AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > May > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGonzalez on DL, Smoltz to start Saturday, and more….
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The perplexing saga of Mike Gonzalez continued today when the Braves put the left-hander on the 15-day DL after he experienced what he said were spasms in his pitching arm following Tuesday night’s game.
The Braves recalled Macay McBride from Richmond to take his roster spot, and now the question will be just how serious Gonzalez’s problem is. Whatever the MRI reveals on Thursday in Atlanta, this is not good, obviously.
But before we delve into that, let me give you the good news: Smoltz is starting Saturday at Boston. He threw a bullpen today and said there were no problems with any of his pitches, just two days after he grotesquely dislocated the pinky finger on his pitching hand while tagging out a Nationals runner.
The man’s a freak, is all I can say. If we all had his powers of recovery, doctors would be broke.
The other good news for the Braves: Chipper is back in the lineup, after a four-game absence. Had his swollen right palm and thumb X-rayed last night (nothing broke) and said he felt a lot better taking early batting practice early this afternoon. So Hoss told Bobby Cox, “I’m in.” And voila, he’s in.
That is, if we play the game, It’s raining pretty steady for the past hour here, and tarp’s on the field, regular outdoor BP cancelled. Too early to tell if we’ll play, but I’d say it’s a good bet we’ll start late if we do.
Now, back to the unusual case of the lefty reliever.
Gonzalez told everyone - manager, pitching coach, trainer, media - during and after Tuesday night’s game that there was no pain in his arm.
He said he was frustrated and “dumbfounded” and had no explanation for why his fastball was a relatively pedestrian 82-83 mph during the eighth inning before he was pulled with two outs after facing three batters and giving up a triple and a long sac fly.
According to Bobby Cox today, Gonzalez then went to “do something with his hair” - after he talked to us, the media - and that’s when he had spasms. At least that’s what Gonzalez told Cox when he went into the manager’s office.
Cox and head trainer Jeff Porter had been concerned by his lack of velocity and the fact he shook off the catcher’s sign for several breaking balls. They visited the mound once after he gave up a leadoff triple, then decided to pull the plug and take him out after the sac fly.
Cox said he was doing it out of concern for the pitcher’s health, and Gonzalez said afterward that, while he was frustrated, he understood and appreciated the gesture by his manager.
Anyway, a day later we learn that much more happened after we left the clubhouse. Now, why would he have no pain, then spasms? No idea. I can’t recall a case like this. But someone mentioned that Steve Avery had little if any pain in his elbow before things went south for him.
But I’m not speculating or comparing the cases, or saying this could be the start of a long struggle for Gonzalez. I have no idea, apparently like everyone else. The Braves are as confused and frustrated by this as Gonzalez is. Well, maybe not quite as frustrated as the pitcher himself, but you get my point.
This guy’s been pitching so well lately, having whittled his ERA to 1.10 before giving up the run last night. He had run off 14 consecutive scoreless appearances, including 10 in a row since his sore elbow three weeks ago that led him to ask for an MRI for “peace of mind.”
That MRI showed no damage other than inflammation, which subsided with a few days of rest and anti-inflammatories. Since returning April 23, he had allowed six hits and two walks with nine strikeouts in 10 scoreless innings before last night.
His velocity had been inching back up into the low 90s, with occasional 94 readings. Not quite the 95-96 mph stuff he had with Pittsburgh last year while converting 24 of 24 save opportunities, but close and getting closer.
Now this. It’s so strange to have a guy lose that much velocity when he’s not been overworked - he hadn’t pitched since Friday - and especially when he says there’s no pain whatsoever.
And Gonzalez was adament about how he wouldn’t like about his elbow or arm, that he wouldn’t pitch with pain and try to be Mr. Macho without telling anyone about a problem. He said he learned that lesson last year, when he missed the final five weeks of the season with elbow tendinitis.
There was concern at the time in Pittsburgh that he might have a ligament tear, but a sophisticated MRI (more advanced than the usual version, this one involved the injection of dye into the joint to reveal even the smallest tears, etc.) showed no damage.
He was examined twice before the offseason, and given a clean bill of health long before the Braves traded Adam Laroche to get Gonzalez in Janauary. Again, I’ll point out that it would have been extremely difficult for a pitch to compile a 1.10 ERA in 17 appearances (before last night) with a bum elbow.
So we’ll see. Won’t know anything more until he’s examined in Atlanta on Thursday and has yet another MRI.
McBride a starter? The Braves have McBride back, and I’m told he’s made significant strides and has been throwing strikes at Richmond. He’s been making starts down there - five of his seven games were starts — and the Braves have continually said it’s only because they wanted him to get more innings than he would as a reliever, more innings on a regular basis to work on his command.
However, he went five innings and about 90 pitches in his last outing at Richmond on Monday. I asked Bobby today about that conspicuously large workload, whether the Braves were still just starting him to get innings and not thinking about making him a starter.
“Not right now, I don’t think,” said Cox, the man who originally brought up the idea with us in spring training.
McBride’s numbers at Richmond: 1-2 with 3.13 ERA in seven games (five starts), eight earned runs in 23 innings, with 26 hits, seven walks and 24 strikeouts.
Alright, I gotta get writing on these stories and more for the paper, including player reaction to the sale if it goes through tonight, which it should, perhaps very soon.
First, some music: This song’s for an ex-wife. At least for me, it is.
“WAITING FOR A SUPERMAN” by Wayne Coyne
I asked you a question
But I didn’t need you to reply
Is it getting heavy?
But then I realize
Is it getting heavy?
Well I thought it was already as heavy as can be
Is it overwhelming
To use a crane to crush a fly?
It’s a good time for Superman
To lift the sun into the sky
Cause it’s getting heavy
Well, I thought it was already as heavy as can be
Tell everybody
Waiting for Superman
That they should try to
Hold on best they can
He hasn’t dropped them, forgot them or anything
It’s just too heavy for Superman to lift
Services »
Comments
By May Day
May 16, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
First? Woo Hoo!
By May Day
May 16, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this
Second?!?!?!
Yee-Haw!
By Steve in DC
May 16, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this
Can’t decide if I wanna bike over to RFK yet…keep us posted on the weather if you can DOB. I know it’s supposed to blow out eventually, but it’s still raining downtown now.
Shame about Gonzo. That certainly sounds like the beginning of longer trouble (knock on wood).
Did anyone else almost want to cheer with Langerhans tossed the ball into left field last night for a hit?
Also, I noticed at the game last night when Andruw batted in the 4th with Hudson on 3rd and KJ on 1st, due to holding the runner at first combined with the shift, you could have driven an aircraft carrier through the right side of the infield.
Thought anyone else might try to poke one through there. Andruw struck out nasty swinging instead.
Here’s to hoping he gets on track.
By gotigers72
May 16, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this
I wonder if anyone has worked with Gonzalez on trying to change his delivery. It just looks like that delivery would put a lot of torque on his elbow. I’ve read some things from scouts and other “experts” that say his delivery is going to cause him a lot of elbow problems unless he changes it.
Glad to hear Chipper’s starting. They need his bat in the lineup. Only if he doesn’t get pitched around when men are on base so that the pitcher can [and would rather] face the feared .223 hitting clean up guy. Who would you rather pitch to? That is for sure a no brainer.
Smoltz vs. DiceK on Saturday huh? Could be a dandy if Smoltz is truly alright. DiceK is 5-1, but I’ve watched him a couple of times when he got lit up. He’s also had some good outings. Wonder if our feared clean up hitter will be aiming at the monster. If DiceK throws him one of those gyroballs, he’s liable to screw himself in the ground trying to hit it.
Forgot this on my concert blog the other night: First concert - Dave Clark Five [Catch Us If You Can], and on the same bill, The McCoys [Hang on Sloopy]. Doubt if anybody on here remembers either one of those, but to a 16 year old that loved music at the height of the British Invasion, it was a blast.
By Shaun
May 16, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
I don’t care what your numbers say. Opposing pitchers pitch around Chipper much more so than Andruw. As a matter of fact, Chipper has been walked intentionally a couple of times so teams could pitch to Andruw. There is absolutely NO question who opposing teams would rather face with the game on the line, and the answer is not Andruw, especially this year.
This is funny. Have any pitchers ever prefered to pitch to Andruw as opposed to Chipper?
As a matter of fact, Andruw has been pitched around more than anyone on the team with RISP—8 more times than Chipper. If pitchers are not throwing strikes, I suppose you people want him to swing at a bad pitch.
This is getting rediculous.
How in the world can you people not see that just because Andruw is not driving in all the RISP he inherits, that he’s hurting the team?
You’d rather him swing at bad pitches and risk striking out or hitting into a double play rather than take a walk. That’s what you people consider unselfish. It’s just rediculous!
By JasonInMaine
May 16, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
According to Weather.com, DC is supposed to have Thunder showers until about 10 tonight…tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful (:
I wonder if they will try and get the game in if it does indeed rain until 10 or so…
By berigan
May 16, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this
Put this on the other thread, just as this one was going up….
Andruw during his best year, 2005….
Batting 4th games 111 b.a. .258
Batting 5th games, 29 B.a. .282
Batting 6th games 10, B.a. .250
Batting 7th games 8, B.a.281
So…when he was doing much better, it was ok to move him around in the lineup , but now, when he is struggling, he has to stay batting 4th?????
By JasonInMaine
May 16, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
There is no question that teams would rather face Andruw than Chipper…no question at all. Chipper has been intentionally walked twice as much as Andruw this year. When people intentionally walk Chipper, who are they saying they rather pitch to?
Why does Andruw have more walks with RISP? I don’t know…maybe it is because the other pitcher is rattled because Chipper is on base. I would day say that if you asked every team that faces the Braves who they would rather face, they would say Andruw. And if you are arguing about this year, well then Big Statistician; you are crazy regardless of how many numbers you throw out there.
Regards,
Jason
By Shaun
May 16, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this
Andruw, as of right now is the last person I want up with RISP.
Another hilarious comment from the previous blog!
Andruw has the highest OBP by far of any Braves with a significant amount of playing time, the third highest SLG, the most homers (along with Chipper) and the third-most hits and the second-most RBI with RISP.
But, no. Some of you would rather see Pete Orr up with RISP than Andruw Jones.
By Ron
May 16, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
This sounds like Mark Wholers incident, when he had no problems with his arm and totally lost control, although Gonzales has not lost control, but has lost velocity. Not sayin Gonzalez is finished, but lets just keep our eyes on this problem, Hell when he gets off the DL, he may throw in the 90’s again the rest of the season, who knows, hope it aint bad!!!
By Savannah Guy
May 16, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
Shaun I see now that we have all marched over to this new DOB blog in an orderly fashion. There was no pushing or shoving. And Shaun…you DID bring your stats books after all. Cool. Are you still defending your brother from Curacao or are you about to win that argument with the wall again?
But seriously, how has Andruw performed in games immediately after a thunderstorm and rain delay? There have to be stats for that somewhere?
By Jared
May 16, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this
If this game is rained out, and assuming they don’t play a double-header tomorrow, would the Braves use Davies or James for Friday’s game against the Red Sox, or will they stick with Lerew/Redman.
Smoltz and Hudson should cool off the Red Sox on Saturday and Sunday.
By ncscoots
May 16, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
jjs, say it ain’t so about Virginia. Oh, man, that just is not right.
However, Milka is a more-than-suitable replacement (though not blonde; let’s hope that isn’t a deal-breaker). A smart Latin beauty who loves to drive very, very fast? Oh, yeah…
By Grahamdawg
May 16, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this
That is the weirdest sh@# about Gonzo. I hope that nothing is seriously wrong. He might be the best pitcher in our bullpen. Well, at least big fat Wick is about to return. Also, glad to see Chip back in the lineup. Thanks for the great info DOB.
By TheSouthernJackAss_journalist
May 16, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this
Shaun and Robert are competing for title of “Biggest Blog Idiot”…
By Savannah Guy
May 16, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this
Bob, journalist when you get outta’ the hot tub, you might want to post a wall-debate intervention poem.
By The Grinch
May 16, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this
Shaun, pitchers have almost always pitched around Chipper to get to Andruw in crucial, game-on-the-line situations; this year is not the beginning. Chipper’s a much better hitter, always has been, always will be and that’a why that happens; the book calls for it. Used to be in the past, Andruw would sometimes make them pay and that was fun to watch (see, “watching” is a key to understanding). This year it’s become a sad joke instead. They don’t even need to go to the “book” anymore to know that in a important situation, you walk a .320 hitter to get to a .220 hitter; you can watch Andruw swing without knowing what his average is and see he isn’t bloody likely to be more clutch than Chipper. Check their lifetime stats, Shaun, and tell me who looks better on paper (and Andruw’s “clutch” stats are skewed because alomost all of them come in a one month tear every season…never consistently). Then, ask anyone who has anything to do with MLB which one they’d rather pitch to with the game on the line. The difference will be even more apparent.
By Grahamdawg
May 16, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this
You guys need to keep the nerdy stat talk to yourselves. Don’t clog the blog. Everyone say a prayer to the higher being you believe in for Gonzo. God bless America and the Braves
By Incognito
May 16, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this
Late Lament (Graeme Edge)
Breathe deep the gathering gloom,
Watch lights fade from every room.
Bedsitter people look back and lament,
Another day’s useless energy spent.
Impassioned lovers wrestle as one,
Lonely man cries for love and has none.
New mother picks up and suckles her son,
Senior citizens wish they were young.
Cold hearted orb that rules the night,
Removes the colours from our sight.
Red is grey and yellow white,
But we decide which is right.
And which is an illusion?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 16, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this
I think it would be wise to remember that statistics reflect trends, not absolutes. Sometimes those trends show potential. What boxscores do not reflect are how outs are made or not made. It is up to the staff to keep track of how a player actually looks and performs.
It would be foolish to say that Andruw does not have the potential to deliver in clutch situation. It is realistic to say that currently and until such time as he realizes he is hurting the team, he is under performing and looks clueless at the plate.
By May Day
May 16, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this
Shaun, the problem may very well be that you are not watching the games. Do you watch the games? Do you?!?!? If you were watching, then you would know what we are talking about. You could not watch that stance, swing, approach, blah, blah, blah and still feel as euphoric as you sound like you do about Druw. You just could not.
You are like the guy who drools when he reads about some rich, blond haired, blue eyed, long legged, big breasted, big butt woman. She sounds a lot better on paper than she really is in person. You completely ignore all of your buddies who tell you what she really is like and that she really ain’t all that because you can only see her measurements and photo on paper.
You gotta remember what my buddies always tell me when I get ga-ga over some superfine chick who ain’t nowhere near as fine as she appears on paper, “No matter how fine the honey….. someone……. somewhere……. is sick and tired of all her sh!t.”
By Shaun
May 16, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this
The Grinch,
Don’t know what your talking about, but okay. Can’t disagree with you that Chipper is a better hitter than Andruw. Don’t remember ever saying he wasn’t. In fact I pointed that out in a previous post.
What I’m saying is pitchers aren’t giving Andruw much to hit with runners in scoring position. He’s drawn more walks than even Chipper with runners in scoring position.
But you people think it would be less selfish or more helpful or both, somehow, for Andruw to swing at some bad pitches and risk striking out even more or hitting into a double play to pad that RBI total as opposed to taking a walk and letting McCann or Francouer hit with even more runners on base.
By David O'Brien
May 16, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
Shaun, you wrote: “You’d rather him swing at bad pitches and risk striking out or hitting into a double play rather than take a walk.”
No, I think they’d rather he not strike out 42 times in 139 at-bats while hitting .223 with one more homer than the leadoff man who missed the 2006 season.
I think that’s what they’d like. Too bad the Braves and their coaching staff aren’t as upbeat and positive about Andruw as you seem to be. Because let me tell you, there’s an awful lot of frustration over his refusal to alter that swing and approach.
By Shaun
May 16, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this
The Grinch,
Something else to consider about teams pitching around Chipper to get to Andruw.
This season Andruw is a tougher out (career high OBP). If they pitch around Chipper, Andruw is more likely to get on than in previous seasons and now they have to face Francouer and McCann with even more runners on.
(But that’s a bad thing to a lot of you who want Andruw to be the one to drive in runs, not Francouer and McCann.)
By Roper
May 16, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this
Anybody up for a moratorium on the topic of Druw? Just a thought from the peanut gallery.
By parks
May 16, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Gil
By jed
May 16, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
shaun, the word is “ridiculous” not “rediculous.” as in, “shaun’s posts about andruw are themselves ‘ridiculous.’” seriously, friend, are you watching the games? andruw’s approach right now is horrendous (ridiculous, actually), and it is hurting the team.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 16, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
On the Mike Gonzalez situation all I can say is Thank you Lord for allowing the Braves to have a bullpen that is good enough to survive the loss of a Wickman or a Gonzales for fifteen days at a stretch.
I pray that the condition is not serious but that is baseball. McBride might actually fare better as a starter than in relief. Time will tell, he is not unhittable but at least he has stopped giving up walks in his recent outings in Richmond.
You cannot play defense against a walk and when you start walking .200 hitters you are asking for trouble. I don’t foresee McBride challenging Wickman for the closer’s role but if he can keep his feet consistent, he can throw strikes.
By Jared
May 16, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
Why is Andruw the cleanup hitter? He’s doing terrible. He’s also going to show no loyalty when he signs with the Texas Rangers this coming offseason, so why does Bobby continue to show him loyalty by batting him in the spot where you’d expect the best hitter to be.
By N8
May 16, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this
Shaun, Shaun, Shaun….
“If pitchers are not throwing strikes, I suppose you people want him to swing at a bad pitch.”
Correct me if I’m wrong, but……ISN’T THAT WHAT HE’S BEEN DOING??
By May Day
May 16, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this
ENOUGH ABOUT ANDRUW!
PUHLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE!
WHEW!
By Shaun
May 16, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
May Day,
I think it’s the other way around. You are watching the games and seeing Andruw strikeout by swinging really hard, etc. but ignoring the things he is doing well.
To you Andruw is the somewhat geeky girl with glasses and the less-than-trendy clothing so you ignore her, while another guy realizes she’s a fox. And she comes to the prom looking hotter than all those big-breasted blondes.
By jed
May 16, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
DOB—there’s only one question braves fans want to know about Liberty buying the braves. what will the effect be on payroll, this season and in the future? when do you think we’ll get an answer to that there pressing question?
By ncscoots
May 16, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
DOB, how much “frustration” re AJ? Muttered grumbles or rampant p%$@ed-off-edness? Pitying looks from teammates or glances with daggers? Gauge it for us, would ya?
Shoot, no need to gauge it for the staff, I’m pretty sure we GOT that drift.
By MEB
May 16, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry but I tried to post this morning and the blog ate it. Busy day around the blog but I wanted to comment on Chipper’s dislike for the interleague setup.
Our Braves vs. Red Sox series is such a big deal that Sports South is picking up the Saturday game with Smoltz vs. Dice-K. What a shame its not getting national coverage at all this weekend.
The Yankees vs. Mets series is such a big deal that FOX and ESPN are picking up the coverage Saturday and Sunday. The Yankees are not even playing .500 baseball and of course they are getting national coverage.
So someone remind me of why we are playing this supposed rivalry series with the Red Sox every year? If the Braves have a natural rivalry with anyone its the Dodgers and not the Red Sox. Chipper was exactly right and the inter-league match-ups need to rotate every year.
By ncscoots
May 16, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this
nathan, you dog, LOL, re your 7:04…some folks cut to the chase, but you cut to the quick! LMAO
By Ron
May 16, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
DOB, got a question for you. You said this referring to Shaun - Too bad the Braves and their coaching staff aren’t as upbeat and positive about Andruw as you seem to be. Because let me tell you, there’s an awful lot of frustration over his refusal to alter that swing and approach. Who is the Manager of the Braves BC or Andruw Jones? This is so much bullsh!t, why dont BC at least move him down in the order, explain this to me as best you can?
By Jared
May 16, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
Andruw is still slumping terribly despite what he did there.
By Shaun
May 16, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
N8,
Yes, I will correct you. That isn’t what he’s been doing. Have you paid attention to his walk total? No. You think a high strikeout rate means you are always chasing bad pitches. You ignore the fact that he’s not making outs as frequently as he has been in the past and he’s been more patient than he has been in the past.
Andruw is swinging and missing at probably some bad pitches but he’s also taking a lot more bad pitches.
I think his high K rate is a result of bad timing, not him swinging at bad pitches.
He’s waiting on a pitch to nail and if he doesn’t get it he’s taking a walk. If he does get it he’s swinging hard in case he hits it, which leads to more strikeouts but also leads to more power.
Once he gets his timing down, he will have a career year. But none of you will notice because all you will see is a high K total, a low batting average and less than 50 homers. You won’t see a lot of outs avoided and a lot of power.
By Efrim
May 16, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
I agree with you man.
All:
WE HAVE MORE PROBLEMS THAN ANDRUW……
Starters 3-5
Mike Gonzalez’s health
Those are bigger issues.
By David O'Brien
May 16, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
Shaun, notice how much better that first-inning, two-RBI single worked than, oh, say a walk or strikeout?
By Alan
May 16, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
Grinch is 100% right about Andruw. He’s as streaky a hitter as ever lived, and Chipper is Mr. Consistency. There’s no question Chipper is much more reliable in the clutch, although AJ has delivered more than his share of game-winning RBIs (especially walk-off HRs) over the years. Problem is, it’s almost always feast or famine - and lately it’s far more of the latter (e.g., Monday night vs. Washington). The Braves really need AJ to warm up - the season’s one-fourth over and he’s hitting .220?! In the cleanup spot?! That’s cause for serious alarm in my book. Every bit as serious as Mike Gonzalez’s injury - maybe more so. Definitely more so now that I think of it. The Braves need the “old” Andruw much more than they need a healthy Gonzo. Having both would be nice, though, wouldn’t it?
By N8
May 16, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this
DOB
Well said in your last response to Shaun. I, for one, appreciate the walks. But correct me if I’m wrong, doesn’t (or didn’t) Barroid get walked and pitched around all the time, all while managing to hit higher than .225?
However, the next line you wrote, has me questioning WHY you question so many people for (OK just a few) for being semi-anti-Bobby (in the case of Robert, take the “semi” off). You said:
“Too bad the Braves and their coaching staff aren’t as upbeat and positive about Andruw as you seem to be. Because let me tell you, there’s an awful lot of frustration over his refusal to alter that swing and approach.”
The way I see it, he has 4 “bosses” in the organization (or higher ranking officers for you people with military experience.
1) Terry Pendleton, his hitting coach.
2) Bobby Cox his manager.
3) JS his GM
4) Liberty Media the BOSS to all his bosses.
If they are so frustrated, why not do something about it? This goes back to my argument I’ve mentioned MANY times on these blogs.
Don’t compound a “bad decision” to pay a guy a lot of money, by continuing to give him a free pass everyday when he shows up. Craig Wilson is another example. So we gave him 2 million dollars to platoon at 1B. SO WHAT! Really? Because JS was wrong in thinking he’d be a good fit, we’re (Bobby) is going to continue trying to put a square peg into a round hole, just because the Braves are paying him a bunch of money?
THAT is why a bunch of businesses go bankrupt every year. Compounding a mistake, by continuing to try and make it work. Admit your mistakes, and move on. What’s the worse that could happen? (GASP) We might end up with a CF and the RH half of our platoon at 1B not hitting a lick. Oooops. I just realized THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE RIGHT NOW. Hmmmmm. Seems elementary, doesn’t it.
I’m not saying “dump” Andruw. I think everbody on this blog remembers me saying repeatedly that he should’ve been traded before he became a 10/5 guy last year. That has never looked like it would’ve been a good idea, than it does right now. (Go ahead….anybody….try and argue that we’re getting our money’s worth out of him and he’s NOT gonna leave after this year). Obviously, without his consent, he isn’t going ANYWHERE.
But he needs to (a) be dropped in the order to AT LEAST the 6th spot, maybe 7th, and (b) if that doesn’t work….give him a week off. Let him SIT and think about it.
By David O'Brien
May 16, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this
Jed, all indications are that payroll will not be reduced, that’s what the players and others have been led to believe, at least. And they hope it’ll be increased, but don’t know if they’ve been given any reason to believe it will be.
Sorry, but anything other than that is pure speculation. New owners will probably shed some light on it after the sale goes through. At least I hope they do.
By Greg in TN
May 16, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this
Evening denizens…
Lots of news on the Braves front today. Some good, some not so good and some that will need to be evaluated over time.
First the good. It’s wonderful news to have Smoltz gunning with us versus Dice-K in Bean town over the weekend. I really like our chances with Smoltzie going on Saturday and Hudson going on Sunday assuming of course that the pinky continues to show improvement.
Tough break for Gonzo and further proof that I believe we have no business dangling anyone from the bullpen as trade bait at any point in time during the 2007 season. I hope this is just a freak thing that can be straightened out.
It’s done folks. Liberty Media now has the deed to the Braves tucked into their side of the Monopoly board. I read Tim Tucker’s story closely and it seems that we have a lot of positive signs from MLB’s approval. First, Liberty has promised to at least keep the franchise’s payroll at the same levels as the last few years (around the $80 million plateau). Secondly, management in Atlanta remains the same (which is something we already knew), however the third thing that I see as encouraging is that the payroll decision appears to be Terry McGuirks to make. He does have to get Liberty’s board to approve at “some level of increase”, however my hopes that some payroll flexibility may indeed come to fruition.
Does this mean that if we need a little extra cash in the middle of the year for a key acquisition that we’ll have it? Don’t know, and honestly, I don’t expect any real information from Liberty or McGuirk about payroll intentions until the off season and I don’t anticipate a dramatic increase in payroll at any point in time that Liberty holds the keys (nor do I think it’s needed anyway), however I see some positives in the news on the sale and will continue to keep an open mind about it unless Liberty proves otherwise. Regardless, I think we’re in better shape today than we were yesterday when TW had the reins.
It’s also nice seeing us bolt out to an early lead at the house that John Riggins built.
By N8
May 16, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
Shaun
You’re missing my point.
I REALLY don’t care about the strikeouts. I’ll “play your game” for the purpose of this post.
An out is an out.
I’m upset that a guy making 14.5 million dollars, who has said he’s gonna invoke his right to veto a trade, who wan’t to make upwards of 20 million dollars after this year, and is ALREADY seriously overpaid, based on 4 of his teamates “numbers” (something you understand), is BATTING in the low .200’s a quarter of the way through the season and literally looks like he is miles away from “figuring” it out.
Strikeout, pop up, groundout (into the shift), warning track fly ball……WHATEVER. If he’s gonna have the approach of doing nothing but trying to hit HR’s, than at the very least, I expect a Dave Kingman, Richie Sexson type of year from him:
.225-.250 BA, 45-55 HR, 120-140 RBI.
NOT his current “pace” of:
.225, 24 HR, 80 RBI
His defense is good, but not THAT GOOD to be paid 14.5 million dollars for those offensive numbers…..and they ARE offensive in every sense of the word.
By Shaun
May 16, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
Ron,
I’m not going to pretend to be as smart as the Braves coaching staff, and I have no idea if they are down on Andruw or optimistic, but I’m confident Andruw will end up with a career year when all is said and done.
He’s avoiding outs better than he ever has and his power is actually fine (I was wrong if I said it isn’t). The problem is he’s not hitting as many singles as he normally does and he’s striking out more.
If you look at doubles and homers, you can see he’s right up there with pretty much the top power guys on the team.
If you prefer a fancy stat, you can look at isolated power, which removes singles from the slugging percentage equation (SLG-AVG). Andruw is third on the team in Isolate Power, which tells us his power is fine. We’ve already established his OBP/out-avoiding is fine. Once he gets his timing down and starts making contact at his normal levels, you are going to see an Andruw you’ve never seen.
By Shaun
May 16, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Notice how Andruw nearly fell on the ground swinging at that pitch and he pulled it. Same approach, different result, but all the sudden that was good.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 16, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
That was a major league play by Oscar on the looper by Schnider…
By chipdip
May 16, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
dead arm…..a bust….mcride sux and always will!!!!!!!!!!!!
By chipdip
May 16, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
dead arm…..a bust….mcride sux and always will!!!!!!!!!!!!
By chipdip
May 16, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
dead arm…..a bust….mcride sux and always will!!!!!!!!!!!!
By N8
May 16, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this
In my last post regarding Andruw being traded last year, I wrote:
“That has never looked like it would’ve been a good idea, than it does right now.”
I meant to write:
That has never more looked like it would’ve been a good idea, than it does right now.
Not sure if that’s the “correct” way to phrase it, but you get the picture.
In other words, RIGHT NOW it looks like trading him last year, would’ve been a GREAT idea. Since everybody (full well knowing he isn’t gonna stay after this year), figured we’d get one more monster year out of him. Ooooops. Our bad.
By The Grinch
May 16, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this
I’m guilty of not heeding my own warning.
Scoots, she is a tasty morsel indeed. Wonder if we could get a tape of her and Danica determining who’s the best driver in a jello wrestling match? I’d buy that for a dollar!
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 16, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
An observation…. I think Zimmerman is a better third baseman than Wright.
Renteria is looking super…
By chipdip
May 16, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
he’s(andruw) gone after this year anyway..so who cares???????? your friggin dellusional if you think he is staying…up the irons…motorhead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By chipdip
May 16, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
he’s(andruw) gone after this year anyway..so who cares???????? your friggin dellusional if you think he is staying…up the irons…motorhead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By chipdip
May 16, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
he’s(andruw) gone after this year anyway..so who cares???????? your friggin dellusional if you think he is staying…up the irons…motorhead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By chipdip
May 16, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this
he’s(andruw) gone after this year anyway..so who cares???????? your friggin dellusional if you think he is staying…up the irons…motorhead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By chipdip
May 16, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
he’s(andruw) gone after this year anyway..so who cares???????? your friggin dellusional if you think he is staying…up the irons…motorhead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By chipdip
May 16, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
he’s(andruw) gone after this year anyway..so who cares???????? your friggin dellusional if you think he is staying…up the irons…motorhead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Dave knockahomer
May 16, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Gonzalez was on DL in 2005; was on DL in 2006 and didn’t come off DL in 2006 until October…..hmmmm! was out this year due to inflammation; now on DL in 2007.
dang, that sure looks like an ominous streak, eh?
tis a shame, but it don’t look good. Let us pray Soriano stays healthy and Wickman doesn’t ‘wick out’ again.
By ncscoots
May 16, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
Grinch, I’m good for a buck-fifty for THAT barn dance. In May Day’s words, I don’t usually go “ga ga” over lovely strangers with whom I’m unlikely to spend quality time, but Milka’s eat up with the mighty-fine, no doubt.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 16, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
Score all you can tonight boys, never know which run will be the winning one. Love Willie C. Harris. Guy can play some ball.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 16, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
Score all you can tonight boys, never know which run will be the winning one. Love Willie C. Harris. Guy can play some ball.
By Dave knockahomer
May 16, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
Smoltzie vs. Dice-K? well, Dice-K is pretty good and his last start was an improvement. Watched him several times this year and he didn’t look worth all that dough at the time. Will be interesting to see how it all works out at the end of the year……. until then….. GO SMOLTZIE…………
and put Andruw in 8th spot……why did they move Willie Harris to 8th? Just because Chipper is back iin the line up? Well, leave it as it was …..only put Andruw in 8th. That is where he belongs until he gets the kinks worked out.
lineup should have been KJ, Harris, Renteria, Chipper, Francouer, McCann, Thorman, Andruw, Kyle…… why penalize a good hitter like Harris? rewarding a stinking Andruw ego? makes no sense……
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 16, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this
Okay, thunder storms moving in, time to shut it down…. Bye all
By May Day
May 16, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
Shaun, maybe you like Druw so much because you see so many similarities between you and Druw. You are both talented guys. Druw is a good ballplayer. You are a good blogger. Druw has the talent to be a great ballplayer. You have the talent to be a great blogger. Druw will never be a great hitter until he becomes more balanced in his swing and approach to hitting. You will never be a great blogger until you become more balanced in the perspectives that formulate your opinions and approach on here. Each one of you is beyond stubborn and hard headed. Neither one of you listens to people who try to help you get more balanced in your respective approaches. But whatever. If you are like me, you probably could care less if you are considered a great blogger so you can stick with being stubborn. But we all do care if Andruw cares enough about becoming a great ballplayer. We expect him to listen so that he can become what he is supposed to become. Ballplayers who come up to the major leagues at the age of 19 and start World Series games at the age of 19 for the defending World Series champion are not supposed to become just another pretty good slugger. They are supposed to be legends. He is supposed to be our Mickey Mantle, our Willie Mays, our Hank Aaron, our Joe Dimaggio. He is the best centerfielder of his generation but that does not say a helluva lot based upon what he could have been. In an era where most of his peers were bulking up and trying to stay in great shape, why was he one of the lazy guys who decided to go from a skinny centerfielder to a fat centerfielder? Laziness. Stubbornness. Hardheaded. As DOB pointed out, do the frustrations of the coaches around him mean anything to you? Whatever.
By Ron
May 16, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this
Andruw sucks really bad right now and should be droped in the order, but his numbers will be real good at the end of the season!!! Do you guys remember 2003 when we had that great offense, because I do, and do yall remember how great Javy Lopez was that year, I sure do, If memory is correct I do believe he had a horrendous April, and did not get on a tear until the first of May or the Middle of May, and the rest is history, so what I am trying to say is I think he will come around, but until then he should be droped in the order, oh yeah that was a contract year for Javy, and I remember 2005 when Furcal struggled horrendously until two weeks prior to the All-Star Break, then he was Fantastic, oh yeah that was also a CONTRACT YEAR!!! You guys see what I am trying to type!!!
By bobo
May 16, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
willie harris again!!! i’m really enjoying this braves team. great mix of young and experienced (mostly young)with lots of enthusiasm). last year was really frustrating, but the really weak spots from last year (bullpen, undisciplined hitting from andruw, giles and frenchy, and too much discipline from langy)all in the past (except for andruw). hard to believe willie harris has bounced around the majors and minors for years without sticking. maybe it’s just a blip but he looks like the real deal. also, hard to believe the change in frenchy this year. looks like his i.q. is way up from last year. hell, even chipper looks like he’s having fun this year. it could still come crashing down, but right now the guys really look good.
By chippewa
May 16, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
Dave…. Love the music reviews….but was wondering…seeing as how you dig hip alternative artists, whaddya think of the awesome new RUSH album snakes and arrows. True impresarios at work. kinda like the RFK grounds crew. why do you listen to the arcade fire? petulance is thy name.
By Efrim
May 16, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
Our two young left handed hitters are struggling big time…….McCann and Johnson that is.
By Phacochoerus
May 16, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
Unbelievable!…
By Efrim
May 16, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
Our two young left handed hitters are struggling big time…….McCann and Johnson that is.
By Wayne in Utah
May 16, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
Shaun: A couple of days ago you said AJ was doing great, but not hitting with enough power. Today you are saying he is doing great, just not hitting enough singles. You need to decide what it is. It sounds like you are just making it up as you go.
Do you not SEE with your own eyes that his swing looks broken?????? You don’t have to evaluate some stats to see that his swing is broken. (I guess Albert Pujols is doing OK to this year, huh??)
Personally, I just think his hitting sucks! (who knows, maybe tonight is his breakout night??)
I will try my very hardest not to ever mention AJ and Shaun in the same blog again, as my head hurts just from reading all the BS that has been spread about AJ being OK.
Shaun, you can be a likable guy, but if I was your momma, I would take you out to the woodshed.
By ncscoots
May 16, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
now, I’m just spitballin’ here, but you think Braves might need a new scouting report on Zimmerman, LOL?
By The Grinch
May 16, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this
Kelley AND the unpire have screwed Kyle so far this inning.
By journalist jimmy smith
May 16, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! waited too long …
By Efrim
May 16, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this
Wow. Davies gives up 6 runs to the Nationals. Amazing. As I said before the Braves have bigger problems than Andruw. Back end of the rotation is still terrible.
By robdawg06
May 16, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this
I think a lot has to do with Andruw’s streakiness as a hitter. He has gone 0 for 40 in the past then 25 for 40 with 12 homeruns. Maybe its just a slump ? I still say its his mechanics that has his swing off. Thorman and W.Harris earning their keep (starting spots) as usual with both hitting well. McCann is in a bad slump too. No reason to keep C.Wilson and P.Orr on the team IMO.
By The Grinch
May 16, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this
Wayne, why? He’d just measure the logs. Poor Davies; he deserved better than this. Hope his psyche doesn’t fall apart again.
By robdawg06
May 16, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
It appears BC is managing tonight like a playoff game… Going too long with the starting pitcher…
By A-ville Ranger
May 16, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
We may be seeing Kelly Johnson’s confidence evaporate.The test is always,how a player reacts when the inevitable cooling off happens.I hope his bobble of the ball after the error isn’t a sign of nerves.Go ahead and tell me I’m being too pessimistic and reading too much into a little rough spot,I hope it is just that.Any-who that was at least a five run error,yuk!!
By ncscoots
May 16, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
True, Kyle got no breaks this inning, but you gotta pitch through the error. Too bad, he was throwing a good game.
By TommyB
May 16, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
This is a job for SHAUN-Man…
Hi folks,
Yeah, it’s been awhile for me. I hope everyone is reasonably well.
OK. I just heard some stat that seems pretty hair-raising. Maybe you did, as well. It was something discussing the number of DL positions this year compared with the subset of PITCHING DL positions, which was over 90%.
Wow.
How (Shaun…? anybody else?) might that compare with the numbers under Leo?
(Roger… Shall I state the obvious?)
Have at it…
TB
By bobo
May 16, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
not good results for davies, but i’ll take this start over most of his this year. he was challenging hitters instead of nibbling like he’s scared they’re going to hit it. location was a little off, but not too far. he has good stuff and i think is our best bet for number 5 at the moment.
By N8
May 16, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
Efrim
What’s worse? The “back end” of the rotation (which I was NEVER dillusional enought to think was in good shape as long as Kyle Davies was part of it), giving up runs to the Nationals. Or our “one of the best offenses in all of baseball” (as claimed by some), getting literally nothing off the Nats in 2 of the first 3 games of this series against a starting staff that has a “collective” ERA of 4.75 and is 13 games under .500???
By Savannah Guy
May 16, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
This game has turned sour on a boot by Kelly. Shyte. Then Kyle couldn’t tough it out. Hope it won’t take the wind out of the teams sails tonight. Just young mistakes…shyte happens. Now we’ll see what the Nat’s pen has…I’ll take ours.
By The Grinch
May 16, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
What, does Acta think King can’t get Woodward out? My 13 year old cousin Jennifer could strike him out, and she’s a cheerleader.
By N8
May 16, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
Forgot to mention, but I’m sure it’s quite obvious that I’m not a Kyle Davies believer. But even I “get” that tiny part of the boxscore that says that Davies gave up ONLY 2 EARNED RUNS out of the 6 that scored.
So while, you would like pitchers that can get out of a jam and “pick up” their fielders when they make errors, it’s been quite obvious that Davies is mostly incapable of getting out of his own jams, much less getting out of ones that his teammates get him into.
2 BB’s and 5 hits when already into the 5th inning is hardly THAT BAD.
Tonight wasn’t Davies’ fault. Give me enough time (and keystrokes) and I’ll find a way to blame it on Andruw.
By Marietta Dawg
May 16, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or is Joe Simpson and his co-host (I think his name is Joe Sciambi) on Fox Sports so much better that Bob Rathburn and Jeff Torborg from last year???? These guys talk baseball and make it easy to watch and listen. They break down the game from fan’s perspective, as well as the hardcore baseball fan’s perspective. Just my two cents!
By MBATL
May 16, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this
Davies pitched pretty well. Only 2 ER, and he threw strikes (47 in 72 pitches). Yeah, he needs to pitch around the mistakes, but maybe that’s still to come, as he gains confidence. Three straight starts where he’s had good control, good stuff.
A-ville Ranger, I do think you’re being pessimistic about KJ. He’s made 3 errors in a quarter of a season; and he’s still putting the bat on the ball - the hits will come. He’s a good baseball player. I doubt his confidence is shaken.
I’ve been away a little - what’s up with L Cormier?
By Buck
May 16, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Someone mentioned going to a Dave Clark Five /Real McCoy concert. Mike Smith with Dave Clark broke his neck in an accident three or four years ago and is a quadraplegic.
By N8
May 16, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
The Grinch
“What, does Acta think King can’t get Woodward out? My 13 year old cousin Jennifer could strike him out, and she’s a cheerleader.”
Is she left handed?
By JJMB
May 16, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
Yeah Marieta Dawg, they make a good team. I’ve always liked Joe. Boog is a good fit.
Now if somehow little Chippy could go back to Chicago……….
By Efrim
May 16, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
N8,
Davies is soft. He always has been.
By N8
May 16, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
One more out “not-avoided” by Andruw.
By BravesDave
May 16, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
Another brilliant at-bat by Andruw Jones. That pitch was never remotely close to the strike zone. I am so sick of watching this guy. In addition, I cannot believe the Braves are about to lose another game to this pathetic Nationals sqaud. When the Braves finish in second place, we are going to look back at these losses to the Nationals as the reason. You cannot be 4-4 against a team that has only 13 wins this season.
By ernesto
May 16, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
Here’s an idea, instead of sending Woodward or Orr up to the plate with a bat, how about a sign advertising a local company? They’ll make an out either way, but with the sign we could generate a little income to sign sme bench help that doesn’t suck.
By keylargo25
May 16, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
Jones strikes out in the 7th with a man on. On strike two the announcer for the Nationals remarks that the pitch was outside and Jones tried to pull it. Strike three was in the dirt and Jones looked pitiful - again.
By eric
May 16, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
I miss Dan Kolb!
By ernesto
May 16, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
Yeah, tonight wasn’t Davies fault EXCEPT you ‘ve got a kid up there pinch hitting who hasn’t been above A ball before and you walk him? CHOKE! That is so soft. Kyle is a maybe 5. He might one day be more, but right now that’s all he is.
By BravesDave
May 16, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
Just another thought…this slump from McCann is killing this offense right now.
By Thomas Maximus
May 16, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
Andruw is really stinking it up this year. Seems like evrytime a hit is needed, swinging strike (yeah, with the ‘ol right knee on the ground kind). All he is doing is costing himself millions after the season bidding starts. Good riddens.
By BravesDave
May 16, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
Nice 8th inning out of McCann, Francoeur, and Thorman. This game is over. Chalk up another loss and now we can focus on hoping to avoid losing 3 out of 4 to the worst team in the National League tomorrow. Great sign with the Red Sox and the Mets up next on the schedule.
By N8
May 16, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
I seem to recall some idiot predicting that we would be LUCKY to split this series with the Nats, coming into it. But more than likely were gonna lose 3 out of 4, since everybody assumed a sweep in our favor was in order.
Oh wait…..that idiot was me.
DAMN am I good. Then again, if I told you there was a good chance of the sun setting in the west you would just tell me I was stating the obvious.
See the similarities?
By ernesto
May 16, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
Someone give Joboo some rum…bats need warming.
By BravesDave
May 16, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
It is amazing that this supposedly ‘impressive lineup’ is getting dominated by the Nationals bullpen. Six pitchers for the Nationals tonight????? And this after knocking out the Nationals starter in the second inning last night???? And the Braves still cannot take advantage of these chumps?????
By N8
May 16, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this
Efrim
“Davies is soft. He always has been.”
Totally agree. I was very impressed with his stones, when he made his ML debut at Fenway, but it’s been painfully obvious since then that he’s, IMO, a AAAA pitcher.
Anybody else out there realize that Sammy “I didn’t play at all last year, so my blood and urine had a couple of years to clean out” Sosa, is batting .269 with 9 HR and 29 RBI???
Oh, btw, his 2007 salary is $500,000.
1-2-3 inning for Wickman is a good sign.
By Ron
May 16, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
Things can change, but for the moment the Braves are aweful against the Nats. I said before the season started that whoever wins the most games against the Nats this season in the East, and that plays real good of course will win the East, still believe that, gotta take care of business against these SH!TTY TEAMS!!! This is SO EMBARRASING!!!!!!!! Davies is a 5th Starter and that is it, we should score more than 4 runs against this team!!! Unfortunately we have two 5th Starters on this team, and that is really sad!!!
By Savannah Guy
May 16, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
Kyle. Sometimes you just have to work through those errors. They are inevitable but when he melts down he really goes. There is hope but he is a multi-year development project that’s going to get traded about ten times. He’s just not hard-wired to fight. Ahh, maybe he’ll surprise us…hope.
Andruw just can’t figure out why those pesky pitchers won’t throw to him like his auto-pitch machine does at home. Well, he’s determined to make them throw one down the middle about 88 mph with no stuff on it. Umm, that’s right…oh, thats right…he got 3 of those last night with risp and flailed. Guess yur gonna miss one of those machine-like balls now and then, eh.
MY ANDRUW PREDICTION HERE AND YOU CAN HOLD ME TO IT: Hate (really) to say it and I swear I don’t wish it…but AJ is going to injure himself with those swings…within the next 2 weeks. He’ll be on the DL. You read it here first, folks.
By TMAX
May 16, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
They done. Another K.
By Jeffro
May 16, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
So much for impressing the new ownership..
By BravesDave
May 16, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
Nice…6 up snd 6 down for Braves hitters in the 8th and 9th. The Braves are 4-2 against the Mets and 4-4 against the Nationals.
By Savannah Guy
May 16, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
Another Braves loss that shouldn’t have been. If we don’t get another dependable starter and move Android Jones to the no. 7 spot we are going to wind up 20 games behind the Muts again.
By Efrim
May 16, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
How do we lose to this awful team?????
GET IT TOGETHER!!!!
By robdawg06
May 16, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
The Braves uncannily snatched defeat from victory. 4-1 and cruising until an ugly 5th inning with poor managing (IMO). Can Salty play CF ?
By JJMB
May 16, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
Would Liberty have the nads to fire Bobby Cox?
By N8
May 16, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
I’ve said it many times, and I’ll say it again.
The staple of the 90’s Braves was that the absolutely took care of business against the “Washington Nationals” of the NL, during their 14 year run. Playing “good” ball against the contenders, usually winning more than they lost against the elite teams. But essentially whipping a$$ on the lesser teams.
That is what division winners do. Division winner/playoff “wanabees” can’t decide if they’re above or below the line that seperates the good from the bad.
Chipper wants to “complain” about the interleague quirks, to some extent he’s justified. But if I were him, and his fellow teammates, I’d worry about winning the games that they play against the minor league team that’s in their division.
YIKES.
By Savannah Guy
May 16, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
Another Braves loss that shouldn’t have been. If we don’t get another dependable starter and move Android Jones to the no. 7 spot we are going to wind up 20 games behind the Muts again.
By eric the elder
May 16, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
I’m not picking on Kelly because he has been great. I do think he could do with a rest, and with Cisco going tomorrow, that might be a good time.
His bat has become really slow, and he is fouling off pitch after pitch to his left. He is also swinging late and missing. I’m not saying any of this because of his disastrous error this evening, but it might be a sign of pressing or getting tired.
And no, I’m not suggesting Woodhead as his replacement. Put Willie at 2nd and Diaz in left - - just one game.
By Ron
May 16, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
We actully got 4 runs off there starter, and he was out of the game after the 4th inning, I think, and then there bullpen came in and there bullpen was like our bullpen, dominant, or did our offense make there bullpen look dominan? OH WAIT I KNOW, OUR OFFENSE MADE THERE BULLPEN LOOK DOMINANT!!!
By Jeffro
May 16, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
Our offense is pitiful this month-we have that one game where we scored 9 against Pittsburgh but we have scored 4 or less 11 times (5-6 in those games) in May. We had 11 games in April that we scored 7 or more.
By ernesto
May 16, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
JJMB - Liberty has no idea who the manager of the Atlanta Braves is.
By Kevin
May 16, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
robdawg, what part was managed poorly if you don’t mind me asking?
By robdawg06
May 16, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
Diaz can hit no doubt. Your scenario makes sense Eric. Harris was a 2B for the White Sox.
By BravesDave
May 16, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
Funny thing is…the Nationals started a reliever tonight due to injuries in their starting staff. So the Braves managed to lose a nine inning game to nine innings of the Nationals bullpen. If this lineup is not hitting on all cylinders, they lose. KJ, McCann, and Andruw struggling puts major holes in the lineup.
By Ron
May 16, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this
This is pathedic for us trying to split tomorrow so that we dont lose 3 of 4 from this gosh aweful team, hope yall feel good about yourselves, Braves!!! That is why teams are not scared, or tensed up against us!!!
By Savannah Guy
May 16, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
No 2 out magic tonight. Braves let adversity (Kelly error)beat thier heads into losing this one. TP needs to start chewing some butt in the dugout. You don’t walk to the plate with your head hug low and expect to get a hit. We got mentally beat tonight. Balls were on the Nats tonight and I don’t mean leather…
By BravesDave
May 16, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
The Mets were probably laughing their @sses off watching this performance during their rain delay.
By Jeffro
May 16, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
Maybe Cox will shake up the lineup tomorrow to get our offense going:
2B Orr SS Woodward 1B Wilson CF A Jones (can’t take him out) C McCann (he’s in a hot streak) LF Diaz RF Franceour (any other option? Will Washington lend us Langerhans for a day?) 3B C Jones (or call up someone from Richmond)
By Savannah Guy
May 16, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
Is it hot in here or is it just me? (trivia…what sitcom did that come from?)
By robdawg06
May 16, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
Davies should have been replaced after the error. A 5th starter like Davies can’t be counted on for but about 4 or 5 innings. Villareal or Yates should have been ready to use.
By robdawg06
May 16, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
mCcann must be injured pretty badly with his hand still. He was hitting the best on the team period until the injury.
By braves gal
May 16, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
My stomach just went south. This is not a way to start the season with a new owner. Loss to Nationals Gonzales on DL McBride joining Davies as a starter.
Ok Liberty Media. Lets show your true colors here will ya.
By Savannah Guy
May 16, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
robdawg06 - who do you think you are second guessing Cox? Do you think you knew more about the Davies young-meltdown situation than Cox did? (I think you did). Once again, BC is a spectator sitting in the dugout.
By Efrim
May 16, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Tomorrow’s lineup:
2B Woodward SS Renteria 3B Jones CF Jones RF Francouer LF Diaz C Saltalamacchia 1B Wilson P James
Get the two struggling guys out of the lineup. Yea….thats right. McCann and Johnson are hurting us right now. Yes I know, Andruw isn’t great either, but we can’t replace him right now and I think Kelly Johnson really needs the day off to get his head straight. McCann has 3 home runs so far…….
I believe his OPS has dipped below 800 as well. How about we start getting on him as well as Druw???
By keylargo25
May 16, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Davies went seven in his win against the Pirates last week.
By Savannah Guy
May 16, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
ok, I screwed up the sitcom trivia question. I admit it. At least I didn’t fall down on one knee when I swung it up there.
Ok, here’s the corrected question (directed to Chop Chick): “Is it hot in here or is it just you?”
By Savannah Guy
May 16, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
Efrim: agree on all except picking on McCann and keeping Android in center. I’d sit him too for a night or two and put Pete Orr out there. He needs a confidence boost to get him going at the plate and he’s got the speed and ability to get the job done. Maybe someone can re-program the ‘droid’ while he’s sitting his growing-fatter-by-the-day a*.
By HP
May 16, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
How can the braves lose to one of the worst team in baseball? This is really frustrating. Bobby Cox should have taken Davies out of the game when he loaded the bases. Does he forget that Davies is a horrible starter in the past. His not any John Smoltz or Tim Hudson that you can keep him in the game. Good outing by Bob Wickman. I just hope that BC don’t overuse Soriano so he would not land on DL like Gonzalez and Wickman did or is on DL. I also think that BC needs to trust his other relievers when game is on the line.
By doc
May 16, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this
didnt hampton have similar and strange symptoms before he blew his arm out including a normal mri? werent they saying he had something wrong with his forearm? it sounds very similar.
By Shaun
May 16, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah,
I was looking at SLG, which is why I thought power was the problem. I looked at Isolated Power (SLG-AVG), which takes away singles from SLG, and see that power is not the problem. He’s third on the team in Isolate Power.
He’s replaced some of his singles with walks, which is okay, but has also replaced some of his singles with strikeouts.
By Jibo
May 16, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this
Good call bobo. I hope A. Jones is gone next year. I can’t stand the stance and ungodly swing and TP should sit him down. To bad we didn’t get 3 or four players for him before it was to late. Lov willy harris, he plays hard than AJ.
By David O'Brien
May 16, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
Doc, no one’s said a word about any forearm problems or discomfort whatsoever with Gonzalez. What are you talking about? Hampton had forearm tightness, repeatedly. Couldn’t get rid of it, and they first thought it was just a muscle strain or something. But the key is, he had pain. Significant pain. Was on the DL with it a couple times that year before it blew.
Gonzalez said he’s had no pain recently before the spasms last night, and the elbow tightness last month.
Not saying he doesn’t have something wrong, because he probably does. But you’ve got nothing to base your comparison to Hampton on. Sorry, but the symptons aren’t even similar.
By gotigers72
May 16, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
eric the elder - I noticed that KJ’s bat is slow also. He is swinging late a LOT recently. You wouldn’t think a major leaguer would be tired after 40 games, but add in Spring Training and the fact that he didn’t play last year, and he very well could be tired and need a couple of days of rest. The only problem there is that his replacement would be Woodward or Orr [.160]. I would agree with whoever said play Willie there, but BC will never do that. With Woodward or Orr at 2nd, that’s like having automatic outs at 8 and 9 in the batting order.
I said a couple of days ago that McCann may need to go on the DL when Pena comes off, and I still believe that. Give him a couple of weeks to let that finger heal. I know he hit a bomb the other night, but he is not hitting the ball with authority like he did last year or before he injured his finger this year.
Good pitchers pitch through errors. Instead Davies walks a guy then gives up a rocket in the gap. I thought he would come around quicker than he has, but it looks like it’s gonna take him a long time to be a successful ML pitcher. Great stuff, but right now is a thrower and not a pitcher. Needs to use his head as much as he uses his arm.
By David O'Brien
May 16, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
JJMB, there are few things of which I can speak with certainty regarding this sale, but one of them is this: Liberty will not fire Bobby Cox. Don’t know if that pleases or disappoints you, but it’s just the way it is.
By joebrave
May 16, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
Tonight “not even worth remarking on”see you guys tomorrow!!!
By joebrave
May 16, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
I will remark on Gonzo before I go,when I was playing High school baseball I pitched,I have noticed on Gonzo’s curve lately he is putting a lot of torque on it rather than letting it come naturally, such torque can cause inflammation in the tendons in the inner elbow joint causing spasm like symptoms,hence you have nothing left but shoulder action on the fast ball,thereby causing the drop in velocity,he will probably get a coryisone injection and rest and he will be fine,I’m no doctor I just know what happened to me,only thing is I didn’t listen and blew my elbow out,If any of you remember little league try to remember the egg on your elbow from learning the curve and how it made your arm feel kind of dead!!!
By Fred Secunda
May 16, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this
Does anybody have an idea as to why Brandon Jones hasn’t played in a game since May 7? Is he hurt?
By bruce
May 17, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
Dave, Seems like Edgar has tremendous range going back for the ball… at times some have spoken less favorably about his range (left-right), but he seems really gifted going back, I guess he gets a great start… any thoughts on comparisons with other SS on going back. He seems pretty good too going toward third base foul territory, but I think that might be overshadowed by Chipper’s range. Thanks, Bruce
By Drummerdad
May 17, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
Don’t know what’s up with Andruw, but man this is one of the smellier streaks i’ve seen out of him. He’ll do well with an American League team where a team can take advantage of defensive prowess and then hide him deep in the order and use a DH to make up for his inconsistency at the plate.
I remember seeing a TV clip 2 years ago where Terry Pendleton told Frenchy to “tell that knucklehead to hit the ball to right field.” I figured that he would have the “eye of the tiger” this year, but so far he’s looking more like the Mary Tyler Moore kitten.
DOB, You mentioned that they are frustrated with him over his refusal to alter his swing, What are the chances that they would move him down in the order??
By gotigers72
May 17, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this
Fred Secunda - Brandon Jones has been playing. He played tonight and went 3 for 5 as a DH. His average is now 286. Go to minorleaguebaseball.com and click on Mississippi Braves and you can look at the box score.
By mr baseball
May 17, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this
If they give out a Chicken Little award for blogs, this one is certainly in contention. Braves lose 2 of 3 to Nationals. OMG. The sky is falling. The sky is falling. Mr. Schuerholz, please do something quick. Get rid of Woodward, Wilson & Orr. Trade them for Carl Crawford or Ryan Freel or Alex Rios.
Beloved manager: Bench KJ & AJ. Put BMc on the DL. Play Thorman every day, even if he waves at lefty breaking balls. Move Willie Harris to leadoff. NOW. Davies to the minors. Call up whoever was the last guy at Richmond to pitch a good game. And if he gets shelled, send him back and call up somebody else. Doesn’t matter who. Just not Redman.
Missed out on the amusing Andruw debate earlier. Glad to see that a lot of you deservedly gave Shaun a hard time about his defense of the soon-to-be-ex-Brave. There’s a reason Andruw has a low batting average but a relatively high OBP. Pitchers with a functioning brain and a modicum of control know he will wave at breaking balls on or near the outside edge. If he swings, he ain’t gonna hit. Well, maybe a weak ground ball. If the pitch is too far off the plate, he’ll take it (and 2 or 3 others) and slowly trot to first (does he move at any other speed from home to first?).
Make a mistake, especially with a fastball, and he just might hit it hard. With 3 guys in front of him in the lineup getting on base at very high rates, AJ has probably had more RBI opportunities than just about any hitter in baseball this season. Occasionally he delivers, particularly after Chipper either gets a hit or is walked ahead of him. He gets so many chances, especially in key situations late in the game, that he is going to come through on occasion, as he did with 3 game-winning hits last week.
However, he is clearly producing BELOW his talent level, and no amount of stat quoting by Shaun, who in his defense probably knows more about baseball than 98 percent of you on here, can change that. On the plus side, he has proven on many occasions that he is capable of all of sudden getting hot and carrying the offense, but watching his atrocious swings, it’s hard to imagine him doing it again.
The Braves are back in 2nd thanks to this blog’s favorite ex-Atlanta pitcher. Wish I had a quarter for every insult tossed in the direction of Mr. Sosa on this blog. I seem to remember him going something like 13-3 with a sub-3.00 ERA two years ago, but there are some conveniently short memories among the Braves’ faithful. Also remember a current Mets lefty lighting it up in a Pittsburgh uniform 3 or 4 years ago before encountering arm problems. Nobody else here apparently did.
Bad news, folks. The Mets are better than just about anyone here thought, and as much as we might hate ‘em (rightfully so), it ain’t going to be easy finishing ahead of them. Fortunately, there’s always the wild card, and given the Braves playoff history as division champions, second place behind the Mets is looking better every day.
The Braves have lost all of one series this year. They might lose a second later today. Not the end of the world. Last time I checked, 24-15 is pretty good.
And to those of you second-guessing BC tonight for not getting Davies out of the game sooner, leave the criticism of the strategically-challenged manager to those who actually understand baseball and can recognize his actual blunders. This one wasn’t one of them. Save the barbs for when he actually deserves it. There will be plenty of opportunities.
Time to call it a night. First tee time at Sugarloaf this morning is 6:50 a.m. Can’t miss Daisuke Maruyama. Wonder if he’s related to the pitcher.
By Fred Secunda
May 17, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this
Thanks gotigers72….for some reason I saw on another website that he hadn’t played since the 7th. Good to hear he’s still raking.
On another note, isn’t Pena eligible to come off the DL tomorrow? Is Salty going to stay so he and McCann can DH in Boston? If so, who gets sent down? Barry? Orr?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 17, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this
Okay, time to get a few things straight. Davis would have been out of the inning were it not for the error by Kelly Johnson. That is why they call them unearned runs.
Having said that, you win as a team and lose as a team. Only thing to do is to get over it and try to win tomorrow night.
Don’t say I did not warn you. The Nationals are not all that bad and they are getting better. They swept a hot Marlin’s club. They have some good pitchers and some bad ones, sound familiar?
Anyway, let’s hope for a split and move on to Boston.
By d
May 17, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this
I know the AJ comments have subdued, but whatever happened to the AJ of 2000? .303 avg, 199 hits, .907 OPS, 24 stolen bases? is that ever going to happen again?
By David O'Brien
May 17, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this
Bruce, yes Edgar’s got great instincts going back like that, never loses the ball or gets twisted up and falls all over his own feet. Hell of a play tonight, and he made it look easy. Very smooth athlete. Doesn’t have as much range as he once had, but I think he’s still a way above average defensive shortstop….
Gotigers, agreed on Davies. Though this game’s on Kelly for the error and four unearned runs, there’s no reason Davies shouldn’t have been able to get out of the inning. Had a few chances and was ahead 1-2 in count to Church before hanging that curveball. Gotta have some resilience, be able to bounce back from one bad play like Kelly made. That shouldn’t open the floodgates, especially against a team as mediocre as the Nats.
By Coach
May 17, 2007 2:02 AM | Link to this
Two walks and an error in the fifth , give any team four outs , two extra baserunners and they are liable to score just as the Nats did. Davies and Johnson lost this game , chalk it up as a learning experience and move on. Jorge freaking Sosa pitched another gem for the Mets , his third quality start in a row , just more evidence that some things in baseball are not on the up and up , if you get my drift.
By Coach
May 17, 2007 2:30 AM | Link to this
O’Brien , did you hear the good news ? Josh Beckett won’t start on friday , we already knew Smoltz was a go for Saturday. The Redsox got rained out yesterday and they have a double header today before friday’s game against the Braves. The odd’s favor Atlanta.
By jed
May 17, 2007 3:14 AM | Link to this
mr baseball—-i was catching up on the posts here and thinking exactly what you were thinking when i ran across your 12:43 am post. lotta ‘chicken little’ posts of late, yes. it’s a long season…disappointing to lose 2 like this to the nats but it happens. gonzales’s elbow is of course troubling, but we’ve got strong arms out there (yates, soriano, and wicky) to step up. gotta say, edgar renteria is one of my favorite players. he’s a model of consistency—on offense and defense. when we lose andruw this off-season, we need to keep renteria. even if escobar’s ready to take over SS…just move renteria to another infield position, and keep him.
By serbok
May 17, 2007 5:57 AM | Link to this
Hey~ guys~ just here again “bloggin to myself” lol “People always are going to say that the standard bearers are Roger Maris and Hank Aaron, and that the record holder is Barry Bonds,” Edwards said. “I just think that Barry, in a very significant way, is going to join the world of O.J. Simpson. It’s like, he’s out there, and he’s running around, but he’s not free. Although Barry will hold the record, he won’t get any applause, and he shouldn’t look for many citations, honorary degrees or endorsements.” I don’t LIKE Barry! but for god’s sake! or whomever your god may be? lmao! c’mon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For a journalist (sic) to quote someone comparing Bonds to a Murderer? That is the most p** poor piece of journalism I have come across in a long time!~~~~ This guy~ Terrence Moore is awful!
By ncscoots
May 17, 2007 6:38 AM | Link to this
I think I’ll have to disagree with the comments re Kyle being “soft”. I bashed him last night for not pitching thorugh the error, and rightly so, I think. But nothing I read in the young man’s comments, concerning this game or any other, leads me to believe that he’s spooked. Rather, that he recognizes the mistakes he makes and learns from them. Improving over the last start is all any pitcher can do, and I think he’s certainly doing that.
Fact is, he was dominating the Nats minus Zimmerman early, and in spite of the perfect storm swirling around him in the 5th, still had Church 1-2 with a chance to end the inning with a lead. I won’t even fault his pitch selection of a curve in that spot (though he did later). The pitch was too good, and Church made him pay. That’s baseball.
But I hardly think that one pitch or even that inning is indicative. And I am pretty sure that the next time an error puts him in a similar hole, the ensuing results will be quite different.
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 17, 2007 6:46 AM | Link to this
The Mets with the best record in the NL….NICE! The Mets in first place….NICER!
By Mets Suck
May 17, 2007 6:54 AM | Link to this
Anyone else notice that Jorge Sosa is now 3-0 for the Mets with a low 2 ERA? I think we gave up on the wrong person. Yeah Kyle Davies has pitched BETTER lately but when he steps on the mound you just never know what you’ll get. I think the he’s a local boy thing swayed our judgment…hopefully it won’t cost us in a year where we desperately need a #3 pitcher.
By TommyP
May 17, 2007 7:01 AM | Link to this
Well, maybe this will end the mindless speculating that some on here have done about trading one of our 3 stud relievers.
Gonzo keeps having health problems, Wickman just returned from the DL and we all know what happened to Soriano, freak as it was. Keep the setup intact as is and get them healthy for the postseason.
I’d be happy with a $5 million payroll increase from new ownership. I don’t need a Yanks or BoSox payroll to keep me happy. Neither does Schuerholz.
I do think this is Andruw’s swan song in Atlanta, though. He’ll price himself out of here which will free up a lot more money next year.
By Me
May 17, 2007 7:13 AM | Link to this
Jorge Sosa is a bum. He will show his true colors, just like he did his 2nd year with the Braves. You people need to stop being so ridiculously fickle and idiotic.
By Reid
May 17, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
One silver lining I do see here is that if Andruw remains stubbornly committed to that unproductive swing and has an awful contract year, it makes it much easier, if we have to, to let him walk and put the payroll to use elsewhere.
By JasonInMaine
May 17, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
The Braves simply have to stop losing to scrub teams. And while I disagree with Shaun in regards to how bad Andruw has been this year, I certainly agree that we have bigger fish to fry. This team absolutely, positively has to find another dependable starter. I don’t know if it will come from within or a trade or a miracle, but it needs to happen.
Regards,
Jason
By flange1
May 17, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this
That was a tough game to lose! I know KJ is down on himself about it, but I think we need to look at the good points:
Davies actually pitched well. His pitches were all down in the zone. He has nice movement on his pitches. He struggled with Zimmerman and made a bad pitch to Church, but he could have won that game. This outing is SO MUCH better than earlier in the year when he was not completing his follow through and leaving everything up in the strike zone.
AJ got 2 RBI.
Thorman continues to hit the ball and look pretty good at the plate.
The bullpen looked good.
WILLIE C. for president!
I know we lost the game to the worst team in the division, but our lineup holes, 2B, 1B, LF and starters 3-5 looked decent. Everyone makes errors and this was KJ’s night.
ON AJ, I agree with Ron’s post from earlier, AJ WILL hurt himself with this corkscrew swing of his. I thought he did it after getting the 2 RBI. At the end of the inning he was down at 2B looking hurt.
It will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow when Pena is ready to come back. If I were Pete Orr, I would be nervous…..
By Lee
May 17, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this
TommyP - you are right we certainly do not need to even think about trading Wickman. Better to have too many relievers instead of not enough.
Last nights game deserves no comment. Better to forget it quickly. Nats obliviously have the Braves number. A 500 record against that pathetic team demonstrates that with no question. Perhaps it is the curse of Don Sutton.
Also see the Mets faithful is back. How predictable is that.
Jorge Sosa was not the answer for the Braves. Remember how he started off with the Braves; some players get rejuvenated when they go to a new team. Sosa seems to fit that mold. He is just repeating it a second time for a different team. Langerhans is a good example also; heck he will be batting 200 before you know it. Anybody think we made a mistake getting rid of him also….Both of them had nowhere to go but up after their latest performances with the Braves.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
NO MORE ANDRUW JONES TALK ON THIS BLOG….PLEASE.
Talk about the pitching and our #3 starter today who has to come up big.
I can’t even believe I am saying that.
IT IS THE FREEKIN NATS MAN.
By bruce
May 17, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
David, thanks for your thoughts on Edgar’s range… and I agree he is way above average. I really like him at bat when runners are on first and third, that hole between first and second just seems to be made for him. I thought Thor had a couple of great plays last night too… thanks, Bruce
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 17, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
Maybe Sosa is 3-0 because of better coaching. Wasn’t Mazzone the pitching coach when he went 13-3? He wasn’t the same picher the next season when Mazzone left. Oh, just a thought about the braves. The homeruns are down over the last 5-7 games and so are the wins. The braves early season success was reliant on the 3 run homer.
By flange1
May 17, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
No Chop,
No Sosa is a flake. I would not count on him!
You are right about the home runs, they are down. KJ, AJ and Bmac are all struggling abit right now. They are all good hitters, that will change.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
Braves smell worse than Skip Caray’s barbeque
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
mr baseball,
Yes, the Andruw talk is getting old.
Obviously, Andruw is not playing up to his standards in some areas but he’s not hurting the team as some think.
True, he’s not driving in a huge percentage of the runners in scoring position when he’s up but he’s driving in a lot. He’s not trying to do a lot with bad pitches in those situations, obviously, because of his high walk total in those situations. He’s just leaving it up to McCann and Francouer, if the pitchers don’t give him something to hit. But some think it is more selfish to swing at bad pitches and risk an out in order to pad the RBI total than to take bad pitches and add an extra runner with Francouer and McCann due up.
…that’s my assessment of the situation. I’m done trying to convince people that walks are actually a good thing, even when your cleanup hitter does it.
By Jack
May 17, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
WHY DO I GET THE FEELING THAT THE WHEELS ARE ABOUT TO RUN OFF???
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
Rick Camp was a poser.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Braves cant even sell out a playoff game. Glenn hubbard must be rolling in his grave.
By Bill
May 17, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
The Braves need help, if they are to stay in the race. What would it take to get Alex Rios & A.J. Burnett from Bluejays. This would be a good trade if it could be pulled off. Bluejays are about out it and they will start unloading players by July.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Andruw Jones needs to learn how to spell his name. It’s A-N-D-R-E-W. Braves smell.
By David O'Brien
May 17, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Someone asked last night about Brandon Jones, why he hasn’t played since May 7. He’s played every day since May 7. Only gone 10-for-42 with one homer in that stretch, but was 3-for-5 last night. Hitting .286 on the year at Double-A Ol’ Miss.
Speaking of Mississippi, OF Matt Esquivel is crushing for them _ only .268, but with a league-high 11 homers and 37 RBIs in 40 games. Damn.
He’s only 24. Big dude, not considered a top prospect, but a ton of raw power. He keeps hitting like that, don’t be surprised to see him. He came over for a couple of games in the past couple spring trainings. Bobby had heard big things about his power, I remember.
He’s hit .324 with three homers, 11 RBIs and eight walks in past 10 games.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
Jack,
With the Braves recent injuries and the Braves and Mets approaching a tough part of the schedule, I believe the Phillies are about to jump back into the race.
By the end of the next week or two, I think things will look like they will for basically the rest of the summer—Braves, Mets and Phillies all within 3-4 games of each other with those three teams battling for two playoff spots. It’s going to be fun!
By geauxbraves2000
May 17, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
NO CHOP ZONE, I wouldn’t get too excited about Sosa shutting down the Cubs, remember Redman also shut them down. The Cubs offense at times can be dominant, but that is not very often. It doesn’t take much to shut down that lineup. But congrats to you on the win and getting back into 1st.
It should be a good race this year, as it has been so far. The Mets are a good team, and are definitely headed for the playoffs, for their offense can carry them all year. But if they want to go far in the playoffs, Mets fans better hope Pedro is back and on the top of his game, Glavine is Glavine and one of their other pitchers pick it up a couple of notches, or the WS will not go through Flushing.
Geaux Braves!!
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
They should move back to Milwaukee.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
Mark Lemke and Bruce Benedict don’t like to tomahawk chop in their spare time wearing their old baby blue v-neck uniforms.
By flange1
May 17, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
Bill,
My guess is that it would take McCann and Frenchy to get AJ and Rios…..
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
Mark Lemke and Bruce Benedict like to tomahawk chop in their spare time wearing their old baby blue v-neck uniforms.
By David O'Brien
May 17, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
Ahh, Ipod shuffle. World’s greatest invention. John Hiatt’s “Perfectly Good Guitar” to Rick James’ “You And I” to James McMurtry’s “Fraulein O.”….
OK, gotta get a cab to RFK. Running late today….
By DJ
May 17, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Heading to Fenway for the weekend series. Hopefully tomorrows game does not get rained out-expecting 2 inches of rain. If they play Lerew might give up more runs then the Falcons give up on defense. Get that bullpen ready.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Bobby Cox Doesnt like Skip Caray’s barbeque either. Although skip does spend 3 hours of every broadcast promoting it. P.S. Dale Murphy is going into the HOF as a Phillie. He hated the baby blue uniforms too. “I hate v-necks”, he said.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
Jack,
I do as well. Mostly because of Mike Gonzalez and that we have 9 straight against the Red Sox, Mets and Phillies(who are 16-9 since there 4-11 start).
Shaun,
Yes. Lets not talk about Andruw.
LETS TALK ABOUT MCCANN, WHO HAS AN OPS LESS THAN ANDRUW!!!!
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
Braves smell like a Georgian Pecan Log.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
Braves smell like a sweaty Ken Oberkfell.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
Braves are worse than Sid Bream’s mustache.
By KC
May 17, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
NO CHOP: Give Sosa a little time. He’ll turn back into a pumpkin. I promise.
By 22oz
May 17, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Although the Braves are not looking so hot against the Nats right now, I’m trying to stay positive about the VERY tough upcoming stretch against the Red Sox, Mets and Phillies. They seem to play better against good teams so far this year, so hopefully they will show us something in this stretch. I am concerned about facing Wakefield and Dice-K, as they’ve never seen Dice-K, and they don’t see knuckleballers ever, especially the young guys.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Braves are so bad that Jim Acker wants to make a comeback to help them out.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
They call it Turn-er Field because you should just Turn around and go home. That’s what Otis Nixon told me.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
Efrim,
Let’s talk about McCann, shall we:
Well, he’s still one of the top 10 hitting catcher in baseball by most measures—9th in AVG, 6th in OBP, 8th in SLG among ML catchers. Plus, he’s been hurt so maybe he’s not even as bad as that.
By JasonInMaine
May 17, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
I am hoping the Braves are no more than 2 games out after the next 3 series. They better win today against the Nots.
By Hunk Erdown
May 17, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Terrence Moore is not my favorite columnist by a long shot. In fact, I seldom even read him anymore. The column he just wrote on “755..” is a very good article and helps me with my feelings on the whole matter.
I had a dream a while back that Barry went to the plate having just hit 754 on the previous at bat. In my dream when Barry gets to the batter’s box, he lays his bat down on the plate, along with his batting helmet, gloves, and arm guards. He looks up at the Stadium Announcer who opens up a note given to him by Barry to read to the crowd: “Dear Fans- I have maintained and stated over and over that I never “knowingly” took steroids in my carreer. Whether anyone believes that or not is really not that important. What is important is the fact that it is eating me up inside that if I hit anymore homeruns,the pureness of this game, which I love so much could be tarnished. I would rather be known as a man that made mistakes but in the end helped to preserve the integrity of the game,than to beat and hold the record which is now held by a man who is heroic, and a true example of character exemplified. I therefore, retire tonight and apologize to everyone… everywhere, who loves this great game.
By Hunter
May 17, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
Zane Smith is summoning the powers of his mullet to come up with these intelligent, well thought, one-liners…or just one-liners.
By Hunk Erdown
May 17, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
I know that won’t happen but if it did, it would go down in history right up there with Lou Gerhig.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
they don’t see knuckleballers ever, especially the young guys.
Is ‘young guys’ referring to guys like Wakefield or the Braves’ hitters?
Just kidding.
Wakefield’s only 40. Still in his prime for a knuckleballer.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
May 17, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
I asked about Matt Esquivel and his recent surge last week, but, naturally, I got no response. Sounds like he’s in the zone right now.
By 1957 Braves Fan
May 17, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
Maybe Andruw should hire someone to throw curveballs and pitches low and away to him.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
Speaking of Wakefield, you’ve got to be a fan of the unique guys. He’s unique not just because of the knuckleball, but because he’s been a starter, a closer, a reliever, a top-of-the-rotation type guy, a back-end-of-the-rotation type guy, an innings eater…you name it.
He’s not going to the Hall of Fame or anything but he’s had one of the most interesting careers ever. And he could probably pitch for another five or six or seven years or more.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
Braves are worse than Mike Hampton’s contract.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
I agree. He is still the NL’s best catcher in my mind. But it would be nice to see him get going here. Much like Johnson, I would really like to see a couple of multi hit games come along. This team has had serious offensive struggles in May. I really think its because Johnson and McCann haven’t done anything.
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 17, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
KC, Excuse me if I don’t have confidence in your predictions. I’ve heard nothing but the worst about Glavine, Perez and Maine. Last year it was the pitching is not good enuf and then the same thing this year. When Sosa (and Perez) was signed all you fans laughed. Well the laughter is harder to hear these days. If nothing else the Mets organization has to be commended for bringing in underacheiving players and correcting their mechanics to make them productive players.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 17, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
And so Zane how does that make you feel???
Dave O’Brien You will discover if you have not already that in DC the only absolute is that the cabs and the buses always have the right of way. Another good reason to take the Metro.
I notice that our Mutts blogger finally showed up after a Mets win. Typical wimp, a real fan would take the good with the bad. We will see if he shows this weekend after the Yankees put some serious whip-a* on them.
Have faith Braves fans, the Braves are still a very young team. They will get better, not worse as the season progresses.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
I’m a little skeptical about Matt Esquivel. 24 is kind of old to be in AA.
And his K/BB ratio is something like 4/1. Not good for a guy hoping to play in the majors. But who knows, maybe he’s found something and make it. Good for him.
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 17, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
It has taken a while, but I have developed a concise yet informative summary of this blog, and can put it into three phrases.
Robert is not a big fan of Bobby Cox.
Shaun likes numbers.
DOB has the best Braves information available, and he brings it with zip and panache. Way to go, DOB.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Andruw Jones is the poor man’s Lonnie Smith.
By Coach
May 17, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
Brayan Pena is coming off the DL , who goes down to the minors , Salty or Pete Orr ?
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Braves fans cheer as if they are in a library.
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 17, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
GIL, I don’t know if you get out much but the Mets took 4 of 6 in 2005 AND 2007. This happened against yankee teams that were much better than the one we’re facing this weekend. You may want to reconsider that Woop A-S-S prediction.
By Fred from CT
May 17, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
This team needs to bounce back and win this afternoon. Good teams would not lose 3 out of 4 against the nats. James needs to step up today. As for jorge Sosa we will see him on tuesday at the Ted.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Efrim,
Offense is struggling, but I think it’s more KJ and (yes) Andruw. McCann has actually been pretty good.
Another problem is the injury/sickness bug—Chris Woodward and Pete Orr are getting too many plate appearances. Where have you gone Wily Aybar?
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 17, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
Meant to say 2005 AND 2006
By journalist jimmy smith
May 17, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
journalist read that hank aaron will have new and expanded (more important) responsibilities with the club now that new owners are in place. hmmm… might we see hank aaron as president of this ballclub? or perhaps as an executive batting instructor dealing exclusively with those who fall down when swinging? or perhaps hank aaron is being offered as a sacrifice to rainbow/push? oh, the humanity! that was not a pure thought. please forgive jimmy smith. since hank’s car dealerships didn’t fare too well, it does not seem hank would be in demand as a ceo or cfo. what can this new assignment be that will be more than senior vice president and assistant to the president? will terry mcguirk be moved over to the broadcast booth? will it become skip, pete, and hank’s barbecue? will the tomahawk be replaced with a hammer? does this involve the krispy kreme franchise rights for turner field? something is afoot and it is not toes. bud selig said we must wait for the announcement from the team. seems like first mention should have come from the team , not from bud selig. was this move predicated in the office of the commissioner? stay tuned for an announcement from the braves on this perplexing matter. what will this new assignment be?
By Lee
May 17, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
*Another problem is the injury/sickness bug—Chris Woodward and Pete Orr are getting too many plate appearances. Where have you gone Wily Aybar? * Shaun How right you are with this statement. When the opposing team sees the names Orr and Woodward in the line-up …………well lets just say the opposing teams pitchers are not too intimidated. Not going to win many games at all with these guys in any starting line-up. As long as the Braves and Mets play tag for first place there is no major concern. The Braves however do not need to fall behind 4 to 5 games. I do not see the Mets going on a long losing streak this year.
By 22oz
May 17, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
Pete Orr will be safe, as the Braves still need 2 backup infielders who can play second, short and third.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
May 17, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
Well, my hometown got shaken up by a small earthquake yesterday, but no major damage has been reported. Only a 3.0 but I’ve never been through one of those before. So in the spirit of the event, a little Uncle Tupelo comes to mind:
Come on do what she did…
Roll me under New Madrid.
Shake my baby and please bring her back.
Cause death won’t even be still…
It caroms over the landfill…
And burys us all in it’s broken back.
By Adam
May 17, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
NO CHOP,
It should be a a$$ whooping, the Mets should kill the Yankees. Yankees are a old team with very little pitching.
By Kentavo
May 17, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
Smoltz and Hudson Then pray for somehtin’
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
McCann has 3 dingers. I’d like to see more power from him. I think he has a .450 Sluggling percentage. That is okay for catchers, but I thought this guy was going to be a perrenial .500 slugger. Maybe he still will be, but the time is now. As I have been saying for weeks, the next 35 games will decide if this team is a world series contender or not. If we win today then we are 26-15. I would sign right now for 20-15 in the next 35. That would make us 46-30. That would be amazing.
By Rosalynn
May 17, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
Ah remembah fondla the wah Hank Aaron handled himself (no, not that wah) when he was chasing the Babe. Hank was a gentleman through and through. I even switched Jimma ovah to Lifeboah soap for awhile since Hank was endoahsing that soap. Unfortunatlah, that soap gave Jimma a rash and he had to discontinuah use of Lifeboah. But Ah am getting off subject heah. Ah am supposed to be talking about the Hammah. Hammahing Hank was about the best baseball playuh Jimma and Ah have evah seen. That boah could hit and field and run (“What Jimma? Oh …) That Hank could hit and field and run bettah than anah of those boahs on the field and Felipe Alou was out theah, too. Jimma once caught a foul ball off the bat of Hammahing Hank and Jimma asked one of the State Patrol boahs to go ovah and have the Hammah sign that ball for Jimma. Well, that Hank Aaron was such a cut-up! He signed that ball, Joe Torrah! That’s right, Joe Torrah! Well, Ah am looking fohwahd to leahning about Hank’s new responsibilatahs with the team. Hank looks like he could still hit some and mahbah Bobba could move Frencha ovah to centah and let Hank plah right field until Andruw can do something with that awful swing of his. Hammahing Hank was quite a ballplayah. If he is made President of the team Jimma will have to get togethah with Hank and give Hank some pointahs.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Skip Caray goes to bed in his bbq stained Braves pajamas.
By ncscoots
May 17, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Re posters who fear Lerew’s performance in Boston, you might want to think about his pitching approach. He relies on a tough sinker, which should stand him in good stead in a park such as Fenway.
He might still get hammered, for all I know, but his tools say he could be successful in that venue.
By JasonInMaine
May 17, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
From an SI article talking about Andruw:
Braves GM John Schuerholz has done well to extend John Smoltz (easily a Hall of Famer in my book) at least a year for $14 million and Brian McCann perhaps for seven years in a contract so ridiculously reasonable (six years and $27.8 million are guaranteed) it had competing agents griping. But Andruw Jones will be gone, assuming he sticks to his plan to test the free-agent waters. There’s no evidence the Braves will pay market value, which has already been established at $126-136 million (at least) by Vernon Wells and Alfonso Soriano.
Jones has said he that he wants to remain in a warm weather, an admission that caused even good friend Tom Glavine to chide him. When the teams met recently, Glavine, who’s been a leader in the players union for years, advised Jones, only half-kiddingly, “You shouldn’t say that. You’ve got to keep New York and Boston in it.”
Thanks for giving such good advice Tommy…
By Braves Fan 79
May 17, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
Shaun: how can u say ud rather see andrew strikeout or hit into a double play than walk?? he only has 2 of the braves best clutch hitters behind him in Mccan and Francour! Ill take andrew on base any way we can get him there. Unless theres 2 outs…then id like to see him swing for the fences….depending on the situation. And as ive been saying all year….the Braves lack of a bench is really going to hurt this team in the long run (as far as trying to keep up with the mets…i think the wildcard is a shure thing). I mean are we really gonna pitchit orr, or woodward in a situation where we really need a hit in a game or in the playoffs?? o God i hope not!! And sadly Wilson isnt much better.
By NationalLeagueEast
May 17, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Gil - Have you been following the Yankees lately? They’re not putting a whip-a* on ANYONE lately. I think the Mets will be just fine. If I were you, I’d worry about the triple-A rotation you guys are throwing at the Red Sox lineup. That’s not meant to be a smart-a** comment, but you guys have GOT to be worried.
By John Adcox
May 17, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Rumors say that Wilson has been/is being released. Any truth to that?
By JasonInMaine
May 17, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
John A,
Where are you hearing that rumor?
Regards,
Jason
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
Braves Fan 79,
You obviously haven’t been here the past couple of days and you didn’t read my post carefully enough. I completely agree. I would rather see AJ walk and leave it up to Francouer and McCann with an extra runner on than swing at a bad pitch, also. But some of our friends don’t agree.
By John Adcox
May 17, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
Jason,
Originally, I heard it from a friend whose company does marketing business with the Braves. Sorry to be vague, but I don’t want to get him in trouble. I’ve now seen the RUMOR on another Braves site.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
Another rumor is that Larry Jones and Steve Avery are square dancing partners.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
Pacuel Perez noticed an unmentionable odor coming from Liberty Media Field.
By JasonInMaine
May 17, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
What Braves’ site is that?
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 17, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
NL East:
AAA rotation? Anthony Lerew is going against somebody in the Boston rotation, but games two and three should be epic. Smoltz vs. Dice-K and Hudson vs. Wakefield. I like our chances, especially allowing Chipper and BMac to share DH roles, and still get both Willie C. Harris and Saltalamacchia ABs (I want to spell Salthy’s name every so often for practice).
BTW, Josh Beckett will miss this Braves series, according to ESPNNEWS (finger issues). Seems like he has this problem every year, doesn’t it?
By NationalLeagueEast
May 17, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
Zane Smith - I’m a Mets fan, but take your little stand-up comedy routine someplace else. Either talk baseball or take a walk.
By Michael in Brooklyn
May 17, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
DOB!
Question on Edgar and his defense. Last night (or this morning, rather), you wrote, Doesn’t have as much range as he once had, but I think he’s still a way above average defensive shortstop.
To my untrained eye, Edgar’s looking a little chunky, and he just doesn’t look like he’s getting to balls that other shortshotps get to. So I looked up some of his defensive stats on ESPN.com. You can look for yourself by clicking here. Edgar is dead last among NL qualifiers in Range Factor and Zone Rating (the NL has only 15 qualifiers because of the Nats shortstop situation). RF and ZR are far from perfect metrics, but they do tell us something. RF is roughly the number of “plays” a player makes per game, and ZR tells us roughly the number of balls in the player’s “zone” that he gets to. These really are crude numbers, but if you look at the trend over the last 5 years, Edgar really has fallen off. His ratings have declined each year since ‘01. As recently as 2003, he lead the NL in Zone Rating. And the RF number tells us that he’s making nearly 1.35 fewer plays per game than the league leader.
It seems to me that this is only a minor concern when he’s hitting .333, but what if he’s not hitting .333? And what about next season?
Just a thought. And BTW, I love this blog, man. It’s part of my daily routine.
By NationalLeagueEast
May 17, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Matthew - My mistake—I thought you had #s 3, 4 and 5 going. No disrespect to Smoltz and Hudson—even Mets fans have to give them their props.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Gene Garber says this team is no match for his squad.
By Braves Fan 79
May 17, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
I wish we woulda kept up that fat black dude we got from the pirates last year…i think he was a quality hitter for a bench player (a homerun threat 2)….i think we somehow let him walk to washington or something thou. Why?? being cheap?? we gave redmens sorry a$$ 1 million…we couldnt afford a good bat off the bench?? wheres julio franco when we need him. Orr , woodward ,wilson…they all suck. Man i pray to God that the final playoff roster includes salty and escobar instead of wilson and woodward!
By David O'Brien
May 17, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: CRAIG WILSON RELEASED.
Salty stays up. Thorman will play most days at 1B, but Salty and Woodward (according to Bobby) will also play some there.
More to come
By geauxbraves2000
May 17, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
From (http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/05/17/0517libertyceo.html) McGuirk[, but I would be surprised [if it doesn’t go up]. The goal is to have a successful franchise, and winning franchises are successful franchises, and there probably is some correlation between payroll and success. Not an absolute correlation, but certainly some correlation. We’ll look to Terry and [Braves general manager] John [Schuerholz] to come in with what they think is needed… . There will probably be a budget outlined, and within that budget Terry will have flexibility to increase payroll.”
That’s good news.
Geaux Braves!!
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
Braves smell like Andres Thomas’ career batting average.
By doc
May 17, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
thanks dave for your response. i was intimating that hampton had a problem that turned out to be his elbow but he complained of forearm tightness not elbow pain before it went, it also was blown out after a scan that was reassuring but may remember wrong. i was then connecting to the forearm spasm that gonzalez had which could be another expression of tightness though more severe. we wait for the answer, unfortunately he has been somewhat damaged goods since last year and it hasnt been clear sailing as he had his issues in spring training. i really hope it isnt anything but just disinclined to be sent down that road. fortunately the stable is a bit more full than it was this time last year.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
Craig Wilson says he couldnt concentrate on the field because Skip Caray wouldnt shut up about his bbq stand.
By Michael in Brooklyn
May 17, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
HOLY MOLEY!
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
Paul Zuvella says this braves team smells so bad he has thrown out his now skin tight v-neck uniform.
By May Day
May 17, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
Amazin’. They got a series coming up this weekend against the Yankees and they are still overly concerned with us. We are flattered.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
DOB,
When will we hear about Gonzo?
Feel bad about Wilson, but the guy wasn’t producing.
Hope Salty plays 1st base well.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
Kyle Davies challenged Rick Mahler to a tomahawk “chop-off”. Winner take all….
By 22oz
May 17, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
Prepare for Salty to be in a platoon role with Thorman at first, and once he appears able to handle the position defensively, Thorman will be traded, or moved to left if Willie comes back to Earth. Releasing Wilson is a bold move for the Braves, they do not like to admit mistakes.
By Coach
May 17, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
Wow , they ate his contract. This is tantamount to Schuerholz all but admitting he made a mistake. I guess Salty is off the trade market , right ?
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Braves souvenir stands will begin selling “Claudell Washington Rules” t-shirts beginning this weekend.
By Lee
May 17, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Great news about Wilson being released and keeping Salty. The Braves show me they are in for the long haul this season with that move.
Zane Smith This one line attempt at comedy is enough to make the late-great Rodney Dangerfield turn over in his grave. Get a Freakin life Dude.
By Don
May 17, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
JS basically threw away over $4 million in salaries this offseason on the 4 stiffs Wilson, Redman, Woodward and Sturtze. I don’t know what he was thinking. I’d rather see kids out of the minors who MIGHT be able to produce instead of veterans who have proven they can’t and who cost more. Is there anybody who wouldn’t rather have Tony Pena here instead of Woodward?
But the money is now a sunk cost, so I applaud JS for acknowledging the Wilson signing was a mistake by releasing him instead of having him waste more ABs. Hopefully he will follow it up by dumping Redman.
By N8
May 17, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
OMG!
I absolutely cannot believe it.
JS is starting to run this team with some urgency. Incredible. Love it!!
Very pleased that Salty is staying. Not so sure about Woodward at 1B. If Salty doesn’t work, why not Diaz at 1B? Or isn’t he even on the radar for “helping out” at 1B?
Congrats Salty. Yet another AA player that makes the jump and stays.
Hey Mets fans, how many guys you got coming up from your system? Oh that’s right, it doesn’t matter, you have the bottomless checkbook. Who needs the minor leauges, right?
By Fred from CT
May 17, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
todays line up diaz LF edgar SS chipper 3B aj CF franceour rf woodward 2B salty C thorman 1B
By Arkansas Hillbilly
May 17, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: CRAIG WILSON RELEASED.
Hope that $2 million salary on John’s lunch plate tastes good. Thorman better buck up, because Woodward…..aw hell nevermind.
By May Day
May 17, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
We all talked about what a great defensive leftfielder Langerhans was but has anyone just looked at the raw data?
IN 114 innings, Langerhans caught 18 balls.
In 112 innings, Willie Harris has caught 29 balls.
In 131 innings, Matt Diaz has caught 29 balls.
Maybe Langerhans was overrated out there. He looked really good to me out there but the raw stats don’t seem to back him up.
Last year, in 706 innings, Langerhans caught 156 balls. BUT in 587 innings, Diaz actually caught more balls than Langerhans did in 130 more innings in left field. In 587 innings, Diaz caught 163 balls. In 706 innings, Langerhans caught only 156 balls.
By MBATL
May 17, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Just speculating: interesting that Wilson got released the day after the sale was approved. Any chance that TW had said “we paid for him, we’re gonna keep him”, while Liberty gave the go-ahead to cut our losses and release him, even though it’s money out the window?
Maybe the two are unrelated - or maybe it suggests a more liberal approach by Liberty.
btw, Woodward starting at 2B today, and Salty at C. Nice to give KJ and McCann a day off - both seem to need it. Thorman gets the start against a lefty (finally!) And, Diaz is batting leadoff.
By Zane Smith
May 17, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
the Braves smell worse than Steve Bedrosian.
By Lee
May 17, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
If Bobby Cox is serious about platooning Woodward at 1st base, he and the Braves don’t deserve to win the division this year. Thorman and Salty both should threaten him.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
According to BaseballReference.com, the Yankees have destroyed non-power pitchers (pitchers that strike out or walk more than 28% of batters faced) this season. Could be ugly for John Maine and especially Tom Glavine this weekend. We’ll see if the Yankees can prevent enough runs to win.
By Rivers
May 17, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
zane smith, you look like you just got finished eating a fire cracker sandwich…by the way cut your mullett.
By 22oz
May 17, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
So when Pena comes back, does he catch on McCann’s days off? Or does Salty? I can’t imagine Pena staying on the roster if he doesn’t get to catch every 5th day.
By raindawg722
May 17, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
The sad thing was that everbody tried to put Sloopy down … so I was like, c’mon Sloopy … c’mon, c’mon!
By N8
May 17, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
22oz
“Releasing Wilson is a bold move for the Braves, they do not like to admit mistakes.”
Agreed. And like I said the other day, no need to compound a mistake, by continuing to try and get something in return from said mistake.
I feel bad for Wilson. Seems like a cool dude. But it had to be done. Business is business. He wasn’t cuttin’ the mustard as they say.
I would suspect that Salty will get in the neigborhood of 2 starts per week. One behind the plate spelling McCann, and another platooning with Thorman.
DOB
What does this mean for Pena? Would Bobby REALLY “waste” a roster spot on a 3rd catcher? Could a trade be in the works? Just curious.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
MBATL,
Probably just has to do with Pena coming back and Wilson’s .172 AVG/.304 OBP/.259 SLG.
By JasonInMaine
May 17, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Holy Cow, how is Woodward batting 6th in any lineup, let alone for the NL East leading Bravos?
By 22oz
May 17, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
I had no idea that Zane Smith had OCD. Learn something new everydy.
By The Grinch
May 17, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Good news about payroll (though it may be a BS PR ploy to say that on the first day with no real intention to do so), good news on Wilson. Now, if we could just bring ANYONE up from the minors to replace Woodward, we could take another step forward. His playing ability is almost as sad as Zane Smith’s jokes.
By tvsportscaster
May 17, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Lee don’t worry about Woodward platooning at 1st with Thorman, Salty is learning how to play 1st and he will be there after a couple of weeks.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
22oz and N8,
Does anyone like to admit mistakes in judgment?
I don’t know if it’s a bold move to release Craig Wilson. He’s hit worse than Raul Mondesi at the time of his release in ‘05. You take some chances and sometimes it doesn’t work out (see Mondesi and Dan Kolb).
By N8
May 17, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
“…zane smith, you look like you just got finished eating a fire cracker sandwich…”
While rude and a little harsh, that line darn near made me spit beef jerky out my nose.
I’ve always thought it was a toss up between Zane Smith and Willie McGee for the “toughest to look at” MLB players. Both good ball players in their day, but not so much in the “looker” category.
By David O'Brien
May 17, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
N8, Pena was activated today, but don’t know if he’ll be around beyond today. They’ll probably need an extra pitcher for the weekend at Boston, given Smoltz’s situation and how poorly Lerew pitched last time out, etc. But for today, Pena’s here and active.
I’d imagine he’ll return to Richmond soon, with Salty probably staying as the backup catcher and also getting some time at 1B, though Thorman will get the bulk of the 1B duties.
here’s the story I just filed, the brief version of longer story to come:
By DAVID O’BRIEN dobrien@ajc.com
Washington _ First baseman Craig Wilson was released this morning by the Braves, who decided they couldn�t wait any longer for the slumping veteran to come around.
Manager Bobby Cox said rookie first baseman Scott Thorman will get the bulk of the playing time, but top catching prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia and utility man Chris Woodward would also play some at first base.
Thorman, hitting .271 with five homers and 21 RBIs, had been playing in a platoon arrangement with Wilson, a right-handed hitter. Wilson hit .172 with one home run, two RBIs and 25 strikeouts in 58 at-bats, including 1-for-14 with seven strikeouts with runners in scoring position.
The Braves signed Wilson, 30, to a $2 million free-agent contract in January. They are responsible for his entire salary.
Cox summoned Wilson to the manager�s room at Ritz-Carlton at 7:15 a.m. today and told him he�d been released. He wanted to make sure he got him before Wilson, an early riser, left for RFK Stadium.
Backup catcher Brayan Pena was activated from the 15-day disabled list, where he had been recovering from post-concussion symptoms. He might not be with the team for long, though, since the Braves might activate Mark Redman from the DL to give them an extra pitcher this weekend in Boston.
They’d want the extra arm because Friday starter Anthony Lerew has only made two starts and pitched poorly in his most recent one, and Saturday starter John Smoltz dislocated the pinky finger on his pitching hand in his last start Monday.
The Braves could keep Saltalamacchia as their backup catcher.
By Lew
May 17, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
The Braves are sold. The next day Wilson is released and the word goes out that Terry McGuirk has the ability to raise payroll. Life is looking up all of a sudden. Even a $10 mil influx can make all the difference in the world. I see more pitching in our future. We can now trade some talent and afford to pay for someone good that we could get in return. Looks like we may just keep Salty and move his postion. VERY smart move. Neck and neck with the Mets after 40 games and flexability. I love it.
By Bubba Lou
May 17, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Holy Mackerel!!!
That is good news. Now if Cox will just drop Andruw to 6th or 7th, we’ll be in bizness
By MBATL
May 17, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
22oz, I read today that the Yankees are looking to upgrade their backup catching. Wonder what we might pry away from them for Pena?
It really makes sense. If we need a third catcher, we’ve got a few guys - Corky Miller, Clint Sammons, Iker Franco - who could fill in without hurting us too bad defensively.
Pena might just get us a nice prospect via trade.
By David-ATL14
May 17, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
Pena will stay, have to have 3 catchers if Bobby plans on playing Salty at 1b on occassion and also using him as a pinch hitter.
Kudos to JS, for improving the bench.
Not a thing wrong with keeping Salty and Pena.I also think Pena could play the corner infield spots in a pinch.
By bball
May 17, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
May Day,
I don’t think you can make comparisons like that unless you include the total number of balls hit to their position.
Maybe that just means the opposing teams knew Langerhans would catch the ball and tried not to hit the ball there while he was in that position.
By eric the elder
May 17, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
My nightmare has been that BC and JS, closing in on retirement, would give away the farm in order to make something happen NOW.
We can’t know right now, but my feeling is that this guy Salty might become a superstar. I don’t care about this year, or even next year. We have the makings of a young, dominating team for the future. The thought of giving away Salty for some pitcher who could be a bust (see Mike Hampton) makes my blood run cold.
Let’s hope that BC and JS don’t try to jury rig something for this year at the expense of the future.
By David-ATL14
May 17, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
I very rarely disagree with DOB, but no way in hell do the Braves add a 13th pitcher over the weekend. Not in an AL park where the DH will be used.
Lerew,Smoltz,Hudson as starters along with Wickman,Soriano,Yates,Moylan,McBride,Paronto,and Villarreal available out of the pen. If lerew bombs tommorrow night, and IMO he WON’T, then he can be sent down Saturday and a pitcher added then.
I’ll reiterate if Salty is going to be used as a 1b and pinch-hitter then a third catcher will be carried.
By Braves20
May 17, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
Happily, my final post of these statistics for our first base tandem - combined BA of .234 with 36 hits and 41 strikeouts. We’ve gotten rid of this year’s Mondesi and soon a honest to goodness athlete with replace the statue we have left at first base.
By MGL
May 17, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
May Day - That is a pretty meaningless set of stats. What we need to know is “catch avoidance” stat, right Shaun?
By Statnerd
May 17, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
What if woogey boogey over/under slappin’ % of the um gawa numbers walkem’ 40 points lower than higher dip shyt kills the # of %%%% at 5 if better but no worse than gooder could be then proved it improved? thoughts?
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
bball,
Good point.
May Day,
112-131 innings is not a huge sample to work with. I wouldn’t draw too many conclusions about LF defense from that amount of innings.
By bravefansince54
May 17, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
Yes Ingnito, this Braves fan since 1954 recognizes Graeme Edge’ Incognito to be his contribution (as a member of the Moody Blues)to their album “On the Threshhold of a Dream”.
On the subject of baseball- Andrew should not be our clean-up hitter, plain and simple; he is a rally killer!
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 17, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
My Monday morning they may not be so neck and neck LEWIE. The mighty Nats are playing you guys tuff and Boston is waiting for you.
By JasonInMaine
May 17, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
Salty is going to hit his first HR today!
By David O'Brien
May 17, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
Diaz leading off today, Woodward at second base batting sixth, Salty catching.
Bobby said he’d been “trying to get Kelly a day off for a week,” implying it was nothing to do with his costly error Wednesday.
Said McCann would likely catch all three games at Fenway, barring a doubleheader (it’s 80 percent chance of rain tomorrow)
By journalist jimmy smith
May 17, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
keep pena, drop woodward. pena is a better hitter and can play other positions. pete orr can play any position as badly as woodward and pete orr is a faster “p” player. already hank aaron is making a difference for this team. good work, hammer. now, music … what music will play when woodward approaches the box in the six hole? and if salty is moved to first won’t this be contrary to all we have read here for months? and whither the new starter? could it be andruw that will be traded for a starter? oh, the humanity! this team become fearsome with a few more moves. and gonzales … sore elbow spasms could be from applying pomade. no pomade for gonzales for at least 15 days. who has seen gonzales hatless? betcha gonzales is using lots of pomade - makes the ball dive to the ground.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
Let’s hope that BC and JS don’t try to jury rig something for this year at the expense of the future.
I doubt that’s going to happen. Schuerholz hasn’t just given away too many top prospects, especially for a pitcher like Mike Hampton.
If they do trade Saltalamacchia, they will get some talent in return.
David-ATL14,
The fact that the Braves are playing against an AL team like Boston in that ballpark is even more a reason to add another pitcher.
The DH usually means less position players needed and more pitchers. Less pinch-hitting, and probably more pitches required which would mean more pitchers would be a good idea.
By 22oz
May 17, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
I thought the Yankees had Todd Pratt in Spring Training. He must have refused to go to AAA.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
On the subject of baseball- Andrew should not be our clean-up hitter, plain and simple; he is a rally killer!
Rally killer? I don’t think a .356 OBP is as much of a rally killer as some other guys on the team. Actually McCann and Francouer have more of a chance to kill a rally if you believe outs kill rallies.
By JasonInMaine
May 17, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
Doh…
That promising inning ended in a hurry…
By FLBRAVESFAN
May 17, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Does that dude ever put down the book and WATCH a game? There are committees organizing to help AJ pack in the off season.
By ncscoots
May 17, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
good news, bad news, I guess. The good news, that JS was willing to eat Wilson’s cash. The bad news, that Salty will be getting 8 AB a week in Atlanta instead of 25 a week in Pearl. I think the kid can be a star, too, but inactivity on the ML bench is no sub for playing every day. He needs AB’s more than he needs the extra meal money.
And before I start getting rained on by posters with their shorts in a wad, I’ll say that I’d very much like to be totally, completely wrong in this.
By Lee
May 17, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
Hopefully George will give the Yankees one of his inspiration speeches before the series and threaten to fire half the team if they lose to the Mets. Can’t believe I will actually be pulling for the Yankees in a series.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
MGL,
Zone rating is not bad. Just sample size.
And I suppose you don’t think “avoiding outs” is important, which is why you want to make fun of it.
Guess what—teams that score the most runs, “avoid outs” at the highest rate.
Maybe some day you’ll pay attention to that.
By beachcomber
May 17, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
ncs - Good points on Salty. Perhaps, being optimistic, he will force his way into the line-up and get more than those eight swings a week.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
Does that dude ever put down the book and WATCH a game? There are committees organizing to help AJ pack in the off season.
I’m guessing this is a shot at me.
What does watching a game have to do with AJ leaving?
By eric the elder
May 17, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
ncscoots, if it’s any comfort to you, I for one agree with you. More importantly, I think Bobby agrees with you. Therefore, I think Salty will get many more than 8 ABs per week.
By journalist jimmy smith
May 17, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
scoots, much like virginia madsen, things can change in a hurry. when virginia madsen discovered the joys of butter pecan ice cream she became a changed woman. now that salty has discovered the joys of the major leagues salty will likely become a force with which to be reckoned. besides, if salty can produce enough to take away a position from someone already here, why not let salty do that and improve this team? and can escobar be far behind?
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
ncscoots,
I think Salty may just be up through interleague play. They probably feel a McCann-Salty DH-C combo is the way to go. They’ll then send Salty down later to get him the playing time he needs. Just my guess.
By David O'Brien
May 17, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Shaun, please explain to me how Francoeur is more a rally killer, or “should be” more a rally killer, than Andruw (that’s what you said, right?)
With runners in scoring position and two outs, Andruw is 6-for-24 with four extra-base hits, 11 RBIs, nine walks and EIGHT strikeouts.
In those same situations, Francoeur is 11-for-26 with six extra-base hits, 20 RBIs, six walks and TWO strikeouts.
By ncscoots
May 17, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
eric, more ABs from where?? He might as well put his left-handed swing on the shelf, for all the chances he’ll get to use it. Thorman’s offense is solid, and McCann isn’t gonna sit any more games than he would have in Salty’s abscence. Whither the ABs?
By TennesseePaul
May 17, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
Finally! I am more than pleased to see Wilson is gone. Bowman was actually onto something.
By MGL
May 17, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
What’s your problem Shaun? Head stuck in the stats so much you cannot take a joke?
By May Day
May 17, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
When it comes to Shaun, in the words of Crash Davis, “Hopeless. Utterly freaking hopeless.”
By eric the elder
May 17, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
In a post last weekend, I predicted that Bergmann and Chico would beat us in games 1 and 4, but we would win games 2 and 3. I was wrong about game 3, and I hope I’m wrong about today. We sure let Chico off the hook in the 1st inning, though.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
THIS OFFENSE BETTER WAKE UP!!!!
By ncscoots
May 17, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
jjs, heck yeah, the kid hits .400 for a month, you bet, kick SOMEBODY to the curb. But this isn’t man-among-boys time anymore, and I fear the expectations of both fans and the player himself may be overreaching. Heck, maybe I’m just trying to manage my OWN expectations, comes to that.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
Braves are going to have to play a double header on Saturday, so are the Mets and Yankees. Its going to rain all tomorrow night…..
By May Day
May 17, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Selective Shaun, why are you so selective about when you decide to use small sample size arguments? You can’t have it both ways, my man.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Quite simple.
Andruw has made an out in 64.4 percent of his plate appearances so far.
Francouer has made an out in 65.3 percent of his plate apperances.
With runners in scoring position, Francouer still is more likely to make an out this season.
With runners on, Andruw is more likely to make an out this season.
If you believe outs kill rallies, Francouer is more likely to kill a rally. If you don’t believe outs kill rallies, and it’s something else, I guess you may not believe Francouer is more of a rally killer.
If outs don’t kill rallies, what does?
By David-ATL14
May 17, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
Shaun wrong again, if your theory was true ,then all AL teams would carry 13 or 14 pitchers, they don’t.
Some carry 11 only, most carry 12.
I’ll hand to you for consistency, you are consistently wrong on a daily basis.
By Lee
May 17, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
If Salty goes anywhere it will more than likely be via trade. I cannot see the Braves releasing Wilson and then sending Salty back to the minors just to provide him with more at bats…….am I missing something or what would that accomplished…….
By Tomahawkin' Again
May 17, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
Another Thursday hiding from the boss “watching” the game via MLB gamecast. For those of you lucky enough to be off and watching on TV, how does I’m Chuck James, b—ch look? Stats wise, he “looks” on so far. Concur with earlier posts re. the urgency from JS to eat Wilson’s salary and keep the best 25-man roster to stay with the Muts. Also, hope that the Braves will continue to play up to the competition because we have quite a 2 week stretch starting tomorrow.
By geauxbraves2000
May 17, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
I feel bad for Craig Wilson, but I feel some team will pick him up and take a chance on him.
If someone would, answer me this, if Craig Wilson is indeed picked up by another team, does he recieve the minimum salary plus the $2M the Braves are paying him, or or the Braves off the hook, or how indeed does that work?
Geaux Braves!!
WTG Chipper!!
By Tomahawkin' Again
May 17, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
Another Thursday hiding from the boss “watching” the game via MLB gamecast. For those of you lucky enough to be off and watching on TV, how does I’m Chuck James, b—ch look? Stats wise, he “looks” on so far. Concur with earlier posts re. the urgency from JS to eat Wilson’s salary and keep the best 25-man roster to stay with the Muts. Also, hope that the Braves will continue to play up to the competition because we have quite a 2 week stretch starting tomorrow.
By TennesseePaul
May 17, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
Joe just took a stab at AJ with that comment. Sheeeesh.
By David-ATL14
May 17, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
Another tragically wrong assumption by Shaun, about the C/DH combo, a third catcher is needed to carry that off.
As DOB stated McCann will ptobably Catch all three games this weekend, I suspect Salty will DH at least 2 of them if not all 3. Third catcher needed, for example McCann reinjures finger,Salty shifted from DH to catcher in game, DH is lost for that game.
By TheSouthernJournalistAss
May 17, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
What the hell is up with this blog today?…Looks like the ‘revenge of the nerds final chapter’ starring N8 Poindexter and Shuan ‘Booger’ Dawson…
By The Truth Hurts
May 17, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
Shaun, for the love of all that is good, watch a baseball game every once in awhile before spouting off numbers that can be taken completely out of context. You’ve now crossed the line into Robert territory…that is, unabashedly annoying.
Ever heard “lies, damn lies, and statistics?” That’s your new moniker.
You bat cleanup to produce runs, not avoid outs. When there are runners on and/or it’s the last of the ninth and the Braves are trailing, do you want Andruw up to bat? Have you been watching at all this year?
A.J. should watch Chipper’s right-handed swing. Short and compact.
That HR was a BOMB.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Way to go Chuck. Way to blow that lead.
By David O'Brien
May 17, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
Shaun, strikeouts kill rallies. He’s struck out four more times than Francoeur with RISP and two outs. He’s gotten fewer hits than Francoeur per at-bat with RISP and two outs. He’s driven in fewer runs with RISP and two outs than francoeur.
Get off the damn bold-face key and don’t tell me than walks are as good as hits with RISP and two outs, because they’re not. Walks don’t drive in runs unless the bases are loaded, right? Right.
You’re the only person in America, and I’m not exaggerating, who is so adament in defending Andruw this season. The man’s a great player having a disappointing season.
Moneyball’s already been exposed to be an overrated strategy for building teams, yet you cling to the notion that sluggers batting cleanup can hit .230 and under .300 with RISP and still do a fine job long as they’re getting walks, even if they’re striking out far too often and rarely getting big hits.
There is no one I know of who follows baseball that I disagree with more than I do with you. You and I are on completely different wavelengths when it comes to what we look for in a player and how we judge performance. That’s fine. We’re just in utter disagreement. I respect your passion for your case, but totally disagree with you.
I don’t think Andruw’s having a good season. You do. Fine. But don’t bold-face your out-avoidance theories and expect me to buy that crap. He’s not a top of the order hitter, or bottom of the order hitter. He’s a cleanup hitter. He’s paid to be a slugger in that spot, not to avoid outs and have seven times as many strikeouts as home runs.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Selective Shaun, why are you so selective about when you decide to use small sample size arguments? You can’t have it both ways, my man.
Not sure which argument you’re referring to.
If you’re referring to my rally-killing argument, okay. If you want to take a sample of their whole careers: AJ is still less of a rally killer than Francouer, if you think outs are what kill rallies. Apparently some don’t think so.
David-ATL14,
I don’t know anyone who would say it’s a good idea for less pitchers on your roster in the AL than in the NL. Obviously it depends on quality of your pitchers and that sort of thing, but the AL has a DH. An AL pitching staff is probably going to have to throw more pitches than an NL pitching staff because of that. Therefore it’s probably a better idea, unless you have a bunch of quality horses, to carry more pitchers on an AL roster.
By eric the elder
May 17, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Weak effort by Francoeur. That ball has to be caught.
By Howeird CoSell
May 17, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
For the sake of not appearing overtly verbose—Wow!…
By David O'Brien
May 17, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
Bobby said Diaz is the logical guess to DH, though he wouldn’t say definitely. Don’t expect Salty to do it, because I don’t think Pena’s going to be on the active roster this weekend. They’re going to add Redman, I’d guess.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
Chuck James would show me something if he got through the 5th and 6th without allowing a run. If he doesn’t, I will continue to complain about this rotation’s lack of a viable 3rd starter. Even if he does get through….
IT IS THE FREEKIN NATS MAN!!!!
By The Truth Hurts
May 17, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Notice a difference between Davies and James when it comes to pitching around trouble? That’s confidence more than anything.
Batista hit a really good pitch. Got lucky when he almost threw the bat at the ball. It happens. Relax.
By Coach
May 17, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Now that was a fine job of pitching by Chuck James in the fourth. Gave up the ground ball that Renteria couldn’t reach , the flyball that Francouer couldn’t get to and then gives up a clean hit on a pitch that wasn’t even a strike. He gets out of it with only one run scoring , nice job chucky !
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
The Truth Hurts,
Not sure what your talking about. I was just commenting that AJ is not what I would call a rally killer any more than a lot of other guys on the team. He has less of a chance to make an out than a lot of other guys, therefore he’s less of rally killer. Not sure how that is using a stat that can be twisted.
If the game is on the line I want Chipper up. But AJ is not a bad option.
Last time I checked, the cleanup hitter doesn’t automatically come up with the game on the line. Players have to bat in order.
By CM
May 17, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Thank you, sorry Wilson, but good luck and good riddens.
By scott
May 17, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
DOB…
where the hell is Willy Aybar, is he still on the 40 man roster?
Not a big fan of his, but he’d be an upgrade over Woodward.
By David-ATL14
May 17, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
Shaun once again or maybe every time, you open your mouth you are wrong, AL staffs carry 12 pitchers, some carry 11, by your lack of logic some would carry 13 or 14, you won’t find any team that does, except in dire circumstnces, pending Doubleheader or making up rain outs, ie: no off days.
By geauxbraves2000
May 17, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
You gotta feel for Pena, if Salty is indeed kept over him, that’s twice he’s been jumped over, by McCann after Pena had already been called up when Estrada or Perez (can’t remember) went down, now possibly Salty.
Geaux Braves!!
By The Grinch
May 17, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
When are you guys gonna learn that arguing with Shaun is like being in a bad relationship without the sex? What’s the point? Fuggeddubbouddit.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
Chuck…..
You suck pal.
By Fred from CT
May 17, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
unbeleivable every time we score we give up runs the next inning. getting of this crap. our pitching better get fixed or were in trouble.
By Howeird CoSell
May 17, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Sad news!…Sad news indeed!…Please join me in remembering a great icon, a giant of the industry. Veteran Pillsbury spokesperson, The Pillsbury Doughboy, died yesterday as the result of a severe yeast infection and complications from repeated pokes to the belly. He was 71. Doughboy was buried in a slightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out, including Mrs. Butterworth, the California Raisins, Hungry Jack, the Hostess Twinkies, Captain Crunch, and many others…
The graveside was piled high with flours, as long-time friend, Aunt Jemima, delivered the eulogy, describing Doughboy as a man who “never knew how much he was kneaded.”
Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with many turnovers. He was never considered a as a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times, even as a crusty old man, he was still considered a roll model for millions.
Toward the end it was thought he’d raise once again, but he was no tart.
Doughboy is survived by his second wife, Play Dough. They have two children and one in the oven. The funeral was held at 3:50 for about twenty minutes…Sad indeed!!…
By May Day
May 17, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
You know, Shaun you really are sucking the fun out of the blog. There are alot of people who probably are not posting anymore because of you. You are sucking the life out of the blog. You’re a smart guy. You have good points to make but you do not need to make them over and over and over.
You think you have a better opinion of Andruw than the rest of us when you don’t. I think the rest of us appreciate Andruw for what he is - a very good but very flawed player. Those flaws drive us nuts. Why? Because we know he can be better than he is. Whereas you seem to really think not enough of his talents to expect more out of him. The reality is that we are the ones who appreciate him more for who he is and for what he could be - thus, the frustration. Because you (1) don’t watch the games; and (2) don’t truly respect the untapped talent of Druw, you are content with a flawed product like Druw.
NOW, can you leave the Andruw topic alone. You have beaten this topic to death for a week now and people are really sick of it. Have you noticed that there are less posts and interaction within the last week on here? Look in the mirror. Alot of it has to do with you.
People no longer find it fun to post if they have to contend everytime with a cyborg who has hijacked the blog in the name of sabermetrics.
ENOUGH WITH THE SABERMETRIC JIHAD ALREADY! PUHLEEZE!
By The Truth Hurts
May 17, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
I read the blog often but don’t post because the t**-for-tat rarely illuminates anything more than one’s pride or ego. Take N8, Shaun, and Donk for example. Among others.
DOB’s 2:10 post is right. Cleanup hitters are not paid the big bucks to not kill rallies. He’s paid to drive in runs.
My point about A.J. coming up in a pressure situation is that as we all watch the games, it’s apparent that he is one of the last guys on the team (through the first 40 games) that can be counted on to produce. When your faith in Willie Harris is higher….
Anyway…at least C. James got through the 5th. He’s pitching well.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I’m not arguing AJ is having a good season by his standards or anything of the sort (although I would argue he’s not as bad as some think). Andruw needs to strikeout less, no doubt. Let me make that clear.
If I have a hitter up, cleanup or not, I would rather him take a walk than swing at a pitch out of the zone to try to drive in a run. If you disagree, I think that’s strange, but fine. It’s hard to imagine that you in one sentence would complain about AJ’s strikeouts and in the next would complain that he’s not swinging at enough pitches out of the zone. But okay.
Also, Andruw hasn’t been the least productive cleanup hitter in baseball. Frank Thomas, Manny Ramirez, Paul Konerko, Michael Cuddyer, Ty Wigginton, Raul Ibanez and Carlos Delgado all have lower OPS; AJ ranks 10th. He has the 4th most RBI and 7th most HR among cleanup hitters in baseball.
Final point: If you mean building a lineup around OBP and SLG as the “Moneyball strategy”, I don’t know if that can ever be overrated. Never heard of a team complaining about a hitter with too high an OBP or too high an SLG.
By Coach
May 17, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Shaun my friend , you are embarrassing yourself. Just admit that you are wrong and shut up already.
By Tomahawkin' Again
May 17, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
I know this is baseball and even the worst teams win 35-40% of the time, but DAMMITT! Struggling again with the Nats?? This is absolutely going to come back and bite us later on this season because the Muts aren’t losing to the below .500 teams. C’mon Braves, put these clowns away!!
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
David-ATL14,
Do AL teams on average carry more pitchers than NL teams?
I honestly don’t know, but this would give us a better idea of what teams think rather than you just saying, “AL teams would carry 13 or 14 pitchers if you were right; you’re wrong, blah, blah.”
My argument is it’s better to carry more pitchers in the AL than in the NL, not that it’s best for AL teams to carry 13 or 14 pitchers.
But it’s Disagree with Shaun Day so fire away.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
I feel like the Braves should be ashamed that they could even possibly lose 3 outta 4 to the Nats. This is a shame.
By May Day
May 17, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
Chuck James with 92 pitches through 5 innings once again. This guy throws way too many pitches for a dude who is not a strikeout pitcher. He badly needs to learn to throw a third pitch to finish hitters off faster. And it is cute and all that he plays the lovable role of the idiot savant that does not study hitters and such, but wouldn’t studying hitters alot more, help him learn to finish hitters off more efficiently and economically and save our pen the wear and tear he causes. I mean we already have 2 of our big late 3 on the DL already because of the abuse. James is a good pitcher but he badly needs to improve on killing hitters faster so that he can be more economical, efficient, and effective.
By JasonInMaine
May 17, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
Woodward should be next…isn’t there a team out there that needs a .216 hitting super utility guy with veteran presence?
By parks
May 17, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
Tomahaknin’, actually the Muts are losing to a below .500 team right now
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 17, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Cubbies up 5-1 on the Muts in the bottom of the 6th.
Come on Cubbies! Hold that lead (same thing goes for Chuck).
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
How does he give up that double????
HE HAD HIM 0-2.
Chuck….
Brush up on how to pitch man.
By Fred from CT
May 17, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
embarassing this is embarassing
By JasonInMaine
May 17, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
Seriously, how can this team not be the freaking Nats? Seriously. The Nats are the worst team in baseball. I don’t get it. These games are huge. The Braves, when dominating the division, always beat the scrub teams. This is ridiculous.
Regards,
Jason
By Voice of Reason
May 17, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
I know I’m gonna regret wading into the pool on this subject, but here goes…
It is impossible, again I say impossible, to take objective numbers and form an absolute profile of any ballplayer. A player’s performance is not, in and of itself, an objective thing. It is wholly and completely subjective. To that end, all of these inane and mind-numbing numbers cannot accurately paint a real picture of a player’s performance.
There are good outs, there are bad outs. There are good walks, there are bad walks. A player’s overall performance is subjectively tied to the overall team performance, in front of him as well as behind him, to the end that they are collectively attempting to achieve a victory.
The fact remains that, in the context of a 1-9 batting order, the #4 spot has been glaringly deficient thus far in this season. Andruw is steadily watching the $$$ drop from his next contract until he turns it around, hopefully soon.
By The Grinch
May 17, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Whaddaya know…the Nats start the 6th playing small ball to perfection down by one and are threatening to take the lead with one out. Manny Acta is about 30 years younger than Cox, and yet…
By The Grinch
May 17, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Scratch the “danger.” This is embarassing.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
This is really sad. For the first time this season, I am actually having doubts about this team making the playoffs.
By NCBravesFan
May 17, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Paris Hilton could have 20 RBI batting cleanup in the Braves’ order. He hasn’t put on the leotard this year - give it up already!
By Fred from CT
May 17, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
Can we get a real pitcher I’m tired of this crap james is a idiot.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 17, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
Any chance Paronto will be the guy sent out when (yikes) Redman is activated? The big dude’s job is to get ground outs, and lately, he’s gotten NO outs.
Ditto May Day and Efrim on Chucky. You don’t like to rely on a fly ball pitcher who doesn’t throw that hard, has shaky control, and doesn’t really change speeds. He’s a nice #5 starter right now, not much more.
By VandyBrave
May 17, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
damn it, Paronto is pitching himself off the roster. I could get a triple to left off him.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
If Gonzo is out for a long period of time. Expect Yates’ arm to fall off. As well as Soriano.
By geauxbraves2000
May 17, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
This is ridiculous.
By JasonInMaine
May 17, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Losing 3 out of 4 to the worst team in baseball before playing 3 good teams…not good folks, not good!
By Frustrated, Inc.
May 17, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Can a pitcher be placed on the DL for being fat and outta shape? If so, Paranto needs to be placed on the 90 day DL.
Tyler Yates should have gotten the call and the Braves would still be up.
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 17, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Wow…
We need McCann healthy and in the lineup, and we need to do something about our 3-5 spots in the rotation.
How about Salty, Diaz, and Van Pope for Jake Peavy and Mike Cameron? Cameron will be a FA after this year anyway, and we can negotiate a new deal with him this year whil ehe plays left field. Thorman can stay at 1B and platoon with Salty, while Smoltz, Hudson, and Peavy would be enough to intimidate ANYONE. Davies, Lerew, James, and Cormier could fight over the last two spot, and one of them could help the Vulture in long relief.
If LM is going ot allow some flexibility with the payroll, then let’s do it. Let Andruw see that we’re not paying him $14.5 mil to screw himself into the ground and that we have a contingency plan in place should he gain “fair market value” elsewhere.
In letting Andruw walk, and if Wickman chooses to retire or leave (not saying I want him to necessarily, but for an example), that frees up around $21 million in payroll. Cameron is making $7.3 mil this year, and Peavy is earning $4.75 million. Allowing for a $10 million per year contract for each, which would be a good raise, we’d not lose anything salary-wise making that deal. I think Peavy wants to play for the Braves, and I’d love to see Smoltz, Huddy, and him form a new version of Smoltz, Maddux, and Glavine.
Okay, feel free to rip into me. I’ve taken so long to type this that the Braves are now losing, so I’ll shut up.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
AWFUL.
6 pitches to retire the side.
If this team wins 5 in a row from here on out, I promise not to get too happy. They have some serious flaws.
By journalist jimmy smith
May 17, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
not to worry. plenty of time for a 3-run homer. right, bobby?
By eric the elder
May 17, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Matthew, how does Salty platoon with Thorman? You traded him for Peavy.
By HP
May 17, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
Now lets put some runs on the scoreboard. Not getting outs on first pitch! This is ridiculous.
By geauxbraves2000
May 17, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
Agreed Matthew, would love to have Peavy, but don’t think the Pad’s would give him up.
I do agree the Braves need someone else besides Smoltz and Hudson. They can’t keep going with the “crap shoot” that is #s 3,4 & 5. The Mets haven’t really gotten it all together yet, but if they do, the Braves are going to be looking up unless the Braves do something.
Geaux Braves!!
By Carlos Amato
May 17, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
A question:
Why with a runner on 3rd and 1 out does Bobby bring a groundballer into the game instead of a strikeout pitcher?
I mean, a runner can score from 3rd on most ground balls.
You need strikeouts or pop outs. That’s the only way you keep the runner stranded.
Why not Yates instead of Paronto?
These Cox’ decisions confuse me.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Matthew Dad to Walter,
Jake Peavy is the best pitcher in the league.
How about Francouer, Salty and Chuck James for Peavy.
Then Kevin Towers will think about it. And he still wouldn’t do it.
By berigan
May 17, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Sorry if it has already been mentioned, but I heard at the beginning of the series that the Nationals were almost a .500 team against the East. IF they win tonight, will they be above .500 against the east?
By Ol' Gym Coach
May 17, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Hello, I am glad to be here today. I am a gym coach and I understand you bloggers and the blogmaster here are interested in having a gym coach blog with you. Well, here goes … we use a lot of powder in gymnastics. we powder our hands and we powder areas that are rubbed by the leotards our gymnasts wear. Some of the guys even powder under their arms so there will be no unsightly stains on the leotard. I like to coach gymnastics and I like to blog. I do not like country music, though. All that warbling cowboy stuff makes me want to puke. Speaking of wanting to puke, the Braves are not playing well right now, are they? Maybe the cleanup hitter can make contact in a few minutes and drive in a run. He sure looks like he could do a nice split on the gym floor.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
I am at a loss for words.
This team is going to go 2-7 against the Sox, Mets and Phils. Mark it down.
By The Grinch
May 17, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
That umpire sure seems to have loosened his strike zone for their pitcher; Yates had a beauty called a ball and Colome just got two calls that were about 2 and 4 inches off the plate, respectively.
By StingerSplash
May 17, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Just came back from lunch where I watched Chipper’s homer from my seat at Hooters. Maybe I better leave that one alone.
By David O'Brien
May 17, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Matthew, I know you’re just having fun with suggestions, but at least be semi-realistic.
Why would the Padres, a team with playoff aspirations, trade their best starter and a key member of their lineup for prospects and Diaz? A quarter of the way into the season, they’re going to, what, give up this season in order to help the Braves?
They wouldn’t give up Peavy for McCann and those other guys, much less for Salty and them.
By BravesDave
May 17, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Once again, the Nots bullpen is dominating this horrendous, oh wait, I mean ‘impressive’ Braves lineup.
By Jared
May 17, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Andruw Jones needs to be benched or sent to AA because he is the WORST and DUMBEST hitter in all of baseball. They dont even play a right fielder when he hits anymore.
By KC
May 17, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Things are looking good…
On whether the payroll, which can’t go down, will go up: “I’m going to leave that to [Braves CEO] Terry [McGuirk[, but I would be surprised [if it doesn’t go up]. The goal is to have a successful franchise, and winning franchises are successful franchises, and there probably is some correlation between payroll and success. Not an absolute correlation, but certainly some correlation. We’ll look to Terry and [Braves general manager] John [Schuerholz] to come in with what they think is needed… . There will probably be a budget outlined, and within that budget Terry will have flexibility to increase payroll.”
Sounds promising to me. I’m sure we won’t have a 100 mill payroll next year, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it around 90.
By The Grinch
May 17, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
Ump just screwewd Moylan, too; looks like he needs a little “talking to.”
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Thoughts on this performance against the Nats?
By Maxwell Smart
May 17, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
Ever notice how Joe Simpson always points out the questionable calls against the Braves but never against the other team? Would it be fair to call him “Homer” Simpson?
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
THE METS ARE ABOUT TO COME BACK ON THE CUBBIES!!!!
We got problems people……
By BravesDave
May 17, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Are we ready for a 1-2-3 ninth inning for the impressive Braves?
By Lee
May 17, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Andruw Jones more than likely would veto a trade but I think the Braves should at least inquire about offers for him and test the results. They need help and he could bring a starting pitcher and an above average outfielder. Contending teams like the Angles, Padres, and Dodgers probably would be interested.
By ncscoots
May 17, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Guys, you may rail against the 3-4-5 starters, if you wish, but the big picture is that the Braves are 10-7 in starts not made by Redman. That’s not dominant, but it’s hardly a black hole. Check the team records of other teams’ 3-4-5 starters, and I doubt you’ll find any dominant trios.
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 17, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
Sorry Eric. Was watching the MLB Gameday while I typed (flipping back and forth) and missied that error. Thorman could handle 1B on his own, and we wouldn’t need as many runs when Peavy was on the hill.
Again, I’m not necessarily advocating that exact trade, but wouldn’t it be nice to get a top-tier starter and a replacement for ‘Druw?
By Coach
May 17, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
After watching James struggle through the fifth , I thought there is no way he will come out and pitch the sixth. But Bobby Cox screwed up and left his pitcher in one batter to long , again. This loss is on Cox and Paronto who was left in one batter to long also. The Braves beat themselves today and yesterday. losing three out of four against the worst team in the National league is just disgusting.
By geauxbraves2000
May 17, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
The Mets just won. They scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 9th.
Braves now 1.5 games back.
Things aren’t looking so well right now. Let’s see what happens after the next 9 games.
Geaux Braves!!
By BravesDave
May 17, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
Another strikeout from Andruw.
Looks like 9 up, 9 down against the Nots bullpen today. The Nots bullpen stats in this series…16 inning, 7 hits, 15 strikeouts, and only 1 run. This team is really making me sick.
Best stat of the day, the Nots bullpen only throws a total of 26 pitches to get through 3 full innings against this garbage the Braves call a lineup. Not even three pitches per at-bat. Can Terry Pendleton really be considered a ‘hitting coach’????
By JasonInMaine
May 17, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
I keep thinking I am going to wake up and this isn’t really happening. What an ABSOLUTE DISGRACE. DISGRACEFUL. Just when they get your hopes up that they are a decent team…
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 17, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
You’re right DOB. I guess being around Braves bloggers so much, and hearing (1) how teams are drooling over Salty and (2) how Peavy is from nearby, and (3) how Cameron would be a good fit here if Druw leaves, and put them together. But you said it best, that Salty is a prospect, not a proven MLB player.
But man, oh man, with another quality starter, we could really do some damage!
By DJ
May 17, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
Here we go. The Mets are going to start pulling away in the division. We need to trade Andruw and look to the future. This team does not have the makeup of a championship team. IT is a border line triple a major league roster. I think Bobby should retire so he does nto have to watch this crap.
By faninva
May 17, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
mets score 5 in 9th to win…ouch.
By May Day
May 17, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
Another unforgettable moment in late inning out avoidance mastery by Mr. Andruw Jones. Yeah, we all are so wrong about him.
By JasonInMaine
May 17, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
And the Mets score 5 in the bottom of the 9th to win it…I agree with a previous poster…the wheels are about to fall off…
We have no 3, 4, or 5 starter. One of our top relievers and our only effective lefty is on the disabled list. We have an absolutely atrocious bench with wasted roster spaces as a result of carrying Woodward and Orr. Our cleanup hitter is having an ATROCIOUS year…yes, SHAUN, ATROCIOUS year.
This team is going to be at least 4 out at the conclusion of the next 3 series…
By BossLady
May 17, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Let’s try this for a summation of Andruw’s performance this year. For years, my husband and I have worn his jerseys and gear. Recently, we have changed to guess who? Franceour just a thought
By BravesDave
May 17, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
UNBELIEVABLE…I posted earlier this week about teams being intimidated by the Mets lineup…and once again it happens. The Braves go down 9 straight (after 9 straight yesterday agains the Nots bullpen) against the Nots bullpen…meanwhile the Mets go into the bottom of the 9th trailing 5-1 and end up winning 6-5. That right there is the difference between the Mets and Braves.
By N8
May 17, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
I “called it” on Sunday. Saw us losing 3 out of 4 to the Nats, before it even started.
Now we’ll probably go sweep the Red Sox. Oh, wait, Beckett, Wakefield and Shilling (guys we’ve “seen” before) AREN’T PITCHING? The Red Sox are calling up two rookies to face us, to go along with Dice, who we haven’t seen before?
YIKES. Looks like the makings of a 1-6 road trip.
PATHETIC effort by the Braves against the Nats. Playoff teams don’t lose 3 of 4 to an AAA team.
Unreal.
By Jared
May 17, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
I hope this team is happy because they just gave the division to the Mets. Mark my words we will get are a**es handed to us by the Mets and Sox because we have only 2 good starting pitchers, one of which is injured, and a lineup that can’t hit their way out of a paper bag. Not to mention a clean up hitter who thinks it is hilarious when he repeatedly strikes out in key situations.
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 17, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
METS WIN!!! 5 in the bottom of the ninth!! Braves lose 3 out 4 to the worst team in the NL….twice as NICE! Have fun in Bean town. LETS GO METS!!
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Well. That was an A** kicking.
Where are the positive Braves fans?
I need ya right now!
Gotta figure the Mets will be at least 5 up by June.
By 22oz
May 17, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
A total team loss. Poor managing, poor hitting, poor pitching, and to make the sting even worse, the Mets score 5 to come back in the 9th. Terrible day for Braves nation. Someone needs to rip into this team soon. They need a Jim Leyland motivational speech.
By eric the elder
May 17, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
Gotta give Andruw credit. We all knew he would strike out in the 9th, but at least he didn’t try to appeal the third strike to the first base umpire.
I don’t know, guys, this has the feel of last year’s June swoon.
By Fred from CT
May 17, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
we need to start looking at the wild card. we could beat the mets all we would like but they beat up bad teams and we don’t this team is embarassing. they showed no heart. We couldn’t get a hit against the nats bullpen all week. james stunk today.
By 22oz
May 17, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
Where is DOB and a new blog? Was he released with Wilson?
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
NO CHOP ZONE,
For once you can actually gloat. Before today, you didn’t have any right because we had beaten the Muts 4 outta 6. But now, you have every right. At this time, the Mets are a better team than the Braves. Not to mention, the Phillies are surging hard. By June I expect to be 5 back of the Mets and tied with the Phillies.
By VandyBrave
May 17, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
anyone else feel the braves are just getting warmed up…..for another 6-21 June?
But seriously, we have played well against the better teams weve played this year: LA, SD, the Muts, Phils. I think they will respond well for the next 3 series (they have to, basically). That being said, my relaxing week after receiving my masters has become rather depressing. I’m used to losing being a Vandy alumnus and all, but when you have a good team it makes it so much worse - lets just say I can relate to the Nats fans. They are feeling pretty good right now, but they know that they are about to hit a 10 game losing streak.
Go Bravos! Anyone but Andrew in the 4 hole!
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Lee,
Honestly, I don’t think Andruw is having a season up to his standards and I hate to have to defend him, but what realistic options are going to help the Braves more?
Do you really think Brandon Jones or some other prospect is a better option?
And the CF who are having a better year and who could be had, do you really think the Braves would give up on AJ at this point of the season to acquire someone who is likely to wind up less productive?
I’m all for trading anyone if it makes the team better, but I don’t see a team giving up players who are going to be all that productive (including a decent CF) for a soon-to-be free agent that will ask for big dollars at seasons end.
Even teams that can sign him, what will they give the Braves that is likely to help them reach the post-season more than AJ? Who do you want? Coco Crisp? Johnny Damon? Have you looked at what they’ve been doing?
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 17, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
If anyone hears from LEW, tell him I said hello.
By gotigers72
May 17, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
JS did something good by releasing Wilson. Now he needs to do something about the 3, 4 and 5 starters, SOON, and Bobby needs to drop Andruw in the order. TP needs to take Frenchy aside and tell him to quit swinging at those high pitches. Some of the catchers are practically standing up when Francoeur’s hitting to give the pitcher a high target.
The offense was really bad in this series. Nobody’s hitting except CJ and Edgar. It was bad against Pittsburgh too. Nobody’s even hitting the ball hard. Strikeouts, weak pop ups, weak fly balls. Pitiful to lose 3 of 4 to the Nats. Then the da*n Mets come back after trailing 5-1 going to the bottom of the ninth. Oh the horror.
Just think, next week it will be the 3, 4 and 5 starters against the Mets. As DOB likes to say, YIKES.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Gonzo, how was the MRI?
By N8
May 17, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
JS’s “best” move as Braves GM?
1a) Would be Greg Maddux. That had the most impact over time.
1b) Trading for Fred McGriff. That had the most immediate impact on any one particular season (1993).
What’s the “worst” move he’s made? I’m not sure there is a move so obvious that’s been made as far as bringing in a player. But mark it down. If there were ANY significant players to be had from Boston or the White Sox last season before Andruw became a 10/5 guy……THAT will go down as the worst “non-move” of JS’s tenure in Atlanta.
Ridiculous. He is a waste of roster space, and a COMPLETE waste of 18 percent of our 2007 payroll.
Not to mention, as Jared said, he seems to think it’s funny.
Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah, Hey, Hey, Hey…..GOOD RIDDANCE. How’s the old saying go?
GO Falcons……and take Andruw with you.
By Mike in 'Fretta
May 17, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
This is really starting to stink. How in the heck can we lose 3 out of 4 to the Nats? How? The Braves obviously didn’t go to Washington to play baseball. I guess that is what happens when your 3, 4 and 5 pitchers should still be in the minors and your cleanup hitter is more interested in doing a cork screw impersonation than being a major league hitter.
We have hit a season low at a bad time. I really don’t see us going to Boston and winning any more than one game. You just know Dice K will pile up 12 K’s and a shutout victory against us on Saturday, and with the 2 other pitchers being guys we haven’t seen before…well we all know the Braves track record with new pitchers. We will be lucky to win one in Boston.
This team is ridiculous.
By Mike in 'Fretta
May 17, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
This is really starting to stink. How in the heck can we lose 3 out of 4 to the Nats? How? The Braves obviously didn’t go to Washington to play baseball. I guess that is what happens when your 3, 4 and 5 pitchers should still be in the minors and your cleanup hitter is more interested in doing a cork screw impersonation than being a major league hitter.
We have hit a season low at a bad time. I really don’t see us going to Boston and winning any more than one game. You just know Dice K will pile up 12 K’s and a shutout victory against us on Saturday, and with the 2 other pitchers being guys we haven’t seen before…well we all know the Braves track record with new pitchers. We will be lucky to win one in Boston.
This team is ridiculous.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
ALL:
Stop jumping on Shaun for Andruw.
Again. The Team is losing these games. The Team.
Expect the Bravos to get dominated by the Sox, Mets and Phils. The I believe they have to face the Brew Crew and Cubbies.
By ncscoots
May 17, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
If my sense of humor were the vicious sort, I might just copy and save the doom comments (and posters’ names, of course; what would be the fun without those?) to re-post at some future date, at the appropriate time, naturally. It might be fun…in a Hannibal Lecter kinda way :-)
But I won’t. I’ll simply say, I admire the passion, if not the lack of perspective.
By Tomahawkin' Again
May 17, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
It’s only May, but as Fred from CT wrote, totally unacceptable to lose to the Nats 3 out of 4 and expect to stay w/the Mets for the division. Have to feast on the Pirates, Nats of the league because the next 4-6 weeks are hell until we get to the All-Star break (BoSox, Mets, Brewers to finish May, AL Central in mid-June, west coast trip to start out July)…AND WE SCREWED THAT UP! I’ll type again as I did earlier…DAMMITT!!!!
By rammerjammer
May 17, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
Good grief, did the lithium shipment not make it in?
We’re a game and a half out of first and have the third best record in the league! Lose three out of four to a bad team and you all poop in your panties and cry.
No wonder Mets boys come over here and push your buttons. You ask for it.
By Greg in TN
May 17, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
Afternoon folks…
This trip has taken a sour turn for sure, however we have 121 more on the schedule and I’m very sure the NL will allow us play them all.
Didn’t see the broadcast today, probably a good thing with the outcome being what it is. It’s disappointing to see James and Paronto struggle again today.
Wasn’t able to post earlier today, but it’s a shame that Craig Wilson didn’t get it together. I agree with the decision and wish him the best.
By Mike in 'Fretta
May 17, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Why won’t Bobby move Andruw down in the lineup? Bobby is the greatest manager of our generation yet he won’t make a move that is so obvious to everyone in the world (except shaun of course).
It’s simply, Andruw is costing the Braves runs and opportunities to win. Andruw is going to leave the Braves for more money after this year so why does Bobby Cox continue to show such loyalty to Andruw when Anduw isn’t producing and most likely isn’t coming back to the Braves next year? Why oh why do we have to continue to watch Andruw come up short game after game, week in and week out? Enough already!
MOVE HIM DOWN BOBBY!
By StingerSplash
May 17, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Is Andruw trying to price himself back into the market? We’ve all seen him go on huge tears - the one two years ago when Chipper was on the DL was mind-boggling - but I don’t see any omens of another coming. And losing three of four to the Nats? Dreadful. Just dreadful. This also could be a very long weekend. It may not matter who the Sox put on the hill Friday or Sunday. Lerew just might wake up the sleeping bear that is Manny.
By David O'Brien
May 17, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Efrim, it stunk.
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 17, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
Step off the ledge brave fans. It’s only May 17th. There are many highs and lows in a 162 baseball season. Lots of baseball left before anything is decided.
By Fred from CT
May 17, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
ncscoots that would be a good idea. I’m sure tommorrow some of us will calm down. I just work in a office with all mets fans. You can’t imagine what I’m putting up with right now. The taunting is terrible. So that’s where a lot of my anger comes from.
By Kentavo
May 17, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
I would say this loss is the manager’s. He does not know how to use his personnel. He’s like a corporate manager, just seeing the guys as interchangeable without seeing their strengths and weaknesses. Paronto should have never been in this game after yesterday’s performance. But Cox will keep on trotting him out there in winnable games. I do not understand it.
By ncscoots
May 17, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
Lerew just might wake up the sleeping bear that is Manny.
Why? Is there some indicator on which you’re basing that? Or just a wish to be pessimistic?
By David-ATL14
May 17, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Shaun FYI: Of the 30 teams in MLB, 26 teams carry 12 pitchers, 4 Teams,(Cubs,Mets,Angels,Twins) carry 11 pitchers.
As you can see no team carries 13 pitchers, including Red Sox and Tigers whom play a DH today.
Hate to use numbers to shoot down your idiocy but couldn’t resist.
Again you are emphatically wrong with your less than learned opinion.
While on the subject I think Orr may be in more jeopardy than Pena if the Braves carry 13 pitchers for this weekend. Woodward can back up all INF positions and Harris can also play 2b/3b if necessary.
Orr also has an option left.
I still say Lerew starts with no roster move and if he’s rocked early, then Redman can be added with Lerew going down on Saturday.
By ncscoots
May 17, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Fred, your environment gives you license to rage, my friend, LOL!
By Jimbo
May 17, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
Any pitcher who can’t strike Andruw out in a clutch situation is a very bsd pitcher. Why is he batting cleanup and killing rallyies?
By JasonInMaine
May 17, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
There, the good ‘ol Attitude Adjuster set me back in the right mood. Still, there is no excuse to lose 3 out of 4 to such an awful team.
By rammerjammer
May 17, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
DOB, Gonzo’s MRI “stunk?”
By NCBravesFan
May 17, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
DOB
I hope your last comment to Efrim wasn’t related to his question about Mike G’s MRI today.
By JasonInMaine
May 17, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
I think and hope DOB’s comments were in answer to Efrim’s asking him his thoughts on “this performance against the Nats”.
By K-Druw
May 17, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
“K-Druw” Jones is second in the league with 45 strikeouts and has 11 during his current 6-game strikeout streak, yet for some reason Bobby continues to bat him and his .224 batting average in the cleanup spot. Could we put someone in there that occasionally makes solid contact with the baseball?
By ObiWanKobe
May 17, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Link:(http://atruersound.blogspot.com/)
Dave, might be some music of interest here for you…
By K-Druw
May 17, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
“K-Druw” Jones is second in the league with 45 strikeouts and has 11 during his current 6-game strikeout streak, yet for some reason Bobby continues to bat him and his .224 batting average in the cleanup spot. Could we put someone in there that occasionally makes solid contact with the baseball?
By BravesDave
May 17, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
Seems like it’s time for a closed-door team meeting for the Atlanta Braves. Maybe someone (DOB) can ask Terry Pendelton how he has been spending his time recently. Certainly, not as a hitting coach.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Any word on Gonzo?
By rammerjammer
May 17, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
Players go to coaches if the player wants help. Andruw has made it clear he wants no help from anyone. Being an established veteran, he has earned the right - like it or not - to march to his own drummer. If you think he’s unique, read up on Bob Wickman.
Don’t lay Andruw’s troubles on TP.
By choppinmama
May 17, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
BravesDave - couldn’t agree with you more about our guys not making the pitcher work a little harder - especially in those last innings when we really needed a better game plan to manufacture at least one to tie- yeah, yeah, two to win on the road….sheesh. I was hoping for better results from Salty up at the plate too.
Patience and a Let’s Get Serious poster for the clubhouse bulletin-board better be in that baggage headed to Boston. It ain’t gonna get no easier.
Hey, Craig - Dude, bet that was not the wake-up call you left for yourself this morning.
By David-ATL14
May 17, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
Just looking over the Richmond Braves Game Notes, Yes Indeed Mark Redman is no longer scheduled for the hill Friday Night. Has been changed to Trey Hodges, so obviously he will join the parent team in Boston.
Just a question of who goes down, IMO it should be Orr or Paronto,but BC and JS may have different ideas.
By BravesDave
May 17, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
Hey rammerjammer, what about KJ’s current troubles, or McCann’s current troubles? Or Woodward or Orr or the fact that Wilson was so bad that he was released? Have they earned the right to march to their own drummer? Or how about the fact that it seemed like every Braves hitter over the past two 7-8-9th innings swung at the first pitch rather than trying to work the count against the Nats bullpen?
By A-ville Ranger
May 17, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
So much for DOB’s prediction of going 8 of 10 on this stretch.How quickly the picture changes.I don’t see this team taking a nose dive, but you have to wonder if this team will hit at a high level the rest of the way.Add the growing list of pitching issues and things start looking dicey.At this point I’m hopeful but without much conviction.
By efrim
May 17, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
I def. think DOB’s comments to me were about the performance of todays game. We will all be told about Gonzo in a “THIS JUST IN” post by DOB.
By Robert
May 17, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
“What’s the “worst” move he’s (JS) made?”
Not firing Bobby Cox. It’s really too bad that his worst move is also his most oft-repeated move
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Did you honestly predict this team to go 8-2 on this road trip?
A-ville Ranger, did he really say that? No way we did.
I figured 6-4. Losing two of three against the Red Sox is a definite. They hit Hudson well, Dice-K is matched up against Smoltzie. Rough ,atchups this weekend.
Not to mention, If Matt Chico can pitch 6 innings of 5 hit ball against us, then of course Kason Gabbard, Matsuzaka and Wake can…..
By rammerjammer
May 17, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
BravesDave,
I guess you think the hitting coach should sprinkle magic dust and everyone becomes a .300 hitter?
No one talked about “working the count” when the Braves were scoring runs in bunches. For better or worse - and it’s usually for better - the Braves are an aggressive team.
Right now, some guys are playing hurt (McCann), some need a breather (KJ), and some just aren’t great hitters (Woodward, Orr) and never will be.
By 1957 Braves Fan
May 17, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
It’s tough being a Braves fan right now. More runs and wins would help.
By Robert
May 17, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
“Bobby is the greatest manager of our generation yet he won’t make a move that is so obvious to everyone in the world”
The truth of the second part of your statement makes obvious the untruth of the beigning of your statement
Logic, folks
So simple a caveman could do it. (but not a Coxman)
By BravesDave
May 17, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
Rammerjammer, it is not about being a .300 hitter necessarily. It is about having the correct approach. Everyone knows that Andruw’s approach to hitting is disasterous and it is hurting the team. You believe that AJ has earned the right to be disasterous. I don’t believe that. I do believe that a hitting coach should pull some hitters aside in consecutive close games and ask them to force over-used relievers to throw a few pitches, rather than letting a bullpen that threw 19 innings (including the Speigner start) in the span of 4 games off the hook by constantly swinging at the first pitch.
By A-ville Ranger
May 17, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this
Robert For gosh sake get help,or just help us by giving it a rest.Good news for all Braves nation and JS in particular.Liberty media has made clear Management can and probably will raise the payroll.JS must be poring over next year’s free agent list.
By Robert
May 17, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this
“Moneyball’s already been exposed to be an overrated strategy for building teams”
DOB, that statement is absurd. It must have been made by the same folks who ordained Bobby Cox to be a genius
The moneyball strategy is simply to get value for the dollar.
The moneyball strategy has NOTHING to do with walk rates, or K rates, or OBP. It just so happened that at the time it was written, undervalued players could be identified by looking at these types of indocators
All moneyball says is try to get for 50 cents what costs the other guy $1, or that it’s worthwhile to buy for a nickel if you can sell for a dime
If it was bespectacled left-handed relievers who were cheap, Moneyball would talk about rating them
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this
DOB,
You around man?
Are you as bummed as me?
I must say, after that Colorado loss a couple weeks back, we responded and won 7 of 10 from the Phillies, Dodgers and Padres. But that pales in comparison to losing 4 of 5 to the Nats and Pirates. Then staring the Red Sox, Mets, and Phillies in the face. I might actually sign right now for 4-5 in the next 9 games. I really might. The offense looks so flat right now. The pitching isn’t getting clutch outs.
Braves trade Andruw Jones to the Angels for Chone Figgins and Ervin Santana…..
Thats an idea. Maybe the Angels would bite. Andruw has to already understand that he won’t get a big contract the way he is hitting. Maybe he will accept the trade. I’m not real sure if Bill Stoneman would go for that though. But who knows. Santana and Figgins are slumping even worse than Andruw……
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 17, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
Did every brave fan jump off the ledge? Where is everyone?…..Lets chat shall we.
By Lew
May 17, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
Sometimes some of us have other things to do than to listen to Misanthropic Mosquitoes whining and gloating.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this
David-ATL14,
Thanks for the evidence.
Not sure what I was wrong about. I just stated that I believe it’s a good idea for AL teams to carry more pitchers than NL teams. But the teams obviously don’t believe it.
If you could find out, I would like you to find out over the last several years, if the AL has carried more pitchers.
Just seems that it would make more sense because your pitchers are going to have to throw more pitches in the AL because of the DH.
By Shaun
May 17, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
Robert,
I think a big reason Moneyball was a bigger deal than it may have been otherwise is because the most important single offensive stat (if you had to pick just one) was also the most underrated.
But you are right, people have this misconception of Moneyball as OBP, SLG, K rate, slow-pitch softball type outfielder, etc. But it’s about finding value in the undervalued.
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 17, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this
LEW LIVES
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 17, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
All trash talk aside, I did tell you all winter that the Mets were a good team and their pitching was good. The braves seemed to be playing above their potential early on. But like I told you earlier, as the season moves along there will be seperation and the better team will reveal itself. Still, there’s mucho baseball left to play.
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 17, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this
Shaun—you’re a freakin’ retard!…nobody is paying attention to your posts, they’re just getting tired of scrolling past them…
By Lew
May 17, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
Unbelievable.
By David O'Brien
May 17, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
Robert, arbiter of what is absurd. Now that is rich.
By Lew
May 17, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
Yes Chop Zone-Alive but limping. Toes are not to be trifled with. Sometimes they trifle with themselves.
By ncscoots
May 17, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
maybe it’s time for a closed-door meeting for the bloggers, if any meetings are gonna be called.
A lousy series in DC? You bet, and I’m as ticked off about the lost opportunity as any. But, man, the number of “the season is over” comments was just amazing. They stunk in DC, no argument, but I no more think this series is an accurate barometer of the team than I thought they would score 450 2-out runs this year, or that six hitters would continue surging all at the same time for six months. Baseball is a game of regression to the mean…peaks and valleys, surges and slumps. And the posters on this blog, most knowledgeable and all passionate observers of the game, know that.
120 or so to go. Think you’ll remember this series in September? I won’t even remember it Sunday. And neither will the Braves.
By eric the elder
May 17, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
DOB, seems like you should just close this one down. Nearly everyone has left anyway, and there’s little left to say. See ya’ tomorrow.
By joebrave
May 17, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
Zane Smith your the most putrid smbitch in the world you heartless gutless oile of $hyt,R.Mahler is deceased and you bring his name upin a damn joke,Dude you need to get a life,Noone here wants or needs your input at least not like that,man what a proud mother you must have,little yellow ba$tard…..
By Sonny
May 17, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
At this rate, not only should Andruw not get a raise, but he’s not even worth the $13.5 mil he’s making now. Some team will overpay based on his “potential” until the guy retires with a career 260 avg. Love em’, but he’s insane if he thinks he’s worth $16-18 a year.
By KC
May 17, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
Here’s proof that my optimism is tempered with realism…
Unless the Braves get another quality starter soon, the Mets will win the division.
The Mets got lucky this year, and the Braves remained unlucky. John Maine is becoming a better pitcher than anyone would have dared to predict. And El Duque and O.Perez are having big comeback seasons. Assuming those guys don’t turn back into pumpkins, when Pedro comes back, they’ll have one of the best rotations in the game. Again, the Mets’ brass got lucky. No one could have foreseen the kind of production they’re getting from theie 2-4 starters so far this year.
The Braves on the other hand lost Hampton for the season once again, and the most promising arm coming out of Spring training, Lance Cormier, is still on the shelf with arm trouble.
Both teams have excellent offenses and excellent bullpens. Neither team has a big edge in either department, as I expected would be the case. I’ve said all along that the difference between these two teams would come down to starting pitching. Problem is… that’s not good news for the Braves as I thought it would be heading into the season.
I think between Lerew, Cormier (if he can ever get healthy), Villarreal, and a couple more good young arms on the farm… we’ll find a solution for the 5th starter slot. But we really need a 3rd starter.
It’s unclear what we’ll get out of James. We don’t know yet whether he’ll round back into the form he showed last season. He’s still a quality arm and someone that will have a place in this rotation… but at the moment, it would seem best for the Braves to have James in the 4-slot.
The Braves need one more legit quality starter if they’re going to win the division and have compete for a another World Series ring. If the means giving up Salty, so be it. I hate to say that because I’m a big Salty believer, but pitching is priority-1.
It would be wonderful to see someone like Bronson Arroyo or Jason Bergmann in a Braves uni, but those guys are probably untouchable. Colorado’s Aaron Cook is another great young arm that would be great to have but very hard to get.
I would offer Salty, and two other mid-level prospects for any one of those 3 starters. Who knows what will happen. Good starting pitching is the hardest thing in the world to come by, but let’s hope JS can pull something off… or there will be much gloating in Metsville once again.
By joebrave
May 17, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
Go ahead NoChop,gloat while you can big boy but I think with the New Sheriff in town the gloves might come off just a little,so go ahead have your fun while you can…. Pony boy!!!
By bruce
May 17, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
ok,ok, I’ll take the blame.
I’ve been at each of the last seven games in Pittsburgh and Washington. Nothing else seems to explain it. It won’t happen again.
well… let me look at the schedule, it sure was lots of fun. Thanks, Bruce
By Ron
May 17, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
We always have tomorrow’s game!!!
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
KC,
Realism? Dude, coming from you this is shocking. I can tell you man, a lot of other teams are looking for pitchers that can contribute and be called a “3rd starter”. Right now, the Braves are going to go with what they have until July 31st. By then, the division will be lost dude. The Mets are too strong. This team, the Mets, play with relentless never say die attitude. Trust me man, I live in New York, they have surpassed the Yankees in terms of “playing with fire”. They want to win every night out as if its game 7. I am not going to say the Braves are done yet. But, the Mets are a better team dude. They just are. Understand that if we do add a “3rd starter”, they get Pedro Martinez back around that same July 31st timeframe. I don’t care that he is coming back from surgery. He is going to be better than any 5th starter they got, Jorge Sosa, Pelfrey, whoever. I know this sounds like I am giving up, but honestly, lets start to come to the realization that this team can’t overcome losing Mike Gonzalez and Mike Hampton. They really needed both of those guys to win this division.
A month ago you said the Braves would have the advantage in a series against the Mets.
Smoltz vs. Pedro Hudson vs. Glavine James vs. Hernandez Davies vs. Maine Perez vs. Lerew/Redman
Dude…They are better. They have more depth in their pitching staff. They have a better offense. I like our bullpen more, but with the loss of Gonzo, I like their chances in that area as well.
Things have changed haven’t they……
By May Day
May 17, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
Cheer up guys. Redman is headed back to the ATL. A big ole WOO-HOO! A Big ole Yee-Haw! Redman is gonna show ‘em who’s boss, what’s what, and who’s who, ain’t ya Redman?
I hope he shed a few layers and mixed in a few salads while he was resting his toe.
By Don
May 17, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
Who would have thought Idiot Robert was a fan of Moneyball? Let’s see, his constant refrain is that Cox only won one World Series title despite having 3 great front line starters for an extended stretch. But he loves Moneyball, the tribute to Billy Beane which pretends that the key to Oakland winning Divisions with a moderate payroll was Beane’s brilliance in picking up the Scott Hatteburgs and the Nick Swishers. Michael Lewis sort of glossed over the fact that the success of the As was almost entirely due to 3 young (and cheap) starters named Hudson, Mulder and Zito.
And Oakland never won ONE playoff series with this Big 3! And Robert is a Moneyball fan!
Oh well, “noone” thought Robert ever had any intellectual integrity anyway.
By A-ville Ranger
May 17, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this
joebrave Come on!! tell us what you really think.
By Timothy J Bradley
May 17, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
“We’re a game and a half out of first and have the third best record in the league! Lose three out of four to a bad team and you all poop in your panties and cry.”
Yes, but…nagging injuries still beset us. 3-5 starters inspire no confidence, and hitting and run scoring for the past (how many?)games is troubling. AJ has been in a year long slump, but McCann, Francour,and a few others have dropped averages. No real student of the game would panic, let alone, allow pessimism to take hold, but there are troubling trends that need to be addressed. McCann is weeks away from his annointing as the next ‘greatest thing’, Chipper is injured again!!, Francour, Thorman and even KJ are erratic, the bench is not good, little contribution from AJ , no power anywhere, no consistency- yes, some good fielding (KJ’s recent (and only 3rd error notwithstanding), 1 &2 starters are great, middle and closers good to great, but these next nine games are important for what we may HAVE to do after they’re in the books. Bobby & JS are going to be tested!
By JJMB
May 17, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this
I’m just looking forward to Mike Hampton’s return. He’ll go a minimum of 7 innings a game with a 2.47 era.
~burp~
By Don
May 17, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
Hey Shaun, you still have Colorado’s SS Tulowitzki penciled in for the next 10 All Star teams along with Jose Reyes? You know, the guy hitting .255 with 2 home runs and 1 stolen base and a .700 OBP? You still like him better than 24 year old J.J. Hardy of Milwaukee, who is leading the NL in home runs, RBIs and total bases and has a .999 OPS (don’t know where he ranks on out avoidance, however)? Better than Florida’s 23 year old Hanley Ramirez, who has a .975 OPS?
Jason Stark has a column at ESPN talking about all the top notch shortstops in the National League and ranks the top 5 in a number of Sabergeek categories. Go check it out, take a look at the ages and performance of the other guys and come back and tell us again about how you can project a guy you’ve never seen play into 10 All Star games based on his minor league stats and a month in the big leagues.
Or maybe you can just admit that you pulled that projection out of your rear end like everything else you post here.
By A-ville Ranger
May 17, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
DOB What’s the deal here ? You post that Gonzo’s MRI stunk and then not another word on the subject.I can only surmise that you were being flip,which I doubt, or you’re not ready to say more.It certainly seems like bad news from my little spot on the big ole net.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
This is as quiet as quiet as Ive ever seen an ajc.com blog. Wow……
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 17, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this
What’s the matter joebrave? Sounds like your panties are a little too tight.
By daniel
May 17, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
Pretty sure he meant that the team’s performance stunk. DOB is likely on his way to Boston or getting settled in by now. Not much time to blog.
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 17, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
Where in NY are you from Efrim?
By Raveloe Weaver
May 17, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
Unbelievable!…
By Kevin
May 17, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
I read on ESPN.com that Gonzo’s MRI didn’t go that bad, he had some inflammation but there was no structural damage and he said he could probably pitch with a few more days off.
By May Day
May 17, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Does anyone else get the feeling that the Braves are really trying hard to showcase Salty to the Red Sox, who may be looking for a replacement for aging Varitek? The Red Sox have alot of good prospects. Hey, send them Druw and Salty for a boatload of prospects. DOB, before you yell, I understand that Andruw is going nowhere this year - although it did seem that Boras and Druw did not want Druw going anywhere because of his comfort level here which would enable him to thrive in his contract year - that does not seem to be working - maybe sending him up to Boston will kickstart him and relieve some of the pressure that he is feeling this year being here. Dunno. Just throwing that out there.
By David O'Brien
May 17, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
I meant their performance stunk. I was asked about the Braves’ performance in the series. No word on the MRI yet.
By daniel
May 17, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
MayDay, he hasn’t seen pressure until he suits up for the Sox. Fenway would be killing him with his disappointing performance thus far. Andruw only wants to play in a warm weather city anyway.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
So, heard anything about Mike Gonzalez?
By The Grinch
May 17, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
Everybody relax. Someone will step up, JS will find us a #3, we’ll play up to the competition and beat teams we probably shouldn’t and things will balance out. Even No Chop Zone (in between nasty, though temporarily deserved, gloats) understands there’s still a lot of baseball to be played. Thank god you people don’t run the stock market.
By joebrave
May 17, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
Nochop you little peckerhead you will see,when that eery sound you hear is a big ol braves foot kickin your precious Mutt in the A$$ and then mashing them like the bugs they rally are!!! And is it just me or is the comedy club in town,lose one joke and another comes to town,I’m referring to M.Redman,dude somebody inform the front office this $hit ain’t funny no more!!!!!I agree with releasing Wilso he just didn’t look cmofortable here..
I don’t think Salty is going anywhere,however I do think maybe Escobar,and someone else is headed out,it’s just too quiet on here,mlbtraderumors.com,espn,and cbssportsline…usually prosportsdaily has something but nope too quiet,kinda reminds me of 96 when D.J.and Grissom got shipped out,something’s up just can’t get any info……
By David O'Brien
May 17, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
Read that about Gonzalez’s MRI on ESPN, did you? That’s good. They’ve got the scoop then….
But seriously, just talked to someone with the Braves and they said they hadn’t heard anything and that they weren’t even sure he got the MRI today. Since he’s already on the DL and going to be out at least a couple weeks (15 days), there was no rush to get the MRI, and there was a chance they might wait a day or two.
I tend to believe they probably got it today and we’ll get the results tomorrow, but we’ll see. I did call Mike just about 30 minutes ago to see if he’d answer, but got his voicemail.
Don, saw that Jayson Stark article on the shortstops. Good stuff. Amazing how loaded the position is in the NL. And look how many of them are also among the NL’s top leadoff men.
By Lew
May 17, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
Now now. It’s time to step back, take many deep breaths and re-center your respective chi. Take medication if necessary. All will be well-just seek inner peace and become one with the division lead. No one has commented on the fact that Liberty Media all but said we would have more money. Do you think Wilson would be unceremoniously dumped like this if we were still being ultra money concious? Breathe deeply my Grasshoppers. JS is still around and has been reaffirmed by The Gods Of MLB and The Demi Gods of Liberty Media. All shall be taken care of. Sleep deeply and rejuvenate-or I’ll set my Boy Joe Brave on y’all.
By KC
May 17, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
Efrim: It always hurts to lose an arm as good as Mike Gonzalez, but they CAN overcome the loss of Gonzo. Gonzalez wasn’t a factor for the Braves early, but the pen was fine… more than fine. Then Gonzo came around, but Wickman was on the DL, and still… the bullpen looked great. We haven’t really had our 7/8/9 guys all going at the same time yet, but the bullpen has still been excellent.
Even without Gonzo, we have (when healthy) a dominant setup man and a dominant closer, as well as Tyler Yates, who is looking like a dominant late-inning guy as well… to go along with Peter Moylan and some other good arms… This bullpen is still stocked dude. No matter what happens with Gonzalez… so long as Wickman and Soriano are healthy, the Braves’ bullpen is every bit as good as the Mets’.
Chad Paronto and Villarreal haven’t been impressive, but I think they’ll come around. If not… Boyer appears healthy and is getting back in the swing of things at Richmond, and Phil Stockman will begin throwing soon from what I understand. Tanyon Sturtze shouldn’t be too far away either.
The only thing the Braves need is another situational lefty and their bullpen will still be among the best in baseball, even without Gonzalez… again, so long as Wickman and Soriano are healthy.
The Braves offense is also among the best in the league. I’ll give the Mets the edge there, but only a slight one. Not nearly enough of an edge to decide this division.
Again, it all comes down to starting pitching, and I agree with you Efrim… because of their edge in this category, they are a better team right now. As for your assertion that it will be too late if we get another quality starter 6-8 weeks from now… you could be right, but I think the Braves will at least still be in the race, even if they’re trailing by several games. In any event, winning the division is a secondary objective. Winning a World Series is the goal that counts, and you can certainly win it as a Wild Card.
IF we had another quality starter, the likes of Aaron Cook, Jason Bergmann, or Bronson Arroyo… I would like our chances to win this division or the Wild Card, and I think the Braves would have as good a shot in the post-season as anyone.
PS: Having agreed with you that the Mets are a better team right now, I must say you almost made me physically ill with this statement: “this team, the Mets, play with relentless never say die attitude.” Dude, the Mets don’t play with any more heart than the Braves. In fact, I’d say the Braves have shown more heart and never-say-die attitude than anyone this year.
By journalist jimmy smith
May 17, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
journalist has just returned from bird calling class and is most relaxed. all the tensions built up during the past few dismal games were relieved as this journalist called to the songbirds and the songbirds responded. jimmy smith has been attending these classes to relieve stress and jimmy smith has discovered journalist has a talent for bird calls! today, this journalist called the ruzenzwori hill-babbler and a little bird flew up to this journalist and called bobby cox a donkey. journalist has heard that before so journalist just called for a more pleasant bird. just then, a very tall bird appeared and seemed to be out of sorts. this bird was vulgar and had poor bird hygiene. journalist recognized this bird right away. unbelievable! now, baseball … this bullpen looks unbeatable then looks so fragile - there can never be too much pitching. 3 closers become 2 closers and 1 of them just got off the d.l. oh, the humanity! liberty must get some more pitchers in here paronto.
By NationalLeagueEast
May 17, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
KC - How is losing 3 of 4 to the NATIONALS showing a never-say-die attitude?
By KC
May 17, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
Efrim: “A month ago you said the Braves would have the advantage in a series against the Mets.”
Come on man, give me a break. Tell me honestly that you predicted Glavine/Maine/Hernandez/Perez would be looking like Maddux/Glavine/Smoltz/Avery 6 weeks into the season.
If everyone in the Mets and Braves rotation looked this year as they did last season (which, a month ago, was how I figured it would more or less shake out with a little more time)… then yes, I would take Atlanta’s rotation over the Mets’ in a 7 game series.
I still like Smoltz and Hudson over Pedro and Glavine… but The seasons the rest of those guys in the Mets’ rotation are having throws a wrench in everything. No one could have seen this coming. No one. Maine, Herandez, and Perez are pitching better than anyone could have imagined.
By joebrave
May 17, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
Just a thought,Kenny Willams is enamored with A.J. I wonder if he still Hates Scott Bora$$,I’m just curious if he still wants to unoad Jon Garland,at 10 mill per he seems like a bargain…He also fits J.S. and Bobby’s mo for pitchers reasonably young with good stuff and the contract isn’t that bad,and a 4.0 mill savings to boot….Just a thought but maybe..
By KC
May 17, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
There is much good news to report down on the farm, but as much as I hate to do it… I will point out one disturbing stat.
Brent Lillibridge leads the Miss. Braves with 48 strikeouts in a 146 at-bats.
Ouch.
By joebrave
May 17, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
Hellooooo Lew how you been man? and where in the hell is SJA,dude these Mutts fans need a good ol fahioned A$$ chewing,what’s up tonight?
By May Day
May 17, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
Yeah, I understand Andruw would be under probably too much pressure for his mindset if he went to Boston. Hell, I went on that rant myself against Shaun yesterday about it.
But I think that maybe for the last 4 months of this season, he might personally put less pressure on himself if he was in Boston as opposed to here (but I am not in the lockerroom like DOB, so that is just my own fan speculation).
I also think that the fans up there are so fed up with the Coco Crisps of the world that they would welcome Andruw with open arms for the short term. For the last four months of this season with Druw batting sixth in Boston, I think the fans would go through a honeymoon period with him. Plus, the cold weather would not be too big of a concern in Boston for the last 4 months of this season since Boston will be toasty enough for the rest of the season. Plus, since the comfort zone thing does not seem to be helping him too much this year here in Atlanta (hell, we’re all turning on him) and he is having a bad year that might hurt his free agency money next year, maybe going to Boston on what looks like a potential World Series winner might help launch him to more money.
OR maybe Boras would rather have Druw be a big fish cleanup hitter in a small pond of sorts in Atlanta than have Druw just be an afterthought piece of a good team on Boston as a six hitter, especially with the great risk that all of his flaws that are ignored on a national level here in Atlanta will become national fodder once exposed on a grand stage like Boston. Maybe Boras knows Druw as well as we all do and as a result he does not trust Druw enough to let him go to Boston at such a critical juncture of his financial life.
Short term this year, I believe there might be a honeymoon grace period for Druw in Boston. Long term, I believe it would be an absolute nightmare for Druw in Boston - I think we would witness the destruction of HOF bound player.
But whatever. Druw ain’t going to Boston this year - just throwing ideas out there - don’t want to get too stressed about losing to the Gnats - and no longer want to get the blog bogged down anymore in that riveting RISP discussion about Druw.
By KC
May 17, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
NationalLeagueEast:
The Braves lost game 1 of this series to one of the best starts by any pitcher in the league so far this year. Bergmann was incredible. You just have to tip your cap.
As for the other 2 losses… Both products of the well chronicled shaky starting pitching we’ve been getting after Smoltz and Hudson.
Our starters have been putting us in the hole… and you can’t come from behind every time.
Still the Braves have proven their heart be being among the best in baseball in come-from-behind wins… as well as the way they have risen to the occasion against the Mets and Phils.
By journalist jimmy smith
May 17, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
homeboy upstairs is very short judging from the group photo on ajc.com. maybe it should be homeboy downstairs. should get mizuno to make some special shoes. and how is the two pair of socks with too large shoes experiment working for chipper jones? that was a nice homerun today. two 3-run homers could have won the game. and journalist has always employed a lot of people and jimmy smith does not understand why the bosses do not instruct andruw to shorten stance and swing or suffer the consequences. and what might those consequences be? make andruw room with one of the canadians. that’s right, make andruw room with pete orr. soon, andruw will come around to bobby cox’ way of thinking. and now, ukulele practice must begin. chicks dig the ukulele.
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this
KC,
The Mets play with more heart than the Braves. I will not retract that statement. That team NEVER plays a 5 game stretch like the Braves just played. The Braves were completely flat in so many clutch aspects. I can’t hear you say they are only slightly better than the Braves offensively. They can manufacture runs because of Reyes. He is the most dangerous player on the base paths in the majors.
By the way, keep running Yates and Soriano out there too much and they will find the same fate as Mike Gonzalez. Bobby Cox needs to give more crucial innings to Moylan (against righties). Paronto and Villareal aren’t very good. I’ll see if Mcbride is over the early season trouble this weekend when he faces Ortiz in a big spot.
By The Grinch
May 17, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this
Jimmy Smith, with your new bird calling talent do you think you could call CL out of her bird-house? Try your crow call (for her crows, not her…almost made a boo-boo).
KC, agreed about the bullpen.
G’night, all.
By KC
May 17, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this
NationalLeagueEast:
Also, I’m sure you would agree that the Mets have deeper starting pitching a more balanced team than the Braves.
So wouldn’t the fact that the Braves have stuck with the Mets despite all of that, also speak to the heart and never-say-die attitude of this team?
You don’t have to answer that. It was a rhetorical question. =)
By NationalLeagueEast
May 17, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this
Sorry, KC, but the “never-say-die” teams don’t roll over for last-place teams, and the Braves just handed them 3 of 4. The way they went down 1-2-3 in the 9th didn’t show much competitive fire. Compare that to the Mets today—down 4 in the 9th, and scratching and clawing for 5 runs. That’s heart.
By May Day
May 17, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
How did Heyman rank smoltz behind schilling in the game’s best 40 something year old players?!?!?!?! Yankee bias at work again. ;-(
If it don’t happen in Boston or NYC, I guess it doesn’t really happen (or something like that).
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/writers/jon_heyman/archive/index.html
By Efrim
May 17, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
KC
“Still the Braves have proven their heart be being among the best in baseball in come-from-behind wins… as well as the way they have risen to the occasion against the Mets and Phils.”
Dude, The Braves just lost 3 of 4 to the Nats. Period. End of story. They now face five straight series against the Red Sox, Mets, Phillies, Brewers, and Cubs. That is a problem.
The offense better wake up. Because you know the pitching is going to get destroyed the next 5 series.
By May Day
May 17, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
Druw & Salty for Papelbon? Hell yeah! Throw in another prospect or two and you can sign me up for that. Make Papelbon the stud third starter. Ain’t never gonna happen though.
By Colorado Braves Fan
May 17, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
KC.. Yeah, I noticed that also. Lillibridge, has about 12 more Ks than the next person on the team… Oh and leads the team in errors with 9. Almost double anyone else at Mississippi.
By joebrave
May 17, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
Aville you trying to entice me into a spewing contest or something?Ain’t gonna happen,If you are a Mutts fan well that your choice,Me I’d rather stick with a winner…If not then accept my apology sir…but if so I think Everyone here knows Joebrave is A Braves fan through and through….
Now for all you N.Y. Mutts fans,ther is a breeze blowin it’s a foul stench so that must mean your smelly arses are comin to the TED,maybe you might not like the end result……
We are not the Cubs,this thing with the Nats was a bump in the road,I read somewhere once you win 54,you lose 54,but it’s what you do with the other 54 that makes you,so rest assured your Mutts will lose three to four in a row probably sooner than you think…..
By joebrave
May 17, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
Keep running your pieholes Mutts lovers,you guys are about 1 good Hammy away from the cellar,and If you think Zanbrano is coming to the Mutts think twice your still the number 2 team in your own City,Mr. Steinbrenner will see to it he wears Pinstripes,bank on it……….
By joebrave
May 17, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
Hey Lew how about G.Blanco, is this the ame kid that played at myrtle beach a couple years ago and stunk it up?
By Lew
May 17, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
Joe Brave-I’m surviving, Dude. Suffering through a trifled toe. Heading to Boston tomorrow. Must represent the blog at the Smoltz/Dice K matchup on Saturday, wearing my Wickman’s Warriors T Shirt. Needless to say, I’m relatively psyched.
By jed
May 17, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
Okay, DOB, you got any inside poop on what the hell happened with Craig Wilson this year? Did he go all Aybar on us? Seems there had to be something about him the management & Cox just didnt like. (Hell, we stuck with Reggie Sanders for a full year while he hit below .200, and he was a starter! So, something’s up with Wilson.) Now, if another team signs him, do we still have to pay him?
By joebrave
May 18, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this
Cool,Lew have a blast man,singe a few of them beaneaters for me…..
By Lew
May 18, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
JoeBrave-Yeah, that’s the guy. I just checked Blanco’s stats. He has improved every year from Myrtle Beach on. I just don’t know. His OBP is good this year and was good last, but he has very little power (not even a lot of doubles) and he steals some, but I doubt he’ll ever be a 40 SB guy. I’ve heard he has a great arm and is a good outfielder, but I’ve never seen him play. Maybe someone else knows something more concrete about him?
By gotigers72
May 18, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this
KC - Stockman is already pitching at Richmond. He gave up his first 2 runs tonight. Has pitched around 9 innings. Boyer has pitched 7 2/3 innings and has a 1.29 ERA. Has 5 walks though, probably as a result of not pitching any since 2005, until now.
Good news for Cormier. He pitched 2 innings tonight. Gave up a hit and a walk, but 0 runs, and struck out 2. Hope he’s on the fast track. The rotation could use him badly, especially if he pitches like he did in Spring Training. Davies needs to be sent down and learn how to pitch instead of knowing how to throw. I can’t believe the Braves are really gonna bring Redman back up,. He was horrible. Even when he pitched those 5 innings in Richmond, he gave up 5 hits. So what do you think ML hitters will do to him? Especially the schedule they’re playing from now until the All Star break. They need to pull a Wilson on him and give him his unconditional release.
Paronto hasn’t been the same since he came off of the DL. He was a pretty good reliever before his injury. Those groin injuries tend to linger. Maybe the Braves brought him back too fast when they put Wickman on the DL.
By joebrave
May 18, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
Does it strike anyone as odd,the Braves kept saying they had to keep Langerhans for a defensive replacement for A.J. next year,Then he gets traded,and now Wilson is released,I’m telling you something is up with J.S. as we speak…..Thorman is playing a good first base and by the way hitting a damn site better than LaRoche did last year at this time,so why would you move him?Salty is young and agile,and with Bobby’s penchant for putting players in the position to succeed,why not RF for Salty,next year….
By Spike
May 18, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this
Let’s get off the ledge people. Did we play a sh++++ series with the Nationals? Probably, and it won’t be the last one. We’ve got Boston this weekend and the real possibility is that we will lose that series as well. Does that mean the end of the Bravos chances to win a division? Absolutely not. We are less than a third of the way thru the season. There are obvious problems with this team, as there are with every other team in baseball. I have enough faith in JS to believe he’s already working on a plan to fill some of the holes, as he just did with Craig Wilson to find a spot for Salty. I’m not ready to concede that Chuck James won’t get his act together. The loss of Gonzo is big, but as long as Yates and Soriano stay healthy the ‘pen will be fine. As for the Paronto bashers, Chad’s been a rock in the bullpen since last year, he’s coming off a DL stint and isn’t sharp, but he’ll get it together to help eat up some innings. Peter Moylan and Yates have been the key to the bullpen success lately, so let’s hope they can continue their outstanding work while Gonzo gets healthy. This team seems to hit in bunches, and not hit in bunches. Let’s hope we bring the bats to Fenway. Lots of baseball to be played folks and the next month will kind of sort things out…we’ll find out how good we are.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 18, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this
You guys (and gals) crack me up… I warned you folks not to take the Nationals too lightly. Don’t let their record fool you. They have been in most of the games they have played. They had not been getting blown out of games.
So… it’s history, get over it, let’s all hope the Braves’ players learned a valuable lesson and listen to what Chipper said. “It was not them, it was us.
Andruw taking his head out of his butt and getting a clue would be a big step forward. So let’s get behind this team and recognize there is a lot of baseball left to play.
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 18, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this
Bird man of Alcatraz—be careful when you’re doing your little birdie calls…you just might call up the dreaded SouthAfricanGrosbeakedTurdcutter…and that wouldn’t be too good for your health…
Say hello to Carolina Lady…when you can!…
joebrave—not even TheSouthernJackAss can stomach all this ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ posting…KC Poindexter, Shaun ‘Booger’ Dawson, and N8 “The Ogre” Palowakski, along with Robot Robert comprise about 75% of the entire blog these days, baztards don’t even sleep…and as boring as reading a damned Algebra textbook!…
As for those bald-headed, slick @$$ed Mets, and their stupid fans—well they will always be considered as the red-headed stepchild behind the damned Yankees in New York!…Mets will always be kinda like the city’s second stringers or B team…and I guess Mets fans can’t afford to be Yankee fans, tickets, gear, and memorabilia costs too much for ‘em…can’t even afford their own blog…and Steinbrenner sure as $hit stinks ain’t going to allow the Yanks to play second fiddle behind the Mets, money wise, talent wise, or winning wise…you know this man…
By David O'Brien
May 18, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this
Jed, answered this question earlier today: Yes, Braves pay Wilson the $2 mill. If another team signs him, they can do so for prorated portion of major league minimum, I believe.
Oh, and Wilson is known for having a straight edge — no drinking, etc. He’s as much a homebody as there is.
Different guy, colorful sense of humor, etc. But if he was hitting, he’d have fit in just fine, bet on that.
By N8
May 18, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this
For anybody interested, SI has a great article about Grady Seizmore in this week’s issue. I don’t actually pay for the magazine, it came with the MLBradio package (3 free months). Not sure if the story is online anywhere, but it’s a good read on a good kid.
I’m a new fan of his. Plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played….hard. There’s a spot in the article where it talks about Ozzie Guillen seeking him out on the field to let him know how much he appreciated the way he plays the game, and Guillen then refers to him as the “best player in our league”.
If you find it, enjoy.
By KC
May 18, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this
Efrim and NLEast: The Mets have only won 2 of 6 games against their supposedely inferior division rival. Run that through your heart meter. And while you’re at it, pull your head out of…
By KC
May 18, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this
gotigers72:
Thanks for the info. Good news on Cormier. I agree with you on Redman. I think it’s asinine to run him out there again. We need to start someone that at least has the potential to be good. With Redman, the Braves can only hope that he’ll be mediocre.
Efrim: I forgot… you’re a Mets fan. Sorry, I was talking to you as though you were a Braves fan. My mistake.
By KC
May 18, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this
I haven’t read through the blog for the day… anyone notice this comment from the new ownership?
On whether the payroll, which can’t go down, will go up:
“I’m going to leave that to [Braves CEO] Terry [McGuirk[, but I would be surprised [if it doesn’t go up]. The goal is to have a successful franchise, and winning franchises are successful franchises, and there probably is some correlation between payroll and success. Not an absolute correlation, but certainly some correlation. We’ll look to Terry and [Braves general manager] John [Schuerholz] to come in with what they think is needed… . There will probably be a budget outlined, and within that budget Terry will have flexibility to increase payroll.”
Sounds promising. I’m sure the Mets will still outspend us, but it sounds like we’ll get at least a small bump.
By N8
May 18, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this
“So… it’s history, get over it, let’s all hope the Braves’ players learned a valuable lesson and listen to what Chipper said. “It was not them, it was us.”
Couldn’t the “It was not them, it was us.” part basically apply to the 91 Twins, 92 Blue Jays, 93 Phillies, 96 Yankees, 97 Marlins, 98 Padres, 99 Yankees, 00 Cardinals, 01 Diamondbacks, 02 Giants, 03 Cubs, 04 & 05 Astros???
I love Chipper. Hope he stays healthy and continues to put up big numbers and goes into the HOF with a Braves Cap on (like he’d wear another cap). His “arrogance” (or confidence), is definitely part of what makes him great, but it’s also puzzling at times.
They NEVER seem to assume that the other team just MIGHT be the better team. It seems quite obvious what team showed up 3 of the last 4 days ready to play.
The Braves were SOOOOO overlooking the Nats, anticipating the Red Sox series. Not sure if Chipper was prodded about the interleague stuff or what. But maybe when the reporter asked him about the “fairness” of the interleague schedule, his response should’ve been:
“I haven’t event thought about it. Right now, we’re just trying to win the games we’re playing against the Nationals, who also happen to be a Major league team, and a division foe.”
It appears to me that while Chipper has a point about the “fairness” of the unbalanced “rivalry” interleague schedule, if the Braves just literally take care of their business and play baseball, they’re a pretty good team.
The Nationals are to us what Buster Douglas was to Mike Tyson. He never saw it coming. Let’s just hope that our season doesn’t go the same way that the rest of Iron Mikes career went. YIKES.
By Ron
May 18, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this
N8, Yeah Grady Seizmore is a tremendous player, I see his highlights, and see him on t.v. when he is on ESPN, great player!!! Thats what Omar Minaya gave up along with a #1 type Starting Pitcher and a second baseman for Bartolo Colon, and then a year later when they figured out they could not afford Colon they traded him for Rocky Biddle, WHO? Exactly!!! What a GREAT GM OMAR MINAYA IS HUHHH!!! Thats why we should not panic we have JS and they have Minaya, Yes they have more money to spend, but JS is the BEST and Minaya is the WORST!!! They may have a better offense slightly and a better Starting Pitching, but we have a better Bullpen, and Defense, along with a MUCH better Manager, and GM!!!!! JS will come through with a good trade for us like he did last year, we did not win last year, but he put us in a position to do so!!!
By Oh, the Humanity
May 18, 2007 1:28 AM | Link to this
jjs have you ever been a snipe huntin’?
By DonCoburleone
May 18, 2007 1:48 AM | Link to this
Hey anyone who’s awake, a few thoughts:
So glad to see Wilson gone… Can’t believe we lost 3 of 4 to the Nationals… Peter Moylan smokin’ - 1ER in his last 16 innings pitched… Gonzalez gonna need tommy john?… Why isn’t McCann starting automatically every day? (He’s better than Saltalamacchia, even if its a lefty pitching.)… Who’s going to be the primary backup 1B?
By DonCoburleone
May 18, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this
Is this blog fuuuked up or what??? Anybody here?
By DonCoburleone
May 18, 2007 2:12 AM | Link to this
new blog new blog new blog new blog new blog
By Coach
May 18, 2007 5:33 AM | Link to this
Don , McCann is in a horrible slump. In his last ten games he is six for thirty-three(.181 batting average)and it probably has a lot to do with his being banged up from catching so much early on this season.
By berigan
May 18, 2007 5:42 AM | Link to this
This makes a little sense, so it probably won’t happen, but why not have McCann DH, get a bit healthy, and have Salty catch the whole Boston series? Nah, let’s have Diaz and his 5 whole RBI”s in there instead.
By berigan
May 18, 2007 5:49 AM | Link to this
DOB, I never heard it mentioned as a reason(that I can recall) but isn’t it likely that since Craig Wilson couldn’t play left because of his bum right arm, that as a hitter it was affecting him as well??? Hope he gets picked up by someone, he has 99 homers, you’d hate to retire one short…..
By David-ATL14
May 18, 2007 5:59 AM | Link to this
For KC and gotigers-The Cormier that pitched for Richmond last night was Rheal Cormier a lefty reliever that the braves just signed after his release from the Reds.
Lance Cormier will pitch tonight(Fri) for Mississippi Braves.
Just didn’t want the denziens to be confused.
By JasonInMaine
May 18, 2007 6:09 AM | Link to this
I wonder if this supposed increase in payroll will happen in time for the trade deadline this year!
By Coach
May 18, 2007 6:14 AM | Link to this
Cormier and Cormier , sounds like a corny law firm to me , lol.
By David O'Brien
May 18, 2007 6:20 AM | Link to this
Gotta catch flight to Boston, but will get new blog up after I get there, before noon.
Was just a little bit busy the past 36 hours.
By JasonInMaine
May 18, 2007 6:32 AM | Link to this
I hope the Braves take 2 out of 3…I am surrounded by Red Sox fans. DOB, enjoy bean town. Stay dry…it is supposed to rain all weekend.
By Coach
May 18, 2007 6:40 AM | Link to this
Potshot time ! Craig Wilson: 7 singles 2 doubles 1 homerun and 2 RBI = Two Million dollars. Then when you think about Ryan Langerhans , Mark Redman , the developing disaster that Gonzo could be and then the Willy Ayber debalicle. I’m of the opinion that John Schuerholz should be required to stand outside Turner Field while we all walk by and throw eggs.
By JasonInMaine
May 18, 2007 6:52 AM | Link to this
Coach,
I have to agree…he hasn’t been at his best the last couple of years. Of course, getting Soriano and Wickman for the two Ramirez & Ramirez were both steals…
By Bigboi
May 18, 2007 7:34 AM | Link to this
Has anyone noticed tha Jorge Sosa has been putting together a pretty respectable year. Oh I wish we had him back.
By Metropolitan Man
May 18, 2007 7:37 AM | Link to this
Morning brave bloggers, just a question. Anyone going to the METS-braves series next week? If so let me know so we can get some brews and watch some basebsll. I’m purchasing some Tix today and getting a head start on the real fans hear who dont mind watching the game with METS fans.
Grinch, Scribes, get back with me and let me know the status, I’ll probably do Tue, and Wed, still debating on Thur.
I know you guys got to go handle Boston, but the METS are about to reclaim the CITY once again, check this out.
NEW YORK — The bright lights of Manhattan will take on a little different color scheme this weekend as the famous Empire State Building will be lit to salute the Interleague Play series between the Mets and Yankees for the first time. The two New York-based teams will be playing their Subway Series on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Shea Stadium in Queens. Starting on Friday, the north and south sides of the building will be lit in Yankees blue and white, while its east and west sides will be lit in Mets blue and orange.
To the victor will go the spoils. The team that wins the series will have its colors displayed on all four sides of the tower on Monday.
“For the first time in its history, the Empire State Building will split its tower lights — half for the Yankees and half for the Mets — in celebration of New York’s biggest sports rivalry,” said James Connors, the building’s general manager. “When baseball fans look at the city skyline, they’ll be able to root for their favorite team. And, it gives the players an extra boost — at the end of the Subway Series, the winning team claims the entire crown of New York City’s greatest building.”
LETS GO METS!!!!
By dadgum
May 18, 2007 8:02 AM | Link to this
The Braves always seem to lose in DC and make teh Nats look like superstars. Man that is totally embarrasing as the Nats just aren’t very good even at home.
Andruw needs to be moved out of the cleanup spot to #6. Why is Cox not jerking him out of the #4 slot? Why the loyalty to Andruw right now? This team needs a spark and I mean that is an obvious move. I can’t figure it out you guys have at it.
Rock on…….remembering the great John Bonham.
By JasonInMaine
May 18, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this
Lets Go Yankees…man, it is hard to say that!
By journalist jimmy smith
May 18, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this
journalist is up early this morning calling various songbirds. today, for the first time, jimmy smith tried rubbing reeds together while whistling in a low warbling tone … and two lovebirds appeared! journalist calls one april, and the other, sja. april is a lovely little rose-breasted grosbeak - while sja is a most hideous and vulgar bird! a tufted titmouse that needs a bath. sja left droppings everywhere and seemed to have disorders - kept flying into the window glass. knocked the little bird silly but it kept coming back for more. journalist wonders if this is not a life’s lesson? and now, grinch, what bird call must jimmy smith use for the loveliest bird of all - carolina lady? journalist has not been successful to this date in making peace with carolina lady though journalist was thoroughly vindicated by carroll rogers blog entitled, *”pink on the ballfield”.” all this journalist’s fears were realized with that blog. now, one last transition … hank aaron is going to market baseball to minorities. that’s right, minorities! soon, hank aaron will travel to buford highway to begin this crusade. and this journalist wishes hank aaron well in this endeavor.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 18, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this
Morning all, little to add to what already been said other than “Uh Oh, here comes the Phillies too.
Every team goes thru stretches when their play is less than stellar, let’s hope that the Braves can pick it back up a notch this weekend.
Buddy Carlyle pitched another Gem for Richmond last night. He did not get the win but another strong outing none the less. He only gave up one ER in 5 2/3 inning of work.
Richmond club took two last night sweeping Rochester. Best team the Braves have had in Richmond since Luman Harris was the manager.
Blaine Boyer got a save last night too. So, the farm is rich in AAA and AA this year. This is your best indication of the long term health of the franchise.
One last parting shot, as much as I hate the Yankees, I have to root for them this weekend….
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 18, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this
Mets take 2 of 3 from the yanks. Boston take 2 of 3 from the braves = Mets in first by 2 1/2 games.
By Efrim
May 18, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
Looking at these matchups, I think the Braves should take 2 outta 3.
Hansack vs. Lerew- Game we lose
Matsuzaka vs. Smoltz- Game we win
Gabbard vs. Hudson- Game we win
By May Day
May 18, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this
I know you guys got to go handle Boston, but the METS are about to reclaim the CITY once again, check this out.
Ha-Ha. Keep dreaming. You relinquished that title in the early 1990s and you will never get it back
By Lee
May 18, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
I know it has been proven attendance is up during inter-league play. Just not a big fan of inter- league play. It enhances teams in New York (just more reason to hate the Yankees/Mets), Los Angeles and Chicago because of the teams within the local area playing one another; but, as far as other cities is really seems like it has lost its appeal. In other words, I don’t give a crap about the Yankees and Mets and their special little crown of the city. ESPN should be happy though.
By Metropolitan Man
May 18, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
Yeah MAYDAY, tell your crying 3rd baseman to relax and chew on this:
Not to say that playing the Yankees is routine, even if Atlanta is next for the Mets and Boston is next for the Yankees. “When you’re talking about 19 games with the Braves, those are a hundred times more important than three or six games with the Yankees,” Wright said. “In some cases, there is too much emphasis put on the importance of these three games against a team that’s not even in your league. But I’d be lying if I said it was just another series. It’s fun. I love it when the fans get into it.”
And he is only in his 3rd year, Chipper is a whiner, use to be a winner, shut up and play ball!!!
By Shaun
May 18, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
Don,
If I were starting a team, I wouldn’t complain if Tulowitzki was my SS.
But, yes, I’d rather have Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes, in that order.
By Shaun
May 18, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
Metropolitan Man,
I agree with you about Chipper. If he thinks the interleague schedule is unfair, why doesn’t he go to the players’ union and complain instead of airing it out to a bunch of writers? (No one is a bigger Chipper fan than I am, and I do think he has a point but he should have said something long ago to the people who could actually do something.)
That said, I think the Phillies are the team that can take advantage. I said before the season that they may be the most talented team in the division on paper. Their run differential is right there with the Braves’ and not all that far behind the Mets’. They could be the team that is cheering the schedule makers when all is said and done.
By Lee
May 18, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
“When you’re talking about 19 games with the Braves, those are a hundred times more important than three or six games with the Yankees”
Inter-league has also been the caused of this unbalance schedule also. Too many times to see a team during the regular season. Bobby Cox has stated this often. Don’t know what I am gripping about though - opposing the Mets and Phillies appear to be a sure win for the Braves this year. If they could only get Washington and Florida off of their schedule things would be looking better.
By Metropolitan Man
May 18, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
You are on the money Shaun, I think the Philthies are feeling a little giddy inside knowing they can gain some serious ground within the next 2 weeks. Let just hope they stay true to form, I dont think anybody wants a 3 team race, this 2 team race is stressful enough.
By Shaun
May 18, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
Lee,
I’ve actually read some research that shows if you take into account the fact that a lot of interleague games are played on weekends, they are played in June and July, etc. (when attendance gets a boost anyway), there’s not really a huge attendance advantage during interleague play.
http://sabermetricresearch.blogspot.com/2006/08/mlb-overstates-interleague-attendance.html
By Shaun
May 18, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
Lee,
I would add that I don’t think interleague play is a bad idea necessarily, just because the boost in attendance is only minor. I just think you shouldn’t compromise the evenness of the schedule for teams competing for the same playoff spots.
With the wild card, I suppose every team in the league should play the same schedule.
By Florida Lady
May 18, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
AJC should really put a stop to that ignorant male chauvinist pig who continually gets his kicks from mocking and making fun of our former First Lady Mrs. Carter. It’s appalling, indecorous, and certainly not amusing. Very insulting to women in general.
By Arlyn
May 22, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
Hey I don’t know if you actually read these posts Dave but if you do and you are the music buff that you seem to be, you should definitely check out a group called The Steel Drivers. I think you’d really like them they are relatively new and are from the Nashville area. Solid sound - very high level musicians.