Braves

By Greg

May 7, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Why not? If nothing else it will raise Scott Boras’ blood pressure.

By woogidy

May 7, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

DOB, Who is starting tomorrow?

By chris8098

May 7, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

The good news is that if Andruw continues to struggle like this, we may not have to pay too much to re-sign him next year!

By matt

May 7, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Ick- touchy subject you’ve brought up, but I have to agree with you. You have to be able to rewards KJ, Edgar, and Chipper for getting on base, instead of making them double play potential.

I was joking with someone today though, if Andruw can’t pull it together this season maybe we’ll get him to sign another contract with us…

By matt

May 7, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

@ woogidy The braves haven’t announced it yet, but if I were to bet it would be Lerew.

By DonCoburleone

May 7, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Hey did anyone see that ESPN2 is going to be airing this years MLB draft? The first round is the only for sure thing. Teams get 10 minutes to make their pick, and with some 50 first-round picks you do the math; that’s alot of exposure… It’s about time baseball does this. I swear, MLB is always the last sport to jump in on a good idea.

By BamaBrave

May 7, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Hell yes…move Andruw back in the lineup. All Braves fans love Andruw, but I don’t see how anyone can say with confidence that he’s going to get his .280/35/120 numbers this year. Of course he’s done it before, but his game is WAY off. His head is so screwed up right now, and he doesn’t know how to dig himself out of it. It’s all because this is his contract year. He’s applying tremendous pressure to himself. He’s clearly not listening to Terry Pendleton. He never has, really. And he’s also doing odd things at the plate, like ignoring 3rd Base Coach Snitker on occasion. What’s up with that? His vulnerability to breaking stuff is worse than ever…and he’s practically on the ground when he follows through. It’s a miracle he walked yesterday in the 7th inning…or we probably don’t win that game. Like I said, as a Braves fan, I love him, but he’s p#ssing me off these days with his stubborn, I know-what I’m-doing attitude. Can’t anybody get through to this guy?

By Yars

May 7, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

If Bobby feels Andruw should be dropped to the #5 or #6 spot because it will help the team, then Andruw should accept it & be a team player. He shouldn’t worry. He will still get a monster contract over the winter by some team other than Atlanta. I know this will never happen, but what if Bobby puts Willie C. Harris in the leadoff spot & Kelly Johnson in the #4 or #5 spot for a few games? Just a wild idea to say the least. Now Playing: Me I’m Not by Nine Inch Nails.

By Diamondback.Mac

May 7, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

It might just be the kick in the pants Andruw needs to get him started this season.

By David

May 7, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Good topic. I wouldn’t move him yet. But I would let him know he better do the things that great ballplayers do like WORK and work smart to get his hitting worked out, he never seems to learn.

What are those same stats with RISP w/ 2 outs and what are they after the 7th inning?

By ChucktownBrave

May 7, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

He needs a wake up call. It might be just what the Dr. ordered. Dr. FreeAgent that is.

By Interested Observer

May 7, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

ESPN.com lists Villareal as the starter for tomorrow. I don’t know if that’s based on an official annoucement of some kind or purely conjecture.

By matt

May 7, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

@Yars I wouldn’t move KJ back to forth, he’s the best leadoff man in the league, and doesn’t look to be slowing at all. Like DOB said- move up Frenchy or McCann.

By Dave

May 7, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Here’s another stat. Bonds sucked for YEARS in the playoffs, bjut that is no determination of his future success as I recall him doing quite well (as his head exploded) later on in the playoffs. There is no explaining when teams get hot and cold.

My biggest problem with the Braves is Bobby is the WORST manager when it comes to manufacturing runs. Watch how he manages games during the year, we rarely bunt someone over when they get on with nobody out. You can’t do that in the playoffs. But given what the announcers brought up, it seems like more and more mangers wait on the 3 run homer, steals are WAY down across the league. Too much $$$ to get someone hurt I guess.

By eric the elder

May 7, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

There is no guarantee that someone else in the 4-hole will produce, and, in fact, moving someone else into that slot might screw up a guy who is hitting well. Then we would have two players in a slump instead of one. No matter - - Bobby won’t do it anyway.

Re music: Just exactly what is Teddy Thompson whining about?

By Mike

May 7, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

It would be interesting to do a further study of Andruw’s hitting statistics focusing on how many of his home runs and rbi have come in the first three innings of the game as compared to late game situations. I suspect that the stats would show that he is simply not a very effective clutch hitter. His continual inability or unwillingness to go to right field, something that Francoeur is doing to great effect, continues to hurt. Therefore, I would say yes, drop him to sixth or seventh in the order. He is the best defensive center fielder I have ever seen (and I started watching major league baseball in 1966) and I will miss him when he’s gone, but his “always swing for the left field bleachers” approach causes me to want just about anybody else in the lineup to be at the plate in a clutch situation.

By Jared

May 7, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

ESPN says Villarreal, CBS says Lerew and O’Brien said an some article it was basically Lerew or Barry. I guess no one knows.

I just hope that if it really boils down to Lerew or Barry, the Braves go with Lerew.

Barry sucks. His starts were horrible last year. He took them out early, like Redman this year. Kevin Barry was so bad no team would even take him for free via waivers in the offseason. The Braves might as well stick a big “we don’t care about this one game in May” banner over Turner Field if Barry is the starter on Tuesday.

I want Lerew.

By Lee

May 7, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

At this rate Andruw just might be the first player Scott Boras offers the hometown discount. AJ has never felt the pressure for playing for a contract year and he simply may not be able to come out of this slump.

By matt

May 7, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Braves.com officially states Villarreal as tuesdays starter as well.

By DonCoburleone

May 7, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Leave Andruw where he is. He may struggle a little with RISP, but I truly believe putting him in the 5th or 6th spot would make him slump even more… The guy has earned his spot in the lineup over the years, Frency/McCann will no doubt get their chance next season. DOB I know you don’t overreact to stuff and that this article was in response to some knuckle-heads on this blog; but we are 19-11, the only thing we should be worrying about is who is starting at pitcher tomorrow!

By BravesFanInRockies

May 7, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

I’d certainly move him down. With ‘Druw hitting 7th, this team could put together some ginormous innings and wouldn’t need to hit home runs to do it.

And I’ve never been a huge Pete Orr fan, but after wstching Woodward hit, he’s starting to look better as Hoss’ backup all the time …

By matt

May 7, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Jared- i agree- i want lerew as well, I like him last year before he got hit up a little bit. But who know’s what’s gonna happen.

I don’t like the “who cares about this one game” approach- we’re stinkin’ tied with the mets and need to keep chugging every game (and every series) we can get.

By Charlie

May 7, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Star that he is Andruw is NOT a cleanup hitter. Over his career his number with runners in scoring position are not good. He is not a clutch hitter. This year he has returned his “screw yourself into the ground, as you pull off the ball” form of the past. He seems to have no ability to hit breaking balls/off speed stuff, and with 2 strikes he’s almost a sure out. It seems like he can’t, or won’t adjust to the way he is being pitched. I can think if at least 3 games, where he made the third out with runners in scoring position, to end an inning. Brian McCann led off the next inning with a base hit. If McCann would have been in Andruw’s spot, and had gotten his hit then, we would have gone on to win all 3 games. I also think that Andruw is pressing a bit, contract year and all. I’m sure that his inconsistency is frustrating to him (as well as teammates and fans). The best thing Bobby Cox should do is switch Andrew and Brian in the batting order.

By matt

May 7, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies- I maybe biased (I met Orr once- he was a REALLY great guy), but I think I like him a lot better in the clutch than I like Woodward. But I’m more concerned about Wilson than I am about Woody. I know we didn’t bring wilson on to warm the bench, but I think we need to keep thorman in there much more then we currently do.

By Joshhh

May 7, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

I agree with David, I wouldn’t move him yet. BUT I would wait sayyy another 10 games and then say alright dude your moving down two spots. I would def. not move Kelly Johnson down, there is no reason to at all. I would like to Willie Harris move up, but there also isnt a reason to do that either because he is so strong for the end of our lineup.

By AZBravoFan

May 7, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Wow, imagine what moving McCann into the cleanup spot would do for Chipper. Right now nobody’s going to pitch to Chipper because they know they can either whiff Andruw or get him to GIDP. Of course, if Andruw is 5th then no one’s going to pitch to McCann either. But eventually you have to pitch to someone.

By DonCoburleone

May 7, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why Villareal wouldn’t be the starter tomorrow. Seems to me he is the obvious choice.

By Chop Chop

May 7, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

“I like to put on my happy face/While I cry on the inside”

Excuse me while I gouge my eyes out.

As far as moving Andruw out of the cleanup spot, I think it’s a good idea. While it’s very possible that Andruw will take offense to this blog and start mashing the ball to all fields tonight (here’s hoping), it just seems like it would be a good idea to get someone who’s hitting a little better in that spot.

By DonCoburleone

May 7, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Dave wrote: “It seems like more and more mangers wait on the 3 run homer, steals are WAY down across the league. Too much $$$ to get someone hurt I guess.”

I don’t think it’s that Dave, I think it’s the fact that alot of teams do not allow their best base-stealers to decide to steal on their own. If they are not ordered to steal the base, then they don’t. And you’re right about the fact that managers don’t want to send guys, but it’s because most speedy base-stealer types are at the top of the order and when they get on base, the best hitters on the team follow. So all the managers are scared of taking the bat out of their best hitters hands with a runner on base.

I agree with what you’re saying though. I mean, guys like Reyes and Crawford and Figgins should all be attempting at least 1 stolen base per game.

By Brent

May 7, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

DOB- I don’t think moving Andruw is the right move now or at any point this year. Baseball is about patience and Andruw Jones has tested our patience before. He has gone through month long slumps every year of his career, and he has gone through stretches where his presence in the lineup seemed disasterous. But he has always rebounded and put up great numbers. The last few years are a perfect example. He has arguably been the most productive cleanup hitter in the National League the past two years, despite his recurring slumps. Andruw is not exactly in the twilight of his career, so there is no indication that his raw skills or talent have deteriorated at all. This is just another Andruw Jones slump, and he will break out of it and put up excellent numbers.

Andruw is also a prototypical cleanup hitter. The cleanup hitter is not supposed to be the best all around hitter on the team, a title that belongs to Chipper Jones or maybe Brian McCann. Instead, the clean up hitter is supposed to be an imposing force in the middle of the lineup, who has the best chance to hit the ball hard every time he comes to the plate. A cleanup hitter protects the hitters in front of him by his presence as a power hitter. Many cleanup hitters are big swingers who are susceptable to K’s. That goes along with the job. But the bottom line is that a cleanup hitter is supposed to hit home runs and rack up RBI’s, something no one has been as good at as Andruw over the past two years. The Braves will be patient, and AJ will start hitting- probably right when some of the other guys cool off- and the runs will keep coming in.

By matt

May 7, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

AZBravoFan- They don’t pitch to andruw either, he’s seventh in NL walks at 23 (chipper is eighth with one less).

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

May 7, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

ESPN 2 is gonna air the MLB Draft this season. Talk about edge of your seat programming. 50 rounds of pure excitement!

By cly

May 7, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Move Andruw down in the order to 7th.

He looks horrible at the plate and is hurting the team. What is his record agains the #’s 1 & 2 starters???? I bet it is really bad. He needs to cut down on his swing & hit some to right. It is sickening having to watch how bad he looks at the plate. Ugh !!!

He’s not worth a big money contract and he won’t be productive playing for someone else next year. Too bad he doesn’t see it.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Andruw is a typical 5-6 hitter. He hits a ball a mile but strikes out a lot. It used to be you would put your best hitter in the cleanup spot. This doesn’t necessarily mean the guy who hits the ball the farthest. Our best hitter is Chipper, then McCann, then probably Kelly or Rent. Obviously Chips fine where he is. Kelly is tearing it up in the lead-off spot and Rent hits too few homers over the long haul to be cleanup. But McCann. Now he could flourish in the cleanup role. If Bobby doesn’t do something soon, he won’t be able to do anything later. If he puts up with Andruw’s numbers now, he’s going to create a monster of a problem later if/when things keep going this way. If he moves him down now, that gives Andruw (and his agent) plenty of time to start hitting and earn his way back. Then he can get his payday later this year. If you put up with it then move him down later in the year, andruw may never stop swinging for the left field fence.

By MBATL

May 7, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

I just don’t see much merit in moving AJ down the lineup (except to “teach him a lesson”, and that can cut both ways). Braves are 5th in the NL in runs scored; and over the past month are 1st in runs/game. Don’t mess up a good thing.

By MS

May 7, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Yahoo! says Kevin Barry is starting. Looks like it’s still up in the air then. I’m sure DOB will give us the official word as soon as it’s decided.

Andruw’s situation is eerily similar to 2005 (hopefully at least). That was the first season he was moved to the cleanup role. He struggled mightily for about 3 weeks and was moved back down to 5th, 6th, and sometimes even 7th in the order. After a few weeks of that is when he started hitting bombs like crazy and was eventually moved back to the 4th spot permanently. Maybe the same move this year would produce the same “jumpstart” affect.

There is an argument to be made that Andruw is more of a #5 or 6 hitter anyways. A guy who drives in runs at a good clip, but who doesn’t hit for a high enough average to warrant being in the heart of the order (very similar to Laroche IMO). Over the past couple of years, we haven’t had enough proven guys behind him to move him down in the lineup. Even in 2005 when he was dropped down, the guys cleaning up were Laroche, Johnny Estrada, and even Julio Franco! Now that we have some proven bats in Mac and Frenchy, I think a switch in the order (at least short term to get him going, but possibly even long term) wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

Only downside to the move IMO, is potentially putting too much pressure on one of the young kids. McCann would probably be the safer candidate by that measure, but then you screw up the L-R-L-R run we have now. I think the move I’d make right now is to flip-flop Andruw and Francoeur, since Frenchy historically hits so much better with runners on than with the bases empty (.306 vs. 250), while Andruw is the opposite (especially this year: .176 runners on vs. .278 bases empty).

By Jared

May 7, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

“I don’t understand why Villareal wouldn’t be the starter tomorrow.”

Because he ain’t been too good this year? His arm isn’t stretched out? Because you have a guy in AAA with great stats who would be pitching on regular rest on Tuesday?

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

May 7, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Bat Pete Orr 4th.

By MS

May 7, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Just wanted to clarify as well, I love Andruw and hope we can still sign him to a somewhat reasonable long-term contract in the offseason. His defense saves so many runs, it’s worth the ones he leaves on the basepaths. I just think he’s better suited a little lower in the order.

By Off topic

May 7, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Is it confirmed yet that Oscar will be starting Tuesday?

By tp

May 7, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Both Chipper and Andrew Jones at times play with a nonchalant attitude. Chipper has step it up since the younger players have been playing like they’ve been in the league longer than them. As for Andrew……he’s just a nuisance at the plate. Bobby need to let him bat behind every hitter who has a higher batting adverage than him. Batting order should be:1)K.Johnson 2)E.Renteria 3)Chipper 4)B.McCann 5)J.Francoeur 6)W.Harris 7)A.Jones 8)S.Thorman 9)Pitcher. If A.Jones want to move up….he better improve his hitting. Bobby need to move J.Saltalamacchia to 1st….the guy can hit.Bobby Cox…..make the change please sir.

By LudaChris

May 7, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t they move Andruw as far down as 7th in the lineup for a short stretch of games during the same 2005 season in which he led the league in homers? Or was that the year before..

Maybe dropping him down to 5th or 6th just until he picks it up would be beneficial to both him and the ball club. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind considering even he can recognize how Francoeur and McCann are surging while he’s struggling.

By Steve McP

May 7, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Certainly move Andruw. Said this here on Friday and Saturday, so I have to be a believer, maybe the new patient Frenchy, or the consistent McCann would be better at 4, surely it is worth a try, although with our W-L stats there is also an “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” case. Of course the view espoused by DOB above is that it is broken and so if it is fixed now the W-L stats will continue to be good.

I am also a believer that Andruw will hit and maybe a spell out of clean up will hasten that return. I have not been able to find the stats on his bad streaks in earlier years, but we do know that he is a streak hitter and he has probably had stretches like this in the past and it will be bad news for opponents when he gets his eye in - of course I don’t recall him falling out of the batting box on every swing in the past.

Incidentally just an observation on his mental state (and I can’t see that the free agency is upsetting him) at the plate yesterday he argued a call with the umpire, which I don’t recall seeing him do before, usually any marginal call just gets a sardonic grin.

Do not move Johnson - the kid is brilliant in both his roles (some people on this blog at the weekend were suggesting moving him to LF) and is obviously revelling in the new situation that he has faced this year.

By jed

May 7, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Yes, while Andruw is slumping, and while he continues to be undisciplined at the plate (swinging for the fences on every pitch), I’d definitely drop him in the order. If only to get his attention. Then when he gets hot, move him back to 4.

By Grahamdawg

May 7, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Why not? He’s not going to be w/ us next year anyway, so who cares if he gets mad? Do whatever is in the best interest of the team.

By ncscoots

May 7, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

MBATL, I agree. If the Braves were 4 games out and playing .500 ball, Bobby might…might, mind you…consider moving AJ. But mess with success? Huh-uh, don’t think he would do that. AJ’s gonna have to be a lot worse than this to be moved while the club is winning.

By Fred from CT

May 7, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

TP lay off chipper

By Ron Roberts

May 7, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Might be unpopular to say this, but I say leave it the way it is. Andruw’s about the most frustratingly streaky big bopper there is, and as bad as he gets, he gets equally as good in streaks, too. Bound to come around soon enough, and his horrid hitting hasn’t been been a lead weight on the team’s overall offensive performance, yet, and as long as that’s the case, we’re fine.

I don’t personally like the idea of tinkering with the lineup because I like having the Francoeurs and the Thormans and McCanns of our team in the bottom half of the lineup. We’re one of the few teams that can trot out a hard-hitting lineup, top-to-bottom. There’s not much to pitch around, with the way things are. When they’re all doing what they’re capable of, there aren’t many lineups as solid as Atlanta’s.

Move somebody up to cleanup and Andruw down, and all you’re doing is clustering your currently-struggling bats to the back of the lineup card.

By ernesto

May 7, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

MBATL — Don’t mess up a good thing? Andruw ain’t been adding much to the good thing, so how’s it going to mess it up? Actually it you look at all the RISP he’s left, you could argue he’s keeping a good thing from becoming a great thing.

By BamaBrave

May 7, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Chipper didn’t look very nonchalant yesterday when he was reaming the third base umpire.

By ernesto

May 7, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

By the way, can someone give Teddy Thompson a hug…I think he needs one.

By Don Imus

May 7, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Isnt Pete Orr a nappy headed hockey player?

By Drew

May 7, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

I think McCann could definitely do the job hitting cleanup. Andruw really has looked terrible. It seems like every time he is up, he falls down swinging on at least 1 pitch. I think he has a mechanical issue that needs to be fixed before he can even get his average to .260. I would have no problem with McCann 4th, Francoeur 5th, and Andruw 6th, followed by Thorman and Harris.

On another note, DOB, how long do you think it will be before Thorman starts getting some at-bats against lefties. With Wilson continuing to struggle against them, I would think Bobby has to be close to at least giving him a shot.

By Shaun

May 7, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

My view of situational hitting:

Look at day/night or grass/turf splits. Most intelligent fans and baseball people will say they’re not really meaningful in almost all cases. A player is more likely to play like he does all the time rather than what he does on grass, even if the game is on grass. I would argue that other situational stats are similar—what hitters do with RISP, etc.

What Andruw has done his whole career is more telling than what he’s done with RISP so far this season or what he’s done with RISP over the past 3 seasons.

By Lojak

May 7, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Bama Brave’s blog earlier was right on. Andrew is clueless. I heard Terry Pendleton say the other day that he has given up on talking to Jones. Say’s its like talking to a brick wall. Not a good situation.

I would definetly move hom to 5 or 6 in lineup.

By Efrim

May 7, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Andruw will be fine. I will say the Braves offense has been a lot better than I thought. It is bound to come down a bit. Starting pitching is the issue.

By bruce

May 7, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Andruw is a great hitter and has earned the fourth spot as DonC says, but I do not believe he is fragile, so when his timing comes back he would immediately move back to 4th from 6th or 5th. I think Mac should hit 4th for his ability to knock in runs anywhere around the diamond and let Frenchy hit 5th as long as it does not make Frenchy revert to his less disciplined approach. If Andruw doesn’t want to do it, then give him the day off. If he won’t listen to TP when things go poorly, maybe the pine will help his hearing.

Is his hitting chart more pull-skewed now than when he is making normal contact?

By Ricardo

May 7, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

ncscoots -

You’re on the money. No way does BC mess with AJ while they are winning.
My concern is Craig Wilson - this guy is stealing money!! Again, he’ll get a long leash (esp with Thorman playing well) but BC stays with platoons a long time with young guys and at some point Wilson will be an albatross. I’ve heard things off and on about a shoulder, but that dude looks lost!

By GT80

May 7, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

What happened to AJ’s wide balanced stance from the last 2 years? Seems he’s still spread out a bit but is just swinging like crazy. What DOB’s stats show is that he is just not an elite hitter. If he could only be a .280 hitter he would be elite but I think he’s a lifetime .265 hitter. He’s gotten by with being a .265 power hitter and has never really had a reason to change, so we will just have to live with it. Should he be the #4 hitter, probably not but Bobby isn’t going to panic and push him down just yet. He could start tomorrow with putting together about 3 weeks of good play and we’ll all forget this conversation.

BTW, love the work Willie C. is doing in LF. I’ve said before, sometimes it is the unheralded guy that gets his chance and makes a huge impact on a team that has a special season. I hope Willie C. is that guy all year long.

By ElbravoX

May 7, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

AJ is not #4 hitter, he is a great pull hitter who fails to adjust during games, during series. He is a 5th or six hitter. Because of Chipper oft injured past, AJ had to be there. With 1-6 as it stands, he is not the best choice. The reluctance of Cox not making a necessary change can be rooted in the fact that AJ is a free agent and he does not want to stir the pot. Cox and AJ should both realize that what’s better for AJ is better for the Braves. AJ has a track record, he will his coin regardless, time to put the team first an AJ in the 6th slot. GO BRAVES.

By ernesto

May 7, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Yes, listen to Shaun, stare deeply into his stats…never mind what you see while you watch the games…never mind what TP or anyone else says…listen to Shaun…you’re getting sleepy…

By eric the elder

May 7, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Where is it written that we can’t have two outstanding catchers? Why do we have to have one great catcher and another guy named Pratt?

I understand the negative effect of platooning on getting into a hitting rhythm. On the other hand, we all know that catching is a brutal position. Using each one 3-4 times per week (yes, I know there are 7 days in a week) would give them a rest, a chance to heal, and could prolong their careers. It would also strengthen the bench. I would love to see BMac and Salty on the roster together.

By MBATL

May 7, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Drew, oddly enough, Thorman is hitting exactly the same - .273 - against righties and lefties. His on-base and power numbers are actually a little better against lefties. Of course, a lot more ab’s against righties.

I’d bet that Bobby is trying to keep Wilson sharp (or, get him sharp), and also bring Thorman along slowly. I think Thor will start to get more chances against lefties as the season wears on. Hope so, anyway.

By avlbrv

May 7, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

when i turned on the game yesterday, i thought…well i thought lots of things, but i knew the lineup wasn’t its normal self. anyway, perhaps hitting andruw 3rd will make him think about how he approaches the plate. of course that also means chipper would have to hit cleanup, but i think that would work out okay.

speaking of chipper, does someone already with a nickname get another nickname? do others call him Hoss or is it only DOB? not even sure if i recall correctly that it was DOB that calls him Hoss. sorry, that was my random thought of the day.

By keylargo25

May 7, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

I was thinking yesterday of which .260 hitter I really feared coming up with RISP. You know I could not think of one. That is where Andruw is now. I have loved him since he was a 19 year old rookie but I think his time with the Braves should be over. Even if he goes .250/25/90 this year some team will offer him $20M a year for 5 years and I just don’t want him for those numbers if the Braves are going to have a fixed payroll. He is an old 30 and keeps gitting heavier and slower. he no longer can steal a base or score from first on a double. His time from home to first has to be pushing 5.0 seconds and his batting average will go down 30 more points when (not if) teams employ a shift since he no longer hits to the opposite field

By An Andruw Advocate

May 7, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

I love Andruw; but right now he couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat. Drop him to seventh until he gets hot.

By David-ATL14

May 7, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Just checked Richmond’s Game Notes,Lerew still listed to pitch for them Tuesday night. I suppose that could be changed though by the powers that be. Also noticed that Boyer has been activated from the DL for Richmond. i really hope Lerew gets the call, nothing positive will come from Barry pitching , nothing positve at all.

By Lew

May 7, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

tp-Chipper needs to step up? Have you been watching the same games the rest of us have been watching? Exactly what part of his consistent .300 BA and tied for the league lead in HR’s failed to impress you? Did you see the hell he raised with the ump yesterday? Seemed pretty intense to me. Didn’t seem to be nonchalant in the least.

By rammerjammer

May 7, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Leave Andruw where he is, and let him leave when the season’s over. Right now, everyone BUT him is in a good groove. Don’t mess with success.

By avlbrv

May 7, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

forgot to contribute to the music portion of this blog. found this cool visualizer plug-in for itunes. pretty neat. http://software.barbariangroup.com/magnetosphere/ Beck - Sissyneck now playing

By journalist jimmy smith

May 7, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

if don sutton was slumping, would you move don out of the booth? if bobby dews was falling asleep during the games would you move bobby? how about marcus giles? would you move marcus to get better results? if langerhans was hitting .050 would you move langerhans? pat corrales, redman, mcbride, reitsma, remlinger? if your cleanup hitter doesn’t clean up would you consider moving andruw down in the order? oh, the humanity! everybody can be moved. maybe a day off would help andruw some. who would play center field? francoeur?

By michael of b'ham

May 7, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

1st: Big AJ fan. but…notice how well KJ,Rent,Chipper and McCann are doing with very controlled,smoothe swings. They get their homers too but they’re always very likely to put the ball in play. Andruw, I’m begging you….right field man!!! For the love of all that’s good in this world…right field…just once! Just imagine a world where Andruw is standing at 2nd with a couple more rbi’s instead of grounding into that double play or striking out. Imagine AJ batting .300!… and I think to myself….what a wonderful world. ohhhh yeahhh….

By Lojak

May 7, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

one way to make this move down in the lineup is to put Harris at lead off, then move everyone down in lineup one spot. You would have two guys with speed at front of lineup while putting Andrew at fifth. Maybe that would not crush his ego and solve some problems.

By ncscoots

May 7, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Just as an aside to DOB’s “runners on base virtually every time…” note: AJ’s had at least one runner in scoring position for a full one-third of his AB (not PA). One…third. Even Boras must go beer-can with all those missed opportunities to inflate the notebook.

By h_charles

May 7, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

DOB — Very good points about the 2 out hits. Two some extent we are on borrowed time. Barometer for a great offense over the course of a year is just as easily if not more so measure how many times they score with the benefit of one hit in a given inning. The Braves fall short here. While the BA with 2 outs and RISP is high, the BA with no outs and RIP is dismal. That will come back to bite you when hits are hard to come by. However, it is encouraging that this year’s squad is showing more patience at the plate, which may help offset slumps when they come (and they WILL come).

As to Andruw, I think it is time for a 6 hole. There is plenty of precedence with Andruw for this (back when we had a really scary lineup Andruw hit down there), and he needs a wake-up call. It is one thing if you are slumping while trying to do the right thing. Andruw isn’t. He is still trying to pull everything and rolling over or missing breakikng stuff away. Now, to compound things, he seems a bit late on good fastballs, probably from swinging too large on every pitch. His K yesterday was sad. It almost looked like he resolved himself to a strikeout even before he hit the box. The one silver lining to Andruw’s poor showing may be a greater ability to keep him a Brave next year. Bad numbers in a contract year will do wonders for keeping his price down. Still a pipe dream, but a lit more of a possibility if Andruw reverts back to the .250 hitter he was early on in his career.

By Wayne in Utah

May 7, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

What if Bobby gave him a day off? Would that send a message that “hey, your slumping pal”???

I would also be in favor of dropping him in the order, but I would put Francoeur 4th and McCann 5th. Drop AJ to 6th and tell him to show you that you are wrong.

By BamaBrave

May 7, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

BTW…I know this is an Andruw blog, but I’m loving the 1-2 punch of Soriano-Gonzales/Gonzales-Soriano to close out games. What a difference a year makes.

By Wayne in Utah

May 7, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

I still say let him walk, especially if he keeps this stubbornness up all year.

By Jimbo

May 7, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Heck yes move Andruw down. They are winning inspite of him leaving countless runners on base. Bat him 7th or 8th until he gets a clue at the plate. They batted A-Rod 8th, why not Andruw? Are they afraid to hurt the feelings of a player who will not be back? If he won’t listen to TP then its timee for some tough love. Right now when he comes up with men on base, its better that he strikes out, bucause whenever he tries to pull that outside pitch its usually a double play. A rally killer. Take him out of cleanup!

By ncscoots

May 7, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Fellas (and I say that because I haven’t seen any of our distaff bloggers post today), it’s been fun. Took a day off today, and it’s the first chance I’ve had in a while to do more than just post sporadically (“a good thing”, murmurs the crowd). Really enjoyed the opportunity to carry on some threads with you guys today.

By TennesseePaul

May 7, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

What Andruw has done his whole career is more telling than what he’s done with RISP so far this season or what he’s done with RISP over the past 3 seasons.

Sorry Payne, you just can’t have it both ways. You say given a large enough sample the statistics will converge. Andruw has over a 1300 plate appearances in his career in these situations. That is a very large sample size. He is falling far short of his over all averages in this situation. You constantly attest that these thing all work out to be the same, and this is simply not the case with AJ. The burdon of proof is on you to show that these splits work out to be the same across all great hitters of which on the last blog you lumped AJ into. However, it is not the case. Above you will see some great hitters listed by DOB and you can see that they are not all equal. A-Rod works out the same, others work out better in the clutch. Some hitters are better than others in clutch situations. AJ is not one of those better hitters. He does not perform up to career levels when in clutch situations. That is a fact shown by his performance, verifiable by his enormous sample size of statistics.

As for moving Andruw, not going to happen. Besides, what ever we’re doing is working we might as well stick with it. AJ will heat up. He’s one of the streakiest hitters in the pros, so it should be of no surprise that he is in a funk right now.

By MGL

May 7, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Lojak, you are nuts, along with the other bozo’s suggesting putting Harris in the leadoff spot!! He is in his seventh partial Major League season and he has a career .242 AVG, .310 OBP, and an awful .298 SLG. He is playing well above his normal level. Now, I’ll be tickled to death if he keeps it up, but he is going to drop from his current 5 games 2007 stats.

Leave KJ alone, why mess with the part of the team that is working the best in the league.

By dobearsbare

May 7, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

I’ve long though it would be wise to have Chipper hitting fourth behind Andruw. My reasoning is that Chipper is a more disciplined hitter and hits for a higher average, and given Andruw’s free-swinging ways, other teams might be inclined to go after him and avoid facing Chipper with runners on base. I believe it would result in Andruw getting more pitches to hit, which likely would offset the 20 or so at-bats Chipper would lose. In the same way, I like McCann hitting behind Francoeur rather than vice versa. But what do I know? I’m not the guy who has all those division titles in his bio.

By MBATL

May 7, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

ncscoots, good to hear from you… get an easier job, man, so you can blog more!

By rammerjammer

May 7, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

DOB, interesting that Andruw would get in your grill just for suggesting he move down in the lineup.

The cars, the requisite blond trophy, the don’t-talk-to-me-about-hitting attitude…it all looks so “full of oneself.”

Quite a contrast to his teammates. Perhaps his insecurities are taking over now that the kids - French, Mac, KJ - are the new stars.

Is this Sunset Boulevard?

By Jared

May 7, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Willie Harris leading off? Huh? Over what he’s done over a couple of games? No thanks.

Kelly Johnson can, should and will stay where he is, in the leadoff role. Why mess with success?

By Wayne in Utah

May 7, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Only way you move KJ out of the leadoff spot is if one of two things happen: 1) He goes into a horrific slump, or 2) If Chipper goes down for more than one game, then you MAYBE move KJ to the 3 spot.

By D-Cider

May 7, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

I would drop him down a few spaces. Whatever the Braves do, it won’t be as stupid as batting him 2nd which was tried a few years back.

By Andruw from Curacao

May 7, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

If you devalue me in my walk year by moving me down the line-up, then you either need to be prepared to compensate me for that humiliation (and extra few miliion dollars or an extra year on the deal) or be prepared to watch me climb the centerfield wall in another uniform. And don’t forget, Chipper will eventually take off 20-30 games. He’s our version of Speedy Claxton. They both have 1 championship ring and both miss a ton of games.

By geauxbraves2000

May 7, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

I’ve not read every post, but I personally like Francouer between Chipper and McCann, 3-4-5. Francouer is maturing quite nicely as a hitter, and imagine the numbers he could put up hitting between those two. Andruw 6th is ideal, for when he is hot he could really protect McCann.

Geaux Braves!!

By Lew

May 7, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Wayne-Did you get my email the other day?

By AZBravoFan

May 7, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

matt - that’s a good point. Didn’t realize he had that many walks. Although watching yesterday I was impressed with his at-bat after Chipper’s phantom K. It was nice to see amid all the wild swings that he can at times show some discipline. It would have been easy for him to try to pick up Chipper by flailing away and trying to hit the Coke bottle. Seems to me when he starts taking walks in key situations like that, one of his patented tears is soon to follow.

By Bushwacker

May 7, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

YES, Francouer should hit behind Chipper and in front of McCann, he would see alot of fastballs!!

If baseball is going to allow part time players, I think Hank Aaron should come back and play on weekends only in Atlanta. With todays watered down pitching he could still he a few hrs, just enough to stay ahead of of Barroid!!

By michael of b'ham

May 7, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Rammerjammer, don’t forget he(AJ) changed endorsement deals because his face wasn’t on enough stuff.(like Chipper and Mizuno) AJ seems to be dealing with the ol’ “ME MONSTER”. hope I’m wrong about that.

By eric the elder

May 7, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

You folks are being way to hard on Andruw. I love seeing him stick his butt out when trying to pull a down and away slider. I love how his backswing nails catchers. I love how he appeals checked swings when he has no right to. I love how he ignores TP because he has his own agenda. I love all his expensive cars. Most of all I love the smirk. Cut him some slack.

By deewill23

May 7, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

I would put McCann in front of Andruw mainly because his a better pure hitter. But the bad part about that is Andruw might not like that. That can also messup Francoeur RBI’s because it seems like Andruw is never on base. Here is my batting order.

1. Johnson

2. Renteria

3. Chipper

4. McCann

5. Andruw

6. Francoeur

7. Thorman

8. Harris/Diaz

Hopefully on tuesday we don’t have to send out Kevin Barry against the Dodgers. Right now Anthony Lerew is pitching better than him, and also is working on his regular pitching schedule. Lerew was also in the braves top ten prospect list by baseball america last year. Lerew has a lot of potential and can also blow away some batters. I also have one more beef, why dosn’t Mr. Cox play Scott Thorman everyday? He is hitting the ball real well lately, he has a lot of power, and is young.

By chrisklob

May 7, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Andruw from Curacao — you humiliate yourself and the team at almost every at bat. Should the Braves expect you to give back some of the money you get from them?

Chipper will probably miss some time this year. I’m not worried about it because I think we’ve got some talent to back him up. After all, those same bats have been carrying you for the last month or so.

By chrisklob

May 7, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Eric the Elder, very funny stuff. You forgot to say how much you love the way he mows down the pre-game spread in the clubhouse too!

By MS

May 7, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Anyone who argues moving Johnson, Renteria, or Chipper from their current spots in the order needs to have their head examined. It helps that right now all three are white hot at the plate, but even outside of that, KJ, Edgar, & Chipper are PERFECT 1, 2, & 3 hitters respectively. Each of them were made to fill the role they have right now. KJ’s got the ability to get on base (and steal a bag when necessary) you need from the leadoff spot. Edgar is one of the best situational hitters in the game, ideal for the 2 spot. And Hoss is one of the most well-rounded hitters in the game (and a switch hitter to boot!), and whose combination of a keen eye and power make a perfect #3 hitter.

If Andruw gets replaced at 4, it’s by someone below him, either McCann or Francouer. (I know I’m probably stating the obvious to most here, but I’m still amazed when anyone suggests moving any of our 1-3 hitters, even if it is a “promotion” to cleanup).

By Lew

May 7, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

It wouldn’t hurt to try him at sixth after McCann and Francoeur for a couple of days. I wouldn’t make radical changes to the lineup, like Willie Harris leading off. Not because Harris hasn’t done well to this point, but why mess up the obvious chemistry we already have? Why penalize KJ for doing an exemplary job so far?

By Wayne in Utah

May 7, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Lew: Yes, and thanks for everything. Do you do a Dale Murphy, as he was one of my favorite players and he is a Utah resident now?

I will be going off very soon, as I have tickets with my son and some neighbors to the Jazz-Warriors game tonight! We’re going early to enjoy the carnival atmosphere at the Arena tonight before the game.

By BamaBrave

May 7, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

It wouldn’t surprise me if Andruw’s scumbag agent is reminding him daily how much money he’s losing with each strikeout, or non-homer plate appearance.

By Josh

May 7, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t mess with Kelly and Willie while thier hot, but if Andruw doesn’t begin to produce I wouldn’t have a problem with putting McCann in at cleanup

By DonCoburleone

May 7, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

Where is it written that we can’t have two outstanding catchers? Why do we have to have one great catcher and another guy named Pratt?

I understand the negative effect of platooning on getting into a hitting rhythm. On the other hand, we all know that catching is a brutal position. Using each one 3-4 times per week (yes, I know there are 7 days in a week) would give them a rest, a chance to heal, and could prolong their careers. It would also strengthen the bench. I would love to see BMac and Salty on the roster together.

I have actually thought about this myself, and it could be done for at least this year and next cuz neither McCann or Salty will be making more than $1mil until 2009 when McCann’s salary jumps to $3.5mil. Maybe package Pena and a bullpen guy (Sturtze or Paronto?) at the deadline to fill a potential need and then boom, you’ve got Salty as the backup. Then entertain trade offers for Salty in the offseason and if nothing comes along worthwhile just keep him as McCann’s backup for 2008. I mean, we’d still only be spending about $1.1mil on both guys next year…

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Uh, nothing.

Braves aren’t planning to announce tomorrow’s starter until AFTER the game. Hey, don’t ask me why; they won’t say. It’s the Braves way in these matters sometimes, much as we all hate it.

I’d say a good bet is Lerew, but some folks think it could be Barry. Reason I say Lerew is because it would make some sense that Braves wouldn’t want to announce it until afterward, so others wouldn’t wonder who’s going to be sent down, etc.

On the other hand, it would make some sense if they planned to start Barry tomorrow to not announce it until afterward, just in case tonight’s game goes 18 innings and he has to pitch. Then you’d have Lerew available to come down tomorrow, since he’s scheduled to pitch tomorrow anyway.

Sorry, but no Braves people seem to really know except Bobby and John and Frank, and they’re not saying.

Word is that San Diego will start 24-year-old RH Justin Germano, who was briefly up with the Reds last year and was up with Padres in 2004. He’s back with them now, but not on major league team _ yet.

That announcement probably won’t come until after game, either

Oh, and EDGAR RENTERIA has the flu and is out of lineup tonight. Harris is batting second, Woodward playing short and batting eighth.

By Yars

May 7, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Atlanta can’t afford to throw away games, man. The Mets are not going to disappear, & the Philies aren’t either. Andruw is not hitting the ball well right now. So what is Bobby moves him into the #5 or #6 spot? I want our team to win the NL East, not the NL wildcard. There’s a big difference. Hell man, I am more concerned about our #4 & #5 starting pitcher than Andruw. I don’t see Andruw hitting .280 anytime soon, but I do see him hitting under 35 HR & 100 + RBI this season. Man, either way, he ain’t going to be a Brave next season. Start getting used to it. He will still contribute. .265/33/109 is not out of the question this season for Andruw. Kelly Johnson is the Braves MVP for the month of April, in my opinion. He reminds me a lot of Tony Gwynn for some reason.

By kdbanks

May 7, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

It might make sense to move Andruw back a couple of spots (note I’m not using the negatively charged “drop a couple of spots”) but it won’t happen because of the guy in charge of setting the lineup. Bobby Cox takes players’ psyches into consideration in every move he makes. If a guy’s in a slump, he plays every day so he won’t think he’s being benched for poor performance. If a guy goes 4 for 5, he gets the next day off so he can think positively about his game. I think Bobby will ride this out all season, unless it continues for another 30 games or so. Then, he won’t have much choice. But for now, Andruw is safe I think.

By Steve McP

May 7, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

thanks DOB - no news is still news sometimes! People get their wish to see how Harris does up the order - should be fun with him and KJ at 1 & 2

By Lew

May 7, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Wayne-A Murphy it shall be. We’ll talk later.

By DonCoburleone

May 7, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

And I don’t totally understand the McCann to cleanup argument most people on here are advocating. He has 2 home-runs on the season thus far and in my opinion, the cleanup spot should be reserved for a HR hitter, not a singles and doubles hitter… And I’m not bashing McCann, I just think he is an ideal #5 hitter who is best used as protection for the cleanup hitter. McCann has a fundamentally sound, smart approach at the plate meaning he doesn’t need any protection to be successful. AJ, on the other hand, is anything but fundamentally sound and can benefit more by having somebody behind him who can cause a pitcher to throw him strikes, see what I mean?

By Steve McP

May 7, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

Agree with you Don Coburleone - I think Frenchy is 4 if Andruw is moved to 6 - it preserves the left/right order and means that Frenchy will have to be pitched to because McCann was next up. Having said that I was surprised to see Andruw’s walks number, I would not have thought that picthers/managers would rather pitch to McCann than Andruw with their respective figures at present.

By Drummerdad

May 7, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Yes. Move Andruw down in the order.

So far, the Dodgers win the Aybar/Betemit trade. But it’s going to take some time to properly evaluate this one. We should have an award for dog trades. We could call it “THE BARKER AWARD”.

Fortunately, there haven’t been many of them.

By ernesto

May 7, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Yes! Woodwards in! Sweet! I can take breaks right after the 7th batter now. Wooward = uniform filling.

By krath

May 7, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

One good thing about changing the batting order. If it looks like the world will stop spinning because of the move, you can change it again the next day.

Dropping someone in the order sometimes works.

Even though it’s probably not likely, I wonder if Boras is whispering in Andruw’s ear. “big boppers make big bucks…..big boppers make big bucks” Maybe the Boras “walk year” strategy is playing a big part in Andruw’s stubborness. Of course it seems like Druw has been pretty stubborn before.

Yeah…drop him to six in the order. Maybe a dose of humility is what he needs.

By MBATL

May 7, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

DonC, great points. I hadn’t even thought about McCann having just 2 HR (you don’t even notice, as well as he hits), but that’s sure not what you want at cleanup. Said it before, I’ll say it again - our offense ain’t broke, so there’s no need to fix it.

Seems to me that the only need this team has is 5th starter. That’s not a bad position to be in.

By Put Me In Coach

May 7, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Seriously, I worry about some of you all. Do not move KJ

By Stuart

May 7, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

Andruw is struggling, but maybe the Braves should not tinker with how they are playing right now. A change might disrupt the flow. However, Andruw though my favorite player and may be the piece that makes me dislike the Braves if they do not resign him…. is not getting it done so far this year.

So far this season, you might even have a case to call him a rally killer. Go back and see what he has done in the middle of games with a man on first with one out or a person on 2nd with two outs.

IF Bobby Cox changes the order, let Andruw bat 3rd for one game. Then let him bat 6th one game, then 5th for one game… just to see how that affects the team and other hitters.

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

by the way, Teddy Thompson is the great Brit songwriter Richard Thompson’s son, for those who care.

(hey, I know the lyrics seem whiny in print, but it’s a really great song; dude’s got a great voice that makes it work. It’s always nice to know they’re are so many of you folks out there are all strong and content on the inside, no problems and such that you can relate to.)

By DonCoburleone

May 7, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

Just reading an article on different teams in baseball. Check out this very interesting stat(even though it’s not about the Braves):

Remember how horrible the Angels looked when they played the Red Sox in April at Fenway? If you watched them closely in that series, you realized that much of their ineffectiveness was due to their inability to handle the cold. They looked uncomfortable. Now we have some empirical evidence that that was the case. When the game-time temperature has been 60 degrees or lower, they’re 2-9, and both of those wins came in Anaheim. But when it is 61 or higher, they’re 14-3. They average only 2.8 runs when it’s cold, 5.3 when it’s warm.

What does this mean for the Angels? I think it means they won’t do much in October!

By Epinephrine

May 7, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

I definitely do not want Frenchy and Andruw back to back in the lineup. Something fees off about that to me.

By humbug

May 7, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

When will Andrew or Pendleton realize that you can’t hit if you swing from your heels while pulling back? He’s going to hurt himself staggering on his swings. Move him down or rest him for a few games. Something is wrong here and needs to be fixed. He’s better than he’s showing.

By Greg in TN

May 7, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Evening Friends and Neighbors…

Folks I think moving AJ out of position #4 is a double-edged sword. There’s a mindset and an approach to hitting cleanup and doing it well that makes it difficult when you move back to another spot in the lineup.

More drama from the evil empire yesterday. I had to laugh at the Yankees. Just when you think things couldn’t be any more out of hand with the Steinbrenner empire they announce Clemens signing by having him make the announcement himself from the owner’s box at Yankee Stadium after the seventh inning stretch.

It certainly puts the pressure on Minaya and the mets to match that. I mean… Do they put Brian Lawrence on a platform on the still-under-construction Citi Field and have him make a similar announcement? Maybe have him wear a hard hat and a tool belt and tell the Shea faithful that he’s ready to go to work?

Is there any chance in all we may see Rick Mahler on the mound tomorrow night?

By Josh C

May 7, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

Here’s an interesting thought…As well as he’s done this year maybe KELLY JOHNSON would be an ideal cleanup guy with Willie C. getting a shot at the everyday leadoff gig. With the OBP of Chipper and Edgar you could afford to lose a few OBP points from the leadoff spot. With Kelly’s numbers where they are seems that you’d be better off having him drive in runs than vice versa. Move Druw to 7th just above Thor. No, wait on that last part…

By DonCoburleone

May 7, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

So far, the Dodgers win the Aybar/Betemit trade. But it’s going to take some time to properly evaluate this one. We should have an award for dog trades. We could call it “THE BARKER AWARD”.

And don’t forget Drummerdad we also got a supplemental 1st round pick this year (#40 overall I believe) for losing Danys Baez to free agency. So if we get anything out of that pick or anything out of Aybar we can still “win” that trade. (Although I could argue Betemit has actually lost the Dodgers more games than he’s won; and if that’s the case Aybar is actually out-performing him!)

By dadgum

May 7, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

It is very possible that Andruw is batting poorly because he has the contract year in mind more than baseball. i.e. a distraction he would rather do without. Just a thought but in his situation it is worth at least a notion that might have something to do with it.

Just to be honest here and keeping it real Andruw is not worthy right now of a #4 or #5 spot. The 3,4, and 5 hole hitters need protection and as I mentioned earlier in a blog post McCann bookended by Chipper and Francouer is the best lineup with Andruw batting #6. Bobby should never stay pat with Andruw in cleanup. Hey take a little pressure off him and let him bat 6. Nothing wrong with that especially when you are hitting 230 or whatever. The main point is I would never protect my cleanup guy with Andruw in the 5 spot right now.

Rock On…..long live the Skynyrd Band!

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

Chucky tonight. This is a big game for him I think. He hasn’t been spectacular this year so far but a good outing tonight will be A shot in the arm for him hopefully. He’s gonna have to pitch good this year for us to make the playoffs. I think it takes at least three good starters to win your division at a minimum. He’s probably our only shot for a thrid good starter. Who else? Redman, no way; Villareal, if he gets healthy he’s a long shot; anyone else is stopgag at best.

By DonCoburleone

May 7, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

“Seems to me that the only need this team has is 5th starter. That’s not a bad position to be in.”

I kind of agree MBATL, but I don’t think we need a 5th starter, I think we need a 3rd or 4th starter. Davies is already our #5 starter, James an excellent #4 starter or a solid #3 starter. If we could get a solid, veteran innings-eater to fill that #3 spot this team would have almost no holes. I’m talking somebody like a Vicente Padilla, Kelvim Escobar, Matt Morris, Livan Hernandez, Jeff Suppan, Greg Maddux, Derek Lowe, Doug Davis, etc. who can fill that #3 spot and push Chucky to #4 and then you can rotate Davies/Barry/Redman/Lerew in the #5 slot. Now THAT would be an excellent rotation.

By True Braves Fan

May 7, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Right now, we are winning, so make no changes. I have wondered if it is not time to put the “Good field, no hit.” tag on Andrew. Players with this tag DO NOT HIT CLEANUP. Also, it is discouraging to see Andrew fall to the ground on every swing. I believe that TP said when asked about helping Andrew, he replied “Andrew has his own agenda.” When a change is made, I would put Jeff in the cleanup, with McCann, Thorman and Andrew following to keep the lefty-righty thing going.

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

I’ve never understood how Andruw could have flawless instincts in the field and be such a brick head at the plate.On balance BC’s approach of respecting and sometimes defering to his veteran players is a wise one.In this case however who really thinks AJ is suited hitter for the four spot than McCann ? Jones has always reverted back to his flawed and limiting tendencies.at this stage in his career what indication is there he’ll ever change ? The bottom line is the team would be better with McCann at four and maybe even Frenchy at five with AJ either five or six.

By eric the elder

May 7, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

It’s always nice to know they’re are so many of you folks out there are all strong and content on the inside, no problems and such that you can relate to.

Dave, this is a great blog and I’ve been a part of it since day one. I always look forward to your insights and opinions, but this was about the lamest thing I’ve ever heard you say.

I suspect that most, if not all, of us have lost loved ones, suffered diseases, had marital problems, and the like. In Kansas, 1500 people just had their town wiped off the map, with many fatalities, and I doubt that a single one of them will crawl into a corner and suck their thumbs.

If you think that publicly undressing oneself makes for good lyrics, fine, but I don’t think that people who don’t deserve snide comments.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

May 7, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

The team that is happiest about the signing of Rocket by the Yankees has to be the Marlins. Say what you will, they are not stupid…. They keep making money even with low attendance because of the luxury tax being paid by the Yankees.

As for Andruw…. Make us all look stupid tonight Andruw by going 4-4 with a multi homer game tonight.

Otherwise, move him down a slot or two. The flip side of all this is to remember that the lower you hit in the order the fewer at bats you get in a game.

Having said that, Andruw could use fewer at bats to reflect upon what it is he is doing wrong and why it is hurting the team. For gosh sakes ditch that off balance ugly swing and get it together.

Doesn’t he realize that he is strong enough to hit home runs to center and right too?

Okay… Game time…..

By journalist jimmy smith

May 7, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

greg in tn, rick mahler is still dead. not likely to make an appearance.

By Bob, journalist

May 7, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

Andruw has proven time and time again that he’s not a hitter … he’s also demonstrated that he could be … good, if not exceptional.

Some like to call him streaky … it’s sad.

Being redundant, a trait reserved for Roberts, methinks be should hit in the ninth slot so that the pitcher could advance the number seven hitter and Kelly could protect Andruw.

By Kentavo

May 7, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

By all means drop Andruw in the order -he is a rally killer. Frenchy, McCann or Thorman can do better, I’m convince. Let ‘Druw work on his break-his-back-leg swing down further in the order, when he can’t kill as many rallys with KJ, Rent and Chip contstantly on base in front of him.

By MBATL

May 7, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

That’s fair, DonC. If you look at era’s right now, I’d certainly agree, we need a middle of the rotation guy. (If you look at our record when the top 4 start, maybe not so much of a need: we’re 5-2 with Hudson, 6-1 with Smoltz; 4-2 with James; and 3-2 with Davies).

I really think James will improve (just based on what he did last year) to be a solid number 3 (an era of around the low 4’s); and I think Davies will probably do the same - to the point that he’s okay at #4 (an era of about 5). But admittedly, there’s a lot of hometown faith in that prediction.

Another quality starter in the rotation would make a lot of sense - just not worth giving up the world (i.e., Saltalamacchia) for.

By Greg in TN

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

Good point JJS! That’s about the only name that hasn’t been floated out there as a potential starter.

I will be interested to see who gets the call regardless of who it will end up being.

By James

May 7, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

I dont know how important this is but Chucky has yet to throw a fastball under 90 mph

By BabyGoatEater

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

Chucky lookin good so far….

By chrisklob

May 7, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

I know this is off-topic but Carroll Rogers just posted an article regarding a meeting between Braves officials and Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow/PUSH coalition. It seems they’ve got their panties all wadded up because of the lack of AFrican-American players on the roster.

This should be interesting………..

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

If you could get the equivalent of Cole Hamels for Saltalamachia, I’d do it. Why not?

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

Josh Sorry bud, nothing personal but dropping Johnson in the order is either an awful idea or a God-awful idea,I’m torn between the two.

By Bob, journalist

May 7, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

Elder Cato,

One thing that is truly sad is that the news of the Kansas tragedy seemed to be of less interest to the Media than coverage of the exploits in court of at piece of trash who’s parents couldn’t use their influence to get charges dropped, try as they might, for driving under the influence after driving privileges were suspended … not sure if she sucks her thumb or not.

By Willy Wally

May 7, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

You see that. Those are called the smirks and smiles of Andruw. Whether he strikes out or whether he reads all of you bashing him, he continues to smirk and smile.

) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

By James

May 7, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

DOB, has the 21 year old Jordan Schafer who is a centerfielder who just got promoted to high A caught your eye?

By eric the elder

May 7, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

chrisklob, I heard about that meeting, but I thought it was to complain about the lack of Caucasian-Americans in the NBA.

By Bob, journalist

May 7, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Freudian slip … I meant piece of work … not trash … how trashy she might be is a matter of conjecture … that she is a piece of work, is not.

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

OH NO !! Run Jesse run,just get on I-75 and keep running till you get back to Chicago.

By NRBQ

May 7, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

Live Music Alert

The 14th Annual Blind Willie Blues Festival happens this Saturday (May 12th) in Thomson, Ga (90 minutes from Metro Atlanta).

An all-day outdoor show, headlined this year by Delbert McClinton. Delbert delivers one of the best live rock-and-boogie shows you’ll find. Leaves it all on the stage.

Also appearing: Francine Reed, Rory Block, The Wiyos, John Nemeth, and The Breeze Kings (one of Atlanta’s best bands).

For ticket info, directions, etc, see blindwillie.com.

By Chop Chop

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

DOB, I’ve listened to plenty of songs with whiny/wussy lyrics. I was just pokin’ fun. Given your taste in music, I figured that it probably wasn’t as bad as it looked in written form.

By chrisklob

May 7, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

eric the elder, that is EXACTLY what I was thinking! LOL. No one’s exactly complaining about that!

I don’t know about the rest of y’all but I could not care less about the color of the skin of the athletes on my team. Or the skin color of the coaches, manager, front office executives. It doesn’t matter to me. I want my team to bring the 25 best guys that they can find (and afford) that will give my team the best chance to win every night.

I think that MLB has a problem, not the Braves, and that is that they don’t market the game well to AFrican Americans. Think about all the great athletes playing in the NBA and NFL. Could you imagine how much better MLB could be if some of those athletes played baseball?

The NHL should be pretty nervous right now too.

By DonCoburleone

May 7, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

JS knew about the meeting with Jesse Jackson and that is why he traded Langerhans and promoted Willy Harris. BRILLIANT!

By Steve McP

May 7, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

Bob the journalist - if you look at the international sites (BBC, CNNi etc) then the coverage is certainly about the tornados for US news - maybe it is more important to the world than the ratings are to the major networks!

By statsproveall

May 7, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

I think they should start looking into the fact that 77.1% of our population is white but only 28 of 40 (70%) is white. Or how bout that Italian-Americans make up 6% of our population but 0% of the braves. Or the 12% of the population that makes up Irish-Americans compared to the (1/40) 2.5% on the Braves. That’d be rediculous huh? MY POINT EXACTLY. It seems that people of hispanic decent are better at baseball (or work harder at it!). Let free trade live. The best will play.

By Bob, journalist

May 7, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

Cato, I looked it up, Caucasia is indeed a continent but it’s on a different planet … may help the explain the problem.

James needs to get the ball down.

By DonCoburleone

May 7, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

Wow, that Adrian Gonzalez is the real deal. That trade sending him, Chris Young and Termell Sledge to the Padres for Adam Eaton and Akinori Otsuka could turn out to be the most lop-sided trade of all time. A junk starter(Eaton) and an above average reliever(Otsuka) for a franchise first baseman(Gonzalez), a legit #2 starter(Young), and a quality platoon player (Sledge)… WOW, what a fleecing.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

Hey, I don’t care if you throw 9 Eskimos out there, if they are the best ballplayers. I’ll root for whoever dons a Braves uniform if he carries himself with resect and doesn’t get in legal trouble.

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

Many so called black leaders in this town ( and one ajc columnist) could learn from mayor Franklin,she is a leader in the broadest,most positive and effective way.Why does everything in this town have to be about race ? If this team becomes embroiled in some convoluted,bs,a* kissing,exercize in masochistic self examination,count me out.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

Other than that homer, Chucky’s lookin real good. He just struck out B.Giles with a inside fastball. A guy who throws 90mph just struck a guy out with a inside fastball…..crazy.

By Chop Chop

May 7, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

Yeah, DonC…and people wonder why the Rangers aren’t winning much.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, Youngs lookin better.

By Willy Wally

May 7, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

I hate this race crap - there are so many instances where it is appropriate but this is not one of them. 12% of the population should not complain when they have 10% of the jobs - they are not entitled to 50% of the jobs.

I hate racial discrimination as much as anyone. When are people going to start complaining that alot of the Braves are from Georgia? Or what about that awful coincidence that most of the players at UGA hail from Georgia and from the South? And NASCAR must discriminate as well too, huh? And hockey? Never mind the NBA and college basketball? Boxing must be discriminatory as well, right? Should we complain that there are really no white tailbacks or cornerbacks in the NFL? What about the representation of the white man at those positions?

I hate this crap because it makes me sound like a racist. There is too much REAL racism in this world and injustices to people of color to concern ourselves with made up racial discrimination - you cry wolf too often, people stop listening when they need to listen - and that is where minority groups get hurt is because we become numb to the real harmful matters because we spend too much time being berated about being racist when we are not. I will not even bother to discuss that garbage with the NBA refs that the NY Times irresponsibly threw out there last week.

If a black kid wants to grow up and play baseball, he can, no one will discriminate against him if he has the skill. AND MOST fans will not care what the color of the skin is. There will always be the racist retards in the crowd but most of us just want to win no matter who makes us win.

I can’t remember anyone in the 1990s saying that I wish Chipper would have hit that World Series winning home run instead of Justice because he is white. No one cares.

I do think though that in this market, it is an awful shame from a business standpoint not to have more black stars on the team. It’s just bad business - they are losing money because of it. BUT it is what it is. They are looking for the best ballplayers to fill out the roster - it just so happens unfortunately that not enough of the players are black just like not enough white players are good enough for the NFL or NBA.

BELIEVE ME, if John S. could go back in time and freeze the talents and ability of Pendleton, Otis Nixon, Ron Gant, Deion Sanders, Marquis Grissom, Fred McGriff, and so forth, and have them be as good forever as they were at their peaks in the 1990s, John S. would never look for a white player to take their spots - he would just keep trotting those guys out there every year, game in and game out.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

Nobody out there watchin the game tonight?

By all-seeing eye

May 7, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Andrew needs to be moved to the 8 spot. Maybe then he’ll wake up and stop striking out. This might be way out of left field, but even Jeff Francoeur has shown more plate discipline this year. And also is hitting to right field for singles instead of the fences.

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

GEESY,WEEZY !! Mighty Chris Young,he looks like could eat fans and climb P

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 7, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Sorry, being held spellbound by the game…

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

Willy Wally No race is intitled to ONE job in baseball.This is a competitive sport and the only measure should be character and ability.We’ll never have a color blind society as long as self serving people keep playing the race card.

By Eric from MO

May 7, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

This may sound crazy but give AJ until the end of June. He always starts hitting when it gets really warm which means the next month he goes to hit unbelievable.

Also Yars that may be the dumbest thing I ever heard. Why would you move one of the best leadoff hitters back to clean-up.

By chrisklob

May 7, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

Willy Wally, I agree with you on all but one point, and I may just be splitting hairs.

12% of the population should not complain when they have 10% of the jobs - they are not entitled to 50% of the jobs.

I don’t think that anyone should be ENTITLED to a job because of their race. You should have to earn it by proving that you are the best person for the position.

By Willy Wally

May 7, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

I don’t think that anyone should be ENTITLED to a job because of their race. You should have to earn it by proving that you are the best person for the position.

Well said. It is what I meant to say.

By chrisklob

May 7, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

Chuckie is throwing WAY to many pitches tonight. He’s gotten learn to be more efficient or he’ll never make it past the fifth inning.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 7, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

Have found in life that those most concerned about racism are likely the the racist themselves.

Like the guy that is always talking about sex…. Usually the guy not getting any…

By MBATL

May 7, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Has anyone suggested racial quotas? I think the issue is that inner city kids (mostly black) are not interested in baseball, and whether the League could do a better job of marketing the game to them. Why is that so threatening to folks on this blog?

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

James, gotta admit I haven’t seen Schafer or heard much about him. But with the exception of guys like Elvis Andrus or first-round draft picks, I generally don’t hear much about guys until they start to really excel in high-A or Double-A. I’m not around the minor league staff much, and the major league folks don’t talk much about prospects until they really start to move into the radar, not guys 3-4 years away (except for guys clearly possessing special skills, like Elvis).

By chrisklob

May 7, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

He freakin’ walked the pitcher AGAIN!

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Chuck threw 16 pitches to Chris Young in the 6-11 pitcher’s two at-bats.

And now Chuck’s gone.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 7, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Looks like Oscar will not start tomorrow night’s game….

By eric the elder

May 7, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Bobby was prescient. Now we know why Villareal wasn’t named as tomorrow’s starter.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

I want more vertically disabled-americans(less than 6 feet tall) in the NBA. We make up a majority of the population but aren’t even a percentage of the NBA. We are being discriminated against because we are short (to no fault of our own). I’m 5’8” tall. Shouldn’t I have the same right to play in the NBA as a 7’ person. What makes him so much better because his genes make him tall? I deserve and demand that the injustices stop! All who are on my side (all short-americans) heed my call. Lets make this a national issue. While were at it, There seems to be some discrimination on Fat-Americans in the MLB. I only see two or three Fat-Americans on each team (sometimes not even that many!). Just because someones genetics make them 300lbs doesn’t mean they’re not a person. I have Fat-American friends. They are good people that deserve the chance to play in the MLB. I think that teams should have a quota of FAT and Short Americans on their teams. That way we know for sure that all are getting a chance to play.

By krath

May 7, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Guess we can mark Oscar V off the list for tomorrow’s start.

By Willy Wally

May 7, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Guess I need to make it clear that I don’t think that any one is entitled to a position in any sport because of race - my point seems to have gotten lost in my long winded rant. I think every black, white, asian, hispanic player in baseball has more than earned their spot out there.

Willie Harris, for example, played his butt off in ST, in the minors and now in the MLB and EARNED that spot. Nothing has been handed to Willie at any level. He has fought his way from Cairo to Kennesaw State of all places to the majors, back down to the minors and back up to the majors - perseverance, dedication, strong will, and talent and skill that put all of us bloggers to shame with our combined baseball talents.

If you got the skill and the will, they will find a spot for you - nothing ever has to be handed to you.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Well, so much for Chucky having a signature game tonight. Come on Oscar. (He’s a true blooded Short-American)

By Efrim

May 7, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Terrible job by Chuck. WE NEED ANOTHER STARTING PITCHER!!!!

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

Why isn’t Oscar in the starting rotation again? Look at his K numbers for releivers. He’s putting up a pretty good season quietly.

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

95 pitches, 54 strikes for Chuck in 3-2/3 innings.

He’s got a 6.66 ERA in his past five starts, and has lasted 5-1/3 innings or fewer in all of them.

That’s 32 hits, 18 runs, 10 walks, six homers in 24-1/3 innings over those five starts.

Let’s put it this way: Kyle Davies looked better yesterday than James has for the three weeks.

By chrisklob

May 7, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Willy Wally, I’m with you. Your point is clear and fair and in my opinion accurate.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 7, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

I think Willie C fills the bill for the vertically challenged… Still a good kid…

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

Willie’s getting his shot in the top of the line-up. I really wish we had a permanent spot up there for him. He’s a player. From what I’ve seen of him, he makes ptchers throw a lot of pitches and puts the ball where it should be put (He just struck out as I’m sayin this), and plays hard-hussle defense.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

DOB

Thats scary! (Davies looking better than Chucky)

I sure hopr somebody steps up and doesn’t let this good start go to the wayside.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 7, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

Yes Dave… It’s a little scary isn’t it? It is Chuck’s mechanics that are doing him in.

By Randall H.

May 7, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

Me and my baseball crowd have been asking how long would it take for Cox to replace, untill last week was hitting less than his weight, A.J. Until last week Bri was hitting over .350. Where is the logic in handicapping your team to keep from bruising someone so fragile. B e danged with that. Iv’e never been an A.J. fan, i’ll take consistency over hitting a ball a mile any day. Sorry all you Andruw worshipers.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

Come on Bats, wake up. No good can come from losing the first game of a four game series.

By Willy Wally

May 7, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

MBATL, your point is well taken. This comment really irked me though in Carroll’s article: The team slipped … down to [no African-Americans]; it wasn?t something that just happened,” Beasley said Monday afternoon. “I think it was a lack of diligence on the part of the Braves to recruit African-American players. There’s not diminished enthusiasm for African-Americans playing baseball. It’s simply the opportunity hasn’t presented itself.”

I am going do you all a favor now and leave this issue alone and get back focused on the game.

Chuck James really needs to start stepping it up. This is crap. If you can’t get more than 5 out of him, maybe he needs to move to long relief for a while until he learns how to pitch like he did last year.

By parks

May 7, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

time for the bats to wake up

By chrisklob

May 7, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

Another stellar AB for Andruw. One of these days he’s going to screw himself right down into the clay trying to hit one to midtown.

By Efrim

May 7, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

He has no effective third pitch. That is what is doing him in.

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

James’ ineffectiveness is the worst sign so far this season.If he can’t pull it together then who fills his shoes ? I really don’t see a roster player I would have confidence in.There are many young guys pitching well in the minors,does anybody have a name to throw out who may be ready ?

By brewdawg

May 7, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

Not that this is earth-shattering analysis or anything, but our starting rotation needs help. I’m quickly losing confidence in James, Davies is maddeningly inconsistent, and Redman has been awful. Oh, and we don’t have a self-absorbed cherry picker still on the market to try and outbid someone for. Seriously, this is getting to be a huge concern. With another solid starting pitcher going for us all year, we might be somewhere around 24-6.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

I think we’re in for the long haul on James (and probably should be). There’s nobody who can be a #3 on this staff other than him. I’m not gonna give up yet but he does need to step up.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 7, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

That was ugly….. trying to make something out of nothing and gives up a run…

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

Funny how it’s takng longer to get posts posted tonight. You think they’re screening them closer because of the tone of the blog. Is taht even possible?

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

We may have one of the weakest benchs we’ve had in this era.Woodward threw like a school girl to first.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 7, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Bunch of guys doing well in AAA… Larew is one of many..

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

Did you notice that Bobby didn’t let him try and get out of it in the 4th. That’s saying something for Bobby. Wonder what kind of doubts he having.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Hopefully we can make that walk hurt….

By Don

May 7, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

I too think that Andrew needs to be moved down in the line up as he is costing the Braves many runs and killing rallys. He has totally forgotten about Left and Center field again and seems to only want to go for the fences with 500 foot HRs. I am still confident that in a month or so Andrew will do as he always has and get white hot. Then move him back up to the number 4 spot and watch him carry the team. Even Frenchy seems to now understand there is a whole big field out in front of him. Especially with 2 strikes and sometimes I almost hope he gets 2 strikes to cut down his swing.

By roan st

May 7, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

How about just letting andruw walk and using that 16 or 17 million to sign another good starting pitcher next season. I have always been an andruw fan but he is 30 now and all of those diving catches in center will catch up with him soon. The way he is playing offensively this season I doubt he can command the 18-20 million scott boras was hoping for next year. He will not be superman defensively anymore in a few years anyway. What do you have once his great defensive skills began to erode? A .260 career hitter who strikes out a lot. I for one won’t cry if andruw leaves next season for big money.

By Willy Wally

May 7, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

I would hate to be Frenchy getting in the batter’s box after Andruw has been up.

Can you imagine the crater he makes in the batter’s box with all that ridiculous torque action he uses?

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

two in scoring position, no outs….gotta make it hurt.

By MBATL

May 7, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

Willy Wally, appreciate that… I really don’t mean to be a crusader, but sometimes the tone gets kinda’ ugly in here. Anyway, will try to stay off my soapbox (but no promises!).

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Ok Woodward’s off my list for now,but I’ve got my eye on him.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Woodward…freakin’ Woodward……. comes through….still don’t like him but that helps.

By parks

May 7, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

RELEASE WOODWARD!!!!!!!!

By Willy Wally

May 7, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

We need Steady Eddie out there playing short. He always seems to come up with a clutch hit that we need to break a pitcher’s rhythm. But I would rather have him take a day off here and there so that he is fresh for the entire season - still wish that was Betemit out there playing short tonight instead of Woodward - nope, can’t let it go man.

What are the chances that Orr and Woodward are going to give us two pinch hit homers for the ENTIRE SEASON like Betemit gave the Dodgers this weekend?

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 7, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

Weird inning.. Padres self destructing.

Ouch… K for Orr…

By AZBravoFan

May 7, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

Has anyone else noticed that Orr looks completely overmatched at the plate these days? I think he’s been sitting too much.

By Willy Wally

May 7, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

MBATL, although our blogging styles are very different, you are actually my favorite blogger to read because you are reasonable and civilized and take pains to consider all sides of the issue. You are the Obama of the Blog, always looking for the well reasoned explanation in the middle of the extreme positions.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 7, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

feared pinch-hitting “p” player, pete orr just struck out with the tying run on third base. the padres pitcher appears gassed and is bouncing the ball to the plate. and now, willy wally, if torque is twisting force andruw doesn’t seem to be producing any torque. falling to a knee after each swing is going to get andruw hurt. the ankle seems to be the only thing twisting.

By Greg in TN

May 7, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

James’ night tonight was troubling. Had a very solid first inning and then fell apart from then on. Can’t afford to walk the pitcher even once Chuck, much less twice.

Good rally in the fifth. Orr has to get wood on the ball and put it in play there to try and get the run in. Young about took AJ’s head off an inning ago and plunked Frenchy, so he’s a tad wild himself tonight.

Mr. Paronto on the mound to start the sixth.

By Willy Wally

May 7, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

Of course as I say that I hate Woodward crap, good ole Woody comes through. Never mind Woody, Betemit sucks! How fairweather am I?!?!?!

By Greg in TN

May 7, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Jim Joyce is doing a very good Dutch Rennert imitation behind the plate tonight with his strike calls. Either that or the boys at SportSouth has the field mikes turned up a tad higher than normal.

By Steve McP

May 7, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Just got nacl to the blog, been enjoying the game - strange i now but it happens.

Now I have to ante up here and say that I am from Britain and have only lived here in the US for the last couple of years, but I do get Baseball more than any other sport here and enjoy it immensely and it has never occured to me to consider that it was in any way a racis sport.

For heavens sake, if we look at this year (ignoring the departures of Sosa, Franco and probably one or two others I can’t remember off hand from last year) I really do not understand why there is a problem. The implication is that the Braves are somehow racist, but in their 2007 Major League line up they have Renteria, Andruw, Pena, Harris, Gonzalez, Soriano (and salty of course) all are “minorities” and all are integral to the Braves set up, so this just does not wash as being a racist team, they select and pay solely on ability as it should be.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Paronto is great Fat-American.

By Willy Wally

May 7, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

JJS, the ankle seems to be the only thing twisting.

It’s not just the ankles he is putting in peril. Can you imagine what that is doing to his toes? Oh, the humanity!

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

If hitting the pitcher was intentional it was stupid.The object of the game is to win,now the bases are loaded. Dumb move !

By Steve McP

May 7, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

And Young is on base again - no need to ding the pitcher just because he hit Jeff - now we are in unecessary trouble - Jeff scored that hurt more than the baseball would have

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Good toe reference Willy Wally!

By Jared

May 7, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

Why pinch hit Orr when you need a fly ball? What was Bobby thinking? Also, I just read the article about JS’ meeting with Rev Jackson. This guy needs to get a grip and finally realize that we are no longer in the 60’s. I guess he has never heard of Fred McGriff, Brian Jordon, David Justice and Marquis Grissom

By Steve McP

May 7, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Now hitting the pitcher really hurts - the Braves are killing themselves tonight - lets hope they can pull it around in the second half of the game

By chrisklob

May 7, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Steve McP, none of the players that you mentioned are African-AMERICANS. They are all from various Latin countries (Dominican Republic, Colombia, etc.) Andruw is from Curacao which is property of The Netherlands.

While all of them have dark skin, they are not considered to be black by many, including Jackson.

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Man you can’t throw away games for some honor code.If Young was intentionaly hit,it was about the dumbest thing I’ve seen in awhile.

By chrisklob

May 7, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Jared, I heard BC on the CSS pregame show lamenting the fact that everyone is getting AB’s except Orr. He just hasn’t been able to find a way to get him in. I knew then that he would find a way to do it tonight.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

DOB

Speaking of toes, hows Redmans toe doing?

By Greg in TN

May 7, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

I disagree guys. Saw nothing wrong with sending a little message to Young. He almost nailed AJ in the head the inning before and then plunked Frenchy in the arm the next inning.

I like Paronto even more now although it didn’t work out for us in that inning.

Plus I think Young gets some credit for just tossing the bat and going to first without the yelling and screaming that usually accompanies a plunking like that.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

What exactly are the requirements to be “black” by the way?

By Willy Wally

May 7, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

A walk and a steal - just as our good friend had been dreaming for the past month on here.

By Josh C

May 7, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Sorry folks I know how good KJ’s been but that start to the sixth looked an awful lot like a leadoff hitter…way to bail out Chipper…

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Alright Andruw, prove all us bloggers wrong…please.

By Steve McP

May 7, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Chriskob - I hear what you say, but that is like saying there are not enough Asian-Americans, Polish-Americans, German-Americans, Irish Americans etc in the league - it does not make sense to me at all, but as I say I am from the UK where these differentials are not seen so clearly

By Josh C

May 7, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Ain’t too hard keepin up with the Joneses these days folks…

By Tomahawkin' Again

May 7, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

The ‘Druw Jones Index update: now batting .222 and plunging…

By Sir Stealth

May 7, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Did we accidentally trade Andruw Jones instead of Ryan Langerhans?

By Jaq Baldwin

May 7, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

I’d say every time Andruw comes up to bat I expect either a home run or a strikeout and he only has five dingers. I hate to be pessimistic but AJ is not clutch most seasons. He’ll get 30 hr’s and 100+ RBIs but he’s not the guy I want up when we really need a hit. I’m loving the performances of Kelly Johnson and Langerhans’ replacement WIllie Harris so far. I say move Andruw, get his attention and maybe he’ll start placing the ball here and there rather than slugging for the fence every at bat. http://atlbravesfan.mlblogs.com JB in ATL

By The Grinch

May 7, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

I’m glad Paranto hit Young; baseball’s gotten too far from its roots lately. Speaking of “Roots,” I’m getting about sick of all this whining about the lack of African-Americans in baseball. If Andruw doesn’t count because he’s from Curacao and Edgar doesn’t count because he’s from the Dminican (despite the fact that they’re both obviously “people of color”), then I posit that Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki and Manu Ginobli don’t count as white in the NBA because they’re from Canada, Germany and Argentina (despite obviously being white). Time to b*** about that as well, folks. Or shut the hell up, one.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Josh:

agreed, I wish there was room for Willie up top. You can’t argue with Kelly’s OBP though.

By Willy Wally

May 7, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

a leadoff walk and steal wasted. darn! how bad is it when you have two hits and both hits are from woodward of all people

By MBATL

May 7, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Walks! That’s 8 in 7 IP by the Braves. It’s just killing us.

By chrisklob

May 7, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Steve McP — You have to understand that people like Jesse Jackson and his Rainbow/PUSH coalition is only interested in advancing African American causes. They are not at all interested in Asian-Americans, Polish-Americans, or any other “minority” group but their own. They are not even interested in Hispanics even though many of the people from the Caribbean countries share a similar origin as African Americans do

You mentioned that you are new to the US so I will spare you my opinion on Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Rainbow/Push coalition, and many other groups and allow you to have the opportunity to make up your own mind about their goals and ambitions. Look into them sometime and you might be surprised by what you find.

By AMG

May 7, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Kelly J. is human and may need a day off soon.

Chuck James just doen’t have that “out” pitch yet. He has a great change-up and good fastball (when he can throw it for strikes) but that is it. The second and third time through the order he strugles.

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

I’m not against retaliating for your players getting hit.I am against stupidly throwing a game away.We were in a one run game and in a dead even battle with the Mets for the division.If we found ourselves playing these guys tomorrow or in two months and we’ve got a five run lead or an eight game lead in the division,then retaliate,but don’t bite your nose to spite your face.It was not smart baseball.

By gotigers72

May 7, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

Yes someone else needs to be in the cleanup spot. UNLESS: You want a hitter that is now closer to .220 than .230, refuses to change his approach despite not hitting all year, and who falls off balance every other swing. [I think experts on hitting consider balance very important]. Move him down a couple of spots, maybe even to 7th. Maybe he’ll wake up and smell the coffee then. If he doesn’t, good luck trying to get that huge contract with a .220 average in your contract year.

Maybe that’s what’s wrong. Maybe Scott Bora** whispered in his ear and told he needs to hit 50 bombs or something. Because it looks like that’s all he’s trying to do.

Chuck Redman pitched well again tonight didn’t he?

By jon

May 7, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

That article about PUSH makes me sick! Tell them to own their own baseball team if they want more minorties on the team. Give me a break!

By Josh C

May 7, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Man how did the Braves miss out on Khalil Greene from Clemson? A white shortstop who can play…

By Carolina Lady

May 7, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Why aren’t there any Female-Americans in MLB?

:-))

I really liked this quote in Carroll’s article: “Countered Beasley (one of Jackson’s people), “As I expected, [Schuerholz’s] idea is the bottom line: I’ll put the best 40 men I can get wherever I can get them from on the field, and that’s fair. But the fact of the matter is if they put resources into recruiting here in the United States, and more specifically here in Atlanta, there are talented players here.”

If the guy knew anything about the team, he’d know that several are from the GA and the ATL area. And he thinks they don’t recruit in the US??

Moronic.

By Efrim

May 7, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Rough game tonight. I think this brings up a reasonable point. The Atlanta Braves can’t win the division if Chuck James doesn’t have an ERA under 4.00. I really think that is what it all comes down too. They can hit, they have a solid bullpen, two horses at the front of the rotation, their back end is terrible, but we could overcome that if Chuck James pitched like a third starter.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Chuck Redman……good comment gotigers.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

I’ll tell you what, McCanns arm isn’t near as good as Salty’s.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 7, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Okay, I’ll weigh in on this race thing once and once only. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and a few others are ruinging the legacy of real reformers like Dr. King. All Jackson cares about is keeping the race issue an issue because when it isn’t, then his time in the limelight will be over. The Braves are not racist. In reality, the issue is that the Braves only have one player who fits Jackson’s reverse Aryan profile: black skin, African roots, athletic ability. He doesn’t care that nearly 25% of the Braves’ roster are not from the U.S. (Moylan, Soriano, Villareal, Renteria, Orr, Thorman, and Andruw Jones). Jackson’s beef is the same as all liberal black mouthpieces: there aren’t enough of “our” people in the moneymaking jobs, like CEOs and multi-million dollar earning baseball players. He is a racist, arguing that black players should be chosen because they are black, not because they are talented. That is at the root of the affirmative action movement, and it is what Jackie Robinson fought against, people getting to play because they were the right skin color, not based on talent. I don’t care if our 1B is pink with purple polka dots from Sardinia (with Lebanese and Cameroonian ancestors). I want hard-working, hustling players who will play their butts off for the TEAM (see Scott Thorman and Willie Harris). Race is only an issue for a few people stuck in the 1950s (white racists) and a few people stuck in the 1960s (liberal black mouthpieces like Jackson).

End of rant. I won’t comment on it again (please, hold the applause).

By journalist jimmy smith

May 7, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

the queen is putting on the feed-bag tonight! check out this menu!

Spring pea soup with fernleaf lavender

Chive pizzelle with American caviar

Newton Chardonnay Unfiltered 2004

Dover sole almondine

Roasted artichokes, pequillo peppers and olives

Saddle of spring lamb

Chanterelle sauce

Fricassee of baby vegetables

Peter Michael Les Pavots 2003

Arugula, Savannah mustard and mint romaine

Champagne dressing and trio of farmhouse cheeses

“Rose Blossoms”

Schramsberg Brut Rose 2004

pretty big meal for a gal the queen’s age. notice all the roughage.

that trio of farmhouse cheeses sounds interesting. and now, baseball … this team has canadians. there can be no prejudice on a team with two candians - maybe three before the year is out.

giles overload! too many giles on the field tonight.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Gotta get a run this inning. Very hard to get two in the 9th.

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

Efrim no doubt this team needs three solid starters.Right now it looks to be James or bust, but somebody may emerge from the minors or a trade.

By Greg in TN

May 7, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

Send Money,

I see your point, but I still believe that you plunk Young and make sure he understands and take your chances from there. Tonight, it didn’t work out and that run came back around and scored. Hindsight is always 20-20, however I have no problem whatsoever with Paronto backing up our hitters. If it were just one HBP, I think you just let that go, but not with buzzing AJ’s head one inning and smacking Frenchy on the shoulder the next.

By MBATL

May 7, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

The Atlanta Braves can’t win the division if Chuck James doesn’t have an ERA under 4.00.

Efrim, as usual, I disagree. I don’t care if James’ era is 4 or 5; we need him to pitch 6 or 7 innings. Keep us in the game, and let the ‘pen take over from there. Even if his era is 5, that’s roughly 4 runs in 6 innings… okay, give us that much and we’ll take it from there.

Taking a vacation from the blog… just don’t like the folks I’m hanging out with. See you guys later.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 7, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Move Andruw down in the order to 7 or 8. Right now, he seems like a selfish, spoiled little kid who is going to have it his way or else. He is hurting the team, and he needs to get out of the way. Before the year started, I wanted to keep him regardless. But after hearing TP comment on his “agenda,” I will not cry when Andruw takes his money and runs.

Give me a Chipper or a Smoltz, who will go out of their way to help the team contractually. Give me a Harris or a Renteria, who will actually try to get a hit that is not a home run to left. Give me a Johnson or a Thorman, who will bust their butt on a routine grounder on the off chance that it will be booted.

Andruw, go watch a few Little League games, and hopefully you’ll remember what it’s all about. Or don’t, and go play for the Dodgers or Angels at year’s end. Just stop hurting the team with that stubborn and pig-headed attitude. Please.

By Efrim

May 7, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

HOW ABOUT TAKING SOME PITCHES AGAINST LINEBRINK????

By chrisklob

May 7, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Matthew, Dad to Walter — I agree whole-heartedly but would make one modification to your statement:

All Jackson cares about is keeping the race issue an issue because when it isn’t, then his time in the limelight will be over. And when the limelight is over, the money goes away. And that’s what this is really all about.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Willie, Willie, Willie, that guy hustles. I can’t say enough about how good Willies been. That guy is here to stay and he’s making a great arguement.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 7, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Okay, I’m done being grumpy.

Go Chipper!

By Efrim

May 7, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

What a frustrating 8 innings.

By chrisklob

May 7, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

JJS, where did you find that menu? I have a friend that works for the company that sells Newton wines and I know she’d love to see the menu. Thanks.

By Josh C

May 7, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

Where did all our newfound “patience” go in the eighth? Even KJ swinging at first pitches? You’ve GOT to get on any way you can there…

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 7, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Hey I forgot. Trevor Time has struggled against the Braves at times, blowing (I think) two saves last year. So Tyler, hold them here and give us a shot!

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Greg I’t just wasn’t a smart move to hit the guy at that time.Hearts and smarts win games,not balls and brawls.

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Willie’s stats if he had 90 AB, which is very probable if he were playing all season up here…..

12 runs, 42 hits, 6 2b, 6 rbi, 24 sb,

pretty good numbers.

and….I know, I know, there’s no guarentee he’d keep it up, but it’s something to think about.

By Ron

May 7, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Grinch, I agree 100% on your 9:18 post, agree about the whole post!!! Terrence Moore always says crap about not enough African Americans in Baseball, Hell I think he would rather an African American get somethin, rather than EARN somethin, I think he is RACIST!!!

By JasonInMaine

May 7, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Bobby should have Squeezed with Woodard on 3rd and Orr pinch hitting. That would have made it 4-3. Of course, with Willie on 2nd, no one out, and the 3, 4, and 5 hitters coming up, you would expect to score a run. Game should be 4-4. Will the Braves manufacture one run this year? Over/Under on number of games played before they can manufacture 1 stinking run? I say 95…

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 7, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

JJS:

No fried potatoes, no cheeseburgers, and no chocolate pie? Worst of all, no sweet tea?

Oh, the humanity!

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

We should see what we could get for Diaz and Yates….woudl that bring a good 3/4 pitcher?

By Steve McP

May 7, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Nice rant Matthew - DTW, but you missed out Moylan in your minorities list!

We do have the same issue on the UK in terms of foreign players in our football (soocer) leagues, where a number of non-UK nationals feature weekly, but the issue is that the national team suffers in international play - not a racial issue. In our world this is generally accepted because the foreign players are better than their UK equivalents, perhaps there is a message for messrs Jackson, Sharpton et al?

By Greg in TN

May 7, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

I hear you, Send Money. Agree to disagree there.

I wonder how Boras will posture this if AJ goes on to hit around .250 and 20 or 25 homers and that’s it.

By Efrim

May 7, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

This was as rough a whooping as you can get.

By Tomahawkin' Again

May 7, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

At the final bell, the ‘Dru Jones Index now at .220

By BabyGoatEater

May 7, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

1-2-3 and thats the ballgame.

Hopefully we can even it up tomorrow. I wish Bobby would give Andruw a night off tomorrow and lets see what Francour can do in center. Not that I want Andruw to leave. I think the “Mind that run the Braves” are reluctant to resign Andruw for his price tag (thats if we can come up with the money) but I KNOW they won’t resign him if he doesn’t try and hit the other way.

By Ron

May 7, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

When will BC finally move Andruw to the number 7 or 8 spot in the Lineup? It seems like he will do that in September after we are out of playoff contention, I guess that will work for BC!!! Not sayin we want make the playoffs, but that will seem like what BC will do.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 7, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

StevemcP, I’ve got Moylan in parenthasis (these things, I can’t spell). Thanks for the agreement, though.

Well folks, get up and get ‘em tomorrow. Oh, and root for Barroid!

By JasonInMaine

May 7, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Well, we should be going into extras. Runner on 3rd with one out and runner on 2nd with no outs and 2, 4, and 5 coming up. Should be 4-4. This team absolutely has to learn how to “play the right way”, get em over and get em in, and manufacture a freakin run.

By Sir Stealth

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

The Jessie Jackson/PUSH thing is completely idiotic and most everybody can agree on that. Doesn’t mean people have to claim it as proving their own political viewpoint, which doesn’t belong on the blog. Predictable though.

Tonight’s game was frustrating. Team just didn’t look real good. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bobby does decide to move Andruw down in the order like he did a couple years ago or whenever it was. It’s been a significant amount of time now, and he looks bad. Needs to show a willingness to work on the problems in his hitting now in a spot without the pressure to bang one out that the cleanup position has.

By Josh C

May 7, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Diaz and Yates wouldn’t get you a free tour stepping in bird dung at the ConAgra chicken plant…great offense tonight boys!

By Efrim

May 7, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

Has this team ever led off an inning with back to back singles????

By Steve McP

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

Braves lose - but with only 3 hits we cannot expect anything better.

We need to win this series to give a 7-3 homestand, Booby C is a series man, this is big, but it is also big for the Padres, we did them a favour by beating the Dodgers, but they owe us nothing so we must earn it over the next three days.

By journalist jimmy smith

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

chrisklob, that menu was released by the first lady’s office. all that cheese may be hard on the queen - 81 years old. need a good cracker with cheese and jimmy smith did not see crackers on the menu. probably had some saltines on the table, though. journalist has never been to a white-tie dinner but can imagine how nice it must be. a tip-off is the use of the pequillo peppers. Grown close to the ebro river in southern navarra, they are smaller than sweet bell peppers, and are slightly piquant. odd, isn’t it that the pequillo pepper is triangular in shape, ending in a point? a clever chef can cut little eyes and a mouth in the pequillo pepper and turn that pepper into a conversation starter. and where is the gym coach? will dob be awarded dob’s own leotard if the coach joins this blog? oh, the humanity! that is not a pretty thought.

By Efrim

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

I wouldn’t worry about Andruw Jones. I would worry abou Chuck James. He has been terrible.

By The Grinch

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

Terrence Moore just likes people to talk about him. If he was an objective reporter who used common sense as a basis for his arguments, he’d be respected but probably never leave the local pool. By being an inflamatory, bigoted jackass he gets to be on “Rome is Burning.” Enough about him; he’s a d-bag.

CL, agreed; Willie Harris is from Cairo, Ga not Cairo, Egypt. Morons, indeed. Not to mention McCann, Francouer, James, etc. who are all from within 50 miles of Atlanta.

Jimmy Smith, is Baby Seal any good with Q-jets? The 4-BBL on my Monte SS needs rebuilding and the local mechanic wants nearly the price of a new one to do it. Thieves! If BS is interested, I’ll give him 50 bucks, a couple of Braves tix, and free use of my catfish pond.

Time for this Grinch to get some work done.

By N8

May 7, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Man, you guys are WAY too negative. It’s “just” one loss.

Andruw doesn’t look THAT bad. He’ll come around

Bunch of Debbie Downers we’ve got on this blog.

GO BRAVES!

By Efrim

May 7, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

I hear Lerew is starting tomorrow? Nice move. Lets see what this kid has. For some reason, I think the Braves want to keep Villareal as the long man. I guess I uderstand that. If that is the case, then I hope Lance Cormier comes back and is decent. Although, we need him to be good. Really good.

By Greg in TN

May 7, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Tough night tonight. There’s concern for AJ’s approach, but we’ve had that for some time now. James’ night tonight is definately of concern. We can’t keep asking for the bullpen too far north of the 7th inning before it comes back to haunt us in a really big way.

Here’s hoping (insert tomorrow night’s starter’s name here) comes out and gives us 6-7 good innings and the bats wake up.

By serbok

May 7, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

EXCELLENT 9:18 post Grinch!!!! Thank you very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By David-ATL14

May 7, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Bobby just announced Lerew will pitch tommorrow.

By Willy Wally

May 7, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

Let’s lighten the mood a bit. As bad as things were tonight for our Bravos, at least we are not Rich Eisen going home to his wife at the present moment. I would love to hear Eisen explaining this situation to his wife in his best Skip Caray impression voice.

Suzy Shuster, the wife of NFL Network anchorman Rich Eisen, is not a happy camper after finding sexy Philadelphia TV reporter Alycia Lane’s failed attempts to ‘get to know’ her husband.

It would appear that Eisen was receiving risque photos and emails from Alycia Lane on an e-mail address that he and his wife Suzy Shuster use occasionally. Suzy, a sideline reporter for ABC’s NCAA broadcasts, was left steaming when she found seven emails and quite a few bikini shots from Lane, so what did she do? Page Six has Suzy’s reaction - and any wife can appreciate this!

In an email, Suzy delicately responded…who are we kidding? Here’s Suzy’s scathing attack!

“Boy, do you look amazing in a bikini…congrats! Whatever you’re doing, (Pilates? yoga?) keep doing it - it’s working for you. Anyway, sorry but those seven e-mails you sent to my husband, Rich, well, oops, they came to the e-mail address we both use from time to time, but no worries, I’ll forward the beach shots as well as the ones of you dancing with your friends on to his main address. Do you have it?”

Suzy then provides Lane with her husband’s private e-mail address, “since you surely are trying so hard to get his attention. I mean, what better way to get a guy’s attention than with skin! Best - Suzy Shuster Eisen”

Her sarcasm is priceless - she should frame this!

As for Lane, a source tells Page Six: “Alycia is divorced and apparently looking for love again in all the wrong places. She sent [Eisen] an e-mail saying she was going to L.A., and she attached some risqué pictures just to whet his appetite. But, whoops, Rich is married to Suzy.”

By cardvol

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

Let’s be honest, Chuck James is a No. 5 starter at best right now. Hopefully, Lerew and Davies will come around and/or Cormier can get healthy. I’ve never seen such a great player in his free agent year struggle as much as Andruw.

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

May 7, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

What was charming about James early, his indifference towards who was hitting, can become a problem. Hopefully, he’ll continue to develop.

By VandyBrave

May 7, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Given the OBP of our first 3 hitters, is there any question that someone who at least makes consistent contact ought to be hitting 4th? meaning, anyone but AJ? He looks awful out there, its painful to watch.

By serbok

May 7, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

ExCelent Post by Matthew_Dad to walter! @9:44pm! thank you! BTW Bong hits for Jesus!!!!!!!!!

By Bill

May 7, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

I agree, AJ needs to be moved, out of town. He’s not a #4 hitter and never will be. You just can’t have your #4 hitter hit .260 and strike out so much. The Braves would be so much better off without AJ.

By Lew

May 7, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

Nathan-No tirades this evening. Please. Let Andruw slump in peace for one night.

By Ron

May 7, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

N8, you being the one not worring, that is funny man, Keep it up DUDE!!!

By BabyGoatEater

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

Line-up tommorrow hopefully:

1.Kelly 2b 2.Willie ss 3.Chip 3b 4.McCann c 5.Francouer rf 6.Jones cf 7.Thor 1b 8.Diaz lf

By serbok

May 7, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

well MBATL Sorry to see you~ go~ always~ enjoyed your posts~ Hope you come back soon:o)

By chrisklob

May 7, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

JJS, thanks. I googled the menu and found it. My friend will be pleased. At lot more pleased than I am with the Bravos poor performance this evening.

Willy Wally, this story actually broke last week. I thought that Eisen’s wife actually handled it with a lot of class. My wife would have assumed the worst and thrown me out of the house. I’ve never cheated on her or given her any reason to think I have in 17 years of being together but she just would not have handled it as rationally.

It is an art to tell someone that they are a freakin’ beatch without coming out and using those words!

By Chop Chop

May 7, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Willy Wally, Rich should have taken her up on the offer. Ms. Lane is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of his league.

(Note: Sources tell me that it’s Rich Eisen’s Skip Caray impression that gets Alycia’s motor running…)

By journalist jimmy smith

May 7, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

a circus tight rope walker fell from the tight rope yesterday in marietta.

“… tried to hang on but fell to the ground.” much like andruw jones tonight.

and if chipper is 0-11 and andruw is 0-20 why are bloggers trying to guess what is wrong right now?

and now, lerew will pitch tomorrow. good luck, lerew. and what will be bobby’s nickname for lerew?

and fish and chips … why not serve the queen fish and chips? and beer. send the queen home victorious - happy and glorious.

By Efrim

May 7, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

ALL:

Stop jumping on Andruw!!!!!

Jump all over Chuck James!!!!

I understand Andruw isn’t a good situational hitter. No S#%!!!! He has a lot of Gary Sheffield in him at the plate. Takes big swings and tries to hit the ball a mile. Andruw doesn’t know the meaning of hitting the ball to the right side. We will sign Mike Cameron this season and bat him 6th behind Francouer and McCann. Although Frenchy isn’t the best situational hitter either. ANYWAYS!!!

Chuck James is a 4 at best!!!!!!

By meansonny

May 7, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

Tough loss. I’d be more discouraged with the offense.

it’s tough to win a game with 2 runs scored. Even with your ace up there.

Bats should be back tomorrow, unless we go into one of those “rookie” pitcher draughts. We’re seeing a new face tomorrow.

Not a bad job by the pen tonight.

Hopefully, Renty and the rest of the bats will be healthy tomorrow.

By GoWarriors

May 7, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

I just wanted to comment on the Rainbow/PUSH meeting with John Schuerholz. What makes Jesse Jackson and his agency think they have the right to tell Schuerholz how to run his organization? This is so frustrating to me. Rainbow says Schuerholz should have black players on the starting roster, even if a more talented white player is available. That is such a ludicrous idea, how can Schuerholz be expected to build a winning team if he’s worrying about filling Jesse Jackson’s quotas?

I realize the problem exists that only 10% of MLB players are black, but that’s not the responsibility of the Braves or our GM. The league should be doing more in the way of advertising and public awareness. Recruiting less talented players based solely on the color of their skin will accomplish nothing. Obviously if Schuerholz finds a talented black player, he will recruit him and give him a chance. Look at Willie Harris - Harris was called up recently and has been excellent so far. But he was called up to fill a need in left field, not because Schuerholz was under pressure from a group like Rainbow. When Jesse Jackson becomes a GM in baseball, then he can make decisions about who’s on his team. Are there not more important issues for a civil rights group like his than a baseball roster?

The spokesman simply said, “There are talented black players in Atlanta” without any specifics. Schuerholz should tell them to feel free to hand in a scouting report and if a player meets the talent standards of the Braves then he should by all means be recruited. But, I highly doubt they had any scouting reports on hand with them. I wholeheartedly support blacks in baseball, but only if they make it based on their talent just like everyone else, and not on some artificial quota system.

By Efrim

May 7, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

I meant off-season with the last post.

By the way, Oliver Perez is looking like a better bet than Chuck James. UNBELIEVABLE!!!

By Willy Wally

May 7, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

When his wife was sending that email to that woman, do you think Eisen was behind her imitating Skip Caray and saying “Swung, email from left field! One run is in! Here comes Eisen! Here’s the throw to the plate! Eisen is…safe! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win!”

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

I just finished the Rogers article.I can’t stand to read a Falcons blog anymore,the Hawks are a joke,now this bs is infesting the Braves.If I have to wade through a load of sh** everytime I read about this team at some point it’ll be like the Falcons (just not worth the aggravation)and I’ll find other ways to entertain myself.

By GoWarriors

May 7, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

Also, I hope this same group is investigating the NBA for the small proportion of white players on NBA rosters. If not, these people are racists and are perpetuating a blatant double standard in American society.

By serbok

May 7, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

BGE~~~~~~~ 8:12Post is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have brown eyes~ which seems to make me in the majority? Dont look now guys~ but I may be the starting SS next weekend? my lawyers are going to be contacting the ohnorable/ (tawana banks representative The revered Alfonso Sharptons people~ and It might happen?) And now the final solution can be applied? AWWW heck~ just occurred to me Renterias eyes are probably brown also~ Screw it tho~ may the best man win? lol

By meansonny

May 7, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Regarding McCann at 4th in the order, its no better or worse than Francouer.

What I do like about it is that mccann is the best option to protect Chipper. He’s the best all-around hitter (besides Chipper) on the team.

He hits for average and power. The 2 HRs are more a reflection of his hurt fingers (see SLG before the bunt attempt). He has lots of doubles.

With all the posts about the lack of run production without the HR, I would think that Kelly, Renty, Chipper, and McCann would offer the best chance at stringing some hits together. ANd there’s probably about 95+ HRs from those 4 coming this season (best average and power combo in our lineup).

All 4 players know how to take what the pitcher gives them. They possess all the characteristics that we desire from our hitters (Andruw in particular)

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

Anybody notice what Gregor Blanco’s doing at Richmond? Before tonight he was hitting .346 with two homers (two more than he had last season), nine RBIs, a .465 OBP and a .921 OPS in 81 at-bats and 25 games. Damn….

By the way, that’s one more homer than Escobar has in 100 at-bats for Richmond. Frankly, I don’t understand how Escobar, as powerfully built as he is and as hard as he hits line drives (at least in spring training), doesn’t have more homers than he’s hit the past two seasons. He’s hitting .310, but has only five walks (also only 10 K, so he’s definitely putting it in play)

By Skip

May 7, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

Do we need to ask the Rainbow/PUSH coalition for their permission first?

By Willy Wally

May 7, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

Do you think Blanco will be called up and Diaz traded to an AL team by the All Star break? It would seem to make sense.

By JJMB

May 7, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Sweet Jeebus, I just read the Jesse Jackson article. Good thing you’re part american, DOB.

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

Glad someone put on here that Lerew’s starting tomorrow. They told us right after game, but I forgot to put it here before I started writing my game story.

Haven’t announced what the other move will be, but pretty certain it’ll be Barry, who hasn’t even pitched since he’s been here.

Two guys going tomorrow who are making their season debuts, both of whom have tore it up in Triple-A but struggled in limited major league ops in the past. We’ll see.

BY THE WAY, I really can’t believe how much some of you — a LOT — get worked up over the stories about the lack of black players, etc. I mean, seriously, why don’t you just read the stories or ignore them, whatever you choose, without allowing yourselves to get so excited. So many here act so surprised, yet you keep reading the same stuff, and keep offering the same reaction. What’s the point?

Hey, if venting makes you feel better, have at it. But I can assure you, you’re not going to stop the stories being written everywhere, not while this is a hot-button subject in some quarters, and not as long as the percentage of black American players is so low.

And please, you guys really aren’t as confused as you claim to be by the difference between, say, a dark-skinned guy like Edgar who’s from the coastal region of a South American country, Colombia, and a person of African-American ancestry, are you? Really? That really has you stumped? Wow. I guess I just don’t see what all the confusion is about.

Andruw’s from Curacao, which is part of the Netherlands Antilles. His lineage is European, I can say with a good degree of certainty.

And on and on. Come on, you folks can understand the difference, can’t you? Seriously?

Even if you can’t, could we please just drop it? Tonight’s posts, at least a great number of them, were just mind-numbing on this topic. So many of us haven’t a clue or know very little about what we speak, yet we seem to want to pontificate on this subject as though we’re political scientists or professors of Afro-American studies. Enough. More than enough.

Please, can we get back to wondering what the hell’s wrong with Chuck James, and whether Anthony Lerew is ready, and when might Andruw go on a torrid homer binge, and has anyone heard the new Graham Parker CD on the Bloodshot Records label (I have, and it’s his best in 12-15 years).

OK, I’m off my high horse. You’re free to go on ad nauseum about the subject if you wish, long as you keep the language civil (and so far, it pretty much has been).

But personally, I just find we’re going round-and-round this issue, not covering any new ground.

By Bob, journalist

May 7, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

I hate this race crap - there are so many instances where it is appropriate but this is not one of them

WW, I do too, but crap is crap, regardless of color or how it’s spelled … and there are very few instances where it is appropriate, if any.

Perhaps I’ve been too critical of Andruw … after all, he did provide us with the surprise of the day … a weakly hit ball to first. I knew he could do it!

The offensive execution of fundamentals in tonight’s game left something to be desired.

The pitching line was interesting too … Chuck gave up 3 hits and 2 runs … Oscar gave up 1 hit and 1 run … Chad gave up 1 hit and 1 run.

I would agree tha Chuck needs an effective third pitch … one that gets over the plate with consistency.

He simply has to throw too many pitches and a 50% strike ratio isn’t getting the job done.

Walter’s Dad, telling it like it is … isn’t ranting.

The problem with “one man - one vote” is that those on the dole are in the majority.

I spent a lot of time today practicing the line “nice win!” … maybe Lerew will enable me to use it. I’m a bit fuzzy on the spelling but here’s hopin’ Lash can whup ‘em tomorrow!

Good night Gracie

By ColoradoBravesFan

May 7, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

WOW… two errors for the mets in the 5th, and O. Perez gives up 2 home runs. SF puts 6 on the board and still batting. They walk Bonds…

By Send Money

May 7, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

DOB You’re off base on this Jesse Jackson thing.I.ve seen too many situations where this cancer metastasizes and sucks the air from everything you watch the game for.We watch to escape,not to be emerced in this bs.I think you’ll find baseball fans aren’t like NFL or NBA fans.If this is a running thing it will take a toll on the popularity of the sport.

By David O'Brien

May 7, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

Dadgum, just scrolled up to your post, which injected a welcome dash of levity that will allow me to pack my laptop with a smile and head home now. You wrote:

“Rock On…..long live the Skynyrd Band!”

Well said.

Later

By TennesseePaul

May 8, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Well I was going to scroll up through the blog to get a read on some in-game banter, but, having started at the bottom, I read DOBs post first and I’m really not that excited about it. I’ll do it anyway, but suspect I’ll have the scroll on.

So tell me, those who watched the game, was James following through on his pitches or did it look like he just stood on the rubber and stepped forward with a lot of high and/or outside pitches? It’s disappointing to see this guy struggle. I can’t help but think part of it is related to his ultra laid back style, of which I only know what DOB familiarizes me with. But from his stories on the guy it sounds like he puts no effort into his game. And, speaking only from his previous start, he doesn’t seem to put the effort into his pitching mechanics. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out he had no follow through tonight. The last game I saw him pitch his delivery was so inconsistant it was shocking to me. Last season he was way more consistant, even during his brief time in the pen.
Only two guys got a hit tonight. That’s a drag. Young is good, but this, this is disappointing. When’s Willie C going to run out of gas?

Alright, as soon as I finish this beer I’ll scroll through the bushes and find whatever gems I can.

By serbok

May 8, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

cant believe I mispilled honarable! Oh the inhumanity?

By N8

May 8, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

Lew

“Nathan-No tirades this evening. Please. Let Andruw slump in peace for one night.”

I’m done tirading on Andruw. I like pointing things out that get people’s goats. Now that DOB has dedicated a blog to wondering whether Andruw should be dropped in the order, it would be considered “stating the obvious”, to the denizens, no point in going all “Robert” on everybody.

Ron

“N8, you being the one not worring, that is funny man, Keep it up DUDE!!!”

I was being sarcastic. Just didn’t have the time to rant, so I figured a simple post going against everything I stand for, would confuse you guys. :)

Efrim

“He has a lot of Gary Sheffield in him at the plate.”

Andruw has VERY LITTLE Gary Sheffield in him. Sheffield is a .296 career hitter, has NEVER struck out more than 83 times in a season and has on struck out more than 75 times 3 times! Sheffield has ALWAYS been willing to take the outside pitch to RF (or at least lay off of it), while having the confidence to pull the inside pitch, with his silly fast bat speed.

No offense, but Sheffield is the last guy I would compare Andruw to. Unless you were comparing post-season clutch hits.

By The Regulator

May 8, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

Im sure Braves fans will enjoy these two David Wright pics

http://i19.tinypic.com/62ih9c5.jpg

http://i18.tinypic.com/4peqvwz.jpg

By We Have Mets the Enemy

May 8, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

Start with Reggie Jackson, take away most all of the clutch hitting ability, add a great glove, lots of ugly tattoos, a dash more ego and a great deal more stubbornness, and you’ve got Andruw Jones.

By Efrim

May 8, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

N8,

YOU NUTZ MAN????

Sheffield NEVER looks to drive the ball to right field. He is the worst siutational hitter of all time!!!!

2002 playoffs dude.

1st and 3rd no one out.

Robb Nen strikes out Sheff because he is hacking up there trying to hit a bomb. Andruw does the same crap.

By TennesseePaul

May 8, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

N8: no point in going all “Robert” on everybody

Excellent use of the adjective Robert. I’ll put that one in there right next to Kolbian.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 8, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

DOB

Damn fella, gotta be a blog record - 331 posts in 10 hours, in response to your post. Good issues you raised. Here’s what I think, without having read anybody else’s opinion.

“Clean-up Hitter” to my way of thinking, is one who can get runners home. Whether it be by home run, single, double, walk, etc. Simple fact is Druw is not getting it done. It is clear that he is ignoring the pleas of TP (as evidenced by the 2 interviews I have seen on the tube of TP) to be a hitter, and not a slugger. It is tough to watch this, as Druw has been near and dear to all of our hearts since he stepped up to the plate against the Stanks in that first WS, with that innocent and relaxed smile/smirk, and took them yard, more than once. NO ONE can question how hard Druw has played, offensively, and defensively, all these years. The guy has HOF written all over him, for good reason. I think we all feel blessed that we have had the benefit of cheering this incredible talent as our own for the past 11 years. With that said, here goes….

Andruw is playing for Andruw this year. His defense is still stellar, and the best in the league. His desire cannot be questioned. But, for some reason, he thinks he has to “go yard” with every swing. He is not performing the functions of a clean up hitter, which is to get runners on base home. His stance and swing borders on the bizarre.

I would move him to the #6 spot for the time being. Put McCann in #4 and let Frenchy stay at #5. This would let Andruw know that (1) His performance (selfishness??) is not worthy of being the #4 hitter in the lineup, and (2) unless he straightens his stance/swing out, he is likely to be dropped further down in the order, given the effectiveness of Thorman, Willie and/or Diaz.

The best motivation for a grown man is the threat of humiliation. If Druw continues this pattern for the year, his walk year will turn into a crawl year - he doesn’t want that, and neither do we.

By Efrim

May 8, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

EVERYONE!!!!

STOP GOING NUTS ON DRUW.

JAMES IS THE REAL ISSUE HERE. ANDRUW WILL FINISH WITH AT LEAST 35 BOMBS. CHUCK JAMES NEEDS TO GET IT TOGETHER!!!!

By Andruw Jones

May 8, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this

Show me the money ! Wait , did I really say that ? Bobby , your not gonna bench me are you ?

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 8, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this

Grinch

RE: Your 9:18 post - Right On, Brotha!!.

How can I be a racist when I was cheering Hank on during his pursuit of the record, and assert that Hank and Say Hey (a Birmingham native, Hank being a Mobile native, BOTH natives of Alabama) are the two greatest BASEBALL players of all time, and be a racist because I cannot stand the “B” word? Not a racist here, just a baseball purist.

By DAD

May 8, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this

We Mets fans hope that Bobby Cox keeps batting Andruh cleanup. It is a moot point anyway.The Mets are about ready to take off and leave the Braves. By the All Star break, the Mets will have a 12 game lead on the Braves.

By Willy Wally

May 8, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

Mets lose!

The Magic Number is Now 132!

Go Bravos!

By fastasballs

May 8, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

James looked, for lack of a better word, bad.

His mechanics are way off. Release points & follow throughs were eratic at best.

The Braves didn’t lose any ground in the division, everyone lost. I think the Muts are actively losing but are down big in 8th or 9th.

Good luck to Lerew tomorrow night. They need some good outings from a starter other than ones named Hudson or Smoltz. If Lerew doesn’t work out we are going to need a new version of Spahn & Sain & pray for rain. I’m sure some of you creative minded people can come up with something catchy, lol.

Andruw as bad as he looks right now is not the worst problem the Braves have. Starters that can go 6 innings & a bench that can make contact would be nice. No excuse for Orr striking out, they were conseding the run. Hell a drag bunt would have worked, 4-3 may have made a big difference. I do agree Andruw needs to be moved down in the order, switch him and Frenchy. McCann can stay where he is, you can’t stack two free swingers like Francoeur & Andruw back to back.

I agree with Paronto plunking the pitcher. He went at his legs, he was not head hunting. I was impressed the ump didn’t issue warnings, wasn’t a need for it but they do most of time.

By TennesseePaul

May 8, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

fastasballs: Thanks for the info. Figures. That guy is going to have to put in some time and dedication. Roger needs to just sit down with him, look him in the eye and say, Look son, do you want to make it in this business or what?

The other day I was talking about the things Dodger TV had to say about the Braves, I forgot about this gem.
Friday night, when the Braves started scoring, the Chop got going. The commentators had spent the previous few minutes praising the Braves system and consistancy and how well we’ve played so far. They really built it up as a good match up. So, the Chop gets started up and it’s loud, they both stop talking. One says So with that the fan’s start the Tomahawk Chop. The other one: Wow. I really thought that would have played itself out by now.
I had to laugh. That just cracked me up.

By Bob, journalist

May 8, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

Methinks the latest pole is a joke … Where should Salty play? They didn’t give my choice as an option … in the minor leagues, within the Braves organization, developing his craft.

Of course, I always feel that way about those poles … if my choice isn’t an option then it’s obviously a joke!

David, you remarks are well taken but the confusion is to be expected. Some of us think of race in terms of Caucasian, Mongoliod and Negroid … and of Pluto as a planet.

The fact that there are many Negroids, Caucasians and Mongoliods playing baseball in the Major Leagues suggests, at least to some of us, that “race” isn’t the problem and is being used to further the agendas of the power brokers within certain segments of our society.

I remember a young Gary Hart, while serving as McGovern’s campaign manager; proclaiming, from the floor of the Democratic National Convention, that if 17.5% of the democrats in the country were left handed Lithuainians then 17.5% of the delegates should likewise be.

While the left handed Lithuainians might agree, some of us simply don’t hold with that notion … we have nothing against Lithuainians but we think the righthanded ones deserve their chance too since there’s no question that the majority of them are righthanded!

However, it is not incumbent on us to facilitate their participation … only to insure that they are not unfairly deprived of the opportunity regardless of their minorty/majority status.

Andruw’s not in the Major Leagues because of his ancestry … whether it be American, African, European or Australian … or even Lithuainian.

He’s here because he has a great smile, can catch the ball better than most, has power … and we thought he could hit.

The same thing is true of most … and methinks that’s how it should be!

By fastasballs

May 8, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this

Ah, nothing like a dumb arse Muts fan running his trap. 12 games, huh?

Who is this “We”? Do you have a mouse in your pocket? I don’t see the rest of the hoard over here tonight with their dirty fingers stuck in the air.

When’s Minaya going to make his big move? I’m sure he & the rest the Muts brass have penis envy since Clemmens made his announcement. Damn, the Muts have been trumped again in their own city. You can’t even win your own city so how do the Muts plan on beating the Braves?

Your pitching is no better than our’s, it may be worse because we have two #1’s & you don’t have any. Our pen is better for sure. Perez can only beat the Braves, no one else. The Braves whack Glavine around so there went your advantage with Perez. El Disabled is, well he is disabled. Who knows about Pedro?

Is Chiti stadium opening next year? Maybe you guys will do better there because your not looking too good at Shea.

By BabyGoatEater

May 8, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this

Someone asked about the game……..

I was watching (and blogging) the game earlier. No Chucky didn’t seem to be following through on his pitches. He doesn’t really ever though. His third pitch hasn’t been there for him either, or he just doesn’t have the confidence in it. DOB help me with some stats if you could I think he threw mainly fastballs and his change-up nothing else really.

as for the hand-slapping for race talk. I said a few thiings mainly because it seemed to be the topic of day mixed in with baseball talk. If you read up you’ll see I had many more baseball posts than other but…..I understand why they were posted. That article is Braves news and could effect how the Braves operate. Probably not but it could. I’m done posting anything on this subject and agree there are better places for it. I hope nobody was offended by my FAT-AMERICAN, or SHORT-AMERICAN posts, I was trying to be funny.

DOB

If you can find some stats on Chuck James pitch selection tonight I would really appreciate it. I don’t remember seeing him throw anything but straight stuff. I could be mistaken but…. thanks.

By Scott

May 8, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this

Andruw has to be moved down in the order until he gets his swing back. He’s looking like the old Andruw when he was swinging at everything on the outside of the plate and in the dirt. Move McCann up to the 4 spot and Francouer to the 5 spot and let Andruw hit 6. Take some pressure off of him and let him get his swing back.

By fastasballs

May 8, 2007 1:44 AM | Link to this

The racism thing is comical. People like Jackson & Sharpton like to stir the pot. They don’t make any money unless they are drawing attention to a non issue. The only agenda they are advancing is their own & I think they do a serious injustice to M.L. King by their actions.

I had better stop right there…

There are plenty of two sport stars out of high school. I know some you college football nuts have heard of Hunter Ovens, great LB & OF out of Florida. Has a full ride to Va Tech but will play baseball if he goes in the top two rounds of the draft this year. I’m a huge Hokie so I hope football is his choice, they need LB’s after Hall & Adibi depart after this year. I do hope he does well either way he goes, seems to be a good kid.

Off to bed, I’m starting to ramble.

By Bob, journalist

May 8, 2007 1:51 AM | Link to this

Scalp ‘Em … I’m envious … your 12:34 … very nice post! I’m addiding it to my scrapbook though it may be “pearls” … most folks are only interested in his power numbers which thankfully are down (while we’re still winning) … so that some effective action actually might be taken.

I strongly agree with your comment regarding humiliation and have suggested embarrassment as treatment … the only problem is that he seems oblivious or doesn’t have a problem with self embarrassment and humiliation.

Were but Dorothy Parker here to help!

By Wayne in Utah

May 8, 2007 3:06 AM | Link to this

Carolina Lady: Nice earlier post on the Rainbow folks. Ridiculous.

MLB: I have to agree with you on the recent blog personnel.

Please excuse my usage of this baseball blog to brag a little tonight: Utah Jazz 116, Golden State Warriors 112 Was at the game, and it was truly electric.

Sorry David Stern, the Jazz cannot allow the darling Warriors to go forward.

Will be out in the “wilds” for the next few days, so good luck to Anthony Lerew in his start tomorrow (today now).

By Wayne in Utah

May 8, 2007 3:07 AM | Link to this

Jesse J: Not enough old people on the Braves roster either. Whassup with all these youngsters! It just ain’t fair.

By Wayne in Utah

May 8, 2007 3:08 AM | Link to this

Felipe: “Moises, please wash your hands THOROUGHLY before coming to the table!”

By jed

May 8, 2007 3:20 AM | Link to this

Just read the article on naacp/push meeting with Schuerholz about the lack of black players on the braves. I’m fully in favor of affirmative action, and I see racism as definitely being a fact in America. But this might well be the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. JS put Willie Harris in LF last week; do you really think he cared what color the man was? Do I consider the NBA racist because they dont have enough white guys? No. Of course not. Surely, the naacp/push can find better ways to spend their time. And if Reverend Wuts-his-name can find us a black man who can go 7 innings and post a 3.5 era, I promise all us stupid crackers will gladly welcome him to the rotation.

By jed

May 8, 2007 4:07 AM | Link to this

Now i’ve just gone through the blog and read a bunch of posts, plus DOB losing it over all the posts about African/American players. Hey, there’s 300 something posts…what am I supposed to do? Read all of them before I comment? I do regret that I basically made the same points people had previously made. If I’m ever making a similar point as N8, it’s definitely a bad night. Anyway, I still find it offensive that Push would waste time pursuing a meeting with JS when there are a million more significant things for African/American leaders to be focusing on: racial profiling, the war on drugs, the number of young black men in prison (b/c of the war on drugs), a biased educational system (poor neighborhoods get crappy schools; wealthy ones get good schools), systemic oppression, the veiled nature of racism today, not to even mention all the crap black folks are doing to themselves (which can be viewed as inculcated self-loathing at the hands of white oppression for several hundred years now) I’m just saying: the Reverend needs to use his megaphone for something that matters, or give it to somebody else.

By bergian

May 8, 2007 5:28 AM | Link to this

GRINCH!!!!!!! You have a Monte? What year? As for the Q-jet, kits cost about $30 bucks these days. Are you a bit mechanical? It’s not a bad carb to rebuild, if you have a little time and space for it to be all apart. This book by Doug Roe shows you every single step in taking one apart, and rebuilding it. http://www.amazon.com/Rochester-Carb-Hp014-Doug-Roe/dp/0895863014/ref=pdbxgybimgb/104-6906138-6541537

I have rebuilt a few thru the years, easier than Rochester 2 barrels, or fords 2 barrel. IF you think the suckers worn out, like the throttles stick sometimes, and you had to ad a throttle return spring, then the throttle shaft bushings are shot, and you need to have it done by a pro. Sometimes those parts house q jets are not any better than what you have on! I had one that never worked right, so as I was finally getting brave with car stuff, I took it apart, and the main body had clearly been dropped, and dented! No wonder the gaskets didn’t seal that sucker up! Let me know if you need any more advice carb-wise. There is someone who everyone on the www.v8buick.com board swears by…in a good way! :) THink he is in Kentucky, and works fairly fast….

By JAS

May 8, 2007 6:45 AM | Link to this

Someone tell Rainbow/PUSH to shove off. Mr. Jackson is Mr. Imus in different skin.

Yes, move anyone in to clean up. Move Willie Harris to the three spot even and put Chipper behind him.

By Richard Cory

May 8, 2007 7:00 AM | Link to this

Bob,Journalist—1:19 AM post—AMEN.

By BRAVE DAWG

May 8, 2007 7:06 AM | Link to this

It won’t be long before everyone figures out how to pitch to AJ. Walk the bases loaded, then let AJ do the rest. He’ll atleast hit into a DP.

By ernesto

May 8, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this

With all due respect to DOB and the risk of bringing up a tired subject - the “lack” of “African Americans” is such an absurd point to me. As if “a dark skinned latin” and you don’t get any darker than Edgar could have played before JR broke the color barrier. As if Andurw would have been welcomed in the league before JR b/c he was from a European country.

So it’s just heritage? How many players of French extraction are playing in the league? Frenchmen everywhere want ot know.

And has Willie Harris ever been to AFrica, are we sure his people are from Africa…someone should check.

If you want to bemoan the lack of black Americans in this league, well that’s a fair discussion, but one that doesn’t have to imply discrimination. Could just as easily be a cultural phenomenon in that community versus bigotry or discrimination in another.

I think it’s absurd and undermines legitimate grievances, or protestations of discrimination.

By Lee

May 8, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this

Chipper is now being greatly affected by the lack of production from Jones. The opposing pitchers are basically throwing around him and his average is dropping. It is time to move Andruw down until he shows improvement at the plate. What is the big deal - some people afraid it is going to hurt his feelings or destroy his confidence.

This team needs to put together a winning streak. It has been nothing but a 500 team since the excellent start at the beginning of the season. The good news is the Mets cannot keep a major winning streak alive either.

I still have faith Chucky James will find his grove. Last night it was more like Chucky the Doll pitching. Hopefully Lerew will pitch effectively enough and be considered as a keeper for the Braves starting pitching. I really think an impressive start would cause a little shakeup in the starting rotation. I am in favor of pitchers taking up for their teammates after being beamed by the ball from the opposing pitcher; however, with a one run lead it is ill advised to do this, especially when our 3 and 4 hitters are not producing at the plate. I am personally glad it was a 2 run win instead of a 1 run win for the Padres; otherwise, it would have been like the Braves practically forfeiting the game.

By Baby Seal

May 8, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this

Grinch, carburetion is not complicated. Perhaps I can be of help. First, please identify the problems you are experiencing: (1) Cold starting problem, (2) warm starting problem, (3) cold ebgine driveability problem, (4) warm engine driveability problem, (5) poor performance or gas mileage, (6) flooding, or (7) hesistation during acceleration. With this additional information I can localize the problem and offer repair suggestions. That failing, I can provide my mailing address so that the carburetor may be shipped to me for perusal and repair. I do enjoy four barrel carburetor repair! I see very few of those on weed eaters. Where are the seats you mentioned?

By braves fan

May 8, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this

DOB,

I don’t know what others were writing about the whole lack of african-american baseball players issue, but I am appalled that the Raibow Coalition is meeting with the Braves front office, as if the Braves are solely responsible for the lack of AA players on their team. This is a function of a lack of commitment by the african-american community and MLB in general to promote the game to AA youth. What’s easier for an inner city youth: to find a baseball field and afford all the necessary equipment to play baseball, or to find a hoop and a basketball game? Which is the quickest and easiest path to being a multimillionaire: struggling thru minor league baseball for 4-5 years, or going pro straight out of high school or one year of college basketball? I think the answers here are fairly obvious, and it is insulting that the Braves had to entertain these meetings as if they are somehow responsible for the problem. There are no lack of african american athletes in the NBA or NFL, so maybe the Rainbow Coalition should start there, researching why all these AA athletes are choosing a football or basketball over a baseball.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 8, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

jimmysmiththinks there is plenty talk of race in the ajc already (pick your section) so we can leave such discussion out of the blog. bloggers were responding to the article by carroll rogers who is a baseball writer, not a social engineer. carroll reported and the bloggers commented. willie harris has been a wonderful addition to this team. now, willie’s arrival might be somewhat tainted by suggestion of social engineering. were the braves, anticipating the demands of rainbow/push feeling pressure to bring willie to the team? oh, the humanity! baseball is supposed to be a diversion. let’s not make baseball a social experiment and let’s not let this blog be taken over by discussions of race when there are so many toe issues to be discussed.

By dadgum

May 8, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

I wasn’t going to chime in on the race thing but, oh well, here is some food for thought. Today’s African-American male is not being brought up on the game of baseball. Go to any Little League game here in Richmond, VA (including the city proper) and you will find only a smattering of Black players. Fast forward to the high school scene and of the 18 players on my son’s team there is only one African-American. This is typical of all the teams in the Richmond area save 1 0r 2.

The bottom line is that blacks are not excluded at any level under any circumstances. Simply they are not playing the game early on thus they are not at the skill level entering high school as those that make the teams. Football and basketball are being pushed early as the glamor sports.

No team under any circumstances should be pushed to accept black players simply because they don’t have many. If you are good enough to play you will be on a team regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, familial status, or handicap. Guess that just about covers it.

Oh Yeah, went to the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert the other night. Still a good band. Gotta tell you that “Ballad Of Curtis Lowe” is awesome. Playing it almost every concert now. It gets the best applause of any song and frankly it is a crowd-pleaser with Free Bird, maybe even better. Derek Trucks Band is next up with Drive By Truckers close by. Hope those two are good. Never seen them but have heard the raves.

Rock on………Fire and Rain

By ncscoots

May 8, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this

Lest we forget, Chuck is a second-year major leaguer with fewer than 30 starts under his belt. Only the most optimistic would have thought he would not see at least SOME regression this year. However, he reports that he found a flaw with his arm angle, and, if so, then he may just need some side sessions to lock in muscle memory and right the ship. Hey, Mario Soto was a pretty good two-pitch pitcher in his day, ya know.

Meanwhile, what’s the current scouting report on Lerew? I read that he’s throwing a lot of sinkers and changeups, but as I remember, his four-seamer had some pretty good giddyup. Maybe one of our Richmond friends can enlighten the denzines.

By Ronbastic

May 8, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

Hey all, we all hear Andruw keep saying, “this is business”. Well, the Braves need to approach the lineup in the same way. If you’re not producing, then you get replaced by somebody that is at that point in time. Remember what happened to LaRoche last year after he was moved down in the lineup? He got hot b/c he had to prove he could bat. I say we move Andruw to 7th or 8th until he starts hitting.

1) KJ 2) Edgar 3) Chipper 4) McCann (or Frenchy) 5) Frenchy (or McCann) 6) Harris 7) Thorman 8) Andruw 9) Pitcher

By Lew39

May 8, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Mr. A Jones needs to be benched. He needs his head examined the way he is trying to pull everything. I thought after all these years in the majors he would have a more inteligent approach to hitting. Terry P. cannot be telling him to swing this way. Andruw is not helping the club with his stubborness at the plate. He could be soooooo much better than he is and at this point in his career he should be!!

By Thundersticks

May 8, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

My recommendation would be to switch Andruw and Frenchy until Andruw starts hitting again. This way you keep the lineup’s current righty/lefty set up, it rewards Frenchy for his hard work, and still gives Andruw plenty of RBI opportunities, just in less pressure situations.

By The Grinch

May 8, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

Berigan, it’s an ‘85 SS, burgundy w/ burgundy interior. Garage kept, all original but for the TH-200 tranny swapped out for a TH-700 about 25,000 miles ago. It’s my second (used to have a ‘72, now gone by the wayside, alas). While I can go through a summit catalog and tell you what cam to match with what heads to get a certain level of performance, my mechanical abilities physically are limited to changing the oil and spark plugs. Even WITH a good book with pictures if I were to take that thing apart no more than half of it would ever get back on the car. I’ll give her a try, though. The aftermarket Holly 4011 carb on my truck (w/ Edelbrock Performer intake) is far and away the best and easiest to deal with one I’ve ever had. Haven’t had it touched one time in seven years.

Baby Seal, in addition to cold starting problems, when I stomp down on it it hesitates for a half-second before doing something akin to a sneeze, then takes off. Folks riding behind me say it puffs out a little black smoke when I do so, indicating a rich fuel mixture I believe. The tickets are negotiable, as I have not purchased them yet. A four-barrel weed-eater would be something some of my redneck friends in south Ga would probably try.

Now, Hockey…I think since 95% of the players are from Canada, Sweeden, Russia, Finland, Norway and Poland (and therefore not white, by Jesse’s criteria), that we shout at the NHL commissioner with a megaphone until he agrees to sign more white American players, like innuits. Wait, that won’t work. How about Navaho? Hmm. Apache? THIS IS KIND OF SILLY, ISN’T IT YOU FREAKING MORON. That is the last the Grinch will say on the matter unless further provoked.

By Players Play

May 8, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

The results of the arm twisting process by Rainbow is to actually create discrimination against one or more groups in favor of another. Why do I get this feeling that a percieved and/or forced, more level playing field supercedes attempting to win a DC, NLC, and WS ? On this issue, in this venue, Rainbow should take a walk instead of swinging for the fence.

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

Has anyone looked at Andruw’s stats with no one on base? Not very impressive, either: .263 AVG/ .333 OBP/ .439 SLG. He’s just in a slump.

And his stats with RISP aren’t as bad as they look, aside from his AVG. He leads the team by a pretty significant margin in BB with RISP and is tied for the major league lead in that category. Could it be he can’t get in a grove in key situations not because of his mechanics, his approach or because he’s become a bad clutch player but because teams are pitching around him when they get a chance?

He’s struck out a lot with runners in scoring position, which may mean he’s getting tired of being pitched around in certain situations and wants to chase bad pitches.

As the Baseball Prospectus guys point out, certain types of hitters do seem to be better situational hitters—hitters who BB a lot and don’t K a lot.

Look at Ryan Howard’s numbers with runners in scoring position—.229/.442/.514. He also has 15 BB and a lot of K’s with RISP.

It seems it could be just the nature of the beast. Guys who are high BB, high K guys aren’t going to hit for a high AVG in certain key situations, namely with RISP.

Look at Ryan Howard last season. He drove in 83 runs when he came up with RISP. He also hit only .256, walked the third-most times in that situation and struck out the 2nd-most times.

My guess is that hitters like Andruw and Howard—hitters who K a lot and BB a lot—go up there looking for a good pitch and swing hard at it. If they don’t get a good pitch, they take their walk. If they do get a good pitch, they swing hard in case they hit it.

No one argued Ryan Howard had a bad approach with RISP last season so why all the arguments against AJ’s approach this season?

By Efrim

May 8, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Can you write your next blog about our #3,4,5 starters and entitle it SMOLTZ, HUDSON, and well….Pray for Rain.

By Savannah Guy

May 8, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

Remember, it’s a TEAM sport

Cox should move Andruw to the 6 spot, McCann and Frenchy to 5 and 6. When Andruw remembers how to stand in the box without doing a split, swing without falling and actually hit the ball with regularity then he can move him back to 4.

Something has GOTTA GIVE. Andruw seems to have such an open stance so that he doesn’t screw himself into the ground trying to hit the ball into the next county every time he swings. We can’t be giving automatic outs in the four-spot against good teams all summer.

By Coach

May 8, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

Scoots , Lerew throws a straight fastball that tops out at 96 along with a sinker , slider and a change up. he has been primarily throwing his sinker and change up with much success in Richmond this season.

By Fred from CT

May 8, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

I wake up early come to work after a loss last night and the first thing I read is that rainbow/push coalition is saying that we need more blacks. Are you kidding me? So much for who cares about the persons color of skin. Why isn’t anyone meeting with NBA GM’s about getting more whites in the league. This is why a black guy will never be president because they whine too much. Grow up and be a adult. This crap ruined my day.

By alan from Atlanta GA.

May 8, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

The way AJ is hitting, he should be in the 6 or 7 position. His swing is atrocious, falling on one knee was great for Elvis, he didn’t have to run to 1st base. JF or BM should both be moved up at least temporarily. It’s almost embarrasing to watch him struggle.

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Savannah Guy,

Actually Andruw isn’t giving automatic outs too often—in only 63.8 percent of his plate appearances. Even with runners in scoring position he’s making an out in only 58.5 percent of his plate appearances.

Relatively speaking, Andruw has not been an easy out.

Actually the Braves lineup doesn’t have many easy outs. As a team they’ve made outs in only 64.8 percent of their plate apperances, sixth-fewest in all of baseball and second-fewest in baseball.

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

Correction: As a team they’ve made outs in only 64.8 percent of their plate appearances, sixth-fewest in all of baseball and second-fewest in the National League.

By Frits

May 8, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

Looks to me there is only one way to solve the Andruw issue, re-sign him. It would clear his mind. Would take the urge away to play for a market value. Most probably he would then also be much more willing to look at his mechanics, his approach and yes, team interest

By Savannah Guy

May 8, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

Shaun, I trust your stats are correct (as usual) so I won’t argue that. My point is…look at AJ’s swing and his results. Bloopers and end-of-bat-seeing-eye-singles do not a cleanup hitter make. The sweet spot on his bats still have polish.

So, move him to the 6 spot, take the pressure off and maybe TP can “intervene”.

By Frits

May 8, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

one remark about this rainbow/push coalition. For me as a non-american (I live in Curacao) it is incredible how is being dealt with race issues in the US. As a black guy myself, I feel very discriminated by coalitions like these. I am black, but not black enough??? Sounds very Orwellian to me. My ancestors are from Ivory Coast, Africa. But then again I live on an island where more then 50 differnet nationalities and races live mixed and necxt to eachother. THere is no clear dividing line here (in Curacao) and I am glad for that. It is a shame that people like Andruw or Edgar are not considered being black. But then again, here we consider them as good players. In the end we are all human and that is the thing that counts.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 8, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

journalist is doing jimmy smith’s annual country music post on today’s atlanta braves.man-in-black.music.pie.toes.bbq.blog. here goes:

with apologies to trisha yearwood (country singer, dob):

Sometimes you wonder How much I care

I get distracted hitting the ball nowhere And I take cleanup for granted

My swing is my own business But if I started losing you

One thing is sure I’d be down on my knees

Ready to pray Bobby, down on my knees

Please let me stay I’d be beggin you please

Don’t take cleanup from me I’d be down on my knees

seems like andruw is already on andruw’s knees at every at-bat.

thankyouverymuch, jimmy smith has left the building.

By Fred from CT

May 8, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

frits

I agree with your comment

In the end we are all human and that is the thing that counts.

By Willy Wally

May 8, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Efrim, I would call it

Smoltz, Hudson, and Nuthin’

By Savannah Guy

May 8, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Fritz, thank you. You are 100% correct of course. We are all God’s children and we are ALL the same.

The Rainbow Coalition is actually not a coalition at all. It’s a “shake-down” mob and I hope JS and Braves management stand up to Jessie and his posse of co-conspirators. This has nothing to do with Braves, or baseball or even “African-American’s”. It has to do with money, attention and political power.

Let’s just be Americans for once. We live together, pray together, die together and play or watch baseball together. Ok, I’ll get off of my soap-box now.

Signed, Savannah Guy-Hybrid American (Cherokee Indian, German, English, Irish, Heinz-57 and Baskin Robbins).

By Rodger

May 8, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

I think Frenchy 4th, Mac 5th, AJ 6th-that way, we could keep the L-R-L-R-L-R lineup. At times when only a fly ball is needed to score a run (something cleanup hitters like Manny realize), Dru is still trying to reach Coke field. McCann & Francoeur are just trying to get the run home.

By Metropolitan Man

May 8, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

My 2 cents on the Rainbow Push:

About a month and a half ago, South Park did the Wheel Of Fortune episode. I dont know how many of you people saw it but the bottom line was the ending. One of the Southpark Kids was trying to apologize to token (black Southpark kid) abour how regretful he was for HIS dad using the N-word on tv. Now the show had a lot of funny, not-so funny tasteful jokes in there but the bottom line was the ending. The southpark kid tried so hard to apologize and make things right with Token but Token was non-responsive. It ended with the Southpark kid finally realizing that “he didnt get it”. He couldnt understand what being black meant and both CHILDREN finally accepted that concept. I know you may clown that I got this from a cartoon, but it is true and the message is clear. Neither side will ever COMPLETELY understand the other which means that much more work is needed or we just all need to leave each other alone. I’m with the more understanding part myself but of course everyone isnt on that level. Anyway you can find good reasoning out of anybody or anything, this time it just so happen to be on a crass adult cartoon like southpark. Open your minds people. The only way to understand someome else is to truly walk in there shoes, weather they are a trouble maker, crowd pleaser, or whatever YOU consider them to be, walk in the shoes.

LETS GO METS!!!!

By Glen

May 8, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Andruw is an incredibly streaky hitter, and right now his swing is out of whack. Sure, he kills mistakes, but more often he is pulling off the ball and flailing at pitches he cannot reach.

Perhaps dropping him in the lineup will take some of the pressure off and allow him to straighten things out.

If Bobby keeps him in the clean-up spot, teams will continue to pitch around Chipper until Andruw makes them pay.

By Lew

May 8, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Shaun-“Which may mean that he’s getting tired of being pitched around in certain situations and wants to chase bad pitches.” As the Caveman on the Geico commercials says to the talking head “What?” I just can’t wait to hear the justification for this one. It better be good, because I’m leaning towards that being the one stupidest thing you’ve ever uttered.

By Willy Wally

May 8, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

I know Bobby batted Frenchy third the other day but it seems to me that Bobby has made efforts to keep Frenchy grounded in the past by keeping him down in the order.

For example, two years ago when he came up, he was hot as hell, and Bobby would not put him up in the 3 hole or something similar like he was doing when KJ came up. It could have just been that he thinks KJ has more talents suited for the 3 hole than Frenchy. But I also think that Bobby may also be cautious with Frenchy, not wanting his head to get too big by putting him at cleanup or in the 3 hole too often. SO, I am not sure Bobby would put him the in the cleanup spot.

I could be wrong. AND this is all speculation on my part BUT I think that is part of what makes Bobby a great manager - his ability to gauge the temperament of his players and put them in positions to succeed accordingly.

He may still want to keep Frenchy humbled by not putting him at the cleanup spot full time. Or he could just believe that Frenchy is not yet worthy talent wise and production wise of the cleanup spot just yet.

But as for the humbling thing, I think Bobby did that for ten years until 2005 with Andruw - trying hard it seems not to just hand the cleanup spot to Druw until he believed he deserved it and his head would not get too big with it. In 2005, it seemed that Andruw earned Bobby’s trust with the cleanup spot.

If you watch the games instead of merely reading stat lines, there does seem to be a regression in the mental approach and discipline of Andruw at the plate as opposed to 2005.

BUT the problem now is what the problem can be with Bobby’s approach: loyalty. He rewarded one of his guys and he always seems reluctant to risk hurting a guy like Druw by dropping him.

I think Bobby’s mindset is that although Druw may not be as productive as you like right now, it may be counterproductive to Druw and the team to drop him down in the order after having established Druw’s identity on the team as the cleanup hitter.

It seems to me that Bobby is like the father who loves and respects his kids and pushes them to succeed and makes them earn what they get but once he rewards them, he knows how devastating it is to the kid for the father to take away the reward. It seems sometimes that Bobby, out of loyalty, once he hands his kids the key to the car is reluctant to take the keys away from them no matter how bad of a driver the kid is turning out to be.

Before 2005, Cox never seemed to hesitate to jerk Andruw around from fifth to seventh in a lineup trying to push him to get better or to minimize how detrimental it is to withstand Druw’s down times by droppping him in the lineup.

It could be that he has created a monster by rewarding him with the cleanup spot in 2005 and that it would be disastrous to drop him now from the cleanup spot at this point.

I don’t know. Just my speculation from a fan’s perspective after watching how Bobby handles his players all of these years.

BUT I think that is why he may be reluctant to make Frenchy the cleanup hitter - to keep Frenchy humble and to make sure that he does not reward him with that spot until Frenchy truly establishes himself as a disciplined hitter so that he and the team do not suffer similar detrimental Andruw downturns in production at such a critical lineup spot like cleanup.

By Victor

May 8, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Hey guys, Anybody notice what’s Willie Randolph’s did last night? He dropped Carlos Delgado to spots… I am a big fan of Andruw, but Bobby needs to do something in order to get more production… Imagine the tons of runs that we could score if somebody else was batting fourth ( Frenchy or Mc)…

By Willy Wally

May 8, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Shaun, how can you lecture all of us that there is no such thing as streakiness but then tell us to forgive Andruw right now because he is in a slump? You can’t have it both ways.

By 22oz

May 8, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

GM JS will start following the advice of all us experts on this blog before he gets bossed around by Jesse, so fret not children.

On another note, watching Andruw bat right now is like watching a man get hit in the crotch on America’s Funniest Home Videos. Its always followed by a “oooh, that was rough!”

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

I can somewhat understand the concern of black Americans that there aren’t too many black Americans in the major leagues but also the issue doesn’t lie with the Braves or with the teams or even with MLB. The issue seems to be a social one as to why black Americans prefer other sports to baseball. Seems to be cultural rather than caused by any sort of bias. Much like we see a high number of black Americans in basketball.

I’m not sure how it helps to have racial groups meet with individual teams or even MLB. The issue is much larger and requires much more.

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Lew,

I just think AJ is the type of player who is never going to hit for a high average with runners in scoring position.

As I posted, AJ and Ryan Howard are the type hitters who are going to go up looking for a good pitch. If they don’t get it, they will take a walk. If they do get it, they will swing as hard as they can in case they hit it.

By Rodger

May 8, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

JJS, that has to be the worst songwriting ever!

But we get the picture.

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Willy Wally,

I don’t think I ever said there is no such thing as streakiness.

My argument was that all players are relatively streaky but certain players aren’t prone to long streaks.

All players are going to go through bad spells and slumps but I don’t think there are players out there who are more prone than others to go 10-20 games without a hit then go 10-20 games with a hit, etc.

By Lew

May 8, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Shaun-That response had absolutely nothing to do with that specific quote I mentioned, which was, apparently, the dumbest thing you ever said. He “wants to swing at bad pitches.” Yes, I can almost hear his self conversation at an at bat-“I must have bad pitches. I must swing at bad pitches. I must kill the queen.”

By TennesseePaul

May 8, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Payne: Speechless. Not only are you now admitting, or at least giving room to the idea, that some hitters are more clutch than others, you tied it in to the adverse affects of high strikeout rates. Two topics you have repeatedly disputed as not important. Two topics you would reply to with some snide remark along the lines of “most intelligent people…” Good for you. Too bad you don’t trust anyone but Bill James though, otherwise you may have been able to enjoy the truth for a longer period of time. Maybe soon you will see the holes in AJ’s swings, and how it shouldn’t be that difficult for him to make the adjustment and just hit the ball the other way, which would eventually improve is overall numbers. But alas, this is AJ we are talking about. The most hard headed hitter in the league.

No one argued Ryan Howard had a bad approach with RISP last season so why all the arguments against AJ’s approach this season?
AJ’s approach every season blows in this situation. I’m not sure why the national media didn’t dissect Howard’s season last year, but I think the reason no one here did is because Howard plays for the Phillies. The focus here tends to be more Braves centric.

By fastasballs

May 8, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

Is Andruw even seeing the off speed pitches? When he gets a curve or high slider he has this look of “What was that”?

I think this slump/digression is a lot worse than other slumps he has had in the past. Pitchers could get him out with sliders way outside in the dirt in the past. He seems to take those pitches more often than not now. He knows the stike zone better. He’s now taking a pitch ON the plate, outer half and either misses it totally or pulls it on the ground to short or third. His swing has such a hitch in it that he is slow on the inside fastball. He use to hammer the pitch on the outer half of the plate to center or gap it to right center. He’s always been mainly a pull hitter but not 99% of times he makes contact like now. He’s a mistake hitter only right now & even at that not hitting all of those either.

He needs to be moved down in the order. He’s not helping the team, except in the field or the occasional, timely walk.

If you listen to the comments made by TP it sounds as though Andruw refuses to try anything suggested, regardless of how BAD he looks at the plate.

DOB said Andruw won’t like it at all (if he sees this, he’ll let me know it). This should tell you he is never going to cut it in Boston, LA or New York with media in those cities & they are probably the only teams that will pay some idiotic salary for his services.

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

If Bobby keeps him in the clean-up spot, teams will continue to pitch around Chipper until Andruw makes them pay.

Seems like teams are pitching around Andruw as much or more than Chipper. Andruw has 23 BB while Chipper has 22.

Actually Francouer has been the easiest out among the top six hitters with Andruw next.

The difference is Francouer’s out-avoiding has come more in the form of hits than AJ’s. And Francouer is the one driving in KJ, Renteria, Chipper and AJ because when AJ does avoid outs in RBI opportunities it’s more often in the form of walks than Francouer.

By Shawn B

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

DOES ANDRUW JONES not watch tape of his at-bats??????????? He looks ridiculous at the plate right now. Falling to his knee every other swing. Franceour or McCann should be hitting clean up right now. When Andruw manages to take a few swings with actual balance involved maybe he can move back up in the order.

By eware

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

I do not support dropping Andruw in the order. I think he protects the batters around him. They get pitches to hit, because even though Andruw is slumping, he’s a big threat to any pitcher. Nobody wants to be the pitcher that gets him out of the slump.

Why mess with a good thing? We’re winning ballgames and have a great record to show for it. I hesitate to move anything around that might cause this to change.

Any word on Wickman?

I’m jacked about Lerew - he has a chip on his shoulder this season. That can make for some great baseball.

By Lee

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

Shaun - Certain statistics in baseball are important and some are even interesting to an extent. You use them to provide numbers to base an opinion on and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. Stats however do not take the emotional state of mind into consideration. AJ is looking pretty pathetic right now - maybe the worst I have ever seen him swing, perhaps drop him a spot or two for a while to see the results. Maybe it will help him get his head straighten out. On Cox being Cox - loyalty and patience is his virtue for his players but rest assured if AJ continues this much longer the batting order will be revised. Cox is no fool.

With the homers Howard’s pounded out last last year - no one probably cared about the RISP stats. The media is looking for the next home run king - always have been and always will.

By Efrim

May 8, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

I am getting tired of this. Stop jumping on Andruw. He has always been a streaky hitter. He will go off soon and you people will then start talking about how great he is.

BUT, You can jump on Chuck James and the back end of this rotation. Buster Olney said yesterday that the Braves can hold off the Mets and win the division if Chuck James pitches like he pitched last year. We need him to step up, if he doesn’t, we can’t win this division.

He isn’t Tom Glavine. He can’t be successful by just throwing two pitches. He was last year, but pitching in the majors is all about adjustments and he hasn’t made them yet. Lets stop kidding ourselves people. I know we are tied with the Mets right now, but it will not continue if we don’t get more from our back end.

Check the schedule after we play 7 games against the Pirates and Nationals. Folks, we are in deep s*&$. A lot of games against big time hitters.

By meansonny

May 8, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Willy Wally,

A couple of points about Francouer and Andruw.

Francouer strikes out too much to be moved up in the order (you were referencing the #3 hole). He’s only 4 strikeouts behind Andruw. And despite his improvements, he still does not walk a lot (last place on the team among everyday starters).

He has improved in his ability to hit the ball the other way. Frenchy has hit 11 more singles than Andruw, but Andruw has 12 more walks than Frenchy. They both have 9 doubles and 5 homeruns.

They are virtually the same player. Frenchy hits a pitcher’s pitch the other way. Andruw hits the pitcher’s mistakes and takes walks.

That’s why I like McCann in the 4 spot. He’s the best opportunity to protect Chipper.

Frenchy hits lefty’s as well as he hits righty’s this season. And Andruw has equal success against both (substantially more avg against lefty’s but substantially more power against righties this season).

The righty righty spot at 5 and 6 isn’t a dramatic loss when it only matters against relief pitchers of the likes of a right handed Macay McBride (very rarely will this matchup come back to bite us).

I like the idea of Andruw ahead of Francouer (Andruw at #5 and Frenchy at #6). He’s getting on base more than Frenchy. And Frenchy is more likely to drive him in than a vice versa role right now.

Andruw will get better. But, it isn’t unprecedented to move him down in the order until then.

By meansonny

May 8, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Eware,

Chipper is 3rd on the team with bases on balls. He is 1st on the team in slugging percentage.

I like his patience. But Andruw is not protecting him in the order. He needs more hitters’ pitches to put in play. I think McCann or Frenchy would offer that right now.

By Willy Wally

May 8, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

meansonny, point well taken. I actually agree with you. My post was long enough as it was so I decided to focus solely on my speculative perspective on the psychological approach of Cox with where he puts his hitters in the lineup. But thanks for fleshing it out more fully with the statistical production & strategical ideas. A great manager like Cox of course balances both approaches in addition to probably many other factors.

By meansonny

May 8, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

I feel confident that Chuck James can be successful in this league with 2 pitches.

I also feel confident that any pitcher in this league is going to struggle if their approach to the plate and release point are as inconsistent as Chuck James’ was last night.

I was afraid that he was hiding an injury. It was that bad.

He’ll be fine, but he’s got to get his mechanics down. That was in no way a major league performance (mechanics). Although I do feel good that the damage was only 2 runs.

By Willy Wally

May 8, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Random meaningless posting of the day: Just wandering around baseball-reference.com and noticed that Roy Oswalt has finished in the top 5 in the Cy Young voting in each of his 5 FULL seasons in the bigs. Pretty amazing. Would’ve been a sixth season as well except that he got hurt.

By ncscoots

May 8, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Sonny, at the risk of being redundant, James mentioned in an interview that it was pointed out that his arm angle was dropping low, but that he had only one bullpen session to work on correcting it before last night’s start. If that’s the case, his side sessions before his next start should be enough to get him used to a corrected arm slot.

Not saying that’s the only problem he’s facing, but it’s one that’s correctable. Then we’ll see, I guess.

By meansonny

May 8, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Willy Wally,

True that.

By Renegator

May 8, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Any word on how Wickman is feeling? He’s been on the DL a week now - has his back gotten better? Has he been throwing?

By Drew

May 8, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

DOB, why don’t the Braves have any Native American players? I’m really upset about our diversity. I don’t see any Middle Eastern players on the team either. JS hates anyone who isn’t white doesn’t he.

By TennesseePaul

May 8, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

There were just three suspensions last year under the major league program: New York Mets pitcher Yusaku Iriki, former Arizona pitcher Jason Grimsley and Mets reliever Guillermo Mota, who is serving his 50-game penalty at the start of this season.

Two thirds of the players caught cheating last year were Mets. Must be part of that proud tradition Omar is building up there.

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

The problem is people just look at RBI in the clutch or AVG in the clutch and think because these stats look good or bad, the hitter is clutch or not clutch.

What about the fact that Andruw avoids out at a good rate with RISP? By BB Andruw is contributing to his team’s scoring (or at least their chance to score). A BB or a single are not homeruns but they do contribute because they don’t cost the team an out and it adds another baserunner.

Shouldn’t players get some credit for not using up one of their team’s outs even if they aren’t driving in or scoring runs?

By David O'Brien

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

Efrim, you wrote: “Buster Olney said yesterday that the Braves can hold off the Mets and win the division if Chuck James pitches like he pitched last year. “

You need Buster to tell you that?

And by the way, it’s 30 games now. You sure are willing to give Andruw a whole lot of leeway. I mean, if he hits like this for another 10 games, that’s a quarter of the freakin’ season, man.

I’m all with you on him being a very streaky player, yet still able to put up big numbers. But my point is, when you’ve got such a steady player as McCann has proven to be, do you really need to have the very streakiest productive hitter in the majors _ that’s what I think Andruw is, the very streakiest productive hitter in the majors _ as your cleanup guy between two of the steadiest hitters, Chipper and McCann?

And if so, why?

By Steve-O

May 8, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Kelly, Edgar, Chipper, McCann, Andruw, Francoeur, etc… Just flip Mac and Andruw for a little while till it heats up in the ATL.

By David O'Brien

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

Fastasballs (i feel like beavis writing that), don’t make too much out of me saying Andruw would let me know if I wrote that. He’ll let me know in his own way, which is by calling me a vulgar name, but not in a threatening way. At heart, he’s a good guy, really is.

He just likes to bust b&lls. Nothing wrong with that. i can certainly take that, have for most of 13 years covering baseball. Gotta have a thick skin; they bust each other’s just as much or more than they do ours, for sure.

By David O'Brien

May 8, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

No word on Wickman, but I’ll ask today, see if he’s going to go on a rehab assignment or anything. I wouldn’t be surprised if he just comes back off the DL and starts pitching again for the Braves, like Paronto did.

By CAR3BOOGIE

May 8, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

DOB Best Comment I have read here this Year. Andrew is the Streakiest and could be JUST as productive for the Braves behind McCann.

This is a NO BRAINER. Make the Swap

By Efrim

May 8, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I understand Andruw isn’t hitting, but the more concerning issue is James. Do I think Andruw will turn it around. Yes I do. Do I think James will? No. I don’t think he will be a efficient 3rd starter. We have the Red Sox, Mets, Phillies, Brewers, Cubs, Marlins, Cubs, Twins, Indians, Red Sox, and Tigers after the Pirates and Nationals. 35 games against very good teams. We will need to pitch to win those series.

Come on DOB. Answer me that. 35 games against those teams. Andruw isn’t the main issue. In my mind, right now, he isn’t an issue I worry about. I worry about Chuck James, Kyle Davies, Lance Cormier’s health, and how Oscar Villareal will fair as a starter.

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

when you’ve got such a steady player as McCann has proven to be, do you really need to have the very streakiest productive hitter in the majors _ that’s what I think Andruw is, the very streakiest productive hitter in the majors _ as your cleanup guy between two of the steadiest hitters, Chipper and McCann?

And if so, why?

Well, you still have a greater chance for a homerun with AJ up as opposed to McCann, so you maximize your run potential with AJ up.

AJ is tied with Kelly Johnson in fewest AB/HR, even with all his problems getting hits so far. Also, he’s still has a respectable OBP which means he’s not making a high number of outs in that spot.

By Efrim

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

CAR3BOOGIE,

Thats not the reason we have lost games. Starting pitching is.

By Carolina Lady

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

Savannah Guy, you are dead-on right 10:16!

DOB, “But personally, I just find we’re going round-and-round this issue, not covering any new ground.”
This is different from any other day/topic?? :-)))

By Braves20

May 8, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

DOB - Good suggestion. If you WATCH THE GAME, it’s easy to tell Andrew is more a liability than anything else right now. McCann would be a good fit in the four hole and let either Frenchy or Andrew slide up there every fifth day. Just don’t mess with 1-2-3. They are clicking.

By Willy Wally

May 8, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

Shouldn’t players get some credit for not using up one of their team’s outs even if they aren’t driving in or scoring runs?

Yeah, they should, obviously. Every little bit helps. But in big moments, you want Andruw to drive the sucker in - that is what cleanup hitters are paid to do - that is what $20 million players are paid to do.

If your team has a shutdown cornerback who covers his man airtight the whole game but lets his man catch the ball every time for a third down conversion, you are not going to say yeah but wow! that was a helluva tackle he made after the catch. If his man beats him for game winning touchdowns in four or five games a season, you are not going to say but yeah he shut him down the rest of the game.

There are times where walks are very good in big moments - just usually not when your supposed second best hitter is taking the walk and entrusting the game to people that are not as good as him.

It’s like basketball. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen have to take the game winning shot and hit the shot. Sometimes, it is okay to pass the ball in such a situation and let Paxson or Kerr or Kukoc hit the big shot, but 95% of the time you want that ball in the hands of Jordan and Pippen. On this team, Chipper is Jordan, Andruw is supposed to be Pippen.

Looking to take merely walks in those situations by a big hitter like Druw and putting the ball in the hands of the lesser players is like Jordan and Pippen being proud of passing the ball to someone else and taking their chances with lesser players in a big moment - sometimes, with a Kukoc, Kerr, or Paxson moment, it works - but the majority of the time, it actually hurts the team in those moments as opposed to helping to pass or walk the responsibility on to a lesser player when you are the one being payed to hit the big shot or to get the big hit.

By meansonny

May 8, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Thanks ncscoots.

I was directing my post more to the negativity the likes of efrim.

It’s not redundant to remind ourselves that it’s a long season. And we have time/room to improve. We’ll be reminding ourselves this at least 50 more times this year.

By JasonInMaine

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

DOB,

Do you think that JS is actively scouring for pitching? I know the pitching market is thin and prices are inflated, but the rotation has to be the biggest concern, right? We have two 1s, two 5s, and who knows what (well, other than if Redman is in there!). Hopefully Lerew will pitch great and keep a spot!

Also, I thought Bobby would squeeze with Orr. Orr is a good bunter and the tying run was on 3rd. They hadn’t hit all day. Thoughts?

Regards,

Jason

By Willy Wally

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

He just likes to bust b&lls. Nothing wrong with that. i can certainly take that, have for most of 13 years covering baseball. Gotta have a thick skin; they bust each other’s just as much or more than they do ours, for sure.

That’s a really cool thing you just told us about them. Who busts the most chops on the team? Chipper is usually the one in his quotes who provides us the most insight and inside knowledge about these kinds of things because he seems so often down to earth and uninhibited when he speaks on the record about the nicknames these guys all call each other and the way they razz each other. I, for one, would like to hear more about that kind of stuff.

By meansonny

May 8, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

It doesn’t take a genius to see you getting too mixed up in your stats.

As far as the #4 spot of the order goes. A walk can be a productive at bat. Yes.

But Brian McCann has both a better OBP and SLG than Andruw right now. And that’s with 9 fingers and thumbs. Converse logic. Brian would be better than Andruw in the 4 hole right now.

The biggest difference is the strikeout ratio. McCann has a chance to be productive with runners in scoring position by just getting the ball in play.

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Willy Wally,

Obviously it would be better to see AJ hit a double or a homer with two runners on but what I’m saying is he’s still contributing. The Braves are still the second-highest scoring team in the league.

There really is not equivalent in other sports. The only thing that I can think of that may be close is a football player gaining first-down yardage without costing his team time off the clock somehow. The player isn’t making an 80-yard run but he’s adding yardage without using up any of his team’s possession time.

By Rivers

May 8, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

if Paul Byrd became available does anyone here think the braves would be interested?

By N8

May 8, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Efrim

This goes back to our Sheffield conversation last night.

I don’t disagree with you that Sheffield has turned into a guy that HACKS more often than not. But earlier in his career he was actually a good hitter as well.

He’s a .296 career hitter. Not bad for a HR hitter (See Andruw Jones: Career .266 hitter). Shef has hit .324 or higher 4 different times in his career, (Andruw has hit over .300 ONCE) You don’t stumble into a .320something average by trying to pull everything over a full season.

I’ll reiterate, Sheff has struck out over 50 times in a season only 11 times. Over 60 strikeouts only 8 times. Over 70 strikeouts only 4 times, and ONLY ONCE has he struck out as many as 80 times in a season. For his career Sheff has K’d once every 8.21 AB’s.

Andruw on the other hand has, struck out less than 100 ONLY ONCE. You know when that was? 1996 when he only had 106 AB’s. He has struck out MORE THAN 120 times 6 times, and certainly is on pace to eclipse that total once again. Andruw K’s once every 4.61 AB’s, for his career.

Again, not trying to say that Sheffield is Pete Rose, but don’t insult Sheffields “hitting” ability earlier in his career, by comparing him to Andruw Jones. IMO, Andruw is about as close to being as “good of hitter” as Sheffield is , as Sheffield is close to being as good of outfielder as Andruw is. In other words, it’s NOT close.

Not trying to be an A$$, just calling it like I see it. But like I said, Sheff has certainly turned himself into a hacker since he’s gone to the A.L. It’s too bad, really.

By rupert

May 8, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

about the whole push thing, it is very funny how jackson’s corrupt organization gets a free pass because of the race card, if there was a conscious effort to keep black players out of the game that would be wrong, but there’s not, the best players play, end of story, the braves and every other team go out and scout, draft, sign the best players they can, why is no one up in arms about the vast decline in white players in the nba? because the best players play.

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

meansonny,

Yes, but McCann also has less of a chance to hit a homerun; AJ has a higher homer rate. You have more of a chance of a multi-run homerun with AJ hitting cleanup as opposed to McCann.

By CMC

May 8, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Shifting from the Braves for a minute, I would like your take on the Roger Clemens deal with the Yankees. Personally, I think this is all about Roger Clemens with little consideration of the team. I know all of those veterans are saying everything positive about this, but do you really think that, deep down, Jeter, Giambi, Rivera, et al. really embrace the fact that they have busted it since March and will continue to do so for the team while Clemens just shows up when its his turn to pitch? Do you think the Braves organization would allow this type of special treatment to occur? I think not. I have been watching Clemens pull this for the past 3 years now, and I just think he enjoys the attention from it all. Plus, the money ain’t bad if you can get it. I watched Baseball Tonight last night on ESPN, and two of the three panelists (Kruk, former player and Steve Philips, former GM) felt it was not for the benefit of the team concept, while Hershisher supported the move. What are your thoughts???

By David O'Brien

May 8, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Shaun, your latest series of posts on “avoiding outs” and “out making” have not been a high point. I really respect sabermetrics (to a degree), I view OPS and OBP as more important stats than batting average (for the most part), and WHIP and ERA as more telling of a pitcher’s performance than wins and losses, for sure.

But you really are in a very, very small percentage of baseball fans/observers with your persistent use of “avoiding outs” as the important gauge of a highly paid slugger’s performance. Shaun, no one inside the game talks of “avoiding outs.” I know you don’t care and will take me to task for that, but they just don’t.

Now, Andruw’s OBP is the one thing that’s really been encouraging this year about his performance. The ONE and only thing. And it doesn’t overshadow the frustration that those in the organization feel about his current lack of overall production and especially his unwillingness to be mechanically sound with his swing.

Find me another cleanup hitter on a decent major league team with stats comparable to Andruw’s. And if you do, let me know if you find a hitter hitting a spot or two behind him with stats like McCann’s.

I’ll be waiting for your search results.

By David O'Brien

May 8, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Shaun, stop with the “chance of hitting a home run.” He has FIVE HOMERS! Same as Kelly Johnson. Half as many as Chipper. FIVE. And he’ll soon go on a binge with 3-4 in a copule or three days. But so what? What about the other 10 days in the two-week span?

By TennesseePaul

May 8, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Payne: A walk and a single are not the same thing in the clutch. I single can score a run. A walk only has 1 instance of scoring the run… when all 3 batters ahead of AJ load the bases. AJ’s job is to knock them in. So, the walk as not the same as a single. You must make contact and put the ball in play when runners are on in order for them to have a chance to score, because scoring is the real goal. It’s the point of the game. It’s how you determine the winner or the loser, by which team scored the most.
There is a time for preperation and there is a time for action. Getting on base is only part of the battle. Scoring the run is the ultimate goal. Getting that run is the purpose of a clean up hitter. AJ is the clean up hitter. In AJ’s MVP caliber 2005 season with RISP he hit .207 with a .721 OPS. Ryan Howard hit .256 with a .941 OPS. 120 points higher in OPS and almost 50 points higher in average. Howard had an OPS of at least 1000 in all his clutch stats his MVP year. AJ had an OPS of 1000 in only one split. Howard had a higher batting average in all his clutch splits compared to AJ. Just to compare the two.

Basically, I believe it is wrong to simplify the matter as simply avoiding the out. When you have a guy in scoring position, the most important thing to do is get that guy across the plate. If that means a sac-fly, so beit. The run is more important than the out.

By meansonny

May 8, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Efrim, 6 out of our 12 losses, the Braves have scored 2 runs or less.

8 out of our 12 losses, the Braves scored 3 runs or less.

10 out of our 12 losses, the Braves scored 4 runs or less.

Not to get all Shaun on your A$$, but do you see a pattern?

Although we have pitching issues, we aren’t going to win a high percentage of those games with that type of run production.

By meansonny

May 8, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

Shaun, You missed the point.

If a BB is a successful at bat. Then so is a double or single.

You’re living and dying on this board about OBP. McCann has a better OBP, SLG, and consequently OPS than Andruw. And he’s been playing hurt for 2 weeks. What’s Andruws excuse?

By David O'Brien

May 8, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

And by the way, Ryan Howard, while his RISP average was similar to Andruw’s last season, hit .313 overall with a .429 OBP, .659 slugging percentage and 149 RBIs.

Andruw hit .262 with a .362 OBP, .531 slugging and 129 RBIs.

By meansonny

May 8, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

One step further. The Braves have won only 2 games when they’ve scored 3 runs (see 8 losses with 3 or less runs). Hudson and Davies were the starters in those 2 wins.

The Braves have won 2 games with 4 runs scored (see 10 losses when we score 4 or less runs). James and Smoltz pitched those 2 games.

When the Braves have scored 5 runs in a game, we only have 1 loss. That was Kyle Davies starting in Colorado.

Again, we do have starting pitching problems that we’ve been able to hide thus far with the bullpen.

But if we can avoid small ball games and put 5 runs on the board, then we have an excellent chance of winning.

By N8

May 8, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Shaun

“Yes, but McCann also has less of a chance to hit a homerun; AJ has a higher homer rate. You have more of a chance of a multi-run homerun with AJ hitting cleanup as opposed to McCann.”

The way I see it, if you’re gonna use that logic, is that if McCann hit cleanup and Andruw hit 5th, that would put FOUR .300 HITTERS in front of Andruw. Wouldn’t that “raise” the odds of him hitting a grand slam, since with him hitting clean up, the pitcher is one of the previous 4 hitters in the line up?

Yeah, the odds of Andruw hitting a HR are higher than McCann. The “totals” from last year tell us that. But look deeper into the numbers, (since that’s wha YOU do - no insult meant by that, btw).

In 442 AB’s, McCann had 147 hits and 24 HR. Meaning that one out of every 3 AB’s McCann gets a hit (thus is .333 average last year), and every 18 AB’s he hit a HR.

In 565 AB’s, Andruw had 148 hits (see where this is going?), and 41 HR. Which comes out to on hit every 4 AB’s for Andruw and one HR every 13 AB’s.

I think your argument is WEAK at best.

You give McCann the 565 AB’s, and he would have 188 hits, with 31 HR. Surely the 10 less HR would ammount to fewer RBI, but even YOU have to see that the 40 MORE HITS, would more than likely wash out the RBI difference, if not allow McCann to obliterate Andruw’s total, considering how well McCann hits with RISP.

I’ll tell you what, if Andruw actually did anything with men on base, not only would he be a better cleanup hitting option than McCann, he’d give Pujols a run for his money as the best hitter (most productive) in the game. But he doesn’t.

McCann is CLEARLY the better choice, at least right now. Hell, Francoeur is a better choice than Andruw right now.

By Robert

May 8, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Anyone get to see Chipper’s comments regarding Sunday’s umpiring?

Talk about STUPID. Way to go Larry. You can have a low opinion of certain umps, and you may well have good reason to, but voicing it to the media does nothing other than to make sure those borderline either way calls go nowhere but against you and your team

Of course, that would give you another ready excuse for playoff failure

I have said before that Chipper is a zero as a leader, and these comments about the umps prove it.

Chipper, if the ump says you went around, you went around. The ump is never wrong when it comes to balls and strikes. Period.

And then there’s this jewel

“Twenty-eight more ejections and Bobby Cox will have been thrown out for an entire season.”

That would perhaps explain how the Braves won a WS while he was nominally the manager.

It’s my theory and I’m sticking to it :P

Nice effort last night. Never realized Chris Young was Cy’s great grandson. Three frickin hits.

A bunch of good ballplayers who have for the most part gotten away with playing bad baseball

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

O’Brien,

Almost every team now pays attention to OBP, which is out-avoiding percentage.

Also, Andruw Jones has a higher rate of homers than McCann. If homers are important to you in the cleanup spot, the odds are higher that you’ll get one out of AJ. That’s all I’m saying.

By ncscoots

May 8, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Shaun, the abscence of failure (a walk) does not equate to success when it comes to RISP and the cleanup hitter’s designed role. While the 8 hitter may have a single low-output role (don’t make an out—everything else is plus money), the cleanup hitter has a high-output role (drive in runs—if you can’t, don’t make an out).

The same OBP for hitters at different spots in the lineup does not equate to the same offensive effectiveness, because (dare I say it) simply avoiding outs is not efficient enough for lineup spots designed to produce runs.

You may think that other sports have no equivalent of out-avoidance, but I can tell you for sure that the business world does. Failure-avoidance instead of success-seeking, and proponents of the former never keep up with practictioners of the latter. Nor do cleanup hitters going .200 with RISP, regardless of their BB rate.

By Efrim

May 8, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Meansonny,

Can we win our division if Chuck James has an ERA of 4.84?

Very simple question.

You people have problems. Stop getting on our offense and specifically Andruw. James has been absolutely awful. So has Davies and so has Redman. NO ONE IS WORRIED ABOUT THE BRAVES SCORING RUNS!!!

Is Andruw a terrible siuational hitter? Yes. Has he always been? Basically, Yes.

Shaun,

I never compared Andruw to Sheffield. You misunderstood me. Sheffield is a much better hitter. But dude, Give me a big hit Sheff has had? In the playoffs in 2002, he and Tom Glavine cost us that series. He wasn’t much better against the Cubs either. I watched him a lot with the Yankees. NO BIG HITS!!! EVER!!!

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

A major league hitters job is to create runs. And a walk does help to create a run even if it isn’t a bases-loaded walk or the walker doesn’t come around to score. It does help to create a run by not using up an out.

Now, I’m NOT arguing that a walk is as good as a hit or a homer but I am arguing that it does contribute to run creation.

O’Brien and TennPaul,

I’m not sure why you are comparing AJ and Ryan Howard. I never said AJ was the better player. I just pointed out that Howard’s AVG with RISP hasn’t been good either this season or last season and obviously the MVP voters didn’t seem to mind. Or maybe they realize that there is more to clutch hitting than AVG with RISP.

By flange1

May 8, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Any update on Cormier? Thanks!

By Judy

May 8, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Fellows it’s not about next year or next month (or last month). It’s about NOW. Andrew is so messed up that he can’t even stand up during at bats. Move him to 7th or 8th until he mentally and physically get right again and relaxes. A home run counts for the same number of runs whether it skims the top of the fence or goes 50 rows back and goes over the left field fence or right field fence. Throw out the tape measure as it has messed with Andrew’s mechanics. I can’t say enough for Jeff’s willingness to go the other way and take a walk. He’s reaping the rewards and so are the Braves. Andrew needs to demostrate the leadership that these second year guys are showing. Bobby pulled him in the middle of an inning when he failed to bust it and show respect for the game. It’s time to drop him in the order now for not showing respect for the team.

By David O'Brien

May 8, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Cormier told me yesterday he’s supposed to throw off flat ground, either yesterday or today. It’s going slow with him, much slower than anticipated. No timetable for return yet, since he hasn’t even thrown off a mound.

By David O'Brien

May 8, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Efrim, I agree scoring runs is secondary in the list of concerns to the pitching situation.

It is worth noting, however, the Braves have hit .232 with zero homers in five games.

By David O'Brien

May 8, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Shaun, homers are important to me in the cleanup spot, but not as important as overall run production, hitting for average, hitting with runners on base and in scoring position, not striking out so much.

That’s why, right now, I think McCann would be a better cleanup man. that’s all. But is it going to be the determining factor in the division race? probably not. pitching will.

That doesn’t mean it can’t be addressed, though.

By The Grinch

May 8, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Well, since nobody else has given a try at a nickname for our rotation, how about “Huddy and Smoltz, and a bunch of Dolts.” I like it. And when the hell are you people going to figure out you can’t argue with Shaun? I’ve noticed even on days when nobody says anything back to him he still posts continuations of whatever the previous day’s argument was all day long until someone says something (apparently his maker installed that feature in his programming). It would be interesting to start now and ignore him for a whole season and then look at four months worth of him getting into a deeper and deeper one-sided argument about Andruw’s out-avoidance ratio. I bet it would be an impressive body of work, and scientists could study it so that we’d better know how to stop terminators in the future. Off to the gym.

By BabyGoatEater

May 8, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

The fact is that Andruw will start to hit. He is losing money as we speak. He will come around. The question is, how long will the Braves wait for him to do so. I think they shoudl do exactly what he is gonna do at the end of the season. That is, do what is best for him. So the Braves shoudl do what’s best for them, push him back. Make him hit 8th. He’s not going to go out of his way to stay with the team, therefore the team shouldn’t go out of it’s way to make him more money in the off season (by hitting him 4th = more RBI’s by default) and do what is in it’s best interest.

By N8

May 8, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Efrim

Totally agree with you that Sheff didn’t have any big hits. Of course against us in the 1997 NLCS. LOL! Probably why JS wanted to get him, similar to Russ Ortiz. :)

MLB history is filled with good hitters that choked on the big stage. That is why history will remember the Mark Lemke’s, the Craig Council’s, the Dan Gladdens, the David Eckstein’s, etc…

I’m gonna let this go, because I’m sure it seems like we’re bickering about this, which I’m not. Just pointing out (in about 2000 words or less), that regardless of Sheff’s “choke” jobs in post season (there is many), that I still think over his career, he was a better “hitter” than Andruw.

That’s all. For what it’s worth, I like Andruw more. :-)

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

ncscoots,

I agree walks are never better than extra-base hits. I’m not denying that.

I’m just saying walks contribute something.

Also, I’m not denying that I want to see more homers and such out of AJ. But walks aren’t the same as avoiding failure. Sometimes a pitcher is not going to give a hitter anything good, so it would be stupid to go out of the strike zone to chase pitches. I would venture to say most major league hitters don’t go up to the plate looking to take a walk to “avoid failure.”

By TennesseePaul

May 8, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Payne: I thought you were talking about Howard. My bad. I guess I miss read your earlier post (9:08 AM). If you were picking up a conversation elsewhere, then I didn’t see it.
As to Howards last season numbers, they were sufficient enough to qualify. His year end totals were incredible. And his splits were solid as well. That is why I posted them with AJ’s. .254 isn’t a hot batting average. But is much, much better than .207. And, I think you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone that would view a .700 OPS as being productive for a clean up hitter in any situation. Howards production was fairly consistant when you look at his OPS. His average varried, but he only had around 80 or 90 AB in most of those splits. His OPS was steady as a rock. AJ did not produce consistantly in the clutch splits. That’s what hurt him.
AJ, for his career, has not produced consistantly in his clutch splits. He’s pretty bad in the clutch.
And DOB made such a valid point, a point I’ve tried to make many times…he’ll soon go on a binge with 3-4 in a couple or three days. But so what? What about the other 10 days in the two-week span? Consistancy is needed. The year end averages and results mask some players weaknesses. AJ in particular. He is streaky. His numbers are fine by year end, but he isn’t a sure bet to be there when you need him. Which brings us to B-Mac vs AJ. McCann is more consistant. So, sacrificing the HR, or a more consistant hitter might not be a bad thing. And, let’s throw this out there… AJ was not the clean up hitter until a couple of years ago… when we lost our clean up hitter. AJ spent the better part of his 11 years in Atlanta hitting 5th or lower. Moving him down in the order isn’t going to be putting him some place he isn’t familiar with. It’d hurt his pride probably. But it might just help him focus a little more on what his hitting instructor is saying.

As for the Walk/Hit function of a cleanup hitter, ncscoots did a fine job answering that question. Read his posts, mull them over, come back when you have more questions.

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

O’Brien, I would be very surprised if Andruw doesn’t address the issue soon by becoming the same ol’ Andruw he’s been the past two or three seasons.

Also, I’m the guy who says batting order doesn’t make all that much difference in run production, so what do I know.

By ernesto

May 8, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

A Wall: Hi I’m a wall.

Shaun: No, you’re not.

A Wall: I’m a veritical structure made of brick. I’m holding up a roof. I’m a wall.

Shaun: No, just look at my stats here, you’ll see you’re actually famed trumpeter Louie Armstrong.

A Wall: No, I’m a wall.

Shaun: No, I’m afraid I can’t agree with.

Scen continues on to infinity.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

May 8, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Grinch, How’s this?

Smoltz and Huddy, and sell the next 3 tix to your buddy.

By Disciple of the Rev. Shaun

May 8, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

O’Brien,

Strikeouts in the cleanup spot are productive outs! At least when he Ks, Andruw is avoiding outs by not hitting into a double play, or even a triple play like Chipper does!

The evidence clearly shows that Chipper hits into more triple plays than anybody! That’s NOT out-avoiding, O’Brien! I’d rather see Andruw fan from his knees, thus avoiding one or two more outs, like a good cleanup hitter should, and leave it to the next guy to pick him up, than to hit a screaming liner at an infielder that could result in a double play or triple play. Hitting the ball too hard and too close to a fielder is one of the worst things a hitter can do in terms of avoiding outs! And Chipper does this constantly!

The numbers don’t lie, O’Brien: Andruw’s two or three times more productive than Chipper. If Chipper were a team player like Andruw, he’d study Andruw’s swing-and-miss technique and try to emulate it rather than put a great swing on the ball and provide lots of putout opportunities for the other team’s shortstop.

By ncscoots

May 8, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Shaun, another mischaracterization…

oh, never mind. Instead, I think I’ll take this opportunity to plan an escape from the black hole of this thread.

By Robert

May 8, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

“But you really are in a very, very small percentage of baseball fans/observers with your persistent use of “avoiding outs” as the important gauge of a highly paid slugger’s performance. Shaun, no one inside the game talks of “avoiding outs.”

When it comes to a slugger, there is some basis to trade-off avoiding outs for more extra base hits.

But ultimately, the game is about the defense getting outs, and the offense avoiding making outs

Why dont people inside the game talk about it in these terms? I dont know for sure. When it comes to scouts, I will stick by the premise of Moneyball, which is that a lot of scouts are more enamored or impressed with what they envision a player could become then who he is. Which is fine, to a point, but not when fulfilling the prophacy would require totally altering a player’s fundamental approach. You have to balance looking at a prospect’s tools by considering how opt he will be to translate the tools into skills

Baseball people, for the first hundred plus years of the game’s history, were not typically what might be considered academics. Looking at the game in terms of statistical ANALYSIS on the order of sabermetrics (as opposed to just raw statistics) was way over the head of most of the old-timers. The adversity to these lines of reasoning has been handed down from generation to generation of baseball insiders

That does NOT mean that our understanding of the game couldnt/wouldnt improve if in fact more folks looked at things from an unbiased sabermetric perspective.

Again, sabermetrics has to A)have a rationale for how the numbers are derived and B)has to be used in conjunction with, and in CONTEXT with,what trained eyes see on the field

DOB - you continually seem to express the view that the way things are done by the insiders is as good as it could be and that noone could possibly have a better way of looking at and analyzing things - This viewpoint is flat out WRONG. Moneyball provewd that. Of coursde, now the Moneyball strategy is being touted as sound inside baseball

“Well, since nobody else has given a try at a nickname for our rotation, how about “Huddy and Smoltz, and a bunch of Dolts.”

How about, Huddy and Smoltz and the beloved Dolt?

By TennesseePaul

May 8, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Grinch: The other week, when Redman was still out there, I proposed one. I guess it didn’t take. In the spirit of “Spahn and Sain and pray for rain” I suggested “Smoltz and Hudson then start your cussin’”

So the rotation now is spinning like this: Smoltz, Hudson, Davies, James, fill-in-the-blank. Davies has quietly moved into the #3 slot, by pitching abilities of late and by turn in the rotation. If Davies can keep improving, he will of succeeded in the best single season turn around I’ve seen from a young guy. He went from AAA starter, to fill-in 5th starter, to default 4th starter to a chance of being a reliable 3rd starter… the jury is still out and James could still right himself, but he’s gotta be somewhat encouraged.

By rammerjammer

May 8, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Andruw puts Bobby Cox on the horns of a dilemma.

Being a “player’s manager,” he wants to leave him be and let Andruw make the suggestion.

Andruw, being proud and insecure, won’t volunteer and would resent the move.

So what does Bobby do? Does he manage with Andruw’s feelings in mind? This is worrisome territory.

Time for someone to step forward and be a man. Or at least a leader.

By Bob, journalist

May 8, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy, you were on a role … 9:16, 9:50, 10:16 … why did you stop?!

Nobody questions Shaun’s stats … he does his homework … but, sometimes his interpretation is a bit suspect.

It’s true that a good psyche is usually only effective against the expert … in this case, I’m glad to be just a fan and not an expert … I don’t have to see the stats … just watch Andruw’s swing … that picture will give you a top board!

Quite obviously, there are many more people who like to see Andruw step to the plate these days … than there are who do not! It’s true, those who want the Braves to win are greatly outnumbered by those who do not!

By flange1

May 8, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

On Andruw,

I agree with some of our early bloggers that Andruw SHOULD be moved down in the order. I would like to see Frenchy hit cleanup, McCann hit 5th and Andruw 6th. I am not sure it is such a good thing for Frenchy and Andruw to hit back to back.

I think Andruw is in a terrible slump and BC needs to treat his slump like everyone else’s slump, give em a day or two off and move them down in the order.

He can avoid outs in the 6 hole…..

I am looking forward to seeing Lerew tonight. I hope he can ignore the surroundings and pitch like he has been.

DOB, in terms of the Chipper outburst on the 2 umpires, is this something that has building for awhile and Chipper took the bull by the horns and said something? It does seem a bit odd for a player to call out 2 umps at one time for making bad calls and to further call out the 3rd base ump by name suggesting that he is thinks the fans are here to see him.. Players usually only speak in private or off the record about umps they don’t like. Have you ever seen this kind of thing before? Thanks!

By meansonny

May 8, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Efrim, I’m not getting into a pi$$ing contest with you.

Pitching wins.

But StLouis won the WS last year. It’s second best starters ERA was 4.12 with an average of under 6 innings per start (Jeff Suppan).

St Louis’ 3rd best starter posted a 5.06 ERA (Anthony Reyes with 17 starts).

If you can score 5 runs consistently, you can beat anyone on any night.

We DEFINITELY have starting pitching concerns. But don’t count us out if James keeps a 4.50 ERA through the year.

By TennesseePaul

May 8, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

He’s struck out a lot with runners in scoring position, which may mean he’s getting tired of being pitched around in certain situations and wants to chase bad pitches
—Payne 9:08 AM

Sometimes a pitcher is not going to give a hitter anything good, so it would be stupid to go out of the strike zone to chase pitches
—Payne 2:09 PM

By tb

May 8, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

Here’s a Rainbow solution. Take 100 Blacks from the NBA and swith them with 100 Whites in the NBL.

We also need to do something about the NFL.

And what about the per-capita population demographic realities.

Let me get the calculator.

The problems are a reality but quotas are not the answer

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Again, I argue AJ isn’t as bad in the clutch as many think.

He hasn’t gotten as many hits as we’d like but he’s not getting himself out. It would be dumb for him to go chasing pitches out of the strikezone and it appears he hasn’t.

If he tried to do what some want him to do (drive in runs), his clutch stats may look even worse because he’d likely be chasing pitches out of the strikezone to try to drive in runs.

Again, I’d love to see more hits in his non-BB plate appearances but I also don’t think he’s getting himself out in clutch situations.

By TennesseePaul

May 8, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

So Payne, are you saying AJ is stupid?

By Interested Observer

May 8, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

• Andruw Jones, 1-for-21 (.048) since the calendar turned to May, knows from reviewing videotape that he’s landing on his back right knee at the end of a majority of his swings, but doesn’t feel the need to change mechanics. Jones hit .400 (14-for-35) during the final 10 games of April.

“Who cares what happens after you make good contact?” Jones said. “Fred McGriff made good contact, but he had a helicopter swing. So it’s the point of contact that matters.”

This doesn’t sound encouraging. I don’t ever remember McGriff being off-balance to the point of ending up on his rear. Never mind that Andruw isn’t exactly making “good contact” right now.

By Disciple of the Rev. Shaun

May 8, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

O’Brien:

Flange1 brings up another intesting point: Calling out the umpires like Chipper did is NOT conducive to out-avoiding! Chipper’s going to get VERY FEW close calls from the umpires now!

Better to take your strikeout like a man and smile about it like Andruw does, happy and content in the knowledge that he’s made a productive out and avoided as many as two more!

What a smart ballplayer!

By VandyBrave

May 8, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Classic post by ernesto, 2:13pm.

Most entertaining thing I’ve seen since since Pete Orr’s swing and miss with a runner on third, 1 out, or was it no outs?

By ernesto

May 8, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

John and Tim then prospects dim…

Smolty and Hudson and then the duds come…

A couple of aces then they’re off to the races…uh, three early chases…wait, then you’re hurling cans of cervesas…at the television…

on second thought, I like the “give the next three tickets to your buddy.” one the best

By The Baseball Genius

May 8, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Who cares anymore? A out is a out, a run is a run, a walk is a walk and so on……………..maybe Andruw should stand kind of backwards with his head turned completely around looking back at the pitcher and when he swings and ends ups sideways on his knees he will hit the ball.

How about Smoltz,Hudson and 3 days of heavy drinking….

By CAR3BOOGIE

May 8, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Efrin..You are Correct but discussion was about Batting order.

DOB just saw SI’s Baseball’s Top 50 MVPs Ranking the hottest properties in the game today & no Chipper or Smoltz or Frenchy ( I hate that name but it is easier to spell)…Andrew #44 & McCann #9

What’s up with that?

By Josh C

May 8, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Ain’t too hard keepin up with the Joneses these days folks…

By Willy Wally

May 8, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

10PAUL, is on a darn roll, boys. I said Smoltz, Hudson & Nuthin’. Grinch countered with Hudson, Smoltz, and the Dolts. But then 10PAUL stepped in the batter’s box and knocked on out of the park with Smoltz and Hudson then start your cussin’ Classic. Me like. Me like berry much. I am ashamed. I feel like Andruw down on one knee after a big ole swing and a miss while 10Paul is rounding the bases with a game winning homer.

And then 10Paul at 2:38 p.m. with his contradictory statements of El Shaun. Classic.

I will say this though. It is finally nice to see that Shaun has a favorite player like the rest of us that he will show passion for and fight for no matter how irrational he is fighting for the guy. He is usually the one giving us a hard time for being such lovers and believers of guys like Frenchy but then he turns around and has a lovefest with Druw. I was waiting for him to eventually show that he is not just a clinician when it comes to loving this game and he finally showed it. Good job, Shaun. I’m proud of ya.

By Shaun

May 8, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

TennPaul,

I may have been wrong to suggest Andruw is chasing pitches out of the strikezone. Maybe he is some but he’s also drawing a lot of walks which would seem to indicate he’s also letting a lot of pitches outside the strikezone go.

Looking at the hitting zone chart on espn.com, Andruw hasn’t chased any more than 45 percent of pitches in any area outside of the strikezone. He’s chased 45 percent of high, middle pitches but has only chased between 20 and 34 percent of pitches in the other areas outside the strikezone. (Hope that makes sense. Those of you who have the espn insider can see.)

Seems like Andruw is not getting fooled. And, again, it’s not like he’s making a ton of outs. His timing is just off right now. He’ll be fine.

By TennesseePaul

May 8, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

He’s struck out a lot with runners in scoring position, which may mean he’s getting tired of being pitched around in certain situations and wants to chase bad pitches
—Payne 9:08 AM

Sometimes a pitcher is not going to give a hitter anything good, so it would be stupid to go out of the strike zone to chase pitches
—Payne 2:09 PM

It would be dumb for him to go chasing pitches out of the strikezone and it appears he hasn’t.
—Payne 2:28 PM

I thought this type of flip-flopping was reserved to politicians.

I argue AJ isn’t as bad in the clutch as many think.

By Sonny from South Philly

May 8, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Saw my first major league game 1939. Was a Philly fan until 1964, they blew it that year. Moved to Dixie in ‘64 and became a Braves fan in ‘66, therefore, I think of myself as a baseball expert with a very good eye for baseball talent. I say yes to moving A. Jones out of the clean up slot and as for next year Let Him Go - Let Him Go - Let Him Go. The Braves have a wealth of young and talented players in the system that are kicking down the doors, ready to come in and make us proud. I have one suggestion to offer for next year. B. McCann is great but I see him next year at first base not Salty. I believe from what I have seen that Salty has a much better arm or should I say cannon, and will over the long haul serve us well in that position. This way we can keep McCann healthy for many years to come.

By David O'Brien

May 8, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Car3boogie, that was about Fantasy Baseball, if I’m not mistaken. And if that’s the case, I don’t care about their Top 50.

NEW BLOG IS UP. (sorry, I said nothign about the Rainbow/PUSH matter in my new blog, but feel free to continue with that debate/discussion if you like)

By Willy Wally

May 8, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Ernesto counters with a big grand slam of his own. It’s Ten Paul 4, Ernesto 4, Willy Wally 1, Grinch 1. We need a tiebreaker between 10Paul and Ernesto.

By Efrim

May 8, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Meansonny,

I couldn’t disagree more with you about James ERA. He has to have a year liek last year if we expect to beat the Mets. I guess you don’t think much of them.

By Willy Wally

May 8, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

A couple of aces then they’re off to the races…uh, three early chases…wait, then you’re hurling cans of cervesas

Luvin’ it.

By Frits

May 8, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

I am surprised how many here believe that AJ will actually turn around. He’s from my island and I can tell you that the main mentality here is to be even more stubborn if someone explains to you that you are stubborn. Earlier I said that re-signing him would help a lot, it would get all the need to excel thoughts out of his head and would force him to play the game as it is supposed to be. But first of all I believe the best thing now is to sent him to the minors, believe me, that is the only thing that will break his stubbornness

By ppaddy123

May 8, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Brian McCann as cleanup…..1st: in order to maximize McCann’s production, the Braves need to move him from behind the plate. He’s is too good a hitter to let him constantly get beat up. 2nd: We need his bat in the lineup everyday. Cox has a history of resting catchers. Let’s face it; catching is one tough position to play. 3rd: I think Thorman is going to be a pretty good hitter. He has the flexability to move to left field and open up 1st base for McCann, which seems to be the logical place to move such a “nimble” guy. 4th and finally: this will open the door for “Salty” to become our everyday catcher. I know McCann calls a great game and the pitching staff loves him, but….think about having McCann’s bat everyday. Thorman raking out in left. And Salty’s potential, both on the offensive and defensive sides of the game. Will it happen this year? Not a chance!

By intothemystic

May 8, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

David,

I completely agreed with your irritation last night about the uproar on race (and your advice to either read it or not read it, but move on). I thought your tone was a bit condescending when dismissing the confusion about the ethnicity of certain players, however. Hopefully I’m mistaken, because I love your blog.

It is not necessarily an indication of either racism or ignorance to have a question about the race of players from Central America, South America, or one of the islands in the Caribbean. In fact, there are many people (and players) of African descent who live in Central America, South America, and the islands in the Caribbean. These people speak Spanish, and none of them would be correctly identified as African-Americans (in fact, that term is viewed as a pejorative one by many non-Americans of African descent).

Knowing that many of these countries possess a sizable population of people descended from some combination of African and French, Spanish, Portuguese, or Dutch ancestry, am I therefore a racist if I have a question about the race of a player? Neither curiosity nor confusion about someone’s race should be off limits.

I assumed Andruw volunteered to wear Jackie Robinson’s jersey because he had some, however minute, African ancestry. What’s the problem with that? Am I wrong or shamefully ignorant for making the assumption? It’s not that strange… . In fact, it’s an informed assumption.

Nick

By Laurance Maney

May 8, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

I would definitely put someone else in the cleanup spot but not put Andruw down to 6th or 7th where he spent most of his career being protected by some washed up utility player or worse. His best season at the plate was in 2000 when he batted 2nd (.304; 36 hr; 199 hits; 100+ RBI) but why I’m the only person this side of the moon that remembers that is a mystery. Chipper was perfect behind Andruw then and would be now. Why not Chipper at cleanup? Manny Ramirez, the best right-handed hitter since Jimmy Foxx, has put over 100 points on the slugging percentage of David Ortiz in Boston by batting after him and why couldn’t Chipper do the same for Andruw?

By Savannah Guy

May 8, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

By Bob, journalist: Just when I was getting on a roll, other duties back in the real world kicked in and there I was…gone. Anyway, I pretty much said my piece about AJ, the batting order and the Rainbow/PUSH/FARCE.

I’ve been catching up on the blog the last few minutes and see that almost everyone is in agreement, so DOB, maybe you’ll go present the proposed fan batting order to BC? Hey, if yer scared…just say scared!

One closing comment and one question though: Shaun, remember the “Mystic Man” last year warning you about taking all of this too seriously and suggesting you go outside and get some fresh air? Well, you should do that pal. You are a good card but you gotta know when to fold’em. I just have one question for you Shaun: Do you own a TV?

By Bob, journalist

May 8, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I also don’t think he’s getting himself out in clutch situations … you may be right … neither do I but somebody sure is!

When you said he didn’t swing at pitches out of the strikezone, a joke … right?

Methinks 10Paul has been hitting homeruns for a long, long time.

Three out of four is still there to be had … enjoy!

By bobbymahlon

May 8, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

I’m getting tired of watching Andrew running in front of Harris and Franceour and catching their balls and laughing about it.The annoucers were also saying he might end up some night catching one in foul territory.

By Eric from MO

May 9, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

I guess that game winning last night was also meaningless for Andruw. I mean he only has two game winning hits in the last week. What a bum.