AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > May > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USPink on the ballfield
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Happy Mother’s Day, and if you’ve forgotten to call your mom, or hug her if she’s near by, maybe all the pink bats and wrist bands worn in the Braves game today will remind you.
As I just left the visiting clubhouse in Pittsburgh, Jarrod Saltalamacchia - who’s getting the start today at catcher - was getting bullied into wearing pink, mostly pink, catching gear.
Andruw Jones started it with taunts of “Salty if you love your mother, you gotta wear it.” Other voices around the clubhouse chimed in. Eventually Salty went over and reluctantly pulled the pads out of the box and had a look. A few more taunts later, he was carrying it out to the field for batting practice.
And who thought peer pressure was tough only in the seventh grade? But hey, it’s for a good cause, helping to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research. (www.komen.org/mlb if you’re so inclined.)
So it’s Sunday and I’m blogging anyway, not to be outdone by DOB’s latest weekend efforts. And on a beautiful, little bit chilly morning in Pittsburgh, a couple thoughts come to mind.
The Braves can’t seem to lose - even with Chipper Jones on a shelf for a couple games, closer Bob Wickman on the disabled list, and with their fourth, fifth and sometimes frankly third spots in their rotation being trouble spots.
Chuck James flirted with a no-hitter last night against the Pirates. Kyle Davies pitched a dandy on Friday (seven innings, one hit in a 4-1 win) and if Anthony Lerew pitches today anywhere as well as he did his first major league start against the Padres, the Braves are in business.
The Braves have won a season-high five in a row and they finally picked up a game on the New York Mets, who lost to Ben Sheets and Milwaukee Saturday 12-3. The Braves entered Sunday’s game with a 1 ½ game lead on the Mets, their biggest lead since they were up 2 games on April 11.
The Mets have won seven of their last 10. From the looks of it, this NL East race is going to be hot. And stay that way.
I asked Jeff Francoeur about the Mets yesterday and his response reminded me that this is a new age of Braves baseball. The streak of 14 division titles ended last year and so did pressure to focus on winning the division. This batch of young players is hungry for the playoffs, whichever way they get there. If using the Mets to get ahead of the rest of the National League pack, so be it. Francoeur actually acknowledged the W word: Wildcard.
“At the end of the day you want to win the division but if you can get that big lead too in the wildcard (standings) it’s huge,” Francoeur said. “I think for me and a lot of these guys, we just want to make the playoffs. It’d be great to win the division. No doubt. But we want to get to the dance. And we feel we have a good team, whether we win the division or the wildcard, where we can make some noise later.”
Francoeur isn’t conceding anything to the Mets, but he’s also taking a realistic approach if you ask me. Use the race with the Mets to get in position for the wildcard too. Win, win.
What do you guys think? Can the Braves two-out hitting frenzy and solid bullpen and Tim Hudson and John Smoltz domination get the Braves past the Mets, their killer lineup and better-than-advertised pitching staff? Or might it ultimately be moot in a way.
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Comments
By Send Money,
May 13, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Man!! there goes the era,it’ll be back over four when this game is finished.Oh well better in one game than spread out.
By Micah
May 13, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Frenchy speaks the truth. Its good to have an open frame of mind about the regular season. Others might feel its best not to look at what is behind you and just concentrate on the day of the game. But, it is a marathon. Catch a breath, take a day off, not get p** if you lose a close game that you should have had. That said, I am more than content on the pace the Braves are setting right now. Add a little more power to engine and it could be free sailing very soon.
Go Braves!
By The Grinch
May 13, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
pssst…don’t tell the Mets fans there’s a new blog up…
Well, I suppose we’ve got to tote an @$$-whippin’ every now and then. Looks like the pink bats affected the visiting team much more than the home one. Thanks for the new blog, Carroll, and Happy Mother’s Day to you(if applicable). I just ate two slices of key lime pie; I’m about to pass out.
By brian
May 13, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
tough outing for Lerew today. I assume he is not quite as good as he was against San Diego but not as bad as today. Hopefully he will get a tie breaking 3rd start and we will not see Redman at least yet.
Just when you think Andruw is starting to turn it around, ouch.
Hopefully Chipper will be back tomorrow. I guess an extra day of rest will not hurt Soriano or Gonzalez either though I do not think today’s outcome was in Cox’s plans.
If Chipper ends up on the DL which hopefully he won’t, I assume we will see Escobar for 2 weeks
By journalist jimmy smith
May 13, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
By TheSouthernJackAss
“Happy Mother’s Day” to journalist jimmy smith!…
It would be unwise to get into a pi$$ing contest with TheJackAss—you would already be at a severe disadvantage—for TheJackAss is already much closer to the target than you are…now baseball, we shall see how good the Braves are when they play the Sox next week…
and happy mother’s day to sja, as well, from this journalist! mother’s day, then father’s day … if sja knew sja’s daddy’s identity then sja could wish a happy father’s day, too.
still, won’t let that spoil mother’s day for sja … hope some little jackass will stop by and bring sja a gift.
now, baseball … if chipper succumbs to a thumb injury and is placed on the dl, will this be the stuck in his thumb, pulled out a plum kind of injury or will it be the hit the thumb with a hammer kind of injury? and can hoss now be called thumbalina? and carroll rogers is blogging today so maybe carroll rogers can inform us about thumb related matters.
By Chop Chop
May 13, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers out there.
(And a Happy Muthaz Day to all you otha muthaz…)
By journalist jimmy smith
May 13, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
and now, the lyrics to the famous song, thumbalina.
Thumbalina, Thumbalina tiny little thing Thumbalina dance, Thumbalina sing Thumbalina what’s the difference if you’re very small? When your heart is full of love you’re nine feet tall Though you’re no bigger than my thumb Than my thumb, than my thumb Sweet Thumbalina don’t be glum Now now now, ah ah ah, come come come Thumbalina, Thumbalina tiny little thing Thumbalina dance, Thumbalina sing Thumbalina what’s the difference if you’re very small? When your heart is full of love you’re nine feet tall Though you’re no bigger than my toe Than my toe, than my toe Sweet Thumbalina keep that glow And you’ll grow and you’ll grow and you’ll grow Thumbalina, Thumbalina tiny little thing Thumbalina dance, Thumbalina sing Thumbalina what’s the difference if you’re very small? When your heart is full of love you’re nine feet tall
johnny cash, right? not sure who the singer was that made this song a classic, but could have been johnny cash.
note that thumbs are not all that are discussed in these inspiring lyrics. toes, too. yes, toes. thumbs and toes. both thumbs and toes have taken chipper out of the lineup and for these reasons jimmy smith proposes the new nickname, “thumbalina” for chipper jones, aka larry, aka hoss, aka somebody’s daddy.
By from the gitgo
May 13, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this
damn, what a train wreck this game turned out to be
By from the gitgo
May 13, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
damn, what a train wreck this game turned out to be
By Baby Seal
May 13, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
Baby Seal sent message to jimmy smith yesterday, but doesn’t know if jimmy smith received it:
Note to jjs: negotiations with Carolina Lady continue, not sure of outcome. (You really stepped in it this time, boss! whew!)
Please send instructions!
By journalist jimmy smith
May 13, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith has been relaxing in north carolina for the past few days. jimmy smith knows to stay away from the carolina coast for awhile so this visit was to western north carolina. nice and cool in the carolina mountains this morning. baby seal is instructed to continue working for peace with carolina lady and to remind carolina lady that jimmy smith is far more polite than sja and some other bloggers who from time to time mis-step with carolina lady on this blog. also, if some maple syrup will help resolve this matter journalist is authorized to request some syrup from lew for this purpose. baby seal please keep working on this important detente and keep this journalist advised of progress. also, get the john deere running well as this should help matters immensely. now, baseball … name as many people named thumb as possible. tom thumb does not count. likewise, thumbalina does not count. also, remember this rule of thumb … cannot play with a sore thumb. and why does the umpire use the thumb to call a player out? and why does an umpire with a sore thumb not miss time? so many questions - where is dob?
By Coach
May 13, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
Well , that would have been ugly to watch. Guess I’ll tape right over that game without even seeing it. Happy Mommy’s day to all you great Mom’s in the world !
By Jimbo
May 13, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
I agree with Joe, its time to play Thorman everyday. He can’t do worse then Wilson. I wish they would ride Willie everyday while he’s hot.
By caveman22
May 13, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this
YO Renegator
Did you call your MOM for and wish her a Happy Mother’s Day??
Even Dawgs and Gators and agree on that!!!!!!!
Go Braves — Go Dawgs
By The Grinch
May 13, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this
Jimmy Smith, you’re not right in the head. :-)
“Big Play Ray” Buchannan has gone public and said Mike Vick knows all about the dog fighting and is probably paying for it. This may cost Vick as couple of hundred mil (including endorsements) in the long run. Has Ray never seen “New Jack City?” “Juice?” It’s time for a member of Vick’s entourage to bust a cap in his punk snitch @$$.
By Richard Cory
May 13, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
Grinch—I know you to be a hard-core Falcon fan.[You like your name, and hard-core, appearing in the same sentence?] I have also seen you defend MV, on the Falcon’s blog. Simple question—do you believe MV, to be innocent? If not, what to do?? I used to root heartily for MV, but have come to believe, we will be better, when he is gone. Not right away though. It will take Petrino some time to right the ship. What say you??
By The SouthernJackass
May 13, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
So jimmy how does it feel to slip it in the back end of a seal?
By The Grinch
May 13, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Richard, honestly I don’t believe Vick. However, I’m defending him as quarterback of my football team, not hiring him to babysit my daughter. While I don’t believe his off the field excuses, I most certainly DO believe the on the field ones. I’ve watched almost every Falcon’s game since the late 70’s (think I don’t understand torture). He came out of a simple, street-ball offense at VT two years early. Even at age 20, he picked up Reeves’ pro offense enough to pass for 3,000 yds his rookie season. He broke his leg the next year in pre-season. Jimmy Mora/Knapp and their absolutely idiotic offense (which absolutely couldn’t have been a worse fit) were next, and even then last year he was hitting receivers in the chest and they were dropping it. This is a new coach whose scheme and ability are so much better suited to Vick it’s not even funny. Vick is still only 26. If he can avoid suspension or jail time, I think folks are going to be mighty surprised at how much better things are gonna look around here over the next couple of seasons. Mark my words. And yes, seeing my name and hard-core in the same sentence is nice, hence my home-DVD collection. :-)
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 13, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
Wow.. That was ugly…. Now baseball…
I suppose it is necessary to get blown out once in a while so you don’t get too big headed. I gave up when the Braves were down 6 runs and watched the NASCAR race.
More mews from the farm… Mark Redman pitched 5 1/3 innings today for Richmond against the Durham Bulls. His line was 0 runs 5 hits 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. Good or bad news depending.
By Dirtie Birdie
May 13, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this
Mark Redman pitched 5 1/3 innings today for Richmond against the Durham Bulls. His line was 0 runs 5 hits 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. Good or bad news depending.
Great! It sounds like Richmond has found themselves a helluva pitcher. Hope he helps lead Richmond to the crown by being their ace all season. But please leave him in Richmond - he helps them much more than he helps Atlanta.
By Robert (not that one)
May 13, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
Nice try, Grinch. Vick is too short, and way too stupid to go any farther than he’s all ready gone. The rest of the teams have adjusted to him, and every year he get’ a little slower.
Are they going to have someone interpet his audibles?
And those poor puppy dogs having their life blood spattered on the fighting carpets! BOW WOW! RUFF!
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 13, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
Dirtie Birdie I’m just a messenger. :-)))
By Robert (not that one)
May 13, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
This says it all about dawgs and Tigers.
http://i.today.reuters.com/pictures/galleries/Stories/633144935463593750/Previews/mdf962367.JPG
By Robert (not that one)
May 13, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
dog fightin ain’t no thang! It’s the thang to do!
http://www.workingpitbull.com/images/abuse2.jpg
By Robert (not that one)
May 13, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
It’s just fun! Darn that Ray Buc for talkin bad about Mike!
http://www.workingpitbull.com/images/dogfight2.jpg
By gotigers72
May 13, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
Good things about the Braves today: As ugly as it was, it is only one loss. None of our upper echelon relievers had to be used, and the team is still 11 games over .500. It’s good that the team is going to Washington. Much closer to Richmond for Kevin Barry when Wickman comes off the DL on Tuesday. I know he hasn’t pitched in awhile, but that’s no excuse. You’re a professional player, you should be prepared when your time comes. Throwing everything right down the pipe is not the way to get future call ups. The only thing he has proven so far is that he is a decent AAA pitcher.
Bad thing about today’s game besides the final score: Our feared cleanup hitter has dropped back into the .220s. He continues to insist on pulling low and away pitches, and pitchers will continue to pitch him there. Anything else would be a mistake pitch that he may hit 450 feet, but if he doesn’t change his approach, pitchers with command will continue to get him out regularly.
By Robert (not that one)
May 13, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
You’re right Grinch. Ray Buchanan should watch his back. How dare he! And you think he should be shot? Bust a cap in him??? Like in some dumbass movie you watch?
Hell, here’s a good one fer ya! It’s just dog fighin!
http://www.workingpitbull.com/images/dogfightpicbad1.jpg
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 13, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
jimmy smith—give lithium a try, can’t hurt, there’s been some success with that drug on folks like you…it might even keep you from playing with your Thumbalina…
By Meanie
May 13, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
Robert if you think anybody’s heart is bleeding for those mutts you got another thing coming. Get your bleeding heart tree hugging butt over to a PETA benefit or something, but stay the hell off the sports blogs…
By journalist jimmy smith
May 13, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
hey, sja … nobody will blog with sja, huh? well, journalist will. how was sja’s mother’s day? here’s hoping somebody remembered sja today. anybody.
one might think sja is trying to provoke this journalist. did sja miss jimmy smith while this journalist was away?
if jimmy smith played with thumbalina then thumbalina would be like the lyrics suggest, nine feet tall. and how is the sja’s romance going with the tall lady? has sja been to first base? second base? oh, the humanity! has sja struck out with yet another woman? oh, the humiliation! sja should take this advice - stick with the vinyl women. more suited to sja’s personality (or lack of same).
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 13, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
Gee, glad I am a Redskins fan even if the owner is a butt head and thinks like he owns a fantasy team.
By Dirtie Birdie
May 13, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
With the #1 pick in the Dead Pool Draft, the Grinch has just selected Ray Buchanan.
With the #2 pick in the Dead Pool Draft, Dirtie Birdie selects Mike Tyson.
Whomever does not select Dennis Rodman with the third pick would be pulling a boneheaded draft selection of Billy Knight proportions.
Well actually Billy Knight would probably pick Dennis Rodman in his Sports Dead Pool draft - not because he is the best Dead Pool Candidate with the pick - he would do it by accident because he is 6’8”, long wing span, yada, yada, yada - why would he waste a good draft pick on worthy Death Pool point guard like Michael Ray Richardson?
Rodman, Pacman, Artest, John Daly, Ricky Williams, the Mets 2007 season, Mark Redman’s career are still on the board. Word is that Redman’s career did really well at the combine.
BTW, Magic Johnson is known as the biggest bust in Sports Dead Pool draft history.
By Dirtie Birdie
May 13, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
Poor Gil. For two days, he has soldiered on through all the garbage on the blog this weekend.
By journalist jimmy smith
May 13, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
sja should learn to play the ukulele. could help sja with the women. not sure anything can help sja, but crooning and playing the ukulele may help. this journalist saw a very unattractive hawaiian man playing a ukulele in honolulu and this ugly man was surrounded by beautiful dancing girls! maybe this could be useful for sja to try. ugly man + ukulele = beautiful dancing girls. now, any baseball player reading this post and considering learning to play the ukulele to attract young dancing girls - please remember that the thumbs must be healthy to play a good ukulele. good thumb health is vital to such playing. now, sja … hope the earlier suggestion didn’t let the air out of sja’s woman. still, if it did sja always has this blog to banter back and forth during the day and night with sja’s special friends - why are there no women? hmmmm …
By Robert (not that one)
May 13, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
Heck, Meanie I’m with you! I don’t give a darn about those animals. What I find hilarious is they steal people’s pets to use as bait! It’s a win win!
As long as I’m loyal to a sports franchise, made up of men I don’t know, I feel good about it.
Meanie, we think alike.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 13, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
Has been rough… I think I will call it a night.
By April
May 13, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
I’m all woman, baby, and I banter with The SJA all the time. I have this to say to him tonight: Go to my site and check out the section “Pretty in Pink”, it will make you forget about baseball and about blogging for a long time. I see that other bloggers openly question your prowess. Spend some time with me, take care of me, and I will testify for you. I don’t think you will want to disappoint me - am I right about that? Don’t tell me they are right about you. I won’t believe it! Are you just a Tommy Tune?
By The Grinch
May 13, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this
Back again. You’re right, Stinky; perhaps I should be advocating the Dalai Lama as quarterback. Although I don’t really know him as a person, either. Hmm…what to do? We can’t have someone who both has common personality flaws and doesn’t know me on a first name basis as our franchise quarterback…we certainly shouldn’t let his physical skills get in the way of said appointment. Heaven knows, we wouldn’t want an electrifying athlete with a skill set no other QB in the league can lay claim to injecting some excitement into out historically moribund franchise instead of someone along the lines of, I don’t know, Fred MacMurray? I find myself, as always, bowing to your wisdom.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 13, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
today’s game — no big deal. lerew had a rough start? yeah, but he’s not expected to be really great at this point. smoltz, hudson, davies, and james all had great starts, so one bad start out of five is not the end of the world. atlanta’s “fifth starter problem”? most teams in baseball have a fifth starter problem. there’s not a team in baseball with a complete 1-5 rotation.
other factors of today’s game: ian snell is a very, very good pitcher; pete orr hasn’t played much this year; oscar villareal hasn’t pitched in a while, and with more consistent work heshould be better; kevin barry made his first appearance after being called up over 10 days ago.
By Robert (not that one)
May 13, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this
Grinch, I wish we could eat those dogs. Like they do in Asia. Beat ‘em with a club then “chow” down.
I hear if you really freak them out, it tenderizes them. Yummmmmmm.
Yes, sports men are wonderful. I don’t know that I’d kill Ray Buchanan, though.
By The Grinch
May 13, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
Yes, actually; freaking them out does tenderize them. They go into a sort of subserviant “dog mode” once you establish your Alpha Pack Male supremacy over them, and it releases horomones throughout their system that makes them more tender and tasty, as they realize they’re lower down on the food chain. There is much to be learned from the Asians. You must come over sometime and try a properly prepared family pet. I take photographs of them first, usually in cute, submissive poses, before I beat them to death and stir fry them. It’s much better than chicken. And what, exactly, does this have to do with how accurate Vick’s arm is?
By Robert (not that one)
May 13, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
Vick? Who’s Vick?
Oh, the dog fighter that’s a crappy QB? The one you want someone killed for? That one?
By Ron
May 13, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this
What the Hell are you people talkin about tonight? Beginning to think that April is a porn star!!! What’s yo website April? If it aint a porn dont give me the website!!! That was not even the weird part about this blog tonight, people talkin about beatin and eatin dogs, and I dont know what the Hell Journalist Jimmy Smith was talkin about, Hey bro hook me up with what you are takin, need some of that good sh!t tonight!!! Gonna come back tomorrow and maybe people will be talkin about Baseball!!!
By The Grinch
May 13, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
(YAWN)…yeah, that one. Make sure you get that right in the police blotter. G-R-…well, you know the rest. Make sure he(Buchannan)’s indicted as well for making the careers of several otherwise pedestrian receivers within our division. G’night.
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 13, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
jimmy smith—at least I don’t bang a seal!…you stupid A$sClown!…
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 13, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
jjs/stinky—I would like to see just how much of a smart@$$ you would be after swallowing about 40 pounds of boot leather…
Oh, by the way, don’t forget to say hello to Carolina Lady…
By meansonny
May 13, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
OT: I didn’t get a chance to read the end of the last blog so I don’t know where all this stuff came from. But a lot of the people on this blog are sick.
You really need to get your heads checked.
Baseball: Not too concerned about today’s game. I didn’t get to watch most of it. But I figured it as a loss when I saw how the rotation lined up before the series started. Plus, it’s not easy to sweep any team (that’s why we haven’t done it since the first series of the season).
I’ll go on record that I’m still nervous about our #3 starter. Not so much for the regular season. But I don’t trust Chuck James, Kyle Davies, Lance Cormier, or Lerew. None of them will line up favorably against our future opponents in the 3rd game of a post season series.
Mets, A’s, Red Sox, Padres, Brewers, Angels. These teams are looking much more complete in their rotation because of who they trot out at #3. I don’t like putting so much pressure on Smoltz and Hudson in the sense that they have to be perfect in the playoffs.
There’s no rush. No panic. But I surely hope that JS can find the 3rd wheel in our rotation to get us past the first round of the playoffs. Because I really do think that it will come down to starting pitching (sorry to all those who want to stock up 6 closers in the bullpen. I think as the season progresses, a few others will see the lack of consistency at #3 to be a real weakness in regards to the other teams making the playoffs)
By Dirtie Birdie
May 14, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this
Vick has always been a small QB fond of saying, It’s not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog.
By Yars
May 14, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
We have a good #3 starter in Chuck James. I have all the confidence in him. I was hoping Chipper would play in 145 games this season. Never in a million years would I think he would be out for thumb injuries. Who would’ve thunk it? Willie C. Harris is a trip to watch. That boy can play with the best of ‘em. Thor needs to stop trying to hit a HR every AB. KJ is starting to look too anxious at the plate.
By meansonny
May 14, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this
Since I’m going on record.
Willie Harris has been awesome, thus far. He has solved our LF this season. And shows potential as an everyday player of the future.
That said, I hate giving up outs at the top of the lineup. It’s hard enough to get on base 1/3 of the time. But to get thrown out stealing 1/3 of the time doesn’t make sense with the best bats coming up. Those odds do not make sense in regards to production (turning a .333 hitter into a .221 by giving up the out)
IF we could keep Willie at the 8 spot of the lineup. He would be ideal to steal a base in front of the pitcher. And the pitcher’s at bat would be ideal to bunt him to 3rd. With Willie Harris at the #8, we maximize 2 (lesser) positions of the lineup. And give Kelly Johnson more opportunities for RBI’s.
I don’t know how we could keep him there, though. He utilizes all parts of the field. He has done an excellent job getting on base (hits and walks). He even shows promise against lefty’s (2 walks in 5 plate appearances while going 1 for 3). Every team should be dying to get him more plate appearances.
My Point: I don’t like giving up outs at the top of the lineup with stolen base attempts. And I’m intrigued with the idea of making the #8 AND #9 at bats productive while offering the #1 spot a shot to drive in runs.
By June
May 14, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this
You are right Ron that Jimmy Smith character must be on the pipe or something. Maybe bad crank. That Basstard talks out his sh!thole instead of his mouth. Maybe he is one of those funny boys.
By serbok
May 14, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this
OH BY THE WAY? WHICH ONE’S PINK? Roger waters may 19 tampa florida! everywhere i turn~ There seems to be something PINK? OK guys run with it? LOL BTW TB BUCS~ have Vicks # always will:o)
By meansonny
May 14, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this
Yars,
I don’t think Chuck James is a very good #3 starter when it comes to playoff teams.
SDP: Chris Young is the #3 starter (Peavy #1 and Maddux #2)
MIL: Jeff Suppan is their #3 starter (Suppan, Capuano, and Vargas allare 3.00 ERA or below). Ben Sheets is their #4 starter with a 4.10 ERA and 5 quality starts.
NYM: John Maine is the #3 starter (He’s pitching like a #1. Glavine, El Duque, and Pedro Martinez are all playoff threats)
Oak: I don’t know who their #3 is. But they have Rich Harden, Dan Haren, Chad Guadin, Joe kennedy, and Joe Blanton giving 32 starts. And all but Blanton are under 3.00 ERA. Blanton is at 3.48
To put it another way, Chuck James has 2 quality starts in 8 appearances. Most of the other teams are around 4 or 5 QS with their #3 starters. And with much better ERA’s.
And, I wouldn’t bet my post-season on Tim Hudson out-dueling Brad Penny, Jake Peavy, John Maine, or Dan Haren.
By serbok
May 14, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this
my internet connection is Smokin 2night!!!! comcast. I’ve done adsl tech support b4 for bellsouth~ I feel sorry for those of you who have to deal with that conglomerate~ cable is far superior to adsl and Anything is superior to bellouth!
By Michael Procton
May 14, 2007 1:28 AM | Link to this
Seriously, if you guys have never had a bad ingrown toenail before, you really shouldn’t be talking about Redman. It’s tough to walk with one of ‘em (particularly when it’s the big toe), much less support your whole weight in the pitching motion. If the start at Richmond is a sign of things to come—and proof that he has been hampered by the injury—there’s no reason to think he can’t be a solid 5-6 inning, 2-3 run guy who can keep us in ballgames at the back of the rotation.
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this
I’ll chime in here M.Vick is a dumba$$ street thug,and a worthless QB,the game today was one of those,gonna get one every now and then,and our #5 pitched today not our #3,I was wrong on the other blog I was referring to Alex Trevino,those fairy bats looked like $hit,and the Mutts and their fans can still go to Hell!!!Robert is still one dumbass sonsabitch,and I hope to God M.Redman doesn’t come back,why did the Braves sign R.Cormier? another bonehead move ala C.Reitsma,I don’t like A/LaRoche,and I don’t miss M.Giles!!I do like bloggin with SJA and Lew at least they have some sense,I don’t like bloggin with nochop,or any one else from queerns oops I meant Queens…selah and goodnight! Oh and once again Happy Mothers Day to My Mom and all yours!!
By Coach
May 14, 2007 2:15 AM | Link to this
Three out of four from the lowly Nats should make todays game nothing more than an afterthought.
By Michael Procton
May 14, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this
What’s wrong with Cormier to AAA? We don’t have any lefties in MLB, the guy was 2.44 in 48 INN last year and is barely over 4 career? What could it hurt to see if he does well in Richmond? Furthermore, Coach is exactly right about the Nats…they’ll cure what ails ya.
By Braves Fan 79
May 14, 2007 4:18 AM | Link to this
I sure hope we never see redmen again up here! keep us in the game..?? did u watch ANY of his starts michael..?? id much rather take my chances on a streaky young pitcher than a old sucky one. Meansonny: i noticed how u picked on hudson but didnt go anywhere near talking trash about Smoltz. I mean we only got the winningest postseason pitcher ever on our team. If not for glavine the mets would probably loose in the first round of the playoffs and would definitly be well behind the Braves in the division. Why scherultz didnt do everything he could to get Glavine back ill never understand. I mean i can possily see if he pitched for a american league team we never faced…..but he helps our biggest rivals out. Glavines agent can kiss my a$$$…. And the 2 idiots who support the dog fighting (meanie and meanie jr or some lame s** like that) your comments were disturbing….and the reason why i stay strapped because theres retards out there like yourself who dont give a fck about nobody but themselves.
By bergian
May 14, 2007 7:10 AM | Link to this
Oliver Perez is 4-3 with a 3.00 ERA, and gave up one run in 8+ innings against the best team in baseball yesterday, so I guess we can stop feeling like he only beats us…..Man, is he really only 25??? I would have sworn he was around 30!
Anyone notice how badly the Padres need hitters? Perhaps someone like Jack Cust, who has 6 homers and 14 RBI’s in 7 games? Well they had him til they traded him for a player named later. Can you imagine how the fans out there must be bashing management over that one? In those 7 games, he already has more RBI’s than all but 4 players on the Padres! But, they said they had no position for him, I guess it wasn’t even worth a try to put Adrian Gonzalez in Left, but then again, Terrmel Sledge is hitting .203.
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 7:22 AM | Link to this
Dog fighting is a crime,a crime that should be punishable by having your penis severed and your a$$ shaved in the Mets clubhouse!!!!
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 14, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this
Go morning folks, hope most of you have slept off whatever it was you all were drinking/smoking last night.
Now baseball…. On the Braves starting rotation, don’t give up on Chuck James quite yet. Young pitchers are known for their inconsistentes. he was slated to be the number four guy before Hudson was hurt. We still have a long way to go before post season so a lot of things can happen.
Interesting comments by Chipper on the unfairness of the interleague schedule. Looks like the Braves drew the short straw but good teams are suppose to hold their own. I think it will give us good insight on what kind of team the Braves have and their real chances in the post season.
An old saying..”If you are going to be the best, you have to beat the best.”
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this
Bobby C. may be able to work his magic on a lot of guys but not many 40 yr olds are named Smoltz and Clemens;leave R.Cormier,and M.Redman the hell outta here!!!!
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this
I agree I think James will be fine,But don’t count J.S. out just yet I think he’s got a couple moves up his sleeve!! If he didn’t the announcers would not have been speculating and spewing adoration on C.Crawford yesterday!!
By Meanie
May 14, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this
Hey Braves Fan 79:
Never said I support dog fighting, only that I don’t give a damn about the mutts in the photos. This lack of basic reading comprehension is why you can’t hold down a good job. Anyone who can’t figure out a way to make money in this country where people blow more of their money than they make…wait, forgot- you’re one of those! Keep doing what you do, Dog!
By JasonInMaine
May 14, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this
I wonder if the Braves will make any attempts to sign Torii Hunter if they can’t afford Druw…
By meansonny
May 14, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this
Good post, gil. Chuck James will be fine. He wasn’t our #3 coming into the season.
But as it stands now, he will probably be our # 3 in the post-season. And I don’t think those inconsistencies matchup well for us.
A lot of posters have been commenting that we have the best #1+#2 punch in baseball. That may be true.
But that shouldn’t qualify the assumption that we’ll go 2-0 against our opponents. There’s lots of good Aces out there.
As it stands now, I’d be happy to split the first 2 games (judging the talent I posted earlier). And I don’t carry the confidence with Chuck James facing the best #3’s in the league.
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this
I have a relative that lives in St.Pete,he tells me that nearly everday there is another story on their local sports that keeps linking the Braves to Crawford,How credible that is I don’t know,but he seems pretty p** at the Rays at this point……
By Shaun
May 14, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
I wonder if the Braves will make any attempts to sign Torii Hunter if they can’t afford Druw…
God, I hope not! Hunter will be 32 in July and, while he’s been a good player, somebody much cheaper could give the Braves as much.
Hunter’s career numbers are solid for a CF but aren’t all that great—.271 AVG/.324 OBP/.468 SLG—compared to someone that wouldn’t cost you over $10 million a season.
By Shaun
May 14, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
Anybody see Dayn Perry’s weekly preview?
He actually said the Braves-Red Sox series might wind up being a World Series preview.
By Bigboi
May 14, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
It would be great to land C Crawford. Would be a great 1,2 punch if we put Willie at second and Carl in left.
By Shaun
May 14, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Bigboi,
Carl Crawford isn’t the player a lot of people think he is. I think he’s one of the more overrated players in the game.
Don’t get me wrong, he’s good but he’s not likely to be worth a huge salary he’s probably going to get fairly soon.
I hope you’re not serious about replacing Kelly Johnson with Willie Harris.
By meansonny
May 14, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
Gotta say that it’s nice to get some baseball blogs back on here this morning.
I was holding my breath for a minute.
By meansonny
May 14, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
If I’m budgeting, throw the pieces we have readily available at the OF next season (Willie Harris, Matt Diaz, Francouer, maybe Brandon Jones or Thor).
Spend money on starting pitching.
If Hampton doesn’t make it back next season, we don’t need another Redman coming out of his basement to save our rotation.
By Lee
May 14, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
Willie Harris is playing great but an everyday 2nd baseman over Johnson - no way.
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Just talked to my cuz in St.Pete it is true the Braves have offered Salty and Lerew for Crawford.
By DC Braves Fan
May 14, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
We’d better win at least 3 of 4 from the Nats. After that our schedule is BRUTAL (3 @ Bos, 3 vs Mets, Phillies, Brewers)!
By Shaun
May 14, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
joebrave,
Is your “cuz” the D-Rays GM? Does he work in the front office? How does he know?
By Lew
May 14, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
Jason-The Twins picked up Tori Hunter’s option THIS year for $12 million. Do you actually think he will be that much cheaper than Andruw? He’s only $1.5 million less right now. He will be way too expensive for us to sign, despite the fact he probably won’t get $20 mil. I still think he’ll get $15 mil or more per year. It’s time to switch Salty to left and make plans for Brandon Jones. That (along with Francoeur) will give us a very talented, very cheap outfield for several years to come. Spend the money locking up Francoeur long term. It would be money well spent.
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 14, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
The problem isn’t that Redman had a bad ingrown toenail, and so Braves fans weren’t sympathetic or understanding of that fact…the problem was that Redman had a bad ingrown toenail, and continued to pitch like a rubber-armed octopus without informing the Braves of said fact…for that, he should have his @$$ shaved with a dull razor, and then a couple handfuls of Moises Alou’s ‘foreign substance’ applied to it by Bobby Cox…that might even discourage Cox from going to the nares so often…
Too many players are more concerned with their own personal achievements than they are with the good of the team as a whole…examples: Reitsma pitching while hurt…Andruw swinging for the fences when a simple base hit would help the team(he should be forced to use that pink bat all season)…Chipper Jones going for a few more rbi’s, after the Braves won the division, then getting injured and unable to help the team during the postseason…and the beat goes on…
On another note…another @$sClown imposter has invaded the blog…pretending to be TheJackAss…I’d like to stomp a mudhole in that punk’s @$$, then stomp it dry!…remember punk, TheJackAss is often imitated, but never duplicated…you too jjs/April/Rosalyn/LeTwan/baby seal/stinky/etc…
By JasonInMaine
May 14, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
You are probably correct, and I wouldn’t pay him $15 mill or anything. But, while someone cheaper may give you the same offense, I doubt they will give you the same defense. Hunter is one of the few players that could step into CF and have the Brave not experience a significant drop-off defensively.
In my opinion, the 2nd best defensive CF that can hit .275 30 100 and steal ya 20 bases is worth something. Not $15 mill…
Regards,
Jason
By Lew
May 14, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
Y’all-About Willie Harris. He has been absolutely spectacular since being called up-no doubt about it. However, this surge that has raised his career BA 9 points, still leaves him with a career .247BA in over 900 AB, in this, his 7th ML season. Let’s get real. This type of performance is certainly not sustainable. I guarantee he has not had any kind of epiphany that has changed him from a mediocre hitter into the second coming of Tony Gwynn. Water has been known to seek it’s own level. He may be a happy player, playing for his childhood team, but let’s get real. He is not our hope of the future. He may be the Chuckie T du jour, but how long will he continue at a pace over double his career BA? Let’s ride the Tiger while he’s here, but Willie will revert to more normal form sooner, rather than later.
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
Nope he is not he merely realyed a T.V. sports report,like I said I don’t know how credible but if that’s all that was offered I imagine J.S. here the phone slam down!!!
By meansonny
May 14, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
Michael Procton,
Just an FYI on the ingrown toenail thing. I’ve had one. It’s EXTREMELY PAINFUL. So much so, that I couldn’t hide the pain when I put shoes on. I had a VERY noticeable limp.
If the ingrown toenail was such a painful ordeal, do you think that there would have been signs to the whole world with video replay while Redman was on the mound in his cleats?
If he truly had one, it must’ve been at the very early stages (no infection. no swelling. not enough pain so as to go unnoticed) And not a possible excuse for most of his outings.
By JasonInMaine
May 14, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
Lew,
Yeah, your probably right. I would rather see the Braves spend the money on starting pitching to be honest. But, doesn’t B. Jones play LF? I know he has a good arm, but is he good overall defensively? I know that people in the Braves organization say that Blanco is the 2nd best they have seen (behind Andruw), but I haven’t heard much about Jones.
And for the record, I think Hunter will get about $5-6 mill less than Andruw a year. But, I agree…he isn’t worther $14-15 mill a year which he will probably get.
Regards,
Jason
By Jersey Gil
May 14, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
Hey Guys in case you missing this weekend of all the drinking and celebration of mother day…the braves acquire from KC(Player to name later)Graham Koonce, he is a First basement and bat lefty..in two games he has two homer with richmond…also Redman pitch yesterday 5.2 inning 6 so no run allowed….next in line will be Buddy Hernandez if lerew don’t do it well his next outding.
By Lew
May 14, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Jason-Need I remind you that we have always had good defensive play in center field since our run began? Deion and Otis Nixon were not half bad and Marquis Grissom was flat out excellent. I’m sure we will have a good defensive centerfielder in there-probably Francoeur.
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Moises Alou needs an anal probe,T.Glavine needs an anal probe.ELDookie really needs an anal probe,and D.Wright should have already had his anal probe,I nominate Bobby Valentine for the job seems he likes to screw with the mets!!!
By Shaun
May 14, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
TheSouthernJackAss,
I’m sure you’re one of those people who would be complaining if Chipper or some other players took a day off that they are not helping the team.
It’s easy to make claims that players aren’t doing things with the team’s best interests in mind when you don’t have to have evidence to back it up.
I doubt Andruw would walk over 60 times a year if he was always swinging for the fences.
When has Chipper ever missed a post-season?
I love folks who can’t be satisfied.
If you were a Yankees fan in the early ‘50’s (after they won 5 consecutive World Series titles), you would be unhappy because the Yankees lost 8 World Series games.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 14, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
So much for worrying about the Braves going into Washington facing a team with a long losing streak. The Gnats sweep the Fish three straight. At least the Braves will not have to face Hill who may be the National’s best pitcher.
Braves outfield…. If the Homeboy upstairs has a trade in mind I don’t think the media will know about it until it is a done deal. JS just does not operate that way. He has always been one to hold his cards close to the vest so as to not allow the price to go up.
I don’t want to sound sexist but it is like taking your wife with you to buy a car. You never want the salesman to know how much she wants a car because they will not come off the price.
By Shaun
May 14, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
JasonInMaine,
Maybe Hunter is as good as anyone with the glove, but how much is defense really worth? Certainly not as much as offense.
Hunter’s career high in total chances on defense is 478. His career high in plate appearances is 642.
You have to figure he’s going to come to the plate at least 250 more times than he’s going to get a chance to field the ball.
By BossLady
May 14, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
It was great while it lasted, Thanks Braves
By JasonInMaine
May 14, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
Shaun,, agreed. Lew, I am in no way, shape, or form convinced that Frenchy would be a great defensive CF.
Regards,
Jason
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 14, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Shaun—you little, long-winded know-it-all—You don’t know anything about me, much less are you ‘sure’ of what kind of person that I am…
Let’s see here…anyone who actually ‘watches’ the games can see for themselves what Andruw Jones is trying to do with his swing, or just ask Andruw, he’ll tell you…
Next, if you were capable of reading—you would see that I didn’t say Chipper Jones ‘missed’ a postseason…I said that he was unable to ‘help’ the team during the postseason…look it up stat boy…
Lastly, don’t try using that condescending tone with me…I’m not a Braves fan…I’m a fan of baseball…I enjoy the games…I don’t enjoy attempting to dissect every aspect, of every game, just so I can impress a couple of bloggers…and I don’t enjoy reading the $hit when someone else tries it…so at least do one intelligent thing and scroll on past my comments, they’re for grownups, or else get off your mommy’s computer…
Are you the imposter?…
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 14, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
On the signing of Rhael Cormier to a minor league contract by the Braves this weekend.
Guy Hanson is excellent at spotting problems and fixing the mechanics of pitchers. It is a relatively low risk chance the Braves are taking and if the flaw is mechanical and not physical, Cormier might be a good pick up for the Braves who need another lefty in the pen.
Here is some information gleaned from the Internet about Cormier…
“Cormier had a 9.03 earned-run average in six appearances this season, having allowed three earned runs in three innings pitched.
He went 0-1 with 5.68 ERA in eight spring-training outings, allowing 10 hits and striking out six in eight innings.”
Oh by the way he is 40 years old and another Canadian.
By Shaun
May 14, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
TheSouthernJackAss,
I see from watching games that Andruw Jones usually waits for a good pitch to nail very hard. If he doesn’t get it, he takes a walk. The evidence (stats) back up what my eyes see.
Here are Chipper’s post-season numbers: .288 AVG/.411 OBP/.459 SLG. He has 13 homers in 92 games. He’s reached base 168 times.
By JasonInMaine
May 14, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
Andruw’s idea of a good pitch must be different than some others…
He certainly swings and misses at a lot of off-speed pitches in the dirt.
By ncscoots
May 14, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
Unlikely that any CF replacement will provide the offense that AJ has, but so what? If the Braves get production from both corners, the “traditional” avenue, just have someone out there who can go get the ball and hit 8. Francoeur doesn’t have to move to center, nor is a power bat in CF a necessity. Get a masher for LF (at a lot less than 8 figures, I’d bet) and the options for CF widen considerably.
By Mitchie-san
May 14, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
Has the homeboy upstairs lost his touch? Cormier, Redman, Sturtze…. How can these guys honestly help and not hurt?
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 14, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Guess you can’t do one intelligent thing…
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
For those of you guys on here saying Crawford is not worth trading for, I say you guys are crazy. Carl Crawford would be amazing in this lineup and if we could get him for Salty and Lerew, we had better do it. Crawford is in his prime and is signed to a club-friendly contract through 2010. From what I’ve read, if he reaches all his incentives and all options are exercised he’s due $27.5mil for 2007-2010 (4 seasons). That is an absolute bargain for a guy who has averaged 20HR and 50+ stolen bases for 4 years and is at least “above average” as a center-fielder…
However, I see no way in he!! he gets traded to the Braves. Too many other teams want him and too many other teams have better prospects to offer than we do. The Angels would kill for Crawford and they have a stockpile of young starting pitchers to offer (Santana, Weaver, Moseley, Saunders, Adenhart) plus a ton of expendable infield players (Aybar, Izturis, Figgins, Kotchman/Morales, Willits)… Stupid Angels I swear, they could have a deal done with just about any team in the league for just about any player they want and they won’t do it. One question though Stone(r)man: How do you get AB’s for all these great young prospects when you’ve got 2 at every position?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 14, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil I think Buddy Carlyle is pitching better than Hernandez. Neither is on the 40 man roster but Manny Acosta is. I would think the Braves would be hesitant to expose anyone unless they were sure the player they were adding is going to stick with the club.
The Richmond club activated Phil Stockman from the DL yesterday also. He pitched 1 1/3 innings in relief of Redman.
Correction… It is ,Guy Hansen, not Hanson….
By Coach
May 14, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
Salty and Lerew for Crawford ? That is crazy. We are in first place , why would the Braves do such a thing ? Makes no sense at all. Tune in to AM 910 on the net , Richmond Braves are on the radio in less than an hour. Macay McBride is making his fifth start today.
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Mitchie-San I think I can answer your question… Cormier is a low-risk situational lefty who may turn out to be a better option than McBride or Colyer for the time being. Sturtze was also a low-risk signing who was more of a back-up plan if the re-vamped bullpen started off slow. He may still turn out to be a valuable trade piece at the deadline considering how many teams are looking for bullpen help… And Redman, well, I would just call that a slight overreaction to Hampton’s injury by Braves management. Obviously I don’t really see any way to defend that one (although I did like the signing at the time it happened)…
By Shaun
May 14, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
JasonInMaine,
According to the scouting info on espn.com, most of the pitches he chases out of the zone are high-middle.
He doesn’t have any area outside the zone where he chases over 45 percent of the pitches in that area.
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Yes Coach, Salty and Lerew for Crawford. The only people who would use the “crazy” word with this deal would be Tampa Bay, trust me. How could you not make that deal if your Atlanta? It gives you AJ’s replacement until 2010 without giving up a current full-time major leaguer… Without question a no-brainer for the Braves.
By Meanie
May 14, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
Jackass is all talk. Jimmy may pound the seal but the Jackass fantasizes about watching it. He’ll even whip your a* as long as you promise to spank his. That’s your Jackass folks!…Unbelievable!!
By Meanie
May 14, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
Oh and Shaun you’re a sissified stat-headed geek that wouldn’t know a live fastball from an ape scrotum.
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Shaun and JasoninMaine about Andruw Jones… I know alot of people are writing/talking about the increase in walks for Andruw Jones this year. I believe it is part of a plan Scott Boras has for AJ in order to maximize his free agent money. What is the one thing the Yankees and Red Sox (especially) covet in their hitters? It’s OBP and Home-Runs. I think AJ is taking more walks by design so he can spark an even bigger bidding war between NY and Boston. It will give Boras another bullet in the chamber when trying to sell Andruw to one of those teams… Do you guys agree with me there?
By Lee
May 14, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Salty is a good prospect and he also had a down year in the minors last year. This guy is not even proven at the major league level. If the Braves want to keep him for the future that is fine; however, Salty and Lerew for Crawford is a fair offer. Crawford in center and maybe B. Jones in LF or obtain one via trade for next season. Who do you think the Braves are going to get for these 2 young players at this stage of their career? If Lerew has a couple of more performance like yesterday and the Braves will not be able to get a experience groundskeeper for him. Besides it is not like Salty or Lerew will be facing the Braves in the world series - once (and this is a big if) they are traded to Tampa Bay their playoff hopes are virtually gone forever until traded elsewhere.
By will c
May 14, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
The AJC sucks. You guys amaze me with your attempt to lie and slander Mike Vick. You’re no better than the Hollywood types that pursue actors. Please get your facts straight before you start reporting on individuals. Your blanket slander is deplorable.
Rich Guys Trophy Wife Speed Dating
By Meanie
May 14, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
Nice pitch Willie C. Now run off and sell your porn somewhere else…
By Mitchie-san
May 14, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
DonCoburleone, I agree with you. I wish JS would just take the money paid to these guys and actually get someone worthwhile. I would rather have one stud pitcher than three mediocre ones. I know that it isnt very much money to deal with, but still…….
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
I think Smoltz likes the new 3 year contract he signed on April 26th… Since that time, he’s 3-0 with 21IP, 4ER’s, 21K’s and only 3BB’s in 3 starts… and he’s got Washington tonight. GO SMOLTZIE!!!
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 14, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
Meanie—I have the best little software thingy on my old computer here—it actually groups together posts made from any one certain IP address, no matter what name that person blogs under—think I’ll let AJC in on your little secret…and if they do nothing…I’ll just expose it to the entire blog…@$$boy…
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 14, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Actually, most bloggers would be truly shocked if they just knew who some of these imposters, identity thieves, and multiple-name posters really are…supposedly their so-called friends…some very popular too…
I know I stay pretty amused just watching how it all unfolds…some truly weird individuals indeed…
By Shaun
May 14, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
DonCoburleone,
Interesting theory but here are some reasons I don’t think it’s true:
1) Players walk totals usually increase some as they age.
2) I’m sure the Yankees and Red Sox don’t just look at walks and homeruns. Yes, those two things are obviously good things but I’m pretty sure defense is very important to both those teams.
3) I’m sure power pays off more than just walks. And Andruw’s power is down. If he could do what he wants at will to increase his value, I’m sure he’d increase his power.
4) The Yankees and Red Sox (and most other teams these days) do pay a lot of attention to OBP but having a high OBP is not just drawing a lot of walks. OBP, as I’ve said thousands of times, is out-avoiding percentage. There is more than one way to avoid an out besides a walk. Again, if you had to pick just one way to avoid an out, you’d much rather have an extra-base hit. AJ’s extra-base power (SLG) hasn’t been that good this season so far.
5) It’s not as if AJ’s walk total has been bad throughout his career. He averages 66 per 162 games.
6) Walks are contagious. Often times when a team adds a player who walks a lot, the other players’ walk totals increase. Kelly Johnson is about the walkinest player the Braves have had in a while and I’m sure that has spread to Andruw.
7) The past couple of years he had Adam LaRoche behind him. Before that Johnny Estrada. Before that Chipper and Sheff were on all the time and Javy Lopez was behind him. This year it’s often been Jeff Francouer behind him. And I think teams realize that Jeff Francouer has been about as easy an out as you can get so far in his young career (although that may be changing this season). I think teams have often pitched around AJ to try to get to the guy with the guy who made an out in over 70 percent of his plate appearances last season.
By Meanie
May 14, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
Go ahead and expose away donkey boy. Play your cards right and you just might get to fulfill your dream of being the meat in a uganda boy- seal sandwich…Unbelievable!
By JasonInMaine
May 14, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
To heck with that chart…I have watched an average of 125 games (on tv) a year since Andruw came up, and I have seen him swing at enough off-speed pitches down and away for this lifetime! Maybe not as much now, but I swear I used to be able to predict the pitch sequence to Andruw earlier on.
By Coach
May 14, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
Don , would you trade Brian McCann for Crawford ? I bet you wouldn’t. How about Joe Mauer ? No again. But you would trade a 6-4 switch hitting , rifle armed 25-30 home run threat stud catching prospect , this combination of talent of which baseball has never seen before in one player. Dude , I wouldn’t let you manage a hotdog stand. Amateur fans like you who are on the outside looking in have no idea how to value talent. Yay , Macay McBride just gave up two solo home runs in the second inning.
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
Coach you assume too much… I would definately consider McCann for Crawford, AND SO WOULD JOHN SCHEURHOLZ! The problem is that we DO have McCann. We have 2 potential stud catchers and every team in the league knows it. Last time I checked, you can only have 1 catcher playing at any point in the game; so what good does having 2 do you? The reason the Braves would trade Salty is the same reason why the Braves traded LaRoche; Use a strength to improve a weakness! That’s what makes ALL trades happen!
By Meanie
May 14, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Coach, B-Mac has proven that he can hit at the big league level. Salty hasn’t even shown the ability to hit AAA pitching. And as far as potential, McCann is, I believe, the same age (within a year). Salty is NOT an absolute sure thing, but more of a risk/reward commodity when it comes to trading young, proven big league talent i.e. Crawford. Especially when the proven young player has a club-friendly deal.
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 14, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
ok…
By ncscoots
May 14, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
Geez, maybe you should ease up on the Salty man-crush. A “combination of talent of which baseball has never seen before in one player”? Is that your bona-fide, non-amateur, inside-looking-out evaluation, LOL?
Please.
By David O'Brien
May 14, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG UP
And please leave the 8th-grade bicking here _ it bores 99.7 percent of the other bloggers, who don’t really come here to see a few frustrated folks get in the “fighting” they never actually did with their fists in school or a bar. Again, folks, you do understand that the 80-pound weakling can type the same sentences as the 250-pound tough guy here, right? And that no one knows which is which? OK, just making sure you realize that.
By Coach
May 14, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Dear God in heaven , I am arguing with sheer stupidity. Gump , you win. Have a box of chocolates. After three and a half innings , Richmond is trailing 2-0.
By Mary Popwell
May 14, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
Dear Sir: I read your article and I enjoyed it very much….but please don’t give up on our pitchers….I have loved baseball since I was five years old..I am now 78 and try not to ever miss a game…Do you remember many years back a pitcher name Art Fowler, he was a very good friend of mine and I thought one of the best pitchers ever.. thank you…me
By duckshit
May 15, 2007 2:43 AM | Link to this
jjs only weighs 80 pounds?