AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > May > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBig void until Chipper’s back
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Alright, let’s do a quick in-game blog sort of update here, to give you good folks and blog denizens a clean canvas upon which to compose and/or spew. We love it all here, and are guilty on both accounts ourself.
And I can’t help but wonder how Willie Aybar, were he not in rehab in some undisclosed location, sure could have helped the Braves this past week with Chipper out of the lineup. Orr and Woodward just ain’t getting it done in Hoss’ stead. At all.
Anyway, the ball absolutely rockets out of here (Miller Park) when hit to right field. (How’s that for a non-existent transition? Hey, it’s a noon start, getaway day, etc.)
Prince Fielder hit a couple of bombs up in the second deck in this series, and Kelly’s third-inning homer was a blast, too. By the way, that’s seven homers and 28 RBIs for the leadoff man (through five innings) and we’re not quite a third of the way into the season.
How many teams do you think would like a leadoff guy to hit .280 with 21-22 homers, 75-80 RBIs and a .380 OBP _ and in his first full season….
Oh, and those who tried to convince us that Hudson was reverting back to last year’s poor form based on his past two starts, I guess you’ll have to find a way to dismiss today’s performance, which has been pretty solid so far (through five innings, it’s a 1-1 game).
Come on, face it: Hudson is back to being an ace, having a fine season. At least acknowledge and enjoy the things that have gone very well this season. He’s one of them.
Smoltz update: He played catch for five minutes this morning, no problems with the right pinky and a little soreness in the shoulder, but nothing unexpected after he left last night’s game with tweaks in both areas.
Smoltz said everything went well today, but he won’t know for sure about his next start until he throws his bullpen session Friday. But he said worst-cast scenario, he’d move it back two days. And he doesn’t think that’ll be necessary. He thinks he’ll be ready to go as scheduled Sunday at Chicago.
Willie can play third: Like many of you, I thought Bobby might give Willie Harris a start at third base today and have Diaz in left. No, Orr’s back at third base, Diaz on the bench.
Though Harris/Diaz has been a platoon in left that’s worked extremely well since Ryan Langerhans was traded, Diaz has shown he hit lefties and righties.
And since today’s a righty _ a bad righty, Dave Bush _ I wondered if we might see Harris at third. He played it plenty this year at Richmond and Bobby played him there in spring training. I asked Bobby, when I was talking to him alone in his office this morning, whether Harris was good enough to play third up here.
He said yeah, sure, like there was no question. But if you’ve been around Bobby, you know you don’t follow that, when he’s in certain moods, with a question such as, “So why don’t you play him there instead of Orr, who’s hitting way below .200 and butchered a ball last night?”
See, there’s a craft to covering Cox. You don’t cut off your nose to spite your face. You can see from his reaction to certain questions, when it’s worth it to follow with another, and when you’re only going to p%$# him off and ruin any chance of getting anything else in the interview by following up with the obvious question.
In other words, he knows what you’re getting at, and if he wants to answer the question he’ll answer it after you ask the first one. And if he doesn’t, he’ll let you know with a look, a tone … whatever. It’s quite clear.
Again, if you’ve not been around him in these settings, you won’t know what I’m talking about and I don’t expect you to. Suffice to say, those few of you out there who have been in his office in those settings, you know exactly what I’m saying.
And it’s not about him being intimidating or whatever. He’s really not. Well, he is until you get to know him, but not so much after that.
But it’s really about not poisoning the rest of a conversation by getting him in a bad mood with a question you know he’s not going to answer with more than a terse, one- or two-word answer you can’t use anyway.
But I just wanted you to know, I agree with you on giving Harris a start while Chipper’s out, with a bad right-hander on the mound.
And Diaz can play first base: I also think it might be wise to give Diaz a start at 1B with a lefty on the mound, unless the Braves are showcasing Thorman and trying to prove he can hit lefties.
So far, he can’t. Thorman is 7-for-35 with nine strikeouts against lefties.
That’s not the kind of showcasing you want to do, in the event you’re trying to trade someone (and I haven’t heard anything that suggests they are, so that’s not what I’m insinuating. They’re probably playing him every day to see if he can hit lefties, since he didn’t get many chances with Craig Wilson on the team).
By the way, between Thorman’s .239-6-25 (before today) and Wilson’s black-hole numbers while he was here, Braves 1B ranked 15th in the NL with a .213 average, had the second-most strikeouts (56), the lowest OBP (.270) and the third-lowest slugging percentage (.372).
Chipper update: Nothing new. As I said yesterday, they’re waiting until Friday to decide whether he can play or needs to be DL’d.
By the way, Chipper leads the NL with a .625 slugging percentage, ahead of home-run leader Prince Fielder (.610) and cranial circumference leader Barry Bonds (.608). And Hoss is also second in OPS behind Bonds.
Punchless pinch-hitters: I don’t know where some of you get off saying the Braves’ bench is lacking. So their pinch-hitter were hitting .213 with no homers and a lowly .238 slugging percentage in 80 at-bats before today.
Well, the Brewers, Padres and Nationals didn’t have a pinch-hit homer before today, either. So there.
OK, that’s not much of a defense. Nevermind.
Wickman at Wrigley: Looking ahead, it’ll be interesting to see how a well-rested Bob Wickman does at Wrigley. In nine career appearances there, he’s 0-2 with a 10.00 ERA and three blown saves in five opportunities. He’s allowed 13 hits and 12 walks in nine innings at the old ‘yard.
Chipper, by the way, also struggles at Wrigley. He has a .201 career average in 45 games there, though he does have nine homers in 169 at-bats.
Take us out, Shooter….
“IT AIN’T EASY” by Shooter Jennings
When I was just a young boy,/my daddy came to me, said son
Out in this world there’s a lot of things/that’ll make you feel like your supposed to be.
You don’t have to read the good book,/ to be a good man just the same.
And forget about the money,/ money ain’t brought nothing to your daddy but pain.
It ain’t easy.
It ain’t eeaasyy…
But you’ll be alright
Now it’s 15 years later, and I’m out on the road,
And it’s been 4 years to day he died,/ and they won’t even play us on the radio.
And I think I’ve found my way alright/ without him here to catch me now and again,
I just keep on moving along, keeping my mind on my song,/and trying to figure out love.
And it ain’t easy.
It ain’t eeaasyy.
But I’ll be alright.
Any other fool, any other fool would throw this away.
Any other fool, yeah.
I wanna take a minute to thank you,/ for all the things that you done
Yeah you gave me a light in the dark of night,/ when there was no place to hide, no where to run.
And it ain’t easy.
It ain’t eeaasyy…
It ain’t easy, it ain’t easy.
But you’ll be alright.
We’ll be alright.
It ain’t eeeeaaaassssy….
.JPG)
Services »
Comments
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
strap on the leotard Petey!!
By ernesto
May 30, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Pete freakin Orr!!!
I love Bobby putting Salty on the on deck circle to keep them from pitching around the mighty Orr.
Put him and Woodward together and they suck in stereo.
By Raul
May 30, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Please drop Woodward and Orr off at the next stop of the Mondesi, Kolb, Reitsma, Wilson, & Redman train out of town! Since Chipper is using a roster spot, is he at least able to pinch hit or pinch run?
By ElbravoX
May 30, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
How will Mr.Cox blow this one is yet to be determined.
By VaBravesfan
May 30, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Not trying to kiss up, but I really enjoy your blogs.
By Thrillhouse44
May 30, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the new blog and the insight on how it is to interview Bobby. Now what’s the score? I can’t get GameCast to work.
By Bob
May 30, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
DOB, you are dead on about Orr. I love his hustle, but the guy is not a major leaguer. How many guys has he left on base in this series alone? And Chris Woodward is not much better. I cannot believe that there is a worse bench in Major League Baseball
By Fred from CT
May 30, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
did anyone see that texas signed redman. how bad is there pitching
By A-ville Ranger
May 30, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
I’ve contended all along that pitching is the big concern.I still believe that.When you’re five back and facing a guy with a 6.13 era though, you have to take advantage.
By doug
May 30, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Raul,
trust me dude, you don’t want to ask that question.
By Renegator
May 30, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Wastes of roster spots still on the team:
Thorman Orr Woodward
DOB: What’s the deal with McCann? Is he pressing too much or is he injured? He is really struggling right now.
By glove51
May 30, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
I have held my tongue for too long. Orr sucks and needs to be cut loose ASAP to make way for Escobar.
If Salty is only going to play once a week and occasionally PH, then he needs to be sent to the minors and call up Pena.
Harris @ third and Diaz in left makes sense to me as long as Chipper is out. Harris can’t do much worse than Orr has in the field.
By eric the elder
May 30, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Get ‘em on, get ‘em over, let ‘em in.
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
THIS IS AWFUL!!!!
EVERYTHING IS GOING AGAINST US!!!!
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Raul, not unless you want to ruin the opportunity to retroactive his DL assignment. If you pinch-run him and DL him Friday, he’s out for 15 days beginning tomorrow. If you DL him Friday as of now, you could retro it to last Thursday, day after his last game.
That’s a potential seven-game difference in when he could return. All for the sake of a pinch-hit or pinch-run appearance? No.
By SteelCav
May 30, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
Scored on a wild pitch…lol…ball game.
By Ryan
May 30, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
You cannot honestly tell me the braves don’t have two better utility bats in the minors than Orr and Woodward. These guys have no clue. And can Soriano please start games for us? I know he can only go two innings, but it’d be two better innings than Davies could give us.
By BSharpe
May 30, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
I saw I.J. Rosenberg on Braves Live Last night. He mispronounced “Saltalamacchia” every time he said his name last night…come on, dude!
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 30, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
the bottom third of this lineup is killing this series. pete orr has no business on the field or with a bat in hand.
diaz leads the NL with 7 pinch hits - isn’t that worth something for the bench? probably not, since he’s a somewhat-regular starter.
By bruce
May 30, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Dave, Let me speculate some for your comment… do you think its a hint from Bobby that Chipper will play on Friday because he did not put Harris at third today? or the other perspective, if he did not want to answer the second question about Willie, that he thinks Chipper is going to DL and roster moves are coming on Friday and he is not happy that roster moves are upcoming? And thanks for the behind the scenes perspective on talking with Bobby. Thanks, Bruce
By A-ville Ranger
May 30, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Is it me or is McCann starting to look like the chubby guy in full metal jacket ? Sorry that was un-called for.I’m suffering from High anxiety.
By Renegator
May 30, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
Well, this game is over. Brewers have a one run lead and they have dug into their bullpen.
By ssiscribe
May 30, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Damn shame Huddy uncorked that wild pitch. He’s pitched quite well, very encouraging after the past two starts.
Guys, no need to play Chipper. If he pinch-runs and still ends up on the DL, you’ve lost — for disabled list purposes — the past eight days he’s sat. You can retro the DL back to his last appearance. He runs today, and can’t swing Friday, then he’s out for two more weeks.
DOB, know what you are talking about. A four-word answer, at least half laced with profanities you can’t use, and a puff of cigar smoke. Interview over. See you tomorrow.
I agree with all: time for Pete Orr to return to the pine.
Time for a rally (KJ just walked), and time to get back to it. The Scribe abides.
—30—
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
DOB
Whats wrong with this team?
By MBATL
May 30, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Is the McCann “defense” issue still not on the table? I know that was a WP, not a PB, but it should’ve been blocked at all costs, with a runner on 3rd. And an error last night let the winning run in…
I’m not down on Brian, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to discuss it.
By TennesseePaul
May 30, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Come on Braves, Let’s get the W for Hudson’s fine pitching. 15 ground outs. 3 K’s. Only singles allowed. Not too shabby.
By Renegator
May 30, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or is McCann not really that great at defense? I mean, I know he calls a great game, but he is terrible at throwing out runners and he seems to allow a lot of passed balls.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 30, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
Daybed,
Amen. I don’t know if Thorman is a .230 hitter or a .270 hitter but Orr looks like a legit .160 guy to me.
ARRGGHHH!
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
IF THIS WAS A PLAYOFF TEAM, THEY WOULD SCORE WITH RUNNERS ON 1ST AND 2ND 1 OUT WITH NUMBER 3 AND 4 HITTERS UP…..
RIGHT?????
By AthensBrave
May 30, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
CMON MCANN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By A-ville Ranger
May 30, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Johnson should of scored there.That’s the first time I’ve seen him slow to react in a situation like that.
By TennesseePaul
May 30, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
So Payne, right now that’s 2 runs for small ball.
Bases juiced and the big bats coming up. Less than 2 outs. Again the test.
By SteelCav
May 30, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
I am not going to get excited…bases juiced, one out……not yet……
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 3:16 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 Braveheart
May 30, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
You know KC was banging that Willie Harris drum for the longest time and we all told him he was crazy. Mr. Willie C. Harris from Cairo, Georgia and Kennesaw State has been a freaking Godsend.
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
WORST LOSS OF THE SEASON IF WE DON’T COME THROUGH HERE
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
Bruce, I don’t think the Harris decision had anything to do with Chipper or any pending roster moves. They’d have DL’d Chipper two days ago or yesterday and had a player here today if they thought they were going to have to DL him. I think they believe he’ll be able to play.
Bobby’s just loyal to his guys, and Orr’s been one of them.
By bruce
May 30, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
nice hit brian
By Bob
May 30, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
Guess McCann just provided the answer.
By ernesto
May 30, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
BMAC!!!!!!!!!!
By A-ville Ranger
May 30, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
OK I take back the full metal jacket crack.He smoked’um.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 30, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
Sweet swing, Mac!!
By Novice Ned
May 30, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
DOB, why even take the time to hype the stats of our part-time superstar? Maybe he should try the Clemens plan, start playing all in July and maybe he would finish the season.
It’s getting harder and harder to see the Mets in all of this South Georgia smoke. Or is it that they are just driving a helluva lot faster than we are? Oops, I think we just got side-swiped by a Milwaukee’s Best truck.
By TennesseePaul
May 30, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
I’ll take it. Big Ball WORKS! Hack ‘n Jack boys!
GO BRAVES
By Jersey Gil
May 30, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
GREAT MAC….
By JJMB
May 30, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Chipper is the heart of this team, no doubt about it.
Dave, I guess I was expecting blowtorches, or at least a grenade or two in the lap.
By ssiscribe
May 30, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Yeah, trade the 23-year-old All-Star catcher who just signed the six-year extension, the 23-year-old All-Star catcher who just gave the Braves the lead. Makes sense to me.
Good job, Mac.
—30—
By Waffle Boy
May 30, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
What was Yost thinking using Turnbow in his third straight game against the Braves. Say what you will about Bobby but he doesn’t make stupid mistakes like that.
By glove51
May 30, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Efrim: was THAT what you had in mind?
By Snoopy
May 30, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Hey A-ville Ranger:
Don’t look now but that chubby guy is standing on 2nd base. Layoff of B-Mac!
By Savannah Guy
May 30, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Just turned on the game just as McCann knocks in 3. Looks like I checked into the game and the blog at just the right moment.
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
I guess they should’ve sat McCann today. Salty would have cleared the bases with a game-winning double, right? Oh, for sure. probably a grand slam.
Not downplaying Salty. Think he’s going to be really good.
But you folks jumping off the McCann bandwagon are way, way off base. He’s a great hitter who will be an All-Star many times over, and there are very few guys with better approaches at the plate.
Salty can only aspire to be the hitter McCann is. Again, I think Salty will be a fine player. McCann is now.
By Bob
May 30, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Yes Efrim they would. Bingo!!!
By Braveheart
May 30, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
A-Ville Ranger, if McCann starts saying Goodbye Cruel World, then I will become concerned.
By SteelCav
May 30, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
MCANN IS DA MANN!!!!!!!!!!!!
By TennesseePaul
May 30, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Wow. Slate wiped clean. Probably be back, but this… there’s so much possibility.
By Ying And Yang
May 30, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
I find myself very conflicted about Bobby Cox. I don’t blame him for the pitching woes. I do blame him for his offensive philosophy.
Bobby has always used the season to prepare his guys for playing when it counts. He plays lots of guys, stays with players even when they slump and pats everyone on the back and tells them it will be alright. It has worked, sometimes. He’s also loyal to a fault. He’ll go with a guy who’s been with him for a while even if he’s stinking it up. Yes, even Pete Orr.
I don’t understand that philosophy this year. If Bobby doesn’t start going with the hot hands he has, there will be no games later in the season “when it counts.” Not trying to get Diaz and Willie in the same game and using Orr is nuts! It’s also time to think about using Diaz at first some and let Thorman sit a few games. This team is not scoring runs when it counts. With our pitching, we need to score all the runs we can. Does anyone think that this team can afford to keep losing 2 out of 3 while waiting for some of these guys to come around?
I also keep hearing that playing some guys in certain positions may create defensive liabilities. Just do it and see what happens. What is the worst that can happen? Lose a game? Ahhhh, we’re doing that quite a bit already. Sometimes the best defense is a good offense. Anyone hear of that one?
Even if we win the game today, it’s a problem that needs to be addressed.
By A-ville Ranger
May 30, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
I was half way into a why isn’t Salty up against this lefty rant when McCann raked it. never mind!
By supa
May 30, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Finally! Looks like the Braves are letting out some of their recent frustration. Let’s keep it going. Play mad.
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
For those of you who complain about the Braves’ bench, of the top five scoring teams in baseball, only the Phillies are in the top half of the rankings in PH OPS.
By Jersey Gil
May 30, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
BOOOMMM…explotion in the 8th
By Mike S
May 30, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Bob Uecker is the best radio commentary ever. His lack of excitement after the McCann double probably saved me from waking everyone up in my office. If you’re not careful you will forget he is calling a baseball game.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 30, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
YEAH MCCANN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By TennesseePaul
May 30, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Holy Cow! The flood gates have opened up!
By N8
May 30, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
I told you guys that Hudson was gonna be OK.
:-)
I sure hope the previous two starts were just a bump in the road.
Nice job of ripping this Brewer bullpen a new one.
It’s about frickin time!
By parks
May 30, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
maybe Efrim can calm down a little now
By bruce
May 30, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
what a great moment when mccan returned to the dugout after hitting his bases clearing double… the big hug from Hudson… Brian got them both off the hook and Andruw came up big bringing Brian in with opposite field double too!
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Ned, glad you put the “Novice” part there. Right before the five-run inning, or was it during it?
By Chief
May 30, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Finally! I’d forgotten what a late-and-close RBI hit from the middle of our order felt like. Way to go, BMac, AJ, and Frenchy.
By Bob
May 30, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Take pause. Did Orr just get a hit???? Naw, there must be an eclipse of the sun.
By ernesto
May 30, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Figures ORr gets a hit when it doesn’t matter…that should buy him another 2 months on the team. I’m really starting to hate that guy. He and deadWoodward are killing us.
By N8
May 30, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
WOW! It appears that Orr does actually bring a bat up to the plate with him occasionally.
Nothing like some garbage time stats, to make it look like you’re worth a roster spot.
YIKES.
By SteelCav
May 30, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
6-2….I can feel the innings and games of previous frustration being released onto Miller Park………WOO HOO!!!!!!
By Ryan
May 30, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
big crooked number in the 8th, and Orr even had a hit!
By Renegator
May 30, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Thorman sucks - he is the only starter that doesn’t have a hit today. Even waste of roster spot Pete Orr got a hit…
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul,
Doesn’t seem that you can tell how good an offense is (at scoring runs) by looking at runners LOB.
Like hockey or basketball, more missed shots don’t necessarily equate to no offense. In fact, it could be good to get that many chances.
By ernesto
May 30, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
Okay, Orr scored. Still don’t like him.
We were so due for this inning.
Who-hooo!
By Tomahawkin' Again
May 30, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
I am at work today, so I have only been able to drop in on occasion to “watch” the game via MLB.com gamecast. To read the blogs prior to the last 5 minutes, you would have thought that the Braves are the worst team ever put on a major league baseball field. Funny how our emotions and how much we want to see this team do well causes so many to become irrational. Everyone, relax…our boys are doing us proud in the 8th. Go Braves!
By biffpocoroba
May 30, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Shooter aint’ pretty…
By Renegator
May 30, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Correction - now Thorman is the only one of the team without a hit. Even the guy who pinch hit (Diaz) got a hit. Boooo Thorman
By TennesseePaul
May 30, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Total Melt Down. I love this. Wish we’d do it more often.
GO BRAVES
By brent a.
May 30, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
McCann injured his hand. Salty, a super talent came up, hit well and played good defense.
No reason for McCann to be picked on.
He hasn’t lost anything, his hand hurt, which is part of the reason Salty was called up.
Go Braves!
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
YES, I CAN CALM DOWN NOW……..AT LEAST UNTIL THIS ONE IS IN THE BOOKS**
GO BRAVES!!!!
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Daybed,
That’s a great point about Diaz pinch-hitting. He ROCKS!!!
But he’s started 23 games (and done swell). So he’s technically 1/2 of a bench player who can cover LF & 1B besides the PH duties.
There’s a lot of holes on the bench right now (same player with different numbers on the back). I don’t agree that we have the worst bench. I’m sure every team’s fans are grumbling about their bench play.
But ours is so poor that we don’t have a solid backup to 3B (which has been a need the past 2+ seasons) and we lack 1/2 of the 1B platoon (it doesn’t currently exist since we cut Wilson).
By MBATL
May 30, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
DOB, I’m not off the McCann bandwagon (and good god, we keep hitting!). My point was purely, uh, “intellectual,” based on yesterday’s conversation.
I’m perfectly happy to have Big Mac at catcher - because of his strong bat, and his strong leadership. The issue of his defense was sort of “strong-armed” by you and a couple of other bloggers, I thought. In fact, he’s NOT a great defensive catcher. He’s adequate, not great.
We can live with that, just like we can live with Chipper not being a great defensive 3B. But I don’t think we need to whitewash our weaknesses.
Anyway, sure didn’t mean to be negative on a fine day. Great to see Huddy back to form, and (hopefully) in line for the win.
By ncscoots
May 30, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
I was actually shocked that there were no blog calls for Salty to pinch-hit for Huey. Guess McCann laced that double too quickly for those to appear.
By Mike
May 30, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
Next years starting line-up. CF Harris, 2B Johnson, SS Renteria, 3B Jones, C McCann, RF Franceour, 1B Salty, LF Diaz, Thorman
What do you think DOB?
By TennesseePaul
May 30, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
For those of you who complain about the Braves’ bench, of the top five scoring teams in baseball, only the Phillies are in the top half of the rankings in PH OPS
Payne: I appreciate this fact, but it doesn’t make our bench any better.
Soriano for HoRam. What a frickin steal!
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
See, often times it’s just about who hits the ball harder more often and who gets on more often. All this stuff about RISP, RISP w/no outs, steals, even strikeouts is overrated.
By Chop Chop
May 30, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
DOB, you called Dave Bush a “bad righty” twice in the past two days. All that “bad righty” did was go 7 innings and give up one run. Bush isn’t having a good year, but he’s certainly not a bad pitcher. Check out his 2006 numbers:
12-11, 4.41 ERA, 166 Ks and 38 BBs in 201 IP
He does give up a lot of gopher balls and, well, I dropped him from my fantasy team after his last start. That might be why he pitched so well today…oops.
Anyway, nice to see the Braves string together a bunch of hits. When was the last time the Braves had a 7-hit inning, anyway? And who is this Andruw Jones feller and how can he possibly be hitting .230? It’s almost as if he’s starting to heat up a little bit. That’s impossible! And Hudson? The guy’s finished. Absolutely toast. Gave up two runs in seven innings today. Decidedly pathetic.
Soriano just gave up a homer to Fielder. It barely got out of the park. I think Fielder needs to work on his strength.
By Bravos
May 30, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Man, a lot of Orr/Woodie fans coming out today, huh?
By ObiWanKobe
May 30, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
http://www.blowncoverage.com/2007/05/atlanta-braves-drinking-game-part-3.html
Without further delay, I give you the Atlanta Braves drinking game, part 3.
If Peter Orr is in the starting line-up - 1 drink If Chris Woodward is in the starting line-up - 3 drinks and change the channel If Woodward and Prado are in the starting line-up - 5 drinks, and curse at Bobby Cox for the damage to your retina. If Chipper Jones gets hurt while playing cards - 1 drink If Mike Hampton gets his annual season ending injury - 10 drinks If Chip Caray says “Swung on and Belted!!!” - 1 drink If Chip says “Fisted” - 2 drinks and a shower If Chip says “Gets his man” - 2 drinks, a shower and a prayer. If Chip is openly rooting for the other team - 5 drinks and wish pain upon him If Oliver Perez is starting for the Mets - Whole damn bottle!!!! If Edgar Renteria shows as much range as a dead tree - 1 drink If Edgar promptly makes up for it by swinging a mighty stick - 2 drinks If Joe Simpson wants Andruw to hit the ball the other way - 1 drink If Joe calls someone “a baseball player” - 2 drinks If you find yourself calling Bob Wickman “Big Boy” - 1 drink If Andruw swings and breaks a rib - 1 drinks If Thorman swings and breaks the ozone layer - 3 drinks If Mike Hampton swings and destroys his oblique - 5 drinks If Mike Gonzalez suddenly loses 10 mph on his fastball - Whole damn bottle! If Peter Moylan gets a scoreless inning - 1 drink and then sing a verse of “Waltzing Matilda.” If Chad Paronto comes into the game - 1 drink If Chad Paronto fails to record an out - 1 drink for every batter he faced If Jeff Francouer swings at the first pitch - 1 drink If Bobby Cox gets ejected - 3 drinks If Bobby leaves a starter in for too long - 1 drink for every inning If you miss Ryan Langerhans - Drink that whole bottle son, cuz there’s something very wrong with you….
By Berigan
May 30, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
I’m gonna go out on a limb, this Fielder kid may be a decent hitter some day…
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
Don’t ask me why Soriano’s pitching with a six-run lead. Because I haven’t a clue.
The last time he gave up runs, also in a blowout.
By Turnin2
May 30, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Wow!! Way to kick a guy when he’s down… Thorman has as much potential as anyone (more than most) - he just needs to relax and let it come to him. It sounds easy, but it will come with maturity. Nothing to go and wring your hands over…. shoot
By A-ville Ranger
May 30, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Thorman Look at that Fielder swing.It’s looser’n goose doody.
By Trav in Alpharetta
May 30, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
I have to wonder if there will be many injuries to my fellow bloggers after first jumping off the bandwagon, and now trying to jump back on now that the Braves have put up a crooked number in the top of the 8th. I laugh every day reading this blog. Sometimes it seems as if DOB is the lone voice of sanity among a ward of screaming mental patients. So many of you seem to think that BC and JS just fell into their current positions without being the least bit qualified.
By Jersey Gil
May 30, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
WOW…it this Kid Fielder is strong …like father like son..wow…come on Sori you can do it.
By Novice Ned
May 30, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
DOB, probably right in the midst of the big inning. Thrilled to see McCain is back on track and Andruw has a few more hits today. Filling the void from the Hos (the second “s” is still on the DL).
By Bravos
May 30, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
cranial circumference leader Barry Bonds (.608)
AHAHAHAHA. You know, DOB, I don’t think you get enough credit for your writing. Everyone’s too busy drawing up faux-lineups and second guessing Bobby. But, you have some good lines.
Is .608 the circumference of BB’s head relative to the sun? As in 60%?
By Steve from OH
May 30, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
If I was Prince Fielder, I would get that ball and put it on my mantle…
By Patrick
May 30, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
I agree DOB.
Wouldn’t Yates have been a better option there?
By Dumbing Down
May 30, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
C’mon Mr. Braves President… do SOMETHING besides suck up air and collect a paycheck! Go to Liberty and get some of that tax free money and let the REAL man do some dealings!
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul,
Point is a good bench is not all that necessary. Well, unless somebody gets injured in which case most teams are going to be screwed.
By Trav in Alpharetta
May 30, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
DOB
If i had to guess, the Braves probably already had Soriano warmed up and ready to pitch the 8th, and with the day off tommorrow why not let him? Besides, we really need this win.
By ncscoots
May 30, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t Soriano have started getting loose after Braves took the lead? No way to figure a really big crooked number in the inning, so maybe Bobby decided to pitch him since he was already up. Don’t know, I’m not actually watching the game.
By SteelCav
May 30, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
And Wick comes in w/ a 6-run lead??????? (scratches head)
By ncscoots
May 30, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
OK, but why is WICKMAN pitching with a six-run lead?
By rammerjammer
May 30, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
meansonny,
The offense is fine and the bullpen is fine. We just need better production from the back of the rotation, especially someone who can eat some innings.
I have faith in Davies and have hope for Cormier, but the #5 spot has been a graveyard.
By A-ville Ranger
May 30, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
I’m posting this after McCann raked the double to make it clear it’s not just a reaction.He has an obligation to the team to control his weight.Catching will wear you down regardless of condition but carrying twenty pounds or more of loose material around has to have an effect on the body.
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Ned, glad you didn’t take my jab seriously. Just having fun.
By the way, I asked Edgar about making All-Star team before today, and he talked about all the SS’s having great years. Then he said, “They better not sleep on me, or I’ll catch them. Don’t let me wake up again.”
Guess he woke up today (not that he’s been exactly sleep-walking lately). Four hits today, back up to .328 average
OK, gotta get down to clubhouse. Game over.
Series win. Despite it all
By MBATL
May 30, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
They said on TV that Soriano was up and throwing as soon as we tied the game… who knew we were gonna keep scoring? And, we do have an off day tomorrow, so no harm in using these guys.
By NRBQ
May 30, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Just let me say, ObiWanKobe:
That was classic.
By N8
May 30, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Totally agree about Soriano, but having said that (and I’m not one to stick up for Cox’s pitching decisions too often), Soriano WAS warming up before we exploded for 7 runs in the 8th.
With a day off tomorrow, might as well get him some work, since he was already up.
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
LOL at your 3:49.
By parks
May 30, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Trav in Alph, thats why I read the Blog. Other than DOB and a few others, its pure comedy
By Chop Chop
May 30, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
A father and son are preparing to view a solar eclipse. The father turns to his son and says, “Billy, put your eclipse glasses on.” Billy dutifully obliges his father and watches his dad do the same. A few seconds later, Barry Bonds pokes his head out of the dugout before heading back into the Giants clubhouse. Father turns to Billy and says, “Okay, Billy. You can take your glasses off now.”
By ElbravoX
May 30, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
This game reminds of the Orioles games a few years back.
By Braveheart
May 30, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
A good bench is not all that necessary?!?!?!?!
Go back to the World Series games the Yankees played against the Braves in 1996 and 1999. The lineups were pretty even and so were the pitching staffs. The difference in both series was the pens and the benches. Look at the Mets this year - Endy Chavez and Damion Easley - what would their record be this year without those two making big contributions as fill ins. Look at what Wilson betemit used to do when Chipper went down - made things alot less painful.
Unless somebody gets injured?!?!?!?!
Somebody always gets injured - usually several people. Benches are extremely important Shaun - when you play evenly matched teams, the pens and the benches are usually the key.
By A-ville Ranger
May 30, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
Looking at the all star voting.It looks like the nl is catching up when it comes to young stars.
By SteelCav
May 30, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
OK, series win against a struggling (albeit 1st place) Brew Crew. Looking forward, next 11 games are against the Fish and the Cubbies, both struggling to reach .500. Sure would be nice to win 8 out of 11 before the start of a very tough stretch of interleague play.
By Tomahawkin' Again
May 30, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
DOB, Nicely written: Series win. Despite it all. The weekend stunk, but winning 2 of 3 from the Brewers stopped the bleeding and got them started nicely on this Midwest road-trip. 30-23 after the 1st 2 months and keep this in mind Braves Nation, the Braves are now 10-5 against the teams leading their respective divisions in the NL. Just get to the tournament because the Braves just might be that team built for the playoffs that has always dogged us in the past (see ‘93 Phils, ‘97 Marlins, ‘01 D-backs, ‘02 Giants, ‘03 Cubs, ‘04-05 Astros)
By Serge
May 30, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Aybar?
How bout Betemit? the guy we should have kept all along? Whose been missued in LA? Maybe we can send the Dogers Chad Paronto and Pete Orr and get Betemit back
By Salty
May 30, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
ElbravoX Was thinkin’ the same thing…hope for the same kinda run, too!
By BlueMoon
May 30, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
Okay, DOB; I’m going to try one more time:
Do the Braves get in on the Texiera sweepstakes since his name has been on the trading block?
You do know he was married up in Cornelia, GA don’t you? I’m sure he wouldn’t be totally opposed to the idea of playing in ATL and sure could shore up our lineup.
By Shaun
May 30, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
First of all, I don’t consider the bullpen the same thing as the bench.
Second, depth is great and certainly increases a team’s chances but it is not always necessary to have three or four good players sitting on your bench.
Obviously you want to prepare for potential problem areas (an older player that may be injury prone or a potentially weak hitter/fielder), but I guess my point is that it is dumb to spend a lot of money or trade young talent to load up on talent to have them on the bench just in case.
By TheCutMan
May 30, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I get what you’re saying about directing certain pressure questions toward Cox and thanks for the insights provided. It’s always nice to get some inside info.
My pressure question to Cox (which he most likely wouldn’t like or answer) would be: “Isn’t it wise to have the guys in the lineup that give you the best chance to win?”
NFL coaches have made a living on sorting to this equivalent answer over the years, so what’s different about the Braves? Willie Harris and Matt Diaz SHOULD be in the lineup every game given their performances thus far.
As you pointed out, the Orr’s, Woodward’s and Thor’s are not getting it done so why is Cox so obstinate to keep hoping for those guys to turn it around. Last I checked, HOPE is not a PLAN.
I know. Things you’d like to ask but cannot because of an immediate Cox cold front moving in for what could be a long siege of frosty weather, right?
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Scott Thorman went 0-for-4 and struck out twice for the fourth straight game Wednesday against the Brewers.
“If the Braves are going to carry Jarrod Saltalamacchia on their roster, it’s about time they start giving him at-bats at first base. Thorman is batting .200 with a 24/1 K/BB ratio in 90 at-bats this month.”
Thats from Rotoworld.
I agree 100 percent with that statement. I believe it is time to make this guy our 1st baseman. If they are scared about his defense, then send him back to triple A for some at bats at first. Not using the kid is a joke.
By Navigator
May 30, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
I like to think there’s a void when Chipper’s playing, and a black hole when he’s not. It raises the question as to how long the Braves can keep winning with a bunch of bench players starting full time, and less than bench players sitting on the bench. With a restricted buget the Braves really can’t stock their team as it should be. If the new owners continue this policy long term, then competing in this division may become impossible.
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
Let this be a serving of notice to the Metrosexual fans out there who like to talk $sh!t on our blog…
…that’s another potential NL playoff team we’ve taken 2 of 3 from, kids.
You’d better hope like hell we don’t get to the playoffs, division title or wild-card. ‘Cause it seems we do more than hold our own against the playoff teams - yours included.
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Rammer,
I still think that Cormier will be the upgrade that we need over the 2-7 Redman/Lerew/Carlyle experiment.
Davies and James should give us .500+ ball (the club is currently 11-9 in their starts).
If we can get the offense going, I’d expect even better than .500 with the current back 3 we have.
By SteelCav
May 30, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Efrin - Braves probably want to keep Salty around and have him DH in Minnesota and Cleveland in a couple of weeks. No sense sending him down now. Otherwise, I agree.
By jim@pine mountain
May 30, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Thorman must think he is the second coming of Babe Ruth. maybe have Diaz play first and Willie H in left field. Let Thorman go somewhere and work on his game.
By chris
May 30, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
DOB,
The reason Soriano pitched is because the whole bullpen (except him, Yates, and Wickman) were used yesterday. Also, with a day off tomorrow there is certainly no problem using him today. They had a nice lead but why wouldn’t they want to seal the deal with their shortmen?
Chris from MD
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Efrim… I’m down… as soon as we send him somewhere to get some games in at 1B before-hand. Send him to Richmond or Pearl, Miss. to get in some games before ya do it up here, though.
Doing that might light a fire under Thorman, anyhow. Win-win, either way.
By parks
May 30, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
Navigator, Who is the bunch of bench players starting full time?
By brewdawg
May 30, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
Maybe this series win will get us going again. We can’t afford another stretch like we’ve had or the Mets will be up 10 games by mid june- or earlier… I sure would have liked to see this team if we’d have gotten Glav back and Hampton healthy.
By Mo
May 30, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
HAHAH Call up Pena for Salty??
That’s RIDICULOUS.
By SteelCav
May 30, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
Here here brewdawg - can you imagine our pitching staff w/ a healthy Hampton as our #3 starter? Totally changes things.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 30, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
Serge,
Nice thought about trying to get Betemit back. Betemit may not be the answer, but IMHO, you’d be lucky to get a bag of balls for Paronto and/or Orr.
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
SteelCav,
Even if we plan to use Salty as the DH, we still have the problem with the backup catcher scenario. A DH can’t switch to position player unless we plan to have the pitcher hit for the rest of the game (basically forfeiting the DH).
The way it is currently structured (and being utilized) does not make any sense to me other than to showcase Salty.
If we’re trying to maximize his utility to the Braves NOW, then we need Pena back up to free up the PH/DH possibilities.
If we’re trying to help his further his development, then we should either find him another position in the minors or throw him into the fire at 1B (even if it’s for a few games as Shaun suggested).
By StingerSplash
May 30, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
Until today’s outburst, it was obvious how badly this lineup needs Chipper. Big Papi’s missed three or four games, and the BoSox are still drilling people (they are getting career years from Youkilis and Pedroia while the FBI has begun searching for the ballplayer once known as J.D. Drew). As much as I like McCann and loved seeing him come through in a big spot today (just like earlier this season), I thought for sure BC would sit him down and give him two full days off before the Cubs series. And let’s face it — after watching Paronto, Yates and McBride attorneys at law at work, do you blame BC for going to the Luca Brasi of relievers, even in a six-run game? (Don’t go to Bruno Tattaglia’s, Rafael).
By kdbanks
May 30, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
BlueMoon,
Hope you’re not questioning DOB’s knowledge of the game…you do know that Texiera played college ball at Georgia Tech, don’t you? Or how about that his uncle used to be a Braves farmhand? Did you know that?
There are many Atlanta/Georgia connections here, but what does that have to do with the Braves trading for him? Texiera is making about $9 million this year, which I believe is his walk year. You think he’s going to win us a ring this year to make it worth giving up whatever we have to give up for 4 months of his services?
I don’t.
By JasonInMaine
May 30, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
meanie,
Should we worry now? (:
Great to see a big inning! I hope this builds some momentum going into the weekend and we can start a pretty good winning streak!
Regards,
Jason
By ernesto
May 30, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
I think at this point, It would be better to have Salty in the minors getting lots of ABs than up here as our back up catcher. He’s just not gettting enough time for a #1 prospect. It would be smarter to have Pena in this role.
Escobar for DedWood or Orr makes sense though, because whoever is backing up Chipper is going to see a lot of playing time.
By Renegator
May 30, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
I agree with meansonny - I don’t understand Bobby’s use of Salty. They must just be showcasing him because he isn’t doing us any good sitting on the bench all the time because we have no other catching options. We need a third catcher brought up and one of the worthless middle infielders sent down or released (Orr, Woodward). Also, I don’t understand why Bobby doesn’t use Willy in the infield. He showed last night that he can handle hiimself well at third.
By Coach
May 30, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
Whew ! how refreshing to see the Braves score a bunch of late inning runs. Hell , scoring runs period. Yea , Huddy is on his game and be damn thankful that he is. The whole Chipper soap opera has me more than a little peeved at Bobby Cox , Larry Wayne jr. should have been disabled a week ago , but who am I to tell a hall of fame manager that he has his head up his butt playing with a three man bench ? Thorman looks totally lost at the plate , somebody please tell him the strike zone isn’t three feet wide. Andruw is on a tear with a five game hitting streak. What a meltdown by the Brewers bullpen , sure am glad we don’t have that problem anymore. At any rate , when Chipper goes on the D.L. Friday , I fully expect to see Escobar . In fact , it would be nice to see Blanco too , but the Braves don’t need a fourth outfielder who can hit , steal a base , play defense and pinch run because we have Pete Orr for that ! Hey , Willie Harris is a second baseman , has anybody thought of moving Kelly Johnson to third temporarily ? I mean he played SS and now he is at 2B , why not 3B ?
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
This team does miss the sort of spark Wilson Betemit used to provide when filling in or coming off the bench.
By Jeff321
May 30, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
I can’t understand why Bobby Cox has the audacity to start PETE ORR! I’ll admit he is fast on the bases, but rarely gets on. Every other “fast” runner attempts to bunt for base hits. When is the last time Mr. Orr tried that? Does he even know how to bunt? He reminds me of Willie Mays Hayes from Major League. I’d rather have Willie Harris at third who is fast and an excellent hitter. The Braves need to ship Pete Orr off to Mark Redmon-land….
By BlueMoon
May 30, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
KDBanks-
No, I was not questioning his knowledge of the game. DOB is one of the few bloggers/columnists I can actually read and not puke at anymore.
No need to be a JA. And the Braves have made similar deals in the past.
By Berigan
May 30, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
ernesto, your 2:54 PM post….
Put him(Orr) and Woodward together and they suck in stereo. Pretty dam funny! ;)
Which leads me to me next question, asked a few weeks ago, and still wondering… why so dam many middle infielders? Orr if he has options,(does he?) should be sent to AAA to play every day. Woodward has more “pop” in his bat(and he’s hitting .242 60 points higher than Orr) If Woodward is hitting .200 in a month, release him and bring up Orr again, or someone else!
But, what we really need now is a 3rd catcher if Salty is going to stay on the big club. Shouldn’t even be a concern to bring Salty up as a pitch hitter. But, then again with Orr, Woodward, and Prado swingin’ mean sticks, who needs Salty in a game??????
By journalist jimmy smith
May 30, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
journalist returns from bird calling class to find dob and the bloggers discussing a big void. oh, the humanity! when will carolina lady return and bring with carolina lady the civility that is lacking from this blog? can find no better subject than taking a void? and linking chipper with this void - can the real problem with chipper be irregularity? and aren’t there remedies? and who will serve the prunes that are needed to restore chipper to the lineup? and how about that pete orr? still a “p” player. more lively baseball discussion later. continue with the void talk until out of your system.
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
Chris, you forget they also have Carlyle.
So they’ve got Yates and Wickman who weren’t used yesterday (I originally had Carlyle in this group, but just zapped it after it was brought to my attention he pitched yesterday), and Soriano ,who got four outs in a 2-1 game on Monday, and who had given up all six of his runs this season and six of eight hits during two games when the Braves led 5-0 and 8-0 at the time he was brought in.
And you still think it was wise to use him today after taking an 8-3 lead and needing only six more outs?
Hey, not a big deal. I just think if you could rest your best reliever, go ahead and do it and use Carlyle, Yates and Wickman if you want to get him work, to get the last six outs.
But again, not a big deal. I’m sure he was already up, and Bobby figured he’s already up throwing hard in the ‘pen, might as well use him. That happens. But he’s only given up seven runs this year, all in three blowout games….
BlueMoon, got a bit busy here. Sorry to have not responded promptly to your Teixeira query.
Don’t see why they would pursue a guy who has a huge salary, which is going to get bigger as a free agent, when they already are trying to find a spot for Salty and figure out if Thorman can be a regular every-day first baseman (a decision that’s tough to make based on one-third of a season, most of which he spent in a platoon role).
Why would Braves trade all the talent they’d have to give up to get a big-ticket guy when they’re going to try to re-sign Andruw and have other guys who are going to make much more money next year?
But I didn’t know he got married in Cornelia. That changes everything.
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
LOL Coach,
I’m seeing the Kelly Johnson / Chipper Jones connection now.
Came up the organization at SS. Serious injury early in the career. Played LF out of team desparation.
Can he follow up the trifecta with a move to 3B?
By Headlines
May 30, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
This team is a worthless sack of crap and always has been and always will be. Wake Up Losers ….
By BravoTribe
May 30, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
Brian McCann has got to step it up the next few weeks
By Ed Glennon
May 30, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
When Chipper is in the lineup we can afford to have three hitless wonders off the bench and it moves the Rally Killer (guess who?) down to fifth or sixth. With Chipper out we can not afford the hitless wonders off the bench. Start bringing up young kids and see which one works out. By the way Hudson should look at tapes of Glavine going straight to the clubhouse to let off some steam. Brian felt bad enough without the hissy fit.
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
DOB
I’m of the feeling that the Braves don’t want to hand the first base job to Salty because they have a lot of confidence in Thorman being productive. Right?
Still, a OPS of like 700 through a third of the season isn’t very good.
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
Just to put it in writing for you folks…
Salty’s been up for 27 games. He’s started in 7 as Catcher. He’s started 1 as DH. He’s got 1 PH for McCann where he stayed in the game. And 2 more PH attempts.
In 27 games, he’s played in 11 of them with 37 plate appearances.
If we’re trying to maximize his utility to the Braves NOW, then we need Pena back on the club to assist with the fail-safe catching duties.
If we’re trying to maximize his utility to the Braves in the future, then we’re not doing a good job.
By chris
May 30, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Actually Carlye was used yesterday as well. Now everyone is fresh. Like you say, no big deal. Another question— Though it does look like Smoltz will start on Sunday, he (you?) did mention that he could have his start pushed back two days. Would that mean Cormier starts on Sunday? That would be his normal day to work.
Chris from MD
By Efrim
May 30, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
My guess is that Smoltz will be moved back until the double header against Florida and Carlyle will take the ball on Sunday against the Cubbies.
If that is the case, the bats will have to be alive and well in Wrigley this weekend.
By Ron Roberts
May 30, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this
Guys, it’s not about utilizing him more proficiently (notice I didn’t say efficiently) to please the Saltamaniacs…. he’s here because we need a backup catcher with our regular backup recovering from injury.
Calling up Satlalamacchia wasn’t by design, nor was it an attempt to infuse him into the everyday Atlanta Braves lineup. He’s here because we needed a backup catcher, pure and simple.
He’s done well; it bodes well for his future, whether it be at another position on our team or as a catcher for somebody else if we get approached with the right trade offer.
But having him here now isn’t now, nor was it ever, about utilizing him more to please the Saltamaniacs. We needed a backup catcher. That’s what he is for us right now.
By Bob, Journalist
May 30, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
if you’ve not been around him in these settings, you won’t know what I’m talking about and I don’t expect you to … sounds normal to me … such body language isn’t unique to Mr. Cox.
Nice eighth!
Sometimes methinks preoccupation with offensive roles leads to failure … especially those who think they are supposed to drive in those that are supposed to get on. If the former would take the same approach as the latter, chances are that the latter would score more often and later on return the favor … tis the thing of which crooked numbers are made.
MBATL, it’s somewhat bemusing but I think true that most zealots become offensively defensive when that which they champion is brought into question … it’s blasphemy to suggest that our heros have flaws and can walk on water only so long as they remember the location of the rocks.
Even Dr. F* didn’t win ‘em all …
By Ed Glennon
May 30, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
More on the Hitless Wonders: HR RBI Woodward 0 4 Orr 0 2 Prado 0 0
Betemet LA 5 15
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts
I was thinking that Salty was just the backup up until about the 18th when Pena was assigned to the minors.
I then thought DH… Or PH… And with hints of fielding grouners, 1B…
I can only imagine that JS was amused at the trade offerings on the 18th so much that he decided how much further he could push the Salty trade value (or maybe he reads the blog and is amused by my Saltymania?)
By Braveone
May 30, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this
**Bobby needs to get Harris & Diaz in the starting lineup together.** The Braves scored 14 runs the one time they started together when Andruw rested a game. Harris needs to start every game at 3B until Chipper returns, if he can play 3B OK. I would also start Harris at 2B some to spell Johnson.
I have been waiting for 1.3 years for Bobby to give Diaz a start at 1B. **DOB - Do you know if Diaz works out some at 1B?** Also, I heard that Salty was going to play some at 1B, but so far he has not. Thorman needs to sit some against both lefies & righties. Give Diaz & Salty a start & 1B rather than Woodard.
By Kentavo
May 30, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this
When is Salty going to play 1B?
When is Willie going to play 3B.
When will Cox put together a lineup featuring the team’s best and hottest hitters?
By Bob, Journalist
May 30, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this
I’m confused … what’s wrong with the name “Dr. f a g e r”?
By Fed Up
May 30, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
DOB:
Why in the world would we try to re-sign Andruw. He’s done. Let’s bring up a kid or buy another CF through free agency. Andruw is not worth more than $10 million a year. Very good glove, no bat.
By meansonny
May 30, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this
I’m not sold on Willie everyday, yet.
Maybe he’s earned an opportunity. Maybe not.
Outside of testing Thor’s abilities, I definitely don’t see the need for him in everyday.
Patience is a virtue. I think JS has something in store for us later this year at 1B. Its just getting to that point that is difficult.
By ncscoots
May 30, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this
…a clean canvas upon which to compose and/or spew.
Love it all, indeed we do. But I believe we could use a blog on music, bbq, puddin’, or pie right about now, because we’re getting plenty of the above latter and precious little of the above former, IMO.
I’ve long thought that the blog surges and slumps through the season, much as the ballclub does, and perhaps there’s a correlation (need a graph, hk!). And while the passion of some posters is a GOOD thing (hey, those posters got intangibles, LOL), I wonder occasionally how the baseball mentors from whom they learned the game walked such a radically divergent path from those who taught me. That this is so, is clear. Crystal. And lately it seems there are sure a lot more of them than there are of me :-)
Maybe a visit from Coach Yoc might cheer me up; or some casual conversation about Diane Lane; or the return of Carolina Lady to the blog, maybe. Heck, I’d even make a feeble, totally unqualified attempt to join a music discussion.
Anything to break out of a slump.
Except for wearing my socks high, of course.
By LivininAL
May 30, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
I noticed that both C. Reitsma and H. Ramirez are now on the DL for the Mariners anyone shocked?
By bobo
May 30, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
DOB, loved the view into the inner sanctum (sorry for the late response some of us have to work for a oliving). as i see it, cox and schuerholz are masters at the politics of team baseball. they may know that Woodward (or Wilson, or Redman, etc.)isn’t a viable option, but as long as he is their only option they will make it sound like he’s just a couple of hits short of hall of fame consideration. i don’t have a problem with that, i just think we need to see it for what it is. bc and js are fine, they just aren’t going to tell all they know to the press. face it, this team isn’t the ‘27 yankees, but they have potential, and with a payroll 50% less than the mets, i think they’ve done a good job. yeah there is a hole or 2 on the bench and at the back end of the rotation, and with the payroll we have you have to make some educated guesses, and i think bc and js have done really well at that. the main thing i’m worried about is 3rd base. there aren’t many guys i would take ahead of chipper when the game is on the line, but face it, guy is fragile. he took a fall that an nfl running back takes 5 or 6 times a game and has missed 7 games and counting. i love chipper and wouldn’t suggest he’s not tough enough, but at this point in his career, he just doesn’t hold up to the stress. plain and simple. no way should we try to replace him, it would cost way too much, but we need to be developing a reliable backup. HE AIN’T GOING TO BE THERE 150 GAMES A YEAR!
By N8
May 30, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
DOB
“But I didn’t know he got married in Cornelia. That changes everything.”
Always the smarta$$ DOB. LOL! I wouldn’t have it ANY other way.
Nicely done.
By Bob, Journalist
May 30, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this
What I “learned” came from watching folks like Art Fowler, Country Brown and Gene Verble … monkey see, monkey do was the idea … but, unfortunately, the only thing I had in common with any of them was Country’s dead arm.
And just how was he … who sat at the knee of those who walked a radically divergent path from the teachers of the empassioned ones now preaching … taught?
Tell me while I engulf my loaded baked potato and hot Coca-Cola … no puddin … but, I’m thinking about having some hotwater cornbread, buttermilk, and green beans cooked in bacon grease for desert.
By Bob, Journalist
May 30, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
How can the AJC edit out the name of a doctor that saved the life of a little girl and leave Me’s 7:32 intact?
Methinks the AJC editors must’ve learned from mentors who walked a radically divergent path from those who taught me!
By David O'Brien
May 30, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
Chris, I’d think if Smoltz can’t go Sunday, Cormier would certainly make sense as an option, though they’d also have to make a move to get him on the 25-man. They can’t drop Carlyle because he’s supposed to pitch in the DH Tuesday.
But I’m sure they could make it work if that’s what they wanted to do. I think Smoltz is starting Sunday, though….
Fed up, I didn’t say the Brave would re-sign Andruw. I think they’ll try, but only at a very reasonable price. I was only responding to some rumor someone heard, somebody on radio talking about Andruw being close to re-signing, etc….
Scoots, perhaps I should wear my socks high with shorts as I walk the Miracle Mile in Chicago tomorrow? No? Maybe the rich girls along the lake shore would dig it….
By ATL Bravo
May 30, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
Pete Orr doesn’t play enough to really judge his batting average. He goes days without getting an at bat. How about Salty at 1B?
By bluemoon
May 30, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
So is it the general feeling right now that the Bravos will definitely go hard in signing AJ?
I really only felt the Texiera move would make sense IF they didn’t resign AJ to an extension.
By joebrave
May 30, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
Hey,JS,I just talked to Wade Boggs,he said he’d take some C.Wilson moneyand fill in for P.Orr….One more time Get that worthless sumbitch Woodward off of this team!!!!Salty at first now where have I heard that before?Sure are some original bloggers on here!
Now today’s win Damn good one,so now I’m hungry and I ain’t got me no Mutts fairy @sses to gnaw on,figures them sumbitches only come around when their silly-@ssed team wins!!!!!!!!!
By flange1
May 30, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
Cornelia…I think this needs to be the DOB Blog word of the week…..
Not a bad series, 2 out of 3 and your #1 goes out hurt.
Brian McCann has a beautiful swing doesn’t he?
I am feeling actually a bit good about the Braves. AJ is coming around, Cormier is on the way back, and Soriano is one bad son of a gun.
I do think JS needs to look at the bench, Orr and Woodward and Prado just don’t cut it. I would love to see Prado back down, Orr gone, Pena up and Escobar up. With Pena on the team, BC has the chance to use Salty more as a PH.
I agree with Ron Roberts that we can not just throw Salty out at first and think he can handle it. He needs to play some games in the minors at first before he attempts it here. I still think of the mental anguish that has been heeped upon Joey Devine by pushing him too fast.
By Bill
May 30, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
What are the Braves waiting for? It’s time to try Salty at first. He wouldn’t be the first catcher to move to first, Carlos Delgado & Ryan Garko. Josh Willingham from catcher to LF. Salty is more capable than any of those. I agree, they don’t need to resign AJ. To much money to tie up.
By brian
May 30, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
I still do not see why people here jump off McCann’s bandwagon to get on Salty’s. I especially do not understand why there has to be an either/or choice. The Braves need both McCann and Salty. McCann is our current and future star catcher. Salty should be our current and future star 1B who catches a game here and there.
I am on the bandwagon of McCann AND Salty. Come on Bobby, play then both together or maybe I will start up some of the infamous anti-bobby diatribes that someone else here is famous for. If I see Pete Orr starting one more game with Diaz and Salty on the bench you will likely see one
By brian
May 30, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this
I still do not see why people here jump off McCann’s bandwagon to get on Salty’s. I especially do not understand why there has to be an either/or choice. The Braves need both McCann and Salty. McCann is our current and future star catcher. Salty should be our current and future star 1B who catches a game here and there.
I am on the bandwagon of McCann AND Salty. Come on Bobby, play then both together or maybe I will start up some of the infamous anti-bobby diatribes that someone else here is famous for. If I see Pete Orr starting one more game with Diaz and Salty on the bench you will likely see one (and before everyone jumps on me saying that Diaz and Salty do not play 3B, I am talking about getting Harris to play 3B with Diaz in LF and hopefully Salty at 1B if Chipper has to be out)
By BossLady
May 30, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
Man, I turned the game off at my office. I get home and the news reports that the Braves won. Well, I’ll be D@$%%. That was the biggest trip I had in a lonnnnng time, whew! I wish they would show a repeat game.
By BossLady
May 30, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
DOB, I would have given anything to have your seat today when the Braves rallied. I know work is work and a job is a job, but you lucky @#$%^&*. Enjoy, Wrigley field this weekend. Wish I was there.
By joebrave
May 30, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
I have looked high and low,and no jjs to be found,I guess he’s down at the local incarceration facility calling up another jailbird…nope I mean lovebird… no I think their the same…jjs has a way with the local turdbirds!!!!
By Ron
May 30, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this
DOB, You think the Braves will try to resign Andruw during the season, like that dude said the other day on t.v. or do you think they will wait until the offseason? Some on this blog keep sayin let Andruw go and bring up somebody to play CF, well one problem with that is they will probably use that money and sign a guy like Cameron. I dont have a problem with Cameron, but I like Andruw alot more especially when it might cost us just 6 million more to resign Andruw!!! Cameron will make between 10-13 Million, and Andruw will make between 16-18 Million a year!!! And trust me they will try to sign Cameron!!! Maybe we can sign Andruw to a 5 year deal at 16 Million a year, and 5 option years!!! Yeah I said 5 Option Years, why not, with clauses that determine how much money he makes, for what production he produces!!! That would keep Andruw with Atlanta probably for his entire Career!!!
By A.J.
May 30, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
I love Bobby. I think he’s great, he’s a major reason why with our limited payroll we are able to field such a competitive team is because people want to play for him. I think he’s a major reason why 10% (tied for most) of MLB players told SI if they could pick any team other than their own they’d play for the Braves.
I have disagreed with stuff in the past. I’ll never forget DeWayne Wise (.228 BA that season) pinch hitting in every single NLDS game in 2004. He was the only bench player to play in every game with Eli Marerro (.320 AB), Nick Green (.273 BA), even Julio Franco (.309 BA) all sitting the the bench. I should let it go, but it just baffled me.
I really wanted Diaz to get in the lineup last year, but I could understand it because I was holding out hope for Langy too. Plus there was really no place else for him to play.
But it just really hurts to see either Matty or Willie on the bench with them both doing so well while in their place you’ve got Orr/Woodward/Prado at third and Woodward/Thorman vs. lefty at first.
I think Thorman could be a solid guy, though I would rather see Diaz play every day then him hit against lefties. I’d also like Salty there too, even if he struggles just because I would love for him and Mac to both be on this team for a long time.
But with Chipper out it makes no sense whatsoever to every have those guys on the bench. Start Diaz in left EVERY SINGLE DAY. Start Willie at 3b EVERY DAY. Start Thorman or Salty at 1b. I don’t see how with guys like Matty and Willie that you don’t JUMP at the chance of having them play everyday, esp with the offense hurting sans Chipper.
I’m cool with being a players manager, with being loyal. But when a good kid like Matty or Willie, guys who have worked their butts off and patiently waited their turn, does THIS good, wouldn’t a loyal players manager jump at the chance to get them in.
These are the kind of guys that you PRAY do well because you want so bad to get team guys like that in the lineup.
Either way, it wouldn’t just been nice to get these kids in the lineup. We NEED them in with Chipper out.
I love Bobby. I’m not trying to bash him, I just currently disagree with him. There’s almost no excuse for not getting these guys in right now.
By ncscoots
May 30, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
David, I’ll admit I long ago gave up on accounting for the taste of girls who aren’t GRITS, so high socks and shorts might indeed be haute couture in your future environs, LOL.
Bob, that menu certainly raised MY passion! Thanks, buddy, that hit the spot :-)
By Najeh Davenpoop
May 30, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
I, too, don’t understand why Thorman’s mediocre a* continues to be a regular in the Braves’ lineup, when more productive players like Matt Diaz, Willie C. Harris, and Saltalamacchia only get occasional playing time. Diaz should play every day, most days at 1B, some in LF. Harris should be a semi-regular in left while Salty gets a start or two per week at 1B with Diaz shifting to left. I really don’t see what Thorman gives the Braves, other than the occasional warning-track fly balls.
By BossLady
May 30, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
McCann and Chipper have sweet swings. Pure hitters are what we call them and when you beat up on Chipper you gotta respect that swing. McCann is before his time and usually when something like this happens it is surreal.
By Bobby Cocks
May 30, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
The following Braves report to the bus station in Chicago: Orr, Woodward, Thorman, and Pronto. We’ve found Rica Brogna at a high school in Nevada and he’s coming up to play first base.
By BossLady
May 30, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cocks you crazy!
By ncscoots
May 30, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
Almost unnoticed, it would seem, but who is this: 6-game hitting streak, 8-for-23, couple of homers, and 5 RBI. Anyone?
Andruw Jones. Hoodathunkit?
By bruce
May 30, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
Dave, What is Terry saying about Thor’s hitting and his side sessions with Terry… is he working on the same types of things that Jeff is working on… staying aggressive, but getting better pitches, going with the location rather than trying to pull everything… seems like he is real susceptible to the high fastball out of the zone… would be interesting to hear what Terry thinks about how Thor is working on his game and how pitchers have adjusted to Thor, now its Thor’s turn to adjust. Thanks, Bruce
By ernesto
May 30, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
Bottom 9 mets down 3-0.
By Salty
May 30, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
Scoots haute couture? And you want us believin’ you went to Clem(p)son? Come on…I never heard anyone use such talk there…or is that post-grad talk?!? :-)
High socks and shorts…70’s fashion…and 60’s…and…don’t forget the Converse!
By ernesto
May 30, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
Mets lose. First shut out of the season.
Not signing Zito hurts a little more, he only allowed 6 hits. (then again, he’s 5-5 and making Pay-Rod money.)
By BossLady
May 30, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
It would be interesting if Terry recognized pitches and pitch patterns to alert our hitters what to expect and how they should approach the plate. During the run of 14 we had hitting coaches who spotted pitcher’s stuff and could call it. These young guys are flying blind. We need a new hitters’ and pitchers’ coach on the Atlanta Braves.
By ernesto
May 30, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
We’re supposedly stocked with infield prospects, I’ve got to think we can do better than Orr and dedWood.
With JS starting to show less patience (Langy, Wilson, Redman) I wonder if the clock is starting to tick on guys we’re getting absolutely nothing from.
By ncscoots
May 30, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
Salty(not), engineering majors in my day at CU would, in futile attempts at sanity retention, read anything NOT associated with math, engineering mechanics, and the sciences. Guess some small part of that found its way to a retentive brain cell, LOL!
By jerbo
May 30, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
Hola,
Why don’t the braves bring up escobar? He was their best hitter this spring and offers more than prado and orr can deliver. His third base play was fine.
Jerbo
By Chris
May 30, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
I know none of these are really viable options but c’mon…it’d be fun if they did.
By BossLady
May 30, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
JS has less patience because the people he hired to coach and develop these players are just riding the bench. Until he stops short and analyse this organizatin as a whole he will not get any better results. Redman, Wilson, Woodward all made me sick when they came in, but if they did not know what to do or how it should be done then bad management steps in and that cannot and should not be tolerated.
By BossLady
May 30, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
I think the braves should call up Ron Gant as the hitting coach. Who knows more about how to get in the box and control the hitting situations. He has always been one of the best. Had he not had that sporting accident he would have had a long Braves contract and made the Hall of Fame. If you need it in right, left, up the middle he is a situational hitter with control.
By BossLady
May 30, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
Why in the H!!! would the Mets take away Beltran’s position? Sheeezz!!
By Steve from OH
May 30, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
DOB How do the minor league options work? If Escobar comes up, will it cost him an option since he’s not on the 40-man roster? Just curious.
By Savannah Guy
May 30, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
It’s not either, or…it’s both
Some of you guys continue to drone on in a tiresome and meaningless debate about Salty vs McCann. Give it a break. They are both great. Why choose?
Get this: McCann is our catcher as he should be. He’s earned it. He’s the catcher Cox wants and the catcher I want to be behind the plate CALLING the game and SLUGGING like he does and CLUTCH hitting as he does when he’s not in a batting slump. Whether you consider it or not, ALL players, including Ruth, Mantle and Aaron (and EVERY other player have gone through batting slumps from time to time in this game of baseball…especially around an injury.
If I could call the shots, I’d have Brian drop 15 lbs. but, even with the extra weight, he’s an All-star, a potential MVP and HOF’er in my book. He’s got intelligence and grit.
Now Salty is another story. A great story so far and I’m betting a success story in the future AS WELL. My hope is we keep him and put him at first as soon as possible…if that means he goes to the minors for a while to learn the position, so be it (just bring him back in time for a pennant race or playoffs for pinch-hitting or to even utility at first. If that means he plays winter ball and comes back at first next year, then so be it. There are better judges of the entire Salty development picture than anyone on this blog. Between JS, BC and others in the organization, I trust the right decision will be made based on a multitude of issues. They are going to make a good call on when, how and where. I hope it’s first base…asap.
We are lucky to have both of these rock stars. But McCann’s our catcher now and years to come. (oh, I’d also bring back Pena to relieve him when he needs it).
By Berigan
May 30, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this
I like Thorman, he seemed more patient last year,(Not a lot of walks, but seemed to have a better idea of how to work a pitcher than Frenchy did last year) and I think someone told him this year to be more aggressive, and that he has power, so he is overswinging right now.
That being said, Salty could bat against lefties and play first instead of just sitting on the bench. I don’t buy the he’s never played there before line.
Woodward couldn’t have played much 1st base in the minors, could he?
Between 2000 and 2002, Woodward had a grand total of 20 innings at 1st base. Then NO games at 1st in ‘03 or ‘04. Mets then had him play 1st for 199 innings(34 games) in ‘05.
By gotigers72
May 30, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this
This is not a negative post regarding McCann, and I am not one of those advocating that he sit down and Saltalamacchia be made the starter.
However, I am wondering if DOB or anyone else has a theory on why McCann is having a power outage this year. He has 16 doubles, but only 3 homers. With a third of the season over, that projects to only 9 for the year. He had 24 bombs last year. Anyone have an answer?
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 30, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
Dear Big Braves,
Please return Prado to Richmond ASAP. Since his call up Richmond has lost 9 of last 11 games played.
Thank you,
A concerned R Braves Fan
By Braves Fan 79
May 30, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
I think we should lock up rentirea and soriano to long term contracts SOONER than later!!
Thats how we lost our best pitchitter (julio franco) and Glavine. Face it…if we let our best players be free agents…the METS will OVERPAY just to take our best players away!!
By Wayne in Utah
May 30, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
Ron: Per your 8:55pm post. Do you really think Mike Cameron will get anywhere near 10-13 million per??? His salary is 7 milion this year, and he will be 35 years old next January. Also, he is hitting worse than Andruw.
I know the free agent market gets crazy sometimes, but do you think it will get that nuts this winter? Maybe so, but I don’t think so, unless he pulls out a 260 or 270 recovery. Also, unless AJ really puts together a great last 4 months, his numbers are probably going to be subpar to his norms. I say Cameron might get 4-6 million per year if he doesn’t kill it the rest of the year, and AJ gets about what he is getting now if he finishes around 250/35/110.
Maybe I am all wet, but just wondering.
Some other CF’s that might be available??? Kotsay or Kielty of Oakland? Freel of Cincy (Hamilton might render him replaceable)? Duffy or McLouth of Pittsburgh? Church, Crisp, or Baldelli. I don’t even mention Tori Hunter, as I think he will resign with Minnesota.
Any others I am not thinking about that are affordable, and not already on our roster (AJ, Blanco, Francoeur, BJones, etc.)???
By Braves Fan 79
May 30, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
Im shure the Braves can do better than weak hitters at the plate like woodward and orr….and if we wanna go deep in the playoffs i just cant see either of those guys getting 2many meaningfull at bats. I think orr sucks and has proven hell never be anything but a .200 hitter but hes been around awhile and i like his hustle. Woodward on the other hand….can catch the next bus out of town….and we should bring up Escobar! If woodward is on the final roster come playoff time ill seriously be doubting bobbys competence….
By journalist jimmy smith
May 30, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
dead monkey update: the dead monkey is still dead from the plague but all other monkeys at the zoo in denver are now off the d.l. as an aside, all monkey thumbs are reported to be in good health. and bob, cannot talk of dr. f*, or van d**, or of the precious little t**-mouse songbird on this blog. now, some other most objectionable material is allowed - but no famous horses, stylish beards, or little songbirds. and the braves will have a day off and dob is in the windy city. careful that the tribune or sun-times does not steal dob away now that dob has two wurlitzers and a best of cox.
By Braves Fan 79
May 30, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this
I say we bring back Ron Gant , Terry Pendelton and Javy Lopez on the team….heck they might be old but i bet they could still hit better than Orr or Woodward!
By Don
May 30, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
Know-nothing Poindexter: “A good bench isn’t all that necessary.”
Yeah, as long as you have 8 starting players who never get hurt and all hit well against both lefties and righties so they don’t need to be platooned and all play good defense so you don’t need to substitute for any of them in games where you have a close lead late. And that’s of course assuming your catcher can give you 150 games even though 120-130 is more the norm. And of course also assuming that you’re never trailing in a game late where you want to pinch hit or pinch run or maybe even double switch. And assuming that your relief pitchers can hit since you don’t need guys on the bench to pinch hit for them.
No Poindexter, you don’t need a good bench, even if the average NL team probably gets what, maybe 700 to 1000 opportunities at out avoidance out of their bench players in a year?
Seriously, you can’t be as stupid as most of what you say, it’s that knee-jerk reflex to say the opposite of everybody else no matter whether it has any merit or not.
And speaking of benches, the Braves have had some weak ones in recent years but the bench this year is about as bad as it gets for a major league baseball team.
By Braves Fan 79
May 30, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
Wayne: Hearing all the centerfileders that might be available really makes me want Andrew back. Either that or teach Wilson or Francour to play center.
By Scalp 'Em Braves
May 30, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
DOB:
You want to catch the rich ladies attention on Michigan Avenue? Keep the knee sox, ditch the shorts, and wave your Black American Express Card around as you prance down the street - guaranteed to get their attention!
I knew nothing about the game today - something about a daytime game and my having to work at my job - damned job interferes with all the fun. Heard we won 9-3 late this afternoon, and figured we kicked butt. Came here to the blog and read the first 100 or so posts - the Nervous Nellies were out in full force, then praising McCann, Edgar, and for goodness sakes, even Canada Pete. Talk about fair weather fans!! Always amazes me.
I agre something gotta be done about the Orr/Wooward/Prado Bermuda Triangle.. send em up to bat and hits just freaking disappear. What a waste Darrel Ward is on the Cubs, and how much could he, or even Betemit, helped us off the bench this year. I can’t believe opposing managers quake and fear our pinch hitting corps - at least we have Salty, but he is not exactly properly “seasoned” (pun intended) at this point.
We’ll be fine as long as Chipper comes back to the line up soon, and Smoltz doesn’t go to the DL.
In the meantime, for most, the bleat goes on……
By fastasballs
May 30, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
Good win today. The next 11 games are huge, they need to go 8-3 because the schedule that follows these 11 is rough. Watch they will play .500 verse the Cubs & Marlins & play .700 ball against the big boys.
By A-ville Ranger
May 30, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this
Does anybody know what McCann weights ? He looks to be carrying 20 lbs more around the middle than last season.I think he’s a cornerstone for the future.I would hope he’d take his conditioning as serious as say a forty eight million dollar contract.
By Scalp 'Em Braves
May 30, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
Fastaballs:
Good point - seems we play down to the level of our bad competition, and up to our good competition. Another mystery, yet to be solved….
By Scalp 'Em Braves
May 31, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
McCann is Baby Huey, folks. Get off his back - he’ll hit as soon as he shaves the peach fuzz he calls a beard off his face, and gets married - that way, he’ll be able to save his energy for the field and will have less wind resistance when he is running. Besides, after he says “I Do”, he’ll not have to worry about expending non-baseball energy at night. This is a true saying, as all of us married guys know. Baby Huey will come back with style, class and energy. Remember, you heard it here first. Not married and a baseball player = tired player. Married ball player = player with lots of energy, and lots of incentive to succeed (gotta pay for that big diamond, the cars, fancy restaurants, etc., somehow).
By Ed Ulinsky
May 31, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this
They should make the batters watch a tape of yesterdays 8th inning……..to see that is how to score 7 runs with basehits and not a home run among them. especially thormon
By fastasballs
May 31, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this
It’s ture Scalp’Em, I’d rather them play the Mets than the Nats. The Pads instead of the Pirates.
They have to start feasting on the down teams. They have to beat up the Central division, everyone else is going to.
Which Davies is going to show up this time? Now that’s a mystery.
By Scalp 'Em Braves
May 31, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
Payne:
Picking up on Fastaball’s earlier comment about our stinking up the joint against seemingly inferior competition, and kicking better teams around the diamond, this question is well within your wheelhouse. What does our strength/weakness of schedule look like over the next two months? I know we have a tough interleauge schedule against the Twins, Tigers and Indians. Who else out there do we play a lot, out of division, and what do your stat geeks have to say about our chances when the end of August rolls around, when we next face the Muts?
By David O'Brien
May 31, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this
Steve, Escobar would have to be added to the 40-man roster to come to the majors. And yes, it would be his first option. Then he could go back and forth as many times as needed this year between the majors and minors, and it’s still one option.
Next year, it’d cost him another option if he were on the 40-man (which I’m sure he will be) and got sent down.
I’ve mentioned this before, but Pete Orr actually has ALL his options left, because he’s never been sent down since first added to the 40-man roster. he made the team in spring training three springs ago and has been on it since, without being sent down once….
A-ville, McCann is basically the same weight and condition as he was last season. Certainly not 20 lbs heavier. Perhaps a few, but I don’t even know if that’s the case.
I doubt he’s ever going to be ripped-up muscular guy. Just not the type of body he has….
Holy Cornelia, did the Spurs open a can on the Jazz tonight, or what?…
By fastasballs
May 31, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
McCann is going to be behind the plate for years to come. You don’t get a long term deal or high praise from Smoltz that early is your career unless you can call a good game.
Why does everyone think Salty is going to start at 1B anytime soon? I think that’s where he will be next year if he stays in Atlanta, but that’s after learning the position over winter ball & the spring. Cox won’t even play Diaz there.
I think Thor will be fine once he settles down a bit. It wasn’t too long ago everyone was clammering that Thor needed to play every day & to dump Wilson. LaRoche was not an overnight success either. With Chipper out of the line up & McCann & Frenchy in a funk everybody else is going to look a little worse than they normally do.
By Scalp 'Em Braves
May 31, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this
DOB:
If you are in Chicago right now, you should ditch the blog and the computer, and head straight to the Red Head Piano Bar - none better in Chicago. If you can’t score with one of the many attractive, willing female patrons, at least you can salivate over the comely waitresses.
By Wayne in Utah
May 31, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
DOB and Ron Gotta admit it Ron, the Spurs are the better team this year! We enjoyed a great run, but all good things sometimes must come to an end.
As for our team’s poor performance in the past 2 games, having Deron Williams get the stomach flu and lose 8 lbs was not good, and then having him sprain his ankle certainly affected his game tonight. Do not misunderstand my statements to mean anything other than: the BEST team won this year. GO SPURS in the NBA finals!
By Wayne in Utah
May 31, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this
Is anyone else sick and tired of hearing about Kobe and Roger Clemens???
I hope Kobe gets his wish and gets traded to the Hawks or the Grizzlies!
I also hope Roger goes 3-6 with a 4.50 ERA this year, and then finally realizes he could just stay home ALL the time.
Maybe they should both go and hang with A-Rod for a night or two!!!
By meansonny
May 31, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this
There has been a little debate regarding whether we rely on the homerun too much. Here’s a few statistics which may be interpreted any which way.
We are 11-9 when we fail to homerun.
We are 19-14 when we connect with at least 1 HR.
I’d say that this supports the arguement that we don’t rely too heavily on homeruns. That we can successfully win games getting runners on and in without the use of a homerun.
Or you could say that despite what our offense is producing, we need better pitching and defense in order to improve in the standings.
Not so fast, my friend… We are 15-5 when we connect with 2+ HR’s.
With Andruw & McCann bringing their stats up to their career numbers (both have .070 difference between this season and their career SLG) & Chipper coming back, I think this team may be set to run a hot streak.
Particularly if the #5 pitching spot does get stabilized with the addition of Cormier (that spot will be 2-7 going into next Tuesday’s double-header)
By Wayne in Utah
May 31, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this
Whaddya think about this possible lineup for the Braves.
SS Andruw Jones (gets him more AB’s) 2B Scott Thorman/Jarrod Salty (good protection for AJ, and if KJ can do it….) LF Chris Woodward (he is really versatile) RF Edgar Rent-a-Right Fielder (best hitter, hits cleanup) C Matt Diaz/Willie Harris (McCann and Salty are overrated) 1B Kelly Johnson (power in the 6 spot) CF “Baby Huey” McCann (same physique as AJ, so I am sure he would be a natural in CF) 3B Jeff Francoeur (the face of the Braves, covers Chippers position and brings power to the weakest spot in the lineup!)
Now, this is the kinds of things I think when some of you start talking about how you would run the Braves. Lets keep discussing things, but realize that Bobby probably knows more than most of us, except for maybe the Coach and Mr. Baseball.
By meansonny
May 31, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this
GoTigers
McCann is fine. He waa in a little slump before today.
If you look at last season, though, all his power came in the 2nd half (18 HR’s & 64 RBI’s after the All Star Break).
He finished the season with 7 HR’s in July, 4 HR’s in August, and 8 HR’s in September. All of that was after hitting 5 HR’s April, May, & June (He was out of the starting lineup 17 games between May and June last season)
His power numbers will come back. He is more than capable of hitting 8 in a month.
By fastasballs
May 31, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this
I went back and watched the 8th inning of today’s game. Nice patience shown by KJ & Willie to work Turnbow for walks. Harris was taking all the way on 3-1, had conceded the pitch before it left his hand. Last night’s game would have been won if a few other Braves had approached their AB’s as those two did.
I agree with meansonny. The offense is getting ready to take off. Sometimes a game like today’s can get it going. Depending on the wind the Braves may very well hit 2+ dingers per game in the series.
Cormier is going to be good for two reasons. The first is the obvious, improves the 5th starter or should. The second is if he performs well it breeds a little competition for Davies & James. Neither would want to be moved down a spot and have starts skipped for rain outs, of days etc. With the current situation they are safe no matter what they do.
By Wayne in Utah
May 31, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this
Good points Meanie! If we win the following number of games from the following positions in the rotation, then we will win 95 games this year. #1 (Smoltz) we go 22-13, #2 (Huddy) we go 21-14, #3 (James) we go 19-16, #4 & #5 we go 26-31 (Davies, Cormier, and others).
Is this possible? I think so.
By Wayne in Utah
May 31, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this
Fastaballs: Good point on the competition from spots 3 through 5 in the rotation. I still like the young guys. Some fans would want them to become the second coming of Mad-Dog and Glavine in their second year.
By Wayne in Utah
May 31, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this
I think we need to trade Salty for Kobe Bryant!
By fastasballs
May 31, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this
What happens to the line up when Chipper is back? Does Andruw go back to clean up since he is getting hot? Or 6th?
I really like the top of the line up with KJ, Willie & Renty. Two high on base guys who know the zone followed by a high average, smart hitter in Renteria. Anyone should be able to hit clean up when those guys are on base all the time.
Wonder if Bobby moves Chipper to clean up when Willie is playing? 5th Andruw, 6th McCann, 7th Frenchy, Thor 8th. Now if you could have Diaz play some first, put him in the 8 hole and it works much better IMO.
Anyway that’s my line up when Willie is in with Chipper back.
By David O'Brien
May 31, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this
Scalp ‘em, still in Milwaukee. Driving to Chicago in the morning. And yes, familiar with the RH Piano Bar.
By meansonny
May 31, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this
fastasballs,
I do like that lineup with Chipper at cleanup. I had been a huge fan of Renty at #2, but he has performed quite well in the #3 hole with KJ & Willie in front of him.
I think DOB had mentioned previously that Chipper doesn’t like hitting #4. I don’t recall exactly what he said. Chipper had done so in the past. So I’m not sure why he wouldn’t be fine with it now (in today’s game, the best OPS player is usually hitting #3 though).
The only other issue with that lineup is… Does Diaz hit #2 versus lefty’s? Willie is only playing the RHSP platoon.
I’m thinking that when Chipper returns, the old batting order will come back into effect (keeping the everyday starters at the top of the order).
By fastasballs
May 31, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this
I think Davies will be the better of the two (James) in the long run. I recall the early days of Glavine, flashes of brilliance & a lot of regression. Same with Smoltz. It’s just they didn’t have a decade & a half of winning teams to be compared to when they came up & struggled.
I think both become more consistent as the year goes on. Lance is the wild card.
By fastasballs
May 31, 2007 1:32 AM | Link to this
No against lefties Diaz goes to 8th and everyone is bumped 1 spot. He’s a much better 8 hitter than Thor for obvious reasons, but I would like to see Diaz at first a few games so he & Willie are in together against righthand pitching.
By meansonny
May 31, 2007 1:33 AM | Link to this
I’ve been pretty rough on Thorman in the everyday role.
I do feel I need to give him credit. I think he will be a fine everyday player in the future. Despite his strikeouts, he has been putting good wood on the ball. Even against left-handers. And I have to say that I’ve been impressed with the kind of contact he has made.
Someone else had complained about him flying out to the warning track. I understand the frustration. But this guy’s got some serious talent.
I personally am a fan of the platoon for young players. I think it’s easier for them to focus on one type (or close to it) of delivery. It is easier to keep them out of funks. I think their development and confidence build quicker with the platoon.
And his defense… well I don’t think we could’ve expected any better.
I still think we need another option against lefty’s. Thor is struggling quite a bit right now. I hope we can get another bat for the platoon to take a little pressure off. But as hard as he’s putting the ball in play, his hits will come.
By meansonny
May 31, 2007 1:39 AM | Link to this
fastasballs,
I gave up on Davies about 5 starts ago. I usually don’t give up on players. I think it came with the realization that he is out of options (meaning that he might be better trade bait if we didn’t think he’d make the starting rotation next season).
But I have to admit I was wrong. And I am inclined to agree that the upside with Davies appears to be a little better than James (even though the stats don’t suggest that right now).
I do have big expectations for Cormier this season. But I’d be happy with anything of the nature that James and Davies had brought thus far. A huge improvement over Redman & Lerew.
By meansonny
May 31, 2007 1:45 AM | Link to this
fastasballs,
I posted it earlier, but I’m not sold on Willie playing everyday LF.
He has earned the everyday opportunity better than Thor (who earned it by default). But something tells me that Willie won’t quite be the same.
I’d trust Bobby’s judgment on this one if he feels it’s worth the shot. And I hope to be pleasantly surprised.
I do think Diaz is a little more everyday ready. Even when he cuts down on his swing, he still swings hard. It reminds me a lot of Frenchy. No matter where the pitch is, he finds a way to put good wood on the ball.
Anyway, I’d love to see Willie produce everyday at #2 in the order. I’m just a little cautious at the moment.
By fastasballs
May 31, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this
Once Davies truely trusts his stuff he will be a good pitcher. Both Davies & James look good when they get the ball over the plate. They get in trouble with walks & throwing too many pitches. They really don’t get shelled on a regular basis, they are their own worst ememies sometimes.
Hell, .500 from Cormier will be great, what’s the record when the 5th start goes? 2-7, maybe?
If the trio of James, Davies & Cormier can eat innnings and keep the ERA in the low fours or below the Braves are in fine shape.
By Jared
May 31, 2007 1:59 AM | Link to this
Why SS Yunel Escobar and not 3B Eric Campbell if, God forbid, Chipper Jones goes on the DL?
By Scott
May 31, 2007 3:54 AM | Link to this
When are we going to get to see Salty at first? Thorman isn’t cutting it.
By The Grinch
May 31, 2007 5:48 AM | Link to this
Wayne, if Kobe came to the Hawks Billy Knight would trade him to a division rival for a 1st round pick which he’d use to draft a small forward with 2nd round potential. Fuggeddubouddit.
Boss Lady, I seem to remember Gant was about a .265 hitter who aimed for the fences; TP hit for higher average and to all fields. It doesn’t matter who the hitting coach is if they don’t listen to him. Of course, one could argue we need someone in that spot who would force players to listen to him, but that wouldn’t be Gant who’s about as soft-spoken and polite as a person can be.
Don, agree with part your 11:31. Shaun cannot possibly be as stupid as some of his posts indicate; too many of the rest of his posts display intelligence and grasp of the game. I believe he is arguing for the sake of arguing a good bit of the time.
Why the hell am I up at 5:30 in the morning?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 31, 2007 6:06 AM | Link to this
Funny, you can just about guess the ages of folks on here by the impatience they show and the lack of understanding they have for the real world.
The Braves can do anything they choose to do and sign any player they want. The spending limits are self imposed. It all depends on the people who control the purse stings. the Braves management has always played close to the vest when it comes to player salary.
As far as the prevailing arguments on the recent blogs which now seemed focused on first base and the bench, use your heads people. First year players seldom hit for high average. Thorman will level out as soon as he realizes how to control his swing. He puts good wood on the ball most of the time but pitchers are finding out they can fool him with junk.
The bench will settle out when other teams start dropping role players for prospects. Look for it to happen in late June or July. I don’t think any teams are ready to throw in the towel quite yet.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 31, 2007 6:12 AM | Link to this
One more thing, I was surprised that folks seem to overlook the good job Buddy Carlyle did in his one inning of relief Monday night. He looked better than Paronto has since his return from the DL.
By Ron Roberts
May 31, 2007 6:43 AM | Link to this
DOB… Help me out with something here.
Do you ever remember Bobby Cox playing a rookie in a position he’s never played a minor or major league game at? Ya now, like, if for instance, there was a movemenet within the fan base who was, I dunno, mindlessly clamoring for a rookie backup catcher to play, I dunno, first base for the big league team despite never having played it before, only taking grounders during BP? Can you ever remember a manager just doing it without first sending the guy back to the minors to actually get some games in at the position FIRST??
sigh Sorry, Dave. Just wondering… do you ever remember such a thing?
Folks, why do we keep reading such a ludicrous suggestion, here? You want something different at first? C’mon, suggest something rational! How about Matt Diaz platooning with Scott Thorman, folks? At least Diaz has actually played the position.
Send Saltalamacchia down to Richmond or Mississippi to learn and get experience at 1B before you play him here, people.
By Bill
May 31, 2007 7:31 AM | Link to this
McCann & Salty will be fine but I do think that all the attention that Salty is getting had an effect on McCann. We need both of them. The Braves miss Chipper but let’s face it, his days with the Braves are numbered. If the Braves start learning to win without Chipper the better it will be. I don’t understand why so many people are in love with Diaz & Harris. They are doing great now but they are nothing but great bench players. I’ll be glad when the Braves get away from platooning in Lf and 1B but right now they have no choice.
By Oh Boy
May 31, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this
Wow! I left yesterday and when I come back Don Quixote is still fighting windmills!
Ron Roberts, have you been fighting off all the Salty weiners for 24 hours?
Man you deserve a break. Why don’t you take one. A mind is a terrible thing to waste on a subject that has been beaten to death.
I’m not going to talk about Salty today. Even though you’re free to post whatever you want, maybe a day off from Salty will do you good.
By Ron Roberts
May 31, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
Yawns. Oh boy!
By MEB
May 31, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
Did y’all see the replays of the Giants skunking the Mets last night? Carlos Beltran missed a couple of balls that Andruw catches in his sleep. These misses led to a couple of Giants runs. I wonder if Tom Glavine was thinking the same thing. I know that Beltran won a Gold Glove last year but from what I’ve seen he’s not even close. These are the kind of clips that Jayson Stark needs to evaluate before he starts calling Andruw overated.
By Ron Roberts
May 31, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this
Actually, Oh Boy, after you and your smart @$$ mouth left the scene, things were about as civil as they could’ve possibly been.
Funny how that works, eh?
By chris from md
May 31, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
DOB,
When you get a chance can you update us again on the Braves’ impressive record when trailing after 6 as well as after 7 innings? They notched another one yesterday when trailing after 7. Also, correct me if I’m wrong but when we got Villareal wasn’t there talk that he could eventually be a short reliever? He has pitched very well this year and was also effective as a starter. Don’t you think there is a better role for him than long relief?
Thanks again!
Chris from MD
By Salty
May 31, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this
Scoots I hear ya…actually, just spelling it right is impressive!
Does CL ever check in? Last year it was pie, sweet tea, baby seals, John Deere, etc., and this year…well, different.
By Stuart
May 31, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
Paronto is used up. Saying that someone looked better than him is not a compliment.
I wanted to respond to the guy who had the idea about Texiera. I actually like the idea of him in a braves uniform, but some stuff needs to work out before:
The stuff: 1. Trade Salty for a young elite starting pitcher like a Harden, Haren TYPE guy, not necessarily them, but that type of player.
After acquiring said SP from the salty trade, then use Chuck James or Davies in a trade to a team like Tampa Bay (as they are rumored to be in love with Chucky during the winter, maybe they still are) for one of their OFs, preferebly one that plays CF. Yes, you lose SP depth, but it would still amount to an upgrade in the staff.
Now if all of the above works out and you have a CF, (I think Francouer could play CF in a pinch), then you give up on signing Andruw. He aint worth the money he will command. I am sorry the catch Sunday vs. Phillies was more of a fluke than it used to be, and he has lost a step.
Sign Texiera. The offense would be better, 1B defense would be better, CF would take a bit of a hit defensively, but that could be made up. Bill Hall is playing CF for the Brewers, Jeff could play it for us.
Keep Thorman for the bench along with the platoon in LF, unless you can get Jorge Cantu in the trade with TB, then you can move KJ back to left. KJ did play CF in the minors, so there is an option and while he had done well, he is close to top of the error list at 2B. A bench of Pena, Thorman, Diaz, Harris, and any of the 3 middle infielders that suck in stereo or Escobar from the minors, is not a bad bench.
I like to be creative in my thinking. I wish sometimes more people in the Braves org would be.
By Mackey Sasser
May 31, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Gil,
If by “Braves Management” playing it close to the vest and “holding the purse strings” you mean JS then you are wrong. It’s ownership that dictates budget. If by “Management” you meant ownership, my aplogies but it -sounded- like another misguided swipe at JS. Don’t expect Liberty to be any different than AOLTW. Commissioner Bud didn’t get them to agree to a salary floor for fun. He knew they would be inclined to slash payroll the same way they’ve done with almost every other company they’ve acquired. The best Braves fans can hope for is a sale to local ownership once the tax penalty period is up.
By David O'Brien
May 31, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
Chris, Braves are 8-19 when trailing after six (started out 7-10, then lost nine in a row before winning yesterday), and they’re 5-21 when trailing after seven.
By Oh Boy
May 31, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts, For some reason, I believe you on that last statement. I suppose most people just ignore you rather than argue with you. I suppose that could lead to a “civil” day.
By David O'Brien
May 31, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
Ron, can’t say that I do. That’s a very difficult thing to try to remember, something that could be lost in the clutter of my so-called mind.
But no, I don’t remember such an instance.
Wait, catcher Brayan Pena did play third base last year for an inning or two last season in the doubleheader at Philly. (I think I remember him telling us he hadn’t played it in the minors, but I could be wrong).
Anyway, that was only an inning or two. Not the same thing as what you’re asking.
By Shaun
May 31, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
Don,
Take a look at the great teams. Did the 1975 Reds have a great bench? They had one good hitter on the bench that season—Dan Driessen—and they won 108 games.
Look at the 1995 Braves. Not really any good hitters on the bench and they won 90 games and a World Series title.
Who did the Cardinals have on their bench last season that was so great?
You need players on your bench that can get you by. You don’t need to load your bench with very good, expensive players. That’s all I’m saying.
Like I said, most teams are going to be screwed anyway if they have to rely on their bench too much. So why waste too much of your resources on bench players? Be prepared but don’t use up all your resources on back-ups (and I don’t consider relief pitchers bench players).
By Assumed Name
May 31, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
DOB I have a question.
I realize that the answer may vary from player to player, but as a whole, do the players like going into a situation like Chicago where they will be playing 3 day games in a row? Generally do they like day games or would they rather play night games?
By kdbanks
May 31, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
Is Nick Esasky signed anywhere? Maybe he can play some first for us, and be a pinch runner when he’s not in the game.
Or if it’s a bat we need at first, why not let Mike Hampton play there while he’s working on his arm. You don’t need to throw well to play the 3 spot, do you? Jeff Bagwell couldn’t and he was fine.
Thoughts?
By wayne
May 31, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
DOB, So what is your speculation on why Bobby would be uncomfortable answering your Willie Harris/3rd Base question? Is he playing out his famous loyalty to Pete Orr? Is it the nature of baseball managers to make changes slowly over time instead of reacting quickly to the immediate situation? What do YOU think? PS…love this blog!
By Thrillhouse44
May 31, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Ever find out what’s on Soriano’s iPod? Just curious.
By David O'Brien
May 31, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
By the way, don’t look for NL Central teams to be trading away starting pitchers anytime soon. Not when their division leader (Milwaukee) has lost six consecutive series and the mediocre divisision is there for the taking by just about anyone. Even the awful Astros, after 10 consecutive losses, are “only” 7-1/2 games back…
Oh, and one question: What happened to A-Rod and Kobie as children to make them the way they are today? Man, oh man. There’s high-maintenance, and there’s HIGH MAINTENANCE.
By Ron Roberts
May 31, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
Sorry, Oh Boy… it’s a you thing. Need I tell you (yet again), that it’s not all about you, man-diva.
Thanks for the answer, DOB.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 31, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Mackey Sasser The context of my statement about the Braves management was only to state John Schuerholz typically does not discuss his thoughts with the media and does not negotiate thru that medium. The actual amount with which he has to work is controlled by the owner and I agree it is up to the owner as to how much money is available. Those owners must be considered part of management.
Often times the premature release of information becomes a deal breaker. In dealing with players and agents and contracts, a General Manager would never want them to know how much money is actually available. That would only cause the price to go up.
By Shaun
May 31, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Any talk of the Braves claiming they got “damaged goods” with Aybar? Not sure if he had these issues last season, and even if he did, not sure if the Dodgers knew about them or if the Braves would want to accuse them of knowing about them. Obviously the Dodgers don’t owe the Braves anything as there is not much that could predict issues cropping up, but is there any talk of the Dodger compensating the Braves out of some kind of gentleman’s agreement? Not that I think the Dodgers did anything wrong or that the Braves would expect them to compensate. Just curious.
By fastasballs
May 31, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
Looks like the Braves farm system will get even deeper after draft day. They have the 14th overall, a total of 3 in the top 70 picks & another at 79.
By Shaun
May 31, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
What happened to A-Rod and Kobie as children to make them the way they are today?
I guess when a lot of things come relatively easy to you and those things make you rich and famous and people love you because of them, you think you have the world in your hands and can do and say anything.
Not that they didn’t work hard to get where they are but they don’t seem to realize that they were also blessed with some ability, it’s not all about what they did to make themselves great. When you don’t realize that it’s both a blessing and hard work, I guess you think it’s all about you and what you can do and what you did to get there; no humility.
By David O'Brien
May 31, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
Thrillhouse, no. But yesterday morning I’m standing a couple feet away from Soriano as he’s tucking in his jersey and getting ready to go on the field before the game, and Andruw’s putting on his uniform 10 feet away. And Soriano starts crooning some Latin song I’m not at all familiar with. And what happens?
Andruw jumps in and starts singing with him. They had a duet thing going for a couple of minutes, both of them rather serious, not really laughing, and just singing. It was kinda cool. I mean, this was obviously a song both were very into.
I took it to be sort of like if a couple of us middle-aged gringos starting singing, say, “Losing My Religion” or Mellencamp’s “Authority Song,” something like that, something that sticks in your head and everyone seems to know. They both were right on it, knew every word.
OK, that’s my inconsequential story for the day.
By JasonInMaine
May 31, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
I see Devine got another save last night. He let up one hit and struck out 3 while lowering his ERA to 1.48. It appears he is developing into the reliever the Braves expected!
By Wayne in Utah
May 31, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
Dave Is it what happened to guys like A-Rod and Kobe (include Clemens here too) as children that causes them to become extremely self-centered prima donnas, or is it the fame and fortune of their lofty position in their respective sport? I think they are catered to SO often and eventually the lose all touch with reality.
I don’t think we can make a blanket statement about highly paid athletes, but I think the challenges and downside to their situations tends to bring out the worst in some.
Of course, had I become a great and highly paid first sacker back in the mid 70’s, with HOF numbers, the fame and fortune would certainly NOT have gone to my head! My friend Willy Wally I am sure would agree!!
:-)
By 22oz
May 31, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
We’ve gotten into the subject on this blog a few times regarding our disgust for Stuart Scott and Chris Berman, and then gotten into the debate of who is worse, if there is such a thing. I would like to add a new player to the arena: Kirk Jimenez on ESPNews. I was watching last night trying to make it through to the Braves highlights, and i thought i was going to have to give up. The EXTREME stressing and pronunciation of EVERY SINGLE latino player, followed by hearing DO-MINICA-NO is downright annoying and intolerable. We have a winner folks! It was so bad i was longing for a stupid nickname or a rap lyric.
By mad dawg
May 31, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
Shaun, you might want to check the stats again on the Cardinals bench players from last year. They would not have won 83 games without those guys.
By meansonny
May 31, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
Mackey,
I agree with your correction in regards to who controls the purse strings for the Braves.
But I have a different sentiment in regards to the budget.
This is a temporary owner. Once the required term is over, they plan to sell again. If increasing the payroll can be directly scaled to championship baseball (or more directly a better resale value), I think they will open the purse.
They probably already have a short list of buyers. And they probably know what can sex the resale value up for each one’s individual taste (titles, gross revenues, long term stability, tax write-offs, or net profits).
It’ll be a business decision. No doubt. One that will have to be sold to the current ownership (directly detailing how the team can be sold to new ownership for more value).
But I’m betting that McGuirk or JS will make that salespitch at least once over the next 3 years.
By bravesfan16
May 31, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Is it a part of Salty’s daily routine to workout at first? How much work is he getting there? To me, you work him there everyday then come mid-june give him a shot against a tough lefty.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 31, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
On local ownership…. Be careful what you ask, you might get it….. Ask Tampa Bay how that has worked out for them, or maybe Pittsburg.
The real key is to have the “Right Owner” regardless.
By Shaun
May 31, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
I know 99 percent of pro athletes work very hard to get where they are and stay there, and they should be praised for that, but they also need to be humble and realize that a lot of where they are is because of good genes or God or something outside of themselves that gave them some of that ability. The jerks are the ones who don’t have that ability to see it’s not all about them.
Look at a guy like Dale Murphy, a very religious man who realized he had God-given ability but also worked hard to utilize it and because of that was seen as the nicest guy in pro sports maybe ever.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
May 31, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Kobe is a spoiled jerk, A-Rod is just plain stupid…..
By Shaun
May 31, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
mad dawg,
Scott Spiezio and Chris Duncan were pretty good but they were basically regulars (Taguchi and Encarnacion weren’t good). John Rodriguez was also pretty good but he basically fits into the same category—a semi-regular. But did they spend a lot on these guys?
I guess what started this all is someone brought up improving the bench. Yeah, it’s nice to have a good bench and improve it if you can but I don’t think it’s wise to give up a decent prospect or a lot of money to load up your bench.
The Cards were almost the exception that prove the rule. A lot of their regulars were so bad they had to have a good bench.
The Braves offense is good enough that they can get by without having to find really good, expensive replacements every time someone is out.
By Jersey Gil
May 31, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
DOB…that story about Andruw & Soriano is real cool…I’m a hispanic (from Puerto rico) and when two compadre singing a duet like that, that mean there are bonded.Thank you for that insider,,that is why i like to read your column.Good job DOB..keep bringing those inside story there good to know that those player not matter what problem they have, always has fun between then.
DOB also i have a ??? for you….Why Manager(some) and coaches not dress or use complete uniform like Bobby Cox?ex Lou Pinella not use regular Team Shirt, if MLB change the rules??
By mad dawg
May 31, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Cool inside story about Druw and Soriano and about how to question Bobby. Great stuff. I love that kind of stuff.
What happened to AROD and Kobe is that they were phenoms from the age of 5, making big bucks when they were 18, in the NBA & MLB at the age of 18. Well, it’s probably much more complicated than that. All of these guys have been treated like God since they were kids but 90% of them are not jerks like AROD and Kobe.
By fastasballs
May 31, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Shawn, Your exactly right on your thoughts. Kobie, Vick & A-Rod achieved success (money) early in their lives & have been catered to ever since by the fans, friends, & media.
The media builds these guys into gods. Only a strong, humble person can reject the notion that they are somehow “bigger” than the game or life once it has been ingrained in them from the time they step on the court/field.
One of the main reasons I have stayed a Braves fan is the organization rejects & discourages the “me” behavior. Look at all the young guys on the team now, you don’t see any of that crap. From the minute they sign the contract they are bred to play the game the way it should be played without the garbage that so many bring to the table who play for other organizations.
By Wayne in Utah
May 31, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
Could Andruw and Rafael become the next big latin craze???
By Lew
May 31, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Jersey Gil-I don’t know what the current rules are, but the old manager of the A’s, Connie Mack, wore a suit just like the basketball coaches today do. I always wondered why managers of substance like Tommy Lasorda didn’t wear suits as well. Tommy in double knit after all that great Italian cuisine was hardly a fashion statement.
By Julia Roberts
May 31, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
DOB, the correct w-a-y to question Bobby Cox would be with Bold attention-getting statements and immediately f-o-l-l-o-w-u-p with s-e-a-r-i-n-g, slap-yo-mama questions. That way you could get your point across without fear of Bobby. Your Friend, Julia
By Braveheart
May 31, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
Julia Roberts, we like DOB, we don’t want him banished to covering the local high school beat. Your strategy would get him Winklejohned off the Braves beat.
By Julia Roberts
May 31, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
This is my second day on the b-l-o-g and I am feeling much more comfortable. I would like to thank all the b-lo-g-g-e-r-s for the very nice reception you have given me and my thoughts. I have only one r-e-g-r-e-t and that is having called you all C-R-A-Z-Y yesterday. I don’t know what possessed me to make me call you all CRAZY!!! It may have been that passionate argument about S-A-L-T-Y! Anyway, SALTY-TALK makes me CRAZY!
I hate crazy!! AAAARRRRRGGGHHHH!! CRAZY!!
By BamaBrave
May 31, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
While I’m enjoying the overall improvement of the Bravos this year, I gotta say the next most enjoyable facet of the season is the New York Yankee train-wreck. A team of spoiled prima donnas, led by a dysfunctional front office crippled by ego, impatience and good old fashioned bad luck. Glorious. And I can’t wait until Mr. Warmth, Roger Clemens, adds his mercenary charm to that clubhouse. I live for this…
By Amber
May 31, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
I am so late to this blog - but “cranial circumference leader” almost made me spit out my cereal! Good one, DOB.
Now, if Chipper can’t put on his socks without pain, why bother to test him out tomorrow at all? Why not just DL him and end our suspense?
Is Willy Aybar’s absence actually hurting the team? Despite his suspension, is he still occupying a 40-man roster spot? Don’t we have anyone else who could fill in well at third?
Just wondering…
By Don
May 31, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
Shaun, you mention two teams in the last 30+ years to support your latest absurd comment that having a decent bench isn’t really a necessity. The first team you cite, the 1975 Reds, had Hall of Famers or near Hall of Famers at every position with the exception of Cesar Geronimo and Ken Griffey, Sr., and they weren’t exactly slouches. They were virtually all in their prime and as I recall they remained pretty injury free. The second team you mention, the 1995 Braves, hit below .250 as a team if I recall correctly and rode dominant pitching through the postseason.
So if citing two examples proves a point, I’ll say that home runs and OBP are overrated and that small ball with a lot of sacrifices and stolen bases are the way to win. And for my examples I’ll give the 1963 and 1965 Los Angeles Dodger world championship teams. How’s that?
So what you’re saying now is that when the Braves went into the season with a catcher who will probably sit out 30-35 games, a brittle third baseman who has played maybe 110-120 games a year for the last 2-3 seasons, with an unproven rookie first baseman, an unproven second baseman and no established left fielder, that it wasn’t at all essential for them to have a decent bench. Having a few guys who hit .200 with no power is fine. That’s what you’re saying.
But of course that’s ridiculous and indefensible so now you change the argument and pretend others are claiming things they never claimed starts. Which is why you’re so annoying.
By Jersey Gil
May 31, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
Lew:
I’m found my question…ilook into MLB Rules: 1:11 “All Player on the team should wear uniform”….They never mention manager/Coaches.So you are correct manager can use suit or any other(include be naked) in the dougout.
By Thrillhouse44
May 31, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
I think Julia Roberts has been inspired by the Spelling Bee on ESPN. D-O Y-O-U A-G-R-E-E?
By Shaun
May 31, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
Here is an interesting article responding to Jason Stark’s claim that Andruw is overrated.
Basically, it’s also a critique of Zone Rating. Zone rating is a nice idea but it doesn’t give credit for balls caught outside a player’s defensive zone. Even the guy who invented it acknowledges this and has come up with new and better measures. Those new and better measures indicate Andruw is one of the best CF in baseball.
By ncscoots
May 31, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
A-Rod, running the bases, yells at an infielder trying to corral a high popup. A-Rod says he didn’t yell “Mine”, it was more like “Ha” (!). The infielder pulls off the popup, it falls, and A-Rod stands at 3B smirking. When questioned later, his reply was “hey, we were trying to win a game.”
In other words, “I don’t mind being completely bush league, as long as we win and I get my check. I know I’m supposed to be a highly regarded professional, representing the highest standards of my sport, but we’re getting clocked these days, ya know? Besides, I’ll spin it for the media, and the stupid fans will never know the difference.”
Please, God, just let my arm have one more pitch in it and let the Jays sign me to a one-day contract, just so I could have the pleasure of putting one right…in…his…lips. Please.
By Braveheart
May 31, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
Don, you have stolen my heart and read my mind with your 11:41 a.m. post.
By Mackey Sasser
May 31, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
you are my favorite blogger on here. seriously. however, to say the 95 Braves didn’t have a good bench is loco. They made nothing but bench additions down the stretch and went into the postseason with a very formidable group of hitters. Perhaps the names don’t seem so strong 12 years later, but they had a designated fastball hitter in Mordecai, a former ROY in Dwight Smith, Luis Polonia was a very good defense/lefty option in his day and Devereaux was NLCS MVP for goodness sakes. Again, you are the man as far as I’m concerned and it kills me that you are so often attacked here. But, in this case, I felt compelled to stick up for what I think was an outstanding bench on that team by playoff time.
By David O'Brien
May 31, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Jersey Gil, interesting that you should notice about Cox wearing the full uni. Unlike 9 out of 10 managers (or so it seems), he absolutely abhors when folks wear anything other than the team uni in the dugout, and won’t allow it. You will never see him or his coaches or players wearing a plastic pullover top, even in batting practice. Full uni, always.
He’s so old school, he still thinks the uniform is sort of sacred. He puts it on, he puts it all on, and doesn’t individualize it. And he loves to wear it. Great story was the day before spring training, players weren’t even due to report until the next day, and Bobby wasn’t even going on the field for anything. Just going to meetings with coaches, etc, at the team headquarters in Florida.
And he’s in full uniform.
Anyway, back to games: Jackets or heavier coats over the uniform are fine with him, of course. And he’ll let players wear those hoods or beanie caps if it’s absolutely freezing, though he also hates those.
But he can’t stand the fleece or plastic pullover shirts that some managers wear during games, or players sitting in a dugout with sweatshirts on if they’re not playing, or whatever. He won’t permit that.
Some might say that’s too old-school and worrying about things that don’t really matter. I disagree. I like it. I think it sets a tone, and players know they can’t individualize their unis beyond a certain degree. I mean, he’s loosened up a little and allows players to wear their pants long down to the bottoms of their shoes (I don’t like that) or roll them up to their knees, whether the rest of the team’s doing it or not. And even those funky poly undershirts with the wild design on the sleeves. But that’s about it.
By Efrim
May 31, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
CAN WE SWEEP THE CUBBIES AND BE 33-23?
Is that too much to ask…..
Probably.
By Julia Roberts
May 31, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Thank you, Thrillhouse44!! Actually, my i-n-s-p-i-r-a-t-i-o-n is Ron Roberts. He makes me CRAZY!!! AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH, CRAZY!!!
By Carolina Gent
May 31, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
OK, I guess it’s time for my monthly contribution to the blog… So here’s my question to this esteemed blog. I read recently in an SI.com truth and rumors section that the Marlins might be willing to part with Dontrelle if their season keeps slip-sliding away. Knowing that they’d want someone young and talented in return, would anyone out there be willing to trade our beloved Salty and one of our young stud farmhand pitchers for the D-Train? Who knows if the Marlins would do it, but would it be worth it? I don’t know if I’d want to have to face Salty 19 times a eyar or whatever it is, but it’s an intriguing thought, at least to me!
By Braveheart
May 31, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand myself why managers wear unis. They look so silly wearing them. Usually fat and out of shape - they don’t do justice to the uniforms. I would think that at this point some of them would set up endorsement deals with clothing lines to wear fashionable suits or other fashionable or not so fashionable clothing. I could see Bobby sitting there in a Nike Braves polo shirt with Dockers pants and some cowboy boots. Or maybe some Wrangler jeans - oh, that would be a sight. But it would be cool to see managers sitting there old school style wearing suits. What about third base and first base coaches? It would probably be too hot out there for a suit - they could be given a fashionable clothing line and use the extra endorsement money as a supplement to their salaries. But I could imagine someone would get carried away and start sport some Deion/Michael Irvin pimped out zoot suits.
By Shaun
May 31, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
Don,
I didn’t say or didn’t intend to say having a decent bench isn’t a necessity. My intention was to say (or type) it’s a waste of resources to spend a lot or trade talent for bench players.
It was brought up, I think, because someone brought up upgrading leftfield so that the bench becomes stronger with Diaz and Harris on it.
My point was I don’t think the Braves should give up the talent or money necessary to get a better player than Diaz just for the sake of improving the bench. It’s not worth it, in my opinion. Diaz is good enough and the Braves have offense to spare (when everyone is going like they are supposed to).
By Shaun
May 31, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
Mackey Sasser,
Thanks for the compliment. But I would say the ‘95 Braves had an adequate bench, not a good one. The certainly didn’t have a Diaz-type hitter on the bench.
By JasonInMaine
May 31, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
Thanks for the article…it is an interesting read. I will have to use some of the info in it against these Met pukes that I work with!!
Regards,
Jason
By beachcomber
May 31, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
Bama Brave - I used to take glee in the kind of season the Yanks are having until I had time to compare Yank and Bosox fans. Granted these are only samplings from down here in Florida during spring training and a very occasional Rays game. But I find the Bosox fans far more obnoxious and therefore do root for the Yanks 19 times a season. Case in point, at one Orlando spring game, the jerks behind me booed every Brave who ever wore a Bosox uniform - Willie C., Edgar - even Corky Miller for God’s sake. And we weren’t even playing the Sox!
By David O'Brien
May 31, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, I agree _ managers would look better nattily attired in suits, like the old, old says. But not a polo shirt and khakis. Too casual, in my opinion. Full uni or a natty suit.
OK, that’s important talk, I realize. But I gotta get in the car now and drive. I’ll try to do a blog later today, but gotta get there and write my Matt Diaz off-day story first.
By N8
May 31, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
I was reading si.com this morning and came across this in Tom Verducci’s “mailbag”. So I thought I would share it with people that don’t read ALL the garbage out their, like I do. :-)
Readers Question:
Why does everybody think that John Smoltz is a lock for the Hall of Fame? As a starter he is like Orel Hershiser — a Cy young award, each missed a lot of time and each had a lot of 15-12 type years. As a reliever he is like Eric Gagne. Brilliant for three years. If neither Hershiser nor Gagne are Hall of Famers or are even “on the bubble,” why is Smoltz?
To which Verducci replied:
“His closest comp is Dennis Eckersley; Smoltz was the better starter, Eck the better closer. Also, Smoltz is one of the best postseason/big game pitchers of his generation, which adds bonus points to his regular season resume. He’d be on my short list of candidates to start the one game I needed to win. That counts for something.”
By Don
May 31, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Shaun 3:49 PM
“Point is a good bench is not all that necessary.”
Shaun 12:04 PM
“I didn’t say or didn’t intend to say having a decent bench isn’t a necessity.”
“My point was…”
Your point was that you are never wrong no matter how ridiculous the comment. It’s just that others don’t always understand your art.
By StingerSplash
May 31, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
I blame Mike Scioscia. He’s the first one to go sans regular uni top and replace it with the BP jersey/pullover thing, or at least the first one to make it fashionable with the 02 WS. My God, even Joe Torre’s in on the act now. I think only time Francona’s worn the regular uni since he became BoSox manager was the 05 All Star Game, because he had to. Baseball’s the only sport where the manager/coach wears what the players wear. I mean, do you really want to see Suzanne Yoculan strap on the leotard like the rest of her squad (could be worse. Could be Rick Majerus. Thank you. Thank you very much. Drive home safe and tip your wait staff well.)
By Don
May 31, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
And by the way Shaun, it’s interesting that a guy who pretends to be some sort of stats guru would talk as if teams should construct rosters based on the idea that they will have no injuries to starters (in which case virtually any team is screwed, you said) and that all of these starters who don’t get injured are “going like they’re supposed to”, in other words not having an bad season.
So what percentage of the time does that happen, that a team has a starting 8 with no stints on the DL and nobody having an off year? Wouldn’t an alleged stats guru (who I’ll venture has never taken a statistics class and doesn’t understand basic statistical concepts) realize the odds of all that are pretty low, and that maybe you need some guys on the bench who can not only pinch hit but maybe start 20 games and actually contribute something?
By Assumed Name
May 31, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
I’m not sure I agree with some of the attire you suggest for coaches and managers.
On the other hand, has anyone been to a game and seen how Chino Cadahia looks in those baseball pants?
Geez! what a sight! Some things just shouldn’t be on display like that! It looks like the snaps on those pants are gonna blow off and put somebody’s eye out! The guy needs to be allowed to wear some loose fitting white sweats or something! (shivering just thinking about that sight)
By JasonInMaine
May 31, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
Man, I have to admit something:
We are lucky to have Edgar. What a “replacement” for Fookie. What an absolute steal for JS. I mean honestly. Thanks to the willingness of the Sox to pay a good chunk of his contract, we have to pay him what…$6 mill/yr?
While the Wilson and Redman experiments didn’t work out and Gonzo is out for the year, JS absolutely fleeced the other teams on the Edgar and Soriano trades.
Regards,
Jason
By Shaun
May 31, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Don,
I consider a good bench and a decent bench to be different things.
A good bench features players like Matt Diaz.
An decent bench features players that can cover at every position without embarrassing themselves and maybe one or two guys that are average or a little bit better hitters.
The point is don’t overdue it with the bench. Don’t waste resources on better, more expensive players so that you can move very good, inexpensive players to the bench.
By Don
May 31, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
That’s a brilliant question to Verducci. Hey Tom, if Herschiser and Gagne aren’t Hall of Famers and Smoltz = Herschiser + Gagne, how could Smoltz be a Hall of Famer?
By Jersey Gil
May 31, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
DOB….Thanks for your response to my uniform question…have a good trip…be careful the traffic in Chicago you know….Thanks
Hey..if Andruw & Sori was singing SALSA o Merengue???
By Steve from OH
May 31, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
DOB’s right. If you’re privildged enough to be able to wear the uniform, then you should wear it with pride.
By Shaun
May 31, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
Don,
There’s a difference between loading your bench with adequate players and loading your bench with guys that could start for half the teams in the league (like a Matt Diaz).
Maybe you should let me clarify before you pile it on me.
If Chipper is injured for a significant amount of time, the Braves are going to take a big hit offensively anyway. Why spend a lot of money or trade a good prospect to get thirdbasemen way above fringe level? I’ll take my chances that Chipper is going to be healthy enough for enough games, especially with the Braves offense.
By Carolina Lady
May 31, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
This lady thanks those who have inquired about her whereabouts. (Sometimes the cheap vulgarity, crassness and profanity just gets overwhelming - and I’m outta here!)
Uniforms - it’s called RESPECT. For the game, for the team. It’s being part of the team, not just another suit, an outsider, but an integral part and member of the team. In short, the team’s leader sets the standard
Bench - a team must have a bench! If a brawl should break out, what would they clear?? Sports writers, with the probable exception of DOB {:-), would be at a complete loss in describing it.
JDeere - in the shop last fall: $454 to repair transmission; this spring $186.75 to repair transmission belt. Buyers beware!
By beachcomber
May 31, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
N8 - Thanks for sharing the si.com info. Interesting isn’t it? Maddux and Glavine are probably considered surer things for the Hall than Smoltz, but to paraphrase the SI guy if I had one game I had to win - no contest which of the three I would run out there.
By flbravesgirl
May 31, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
DOB, thanks for the duet story. We don’t get that kind of stuff from anyone but you.
I’m glad Bobby has high standards regarding the unis. It’s just more professional-looking. I wish he’d crack down a little on the extra-long pajama style pants; I hate those & keep holding my breath waitng for someone to get tangled up in them & break an ankle, aside from the fact that they look terrible.
And yes, Chino could use some much roomier pants.
By Tom
May 31, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
DOB, what’s for lunch? I miss the old Italian Pepper Subs, Or a saucy pizza.
By Don
May 31, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Shaun, thanks for taking the opportunity to attempt to turn one of your gaffes into an opportunity to educate me and the others who will never have your understanding of baseball even if we have been watching and following baseball since before you were born and understand statistics far better than you do or likely ever will.
How about if I just say that you were right no matter what you said, that you’re always right even when you contradict yourself? Will that be good enough?
By snowball's chance
May 31, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
DOB, I like the story of Soriano and Andruw singing. In the rest of the world, If there is a party, some or all will be singing. Some great, some okay, but it is all good. Latin America seems to have the most singers in my experience. It isn’t that common in the States. As a musician I wish it was more common in our culture. Few of my musical friends will play at a party unless it is part of a band or just among other musicians. I hope other bloggers from other parts of the US (I am in the NW) have a different experience.
Kobe is pathetic.
By flbravesgirl
May 31, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
CL has returned! We missed you!
If it comes to a brawl, we’ve got to get our bullpen in there. Forget the scrawny guys on the bench.
By choppinmama
May 31, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
DOB: Re your 10:31, it might be inconsequential info to you, but those insights, plus stories like BMac melting down in the nether regions of the dugout yesterday are gold nuggets for some of us fans.
Out in TV fandom, we’re at the mercy of the telecast, and even though the TBS broadcasts are light years ahead of the other networks in showing us the interesting action on the field and in the dugouts - even the bizarre in the stands - observations like yours are priceless.
Inconsequential? - maybe to a long-tenured observer and reporter like yourself - but fascinating to us unwashed denizens. So, in lieu of sitting down in 117 next to Bob, the camera guy, and being able to observe for myself -keep ‘em coming! The more, the better.
By 22oz
May 31, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
I remember a news piece last season where they showed a clip of Schilling throwing a bullpen session, and Francona was watching him with his shirt off! Now for a moment, even though most of us just ate, picture Bobby with his shirt off! Be thankful he wears the uniform now.
By choppinmama
May 31, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
Journalist Bob, just cooked up another big pot of green beans yesterday with the grease and a big piece of fatback. Nothin’ better to go with ham and some squash. Yum!
Speaking of squash, if anyone is in the FL panhandle area and wants to come by, we’ll load you up with some squash and zucchini. Planted a big garden this year, and we are innundated.
In the words of Henny Youngman, “take my vegetables, please!”
By Shaun
May 31, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
Don,
Thanks for jumping in my reply to someone else and assume you know what I’m referring to without any clarification so you can attack me.
By Stuart
May 31, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Did it strike anyone, that Hudson and BMac got p** and then the Braves woke up. Maybe business as usual isnt always the best way. I was glad to see the Bravos get fired up.
By Carolina Lady
May 31, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
FBL, thanks!
choppin’mama, would I ever love to have some of those good ol’ veggies - but I’m alooooong way off!
DOB, I’ll join the others in thanking you for those priceless little glimpses that your posts give to us who will never see/hear for ourselves! Each one a treasure. Wendall W. will surely take notice!
By ncscoots
May 31, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
CL, great to see your handle show up. I feel the Earth returning to its normal axial tilt.
A simple off-day with no -strapping or -toeing, and a familiarity with the Red Head Piano Bar. Could life GET any sweeter? I think not.
By Joe Don Barker
May 31, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
Nice Blog DOB, but you’ve got to drop the Shooter Jennings - he’s rotten!
By I Heart McCann
May 31, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB,
Did the Braves sign their top DFE Cole Rohrbough? I saw they were busy signing a bunch of guys yesterday, but haven’t heard whether or not they got a deal done with him by today or not.
Also, any idea why Matt Harrison’s start was skipped over yesterday in favor of Jo-Jo Reyes?
By Carolina Lady
May 31, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
Hey, scoots! Thanks! I could sure use that Toro you said you were sending for Christmas. Which Christmas??
By meansonny
May 31, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
Stuart,
I noticed that too. But I think it’s even more important to look at the new pitcher(s) that came into the game.
Turnbow had thrown 20 pitches the day before (10 pitches the first game). We were working him a little before yesterday’s game started.
Then Turnbow had to deal with a more realistic/smaller strikezone which allowed for the walks.
I think the strikezone helped our offense against that bullpen, yesterday. More-so because the strikezone offered on the 29th was way too generous to Turnbow (and he relied on it).
By BossLady
May 31, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Don LOL
By ncscoots
May 31, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Holy Cornelia, CL, I’m still pondering the selection of the proper carriage for your ladyship, LOL. Don’t want to ship you just any ole mower, you know :-)
By jed
May 31, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
good point about aybar. he wouldve had quite an opportunity to shine during chipper’s down time, and we could have really used the pick-up. i like the idea of willie harris at 3b, but expect to see far more of prado, knowing cox’s focus on defense. (i have no problem with a manager having a defensive focus when trying to determine a substitute for a guy like chipper.)
By Greg in TN
May 31, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Afternoon Denizens,
The mood seems to be much lighter on Planet Braves after three games in the land of cheese and beer. Nice job by the fellas particularly in the late stages of the game yesterday. That and a shut out against the mets. Can’t ask for much better than that, can we?
Gil in Mechanicsville Very astute point in your 10:13 today and I agree completely. Local ownership just for the sake of local ownership is the LAST thing in the world we need right now. The best ownership situations are those where a local guy has a large and very stable income stream from other ventures that can also be channeled into the team. Steinbrenner has shipping, John Henry is a hedge fund manager that has his own company, Frank McCourt is a real estate developer. An owner that doesn’t have an alternate income source that is steady and stable is doomed in this sport in the economics of the game as it is today unless it’s a large market team that can tap radio/television, marketing and other in-house revenue streams to their full potential.
DOB Love the nuggets that you’ve thrown out recently in terms of the AJ/Soriano duet, BCs uniform views and the like. Thanks for those little gems.
It was very very good to take that series in Milwaukee. I am not conceding anything in terms of the division, and won’t for some time yet. Still too much baseball on the horizon.
Let’s just build on yesterday and focus on winning the series at Clark and Addison starting tomorrow.
By Coach
May 31, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Amber , Willy Aybar isn’t on the 40 man. He is on the suspended list and yes , his absence has hurt the team. No one has been able to fill in for Chipper at 3B and I suspect that the situation will not change anytime soon.
By MBATL
May 31, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
starting pitching? bench help? I think our biggest need is a lefty reliever. Gonzo’s gone, and McBride’s great for 1 or 2 LH batters, but can’t get out righties.
I think that’s where we need to look at a trade, unless Dan Smith or Will Startup is ready to come up and contribute.
By geauxbraves2000
May 31, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
Great to see you CL, welcome back. Now all is right again with the world!
Sometimes dugouts need to be rearranged, and it appeared to get their act turned around yesterday, hopefully it’ll carryover for the rest of the season. WTG Huddy.
As far as the bench, The Braves bench right now is cardboard, when it should be plywood.
Geaux Braves!!
By journalist jimmy smith
May 31, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
all the ladies have returned to the blog today! it is a very good day. and notice we are talking vegetables already instead of pie and bbq. today’s blog already is a healthier edition. and flbravesgirl is right about the bullpen coming in for a brawl. it would be unseemly to send out two canadians and woodward for a fight - especially with orr able to hit no one no matter how hard orr swings. best to bring in the wicky’s and paronto’s and of course, the journalists in attendance at the game.
By Carolina Lady
May 31, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
scoots - riiiiight!
Hey, Geaux! Thanks much!
By JasonInMaine
May 31, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
From ESPN:
CAN THE METS START SELLING PLAYOFF TICKETS? *”We’re not big on living dangerously. But the Mets look as good as any team in baseball right now. And history is on their side, too.
After 50 games, the Mets were 33-17 and leading the East by five games. In the wild-card era, nine other teams had that big a lead and that good a record after 50 games. All nine of them finished first. This team doesn’t shape up as the kind of club that could screw up that trend.”*
I say we break the trend and make the Muts the first!
Regards,
Jason
By JasonInMaine
May 31, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
and just in case anyone cares, a little more from ESPN:
By Salty
May 31, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
CL Nice of you to drop in…wow, the blog has a normalcy to it…(axis, right Scoots?).
As for the Deere…begs the question: why a trans. belt problem if the transmission was repaired? You’re right…rip off!
Transitioning…of sorts. Actually growing artichokes…in GA…my wife can grow anything! Who knew? Blueberries and peaches, sadly, will be a bit slim this year! Still enough for a pie, though!
By Kentavo
May 31, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
Hey Shaun, perhaps you should recall the contributions of bench players Mike Devereaux and Luis Polonia in 1995 who were picked up for the stretch drive.
By LeTwan Anthony
May 31, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
Pie? Are we talking pie? LeTwan will join in this discussion. Nothing like a warm peach pie with a little ice cream on top. That is a tasty treat. Mama likes to get the peaches from a little place in South Carolina. Mama will park by the orchard and watch for cars and when none are around Mama will fill a basket with peaches. It’s alright, though, Mama always bakes a pie to take to her preacher and one for her Sunday School class. It takes a little longer to get pecans for the pecan pies but Mama has a plan for that, too. Since Mama is getting a little older Mama has been trying to teach LeTwan some of the family pie-baking traditions. LeTwan has some recipes memorized that are very valuable just like the formula for Coca-Cola stored in the vault of the SunTrust Bank downtown. Mama is baking a pie right now for Chico Cadahia - Mama says he seems like a nice boy who enjoys his pie.
By JasonInMaine
May 31, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
I miss Mad Dog…
http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10203587
By Lew
May 31, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
Ma’am-Have you considered just taking the John Deere out in the back yard and shooting it? I could see a certain satisfaction in doing that. It doesn’t seem to be cutting grass, anyway. LeTwan-Chico looks like he might enjoy pie. How about one for Terry Pendleton. He could hold it on a stick in front of Andruw and give him a bite every time he goes to right field with an outside pitch. Could work.
By DonCoburleone
May 31, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
First off, let me just say that I NEVER jumped off of McCann’s bandwagon. I am McCann and Francoeurs biggest supporter and people on this blog who criticize either one just don’t really know or understand baseball… They are both extremely young and talented. Look around the league, please, name another team with 2 (position) players under the age of 25 who you would rather have… He!!, under the age of 27 its still tough - Maybe Wright and Reyes? Tulowitzki and Holliday? Crawford and Young/Upton? Mauer and Morneau?
By JasonInMaine
May 31, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
DonC,
Very good point and nice list of young player combinations.
I would add Cabrera/Ramirez from Florida to the list…not saying I would want them over b-Mac and Frenchy, but I think they should be “in the discussion”.
ESPN ran a great article a while back that compared Ramirez to Reyes. They were very, very comparable.
Regards,
Jason
By Carolina Lady
May 31, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Hey, Salty! Thanks! Oct/Nov they took the transmission apart and did whatever they did - greased? who knows. This time the belt came off. Didn’t call the dealership but another guy. To put the new belt on, he had to drop the deck and transmission to get to where the belt is located. (I know a lot of stuff, but I don’t know lawnmower engines!)
Anyhow, it now runs - if you spray either into the air intake to get it started……
Who’s got a good recipe for something?
Bench - did y’all miss it? If there is a brawl, it is always described as a “bench clearing brawl”….. OK, guess you had to be there…. :-))) sorry …
By Carolina Lady
May 31, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
Hi, Lew! I’ve got a pretty good right arm from throwing rocks at it! I’ve considered using it for target practice, but that would be a waste of good ammo! Save that for crows and other varmints. It’ll be alright soon as scoots sends the Toro! He never did say which Christmas, though….. How’s your health, my friend?
By Coach
May 31, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
My argument for keeping Salty. He is just 22 , hits for power , switch hits , has a great arm(remind ya’ll of anybody?)and has nothing but upside. Chipper will be 36 at the end of the 2008 season , his at bats and games played have dropped every season since 2002 , his legs and feet are shot to hell(mother nature has not been kind). His 2009 team option will only vest if he reaches 450 at bats and he hasn’t had that many since 2004. Hey , I love Chipper and wish him only the best. But , if he is to have any realistic chance at the hall of fame , he should extend his career as a DH in the American League. Name another player in the entire Braves organization better suited to fill Chippers shoes than Salty ?
By AdirondackDave
May 31, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
DOB — Absolutely great stuff on Andruw and Soriano duet. This is “inside baseball” as the phrase originally suggests. By the way, as a kid this geezer remembers Connie Mack managing the Phillies from the dugout in his suit and tie. He owned the club so he could do what he wanted I guess. Even if he was a bad manager and did look ridiculous.
By Renegator
May 31, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
The problem with our bench players is not that they are so bad (well, that is a problem) but the fact that Bobby likes them to start games. They don’t kill the team when they come up an pinch hit but when you have Pete Orr starting two games in a row at third base - that kills the team. If they are bench players - please use them that way Bobby.
By DonCoburleone
May 31, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
I thought the Mets being shutout yesterday was especially sweet considering the fact that the Mets organization didn’t “think highly” enough of Barry Zito to sign him this past offseason… He looked pretty good at Shea yesterday didn’t he you h0m0s?
By David O'Brien
May 31, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Drive was easy … until you could see the Chicago skyline. At which point it was absolute gridlock. Holy Cornelia, I did some cussing and some illegal lane changes to get to the Avis place off Wacker along the Chicago River. Damn, my blood’s boiling, now I gotta write this Diaz story.
Should’ve stopped at Tim and Tom’s Mars Cheese Castle in Wisconsin, or the Apple Holler Restaurant and Show Place up the road a piece (could I possibly make those names up? No. They’re real.)
OK, resume dialogue.
By ObiWanKobe
May 31, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
How about suggesting to Soriano that they play Johnny Cash’s God’s Gonna Cut You Down when he comes out of the ‘pen
By Bob, Journalist
May 31, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
Pardon my tardiness but I’ve been busy and then my Internet connection went down …
I had a strange suspicion that Miss Daisy of Crow shootin’ fame might be in these environs and sure enough … goodness gracious, shades of Jerry Lee, there she be!
Me, I’ve been busy circulating important political emails, of all things … imagine that … Welcome back, My Lady!
Your return certainly fills a mighty big void!! Methinks Chipper can be replaced, but not you!! Maybe now, the Braves can get it on!
Choppin’ mama, I’m envious … I didn’t have any fatback, but country ham edges and bacon grease delivered a good mess of beans … and I made one too … had one large bowl, fell asleep with the heat still on low, awoke to my wife’s screams and the wonderful smell of burnt beans and a ruined pot!
By BEST LINE OF THE DAY
May 31, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
“expect to see more of Prado knowing Cox’s focus on defense.”
The guy has the range of a tree stump!
By Jared
May 31, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Kyle Davies has more homeruns than Martin Prado, Pete Orr and Chris Woodward combined.
I really find it hard to believe that any major league team has a bench as bad as the one the Braves are sporting.
By Carolina Lady
May 31, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Bob journalist (speaking of treasures…), my friend, if I ever fall off this pedestal, there are bound to be serious injuries! :-))) It’s gonna be a full-time job trying to live up to your perceptions of this lady! :-)))
By Bob, Journalist
May 31, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
My Lady, your reference to the bench may be lost on those only familiar will current conditions but there was a time when splinters were the order of the day … as Bobby goes for the record, one can’t help but ponder how many brawls were engineered for catalyst purposes.
As I get ready to hit the Post button so that I can shoo a little bird out of the room, I’m reminded how musch I dislike interleague play, free agency and marketing hype … it somehow isn’t the same.
By flange1
May 31, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
Holy Cornelia! The humanity! DOB’s in the Windy City!
Looking forward to sweeping the Cubbies!
Interesting, the Cardinals are looking for a catcher. Maybe we can help….
By BETTER BEST LINE OF THE DAY
May 31, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
“…McCann went to a bathroom adjacent to the dugout and took out his frustrations. Teammates heard him cursing.”
Too easy.
By blh
May 31, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
Your story about Andruw and Soriano singing reminded me of something I saw as a stringer covering GA Tech football a long time ago, back when “Play That Funky Music White Boy” was a big hit. After a particularly exciting win, that song came on the juke box in the locker room and three huge lineman, all completely naked, started doing what you might call a line dance and mouthing the lyrics. Their dance moves were perfectly coordinated, and, let’s just say, all parts of their bodies were swinging in unison. This remains perhaps the highlight of my short sportwriting career.
By David O'Brien
May 31, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
According to an e-mail I got from MLB, the early returns show a close race between McCann and Lo Duca for the NL catcher starting spot. But it doesn’t give me totals. They just showed the races that they said were close, with no totals. That one and Utley/Biggio for 2B were the only ones mentioned in NL.
Anyway, here’s a link to vote (hopefully it works when I post it here):
http://clicks.on32.com/cts/click?q=2;11840;n%2FimlEj89%2BHtYGxEfUt89UNT33I%2FAh7I
By Bob, Journalist
May 31, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
I have no fears regarding the Blog’s First Lady falling from pedestals on which she stands or sits … it’s the ladders that have me worried!
By Arkansas Hillbilly
May 31, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
OHHH McClint!!…Great Party!!, Where tha Whiskey? Carolina Lady, you’re not allowed to leave anymore. Since you’ve been gone, we’ve had torn elbows, dislocated pinky’s, bruised thumbs, dead monkeys, and even an earthquake in South Arkansas for cryin’ out loud. Welcome home young lady…
By Overlord
May 31, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
Im about to think good players like HARRIS, DIAZ and SALTY are not allowed to play everyday , so they dont get enough at bats and can get to be more expensive players……. imagine what would the braves have to pay this players in the next few years if they were not platoon players…….. I cant find another explaination at least to our LF, Harris MUST get more ABs not only at 1st, but he should get playing time at CF and 3B even if chipper is healthy and if AJ is not hurt….. We have enough power on jeff, brian, chipper and renteria to cover for AJ since sitting him is not leaving any “empty power spot” in the lineup. And i agree with everybody: what are we doing carrying ORR and WOODWARD???? this guys MUST gggggggooooooooo. Pitching??? If CORMIER comes up at least decent i think thing are gonna get better in a hurry, since JAMES is not doing so bad, i mean the guy has a subfour ERA, that is very good for a 4th spot guy and not so bad for 3rd spot, Im not sure if CORMIER is gonna be much better than that, what i think is that it would take presure off CHUCK and maybe he could pitch even better and that could take presure off CORMIER…….like a chain reaction, same for KYLE, being the 5th starter will make him try to impress……i hope im right. By the way, i feel going for some CUB hunt……lets kick a22 braves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Arkansas Hillbilly
May 31, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
DOB,
If you see the old man on the corner at Wrigley with the 5-gallon bucket drum kit, give him a dollar. He’s earned it through the years. Also thanks for the Hoss, Jr. Didn’t I recommend that c.d. to ya?
By BossLady
May 31, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
blh what in the world was that about?
By DonCoburleone
May 31, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
“I would add Cabrera/Ramirez from Florida to the list”
Nice one JasoninMaine, those two totally skipped my mind… I’d probably rather have those two than Wright and Reyes…
By Baron
May 31, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
Hey, Look, DOB, you made firejoemorgan.com!!!!!
I hadn’t thought of how silly that sounded until they pointed it out, although I kinda agree with you… perhaps we could say he has the “Eye of the Tiger”. RWWWRR!!!
By Overlord
May 31, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
Be patient guys….. We are hitting, other teams r hitting less than us……and i mean everybody else but the mutts, since we have the 2nd highest BA among NL teams. One more thing… about OBP: 7th Kelly Johnson .395 14th Jose Reyes .388 25th Rafael Furcal .376 40th Marcus Giles .349
Mutts got back GUILLERMO MOTA from suspension and one of their best players this year (SHAWN GREEN) on the DL with a broken bone on one of his feet. And i dont really think ALOU is gonna be so great this year from now on since those knee injuries are not so easy to overcome, even more at his age.
Glad TIM looked more like our solid 2nd punch yesterday, cant wait to see how CORMIER is gonna do. His presence i think will also make this easier on the bullpen that has been killed because of the lack of quality on the back of our rotation. Does anyone knows if DEVINE is ready to step up and help? or is he still trying to figure out how to pitch in the bigs?
By beachcomber
May 31, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
Before I check out for the day, let me join the chorus - welcome back fellow devotee of beach music. Good to see your posts CL!
By Turnin2
May 31, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
Choppin Hey speaking of 117, I may be forced to miss a game or two so please let me know when you’re coming up so I can save my seat for you! Also…if it’s anytime soon - PLEASE bring some fresh veggies my way!!!!
DOB Priceless clubhouse story on AJ and Soriano. I heard AJ do karaoke once (eons ago)and as I remember, he wasn’t too bad.
By journalist jimmy smith
May 31, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
imagine the willpower needed for dob to drive past Tim and Tom’s Mars Cheese Castle. oh, the humanity!
By Assumed Name
May 31, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
Found this last night. Went back today and got the totals for the blog if anyone is interested.
According to MLB
Lo Duca, P. Mets 339,527
McCann, B. Braves 288,491
Estrada, J. Brewers 255,884
Actually, it’s pretty close for the top 3.
There are 4 Mets leading voting at their positions.
Chipper is second to D Wright. I would argue heartily against that…. if Chipper will ever get back in the lineup. Until he does and gets some games under his belt, its going to be an uphill climb for him.
By Carolina Lady
May 31, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
Hillbilly & beachcomber, a big hug to each of you! :-)
By The Grinch
May 31, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
Of course, I’m saying this without knowing his range at this position yet, but I’d say at least initially I’ve got to agree with Coach’s 3:22. Salty’s arm would be much more valuable at third than first, though as I say I’d have to see him there for a bit first. Regardless, he must not be traded. That’s twice in the last week or two I’ve agreed with a Coach post; the apocalypse must be nigh.
By eware
May 31, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
DOB, I owe you an apology…sorry for burning you about liking Bright Eyes. I decided that since you like Conor’s stuff, I’d give it another shot. Cassadaga, actually, is a great album. It sounds way better than his previous Emo/whiny stuff.
Also, have you heard Golden Smog’s Blood on the Slacks? Pretty good stuff.
By Nelson
May 31, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
If Willie Harris can play third, we are done. This is one of the reasons I don’t like Bobby too much, he knows the whole team was in a Slump, we need more offensive to try to fill the deficit from Chipper absense. Orr is a good guy but if we seriously want to be in the play-offs besides another starter we need more offensive. I wil not be totally happy until they call Yuniel Scobar and Brandon Jones!. Bring them for Woodward and Orr.
By Lew
May 31, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
Ma’am-I’m doing much better. The toe doctor sent me to the shoe doctor. I have learned all about New Balance. They make a big difference. Chipper should try them.
By Berigan
May 31, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
By Stuart
May 31, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Did it strike anyone, that Hudson and BMac got p** and then the Braves woke up. Maybe business as usual isnt always the best way. I was glad to see the Bravos get fired up.
Stuart, thats a good point! I know it has been mentioned that he brewers bullpen (Turnbow) had been overworked, but a very rare explosion, both in the dugout, and on the field makes one wonder. Too bad there was a day off, but you need it going all the way from Milwaukee to Chicago! ;)
By Nelson
May 31, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this
I forgot: About Thorman, he is looking really good, but somebody has to tell him he can’t crash the ball everytime he step on at home plate, we don’t need more Andrews! I think if he reduces the weight of his lumber a little bit it will help him, he is a rookie and I believe he will be our 1st. baseman for a long time, I like how he plays, but need a good advice (Hello Terry do your job!)
By Berigan
May 31, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this
Wilson Betemit, is hitting .181, with 5 homers, and 15 RBI’s. He is mainly a pinch hitter right now….does anyone think we could somehow get him back, or will the Dodgers keep him for protection if Andy LaRoche doesn’t pan out? Funny thing, I looked at his numbers and his 5 homers is one above league average for 3rd baseman, and the 15 Rbi’s is one above league average as well! Sounds fishy, but that’s what it says at yahoo…. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6811
By Berigan
May 31, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this
Oh, forgot to mention Betemit is still only 26!
By eric the elder
May 31, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this
Nelson, good thought about Thor maybe using a lighter bat. He looks muscle bound to me, and his bat seems like just an extension of his arms without any hands or wrists.
Everyone knows that swinging extra hard slows the speed with which the bat reaches the hitting zone. And a lot of his swings do look late.
So … lighter bat and more hands might keep him on the ball better. Lots of potential here.
By Bob, Journalist
May 31, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
My Internet Connection has been down 4 times in the last 2 hours … I’ll bet most everyone whould have enjoyed my last post, had it survived … but, it’s time to call it a day … maybe I’ll try to salvage that seemingly ruined pot.
can seemingly hit … delightful, simply delightful … but what does it mean? Only Lamont C
By Braveheart
May 31, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
F Charles H., whomever you are, you little rat bastard, selling out the blog and DOB to firejoemorgan.com.
First, I guess, we need to find out who he is.
Bob the Journalist and JJS will be the Columbo and Matlock team that will stumble their way into figuring out who Charles H. is.
When they finally solve the case by having JJS do a bird call and have a bird locate him, JJS will throw a pie in his face and Bob will keep dunking his head in the hot tub.
Lew, our hitmen, will then come over and break the kneecaps of Charles H.
SJA, you can then bludgeon the man nearly to death.
Bring caveman22 and joebrave so they can pile on the guy and kick him while he is down. As they pound on the guy, you will hear more curse word than in an episode of the Sopranos. The only discernible word will be sumbich this and sumbich that.
Then let stinky come and spread his stank all over the guy.
Grinch will come over and pee on him and then tip his 40 oz. and tell Charles H. that this is for my homey DOB. Grinch is still angry about that beeeoch from the other night, so he won’t be able to resist giving Charles H. a cheap shot or two as he releases some of his pent up rage from the woman.
N8, KC, and myself will then torture him nearly to death by reading our 6000 page long posts to him.
Shaun will join in the torture by reading Charles H. the entire works of Bill James and Rob Neyer.
When that does not work, Shaun will then go on for 36 hours about his theories about why smallball is stupid and why no team should even waste time with a bench - they obviously should just have 8 position players and 17 pitchers.
Then as he is dying, DOB will pry open his eyes and tell him to have a good, long hard look at my face, Charles, because, this, my friend, is the face of DOB, and, yes, this is the face of a closer, the closer who will now close the door to your sad little life, you little rat bastard.
Carolina Lady and FlBravesgirl will beg the Lord to have mercy on the pathetic soul of this little rat bastard.
Matthew, dad to Walter, will do perform last rites.
Wayne will write a Dylanesque poem and a song about the death of a rat named Charles H.
Savannah Guy will write a satirical dark comedy about the last days of a Judas rat named Charles H.
By Rick Roberts
May 31, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
Don’t panic JS! Take advantage of this situation we’re in and trade Andrew to the Dodgers or Red Sox. Both have minor leaguers we could use—some could play now. It would be best for the organization—the Dodgers would part with Billingsley, Loney, and Kemp for AJ. Start Loney immediately as well as Billingsley. Put Harris in CF. Consider Thorman to Toronto for Adam Lind? I agree to play Diaz at 1B and Harris at 3B for now. This is not giving up, rather taking advantage of the situation to build for the future and still win this year. Minor Leaguers to consider bringing up: Matt Harrison, LHP; Gregor Blanco, CF; Yuniel Escobar, 3B; and Rheal Cormier for the BP—he’s ready. Teams are bringing up younger pitchers with success—others would be Jo Jo Reyes; Tommy Hanson; Dustin Evans; Jake Stevens; Dan Smith; James Parr; Will Startup; and Manny Acosta.
Paronto should be sent down or traded. So, JS, make some moves, especially with Andrew—we all know the Braves will not sign him next year so get something out of him, now.
By Carolina Lady
May 31, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
Braveheart - a priceless imagination! :-)
By Berigan
May 31, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist,
Do you use Mozilla/firefox browser? I had a problem with my computer, frozen, so had to shut down in the middle of a long post. Anyway, when I rebooted, and clicked the mozilla icon, it said there had been a problem when it was last up, and did I want to restore previous session? I thought, what the heck, I had a few stories I was looking at as well.
Well, not only did those other Mozilla windows show up, but so did the this blog, with what I had typed up!!!! Couldn’t believe that! Never had that happen with IE browser. Now, I have tried to post, and the thing timed out, and trying to back up and lost the entire post.
I often highlight and copy the whole post I make(Like this long one!) in case it doesn’t go thru. Monitors don’t like hammer useage I have found…..
By PaBravefan
May 31, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
DOB I get the feeling something is about to happen in the terms os a big trade. First Matt Harrison is skipped last night in AA for not apparent reason. Tonight Dan Smith, who has been lighting it up in AA and was recently promoted to AAA is skipped at the last minute. Blaine Boyer made the start. Now maybe this is just a coincedence, but something seems foul! If anyone is in Richmond or Mississippi that knows why these 2 were skipped, please post and let me know. I get the feeling that a deal is being worked out and they are avoiding injury. DOB ANYHTING ON THIS FRONT
By David-ATL14
May 31, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this
Harrison was skipped due to some minor sorness in his pitching arm.
Smith was moved(opinion only) to put him in line with Smoltz in case his arm or finger gives him a problem in his bullpen session tomorrow.
By jed
May 31, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
i’m looking at stats for SS and am wondering why renteria is not considered a lock as an all-star. his stats are better than reyes & rollins. offensively, hardy’s power stats/rbi’s are ahead of rent’s, but otherwise, it should be renteria. of course i’m not a stats-centric observer. reyes really impresses me when i watch him. but for consistent production and quiet leadership (leadership by example), i’d take renteria over all those guys. i think the braves would be crazy to let him walk.
By bruce
May 31, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
Dave, Very nice story on Matt and Willie. Very classy of Diaz to mention Langy and of you to use it. I recall early in the season that Huddy called Diaz “Magellan” on TV when Huddy was giving the starting line-up. I presume that would be kidding him on some of his routes. Maybe Huddy will give you an update on his thinking, after he reads your column. Thanks, Bruce
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 31, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
blh I think I would file your 4:32 post under “Damn brother, I don’t think I would have told that” category.
By ssiscribe
May 31, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
*By journalist jimmy smith
May 31, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
all the ladies have returned to the blog today! it is a very good day.*
Indeed, JJS, it is a good day. And now, this: The Scribe gets to fry that real big fish. Selah, commute!
—30—
By jb
May 31, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
Woodward, Prado, and Orr together are killing us. Orr has speed, but really doesn’t use it well. Look at his stolen base total. Prado has been shaky defensively since his call up and can’t hit well above AAA. Woodward has a little more pop and is more versatile for positions he can play (all but catcher and pitcher.) He can give an occassional rest to a starter or more importantly finish a game when it is out of reach. Salty is being wasted at this time. Either send him to the minors to get AB’s, or call up another catcher so he can be used. He could realistically get an AB a day as a pinch hitter and could even be a late inning replacement for McCann with a game already decided in the 7th. The extra rest would help McCann and probably get a chance for a possible 2nd at bat for Salty in the game. Escobar’s bat would really be good in Chipper’s absence and we all know that Chipper will likely miss some more games after he gets back. He can even give Renteria a rest at times with a spot start or a latter inning replacement when Chipper is back. Escobar should give the Braves similar if not better offense to Betemit when Chipper is out. Send Orr and Prado back down (they still have options,) and bring up Escobar and Pena. That will help the offense currently, the bench now and with Chipper back, and not hurt us defensively.
By David O'Brien
May 31, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
Thanks, David. Accurate info!
We’ve said for a while now that Dan Smith is on the radar, and I think we’ll see him in the rotation before we’ll see Lerew again. But that’s just my gut feeling….
Eware, haven’t heard that Golden Smog album. Got three others, really like ‘em.
DINOSAUR JR is playing here in Chicago next three nights. Might have to try to get to the show tonight or tomorrow (got Graham Parker ticket Saturday already).
Braveheart, you’re one beautifully twisted cat.
By DonCoburleone
May 31, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
I am shocked that Woodward is still here. Braves management has already shown they have no problem admitting they were wrong for signing a guy and then cutting him (Wilson, Redman). Orr doesn’t shock me at all though, just like DOB said earlier, he’s one of Bobby’s guys and has been for over 2 years now… That said, CUT THEM BOTH!!!
By Carolina Lady
May 31, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
Speaking of cats, DOB, how is Coltrane?
By MEB
May 31, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady… Hallelujah and pass the pecan pie! Well for that matter you can pass the apple, cherry, and pumpkin. So glad to see ya back and I pray all is well with you and yours. I do believe the Braves have been in a bit of a slump since you left. So… please, please, stick around a while.
By Ron
May 31, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
DOB, got a question for you? With the upcoming draft next Thursday, and I hear that the first 15 teams should be getting a top-tier talent, because the draft is really stocked, who do you think we will pick with the #14 pick? Just an estimated guess, what players are they targeting? I would think that they are going to pick the best on the board, regardless of position!!! Im not sayin it is good that we lost last year, but the way Baseball people are talkin about how great the draft will be this year, we will probably end up with a future All-Star, maybe!!!
By Bob, Journalist
May 31, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
Thanks Berigan, I’ve got both IE and Foxfire … though I don’t normally use Foxfire … like the old nun, it a matter of habit. I wasn’t aware of that feature and switched over to Foxfire just now before accessing the site.
One thing that should appeal to a bunch of folks is what I assume to be an automatic spell checker … as I see your name is underlined in red.
Thanks again!
Gil, blh’s 4:32 revelations might help explain why his tenure as a sportswriter was short lived …
By ssiscribe
May 31, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
I’d be remiss if, in the midst of celebrating catching the big fish I’ve been chasing recently, I didn’t take the chance to tell Carolina Lady it’s great to see her back on the blog. I hope all is well with you.
Here? Just raising a glass of Coke Zero (STILL haven’t drank anything since me, Grinch and Metro raged that one night on opening weekend) and toasting my new gigs. Cheers to all, as the Scribe abides.
—30—
By Carolina Lady
May 31, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
MEB, God bless you, sir, and many thanks! (big smile here!)
By Carolina Lady
May 31, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
ssiscribe, it’s always a pleasure to hear from you - and I thank you for your welcome back. Congratulations on landing that big one! Well deserved, no doubt!
By Choppin Bob
May 31, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
This team could use some help. Spend it keepin AJ or acquire several other players? I find it hard to believe 1 person = 4. We need some starting pitching. As everyone knows KC has shown powerful stats from the pen. A few starters are diluted by some really good games, but we need more good games. How many rookies did we bring up 2 years ago and were still the better team. Lack of experience and timely hitting killed us. I have a feeling Liberty will spend money to bring us back where we once were.
By Choppin Bob
May 31, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
This team could use some help. Spend it keepin AJ or acquire several other players? I find it hard to believe 1 person = 4. We need some starting pitching. As everyone knows KC has shown powerful stats from the pen. A few starters are diluted by some really good games, but we need more good games. How many rookies did we bring up 2 years ago and were still the better team. Lack of experience and timely hitting killed us. I have a feeling Liberty will spend money to bring us back where we once were.
By JJMB
May 31, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Nice to read you again, CL. (psst..i know what you mean about the riff-raff).
;-)
By Kathy
May 31, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
With Davies struggling so badly, would it make sense to bring him out of the bullpen and put Villareal into the starting rotation?
By David O'Brien
May 31, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
BLH, what’s the expression, TMI?
By Yars
May 31, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
Atlanta didn’t get Woodward for his bat, but his glove. He can play a lot of different positions. Every team needs a player like Woodward. He’ll get a spot start every now & then, and pinch hit as well. As for Orr, he’s still around only because Aybar is out. Prado is useless at the major league level. If Chipper lands on the DL, I pray Prado doesn’t start @ 3B until Hoss is back. If Thorman keeps not hitting, I want to see Salty get some time @ 1B.
By PaBravefan
May 31, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB, and Dave-ATL!
By journalist jimmy smith
May 31, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith sends out hearty congratulations to scribe who has landed the big fish discussed earlier on this blog. soon, all bloggers will gather for a fish fry hosted by scribe at a time and place to be determined. pie will be provided by letwan’s mama, mrs. anthony. canned ham courtesy of anne cox chambers, and cheese compliments of all the journalists in attendance. this should be quite a party. red velvet cake will be included along with biscuits and gravy. only one blogger has asked for souse meat, but souse meat will be served. barbecue will be served in abundance - with coleslaw on the side only. banana pudding both with and without meringue, black diamond watermelons and goobahs. krispy kremes, too. and beverages? grinch will be placed in charge of all beverages. several undesirable bloggers are expected to crash this party as they do the blog and there will be little bags of dried fish for these bloggers to consume in solitude. a good time should be had by all. now, scribe, what is the news and when is the party?
By The Grinch
May 31, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this
Howdy, all. Looks like I’ve missed a warm and cuddly evening. Scribe, let us here more of this fish. Is it a state record? I will be happy to provide beverages, including coke zero (I’m probably still in the doghouse with your wife; I don’t wish to perpetuate that). CL, good to see you back. I must agree with berigan’s reccomendation of a Toro; I’ve had mine since about ‘97 and aside from the time I got drunk and drove it into the fire pit and bent the deck I’ve had no work done on it at all save blade sharpening, oil changes and a new belt every three years or so. I think it still has the original battery.
Yars, are you sure we didn’t get Woodward for his bat?
As for everyone disturbed by BLH’s locker-room story; have no fear. It’s fake, as is evidenced by his assertion that anyone at Ga Tech would have enough equipment to “swing.”
By David O'Brien
May 31, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this
SURPRISE for the DENIZENS: Late-night NEW BLOG. A first, I believe, at this late hour. Please show me it’s worth doing this late at night. Let’s try to muster a few dozen good posts before you all start nodding out or drooling on your shirts in your recliner (oh, wait, that’s me.)
By GTI
May 31, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
DOB Yeah! Nice shout out for the old Mars Cheese Castle, Dave. Sorry to read that you hit all that lovely traffic on what we call the “Edens Expressway” here in Chi-Town. Someone should have warned you that you didn’t want to be driving into downtown Chicago anytime after 2pm or so - especially with those flash rainstorms we had this afternoon.
Anyhoo, welcome back to the land of Jeff Tweedy and Ozzie Guillen. Please keep in mind that the lovely sights of the city (those with the dominant X chromosome, I mean) are even easier to find out at Oak Street Beach than they are strolling the Mag Mile - Even if you do pull your socks up to your knees.
But a serious baseball question: So, not that I really expect Chipper to continue to miss signifigant time, but given that he’s still out now, and Woodward and Orr are not really panning out as 3rd base fill-ins, do you see anybody out there that the team could possibly pull a trade for in the coming weeks to better fill that roll? Is that something that’s even predictable at this point? How real is the possibilty that Willie Harris gets a crack at that job?
By Bob, Journalist
June 1, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this
I’ve been watching CNN … 28 school kids murdered in Chicago during the school year … it’s sad … far more than sad!
Methinks we need automatic death penalties for drug dealers, people illegally providing weapons, child molesters, rapists and anyone engaging in crime involving dangerous weapons of any kind … instead of letting them hold us hostage and destroy that in which we believe and hold dear.
Seriously, something needs to be done … must be done, if we are to survive and be able to enjoy baseball, at Wrigley Field or anywhere else.
Kids going through metal detectors as the enter the schoolhouse … goodness! However, I must admit that it was much the same when I was growing up, our water guns were always being confiscated!
It’s not just Chicago … things are bad here in Nashville too … Kroger is charging $5.00 for a 12 pack of Coca Cola but Pepsi is usually on sale; four 12 packs for $10 … something must be done!
Somehow, it’s not the same … the digression isn’t meant to suggest that Nashville is immune to the problems besetting Chicago … methinks such problems permeate our land.
They indicated that violence is down in the windy city of of the Cubs and the Sox … goodness! I suppose that they should be applauded but somehow I’m not clapping … from water guns and cap pistols to automatic weapons is not what I would call good progress … nor is it a good trend.
It took us but a few years to rid ourselves of the Third Reich menace but times, values, and attitudes have seemingly changed … it must have something to do with entitlement and/or the water … earlier today I saw the family of a fallen soldier publicly bemoaning their loss, complaining that their son joined the service to see the world and gain an education … not be placed in harm’s way.
Pardon the rantings of an incomplete old fool, especially on the day celebrating the return of the Blog’s First Lady … but such things are troubling to me … less the evil itself than the fact that we rationalize and allow it to continue to happen. I hate apathy more than I hate seeing the Braves play poorly!
No mention of the upcoming Braves and Cub series … guess they have other things about which to think and report.