Braves

By 22oz

May 18, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

fifth?

By Mike in 'Fretta

May 18, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Great new blog for the weekend!

By Ricardo

May 18, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

DOB - Any word on Gonzalez’s MRI yet?
Also, it seems like the Braves are going against the grain by keeping Satly up here as a reserve. Is this going to be one of those deals where he’ll DH in AL parks, catch once a week and pinch hit the rest of the time? I can’t see the logic in letting him learn a new position (1B) at the big league level - especially when Thorman really seems to be coming into his own. Seems that could hurt the develpoment of both of them.

By Mike M.

May 18, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

About the interleague play issue…yeah, it would be nice if each NL east team played the same group of AL teams, but maybe a series against the Sox is what the Bravos need right now…something to wake them up out of the fog they’re in…I’m sure Andruw is dreaming about popping a few over the monster right now…

By Mike in 'Fretta

May 18, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

Is the Braves lack of success against new pitchers due to their agressive nature or poor scouting? It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me because you would think the Braves have a huge advantage over the new pitcher. You know the guy is at least a little nervous and with the exception of Andruw Jones the Braves hitters are all smart and have pretty good approach to hitting.

Maybe a rainout today won’t be such a bad thing for the Braves. They have been going strong for a while now and a day off might be just what the team needs to regain their focus. They looked so flat in Washington that had to at least in part be due to fatigue.

By 22oz

May 18, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

A new blog is definitely welcome after the horrors of the past two days, its like a fresh start.

A question for DOB: We’ve definitely heard from the writers (you and Bowman), as well as jabs from Joe Simpson on the frustration with andruw’s stubborness. Is it becoming evident in the clubhouse and with the coaching staff?

By May Day

May 18, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

MetroMan, agree with you about Chipper’s whining about the interleague schedule. I normally love Chipper but whiny comments like that are just really annoying to me. Just play the games on the schedule they give you, win them, and shut up. Mets still suck and they will still fade though - the Mets pitchers are going to get hammered this weekend by the Yankees. Hammered! By the end of this weekend, the Mets will have a 3-6 record against the Yankees and the Braves. Won’t be surprising. You can’t expect the JV team in NYC and the NL East to beat the varsity teams in NYC and the NL East.

By Jimbo

May 18, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

DOB how much extra cash will JS have to spend once the worst clutch hitter in baseball leaves town? Is there any talk of moving him down from the cleanup spot soon?

By They get to play baseball

May 18, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Made it out to RFK for yesterday’s game..Braves look lifeless. No hustle and seemed to be just going thru the motions. I was very disappointed and sure hope they look better when I get to see them in Fenway on Saturday.

By MarkH

May 18, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

When do you think the Braves will say something about Gonzo’s MRI?

By NCBravesFan

May 18, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Ricardo

My guess on Salty is the Braves decided that he would learn more in ATL playing in a variety of roles, and that Bobby would be able to get him enough ABs to justify it.

Craig Wilson made the decision easier with his lack of hitting (which is unfortunate) … but waiving a $2 million part-time guy on a team with a tight payroll was a pretty bold move six weeks into the season. The move tells me Salty’s the replacement, and that the Braves are not scanning the waiver wire or minors for help.

By Thrillhouse44

May 18, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

DOB, how stoked is Edgar about facing the Sox this weekend? Does he have any hard feelings towards Boston?

Here’s to a weekend of cold beers and the Braves playing up to their competition!

By Mike in 'Fretta

May 18, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

The delayed response from Braves management about Gonzo’s injury can’t be good news. The last time he had an MRI the results were made shortly after the test was completed. Maybe they are just being extra thorough this time with the test, but the longer we have to wait for news the more I get the feeling that it can’t be good.

By eric the elder

May 18, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

DOB, did Bobby or anyone have any comment on that fly ball that Church hit yesterday and Francoeur didn’t catch? It opened the flood gates for the Nats.

Church is a left-handed hitter, so it wasn’t that Francoeur was that far from the line. The ball was a routine fly ball and it fell in fair territory! Francoeur was there, and the ball almost hit him on the foot.

Don’t mean to be critical - - Francoeur is great - - and maybe the TV perspective was misleading. It just looked like a weak effort on a fly ball that should have been caught.

By BamaBrave

May 18, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

Yes…this weekend’s matchup doesn’t have the punch it seemed to have a week ago, but so far this season we’ve gotten up for the good teams. Here’s hoping we can do that for these three.

BTW, I know a handful of Red Sox fans, and they’re convinced Andruw is going to be patrolling centerfield for them next year. I can’t wait to hear what they say after he falls down swinging about a half dozen times.

By Coach

May 18, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

Me thinks that the Braves will activate Redman , if they already haven’t and add him to the roster. Thereby going with thirteen pitchers and a four man bench due to playing in an A.L. park with the designated hitter.

By NO CHOP ZONE

May 18, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

May day, I don’t think you realize the Mets are playing better ball right now than the they were when they faced the braves earlier in the season. At the same time I don’t think the braves are playing their best ball right now. If all stays the same I think you’re about to witness this for yourself next week. I know Cox will have the team pumped to play against the Mets because he focuses on division games more than any manager I know and I think he has a hard on for playing the Mets…..

By Lee

May 18, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

I hope tonight’s game is not rained out. If a doubleheader is required that means, more than likely, the names Orr and Woodward will appear in the starting line-up for a game. The Braves need every productive bat possible to match up against the Red Sox and that certainly does not apply to these 2 players.

By Coach

May 18, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Yep , should have checked. They did that yesterday , I’m a day late and a dollar short , lol.

By tvsportscaster

May 18, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Coach, Redman was already added to the roster after yesterday’s game and Brayan Pena was sent to Richmond.

By Braves20

May 18, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

DOB - You are so kind in your comment about Bosox pitchers facing the Braves “aggressive” hitters for the first time. Aggressive is too nice a term. Moronic would be more appropriate. In the 7th through 9th innings last night, down a couple runs, there were maybe two or three hitters who didn’t hack at the first pitch they saw in those three innings. Pathetic.

By rammerjammer

May 18, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

With Andruw mired in the .220s and no sign of improvement, his free agent value is dropping rapidly. It would be in his best interest to approve a trade NOW, while teams still think he’s just off to a slow start.

Right now, no way anyone gives him an $18 million per year, multi-year contract. No way.

By JasonInMaine

May 18, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

DOB,

I have been wondering if Liberty’s supposed increase in payroll will have any affect on the team this year, especially before the trading deadline. Things have been awful quite on the Braves front, and I wouldn’t be surprised if JS has something up his sleeve. Do you have any thoughts on a potential trade that JS could be working on? I think if the 3-5 spots struggle for another week or 2 and if they can get some payroll flexibility in the short term, JS will be aggressive in trying to find a starter and not necessarily a back-end of the rotation guy!

Regards,

Jason

By Jersey Gil

May 18, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Best thing can happen to the Braves is to postponed the three game series and the Mets loss three games again the Yankee…It going to rain heavy tonight, tomorrow nas 80% for sunday in Boston…By monday the Braves will be in First place tight with the Mets without playing and will be resting for the Mets.

By David-ATL14

May 18, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Yes, Redman has been activated as DOB was right again.Pena optioned to Richmond.

Rarely do I criticize JS and BC, as they know much more than I, but I just can’t understand this move.

I understand they are worried about Lerew’s effectiveness and Smoltz’s finger,but WTF? a 12 man staff would be more than sufficient for this weekend.

The 4 man bench is in actuallity a 2 man bench,Woodward and Orr. Diaz will probably DH and Salty will be chained to the bench in the backup catcher role.

NO DH’ing for Salty with Pena gone.Also holds his pinch-hitting role to very late in game if at all.

Would have made much more sense IMO to send down Paronto and if BC was f——— determined to have 13 pitchers, would have made much more sense to send down Orr. He still has an option left plus his bat is questionable at best.

Sad thing is Pena can’t return for 10 days now unless someone is placed on the DL.

Randolph,Wagner and all the other late inning guys have to be salivating over the thought of a bench consisting of Orr,Woodward and Diaz when they come calling.

What was said earlier about “chaining Salty to the bench will also apply to McCann on days that Salty starts.

A third catcher (Pena) was needed to free either (Salty or McCann) on days they didn’t catch.

Terrible move by the brass.

By Lee

May 18, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Jersey Gil Sounds like a plan to me.

By flange1

May 18, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the new blog!

Guys and gals, chill on the Gozo MRI. Reread the last blog and DOB indicates that Gonzo might NOT have had the MRI yesterday. He is on the 15 day DL and there is no rush.

Teams go through ups and down through the long season. Braves are in a bit of a rut right now, but I will bet the Green Monster will light a spark in them! I know they don’t want double headers, but a day off today might actually help them.

As fans we have to be excited by all or the talk about Liberty increasing the payroll. JS is a real good GM when he is penny pinching, but he is a GREAT GM when he has some money to spend. I am really pumped about the future of this team. With all of the quality young guys that we have + having some money to spend = BETTER TEAM!!!

RAIN HARD! RAIN HARD! RAIN HARD! kind of a reverse Woodstock chant?

By Fred from CT

May 18, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

new day let’s go braves

By MGL

May 18, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

I believe that either Orr or Diaz, maybe both, can be an emergency catcher.

By Jersey Gil

May 18, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

GO YANKEE…. GO YANKEE… BRAVES NEED SOME REST…THE WEATHER MAN GIVE A SLIM CHANGE TO PLAY TONIGHT AND LESS TOMORROW…SUNDAY IF THE BEST OF THE THREE …WITH A 80% CHANGE OF RAIN. BRAVES NEED SOME HOME COOKING AND RECHARGE THE BATTERY…..

GO BRAVES

By Thrillhouse44

May 18, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

How do ya’ll like this one: “Smoltz and Hudson and then start cussin”?

By eric the elder

May 18, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Let’s hope tonight’s game is postponed. It is an injury waiting to happen. Think Chipper.

By David-ATL14

May 18, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Big difference in an emergency catcher and someone who can actually catch when the game is on the line. Pena could Orr and Diaz can’t.

Plus Diaz will be in the lineup this weekend as the DH.

Again a terrible move.

By Metropolitan Man

May 18, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Here you go MAYDAY, check this:

If the Yankees looked broken down and listless, tight and frustrated while losing four of six on their just-completed road trip to Seattle and Chicago, just wait for the contrast when they begin their three-game Subway Series against the vibrant Mets tonight at Shea. The Mets have become what the Yankees used to be. They’re the team with swagger. They’re the dynamic club that keeps finding ways to wow you while they win. Their manager is setting a pitch-perfect tone rather than grasping for answers like Joe Torre is.

Torre knows if the Yankees don’t start winning - now - there’s no guarantee he’ll get to finish his lame-duck contract year. Or even the month of June.

So forget bragging rights. The Mets have already proven they’re the best team in New York City, hands down. What’s at stake for the reeling Yankees is far more desperate than just that. Against the Mets this weekend they’ll be playing to avoid plunging into a double-digit deficit in the American League East race before they even get to the three-game set that looms just ahead against the Red Sox, or the sight of Roger Clemens pitching in pinstripes again. They’re playing not just for the AL East title, but to maintain contact with the other wild-card contenders.

By MBATL

May 18, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

David-ATL 14, I’m no expert on AL-style baseball, but why couldn’t Salty (or McCann) DH? If the catcher gets hurt, the DH straps on the gear.

By Lee

May 18, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Shaun

If you are out there I just read the last 2 posts you made on the previous blog. I don’t remember this - maybe you know. Before inter-league play came into effect did the teams within each division play the other teams within that division the same amount of games during a season as they do now or did that change when inter-league play started. Just curious and cannot remember.

By Metropolitan Man

May 18, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

May 18, 2007 — IF IT wasn’t a changing of the guard filling the noisy Flushing afternoon, it was a clear reshuffling of our parochial baseball perspectives. If it wasn’t an official transfer of the city’s baseball deed, traveling south then east on the Triborough Bridge from The Bronx to Queens, it was a loud affirmation that our landscape has been altered.

Back in 1997, the Yankees were World Series champions and the Mets were just emerging from a long, dark funk. The Mets won the very first game, the Yankees the very first series, and from there their spots in New York’s baseball firmament have been set in concrete.

The Yankees were always the standard against which the Mets were forced to judge themselves, something of a pinstriped growth chart. Even last summer, when the Mets had already established themselves as residents of the National League elite, the Yankees provided a seminal test, a scrimmage against the varsity. The Mets won two of three at Shea in May. The Yankees won two of three at Yankee Stadium in July. Both teams were destined for 97 victories and October angst.

It’s all so very different now. For the first time, the Yankees are the team that enters the Subway Series in a decidedly desperate state, losers of five out of seven, three games under .500, the Red Sox threatening to lap them in the AL East. While the Mets were inspiring cheers loud enough to drown out the LaGuardia traffic in the ninth inning yesterday afternoon, the Yankees were turning in another lifeless, listless performance in Chicago, losing 4-1 to the White Sox.

“I have no doubt that they’ll be where they always are when all’s said and done,” Mets manager Willie Randolph said of the Yankees. “And that’s the playoffs.”

If that’s really going to happen, then the Yankees need to start winning some baseball games in bunches. They need to screech the brakes right here, right now, and they need to win this Subway Series with the Mets, and they need to win the series with the Red Sox that’ll follow at the Stadium. At some point your record stops being an annoying millstone around your neck and starts being what you are, and who you are.

That’s already happened with the Mets. We’ve seen enough of them, and enough of the National League, to know that they belong in the lofty conversations tied to the league’s upper tier. They’re winning at a .650 pace, and just about once a week they kick up the degree of difficulty and win a game like they won yesterday. Across 40 games, across the first quarter of the season, they’re the best baseball show we have.

Are they the best team? For now, you have to say absolutely.

The Yankees get their say this weekend, and for the first time they’re the ones carrying all the measuring sticks, lugging the comparison charts. For the first time, they’re the ones who have to find out if they can truly stack up against the Mets, to see if they belong in the same baseball discussion.

“Honestly,” Randolph had said, “we don’t get caught up in that kind of stuff.”

All due respect to the skipper, that would make them the only ones in the whole city who don’t.

Thats enough for you to enjoy MAYDAY.

NO CHOP ZONE, keep giving it to them until they cant take anymore…LETS GO METS!!!!

By tvsportscaster

May 18, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

David in Atl. the move to 13 pitchers is for this weekend only because of the uncertainty over Smoltz and Lerew, and besides your bench isn’t used as much in an American League ballpark because you don’t have to pinch hit for the pitcher. By the time next week rolls around the 13th pitcher will be dropped and another bat will be added.

By NationalLeagueEast

May 18, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

So let me get this straight….you Braves fans are praying for rainouts? Wow—what a vote of confidence in your team. If you’re afraid to play, just forfeit.

By Fred from CT

May 18, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

mbatl I agree that is what they should do. If the catcher gets hurt then you bring your DH in the game to catch. You lose the DH and the pitcher goes into that spot in the lineup.

By David-ATL14

May 18, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

If the DH staps on the gear you then lose the DH spot in the lineup and your pitcher bats, which would be an unmitigated disaster with the short bench.

MBATL- using your example, let’s say McCann starts tonight and Salty DH’es which he won’t(Diaz) but for argument’s sake he does. McCann reinjures finger in third inning Salty “straps on the gear” BC is then left with the pitcher taking McCann’s spot in the order with a bench of Orr,Woodward and Diaz. A rather frightening thought.

By True Braves Fan

May 18, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

The move to get sign Wilson in the off season has been corrected. Can we now do something about the Woodward acquisition? Orr and Woodward as bench players leave a lot to be desired. Any word on Aybar’s status? Am I the only one worried about Paronto, (particularly coming in with the game on the line, like yesterday, with Yates and Moylan available????)

By MBATL

May 18, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Lee, I’m pretty certain that in the years before interleague, each NL team played every team approximately the same number of times (it varied between 12 and 13 games against each opponent, just to make the numbers work). The “balanced” schedule. So we played the same number of games against the Dodgers and Cardinals as we did against the Mets, for instance.

By David-ATL14

May 18, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

First thing Salty will not DH, DOB as much as said so in his blog yesterday it will be Diaz.

Secondly the sight of Tim Hudson being called on to pinch hit in the 10th inning when BC is out of players is not one I want to see.

Having the 13th pitcher just means someone extra can get in the game for “mop up” or “long duty” losing that extra bench player could cost you a chance to win a close game late.

If Lerew gets bombed tonight(hopefully not) and Redman comes in the game in the third inning - SO WHAT? game is lost then anyway. The loss of a bench player could cost the chance to win the game late.

By scott

May 18, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

still wondering what’s up with Willy Aybar. Is he still on the 40 man roster? Or is he toast?

By GT80

May 18, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Man, the gloom and doom is overbearing. Granted the last 2 games wer downers, especially when both should have been wins. An error by Kelly ruins a decent outing by Davies and then Paronto spits the bit to lose a decent effort by James. I was at least encouraged by the decent pitching from those two.

ON to Beantown, maybe the green monster will wake up Andruw, but I suspect he will continue screwing himself into the ground trying to hit it. At least Chipper is back in the lineup and contiues to hit everything. He’s amazing.

So the question is, what is going on with Cormier? I haven’t heard anything about him even doing a rehab start. Has his arm just fallen off?

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

KC: This one’s for you. All off season I argued that the new ownership would not want to cut payroll. That they intended to flip this team when the time comes and that it is in the best interest of the company to have a winning team so as to improve on the franchise value. I argued that for those reasons, the payroll will probably increase if not stay the same and certainly not decrease. Well KC, I don’t think you ever disagreed with me on those points, but in your honor I would like to say the following…

I TOLD YOU SO!!!!

By ncscoots

May 18, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

David, pinch-hit for whom? Unless you think, late in the game, Bobby plans to pinch-hit, say, Orr for Johnson. I believe your fears about a short bench in an AL park might be misplaced.

By Efrim

May 18, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Chipper should stop cryin about the interleague schedule.

WIN THE F*ING GAMES.

By eric the elder

May 18, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

NationalLeagueEast, I am one who hopes tonight’s game is postponed. If coming on to a Braves blog to talk trash makes you feel better, fine, but please don’t twist the intent.

I’ve been looking forward to this series, and the Braves and their fans are not “afraid” to play anyone. It’s just that baseball is not meant to be played in 40-degree, rainy, soaked field conditions. I don’t want to see any of our guys get hurt, but I also don’t want to see any Red Sox players get hurt.

By MBATL

May 18, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

David, I wouldn’t call it that frightening. The odds of an injury are pretty long (though I’d like to see Salty catch, and McCann DH for at least a couple of games). And if the injury does occur, having to bat the pitcher for the rest of the game is not exactly the end of the world.

As to what we’ll actually do, you may be right - Diaz may be the DH, though personally I really doubt he will be for the whole series unless he just lights it up (which would be fine, of course). Regardless, I just don’t think you have to keep your backup catcher stuck on the bench when he can just as well DH.

As to having to use a pitcher as a pinch-hitter in extra innings - sure, it could happen. But, with the DH, and the ability to change pitchers at will without using PH’s, there’s no (likely) reason we should need more than 4 bench players this weekend.

I agree with tvsportscaster that the 13 pitchers will be a short-lived thing. It’ll be interesting to see who we call up after the weekend.

I would guess Escobar - and he’ll get a chance to beat out Orr or Woodward. (although, Prado is already on the 40-man roster, so that may be a factor).

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Good point about Edgar. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens.

Obviously the trade wasn’t as bad as the signing itself.

Also, they traded Renteria and Hanley Ramirez in the same off-season. Not one of Epstein or whoever was running the show’s brighter moments.

Basically they traded Edgar for Coco Crisp and $11 million.

By NationalLeagueEast

May 18, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

eric - it’s not talking trash….between Chipper whining about the schedule, Francoeur settling for the wild card, and the fans here praying for rain, it sounds like you guys want to do everything but play the games.

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

Lee,

If I’m not mistaken, I think it was corresponding divisions playing each other (NL East vs. AL East, NL Central vs. AL Central, etc.), except for a few natural rivalries outside of the corresponding division (Texas vs. Houston).

Still, you had the problem of two or more teams competing for the same Wild Card spot not playing the same schedule.

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

Well, Chipper has a legit gripe. The problem is he needs to gripe to the people he hires to represent him, not to the press or MLB.

By MBATL

May 18, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Jason Stark has a breakdown of NL shortstops here

Like I said yesterday, as good as Edgar has been, it’s tough to put him better than 4th or 5th in the NL.

By Lee

May 18, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

MBATL & SHAUN

Thanks, I thought it was something close to being like that. B. Cox has just complained off and on about having to play the teams within the division (19 times I think) so much and I have to admit I do miss seeing some of the other clubs out of the central and western divsion. We just don’t see much of them any more it seems during the year.

By NCBravesFan

May 18, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Yo’ Mets fans … call Chipper a whiner all you like. He’ll be back to spank a little Met a** soon enough.

By gotigers72

May 18, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Glad to see I’m not the only one that thinks DiceK is overrated. Has an ERA around 4 1/2, and the two times I’ve seen him on ESPN, he got lit up. There probably is a statue of he and Roger Clemens in the lobby of ESPN that all employees must genuflect before, prior to going to work. That Clemens stuff was sickening. It was like all Clemens, all day for about a week there. If Jesus came back, there wouldn’t be that much coverage.

Anyway DOB, I’m hoping for an early rain out for you [if there is to be a rainout], so that you can go somewhere and catch some music or at least a good meal, instead of sitting in a cold dank pressbox and watching it rain for hours.

Please God let Smoltz pitch Saturday so that he’ll have 4 days rest and be able to go against the Mets on Thursday.

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Lee: Prior to 1969 teams played each team in the league 18 times. In 1969, after expansion and the introduction of divisional play, a team would play opponents from the same division 18 times and opponents from the other division 12 times. In 1977, I think, the schedule was re-altered so that intradivision teams matched up 13 times each and interdivision teams matched up 12 times. In 1997, the first year of interleague play, the schedule became very unbalanced. Intradivisional match ups occur 18 or so times between each team. Interdivisinoal match ups occur 6 to 9 times between each team. And then there are a handfull of Interleague games.

By David O'Brien

May 18, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Still no word on Gonzo MRI. I just checked with Braves official. We’ll probably know something this afternoon, but don’t hold your breath.

Nothing new on Aybar. He’s still on the roster, suspended without pay. Status quo. I’m sure he’s with family somewhere, as his agent told me last week, but that’s all I’ve got. If Chipper had missed 15 games already, I think it’d be a bigger issue. But honestly, if he were here the guy wouldn’t have played much so far. Where’s he going to play, second base instead of Kelly? Four games that Chipper missed?

Not making light of a very serious situation, not at all. Just saying, as far as his impact on the team, if he were here he wouldn’t have played much so far, other than a game here, a game there, and some pinch-hit appearances.

It’s cold, dreary and miserable here, by the way. 49 and raining. Forecast bad. Nothing yet on rainout or anything like that, but they’d try for a split DH tomorrow if it gets banged tonight,

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

I think David is mixing his leagues. We’ll need the extra pitchers more than the extra hitters unless a position player gets hurt. Only then would we need to worry. We’d have to bring in Orr or Woodward; two guys who can’t field or hit. Orr’s only redeaming quality appears to be the ability to run fast. But he’s no good at stealing bases so what’s the point? Otherwise for Orr and Woodward the main skillset seems to be the ability to fumble the ball at nearly every infield position while creating automatic outs in the batting order.

I’d like to add this too. I mentioned it before but must say it again. I’m so glad to see Thor has the everyday job. So frickin glad.
Go gittum Thor!

By Cleanuphitter16

May 18, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Off ESPN’s site:

(tries to contain laughter)

“Mets re-examine anti-steroids efforts”

NEW YORK — The Mets plan to re-examine their educational program about the dangers of steroids following their third drug-related suspension in 6½ months.

Pitcher Lino Urdaneta was suspended for 50 games Wednesday, eight days after pitcher Jorge Reyes was suspended for 100 games. Both players were penalized for testing positive for performance-enhancing substances under baseball’s minor league program. Reyes drew a longer ban because it was his second offense.

Reliever Guillermo Mota is serving a 50-game suspension after testing positive Nov. 1 under the major league program. In 2006, Reyes tested positive under the minor league program along with pitchers Waner Mateo and Timothy Haines, and pitcher Yusaku Iriki tested positive under the major league program.

“We do educational stuff already, and we do a bunch of it. We will be looking into it,” chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon said Thursday. “I’ve spoken to the doctors, and I’ve spoken to the nutritionist.”

Wilpon intends to meet with general manager Omar Minaya and his staff to review the team’s anti-drug efforts.

By David-ATL14

May 18, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

ncscoots, my fears about a short bench aren’t misplaced IMO, but everyone is entitled to theirs.

It’s not the short bench alne but it’s the short bench vs the 13 pitcher. whoever that 13th pitcher is for this weekend, he’s not needed.Like I said earlier,if lerew is rocked and Redman enters in the third inning so what, just playing out the string in a losing effort. Lerew can stand out there and take the beating just as well as Redman or vice versa. Also the arms issue can be addressed after lerew pitches tonight, Acosta, Boyer anyone could be with the team but not activated(could be activated for saturday if needed) unless Lerew tanks.If he doesn’t tank, then the 13th pitcher isn’t needed.

For God’s sake we have Smoltz and Hudson going Saturday and Sunday followed by an off day Monday.13th pitcher completely unnecessary.

I’ll shut up though before I morph into Shaun, beating a dead horse over and over.

By Lew

May 18, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

OH-The Humanity. Cold and wet and miserable in New England. I’m doing all I can do. I have the Doors “Waiting For The Sun” on the trusty CD player. Doubt it will work, but a dose of Shaman’s Blues is never a bad thing.

By Chad

May 18, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

DOB, Is there any truth to the rumor that the Braves may be interested in Troy Percival? Here is the link that I read today. http://mvn.com/mlb-braves/2007/05/18/could-the-braves-bring-in-percival/

By Lew

May 18, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

NLEast-Why do you insist on claiming Chipper is whining? If you had bothered to read the entire statement, you would have noticed that Chipper mentioned both the Braves and the Mets as having the bad end of the interleague deal and the Phillies reaping the benefits-which is how it really is. I can’t stand this unbalanced schedule. I’m tired of seeing the NL Central and West teams 6 games a year. Unfortunately, the powers that be don’t listen to those of us who foot the bill. It’s about time someone recognizable to the MLB powers decided to open their mouth instead of taking it up…OOps, sorry. I’m kinder and gentler. Have a nice flippin’ day.

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

DOB: Can Aybar play 3B, SS, and 2B or is it only 2 of those positions? I think Aybar would have played a little more than you seem to let on, but maybe I’m not reading your post correctly. I could see him pinch hitting and pinch running. Also, he would probably be ahead of Woodward if a sub in situation or if a day off was granted to a regular. Between Woodward and Orr, the two have combined to appear in 45 games with 80 plate appearances. I’d imagine the majority of that work would have gone to Aybar had he been on the team.

By Braves20

May 18, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

For once I agree with Metro Man. The Mets match up very well with the Yankee’s - both have those American League/Beer League type rosters built to simply out slug the other team. Anything more than a one Yankee win weekend would be exceptional.

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

gotigers72,

I don’t know if I’d say overrated as much as overexposed. He’s been a decent pitcher (if you look at context and look at things he can control, HR rate, K rate and BB rate). And I don’t know a whole lot of “experts” who say he’s been awesome or who thought he’d be awesome.

The Japanese pitcher who should be getting attention is Hideki Okajima, who has arguably been the AL’s best reliever to this point. Not a large sample of innings but in 20.2 IP: 23 K, 4 BB, 9 H, 1 R, 24 groundballs to 14 fly balls. Pretty impressive but no one is talking about him too much.

DOB,

If Aybar was able to play, maybe Orr and Woodward wouldn’t have had to come to the plate so many times, and it’s clear Aybar is the better player. But, things happen and who knows if Aybar would have been any better in only a few plate appearances. Probably wouldn’t have made a significant difference so far. An extra win would be a very liberal estimation, I’d say.

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

I tried to get the point across yesterday to David but it didn’t work.

I tried to explain that a DH means more pitches. More pitches mean more pitchers would be good. He didn’t get it.

All he could say was if that were true AL teams would carry 13 or 14 pitchers.

By Meanie

May 18, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Thought everyone might find it interesting that this week’s Sporting News has a short scouting report on Willie Harris. Says, “weak arm and continues to be inconsistent at the plate but will continue to see extended playing time because speed never goes into a slump.” Continues to be inconsistent at the plate? Dude’s been at .400 since he’s been up!

Hey Met-ho Man what 7-train Rockerphobe Metlover wrote that bit of rag journalism? I think the Yankees are worth roughly double what the Mets are at this point…and they can get sound bites (IN ENGLISH!) from most of their best players. The Mets, quite simply, will always be stepchildren up there. Hell if MLB would let him George would probably buy the Meats and move ‘em to Mexico D.F. Can you think of a better fit? Jugamos el béisbol amigo!

By David-ATL14

May 18, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

No Tenn Paul, I’m not mixing my leagues. No AL Team as of yesterday carried 13 pitchers, I put the breakdown in the blog yesterday.

Of the 30 MLB teams using both FoxSports and MLB.com to verify rosters- 26 teams are carrying 12 pitchers,and 4 teams are carrying 11 pitchers. 2 of the teams carrying 11 pitchers are in the AL,(Angels and Twins). If a 13th pitcher was so essential in the AL, don’t you think some other team would be doing it on a daily basis?

My biggest gripe is that 13th pitcher will only come into play in a blowout, we have plenty of candidates for that duty.

Anyway I’ll shut up about it, it’s done, I just hope it doesn’t bite us in the a* over the weekend.

By Mike in 'Fretta

May 18, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

You know you listen to the people on this blog and it’s a damn good thing none of you have to go to battle. Look, if the Braves can’t score runs off of 2 minor league pitchers and muster up enough offense against Dice K with our Ace on the mound then the Braves don’t deserve to be in 1st place of the NL East. It might be nice for the guys to get a day off tonight, but praying for the whole weekend to be rained out and hoping we get back in first by default because the Yanks sweep the Mets is pretty weak.

It’s games against the Red Sox, Mets and Dodgers that we find out what the Braves are made of and so far the Braves have proven that they can compete against other top ball clubs. Unlike the people on this blog the Braves don’t need to play like they are afraid of anybody. They seem to have lost that spring training/early season chip on their shoulder, well I say tough schedule be damned, bring it on Red Sox!

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

David,

If Lerew gets rocked, I’d rather an older guy like Redman finish the game than leave Lerew’s young arm out there.

Do the names Mark Prior and Kerry Wood mean anything to you?

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

David: Why would we be pinch hitting? That’s the only reason to have more bats unless you are planning for an injury. But if an injury occurs, we can pull up any guy we need for the next game. Our platoons are now widdled down to just LF between Diaz and Harris. Both of these guys are hitting right now. Not for power, but they are hitting. Every other position is an every day player who wouldn’t come out of the game except in the event of a double switch, which won’t happen in an AL park.

By Kieran from Long Island

May 18, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

I dont particularly agree with the decision to keep salty and send pena down. pena has not only been a solid spell option defensively, he’s given the Barves some clutch hits this year and last. He possesses a great attitude and has done nothing (Other then getting clocked in the head) to merit being sent down. Why not let Salty catch regularly down in the minors and Keep Pena here. I really strongly believe that if Pena were on many otehr teams he would be a starting catcher, and would be an effective major league hitter. A switch hitting solid defesive cather?? Possible trade value? tell me a team like the Devil Rays or Texas Rangers couldn’t use him?

I really think this season is setting up for a big time trade. It may be wishful thinking on my part, but with the sale of the team and the new owners talking about raising Payroll I could see the Braves bringing in a big pitcher or Left fielder. It just really seems to me that they are trying to showcase Salty for a trade, if they were preparing for him to be a Braves they almost certainly would have sent him down. Who would they bring in though? One of those fine Devil ray Outfielders? Has anyone seen Rocco’s stats by the way? Not good, not good at all…

GET REDMAN OUT OF HERE!

By David O'Brien

May 18, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Shaun, we agree on something — the potential impact Aybar might have had. Maybe a win … maybe.

Now, if Chipper or Kelly were to get hurt, then suddenly the Aybar thing is a very significant issue. Because you’re right, he’s a better player than the other two utility guys. Probably much better.

By Lew

May 18, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

I wonder how fast Willie Harris is canoeing around the bases?

By Lew

May 18, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Kiernan-I think I heard on XM Home Plate this morning that Baldelli was disabled again for recurring hamstring problems. If not actually on the DL, he is at least unable to play right now.

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

David,

TennPaul is right. No need to pinch hit or sub for the starting nine unless there is an injury. And if that happens, the Braves are going to bring in a worse player anyway; having an extra players is not going to help quality. Why not carry an extra pitcher?

I could see your point if you are saying keep Pena and use Salty and McCann at C and DH, but I don’t see that having a position player as opposed to a pitcher helps.

By beachcomber

May 18, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Kieran: re: Baldelli. If you get a chance, go on line and read Gary Shelton’s column in the St. Petersburg Times today. It pretty much explains why JS did not acceed to many blogger’s wishes and trade a prospect or two for him in the off season.

By David-ATL14

May 18, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Shaun getting rocked and being misused are two entirely different things,Lerew isn’t going to pitch more than 5 innings tonight good or bad, no big deal if he stays out there for the third and fourth innings in a 6-1 game as opposed to Redman. As long as he doesn’t thow 100+ pitches. If he has to go early McBride can be used. He’s stretched out enough from his stint in the minors.

Like I said it’s the rare “bad move” by the brass. They don’t make many.

By David-ATL14

May 18, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Aybar would ever play SS either for BC. That’s why Woodward is safe for the entire season. Aybar nor Orr will be used at SS.

By Metropolitan Man

May 18, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Yea MEANIE, the numbers means nothing. The Yankees WERE better a couple years ago but every writer in NY knows writing about the METS is positive unless its about the minors and roids. If you are writing about the Stankees, its about when are they gonna turn it around. Steinbbooger is quiet becasue he doenst want to embarrass himself with BS quotes about “they better win or else”. Bottom line, the METS got respect in the NL last year, this year the city will not want to be bothered with the Stankees and their losing ways. But the numbers say it all MEANIE, not just the writers.

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

If a 13th pitcher was so essential in the AL, don’t you think some other team would be doing it on a daily basis?

No, not really. I see most teams have some sort of servicable starter 1-4, at least, on their roster. At least, most teams with a prayer of winning are in this position. With Davies, Lerew, Redman, Berry, James, and Paranto on this team there is a very distinct possibility that multiple pitchers could be needed to get 3 outs after allowing anywhere from 5 to 15 runs. Especially if Paranto follows Redman. But there is no need to pinch hit, unless an injury occurs. But even then, after the game we can call up any guy we need to fill that spot.

The main issue is Paranto and Berry. These two clowns stink. And if Redman is to fill some sort of pitching void, well we have serious problems. Between the three of them, they could all throw 100 pitches and not get out of an inning. The relief pitching is going to be important in this series because of the line up Boston has. That line up has the potential to make us use a lot of pitching. Where as, Boston’s pitchers, the AL rules, and our steadily decreasing platoon positions, have very little potential of causing us to use a lot of hitters.

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

David,

McBride is also young. I’d rather Redman go if the purpose is merely eating innings.

Okay, I even see your point as to why it may not make much of a difference to carry an extra pitcher. But saying it’s a bad move?

Could it be the front office is aware that these could be long games? That the Red Sox are going to force whoever is on the mound to throw a ton of pitches? That against this team, with this offense, in this park, with a team full of a lot of young pitchers, it’s a good idea to have a mop-up veteran for this series?

Only Smoltz, Hudson, Paronto and Wickman are over 30. Do you really want to send a youngster out there against a team like the Red Sox if the game is already lost or won?

By Fred from CT

May 18, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

were not losing because of woodward or orr. were losing because are pitching(larew james davies) let us down this week along with defense(kelly)and are hitting(everyone).

By David-ATL14

May 18, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I stated earlier, a third catcher(Pena) was favorable to a 13th pitcher.

If BC has to have the extra pitcher then Orr could have been shipped. I still contend the extra pitcher is of no use whatsoever.Just a arm for the hell of it.

By MBATL

May 18, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

David, it seems like you’re saying the Braves need to carry 3 catchers. I don’t know of many teams that do that (aside from an ‘emergency’ catcher). Apparently, the Braves have decided that Salty is the backup catcher, not Pena (who really hasn’t hit a lick, btw).

The logical thing is to have Redman up and ready in case Smoltz can’t go tomorrow. Then, after the weekend, either send Lerew back down (probably), release Redman (maybe), or send Paronto down - and call up a bat instead.

Smoltz is probably okay, from what we read, but if he can’t go, we need a starter on Saturday. The DH allows us the luxury of a replacement if needed.

We’re more likely to need a 6th starter than a 5th bench player this weekend.

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Meanie,

Yeah, that Sporting News piece is from the pre-season. They still have Langerhans and Wilson on the depth chart.

By Dark Helmet

May 18, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Welcome to Boston, DOB. Gotta love May up here. Three days ago, it was 80, I swear.

I’ve got tickets for tomorrow afternoon’s game, and am so fired up to (hopefully) see Smoltz and Dice K.

Doesn’t look like we’ll be playing much tonight. Any hunch who the Braves would throw first in a doubleheader tomorrow? Smoltz for a little momentum?

By David-ATL14

May 18, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Tennpaul I do agree with your point about the instability of the staff, but just in case you missed it Barry has been sent down.

Starters: Smoltz,Hudson,James,Davies,Lerew,Redman

Pen: Wickman,Soriano,Yates,Moylan,Villarreal,McBride, Paronto.

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 18, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Strange, I don’t remember the met fans on here the other day when the Braves were 1.5 games ahead in the division. They must only come around when the scale tips their way.

That’s fine. By September, we won’t have to listen anymore. We’ll be on our way to 15 of 16 division titles, and the mets will put on their yankee hats and pretend to be fans of the real NY baseball club.

By Coach

May 18, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Losing , I wouldn’t call 9-7 this month losing. Part of the problem has been the drop in run production. The Braves went from averaging more than five runs per in April to this months average of 3.9 per game. Cox is smart for carrying 13 pitchers , there could be a rain out tonight and both teams could end up playing a doubleheader this weekend.

By Lew

May 18, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

Dark Helmet-I’ve got tickets tomorrow, too. Where are you sitting? I’ll be wearing a Wickman’s Warriors T Shirt.

By David-ATL14

May 18, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

My point about the third catcher, is Braves specific, not just carry a third catcher for the hell of it.

A third catcher would enable Salty or McCann to be used as a DH in this series or as a pinch hitter at any time during the game. As it is now, Salty will not DH any this series. Nor can he pinch hit early in the game. He’s chained to the bench early.

Also MBATL just as easy as the bat can be called up a pitcher could also. At least wait and see what Lerew does tonight and how deep in the pen BC has to go before summoning that 13th pitcher before the game even starts.

If Lerew does bomb he could have actually been sent out after the game and another arm recalled before Saturday.

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I stated earlier, a third catcher(Pena) was favorable to a 13th pitcher.

Why in the world would this be needed? Orr catches. If for some reason we find that McCann and Salty have gone down with injuries in the same game as Kelly and Renteria, then it would be a problem (Woodward and Orr would be needed to fill SS and 2B leaving us with no catcher). It’d require 4 injuries for this to be an issue. And even then I think Diaz has some experience catching (or maybe I’m mixing up Orr and Diaz in which case Harris would have to be injured as well). All of these injuries would have to happen at the same time in one game. I can’t think of any situation that would cause this except maybe the dugout ceiling collapsing and crushing half the bench.

As for pitching…

We have 2 pitchers who might not be able to throw more than a few innings (Lerew due to lack of experience, and Smoltz depending on his pinky). And these two guys go back to back meaning if they both faulter, then we’d be out of pitchers by the middle of the second game. And who’s to say we’re out of the game if these two guys go down? The game could still be close which would mean we would need more options in the pen than just Kevin Berry, Chad Paranto, Mark Redman and Macay McBride. For reference, see the last few outings of Paranto. Scan through Berry’s entire MLB career, take a look at Redman’s career and spend some extra time on Redman’s career pitching in Boston. It’s more likely that we’ll need 13 pitchers than 3 catchers.

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Did the Langerhans trade get completed?

Could it be Loaiza, if and when he’s healthy? If not, who?

By Glass Half Full

May 18, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

I’m not ready to completely close the book of Redman YET, but I don’t want to see him pitch against Boston at all, especially not at Fenway.

By Wanderer

May 18, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

What’s the big worry about a third catcher? Woodward can suit up in an emergency.

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Good point. I’d rather have a mop-up veteran than an extra catcher in this series, given Smoltz and Wickman’s status.

By Coach

May 18, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

I just had to mention this. Six foot -four , 26 year old Richmond right handed reliever Manny Acosta : 4 wins 1 loss , 21.1 innings , 21 K’s , 11 walks , 14 hits , 2 earned runs , 4 saves and an ERA of 0.84

By Lee

May 18, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

Not to familiar with the DH rule in the American league. Don’t really care for it in the first place. But If Salty starts as DH and McCann gets injured for some reason in the game can Salty go from DH to catcher in that particular game and a new DH be assigned????

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

A third catcher would enable Salty or McCann to be used as a DH in this series or as a pinch hitter at any time during the game. As it is now, Salty will not DH any this series. Nor can he pinch hit early in the game. He’s chained to the bench early.

Again David I think you are mixing the two leagues. Why would we be pinch hitting? And why couldn’t Salty DH and McCann Catch? If for some reason McCann gets injured, Salty can be moved from DH to catcher and some one else put in the DH hole. What you said make absolutely no sense.

By Jersey Gil

May 18, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

I Agree with “Coach”…losing what losing…in April after 16 games we was 10-6 in may after 16 games we are 9-7..I agree that we are scoring less run than in April , but we are right there compare with april at the same time…we only play 25 games in april and if we don’t postpone those games this weekend we are to play 28 games in May I predict we are finish 17-11 in may and we will have a great june not like last year.

By ncscoots

May 18, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

I see most posters are managing their expectations on Lerew’s performance tonight, LOL. However…despite his Pitt start, I’m pretty confident that he has the pitches and the makeup to do well at Fenway. Add in a cool night (if they play at all) and his sinker starts to hit like a medicine ball. I may be a little optimistic, but I like his chances.

By Dark Helmet

May 18, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Nice. Looks like it’s up to us to drown out the Fenway faithful.

I’ll be in one of the boxes on the first base side. Begged my company for the tickets, and they took pity on the transplanted Atlantan.

It’s gonna be so lame if we get Lerew though.

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

David: I did miss it. And thank you for letting me know. Berry is off the team. This pleases me. I can’t stand that guy.

By Lee

May 18, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

TennPaul

Think you just answered my question - never mind .

By eric the elder

May 18, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

I said this a few days ago, but I pretty much talk to myself anyway, and the visual makes me giggle.

If Redman pitches at Fenway and I’m Chipper, I go out to left field and stand behind Willie. What makes me giggle the most is the expression on Willie’s face.

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

David,

I agree with TennPaul.

I think if the Braves have a chance to win and for some reason they need Salty or McCann to pinch-hit, I don’t think they are going to hold back. The risk of an injury to your last catcher is not worth withholding him for one at bat with the game on the line.

But, as we’ve already said, why would Salty or McCann pinch-hit over someone already in the lineup?

By Kieran from Long Island

May 18, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Shaun- The guy who comes back in teh Langerhans trade is likely to be an indescrite minor leaguer or a small amount of cash. He was basically given to teh A’s as a gift. There’s no way they would include someone with a name like Loiaza, especially not one with a sizeable contract.

MBATL-I think paranto’s out of options and I doubt he’s clear waivers.

TennPaul- I definatly think tehre is a need for a 3rd catcher in this situation. If they are considering playing Saltalamaccia at First on occasion that would mean that Mcann’s behind the plate with no true back up. Yes, Orr can catch as can Diaz but I’m mean C’mon, thats in a serious emergancy. You don’t want to have those guys as back up catchers in the 25+ games Jarrod might play at 1st. I definatly think Pena’s gotta be up here in Wilsons place.

By Lew

May 18, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Dark Helmet-It’s supposed to be Smoltz/Dice K on Saturday. Since they’re throwing a AAA kid at us, maybe they won’t want to mess up Dice K’s regular sequence. Maybe we’ll get lucky and they will actually play tonight. That would be best. I’m above the Braves dugout, the first level above field level. Like first row in the balcony or some such thing.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

May 18, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Coach,

I’ll also add this: Mississippi Right-handed reliever Zach Schreiber: 3 wins, 0 losses, 21 innings, 17 Ks, 10 walks, 12 hits, 2 earned runs, 3 saves, and 0.86 ERA.

By eric the elder

May 18, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Shaun, if the game is on the line, I would pinch hit McCann for Andruw.

By Jim

May 18, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

If Salty and McCann are both in the lineup as C and DH and the catcher gets hurt, the other player can catch, but the Braves would lose the DH and the pitcher would now bat in the catcher’s spot. Since the probability of this happening is low, it might be worth the small risk of losing the DH to have both in the lineup.

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Kieran: If Salty is at first, I’d presume Thor is either in LF or on the Bench. So again, in that situation, McCann still has a back up. If McCann comes out, Salty moves to Catcher, Thor moves to first. It’s pretty simple to do.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

May 18, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

And why couldn’t Salty DH and McCann Catch? If for some reason McCann gets injured, Salty can be moved from DH to catcher and some one else put in the DH hole. What you said make absolutely no sense.

TenPaul, He may be referring to the comment that was posted yesterday that Cox plans to use Diaz in the DH role this weekend which would leave Salty sitting. Can’t remember where I read that statement from Cox, and that may not even be what David is referring to, so I’ll shut up now.

By tvsportscaster

May 18, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

For those about the status of the DH if Salty were to start as DH and then have to replace an injured McCann at catcher. Salty could go in and catch except you would lose the DH spot, the pitcher would have to hit in that place in the order. The DH can not be replaced if that DH goes to a position in the field. The pitcher would have to hit in the vacated spot.

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

eric the elder,

Very funny.

That wouldn’t happen. If you have a tie game, you have no CF and no catcher.

By Lee

May 18, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Jim

Did not know that. Odds.. like you said of that happening are not that great but interesting to know anyway.

By KC

May 18, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

DOB: What are your thoughts on the Liberty Media exec saying that Terry McGuirk would likely have flexibility to increase the payroll?

Sounds promising, don’t you think?

By Jim

May 18, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Until the slump of the last week, I would have rated our lineup to be at least as good as that of the Red Sox. Their big advantage has been with their starting pitching, which is a bit depleted with the need to pitch two AAA pitchers. Ortiz and Ramirez are terrifying, but with Drew hurt, the rest of the lineup doesn’t strike as much fear as that of the Mets or the even the Phillies. Except for Andruw, Francouer, and Thorman, the rest of the lineup IS pretty patient and hopefully will emerge from its collective slump this weekend. (I think that Thorman will benefit from the leftfield wall in Fenway the most.)

By eric the elder

May 18, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Shaun, when you said, “Very funny,” I hope that means you knew I wasn’t being serious. Just couldn’t resist.

By Lee

May 18, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

eric the elder

That was pretty funny and I knew Shaun was going to answer you just the way he did too. Still funny though.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 18, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

is freddie miller blogging here? just checking. and now, chiiirrrppp, chiiirrrppp, chiiirrrppp …journalist is calling a songbird. must go now.

By Jim

May 18, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

If the catcher were injured in the middle innings, a pinch hitter (Diaz) would likely hit for the pitcher in any AB after the 7th inning.

By Meanie

May 18, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Arkansas Hillbilly

If your DH goes into the field you lose the DH for the rest of the game. The pitcher then hits in the spot where the player the DH subbed for was previously hitting.

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

OK, I just finished reading the DH rules. At no point in that ridiculous rule does it seem plausable that we’d have an issue this weekend of not having enough catchers. If Salty is not used as the DH, we are covered. And he probably won’t be used as DH if AK Hillbilly’s recollection is correct and due to Rule 6.10 (b) lines 5-7.
Pinch hitters for a Designated Hitter may be used. Any substitute hitter for a Designated Hitter becomes the Designated Hitter. A replaced Designated Hitter shall not re enter the game in any capacity. The Designated Hitter may be used defensively, continuing to bat in the same position in the batting order, but the pitcher must then bat in the place of the substituted defensive player, unless more than one substitution is made, and the manager then must designate their spots in the batting order.
At any rate, I don’t think we need to carry another catcher. I have a feeling the pitchers are going to be needed more so. I only see hitters being changed if an injury occurs and that’s not too likely.

On a side note I found the introduction to the rule interesting:
6.10 Any League may elect to use the Designated Hitter Rule.
Bravo NL, for stickin to the tradition and shunning the handicap.

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

Jim,

The Sox rank 1st in the AL in runs, the Braves 5th in the NL. I think the Sox have some offense to spare.

Also, the last thing I want to do is start another AJ holy war, but Andruw is behind only Kelly Johnson in walks. I would say that’s patient. High strikeout total doesn’t necessarily mean impatient, contrary to the beliefs of some.

By Jim

May 18, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

DOB,

What are the updates on Gonzalez and L. Cormier? Is L. Cormier anywhere close to making a rehab start?

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

eric the elder,

I knew someone would say that.

By hot georgia peach

May 18, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Hey yall!

I heard that the Buccos might try to re-sign c wilson. if he does sign with another team does that mean the braves wont have to pay for his chole $2 million dollar salary this year or do they have to eat the $2 million no matter what happens to him or where he goes? Just curious why they would cut him other than him being in a loooong slump and the need for a spot for salty on the roster. Thanks

GOOO BRAVES

By flange1

May 18, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Hi All,

On the 13 pitchers, 2 catcher thing, my understanding is that the Braves dropped Pena and brought up Redman because of the uncertainty of Lerew’s last start and the uncertanty of Smoltz due to injury.

I agree that is might have been better to keep Pena through the first game, see how Lerew pitches. If Lerew goes deep into the game then you are ok, Villareal can go lonf relief or spot start if Smoltz can not go. If Lerew is out early, THEN before the next game you drop Pena and add Redman.

My take is the Braves are not comfortable that Smoltz will not be bothered by the finger, so they brought up Redman just in case. If lerew gets blown out early, I bet your see Villareal and not Redman, you will see Redman in the second game..

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

TennPaul,

Another interesting thing about the DH rule: You can DH for any position, even at the major league level.

Actually I don’t know what I think about the DH rule. I think the strategy is more interesting in the NL but it’s not particularly all that fun to see a pitcher bat, or to see basically an automatic out.

Kind of have mixed feelings.

Also the fact that I was a no-hit, good field player in high school and often got DHed for when I was in the lineup.

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

hot georgia peach: The contract the Braves gave Wilson was guaranteed. He gets 2 million from the Braves regardless of what happens. Much like Russ Ortiz is still being paid by the D-Backs right now, in addition to his salaries from every other team that dropped him over the last 2 years after giving him a guaranteed contract.

By kdbanks

May 18, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

DOB -

Regarding the Renteria + cash for Marte trade…the real indicator of how badly the Sox blew the deal would be to measure Renteria + cash vs. whoever/whatever the Sox got from Cleveland for Marte. Do you know what Cleveland gave up for Marte? I don’t recall, but I’m guessing an arm or two. But who were they?

Thanks,

KDB

By MGL

May 18, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul - I think that the way the Wilson deal works is that if some team picks him up before Monday, they pick up his pro-rated salary. If it goes past that he probably signs for the pro-rated minimum, and the Braves pay the rest.

By TN-MAN

May 18, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

DOB, Looks like the rain is about to move out of the Boston area in the next hour. Any chance they get the game in tonight?

By MGL

May 18, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul - I think that the way the Wilson deal works is that if some team picks him up before Monday, they pick up his pro-rated salary. If it goes past that he probably signs for the pro-rated minimum, and the Braves pay the rest.

By Meanie

May 18, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Now it all makes sense. Shaun we good hit types were working on our swing, studying pitchers, hitting in the cage and chasing beer and women while you were studying math and setting your goals for the next game. “Let’s see, if I don’t bat this game then I avoid making up to four outs!! Indubitably gratifying!!”

By David O'Brien

May 18, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

Flange1, there might be a slight concern about Lerew’s arm, just something he’s been pitching with all season supposedly in the minors. So that, coupled with Smoltz’s situation, and the fact that you don’t know what’s going to happen with rain and possible delays, made it an easy call to add the extra pitcher for the entire series.

By David-ATL14

May 18, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Why anybody would imply it’s no big deal for our pitcher to hit when Boston fills that role with Ortiz is beyond foolish.

Shaun your take, makes me think you would be in favor of a roster featuring 9 position players and 16 pitchers when playing in an AL Park.

yeah we could have Redman warm up simutaneously with Lerew and as soon as Lerew gives up multiple hits in the same inning pull him and replace him with Redman,as soon as Redman takes the hill, get Villarreal or Paronto warming up, same thing again.

Great idea, you’re right no bench is needed. Send Salty and Orr back down since they have options and aren’t needed,Woodward can just be released since no bench is reqired,Make Diaz the DH for this series and if anyone is injured he can take their place and we’ll have plenty of pitchers to fill in both on the mound,and at the plate.

Don’t know why some team hasn’t tried this before. Great idea!

I’m on board.

By David O'Brien

May 18, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Jim, see above about Gonzalez. I’ve said at least three times today and last night — and I’m not trying to get snippy or anything, just that you’re about the 8th person who’s asked — there’s no update yet, there was no rush to get the MRI because he’s already on the 15-day DL.

Trust me, the minute I have something, I’m not going to withhold the information. You don’t have to ask about something that major. You’ll hear it as soon as I have it.

Cormier’s start is tomorrow at Double-A Miss, two innings.

By MBATL

May 18, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Another interesting thing about the DH rule: You can DH for any position, even at the major league level.

Shaun, I don’t think that’s true. I think the DH can only replace the pitcher in the opening lineup.

By 22oz

May 18, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

kdbanks Boston got Coco Crisp for Marte.

By David O'Brien

May 18, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

TN-MAN, are you serious? Doesn’t look like any rain’s moving out of here. Look on weather.com. The forecast only gets worse as the night goes on. By 10 p.m. it’s the rare “100 percent” chance of rain.

I say no chance they get it in tonight. If I’m wrong, I’m wrong. But I say no chance.

However, I will say the forecast has improved quite a bit for tomorrow. It was 60-percent chance of rain, now down to 30 and less as day goes on. We’ll probably play two tomorrow.

By Fred from CT

May 18, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

kdbanks

They got coco crisp for marte

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

MGL: I found this quote from a reliable, dependable, super beat writer: The Braves signed Wilson, 30, to a $2 million free-agent contract in January. They are responsible for that entire salary.

At least that’s what I heard. Leads me to believe that no matter what the Braves owe him money.

DOB: Is there more to that than reported?

MBATL: That is true. A DH can be used for any position so long as it is done prior to the game. And at that point, the DH must remain on that position throughout the game or else it is lost.

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

MBATL: Here is the rule

It is not mandatory that a club designate a hitter for the pitcher, but failure to do so prior to the game precludes the use of a Designated Hitter for that game.

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

kdbanks,

Boston got Coco Crisp, David Riske, and Josh Bard for Marte, Guillermo Mota, Kelly Shoppach, and cash.

Boston turned Bard into Doug Mirabelli and Dave Riske into Javier Lopez (the pitcher).

The Sox still have Crisp, Mirabelli and Lopez.

The major players were Renteria, Marte (now with CLE) and Crisp (now with BOS). Obviously the Braves got the better end of the deal, if you look at it that way. Clevelend, I suppose, still has a very slim chance to come out ahead in the “three-way deal” if Marte comes out of hiding.

By Lee

May 18, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

The Braves pitchers might be an improvement over Orr and Woodward at the plate.

By TN-MAN

May 18, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Yeh Im serious, flood watch has been dropped for the Boston area, and according to the radar should be gone by around 4 or 5. I may be wrong to, just going by the radar.

By daniel

May 18, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Hell, we should DH for Andruw if you can DH for anyone. Especially if Lerew can hit as well as Joe Simpson says he can….joking, joking…

But realistically, Andruw has almost been that bad lately.

By MBATL

May 18, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

10Paul: really? From mlb.com:

A hitter may be designated to bat for the starting pitcher and all subsequent pitchers in any game without otherwise affecting the status of the pitcher(s) in the game.

And from Wikipedia:

The designated hitter cannot be used for any other player but the pitcher.

It’s all academic, I guess. I don’t think it’s a real big deal - who’s gonna want to leave their pitcher in the lineup and take a position player out - but I don’t read the rule the same as you and Shaun.

Maybe I’m reading old news or something…

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Shaun your take, makes me think you would be in favor of a roster featuring 9 position players and 16 pitchers when playing in an AL Park.

My take on what? Don’t remember typing anything that would give you that notion, but alright.

kdbanks,

To judge the Marte-Renteria-Crisp trade by last year, here’s how it looked in terms of win shares:

Renteria - 19

Crisp - 10

Marte - 4

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 18, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

If the game is rained out as expected, I wonder if TBS will carry it tomorrow?

Would FOX carry one of them? I don’t want to get messed out of both games on TV because of the rain.

By TN-MAN

May 18, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Game CANCELLED. Double-header for tomorrow.

By flange1

May 18, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the info! That makes much more sense.

By MGL

May 18, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul - I got that from the Pittsburg paper “The Pirates were not among the handful of teams that contacted Steve Hilliard, Wilson’s agent, in the hours after the first baseman was given his unconditional release yesterday. Such a move would be premature, anyway, with Wilson unable to make a move until he either clears waivers or is claimed. That will not be known until 1 p.m. Monday.

If a team claims Wilson off waivers, they would be responsible for picking up the remainder of his one-year, $2 million contract, or roughly $1.5 million.

If he clears waivers, the team that signs him would be obliged to pay the prorated portion of Major League Baseball’s minimum salary, $380,000.”

By Chop Chop

May 18, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Dice-K is overhyped, not overrated. The Sox paid an awful lot of money just for his negotiating rights and that was certainly going to generate a lot of hype for a MLB rookie. However, the guy has killer stuff and has pitched very well his last two times out. He’s also getting a ton of run support (not an absolute necessity with his 4.17 ERA, but it certainly doesn’t hurt), which has helped him have a 5-2 record so far. Of course, he’s also averaging just a shade under 7 innings a start and striking out nearly a batter an inning (52 K in 54 IP). The Yankees probably wish they’d gone after this guy a little harder, don’t ya think? Anyway, with the Braves playing a doubleheader tomorrow, Dice-K will probably notch double-digit Ks against our guys. I just hope Smoltz isn’t affected much by that pinky.

By Jersey Gil

May 18, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Matthew…NO…TBS do not will carry that games tomorrow…because Fox has the Saturday games…That it my thinking because it happen before…

By Fred from CT

May 18, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

shaun thank you for showing the whole trade I couldn’t remember all the players.

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

MBATL,

Yeah. Looks like I was wrong. I thought the DH could be used for any position. Thought I read that somewhere, on a baseball trivia game or something but I guess not.

Guess that’s only in high school and little league and such.

By kdbanks

May 18, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Thanks guys!

By Matthew, Dad to Walter

May 18, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Not that it matters, but I agree with DOB. Here is the text forecast for the Boston area from the National Weather Service.

http://www.erh.noaa.gov/box/productDisplay.php?product=BOSZFPBOX

Double dip tomorrow, blogophiles. I guess I’ll have to settle in and watch a John Wayne movie tonight. Not on TBS of course, all they’ll show is FRIENDS and Seinfeld…shakes head in contempt

By Shaun

May 18, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop,

I agree that Dice-K has been overexposed or over-hyped but not too overrated.

I think most experts and analysts agreed that he probably is going to be one of the 10 best starters in the AL but they weren’t sure how much farther up than that. And so far it looks like he will be.

Okajima should be getting more hype.

By Fed Up

May 18, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Damn! This freakin’ Shaun is everywhere all the time on every blog,,,ridiculous. Freakin’ idiot,,,,,,Never shuts up. Who you trying to impress son?

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Man I was reading that one wrong. I just finished lunch and re-read it and don’t know how I came to that conclusion. Oh well. In my defense, I was famished. Now I’m just parched and there is no Braves baseball tonight. These are all good reasons to hit the bottle.

By tvsportscaster

May 18, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

For those wondering about television for tomorrow’s games. The 1:00 game was already scheduled to be televised by SportSouth. Fox’s exclusivity only covers the 4:00pm to 7:00pm time slot, so the 2nd game at 7:30 will also be televised by someone either SportSouth or TBS.

By Tomahawkin' Again

May 18, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

DOB With tomorrow’s DH being day/night and the 2nd game scheduled for 7:05pm start, doesn’t that mean that FOX does not have exclusive rights and TBS could broadcast if they wanted to? Also, what does this do for the pitching match-ups this weekend? Stay the same or becomes Smoltz, Hudson tomorrow and Davies closing it on Sunday?

By Tomahawkin' Again

May 18, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

The Braves website answered my 1st question…TBS will be broadcasting the 2nd game tomorrow, 1st pitch @ 7:35pm.

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

Rule 10.20 in the Official Rule Book states:
Credit a pitcher with a save when he meets all three of the following conditions:
(1) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his club; and
(2) He is not the winning pitcher; and
(3) He qualifies under one of the following conditions:
- (a) He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning; or
- (b) He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, or at bat, or on deck (that is, the potential tying run is either already on base or is one of the first two batsmen he faces; or
- (c) He pitches effectively for at least three innings. No more than one save may be credited in each game.

By reading this, it sounds as if a pitcher can get a save if he meets points 1 & 2 and 3.c. So in theory, as long as Berry wasn’t the starter, wasn’t in line for the win and came in at the beginning of the 7th of a 15-0 blowout and finished the final three innings, he’d get a save.
I pulled this from MLB’s page. I think it’s incorrect. Or at least incomplete.

By AZBravoFan

May 18, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

DOB, Just a thought here. If the Braves wanted to load up with big lefties (in NL games at least), would they consider playing Thorman in LF with Salty at 1B and McCann behind the plate? Or would they rather not mess with his fielding confidence right now? He wasn’t too bad in LF last year was he?

By jed

May 18, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Smoltz, Huddy, and hope it gets muddy?

By Fred from CT

May 18, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul

he would get a save in that situation that is the rule. it is correct maybe stupid but correct

By Arkansas Hillbilly

May 18, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Matthew, if all else fails, you can always watch ESPN 2’s relentless coverage of Roger Clemens pitching in a minor league game tonight. Heard on ESPN Radio that he’ll get 60-70 pitches and then throw a bullpen session to get his count up to 90 pitches. I’m sure they’ll televise all 90 pitches. [Insert image of me throwing-up here]

By David O'Brien

May 18, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: You probably already know the game’s rained out, to be made up as doubleheader tomorrow at 1:05 p.m. and 7:35 p.m.

But THIS ALSO JUST IN: Gonzalez MRI results negative, which is, of course, positive. Means nothing out of ordinary, not even inflammation showed up in the MRI of his elbow, which was done with contrast, meaning dye was injected into the joint to give a better, more detailed view for the MRI pictures.

Braves said there was really no reason to test anything else, since he has no shoulder pain, etc.

No plan yet for when he’ll start throwing, but probably real soon. Bobby doesn’t know if he’ll go pitch in minor league games, said they haven’t decided all that yet. They just got the results back about an hour or so ago.

Oh, and the Smoltz-Dice K matchup is off. Matsuzaka is pitching the first game (vs. Lerew), Smoltz the second game vs. Devern Hansack in the second game.

And by the way, doesn’t Devern Hansack sound like a medical condition none of us would want to have?

By rammerjammer

May 18, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

DOB,

“…there might be a slight concern about Lerew’s arm, just something he’s been pitching with all season supposedly in the minors.”

Well, that’s about as vague as it gets.

By David O'Brien

May 18, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Hillbilly, you could also go watch Gordon Edes (Boston Globe) yak for a few minutes about this series on ESPN News at shortly after 5 p.m. (shameless self-promotion there).

AZfan, yes, I could see Thorman playing a little in left to give Salty some time at 1B. When Harris cools off, could see that happening. Bobby didn’t mention it, but I could see it happening.

By NCBravesFan

May 18, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

DOB

So if Devern wins tomorrow, will you say he “Hansacked” the Braves? snicker

By rammerjammer

May 18, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

I think Beckett having an “avulsion” is interesting-sounding. And his is a “middle-finger avulsion.”

Maybe he should see Dr. Vick about that.

By Ron Roberts

May 18, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Braves.com has Game 1 on SportsSouth (damned regional-only carrier) and Game 2 on TBS.

By Coach

May 18, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

With the upcoming double dip tomorrow , I guess Cox is looking pretty smart for taking 13 pitchers to Boston isn’t he ?

By Johnny

May 18, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Will one of the games be on TBS tomorrow?

By DonCoburleone

May 18, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Wow, that is good news DOB. I was betting on Gonzo needing Tommy John and the Braves possibly not seeing him for another 15 months…

By TennesseePaul

May 18, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

I’m sure they’ll televise all 90 pitches. [Insert image of me throwing-up here]

AKH: I’m inserting the image, what’s with the tutu and fuzzy hat? Do you watch all baseball games dressed like that?

By Ron Roberts

May 18, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

The thing that bugs me about this Mike Gonzalez business is that it’s come up twice now on us, with no rational explanation as to what’s going on.

Seems to me sorta like we’re taking the ignoranec is bliss route by getting these MRIs and thinking “great, so everything’s ok; nothing to worry about” when this sorta stuff doesn’t happen to most pitchers.

DOB, tell me… there has to be some concern about this in Braves camp, isn’t there? I mean, when he’s on, he’s nasty, but what if this sorta stuff just keeps cropping up or hits us in a playoff series when we badly need him?

I just can’t help but keep thinking that there’s something troublin him, psychologically, if not physically, that’s eating at him and he’s not telling us. What was telling for me was that he was so outwardly distraught. If he had no idea what was causing the loss of velocity, I’d think he’d be more bewildered than distraught. But that’s just getting over-analytical of me, maybe.

The former Padre pitcher (wasn’t it Eric Show?) whose arm snapped broken just keeps coming into my mind here. And that story doesn’t have a happy ending.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 18, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

so, the m.r.i. would lead one to believe this was a pomade-induced injury … sad, because a man wants to look good on and off the field. now, the pomade must be put aside for elbow health. and, the umps will be looking for pomade now - on the cap, palm, whatever. and now, is that really freddie miller blogging here? seems to be in the know and freddie was always in the know. hmmm … and chipper has given the thumbs down to inter-league play. playing 4 top american league teams makes the braves schedule stick out like a sore thumb. can’t thumb your nose at this. now, no toes in the news of late. here’s hoping redman has returned to good toe health and redman’s pitches will be working if redman ever again toes the rubber for the braves. and, this bird calling is very rewarding. journalist is making many new friends fascinated by this jouranlist’s ability to call songbirds in from long distances.

By gotigers72

May 18, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

DOB - In my 12:27 post, I wished for an early rainout so that you could enjoy yourself tonight and not have to sit in the pressbox and watch it rain. So I feel my karma worked for you. Glad it worked for you, doesn’t ever work for me. But at least I was able to channel it your way.

You’re welcome.

By Tim

May 18, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

Hudson and Smoltz and pray for lightning bolts

By Tim

May 18, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

Hudson and Smoltz and pray for lightning bolts

By Ron Roberts

May 18, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

Dave Draveky. That’s who I was thinking about!!

By May Day

May 18, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

It was Dave Dravecky not Eric Show. Dravecky’s arm snapped out on the mound. Show died of an overdose. Don’t think his situation is similar to Dravecky or Show.

By Ron Roberts

May 18, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

I’m not sayin’ the Gonzo situation is similar…just the one that comes to mind with unexplained arm issues continually rearing their head.

BTW, did some research, and Dave’s still kickin’ and going around the country giving inspirational speeches,tc. www.davedrackey.com

By Ron Roberts

May 18, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

Damn… try again. www.davedravecky.com

My bad.

By DonCoburleone

May 18, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Now I’m gonna pat myself on the back again over this one… Once again I predict a Braves personnel move before it happens- Salty becomming the primary backup Catcher and First Baseman….

By May Day

May 18, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Didn’t Tony Saunders of the Devil Rays have a Dravecky like thing happen to him as well 10 or so years ago?

By Kristi Dosh

May 18, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

I know Salty is good, and I know he’s really been hyped (with good reason), but Diaz being DH isn’t necessarily a bad idea. He’s been looking really good at the plate lately. Last night with Diaz put up 2 of the Braves 5 hits. And not only does he do well when he starts, but he’s been a phenomenal pinch hitter. As a matter of fact, his pinch hit average leads the Majors at .467. In addition to that, he has the highest career average against the Red Sox at .375 (although that’s only based on three games). I always feel like I’m one of his only cheerleaders - come on guys!

That aside, I think we might see Chipper at DH at least some of the time this weekend to allow him more time to heal. I certainly wouldn’t be disappointed to see Diaz at DH, however.

For more, visit me at http://mvn.com/mlb-braves

By jed

May 18, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

tim: your post “hudson and smoltz, and the mets sodomize goats.”

INNAPROPRIATE.

By Robert

May 18, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

So thru the years the team and it’s apologists have blamed for many things for their failures - opposing fielders, umpires, freak injuries, evil prevailing winds, and so on and so forth

And now we have this - the schedule is unfair

What athlete who has an OUNCE of self respect would even dare to WHINE about the schedule?

Chipper - you are a member of this incredible dynasty that will never be forgotten for its unprecedented run of dominence. And you have the greatest manager of all time. I mean, wouldnt it be below you guys not to play the best teams? I mean, geez you’d think you guys wouldnt even wanna waste your precious tee times with the lesser teams. (not that one of those lesser teams might take take 3 of 4 from y’all every now and then, or maybe even knock you off early in a playoff series now and again, and again, and again, and again, and, you get the idea)

Do these guys just have concept of sucking it up and taking responsibility for their failures?

Who instills this kind of philosophy into these p&&&sies?

To Chipper and Frenchy, and to their idiot manager, and to their apologist fans - once and for all - stop making excuses

JUST DO IT - or dont - whichever you choose, stop the bs EXCUSES

By Yars

May 18, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise that today’s game was rained out. It means Kelly Johnson would have had 2 full days to rest up. (I know he pinch hit Thurs. against the Nats, but you know what I mean) Also, Andruw & McCann needed the rest as well. I’m also sure Chipper didn’t mind not playing today DOB………What do you think of the band, Blur? I bought their greatest hits album yesterday & can’t stop listening to it. Brit-pop at its finest.

By Robert

May 18, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

“Seems to me sorta like we’re taking the ignoranec is bliss route by getting these MRIs and thinking “great, so everything’s ok; nothing to worry about””

Are you talking about Gonzalez’s pitching problems, or Donk’s playoff managing?

By Robert

May 18, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

“With the upcoming double dip tomorrow , I guess Cox is looking pretty smart for taking 13 pitchers to Boston isn’t he ?”

Coach, the only thing that could conceivably make Cox look smart is if his intelligence was being compared to yours

By David O'Brien

May 18, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

Good one Robert. And you called my statement about Moneyball “absurd.” As I said, you’re quite the arbiter of the absurd. Your comments are so lucid, so learned.

By DonCoburleone

May 18, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Robert is back, haha… There is one thing Cox is doing I definately just do not understand and that is the platoon at catcher since Salty’s been up. I mean, WTF? Did you watch McCann last year Cox? Didn’t you realize he is the 2nd best hitter on the team behind (a healthy) Chipper? I don’t get it. Give the kid 1 day off a week, not 3!

By DonCoburleone

May 18, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

DOB, can you explain to me why McCann hasn’t been starting 5 out of every 6 games since Salty got called up? What gives? The guy won the freaking silver slugger last year and it seems like Cox is taking every possible opportunity he can to keep him out of the lineup.

By joebrave

May 18, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

Het yo Robert,so if Bobby is a donkey,then you must be a JackA$$!!!yawhee yawhee!!!what a dumb sumbitch!

By Bravesfanin MetsLand

May 18, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

I really hate interleague play. The only thing I like as much as a Braves win on a daily basis is a Yankees loss. Now I’m sitting here watching the Mets lead the Yanks 1-0 in the third and I’m not sure weather to route for or ageainst the Yanks.

Let’s hope we find our offense in Boston and carry it into the Mets series with us.

By joebrave

May 18, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Donc. DOB don’t have to answer that,the reason McCann isn’ going more is the finger is still on the mend ,if you watch the games He stated himself that it is not 100% yet and it still hurts when Smoltz or Soriano hits the mitt with heat!!!

By joebrave

May 18, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

I wonder if what say J.S. pulls of a trade for J.Peavy,C.Zambrano,and M.Buerhle,would you guys still whine,and moan like little girls,cmon guys the only reason you guys are b!tch!ng is b/c the Nats took us in 3 of the four,every team is going to go through that.C.James is gonna be fine,and Gonzo as well,he’s just got a Kevin Millwood thing working right now!!!We have a damn good team this year with a few soft spots but so does every other team,The Mutts don’t think they are any different they are one or two good hammy’s away from the celar themselves,Sosa we know what he will do,Perez give it time he will CRumBle,Maine hahahahaha,and Old man Glavine one wrong move and he’s out for a month…. so Just Support our Braves. Go Braves and kick some Boston A$$!!!!

By Canuckbravesfan

May 18, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

Re: Salty, Pena, etc. Trying to make sense of the logic in keeping Salty with the big club right now, and can only think they want Pena to get in some playing time at Richmond to make sure there are no after-effects of the concussion. After 10 days, maybe they bring Pena back and send Salty to Richmond to hit everyday and work on 1st base skills in game conditions. It makes no sense to anoint a guy as a big league hitter when he is only 3 for 15 in spot starts. Any thoughts ??

By May Day

May 18, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand. After 5 innings, the Yankees are losing to the Mets 3-2. Each team has made 15 outs. I thought out avoidance was so important. They seem to be making the same number of outs. I am confused. If the other time does not out avoid the other team and makes the same number of outs as the other team, how does either team win? Riddle me that, Batman.

By Braves Fan 79

May 18, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

So we sent Pena down to bring back Redmen? WHY?? at least send down woodward or orr instead of a decent bat like pena. At least pena has a CHANCE of getting a hit…unlike woodward or orr. And whats bobbys fascination with redmen…havent we seen enough?? I think the way this season is going with our fascination with redmen and crappy bench players i see the mets winning the division and the Braves winning the wild card. I dont care thou i just wanna see my team in the playoffs!
And hopefully our playoff bench will look like this: pena, salty, escobar and abyar. I know bobby is for some reason loyal to orr cause hes been here awhile….but i shure as heck hope he lets woodward go before end of summer!!

It still kills me we gave redmen 1 mill and wilson 2 mill…..while not being able to take the mets best pitcher away from them (Glavine) because of “financial restrictions”
well damn scherultz if u woulda relied on unproved players from the minors to be on the bench instead of signing crappy bench players from other teams we could of afforded him! Hopfully scherultz will bring back Glavine next year since we have new owners wholl increase payroll and wont have to worry about Andrews salary. It wouldnt matter so much if Glavine played for a AL team…but i mean damn the Mets were smart to have a strategy of stealing the Braves best players because they were tired of being DOMINATED by the Braves for 15 years….we should be only so savy as to realize getting Glavine back would mean much more than just adding another starter to the Braves!

By May Day

May 18, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

When people ask if the game is going to be on TBS tomorrow, why don’t they just go look it up? You are already on the internet if you are posting on here.

And the funniest thing is that they usually ask DOB if the game is going to be on TBS. How the heck would DOB know? Has anyone else caught on that he does not actually watch the game at home? That he is actually at the stadium and probably has no idea and could give a flip as to who is announcing the game?

I dunno sometimes about the dear ole denizens of this blog.

By Efrim

May 18, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

Oliver Perez is the Mets fifth starter and he is better than our 3, Chucky “I don’t know who Todd Helton is” James……

By May Day

May 18, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

If Chuck James does not start remembering who the opposing batters are, no one is going to remember him.

By berigan

May 18, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Why not have Salty catch, McCann at first, and Thorman DH? Can’t really say it’s too much of a falloff defensively to not have Thorman DH, can one? As I said earlier today, I like the idea of McCann Dh’ing and Salty catching to rest McCann’s hands. But, Salty might get hurt! And we lose the DH! Is that really that big a deal? Our bench is worthless anyway. It makes more sense to have Diaz and his 5 rbi’s as the DH?

By berigan

May 18, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Something else I mentioned on the other thread early in the AM. Since Craig Wilson couldn’t play in left since his arm was bad, doesn’t it stand to reason his swing would not be right either??? Wonder if he wasn’t honest about it?

By tvsportscaster

May 18, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

As for the question of tv for tomorrow’s games, both contests will be on SportSouth, they announced it during tonight’s Ga. Tech-FSU game. The Braves website didn’t know officially, they just assumed since TBS was scheduled to carry tonight’s game they would automatically carry tomorrow’s game, it doesn’t work that way in tv.

By A-ville Ranger

May 18, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

I don’t often agree with Bradley,this is no exception.His assertion that Blank would be a good owner for the Braves is just wrong.Braves management doesn’t need a meddling,ego, running roughshod over them.All Mcquirk,JS and BC need from ownership is an adequate payroll and passive support.

By Meanie

May 18, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Hudson, Smoltz and a bunch of dolts?

John, Tim, and Bobby’s whim?

Smoltz, Huddy, then it’s cruddy?

By A-ville Ranger

May 18, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

teanie,meanie what a weanie.

By Meanie

May 18, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

That’s cute there a$$ ranger

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 18, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

joebrave—What is wrong with you man…calling Robert a JackAss???…You know that there is only one JackAss on this blog…and that is TheSouthernJackAss!!!…

By David O'Brien

May 18, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

Yars, the Blur greatest hits is excellent. I thought they had a couple of really good albums, and some weak ones. But the greatest hits is the way to go with that band, in my opinion.

Speaking of greatest, was in a record store tonight and listened to the the late, great Warrn Zevon’s previously unreleased rarities two-CD thing they just put out. Incredible. The raw versions of several hits, plus a few songs never released on any album. Then a bunch of interviews on the second CD, with some great tunes interspersed. What a genius. What a loss.

Speaking of geniuses, Charles Bukowski. The Bukowski Tavern is just a few blocks from the Westin. Time to head over. Last time I was there, they were playing the entire Nick Cave Abbattoir Blues album at ear-splitting levels. Great crowd there.

By David O'Brien

May 18, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Chad, you asked about Percival. I haven’t heard anything, but sure, if he’s dirt cheap Braves could make an offer. Again, I haven’t heard anything along those lines.

Keep in mind, Sturtze is progressing and, barring any more setbacks (he had a small one a while back), he should be ready in June, about 3-4 weeks later than the Braves initially planned.

I just don’t have any faith in Percival. You got some young guys like Stockman and Devine who could help in the second half, don’t need to take a flyer on Percival.

By matt b

May 19, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

DOB-

Thanks for all you do for the Braves community.

I recently moved back to Atlanta but when I lived in Boston, it was your updates that kept me up to speed. Too often, I found myself hitting the refresh button when I probably should have been working.

When I wasn’t in front of a computer, there was a good chance I was at Bukowski’s Tavern. I lived a few blocks south (on the other side of the Pru). Another place you should try if you haven’t already: Delux. It’s on Chandler and Clarendon. Very close to the Westin (I assume you meant at Copley).

Enjoy your short stay in Boston. Hopefully the boys will come home with 3 more wins. That would be sweet.

By Yars

May 19, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

DOB….as a big Brit-pop-rock fan from the 90’s, Blur have some really great songs. Very catchy tunes that get stuck in your head, I think. Oasis, Pulp, London Suede, Primal Scream, Jesus & Mary Chain, Elastica, & Stone Roses are some other Brit bands whose music still sounds fresh after all these years.

By NO CHOP ZONE

May 19, 2007 1:36 AM | Link to this

Where’s the big talk from Lew, Braveheart, Scalp’em braves, ect ect. I notice they don’t blog so much these days. I know there’s a lot of baseball left but if you weren’t worried about the Mets before I’m sure you are now. Hey LEW, what’s your take on Maine, Perez and Sosa now dip-sh-t.

By Bravo Nam

May 19, 2007 5:15 AM | Link to this

JS blunder

I have a lot of respect for JS and he normally gets it right, but from day one I couldn’t understand the signing of Wilson to the $2 million contract. We had a better option and cheaper guy in Ward…Ward is still with the Cubbies and Mr. Wilson is gone. Thankfully it wasn’t the millstone around our necks that Hampton’s contract has been.

Liberty and AJ

Irrespective of whether Braves’payroll does take a hike under Liberty or not, I can’t see JS offering AJ beyond $15 mill a year. Deteriorating performance and stubborness in continuing with his current batting stance are one thing, but I can’t see JS ploughing huge money into a guy who is a spectacular catch away from a major injury, and whose potential $20 mill a year demand would cripple the Braves flexibility in terms of adding a big bat and quality starting pitcher, plus signing Francouer long-term.

Better find a good book Robert

There are these little windows of relief that fleetingly open up to tease us…those times when you comment on baseball and not Cox…and even a few weeks back (an obvious aberration), when you actually defended BC on a few occasions. But normally, it’s the same old crud you repeated again today. Recent comments by Cox suggested that next year may not be his last year…I suggest you get a good book and put your feet up…and get back to the blog once Cox retires…or even better, go to the Mutts blog and spew your diatribe and see if you have any buyers over there.

Your 6.48pm post revealed your true colours- you don’t even like the Braves very much, do you- you used to be a Mutts supporter, and I think that’s where your real loyalties lie- I’m just not so sure that Metro and his buddies want you either!

By Sammy Kershaw

May 19, 2007 5:56 AM | Link to this

DOB havent heard lately, can we expect Cormier in the next week or so?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

May 19, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this

Good morning all, Time to pull on the leotard and shake off the doldrums of Washington. Interesting comment earlier about the team looking listless. DC will do that to you even if you are not playing baseball.

Wards vs Wilson… The Braves tried to sign Ward but he choose to sign with the Cubs. I don’t think he felt comfortable in Atlanta for some reason.

Too bad about Wilson, he will now be picked up by another club and will likely hit .300 for the rest of the season.

To all the Mets bloggers showing up… Enjoy your time in the sun while you can, you are only one trip to the DL away from being an also ran. It’s a long season and much can happen between now and September.

By NO CHOP ZONE

May 19, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

GIL, I don’t know if you noticed but Alou and El Duque ARE on the disabled list and the Mets keep on winning. Do you mean if another player goes on the DL they will be as you call it “Also Ran”

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

Gil, good stuff. And we’ll need some tights under the leotard today. It’s cold, raw here. But looks like we might be able to get in two soggy games. Not raining, but could off and on throughout day. Nothing heavy, though. Ground is totally saturated, and it’s foggy and cold right now…

MattB, thanks. Delux looks excellent. Saw it on internet after your rec. Will try to go tonight late or tomorrow….

Yars, all good ones. Jesus & Mary Chain, Stone Roses and Pulp all among my favorites. And Oasis was, for some time, outstanding. Saw them live once, outside Boston coincidentally, at whatever that outdoor theatre’s called now. Think it was 1996 or ‘97.

You should listen to the new solo record by Jarvis Cocker (Pulp). Real good….

Sammy, from above answer I gave: Cormier’s start is today at Double-A Miss, two innings.

For more details, see today’s notebook at ajc.com.

By Metropolitan Man

May 19, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

After today, 3 1/2 games back. But dont worry about the METS, they are just handling business. You might want to change your stragety and try holding off the Philthies for second place instead chasing that pipe dream called 1st. Yeah its plenty of games left but just like last year, the whole will be too big to climb out of. The Stankees are about to experience what you guys went through last year with the changing of the guard in the AL east. Say what you want about the METS, fans, bloggers, city, whatever….the bottom line is the braves are a franchise who lost their dominant identity and are now trying to figure out where they fit in the division. Next week you will get to see 1st hand how good and balanced this METS team is, Best record in the NL.

By Mutt Man Antithesis

May 19, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Next week you will get to see 1st hand how good and balanced this METS team is, Best record in the NL.

Last year was your best chance. The Mets aren’t as dominant this year as they were last year. They are coming from behind late with unlikely scenarios. Enjoy those games. They are fun for the home fans, but walking the tightrope like that is flirting with disaster. Just ask the Braves. Eventually, they won’t be pulling the rabbit out of the hat every game.

Next week you will get to see 1st hand how good and balanced this METS team is, Best record in the NL. Yeah and at the end of the season, you will be saying, “wait ‘till next year.” It’s easy to talk trash in May, but it doesn’t matter until October.

I see you turning into the Braves, good thru the season but finding excuses in the off season why you couldn’t win the World Series.

By Memphis

May 19, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

NEW TO THE BLOG and a longtime Braves fan. I have a question that I hope someone can answer. For those of us in Georgia (South Georgia specifically), what will happen when TBS moves away from the Braves next year with their 70 telecasts per season. Will SportSouth and FSN pick up all of the games that TBS had or will there be another network involved? I hope we don’t have to RE-LIVE the defunct Braves Network days. Does anyone remember that? Thanks!

By Ron Roberts

May 19, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

Laughable that the Met fans are already patting themselves and their team on the back with a mere 2-game lead. Truly laughable, this early on.

I don’t recall any Braves fans calling the factory for division title hats and tees up to now, and I think it’s way too early to go getting cocky about a 2-game lead barely a quarter-way through the season.

Even still, we’d be sitting atop the wild card standings, and the only playoff team we haven’t handled is Milwaukee, and that’s only because we haven’t played ‘em yet. We’re 2-1 against the Dodgers and 4-2 against the Mets.

Hold your horses, brats.

Back to legitimate baseball discussion…

I’m of the opinion that Redman’s return should be a decision we hold off on opinionating about until we see him one or two more starts. I’m a little p** at any player who’d have an injury affecting his game and not telling management about it out of fear of losing a spot on the team. It’s selfish and detrimental to the ultimate team goal; that being said, Redman’s had good spurts of pitching throughout his career, and right now we could use one out of somebody at the back end of the rotation.

We can surmise all we want the “what ifs” of our options.

“What if Lance Cormier is able to return and is the real deal?” Well, that’d be asking alot, I think. First, the injury bug has been nagging him, a la Gonzlez, with no real explanation, and even if he does come back pain-free, it’ll be in the back of his (and ours) mind. Even still, he’s missed nearly two months of baseball after a solid spring training. Will his return to Atlanta be like Redman’s was - you know, when it looked like he needed some more spring training?

“What if McBride has been working towards a spot at the 4th or 5th spot in the rotation?” Say he is… he’s best against lefties, but righties are .338 against him. Scary

What if Kyle Davies is on the right track? I happen to think he is, but only well enough to be a decent fourth guy, which is all we can ask for, I guess.

Bottom line: with other rotation options like Oscar Villareal and Raphael Soriano in the mix (that is, if Mike Gonzalez can stop scaring the hell out of us and Bob Wickman can stay upright), we have to figure out soon who’s gonna be most effective for us, and soon.

I say soon because there’s a lot of talk that the Devil Rays are gearing up to unload either Carl Crawfod or Rocco Baldelli, and I think the Braves need to be players. Does a Lerew/Saltalamaccia package for Carl Crawford entice ‘em? I think it does, and I can’t help but wonder if Jarrod’s up to be showcased for a team looking for a now-not-later guy.

I’m also a little concerned about Kelly Johnson’s durability. We need him, and its obvious we need him to be effective atop the batting order for our offense to work. If we keep things as-is, his off-days need to see Willie Harris leading off and running the bases. And Kelly’s gonna need days off. All the off-season work he did, coupled with not playing at all last season, will continue to wear him down since he’s not conditioned for the long season.

What’s fun about this team is that we have options, we have ‘em in-house, and the way the rest of the National League looks, we’re no worse than the team to beat for the wild card, and good enough to compete for, and maybe even win, the division.

I still think the Mets are vulnerable, have holes that will show themselves as the season goes on, and will fall short of blowing anybody out of the race. That being said, we’re enduring injury issues and still in the hunt. There’s plenty to be positive about.

The key is to not concern ourselves with how far ahead or behind we are of the Mets. Get into the playoffs and face ‘em then, whether we’re division champs or wild cards. Either way, we’ve proven (in our stadium and theirs) that we know how to beat ‘em…

….and don’t think they aren’t concerned about that. I’m sure the Mets fans are pulling for the Phillies to get it together. Count on that.

By Tomahawkin' Again

May 19, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

To Metrosexual Man, No Chop zone and the rest of you stinking Mut fans, take it to the Newsday or NY Post Met blogs, please? Your crappy attitudes and being on a BRAVES fans blog to begin with absolutely are ruining my Saturday morning (which is a beautiful 74 degress & sunny here in the spring training home of your Atlanta Braves)! Just kidding guys, I’m glad you’re here blogging, it makes the rivalry more fun and when we win 2 out of 3 from the Mets again this week, that more enjoyable.

By Jim

May 19, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

In the double header today, do you pitch Smoltz against Dice K or the AAA callup? Does the home team get the last choice on the matchups?

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Hey, good for Ol’ Roachy that he’s starting to hit now. But bad for the Braves in one respect _ what if the Pirates felt they needed some help at 1B and decided to claim … Craig Wilson?

Not gonna happen, I’m pretty sure. But that’d be the only way the Braves could avoid paying him the remaining three-quarters of his $2 mill salary. Unless someone claims him on waivers, Braves must pay it all. And any team signing him after he clears waivers can just pay him prorated portion of major league minimum salary while Braves pay him the remaining $1.5 mill or so from the contract.

By Jim

May 19, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Carl Crawford would look nice in a Braves uniform, but the biggest need we have is pitching. Depending on how he looks today, Lerew is our 5th starter and 3 and 4 have been shaky. The only options behind Lerew are Redman and a Cormier of questionable health. It is probably too much of a gamble to Trade Salty and Lerew and not get pitching back.

By NationalLeagueEast

May 19, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Laughable that the Met fans are already patting themselves and their team on the back with a mere 2-game lead. Truly laughable, this early on.

Ron - go back a few blogs and check how much bragging and chest-thumping you Braves fans were doing when you had a HALF-GAME lead. Can’t have it both ways…

By krath

May 19, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Ron Good post. I agree with most everything you said. I do have a concern that I don’t feel like this team seems to have the ability to put together a long winning streak. It seems like it’s going to be win 3 lose 1, win 2, lose 1, lose 3 win 1. On the other hand, they aren’t going to lose 10 of 12 either. Last June is not going to happen again this year with this team.

Jim, I’m not sure how that’s going to work but I want to pitch Smoltz against the rookie if possible. The only two starters we have that you can put out there with some level of confidence for a victory is Smoltz and Hudson. I would hate to waste a Smoltz outing against DiceK and lose it 2-1 or something like that. I would rather take my chances that Larew pitched a decent game against DiceK.

Either way you slice it, the Braves historically have trouble against pitchers they haven’t seen. That would be both Boston starters today.

By Coach

May 19, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

The Braves don’t need anymore pitching , they have enough.

By Mutt Man Antithesis

May 19, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Hey No Chop

You’re an idiot.

As for the Mets fan base, just look in the mirror! Lets see, you need to come to this board because your NY paper blogs are tepid. People up there don’t want to hear your trash because they know it only matters if you win the WS. We must assume that your own fans don’t even want to hear your ramblings.

Ever hear the analogy of a turd in a punch bowl? That’s you.

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

I can’t hear anymore Oscar Villareal to the rotation claims. The guy isn’t that good. The Braves are going to deal with what they have until July 31st. End of story. With some teams out of the race, maybe we can scoop an arm or two. But why would any teams want to trade pitching to us? No teams have pitching in the first place. The Angels and Dodgers do, but they will ask for an arm and a leg.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Ah, No Chop, shut up. Stop your whining and crying about being banned. You went way over the line - you know you did - you have been behaving yourself ever since which shows you know where the line is drawn.

The Mets are going to crumble. What will happen when all the hoopla gets started when your clubhouse boy starts telling everyone in the court system which Mets exactly he provided steroids to? The steroids problem with the Mets seems to be pervasive throughout their major and minor league teams.

Your entire team this year is based upon decent pitching so far. Your pitching staff however is doing it with smoke and mirrors. What is going to happen when the smoke finally clears and Oliver Perez and Jorge Sosa finally look in the mirror and realize, oh crap, we’re just Oliver Perez and Jorge Sosa, we’re not any good?

By Alex

May 19, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

There are two types of Muts fans here…

1 show up when they are ahead in the division or on a recent winning streak, while the Braves have been losing. They typically predict how great they will be for the rest of the season and how they will “excuse me Arnold” - crush the braves - when give the chance.

2nd type are here when the Muts are not playing so well, they remind us how great their team is anyways, and how even though the Braves are doing well, they will not do well against the Muts and how the Muts will eventually overtake them.

None to less, the one thing they have in common, is they seem to think a lot of their Muts and don’t seem to fear the Braves or anyone in the NL.

Pride comes before the fall Muts fans. Remember it, it’ll serve you best later on in September and October.

Oh yeah, the last thing all* Muts fans have in common, they are unbelievably obnoxious and arrogant, esp. for a team that has only bested the Braves once in the last 15 years!

By Ron Roberts

May 19, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Krath, I think you’re right. A June 2006 won’t happen for this team this year, and if you subtracted it from the rest of the season, they were 73-62, a .541 winning percentage. Check last season’s standings, and you’ll see that would’ve had the Braves within reach of a wild card playoff spot.

Again, having the confidence that we’ve handled the Mets fairly well in the two series we’ve played ‘em… it should worry ‘em more that, whether we win the division or not, we’re probably in the mix to face ‘em in the postseason and crush their hopes (as has been done to them since 1986).

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 19, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

You’s ain’t goin’ nowheres NO CHOP ZONE…you’s provides too many page hits for the good ol’ award winnin’ blog here see…

TheJackAss seems to think that you’s is really a Braves fan in drag, come on out of the closet son, and do the chop with the rest of the guys…put on your #10 Chipper jersey and stick a couple feathers in your cap…be proud son, be proud…

By cmk

May 19, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Braveheart - The clubhouse guy for the Mets involved in the steroid story has nothing to do with the Mets of 2007. That was in the 90’s, and it happened after he had left the employment of the Mets. It has nothing to do with this team. That’s not to say there aren’t users on the team, just like it’s possible on every other team.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

okay, my bad then with the roid thing. Mets are still garbage however.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 19, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

So does that thug ‘Lastings Milledge’ that wrote and performed in a very offensive rap ditty have anything to do with the “2007 Mets”?…Where’s Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton now?…oh maybe they’re somewhere ‘bendin’ ‘dem knees’!…

By Robert

May 19, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Word is that former Triple Crown contender Alydar was snuck into Donk’s hotel stable last night. Braves brass justified the expense and legal risk by noting that it would keep Cox occupied and thus keep him from being able to plan strategy for today’s doubleheader

By Metropolitan Man

May 19, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Smoke and Mirrors last year got us 1 hit from the WS. With a better set of Smoke and Mirrors this year, we should accomplish the mission. Just face it, Rick Peterson is a genius in fixing these retreads and making them the braves worse nightmare. Sosa, Perez, yeah we use to suck but now we are on the rise, just like those METS. Right now it doesnt matter what negativity hits the METS, they seem to persevere. The braves USE to do that but since the title run was shut down, so has that chip that was on their shoulder at the beginning of the season. Don those METS hats and put those braves and stankee caps on the shelf until further notice!!!!

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 19, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

A comment about “showcasing” a player. Every major league team has enough scouts and evaluators to know exactly what any player above the A ball level can do. The only people who would need to be “showcased” to are probably the team owners or general fans who only seem to know what they are told by the media.

There are lots of talented youngsters out there that are not on the 40 man rosters whom coaches and general managers pray they can hide so they won’t be noticed so they can keep them for emergencies.

Do yourself a favor and watch some games other than just the Braves, you might be surprised at the talent some of the other clubs have besides Crawford and Baldelli.

This is not fantasy baseball, stop trying to think it is. The owner of the Redskins tried that method and signed a collection of guys who were washed up. See how that has worked out for him?

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 19, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

So Robert—since when did Cox start employing a strategy?…

NO CHOP—be careful with those feathers in your cap…there’s a little @$$Clown here on this blog that likes to call up TurdBirds!…

By Ron Roberts

May 19, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

Gil, that’s all fine and well, but Jarrod Saltalamaccia struggled at AA last year, so his ability to perform above that level probably is of question to anybody interested in a catcher who can hit and comes with a cannon arm. So I do think it’s possible he’s being showcased.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 19, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

TheJackAss would like to pay a visit to a mets blog…

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Another savvy, insightful comment on the ins and outs of baseball from our one-trick pony. Bor-ring.

By Mutt Man Antithesis

May 19, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Met Man

Perez has been a mystery. Has talent but until now has been inconsistent. Time will tell. Sosa is a head case. The Braves saw this Sosa for a while, but he’ll start choking again soon. It’s in his DNA.

Smoke and Mirrors last year got us 1 hit from the WS.

Mets fans seem to like to remind us of the one WS win. Well the 96 series is a good example. The Braves were one pitch ( a Wohlers hung slider) from going up 3 games to 0 on the Yankees in the WS.

Close doesn’t count. Come back after the season if you actually have something to show then you can gloat. Until then, your team is a bunch of under achievers who lost to an inferior Cardinals team in the playoffs last year.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Smoke and mirrors got you Oliver Stinking Perez in NLCS Game 7. Smoke and mirrors caused you to lose to an 83 win team. Smoke and mirrors left Carlos “Just Browsing” Beltran standing there with his bat on his shoulder with the bases loaded in the ninth inning of NLCS Game 7.

Ah, the hell with the Mets. We’re playing a real team today. From what DOB says, the weather will feel like it will in late October when we beat the BoSox in the World Series. LET’S PLAY TWO BOYS! LET’S PLAY TWO! BETTER YET, LET’S WIN TWO!

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Gil, your point is well taken but showcasing happens all the time. It’s like high school. Everyone knows who the hot girls are. Sometimes, you don’t know how much you want her until a buddy of yours brings her to a party at your house and you get to see all of her assets, personality, and charm up close - then you really want her. Also, all your friends start talking about how sweet she is and how smoking hot she is and they keep putting pressure on you to ask her out. Even if you were scared to pull the trigger on asking her out like you badly wanted to, the pressure your buddies give you alot of times forces you to ask her out.

That is why I think people on here think the Braves may be showcasing Salty to replace Varitek. Salty is a Red Sox “moneyball” kind of player - besides just being a darn good ballplayer we should not get rid of unless the Bosox throw us a bunch of bona fide prospects. But if you showcase his talents to the Bosox, upper management who is at the game may see him up close for the first time instead of relying upon their minor league scouts and they may start drooling over the kid. Also, putting him in front of the Boston media and fans may cause them to start demanding that the Sox go get him to replace Varitek. John S. and Bobby are not stupid. They know very well the nature of the Boston fan base and media beast and how much pressure they can put on the Boston front office who themselves would love nothing more than to have Salty without all the pressure from the fan base and the media. But maybe the fan base and the media gives them that extra push over the ledge to pull the trigger on a deal.

Or it could just be that Bobby and John really like the kid and want to find a spot for him to play here in Atlanta this year before deciding what to do with him next winter. But I would not totally disregard the showcasing thing because that might very well be what is happening. Just my speculation.

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

SJA,Sir I do apologize for my unintentional ERROR,Robert is not a Jackass,there is only one,so that must mean Robert is a horses a*,or maybe the Fly that hangs around the Donk’s A$$………

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Salty to anyone = BAD IDEA!!!

By Metropolitan Man

May 19, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Yeah braveheart, smole and mirrors did all that, how is the talent you have working for you the past 2 years???? Without even answering that, I think I ‘ll take those smoke and mirrors guys over your talented non-jelled team any year. But you are right about not braggin on winning anything of significance yet, but come OCT, you will not be able to shut a fan up or keep them from seeking out stankee and braves fans to let them know……YOUR TIME IS UP,

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Joebrave, I prefer calling him A-Hole. the funny thing is that when he is not fixated on the Bobby Cox thing, he is a pretty smart and insightful baseball fan. He has good insights about Cox as well but gets so carried away with the Cox bashing that you forget he has good points to make about Cox.

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

OK, everyone knows Thorman is up to .273, with five homers and 21 RBIs in 35 games.

But did you know this: He’s hitting .175 (7-for-40) with two extra-base hits (one homer) with three RBIs, a .250 OBP and a .275 slugging percentage in 16 home games.

On the road? Dude’s raking. Hitting .339 (20-for-59) with nine extra-base hits (four homers), 18 RBIs, a .361 OBP and a .627 slugging percentage.

That’s a .525 OPS at home, .988 on the road.

By the, weather’s getting a little better here, sun’s actually breaking through clouds a little. It’s not very cold now, in the mid-50s.

Smoltz probably should have opted to pitch the day game. Probably going to rain some later.

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Metrpolitan man you sir are about to feel the Wrath Of Joebrave,so shut your biga$$ mouth,you annoying little turd,You act as if the season is over,I say your beloved Mutts lose the next 2 dumba$$!!!!!

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

I have to admit that I thought Thorman was not going to be good. Looks like I am wrong so far.

DOB, if you see or hear a fight happening at ole Fenway at the game today, just yell down, “Hey Lew. Chill out!”

By Metropolitan Man

May 19, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

There you go Joebrave, let out that frustration that the braves are causing you. I’m stating some facts and some opinions here and you go personal. How adult of you. Anyway go send a personal email to the METS management and demand them to stop winning. Then shoot anohter email to braves management to START winning consitently and your problem will be solved. Metropolitan Man isnt your problem, you not being able to state fact or opinion without getting turdy is the problem. Take your wrath and wrap it around your…..take your pick.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Dice-K and all of his pitches looking to the Braves like the hall of mirrors in Enter the Dragon. The Braves will be Bruce Lee today, confused for a while by the hall of mirrors, but ultimately taking out the villain.

By Hey Look I'm a Mets Fan

May 19, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

We are the most awesome force of a team ever assembled.

Last year we made it all the way to the NLCS baby! The NL freakin’ CS!!!!!

Look at that pitching staff, look at the line up. It’s almost not even fair playing the games.

Shea is an awesome place, and you can get a good deal on late model car parts for virtually blcoks in every direction.

2 game lead in May baby. We rule.

Larreeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Joebrave, save your personal shots for the rest of the Mets schmucks. Metroman is the Joe D. of the blog - classy cool despite sporting ugly blue and orange.

Metroman, you may be right about Peterson. It will be interesting to see what he does with Sosa. If Sosa did well as a reclamation project for Mazzone and then again for Peterson, it has to make me really wonder what the hell McDowell does for the Braves pitching staff. Which Braves pitcher exactly has McDowell made better? The relievers last year? Nope! Smoltz? can’t claim credit for that. Hudson? can’t claim credit for that especially since he could not help huddie figure out the problem last year. Redman? Nope! James? We’ll see. Davies? Nope! Horam? Nope! Thomson? Nope! But don’t start boasting about Sosa until September.

By Hey Look I'm a Mets Fan

May 19, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

The Cy Young should be a four pitcher race this year between Glavine, El Duque, Maine and Sosa.

And maybe Pelfrey if he’ll just listen to Peterson.

I see the MVP going to Reyes. And the batting crown going to either Wright, Beltran or Delgado.

Oh, look I can see my own sphincter muscle.

Mets Rule! The Yankees gear is staying in teh closet this year, suckers!

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

May 19, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

That 1st inning could have been alot uglier.

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Thorman gave away a hit,all he had to do is get low to avoid that tag.I hate that lazy slacker sh** !! Did any of you pick up on Lerew’s release point in the first.The first few hitters it was all over the place,then he started getting centered and the outs came.If we can’t find a good 3 starter a fair 4 and a decent 5 we’re playing for a wild card at best.

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Well, we can probably say goodbye to Lerew and hello again to Redman, as far as the rotation is concerned.

Lerew is out of the game after two innings (three runs, five hits, two homers, two walks, no K).

Probably going to hear that his elbow’s barking. He’s had some problems with it this season but pitched through it down at Richmond.

Cormier surely won’t be ready for a couple weeks, since his scheduled two-inning stint tonight for Mississippi will be his first rehab start in a few weeks. Probably going to need at least three starts.

By Yars

May 19, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

The Braves look freaking pathetic so far against Boston. I hate saying this, but I won’t be shocked if they are swept this weekend. I say dump both Lerew & Redman, & trade Salty for a decent #3 starter, before the Mets run away with the NL East and Atlanta find themselves competing against 6 other teams for the NL Wildcard. I truly believe Chuck James ‘06 season was a fluke. Every team has a file on him now and knows his weaknesses. Redman still being on the roster man, that really p** me off. Diaz was safe at second!!

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Fugly Larew!

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

By the way, speaking of Glavine (someone was above), he and Smoltz are expected to face each other for third time this season on Thursday, long as we’re able to get the second game in tonight (if Smoltz had to pitch tomorrow instead of tonight, he wouldn’t go Thursday, probably). It does look like we’re get it in tonight, so Smoltz vs. Glavine looks probable.

Jorge Sosa, Perez and Glavine for the Mets in those three games. Braves aren’t ready to announce theirs.

By Grimm

May 19, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Braves Suck!!! What has happened to us? We started out so strong. Too bad John Malone/Liberty can’t help us. Being that there hands are tied by Bud Selig(what a waste he is). Terry raise the payroll NOW!!!

By Stan Koobrick

May 19, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Hey i just woke up and its 3-0 Sox and Villarreal is in the game. WHAT THE F HAPPENED TO LEREW?? Please somebody dont tell me he started and couldnt even get through 3 innings! wtf

Please somebody give me a quick update Thanks

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Don’t look now, but after that popup McCann is 11-for-56 (.196) with three extra-base hits (one homer) in his past 18 games. Yikes.

That finger’s really messed him up, it would appear.

By Grimm

May 19, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Stan Let’s put it this way. Lerew in my opinion did a hell of a job in the first(the bases where loaded in the first) but bobby wanted to go to the bullpen. Why oh why did Smoltz not start this morning?

By snes

May 19, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Oh no, Redman is in, I guess Bobby is ready to concede this game.

By Grimm

May 19, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Oh Crap!!! Redman’s in the game. We must be throwing in the towel all ready. Too bad

By Ron

May 19, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

DOB, What about trading for Josh Towers of the Blue Jays, I heard that him and Ohka are on the Trading Block!!! I know Josh Towers has a very high ERA, but I would not think that we would have to give up too much for him!!! Do you think there is a chance we could trade for him?

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

I don’t care who replaces Andruw, we’ll all learn to miss his near perfect instincts for the position.That last catch,even when he slipped he had moved to such a good angle, he was able to make the play. Grimm (ripper)we’re 6 of the last 10,most teams would consider that being on a roll.No question though,this team has holes to fill in the rotation.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

They have to put McCann on the DL already. he’s much too good to be playing like this because of an injury. let him sit for two weeks and get back to being a monster on June 1st. I would rather have him kick butt for the last 4 months than have him have a mediocre season because he is being a tough guy because his bat is so critical to the braves.

By Ron

May 19, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Yars, Dude why do we have to give up our best Prospect for a descent #3 Starter, that makes no sense at all, do we not have other prospects in the minors, I mean come on dude we dont have to give up Salty for a #3 Starter, did we give up Salty last year for Wickman, NO, and he is a Closer!!! Everybody quit with the Salty for a descent #3 Starter CRAP!!! We gave up a Catcher I have never heard of before for Wickman!!!

By Coop

May 19, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

DOB, you appear to be close to the team. Couldn’t you put a bug in the ear of Chipper or somebody to challenge Andruw and to let him know that his terrible at bats are hurting the team?

The more he plays, the more I long for the day the Braves find his replacement; and he’s my favorite player on the team!!

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

I just don’t see enough arm on Redman to think he’ll ever be much better than what we’re seeing here.A slam!! BC please release this guy.

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

I was wrong in the pressbox, I called three-run double off the Monster. It actually went OVER. Damn, shouldn’t have underestimated Redman’s ability to give up runs in a hurry.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

PITCHING! WE NEED PITCHING! PITCHING! WE NEED PITCHING! PITCHING! WE NEED PITCHING! PITCHING! WE NEED PITCHING! PITCHING! WE NEED PITCHING! PITCHING! WE NEED PITCHING!

By Cordova Milkbar

May 19, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

OUCH!!!!!!!

By Braves Fan 79

May 19, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Are we REALLY this desperate for talent that we had to bring Redmen back???
man this sucks. I could see the blowout coming when he entered the game. Man i hope Cox sees theres no hope for this guy after today! At least then SOMETHING good will of come out of today. id rather see a double A pitcher up here than redmen…and lewrrew isnt much better…but id rather see him start than Redmen any day!

By Coop

May 19, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Oh wow, Redman gives up a Grand Slam…geez who didn’t see that coming?

By N8

May 19, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

BREAKING NEWS…..

MARK REDMAN STILL SUCKS!!!

Which is a pretty good match with this offense.

Call me Debbie Downer, call me a pessimist, call me a whiner……I prefer to be somebody who doesn’t sugar coat anything…….This season is about a week away from being OVER.

The future looks bright. Just not the short term future.

I said it a couple of days ago, I’ll say it again. JS made his BIGGEST mistake of his tenure, by NOT dumping Andruw last July. Shame on him.

A music critic one referred to the 80’s hair metal band SLAUGHTER as “chocolate covered sh!t”.

I couldn’t think of a better phrase to describe this team right now. Because even if there happens to be another week long stretch of good games (that would be the chocolate), when you get peel away the chocolate, it’s still sh!t underneath, no matter which way you slice it up.

YIKES.

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Chipper giveth, and he taketh away. Nice play. Hoss still has hops.

By Chris

May 19, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Redman is putrid. I trust this will be has last appearance in a Braves uniform.

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Well look at the bright side,at least we’re shoveling more dirt on the Skankees grave.I can’t see how Bobby can justify using Redman again,surely he’ll release him…maybe he’ll release him….well.. let’s hope he will.

By N8

May 19, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Question:

What’s worse that getting your a*******es handed to you by the Red Sox?

Having it happen TWICE in one day.

Prediction: Smoltz gives up 1 run in 8 IP…….Braves lose 1-0.

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

What I said about Redman earlier? Nevermind.

Although if Lerew’s having any elbow problems (won’t know until we talk to Bobby), Redman still seems most likely choice to take his spot….

Redman came in with a 10.13 ERA and actually saw it JUMP more than a run, to 11.63. Can you really run a guy out there to start against the Mets with an 11.63 ERA? I don’t know. Don’t know what the options are.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

FIRE ROGER MCDOWELL! Again, what exactly has McDowell done here? Which player has he elevated to a higher level like Mazzone use to do and Peterson seems to be doing with the Mets? Smoltz? Nope! Hudson? Nope! James? Haven’t seen it. Redman? Ha-ha! Larew? I guess not. Horam? Nope! Thomson? Nope! Reitsma? Nope! Jorge Sosa? Nope! Gonzalez? Nope! Soriano? Nope! Wickman? Nope! Davies? Nope! Paronto? Nope! Ken Ray? Maybe. Villareal? He looked better when he got here and has only gotten worse. McBride? Hell, he ended up back in the minors. Moylan? Nah! Colyer? Apparently not. Barry? Think again. Yates? Maybe but he has not made him special or anything. Cormier? No! Boyer? No. Devine? Poor kid. Baez? I don’t think so. Franklin, Shiell, Smith? Try again. Stockman? Don’t think so. Go ahead, name one guy McDowell has elevated the way Mazzone used to and the way Peterson seems to be doing now.

FIRE ROGER MCDOWELL!!!!!! He is stealing money to be their best friend.

By jasoninmaine

May 19, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

N8,

I agree. if this team doesn’t get some pitchin help and now, we are HISTORY.

Regards,

Jason

By Chris

May 19, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

It’s surreal how bad this guy is.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Skip just called Manny Ramirez a diva. Luv it!

By Kentavo

May 19, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Somebody’s going to have to take some lumps (innings this game) so we’ll have the bullpen ready to go for the 2nd game. I knew this was going to be a blowout from the get-go. Typical Braves lackluster performance (I mean when they’re bad, they’re bad). They haven’t even made Dick-K sweat yet.

By N8

May 19, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Skip just got done saying how Dice K hasn’t been “overpowering”.

Well, either allowing only 5 hits and O runs through 6 innings isn’t defined as overpowering (which is bogus - because K’s or not, I consider Maddux in his prime to be OVERPOWERING), or the other option is this…..he’s mediocre and just being made to “look good” due to guys that can’t hit.

We were NEVER as good as our early season record showed (way too many clutch 2 out RBI’s at a pace that could not - and has not - continued). We are more than likely not as bad as we’ve looked the last week or so.

I believe with this lineup (as long as Andruw continues to bat cleanup), and the lack of pitching depth beyond Smoltz and Hudson, we are about an 85-90 (maximum) win team.

Quite simply put, that is not nearly good enough to keep up with the Mets. In fact, it’s probably not good enough to keep pace with the Phillies. We are slightly better than last year, due to the bullpen depth. But essentially we have replace Chuck James’ “productive ” 2006 season with Hudson. We are STILL only 2-deep in the rotation.

Get on me if you want, call me names whatever you wanna do to make yourselves feel better. But I’m not sure it’s not too soon to start selling parts (Renteria, Wickman, and of course Andruw if he’s willing to waive his no-trade veto).

I know it’s May. But are these weaknesses (rotation) gonna get fixed this year? I don’t think so. You all are dreaming if you disagree with me.

By NCBravesFan

May 19, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Ugly. Simply. Ugly.

By jasoninmaine

May 19, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

DOB,

And that is exactly why this team is a pretender and not a contender…

If we don’t have any other options than Redman, we are S-C-R-E-W-E-D

By N8

May 19, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Classic Bobby. 7-0 game. The flood gates opening like crazy….and he plays the infield in.

I’ve NEVER understood the theory of NOT letting the “8th” run to score to play the infield back for a possible out, as opposed to STILL having to have everything go right to get the guy at the plate (ball hit RIGHT at somebody, perfect throw, catcher catching it, and making a tag).

I have NEVER liked playing the infield in, unless it’s a guy that might actually drop down a bunt, and EVEN if he does, so what?

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

For those asking about Aybar, I’ve had it confirmed by someone who knows that he’s in a rehab facility in the U.S. It’s up to doctors to determine how long he needs to stay there.

Folks, this guy’s got issues, obviously. I wouldn’t count on seeing him in a Braves uniform. But that’s not coming from anyone in the organization, so maybe I’ll be wrong and he’ll end up playing for them and doing well. I just personally doubt if that’ll happen.

The team still won’t comment on anything going on with him, his whereabouts, etc. I’d assume because they aren’t permitted to, but I don’t know.

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

This here is ugly….bad ugly !!

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

What the hell happened to KJ? Only on base 19 times in the last 16 games this month. 6 walks in 16 games this month after 24 walks in the first 24 games. He’s a good kid and good player and he is young but he does seem also very streaky just like in 2005. You would think someone with his eye would not be so prone to horrible streaks.

By tvsportscaster

May 19, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

DOB, if we don’t have any better options than Lerew or Redman for the 5th spot, then we’re in trouble. It wouldn’t surprise me to see them give Matt Harrison a try. He certainly can’t be worse than Lerew and Redman.

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

This team isn’t winning the division folks. They just aren’t goo enough. They would of had a better shot if Hampton never got hurt, but he did. The offense is in a major slump right now. MCCANN HAS DONE NOTHING!!!!!!! as well as Andruw.

By Coach

May 19, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Putting Mark Redman on the mound is akin to sending up a white flag , while screaming WE SURRENDER !

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Oh, N8, we don’t need to start selling parts. We are still on a pace to win about 100 games. We have weakness we have to fill by BUYING PARTS AND NOT SELLING PARTS. Tell the new owners to whip out their wallets and put up or shut up.

Man, Skip is really depressing me right now talking about all these guys and their families he likes who got sent down to the minors.

By Ron

May 19, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

N8, We are surely gonna at least score 1 run against Hansack, even though we do have a problem with pitchers we never seen before!!! If we dont score 1 freaking run against Hansack I say we probably are done for the season!!!

By Coop

May 19, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

On television they keep stressing how powerful the teams are the Braves are facing in interleague. My take? Who cares?!!

They just lost 3 out of 4 games to the Washington Nationals!! With the way they are playing right now, it wouldn’t matter if the Braves were playing the Devil Rays and Royals the whole time - they would still lose.

This team stinks right now.

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

I know it’s hard to think this way,but if Smoltz and

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

I know it’s hard to think this way,but if Smoltz and

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

I know it’s hard to think this way,but if Smoltz and

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

I know it’s hard to think this way,but if Smoltz and

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

I know it’s hard to think this way,but if Smoltz and

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

I know it’s hard to think this way,but if Smoltz and

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

I know it’s hard to think this way,but if Smoltz and

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Very sad about Aybar. Hoping and praying for the best for him. Still would like to see him play for the Braves once he gets his life together. Do it for yourself Willy. Don’t worry ‘bout everyone else.

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

OK. I think it is time for a new 5th starter. Buddy C. needs to be brought up from Triple A.

By N8

May 19, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Cool. Is the 10 run rule in effect?

Let’s move on to embarrassment #….er, excuse me, game #2.

Hey, but look at it this way. When Hampton comes back NEXT YEAR it’ll be “just like adding a top free agent pitcher”. THEN we’ll be in good shape.

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Cmon,damn,pend some damn money on this team,this is Bu!!sh!t!!! this pitching staff is horseshit goddam 12 freakin runs you sorry sumbitches!!!!!!!

By NationalLeagueEast

May 19, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Braveheart - you really think the team you’re watching now is going to win 100 games? Really?

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Officially the worst and most embarrassing game in recent memory — Boston fans are doing the tomahawk chop and chant in unison.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

FUGLY! Bobby is just being smart. He’s letting them get all their hits now so they will have no hits left in them when Smoltz takes the mound in the second game.

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

My computer is working about as well as Braves pitching today.Just as well,stick a fork in their butt’s,their done.Think I’ll put my kayak on lake Lure for a few,later.

By Ron

May 19, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

McDowell does suck, I said it about 3 weeks ago, He did nothing for Sosa, and as far as I can see he has done nothing for nobody, I expect when the Season is over that he will be fired!!! Villerial was a better pitcher before he got here!!!

By Memphis

May 19, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Wouldn’t Trey Hodges (2.06 ERA at Richmod) or Buddy Carlyle (2.22 ERA) be a better option then Redman for the next turn in the rotation. I mean at least until Cormier can get ready.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

McKay McBride ready to go…. I’m ready for the second game myself…… If ya got any extra promos ready to go, now would be the time…… Ya gotta love Skip.

NL Least, the Yankees are ready to kick the hell outta the Mets and you are on here talking smack? Really? When the Dawgs are ‘bout to play the Gators, ain’t no Dawgs fans hanging out on Volunteers web sites. What’s the matter with you chumps?

By Braves Fan 79

May 19, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

HEY BOBBY….if your going to play woodward or orrs sorry a*******es at ALL over the next few days this is the day to do it!! Get Chipper out…in fact get all the regulars out and EMPTY the BENCH!! I still dont get why bobby put redmen in the game when we had a chance to come back….then when the games out of reach a inning later….he pulls him out and depletes our bullpen!

While some of you are pessimist on here i know the Braves will be in the playoffs…they just give 2 many games away to keep up with the mets. As long as orr, woodward or redmen isnt on the playoff roster well be just fine and i can see us beating the Mets in the NLCS to get the the World Series!

By Kentavo

May 19, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

The last week has felt like last year.

Sure hope Smoltz can earn his stopper title in the night cap.

I know Boston can hit but this is like batting practice.

By Kentavo

May 19, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

The last week has felt like last year.

Sure hope Smoltz can earn his stopper title in the night cap.

I know Boston can hit but this is like batting practice.

By NCBravesFan

May 19, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Seems as though the wicked witch has turned our purebreds into a pack of egg-suckers overnight.

By Fred Secunda

May 19, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

The poor pitching of Lerew, Redman, and Villareal is getting to the point where the Braves will be forced to give Dan Smith or Matt Harrison a shot. Both are pitching well at double A and there’s almost no chance they could be any worse than what we’ve been throwing out there. Give one of the kids a shot until Cormier comes back.

By Brad in MT

May 19, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

We really need Smoltz and Hudson to be the aces of the staff tonight and tomorrow…Hopefully we can forget this ugly game and take 2 of 3.

By Ron

May 19, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

If we dont make any trades for a descent Starter, why not bring up Harrison, Hell we brought up Salty for the year to be basically a bench player, and start every now and then, why not let Harrison start in the Major Leagues, he surely is better than Redman, Davies, Cormier, and Larew put together!!!

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

SALTY!

I love listening to Skip talk about what a bad fielder Pena is. This is what he was saying about Pena:

Ladies and gentlemen, that is why he has played on so many teams…… He can’t be tired, he just came in to the game.

Love Skip!

FRENCHY!

Vinaterri has kicked 4 field goals for Boston and Morten Anderson has kicked one field goal for Atlanta.

By NationalLeagueEast

May 19, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Braveheart - Mets beat the Yankees last night, 3-2. And by the way, you might not want to start trash talking when your own team is, at this very moment, bending over for the Red Sox.

By tyyosh

May 19, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Sorry if this has been mentioned before… I actually like it if it was a strategic move (not just someone’s whim) to match Smoltz against the weaker pitcher and just assume a loss in game 1. If the Braves as a result take 2 out of 3 via Smoltz and Hudson, no one is going to feel bad about that, no matter how bad this game gets.

By Coach

May 19, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

HELP WANTED ! Position : fifth starter , qualifications , anybody who can throw strikes , mid-nineties fastball is required. Send resume to Turner Field A.S.A.P.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Either the Bosox did a helluva job in advance scouting on our pitchers or our pitchers just stink!

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

NL LEAST, take it easy. 4-2. 4-2. 4-2. Remember that before you speak! Repeat it again. 4-2! It will be 6-3 pretty soon. Count on it or as your terrible announcer is fond of saying PUT THAT ONE IN THE BOOKS!

By Chris

May 19, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

I decided to put Redman’s futility in historic perspective. Going back to 1960, only one pitcher in a Braves uniform has pitched worse who pitched 10 innings or more. That’s impressive, and if Redman gets another appearance, he has an excellent chance of setting the brown standard for “pitching”.

The current champion is Frank LaCorte. In 1977, he pitched 37 innings, started 7 games, gave up 67 hits, walked 29, and had an ERA of 11.68.

Our boy Redman currently stands at 21.2 innings, 5 starts, 38 hits, 11 walks, and an ERA of 11.63.

Wohlers in his meltdown in ‘98 pitched 20.3 innings, gave up 18 hits, walked 33, and had an ERA of 10.18.

Nobody else comes close to approaching these three. I remember them all. LaCorte’s and Wohlers’s troubles stemmed from being unable to throw strikes. They didn’t throw slop like Redman.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Sorry. Got the score wrong. 13-3. Two Vinateri field goals followed by a touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Troy Brown with Vinateri kicking the extra point. As usual, old man Morten Anderson is Atlanta’s best scoring option so his field goal has given us our only 3 points.

By jasoninmaine

May 19, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Coach,

What about a #3?

By Braves Fan 79

May 19, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Our pitchers dont suck….the pitchers brough in THIS game SUCK! The Braves WILL be in the playoffs pple….just not as the division champs. Bobby just gives 2 many games away making dumb choices like even putting redmen back on the roster.

By IlliniBrave

May 19, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB:

Do you suppose that, ugly as this one is, Bobby has been acting strategically in all of this? It seems he could tell this was a loss from the second inning, so instead of using your quality arms in the bullpen on a longshot bid to bring this one back, he instead chose to trot out his horsesh!t and call it a game? I mean, we’ve bascially seen the bottom of the bullpen - no Soriano, Wickman, Moylan, or Yates. What do you think? Was this just Bobby saying, “hey, let’s get to the next game already”?

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

joebrave come-on man don’t hold it in, tell us what you really think.PS I have no idea what happened above.I fear my computer.They’re always watching us!!

By NationalLeagueEast

May 19, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Braveheart—try repeating this phrase yourself: 2.5 games back…2.5 games back. And counting….

By IlliniBrave

May 19, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB:

Do you suppose that, ugly as this one is, Bobby has been acting strategically in all of this? It seems he could tell this was a loss from the second inning, so instead of using your quality arms in the bullpen on a longshot bid to bring this one back, he instead chose to trot out his horsesh!t and call it a game? I mean, we’ve bascially seen the bottom of the bullpen - no Soriano, Wickman, Moylan, or Yates. What do you think? Was this just Bobby saying, “hey, let’s get to the next game already”?

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Looks like Frenchy is showing off for all of his dad’s family up there in Boston.

By IlliniBrave

May 19, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB:

Do you suppose that, ugly as this one is, Bobby has been acting strategically in all of this? It seems he could tell this was a loss from the second inning, so instead of using your quality arms in the bullpen on a longshot bid to bring this one back, he instead chose to trot out his horsesh!t and call it a game? I mean, we’ve bascially seen the bottom of the bullpen - no Soriano, Wickman, Moylan, or Yates. What do you think? Was this just Bobby saying, “hey, let’s get to the next game already”?

By jasoninmaine

May 19, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Did Bobby forget that there is a second game?

By Kentavo

May 19, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

I hope this game gets some guys hacked off and they play with some intensity.

By IlliniBrave

May 19, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Oh well, so much for my theory. Here comes Moylan. But why? Why use him on such a ridiculous game? Make sorry-a* McBride go out and pitch another inning! Too bad we can’t make Redman go back out there for another inning.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

It’s Amazin’ that Mets fan post on here so much. I would have thought that you would all copy the model of your million dollar baby Carlos “just browsin’” Beltran and keep your bat on your shoulders in the ninth of NLCS Game 7 with the bases loaded. Why don’t you all copy your hero Beltran and just browse the blog without posting?

Oh, holy cheesiness, Sweet Caroline. They are singing Sweet Caroline. But at least they are original with it. They started that. Mets fans have just copied it, always wanting to be someone else. Dodger Blue, Giants orange and NY sign, Yankee pinstripes, imitiating the Yankees with the terrible Liza Minelli version of New York, New York at the end of the game, and singing Sweet Caroline which is the song of the Red Sox. The New York Wannabepolitans. Put that one in the books! Ha-ha!

By supergrass

May 19, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

braves on their 6 pitcher in the 1st of a day/night double header, who the hell will be left to pitch if smoltz and his bad finger cant go at least 7 inn…..

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Well, at least McBride did not walk anyone. That’s a good sign. Still gets killed by righties though.

DOB, call me crazy, but I don’t think you are going to have to do any massive rewriting during the middle of this 9th inning.

By Coach

May 19, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox has burned six pitchers while Terry Francona has used just one and we have another game to play tonight. Just Brilliant work there Bobby , absolutely outstanding.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Through 8 innings, Braves hitters have made 22 outs (2 double plays). Through 8 innings, the Red Sox have made 23 outs. The Braves have done a better job of avoiding outs than the Red Sox through 8 innings, so why are they losing 13-3? I thought out avoidance explained everything?!?!?! I’m confused.

By jasoninmaine

May 19, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Iexpect lerew to get sent down and someone called up for the pen tonight…can someone get here in time?

By Robert

May 19, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Coach - Come on man, he’s the BEST manager ever.

He shoulda handed Redman the key to the clubhouse and had the rest of the pitchers go back to the hotel until the night game starts but hey, he is the best manager ever

On another note, down 13-3, I expected Andruw to ding one. Silly me

By Train Wreck Bystander

May 19, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Gawd, what an a*-kicking.

But tonight we are up against a rook. Looking forward to some payback.

I hope they saved the good arms for tonight and tomorrow.

By IlliniBrave

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

Good one, Braveheart! Oh, and our dear friend Andruw was 0-for-4 on out avoidance, with a forceout, strikeout, groundout, and flyout. But Edgar and Frenchy and Salty were much better at avoiding outs today.

Love your sarcasm over what is perhaps the stupidest damn statistic, especially when it’s used to defend tub-of-goo Andruw Jones. {I still can’t believe how fat he has become!]

By Baron

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

Question for anyone… Is Tanyon Sturtze still alive? Is he on any sort of timetable for return, has he retired, what is going on with this guy? And as always, why exactly did we sign him in the first place?

By Robert

May 19, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Braveheart - Braves hitters made 22 outs and had 9 baserunners in those 8 innings. They avoided making out 9 of 31 times - 29 percent of the time

The Sox made 23 outs and had 25 guys reach base, via hit, walk, or Braves error - They avoided making out 52 percent of the time

DUH!

By berigan

May 19, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

I woke up late, did we give the sox a serious beating??????????????

By beki

May 19, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

First game of the doubleheader went to the beaneaters. Guess what the score was? 13-3. Yep, the Bravos are definitely in a slump—-and it’s not even June. I wonder if JS wants to hold on to Redman. It was he who gave up the fourbagger to Lowell and put his ERA probably in double digits.

By Robert

May 19, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Let’s move on to the nightcap.

Crystal ball says - Smoltz pitches seven great innings as Braves cling to a 1-0 lead thru seven.

Donk then trots Smoltzie out there to start the eighth (the excuse being the need to rest the overworeked bullpen). Smolztie is obviously tiring, but Donk waits until the bases are loaded before bringing in Wickey.

I think y’all can figure out the rest

That was AWESOME management of the available resources of the pitching staff.

I mean, NOONE, IN HISTORY, could’ve managed that better.

Anyone else probly would’ve used eight or nine pitchers and just might’ve brought Smoltzie in to mop up

By Robert

May 19, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

“It’s surreal how bad this guy is.”

I have been saying that for almost 11 years.

Oh, wait, you meant Redman

:P

By jasoninmaine

May 19, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Mets 3-1

By Robert

May 19, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

“Did Bobby forget that there is a second game?”

Not funny. (cuz it’s quite possible)

By mike

May 19, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Typical Francour pads his stats in meaningless at bats. And we say wow what potential Our previous right fielder who we dared not spend an extra penny for is looking like he is on a world series contender. We have nothing in left nothing on first. Nothing past our second starter. Our stopper and number one set up guy are on the DL. Yep looks like we are in the old cat bird seat now. Anyone from the IRS Oh I mean Liberty make the trip?

By NO CHOP ZONE

May 19, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

I heard that the Redsox scored a lot of runs today and the braves scored just a few. Is this true JOEBRAVE??

By Robert

May 19, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

http://images.sportsline.com/u/photos/baseball/mlb/img10188608.jpg

The face of genius

By choppinmama

May 19, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Poor Lew. He saw that annihilation in person, didn’t he? Oh, the Lewmanity! I was upset before the game that I couldn’t get it anywhere on DirectTV. After finding out about our a$$-kicking, at least my blood pressure is still in the “upper-level average” zone. Just tryin’to find a bright spot, denizens.

Smoltz will step up tonight and pick up the team with that surgically repaired elbow once again, wait and see.

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

If I see Redman again I’ll become a freakin Mets fan UGH i just puked ,man he is one SORRYSUMBITCH!!!!

By supergrass

May 19, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

BEKI Mark Redman 1.1 ip,4 hits, 4 runs, 4 earn runs,2 walk,1 k, ERA 11.63 his era was double digits before the 2days outing ….

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Robert, we get the point. You don’t like Cox and that you are completely unable to recognize sarcasm when you read it.

By berigan

May 19, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Gee, do you think having an extra 55 million to use on players is an advantage for the Red Sox??? I am just not sure….

I mean, it would be nice to buy a pitcher like Dice-K and not give up any talent, but we got Redman, he is a total stud.

Not that the Red Sox need ANY help, but it’s criminal to just waste Willy Mo Pena like they do. He’s just 25,(And if Skip has acted like he has played for a lot of teams, he is wrong, only the Reds and the Red sox) He’s just rotting on their bench. 45 AB’s this year. (Chris Woodward has 51 AB’s)No need to have him pinch hit much with that line-up. I See he has played 7 games in left, 8 in center, 7 in right. They ought to make Ortiz play first, and have Pena DH. Or vice versa. Well, clearly, they need to do something with him, they are only 29 and 12, they need to kick it up a notch!

By Coach

May 19, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

I’m with stupid(Robert) , Cox really did a magnificent job today with the bullpen.

By Yars

May 19, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

The positive spin Bobby puts on all his players has got to stop. There is nothing positive to say about Redman, but I’m sure Bobby will think of something, and keep throwing him out there every 5 days until his era nears 25.00 & he has a 0-9 record. There has to be other alternatives other than Redman. After Smoltz & Hudson, the starting rotation looks bloody awful.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Typical Francour pads his stats in meaningless at bats.

HUH?!?!?!?! Frenchy has flaws but coming up small in big moments late in games or with runners in scoring position is not one of them. What the hell are you talking about? In fact, I would actually say the opposite about Frenchy. With no one on base, he is not as good of a hitter. In the past, he is not as a good of a hitter on the road. Frenchy most certainly does not pad his stats in these kinds of moments. Actually, his stats become rather depressed in these moments in meaningless games against meaningless teams with no one on base on the road. Mike, I’m sure you are a good fan but that was a rather clueless statement by you.

By Memphis

May 19, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

AN AMAZING BULLPEN STAT: (After 1st game)

Bullpen ERA- 4.24

ERA of Top 5 relievers (Gonzalez, Soriano, Wickman, Yates & Moylan)- 3.03

ERA of pitchers occupying last spot in bullpen- 9.69

This excludes Villarreal as he is about average with overall ERA.

Amazing how mop-up duties can squew a statistic.

By NCBravesFan

May 19, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

I’m with you buddy. There’s a lot of players to lament about on the Braves recently - Frenchy ain’t one of ‘em.

By NO CHOP ZONE

May 19, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

4-2 Mets…………….

By lilman916

May 19, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Someone, anyone,please help Andruw!

By NO CHOP ZONE

May 19, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Make that 6-2 Mets. Wright hits his 2nd HR of the day……….NICE!!

By IlliniBrave

May 19, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

What’s with you Mets fans anyway? It’s kind of pathetic that you have to hang out on another team’s blog just to get your rocks off. If you only knew that, rather than getting under our skin, you are only becoming an object of our pity. It’s comical and somewhat sad to see people so insecure that they have to go to an anonymous arena like this blog and post braggadocio statements about a sports team in order to boost their self-esteem.

By berigan

May 19, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

How come the mop up guy for the Sox has a 1.96 ERA? Well, that was before shutting out the Braves in the 9th.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Amazin’! Playing the Yankees and nuthin’ better to do than talk trash on a Braves blog. Wow! We’re really flattered. We thought the Yankees were your big rival. Guess not. Guess you are more concerned with us. Thanks for the flattery. Filled with spit and fight then comes the bases loaded with two outs in the ninth inning in NLCS Game 7 and you guys merely become browsers. That’s why we are not too worried about the Mets. When push comes to shove in a big spot late in the season, the bat of the Mets will stay on their shoulder and y’all will become browsers and not fighters.

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

I don’t want to hear anyone on this blog complain about payroll. WIN THE GAMES FOLKS!!!!! When our 3,4,5 starters are out there, win the games with the bats.

By NO CHOP ZONE

May 19, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Can I serve you some cheese with that whine illinibrave?

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Well, I never knew that the Grinch owned two pubs in Florida. Guess you learn something new everyday. As soon as I saw the story about tricky restroom signs in Florida, I knew Grinch had something to do with it.

By brian

May 19, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Lilman-

Andruw needs to help himself and get his head out of his A$$. The Braves are trying to help Andruw make adjustments but Andruw just isn’t listening. Hopefully he will snap out of it, but if he doesn’t I hope Boras gets what he deserves

By lilman916

May 19, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Why did Villarreal only pitch oneinning? Last year the Braves used him to start several games, and now hecan only pitch one inning per game. Who is their long relief pitcher?

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 19, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Man, I swear most of you guys must be Dallas Cowboy fans too. Sure sound like it to me, first bit of adversity and you start ripping (pick one) the coach, the quarterback, the owner, all of the above.

Chill, it’s a long season…. I predict a call up soon of Buddy Carlye for the fifth spot. Redman will be released and Larew will be put on the DL or sent back to Richmond.

I think the umps are squeezing Kelly on the strike zone, he will adjust. McCann’s finger is still bothering him, we will have to see if the Braves try to work through it. It would help if Andruw would step up.

SO STOP WHINING LIKE A BUNCH OF LOSERS!!!!!

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Efrim, it’s awfully hard to win when you give up 13 runs.

By lilman916

May 19, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Ten hits, and the Braves only score 3 runs!!!!!

By Robert

May 19, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

“Why did Villarreal only pitch oneinning? Last year the Braves used him to start several games, and now hecan only pitch one inning per game”

Rumor has it he wore sunglasses on his ballcap during batting practice

Cox was apparently preoccupied with how his relatives will run in the Preakness today

By Robert

May 19, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

You want a trade with the D-Rays?

Offer em Salty for Andy Sonnanstine

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

Agreed. I still don’t want to hear about payroll when we lose. It makes me mad. This team has a lot of money invested in a few players. That is their fault. I hear a lot of you saying you want the Braves to raise the payroll. I don’t want that. I want them to win with an 80 million dollar payroll. It is possible ya know? They got in trouble because the Hampton contract is hurting them at the worng time. Stuff happens…..WIN THE GAMES!!!

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 19, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Robert You are the real horse’s a$$. You should be coaching since you have all the answers. Why don’t you contact Steinbrenner and offer your services.

Now, go spread your vile invective somewhere else.

By NO CHOP ZONE

May 19, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

One word Braveheart….WHAAAAAAAA

By True Braves Fan

May 19, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

Am I the only blogger who has finally given up on Andruw at the plate? It really hurts to see the best defensive CF in baseball, so miserable at the plate. I am beginning to want andrew to K when at bat so he won’t hit into a DP. I am surprised that Chipper ever sees a decent pitch. I don’t think we can win consistently with a sure out in the clean up spot. Don’t know what he is trying to prove with that swing of his………….

By Dsquared

May 19, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

I am tired of seeing fans in other cities mock us with the Tomahawk Chop, they do it with a lot more intensity than the Atlanta fans most of the time. The Braves have a good fanbase that should be able to cheer their team on without having to resort to an unoriginal chant (unintelligable series of moans).

The chop should be dropped, and left to represent the teams of the division runs. This is a different Braves team, even though there are still some of the same faces, these guys are (IMO) better than any of the teams since 98. Granted, they could be better if some guys weren’t constantly hurt, or they could learn to hit the ball the other way.

They need to be cheered on as a new team that is exciting by itself, and not as a continuation of the great teams of the past. They will come out of this funk, but rather they play great or like crap I will cheer them on at the top of my lungs, without having to do the chant. Because it will never be the same as ten years ago, ever.

By Robert

May 19, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

“You should be coaching since you have all the answers”

Gil, I think your favorite manager just finished 10th in the Preakness

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Lineup tonight? I hope they rest no one……

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 19, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

And No Chop Run along before your mommy finds out your on her computer again and grounds you or makes you go out and meet real people….

By Eric C.

May 19, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

National League East and No Chop Zone…

You are right. The Mets are starting to pull away in the division and should win it easily.

Wow…congratulations to you. The Mets are definitely the kings of the NL East now.

A week ago I wouldn’t have thought it…but the Braves are showing their true colors now. It’s sad to see the wheels come off again.

By Greg in TN

May 19, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Evening folks…

Not much went right in the first of two in Boston. The team is certainly in a funk right now but I believe things will improve and I also think that JS will be looking to address some needs. There are holes admittedly, however they can be fixed.

By Coach

May 19, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

robert, your obsession with horses , donkeys and sheep is a bit disturbing.

By Bob

May 19, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

Gil,

Don’t let Robert get under your skin. He is a horses a* and can never get off the topic of Bobby Cox. The guy is dumber than dirt, so I would just ignore his imbecilic rantings about Cox.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 19, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Robert—I would love to see you get up in Bobby Cox’s face and call him donk…be hilarious watching that ol’ man stomp the livin’ crap out of your pathetic @$$ with those big cleats that he wears…just stomp the damned snot out of you…Bobby must have banged one of your girlfriends along the way, or maybe you just have a ‘man crush’ on him!…

The same opinion that you have concerning Cox as a manager is the same opinion that everyone has here concerning you as a blogger…

By NO CHOP ZONE

May 19, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

Is that all you got GIL? Try again when you’re done eating your grits.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

We got the sabemermetric cyborg jihadist every weekday from 8 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. followed by his partner in crime, the cox hating robotic jihadist, hijacking the blog everyday. Hee-Haw! Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto!

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: ANDRUW IS BATTING SIXTH IN THE SECOND GAME.

McCann is hitting fourth, Francoeur fifth.

By farthammer

May 19, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

according to the mlb.com gamecast, mccann is hitting 4th, frenchy 5th, and andruw 6th

By Ron

May 19, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Put McCann on the DL, because it is obvious that his finger is still bothering him, Send Larew and Redman down, or just simply release Redman. Trade for a Starting Pitcher like Josh Towers of the Blue Jays or somebody, or Bring Someone up from the Minors, they surely cannot do worst than Redman!!! WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING THIS SH!T IS GETTING RIDICULOUS!!!

By NationalLeagueEast

May 19, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Eric C. - Thanks for that statement—you seem to be the only Braves fan here willing to admit your team has major flaws. The season has a LONG way to go, but right now the Mets are looking like a better team, and I think anyone would have to be a bit blind not to see that.

Oh, and Braveheart—if you want to talk about “browsers,” isn’t that what the Braves have done for the past 13 years or so in the playoffs? You know—just browsing the first round, then leaving empty-handed. Over and over and over again….Or are you referring to the people of Atlanta—browsing for some playoff tickets, and then deciding NOT to buy, leaving thousands of empty seats during post-season games?

By Jimbo

May 19, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

I’m with you TRUE BRAVES FAN. I too want him to strike out with less then 2 outs or he will hit into a DP. His plate IQ is worse then Frenchy’s. He should know better. I can’t believe Bobby continues to hit him cleanup game after game.

By Jimbo

May 19, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Finally…Andruw in 6 hole. Why not 8th? Bobby gets a clue and figures out Druw is horrible.

By Ron

May 19, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

I dont know when BC will move that damn Andruw out of the cleanup spot, he aint doin nothin at the plate except hurtin his knees even more when he whiffs at pitches! OH YEAH, THEY CALL IT THE CLEANUP SPOT FOR A REASON-TO CLEANUP THE DAMN BASES BY BEING A VALUABLE HITTER BRINGING THE RUNNERS HOME!!! I GUESS BC THINKS ITS FOR SOMETHING ELSE, DONT KNOW WHAT THOUGH!!! MAYBE BC THINKS ANDRUW IS MR. CLEAN!!! HAHAHA!!! COULD NOT RESIST!!!

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

SJA, it is getting pretty Brokeback between Robert and Cox. Any minute now I am waiting for Robert to say to Cox “I wish I knew how to quit you!” Oh, wait a second, he says that in every single freaking post about Cox.

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Andruw is hitting .219 and on pace for 19 home runs and 177 strikeouts.

And if he’s hitting sixth behind Francoeur/McCann or McCann/Francoeur for very long, those RBIs are going to be a lot harder to come by.

By Ron

May 19, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Good job BC about damn time, CONGRATULATIONS BC YOU FINALLY FIGURED OUT ANDRUW SUCKS RIGHT NOW, never thought I would see the day!!!

By Bob

May 19, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

National League East,

You are the right about the Braves browsing around during those 13 years. Of course, the Mets have been watching from the sidelines most of those years too. And on those rare occasions when they did make the playoffs, they were taking a hike too. Lets see, was that one NL penant during those same 13 years. Impressive accomplishment indeed!!! And as for crowds, how come so many Yankee fans at the Shea last night and today. Your guys sell their tickets? Won’t see that happen at Yankee Stadium dude.

By Hey Look I'm a Mets Fan

May 19, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

You tell ‘em No Chop, they think they know how to be total asses down there, they don’t know the first thing.

Way to go stud!

My parents house has a totally killer plasma to watch the game in, how about yours?

We’re great.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 19, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! what an ugly game! and now andruw has been moved to sixth in the order. how will andruw take this? will andruw continue to swing and fall to the ground? and now, in the news … jimmy carter has said that george bush is the worst president ever in international affairs. hmmm… there was the matter of the iranian hostages … but this is a baseball blog so jimmy smith will go right to baseball … after jimmy smith tells everyone about the birds that came to this journalist’s call this morning … so many birds - so many songs. this is a good blue worm deterrent but occassionally with the really big blue worms a bird is lost. much like the braves in fenway today. and chipper did say chipper did not think these games were fair. looks like chipper did not want to play today. and as to having hop - with a bunny glove or a kangaroo glove chipper is always going to have hop. a game like that can make the thumbs very sore.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

OH YEAH, THEY CALL IT THE CLEANUP SPOT FOR A REASON-TO CLEANUP THE DAMN BASES

Oh no, no. My friend. You are sadly mistaken. You haven’t heard yet? We are berated every day all day (and I mean all day, over and over and over again) that the cleanup man is merely supposed to avoid outs and get a walk. It’s funny ‘cause, like you, I always thought they paid the cleanup hitter 15 million dollars so that the team would not be reliant upon a guy like McCann making 4 mi a year and a guy like Frenchy making less than a mil a year to finish the job the cleanup hitter could not complete even though he was being paid $15 million dollars year to do so. Guess, I was wrong about that.

By TennesseePaul

May 19, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

I’ll be brief because I’ve got a busy night ahead of me.

I hate and despise Mark Frickin Redman. This no talent assclown should not be on this team. He should not be in the majors. He shouldn’t even be in his basement pitching to his neighbor. There should be a law against this piece of sh!t even touching a baseball.

Same goes with Chad 4-runs Paranto. THEY SUCK GET THEM OFF THE TEAM.

As for the BoSox. Whimps. Yeah that’s right. They had a match up of Smoltz and Dice-K and ran screaming. It’s time now for Smoltz and Hudson to dominate. It’s time now for the bats to wake up. It’s time to get on a winning streak. We have to earn it this year. We don’t get the freedom of playing a sub .500 AL East team like the Mets. The Braves only play the best in Interleague, so we better bring our best.

I am glad that those two assclowns are now spent. We shouldn’t see them in the next game.

GO BRAVES

By Greg in TN

May 19, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

I don’t think anyone expected that kind of output from AJ to this point in the year. Not him, not the club and certainly not Bora$.

By Hey Look I'm a Mets Fan

May 19, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

You tell ‘em NL East. ATL fans are so soft. How about the way they blog with each other, instead of going off and being a total tool on someone else’s blog.

LOSERS!

We rule.

By MBATL

May 19, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

AJ scratched from the lineup, according to Braves radio… “andruw announced he is unable to start tonight,” according to Chip C. DOB, what’s up with that?

By NationalLeagueEast

May 19, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

Bob - Of course you see it at Yankee Stadium. There are always competing chants of Lets Go Mets and Lets Go Yankees. Nice try, but you really don’t know what you’re talking about. Oh, by the way, what time are the Braves losing again tonight?

By Hey Look I'm a Mets Fan

May 19, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Hey No Chop, NL East, if you guys live in New York you might know a friend of mine…big neckless guy, black hair gooped straight back, wears a wife beater all the time, name is Tony. You guys know him? He’s good people.

Jorge Sosa is God.

We rule!

By KC

May 19, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

I don’t give a damn who it is… but in the name of all that his holy… ANYONE BUT MARK REDMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Until Cormier can make it back (not that we know for sure he’s the answer) and/or Schuerholz can figure something out… it’s time to call up Matt Harrison or Dan Smith if need be. ANYONE BUT MARK REDMAN!

Redman apparently has a tattoo on his forehead that reads “make me your woman”. Or at least it appears that way from either batter’s box.

By NationalLeagueEast

May 19, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Hey Look I’m - There are NUMEROUS Atlanta fans all over the Mets blogs. I know you wish it weren’t so, but it is.

By Bob

May 19, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

NL East,

Oh yeah I do know what I am talking about. Last couple of years had the chance to go to a couple of those games. There are ALWAYS lots and lots of Yankee fans at Shea. There are comparably few Mets fans at the Stadium. And you must need a hearing aid if you did not hear the reaction at Matsuki’s homerun last night.

By the way, check your attendance figures over the past 15 years. Braves have drawn 11 million more than the Mets. You are absolutely right about the pathetic Braves support in the playoffs, but your overall attendance ain’t nothing to write home about.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 19, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

Mets just score 2 more runs off some ol’ guy named Julio Franco on a hit to right—oh, that’s the same Julio that Schuerholz couldn’t afford to give an extra year to on a contract for a mil. because the Braves needed that cash to acquire players like Wilson, Redman, Aybar, Woodward, etc…couldn’t afford Ward either…oh well, such is the doins of a genius…

Robert—I’ve got more for you a little later…

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

MAKE OF THIS WHAT YOU MAY: Andruw has been scratched from the lineup.

No reason given yet.

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Reason given for Andruw’s scratch: Sore back.

By krath

May 19, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Andruw to bat 6th in game….then is scratched from lineup? Do I smell controversy? God I hope so! Something needs to shake them up!

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

Willie’s in center, Salty DHing, in case you haven’t seen the lineup.

By Greg in TN

May 19, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

Interesting DOB, very interesting. Seems like things could be going a little sour. Looks like we’re seeing Willie Harris in CF tonight.

By Greg in TN

May 19, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

Nice shot by Chipper over the monster from the left side of the plate.

By Eric C.

May 19, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

DOB, interesting news about AJ…but WHY on earth is McCann batting 4th?

By krath

May 19, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

Sore back huh? Well whatever…. when he comes back he still needs to hit six. He needs a dose of humility. It doesn’t seem to be he’s pressing in the 4 hole, from all accounts it seems to be he won’t listen to anyone.

By Ron

May 19, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Andruw was p**, dont know what the Hell is goin on, does not sound good whatever it is!!!

By GT80

May 19, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

I hope we can now close the book on Redman. And what is up with Paronto. He stinks as well. Everybody that was in the bullpen last year except Yates should be banned from this team, that means McBride also.
Gotta hope Smoltz doesn’t hurt tonight or this is gonna be a long long road trip that will see us return home 5 games out, maybe even in 3rd place.

Smoltz and Huddy, the rest are cruddy. yikes.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 19, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

Now with Andruw scratched from the 4 spot, and now from the lineup—who will the Braves get to “avoid outs and take walks” in the next game?…

Someone needs to spray some insecticide here on the blog—the mets peckergnats are swarmin’ tonite…

By MBATL

May 19, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

I’d love to find controversy in AJ’s benching, but he did take a pretty bad tumble on that catch in game one. Probably just hurting a little… wouldn’t you guess?

By Rodney Derrick

May 19, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

What is up with AJ? And here in North Carolina we did not get the Sports South first game on In Demand even though it came before Fox time slot and I paid my 160 dollars. Do not know why. Took a siesta, so perhaps better not to see the horror. Also spared the Washington disasters because of the stupid blackout. And now no TBS coverage after AJC and MLB had said TBS showing game tonight. But In Demand has the Boston announcers and so I just saw Chipper homer. Anybody know what is going on with all this? David?

By krath

May 19, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

Hope the cold weather doesn’t affect Smoltzs’ dislocated finger. Bad enough to have the problem, bet cold weather will make it throb like a toothache! ouch!

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 19, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

DOB—I know you’re busy, but when you get time…the 2 Homo boys need to go…

By Coach

May 19, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

The game is being played and I’m seeing Jerry Mcguire on TBS ? Does anybody want to tell me whats wrong with this picture ?????? Dear TBS exec. suits , thank you for P.iss.ing all over the national fan base tonight.

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

Can Smoltz please get us out of this mess tonight?

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Sore back? Yeah, right. Sore ego is more like it.

By Frustrated, Inc.

May 19, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

I hope Dummy Druw is batting 9th when his drop to his knees pull every pitch approach is back in the lineup. I hope JS is on the phone looking for suitors for Dummy Druw…

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Need six strong from Smoltzie tonight…….

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

Uh,oh. Coach just got himself banished.

By Patrick

May 19, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

What did you think of Smoltz in the first there DOB?

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

Why is McCann hitting 4th?? The guy is hurt…..

He is just as an auto out as Andruw!!!!!!!

By Greg in TN

May 19, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

RBI double by Diaz after a double off the monster by Thorman. Nice job guys.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 19, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

It’s a little suspicious that the blog was swarming with all those mets peckergnats, then suddenly they are all gone, and these other CAPITAL RETARDS show up…

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

“I saw what I normally see of him,” Cox said of Redman, who was 0-4 with a 10.62 ERA in five starts before going on the DL. “I didn’t see much change in there.”

LMAO! Either did we Bobby. Either did we.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 19, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Why did AJC delete my posts?…Unbelievable!…

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson is bothering me……

By jasoninmaine

May 19, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Man, KJ is really scuffling as well. But, the rotation is the biggest concern. I hope JS is calling everyone and can find some magic.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 19, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Guess they didn’t delete them—they’re back now…

If ignorance is bliss—some of you have to be the happiest people on the face of the earth…

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

Lets disable McCann until that finger is better…….

By KC

May 19, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

DOB: Why would Salty be DHing??? Why wouldn’t BC take this opportunity to get McCann and his finger as much rest as possible?

And please tell us you’re hearing credible trade rumors about another quality starter landing in Atlanta!!! PLEASE!!!

By jasoninmaine

May 19, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Is this the worst stretch in mac’s young career?

By KC

May 19, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Okay, look… Villarreal looked pretty good during his short stint in the rotation last year. Time to get him back in there. And call up Matt Harrison or Dan Smith, and give someone else a shot to help until Cormier can get back.

Villarreal and Harrison/Smith to the rotation… Davies and Lerew to Richmond… Redman to the curb.

By Ron

May 19, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

Bora$ called Andruw up when he found out that Andruw was batting 6th tonight and told him to make something up, not sayin Andruw’s back aint hurtin, because with all those wicked swings it probably is hurtin, but Bora$ told him to do something about it, and I will predict if Andruw is in the lineup tomorrow he will be batting Cleanup, MARK IT DOWN!!!

By ElbravoX

May 19, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

Does feel better with Smoltz up there. A more relax flow to the game. One also hopes the A.J. thing is a controversy-I smell ugly split-up, he is just stubborn. He needs Jerry Maguire to SHOW HIM THE MONEY, and the door to El Dorado.

By Eric C.

May 19, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

Efrim, I agree with you on McCann and KJ. So Andruw goes out and naturally we let one of the guys hitting as bad as Andruw right into the clean-up spot…just don’t get that logic. KJ is a mystery…how can the guy get so freakin cold?

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

KC,

It isn’t happening bro. I mean the trade for a viable 3rd starter. Please name me the pitchers you think we could trade for. I heard you name Aaron Cook. The Rockies have tried to get decent arms for a while, why are they trading a ground ball pitcher to us. Coors Field. Jason Bergmann just went on the DL with elbow problems.

Lets hear some other names you would like to get into Atlanta.

By krath

May 19, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Andruw has always been streaky. It’s only been like the last 3 years that he has stepped up at all.

I think this team can do OK even with Andruw being Andruw, provided they keep him low in the order.

My concern is McCann. He is the guy who has to produce for Atlanta to be successful. They have come to depend on him. Andruw as always been a crapshoot. McCann has been money.

By Interested Observer

May 19, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

Memo to John Scheurholz:

I just threw a helluva session in my basement. My 80 year-old neighbor only got a couple of good ropes off of me. Sign me up! I’m prepared to accept the league minimum. Did I mention I was left-handed??

Memo to Braves fans:

Relax. Redman still has nine toenails to become ingrown.

By KC

May 19, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

Efrim: “Kelly Johnson is bothering me…”

Yup. Me too. Hopefully he’ll snap out of this soon. If he’s just a streaky player, and we can expect more of what he did in late April… that’s okay, because that would mean when he’s hot, he’s capable of carrying a team. But we’ll have to see.

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

I was kinda hoping for A LOT OF RUNS for us in this game. Its Devern Hansack……

Sooner or later we have to hit pitchers we see the first time.

By brian

May 19, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

sore back or sore ego? My guess is the latter though Andruw could definitely use a game off

By Greg in TN

May 19, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Big homer by Matt Diaz off the Sports Authority banner on top of the monster.

By Ron

May 19, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Thorman was safe at first and was called out and now Diaz hit a Homer, I wonder if we will lose this game by a run tonight, would not surprise me!!!

By Greg in TN

May 19, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

Nice… RBI Double by KJ. Four on the board. We need to get through 5 with the way the weather looks tonight.

By Ron

May 19, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Good inning, we scored two, could have been three if the ump would have got the call at first right, but whatever!!!

By eric the elder

May 19, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

That double notwithstanding, KJ has hit 1,283 foul balls off to his left since May 1. That means he isn’t using his hands and his bat is reeeeaally slow. Hope that double ups his confidence.

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

More on KJ

How does this guy, with such a good guy struggle this bad?

He did just double there.

I hope he can sustain a 850 OPS for the rest of the season.

McCann is more of the issue. His finger is definetly bothering him.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Let’s put this way…. Red Sox hitters are not getting the same swings in game 2 like they were in game 1…….

understatement of the year, Skip.

By MEB

May 19, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

KC… was that soon enough? Kelly is doing OK and I think will give us much better numbers than Marcus Giles.

I am kind of liking this lineup. What I want to know is what was Andruw’s reaction to being moved down in the lineup.

Sit down Big Papi!!!

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

No chop look dude you sumbitches ain’t but 2.5 up how ong do you think that will last? Not very,just as soon as your beloved peckerhead ballclub comes in for another a$$ whuppin it will all be gone,so nochop and nleast both you sumbitches get on with your pecker rubbin you little Ba$tards and get out of here,you both are like Robert a fly around a donkey’a$$!!!God you act like you scumbags juat won the pennant,well you ain’t won $hit yet…. what some dumba$$ sumbitches you are!!!!!!1

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

This just in… Mark Redman stepped on Chad paron Toes and now both are disabled for being to fat and to sorry to pitch anymore!!!!! Good job on A.J. somebody needs to tell that boy to lay off the Krispy Kreme’s!!! whatta FATA$$!!!

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Now on to baseball,Braves fans,ONLY, I love this lineup,please keep A

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Now on to baseball,Braves fans,ONLY, I love this lineup,please keep A

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Now on to baseball,Braves fans,ONLY, I love this lineup,please keep A

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Now on to baseball,Braves fans,ONLY, I love this lineup,please keep A

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Now on to baseball,Braves fans,ONLY, I love this lineup,please keep A

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Now on to baseball,Braves fans,ONLY, I love this lineup,please keep A

By David O'Brien

May 19, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Cormier went 3 innings tonight, gave up four hits, four runs with two strikeouts, no walks.

1-2-3 innings in first and third, sandwiched around an ugly second in which he gave up a double, two singles and a homer by the pitcher

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

JoeBrave,

Dude, the Mets are good man. Probably better than us.

Lets all reserve our comments till after this week’s series.

Lets take care of business tonight and finish the Sox off tomorrow with Hudson.

Until then, they are still up 4 in the loss column.

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

Man I love this line-up this is good and I don’t think we will see Mr Redman again,as for Dan Smith he will be part of any trade to upgrade pitching….

By Ron

May 19, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Greg in TN, I think that no matter what inning the rain starts we would finish it the next day even if it was in the 8th inning, I think they changed that rule in the offseason!!!

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 19, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

Nice comeback for the Braves, it does make a difference when you have solid pitching.

Willie Harris can also play third base.

New pitcher for the Red Sox.

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

trying to say Keep A.J. out of the lineup until he accepts a trade!!! Note to Bora$$, I smell millions going down the tubes,Mr. Jones is killing your bargaining power sonnyboy!!! McCann looks relly nice in that Clean-up spot,and did anyone see A.J. in the dugout He isn’t smiling now I guess B.C. finally snapped!!!

By Bob

May 19, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Hey,

DOB, any “mocking” Tomahawkin goin on tonight at Fenway??????

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

YEA KELLY!!!!

SNAP OUT OF IT!!!!

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Can someone clip some of the little hair Smoltz has left so that we have his DNA and clone him? Maddux says we had better hurry up - it might be all gone pretty soon. DOB, that mission is being assigned to you.

Our defense is doing a great job tonight. Our middle linebacker Smoltz is all over the field, giving Corey Dillon nowhere to run. Of course, Vick is our quarterback, so we can’t score so we have to settle as usual for old reliable Morten Anderson to be our best scoring option once again, kicking two field goals to give us a 6-0 lead, enabling us to avenge that ugly 13-3 loss earlier where we lost by a Tom Brady touchdown pass and a Vinateri field goal. The weather looks pretty bad though. We had better watch out for a tuck rule type play and a late Vinateri 45 yard field goal in the sloppy mud.

By Train Wreck Bystander

May 19, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Vengence is sweet… one run at a time… like tightening thumbscrews…

By ElbravoX

May 19, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Javy Lopez pitches to B. Mac, the humanity!

By MEB

May 19, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson… Nice!!!

Man that ball got outta here in a hurry. I mean anything travels that far oughta have a stewardess on it, don’t you think?

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Efrim sorry dude,but I don’t cocede anything to the Mutts,while I agree they have an impressive team it’s only May,and nothing has been decided yet,some of these bloggers think that they have won the division already still a long way to go…Nothing has been settled so when they shut up about one bad week for us,I’ll get off their arses,until then the more they gloat the more I blastem!!!

By Tony Almeida

May 19, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

Take Andruw out and were up 8-0….you do the math.

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

And dude you need to check your facts after this game they are only up 2 in the loss column not 4!!! quit sympathizing with the Mutts fans,their age will rear it’s ugly head and soon!!!!

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Pete just said that Thorman is a good fielding first baseman….. Uh, Pete, luv ya man, but Thorman is not a good fielding first baseman…

By Ron

May 19, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

Here is a trade rumor: Dont know how reliable it is, probably not that reliable, but here it is: Salty, Davies, and Reyes for Ervin Santana and Nick Adenhart!!! I personally dont believe in the Rumor, because Santana is a #1 type Pitcher and Adenhart is a #2 type Pitcher, but it is just a rumor, probably wont happen, it would be nice if it did happen though!!! Heard they really like Salty!!!

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 19, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

So the Braves downfall this season will come at the lack of a couple decent starting pitchers?—Hell!…Scheurholz, go get somebody, anybody, a damn wooden indian would be better than some of the trash Bobby Cox has had to send out there…Damn! Is Cheetah still making Tarzan movies?…if not, maybe he would be available!…

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

May 19, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

According to mlbtraderumors.com Josh Towers is available. He’s under contract through 2009 and he’s pitched his whole career against the AL East. Maybe a change of scenery would help. Anyone would be better than Redman.

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Braveheart why would you make that statement on Thor? He is more than adequate at 1b…… and Salty,I hope never goes anywhere!!!!!!!

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 19, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Scratched from the lineup, and sitting on the bench—why I do believe that’s the best display of out avoidance that I’ve seen displayed by Andruw Jones all season!!!…

By Kentavo

May 19, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

I’m in a hotel in Durham, N.C. and can’t get the game - except for online - isn’t that just wrong?

Braves aren’t going to be able to build or sustain the fanbase without the exposure TBS provided, especially when nobody can get Sports South.

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

May 19, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Tonight’s a preview of the post-Andruw “corkscrew” Jones era. Not too shabby.

By Baronnicas

May 19, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe the AJC deleted my post. The nerve of those people! Oh, wait, my post is back. Now it’s gone. Back again. Gone. Back. What is going on here? Unbelievable!….

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Alright the Bravos have a 14 to 13 lead on the day.Best news today is KJ smacking hell out of the ball.If we can get one more starter pitching well this team can hang with the Mutts for the long haul.

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

How about K.J. 5 rbi i guess it’s time to bench him huh? he is going to be a damn good leadoff hitter,wait He already is,he isn’t superman but he ain’t a turd either…..and B.C. kepp this lineup don’t change a thing…..SJA where did all thse Mutts bloggers go not to yappy now are they? This is probably scaring the $hit out of some teams now!!!

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

I’m conceding nothing to the Mets either….. at all…….

Smoltz is a freaking warrior, our middle linebacker. Frenchy is the psychotic Andre Waters, Steve Atwater hard hitting safety who intercepts 14 passes. McCann is the intelligent, great blocking center. Salty is our stud left tackle. Thorman is our tight end. Diaz is our offensive guard. Chipper is the QB. Andruw is our Jerome Bettis - he also intercepts alot of passes as Frenchy’s partner in theft at free safety. Willie Harris is the lightning back to Andruw’s thunder. Edgar is the steady Marvin Harrison wide receiver. Paronto and Bob Wickman are the defensive tackles. Soriano and Gonzalez are the wide receivers who complement Edgar. KJ, Hudson, and James are too skinny to play so they are battling for the backup QB position behind Chipper. I cut Woodward and Orr because hell someone has to cut them if the Braves won’t. McBride, Moylan, and Yates would fill out the defensive line and offensive line. Davies would play backup tight end - he drops too many passes though and has the potential to be a good blocker but gives away too many free passes to DEs and gets too soft when he gets hit hard. Redman is fat enough to play on the line but he is soft and gets hit so hard all the time it is hard to keep them out there - he blames it on his toenails.

By jasoninmaine

May 19, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Ron, where did that supposed rumor come from?

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Scratched from the lineup, and sitting on the bench—why I do believe that’s the best display of out avoidance that I’ve seen displayed by Andruw Jones all season!!!…

LMAO!

By Kentavo

May 19, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

How can a team score 11 runs without its cleanup hitter?

Discuss amongst yourselves.

By Greg in TN

May 19, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

You’re right Ron, I forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me.

As bad as game one was today, this game has gone in the completely opposite direction. It’s nice to see these guys scoring runs for Smoltz tonight.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

joebrave, Thorman is merely a below average defensive first baseman. He has no range, can’t stretch for throws, and, frankly, has poor footwork at first base. Did you watch the Pirates game last Sunday? He was awful in that game.

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Disturbing rumor for today… A philthidelphia paper has the Braves interested in Toronto’s Roy Halladay,man I hope not,that guy is only good for 10 to 15 starts a year,the rest of the time he is on the d.l. I’d much rather see A.J. Burnett,I know I know but here in the East he could be just what the Dr. ordered,there is your name to watch for……

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 19, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

joebrave—the slick-hipped mutts are still here posting under several different names—DOB cooled their heels earlier when he deleted a bunch of their ignorant posts…the @$$Clowns were using different names, but the idiots also used CAPS on each one of their posts…that’s just how ignorant they are…but at least one of them is still here…I can smell him, kinda like a big ol’ pile o’…well you know what!…

It’s no wonder they are so stupid when it comes to posting, Hell! they had nothing to say for 15 straight years!…

By Ron

May 19, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

jasoninmaine, Somebody that I know told me about it, he did not know how reliable it is though. I will try to call him and see where he got the info from, and he was not sayin something to just be sayin something, he got it from the web, just dont know where, I will try to contact him and see what site he got it from!!!

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

I don’t log the time some regulars do on this blog so sorry if I’m treading worn ground.I don’t see a defensive liablity on this team,in most past years there was usually a position or two that I’d hold my breath when the ball was hit their way.If these guys make the post season,if they’re hitting at the time,if Smoltz and Hudson are close to this hot,if the pen is healthy and if we find a third reliable starter.This team could be a very tough bunch to play in a seven game series.

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,yes he had a bad game but overall his numbers are more than respectable…right now the game is Beautiful,not a bad post A.J. line-up I’d say…..And wake up nochop and the reast of you guys,your future is staring you in the face tonight!!!!! scary isn’t VERY SCARY!!!!

By choppinmama

May 19, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

It ain’t over yet, folks. Smoltz is out and the bullpen will handle the 8th and 9th.

Dear Baseball Gods……..please let the 11-run lead hold.

And, these Boston announcer are so borrrringggg. They did give us a good shot of Smoltzie’s pinkie in the game the other day - yowie!!

By johnmck

May 19, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

here’s the play. move AJ to 7th in lineup. he sulks and calls boras who calls JS demanding a trade, we dump his worthless a** on some unsuspecting team. we take the $15 million and buy a decent pitcher from some out-of-the-race team or sit on it til free agency next year. either way we’re ahead

By flange1

May 19, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

JOEBRAVE,

Halliday is one of the 2 best pitchers in the AL. I would love to have him, but I don’t even want to think what it would take to get him, and we couldn’t afford him anyway!

By Tomahawkin' Again

May 19, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Andruw sits in the 2nd game, Bravos up 11-0 in the 8th…Hmmm, maybe the bloggers have been on to something here. Willie in center, more speed in the line-up, the team has only struck out 5 times…I LIKE IT! HIGH FIVE!!

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

I’d have a sore back too if I freaking wrenched it every time trying to hit the ball “a country mile”.

By Rodney Derrick

May 19, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Oscar is back. Just give him time to warm up.

By jasoninmaine

May 19, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

I don’t think ant of the rumors are true, but how couldanyone not want Doc?

By journalist jimmy smith

May 19, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

bobby cox reveals the problem with chad paronto:

“Ever since he came back from that groin [injury], he hasn’t been the same,” Cox said of Paronto, who was on the disabled list from April 14-30. “His balls are getting too high. He can’t get the sinker down like he used to.”

oh, the humanity!

By Frustrated, Inc.

May 19, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

This just in…

Scott Boras just threw up in his mouth!

Commission check is getting lighter by the day with Dummy Druw….

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Best thing about htis game is we don’t have to use Soriano,or Wicky tonight… and what the hell is B.C. doing going to Oscar back to back? man that is Stupid… I know big O needs some work but not that way….

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Johnson reminds me of Larry Walker on the bases.joebrave bring Halliday on down,a month of southern cooking is all he needs.

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Josh Towers would be a pitcher the Braves should go after. Doesn’t walk a soul. High ERA, but a switch to the national league would definetly benefit him. I don’t know if he is a third starter we are looking for, but he will help us.

By choppinmama

May 19, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Kelly’s last chance for the cycle…..needs a sincle…….and he flies out.

By choppinmama

May 19, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Kelly’s last chance for the cycle…..needs a sincle…….and he flies out.

By choppinmama

May 19, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Kelly’s last chance for the cycle…..needs a single……..and he flies out.

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

If I had my choice of unrealistic pitchers to acquire it would be Johan Santana,not Ervin……. Welcome our new Clean-up hitter B.Mac… man is he the shiznit!!!

By Daybed Wagmoe

May 19, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

DOB, what about this one:

Smoltz and Huddy, then things get muddy

By Tomahawkin' Again

May 19, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

And the field goal is good! 14-0 Good Guys. NIIIICEEEEE!

By choppinmama

May 19, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

I did NOT post thrice. Must be a late-inning anomaly.

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Take that 14-0, Looks like Bobby has it right FINALLY!!! don’t mess with it, this ain’t broke don’t try to fix it!!!!

By Coach

May 19, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Censorship is wonderful isn’t it ?

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

What are the matchups for the Mets series?

Lets hold off Smoltz till Friday against the Phillies……

By Greg in TN

May 19, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Ball Game at Fenway.

Smoltz is one win shy of 200 now and stopped the losing skid. The bats came to life tonight, something that’s been sorely missing lately.

Really liked what Villareal and Moylan did tonight. In a blowout, they came in and threw strikes and let the Red Sox get themselves out. Nice to see.

If we see the usual Huddy tomorrow, we should be in really good shape all things considered.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 19, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Order has been restored to the universe, Braves have retained honor for Atlanta as there was no taunting tonight by the Red Sox nation.

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Efrim now we agree,I think Towers would fit nicely here but he would only be a 4th on the club,James is going to be 3 until he shows he is a bust,just hope doesn’t panic and make a bad trade ala dealing Salty,man put him at first and put Thor back in left,bench Druw and play willie in Cf…. then it’s fixed….. and spend that money on Zambrano this offseason,If you pay it they will come!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

May 19, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

that was not lew that ran on the field. lew is having toe issues at this time and is not likely to run anywhere. now, this matter with chad paronto … what is the answer? therapy? could it be ill-fitting pants (remember wicky borrowed paronto’s pants). and how did andruw take the news of being dropped in the order? well, andruw is resting andruw’s back. journalist encourages andruw to take a few days off for total rehabilitation since mccann did such a good job hitting cleanup tonight. keep this lineup intact, it just scored 14 runs.

By IlliniBrave

May 19, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

When you have a lineup purged of the two free-swingers that were on track for career highs in strikeouts (Wilson and AJ) and bringing back our highest OPS hitter (Chipper), it’s not surprising that we could generate 18 hits and 14 runs. Let’s build on this. Would anybody take tub-of-goo Andruw off of our hands and give us anything in return?

By flange1

May 19, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

What a very strange couple of days.. Smoltz is a true HOFer. This AJ thing is really interesting. It did look like he could have hurt himself on that funky fly ball in game 1 where he slid. Maybe he really is hurt. Is change in the wind????

By Coach

May 19, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

Check out ESPN online and see the long video clip of the first game. Then read the huge article on game one. I guarantee , the second game won’t get nearly the same coverage due to the sheer bias from those Anti-Braves snot for for brains TV execs at ESPN.

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

JoeBrave

Check out MLBTradeRumors.com. It discusses JP Riccardi saying he wants to deal Towers and/or Ohka and letting the young guys pitch. Ohka stinks. Towers could flourish is the NL. JS should really consider Towers. 26/5 K/BB ratio is solid. 31 Innings to 37 hits allowed isn’t, but he plays in the AL EAST. Lots of tough offenses.

Please JS. Begging you man. Make this move, acquire Towers now.

By Jimbo

May 19, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

I smell a rat and a fat rat at that. Fatso sees the lineup card with him batting 6th and he hurts his back. Interesting. Can’t wait until him and his stupid plate presence is gone.

By Jimbo

May 19, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

They beat our ham and eggers and we beat their ham and eggers.

By Kentavo

May 19, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

I wish AJ didn’t have 5-10 trade refusal for if he didn’t I’m sure JS would ship his *ss to the farthest outpost - and get us some pitching in return. I don’t have a plausible trade partner in mind, but I truly believe AJ - although he is a nice guy - is what ails this team.

By Coach

May 19, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

We are playing for the wild card. I’m more convinced of it now than I was when the season started.

By joebrave

May 19, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Already done Efrim,also the only deal I would make concerning A.J. is to the Angels for pitcher’s J.Saunders,and Steven Shell,and maybe Figgins as the throw in… heck yeah deal Orr to the Jays with a low class a player and get Towers,then we have a Rotation….Arte is so foolish he will pony up for A.J. NOW!!!!And Boras is so greedy he would Encourage A.J. to go!!!

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Orr for Towers? Orr for Towers? Good lord, they’re not happy with Towers right now but Pete Orr?!?!?!?! The Braves are about the only team in baseball that would give Pete Orr a roster spot.

By Braveheart

May 19, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

the magic number is 123!

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

Coach,

I agree. Even if we take care of business and win tomorrow, as well as sweep them next week. We have serious rotation problems. Not sure if they can be solved until July, or at all. If that is the case, they will win this division by 5-7 games or so. Not saying we can’t beat them in a 7 game series…but we won’t win the division.

By Efrim

May 19, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

Agreed. Orr is a waste of space. You would just have to send over a minor leaguer. Some low level prospect. Less than Max Ramirez, the kid we sent over to Cleveland for Wickman. Towers has fallen completly out of favor in Toronto. Ain’t much else out there. I’d rather not keep bringing up these triple A scrubs. Lets trade for a somewhat established starter.

By A-ville Ranger

May 19, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

Kentavo So AJ is responsible for the lack of depth in the starting rotation ? How pray tell did you devine such a conclusion ? I’m such a rube,all I see is one player who couldn’t put the ball in right field if he walked it there.Seriously, saying he is what’s wrong with the team comes close to demagoguery or superstition.If you think AJ’S defense isn’t a plus,you don’t understand the game.

By Brad in MT

May 19, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

Andruw is not one of this team’s major concerns. He is struggling right now, but he will come around and put up his usual numbers. He isn’t out there getting rocked like the back of the rotation is. He is not going to be traded, so give it up!

By Ron

May 19, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Efrim, I posted earlier today when I saw that Towers was available and thought there is our #4 Starter, and we would not have to give up much to get him, that is a deal that should be done, I know he has a high ERA but he is Pitching in the AL. He would be a great pickup for us!!! That might fix our Starting Pitching to a certain degree!!!

By David O'Brien

May 20, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

Flange1, AJ did tweak the back when he slipped on that catch. But as you know, he often plays hurt.

I asked Bobby afterward if he’d hit Andruw down in the order for a few days or whatever until he gets going, and he said “yeah.” Nothing more. Didn’t care to elaborate.

Andruw told someone he didn’t have a problem with it, it’s Bobby’s decision, no big deal.

It’ll be interesting to see where he’s at tomorrow, assuming he plays (I think he will).

By Coach

May 20, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

Did I just read what I thought I read ??? Cox Knew that Lerew had a sore elbow and he put him on the mound anyway , ARE YOU KIDDING ME ! If this info is true , then the old man has some explaining to do. Did Cox deliberately do this in the belief that his team could not sweep a double header from the Bosox ? Tell me it ain’t so , Bobby !!!!!

By gotigers72

May 20, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

If there was any question about the statement “Good pitching shuts down good hitting”, all you have to look at is the 2 games today. 1st game, pitiful pitching and the Red Sox acore 13, 2nd game, one of the best in the business, Mr. Smoltz pitches, the Red Sox score 0.

There are 3 oitchers that need to go somwhere. Lerew [Richmond or DL], Davies [Richmond] and Redman [back to the basement]. JS, you did good this winter, maybe even great, however the 2 free agent acquisitions you made in the form of Wilson and Redman were bad moves. Probably didn’t appear to be at the time. You felt you needed help when Hampton went down and due to financial constraints [and the fact that he’s left handed], you signed Redman. Perfectly understandable. What’s not understandable is why he is still on the team. He has had what, 7 appearances now? He was decent [still gave up 3 homers in that one] in ONE, horrible in all the others. Cut your losses and let him go. You did the right thing with Wilson, now do the right thing with Redman. He doesn’t have it any longer, and is not likely to ever have it again.

Keep Chuck for the moment. He has done well in MLB before, could again. But neither Lerew nor Davies has done well on the ML level, despite multiple callups. Let them get some more seasoning at AAA, learn how to pitch as opposed as to how to throw.

By KC

May 20, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

Josh Towers and Tomo Ohka are available??? WOW, THAT’S GREAT NEWS!!! Either one of those guys would surely fix our problems.

Maybe Mark Redman’s available too! Oh wait… we’ve already got him.

By KC

May 20, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Salty, Davies, Lerew, and Devine for Bronson Arroyo!

I don’t think the Reds will part with him, but I’d give em a helluva package to do it if they were willing.

By Coach

May 20, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

ESPN video clip from game one , one minute and twenty seconds. The clip from game two , fifteen seconds. Just more blatant proof of the transparent bias against the Braves.

By KC

May 20, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

Hell, I’d even give the Reds BOTH Salty and Escobar, along with Kyle Davies, in exchange for Arroyo.

One would think they’d have to think long and hard about that one. They could really use some young talent behind the plate and on the left side of their infield.

By Coach

May 20, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

KC , I sincerely hope your joking. Otherwise , I’m gonna bite your head off for being ignorant.

By Jimbo

May 20, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger What I understand is AJ is killing them in the cleanup spot. I also understand he may be the worst clutch hitter in baseball. I also understand that I’m tired of him swinging so hard he falls on his butt like a bozo.

By joebrave

May 20, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this

well it looks like Ol Larda$$ will play today maybe he could DH and hit 9th I think that would pi$$ boras off!!!!!!

By Jimbo

May 20, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

joe brave I would love that. Maybe he drops the no trade.

By The Grinch

May 20, 2007 1:39 AM | Link to this

WHOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

KC, agreed. Arroyo would make this team sick, in a good way.

G’night. My head will hurt shortly.

By caveman22

May 20, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this

JS is already working on the problems with the Bravos pitching, no amount of blogger begging is going to change what he does. I think the only thing that affects JS is the tremendous success he has had in the past with his trades. So many “magical” moves that have worked at perfectly over the yrs and after a while the other GM’s either start wising up or making trades a little harder. Especially in the cases were players he traded away have faded quickly with other teams. With a few exceptions most of the really good players that have left the Braves was threw free agency. At this point you could put together a really good , playoff contending team with ex- braves that are currently playing in the ML.

It’s early but it is getting close to the time to start making trades. Not just for the Braves but for other teams to. It takes two teams willing to trade to make a good. If only one team is willing they end up paying too much for what they want.

I have a feeling that the time is near, but that’s JS’s call. After all these yrs you just gotta have faith in the man. He’s earned it.

By Spike

May 20, 2007 3:01 AM | Link to this

Caveman Couldn’t agree more. Guaranteed JS is working on something right now. He and Bobby have been around so long I’m sure they cringed when they saw what they had to throw at Boston and Dice K in the first game. Redman came in for a reason, and the reason was to make it or break it. Unfortunately, he spit the bit and I’m sure he’ll be gone as soon as the sun comes up. I work late so I have the benefit of reading all the blogs before I get the chance to chime in, but one thing is obvious. 99% OF YOU GUYS SHOULD REFRAIN FROM BLOGGING DURING GAMES. Amazing the doomsayers during the first game on how terrible this team is, then nothing during the second game. Put Mc Cann on the DL, what’s wrong with KJ, etc. It’s still May and we have regular, well spoken contributors who announce that this team is playing for a wild card berth. How in the heck could any of you know what’s going to happen between now and September? The Mets could be be hit by injuries, the Braves could be hit by injuries, and if the bloggers have their way, we could trade Salty for both Josh Towers and Roy Halliday. The point is, if you are a Braves fan, have a little faith that the guys running the show know what they’re doing(despite Robert’s views). I’ll be surprised if there’s not a deal done soon that will fill some of our voids. All of that said, our bullpen is suddenly vulnerable. Gonzo going down would have been manageable except that the once reliable Chad Paronto is struggling to find his sinker since coming off the DL. Thank God Moylan and Yates have stepped up. I hope Paronto finds himself because we need him.

By Bravo Nam

May 20, 2007 6:44 AM | Link to this

DOB

Two questions for you:

1). I’m sure by now that BC has heard about his famous friend on this blog, Robert. This is a serious suggestion- any chance of setting up a meeting between the two? I think it would be an intriguing meeting…but not sure Robert has the ba**lls!

2). What were the Braves’ players reaction to the mock tomahawk chop in the first game? Do you think it had any bearing on their kick butt performance in game 2?

Coach

One of the funniest comments on this blog I’ve seen in a long time (at 6.31pm): “Robert…your obsession with horses, donkeys and sheep is a bit disturbing.”

Whiners…nuff already

You guys/gals are as annoying as the Mets bloggers on this site. Incessantly bagging the Braves when they’re doing poorly and jumping on the bandwagon when they’re not…the team and this blog doesn’t need you two-faced whiners…show some grit or get outta here.

Pitching

I’m predicting Redman will shortly be released by the Braves. When the most loyal player manager of all time (BC) fails to back you (did it again today), the end is nigh.

I also think the Bravos will send Paronto back to the minors.

Lerew looks as though he may have to be disabled or return to the minors.

Cormier is looking shaky in his minor league starts…it all adds up to a starter and relief pitcher being brought in from the minors (to replace Lerew and Paronto), a bat being brought back to replace Redman, and no early relief in sight in terms of an early return to the pitchging corps for Cormier.

By ncscoots

May 20, 2007 7:05 AM | Link to this

It’s May, and some posters have the Braves down for the wild card. Meanwhile, the Mets are hitting .280+ as a team, and Maine-Perez-Sosa are 13-0 with an ERA under 2.50. I don’t think even the most optimistic Mets fan believes that kind of hitting and pitching will stand up for six months, yet some Braves fans seem to. Puzzling…

I think it speaks to BC’s true evaluation of Redman that he chose to start a less-than-healthy Lerew and hope he could battle rather than a just-off-the-DL Redman. Let’s hope they’re ready to adios that dude immediamento…

Trade for pitching? Give up what and then pay him with what? I can think of no pitcher who actually might be available, available for a reasonable trade price, and affordable, who could be an impact pitcher. Trading for another back-of-the-rotation guy as a knee-jerk reaction doesn’t make sense to me…

All in all, despite the recent bad mojo on the bats, uncertainty at 3-4-5 starters, Andruw’s dismal performance, etc., etc., Braves are 2.5 back of a club operating at close to peak efficiency. How is that so disastrous?

By caveman22

May 20, 2007 7:21 AM | Link to this

spike unfortunately for those of us with a brain, this blog is populated with knee-jerkers and mets/red sox fans. I would bet as many as half of the supposed Braves fans on this blog have a another team that they cheer for, they just come on here to start s**. I think “blog” is an acronym for “Brainless Long-winded Obnoxious Gooberheads”

But their always good for a laugh!!!

By David-ATL14

May 20, 2007 7:23 AM | Link to this

DOB, according to reports in the Richmond area papers, Prado was a last minute (non injury) scratch.

Sounds like he could have been called up for today’s game.

What are you hearing?

By Robert

May 20, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this

“Robert—I would love to see you get up in Bobby Cox’s face and call him donk”

So you’re saying the truth would p** him off?

By Efrim

May 20, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

Salty, Davies, Lerew, and Devine for Bronson Arroyo! I don’t think the Reds will part with him, but I’d give em a helluva package to do it if they were willing.

KC

You’re an idiot.

We aren’t getting anything better than Josh Towers in this trade market. Accept it fool.

By David O'Brien

May 20, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

What am I hearing? At 8:22 a.m. on Sunday, I’m hearing my wakeup call.

Believe me, with all that was going on yesterday at the ballpark with the quite-eventful doubleheader we had going, the last thing anyone would’ve been talking about was Prado.

That said, it’d make sense if they brought up a bat and replaced the extra pitcher they have on the roster this weekend, especially since I think Lerew could be DL’d. But that’s not a move I make a call about at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday.

It’s one I’ll find out about when I get to the ballpark….

Oh, wait, what was that sound? Oh, it was Wily Mo Pena’s home run, finally landing. Wow, what a blast that was. Epic.

By David O'Brien

May 20, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

Bravo Nam, that was a hilarious post, the one you cited. I laughed myself at the end of a very, very long day at the ballpark.

Regarding Robert vs. Robert. You’re serious? Well, I can seriously say to you, zero, zilch, and whatever else makes the point — there is no chance that one of those men would have room in his schedule for the other one, who would be less significant to him than this note laying out the linens policy of our hotel (leave the towels on the ground that you want replaced, otherwise they conserve water here).

By fansince66

May 20, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

Looks like McCann might be remembering his sweet compact swing after looking for 2 weeks like he’s taking batting lessons from Andruw Jones—overswinging and taking his eye off the ball.

By Braveheart

May 20, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

Mets fans stop talking when we win I see.

By Braveheart

May 20, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

Betemit has an 1.181 OPS this month - of course, doing it where he is supposed to be - as a backup.

Laroche has a .906 OPS this month.

Marcus Giles has a .588 OPS this month.

Just in case anyone was wondering.

By flange1

May 20, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the response. I am sure Andruw just tweaked his back and he should be fine. Guess I am hoping a little that BC, TP and JS FINALLY got in AJ’s face about his hitting and AJ got ticked off and pouted. I guess I am kind of hoping for a trade because it might be best for the Braves and AJ. I know I always read more into stuff than is really there.

But I can’t help thinking that we could move Andruw to the Dodgers for pitching. Put Salty and Diaz at first, Thorman in left, Willie C in center, get a good pitcher or prospect pitcher and we are off to the races. We would need another outfield backup (maybe Steve Finley?) and we start the post AJ Braves team.

Oh well, just wishing!

By Metropolitan Man

May 20, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Good job on paying the bosox back in the twinbill. Now that is a sign of a team not giving up, paying a blowout back with a blowout. This is said with all honesty, please stay in the race. It will be no fun if there is no race in the division. Not saying that you guys were not in it, but the play of late had me concerned that the braves may have given up on winning the division and took the bloggers advice to aim for the wildcard. All I know is win or lose, the METS make bosox fans happy just by whipping them stankees, maybe boston will return the favor again today. Watch out for that large “P” thats behind you, they are catching steam. I see Smoltz finger is fine, he needs to get the stankee pitchers on his regiment.

By KC

May 20, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

Efrim: Your admiration for me is flattering. But I believe I already stated I don’t think the Reds would give up Arroyo, and at the moment, it doesn’t appear there are any starters worth a damn on the market. So if agreeing with you makes me an idiot…

Coach: Am I kidding about giving up both Salty and Escobar for Arroyo if that opportunity presented itself? Hell no, I’m NOT kidding.

Arroyo has established himself as one of the top 10 starters in the game, and there’s nothing in the world harder to come by than a premier starter. Arroyo is signed through 2010 and (including this year) will make an average of 7.7 mill per season over the next 4 years, with an 11 mill club option for 2011. Arroyo would team with Smoltz and Hudson to make this team an extremely legitimate World Series contender this year, and for at least a couple years after that.

Yes, I am very serious. Do I think there’s any chance of getting him? Well, it’s not unfathomable… I mean, we got Neagle in his prime. But… no, I don’t think the Reds will part with him. But hey, since when is dreaming a crime?

By Ron Roberts

May 20, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

I say sit Andruw again today, frankly.

1. He’s been an offensive liability, and last night proves it. throw Willie in CF, batting third, Chipper at cleanup, with Francoeur, McCann, Thorman, Saltalamaccia (DH), and Diaz and take your chances with Huddy on the mound today that you won’t have to out-slug the Sox in a high-scoring game.

2. If his back’s really bothering, he’d need more than half a day off, anyhow.

3. If Bobby’s sending him a message, I think the message needs more than the back-end of a day-night doubleheader. It’s time for Andruw to start listening to coaching. It’s costing the team, and it’s most certainly costing him in his free agent season.

By David O'Brien

May 20, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Fansince66, true on McCann. How ‘bout six extra-base hits in ONE GAME from the only two guys struggling in May as much as Andruw _ McCann and Kelly. Three extra-base hits apiece.

That doesn’t happen, not against a team that had the best ERA in the AL, even if the rookie was starting for them. A lot of those hits came against a quality bullpen. Just when things are looking truly alarming, the Braves come up with that performance. Smoltz’s importance to this team can’t be overstated.

By joebrave

May 20, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Robert,no that’s not what he is saying,He is saying your a moron and if you talked that $hit to Cox, Ol Donk might just have to hoof your A$$, man how stupid are you?

I believe the first game was a throw away b/c of the pitching shortage,Cox knew we couldn’t win all 3,not with the way the pitching matched up…

All in all a little bad maybe that a$$ kicking was what was needed,One can only dream about Druw maybe he will ask for a trade now, hope so,not b/c i hate Druw I think he is a wonderful player but his time here is up and he plays like he just don’t care right now,Bet if they gave him an Extension today He would bust out BIGTIME!!!!!

By Bill

May 20, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

The Braves would be crazy to trade Salty and Escobar for Arroyo. He’s no good. He’s an American League pitcher. The only thing, he’s interested in, is singing and playing the guitar!!!!

By Ron Roberts

May 20, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Ya know, Smoltz’s importance to the Braves could revive the (nearly) annual “can a pitcher be an MVP?” debate if the Braves make the playoffs. He’s the most important player on this team, this season, I think. He and Hudson would be my top two, followed by Chipper, Francoeur and Edgar.

By caveman22

May 20, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

this blog wouldn’t take so long to load if you long-winded as$clowns would quit repeating yours posts every 2 hrs and quit with the double-spacing. You are not COLUMNIST and you’re opinion’s are quite frankly boring and repetitive. The only one with any sense is KC but even he is nerve grinding. and can we put some FINALITY to the HUMANITY!! Get a another phrase or you’ll start to sound as tired as SJA, he could use some new material as well. I know I know SJA, “caveman you haven’t said one intelligent think since you got here”. Just a further example of the what an idiot he is. No apologies from me either, I call you on your s**!!

By David O'Brien

May 20, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Bill, Arroyo is good. Very good. Braves would love to have him. Not saying they’d give up that package to get him, just saying they’d love to have him. Any team would.

By NCBravesFan

May 20, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Joebrave

I couldn’t disagree more about Andruw busting out if he was re-signed by the Braves. If he can’t get his act together in the biggest contract year of his life, a new contract isn’t going to change it a bit.

Hopefully, he’ll straighten out soon - its been hard to watch the gaping hole he represents in an otherwise formidable lineup.

By joebrave

May 20, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Towers is worth a look,too bad about Lerew,ope he heals up and can be an effective part of the future,His honesty is refreshing,Paronto don’t know,I wonder if he is hurting when he lands,Just can’t get his pitches down,man a high groin hurts like he!!,maybe he can get right,Gonzo no need to panic,he will be fine.Redman all I want to see of him is his A$$ leaving FOR GOOD,man he is a wasted roster spot,Smoltz nothing more to say ,except HE is the Beast,and right now every teams worst nightmare,Huddy = Cy Young this year,and Soriano man he is just Nasty!!!!!!!

By Ron Roberts

May 20, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Caveman, the double-spacing (between paragraphs specifically) makes for the posts to be read easier. Those long, run-on EPIC paragraphs are what are impossible to read.

By Fed Up

May 20, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Bobby should sit Andruw until he agrees to listen to his hitting coach. I’m absolutely certain that last night’s performance from McCann and Francouer was the result of not having Andruw and his “instant out” swing in the lineup. We may miss some of his defense, but he needs to sit until he starts to try to make contact. And then I would bat him eighth. He is a rally killer.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 20, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

Good morning all, Time for a little more news from the farm…

Richmond lost last night 5-4 to the Yankee farm team. This after sweeping the Rochester club three games, the last being a 4-0 shutout.

The pitching staff for Richmond has been stellar this season with the only exceptions being the guys sent down for rehab. Hmmm, the is puzzling. :-)))

Anyway, I am going to attach a link for all of you that might be interested in keeping up with those on the horizon and expand your knowdge of the Braves’ potential.

(www.rbraves.com)

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 20, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Good morning all, Time for a little more news from the farm…

Richmond lost last night 5-4 to the Yankee farm team. This after sweeping the Rochester club three games, the last being a 4-0 shutout.

The pitching staff for Richmond has been stellar this season with the only exceptions being the guys sent down for rehab. Hmmm, the is puzzling. :-)))

Anyway, I am going to attach a link for all of you that might be interested in keeping up with those on the horizon and expand your knowdge of the Braves’ potential.

(www.rbraves.com)

By joebrave

May 20, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

NC, I gotta say he is really bothered by his contract,He just doesn’t look the same,let me put it this way,I had a job once,the owner of the company contracte brain cancer,so after 16 years,and not wanting to leave it was inevitable,the writing was on the wall I was going to have to leave home,when I didn’t want to,same with A.J. he admits he doesn’t want to leave,but knows he has to,It affected my job performance,and I tell ya it is affecting his!!!!

By MBATL

May 20, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

I don’t see why the Reds would give up Arroyo. Is there any rumor that they would? Everything I’ve read is that they’re more likely to trade Dunn to acquire pitching, not give pitching away. I agree, if he’s on the market, he’s worth making a serious run at.

I do think a guy like Towers, or better yet, Aaron Cook, would be a good addition - but we don’t need to give up Salty for a guy like that. Some combination of Escobar, Prado and/or a reliever should get that done in July.

Before we panic too much over starting pitching - Davies, in three starts in May, has been quite good. 18.1 innings, a 3.44 era. I’m not ready to proclaim him “solid” but he’s showing signs of being a very decent back of the rotation guy. And I wouldn’t get too down on James yet. He’s not been that bad, just needs to be more efficient, and get a little deeper into games.

So you bring back Cormier; or failing that try Carlyle or Dan Smith (if we release Redman, we can add someone to the 40-man, right?). Or Harrison, though I’d rather not rush him yet.

It’s gonna be a fine line - balancing winning this year vs. not giving up the future. Down the road, we’ve got a lot of starting pitching that should develop: Harrison, Hanson, Reyes, Parr, Gustafson, Smith, etc.

Even with our weaknesses, if the playoffs started today, I’d give the Braves a good chance of beating anyone we’re likely to play in a 5 or 7 game series, so the goal is just to “get there.”

By fastasballs

May 20, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

Wow I havn’t read the blogs in a few days but to read some of the posts one may think we are out of it already. The Braves are closer to the Mets than the nearest wild card team is to them.

I loved the offensive production last night with AJ on the bench for whatever reason. Hurt, pouting, it really didn’t matter. The rally killer wasn’t anywhere near a bat.

Let him bat 6th or 7th until he gets his act together. It’s almost June and his approach is looking worse than in April. I’m not sure what his problem is, but listening to many of his comments over the season, he makes it plain that he is not the same “team” player as he was. Maybe the pressure is getting to him or maybe it is Boras.

Some kind of move is going to be made to get some starters. There isn’t much to be had on the trade market unless JS wants to overpay and that’s not happening right now. I do think Oscar could be an effective 5th guy. James & Davies are hit & miss, more missing than hitting but I think one of them will be ok in the long run.

By fastasballs

May 20, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Wow I havn’t read the blogs in a few days but to read some of the posts one may think we are out of it already. The Braves are closer to the Mets than the nearest wild card team is to them.

I loved the offensive production last night with AJ on the bench for whatever reason. Hurt, pouting, it really didn’t matter. The rally killer wasn’t anywhere near a bat.

Let him bat 6th or 7th until he gets his act together. It’s almost June and his approach is looking worse than in April. I’m not sure what his problem is, but listening to many of his comments over the season, he makes it plain that he is not the same “team” player as he was. Maybe the pressure is getting to him or maybe it is Boras.

Some kind of move is going to be made to get some starters. There isn’t much to be had on the trade market unless JS wants to overpay and that’s not happening right now. I do think Oscar could be an effective 5th guy. James & Davies are hit & miss, more missing than hitting but I think one of them will be ok in the long run.

By David O'Brien

May 20, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Lerew DL’d, Prado called up.

Big shocker on Lerew, huh? Let’s just say that wasn’t the right thing to say, about the elbow being hurt and certain folks knew it, etc.

By joebrave

May 20, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Hey caveturd,we are talking baseball here,so unless you want to talk Braves baseball keep your stupid piehole shut,A$$ clown!!!!

By Robert

May 20, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

“there is no chance that one of those men would have room in his schedule for the other one”

To DOB and to Southern Jackass, and to anyone ele. Cox might consider my opinion insignificant (call it arrogant ignorance) And in fact he just MIGHT be able to beat my behind (tho I honestly doubt it).

None of that changes the fact that he is a lousy manager.

Changing the TOPIC doesnt change the ISSUE.

If the best y’all can do is fantasize about Cox somehow besting me in someone’s twisted idea of test of manhood or importance, then I know my real point is unassailable.

By Robert

May 20, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Coach is disturbed by my supposed obsession with farm animals?

Relax dude - I aint gonna steal your woman from ya

By Braveheart

May 20, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

caveman22, then tell us what this blog is to be used for from your warped perspective.

You seem to think that the blog is not for criticizing players and managers and owners and GMS, not for posting stats, not for posting concern about the performance of players, not for crazy trade proposals, not for unbridled optimism or pessimism or just a realistic consideration of both pessimism and optimism, not for thoughtful ramblings that take more than a few more words to express as opposed to the grammatically incorrect and incomplete sentences you always post that make you appear to be mentally imbalanced or possessing a 4th grade education, not giving out shout outs to other regulars, not for talking music, not for mentioning anything other than the Braves.

Seriously, what do you think the purpose of this blog is for? Apparently, from your posts, you don’t think anyone should ever post anything about the Braves or baseball or sports - we should all just come on here and attack one another all day like you always do.

Dude, this blog is not meant to be a circle jerk worship service for the Braves. If you are in desperate need of finding a worship service, well, you live in the Bible Belt, there is a church on every other block in the South, it is Sunday, go to Church already and stop wasting your time attacking people on here.

It is awfully easy to attack the opinions of those who express it when you never express an opinion yourself that opens you up to potential attack.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 20, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

good to have another “p” player joining this team - though prado does not play like “p” players of the past. second elbow issue in less than a week - what is going on with these elbows? and whither redman after all this, and paronto? and will redman undergo additional toenail repair? if andruw has hurt andruw’s back could it be the swing that did it? and where will andruw bat when andruw returns to the lineup? and who will address the issues brought out by bobby cox concerning paronto? is this something a trainer can work on? trainer jimmy smith would quit training if asked to make such an adjustment. and was there more than one green monster in fenway yesterday when andruw learned that mccann would now be batting cleanup? and intelligence cannot be coached (quote from famous norm van brocklin) so the comments from lerew are not unexpected. and why would bobby pitch lerew if lerew is indeed damaged? and which reliever will become a starter? remember when langerhans and wilson and andruw were all striking out?

By Bob

May 20, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Robert,

Get a life outside of Bobby Cox, you dummy. You never have anything constructive to say because you are so blinded by your obsession with the Braves boss. I susupect the majority on this web site think you are every bit as bad and dumb as you accuse Cox of being.

By eric the elder

May 20, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

I asked this question a week ago and never got a single taker. It seems relevant to try again.

How much hardball can the Braves play with Andruw? For example, could they threaten to bench him for the rest of the season unless he waives his no-trade clause?

I’m not suggesting that they should do that, just wondering whether the can. Would a battalion of Boras lawyers swoop onto the scene? Or do the Braves have that kind of leverage?

By Coach

May 20, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

robert , my comment was funny. yours is downright sickening , comparing women to animals. you are one screwed up individual.

By MBATL

May 20, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Lew, I’m not an attorney, but I would guess that if the Braves made that kind of direct demand on AJ, basically forcing him to alter his contract, they’d open themselves up to a lot of liability.

Of course, Bobby could just decide to sit AJ (absent the coercion), and then JS could entertain trade offers and present them to Boras, but I really think it’s in the Braves’ best interest to get him on track, not to put $13 mil on the bench. As bad as AJ’s been, I really don’t think we want to play Willie Harris in CF the rest of the season. Do you?

*was there more than one green monster in fenway yesterday when andruw learned that mccann would now be batting cleanup? *

Ha! Great line, JJS.

By MBATL

May 20, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

uh, reply meant for eric, not Lew… sorry…

By Greg in TN

May 20, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Top of the afternoon, Braves Nation…

Lads and ladies, woke up this morning with a smile on my face which is usually par for the course when Smoltz is on the mound. Have been doing a whole lot of the same on mornings after Hudson holds court on the mound, so I think the outlook is good for today. If we take 2 of 3 in Boston, it certainly helps take the sting out of the shortcomings in DC and the last game in Pittsburgh.

I will say this. There is still a lot of baseball left to play, so I will concede nothing to the rest of baseball.

Less than two hours until first pitch on Yawkey Way.

By Savannah Guy

May 20, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Benching AJ in game 2 - for whatever reason - seemed to do a few big things to the lineup and the outcome last night. McCann being moved to the 4 spot did him some good (and the team). Everybody in front of Android got better pitches, hence better results. Everybody hitting behind AJ got to hit more often, hence better results. Also, everybody hitting behind the ‘droid got to stand in the on-deck circle and think about something other than whether the flailin’ ‘druster was gonna break his back on a swing.

Don’t mean to pile on Andruw here day after day (as I have whenever I get to this blog), but if the “arrow fits the wound…”. Hey, he’s basically a good, albeit stubborn kid, but hopefully a controversy or a trade (which I support) will shock him into a better place. Hope that place is Houston for, hmmm, an Oswalt or American league for an ace #3.

We can speculate all day about what hurt the a’droids back or who we might get as a 3 starter, but one thing is for sure…we need a dependable cleanup guy and a quality pitcher or we wind up no less than 10 games behind the Mutts at season end.

By ElbravoX

May 20, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

DOB-I am about to post an epic one, is there a new blog coming?

By Coach

May 20, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

One question , are the Braves really on TBS ? Or are we being lied to again.

By David O'Brien

May 20, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

ElBravo, yes, new blog coming. I just got upstairs, back from clubhouse. Andruw’s batting sixth, Prado playing second and leading off to give Kelly a day off.

Don’t know how long Prado will be here, probably not long.

By ElbravoX

May 20, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Coach,

Jerry Maguire is on TBS today.

By Coach

May 20, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

The Yankees are in need of warm bodies on the mound , we have a scrub pitcher in Redman. Yo , Shuerholz , here is your perfect opportunity to dump a contract in somebody else’s lap.

By MBATL

May 20, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Coach, the Yanks also need a backup catcher (their current backup C, Nieves, is hitting Oh Thirty Seven. So, package Redman and Pena for a good prospect - and for a change, apparently the Yankees have some prospects to trade.

By BT

May 20, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

David,

Give up on Robert, don’t respond to him. He is a one pony whack job.

On to the game.

By David O'Brien

May 20, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Coach, game’s on TBS today. And all three in the Mets series this week are on TBS.

ROBERT, the ISSUE is, there is no issue, other than your private obsession with Cox. Nobody, or at least no one in charge of making decisions regarding the matter, sees it the way you do, so nobody much cares what you think about it, but you continue to tell us as if we care or will see it your way.

I don’t know, but to me, the very definition of arrogance if your insistence that you are right about this issue and 99 percent of baseball players, managers, GMs, and media members are wrong.

See, we’re not dumb or neophytes, Robert, and some might resent your tones and assertions that everybody is part of a great conspiracy designed to prop up Cox, which is so patently absurd that some might see your rantings as rather alarming. Me, I’ve seen them enough to laugh, not be concerned.

So go on and on. He’s not good? Fine. But the fact is, he’s the manager, fourth-winningest in history from what I hear, more manager of the year awards in voting among his peers (Sporting News award) and among media (BBWAA award) than any manager in history, and he’s managing the team as long as he wants to.

So deal with it, hombre. Or whine and make donkey jokes that no one but you finds at all humorous.

The rest of us will discuss issues that are debatable or enjoyable for many, and not lord over others as though our own views are right and 99 percent of others are wrong.

Arrogant, insufferable, obsessed. You can’t use those terms to describe anyone else.

By Steve from OH

May 20, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

I don’t know why everybody is so interested in Towers. In the Toronto paper they said that he had 3 wins between this season and last, and that last year his ERA was over 8. Yikes. Could easily be another soft-tossing implosion for the Braves (Redman, anyone?)

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 20, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

caveman22—better tread lightly when deriding those of a much higher intellect than that of yourself…for that big ugly monster called embarrassment will suddenly show up at your doorstep when you least desire it…most of the bloggers here have learned to just step over your posts, kinda like stepping over a pile o’ fresh cat $hit!…

Robert—what if some malcontent spent his every waking hour putting you down or complaining publicly about how inept you are at doing your job?…

What if some redundant idiot made comments like, “Damn! Poor ol’ Robert is the worst employee that Burger Queen has ever had!”…”Robert sure flips those burgers the same wrong way every time!”…”Robert sure does look like a ‘Donk’ standing there at that drive up window with french fries dangling in front of his face!”…”Robert sure looks like a real burger flipper while wearing that funny looking hat and that striped apron!”…”Wow! Robert doesn’t sweep the parking lot as good as that one-armed, 92 year old guy used to sweep it!”…”Damn Robert didn’t put any cheese on my cheeseburger!”…”Robert didn’t clean the restrooms like he was supposed to!”…

Just funnin’ Robert—Hell! You’ll make Burger Queen a damn good manager someday!…

By David O'Brien

May 20, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

The point is unassailable, Robert says from his throne. All of you baseball people are wrong. Why don’t you hear me. Why don’t my donkey jokes amuse you?

OK, spent my 15 minutes on Robert (about one-tenth of the time that he spends on Bobby per afternooon).

Moving on (Robert, please don’t address me regarding this. I’m back to skipping your posts again, for my own sanity. When I correspond with your, I start to feel like lithium, or at least a hot shower, is necessary to get back to functioning in the real world.)

By TennesseePaul

May 20, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

DOB: I know you’ll appreciate this. I just secured a trip the Wife and I are going to take. Up to Frisco we will go to be at the Grand Re-Opening of the Filmore. We will be watching The Smashing Pumpkins in residency.

Now, all we need to make this a perfect day is for Hudson to shut down the BoSox and for the Braves Bats to continue to romp.

GO BRAVES

By Ron Roberts

May 20, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

I just don’te get giving KJ the day off today. Winning 2 of 3 in Boston would be quite a statement, I think. The guy does need a day off, I’d just like to see it another day.

By Ron Roberts

May 20, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Not to pile on, Robert, but…

Did ya see ESPN’s The Sports Reporters today, chum?

All four of the talking heads… you know, sports writers, who’ve carried a wide array of sports… all of ‘em … spoke oh-so-highly of the job John Schuerholz and Bobby Cox has done over such a long stretch. They talked about how their consistent success has been unmatched in modern sports history. One of ‘em, Dan Lebitard I believe went on to call the baseball playoffs a lottery of sorts, meaning he didn’t take much into consideration the lack of World Series rings when judging Cox and Schuerholz.

I just thought it was interesting that, yet again, a gathering of those in the know all lauded Cox and Schuerholz.

Then there’s you… and you do what for a living?

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 20, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Robert—one more thing…see if you can put in a good word down there at Burger Queen for caveman22…(not sure how much pull you have)…but he seems to have the same potential that you do, and I hear that he also has good flexibility in his wrists, which should really come in handy when flippin’ beef. The boy really could use a job, and it would get him off the streets, where he might hurt himself…

By Braveheart

May 20, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

10PAUL, you’re gonna see the pumpkins back together again in frisco at the fillmore? You bastard. You did not get me tix? I’m not gonna read your posts anymore because you make me jealous. Maybe we need to rename Robert “The Infinite Sadness”.

By David O'Brien

May 20, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Game’s delayed already, even though it’s not raining yet. Forecast calls for heavy showers coming through, so they’ve already announced the start will be delayed, though they haven’t said by how long.

By Braveheart

May 20, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, I don’t like a young guy like KJ getting a day off either. BUT at least Prado is the one filling in and not Woodward. Is Prado being showcased right now for the Bosox? Hmmmmm……

By Helpful Suggestion Dept.

May 20, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

To enhance your reading pleasure of this blog:

1. When you read a post by TheSouthernJackAss imagine that the voice is that of the character Sawyer from LOST.

2.When you read a post by Robert imagine that the voice is that of Gilbert Gottfried (voice of the AFLAC duck).

1. When you read a post by Dave O’Brien, imagine that the voice is that of Sam Elliott. (Although DOB’s voice is probably nothing like Sam Elliott, it is fun to listen to Sam’s hoarse drawl).

By David O'Brien

May 20, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, that’ll be outstanding. you been to the Fillmore? Great place, even before they shut ‘er down (assuming they remodeled, though i didn’t think they needed to).

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 20, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Pi$$es you off doesn’t it Robert—makes you want to just take a hammer and bash the hell out of your damned computer, doesn’t it Robert?…Well go ahead, beat the tar out of the damn thing, bust it all to hell…Put us all out of your misery!…there’s nothing left for you to say in defense of yourself, or in offense to BRAVES MANAGER Robert Cox…Hit the damn keyboard Bobby, I mean Robert!…

By Tomahawkin' Again

May 20, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

DOB The Son of Sam Horn site is reporting at least a 30 minute delay because of the looming heavy rain. The Sox fan bloggers are having much fun at the Yanks expense on that site and are showing the Braves much more respect after the a@# kicking in game 2. They’re scared of facing Huddy today and are almost conceding the game to the Barvos.

By rick

May 20, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

two solid articles on the braves in this week’s sunday paper:

http://www.sundaypaper.com/CurrentArticles/tabid/98/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/99/052007-SPORTS-Just-the-two-of-us.aspx

http://www.sundaypaper.com/CurrentArticles/tabid/98/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/98/052007-SPORTS—How-to-build-a-bullpen.aspx

By Ron Roberts

May 20, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

It’s not so much about KJ being young, Braveheart. It’s about his peformance level and spark atop the lineup. He’d been in a funk, then caught fire last night. So my theory is, if he’s found the groove he’d previously lost, why sit him a day when he might not come back the next game still in that groove?

Prado’s looked good during the spring, but let’s be honest, he saw a lot of minor league pitching, then, too. And you’re right, he’s no Chris Woodward, (and that’s not a bad thing, by the way) but he’s probably no Kelly Johnson, either. I hope he shows me up today.

Ehh, I dunno… I think we have the upper hand with the pitching matchup, but then again, Huddy;s 1-4 with a 7.92 ERA at Fenway, too.

By Braveheart

May 20, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts: Agreed. My point about him being young is that you would expect him to play everyday. But I would rather have him playing for the reasons you stated: this is a much different team when he is out there getting on base a few times a game and playing solid D. Didn’t he just get a day off on Thursday, followed by a rainout on Friday, followed by a day off today? Kind of weird. Is there a nagging injury or something we don’t know about? I think this is also the third time Cox has rested KJ a day after he did something big in a game. Kind of strange. Does the same thing to Thorman as well if I remember right. Dunno. I’m not the 4th winningest manager of all time though.

By Braveheart

May 20, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

OK, what the hell is up with the lineup today? Thorman hitting ninth behind Woodward at eighth? Andruw hitting sixth and McCann seventh behind Diaz at fifth? Bizarre! I know they are facing a left and all but well, whatever.

By Lew

May 20, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Back From Boston-Oh, The Humanity. To sit in the middle of thousands of Red Sox fans and watch the Braves collective behinds handed to them. It was merely embarrassing until the Willie Mo Pena HR-then it became mortifying. Imagine sitting there while thousands do the Tomahawk Chop DERISIVELY. I’m too big to sink down into the seat until only six inches high. I repeat. THE HUMANITY. Add to this the fact that DOB was entirely correct in his summation of the weather-Cold, wet and dreary. Why could I not have tickets for the game we won? The Esteemed Journalist is absolutely correct. THis Braves fan did not run on to the field. Even without a trifled toe I don’t run. Walking fast is usually beyond my capabilities. A win today and the series victory that would result would be acceptable vindication.

By David O'Brien

May 20, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

New blog is up (tennpaul, when is that show at the fillmore? i’m gonna be out there twice in July, for braves and for all-star game)

By joebrave

May 20, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Yes,Robert please pull a Stewie on your keyboard,O.K. wheres that little peckergnat nochop so he can go ahead and tell us 1 more time how dominant his beloved Mutts are over the Bravos,and be quicly remended they are 2-4 against Los Bravos this year…..

Braves baseball OH HELL YEAH!!!! and has Mark Reda$$ been released yet somebody please make my day!!!