AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > May > 14 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTime to start another streak?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Coming to you from our nation’s capital, where the new ballpark being built might just be the only thing to ever come in under budget in this town. It’s supposed to be open next season, and looks like it will be ready.
After that debacle Sunday at Pittstown, Braves should have a very good chance of getting back on a winning streak with Smoltz and Hudson going in the first two games of the series vs. the Nationals.
Do you guys realize how great a run that old man Smoltz is on? (He joins us 40-somethings tomorrow, his birthday, so we can call him old now.) Since late last summer, there hasn’t been a more reliable starter, at least not one I can find.
He’s 9-1 with a 2.42 ERA in 12 starts since Sept. 16. And going back to July 1, Smoltz is 17-5 with a 3.26 ERA in 26 starts, and 161 strikeouts in 173-2/3 innings. The team is 20-6 in those games. The man’s a freak.
And if you think Smoltz has been a frequent victim of bad run support, consider the plight of his opponent tonight, Jason Bergmann.
This is unbelievable. Really. Bergmann still hasn’t won in 14 career starts (0-4), but lately he’s done just about everything possible from his end.
He was bad in his first start this season, giving up four runs in 3-2/3 innings vs. Arizona. But in six starts since then, Bergmann has a 2.41 ERA and miniscule .159 opponents’ average, with 31 strikeouts and 14 walks in 37-1/3 innings.
And he’s 0-2 in those six games. I’ll repeat: 2.41 ERA, .159 opponents’ average, 0-2 record.
In four of those six games, he pitched six or more innings and allowed one or no runs. And he won none of them!. Included was an April 12 game vs. Smoltz in Atlanta, when Bergmann allowed one stinkin’ hit in six scoreless innings … and got no decision in the 2-0 Nationals win.
As the insufferable Stuart Scott would say, “I ain’t gonna say nothing, but that ain’t right.” (Why am I quoting Stuart Scott? Surely this is an even more troubling sign that all the extreme weather going on across the nation.)
Not a betting man…. But if I were, I’d probably consider plunking down a dollar or two tomorrow night, when Hudson faces Jerome Williams. Hudson is 4-1 with a 1.83 ERA, including a 1.57 ERA in three road starts. He’s got a 1.30 ERA in five career starts vs. Washington/Montreal, including four games in which he’s pitched seven or more innings while allowing one or no runs.
Williams? He’s 0-4 with a 6.11 ERA and more walks (17) than strikeouts (15) in 28 innings. However, it is worth noting that after going 0-4 with a 7.77 ERA in his first four starts, he threw six scoreless innings of one-hit ball vs. the Mets on April 28, his most recent start.
Then again, that was before the Mets shaved their heads (but seriously, Mets fans, I remember when our high school football team shaved their heads. The operative words there being “high school.”)
Who is disguised as Frenchy? The transformation of Jeff Francoeur isn’t just indicated by his dramatic increase in walks, but also his improvement vs. right-handers and hitting on the road.
Last season Francoeur hit .217 on the road, fourth-worst among NL regulars. This year? I know it’s early, but he’s hitting .357 (25-for-70) away from home, sixth-best in the NL behind D. Lee, Fla’s Willingham and Cabrera, Jose Reyes and Todd Helton. Eighth on the list is Hoss (.349), who isn’t playing again tonight, by the way (this addendum to blog was added late, at 5:30 p.m. — Chipper’s thumbs are still sore. And doesn’t that injury sound strange? I’d just say left or right, even if it’s both, just go with one. OK, now back to the blog already in progress….)
Last season, Francoeur hit .248 (120-for-483) with 103 strikeouts and a .278 OBP vs. right-handers. This year, he’s hitting .297 (27-for-91) with 22 strikeouts and a .343 OBP. Again, I know it’s early. Very early. But still….
He’s really raking vs. lefties, of course. Hitting .333 (18-for-54) with four homers, a .400 OBP and .993 OPS against them this season, after hitting .292 (49-for-168) with nine homers, a .335 OBP and an .853 OPS last season. (Braves have seen a whole lot more lefties this season than they faced last season.)
Oh, and Francoeur also has the NL’s eighth-best avg. with men on base (.381).
Leadoff dropoff: He’s still got the third-highest leadoff OBP (.414) in the NL, one percentage point behind Jose Reyes. But Kelly Johnson’s in the third cycle of a season that’s seen him go through three distinct periods: cold, sizzling, and cool.
After hitting .150 through April 16, then blazing at a .478 clip (22-for-46) with three homers, 10 RBIs and a .607 OBP in 13 games over the final two weeks of April, Johnson is now batting .204 (10-for-49) with no homers, six RBIs and a .278 OBP in his first 12 gamers in May after the weekend series at Pittsburgh.
He hasn’t had a multi-hit game since April 29, and has 10 strikeouts with one walk in his past eight games. This after drawing 10 walks with four strikeouts in the previous eight games.
Willie C.’s the name, hitting (apparently) is the game: And at one point do I, and many of you, start to believe Willie C. Harris might actually be quite good? Right now, I’m wondering how in hades this guy hit .238 with a .306 OBP in 369 career major league games (899 at-bats) before this season.
I mean, he’s hitting .471 with five doubles and a .550 OBP in 13 games since the Braves brought him up to replace Ryan Langerhans. Granted, it’s only 34 at-bats. But he just keeps getting two hits a game, or more. And he made a very nice throw in Pittsburgh to cut down a runner at the plate.
Don’t really know what to make of his success, to be honest. Good guy, though. Very happy to see him doing so well. You know there’s a street named for him in his hometown in Cairo, Ga.? Really, I’m not making that up.
They named and dedicated it _ Willie C. Harris Drive, I think it is _ after he scored the winning run for the White Sox in their World Series clinching win over Houston.
Oh, and speaking of that new Nationals ballpark … Stan Kasten, Nats boss and once the most powerful man in Atlanta sports not named Ted, was able to get in one good, long-lasting jab at the media by making the pressbox even higher than the top-of-the-park pressbox at Pittsburgh.
But that’s another story, and I know no one cares about the inconveniences faced by hacks (I don’t blame you; if I were you I wouldn’t, either. But trust me, we’re more sympathetic figures than Kasten _ love ya, Stan, but seriously, what’s with sticking it to the press by sticking us in the clouds? Your team better get better, and in a hurry).
”AMANDA” by Bob McDill (and sung best by Waylon Jennings)
I’ve held it all inward God knows I’ve tried
But it’s an awful awakening in a country boy’s life
To look in the mirror in total surprise
At the hair on my shoulders and the age in my eyes.
Amanda, light of my life.
Fate should have made you a gentleman’s wife.
Amanda, light of my life.
Fate should have made you a gentleman’s wife.
It’s a measure of people who don’t understand,
the pleasures of life in a hillbilly band.
I got my first guitar when I was fourteen,
and I finally made forty: still wearing jeans.
Amanda, light of my life.
Fate should have made you a gentleman’s wife.
Amanda, light of my life.
Fate should have made you a gentleman’s wife.
Comments
By Coach
May 14, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Three out of four from the lowly Nats would be the expectation , a sweep would be even better.
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
“(but seriously, Mets fans, I remember when our high school football team shaved their heads. The operative words there being “high school.”)”
HA!
By eware
May 14, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
You’re the man, DOB.
By JasonInMaine
May 14, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Thanks for the new blog and all of the information. I knew KJ was struggling slightly…I posted some of his stats before his bases clearing double a few games back. He does seem to be streaky. Hopefully, he will gain more consistency as it is needed in the lead-off spot.
Do you think there is any chance that Bobby will end the platoon at 1B and give Thor a shot?
Regards,
Jason
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
I posted this on the other blog, but thought I’d post it since you mentioned Smoltz : Since Smoltz signed the 3 year deal on April 26, 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 MarkH
May 14, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
So what’s your take on Lerew, was the first start a fluke or did he just have a bad game on Sunday? The body of work would seem to indicate it was a fluke (1st start) but I temper that with all the comments about him dropping the slider at the behest of the pitching coach.
What say you DOB?
By Bo
May 14, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Luv that Willy Harris Spirit.
By flange1
May 14, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Did you enjoy Son Volt?
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
DOB, maybe Willie Harris’ success in based on the fact that he has played in the AL his entire career? Or maybe he is more comfortable playing close to home? Or maybe he’s never had a manager put this much faith in him before? Or could he simply be a “late bloomer”?
I believe it’s a combination of all those factors… However, I also believe hes way overdue for a slump…
By tkg
May 14, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
I’m really rooting hard for Willie C. Harris. I know he won’t keep up this ridiculous pace, but I hope he can be a .280-.300 hitter, get on base, swipe some bags and play good D. I like Harris because he plays the game so hard. It’s difficult not to root for anyone that plays the game like he does and enjoys it. You want guys like that to be successful.
By David O'Brien
May 14, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
jason, yes, I think there’s a chance, especially if Wilson struggles this way another week or two. maybe sooner, though. but they’re paying him $2 mill and they gotta hope he turns it around.
By DC Braves Fan
May 14, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
We’ve got to get at least 3 of 4! Our upcoming schedule is BRUTAL…(@ Bos, then vs. Mets, Phils & Brewers ~ YIKES!!) See you at the ballpark DOB.
By David O'Brien
May 14, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
DonC, I do know a lot of it’s just getting to play entire games, rather than the pinch-hitting role he had last season with Boston. He was a pinch-hitter and part-timer in most of his previous big-league experience, and had his best season _ by far _ in the only one where he got to play regularly. Maybe he’s just a guy who needs four at-bats a day so he doesn’t press, etc.
Or, maybe he went to the crossroads and did a deal with the devil like Robert Johnson (kidding, Harris family members and Cairo residents)
By Coach
May 14, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
Lerew stopped throwing his splitter and went with a sinker at the behest of Roger McDowell.
By Chop This
May 14, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Dave —
An old Nashville songwriter named Bob McDill actually penned “Amanda.” Don Williams and Waylon Jennings both made him a ton of money by recording it.
By Lee
May 14, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
A couple of seasons ago K.J. showed signs of being a streak hitter also. I know this is true of many sluggers but it seems this would be more of a concern for a lead-off hitter’s role.
If anyone has ever been through Cairo, GA they should understand why there is a street after Willie Harris. It is the only street the city has. Living within one hour’s drive of Cairo in South GA, hopefully I can say this jokingly.
By David O'Brien
May 14, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
Flange, didn’t get to the show. I spent the better part of three days caulking, priming and painting this storage shed I had built to store my motorcycles. Damn project took about three times longer than I thought. Props to all house painters out there _ that’s tedious work.
By josh
May 14, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
Perhaps Kasten is making the press box as high as his inflated ego…what a miserable guy. Nice job with the Hawks btw.
I hope the Braves sweep the Nats and Kasten’s bald head to cover his tiny brain.
By Shaun
May 14, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Is anyone there making a big deal about Chipper’s comments concerning the interleague schedule?
And while you’re in Washington, what about Guliani supposedly buying World Series rings for only $16,000 from the Yankees, possibly breaking a state law barring city employees from accepting gifts of over $50 from companies doing business in the city of New York? Has that story got any national attention yet?
By JasonInMaine
May 14, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Thanks for the replay. Hopefully Wilson won’t have to struggle much longer for Thor to get a chance…the season is almost a quarter over! I can see wanting to give him ABs, but not if he continues to not hit.
I see that Redman had a pretty good start for Richmond…I am guessing that he gets another shot to try and solidify one of the rotation spots…(let’s out a loud sigh as he reaches for the Crown Royal bottle)
By flbravesgirl
May 14, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
I was about to ask if you enjoyed your weekend off, DOB,… apparently not.
I can’t expect that Willie can keep this going long-term but it sure is fun watching him play right now. Maybe playing everyday is the answer for him.
By JasonInMaine
May 14, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
typo…thanks for the reply
By Hizouse
May 14, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Um, DOB, why doesn’t Helton’s road average count? I’m pretty sure none of those road games were at Coors.
By GT80
May 14, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
I’ve noted before about Willie C. being one of those guys that just happens to be in the right place, playing for his favorite childhood team and becoming something special. It’s like his lifelong dream has come true and he’s making the most of it.
Fracouer is just a stud. He learned from his mistakes last year, worked hard to correct them and is seeing the fruits of his labor. Mark my words, he will just keep getting better and better. The Braves were smart to sign McCann to that long term deal but the should try and sign Frenchy to something similar as quick as possible, although he’s probably not going to want to tie himself into anything for too long since he’ll be able to make huge bucks as soon as he gets his tenure in.
Stan Kasten has always been a jerk. He continues to prove it in DC.
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Anybody else besides me see Thorman as the left-handed Jeff Francoeur? I think they have very similar approaches and similar results. So far in 214 career AB’s Thorman has only 9 walks. That is a 23.7 : 1 at-bat to walk ratio, which is almost identical to Francoeur’s 23.4 : 1 … Francoeur’s career slugging %: .481 - Thorman’s career slugging %: .463 -
He obviously needs to learn to walk more (just like Francoeur) but I am starting to like Thorman more and more every day…
By Fred from CT
May 14, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
thormans defense is becoming a concern. he doesn’t get to enough balls.
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah JasonInMaine, you didn’t really think you’d seen the last of Mark Redman did you? Guarantee you he makes at least 3 more starts (unless his first start is an ABSOLUTE disaster). I say he makes more like 5 or 6 before the Braves eventually cut him… But honestly, could he have pitched worse yesterday than Lerew did?
By Jersey Gil
May 14, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Hey Doncoburleone Thor and Franchy are “Slugger” type of player…like any other young hitter(Wright(met)hit for the fence and there not thinking in walks…I like Thor he is a big boy..i think in a couple more year he can hit over 40 homer, also his defence are good..frenchy is more line drive hitter, Idon’t agree in platoon system, if you are a Mayor league player, you can hit any kind of pitch. DOB why Atlanta don’t give Woddward his Pick slip?? and bring up Yunel Escobar?
By ssiscribe
May 14, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Hey denizens. Ugly one yesterday; picked the right game of the three not to watch with Mother’s Day festivites, et all, yesterday.
Very encouraging to see the way Davies threw it Friday night, and Chuck James looked fantastic Saturday night. Great command. Maybe he’s got things ironed out after three rough weeks.
Also encouraged (and I know I’m setting myself up for abuse here) to see Redman throw well down at Richmond Sunday afternoon. He’s a veteran lefty who can help this team, I still believe, but he’s got to pitch better than he did when he was up here the first time.
DOB, welcome back after what sounds like three days wrestling with the paint brush and caulker. Enjoy D.C., where the suddenly hot Nats have won three in a row, after winning only nine times in their first 34 tries.
Smoltz and Hudson to open with … three out of four would be just fine with me, then it’s onto Beantown for, dare we say, a World Series preview between two cities linked by the Braves? Should be a great series this weekend, lotta fun in a great setting, for sure.
Time to work. Y’all enjoy your day. The Scribe abides.
—30—
By Coach
May 14, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
Durham 2 Richmond 0 after six innings. Close the book on McBride , he gave up two earned runs on six hits in five innings. both runs scored on solo home runs. Boyer came on and pitched the sixth.
By Glass Half Full
May 14, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
I wonder if Harris will be the next Gary Matthews Jr. or Mark Derosa. Mediocre player for most of his career then have a solid year, then a millionaire with a multiple year deal.
By Chop Chop
May 14, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
Wilson needs to go down to the crossroads. He can take Redman with him.
By Shaun
May 14, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
DonCoburleone,
Thorman was a little more patient throughout his minor league career so I think he may end up walking at a more frequent rate than Francouer when it’s all said and done.
Francouer’s minor league high in a season was 30 in 134 games at Rome in 2003. Thorman drew at least 30 in a season 4 times. Thorman usually drew closer to 40. In Richmond last year Thorman drew 31 in in 81 games.
By Coach
May 14, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Durham 2 Richmond 1 after six full innings. Graham Koonce hit his third home run in as many games since joining Richmond.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
May 14, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
”AMANDA” by Don Williams (and sung best by Waylon Jennings)
But performed best, live in smoke-filled dives, as part of an impeccable Waylon Medley by the legendary David Allan Coe .
By JasonInMaine
May 14, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
DonC,
I can dream, can’t I? And yes, I do think he could pitch worse than Lerew!
By Jersey Gil
May 14, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
Hey Coach It this the Player to name later from KC? (Koonce)???
By BossLady
May 14, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
DOB welcome back
By 22oz
May 14, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
I’m gonna disagree and say that Don Williams did a better job.
By Lee
May 14, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
The Braves are back to the search for a 5th starter. You know it is bad when everyone is taking about Redman’s pitching again. I just hope James and Davies continue to pitch as they did in each of their last outings and maybe the Braves can just make-do at 5th starter. Consistency out of the 3rd and 4th starters are more important than anyone securing the 5th spot permanently. The search for a 5th starter may be an ongoing audition season long.
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
Guys unless your moving Salty to the outfield or Mccann to third,you gotta make a trade there is no way J.S,and Bobby let this guy sit around and lose value!!!
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Man a sweep would be nice here!! Just hope the team doesn’t make some lame A$$ pitcher look like Cy Young
By BamaBrave
May 14, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
I expect to read about Waylon, Waits and perhaps Wilco here…that’s cool. But never in my wildest hallucinations did I ever expect a reference to Stuart Scott. Have you had prolonged exposure to wildfire fumes, DOB? Oh, the humanity…LOL
By JasonInMaine
May 14, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
If the 5th spot in the rotation is still a complete mystery in a month, I think JS will call around for a back of the rotation guy…
By parks
May 14, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Can someone tell me who the player to be named later in the Langerhaus deal was? thanks
By Shaun
May 14, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Wow. Just looked up Graham Koonce’s stats. He’s really hung in there.
Basically a career minor leaguer who turns 32 tomorrow. Pretty impressive numbers but looks like a 1B/DH type. Also, he walks a lot but also strikesout a lot.
He played in 6 games with Oakland in 2003 and got one hit. Looks like he came from the Royals organization.
By Christy
May 14, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
to whoever recommended Scissor Sisters on the blog - can’t for the life of me remember who, just remembered the name when I was browsing through CDs and picked up Ta-Dah. Love it, so thanks.
By JasonInMaine
May 14, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
joebrave, any new updates from your guy in Tampa?
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
It is beyond me how the Braves bats can consistantly make a guy fresh up from AAA look that good,these are the pitchers you are supposed to hammer,just seems it’s the other way around this year,and did everyone have lefthanded boys in the early 80’s,Gosh I have never seen so many lefties in the majors at once!!!
By Coach
May 14, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Nope , The KC trade was Tony Pena for a minor league pitcher by the name of Erik Cordier. Koonce did come from Omaha , which is Kansas Cities triple A farm team. It’s a final Durham 3 Richmond 1
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Fred fro CT,are you Crazy Thor is every bit as good if not better than olLazybones was,the guy is going to be a beast just be patient…..
By Shaun
May 14, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
joebrave,
Braves bats have scored the 8th most runs in baseball.
If they “consistently make a guy fresh up from AAA look that good,” what does a team like Pittsburgh, St. Louis or Washington do?
By Glass Half Full
May 14, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
joebrave
I think the number of lefties may be related to the number of “left-handed cigarettes” that were smoked in the late 70s and early 80s…before, during, and after conception.
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
And yes the mets look like IDIOTS with all those baldies workin!!!!
By Lee
May 14, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
parks - It was for a player to be named or cash. Oakland has probably paid the Braves their $50.00 already.
By David O'Brien
May 14, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
Chop This, thanks for that correction. I sure thought Don Williams wrote it; I didn’t know he covered many folks’ songs at all (Williams, that is).
By David O'Brien
May 14, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
BamaBrave, he stays in your head like a godawful love song from Air Supply. I mean, who’s worse _ Berman or Scott? Tie? Loath and loather?
By Coach
May 14, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
Yep , Graham Koonce has hit 204 career home runs in fourteen minor league seasons. He has one major league hit , a double back in 2003 with Oakland. The guy is a real life Crash Davis.
By Glass Half Full
May 14, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
In 8 games for the Nats, Langerhans is batting .286 with an OBP of .333, bringing his overall average to .113 on the year. I knew he’d break out of it…er, nevermind. Too bad we can’t see Langerhans vs. Redman this week. The unstoppable force against the immoveable object!
By Fred from CT
May 14, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
joe brave I hope your right and he improves but I don’t see it there were two balls this weekend I thought he should have caught that went down the line. maybe I am just being to picky.
By Glass Half Full
May 14, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
Speaking of Air Supply: I always picture one of the guys sitting on a stole, holding a rose, and blushing while the other guy sings to him. “Making love…out of nothin’ at all…”
By Sammy Kershaw
May 14, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
DOB
Havent heard anything out of Lance Cormier lately? Any word of him throwing anytime soon?
By Ron
May 14, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Man Coach needs his head examined!!! In the Last blog Coach said he would not trade Salty and Larew for Crawford, why because Salty’s upside at Catcher is so great, where would we play Salty, I would like to play Salty in LF, but if we can get a guy like Crawford with his contract being over after the 2010 season, I would make that in a heartbeat!!! Who else on here Besides Coach would not like this trade proposal? I seriously doubt we could get him in that package, it would take more than that!!!
By Glass Half Full
May 14, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
That’s “stool” not “stole”
By Fred from CT
May 14, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
salty and larew for crawford is a no brainer you would have to make that deal If crawford came to a team that actually won games he would be ten times better then he is and that would be are answer to reyes.
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
Thank-You Ron, obviously a man of reason. Salty and Lerew for Crawford is a no-brainer… Then again, that Kool-Aid Coach is drinking sounds pretty darn good.
By StingerSplash
May 14, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
DOB gets a weekend off and gets back at us with some Stuart Scott and then has the audacity to have Air Supply songs running through our heads? Oh, the humanity. His punishment should be a game where Steve Trachsel pitches to Nomar Garciaparra. Every at-bat. Every inning.
By Chop Chop
May 14, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
Stu Scott is worse, DOB. You know how I know? I have a test:
You’re watching the entire first day of the NFL Draft. If you had to listen to Berman or Stu for ten hours (and couldn’t plug your ears or break the TV), who would you rather deal with?
Yeah. Gotta go with Berman. Better to go with the devil you know than the devil you don’t.
By Glass Half Full
May 14, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
How about Todd Walker as another left handed batt of the bench to complete the Langerhans trade? He can play 1st, 2nd, or 3rd as needed and may be an offensive upgrade over Pete Orr and Wilson (at least this season anyway).
By Meanie
May 14, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
While Redman has been downright fugly thus far his career body of work would indicate some adjustment due. He isn’t a 3.00 ERA guy but he ain’t a 12.00 ERA guy either. Two or three six inning three-run type games are coming, I can feel it. Bergmann concerns me. He’s the type that has career days against us for some reason. Robert, insert Donk reference here…
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
I don’t htink that Salty and Lerew get it done if it is even being discussed,I said it was only a speculative comment from an evening sprts show in ST.Petersburg,don’t believe everything you here,but I still believe those two guys are here for more than just emergency backups,I think they’re here for Showcase purposes!!!
By T 2 the D
May 14, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
DOB- Amanda on 8 track, 10th grade, Urban Cowboy…Waylon ,Willie and the boys… I turned 45 today…PRICELESS!
By 22oz
May 14, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Stuart Scott only throws out idiotic quotes from rap songs, while Berman has those stupid nicknames for everyone. I’ve had to quit watching Baseball Tonight on sundays so i won’t be tortured by hearing “Albert Winnie the Pujols.”
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 14, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
DOB, any thoughts on who will get sent down when Wickman comes off the DL tomorrow? kevin barry? any word on how chipper’s doing?
i’m spending the week in fairfax, VA, and will be going to the games on tuesday, wednesday and thursday. can’t wait to see what will hopefully be some good stompin’ by the braves!
By The Grinch
May 14, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
I’m afraid I’ve got to agree with Coach; you guys obviously haven’t seen Salty in person yet. No way I’d trade him for an outfielder, when we could convert him to one and have him for squat money-wise for the next 6 years. The guy is Pudge Rodriquez with more power and speed. Trading him for anyone would be stupid, but if we did it should be for a damn good, affordable #2 starter. I’m not going on heresay about the kid; I never mentioned him once ‘till I saw his debut (where I sat about 10 feet behind the dugout). He generates more presence and excitement than Chipper, Andruw, Frenchy or anyone else we’ve got on this team. If we trade him we’ll be watching him on SC highlights the next 15 years and all you people will be moaning about what an idiot JS is.
By BamaBrave
May 14, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
It’s a tough call, for sure but I’d have to give the edge to Scott…at least Berman has human eyes. Scott’s eyes…are not of this planet. So even if you mute the guy, he still freaks me out!
Air Supply…Gott in Himmel!
You think Lerew has the constitution to bounce back from yesterday’s debacle? Fenway’s no place to overthink…
By Jameas
May 14, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
earl weaver had a lot of success with platooning. but he didn’t do it righty/lefty. he did it according to how players hit in certain parks and against certain pitchers. he had all that info even before computers.
By Dave knockahomer
May 14, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
please, someone help stop the bleeding at first base! WHY oh WHY is Wilson platooning???? the guy is hitting a glorious .172…struck out 25 times in 58 at bats! BOBBY COX….please wake up! leave Thorman in there. He surely can do no worse than Wilson, who, to my knowledge, as one or no hits against left handed pitchers! So, DOB, why is the guy still being allowed to play? Give Thorman a chance!!!!
By John Lindsey
May 14, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
Then again, that was before the Mets shaved their heads (but seriously, Mets fans, I remember when our high school football team shaved their heads. The operative words there being “high school.”)
DOB - so you’re saying that Tim Hudson is high schoolish? Chuckie James also appears to be rather chrome-domed.
By Efrim
May 14, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Grinch,
Salty would look like Adam Dunn in Left. I think we should move him to first and end this trade stuff. Deal Thorman for Zach Greinke.
By April
May 14, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
TheSouthernJackass, come on down! You have won my heart. I have never known a blogger with more passion and more stamina. Do you have stamina in all your pursuits? I’ve been following this blog for awhile (Klesko made me a baseball fan) and I know that no one on here seems to like you at all. That is reason enough for me to be attracted to you kinda like Charlie Brown picking a pitiful Christmas tree. I like tall men but DOB has me thinking - are you really a tall man or are you an 80 pound weakling like Dave was talking about? I can tell you’re not very smart by reading your posts, but I can’t tell if you are the big man you say you are. I am going to a class reunion soon and I need a date. Are you really 6’11” and can you dance? April
By ncscoots
May 14, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
BamaBrave, if Lerew can overcome the horror of his last couple of minor league years, one bad game isn’t gonna nuke him. Think he might have been just a little nervous in front of friends and family for the first time, and on the road to boot? Even so, he might have been able to settle down, but I think the error on the bunt took that right out of the equation.
Anyhow, throwing that dipping sinker down and following it with a four-seamer up at 94 is gonna foolerize a lot of hitters, IMO. He needs some experience, sure, but he appears to be a keeper to me.
By StingerSplash
May 14, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
Gentlemen, we have a new treat for you here at Camp X-Ray. Meet your new cellblock mates: (First guy): “Boo-yah. SS in the Camp X-Ray hizzy!” (Second guy): “Khalid ‘Sheik, Sheik, Sheik Your Booty’ Mohammed!” On the second thought, that truly would be cruel and unusual punishment. Surprised no one at CIA has thought of this - yet.
By The Grinch
May 14, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
Efrim, I would agree other than that part of Salty’s value is his once-in-a-lifetime arm, which he wouldn’t get to use at 1st. What he really needs to do is catch, but McCann would look like John Belushi in left field.
By Coach
May 14, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
Grinch , you are correct. I’ll put it this way , Crawford hit 18 HR’s with 77 RBI in 600 at bats last season. Matt Diaz hit 7 HR’s with 32 RBI in 297 at bats. Double his numbers to 600 at bats and he would have had 14 HR’s and 64 RBI. Diaz is nowhere near the defender that Crawford is but compares favorably to Crawford offensively. It’s about value and Crawford is nowhere near Salty in that regard.
By Hector
May 14, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
For the Aztecs especially important deities were:
Tlaloc the god of rain,
Huitzilopochtli Patron god of the Mexica tribe,
Quetzalcoatl god of civilization and order,
Tezcatlipoca God of the Underworld, and
Saltalamaxxia a promising young god but all the good positions were taken by the other gods.
By bergian
May 14, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
Berman or Scott??? I must be in the minority here, I like them both! But, I have watched ESPN since the early 80’s. Now, if you could only get rid of Steve Berthum(SP?)from Baseball tonight…he clearly doesn’t know baseball all that well. Oh, and BamaBrave, Stu Scott clearly has had some eye problem that popped up a few years back, after he had been off the air for awhile, never heard what it was.
By Ron
May 14, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
Efrim, have you seen Greinke pitch, he absolutely sucks this season, and I actually like Thorman at 1st Base, I think we should keep Thorman at 1st Base and either move Salty to LF in the offseason, or trade him for a GOOD Pitcher or Crawford or someone like that!!!
By BamaBrave
May 14, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
ncscoots…I hope you’re right. I didn’t see Sunday’s game, but I saw his first start and loved every minute of it. I just looked at yesterday’s box score and couldn’t believe it was the same guy. Here’s to short memories…
By Neil Everett
May 14, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
Howzit? I can’t believe you guys are forgetting about me! Sure, Stu Scott is a moron who has to make sure we know his race every 5 seconds and Bermann is a no-talent moron, but I am by far the worst anchor in Sportscenter history. Give me my respect…RIGHT NOW!
By Ron
May 14, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
Grinch, Yes I have seen Salty play, not in person, but he looked awesome, but have you not seen Crawford play, he would bring a whole new dimension to this team that we have not had in awhile, he is a way better leadoff man than Furcal ever dreamed of being!!! And if we ever trade Salty for a Pitcher we would have to get a #1 or #2 Starter!!! Not Robertson, he is a #4 or #3 at best, I have heard people mention his name, why do people mention that guys name, he sucks!!!
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 14, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
Daybed Wagmoe Take the Metro to RFK… It is way easier than driving to RFK and paying to park. The walk is about the same. If you go to the Nationals’ site there is a link to the Metro so you can get the schedule and the right line to the park.
By BamaBrave
May 14, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
I guess Scott took some time off to return to his home planet, Boo-yah.
By flange1
May 14, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
GOOD ONE HECTOR!
By eric the elder
May 14, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
Hector, a clever and inventive post. A breath of fresh air.
By TennesseePaul
May 14, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this
DOB: Great to have you back. Nice blog, though I have one question…
Last season Francoeur hit .217 on the road, fourth-worst among NL regulars. This year? … sixth-best in the NL behind … Todd Helton, who doesn’t really count because he hits at Coors Field
How is it Helton’s road numbers don’t count because his home games are in Coors? That guy is raking right now. Not so much with the Home runs as in yesteryear but he is putting up .359/.451/.538 on the road, without the help of Coors. That’s not too bad.
By Chop Chop
May 14, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
Well, I’d heard that ol’ Stu had taken a football to the eye at New York Jets minicamp in ‘02 before, but here’s a link explaining Stu’s eye problem:
Stu Scott
By Ron
May 14, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
Coach, you talked about HRs, Crawford brings Speed to the team, and he is a better leadoff man than Reyes is, he is the second best Leadoff man in the game behind Ichiro. Yes I know we have KJ leading off, but Crawford is awesome, Coach have you ever seen Crawford play a game, because you just mentioned the HRs and RBI’s, he brings alot to a team!!! I dont know exactly how many Stolen Bases he had last year, but he had at least 50!!!
By flange1
May 14, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this
Ron,
This blog has been discussing the pros and cons of Carl Crawford since the end of last season. I know what the St Pete article said, but I am not convinced that the Salty + Lerew deal is a new offer.
Remember over the winter they laughed at Salty, Escobar and Davies for Crawford. Said they wanted James instead or Davies.
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
“Grinch , you are correct. I’ll put it this way , Crawford hit 18 HR’s with 77 RBI in 600 at bats last season. Matt Diaz hit 7 HR’s with 32 RBI in 297 at bats. Double his numbers to 600 at bats and he would have had 14 HR’s and 64 RBI. Diaz is nowhere near the defender that Crawford is but compares favorably to Crawford offensively. It’s about value and Crawford is nowhere near Salty in that regard.”
Yeah Coach, Diaz and Crawford (given equal playing time) are about the same player - that’s just about the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Crawford has improved every year since he came into the league. He plays on a joke of a team with little to no protection (although they look much better this year) in the lineup. He hit .305 last year with 18HR’s and 77RBI as their primary LEADOFF hitter. Did you happen to also notice he had 16 triples and 58 stolen bases? And you say 18HR’s and 77RBI like it’s a bad thing, again, thats from the LEADOFF spot!
Besides, what exactly do you see Salty doing with 600AB’s? Please take a drink of your Kool-Aid and tell me…
By Fred from CT
May 14, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this
you would have to be crazy to compare crawford to diaz.
I would take crawford over reyes
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 14, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
Hey Dave O’Brien… Did anyone really think Kelly Johnson could keep up that torid pace? If he settles out to be a .300 hitter then I would be more than satisfied.
By TennesseePaul
May 14, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
If we trade him we’ll be watching him on SC highlights the next 15 years and all you people will be moaning about what an idiot JS is.
This is so stinking true it’s sad. If we trade him, it will be an endless stream of posts bemoaning the fact. Even if Salty gets injured and doesn’t play for 6 years, there will be those who come on here and complain about the trade anyway.
But, I think the complaining would be minimized if Salty is traded for the next Maddux/Johan type pitcher. Someone who totally dominates and is with the club for 10-15 years building a HOF career. Other than that, I say we keep him. If Salty is to be traded, it would be this offseason after the AJ business is finalized. If AJ walks, I think Salty will be kept because we’ll need his bat.
And lastly, I don’t think it would be too difficult for this guy to man LF. He can run much better than I was expecting, he’s faster than McCann anyway. And his arm is incredible.
The other option would be to train him at 3B. Chipper is going to retire eventually. We could replace Chipper with another switch hitter with a classic baseball nickname. But Salty’s bat is going to push JS’s hand sooner than Chippers retirement, so I think 3B is a long shot for him.
By Fred from CT
May 14, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
I watch 30 to 40 Devil rays game a year because I have them on against the yanks and sox 18 times a year each up here in CT. So I see plenty of crawford and the guy is a awsome player. compare diaz to crawford is just crazy stupidest thing I ever read on this blog stupidest
By Lew
May 14, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
Face it-We’re not going to get Crawford. The Rays want pitching and you’ve got to be kidding if you think they will go orgasmic over Lerew (especially after yesterday). Why not turn Salty into a left fielder? He can hit and can’t be any more awkward in left than Diaz is. Why go around making trades when you can deal with life in house? Makes no sense. Why would we trade pitching when we need all we can find? With the total lack of good pitching i the league, no one is going to trade a front line pitcher or a front line pitching prospect for Salty. Keep him and his bat. He can always catch if needed.
By The Berminator
May 14, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
Swami Says… Can I get a witness from the congregation? As for Willie “C. Note” Harris, we all know that games aren’t played on paper…they are played by little men inside our TV sets. I can’t wait for Willie C. Harris to hit a homer so that I can say Back! Back! Back! It could go all the way! Willie “C. Ya” Harris says I will see ya later! Boo-Yah! Willie “C. Ya” Harris is en fuego! You can’t stop him, you can only hope to contain him. Doin’ it and doin’ it and doin’ it well. Break him off something proper. You better recognize. Got more flavor than Kool-Aid and cocoa. Don’t playa hate, congratulate. Don’t hate the playa, hate the game. Drop it like it’s hot! I ain’t sayin’ nothin’, but that ain’t right. Lord, he made his kinfolk proud: Pookie, Ray-Ray, Moesha. He is amused by the simplicity of this game. Your puny ballparks are too small to contain my gargantuan blasts! Bring me the finest meats and cheeses for a clubhouse feast!
By Efrim
May 14, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
Ron,
Salty should never play left field. His future position is catcher or 1st base. If not then deal him, but understand that Tamba Bay would never trade Crawford for Salty. Counter productive. D Rays need pitching. As far as Greinke, he has looked bad, but a switch to the NL would really help him. Thorman is a nice player. Thats about all I can say about him. He hustles, he plays a bad 1st base, he can hit some bombs, but he isn’t the answer at 1st. Salty is. We need a 3rd starter more than we need Carl Crawford.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 14, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
Funny thing, here we are talking about Chipper hanging it up and he is what, 35? As long as he can hit he will be playing.
Crawford would be a real plus to the Braves. Power, speed, good average, gee what’s not to like. The problem is what do you give up? The Devil Rays need pitching, so does everyone else. that includes the Braves. I would be very surprised to see a trade of any sort this soon but then again what do I know? I’m just a fan. It is hard to make a lot of changes when you are in first.
By the way, the last guy to hit three home runs in consecutive games for Richmond before Koonce was Thorman.
By Ron
May 14, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this
flange1, Dude I mentioned all of this from the previous blog, And if you scroll up to one of my first posts on this blog I said, I figured it would take more than just Salty and Larew, but I said IF it just took that I would take that in a heartbeat, and somepeople are sayin they would not, that is how all of this started!!!
By crimedogrules
May 14, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
DOB, Any word on “all-thumbs?” I kid, I love Chipper. Give Lerew another shot, he can’t win every game - he’s no josh beckett. Thank goodness that guy is in the AL. And we might not face him next weekend, bonus.
By flange1
May 14, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
Ron,
I agree with Lew. I am over Carl Crawford. Everyone talks about how great a lead off man he is , he isn’t leading off right now Rocco is! He plays left and 1B and I think he is a great 2 hitter, but we have a good 2 hitter in Edgar. I don’t think he is what the Braves need right now.
I would rather keep Salty or if we have to trade him get a Kasmir type for him, a young cheap power arm.
In fact, in spring training Pena played 1B and 3B, I would keep Salty on the team to PH and play some catcher and release Orr.
How is that for an all over type comment?
By David O'Brien
May 14, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s out of the lineup again, sore thumbs. Still not right…
Wickman to be activated tomorrow, as you already knew….
Cormier going on rehab assignment, first start Saturday at Double-A Ol’ Miss. Two starts there, then one at Richmond, then could be ready….
As for Redman, some of you aren’t going to like the update on him: Bobby said he could pitch now. He might possibly get the Friday start at Boston instead of Lerew, but nothing’s set yet, according to Bobby. Right now Lerew’s listed, but….
Good point, Hizhouse. Just a brain cramp. Me being a smarta^% about Helton playing home games at Coors, and totally backfires on me. I deserved that….
By TennesseePaul
May 14, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
Efrim: Why shouldn’t Salty play LF?
By Fred from CT
May 14, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
two reasons one he is not a left fielder two he losses value as a left fielder compared to as a catcher.
By bergian
May 14, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
By Chop Chop, thanks for the Stu Scott link! I had searched awhile back, but couldn’t find any info….
By David O'Brien
May 14, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
Gil, if Kelly hits .290 with a .390 OBP and, say, 15-20 homers, that’d be a huge year, nothing but positive….
Flange, just found out Son Volt’s here Thursday night at the 9:30 Club. And since I’m not flying to Boston until Friday morning, gonna go see the show here….
By Jak
May 14, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
DOB
quick question, is there any talk of moving Harris to leadoff and KJ to second in the lineup?
By David O'Brien
May 14, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
I’m not hearing Braves as a likely match for Crawford. D-Rays want pitching, which is why they’ve talked to Angels about Santana, and the White Sox about McCarthy, etc.
I’ve heard Dodgers, Angels, White Sox and Astros are possibilities for Crawford.
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
Efrim and Lew I understand your points and actually agree with most of them. All I’m saying is that value-wise Lerew and Salty for Carl Crawford would be viewed as a STEAL for Atlanta by every GM in baseball.
But you guys are right that it will never happen and the Braves would be better off trading Salty for a #2 or 3 starter. I agree, but it won’t be Kazmir or Johan Santana or Matt Cain or Jared Weaver or Cole Hamels or even freakin’ Chin Mieng Wang! The best we are going to do this year pitching-wise for Salty is Mark Buehrle or some other soon-to-be free agent.
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
DOB is McCann starting tonight???
By Sir Stealth
May 14, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this
If we are seriously considering starting Mark Redman at Boston then we should just have a bat boy go out and plant a giant white flag on the pitcher’s mound instead of making our players actually go to the stadium.
By SR
May 14, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this
Apologies if someone has already asked DOB but any news on Aybar? Seems mighty quiet, almost as if the mere mention of the name may upset some sort of delicate negotiations or something.
By Ron
May 14, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this
Efrim, how do you know Greinke will do good in the NL, what if he does not, we would trade a Good player for nothing!!! You cant trade a Good player for a guy not doing nothing just to hope that guy you get will do better in another League, that is ridiculious!!!
By The Berminator
May 14, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
Harris does not get on base enough or work counts the way KJ does. Harris is an 8 hitter playing like a leadoff hitter during his hot stretch but will go back to be a good 8 hitter later.
By Robert
May 14, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
” would rather keep Salty or if we have to trade him get a Kasmir type for him, a young cheap power arm.”
No team in their right mind would trade a young stud who is proving himself at the big league level for a prospect who has next to nil experience above AA
Which means we need to talk to the Pirates
By Fred from CT
May 14, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
for any of us giving thorman a hard time me included. he has 2 more rbi’s the mccann. thorman 19 mccann 17.
By Robert
May 14, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
By the way - that got me thinking, and I now remember another name to add to the short list of managers worse than Cox
Lloyd McClendon - ex-Pirates manager, who said and did some of the dumbest things ever
By Grahamdawg
May 14, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
SI.com has the Braves #2 behind Boston on their weekly power rankings….can’t wait for that series this week. Go Bravos!!!!!!!
Chipper Jones is whining about the interleague schedule, and he’s got a point. It’s brutal for Atlanta, starting with this week at Boston. (Remember, college hoops fans, baseball gives no points for strength of schedule.) Still, if the Braves have proven anything this young season, it’s that they can play with, and beat, anybody. Now, they’ll just have to prove it. Again.
By Ron
May 14, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this
DonCoburleone, Agreed about your 5:58 post, but I would never trade Salty for Buerhle, cannot trade a guy like Salty for a rental player, NEVER!!! People on here b!tch!n about Salty and Larew for Crawford, what the Hell would they say about Salty for Buerhle as a rental, hell they would probably quit watching the Braves, And most people would be p!ssed including me!!!
By Chop Chop
May 14, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this
I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees.
I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees.
Lord, heard that Mark Redman was starting Friday, save me if you please…
By Ron
May 14, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this
DOB, did you mean the Rangers McCarthy? the Rangers traded for McCarthy, I figured it is just a typo!!!
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 14, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
thanks for the tip Gil!!
By Caleb
May 14, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
DOB, any news on whether the Braves will be able to recoup Hampton’s contract through their insurance company?
By bergian
May 14, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this
How about an unproven for an unproven? Meaning, some teams stud pitcher in AA for Salty? Of course, it may be that we are going to see that it’s not possible to get good pitching anymore, unless a team has a fire sale.
By jed
May 14, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this
I’d say Chris Berman is worse, because you have to listen to him for 9 innings at a time, which is just unbearable. But Stuart Scott is truly horrid. Both of them make you wanta go all Elvis on the TV.
Can the Braves send Wilson down to Richmond to straighten himself out? That seems the best option at this point. It seems a shame to just lose his bat at 2 mil/per, but it does seem like an even bigger shame to have him in the lineup right now. What are the options?
By THE BEAR
May 14, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this
Robert, I have reached the conclusion that your brain lock on Bobby Cox is just stupid. He is the fourth winningest manager in the history of baseball and all you can do is whine about how dumb he is. Ole boy, you are the donkey in that equation, not Cox.
Have you considered discussing baseball on this blog? After all that is what it’s all about. It is not here as a forum for your misplaced hatred. Get a life. We are all sick of you.
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
I am really worried about tonights game. This Bergmann guy freakin’ dominated us in Atlanta last time… 6IP, 1hit, 8K’s and 0ER’s in a no decision. And that was with Chipper in the lineup! Smoltz is going to have to go 7 shutout innings at least to get the W tonight….
By Caleb
May 14, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
SirStealth, I’ve been laughing outloud since reading your comment about starting Redman against Boston. Sadly, it’s true.
By Mitchie-san
May 14, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this
“No team in their right mind would trade a young stud who is proving himself at the big league level for a prospect who has next to nil experience above AA
Which means we need to talk to the Pirates”
Best post so far today…
That was great!
By DonCoburleone
May 14, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this
bergian that, to me, is the best option available to Atlanta. Salty for a stud minor-league pitcher is the only way we could get FULL value for Salty in a trade. NO team is going to trade us a bonafide major league ace for Salty, NOT GONNA HAPPEN. So the next best thing is to trade him for a bonafide minor league ace who is still young enough to get better and dominate in the majors. Sure he may end up getting hurt or never reaching his full potential but that is the chance GM’s have to take! If he ends up turning into the next Greg Maddux then we will have gotten the better of the trade no matter what Salty does…
By jed
May 14, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
I wouldnt trade Salty at all. No way you’re gonna get the value. I see him as Francouer-esque. The future in LF or 1b.
By The Berminator
May 14, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this
What is the deal with Thorman’s horrid footwork at first base? On Edgar’s bad throw yesterday, a good first baseman would have saved the out despite the bad weak throw from Edgar. If you saw the play, Thorman had the wrong foot planted on the bag and thus could not stretch out and make the play the way that it needed to be made. And he shows zero range. But that footwork thing was troublesome to me. Even a third grade Little Leaguer knows which one of his feet he needs to use as his plant to pivot with. If he chose the correct pivot foot, that man would have never been on base.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 14, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this
Greetings, DOB,
The Stros recently sent Chris Burke to AAA. He says he would like to play for some major league club. Houston could use arms in its pen.
Any chance the Braves might make a minor-league deal to get Burke and find a spot for him on the 25-man roster? He’d make an interesting insurance policy should Andruw leave.
By Eric from MO
May 14, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this
Bergian Im with you I like Berman and Stuart Scott. I dont know why everyone hates them.
The announcers I really hate is Bill Walton and John Madden. Thats just my opinion.
We need to figure something out with Salty. I mean if not for the Braves for him. He is to good to waste his career in the minors or on the bench. Its not fair to him. That being said I dont know if a trade for Crawford is good or bad. In my eyes he is Diez and Harris combined. He has more speed than Diez and more pop than Harris. I wish we could trade him for another great pitcher. I say we take a risk and try to get Rich Harden. Kendall is getting old and not putting up the same numbers he used to and the A’s are shopping Harden. I know Harden has been injury prone but he is cheep and Salty sitting on the bench or in the minors isnt helping us either.
Oh by the way I hope the Braves dont move Harris leadoff, Johnson 2nd, and drop Renteria to 6th or 7th when Chipper comes back. I watched LaRussa drop Renteria to 6th all the time in St. Louis and Renteria just wasnt the same in the 6 spot.
By Drayton Xavier
May 14, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this
We are winning, first and foremost, because of Soriano and Gonzales, and to a slightly lesser degree, the rest of the bullpen. Unless we really fall behind (like yesterday) which is rare, we know that our bullpen will keep the game “in play.” And if we have the lead after 7 innings, you can pretty much chalk it up as a “W.” That is a crucially major factor for success. All other elements are playing as well as we expected. So with that said, does it make sense to tinker with a formula that’s working — by putting Big Boy back in the closer’s role?????
By Eric from MO
May 14, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this
I hope you all are wrong about Redman pitching again. I say we do what we did with Lerew. I say we just have auditions for the 5th spot all season and hope we get lucky some times like we did with Lerews first start. Who knows maybe sometime through the season we may actually find somebody.
By Drayton Xavier
May 14, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
What about letting Salty catch the #4 starter AND allowing him to take the place of “no hit” Wilson at 1B against lefties??? That would keep him on the field close to 50% of the time.
By eric the elder
May 14, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
Redman starting in Boston? When Manny comes up, if I’m Chipper, I go stand next to Willie. Maybe behind him.
DonC, I agree about Bergman, and I think we might be getting our expectations too high for this series. That guy Cisco gave us a hard time, too.
By TennesseePaul
May 14, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this
DonC: That last Bergmann start… Chipper was in the lineup, but that lineup also included Langerhans. At the time of that game, Johnson was hitting .161, Andruw .182, Thorman .158, and Langerhans .111. Smoltz was at .000. That’s a lot of outs for 5/9ths of the line up. Of course, Johnson has been in a funk lately and Andruw is still hit or miss. But Thor has been hitting better of late (hitting .364 during his current 3 game hit streak with 2 homers and a double). I like our chances bettern now than initially. Initially I was still getting over last years train wreck. Yesterday’s nightmare flash back of Kevin Berry not withstanding, I think we’ve shown we have what it takes to beat these guys.
Why is Berry even on this team? He was horrid last year. The guy blows. He’s a right handed Redman. The team started winning when Redman was removed. And it got shelled as soon as Righty Redman came in.
By N8
May 14, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
Why is that everybody is all up in arms about Crawford? Whoever posted the pro-rated stats for Diaz vs. Crawford was dead on. Give Diaz some AB’s!
Everybody wants somebody with a “track record” of succeeding. Fair enough. But right now we have Willie Harris, who is probably the HOTTEST hitter on the team. We surely would’ve lost a couple of more games last week WITHOUT him.
Ride the hot hand. We did it with Chuck Thomas a few years back. As for trading both Lerew and Salty for Crawford. That is about the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. EACH of them could probably net us a player better than Crawford on their own, if not be better players than him FOR THE BRAVES inside of the next two years.
If we’re gonna trade both of those guys away in a single trade, I would hope that we’d get something better than “the best Devil Ray”. Isn’t that an oxymoron anyhow? Kind of like “best McDonald’s food”.
Redman instead of Lerew? Disappointing? Yes. But the kid could probably use some more time in the minors to fine tune. We saw what he CAN look like in his first start, we also saw what most rookies can look like at anytime (and some worthless veterans - ahem! - like Redman), in his second start. I wonder what excuse Bobby will dish out when Redman sucks for another month? I’m sure it will be entertaining.
On a side note, it appears as though Jason Marquis has found his groove in Chi-Town. Congrats. Always liked his aggressiveness, the kid could just never harness his talent.
Couldn’t help but notice that along with Smoltz starting tonight, Maddux, Glavine and Marquis are all going on the hill for their teams tonight.
Combined the 4 of them have gone, 16-6 with a 2.88 ERA this season (combined salary is 30 million for this year).
With three of those guys having a “4” at the beginning of their age (Smoltz soon enough), and still performing at that level when they are obviously past their prime, is there STILL anybody out there that thinks Cox didn’t stockpile a whole ton of W’s because those guys pitched together (not counting Marquis), for the better part of a decade?
I’d take those 4 guys on my staff right now. Add in Hudson and we’re on to something. Of course what that “something” is, would be a team that wins about 110 games in the regular season and manages to fail in the post-season. LOL!
By Ron
May 14, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this
Smoltz has to pitch a gem today, because we dont have Edgar or Chipper, and we are going up against a good pitcher. Good luck Smoltz!!!
By berigan
May 14, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this
Well, in Berrmann(Sp?) keeps throwing pitches right on the outside corner tonight, we are in for a looooooong night.
By Molson Light
May 14, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
Wow…Smoltz waited until the game’s 4th batter to strike his “what, no strike?” pose after a close pitch.
He must be maturing.
By David O'Brien
May 14, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
Bergmann has struck out five of the first six guys _ not bad for an 0-3 pitcher. I’m telling you, he’s good.
By the way, forgot to mention earlier that Wickman, according to Bobby, will move back into the closer role right away.
By Efrim
May 14, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this
Long night ahead folks.
By berigan
May 14, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this
N8, Man, dude the Devil Ray’s have a hell of lot of talent, offensively speaking, and they have 2 very good starters, they just need 3 more.Seo actually pitched well last night….Crawford has 19 RBI’s(more than McCann) and 10 stolen bases, all for a last place team(well in a tie for 4th, which is also last place)On our club???? The sky’s the limit.
By parks
May 14, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
Glavine is having a little early trouble, 3-0 Cubs
By N8
May 14, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
I’m telling you guys that are assuming that we’ll take 3 out of 4 from the Nats. Don’t bet on it. Every team (good or bad) has a team that gives them fits, and Washington is THAT team for us. Coming out of here with a split would be a bonus, IMO.
By berigan
May 14, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
N8, man, dude, I am so totally not a surfer! Sorry man, dude! ;)
By N8
May 14, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
berigan
I realize that the Rays have talent. I was trying to be funny. Apparently I failed.
I still wouldn’t trade Salty AND Lerew for Crawford. Maybe….MAYBE, one of the “even up” for Crawford. But NOT both of them. Unless we were getting more back, as well.
By Efrim
May 14, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Possible starters available at the trade deadline????
Who ya think will be there?
By Efrim
May 14, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
I think we should get Blanton from Oakland. It wouldnt cost Salty.
By Braves Fan 79
May 14, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves can trade for this berkman guy….hed make a good 4th or 5th starter for us and u know hed love to play here. WHY is woodward getting the start at 3rd?? why not bring up escobar?? as ive said before…the Braves being cheap in payroll shows in there lack of a bench. I shure hope COX puts escobar and salty on the roster come playoff time over Orr, wilson, or woodward. Man our backups SUCK….i miss Julio Franco!
By berigan
May 14, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
DOB,
How many are in the stands? More or less than 5000???
By ElbravoX
May 14, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
I have a bad feeling about today. This line-up has holes without Hoss. Especially batting third and forth. I smell a shutout.
By serbok
May 14, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this
anyone else use mlb.com to watch the braves? Im getting a message that I’m blacked out~ and i live in sw fla. however I do have access to the cubs muts muts losing by 4 btw dont undrestand why im being blacked out~
By The Grinch
May 14, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this
Berigan, dude, like, what are you saying, brah? :-)
Woodward AND Orr in the starting lineup? My lord, give some youngsters a shot. 1-0 might wind up being the final score.
By serbok
May 14, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
BTW~~ the site said I could listen to the audio tho// clicked on it and they want another 14.95! whats up with that???????
By Efrim
May 14, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
I know Bergmann is good, BUT COME ON FOLKS!!!!
McCann has 2 bombs this year………
By otisfirefly
May 14, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
DOB,
How wierd is it to see ol’ Langy in a Nats uniform?
By YOUR WITH ME LEATHER
May 14, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
Chris Berman is garbage. Stu “I catch footballs with my eye” Scott is not any better. Any other network and there antics would have had them replaced long ago. But everyone needs a gimmick.
By Efrim
May 14, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
Officially worried……
He might throw a no no.
By Ron
May 14, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
Bergman got a no hitter goin, lets hope I just JINXED it!!! I thought maybe that first start against us was a fluke, APPARENTLY NOT!!!
By David O'Brien
May 14, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
What is it about Bergmann? Absolutely has the Braves’ number this year — not to mention a no-no through six.
By Caleb
May 14, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
Maybe its “Time to start another streak?” by the Braves batters of the most strikeouts ever in one game. This is ridiculous!
By serbok
May 14, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this
wow~ just checked espn and the muts are on! I can see mlb.com blacking that game out~ just dont make sense to block out a game thats a thousand miles away from me
By ssiscribe
May 14, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
Ok, eight outs left. Somebody with a tomahawk across their chest get a hit.
Bergmann dude really bringing it tonight. He’s got our number and he’s pitched really well of late, as DOB alluded to earlier this afternoon.
OK, seven outs left. Somebody with a tomahawk across their chest get a hit PLEASE.
—30—
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 14, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this
This game may be over in less than two hours. This kid Bergman is dealing and Smoltz looks good too. Only hard hit ball was by Thorman in the third that died just short of the wall.
By serbok
May 14, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
espn just said they are going to the braves game for the 8th inning
By Ron Roberts
May 14, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
Oh God. A no-no through seven with the 5-9 and top of the order left to hit.
Uh-oh.
By N8
May 14, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
Turn out the lights………the party’s over.
Face facts people. Andruw Jones is the perfect face for this team. Hot, cold, hot, cold, great, sh*tty, mediocre, hot, cold.
We’re a good team. No doubt about it. But this is sad. Bobby should just wave the white flag on this one, before we REALLY embarrass ourselves.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 14, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is hurt!!!!
By Ron
May 14, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
Smoltz finger is probably broken, it cannot get any worst than that!!!
By The Berminator
May 14, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
How come when Skip Caray says that a Brave like Chuck James is tossing a no hitter, the next hitter will get a hit without fail but when Skip says that the opponent is throwing a no-no, it doesn’t so much work out that way?
By geauxbraves2000
May 14, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
Uh oh.
Geaux Braves!!
By N8
May 14, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
OMG. If Smoltz is out for any length of time. This SEASON is over. He was the one guy we could not be without.
Please, anybody with any baseball knowledge, tell me how it can get any UGLIER than it’s been for us in Washington this year.
WOW.
By ssiscribe
May 14, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: Smoltz just hurt his pitching hand tagging out Austin Kearns on a rundown play between third base and home plate. Folks, Smoltz slammed down his glove, bent over and his pinkie finger looked grotesquely bent.
Folks, this is horrible, horrible news, on a night where the Braves don’t have a hit through seven innings, their soon-to-be 40-year-old ace may have suffered a bad injury to his pitching hand.
Damn it
—30—
By Ron
May 14, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
Our season might be comin to a close, if Smoltz misses a month or two!!!
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 14, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
Looks like he jams his right wrist making a tag on Kearns after Langerhans missed a suicide squeeze bunt.
By Bubba
May 14, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
If smoltzy is out for a long period of time then we are done. My heart is sinking right now.
By N8
May 14, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
Whew! Leave it to our old buddy Langerhans to “help” kill the rally with a strikeout.
By serbok
May 14, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
WHAT????????????? Smoltz hurt???????????????????? Damn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By ssiscribe
May 14, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
No hits through seven. Smoltz hurts his pitching hand.
Welcome back, DOB. Nothing like having two major storylines to write on in your first game back.
Man, I hope Smoltz isn’t hurt bad. But folks, it looked pretty gross on TV.
—30—
By ssiscribe
May 14, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
TAKE THAT: McCann just homered to right, crushing a pitch down the line to make it 2-1 Nats and break up the no-no leading off the eighth.
—30—
By N8
May 14, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
So much for the “bonus” ESPN coverage. Thanks a lot McCann. LOL!
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 14, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
Brian McCann takes care of that no no… Crushes one to right..
By serbok
May 14, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
espn just said that smoltz “jammed” his pitching hand~ no official report yet! then the Dumb@$$ syas thats the lesser of the story in this game~ as bergman is pitching a no-hitter! ubelievable!
By Darrin "The Vent King"
May 14, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
DAM, DAM, DAM. Hate we lost Smoltz. At least McCann just ended that freaking no-no. God, please tell me his finger is just dislocated. PRETTY PLEASEEEEEEE!
By ElbravoX
May 14, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this
Break up The Braves, sell Turner Field, move from Atlanta. Apply for a passport, relocate overseas. Where is the fork?
By Michael Procton
May 14, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
Broken fingers are BAD, and pitching hands hardly are an exception. 4 weeks is the absolute minimum, but that’s only if it doesn’t need surgery to prevent coming out of place again.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 14, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
We are running out of at bats…
By JJMB
May 14, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
I’ll be go to h€ll! Maybe it’s just a dislocation. At least it’s the little finger. I’ll be go to h€ll!
By N8
May 14, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
On a side note, did anybody see Soriano totally wiff on that pop up in the Mets/Cubs game?
This guy could quite possibly be the WORST defensive 10 million dollar man ever to play the game.
He is down right HORRIBLE with the leather. YIKES.
By journalist jimmy smith
May 14, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! this is bad. that finger was bent the way fingers don’t bend. what will the braves do?
now, sore thumbs don’t seem so bad …
By The Grinch
May 14, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
Well, I guess that solves the Salty debate…we need a number one AND a number three now or our season’s gonna be a number two.
By The Berminator
May 14, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
Crrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaappppppppppppp!
Not Smoltz?!?!?!?!?
By N8
May 14, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
serbok
“then the Dumb@$$ syas thats the lesser of the story in this game~ as bergman is pitching a no-hitter! ubelievable!”
You normally have a very even keel to you, and seem like a reasonable person. Don’t be such a homer.
In the grand scheme of things, a No-Hitter is much more news-worthy than a (non life-threatening) May injury to John Smoltz to ANYBODY not rooting for the Braves. Whether ESPN says so, or not.
By Efrim
May 14, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
We will place Redman in the rotation and hope to stay within 5 games until Smoltz come back……
By The Berminator
May 14, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
Pinkies are not to be trifled with!
By Ron
May 14, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
At least it was his little finger, but still, he will probably miss at least 4 weeks, his little finger is still valuable for a pitcher!!!
By AZBravoFan
May 14, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
Anybody else notice the poor rundown execution of the Braves there? Smoltz should never have been a part of that play. You always run the guy AWAY from home plate. McCann should have run Kearns all the way back to 3rd and made the play happen there.
By Stephen
May 14, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
If Smoltz’ finger is indeed broken… does this mean we say goodbye to Salty and hello to Dontrelle?
By The Berminator
May 14, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
A no hitter is not more newsworthy than an injury to Smoltz, N8, what are you talking about? The no hitter will be temporary big news and then forgotten like most no hitters are except to the guy who pitched it. The Smoltz injury will be national news for weeks especially if it sinks our battleship.
This Smoltz injury means this blog is going to be infested with Mets dweebs tonight gloating.
By N8
May 14, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
The Grinch**
“Well, I guess that solves the Salty debate…we need a number one AND a number three now or our season’s gonna be a number two.”
All the more reason to NOT trade Salty and Lerew. Smoltz isn’t getting younger, neither is Chipper.
Gotta keep all the young talent we can hang on to. I’m ALL FOR trying to win a couple of titles FOR John Smoltz and Chipper Jones.
But when the possible reason we might not be able to compete, is because of injuries to Smoltz, and Chipper, there is no way in hell you mortgage the future for them, IMO.
If anything, it is enough reason (if Smoltz is out for a LONG time), to see “how it goes” without him, and if it goes not so good, it might be time to start selling parts off (Wickman, Renteria, etc….).
IMO, as a Braves fan, I’d rather keep building for the future, and if Smoltz and Chipper can help along the way, great. But no way, should we start dumping the minor league talent to make a run. Who we gonna get to replace Smoltz (if we need to)? Name me one team that has anybody comparable to him, that would be willing to give him up for a prospect catcher?
By Ron
May 14, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this
Well it wont be long until the Muts are in first place, fine with me, we just have to try to play 500 ball until Smoltz comes up, Our pitchers are gonna have to step up now, or we are done!!! That goes for you James, Davies, Larew, Yall have to keep it up and pitch good or hello next season!!!
By serbok
May 14, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
N8 thanx for the compliment~(I think) LOL However~ only news I had at the time was and still is I guess? Is that, A future HOF may have just broken a finger on his pitching hand, that will have a major impact on the division race and hopefully no more than that? If it requires surgery (I’m an optimist) I sure hope it wont of course, but if it does,then its much more important than a no-hitter, Of course I do understand where you are comming from. You are absolutely correct, if one is not a braves fan of course, (maybe?) the no-no might be more important~ then again if one is a muts fan?? hmmmmmmm LOL P.S All Floydian slips over the next few days will be appreciated:o)
By Ron
May 14, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
Why the Hell did BC not bunt Orr to second base when KJ was at bat, BC does the Damnest things!!!
By N8
May 14, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
“The Smoltz injury will be national news for weeks especially if it sinks our battleship.”
Judging by ESPN’s lack of concern over this injury moments after it happened, I doubt it will be “national news” for anybody outside of the Metro-Atlanta area. Especially since, the way it seems lately the Braves are hardly “national news” any more. Or does your version of ESPN lead of with Braves highlights everynight? Mine doesn’t. In fact sometimes, they don’t show ANY at all.
Listen, I’m not saying that I WILL BE (would’ve been) EFFECTED by the no-no more than a Smoltz injury. But if Bergmann actually through a no-hitter, what do you think the headline (outside of Antlanta) would’ve read in the baseball sections of newspapers across the country tomorrow?:
“GASP! OH NO! Braves’ Smoltz hurts finger”
Then with a footnote at the bottom of the page, they could’ve put:
*Oh. BTW, some guy from Washington happened to throw a No-Hitter.” See Page 8 for details.
By rx
May 14, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
just prior to andruw batting (just to clear up time of this post) but wtf is bobby cox thinking why did kj not bunt? kj bunt -> orr to 2nd willie sacfly -> orr to 3rd rent single -> orr scores
i mean if andruw hits a homer, okay, but otherwise wtf…
By woogidy
May 14, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
dislocation, x-rays negative! Good news.
By JJMB
May 14, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
Yes! Smoltz will return soon.
By N8
May 14, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
Time to earn your next paycheck Andruw.
By Efrim
May 14, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
Damn Andruw……..
3-0 and you strike out swinging. Time to put this team on your back Druw.
By Kat
May 14, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
the word on smoltz is that he dislocated the top joint in the pinkie finger of his pitching hand, according to skip. that doesn’t sound as bad as a broken finger, but i’ve never dislocated a finger before… any wisdom or input?? help ease the soul of someone who’s already having nightmares of a potential dice-k/mark redman matchup…
By ElbravoX
May 14, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
2o millions, please!
By Darrin "The Vent King"
May 14, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
GREAT! IT’S NOT BROKE! I think I’m going to go and get drunk now. WOO-HOO!
P.S. It’s a wonder Andruw doesn’t break his back swinging like that. Good grief!
By Robert
May 14, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
From 3-0 to a game ending strikeout. Dangit Andurw.
By Sir Stealth
May 14, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
Smoltz x-rays negative, overly negative Braves falling over each other to give up on the season….still suck.
By Ron
May 14, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
Great job BC for not bunting tonight, Edgar’s base hit would have probably scored Orr, why have Orr on this damn team if we aint gonna move him over, or let him try to steal a base!!! I will never understand BC in a million years, NEVER!!!
By N8
May 14, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
LOL!
Saw that coming. What a worthless excuse for a…….aw, never mind.
Have fun “stealing” somebody elses money next year Andruw. Maybe he should go to the Yankees, so he can help continue the recent trend of The Boss overspending for aging, diminishing talent.
Man, is he frustrating to watch (listen to).
By JJMB
May 14, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
I am almost ready to start hating Andruw. Goddam he looks like shi† at the plate this year. Yet, Bobby will continue to bat him 4th.
By John
May 14, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
Where did you read that xrays were negative? Did they say how long he is out for? He will still miss 4+ starts I think.
By The Grinch
May 14, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
N8, when a team with legitimate World Series aspirations looses it’s number one starter, that’s much more important in the ultimate scheme of things than someone for the Nationals throwing a no-no (which most knew wasn’t likely to happen anyway). And I agree, we shouldn’t trade Salty, I just fear that’s what’s going to happen.
By IlliniBrave
May 14, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
AJ is now on pace to strike out 175 times this season. That’s over $80,000 per strike out. If only I could play centerfield like him, because for that kind of money I could certainly stand up there and swing for the fences and strike out just like him! Damn - just think about that - at $80K he makes my annual salary for every time he whiffs! Amazing!!!
By Ron
May 14, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
Damn BC the game could be 2-2 instead we lose!!! Great!!! Good news about Smoltz about just a dislocation of the finger, but still gonna miss time, probably gonna miss a few starts, gotta hold the fort people!!!
By The Grinch
May 14, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
Never mind, it’s not broken. Whew!
By Daxxed
May 14, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
Another loss due to Cox…No outs man on first…why did he not bunt Orr to second…WH fly to deep center would have put Orr on third with two outs…ER hit up the middle would have scored Orr…Tie game…But instead KJ flys out to left does not advance Orr…WH fly to center does not advnace Orr…hard hit up middle by ER but Orr only gets to Second…AJ trying for fence instead of a hit strikes out…That is 4 games we have now lost due to Cox not playing small ball….Just think if he would have we would be 2 up pn Mets instead of chasing them…Cox does not know how to play smart ball…He is a great coach but just depends too much on the long ball instead of playing smart ball.
By Dave
May 14, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
The news sounds good for Smoltzie, but is anyone else concerned about Druw? Maybe he will sign a long term contract in Atlanta for cheaper…wait…nevermind, his agent is Bora$
By Me
May 14, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
Looks like we’ll be able to afford Andruw next season after all. He really sucks at the plate.
By JJMB
May 14, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
Andruw sucking really puts a lot of pressure on Chipper. Chip can handle a moderate amount, but he can’t be mister everthing. Thumbs, fingers, toes, only one extremity left. yeow!
By tvsportscaster
May 14, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
For those second guessers wondering why Bobby didn’t bunt KJ with Orr on 2nd, it’s because you don’t play for the tie on the road, you play for the win, he never has done it before why would he start tonight.
By Jared
May 14, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
Just pathetic “attempt” by the Braves tonight. I’ve seen pitchers shut teams down before, but the Braves honestly look like they didn’t care if they won or not.
Shades of June of last year if the Braves keep putting this kind of “effort” up.
By The Berminator
May 14, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
Serbok, there is no such thing as Floydian slips - only Floydian trips.
If one were to say I be Floydian slippin’, one would be left scratching their head. It would a paradoxical statement because Pink Floyd could never slip.
But if one were to say I be Floydian trippin’, one would wonder was there a need for redundancy by adding the trippin’ to the phrase?
Floydian.
Trippin’.
Synonyms in my book.
By Shaun
May 14, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
tvsportscaster,
Also, bunting would have cost you a valuable out late in the game.
By The Berminator
May 14, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this
Andruw sucking really puts a lot of pressure on Chipper.
Chipper always hurtin’ puts alot of pressure on Andruw.
Chip can handle a moderate amount, but he can’t be mister everthing.
In case you have not noticed, Chipper has not been Mr. Everything for a couple of years now. He has merely been Mr. 110 games.
Thumbs, fingers, toes, only one extremity left. yeow!
I believe that Hooter’s girl cursed that extremity 10 or so years ago as well.
By Meanie
May 14, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
Been out all evening and I’m sure most missed me. Saw the last two innings and just about hit the roof with Andruw’s swing. A friggin single ties the game yet Andruw lands on his back knee. If that boy’s as selfish in the sack as he is at the plate then,well, he probably has a lot of first dates…
By humbug
May 14, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
Suggestion to Bobby Cox. Eliminate pre game batting practice. The Braves look great hitting those down the middle, easy to hit lobs. Then the game starts and the opposing pitcher throws real pitches and they can’t handle them. Most pitchers have learned that the best place to pitch the Braves is low outside or in the dirt, both will get you a swing and miss. Then they will take a down the middle fast ball.
By John
May 14, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
I honestly don’t think there is a manager in baseball that would have bunted in that situation. All of you Bobby Cox haters are morons.
By N8
May 14, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
serbok
It was a compliment (well, not the “homer” part). LOL!
I hear you. Actually the no-hitter SHOULD be just as important as our HOF pitcher going down (sounds like it’s not as bad as it could’ve been), is the fact that the no-hitter being attempted was against our ‘hot-cold’ (Chipperless), lineup. YIKES.
I have to appologize to Chipper. While I’m still not sure, at his age, that he can stay healthy enough to play in more than 125 games in a season. This lineup is SILLY BAD without him in it. He’s that good. He’s better than Andruw (by a mile), and more feared than Francoeur and McCann (for now). He is the one guy in the lineup, that we can’t be without. That much has been painfully obvious the last couple of days. Similar to the way, missing Smoltz is gonna be.
Funny, isn’t it? If you would’ve told us in November that we’d go two weeks without Wickman, that would’ve sounded like armageddon. Aint baseball strange?
By serbok
May 14, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
tvsportscaster, that is an old rule of dare I say it? THUMB? lol however with the braves pen~ I think that should not apply here~ I am glad to see some of you guys starting to realise Bobby is a Great manager> just doesnt seem to know how to make decisions on the field? I’m really at a loss for why that could be, I mean, the guy has soooo much BB experience~ more than all the bloggers combined!? Sometimes a manager needs to make decisions on the “feel” of the way things are going? Just cant always wait for the talent to shine. Bobby is extremely patient on waiting for the talent to shine( And Man he’s had some amazing talent on his teams the last 15 years) I just dont understand how he can be sooo decisionless sometimes and then turn around and make very bad decisions at other times.
By The Berminator
May 14, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
A wiseman once told me that Andruw was a good “out avoider” in clutch situations. Come to think of it, he was not so wise after all.
Screw the out avoider and give me someone who gets a hit in a clutch situation.
What the hell is an out avoider anyway?
Any truth to the rumor that the out avoider is married to a witch named the clutch hit devoider?
By jed
May 14, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
You’ve got Orr on 1st w/no outs. Of course you bunt. You bunt or you steal. You dont pray for 3 hits in one inning when you’ve only gotten 2 hits up to that point. And Andruw?????? Dear god, man! All we needed was a base hit. Sure enough, 2 outs and you’re swinging for the fence. STOOOOOPID.
By Sam in KY
May 14, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
You bunt Orr to 2nd, tie the game, and leave it to the bullpen. Let’s say BC had bunted Orr to 2nd, and he was left there to end the game(assuming WH and ER made outs) then at least we fans would have felt like they did the right thing, and you chalk it up to, oh well, let’s get em next time. But the way BC manages a game makes him look like such a doofus, and leaves us fans feeling so dang frustrated…I know’s he’s fourth on the all time list, but jeez c’mon BC, get a frigging clue!!!!
By serbok
May 14, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
Berminator~lmao! Thanx for the post!!!! loved it! very insightful and correct~ lol
By Jeffro
May 14, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
I don’t hate Bobby Cox but I do get tired of his absolute unwillingness to ever go against the book. Yes, on the road, you play for the win, but we were playing the Nationals not the Mets and our bullpen is outstanding, so why not play for the tie tonight? Plus, Kelly has been slumping tremendously this month while Willie has been hitting very well, so I would have much rather have seen Willie hitting with 1 out and Orr on second.
By N8
May 14, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
Dave
“Maybe he will sign a long term contract in Atlanta for cheaper…wait…nevermind, his agent is Bora$”
Why on Earth would you want him to stay?
Meanie
“A friggin single ties the game yet Andruw lands on his back knee. If that boy’s as selfish in the sack as he is at the plate then,well, he probably has a lot of first dates…”
Hate to admit this to you, but:
a) I agree with the first line 100 percent.
and
b) Am still lauging at the 2nd line.
Good stuff.
Of course if I wouldn’t be the pr*ck that responds to every post, I wouldn’t have been able to give this compliment.
By Rich
May 14, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
What is the abnormal infatuation that Cox has with Andruw Jones? That no talent a* clown cant hit his own weight. He is a good defensive outfielder but why is he still batting cleanup? Yet another strike out to end the came tonight. He would have to improve to suck. Time to kick his fat a* to the curb
By Jeffro
May 14, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
BTW, did anybody hear about Redman’s practice start last night in Richmond? I would guess he is our Smoltz replacement?
By David O'Brien
May 14, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: Smoltz only had dislocation of left little finger. X-rays negative. Uncertain for next start, but possible he could make it.
All things considered, the best possible news the Braves could have received given the circumstances and the obvious pain he was in. The pinkie was pointed upward and they re-set it in the dugout when he came off the field.
Afteward it was taped but didn’t look too bad, from what I could see (tip of his finger, the size, etc).
He just hopes it doesn’t affect how he throws the ball right away until it heals. He doesn’t think it will, since he doesn’t really use the pinkie for any pitches.
By Wayne in Utah
May 14, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
Can’t blame this game on Bobby. If anything, it was a great pitching duel won by Bergman. It is getting a bit ridiculous knowing that Andruw is wasting a lot of God given talent by not using his head (I am sure Shaun will find some way to defend him again). I am kind of glad that he is a free agent this year. Let him take his 35 HR’s and lets bring up some youngsters to see if they can do better for about 1/25th of the money.
DOB Any updates on Smoltzie??
By Ron
May 14, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
Thats fine if you dont bunt, why not attempt a steal, hit and run any damn thing except what just happened!!! Remember Roberts of the Red Sox back in the playoffs in 2004 against the Rivera, he stole second and he went on to tie the game and they later won the game, if he did not steal that base he probably would not have scored and they would have lost the game, but he did score and they won the game, and they later won the World Series!!! We were playin station to station when we have a very fast runner on base, does not make sense, sometimes if you want to win a game you have to go after it!!!
By ncscoots
May 14, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
John and tvsportscaster were on the money…bunting in the ninth to tie on the road wouldn’t be a smart play, though it would have pleased all the small ball aficionados.
Why is it when a Braves opponents hit poorly, the blog says it’s because of good Braves’ pitching, but if the Braves hit poorly, the blog says it’s because their hitting stinks? Perspective is a wonderful thing. I think.
Smoltz hurt? Not good, no, but hardly the end of baseball as we know it, or the season, either. Maybe he misses five starts. Does everyone think he would go 5-0 in those starts, and whoever takes his spot will go 0-5? Unlikely both ways, unless it’s five Redman starts, LOL (sorry, couldn’t resist). The pitching staff isn’t going to crumble, and neither will the Braves as a team. If he’s going to miss 20 starts, THEN you can start worrying.
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this
Cmon Andruw,release us from your selfished assed pnchant for knee swinging,You look totally Stupid, In fact my dear boy you look like a Met,you need to learn that team does not start and end with I.what a selfish money hungry ba$tard you are!!!!!
By Wayne in Utah
May 14, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Maybe Andruw has an ingrown toenail?
Thanks for the update Dave!
By N8
May 14, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
“BTW, did anybody hear about Redman’s practice start last night in Richmond? I would guess he is our Smoltz replacement?”
LOL LOL LOL LOL
That is freakin funny.
Maybe we can replace McCann with Todd Pratt.
If Redman is the “replacement”, than I am gonna pray like hell for rain every 5 days.
By brewdawg
May 14, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
People, you are being really short-sighted with Andruw right now. Trust me, I get just as frustrated with him as you do but he’ll get hot like he always does. Besides, it’s like I heard BC say once, ” He’s got RBI’s in that glove. ” He saves at LEAST five games a year with his glove alone, not to mention he’ll win us his share with the bat. - Best possible news on Smoltzie btw, and that an understatement
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
Cmon A.J. waive your no trade clausePULEEZE,you are a waste of time anymore,you suck,and anything else that can be said,a simple take it up the middle swing was all you needed!!! Andruw the Dodgers just called please go and take C,freakin Woodward with you!!!!
By Ron
May 14, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
Great stuff Meanie, that was VERY VERY FUNNY!!!
By Brent
May 14, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
DOB- thanks for the update. Huge Relief. even if he misses his next start that would not be the end of the world.
I’m in complete agreement on the Orr situation. I don’t understand why we made no attempt to take second, either by bunt or by steal. Lets focus on getting back in the win column tomorrow, no need to lose any more games to the Nats.
By Wayne in Utah
May 14, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
Ron: Orr is a fast runner, but a lousy base stealer. I still think I play it the same way BC did tonight. You have 3 of your best guys coming up against a reliever, so give them a chance to get a rally going.
In the end, it comes down to rally killer AJ again.
How many of his RBI’s this year have come in crucial situations. I can think of two. Is there more??
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
Thank God Smoltzie is ok man that was scary looking!!
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
Geez,If I have to look at Woodward and Jones miss any more pitches Im gonna PUKE!!!!1
By Jeffro
May 14, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
How can Scott Boras put up with such a stupid client? Last week, Andruw abandons the knee bend bats and goes the other way and helps contribute to wins. This week, he is right back to the knee bends. Teams do not want Adam Dunn types with lots of SO’s and only Homers for hits. They want consistent hitters who hit wisely to all parts of the park and come through in the clutch. And, wasn’t he supposed to have been thinner and more athletic this year? I don’t play baseball but have a smaller gut than him.
By The Grinch
May 14, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
Scoots, I understand it’s better to bunt and play for the tie at home as opposed to on the road, but how is tying and at least getting a chance in extra innings on the road a worse option than just outright losing in the 9th? Please explain. And yes, you’re right; Redman can most certainly go 0-5 in those starts.
By Ron
May 14, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
Redman is a hell of a replacement for Smoltz!!! Dont know if he will take his place but if he does damn!!!
By journalist jimmy smith
May 14, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
those who expected a bunt should remember that small ball is not a game well-played by the atlanta braves. it is true that bobby plays for the win on the road - and andruw could have hit the old favorite 3-run homer. 3-0 count and andruw was looking pretty good. then, andruw watched 2 strikes. whoa! what a swing at the next pitch! made andruw fall to the ground like the swing was out of balance or something. in little league baby seal was taught to shorten baby seal’s swing with 2 strikes. andruw must not have played little league. now, will smoltz return soon or will smoltz complain of sore pinky? bet smoltz won’t miss many games due to sore pinky. the blogger is right … toes, thumbs, pinkies, all are susceptible to injury of late. sore toe, sore thumb, dislocated pinky. and why is it called a pinky? and wasn’t yesterday pinky day at the ballpark? and where is pinky lee? pinkies and piggies. what has this blog come to? now, baseball … who would have thought that toe injuries would be trifling compared to pinkies and thumbs? and when will the thumbs heal? are these opposable thumbs?
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
I said before that the Braves make some sonsabitch pitchin for the worst team in baseball look like Cy freakin Young evry mafakin time, just go in there and kick their A*******E$,it can’t be that hard,oh wait,Andruw was swingin for the fences s** that was hard!!!
By Jeffro
May 14, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
From the Richmond Braves website about their Sunday game:
Atlanta Braves’ Mark Redman made a rehab start for the R-Braves and picked up his first win of the season. He pitched five and two-thirds scoreless-innings and recorded six strikeouts and allowed just two walks.
By the way has anybody else noticed the Richmond Braves are 24-10 with a 8.5 game lead in first place?
By Brad in KY
May 14, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Sam in KY
I think you’re right. When Bobby Cox makes a decision, the first thing he should consider is whether or not the decision will frustrate the fans. If it will frustrate the fans (say, if it fails) then he shouldn’t do it. Even if things don’t always work out at least we’ll know that he was looking out for us fans. Wins be damned, fans and their fickle feelings are what really count.
By woogidy
May 14, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
you guys are idiots (Andruw bashers). 2 weeks ago we were all on here him-he-hawing around after Andruw hit a walk-off homer, This game is so much harder than it looks. And, by the way, the Braves aren’t in that spot to tie the game, maybe, if Andruw doesn’t make that catch in Center. The Braves are fine. Ran into a hot pitcher tonite.
By Ron
May 14, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah, Well we could at least have hit and run, anything!!! Yeah AJ is one of our 3 best hitters, who you kidding?
By ncscoots
May 14, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
Ron, you bring up the Roberts steal as an example, but would you like a count of all the times the runner is thrown out in that situation? Leaving NO runner on base, requiring MORE offense to score while having fewer outs in which to do so?
The reason a specific tactic for a specific game situation makes it into “the book” is because, over time, it’s been shown to have a higher likelihood of success than other tactics. While I agree with some of the other posters that sometimes you go against “the book”, if only to be less predictable, I can’t fault a manager for playing the percentages.
For the record, I might have considered playing for the tie, because of the strength of the Braves’ bullpen. But, in the end, I probably would played it just as it was.
By Meanie
May 14, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
N8
Appreciate it. Believe me, you aren’t the only one I’ve been on lately. You don’t tend to take up two-thirds of the blog anymore so I’ve moved on.
Damn Mets.
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
And don’t give the kid Bergmann too damn much credit tonight,I haven’t touched a drop and on my HD TV over 75% of the strikes called were balls below the knees,Umpiring was a damn joke tonight,overanxious hitters who refuse to go the other way and A.J = Cy Bergmann tnight!!!!
By Robert
May 14, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
I can see some reasons to not bunt with Orr on first, and some valid reasoning to go against the book and bunt
Forget it. That’s second guessing
Let’s look instead at how a poorly executed rundown might cost us several starts from a key starter. THAT is where Cox is at fault in this game
Maybe in spring training he oughta have them practice that play a few times - instead of spending time making sure noone wears sunglasses on their cap during BP
Give Bergman credit - the kid has little command but eal good stuff. Give Cox a quarter to a half a loss.
Hope thy bounce back and that Smoltz only misses one or two turns
515 (is that right)?
By N8
May 14, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
Delgado just walks with the bases loaded to win the game for the Mets. He didn’t even fall down once while swinging, he must not be trying very hard to win the game.
I guess that extra $500K in Delgado’s salary (14.5 million) vs. Andruw’s 14 million, is the “difference maker” in having patience at the plate in the 9th inning with the game on the line, huh?
By Ron
May 14, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
Grinch, Agreed why not get him over to second and see what happens, especially with our great bullpen, hell anything could have happened! Oh wait a second these same idiots sayin we should have played it like it was played are probably the ones sayin dont use the bullpen, because they will be worn out by August!!! We keep doin this Sh!t we wont be in contention by August!!!
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
Hell yes I’m p**,losing to a no talent team with a winless pitcher,somebody needs to grab the lineup by the balls and slap hell out of them!!!!1
By Robert
May 14, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
“By the way has anybody else noticed the Richmond Braves are 24-10 with a 8.5 game lead in first place?”
No. I had my fill of AAA baseball during the Pirates series
By Wayne in Utah
May 14, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
Ron: If you had read more of my comments, you would see how I have been railing on AJ tonight. Also, the 3 better hitters I was talking about are Kelly Johnson, Willie Harris, and Edgar Rent-a-SS. THOSE are the 3 I was talking about. Check out the lineup card before you put words into other bloggers mouths.
It is so darned easy to be a armchair manager after the fact…….
By t-towndawg
May 14, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
Booby Cox should stick that “book” up his @$$. The Braves only had two hits through the first 8 innings. Why does Booby think they will get two more to score that run in the ninth? He should have bunted the runner over and played for the tie. At least they would have had the opportunity to win it later.
By IlliniBrave
May 14, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
I’m getting kinda tired of hearing how many games AJ saves with his glove. Heck, if we were going to use that kind of logic to make personnel decisions, we should have kept Langy. Besides, Andruw looks like he’s on the Ray King diet - with that huge gut and massive butt he’s not getting on Sportscenter nearly as much as he used to. Please let’s stop making excuses for a ridiculously overpriced player. Its $14 MILLION for that one guy!!! That’s about a third of the Nats total payroll for cryin out loud
By Robert
May 14, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Oh come on N8. Andru walked to force in the winning one run once. Going on ten years ago, but he did it, and in a playoff game no less.
Cuck Fobby Box
By Wayne in Utah
May 14, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Where are all the Mets bloggers tonight??
By Ron
May 14, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
ncscoots, sometimes you just have to take gambles, and BC never takes gambles!!! I dont agree with Robert when he bashes BC for only winning 1 world Championship, but I do bash him when I know he did something wrong!!! I bashed him this time and one earlier time in the year, the other time he put Wickman in against the Marlins with the bases loaded and 0 out, dont care who the DAMN closer is, depends on the situation, and we needed Soriano in there!!! So I am entitled to bash BC when he needs to be bashed and he needed to be bashed tonight especially when we had a chance to tie the game, and maybe win!!!
By Robert
May 14, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
“He should have bunted the runner over and played for the tie.”
Played for the tie.
Or prayed for the tie?
Or better yet, brayed for the tie
By Meanie
May 14, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
Woogidy who the hell are you calling idiots? You like watching 30-year-old multimillion-dollar compensated baseball players put themselves on their own asses? Or were you wishing you were seated just behind Andruw before that swing so you could have a little tea bag action? What the hell is a Woogidy anyway you veritable pant load of monkey s**?
By ncscoots
May 14, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
Grinch, I had already posted something on that very thing before I saw your post.
Bottom line is, moving the runner shouldn’t have even come up for discussion. The cleanup hitter is sitting 3-0 with RISP, you can’t ask for a much more favorable situation. He failed. That’s baseball. But it doesn’t invalidate the moves that brought that situation about.
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
For once I too am on B.C. p** poor managerial tactics tonight pal,tighten up your goddam ship and quit babysitting these turds!!!!
By Jeffro
May 14, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Ray King diet-that brings up an interesting question-is it just me or all relief pitchers meant to be big fat tub-a-goos? Except for that wild thing called Gonzalez, it seems every Braves reliever is always round but every Braves starter is thin and athletic.
By Ron
May 14, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah, My bad dude, I thought you were referring to Harris, Edgar, and Andruw!!!
By journalist jimmy smith
May 14, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
journalist was just thinking that antonio alfonseca could hurt a pinky and still be alright to pitch. smoltz will probably be okay, too.
nd who uses inky, nywy? nevermind, that is not a good idea. if redman can’t pitch with a sore toe, what will happen to smoltz with a sore pinky? jimmy smith does not think the toe or the pinky are used that much in pitching (yes, toe the rubber. yes, dizzy dean.). if chipper returns to the lineup tomorrow will chipper have protective thumb covers? two more ways to get the mizuno emblem on tv! and what if a prankster applies thumb cuffs to chipper during the night? now, one more thought on this pinky matter and journalist will return to toes … what eminent journalist will write the pinky story for the morning paper? and is a dislocated pinky a pulled pinky? where is doc?
By Wayne in Utah
May 14, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this
T-town………the starting pitcher had been removed, and we were hitting against one of their relievers. I suspect that’s why Bobby thought we might get some hits, and you know what, we did. Just one too few.
The fricking idiocy of some of the people are what cause me take a few days break from the blog. If we lose a game, then it’s all Bobby Cox’ fault, or some other blather. Are we baseball fans here, or just whiners.
Let’s at least whine about the right things. BC makes a judgement call that goes by the book. It doesn’t work this time, and we think he is an idiot. How many times this season so far has his players come through with 2 outs? I guess if we had played it all year the way you guys wanted it played tonight, heck, we might have 12-14 wins so far??????
The real joke is AJ not really understanding baseball. Have fun in LA or Boston or NY or whoever has the lunacy to sign you next winter.
By N8
May 14, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this
woogidy
“you guys are idiots (Andruw bashers). 2 weeks ago we were all on here him-he-hawing around after Andruw hit a walk-off homer”
Not me. I got two times the enjoyment watching him take the ball to RF for singles. Then him accidentally making contact on a HORRIBLE pitch to take it out of the park. Make NO mistake about it. ANY pitch on the inner half to him right now, is a mistake.
“Ran into a hot pitcher tonite.”
Andruw seemingly has run into a WHOLE BUNCH of them this year.
ncscoots
” I can’t fault a manager for playing the percentages.”
I really don’t either. Just so long as that said manager looks at what his players that are currently on the roster’s “book” says to do. Not the “overall” book.
What do I mean by that, you may ask? Well, let’s take Matt Diaz for example. He’s a career .305 hitter. Against LHP he’s a .311 hitter. Against RGP he’s a .299 hitter.
Yet Bobby insists on platooning this guy. Why? It’s not like he’s an automatic out against righties. The way I see it, he isn’t THAT MUCH more successful against LHP, so why bother?
Remlinger was the same thing last year.
Over his career, Remlinger had a .231 BA against him by RHB (2361 AB’s). How’d lefties fair? .261. But how many times did we see Bobby use him as his “situational” lefty out of the pen.
I’m tired of people saying that Bobby put’s people in a posistion to succeed. From where I stand, based on his career numbers, Remlinger had very little chance to succeed last year (besides the fact that he probably had no business on a ML roster - facing lefties or righties).
By Ron
May 14, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
Met bloggers, dont be comin on here tonight, congrats on first place, so what, we aint in the mood for yalls bullsh!t tonight, stay away, come back tomorrow, or never!!!
By Jeffro
May 14, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
The cleanup hitter is sitting 3-0 with RISP, you can’t ask for a much more favorable situation. He failed. That’s baseball.
This is where baseball becomes business-we need a hitting coach or a manager with the willingness to tell their $14M investment that he has to take good baseball swings and stop this little-league off-balance stuff that does not produce but maybe a homer every 30 or 40 at bats (with about 20 strikeouts included).
By Andruw the Whiffer
May 14, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
Andruw is proving that he is a 5,6,or 7 hitter not cleanup. He is way too inconsistent to stay in the 4 spot. He needs to go on with the Yankees or RedSox who can afford to pay a guy $18M/year to hit in the 7 hole.
By N8
May 14, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
Meanie
*”You don’t tend to take up two-thirds of the blog anymore so I’ve moved on.”
I think you “spoke to soon” LOL!
Tonight I’m on a rampage. Oh well.
Not sure why I’m b*tching so much. As soon as I saw the points DOB made about Bergmann’s stats when he started the new blog, and I saw Chipper wasn’t in the lineup, I saw this coming.
In fact, I’m surprised we were able to make it 2-1. We should be happy we got 3 hits, right?
By Ron
May 14, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
How can a Great Manager like BC sometimes look like a SH!TTY manager, Does not make any sense at all!!!
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
jjs I want some of that s** you are smokin bra!!!
By The Grinch
May 14, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
Fair enough, scoots. Andruw certainly was in a good position despite everything and certainly did fail. However, it seems like every year he looks lost for an extended period of time then comes out of nowhere and spends a month going 4-5 with a homer or two every night. He won’t be like this all year. It’s mighty frustrating to watch now, though. G’night, all.
By ncscoots
May 14, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
At least they would have had the opportunity to win it later.
What, the Nats don’t get to bat in the bottom half of the inning? A tie means winning with a single run in the bottom of the 9th. A lead means two or more runs to win, a much more difficult proposition. There’s no guarantee you ever GET to extra innings.
By woogidy
May 14, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
This much stress over a loss in Mid-may. Geez. Set ‘em straight DOB.
By Ron
May 14, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
jeffro, the hitting coach tells him to go the other way and quit swinging the way he does, and Andruw tells him they dont pay me to hit singles!!!
By serbok
May 14, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
I dunno guys~ but AJ is being pretty ridiculous however he will go on his usual tear! And when he does~ if chipper is in the lineup~WOW! I think that is pretty lame for BC to keep batting AJ in the cleanup spot, but there ya go, its Bobby! Why he cannot see the obvious and not “feel” the game is beyond belief! When the post season starts/ (Yes, we will be there!) I just hope he doesnt have to make any pitching decisions that may go against “the book”AJ will come around, tho I agree he does look pathetic right now.
By Jeffro
May 14, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
Does anybody else think we need to move Willie Harris into the leadoff spot with KJ in the 2nd? Willie could get on base and then with a patient hitter like KJ in the 2nd hole, he would have plenty of pitches to steal on? Of course, the question then becomes whether you just shift the rest of the order down with Edgar 3rd down to Thorman in the 8th.
By joebrave
May 14, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
Oh well enough whining on my part:time to go bash Mike Vick at least he is a piece of crap that deserves it!!!
By journalist jimmy smith
May 14, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
the loss of chipper in the lineup sticks out like a sore thumb. remember, chipper would have been batting instead of andruw and chipper would not have been falling down trying to hit the ball over the left field wall. still, andruw does bat cleanup for this team and andruw will hit some homeruns when pitching mistakes are made and that uncontrolled swing hits something.
By BravesDave
May 14, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
Not to change the subject from the Braves loss tonight (because it was the most frustrating loss of the season), but has anyone else noticced the way teams collapse at the sight of the Mets in a tight game?? I can specifically think of two perfect examples this season…the Arizona 9th inning meltdown where a Tony Clark error turned a two-run Az. lead into a 6-run Mets inning and tonight where that clown on Chicago walks three in the ninth to lose it for the Cubs. There have been more already this season, but these were examples that I witnessed and could not believe how intimidated these chump opponents looked. I do not think any pitcher is intimidated by this Braves lineup right now. Bergmann gave up two hits in 8 innings simply by throwing strikes. He did not throw a pitch over 91 MPH and made every Braves hitter look bad simply by having good location and not making mistakes…no hanging sliders, no fastballs in the wheelhouse. KJ looked terrible tonight, Francouer looked terrible, Andruw always looks terrible, Woodward looked worse than terrible. The Braves have now lost both Smoltz-Bergmann matchups this season. A HOF pitcher vs. a mediocre lineup loses two games because his awful, undisciplined lineup produces a total of zero runs against Bergmann while Smoltz is in the games.
By Jeffro
May 14, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
Andruw tells him they dont pay me to hit singles!!!
This is the problem exactly-the Braves management does not have the baseballs to challenge Andruw’s obnoxiousness. I see plenty of other power hitters (even Franceour is starting to be one) who can hit homers and singles. And, so far Andruw only has about 6 homers through a 1/4 of the season (24 or so for a season) which does not seem like a great home run hitter to me.
By gotigers72
May 14, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
I know he hit that bomb tonight, but IMO when Brayan Pena comes off the DL, maybe the Braves should put McCann on until that finger heals. The graphic showed that since he first injured it on April 22 while trying to bunt, he has hit .234 with 2 [now 3] extra base hits. He just doesn’t look right at the plate, not hitting the ball with authority like he did all of last year and until April 22 this year.
DOB - I was impressed when I read your article about going to the Arcade Fire concert, when you stated that you had been to between 300-400 concerts. I’m 57, and probably been to between 75-100. I know you said Arcade Fire was one of the 15-20 best that you had ever seen. Here is my list.
Best concert - Stones - of course. Twice. A close second was Leon Russell believe it or not. It was in the 70s and he and his band played for 3 hours without a break. Pure boogie woogie rock ‘n roll. Also saw The Allman Brothers before Duane and Berry died so tragically. I was told it was a great concert, but don’t remember much after the first couple of songs, if you know what I mean. Shortly after that, I stopped the pre concert substance abuse so I could feel like I got my money’s worth.
Most concerts by one person/group - Edwin McCain. He lives about 10 miles from here and plays a lot in the area. Seen him 5-6 times. My missus loves him, so I gain points there, plus he puts on a good concert.
Worst concert - Marshall Tucker Band. Again in the 70s. They just stood there and played, very unemotional, never got the crowd into it. They were on the same bill with Skynyrd and Skynyrd went first and blew the roof off the joint, then Marshall Tucker came on and just sucked.
Last concert seen - The Temptaions. They were freakin’ outstanding. Only one member of the original group, but they were great. Had some fine dance moves for codgers. I was surprised.
Haven’t been to many concerts lately. have a spinal disease that has disabled me, so I don’t do good in crowds or anywhere that I have to sit up for long. I would take the punishment to go see someone that I thought would be worth the suffering though.
By N8
May 14, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this
woogidy
“This much stress over a loss in Mid-may. Geez. Set ‘em straight DOB.”
It has nothing to do with the “loss” itself. In fact, I’ve b*tched more about a few wins we’ve had this year.
We’re a good team. We will win more than we lose. We more than likely will win enough to make the playoffs, or at least be in the hunt down the stretch.
But in case you haven’t noticed, we have completely COLLAPSED against any pitcher (young, old, rookie, veteran) that has been even close to being “on”. Which the last time I checked, most teams we’d be facing in the post-season, will have pretty good pitching.
Every wonder why the Hack-n-Jack philosophy (teamed with - 3 HOF pitchers in your rotation) worked so well in games 1 to 162, but failed miserably against good pitching in the playoffs? Ever wonder why guys like Mark Lemke, Dan Gladden, David Eckstein, Craig Councell, Mike Devereaux, Jim Leyritz, etc… are October legends, while guys like Fred McGriff, Andruw Jones, Andres Galarraga, Bary Bonds, Bobby Bonilla, Albert Belle, are big time CHOKERS? And don’t throw Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz into the mix. Those guys are great HITTERS who happen to make good enough contact to exploit their power.
So many people the last couple of weeks (you may or may not be one of them - so don’t take this as an attack on you), were so worried about the lack of power the Braves displayed. NOT ME. I couldn’t have been more excited that they were winning games without the longball. I thought they might even be on the verge of “getting it”.
But all it took was 2 pitchers (Snell and Bergmann) with a combined 2-5 record before facing he Braves to completely shut them down.
What the hell is a guy like Jason Schmidt or Brandon Webb gonna do to us in October?
Bobby’s teams have never really been good at “in game” adjustments against a pitcher that is handling them (see 1997 against Livian Hernandez - it only took them 9 innings to realize that he was getting calls out of the zone and he was going to CONTINUE to throw them there). That being said, they do seem to get guys the next time around. It just happens to be unfortunate that sometimes the “next time around” after a post season loss, is the following April.
As for worrying about a game in May? Last time I checked they all count in the standings. Not to mention that a trend is a trend, no matter when it starts. It will remain a trend until it is broken. If I remember correctly, not too many people were worried about our bullpen last May. People just kept saying “it’s early, they’ll come around” or “Bobby will figure it out”.
It’s NEVER too early to worry, IMO.
By IlliniBrave
May 14, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
BravesDave: great comment. We are near the top of MLB in strikeouts and some players (AJ, Wilson, Fancouer, Diaz) are on pace for their career highs in strikeout ratio. I know this has got to be bugging the crap out of TP - a true “hitter” and not just a “swinger”. Even though I don’t totally buy into Billy Beane’s “Moneyball”, you sure wish we could learn some plate discipline.
By serbok
May 14, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
BravesDave sorry bro’ have to disagree with ya~ Braves lineup is very impressive ( of course even more-so with chip) If I’m npt mistaken, braves had the best hitting team in the NL last year and chipper only played in 110 games. I think chipper barring the unforseen of course? lol// will play 140 games this year~ he gives the impression to me he is very determined to prove his critics wrong.
By serbok
May 14, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
gotigers72 vever seen Floyd? or either variation of them? i:e roger without david or vice-versa? I saw The Floyd do the animals tour in the 70’s saw The “legal Floyd” the band without Roger in late nineties, do Division Bell, now I’m Tampa bound~ This Saturday will See Roger do the entire DSOTM! Never have seen the Stones:o( nor Zeppelin~ but have seen most of all the major bands~ The Who were outstanding! but Jethro Tull certainly ranks!
By Ron
May 14, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
Jeffro, Good point about Harris batting leadoff, probably wont happen, does not matter to me either way, but here is the lineup Harris, Renteria, Johnson, Chipper, Andruw, McCann, Frenchy, Thor, and the Pitcher!!! Bat Johnson third, does not sound to bad, probably wont happen, but whatever, I like the batting order either way!!!
By David O'Brien
May 14, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
N8, it’s wrong to characterize Bergmann as some scrub pitcher just up from the minors. I mean, as I said in the original blog, this guy should have at least 3-4 wins with any run support whatsoever. I mean, any.
Check this: Bergmann was 0-2 in his past six starts before Monday, despite a 2.41 ERA and stingy .159 opponents’ average in that span. He allowed one or no runs in six or more innings in four of those six starts while receiving anemic run support.
By gotigers72
May 14, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
Gonna add my 2 cents worth to the Stuart Scott/Chris Berman argument. Don’t like either one of them, but Berman is a little better. The worst, by far, on ESPN is Kenny Mayne. Is he going to continue with that “tackle football” junk. Makes me wanna puke. Wasn’t funny the first time, nor the other million times you’ve used it. Can’t you come up with something else to use for the next million times?
By Ron
May 14, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
Andruw is very selfish!!! last week against the Padres he was not selfish and helped us win, and now look at him this week, we will never know what he will do until he does it!!!
By journalist jimmy smith
May 14, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
“Yoo Hoo, It’s me, my name is Pinky Lee, with my checkered hat and my checkered coat, and my silly laugh like a billy goat…!” some nostalgia for all the pinky lee fans. now, thumbalina on sunday and pinky lee on monday. what will be the song tomorrow? let’s hope no one injures an ear or a chin. now, one last thought on the sore thumbs … bobby dews was said to have a green thumb but bobby dews never asked out of a game. and how sore would the thumb have to be to turn green? worse than red? blue? black? can say black? bobby dews could grow some tomatoes but could never master the thumb piano. and imagine the pain chipper would have to endure to play the kalimba in this condition!
By David O'Brien
May 14, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
GoTigers, my “most” seen would be REM, about 10 times. Best concerts would probably include a couple of U2 dates, the Drive-By Truckers in Detroit last October, the Pixies, Husker Du back in 1986, the Replacements three times in mid-1980s, a couple of Prince concerts, an Allman Brothers, a Jane’s Addiction, a Ragged Glory-era Neil Young w/Sonic Youth opening for him, a Beasties show (they were great live), a Public Enemy show with Sisters of Mercy opening (they pulled the plug on that tour early on), of course Nirvana, a Bowie show, and two Springsteen concerts. And that Arcade Fire show was up there, too.
Too many. I know I’m forgetting a ton doing this off top of my head. First Lollapalooza was great.
OK, gotta catch a train.
By serbok
May 14, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
gotigers72 I like chris berman~ granted he’s not the best, however, I feel that being a sports analyst/colorman whatever, is a very difficult job, would be for me anyway. IMO Al Michaels is the absolute all time best! Tho I did very much enjoy Howard:o) Whaddya say DOB? Ready to take the mic? :o) lol
By serbok
May 14, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
Nirvana! Wow would have loved to have seen curt!
By Ron
May 14, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
N8, Agreed on your 11:06 post, especially about what will a guy like Webb or Penny, or Sheets, or Peavy, or Hamels, or Capuano, or even Glavine will do to us in October, not sayin Bergmann is a chump, because if you look at his era, and his OBA against him he looked fantastic, and did not disappoint, but we will always struggle against GOOD pitchers in the playoffs, and even descent pitchers, that is why we only have 1 championship!!! OH Yeah who did we win that Championship off of,it wasMashing Indians that did not have a great Pitching staff!!! We can only hope for the same this year, maybe if we get to the World Series we get to face Yankees, but we will have to face Good pitchers in the First and Second Rounds, and by then the Yankees will be on all cylinders with Clemens, Wang, and Mussina, so scratch that idea!!! Probably another disappointing postseason if we even get there!!!
By N8
May 14, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
DOB
I agree 100 percent. In fact in my last “epic”, I said:
“But in case you haven’t noticed, we have completely COLLAPSED against any pitcher (young, old, rookie, veteran) that has been even close to being “on”.”
That’s the part that worries me. A pitcher with a clue isn’t gonna give Andruw an inside pitch to handle. A pitcher with a clue, isn’t gonna let McCann or Francoeur beat them when Chipper is not in the lineup.
If I came across as classifying Bergmann as a scrub, I didn’t mean to. He obviously deserves a lot of credit for his performance. His W-L totals aren’t his fault. He can’t help what team he’s on…..yet. Smoltz might have the same fate, if he were on the Nationals.
OK, just went back through my previous post, before hitting “post” on this one. This might be the line you’re referring to DOB:
“But all it took was 2 pitchers (Snell and Bergmann) with a combined 2-5 record before facing he Braves to completely shut them down.”
That wasn’t a knock on Snell or Bergman, just stating the facts. Neither of them had that many wins before facing us. Two young guys that aparently have tremendous upside, that happened to have great games against us. My main point is still valid though. When the Braves face good pitching they don’t fare so well. Of course most teams don’t.
I’m sure back in 1988, there was some fans b*tching (not on a blog of course - maybe via “message in a bottle”), about this young guy Glavine with a losing record totally dominating their favorite team the night before. You never know when you’re witnessing the beginning of a great career.
I remember a game back in 88 or 89 when a skinny rookie for the Astros beat us with a late HR, and turning to my buddy and saying “who the hell is that guy that just kicked our a$$?”
His name was Jeff Bagwell. You get the point.
By MANUEL GONZALEZ
May 15, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
REGARDING THE NEED FOR OFFENCE AND SUBSTITUTING ANDREW NEXT YEAR, WHY CAN’T THE BRAVES GO FOR THE ROCKIES MATT HOLIDAY? HE IS AN OUTSTANDING YOUNG HITTER, AND WE HAVE PCS THAT THE ROCKIES NEED. A SALTY, PLUS TWO YOUNG PITCHERS LIKE HARRISON AND SOMEONE ELSE MIGHT CALL ATTENTION.
ABOUT COX, HE IS A GREAT PLAYER’S MANAGER BUT A HORRIBLE STRATEGIST. I STILL REMEBER A PLAYOFF GAME WHERE WE WERE TIED, RUNNERS ON 1ST AND THIRD, AND HE HAD RAFI BELLIARD BUNT TO MOVE THE RUNNER FROM FIRST. HE DID SO, BUT WE NEVER SCORED. HAD HE SWUNG WAY, WORST CASE DOUBLE PLAY BUT WE HAD THE LEAD. HE IS THE OPPOSITE END OF LA RUSSA ON THE SMALL PLAYS.
By Calvin
May 15, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this
I was just watching the Pads and Reds game(Thank goodness for MLB extra innings on Comcast :P) and they mentioned something I found very interesting about Greg Maddux. He has faced roughly 17,260 major league hitters in his career and has gone to a 3-0 count on 18 of them. 18. How odd and consistently good is that?
By Ippississim
May 15, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
Visions of a Hudson-James-Davies-Lerew-Redman starting rotation flashed through my head when I saw Smoltz go jumping around like that. I sure am glad it was just a dislocation and not a break, but if Smoltz can’t make it for Boston, it would be just like Bobby to ignore Villareal and pull Redman off the DL to take the start instead. To borrow a phrase, OH THE HUMANITY!
By gotigers72
May 15, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this
serbok - Never seen Floyd or any variation. Could have as they played in Clemson Memorial Stadium [outdoor venue] which is about 20 minutes from my house. Had friends that went and said it was unbelievable. Great music, great light show, etc., but for whatever reason, I didn’t go. Did you notice that on the latest Sopranos episode, Christopher was listening to “Dark Side of the Moon” when he crashed his car and died?
DOB - Even more impressed with the quality of concerts you’ve been to. However, I noticed the Stones weren’t on your list. Have you not seen them, or do they just not rate among your favorite concerts? They put on a great show both times I saw them.
Bobby - Move Andruw out of the 4 hole. He’s back down to .222, trying to jack everything out, trying to pull everything. I still get the feeling that Borazz has whispered in his ear that he needs around 50 bombs to get that next contract up there.
Bergman has the best [lowest] batting average against in the MAJORS. Not a ragarm at all. Wonder if they might like to trade him for say, Woodward, Wilson and Redman. Right, guess not.
By jed
May 15, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this
it’s not just tonight. It’s been all season. All Andruw seems to want to do is hit home runs, and that’s precisely the approach that prevents you from hitting home runs. And obviously, it stops you from hitting for average, as well. TP said it a couple weeks ago: “Andruw’s got his own agenda.” Then Andruw: “I’m a pull hitter.” And now this talk that he’s not paid to hit singles. Since when did he decide to become Dave Kingman? TP’s already tried and grown frustrated. Cox needs to step in and straighten Andruw out. This crap is positively loopy.
By fastasballs
May 15, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this
Calvin, So Maddux never intentionally walked more than 18 guys in his career? Not getting on your case but something doesn’t add up.
By Sam in KY
May 15, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this
Brad from KY
Don’t be such a douchebag, or you’ll make people from KY look worse than they already do. It’s silly to suggest I think Cox manages to keep the fans happy. I was only lamenting my frustration, that I often feel, when, like witnessing a train wreck happening, one can see BC making a crappy decision. It’s often that Cox’s bad managerial decisions cost the team. What’s worse is when one need only have the arm chair managerial expertise of a 7th grader to see what the more sporting choice would have been.
And Brad, this is not like it’s a new thing for BC to make these kind of moronic decisions. I can say that they showed up most clearly starting in the 97 playoffs, but it probably was happening all along, I was just too giddy of a fan to notice. Although, though I didn’t like it at the time, leaving Raphael Belliard in for defensive purposes in Game 6 of the 95 WS sure did pay off when he ran down Kenny Lofton’s pop-up way off in foul territory to get the first out in the 9th inning. So obviously plenty of times his moves pay off. It just seems like the really obvious ones that irritate the most.
As someone mentioned earlier, he naturally could have brought in Soriano in that Florida game that Wickman flubbed. Even when Wicky was money for the Braves he rarely got out of an inning w/o some sort of trouble. He’s not the shut em down badass that both Soriano and Gonzalez can be. But no, Me Bobby Cox, Me must use closer, Me must return closer to role immediately off the disabled list.
So all I’m saying Brad, is cut me a little slack, I’m just using the blogosphere to whine a little about my stubborn manager, to some people who can feel my pain, the pain of a devoted fan who’s seen quite a few missed opportunities(13 big ones to be exact) that, with a pretty convincing argument, several of which can be laid on the shoulders of BC.
Not that I’m not grateful for the annual ride(even last year we were hanging on til the bitter end). I am certainly grateful. I could die tomorrow and be a happy, satisfied sports fan thanks to 1995.
On that note,
There should be a bronze statue outside of the Ted of John Shuerholtz
By serbok
May 15, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this
Ippississim Is that Alabama spelled backwards? :o)
By DAD
May 15, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this
The Braves are about to implode. The weaknesses at first and second base are beginning to take its toll on the Braves. Bobby Cox is about to put Redman back into the rotation which means an automatic loss for the Braves everytime that he starts. Chipper is hurt and Smoltz’s injury could be fatal to the Braves. The Mets right now are looking so powerful that the Braves will be pondering how that ever got 15 games behind in the NL East by the All Star break. You Braves fans might as well concede the NL East to the Mets.
By fastasballs
May 15, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this
The Braves are going to have to upgrade their bench. They can’t have Woodward or Orr in the line up every day. It’s worse than having Langerhans in there, at least he could field.
Ever since KJ went could the offense has tanked. They are going to have to get it in gear for Sox & Mets, 2-3 a game is not going to cut it.
By Coach
May 15, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this
Imagine what would have happened if the Reds had traded Johnny Bench when he was just a prospect ? Salty has the same potential , look before you leap , DonCoburleone(A.K.A. Forrest Gump). Smoltz gets saddled with yet another tough luck loss , at least we won’t lose him for anything more than one start. Hey , it’s all good , people ! Williams , Speigner and Simontacchi , three scrub right handers are what we have to beat the hell out of during the next three games against the Nats.
By serbok
May 15, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this
gotigers72 Thank you for your response:o) You mentioned that you have a spinal disability, and that you would put up with the pain to see a concert that was worth seeing~ I also have had 2 back surgeries~ and tho I dont feel as tho I’m in as much pain as you~ but I Feel very strongly that you understand when I say we live with pain as our constant friend~ Roger Waters is doing a tour that starts the American leg of his tour this Friday may 18~ Bro~ If he performs anywhere near you ~ ya gotta try and go~ I promise! It will be the experience of a lifetime! He is now 63 or 64~ not gonna tour much more ~i dont think~ go to youtube.com and type his name~ if you have broadband of course~ there are clips from like 4 days ago in bogota colombia~ I think you might enjoy~ innyway~ Best to ya my friend! GO Bravos!!!!!!!!
By Sam in KY
May 15, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this
gotigers72
so Christopher dies in a car crash, huh? I’m in school so I cant spring the $$ for HBO. That’s pretty heavy, although I guess they’d do anything after snuffing out the only hottie, Adriana his fiancee, or whatever her name was.
DOB
Speaking of the first Lolapolooza…do you remember Perry Farrel and Ice T’s back & forth they had? Jane’s Addiction was great. I had forgotten that I used to say that was the best concert I had ever been to.(the Jane’s Addiction part, that is-Souisie & the Banshees were cool too)
By Coach
May 15, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this
Keep dreaming DAD , this is the big leagues , not your little fantasy league !
By serbok
May 15, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this
DAD? Weakness at 2nd base?????????? you are kidding, right? Braves will not go down more than maybe 6 or 7 to the muts this year~ and thats a BIG if! Braves will win division~ and if not~ take muts in the playoffs:o)
By Wayne in Utah
May 15, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this
Imploding is from within, right?? Dad, you show your ignorance about the Atlanta Braves. Could they falter due to poor seasons or injuries to certain key players? It is possible.
Will they implode? Certainly not. That is the actions of a team without an identity.
By Wayne in Utah
May 15, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this
Saltalamacchia must stay.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this
Sam in KY, definitely remember the Ice-T / Perry Farrell exchange. You know what that was, right? That was Sly and the Family Stone’s song, “Dont’t Call Me …” Well, I can’t write it here. But that’s where it came from.
Great day (and night) of music. Saw the first two. Chili Peppers headlined the second one.
Also should have put Tom Waits on any list of greatest concerts I’ve seen. But just so many, it’s hard to pick without forgetting 10. I tell you who puts on a great show, if you’ve never see him live: Dwight Yoakam. He really does.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this
Gotigers, saw Stones too late. Wish I’d have seen them 15-20 years ago.
Tell you what was another great show, the first concert I ever attended, great because of the utter spectacle of it it all (and I loved the music back then): KISS. Tremendous experience for an 8th-grader in 1978….
Serbok, Saw Nirvana the year before Kurt offed himself. Saw them at Bayside in Miami, where this really odd dude in makeup and a dress was passing out these tiny plastic babies, pulling them out of a lunchbox and giving them to us random fans.
Only later did I learn that was Brian Warner, aka Marilyn Manson. He used to live in Fort Lauderdale and was still a local phenomena when I first lived there. (Not into his music, just so you know, though that Beautiful People tune was kinda catchy).
By serbok
May 15, 2007 1:48 AM | Link to this
Very cool DOB I first became aware of Kurt on MTV unplugged~ I was very happy~ thought to myself~ Wow that guy is something special! I became aware of him obviousley very late~ too late of course~ 2 weeks later he was no longer with us~ real bummer~ Cool story about Manson~ thanx ~
By Ron
May 15, 2007 2:00 AM | Link to this
Christopher died in a car crash, Damn you done spoilled everything now, Damn I am watching the reruns on A&E on Wendesday’s, that sucks!!! Fastasballs, I think the Dude was referring to 3 balls to 0 strike count, not walks!!!
By Robert
May 15, 2007 2:01 AM | Link to this
“How can a Great Manager like BC sometimes look like a SH!TTY manager, Does not make any sense at all!!!”
Hello? Ron? Because he is NOT a great manager. Good god man - if you used your brain to apply logic to what you acknowledge that you see.
“Imagine what would have happened if the Reds had traded Johnny Bench when he was just a prospect ? Salty has the same potential”
Nice to see you’re as dumb as you ever were, Coach. Salty is to Johnny Bench about as Zack Greinke is to Greg Maddux
By Robert
May 15, 2007 2:13 AM | Link to this
“Bobby will figure it out”.
Now THAT was the funnist thing I have read on this blog, maybe ever.
“HE IS THE OPPOSITE END OF LA RUSSA ON THE SMALL PLAYS.”
He (Cox) is the opposite end of Street Sense’s head when it comes to baseball strategy
“N8, it’s wrong to characterize Bergmann as some scrub pitcher just up from the minors. I mean, as I said in the original blog, this guy should have at least 3-4 wins with any run support whatsoever.”
You know, you’re right DOB. And yet, your response qualifies as denial that there is a problem with the Braves’ approach - What he says about past playoff endeavors is valid - We didnt lose in the playoffs because of a strike zone, or because “finesse” pitchers like Maddux and Glavine are worthless in the playoffs, or any of that bunk. We lost because of the Cox philosophy.
His point was that if guys who havent had much success (even if they might BE emerging young stars) can handcuff this team, then imagine what will almost inevitably happen when pitchers (as opposed to throwers), with stuff, brains, guile, AND plenty of experience see us at crunch time.
Denial, shuck and jive, change the subject, or, if all else fails, cuss at me and call me names. None of it changes the facts.
514
By serbok
May 15, 2007 2:16 AM | Link to this
Coach Hate to say it~ but I Knew that one was gonna come back and bite ya~
By Robert
May 15, 2007 2:17 AM | Link to this
Meanwhile, in San Diego, Greg Maddux needed 96 pitches, gave up 5 hits, no walks, and struck out 5 in pitching a complete game.
Oh, he also converted three sacrifices
Execution of good fundamental baseball is such a beautiful thing
By serbok
May 15, 2007 2:18 AM | Link to this
Dam Robert? You’ve already forgotten my {Bobby watches a great game comment? ) LOL
By Robert
May 15, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this
Picture the start of the season. All of the managers are given a block of raw material.
Joe Torre gets a block of the finest marble and turns it into a good replica of the Venus de Milo
A bunch of guys get clay and turn it into pots and bowls of various shapes and sizes.
Jim Leyland somehow turns the clay into fine china
Manny Acta gets a dump truck full of raw dung but at leats makes fertilizer out of it
Cox gets a gigantic uncut diamond, comes back at the end of the season with a handful of graphite powder, and wins manager of the year
It is a joke, I tell you
By Robert
May 15, 2007 2:26 AM | Link to this
“What’s worse is when one need only have the arm chair managerial expertise of a 7th grader to see what the more sporting choice would have been.”
See Coach. Four or five more year, and you might be ready
By Robert
May 15, 2007 2:30 AM | Link to this
Sam in Ky said
“There should be a bronze statue outside of the Ted of John Shuerholtz”
Dude, WHO is the one man who could have, at any point these past umpteen seasons, removed the brain fart from the team? And WHO is the one man who will, yaer after year, consider EVERY possible move EXCEPT firing Bobby Cox
serbok - I didnt forget - dont feel bad. Second funniest is pretty good
By Calvin
May 15, 2007 2:33 AM | Link to this
fastaballs,
I’m assuming IBB were excluded since Maddux has something like 170something intentional walks. Like I said, I heard it on a Pads, Reds telecast and thought it was fascinating. Might not be true but we all know how Maddux has great control by not walking 100 mean in any of his 20 years in the Big Leagues. Just thought it was interesting.
By jed
May 15, 2007 2:39 AM | Link to this
Hey Robert, since you’re busting on everybody tonight, I gotta tell you: Your ‘raw material/art’ analogy was a long way to go for a zero payoff.
By Robert
May 15, 2007 2:51 AM | Link to this
“Hey Robert, since you’re busting on everybody tonight, I gotta tell you: Your ‘raw material/art’ analogy was a long way to go for a zero payoff.”
I’d say 17 years of Bobby Cox with essentially zero payoff is a long ways to go too
But then I’d start hearin the old mantra about how wonderful division titles are
By KC
May 15, 2007 3:16 AM | Link to this
DOB had the right idea… it’s time to drop Andruw down in the order. With runners in scoring position, I would much rather see Frenchy or McCann at the plate than Andruw.
The solution is simple. Simply hit AJ behind Frenchy & McCann.
By serbok
May 15, 2007 3:26 AM | Link to this
Robert~~~~~~~ dont mind your reflections on BC becuz they are self evident~ but when you start dissin the man JS thats another story!!!!!!!! JS has brought us division titles despite BC And I do agree he could fire him, I think it would be very unwise as it would mess with team chemistry~ Bobby is a terrible field general, on that you and I agree. However, there is more to managing a bb club than making stupid decisions on the field. IF JS really thought BC was holding us back from a Ring, I have total confidence he would fire him.
By serbok
May 15, 2007 3:35 AM | Link to this
I think the Braves would be worse off without Bobby than with him~ just my opinion// and man its hard to say that! lol but I trust in JS~ what can I say~
By Contra
May 15, 2007 3:56 AM | Link to this
Honestly, N8 is the only guy that makes any sense on this blog.
Every thing I would have said has been said.
Anyone that has watched the Braves for the past 10-15 years would know what was up.
By cashmere
May 15, 2007 4:27 AM | Link to this
LIKE I SAID ABOUT 2WEEKS AGO. I LUV ANDRUW BUT I LUV THE BRAVES MORE WE NEED SOMEONE WHO CAN HIT FOR AVERAGE. LETS GET SOME TRADE TALKS GOING AND OUR MINORS HAVE OF READY TO PLAY. IS WILLIE C. THE NEW JUAN PIERRE? TRADE SALTY FOR A YOUNG ARM
By Greg
May 15, 2007 6:03 AM | Link to this
Wow! We dodged a bullet on Smoltz. If Redman starts in Boston, the Red Sox may break the record for runs scored in a game. Have any of you Chipper haters noticed how bad this team is without the man. Chipper is the anti-Andruw; he likes to make contact with the ball and see what happens rather than screw himself into the ground on every pitch. Andruw has got to be dropped in the lineup in favor of McCann or Francouer. He’s killing us. The Braves looked like old ladies in a hot Southern church, they were fanning so much last night. It looked like a return to last year’s total lack of plate discipline. That’s two games in a row. Boras is going to have to work a miracle to get a .220 hitter a $20 million per contract. I’m not saying that some idiot won’t pay that for his services next year, but that’s an awful lot for a man whose best asset is his glove. Make contact Andruw. Or let the team trade you, you’re hurting the ball club.
By Coach
May 15, 2007 6:20 AM | Link to this
Seeing how Robert was the frigging moron who advocated the firing of both Terry Pendleton and Roger McDowell last season(June 16th to be exact) , leaving me with no choice but to award him the golden donkey award for sheer stupidity !
By Sam in KY
May 15, 2007 6:31 AM | Link to this
DOB
Re: Perry Ferrel/Ice T rendition and Dwight Yoakham live
I did NOT know that was an original from “Sly & the Family Stone” so thx for the heads up…they were a little BMT so don’t know much about them but I assume they are a multi racial conglomerate?
I can believe it about D. Yoakam live. Ive never been a fan of country, and Ive heard some of his twangy stuff that I didn’t much care for but one of his songs Ive heard will break your friggin heart…can’t remember the name
Plus he was money in SlingBlade and was laying pipe to Sharon Stone back when she was still hot, so he’s a stud in my book
MMMHH biscuits & mustard
By Robert
May 15, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this
Serbok, do you think that if someone besides Cox had managed the Braves all these years, that we’d have only one ring?
Please dont fall back on division titles. 2 rings and 2 division titles is better than 1 ring and 514 division titles
There IS more to managing a team than field strategy. BUT - statagy is far and away number one - if you arent an exellent strategist, the rest of it is hock.
And please dont try to tell me that the mid 90’s Braves, with their 4-7 future HOFers every year, needed a babysitter that all the kids loved to make it to the division title
Coach -Rub some Vaseline on your neck. Then put your hands over your head and push real hard. If you work at it long enough, your head SHOULD eventually pop out of your behind.
By May Day
May 15, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this
Lemme get this straight because I am a little unclear right now. Robert thinks Bobby Cox is not a good manager, right? I wasn’t sure because he is so subtle and low key with his thoughts about Cox that you are never quite sure what he really feels about Cox. Robert, maybe if you post yet another 100 messages a day killing Cox, I will figure out where you stand on the manager.
BTW, Bobby wants to know what you do for a living. Bobby says I just may very well be a Donk but as a grown man, I sure as hell don’t have the time to spew my anger towards another man all day and night on a blog. Bobby says real men gotta work.
By journalist jimmy smith
May 15, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this
sja, that device sja owns that tracks ip addresses … can sja tell us who made the ugly posts at 3:00 and 3:06 this morning? is stinky back blogging with stinky’s self? oh, well, it’s a lovely day in the neighborhood. journalist awakes this morning to find that smoltz really did injure smoltz’s pinky finger last night, it was not a bad dream. already, the fine mind of bobby cox is planning a rotation that will compensate for the loss of the ace of the staff. will it be redman? oh, the humanity! or will bobby cox reach into the bullpen or into the minor leagues for a starter? will bobby pull one out? who will be picked? and now, the opposable thumb … what happens when the thumb is no longer opposable? and who are some folks with opposable thumbs? giant pandas. oppossums. and koalas in addition to chipper. much is lost when the thumb ceases to be opposable. imagine a giant panda taking the field with sore thumbs! and today’s song is being researched. good that this is a music blog, too.
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this
I’m a little concerned about staying close to the Mets and letting the Phillies back into the race. The Mets have the best run differential in the National League and the Braves and Mets have a tough interleague schedule, which could allow Philly to get back in the race.
By joebrave
May 15, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
See Robot when you don’t listen,man are you a dumbass!!!!!
By We Have Mets the Enemy
May 15, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
Shaun finally said something sensible. The NL East will either be a three-team race (if the Mets underachieve at some point and keep the Braves and Phillies in it; they’re far and away the best team in the NL) or feature a hot race between the Braves and Phillies for the wild card (if the Braves stay healthy — we all saw last night how perilously close Atlanta’s season came to ending).
Thanks for a post without a single boring stat, too, Shaun!
By matt
May 15, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
I’d chill out about Willie. Frenchy was hitting .400 when he first came up and he consistently fizzled out that year. He’s looking good this year though. My concern is AJ. His OF play is still strong but he should be embarassed at his performance at the plate! Those are the worst mechanics i’ve ever seen!! How can you swing and end up with one knee on the ground every time!!! He can hit in one spot and that’s inside! YOU CAN’T PULL EVERYTHING!!!!!!!
By The Grinch
May 15, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
Since I can’t stand to only watch one episode of the “Sopranos” at a time, I wait until a season’s over and then rent the DVD’s to watch everything in a few evenings. I wish to extend a hearty “Thank You” to gotgiers72 (and Sam in KY for a more revealing follow-up) for completely ruining this season for me. Much obliged.
By Fred from CT
May 15, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
I would like to see kearns get hit with a pitch tonight.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
Watch out Matt, are you’re going to get an unsolicited lesson in “out-avoiding” and an explanation of how Andruw isn’t really having a bad season at the plate.
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 15, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
That was a close one last nite brave fans. You’re season flashed right before your eyes. That cleary shows how much better the Mets truly are. We’re lost Pedro, Sanchez, Mota, Alou and still are the NL East leaders. If you lose Smoltz or Hudson there’s little doubt you’d be playing for a Wild Card. Anyway, all those mentioned players for the Mets will be back by the All Star break making the Mets that much tougher……..
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
Coach, yes, our blog Donk would have fired virtually EVERYONE in the majors in the past three years _ Cox, T.P. McDowell, and then elsewhere, Torre, Dusty (oh, yeah, he was fired, or forced out, or resigned or whatever), Yost (what’s he won, I mean in terms of Holy Grails?), Tracy (loser every year), Garner (had a chance at the Grail few years ago and blew it; how is he still employed?), Bochy (should have fired him if he didn’t leave, as Padres always lose in playoffs), La Russa (before last year, of course, but since he won the Holy Grail, the Only Thing That Matters to our astute and reasoned observer, who probably can’t understand why that World Series title last year won’t make everyone in St. Louis who was angry during St. Louis’ mediocre-unti-the-postseason ‘06 season and everyone there upset with La Russa now, why it doesn’t make them shut up because they’ve won The Only Thing That Matters), Grady Little (can you believe the Dodgers actually trumpeted his .568 winning percentage being best among current managers before the season, as though fans even care about winning during the 162-game season? How man Grails does he have? Then fire him), and … well, you get it. All of them are losers, by Our Expert’s careful, thoughtful, reasonable criteria, except Leyland and … I don’t know, Ozzie Guillen?
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 15, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
I read some posts about the braves possibly sweeping the Nats. you could barley hit them let alone sweep them.
By MEB
May 15, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
What is the scroll wheel?
How do you deal with the blogging manure of this blogs resident psychopath Robert.
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
Matt and DOB,
Yeah. Who wants hitters who avoid outs? As long as the hitter makes contact and hits the ball to the opposite field who cares how hard they hit it or if they make an out 7 out of 10 times up (that would be a horrible .300 OBP, for those of you who confuse OBP with AVG.)
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
NO CHOP ZONE,
The Mets may be better but it’s not evident by one game. How long have you been watching baseball? Since yesterday?
By Where's Andruw
May 15, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
ANDRUW has to start hitting! He’s killing the Braves!
By journalist jimmy smith
May 15, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
ajc.com headline:
THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT ‘OW’
kudos to dob for fine journalism. wendel wurlitzer is watching.
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 15, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
Who are Sanchez and Mota? Never heard of them.
By Braves20
May 15, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
NCZ - What’s your point? We lost Hampton. Who other than Pedro (maybe) is a bigger impact than a 40-year-old outfielder with a slow bat, a druggy reliever and a guy who had half a good season. Not exactly impact players.
By Ron Roberts
May 15, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
Hey NO CHOP….
What’s the Mets’ record against the Nats, this year???
3-2, chum. Three wins, two losses. Not exactly dominant, is it?
By Fred from CT
May 15, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
bad elbow and steroids
By JasonInMaine
May 15, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
Well, that 1.5 game lead lasted a long time…
By Arkansas Hillbilly
May 15, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Christopher died in a car crash, Damn you done spoilled everything now, Damn I am watching the reruns on A&E on Wendesday’s, that sucks!!!
Yeah, me too, Ron. I’d like to echo Grinch’s big Thank You. Hell, put up a warning disclaimer or something first, like DOB does to ward off the music-haters on the blog. That just spoiled my aura.
By Wayne in Utah
May 15, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
I wish Bobby would push “Out Avoider Andruw” down two notches in the batting order, and move “Out Avoider Frenchy” up to 4th and “Out Avoider McCann” up to 5th. All three of these “out avoiders” are avoiding at roughly the same rate, but I suspect that if another “out avoider” were in the 4 spot, with their hits versus Andruw’s walks, would have driven in more runs than Andruw’s 27. Think what he could have driven in had he avoided more outs with hits in the past 6 weeks.
By Fred from CT
May 15, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
hey no chop a better question is what is the mets record against the braves 2-4 I think but maybe you could look that up for me.
By A-ville Ranger
May 15, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
I’m ok with leaving Wickman in the closer roll for now.I hope BC will be open minded in his appraisal and put the team ahead of loyalty to one player.If he comes back ready to get the job done great,if not the team can’t afford to blow four or five games waiting and hoping when Gonzo or Soriano are more than capable alternatives.
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 15, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
Greg:
Your 6:03 a.m. Southern church analogy reminded me of a joke I thought I would share. And bear in mind, I am a pastor so it’s okay to bash on them.
Liberty Baptist Church of Turtle Fart, Mississippi has been in Turtle Fart since 1842. The preacher has been there almost since the beginning, and has become very dull in his preaching. In fact, his messages are so dry that they cause serious problems. For instance…
One day, Rev. Olderthanthou went to the pulpit on a hot Sunday morning. It was above 80 degrees that day, so the church’s 6-40 air conditioner was employed (6 windows open, 40 mph breeze). As Rev. Olderthanthou progressed through his message, a gust blew up and swept his notes right out the window into Mr. Smith’s cow pasture. Bossie waddled up and ate the notes, and within ten seconds her milk dried completely up.
Rev. Olderthanthou ended his sermon with the words, “This too shall pass.”
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah,
That’s the most intelligent post I’ve heard regarding Andruw in a while, though it was meant to be sarcastic.
Andruw’s problem is his power numbers aren’t there. It’s not that he’s striking out too much or not hitting the ball to rightfield; he’s always struck out a lot and has always been a pull hitter. The problem is he’s just not hitting the ball hard enough frequently enough.
By Efrim
May 15, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
DOB,
When will we hear about Smoltz’s status for the Saturday game against the Sox?
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 15, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
It’s ok for the braves to win the head to head games as long as we win the division……look at the big picture Freddie from CT if you can.
By ncscoots
May 15, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
I don’t usually get embroiled in the discussions with the Mets’ fans, but I have to admit some of the posts are just a wee bit funny…
the Mets…far and away the best team in the NL
You mean as in, a half-game far-and-away, or as in, not the best record in the league? That kind of best? LOL
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 15, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
Okay guys, The Braves dodge a very big bullet last night. It just goes to show you how fragile a season can really be. Freaky injuries to your best players can send you into a spin from which it is impossible to recover.
You cannot say I didn’t warn you about the Nationals, they have been in most of their games this season. Their young pitching has been surprising. I am just glad we will miss Shaun Hill.
They just don’t have a bullpen, sound familiar? The Braves need to get back to winning now. Just don’t worry about the Mets, they will have their freaky injuries too, just wait a while.
By MEB
May 15, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
DOB… please let us know the status of Chipper’s digits and when he will be back in the lineup.
GO BRAVES!!!
By eric the elder
May 15, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
I’m not one to pile on, but this quote by Andruw about Smoltz left me nauseated: “He got beat, but I’m just glad he’s going to be OK.”
He got beat? Yeah, 2 runs on 3 hits - -it was all Smoltzie’s fault. Andruw doesn’t acknowledge that he had the tying and winning runs on in the 9th, took two pitches right down the middle, and then fell over whiffing on the last one - - and then says Smoltz got beat!
No wonder TP has given up on him. I know I have.
By Wayne in Utah
May 15, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
You are right, I was being sarcastic. Sometimes you wear people out with some of your “out-avoiding” speak, but I still like you. Actually, you make a good point in your response, although I think you are missing the main point.
Andruw has always been a streaky hitter in the past. He has never consistently hit to all fields. BUT, to my memory, he has never looked this bad in his “down” stretches for this long of a period. He looks completely broken most of his at bats.
What many of us are saying here is that if he would just do what most good hitters do when they are in a funk, this drought would not be as long or as severe. It seems to me that his total stubbornness is his greatest demon. When a player can’t buy one, then it is time to just back off the swing slightly, and go with the pitch.
I have the same issues with golf. I start going good, my swing gets harder and harder, then all of a sudden, I can’t keep it in the fairway. When I back off slightly, I usually correct the issue. I know some will laugh at this analogy, but I think I am correct in saying if he would just back off a bit, that it would come to him. And for crying out loud, fix that stance!!
Whaddya think?
By Fred from CT
May 15, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
No Chop go join a mets blog oh never mind they don’t speak english in those.
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
Even with Andruw’s power problems, he’s still not harming the Braves all that much. He still has a better OPS than Grady Sizemore, Johnny Damon and Ichiro (11th best in all of baseball). Even his SLG is 12th best.
And for those who want to complain about his RBI, he’s 3rd among CF in all of baseball in total RBI. With RISP, in close & late situations, with runners on, with RISP & 2 outs he’s driven in more runs than any CF in baseball.
By ncscoots
May 15, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
what will a guy like Webb or Penny, or Sheets, or Peavy, or Hamels, or Capuano, or even Glavine will do to us in October…
What do you think the teams with those pitchers are feeling when they envision facing Smoltz and Hudson four times in a series? Confidence? A nice little 3-for-4 night on tap? Easy money?
That blade slices both ways.
By Wayne in Utah
May 15, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
Shaun: One last point. My drives go farther when I do back off slightly and connect better with the little white ball. The same thing applies to hitting a baseball. You don’t have to swing from the heels to get it over the fence. All you have to do is connect more soundly and more consistently. When I did play ball in my youth, some of the hardest and longest hits I had were to right-center off an outside, waist high pitch.
Somebody in the Braves upper management needs to remind him that we DO pay him for hitting singles. I would prefer that he hit only 25-30 HR’s and bat 290 to 300. With the same percentage of walks he has now and with a 300 average, he would be able to write his own paycheck next year. (but for someone else, as I think we are growing tired of his antics and ego)
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 15, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Andruw”s problem is that he is standing too close to the ball after he swings…..
As for knowing about Smoltz vs the Red Soxs. I would guess if you see him on the mound, you can say he is okay otherwise I would bet he going to skip that start.
Folks, it is a long season and in order to win the pennant, you have to get in the playoffs…..
By Wayne in Utah
May 15, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
Shaun: I can’t believe you believe that last statement: Even with Andruw’s power problems, he’s still not harming the Braves all that much.
He does have 27 RBI’s, but what could he have, if he were just his normal self from most of his career??? I think he has lost us more games due to his stubbornness than he has won us with his “power”.
The fact is, he is harming the Braves by not being what he could be (what he has been in the past).
Gotta run for the day. Work calls.
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 15, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
NCscoots, If you follow baseball you know that some seasons the better teams are revealed early and some later. In the case of Mets vs Braves I think it was take about 100-120 games for that to happen. I beleive over that time the Mets will prove to be the better team. I aslo believe the braves have played their best baseball and the Mets have not and yet are ahead in the division……Only time will tell.
By geauxbraves2000
May 15, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Maybe moving AJ down in the order would unswell that stubborn head of his and make him realize the Braves are a team. It seems AJ is trying to “play offense” for a contract instead of “play offense” for the Braves.
Geaux Braves!!
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
Only Chipper, McCann and Willie Harris have hit well in May (are in the top 15 in OPS at their positions this month).
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
Can’t place the blame only on Andruw. Everyone has struggled this month except for the three aforementioned players.
By rammerjammer
May 15, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
This was an interesting quote from the guy that struck out Andruw to end the game:
“It was in the middle,” Colome said. “I don’t know how he missed the pitch.”
Neither do we.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 15, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Yo Wayne… Curtis Strange always taught that in Golf, one should not swing more than 80% of effort to maintain balance. You should always adjust to that by club selection.
Having said that, it is why a good hitter will adjust in an at bat so they can maintain balance. Kelly Johnson is a good example of someone with a balanced swing.
Andruw reminds me so much of Dave Kingman right now…. He just looks clueless right now. Every so often a pitcher will make a mistake and hit his bat, that just does not happen against a good pitcher all that often.
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
geauxbraves2000,
Is that what Kelly Johnson and Renteria and Francouer and every player except Chipper, McCann and Harris are doing? Playing offense for a contract? It’s not just Andruw who has looked awful in May.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Shaun, I know you don’t give a rat’s a$# about hitting the other way (to the opposite field, like most pure hitters appreciate) or about hitting with runners in scoring position (again, which most baseball folks care about), but just from your out-avoidance perspective, Andruw is 7-for-47 (.147) with one homer, seven walks and 15 K in May.
And not everyone else you mentioned struggling in May is batting cleanup.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Oh, and he’s 1-for-12 with one walk and seven K in his past three games.
By geauxbraves2000
May 15, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
Show of hands, who would’ve rather had McCann or Frenchy at the plate in the 9th last night instead of AJ?
AJ is the best CF in the game today, maybe the best ever, maybe not, that’s open for debate. I cannot imagine all the doubles and triples the pitchers are going to be giving up when AJ leaves, but his bat is just too inconsistent and too streaky. To me, he is not a $20M player. I personally don’t want to see him leave, OTOH, I don’t want to see the Braves become financially strapped in the future either.
Geaux Braves!!
By ncscoots
May 15, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
NCZ, I agree absolutely that only “time will tell”, which is why I found the “far and away” comment, at this point in time, humorous.
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Kelly Johnson is batting leadoff, which is kind of a big deal. He’s been hitting badly.
Look, I’m not trying to defend AJ or anyone else’s poor hitting. I’m just saying the reasons for it are probably not because he’s striking out a lot or because he’s trying to pull the ball.
You’re right, from an out avoidance perspective AJ has been bad. But so have almost every other Brave, including the leadoff man, which is just as big a deal as AJ struggling. But everyone jumps on AJ like he’s the only one to blame.
As far as hitting to the opposite field, yes, I couldn’t care less. As long as my player is, yes, avoiding outs and hitting the ball hard.
By Efrim
May 15, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Update on Smoltz, when can we expect it? By the way, isn’t Joel Zumaya going to miss three months with a dislocation taht turned out to be ligament damage?
By avlbrv
May 15, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
i see we’re still riding andruw’s back (and not his bat). gil, you’re right. he is standing too close to the ball after he swings. that’s because it’s usually in the catcher’s mit and not in play.
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
geauxbraves2000,
Yes, I’d no doubt rather have McCann or Chipper up in the 9th. Problem is players have to bat in order. You can’t really control who comes up when unless you have your best hitters on the bench and available to pinch-hit.
And I also agree that AJ isn’t a $20 million player (unless maybe you’re the Yankees and Red Sox).
My point is simply everyone wants to pile on AJ like he is the worst player in baseball.
No one is piling on Kelly Johnson (nor should they) and he’s just as responsible for the Braves struggles in May.
By Thumbalina
May 15, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
Braves really suck!
By Lee
May 15, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Pivotal game for the Braves tonight. With the remaining schedule of games this month the Braves will face the Red Sox, Mets, Phillies and Brewers. Falling down 0 - 2 to the Nats in this series would be devastating tonight, especially with Hudson pitching. The next 2 weeks will tell a lot about this club.
As far as Andruw - it is time for him to get hot and carry this team for about 2 straight weeks as he has done in the past. In the past he has picked it up a notch when Chipper is out.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
Shaun, the leadoff man is in his first full season i the majors. And he STILL has the third-highest leadoff OBP in the NL.
By Fred from CT
May 15, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
lee I agree about tonights game being Pivotal with hudson on the mound sounds weird saying big game this early but you don’t want a three game losing streak against teams you should beat.
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 15, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
NC….I never said “far and away”. see my 9:25am post. I will again say that we have not played our best baseball and are missing key players right now. I don’t know if Pedro and Sanchez will be effective or not when they return. But if they are it’ll be tuff for the braves to keep up.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
Efrim, there won’t be an update on Smoltz until after he gets to the park and gets treatment, etc, I’d guess.
Probably after 4 p.m. And I really don’t expect there to be much of an update this soon, the day after. He’s out riding in a golf cart right now while his buddies play (it’s his 40th birthday).
And judging from Smoltz’s lack of pain after the game, I’d really, really be surprised if there’s ligament damage. Zumaya’s injury was totally different. He did it throwing a pitch, didn’t he? During warmups? That’s not good. That’s something popping from stress of throwing a pitch, if that’s the case. Smoltz’s situation nothing like that.
By Rev No-Runs
May 15, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
It appears as if the Braves have already started a new streak>>>It’s called losing!>>>It’s beginning to look like business as usual.
At least when the Braves play the Red Sox, they will be expected to lose>>>The Pirates and the Nats?>>>Don’t think so!
The thing is, the Braves should throw every effort into beating the bottom dwelling teams>>>Those games mean just as much in the standings>>>and the Braves have a better chance of winning those.
By NationalLeagueEast
May 15, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Note to Mets fans, of which I am one: Enough with the taunting over a half-game lead. I didn’t think it was a big deal when the Braves were up by a half-game, and I don’t think it’s a big deal now that the Mets are. What it basically means is that the teams haven’t played the same number of games.
Also, I’m actually kind of glad that Smoltz wasn’t hurt worse. I hate it when major injuries change the course of a team’s season—my team’s or anyone’s. Let’s just have your guys against our guys and play some ball, and the better team comes out on top.
By Lew
May 15, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
Two points, y’all-Wicky and Willie H.. Are we forgetting that prior to his 3 game skid and back injury, that Wicky had a sub 1.0 ERA and had blown what?-One save out of 26 opputrunities? If his back is OK then he will be, too. How easily we forget all that good when he has a bit of a drop off. I promise he didn’t all of a sudden just lose the magic-no matter how large or old he is. Now Willie Harris (Scribe, note player transition). Now we all know Willie is radically overachieving-by 200+ points over his career BA. If Willie is to end up the season hitting .300, which I think we will all view as success, think of the slump that is to come to bring him down to earth. He has exceeded all expectations (except of KC) and is doing an excellent job. However……He is Willie Harris-he of the career .247 BA. He will come down to earth. I’m interested in hearing all of the comments turn against him the first time he goes 0-12. It WILL happen. Let the Janus-like lambasting begin.
By Fred from CT
May 15, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
DOB what do you hear about the rheal cormier signing and the chances of him getting called up to help out in the pen. He is a vetern lefty who could help out.
By Lew
May 15, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
DOB-Zumaya’s injury sounded extremely similar to the one’s suffered by John Thomson and Horacio the past couple of years. It was, I believe, a flexor tendon-like you said, with a finger that ewas used to control the ball. With Smoltz, both from comments he made (in your article) and comments I heard on XM by Kevin Kennedy, Smoltz’s injury does not involve a finger used to control pitches. DOB-You’re right-apples and oranges. BTW-Is/was Smoltz scheduled for Saturday’s game in Boston? I sure hope so. I’ll be there!!!!
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
Isn’t “Under Pressure” by Bowie and Queen one of the most incredible singles ever? Love this song. It just popped up on the Ipod shuffle as I’m sitting here typing away. Damn good tune.
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
DOB,
And Andruw is still hitting better than at least half the regular CF in baseball, including Grady Sizemore, Ichiro and Damon.
And just because Johnson is a rookie and leading off for the first time doesn’t mean his struggles aren’t a major cause of the Braves offensive woes.
I don’t blame people for pointing out AJ’s struggles as a major cause for the Braves woes but the truth is Kelly Johnson is also just as responsible. (You have done this David, but some on this blog think it’s all AJ and no one else.)
If you are concerned with the truth, people should point out all the players who are struggling if they want to give reasons for the offensive troubles in May. Don’t just pile the blame on one guy.
At the same time, I don’t think it’s fair to pile it on either one of these players at this point in the season.
By rammerjammer
May 15, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
Re: Andruw
I don’t care what he’s hitting. How low-end is it to dump on Smoltz while you’re blown away by some no-name reliever!
The Braves will say all the right things about Andruw at season’s end, but privately I wonder if they’ll see his departure in the same way they saw Marcus Giles’.
That is, good luck…and good riddance.
By geauxbraves2000
May 15, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
I don’t blame the May struggles of the offense on AJ Shaun, as hot as they were that was bound to happen, but on the other hand, AJ has struggled all season. I have not seen one of his “hot streaks” yet, and it’s time for BC to show some team loyalty over player loyalty, and drop him a couple of spots, just until he can work out his issues. Even if it hurts his feelings, he can just get over it. Your cleanup hitter should be hitting better than .222 after 38 games. When he gets himself straightened out, then by all means move him back to 4th.
There’s no one else I’d rather have in CF that AJ, absolutely no one, but on the other hand, there are several others I’d rather see in the batter’s box right now.
Geaux Braves!!
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Something else I think this points out is that everyone overrates Andruw’s 51 homer season. Everyone keeps saying Andruw needs to approach things like he approached them that season. But in that season his batting average was below league average and his OBP was barely above league average.
Andruw’s always been a little underrated by most offensively, in my opinion, but he’s also never been an elite hitter (top 5 in the league when we’re talking about things that matter most AVG/OBP/SLG).
I think this is why I’m so adamant about people pointing out AJ’s struggles. AJ has always been significantly below average in AVG, decent in OBP and had great power.
People are talking like he is capable of being an elite hitter or like he had a season or two where he was an elite hitter. But it’s simply not the case.
I guess we could assume that he is/was capable of being an elite hitter but there is nothing in his past seasons that would indicate that. Assuming AJ is capable of being an elite hitter is like assuming Mark Redman should win the Cy Young.
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
geauxbraves2000,
I can’t argue with moving McCann up in the order because he’s probably the second-best hitter on the team and you want him up to the plate as often as possible.
I also can’t argue that Andruw hasn’t been as good as he’s been in the past.
What I do argue is that Andruw is having a dreadful season overall and that he is capable of being a Chipper Jones or a McCann type hitter.
By ncscoots
May 15, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
No Chop, I don’t think it was you who made the “far and away” comment, but what they hey, I’m not going to scroll back up to see who did, LOL! Suffice it to say we’re in agreement on the main point, yes?
Shaun, it’s true most of the Braves’ hitters have some bad mojo on their lumber right now (somebody get out the rum and chicken). But for whatever reasons, hitters other than AJ are perceived to be able to break out of it sooner or later. AJ isn’t. That could have to do with the fact that other slumping hitters on the club appear to have sound, fundamental swing mechanics. Just a guess.
By Lew
May 15, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
DOB-Anything (well, almost anything-lest we forget Radio GaGa) from Bowie or Queen is worth listening to. I’ve been lucky-I’ve seen both bands live-TWICE each. After talkin g to Ella Guru, it seems we may have seen Queen at the same concert in Hollywood, Fl.-small world. I consider myself fortunate, in that Queen stopped touring the US years before Freddie died. What a loss. It’s interesting, though. The first Queen album, whioch was an unadulterated, kick @$$ rocker, never placed any songs on their greatest hits anthologies. A good reason to just own ALL their albums.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Lew, yes, Smoltz is/was scheduled to start Saturday. Too early to know if he’ll do so.
Rev _ one of the weaker posts of the day and week. Losing “streak” is now two games, following a five-game winning streak. That’s “back to usual?” for you.
Good point. Now get to back to work. There are customers lined up in the drive-thru and your break is over.
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
ncscoots,
Do all the hitters except AJ have sound, mechanical swings? Is AJ’s swing any less sound than it has been in past seasons?
The problem is people expect AJ to be in the class of Albert Pujols when he never has been and never will be.
Many people saw his 51 homers in 2005 and thought, “he’s broken out and now he’s elite.” The truth is he was basically the same hitter he always was except with more homeruns.
By BoredwithBraves
May 15, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
Interesting comment from Androoooo (as in mooooo…)
“It’s tough to watch, because you don’t want to lose your ace pitcher,” center fielder Andruw Jones said. “He got beat, but I’m just glad he’s going to be OK.”
(HE GOT BEAT, not we got beat.)
“He just pitches good against us all the time,” said Jones, who ended the game by striking out against Jesus Colome with two runners on base.
Jones goes 0-4 AGAIN and HE GOT BEAT!
Hey Andruw, if you could frigging manage a base hit, WE might have won.
He got beat…what a chump
DUMP THE CHUMP!!!
By N8
May 15, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
“But everyone jumps on AJ like he’s the only one to blame.”
Uh. NO! However, he is the ONLY ONE who is a free agent after the season, who has said he isn’t going to take the “home-town” discount he took last time and who’s agent is looking to break the bank in the neighborhood of 20 million per season.
You see, where I come from, if your gonna talk the talk, you best be walkin’ the walk, or you might be subject to ridicule.
If you look at it from ANY other angle than that, your wasting your time.
Say for instance, if Andruw had 3 years left at about 10-12 million on his contract, was still playing defense like he has been, and in the midst of his struggles was dropped to the 6-7 spot in the order…I would be MUCH LESS inclined to complain. Well, OK. Maybe not me. But everybody else.
But that’s not the case. He’s been in the big leagues 11 years now. He (other than Mike Hampton) is the highest paid Brave. He’s looking to be one of the (if not THE) highest paid players in the majors, and he is our cleanup hitter.
I don’t think it’s out of line to ask you allegedly best player to step up. Do you? It’s quite obvious that in his “walk year” all he’s trying to do is hit the ball a “country mile” as TP said last month. That’s ridiculous, IMO.
Oh, btw, that leadoff hitter (Johnson) that you’re trying to lump into the same category as AJ?
Yeah, like DOB said, he’s in his FIRST full season at the big league level, he was asked in the offseason to play a position he’s NEVER played in pro-ball, he’s coming off of a season in which he MISSED THE WHOLE YEAR due to TJ surgery, he’s making $380,000. Oh yeah, almost forgot….even in the midst of his current “slump”, he’s STILL batting 53 points higher than Andruw, with one LESS HR, and 6 LESS RBI……FROM THE LEADOFF SPOT!!!.
With how hot KJ was about 3 weeks ago, had ANYBODY but Langerhans been at the bottom of the order, he’d more than likely have MORE RBI than Andruw.
Go ahead and give me some “numbers” that explain how this is acceptable for you to defend AJ while trying to lump KJ into our team’s “troubles”.
By N8
May 15, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
ncscoots
“What do you think the teams with those pitchers are feeling when they envision facing Smoltz and Hudson four times in a series?”
Fair enough. But again, I’ll repeat. The Braves (yes I know the players have changed - but Bobby and his “hitting theory” - do however, remain), have a history of NOT adjusting and doing the “little” things that win BIG playoff games, at least in the last 10 years.
Where, with the track record of “luck” we have as Braves fans (you know, after all - it’s just a “crapshoot”), EVERY OTHER team manages to have a little guy come up with a BIG hit against our aces. So Smoltz and Hudson will be “tough luck” losers by the score of 2-1, 1-0, 2-0 etc…..
Or have I been watching different games than you, to feel this way. If I have, please send me some “copies” of these playoff games where the Braves hitters come up with the big hits. I’ll accept VHS if that’s all you got, but prefer DVD.
I can’t wait!
By Lew
May 15, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Oh, The Humanity! The world must be spiining off of it’s axis. I agree with an entire Nathan post. It IS time for Andruw to step up and be Andruw. We’re not asking anything more than his “normal” .265 40HR 120 RBI season. He better get moving. Time’s a wastin’. If he had put up his regular numbers to this point, we would probably have won several more games, at the least. The time has come for Andruw to strap on those leotards along with that silly little grin-which is so irratating when he’s slumping.
By The Grinch
May 15, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
“Is AJ’s swing any less sound than it was in past seasons?” Yes, it is. He didn’t start that super-wide stanced, violent, flailing swing that ends with a rolled ankle and a knee bouncing off the ground until about the last third of last season. When a guy goes from a career habit of taking good swings against bad pitches and missing to suddenly drastically altering his stance at age 29 and taking absurd playground swings at bad pitches (and also at good ones…he swung right through a pedestrian fastball down the middle last night to end the game…scroll back up to read the quote from the guy who threw it) it’s cause for people who watch these things and care about them to get alarmed, whether he occasionally takes a walk or not. I’ll try this peice of advice (in vain, no doubt) once again: Watch the game. Your own two eyes can be surprisingly effective at revealing things to you.
By ssiscribe
May 15, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
Howdy, denizens. Quick hitter before the second half of the day begins (yeah for me):
— Best possible news on Smoltz. Anybody who saw it happen live and saw Smoltz’s reax thought that thing was broken. Dislocation is the best possible news, and the fact it’s the pinky finger is even better (don’t need the pinky to pitch, unlike the index finger, or Michael Vick’s personal favorite, the middle finger). Somebody tell Grinch to come down off the ledge; Salty’s not getting traded tomorrow :-)
— I wouldn’t call losing two games in a row a losing streak. Braves got killed Sunday, which happens from time to time to every team in every sport during every season. Last night, the Braves got shut down by a hot pitcher and a team that’s now won four games in a row (that’s a streak, by the way; the five games in a row the Braves won before Sunday? That’s a streak. Losing two games is not a losing streak. Geez, some people).
Wow, my hat just blew off. Must be the wind off Andruw’s swing in the ninth last night. Be nice to get him going; he ain’t getting squat done right now, the two hits to right field last week aside. Braves need more production out of AJ, plain and simple.
Now, tonight (noted transition by the Scribe, who noticed Lew’s transition above; nicely done by the artistic one): Be good to see Hudson go out and do his thing again, and good to see Wickman toe the slab in the ninth and get the save. Be nice to win this one; lose three in a row, you have a losing streak.
How about winning three in a row and heading onto Boston? Sounds like a good streak to me. The Scribe abides.
—30—
By tkg
May 15, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
Under Pressure …? I thought Vanilla Ice did that song originally. Just kidding DOB. It actually is one of the greatest singles ever. Great song and Mercury sounds unbelievable on that track. What a singer.
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
N8,
Andruw is not the best hitter on the Braves, never has been. Maybe he is the best player (because of his good offense and great defense) but, again, he’s never been an elite hitter.
Just because he’s the highest-paid Brave doesn’t mean he’s the best hitter or necessarily the best player. The Braves are just as responsible for him being the highest paid Brave as AJ himself.
Also, the Braves are responsible for putting him in the cleanup spot. If you have a problem with that, blame the Braves for putting him there.
And I’m not “lumping” Kelly Johnson in with Andruw Jones or anyone else. I’m just saying the plain truth is Kelly Johnson been as bad in May so he deserves as much blame as AJ for the offensive struggles in May. Just because he’s a rookie and making what he’s making doesn’t change the fact he’s just as much a cause for the struggles as AJ. That’s like saying Mark Redman wasn’t responsible for any losses because he was making the league minimum. That’s irrelevant to what he did to help or hurt the team.
By ncscoots
May 15, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
The problem is people expect AJ to be in the class of Albert Pujols when he never has been and never will be.
Shaun, only you have broached such a characterization. Only you have taken the discussion into those shoal waters. No…other…poster, in my recollection, has breathed a word about AJ’s current struggles in the same breath as “elite hitter”. The discussion has seldom, if ever, been about his potentialities (how good could he be?), but about his present inability to adjust and lift himself up out of futility (how can he be this bad?).
I could care less if he ever hits .300, tell you the truth, if I were confident that he would get a good swing when he chooses to swing, for a majority of those choices. That would lead to creating more runs more often, and THAT is what he’s “paid to do”, regardless of the distance the ball flies.
By Coach
May 15, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
Andruw hit 41 homeruns with 129 RBI while batting .262 last season. He is currently on pace for roughly 26 homeruns 105 RBI while batting .222 ……time to call Scott Boras and tell him to talk some sense into his client before AJ p** away a big multi-year contract in his walk year.
By N8
May 15, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Hold on tight Lew. Enjoy the ride. LOL!
Grinch
“Your own two eyes can be surprisingly effective at revealing things to you.”
VERY well said. Amen to that. For the sake of not offending a certain somebody, I’ll refrain from making a Ronnie Milsap reference here. Oooops. Too late. :-)
By N8
May 15, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
Nope tkg
Queen’s version goes:
“ding, ding, ding, da-ding, ding”
Where Vanilla Ice’s goes:
“DA-ding, ding, ding, da-ding, ding”
You see it’s got that little extra “thing” at the beginning. Two TOTALLY different songs.
LOL! Vanilla Ice. What an idiot.
By The Grinch
May 15, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
Don’t worry, Scribe; if everyone here weren’t chomping at the bit constanly to trade him, I might realize management is probably almost as smart as I am and wouldn’t think of it. Excellent 12:36, Nate. Off to the gym.
By gotigers72
May 15, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
I apologize profusely for not putting up a spoiler alert, or for even mentioning what happened on The Sopranos. Wasn’t thinking, it was late at night and my gray matter must have been tired.
Just the THOUGHT of Redman pitching at Fenway is ugly. Somebody, maybe DOB, listed his stats when pitching at Fenway and against the Red Sox overall. U-G-L-Y.
I think Zumaya’s injury is the same thing John Thomson had with his middle finger, which is much worse than what Smoltz had. The middle finger is heavily used in pitching, while the pinky is not, except for the circle change. If it was a dislocation, it’ll be very sore for a few days, but he won’t be out 3 months like they say Zumaya will be.
DOB - Sorry you didn’t see the Stones earlier in your concert career. I saw them in Greensboro in the mid 70s, right in their prime. The late, great Billy Preston played with them and Mick put on a helluva show. They played Steet Fightin’ Man, Gimme Shelter, Sympathy For the Devil, a bunch of great songs. I remember it like it was yesterday. Great, great concert.
By ncscoots
May 15, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
nathan, we probably watched the same games, my friend, just don’t know if my perception is quite the same, LOL. But I also know I wouldn’t vociferously disagree with your position, either. But, hey, seven teams lose a playoff series every year. Couldn’t you say the same thing about those teams, too? I guess I’m saying that failure on a big stage isn’t the personal property of the Braves, that’s all.
By Greg in TN
May 15, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
Afternoon folks…
The SS Braves missed the iceberg that would have probably sunk us for the year last night. Thankfully x-rays were negative. Happy Birthday too, Smoltzie.
Just looked back on Bergmann’s stats and more importantly who they came against to put last night into perspective and I think DOB’s blog stats are right on the mark. It’s more impressive when you look and see some of the performances he’s put in already this year.
April 12th at the Ted: 6 IP, 0 ER, 1 hit and 8 K’s against us and got a no decision in what would become a 2-0 Nat win.
April 24th in Philly: 6 IP, 1 ER, 3 hits and 5 K’s, another no decision in what would wind up as an L.
April 29th vs the mets: 7 IP, 1 ER, 2 hits and 6 K’s and he took the L in a 1-0 game.
May 9th in Milwaukee: 6 IP, 1 ER, 2 hits and 2 K’s and he took the L in a 3-1 game.
Not too shabby when you consider the mets, Phils and Brewers are one, two and three in hitting in the NL right now (with the Braves being fourth).
We have the two best things going for us tonight to get off the schneid: Tim Hudson pitching for us and Jerome Williams pitching against us.
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
N8 and Grinch,
My own eyes reveal that the sun may revolve around the earth and the earth may be flat. Screw the math and the science.
I have watched at least half of almost every Braves game this season except maybe four or five. I also, obviously, look at stats.
I don’t need much to tell me Andruw is not hitting the ball hard frequently enough (his AVG and his SLG are lower than normal).
Again, the problem I have is everyone wants to put the teams struggles only on AJ and everyone seems to think AJ can magically become a better hitter just by hitting the ball to rightfield and/or making more contact.
ncscoots,
I’m not arguing that Andruw has been below his normal production (due to his inability to make hard contact more frequently). Again, it’s just annoying that all the blame goes solely to AJ and everyone seems to think AJ can magically become a better hitter just by hitting the ball to rightfield and/or making more contact.
By Efrim
May 15, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
For all you Andruw haters, Just wait until next year when he is off our team. You think Mike Cameron will be a better player? Aaron Rowand? Eric Byrnes? Those are our alternatives to Andruw Jones. Granted they will be more affordable, but not even close to as good as Jones is in the field or at the plate. Andruw is still going to hit 35 bombs this year. You better hope oyur pitching improves this offseason, because our outfield defense and overall offense is going to take a step back. Ask Mets fans who they are afraid of in our lineup. McCann? No. Frenchy? No. It’s Andruw and Chipper. One half will be gone next year and the other half only plays 130 games a year, at most.
By N8
May 15, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Not sure why I bothered looking this up. But I still think it’s funny.
People always say the bass line from Queen’s “Under Pressure” is the exact same line from “Ice Ice Baby.”
Vanilla Ice: “Well, it is. It is the exact same one; that’s why I paid them $4 million. Are you talking about that interview I did like a million years ago that I was like saying, “Mine goes ‘ding ding ding dingy ding dink,’ and theirs goes ‘ding ding ding, ding ding?’” No, dude, that was a joke. That was a laugh and a joke. Yeah, I paid them. I sampled that song straight out. That’s why when you read the credits on “Ice Ice Baby” now it says Freddie Mercury and David Bowie, because they’re on there.”
Good stuff.
By Efrim
May 15, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
AND BY THE WAY….
ANDRUW JONES IS GOING TO THE HALL OF FAME!!!!
By Bill
May 15, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know the status of the Braves sale? The deadline is at midnight. I hope MLB doesn’t approve the sale and Time Warner is forced to sell to an individual.
By Chop This
May 15, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
Take heart, Grinch — it’s not what happens to Christopher in the car crash, but what occurs in the immediate aftermath that is truly surprising and significant. No one’s spolied that yet.
By the way, knock a beer or two off your daily consumption, and suddenly HBO becomes affordable.
By ncscoots
May 15, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
Actually, Shaun, AJ doesn’t become “a better hitter just by hitting the ball to right field”. That’s backwards. He becomes a better hitter by keeping his hands and hips in sync, and waiting on the ball later in the zone. In return, that may CAUSE some of his hits to go to center and left-center (the true indicator for him), and, yes, maybe one occasionally to RF. Other posters may not state it so technically, but I believe that is what many of them mean.
But bail-and-flail gives him zero chance to do anything to hit it to left. End of story.
By 3trees
May 15, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
Under Pressure is a great tune. Not sure who wrote what part, but Queen came up with some amazing hooks (of course Bowie’s no slouch in that regard). That bass line just grabs you. I guess it grabbed IceT too - or his producer. =)
Long season, folks, but we are heading into a pretty rough stretch. It’d be good for the Bravos to take the last 3 from the Nats, but its seems they play us pretty tough. Never underestimate an opponent, if you do, you just gave them a leg up.
Hopefully, no more than one missed start for Smoltz. Let’s go Huddy! Keep it goin’
Go Braves!
By wg
May 15, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Has anybody noticed that Cox is changing his ways a little regarding the running game? He should go back to his old 3 run homer routine. Tried 2 double steals. #1 Chipper hits into a triple play. #2 Chipper gets hurt at 3rd base. Let’s just bag the double steals. How about AJ. Swing and a miss again in a big spot. Why won’t Cox move him out of the 4 hole? The offense just does not click without Chipper in there. What in the world is TP doing on the payroll?
By 3trees
May 15, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
“…grabbed IceT”… (Oops! or Vanilla Ice or whoever it was that had the sampled hit with it! - insert embarassed emoticon here)
By N8
May 15, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
ncscoots
“I guess I’m saying that failure on a big stage isn’t the personal property of the Braves, that’s all”
I know. But DAMN. It sure feels like it sometimes, doesn’t it?
Shaun
“…everyone seems to think AJ can magically become a better hitter just by hitting the ball to rightfield and/or making more contact.”
I don’t expect ANYTHING to happen, much less magically with Andruw this LATE in his career. How’s the old saying go? Can’t teach an old dog, new tricks?
However, a guy with as much talent and raw power that Andruw possesses (and possessed early in his career), I would’ve expected him to try and be a better HITTER over the 11 years he’s been in the big leagues.
As far as the earlier comment on “blaming” AJ for being in the cleanup spot and being the highest paid Brave. Nope I don’t blame AJ for that at all. That is CLEARLY on JS and Bobby. More upset about the cleanup spot than the money. His defense factors into the money, which for the most part has been a pretty good “contract” for the last 6 years.
However, AJ (and Boras) are looking to make a mint this upcoming off-season. THAT is squarely on his shoulders. Don’t say it’s on Boras. Because Andruw sidestepped Boras last time, and could do so ANYTIME he wants again. So as I said, it’s on him.
With his performance this year, he should be ashamed.
As for the Kelly Johnson comment. I agree with you. They ALL have been struggling in May. But to say that Andruw has ONLY been struggling in May is insane.
Kelly has won MANY games with his AB’s this season for us. If not driving in the go ahead runs, by scoring them. It’s the age old argument. Who’s more important? The guy who scores the runs, or the guy who knocks them in? So far KJ has done BOTH. Pretty valuble guy I’d say.
Where Andruw has literally struggled from game 1 this year.
Comparing Mark Redman to KJ. COME ON!
In the grand scheme of things, Redman has been horrible and one shouldn’t deny that. But to put it in perspective, with our payroll restraints, I’ll ask you this. Who’s been more of a disappointment…..Mark Redman for little or know money, or Mike Hampton making the money he’s making and not contributing?
That’s all I’m saying when comparing Andruw and Kelly. One is making 14 million dollars and EXPECTED to lead this team. The other is as close to still being a rookie without actualy qualifying to be one, making the league minimum. KJ would have to literally get NO HITS the rest of the season to be a bigger DISAPPOINTMENT and underachiever than Andruw has been so far.
Throw Langerhans in there as well. My problem with Langerhans was that Bobby kept putting him out there. Not that he was failing. What did we expect from him? EVERYBODY expects Andruw (especially in a walk year), to perform.
So far he hasn’t. PERIOD.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
Bill, sale goes through tomorrow, not today. Deadline’s tomorrow midnight.
Grinch, get Comcast on-demand, dude, then you can watch Sopranos, Entourage, and anything else on HBO whenever you want, 5 episodes consecutive or whatever. And pause during any of them.
I got the setup with the DVR, and you never watch TV again. I’ll never not have a DVR now. It’s incredible, just to set it to tape an entire series, so you don’t have to worry about being there to set it or whatever. And it knows when to start and stop if the show goes long, etc….
James McMurtry’s “Childish Things” followed by Hag’s “Somewhere Between.” Now we’re livin’….
By tkg
May 15, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
N8
That quote from Vanilla Ice is hilarious. I remember arguing the base line thing with people back when Vanilla’s song was so big.
By the way, I hear Vanilla Ice is working with Andrew Ridgeley at the same place these days. Often they have to ask the people that see them the question: “Do you want fries with that?” Where’s another song to sample and George Michael when you need them the most? OK, don’t answer about George Michael. We know where he is … He’s taking care of another security breach at Los Pantalones.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
How ‘bout Maddux last night? Unbelievable. Gotta love that dude. Hope he pitches 3-4 more seasons and passes Clemens…
DBT’s cover of “Like A Rolling Stone” and James Brown’s “Night Train” from Live at the Apollo…. Man, I gotta turn this off or I’ll never get a new blog posted.
By Wayne in Utah
May 15, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
Shaun and all: It is obvious that you are NEVER going to agree with almost everyone else on the blog, including Dave, who I am certain, sees more games and at bats than most of us. So, when we say we believe Andruw is screwed up in his approach at the plate (good technical description, scoots!), we obviously all must be mistaken.
So, while all our woes are not Andruw’s fault, I make a bold statement and say the he (and Redman and Langerhans) are singlehandedly the biggest disappointments of the season so far, and the most responsible for us not having a better record.
Another point: We don’t see any indication that with his current approach that he will come out of it soon. Yes, maybe some pitchers will accidently hit his bat and the ball will go over the fence.
Personally, I hope that he comes to his senses TODAY and takes some advice (Bora$$ are you listening??) from his hitting coach and picks it up from today forward. Maybe it happens. If it doesn’t in a reasonably short period of time, I think we have to drop him in the order. If he still flailes away at the ball after that, maybe BC should sit his stubborned A$$ on the bench for a few days to get his head straight.
One last thought. That silly smile of his is growing weary, the longer his slump continues. Act like you are upset Andruw.
By Wayne in Utah
May 15, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Shaun: Can’t stick around to read your response. I’ll check in later. Only pulled over to send off an email or two.
Later folks……….
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
N8,
All I’m saying is we shouldn’t expect AJ to lead the team offensively. Chipper and McCann are better hitters. If you expect Andruw to be more valuable offensively than Chipper and McCann, you’ve got another thing coming.
Has Andruw underachieved so far? Absolutely. But it’s not like he’s been horrible either. He’s still up there in the top half of all CF in baseball in things that matter to production, namely OBP and SLG.
You are twisting my Kelly Johnson argument to something it wasn’t meant to be.
To clarify—I’m ignoring money and the fact that Johnson is a rookie and all that, and just pointing out the fact that he’s had as much to do with the Braves May struggles as Andruw Jones. I’m not talking about expectations or money or anything else. I’m looking strictly at performance.
By wg
May 15, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
DOB. You’ve got better Comcast service down there than we have up here. My DVR doesn’t pick up when shows run over and if I want a whole season, I have to erase things first to free up enough space. But it is great not having to watch commercials.
Got tiks for Sat. & Sun. in Boston. Hope Smoltz is OK for the Dice K matchup. Rooting for Smoltzie to shut all these ignorant Boston Fans up. And then for Hudson to do the same on Sunday.
What’s up with the scheduling. It would be so much better for them to reverse this with the RS going to Atlanta this week and the Braves up here in July. Baseball in Boston in 55 to 60 degree weather really sucks.
We go every year the Braves come in and 2 years ago it was in Parkas.
The wrong team left Boston.
By Wayne in Utah
May 15, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
DOB With all your musical interests, have you ever caught a Moody Blues concert?? I caught them in Greenville SC about 7 years ago, with the Greenville Symphony backing them up. Awesome sound. Not my normal musical selection, but still quite good. They looked pretty darned old back then!
I have my Yes CD in today. The instrumental part (Rick Wakeman could tickle the keys for sure!)of “Roundabout” is probably my all-time favorite piece.
Catch your comments later……
By TennesseePaul
May 15, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
Assuming AJ is capable of being an elite hitter is like assuming Mark Redman should win the Cy Young.
Absolutely ridiculous. I can’t believe you put AJ in the same sentence as Redman. AJ has infinitly more ability/potential to be great, elite, wonderful, amazing, good or average where as Redman will always and forever blow. No matter how cheap Redman is, he is still over paid. He is the single worst pitcher this team has had in the past quarter centry at least. He’s so sticking bad, he makes Dan Kolb look like a breath of fresh air.
There is not one single stretch of Redmans putrid career that comes close to being Cy Young caliber. AJ on the other hand has had stretches of greatness.
For instance, June 6th, 2005 to August 14th, 2005)
AVG OBP SLG HR RBI K BB
.305 .416 .700 25 60 37 36
It’s stretches like this two+ month long, 270 plate appearance, dominance that make people say he can be an elite hitter. He has these stretches throughout his career. He just fails to be consistant. That is what people complain about. It is most probable that his inconsistancy is a result of his hard headed attitude towards taking advice.
By choppinmama
May 15, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
N8 - nice review of KJ’s current level of performance. Add Willie’s continuing success at the plate and they prompt lots of “attaboy’s” from my armchair. Hard to swallow Andruw’s last at-bat last night, even in the light of today.
Had to listen to MASN’s broadcast last night, but it was good to hear the familiar voice of Don Sutton and listen to his educated pronouncements about the Braves. You could hear the cringe in his voice (!) talking about Smoltzie’s injury.
It looked to me like Porter pulled that pinkie back into place before John left the field - one minute he’s in tremendous pain, the next minute he’s kinda calmly walking off the field.
DOB: someone must have told you he had it taken care of in the dugout ‘cause I know you couldn’t see the details from up in your aerie. Do they issue the pressbox their own pair of binoculars in DC, or do you have to provide them for yourselves?
One more thing - journalistjs - if I don’t have time to read all the blog each day, I scroll through and catch DOB - and you, my digitally-obsessed fellow denizen. I’m waiting on your comment the next time Gonzalez pitches while toeing the faaaaar right side of the rubber - more of a side-of-the-footing of the rubber.
By KC
May 15, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
Lew: “He has exceeded all expectations (except of KC) and is doing an excellent job.”
You’re almost right. Not only has Harris not exceeded my expectations… he’s actually been something of a disappointment. I thought he’d be hitting .700 right now. That lousy bum!
By matt
May 15, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
Shaun- while I agree that it is not SOLEY AJ’s fault here are some things to think about. Kelly Johnson’s job is not just to get hits. His job is to get on base and he’s been doing that by drawing walks. His job is also to have “good at bats” by working a deep count. He’s been doing both of these things despite lacking in hits as of late. Frenchy and McCann and Johnson are all young and have a lot to learn. AJ is on his 11th year in the league and his contract year. He’s currently ranked 37th in OBP, 39th in SLG and he’s not even in the top 50 in AVG.
You don’t seem to care that a hitter can’t hit to all sides of the field. Can you imagine the numbers AJ could put up if he could hit to RF? He might have 60 HR a year while batting over .300!!! The bottom line is his swing has become embarassing this year with him almost throwing himself on the ground after he swings. I can’t remember another player i’ve seen who so obviously, deliberately and over exaggeratedly (not sure that’s a word) swings for the fence everytime!! The worst part is that it’s the same swing no matter where the pitch is!! You’re right about one thing, I don’t place the blame squarely on AJ. I place it on TP for allowing him to develop that swing, Bobbi Cox for not moving him in the lineup, and his agent for making him believe he’s worth almost 20 million dollars a year!!!!
By TennesseePaul
May 15, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
N8: Mike Hampton making the money he’s making and not contributing
I wouldn’t say Hampton hasn’t contributed. From DOB’s reports, it appears Hampton’s ability to land on the DL allowed the Braves to finance a signing bonus and extension for Smoltz. =)
By Lee
May 15, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Wayne In Utah - Maybe the Braves will have as good as season as the Jazz. I have been watching them and that is my choice to win it all. GO BRAVES AND JAZZ
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
Wayne in UT,
The Braves are still 8-5 in May. They were 16-9 in April. April, the offense carried the team and the pitching wasn’t that good. In May the pitching has carried the team and the offense hasn’t been that good.
I agree that Andruw and Langerhans and Redman have been disappointing, but I’m not sure they’ve costs the Braves all that many wins.
I mean some of their underachieving is probably evened out by Kelly Johnson, Jeff Francouer and Tim Hudson performing better than expected. And maybe you can throw Mike Gonzalez into that category. Everyone knew he would be good but he’s been amazing as far as not giving up runs.
Also, it seems everyone is/was expecting Andruw to be the best or second-best hitter on the team. Andruw clearly isn’t anything more than the third-best hitter on the team behind Chipper and McCann; that should have been clear to everyone late last season. I think that’s the major issue here.
By Efrim
May 15, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
DOB,
35 games after this series is over are tough? If we are 27-14 after these 3 against the Nats (highly unlikely), what would you think is reasonable through that stretch?
By joebrave
May 15, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
What K.J. is going through pales in comparison to what A.J is puttingb the team and fans through Everytime he flails and bails!!!!!!
By KC
May 15, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
Lew: Of course you’re right. Harris isn’t going to hit .400, LOL! I never pegged him as anything more than a .265 hitter at best.
That said… maybe he’s better than that after all. He made some adjustments at the plate that TP recommended back in the spring, and he’s playing on a regular basis (for only the 2nd time in his career) in an environment where he seems to be very comfortable (in the NL, and at home in GA)… so who knows? Maybe he’s capable of being a .280-290 hitter after all. I guess we’ll find out.
Sure is fun to watch him play right now. If nothing else, he plays 4 or 5 positions well, and gives the Braves a lightening-fast guy off the bench. He’s a nice addition.
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul,
That was an exaggerated comparison.
My point was that Andruw is never going to be one of the top 5 or so hitters in the league. Nothing in his past performance gives us any indication of that (yet some still seem to think he can become an elite hitter).
Also, two month stretches do not a hitter make. A hitter is never as good as his hottest stretch and never as bad as his coldest stretch.
This is the same old argument we’ve had before. If you’re looking for a hitter to be great all the time, it’s not going to happen.
Also, how in the world do you know AJ doesn’t listen to advice? Do you spend time with him? Do know him?
Andruw is in a power slump and that’s all their is to it.
By KC
May 15, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
N8 and TennPaul:
Yeah… Season ending injuries to Hampton afforded the Braves the ability to collect insurance $, and put someone else on the roster in his place. At least with Hampton, the Braves got 2-1/12 seasons of excellent work, followed by insurance $ in 06 and 07.
If the Braves are got roughly 60% of his salary back last year and this year (we don’t know, but that’s the figure thrown around in the media last year)… that would mean that through the end of this year, Hampton will have cost the Braves 24 million heading into next season.
If you take 24 and divide it by 2.5 (the number of good seasons he gave Atlanta before the Tommy John surgery), you come up with 9.6 million a season. Not an outrageous amount by any measure for a top-of-rotation pitcher, which is what he was for Atlanta before he got hurt.
And remember that the Braves didn’t really give up anything to get him. So, contrary to popular belief, the Hampton deal hasn’t been a tragedy for the Braves. Far from it.
If you want to see a payroll tragedy, talk to the Astros about the situation they were in with Jeff Bagwell until this season. Ask Ranger’s fans about the money they were paying Chan Ho Park for several years. THOSE were tragedies.
By Lew
May 15, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
Shaun-You are now officially at the point of almost total delusion. The team’s struggles? They’re a half game out of first after barely getting beat in a great pitcher’s duel. As far as Andruw and expectations. All we want is his average performance. A .222 BA is NOT an average performance. And yes, making contact and hitting the ball to right is much more likely to produce results than falling on your @$$ and damn near breaking your ankle when you swing wildly and strike out. As far as all of those walks-well, a minimum of contact in several of those situations would have produced runs. Like last night. It’s pretty pitiful when you sit there hoping the team intentionally walks your cleanup hitter to get to McCann, who actually IS a hitter.
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
joebrave,
Except in May.
By TennesseePaul
May 15, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
I suppose I picked up on AJ’s hard headed attitude from the reporting done around the league. Sources like DOB’s articles containing quotes from AJ. Or, even Dayn Perry quoting past great hitters who complained saying things such as, “I’ve told him for years he should do this, but he just didn’t want to.” Maybe these aren’t reliable sources though. I’ll see if I can get some DNA evidence coupled with statistical analysis of voicing paterns and grammatical sentence structuring to make sure they are correct.
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Lew,
I should have said ‘recent offensive struggles’ not ‘team struggles’.
I wouldn’t argue with anything you said, really.
The only area I might differ with you is that all those walks may actually be helping the Braves because it is more likely to get the game into the hands of McCann, who last season overtook Jones as the second-best hitter on the team, with another runner on.
Also, Andruw just needs to make a little more contact and hit the ball harder when he does make contact. I could care less where the ball may go.
By Robert
May 15, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
“When a guy goes from a career habit of taking good swings against bad pitches and missing to suddenly drastically altering his stance at age 29 and taking absurd playground swings at bad pitches”
Might this be a sign of slowed bat speed. Andruw is 30, but his young legs left years ago, his body is not in great shape, and he has taken a physical pounding.
I see a guy whose skills are apt to decline rather precipitously now that he is on the wrong side of 30
By Lew
May 15, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
Well-I suppose we should all mourn the passing of Jerry Falwell. However, he should have been nicer to the Klingons in Lynchburg. I know. I was there (as an observer, that is-not as a Klingon).
By Renegator
May 15, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
I think a big problem with Andruw is that everyone expected him to become one of the better hitters on the team this year because its his walk year. When, in fact, he is actually underpreforming (compared to previous years).
DOB, Who goes down when Wickman comes back today?
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
Choppinmama, I have my own binocs, bring them everywhere. But I didn’t see him get it reset in the dugout _ Smoltz said that’s where it occurred, when someone asked if they did it on the field. He said no, after the got to the dugout. Not that anyone cares (I know I don’t, whether it was dugout or on the field means less than zero to me, but just for the record it came from Smoltz).
Efrim, what are you referrin to about it being “tough” after 35 games? I don’t recall saying anything was tough to evaluate or anything else after 35. Are you sure it was me?
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
http://www.sabernomics.com/sabernomics/index.php/2005/06/the-myth-of-andruw-jones-and-the-other-way/
By Robert
May 15, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
Shaun - Andruw’s adjusted OPS for the ‘07 season is currently 113.
It’s not outright hurting the Braves, but it is nowhere NEAR elite level production - your post about Andruw’s slugging would mislead people who dont at things in CONTEXT into thinking that Andru and his .230 batting average and K-a-game habits was among the most productive hitters in the league
“AJ can magically become a better hitter just by hitting the ball to rightfield and/or making more contact.”
I dont know if hitting the ball to right field would make Andurw a better hitter. But I do know that if Andruw were a better hitter, he’d the ball to right field more
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
I posted an article from 2005 from JC Bradbury about AJ pulling the ball. Here’s one from this season:
http://www.sabernomics.com/sabernomics/index.php/2007/05/dont-worry-about-andruw-jones/
Here’s an excerpt:
The reason Andruw Jones is struggling has nothing to do with him turning outside pitches into weak grounders to the left side. Andruw is striking out more: 23% this year versus 19% last year. Might he be striking out because he’s trying to pull pitches and ends up missing and getting in bad counts? That is possible, but Andruw seems to have improved his plate discipline. He’s walking more—16.55% in 2007 versus 12.25% in 2006—and he’s seeing more pitches–4.1 compared to 3.9. In fact, while Andruw is about 25 points below his career batting average his on-base percentage is about 35 points above his career mean. His isolated power is down, but there is more to the story here. First, his iso-power of .216 isn’t bad—he’s third on the team behind Chipper Jones (.341, wow!) and Kelly Johnson (.222). Second, he’s on a pace to hit nearly 50 doubles, well over his career best of 36 (2000). I expect some of those doubles will turn into home runs will turn into home runs, especially as summer temperatures arrive.
By journalist jimmy smith
May 15, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
hey, choppinmama, thank you very much from jimmy smith. it is good to know that this journalist’s journalism is appreciated - transitions and all. much credit must be given to scribe for jimmy smith’s seamless transitions. and now, another journalist on this blog is ignoring the headline that ran with a photo promoting that journalist’s journalism. the headline: THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT ‘OW’ this is wurlitzer worthy writing. and lastly, this team has experienced injuries to toes, thumbs, pinkies, and to obliques. remember last year when torborg was convinced that hudson had suffered a far-head injury? a farhead is a terrible thing to hurt. and now, transition to memorial day … this journalist is wondering how many watermelons will be consumed on memorial day weekend? and barbecue … a great day for barbecue. this journalist is going to plan the menu at this time. more later.
By gotigers72
May 15, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Renegator- Not DOB here,so excuse me if I’m stepping on any toes, but I would bet the mortgage it’s Kevin Barry that will return to Richmond.
By Robert
May 15, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
“Andruw is in a power slump and that’s all their is to it”
Shaun you should never even consider becoming a hitting coach. The comment above is exactly the way Andruw might be thinking about it
It’s not a power slump. It’s a liflong TECHNIQUE slump that’s being exploited by pitchers wised up to it and possibly exacerbated by declining physical skills
By flange1
May 15, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
ON AJ,
A couple of games back when AJ said he was not a right field hitter and then won a game hitting one to right field, did anyone see the swing he took? It was a normal balanced swing and he did not collapse his ankle and hit the ground with his knee. I thoght that was the starting point of him coming out of his slump. Maybe not!
I am not blaming AJ, but I agree it is time that the BRAVES moved AJ down in the order. Let Frenchy hit 4th, McCann 5th and AJ 6th.
DOB, I am assuming that Barry will go to Richmond when Wick comes back. When is Pena do back?
Thanks!
By N8
May 15, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
OMG. I guess lightning can strike on the other side as well.
Lew, you 2:48 post was DEAD ON.
There. The earth can go back to it’s normal rotation. Since me agreeing with an entire post of yours, has now evened us out.
:-)
By flange1
May 15, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
ESPN just posted an article saying Smoltz will pitch his next turn in Boston against Dice K.
WOW are we lucky or what?
By Jason
May 15, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
DOB…There’s been a lot of talk here and elsewhere about Andruw Jones’ extended slump. It’s disheartening as a fan watching the game to feel as though a potential rally is certainly over when your cleanup hitter steps to the plate. I love watching the guy. His defense is second to none and when he’s on he can really hit the ball a long way…Problem is he’s on half the time and the other half he’s completely lost at the plate. Over the past 10 years in the majors he hasn’t gotten better as a hitter, save for some added power the past few years. I’m surprised he never evolved past the .260 hitter he was as a young player. Am I the only one that thinks the Braves will find better ways to spend his $15M salary next year?
He may have been hurt a bit the past few years, but Chipper is still far and away the best regular on this team. The guy hits .300 with solid power, draws walks and isn’t prone to prolonged slumps. This is the kind of productions I’d hope for from a player making $15 mill…
By rammerjammer
May 15, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Some folks are too obstinate to talk with so I’ll be brief.
Shaun, you’re wrong.
Robert, you’re right.
By May Day
May 15, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
I dont know if hitting the ball to right field would make Andurw a better hitter. But I do know that if Andruw were a better hitter, he’d the ball to right field more
EXACTLY! Robert, when you are not talking about Bobby Cox, you are one pretty darn insightful dude. Actually, when you talk about Bobby, you are usually pretty insightful as well except that you just go overboard with it all.
BUT as for what you said about Andruw, that is the GD truth. I don’t think the idea is to hit the ball to right field on purpose. I think the idea is to be balanced as a hitter. You aim to hit line drives up the middle. You do this by being a balanced hitter. If you are balanced, you can easily take what the pitcher gives you and react better to it.
If the pitch is outside, if you are balanced, you can hit it to right. If the pitch is inside, you can jerk it to left.
People just don’t get that. Fans act all the time as if these guys intentionally go to right or intentionally go to left. SOme hitters might have that ability but most do not. Hitting is such a reactive thing that you just have to try to be balanced and take what the pitcher gives you. You really do not have the time to think in the split second before the ball gets from the pitcher’s hand to the plate - you can only react - the more balanced you are as a hitter, the better you are going to be able to react and adapt to the pitch location to drive the ball to all fields depending upon pitch location.
There are times they intentionally seek to ground out to second to advance a runner from second to third or to fly out to right to advance a hitter a base. But most hitters can not get up there and say I am going to drive a ball to right field even if the pitch is six inches off the plate inside. They can only go up there balanced and react better to pitch locations.
That is Andruw’s problem since the middle of last summer. That herk and jerk Reggie Jackson drop to one knee crap does not give him any balance at all and he is not able to react or adapt to certain pitch locations or pitch speeds like he should.
If hitters could intentionally drive the ball where they want, they would rarely strike out or hit into double plays.
By Shaun
May 15, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
Here’s what JC Bradbury wrote in a 2005 blog piece:
It’s true. Fans were calling for his head and demanding he be benched. “Why is he swinging at that outside slider? He needs to hit the ball ‘the other way’ and stop trying to pull everything.” Lo and behold, here we are in the midst of an Andruw hot-streak and everyone thinks he’s finally responding to their advice. The Braves announcers aren’t helping either.
…
If anything, he’s pulling the ball more this year than he did last year. And when he goes the other way, he’s more likely to make an out than when he doesn’t. He’s yet to have a single hit to right field in Turner Field in 2005. The thing is, AJ hasn’t really made any meaningful adjustments during this year to make him hot or cold. He’s just been experiencing some ups and downs like he does every year. Overall, he’s had more ups than downs, and he’s become a darn good pull hitter.
Sounds familiar doesn’t it?
By MGL
May 15, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
The sky is falling, Willie Harris is in a slump! He is 0 for 4 with a 50% strikeout rate in his last 4 bats.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IS UP, folks
By AdirondackDave
May 15, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
DOB - You’re so right… If Maddux can pitch well for a few more years and leave Clemens in his dust I think there would be a near-universal cheer. This goofy partial-season sweepstakes game he plays every season is really hurting his image. In fact, I think it would be great if the writers held off until the second year to vote him into the HOF.
I still hold out hope (almost certainly futile) that Maddux and Glavine will close out their careers with the Braves. Love the idea and the symmetry though.
By A-ville Ranger
May 15, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
By Marshal Matthew Dillon
May 15, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this
Matt wonders if the great JOURNALIST JIMMY SMITH has transitioned as to informing CHOPPINMAMA that this is a **MANS’” blog, and that it’s no place for a female to hang out, “too much mucous”, such as he did to CAROLINA LADY??????……
By Sam in KY
May 15, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
Attaboy Edgar!
By MATT
May 16, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
May Day- you stated that the average fan believes that when the ball is hit into RF or LF that the batter meant to do this and that you believe that this is not the case. Actually, more times than not that is exactly what they are doing. You are correct, that by being balanced it enables them to do more. If the pitch is outside hitters are taught from a very young age to stay back and drive the ball to RF (letting the ball get deep). Major League hitters are in fact able to do this because they are MAJOR LEAGUE HITTERS! The average fan does not realize how good these guys really are at what they do!! THese guys are the very best in the world at the game of baseball. If you think that a major league hitter doesn’t mean to hit an outside pitch the other way instead of pulling it then you are mistaken!
By vicki
May 20, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
After watching the Braves today, put Andruw on the bench and maybe that will wipe that smile off his face. He needs to want to win like the younger players do, and I feel sitting him on the bench might help his attitude.