Braves

By Fred from CT

May 25, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

I raised my hand

By Doug

May 25, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

DOB- Do you see the Brvaes making a pitch for a power hitting OFer maybe Ken Griffey,Jr? I could see him in LF and maybe picking up Stanton or Belisle. Iknow they would ask for Salty but maybe we could give up something else. Great blog as always.

By AthensBrave

May 25, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

First, all right

By geauxbraves2000

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

I also raised my hand.

Geaux Braves!!

By Vonshawn

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

DOB,

As much as I love Wickman, it seems to me that we are better team having him in the setup role and bringing Soriano in as the closer. The guys is just plain filthy and the fans really get into it when he comes in.

What do you think?

By BlueMoon

May 25, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Soriano was throwing absolute heat last night. And what makes it so great to watch is his delivery. Smooth and easy.

And having been a minor league pitcher, I would NEVER, EVER want to work in the bullpen. It is so hard on your arm and completely throws off your workout regimen.

Now here’s a question….wouldn’t it be nice to see the Bravos enter the Mark Texeira race? With him in the 4th hole the Braves would be looking real good. If Cormier comes out feeling good, then that’s the move I would make.

By Dave knockahomer

May 25, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Doug, the LAST thing we need is injury prone and 0ld Ken Griffey, Jr. dang it….we need starting pitcher alot worse……but why in the world would you even want Ken Griffey, Jr? He is on the DL most of the time. Diaz is fine…..

By flange1

May 25, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the new blog, and by the way, my hand is up too! Never thought Smoltz could make the transistion back to starter.

Hope we can jump into the Phillies bullpen early tonight, with Myers hurting and Gordan hurting I think that is where we can beat the Phils.

Need a good one from Hudson tonight, hope the Braves can build on the emotion of Smoltz’s win last night and start a winning streak.

I know how painful cortisone shots are, How is Hoss feeling today? Could he pinch hit?

Thanks!

By AthensBrave

May 25, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is a complete freak…possibly the greatest Brave ever, and one of the best big game pitchers of all time. Great series win against the Mets, but to keep up w/ them we are going to have to continue to play at the highest of levels.

By Matt

May 25, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

what’s the deal with gonzalez…this isn’t good

By Fred from CT

May 25, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

flange1 great point about jumping into there bullpen. this team all weekend should really make the phillies pitchers work hard we should be able to a number on there bullpen.

By Chop Chop

May 25, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Surgery gave Smoltz the one thing he didn’t have when he was younger: a bionic arm. Assuming that he can keep that bionic arm going, Smoltz strikes me as the type of guy who (like Clemens) will just keep pitching as long as he can do it at a high level. Imagine Smoltz still going at 44 or something. He could win 250+ games in the bigs. Simply amazing when you consider the 3.5 years of closing and the year and the two years he lost due to injury (a full year for TJ and nearly a year for other elbow problems before that).

Let’s pull a Shaun and do some number-crunching here. Given an estimated 5.5 years of missed starts (due to injury or closing) during his 19 years in the bigs and the fact that he only won 6 games as a closer, I’m putting John at 194 wins in his 13.5 years as a starter. That averages out to 14.4 wins a year or so, which is eminently reasonable for a pitcher of Smoltz’s caliber. Multiply that by 5.5 and you get 79 wins. Based on his career averages (no significant injuries like, say, Maddux or Glavine), Smoltz should have around 280 wins right now. In other words, he would be right in line to get 300 wins next season.

He’s just an amazing pitcher, folks.

By N8...Uncle Upper!!

May 25, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

From the other blog:

Willy Wally

You said:

“It is funny how I give N8 a hard time about being Debbie Downer when I am not exactly like a ray of freaking sunshine myself.”

Don’t mistake my comments as negativity. They may be viewed as negative, if you are an overly optomistic fan (sometimes referred to by me and others as a homer).

Me making a comment last night about having an “uneasy” feeling about all the runners we left on, was not being negative. Just pointing out that the game had that feelling, like we were leaving important (or possibly important) runs on the table against a very good team, who happens to be tied with us for the most come from behind wins at 13.

Do I get down on Andruw and anybody that is having a tough time? Sure. I think I’m JUST AS entitled to make comments on what I observe as any of the “homers” are when talking about how GREAT this team is.

This team (like many others) has an above average chance of doing some great things in the post season should we be so lucky as to get there. I’m greatful for that.

But to me it’s much too obvious what weaknesses need to be fixed before we can be assured of post season play.

In a way, I’m glad it’s a guessing game other than the days Smoltz and Hudson pitch, on whether we will win or not. It might raise the blood pressure a bit at times, but this team is much more exciting to watch than the late 90’s and early 00’s teams that were on autopilot from April to September.

NOTHING wrong with some good, tense baseball games in April in May, they count in the standings too, don’t they?

I’ve ALWAYS considered myself a realist when it comes to watching the Braves. I take things for what they are (or what they appear to be) as opposed to wearing the rose colored glasses every day.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I’ll take a 1-0 loss in a well played game, over a 10-7 victory “slop-fest”. Sounds stupid to some of you I’m sure, but I like watching the game when played in it’s purist, proper form.

Nothing more, nothing less.

Last night was a GREAT game with a better result, with the victory and Smoltz entering the record books. But don’t try and sit there and tell me that when KJ made that error, and YOU ALL had visions of the runners we left in scoring postition, that you didn’t say to yourselves:

“Damn! Even with N8’s negativity, it looks like he MIGHT have been right.”

We got away with one in the 9th last night. Not too many teams have given the Mets extra outs in the 9th inning and gotten away with it.

I may have prematurely speculated on the impending result of the game last night, but I’m not as dumb as my alleged negativity would lead you to believe.

Good day to all.

By BlueMoon

May 25, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

“AthensBrave” YES, Smoltz is a freak. No one goes through 4 surgeries like he has and lives, much less dominates in the league.

Greatest Brave? I’ll put him up there with Murph, but not ahead.

By meansonny

May 25, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

DonC,

I know what you’re saying about Smoltz’s innings. But he has been very efficient. Coming into last night, he hadn’t thrown more than 103 pitches per game. I think he finished 7 innings last night with 101 pitches.

Being good means logging lots of innings without needing a lot of pitches.

By meansonny

May 25, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Good work Chop Chop

By Willy Wally

May 25, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Let’s not carried away. Smoltz is a great ballplayer and one of the top 5 Braves of all time but Hank Aaron is the greatest Brave of all time and he has no peer.

By brian

May 25, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Does Matt Diaz remind anyone else of Bob Horner at the plate? The straight up stance, the bend of the back before the pitch. He seems to have a compact swing as well.

By MBATL

May 25, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Smoltz said on the radio this morning that he was almost surely going to retire at age 33 when he blew out the elbow. He got a phone call from Tommy John, who went through every detail of the surgery and recovery… and reminded Smoltz that he (Tommy) had pitched 10 more years after the surgery.

Smoltz said the conversation was so encouraging that he decided right then and there to have the surgery, and never looked back.

Thank goodness for that call!

By StingerSplash

May 25, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

This is what I love about having Soriano, Gonzalez (if he’s healthy) and Tyler Yates in the bullpen in October — power arms, the kind that break bats or induce pop ups, grounders and strikeouts when you need them. No more soft tossers like Chris Hammond, et al, for good lineups to feast on once it gets late. (Having Wickman come in with his change of pace and spotting his fastball really can screw with a batter’s timing). The Braves didn’t just rebuild the bullpen for 162 games; it’s got a hemi for October.

By T. Kays

May 25, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Jayson Stark (former writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer and now for ESPN as well as voter for the Baseball Hall of Fame) makes the ridiculous claim that Andruw Jones lets 100 balls drop per season that he should catch. How laughable!

It would be difficult for him to provide examples since he doesn’t watch any games out of the Philadelphia / New York / Boston area. He attempts to support this claim through his great misunderstanding of zone rating, which is a flawed statistic not valid for comparison since it is subjectively based and penalizes players for making plays outside of their assigned zones, which Andruw Jones makes on a daily basis.

Stark claims that Andruw Jones is “the most overrated centerfielder of all time” and attempts to support it by criticizing Andruw’s defense! He neglects to produce any real ratings or surveys or results in the first place, so it all amounts to one misinformed journalist’s opinion of a ratings system that he made up based on his perceptions.

There are some good comments about the book on the site the article references for people to purchase this hogwash. He has lost all credibility by writing and publishing a fictitional book and include the words “truth” and “baseball history” in the title.

PS- He also calls Sandy Koufax the most overrated lefty pitcher of all time. WHAT A JOKE.

By georage

May 25, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

I’ll keep typing it until I am blue in the pinkies, but the problem with this team is first base.

Thorman is not a franchise slugger first baseman, as much as we might wish otherwise.

I’d like to see more of Saltalamachia over there. If he doesn’t pan out, KC’s Billy Butler is a gem we should try to mine. He’s no gold glover, but soon he will be one of the most feared batters in all of baseball.

By Roswell Ed

May 25, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

The you John Smoltz!

You know how refreshing it is to read an article in the AJC sports that has nothing to do dogs or dawgs.

By Marc

May 25, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Good article, not much more to add really, good read and hit the nail on the head I think.

Just be sure to update us on Gonzo when you find out, I really like him and hope he’ll make it back fine.

By Chop Chop

May 25, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Continuing with numbers (because I’m bored):

STRIKEOUTS

Subtract Smoltz’s closer strikeouts (exactly 300) and he has 2538. Averaged out over 13.5 years of starting, that’s around 180 a season. Multiply that 180 by 5.5 extra years of starting and you get 990 more strikeouts. If Smoltz hit his averages, he’d be at 3528 Ks, which would put him 6 short of Gaylord Perry for 8th on the all-time list. He’d be 46 short of Don Sutton at 7th. He’d be 112 short of Tom Seaver for 6th. He’d be 173 short of Bert Blyleven for 5th. He just turned 40.

I like stats, too.

By AZBravoFan

May 25, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Sorry, I have to count myself as one who was on Smoltz’s side from the beginning. Never mind the elbow, it was painful watching him languish in the bullpen during the post-season while Braves starters and offense struggled and couldn’t get him leads to protect. In the playoffs, sometimes you gotta win a 1-0 or 2-1 game, and Smoltz was probably the only guy they had who could do that.

By A-ville Ranger

May 25, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

That’s freaky man!I posted a short comment at 3.11 on the old blog saying the same thing concerning Smoltz’s move back to the rotation.It must have been just minutes before DOB’s article posted.The one thing I still don’t care for is one of John’s stated reasons for prefering starting,that reason was he wouldn’t have to prepare every day and could play more golf.I’m not trying to rabble rouse,but it is part of the truth.

By Roswell Ed

May 25, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

And if Smoltz would have started pitching in MLB at the age of 15 he’d have 5000 strike outs.

By Ben Dover

May 25, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

I know this is totally unrelated to the Braves, but an interesting article on msnbc.com today.

Associated Press Sports Updated: 9:43 a.m. PT May 25, 2007 ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia Tech guard Javaris Crittenton will remain in the NBA draft, deciding to turn pro after one season with the Yellow Jackets.

Crittenton made the decision after meeting with his family and coach Paul Hewitt. The guard tied for the team scoring lead at 14.4 points per game and ranked second in the ACC with an average of 5.8 assists.

The school announced his decision in a statement Friday.

“Everyone has given me their support and blessing,” Crittenton said. “I see this as an opportunity, and I plan to put my best foot forward and give it my all. I’d like to thank all of my coaches, teammates and fans for a great time at Georgia Tech.”

Crittenton helped lead Tech to a 20-12 record and a berth in the NCAA tournament.

Another Georgia Tech freshman, forward Thaddeus Young, has entered his name in the draft but has yet to hire an agent. He has until June 18 to withdraw.

By kdbanks

May 25, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Great night last night for me. Watched Smoltz win on TV downstairs at Smith’s Olde Bar and then went upstairs and saw The Damnwells tear the house down. Then went back downstairs and got drunk with the band. Awesome!

By Renegator

May 25, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Seems like Soriano is throwing much better than Wickman right now. Do you see Bobby using Soriano as the closer and Wickman as setup or do you think Wickman will always be the closer? Any news on Gonzalez - I’m hoping we didn’t get burned by the Pirates on this one…

By Efrim

May 25, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Can’t wait to hear about Gonzo, our season depends on it!!!!

By Roswell Ed

May 25, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

What the f does it matter why he preferred starting?

I prefer my desk job more than digging ditches because of the physical work involved of digging ditches everyday.

By Burt

May 25, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

T. Kay — I read that Stark garbage, too. Just keep in mind that he’s been smokin’ what the Northeast media establishment has been rollin’ for years. Anything they can do to knock the Braves… A 30-year-old with NINE Golden Gloves is overrated, indeed! I’d have trouble finding fault with his contention, however, if he’d based his claim on AJ’s collective offensive output.

I’m surprised he didn’t have a list of overrrated managers. Surely he’d put Bobby Cox at the top.

DOB — Good blog post, and only one little mention of AJ and his struggles at the plate! (Thanks for the break.) Smoltz deserves every accolade he’s getting right now. The only thing that concerns me about his starting role is how his arm holds up going down the stretch in late August and into September. His scar tissue will see a lot of innings between now and then.

Burt

By Doug

May 25, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Renegator-I was thinking the same thing about swapping Soriano and Wickman. Maybe Bobby can alternate them by letting one close in June and one close in July then use the one who does the best the rest of the way. We need a power LHP to step up in the pen. CJames could be moved to the pen in the postseason but doesn’t have that power arm. We REALLY need Gonzo to get back healthy or maybe bring up Harrison for a power LH bullpen arm.

By meansonny

May 25, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Doug,

Not sure if I bumped into you on another board.

Anyway, I like the Griffey idea. It doesn’t fill our only glaring need (More steady #3 pitching). But it could give us potentially the most dominant post-season lineup.

Imagine Diaz and Thor platooning at 1B. Chipper hitting 3rd with Griffey Jr behind him. Then Frenchy & McCann.

I like it. And think it would make us a front runner in the post-season (assuming our bullpen doesn’t throw their arms off during the regular season).

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 25, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Interesting point on Glavine’s record DOB. Of course, the opposite is true of OPer. He’s 3-0 against us, 2-3 against the rest of the league. Hope we get this guy figured out when the Muts come around in August.

Posted this late on the last blog, but I think it bears repeating here.

KC:

Agree with you on the Smoltz - Glavine comparison. Not to take anything away from Tommy Boy - he’s a gutty competitor and a fine pitcher, who like Maddux, has benefited from a generous strike zone because he is seen by the umps as a “control” pitcher. The only reason, beyond being a good pitcher, Glavine is nearing 300 wins is his durability - never been on the DL, I believe. The only reason Smoltz isn’t nearing or already at 300 is because of injuries and 3 1/2 years in the pen, collecting 154 saves in record time.

How many times was Eckersly up before he was elected?

As for Smoltz’s decision to return to the rotation, I was ambivalent at the time. He was such a stopper coming out of the pen. But, my attitude about his desire to start again was that he had been around long enough, and had been the consumate team player (by agreeing to go to the pen to begin with), that he should be able to dictate wherever he played, even if it was catcher.

By ChampDawg

May 25, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

The decision to move Smoltz back to the starting rotation seemed like a dumb-@$$ move at the time last year becuase everybody knew the bullpen sucked and we needed a strong arm out there. His moved improved the starting pitching but weakened the bullpen. As it ended up, having good starting pitching ain’t worth a damn if the bullpen can’t close teh game when needed. Now this year, the pen is better and the starting 3-4-5 is questionable. Having Smoltz back in the rotation this year DOES make sense becuase the pen has been improved.

By METS! METS! METS!

May 25, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Talk about overrated your boy Smotlz spend most of his career as the third man in the roation - so he got most of his wins beating up on pathetic number 3s.

Granted he beat them, but really, but does beatign up on other teams third best guy for your career mkae you that good? Maybe he’s a great 3, but that doesn’t make you a good #1, much less a great #1.

In each of their primes, he couldnt’ hold Pedro’s jock.

By StingerSplash

May 25, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Roswell Ed, The summer I spent digging ditches was one of the most fun three month periods I ever had. Learned all about bikers and how to dig chicks with tattoos.

By METS! METS! METS!

May 25, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

I mean think about it, even in the Brave’s opinion he wasn’t as good as Maddox or Glavine…that’s why he was a 3.

Overrated!!!!!!

By Doug

May 25, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

I have heard some people from the ATL clamouring for the Hawks to pick Javaris @11. I still say take Yi at 3 and then trade the 11 for someon’s 1st rounder next year since the Hawks don’t have one. The sign former Alabama star Mo Williams to run the point.

By Willy Wally

May 25, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

No. 9 — Bob Wickman. Whoa. Almost made it through this whole list without including a closer. Can’t do that. If the save is the most overrated stat in baseball — and it is — then we need somebody on this team to embody that. A scout nominated Wickman, and I’m still not sure if he belongs. But what the heck. He, Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano have gotten massive credit for the salvation of the Braves’ bullpen. But like the hitters who make all those outs against Wickman, I often ask myself: How the heck does he do it? His WHIP this year is a messy 1.73 baserunners per inning. He’s averaging nearly 20 pitches an inning. And he has handed out as many walks as strikeouts (10). But he has walked that tightrope and survived to tell about it. The saves (6-for-8) are there. So life seems good. But it definitely isn’t as serene up close as it is from afar. Does that make him overrated? Hey, it does now. He’s in this column, right?

With all due respect, how exactly is Bob Wickman overrated? He is what he is. Has anyone claimed he is trevor hoffman or mariano rivera?

And to point out his terrible WHIP this year, does stark realize that much of that came during a terrible three game stretch starting with the infamous 9th with hudson against the marlins and culminating against the rockies which then got him put on the DL?

He had 11 baserunners in a terrible 1 and 2/3 of an inning over those three games, where he was apparently injured.

Over his other 12 and 2/3 innings, he has only had 13 baserunners, which is a very good WHIP.

In his first 9.7 innings this year before all that went down, he only had 10 baserunners.

So Mr. Stark needs to fact check a bit before he starts writing things trying to get this blog in an uproar. A perusal of the game logs would be more revealing to Jayson.

I’m just like everyone else - Bob Wickman is a decent closer, nothing more, nothing less - neither underrated, nor overrated - he is what he is - a solid professional reliever and closer who will scare the bejesus outta ya 5 to 10 times a season and break your heart 5 times a season. He is what he is.

By Burt

May 25, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Doug & Renegator — Geez, guys! Take away the boot by KJ in the 9th inning last night (only his fourth all season!), and the game ends 2-0. There’s nothing wrong with Wickman’s closer role, nor Soriano’s setup role. Hey, if I were on another NL team right now, I’d be looking at that duo and just shaking my head.

By ernesto

May 25, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

Why do you have to learn how to dig chicks with tatoos? Seems like that would come naturally.

By STEVIE D

May 25, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Is anybody as nervous as I am when watching Wickman pitch? I love him, but he always looks like he is laboring out there!

By meansonny

May 25, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

John Smoltz!

He has a career ERA of 3.26.
A career WHIP of 1.17. Best K/9 in Franchise Brave History Best H/9 ratio of any Franchise Brave starter in history.

If only those scouts up in Flushing would’ve thought to trade Doc Gooden to the Tigers for this talent. Too bad they don’t recognize good talent.

LOL

By flange1

May 25, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Mets X3,

For a career I will take Smoltz EVERYDAY over Pedro. By the way, the Mets have never and will never see Pedro pitch for them in his prime. That was most recently in Boston. Pedro is close to being done. His arm is shot. Bummer for the Mets.

By Jick

May 25, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Even if Stark only watches NY, Philly, and Boston baseball, that’s 36-45 Braves games a year he’s catching, depending on how interleague play’s been scheduled. And it’s hard to think of a reason the statistics about Andruw’s zone rating would be lying. Hasn’t he gotten slower on the basepaths? Wouldn’t it follow that he’s been slower in the outfield, too?

The complaint that he’s only devoted to the home run has a lot of merit. Look at his career average, and watch how he almost sprains his ankle on every swing. Let’s talk about what the statistics Stark quotes are saying instead of who writes his paycheck.

By N8...Uncle Upper!!

May 25, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

METS! METS! METS!

Your 4:19 post was spoken like a true sore loser that you more than likely are.

By the time May hits the schedule, with off days and such, are you trying to tell me that EVERYBODY’S rotation is lined up exactly like it was the first week of the season?

Last time I checked, the starting pitchers aren’t going up against eachother, like the media always makes it out to seem. They are going against the lineups of the opposing team. So the way I see it, Smoltz faced the same lineups that Maddux and Glavine did, just on different days.

Besides, what’s that say about your boy Glavine? He can’t seem to beat the old #3, can he?

What a lame argument.

I guess it’s similar to your Mets being 3-6 against a good team like the Braves, but they’re leading the division because they bottom feed off of the lesser teams, huh?

Come to think about it….YUP. You’re dead on. Thanks for the insight.

By ernesto

May 25, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Maddog, Glavine and Smoltz were all equals. I mean the Cy Young went to one fo the three for how many years?

You could have arranged them anyway you wanted.

And with all due respect to Maddog and Tommy, I think Smoltzie’s beaten them both this year, undefeated actually…and he ain’t afraid of Pedro either, Muttley.

By N8...Uncle Upper!!

May 25, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

“In each of their primes, he couldnt’ hold Pedro’s jock.”

That’s funny. In fact Pedro couldn’t even hold his OWN jock…….without getting hurt that is. :-)

The ironic thing about Pedro? For the first 5 or so years of his career he wasn’t event the best pitcher IN HIS OWN FAMILY!

Good stuff man, keep it coming.

For the record, those who keep asking/bringing it up. I’m on board with making Soriano the closer.

But I’ve always been more partial to the guys that overpower batters in the old fashioned sense.

But it’s hard to argue with Wick’s success, since putting on a Braves uniform.

By joebrave

May 25, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Mets,Mets,Mets,What in the hell are you babbling about,you sound like the little ba$tard down at the school house that’s trying to look up all the little girls skirts but only to be found in the boys locker room fulfilling your man crush on the music teacher,you are one stupid sumbitch!!!John Smoltz is the greatest!!!!!!

And jjs,you had the audacity to laud the name of Joebrave,well a little tag team on your biny @ss might do the trick,No clue how big SJA is,but 6’2” 225lbs says it can do turdburglar can do!!!!!!!!now back to your fruity birdcalling little ladyboy!!!

By D-Cider

May 25, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

I don’t have to raise my hand. the braves should done something to fix the bullpen last year.

By meansonny

May 25, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

LOL,

I’ve got an uncle upper? WOW.

Welcome to the board!

By Dr. Jay

May 25, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

I agree with you Stevie D…Wickman makes me nervous now. But I think most long-term Braves fans will ALWAYS be nervous after being conditioned by our closer legacy. From Bruce Sutter to the Wohlers meltdown…the John Rocker craziness and the Kolb/Reitsma syndromes…we rarely catch a break.

By TennesseePaul

May 25, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

I’d toss my hat into the ring of “I don’t recall”. Maybe N8 can spend tonights game digging through the old blogs to see if I posted anything one way or another. But I think I can safely say that I was excited to see what he could do. He’s my favorite pitcher. Favorite Brave. Favorite Ballplayer. As long as he continues to dominate, I’m super happy. I figured he’d be resigned. I didn’t really think there was a chance he’d walk away. I figured he could pitch for at least 3 more years. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him pitching till he’s 45. And if he continues to pitch like this, and have a team to back him up, he may very well get to 300. It’s a long, long ways away though, I admit (not a very strong chance simply due to age and longevity). But right now he is pitching on a 25 win a season pace. It’s just a matter of the team supporting him. Realistically, I think 250 is in range. I don’t think he’ll have much trouble reaching that total. 3,000 K’s is a lock. And, again, if the team is there with him, he could very well reach 20+ post season victories and over 200 post season K’s.

Now it’s just a matter of that illusive no-hitter/perfect game. I think he has one in him somewhere. He toys with it on occasion.

By Willy Wally

May 25, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Talk about overrated your boy Smotlz spend most of his career as the third man in the roation - so he got most of his wins beating up on pathetic number 3s. Granted he beat them, but really, but does beatign up on other teams third best guy for your career mkae you that good? Maybe he’s a great 3, but that doesn’t make you a good #1, much less a great #1. In each of their primes, he couldnt’ hold Pedro’s jock.

DUDE, ARE YOU FREAKING RETARDED OR DID YOU JUST NOW START WATCHING BASEBALL AND DON’T HAVE ANY IDEA ABOUT THE GAME?!?!?!?!? Since when has a #3 ever only faced #3s during the course of a season? That is not how baseball works, at least not in the last 25 years since I was able to start really watching games like an intelligent fan. With rainouts and injuries and doubleheaders, rotations get all jumbled up, you freaking retard. #1s rarely face #1s and so on. It was a very rare day when Clemens got to face off against Pedro or Pedro against Randy Johnson. Aces don’t often face each other. This season has been very rare in that Smoltz and Glavine have faced off against each other 3 times already. That rarely if ever happens this early in the season. Not as many disruptions to the schedule or injuries to Glavine or Smoltz caused that. Also, both are older and teams are not as likely to push an older starter like a Glavine or Smoltz up a day with less rest or even back a day with more rest because of their advanced age and respecting their established routines - as opposed to what occurred when they were younger.

I could go on and on and on with this but you are a freaking retard so I would be wasting my breath. Call me back when you get yourself some pubes.

As for saying that Smoltz was never as good as Pedro. You are exactly correct. During the regular season, Smoltz has never been as good as Pedro. So freaking what? That is like saying John Elway was never as dominating as Dan Marino or Peyton Manning in the regular season. Oooooh, big freaking deal? But in the postseason, give me Smoltz every time over Pedro - their postseason careers have proven that.

And, also, why exactly is a Mets fan boasting about Pedro? He is an Expo and a Red Sox, not a Met, idiot. Are you really claiming credit for a guy who is not even really a Met? What a freaking moron you are. Imbecile. Just like a Mets fan - you are so low rent, when you steal guys by overpaying them, you start claiming them as your own.

Not even Yankees fans do that - they at least have some warped code of honor thing about what it means to be a true Yankee and only Jeter, Posada, Rivera, Pettite, Bernie, Oneill, and Martinez are allowed to be considered that. They treat Clemens and AROD like they deserve to be treated - as expensive prostitutes being pimped out for a while by the Yanks.

Mets fans however have no tradition, class, pride, or prestige, so they start claiming guys like Pedro as their own. PATHETIC! But that is why we call you the wannabepolitans.

By Bob

May 25, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Mets! Mets! Mets!

N8 is right dude. Why don’t you come up with something better than that whiny crap? You guys are the only team in ML Baseball that has 2 Daddies.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 25, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Mets!Mets!Mets!

You are in serious need of a dictionary, spell check and/or a second grade education. Smoltz is the ALL TIME leader in post season wins, and I suppose he only closed games against the bottom of every team’s order. Go back to Mutland with your inane garbage.

By Renegator

May 25, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Burt,

I’m not saying that Wickman isn’t doing a good job - I just think that Soriano is much more dominating than he is. I am much less worried when Soriano comes in than when Wickman does. I still tip my hat to Wickman for his performance for us last year.

By Coach

May 25, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Doyle Alexander , I love you man !

By Cleanuphitter16

May 25, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Wait…. METS! METS! METS! … did I hear you right? You just called Smoltz overrated? A pitcher with 200 Wins, 154 saves, 3.26 career ERA, 2838 Ks, 2828 hits allowed in 3234.2 innings, and a .235 career BA against? And you base this on the fact that he was a #3 starter for about 1/3rd of his career? What are you, 14? What kind of logic is that?

Yes, Pedro was really good….with Montreal and Boston. With the Mets Pedro has a 3.53 ERA over 54 starts (4.48 last season by the way.) So yeah, Pedro was better in the past… with Boston. Maybe you’re a closet BoSox fan missing the old days, but if not I don’t know why you’re bragging about Pedro as a Mets fan. You have the overpaid broken-down version..unlike the Braves with 40 y/o John Smoltz. Give me Smoltz any day.

By meansonny

May 25, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

To defend Bob Wickman in the current role…

For Atlanta, he gave up earned runs in 2 of his 28 appearances last season. He gave up multiple hits in 7 of those 28 appearances last season.

Excluding the 3 “injury” games of 2007, the only earned run he has given up was the lead runner that Kelly Johnson failed get out last night.

Excluding the 3 “injury” games of 2007, he has only allowed multiple hits once when he pitched in that mopup game against the Mets May 22nd.

His whip in 2006 for Atlanta, 1.04.

His whip for 2007 minus those 3 games, 1.02

Everyone is in love with that power pitching. But he is on par for strikeouts with Gonzalez.

And if you adjust his innings to Soriano (21.2 innings), he would only have 4 fewer strikeouts.

I have no problem with fans wanting Soriano to be the closer. Honestly, I think it’s a win/win situation.

But just remember how good this guy is before you start getting that nervous feeling. He’s a veteran. And one who has done very well for Atlanta.

By JasonInMaine

May 25, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Coach,

What was the stat you were referring to in regards to Santana in 04 and Gibson in 68?

By Doug

May 25, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Burt—- I don’t think anything is wrong with Wickman. I agree with you on the KJ boot in the 9th. I was just saying that I would like for Bobby to give Soriano a few save opps with Wickman in front of him sometime. The rest of the NL probably does think it’s unfair that we have those two AND if Gonzo gets healthy,it really gets unfair. We could have a situation in the postseason where the starter only has to get through the 6th. Gonzo/Soriano in the 7th/8th depending on the hitters and Wickman in the 9ths. It harkens back to the yankee teams when they won all those championships in the late 90s and 2000. If you didn’t get to their starter it was GAME OVER. Their pen was hellacious.

By Oh Great

May 25, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Gonzalez is out for the season…

By ncscoots

May 25, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Hey, I love watching Soriano light up the gun, too, but we’re talking about Bob Wickman here, not some second-year flash-in-the-pan closer. Sorry, but unless Fat Man starts tanking something awful, he’s got the 9th and rightly so.

By METS! METS! METS!

May 25, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Whatever jerks.

All I know is your own manager put him behind Glavine and Maddox. Ha! Was he behind Nagle when you had him too? How about Millwood?

And in his prime your boy couldn’t beat an old man, what’s him name from the Twins, when it mattered most.

Your just p** becuase I’m right. The stamp stands - Overrrated!

And you’ll see it when he gets locked out of hte Hall of Fame, becuase people who know the gaem (not a bunch of Braves fans) choose who goes in.

By Interested Observer

May 25, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

AJC now reporting Gonzo is out for the year…more details coming.

I can’t say I didn’t see that coming.

By Efrim

May 25, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

GONZO OUT FOR SEASON!!!!

TOUGH LOSS

WORSE TRADE!!!

By Chop Chop

May 25, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

If I’m not mistaken, the Yanks stole O’Neill and Tino Martinez.

In fact, I just looked it up. Paul O’Neill was traded in ‘92 (before his Age 30 season) with Joe DeBerry(?) to the Yanks for the immortal Roberto Kelly. Highway robbery, I say.

Looky here…Bam-Tino (John Sterling is a genius) was traded with Jim Mecir and Jeff Nelson (who was a key bullpen cog for the Yanks’ title runs) to the Yanks for Russ Davis (who became a solid big-leaguer) and the immortal Sterling Hitchcock, who pitched one year with the M’s and later destroyed the Braves as a Padre in the ‘98 NLCS and won the series MVP for doing so.

By AMG

May 25, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Now the Braves need a starting pitcher AND a lefty in the bullpen .. odd this injury occurs with very little pain… pitching great one day and then… poof!

By Ron Roberts

May 25, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Y’all are so fickle. I see it, here, day in, day out.

Trade Thorman so your precious “Salty” can play eveyrday at 1B. Nevermind that Thorman’s done a damn fine job in his first full season there, both with the glove and with the bat.

How about some of y’all that were clamoring for us to deal Matt Diaz when his batting average dipped below .280? Sheesh. The man’s done nothing but hit since he arrived here, and yet he doesn’t have the sex appeal big-name status as does your coveted Carl Crawford. But then, he’s cheaper, and having him doesn’t cost us any prospects to have him here, either. The guy should be player of the freaking month, far as I’m concerned. And if this fine Braves organizatin listened to the knee-jerkers here, we’d fall in line with the Devil Rays and Royals in getting rid of him, when those who know a thing or two about baseball sit here and mock those franchises for not knowing what they had when they had him.

“What about demoting Wickman and moving Soriano to closer?” Did you watch the same damn game I did last night? Wickman didn’t create that jam, last night, but he sure as hell got out of it, didn’t he? Sheesh.

By ernesto

May 25, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Losing Gonzo hurts, that hurts big time.

By Renfield

May 25, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

We won’t get Gonzo back for 12-14 months? Who let him shake Hamptons hand, he caught the TJ bug

By Savannah Guy

May 25, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

DOB: Yep, raised hand here too and also wrong…fortunately. Never tire of talking Smoltz because is has taken the mantle of team leader in the ways of gladiator sportsman.

Trivia question to all bloggers: In all of the multi-generational baseball player families, from the Alou’s and the Boones to the Bonds (both of whom were jerks) and the Marquis bros today…just to name a few, who in your opinion were the best overall?

Now for another baseball trivia question: Before Felipe, Matty and Moises Alou, whatever happened to the unheralded brother Bob? Very popular in the 50’s. Nobody ever talks about Bob any more. He was a pal of “I love Lucy’s” bongo playing producer, Desi Arnez.

By Cleanuphitter16

May 25, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Gonzo gone for the year. Tommy John. Should have looked over those medical records a little more Johnny.

&%*# I bet this makes the Mets feel a lot better after falling to 3-6 against us. OK McBride…time to start throwing 95mph and add a wicked slider…..

By Efrim

May 25, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Mike Gonzalez is out for the Season

He is out for the rest of this season and most if not all of the 2008 season recovering from Tommy John Surgery.

I know what a lot of you will say…

“Its no big deal, Yates Wickman and Soriano are dealing and Moylan has come on strong”

Its still a huge loss. With him we had a deep bullpen. It isn’t anymore. It hurts.

Pittsburgh is laughing right now.

i don’ care that Laroche is bad right now, he won’t be forever and now we look stupid. Gonzo is definitly going to be out for next season as well

By Burt

May 25, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Regenator — You’re right in that Wickman (finesse and good location) and Soriano (all power, baby!) are completely different pitchers. I tend to believe that’s part of the genious behind their current roles. A team has to get jacked up for fastballs and power in the 8th, then have to readjust for a completely different look in the 9th.

And look at the stats meansonny pulled up on Wickman. When he’s healthy, there’s not another closer in the league doing the job he’s doing.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! And when Gonzo gets back and is healthy, watch out. I could think of a whole lot of other situations (in recent Braves history) that raised the blood pressure.

Burt

By meansonny

May 25, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Looks like we need to get McBride some work from the pen. Just to test and see if his arm can perform for us in the post-season.

If not, then add left-handed reliever to our glaring list of needs.

By Eric from MO

May 25, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Renegator and everyone else who says Soriano and Wickman should be switched would you please explain. Other than the 3 apperances right before he went on the DL he has yet to give up a earned run. Last night was unearned. If Kelly just went to first it would of been a shutout. Wickman still pitched out of the jam that Kelly put him in. Since Soriano is a power pitcher you want him to setup that way if he has to come in with runners on he can get a strikeout when Wick may not be able to get the strikeout. I like Wick and Soriano just the way the are. Dont fix what aint broken.

Oh by the way the Gonzo out for the season really sucks. He was our only real good lefty.

By Chop Chop

May 25, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Yeah. Certainly makes you think that the Pirates pulled the wool over Schuerholz’s eyes in this trade. I just hope Soriano stays healthy. He’s had injury issues of his own before.

By Ron Roberts

May 25, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

Looks like trading for a guy fresh off the disabled list in the offseason was, in fact, not such a wise thing to do.

Thank God Scott Thorman’s lived up to, and probably beyond, most of our expectations, or we’d be on the short end of that deal, not matter how badly LaRoche is hitting. By the way, he’s hitting .271 this month… so he’s apparently awakened from his annual early-seson slumber.

By AthensBrave

May 25, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

I had a bad feeling when Mike could only throw his fastball 83 that night against Pittsburg. This freaking sucks. Our bullpen goes from dominating to just good.

By Cleanuphitter16

May 25, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Ok, METS! METS! METS! Stand behind your invincible shield of ignorance and ignore the numbers.

That would be Jack Morris, btw, with the Twins. The Braves lost 1-0 in 10 innings. Smoltz pitched 7.1 scoreless innings, gave up only 6 hits. My god man, you’re using that as another example of Smoltz being overrated? Stop before you look really stupid, please.

By Alex

May 25, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

MUTS, MUTS, MUTS…

crawl back to your hole, or your parent’s basement but don’t come here and talk trash and none sense! Especially after your team loses 2 out of 3 yet again! I guess it really must get on your nerves, that your “mighty Muts” can’t seem to beat the Atlanta Braves, that inferiority complex is shinning through!

By DonCoburleone

May 25, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Mets are a joke and we own them this year!

By N8...Uncle Upper!!

May 25, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Well….

With Gonzales out until AT LEAST July of Next season, how many days before Mike Remlinger is signed to pitch in the bullpen.

Maybe we can bring back Muholland as well, I always like having a pair of grey-beards in the pen.

YIKES.

Oh well, waddya do? SUCKS, but we gotta move on. I sure hope that JS doesn’t “panic” and trade Salty for some mediocre left hander to have in the bullpen.

Just time for Macay to step up, that’s all, IMO.

Mets, Mets, Mets

For the record, the year that Neagle was acquired (96) it was Smoltz who won the Cy Young, Won the All Star Game, and Won game 1 of the WS…IN YANKEE STADIUM, ahem, against their #1 starter.

Kevin Millwood? Puuuleeeez! Go “amuse” yourself to your Bill Bucknor poster and leave us alone please.

By Chop Chop

May 25, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

All those in favor of never sending Braves pitchers to New York for MRIs or surgery, say “Aye!”

By METS! METS! METS!

May 25, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Ha. Ha. Remember there’s no crying in baseball. Ha. Ha.

Too bad you don’t have the Mets depth and can bring up someone like Smith who can dominate. We RELOAD!

Or maybe because Smoltz is so great you won’t need so many closers, right?

By Doug

May 25, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

We need to get Matt Harrison up here from AA to see if he can be the power LH set up man we need. Where is Mike Stanton at?Maybe we could get him. Not sure on his numbers though.

By Ron Roberts

May 25, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Looks like we gotta get Macay McBride and Lance Cormier back, and as advertised.

This isn’t dire folks… not as long as Soriano and Wickman stay healthy and Macay and Lance come back to be the pitchers we were expecting them to be coming out ot spring trainig. Getting Gonzalez was a “luxury,” not a necessity.

By meansonny

May 25, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Eric from MO,

Thanks for the correction. I was figuring that the run last night was still charged to Wick (as an error would only account for 1 out. Not the DP as it could have been).

Delgado’s little flair to LF was the only hit he gave up (why do we even do that shift?)

The guy’s good.

By Fred from CT

May 25, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

we have rheal cormier down in triple AAA who is a veteren lefty that could get some outs for this team. I am not saying he will be as good as gonzalez or even replace him but he is a veteren who could help out against lefties.

By Shaun

May 25, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Not to toot my own horn, but I was one of the few who thought Smoltz should have been starting. Here’s a little something I wrote in 2004:

http://www.e-sports.com/articles/164/1/Smoltz-needs-to-start/Page1.html

By AthensBrave

May 25, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Will Startup is the man to replace Gonzo. He’s a lefty and a former bulldog. He’s throwing great in AAA.

mets, mets, mets….leave it to a yankee piece of manure to rub it in during a terrible time of injury. those mets/yankees fans are classless

By DonCoburleone

May 25, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

Wow, Gonzalez gone for the year… Can’t say I didn’t see that one coming. It definately hurts, but, it’s not the end of the world. A few other people are going to have to step up thats all (McBride). I still think our pen is solid with Soriano, Wickman, Yates, and Moylan. We just need that lefty now, so maybe McBride can step up and then we’ll be fine. Give McBride a shot for the next month or two and then come late July decide if we need to trade for a lefty reliever or not. The only guy who would probably be available who could (in theory) match Gonzalez is Brian Fuentes of the Colorado Rockies. I’ve heard all kinds of trade rumors involving that guy. The problem is that (like every other bad team in the league) they are looking for young starting pitching, which we don’t have to offer… We are probably going to be stuck with McBride or (gulp) Colyer for the rest of the year…

By David O'Brien

May 25, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Just got back upstairs, had to wait to get Bobby and others after getting the Gonzo news 45 minutes ago or whenever it was.

Anyway, Efrim, you don’t know what you’re talking about when you say Gonzalez is definitely going to miss the 2007 season. He’s 29 years old and the recovery for T.J. surgery is 12-14 months, not 18 months, not the Hampton timetable.

Almost every pitch returns within 14 months, and many are back in 12. He should be back sometime in June, barring setbacks. It’s just impossible to tell how a guy will recover, but the vast majority are back in 12-14 months.

And by the way, it doesn’t matter that it’s only a slight tear. Because Tommy John surgery is Tommy John surgery, whether complete or miniscule tear. The ligament is replaced altogether….

Meanwhile…

STEROID SUSPENSION IN MINORS: Braves Class A Rome 2B Brandon Monk suspended 50 games for steroids. Was only hitting .179 with four doubles, no homers and 17 strikeouts in 69 at-bats.

By TennesseePaul

May 25, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

I just read Stark’s underrated player article. For the large part, his complaint is, the players don’t get talked about enough in the national media. Then you look at it, none of the players are Yankees or Mets. 1 is a RedSox who’s only been up for a hand full of seasons. The rest, well the rest are in the real world and being talked about. They just don’t make ESPN’s Sport Center cuts for well documented reasons.

By Ron Roberts

May 25, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

Hey Mets Mets Mets… what’s it say about your salary-bloated team when we beat your boys 2 out of 3 without our lefty bullpen specialist?

Come to think of it, aside from O. Perez, you guys haven’t put a pitcher up yet that we haven’t won off of.

One-trick ponies become school glue in the postseason.

Saddle up, Braves fans!

By Chop Chop

May 25, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Cormiers, I wonder if this is the sort of scenario that will entice Schuerholz to bring up Monsieur Rheal Cormier from Richmond. He’s old and left-handed. I think he’d get a look before Startup.

By berigan

May 25, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

I was all for Smoltz going back to the rotation. He was getting older, and Bobby was doing the same thing to him that he did with Wickman, overworking him! Smoltz was always up even in games he didn’t come in. And like Smoltz himself said, without power arms in the rotation, the braves didn’t get past the first round, and he wasn’t even involved in the the playoffs….He’d be out of baseball if he’d stayed in the bullpen.

By Cleanuphitter16

May 25, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Nice comeback, METS! METS! METS!

Mets Depth? Are you serious? You have Wright, Smith, Heilman, Feliciano, and Reyes as your only home-grown players (unless you count part-time Endy.) 5 out of 25. Your only depth is your extra $30+ million on the payroll. Do you ever look up facts or just spout off whatever first comes to mind? What depth?

By ChampDawg

May 25, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

METS, METS, METS—-

Your post about Smoltz being a #3 and therefore throwing against a #3 is one of the biggest pieces of S**T post I have ever seen. It shows you know absolutely nothing about baseball, you moron! Take your gay self on back home to your mamma!

By TennesseePaul

May 25, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Sheeesh. Just scrolled through the blog to catch up and saw one of the most retarded and idiotic posters of all time. Not 1 thing posted by this assclown comes close to matching reality or history.

By Willy Wally

May 25, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

BEWARE: Skip this if you hate the Yankees and don’t want to be bored with longwindedness - just have to respond to what someone on here said.

At the time they got him, the Yankees did not steal Paul Oneill. Oneill was a struggling outfielder at the time for the Reds. In fact, most Yankees fans were very angry that they traded Roberto Kelly at the time, who was the only good player they had for most of the early 1990s. Kelly was an All Star when he was traded. He went on to have an All Star year his first year after being traded to the Reds. Oneill was a bust for the Reds when the Yanks got him. As it turns out, it was one of the greatest trades and steals in Yankees history - which was a complete surprise to almost every Yankees fan and probably Yankee management as well. They could not have had any idea he was going to be that good for them. It was not a steal at the time of the trade - only later, did it prove to be so. So, that was not one of the Yankees patented thefts by overpaying - just a darn solid baseball trade. Because Oneill was not considered much when they got him, when he played well and so tough, he became a true Yankee in the minds of the fans.

As for Tino, that one is certainly debatable. But you have to realize that Hitchcock and Russ Davis were two of the most highly touted prospects in all of baseball at that time - why else would the Mariners trade three quality MLBers like Tino, Nelson, and Mecir for them? Also, Tino was a good major leaguer at the time but not considered a helluva player - if you remember and if you look at his stats, Tino at that point of his career was merely at where Adam Laroche was this past offseason - a modest disappointment in his early career before having a breakout year the year before he was traded. Nelson was a solid reliever who killed the Yanks in the 1995 playoffs.

But at the time, trading Hitchcock and Davis to the Mariners for Tino, Nelson, and Mecir would be like the Braves now trading Chuck James and Salty for Laroche, Soriano, and maybe Paronto. Sort of a rip off but not really. There is some sound baseball logic to be had in both sides of those trades. Of course, as things played out for the Mariners and Yankees, the Yankees ripped ‘em off but it was again not really one of those patented Yankees overpaying things at the time of the trade. Yankees fans were more excited about trading for Nelson than they were about Tino - who was very unpopular at first because of underperformance and because he was replacing Mattingly - thus, why he came to be considered a true Yankee - because they broke him down, booed him, left him for dead, and he fought back without saying a word and rose back up like Lazarus, thus making him one of their own - a true Yankee.

As much as Yankees fans demand an All Star at every position - there is a price to pay - you will never be considered a true Yankee unless you are a homegrown or unless you sucked or were kind of mediocre before you got to play for their team - the Yankees fans kind of like to pretend that they find a diamond in the rough (retards) - that is really the only way they ever really consider a player a true yankee. The All Stars they steal from other teams never really have a chance to obtain that.

By berigan

May 25, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

Man, this is tough, he looked great when he was out there. This is why you don’t trade away any good arms in the bullpen. You just never know. Doug Jones works just fine tossing like Wickman, even though they have flame throwers in the bullpen(One of which has hurt his finger from throwing so hard)Actually, they showed Wickman throwing 92 MPH yesterday, which is about 10 mph faster than Trevor Hoffman tosses these days.

By TennesseePaul

May 25, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

Efrim: You are out of your frickin mind if you think this was a bad trade. We still have control of Gonzo for several more years. AND WE GOT LILLIBRIDGE, a very highly ranked prospect. Suppose we don’t make this trade, we have LaRoche sitting at first sucking wind worse than Craig Wilson. We have no prospect of having a pitcher like Gonzalez in the future. We have no prospect in the minors giving us even more depth for future moves. AND OUR PEN IS STILL DEEP.

It’s a bummer Gonzo is down for the year, but LaRoche isn’t going to amount to much. He is a Wally Joyner reduex.

By DonCoburleone

May 25, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Agreed TennesseePaul, well put… I didn’t know Will Startup was a lefty? I thought he was right handed…

By Shaun

May 25, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Don’t forget Thorman would be rotting on the bench or stuck in the minors or the Braves would have traded him probably for less than he’s worth if we had kept LaRoche.

I think LaRoche is going to be fine for the next few years at least, but Thorman is going to be just as valuable and he’s a lot cheaper for a few years.

By WileyJerkins

May 25, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, you were wrong about the Braves never using Salty anywhere expect behind the plate too. You might want to go ahead and get started writing that blog!

By Efrim

May 25, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

DOB

You don’t know he will come back strong in 2008. You can’t tell me that for sure. Don’t mean to be negative, but there has been instances where pitchers have trouble coming back from tommy john.

Just because I bring up stuff that you and guys like KC don’t wanna hear doesn’t mean its irrelevant garbage.

I keep it real…..

Tennesee Paul

If Laroche gets hot, you will be the first one that will hear about it. Not to say I think Thorman hasn’t been good, but his OBP is under .300. Guy has got like 5 walks this year. So easy with the Laroche bashing.

We took a chance and screwed up. It happens….

By Efrim

May 25, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Gonzalez’s injury is a big loss. You can’t dispute that.

By BravesWeenFan

May 25, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

All i can say about Gonzo is that this is all peter angelos fault for meddling in his GM’s business … of course if he hadn’t nixed the Giles-LaRoche for Roberts-Penn trade we might not know the 15 different ways kelly johnson is a bad a$$… i heard Chuck Noris sleeps with Kelly Johnson PJ’s

By Efrim

May 25, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Lillibridge has struck out 54 times in 171 at bats. His slugging percentage is .383. He has 12 stolen bases in 17 chances. He is batting .281 with a 352 OBP. He isn’t a better bet than Kelly Johnson, Edgar Renteria or Yunel Escobar. Lillibridge has potential, but he definitly has to stop striking out so much if he wants to some day be a productive lead-off hitter.

By Braves Fan 79

May 25, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

DOB: you really thought the Braves were better with Smoltz in the bullpen?? I ALWAYS thought the Braves should of started Smoltz in any decisive game in the playoffs. Was i REALLY THE ONLY PERSON WHO GOT A BAD FEELING WHEN hampton was named the starter for that decisive game 5 against Houston a few years back??? I was yelling for bobby to start smoltz regardless of if he hadent started in 2 years or whatever….because HES something Hampton is not…and thats a BIG GAME PITCHER!!!
U put smoltz in that game 5 and i feel we beat houston and go on to the NLCS. But of course bobby went by the books and started hampton and by the 5th inning the game was over!! Damn being a Braves fan is painfull sometimes!

By MBATL

May 25, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

Welcome to the bigs, Joey Devine. The 7th/8th inning, lefty setup role is perfect for him, if he can take the mantle.

The Gonzo injury is why it’s so scary trading good players/prospects for pitching. The risk is just so great that they’ll be gone for long periods, which very seldom happens with position players.

Not saying you should never do it, but big trades for, and big commitments to, pitchers are a risky proposition.

I think the Braves can overcome this - heck, he’s been out quite a bit already - but it hurts.

By Ron Roberts

May 25, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

Yeah, it’s nice having a Mike Gonzalez in the bullpen, but it was above-and-beyond, just getting him. His loss can be negated with Rheal Cormier, with Will Startup, with the return of Macay McBride, all of whom are lefty bullpen arms that could come up and step into his role.

Geez, you doubters just go nutty sometimes… that whole “whoa is me” reaction is going too far, folks. It’s not like we’ve had him for long stretches anyhow, and look where we are. Sheesh.

By Chris

May 25, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

STEP RIGHT UP AND BEAT THE METS! BEAT THE METS! BEAT THE METS!

By MBATL

May 25, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

oops - of course Devine is a righty (why do I always want to make him lefthanded?) … doesn’t matter too much though… he’s got closer stuff if he can harness it.

By Chop Chop

May 25, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

Willy Wally,

Tino and Paulie were steals based on their production with the Yanks and the production of those they were traded for. That’s all I was saying.

By Ron

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

Just got in and went to mlb.com, went to the Braves site and first thing I saw was Gonzalez needs Tommy John Surgery!!! I about threw up in my stomach!!! That is the 3 words that you do not want to here!!! I hope he comes back next June, July, or whenever and dominates again, nothin but the best for Gonzalez!!! But the reality is you never know about Tommy John surgery, could come back and throw harder, and stay healthy, or injured all the time, never staying on the field!!! We might be counting on Lillibridge to be the actual centerpiece for that trade!!! This is the worst news that we could get!!!

By METS! METS! METS!

May 25, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

Just looked it up and Smoltz wan’t even your number 1 starter LAST year. Howis this guy so great if even your own manager thinks he’s second rate. Ha!

By Bob, Journalist

May 25, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

John Smoltz has surpassed Descartes’ posit … he excells therefore he is! We’re all flawed, John included … but, you should add him to your shortlist when counting the good things about the game!

The Gonzalez eblow news is both disappointing and unfortunate but not totally unexpected … his body kept telling him no … but, the doctor said go … he did and it went!

It’s just my uninformed opine but it seems that when it comes to such evaluations, most doctors are ill-equipped and/or inept … it might behoove all involved to at least invite that New York doctor to lunch … and possibly pursue purchase of said machine.

Long term, prevention is generally better than cure … and surely more research into cause and preventative regimens needs effecting.

Pittsburgh is laughing right now … and now we look stupid … what a trite and foolish thing to say.

I would assume that serious consideration was given to such issues before trading for either Gonzalez or Soriano … indeed, the acquisition of both only supports the suggestion that the possibility that one or both might prove to be damaged was duly considered.

Relative to the Gonzalez trade, one would expect that both parties, Pirates and Braves, made informed decisions and neither are laughing over the misfortunes of either player.

I believe that the evaluation of trade appropriateness should be made in terms of reasonable expectation, not outcome … and from my perspective, the only ones looking stupid are those who otherwise so think!

By Ron Roberts

May 25, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Mets Mets Mets…

You lost to our #5 starter this season… twice!

By Chop Chop

May 25, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

METS!, let’s say Pedro and Glavine had both been healthy at the start of this season. You’re saying that whoever’s starting Opening Day is great and the other one is second-rate. Good work.

By Bravos

May 25, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

GONZO IS GONZO It’s definitely troubling news. But our bullpen is more than equipped to handle it. DOB’s stat of batters going 0-25 against Yates in late and close situations shows he can step it up. Soriano’s been lights out all year.

We can surely absord this blow. Especially since McBride’s come back looking a lot better than he has.

The LaRoche trade, while it stinks to see him go, is still a plus for us. If Gonzo comes back next year at full strength and Lillibridge materializes into the player many think he can be, it was still a 2 for 1 deal.

However, I think it goes without saying that JS will probably have to pull the trigger on a trade to solidify some part of the pitching staff. If Cormier comes back healthy and Chuckie and Davies can step it up a bit, our rotation doesn’t actually look half bad.

In any case, 2 out of 3 from the Muts with no Gonzalez, little Chipper, slumping Andruw…all that should prove how strong we are.

By Willy Wally

May 25, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop, you’re right. I am just a longwinded idiot who likes to hear himself speak I guess. Moving on now……

By Bob

May 25, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Guys, we really should ignore Mets Mets Mets. He is dumber than dirt. He ought to be worried about the Fish right now.

By Chop This

May 25, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Dave,

The late Nashville songwriter Dave Kirby (with some help from Glenn Martin) actually wrote “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone.”

I really like the country music kick you’ve been on lately!

By Chop Chop

May 25, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

No problem, Willy Wally. I’m also known to harbor some longwinded idiocy at times. Makes the blogging world go ‘round, I suppose.

By Willy Wally

May 25, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

Fine, I guess we should take the word of a Mets Mets Mets fan if they say someone is the second or third best - it takes one to know one I guess.

By ncscoots

May 25, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, Startup’s numbers at Richmond aren’t exactly frightening. Lefties are hitting him better than righties, 17 hits and 9 walks in about 20 innings. Though he is about a K per inning.

What the heck. I’d still bring him up as a situational lefty. The Redman Experience leaves me cold to the idea of bringing in Rheal Cormier (sorry, eh?), and a trade for a situational lefty (assuming one might be had) is bound to be overpriced. Get the kid.

Gil, give us the read on Startup, will ya?

By Chop Chop

May 25, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Per Charles Odum from the AP:

“The tear was discovered in an MRI exam in New York on Thursday by New York Mets medical director Dr. Dave Altchek, the specialist who has operated twice on the elbow of Braves left-hander Mike Hampton.”

I really like this Mets doctor. I really do. Reminds me of some psycho military doctor in the book “All Quiet On The Western Front” who would get a hold of young soldiers with flat feet and use them as guinea pigs (breaking their feet over and over again to try to “fix” them) until they ended up being permanently disabled.

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

“STEP RIGHT UP AND BEAT THE METS! BEAT THE METS! BEAT THE METS!”

Funny. But allow me to add to it.

STEP RIGHT UP AND BEAT THE METS FANS!

or if you prefer to single “people” (I’m using that word loosely) out, the how ‘bout this one:

STEP RIGHT UP AND BEAT METS! METS! METS!

Either option works for me.

By Efrim

May 25, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

Lineup for tonight:

2B Johnson 3B Prado SS Renteria RF Francouer CF Jones C McCaan LF Diaz 1B Thorman

By Paul Hamilton

May 25, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

With the way Andruw is going, he’ll be lucky to make 15mil a season. He is on pace to strike out almost 200 times this season, and he has twice as many multi strikeout games as he does multi hit games. If your leaving after this year, please go out with a monster second half for the Braves!

By Ron

May 25, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

Gotta agree with Efrim, Gonzalez is a big deal, not sayin we cant win without him, but this is a HUGE deal!!! It aint like we could never see something like this happen, I mean he missed September last year, and we knew he had arm troubles!!! I was not in favor of the trade, but I could understand the move, but like I said earlier, Gonzalez could come back stronger than ever, or he could be out of baseball in 4 years because of injuries, Tommy John Surgery is a big deal no matter what anybody says!!! You never ever know what to expect from Tommy John Surgery!!!!!!Efrim, Dude you have been sayin this does not look good from the start, I just thought you were just being negative, I figured he would be alright, but you were right on!!! Of course I know that you wished you were wrong though!!!

By Bob, Journalist

May 25, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

*David O’B, there are some mighty fine Met fans who frequent our Blog … but some are pieces of work!

You might consider imposing minimum IQ and age requirements for such participation … it’s embarrassing when sincere Braves’ fans engage those proffering such inane tripe. I can understand the temptation … when a fish jumps in the boat, it’s hard to throw it back but still …

When I would so do, Mama would say “you need to get your head examined” … and maybe a psychological examination wouldn’t be a such bad idea for those who continue to so do … that or put them on the DL.

By Willy Wally

May 25, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

“The tear was discovered in an MRI exam in New York on Thursday by New York Mets medical director Dr. Dave Altchek, the specialist who has operated twice on the elbow of Braves left-hander Mike Hampton.”

Does anyone else have a problem with that? The Mets doctor who did such wonders with Hampton is the one who finds something wrong with Gonzo’s arm when no one else could find it….. HOOOOOOOOOOOOW CON … VEN …. IENT!!!

By Bob, Journalist

May 25, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

Bob, I see you beat me to the punch … but, mine was just posted!

By ncscoots

May 25, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

that or put them on the DL.

Bob, I would amend that to “put them down”. Probably the only humane thing to do.

Either that, or return to the heyday of eugenics.

By Chop Chop

May 25, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Enjoy the game. I’m outta here.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

May 25, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist Your 6:38 post was right on the mark.

Sorry I did not reply earlier to questions about my comments concerning Escobar and his attitude.

It is something that is hard to define, perhaps it stems from the environment from hence he came or perhaps just impatience at not being promoted to the Bigs. The word is he is surly and can be quite difficult at times, this translates to being a distraction. Perhaps the demotion of Bryan Pena, who is his best friend, may have a calming effect.

The man is so gifted as a pure player it would be a shame for him to lose an opportunity to play in the majors. Were it not for the fact he is so good, I think the Braves would have traded him already.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 25, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

journalist tried a new bird call today and the results were most pleasing. the ill-mannered birds left and were replaced by congenial birds with much better hygiene and superior grammar and writing skills. better manners, too. and now, in response to journalist bob … many of these ill-mannered bloggers will disappear as parole officers find them here and there.

By Ron

May 25, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

WillyWally, Does seem a little bit odd, but whatever I guess!!!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

May 25, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

On the Will Startup question, I will give you something as soon as I can. However, I think there are some good young arms in the Braves system.

A real shame about Gonzalez. Man, he is going to be really awesome when his arm is healthy when you look at what he has done with a wounded elbow.

Too bad they did not have that MRI available when Mark Wohlers’ arm went south. Could have saved everyone a lot of heartache.

By Ron

May 25, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

SHAUN, Did you see the top of the First inning? That is what Small Ball consists of!!! Sometimes we look pathedic at doing that once we have a runner on second with 0 outs!!! Get them on, get em over, and get em in!!!

By John B.

May 25, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

cleanup: If you’re talking about Endy Chavez, even he didn’t come from the Mets O. He came out of the Expos farm awhile back.

By Meanie

May 25, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Wow, Prado smoked that- bad luck. Still I’d like to see them DL Chipper to give us our first look at Yunel…

By Bibble

May 25, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

My hand is raised. The move back to the rotation got Smoltz to 200 wins and probably into Cooperstown when you throw in his three + seasons as one of the leagues’ dominant closers.

By eric the elder

May 25, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

Bob, journalist, you seem a little grumpy this evening about the intruders. These Metsies are lonely people. Very, very lonely. They come here to get attention, and we play into their hands by giving it to them.

Build it and they will come. Ignore it and they will go away.

By Bob, Journalist

May 25, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Scoots, were you talking about WWII?

By A-ville Ranger

May 25, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Man awfully bad and quite terrible news on Gonzo.How good is the Soriano pickup looking now ? Moyer looks good for a seventy year old doesn’t he ?…….really..he’s only fourty four ?…I could swear he pitched for the Dodgers (Brooklin)..never mind.

By ncscoots

May 25, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Bob, further back than that, but, on second glance, that was probably a bad joke on my part. That’s probably too much even for the putrid posters of which we originally spoke.

By Bob, Journalist

May 25, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

Thanks Gil! Perhaps it’s just choir preaching but sometimes things need to be said.

Tim doesn’t sound too sharp … how does he look?

Speaking of Parole Officer’s, mine just called me to supper!

Later …

By Ron

May 25, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

Great job of small ball there also for the Braves!!!! Small ball is valuable especially in the NL!!!! You dig SHAUN!!!!!!!!!

By A-ville Ranger

May 25, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Bibble I think 350 saves and 160 wins would have got him in as well.I’m fine with the way things are turning out but having Smoltz in the pen last year would’ve been at least as valuable to the team as him starting.This year is the first season where his value is clearly greater as a starter.

By Cecil, The Parole Officer

May 25, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

I am a parole officer, which fellas on here are y’all concerned about?

The Grinch reports in regularly and somehow passes all of his urine screens. So he is not a concern.

Ya notice No Chop has been quiet today, right? Yeah, I revoked his parole last night.

Joebrave and caveman22, I’m keeping a close eye on the two of you - behave yourselves.

I like Grinch so someone please tell him that my supervisor wants me to hit him with a Breathalyzer tomorrow morning - don’t want to see the mean one go back to Folsom.

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Don’t look now, but Hudson has given up 9 ER in 7 IP, with 0 Strike Outs.

It appears as though the sinker isn’t sinking as much as it was earlier in the year, or batters are laying off of it.

By A-ville Ranger

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

Two starts back I couldn’t see a difference in the delivery on any of Hudson’s pitches.Tonight while he’s not all over the place,I can see differences in his release point.

By parks

May 25, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

maybe we should cancel the season N8

By A-ville Ranger

May 25, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

N8 This time you’re not being too pessimistic,Hudson’s release point on that last pitch to Howard was way off.If he slips back into mediocrity this season is all but over.

By joebrave

May 25, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

You be careful Cecil or I’ll call SJA on your @ss,I believe he used to have pukes like you for lunch,Besides,I got my walking papers you sumbitch!!!

By BravesScout

May 25, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Bye Bye Bobby…2 away from the record I believe!

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

“maybe we should cancel the season N8”

If you actually have the power to do that, why don’t you just “postpone” it until Gonzalez and Hampton come back next season.

At what point of my comment did I suggest gloom and doom? Just doing nothing more than pointing out that up to that point in the game, combined with his previous start, his ERA is up over 9 and he SURELY hasn’t looked like he did earlier in the season, to those of us NOT wearing rose colored glasses.

Maybe it’s time for an eye exam for you. It appears as though your perscription for the above mentioned glasses, has run it’s course.

(sigh)……if only Bobby got in his player’s faces the same way he does with the umps.

DOB, what were you saying about Renteria being so mild mannered? LOL!

By Meanie

May 25, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

Here we go with the Chicken Little bit…

Hudson is fine. You don’t mind the pitcher getting a hit - you usually dare him to hit it and sometimes he does. Rollins spoiled several great pitches to get his double, the second run scored on a chopper, and the third was a gift from the ump (what a HORRIBLE call by the way, clearly out even at live speed).

On a side note, has anyone seen Scott Thorman and Woody Harrelson in the same place?

The home plate ump sucks too, though Edgar’s behavior was indefensible…

By mr baseball

May 25, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

The news on Gonzalez stinks, but given the performances of Soriano, Wickman, Yates & Moylan, the Braves don’t need to make any bullpen related moves. With the Phillies and all their lefty hitters in town, we should see a lot of McBride this weekend, with RCormier on standby at Richmond.

The 2 main concerns right now are the #5 starter and the bench. The starter question is on hold until LCormier returns. One name to keep in mind is Joe Kennedy of the A’s. A decent back of the rotation option who may be expendable if the A’s ever get their injured starters back. Don’t need to be considering Harden. Way too injury prone.

Our genius GM, who graced us with the likes of Redman, Wilson, Woodward, Gonzalez and the yet to be seen Sturtze this season, needs to think about bringing someone in to fill what was supposed to be Wilson’s role. Not sure how highly the DRays value Ty Wigginton, but he is of litte use to a lousy team with a lot of young talent.

He would give the Braves a RH hitting 1B to spell Thorman, a decent bat to replace Chipper during the inevitable times he is sidelined, can also play 2B, and on the nights he doesn’t start, provides a veteran bat off the bench.

It always amuses me to watch Cox try to re-shape his batting order on the nights a key player is out. Why is Prado hitting 2nd? Of the 8 players in the lineup tonight, he is the weakest offensive player. If he wants to hit Edgar 3rd, OK, but why not Diaz 2nd & Prado 7th. Diaz doesn’t walk, but so far, Prado shows no indication that he can hit. If the Braves get within a run and KJ gets on base, all you guys clamoring to see a bunt(Coach most of all) may get your wish. Bet ya’ll can’t wait.

Finally, how long is Salty going to sit on the bench 5-6 days a week?

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

(sigh)

Saw that double play coming before Andruw took his first swing of the AB.

Oh, ooops. I didn’t mean to pick on poor Andruw. I surely wouldn’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings, when sarcastically commenting on the greatest player to every breath the air at a MLB ballpark.

My Bad.

Atta Boy Andruw! Nice try. You’ll get em’ “next time”.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

By eric the elder

May 25, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

If it’s Leo the Lip, how about Bobby the Bucca? (As everyone knows, “bucca” is Latin for mouth.)

By JasonInMaine

May 25, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

How can we not hit this guy?

By Cecil, The Parole Officer

May 25, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

That’s it, joebrave, you’re coming with me, take a toothbrush. The Pardons and Parole Board won’t accept SJA anymore in the prison system. He’s too evil even for prison.

By A-ville Ranger

May 25, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

Mr baseball If all you worry about in this rotation is the five spot,you must see something I don’t.Make that two things,like three and four.Truth is Smoltz is the only starter I have complete confidence in.

By ernesto

May 25, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Jason - agree - how are we not wearing this Redman Redo out?

By parks

May 25, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

Rose colored glasses? C’mon man.

 I' m really not going to argue with you but Hudson is fine. Rollins is the only person that has got solid base hits. Nothing to worry about at this point. The man is top 5 in era in the NL and you are ready to say he is going to blow up. Relax man, it's ok

By Coming Soon To A Trailer Park Near You

May 25, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

H8 to say I told you so, but here it is the start of June Swoon 2…next up Mets pull out a victory tonight over the fish starting a 12 game winning streak.

See ya.

By Meanie

May 25, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Joebrave I wouldn’t give Cecil a toothbrush then let him handcuff me. That “sumbitch” could be one of the Village People. You might not like what he’d do with that toothbrush…

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

Meanie

You know I would NEVER argue with you. :-)

I totally agree with you. The “numbers” are sometimes skewed by results that go beyond the pitcher’s control. Especially when it comes to bad calls by the umps, and or plain old “good AB’s” like the Rollins AB you described.

However…. (you HAD to know that was coming)…

I realize that the strikeout isn’t Hudson’s “game”. That being said, he had 31 of them in his first 5 starts. He also had 11 BB’s. While giving up ONLY 25 hits, and 5 ER’s in 37 IP.

Since then, he has only 12 K’s and allowed only 4 BB’s, 38 hits, 17 ER’s in 38 IP.

First five starts: 1.21 ERA

Last six starts: 4.02 ERA

Certainly “acceptable”.

But I was merely pointing out that he doesn’t “look” as good as he did during the first stretch of the season. I’m not just talking about the ERA. Like I said before, I get that the strikeouts are NOT his game. But judging by the bigger ammount of K’s and BB’s, with less hits during those first 5 starts, I’m just saying, my best guess is that he doesn’t have as much movement on his pitches or the batters are picking it up better.

PERIOD. Nothing more. Nothing less.

I NEVER said: “Don’t look now! Hudson’s gonna suck again.”

But just for you, I’ll add this at the end of this post:

THE SKY IS FALLING, THE SKY IS FALLING, THE SKY IS FALLING!!!

:-)

By Ron

May 25, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

The 1st Base ump cost us a run earlier in the game when Vicorino was clearly out at first, that cost us an extra run, and the Home plate ump has been screwing us all night!!! N8, keep em comin, I love how you comment!!! That 8:52 post was freakin hillarious!!! You are sometimes a little negative, but HELL who is not if you are a Braves fan!!! As a Braves fan we have seen it all, and most have left us with BAD memories!!! Your earlier post about Hudson was not negative, just sayin the truth!!! I think he will get it together, just having a little slump, maybe!!!

By parks

May 25, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Well N8, lets try this again. Hudson is in the top 5 in ERA and you are ready to proclaim this he is going to have a meltdown. Guess what, people can not think this worst and not be looking through rose colored glasses. Is their a better 1-2 punch that I would rather have right now than Smoltz and Huddy? the answer is NO

By Meanie

May 25, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Thanks N8…

I was actually referring to the @ss ranger’s 8:34…

You do like to b*** though…

By ernesto

May 25, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

Huddy, get the freakin’ pticher out will ya?

By Ron

May 25, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Another lefty that we are having problems with, and Moyer has an awful win Percentage Against us, actualy on faced these Braves twice, but still did not do good against us!!! I guess all lefty’s are gonna give us trouble this year!!!

By Overlord

May 25, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Mutts r winning, we better wake up……..and we better win this series or our only problem wont be the mutts.

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Thank you Ron.

Some people just wanna think the world is perfect.

Parks

*”Hudson is in the top 5 in ERA and you are ready to proclaim this he is going to have a meltdown.”

You STILL don’t get it. AT NO POINT have I stated that he’s “going to have a meltdown”. Just posting the numbers, dude. They don’t lie. If you feel the need to b!tch at somebody about Tim Hudson’s numbers the last 6 starts, why not direct it at him.

I’m just the messenger. Sometimes messengers are bearers of bad news.

Let me guess, you’re the guy that walks up and punches the lady at the airport desk, when she announces that the flight is gonna be delayed, right?

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

“You do like to b* though…”

Sure I do. I don’t deny that.

I just call it like I see it. If that bothers some people, I get it.

I’m neither a glass half full or glass half empty kinda guy. I’m a: “hmmm, this cup is neither full nor empty. As soon as I drink the rest of it, I’m gonna half to fill it back up.” Kinda guy.

Half full, half empty? Same ammount the way I see it. If it’s pouring rain outside, I’m not gonna yell back into the house “Hey everybody, it’s beautiful out, no need for an umbrella!”, if I’m the first one out the door.

I’m NEVER gonna appologize for “calling it like I see it”. I will however occasionally appologize for babbling on, and on…..which I feel like I’m doing right now.

By Overlord

May 25, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

does any team has more people injury every week than we do? for gods sake……there must be something wrong with drinking water in hotlanta

By parks

May 25, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

N8, you claiming I would be the guy punching the lady at the airport desk is the funniest thing I have heard in a long time.

N8, even with your constant negativity, you are a asset to the blog.

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Another rally (even if it was aided by Howard’s bad throw), killed by Andruw.

He’s amazing. Man, if he EVER cools down, we’re DEAD MEAT. Lock this guy up, we absolutely cannot survive without his bat in the lineup.

By A-ville Ranger

May 25, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

WHOOOOO!!!! RAAAA!!!It’s good to be lucky sometimes.

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

“N8, you claiming I would be the guy punching the lady at the airport desk is the funniest thing I have heard in a long time.”

I’ll assum by that comment, your flipping it around on me that I would be the one punching her.

Not the case. I’m not violent, just angry.

I’m the guy that would sit back down in my chair and complain to EVERYBODY sitting around me, rather than go punch the lady at the desk.

By A-ville Ranger

May 25, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

Every mistake I’ve seen Hudson make lately has been caused by releasing short or high.That ear buzzer is a good example.

By Meanie

May 25, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Yeah those sac bunts are worthless. Putting the ball in play for a groundout is no better than a K. Right, Shaun?

By berigan

May 25, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Uhmmm, that there was a strike!

By ncscoots

May 25, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

nathan, I’ll you this, there’s a many of those airline babes I’ve FELT like deckin’ on occasion!

You, on the other hand, are sometimes like the interesting travel companion who moans because his carry-on had to be stowed two seats back and his ears are popping, LOL!

And before anybody gets crazy, nathan knows I’m just breaking his, well, you know.

By Dave

May 25, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

RE: AJC Smoltz trivia. Dennis E. did not have 200 wins he had only 197. bad Question.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 25, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

how many of us have had a shot in the thumbs? can some blogger here please explain the shot in the thumbs procedure? perhaps dob can assist with this inquiry? and who gives chipper these thumb shots? chico cadahia, eddie, snitker? or are these shots administered by the trainer? and would not a shot to the thumb make the thumb sore? hello! and the bases are loaded and bobby cox is nowhere to be found. what will happen now?

By Bob, Journalist

May 25, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Scoots, I’m a bit surprised … conclusion jumping is not your style … but it’s my humor rather than yours that should come into question, for I concur.

Besides, I thought you were just saying something nice about Eugene Talmadge.

Elder Cato … but not that it’s built, do we have to feed them too?

Magnus Bucca Bobby, I like it!

What set Edgar off?

By berigan

May 25, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

Not to sound like a whiney mets fan(Too late!) but that stike on the outside corner to Rowland that wasn’t called scruwed us!!!

By A-ville Ranger

May 25, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

Man that one hurts!think I’ll go out for awhile.Say what you will, Hudson is a gnat’s hair off now and that is the difference in giving up two and giving up five.

By mr baseball

May 25, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

A’ville Ranger: short of trading Salty, there’s nothing the Braves can do about improving the 3 & 4 spots in the rotation. Contrary to the borderline delusional denizens here who think we can trade a few prospects and/or backups for Harang, Willis, Burnett, etc., the Braves are stuck with James & Davies at 3 & 4, which is not nearly as bad a sitation as most here think.

I don’t know what sport fans on this blog follow, but almost all young pitchers go through stretches of ineffectiveness like James is experiencing now and Davies has previously. We all got spoiled from the days of Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Millwood, etc. To expect guys like James & Davies to give you a consistent 6-7 innings every start with 3 runs or less is fantasy thinking, but there are a lot of folks here who actually believe it’s realistic.

They’re both going to be quality starters, but a little patience is needed. Unfortunately, that’s a trait rarely encountered here.

When Andruw starts hitting to his standards again, which he eventually will, he would not be out of line to direct a few “Kiss my a$$” comments in this blog’s direction. A few weeks ago he got 3 late inning game winning hits in the span of 5 or 6 days. He may get another one tonight. But that won’t stop the griping.

Even with Cox ejected, the same managerial mistakes keep occurring. How many times is it this season that the starter has been left in one batter too long? Add one more to the list. Given the state of the Phillies’ bullpen, there’s still hope.

By Dave

May 25, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

AJC Smoltz Trivia Question 2 Dennis E. did not have 200 wins in career but only 197.

By Dave

May 25, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

AJC Smoltz Trivia Question 2 Dennis E. did not have 200 wins in career but only 197.

By Dave

May 25, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

AJC Smoltz Trivia Question 2 Dennis E. did not have 200 wins in career but only 197.

By Overlord

May 25, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

im sicktired of the way these guys manage games. Please BC tell me why do u keep hudson in there with tie game and 120 pitches to one of the best offensive teams in this league?, is not like they r not going to score…… it is a MLB team, its called the phillies….. now we r down, and BC does not deserves to win this game…….then yates comes in and does what he could have done before we were already losing the game…….nice work bobby cox.

By Meanie

May 25, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Why does Joe Simpson know more about defensive positioning than the coaches do?

By JasonInMaine

May 25, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Why was hudson still in the game? Awful decision…this team can’t hit either. What the heck!!!

By Overlord

May 25, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

marlins have deflated, not good

By Assumed Name

May 25, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

So if they Braves don’t recover from going down two more runs, you can chalk up another game to staying with the starter too long trying to get him the Win to add to his numbers.

Hudson has been in trouble numerous times tonight. How do you leave him in with the bases loaded again?!

By Bob, Journalist

May 25, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Appologies Cato … now, not not

Scoots … hopefully you can understand my confusion and the WWII time reference … since that was when Gene was in his glory … ceptin’ when FDR tried to make him Senator.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 25, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

perhaps bloggers have heard the song of the tufted t**-mouse, this is usually described as a whistled peter-peter-peter. they make a variety of different sounds, most having a similar tone quality. what disturbs this journalist is that a lovely little bird like this cannot have its name published on this blog. much like the van d** beard, the t**-mouse is destined for ajc.com blog obscurity. now, hudson pitched to one batter too many. can these braves come back? tonight, a 3-run homer can win the game! oh, the humanity! chipper is on deck!

By JasonInMaine

May 25, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Mets just scored 5 in the 9th…bad night all the way around. This sure is one frustrating team. If hudson continues to pitch like he has been and we continue to suck offensively, it is going to be a long summer

By Overlord

May 25, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

sorry for the last comment……… cox is not in the game so i suppose is rogers fault……anyway, i think bobby would have done the same, maybe he called roger to his cell phone.

By DEBravesFan

May 25, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

We’ve got a shot with the weakened Phils bullpen.

Has the umpiring been as bad as it sounds on the radio?

By berigan

May 25, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Does anyone realise how very old Jamie Moyer is? He played with Ron Cey, Gary Matthews SR, Davey Lopes, Jerry Mumphrey , and Jim Sundberg…..Really old! And people laughed at the Phillies trading for him last year. He has pitched more innings than Chuck James this year!!!!

Good news though, is the Phillies have no bullpen, so we really should come back against them….

By Overlord

May 25, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

im not watching the game…. was that ball that thorman didnt catch was not supposed to be cought? or was it not cought because of our 1b inexperience? just asking?

By A-ville Ranger

May 25, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Mr Baseball I don’t really disagree about what we should expect from James and Davies.That doesn’t change the situation though.I just don’t see how we make the post season if the 3 and 4 spots average between 4.5 to 5.0 over 9, which is probably realistic.I think we’re stuck with needing a more optimistic result of say 3.5 to 4.0 even if Hudson regains form.

By KC

May 25, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

I think 2 lousy Tim Hudson starts in a row is likely to hurt every bit as much as the loss of Mike Gonzalez. As great as Gonzo is… if Wickman and Soriano remain healthy, and we keep getting the kind of work from Moylan and Yates that we’ve been getting… the bullpen will be just fine.

We’ll need another lefty, but beyond that, this bullpen wants for nothing (again, so long as our remaing BIG 2 stay healthy).

By journalist jimmy smith

May 25, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

journalist is reminded of a story involving grinch who attended a party this past weekend.

after checking out all the well-dressed guests at the party, grinch spotted an attractive woman (standing alone) across the room. when grinch approached and asked her name, She coyly replied… “carmen.”

trying to maintain some sort of conversation with her, grinch responded with “that’s a beautiful name, is it a family name?”

“no,” she replied. “i gave it to myself, because it reflects the things i like most in the world - cars and men.”

then she asked grinch, “what’s your name?”

beertits,” grinch replied. but the ajc.com blog censors ruined the joke thinking someone was going to name a little songbird.

now, 3-run homer time.

By DEBravesFan

May 25, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

ESPN’s page two had a really funny farcical story about Moyer pitching until 2065 a few weeks ago.

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

To all the rose colored glasses wearers, for the record, Hudson’s numbers the last two starts:

11.33 IP, 18 H, 11 ER, 5 BB’s and 3 K’s for an ERA of 8.73

I’ll give him one more start before I say “uh oh” for real. One bad start is a bump in the road. Two bad starts sounds the alarm. Three in a row is a trend, no matter what any of you say.

By berigan

May 25, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

YOu know, maybe Jason Starks is on to something with Andruw…….

By journalist jimmy smith

May 25, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

two 3-run homers. make that two 3-run homers.

By JasonInMaine

May 25, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

We are going to get swept…u sure as heck know we won’t win on sunday against a lefty let alone a good one

By eric the elder

May 25, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Having to face lefties Victorino, Utley, and Howard in the 8th is exactly why we will miss Gonzo.

By mr baseball

May 25, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

All the lefty hitters coming up and no McBride. Why is he on the team if he’s not going to be used in this situation? No matter where Cox is, dumb decisions like the ones regarding the bullpen tonight are made far too frequently for an allegedly Hall of Fame manager. Face it it, folks, Cox may be a wonderful leader of men, but when it comes to making sound strategic decisions, he’s second rate at best.

By berigan

May 25, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Overlord, LaRoche might have gotten to the ball Thorman didn’t get(Made a great catch next inning) it does seem like Thorman just misses a lot of balls, but he really tries all the time, so can’t really fault him.

N8, if they had taken Hudson out, or if the blind ump could see(He made some bad calls against Moyer the next inning, one right down the middle) it would have been 6 2/3 tonight with only 3 earned….coulda, woulda, shoulda….

By A-ville Ranger

May 25, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

N8 When you’re right,well that ain’t good is it ? This team’s prospects are considerably dimmer tonight with Gonzo gone and Hudson (sorry guys) a concern.

By Overlord

May 25, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

guess Gonzos trip to the DL is already making impact on our team. One more thing…..dont trade AJ, at least he stays healthy. Please get rid of woodward and call up yunel.
Right now i wouldnt count on this team to come up even against a Class A bullpen.

By berigan

May 25, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

JJS, a 5 run homer would do the job as well….

By eric the elder

May 25, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

Story of the game: Our infield grounders went to their 1st and 2nd basemen. Their infield grounders went to Francoeur.

By Assumed Name

May 25, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Overlord

He could have made the play but it would have been a great play. It was a hard shot, wasn’t an automatic out that’s for sure.

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

As much as a a player has the right to stick up for himself, how come nobody is blaming Renteria for gettin his a$$ tossed in a game against a lefty, when Chipper is already out of the lineup?

I’m sure his anger got the best of him, but he surely didn’t do us any favors, by getting tossed so quickly without giving Bobby a chance to come out and take the heat for him.

Just a thought.

By parks

May 25, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

It’s over!! Hudson is done! Why even play the rest of the season? two so called bad outings? You have got to be kidding me! Yes N8, that was a shot at you. But wait, your just stating the facts right? If Hudson looks great against the Brew Crew you just pointed out the obvious right?

By ATLFAN

May 25, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Tim Hudson S**KS, Always has , Always will!!

The Braves were sold a bill of goods with that deal!!

The first couple of games, he was just foolong everyone!! This is the Tim Hudson of the last few years!!!!

By Overlord

May 25, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

how about that weak phillies bullpen……10 pitches = 3 outs. amaizing!!!!!!!

By berigan

May 25, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

By eric the elder

May 25, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Having to face lefties Victorino, Utley, and Howard in the 8th is exactly why we will miss Gonzo.

very good point!

By Stuart

May 25, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

This is going to be a maddening summer. It seems like when I feel good about this team, they go and lay a stink bomb like they have tonight, then I feel really bad and they play a great game. I don’t know what to think.

I think we have to find another starter and another bat. Why salty aint playing first by now is beyond me. BTW, for the love of everything good and holy, someone water the front of the plate PLEASE.

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

For the record, whoever it was that stated that Tim Hudson was STILL in the top 5 in ERA.

Not no more.

After tonight, his ERA is up to 2.79 which puts him at 14th in the NL, depending on what the othe pitchers in the NL did tonight.

Again, just relaying the numbers. Don’t yell at me.

By A-ville Ranger

May 25, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

If you watch this game and come away thinking the offense is the problem.Don’t give up the day job.

By Overlord

May 25, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

There goes the game we worked so hard to gain on the mutts last 3 days…. I really do think the most difficult thing this team has not learned to overcome…..EVER…… is watching chipper on the bench. His presence means too much, i would have to say little less than Smoltz presence and little more than edgars. Things will only get better if chipper gets healthy and i mean really healthy, not like it has been this year.

By Ron

May 25, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

mrbaseball, Dude yeah we gotta trade OUR BEST PROSPECT for a #4 Starter, what are you talkin about dude!!! We can definitaly trade for a #4 Starter without giving up Salty. Probably a player that we have never heard of!!! But for some reason we got a good closer last year for a guy I have never heard of!!! We can do the same this year, for some reason some people on here thinks that we have to give up our best prospects for descent Starters, dont know where you people get those ideas from!!!

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

berigan

If Andruw was worth 1/3 of his 2007 salary, he might be worth a damn.

If “if’s and but’s” were candy and nuts….

By Assumed Name

May 25, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

This offense is really suspect. Everyone hits or no one hits. Unfortunately, no one hits more than everyone hits.

The pitching staff is not going to be automatic this year. Hudson hasn’t been sharp the last few starts and you can’t expect him to be lights out every time. Chuck James is questionable every time out. Davies is throwing better but who knows how long that will last.

Pitchers usually pitch better with a few runs behind them. Unfortunately with the exception of one game in Boston and 8 against the Mets the other night, this team gives their pitchers “few” runs.

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Prediction:

Braves 2007 record vs NY Mets: 13-5

Games back Braves will be from Mets in the NL East at the end of September: *14

Here’s the kicker….The Phillies will finish 7 games back of the Mets to win the NL Wild Card.

Mark it down people! You heard it here first.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 25, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Well, that was ugly…… Braves looked very flat tonight. Oh well, back at it tomorrow.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 25, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! a little bird is censored and a vulgar name makes it through! journalist apologizes to walter if walter is blogging tonight. journalist normally does not deal in such matters but was sure the censor that would not let the little t**-mouse sing here would never permit such a name to appear on the blog. now, cheese … some bad cheese has made its way to the market and all journalists are asked to be wary of cheese that moves on the cracker. good cheese should remain still on the cracker at all times. moving cheese is like passing cheese - best to be avoided in polite company. now, another loss … sad. moyer has out-pitched hudson tonight. and was bobby out-managed again? would that be several times this season? hmmm….

By Overlord

May 25, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

This is gonna get ugly if we dont win this series…….it is a MUST since the ride is just beggining and i mean…. more bosox, mutts, indians, tigers and twins……. if we dont make an statement next 2 games, ill have to say we will be playing for the wild card and remember the phillies r right behind us and the padres have a good record and a good team.

By A-ville Ranger

May 25, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Parks If you’re not a little worried about Hudson after tonight,you’re not paying attention.There is no way a team as thin as this one in the rotation can afford to have the #2 having back to back really bad starts like this.It’s not the end of the world just maybe a shot at the post season if he doesn’t pull his game together soon.

By Coach

May 25, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

The pitching will be fine , go have a beer on me and chill already. The real culprit is the offense or the lack of it. The Braves were averaging better than five runs a game coming into May and this month they have averaged 3.92 , thats more than a run less per game , which is a big drop. Chipper’s unavailability and Andruw’s anemic bat are killing the offense. Couple that with the unwillingness of Cox to try and manufacture runs , the lefties that are beating us on a regular basis and it all adds up to one hell of a headache.

By N888

May 25, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

oh my god.

oh my god.

oh my god.

i am going to rip my hair out.

i love the braves but i hate hudson, hate langerhans, hate bobby, hate chipper, not too fond of smoltz, hate Ted Turner Field, hate the tomahawk chop. andruw jones is a tub of goo. frenchy is overrated. mccann ain’t all that. cut the whole entire freaking team and bring up the minor leaguers.

oh my god.

i hate everyone and everything

the world is going to hell in a handbasket

i am secretly a Mets fan

i hate atlanta.

i hate the blog.

i hate myself.

tim hudson sux. tim hudson sux. blah, blah, blah, blather, blather, blather. you all said he was in the top 5 in ERA. not anymore. Ha-Ha! Told you so - nevermind that i am not allowed to say told you so because i predict glood and doom for everything and everyone so i have a pretty decent chance of being right every once in a while.

N8 is filled with more gloom and doom than the Book of Revelations.

I am more depressing than Winnie the Pooh’s donkey friend

By KC

May 25, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

RIGHT ON QUEUE!!!!!!

I just posted something a few minutes ago saying that as long as Moylan and Yates continue their great work, we won’t feel the loss on Gonzo so much. Just like that, that due give up 3 runs. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Assumed Name

“This offense is really suspect. Everyone hits or no one hits.”

It’s called Hack n Jack. If you play for the 3 Run HR, and it never shows up, you don’t score any runs. If you play for a run here or a run there, you more than likely will score some. Welcome to Bobby Ball. 17 years running….

“Hudson hasn’t been sharp the last few starts and you can’t expect him to be lights out every time.”

Are you kidding me???? We traded for him to be the new “Ace”. Things were so bad, we had to take our dominating closer out of his roll and make HIM the Ace again. Two years later Hudson still isn’t CLOSE to being the Ace. He isn’t a stopper. Smoltz is.

Unfortunately for us, Smoltz pitched last night. Any wagers on whether tonight will is the beginning of a 4 game losing streak that Smoltz will END his next time out?

If you don’t expect Hudson to be good/great everytime out, you’ve set your standard for our #2 WAY TOO LOW.

I don’t expect Hudson to give up 2 or less runs every time out like he did through April. I do, however, expect him to NOT give up 11 runs over two starts at ANY point of the season.

By Ron

May 25, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

I am so tired of some of yall not being concerned over the LOSS of Gonzalez, you act like he was not that good!!! All we gave up for him was a Cheap Young First Baseman, that made a little more than Wilson, and Redman, and their not even on the team!!! Yeah sure we are in a great situation with this team!!! Its not OK we dont have a lefty good enough to come in and get guys out!!! Oh yeah and the people sayin If Soriano and Wickman stay healthy!!! Well I am sure Soriano will go on the DL at least once this year!!!

By Overlord

May 25, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

I dont know how we looked on tv, but over the radio it sounded very very ugly. An d i have to hate the fact that the mutts were close to losing and suddenly the explode. Thats what championship teams do, not implode as we did. Hope chipper comes back soon

By Robert

May 25, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

Well shoot. After four innings, I thought we were in great shape

By Assumed Name

May 25, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

I’m not predicting the downfall of this team, but the trend is disturbing. They get up for the Mets but lose 3-4 to that Nats. They don’t hit Moyer after he’s been lit up the last few times out.

During most of the 14 year run, the one thing the Braves did was to handle the inferior teams they played. They handled them in a BIG way. One year, they even swept a season series from the Rockies when the Rockies really stunk. That was in the days of the balanced schedule when they played them about a dozen times. This team hasn’t done that the last couple of years. Thats why the Mets will be successful. They will pound the inferior opposition.

I will make one prediction. Cole Hamels will stick it to the Braves Sunday. All he will have to do is throw his hat out on the mound and beat the Braves. It’s just like Oliver Perez. The Braves have certain pitchers that when they hear their name, their blood runs cold and they may as well be holding brooms in their hands as bats.

By Coach

May 25, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

Run support in April per nine innings: 5.36 , run support after tonights game during May : 4.08…….. a differential of 1.28 , YIKES !

By parks

May 25, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

Its Over!!!!, What are we to do? love the comedy on this blog.

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

N888

Your “close”, so let me clarify.

“i love the braves” Why YES, I do

“but i hate hudson” Nope. Never once have I said that.

“…hate langerhans” Nope, in fact, I was all for giving the LF job to him ALL off-season, with thoughts of him replacing Andruw in 2008. I guess that didn’t work out, huh?

“hate bobby” Nope again. I think he does a good job with the young kids, and keeps the clubhouse on and even state of mind. But have NEVER liked his strategy, nor how long he leaves his starters in.

“hate chipper” Nope. All off-season, I stated my concerns for him NOT being able to stay healthy. Hmmm. Looks like I was right, huh? In fact about a week ago, I stated that when he IS healthy, he’s arguably still one of the 5 best hitters in MLB.

“not too fond of smoltz” Now your just being silly.

“hate Ted Turner Field” It’s a baseball field, what’s NOT to like?

“hate the tomahawk chop” Now that one is kind of ironic. Just tonight I was thinking to myself, how lame it has become. Good call.

“andruw jones is a tub of goo” I would never say something so silly. He’s just severly overpaid, and holding this lineup down, whether he’s hitting in the 4 hole or the 6 hole.

“frenchy is overrated” I’ve NEVER come close to saying or blogging that. Last year he looked in over his head. Ironically it was him, not Andgoo (It’s growing on me), that showed up this year ready to LEARN how to hit from TP.

“mccann ain’t all that” Nope again. However, I have said recently, that after seeing Salty’s arm, and having seen McCann’s for two years, that I think Salty is the better option for the future at catcher, while McCann’s ability to hit is SO important that he shouldn’t be allowed to ruin his knees at the catcher position.

“cut the whole entire freaking team and bring up the minor leaguers.”

Now you’re just exxagerating. By my count, only about 10-12 players on the roster don’t belong on our 25 man roster. Some of them don’t belong on a AAA roster.

So sorry, you’ve gotten your fantasy land confused with my realism. Some day you’ll get it.

By A-ville Ranger

May 25, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

Gil The team wasn’t flat tonight,the pitching sucked.Overlord We can afford to lose a series,we can’t afford to have Hudson fall apart.I guaranty you the coaches understand this isn’t about losing one game.If we’d lost 2 to 1 BC wouldn’t give it a thought.Hitting is streaky by nature.Defense and pitching should be fairly consistent.If this was Smoltz having a bad patch it wouldn’t be a big deal as long as his arm was ok.This isn’t Smoltz however and I am worried.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 25, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

it was said after the game that chipper was on deck as a uh, decoy. apparently, chico cadahia told chipper to go out to the on-deck circle and be a decoy. that is why chipper was found squatting on-deck like a wooden duck. chipper had the concept right but was lacking in execution. still, this team could have come back tonight had not the pitchers given up more runs than could be redeemed with one 3-run homer. and was that small-ball run by accident? will this team remember how to score a small-ball run in the future? and what did roger mcdowell say to tim hudson on mcdowell’s visit to the mound? and what cupcake is the official cupcake of the atlanta braves? not many people know the answer to this one.

By Assumed Name

May 25, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

N8

Hudson was not sharp. But do you think if the Braves had put 5 runs on the board instead of scoring one run and being given 2….that Hudson would have been out there in the seventh? That’s my complaint. He wasn’t sharp, but kept them in the game. He had no business staying in the game when he got in trouble AGAIN in the seventh. If the Braves were up 5-3 and Yates comes in before it got as far as it did, then you got Soriano in the 8th, Wickman in the ninth….and we’re all talking about what a gutsy performance from Hudson to keep them in the game and taking a 5-3 win.

Moyer was meat, the Braves made him look like Cy Young.

And N8….when you find that number 2 starter that is going to give you 7 or 8 innings of 2 runs or less every outing, then there are about 30 major league teams that are gonna pay you a big finders fee to tell them where he is.

By Coach

May 25, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

Thirty-six home runs in April , seventeen so far in May. Ok , who forgot to pay the power bill ?

By Ron

May 25, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

For those hoping we can take 2 of 3 from the Phillies guess what folks? Another Lefty Sunday, YAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!! Oh yeah and it is actually a good Lefty not a bad one!!! Just Gotta Love how some of you guys keep sayin we will be alright without Gonzalez, JUST GOTTA LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!

By parks

May 25, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this

Wonder why you are always defending yourself N8?

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

Assumed Name

“During most of the 14 year run, the one thing the Braves did was to handle the inferior teams they played. They handled them in a BIG way. One year, they even swept a season series from the Rockies when the Rockies really stunk.”

Couldn’t agree more. In fact I stated the same exact thing during the last Nats series. It is EXACTLY why this team won’t win the division, and might not win the wild card.

Then when we look at all the teams in the NL playoffs, that we beat all year (because we haven’t just beat the Mets. We’ve beat the Dodgers, the Padres, hell, we’ll probably handle the Brewers, only to go get swept by the Cubs), all the “homers” will say:

“Well dang, aw shucks! Looky here! It seems as though we man-handled ALL of the playoff teams. We could’ve beaten all of them and got to the world series”

Gotta some how get to the dance, before you can put on your dancing shoes.

Anyhow….well said. You’re right on. Of course, you might not take much comfort in knowing that Debbie Downer agrees with you. :-)

By Ron

May 25, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

N8, agree with your 10:50 Post, But people like SHAUN never grasps that concept about the 3-run Homer, or no runs!!!

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 25, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

joebrave—the jjs craves attention…pay no attention to jjs…he is a little stature-challenged, envious $hitbuzzard!…he is irrelevant, insignificant, and ineffective as far as this blog is concerned…his comments carry less weight than a popcorn fart in some ol’ lady’s busted drawers…yap yap yap, like some big-eyed, quivering little Chihuahua nipping at your ankles!…he thinks putting other people down will make him appear as overly clever or smart…ain’t working out that way for the ‘Bird Man of Alcatraz’ wannabe…just another nutcase with a keyboard…he hears many voices in his head…

jjs…say hello to CL, when you can…

By The Grinch

May 25, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

Good stuff, JJS. I would got t** for tat with a joke of my own but I’m too tired. I was at Oglethorpe tonight watching Ovid’s “Metamorphoses;” apparently I was wise to miss the game. My date couldn’t go at the last minute and I got wedged in between a couple of fat chicks. It was actually pretty comfy (thank god they had the a/c on).

KC, you might have to buy the buffalo burgers twice to make up for this before the season’s over if Huddy doesn’t straighten up.

G’night, all.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

May 25, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Gonzo out for the year. Hate that - the guy is a great pitcher when he is healthy. But, predictably, the panic meisters have come out of the wood work, insisting on trades, calling up minor leaugers, etc. Geez, you people are insecure.

As for the Muts fans and dropping their turds on our blog, must admit, I mistakenly, and inadvisedly, acknowleged the bag, so am to blame as much as others. But, I shall not further acknowledge his ezistence or presence, or garbage, he (they) post here. I promiae. Can the rest of us here exercise the same restaint and just ignore these jerks? They will go away if we just don’t respond. Metro Man is ok - the dude is honest, sincere, and respectful, and deserves our attention. The rest of these idiots just need to be ignored!!

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 25, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

“Wonder why you are always defending yourself N8?”

Nope. A whole bunch of people once thought the world was flat.

Some people just don’t get it.

By Ron

May 25, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

Assumed Name, Agreed 100% with your 10:58 Post!!! We get up and play against the Mets and suck against all the other descent teams!!! This is disgusting how we do this!!!

By Coach

May 25, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

N8 , the world is round , its the offense that is flat. One last stat to prove my point. The overall ERA of our pitching in April: 4.68 , so far in May 4.00 , It ain’t the pitching , folks.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 25, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Someone asked about Will Startup…

From Richmond’s Thursday night game.

Trey Hodges allowed a season-high five earned runs in the no-decision start. He worked five and one-third inning. Blaine Boyer, Will Startup and Buddy Hernandez all saw action from the Braves’ bullpen. Boyer pitched one and two-thirds of an inning, Startup was in for two-thirds of an inning and Hernandez recorded the last four outs of the game. Startup, who allowed two earned runs, picked up his first loss of the season and dropped to 0-1 with a 3.60 ERAs.

By Ron

May 25, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Coach, your 11:09 Post was right on!!! We have to hit Homeruns to be successful, or we will lose!!! If we get to the Playoffs and we dont hit the Homeruns we will be 3 and out!!! Mark it down!!!

By Ron

May 25, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

I like Davies, and he has had a good month of May, but its still Davies, and he is not facing the Mets!!! Not looking good for tomorrow!!!

By Eric C.

May 25, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

Well…whatever karma the Braves had to start 7-1 and then 24-12 seems to be gone…can they get it back? What the he!! happened?

By Bravesfanin MetsLand

May 25, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Oh my God. I’m watching the Padres game tonight (Maddux looked good early, gave up three runs in the sixth, still the pad’s are up 8-3) ad the announcers are talking about jake Peavy, sharing the lead in the NL with 6 wins, and bragging about how good that is. Smoltz should slap these two around like red headed step children.

By mr baseball

May 26, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

Ron: please learn how to read (and think). I said IF the Braves wanted to upgrade their starting rotation, the only realistic way to do so was trade Salty. Then I said James & Davies were perfectly adequate as the 3 & 4 starters. How do you equate that with advocating a trade of Salty?

From your most recent post, I see that you are one of those either/or types who believe that there are only two ways to score runs — small ball or the 3-run homer approach. Small ball will win you a handful of 2-1 or 3-2 games during the season and lose a whole lot of 4-2 and 5-3 games. The 3-run homer garbage spouted by you and others whose understanding of baseball runs the gamut from A to B was basically a throwaway joke line popularized by Earl Weaver.

The way you score runs and win games is to get men on base and drive them in, preferably with hits, not ground balls or fly outs. You get hits with runners in scoring position, you usually win. You don’t, you almost always lose. It’s that simple. Unfortunately, most people who think they understand baseball can’t grasp that straightforward concept.

Over the course of the season, you’ll lose a lot more games than you’ll win playing for one run at a time. You win games with big innings, not by giving away outs. I can’t fathom why people can’t comprehend that, but then, I can’t believe so many people voted for Dubya, even after he conclusively proved he wasn’t up to the job.

By Cap'n Tripps

May 26, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this

Homeruns shomeruns If some of you were on fire you’d be worried about your blood pressure.The pitchers gave up 8 runs with their #2 starter,that’s 8 with Hudson on the mound.The story today is pitching not homeruns or 1st base or any damn thing else.If you think any coach with half a brain would be worrying about homeruns after this game,guess what you’re not a coach.

By journalist jimmy smith

May 26, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

sja, what’s with sja and the fat girls? sja should have better sense than to mess with jimmy smith again. last time sja was reduced to yap, yap, yap. wait a minute! there is yap, yap, yap, again! oh, the humiliation! and now, baseball before dob scolds this journalist for going back and forth with sja who has been reduced again to yap, yap, yap … what was chico cadahia thinking tonight leaving pitchers in too long? where might chico cadahia have picked up such an ugly habit?

By David O'Brien

May 26, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

Who’s the savvy observer who commented that Hudson was “fooling us” — or whatever inane term he used — in the “first couple of games”?

Uh, it was nine starts with an ERA under 1.80, eight of them quality starts. Now two bad in a row. So the two bad are the “real” Hudson and the nine were, what, a mirage? Yeah, that makes sense. Good call, dude.

One of those folks who revels in being miserable. There’s a few on here, actually.

Guys, they are 2-1/2 games behind the Mets. The sky is not falling. Take a deep breath and quit riding the crest of each game as if this is a 12-game college football season where every win or loss is critical. It’s 162, folks. Breath in. Exhale.

Ahhh. That’s better.

That said, expect a pretty good whipping tomorrow. Then if they surprise you and win with Carlyle starting, it’ll be that much better.

By Bob, Journalist

May 26, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

N8, if any of them were worth 10% of what they’re being paid, it would be newsworthy.

The Braves have better than average hitting potential … Kelly, Edgar, Larry, Willie, Matt, Jeff, and Bryan usually take pretty good swings … Scott’s a work in progress and Andruw could if only he would.

We don’t use the word “tempo” very much … being one prone to ask stupid questions, I was always trying to find out how hard I should swing. I never found out but one answer has remained with me for a long, long time.

Everyone suggested that you should swing no harder than you you can while maintaining your balance and the ability to make solid contact … but “tell the big muscles what to do and let the little ones take care of themselves” … that’s my favorite.

What’s that got to do with tempo?

I asked that question too … never did get a good answer … everthing I guess.

Obliquely, I have found that the more definitive I am in setting my objectives, the more successful I am in acheiving same.

Some will think that’s obtuse rather than oblique but I just think sometimes hitters to be more concerned with what they’re trying to do … than how.

To put it into proper perspective; if the objective was to strikeout … or to hit it to the shortstop or third baseman … we’d be applauding rather than panning Andruw’s recent efforts, regardless of how he accomplished the feat.

By TLJ

May 26, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

MET, Met, Met

I can’t believe your comment about Smoltz being over rated. Everyone in baseball knows the braves had Three (that’s right Three) number 1 starters in Smoltz, Glavine and Maddox.

Smoltz is the only pitcher in major league baseball to win 200 games and save 150 games. He is tied with Andy Petite for the most post season wins in baseball. He has won a Cy Young award and was the best closer in baseball for 3 years.

Oh yeah he will go in the hall of fame with Glavine and Maddox. The Mets haven’t had a pitcher of Smoltz’s caliber since Tom Seaver, that includes Pedro. If Pedro had been on the Braves team in the mid 90’s he would have been the 4 th starter. Pedro couldn’t have carried the jock strap of Smoltz, Glavine or Maddux.

If you believe what you posted, you really are stupid.

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this

DOB I don’t know if you’d put me on that list of miserable fans.I certainly don’t think Hudson’s great start was a mirage any more than last years problems were.If you look at Hudson’s last two starts however it’s not just the numbers it’s what I saw.What makes him successful is keeping the ball down with good movement and repeating his delivery so as not to tip the pitch.Tonight his release point was a mess and that’s why he couldn’t place the ball consistently or keep hitters off balance.I don’t know if he’ll regain his form or not,I do know that he wasn’t a #2 quality pitcher tonight.

By gotigers72

May 26, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

Just my opinion, but if Gonzalez doesn’t change his delivery when he returns, the TJ surgery will be for naught. Just like the tendinitis last year, he will always have elbow problems as long as he continues to put that much torque on it from that delivery.

Not impressed with Prado. Wasn’t last year either. He’s an OK fielder, but I don’t think he will ever hit ML pitching well enough to play on a regular basis. Maybe a utility player, but won’t hit enough to be a starter.

By Bob, Journalist

May 26, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

“need” or “ought”, take your choice … souse meat and brussel sprouts were better than the game tonight.

I’m off to the hot tub and then to bed … good night Gracie!

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 26, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this

A$SClown jimmy smith hasn’t did $hit!…just when did you manage to do all your reducin’ of TheJackAss there little journalist?…I don’t quite remember…now run along, before I seek joebrave on you…or Carolina Lady…

By parks

May 26, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this

DOB, Thank you. N8, LMAO. Tigers79, Prado was never really anything more than a utility prospect. Escobar is MLB ready but we will not bring him up unless Chipper is DL'd. Reason being he is trade bait.They want him to shine in Richmond.  He will be traded llloooonnnngggg before Salty. 

I believe Salty will be here for a long time. JS knows what he is sitting on. Salty will be at first in 2 years.

By Eric C.

May 26, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

DOB…the only thing I worry about with Hudson is his stamina. In recent years…it seemed he would burn out a little too early in games. He worked on his strength in the off-season…but is he starting to wear down as we get into the summer?

I know it’s only a short stretch (4-8)…but all of those 2-out RBIs and HRs are fleeting…and now the injuries are hitting. Bad timing…just hope it can all click again before the Mets and Padres get too far ahead…and perhaps the Phillies for that matter.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 26, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

TheJackAss will now attempt a little bird callin’ of his own before turning in for the night—I will now attempt to call up a Georgia $hitBuzzard…don’t know if I’ll be successful or not…but here goes—wish me luck—a jimmy jimmy jimmy…a jimmy jimmy jimmy…a jimmy jimmy jimmy jimmy smiiiiiiith…

a jimmy jimmy jimmy…a jimmy jimmy jimmy…a jimmy jimmy jimmy jimmy smiiiiiiith…

a jimmy jimmy jimmy…a jimmy jimmy jimmy…a jimmy jimmy jimmy jimmy smiiiiiiith…

OK, let’s see what happens…Oh, the Suspense!…

By parks

May 26, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

Wow my post got chopped again!

 Prado was never more than a utility prospect. Escobar is MLB ready but he will not be called up unless Chipper is DL'd b/c they want him to shine in Richmond. Escobar is the trade bait. He will be gone lllooonnngg before Salty will. JS knows what he is sitting on. Salty will be the every 1B in 2 years

By parks

May 26, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this

Wow my post got chopped again!

 Prado was never more than a utility prospect. Escobar is MLB ready but he will not be called up unless Chipper is DL'd b/c they want him to shine in Richmond. Escobar is the trade bait. He will be gone lllooonnngg before Salty will. JS knows what he is sitting on. Salty will be the every 1B in 2 years

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 26, 2007 1:31 AM | Link to this

a jimmy jimmy jimmy…a jimmy jimmy jimmy…a jimmy jimmy jimmy jimmy smiiiiiiith…smiiiiiiiiiiiiiith…

oh well, maybe it will show up tomorrow…

By ccrider

May 26, 2007 1:36 AM | Link to this

THE STATE OF THE BRAVES! Hampton, Gonzalez out for the season. Smoltz,Renteria,Francoeur,Soriano SUPER!Thorman, K.Johnson, Diaz, McCann,Harris good to better than expected. WickMan, Yates, Moylan solid. 2 and a half games out of first. Playing the toughest part of the seasons schedule. Chipper remains an injury target. Andruw having worse season of his career. Davies and James good,bad,good,bad,ETC. 5th starter still not found. HUDSON??? Which one is he? The one of last season, the one of the first 8 starts this season or the one from his past 2 starts. ANALYSIS: The next 5 weeks will tell the story. Chipper must stay in the lineup and be productive. Andruw must at least be closer to his career average and Hudson MUST show the ability to stay out of protracted slumps. If these 3 necessities are not met, we will be too far back to win the division. If we fall too far back behind too many teams this year near the trade deadline, the following must occur. Andruw traded. This shouln’t be a problem if we have fallen from the race. Hudson traded. If, Hudson falls back into the same pattern as last season then we must move him for young pitching or a young centerfielder. He will have shown the inability to be a #1 or #2 starter and at $13 million a year a detriment to the Braves salary structure. Kyle Davies, Chuck James, Lance Cormier and others can pitch as Hudson did in 2006 without the money drag on the team. IF these scenarios come to past JS needs to make the tough calls and finish the youth movement. We have the position players McCann,Thorman K. Johnson,Escobar Francoeur, Salty. FIND the young pitching starters,centerfielder and 3rd baseman and use the money to fill the gaps. JS don’t wait to long like last year with Andruw.

By The Warden

May 26, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this

So, are JJS and SJA officially an item now or what? Guys, go get a room already.

By The Warden

May 26, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this

Looks like Devine got optioned back down as expected. Don’t we usually wait until Devine gives up a grand slam or two before we option him back down to the minors?

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 26, 2007 2:00 AM | Link to this

DOB

I’m pretty sure that it was NOT me that said Hudson was “fooling” us. I don’t think that’s the case.

I do, however, think there is a direct connection with his early season success (before the last two starts), and his strikeout totals.

Tim has been a guy that for his whole career, he has averaged about 6.2 K’s per 9 IP. Not a bad number at all for a guy that is a sinker/contact pitcher.

In his first two (disappointing by his standards) seasons in Atlanta, he averaged 5.6 K’s per 9 IP.

Through the first 5 starts this season Tim had 1.22 ERA ,obviously a pace that was not going to continue (only Maddux 10 years ago kept pace for a full season, and he actually did it for basically two), and he was averaging 7.54 K’s per 9 IP.

I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist to figure out that getting 2 extra K’s per game , especially if they come in a tight spot, can stop some runs from scoring.

Now in his last 6 starts, he’s logged 40.33 IP, with 19 runs allowed for a 4.24 ERA (Yeah, I get that 11 of those 19 runs came in the last two games), with ONLY 11 K’s!! I’ll repeat that….11! Which comes out to about 2.45 K’s per 9 IP. Simply unacceptable for a #2 starter, EVEN one who isn’t known for being a strikeout guy.

I don’t think the Tim Hudson “wheels” are coming off. I just think the lack of K’s are enough of a sign to be concerned. Like I said earlier, if he comes back strong in his next 2 or 3 starts, it was merely a bump in the road.

But all of last year, he talked about his mechanics being off. Could they be off again? Is he tipping pitches? Is his ball not moving enough? Perhaps it’s moving too much, back into the strike zone?

I’m not claiming to know the answer to solve his problems. But even YOU have to admit that something doesn’t seem right with him. Maybe he spoiled us for 9 starts, and set the bar too high.

All I know, is that I expect the #1 and #2 guys in the rotation to NOT give up 5 runs in a start, and certainly not 2 in a row, especially when the Chuck is struggling to get past the 5th inning, and one of the top 3 relievers was lost for the year, that’s all. STEP IT UP TIM! Smoltz did. He ALWAYS does.

I just get a kick out of the homers saying “we have 2 aces”. Uh…..NO. We have one! PERIOD.

You know how long it’s been since Smoltz gave up 5 runs in back to back starts? June 7th and June 13th…….OF 1999!!!

Smoltz is a stopper. Plain and simple. Hudson is NOT. Doesn’t mean he can’t be a good/servicable #2 or #3 starter. But let’s cut the crap, he’s not an Ace.

I’ve ranted on Hudson stats long enough.

Right now, our bigger concern should be our lack of ability to beat any LHP NOT named Tom Glavine. Jamie Moyer???? Are you kidding me?

YIKES.

By serbok

May 26, 2007 2:56 AM | Link to this

N8 I cannot believe your 10:38 post! Dude! I’ve heard ppl call you a pessimist b4~ never really agreed with them, You do come off as somewhat negative. However~blew my mind with that prediction! Wow man, I’m surprised becuz you had me thinkin you kinda had a clue about BB. With that post, man, I dunno what to say! ‘cept your nuts if you dont think the braves will get the wild card~ at least! Phils are good~ so are the muts, and SO are the BRAVES! Man dude~The Braves have the “magic” as long as chipper plays 130 games~ well~ it takes this and that of course. However, you just left me shakin my head man! But thats why BB is so much fun:o) mark my words you heard it here first! N8 IS WRONG! lol

By Ron

May 26, 2007 2:58 AM | Link to this

Has anybody seen Stark’s list of UNDERATED Players? It is absurd!!! Gonna rank them from #1 most underated to #10 most underated:

Roy Oswalt- I will give him that one, because most people dont know how good he actually is!!!

Trevor Hoffman- He is not underated, I thought everybody knew that he is a Hall of Fame Closer, how is that underated?

Hanley Ramirez- A little bit underated!

Jake Peavy- He is not underated at all!!!

C.C. Sabathia- He is neither overated or underated!!!

Carl Crawford- Now that is absurd, hell he needs to view DOB’s blogs, because we constantly say how GREAT he is and wished we could get him!!! I thought everybody knew how great he is!!! Oh thats right he does not watch anything other than Boston and the Yanks, silly me!!!

Placido Polanco- Finally, he nailed this one, Polanco is severly underated, he is a Very good player!!!

Kevin Youkilis- Well I dont know about this one, he is neither overated or underated!!!

Joe Nathan- This is also absurd!!! Nathan is the Best Closer in the Game right now!!! I thought everybody knew that!!! But again he only knows about the Red Sox, Yanks and the Phills, Silly me!!!

Travis Hafner- I will give him this one also, he is underated!!!

That is only 4 guys on that list I would say that is Underated!!! Stark sickens me even more after this article!!! Why did he not name Haren, Aaron Harang, Bronson Aroyo, Maine!!! All them are more Underated than some of the ones he named!!! Jayson Stark is a DAMN Moron!!!!!

By serbok

May 26, 2007 2:59 AM | Link to this

N8 I know your first thought after reading my post? “Homey?” LOL DAMN right BRO!

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 3:05 AM | Link to this

N8 If you could observe a pitcher as well as you dissect stats you’d see that Hudson released the ball too high or off point in some way on every bad pitch he threw tonight(last night technically).Stats can tell you some things, but they’re not usefull in solving the problem.Maddux said it best,in his words if you do the same thing (mechanics)consistently you should get consistent results.Three starts back Hudson looked like Maddux used to, every pitch looked the same out of his hand,not these last two starts,not close.

By serbok

May 26, 2007 3:34 AM | Link to this

Ron WE WILL be alright without Gonzo! My goodness graciuos young man~ WE still* have one (if not) deepest pens in all BB. 1 man does not a team make! We have new ownership, so far, they have not made any N8 Moves (negative?) Sorry N8~lol We have the worst strategical on field manager in the majors. However we DO have the BEST GM in BB pulling the strings~ (i’m sure I will hear about last year~bring it on)Granted IF Soriano goes down~ well~ thats BB. The season is still young, This Braves Team is going a loooong way~ maybe division champs? Who knows~ one thing I do feel is it will continue to be an exciting year:o) N8~ you kinda pushed my button 2night with that negative post! lol I usually enjoy the blog on a casual basis~ BUT! NOW, IT’s TIME I start talkin real BB with you guys! So get ready~ I’m not a stats kinda guy~ however, I do see Talent when I see it~ SO Far~ Robert, Lew, Grinch, KC do good posts~ I cant name all I appreciate and like of course~joebrave~ guy on here called JJS is very amusing~ I wonder tho if he is cheating on mr Carter with rosalyn? Another guy in here posts with Blue letters to his name he seems pretty good also~ **go Braves

By serbok

May 26, 2007 3:39 AM | Link to this

wow! didnt expect it to be all bold! sorry guys:o( my bad

By Ron

May 26, 2007 3:49 AM | Link to this

DOB, for your next blog you should write about who you think is the most Overated and Underated players in baseball is!!! You cover the Braves, and you probably know more about players than Jayson Stark does!!! He is an absolute Moron!!!

By NO CHOP ZONE

May 26, 2007 7:05 AM | Link to this

As I’ve stated before. Cox had his team all jacked up to play the Mets Then there’s a let down the very next series. Would I like to take the season series from the HATED braves? sure I would. But the Mets are keeping sight of the big picture……The world Series.

By chipdip

May 26, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this

LAROCHE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By meansonny

May 26, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Good analogy to the fans here playing this season like it’s the Bulldawgs.

I’m still VERY optimistic.

The only thing I wish I knew what we could do is to stop turning these lefty’s into such studs.

Moyer? That one hurts.

I don’t think Thor is ready for everyday play (not against lefty’s). He did hit the ball hard twice last night. But I chalk that up to Moyer.

That’s the one spot where we could really use an upgrade (in addition to Andruw starting to play the way we know he can).

Oh, and does anyone else think that Diaz should be batting higher in the order while Chipper is out? I don’t feel like Prado’s earned his rank that far up in the order.

By JasonInMaine

May 26, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

4-8 in our last 12 and with our toughest stretch now upon us…if people don’t think there is cause for at least some concern wnen considering the schedule, lack of O, the rotation, and the loss of Gonzo…it is you who is not being realistic.

By The Grinch

May 26, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

meansonny, I echo the optimism for the most part. Hudson does worry me a little bit though, and it’s not simply because he’s had two mediocre starts in a row. Any good or even great pitcher has that happen all the time. It’s that the last time his mechanics got thrown off (2004) it got gradually worse and worse until it culminated in a 13-12, 4.86 season from an uninjured, 30-year old “ace.” By his own admission, embarassment finally caused him to figure out the problem and fix it. Going over tape of last night, it looks like his mechanics are off again. If it was someone with a track record of fixing problems like that quickly that would be one thing. He strikes me (no pun intended) as being as being a bit like me; the kind of guy who says “I’ll get around to it in a day or two” and think that’s actually how long it’s taking until I notice people being p** at me ‘cause it’s been weeks, or months, or years. Difference being the Braves and Atlanta aren’t counting on me as one of the only two consistently effective starters in a (hopefully) playoff bound rotation. Maybe he’ll remember what he did in the offseason, study some tape, and this will just be a minor hiccup. I really don’t like to seem like a doom and gloom reactionary; I’ve just been burned by Hudson before. I still think JS has got a plan for another decent starter in the works (if he wants us to get to and excel in the playoffs he has to), and maybe a solid #3 will help take some of the pressure off everyone (Smoltz seems the only one up to it). Other than that hole in the rotation and a weak bench, I really do think we’ve got a damn fine team and a good chance to go deep into the playoffs.

By wayne

May 26, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

IDK, color me pessimistic. Gonzo out, chipper a chronic case (not his fault but he is…and maybe for the rest of the season), Hudson’s inconsistency rearing its head again. Renteria and Moylan due to return to earth here any day now. Hopefully Andruw can pick it up…b/c the Mets just got El Duque back (who pitched like a god), and Pedro’s on his way…

By cmk

May 26, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe how many of you bloggers take the bait of people like Mets Mets Mets. He’s clearly just trying to get a rise out of Braves fans - no actual baseball fan, whether Met or Brave fan, would actually believe those things about Smoltz. As a Mets fan, there is no one in the NL I would dread seeing against the Mets in a game 7 than Smoltz.

By Shaun

May 26, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Ron and Meanie,

Yeah, the Phillies only got one run from playing “smallball” (or using ground ball outs to score). That’s going to lead to a ton of runs, isn’t it?

Also, smallball doesn’t work without baserunners/NOT making an out, does it?

By Ron Roberts

May 26, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

Oh my God, Shaun…. are you still on that?

Dude, I never said a team has to employ small ball tactics 24/7 365… get that through your skull.

I have said, though, that there are times, especially when runs are tough to come by, that I’d like to see the Braves lay down a bunt, hit-and-run or use other methods to move a runner from 1st to home without having to swing for the fences.

You’re obnoxious insistence to continue trying to “win” a disagreement that doesn’t have a wrong side is frighteningly bizarre. Do you have friends or a wife/kids to spend some more time on than this?

If so, you’re gonna lose ‘em.

By David O'Brien

May 26, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Meansonny, agreed on Prado. Should be down in the order until he provides some reason otherwise. But it’s not like there’s clearly better options, when you consider the overall order most games he’s been in.

Very odd thing about facing the lefties. The Braves are hitting them decently — .267 (fifth in NL) with league-high 22 homers before yesterday’s games — but the Braves have faced SO MANY lefties, it’s ridiculous.

Before yesterday the Braves already had 645 at-bats vs. lefties, the most in the majors. Only other teams with 500 at-bats vs. lefties before yesterday were Reds (576), Brewers (519), Phillies (501), Twins (522) and Yankees (509).

(Clearly there aren’t as many lefty starters in the AL, or out West in either league).

Get this: Before yesterday, NINE of 30 major league teams had fewer than 400 at-bats vs. lefties. yet the Braves had 645 (and got 20-something more last night after facing Moyer).

Very strange.

By Metropolitan Man

May 26, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Ok brave bloggers, I see that Gonzalez is down for the year, that has got to sting. Your pen has been fine so I dont know how much of a diffrence he will make being gone. So thats Hampton, Chipper (banged up a little), MCcann (playing banged up) -V- Pedro, Alou, Green, and Valetin. I’m not comparing injuries but both teams are finding out how to keep the momentum without your best team. Now on the flip side you guys will have Chipper back before any of those disabled METS come back. Bottom line is both teams will eventually get stronger but Mota and Valetin should be back by next week. Keep the race tight until the All Star break because it is very possible to have a better second half of the season knowing what will be available compared to what we went to battle with in the 1st half. Honestly, I think this year your GM better pull the trigger for at least a reliable # 3 starter or the only celebrating you guys will having becasue you beat the METS!!

By Metropolitan Man

May 26, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Its funny, it seems everytime something positive happens to a METS or braves players, something negative happens to someone on these teams. When will we have all of the warriors around to truly see who is the best this YEAR????

If you ask me, I don’t have any doubts I’ll be mid-90s again,” Martinez said of his fastball, one that had dipped into the high-80s in recent seasons. “Especially if I continue to feel the way I have. You know, to throw a ball 230 feet is not an easy task.”

The Mets’ ace began his workout program at the club’s Spring Training facility in Port St. Lucie, Fla., but once the regular season began, he moved the workouts near his home in Miami. Martinez has been training for six to seven hours at a time.

“I feel really, really good,” he said. “I’ve never worked so long and so hard. I’m glad I’m over the biggest part — the workouts. It’s hard — a lot harder than I thought. I wouldn’t want to do it again.” Some of Martinez’s workouts include throwing for distance off flat ground, mostly to build up his arm strength. He is up to 230 feet and has done numerous repetitions at that distance for three days in a row.

The last time Martinez felt so frisky and his arm so strong, he said, was back in 1996-98, when he was just coming into his prime as one of baseball’s premier pitchers. He has 206 Major League victories.

“You just pick it up and you shoot it without any reservations,” he said. “That’s how good I’ve been feeling.”

Martinez said he is anxious to pitch off a mound — something general manager Omar Minaya estimates will happen sometime in June — but has learned to follow the medics’ directions without asking a lot of questions. Team physician Dr. David Altchek and the Mets’ two trainers are in charge of his timetable.

Martinez loves the idea that they are being quite thorough.

“I’m letting my body rehab on its own,” he said. “No ice, no painkillers, no nothing.”

At the same time, Martinez wonders when he will be able to pitch off a mound again. That hasn’t happened since late September.

“You know what the hardest part is?” Martinez said. “You feel so good, you wonder why you’re not on the mound. You throw on flat ground and you feel like you can pitch a whole game … and you’re not moving. That’s the hard part.”

Minaya still forecasts an August return to the Mets for Martinez, but he wouldn’t mind being surprised if it could be earlier. Still, the Mets’ GM wants to be certain that Martinez doesn’t have a relapse. The Mets have too much invested emotionally in his return.

As soon as Martinez arrived in the Mets’ clubhouse Friday, he found himself hugging teammate after teammate. Manager Willie Randolph then came out for his own hug. Martinez said he is here to provide a little “moral support” for his teammates.

“The way I’m working, I can’t afford to be traveling more than two or three hours between workouts,” Martinez said. “But when [the Mets play in Florida], it makes it a lot easier.”

Martinez noticed that many of the Mets had very little hair, the result of a widespread shaving spree.

“I see a lot of shaved heads,” he joked to a teammate. “I’m glad I’m away from here.”

Later, he said he “didn’t qualify” to have his head shaved because he’s not on the active roster.

Once Martinez begins to pitch off a mound, he will return to Port St. Lucie for the workouts. Then, once he gets closer to returning, he plans to join the Mets periodically at various game sites.

“I feel rejuvenated,” he said. “I know everything we have done has worked out. I’ll do what they ask of me, and I’m pretty sure it’ll pay off, like everything else we’ve done.”

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 26, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Warden—you nosy @$sClown…I am attempting to call up a Georgia $hitBuzzard…and you answered!…This bird callin’ really works!…so it’s just a matter of time before the real Georgia $hitBuzzard shows up…let me give it another try…

a jimmy jimmy jimmy…a jimmy jimmy jimmy…a jimmy jimmy jimmy…a jimmy jimmy jimmy jimmy smiiiiiiith…

Now, baseball…blah blah blah…

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 26, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

Well ain’t this a crock o’ $hit…a stank@$$ Mets lover over here in a Braves blog tryin’ to talk out both sides of his mouth…“oh you guys be good to Metropolitan Man, he’s a really cool guy”…when is y’all’s circlejerk boys???…

By meansonny

May 26, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

OFF TOPIC:

I used to love coming home Sundays from church to watch The Sports Reporters with Dick Schaap. It really was one of the highlights of the day. A tribute to ESPN.

ESPN such a watered down “product” these days. I really have so little interest in it except for college football.

That said. Chris Connelly has to be one of the best journalists on TV. He captures life better than reality TV. I will stop whatever I’m doing, and admire his journalism and the production team who puts together his 20/20 style pieces.

I really don’t like ESPN. But I would keep it on in the background for the chance at finding another one of his stories. GREAT TELEVISION/JOURNALISM. A step back into the days when ESPN had Dick Schaap.

By doc

May 26, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

well that was a terrible loss last night after such a solid three games against the mets.

dave really sorry to see that gonzo is lost. since you stepped so hard on my toes for even suggesting that it was similar to the way hampton went out i will have to say “i told you so”. no hard feelings, still love all you and the guys bring. just dont disregard the doc on doc things. ill give you plenty of room on the metaphors and poetry of the music world.

he was damaged goods when he got here; glad they made the extra effort and got to the bottom of it before everything blew out. if that had been the case there was the possibilty of more inflammatory damage and scarring to overcome in the healing process.

you know in the old days for an injury like this they would have told the pitcher to run more to help his ailing elbow. it was easier for the coach to say that rather than acknowledge he overused the player. as a former pitcher speak a bit from experience on that one. fortunately diagnostics and training has come a long way since then. lets all get on board for wishing gonzo a speedy complete recovery.

By Savannah Guy

May 26, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

By Ron Roberts: Small ball is great.

By Shaun: No, it’s home run ball that wins games.

By Ron Roberts: Yep, homers are great too. Just small ball will get you through the HR droughts.

By Shaun: Home run ball. I’m right about this.

By Ron Roberts: I agree, home runs are great too.

By Shaun: You are wrong about small ball.

By Ron Roberts: ok, whatever…let’s move on.

By Shaun: No, moving on would be wrong. We need to discuss this until at least game time.

By Ron Roberts: Has anyone seen the wall? My head hurts.

By Shaun: Exactly…it’s all about the WALL. You hit it over the wall. That’s how you win games.

By Ron Roberts: I’m tired of this. What time is it?

By Shaun: It’s time to continue proving my point ‘til I beat you down and your head is turning to mush and three or four other people join in and finally someone will agree with me and call me smart.

By Ron Roberts: Ok, I give. You win. Home runs are the only way to win games. AJ is doing good avoiding outs. I agree with everything you said. Now change the subject, I’m feeling dizzy. Gotta sleep. You’ve worn me down. So tired…

By Shaun: I’m gather stats that go back to 1902 on how many games were won by home runs. I’ll post that soon. So, l Ron, I will make you admit you are wrong and you will grovel shame and be torn down by my mastery of sports logic and baseball knowledge.

By Ron Roberts: zzzzzzzz…

By Shaun: Home runs win games.

**By Ron Roberts:zzzzzzz….

By Shaun: Small ball does not win games.

By Ron Roberts: zzzzzzzz…zzzzzz….

By Shaun: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy….

By meansonny

May 26, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

I’m resigned to call last night an off night. No big deal.

Starting pitching, relief pitching, and offense all had bad nights. If one of those had performed better, we still would’ve lost. We can still get 2 of 3 in this series. No big deal.

In regards to the lineup (chipperless). I like KJ, Renty, Diaz, Francouer, McCann, AJ, Thor, Prado.

McCann and Frenchy can switch out with the lefty/righty matchup.

We need to get our best bats at the top of the order. I’m not upset with last nights lineup. Putting Matty up top is only speculative. So who knows if Diaz can handle the pressure at #3. He just appears to be a more prototypical “Chipper” when facing lefties than anyone else right now.

By phiz50

May 26, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

I was bitterly disappointed with the pitching performance of Tim Hudson last night. That was the second straight time that Hudson followed a superb performance by Smoltz with a mediocre one and stopped the Braves momentum. He is starting to look again like last year by getting his pitches up and falling behind hitters. I hope this is a temporary lull but I am starting to worry. Hudson is a good pitcher but he seems to shrivel in important games rather than dominate like Smoltz. When BC called his pitching outstanding yesterday, I wondered what he has been smoking.

By BossLady

May 26, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this

I love Bobby Cox, the way he only takes so much from bad umpires and then get his money’s worth. The bad call at 1st and the pitching calls were terrible and he just could not take anymore. Thanks Bobby

By Eric from MO

May 26, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

Im not panicing but that was Hudsons 2nd bad performance in a row. I know everyone has bad stretches through the season, I just hope Hudsons dont last much longer.

By Coach

May 26, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Adam Eaton is sporting a 5.70 ERA and the Braves are 18-8 when facing right handers. On the other hand , Eaton is coming of three straight strong starts but he has problems getting lefties out. I’ll give the Braves a 50/50 coin flip today with Buddy on the mound.

By Coach

May 26, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Hudson did fine until the seventh inning last night. He had a 70/30 strike to ball ratio up to the seventh inning but he had already topped the century mark in pitches. Cox made the same damn mistake again , leaving his starter in to long and then instead of throwing a lefty at the Phillies he went with a right hander out of the bullpen even though they had already seen Huddy all night.

By The Warden

May 26, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

There are 8 ways for a player to get on first:

1) hit

2) walk

3) hit by pitch

4) catcher’s interference

5) strike out, ball gets away from the catcher

6) fielder’s choice (batter safe at first)

7) error

8) enter game as pinch runner

To score a run you can do so when:

1) a hit drives you in

2) a walk with the bases loaded drives you in

3) a hit by pitch with bases loaded drives you in

4) batter reaches on catcher’s interference and you score from third

5) a fielder’s choice drives you in (an out recorded somewhere else)

6) you score on an error

7) you score on a wild pitch

8) you score on a passed ball

9) you score on a sacrifice fly

10) you steal home

11) you score on a balk

12) you drive yourself in with a home run

A home run, while the best way to score a run, is one of only 12 ways to score a run.

Smallball tactics, while not to be employed as the primary way of trying to score runs, increases the opportunites for success in situations 5-11.

To make money, you have to spend money. To win games, you have to sometimes expend outs.

To win the war, sometimes you have to be willing to lose a battle (outs).

When you go to war, you would prefer if all you had to do was use cannons and bomber jets to drop cannon balls and bombs all over the place and win the war that way - this can be a very effective strategy, although very limited and very ineffective if used as the only way to fight a war.

Usually, you have to complement that strategy with foot soldiers who do hand to hand, one on one combat with the enemy. Just as using foot soldiers will result in more human casualties, playing smallball will result in more out casualties. But sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do to defeat the enemy under the circumstances presented.

Using only foot soldiers or only bombs and cannonballs is never an effective strategy to win battles or wars just as using only small balls or waiting for 3 run homers is never an effective strategy for winning baseball games.

Foot soldiers and bombs are meant to complement each other just as small ball and waiting for 3 run homers are meant to complement each other as a strategy as well.

As Frank Sinatra sang in the Married with Children theme song, “You can’t have one without the other,”

By meansonny

May 26, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Coach,

Does anyone know if Cox was calling the shots last night?

There was some question from the broadcasters as to who would be responsible for taking Huddy out.

That was a gritty performance by Huddy. But that was an awful lot of pitches. It’s a shame the way it ended for him.

On a side note (of importance to me). I’m more concerned about the way we hit lefties. Righties vs. Lefthanded pitching is our best batting average statistic. Lefty v. Lefthanded pitching is our worst.

Overall, we hit lefthanders at a higher AVG than righthanders. But we don’t get as many walks. And we don’t appear to hit the ball as hard (SLG is down, OBP is down, OPS is down).

The consequences are evident in the RBI’s and in our record.

I think this is a personnel issue, folks. Unless we can find some way to take more walks (which is probably more up to the pitcher’s approach than ours, I’d say).

If I’m Schuerholz, I’m looking for a bat that can dominate against solid left-handed pitching that plays either LF or 1B (adding a big bat to LF could free up Diaz to platoon at 1B and bring Willie back in as an all-around utility player for OF, SS, & 2B).

This is a situation for us. The trend is alarming to me. We do not put up runs against Left-handed pitching (not even Glavine). And I personally don’t want to force my pitching staff to keeping the opposing teams to 2 runs or less in every game of that ilk.

Obviously, we need Chipper. And obviously we need Andruw to account for a solid share of RBI’s in his chances.

Thor is currently a liability here. And Salty might be as good an option as McCann.

I think this is potentially as alarming a situation as our #3 pitcher (we face lefties more than 1 starter is going to play for us).

By The Warden

May 26, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Last night was really how John and Bobby drew it up before the season started.

Hudson was struggling in the game. He gave you a quality start through 6 despite his struggles. He should have left after 6 with a 3-3 tie. Keeping your team in the game and giving your team a chance even on a bad night is what you ask for out of a starter. Hudson did provide that to us last night. Preferably, you would like him to be an ace last night who takes you into the eighth or ninth but last night was just not one of those nights for him but he still gave the team a chance nevertheless.

The way Bobby and John drew it up before the season was that on a night like last night where a Hudson or Smoltz are struggling but have kept their team in the game through six, they would pass the baton on to Gonzalez in the seventh, Soriano in the eighth and then Wickman in the ninth.

Gonzo is hurt, so the best laid plans went to waste and Bobby had to try to push Hudson because he trusts Hudson out there in the seventh more than he trusts any reliever not named Wickman, Soriano, or Gonzalez.

So, I would not give Hudson too hard of a time. Did not pitch great but he gave our team a chance last night.

I think last night we just witnessed how much we are going to miss Gonzalez in not bridging that gap from the sixth to the ninth.

By Chop This

May 26, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

BRILLIANT 11:20 a.m. post by Savannah Guy! No one has ever captured sick Shaun’s obsessive compulsion so well, or so humorously. Love it!

Come on, Dave, you’ve always been so good before about correcting songwriter errors. Give Dave Kirby and Glenn Martin their due credit for “Is Anybody Goin’ to San Antone.

By The Truth Hurts

May 26, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy gets the gold sticker for posting the best one-act play thus far.

I wonder what Pittsburgh management is snickering to themselves today. You’ll never convince me that Gonzalez’s elbow wasn’t beginning to disintegrate last year, even as he passed the Braves’ physicals. With Wickman signed only for this year—didn’t he say retirement is next?—there’s only one answer to Atlanta’s now not-as-formidable bullpen…Kevin Barry. You know it. I know it.

Let’s get that fat bullpen going again, like we had last year. Big, fat guys who top out at 92. I mean, what’s the point of having legs as big as the Alaskan pipeline unless it’s to top out at a straight-as-an-arrow 92 on the gun?

Ah, the old “ground ball” pitcher moniker I so love…balls that hit the ground on the warning track. Fat bullpen. Good band name.

On the positive side, N8 will have all new material to blog about when McBride walks 8 straight hitters in a not-so-distant moment. When I say “positive,” I really mean “negative.” I’d argue that it’s one thing to “call it like I see it,” it’s another altogether to be the boy who cried wolf one too many times. The apotheosis of cynicism. I hope you never contract a serious disease.

When Francouer said about 3 weeks ago that it wasn’t necessary to win the division, all that mattered was to make the playoffs—truer words were never spoken. However, that’s not vocabulary I want to hear. EVER. It sends a bad message and leaves a bad taste. It’s far too conciliatory.

Willie Randolph is a punk.

By N8...Uncle Upper!

May 26, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy

Well done. To the point and funny, without being hateful or rude. Good stuff.

Feel free to mock my negativity any time.

Humor keeps the world (especially if your a Braves fan) from being a lonely place to live.

Again, well done! I laughed out loud…..three times.

*”No, moving on would be wrong. We need to discuss this until at least game time.”

PRICELESS!

By Who's You Daddy?

May 26, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox has been ejected 129 times. Sounds to me like he’s the punk.

By Shaun

May 26, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

The Warden,

I’m not denying that you sometimes have to use outs to advance runners and that you should stay away from that at all times. What I am arguing is that you need baserunners. And obviously the more baserunners, the better your chances to score. You must avoid outs to gain baserunners and you must have baserunners to score runs. So it’s no coincidence that throughout baseball history the strongest correlation with run scoring is baserunners.

Also, if you are good at gaining more baseruners you are going to also have a huge advantage if you can also hit for power. Teams that accrue a lot of baserunners and hit for power are going to be the ones that score runs. This is why OPS or just looking at OBP and SLG are a much better way to measure production than who plays small ball the best or anything like that.

If the team doesn’t accrue baserunners often enough (OBP) or hit for enough power (SLG), no matter how much small ball it plays, it’s not going to score runs. You can look it up—any year, any time.

By dave

May 26, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Sorry, DOB, but I couldn’t raise my hand. I’ve put my money on Smoltz from the moment they got him for Doyle Alexander. Well, close enough. When he went back into the rotation, I was right there with John saying he needed to be in the rotation. I’m glad he’s there and I’m glad he’s a Brave. If only Glavine had been as loyal.

By Shaun

May 26, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

I suppose a good indication of teams that play the best small ball would be the teams good at making contact and teams that are fast.

Well, looking at the NL’s best offensive teams, looks like neither triples or steals have much to do with scoring.

And it looks like team strikeouts have little to do with scoring. Florida has under 300 strikeouts but the other teams in the top seven all have at least 317, while four teams ranked lower have under 300.

By Coach

May 26, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Meansonny , a solid right handed bat that plays 1B and LF , Jeff Conine. He has a career .302 average against lefties. A cheap 41 year old player that we could pick up from the Reds , they need bullpen help and we have plenty of depth in Richmond and Mississippi.

By Coach

May 26, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Ichiro Suzuki on the trade market come July ? sounds intriguing.

By monty

May 26, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

I didnt see much of the game last night, but what i did see, it seems like Hudson wasn’t throwing his split finger pitch, the one he found at the beginning of the year,that he didn;t throw last year. I wonder if he has lost it again and thus the bad start two starts ago and the so-so start last night, I believe he gave up around 10 hits, where before the last two starts he looked unhittable. It appeared he and Mcann had a hard time agreeing on pitches and I wonder if he was calling for the split but for whatever reason, Huddy didn’t have confidence in it. Does anyone know?

By Spike

May 26, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

The loss of Gonzo is a definite blow to the bullpen. His upside was huge. That being said, you need to move on and use what you have. If that’s the case, where in the heck was Mc Bride when Yates had to face five lefties in a row? He was the right call for that spot, and whether he fails or not you have to use him. Gonzo isn’t here, we knew it before the game, so manage the game that way.

By UKMAN

May 26, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Is Fox going to show the truck race when it comes back or move on to baseball?

By meansonny

May 26, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Coach,

He’s the type of veteran who always appears on a playoff contender. And one that Bobby would probably take a liking too (side by side with the rookie).

I think Cincy is a good team to look at for talent, as they’re not going anywhere this season.

Good call.

Anything to get more runs in. Looking over everyone’s splits, it appears that our weak links against lefties are 1B, C, and finally CF. Andruw at #8 in the lineup might be the next step.

Who knows? With all the good batting averages but little run production against lefthanders, maybe even trying some small ball

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

I don’t believe Hudson was left to pitch the seventh because of a lack of confidence in Yates.If Hudson had shut Philly down in the seventh would anybody have suggested it was a bad move leaving him in ? Yates has been very good lately and seven innings isn’t too much work for Hudson given the pitch count.There may be a problem with Hudson losing control over his mechanics,that’s yet to be seen.Point is I was on this blog last night and nobody was calling to pull Hudson after six.

  DOB  Are you ready to fess up that you were asked to hold off on commenting on the Gonzo situation till the team knew for sure the extent of his injury ? I recall that your remark that it isn't good seemed to be in response to a question concerning Gonzo's condition.Come on!you can tell me,I won't say anything.

Coach  The Conine thing sounds like it's worth a look. Hasn't he been every team's anwser to this problem for ten years.I'm not being sarcastic,how many teams have traded for him in a pinch ?

By Coach

May 26, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

I posted this last night and wanted to make sure that everybody got a good long look at it. The Braves in April: 5.36 runs per nine innings(5.22 in 2006)while giving up 4.68 runs per nine innings. The Braves in May: 4.08 runs per nine innings while giving up 4.00 per nine innings. It ain’t the pitching , thats for damn sure.

By David O'Brien

May 26, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Doc, you were right about Gonzo’s elbow.

But don’t quite understand this part of your post: “Glad they made the extra effort and got to the bottom of it before everything blew out. if that had been the case there was the possibilty of more inflammatory damage and scarring to overcome in the healing process.”

Doc, whether it’s a miniscule tear or complete tear, in Tommy John surgery they replace the entire ulnar collateral ligament, usually with an expendable ligament from another part of the body (expendable in the way that, say, the appendix is expendable).

Anyway, the ligament is replaceed entirely, hence the name “ligament-transplant surgery.” The recovery is exactly the same length, whether it was a complete ligament tear or partial, like Gonzo’s.

Recovery is usually about 6-8 months for position players, 12-14 months for pitchers. So I don’t see where it mattered one bit whether he waited to have it next month if it blew out completely, other than he’d be getting back a month later simply because he had the surgery a month later.

By The Warden

May 26, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Well, looking at the NL’s best offensive teams, looks like neither triples or steals have much to do with scoring.

Perhaps, too many teams have become lazy slaves to waiting for the 3 run home run.

The 1985 Cardinals led the NL in runs scored, average, OBP, and OPS+ but were 11th (second to last) in home runs and 6th in the NL in SLG. They hit an anemic 87 home runs for the entire season. But they led the league in runs scored by a wide margin, stole 314 bases and led that by a wide margin (132 more than the next closest team), had 59 triples and led that by a wide margin.

Of course, as for your OBP arguments which make sense for the most part, the Cardinals got on base 2050 times or so that year. The next closest team, the Dodgers got on base 2004 times that year. The Cardinals however scored 747 runs that year while the Dodgers scored 682 runs that year.

46 more times on base can not account for scoring 65 more runs, especially when you consider that the Cardinals scored 36% of the time they got on base while the Dodgers scored 34% of the time they got on base. SO, the extra 46 times on base should have only accounted for at most an extra 15-20 runs over the Dodgers.

The Dodgers hit 42 more home runs than the Cardinals. The Dogers had a higher SLG than the Cardinals (albeit by only 3 points which is not very significant). The Dodgers stole 178 less bases than the Cardinals. The Dodgers hit 31 less triples than the Cardinals.

On your side though, you may point out that the Dodgers were far too smallballish that year and had 104 sacrifice hits, while the Cardinals only had 70.

But even assuming your argument on that point, that means the Dodgers only gave up an extra 30 outs out of the 4000 or so outs each team made that year - not very significant.

Even assuming that the Dodgers had not sacrificed those outs, out of those 34 extra plate appearances to make them even with the Cardinals, if you look at their OBP, you realize that would only mean that they would have gotten themselves on base maybe 11 times in those plate appearances.

And then if you take those 11 extra times on base and multiply it by how often they scored when they got on base, you end up with 4 extra runs maybe being scored as a result of not making those 34 extra sacrifice hits.

Are those 4 extra runs perhaps offset by looking at how many runs the Dodgers may have actually scored by making those sacrifice hits and moving runners into scoring position.

At worst, the extra sacs did not lose them any runs because they probably scored at least 4 runs during the whole season by making the sacs as opposed to only gaining 4 runs if they did not make them.

By The Warden

May 26, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

What I would have worried about with Gonzo if he kept pitching with a bum elbow, is if he would have unconsciously or consciously made alterations to his windup and delivery to compensate, which may have caused problems in his shoulder or something like that.

You see that happen alot. I know myself if I have a bum ankle, and if I don’t take care of myself, I can somehow end up with a bad knee or bad back trying to compensate for the bum ankle.

Smoltz did not cause any further injury all those years ago but he altered his mechanics dramatically one year so that he could pitch through his arm troubles - thankfully, it did not cause any further damage - or, at least, I don’t think it did - he seems to have recovered okay I think though - not too sure though - the jury is still out on that :-)

By joebrave

May 26, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Me thinks A call-upis in order here,D.Smith,W.Startup,and G.Blanco…time to move on from some of these dead weight players,A.J. continues to look like $hit,and that worthless,ba$tard,Chris Woodless,gimme somebody with the guts of ol Smoltzie…..

By Spike

May 26, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

I didn’t mean to sound like the Braves didn’t have confidence in Yates. They should have all the confidence in the world in him, he’s been great. My point was that when he was brought in last night was the perfect place for Gonzalez, so by default it should have been Mc Bride. If he pitches well and gets guys out its a huge step to overcoming the loss of Gonzo. If he doesn’t succeed we lose anyway, but at least we find out if he’s ready to step up.

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Coach I can just about guaranty you BC isn’t looking at the runs per or runs allowed over april and may.If he’s sweating today it’s about what is available to the team looking forward.If you’ve followed this game at any level for long you know hitting is streaky.Fielding should be very steady,pitching should be fairly predictable.It’s just not reasonable to think the same players who hit 36 dingers in april will forget how to hit.The problems that may keep this team out of the playoffs are pitching,pitching and pitching in that order.

By Chop Chop

May 26, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Warden, I bet finding the cut-out of a rock hammer in Andy’s Bible was a real kick to the pills.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 26, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Now, that’s what I’m talking about…. A guy that wors quickly and gets guys out. GO BUDDY>

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Tell’um Willie boy is here.

By ChrisinPA

May 26, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

DOB

Do you see the Braves going out and trying to get another LH for the bullpen now? Or do they just hope McBride and someone else make up the loss?

What is the status of Steve Colyer - did he end up going back to the minors, or did he sigh on with someone else? Is Startup an option at some point this year?

Thanks

By The Warden

May 26, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Well, looking at the NL’s best offensive teams, looks like neither triples or steals have much to do with scoring.

Yeah, you’re right. Willie Harris just hit a triple and then Renteria grounded out and Harris scored. So, a triple and a bad job avoiding an out somehow resulted in a run that gives us an early 1-0 lead. Triples and the occasional out are not helpful at all in scoring some runs. What are the rest of us thinking?

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

ChopChop For every redemption,there’s an equal and opposite damnation. Hobb’s journal 30 million bc

By GiveUpNow

May 26, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

LOOKS LIKE THE GOOD LUCK HAS STOPPED. TOO BAD YOU GUYS DON’T SEE IT. WAY TO GO GONZO. YOUR TEAMS GONNA MISS YA. WICKMAN OR SHOULD I SAY “HIT”MAN IS GONNA START SEEING THOSE RUNNERS SCORE. SORIANO IS YOUR ONLY BULLPEN GUY NOW AND THATS THE STREGNTH OF THE TEAM. HAHAHA. NO STARTERS BEYOND SMOLTZ AND HUDSON. EBEN IF THEY BOTH WIN 20 GAMES HOW YOU GONNA WIN ANY OTHER ONES? NO LINEUP. HARRIS? DIAZ? PRADO? WHAT ARE YOU GUYS THINKIN?

By GiveUpNow

May 26, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

JUST TURNED ON FOX….CARLYLE? CARLYLE? WHAT, YOU GUYS JUST CALLING UP ANYONE WITH A ARM TO PITCH NOW? YOU THOUGHT PEREZ WAS A BAD 4TH STARTER. HAHAHA.

By Eric from MO

May 26, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

Coach pitchers go over a hundred pitches all the time. Especially Aces. Also what Lefty is Cox supposed to bring in. With Gonzo out we dont have many options with lefties in the pen.

By joebrave

May 26, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Wow Buddy’s pitching okay,and Give up you little redundant ba$tard go back to your room little boy,before you get your feelings hurt…..

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

joebrave shouldn’t it be som-b***,as in a male decended from a female canine ? As opposed to sum-b*** which seems to imply Warden is the sum or total of a female canine.Maybe they’re not that different in meaning,I thirst for enlightenment.

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

PITCHING,PITCHING,PITCHING OH!!!MY!!!

By GiveUpNow

May 26, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

JOE,

YUP CARLYLES PITCHIN GREAT….3 INN 3 RUNS SO FAR…..MAYBE HE’LL HAVE A 9 RUN GAME IF HE GOES THE DISTANCE….WITH YOUR LINEUP I JUST DON’T THINK THATS GONNA DO IT….HAHAHAHAH

By N8

May 26, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

What a joke.

Serbok

You STILL think that my prediction of us finishing 14 games behind the Mets is out of line?

I have to agree with you. I think I’m giving this team too much credit, by saying we’ll be able to stay THAT CLOSE.

Mark it down. By the end of next week, we will be in 3rd place in the division.

By supergrass

May 26, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

that top half of the 3rd wasnt all carlyes fault- it was an ugly inning all around, andruw not catching the utley hit, pass ball by mccann, the intentional walks, bad throw

By joebrave

May 26, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

jjs was just spotted observing,his newest quest the redheaded sockcucker,he is studying the habits of this particular bird to heighten his own presonal desires…..

Give up get your lips off of the T.V. son you’ll mess your pants if a foul ball hits you in the mouth,little ba$tard…

A-Ville they’re one in the same with the exception that the warden has been fairyized!!!

By N8

May 26, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

If I had to watch this team from the dugout, I’d wanna get ejected as well.

By Ron

May 26, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

That ball was fair in the Bottom of the 3rd!!!!! The umps have been screwing us the last two games!!!!!! I think John Smoltz got ejected also, that was crazy!!!

By N8

May 26, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

supergrass

“that top half of the 3rd wasnt all carlyes fault- it was an ugly inning all around, andruw not catching the utley hit, pass ball by mccann, the intentional walks, bad throw”

So true. Self destrution is usually a team effort.

Can’t Pitch + Can’t Hit + Can’t Field = Can’t Win.

1st grade math when you think about it.

By berigan

May 26, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

4-3, we ain’t out of this game at all!

By GiveUpNow

May 26, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

OH TWO RUNS…….HOW MUCH YOU BET CARLYLE GIVES EM UP IN THE TOP HALF NEXT INNING?

By Nunzio

May 26, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

What an absolute embarASSment Bobby Cox is to Atlanta.

Every other close-up of him shows his finger up his nose and his lack of self control after every little call that doesn’t go his way his borderline mentally disturbed.

And what is John Smoltz doing flapping his big mouth? He should be rubbing Rogaine on his head or making an appointment for hair transplants.

By GiveUpNow

May 26, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

ANDRUW DOING WHAT HE DOES BEST…OVERSWINGING…….HAHAHAHA

By Coach

May 26, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Ranger , if you don’t understand the significance of a 1.28 drop in runs scored per game in less than a three week period then you might want to take up table tennis as your sport of choice.

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t intending to comment on the joebrave Warden slap fest.I don’t have a umm….dog the that fight.I was just curious concerning the colorful colluquy.

By Ron

May 26, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

SHAUN, look at the Bottom of the 3rd, If McCann could have moved Renteria to 3rd with one out, Frenchy could have hit a deep fly in the outfield or hit it on the ground to the second baseman or shortstop!!! We did not drive in Reteria, so that is where small ball cost us a run!!! Guess what we are down by 1 run!!!

By The Warden

May 26, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

At the plate, Andruw looks dumber right now than JoeBrave does all the time.

By The Truth Hurts

May 26, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Small ball would’ve helped w/ Renteria on 2nd and nobody out. Typical Braves.

Love to see the 15 year olds posting again. Caps Lock button, little guy.

By berigan

May 26, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

GiveUpNow, I know why we are watching this game, but why are you wasting a nice saturday watching the Braves and Phillies? Did you lose you caps lock key? Do you know what a caps lock key is?

By Ron

May 26, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

supergrass, dude that ball that Utley hit was a rope!!! No Center Fielder was going to catch that ball, unless they played really really deep!!!

By snowball's chance

May 26, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Shawn Green is out indefinitely with a broken foot. The injuries to Mets and Braves seem to even out. If Chipper is the Mets killer then Green might be the Braves Killer. Serious injuries suck no matter which team it helps or hurts.

By Shaun

May 26, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

The 1985 Cardinals led the NL in runs scored, average, OBP, and OPS+ but were 11th (second to last) in home runs and 6th in the NL in SLG. They hit an anemic 87 home runs for the entire season. But they led the league in runs scored by a wide margin, stole 314 bases and led that by a wide margin (132 more than the next closest team), had 59 triples and led that by a wide margin.

The Warden,

6th in the league in SLG is pretty good. And of course leading the league in OBP, is very good.

St. Louis’s hits plus walks equaled 2032. LA’s hits plus walks equaled 1939. That’s 93 more baserunners without even looking at HBP. It’s easy to see why the Cardinals scored 65 more runs.

By Shaun

May 26, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Ron,

First of all, how do you know McCann wasn’t trying to hit the ball to the right side? I sure hope you’re not suggesting McCann should have bunted.

By N8

May 26, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

GiveUpNow

I’ll give you the Mets being a better team than the Braves. I might even conceed that the Phillies might be better, in fact, it appears that the Marlins are even playing better ball right now (other than giving up 5 runs in the 9th).

That being said, HOW PATHETIC are the Mets, that they have but a 3-6 record against (according to you) the 4th best team in the division?

What’s worse, being the 4th best team in the division, yet “hanging” with the Mets for almost two months, or being the best team 113 million dollars can buy, yet can’t seem to be a lesser team….the same team that you haven’t been able to beat since we moved to the NL East?

If I was you, I’d be more worried about your team making the playoffs and then wondering why you were unable “get up” and rise to the competition, like last year, when you got smoked by the Cardinals. OUCH.

How many world series - NOT aided by Bill Bucknor - have you guys won? Ooops. Didn’t mean to burst you “we’ve been a good team for a total of about 14 months” bubble.

Don’t forget to have your pitching staff stock up on Geritol before October.

By Ron

May 26, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Nunzio, BC is the Best Manager ever, He is the Best Player Manager, you piece of sh!t!!! When I was playing High School Basketball and Baseball, I wish I had a Player Manager, instead of a guy that HOLLORS at you all the time!!! He never took up for me or anybody else on the team!!! One time in a Basketball game I was about to come in the game, and had to wait until the Ref would call me in from the scorer’s table, and one of the Refs called me in, the other Ref apparently did not see that and called the whisle on me, that caused the other team to shoot a technical foul, and I knew what the other Ref did, he called me in, and all of our fans saw that, but as soon as the half ended, the Coach got in my face, basically called me a piece of sh!t, and slammed the door, I tried to explain, but he would never listen, when we got back out onto the court, somebody on our team, admitted to me that the Ref told the other Ref that he did call me in, and said it was his fault!!! I played about 2 minutes the rest of the game, because our Coach thought it was my fault, but clearly everybody knew that it was not!!! He coached both Basketball and Baseball at our School, and everybody hated him, AND I mean EVERBODY!!! I would just about break my neck for a guy like BC!!! You and Robert and some others can talk about his strategic ability, but dont say nothing about him losing control over a call or takin up for his players, I wish I had a Coach that would do that for me and my teamates!!!

By The Warden

May 26, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

The 1985 Dodgers had 1434 hits, 539 walks. That is 1973 walks plus hits. They walked 31 times for 2004 times on base.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/LAD/1985.shtml

The 1985 Cardinals had 1446 hits, 586 walks. That is 2032 walks + hits. They had 18 HBP. So, that is 2050 times on base.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/1985.shtml

Again, that is only 46 times more on base. The Cardinals scored about 36% of the time they got on base. The Dodgers scored about 34% of the time on base.

So the extra 46 times on base only amounts to about 15-20 extra runs, still leaving over 45 runs unaccounted for.

I’ll give you the extra 34 sacrifice hits which probably cost them an extra 4 runs.

So, then you still have an extra 41 runs to account for.

Take away the extra 42 home runs hit by the Dodgers, you have about 83 runs unaccounted for.

Take away more realistically about 60 runs for those 42 home runs you are taking away, then you have around 105 runs unaccounted for - unless, of course, you are willing to concede that triples and steal had an effect on the amount of runs they accounted for.

By Shaun

May 26, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Ron,

Yeah, it would have been good for McCann to move Renteria over but not at the expense of taking away his chances of getting a hit or, better yet, an extra base hit.

By N8

May 26, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA! HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA! HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA! HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA! HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA! HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA! HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA! HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA! HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA! HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA! HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA! HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA! HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA! HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA! HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA! HEY GiveUpNow, MY CAPS LOCK BUTTON WORKS TOO GO AWAY A-HOLE! HAHAHAHA!

By Ron

May 26, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

SHAUN, no I was referring McCann to hit to the Right side, but he did not, and basically that cost us a run, no matter how you spin it!!! You understand!!!

By Goat Horns

May 26, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

B-Mac needs to sit until he is healthy.

He is costing us both offensively as well as defensively.

We have a suitable back up that might actually spark the team.

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

What a hole Gonzo’s injury leaves on this staff.I just don’t like Mcbride as a lefty setup man.If he can be consistent with his delivery I’ll be amazed.I’m a huge believer in a pitcher needing a repeatable release point,Mcbride doesn’t have one.

By GiveUpNow

May 26, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

YOUR RIGHT THE METS ARE UNDERACHEIVING….NOWHERE TO GO BUT UP……NOW THE braves ON THE OTHER HAND CAN ONLY GO DOWN….THINKING….THINKING….YUP RATHER BE THE METS…HAHAHA…TICK TICK TICK

By The Warden

May 26, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Yeah, very telling that Smoltz got thrown out as well - that should tell you all you need to know about Bobby Cox. Smoltz, even after almost two decades with Bobby, will still fight for him. That right there tells you how much his players love the guy. How many of you would still fight for your wife even after knowing her for two decades? Many would. Unfortunately, it appears that even more will not.

By GiveUpNow

May 26, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

N8 GLAD TO HEAR YOUR CAPS BUTTON IS WORKING, MY BOLD FONT IS UP TO PAR AS WELL?…..HAHAHAHA…TICK TOCK TICK TOCK

By Ron

May 26, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Damn Renteria is having a Hell of a game today, man if it was not for him, we may be down by 5 instead of only being down by 1!!! Great job today!!!

By The Warden

May 26, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

ED-GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! Woof! Woof! Woof!

By N8

May 26, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

WHERE would this team be (10 games back already?), without Renteria?

I can tell you what they did last night after he got ejected.

DOB

I thought that Willie Harris was supposed to be the uber-utility guy. Being able to play the OF and the IF. Why not put him at 3B with Chipper out of the lineup AND Diaz in LF and get them BOTH in the lineup?

I realize that our defense would probably suffer a little, but hey, the defense hasn’t been that stellar anyway, the last few games. Might as well score some runs.

Hmmmm. Looks like Andruw will have ANOTHER chance to make the last out of the inning. How convenient. How’s the old saying go? You can’t hide your weaknesses?

YIKES.

By GiveUpNow

May 26, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

N8 GLAD TO HEAR YOUR CAPS BUTTON IS WORKING, MY BOLD FONT IS UP TO PAR AS WELL?…..HAHAHAHA…TICK TOCK TICK TOCK COPY AND PASTE IS WORKING TOO,COPY AND PASTE IS WORKING TOO,COPY AND PASTE IS WORKING TOO,COPY AND PASTE IS WORKING TOO,COPY AND PASTE IS WORKING TOO,COPY AND PASTE IS WORKING TOO,COPY AND PASTE IS WORKING TOO,COPY AND PASTE IS WORKING TOO,

By Ron

May 26, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

SHAUN I Cant believe you just said this!!!! Yeah, it would have been good for McCann to move Renteria over but not at the expense of taking away his chances of getting a hit or, better yet, an extra base hit. I have NEVER heard anybody say this before, are you kidding me?

By GiveUpNow

May 26, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

I CANT BELIEVE THE JUNK THAT THE braves KEEP PUTTING ON THE FIELD. MAN ITS GETTING VERY SMELLY AT TURNER FIELD TODAY.

By Shaun

May 26, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

Ron,

Let’s see, McCann popped out. If he’d hit it to the right side, how would that have guaranteed a run? If Renteria was on third, how do you know they don’t throw him out on Francouer’s grounder? How do you know they don’t walk Francouer and double up Andruw?

And he’s already in scoring position. Why not blame Francouer and Andruw just as much for costing the Braves a run.

With a runner in scoring position and no outs, I’d rather McCann try to hit the ball hard than to just give himself up.

He may have costs the Braves a run by not hitting into an out on the right side, but he may have costs the Braves two or three runs by making an out.

If he gets a hit, he’s either on base or has a homer, Renteria scores and at the very least the Braves have a runner on first with no outs. If he takes a walk the Braves have runners on first and second with no outs as opposed to just one runner on.

You can come up with all kinds of scenerios. But if Brian McCann is up with a runner in scoring position, I don’t want him intentionally giving himself up.

By The Warden

May 26, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

N8,

I thought that Willie Harris was supposed to be the uber-utility guy. Being able to play the OF and the IF. Why not put him at 3B with Chipper out of the lineup AND Diaz in LF and get them BOTH in the lineup?

I’m right there with ya on that sentiment. It truly is puzzling. At least against lefties, they should put Harris in left and Diaz at first. What’s the point of having a utility guy like Harris if you are not going to use him everywhere? It certainly is better than watching Woodward play first in a game against the stinking Mets. Or, why not Salty at first, Harris at third and Diaz in right against lefties? With Harris on the team, why is Orr even on the team anymore? I would cut Orr and call up Pena so that we have more flexibility with putting Salty at first. Now, if we can only find a backup shortstop so that we can get rid of Woodward, I would be very happy. Is it really beneficial to have Salty rotting away on the bench? - can’t be good for the kid’s development, especially after he struggled in AA last year. McCann should also probably be DL’d just to get him rested up and back strong in 14 days - makes so much sense that I don’t understand why they are continuing to let McCann look less than McCann as he struggles with his hand injury.

By The Warden

May 26, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

But if Brian McCann is up with a runner in scoring position, I don’t want him intentionally giving himself up.

gotta agree with Shaun on that point.

I would not want him to intentionally give himself up but i would like him to focus on hitting the ball hard but trying to pull it to the right side. Then, if he gets a hit, the run scores. If he doesn’t, then he moves the runner over.

By John McGraw

May 26, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

No, sorry. I will not be there to congratulate Bobby Cox when he breaks my record.

By N8

May 26, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

So much for Yates and McBride being guys that can be counted on to give up less than 1 run per outing.

When it rains, it pours.

“How many of you would still fight for your wife even after knowing her for two decades? Many would. Unfortunately, it appears that even more will not.”

Even MY wife doesn’t b!tch and whine as much as Bobby does.

GiveUpNow

While I find your need (and apparently boring life), that brings to a Braves blog on the Saturday of Memorial Weekend, not quite as annoying as your “TICK TOCK TICK TOCK”, the only thing that’s more annoying is the homers that will do nothing but “hit the snooze button”, when the alarm actually does go off.

Too blind to see self destruction before their very eyes.

June swoon of 2006? Yeah, it looks like we decided to get that thing going a couple weeks early this year.

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

The team gives up 8 yesterday,6 through 7 today and all you guys think about is hitting.Let me see..we should score nine a game right ? sure that’s the problem.

By doc

May 26, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

dob, the point i was making if there is more inflammation going in it will take possibly longer to heal or rehab. with a partial tear there is possibly less injury to the attachment areas than it would be if there was a complete blow out. also saying or maybe hoping that less inflammation overall usually gets better results and a better prognosis, not disagreeing that they are doing a lesser proceeedure. no matter it is going to take anywhere from mid june to mid august for him to come back, not questionning that.

when he was good he really was good, when he was bad it had to be more than something going on in his head; want him back strong.

By The Truth Hurts

May 26, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Just ignore the adolescent. He’s uncreative and shouldn’t bother anyone.

Hey, this Zagurski dude looks 14. And he’s fat.

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

I’m looking at this Zagurski kid and wondering where Bob Horner was nine months before he was born.Give it up what’s the attraction in being annoying.I bet you like farting on elevators and talking loud at movies.

By Chop This

May 26, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

Nice patience at the plate there by Frenchy and ‘Druw.

You’re down two runs, guys!

By JasonInMaine

May 26, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

How about now…should we be worried after this sweep and with our upcoming schedule??

By Chop This

May 26, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Braves need a left-handed reliever, and Bronco Nagurski is out-of-shape enough to be a member of the Atlanta bullpen, so I wonder what the Phillies would take for him?

By Ron

May 26, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

SHAUN, How the hell is it that you hit it to the right side and it is an automatic out, he could have found a hole on the right side and still could have moved Renteria over and got a base hit, it is never an automatic out!!! You do not know what you are talkin about dude!!! I glad you are not a manager!!!

By Savannah Guy

May 26, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Random musings from the coast:

Fair or Foul? Just got back to the TV but was listening on radio. Was it a fair ball that was miscalled by the first base umpire? The announcers said it was a bad call. Got Bobby thrown out again. Is BC going for the “cycle” in this series? Sounded like another terrible call that took the air out of a rally.

The umpires are out of control: So, the umps supposedly get “officially” monitored. Well, that’s just peachy. Too bad nothing ever happens after the monitoring. It’s a joke. Their bad calls are becoming habitual…if not purposeful. Don’t think umps want to control games now and then for a grudge or other self-serving reasons?

Then there was good ‘ol plate-ump Eric Greg in the tainted Fla. playoffs. He called strikes that were a foot high and a foot wide on us but not on the fish. That was the low point of suspicious MLB game umps.

* Time to Place McCann on the McBench:* Yep. Hey, I love him as much as anyone but he’s obviously hurting and non-productive with his bat. Sit him just for three or four days. Then he’ll come roaring back.

Small Ball: I see Shaun is still on the small ball thing. Fascinating. I’m inspired.

This game is not going well. Maybe bottom 9 magic. Or luck. Or another bad call that goes our way.

By Vonshawn

May 26, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

This team stinks.

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

I think by the middle of june we’ll either be 8 to 10 out, or have the rotation defined.If this is a summer long project with everybody else in the division playing well, it’ll be too late.

By Deaner

May 26, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

The braves need to once and for all address the rotation, plugging in retreads and rookies won’t cut it.

They also need a big bat, as chipper has proven he can’t stay healthy, and andrew jones is proven he isn’t worth his mud…

its time to cowboy up..

By Deaner

May 26, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

The braves need to once and for all address the rotation, plugging in retreads and rookies won’t cut it.

They also need a big bat, as chipper has proven he can’t stay healthy, and andrew jones is proven he isn’t worth his mud…

its time to cowboy up..

By ElbravoX

May 26, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

I smell a sweep.

By Chop This

May 26, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

If I’d known Smoltz’s 200th win would be our last of the week, I’d have made sure to enjoy it a lot more.

By Efrim

May 26, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Looks like we are going to get swept by the Phillies. AWFUL!!!!!!

Hamels will win that game tomorrow. Braves bats have to get going. They aren’t hitting.

McCann is not raking like last year. He is hurt.

By chipdip

May 26, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

going down the road feelin’bad………

By Swing and a Miss

May 26, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

How about AJC sets Shaun up with a side-blog of his own? Then only those who are as stupid and stubborn as he is would have to suffer through these pointless, endless debates?

By Savannah Guy

May 26, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

No magic in ATL this afternoon. They are at a low point in the year. I’m afraid it’s going to take some sort of shakeup (meaningful and dramatic) to get these boys back on track. With our schedule in the coming weeks we could wind up out of it before the All-star break. If we play this in a business as usual way with musical chairs on the mound it’s going to be a long, hot summer.

By N8

May 26, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

How far has the mighty fallen? Can’t even score on Antonio “I can’t possibly go an inning without giving up a run” Alfonseca.

(sigh)

This team is in for a long trip on the road to nowhere, and picking up speed.

Chipper Jones with one “working” arm and an amputated leg, would be more of a threat than “I need to go drink a Martini (or 10) after watching him attempt to hit” Prado. You could blindfold Chipper, spin him around ten times, walk him up to the plate, and tell him “Hey Chip! We’re gonna play a game called PIN THE BAT ON THE BASEBALL and he’d do better than Prado without the blindfold.

WOW. What a lineup. Where are all the IDIOTS that wanted Prado at 2B instead of KJ now? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Warden

TOTALLY with you on EVERY point of your 5:57 post.

L8R. It’s time to flip on my regional Fox game and see if I can watch some GOOD BASEBALL on this holliday weekend.

By Efrim

May 26, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

I smell four losses in a row with Sheets going on Monday.

28-23 anyone???

What is happening to this team?

Even if they get hot, unless we get solid pitching from Davies and James, they won’t be able to go on long winning streaks.

Bummer…….

By Chop This

May 26, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Antonio Alfonseca: Twelve fingers, one save since 2002.

7-1 to start; 21-20 since. I should have enjoyed those division cakewalks with Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz leading the way more.

By N8

May 26, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

**HOLY SH/T!!

I just counted 7 negative posts in a row.

You guys need to lighten up. It’s only a game. These guys are GREAT. Bobby Cox is the Best. Hudson is “back”, Chipper won’t miss any time this year, Chuck James is the “real deal”, the Power Trio in the pen, along with Yates, Paranto, and McBride EASILY gives us the best bullpen in baseball, and last but not least, we’ve got the greates baseball player EVER playing CF.

What’s not to like? Braves win this division running away. Bobby will be able to start resting guys at the all star break.

Gosh darn bunch of Debbie Downers you are……..welcome to the dark side. :-)

By The Curse of Langerhans

May 26, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

15-5 with Langerhans playing.

13-15 without Langerhans playing.

Coincidence, I think not.

Probably had more to do him not starting against lefties who the Braves are terrible against and being a late inning defensive replacement in games the Braves were winning but, hey, the superstitious theory is much funner.

It is the Curse of Langerhans.

By joebrave

May 26, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

now it’s time to sit and ponder,has B.C. picked his nose so long his brains have fallen put?Is Roger Mcdowell,really Houdini in disguise?Is John Smoltz the only starter we have. what is C.Woodward’s purpose in life :to drive me insane?why is Martin Prado and A.Jones on this ballclub? What does J.S do all day?one can only think that he looks in his mirror and repeats over and over ,I’m gonna get you Littlefield,if it’s the last thing I do I’m gonna get you!! jjs has taken up bird calling,when last seen jjs was calling up the local jailbird for a quick once over,

tha Warden rambles incoherently causing one to whup his @ss …

And Give up now,your a bottom feeding trashbag sumbitch!!!!!!

By Chop This

May 26, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

In tribute to Dave Kirby and Glenn Martin:

*Is anybody comin’ from Double-A

Or perhaps Richmond, Virginia?

Anybody’s better than some of those

Who’ve put us in the fix we’re in here.*

By The Truth Hurts

May 26, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

On pace for 92 wins…would that win the wild card? Who knows? But with Hudson and Smoltz (and the rest are dolts?) and little else, the Braves need another starter pretty badly. Almost 50 games in, it’s fairly obvious that they’d be a tough out in the playoffs with two good starters (see ‘01 Diamondbacks)…but getting to the playoffs requires 4.

Having said that, I think Salty has to be untouchable. There’s just something about him…he looks good already at the plate and with that arm…and 22? Can’t mortgage the future..if it doesn’t happen this year, with A.J. gone next year, there should be money to burn. They can go out and get a frontline starter…that starter’s frontline status determined too by Hudson’s contract situation.

I’m not ceding this year…but what indications are there that the inconsistency will end (even with Chipper around)? Who says A.J. will start hitting again? Who says James will make the 7th in his starts? We’re 1/3 of the way through the season already…

I miss enthusiasm. From the team, from the town. The stoicism is boring.

By ccrider

May 26, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

STARDATE:05/26/2007 The Atlanta Braves are starting to fall out of the division race. We have one top starting pitcher, 3 inconsistent starters which equates to a .500% record and a below average 5th starter that negates our #1 starter. The lineup consists of 1 starter playing great(Renteria), 1 young starter Playing very well(Francoeur),a platoon of Harris/Diaz playing very well. The other starters Andruw , the worse he has ever been, Chipper out injured again, MCcann playing with an injury and not playing well offensively or defensively, Thorman,a typical rookie, real good/real bad and Kelly Johnson solid but less so in past two weeks. The bench other than Harris or Diaz depending on who is starting is the worse in baseball. I don’t count Salty because he rarely gets to play or pinch hit because something might happen to Mccann. The pen is starting to fail do to overuse and marginal talent. Yates, Paronto, Villareal and Moylan all giving up runs in games that the bullpen, with a hold, could have been won. The schedule is a monster for the next month and the Braves do not have the resources to keep up with the Mets or stay ahead of the Phillies,Padres Etc. JS, the time is now!!!!!!! Acquire vet-bench help. Prado is a disaster,2 major mistakes at 3rd last night and a .200 average singles hitter. Bobby Sit Andurw or move him to 8th in the order. He kills every rally that comes his way. Move Harris to leadoff and move K.johnson to 7th, his OBP is starting to drop and we need a steal threat at the top of the lineup. JS, the Dodgers are desparate for power, try to get permission from Andruw and send him to LA for Billingsly. We watched last year, waiting for changes and they finally came,but not until it was too late, don’t wait to long again.

By Assumed Name

May 26, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

We really look bad right now don’t we?

By Get Real

May 26, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

“On pace to win 92 games” ??? Don’t think so…unless the situation changes drastically, this team will not win 85 games. I’ve followed the Braves closely for 26 years…and this is not a 90-win team. What is interesting is that in the big slump last year, at least they were consistently getting leads to blow late in the game. This team doesn’t get leads on a consistent basis. Edgar is the most consistent hitter…otherwise the line-up is in shambles. Don’t get me wrong…I hope as much as anything they get it going…it’s just tough to watch at this point.

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Water,water everywhere and not a drop to drink. Water,water everywhere and how the wins did shrink. With the minors teaming with young braves pitchers with low era’s,why o’ why can’t we find any who can face the big boys ? Think, who was the last pitcher to come up through the organization with a really good arm who didn’t constantly struggle with control ? (or a decent arm for that matter) ? This farm system has been very good at finding and developing position players.They must be near the bottom at finding pitching talent and developing them to become good pros however.The last star to maintain their command for a career who started out in the Braves farm system,and pitched for the team at a high level over an extended period of time was Tom Glavine.Now that’s a hell’of’a’thing.

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

You guys who harp on and on about the lineup don’t know chit from chinola.It’s the pitching stupid.

By Efrim

May 26, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

21-20 since the 7-1 start is not good.

Guess we will just have to face the facts that this team is good, but it isn’t even close to any Braves teams of the past. Even the ones with Russ Ortiz and Jaret Wright at the top of the rotation. Knowing that, we as Braves fans, are in for a nail-bitting summer trying to fight for the wild card. Mets are definitly a better team and they will win the division. But this team isn’t as good as I thought they would be. Hampton and Gonzalez injuries have hurt them.

DOB

What do you think?

McCann is hurt, right?

Same ole with Andruw.

Big hits in innings 7 through 9 are gone, and we still aren’t knocking starters out of the game in the early innings.

When we pitch, we don’t hit.

When we hit, we don’t pitch.

Hopefully they can wake up and hit Capuano and Bush on Tuesday and Wednesday to go 30-23. I would sign for that right now. 2-2 the next four games would be great. Stay within 5 games of the Mets.

I’ll take that……

By Assumed Name

May 26, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

As of right now, we are exactly 0.5 games up in the wild card. Even that is going by the wayside soon if we don’t right the ship. I’d rather be up instead of down and having to chase.

By Assumed Name

May 26, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Mets ahead of Fla early 7-1. That is what you are supposed to do to teams who are not your equal. Braves should take a lesson.

By mr baseball

May 26, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

For all the talk here and elsewhere about what a genius Schuerholz is, he has frequently been guilty over the years of ignoring the little things (bullpen, bench, etc.) and that apparently showed up again today. Only caught the end of the game on radio, but this one was pretty much lost before the first pitch.

Why would the Braves call up a journeyman RH pitcher to start against a lefty dominated team like the Phillies? And why is there only 1 lefty in the bullpen? How many times the past few seasons have the Braves started retreads like Carlyle, Shiell, Travis Smith, etc., and gotten the same result pretty much every time?

You need as many LH pitchers against the Phillies as you can get your hands on. McBride pitching 5 or so innings and Rheal Cormier 1 is a whole lot better option against them than starting Carlyle, but attention to detail has never exactly been the strong suit of either the GM or his manager.

I’ll repeat the two names I tossed out late last night as potential targets for our GM, one to take the spot that Wilson was supposed to fill, the other doing the job that was supposed to be Redman’s.

Ty Wigginton would give the Braves a RH hitting platoon option at 1B, an actual offensive weapon at 3B when Chipper is out and a decent RH bat off the bench. He can also play 2B. Unfortunately, our IQ challenged manager really doesn’t like to play guys at more than 2 positions, so Wigginton might not be utilized properly here.

As far as a LH pitcher who can start & relieve, the A’s Joe Kennedy is affordable, and could be available in the near future, especially if the Braves dangle one of their infield prospects in Billy Beane’s direction.

Davies pitching against the Phillies tomorrow has trouble written all over it. Braves need to bring up a lefty tonight to take Carlyle’s roster spot, or we’ll see another day of the top of the Phillies’ lineup feasting on Atlanta pitching.

By N8

May 26, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

I know I’m all gloom and doom and what not, but this next stat, fact, piece of info, whatever the hell you wanna call it, pretty much sums it up. More than likely it’s stating the obvious, most, but here it is anyhow.

Games started by Smoltz and Hudson: 16-6.

Games started by ANYBODY else: 12-15.

There it is JS. If you’re serious about this club making the post-season, go get a starter. If you don’t want to mortgage the future (Salty, Andrus, Escobar, Lillebridge, etc…) for THIS YEAR. Then sell of some parts as fast as you can. Or wait until July when their value will be higher.

Because without a solid #3 starter, we aint goin nowhere.

By AZBravoFan

May 26, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

I think it’s pretty simple. As far as the offense goes, this lineup requires a healthy Chipper Jones. He’s got the highest OPS. He makes the rest of the lineup around him better, even Andruw. When you’re replacing a guy who had the secord or 3rd highest OPS in the NL with Prado or Woodward, you got problems. And the pitching of anyone not named Smoltz (and Davies lately) just hasn’t been as good since the first month. If they’re going to to have an inconsistent offense, then they have to have superior starting pitching. Smoltz and Hudson have to dominate every night. Then if they can just get one good start from the bottom 3 each turn, that’s a .600 winning percentage. It does scare me right now, though, that we seem to be hanging our hat on the return of Lance Cormier. Sounds eerily like last year when we were waiting on Kyle Davies to save the season. Ooops. Lets hope Trader John is a little quicker on the trigger this summer.

By JasonInMaine

May 26, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

We will soon be 8 out…

By journalist jimmy smith

May 26, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

tweet, tweet, tweet, journalist was calling a songbird and carolina lady answered! good news is that carolina lady is not mad at jimmy smith. bad news is that carolina lady has grown tired of juvenile name calling and profanity and has taken a break from the blog. too bad, for carolina lady is a quality contributor here. journalist has learned that there are nice birds and there are ugly birds. lately, the ugly birds seem to be attracting the most attention. little t**-mouse birds with big boasts and little substance. as chipper would say, big hat, no cattle. and now, if the bloggers can decide the strongest lineup why is that lineup eluding bobby cox? and chico cadahia is not faring well as a major league manager. and now, more thumbalina … Thumbalina, Thumbalina tiny little thing Thumbalina dance, Thumbalina sing Thumbalina what’s the difference if you’re very small? When your heart is full of love you’re nine feet tall Though you’re no bigger than my thumb Than my thumb, than my thumb Sweet Thumbalina don’t be glum Now now now, ah ah ah, come come come Thumbalina, Thumbalina tiny little thing Thumbalina dance, Thumbalina sing Thumbalina what’s the difference if you’re very small? When your heart is full of love you’re nine feet tall Though you’re no bigger than my toe Than my toe, than my toe Sweet Thumbalina keep that glow And you’ll grow and you’ll grow and you’ll grow Thumbalina, Thumbalina tiny little thing Thumbalina dance, Thumbalina sing Thumbalina what’s the difference if you’re very small? When your heart is full of love you’re nine feet tall

By JasonInMaine

May 26, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

N8,

You are not doom and gloom…if others aren’t worried, they have rose colored glasses on. There are many reasons to be concerned with the foremost being the rotation and lack of a #3.

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

The team scores 7 runs and gives up 15 in two games and people think hitting was the big problem.I give up,I see clearly now that the offense should have scored 17 these two games and taken the pressure off the pitching.Makes sense to me,that’s the ticket.All we need to do is hold’em to 5 once in a while and the offense should win em for us,yea’baby! that’s the way it works alright.

By N8

May 26, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Agreed Mr. Baseball.

Sadly though, you type your thoughts as though anybody with common sense is listening.

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

May 26, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Folks,

On this date a year ago the Braves were also 3.5 games behind the Mets, but with a record of 25-23. This team is much better than the 2006 edition. While we need to stabilize the rotation, we’ve got 4 months left and Shawn Green is out with a broken foot.

By Get Real

May 26, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger…

You have a good point about the past couple of games. Obviously, the Braves could use another starter or two and Hudson is trending downward from a superb start. However, the only thing more inconsistent than the pitching right now is the offense. The “pitching is everything and live and die with the 3-run HR” philosophy only takes you so far. The Braves are 1-13 in the last post-season game of each of their last post-seasons for a reason.

By AZBravoFan

May 26, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

Totally agree A-ville. Sometimes you gotta win 2-1 or 3-2. Or even 1-0. That’s why we have so much trouble in the post-season too. Sometimes your offense is clicking, but sometimes 3 runs in 6 innings, the bogus “quality start” ain’t enough on the big stage.

By Steve from OH

May 26, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Chill out, people. We’re just going through a rough stretch right now. We’re a little disorganized in the rotation right now, and a little banged up (chipper, mccann) and it shows. In a couple weeks when we’re winning consistently again you’ll forget all about this. That being said, JS does need to bring in a solid arm for the rotation and Bobby needs to REST MCCANN. For about 3 or four days minimum. We need McCann healthy and productive in order to win (along with Chipper, of course).

By The Curse of Langerhans

May 26, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

the problem with the hitting is kelly is up and down, chipper is hurt as always, mccann needs to be DL’d so that he can get back to as close to 100% as he can, thorman as much as we all apologize and excuse him as a rookie is hitting .230 something and getting on base .270 something, andruw has become an absolute black hole suffocating the team, aybar is MIA and could have filled in nicely in the moments where Chipper is hurt and KJ needs a rest.

Edgar, Frenchy, Diaz, Willie are the only ones doing their job day in and day out. When Chipper plays, he is a constant as always - but that’s when he plays.

McCann needs to be DL’d and rested until his hand gets better. diaz needs to play more. harris needs to be better utlized - orr should never be filling in an infield spot when harris could be playing that spot instead. unless woodward is filling in at short, he should never play. i prefer someone else filling in at short as well to be perfectly honest. Andruw though is the biggest problem. he needs to get his head out of his behind. Thorman, I don’t know. he’s got power but is often a black hole out there.

By Assumed Name

May 26, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Actually A-ville, take it back two more games and we’ve scored 9 runs in four games. Thats just over two a game. That won’t win games. Take it back and add the 8 run game against the Mets and it’s 18 runs in 5 games which takes the average up quite a bit. It’s not the number of runs, it’s when you do or don’t score. It’s situational.

Take last night. 3 runs off Moyer. Guess what? The Phillies gave us two of those when Prado made the baserunning error and Dobson didn’t get he and Kelly in the rundown. Then Howard threw it away and gave us the two runs.

What about Hudson? How does he perform if he has a couple more runs? Does he pitch into the seventh with the lead? Does he stay in with the bases loaded and the lead? I think he is taken out and they attempt to preserve the win INSTEAD of leaving him in a tied game another inning so he can try and GET a win if the team can score a run for him.

I don’t know the answers to this but I do know that this team isn’t hitting right now. Today the team didn’t score 4 runs, Edgar was responsible for virtually all the runs. When Smoltz won the other night, it was Diaz who hit. Against Perez, no one hit. We can’t put two hits together in one inning lately and when we do, we can’t get the big hit to drive them in.

McCann is like 0-12. Frenchy is like 3 for 16 or something like that. Andrew is still struggling. Chipper is on the bench. Thorman had his first hit today since hitting that monster homer in the first game of the Met series.

Yep if we had a decent starter today we may have won 4 to whatever, but we didn’t.

The pitching is what it is. If upgrades can be made it should happen. If not, this team needs to learn how to win one way or the other. Good teams do that.

Oh and by the way. What’s up with Prado? I thought this guy was supposed to be solid defensively? The play at third today when he only had to tag the bag was not the first time I’ve seen him go to sleep and forget the situation. Remember him being late to cover 2nd the other night when they had the runner dead to rights? Todays play lead to runs as well.

So pitching needs to improve without a doubt, but we’re giving runs away just like Prado has a couple of times already.

We’re finding too many ways to take ourselves out of games.

By Steve from OH

May 26, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Good points, Mr.Baseball. I think that Kennedy would also be a good option. But we shouldn’t trade Salty for anything less than a #1 or 2 starter. He’s the future of the franchise. JS needs to trade Thorman and move McCann to 1B. Mac will stay healthier and be more productive in the long run, and Salty will improve our defense at catcher(McCann can’t throw anyone out, it seems). Thor and Prado + prospect for Kennedy.

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

n8 and Mr baseball You guys seem to think that JS can walk in the player super market and fill his shopping list.First off I hear there are other GM’s looking to find good cheap left handed starters.The biggest problem with mr b’s post is his saying JS ignored the need for leftys in the pen.Anybody who’s been awake the last nine months knows he did amazing work addressing the bullpen short comimgs.It would take a payroll of 100 million to compete for a top free agent or two and then it’s no guaranty of success (see skankees).This team is in trouble because of injurys and an inability to develop pitchers through the farm system.As far as the offense, I posted last night that worrying about scoring now is like worrying about heartburn when you’re on fire.If we can’t find a consistent three and a decent four this season is going nowhere.That’s assumimg Hudson pitches closer to the way he was earlier than his last two starts.OH yea Smoltz has to stay healthy and a lefty has to emerge in the pen.

By Steve from OH

May 26, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

The Curse of Langerhans: Agree 100% Orr and Woodward (and Bobby, unfortunately) have a lot of responsibility for our recent woes. They should never start, barring injury, and should really never play (or even be on the roster, come to think of it). Orr should only be used to run late in games, and Woodward’s only use is at SS. When they’re in the lineup it’s like an automatic out, and that really hurts.

By NO CHOP ZONE

May 26, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Yeah Cox gets the team up to play the Mets. Problem is they have to play every other team the same way. Not enough talent or emotion to make it past the Mets in a 162 game season boys and girls. Oh, and by the way…..Mets win 7-2. You’re now 3 1/2 games behind the first place Mets…..Good Nite!!

By Bob, Journalist

May 26, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

Were I in a cynical mood, I’d ask We’ve got plenty of good players … now where’s the team?

Managing is a difficult job … t’aint easy keeping 25 folks motivated and getting the best from each of them! Bobby’s a past master at so doing!

I’m not a proponent of micromanaging but, it’s my understanding that those under contract have the responsibility to follow the direction of the manager and those to whom he has delegated authority.

The last time I checked, that didn’t impose a requirement of asking, or suggesting, or saying please … nor did it give the player the option of simply taking it under advisement.

Assuming that’s the way it works, I must conclude that, regardless of Terry’s rhetoric regarding Andruw, field management is well pleased with the effort being made by the players to do that which they are being “asked”.

From my perspective, it begs the question, are they being “asked” to do the right things … and, if not … why not? Maybe they’re being asked to do the left things … I don’t know.

Of course, what’s right is defined by our mister Cox … so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how things unfold.

There’s some rather good comments herein, given how things have been going … but it’s rather hard to enjoy something when the poster doesn’t respect the language or care enough about his audience to refrain from the inappropriate and ineffective use of the vulgar … occassional slips might be understandable but to continually so is inconsiderate and insulting, at least in my view.

Actually, I’m assuming the intentions are good and so doing is not motivated by intentional boorish self indulgence … otherwise, methinks the content would be devoid of value … and the poster deserving of expulsion.

For those so doing; believe it or no, you’re being less effective than you otherwise would … and you’re leaving a lasting negative impression since we know you only through your posts.

I urge you to consider what you say and how you say it … and make your mama proud!

If your grammatical skills are weak and/or your vocabulary limited … stop embarrassing yourself and do something about it … it’s a lot easier than you think … and you’ll be glad you did!

Don’t scoff … it’s true, you’ll be glad … it’s a lot like putting on your Sunday’s Best … for no special reason on a Thursday afternoon!

I was hoping for a sweep … but, I’ve taken that off my wish list!

By Lew

May 26, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Let’s see now-We need at least two starters (preferably three), another couple of relievers to replace Gonzalez, a new bench, a new third baseman, a left fielder, a replacement for Andruw, another crate of sunflower seeds and I’m sure another part or two that I forgot. I think we should be able to get all that for Salty. But wait-We can’t trade him, that will mortgage our future, which is bleak because we haven’t developed a HOF pitcher since Glavine came up. Well, that’s OK, we can get them to take Escobar and Trey Hodges. Y’all-go to bed. There’s a game tomorrow afternoon.

By Ron

May 26, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Here are a few trades that can put us back in contention!!! Trade for Joe Blanton from the A’s for Escobar, and Joey Devine!!! Trade for Scot Downs, he is a good Lefty reliever of the Blue Jays for Martin Prado, and Ryan Basner!!! Trade for Jeff Conine of the Reds for Kevin Barry, and Kris Medlan!!! Trade for Odalis Perez of the Royals for Lance Cormier, and Anthony Larew!!! Or here is a good trade for us, but I cant see how the Rockies would trade Cook, but here it is: Trade for Aaron Cook and Jeremy Affeldt(a good Lefty reliever) for Escobar, Prado, Devine, Larew, Ryan Basner, and Hanson!!! Any one of these trades would help this team out a whole lot!!! We should not have to give up much for Conine. Perez should not take alot, we would not miss Larew or Cormier. I think having Odalis Perez would resurrect his career. Scott Downs is a very good Lefty reliever. I would prefer to get Aaron Cook and Jeremy Affeldt, but seriously doubt we could do it, and if it took a little bit more I would do it!!! No trading Salty at all!!! And I like Escobar, but I dont see him as the Future of the Braves, just dont, could be wrong though!!!

By B!tchin Past Midnight

May 26, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

Go to bed yourself, you old fart. We got lots more frettin’ and complainin’ to do!

By Savannah Guy

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

Gentlemen and Ladies of Braves fandom:

Well, it’s good to be a baseball fan and it’s great to be a Braves fan…but it’s a lot more fun to win more than we lose. Oh well, its just baseball, right? After this underwhelming Braves performance today on this beautiful spring/summer day, I just blew it off, cracked open a beer, put on a Hank Dogs CD and chilled.

Then my comrades, I prepared a dinner for my lady. On tonight’s menu: Fresh-caught Shad, sautéed with capers, garlic and lemon - accompanied by garlic and chive infused mashed potatoes, tomato-onion-basil salad with crumbled Stilton on top, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Then some crusty French bread and a great bottle of pinot noir. (JoeBrave: that’s fish, ‘taters, ‘maters and wine). Mmmmm. Life is good.

The blog was so damn funny today…humor, Braves and other info, social studies (even sociopath studies) and random gems. So, before closing it down for the night I wanted to pass along a paraphrased and judiciously interpreted recap of the blog highlights and lowlights (since my 11:20 post)…and stir the blog a bit more just for a bit ‘o fun and a little commentary. Apologies to all for either bearing with me, being included or not included (you are all important):

By The Warden: To Shaun. There are 8 ways to get on first. As long as we know who’s on first. Or was that what’s on first? Anyway, small ball. That’s it. Period. It’s a war out there.

By meansonny: I’m replacing Cox and Schuerholz. Somebody’s got to do something now. It’s me.

By Chop This: Savannah Guy you are brilliant.

By The Truth Hurts: Savannah Guy gets the gold star.

By N8…Uncle Upper!: Savannah Guy, you made me laugh out loud 3 times. Good stuff. You are my Brave’s-blog comic hero. And from here out, you can mock me any time you want if I am bad.

Savannah Guy sees these comments and thinks to himself: Gee, they like me. They think I’m funny too. I’m going to have to do this blog “one-act play” conversation thing again. I could be a blog contender. I could cause someone, somewhere to smile. Dave O’Brien could even like it. I’m proud…yet anonymous…as it should be. Don’t want anyone taking umbrage and seeking me out.

By Shaun: I’m still looking for someone that will discuss the merits of home runs over small ball. Oh there’s The Warden talking small ball. Ok Mr. Warden, have you considered OPS, OBP, SLG? Also, you have to have a base runner to actually score a run. Bet you didn’t even think about that one. It’s true and I looked it up in all of the stats since they started keeping stats.

By journalist jimmy smith: so I was just fondling a flower in the garden of my mind and just saw a little bird that seemed like a character in South Park. This little bird was so animated and poetic. so she seemed to be calling me with her titillating tweet. so I think I’ll ask her to visit journalists home tonight for dinner. so we’ll be having fava beans with a nice chianti.

By The Warden: Shaun, you dolt. Here’s your OPS, OBP, SLG and I’ll throw in a little LSD and STP for kickers. Back in history I got this. Dodgers. Take that.

By joebrave: JJS you don’t know sh%4t about a Fu#@&ng thang you peckerchomping fairyass sumbitch. Cecil you are jockmuncher too. I will squeeze you cause I have big forehead and hair on back.

By Joebrave: Everybody on this team can kiss my %4&& and &^@h9 before you &$#*&^.

By The Warden: joebrave you are a suckup to SJA. You are a Neanderthal who calls himself caveman.

By joebrave: Look here Warden peckerhead sumbitch,caveturd ain’t even close to me son,and I don’t suck up to nobody,but what I can do is put the smackdown on some twit loving @ss clown like you in my sleep,now you got that Summabitch.now go spit out them peckersqueezins before you choke….(this post was too classic to paraphrase by this writer).

By GiveUpNow: METS RULE! HAHAHA. BRAVES ARE HURT. HAHAHA. YOU HAVE NO TEAM. ONLY BAD PLAYERS. I’M WEARING MY TUTU AND I AM DANCING AND GIGGLING AS I HURT YOU. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

By GiveUpNow: NOW GONZO IS HURT. YAY. I AM SO HAPPY, HEAR ME GIGGLE HAHAHA. TEE HEE.

By joebrave: dumbass pitching fu%$@&ing pi&%# and damn tu^#ds.

By N8: By the end of the week we will be 130 games back. The end is near.

By GiveUpNow: 4 GAMES BACK. TEE HEE. TICK TICK TICK. TEE HEE HEE. Oops, I just wet my leotards. BE RIGHT BACK HAHAHA . TINKLE. I AM A REAL MAN BECAUSE MY METS ARE IN FIRST. HAHAHA.. NAH NA NA NA NAHHH.

By GiveUpNow: I HAVE TO BUG YOU BRAVES FANS BECAUSE THEY MAKE FUN OF ME ON THE METS SITE. THEY CALL ME NAMES. TEE HEE. I’M OFF TO LISTEN TO MY BROADWAY SHOW TUNES NOW BECAUSE I LOVE NEW YORK. IT’S NOT THAT OTHER REASON. TEE HEE.

By Shaun: OBP SLG OPS. 85 Cardinals…

By GiveUpNow: YES I LOVE CAPS. AND GOWNS. EVENING GOWNS…TEE HEE.

By The Warden: Dearest Shaun, OBP SLG OPS and more references…

By Ron: Shaun, McCann did so try to hit. I triple exclaim it - so there.

By Shaun: Ron, Let’s see…no. I mean yes. I mean I disagree. What did you say? Whatever it was I have stats.

By Ron: Shaun I’m going to stick with you all night on this. McCann did so try to get a hit.

By joebrave: jjs, you sumbitch I will lick you anytime. and hug you…no I didn’t mean that you peckerwood f******* $^&#*. Get on my @ss. I mean off. I’m slippin here da%$@.

By The Truth Hurts: Putting some (good) Salty on the wound of losing. Braves team, fans, town…get it together people.

By Lew

May 26, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

Odalis Perez is 2-4 with a 5.31 ERA, 63 Hits and 15BB in 53 IP and he makes $7,750,000 this year. The answer to all of our problems. All for Lance Cormier and Anthony Lerew. Let’s just run right out and pull the string on that one. It really is bedtime if this is what y’all are reduced to.

By Ron

May 26, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

I would even include JoJo Reyes in the deal for Aaron Cook!!!

By mr baseball

May 26, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

A’ville Ranger: One reason the Braves haven’t had that many young pitchers make major impacts in recent years is that the GM traded most of the promising arms and either got little in return or players who weren’t here long.

Off the top of my head, I can think of Bruce Chen, Odalis Perez, Jason Marquis, Adam Wainwright, Jose Capellan, Matt Belisle, Travis Miner, Roman Colon & Dan Meyer. Other than Hudson (great trade by JS) we’ve got nothing left to show for any of them. Most of the guys JS brought in played well here (at least during the regular season), but Sheffield was the only one who lasted more than a year, and he absolutely killed the Braves in the 2 post-seasons he played. (Almost forgot about Reitsma. Wishful thinking.)

Granted, most of the prospects the Braves traded never panned out, but they were highly regarded at the time they were dealt, especially Capellan. And we all remember how well the guy we got for him did.

I’m guessing one reason JS was so willing to trade young arms was Leo’s problems developing the pitching prospects coming up in the system. After Avery, the only Braves’ prospect who contributed much here as a starter was Millwood. I haven’t heard it much here, but there have been more than a few comments from outside the ATL that many of the Braves’ pitching prospects had little good to say about Leo.

In the current market, it’s very difficult to acquire any kind of pitching help, but that has nothing to do with the decision to pitch Carlyle today instead of McBride. Logic and common sense would point to McBride, but as fellow cynic N8 aptly put it, neither attribute is readily evident in the dugout (no shock to many of us) and, I’m afraid to say, the front office.

Braves command to Mr. Spock: We need help.

By Ron

May 26, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy, Dude I liked what you sayin about me, pretty funny dude!!! Warden aint tryin to sell some Drugs to SHAUN are you? I sure hope the Warden aint tryin to sell some Drugs to a minor!!!

By Ron

May 26, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Lew, Dude they would pay off Perez’s salary for Cormier and Larew!!! If you are waiting for Cormier to save this rotation, you are crazy, and Larew aint much either, it would be a steal for us!!! Odalis Perez could resurrect his career with us!!! What you dont think he can?

By gotigers72

May 26, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

WTF happened to the offense all of a sudden? Is it against the law for anyone besides Edgar to drive in a run?

The #5 starter position is killing them. That spot is now 0-7. I know that spot isn’t supposed to shine, but zero wins 1/4 through the season is ridiculous. Obviously Buddy Carlyle ain’t the answer. Hurry up Lance. Kyle is improving and Chuck needs to improve. 3,4 and 5 are gonna have to start giving them more.

By Ron

May 26, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy, Dude keep up the Good work!!! I was laughin so damn hard that tears were comin down!!! You need to do that every day, post a funny post like that every single day!!! I needed a good laugh like that!!!

By meansonny

May 26, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

What a day. The blog is comical when the Braves are down. (me included, so says Savannah Guy).

It is what it is. Builds character.

I think the team is all-right. These are the same #3 and #4 starters we had at the beginning of the season. Our #5 starter has produced 2 wins, I believe.

Outside of backing up our pitching staff with sound defense, I’m fine with our pitching staff right now. We need more if/once we make it to the post-season (true #3 to eradicate the #5 starting position from the team). But this will be enough to win. IF our offense gets back on track. And we still have Cormier in our back pocket.

It’s 162 game season. Better offensive production still won’t win every game. But if we can get back to scoring near 6 runs per game, I like our chances.

We can control the offensive and defensive productions (alignment) much easier than we can our pitching performances. I think we’ll come out of this funk allright.

Chin up, men. We’re still in it. We still decide our fate.

By meansonny

May 26, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

Our team has won 2 games from the starting 5 spot of the rotation (Redman against the Cubs and the one Lerew brought in against the Pirates I believe).

I know we all are desparate for a #3. But even if Cormier can bring us anything better than that, we are going to feel it help us in the standings.

Hudson didn’t pitch that bad last night. There were a lot of infield singles. The big inning was a hits batsmen, a walk, and an intentional walk to lead up to it. He almost made it 7 innings with 3 runs.

And I am still optimistic about what Davies has brought to the table the past 4 starts.

The dropoff has been in the offense. And everyone already knows who’s not pulling their weight. So no need to repeat it.

I still think getting Chipper back and seeing McCann get on fire will add a little more spark to the offense. We just need to find more ways to integrate Diaz and Salty into the offense without sacrificing too much defense.

In regards to Willie Harris at 3B. Desparate times might call for desparate measures. But he’s never played a MLB game there. So I doubt the defense will be an improvement over Prado. And Willie isn’t tearing the ball up against lefty’s.

By A-ville Ranger

May 26, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

Mr B. point taken on the traded homies.The starter on the list who is looking like he’s more than a journeyman is Marquis,if Wainwright gets healthy he may be productive,Perez had a brief run,etc.So I stand corrected,it hasn’t been all bad,just not very good.

By TheSouthernJackAss

May 26, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

Sure have a bunch of downspouters on this blog—overbearing, judgmental, self-righteous hypocrites…don’t like the language, don’t like the tone…go learn another song then…this blog has the collective IQ of a kindergarten class, and no sense of humour whatsoever…ridiculous…TheSouthernJackAss has been accused of blogging with himself on many occasions…and will be doing so from now on…

By meansonny

May 26, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

Look at it this way…

We’re 5-3 in games started by Kyle Davies.

We’re 5-5 in games started by Chuck James.

We’re 2-6 in games started by the rest of those #5’s.

As desparate as we are for another John Smoltz or Tim Hudson on our pitching rotation, I’d be fine with another Kyle Davies.

And I don’t expect Lance Cormier to subject us to 2-6 over his next (first) eight appearances. He was actually supposed to make the team back in April (over Redman & Davies).

By meansonny

May 27, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

I know a lot of people are drooling over Saltalamacchia. I’m one of them.

I thought I’d share a few reasons why.

He currently has the most plate appearances per strikeout on the team.

Even in his outs, he’s putting good wood on the ball. Not just dribblers.

I know his SLG is down a bit with 7 singles and 1 double. But that will definitely improve.

And despite being a little raw, he appears to have gold glove potential behind the plate.

Now let’s teach him 1B and 3B (LOL).

Honestly though, I’m looking for the player who’s going to be Chipper Jones’ replacement at 3B many moons from now. Let’s find some more playing time for this kid ANYWHERE until then.(AA is fine with me so long as we hold him)

By joebrave

May 27, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Savannah guy I’m still splitting my sides,real funny but watch that slippin sh1t or I’ll classify you in the sumbitch club!!! Now I see that jjs has come back from county visiting with the local jailbird,hope the conjugal with Leroy went well jjs…..

By Coach

May 27, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Truth : The Mets have the division won unless the injury bug bites deep into their rotation. Fact: if we lose tomorrow , the Braves will have been a .500 team for six weeks now. They started 7-1 , a loss on Sunday would put them at 21-21 since. The offense has gone south mainly because our two best hitters(Chipper and McCann)are both hurt , Andruw is being Andruw , KJ has cooled off and when you add all that up……….well , it stinks. Scoring four runs a game will not get it done. Frankly , I’m worried. I know this team still has the talent to make a run at the wild card. But , the injury bug could put them down permanently if this offensive swoon continues.

By The Warden

May 27, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

Savannah Guy is freaking hilarious … love his condensed version of our inanity. It’s like watching a bloopers reel of our retarded posts. Kind of a version of Sportscenter on Saturday mornings with the Not So Great 10 plays of the week. From now on, Savannah Guy will play a blooper reel of our posts during rain delays.

By The Truth Hurts

May 27, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Fact is, the lineup is good enough over 162 games to get it done. The pitching is not.

I don’t know where you bloggers get inside information on McCann’s injury. He’s still hurt, huh? Because he’s not hitting? It happens.

I’m off to dream of clarity in the Shaun/Warden debate.

G’night sumbitches.

By Drummerdad

May 27, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

Coach, good observation. I’m hoping Liberty will give Schuerholz some room to manuever before the trading deadline. Going into this season we thought we had the pitching lineup to beat in the division. We’re probably going to have to cough up some of that minor league talent in order to make a run at this. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen this mediocre to poor for this long.

By Coach

May 27, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

One last observation before some sleep. Why the Bleepedy bleep bleep is Pete (I can’t hit my weight) Orr still on this team ? 28 at bats and 2 RBI , Tim Hudson has 24 at bats and 1 RBI for crying out loud. Yo Cox , if your not going to utilize the guy , carry 13 pitchers all the time or call up somebody who is actually useful and not a waste of a roster spot.

By Lew

May 27, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

Ron-No I don’t think of either Cormier or Lerew as saviors, but No I don’t think Odalis can ressurrect a career that has never really come to fruition in the first place. Who cares if they will pay half his salary (wishful thinking there), we can’t afford the other half. As far as trading Hanson-You’ve really got to be nuts. Why give up a pitcher who is striking out batters to the extent he is? His K to BB ratio is unreal. How many more of our pitchers are we going to give away? What people need to realize is that there are 30 teams looking for pitching and I seriously doubt that there are 30 quality starters in all of baseball. You really think we’re going to grab off two or three more for a bunch of minor league pitchers we don’t even have confidence in? Reality check time. Realistically, we would do just as well to shore up our pitiful bench. We’ve got enough down on the farm that there has to be someone ready to step up.

By Wayne in Utah

May 27, 2007 1:34 AM | Link to this

Lew: You still up? Here I go, logging on late again. I went back and perused some of the posts, and as usual, many are “doom and gloomers” after a couple of losses. Some of the others are proposing the typical trades for washed up talent from other teams, or wanting to get Dontrelle for Prado and Lerew.

Personally, I have noticed that before this year, the bullpen and bench were the last pieces to be put together on our team, for reasons that are obvious to me. Many relief pitchers are fairly equal in ability, and it is usually not too hard to get some OK talent later in the spring. Same for the bench.

This past winter, due to the total collapse of the bullpen in ‘06, we did a nice job of adding Soriano and Gonzo. To be honest, until recently, we have gotten lucky in that our bench players have not had to take on too much of an important role, so our lack of a strong bench this year is magnified by Chippers absence and by the lack of production from a couple of other players early on.

While I appreciate the job that Bobby Cox has done here in Atlanta, I will be the first to admit that sometimes he frustrates me in the platoon thing, and his sometimes overconfidence in his players. BUT, that has been also a reason he has had much success, as his confidence in his team has caused them to overachieve on ocassion.

I wonder how long into the season it will be before we see some of the real prospects (short of Saltalamacchia), like Escobar, Harrison, Reyes, B Jones, and maybe Lillibridge? Also I would like to see Devine and/or Startup to see what they have.

Last time I checked, this kid, JC Holt was tearing it up. I wonder if he can play anything other than 2B??

Also, I think Carlyle was just a one time experiment, since Cormier is not quite ready. Too bad we didn’t give Harrison or Smith the start though.

Wayne’s Plan: Drop Orr, and bring up Escobar. Play him at 3B while Chipper is out. Sit McCann for a few days to let him get healthy, or DL him if needed. Salty in at catcher. Stick with Thorman against lefties. Milk Harris for a few more weeks, because I guarantee he WILL fizzle, and probably sooner than later. Bat Diaz against most righties. Keep Prado just long enough to make sure Escobar is OK, then ship him back where he belongs, to AAA.

When Prado goes, bring up either Startup or Devine, and give them a real shot.

Long post, sorry…….. I guess I am talking to myself.

Did anyone see that Jazz win at home tonight???? Maybe we can make it a series now.

By N8

May 27, 2007 2:04 AM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger

“n8 and Mr baseball You guys seem to think that JS can walk in the player super market and fill his shopping list.”

That’s not what I said, nor what I think.

I do, however, believe that a GM has to know when to hold em’ and when to fold em’, if you will.

Meaning that adding a mediocre #3 or worse starter is not going to do the trick. So if Salty is to be traded, it better be for somebody that’s gonna end up being better over the long haul than Salty would be. In other words somebody that will supplant Hudson as the #3.

You do NOT give up a blue chip prospect like Salty for and Andy Ashby type of pick up.

This team needs SO MUCH MORE than that. NO ONE PLAYER is gonna turn this season around. Unless Brandon Webb can be had for Salty, people need to STOP mentioning his name as trade bait.

All I’m saying (if you can’t figure it out through all the mumbo jumbo), is that this season is either:

a) Lost, and not worth trading a young stud for somebody that more than likely, will no outperform Cormier, Davies, Chuck or any other AAA guy we can bring up.

b) Will take care of itself with the guys already on the roster, just playing like they are capable of.

c) Is just not our year.

If Salty is traded for a anything less than a #2 starter (a proven one at that), I will have lost all faith in JS to do his job.

Just my take. You guys think I like losing? Nope I don’t. But similar to last year, I’d rather lose this year, and have all of our minor league depth in our pocket, than go out and get Jose Hernandez for a stretch run.

Guys should’ve been moved last year, and they weren’t. That’s too bad.

How many more years are we not gonna fix the rotation because we think Mike Hampton is coming back?

By N8

May 27, 2007 2:10 AM | Link to this

Wayne

Your not talking to yourself. Nice points by the way.

As far as the doom and gloom “after a couple of losses”

First of all, you know I’m doom and gloom ALL THE TIME, :-).

But to me, it aint “two losses”. As another poster said a while ago (Coach?), a loss tomorrow puts us at 21-21 after our 7-1 start.

Not good enough anywhere in baseball, especially in the NL East.

By Wayne in Utah

May 27, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this

N8: Personally, I don’t think you trade a potential franchise type player, a CATCHER no less, for ANYBODY, especially a pitcher who might be a #2, but who could go down with a bad elbow (ala Gonzo). Pitchers are so hard to count on.

I think what I hear you saying is similar to what I am saying, except, I would no way in heck trade Saltalamacchia unless I get a blue chip, 5 tool OF or third baseman who ALREADY has some major league experience under his belt. He’d also have to be young, or signed to a decent contract for several more years. Maybe somebody like a Grady Sizemore.

As far as pitchers, if it were a Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum, I would have to think about it, but my gut would tell me no.

If Salty is this good, let’s ride him to many more division titles in years to come. I agree with you that instead of giving up the farm for a “Johnny Come Lately”, let’s just ride it out, and see where we stand in September. No shame in dancing with the one we brought.

Whaddya think?

By Wayne in Utah

May 27, 2007 2:29 AM | Link to this

Nate, In reference to the 21-20 since the 7-1, agreed. BUT, it is a long season. Sometimes it is HE!! to have patience to see these things through.

BTW, would you trade Escobar and either Yates or Moylan to SF for Lowry??? I have always liked his makeup, although he is not a lights out guy. This is assuming that the Giants would like to have a 3b-SS with some upside, who is not over 35 years old.

By Ron

May 27, 2007 2:39 AM | Link to this

Lew, you would not give up Hanson for Aaron Cook of the Rockies, dude that is crazy!!! But like I said I did not think that the Rockies would be dumb enough to trade Cook!!! I think that a trade for Joe Blanton for Escobar and Devine would be our best bet, if we are trying to win!!! Reality Check dude we aint gonna win unless we add another good starter, Simple as that!!! Yeah Lew we would do just as good to shore up our Pitiful bench like you said. Bunch of bullcrap, our bench has not been the problem DUDE!!! Yes our bench sucks, but our #3-5 starters suck also!!! Our Bench would be that much better if we keep Diaz in LF and put Harris at 3rd base when Chipper is hurt, and when we give KJ a day off, of course keep when Chipper is on the field and KJ is on the field and we are facing a Righty on the mound then put Harris back in LF!!! Wayne in Utah, Forget the Jazz, they are finished, the SPURS are gonna win it all baby!!!

By Train Wreck Bystander

May 27, 2007 2:42 AM | Link to this

Gloom, despair and agony… this blog is starting to sound like a Hee Haw skit.

We are one top-notch starting pitcher away from a run at post-season greatness.

The Phillies may sweep this weekend, but they have not exactly faced the best we have to offer, after all.

I wager that our guys stiffen their backs tomorrow and prevent the sweep.

It’s a long haul until November, not a sprint. Some of you guys freak out at every little bump in the road.

By Wayne in Utah

May 27, 2007 2:52 AM | Link to this

Ron You maybe right, but that’s why we are called fans, cause we love our teams. One victory in San Antonio is all we need.

As for the pitching staff, no way do I part with Hanson. Maybe Reyes or Harrison, but not Hanson. The dude is a flame thrower.

As for Oakland, maybe they do that deal, but is Blanton better than James or Davies? Probably, but not by much. I think Davies will put it all together in the month of June (maybe that is just the fan in me though). With that jinx, he will probably give up 6 runs in 3 innings tomorrow. Sorry about that Kyle……… James is a #4 at best.

To be honest, I think the Braves will wait to see what happens in the next 3-4 starts for Davies and James, and also I think they are curious what Cormier will give them. We still have McBride as a possible starter.

I think the real problem is AJ and what to do with Chipper and McCann when they struggle. I would love to see Saltalamacchia get about 3-4 starts and rest McCann. Also, as I posted earlier, I would like to see us send one of the infielders packing and give Escobar a shot.

What say ye??

By Wayne in Utah

May 27, 2007 2:58 AM | Link to this

Ron, I agree that the Spurs are the best team and I will pull for them against whoever wins the east, but you can’t tell me that a team like the Jazz does not catch your imagination. When they are hitting on all cylinders, and playing Jerry’s offense and getting after it on defense, they are a team that is easy to pull for. D-Will is going to be the best point in the league within a couple of years.

OOPS, this is a baseball blog, huh…..

By Ron

May 27, 2007 3:02 AM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah, I would trade Escobar, Devine, or Moylan for Lowry!!! He is that good!!! Basically Escobar and Devine, or Moylan goes in any deal such as Lowry, Blanton, Cook, or another #3 type Pitcher!!! Anyone of those 3 guys would help a hell of alot!!! Mainly because Smoltz #1, Hudson #2, one of those pitchers above, or somebody else we might trade for #3, James #4, and Davies #5!!! Rounds out the rotation Greatly!!! I do agree with Lew and others about we cannot trade Salty unless it is a #1 or #2 Starter, and he better be damn Great, I would rather hold on to him to be honest with yall!!!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

May 27, 2007 3:09 AM | Link to this

Good morning, Here is a link to last night’s Richmond contest. Interesting story about a young pitcher for the Braves just up from Mississippi.

http://www.timesdispatch.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-05-27-0277.html

By Chop This

May 27, 2007 3:15 AM | Link to this

Hey! Let’s have some more great country lyrics!

A Man Like Me by the Late, Great Roger Miller

I walk the streets and wring my hands,

Trying hard to understand,

But I just can’t make myself believe

That it’s for good she’s gone.

Why do I go through this pain?

Day and night, it’s all the same.

Heaven help a man like me who walks alone.

A man like me can’t sit and cry.

I walk the streets and wonder why

A love like ours should go so wrong,

I haven’t seen her in so long.

The honky-tonks have no appeal.

They don’t help the way l feel.

What on earth can ease a heart like mine

That feels it can’t go on?

Things have changed from what they were,

Life’s so different without her.

Heaven help a man like me who walks alone.

A man like me can’t sit and cry.

I walk the streets and wonder why

A love like ours should go so wrong.

I haven’t seen her in so long.

The honky-tonks have no appeal.

They don’t help the way I feel.

What on earth can ease a heart like mine

That feels it can’t go on?

Things have changed from what they were,

Life’s so different without her.

Heaven help a man like me who walks alone.

By Ron

May 27, 2007 3:15 AM | Link to this

I like Hanson and I think he can be really good, or he might not, you really never know!!! Wayne in Utah, actually I am glad we are facing the Jazz, they are really really good, especially since Boozer has finally stayed healthy for most of the year, he had to miss the All Star game because I think he broke something, I think? And I agree Williams is a beast, you gotta be excited for the Future if you are a Jazz fan that is for sure!!! And if the Jazz was playin any other team I would be rooting for them, but when they face my favorite Basketball team, the SPURS, I just can root for the Jazz, I think that the Series will go 7 games, and the Spurs win a close game with the help or Horry at the end, Damn is that dude clutch or what!!! He even helped us win a game by Hittin Nash, because the Suns guys came on the floor!!! You gotta get some breaks every now and then!!! The Jazz is a very fun team to watch that is for sure!!! Let me ask you a question Wayne, why does everybody think that the Spurs are boring team? They play great Defense, have the Best player in the Game in Duncan, and Ginobli and Parker make some incredible plays!!! I just dont get it eloborate on it!!!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

May 27, 2007 3:24 AM | Link to this

The Braves just don’t trade a number one prospect unless they are desperate and I don’t think they have reached that point.

The past two games are a good indication of how much the Braves need Chipper to play. It’s a long season though so I am not going to fret too much right now. I don’t like losing but it could be worse, we could be Yankee fans….

By Wayne in Utah

May 27, 2007 3:38 AM | Link to this

Ron: You are forgiven for pulling against my team, this time…..

I will be at game 4 with my 15 year old on Monday night, but we are so far up in nosebleed seats, our DOB Blog sign will probably not be seen. We are sitting behind the announcers, in the middle of the second deck. Look for us. We will be the Jazz fans (oops, I guess there might be lots of us there, huh!)

The reason the pundits think the Spurs are boring is because they play traditional bball, like the Jazz. If you don’t have a flashy schtick or a rammer jammer like LeBron, or if you don’t trash talk like Rasheed, then you are not colorful, and deemed boring. That is my take on it. For my money, Duncan would be the MVP this year. D-Will next year!!

As for Hanson, it is kinda like Salty. Gotta keep him. We have traded guys like Wainwright before, when he was our top pitching prospect, but I think it is a mistake to dispatch a flame thrower, on the off chance he might be the next Jake Peavy, etc.

Trade the guy with good stuff, as we have more of those to gamble with. Untouchable pitching prospects are Hanson, Feliz, Rasmus, Locke. These guys can bring it. Time to let them develop. If one of them makes it as a rotation guy, we have done well. Fill in the rest of our staff with the Davies types as they develop into pitchers. I still think Davies is going to be the real deal. A Noah Lowry type #3 man eventually.

Gotta run. It is 1:35 here in Utah, and I will be in trouble if I sleep through church tomorrow……..

Later all…….

Go Kyle. Don’t let me down dude!

By Wayne in Utah

May 27, 2007 3:44 AM | Link to this

Chop This: How bout a tune to the music of Curtis Lowe, by Lynrd Skynrd.

Ballad of Andruw Jones

Well I used to wake the mornin, before the rooster crowed

Searchin for soda bottles to get myself some dough

Brought em down to the corner, down to the country store

Cash em in and give my money to a man named Andruw Jones

Well Andruw was a bat man with a pull hitting style

When the pitcher would mess one up, he’d hit that ball a mile.

He used to own and old hickory, when he’d swing he’d make a breeze

I’d lay down my ticket money and he’d whiff all day for me

Swing that bat strong Andruw Jones, Andruw Jones

Homeboy got yo contract money swing it for some dough

Bloggers said he was useless them bloggers all were fools

Cuz Andruw Jones was the finest out-avoider to ever swing the wood.

He looked to be 40, maybe I was 10

Momma used to whoop me, but I’d go see him again.

I’d clap my hands, tomahawk chop, then I’d stomp my feet

He’d strike out a time or two and have another Krispy Kreme.

Swing that bat strong Andruw Jones, Andruw Jones

Homeboy got yo contract money swing it for some dough

Bloggers said he was useless, them bloggers all were fools

Cuz Andruw Jones was the finest out-avoider to ever swing the wood.

On the day that he whiffed five times, everybody blogged to say

“If he woulda hit to right, he’d won that game today!”

Well he might have been famous, he could go get the ball.

And that day in Beantown, I think he hit the wall.

Swing that bat strong Andruw Jones, Andruw Jones

Homeboy got yo contract money swing it for some dough

Bloggers said he was useless them bloggers all were fools

Cuz Andruw Jones was the finest out-avoider to ever swing the wood.

Should I quit my day job yet??

By Ron

May 27, 2007 3:56 AM | Link to this

Wayne, I will watch for you in Game 4!!! It should be a great game!!! As for Hanson, you might be right about him, I have seen him play and he can bring it that is for sure, only seen him a few times, so I dont know alot about him!!! Wonder if Dan Smith will be ready for the Majors next year? He is also a very good young player!!! Take it easy man, I am about to go to bed also, I am very sleepy!!!

By David O'Brien

May 27, 2007 6:10 AM | Link to this

Wayne, that’s good stuff, man.

Oh, and if I see that blog sign watching the game, that will be truly … astonishing. That’d be a trip, to see that. So I’m going to watch closely, I’ve got to admit.

Jazz haven’t lost a game at home in the playoffs. That’s impressive. That place and Golden State are like college atmospheres this postseason….

Got a morning flight to Milwaukee, wanted to let ya’ll know why I didn’t have a new blog up. Not doing the game. Carroll got the weekenders, and the way Cox is going she might see him tie the record today (though I don’t know if he’s ever been thrown out of three in a row before; I doubt it).

It’d be a shame if he breaks the ejections mark on the road, getting booed instead of cheered. Or maybe that’d be more appropriate, actually.

Tell you what, Braves really need to win today to avoid taking a three-game skid to Milwaukee. But that’s stating the obvious, I know….

I’m shocked that Andruw still is mired in this godawful slump, and didn’t even have a couple of huge games on the homestand. Folks, he’s closing in on two months and still barely above the Mendoza Line. I mean, can you imagine a team meeting to discuss the offer it’d make Andruw if he hits, say, .250? Boras is going to ask for something like $18-20 mill annually for a guy possibly coming off a .250 season? I can’t see it happening. It’d be unprecedented, to say the least.

By David O'Brien

May 27, 2007 6:23 AM | Link to this

Davies vs. Hamels today, Capuano vs. James at Milwaukee Monday. Yikes.

Braves need to hit well against a very good pitcher, and get a solid start from Davies today, to avoid their first four-game skid of the season before Smoltz faces Sheets in a very enticing matchup Tuesday.

By Spinelli

May 27, 2007 6:44 AM | Link to this

DOB: Good Morning. Why doea JS/bc always stick with players like Orr and Woodward? They are never going to win a game with a pinch homer. I agree with whoever mentioned Ty Wigginton. He can hit and play numerous positions. What would it take to get him? Also in your opinion what pitchers are out there that are available and what woul it take to get them? Have you heard any rumblings from the front office?

By Spinelli

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

Who would JS give up in a trade for someone like Aaron Cook Joe Blanton or Bronson Arroyo if they became available

By David O'Brien

May 27, 2007 7:25 AM | Link to this

No, not hearing any pitcher trade rumors yet. When you’re barely a quarter of the way into the season, they’re simply are not many, if any, teams aready to give up quality starting pitchers.

Gotta give it a bit more time until some teams are ready to tell their fans, “Sorry, we’re out of it, wait till next year. We’re going to trade one of our few quality starting pitchers, but please keep buying tickets the rest of the season anyway.”

I don’t know what they’d give up for one of the guys you mentioned “if they became available.” Don’t know why Arroyo would become available anytime soon, but it’d take plenty to get him. He’s very good.

By 96,sc

May 27, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

“Renegator” I read a question of yours the other day about the Langehans trade and didn’t have time to respond. If you haven’t gotten an answer yet, I think it was a player named Graham Koonce. A big power hitting 1b with a low average and probably a career minor leaguer. He just turned 32 and he’s at Richmond.

By Braveheart

May 27, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

Ty Wigginton?

A Devil Ray player not mentioned before. Wigginton would be a good pickup. But it is funny that the Devil Ray player love affair continues on the blog. Maybe bringing up Wigginton is a backdoor way of getting into another Crawford, Baldelli conversation. Just kidding (sort of). Spinelli, Wigginton would be a nice pick up that may be very doable.

By David O'Brien

May 27, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

96, Renegator, anyone else who cares: Koonce came from Kansas City in a trade for a player to be named.

Braves and Oakland haven’t completed the Langerhans trade yet, unless it happened and wasn’t announced, but I don’t think that was the case. It was a player to be named OR cash, and it will not be a player (or amount of cash) of consequence, I can pretty much assure you.

By Lew

May 27, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

Ron-I don’t think you got the point I was trying to make in the wee hours. You are proposing trades of tons of minor league talent (and with minor league players, talent is all it is) for established pitchers. EVERYONE wants pitching-EVERYONE, There is a lack of quality pitching. Why in the world do you think any teams are going to jump on trades for their pitching, when we aren’t even comfortable with calling up these same players to fill in our own needs? It just makes no sense whatsoever. Now, DUDE-I’m not trying to make this a personal thing. You are hardly the only one to propose unlikely trade scenarios-but……I just don’t see your scenarios as being vaguely realistic, or having a snowball’s chance at the Peachtree Road Race of ever happening. I’d love to have some of the pitchers you mentioned and a few you didn’t. We’d do much better lobbying MLB to raise the mound back up. Might not be a bad idea. It might just aid the rash of pitching injuries seen in MLB this year and in recent years. It might just bring the out of control offensive surge to a more rational level, too.

By Efrim

May 27, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

DOB

Sheets goes tomorrow against James. Capuano is going on Tuesday vs. Smoltz. At least, that is what is listed on ESPN.com and CBSSPORTSLINE.com. Not to make a big deal, but I would rather have Smoltz facing Capuano for a “better shot” to win that game. Sheets has owned us almost as much as Oliver Perez.

By Efrim

May 27, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

SPINELLI

Why would any of those teams trade those pitchers?

Aaron Cook is a sinkerballer in Coors. They have to keep him.

Cincy has NO pitching. Why would they trade Arroyo who has a great contract?

Blanton is cheap and not a free agent for a while. Can’t see them parting with him……

Going to have to deal with Smoltz, Hudson, James, Davies and Cormier.

Although I am hoping that in a month I would re-order that list Smoltz, Hudson, Cormier, James and Davies.

COME ON LANCE……

By Efrim

May 27, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

I can’t remember the last 11-10 game we won? Not saying I want to see our pitching staff get destroyed, but…

CAN WE WIN A GAME WITH THE BATS????

By joebrave

May 27, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

What in the world is with all this smoke? I can’t breathe,I’m choking ,somebody please run down to the clubhouse and put out the fire I believe Bobby has snapped and burned all the Bats!!!!

By Gil In Mechanicsville

May 27, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

FYI… Ben Sheets is not 100% right now.

By Lew

May 27, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

JoeBrave-Dude, you might do better going fishing again rather than try to figure all this out. If we’re going to do anything this season, either it has to be with the poieces we already have up (plus Lance Cormier), or through a trade which most of us doubt exists, anyway. There is no pitching help at Richmond that looks good. Trey Hodges has more walks than K’s. Dan Smith has been called up from Mississippi. He won, but gave up 3 runs in 5 innings, walked 3 and didn’t strike out anyone. He’s not ready. Like you said, where’s the bats? Our pitching has been middle of the road according to MLB stats. We need to drive in a lot more of those runners getting on base. Can I come fishing with you?

By Wayne in Utah

May 27, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Lew: Agreed on the pitching situation. Harrison and Reyes have both come back down to earth since the first month of the season. Our best bet is guys like Cormier, McBride and Villarreal; and in that order, I believe.

Our real potential strength is the bullpen, even with Gonzo down. Guys like Startup, Devine, Boyer, R Cormier, Schreiber, etc. Startup and R Cormier are lefties.

Dave, what is the official word on McCann? I would love to see Saltalamacchia get the nod until he is a bit healthier, BUT, he is one of those types who is never going to admit that something is bothering him (hand?).

PS: Logan and I will be taking our “DOB Blogger” sign to the Jazz game. Half way up in the upper deck, right behind the scorers table!

Go Jazz (sorry about that Ron!)

By mr baseball

May 27, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Unlike a lot of bloggers here who dwell in a fantasy world of potential Braves’ player moves, I prefer to live in a reality-based world. For a variety of reasons, names like Willis, Arroyo, Lowry, etc., are not coming to Atlanta any time soon, and wishful thinking about trades involving them is a waste of time and blog space.

I tossed out the names of Wigginton & Kennedy because they would fill existing holes in the Braves’ roster, are affordable, may be available, and could be acquired WITHOUT giving up Saltalamacchia. I suppose it’s more fun to speculate on more prominent names (Crawford/Baldelli redux, anyone?), but what’s the point if the likelihood of the trade is neglible? That said, I’m not holding my breath waiting for the acquisitions of either Wigginton or Kennedy.

It’s surprising to me the lack of scrutiny, both here and in the sports pages of the AJC, of the job performance of the general manager. He was branded a genius in the early ’90s because of the signings of Pendleton & Maddux and shrewd trades for McGriff & Grissom, but his frequent mistakes since ‘97 coincide with the Braves’ declining post-season fortunes.

He’s made some terrific moves the last few years (Hudson, Renteria, Wickman, Soriano), but those have been offset by his refusal (until this year at least) to adequately stock the bullpen, and his willingness to deal away many of the team’s most promising arms while getting little in return. This year, he has struck out in his efforts to build a useful bench, and his signing of Redman was a resounding failure.

Not sure who makes some of the decisions, but whoever thought Carlyle was the best option for yesterday’s start clearly failed to study recent Braves’ history, and gets an F in logic for sending out a journeyman RH pitcher against a team that eats righties for lunch. Evidently, however, I’m alone here in this concern. No other complaints I’m aware of.

It’s more entertaining to focus on the big stuff and play the game of fantasy wheeling and dealing, but the little things frequently determine success or failure. Schuerholz has fixed the bullpen problems that he created. Now he needs to turn his attention toward the bench and a 5th starter/lefty reliever.

The Braves have enough talent in the farm system to make something happen without having to part with he whose name is too long to type.

By berigan

May 27, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Since Carlyle’s name was brought up….should the Braves give him one more shot? I mean, he looked great those first 2 innings, something Redman never did.

I’d say give him another shot against a less offensive team, or perhaps give him a chance as the long man, and try Villarreal as the 5th man.

By joebrave

May 27, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

Of course Lew you can come fishing with me,more the merrier..just a thought once again why not pull a Smoltz,glavine with Harrison,and Reyes?let them take their lumps and grow !!!!

By Lew

May 27, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Mr.Baseball-Given the financial constraints (which hopefully have been loosened somewhat), I’m not real sure what you would have had JS do. It seems to me that he put the best team on the field that he could afford to put there. The bullpen last year was atrocious, no doubt, but what were his options, realistically? Everyone seems to think you can just go out there and demand another team trade with you. Doesn’t work that way, especially after deals like Renteria and Hudson, where JS took his trade partners to the cleaners. It kind of makes it difficult to convince other GM’s of your altruistic motives. As far as pitching and the obtaining thereof-Dude, THERE AIN”T NONE AND EVERY TEAM WANTS IT!!!!! Picking up Ty Wigginton would be a good move-I heartily agree. But if you have paid any attention whatsoever to trade rumors with the Rays, you woulkd know that the Rays need pitching, too-much more than we do. They have repeatedly stated that any trade for their offensive parts must involve ML ready pitching. I’m not making this up-they keep saying the same thing, ad nauseum. That is exactly what we have nothing of to trade. WE need more pitching (as previously stated, everyone does). How are we going to pay that price for a piece like Wigginton? You just can’t give up what A. you don’t have and B. What you and all others want more of. Besides-if our minor league talent is so good, why don’t WE use it to fill our holes?

By Efrim

May 27, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

I looked at McCann’s stats this morning.

He has been terrible this year. Can we please sit him today and give Salty a start. Not to mention, he hasn’t been good defensivly either. Awful.

Lets start jumping on McCann’s 775 OPS for a little bit.

Lets ease off Druw.

What happened to our home runs in May?

They have dissapeared.

Most Definitly looking at 2 more losses here. Got to win some games with the bats!!!!!

By GiveUpNow

May 27, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

EVERYBODY READY FOR ANOTHER BRAVES LOSS?…..HAHAHAH…..TICK TOCK TICK TOCK……HAMELS IS GONNA EAT YOUR LUNCH TODAY AGAINST DAVIES…….BY THE END OF THE DAY YOU’LL BE 4 1/2 GAMES OUT AND PHILLI WILL BE JUST A COUPLE BEHIND YOU…..LOOKS LIKE 3RD PLACE A BEST AND PROBALLY 4TH SEEING THE SURGING MARLINS WIN AND WIN…..HAHAHAH….TICK TICK TICK TICK…..

By Lew

May 27, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Efrim-As usual, you come at problems from the rear end. McCann terrible? I sincerely doubt it. Tailed off since getting his hand smashed two or maybe three times? Absolutely. Needs time off with Salty playing? Absolutely, But because he’s hurt, not because he’s terrible. Don’t even think about comparing a player giving his all when he is definitely injured. Andruw may play hurt, but it isn’t injuries causing his lack of productivity-it’s p!ss poor batting mechanics, pure and simple. This is clearly another case of stats not showing everything. You really need to work on your analysis.

By TheSouthernJackAss

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

So there I sat in the comfort of my air conditioned den, nestled down in my Natuzzi leather couch, watching the game on my Panasonic monster screen HD plasma screen TV…Home Theater Surround Sound System…picture and sound so good it makes you think you’re right there at the game, only better…

You can almost smell the popcorn, hot dogs, & cotton candy, you can almost taste the ice cold beverages, ahhh, life was good…I had a tall, iced sweet tea, chips, dips, cheeses, and a big ol’ steak hoagie on toasted bread with cheese, peppers, & onions, had to hold on to that thing with both hands, yea life was good…

So I’m enjoying watching the Phillies whack the Braves while preparing to take my first mouth-watering bite out of that hot, crispy hoagie, when without warning, FOX airs a closeup shot of the Braves dugout…and there stands Braves manager Bobby Cox with his thumb and two fingers rammed all the way up his nose, and was wrenching them back and forth with his wrist, elbow, & shoulder, in unison, while twisting his head back and forth…it was one of the most disgusting, classless, sickening displays of ill-mannered, bucolic behavior that I have had the displeasure of viewing in quite some time…needless to say, I immediately lost my appetite, and could barely forestall myself from upchucking!…even my dog Beauregard got up, went to the door, and indicated that he needed to go outside…

If Bobby Cox doesn’t discontinue that nasty habit, or change his style and approach, then he may also end up with some type of arm injury, possibly requiring Tommy John surgery to repair…and I may never be able to have a snack while watching a Braves game!…

So if you will excuse me, I need to go grab a bite before the game comes on…

By journalist jimmy smith

May 27, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

tick, tock, tick, tock … it is tick, tock, tick tock - not tick, tick, tick, tick. mets fans are never in the know.

readers are treated to photos of bobby cox’s childish tirades and journalist wonders if a tirade against andruw’s stubborness (and failure in the box) should not be the cause for such a tirade. showing up the umps is not especially useful though there are those who think such behavior fires up the club. think smoltz was fired up yesterday? well, smoltz could offer nothing from the clubhouse once smoltz was banished - not even a cheer. oh, well, call in the birds. and bobby needs to win with the players bobby has. using them correctly is the genius of a great manager. somehow, the lineup bobby trotted out for game two of the mets series not only failed but reduced this team to struggling against all comers. imagine if front-line players had taken the field and the braves had won game two … and now, smoke is in the air today. will chipper play in such conditions? and is chipper wearing any sort of protective thumb(s) device(s)? and happy memorial day weekend to all bloggers and thank you veterans for your service. still awaiting news from scribe as to time and place for the fish fry.

By Coach

May 27, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Give credit where credit is due ! Did anybody hear about the great game that Gregor Blanco had last night ? He went 4-6 with two runs scored , one RBI , two doubles , two singles and four stolen bases. Twice , he stole third base against the Norfolk Tide last night. At the moment ,I think the best center fielder is playing in Richmond. Blanco is batting .314 with 30 runs scored , 2 HR , 13 RBI , 10 stolen bases and an incredible .404 OBP for a leadoff hitter.

By berigan

May 27, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

OK, deep breath…..ANY chance J.S. at least listens to offers on Brian McCann , if it involves a #2 starter? The A’s have… Danny Haren 5-2, 1.70
Joe Blanton 4-2, 3.59
Chad Gaudin 4-1, 2.58
*Joe Kennedy 1-4, 3.62 Rich Harden 1-1 1.41

Now, we all know Harden has the best stuff, but is too often injured to consider. But, the A’s really need offense, Jason Kendall has 3 homers since 2005, and is hitting .185 so far. So, should(could?) the braves consider trading McCann???

By Elements

May 27, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball

Agree with most of your post. I say most only because I’m not so sure of the talent in the Braves farm system. Langerhans,Carlyle and Lerew have made me suspicious of the young Braves.

By Memphis

May 27, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

How much longer will it be before Rheal Cormier gets a shot with Atlanta? He has a 1.17 ERA in Richmond and I can’t imagine the Braves won’t give him a shot soon to prove if he can be an asset in the ‘pen. I currently see Chad Paronto’s days possibly numbered as an Atlanta Brave. Does he have options left?

By Jim

May 27, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

James needs to go inside more. In his last start, he got burned on some pretty good pitches including Wright’s HR because the hitters were looking for the changeup away. When the Mets scored the second run, the inning was set up by LoDuca and DelGado both serving a 2-strike pitch in a pretty good location to the opposite field (Andruw take note!!!), because they could just hang on the outside corner.

I also expected Andruw to throw out LoDuca at the plate on a fairly short fly ball to center. I think that three or four years ago, LoDuca would not even consider running in that situation.

By Coach

May 27, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Trade McCann ? Are you insane ! Thats just about the stupidest thing I have read in this blog all week.

By mr baseball

May 27, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Lew: Until this year, Schuerholz has made a conscious decision not to spend money on the bullpen. He was responsible for the bullpen mess of the past few seasons — trading for Kolb, not signing competent veteran middle relievers over a few hundred thousand dollars — and the Braves paid the price.

He knew what the financial realities of the team were before he assumed almost $50 million of Hampton’s contract, not to mention tying up a huge percentage of the payroll in four or five players. He also squandered money this season on Wilson, Woodward, Redman & Sturtze, and apparently was looking to dump Diaz for a few bucks.

Not saying JS is a lousy GM, but he is clearly not the infallible genius that a lot of people here, including some in the media, make him out to be. When you examine the Braves’ successes/failures since ‘91, they correlate quite closely with how well the GM has done his job. And he did a whole lot better in the early years when he did not have to worry about budget constraints.

Now he knows how the other half lives. The Twins and A’s have done fine without unlimited budgets, but it’s not just money that’s involved here. A lot of his moves were simply bad trades, especially some of the big ones, and even some of those that provided short term benefits proved costly in the long run.

As far as Wigginton, I would consider offering the DRays Devine and BPena and go from there.

But if the Braves can’t do any more offensively against second rate pitching than they’ve done of late, nothing the GM might be able to do is going to make much of a difference. Without a healthy Chipper and a productive Andruw, this team is going nowhere fast.

By Coach

May 27, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Memphis , Rheal Cormier is nothing more than insurance. When the Phillies released him he had an ERA of 9.00

By Bill

May 27, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

I know it’s still early but I’m sick of this team. It’s time to dismantled this team. Trade AJ if he would agree. Trade Hudson,Renteria and Thorman while they can get something for them. Bring up B. Jones, Blanco and Escobar. Go for the future. Put Salty at first as that would be his only position. I would not trade him at all.

By Jim

May 27, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Has anyone seen Smoker or Heyward play? These seem to be the two names most prominently mentioned for the Braves 14th pick in the draft.

By The Warden

May 27, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

I’m watching you Joebrave. Why do the other inmates call you fingercuffs?

By Phills sweep

May 27, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

I turn on the tube, and it’s 2-0 already. These Braves look like they’re ready to go home. I guess Bobby could get thrown out again. That would be entertaining.

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

May 27, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

You can hang some of those runs yesterday on shaky defensive, especially Prado.

By The Warden

May 27, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Have no fear, Kyle Davies is here. Ky-le, Ky-le Davies, leader of the wild frontier.

By Mets fans

May 27, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

HEY ALL YOU CRY BABY BRAVES FAN,I LOVE THE SCORE,11-2 IN FAVOR OF THE PHILLIES,A GREAT SWEEP.TUCK YOUR TAIL BETWEEN YOUR LEGS BOYS AND GO HOME AND CRY BECAUSE THERE AIN’T NO WAY IN HELL THAT YOU ARE GONNA WIN THIS DIVISION WITH THOSE SORRY NO GOOD SCRUBS IN YOUR PITCHING ROTATION.AH THE STINCH COMING OUT OF ATLANTA.BRAVES SUCK AND MAKE YOU WANT TO PUKE.

By Savannah Guy

May 27, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Well, I just got back from a family outing at the beach to find that the Braves lost again. Trounced would be more like it. Spanked, dominated…b-slapped. I’m glad I didn’t see this game today. Must’ve been ugly.

So where are all the blogs? It looks like a quiet afternoon with not enouigh activity, arguments or controversy for one of my ‘tween the lines blog recaps. Lucky you.

The time has come for a major overhaul of the Bravos, or we will have another year like last year (or worse). These games are like watching your stock spiral during a bear market…you don’t get your head cut off quickly and mercifully but you are bled to death from 1000 small cuts. All the while you are thinking that you might bounce back.

It’s excruciating to see what is playing out on the field. Guess the first month was just playing over our heads and now the reality of this “team” has kicked in. The Braves are in a serious bear market and they are getting eaten every day now.

Only three things would help rescue this team now: pitching, pitching and pitching.