doesn’t look bad at all. I’m concerned with Davies performance from the standpoint that he started off with an effective outing against the Mets and we’ve seen his earned runs and walks increase and his strikeouts decrease.

His upside is undeniable, just want to get some warm fuzzies from his next start.

By Greg in TN

April 24, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

I’m trying to forget everything before Moylan entered the game Grinch!

Got to head out for the night, folks. Everyone have a goodun’.

By Efrim

April 24, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Lets get Redman out of there. As much as I don’t like Davies either, he is young and still has some potential. Although, how does Davies expect to succeed with no two seem fastball to get groundball outs? His control is not there and he trys to hard to make the perfect pitch. I can see the Braves trading this guy and him becoming a solid pitcher, but it might not happen here in Atlanta.

Say what you will about Cormier coming back, but this team is going to have to acquire another starter. I’ve already looked, it is slim pickens around.

I think the Braves should look for a left fielder as suppose to a 1st baseman. Thorman may actually come around. He has showed power. More playing time would help him out, although he looks bad against lefties. Maybe the Braves can get Jacque Jones and Wade Miller for a sack of marbles and some bubble gum.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

Anybody see Manny’s 6 foot throw from left? He looks as clueless in the field as Langerhans does at the plate - Ouch!!

By Daybed Wagmoe

April 24, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

from the hudson article:

During his 20-win season with Oakland in 2000, Hudson was 7-0 with a 1.16 ERA in seven starts from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1.

now THAT is one heck of a stretch in 5 days!! must’ve been some doubleheaders in there. ;)

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 24, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

What ever ernesto….The Mets are in first and they will finish the season there. I guess that will be my vindication from all the nonsense that comes out of your a$$. Now go to sleep you have a long day waiting for you bagging groceries at the bodega.

By Efrim

April 24, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Can JS call Bernie Williams agent????

By KC

April 24, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Greg in TN:

Yeah… unfortunately, they were sure to mention that no one in the Braves clubhouse had said a word about Villarreal in the rotation. They were just talking amongst themselves. I sure hope Bobby considers it though. Maybe not right this second… as they could plug Cormier in soon and see how Davies/Cormier look at the bottom of the rotation for a bit. But he should be seriously considered as an option I think.

We don’t need brilliance out of the 4/5 slots. We really don’t. With this bullpen and this offense (now beginning to show what it’s capable of), we just need a couple guys back there who can give the Braves some innings and keep them in the game more often than not.

A 4.50 ERA could easliy be good enough for 13-14 wins… even with April almost over.

But a Kansas City castoff with numbers closely resembling the gross national product of a small country ain’t gonna cut it.

By Oregon_Braves

April 24, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

Yes, Mr. Perry has ranked the Braves #2 on his poll this week. Regardless of this, however, Dayn Perry, is indeed a douchebag.

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 24, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

Ha Ha Ha……how does Scalp’em know anything about balls since he doesn’t have any…..Good nite folks

By ernesto

April 24, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

No Class - exactly the counter point I anticipated. Good one.

By KC

April 24, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

Efrim: Yes, I agree… we want to keep Thorman in the lineup right now. However, if an opportunity arose to pick up a bat at 1B, we could do so since Thorman, Wilson, and Diaz are all capable of playing either 1B or LF. Thorman is probably better at 1B, but he’s not Manny Ramirez in left.

Ultimately though… if anything’s done, I’m sure it will be in left field. The Braves would perfer to keep Thorman at 1B, and outfielders are more plentiful than 1st basemen.

By The Grinch

April 24, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

Oh, snap. I just saw that 11:16. I know you di-en’t..(Takes off 75 earrings one by one) It’s ON now, heffah! Yo Mama so stupid she took an umbrella to see “Purple Rain!” Yo mama so stupid she thinks BoyZ II Men is a daycare center! Yo mama so fat she has to take her pants off to get into her pockets! Yo mama so fat she fell in love and broke it! Yo mama so ugly they filmed “Gorillas in the Mist” in her shower! What? What? Where you at, bee-yotch? :-)

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 24, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

Observations from 1800 miles away…. Diaz is getting himself out by jumping at the ball. He needs to stay back and wait for his pitch.

Thorman is making good contact. Take first base off your list of trouble spots.

Is there something about left field and Atlanta that has some sort of curse on it? Reggie Saunders could not hit when he was playing here either.

By KC

April 24, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

Oregon_Braves:

Really? Whoh… you should probably save a screenshot of that. It won’t happen very often (regardless of how well they play). I’m surprised we finally passed up the Diamondbacks in his view.

Donovan also ranked the Braves #2 yesterday. Nice to see some respect.

Now if the Braves will run Redman out of town, they can go on earning that respect.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 24, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

Agree that Redman has been a bust. Is his contract guaranteed? Do his incentives include being the worst pitcher on the staff, with the highest ERA, and being absolutely no help? Bring on Oscar. Bring on Bert. Bring on Ernie. Bring on Big Bird, the Count, or Elmo…. Anyone but this guy.

That’s my opinion. That and one dollar will buy you a can of corn, and get you some change.

Grinch:

Don’t forget to email me that info we talked about last week. I’m there for ya buddy.

Chief Ten Beers tells me it is time to hit the rack (hold the applause down, please). Heap big time tonight awaits.

Nightall.

By The Grinch

April 24, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

I hate this format; now that it’s time to jump on someone else I’m several minutes behind. Oh, well. Scalp, I like your idea but what the heck would a sheep graze on in New York? Ha! Never mind; that led me to something vicious I could say about our northern buddy but I gotta wait and see if I get my last one erased or not first. No Chop Zone, dissin’ the Bravos is one thing; insulting Ernesto’s ethnicity is another. Before you call me a hipocrite, there are no Limey’s on this blog so my earlier comments don’t count. Try to keep it ambiguous, at least.

By mr baseball

April 24, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

I can’t envision how tortured it would be on this blog if the Braves were 7-13 instead of 13-7. There are a bunch of you here with no patience, no tolerance and no clue about how baseball works. One week into the season, a flock of you were ready to throw KJ under the bus. There are still comments in the same ballpark about Thorman, who is starting to hit at a very reasonable clip.

If Cox had another option in LF other than Langerhans, he would go to it. Diaz, however, ain’t it. The guy has limited power, limited speed, walks about twice a year and is suspect defensively. Next to Langerhans, he is the last guy on the team you want at the plate in a clutch situation.

That said, the Braves are 13-7, and have only lost once or twice with Langerhans in the starting lineup. Even though he clearly can’t hit major league pitching at this point, as long as the team is winning, there’s no pressing reason to dump him in favor of some rookie who is not highly regarded (outside this blog) as a prospect.

On the pitching front, the opinions of many here seem to be driven on an inning by inning basis. Redman pitched a good game against the Cubs in his previous start. He stunk tonight. Therefore a change is absolutely necessary and it has to be made RIGHT NOW.

Davies is a young kid. He’s going to have his good days and bad days. He was lousy yesterday, so he has to go, too. Those of you who have already decided he isn’t a major league pitcher are, how should we say this, idiots. He might turn out to be a quality starter. He might not. But most of you offering your valued insights don’t have the slightest idea.

I see that the whining about the Braves’ “Hack and Jack” (whatever that is) offense has died down a little. Haven’t read much lately about “small ball” or “fundamentals” or “manufacturing runs” or whatever you want to call the one run at a time approach the Braves thankfully don’t employ.

As I’ve posted previously, the way to score runs and win games is to get men on base and get hits once you do. Not advancing runners with outs. You get hits in those situations, you win (providing the pitchers don’t give up a scad of runs). You don’t, you lose. It’s as simple as that.

As dumb as the decision by the Florida manager to walk Langerhans tonight was, I read something here a day or two ago that even more mind-numbingly moronic, although I’m not entirely certain it was meant to be serious. Someone actually suggested that with a man on second and no outs, he would signal McCann to bunt. If that wasn’t meant in jest, the offending party should change his screen name and borrow a phrase from Phil Mickelson.

(first name) I am such an idiot (last name).

It’s also obvious that a lot of you have no idea why managers platoon players. Those of who you are absolutely certain platoons don’t work need to do some research regarding the Braves in 1991 and ‘92. The team had exactly 3 every day players in ‘91, but somehow went to extra innings in Game 7 of the World Series. At some point, maybe someone will explain it, but this post is already long enough.

13-7 people. Not 7-13.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 24, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

Squaw Ten Fingers most likely…

By The Grinch

April 24, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

See what I mean? Now you’re both asleep. Sounds like a plan. I’ll adress any responses tommorrow. Scalp; I think I’ve got what I need to send. I’ll shoot it in an e-mail 2morrow. Much obliged, indeed. So, Oregon Brave, I take it you agree with my original assessment of Dyan Perry’s douchiness? G’night, all.

By Baron

April 25, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

It’s official now: Thor is coming around. He’ll probably be at least decent.

One of the reasons the Braves took a chance on Redman: His ERA in his last five basement outings this winter was 3.85 over 31 2/3 innings, with only 4 BB and 3 homers. So you can kinda understand.

Frenchy is becoming a great hitter right before our eyes. I’ve seen 7 or 8 games the last two weeks and I’m ready to say that he’ll be more Chip than Druw.

I’m grasping at straws here, but that last AB by Langy gave me a little hope that he might come around. Showed good plate discipline, didn’t swing at any bad pitches, and just looked like he had a plan in a clutch situation (two on, two out, top 9). And after the BB, he hustled down to first to beat the throw.

Pen looked great again. The get the job done in tough situations. Cheers to Moylan on his fist ML victory. Really a terrific job tonight.

I almost shot my sonic cherry limeade outta my nose when Gonzalez IBB’d Langy. Dude, SERIOUSLY. Stephen Colbert just applauded the decision on The Report.

Glad to see Orr tough out that AB for the icers. He catches a fair amount of slack around here, unfairly I think. Need to keep in mind his job on the roster and the difficult situation he’s in. That said, KJ’s hitting .333 against lefties, please don’t let me hear any more about needing to get Woodward AB’s.

By gotigers72

April 25, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

The Braves cannot continue to depend on starters 1 through 3 to do ALL the work needed for a decent starting staff. And even 2 and 3 haven’t been so hot lately, but 4 and 5 have been dreadful.

Time to send Redman back to the basement. One good start, and 3 absolutely horrible ones. If you’re gonna put up with that kind of pitching, may as well call up a youngster and let him get some experience rather than put up with a ragarm, soft tossong lefty who is obviously done for his career.

When Cormier comes back, my opinion is it would be better to keep Davies and get rid of Redman. Davies is much younger, has great stuff [which Redman doesn’t], and if he ever conquers the mental part of the game, will be a successful MLB pitcher. Better to take a chance on somebody who has more of an upside and is only 23 years old.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

April 25, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

I know its early but could we possibly be seeing the Braves field 8 all-stars (Wickman, Hudson, Chipper, Johnson, Andruw, Francoeur, and McCann)?

By KC

April 25, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

Final thoughts…

Mark Redman should be deported. If the Braves don’t cut him, we might have to take matters into our own hands. Anyone have Tonya Harding’s phone number?

Jeff Francoeur is becoming the full-on stud we all thought he would be last year.

Moylan looked great. Hard to picture sending him down when Paronto comes back. Coyler won’t last in Atlanta, but I’d imagine it’ll be McBride that replaces him to reclaim his job (or try). So come to think of it… cutting Redman and putting Villarreal in the rotation as soon as Paronto returns would solve a ver difficult bullpen decision as well.

Well gotta get some shuteye. Nighty night ya’ll.

By Ron

April 25, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

Could not watch the Game tonight, and read some of the bloggers comments, and damn I have not laughed that loud in a while, great stuff guys. When I read they intenially walked Langy, I about fell over, I would not have cared if the pitcher was on deck, NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER walk Langy, NEVER!!!!! Fredie Gonzalez must be Smokin that Good Stuff, because DAMN!

By gotigers72

April 25, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

That post about Redman and pitching [starting] in general was extremely negative on my part. The Braves are 13-7 and there were lots of good things about tonight’s game, and last night’s game to be honest. The hitters are bashing, and except for Villareal last night the bullpen has been lights out both nights. The hitters are coming through with mucho clutch 2 out hits. It just makes me sick to see a performance like Redman’s tonight, so I fail to mention the good points.

Last year I said that I didn’t think Moylan was an MLB pitcher. May have even said it this year. But he is so much better this year. I don’t know what he changed, but his stuff used to just sit there and spin with a “Hit Me” sign on it [much like the “Kick Me signs I used to put on my little brother’s back at school. Sorry bro.] But his stuff is moving much better this year, his breaking ball was unhittable tonight.

So please excuse my negativity that I express at times. I think this year’s team will wind up being much better than last year’s, they just need to tweak a few things here and there.

By Braveone

April 25, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

I have a couple of questions concerning Phil Stockman.

When do you think he will be called up to Atlanta? He has pitched 6 shutout innings with 6 strikeouts, 1 walk & 1 hit in 3 relief 2-inning appearances at Richmond.

Does he have the repertoire of pitches to make him a candidate to be converted to a starter? With his size, he could be the next coming of Randy Johnson.

DOB or anyone else, please let me know your opinion on this.

By KC

April 25, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

Robert (JIB): They may have 8 all-star worthy players, but no chance at all of 8 all-stars.

If Hudson keeps this up, he’ll be a lock. McCann’s a lock assuming he remains healthy.

Smoltz will likely get the ERA back down in fairly short order, and could have a shot. KJ probably won’t go, since he plays in the same league as Uttly and Uggla.

Andruw’s got a chance if he heat up. Chipper’s got an excellent chance at visiting his first all-star game in a while if he can stay on the field. And Francoeur has an excellent chance.

Okay, good night for real this time. =)

By fastasballs

April 25, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

Just let Redman pitch, well whatever he does on the mound, the remainder of his starts in his basement where he is more comfortable. He should win most of those outings unless he is pitching to his wife & kids, in that case he is .500 at best.

So who would win the battle if Redman faced Langerhans? Bunting & intentional walks are not allowed.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 25, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

Braveone Stockman is currently on the AA roster in Mississippi. He was activated off Richmond’s DL when McBride was sent down.

By MBATL

April 25, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

Great post, mr baseball. Couldn’t agree more. Thank goodness Cox and Scheurholz have more patience with players than this blog does.

By bigpapat

April 25, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Come on guys, be patient with Lankypants and Redman after all they…

Ahh, I’m just kiddin’ maybe they can coach little league together somewhere. They aint got to go home but they got to get the hell up outta here.

By N8

April 25, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

“I see that the whining about the Braves’ “Hack and Jack” (whatever that is) offense has died down a little. Haven’t read much lately about “small ball” or “fundamentals” or “manufacturing runs” or whatever you want to call the one run at a time approach the Braves thankfully don’t employ.”

I’ll start it up again the NEXT TIME they face a pitcher that doesn’t either put it on a tee for them, or walk the bases loaded.

Hack-n-Jack is just fine, when you have the “jack” in the equation. But right now, Langerhans, Diaz (you know - the guys DOB said are in the midst of an 0 for 41 slump combinded), Wilson, and Andruw have the “hack” part down pat.

Like I said, hack-n-jack works fine with poor pitching on the hill. But not so good against pitchers that are “on”.

Name me ONE STARTER this year from the opposing team that has been dominant in the past, or a former ALL-STAR that we’ve “handled” with the hack-n-jack philosophy. Name me one experienced reliever that we’ve beat up on in the late inning comebacks we’ve had.

We’ve beaten Glavine 5-3 on April 7th. The next day we beat Heilman, final score 3-2. Other than that, a bunch of has beens or never were’s.

On the other hand, we’ve been SHUT DOWN by Colome (Washington), Chico (Washington), Hill (Chicago) and Oliver Perez (Mets) TWICE!!

What did all of those guys have in common? They were “on” their game. Throwing strikes, getting ahead in the count (not walking people), and NOT givine up HR’s. In the above 5 mentioned games we TOTALLED 3 runs and ONE HOMERUN!

Now obviously we’re gonna face mediocre pitching more often than outstanding pitching, but you can see the trend, can’t you?

IF WE DON’T HIT HR’s OUR ODDS OF WINNING DIMINISH….BIGTIME.

Granted, tonight we scored 11 runs WITHOUT the benefit of the longball. But then again, who’d we hit off of tonight?

Exactly my point.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 25, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

One more comment then time to call it a night.

When Bobby takes his hat off in the dugout it is a sign you are not long with the team. Look for a move to be made soon. Things don’t look good for Redman in that respect.

Better hope Davis gets his mind right.

By Coach

April 25, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

An ugly win is a win , I’ll take it , even if we have to endure more of Mark Redman. This offense is lethal with two outs. The bullpen was magnificent and you see what the Braves do to hard throwing right handed pitchers. Langerhans , why is he still here ? Cox must have the patience of Job. Nice to see Thorman join the hit parade. In the meantime , The Mets get another unbelievable pitching perfomance winning 2-1 in twelve. Hudson is on the mound tomorrow trying to finish off the fish before a day off and then we go to the land of John Denver , to do the Rocky Mountain High , Colorado !

By N8

April 25, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

“So who would win the battle if Redman faced Langerhans? Bunting & intentional walks are not allowed.”

THAT is funny.

More than likely, Langerhans would strike out, but the 3rd strike would get away, and with a little “keystone cops” catching and throwing, Langerhans would come ALL THE WAY AROUND to score on a strikeout with 3 errors.

Redman STILL loses….1-0.

By Coach

April 25, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

Somebody stop the presses ! Holy Cow ! the New York Yankees are in last place in the American league east.

By meansonny

April 25, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

Great post Mr Baseball

I have the same sentiments.

Pretty much everything that could be said has already been posted (and some things which shouldn’t have been posted unfortunately)

The only thing I can add is that Redman is running out of excuses. This is his first game that he has actually received run support. Would his next start be PHI??? I’m getting nervous about him facing teams that can put up big innings (like most of the NL East).

By Baron

April 25, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

N8, dude… you realize that you just said that when the braves batters get shut down that they don’t hit or score runs. That’s like, when it’s not raining you don’t get a lot of precipitation. Your bold face point is great analysis of like every team in the majors!

Is there some remedy for the problem of scoring runs when you aren’t getting on base or hitting? Contact JS immediately if you’ve figured it out. Are you going to sacrifice bunt yourself to first?

This business of “Hack and Jack”… I take this to be a attack on teams that don’t “know how to manufacture runs”… I’d like to state here, for the record, that if you’ve got guys in your lineup that can hit, and the added benefit of hitting with power, then you are a fool and a sucker to waste outs trying to move runners over. How many two-out runs have we scored this year? Too bad Bobby didn’t instruct Druw, or McCann, or Frenchy, to bunt a guy over to second at any point in that span! We could have scored fewer runs and lost a few more games!

The only reason EVER to play “small ball”- bunt, steal, and what else exactly?- is that your team sucks at hitting and you know your guys are going to make outs and you figure, WTH, probably should bunt Langy because at least he won’t cause 2 outs that way. Which I’m sure BC would do if Langy ever came up with anyone on base and no outs.

Take a look at firejoemorgan.com for some excellent analysis of why the small ball myth is bunk and usually bandied about by complete morons such as Steve Phillips. Search out the delusional ramblings of Ozzie Geuin.

By TennesseePaul

April 25, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this

mr baseball, some perspective is always good. It is only the 20th game of the season, so most of the rants are premature to some extent. On that note though, 1 good outing in 4 years from Redman is not enough for me. I need a little more I guess. Redman is going to blow, that’s just what he does. As for the platoons, I agree, there are times when a platoon can pay off. But sometimes it takes Cox a little too long to drop the platoon. Like last year with McCann and Pratt. That was a bad platoon to go along with the LaRoche/Jordan tandem. Initially there was the Woodward/Johnson platoon but that was dropped and Johnson responded, or maybe it was the other way around. Diangerhans is a wash right now when it comes to the bats. At the least Langerhans has a glove. Thor and Wilson, that platoon shouldn’t be either. If Cox wants Wilson’s bat in the line up he should go with Wilson in LF and Thor at 1B and bench Diangerhans. This could help everyone involved.

By TennesseePaul

April 25, 2007 1:05 AM | Link to this

Also, with Wilson in LF and Thor at 1B the opportunity arises for Cox to build a line up in his favorit fashion:
L Johnson
R Renteria
S Chipper
R Andruw
L McCann
R Francoeur
L Thorman
R Wilson
L R L all the way through. And his bench still has a L R tandem of sub mendoza line hitters.

By mr baseball

April 25, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

N8: still have no idea what the phrase “Hack & Jack” means. I assume it has something to do with swinging for the fences. The Braves have exactly one player who clearly fits that description (Andruw) and he has pretty much taken that approach since he became a big time home run hitter.

I suppose Francouer also is in that mold, but all I see off his bat are line drives. Maybe he should swing a little easier and start hitting bloop singles instead of line drive doubles.

The idea that teams’ chances of winning go down significantly when they don’t hit homers falls into the “duh” category. Lots of people seem to think that there are only two ways to play offense. The Earl Weaver 3-run homer approach, and the 19th century “get ‘em on, get ‘em over, get ‘em in” philosophy, which sort of worked during baseball’s dead ball era.

Considering how awful the LF duo has been and the slow starts of several other players, the Braves are doing fine offensively with no speed, no reliance on bunting and not that many “productive outs.” They’re getting hits when it counts, and have won most of the close games they’ve played because of it.

If one of you can enlighten me on how the Braves can improve offensively, other than replacing the 2 LFs with someone who can actually hit major league pitching, I would appreciate it.

Granted, the Braves haven’t faced many all-star pitchers, but last time I checked, Zambrano & Willis seemed to fit the ball and the Braves hit both of them. But I guess since they didn’t light up Matt Chico, their offense obviously reeks.

By David O'Brien

April 25, 2007 1:29 AM | Link to this

TennPaul, Wilson’s shoulder won’t allow him to play LF on a regular basis. Once in a while, he’d be fine. But not regularly, from what I understand.

By David O'Brien

April 25, 2007 1:33 AM | Link to this

Braveone, Stockman could be called as soon as they have a need for another right-hander. Right now, they don’t. And Paronto will need to be added when he’s ready in a week or two, perhaps, maybe a little longer.

No, Stockman isn’t going to start anytime soon. That’s not in the plans, as of now. And I’ve never heard it mentioned.

By meansonny

April 25, 2007 1:33 AM | Link to this

I’m not really looking for an explanation or anyone to provide support in this. But please look at both a business and baseball perspective on things.

How many players on the Braves roster do we want to pay $400,000 to $900,000. Then give them 20-40 at bats. Then release them because they “blow” etc. We’re paying for the full season. Do you think we should give them an opportunity to prove that they can perform at a MLB level?

If you say no, then we should’ve traded Kelly Johnson, Jeff Francouer, never had LaRoche for the second half of last season.

I seem to remember Andruw Jones going through multiple 5 and 6 game ‘0’fers back in 96,97, and to start the season in 98. We should’ve sent him packing too.

I have a novel idea. Let’s try to make sure that we’ve exhausted our efforts (winning efforts by the way) to make sure that we don’t throw $100,000’s+ into the toilet. How many of you would like to protect a $800,000 investment before throwing it away?

The alternative is to call up a minor leaguer, put him on that $400,000 payroll and expect him to do better in his first 20 at bats.

It’s April. The playoffs don’t start till October. Let’s keep working on identifying the problems before we solve them.

(Didn’t Smoltz have an ERA over 5.00 in 1988? How did we keep that bum around?)

By Baron

April 25, 2007 1:39 AM | Link to this

What’s wrong with Wilson’s shoulder? Could it be having an effect on his hitting?

By Braves fan 202

April 25, 2007 1:54 AM | Link to this

damnit i knew the phillies would come back, they did it pretty good last year, thats cool we got em soon and we’ll knock back to reality

By brent a.

April 25, 2007 2:09 AM | Link to this

It is very easy to be thrilled with a team that beats up on a crappy pitcher for the 2nd time in as many weeks.

But, come the play-offs, what will people say if we can’t hit the aces the other teams are throwing at us (which has been our history)?

I have never believed that it has to be one way, or the other, regarding “hack & jack” (using the noted term), or “small ball.”

The reality is, teams need to have the ability to do EVERYTHING so that they can employ it when it is needed.

IMO, that really is not too much to ask from major league ballplayers.

When facing a dominant pitcher, it is great to have a team that knows how to put pressure on the defense, by laying down a bunt, stealing a base, moving a runner over, etc.

Believe it or not, sometimes, 1 run is all that is needed.

Also, there are times when a team is mired in a slump (see: Braves, Atlanta, June 2006), and the ability to score a run can work wonders for a team’s confidence when struggling.

Swinging away has certainly worked for the Braves over the course of many long seasons. They have had great hitters. But, it has clearly failed them in the play-offs many times over. Russ Ortiz of all people shut us down 2 times(!) in the 2002 play-offs. Kerry Wood & Mark Prior in ‘03 as well.

Again, when you get the big hit, it always looks like the right decision, and sometimes, it is. But, knowing how to lay down a bunt and hit to the other side is a great asset for any player. Because sometimes, that is what is needed.

By meansonny

April 25, 2007 2:11 AM | Link to this

Mets, Braves, Phils, and Marlins are all in the top 10 of MLB right now for Runs and OPS.

Is that a reflection of everyone’s potent lineups (and should we give Redman and Davies a break?)

Or is it a reflection of poor pitching.

MLB rankigs for walks allowed. 1)FLA 2)WAS 3)ATL 5)NYM 11)PHI

You can’t defend the walk. And pitching behind in the count leads to trouble (Do we still give Redman and/or Dasvies a pass because pitching in the NL East is thin?)

By meansonny

April 25, 2007 2:24 AM | Link to this

Bravesfan 202 What is “small ball”?

Is it employing a bunt? and a hit and run? Stealing 2nd or 3rd?

Or is it compiling a series of seeing eye dribblers? A bloop hit?

I personally don’t like giving up outs for bases (runs, yes. but not bsaes).

You only get 2 outs to play with and produce that run. If you bunt a man over, you’d need to hit .500+ AVG to plate him in with your last 2 outs.

On a side note, we are not built for speed. I don’t like giving up outs on the basepaths. Not if the team has a good OPS

By Mark

April 25, 2007 3:17 AM | Link to this

Redman, Davies, and James have been a little shaky. Thanks alot Mike Hampton you thief! Please, Lance Cormier get back as quick as possible so we can designate Redman for assignment or something.

By Braves fan 202

April 25, 2007 3:44 AM | Link to this

i love how everyone acts like cormier will be a god, prior to spring training i had no clue he had any potential, now that he could fill the fifth spot yall sound like he will be our savior. Although i can see why everyone is interested in change in the bottom of the rotation. Meansonny, i didnt mention anything about small ball so read the write post

By Jeff R

April 25, 2007 5:25 AM | Link to this

Smoltz and James will return to form. Soriano, Gonzo (I think he’ll find his groove, barring arm woes) will perfom well. Hudson and Wickman are already doing so. It’s the 4 and 5 starters that will kill us. Redman is, simply, this sort of pitcher (look at his stats the last two seasons; not flukes). Davies…he’s got the tools, he just doesn’t seem to have the focus. Fix the 4/5 starters, and, I think, the Braves pitching will be fine.

By Kaye

April 25, 2007 7:09 AM | Link to this

DOB…Left field has been my #1 concern since spring training. How long do you think the Braves will stay with the platoon of Langerhans/Diaz? This is the worst platoon ever. I dont care how great your defense is, if you hitting 058 no defense is compensating for that. Do we not have a left fielder in the minors who is waiting on his chance?

By Robert

April 25, 2007 7:13 AM | Link to this

They are playing some ugly baseball, albeit winning a good number of the ugly games

According to USA Today, Cox was asked what he was planning to do about Langerhans and said something like “Keep watching him catch balls in the gap”

Langerhans plays good defense. I gotta ask, how many plays has he made this year that flat out his potential replacements absoilutely dont make?

Now think about how many hits for OUR side the alternative/s might be getting

I’m sorry folks - that quip was a “Hee-Haw” moment

But it wouldnt be Bobby if he werent stubborn

Hope Hudson continues the roll tonight

By Richard Cory

April 25, 2007 7:17 AM | Link to this

Ron—the amazing thing is that, the pitcher was not on-deck. Orr, had already come to the on deck circle, cause Wickman was going to come into the game, and Orr was batting for Soriano. How insulted must have Orr been to see them walking Langerhans to get to me. Freddy, must of been thinking along the lefty/righty lines and not paying any attention to the reality of the situation. Anyone here, would of bet the house that Langy would of made the out. One of the weirdest decisions I’ve ever seen a manager make. Good at-bat Pete.

By ncscoots

April 25, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

I dunno, I think you just gotta laugh in the face of the absolute beaucoup butt-ugly starting pitching we’ve seen from both teams in the last two games, LOL. Really. Just one of those series that feature lots of offense and pity for pitchers :-)

BTW, just for chuckles, what’s the team record in games started by Redman and Davies? What’s the Mets’ team record in games started by Maine and Pelfrey? I pick those two because I can’t consider Perez a legit 3 starter. Just…can’t…do it.

By Survey sez.........

April 25, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this

The magic number is 144!

By meansonny

April 25, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

Sorry Braves fan 202

I wasn’t challenging a point of view. Just trying to drive some conversation at 2:00 AM. I’m sure it came off the wrong way.

It was a long shot. Have a good morning.

By JasonInMaine

April 25, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this

DOB,

The Braves don’t have anyone at all that they feel they can call up to start? I know they are 13-7 and all, but my word; they certainly can’t expect to be true WS contenders with Davies and Redman anchoring the back-end of the rotation. LF is the biggest joke in baseball, and we have guys in the minors tearing it up. Why not give someone a chance? The Mets are a tremendous team, and if we go with this rotation and playing 7 regular players vs 8 every night, we may not be in the division race when the trading deadline approaches.

Regards,

Jason

By ncscoots

April 25, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this

actually, I meant “even though I can’t consider Perez, etc.”. Ah, you know what I meant.

By Survey sez.........

April 25, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this

Well, if this was the NFL, which it isn’t obviously, the Braves would be 2-0, winning the first 10 games 7-3, and the second 10 games 6-4.

If this was college football, they would be 1-0, winning the first game 10-4, and being tied at 3-3 with a few minutes left in the first half with 7 games left to play to determine whether they go 2-0.

By NationalLeagueEast

April 25, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

John Maine is 3-0, Pelfrey is 0-1

By ncscoots

April 25, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

Jason, Mets have 5 regulars hitting over .300 with OBP over .360 - Braves have 5 regulars hitting around .300 with OBP over .360; Mets have scored 111 runs - Braves have scored 104; Mets have 4 regulars with OPS of .800+ - Braves have 6 regulars with OPS of .800+; Mets have more SB - Braves have more homers.

What gives you an indication that the Mets will run away with the division even if LF doesn’t change? From an offensive production point of view, the stats say the teams are exactly where they should be: separated by a sliver.

By Hunter

April 25, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this

Sure Redman gave up 6 runs in 3 innings and now has an ERA over 10, but he was 0-0 with a walk tonight…that’s no outs and an OBP of 1.000. This begs the question….can he play left field?

By ncscoots

April 25, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

Well, thanks, NLEast, though that wasn’t the question I posed. I was asking about the team record in the games they started. But never mind, looked it up myself.

Mets are 5-1 in the games started by their nominal back-end starters (Maine 4-0, Pelfrey 1-1); Braves are 3-4 in games started by their nominal back-end starters (Davies 2-1, Redman 1-3).

By Mike S

April 25, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

First off, I was patient with KJ and I am still being patient with Thorman. But where is the thin line between an 11 month slump and Ryan Langerhans can’t hit. I mean when has he ever hit? But I am sure he will breakout and hit 25 homers and bat .275 this year, right? I am also sure that Langy better be batting 1.000 in spectacular plays in Left in order to stay. 1 bad route could lead to a paper route.

By Thrillhouse44

April 25, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

The only thing I enjoyed more than seeing Pete Orr come through last night, was reading this sentence in DOB’s recap: “The Braves turned a one-run lead into an insurmountable lead — given that Bob Wickman would be pitching the ninth rather than, say, Redman.” Classic! Thanks for the laugh, DOB.

By The Ghost of Syd Thrift

April 25, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

I thought it odd last last night all the attention paid to the fact that the skipper for the Florida Marlins had weak hitting Ryan Langerhans issued an intentional walk with two outs. Almost no mention was made of the poor decision made by the Marlin’s outfielder, Cody Ross, on the play before allowing young Thorman to advance to second on the previous play because Ross choose to throw to third.

That is the play that set up the situation that forced the Marlin’s manager to set up a force play at every base which is quite customary.

It is fundamental baseball that can win or lose baseball games when not executed properly.

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 25, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

NC Roots,Maine is 3-0 and Pelfrey is 0-1

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 25, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

I think it is way too early to be scoreboard watching. Save it for September when it means something….

Don’t look now but the Phillie are coming…… Told not to wake them up…. Now they done gone and opened a can of whuppa$$ on Washington.

By Hunter

April 25, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

Salty hit two more homeruns last night, giving him 6 on the year so far. He’s now hitting .379/.471/.776…not bad, eh?

By KC

April 25, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

Good mornin’ ya’ll. I had a really, really bad dream last night… I dreamt that Mark Redman made another start in an Atlanta uniform.

DOB: when is Cormier expected back?

On another note… It looks like the Yankees aren’t going to approach Atlanta’s consecutive division record. =)

However, I’m sick as hell of hearing about them. There are a number of teams getting off to disappointing starts. Why should the Yankees be getting headlines (don’t answer that… I know the answer… Just making a point).

It kind of reminds me of the first year the Spurs knocked off the Kobe-Shaq Lakers, and while us Spurs fans wanted to celebrate the Spurs winning, all the media would talk about was the Lakers losing.

Message to SI, ESPN, Foxsports, and others… try not mentioning the Yankees in any headline feature for 2 consecutive days. Just try it. I promise there will be no appreciable difference in your stock value. REALLY!

By Savannah Guy

April 25, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

A FEW ARMS AND BATS SHORT Note to Cox: Get Redman out of the rotation and save him for blowout situations to eat innings. Send Davies and Langerhans to see Smoltzy’s therapist. Oh, and don’t pitch Soriano with more than a one run lead.

By Carroll

April 25, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

LOL! Watching ESPN’s SPortcenter going over the highlights of last nights game—in particular, the fact that every time we gave Redman a lead, he bent over backwards to give it right back to ‘em. The guy said “Mark Redman couldn’t stand prosperity.” I love it. I still say he deserves a few more starts, given the fact that he missed a lot of spring, and the absence of a clear alternative. But we can’t go with this much longer.

And Langy MUST go…like yesterday! I agree with Mike S. above. Unlike Redman, who has a strong track record to keep him afloat, Langy has never done anything at this level to justify his continued presence on the team. He is an above-avg fielder and that’s it. He doesn’t run the bases well, throw all that well, hit for power or avg, take walks, provide nay kind of emotion or leadership. He is a total dud. Wake up, Bobby!

By David O'Brien

April 25, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

KC, as I’ve written several times recently, they’ll bring back Cormier when he’s ready. Whether that’s after two more rehab starts _ the original, hopeful plan was three total rehab starts, and he’s already had one _ or whether it takes a bit longer, which looks to be the case now, since he felt some tightness in the second inning of his two-inning stint the other day.

So there is no expected date yet.

By KC

April 25, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

6 weeks ago, Redman was pitching to his teenagers at his house waiting for the phone to ring…

Did anyone bother to ask him if he was getting anybody out in his basement?

By KC

April 25, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Carroll: “Unlike Redman, who has a strong track record to keep him afloat”

Carroll, no offense here, but… are you serious? Redman is a veteran with but one good season in his entire career, and he’s coming off a 5.71 ERA.

Yes, Redman has a track record… but it’s not “strong”.

By KC

April 25, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Alright then… let’s get Villarreal in the rotation immediately. Again, why should we show any more patience with Redman? What are we waiting for… for him to get back to his 5.71 ERA form??

By BT

April 25, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Does anyone know how prolonged Jeff Francoeur’s slump was at the beginning of last year? Also didn’t Kelly Johnson have a similar -ofer when he came up. I am in agreement Langerhan’s current ineptitude is very troubling but is it too much to expect that at the end of the year he will still give us a .240-.250 average with pretty good defense. Three days ago we were already to run Thorman out of town. Glass half full on my part.

By Mike S

April 25, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

I was just looking up some stats and I saw one that was kind of strange. Former Brave Daryl Ward is tied for 3rd in the majors with a total of 4 intentional walks. That’s more than Bonds, and he is a utility player.

By Carroll

April 25, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

KC: relatively strong….he has four double-digit win seasons. Again, there is not a clearly better option. After all, Villy played a huge part in our loss yesterday. And I can assure that Redman would be completely useless out of the pen. So it’s not like you could just swap he and Villy. You have to think these things all the way through.

By Survey sez.........

April 25, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

1 bad route could lead to a paper route.

Mike S., that line about Langerhans is freaking classic.

By Carroll

April 25, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

BT: the slumps by Francy and Johnson that you speak of only lasted around a month, and even at that there were things within those slumps to give cause for hope. There is no such cause for hope with Langy. He has been terrible for over a year now with no signs that he will come out of it, and no previous track records of success to fall back on.

By KC

April 25, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

BT: Yes, it is in all likelihood too much to hope that Langerhans will finish the year at .250.

At his best he is a .250 hitter, and in order to overcome this month-long slump (let’s hope it’s not longer than that if BC insists on leaving him in the lineup), he’d have to hit well above that mark the rest of the year to get his average up to .250. Not likely.

The Thorman comparison is apples and oranges. Langerhans has now had nearly 700 major league at-bats, and he’s never shown himself capable of hitting major league pitching.

If memory serves me correctly, Langerhans was never a big hitter in the minor leagues for that matter… where as Thorman was toying with AAA pitchers all last year (when he wasn’t in Atlanta).

By KC

April 25, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

On the Villarreal-in-the-rotation thing… I believe we could count on Villarreal to give us an ERA no worse than something in the mid-4.00 range. Not that he wouldn’t be better than that… I’m just saying, I think we could count on him for at least that… and that would be a helluva lot better than anything we’re going to get from Redman.

After Redman’s first 2 starts, Schuerholz said something to the effect of “we’re surprised because he’s always been a guy that will give you a lot of innings”. Well actually, his innings pitched have dropped each of the last 3 seasons, and when you’re playing for a losing team, it’s easier to get innings as they will leave you in situations they couldn’t afford to if they were in a pennant race.

Please forgive my Robert-like obsession with getting rid of this guy, but I don’t think we can count on Redman being matched up against Rick Vanden Hurk very often.

By KC

April 25, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

Carroll: “And I can assure that Redman would be completely useless out of the pen. So it’s not like you could just swap he and Villy.”

No, no, no, no!! That’s not what I’m suggesting at all!! I’m very sorry if I gave that impression, but I’m not suggesting that we put Villarreal in the rotation and Redman in the pen. I’m suggesting the we put Villarreal in the rotation, and buy Mark Redman a one-way bus ticket. We’ve got plenty of bullpen options. We don’t need his junk down there.

Yes, Villarreal gave up a couple runs the other day, but if we’re going to talk track records… Villarreal has proven capable of getting major league hitters out most of his career. His rookie season in Arizona, he was fantastic.

Last year was his first full season back after returning from surgery in 2005, and he posted a respectable ERA for the season, and a sub-3.00 ERA from after the all-star break… including a very productive 5-start stint in the rotation. Villarreal is a much better option than Redman. MUCH!

By Lee

April 25, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

The Braves simply cannot reply on Redman much longer as a starter and with all of these pitchers (minor league system included) mentioned throughout this BLOG the Braves should be able to eventually put all the pieces together; if not, they have enough talent to trade for a proven starter.

I really don’t see the Braves sticking with Langerhans until maybe mid- May unless he starts hitting - which I have no idea what Cox would call a sufficient batting average with this guy to justify his defense. I think some people would say 220 average is good enough with his defense. He probably will eventually be put on waivers. Hopefully some team will want him but honestly the Braves will be not be able to get much in return for him. Every game he plays his value has to be decreasing even more. His defense may be good but unless this man is Superman and can fly and leap over walls to catch balls - his defense sure can’t justify his batting average.

With the Mets continuing their winning ways and the emergence of the Phillies, the Braves cannot afford to dig themselves into a hole. While winning and staying in the division race the Braves should be able to survive with what they have at present time; however, If the Braves happen to hit a losing skid of say around 4 to 5 games, I think decisions will be coming a lot sooner than later. I hope Redman and Langerhans are soon-to-be ex-Braves.

By BT

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

Now just to show that I am not the eternal optimist Redmon is not going to make it.

By Steve McP

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

KC - the difference between this obsession and Robert’s with BC is that the Langerhans issue is clearly valid while Robert’s demonic rants about Cox had no validation - incidentally he has stopped that and made some good points in the last week or so.

Also will people please stop putting IMO in their posts, of course it’s your opinion that’s why you are blogging!

By Richard Cory

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

Ghost of Syd Thrift—why would you be worrying about setting up a force out when a strikeout is staring you right in the face?? LOL

By brent a.

April 25, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Francoeur was bad at the beginning of last season and then came home and hit 2 home runs in 1 game against Philly. and then a game-winner the next night against San Diego.

Kelly Johnson started about o for 30 (maybe 1 for 30), and then busted out in Texas in mid-june of ‘05 and wound up being player of the week.

3+ weeks in, and L-hans is hitting .056.

By Al

April 25, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

What is the status of Blaine Boyer? He shows up on the Richmond roster but doesn’t have any stats yet. Is this a glitch in the stats or is he hurt again?

By Survey sez.........

April 25, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

At this point, I have to agree with villereal being put into the rotation. His role in the pen now is not all that critical, especially when Paronto comes back. If as KC says he can get in there and give us 5 or 6 innings with a 4.50 ERA with the offense we have, that should be enough for us. With Redman, we are tossing away games. This is going to be a very tight race down to the finish. Games that we throw away in April and May with Redman may very well be the difference in us failing to recapture our crown and castle.

By CC Rider

April 25, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

DOB, Have the Braves considered the move of Moylan into a starting role. The history of sidearmers tends to show an ability to throw longer with less stress on the arm. Perhaps Villareal, Cormier, Moylan and Davies should all be considered at 4 and 5, with the losers going into long relief or back to Richmond to work on their ( in Davies case) control and (the rest) endurance.

By KC

April 25, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Lee: “they have enough talent to trade for a proven starter.”

Yes, there’s talent, but proven starters aren’t a dime a dozen, and are drawing a king’s ransom. There probably isn’t a singe good pitcher available, a the Braves would probably have to give up 2 prized prospects just to get a guy with w 4.50 ERA.

It’s not worth it. Let’s see what Villarrea can do in the rotation, and hope we can get Cormier back soon.

By Mike S

April 25, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

• Villareal is too valuable in long relief and occasional spot starts when someone is ill or sore. I believe he could be a good starter but he has an equally important role now.
• BT, I agree that everyone should be patient but for how long, since last May? Also, a .250 average with about 7 homeruns and 16 2b’s should only be acceptable for maybe a second baseman. Not in left field where great defense isn’t a must.

By KC

April 25, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Steve McP: Actually my obsession is getting rid of Redman. But I’m at least passionate for the cause of getting Langerhans out of the lineup.

Langerhans is hurting the team in the sense that he’s not helping, and he’s taking up a spot in the lineup for someone who could. But Redman is just flat giving away ballgames. He was bailed out lastnight, but that doesn’t change anything.

By IMO

April 25, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Steve Mcqueen, do you mind if I put IMO in my moniker? Will that be okay with you tough guy?

By Rodger

April 25, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

How many innings do you think we could get out of Roger McDowell? I mean, good grief! The first inning last night looked like a Rocky movie-lots of hitting, and ugly!

If Redman gets another start, we have to assume…well, I don’t know what we can assume other than that we can afford to lose a couple games.

By KC

April 25, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Mike S:

Sorry man… there is no way a long-reliever is as valuable as a starter. If you don’t believe me, take a look at the pay-scale for starters vs. long relievers. If Villerral capable of giving the Braves an ERA no worse than somehwere in the low-mid 4.00 range from that 5th slot in the rotation (and I believe he is)… then he’s far more valuable to this team there.

Also, Moylan did a pretty damn good job in that long-relief role last night, didn’t he?

By ellijaydawg

April 25, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

How many more starts does Redman get? He just plain sucks, if he throws a strike it gets crushed. Kyle Davies isn’t much better, & Chuck James probably isn’t a #3 starter. For the Braves to stay in the race all season they will have acquire another starter. I’ve never thought Ryan Langerhans was a everyday player. Now I’m wondering if he’s even a major league player. The Braves have to address starting pitching and leftfield. AND SOON.

By Matthew, Walter's Dad

April 25, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Someone asked earlier (Lew?) what the Braves’ record was when facing a LH pithcer. Here is the breakdown:

13-7 overall 5-6 against LH 8-1 against RH

This was on the game broadcast last night (not including last night’s win, which I added) but you might want to double check.

By H_Charles

April 25, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Langy has to go. Now. Yes, KJ started 1-31, but astute baseball fans remember that he was hitting the ball well during that stretch, just right at people. Langy has no clue up there right now. He isn’t getting unlucky — he just can’t hit. Yes Francour went through slumps, but even through those he was always a threat to go deep, and his glove DOES justify his playing. Langy is merely above average defensively, while Frenchy is a difference maker. There are PLENTY of other options between Richmond and Mississippi. Let’s give them a shot.

By Jim

April 25, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Is there a journeyman pitcher at Richmond (Carlyle, Trey Hodges) that can fill the Redman slot until Cormier is ready?

If Cormier is going to need more than 2-3 weeks before he can come back, the idea of putting Villareal in the rotation and keeping Moylan in the pen when Paronto comes back (and dumping Redman) makes a lot of sense.

The Braves don’t have a lot of starting pitching in the minors that is ready to contribute right now, but what about the relif pitchers? It seems that Stockman, McBride (when he straightens out his mechanics), and Boyer (when healthy) are all ready to contribute at the ML level and Devine seems to be getting close. Can we make a trade with someone to get a good AA-AAA starter for some of our bullpen surplus?

Why isn’t Salty getting some experience playing 1B or LF? If Salty could play 1B (and catch occaisionally when McCann needed rest), we would add a power-hitting, switch-hitter to our lineup who provides additional flexibility for resting our catcher. If Thorman plays his way into a starting role, he could also play both LF and 1B, giving us additional flexibility, and perhaps a (cheap) answer to the lack of production from our leftfielders and our weak bench. If Salty continues his hot hitting up to the All-Star break, he would seem ready for a promotion to Atlanta, and would be a welcome addition at the bottom of our lineup.

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Teflon John should call up his son to play second base and put Kelly out in left. That will fix alot of problems with this offense.

By dallasryle

April 25, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

braves,please trade redman, quick.

By KC

April 25, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

H_Charles: Exactly right!!

KJ was hitting some balls hard during his early slump in 2005. Langerehans, when he makes contact at all, is not hitting the ball hard.

Speaking of Kelly Johnson… I think his new nickname should be “Questech”, because he has an almost machine-like recognition of the strike zone. There aren’t many people in baseball with that kind of eye.

By Mike S

April 25, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Your almost right KC. I agree that a good starter is more valuable than a long reliever.But I believe that a mediocre starter in the 5 spot and a great long reliever is better than a decent 5 spot starter and no long reliever at all. You could argue Moylan’s case but he had one good outing and Villareal isn’t that experienced going every 5th day. Last year he thrived on being out there 3 times a week. Your point could very well be true if Moylan keeps it up. But the way things are going Villareal should get about 5 innings every 5th day anyway with Redman pitching.

By KC

April 25, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

dallasryle: Trade him??? To what team? The Mudvill Ducks? Who’s gonna want him.

I think it’s going to come down to one of two options… either he can except an assignment to Richmond, or accept his release. It’ll most likely be the latter.

By Randall H.

April 25, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

YOU KNOW THE ARTICLES THAT HAVE BEEN ON THIS SIGHT FOR MORE THAN A COUPLE OF WEEKS COULD BE REMOVED! TECHNOLOGY MUST BE GIVING YOU PEOPLE MORE TIME TO DO ANY THING BUT THIS

By KC

April 25, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Mike S: “But the way things are going Villareal should get about 5 innings every 5th day anyway with Redman pitching.”

That statement pretty well proves my point. Why wait until Redman’s given up 6 runs to bring Villarreal in the game.

More often than not, when a long reliever is called upon, it’s because the starter has given up runs early and couldn’t last… in which case, you’re already in a hole. A guy who can keep you from getting in that hole in the first place is more valuable.

By Mike S

April 25, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

Is there a trade rumor that JS is about to trade Redman for ….. a free oil change at Jiffy Lube? It should be.

By Lew

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

KC-To say that Langerhans has never been a ML hitter is way off. He has never been a GREAT ML hitter. You are taking a 35 AB microcosm and turning it into a full season’s numbers. Yes, he would have to do much better to hit .250. But if you were to look through his career stats closely (not at the beginning of a season), I’m sure you would find him (or almost anyone else) had similar stretches. The fact that it is occuring at the beginning gives it much more visablity. His record in the past .268 (when healthy) and .241 (when hurt) would indicate that he is capable of and certainly will achieve, a much higher average. He looks like hell right now-no doubt about it-I actually cheered when he grounded out twice, because he at least made contact-but there is no way it can possibly continue. Four AB every other day just won’t do it, It has certainly become apparent that Diaz is not the answer. If you dump Ryan, you pay him anyway and whoever you bring up (as someone just mentioned), will cost you another $400 grand. Patience, Grasshopper, patience (and good drugs).

By Rodger

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

Mike, you’re right about Villereal getting those innings every 5 days-we just can’t afford the 3 innings before he comes in. Kudo’s to Bobby for giving him a quick hook, tho one could say he gave him 2 1/3 innings too many anyway. You could see from the first batter it was BP.

KC, good call on KJ; maybe he now goes by KJQT? Sorry, looks like either a West coast radio station, or polite cussin’.

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

A guy with a name like Randall should not pretend he is sophisticated and above anyone else because his momma doomed him to be a lowlife redneck with hi given birthname.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 25, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Randall H—rather than technology—it’s more likely welfare, public assistance, and student loans…

By 22oz

April 25, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Robert needs to read John Heyman’s daily scoop on SI.com. It ranks him as only the sixth best current manager in baseball. Frankly, with his stubborness to the platoon, i’d put him lower. i’m growing tired of this unbelieveably antique approach. For goodness sake, Thorman is never gonna hit if he gets one or two days of playing time a week, and then gets yanked when a lefty comes in in the 7th inning.

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Yes, SJA, student loans are the problem. As usual, you are clueless.

By Rodger

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

RANDALL-technology also allows us to take the CapsLock OFF

By Mike S

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

KC: I agree. Even though I said Oscar will pitch 5 after Redman now, I didn’t believe that’s the way it should be. I think that Oscar moving into the 5th spot couldn’t hurt but finding another starter would be a better situation. Cormier should be back in a few weeks, then we can worry about replacing Davies.

By Lew

April 25, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

SJA-More likely it’s high cholestoral and diabetes leading to weight gain. Isn’t that what’s causing all the world’s problems?

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 25, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

LMOF—well let me stick my head up my a$s, and then maybe I can see things from your perspective, dipchit!…

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

heyman is an idiot. In other words, he doesn’t really like Cox because Cox might have been rude to him at some point in the past. Mike Soscia better than Cox? Gimme a break. Torre better than Cox? What has Torre won with all that money and talent in the last 7 freaking years. Leyland? Cox was 2-1 in NLCS series against Leyland with evenly matched teams. Pinella?!?!?!?!?! Ridiculous. AROD, Edgar, Griffey, Randy Johnson and he won nothing in Seattle with them. Now, that is some Yankee bias right there. Larussa?!?!?!?!?!? That guy is the most overrated manager out there. How much talent has that guy squandered in Oakland and St. Louis? Just because he is the old Italian guy who is tight with the NYC press and tight with NYC guys like Parcells does not make him better than Cox. Absurd. Can we make a rule that the NYC press should be banned from expressing opinions anymore because they are so darn biased that they no longer have any objectivity and zero credibility as a result with the rest of the country? Does anyone take any of them seriously anymore? Go back to writing for the local NYC papers Heyman because you are not yet ready for the national spotlight.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 25, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Lew—why don’t you tell me what’s causing the world’s problems—you sure a hell think you know every damn thing else…

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

SJA continues to find not so clever ways to curse on here w/o cursing. Unbelievable!

By Kieran from Long Island

April 25, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

A question to anyone who might know…

What’s the Richmond Starting rotation at this moment? I know McBride just had a start but who else are they throwing down there?

Another thing that must have at least danced through Bobby’s head is that Oscar Villareal had very quality starts last year. Not sure he’s the answer, but it’s soemthing to consider…

I’m not sure it’s time to panic on rotation just yet. If Cormier comes back and at least throws equal to or better(Preferably better) then he did last year he should be a somewhat solid option, and Davies isn’t horrible. Smoltz, Hudson, James is still prob one of the best top 3 in the national league. Redmans gotta go, and I think in time he will. When Bobby’s immediate reaction is “Geeesh Wiz… I dont know what to tell you.” then you have to think the wheels are already in motion.

Because he’s so unsuccessful against rightys, perhaps a lefthander out of the bullpen, kinda with the same job as the Yankees Mike Myers. Oh wait, Myers gave up a Grand Slam Last night? To Carl Crawford and the ‘Rays’? Oh never mind then. Ummm do they need a new Manager down in Mississippi?

By the way, N8-

I loved the Kingpin reference “Musnon’d” very underratted comedy

By eric the elder

April 25, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Although I respect all posts, I’m getting fatigued by some of the threads of conversation. Once and for all (don’t I wish), we can’t trade Redman and Langy can’t be sent down. We use them or release them (waivers being the equivalent of release).

Moreover, we can’t just go out and “get” players. We haven’t even been able to afford to keep the good ones we have had. Those days are over.

No, friends, our only viable solutions are in our farm system. If we really have no one down there who is as good as Redman or Langy, then our troubles are only beginning.

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

This just in: Jon Heyman’s column name has now been more appropriately changed to the Daily NYC Baseball Scoop instead of the Daily Scoop since he only discusses NYC baseball related items in his “column.” How much longer before SI realizes that Heyman knows nothing about baseball outside of what he plagiarizes from NYC papers?

By DonCoburleone

April 25, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

“Right-handed hitters have an alarming .400 average (20-for-50) and nine extra-base hits against him. Yikes twice. Lefty hitters are 2-for-16 against him.”

How about moving Redman to the bullpen and making him our situational lefty? 2 for 16 (.125avg) against lefties sounds good to me. Then we could keep Davies as the #5 starter behind Cormier (at least Davies has some upside compared to Redman). Or, you could even ship Davies back to Richmond, leave Redman in the bullpen, and use Villareal as the #5 starter…

By chris

April 25, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

About the pitching: James has pitched better than his record indicates. I think people here are being too hard on him. He’s probably fine as the #3.

In light of the fact that there’s no question that Redman is a disaster, I think we try to make the best of it by amusing ourselves by predicting how long it will take for him to get his release. I give it 5 more excruciating starts.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 25, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

and caveman continues to use different names everyday to blog with, and he continues doing it with no brain…

By Mike S

April 25, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

IMFO, The only manager with consecutive Manager Of The Year awards = Cox. Tied with the most Manager Of The Year awards = Cox. I don’t think this is a stat but the most players with “Bobby Cox discount” contracts = Atlanta Braves. The MOTY stats were from Wikipedia.

By KC

April 25, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Lew: I know Langerhans has had a few hot stretches in his career. But again… over nearly 700 at-bats, he’s a career .244 hitter with very little power or speed. HE IS NOT A BIG LEAGUE HITTER!!!!!

I haven’t been saying “cut him”. I’ve just said “get him out of the lineup, and use him as a defensive replacement when the situation calls for it.

By NO CHOP ZONE

April 25, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

So let me get this straight. The braves are now going to finance season tickets? 90 days same as cash? I thought the Altanta Braves were a Baseball organization now I see they’re more like a furniture store with in house financing….What a bunch of Yahoo’s.

By Lew

April 25, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

KC-A .244 lifetime BA isd certainly NOT .050. If he were batting .244 right now, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion. The only way you can use his career numbers is if you acknowledge that this season (so far)is NOT typical of what he has done. I think almost everyone here would accept a .244 BA along with his defense. He has to have a chance to get to that .244. Dumping him and his inexpensive salary for nothing in return will never help us, or him. You must have patience. I’m telling you that if this happened mid season we would be talking about a slump and not about dumping a player for no return. Microcosm, Dude, microcosm. Again, take a lesson from BC-patience. Almost every player on this team has survived a 2-35 stretch in their career.

By TF

April 25, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

The problem with these platoons is there are going to periods with erratic playing time for both the LH batters and the RH batters. Then like this most recent look at who the RH have had to face Hill, Perez, Glavine, and D-train. Between lack of consistent playing time for LH and facing those guys for RH should be no wonder why the platoons are not hitting well right now.

By Lew

April 25, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

SJA-What brought that on? What have I done to disturb your inner harmony today?

By Lew

April 25, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Chop Zone-Not a bunch of Yahoos-a bunch of AOL-TW’s.

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

No, it’s not caveman. I abhor him more than I do you, SJA. Where’s Shaun been lately?

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Well, no chop, I’m getting my tix on layaway. Don’t knock it until you try it.

By meansonny

April 25, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

DonC

Good post about Redman. Last year’s stats support a similar amount of success against lefties. Career numbers are not as impressive, but he does show a tendancy to get killed by righties, while being reasonably effective against Lefties.

Probably not going to happen. But a possible temporary solution to testing Villareal or some other internal starter option without giving the guy up (Starting pitching is too thin to make drastic moves like cutting a pitcher in April/May)

By MD Braves fan

April 25, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

The problem with Redmond is he has to be perfect to be effective - if he misses his spot just a little, he gets hammered. He has been wild in the strike zone - 6 walks in 18 innings is not bad, but 29 hits is horrendous - and how many of them have been for extra bases? The upside about Davies is that not all his mistakes get hammered, but he has to throw strikes - or he will never pan out.
Redmond has to go. Villareal and Cormier may be the answers - I hope. Finally, we know that eventually Diaz will hit - Bobby can be patient with him, but Langerhans has never shown the ability to hit consistently over time - only an occasional tease. He has to go also. Bring up the best we have from Richmond, with some speed to augment the bench and start Diaz all the time.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 25, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

Kieran from Long Island You can get all of the information you want on the Richmond club at [www.rbraves.com]

By Coach

April 25, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

It’s interesting what is being said in Seattle. Apparently the Mariners are under a lot of pressure to sign Ichiro Suzuki to a contract extension or face the prospect of a mid season trade should the team fail to contend. Now , I know such a trade is directly dependent on this very scenario happening between now and the trading deadline of July 31st. The Braves could afford to pay two months of his salary(roughly 1.83 million). It’s something to consider further on during the season. Ichiro could replace Andruw if the Braves were able to sign him to a new contract and he would solve the current left field problem should the Braves be in position to make a run at the playoffs in August and September. Ichiro Suzuki is currently under contract through the end of this season. The worst case scenario is the Braves lose one or two prospects in trade , Ichiro sign’s elsewhere and we get compensation draft picks in return and he helps the Braves get to the playoffs.

By Luke

April 25, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Quick question, isn’t it a good thing that the Braves are “struggling” and haven’t lost a series thus far? I mean the Mets offense isn’t going to quiet down, but the Braves I believe will still win 90+ and be the favorite for the wild card, if not chase down the Mets…thoughts??

By Carolina Lady

April 25, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

OK. All of us think we are managers.

Here is a 4 question quiz. According to Anderson Consulting Worldwide, about 90% of the professionals they tested got all questions wrong….

1. How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator?

Correct answer: Open the refrigerator, put in the giraffe and close the door. (This question tests whether you tend to do simple things in an overly complicated way.)

1. How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator?

Correct answer: Did you say “Open the refrigerator, put in the elephant, and close the refrigerator?? WRONG! Correct: Open the refrigerator, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant and close the door. (This tests your ability to think through the repercussions of your previous actions.)

1. The Lion King is hosting an Animal Conference. All the animals attend except one. Which animal does not attend?

Correct answer: The Elephant. He is in the refrigerator; you just put him in there. (This tests your memory.)

1. There is a river you must cross but it is used by crocodiles, and you do not have a boat. How do you manage it?

Correct answer: You jump into the river and swim across. Haven’t you been paying attention? All the crocodiles are attending the Animal Conference. (This test whether you learn quickly from your mistakes.)

How did you do?? :-)))

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 25, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Coach Doubt it would happen as there is a very large Japanese based community in Seattle. The fans would revolt big time.

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Breaking news: SJA is leaving “The View.” Oh, I’m sorry, that’s Rosie O’Donnell. Funny, whenever I read SJA I think of a seven foot version of Rosie. WOO-HAAA!

By KC

April 25, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Lew: “If he were batting .244 right now, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion.”

Not so. I was complaining last year that Langerhans should not be in the lineup everyday or every other day. I have felt for almost a year now that he’s not big league hitter, and should be relegated to fill-in/defensive replacement duty.

And again, I never said we should cut him. I just feel his role should change.

By DonCoburleone

April 25, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

And I don’t understand this Redman bashing… WHAT DID YOU GUYS THINK YOU WERE GETTING WHEN THE BRAVES SIGNED THIS GUY? He’s a #5 starter, period. And a #5 starter in this league typically means: Medicore game, awful game, decent game, awful game, keeps us in it game, blown out by the 2nd inning game… THAT’S WHAT A 5TH STARTER IS LIKE PEOPLE! The problem is the 4th starter. Davies is not cutting it and will NEVER cut it (and for the record, I have been on Davies case since the end of 2005). It’s all about Cormier, if he can step in and become a quality #4 starter, we can EASILY afford to keep Redman as our #5 starter…

By Shaun

April 25, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

IMFO,

I’m back from my honeymoon.

KC,

Lew is right. It’s still too few plate appearances to judge Langerhans’s.

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Use the force Luke. The Braves are gonna win the division. To hell with the wild card. The groom never settles for the bridesmaid.

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

A big old congrats, Shaun.

Now get back to terrorizing these folks with your light saber and the tricks of a metrician.

By KC

April 25, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Luke: Agreed. If some area of the team has struggled that you can reasonable expect to improve… then it’s encourage to have won in spite of it.

I wasn’t worried about KJ or Thorman. Though both were part of the Braves early offensive struggles, they won in spite of it, and now those guys are contributing and are making this team better.

I also wasn’t worried when our bullpen ERA jumped up. Our bullpen’s going to be just fine. Better than fine, actually. Much better.

It’s also encouraging to have won that series at Shay, despite terrible outings by Smoltz and James, both of whom we know will pitch far better nearly every time out.

The only things that concern me are left field, and especially the bottom of our rotation. As I’ve said a dozen times over the last 12 hours… Redman’s gotta go.

I’d like to see us fix the left field situation, but we’ve got enough offense to compensate. But we’ve got to get the 4/5 starter slots stabilized. If we do that soon, we’ve got an excellent chance of winning the division.

Either way, I agree with you, the Braves will win better than 90, and are likely to play in October, one way or the other.

By Shaun

April 25, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

MD Braves fan,

Langerhans has never shown the ability to hit consistently over time?

Langerhans is certainly nothing overly spectacular offensively, especially as a LF, but his career numbers are okay. He should get out of this and at least come close or exceed last year’s AVG/OBP/SLG given his age.

By Baron

April 25, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Ichiro, huh Coach? Yes, now that’s more like it. If we can remain in contention with what we have (and, take a look, all our big six are over 800 ops, and even Thor’s at 797), and it is an if, I’ll grant you, then we can and should be patient before making a move. Jacque Jones/Cliff Floyd now or Ichiro in 2 months? I wouldn’t try to sign Ichi after the season, however.

That said, I think our starting pitching is the big issue right now, but what can we do? Nothing, that’s what. Even if we wait, there aren’t going to be any quality starters avialable. So try and cobble together stop-gap solutions out of Villarel, Cormier, Davies and Redman until the playoffs, when it becomes Smoltz and Hudson, then start your cussing(C).

By Shaun

April 25, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone,

It’s still way too early in Davies’s career to say he will never cut it. And given his minor league track record, he could very well cut it. But he’s still a baby, especially for a pitcher. Maybe he needs more minor league seasoning but I don’t think we can say anything for sure about how his career will turn out.

By Coach

April 25, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Gil , your probably right. By then , Diaz will be hitting and have a lock on the left field job. Luke , the Braves started out 7-1(six games over .500)and have since gone 6-6. A win tonight would put the Braves seven games over .500 and that would be progress in the right direction.

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Ichiro for 2 months? That ain’t gonna be cheap. It won’t be worth the minor leaguers you would have to give up for two months of a slap hitter

By KC

April 25, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Lew and Shaun:

Nearly 900 major league plate appearances for a guy who made his major league debut 5 years ago, and has had two full seasons (05/05) of playing nearly every day.

That’s not enough?

It is enough. Yes, we know he’s not as terrible as he looks right now, but he’s definitely a below average hitter.

A .244 hitter with no real speed or power does not stay in the lineup of a pennant-contending major league team, unless he’s a gold-glove shortstop or catcher. That is… unless his last name is Langerhans, or course.

By Lee

April 25, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Shaun - Your statement a few weeks back about Bobby Cox will end up looking like a genius for moving K. Johnson to 2nd base may be coming closer to the truth day-by-day.

By TennesseePaul

April 25, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

So Wilson can’t play left. What good is this guy? He can’t hit right now. He’s weak defensively at first and he is of no use in LF. His counter part, the man he replaced, is leading the league in intentional walks. We got hosed on this one.

I’d like to see what Moylan can do as a starter. Yesterday was a nice showing. If he could do that for 6 innings, we might just have our fix. But that only leaves us one lefty in the rotation. If it gives us a W though, I’m all for it.

By Fred from CT

April 25, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

DOB What about giving kevin barry or anthony lerew a shot at starting. Don’t know if either would work out but maybe one of them works out. Is this a posability or am I crazy.

By Shaun

April 25, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

KC,

The flaw in your argument is that in Langerhans previous nearly 900 plate appearances, he was not at what is generally peak age for most players. He’s just now approaching his peak.

Is it concerning what he’s done so far? Yes. Should the Braves be ready to cast him off as a minor leaguer? No way.

Langerhans is never going to be a star and may turn out to be nothing more than a part-time player but I believe, if we take into account what he’s shown so far in the minors and majors in terms of overall abilities and age, it’s not hard to believe he will be a solid and very useful major leaguer.

By meansonny

April 25, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

KC

Langerhans is on the roster this season, and is going to get a decent shake at the stick (unless someone throws a 1st and 2nd pitch strike). With his career numbers you’re touting, the opportunity to kick him off the April and May roster was in the offseason.

I don’t expect him on the team in July. But I’m not going to throw “good money away for more bad” in April.

A bigger issue for me is trying to keep McCann more of a factor in every ballgame (as opposed to keeping Langerhans out at the moment). Go Braves!

By dougp

April 25, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Redman as the situational lefty that’s funny. Left handers are hitting 2-16 off him because they are laughing so loud at the pitches he is throwing to right handers. For example, Redman throws an 84 mph ‘heater’right down the middle and the pitch lands in the bull pen, or knocks a pennant down off the outfield wall or something. The left hander on deck can’t stop laughing so he ends up hitting a week ground ball on a pitch he would normally deposit into next week.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, IMHO. There just needed to get that in there.

By Shaun

April 25, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Lee,

Thanks. I knew Kelly Johnson could hit and I figured Schuerholz (and maybe Cox) knew better than us whether he could handle playing secondbase.

These are the kind of moves that have made Schuerholz one of the best GM’s in history: He ignores all the criticism and realizes he’s got a good hitter who spent a lot of years in his pro career as an infielder so he can probably be an adequate secondbaseman. He had to know people were going to be skeptical and cynical of the move but he did it anyway because he knew how likely it was to turn out good. Still a lot of season left, but Kelly Johnson has been a fine hitter and 2B so far.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 25, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Lew—I thought your 11:27 A.M. post was aimed at me in a sarcastically malicious tone, and that you were weighing in on me with that other imbecile—if you were not, then I apologize…I take a little, I give a lot…

By Coach

April 25, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Like I said , whether it’s Ichiro , Floyd or Jones , these are trades to consider two months from now because nobody will be doing any serious horse trading until then and yes the Braves could afford to pay any of these guys for one-third of a season.

By Lew

April 25, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

KC-You and everyone else can sit here, day after day, and rant and rave to your heart’s content. Guess who will still be playing left field for the Braves? We have no options other than minor league replacements with absolutely no track record whatsoever. There is absolutely nothing to suggest that McCarthy, or Blanco are capable of anything better. Brandon Jones is a dimaond, for sure, but let the kid develop naturally. As far as a trade-why give up what could be important pieces of the puzzle next year and for years to come by running out and trading them? What could you get in return, anyway? If we have any money left, which is debatable as to if and how much, you won’t see the Braves’ spending it to replace Langerhans-if anything it will be used later this year for pitching. Face it-Langerhans is not as bad as you think and BC and JS are not likely, from their past track records, to panic and give up on him. Get over it and spend your time figuring how to replace Redman and then convincing the brain trust that you have a clue.

By RC-KC

April 25, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

DOB - you’re mad! It’s April! It’s not like they’re the Phillies!

By David-ATL14

April 25, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Richmond Starters in their current order of “toeing the slab”

This week anyway: Monday-Macay McBride/Trey Hodges Tuesday-Jonathan Johnson Wednesday-Buddy Carlyle Thursday-Kevin Barry Friday-Lance Cormier(Rehab)

Also have Anthony Lerew in the rotation.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 25, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

IMFO—April tells me that you’re a 500 pound fata$s punk, about 4 feet tall, with a pea for a brain, and a 3/4 penis, when fully erect…

By bergian

April 25, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

KC according to ESPN, Langerhans has 693 AB’s for a career. I am in NO way comparing players, but look at the very slow, low power start George Foster had at the start of his career, in roughly the same number of AB’s. http://www.baseball-reference.com/f/fostege01.shtml

39 AB’s is not enough to know anything. He should play for 7-10 days straight, and if he doesn’t come out of it, tell him he’s the 4th or 5th outfielder. Period. (Then try Diaz for the same time frame. If he doesn’t hack it, same deal.) But, playing every other day, and getting a single here and there, will just delay a decision thru may….

By Art

April 25, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

The Braves might be 12-7 but they are 5-6 since a 7-1 start. Concerns over Langerhans - can’t hit, production out of first base and pitching with Redman and Davies. Solve those 4 and the Braves are winners. Don’t and the Braves will not make the playoffs.

By Lew

April 25, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

KC-One more thing. If you are going to condemn Langerhans with stats, at least get them right. He does not have 900AB-he has less than 700. As far as making his debut 5 years ago-yes he did, and his first two years produced 16 AB. Couple that with the fact that his total AB this year is 36 and that shoots your theory to hell and back. He had two seasons where he Batted 326 times and 315 times-two years of half time playing-platooning. He has never been a full time player. He has yet to get a serious chance.

By Lew

April 25, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

SJA-No, Dude, I wasn’t being sarcastic-at least not with you. My comment was totally tongue in cheek. I was referencing a conversation we had a week or so ago-where you actually agreed with me. Again-no sarcasm intended to you-not this time, anyway.

By Lew

April 25, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

Shaun-Welcome back, Dude. Honeymoon, huh. I can’t resist. Did you keep statistics?

By Shaun

April 25, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

Lee,

I know folks may not want to hear this but the Kelly Johnson move is about as “Moneyball” as you can get. Another Moneyball-type move was signing Matt Diaz, a guy cast off by the worst of the worst because they didn’t realize he would actually hit. They just saw him as an nonathletic corner outfielder who wasn’t a superstar and ignored the fact that he could hit the baseball.

By bergian

April 25, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

I am afraid Redman is here for awhile. The GM paid him 750,000 and isn’t going to want to give up on him in April.

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

SJA, I was gonna compliment you on not taking the bait for once. I guess you couldn’t resist. I’ll leave it alone now with you before DOB boots me. I just wanted to see if you would take the bait and, sure ‘nuff, just like dangling candy in front of a child.

By JasonInMaine

April 25, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Sorry to chime in on your conversation with KC, but if you use your rational with Langerhans, don’t you have to also use your rational against Diaz? Namely, you have said that there is a reason that KC and Tampa didn’t give Diaz an opportunity. I think there is a reason the Braves don’t give Langerhans the opportunity that you talk about…he can’t hit. He is a great defensive player. End of Story.

By TheSouthernJackAss

April 25, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

So has anyone heard from that idiotic, moronic, imbecilic, twisted, punka$s, buffoon caveman lately?

By Mike S

April 25, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

I don’t think we should get rid of Langerhans as much as Diaz. The reason is because he can hit. As much as I like Diaz, he is better trade bait. He can also play first. We can’t do anything with Langerhans other than trade him and nobody will give anything for him. We need to be patient, let Diaz begin to hit, and then make a trade. I think our starting pitching situation is more critical right now. And we still have to wait until everyone is healthy - who is going to release pitchers when others are still hurt?

By TheSouthernJackAss

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

Go pat yourself on the back, and get a cookie out of the jar, you deserve it IMFO…

By Richard Cory

April 25, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Shaun—congrats. Now, I want to say—I thought of some very funny lines to use, concerning your ‘honeymoon’ based on our exposure to you, here in Man In Black Blog. I will however, refrain from saying anything, preferring to let everyone use their imagination. :-]]

By Marc

April 25, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

On ESPN, they list the top leadoff men. Kelly Johnson with an OBP of .446 is second in the major league behind Hanley Ramirez. That is not to bad.

I think that with regular at-bats Thorman will hit. I also think that when Cormier comes back the rotation is going to be fine, whether you use Davies or Redman in the 5th spot it doesn’t matter. Not many teams have a great 5th starter. I think the only position the Braves need to address is left field. We have the worst hitting left field in baseball. They need to make a deal to bring in someone for leftfield, if they do that we have as strong a team as anyone.

By Shaun

April 25, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

KC,

There is a reason Tampa Bay (and Kansas City) didn’t give Diaz a chance. It’s the same reason they have been perennial losers over the last 9 years or so.

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

In 651 at bats last year, Frenchy had 83 runs scored and 103 RBIs with 23 walks. Subtract his homers, and that gives you 157 runs+rbis.

In 693 at bats in his career, Langerhans has 97 runs scored with 70 RBIs with 92 walks. Subtract his homers and that gives you 152 runs + rbis.

Frenchy’s productivity as much as many of us love him, is not much better than Langerhans.

By Lew

April 25, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Jason-I never said he was anything more than an average hitter. However, look at Diaz-what is he, 0-18 now? I think his .300 something average last year points to him as a decent pinch hitter and nothing more. He can’t even field. If I’m not mistaken, he has never even had 300 AB in a season-Langerhans has two. Who has the confidence there? Like I told KC-rant to your heart’s desire and then see who plays left field.

By KC

April 25, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

LEW: I did not say “nearly 900 at-bats“… I said *plate appearances. However, I intended to say nearly 800, not 900. My bad. Numerous times in the past I have said “nearly 700 at-bats” so yes, I am aware of his career AB total.

As for the last 2 seasons… 300-plus AB’s is plenty of at-bats to keep your timing in sync. I’m convinced that he has had an adequate opportunity, and has not earned the right to continue having his name on the lineup card nearly every day.

Lew, you apparently think Langerhans should be left in the lineup. We’ll agree to disagree. Again, I’ve never advocated releasing him, but I think he belongs on the bench, not in the everyday (or nearly everyday) lineup.

“If we have any money left, which is debatable”

How is that debatable? You know that Schuerholz’s MO is to head into the season with a at least a little flexibility in case he needs to make a mid-season move.

And now that they’ve got Hampton insurance money coming… we don’t know how much that is, but it must be a significant amount. Can’t imagine an insurance policy that doesn’t cover at least somewhere around half the cost. So there has to be at least 6-7 million coming back, and JS has already indicated that they would look to reinvest that in the team.

By The Grinch

April 25, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Shaun, glad to hear you finally made an honest man out of Bill James. :-) Really though, man; congrats and good to have you back.

Bravo Nam, it occured to me you’re Australian, I think; no offense intended with last night’s remarks. As always, I’m never serious.

KC, 1 week to go, man. Much beer and bison will be consumed, and many women will be viewed as objects while spoken to as fair maidens. And yea, verily, we shall prevail over the Phillies. Unless Redman’s starting. D’oh!

By Rodger

April 25, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Those who have low expectations from our 5th starter should remember Kevin Millwood

By April

April 25, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Why are you so shy with me and so aggressive with other bloggers? Are you the malcontent living in a trailer we have been led to believe or are you the social gadfly with a wife who is half Sioux, half dynamite, and half man? Who is the SJA? Do you listen to the radio? Do you read? Or do you just blog all day between oil changes, Jiffy Lube man?

By caveman's assistant

April 25, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Caveman is trying to dig a new home into the side of Stone Mountain, but the Park Ranger caught him.

Regards

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

glad to hear you finally made an honest man out of Bill James.

Chrissakes Grinch. What a freaking classic. You can always count on the Grinch.

By KC

April 25, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Just caught this from last night…

JasonInMaine: “Man, was I wrong about KJ. If he had just a touch more speed, he would be a phenomenal lead-off guy! As it is, I guess will have to settle for darn good.”

While I’ve always believed KJ would be a major league hitter, he looks better than I would have dared to expect. Even after he starting hitting well, up till a few days ago, I was still in favor of going out and getting a speedy leadoff man. Not that I wanted to replace KJ in the lineup… I just figured he could be moved to the 7 slot. But I think I’ve changed my mind.

I now believe Kelly Johnson has a chance to be one of the top 5 leadoff men in baseball.

I’M NOT SAYING THAT’S WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN. I’m not going to jump to any conclusions this early. I’m just saying that I believe there is a legitimate chance of that happening. He appears to be capable of hitting .300 with an OBP around .400, with a good slugging% and 20 homers to boot. And though he won’t steal 30, 40, or 50 bases, he’ll probably swipe 15-20.

Would you rather have a base-stealing leadoff guy with a .350 OBP, or a lead off guy that runs well - though not much of a base-stealer… but with a .400 OBP and 20 homerun power? Let’s not forget that power can be a nice thing in the leadoff spot. A leadoff homer is a different kind of spark than speed, but a spark nonetheless.

Kelly Johnson has a chance to be very, very good.

By JasonInMaine

April 25, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Well, I agree that Diaz doesn’t appear to be the answer either. I advocated for him to get a shot, and he certainly hasn’t done much in his last few starts. I say the heck to both with them and bring up a minor leaguer (:

Regards,

Jason

By JasonInMaine

April 25, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Mets are down 6-0!

By IMFO

April 25, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

well, at least we know the Mets, in Pelfrey, have their own maddening version of Kyle Davies.

How pretty did Rob Neyer look in the bridesmaid gown?

By JasonInMaine

April 25, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

KC,

I have to agree with you. While one hot streak doesn’t make a player (remember when he went on a hot streak his rookie year, but then went into another drought?), his patience and ability to take a walk allows him to not go through prolonged slumps of not getting on base. I also agree that with his potential to reach the stats you provided. He looks comfortable at the plate, rarely has a bad AB, and likes to hit leadoff. I had offered that we bring up Blanco, stick him in LF and bat him leadoff, and move Kelly down. No way I would do that now. Well, not the move Kelly down. I would still bring up Blanco and put him in the 8 hole (:

Regards,

Jason

By KC

April 25, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Grinch: HERE HERE! Well… all except for the women part. Happily married, so the Braves girls will have to resist me. Poor girls. lol

Looks like we’re either gonna see James or Smoltz that day … so there’s a good chance of a W! Word up!

Hey, you said if Hudson has one more good start, you’ll conced the bet, right? =)

By Shaun

April 25, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

KC,

As I’ve always said, speed is nice but not necessary and largely overrated when discussing leadoff hitters.

A team getting the first batter on base to start a game or an inning (i.e., with no outs) is going to greatly increase a team’s scoring chances.

You put a guy who is consistently on base/consistently doesn’t make an out at the top of the lineup (i.e., he’s going to come up more often than anyone) that is going to greatly increase your scoring chances.

By JasonInMaine

April 25, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

Mets are now down 8-0!!

By Jim

April 25, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

Ichiro is still has a huge market in Japan. Does Seattle get any benefit from Ichiro’s popularity in Japan that can indirectly be used to ofset some of his salary? (Do the Yankees get any benefit from the marketing of AROD that helps defer any of the cost of his salary?) Are some of these huge salaries a little beit less than what they seem on paper?

By Shaun

April 25, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

All those Dayn Perry haters: He has the Braves at number two in his Power Rankings. Must be biased, huh?

By MD Braves fan

April 25, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Ryan Langerhans over 781 games - 2753 at bats in the minors, Langerhans hit .275 with 63 homers - the equivolence of 5 full seasons in the majors. His best year was 2004 when he hit .298 and 20 homers. He showed the potential in the minors to be an adequate major leaguer - but face it, he is a bust, and we need to cut our loses. If no one has noticed, Escobar is hitting .344 after only 15 games at Richmond - it’s time to pul a Chipper Jones on him right this minute and switch him to 2nd base or outfield, whichever he does better at. I think outfield may be the better choice because KJ seemed kind of lost out there 2 years ago

By rammerjammer

April 25, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

During the 14-year title streak, the fifth starter got an average of 18 starts a season.

It’s good to have a solid fifth starter, but not essential. Plenty of successful Braves teams had marginal - or awful - fifth starters and did just fine.

We should be more concerned with our fourth starter’s performance.

By meansonny

April 25, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

REALITY CHECK… The Braves currently are tied for the 2nd best record in MLB (.5 games behind the Mets).

The Mets are currently down with their #5 starter going. The Braves are looking to Hudson tonight on the mound.

We are a very flawed team right now. But not so flawed that we need to give up on players (ie. platoons, starting rotations, etc). We don’t need to dump prospects in trades (what other team feels out of contention that they want to dump salary/Free Agents?). We don’t need to waive starting pitchers.

Not only do we have the 2nd best record in MLB right now. But we are 6-4 for our last 10 (again with Huddy going tonight). Only 3 teams in the NL are currently 7-3 for the last 10. And the Mets are currently losing 9-0.

Let’s go and enjoy some baseball, and not sweat the things we can’t change in April.

By DonCoburleone

April 25, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

“I am afraid Redman is here for awhile. The GM paid him 750,000 and isn’t going to want to give up on him in April.”

BINGO.

By KC

April 25, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

IMFO: “well, at least we know the Mets, in Pelfrey, have their own maddening version of Kyle Davies.”

Yeah, now if Oliver Perez will go ahead and start putting up the same numbers he’s put up over the past couple seasons… their rotation should begin it’s descent back to earth.

Also, we know El Duque and John Maine aren’t going to be frontrunners for a CY Young. They’ve got to cool off a bit at some point. I’m waiting for it.

By DonCoburleone

April 25, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

“Those who have low expectations from our 5th starter should remember Kevin Millwood”

Yeah, his name is Adam Wainwright; but remember how we traded him for 1 year of JD Drew???

By dayn perry

April 25, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

I only moved the Braves up to #2 because KC has not talked bad about me in 2 weeks. If he says something about me now, the omniscient, omnipotent Dayn Perry will knock the Braves down the power rankings, eventually preventing them from playing in the BCS title game. You’ve been a good boy KC. Don’t make Dayn Perry angry. You won’t like Dayn Perry when Dayn Perry is angry. And, yes, Shaun, I, Dayn Perry am very much biased, especially when KC talks bad about me.

By MD Braves fan

April 25, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

9-0 Rockies.

By MD Braves fan

April 25, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

10-0 Rockies over the Mets.

By Shaun

April 25, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

I am afraid Redman is here for awhile. The GM paid him 750,000 and isn’t going to want to give up on him in April.

The Braves signed Redman to a minor league deal. I’m not sure all the contract rules but they could probably release him without it costing them much. I’m sure they wouldn’t have signed Redman if they had to keep him on the major league roster all season.

By The Grinch

April 25, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Dayn Perry is a douchebag. Next order of business. KC, you think the Braves girls will be offended if I try to stick dollar bills in their shorts while they’re dancing? I think it’d be a worthy experiment. Also, I think that it should be considered how hitorically fragile the Mets psyche is when they get consistent competition. Even with that lineup, they won the division last year by default. They tried to lose just as many games down the stretch as we did but couldn’t quite replicate our June. I say they fold when we’re still around when it counts.

By flange1

April 25, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

UPDATE Rockies 10 Mets 0

What about moving Oscar V. into the #4 spot, moving Redman to the bullpen as a situational lefty and let Moylan handle long relief?

By joe from central ca

April 25, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Here’s some food for thought. How bout we trade Davies and Devine, throw in Langerhans, for Rocco Baldelli then move in Cormier to the four spot. Release Redman outright. Move Villareal to the fifth spot. Move up Mcbride or Boyer into the pen. With this we fix our LF and our fourth starter problems. Our fifth starter is now as good or better than what we have now. As far as first base, with the LF prob fixed we can afford to play Thorman everyday. Seems pretty simple. JS this is doable. Think about it.

By your daddy

April 25, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

i’m first.. cool

By rammerjammer

April 25, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

BC came as close to throwing a guy under the bus as he could when he critiqued Redman’s pitching.

Note that Langerhans, whose offense is as bad as Redman’s pitching, still has BC’s support.

I’d be very surprised if Redman doesn’t come inside with a lot more pitches next time out…BC as much as said he’d better.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 25, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Yes, looks like everyone has problems with the back end of their rotation doesn’t it? :-))))

Let us hope the Rockies use up some of their Karma on the Mets so the Braves can take the series at Denver.

I am not too worried about Smoltz but James needs to bring his A game. I guess it will be Davis getting the nod on Sunday. I hope he does not get whiplash from all those balls flying out of Coor’s Field

By MGL

April 25, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

I think you are wrong on Redman’s contract. He was initially signed as a minor league player because there was not room on the 40 man. I’m pretty sure his actual contract is a minimum $750,000 guaranteed ML deal.

By TennesseePaul

April 25, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

All those Dayn Perry haters: He has the Braves at number two in his Power Rankings. Must be biased, huh?

Drunk on his own power. As soon as he realizes what he’s done, he’ll drop them down to the middle of the pack. “13 million a season for Furcal is going to look like a bargain after they see what Renteria does.” Good call Dayne. Right on the money. Honest mistake though. Anyone would do it.

Payne: Honeymoon? You sly dog. Congratulations. Maybe now that your back counting the beans Langerhans and Diaz will start making productive contact.

10-0 Rox in the 5th. Pelfrey’s line matches Redman’s. And that vaunted Mets bullpen has given up 4 more runs. All of them earned this time. But what got into Fogg? The guy has a 3 hit shutout going… Maybe he is to the Mets what Oliver Perez is to the Braves.

By Jim

April 25, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Early observations — The good:

I thought that for the Braves to contend Francouer would have to take the next step and become a star. (I thought he would have to be a top 10 ballot choice for MVP). This may be happening before our eyes and will be confirmed when the national broadcasters stop referring to him as an undisciplined wild swinger and start regarding him the way they would a David Wright.

Hudson has given every indication of regaining the form that we were expecting when we traded for him. To contend the Braves needed Hudson to regain the status of “ace”.

Kelly Johnson is looking more comfortable every game a 2B and is a real presence in our lineup — (a John Olerud with more speed)

Chipper’s defense at third base is better than it has ever been (an indication he might be healthier this year?)

At the time of the LaRoche trade I questioned whether the Braves had a higher opinion of Thorman than LaRoche. I think that may be the case. I don’t expect Thorman (or the platoon) to give us 30 hrs and 90+ RBIs this year, but I don’t think LaRoche will do that consistently either.

The bullpen seems to be rounding into form. The front end of the bullpen is a bit of a worry, but the work of Yates and Moylan seems to be alleviating many of those fears. The last outing by Gonzalez is a good indication that the back end of the bullpen will live up to the expectations we had for it this spring.

The worriesome: Smoltz seems to hit a wall in about the 5th or 6th inning and lose his effectiveness. This was particularly worriesome on Sunday when he took a low pitch count into the middle innings and still ran into “the wall”. Given the problems with the rotation after Hudson, the Braves need Smoltz to be a 7+ inning pitcher who will win 15 - 20 games this year.

James has been OK (except for his last start), but needs to be more than just OK.

The health of Cormier. We were teased during Spring Training by the consistently good efforts turned in by Cormier. We need for him to be healthy and for the promise of the Spring to become the reality of the summer. The long-term health of Gonzalez, with his delivery, also has to be a concern.

The bad: Hampton’s injury. Much of the early expectations for this year had to do with the Braves rotation being better than the Mets, in particular. A lot of that had to do with the Braves getting the equivalent of a high ceiling free agent with the return of Hampton. The prospect of a rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Hampton, James, (Cormier/Davies) has turned into the reality of our current rotation with all its uncertainties. (The early indications are that the Mets actually have a better pitching staff than we do.)

The wear on the bullpen by the inability of the starters to pitch deep into games and the total ineffectiveness of the current 4th and 5th starters.

LF — Bobby’s patience is a key ingredient of his success and the success of the team, but we can’t afford a complete lack of production from this position (where traditionally you put your best offensive player — Manny, Ted Williams, Barry Bonds, Greg Luzinski, etc.) — and many others who never could or can no longer play great defense.

By GermanBravesFan

April 25, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

After a long absence, I have finally found my way back here… One question for DOB (and I hope it hasn’t been asked before… if it has, my apologies): with Hampton out for the year, will the Braves’ insurance pick up his salary? If so, could the Braves use the money the won’s spend out of their pockets to try and find/trade for another starter? Just an idea…

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 25, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

joe from central ca How far do you think JS would get before Tampa called the police and reported they had been robbed. They only way they would agree to a deal like that would be at the point of a gun.

PS Boyer is on the DL in Richmond…

By DonCoburleone

April 25, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

“Yeah, now if Oliver Perez will go ahead and start putting up the same numbers he’s put up over the past couple seasons… their rotation should begin it’s descent back to earth.”

KC he is putting up the same numbers this year. It’s just that 2 of his 4 starts have come against us, and as we all know he is Sandy Koufax against the Braves. He’s probably got an ERA of 6 or 7 against the rest of the league (his norm)…

By A.J.

April 25, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

Yeah, his name is Adam Wainwright; but remember how we traded him for 1 year of JD Drew???

No one was complaining about this trade in 2003 when we won 101 games thanks in no small part to the best season of JD Drew’s career.

I don’t believe anyone was complaining in 2004 either when Wainwright was posting a 5.37 ERA and only played in 12 games because of elbow injuries.

So imagine we don’t make that trade, what are you saying in 2004. Sure we lost the division, but hey, at least we have an injured pitcher.

This is a smaller version of the Doyle Alexander-John Smoltz trade, everyone won, except JD Drew is better than Alexander was and Wainwright is nowhere near as good as Smoltz was (and was further from being ready when the trade happened).

It was a risk deal, you give up a long term maybe for a short term somewhat sure thing. Drew worked for us, now Wainwright is working for them. The real deal is, we needed help right then and we got it. You can’t go back in time and redeclare this trade no longer good for the Braves.

By Shaun

April 25, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

MGL,

Yes, as soon as Redman made the major league roster, he gets the major league minimum. His contract is basically the same as that of a young minor league who just got called up to the majors, from what I understand. I’m just not sure of how the options work with him and all those kinds of details if the Braves wanted to let him go. There may be different rules for him because of his service time in the majors.

I seriously doubt the Braves would have signed him if they have to keep him for the entire season. I’m sure the Braves had to take into account when they signed him the fact that he may stink it up and they may want to dump him at some point. There’s no way they would have signed Mark Redman to a deal that basically guarantees that he stay in the majors for the full season. Look at Raul Mondesi.

Maybe O’Brien can shed some light on what happens if and when the Braves decide to cut Redman lose.

By Jersey Gil

April 25, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

hey guys…Mets are lossing 11-0..here go the mets ERA thru the drain…i love it..when mets are losing..they want to buy the Championship and i hate that..that why i ove my Atlanta Braves they going thru their minor league to resolve Problem…and guys do not panic with ours situation in the left field…langy will be ok…we have enough offense in others(Chip,andy,frenchy,Mac,and now Kj)

By TennesseePaul

April 25, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

DonC: Please don’t get on the Wainwright business. We won in that one year of JD Drew. JD had his single best season of his career here in Atlanta. We sent Jason Marquis Ray King and Wainwright for Drew and Eli. Wainwright blew out his arm when he first got to the St Louis organization. Marquis and King have since moved on to below average careers. The trade wasn’t bad. We won that year and the year after. Waingwright is just now making it to the majors and so far this season is struggling. He was good in relief last year but that’s it. He could turn out to be great, but what difference does it make? It’s not like we traded Scott Kazmir for the wrong Zambrano.

And this Millwood business. We turned Millwood into an All Star switch hitting catcher and then into 2 good, young, inexpensive pitchers, both of whom people here now want in the rotation. Millwood on the other hand has never been the same.

By Efrim

April 25, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

I will go on record to say I would be shocked if the Braves lost this game tonight o the Marlins, Olsen is terrible against the Braves. Hudson is great against the fish. For as good as Oliver Perez is against the Braves, Olsen is just as bad.

By N8

April 25, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Here’s a nice little story from si.com for you all to “enjoy”.

I leave it at that.

YOUR WELCOME, Robert.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jon_heyman/04/24/scoop.tuesday/index.html

By KC

April 25, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Grinch: “KC, you think the Braves girls will be offended if I try to stick dollar bills in their shorts while they’re dancing?”

Grinch, I’ve mentioned a number of times how friendly the staff at Turner Field is. However, aside from the bag checking at the gate… I have never spoken with any of the park security, so it’s hard to say how that would go over. I might ask first, just to make sure it’s OK. ;)

By TennesseePaul

April 25, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Payne: One of the Dayn headlines you may have missed…

By DonCoburleone

April 25, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul and AJ, did I say anything? Is it not a fact that we traded Adam Wainwright for 1 year of JD Drew? My point was in response to the person who said he “remembers the days of Kevin Millwood as our 5th starter.” Well, guess what, back then we just went out and BOUGHT a bat (like a JD Drew type free agent) instead of trading for one. That’s the difference… We are a mid-level payroll team, and when you have that it is IMPOSSIBLE to have a Kevin Millwood as your 5th starter…

By TennesseePaul

April 25, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Redman’s Contract: He signed a deal for 2007 season with an invite to Spring Training on 3/9/07. The contract stipulates he receives a $750K salary while in the majors. He can earn $500K in performance bonuses based on starts while in the majors. His contract was PURCHASED on 3/26/07, giving him a $750K salary.

By Shaun

April 25, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Dayn Perry’s Power Rankings posted today:

1. Braves

Braves have won both series against the Mets this season, and they’ll now begin what should be an accommodating nine-game stretch against the Marlins, Rockies and Phillies. After four starts, Tim Hudson’s ERA now stands at a Mary Kate-thin 0.62.

1. Mets

A strong outing against the Braves lowers Oliver Perez’s ERA to 3.31. If Mike Pelfrey’s able to settle in at the fifth spot, then the Mets will have the makings of a strong rotation. Carlos Delgado isn’t hitting yet, but the electrifying Jose Reyes is slugging .644 on the season. He’s a legit MVP candidate in 2007.

By Baron

April 25, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

All this rotation mess makes me weep for the loss of Leo. You think he could be of aid to Davies and James? Think he could help raise Redman up from terrible to just bad?

I know Leo wanted to go help out his buddy in Balimer, but dang, doesn’t it seem like we could have paid him enough to stay? What’s a pitching coach make, anyway? Practically every year he’d take some reclamation project like Burkett or Wright or Sosa and turn them into pitchers who’s worth was millions more than we paid them. Not to mention his ability to develop farm hands. I’ll bet you he was worth 10-15 mill a year in pitching. We’re paying Tanyan Sturtze and Mark Redman together 1.5 mill this year. Couldn’t we have dangled that in St. Leo’s face as incentive to stay?

Oiy. If it was in any, any way conceivable to keep Leo, and he failed to do it, then surely that was JS’s worst move ever, by far.

By Efrim

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

Tommy Hanson has 33 K’s in 20 innings with a 2.70 ERA for Rome. Can’t wait for him and Harrison to come up. Both very tall and projectable.

By rammerjammer

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

Let me say this about Bob Wickman and Bobby Cox.

When the Braves got Big Bob, he had converted 15 of 18 saves with a 4.18 ERA for Cleveland.

At the time of the trade, he spoke about his admiration and comfort level with Bobby Cox.

Since that trade, he’s converted 24 of 25 saves with a 0.76 ERA.

That is impressive.

By Christy

April 25, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

N8 - saw the heyman story. Had one thought occur to me. JS may be more responsible overall, but 3 of the 5 that heyman listed as key to the overall success of the Braves: Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux, Chipper and Andruw were brought into the Braves system by Bobby while he was GM from ‘85 - 90 - including Chipper… Seems to me that lends more support to Bobby being one of the great managers, and eyes for talent.

By Baron

April 25, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

From that si.com article about managers:

1. Cox I’m sure most would rank him higher. But since the goal is to win titles, that has to be seen as a failing.

Uh, numbnut, shouldn’t your list therefore have Torre first, LaRussa second, and Cox third? What titles are we talking about?

By Baron

April 25, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Christ he’s got Gueillen 9th. Even with his title he is only worsted by Manuel.

By MGL

April 25, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

I think you are missing the point. The only reason he was picked up on a minor league deal was the 40 man roster. He has, according to all published reports, a guaranteed $750,000 contract plus incentives. Not the minor league minimum.

By Braves Fan 79

April 25, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Comier should of been brought up for last nights game. Redmen should be demoted to mop up duty coming out of the bullpen at the most! Man i hope he never starts a game again in a Braves uniform. I wish we had a good offensive left fielder again…..wheres Ron Gant when we need him?? (at whats this talk about Davies or Redmen being dropped from the rotation…like its even close??) Davies…#5…redmen…bullpen or off the team!

By Shaun

April 25, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

The Wainwright trade is something we agree on. You have an opportunity to trade a young pitcher who was not really among your very best pitching prospects for an MVP-type player, you do it.

As far as the Redman contract, it says he makes $750K while in the majors. If the Braves were to release him, I know he’s probably guaranteed something, but it it the full $750K? That’s what I’m not sure of.

Seems like he would be guaranteed whatever the salary stipulated in a minor league contract and would make the major league minimum while in the majors ($750K over a full season).

By MGL

April 25, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Good grief, Tom Martin is now pitching for the Rox in the Mets game. Hope he comes up when we are out there!!

By BabyGoatEater

April 25, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

FOR SALE:

2 used players. 1 has great defense and solid bat (never used!) Other is a BARGAIN BUY! Free with purchase (They work well together), kinda acts goofy sometimes (usually in field),but starts anyway.

Price: Any pitcher will do.

By Kentavo

April 25, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

I’m worried about our pitchers getting crushed in Colorado in the next series.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 25, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Flange:

Redman as a “situational lefty”? What’s the situation? That we want to give up runs? In that event, yeah, by all means make him a situational lefty. If we need somebody to get an out or two, I’d rather give Langerhans a shot. Maybe his ability to be an automatic out would translate to the mound.

By The Grinch

April 25, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

German Braves Fan, ahoy! Good to see you back. I actually started to ask about you the other night while I was drinking some Spaten Dunkel, then got sidetracked. Come on out to the game Wednesday night; KC and I will be in sec…what section is it, KC? I hate it when that happens.

Man, I just witnessed something incredibly depressing. I stopped by a Dairy Queen, one of those little ones that’s so small it doesn’t have a drive thru? It’s run by this indian dude and his wife (surprise) and one, one employee. I was apparently the only customer they’d had in forever, and while the woman’s making my food the one employee (this totally middle-class looking forty-something white dude cashier with a beard) was taking his lunch break and staring at the wall while some Sarah McGlaughlin was playing real loud over the store speakers. That was like the epitome of depressing; my day got much better from there. Man, how much child support does this poor guy have? His ex(s) must be having a great time in his old house talking about how their lawyers finally “got” him. Yowch.

Rammerjammer, I see where you’re coming from and agree, but it should also be noted that the Braves division doesn’t hit quite as well as the Indian’s.

By Chop Chop

April 25, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

The biggest problem I have with Jon Heyman’s rankings is that he’s accusing Bobby Cox of not getting the most out of the team last year. Bobby had to use 12 different starting pitchers last year. I don’t care how many runs you score, if you have to use that many starters and your bullpen is absolutely atrocious until August (or very late July when Wickman arrived), that is not the manager’s fault. That is the fault of the person who constructed the team: John Schuerholz. As far as underachieving with Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz in the rotation, sure. That will hang around Bobby’s neck forever. I personally don’t think the guy is a good game strategist and that has hurt him a lot in the postseason, but I certainly wouldn’t put last year’s struggles on him. Bobby trusted that his players would come through when it mattered and they didn’t. That same philosophy has won one World Series title. That’s not enough for me, but I’ll take what I can get. I could be a Cub fan, you know.

By TennesseePaul

April 25, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Payne, The contract guarantees him 750K. Once it was purchased, that was his salary. Minor league is out the window now. He makes, almost, twice the league minimum, plus incentives.

By Lew

April 25, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

KC-You don’t know, any more than I do, exactly how much money the Braves have in reserve, or how much they will receive from insurance on Hampton. No idea, whatsoever. It could be a couple mil, it could be more, it could be less. You just don’t know. No matter-I sure wouldn’t go out and spend whatever it may be on a left fielder. I’d spend it on pitching-but not right now. It is still very early in, what has been to this point, a successful season. You can’t make major decisions based on a 20 game performance. It’s just too damn early. Langerhans may well even off and become acceptable, but only with playing time. He is not a serious problem. Redman is. Davies is. Cormier’s injury is. I never even expected anything from Hampton, anyway. If we have this money, as you hypothesize, now is not the time to spend it. You have to have some patience. As you’ve said in the past, the Mets won’t sustain this level of play-the Braves are bound to get better. Give them the chance to do so. As long as we remain close to the Mets, all is good.

By MGL

April 25, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Rox over the Mutts 11 - 5. Tied for first again. Now it’s up to Huddy.

By rammerjammer

April 25, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Grinch,

I would’ve expected to see Big Bob’s ERA drop by a run because of the AL offense. I don’t think anyone expected what we’ve gotten.

And to think it happened without THE GREAT LEO MAZZONE. Will wonders never cease.

By Jim

April 25, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

rammerjammer,

Those Braves teams with a “marginal” fifth starter had 4 aces ahead of him, wether the 4th ace was named Avery, Neagle, Liebrant, or Millwood. They consistently went deep into games and did not tax the bullpen. The fifth starter in many of those years was Smith, Merker, Bielecki, Millwood, Burkett/Ashby — Pitchers that during their limited time in that role were generally effective and had brief periods of relative brilliance

By David O'Brien

April 25, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

New BLOG UP. Be gentle, good people. And be safe.

By Rodger

April 25, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Goateater, we should be happy if we get a couple boxes of balls for Redman-Lord knows he’s cost us enough of them!

By The Grinch

April 25, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

In order to be an effective reliever, you have to throw strikes. If anything, Redman would be even less effective out of the bullpen. Man, how’d you like to have the last name Heyman? Would you have to change your name if you went broke? Hee-hee!

By Jim

April 25, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

If the Braves have budgeted any money to cover those performance clauses in Redman’s contract, they can safely move that into the line budgeted toward mid-season player acquisitions.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

April 25, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop:

I agree with you on the Heyman article, and what Bobby had to juggle last year. When he says that the Braves “underachieved” last year because of Bobby, he lost all cred with me. I think the only way they underachieved was in the fans, and media, expectations. Realisticly, we were so pitching poor, had we not gotten Beefy Bob when we did, we likely would have finshed with at least 5 to 10 more losses.

Redman’s salary - assuming the Braves payroll is $80 mil, Redman’s $750k is less than 1% of total payroll. Given that he is currently responsible for 28.5% of our losses to date, I’d say we’re way upside down on this deal already. As I said last night, I’m all for replacing him in the rotation with Oscar. Or Bert, or Ernie, or Big Bird, or the Count, or Elmo, and anybody. But, from Bobby’s comments reported this morning, looks like he’ll get a chance to lose at least 2 or 3 more games for us. A starting pitcher with an ERA of 10. Yikes!!

By Rodger

April 25, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Grinch-be gentle-he’s a virgin

By alan from Atlanta GA.

April 25, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

I really wish Leo Mazzone was still the Braves pitching coach. Alway felt more secure with him. After last years fiasco, this bullpen is better, but wait until later on in the season to really judge. Redman is a joke, Davies is a bit better but he is younger. Be grateful Braves fans at least our leftfielders can still catch a ball. BC continues to play his favorites, it’s a folly. By the way it was really good to see Pete Orr play yesterday, he gives me more confidence than Woodward ever could.

By Bobby's Cox

April 25, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Story or Davies’ career: One good start & they get progressively worse from there.

I’m more worried about the hitting than pitching. What’s up with AJ…he looks so unbalanced with the wide stance these days…much like last year too…i think he needs to shorten up. Diaz will hit, langy won’t, neithe will Thor (bad approach, long swing) Wilson (time to retire), or Woodward (bring up prado already!)

The braves’ approach at the plate is just pathetic in general.

By Bobby's Cox

April 25, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

i think scherholtz is gonna have to man up and realize he made mistakes with Wilson, Woodward, and Langs. Bring up the youngsters that can hit and field NOW!