AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > May > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSmoltz vs. Sheets tonight, and Cormier’s return set
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Little late with the blog today, so we’ll dive right in with a couple of newsy items while I try to digest the jalapeno-and-pineapple pizza I had for lunch, and the peanut-butter cup custard that was dessert.
(Hey, not a big dessert guy, but they’re somewhat famous for custard here in brat-land … and speaking of brats, there are plenty of them turning on the rotisserie thing in the press dining room as we speak, with bottles of “secret sauce” nearby to slather on them.)
OK, back to the news as we prepare for Smoltz vs. Ben Sheets here at Miller Park on an overcast, humid night. Not huge news, but significant:
Lance Cormier return set: As expected, Cormier is scheduled to join the rotation for the June 5 doubleheader vs. Florida.
Bobby Cox confirmed it today, and said the report on Cormier’s start yesterday for Triple-A Richmond was as solid as the numbers: 6-2/3 scoreless innings, four hits, two walks, four strikeouts.
In four rehab games, Cormier is 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA, with 17 hits, five runs, two walks and 14 strikeouts in 16-2/3 innings. That includes the game before he reinjured his triceps and had to pretty much shut ‘er down for a few weeks.
Buddy Carlyle will probably start the other game in the DH vs. Fla, Cox said.
Chipper update: There isn’t much of one, other than Bobby said they hope to avoid putting him on the DL but probably won’t decide until Friday. Cox hopes he’ll be ready to play in the series at Chicago this weekend.
As I write this, I’m watching Chipper take grounders at third during batting practice. He’s said all along that he can field and throw fine, just holding that bat against that bone bruise in his right hand at the base of the thumb … that’s the problem.
Uh, oh, now he’s got a bat and he’s leaning against the cage, watching guys hit. Someone take the bat from him and lead him to the dugout….
Anyway, the Braves would rather wait to make a decision if there’s a chance he can play this weekend. If I had to guess, I think he’ll play, not DL. But neither would surprise me, really.
Bobby won’t pinch-hit him until they make a decision, because if they DL him they want to be able to retro it to Thursday, so he could come back on June 8.
First-place but free-fallin’: The Brewers are still in first place in the woeful NL Central, despite losing 12 of their past 15 games before tonight and six in a row (twice as long as the Braves’ longest losing streak, by the way).
In their past six games, the Brewers have hit .200 and scored a total of 13 runs, with six of those coming in one game, an 8-6 loss to Maddux at San Diego.
They’ve scored two runs or fewer in four of their past six games.
Meanwhile, Prince Fielder’s homer yesterday was his league-high 16th and his franchise-record 10th in May. (THIS JUST IN: That prodigious shot off Smoltz was frigtening. That’s 17, and 11 in May… Now, back to the original blog.)
Damn, that kid is a boulder off the ‘ol block, with a butt and legs to match dad Cecil’s, but not as much of a load up top.
Harris still hitting: Those waiting for Willie Harris to come back to earth are still waiting. The speedy left fielder is fifth in the NL with a .383 average (23-for-60) in May.
Harris has killed right-handed pitching. He’s hit .418 (23-for-55) against righties since being brought from Richmond, only the best average in the majors by anyone with 50 or more plate appearances.
Meanwhile, platoon partner Matt Diaz led the NL with a .436 average (24-for-55) before tonight’s game.
Yes, the Braves’ hottest two hitters play the same position.
Since May 5, Diaz has hit .451 (23-for-51) with two homers and eight RBIs. Since May 5, Harris has hit .365 (19-for-52) with five doubles, a triple, 13 runs, five stolen bases and a .450 on-base percentage.
More on the two-out thing…. Both Braves’ runs in Monday’s win came with two outs, Andruw’s homer and Kelly Johnson’s RBI single.
Jeff Francoeur leads the NL with 23 two-out RBIs, and Johnson is third with 20. Andruw Jones is tied for seventh with 14.
The Braves still lead the NL with a .281 average with runners in scoring position and two outs.
Andruw coming around? Andruw has homered in consecutive games and gone 4-for-14 with no strikeouts — repeat, no strikeouts — in his past four games.
This after striking out 20 times in 41 at-bats over the previous 11 games.
He hit .158 (12-for-76) with one homer and 28 strikeouts in the first 21 games of May before this four-game strikeout-less streak.
By the way, Andruw hit fourth yesterday for the first time since Bobby dropped him from the cleanup spot in Boston. He’s hitting fifth tonight, with McCann in the cleanup spot.
By the way, the team’s worst slump right now, before tonight, belongs to Jeff Francoeur. He’s 1-for-22 with one walk and two RBIs in his past six games.
Ok, gotta get to work on my notebook. Gonna do a lead note on Soriano, if you want to check the website in a couple hours. I had my longest conversation so far with him this afternoon. Intense dude. Wants to start or close next year. I’d bet on him being the closer.
And now, speaking of hardasses. A ditty from Mr. Ness….
“BAD LUCK” by Mike Ness (Social Distortion)
Some people like to gamble/But you, you always lose.
Some people like to rock ‘n’ roll,/you’re always singin’ the blues
You gotta nasty disposition,/No one really knows the reason why,
You gotta bad, bad reputation,/Gonna hang your head down and cry…
chorus: You got bad, bad luck
Bad, bad luck
You got bad, bad luck
Bad, bad luck
Thirteen’s my lucky number,/To you it means stay inside.
Black cat done crossed my path,/No reason to run and hide.
You’re looking through a cracked mirror,/No one really knows the reason why.
Your enemies are gettin’ nearer,/Gonna hang down your head and cry…
chorus: You got bad, bad luck
Bad, bad luck
You got bad, bad luck
Bad, bad luck
Some people go to church on Sundays,/others they pray at home.
You tell them that there ain’t no God,/that they’re better off standin’ alone.
You’re always scratchin’ at the eight ball,/No one really knows the reason why.
You get to the top and then you fall,/Gonna hang down your head and cry.
chorus: You got bad, bad luck
Bad, bad luck
You got bad, bad luck
Bad, bad luck
Services »
Comments
By flange1
May 29, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Social D RULES!!!!!
Thanks for the update on Cormier and Chipper.
Has their been any discussion about the other Cormier coming up?
Thanks!
By Put Me In Coach
May 29, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
Another great blog. Thanks Dave
By Turnin2
May 29, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
Watching Braves Pre-Game show on FSN and I thought I just heard someone on their staff say he looks for the Braves to re-sign AJ SOON at about 16+ million? Did I hear right… anyone else watching? I wasn’t paying too much attention obviously… but perked up in time to find out what the guys have to watch when the little woman has control of the remote.
By Turnin2
May 29, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
btw.. DOB - Don’t you have enough pull to get that lame blog removed from the front page? Who gives a rat’s hiney who that female thinks is sexy?
By SeattleBrave'sFan
May 29, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
nice…i was waiting for a little Mike Ness/Social D. stuff. Cheating at Solitaire is a great album.
By Lew
May 29, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
Damn-It looks like he ain’t coming back to earth tonight, either.
By fastasballs
May 29, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
WOW, what a start!
Willie turned on that one.
By SteelCav
May 29, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
Great start…2-0 Braves and Edgar w/ a double!!!!!!
By ncscoots
May 29, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
jjs, mia hamm? irina korzhanenko? In a word, yes. And, oh by the way…Milka Duno. (FYI, Milka did not run too well at Indy, but, omigod, did she ever look good failing, LOL! At last report, she was cursing her car for a dead monkey and seeking solace from songful birds.)
By eric the elder
May 29, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
I. J. Rosenberg predicts that Andruw will sign with the Braves in the next few weeks. Any thoughts, DOB?
By A-ville Ranger
May 29, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t it be a kick if Smoltz won a second Cy Young this year ? The strange thing is it’s not at all out of the question.As much a fan as I am of Smoltz he said something a few weeks back when asked if he is the face of this great run since 91.He commented that if he is it’s by default and that it should have been Tommy (Glavine of course).How true and honest,for me Glavine’s IS the face on the cover of the memory book,always will be.
By A-ville Ranger
May 29, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
Man o man that slider is Tom Seaver like.
By A-ville Ranger
May 29, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this
come on ! beat the Sheet out of these guys !!
By Turnin2
May 29, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
A-ville Ranger Amen!!
By Meanie
May 29, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
Nice hit by Estrada but is it just me or is he looking a bit, uh, healthier? Johnny may be sampling the local favorites a bit too regularly.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 29, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this
dave,
what’s the website for this notebook to which you’re referring? haven’t seen it. thanks.
By eric the elder
May 29, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
Thorman reminds me a little of Klesko. When he strikes out, he does that hulk and sulk back to the dugout, like he plans to take out the water cooler.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 29, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
Smoltzie did a nice job getting out of that inning.
By fastasballs
May 29, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this
McCann & Frenchy are fighting it big time. Both look really bad up there right now.
By chrisklob
May 29, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
Meanie, I was thinking the same thing. Almost didn’t recognize him at first.
By chrisklob
May 29, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
Meanie, I was thinking the same thing. Almost didn’t recognize him at first.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 29, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
OOOOPS!!!! Okay, that one needed on board oxygen…
By SteelCav
May 29, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
Well, that lead was short lived. Ouch.
By Greg in TN
May 29, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
Evening folks…
Nothing like a little baseball in the land of beer and cheese. Put me down for thinking the bratwurst will win the sausage race tonight. It’s too bad Bernie Brewer doesn’t slide into a beer mug anymore.
It had been a nice night by the good guys up until that smash by Fielder. I have a lot of respect for Ned Yost and Johnny Estrada and root for those guys when they’re not facing us.
I’m very encouraged to see AJ hitting the ball much better after making his adjustments. Also good that Lance Cormier is pitching well in his last few rehab starts. If he’s able to translate his success to the big club when he comes up in June, we’re in good shape to make a run at the mets.
By Meanie
May 29, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
Somebody tell John that the hanging slow stuff on the outer half ain’t working. Two pitches in a row, mammoth HR and a single. I was hoping we could cruise up by three.
By Bob, Journalist
May 29, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
You caught me again … shame on me!
I haven’t seen any team in our league being too successful in hiding players with defensive weaknesses at any position … that’s why we have the American League.
Part of my preparation for assignment in Germany was to attend German plays and movies … I vividly recall attending a German play in Monterey where a little girl of German parents, perhaps eight years old, was sitting beside me and having a delightful time … her English was natural and letter perfect … and she couldn’t understand why I was struggling so much understanding the play … since we could converse in either language.
I think changing playing positions is a lot like that … those of us who grew up pitching, playing short, and center when we were very young … developed “instincts” long before we knew anything about mechanics or received significant training … you take those with you wherever you go.
Such players probably have a better chance of successfully changing positions than those who come from highly structured beginnings.
However, methinks that most catchers are driven to be catchers and while successful moves to so called “less demanding” positions occassionaly occur, it’s a delicate situation.
By JasonInMaine
May 29, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
How does Smoltz look for those watching the game? He doesn’t “look” good on gamecast!
By Turnin2
May 29, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
DOB Thanks, I just noticed that ‘other’ blog has been replaced! I knew you could do it!
By Summerteeth
May 29, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
DOB,
IJ Rosenburg said on BravesLive that he thought Andruw would resign in 2 weeks…why would he say that?
By JasonInMaine
May 29, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
Nevermind…I posted that before I saw they scored the last 2…blogging from my blackberry (:
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 29, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
A lesson for all… The home run Willie hit counted the same as the one hit by Fielder. Scott Thorman pay attention please.
By Braveheart
May 29, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
I’ve changed my mind from my post at the end of the last blog. I still agree that there is only enough legit talent to fill the rosters of 24 teams. They should contract but they won’t.
So my modified crazy proposal would be to keep the current 30 teams, move Florida to San Antonio, the devil rays to las vegas, have 10 divisions of 3 teams each, each division winner goes to the playoffs, make the four teams from the divisions whose entire divisions have the worst overall regular season records against teams from the other divisions play each other in the first round, with the teams from the divisions with the best overall records against teams from other divisions getting first round byes.
Babe Ruth Division - Yankees, Mets, Red Sox
Hank Aaron division - Braves, Orioles, Nationals
Ty Cobb Division - Phillies, Blue Jays, Tigers,
Stan Musial Division- White Sox, Cubs, Cardinals
Willie Mays Division - Giants, Angels, Dodgers
Nolan Ryan division - Rangers, Astros, San Antonio (marlins move)
Pete Rose Division (yeah right) Pirates, Reds, Brewers
Catfish Hunter Division - Padres, As, Mariners
Bugsy Siegel Division - Diamondbacks, Rockies, Las Vegas (Tampa relocates)
Rod Carew Division - Twins, Royals, Indians
So, say the Twins, Rockies, Padres, Pirates, Yankees, Braves, Cubs, Phillies, Dodgers, and Astros win the divisions.
But the Rod Carew division, the Catfish Hunter, Pete Rose, and Nolan Ryan divisions had the worst records overall against the other divisions.
The winners of those divisions, the Twins, the Padres, the Pirates, and the Astros would all have to play each other in a best of three first round.
The winners from the other divisions would then all get first round byes.
Into the second round, teams would all be seeded based upon all of their own individual overall team records against the other divisions.
So, at that point, you would have eight teams and take it from there.
Hopefully, that would get rid of all the small market crybabies because they would be in divisions with comparable budget teams - so, if they can’t get to the playoffs, that is their own darn fault.
It ain’t ever gonna happen - makes too much sense and too many would be in an uproar about messing with precious AL/NL tradition (purists like Bob Costas and George Will would likely blow their brains out).
BUT are the AL and NL traditions really all that important anymore outside of the DH rule, which would be eliminated with this new structure? With all this player movement, the AL and NL traditions and distinctions have been kind of rendered meaningless.
Some teams with records under .500 obviously would make the playoffs but so what? You would get Cinderella stories like you have in college basketball.
But in my own crazy mind, I think it would be smart to do this - it could even lead to more growth in baseball through expansion to smaller markets who will be willing to get in because although they can’t afford to play with the big boys in the big divisions, they know they can still make money, still be able to promise their cities a shot at making the playoffs and they just might be the Cinderella story that year.
It works in college basketball and college football. Sometimes a Gonzaga or Boise State can step up and beat one of the major programs.
The sale would be that you don’t have to have a budget like the Yankees. You just got to win your division and get in the playoffs. As we have seen recently in the last ten years, the best team does not always win. The hottest team often does. So, you would sell it to the fans that we gotta win the division and get into the playoffs because once you get in the playoffs anything can happen. A mid major (or small market in baseball) could beat one of the major programs.
How great would it be if a baseball team from Boise beat the Yankees in the playoffs? If Steinbrenner were still alive if that ever happened, he would make sure there was no one left living who created or played for that particular Yankee team.
There might become a problem with the quality of play which would be a legit issue in the smaller market divisions at least.
Records might also be rendered kind of meaningless - but, then again, hasn’t baseball already done that to itself with the steroid era? All the player movement has certainly done that to AL and NL records.
Okay, time to step away from the bong, now. Jung Bong, that is. What, did you think I meant that I was smoking? I don’t know what would lead you to believe that?!?!?!?!
By fastasballs
May 29, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
This is not good at all…..
By geauxbraves2000
May 29, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
I sure would like the see the Braves take a few pitches, make Sheets work a little harder for outs.
Oh well, tis easy to be an arm chair manager.
If the Braves lose Smoltz, the season is done.
Geaux Braves
By eric the elder
May 29, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
If this is serious, the season is over.
By N8
May 29, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
If Smoltz is out for ANY length of time, this season is OVER.
Period.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 29, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
Oh crap!!!! What’s wrong with John?
By Tomahawkin' Again
May 29, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
“Watching” the game on MLB.com gamecast…what in the hell happened to Smoltz?!? My head is spinning!
By Mackey Sasser
May 29, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
Smoltz looks hurt on my gamecast. quick, somebody tell me what happened…
By Lee
May 29, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
$#!+
By David O'Brien
May 29, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
No word yet on whether Smoltz injured his hand or what. We’ll know something soon.
By Greg in TN
May 29, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
Not good folks. Understatement of the year obviously. He wasn’t sharp at all tonight and now it makes sense as to why. Hopefully it’s not serious.
By Missouri fan - NO TV
May 29, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
What happened to Smoltz?
By N8
May 29, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
Oh. My bad. Was that to Doom & Gloom for you all?
Never mind.
Hudson’s the Ace now, and James is WAY too good for the #3 hole in the rotation anyhow, so moving him up to #2.
We’ll be fine. After all, Cormier is coming back.
Hey look on the bright side. If Smoltz is down for a while, when we get him back, it’ll be like adding a big name at the deadline. Then when we get Hampton and Gonzalez back, it’ll be like JS went “shopping” this winter.
2008 looks GOOD!
By Aaron
May 29, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
what happend?
By Steve from OH
May 29, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
What happened??? Can’t see the game, need info on Smoltz.
By SteelCav
May 29, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB…safe to say we’ll be hanging on every word in this blog until we hear something…..anything. Fingers crossed.
By Brad in KY
May 29, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
What’s wrong with Smoltz? Arm? Leg? Finger?
By Mike
May 29, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
can someone tell me what happened to smoltz?…im in LA, the game is not broadcasted and im watching it on gameday?…is it serious or is bobby being extra cautious?
By MEB
May 29, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
Could be John’s finger which he stung on that jammed base hit. I don’t think he can grip the ball without pain.
By JJMB
May 29, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
Game over man game over! We lose Smoltz and, well, it’s obvious. No joy.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 29, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
For what it’s worth I think it’s his finger. He really was smarting from that in his previous at bat.
By Meanie
May 29, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
Bloggers with no TV it was awful. His elbow came completely out of socket. Gruesome.
By JasonInMaine
May 29, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
Okay, what the heck happened????
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 29, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
it didn’t look like smoltz was in excruciating pain, so i’m at least a little hopeful about his injury. if the man can come back from dislocating a finger, i think he’ll be okay
By Goat Horns
May 29, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
It appears as if his right shoulder tightened up. He was trying to stretch it out before he threw his final pitch.
The announcers keep saying it was his pinky that was injured but I believe it is something with his shouler.
Lets hope it is not serious.
By Frits
May 29, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
please tell me Smoltz is ok…
By Missouri fan - NO TV
May 29, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
Eh? Anyone watchin’ TV know anything yet?
By Braveheart
May 29, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
Houston County, we have a problem. Crap!
By A-ville Ranger
May 29, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
Oh doody !! Of all the things this team doesn’t need losing Smoltz is at the top of the list.We’ll hope for the best.I wondered why his pitches were hanging all of a sudden,any ideas ?
By fastasballs
May 29, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
He injured his hand hitting. He was jammed badly on a pitch, he was hurting so bad it took him a bit before he started running to first. Threw one pitch in the 4th and that was it.
What makes me uncomfortable is that after he threw that pitch he just walked off the field. No waiting on the trainer or Cox, he knew he was done.
By N8
May 29, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this
Hey.
I’m listening on mlb.com radio.
So y’all have to tell. Is it night yet in Milwaukee, and if it is….
Does Corey Hart have his sunglasses on?
Just curious.
By MBATL
May 29, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
For those “watching” without the benefit of pictures: first, Smoltz obviously tweaked the pinkie injury on his broken bat single; he stood at the plate “shaking it off” until he realized he had a chance for a hit… and was holding his finger after he crossed first.
Then, in the bottom of the 4th, TV showed him doing a lot of shoulder stretches… pulling one arm across his body with the the other… And after he gave up the hit to Weeks, he just walked off the mound. Not in obvious pain or anything… As he hit the dugout, he had his glove over his mouth… like he was saying something, but didn’t want the cameras to pick it up… don’t know if that was just some expletives, or a comment on what was going on. He didn’t look to be in a lot of pain… just obviously knew something was not right.
By Lee
May 29, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
Pete Van Weiren said on the radio that it appeared to be the shoulder…possible that it was just stiff…Smoltz is a warrior so no telling if he will be out long…he would pitch left handed if he had to…problem is now the team is demoralized and playing like crap…
By eric the elder
May 29, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
Mike. it wasn’t Bobby being cautious. Smoltz just walked off the mound on his own. Bobby was shocked. Smoltz was pulling at his right shoulder during warmups, so my hunch is that the problem is with the shoulder, not the finger, although he did seem to hurt something in his at bat.
By StingerSplash
May 29, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the Social D frontman, DOB. But since I just got back in from a 7 p.m. meeting I was 30 minutes late for, what happened to Smoltz? the fate of the free world hangs in the balance (OK, maybe not, but the pursuit of the Mets does, and that’s almost as important)
By Lee
May 29, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
By the way meanie, no it didn’t
By A-ville Ranger
May 29, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
Fielder looks like he could be a great one.
By N8
May 29, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
Meanie
Well that’s just……meanie. :-)
By Corey Hart
May 29, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
N8,
*I wear my sunglasses at night So I can so I can Watch you live and breathe your storylines (And) I wear my sunglasses at night So I can so I can Keep track of the visions in my eyes While she’s deceiving me It cuts my security (has) She got control of me I turn to her and say Don’t switch the blade on the guy in shades, oh no Don’t masquerade with the guy in shades, oh no I can’t believe it You got it made with the guy in shades, oh no (And) I wear my sunglasses at night So I can so I can Forget my name while you collect your claim
And I wear my sunglasses at night So I can so I can See the light that’s right before my eyes While she’s deceiving me She cuts my security (has) She got control of me I turn to her and say Don’t switch the blade on the guy in shades, oh no Don’t masquerade with the guy in shades, oh no I can’t believe it! Don’t be afraid of the guy in shades, oh no It can’t escape you ‘Cause you got it made with the guy in shades, oh no I said I wear my sunglasses I wear my sunglasses at night Wear my sunglasses at night*
By Oh No
May 29, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
Oh no
By JasonInMaine
May 29, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Folks, it is beyond time to give Salty some time at first…Thor is having an absolute awful month…with Chipper out of the lineup and the team struggling to put runs on the board; he has to get in there!!
By Braveheart
May 29, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Oh no, i can’t see what is going on. is his head still attached?
he better be fine. otherwise, N8 can start waving the white flag that he so badly wants to start waving.
By Lee
May 29, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
By the way DOB, great choice of music
By Bill
May 29, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
If Smoltz injury is serious, the Braves are done. Hope he won’t be out to long but it doesn’t look good. I hope the Braves don’t crazy and start trading prospects.
By Mackey Sasser
May 29, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
viva Oscar!
By Oh No
May 29, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this
Looks like it could be a nerve problem if not shoulder. He was really working his hand after the last AB when he broke his bat. He just kept working it. Anyone who’s ever had a bad stinger in the hand knows it can run all the way up your arm to your shoulder. Hopefully, that’s what it was rather than a shoulder problem. Gotta hope.
By Fred from CT
May 29, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
JasonInMaine
agree 100% on thorman
By Greg in TN
May 29, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Ricky Weeks suddenly has Andres Thomas syndrome.
By bruce
May 29, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Gil I believe I recall that you have said that Willie Harris was playing 3rd base in Richmond and that you have suggested that would be good way to get both Harris and Diaz in the lineup while Chipper is injured. Did Dave respond to you on this? I do not recall a response. What was the consensus? Thanks, Bruce
By MEB
May 29, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
Does Pete Orr get hits during BP?
Whoa!!! Back to back errors by the Brewhahas
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 29, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
Okay….. Keep hitting off the 2nd baseman…. Clang!!!!
By David O'Brien
May 29, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
N8 _ no. And also, his future’s not so bright that he’s gotta wear shades (if you’re going to reference the horrible cory hart, I had to counter it with Timbuk 3’s 80s’ tune.
By Mike
May 29, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
thanks for the updates guys…i sure hope smoltzie is ok…he did say before the season that he wasnt going to be pushing himself deep into games when he was tired or inefective due to the improved bullpen…hopefully smoltz was hurting (not injured) and felt that the bullpen had a better chance to win the game than he did tonight
By Harvey
May 29, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Wow, what a hit by Robin Yount.
By geauxbraves2000
May 29, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
Are the Braves in a hurry to get somewhere? Why is everyone swinging at just about everything?
Geaux Baves!!
By John Smoltz
May 29, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
Calm down now folks! During the operation to donate a ligament to my good buddy Mike Gonzalez the doctor removed it from the worng arm (explains my poor but gutty performance tonight). I’ve rented Redman’s basement and will be working on my left-handed pitching mechanics. Should be back soon.
By fastasballs
May 29, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
Geez, baserunners everywhere & only 3 runs.
By Lee
May 29, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
Wow…a Braves team that doesn’t get clutch hits…yep, they are in post season form
By Ron Roberts
May 29, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
JasonInMaine… fifty games, and you’re done w/Thorman. Brilliant.
With Chipper out, this is the worst time to throw somebody into a position they’re not as familiar with, defensively, nevermind the implications offensively.
If you’re gonna hae trouble scoring runs, you’d better put your best pitching and defense and keep it close, at least.
Putting a rookie 1B who, oh by the way never played 1B… sheer brilliance.
By N8
May 29, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
“…otherwise, N8 can start waving the white flag that he so badly wants to start waving.”
Yup. Been waiting for 6 months to wave the white flag. I absolutely LIVE for giving up.
How’s the old saying go? A rat smells it’s own hole?
It’s simple. When a team LIVES AND DIES by what it’s 40 year old Ace and it’s 35 year old 3B do. It could be a long year.
Especially when you’re biggest acquisition over the winter (Gonzalez) is shelved for the year, a guy the team was counting on to be in the rotation (Hampton) is shelved for the season, your 23 year old all-star catcher (McCann) is on pace for 9 HR and 66 RBI, one year after hitting 24 HR and 93 RBI (due to an injury that hasn’t healed all the way), your ALL WORLD free agent to be “we were expecting a MONSTER year from” CF (Andgoo) is trying his best to have similar numbers to Lonnie Smith, and you have an 80 million dollar payroll that isn’t likely to budge for the stretch run, I’d say YEAH, if Smoltz goes down for any length of time, get the white flags ready.
By SteelCav
May 29, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
Wow, Chipper, please get healthy soon. Orr is playing Jai Alai out there.
By Chrizzo
May 29, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, any truth to this rumor that IJ Rosenberg brought up in the pre game show about Andruw singing long term with the Braves soon? He talked about it as if it were common knowledge. He said somewhere between the $15 and $16 million range. Have you heard any rumblings or anything to make this sound like it could be true?
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 29, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
Bruce I was just making a statement. Not making any suggestions. Just saying he could, not should….
By Bob, Journalist
May 29, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
Jason, you could see something was wrong …
geauxbraves2000, N8, and even the elder Cato … I’m surprised!
Losing John would, without a doubt, lessen our chances … but to lead the charge of suggestions that the season’s over; even if he were lost for the season … and such conjecture is premature … is a bit remindful of Chicken Little.
Hopefully, he’ll be fine. While he’s out … if that turns out to be the case, you can bet he’ll still be in the clubhouse and methinks that presence is almost as important as his arm.
If John were out for two months, he’d miss 10 - 12 starts … we’d expect to win 7 or 8 of his starts … if we won only 4 … it would hurt but it wouldn’t spell the loss of a season.
Of course Media and fan reaction might seriously impact team performance … but let’s let them self destruct without our help, if that’s what they’re going to do … let’s not do it for them.
They could but I don’t think they would … we could take a pole … ask President Dewey, he knows about poles, and about lost seasons.
By Chrizzo
May 29, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
DOB, that should say SIGNING long term, not singing. No need to see if Andruw can sing or not.
By N8
May 29, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
DOB
“(if you’re going to reference the horrible cory hart, I had to counter it with Timbuk 3’s 80s’ tune.”
Oh. We’re getting old, my friend. Nice response. What a horrible song that was.
Speaking of Cory Hart (the “ahem” singer that is). I once read that he turned down 3 or 4 “soundtrack” songs because he didn’t want to be pigeon holed as a soundtrack guy. The 2 that I remember:
Top Gun theme song.
Beverly Hills Cop theme song
Yeah, nice career choice buddy. Better to be remembered as a guy with good soundtrack success (Kenny Loggins), than NOT to be remembered. Moron.
By Ed Glennon
May 29, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
Was that really Smoltz or is someone using his name? I hope it is really Smoltz.
By bruce
May 29, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
Gil do you think it is a bad suggestion? I’ve not seen Willie play third, I thought maybe you have. And I figured maybe the blog responded with their thoughts too which I probably missed… Thanks, Bruce
By Mike
May 29, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
Does anyone else think that Willie Harris would be the better option to lead off right now with the braves struggling to win games? No knock on kelly johnson, but the braves are really struggling and willie harris is hot as hell. He gaves the braves a serious running threat where they can manufacture runs without having to hit homeruns..They could move kelly johnson into the 3 hole until chipper comes back and that will allow renteria to move into his natural number 2 spot…just a thought
By Oh No
May 29, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
This inning is looking like bush leaguers.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 29, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
The wheels are coming off….
By fastasballs
May 29, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
They look like a bunch of clowns this inning.
By superman
May 29, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
Braun clearly missed the bag at third on that throwing error. I have tivo and was watching the replay. Guess noone on the field noticed
By geauxbraves2000
May 29, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
This is starting to look like June 06. Come on boys, shake it off.
Geaux Braves!!
By Corey Hart
May 29, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
GREAT throw by McCann! Whatever you do Bobby, don’t rest him!
By N8
May 29, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
“He gaves the braves a serious running threat where they can manufacture runs without having to hit homeruns.”
HA HA HA HA AAAAH HA HA HA LMAO!
That’s funny. Good one.
By JJMB
May 29, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
The Shield is on. Dave, I was kind of disappointed in the the last two. I expected he|| to open up after Vick and Shane split.
This one’s good.
By superman
May 29, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
Hardy not Braun My bad
By Oh No
May 29, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
Russ Ortiz loads them in the tenth but the Mets don’t score.
By JasonInMaine
May 29, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
That’s it…let’s put on the gloves!
(:
I see your point about the D…if Thor was a great defensive player. He isn’t awful, but he’s got the range of a turtle. His reaction time doesn’t appear to be great either…many balls have gone by him for base hits that a ton of 1Bs would have gotten to. I am not giving up on him, but like I said; I think you have to worry about the offense. What’s thor’s stats for May? Defensively, I just don’t think ther would be a HUGE dropoff. Of course, I haven’t seen him take ground balls either…just spreculating…are we allowed to do that on a blog?
By Meanie
May 29, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Who the hell gave the whole team a case of the stupids? Dammit! Poor Moylan’s luck was bad enough to make him wanna go home to wrestle gators.
By chrisklob
May 29, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
bruce
The discussion about Willie playing at third was brought up last night while someone was trying to figure out a way to get both he and Diaz into the lineup regularly since they’re both hitting so well. It turns out that Willie’s only played five games at third professionally and they were all this season at Richmond. Gil saw him play so perhaps he has some insight into how well he did there.
By Brad in KY
May 29, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
Bob
Smoltz’ presence in the clubhouse is almost as good as his arm? What a joke. If that were the case, wouldn’t you expect the Braves to win the games in which Smoltz doesn’t pitch at a rate similar to their winning percentage when he does pitch? Alas, if that were the case, we wouldn’t have to worry about Davies, Cormier, and Hampton. But the reason why we DO worry about these other guys is because what matters is the dude on the mound. And if Smoltz ain’t on the mound then someone else is, and that right there’s a problem. So let’s just cut the crap, shall we? If Smoltz is out, the Braves are toast. No division title, no wildcard. Nothing. You can take that to the bank.
By David O'Brien
May 29, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
SMOLTZ UPDATE: A bit complicated, but tweaked his right pinky finger on the hit, then tweaked his right shoulder when he slipped on a warm-up pitch between innings. Between the two, he left the game as a precaution and will be re-evaluated tomorrow.
By Todd A
May 29, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Mackey Sasser?lol…now there is a name from the archives.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 29, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Wille did not embarrass himself at third. However, I did not see him play that many games, so I have to defer to the experts.
By Savannah Guy
May 29, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
just heard Smoltz took himself out due to reinjuring pinky finger and strained a shoulder on a play tonight. It was a precautionary self-takeout by John.
Let’s hope all is ok.
By Oh No
May 29, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Sounds like decent news on Smoltz. Reinjured finger and tweaked his shoulder a little warming up after. Out as a precaution they said.
This for all of you who aren’t watching or listening.
By MBATL
May 29, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
From FSN, as best I could type as they spoke:
Smoltz reinjured right pinkie finger on the single. And then, slipped on a warmup pitch, and strained his shoulder. On the combo of the two, he took himself out as a precautionary measure.
By Corey Hart
May 29, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
Thorman , nice AB against a tough leftie!
By Greg in TN
May 29, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
The official explanation from the television booth on Smoltz is that he came out of the game largely as a precaution, however he did hurt his pinky finger again on his broken bat single in the top of the fourth and they also mentioned a shoulder strain as he warmed up before the start of the home half of the fourth.
By MBATL
May 29, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
Sorry for the duplication of news on Smoltz… hadn’t seen DOB’s report yet. Doesn’t sound too serious. Good news!
By N8
May 29, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
That’s actually pretty good news on Smoltz. I would expect him to make his next start, knowing him. Well, I don’ actually “know” him. But going by his past injuries.
By bruce
May 29, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
Chrisklob and Gil: Maybe Diaz stays in after PH and Willie goes to third?
By Goat Horns
May 29, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
I can’t decide if we are keeping Pete Orr around for his glove or for his bat.
By Savannah Guy
May 29, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know how much weight McCann has gained this year? He looks like he’s porked up about 20 lbs. and lost about 2 steps in 90 feet.
By Greg in TN
May 29, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
Good news on Smoltz and we did get a run back in the 7th.
Braun’s gonna have a bruise on his chest in the morning. He hit the edge of the railing with his chest going after Diaz’s foul ball. That looked a little painful.
By Greg in TN
May 29, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this
Bruce called it. Diaz is now in LF and Harris is at 3B to start the bottom of the 7th.
By eric the elder
May 29, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this
Bob, journalist, I said “if this is serious,” as in Hampton or Gonzo serious.
If he were out 2 months (which he apparently won’t be), that would be 12 starts, not 7-8. Can’t agree with you on this one, my friend. A starting rotation of Hudson and 4 other guys is not a playoff chance.
By bruce
May 29, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this
Gil you are the man on the call about Willie playing third base.
By Meanie
May 29, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
During the pitching change:
An old lady placed an ad. Said, “Husband Wanted. Must be over 65, kind, and good in bed.” A couple days later her doorbell rang. She went to the door to find an old, scraggly sort laying on the ground with no arms or legs.
“Can I help you?” asked the old lady, puzzled.
“Heard you were looking for a husband,” he replied.
“I am,” she said, “but you have no arms or legs!”
“No ma’am, lost ‘em in the war.”
Confused, the old lady asks, “Then how could you be good in bed?”
“I rang the doorbell didn’t I?” The wedding is next Saturday…
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 29, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
DAMN!!!! Somebody is psychic… Willie’s playing third.
By Victor
May 29, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
Hey Bruce you was right!!! we will see
By journalist jimmy smith
May 29, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
scoots, did scoots google irina korzhanenko? looks better now than when competing, right? think irina could play third or is irina too bulky for the infield? and smoltz has more than one injury tonight. probably won’t miss a start, though. and pete orr … still canadian. and will chico cadahia get to manage an inning tonight? and salty, plays the wrong position right now but joe torre was a mvp after the move from catcher to third base - and then joe torre moved to first. famous pete rose played third, second, first, and outfield. gotta get those bats in the lineup no matter where they play.
By chrisklob
May 29, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
I don’t know Bruce. I doubt Bobby takes that kind of chance playing someone with no MLB experience and just a small amount of minor league experience at third. Bobby doesn’t seem to take many chances. He’s too by-the-book for a lot of the ajc bloggers.
By Ron Roberts
May 29, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
JasonInMaine….
How many errors does Thorman have this season?
ZERO.
He’s had a so-so May, but the dude’s still on pace for about 18-20 HRs and 75-80 RBIs. My point is, if, as you pointed out, the Braves are gonna be without Chipper for any indefinite period of time, the offensive suffering shouldn’t be compounded by taking steps backwards, defensively.
Thorman’s been a sure glove at first; putting an unproven rookie over there when Thor’s proven himself fielding-wise, and done adequately offensively is just not smart baseball.
Speculate all you want; just expect folks to retort when they find your speculation to be nonsensical.
By brian
May 29, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
Who was the first to suggest Willie Harris at 3B yesterday and got slammed for doing so?
DOB - what do you think of Harris at 3B (while Chipper is out), Thorman/Diaz platoon in LF, and Salty playing everyday at 1B? This would require someone to go on the DL or Prado to be sent down and Pena recalled to be the back up catcher.
By Oh Boy
May 29, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
Hope Willie makes a couple of nice plays at third while he’s there. If he does, our lineup gets stronger while Chipper is out. Wille at third and Matt in left.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
May 29, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
Just saw on the AJC homepage that the 40th anniversary of Sgt. Pepper is June 1st. I’ll wager $1,000,000 that sometime in the next few days some journalist for a major publication will begin an article with “It was 40 years ago today…”
By MBATL
May 29, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
McBride just can’t get righties out. Bummer.
By bruce
May 29, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
I am pretty sure Gil mentioned Willie playing 3rd base in Ricmond weeks ago.. I was not reading the blog last night.. Thanks, Bruce
By chrisklob
May 29, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
LOL, I stepped away from the TV for a minute and posted my last comment before I saw that Harris was now playing third! Good call Bruce!
By Coach
May 29, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is bionic , no problem. He will be fine.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
May 29, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
Glad Willie’s in at 3rd, but I have to admit that a blow up love doll is peferrable to Pete Orr
By Bob, Journalist
May 29, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
Brad, perhaps I misspoke as my intent was to speak to to the importance of his presence to the morale of the team, hitters and pitchers alike … but I do think his influence on the pitchers is important, certainly more than your post suggests.
The number of opines rivals the number of bloggers but mine is that it’s a team game and the biggest difference between winners and losers is above the neck.
By Steve from OH
May 29, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
Or we could just cut Orr…
By Oh Boy
May 29, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
Brian, lots of people here are like a pack of dogs. The big dog jumps on you and the rest pile on. If you make what some consider to be a logical suggestion, your slammed for being an idiot.
Good call, even if it isn’t one that our local experts foresaw coming.
By Ron Roberts
May 29, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
Guys… C’MON!!!
With a team struggling as much as the Braves are…. would you REALLY put a rookie catcher at 1B when he’s never played a game there???
Would you? Really???
This ain’t t-ball. You can’t just try something ‘cause the kid can catch a ball.
By eric the elder
May 29, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
Tough AB by Salty, but he has a good eye and a great swing. I do believe he will be a good ‘un.
By joebrave
May 29, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
Geez talk about wasted opportunities,thes guys have got to learn to be PATIENT,with runners on… First pitch swinging and what the he11 is wrong with moving the damn runner up and giving yourself up something my boy A.J. needs to learn,this sumbitch Turnbow ain’t throwed but 1 strike yet,and these turds are swinging for the fences only need 1 to tie,dammit just make contact!!!!
By joebrave
May 29, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
I smell 3Rd place crreping up on us FAST!!!!!this team as it stands is a DAMN JOKE!!!!!
By N8
May 29, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
Anybody notice recently that KJ is hitting about 65 points higher against lefties than he is against righties?
Nothing else to add really, just find it interesting.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 29, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
Man, Turnbow is tough…
By joebrave
May 29, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
Maybe we could just make willie the hitting coach??????
By Ron Roberts
May 29, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
This just in, bandwagoners.
Saltalamaccia struck out.
That ought to silences things here a bit.
It’s so insane to see all that clamoring to get a guy into an everyday lineup based on 11 games played. Really is. Some of ya are so wrapped up in Saltamania that you’re ready to toss aside your All-Star 23-year old, just signed-to-a-long-term-deal catcher, who’s only proven far more over the long haul than your precious Salty has.
Folks, I’d like to see him in the bigs as much as anybody, but I’d like to win while doing it, and putting him at 1B and playing everyday is reckless, at best. Thorman’s doing just fine, thankyou. Zero errors, on pace for 18-20 HRs and 70-80 RBIs is just about what we were all hoping we’d get outta the guy.
Looks more like the position he needs to be brushing up on is 3B. But really… some y’all need to look up the definition of “loyalty.” You show none to these players. None.
Scott Thorman’s our guy, and it’d be damned nice if the fans of his team supported him.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 29, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
Amen, Bob.
By N8
May 29, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
After ANOTHER 3-hit games, if Harris is NOT starting at 3B the next game that Chipper is not, Bobby should be given a blanket party.
I understand the “not compounding” bad offense by making the defense weaker. But it’s not like Orr, Prado and Woodward are the second coming of Brooks Robinson over there.
By Oh Boy
May 29, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
Giants take the lead by a run over Mets in the top of the 12th, but Armando Benitez walks Reyes to begin the bottom.
I’ve seen that bad movie before.
By parks
May 29, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
some of you guys really need to relax.
By joebrave
May 29, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this
well another game down,@hit what a damn joke we are turning into!!! OMG Carlyle why don’t Bobby just throw in the f’n towel!!!!!!
By N8
May 29, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
joebrave
“I smell 3Rd place crreping up on us FAST!!!!!this team as it stands is a DAMN JOKE!!!!!”
Watch yourself. It won’t belong, before fellow bloggers accuse you of “waiting and wanting” to throw up the white flag.
By Oh Boy
May 29, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
Hey Ron Roberts.
I didn’t suggest Salty replace McCann, but I think the guy is a god!
Bite me!
By chrisklob
May 29, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
Ohboy
For the record, it was ME that had what could have been a negative comment that Harris could play third. My post simply stated that Harris had never played third base at the professional level. Gil corrected me and told me that he had seen him play there at Richmond. After some further research, I discovered that Gil was correct. In fact, he made five starts at 3b this year.
In no way, shape, or form was this ever a “pack of dogs” attacking the person who LAST NIGHT originally made the suggestion that Harris might be able to play third. To be honest, I’m not even sure now who made that original comment.
Gil was right last night, Bruce was right tonight and I applaud them both for their knowledge and foresight.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 29, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this
CLANG!!!!
By *&^*&^*
May 29, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this
Benitez balks in Reyes with 2 outs. Mets 4 Giants 4
By geauxbraves2000
May 29, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
Keeping an eye on the Giants/Mets game on Gameday: Reyes walks, is balked to second, to third on a sac bunt, then balked home. I noticed Bob Davidson is an umpire in that game also. Hmmm.
Geaux Braves!!
By bruce
May 29, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
Does Buddy get an assist on Willie’s assist?
By Ron Roberts
May 29, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
What IS it about Armando Benitez and Shea Stadium?
By fastasballs
May 29, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this
Let’s see Pete Orr or Woodless make the play Willie just did. Can Willie pitch?
Single by McCann followed by Andruw taking it over the centerfield wall. That’s my prediction. lol
By Bob
May 29, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this
Benitez just balked twice to allow the Mets to tie and now Delgado hits the winner. Benitez has got to be one of the biggest choke artists in Baseball History. Hey Jason Stark, tell me if he qualifies.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 29, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
Nice play Willie. Make me a believer.
By Winston
May 29, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
Delgado, 2 out homer…Mets win 5-4. This team never gives up!
By *&^*&^*
May 29, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
Delgado homers. Mets win in 12 5-4
By geauxbraves2000
May 29, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
Oh, and the Mets just won on a Delgado walk off.
I am beginning to think that the Braves may need to prepare themselves for a wild card run. The Mets are just too good, and methinks they are fixing to run away with the division.
Getting in via the wildcard is perfectly fine in my book, just get in.
Geaux Braves!!
By BravesFanInRockies
May 29, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
Wow. Forgot Willie C. Harris could play third. I suggested on the last blog that the Braves call up Pena so Salty can play first against lefties (if not more often). If Chipper goes on the DL, Pena should be the guy who comes up.
By Coach
May 29, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
O my goodness , If anybody had any doubt about those Mets , lose it. They just pulled off one hell of a comeback in the 12th. A walk off bomb from Delgado after Reyes picked the closers pocket to tie the game , WOW. Mets win 5-4
By N8
May 29, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this
“Some of ya are so wrapped up in Saltamania that you’re ready to toss aside your All-Star 23-year old, just signed-to-a-long-term-deal catcher, who’s only proven far more over the long haul than your precious Salty has.”
A 23 year old All-Star catcher, who is obviously hurt more than he’s leading on. WORST case scenario, McCann should be rested for a few days to let that hand heal a little more.
I’m with the blogger who recently said that Pena should be recalled and Prado, Woodward or Orr sent packing. That gives us our “emergency” catcher crap taken care of.
THIS JUST IN: The Mets are good.
THIS ALSO JUST IN: Benietez SUCKS!
The NL East Title is a distant mirage, that will only disappear as we get closer to it.
The Wild Card…..check that….playing good baseball is what the Braves should focus on. If they do that and succeed, the Wild Card will fall into our lap.
But the NL East is all but gone.
Fuggetibout it.
By Ron Roberts
May 29, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
C’mon Matty D!!!
By Oh Boy
May 29, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
This just in Ron Roberts
Thorman Just Struck Out!
By Braves Fan 79
May 29, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
AHHHH ….WHY didnt bobby get a pitchrunner for Mcann??????
i mean common u know hes slow…a fast runner scores from 2nd!!
By N8
May 29, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
geauxBbraves2000
“I am beginning to think that the Braves may need to prepare themselves for a wild card run. The Mets are just too good, and methinks they are fixing to run away with the division.”
It took you THIS long to see that.
Welcome aboard the reality train. Next stop……3rd place.
15 hits 4 runs. Absolutely PATHETIC!!
By A-ville Ranger
May 29, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
How can you not pench run for McCann in that situation ? That’s why he won’t be a first baseman,the kid is sloooow.
By bruce
May 29, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
Thorman has been watching Andruw too much! Someone tell him to watch Chipper when he comes back.
By Meanie
May 29, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
Who was defending Thorman? This guy blows dog.
By Victor
May 29, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
What awfaul at bat by both Thor & Diaz… I can’t believe it… I am so upset!!
By Bob, Journalist
May 29, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
Cato, I believe I did say two months equated to miss 10 - 12 starts.
I completely agree that we can’t afford to lose John’s services, especially with Hampton and Gonzalez being lost … it belabors the obvious … but suggesting that his being temporarly added to the list spells an end to the season still seems rash and unfair to the rest of those donning the leotards … and could easily become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
As an aside, the team’s making progress with the hitting … but they’re not there yet. The Braves are still a work in progress, pitching and hitting, and the pitching situation is probably closer than we think to being resolved.
We just lost but it wasn’t because of John … 4 runs on 15 hits and 2 of those from Willie’s knock.
Take care!
By Coach
May 29, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
Mets win 5-4 , Braves lose 5-4……that is bad juju.
By chipdip
May 29, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
SUCK
By fastasballs
May 29, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
This was a poorly played game by the Braves tonight. Andruw’s & Thorman’s ABs in the 9th were as bad as they get. The pitcher is wild, Andruw hacks at ball three with a 2-0 count. He would have beat the dribbler out if he had not almost fallen down in the box. Thorman doesn’t even see a damn pitch before he’s swinging for the fences.
Too bad Jeff’s ball was not hit a little softer, it may have scored McCann.
Good teams find a way to win tonight’s game.
By Ron Roberts
May 29, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
Horrid loss tonight; Smoltz leaving early cost us, but I’ll say this: I’d rather lose tonight and have him play it safe for the long haul than to let him tough it out tonight for one win then lose him long-term.
That’s also, coincidentally, why y’all need to lay off Chipper taking it easy, too.
Missed a chance at a road sweep, tonight. Let’s hope Huddy’s back in his groove tomorrow afternoon.
I’m guessing Saltalamaccia starts tomorrow to give McCann some rest. But what does Bobby do w/the lineup to give it some pop if you sit McCann?
Diaz in LF, Willie Harris at 3B? This is where small ball comes into play, folks. Kelly and Willie and Edgar are capable of getting on, but as good as they might set the table, are we capable of putting Andruw and Francoeur in charge of getting ‘em in? Andruw’s been decent of late, but by no means is he on fire. And going into tonight, Francoeur’d been s-t-r-u-g-g-l-i-n-g. Seeing him go 3-5 tonight was a welcome sight.
By Daxxed
May 29, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
Another chance blown…Runners on 1st and 3rd 1 out and not bunt…just 2 more outs…No small ball another loss…that makes 5 we have lost due to not playing ABC, small ball baseball…
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 29, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
Man, that was a tough loss. Okay guys, hold down the fort. Time for me to hit the rack.
By brian20
May 29, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
Thorman has got to go, quit trying to hit the damn ball out of the park and put it in play, that is pathetic. We have tried him for about a 1/3 of the season and it ain’t working.
By Mike R
May 29, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
I’ve been a huge Braves’ fan for over 30 years but tonight you see the difference between the Mets and the Braves. The Mets are down 1 going to the bottom of the 11th. They score 2 and win. A couple of weeks ago they were down 4 to the Cubs going to the bottom of the 9th and come back and win. The Braves are down 1 going to the 9th get 2 on with 1 out only to have Thorman and Diaz choke.
I hate the Mets but they don’t choke in the clutch. They would not have lost this game. Also their stars actually play while the Braves star sits with a bruised thumb…
If Chipper ever decides he wants to play again maybe they can contend for the wild card. The division is lost even if Smoltz is OK. The Mets ownership wants to win while Time Warner never cared. The Braves will suffer from Time Warner for a long time.
By chipdip
May 29, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
SCOTT THORMAN IS A FRIGGIN’NEANDERTHAL…….laroche!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Fred from CT
May 29, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
get a real first baseman this guy swings for the fence on every pitch he has no range on defense thorman is a nice bench player who could spot start. Not a everyday firstbaseman. we needed a fly ball. either salty at first or make a trade. overbay anyone. plus thorman on the bench give us some power on the bench
By JasonInMaine
May 29, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
Things just aren’t going our way…runner at 2nd in the 9th and we get a single…just so happens that the runner is the slowest plarey on the team and we can’t pinch run because bobby broke his golden rule of pinch hitting his backup catcher which he woulnd’t do the night before with the bases loaded…
Ron Roberts*…ah, nevermind. Darn tough way to lose with the Mets coming back again.
By joebrave
May 29, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
Hard to win when the pitching staff does’nt understand what a freaking 123 inning is and the goddam hitters can’t understand every pitch is not a sumbitchin hanging curve my god just make simple freakin contact!!!!!!
By chrisklob
May 29, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
Bobby didn’t send in a pinch runner for McCann because he’d already sent Salty in to pinch hit. If he had taken McCann out we wouldn’t have had a catcher for the bottom of the inning.
By Ron
May 29, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
I am glad BC put Salty in to pinch hit in the 8th, but why did he not do it yesterday, instead of putting in Prado with the bases loaded and 0 outs? DOB earlier said BC did not like putting his backup cather in the game in case the regular Catcher gets hurt and has to come out of the game!!! DOB, what is the difference in why BC pinch hit Salty tonight and did not yesterday?
By A-ville Ranger
May 29, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
We’ve all seen the Braves win the division with weak hitting teams.Then last year with one of the top hitting teams in the league they finish 18 back.Get where this is going ? I thought so.If they give up 4 tonight they’re still playing, there’s a thread here…Oh yea, PITCHING WINS !
By Braves Fan 79
May 29, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
Ive been saying since 3 weeks ago that because of our weak bench (orr, woodward, prado) and because of Bobbys fascination with giving sorry a$$ redmen so many chances we have no shot of winning as many games as the mets. So give them the division…SO WHAT. ALL i care about is the PLAYOFFS and i think the Braves can take the wildcard. In fact us Braves fans should stop wasting our time worrying about the Mets and worry about the Phillies, Giants, Dodgers,SanDiego and Arizona! Any true fan can see those teams are our biggest competition! Shoot i hope the mets win 120 games this year and help keep the win totals of those teams i just named to a mininum!!
Forget the mets…well see them in the NLCS…and as long as we have a healthy Smoltz, Chipper and Andrew….ANYTHING IS POSSILE! Go Braves!!
oyea and dont worry mets fans…after we take Glavine back next year the division will once again be ours.
By Jennifer
May 29, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves have an idea of who their future 1st baseman is going to be. Trade Thorman not Salty.
By Oh Boy
May 29, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
Really couldn’t pinch run for McCann. Diaz is the emergency catcher which means just that EMERGENCY. Already used Salty to pinch hit.
And yeah if you’re gonna use Salty, Pena needs to come back so you can actually use him instead of having him on the bench IN CASE a situation like tonight happens again. And it will happen again sometime.
If Wille can play third which it looks like he can, then I agree with a previous blogger that Prado or Orr needs to be sent out.
By atlfan
May 29, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves have an idea of who their future 1st baseman is going to be. Trade Thorman not Salty.
By brian
May 29, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
Ron - I thought Salty had a good AB. Worked the count well, and just swung at a bad pitch. He is young and just needs time and ABs. He does us no good on the bench. If there is no room for him at 1B and unless McCann (who will be our catcher for the next 10 years I hope) goes on the DL, then Salty needs to be in the minors playing daily
By Chase
May 29, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
CALM DOWN!!!!!!!!!!
There is still 110 GAMES to go!!!!!!!!
The METS can’t beat Atlanta head to head and their luck won’t hold out forever, they’ll go through a rough stretch just like the BRAVES are now!!!
It doesn’t matter which one of them wins the division, they will both be in the playoffs!!!!!
The BRAVES will make a move for another front line pitcher here soon…they even said on the broadcast that either SALTY or THORMAN will be trade bait!!! can you say DONTRELL? OSWALT?
The BRAVES will take the series tommorrow and 2 outta 3 from the CUBS
we are still 7 games over .500 it is not like last year when we were 8 under in JUNE!!!!
By atlfan
May 29, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves have a pretty good idea who their future first baseman is going to be. Trade Thorman and start Salty at first on a regular basis.
By Ron
May 29, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
Braves fan 79, and A-ville Ranger, we could not pinch run for McCann, because Salty pinch hit in the 8th!!! Who would catch for us people, did yall even watch the game!!!
By MBATL
May 29, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
Kinda funny that the winning run scored on an error by McCann, after all the discussion on the previous blog about his defense.
By Me
May 29, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
Where all the white women at?
By Calvin
May 29, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
They couldn’t pinch run for mccann because they already use Salty and Orr so there were no more catchers available.
By Raleigh Dog
May 29, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
Great point about McCann running at second. The announcers didn’t say a word about Salty being used and no pinch runner for McCann. Cox blew it. Never mind though. Smoltz’s 200th win was the high water mark for the Braves this year. Smoltz injured. Andrew off balance at the plate. Chipper injured. Hudson back to his old ways. Ever since the 7-1 start they’ve been mediocre. It’s over folks. Just like last year. Braves have a good team attitude but not very deep in talent. At least they’re not as bad as the Yankees. They really need a new owner who gives a damn. Otherwise, it’s going to keep going downill. Watch the Phillies pass the Braves and then the Mets will win again by 15 games.
By joebrave
May 29, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
And before you Ba$tards get started MUCK THE FETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Daxxed
May 29, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
OK…with not playing smart baseball and watching the Mets do just that. I predict the Braves will be behind the Mets and Phillies before the All Star break..
By JasonInMaine
May 29, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this
How about now…should we start to worry yet?
By Chase
May 29, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this
More than likely they will trade THORMAN and maybe DAVIES for a DONTRELL or OSWALT and move SALTY to first… then can you imagine a lineup that goes……. Johnson Renteria Chipper A. Jones McCann Francoeur Salty Harris/Diaz
pretty powerful!!!!!!
and a rotation that has SMoltz, Hudson, Dontrell(whoever they trade for), James, Cormier
also the post game Smoltz said he was fine…wouldn’t miss a start “if I had ten extra minutes I could’ve stretched and been fine”-Smoltz
By Brad in MT
May 29, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this
Even though this team is struggling right now, I still think they are the best team in the Wild Card race at the very least. The Mets will eventually go through a rough couple of weeks and I think that we will still compete with them, maybe not beat them, but I do think we will be in the playoffs!
By chipdip
May 29, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this
THE PLAYOFFS????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????????????????????????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Jimbo
May 29, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this
I’m sure I saw Thorman in one of the Geico Caveman commercials. He was plainly in sight at the caveman cocktail party.
By stendec
May 29, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this
Jab a fork in Braves. They are DONE! Cannot give damn games like these away like it is Christmas time. Oh well, how long before Thrashers return to ice? Forget those amateur thugs with Falcons on helmets! Can someone PLEASE get Chiefs back? Squa tront!
By Oh Boy
May 29, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this
Yeah, what Brian said.
By gotigers72
May 29, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this
How in heck can you get 15 hits and only score 4 runs?
Watched the end of the Mets game and Balkin’ Bob Davidson practically gave the Mets the tying run in the 12th inning. He called TWO balks on Armando Benitez, the second one allowed Reyes to score the tying run. Then Benitez, obviously shook, threw a cookie to Delgado and he hit a bomb to score the winning run. Davidson is a joke as an umpire. Why does he alone call more balks than the rest of the umpires put together?
MLB made a big mistake letting that clown back in the game. He was one that walked out when the genius Richie Phillips recommended that the umpires strike. Then a couple of years later, MLB lets him come back. He’s not a good ball/strike umpire either. Chipper was right when he said the guy is a joke and all the players and managers know it. It’s like he’s got his own rule book for calling balks.
By Braveheart
May 29, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this
Me, there’s a little white women inside all of us.
By Ron
May 29, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
A-ville Ranger, this is what you said: We’ve all seen the Braves win the division with weak hitting teams.Then last year with one of the top hitting teams in the league they finish 18 back.Get where this is going ? I thought so.If they give up 4 tonight they’re still playing, there’s a thread here…Oh yea, PITCHING WINS!
But never won with bad hitting, and Bad Pitching after Smoltz and Hudson, we never know what the other guys are gonna do, dont know if they will pitch great or pathedic!!! You are having an ignorant night bloging tonight DUDE!!! Get it together!!!
By Meanie
May 29, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this
Good idea Chase. Let’s give up Thorman and Davies for Oswalt. Hell if Drayton read your post I’d bet he’s blowing up Homeboy’s cell right now.
I was thinking that Thorman’s swing is slightly slower than an 18 wheeler pulling a trailer load of steel driving up the side of a mountain. I’m certain there are a few more creative analogies out there…
By Oh Boy
May 29, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this
I agree with Chase.
There is no need to panic!
We keep playing badly we can start talking football early like we did last year and if we start playing well there will be October baseball.
No panic, just fact.
That was easy wasn’t it?
By A-ville Ranger
May 29, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this
One thing to consider when thinking about sending Orr packing.If he’s on second in the ninth with that sharp single,he scores more times than not.
By Bob, Journalist
May 29, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
Mets win 5-4. This team never gives up! … the Mets are a good team but it’s easy to keep the faith when the other team’s pitcher self-destructs.
I don’t think we give up either but, seemingly, some of our guys don’t understand the game … or know how to win … and it’s up to management to explain things to them.
Someone should have told Scott that he really didn’t have to take the air out of the stadium … he looked inept and is obviously exploitable when he’s swinging like that … just making contact would have most likely tied the game.
Of course, this is a game where losing 40% of the time is considered to be more than marginally acceptable … as is a 60% failure rate at the plate … at least by some.
By Oh Boy
May 29, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
I have an idea!
Lets cut the Braves some slack for a while and all go over to the Giants board and give Benitez HeII for that meltdown?
Want to?
By Ron
May 30, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this
Chase, More than likely they will trade THORMAN and maybe DAVIES for a DONTRELL or OSWALT. That is what you said, damn, I got a good laugh out of that one, Damn dude you should do stand up comedy, because tears are comin down, because I am laughing soooooooo hard!!!!! Yeah drug one of those GM’s and maybe they will be f*** up enough to make that trade, give them some LSD Pills, they will be in another world, and maybe we could make that trade happen!!!
By fastasballs
May 30, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
The Braves need to worry about themselves, the hell with every other team.
Braves probably win this game with Chipper in the line up, both his bat & glove are missed. He’s great when he can play but that’s only going to be 110-120 games a year. Is Orr, Prado & Woodward the best they have in the organization? At least someone like Escobar has an upside. What do the other three bring to the table? Below average batting, below average fielding & average speed.
I know the list of bad things that have happened to the Braves this year is a mile long and getting longer. Also there is 110 games left so the season is just getting going but these past few weeks have been horrid.
The Mets win tonights game by 3 or 4 runs. Guaranteed they would have got the guy home from third with 1 out in the 9th at the very least. I hate their guts like everyone else on this blog but they are getting it done, the Braves are not. We are a wild card contender at this point, which is fine by me.
By Meanie
May 30, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this
Ron the Assranger never says anything smart. Hell, read his last post. Course I don’t think I’ve read anything dumber than Waxed…oops Daxxed talking about bunting Thorman in the ninth with a man on third. Maybe Daxxed, Chase, Mike R. and the Assranger can share a room at the nuthouse. And I personally hope that Chipper finds said nuthouse and kicks the crap out of Mike R’s shriveled sorryass with his sore thumbs…
By Ron
May 30, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
I am amazed how some of you blogers make it out of bed!!! Some of yall are some real characters. (Not talkin about everyone)!!!
By Kentavo
May 30, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
With Chipper out, this is the best-hitting lineup possible Bobby Cox could employ (but I’m sure he won’t)
2B - Kelly Johnson 3B - Willie Harris SS - Edgar Renteria C - Brian McCann RF - Jeff Francouer 1B - Jarrod Saltalamacchia LF - Matt Diaz CF - Andruw Jones
That lineup would score runs.
By Kentavo
May 30, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
With Chipper out, this is the best-hitting lineup possible Bobby Cox could employ (but I’m sure he won’t)
2B - Kelly Johnson 3B - Willie Harris SS - Edgar Renteria C - Brian McCann RF - Jeff Francouer 1B - Jarrod Saltalamacchia LF - Matt Diaz CF - Andruw Jones
That lineup would score runs.
By A-ville Ranger
May 30, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this
Fast I’m not giving up on Prado,I think his up side isn’t as low as most of you seem to think.He has good balance at the plate,it’s a matter of relaxing and adjusting, he may or may not find his zone.How many good hitters looked bad at some point before it came together ? most I’d think.
By Meanie
May 30, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah Ron I forgot to mention JasoninMaine. Comes on here after every loss looking for permission to worry. Can’t imagine anybody else gives a damn whether the fairy worries about baseball or which pair of shoes match tomorrow’s outfit but still she asks the same question.
By jed
May 30, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this
i’ve got to agree with JasonInMaine. i find it hilarious the man crush this blog has on scott thorman. thorman is fine as the lefty bat in a platoon. not great, but he’s alright. on defense, he’s average at best—yes, i know he has no errors…he also has no range! (and really, i’ve seen him make several errors that for some reason he wasnt charged with.)
so when facing LHP, why not play diaz at 1b, and leave willie harris in LF? and why arent bloggers screaming that willie should be full-time in LF? why doesnt willie get the support that thorman does? look at their numbers, look at their defense, and answer that question for me!
here’s what you do: you send salty down to the minors for a month and have him intesively learning 1b. in the meantime, bring up pena as backup catcher. then when he’s ready, bring salty up and put him at 1b. thorman plays some 1b against RHP, plays some OF, and is a Lefty bat off the bench.
i know…that breaks you folks’ hearts. thor is so big! so white! and he hustles! i’d be hustling like crazy too if i was hitting .240 in a platoon, trying to stick around in the big leagues.
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
Ron, that was good, about not making it out of bed….
Strange night. Smoltz said he could have continued if he had 10 minutes to stretch his shoulder. Said in past seasons he would’ve pitched through the pain and risked it, but that this season’s “too important” and he’s learned lessons by trying to do too much in the past and having lingering injuries as a result.
I’d be shocked if he doesn’t make his next start….
Tell you what, I was getting ready to do some massive rewriting after Frenchy’s single put runners on the corners with one out in the ninth. But Cordero is awful tough, and showed it.
Thorman tried to hit a ball, what, 900 feet? Really, 400 would have been more than enough. Actually, about 250 to the gap would’ve been just perfect.
He got Diaz chasing all over the pitches. Oh, well.
They’ve won ONCE in five games since Smoltz’s milestone win.
By the way, Sheets is 5-0 in his last five starts vs. Bravos.
By fastasballs
May 30, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
I’m not even sure Willie would have scored on Jeff’s hit. That was a rope.
I can’t defend Thor anymore, there is no excuse to to have an AB like that with the game on the line. Does anyone like Chipper jerk Thorman aside and chew him for the AB or maybe TP does it? Or is it up to Thor to figure it out? Some guys are leaders, other recognize their mistakes & then there are the bone heads who can’t get it unless it is beat into their head by someone else. I know this isn’t football & the coach is not going to confront the players when they come off the field.
It just seems the past few years there really isn’t a leader out there on the field like in the past. Chipper hasn’t really taken the reigns, nor Andruw. They could use a few more high energy guys in the clubhouse.
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this
Orr didn’t do much to warrant another 3B start, huh? Should’ve been charged with an error on that shovel thing, and went 0-for-3 to drop his average to .182.
By Todd A
May 30, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
We had Sheets on the ropes all night but could not deliver the knock out blow.Swinging at too many first pitchesagain….and will someone please tell Frenchy to go with the pitch instead of trying to hit every freakin’ pitch to right field?He’s lost his quick bat on inside pitches.
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 30, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
The Braves don’t appear to have much of a physical conditioning program—nor very effective hitting instruction—too many injured players…the ability to execute proper situational hitting seems nonexistent…everyone wants to hit the long ball…
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this
Since I talked to Hudson before the game and didn’t use the stuff anywhere, I’ll throw it here. Note his comment about not falling 5 or so games behind Mets.
After tonight, that’s five games. Ouch.
“It’s important for us as a team to come out and play well this whole road trip. We had a tough homestand. It’s going to be important for us to go out and win ballgames on this road trip.
“We’ve already fallen behind the Mets a little bit. We definitely don’t want to fall behind those guys five, six, seven games behind them. We need to go out and try to win every game.
“The Brewers have a good team. Chicago after this, and the Cubs have been playing better baseball.
“If I can just go out and feel l like I did my last start … I mean, I felt really good my last start. I had to battle a lot. But if I have the kind of stuff I had in that game, I feel like we’re going to have a pretty good chance to win.”
By Braves Fan 79
May 30, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this
i have faith that hopefully Andrew can carry this club while Chipper is down.
As long as we can play at least .500 ball for June and July well still be in good position for the wildcard.
And i dont care how many catchers cox used already….pitchrun for mccan and send it into extras where anything can happen!!
By Braves Fan 79
May 30, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this
Anyone who thinks the Braves wont win the wildcard is a retard. Were winning the wildcard race by at least 3 or 4 games right now!
As long as we can play .500 ball in the month of June with our tough schedule i think well be ok!! People stop caring about the mets and if anything hope they win whenever they play the Giants, Padres, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, or Phillies! Thats who were in competition with….the mets…well c them in the NLCS as long as we have everyone healthy….and weve already proven we can beat them in a series. Go Braves!
By Savannah Guy
May 30, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this
Here I am…Stuck in the middle with you
Not clowning or joking here. Every once in a while you come across a real player. Willy Harris just may be that guy. Play him. Play him every day. Let him fly.
Jarrod Saltamacchia may be that guy too. Play him too. Every day. Put him at first. He will be fine there now. Really. He’s an athlete.
Bobby needs to throw away the “platoon ‘til-they-lose-thier-fighting-spirit” book and put them out there every night. Believe in them until they prove you wrong. You can always platoon in a few weeks if it doesn’t work out. At this point in our young teams spiraling downward season, what the hell do we have to lose?
Willy and Salty are right there under your nose BC…well, right there a few seats down on the bench while Thorman, Woodward, Prado and Orr are in the field because of the Cox “always done it this way playbook”.
Starting lineup/batting order: Harris Johnson Jones (Chipper of course) Renteria McCann (lose weight…but swing is back) Francoeur (watch that first pitch) Diaz (till Chipper is back then platoon slots) Jones (Andruw of course)
When (if) Dru get’s hot again put him up in the order and shift everyone else back.
Don’t even argue with me on this because this is the best possible order and you know it. I don’t even want to hear it. Stats have nothing to do with this call so don’t even bring’em. Just do it. Believe.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 30, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this
you’re right dave, orr didn’t do much tonight. he hasn’t done much all season, really. i was about to say that it’d be fun to see willie harris starting at 3B tomorrow afternoon and have both him and diaz in there, but after his first major league appearance, i doubt he’ll get a start at 3B the next day. i’m sure anymore work he’ll see at third would be late-inning or blowout games…right?
so salty will probably get the start behind the dish tomorrow, right? won’t mccann rest in the day game after playing all of a night game? with thursday’s off day coming up, i’d still like to see mccann in there cause he’s been getting some good swings.
By Bob, Journalist
May 30, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this
A-ville Ranger, are you suggesting that Orr catch?
For those who don’t know or have forgotten, in most circumstances, players are limited to one pinch hit appearance per game.
I agree that good pitching is key to winning … but, so suggesting relative to tonight’s game is bemusing.
Winning is closely tied to playing soundly and taking advantage of opportunities … good pitching gives you the chance. Tonight, we had more than a few good opportunities to vanquish our foe … following the first inning, we had 11 hits, one walk, and they made one error … goodness!
That may be CBS, NBC, FOX or even ESPN baseball … but it sure isn’t ABC.
Good night Gracie
By brian
May 30, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this
Thanks Oh Boy
Looks like the Braves have to find a way to get Harris and Diaz in the lineup, and as many of us amateurs want to see - Salty and McCann in the lineup.
I just do not understand why Orr got the start. Orr and Woodward have done nothing to merit a start if other alternatives exist
By Chase
May 30, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this
RON and ANY other ILLITERATE person who didn’t read/understand my post…
I said the BRAVES COULD possibly— trade THORMAN and DAVIES for a DONTRELL or DONTRELL “TYPE” frontline pitcher—-that doesn’t mean that that is all they will have to give up….
During the FOX telecast their reporter “baseball sidline insider” said that
“Thorman, Salty, or DAvies are the type of bargining chips that could easily bring us a Dontrell Willis it just depends what we are willing to give up”
and “OUR” announcers said the same thing about Thorman tonight…about showcasing him and Salty for pitching
remember: the Marlins have tons of promising pitchers and need to keep a real low payroll and their first baseman has pretty much been out since Spring training with a thigh bruise and it is casuing friction with management b/c he is not even rehabing
By A-ville Ranger
May 30, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this
Braves Fan do you pronounce the word reetarrd ? just asking.
By Ron
May 30, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this
Jed, this is what you said: i’d be hustling like crazy too if i was hitting .240 in a platoon, trying to stick around in the big leagues. DOB, this is what you said: Orr didn’t do much to warrant another 3B start, huh? Should’ve been charged with an error on that shovel thing.
Damn yall are funny tonight, that was some funny sh!t you two!!! Shovel thing, and hustling too if I was hittin .240!!! Damn I dont even have to be high to be laughin like this!!! Keep it up people, this blog is my drug for now, it keeps me laughin!!!
By fastasballs
May 30, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this
Braves Fan 79, The Braves are a game behind in the wild card race. What standings are you looking at? And you’re calling other people retards? Oh the humanity….
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this
Damn, folks, a lot of passionate posting tonight. Good stuff.
JJMB, I thought the last couple of Shield episodes were great. What are you expecting, them to take blowtorches to each other’s faces?…
Chrizzo, haven’t heard that on Andruw. But I’ll try to talk to him tomorrow about it, see if I can get any kind of feel for anything. That would surprise me if they did it now, but you never know. Sale of the team could have changed things since I asked him a few weeks ago, when nothing was going on with his contract.
By Ron
May 30, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this
Well take it easy folks, gotta get some sleep, cause first day of the Damn summer school starts tomorrow. Yeahhhhh, I am so thrilled. Oh yeah Wayne in Utah, GO SPURS!!!!!!!!!!!
By Bob, Journalist
May 30, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this
I like Hudson’s comments … but “We need to go out and try to win every game” gives one pause.
He’s right of course, but I just can’t imagine him suggesting that they haven’t been so doing throughout the season, at least not for publication.
Surely he must have meant something else.
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this
Jed, good post at 12:17. Not saying I agree with all of it, but I sure think a whole lot of it makes good sense. I’ll leave it at that, from my end.
Very good sense.
By Chop Chop
May 30, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this
The bad thing for the Braves right now is that they don’t play the Mets until August. My feeling is that, by then, the Braves will be out of it in the division. They should still be in the wild-card hunt, but I can’t foresee the Braves’ starting pitching and/or bullpen being good enough to keep the Braves within striking distance (let’s say six games or so) of the Mets going into that August 7-9 series at Shea. I hope I’m wrong, but I’m not expecting a division title. The Mets are just a better team. I can live with that. I just hope the Braves can get in the playoffs and make some noise.
By Chase
May 30, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this
Did anybody else catch the pre-game report where the guy said that he thought ANDRUW and the BRAVES would do a contract in the next couple of weeks?
I thought that was interesting
By TheSouthernJackAss
May 30, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this
Quoth TheSouthernJackAss NeverMore!!!…
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this
Daybed, Salty could be behind the plate tomorrow _ UNLESS Bobby decides that with an off day Thursday, he can play McCann. It’s a weak righty tomorrow (Dave Bush), so that’s a possibility.
By Chase
May 30, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this
JED:
I am WHITE (since everything has to be brought back to race) and I really really want HARRIS in the game as much as possible…they need to find a way to get he and DIAZ both in the lineup but to be fair we have no idea how WILLY hit Lefties..
I would much rather see SALTY at first base (switch power hitter) Harris at third until Chipper comes back and then continue the platoon in Left don’t forget Diaz is still hitting around .350
By Savannah Guy
May 30, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this
12:42 post redo (it’s late-mulligan):
Willy (LF-3rd til Chipper is back) Kelly (2B) Chipper (3rd) McCann (Catch) Edgar (short) Frenchy (RF) Andruw (Center) Salty (1st) Diaz (LF till Chipper’s back)
DOB: Go aheaad and hand this to Cox. You have my permission.
By Coach
May 30, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this
Jed , you asked why Willy Harris doesn’t play more against left handed pitching. Willy’s split , BA against right handers .418 , BA against left handers .125 and there is your answer. Diaz kills both lefty’s and right handers .347 and .351 respectively. There is no justification for keeping Chipper off the D.L. any longer , he is wasting a roster and bench spot as is Pete Orr and his anemic .182 batting average. The Braves should call up Escobar and Pena , D.L. Chipper and send Pete packing. Trying to play big league ball with what is essentially a three man bench is just asking to get beat.
By A-ville Ranger
May 30, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this
On DOB’s recommendation I read Jed’s 12:17 post. We’ve gone from left field being the weakest position to having two players deserving to be starters.I agree with DOB,much of the post made sense.I’m not ready to throw Thorman under a bus because of his pigmentation however any more than I’d keep him for that reason.What I noticed about Thorman in the spring is he looks really tight in the shoulders and it seems to effect his swing at times.I don’t think his skin color has much effect either way,at least that I’ve been able to see.
By Corey Hart
May 30, 2007 1:24 AM | Link to this
You know, there are usually more than one reason for a team not winning…. got sidetracked looking for something else and saw the breakdown of Frenchy’s (Frenchies?) season so far. April 98 AB’s 5 HR’s 25 RBI’s 306 BA. May 101 AB’s 2HR’s 12 RBI’s, 257 BA. Might have more to do with Andruw not hitting a lick most of the month, but still interesting……
By Corey Hart
May 30, 2007 1:41 AM | Link to this
Savannah Guy, I think you said you wanted a bunch of stats about Thorman…..oh wait, you just the opposite…too late! ;)
Before tonight(I think, ESPN is kinda slow updating their info)
with men on and 2 out, Thorman is batting .333 with a homer and 110 RBI’s
Late and close, he’s hitting .280.
And with runners in scoring position, .313 with 2 homers and 17 RBI’s.
After 262 Career AB’s people want to make him a pinch hitter? His average doesn’t show it, but he seems to have better AB’s against Lefties(Joe Simpson said it tonight) and got a big sacrifice fly tonight.
Yeah, he over swung against Cordero. Well, Cordero does have a 0.43 ERA, and is 18 for 18 in save opps, so you might as well swing hard in case you hit it.
By brian
May 30, 2007 1:41 AM | Link to this
Great post Jed and I do agree with what you are saying. Willie should play everyday either in LF or at 3B while Chipper is out. The trouble is our other hot hitter is Diaz who would need time at LF or 1B.
While Chipper was out I would play Willie at 3B, Diaz in LF, and Salty at 1B with Pena called to the majors (either due to Chipper on the DL, Prado going back down, or Orr or Woodward…). When Chipper returns we will know whether Salty is ready to finish the year in Atlanta or needs more experience in the minors. If Salty goes back down, then Harris in LF and Diaz at 1B. If Salty continues to produce then decisions would have to be made and that would be a good problem to have for once. Harris could become a Chone Figgins type player - playing everyday but at different positions - LF, 2B, 3B, maybe even spell Andruw in CF once in a blue moon
By Braves Fan 79
May 30, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this
Ok so i was wrong….the Braves are a game behind Arizona for the wild card. But no one can tell me that the Dodgers, Padres, or Diamondbacks are really better than the Braves. Besides AZ has won 6 in a row and has been on fire….last time i looked they were a .500 team. Thell cool off and the Braves will heat back up come July.
By brian
May 30, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this
I think the Braves would be foolish to spend 20% of their payroll on Andruw. They need to spend that money locking up Francoeur, Chuck James, and eventually Salty. They also will need a chunk of that change for another starting pitcher. Andruw could just be having a slump or this could be the start of his decline so I would be really hesitant to sign him to a 5 year contract. Now if he wants to add on one year in the hopes for a better season next year before free agency…. that of course will not happen
By Coach
May 30, 2007 1:51 AM | Link to this
Cory , the Braves scored at a 5.36 per nine innings average in April. Last season they averaged 5.22 for all of 2006. So far in May .396 and if you take away the 14 run barrage against the Bosox its an even more anemic 3.48 , its a drop of more than 1.88 runs per nine innings in less than a month , which is simply putrid.
By A-ville Ranger
May 30, 2007 1:54 AM | Link to this
I read DOB’s account of Hudson’s comments.Now I’m really worried, if he thinks he pitched well his last start and needs to do no more than match that level,well I’m worried he’s saying subconsciously or not, that he doesn’t think he can pitch at the high level he was at three games back.Oh sh** let’s hope not.Tim buddy if you see this for your good and ours,you were average at very best last start.If you think this team is going anywhere with you pitching like that you’re losing touch with the situation as it is.
By Braves Fan
May 30, 2007 1:56 AM | Link to this
Hey stupid >brian< . coach just explained why willie will not play everyday. willie cant hit lefties.
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 1:57 AM | Link to this
A-Ville Ranger, like I said, I agreed with most of it, not all….
You’re right about him being tight in the shoulders. His entire upper body is ripped, shredded.
But I just think he swings too hard at times. Just too intense. He’ll learn he can’t do that up here. At least the Braves hope he’ll learn that.
By Bob, Journalist
May 30, 2007 2:01 AM | Link to this
Jed, I wrote something earlier about Scott’s errors but discarded it, thinking zero errors was a mistake.
Joe Torre’s brother Frank set what I think was a Southern Association record by handling over a 1,000 chances before receiving his first error while playing first for the Crackers back in the early fifties. He was okay but, I think he was glued to first … at least his range was such that it made me so think. If you counted the balls to which he didn’t get, that would have probably been a record too!
Thorman’s still inept at first … it doesn’t mean that he will always be, but that he is. His not having charged errors is a joke … like I said, I thought it was a mistake.
We agree on Diaz and Harris except that I think is Matt is more than capable of hitting against both left and right handed pitchers … and methinks we’re better when both are in the lineup than when they’re not, at least for the moment.
I’m from the Jerry Reed school … when you’re hot, you’re hot … and it behooves one to take advantage… but, I’m not meaning to compare Willie’s performance to Frenchy’s flukey fast start as a rookie, where everything seemed to fall … he’s been solid, fantastic is a better word … so has Matt!
In a word, thse two seem to have found themselves, Scott’s still searching.
Personally, I’d send Scott back down for more seasoning … keep Salty as backup catcher and give him intensive training relative to the other position(s) during the offseason.
By Coach
May 30, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this
Did anybody see and hear Erin Andrews interview with Willie Randolph ? She asked him a question about how the Mets came back and won their game and the first two words out of his mouth were : SPEED KILLS. Bobby , J.S. are you listening ? Speed doesn’t slump , it can’t be stopped , it wins games.
By A-ville Ranger
May 30, 2007 2:05 AM | Link to this
Bravesfan As of now Ithink the Padres are the favorites for the wildcard.I’m not p** just giving them their due.It’s pitching where they have the edge now.Tomarrow is big,Hudson has to pitch better than his last two starts for us to have a realistic chance.
By serbok
May 30, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this
mornin’ all There are 110 games left? I’m a casual BB fan, correct me IF I am wrong, and I’m sure you will? lol. But the braves have a very young team compared to the muts? The season is still young? James, Davies, Cormier? ‘specially Davies are young prospects showing signs of brilliance at times? Still have quite a bit of time to right the ship as they say? Blogging using the names Hampton and Gonzo should have gone “out of style” by now, as they are no longer an answer to this teams situation This year? As far as Bobby learning how to become an on field tactician~ it seems to me the points made about PH salty and PR for Mccann should be moot? I say this because, the outcome of making the proper on field decisions MAY have resulted in Wins? Emergency catcher be damned! I would rather see Diaz catching with a 1 run lead in the 9th than seeing another loss due to poor managerial decisions. In other words~ It was emergencey situations both times! It was the difference between a possible win as opposed to a probable loss? This team Will look different as the season progress’ personnel wise and maturity wise. I would much rather be on the bravo’s boat than on the phils or muts~ Bravos have potential that will become evident as the season wears on Keep the Faith! GO Braves Sorry for the long post~
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 2:07 AM | Link to this
A-Ville Ranger, just noticed you asked why he didn’t pinch-run for McCann in the ninth.
Salty already was used as a pinch-hitter in the eighth, so how you going to pinch-run for McCann in the ninth. If the Braves score a run there it goes to extra innings, and you have no catcher.
Orr’s already out of the game, Diaz is in left, Harris at 3B. So who’s going to catch in extra innings?
Good thing you’re not managing, man. You might have had to bring in Yates or Soriano to catch for you if it goes extras.
By serbok
May 30, 2007 2:13 AM | Link to this
Would also like to ask Shaun (or anyone else for that matter) for some stats on braves come from behind victories and 2 out run scoring innings. I’m not a stats person~ but my guess is the Braves have much better (not giving up hope) stats than the muts or phils? :o) I agree absolutely not the time to panic! It’s time to ENJOY the game:o)
By The Truth Hurts
May 30, 2007 2:15 AM | Link to this
Willie would be a good leadoff guy against RH pitchers, just as K. Johnson seems like a really good 2 hitter. It’d be nice to have some base stealing speed at the top of the lineup. Johnson, I think, would execute hit and runs a lot better than most. 15 hits and 4 runs (or 14 and 2 after Harris’ homer) seems to argue for the need…the need for speed, imho.
I don’t think anybody’s going to give up a good pitcher for S. Thorman and Davies. I know both are young, but neither is proven. Yet. I’m less inclined to believe that we could get away with keeping Salty in any significant trade scenarios. Maybe we could trade our Paul Bunyan and a couple of batboys…they show good effort on some of those foul balls down the lines. And their orthodontics bills are probably covered by insurance. It’s time Atlanta gets some Hooters or Cheetah girls as batgirls…it’s only right, being the strip club capital of the universe. Tell me we couldn’t get a decent weekday crowd for that, huh?
I really should be in charge of stadium operations. I’ve traded our batboys and Thorman for the D-Train and half of Oakland’s starting rotation AND I’ve replaced the Braves’ special pre-pubescent birthday packages with 1st row bachelor party packages WITH close-ups of the batgirls on the world’s greatest big-screen in CF. Thank me later.
Anyway, all the more reason not to sacrifice 2008 and beyond for a shot in 2007. MLB isn’t going to stop playing after October. Or November, according to the new (and preposterous) World Series schedule.
Last thought before my brilliance subsides for the night: we’re trusting a renaissance to a pitcher with a French surname. On top of that, any man named Lance is hardly one ever to be trusted. It’s true, look it up. It’s a bad name. Do you know any Lances that turned out okay? Didn’t think so.
If it’s any consolation, Mr. Fancy Lance was an academic All-American in college, so maybe with his Finance degree he can calculate how much money the Braves will save by not having to buy champagne or print up Division Championship t-shirts this year. It might be enough to buy the new Victoria Secret batgirl uniforms that I have in mind.
By serbok
May 30, 2007 2:25 AM | Link to this
I didnt “catch the last 2 innings of game tonight~(pun intended) I thought woodward was an alternative for “emergency” backup catcher~ I realize Diaz was in left~ but doesnt mean he cannot catch? Then put Some BODY any Body? in left? point im trying to make~ tho maybe not so eloquently, Is maximize the offense and do not worry so much about the ramifications on defense when we are talking about maybe 2 innings?
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 2:45 AM | Link to this
Serbok, Woodward pinch-hit in the sixth inning.
Any more ideas?
By serbok
May 30, 2007 2:53 AM | Link to this
The Truth Hurts Loved the 2:15 post! lmao!
By serbok
May 30, 2007 2:59 AM | Link to this
damn! LOL
By serbok
May 30, 2007 3:08 AM | Link to this
DOB, even so I think you understand where im comming from? Diaz could have been moved to catcher~ there has to be Someone who could have sufficed for a couple innings defensively in LF? I mean these guys have played the game most of their lives~ gotta be even a pitcher that could stand out there and possibly even make a catch if the ball were hit their way? The offensive upside is better than the defensive downside. I do realize catcher is an exception to that~ but not LF? I just dont understand the way bobby is so conservative at crucial times~ It could have been worked out (PR for Mccaan) even with a pitcher playing left~ I remember the braves using Glavine as a PR in I believe it was his second year with the braves~ I didnt like that move at all tho! Thought they were risking injury to someone who was gonna anchor their staff~ Knew he was godo. Obviously Diddnt know at the time he was a future HOF tho :o)
By serbok
May 30, 2007 3:10 AM | Link to this
DOB, even so I think you understand where im comming from? Diaz could have been moved to catcher~ there has to be Someone who could have sufficed for a couple innings defensively in LF? I mean these guys have played the game most of their lives~ gotta be even a pitcher that could stand out there and possibly even make a catch if the ball were hit their way? The offensive upside is better than the defensive downside. I do realize catcher is an exception to that~ but not LF? I just dont understand the way bobby is so conservative at crucial times~ It could have been worked out (PR for Mccaan) even with a pitcher playing left~ I remember the braves using Glavine as a PR in I believe it was his second year with the braves~ I didnt like that move at all tho! Thought they were risking injury to someone who was gonna anchor their staff~for years to come Knew he was good. Obviously Didnt know at the time he was a future HOF tho :o)
By jed
May 30, 2007 3:21 AM | Link to this
thanks for the attention to my 12:17 post, but let me say a couple things:
—my reference to race was not a jab at thor’s whiteness or harris’s blackness. it was a jab at the virulent thorman supporters on this blog who want him playing full time for no apparent reason. me? i think they like him because he’s big, white, and he hustles. i’m white. i grew up in the deep south. i know how these people think. what they like. i cant prove this is the motivation for their thor crush, but i can smell it. i offered willie harris as a counter-example. why was no one screaming for him to be playing full time? and coach, check thor’s splits while youre at it. last time i checked, he was hitting about .125 against LHP.
—i’m all for diaz getting more starts.
—i think thor hits RHP fine.
—i think salty can contribute more THIS YEAR if we allow him to learn 1b.
—i think the bloggers here are thrilled by willie harris and couldnt give a rat’s a* what color he is.
—i think racism is subtle these days. people dont even recognize half their motivations. white folks see a big, hard-working, white guy, and their heart just goes pitter-patter.
—ultimately, i have grown a bit confused at the braves’ decision to bring salty up and play him only once a week. it seems like a huge waste, when he could be in richmond learning 1b.
By serbok
May 30, 2007 3:24 AM | Link to this
BTW DOB love this blog very entertaining keep up good work Thanx :o)
By serbok
May 30, 2007 3:49 AM | Link to this
Jed no offense man~ but it seems to me you are treading in shallow water, plenty ppl have called for harris to be full time. I agree with Diaz maybe getting more playing time at 1st. However, I think the reason alot of this is happening is to “showcase” Thor and Salty. Seems to me one cannot go wrong with either, I realize Thor has shallow numbers against lefties, but this team has quite a few question marks throughout the roster, I feel as tho Thorman will be an everyday 1st baseman for a mlb team, be it ATL or somewhere else. Its very difficult to gauge what goes on behind the scenes? I mean, JS in my opinion is the absolute best GM bar none! I would not want any other mgr managing the braves than bobby! I think there is a lot of “showcasing” going on. Stats have been talked to death on this blog, The fact is~we really do not know why the braves are playing the players the way they do? I feel there will be roster changes comming~ when? I obviously do not have a clue. However in order to “pull” the trigger, I would think that showcasing players would have to come into play? Remember how the season started, the braves look different today than they did then? I think the teams complexion will be changing. For the better:o) I dunno~ you seem to making vague inferences that~ I dunno~ I do know I’m not going there~ :o)
By Bob, Journalist
May 30, 2007 3:55 AM | Link to this
jed, virulent seems a bit strong to me …I too grew up in the deep South … analyzing how people think and what they like is water too deep for me … but while I agree with the notion that Diaz and Harris should be playing, it seems to me that yours is the more virulent and racist of the attitudes … that has more to do with my third eye than my olfactory cells but both reach the same conclusion.
By jed
May 30, 2007 4:05 AM | Link to this
coach—checked willie harris’s stats. against LHP, he’s 1 for 8. 8 at-bats. but again, my point wasnt that willie harris should be playing full-time. my point was simply why is everyone demanding thorman play full-time and not harris? valid question, in my view. frankly, i dont mind platooning harris.
serbok—yeah, my point about the thorman support was a minor and subtle point. i fear subtlety is easily lost in a blog format. that’s why i left the 2nd post. i think people like thorman just as much because he’s a hulk of a guy and because he hustles, as they do because he’s white. enough with attempting to make subtle points though: i want to see salty at 1b by july 1st!
By The Grinch
May 30, 2007 4:15 AM | Link to this
Women…*&^%. Those ^%$#-ing women…they act like they’re gonna be one way, then they’re…%^$#ing women. God%$#@it. Why? Why, women, do you act that way? I’m sure whatever response I’ll get (if I get one at all) will be BS; I’ve just gotta ask. Why? WHY? Oh, for %$#@’s sake…why? Does it really need to be like that? I guess so. Whatever. Do your thing; you always will anyway.
G’night.
By jed
May 30, 2007 4:22 AM | Link to this
bob—i’m not racist, or race-centric, friend, i’m flat-out misanthropic. i think 90 percent of people are abject idiots. put that in your 3rd eye and smoke it. (i’d leave a smiley-face emoticon thingy, but i hate them too!)
By We Have Mets the Enemy
May 30, 2007 4:22 AM | Link to this
There’s nothing wrong with fans being upset that a slug on the basepaths represented the tying run in the ninth because the manager had overstrategized himself out of any opportunity to pinch-run for him.
The Braves had to tie the game before they needed to worry about what happens afterward.
Couldn’t Prado have pinch-hit to lead off the 8th? I assume he was available to play. He hasn’t shown a great bat, but (despite his hideous at-bat in the 7th yesterday) he’s less likely to strike out than Saltalamacchia, and speedier if he does manage to get on. He would have been a decent option to bat leading off an inning.
Even if Prado had crapped out as usual, Saltalamacchia would have remained available. This would have allowed Chipper to pinch-run for McCann in the ninth (he needs to be doing SOMETHING if he’s taking up a roster spot, and I assume, even at 35, he’s a better baserunner than Saltalamacchia), then Saltalamacchia could have taken over the catching duties in the bottom of the ninth after Chipper scored to tie the game.
Let me know where I’m off the beam here. I can take it!
By We Have Mets the Enemy
May 30, 2007 4:26 AM | Link to this
Grinch —
It’s better to have exploited and degraded a woman and lost than never to have exploited and degraded at all.
By serbok
May 30, 2007 4:33 AM | Link to this
We Have Mets the Enemy DUDE I still think Wickman in left woulda been fun?????????? And believe it or not? more of a chance for a win with Wicky there than not PR for BM~lol
By serbok
May 30, 2007 4:39 AM | Link to this
Grinch~dude~ even other women can’t tell ya what women are about! When I learned that~ I gave up:o(
By Berigan
May 30, 2007 5:25 AM | Link to this
Jed, Thorman is 25, Harris is 29 and has a lifetime .249 average(With what he has done this year) That being said, he will get a fair number of AB’s against righties, and pinch hitting the days he doesn’t start. And if he keeps hitting, he will get even more playing time.
By Wayne in Utah
May 30, 2007 5:44 AM | Link to this
Mike R
I hope you take DOB up on the offer to come to the Braves hotel lobby to tell Chipper to his face that he doesn’t want to play for whatever reason you have concocted in your empty head.
You should keep quiet, as evey post I see from you just confirms that you are an idiot!!
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 6:27 AM | Link to this
Guys, (ladies, too…) what is the deal with crush y’all have on Saltalamaccia?
You’re willing to give up on a (essentially) rookie 1B who’s been a sure glove and on-pace to hit 18-20 HR and 70-80 RBIs this season for a guy, who, in Dave O’Brien’s very words (I’ll paraphrase) has…
Had one good Class A season
Had one horrible AA season
Had one-third of a good rebound AA season
Had 11 games at the MLB level, playing only catcher, having never played 1B before in an MLB game.
Guys, if Saltalamaccia is the answer at first base, he needs to be sent down to the minors to learn the position. You want that? ‘Cause that’s just about the only way it can happen, I’d think. I just don’t think Bobby Cox is the kind of major league baseball manager who’d play a guy in a position he’s never played before - in a regular season game. I don’t. Can anybody, anybody, (DOB included) remember Cox playing a guy completely out of position in a spot he’s never played before, in a meaningful regular season game? I’m not talking late-inning blowouts, I mean, penciled in to start in a game. Are there examples that I don’t recall in all my years of watching this team and this manager? I can’t think of any.
I’m not voting Scott Thorman into the All-Star game after his first 51 games this season, but for crying out loud, what’s with the vitriole against him? He’s, for all intents and purposes, a rookie playing his first full major league season, and because a good bit of y’all get a hard-on over this prospect we’ve all looked forward to seeing in some role on our major league squad, you’re ready to give up on a guy (a known commodity) to sling Saltalamaccia in there. Right now, we’re getting a guy who gives us decent power numbers and, despite his recent slump, was around the .250-.270 range, battting average-wise. And we’ve had no fielding mis-haps… that’s right, nearly a third of the way through the season, we have zero errors from our starting 1B.
Does anybody seriously believe throwing Saltalamaccia at 1B is going to have the same result with his glove there, having never played there in an MLB game?
Do we put compromise our defense (especially on the same side of the infield we’re playing Kelly Johnson, who’s done well, so far, at a position he’s never played until this season, by putting Saltalamaccia at 1B at a position he’s never played?
We’re in the playoff hunt, still, after having struggled. We’ve dealt with having, essentially, no reliable starting pitching past Smoltz, Hudson, and the occasional James/Davies gem. Cormier is coming back to settle down the back end of the rotation, and Chipper will return shortly (if he’ll stop taking batting practice for just a day or two, dammit).
The idea of putting a completely inexperienced kid in a position he’s never played at this level smacks of desperation. And we’re not in a desperate circumstance.
Calm down. Show some fan support for your players. Scott Thorman’s no Albert Pujols, but he’s no Craig Wilson, either.
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 30, 2007 6:42 AM | Link to this
Three words :LETS GO METS!!. Oh and here’s three more FIVE GAMES OUT.
By Greg
May 30, 2007 6:46 AM | Link to this
Five back against the Mets who are getting stronger while we founder. If we don’t get Chipper back soon to anchor this lineup, this season is over. Our only realistic hope is the wild card. And Hudson and Andruw have to man up or that’s over.
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 6:56 AM | Link to this
Hell, that’s fine… get the wild card. We’ve already proven that we’d beat the Mets in a series… three series out of three series, so far. Just get in.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 7:39 AM | Link to this
Meanie,
My point is simply that many people have been burying their heads in the sand pretending that this team has no weaknesses. First, it was that we better than the Mets and now its we will easily run away with the wild card. Do I think the Braves are competitive? Absolutely. Do I think they have obvious flaws that are cause for concern? Absolutely.
The first part of a continuous improvement mindset, or improvement in any sense, is recognizing the inherent weaknesses. This is in all aspects of life. You must know what to improve. But, if people come on the blog and point out a weakness or talk about a deficiency of any kind, half of the blogosphere has their hypertension go into overdrive. When will people start to feel like there is cause for concern and a need for urgency? Personally, I rather have it be now than when we are 15 games out.
But, I understand your kind as well. So, if it makes you feel better, please continue to hide in cyberspace behind the keyboard spouting your useless comments…or maybe I will try and come up with a colorful moniker like “Meanie” and flap off at the gums. Hey, each to his own in regards to how they try to improve their self confidence.
Regards,
Jason
By Carroll
May 30, 2007 7:41 AM | Link to this
ROn Roberts: LOL! On one hand you excuse Thorman’s buffoonery because he is a rookie, for all intents and purposes, and then in the very next sentence you call him a “known” commodity and criticize those who want to use Salty at 1B because he is an inexperienced rookie. That’s about as typical as our pitiful pen.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 7:45 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
I appreciate your support for Thorman, and I think you make some valid points. But, can you honestly tell me you were confident with him up at the plate last night in the 9th with that loooooooong swing where he is trying to hit it to the moon? I can honestly tell you, even with Salty’s K earlier in the game, that I would rather have him up in that situation. Hey, I can’t argue with his relative inexperience. He just seems to have presence as well as a good approach. He seems to be one of those types of players that will succeed in those situations more often than not. He had a pretty good AB when he Kd…saw some pitches and ran the count full.
Either way, we are never going to agree on the issue. But, as I have said; I appreciate your opinion. We have the same goal: to see the Bravos in the playoffs! We just differ on what we feel gives them the best chance to reach this goal with their current roster. No biggie.
Regards,
Jason
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 30, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this
Jasoninmaine…So you can beat the Mets but no one else. IF you make it as a wild card you would not be playing the Mets in the first round. So in theory you would lose and not play the Mets.
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 30, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this
I’m sorry that last post should have been directed at Ron Roberts.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this
No Chop Zone,
Uh, ok. Thanks for pointing out the obvious to me in regards to the fact that if we win the WC that we would not be playing the Mets. I haven’t said anything about the Mets, beating them in the playoffs, who we would play, or any postseason results. So, I am not sure what your point is…
Regards,
Jason
By Braveheart
May 30, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
Damn, Grinch, I hope you slept the pain of that woman off. Been there, done that. They are a group with many con artists as members who make it very hard to believe in the group as a whole.
Who guessed that N8 wears sunglasses at night? I thought that, with his optimistic outlook on things, that he was a rose colored glasses kind of guy.
My favorite sunglasses song lyric that fits in with my mood right now about the Braves is Rage Against The Machine’s Tire Me:
**In a violent time
I wanna be Jackie Onassis
I wanna wear a pair of dark sunglasses
I wanna be Jackie O
Oh oh oh oh please don’t die!
Yeah ya tryin’ ta tire me, tire me
I can see you in front of me, front of me
Ya tryin’ ta tire me, tire me
Why don’t you get from in front of me?
Rah!
We’re already dead!
We’re already dead!
We’re already dead!**
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
Last night was Willie Harris’ first game at 3rd Base. It was a midseason game. It was a late and close situation.
Regarding Thor, he is a rookie and currently best utilized as a platoon player (lots of our Baby Braves came into the league as a platoon player. Why should Thor be different?)
So who do you want starting against lefty’s at 1B? Woodward?
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 30, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this
See my last post Jason.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
No Chop,
Got it…it hadn’t shown up yet when I posted mine.
Regards,
Jason
By Oh Boy
May 30, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts said:
“Guys, if Saltalamaccia is the answer at first base, he needs to be sent down to the minors to learn the position. You want that?”
YES!
“You’re willing to give up on a (essentially) rookie 1B who’s been a sure glove and on-pace to hit 18-20 HR and 70-80 RBIs this season …”
Not give up, but as you said, send Salty back and teach him to play first and then tell me you would rather have that wild swinging canuck who throws a goof fit every time he doesn’t get on base. Never mind, I know you will say that you would rather have Thorman. With your “Salty strikes out” thing last night, it’s evident that YOU are the one with the man crush on Thorman! You’re pulling against this guy!!!(Salty)
If Salty is going to play once a week and get a pinch hit opp maybe twice a week (and after last night being stuck with McCann as the tying run and no way to pinch run, Salty is probably gonna lose pinch hit opps.)then heck yeah send him back! Let him have the opp to play every day AND learn 1B!
Thorman is going to have to completely rebuild his swing to be the hitter Salty is going to be. Thorman is a wild man at the plate. Salty has a smooth, effortless swing. Thorman has more holes in his swing than swiss cheese. Salty can swing and miss like everyone else will do on occasion, but I don’t think I’ve seen him over matched yet. He’s just missed some pitches.
Yeah, I think Thorman is going to be a .270 hitter who is gonna get you 20 homers and 75 rbi a year. But I think Salty has the potential to hit .300 and get you more homers and rbi. The bottom line is that none of us are going to know this for a few years. It’s all speculation.
Ron Roberts One last thing. I want to hear you say it. Forget 1B. Forget putting a guy out there who has never played the position. In fact, I vote against putting him out there until he learns the position. Just put Thorman out there with every swing and every AB he has had this year and put Salty beside him with every swing and every AB this year and tell me that from an offensive standpoint you see Thorman being the better career offensive player? Never mind that Thorman has had at least a couple hundred more ABs in his young career as Salty.
So yeah, lets put all our eggs in the Thorman basket BEFORE WE EVEN SEE if Salty can be taught to play 1B and trade Salty for a good #3 pitcher.
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this
Carroll… Thorman’s actually played 1B. He has zero errors at the position, and wasn’t just thrust into playing that spot on a whim. He is a known defensive commidity there, rookie or not.
JasoninMaine… No, I wasn’t confident having Thorman at the plate in the 9th. Buth then I wouldn’t have been with Andruw, with Diaz, with just about any other Brave, either, lately. Francoeur, maybe, given the night he’d had. Edgar, I’d have laid 50/50 odds he’d get the tying run in. Willie Harris, sure.
But Thorman and Saltalamacchia showed their rookie-side last night; Thorman had a good AB earlier with his RBI sac-fly, and Jarrod only got one AB to do something, so it’s not fair to judge him on one lone AB. I’m just saying, in general, I’d rather have have a sure gloved 1B than an experiment who’s hit pretty good in all of 8 games played and four pinch-hit appearances. Especially with Chipper out and the offense struggling. Gotta have solid pitching and defense to keep the opponents’ scoring down to give us a chance.
Anyhow, you’re right; we’re gonna disagree, and that’s cool. Same goal, you get it. We’re cool.
NoChop… of all the other playoff-worthy teams in the NL, (removing the Phillies, who w’re 6-4 against, because we can’t both be in the playoffs if the Mets win the division) here’s our record against ‘em…
Metrosexuals 6-3
Dodgers 2-1
Padres 2-1
Brewers 1-1 (rubber match today)
Still to play: Arizona, San Francisco.
My point? We seem to be holding our own against the other teams in the league. So whomever we play in the first round, I like our chances…especially with Smoltz and Hudson and Soriano in the ‘pen. So we get past them, and you get past your first-rounder, and there we are, again.
I’m betting you not only root for your team to win the division, but having seen how we handle your lineup, I’m betting you’re also praying we don’t get into the playoffs, or it’ll be back-to-back early byes-byes for ya.
By Braveheart
May 30, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this
The Yankees are fourteen and a half games out of first place and NCZ is on a Braves blog taunting Braves fans?!?!?!?! Are you sure you are even a Mets fan?
The Mets fans I know would be so busy taunting Yankees fans that they would have no time to concern themselves with Braves fans.
If Alabama goes 11-1, wins the SEC championship, but loses to 9-3 Tennessee on the third weekend in October, and Auburn is winless for the entire season, Crimson Tide fans are not going to be on Volunteer blogs taunting Vol fans. They will be far too busy killing Auburn fans to have time to taunt Vols fans. The Crimson Tide fans will also be too angry about getting whupped by the Vols to concern themselves with Vols fans.
Therefore, when the Mets are in first by 6 games in the loss column, but got their butts handed to them 6-3 by the Braves, but the Yankees, the enemy of the Mets, are fourteen and a half games out of first place, it makes zero sense for a Mets fan to be on a Braves blog taunting Braves fans.
Where do you find the time? A true Mets fan would be taunting Yankees fans all day long. But, then again, I am talking about the same dopey Mets fan who was blogging on a Braves blog during the middle of a Yankees-Mets game. Can you believe that? Amazin’!
By BlueMoon
May 30, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Good news on Smoltz and Cormier. I lost my breath when I saw Smoltz walk off the field. I thought for sure it was a shoulder injury.
Has there been any interest in the Braves trading for Texiera? I know they need pitching for the bottom of the rotation but Tex is the next best thing and would probably be good for another run a game.
Batting Order: Johnson Renteria Chipper (when healthy) Tex McCann Jones Franceour Harris (Diaz)
Now there’s a lineup I like.
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
Thorman looks terrible.
I predict Hudson gets whooped today.
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
Meansonny… Last night was not Willie Harris’ first-ever game at 3B. Look it up.
Oh Boy… I’ll take the better overall First baseman if/when they send Saltalamacchia back to the minors to get some playing time at the position, dude. Pure and simple. The better of the two. Right now, after EIGHT games played and a mere four pinch hits, you’ve decided that Saltalamacchia is already a better hitter at the MLB level, right? Wow, amazing. Considering Saltalamacchia’s horrible AA season last year, and good (not even) one-third of a season at the same level this year, you’ve already scouted him and gleaned that he’s going to hit .300+ (though he’s only done so once in the minors over the course of a full season) and play a better 1B (despite having never played the position in a minor or major league game) than Thorman.
Somebody should sign you up to scout for ‘em, then.
As for long-term, who’s the better offensive option? Hard to say. Scott Thorman never had a full season in the minors as bad as Saltalamacchia’s was last year. Never. Jarrod also strikes out quite a bit (83, 99, 71, the last three seasons in the minors) as does Thorman (92, 118, 69 his last three minor league seasons).
I’m just not prepared to make a knee-jerk reaction over Jarrod’s 8-games started and four ipnch-hits, especially when folks wanna play him in a position he’s never played. Especially when that position is first base - probably the most active position in the game. There are more put-outs there than anywhere else on the field.
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
I agree that the Braves shouldn’t give up on Thorman as the regular firstbaseman in favor of Salty, at least not this season.
At the same time, I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing Salty there every once in a while, particularly against lefties. I think he would do okay there.
Also, Salty wasn’t overly spectacular his first pro season, as an 18-year-old in rookie ball, but he’s been pretty good to very good every season since. He was sub par the first half of last season when he was fighting through injury.
I don’t think one good Class A season, one horrible AA season and one-third of a good rebound AA season is accurate. The only times he’s played horrible is maybe the first half of last season and maybe his first season as a pro. Even in his first pro season he showed solid plate discipline and signs of power. And his hitting suffered last season when he was struggling but his plate discipline was still solid.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 30, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
To JED, Bob and others….. If some players are not black because they are Hispanic then Thorman cannot be white because he is Canadian….. Enough of this stupid race crap…
Just put good ballplayers on the field and we will win.
Methinks some expect too much of a first year player. It is why contending teams are reluctant to start too many rookies. If you do not give a player the opportunity to fail, he will never learn to succeed.
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts
I own up to my mistakes, but I don’t think I’m wrong on this one. I’ll help you out.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/bsplit.cgi?n1=harriwi02&year=2001
7 years in MLB and Willie Harris hasn’t recorded a game at 3B until last night.
Regarding Scott Thorman, you are arguing that he is as of right now an every day 1B? He’s a rookie. And he hasn’t proven that he’s capable of playing everyday. Better yet, he hasn’t earned the right to play everyday.
Regarding Salty, if you want him to remain in the franchise, then you’d better find a spot for him. According to DOB, you put your fat slow sumofab*#$ over there at 1B. Having Salty on the roster is a good problem to have. Having him platoon (he’s a rookie too) at 1B solves 2 problems.
For right now, for this season, with this roster, platooning 1B is the right thing to do.
Now if JS makes a move in a month or two, this debate could be a moot point. But Thor hasn’t earned the right to play everyday. And Salty looks good enough to keep in a Braves uniform.
We can worry about next season in the offseason. But platooning rookies is not the worst GM move ever.
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
I’m not opposed to seeing Saltalamacchia in at first in blowout games. That’s it. Otherwise, he should get some playing time at 1st in Richmond or Pearl, Mississippi. Not Atlanta.
By Oh Boy
May 30, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
Right now, after EIGHT games played and a mere four pinch hits, you’ve decided that Saltalamacchia is already a better hitter at the MLB level, right? Wow, amazing. Considering Saltalamacchia’s horrible AA season last year, and good (not even) one-third of a season at the same level this year, you’ve already scouted him and gleaned that he’s going to hit .300+
Two things *Ron Roberts, First I think Salty has far greater potential at the major league level. And considering his performance so far against some impressive pitchers, I think he’s hitting over .240.
As far as scouting goes, there’s no way to know for sure but if you believe what has been written the last couple of years about the situation, it seems there are a lot of major league teams knocking on the door for Salty. I’m not hearing the same clamour for Thorman.
“Somebody should sign you up to scout for ‘em, then.”
Nope there are enough REAL scouts that see the higher potential player. (Salty) So lets see, I agree with the real scouts and you…… well you’re you.
And if you had been paying attention (which obviously is not your strong suit You would know that Salty was hurt last year at double A and even some of the greats you quote yourself acknowledge that it affected his offense.
OK Ron, you can go back to your dream world now.
By SteelCav
May 30, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this
Would anyone else liked to have seen Salty PH for Thor in the 9th? I know hindsight is 20/20, but still………
By gotigers72
May 30, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
It’s sad that the Braves have to keep running Pete Orr or Prado out there to play third. Neither is hitting their weight, and neither has been exactly stellar fielding the ball either. That lefty/righty crap is overrated when whoever is playing is not hitting their weight, no matter if a lefty or righty is pitching.
Play Willie at third, Diaz in left, and let the chips fall where they may. Right now the Braves need some offense. I don’t believe Willie would be that much of a defensive liability at third.
How many more games can they go short a player because of Chipper’s injury? Not blaming Chipper, but one game now means as much as a game in September, and being short a player could cost a game, if it hasn’t already. If you haven’t noticed, they have been caught and passed in the Wild Card race, and there’s more coming, i.e. Arizona, Philadelphia, etc.
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Imagine if Smoltz was out for the season???
We need to start winning some games with the bats!!!!!!!
Is this team capable of breaking off like 6 wins in a row…..
Probably not…..
By Arkansas Hillbilly
May 30, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
Braveheart,
Bringing back good old memories with “Tire Me.”
Is anybody able to check on Grinch this Morning? Looks like he had a Pink Floyd-“One of My Turns” moment lastnight/early this morning.
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
MeanSonny… Willie played some 3B earlier this season for the Richmond Braves.
By Zane Smith
May 30, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
Pascuel Perez
By Glass Half Full
May 30, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
I know Escobar needs “seasoning” and a chance to play every day at AAA, but are the Braves considering bringing him up if Chipper goes on the DL? I think with Escobar and Lillibridge, the Braves need a good look at both to see which one will take Edgar’s place and which one is trade bait.
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
This is another example of using stats irresponsibly.
I’m in agreement with you that Salty shouldn’t jump ahead of Thorman on the depth chart at 1B. Let me make that clear first.
But, first of all, the stats don’t take into account the fact that Salty was injured for at least half of last season.
Second, the stats don’t take into account Thorman’s a firstbaseman and Salty’s a catcher. Thorman’s minor league numbers are very impressive but Salty’s are right there with him, even though on the surface it looks like Thorman is better, because it’s difficult to find a catcher who can hit like Salty. But, your point is well taken; if Salty moves to first he probably loses the edge he has on Thorman.
Also, unless you dig deep, the stats don’t show you that Salty has always held his own against older players. Salty reached AA at 21. Thorman didn’t reach AA until 22 and he started his age 22 season in A-ball.
Finally, let’s look at the career minor league numbers through last season:
Salty - .273 AVG/.370 OBP/ .448 SLG
Thorman - .276 AVG/.342 OBP/.452 SLG
Pretty close. Salty has almost a 30-point edge in OBP while Thorman has a slight edge in SLG. But, again, Salty is a catcher and if he’s a catcher, given his fairly significant edge in OBP and the fact that his numbers would likely look even better had he not been injured last season, I’ll have to say Salty is the more valuable guy. Salty’s the guy I’d want if I were running a team and needed both a catcher and a firstbaseman.
You say Thorman never had a season as bad as Salty last season, but again, I’m not sure Thorman ever had an injury that would affect him as much at the plate and Thorman never had a minor league season as good as Salty’s best minor league season (2005 at High-Class A, .314/.394/.519)
Again, not trying to knock Thorman. I think he’s a fine major league firstbaseman, which says a lot about his ability to hit. I just think Salty is the more valuable player.
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts
What did you think of Willie playing 3B last night in a close and late situation?
Did Bobby get caught with his pants down and that was just piecing a lineup together? Or was it calculated risk?
I like creativity. I don’t like taking too much risk defensively. But with this lineup (rookie 1B already, 1st time 2B, patchwork 3B, 2nd full yr C, and lots of young pitchers) we seem to be trying lots of options to see what might work for us come August and September. As Gil puts it, we’re giving players an opportunity to play and show what they can contribute.
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
meansonny,
I don’t know who I agree and disagree with. You and Ron Roberts are both making some strange arguments.
You say Thorman is a rookie so shouldn’t play first everyday. In the next sentence you argue that Salty (a rookie who hasn’t played first in any meaningful games) should share time with Thorman at first.
I don’t think there would be anything wrong with having Salty play first every now and then but the fact that he’s a rookie and Thorman’s a rookie don’t have much to do with anything.
According to thebaseballcube.com, Salty played a game at third in rookie ball at age 18. Salty has some athletic ability and catcher is a more difficult position than first. I think Salty can handle a game at first here-and-there.
That said, I think Thorman should get most of the playing time, even against lefties. I don’t think it should be a pure lefty-righty platoon situation.
And I do agree that Salty, in spite of what his numbers look like, would hit enough to play first every now and then.
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
We Have Mets The Enemy wrote: “This would have allowed Chipper to pinch-run for McCann in the ninth (he needs to be doing SOMETHING if heďż˝s taking up a roster spot, and I assume, even at 35, heďż˝s a better baserunner than Saltalamacchia), then Saltalamacchia could have taken over the catching duties in the bottom of the ninth after Chipper scored to tie the game.”
MY REPLY: So you’re going to pinch-run Chipper and potentially cost the team an extra SIX games without his services, just so you can pinch-run him in one game? Because if they DL him Friday, right now the DL could be retroactive to last Thursday, the day after he last played.
If you pinch-ran him last night, you couldn’t start the DL assignment until TODAY, since you just played him last night. Hmm…. Doesn’t seem very prudent thing to do.
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
Hey OhBoy… if scouts see the higher potential in Saltalamacchia at 1B, then why is Thorman still playing the position? Apparently the Braves’ brain trust realizes that playing a guy completely out of position when he’s never played there just isn’t smart baseball.
And, you said “if you believe what has been written the last couple of years”… dude, I hope you’re referring to fans on this blog. You are referring to actual beat writers who’ve said Saltalamacchia would be a better 1B option now than Thorman, right? I’d love to read that. Please, sling up a link.
And what makes you think paying attention isn’t my strong suit? I’m very well aware of Saltalamacchia’s progress through his years in the minors. Injuries or not, he struggled last year. His batting average, throught the minors are, as follows: .239, .272, .314, .230.
You seem to take this awfully personal, man. I hope like hell that Saltalamacchia’s the next great thing in a Braves uniform, but I can honestly tell you I don’t think playing him at 1B without first getting him some playing time at that same position in the minors is flat-out fooilsh. Period, end of story. So that being said, until he does so, I’ll stand by my assertion that Thorman’s the better option at first.
And I’ll let Cox’s lineups the next few days/weeks show if the Braves’ brass agrees.
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
We Have Mets The Enemy,
Also, even if Chipper wasn’t injured and ignoring the DL implications, why would you use up Chipper as a pinch-runner? If anything, use Chipper as a pinch-hitter.
And do you really think Chipper is that much fast than McCann or Salty? Do you really think Chipper running as opposed to McCann or Salty could have meant the difference in the game? Maybe five or ten years ago.
Why would you waste Chipper by using him as a pinch-runner instead of a pinch-hitter to gain just a little bit of extra speed?
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
Shaun… good stuff. Nice comparisons. I wasn’t arguing that one was more valuable than the other. The crazy idea of having Satlalamacchia play 1B at the MLB level when he’s never done it at any minor or major league game before is what I’m speaking against. It makes absolutely no sense.
MeanSonny… if Saltalamacchia plays at 1B, to “take a calculated risk” as you put it, I think Cox is smart enough to only do so in a game that’s already a blowout. No other time. Period.
The difference is… Willie’s played some 3B this season in Richmond. Jarrod’s taken some 1B grounders at batting practice. Doesn’t compare.
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
As for Cox using Jarrod last night as a pinch hitter when he did, hindsight’s 20/20, but it sure would’ve been nice to have seen McCann pinch-run for last night. The reason Bobby couldn’t was because McCann was the tying run, not the winning run, and thus, he’d have to have another catcher pitch the bottom of the 9th (and beyond if it went extras) and he really didn’t have a 3rd catching option worth discussing.
I just that was worth pointing out, since a day or so ago here, folks were clamoring for Saltalamacchia (shock) to be used as a pinch-hitter more often.
Last night’s a prime example as to why Cox shouldn’t use him to pinch-hit unless he plans to relieve McCann with Jarrod behind the dish, as well.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
While I agree that Chipper should not have pinch run due to the reasons already pointed out by DOB, I think it is night in day in regards to having Chipper at 2nd versus b-Mac. Chipper is still a great base runner and I would take him on 2nd in that situation every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
I agree with a lot of your opinions, but have to respectfully disagree on this one. No comparison between Chipper and b-Mac when it comes to base running.
Regards,
Jason
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
You act as though Salty is moving to CF or SS. I realize 1B in the major leagues is not easy but I have a hard time believing Salty couldn’t handle it.
I believe that chances are if you are 22 and have worked your way up to catcher at the major league level, chances are you can play first without embarrassing yourself.
I also have a hard time believing the Braves wouldn’t at least consider putting Salty at first every now and then. Didn’t DOB say when they dumped Wilson that Cox said he may give Salty some time at first?
Again, I agree with your point that Thorman should get a vast majority of the playing time, but it’s not like Salty needs to be sent to A ball to work his way up as a firstbaseman.
By BamaBrave
May 30, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Anybody know what McCann’s average has been since the Salty call up?
By Patrick
May 30, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
DOB,
With the team struggling to score runs consistently lately and the seeming urge to get Salty in there as much as possible…
How much longer do you think Bobby will let Thorman go before he replaces him with Jarrod?
By LanceinFL
May 30, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this
DOB- its being reported on another website that the Braves are on the verge of signing Andruw to an extension for 16Mil a year…any truth to this?
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
LOL
LOL
Welcome to the wagon, Patrick! :)
By Bailey
May 30, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
I see everyone is on Salty at first, but I dont think that is the answer right now. If anything, I would like to see him go to AAA and try it for a while. Pena is more than capable of backing up McCann. The biggest issue for the Braves right now, I feel, is getting another starter. Lance Cormier is not the savior. We have to deal for someone. I still believe that if we went to the White Sox with an Andruw for Buhrle and prospect(s) they might go for it. They are pitching rich with no bats right now. Also his defense would help them tremendously. If we are not going to sign him at the end of the year, we need to get something for him, now. Plus, an outfield of Diaz, Harris, and Francoeur is looking better by the day.
By Luke
May 30, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
Saltalamachia would be a better everyday 1B for the braves both now and in the future. The season is over 50 games old now, it’s not like the Braves can afford to wait for Thorman to start producing. I really believe Salty is an upgrade RIGHT NOW at first base. Thorman can be used as a left handed power hitting pinch hitter like Dayrle Ward.
By Luke
May 30, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
Saltalamachia would be a better everyday 1B for the braves both now and in the future. The season is over 50 games old now, it’s not like the Braves can afford to wait for Thorman to start producing. I really believe Salty is an upgrade RIGHT NOW at first base. Thorman can be used as a left handed power hitting pinch hitter like Dayrle Ward.
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
JasonInMaine,
Chipper’s a good base-runner but is he fast enough to use as a pinch-runner in that situation and lose him any possibility to use his bat (ignoring the injury and DL implications of using him)?
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
DOB
Help me.
Make me think everything will be all right with this team.
Say something like “the team is still 29-23, that is still on pace to win 90 games.”
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts
I admit when I’m wrong. Thanks for the info on Willie playing at 3B in Richmond. I rely pretty heavily on Gil and DOB for the minor league updates. I was aware of Willie playing 3B during Spring Training, but not this season’s minor league games. Thanks.
And I don’t have a response to Salty not having a professional game at 1B.
Except that it can’t be said that Willie has worked his way up the minors with 3B experience.
That being said, don’t you think Salty would be in the minors right now if he was only going to be utilized for Brayan Pena’s roster spot?
Either JS has another GM’s ear for starting pitching (and is only showcasing Salty), or DOB’s hintings at playing Salty at 1B will become a reality in the next week or so.
We’ll find out soon enough, I guess. Thanks for correcting me on the Richmond stat.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
LanceinFL,
What website are your referring to???
Regards,
Jason
By Glass Half Full
May 30, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
DOB
Just read the piece on Soriano. Would the Braves consider him for the rotation next year? I know alot depends on whether or not Wickman is resigned and Gonzo’s progress. Seems like he’d be more effective as closer since his change-up gets hit pretty hard.
By Lew
May 30, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Jason In Maine-You ask the question “When will people start to feel there is a cause for concern and a need for urgency?” Dude-what people are you talking about? The fans on this blog? What does it matter exactly what concern we may have? Is there anything we can do about what’s happening? If we sit here in cyberspace, cursing, moaning, wailing, wringing our hands and gnashing our teeth (or dentures, as the case may be), will the Braves pull out of their slump? Will the pitching be any better? Will Andruw have that walk away season we all expected? Will Chipper’s hand miraculously heal? Will Chris Woodward or Pete Orr suddenly become super bench players? Rhetorical questions, Dude. You already know the answer. As far as the people who matter in the scheme of things and can do something positive about the Braves’ fortunes, do you think they are sitting on their hands or playing solitaire on their computers-maybe even video games? Just because we sit here and curse, moan, wail, wring our hands and gnash our teeth (or dentures, as the case may be day after day and night after night, every day and night, doesn’t mean that is what JS and the front office is doing. Just because things in the trade market don’t move at light speed (or, for that matter, as fast as high speed cable) when you would prefer them to move faster, is not an indication of inactivity. Sitting here and freaking out, or sitting in JS’s office and freaking out is a counter-productive exercise at best. Next time you face a crisis situation in your own life, try doing things too quickly or without rational thought behind your actions, and let’s see where that gets you. Remember the old adage-Act in haste and repent at liesure. There’s a reason old cliches still abound-they have truth to them. This case is no different. What would your reaction be to bringing in Joe Schmuck to cure our ills and finding out we were better off to begin with? Think Len Barker. Patience, Grasshopper. There are those whose job it is to deal with such things. I’m certain they have noticed the straits we are in and I bet they are doing their jobs. Peace, Zen and other tranquil notions. Time to re-center your chi
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
In that situation…absolutely! It is the top of the 9th with the winning run on 2nd. Your first priority is to score that run no matter what. Of course, if Pete Orr hadn’t already been used; he would be the better choice. But, in last night’s situation and ignoring the DL/injury factor, it is absolutely worth using him as a pinch runner in that situation.
But, I see your point. If it is in the 7th inning or so, you don’t use him in that situation.
Regards,
Jason
By Julia Roberts
May 30, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
I am a first time blogger long-time fan of DOB. With respect to Thorman I think he swings too hard but sending him to the minors when you let Andruw swing too hard and won’t send him to the minors is two-faced and reprehensible.
When a manager runs out of players in a nine inning game he likely has been out-managed by the opposing manager.
What is this fascination with a switch hitting rookie that hits for power and excites the fans?
Are you people crazy? Yes, you are! You are all C-R-A-Z-Y!!
AHHHHH!! CRAZY PEOPLE!
C-R-A-Z-Y!
I h-a-t-e CRAZY!
C-R-A-Z-Y!!
AAAAGGGGHHHH!!! Crazy!!!
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
I might be getting ahead of myself with a Salty platoon at 1B. But the other options are Woodward? Thor everyday?
Since I’m getting ahead of myself, let’s speculate that Salty handles a game a 1B well. Then he handles the 2nd game at 1B well. Then another.
How much would you need to see before the platoon option becomes viable?
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
I think Salty’s up because we need a backup catcher, and it doesn’t hurt that he has hitting potential. He’s not just here to fill a roster spot.
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 30, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Off-topic question for everyone
I’ve noticed that when Wickman goes into his windup, he taps the ball into his glove. This is after he has raised his leg and is in his throwing motion. He taps the ball into his glove and then delivers. Anyone know why? Is it a timing mechanism or something?
Just wondered.
By Jersey Gil
May 30, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
BamaBrave: In the last 7 games: Mccann; 18 ab Avg 111 Slg 167 Salty: 11 ab Avg 364 Slg 636 And for all you blogger that fantasy to management the Braves, one advice,the braves will be fine at the end… need to fix the bench(not have a strong one this year) and with Cormier coming strong will be ok.Will be catching the Mets in Aug/Sep
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Thorman- .704 OPS
Yea he is coming along so well.
By bruce
May 30, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
Dave, What is Smoltz saying this morning? Hope his caution pays off and he is fine.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
Lew,
I understand fully that we can’t “do” anything. But, yes; I was in part talking about some of the people on this blog. I think it is just as crazy for people to sit there and pretend that nothing is wrong and to chide bloggers who try and point out a deficiency. Jumpings, it is part of a blog…to discuss the pros and cons, right?
In part, you back-up my intended argument. I agree 100% that the people who know a whole lot more than I do and that can do something about it recognize the same weaknesses that some of the bloggers try and have a discussion about.
As far as facing situations of crisis, let’s just say that I have been through my share at a fairly young age. There is no need to go into details, but I have more experience than I care to admit in such matters. But, recognizing that there is an essential step in dealing with it. That’s my only point. some people on here don’t want to admit that there is anything wrong or any cause for concern.
I wish I would have made it to VT over the holiday weekend. I would have enjoyed getting together with fellow Bravos fan for dinner. But, I am definitely making the trip some time this summer, and I will check your availability when I do.
Regards,
Jason
By Oh Boy
May 30, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts
Hey OhBoy… if scouts see the higher potential in Saltalamacchia at 1B, then why is Thorman still playing the position?
I feel like that Geico caveman when that female talking head says the crazy stuff in the commercial.
“What?!?!”
Major league scouts evaluating Salty’s potential at first? They see him as a catcher I’m sure. It’s just simply a case of which player they would rather have and why. The whole discussion from my end has been upside, not position. I think his offensive upside is good enough to teach him to play first and keep him, because Brian McCann is our catcher. The Braves are probably the only team he would play first with. If he can learn to play a servicable first base, I take him over Thorman. Oh and did I say he was a switch hitter?
“Then why is Thorman still playing the position?”
Major league scouts now making decisions on WHO is playing first for the Braves?
Ron, its simple. Now follow closely. If Salty is going to stay a Brave, he needs to learn another position. It may be first base. That would be the logical choice it seems.
Now Mr Salty has to go to the minors to learn to play this position. It’s what happens when little boys need to learn new positions before being allowed to play with the big boys again. Unless he does this, then it seems the Braves may intend to move him. This would then be a moot point from a Braves fan point of view.
What isn’t a moot point is the one I have been trying to make. The only way you can compare Salty and Thorman is their offense. They play different positions defensively. Still with me on this?
I think Salty is going to be a better offensive player. You don’t.
Now as far as taking it personnaly, your little smart A$$ remarks from last night and this morning make it easy to dislike you.
You gloated last night when Salty struck out. You seem to be one of those who would rather be right than to see the Braves win. And you won’t admit you’re wrong so it’s a no win for you. If Salty were to play ten games straight at first starting today (and it ain’t gonna happen) and batted .500 and hit 10 home runs, you would still say he hadn’t proven anything yet….even though you swear you are open minded to the best player at the best position in the future.
It’s hard to argue when someone makes a logical point or counter point. But you just start grasping at all kinds of straws and start twisting facts just to make a point. You wouldn’t know a straight line if you saw it.
By Bailey
May 30, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this
I think you give Thorman a few weeks, but continue to have Salty take balls at first. In blow out games, you throw Salty in at 1st, ready or not. Still, a starter is the key thing.
Question for anyone: How much do we owe Hampton next year, and is there any way we can get out of it?
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 30, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
Here’s a link on the Wickman thing. You’ll have to scroll down to “multimedia” and select “Wickman gets 129th save.” Watch him tap the ball into his glove.
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=124233
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
Those hoping/expecting changes in today’s lineup, sorry to disappoint you: Willie’s in left, Orr’s at third, Thorman at first.
Oh, and McCann’s catching, which I kind of thought would be the case even even though it’s an early (noon here) day game after night game, because of off day tomorrow and righty going today.
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 30, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
Bailey:
The last I heard, and DOB may want to elaborate, but we are on the hook for Hampton’s salary if we release him. No team will trade for that huge contract. Our best bet is to let him heal and play winter ball, and hope he comes out blazing in 2008. I believe his contract is up after ‘08.
But for the foreseeable future, he’s a Brave.
By CharlottteDave
May 30, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
DOB Have you heard anything about what I.J. Rosenberg reported on TV last night: that the Braves were conducting talks with Andruw and something might get done in the next few weeks? I know to take it with a large grain of salt, but if I.J. actually said that there might at least be a little something to it. Maybe they’re at least talking which is something they supposedly were not going to do during the season. Is there anything at all to this story?
By ncscoots
May 30, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
I don’t know that I really have a dog in this fight, but to say Thorman “isn’t producing” ignores 25 RBI in 137 AB. That he is able to drive in runs while obviously struggling overall should be an indicator that he’s not quite the clunk some bloggers seem to think he is.
He’s overmatched against some lefties, and doesn’t exactly have a controlled approach to hitting, but who thinks that will be the case forevermore? The guy’s minor league career shows he’s started slowly at most levels, adjusted to the better pitching, and then raked. He may or may not do so at the ML level, but making a career judgment on 150 AB is fairly short-sighted.
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 30, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, I only care about the Yankees during inter-league play. You “outsiders” just have never understood that. What the braves do has more of an impact on the Mets season than anything the yankees are doing. I said it in Jan and I’ll say it again. The Mets are deeper and more talented than the braves…..No contest. No Aloe, Green, Pedro, Sanchez, Mota, Valentin….No problem. They just keep on winning. If the braves just lose Smoltz you season is over. You’d be a fool to think this isn’t true.
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this
meansonny,
I have to admit I didn’t realize Thorman was doing as bad as he is until I looked it up just now. He was okay in April but has been awful in May. Maybe give him another week or two to see if he turns it around then explore other options. Maybe give Salty a chance at the job. Unfortunately I don’t think there are that many better options out there.
By David-ATL14
May 30, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
TV VOICE: Now playing the part of the Ostrich on AS THE BRAVES TURN- Ron Roberts equally adept at carrying on repeatedly with his hand in the sand or up his own rectum.
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Glass Half Full… I think it’s fairly certain that Soriano’s future is as our closer. Having Smoltz and Hudson signed through for a few more, along with Lance Cormier and Kyle Davies being young still, and the (ha…let’s hope for this anyhow) return of Mike Hampton, I don’t think there’s much need for a starter for the Braves in 2008.
By ronald
May 30, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
The braves should begin working to dump anyone named Jones. Chipper can’t play and Andruw can’t hit. What’s the point in keeping either of them around? It’s time to re-tool this team.
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this
Can we win 10-0 today????
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Thanks Jersey Gil. I like our chances to catch the Mets with Cormier’s addition, Chipper’s health, and what I hope to be inevitable production from Andruw and McCann. We need to take care of business head to head to make-up what we’ve recently lost in the standings.
As a fantasy gm blogger (no I don’t play fantasy baseball), an upgrade at LF would free up 2 quality benchplayers if a better bench is a key concern.
A #3 quality starter eliminates the #5 spot we currently have (2-6 team record in those starts). But another arm of the James (6-5 record in his starts) or Davies (5-4 record in his starts) quality is still an upgrade that should show itself positively in the standings. That’s why I think Cormier will do fine.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Man, I hope Huddy is on his game today! Let’s get him 3 runs in the 1st and take our chances!
By Bailey
May 30, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
Is anyone opposed to an outfield of Diaz, Harris, Frenchy?
Andruw to White Sox for Buhrle & prospect(s)??
By BamaBrave
May 30, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
Thanks Jersey…I thought McCann had hit a swoon, but wasn’t sure. I hope he’s not pressing.
By N8
May 30, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
Yeah. Bobby wouldn’t wanna get BOTH Orr and Diaz in the same lineup, the earth might ignite.
Wouldn’t wanna give McCann TWO DAYS OFF for his hand, either, would he.
I’ve always said, the way Bobby handles the clubhouse, and his lineup are his two strong points. Over 162 game schedule they counter act his unwillingness to hit and run, steal the occasional base and general lack of strategy creativity.
Hmmmm. If the lineup keeps looking like this, I’d have to say he’s down to 1 out of the 3.
DOB
I have a question for you, and keep in mind, I don’t expect you to answer it if the answer I’m looking for is what you think.
You always say how EVERYBODY and their mother wants to play for Bobby. Who wouldn’t? You darn near have to get hit by a bus to lose your job, much less roster spot.
But of all the guys that LOVE Bobby to death, what about guys like Smoltz and Chipper, you think THEY are happy that Pete Orr is in the lineup as opposed to having the two hottest hitters on the team in the lineup at the same time? I realy don’t CARE about the righty lefty matchup. For example:
Matt Diaz: .342 batting average.
vs. LHP…. .347 (that is to be expected)
vs. RHP…. .333 (explain to me WHY this guy is NOT in the lineup everyday - at least until he cools off?)
Willie Harris: On the other hand…
vs. RHP…. .433 (with a .485 OBP)
vs. LHP…. .125 (but his OBP is .364) he’s only had 11 PA against lefties. Just when you think “he shouldn’t play everyday”. You look at Martin Prado and Woodward’s stats:
Prado: In 19 PA, he has 4 hits & 0 BB’s for a BA & OBP of .211 against LHP. Better option than Harris? Hardly.
Woodward: In 41 PA, he has 8 hits and 3 BB’s for a BA of .222 & and OBP of .275 against LHP. Better option than Harris? Nope.
Not only are Woodward & Prado NOT better options than Harris at 3B against LHP, they’re darn near a complete waste of space on the 25 man roster. Along with Orr, and Chipper NOT being on the DL, yet unavailable to play, that leaves us, essentially with a 21 man roster.
No wonder we suck lately. Every team needs 1 guy along the vein of Orr, Woodward and Prado. NO TEAM needs three of them on the 25 man roster at once.
Unreal.
By ernesto
May 30, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
Funny to hear No Class Zone call a Braves’ fan an “outsider” on this blog.
By Braveheart
May 30, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
As far as the people who matter in the scheme of things and can do something positive about the Braves’ fortunes, do you think they are sitting on their hands or playing solitaire on their computers-maybe even video games?
Well, I doubt that they are playing solitaire or computer games. BUT I certainly hope that they are not doing what the rest of us do when we are supposed to be working - type all day on DOB’s blog.
What exactly did Julia Roberts mean when she said that she was a long time fan of DOB? Does DOB resemble the implication?
By We Have Mets the Enemy
May 30, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
OK, Dave, point taken. I wasn’t aware I should take DL implications for Chipper into account. In that case, unless there’s a starting pitcher who’s a faster — and better, which is unlikely — baserunner than McCann, I guess we’d have had no pinch-runner options under my plan, except to pinch-run Saltalamacchia for McCann, which I assume isn’t much of an improvement.
In response to you, Shaun, yes, “even if Chipper wasn’t injured and ignoring the DL implications,” I REALLY would like Chipper running in that situation. There’s a difference between a blazing fast baserunner and a good baserunner. Chipper’s never been blazing fast, but he’s always been very good. I like our chances of tying the game with him on second by leaps and bounds over McCann. I’ve seen him score on plays like that one many, many times. I’m confident he would have scored again last night.
But I wouldn’t have wanted to risk losing Chipper for six more games just to do all I can to win one. I DO, however, wish Chipper would stop trying to tough it out and let the Braves DL him so he can heal properly and not worry about aggravating his injury with unnecessary BP, which seems to be what he’s been doing the past week.
By Julia Roberts
May 30, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
The ONE THING that seems to be w-o-r-k-i-n-g on this team is the left field p-l-a-t-o-o-n. the best hitters on the team right now are in LEFT FIELD!!
LEAVE LEFT FIELD A-L-O-N-E!!
So, why does anyone think this team needs another left fielder?? C-R-A-Z-Y!!
CRAZY AAAGGGGHHHHH!!!! CRAZY!!!!
By Patrick
May 30, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
You have got to be s**$ing me that Orr is starting again at third after the way he played yesterday
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
meansonny,
LF? Did you forget about Diaz? I can kind of understand not trusting Harris to be as good as he’s been for the rest of the season, but Diaz and Harris?
And I don’t see a team giving up a better LF that’s cheaper than what the Braves have already.
By BamaBrave
May 30, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
Woodward is the one who should go…at least Orr hustles his arse off, and Prado is bright green. I certainly haven’t watched every game, but I’ve not seen Woodward do anything that’s helped the team.
By Bailey
May 30, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
TRADE ANDRUW to get Mark Buhrle. Strong LHP for 3 in rotation. OF of Diaz, Harris, Frenchy.
ANY PROBLEMS THERE??
By SR
May 30, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
What’s the over/under on which Hudson shows up today, good Hudson or bad one?
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 30, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
Ernesto….If you Really want to see something funny check the standings. Everytime I do I can’t help but laugh.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 30, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
After all the conversation in the off-season about trying to snag Chone Figgins from the Angels (hey, I’m guilty, too), maybe we had him all along … Mr. Harris.
Let’s use him as much as possible until he comes back to earth!
By TDub
May 30, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
Ah, Social D. Saw them on my 19th birthday at Club Dog Alley in Charleston, what a fun show.
I can’t see us making a deal anytime soon, no one has any pitching and we’re about to get Cormier back, and they’re probably holding on to Escobar and Andrus in case Andruw leaves so we’ll have some trade options. But that said, I’d love to have Dontrelle in our uniform…
By Lew
May 30, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Jason-Don’t take my diatribe personally-It wasn’t meant like that. However, look at some of what’s been discussed so far this week. Every single player in AA and AAA, as well as Throman. McCann, Salty, Wickman, Diaz, Harris, James and Davies has been proposed for a trade to get pitching that is, in all liklihood, not available at most any price. There was even a proposal to trade Davies and Thorman (and three quarters of the AA roster) for Dontrelle. People here on the blog freak at the slightest turn in fortunes and suggest trade scenarios that if DOB were to go to JS with them, he’d never be granted another interview with anyone in the Braves’ organization. It has approached the point of insanity and absurdity. As SJA would say “Unbelievable.” He would be 100% correct, too. Things are never as bad as people make them out, nor as good (listen here Chop Zone) as others like to think they are. The season is barely 1/3 of the way completed. When I was a kid growing up in Philadelphia, I was a Phillies fan. I lived and breathed baseball. In 64 the Phillies led the NL from wire to almost wire. They had a 6 1/2 game lead with ten left to play. Chris Short was pitching lights out as the lefty to Jim Bunning’s righty. Bunning even pitched a perfect game (against the Mets, Chop Zone). They lost ten straight out of their last eleven and the Cards won the pennant on the last day of the season. I attended the 7th game of the losing streak, Johnny Callison hit three consecutive HR’s, but Hank and the Braves beat them 11-8. The point of this is that your fortunes can turn on a whim and a prayer. Nothing is carved in stone, including the Mets running away with things. You just have to trusat that the people in a position to deal with the situation are doing so (and JS is one of the best at dealing). Sitting here and cursing rookies for a less than stellar, but nonetheless encouraging performance is a useless activity at best. Vitriolic and frivolous responses are good for nothing except a rise in a person’s blood pressure. It really is time for many here to zen out before they either pop a blood vessel or in Chop Zone’s case, have an orgasm in the middle of their math class.
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
We Have Mets the Enemy,
What happens if there’s not a deep enough hit to score Chipper? Besides ruining the chance to make Chipper’s DL stint retroactive, you lose Chipper’s bat if a pinch-hitting situation comes up where you’d like to have a guy like Chipper up. And for nothing.
I know you have to tie the game before you can win it, but does having Chipper as opposed to McCann out there really increase your scoring chances enough to be worth it?
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Now OhBoy… try to read this slower so you can actually COMPREHEND it, dude.
I’d love to not have to trade off Jarrod Saltalamacchia to upgrade this team. With Cormier returning, that looks more likely - thank goodness. I do hope he has a future on this team, if, and that’s an if he continues to produce at the plate.
I wasn’t gloating about Saltalamacchia striking out; I made note of it though, in vain hopes of getting some bandwagoners to chill on the talk, but uh, did that hurt your wittle feewings that I made did that?
And who’s been the smart@ss here, dude? Read your vitriole. Alright, first look up vitriole, then look at what you’ve spewed at the me the past day or so.
Then, let’s talk about grasping at straws. You’re ready to put a guy at 1B who’s NEVER PLAYED THE POSITION!!! Wow, now who’s grasping, here? It just blows me away that you think it’s a sound idea to play a guy at the MAJOR LEAGUE LEVEL in a position he’s never played before in minor or major league baseball - simply in hopes that his 8 games played performance (and four pinch-freaking hits) will carry through the rest of the season.
I’ve said time and again, if putting Saltalamacchia at 1B is an idea the team wants to pursue, I’m FOR it - if they let him play a bit at Richmond or Mississippi honing his defensive skills at 1B. Is that open-minded enough for you? How is that grasping at straws? And how am I twisting facts?
Meanwhile, you’d just throw him out there, no experience there whatsoever. Brilliant.
I’m not admitting I’m wrong to any part of this discussion because there’s no obvious right or wrong answer. I have my opinion, and you have yours. But I do know this… Thorman’s still playing 1B today, and Saltalamacchia’s riding pine, so apparently Bobby Cox, with all his wins and division titles, NL titles and 1 World Series, seems to feel somewhere near the same as I do at this point.
When you have somebody with that kind of resume seeing things your way, let me know.
By Julia Roberts
May 30, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
I can f-i-x left field for those crazies who think left field needs f-i-x-i-n-g. Put Ralph Garr in there for awhile. He’s still in the organization and could always hit and he’s probably a better baserunner than McCann right now.
P-O-O-F!! Problem SOLVED!
I hate C-R-A-Z-Y People! AAARRRGGGHHHH!! CRAZY!! You all are CRAZY!!
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
NO CHOP ZONE
Ernesto….If you Really want to see something funny check the standings. Everytime I do I can’t help but laugh.
Mets 115 million dollar payroll
Braves 80 Million dollar payroll
5 games difference in the standings is what it should be
By Thrillhouse44
May 30, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
Bailey, you’re persistent, aren’t you? Andruw would have to approve any trade. Ain’t going to happen.
By Braveheart
May 30, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
If the Braves lose Smoltz, the season is over, huh, NCZ? Understatement of the year.
BUT NCZ, what happens if the Mets lose Glavine? Season over as well is what happens. But, you see, we have already lost Glavine and our season is not over.
By Salty
May 30, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
Bailey You asked ANY PROBLEMS THERE?? Uh, yeah there is: 1. It’s Andruw’s call…will he negotiate a contract after the trade and will the ChiSox take that chance? 2. I haven’t looked…is Buerhle a free agent after the season, or locked up for ‘how long’?
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
Lew,
No worries fine Vermonter…I didn’t take anything you said personally. Not at all. I agree some of the discussions have been crazy…heck, I have contributed to some of them (:
Regards,
Jason
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
David-ATL14… who’s Bobby playing at 1B today, dude? Where’s he got Jarrod playing, today. Now who has his head buried up their @$$?
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 30, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
Lew that novel you call a post can’t hide the facts. Tell me again how the Mets were gonna finish 3rd behind the braves and Phillies. How Perez, Maine and Sosa would fail miserably. How the braves would dominate the division and prove that 2006 was a fluke. Go ahead and read me that fairy tale to me again LEW.
By Salty
May 30, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
No Chop Enjoy the ride, and the freedom of speech that let’s you harass the crap out of us Braves fans! Only one request, if things turn sour, Man Up and stick around for the lickin’ that’s sure to be here! :-)
That said, for all you or I know, Mets and Braves could be lookin’ up at the Phillies or Marlins. There’s lots left to this ‘07 Soap Opera! (Though we’d all rather be where you are…right now)
By Salty
May 30, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
No Chop Enjoy the ride, and the freedom of speech that lets you harass the crap out of us Braves fans! Only one request, if things turn sour, Man Up and stick around for the lickin’ that’s sure to be waiting here for you! :-)
That said, for all you or I know, Mets and Braves could be lookin’ up at the Phillies or Marlins, at which point misery will certainly love company! There’s lots left to this ‘07 Soap Opera! (Though we’d all rather be where you are…right now)
By Bailey
May 30, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Salty
Buhrle is a free agent, but would be much cheaper than Andruw. Also, White Sox have more money to get a deal done. Andruw would be crazy not to accept that if he is going to leave anyway. They have lots of pitching, and he’ll have to get used to that AL pitching after he signs with BOS or NYY.
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
I don’t think it will happen. But if we UPGRADE left field, that would leave Diaz and Harris to improve the bench and/or platoon elsewhere (1B backup 3B).
What would be an upgrade? Ken Griffey JR & Carlos Lee are 2 players who kill lefthanded pitching with very good OPS. I hate to bring up Carl Crawford again. They play for teams who will probably be eliminated from division/wild card contention the earliest.
Again, it likely wouldn’t happen. 10/5, what are their needs? etc, etc.
But IF bench depth is an issue, then I would presume this to be an upgrade at both LF and the bench. THAT was the targeted question. Improving the bench.
By Braveheart
May 30, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts, could you please go knock out your sister’s buck teeth for me? Her posts are annoying. I would ask Eric to do it but Julia won’t let him within 1000 feet of her.
By Paul
May 30, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
Bailey,
Andruw is a 10/5 player, meaning that he has the right to veto any potential trade. Andruw won’t be going anywhere.
By We Have Mets the Enemy
May 30, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Shaun said: “I know you have to tie the game before you can win it, but does having Chipper as opposed to McCann out there really increase your scoring chances enough to be worth it?”
I swear, Shaun, you’d argue with a signpost. We’ve been over this. Respect other people’s posts enough to actually read and comprehend them. My answer was an emphatic YES! Chipper could have scored last night to tie the game. That’s not using him for nothing. Ever seen a team miss out on the postseason by a single game, Shaun? I certainly have. When it happens, games like last night’s prey on your mind all winter.
Batting Chipper last night was not an option. He’s hurting too much to bat. I didn’t understand until DOB pointed it out, however, that even using him to run was not an option. Our argument was based on if he HAD been available, anyway, and even if he had, he couldn’t have batted. He’d still have been very valuable on the basepaths in the ninth, though, at very little risk to his injured hand.
So he might as well go on the DL and heal rather than continue to cost the Braves a very valuable roster spot, a weakness that rears its ugly head all too obviously in games like last night, where the Braves were helpless to replace a slug at second base representing the tying run in the ninth.
By Thrillhouse44
May 30, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Can we set up a FAQ link in this blog? Topics could include 1. Why don’t we trade Andruw? 2. How much of Hampton’s contract is covered by insurance? 3. What happens to a player’s salary when they are released? 4. Does anyone listen to Robert?
By Renegator
May 30, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Why would Bobby put Orr in again today? He is a waste of a roster spot and his error cost us the game last night. Boo on Bobby.
Oh and another thing - no way the Braves win the division this year - they will be out of it by the All-Star break. We just have to shoot for the Wild Card.
By ernesto
May 30, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Keep laughing No Class Zone, but we all know the Mets are one losing streak away from you crawling back into your spider hole, I mean going to Florida, right?
By Glass Half Full
May 30, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Anyone think Jason Jennings might be available at the deadline?
By Julia Roberts
May 30, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
What is all this c.r.a·z.i·n.e.s.s with you people?Why are you all so *C-R-A-Z-Y?
Woodward is the answer at first because he can also play third and short and catch a little in an emergency.
If you don’t think so, YOU ARE CRAZY!! AAARRRGGGHHH!!! CRAZY!
By Lew
May 30, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
ChopZone-You smarmy little Weasel-the season is barely 1/3 past (actually, not even that far gone). You have no clue what may or may not happen. Come to think of it, you have no clue, period. Keep talking it up here on the Braves’ blog. I mean are you taking a Dale Carnegie course? Trying to win friends and influence people? Not working there little Chop Zone. You haven’t converted a single Braves’ fan yet. You have yet to convince any of us that it’s a foregone conclusion you will win zip. Remember the playoffs last year. You got beat by a barely .500 team. All season long we listened to you and your juvenile compatriots claim that the NL and the WS were yours for the taking. Gee, Weasel, it didn’t work out that way, did it? You got a division crown, which is what all season long you and your friends tried to convince us was meaningless. I guess that means your accomplishments (the Mets accomplishments, acutually-it’s hard to accomplish much in Jr. HIgh at good old PS whatever in Queens) were meaningless. Not quite, though. I will treasure Beltran’s pants wetting at bat for a long time to come. That was extremely meaningful. Bye. Your turn to rant. I, however, am going to go listen to some music. Music never strikes out or wets it’s pants (or pees on it’s hands). Later.
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Bailey,
Why would the Braves trade a free agent CF for a free agent pitcher? Even if Buehrle demands less, he’s still going to be extremely expensive to resign. And I realize Andruw is struggling and the Braves need pitching but do you want to take a chance that Andruw is not going to snap out of it to get a guy that can only help you win a game every fifth day? Buehrle is good but I don’t know if he’s worth trading Andruw and losing both players.
By Oh Boy
May 30, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts
“It just blows me away that you think it’s a sound idea to play a guy at the MAJOR LEAGUE LEVEL in a position he’s never played before in minor or major league baseball - simply in hopes that his 8 games played performance (and four pinch-freaking hits) will carry through the rest of the season.”
Twist Twist Twist. Again you made my point. Don’t let the truth get in your way huh? I never said that. Show me where I advocated playing him without minor league instruction?
Then you said it again!
“Then, let’s talk about grasping at straws. You’re ready to put a guy at 1B who’s NEVER PLAYED THE POSITION!!! Wow, now who’s grasping, here? It just blows me away that you think it’s a sound idea to play a guy at the MAJOR LEAGUE LEVEL in a position he’s never played before in minor or major league baseball - simply in hopes that his 8 games played performance (and four pinch-freaking hits) will carry through the rest of the season.”
Repeating a lie doesn’t make it true, RON! But the truth doesn’t seem to get in your way does it?
“I’m not admitting I’m wrong to any part of this discussion because there’s no obvious right or wrong answer. I have my opinion, and you have yours. But I do know this… Thorman’s still playing 1B today, and Saltalamacchia’s riding pine, so apparently Bobby Cox, with all his wins and division titles, NL titles and 1 World Series, seems to feel somewhere near the same as I do at this point.”
More of your drivel. You assertation that I disagree with Cox is dependant on the assumption that I want Salty to play first NOW! Never said it, I subscribe to the “he needs time in the minors to learn the position” school.
Maybe I should ease up on you. Maybe you aren’t intentionally lying. On the other hand, Reading comprehension is not a new concept, RON. You should give it a try.
Gotta work some now, I’ll let you win this one with your next response. But whatever your response, the fact remains that you never let the truth get in the way of you making a point.
By NO CHOP ZONE
May 30, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Braveheart you’re just clueless. C’mon look at the list of key player we’ve lost. Alou, Pedro, Valentin, Green, Mota, Sanchez. Keep in mind these players will return. If I was a braves fan that would concern me greatly. Oh, and Efrim the money thing was weak and getting old. The teams aren’t graded by payroll. If your braves ain’t got the cash tuff sh-it.
By Bailey
May 30, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
If Andruw is offered the opportiniy to go to an AL contender, why would he not do it?
I don’t see a reason why he wouldn’t. Because he wouldn’t is not an answer.
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
May 30, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
No comments on Wickman? I guess it’s being ignored because it doesn’t start, “Well, if we traded Andruw…”
Come on, it’s my last day at work and I’m bored. Give me some insight!
By Lew
May 30, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
Bailey-Could it be because he has said time and again and his agent has said time and again, that they will not accept a trade-that Andruw will finish the season in Atlanta and then face free agency in the offseason? Ya think that might just be a good, bona fide reason? Ya think?
By BB FAN
May 30, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
NO CHOP ZONE, “The Mets are deeper and more talented than the braves…..No contest. No Aloe, Green, Pedro, Sanchez, Mota, Valentin….No problem. They just keep on winning. If the braves just lose Smoltz you season is over. You’d be a fool to think this isn’t true.”
Like I said..That is the difference between the Mets and the Braves. The Braves have an $81 million payroll and haven’t been able to add anybody despite injuries.. The Mets have a $115 million payroll but can spend any additional amount if needed…which they have proven over the last few seasons. Actually, they have been spending foolishly for years but just could win the division until last year.
The Braves still have a much better organization. They just don’t have an unlimited payroll like the Mets. Even when Turner owned the team, they built from within and added a few pieces to help out. The Mets just buy everybody they can. Hell, even Delgado and LoDuca were salary dumps from Florida.
The Mets may win the division. However, if the Braves can overcome the injuries and win the Wild Card, they will beat the Mets in the NLCS. They have won 6 of 9 games against your mighty Mets.
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse, that made he laugh. Very good….
Chrizzo (I think that’s who said something about report of Andruw about to sign). If Andruw’s about to sign, someone should tell him. He said he hasn’t spoken to Scott Boras in weeks. Said Scott called him a few times during his long slump, but Andruw didn’t answer. He sounded sincere when he told me he has no idea if anything is happening with contract negotiations or whatever.
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
No Chop Zone
Cash makes a difference and you know it bro.
If there was a salary cap, then we would kick your a**.
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
If Andruw is offered the opportiniy to go to an AL contender, why would he not do it?
The AL is tougher and his numbers have a better chance to be worse in the AL, which may mean a less lucrative deal. Of course this ignores the fact that his numbers may not look that great this season anyway.
But Bailey is right, just because you don’t see a reason why he wouldn’t doesn’t mean he will.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
Ok, Pete O is going to strap on the leotard and get 2 hits today!
By AMG
May 30, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
Andruw likes playing in Atlanta. I will be suprised if he does not have a deal done before the end of the season provided the Braves make him a competitive offer. People keep saying Chicago, LA, New York… let him go through a slump in those cities… you would hear the booooooooooos in Atlanta.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
Here we go b-Mac!!! Let’s get er done!!
By Lew
May 30, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
DOB-He didn’t answer his agent’s calls? I’m not really sure what to make of that. All sorts of things could be read into it. I wonder what Boras is thinking about it. Interesting, on many levels.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
Ouch…1 for their last 27 with runners in scoring position. Someone asked how we could only score 4 runs with 15 hits…that’s your answer.
By Mackey Sasser
May 30, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
MLB gamecast put up “injury delay” during McCann’s at-bat. Anybody know what that was about?
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
Oh Boy… I never referred to you until you referred to me, so your arrogance put your rowboat @$$ in a power boat race ya can’t win, here, sonny. Get this…life ain’t always about you and what you think.
But the truth of the matter is, after all is said and done…
you ACTUALLY think the same thing I do. Send Saltalamacchia down to play 1B before he does so here. Good; glad we got that outta the way.
That’s gotta sting. Now, how’s about you actually going to work now instead of trying some your Karl Rove double-speak in some pathetic attempt to paint me in a negative light. This blog doesn’t need another Jim Rome impersonators, so keep the “bite me’s” to your juvenile detention center stockyard guard tower, k? You came at me w/your attitude. I’ve been here discussing, agreeing, disagreeing, etc., with others quite fine, thankyaverymuch, and have done so with stats, facts, perspectives. Your ammunition started with …
…”bite me.” That’s definitely gonna win people over. Folks on Wall Street should try that in board rooms. Congressmen and Senators should try it while at the podium discussing important measures.
I’ll agree with anybody who says send Jarrod to the minors to learn 1B before replacing Thorman with him at the MLB level. Done. End of story.
I’ll disagree withy *any) moron who says put him there now over Thorman. Period.
By Jersey Gil
May 30, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
Here go again…1st and 2nd one out and we can moved the runner(small or big baseball)
By Jersey gil
May 30, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
See milwakee play small ball…hit,stolen base ans score with a grounder….small baseball win games
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Wow, beautiful, beautiful baseball. Single, stolen base, grounder to the right side, and another grounder to get ‘em in.
(sigh)
Will the Braves ever be able to do such things?
By AMG
May 30, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
Injury delay was for Damion Miller Brewers’ catcher.
By ernesto
May 30, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
What’s one run when you have the mighty Pete Orr in the line up?
By eric the elder
May 30, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
Mackey, the Brewers catcher got stung by a foul ball.
By BB FAN
May 30, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
NO CHOP ZONE,
DOn’t pull that payroll doesn’t mean anything sh!t. $35 million difference is a lot. That’s Wagner, Glavine, Alou and Beltran. All guys the Mets “bought.” Take those guys away to even the payroll and the Mets are in last place.
Obviously the Mets can spend whatever they want, but it makes the winning tainted.
That is the problem in baseball today. Teams like the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox all spend whatever they want. It will eventually ruin baseball. At least MLB has the revenue sharing deal. That helps teams with the lowest payrolls.
If MLB had a salary cap (which I doubt will ever happen), teams like the Yankees, Mets and Red Sox woudl be last place teams because they can’t develope players. All those teams do is go out and buy the best free agent available each year.
Look at the Yankees this year. They are a mess. That will soon happen to the Mets too. Glavine, El Duke, Wagner, Delgado, Easely, Alou, Green are all old or getting old fast. Of course, they will keep trying to buy the best free agents but it’s inevitable that they will make the same stupid mistakes signing guys like Pavano, Farnsworth, Igawa, Bonilla, Mo Vaughn, ect.
The smartest move the Mets have made recently was signing Peterson as the pitching coach. They should (and I’m sure will) pay him top dollar to stay.
So enjoy your stay on top, because the Mets will fall fast and hard if they keep doing what they are doing.
By TennesseePaul
May 30, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
Perfect small ball execution by the Brewers. Sacraficed the outs for the run. Braves went with the perfect 3 run homer attempt. Get ‘em on. Let ‘em sit there. Hope a slumping slugger will knock ‘em in.
Brewers 1, Braves 0.
By Braveheart
May 30, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
Alou, injured Pedro, Valentin, Green, Mota, Sanchez.
That is your list of key players on your team?!?!?!?!?! LMAO!
You losers are in more trouble than I think.
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
Amen, JasonInMaine! That’s the sort of small ball I only wish the Braves were capable of when runs are hard to come by.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
Heck, I have changed my opinion. I wish we could clone Thor and have him start at both corner infield spots…he has looked excellent so far, especially in May. Great approach. Nice level swing. Doesn’t try to do to much.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
Ernesto, thanks for the laugh. I had to chuckle out loud after reading that.
By TennesseePaul
May 30, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Sheesh our bench sucks. These guys should be on the Royals, not the Braves. Orr can run, but he doesn’t even know how to use that tool so it’s wasted on him. A better bench and a deeper rotation would be wonderful. A healthy Chipper is very much needed.
By Jared
May 30, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Can we please bring up Yunel Escobar to play 3rd? Pete Orr and Woodward suck.
By SteelCav
May 30, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
Quit trying to kill the ball Thor….jesus f’n christ!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
This team is going to make Dave Bush look like an All Star.
By eric the elder
May 30, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
We’ve heard repeatedly that “they” (Cox and Pendleton, I assume) want Thor to cut down on his swing. Yet he continues to flail away. Andruw has his own agenda. Thor has his own agenda. Maybe loving to play for Bobby means that they don’t have to listen to him.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
There you go KJ!!!
By rammerjammer
May 30, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
We’ve given up 33 runs in five games (four losses). Folks, it’s the pitching. Not Pete Orr. Not Scott Thorman. Willie Harris can’t save us. Neither can Mister Salty.
We’re 4th in the NL in runs scored, but we’re 8th in ERA.
It’s Pitching.
By SteelCav
May 30, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
Thank you Kelly!!!!!!!!
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
Kelly homer. Braves 1, Brewers 1. (Wanted to continue TennPaul’s theme __ just kidding with you, man).
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
SteelCav,
Come on bud, that language isn’t necessary. I appreciate your passion, but that’s uncalled for.
Regards,
Jason
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
JasonInMaine, TennPaul, JasonInMaine,
We’ll see if that one run makes the difference in the game.
Also, you ignore the fact that the single was the key thing event of the inning. It’s amazing what can happen when you get on with fewer than two outs.
If you aren’t getting on base, no amount of “small ball” can help you score.
The Braves OBP since they’ve been struggling (21st in baseball in runs for May)—.317, 24th in baseball.
How are you going to play small ball if you can’t get runners on?
By TennesseePaul
May 30, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
BB FAN: While I agree that the Mets high payroll has given them an advantage over the last few years I’m not sure I agree with this:
If MLB had a salary cap (which I doubt will ever happen), teams like the Yankees, Mets and Red Sox woudl be last place teams because they can’t develope players
The Yankees are a last place team even with all the money they are spending. However, the Yankees developed the chore of their championship team: Rivera, Jeter, Posada, Williams, Pettitte. The Red Sox have developed a few of their own players as well. Those high spending teams are very much capable of developing their own talent. The only team that has really, truly suffered over the last 10 to 15 seasons from money spent with no development was the Mets. But that was due to total incompetence in the front office. That has been corrected.
A salary cap isn’t needed. Small market teams win. The Brewers, A’s, Twins, Indians and so on are all winning teams this season with low payrolls.
Arguing for a salary cap is fruitless. For one, the union is never ever going to agree. And two, doesn’t even matter, as long as you have a good front office. It only really becomes frustrating when your team loses and some s** team like the Mets suddenly emerges as a contender after buying 6 of it’s position players and pretty much the entire pitching staff. The draw back to such moves is simple though, the long term deals result in Yankee 2007 type results.
In time it all evens out. The Braves won for a decade and a half. Now a-days they are a streaky team with a good young chore. Hopefully they’ll put something together soon and start winning. And when they do, what are you going to say? At 80 million, the Braves toppled the 115 million dollar Mets. Money didn’t matter. And, if anything, you’d point out the fact that the Mets lost having spent more. The cry for salary caps would be quieted here, but still be very loud in Pittsburgh.
In the mean time, be proud of the young guys we are developing. We’ll have an incredible team in no time. If/when AJ walks, more than likely JS will use the extra cash on pitching, which he should do. At that point the team will really take off.
By SteelCav
May 30, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
You’re right, my bad Jason.
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts, JasonInMaine, TennPaul,
It’s amazing what can happen when a team gets a runner/runners on before they use up outs, isn’t it?
By TennesseePaul
May 30, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
DOB: Nice! That made me laugh. =)
Payne: That was not intended to be an opening for your out-avoidance speech, merely a statement of fact, which for some reason you felt compelled to refute. Also, in that first inning, we had 2 runners on (1 in scoring position) with fewer than 2 outs and 3 sluggers not hit the homerun. It was set up perfectly for both types of offense. One ended in success, the other in failure.
By Tad
May 30, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
We need to improve our depth by getting some better bench players on this team! Chris Woodward is slow, a liability on defense, and only a career .247 hitter. Pete Orr has more strikeouts than his 6 hits this year and a paltry .182 BA with no SB attempts. Martin Prado is hitting at the Mendoza line (.200) with no extra base hits. We need someone to fill Chipper’s spot since he surely isn’t gong to play his goal of 150 games this year!
These three have had enough time to prove they aren’t capable of producing at the major league level and are wasting 3 roster spots and killing rallies by being automatic outs. How about giving a couple of the minor league kids a look to spark some life in the team like we saw in 2005. We have Yunel Escobar, Elvis Andrus, Brandon Jones, Eric Campbell, Brent Lillibridge, etc.
Willie Harris has proven he is a quite capable utility player, but he can’t play everywhere at the same time! He is a great hitter, speedy baserunner, and can play LF, 3B, SS, & 2B.
Braves need:
Backup middle infielder that can actually hit the ball (as opposed to Woodward, Orr, & Prado)
Backup 3B with the abilty to hit extra base hits and drive in runs (as opposed to Woodward, Orr, and Prado)
Let Saltalamacchia play 1B against LHP as well as his natural C position.
Recall Bryan Pena since we use Salty to PH so much (since Woodward, Prado, and Orr can’t produce). Then we can afford to pinch run for McCann at second with one out on Tuesday night and Snitker would send the runner home to score the tying run on Francoeur’s single in the 9th.
As far as pitching goes, we really need another starter and relief LHP. McBride looked better last night, but has a lot to prove to step into Mike Gonzalez’s role. It will be great to have Lance Cormier back soon.
PS: Why is McCann making that errant throw to second (for his 6th error) after the Prince Fielder struck out for the second out that allowed the eventual game-winning run to score! Just hold onto it!
By Braveheart
May 30, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
If Frenchy is Captain Caveman, then do we call Thorman Queen of the Stone Age?
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
Shaun, your point? We get runners on, then swing for the fences, usually.
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
SIX STRIKEOUTS IN 4 INNINGS!!!!!
AGAINST DAVE BUSH…….
WE AREN’T THAT GOOD FOLKS.
By Jersey Gil
May 30, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
The Braves in 4 inning 6 strike outs…Bush look like Nolan Ryan Today…ouuuuch….sa mo sa mo….TP have to work xtra with those hitter or send then to batting camp with the bad news bears.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
You said:
“If you aren’t getting on base, no amount of “small ball” can help you score.”
Holy cow. A light just went on!! I didn’t realize that, and I appreciate you pointing that out. I feel soooo much more knowledgeable now.
I have enough respect for the overall intellectual capacity of this blog to not have to point out the fact that you need a runner on to play small ball.
Do you think small ball would have been advantageous last night when the Braves had 18 base runners?
Regards,
Jason
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul,
Agreed about the salary cap. I’m don’t sympathize with the Players Union but all a salary cap would do is put more money in the pocket of the owners who don’t want to spend any money.
Also, look at the White Sox. They lowered their payroll in during the 2004-2005 offseason and won the World Series the next season.
I agree the Yankees and Red Sox have a big advantage but smart teams can still win.
If anything needs to be solved it’s more even distribution of local broadcast revenues. Opponents should get an equal cut of local broadcast revenues because the local team needs opponents. Let’s see how many people would watch if a team played 162 inter-squad games.
By Fred from CT
May 30, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
they should have let orr hit ninth and hudson 8th so if hudson got on base orr could bunt him over. just kidding
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
The Braves get runners on? Not in May.
By TennesseePaul
May 30, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
9 ground outs by Hudson so far.
Bush is getting fly-outs and strike outs. So the game plan is to go up swinging at anything near the plate. I wish the mindset was a little more of a work with the pitcher type. You know, “hit it where he pitches it” as opposed to “hit it where I want to hit it, reguardless”.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 30, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
OK, when Chipper comes back, Prado goes down, Pena comes up and Orr goes down … or out. Or whatever. What a nightmare.
Play Willie!
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
JasonInMaine,
I’d rather leave a lot of runners on base than not have any.
I know the Braves lost last night but the Brewers also left 12 on base and they won.
My guess is the teams that leave the most runners on are also the teams that score the most runs. Can’t seem to find the LOB numbers, though, to see if that’s true.
By Jersey Gil
May 30, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
huddy is economy today 59 pitches in 5 inning…good game huddy
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
Shaun, my point is, even if we do get runners on, we rarely run; we rarely bunt; we rarely hit-and-run; we rarely do anything to move runners over. We ground into DPs and we strike out.
By TennesseePaul
May 30, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
11 Groundouts. 0 Fly outs. Sheeesh! Hudson is back on his game. To bad he wasn’t on it against the Phillies.
By biffpocoroba
May 30, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
DOB-
What are the odds we see Aybar in a Braves uniform this yr.? Could use him.
By Double deuce
May 30, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Too bad Smoltz and Hudson can’t pitch against the Braves….we’d have two Cy Young candidates. How about swinging for contact instead of trying to hit it to Sheboygan.
By Reggie
May 30, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Rockies: Chipper is already holding a roster spot, so no roster moves are necessary if he ever comes back. However, I agree that Orr needs to go, along with Prado and especially Woodward. Maybe it’s because Woodward is a former non-performing Met that I dislike him, although it is probably because he has done zero to contribute to the team this year. We do need to have a backup or emergency catcher because Salty is our primary pinch hitter because of our lack of bench depth.
By Mets Stink
May 30, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
BB Fan: I hate to side with a Mets fan on this, but you can’t say their wins are tainted because they’ve bought so many players. Don’t forget, the Braves had one of the highest payrolls in baseball in the 90s.
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
Biff, sure could use him. I just wrote it in the NEW BLOG that’s up. But it’s rehab, and I don’t really know how to give percentages on the likelihood of a guy returning from rehab to help the team this year.
Alright, MOVE IT ON OVER and light up the NEW BLOG
By Julia Roberts
May 30, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
If you think Bobby is going to play small ball well, you are c-r-a-z-y! I would like to point out that some bloggers agree with me and those who don’t are c-r-a—z-y!! I think that Thorman is swinging too hard and that he will soon become expendable because he is not hitting the ball. Pete Orr looks lost at third base and let’s leave him there at then end of the game and see if he can find his way to C-h-i-c-a-g-o. Last thing I have for you today is that you all are CRAZY and I can’t stand crazy! AAAAGGGHHHH!
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, Ron Roberts, JasonInMaine,
I understand what you’re saying about making things happen once you get runners on such as stealing and advancing runners with contact outs (although I wouldn’t recommend to my team trying to ground out).
All I’m saying is sometimes those types of things are going to decrease or even end your chances for a big inning. And teams that scored runs are teams that get big innings.
Maybe it’s good to do those types of things if you know your pitching staff can hold a team to something like one or two runs every game or in the ninth inning or when the pitcher is up to bat or if the runner on base is almost a sure bet to steal successfully but in most cases I would argue against an intentional small ball strategy, per se.
Just wanted to make clear my position on the subject, in case you didn’t already know it. I’m not against small ball. I’m against decreasing or ending chances for big innings.
By MBATL
May 30, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
My guess is the teams that leave the most runners on are also the teams that score the most runs.
Shaun HERE is a site that appears to provide that info (I can’t vouch for the site, but seems to make sense). Looks like you’re right, for the most part. Interesting point.
By Renegator
May 30, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
Why are you guys arguing with the Muts fans over which team is better? Obviously the Muts are better than us or they wouldn’t have a 5 game lead in the division already.
The good news is we are only 1 game back in the Wild Card.
By A-ville Ranger
May 30, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
T-Paul I agree,what happened to the smart high ops team we saw in April ?
By TennesseePaul
May 30, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
Payne: I think the formula you are looking for is this:
((H+BB+HBP)-(CS+GDP))-R = LOB
It could be a bit off… Triple plays need to be taken into account…
From that though it doesn’t look to be any rhyme or reason to LOB and Runs scored on the season. The Tigers 9th in the AL in LOB, but the first in runs scored. Phillies lead the NL in both.
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
Rammerjammer,
33 runs in 5 games (4 losses). There were 9 different pitchers who gave up those 33 runs. Do we need 4 new starters (as we didn’t get quality starts in any of our losses) and 4 new relievers?
I’m more concerned that we only scored 19 runs in those 5 games. Everyday players will have more of an impact than a 1 out of 5 starter (or reliever).
What reliever do you want to replace or upgrade? Moylan, Yates, McBride, & Paronto all gave up 2+ runs in those 5 games. How many of them do you think we can upgrade?
This is a slump. The whole team is affected. The past 5 games aren’t a good enough sample to determine much more than that.
Our run production against lefty’s is more troubling to me as it has been season long. And unless it is addressed, it will continue to haunt us through the season and post-season.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 30, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
Aaaahhhhggg,,, Charles Johnson was one of the best I ever witnessed at blocking balls in the dirt. It will go as a wild pitch but Brian needs to learn how to block those..
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
Shaun, my point is, even if we do get runners on, we rarely run; we rarely bunt; we rarely hit-and-run; we rarely do anything to move runners over. We ground into DPs and we strike out.
Ron Roberts,
The ML average for steals at this point is around 30. Four of the top ten scoring teams have 35 or more steals (the Reds are 10th and they have exactly 35). Doesn’t seem that being overly aggressive as far as stealing bases makes a big difference in scoring.
Unfortunately I don’t know where to find any info on which teams hit-and-run and bunt most. I can see that the AL average for sac hits is 8 (I’ll leave the NL out because pitchers are going to often sac so almost every team has around 20, not much variation). The five teams with the most sac hits are all over the place in scoring; some score a decent amount of runs, some are below average. Doesn’t seem like being over sacrificial makes much of a difference in scoring.