AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > May > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWhat’s happening on the farm?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This blog is inspired by Wayne in Utah, in honor of his “Twas the Night before Opening Day” poetry in this wee hours last night. Well, no, it’s actually in response to a question of his earlier in the day yesterday, but we are just giving him props for his creativity and how connected he is on this blog.
Wayne wants to know what’s happening on the farm, and we’re here to oblige.
(If it were easy as surfing the web like “Coach” suggests, what good are we here at the AJC? We’re obliging Wayne. Granted we’re obliging the day after, thanks to Bob Wickman, Willie Harris, Mike Hampton stuff to write yesterday, but we’re obliging. At least for the parts that we thought were the most interesting.)
Macay McBride, as you know, was sent down to Richmond to work on his control problems, and he is still working those out. He had two walks in his first relief appearance (4/16), one in his second (4/19) then no walks in three innings of his first start April 23 against Indianapolis. Saturday night in his second start for Richmond, he walked three batters, but pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings against Norfolk. He lowered his ERA to 0.96. He is to pitch again Thursday against Charlotte.
Braves director of player development (aka farm director) Kurt Kemp said Tuesday afternoon, “He’s been throwing good, working on the things he needs to work on.” Translation: he’s still working at it.
Bobby Cox has said McBride was starting in Richmond so he would maximize his innings to get his work in. Kemp reiterated that, pointing to the importance of repeating what’s you’re working on, getting some muscle memory going.
Even still, if McBride can turn it around, it can’t be out of the question to see him make a run at a rotation spot in Atlanta, especially if Kyle Davies and Mark Redman continue to struggle and Lance Cormier continues to hurt.
Cox said last night after the game Cormier still wasn’t able to resume his rehabilitation assignment - he was scratched from his second minor league appearance Friday -and he would be evaluated again today. The inflamed triceps muscle is proving tricky.
Now on to Phil Stockman, the 6-foot-8, 251-pound Aussie reliever, with the mid-90s fastball. He had surgery in January on his hamstring, and then didn’t pitch in spring training because of visa problems and a sore back. He stayed in extended spring training to start the season at least in part, so he could work out in warm weather. So he’s just getting going.
He hit a bump in the road last week. Kemp says Stockman felt something in the hamstring area, perhaps scar tissue breaking up, and also had some problems with some gluteal inflammation (do I need to explain gluteal?!). So Stockman went back on the DL Friday. Kemp said it’s probably all be related to the surgery Stockman had in January but it isn’t expected to be super serious. “They think maybe seven or eight days,” Kemp said.
Blane Boyer, who’s been on the disabled list since the day camp broke in spring training with an oblique strain, is scheduled to throw his last rehabilitation session tomorrow in extended spring training. If all goes well, he should head out to Richmond early next week. Boyer hasn’t pitched in a year coming off shoulder surgery, so I’d be surprised if he is much of a factor for at least a couple months.
While we’re on Richmond, remember how poorly the Richmond Braves played last year? With players coming up to Atlanta and back and no sense of continuity, especially on the pitching staff? Well, Richmond is leading the International League with a 15-5 record. The R Braves had their best April winning percentage since 1985 (13-4, .765).
Another note, Jonathan Schuerholz, son of Braves general manager John Schuerholz, got called up to Richmond from Mississippi to replace Willie Harris on the roster. Schuerholz, an infielder, was hitting .182 (4-for-22) in 12 games in Mississippi.
And for Bubba, thanks for one of the most backhanded compliments I’ve ever gotten. Almost as backhanded as the time a friend of mine told me in college that my hair was so……bushy. Your post made me laugh though because you’re right. I did write stiffly I’m sure, when I was new on the beat.
And don’t we love blogs now because ain’t no way you could write stiffly on one of these and get away with it. (Stiffly is not quite how Bubba put it….And notice how I’m not saying anything about a guy who calls himself Bubba? Not a word.)
And by the way, Eric, I’m a girl and that’s not ever changing.
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Comments
By Efrim
May 1, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
Elvis Andrus is struggling. Salty is playing great, as well as Bradon Jones. Thomas Hanson has 40 K’s in 24 innings.
By flange1
May 1, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
Carroll, Thanks for the news and the new blog! We appreciate your efforts!
By rian
May 1, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Get ‘em Carroll!!!
By Christy
May 1, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Carroll, Thanks for the update. Quick question - I know we released John Foster in October, but any word on where is and what he’s doing?
Thanks!
By Chrizzo
May 1, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
DOB, us bloggers demand to see a picture of you. Can you make this happen?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 1, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
Always good when the farm hands are doing well. I still remember the “Great Eight” of which Chipper and Javy Lopez were a part of. It has been dismal here where the “South Begins” with so many losing seasons but seasoned fans understand their place in the universe and it’s our job to get players ready for the majors.
Looks like a bumper crop is about to arrive not only from Richmond but Mississippi as well.
By flange1
May 1, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Hi Gil,
How are things in Richmond? WHat are your thoughts on the starting pitching at Richmond right now? Anyone ready or close to ready? How has Lerew looked? Thanks!
By Jonathan in Soddy Daisy
May 1, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Great post. Thanks for the update. I do have to disagree with Jonathan Schuerholz being called up to AAA, .182?
By Greg in TN
May 1, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
Afternoon denizens…
Thanks for the update Carroll. The Braves/MIB blog always enjoys the updates on the minors and the new internet parchment on which we can continue to surmise.
Wayne, thanks for the late night poem. Got a kick out of reading that this morning but am just now getting around to getting time to fire off a post.
Cole Hamels takes the mound tonight and has been rather Jeckyll and Hyde since he pitched seven shut-out innings against us in Philly. He went 5.1 innings against the Nats giving up four earned runs. This after a complete game gem in Cincy striking out 15 Reds.
Would be nice to get more than three runs and less than six earned runs from Redman tonight. The offense seems to be doing just fine at the moment, so if we got seven innings and less than three runs out of him, that would obviously be best case at this point.
By 22oz
May 1, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
I’m going to see the M-Braves in Chattanooga June 1, i’m really looking forward to the trip up there. For selfish reasons i hope all the prospects are still there!
By 22oz
May 1, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
journalistjimmysmith actually found a picture of DOB a few months back.
By Michael in Brooklyn
May 1, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
Hi, Carroll. Any word on the Braves’ plans with Brandon Jones and Saltalamacchia? Are they planning to move either to AAA any time soon, or are they going to get them more ABs at Mississippi? I’m planning a trip to the area, and I’d like to see those two…
By gotigers72
May 1, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
The R-Braves are kicking butt, Mississippi is kicking butt, and Myrtle Beach is doing fair to partly cloudy. Rome is at the bottom in their league after getting off to a horrible start.
Devine has been pitching good at Miss., Brandon Jones and Blanco are both over .300 at Richmond, and the last time I looked, Lerew’s ERA was under 3. He is still inconsistent though. Salty is tearing it up, Elvis is in the building after getting off to a slow start. I believe he’s at .250 now. Last year’s #1 draft choice, the relief pitcher Kevin Gunderson,is doing better after a rough start. Yunel is over.320.
Good website, minorleaguebaseball.com. You can look up players, teams, etc. I go on about every night to see how the Braves minor leaguers are doing.
Sorry to hear Stockman is disabled again. He was just flat dominant last year, never has had a chance to see if he could be dominant at the major league level. I sure would like an answer to that question. Maybe we’ll get to see him at some point this year.
By PTown Brave
May 1, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
Would Lerew be a viable option if Redman gets cut? If not, where do you see the Braves looking to for answers since its most likely way too early for any decent trade to materialize on the starting pitching front?
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
Attagirl, Carroll. Give ‘em boys hell.
Well, Wayne, did you ever imagine that you would be featured in the lead in a newspaper? Cool stuff, Wayne. You’re big time now. No longer a regular, Wayne is a HOFer now. I am starting to resent him for it.
What happened to the sweet Wayne we all once knew? Carroll features him and he gets all Barry Bonds on us, demands two lockers, his own personal couch in front of his lockers, a big screen television in front of his lockers, keeps talking about himself in the third person, no longer posts late at night saying that he paid his dues with that labor of love but now he is through with it because he is too big time for it. Wayne even pulled a Cal Ripken on us and will not stay in the same hotel with the rest of us when we are on the road. After Carroll made Wayne a star, Wayne turned his back on her and will not answer any more questions that she asks. He keeps telling her to read his blog at utahjazzybrave.com if you want to know what I think. Very rude. Ingrate. Wayne, you’re turning into a jerk. We want the sweetheart Wayne back.
Just kidding, Wayne. Congrats. Very cool. And a great poem.
By Coach
May 1, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Props to Wayne , he lit up the last blog with his poetic contribution last night. Carroll , I’m of the opinion that the Braves are going to give McBride a real shot at the rotation. Follow my reasoning , Cox will want another lefty to replace Redman when the Braves end his short but horrid tenure in Atlanta. Who else but McBride is better suited to fill that role ? He has a nasty slider , low nineties fastball and a decent curveball. He does have a tendency to give right handed batters a long look at the ball out of his hand with his throwing motion , but when compared to Redman he is a much better option. Davies has a million dollar arm and a ten cent head , when does Cormier come off the DL ? Let’s fix the back end of the rotation and the rest will take care of itself.
By BamaBrave
May 1, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
Jonathan Schuerholz is still around?!!? What is this…Little League?…where the coach’s son gets to start no matter how bad he sux?
Anyway…apologies in advance if this has been discussed recently…but what’s the news on Joey Devine?
By journalist jimmy smith
May 1, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
forget what is happening on the farm. what is happening at the zoo? a baby turtle has hatched, that’s what! read on and see if you agree that dob is moonlighting on the ajc zoo beat.
“Adults are about the size and color of a well-worn baseball glove. They have claws like roof tacks. Their eyes are blacker than new asphalt.”
now, that is either a seriously disturbed turtle reporter or it is dob who can get away with such writing because of the wurlitzer and the best of cox.
220z, this journalist is on the job. soon we will have a carroll rogers photo to put with our dob photo.
now, toe health remains good on this team. avoiding toe injury will be meaningful if this team is to get to the 5-game series again.
By Mike S
May 1, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
Has anyone noticed Jordan Schafer in Rome? He’s the centerfielder and the only one batting over .300. He’s also one of my good friends whom I’ve played with and against. Thanks
By Thrillhouse44
May 1, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
.068 gets Langerhans a one-way ticket out of town. .182 gets Johnny Jr. promoted. .08 gets a driver thrown in jail.
By GB
May 1, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
Hey Carroll,
You must’ve been reading my mind (short story). I get the AJC every weekend and remember as recently as last year, the Sunday edition always had a “Minor League Report”, which I always looked forward to reading each week. What knucklehead (who probably gets paid too much money, ie “Management”) decided to to disban this feature?? Maybe there will be enough other folks on this blog who will agree with me and we can get that Sunday sports feature back. Anyway, thanks for the update. I appreciate it. Where’s DOB? Out looking for song lyrics???
By Greg in TN
May 1, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
Oops, more than three innings and less than six earned runs… Sheesh Greg.
By meansonny
May 1, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
Coach.
Am I the only one who remembers the pre-season and early season clamoring that McBride shouldn’t be left on the mound for a full 3+ outs?
Righty’s have been hitting over .300 against him every time he steps on the mound since 2005.
He’s dominant against lefty’s. But to say that righty’s get a good look at his release is an understatement. His stint in the minors is going to have to correct a lot more than just his location when he faces righthanders.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m a fan of his. If Barry Bonds is at the plate late in a game, he’s the Braves pitcher I’d call to the mound. But I’d fear any MLB right handed heavy lineup that is facing him.
By Coach
May 1, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
Agreed , Richmond and Mississippi are loaded with major league prospects. Richmond is beating the snot out of the international league and it’s not in the least bit surprising. So far so good , Chipper has been an iron man , knock on wood. Get in the Holiday spirit tonight , Redman is gonna get lit up like a Christmas tree.
By Gustopher
May 1, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
Another great blog Carroll. Answered a lot of question. I guess we will have to wait and see on the PTBNL.
By The Grinch
May 1, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
Jimmy Smith, I read that report about half an hour ago and had much the same reaction. I thought to myself: Self? Seems like you used to write like that when you were 13 or so, and were roundly (and rightly) taken to task for it by your English teachers. Must not be real hard to get a job at the AJC. :-) Just kidding Carroll…I’m sure the regular turtle reporter was off taking a $#%@ in the woods or something when that was conceived by an intern with journalistic pretensions. Your writing, on the other hand, is quite engaging. Not stiff at all (neither is mine, unless I’m dabbling in erotica).
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
Bob the Journalist needs to strap the leotard back on and get back to blogging. He is missed. We ain’t gonna win the Series this year if he continues to act like a petulant geezer and ignore the blog. Get out of the darn hot tub Bob and get back to bloggin’. Obi Bob Kenobi, you are our only hope.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
May 1, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
(Looking at the AJC Sports page)…Grinch, have you ordered tickets to the next drag race, already? Go ahead and get me one while you’re at it. You don’t need to take on that task alone at your age.
By The Grinch
May 1, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
If you can’t share twins with your buddies, who can you share with? Unfortunately, I’m probably faster than either of them. :-P
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
Frank Martinez has watched his last New York Mets game in Shea Stadium.
The 40-year-old Mets fan pleaded guilty Tuesday to shining a high-powered flashlight at a pair of Atlanta Braves players during an April 20 game at the Queens ballpark. He was sentenced to 15 days in jail - and banned from any Mets’ home games for three years.
By the time Martinez can return, the Mets will be playing in a new stadium currently under construction behind Shea. The new CitiField was expected to open in 2009 without Martinez, who pleaded to a charge of interfering with a professional sporting event. vMartinez cannot watch the Mets in person at a home game until 2010.
“In a game in which the ball can travel upward of 110 mph, the defendant’s actions were dangerous to both spectators and players,” Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said in a statement.
Authorities say that on the evening of April 20, while seated behind home plate, Martinez turned the beam on Braves pitcher Tim Hudson and shortstop Edgar Renteria. The Braves were leading 7-0 at the time.
Renteria complained to umpire Paul Emmel, who called time out and alerted security. The security officers removed Martinez and found the flashlight in his backpack, authorities said.
By Fred from CT
May 1, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
redman six innings three runs tonight.
By Barrett
May 1, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
I know this has nothing to do with our farm team, but has anyone noticed that Frenchy has more walks than Brian McCann?
By Carroll Rogers
May 1, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
great stat barrett. frenchy 9 walks. mccann 8…..i think mccann’s sore ring finger is bothering him a little at the plate but he doesn’t want to use it as an excuse. (not that that’s a reason why he hasn’t walked as much as francoeur. just noticed last night he’s not making solid contact like he usually does.) he’s in the lineup tonight with redman on the mound. pena caught redman the last time. so mccann will tough it out. and maybe the braves are trying to mix it up behind the plate for redman. or at least get him a little offense?
devine has a handful of saves in mississippi, pitching well.
By BT
May 1, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
Gosh I hope none of our position players get hurt. Jonathan Schuerholz could be the next in line for Atlanta. You think poor old Ryan was bad, the GM’s baby boy would really stink it up. Seriously, has anyone from the Braves offered an explanation?
By Efrim
May 1, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this
Fred from CT,
How many beers deep are you to say something like that?
By Gustopher
May 1, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this
CR why aren’t they giving McCann a rest? Pena caught for Redman most of the season.
By Fred from CT
May 1, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this
efrim I gotta good feeling tonight. the guy is do for a decent start. no beers yet still at work
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
Oh, everyone leave baby John alone. He is a career minor leaguer. Not great or anything close to it. But every MLB team has guys like him. He is a Crash Davis of sorts, although he will never have the minor league HR record.
You should appreciate guys like Baby John because they help the real studs develop the way they are supposed to. There is no sense in calling up a stud to AAA and stunting their development. Let them get their AA and A ball at bats the way they need to. Baby John is just being used by his father to fill in gaps and serve as a buffer for the true talents down there. Lay off him already. The only people who should get angry maybe are people like Gil who actually watch and root for those minor league teams in the towns they live in. Baby John will not be getting a call up (at least I hope not - you never know when Bobby is going to get infatuated with a useless scrub like Orr or Lockhart). But I don’t think he is getting call up and I don’t read anything into Baby John getting called up to AAA other than he is keeping a seat warm just like Willie Harris was in AAA and just like Harris is now in the MLB for B. Jones or Blanco or one of those guys.
I wonder if Willy Aybar would have been tried out there in left some if he did not get all smacked out. Would have made sense to me to get his OBP out there at least half the time and still be able to come in to the infield on a double switch. Guess we may never know (at least for however long it takes Willy to get his act cleaned up. My prayers are with you Willy).
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this
Carroll
I am honored that you would personally answer my questions and also give my “poem” a plug. As WillyWally states, I am looking now for all the perks that come with being famous.
Thanks again. I thought DOB was the best there was, but it looks like you are giving him a run for his money. (sorry Dave, couldn’t resist!).
By Barrett
May 1, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this
Fred from CT
I agree with you. The guy did win 11 games with the Royals last year. He can’t be any worse that Chan Ho Park… and, just by living in America we have A.D.D. Two good starts and he will be the best thing since sliced bread… Now we all just need to hope to get the first of the good starts.
By Jim
May 1, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this
Shuerholtz was probably promoted to Richmond because the organization does not feel that Lillibridge, Pope, or D. Hernandez is ready for AAA yet. JSjr will probably be a utility player at Richmond and will just be playing out the role of career minor leaguer. He was not a regular starter at AA.
By Carroll Rogers
May 1, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this
maybe we can get you some blue ink or something wayne. bout time you were on-line. guess when you stay up late writing poetry, you take your time on here the day after…time to get working on that HOF speech!
By N8
May 1, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
Here’s a snipit from John Donovan’s comments that go along with the weekly Power Rankings on si.com:
“How disenchanted are the Dodgers with Wilson Betemit, their third baseman? Well, they’re talking about putting a catcher at third. And Betemit was the only guy that didn’t play Sunday against the Padres in a 17-inning, all-hands-on-deck game that lasted nearly five hours.”
Anybody STILL whining about letting him go? Not me. Then again, I never was.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 1, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this
flange1 I have not seen Larew pitch yet. Planning on attending the thursday night game. Shuerholtz is not a bad utility guy. He will not be mistaken for an Escobar or Kelly Johnson. He is what he is, I watched Dale Berra, Yogi’s kid, play too. Hard to catch lightning in a bottle twice.
I would suspect his call up to AAA (I’m not sure you can call it a promotion anymore) was because he could fill the role of Willie Harris and play multiple positions. I don’t think they are too concerned about his bat. McCarthy is heating up as is Blanco.
Still the best looking young arm I have seen is Manny Acosta, a reliever, but you have not had so much as a mention about him. Somebody is going to want him. He is a keeper.
By Ezrider
May 1, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
In 2005, Jonathan Schuerholz hit .278 in AA (Mississippi) before being called up to AAA (Richmond) where he hit .175. In 2006, he hit .184 at Richmond in 116 games. In 2007, he was hitting .182 at Mississippi before getting re-called to AAA Richmond. Am I missing something? That averages out to a .205 batting average since 2005. Has “Daddy Ball” gone to an all time low or am I missing something?
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
Really, N8. not complaining about Betemit. Are you that freaking content with Orr, Woodward, and Willie Harris? Or are you just content with Aybar being AWOL? Come on. Betemit was good while he was here and should still be here. The next time Bobby decides to rest KJ a night after he goes 5 for 5, who are you going to want coming up: Betemit or Woodward? The funny thing is that Betemit is the far better hitter than Woodward but Bobby would still bat Woodward leadoff and Betemit eighth. Great manager but completely bizarre sometimes.
By tom
May 1, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
N8 f*cks men
By flange1
May 1, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update Gil, we will look out for Acosta!
By Gizzard
May 1, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
Shaun, N8, and KC should get the blue ink. Must have internet access in the nuthouse!
By Micah
May 1, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
Carroll, one of the most important things about being a rockstar is to immediately reach out and show appreciation to those in the front row. The energy you show to them will work its way back. I suppose you could say the same about a blog extraordinaire. Keep up the good writs!
Go Braves!
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
Carroll, never got to tell you that I appreciated the article you did on Jackie Robinson day. it was great to hear the perspectives of the players you got quotes from on that difficult issue. I also liked that outline form you presented in the article of many of the issues we all had been spitting back and forth at each other that whole week prior. You did a good job with that. It’s always cool to see a good writer be able to condense into a well written article that gets to the point on a difficult issue the rest of us go round and round about and never get the point across to each other.
By flange1
May 1, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this
Tom,
You got a problem?
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
flange1: Tom obviously did not get enough hugs when he was a child.
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this
Mets behind after the fish have a 3 run first inning. Pelfrey walked the bases full, then Willingham cleared them with a triple.
Don’t you just love it!
By TennesseePaul
May 1, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this
Alright Redman. Try to start off better than Pelfry.
Fish 3, Muts 0
Pelfry: Quick out. HBP. BB. BB. Triple.
And the first pitch is a ball. Let the bombing begin
By TennesseePaul
May 1, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this
N8: I sit out here in the South Bay and listen to these guys lay into Betemit. Part of his struggles could be attributed to that. But I’m with you, I didn’t mind the trade so much. Now if only Aybar would clean up and get back in the game…
By tom
May 1, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
flange1 and Wayne in Utah like to swim naked together.
By interested observer
May 1, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Langerhans batting 9th for the A’s tonight. First at-bat = Strikeout!
By Efrim
May 1, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Redman is terrible, but he did get Utley and Howard to fly out……
By TennesseePaul
May 1, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
You know, we’re getting more production out of this Beat Blog Platoon than the Braves are out of any of their platoons.
I can’t believe Redman made it out of the first without giving up any runs.
Come on Braves! Knock Cole out of the game before he can get his groove on.
By flange1
May 1, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
Wayne,
I think Tom is STILL a child!
Tom,
Isn’t it past your bedtime?
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
Redman got out of the first with a single and a walk.
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
Oh no, flange1, we have been discovered…..
By PaBravefan
May 1, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
If you want to see how the teams in the minors are doing, go to milb.com They have everything you could everr want. Carroll forgot to mention that Missippi is also on fire and has been getting great hitting and pitching. Salty is lighting it up, Brandon Jones has been doing well. Matt Esquivel, who was suspended for the second half of lst year is doing well despite a .241 average. Diory Hernandez looks like he has finally found his stride, as a hitter. He has always been a good defensive player. Reyes, Harrison, and Smith are doing outstanding as starters. Most of the real talent we have is at that level. Also, last year high draft pick Tommy Hanson is lighting it up in Rome. I Love milb.com. Check it out daily!
By flange1
May 1, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
KJ and Chipper!
By TennesseePaul
May 1, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
CHIPPER!!!!!!
GO BRAVES
By Efrim
May 1, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
CHIPPER!!!!!!!
By flange1
May 1, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
We worked so hard to keep it quiet!
By TennesseePaul
May 1, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this
This is looking good already. I gotta say, I love that Philly bullpen. It’s so much fun when they get called into the game. We could see them early today!
By Greg in TN
May 1, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
One half inning in the books from the Ted. Utley, Howard and Burrell really got Redman off the hook in the first. He’s not hitting the corners and he’s not getting the ball down, so at least through one it’s business as usual at the moment.
Lead-off double for KJ, who is sweltering hot right now.
Folks we’re one month into the season and I’m inclined to look at the rotation and see how things have graded out. Feel free to throw out your own. To keep from writing a book here, just sticking with the rotation for the moment:
John Smoltz: B Can’t overstate how important that win against Glavine and the mets were even though it was early.
Tim Hudson: A+ Pitching better than anyone could have imagined.
Chuck James: C Inconsistent to this point.
Mark Redman: D- One effective outing keeps him barely above having to re-take April.
Kyle Davies: D+ Also very inconsistent to this point, although had Cormier been healthy, Kyle would be working on it in Richmond.
3-0 good guys, so let’s hope that’s a sign of things to come tonight.
By TennesseePaul
May 1, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
How close was that guys? Was Francoeur pushing his luck or was it just a really good relay and throw?
By fastasballs
May 1, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
Wow this offense is incredible! If Chipper can stay healthy he should be in the running for MVP.
Ok Redman, don’t give it all back at once.
By TennesseePaul
May 1, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
Don’t give it up Redman. For all that is good and holy, don’t give up the lead.
By ncscoots
May 1, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
Jim, PaBraveFan, nice to see a mention of Diory Hernanadez on the blog. He doesn’t get much pub, but a solid player.
By TennesseePaul
May 1, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
Man this guy sucks.
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this
Redman’s going to give back whatever lead you hand him, and we lose BMac. This sucks.
By krath
May 1, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this
So I suppose Redman needs about 6 months of spring training? He’s thrown enough now that he should be effective IF he’s every going to be effective. I don’t want to hear, “well he started late this spring.” He was there thru half of the spring and now it’s full month into the season.
By Calvin
May 1, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this
What happened to McCann? Did he get hurt?
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
YOu’ve basically got to get Redman about 10 runs to keep it competitive.
By Efrim
May 1, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this
I am not watching, how did Mccann get hurt?????
By ChrisinPA
May 1, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
yes - what happened to Brian…is it serious?
By krath
May 1, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
I wonder what McCann was thinking? Do you see where he set up? He didn’t even reach for the ball and he was still hit flush.
By Michael Procton
May 1, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
Yeah, McCann got hit by Barajas on a C interference play… Redman gets 3 runs and gives ‘em away…shocker.
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
BMAC got hit on the hand on teh catcher’s swing, looked nasty. Hope it looked worse than it is.
Going to the pen before the third?
Redman’s just a waste of roster space.
By Joe Fan
May 1, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
Why did they pull McCann, did he get hurt?
By Calvin
May 1, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
Surprise….Redman coughed up the lead….
By Ron Roberts
May 1, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
How did this guy win any games in the batting-rich American League last year, let alone make an All-Star team last year???
By Lew
May 1, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
Flange-I think he has more than one problem. Wayne in Utah-Next thing you know, you’re going to want a Wurlitzer, too.
By HP
May 1, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
Mark Redman needs to be traded after this game of the way he has pitched so far into the season. I am tired of watching him giving back runs when the braves get the lead.
By krath
May 1, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
This can get really ugly like now. Three balls hit on the nose in the first inning so this isn’t a surprise.
By Me
May 1, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
HOLY F’ING CRAP!!!! I HATE THIS GUY!!!
By fastasballs
May 1, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
This is pathetic, bring in the Vulcher before this gets out of hand
By Ron
May 1, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
Our 4th and 5th starters suck really bad!!! Lets bring up Buddy Hernandez, for some reason the Braves never give this guy a chance, he always pitches good. Anybody will be better than Davies, and Redman.
By Kevin C
May 1, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
Before May is out—need Lance in rotation and possibly bring up MacCay in June—send Redman out—over 50 pitches in 2 innings—he is pathetic—he looks like a guy who threw in his basement
By krath
May 1, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
Well he made the all star team because every team has to have a representative. KC wasn’t exactly talent rich last year.
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
Walked in a run, nice. Although the pitch looked pretty good. And that’s it for Redman…maybe…permanently.
By Efrim
May 1, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
This is Redman’s last start……
I hope B Mac is okay.
By Ron Roberts
May 1, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
Surprise…Redman coughed up the lead then gave them the lead!
By Ron
May 1, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
Redman has sucked, but he has also been squeezed by the Ump, some of these are right there!!!
By interested observer
May 1, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
Langerhans 2nd at-bat = Strikeout!
By Lew
May 1, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this
Trey Hodges would have to be a better option than Redman.
By StingerSplash
May 1, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this
In regards to Mark Redman pitching for the Atlanta Braves, let me borrow the words of King Coffee at the end of the B-hole Surfers’ video for “Who the Hell Was In My Room:” Make it stop. Please, God, make it stop.
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
Redman - 5 outs, 4 runs. Nicely done.
By Drew
May 1, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
Well, I wasn’t too much on Redman’s case until now, because I figured he just needed some time to get going. Now, its gotten ridiculous. I think this is probably the last straw for Redman. Bobby looked very unhappy, and I think we might see Barry when Redman’s spot comes around again. Don’t know where you go with Redman. At this point however, you can probably get him through waivers and let him try to get better at Richmond.
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
Lew: You’ll have to explain the Wurlitzer thing…..
By Ron Roberts
May 1, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
HP… who the hell would take him? There’s a reason he was sitting at home waiting on a phone call when we picked him up, ya know?
Now Bobby’s bringing in the guy who should be in his spot on the rotation, anyhow, dammit.
And as far as I’m concerned, as soon as Wickman’s off the DL, I sawy we put Soriano in that spot permanently.
Gimme Smoltz, Hudson, James, Soriano and Davies and I’ll show you a playoff baseball team.
By Calvin
May 1, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
Perhaps we should just start Villareal every fifth day instead of this Double A pitcher Redman.
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
They say REdman had his neighbor come stand in while he was throwing in his basement, but cut that out b/c his neighbor was hitting him. I’m not making that up.
By Ron Roberts
May 1, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
…and Davies can ride to Richmond once Lance is back, too.
By HP
May 1, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this
Good move by Bobby Cox. I hope Redman never pitches for the Braves again.
By Ron
May 1, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this
How did this guy get 10 wins last year in the AL. I thought the AL is the Hitting League, thats what everybody says. Im beginning to believe the AL is Very Overated as far as being the Hitting League!!!
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this
Looks like another long night for the bullpen….
I might have been wrong earlier. I don’t know if you can give this guy another start or not.
By Chris
May 1, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this
His picture should appear next to the word “pathetic” in the next Webster’s dictionary.
By Fred from CT
May 1, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
Efrim I was wrong redman got shelled.
By krath
May 1, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
I understand that you have to throw at least a warm body out there every fifth day to eat some innings…..even if he gets knocked around a little.
But geez!!!!….. If Redman can’t get out of the third or fourth or even second…why bother? Use Oscar V…. or bring someone up! And I’ve heard all the reasons why you don’t bring someone up. Geez…. Anthony Larew could probably give you 6 and only give up 4 or 5.
I’ve watched all of Redman’s starts this year and I can say something I’ve never said about a Braves pitcher…… no matter how ineffective they were…… I COULD HIT THIS GUY!
By Efrim
May 1, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
Hope those x rays are negative for McCann……
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
Way to go Oscar!
By Ron
May 1, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
HP, who the Hell would trade for this guy? Hell we could not even get a bat and bag of balls for this dude!!!
By fastasballs
May 1, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
Everybody, Hope & pray that Oscar goes 4 or 5 effective innings tonight. If he can I think we have seen the last of Redman.
It’s demoralizing for a team to watch all the runs they produce go up in smoke every time Redman is on the mound.
By HP
May 1, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
Ron, If braves cannot trade him, then they can at least release him from the team.
By Ron Roberts
May 1, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
If Oscar can bunt Wilson over and we get him in, and he can do his thing, he’s the hero of rhe game.
By PaBravefan
May 1, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
I agree with Me!!!!
By Train Wreck Bystander
May 1, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
A few days ago, I opined that Redman would get his act together before Davies does.
I retract that statement.
By Ron
May 1, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
Ernesto, heard the same thing, heard the neighbor hit a ball right back at him, so he said enough of that, wonder if he told JS that before they signed him, UHHH, probably not!!!
By Oh My
May 1, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
I’m thinking this appearance might just get Redman his walking papers. No matter what they say to the media, Bobby and John S know they have a problem. I think they are just reluctant to bring someone up before they are ready (Joey Devine) but their hand is being forced.
I have to believe Villareal, McBride or someone from the farm is going to wind up in the rotation soon. Cormier got scratched again, so he is still a ways away.
Can anyone on this team bunt or move a runner over. YIKES!!!
By Ron
May 1, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
HP, damn right about that!!!
By Mississippi
May 1, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
What kind of clown is supposed to be coaching 3rd Base?
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 1, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this
Scary, Braves running themselves out of an inning again….
By Ron
May 1, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this
Where the Hell was Renteria going, damn we ran ourselves out of a inning?
By JasonInMaine
May 1, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this
Will this team ever be able to get a the runner over and in after a leadoff double without hitting a HR…ever? Please…just once…pretty please…
Trade Redman for a bucket of pi$$
By IlliniBrave
May 1, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
Why don’t we do the little things well? Getting thrown out at home, unable to bunt effectively, failing to move the runners over, almost never executing the hit-and-run. I mean, these things are as much a part of baseball as the double to deep left and the towering home run (both of which we seem really really good at). I thought Bobby was an old-school fundamentals kind of guy, but we really suck at these basic aspects of the game!!! We’d have another run or two by now and last night’s game would have never gone to the ninth if we could do these things. Frustrating. Not what you want your Little-Leaguer to whatch as an example of how to play baseball.
Also, Redman blows!
By Ron Roberts
May 1, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
That…. inning… could not… have gone… any… worse.
By Lew
May 1, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
Wayne-You’ve never heard of the Wurlitzer Prize For Journalism? DOB has won a couple.
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 1, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
Every time Redman starts a game—it’s like telling the opposing team that the Braves have decided to forfeit that particular day…
By Ron
May 1, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
The little things cost us the run, we got a guy at second with 0 outs, and could not get him to 3rd, and then Renteria got the basehit, and Wilson had to stop at third and they got Wilson in a rundown, figures this is the same ole crap!!! Can we send down Redman, and bring up Buddy Hernandez, or Larew, Who all would yall like to see more Hernandez, Larew, or Both?Replace Davies and Redman with those two guy!!!
By bravesfansince1966
May 1, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
why don’t the announcers call it like it is… ??? Renteria is a BONE HEAD on the bases…
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
Sometimes you just gotta cut your losses. Even if we bring up one of the journeyman starters down at Richmond, Carlyle or Johnson. Better yet, throw Lerew, or Harrison or McBride out there and just see what they give you…..
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
Now, what’s Oscar doing? Good god!
By Ron
May 1, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
JasoninMaine, can we even get a bucket of Pi$$ for him, Probably not, HAHAHA!!!
By bravesfansince1966
May 1, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
why are the Braves walking so many runners: MCDOWELL!!!!
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
I have now Lew….what a rotten start to this game. No TBS sux.
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
Oscar, don’t blow it…..
By bravesfansince1966
May 1, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
Sure hope we get good news on McCann!
By Reconnoiter
May 1, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
Bobby and Charlie must have the same dietician.
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
Joe Simpson “that’s the first catcher’s interference on McCann this year…”
That’s the first one I’ve ever seen, period.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
May 1, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
Redman has got to go. Release his sorry a** right now. I don’t care who gets called up because it can’t be any worse than this jabroni! I can’t believe I ever applauded the signing of this guy. He can’t pitch to save his life. Somebody has go to exist that will be better than Redman. He needs to be released TODAY!
By krath
May 1, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
Snitker got Francouer thrown out by ten stemps in the first…. so he got conservative and didn’t send Wilson. Edgar was going to take second on the throw. The ball Edgar hit to left was on an angle and not right at the left fielder. I don’t think he throws Wilson out especially since there were 2 outs and Wilson was running from second on contact.
By Ron
May 1, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
IlliniBrave, We did hit and run once so far this season, and Chipper hit into a Triple play, not sayin we should not do it, because we should, but this team cant even do that right, basically all we can do right is hit Homeruns, sad very sad!!!
By Crock'em
May 1, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this
Redman fouled the nest. Now the Phils are confident and Oscar can’t throw strikes. Snowball effect.
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this
This could get ugly. At least the Mets are still losing.
By bravesfansince1966
May 1, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this
This game will end around midnight…I will have been asleep for about 2 hours!
By Ron
May 1, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
Villerial is sooo much better than Redman,(I was being sarcastic in case someone does not catch on)!!!
By JasonInMaine
May 1, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
Ron, I highly doubt it. How can Redman be on the team after tonight? He sure as hell shouldn’t be in the rotation. I mean, seriously, someone must be able to be called up and do a better job than Redman. If not, our minor league teams are in damn rough shape. But, like I posted yesterday, last night’s game was a big game. Without the win last night, we would have had no chance on winning the series. I think deep down we all knew that a win tonight was almost impossible.
This team CAN NOT win the world series with Davies and Redman at the backend of the rotation.
Regards,
Jason
By Ron Roberts
May 1, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
Consolation in knowing that I’d scratched this out as an L with Redman starting, anyhow; and we’re still in the game, at least.
By Pops
May 1, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
Bad day for the third base coach. First Frenchy out at the plate by 20 feet with one out. Next, Wilson obviously doesn’t know how many outs there were when Edgar one hands a soft single to left center. Wilson has barely reached third when the ball is fielded. THERE WERE TWO OUTS. Pathetic! Should be 5-4 even with Redman.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 1, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
I got called for it once while playing in Colt leauge… My glove went all the way to second base. NEVER HAPPEN TO ME AGAIN!!!!
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
If Redman’s career was a horse, they would take it out back and do the right thing.
By Crock'em
May 1, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
Actually Oscar IS soooo much better than Redman. Oscar can actually have an effective outing on occasion.
By Oh My
May 1, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
The silver lining Braves fans, if there is one, would be that this game is only going to the top of the 4th only down by 2. After what Redman gave us, we should be thanking our lucky stars the Phillies had not scored 7 or 8 runs before Bobby came out and got him.
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
Joe West is all over the place tonight with his strike zone, this time it got us an out, but it already cost us a run.
By Efrim
May 1, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
Is everyone praying for McCann right now????
i know I am
By brian
May 1, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
over/under on days until Redman is released
anyway, since we are talking about the farm tonight, who has the best shot at coming up and contributing as a 4th or 5th starter? Lots of people have mentioned McBride. How about Lerew? Matt Harrison?
Willie Harris is unlikely to be the long term solution or even season long solution in LF. Who in the minors has the best shot at taking over in LF? Brandon Jones? Blanco? McCarthy? Any chance Salty gets some work in LF like Josh Willingham?
I guess we need to fix the 4th and 5th starters as well as LF before we get some love by the Gameday crew. It made me nauseous to hear them talk about the Mets, Mets, Mets. Kruk is absolutely in love with the Mets
By Greg in TN
May 1, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
Not much to say about Redman’s performance tonight. Kind of reminds me of the famous recording of Tommy Lasorda being asked about Dave Kingman hitting three homers against them in ‘78 and Lasorda going ballistic on the sportswriter.
This bullpen is really getting overworked right now due to Mr. Redman.
I really hope the news is good on McCann’s hand also. Good thing we’re still in this game in spite of all of this.
By JasonInMaine
May 1, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Langy is 0-2 with 2 Ks ):
By bravesfansince1966
May 1, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this
simpson says “pena goes up hacking…not looking for a walk” he takes strike three for an out….Joe says NOTHING…. idiot!
By Ron
May 1, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
1 out runner at second, means we strand another runner!!!
By raindawg722
May 1, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
I cannot believe I even have to say this, but … no more comments about Chipper’s health. The baseball gods are getting angry. I am taking a risk just by posting this blog but I figured I had to do it before things got really out of hand.
By Braves20
May 1, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
What we have is a Reitsma in the rotation. Just like last year, we have no chance of overcoming Redman no matter how good our offense. It is time to cut our losses - literally. Waive him tomorrow!!!
By Ron Roberts
May 1, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
Stop the presses!!!! Craig Wilson strikes out!!!!
By JasonInMaine
May 1, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
McCann will be ok…he HAS to be. Man, Wilson missed those three pitches by a combined 6 feet!! Holy crap!!!!
By Efrim
May 1, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
WHAT THE HELL IS COX DOING????
Keep Villareal in the game!!!!!!
Now we waste the thin bullpen!!!!!!!
By JasonInMaine
May 1, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
Braves20, why wait until tomorrow? Release him after the game!!
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
Chris Woodward, uniform filler.
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
Hope C-Mac is going to be OK. Anybody else thinking what I’m thinking??
By Oscar in the bullpen
May 1, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
PUT ME IN THE ROTATION!!!!!!!!
By JasonInMaine
May 1, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
The only thing I am surprised about is that Redman made it out of the 1st…
Woodward is a waste of roster space as well…
By bravesfansince1966
May 1, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
hey Brian you are forgetting that he (Willie Harris) is our token African American representative..tis was mandated by Joe Morgan recently with his comment about Atlanta and Houston being the only two teams without an African American on the team… (many blacks but not African Americans)…get used to willie in left…THE MEDIA ISN’T TOUCHING THIS STORY!
By Ron Roberts
May 1, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
Stop the presses!! Chris Woodward strikes out swinging!!! Our bench blows.
By Ron
May 1, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
JasoninMaine, You are right if our minor leagues does not have at least a stopgap pitcher, then we are in deep s** for the rest of the year!!!
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
Why wait until tomorrow to release Redman?? BTW Bobby, where the he!! is Thorman. Let’s screw this platoon crap.
By Ron
May 1, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
Crock’em, Well not tryin to say I like Redman or anything, but Redman did at least have 1 effective start, and that was against the Cubs!!!
By Braves20
May 1, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
Pardon me, Jason and Wayne. I assumed the league office had to be open to notify them. Probably not necessary in the age of internet. Would 9:30 be soon enough to get rid of this cancer?
By Braves Fan 79
May 1, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
is there really no one in triple A or double A that could take redemns place?? i mean u cant do much worse! And why does cox keep weak hitters on the team like woodward when we have pple in AAA that are tearing it up! Who would u rather see pitch hit….Wilson, woodward, orr, or Salty, Escobar, or Pena (who we traded to the Royals). I cannot believe we kept woodward on the team and traded pena!??
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
I know “Boog” is DOB’s boy, and he seems okay, but paired with Joe Simpson…not so good. And Joe? Has he always been this annoying, I always htought it was Sutton that was bugging me. I miss Skip and the Professor.
By Pops
May 1, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
One vote here for Thorman as the everyday first baseman. Surfer Wilson can’t even keep track of how many outs there are.
BTW - does Thorman remind anyone of a young Ryan Klesko? If so, what’s wrong with that?
By Ron
May 1, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
What the Braves should do is whoever is in the stands, home or away, ask the people in the stands if they have ever pitched and tell them to sign a form saying they will not sue if they get hurt, and let them pitch, sounds like a good plan to me, if we dont want to use one of our minor league starters!!! It seems to me the Braves love Redman more than Larew or Buddy Hernandez, huhhh!!!
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
May 1, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
This is how bad Redman is. I find myself reminiscing for the days of Jason Schiell.
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
Why don’t they ask Redman if he will consider going down to the minors? Logistically, not sure how that would work. But it looks like he needs more extended spring training time. Why don’t they just pretend he is injured and then send him down to FLorida for a month to work on some things (MOST IMPORTANTLY RUNNING 10 MILES A DAY! HOW CAN A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE POSSIBLY LOOK THAT DUMPY AND WONDER WHY HE IS NOT PLAYING UP TO POTENTIAL. DISGRACEFUL TO GO OUT THERE LOOKING LIKE THAT. he clearly was not working out that whole time he was sitting at home feeling all sorry for himself because he had no contract).
By parks
May 1, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
What about Tony Pena’s 204 avg do some of yall not understand! Pena is a great def player but a horrible hitter.
By thats_reality
May 1, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
salty and escobar aren’t in the bigs cause they would seldom play. its better to let these guys get a lot of playing time in the minors until there is room for them in ATL, if there ever is. pena can’t hit a lick better than woodward and he basically asked to be traded to get more playing time. cormier will be back soon and oscar can fill in the 5th until we find a better solution. who is the 3rd base coach for richmond? perhaps its time to bring him up, too!
By BravesDave
May 1, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
Prior to the Langerhans trade, the Braves were getting exactly nothing out of nearly 25% of their roster…Langerhans, Wilson, Orr, Woodward, Davies, & Redman. How can a team consistently win when 1/4 of the team should be unemployed?
By Efrim
May 1, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
Damn Chipper!!!
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
Shaun - did you see that? 3 to the outside corner. Tell me again why Druw doesn’t need to change his approach.
By JasonInMaine
May 1, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
Braves20,
I am having a hard time waiting that long! Man, another promising inning in the crapper…
This game is depressing. Two walks to start the inning.
By Ron Roberts
May 1, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
This game just has all the ingredients that frustrates Braves fans… a lousy cheap starter in the rotation, to go with our multimillion dollar superstarts either grounding into double plays or strking out when we have runners in scoring position.
By Efrim
May 1, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
Thats terrible……
By bergian
May 1, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
Andruw didn’t have a chance there, did he???
By Ron
May 1, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
I like Chipper, then I hate him, man, this team is so erratic, chipper hits a homerun with nobody on and then hits into a double play!!! We have a better chance at hitting a 3run homerun, or even a Grandslam than getting a run from a basehit. This is starting to get Comical!!!
By thats_reality
May 1, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
1st and 2nd, no outs! at least we found a way not to score without getting thrown out at home! things are looking up. looks like we’re gonna need a long ball or 2 to pull this one out.
By Ron Roberts
May 1, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
…oh, and let’s throw in Andruw strking out, nearly falling on his @ss with a runner at third and two out. He gets a free pass, given last night’s heroics.
By Crock'em
May 1, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
Yep Ron and the Cubs were struggling when he faced them. They also hit rockets all night AT people. Four starts for Redman and he’s been shelled 3 times. He was shelled the start against the Cubs, they just hit at’em balls all night.
By Pops
May 1, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
ernesto: I agree with your post. I have tried 94.9 FM Braves radio (Skip & Pete every night), but it is about 5 seconds ahead of the cable tv picture. Kind of ruins their great commentary.
By parks
May 1, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
Tony Pena Jr is a horrible hitter. Please people let that one go
By JasonInMaine
May 1, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
Marcus who?
KJ is freakin awesome. How could I be soooo wrong about a player? Seriously, I have never been more wrong about a player ever…well maybe Brad Komminsk, but in the other way!
Regards,
Jason
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
I would rather lose games with kids pitching than some fat dumpy overweight slob who takes no pride in himself to get himself in shape so that he can continue pitching.
Did Mark Well Fedman sit on his couch all winter eating bon bons, watching Oprah, and awful ESPN2 daytime programming, feeling sorry for himself thinking he was going to sucker someone into signing his big sloppy bloated whale butt to a contract?
Does he remind anyone else of Sloth from Goonies? I am still waiting for him to say Rocky Road. Hey, you guys.
At some point, Bobby and John are going to have to realize that they need to stop sending out that big bloated dead carcass out there every five days.
By bergian
May 1, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
*By Ron Roberts,May 1, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
How did this guy win any games in the batting-rich American League last year, let alone make an All-Star team last year???*
Ron, not only that, but Redman threw a 2 or 3 hit shutout against the Red Sox, AT Fenway!!!! Just try to explain that!
By JasonInMaine
May 1, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
Wilson has less range than I do…He is a good player…a good bench player…man, while not normally as optimistic as our buddy KC, I can’t find a whole lot nice to say tonight! A Redman start has that effect on me…
By Ron
May 1, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
I like Cormier, but we might be putting ourselves in the same damn situation once he starts struggling, no doubt he would be an upgrade over Redman. We have no chance in Hell to make the Postseason with this roster, even if we get Cormier back, and Puts Villerial in the Rotation, We absolutely suck, Oh yeah, our Hitting sucks too, other than the Homeruns or course!!! and Kelley Johnson does not suck, and McCann, and Thor, and Frenchy, and Sometimes Chipp is good and sometimes he sucks, but all of our other hitters SUCK!!!!!
By F A Skippy
May 1, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
I don’t see that Redmon has enough to work with to get much better.OK now for a good subject,I had no idea Johnson had the kind of baseball IQ he’s showing this year.It’s not just his amazing work at the plate.it’s also his smart heads up base running and as I type to point out his excellent defense,he makes a hell of a play.Nobody can be this good all year but he doesn’t have to be! if he’s anywhere close he’s an all star.
By Ron Roberts
May 1, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
The more I see Moylan, the more I like him. This guy, if he and Tyler Yates continue to pitch well, make it feasible for the Braves to consider moving Soriano to the rotation, I’d think.
By JasonInMaine
May 1, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Worst bat of the year for Frenchy…hopefully, we get the W tomorrow night and win the series.
By Greg in TN
May 1, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Bruised left ring finger for B-Mac. X-Rays are negative. So at least a little bit of good news.
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
BMac - bruised ring finger, not broken bones. Good news.(For all of you without EI or Sports South).
By JasonInMaine
May 1, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
X-Rays negative on B-Mac!!!
Wow, the Braves have taken some of the worst swings of the night this inning. People are swinging at pitches that are landing 3 feet in front of the plate!!!!!!!!!!!
By bergian
May 1, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Pat Gillick said Cole Hamels has the best change-up by a leftie he had ever seen, and I am starting to see why, they look terrible swinging!
By Ron
May 1, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
I am still expecting us to either hit some homeruns or 1 big homerun to win or if we dont get homeruns, we will lose, at least we have two choices, instead of alot of choices, but hey we get two choices!!!
By ssiscribe
May 1, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: McCann’s injury does not appear to be serious: Bruised left ring finger. X-rays negative.
That sound you just heard was the collective sigh of relief from Braves Nation.
Gotta run get some work done … this work thing gets in the way of my baseball! The Scribe abides.
—30—
By parks
May 1, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
Ron, if your not joking you are a complete moron
By flange1
May 1, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
This has to be Redman’s last start in Atlanta…
By tom
May 1, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
Mets lose!!! Time to have $ex with men!!!
By jake
May 1, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
Between “appearances” in his basement while waiting for a team to call, Redman should have shifted his load over to the gym and worked out. A 6-5, 240-pounder who can’t break a window with his fastball — assuming he could hit it in the first place — ought to be embarrassed. Same with Wickman’s “tendinitis.” They’re both out of shape. No excuses.
By thats_reality
May 1, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this
maybe we can pull this game out, who knows. i’m a bit concerned when james starts lately. he seems like a thrower instead of a pitcher sometimes. hopefully, he’ll start reading scouting reports on hitters. the braves will be alright tho. they’re still in 1st and should be up by 2.5 games really.
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
MAGIC NUMBER IS 137!
By nfieldr
May 1, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
On the TV announcer scale of 1 - 10 (10 being the worse), Sutton was a 9, but Simpson is right behind him… at least a 7, if not an 8. Ernesto is right… Pete and Skip are definitely missed.
By MBATL
May 1, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
The guy I keep wondering about as a stop-gap starter is Buddy Carlyle. He was absolutely outstanding in spring training; and at Richmond, he’s had one bad outing so his era is a little high (4.66), but 21 K’s, 4 walks in 19.1 innings; and a low WHIP (1.14).
Plus, he’s not a kid (29) - not too much worry about ‘bruising his psyche’ by throwing him into the mix; and not too many worries about the “options” clock either.
Anyway, I tend to be pretty patient with guys that are struggling - it’s a long season - but I do suspect we’ve seen the last of Redman unless we just feel like we have no option until Wickman and/or Cormier are back.
By F A Skippy
May 1, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
Ron I agree Moylan has really good movement on his stuff.I know Yates is 29 but he can still have a good career in front of him if he can keep command of his pitches.
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
don’t look now. Phillip Hughes is throwing a no hitter for the Stankees.
Hell, maybe we need to call up a kid and get lightning in a bottle like we did with James. Oh no, why would you do that when you can watch a fat slob vet pitch your team to a loss every 5 days?
By BravesDave
May 1, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
Craig Wilson is useless.
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
SOmeone said it above. Wilson, Orr, Woodward, Harris, Redman, Aybar, Davies are freaking useless. 7 out of 26 players can not be useless. Why even bother sending Orr or Woodward up to pinch hit for a pitcher? Just forfeit the out instead. It will shave at least ten minutes off the game
By F A Skippy
May 1, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
nfielder I liked Sutton’s south alabama rap,but mostly I liked his insight on pitchers and pitches.
By tom
May 1, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
I want to have $ex with a man right now. Is anyone on this blog interested?
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
They take out Hughes with an injury while the no hitter was still going on.
By Harold and Kumar
May 1, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
Where’s Alfonseca when you need him?
By Greg in TN
May 1, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
Another Chipper bomb… Edgar’s got to do a better job of getting on board for some of these homers for Chipper.
By MBATL
May 1, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
Wow, looks like the Yanks pulled Hughes with a no-hitter through 6.1. They’ve always been real protective of his pitch counts…
Wonder if ESPN will have any coverage of that performance on BB Tonight?
By MBATL
May 1, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Oh… looks like Hughes got hurt.
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
Chipper Jones, the King of the Solo HR.
By Joe Allen
May 1, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
What happened to your fella “The Zacker”?
By Efrim
May 1, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
Any word on McCann???
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
Oh, MBATL, they will act as if a national tragedy occurred because it involves the Yankees. It might have been the best thing for him. I know they are protective of his pitches thrown and innings pitched but I was thinking that they might have to overextend him to get the no hitter and then they might have had a similar situation to what happened with Kerry Wood in 1998 with the unbelievable 20 K game.
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
And by the way, Eric, I’m a girl and that’s not ever changing.
Correction, Carroll. You ain’t no girl. You’re a WOMAN and a helluva LADY. :-)
Rumor has it that DOB was tempted to post thee lyrics to his favorite musical talent of all time in honor of you calling yoself a girl:
Im not a girl, not yet a woman
I used to think I had the answers to everything Mm but now I know That life doesnt always go my way. yeah Feels like Im caught in the middle Thats when I realize
Im not a girl Not yet a woman All I need is time A moment that is mine While Im in between Im not a girl
There is no need to protect me Its time that i Learned to face up to this on my own Ive seen so much more than you know now So dont tell me to shut my eyes
Im not a girl Not yet a woman All I need is time A moment that is mine While Im in between Im not a girl
But if you look at me closely You will see it in my eyes This girl will always find her way
Im not a girl Im not a girl dont tell me what to believe Not yet a woman Im just tryin to find the woman in me, yeah All I need is time Whoa, all I need is time… A moment that is mine … thats mine While Im in between Im not a girl Not yet a woman Not now All I need is time A moment that is mine While Im in between
Im not a girl
Ooooh, not yet a woman
By MBATL
May 1, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
Yeah, that woulda’ been interesting if he hadn’t got hurt (a leg, apparently?) - whether they’d have let him continue to 120 pitches or so… anyway, the no-no is gone now.
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
Everyone who’s clamoring for Soriano to go to the rotation, remember, every time he’s come in and it’s not close or pressure packed - he’s been lit up.
By fastasballs
May 1, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
Bruised finger on McCann, day to day I assume.
Can anything else strange happen in this game? 2 pick offs in one inning, catcher’s interference, having the grounds crew rushed off the field because Diaz showed exhibit A to the ump, horrible base running, & Redman impersonating a pitcher.
Those self inflicted base running errors are looming large right now.
Maybe they can load them up & Kelly hit one over the right field wall. I can wish, can’t I?
By Ron
May 1, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
Greg in TN, UHhh Kelly Johnson, and Renteria do get on for Chipper, and he hits into double plays or makes an out, have you not been watching any games this year!!!
By Calvin
May 1, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
Paronto hurt himself again?
By Willy Wally
May 1, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
4 relievers have to be expended. A fifth has to warm up. That right there is all the reason you need to either cut Redman or wink wink him with an injury to extended ST so that he can whip his fat butt into shape
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
Pena just got a lumber facial on that last out, what is it tonight? Did they short the catcher’s box?
By ElbravoX
May 1, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
AJ is not worth my cash for 3 games in LA. Die-hard fan for ever, but when a second year free swinger has a better approach EVERY TIME, its time to let an eleven year veteran walk.
By MBATL
May 1, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
fastasballs, it has been one weird game, hasn’t it? And it looked like Pena got pounded by the backswing on the last out of the 9th… they didn’t say anything, so guess he’s okay.
By April, TheSouthernJackassMomma
May 1, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
I’m a girl. Where is my man tonight? If you are on my website again I can assure you that it is great but the real thing is so much better. I sometimes wonder why you are so unsure of yourself. Am I your first girlfriend? Do you go out often? Want to go out with me?
By bergian
May 1, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
braves catchers, sit back a half foot further in the future!
By BravesDave
May 1, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
It must be time for a big Craig Wilson HR in the 9th…not really.
By geauxbraves2000
May 1, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Diaz, Wilson and Thorman, that’s a threesome to fear in the bottom of the 9th.
The Braves have got to do something about #4 and #5. They just simply cannot go on any extended winning streaks with the two who are filling those positions now.
Oh well, at least they still are atop the divison. How I’ll never know, but nonetheless…
Geaux Braves.
By BravesDave
May 1, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this
Craig Wilson…21 K’s in 51 AB’s. When is Bobby going to bench this guy? Maybe around the same time he decides to take Redman out of the rotation.
By Efrim
May 1, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
Well Im hoping for an announcement on Redman.
He better not pitch another game in Atlanta.
By Greg in TN
May 1, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
Uhhhhh Ron… Dude….
Kelly was on for the homer in the first, however including that 3 of the last 4 Chipper bombs have been with the sacks empty.
Have you been watching any games lately?
By beer
May 1, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
BravesDave: The only thing that will get Booby to bench him is to trade him to Oakland.
By Ron
May 1, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
I heard the Braves will either put Villerial, or Larew in place of Redman in the next start, or the start after that, the sufferin is about to be over!!!
By Ron
May 1, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
Greg in TN, Wow Chipper hit one homer with a guy on, Lets give him a DAMN cookie for that, what you wanna give him a choclate chip cookie, or another kind!!! How many homers has chipper hit with at least one runner on? 1 or 2?
By fastasballs
May 1, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
Oh well I guess we all assumed we would lose tonight with Redman out there.
Without the base running problems they may have chased Cole early on. Either some of his pitches were THAT good or some of the Braves swings were that BAD.
The pen is out there 6 plus innings everytime Redman starts so why not just let them throw the other few innings. Start Oscar and let him go 3, 4 or whenever he runs out of gas. Follow him with Moylen for 2 or 3. If the Braves are leading or the game is tight bring on the big arms to close it out. If not Paronto, Yates, etc. If they release Redman that will free up another spot in the pen.
It may be a bad idea I don’t know, but any idea beats Redman starting another game. I don’t think he could be effective in A or AA right now.
What are they going to do behind the plate tomorrow? I know McCann is out & after that hit to Pena’s head I don’t know if he can go. He didn’t look too good walking off the field. I hope he didn’t sustain a concussion.
By TennesseePaul
May 1, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
So. When I leave the house knowing the Braves have just staked Redman to a 3 run lead, I am not happy. I cannot be. It boils down to this…
MARK REDMAN IS THE WORST STINKING PITCHER IN BASEBALL
To have this no talent assclown throwing a day after Hudson is torture. Last season Smoltz was the stopper. We’d get on a losing streak and there was a good chance Smoltz would stop it. This season, we get on a winning streak, Redman kills it. We get the sum total of crappiness of all those pitchers last season wrapped up in 1 day. Hell, 5 outs.
MARK REDMAN IS A CHUCKER AND SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE CLUBHOUSE
I just can’t stand looking at this guy. He has been the worst possible stop gap solution ever. If for some reason this loser is still on the team when they travel out to LA he is getting a fist full of all you can eat nachos launched at him. I see absolutely no purpose in keeping this guy on the team. None. Bernie Williams would be a better 5th starter than this guy.
I can say this, every start of his that I’ve had the displeasure of seeing on TV, Cox has roled his eyes after nearly every pitch. I have not seen Cox look pleased with one single thing Redman has done. He may have been at one point, but I have not witnessed it myself. And to know that Cox pulled this tee-baller after 5 outs, to me, says he’s just about had it.
On the good side, KJ continues to get on base. Chipper is slugging like a mad man. Since his record tying streak last season this man has been unstoppable. I hope it continues. He will be a serious MVP candidate. This offseason I thought it would be a race between AJ and Chipper, but Chipper is taking over with authority.
Wilson still blows. Thor should still be the every day guy. Diaz isn’t impressing me much at all this season. Pretty much the whole stinking bench, save Pena, could be replaced and it wouldn’t affect the team one bit. Oh and…
REDMAN! YOU SUUUUUUUUCKKK!!!
Otherwise, go braves.
By Choppin Bob
May 1, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
Redman is like that free shot your buddy buys at the bar; I guess I’ll take it, but I really don’t want it. I’m sure that we never had a worse #5.
By Greg in TN
May 1, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
LOL
Wow Ron, very intelligent response dude. I’m talking baseball and you’re talking cookies. Nice…
Luckily denizens the mets drop another one or this would have been a totally ugly night. Redman certainly isn’t the answer. As I said before, it was worth a shot in spring training, but it isn’t working out for either us or him.
By Amos Young
May 1, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
The Braves could go into the stands and snatch someone out that could pitch better than Redman. What a dog
By True Braves Fan
May 1, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
How about packaging Redman, Wilson, and Woodward for a good bag of balls or something useful!!!
By ernesto
May 1, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
Redman is the answer!!!
But only if the question is “how do you guarantee a loss every 5 days?”
By ronald harper
May 1, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
I don’t care who it is or what level they are at. Bring up someone from the farm. Any pitcher in our farm system would be better than Redman. Heck, Langerhans would have been a better pitcher and he’s not a pitcher. Hopefully Cox called him in tonight and told him not to show up anymore.
By geauxmets2000
May 1, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
I just heard that April is really Scalp ‘Em in drag.
By beer
May 1, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
I DON’T KNOW IF I’M RIGHT, BUT I THINK REDMAN IS WORSE THAN EVEN ALBIE LOPEZ! THE WORST STARTER THE BRAVES HAVE HAD IN THE LAST 16 YEARS.
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this
Folks, lets get real. When we drop one, all the negative stuff just seems to jump out of the woodwork here. Agreed that Wilson has shown NOTHING so far, and Redman is a lost cause, though I was hoping he would be at his 2006 level of performance. In addition, AJ has looked kind of silly with his batting stance and swings.
BUT, at the rate he is hitting, Chipper finishes the year with 310/60/120. I guess that’s not enough for some. He has to hit a homerun EVERY time he comes up with runners on base. To be honest, the pitchers take more liberties with batters when there are none on, which is probably why you see ALL major leaguers hit more solo shots than anything else.
Yes, let’s complain about Redman and Wilson, and maybe also about Davies and Woodward. But, let’s be real about the team otherwise. We have started off pretty darn good so far, considering the back end of the rotation and the lack of production from a couple of position players.
I do take some solace in the fact we are ahead of the dreaded Mets and Tom “Take the Cash” Glavine.
By Scalp 'Em Braves
May 1, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
WOW - all it takes is poetry to get noticed by Carroll on the blog. Ok, here goes…
“There once was a girl from Nantucket..”
Oh, never mind - no use getting kicked off the blog for a limerick.
Wayne - the poem was awesome, and props are deserved. I’d much rather be called “hot” (temper, looks, aura, or whatever else one may imply) than “Rebecca” from the turd who wrote the Cheers scenario. I can say this - if I was Kirstie Alley, I’d damned sure be having a lot of sex with myself. Kind of like SJA does, ya know?
I missed the first 4 innings of tonight’s game. Missed the thrill of dinging Hamels for 3 runs in the first. Missed the agony of seeing Redman give it away. Haven’t read previous posts tonight, but will bet we all say, in unison, to JS & Bobby - Guys - the experiment with Redman is over - pay him his $750 and sing “Happy Trails to You” What is his ERA up to now? It was 10 before this game - gotta be (4 runs in 1 2/3 innings tonight) 12? 13? I am a most patient fan, allowing things to run their course. But, Redman is an automatic L every time he pitches. I said last week dump him and put Oscar, Bert, Ernie, Big Bird, The Count, Elmo, or anyone else in the rotation. I have sympathy for guys who are struggling - but, its time to cut the cord on Mark R.
Hamels was nasty while I watched him - pitched one hell of a game. Myers did us in and Flash actually didn’t choke the game in the 9th. So, we lost our first game to Philthies of the year. Not to worry - Chuckie takes the pill tomorrow, and shuts em down (I hope). As dominating as Hamels was for 6 innings tonight (Chipper excepted - can we get somebody on base when he knocks one?), the Phillies still show some weaknesses ready to exploit. Tomorrow, we gonna Scalp Em Braves!!
By journalist jimmy smith
May 1, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
bullpen is toast after tonight. catchers are thin, too. need a good game from james. who will catch tomorrow? will we see salty soon? this journalist has returned home to learn that another player has been thrown out at the plate! how is this happening so often? oh, well, at least the players have made it to third. now, walter. how is walter feeling? journalist hopes walter is much improved. and, why on a night that the team needs runs is wilson in the lineup?
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
Folks, lets get real. When we drop one, all the negative stuff just seems to jump out of the woodwork here. Agreed that Wilson has shown NOTHING so far, and Redman is a lost cause, though I was hoping he would be at his 2006 level of performance. In addition, AJ has looked kind of silly with his batting stance and swings.
BUT, at the rate he is hitting, Chipper finishes the year with 310/60/120. I guess that’s not enough for some. He has to hit a homerun EVERY time he comes up with runners on base. To be honest, the pitchers take more liberties with batters when there are none on, which is probably why you see ALL major leaguers hit more solo shots than anything else.
Yes, let’s complain about Redman and Wilson, and maybe also about Davies and Woodward. But, let’s be real about the team otherwise. We have started off pretty darn good so far, considering the back end of the rotation and the lack of production from a couple of position players.
I do take some solace in the fact we are ahead of the dreaded Mets and Tom “Take the Cash” Glavine.
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
Chipper would have more RBI’s, except that KJ and Rent-a-SS have knocked in over 30 between them.
By Greg in TN
May 1, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
Very good points, Wayne. I agree with you on it all.
Chuck really needs to go seven or eight innings tomorrow night with as much as the bullpen had to throw tonight. Really happy with their performance after Redman couldn’t get out of the second.
By Choppin Bob
May 1, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
We need to confer with the great research ability of KC to see who is worse between Lopez & Redman. Quite frankly they both make me puke.
By meansonny
May 1, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
Wayne
Nice post. I agree that Chipper can’t do much more than he’s provided this year.
Redman’s pretty rough. They just said on TV that he went 0-4 to 6-4 last year. I wonder if Bobby’s seen enough (this is pretty bad) or if he thinks he might turn the corner.
One thing about the NL East is for certain. We won’t beat the Mets, Marlins, or Phillies putting up 4 runs or less.
The Braves are 2-8 when scoring 4 runs or fewer.
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
Scalp Em: I always wanted to be noticed by the girls. Little did I know…..
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
Oops. Sorry for the double post. My browser hung up on me…
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this
DOB or Carroll
Any thoughts on what the team will do with our man Redman? Is he nearing the end of his string?
I suspect the Braves are keeping any plans pretty quiet, as they usually do.
Gotta be somebody in the system to give us a better shot on day 5. (Oscar or a callup??)
By Ron
May 1, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
Greg in TN, I see you did not answer my Damn question, maybe because you know how many, and it is only 1 or 2. Wow That sure was a intelligent no answer, you dumbA$$!!!
By journalist jimmy smith
May 1, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this
chicks dig poetry. everybody knows that. that’s why journalist bob says things like methinks - sounds like it should be in a poem, right? and now, some little league coaches play the best players every game and get knocked for not letting the little weaklings play. bobby likes to play all the weaklings at once. just a difference in philosophy. now, it has been too long between limericks on this blog. journalist thinks a limerick will be fine.
By geauxmets2000
May 1, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith is so full of questions for someone who thinks he knows everything.
By Ron
May 1, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
Well maybe for some reason Davies will get his command back and pitch good the next game, I mean he is a good pitcher he just throws so many damn balls. He has good stuff, maybe we can at least count on him and get a win in the 5th rotation spot!!!
By Tomahawkin
May 1, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
Hey You guys’s get off off Redman…Ohhh What da hell was I thinking, FDor the die-hard Braves fans that remember Albie Lopez in 2002, Redman is very close to that, Send him to Philly for a 12-pack of Bud Ice, This dude is Garbage…
By KC
May 1, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this
So what do we think is going to happen?
I know what we all think should happen… but what do you think will happen? Has Redman pitched his last game in Atlanta?
I’m guessing “yes”. I wouldn’t be shocked to see them give him one more try… but I would be surprised.
Did you hear Redman trying to save his job after the game? He pointed out that he went 0-4 to start last year, and then won 6 straight. Maybe so… but could he possibly have looked this bad??
I think we’re better off with Villarreal, Lerew, Harrision, Smith, or any of those kids on the farm. Redman’s gotta go.
By Rosalynn
May 1, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this
Hello bloggahs, Jimma used to write peoms foah me. I will alwahs recall a beautiful poem he wrote especialla foah me entitled, Love is a Manah Splendahed Thing. It goes something like this, “Love is a manah splendahed thing, it’s the April rose that onlah grows in the earlah spring …” Of coahse, theah is moah but it is too, too romantic to write on a blog with all these bloggahs reading Jimma’s heahtfelt feelings foah me.
Tonight’s game was full of misfortune. I do hope those boahs, Brian McCann and Brahan Pena will feel bettah tomorrah. And that Chippa! That boah is hitting the ball so hahd! I saw Chippa in the dugout stroking that chin haih. Do any of you think that chin haih is Chippa’s lucka chahm? Well, Carroll and I both like a good poehm, and I certainlah hope theah will be some moah good poems on this blog in the coming weeks. “The tuhtle had eyes black as asphalt, getting thrown out at third was not his fault …”
By Coach
May 1, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this
Gee , where is the holiday cheer tonight ? Didn’t you like the blinking Christmas tree imitation from our fourth starter? Jingle bells , Redman smells , the pitcher laid an egg. Spread the cheer , the fans did jeer , Bobby pulled his……..O never mind !
By meansonny
May 1, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this
Kevin C and Oh My
Just trying to drop some information to you one McBride.
Right handers are hitting a career .300+ AVG against him. That causes him to get too careful trying to locate his pitches. And he starts to walk everybody.
He’s a stud against lefty’s. He’s a Redman against righty’s. He’s not the answer to the starting rotation.
If we’re looking at our pen, I like the talks about Oscar or Moylan. Maybe just a test run. Or 5th starter by committee.
By Ron
May 1, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
This sucks for the Yankees, Hughes will be out for 4-6 weeks because of his hamstring.
By Jimbo
May 1, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
Back to the basement Redman…Back to the basement. JS: Find us someone who can give us 5 decent innings plase.
By Greg in TN
May 1, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
Okay Ron, let’s try this one more time ‘cause it looks like you’re not even paying attention to the blog either…
Chipper’s hit five homers this year with runners on base out of the ten he’s had. That includes the shot tonight with KJ. With me so far big guy?
Went back and checked a little further than what I mentioned before. 4 out of Chipper’s last 5 homers have been with the sacks cleared. Do we agree on that at least? By all means, look it up yourself if you’d like.
Edgar’s hitting .333 and knocking in KJ quite often, however I think we’d benefit if he were on a little more lately with Chipper’s homer numbers. I think he’ll do it, so it’s not a very big deal. At least for me, I guess. Not sure what your problem is.
By Ron
May 1, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this
KC, dude you are right I would take any of them over Redman in a hearbeat!!! Thats interesting that he went 0-4 last year then won 6 straight, maybe we should give him one more shot, dont everybody ask what I have been smokin after this post!!!
By Wayne in Utah
May 1, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this
I hope our catchers are going to be ok for the next couple of games. Maybe the Braves should drop Redman, and bring up Saltalamacchia to fill in for a few days. If the others prove to be OK, then send him back and replace him with another arm.
Worse thing that could happen is that Redman is gone, and maybe Salty gets a chance to show his wares. We get a new pitcher eventually and get our first look at the catching phenom.
By Scalp 'Em Braves
May 2, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this
Journalist Jimmy Smith:
Methinks Stinky has gotten your writing style down to the point it is becoming difficult to distinguish between you and Stinky - except for a few of your hallmark phrases (which will go unmentioned here, otherwise Stinky would pick up and start including them in his im-post-er posts). Didn’t DOB ban Stinky and his numerous non de plumes? Did he get a new IP address? If I get a new IP, I’m gonna pee all over Stinky.
Geauxmets - Geaux back to Mut-town, please!
Wayne - yes, you are most correct when you say that when we lose, the negative stuff starts. Indeed, when we win, the negative stuff starts. Thank goodness Robert is on vacation from the blog. Otherwise, we would be subjected to donkey hee-haw comments about why this loss was Bobby’s fault, or why last night’s win was in spite of Bobby.
It is my contention that there are many worse managers in baseball than Bobby. It is my admission that there are a few better (I think Ron Gardenhire does more with his players than anyone in baseball, I think Jerry Narron is on a par with Bobby, at least this year, but not over the long haul - let him manage for 20 years and we’ll see how he does - and I think whoever manages for A’s benefits from Billy Bean’s Moneyball). But, we have a good manager, we have a good GM, we have good pitchers (Redman excepted), we have good fielders and good hitters. Outside of speed, we have good everything. What more can a fan ask for? The Stankees, with their $200 mil payroll, and last in their division?
By Scalp 'Em Braves
May 2, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this
Wayne:
Bad call on Salty - unless Baby Huey goes on the DL, we don’t need him. More importantly, that starts the “Options Ticker”. Don’t want to get into a position of him being with the club, not having any options left, having to trade him for nothing, etc. Much like Giles, Langy, Pena, Redman, etc.
And the bleat goes on……
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this
Greg in TN: It’s really hard to ask more of the guys from leadoff through Thorman, when he is in. If KJ and Rent-a-SS get hot and knock runs in, what can be done. Looking at our batting averages for 1-6 plus Thorman, I can’t see where we could get much better overall.
So, who cares that Chipper has hit some dingers with the bases empty, as we are scoring with AND without him. Hope that makes some sense. Hard to get too critical when we are scoring runs.
By Mac
May 2, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this
Has Redman been released yet? If not, why not?
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
Right on the money Scalp ‘em!!
By The Grinch
May 2, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
Poetry indeed!
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish
Black fish, blue fish, old fish, new fish
This one has a little star.
This one has a little car. SAY! What a lot of fish there are.
Yes. Some are red and some are blue. Some are old and some are new. Some are sad. And some are mad. And some are very, very bad (that’s for you, Carroll).
Why are they sad and bad and mad? I do not know. Go ask your dad.
Some are thin and some are fat. The fat one has a yellow hat.
(Here’s one for Antonio Alfonseca)One two three four five six seven eight nine ten He has eleven! Eleven! This is something new. I wish I had eleven too!
(I’ll skip towards the end…here’s one for Scalp ‘em) And now good night. It’s time to sleep. It’s time to sleep with our pet sheep!
Ok, I could go on, but y’all get the point.
By fastasballs
May 2, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this
You have to be a total idiot or never watch the games in order to think Chipper is anything but a stud this season.
He is putting up MVP caliper stats so far this season. It would have made a huge difference last April if Chipper put these types of #’s up.
Oh and for the idiot who thinks Chipper only hits solo shots, five or six of his dingers have been with men on.
Chipper’s stats would be better if he was not pitched around to get to the free swinging Andruw.
At least when Chipper hits into a double play the ball is smoked right at someone. He has never been this fine tuned from the right side of the plate this early in the year, if ever. Granted the Braves seem to face a lefty every other night so he has many more AB’s but still he is in a zone.
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this
Scalp Em: I am not worried about the “ticker” for Saltalamacchia. Once up, he has 3 years of up and down. I think by the end of year number 2, he will be traded or up for good.
If they are worried about C-Mac and Pena and don’t want to put either on the DL immediately, then I think Salty is the way to go.
By Scalp 'Em Braves
May 2, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this
Grinch:
Why are we not surprised by your Dr. Suess take on things? Go sleep with the sheep, young man. Green eggs and ham await you in the morning. Watch out for the lambs wool though. They are watching you leg humping types for going after under aged lambs. You can grill ‘em, but you can’t #*%& ‘em!!
By Greg in TN
May 2, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this
Wayne,
Yes, I think we’ll be just fine. Just making an observation on his last few homers and nothing more beyond that when the peanut gallery wanted to get involved. Those kind of things are cyclical, or at least it seems that way the past few seasons. We’ll go through a stretch of games where we hit solo shots, then turn around and score without the homer or with runners on base.
To me, the more pressing situation is Davies and Redman and hopefully having either McCann or Pena healthy enough to catch tomorrow night. I’m really glad the x-rays on B-Mac were negative.
By gotigers72
May 2, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
Send Redman back to the basement. 4 of his 5 starts have been just horrible. They gave him leads of 4 runs one game and 3 tonight, and he gave those leads up in the next half inning.
Wilson can give him some company in the basement. Maybe they can play ping pong or something. Bobby lets KJ and McCann play against lefthandrers and it works pretty well for them. Why not play Thorman every night. Just when he’s getting hot, he has to sit down for that stupid platoon with a .176 hitter. We got Wilson supposedly for his power. He has one homer and probably 5 or less extra base hits and less than 5 ribbies. And he has played a lot due to all of the lefthanders the Braves have faced. In addition to his poor offense, he is also a liability on defense.
I predicted before the season that Chipper was going to have a monster year and so far he’s making me look prophetic. He’ll start hitting with men on base. He’s what they call a money player and he’ll start driving in runs which is what he gets paid to do. He’s also flashing the leather this year.
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this
Grinchster: Something fishy going on here, with all this poetry stuff.
If I’d known that the females would have noticed me earlier, I would have put up the poem much sooner. How thrilled I was to see that Rosalynn was pleased!!
My wife of almost 30 years thinks this is all so comical.
sorry tom……
By mr baseball
May 2, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this
Even for those of us who thought signing Redman was a wise move, it’s pretty obvious he’s got nothing. If junkballing lefties don’t have a killer changeup, curve, pinpoint control, something, they’re useless. That pretty much describes Redman.
The next 2 starts for Redman (or whoever they put in his slot) will come against the Padres and Pirates, not exactly the Murderers Row of the NL. Since Davies is going to stay in the rotation for the time being, it’s better to leave an innings eater like Oscar in the bullpen and bring up one of the kids to replace Redman. If Oscar starts, he’s only good for 5 innings tops. Keep him where he’s effective and hope Redman’s replacement is just adequate.
Somebody needs to get the word to the 3B coach you hold runners with 1 out when the pitcher is getting hammered, which the Braves were doing to Hamels in the 1st inning. Edgar’s blunder makes 6 baserunners the Braves have lost by bad strategy, bad decisions by Snitker, bad baserunning in their last 2 losses. You can’t be taking the bat out of Chipper’s hands late in the game with runners on base. Thought Edgar knew better.
By Sonny
May 2, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this
Redman & Kolb…separated at birth? Good riddance.
By Scalp 'Em Braves
May 2, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this
Fastaballs:
Oh and for the idiot who thinks Chipper only hits solo shots, five or six of his dingers have been with men on.
I presume the “idiot” you are referring to is me, since I made the comment that it would be nice for Chipper to have men on when he goes yard. He has 10 HR’s now, 20 RBI’s. He doesn’t have a good BA with RISP. I am no more an idiot that you are a loon. Witness….
He is putting up MVP caliper stats so far this season.
“A caliper (British spelling also calliper) is a device used to measure the distance between two symmetrically opposing sides. A caliper can be as simple as a compass with inward or outward-facing points. The tips of the caliper are adjusted to fit across the points to be measured, the caliper is then removed and the distance read by measuring between the tips with a measuring tool, such as a ruler.
They are used in the metalworking field of mechanical engineering, handloading, and in woodworking and woodturning.”
How in the hell is Chipper having an MVP “caliper” season? Ya freakin’ moron.
Chipper is having a great year, so far. But, 10 dingers and 20 RBI’s ain’t gonna get it. It’s not his fault he doesn’t have more RBI’s - it is nothing more than fate, circumstance and bad timing.
If you want to find an “idiot”, go look in the mirror - takes one to know one, as the old saying goes.
By The Grinch
May 2, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
Honest, officer, her ID baa-aadge said she was 18! :-)
Wayne, just hope you haven’t tantalized April; you don’t want the bunny-boiling on the stove thing going on. But then, you’re probably not tall enough…
By Ron
May 2, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this
Greg in TN, I agree, it aint no big deal to me either, was just surprised that you said Renteria needs to get on more, he gets on a good bit, I have not looked it up, but he’s probably gotten on the second most of all the braves, the first being KJ. It is no big deal, because Chipper is hitten great most of the time, he has been strugglin with men in scoring position, but beyond that, he has been AWESOME!!! Lets agree to not worry about this, we need to worry more about our #4 and 5 starters, and if we can do the fundamental things in games to win such as get the guy over, and not rely only on Homeruns to score runs, we will be VERY VERY GOOD!!!
By Tomahawkin
May 2, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this
Grinch, before I step out…I gave up that poetry thang long time ago…(I figued women loved the arseholes, and frat-boyz…) And NE-wayz…I figured “the only things I ever needed to learned, I learned in Kindergarden…”, Lets just go out and get da next two, Go Braves!!!!
And BTW Redman Sucks…Ship him to AAA, and give on of the kids a chance, and BTW whatb happened to Jason Schill???
By Coach
May 2, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this
7-1 at the start of the season , 9-9 since. 6-8 against left handers and 10-2 against right handers.
By fastasballs
May 2, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this
Scalp ‘Em
No you are not the idiot in question, Ron with no last name was. I was not commenting on your post, but damn you are defensive. Is there really a need to go on a rant about a spelling error?
I’ll stand behind my MVP comment, well everything except the spelling error, lol.
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 2, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this
Roses is red…
Violets is blue…
Aprils is nasty…
and stankee too!…
By Scalp 'Em Braves
May 2, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
Grinch:
You a bad, bad, baaaaaaaaad, boy.
Night all - must go rest my intellect, and recharge for another day of brilliance.
As the saying goes…..
And the bleat goes on, and the bleat goes on………….. I’m gonna go count some sheep.
By Greg in TN
May 2, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
Ron,
I hear where you’re coming from. It seems like runs are a premium on nights that Redman and Davies go. I am really hopeful that Davies gets it turned around. He’s showing some signs here and there that he can get the ball over for strikes and then he struggles. I think we may have Redman for another start or two, however Mr. Baseball mentioned that the lineups he will face are not close to as daunting as what the Phillies and Mets will line up with.
Time will tell!
And speaking of time, it’s time for me to skip on outta here gang. Night everyone.
By Chop Chop
May 2, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this
The Braves might have to put McCann on the DL if he’s going to have problems catching the ball. Seems to me that the only way his hand is going to get any better is to give him some rest. Unless they can find some kind of padding that will give him extra protection when he catches, make the move and bite the bullet now. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that he hasn’t hit much since he hurt that hand. Coming into tonight’s game, he was hitting .150 in the last week with no extra base hits.
By Ron
May 2, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this
Scap’Em Braves, Well said, thats the Way to put it to him, I was wondering about caliper too, what the hell was he talkin about, somethin other than Baseball!!!
By The Grinch
May 2, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this
T’hawkin’, kindergarten’s too young even for me. I thought you were gettin’ your college on…just messin’ with you. You may not do the poetry thing but you got candles all around; just let Al Green do the talkin, right?
Night, all; got an early day. KC and I’ll be in sec 107 row 8 tommorrow night if y’all want to drop by and say howdy. I’ll buy any bloggers a beer.
It’s Chuck James, B^%$#!
By meansonny
May 2, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this
Heck. If Redman’s spot is going against San Diego and Pittsburgh, then I wouldn’t be pi$$ed if he got another start.
Redman is not meant to face teams in the NL East (Top teams in the National League in terms of scoring are FLA, ATL, NYM, PHI in that order). They are eating him up. The lineups are too good.
But I think Pittsburgh and SanDiego may turn out to be like the Chicago outing. He gives up contact, but they don’t have enough to drive in runs.
Even if he blows, our offense should be good enough to score more runs than them.
By Ron
May 2, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this
fastasballs, yeah caliper, that sounds great you piece of sh!t, fastasballs, you mean fastasab!tch, you hoe!!! Why are you callin somebody an idiot for making a statistical error. I never said Chipper sucked, you dumbA$$!!!
By Ron
May 2, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this
Greg in TN, I think that Redman should probably have one or two more starts, especially with the comment he made about he went 0-4 to start the season, and then won 6 straight, and you are right about who he would be facing!!!
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this
Wow, it is only 10:55pm out here in the intermountain west, and I am so plum tuckered out from all this newfound attention and 15 minutes of fame.
It has been a fun day, even though we lost a tough game.
Tomorrow is another day. Nite all!
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 2, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this
TheJackAss says that the only way Redman will ever be a great pitcher is if he ends up on some team other than the Braves—then ultimately ends up pitching against the Braves…hell, he might even toss a no-hitter against that bunch…
By Soft Jeremy
May 2, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this
I’ll give you credit for the one they won in 57 while in Milwaukee and obviously 95 so in the last 50 years your Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves have won as many World Series—-And That Is What You Play for Regardless of thoughts of Bobby Cox, Schuerholz, and Braves press corps who are so enamored with those division banners—as Florida Marlins have won in last 10.
They are the Atlanta Braves, meaning they are irrelevant come October—well every quarter of a century they finish the job—so it really doesn’t matter what the farm system is doing because big guys in the Show won’t get done what you ultimately play for.
They Just Won’t. You Know It. Atlanta Knows It. America Knows it. And deep in their hearts Bobby, John S(Both of Them), Andruw and Larry all know it.
By Chris
May 2, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this
For my birthday, I was treated to my 4th Braves game of the year.
All 4 have been Redman starts.
Need I say more?
By Ron
May 2, 2007 1:36 AM | Link to this
Chris, tough break man, I feel bad for you on that one, but at least you got to go to the game!!! I wished I did not live so far, I would not mind goin!!!
By mr baseball
May 2, 2007 1:48 AM | Link to this
Carroll: sorry to nitpick on you, but McCann did not get hit on the backswing as stated in your game story. He got hit on the swing, which is why interference was called. No interference if the catcher is hit on the backswing. Just pain. We’ll see if any of the copy editors who edit your story can make the catch, pardon the pun.
By Bob, journalist
May 2, 2007 2:46 AM | Link to this
My computer has locked up every time I’ve tried to post today … but, I did want to try this one last time before a hot tub and bed.
It suppose its only natural to be disappointed with Mark’s performance tonight but I raelly don’t understand why … he had been averaging 5.25 earned runs per game and tonight he only gave up 3.
Personally, I blame the thirdbase coach … with men on 2nd and third and only one out, we could have seen a different result … especially if Bobby could have pinch hit for Redman in the 1st!
We got Redman to eat up innings and get people out … he’s done half of that … 62 outs for less than $1 million!
He has been a model of consistency … throughout Spring Training; the month of April, and now in May! Anyone expecting a different outcome should go back and reread their Dickens’ … that, or visit the optometrist.
We can reasonably assume that Mark’s tenure with the Braves will have shortly run its course … rather than a trade for another medicore player or some damaged goods, I would hope that some showing promise within the organization would be given the chance to perform … at least we could have some expectation of possible success.
I can’t agree with the notion that homeruns are exciting … in fact, methinks they are of the least exciting of the things associated with the game. However, confrontations between adroit power hitters and accomplished pitchers when the game is at a critical stage are among the most exciting!
Certainly, until the players learn to play within themselves in pressure situations, there will be the tendency to rely on the long fly ball … and there’s reason to be pleased when we win as a result.
The only thing more painful than watching opportunities wasted as a result of players trying to pull the ball or hit the long fly … is Edgar trying to advance the runner with a bunt. Not only does he seem inept at so doing … but it is giving away an out by a player with reasonable bat control who could advance the runner in more profitable ways.
I grew up watching the Crackers during the 40’s and early 50’s … one thing has certainly changed … it seems like today’s fans cheer with each fly ball, even those that don’t get out of the infield. I think it’s mostly because we were so much closer to the field of play but it may have been because most fly balls were outs waiting to happen.
The broadcasters seem to be surprised that we score more runs after two men are out than with none or one … the ratios may be a bit skewed but it sure seems natural to me. Their recent “candor” has a refreshing element but, like the “message” movies of the war years, seem to be agenda driven.
Hopefully, Terry’s public posture regarding Andruw’s hitting will have the desired result … I wonder what Dorothy Parker would say …
Who said Andruw was streaky? His consistency rivals that of Mark Redman … .264, .277, .261, .263, .262, and .261 … 2002 - 2006 and the first 25 games in 2007.
Good night Gracie
By Coach
May 2, 2007 3:01 AM | Link to this
Ditto guys , Salty isn’t going anywhere. Situations like this are what Corky Miller and Iker Franco are for.
By Bob, journalist
May 2, 2007 3:12 AM | Link to this
Waiting to see if I got posted …
Wayne, I don’t think that Salty can pitch much better than Redman, but he couldn’t be much worse … regardless of tonight’s problem, McCann needs rest before returning to play … in addition to diminished offensive production, his “passed balls” has increased since his previous injury as has his slowness in going them.
Honorable Southern,
Your Analysis of Redman may be directionally correct … but I doubt that be could last three innings against the reserves in an “old timers” game.
By ssiscribe
May 2, 2007 6:25 AM | Link to this
Top o da morning, denizens. A quick one before getting off to the ol’ job site:
Indeed, it’s easy to point out the negatives after a loss, and I try to keep my eyes on the big picture. Hence, my optimism for a team that ended April with a list of little problems, one big problem and still, a 16-9 record that was good enough for first place in the division and tied for first place in the league.
But that one big problem — no production whatsoever out of the back end of the rotation — is the one thing that is going to hurt this team in the long run. Getting Redman the early runs, only to see him give it right back, may have been the final straw.
I told a buddy of mine yesterday afternoon I didn’t think you pull the plug on Redman just yet, but he needed a good start last night. Now, I think you’ve got to seriously, seriously consider putting Villarreal into the rotation and hoping at the same time Kyle Davies figures it out upstairs and Lance Cormier gets healthy.
That’s all I got for now. Enjoy your day. As always, the Scribe abides.
—30—
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2007 6:54 AM | Link to this
Thank you. Bob the Professor is back. This blog just does not read right or look right without a handful of musings from Bob, Journalist everyday.
Uh-oh, Carroll. You created a monster. Did you notice Wayne signed off last night at 12:55 a.m.? You’ve gassed his head now. He is big timing us just as a I predicted. He is usually good to blog until about 3 a.m. I’m concerned. We might have to find us a new closer to turn out the lights when the music is over. I’m afraid he’s no longer Last Call Wayne anymore.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 2, 2007 7:03 AM | Link to this
Given the Braves history of trying to downplay every injury so as not to let the opposition know too much about their team, I think Brian McCann is really playing with a broken finger.
Likely just a hairline variety from the at bat he had in Florida. His change in his batting average from before to after that incident is remarkable.
Sticking out like a sore thumb, not quite but to get hit on the same sore finger that was already tender had to be excruciating. Who said there is no crying in baseball? That one hurt so much that I felt it all the way up here in Richmond.
Catchers often try to get by with injuries to their non throwing hand but pain does affect you. The Braves will try to “rest” it the next few days but I fear it is going to affect his hitting until it heals. As painful as it is to say it, it might have been better to be “broken” and then let it heal than to have the injury linger for months on end.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 2, 2007 7:17 AM | Link to this
On a lighter note….. Richmond won again last night for their sixth in a row by defeating Charlotte 4-0. That is the second consecutive shutout by Richmond pitching.
The Richmond starting staff has now thrown 35 consecutive innings without giving up an earned run.
Larew starts tonight, I hope to take the game in just to get an idea of his progress.
I’m sure these guys read the line scores too and are wondering what they have to do to make it to Atlanta without having to buy their own ticket.
By meansonny
May 2, 2007 7:18 AM | Link to this
Redman isn’t the only cause for his 4 losses
The Braves have a 2-8 record when scoring 4 runs or fewer. In Redman’s 4 losses, we scored a total of 9 runs.
It is very likely that Smoltz or James or Davies or any other AAAA starter we would want to throw out there would have picked up the same fate. Keep in mind that Redman was facing the #1 offense in the NL twice, the #3 and #4 most prolific run scoring teams once in his 4 losses.
I don’t defend Redman. His performance was less than halfway decent. He has taxed our bullpen in 3 of those losses (something another starter probably wouldn’t do).
But be realistic when we put the blame of the losses on Redman. I don’t think another face changes our record much. Maybe just our confidence in that spot of the roster.
By Jared
May 2, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this
Lance Cormier is not the answer to the bottom of the starting rotation people. Sorry. His career ERA is (or maybe that should be was) over a point higher than Mark Redman’s. Don’t let that one good spring training sucker you. Sheesh.
“I tell you, if we just had future Cy Young award winner and lights-out starter Lance Cormier we’d be unstoppable.”
Puh-leeze people.
By Lee
May 2, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this
Not making excuses for Redman but when the ump called the first pitch of the game last night a ball I knew he was in for trouble. Redman has to have those calls. Even Simpson said this in so many words while broadcasting the game. I do agree with the majority on this post. It is time for him to exit the Braves roster - whether by trade or by releasing him. He is not eating up enough innings when he pitches to even rest the bullpen. When he pitches it is a consensus for everyone that the game is already a loss - just like is was a guaranteed out when Langerhans batted……I sense a trade coming in the future for a starting pitcher.
By Bob, journalist
May 2, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this
Whether my musings are found to be of the “a” or “b” variety, they are indeed musings … or at least I like to so think.
Don’t underestimate the deflating impact of repeatedly giving the pitcher run support and having it repeatedly squandered … the players have cause to be supportive and certainly empathetic … but they also know when someone is placing them at a competitive disadvantage.
That said, this team has a chance to be very, very good!
Old folks day at Kroger … bye now.
By meansonny
May 2, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this
I formerly thought we’d dump Redman in mid June. Maybe we could hold him on our 25 man in the bullpen till we felt comfortable with his replacement.
But gosh. It would not be surprising if he’s gone (would the Yankees take him and his salary off our hands?).
So the question is… what teams are currently dealing starting pitching? I can’t imagine Schuerholtz managing a trade that wouldn’t be too costly at this point (if I’m wrong, please chime in).
I think there will be a 5th starter by committee (not typical Bobby ball). Maybe a stop-gap from a minor leaguer until other teams start to realize their fate in the wild card is slipping. And they lower their price for starting pitching.
The problem with waiting too long is that there are sooo many other teams with deeper resources looking to fill those needs.
By Bob
May 2, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
Carroll, Speaking of the farm, whatever happened to Paul Bacot, the pitcher the Braves drafted real high a few years ago? Thanks
By krath
May 2, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
For those who think that for Redman, there is hope, if only a glimmer, I would say it ain’t gonna happen. Some are blaming run support. Well if a guy has an ERA over 10:00, that means the offense has to score 11 every 9 innings to make him a winner. In Fla, the Braves got him 4 in the first, he gave them back in the bottom of the inning. They got him 2 in the second, he gave them back in the bottom of the inning. Last night they gave him 3 in the first, he doesn’t make it out of the second and the Braves are behind.
One of the most telling indictments of Redman is Chipper Jones comment after the game. He said that to have the lead and give it back that early was “deflating.” I can believe that. The Braves jumped on Hamil in the first. After Redman gave the lead away, (again) the Braves stopped hitting Hamil. I’m sure it’s deflating when as a team you feel like you are going to have to score 8-9 runs when you march this guy out there. I know I feel like they are going to have to score a ton of runs to win when Redman takes the ball. The team won’t say it, even to each other, but they may feel like they can pencil in a loss when Redman is on the mound. It’s probably like déjà vu all over again to the offense when they score runs and Redman gives them back.
After half of spring training and 5 starts, I think we can put the “he didn’t even have a full spring to prepare” line to bed now.
Another thing I have a problem with is how some want to blow people off about not having other options. That’s bull. Oscar V would be better. But lets say for some reason Oscar V isn’t an option ( I have no idea why) but lets say he isn’t. Lets also say that some of the guys at Richmond and Mississippi are very fragile and it would just screw them up so badly to come and face big league pitching now (rolling eyes, but I’ve heard that one to) There HAS TO BE some guy down there who it wouldn’t be a risk to bring up and give him the ball! Surely there is some journeyman minor leaguer who could give us some innings. He doesn’t have to be Nolan Ryan, he just has to be able to give us five and not be an automatic loss! Fourth and fifth starters are not meant to be top of the order guys, but they aren’t earmarked to be automatic losers either because they don’t have anything that even resembles big league stuff.
Chipper’s comment last night leads me to believe that the team has no confidence in Redman. What you would be getting from ANYONE but Redman is at least the hope that the guy might throw a decent game, not the “here we go again” thing from Redman.
The Braves took a chance on the guy and I don’t blame them. It was a cheap gamble. But I have to believe that there was a reason the guy was still in his basement half way through the spring. No other teams were beating his door down to sign him. (speaking of basement…. Did everyone hear the story Simpson told last night about Redman’s neighbor hitting a shot back at him in the basement when Redman was pitching to him? If that doesn’t tell you something…. I don’t know what does! Redman’s neighbor, the accountant, undresses Redman with a shot!)
Hell maybe the Yankees want him. Pitchers are dropping like flies over there and they are desperate!!!! They literally need warm bodies on the mound!
By Shaun
May 2, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
ernesto and a few others,
Last thing I’m going to say. This is not an opinion, this is fact:
Andruw Jones so far this season is having as good a season as he’s had the last three years. His approach has been the same.
What I’m hearing from you is the same thing I’ve been hearing about Andruw his whole career: “He needs to K less, he needs to go to rightfield more, etc.” Well, we look up and see that he’s approaching 400 homers with a very respectable OBP.
Andruw has always been under appreciated by some Atlanta fans offensively and I just don’t get it.
Is he a Willie Mays, Hank Aaron type player? Probably not. But he’s not all that far from it.
By matt
May 2, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
Anyone else ready to say “bye-bye” to Redman?!?! If Davies doesn’t pick it up then he might be going elsewhere as well. It’s good to know that the son of the GM gets a promtion after batting .182. It’s important not to show favoritism! (note sarcasm)
By Lee
May 2, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
meansonny - I also thought the Braves could hold on to Redman until mid June or until the trading deadline. I realize now they cannot. You are probably right about no starting pitcher being available at present time or at least until some teams start fading. Maybe Villerial is the answer and move Davies to 5th.
It is not like JS has not traded prospects away before. It would not surprise me that if Salty is brought up now - he would be showcased around for trade bait.
By dave
May 2, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this
Pretty bad when people are referring to you as DOB. I appologize for the uninformed people posting on this site, Carroll. Thanks for the great farm update!
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
well, we all gave Jon Heyman at SI.com a hard time the other day about his stupid ranking of Bobby as the sixth best manager and the perceived NYC bias but he gave KJ, Frenchy, and Chipper some love in his latest article.
By meansonny
May 2, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
Shaun
I’m in your corner about Andruw.
It’s a bad comparison, but I remember Darryl Strawberry hitting 28-35 home runs (back when that meant something), stealing 30 bases, and driving in 100 runs perenially. And the only thing that the media could say is that he didn’t live up to his potential. He struck out too much. Everyone missed the forest from the trees.
Andruw is so much more of a complete player than Darryl. But we’ve lost focus on enjoying him while he’s here. We’re nitpicking what he can’t or hasn’t done.
He doesn’t have to be Willie Mays. There’s enough 8-18 year olds out there happy that he’s Andruw Jones. I hope that tells us something.
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
Is he a Willie Mays, Hank Aaron type player? Probably not. But he’s not all that far from it.
OPS+ numbers:
Willie Mays - 156
Hank Aaron - 155
Mickey Mantle - 172
Joe D. - 155
Roberto Clemente - 130
Duke Snider - 140
Ty Cobb - 167
Kirby Puckett - 124
Andruw Jones - 118
Andruw is a good player and he will be a HOFer someday but he is light years from ever being mentioned in the same breath with a Mays, Aaron, Mantle, Dimaggio, Cobb, Clemente, Snider.
Heck, he is not even on a level with Kirby Puckett with regard to how much better he is offensively compared to the rest of his competition.
BUT Andruw had the talent to be as dominant as all those guys. But he is lazy, stubborn, and eats too much.
Just look at his contemporaries that he should be just as good as and Andruw is only 45th on that list in adjusted OPS+, in a tie with Trot Nixon, behind Shawn Green.
By Novice Ned
May 2, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
Bobby needs to rest Chipper sometime in the next 5-7 games. I know that he is on a tear, but better to rest him now then have him face yet another lingering injury.
By tkg
May 2, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Crazy question time … Do the Braves have enough money (via Hampton insurance) to even think about signing Clemens? Or did Hampton’s insurance money cover some of Smoltz’s recent extension?
I know everyone says Clemens would only consider NYY, BoSox and Hou, but the BoSox look like the only playoff team today, and I don’t know that they can give him the away time he would want to be at home. I would imagine the Braves wouldn’t mind Rocket taking a couple of days off between starts (especially if one of your other options is to keep Mark Redman) and an Atlanta to Houston commute would be a whole lot easier …
I know it’s not likely, probably not even on the radar screen, but adding Clemens for the last 3 1/2-4 months would be sweet.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
May 2, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Looking at our potential starting staff after Redman finally gets canned, and I see the same names that we were crying over last summer. We’re right back where we were 9 months ago.
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Strawberry’s OPS+ was 138 - a much more dominant player in his day than Andruw Jones - of course, Andruw had every bit the talent that Strawberry did.
By meansonny
May 2, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Krath
I like a lot of your commments.
But be careful not to walk a fine line. And Braves players need to be careful as well.
This offensive team is good enough to come from behind against any team. I felt that we had a shot last night in the 9th.
But athletes can not fess up to “giving up” and not trying their hardest. Mike Vick did it in regards to the Carolina game a few years back. And that is the biggest cop-out.
If a poster or a Braves player comment about how they were discouraged to give up some runs as if that is an excuse not to put more up on the scoreboard. Then I hope they get their name in a newspaper column and have it associated with Mike Vick’s comments.
You didn’t say it. And judging by your post, Jones didn’t say it. But they need to be careful. I as a fan do not have tolerance for a millionaire athlete using that as a copout for a poor performance offensively.
PS Chipper is a GOD
By georage
May 2, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
“Down on the farm” does not mean Richmond, it means Mississippi and the other minor league clubs.
I would think with Redman’s struggles a reporter should mention the club’s depth in Mississippi — do the names Matt Harrison, Jo-Jo Reyes and Joey Devine ring a bell? That is where the next wave of pitching is coming from, not Richmond.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp
By Shaun
May 2, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
matt,
I’m not sure this is the case but it could be the Braves didn’t want to promote anyone who’s development may be thwarted by a quick promotion.
The GM’s son doesn’t appear to be a legit prospect. Maybe he’s the best option to fill the spot without messing with a better prospect.
(No offense to the GM’s son. I would take his skills any day over mine.)
By JasonInMaine
May 2, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Let’s start a release Redman Web page that takes donations. Maybe we can get enough people to chip in to cover his $750,000 salary and force his lame a$$ out the door!
By 3trees
May 2, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
Carroll - Good stuff, thanks. Also to WayneUT and WillyWally for tracking his, all too predictable, demise. =) Nice to see poetry becoming an integral part of the Braves/MIB Blog. The world needs more poetry.
Sort of concerned about the catching (hopefully short term). Pena might have to be held out for precaution (concussion) and BMac could proably use a day or two off for his hand/finger. Who takes over?
What’s going on with the baserunning/3rd Base Coach? Maybe he’s just learning his players running abilities, but… is Snitker paying attention? Players make mistakes of course, even vets. Not excusing them, but it happens. That said, there’ve been some blunders during the last few games.
Of course there’s reason for optimism as well - We’re in 1st. Hudson’s performance. Top of the batting order and Francouer’s progress. Thor’s showing promise. KJ’s defense. Overall there seems to be quite a bit of “fight” in this team.
Hey! No Arcade Fire review, DOB?
Go Braves!
By Jersey Gil
May 2, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
Hey guys i don’t know but any of the blog said anything about last night base running mistake, i live here in jersey and i was washing the Phila broadcast in any moment they mention or show which want of the running mistake was a coach mistake or a runner, in Francour case they said the coach give him the green light, but in Wilson, they didn’t mention or show any video of what happen with wilson,can anyone in Atlanta say anything about this?….In my opinion i think the braves could win that game, Redman is history and we have to do better in the running game.
By Braves20
May 2, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
The only thing between Redman and the unemployment line is the Brave’s preoccupation with the catching situation this morning.
By LL
May 2, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Tkg - All and all just a dream about Clemens coming to Atlanta. But I would say a nice dream. With Smoltz, Hudson and Clemens - well there is the Braves 2nd World Series championship. Ownership will not pay him for what he is worth. With the Yankees pitching woes they will offer Clemens everything including the kitchen sink to persuade him to pitch for them this year.
By Shaun
May 2, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Willy Wally,
One thing you’re forgeting—Trot Nixon and Shawn Green and Strawberry are/were corner outfielders not Gold Glove centerfielders.
How does Andruw compare to contemporary centerfielders?
Even when compared to all-time great CF, he’s not too far down the list.
It’s easier to find good-hitting corner outfielders or firstbasemen than it is to find good-hitting centerfielders, especially Gold Glove centerfielders.
One more point: I wasn’t comparing him to Mays or Aaron, etc. In fact, I was admitting he’s not that type of player. But aside from the fact he’s not among the greatest of the greatest, it’s hard to complain about him as a player.
My overall point is that saying Andruw is not what he should or could be is like complaining about Chipper Jones because he’s not as good a hitter as Babe Ruth or Ted Williams.
By Lew
May 2, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
Journalist Bob-Welcome Back. Just remember-never an optometrist, always an opthalmalogist. You get what you pay for. Lee-Say what you will about Langerhans, but the Braves were 10-2 with him in the lineup. Don’t you wish wqe could say the same about Redman?
By Interested Observer
May 2, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
I have a feeling Redman is going to be cut today so they can bring up Corky Miller to provide some protection at catcher. Then by the time that spot in the rotation comes up again in a few days, hopefully McCann and/or Pena will be ok and we can send Corky back and bring up a pitcher. At least that would make sense. If either catcher is out for an extended period of time, then I would strongly consider bringing up Salty.
By Ron Roberts
May 2, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
Meansonny,
We hadda chance in the 9th, the 8th, the 6th, and so on and so on. That’s what was so frustrating about last night.
Aside from Chipper’s two solo shots, when our big names were up and had a chance to bring runs in, we were woefully short last night. I know we can’t always get a clutch 3-run bomb from Andruw every night, but it’d be nice to get two on with no outs and “work” at least one run in. Or how about getting lead-off doubles and playing some small-ball to get that one run in? I remember one particular case where, had Oscar Villareal gotten a bunt down, we’d have had a runner at third with no outs, only down by a run. It’s baseball basics, and sometimes we just don’t try or succeed at the basics of the game.
Last night had to be Redman’s last start. I realize he came into spring training late in the period (so then what’s Kyle Davies’ excuse, ya know?) but we’ve had a chance, I think, to have given us a little cushion over the Mets, and we’re blowing it. They’er pitching lights out without Pedro, and even still, they’re not firing on all cylinders with some of their offensive stars struggling to produce. The blown Florida save and the blown Colorado save aren’t Redman’s fault, obviously, but we have to give ourselves a fighting chance every night, and he’s not giving us that opportunity.
Oscar did fairly well last night. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; he should be the 4th starter, with Davies sucking the life out of every fifth game until Cormier comes back healthy. Once that happens, if Davies hasn’t gotten it together, it’s off to Richmond for him.
That’s the course of action that causes the least amount of stress on the bullpen. Our bullpen, actually, is in good shape despite losing Wickman. Colyer’s not horrible, and Moylan, Paronto, Yates, Soriano and Gonzalez should be able to hold down the fort until Wickman comes back. They’ll call somebody up to fill a roster spot, but frankly, whoever that is should just get garbage time.
I’m not holding out much hope that Wickman’s gonna shake back troubles, honestly; he’s an older overweight guy who, oh by the way, pitches. His back will always flair up from this point on, I think, as long as he’s having to go out there. But if he comes back 100% and we still need a viable 4th starter, my vote’s with moving Soriano to the rotation. Talk about a strong rotation, with Smoltz, Hudson, James, Soriano and the Lance Cormier we saw in spring training.
No place for Red(in the face)man.
By Shaun
May 2, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
tkg,
No way the Braves would sign Clemens. Not a chance!
Besides the fact that he would demand a huge contract, I don’t see the Braves allowing pitchers to stay home on road trips when they aren’t pitching and things of that sort.
Also, I think Clemens means it when he says only the Yankees, Red Sox or Astros. The only other team that may have even glimmer of hope is maybe the Rangers.
…just my view of the situation.
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
If the question is, do the Braves have enough money currently to sign Clemens, I am assuming the answer is no.
From what DOB has said, some of the Hampton insurance $$$ went to Smoltz.
If the question is, if they signed Clemens, could they have enough money, I think the answer is maybe. YOu have to ask yourself could Clemens put an extra ten thousand fans in the seats in his 12 or so home starts? Then multiply the extra seats sold by the average tix price. Then add the beer and food and parking and all of that good stuff for those extra ten thousand at the game. Then add all the extra money that will be made on the selling of Clemens merchandise. Then add how much money you will get from your opponents during Clemens’ starts on the road for getting a percentage of the road gate. Then add how much money you will make in the home games CLemens does not pitch by the team having an extra buzz around it this summer that the Bravos just might win it all with Clemens, Hudson, SMoltz, and James. The same will be true of the extra money that will be earned from the road gate because of the national buzz that will be created around the Braves. The Braves are a Clemens away from being true World Series contenders this year. Will it even out, moneywise? Maybe not. Even if they have to pay Clemens 15 million to play for four months and they end up losing 5 million on it, then they have in essence signed CLemens to a $5 million contract. But the current owners don’t see things that way. To make money, sometimes you have to spend it. So, during the regular season, you might end up losing $5 or so million by signing CLemens. But you also might make that money back by going deep into the postseason with Clemens. If you make it all the way to winning the World Series, you should more than make the money back that you paid to Clemens. Therefore, you would have signed Clemens for nada. In fact, maybe it ends up being that he was paying the team to play by having us earn alot more money with him on the team.
But the LM & AOL/TW chumps just don’t have that kind of vision, do they?
Not to sound like Terrence Moore because he is a fool, but the same could also be said about why won’t they have a black star or two on the team. Wouldn’t that maybe generate some more revenue for the team by drawing in an extra black audience to the team? Lack of vision from the current owners.
By Lee
May 2, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
Lew - Maybe Langerhans was a good luck charm for the team besides being an excellent defensive player. Really hopes he makes it with the A’s but if he hits the same for them look for Oakland to put him on waivers or release him once their outfielders are healthy again.
By Efrim
May 2, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
BIG start for Chuck tonight. Lets see if this kid can pitch well enough to have that #3 starter title.
By Rodger
May 2, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN Redman’s last pitch finally crossed the plate-just a bit outside!
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 2, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
Good morning, blogophiles!
“It was the best of times. It was the worst of times…” Oops, I’m no Wayne, so I’d better stop…:)
Walter is doing a little better, but Jennifer is taking him to the doctor today to find out what the deal is. Thanks for the prayers, and to JJS, thanks for checking on him. As for myself, I have strep throat and laryngytis (sorry about the spelling) so I’ll be doing no preaching today (please hold the applause).
Paw Paw goes today to schedule surgey to remove one kidney where a cancerous tumor has taken up residence. BTW, it is definitely a “smoker’s tumor,” or so says the doc, so if any of you are hooked on the cigs, please consider stopping, or at least slowing down. They really do damage. Take it from the man who has lost two grandparents to smoking-related cancer already, and now is watching a third fight it.
As to Redman, I suggested bringing him in with a minor league deal in December or Janurary. I figured it was worth a small risk if he could be serviceable. I am sincerely sorry for having made such a suggestion. Let’s bring up Rick Vaughn-I hear he’s doing nothing but Direct TV commercials. Loan him Matt Diaz’s contacts and let him go!
I hope BMac and B Pena are okay, but if one of them has to go on the DL, Corky Miller looked pretty good in ST, so maybe we’ll be alright.
Folks, here’s the deal. Redman and Davies haven’t struck fear in the hearts of the Mets, Phils, and Fish. Wick is hurt, BMac is hurt, and Andruw is a practicing contortionist every time he goes to the plate. Orr, Woodward, and Wilson aren’t giving us much at all. HOWEVER we are still in first place ahead of the ESPN Mets (oops, I mean the NY Mets). Keep the faith!
Go Braves!
By Smitty
May 2, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
Rumor is that Salty is comming up and Pena is going on the DL
By Shaun
May 2, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
…but the same could also be said about why won’t they have a black star or two on the team. Wouldn’t that maybe generate some more revenue for the team by drawing in an extra black audience to the team? Lack of vision from the current owners.
Andruw Jones. Edgar Renteria could be considered a star somewhat.
I think the vision of the current ownership is to let John Schuerholz try to build a winner with a payroll they feel is reasonable. That’s how you draw fans. Star power alone doesn’t draw fans (see the early Devil Rays).
By Glass Half Full
May 2, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
I like the Release Redman campaign. If we can get 37,500 fans to contribute $20 that would cover his salary for the year.
By Glass Half Full
May 2, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Forgot about Pena’s trouble. How’s his cabeza after that whack with the bat?
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Willy Wally
My thinking in signing off so early last night is that we can share blog closing roles. No need for one “closer” to dominate and get all the saves. I might end up with a strained carpel tunnel or something. Besides, Mitchie-san and the other west coasters are up late, and why not share the closing opportunities with the entire team. I think it makes us a better “blogpen” if we perform seamless like that.
Whaddya think???
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Shaun: You’re right. I had a hard time comparing him to other centerfielders of his generation. He really is by far the best. The corner outfielders are not a great comparison. BUT he is far and away from ever being mentioned in the same breath as the Saints of the HOF outfield - Mays, Ruth, Mantle, Ted, Dimaggio, Aaron, Cobb, et al. I personally don’t complain about Chipper because I think Chipper is exactly who Chipper was supposed to be. He had a career year in 1999 and has been a model of consistent performance every other year. You see Chipper make adjustments all the time. You see when he gets clueless at the plate, he runs around looking for answers, often calling his dad who gets him back to the basics that he had when he was a kid because he knows better than anyone how Chipper should look at the plate. Andruw just does not seem to do that. I think what is maddening about Andruw is that you look at 2005 where he became a monster. He had fixed his stance and his swing. He was very balanced. He seemed to have figured it out. BUT then all of sudden in July or August last year, he starts doing this weird Reggie Jackson drop to one knee sort of thing that is just so freaking ugly and Little League looking. Maddening to watch a great talent make himself look like an amateur at times. if you sign him to a big long term contract, it is going to be trouble because as his skills erode, he has never learned how to make the necessary adjustments whereas a Chipper has made a lifetime of adjustments in his career so he is more able to adapt as he ages, as his skills slightly erode, and as injuries keep sniping away at his greatness. I think we all think Andruw had even more talent than Chipper but he has never really been on a Chipper level.
By School Marm
May 2, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
Jersey Gil. What does “Gil” mean anyway? Is that a misspelling of the word “girl” or are you a fish with a gil?
You spelling is a little better, but you still mess up on some thing you write.
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
When it rains, it pours I guess. My prayers are with your family Matthew.
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
Just finished my allstar balloting. Got 25 votes in for C-Mac, Thor-the Barbarian, KJ, Rent-a-SS, Hoss and Frenchie. Left off AJ because I don’t want him going to the All Star game and twisting himself into the ground in front of all those baseball fans viewing across the country!
By Lee
May 2, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Matthew Dad to Walter - My prayers are with you and your family. I lost my father years ago to cancer caused by cigs.
I agree with you about the Braves. Desipte the starting pitching (4th and 5th spots) and lack of bench support (pinch hitters), they are still in 1st place.
This team is only a couple of players away from being a really great team. One of the players being a reliable starting pitcher.
By Jason
May 2, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
BREAKING NEWS
Bill Shanks was on 680 The Fan this morning and said that Salty was on his way to Atlanta. Shanks said he wasnt sure if it would be because they are going to DL Pena, McCann, or Paronto, but Salty is headed to the ATL!
By Lew
May 2, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Wayne-Email me at lewhartman@comcast.net. I’ve got something I want to talk to you about.
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
My thinking in signing off so early last night is that we can share blog closing roles. No need for one “closer” to dominate and get all the saves. I might end up with a strained carpel tunnel or something. Besides, Mitchie-san and the other west coasters are up late, and why not share the closing opportunities with the entire team. I think it makes us a better “blogpen” if we perform seamless like that. Whaddya think???
I think what you just said is your version of Wickman giving the cut throat slash sign to Bobby the other night.
You’re our closer man. You’re our Mariano Rivera. Our John Rocker who says the right things. Our Trevor Hoffman, closing the deal every night in a West Coast game that went too late for many to stay up to see the finish, so we are left waking up in the morning to read the box score and account of how well you finished the game (or blog) the night prior. It’s always pleasant and makes us wish we had stayed up to see the finish.
But if you want us to go by committee, hopefully we’ll find a Soriano or Gonzalez amongst our motley crue to close the blog out every night.
But we’ll never find us another Last Call Wayne.
Just don’t be hanging any sliders to Leyritz in the World Series, okay. If you do, we’ll be cursing you for eternity. Don’t worry though. Robert will still like you. He’ll just blame his beloved Hee-Haw for bringing you in an inning too early.
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
Somehow Bobby Cox has got to give Thor-the Barbarian a chance to hit lefties. We are seeing too many lefties to keep him out of the lineup that often. He has a much better plan at the plate than Wilson.
By David O'Brien
May 2, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
Tip of the coffee mug to all. I’m trying to find out if it’ll be Salty or Corky, but I do think one of them’s going to be called up to bolster the walking-wounded catching brigade…
Don’t know if Daybed or anyone else who went to the Arcade Fire show has weighed in, but it was absolutely terrific. I mean, as bad as that game you watched last night was (and I’m told by many who endured it that it was one of the worst in a while), the concert was that good.
Alright, let me see if I can come up with something and file a new blog.
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
If this news about Saltalamacchia is correct then I have only one thing to say from last night after the game: “I told ya so!!”
I hope this is correct. I know lots of folks are protective of these minor leaguers, but sometimes you just gotta throw them to the fire, even if it creates issues later with who to play (great issues to have, by the way).
By The Retarded Turnip
May 2, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
School Marm A bit anal retentive are we? Take your tight a$$ back to the Principal’s office and count up the milk money.
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
Lew: My email is through a proxy server, so it might be 30 minutes or more before it proceeds through the firewall.
By RedEyedAndBlue
May 2, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
Agree with Gil’s comments about the RBraves. McCarthy and Blanco are hitting and fielding well. Blanco plays a shallow center field and gets a Jones-esque jump on the ball. McCarthy has a cannon in the outfield. Yunel and Prado stand out from the other AAA players and look like Major Leaguers in the field, on the bases, and at the plate. This past Sunday afternoon the RBraves were having no luck hitting Norfolk starter Andy Mitchell. Then Yunel manufactured the first run almost entirely by himself: reaching first on a bunt base hit, stole second, tagged up and took third on a pop up to the second baseman, and scored on a ground out. Lerew has been impressive, but I’ve been most impressed with Jonathan Johnson. Saw him this past Sunday and he was terrific. Not only did he make hitters look silly at times, but he managed situations with runners on-base well, too.
By Efrim
May 2, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
I hope its Salty. I really hope McCann doesn’t have to be disabled. That would suck. Then again I hope Pena doesn’t have to be disabled either. Is Paronto going on the DL??? When is Stockman going to be ready to come up to the big leagues?
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Retarded Turnip: you know, sometimes those school marms can be real hotties!!
DOB: Welcome back!
By The Retarded Turnip
May 2, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
Anatomy of a concussion 101… Whenever there is a blow to the head there are actually three collisions, the first is the object striking the skull. In this case the near full force of the bat impacting the helmet.
The second is the brain striking the inside of the skull at about the point of impact, this force was diffused somewhat by the helmet but still was enough to knock Pena out momentarily.
The third is the force of the brain actually striking the opposite side of the skull, while there is a thin layer of fluid to cushion the blow, the force is still considerable.
Basically the helmet likely saved Pena from a skull fracture and a more serious injury but I doubt he will be able to play for several days. Trainers and team doctors are much more acutely aware of the lingering effects of head traumas.
By rammerjammer
May 2, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Between May 6-16, our fourth and fifth starters get five starts, tomorrow being our last day off for awhile. So our back-of-the-rotation problem will be harder to hide.
Can’t see any hope for Redman, who’s generating Reitsmaesque feelings among his teammates.
Prediction: Redman let go and Buddy Carlyle called up to start May 6, with Davies getting his next chance on the 8th (or KD on the 6th and BC the 8th).
They’ll ride with Davies a little longer because he has shown flashes of competency to go with all his promise, and they don’t have better alternatives at the moment.
Mark this down: Schuerholz won’t enter June with 40 percent of his rotation carrying 6-plus ERAs. As the bad teams sink hopelessly to the bottom and look to deal, expect JS to be active.
He WILL NOT let the rotation undermine this team the way the bullpen did last year. No way.
By Lew
May 2, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Wayne-That’s cool. No hurry.
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 2, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
Willy Wally and Lee:
Thanks very much. Without preaching at ya, I do know that the rain falls on the just and the unjust, and that nothing escapes God’s attention. While we’re going through some junk right now, I’m confident that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6). I rest in that, since the easy way out would be to gripe and complain.
Salty coming up, huh? That doesn’t make sense to me, since it would use one of his options. UNLESS it’s to give him an audition for a potential trade partner.
How about Redman, Woodward, Harris, Wilson, and Salty for Crawford and Kazmir?
Oh well…
By April, TheSouthernJackassMomma
May 2, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Why are you so hostile? That little boy on South Park always throws up when he talks to his little girlfriend. Is that you, honey? Do you get upset when you are around girls? Drop the hostility and open up to me darling. I am the flower you never take the time to admire, My petals are soft and my loins are on fire. There’s some poetry back at you, tough guy.
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
Salty coming up, huh? Could we perhaps sneak Brandon Jones onto that plane as well and call him up with Salty?
By meansonny
May 2, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
Rammerjammer
I love the optimism. And the reminder that we waited too long (anything after opening day last year was too long in retrospect) to fix the bullpen in ‘06.
Go get ‘em John S.!
By fastasballs
May 2, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
I just don’t see how Redman gets another start. I’m in agreement that Davies is given more chances to prove himself as he has in the past, granted since his injury he has shown little if anything.
I doubt LF is going to stay the same either. Since Harris is more flexable in the field & speedy, I do hope they keep him and maybe send Pete O packing.
Hopefully Thor is allowed to play everyday, that should take care of 1st base concerns. That leaves the bench, LF & the back of the rotation as problems. JS will begin to address them shortly starting with the rotation I assume.
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
Matthew
As I have been taught, the Lord does not test us beyond our ability to endure. Also, iron sharpens iron. Your entire family will remain in our family’s prayers.
As for Saltalamacchia: I think that the days of holding back and being patient with some of the best prospects has passed by the wayside. Obviously, last year would have been too early for Salty. This year, while he is enjoying success, I think it is ok to put him to the test. It is also a good way to showcase him, if that is the intention.
If he is as good as he is billed out to be, I would have a hard time moving him to another team unless I was overwhelmed with an offer. A-Rod to 3B, KJ from SS to LF to 2B. Talented athletes are able to learn and adapt to new positions.
By Efrim
May 2, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
Can Chuck James go 7 innings tonight???
Hows this line:
7 IP, 5H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K’s
We need that tonight from him. Even though the Braves shouldn’t have trouble hitting against Freddy “I can’t throw 85mph anymore” Garcia……
By ernesto
May 2, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
No Shaun, that’s not what you’re hearing from me. What you’re hearing from me is a rebuke of your arguement that Andruw doesn’t need to change his approach - which right now is giving up the outer 1/3 of the plate. I’m saying that is making him a mistake hitter - and good pitchers are going to be able to get him out by hitting their spots in clutch situations - see last night.
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 2, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
Unbelievable!…
By JUST LISTENING
May 2, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
Maybe Redmon has tendanitis in his back and needs 14 days rest.
By fastasballs
May 2, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
I’m not sure Chuck can get out of the 6th. 7 is pushing it, but is needed. Soriano, Gonzo & Yates didn’t pitch last night so they should be fresh to finish it off.
Is Chipper sitting tonight? The Braves site said something about it.
By ECU Grad
May 2, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
Welcom back DOB!
Looks like some changes going on in atlanta.
Can anyone picture a lerew/salty battery in the next week or so?
Talking about a change from one week to the next. Might be too much inexperience but it sure would be fun to watch, which is something I can’t say about any game redmon or davies pitches these days.
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
JUSTLISTEN, If I were the Braves, I would not cut Redman. The all have injuries all year long that can be played up to DL someone. Cutting him would cost money - we’re not in a position to do that. DL his fat behind and send him down to extended ST to get some work in and to work out and maybe he will get back to being mediocre in 6 or so weeks instead of awful like he has been for the first 4 weeks.
By Lee
May 2, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
fastasballs I concur with your post.
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
From awful to mediocre in 6 weeks. Yes, you too can go from being just totally aweful to acceptably mediocre with the new “Willy Wally” Extended Spring Training video. Just send $19.95 to “Willy Wally’s Extended Spring Training”, in care of Wayne in Utah.
Yes folks, you too can become mediocre in just a few weeks with Willy Wally’s new program. Again, send those checks for $19.95 to “Willy Wally’s Extended Spring Training”, in care or Wayne in Utah. Don’t delay, as you too can be mediocre in NO time!!!
(couldn’t resiste WW!)
By TennesseePaul
May 2, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
For the poster asking about Paul Bacot
2003, the year he signed, was his best season to date. With each promotion in the minors he gets worse. He is sitting on these career numbers after 3 seasons through last season:
W L ERA SO BB HR INN
8 3 3.92 76 30 9 140
Here are his stats
Ron Roberts: Chipper had two homers last night, but only one was a solo shot. The other was a two run job in the first inning.
Meansonny: I’m not sure the Braves would ever say they gave up out loud. But after last years retarded pitching, I wouldn’t be surprised if they felt some sort of resentment to the one guy who is a guaranteed loss this season. Davies has struggled, but in all of Davies issues there is the underlying hope and acknowledgement that he is still young and is being asked to fill a role they didn’t think he was qualified for at the end of Spring Training. Redman, on the other hand, has no excuse. The guy just sucks. It seems no matter how many runs they give him, he turns around and immediately throws them away. Oddly enough he can blow his lead quicker than he can throw a fastball. Without fail this guy stabs his own team in the back. As a fan I give up when he is on the mound. He’s an anchor that drowns a man. He’s a loser. He shouldn’t have a tomohawk on his chest. I’m sure the Braves want to win even when he is on the mound, but there is no doubt in my mind that, when they come to the park on days Redman is setting up his tee, they are bummed. They have to go out there and score about 15 runs in the first inning and hope against all odds that idiot can make it 5 innings without blowing the lead. That’s a lot to ask from any team. And it’s consistant. It’s like Chinese Water Torture. 1 drop on the head is tolerable. It’s when the drop starts coming at a consistant rate and it just doesn’t stop and there’s nothing you can do that it become completely unbearable. Redman is that drop. JS needs to turn off the water spicket.
Salty is coming up? Can he pitch? I know we don’t want to do any position changes with this guy, but we need something!
What happened to Pena? I thought McCann was the only one injured last night…
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 2, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
Willy Wally:
Not a bad idea. He might go from atrocious to bad to mediocre. He could stick around in extended ST in case of an emergency.
By Efrim
May 2, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
Yea, I think Chipper is going to sit tonight…
I think he has a right quad injury. It isn’t serious, but they want to give him two straight days off. I agree with the decision. We need this guy for the long haul. That is why we got Willy Aybar right?? Oh yea, AWOL.
2B Johnson SS Renteria RF Francouer CF Jones 1B Thorman C Saltalamacchia LF Harris 3B Woodward P James
James better be good.
By The Ghost of Syd Thrift
May 2, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
The worth of a good farm system can never be over valued. Big money teams like the Yankees are finding that even spending $200 million will not solve years of neglect in their scouting and minor league investments.
The Braves are fortunate to have two capable young players from which to choose in light of the injuries to young McCann and Pena.
Corky Miller is a capable defensive replacement who will not embarrass you at the plate. He has major league experience. Should the Braves opt to look at young Saltalamacchia perhaps it is because his good offensive start in Mississippi. The jump from AA to the majors is not as great as it once was.
Could it be possible for both to be called up?
By Eric
May 2, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
Sorry for the mistake, Carroll. I know a guy who spells his name that way…and of course, so did Mr. Archie Bunker…
By krath
May 2, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
meansonny
I understand where you are coming from. It’s important for the guys to stay on a positive road if possible. The Braves players and management are capable of many things but they don’t throw guys under the bus so to speak.
On the other hand when Chipper says it is “deflating,” that’s equivalent to “that sucks” with a lot of players on other teams.
I’m sure you would agree that confidence plays no small part in a winning attitude. Most of us have heard and read what Tim Hudson said happened last year. He said in essence that he could feel when he took the field that the players behind him had lost confidence in his ability to perform. Yep… it’s contagious. It would be nice if players were robots who could perform with no emotion or thought, but these guys are human and I can understand the frustration of scoring runs and watching the same guy give the lead back over and over. It has to have an affect on the players heads. Would be nice if it didn’t but it obviously does.
Back to Hudson…. it wasn’t a situation where he felt the team was letting him down. It was that he felt he was letting the team down. He didn’t blame them for losing confidence because he did nothing to instill that confidence. It was his problem and he corrected it this winter in a BIG way!
Players need to feel that they have a chance when the take the field. I think for the most part the Braves feel they can beat any team and any pitcher on any given day. I have to say I agree. But if you keep trotting a guy out there who is going to squander the leads he is repeatedly given…. it has to play on the offenses’ psyche. That’s just human nature.
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 2, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
Efrim:
That lineup scares me to death. Beyond the 4 spot there is no proven MLB offense.
Chucky, now is the time to get that no-hitter!
By JasonInMaine
May 2, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
From Bill Shanks Minor league report where he is talking about the Richmond Braves:
“Braves starters have not allowed an earned run in the last 29 innings.”
And you are telling me that there is no one on the farm that can perform better than Redman????????????
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
If Salty is coming up and Chipper is going to sit tonight, how much do you wanna bet that Bobby will have Salty hitting third tonight? He always does that sort of thing with a kid straight up from the minors. Crazy, but he always does it. He did it two years ago with KJ was first called up when Chipper was hurt. And he will still insist on hitting Woodward leadoff when KJ is hurt for some bizarre reason I can’t figure.
By JasonInMaine
May 2, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
And who is this Esquivel cat playing in for Mississippi? He has raised his average 50 points in the last couple of weeks (to .255) and hit his 7th HR last night. He has like 4 HRs in the last week or so. I don’t recognize the name…
By jinglebunny
May 2, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
So if the Braves can’t afford to keep Andruw Jones after this season, would a player with these numbers be good enough to replace him, and what should that player be expected to earn? #1 AVG .272, OBP .331, & SLG .485 or #2 AVG .282, OBP .333, & SLG .455 or #3 AVG .267, OBP .345, & SLG .505, any of these 3 suitable if Andruw moves on?
By JasonInMaine
May 2, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
One more minor league note:
Blanco was 1-2 with 2 BBs and a stolen base last night to raise his average to .343, his OBP to .443, and his OPS to .861. Plus, we all know he plays a tremendous defense…Obviously the Braves brain trust knows a heck of a lot more than I do, but I wonder why he never gets any consideration?
Regards,
Jason
By Shaun
May 2, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
I think we all think Andruw had even more talent than Chipper but he has never really been on a Chipper level.
Andruw maybe was always more athletic than Chipper Jones but I don’t think Andruw was ever a better hitter than Chipper. Andruw was always a higher K guy than Chipper, even though his OBP and SLG were better in the minors.
I would say not only is Chipper the player everyone knew he could be, so is Andruw.
ernesto,
The Monday night Andruw won the game with a clutch homer. And if you would look it up, AJ’s stats in late and close situations are very impressive—.293 AVG/ .377 OBP/ .553 SLG, 11 HR, 31 RBI.
I agree with you in that I hope Andruw (and every other Brave for that matter) is constantly trying to get better no matter how good he’s been but if he stays consistent, he’ll be more than fine. Absolutely nothing wrong with what Andruw has done so far in 2007, in spite of what you and some other bloggers think.
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
LOL, wayne! Stealing my money, huh? I think that means either you don’t trust me with my own money, thinking I am going to go on a Mike Tyson like spending spree and bankrupt myself or that you are just straight up stealing my money. Can’t figure out which?
But why are you stealing my money? You’re the closer of this squad, making the big bucks these days. Me, I’m just a journeyman long reliever, making the league minimum, looking to hang on. It’s okay. I’m in it for the love of the game and the love of the blog. You used to be that way. BUT Carroll had to go and make you a star, and now like most stars you are obsessed with the money and forgotten to love the essence of what you are being paid to do, even stealing from guys like me who are nothing but a glorified Pete Orrs on this mofo. What a shame. =)
One question though Wayne, can you get Crime Dog to appear in our commercials a la Tom Emanski and then we can play the commercial six thousand times every morning during SportsCenter? The commercials need to be as cheesy and low budget as the Emanski ones are.
By ernesto
May 2, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Shaun your stats are making you myopic - Andruw hit a mistake pitch monay - a hanger from Alfonseca. My point is if your approach is basically to give up the outer 1/3 of the plate - you’re going to struggle when pitchers don’t make a mistake. Your argument is there is nothing wrong with that. Or am I mistaken.
By The Grinch
May 2, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Ok, y’all; come on down to the Ted tonight. Sec 107 row 8. First couple of beers on Grinch.
It’s Chuck James, B%$#@!
By Rodger
May 2, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Can Woodward or Harris pitch? How about JS Jr? I mean, good grief!
By meansonny
May 2, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Ernesto
Sorry to butt in. The issue that I’m taking (I can’t speak for Shaun, but he may concur) is that we’re bashing a player who is producing. This season, Andruw has 31 runs generated (RBI+Runs-HR). That puts him about 10th in the NL. (Frenchy is tied for the highest at 36 for perspective). Last season he was tied with Ryan Howard at 7th (Garrett Atkins led the NL with 208 for perspective).
Point is, he’s doing the job of a clean-up hitter. And carrying the load of creating/scoring runs.
By meansonny
May 2, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
Ernesto
And for the record, 13 players in the NL last season had better OPS (minimum 600 plate appearances. Andruw had 669 for the record). 3 of whom are outfielders (in direct comparison to your OPS+ post)
Currently, Andruw is rated 16th in the NL in OPS. 7th in the NL among Outfielders.
Everybody on this baseball blog is an expert. Right? When are we going to realize that it’s Cheap and Easy of us to rant and nitpick a ballplayer’s batting stance. Especially when he’s doing things we wouldn’t be able to do in a million lifetimes.
The guy is producing. Let’s enjoy it a little.
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
I’m not going to go round and round with you about it because you have valid points but I do think when you say the following I would say not only is Chipper the player everyone knew he could be, so is Andruw you are kind of missing the point a bit, aren’t ya?
Pretty much the rest of the blog (which is everyone ) appreciates Andruw but everyone thinks he is a big disappointment nevertheless.
You can’t on the one hand take everyone to task for saying that he is a disappointment but then retort that everyone thinks he has become the player they thought he would be.
By Shaun
May 2, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Jerry Crasnick of espn.com has an article up about great young NL rightfielders. Guess who’s number 1.
By meansonny
May 2, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul & Krath
I think we’re on the same page here about Redman’s performance.
I’m just trying to remind everyone that we didn’t score any runs against Chicago in Redman’s 3rd start. Chalk up a loss to Hudson, even.
We scored 1 run in Redman’s 1st appearance (they couldn’t have been down on him yet). Chalk up a loss to even Tim Hudson.
We scored 4 runs in Redman’s other 2 losses. Overall, we are 2-8 when we score 4 runs or less. Do we see a trend?
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 2, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Alright, I normally wouldn’t pile on a guy when he is down, but Shanks’ page over on scout.com has a Mark Redman Insult thread going. I won’t insult him as a person, but I wanted you to see a couple of these (if you have a scout membership, even the free one, you can read this thread at http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?S=248#S=248&F=2070&T=446216
Mark Redman is so bad Bobby is seriously considering Smoltz’s offer to pitch left handed in lieu of Redman’s next scheduled turn.
Mark Redman is so bad that Stevie Wonder could hit off of him.
Mark Redman is so bad,Bobby Cox was heckling him :)
Mark Redman is sooo bad…I’d feel better letting Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory throw every fifth day.
Mark Reman is so bad the Braves are looking under trailors for John Rocker.
Mark Redman is so bad that the Bad News Bears laugh at him
Mark Redman is so bad…
…the bullpen starts getting warmed up before the game starts.
…the scoreboard operator asks for overtime pay when he pitches.
…mothers are advised to cover their children’s eyes as he throws.
Okay, that’s enough. But I thought you folks would enjoy the laughs. Shanks actually used these on the radio yesterday, hoping to inspire Redman (check out the thread opener!).
Man, I need a nap and a milk shake-my throat is killing me from all this teaching I’m doing today…;)
Go Braves!
By ernesto
May 2, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
I’m saying Andruw right now is up there trying to pull everything and coming out of his shoes. Just watch the game, if they pitch him outside he can just wave at it. Yes, he’s producing now, but mark my words this approach is a direct route to Slumpsville.
So I’m saying he should rethink his approach - ie. giving up the entire outer third of the plate. Shaun, and I take it meansonny as well, are saying he does’t need to change a thing.
I’m not bashing Andruw. I know he got a couple of hits last night. I also know he struck out in a key situation on…that’s right 3 outside pitches he just waved at.
By meansonny
May 2, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul & Krath
I’m not defending Redman. I’m knocking the offense for losing these games.
He’s only given up 3 leads in all of his starts (It happened in his last 2 starts. Only 4.2 innings pitched by Mark in those 2 (18 innings of offense) games).
A side note from these numbers. Our pitching staff is not good enough for small ball. We need 5+ runs per game, and we need to play to that objective every game.
By journalist jimmy smith
May 2, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
now, this journalist has heard from willard wurlitzer in the last few minutes and willard wurlitzer has wrung out another wurlitzer for wayne - the poetry wurlitzer. wayne must be overjoyed with this news. it took dob many, many, months to win the wurlitzer and wayne has won one with an overnight poem (a fine poem, at that). soon, the coveted drawing of celine dion will be on its way to wayne in utah. thanks to caroll rogers for the fine blog tribute to wayne’s poetry and wouldn’t this be a better place if we all just wrote more poetry? now, lew is the chief wurlitzer committee member as drawer of the wurlitzer and lew will wish to be remembered in the next poem as handsome and witty - not as going to bed with kc. congratulations to wayne in utah - latest winner of the coveted wurlitzer award.
By journalist jimmy smith
May 2, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
this just in - queen elizabeth has been entered in the kentucky derby!
By Luke Dacrosse
May 2, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
Has this become the blog for stats and numbers? I used to blog here when there was insightful banter from the “denizens” that included actual game observation. I think sometimes that more and more of you guys are just reading the box scores and game summaries and deciding who’s hot and who’s not. Trade the Sabermetrics for Dish Network, would ya? The Braves can be found on either channel 139, 420 or 437. What happened to LeTwan, Carolina Lady, Voice of Reason, Carroll (not the beat writer), Robert (Justice…), and those folks? At least journalist Bob still returns from time to time. I miss the pie talk.
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
If you read this article from March 1998 comparing the career trajectories of Andruw and Barry Bonds, you will see what the level of frustration is with Andruw from most of us:
http://ducksnorts.com/articles/1998/03251998.html
By Huh?
May 2, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
The offense is losing Redman’s games? His ERA went up last night, and it started over 10, for goodness sake. I personally find his pitching to be offensive. Maybe that’s what you meant.
By TennesseePaul
May 2, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
Payne: The point is, AJ could have better plate coverage if he adjusted his stance or approach. He could still maintain a high OBP and SLG. The adjustment would be reflected in his AVG. I haven’t seen one poster complain that AJ can’t hit for power. It’s hitting for average which he hasn’t done. This is the one part of his game that could use improvement. If he hit for average to go along with the rest of his skills, you could include him in a lot of conversations with past greats without any caveats.
And in the minors, AJ hit for average to go along with his other skills.
AJ is sacrificing a portion of plate coverage to boost his power. But he doesn’t have to.
By Shaun
May 2, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
ernesto,
I have no idea whether Andruw is “giving up the outer 1/3 of the plate.” All I know is that so far his numbers are as good or better than ever, overall.
I actually was wrong about his late and close stats this season. They don’t look that impressive. Most of his other clutch stats look pretty good.
Willy Wally,
I guess it would depend on your definition of disappointment. All I know is Andruw is one of the best CF of the last 20 years or so, both offensively and defensively. If you expected him to be Hank Aaron or Willie Mays, I guess he probably is a disappointment. If you expected him to be a Hall of Fame caliber player, I don’t understand how you could be disappointed.
By Lew
May 2, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
Journalist Jimmy-Will the Esteemed Queen (Queens are Esteemed, are they not?-I’m not sure of the Protocol) be allowed to wear one of her hats while racing? If The Esteemed Hat were to slip, would it not hamper her chances of winning-or are races also subject to the Divine Right of Queens? Will they move the Derby to Shea Stadium because of it’s location IN Queens? Oh the Humanity! Perhaps Wayne The Wurlitzer Winner, Journalist would prefer a portrait of a racing Queen.
By David O'Brien
May 2, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IS UP, or will be in moments
By Jersey Gil
May 2, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
Hey “School Marm” are you bloging to make correction or to talk Braves Baseball??? First Gil is a Short for Gilbert and Jersey is where my resident is….I fail Grammar in school, and i an Ilegal Alien from Planet “ERIE”.. i using this blog to learn more English and learn more about the kind of Moron” like you in this Planet.
By ernesto
May 2, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
Shaun -if you don’t know if Andruw is giving up the outer third of the plate, may I suggest looking up from the stat sheet and watching the game. It’s pretty obvious.
By journalist jimmy smith
May 2, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
matthew, before matthew is put on the d.l. try this ugandan remedy and see if matthew doesn’t feel better right away! a decoction of solanaceae is employed to gargle to treat a sore throat. if this does not work, perhaps gargle with cayanne pepper in warm water from a stream that has red sliders about.
By Voice Of Reason
May 2, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
Duke: You rang? I still hang out, I just don’t comment much. Too much arguing for my taste…
Since I’m here, I’ll offer this thought: Too bad Redman can’t pitch to Langerhans. One of them would have to gain a little confidence, right? Ooooh, the visual is not pretty…
And, did I understand McCann to say that he was having trouble catching Redman’s cutter? The Phillies didn’t seem to have any problem with it…
By journalist jimmy smith
May 2, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! new blog is up and last post is missing!
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 2, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
Do any of you brilliant statmongers ever actually watch a damn ballgame?—reading this blog is like watching a boring old rerun over and over and over because there’s nothing else on…
Have any of you ever tasted a hotdog or a cold beer, or felt the warm breeze on your face, the sunshine, or smell the popcorn popping, or felt the excitement in the air because you get to watch your favorite team or player?…
Have any of you ever enjoyed anything??…
You’re boring us to death with your numbers—not impressing us…
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
WW Crime Dog says he is in. We are a go! We are both going to be into the big $$. I will only take my small cut of 45%.
:-)
By Shaun
May 2, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Willy Wally,
Pretty lofty standards, don’t you think? Only Ruth, Mantle and maybe Williams match Bonds.
In my opinion it’s silly to be disappointed in Andruw because he hasn’t been a Bonds, Mays, Aaron type player.
It would be like us being disappointed if Brian McCann ultimately becomes more like Carlton Fisk instead of Johnny Bench or Yogi Berra or Mickey Cochrane.
Also, one question. Not trying to get smart, just want to know your reasoning: Why did you/do you expect Andruw to become one of the greatest of the great?
By Bob, journalist
May 2, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Kuddos Wayne … the news is out all over town that you’ve been seen a writin’ poetry … you win again! The Wurlitzer no less! Congratulations!
I vote for Latwan’s pies too!
Even if they have to pay Clemens 15 million to play for four months and they end up losing 5 million on it, then they have in essence signed CLemens to a $5 million contract … the last time I checked, the idea was that ownership paid the player a portion of the expected value added by his presence … of course, players currenctly under contract might better be paid a percentage of the potential negative financial impact associated with their leaving.
Then too, such logic would suggest that there are some who should be paid when they leave.
I suppose it makes about as much sense as employees expecting … and receiving … a raise each year for expected performance … and then complaining when the cost of living increases.
Truth is, in our contrived “free” market, increasing indirect cost is not an issue … you simply transfer the incremental cost to the customer, loaded with the desired profit margin of course … at least, so long as your customer base remains loyal.
The average fan can’t relate to “millions” … methinks they still worry about “dollars” … but they have no problem paying “millions” to their gladiators who have individual, agent negoiated contracts while belonging to a union … thinking its the owners and not themselves who’s footing the bill.
That “ownership” might be departing from that vision is refreshing.
Think of the direction in which the wealth is being transferred … the scariest things I can remember growing up were Adolf on the shortwave and Bella Lugosi at the movies!
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
JJS: Does this mean I can now be considered a “flash in the pan” if I don’t come through with anything else of significance for the remainder of my existence?
By mr baseball
May 2, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
Wayne: the Braves need to give Thorman a few starts against lefties, but Cox needs to pick some spots for him, and not sure he has the feel for the situation. If the lefty is Glavine, Moyer, Randy Wolf, Matt Chico, etc., give him a shot. If it’s Dontrelle, Hamels, Oliver Perez, Rich Hill, etc., not yet. But to Cox, all lefties are the same.
Shaun: as others before me have said, baseball is more than numbers, and as much faith as I place in stats, I think you’re off base on Andruw. While his numbers are still right at his standard levels, watching him on a nightly basis, it’s apparent that he is only as good as the opposing pitcher is bad. Good pitchers can make him look awful, and Andrew frequently looks like he doesn’t have a clue at the plate.
When some second rate pitcher like Alfonseca hangs a nothing pitch in Andruw’s happy zone, it’s going to get banged, but hitters of Andruw’s supposed caliber are supposed to occasionally he able to handle quality pitches from quality pitchers. Don’t care what the overall numbers say, he is often an offensive liability, and his numbers w/RISP are a pretty accurate reflection of that, along with simple observation.
Of the top 6 hitters in the lineup, he is the last one I want up in a key situation, unless the opposing pitcher is going to agree to throw the baseball exactly where Andruw wants it, and refrains from anything off speed with a little movement.
Redman’s spot in the rotation is not up until Tuesday, so this would be a nice time to send him back to his basement and bring up another catcher ‘til Tuesday. Although he’s struggled, not time yet to give up on Davies. He has major league stuff, just needs to harness it. A few more bad starts might merit a trip back to Richmond, but we haven’t reached Redman territory yet.
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
Bob, the journalist: Love that old Hank Williams stuff. Learned to play the guitar with Hank Williams back in the mid to late 60’s, when I was young and still impressionable.
By Gerry
May 2, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
How can a .182 batting average get you promoted to AAA? Sound fishy anyone?
By Charlie
May 2, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
How do we not have anyone that is better then Redman he is definetly the worst pitcher in the big leagues and we could have Lerew or anyone else that would give some chance of winning games every fifth day he is terrible
By Bob
May 3, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul, Thanks for the reply on Paul Bacot. I see he was placed on the restricted list by the Braves in June 06. I was just curious why? Anyone know? I don’t know him but we went to the same HS so I was just following his career. Thanks