AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > June > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USEscobar is here; Double-A manager is, uh, well, uhh…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Braves hotshot prospect Yunel Escobar got to Wrigley Field at 10:30 this morning and will be the second batter up when this game starts at 12:05 p.m. (late update before posting this thing: he just singled after fouling off several pitches in an impressive first at-bat in the majors. Now back to the blog….)
This Escobar weekend would fall squarely under the category of Whirlwind, after he spent the night in Fort Wayne, Ind., because his flight from a minor league outpost was diverted from Chicago last night due to storms. (But I hear Fort Wayne is lovely this time of year….)
And it would also fall under the category of Dream of a Lifetime.
We throw the clichĂ© around too often, but in this case, it couldn’t be more true. From Cuban defector escaping on a little boat a few years ago, to the starting third baseman for the Braves vs. the Cubs at Wrigley Field in his major league debut.
“Yuney” is batting second today (Saturday), behind leadoff man Martin Prado and just ahead of Edgar Renteria, Andruw and Francoeur, then, Diaz, Salty, Thorman and Chuck James.
By the way, that’s Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia, Curacao, France (er, Lilburn, Ga.), Florida, Florida, Canada, Mableton (small town in Georgia, for you outside the Peach State).
(Further by the way, Kelly J’s got a ear/sinus/throat thing he’s been trying to shake for a few days, but saw a doctor today and is being rested at least one game and on meds. He took B.P. and was in good spirits when I mentioned the problem hasn’t stopped him from hitting lately _ 8-for-15 in his past three games.
“That’s because I can’t hear them heckling me anymore,” he said, “saying that I have a girl’s name.”)
I asked Escobar, through translator/bullpen coach Eddie Perez, if he’d had a chance to talk to his dad yet. He was able to get his dad, Mariano, and a 10-year-old sister, Yunay, out of Cuba and to Miami in January to live with him.
Escobar’s still trying to get his mother out of Cuba, which ain’t easy folks. This is serious, difficult stuff, the likes of which most of us can’t even begin to comprehend.
Anyway, when I asked him this morning if he’d had a chance to speak to his dad since the promotion to the bigs, Escobar said, “My dad was crying when he found out I was coming. He’s very happy.”
So is Yunel, who’s best position is shortstop, but who certainly will take any chance he gets to play at any position. He’s solid at third base and has a cannon arm, which was obvious the first time I saw him take infield in spring training two years ago.
“I’m ready for anything,” he said. “I was waiting for this moment a long time.”
If you’re not pulling for this kid, you might neet to check your pulse.
Mississippi meltdown: And to think, I left Wrigley Field believing I’d seen the greatest temporary loss-of-sanity meltdown of the day with Carlos Zambrano slugging his catcher.
Then they show the complete meltdown by Double-A Mississipi Braves manager Phillip Wellman, which was beyond comprehension. If you haven’t seen it, I’m sure someone will find a link to the video and post it here soon enough.
Let’s just say, the moment where he’s mimicking the hand-grenade toss with the rosin bag … well, I had to make sure I was actually awake and watching television, not envisioning this in some strange hallucinatory dream state.
Amazing. Rather frightening. But highly entertaining, without question.
Wellman’s in his first season as the Double-A manager. No further comment….
Couple of stats: Gonna keep this blog brief, just give you a clean slate to do your thing. But here’s a few stats before we get started with this game, some numbers to ponder.
— Braves are 14-3 vs. Cubs since the beginning of the 2005 season, including 6-1 in their past seven games at the venerable Wrigley Pub … er, Field.
— Braves have hit .347 and scored 29 runs their past five games, beginning with the series-finale loss vs. Philly. They’re 3-2 with a 4.70 ERA in that span….
— I mentioned last week how well Francoeur’s hitting on the road compared to home this year, total reversal of last season. Well, in 20 road games since April 23, he’s hit .398 with nine doubles, four homers, 17 RBIs and a .636 slugging percentage. In that same span at home, he’s hit .203 with three doubles, no homers, six RBIs and a .254 slugging percentage in 16 games.
— Bravos lead the NL in road average (.292), road homers (36), road scoring (156 runs) and road slugging (.472). Their best road averages belong to Willie Harris (.378), Renteria (.367), Frenchy (.347), idle Hoss (.345) and K.J. (.330).
— On the other hand, they have NL’s third-worst home hitting team, at least by average (.243). They’re slugging .394 at home, compared to .472 on the road.
“Don’t Forget The Coffee Billy Joe” by Tom T. Hall
It snowed the night before and it had frozen on the ground
We didn’t have a car and we lived seven miles from town
And I can hear my daddy’s voice so many years ago
Saying, “Don’t forget the coffee Billy Joe.”
”Mama needs her medicine, she’s got that real bad cough
We’ll get our check on Monday, tell ol’ Sam we’ll pay him off
You can catch a ride when you get to the black-top road
Don’t forget the coffee Billy Joe”
Me and Quentin went back on the hill and we cut some wood
Burnin’ in that ol’ warm mornin’ stove it sure smelled good
Daddy couldn’t get work then and I was just a child
And God was on vacation for awhile.
“Well, if you see Fred you tell him I’ll come help him kill them hogs
And ask him if he’d still be interested in my dogs
Don’t hang around that pool room all day, we might get more snow
And don’t forget the coffee Billy Joe”
Well, they wonder why there ain’t no rabbits left this day and time
To tell the truth I guess we ate ‘em all in ‘49
Was that yesterday or was it over 20 years ago
“Don’t forget the coffee Billy Joe”
“Mama needs her medicine, she’s got that real bad cough
We’ll get our check on Monday tell ol’ Sam we’ll pay him off
You can catch a ride when you get to the black-top road
Don’t forget the coffee Billy Joe
(Now pay attention, son) Don’t forget the coffee Billy Joe”
Services »
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Coop
June 2, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
I loved the kid Escobar’s approach in the 1st inning. It’s always exciting watching these young kids make it to the show.
By Calvin
June 2, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
first?
Got a link for that video?
By GermanBravesFan
June 2, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
Sounds like Escobar is the real deal. DOB, any chance the call-up might also serve as a showcase for possible trade suitors? From what it looks like, the Braves might need another proven starter. Do you think that, at this point (still early, I know), the Braves will listen to any offers regarding Escobar or Salty? Are the Braves considering moving Salty from catcher to first base (I think I have read something on ESPN that he has been taking ground balls at first)?
By Ballgame
June 2, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
What a pleasure it is to listen to a Braves game with professional announcers—on WGN
They just call the game without the cheerleading and “where was THAT pitch?” antics of Joe Simpson and Chip Caray.
Those two might as well be wearing cheerleader’s skirts.
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
The link th the video is on the other blog, about 20-30 posts from the end.
I almost fell from the chair laughing. He took 2nd & 3rd base & left with them, lol.
I wonder how long he is suspended for?
Yes that was a good AB by Escobar. Frenchy swung at ball four & five in his AB.
By MBATL
June 2, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Great stuff on Escobar, DOB. These prospects can come to be seen as nothing more than commodities as we discuss how to improve the team, but that’s some real life drama.
Posted this on the last blog, but here’s the video on Wellman’s meltdown: LINK
I especially like the touch where he covers home plate, very carefully, with dirt, and then draws a HUGE home plate outline around it… think maybe he was upset with the strikezone?
I’d hate to see Bobby do something like this in the majors (although, what a way to break the record??), but to me it’s kind of fun in the minors. Bull Durham-ish…
By MEB
June 2, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Red Sox fans wearing blond wigs at Fenway last night in honor of A Rod. Priceless!!!
CNN showed the video of Wellman going absolutely gonzo. Priceless!!!
By The Grinch
June 2, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
I’m not offended by anyone’s beliefs, nor am I afraid for the state of my soul. I was just trying to avoid bloodshed, which almost always seems to accompany talk of organized religion in a public place. No biggie; nobody ever listens to me anyway. :-) Time to make a beer and snack run.
By Calvin
June 2, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
ballgame,
I too have to watch the game on WGN and they are definitely boring the living crap out of me.
By The Grinch
June 2, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
German Braves Fan, I’ll make it a German beer day in your honor. Bottoms up! I would say Boden, but I don’t have umlauts on my keyboard. I’ll return shortly.
By David O'Brien
June 2, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
The sniglets guy just flied out (gonna see if any of you 40-somethings catch the reference)
Haven’t heard anything as far as particular teams who might be scouting Escobar or Salty, and haven’t heard that the Braves are shopping either. Doesn’t mean they aren’t, just means I haven’t heard they are.
I talked to one AL scout in Milwaukee and he hadn’t heard of them actively shopping Salty….
And yes, once again, Salty takes grounders at first almost every day. Seriously, I think we get asked the question almost as often as he takes grounders there. Which is almost every day.
By A-ville Ranger
June 2, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
Escobar…There’s a name asking to have candy named after it.Don suggested the Pirates may have had info or at least an inkling concerning Gonzo’s elbow.Don their PIRATES ! I’m thinking the same way.I wonder if management would have signed Gonzo had Leo been here ?It seems most pitchers signed in his tenure had simple sound mechanics.A word or two on Kerry Wood,before his injuries he had the most electric fastball I’ve ever seen.I miss it.
By A-ville Ranger
June 2, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Yummy..that es-co-bar is good stuff.
By David O'Brien
June 2, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
Couple of us scribes and ‘casters were trying to figure out tomorrow’s move (they’ve gotta move someone to open a spot for Cormier), and it’s tough. I’d guess Prado is the odd man out. Can’t see Bobby sending down Orr, who he really likes, instead of Prado.
Escobar’s staying, and I bet if he plays well he’ll stay when Chipper returns, too.
By Coop
June 2, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Would you agree that Edgar is a no doubt All-Star this year? Man has he been clutch!!
By journalist jimmy smith
June 2, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
By songwriter jimmy smith
June 2, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
6 Snappy Spicy Tender German Sausages
6 Snappy Spicy Tender German Sausages
6 Snappy Spicy Tender German Sausages
on a plate!
this song was the last post on the previous blog and songwriter thought it should be brought to this blog. then, jimmy smith noticed the germanbravesfan post so this song is now intended as a welcome to that blogger.
and now, baseball … the escobar era has begun. this journalist advocates the move of chipper jones to first base as soon as the hammock bones have healed. and where is doc when we need to learn more of hammock bones?
oh, the humanity! prado has been struck in the face with the ball and has remained in the game! sore? uncomfortable? still in the game. journalist likes prado on this team - just off the bench for now, though.
and braves aa manager phillip wellman is obviously not a well man. perhaps bobby can set the record this way. bobby crawling on the ground would be nasty from any angle. chico cadahia could join bobby and make a real show of things.
and
By Calvin
June 2, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
Here is a link to that video Mr. O’Brien mentioned. One of the better tantrums you will ever see. Double A manager goes nuts
By journalist jimmy smith
June 2, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
a-ville ranger makes a good point. they are pirates and pirates are not to be trusted. always looking for buried treasure and turning up laroche instead. still, laroche may turn out to be booty. and why is there no interest in the braves acquiring jonah from the pirates? jonah cannot last long on a pirate ship and jonah is a better pitcher than some on the braves staff.
By MBATL
June 2, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
If James had a sinker he could throw for strikes, he’d be so tough… Smoltz learned a new pitch at age 39. Seems like James should spend the offseason at Tim Hudson’s house.
By StingerSplash
June 2, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
Rich Hill, Rich Hall, what’s the difference. And where in the hell did the Braves system get THAT guy to be the Mississippi manager? I don’t think Blauser would have ever done anything like that.
By Sir Stealth
June 2, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
Pete just shouted out to the Cornelia radio station - awesome.
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
Man, Diaz went digging in the dirt to hit that pitch. He picked up Frenchy who failed to get the guy in from third.
Good work by James to get out of the inning.
By eric the elder
June 2, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Salty framed the strikeout pitch to Jacque Jones perfectly, and he blocked some tough pitches with the bases loaded. He looks very animated back there and seems to be pushing his pitcher with good ideas. Love this kid.
By JJMB
June 2, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
Hey Dave, sorry if I missed this, but is Barrett at the game today? Did you get to see his face? Two black eyes and a fat lip? How about Zambrano, injured at all? What’s the skinny on what happened in the clubhouse?
By MBATL
June 2, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
Scoring question: why didn’t Yunel get a sacrifice on the bunt, where Hill hit Prado with the throw? Does anyone really think Escobar was bunting for a hit?
By MS
June 2, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
Man, way to close out the 4th by Chuckie. Bags juiced and one out and gets a strikeout and flyout to end it. Good to see.
And that sneaking up on the mound and throwing the grenade by Wellman was absolutely hilarious. Yes, I question his sanity a little, but it was funny nonetheless that’s for sure..
By David O'Brien
June 2, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
MBATL, he didn’t get a sacrifice because Prado would have been out at 2B with a good throw. That was the ruling….
And no, Barrett’s not in the game.
By journalist jimmy smith
June 2, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
escobar is a mature player - not a kid. retain escobar at third base and teach chipper to play first base. stronger team. thorman can backup at 1b or lf and can come off the bench - as well as get 30+ starts when chipper is hurt. woodward can be released. hmmm….
By Don
June 2, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
Wellman might have been trying to get on the radar screen as a potential replacement for Bobby, but he comes off looking like a Joe Mikuluk wannabe. Mikuluk is/was a Class A manager who did a bunch of the same stuff.
For DOB’s viewing and listening pleasure, I picked from multiple clips to get one from ESPN where the excreble Stuart Scott joins in on the commentary. I know, that just ain’t right!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gDx_6LzfZ5Y
By A-ville Ranger
June 2, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
Every time Andruw pulls up on a grounder and doesn’t run it out at full speed. I want to reach over and slap him on the back of his head.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 2, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
Oh man, that was a professional blow up by Wellman. Wish I could have been there.
Nice job by James so far today. Staying ahead in the count, working out of trouble. Escobar looks good too. To think they have better players still in the pipeline. Scary…
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
How about the bare handed play by Escobar a few innings ago. Orr, Prado & Woodward doesn’t make that play.
By eric the elder
June 2, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
MBATL, the same question occurred to me. If the scorer’s opinion was that Prado would have been out with a good throw, then I can see it. But Prado was clearly safe, error or no error. Thus Yunel should be credited with the sac bunt. I’m guessing that there is an arcane rule that I know nothing about.
By Don
June 2, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Small correction to A-ville Ranger. I said that others have suggested the Pirates thought Gonzales was damaged goods. I suggested it’s possible they didn’t but thought that Gonzales’ mechanics made a serious arm injury almost a matter of when, not if. They seemed pretty determined to trade a guy who was 24 for 24 in saves last year.
And to repeat something I posted toward the end of the other blog, there’s an excellent piece in the New York Times today on Kerry Wood and the stress throwing a baseball at major league velocity puts on the shoulder and elbow.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/03/sports/playmagazine/0603play-wood.html?ei=5087%0A&em=&en=14b739d4e2c97cf2&ex=1180929600&pagewanted=all
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 2, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
The clip of Wellman remids me of the late great Earl Weaver.
By Víctor
June 2, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
I left the meeting early because I want to see Escobar playing at MLB. I saw him playing for Cuba a few years ago and since I knew we signed him I was so excited!! I FULLY AGREE WITH YOU JOURNALIST, HE IS A MATURE PALYER AND WE SHOULD NOT TRADE HIM (EVEN IS ELVIS ANDRUS IS WAITING HIS TIME)
By A-ville Ranger
June 2, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
My description of what the Kerry Wood fastball looked like before the injuries.A 100 mph, high cutting, knuckleball.
By Voice of Reason
June 2, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
I keep watching the grenade toss over and over. That’s the funniest thing I’ve seen in a really long time…
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 2, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
eric the elder No, it’s called home cooking by the official scorer.
By Mitchie-san
June 2, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
I finally got the video to download of Wellman. That made me laugh so loud all the guys in the shop came over and we watched it like three times. Whew, I needed that!
By eric the elder
June 2, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
Ouch. Really a lame effort by Prado, if indeed it can be called an effort at all.
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
Prado is really making a case for more playing time.
By krath
June 2, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
Rich Hall. Called him Gobbler in college at WCU (school of Charles Thomas ) Lived on my hall freshman year at WCU before he was the sniglet guy.
By A-ville Ranger
June 2, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Prado looked at his glove with a puzzled expression after that error,yea! that’ll fix it.
By krath
June 2, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Nice ole’ by Prado
By Voice of Reason
June 2, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
DOB - Can we keep Escobar and Prado and lose Woodward?
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
Escobar is a player!
By Chop Chop
June 2, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
Escobar! Awesome, baby.
By Víctor
June 2, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
I don’t like to bashed players, but it is official to me… Prado should be send down and take more grounders & works in his mechanics… WHAT AN AWFUL TURN & Yunel is going to open a lot of eyes… beleive me!!
By eric the elder
June 2, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
Yunel!! Is it possible we have seen the last of Woodward at third?
By A-ville Ranger
June 2, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Man! this guy looks like he wants to stay awhile.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 2, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Well, I guess we have seen the last of Escobar in Richmond…. It was nice while it lasted. Suppose we will get Prado back soon though.
By MEB
June 2, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
OK… I’m a big time Escobar fan! He gets a hit in his first major league at bat and now he could have a game winning double in his first major league game.
By Mitchie-san
June 2, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
With me being way in the middle of the pacific I cant see the game. How does Escobar look defensivly?
By Grammar & Spelling Police
June 2, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
Victor: Perhaps you should be sent down to summer school to work on your grammar, spelling and keyboarding.
By MBATL
June 2, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
I think Woodward is safe UNTIL and unless we’re sure Salty can play 1B. Woodward is the only one of the middle IF that has played 1st.
Orr is a lefty, and really hasn’t been that bad (has fielded his positions pretty well). I think Prado is the odd man out.
I’d love to think that Salty can play 1B - that would change a lot - but we haven’t seen it yet, so I’m guessing Bobby’s not too sure.
By GermanBravesFan
June 2, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Nice going, Escobar… first RBI - welcome to the Big Leagues!
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Why is Prado even in there? KJ has been getting back in a nice groove lately.
By Braves Fan 79
June 2, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
man that error hurt. Why isnt Kelly Johnson playing in the second half of a the game…instead of a .200 hitter in prado? Ive been calling all season to bring up escobar and send woodward packing….looks like i might get my wish sooner than later!
By Meanie
June 2, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Perhaps we should start calling Larry “Pipper” Jones…
By MEB
June 2, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Lets see if Lou will do the grenade toss. He sure is putting on a show for the home crowd.
By Víctor
June 2, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Hey you grammar boy, how many languages do you speak??? I do not care what you think about my grammar, spelling or whatever… FOR SURE YOU ARE MORE IGNORANT THAN ME!!!
By Sir Stealth
June 2, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
I hope I’m not the only one listening to the radio and hearing Pete count off the number of times Lou Pinella is kicking dirt on the umpire. Between the timely Cornelia reference and a great description of the Pinella rant, a great performance by Pete today.
By P'cola Michael
June 2, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Escobar is bad azzzzzz! Good game at the plate and on Defense….Salty…what a cannon!
By Lew
June 2, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
Johnny Winter’s Riot In Cell Block #9 would be an appropriate soundtrack right about now in Chicago.
By A-ville Ranger
June 2, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
I watched the Wellman meltdown.How do you show up the day after that ? It hurt to watch,I’m reminded of a saying,something about mental illness,bathrooms and rodents.I live in Asheville NC,I think the Tourist manager’s monuMENTAL crackup last year still takes the all time prize.
By Yars
June 2, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Prado is not an everyday player. That was a hard hit ball to him, but he should have kept it in front of him. I’m not saying that KJ would have made the play look easy, but Prado should have made that play. That is why he was charged with an error. I hope Atlanta holds on to Escobar. A fun player to watch. If there’s no room for him when Hoss comes off the DL, make room for him. I believe he’s that good.
By Sir Stealth
June 2, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Honestly, there’s a good argument that the Cubs should have had to forfeit the game after this. It’s absurd that the Braves should have to leave the field and Soriano should have to sit there and get cold so Pinella can kick his hat or the fans throw stuff on the field. I should also note that I despise all loser Cubs fans. They are my least favorite fanbase in any sport.
By MBATL
June 2, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
After yesterday’s embarrassment, is that really what Piniella needed to do today?
If I’m a sober Cubs’ fan (?), I’m pretty fed up with this team, and don’t really want to take my kids out to the ball game.
By A-ville Ranger
June 2, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
You’ve got’a love Soriano’s delivery.He looks like he’s piching at a sunday picnic,softball game.
By True Braves Fan
June 2, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
DOB: I think the players have made the decision easy for JS and BC. Keep Escobar and send Prado down or release Woodward.
By eric the elder
June 2, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Yunel has laid on two great tags today, too - - one when they got Hill trying to stretch into a triple, and this one from Salty.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 2, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
A very entertaining half inning… And now a homer by Andruw… Love it :=)))
By Braveheart
June 2, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Ecobar and Prado need to stay. Woodward and Orr need to get to steppin’.
By MEB
June 2, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Very low class performance by the fans at Wrigley. Throwing anything on the field is wrong but the entire outfield was littered with trash. Looks like it was travel mug promotion day.
Mitchie-san… Escobar has looked great on his opportunities at third. Especially his getting the glove down on the cannon shot from Salty to tag out the runner at third.
By journalist jimmy smith
June 2, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
victor is being provoked much like used to happen to this journalist. here is a tip for victor: in the future avoid the use of FOR SURE YOU ARE MORE IGNORANT THAN ME!!! a better choice would be: “Certainly, you are the ignorant one.” journalist wishes to befriend victor for journalist has been on the receiving end of such taunts for many months. another insult victor may consider: “yeah, well go break a hammock bone.” and now, baseball … call it the beginning of the escobar era for that is what it surely should be. a fixture in the braves lineup. good hustle and baseball savvy. jimmy smith hopes escobar will soon whistle and annoy all. and wicky will be here soon.
By Voice of Reason
June 2, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Go get ‘em Wicky!!!
By Randy
June 2, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Whitey Ford on the field, pleading with the fans for some kind of sanity. And down goes Ford in a barrage of pretzels.
By Voice of Reason
June 2, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
Wow, the Braves are really young at alot of positions today, huh?
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Good win, great start to Escobar’s career!
Get out the brooms for tomorrow
By Víctor
June 2, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
Hey Journalist, thanks man!!
By Braveheart
June 2, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Magic number is 112!
By A-ville Ranger
June 2, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Game over mission accomplished. What a great group of young position players JS and company are developing.If they can only work the same magic with young pitchers.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 2, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Man, even Andruw was fired up at the end. Yes, Escobar is the real deal.
By Mitchie-san
June 2, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Thanks MEB, I can only use my imagination! I have wanted to see him play for a while. Maybe we can get a sportscenter feed later….
By Voice of Reason
June 2, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Done!!! Go Yuney! What a game for Escobar. If Woodward wasn’t uncomfortable watching that performance, he must have the same blackmail photos that Keith Lockhart used to possess. (… the only explanation for Lock’s way too long tenure on the ATL bench…)
By Marc
June 2, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
We won, and AJ looks like he’s getting closer to his old self, woot.
If someone has to be sent down, please let it be Prado, he’s really ticking me off with his depth-perception issues.
Just saw of the video of the manager going crazy, I laughed so hard when he was crawling around, OMG that’s entertainment folks!
By Brian
June 2, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Thanks Randy for the Simpsons reference :-)
By Braves Fan 79
June 2, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
MBATL: are you SERIOUS!?? youd start WOODWARD at 1st!?? Hell no…that would be the weakest 1st baseman in the History of baseball! The sooner woodwards off the team the better. Hes a ex-met…him and hampton can kiss my a$$$…we should just cut both of them like we did Redmen.
By Retired Grammar & Spelling Police
June 2, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
Nothing personal, Victor, I was just playing. My apologies are offered.
By Meanie
June 2, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
So, any morons out there still wanna trade Salty, Escobar, and Davies for Rocco friggin’ Baldelli?
By Chop Chop
June 2, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
I’d feel worse for Cub fans if nobody showed up to the games. They’ve accepted crappy baseball for an eternity in the North Side. The fans are loyal, but they’ve never forced the front office to do anything by voting with their feet. As long as Wrigley is sold out and ownership makes money, where’s the pressure to win?
By Voice of Reason
June 2, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
If Woodward is the best choice at 1B after Thorman, there is a problem in A-town. Actually, I hadn’t thought of the “ex-Met” factor. No wonder I can’t like the guy…
By MBATL
June 2, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
VOR, I’m not pushing Woodward… but I don’t think we can count on Diaz at 1st (can we?); and I’d love to see Salty there, but apparently he’s not ready to play the position… so who else do we have?
By Jim
June 2, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
I may have missed it, but did the Braves have to drop somebody from their 40-man roster to make room for Escobar, and, if so, whom did they drop?
By eric the elder
June 2, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
Imagine being a Cubs fan and watching that mess, knowing that Brian McCann, Kelly Johnson, and Chipper Jones are not even in the game, and Smoltz and Hudson aren’t in the rotation for this series. Pretty discouraging.
Now let’s see what Cormy can come up with.
By J. Shuttlesworth
June 2, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Phillip Wellman Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUcFWPgB8oY
By Voice of Reason
June 2, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
MBATL: Just my personal preference, but I’d rather see Diaz or Salty there than Woodward. It’s rather sad that a mediocre journeyman infielder’s biggest hold on a Major League roster spot is that he has some 1B experience. Admittedly, though, I just don’t like the guy…
On a side note, does anybody else like saying the name “Jerome Jurenovich”? Kinda rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it? Jerome Jurenovich… Jerome Jurenovich… Of course, I’d much rather look at Erin Andrews…
By Coach
June 2, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
Amazing ! The Rookie (Escobar) singles in his first major league at bat , later doubles , scores a run and collects an RBI. I wonder what would have happened if Cox had called him up a WEEK AGO like he should have ! Bobby , your a genius. Davies and Chucky James throwing back to back quality starts . no worries mate , one through four in the rotation is good(Knock on wood , concerning Smoltz). We beat another young hard throwing lefty , which is really encouraging. Now , if Cox would just find a way to get Diaz in the lineup everyday !
By ncscoots
June 2, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
Folks, I know TV makes you look bigger, but, my gosh, Yunel appears to be a whole ‘nother man from the last time I saw him play in the minors. Good grief. Better diet and conditioning, I guess, but he looks as if he’s added 25 lbs of muscle since AA. I know that can’t be right, but he sure looks it.
Anyway, glad he got the call, he’s the real deal IMO, just don’t know how long we’ll get to watch him in a Braves uni. I’ll say this, though, if he gets an everyday chance at some point, I think our other fine middle infield prospects will have an uphill climb to dislodge him.
By Randy
June 2, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this
Word was they were gonna push Gonzalez to the 60-day DL, which takes him off the 40 man roster, to make room for Escobar (though the Braves site still has Gonzalez on the 15-day DL).
By bclontz
June 2, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
JUST WONDERED…….Why would Bobby use his only right handed hitter to pinch hit and then have him bunt ? Would it not make more sense to use a lefty to bunt and save the righty in case he needs a righty to face a lefty later? I’m not very smart, so maybe I shouldn’t even ask a dumb question like that! Question the judgement of Bobby Cox……..never! Maybe the righty-lefty thing only applies when it favors Bobby!….I don’t know because I’m just not that smart……I’m just glad they won, and glad that the call at third base didn’t go against the Braves, because then we’d have a record in Atlanta, Bobby Cox all time “You’re outta the game” king with 131…….
By ncscoots
June 2, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Meanie, re your 4:03, a man with a more twisted sense of humor than I might go back through the archives and then post a list of all the folks who proposed that very trade, LOL. But that would be, well, mean :-)
By jb
June 2, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
Welcome to the bigs Escobar!! I have been saying he should have been called up instead of Prado. Not a big fan of Woodward, Orr, or Prado. I do feel Prado is the odd man out, especially after his work in the field today. Woodward may make some since as a late inning replacement if Diaz or Salty would get a start at 3rd. I would love to see Orr gone also and another catcher brought up, so the Braves would use the McCann or Salty as a pinch hitter and not worry about an emergency catcher. Salty’s throw to 3rd was outstanding. Too bad McCann would volunteer to learn first, because he wouldn’t have got the out. McCann calls a great game and is an above average backstop, but he does not throw well. Salty will learn to call a better game, has a great arm, and I feels is much better overall defensively. Not too sure if McCann is the overall athlete to pick up a new position, where Salty appears to be.
By Voice of Reason
June 2, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
Too many good young players and not enough positions. Tough problem to have, huh?
By ncscoots
June 2, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
jed will love this…I know Yates got the error on the throw in the 7th, but from the angle I had, it was a pretty feeble effort by Thor. And I guess Prado got screened by the ump, but his error in that inning was pretty bad for a guy known for his glove. Double yikes.
By Caleb
June 2, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
DOB, it’s too bad Interpol is sold out. You should definitely try for a scalper ticket. They are outstanding live. I lived in New York when they were still getting started and got into them really early on. I’ve seen them live 18-19 times, outstanding every time. Loved seeing them in several small, dark, smoky coffeeshops and bars before they started playing bigger venues, though seeing them at Radio City was really great. I was actually impressed with Radio City, really cool atmosphere and great sound made up for being so far away from the band.
It’s a shame James doesn’t get the win today. Escobar sure makes Cox’s “left-handed pitcher” lineup look alot better.
I’m excited about watching Cormier throw tomorrow. It would be great to see him quiet all this talk about trading our good, young prospects for expensive, crappy pitchers.
By Jim
June 2, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
The fickle opinion on this blog has certainly changed 180 degrees since Prado was called up. At the start of the season people were clamoring for him to be given the starting job over KJ. Now since he is up and has only played a handful of games, the opinion here can’t get him back to Richmond fast enough. Let’s save our negativity for Woodward (he’s a former Met, and Orr hustles and is one of our own), and give the kid some time to show what he can do.
By jb
June 2, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
bclontz, u send the right hander up to bunt because he can see the ball better out of the pitchers hand and he will be up in the box to bunt with a little less time to react to a pitch. Also, the defense still has to worry about the bunt being called off. If the batter gets behind 2 strikes, then the righty makes more since. Oh, the hell with the book, I would rather Woodward there to bunt and save the real hitters like Johnson, Harris, or McCann when you want a hit. They all hit lefties than Woodward does.
By jb
June 2, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
jim,
I never thought Prado should be starting over Johnson. I have never thought Prado anything more than an AAAA level player.
By Braves Fan 79
June 2, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
bclontz: when bobby sent woodward to pitchit i was wondering WHY!!! (i dont care about lefty righty matchup…give me kelly johnson anyday) But it made sence since he had him bunt. Woodward is good for 2 things….pitchrunning…and laying down a sacrifice bunt…..kinda like a pitcher.
And i agree…if woodward is our best backup 1st baseman…thats a VERY sad statment. Part of the reason why i think our biggest competition isnt the mets…but arizona, LA, and Sandiego, and philly. GET RID OF THE EX-METS SCRUBS!
By 3trees
June 2, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
Salty - That arm is too good to waste at 1st. I don’t know how he handles pitchers or calls a game, but his defensive skills behind the plate impress me. IF you’re gonna move him AND he can handle it, 3rd makes more sense to me.
Great game at the plate and in the field, Escobar. Welcome. Good glove work on those tags.
While I hope Cormier does well, it might be a lot to ask. I’d have Oscar warming up early.
Go Braves!
By ncscoots
June 2, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
Jim, re your 4:47, I think we can write up that attitude to prospect-du-jour and grass-is-greener. Happens all the time after the first E or 0-for-8, LOL. Some fans ALWAYS think that there’s some player, somewhere, better than the player playing. Especially if that player isn’t putting up ROY or MVP numbers after, oh, 50 AB total. Do as I do, just shake your head and mutter, “Holy Cornelia!”
By Coach
June 2, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
I just watched Phillip Wellman’s meltdown. That man should never set foot on a professional baseball diamond again. But , he probably will. Hey , we still have sweet Lou in Chicago don’t we ?
By Bob
June 2, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
I sure am glad most of the people on this site are not the Braves GM or manager. Guys would go from penthouse to doghouse and back again every inning. Gosh, Prado is a young kid and been up for a short time and then next thing you know people want to make him walk the plank. Sort of like they did with KJ the first 10 games of the year. For pete’s sake, it is a 162 game schedule and to make some of the proclamations you hear on this site is mind boggling. Escobar looked awesome today, but I am not quite ready to give him the team MVP after one game. I am with you guys on Woodward and although Orr busts his tail all the time, he is not a major league player.
By brewdawg
June 2, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Have they let Salty take some grounders at first? I really think with Mac at catcher we need to find him a position.
Just kidding Dave. Good win for the Braves today. Let’s sweep em tomorrow!
By All y'all smell bad
June 2, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this
Man, y’all trippin’. Shut up.
By ColoradoBraveFan
June 2, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
Hello all… Just reading the article on the Braves official website by Mark Bowman. I like Prado and believe he will prove to be a solid MLB player. But, Bowman really made me laugh with this description of the error br Prado today….
“Theriot raced home with the game-tying run when second baseman Martin Prado stepped away from Aramis Ramirez’s sharp ground ball.”
By aaron
June 2, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
How could anyone be a fan of the Chicago Cubs? They meltdown EVERY year but yet their fans love these “loveable losers”! What is so loveable about spending $150 million and being sqashed all the time? It blows me away that these fans choose to cheer for a team that continually produces nothing but failure and then blames it on everyone else (Bartman anyone?). Even historic Wrigley Field, which is a dump itself, is too good for the Cubs. So bring it on Cubs’ fans. Defend that LOSER team of yours against a consummate elite team like the Braves. ‘Cause we all know that your 100th anniversary of actually winning something will awaken your hopes once again to only be disappointed by your sorry excuse of a team. GO BRAVES!!!!
By Bernie O'Donnell
June 2, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
Looks like that Wellman fellow was just copying the Ashville manager’s theatrics from last year, with a couple of extra twists.
By Sir Stealth
June 2, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
Highlights of the game are up on espn’s website now for all who want to enjoy watching Pinella’s rant again. Guy doing the highlights absolutely butchers Salty’s name though. Embarassment all around.
By jb
June 2, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
ColoradoBraveFan,
the description was completely accurate. If he does the fundamentally correct play, the ball is still in the infield and the run does not score. He may have even got an out at first. Despite the concerns about Johnson’s lack of 2B experience, he probably makes the play.
Prado is not doing it with the bat(he likely will never be more that a .250-.265 hitter), and his glove work is not giving any reason to keep him on the active roster at this time.
By Amber
June 2, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
Boy, sweet Lou is making Bobby look positively angelic! How on earth was that his first ejection of the year???
Why haven’t we brought up Escobar before now? Who took Aybar’s spot on the roster? Escobar can play multiple positions as well, plays 3B better than the other backups, and hits better too.
Anyone else catch Sciambi’s “friendly confines” comments at the beginning of the broadcast? Real friendly now, huh?
By Braveheart
June 2, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
Wow! Wellman is nuts. Did you see the players on the field laughing? How does he go back into the lockerroom and be taken seriously after that?
By jb
June 2, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
Amber,
Great question about Escobar. I have no idea why he has not been on the roster sooner. The Braves were concerned with offensive let down with McCann out for a few days and quickly call up Salty. When the best offensive player (Chipper)on the team is injured we count on weak hitting Orr, Prado, and Woodward before finally calling Escobar up. The braves did put Harris there for a game which was a pretty good move.
By jb
June 2, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
DOB
If the Braves were to play the Blue Jays in Toronto, Escobar could not play because of his green card status right?
By aaron
June 2, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
THE CHICAGO CUBS STINK!!! AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!! GO BRAVES!
By Greg in TN
June 2, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
Happy postgame denizens…
Another good day at the house Keith Moreland built for the Bravos today.
Really solid day on the mound by Chuck James, I hate that he didn’t get the victory because he deserved a better fate.
I saw the Wellman video. I thought the toss of third base into the outfield was better than ‘ol sweet Lou in his prime. The rosin bag/grenade toss was a nice touch.
Nice day from the latest Braves call up from the minors. I’ll take 2-4 with an RBI every day of the week.
By Braveheart
June 2, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
Tim Hudson being a funny fool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUcFWPgB8oY
By The Grinch
June 2, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
3trees, absolutely agree with your 4:55.
That Wellman video is hilarious; that’s the way to get your money’s worth.
Victor, English is my native language and I don’t even speak it very well. How many languages do you speak?
By all rights in a sane world Escobar just played Woodward out of a job.
By TommyBoy
June 2, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
The manager from the AA Mississippi club should be fired … give me a break. That was absolutely ridiculous.
I can understand blowups, and I can understand tossing bases and throwing hats and kicking dirt. But crawling in and pulling a pin from the grenade/rosin bag? C’mon. What a freakin showboat.
Fire that guy!!
By TommyBoy
June 2, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
The manager from the AA Mississippi club should be fired … give me a break. That was absolutely ridiculous.
I can understand blowups, and I can understand tossing bases and throwing hats and kicking dirt. But crawling in and pulling a pin from the grenade/rosin bag? C’mon. What a freakin showboat.
Fire that guy!!
By jb
June 2, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
Grinch,
Agreed, Escobar played someone out of a job. Not sure Prado or Orr may the the one out though. I think Woodward has more value due ability to play 1B and OF. Prado hasn’t played SS or OF at major league level. Orr has the advantage of being a left handed hitter. The braves already have a left handed hitting Canadian who hustles and strike outs 1 in 5 times. Thorman’s upside over Orr is he hits more than 1 HR for every 160 AB’s. However, if Woodward goes and Orr and Prado stay, I’ll still be happy.
By Bob
June 2, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
JB,
I would think Escobar would be ok for the green card thing. I believe escapees from Cuba are good to go once they reach US soil. Maybe DOB or someone else could clarify that.
By ernesto
June 2, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this
As little as Prado has doen, Orr and Woodward have contributed nothing. One of htem should go. Preferably Woodward, how much are we on hte hook for that stiff? 850K?
By jb
June 2, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
Hey Grinch
just checked Orr only has one game at SS in the majors, that may make Woodward more valualbe. Escobar’s ability to play short and the fact the Harris played 5 games a SS, may still lead to Woodward’s demise.
By beki
June 2, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this
Wow, I missed the game to see a less than entertaining ” Knocked Up” ? Wellman was a better entertainer than the movie was; yet, how can you take a guy like Wellman serious as a manager when he does such childish and moronic antics? I, however, hope Escobar plays 3rd base tomorrow when I am home watching the game.
By snowball's chance
June 2, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this
Give Wellman a break. This was the best choreographed freakout ever. He didn’t come up with that grenade routine on the spot. That was a great shot. Lands at the ump’s feet but doesn’t touch him. Great theater.
By jed
June 2, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
ncscoots—
just read your response. youre alright, friend.
By Braveheart
June 2, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry. Linked the wrong one last time. Here’s Tim Hudson being a funny fool, pulling a prank on Eddie Perez:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCpyLCqrnOU
A bunch of clowns.
By Bibble
June 2, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this
Wellman has to be fired after that display. Playing the usual role of manager and arguing a call to fire up your team is one thing, but that was a complete meltdown. If I were the owner of the Mississippi Braves, someone would have to restrain me. I’d never let someone who was receiving a paycheck from me get by with something like that.
By Coach
June 2, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this
C’mon , I know Escobar looked good today but it’s just one game. At any rate , we are witnessing the changing of the guard. McCann , Francoeur , Davies , James , McBride , Thorman , Boyer , Devine , Johnson , Saltalamacchia and now Escobar. More names we will hear from in the near future: Blanco , Acosta , Startup , Smith , Lillibridge , Jones , Reyes , Harrison and Ascanio. It’s an extremely bright present and future for Atlanta. Go Braves !
By Bob
June 2, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this
Good one Braveheart. If that had been the Cubbies, Hudson would have two black eyes and 6 stitches in his lip.
By The Grinch
June 2, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this
jb, Woodward and Orr are interchangeably useless in my opinion; I just suspect Woodward would go first because Bobby likes Orr for Bobby reasons. Escobar is a natural SS but obviously can play 3rd as well. 1st doesn’t take a rocket scientist if the natural athleticism is good enough.
Snowball, agreed last night the most offensive thing indeed was the Mets fan.
Beki, “knocked up” is never a good thing unless the person who did it to you is rich or unless you’re both really in love with each other…didn’t you pay attention to your after school specials? :-)
By William
June 2, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this
Martin Prado’s “matador” job on that ground ball in the 7th inning that let the Cubs tie the game today was the last straw. The guy has played 3 games at second base, and has 2 errors. Sorry, but a major league infielder - who’s grown a pair - makes that play with a bruise on his chest but with an assist in the boxscore and the lead still instact. The fact that the guy has probably already set a major league record for fouling out to the first baseman doesn’t inspire confidence much either. Come on, Bobby, get the guy a hormone shot or a plane ticket to Richmond, preferably the latter.
By tyyosh
June 2, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
Sure it is early, but the thing that Escobar and Salty seem to have is athleticism on defense (sounds strange to say that when talking about baseball). Those tags today at 3rd - catch, swipe, roll, hold on to the ball - were impressive. Salty seems very quick and natural on defense as well. His recovery today on the passed ball, his super-quick tag on the head that the umpire missed during the Dodgers series, and other plays seem to show some innate playmaking ability. Sure their hitting futures are to be determined, but anything you see on defense should be repeatable.
By David O'Brien
June 2, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
Well, the “L” flag is flying in its customary position atop the pole on the hand-operated scoreboard high over center field (gotta like the fact they still put up the W and L flags (well, usually the L flag) so folks on the train can see how the Cubs did as they roll past.
Anyway, Escobar’s perforamance today: Wow. Strong.
But I’ll let Chipper offer his appraisal. I asked him afterward about Yunel’s game:
“Awesome. I thought he did a great job.”
Hoss continued: “He’s ready to be here. He’s going to make an impact. He can do everything. Slick fielder, strong arm, can run a little bit, has a little thump in his bat. He’s got the full package, and he’s finally getting an opportunity to do it here.
“He’s going to make them [team officials] have to make a decision.”
Folks, Chipper really does want one thing more than anything else: For the team to win. For the front office to make the right decisions on personnel, etc.
He’s sitting there raving about his temporary replacement, not saying anything like, “Well, let’s give him a couple weeks and see how he does. Let’s not go overboard,” nothing like that.
To me, that’s a good sign. He knows the kid is special and belongs on the team.
Look for Prado to go down Sunday. I could be wrong, but that’s my gut feeling on it.
By jb
June 2, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this
Absolutely right on there William!
By David O'Brien
June 2, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
Tyyosh, yes, they are two very athletic guys….
William, I agree on Prado’s mind-boggling play. But get this, Cox defended it, said the ball was smoked. Huh?
I mean, yeah it was smoked, but it was headed directly at him until he stepped to the side and tried to field it on his side. Just a brutal play, no two ways about it.
Bob, yes Escobar will be fine. Just has to do the paperwork, wait the requisite amount of time. He’s certainly not going to get sent back to Cuba or anything, if that’s what someone’s wondering (was someone really wondering that?)
And fortunately, Braves don’t have to travel to Montreal anymore (well, fortunately for him, but not for us — that was a hell of a trip. Loved going there. Chez … nevermind.)
By BossLady
June 2, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
Yeahhh!!! Escobar and Lou Pienella
By tyyosh
June 2, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
Chipper has put his money where his mouth is (and in his case, literally) and has always seemed like a team player. I have never understood why people get on his case so badly.
There just seem to be so many plays that Prado does not make. It just seems like his classmates have “it” but he doesn’t (at least not yet). At this point, how he could NOT be the odd man out, I can’t figure.
By Savannah Guy
June 2, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
Now that everyone has moved away from music and food, in the ebb and flow of topics and general bloggist interest, I’m hours late but who cares.
Sgt. Peppers,Revolver, yes and yes. Both groundbreaking (that IS the Beatles) and both great. Then Rubber Soul. White album is my favorite…this week.
Let it Bleed. Gimme the Stones most days. Gimme Shelter. Oh, children, It’s just a shout away. Maybe the best album and single of rock history…this week. Then there’s Beggar’s Banquet…
Dylan Too many good ones to choose. Today…Blonde on Blonde.
If music is not your thing, do yourself a favor and listen also to U2, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, The Verve, REM, Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden……. For something new and very cool, check out Hank Dogs, Half Smile (it’s sounds like the Cranberries with an American country flair). ‘Nuff on that, I could go on for days.
Carolina Lady NC BBQ…oh, hell yes. The best. I’m talking vinegar slaw on that chopped pork. But since I got those worlds-best Wall’s BBQ baby-back ribs in Savannah last night I’ll have to hold off a few days. There’s a good NC BBQ place in Savannah called Don’s (not as good as Kepley’s in High Point, NC).
Baseball FansSome like stats (we know who you are), some like the psychology of the game, some like to b*** and second guess the manager, some would just as soon blog as pay attention to the game (Mutts antagonists) and some (me…I suspect most) like all aspects of the game…the aesthetics, the finesse, the competition and so forth.
Politics and Religion Being new to this (any) blog, I’ve come to really enjoy seeing the exchange between some of you guys and sometimes even seeing an inside view of the game I love. It’s also a classic forum for social studies of the modern sports fan variety. There are kooks, regular folks, baseball aficionados, BS artists, brilliant minds, great writers, poor writers, comics and crazy’s here on DOB’s blog. Just like the rest of humanity. There are Christians, Jews, atheists, democrats, republicans, libertarians and everything in-between and around. God loves them all.
We are free to discuss anything here, but we know when religion and politics are discussed in the context of this blog, neither are served well…and can surely lead to the over-simplification and possible disenchantment of those on one fence or another. Not to mention the distinct possibility of raised tempers that would surely contribute to global warming. Everything else does, right? But one common thread we all have…we are almost all Braves fans, we eat all sorts of good food and we listen to music. If we didn’t we would surely still live in caves.
On Art, Music, Food and blogger opinions We don’t really judge them…they judge us. Everyone has his or her favorites; one person’s ceiling is another’s floor. I just happen to think I’m always right on most things…just like you do.
Despite all of my rambling here and my past “blogger revised/recapped replay” posts, I’d rather read the blog than contribute because it’s so entertaining and enlightening as it is. Then again, sometimes, when the spirit moves and the mood strikes, you just have to join in the fray. That my fellow Braves fans and citizens, is a blog.
So, to make a long story even longer, I’ll add two more cents: Why did I have to spend all this time writing all this and who really gives a damn? Because I wanted to and it doesn’t really matter, now does it? It was fun. It’s all good. We finally got rain on the coast and the Bravos won again today. Life is good.
By ElbravoX
June 2, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this
DOB- Are the feelings mutual between Hoss and you? I would hate to be Mr. Cox. People forget that the Orr’s and Prado’s of the world have mortgages. That said, Prado has to go down. Is it me or are The Bravos more ‘cut happy’this season? Hoss better watch out! Cormier first start comes against the right team-I hope…
By tyyosh
June 2, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this
Hearing about Bobby defending Prado publicly reminds me of this: If you saw the game on WGN today, you might have seen the postgame show where they aired part of the manager’s press conference. After Pinella’s total meltdown out there, and then hearing him talk about his meltdown, get irritated with reporters, and talk frankly about how certain players messed up, wow I am really thankful for what we have in Bobby Cox, and I can see why players are so loyal to him as a leader. He knows that Prado messed up, and Prado knows it too, but it stays inside the clubhouse. And even with all those ejections, I don’t think I ever saw Cox put on a display remotely like the one today.
By ElbravoX
June 2, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
Savannah Guy- Strong, very strong post!
By MBATL
June 2, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
So, Clemens is pushed back a week due to the rigors of actually playing baseball… too bad; maybe he should have started training back in, oh, March or so.
This whole things stinks to high heaven (Heaven?). Hope it works out badly for all involved.
By eric the elder
June 2, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
Savannah Guy, outstanding at 7:32.
By Robert
June 2, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Checking in from the Great Plains on a down day as far as storm chasing goes
I see that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Piniella and Phillip Wellman both gave us nice Donk impersonations recently. Now if they start making decisions that lose ballgames, they’ll have the act down pat
By Carolina Lady
June 2, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
MBATL, “heaven (Heaven?)” LOL LOL Love it!
By Robert
June 2, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
Unbelievable - The Cubs should have to forfeit when their manager throws a tantrum because it’s unfair to the Braves players
but never has anyone suggested that the Braves, whose manager throws tantrums more frequantly than any other (in fact, if there’s one thing Donk does indeed do better than anybody, it’s bray uselessly at the umps) - never has anyone here suggested that the BRAVES should have to forfeit
By Bob
June 2, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this
I knew it was too good to be true. Robert has been waiting all day to come up with some more “donk” rants. Dude, you have a real problem.
By Ron
June 2, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
Everytime Prado plays second base he makes an error!!! I thought he was supposed to be a great defender, dont know who said that? On that error today, yeah it was smoked, but Prado could have at least kept that ball in front of him, if he did not get the out, keep the guy from scoring, Prado is a gutless coward!!! I would much rather have Woodward on this team, than have Prado!!! At least Woodward got the bunt down today, and that helped us score a run!!! Send Prado’s Scared A$$ down to the minors!!! What I dont understand is about 6 or 7 years ago or whenever BC got all over Andruw Jones for not hustling, or whatever, and took him out of the game, and then last year he did not take LaRoche out of the game when he was not hustling to get the guy out at first, and then today Prado moved out of the way why the ball would not hit him, he defended him!!! I would be surprised if Andruw is not mad about all of that!!! You cant get mad about what one person does and not get mad about what other people do!!! BC might be losing it just a little bit!!!
By Meanie
June 2, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
Robert you’re a flucking moron. Though it wasn’t my comment, the blogger was referring to the fans throwing trash on the field, thereby delaying the game. Did you ever hear back from Taco Bell on that job app?
By Bob
June 2, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
Meanie, AMEN
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
June 2, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
Is it safe to say that Mr. Wellman’s behavior will not be well recived by JS. As funny as that was (the grenade act was classic), I have a feeling that JS and Cox didn’t find it as asmusing. And, I laughed my a** off at Sweet Lou today. That was classic Pinellla. He was cracking me up. He was even funnier in his post game comments. Someone asked him about Rich Hill’s attempt at a triple and Pinella paused for a moment and said,”Next question. C’mon guys”.
By David O'Brien
June 2, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
Robert, good one.
Whatever.
You might want to check out this column by Phil Rogers in the Chicago Tribune on Friday. Actually, you might not.
Because it, of course, directly contradicts your entire reason for being, which is to assert that Cox isn’t a great manager. No, actually you assert he isn’t even good, don’t you?
But who’s Phil Rogers anyway? He’s only been covering baseball for 30 or so years at some of the best papers in the country. Doesn’t know the ins and outs of the game like the self-proclaimed authority on managing, our own Big Donk Blogger Robert.
Since I know you probably won’t want to read this Phil fella’s premise (he’s gotta be part of the conspiracy to make Cox seem great, for some reason he’s gotta be part of it, right?). So I’ll give it to you in brief: He calls Cox “the gold standard for major league managers, not just in this era but in any era.”
And he continues: “The 66-year-old who leads the Atlanta Braves into Wrigley Field for a weekend series is one of the two best managers in history, according to a rating the Tribune refers to as the Impact Factor.
“This ranking quantifies the effect of managers on their teams by comparing season records against their finish in the Pythagorean standings, devised by Bill James to assign a team an expected record based on runs allowed and runs scored.”
Yeah, but our own Robert quantifies the effect of managers, or at least one manager, by making barnyard jokes and pointing out that he only has one World Series rings.
You can have your Bill James Pythagorean standings, we’ll go with donkey jokes and the insider info that Bobby allegedly has only one World Series ring.
Hey Robert, apparently Bill James is also part of the conspiracy you’ve cited in the past, the one you came up with about how writers in other cities vote for Cox as manager of the year so that he’ll continue managing the Braves and their own teams can keep beating them. That one. That was your best ever.
Later
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this
I’m in full agreement about sending Prado back. His fielding is not what I thought it was & he had some really bat AB’s today. He hasn’t really done a thing since he has been here.
I would keep Woodward, recall Pena & send Orr down/out. Woodward, Escobar, & Harris can play multible positions. Also bringing Pena back allows Salty or McCann to pinch hit earlier in the game if it is needed.
I love these home grown guys. I believe Coach was mentioning the other names of players likely to land in Atlanta soon.
Yeah it was Escobar’s first game but he looked great. He was involved in so many crucial plays & handled them all, including the clutch RBI double that made the difference.
The Braves & Cubs are two teams going in completely different directions. Seems like a lot of positives & a coming together of a really good team for Atlanta & for the Cubs another season of promise being flushed down the toliet.
By Bob
June 2, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
DOB, Good comments, but why waste your time. Robert is dumber than dirt. And Meanie, I don’t think even Taco Bell would hire someone who believes in the flat earth theory.
By David O'Brien
June 2, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
Excellent post, Savannah Guy.
And no question about NC pulled-pork, vinegar-based sauce BBQ. Best in th world. Growing up in Greenville, N.C., ate at Parker’s every Sunday.
Stamey’s in Greensboro, and 10-12 places (at least) in Goldsboro, Kinston, Wilson (where my parents live now) and Lexington are all at the very top, all incredible.
And when I go see my brother in Kansas City and/or a hoops game in Lawrence, this KU grad eats at Bryant’s or Gates at least once or twice….
GRAHAM PARKER concert tonight. Gonna be outstanding.
By Yars
June 2, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
KJ is sick, that is why Prado was starting at 2B today. He nearly cost us the game. Let’s all hope KJ is in the lineup tomorrow. When Chipper comes off the DL, it will be interesting to see which player is sent down, released, or traded. Where would Escobar play when Chipper comes back? I really can’t see him riding the bench. Let’s give Salty some credit for that throw to 3B today. When is he going to make his debut at 1B? Now Playing: People are People by Depeche Mode.
By David O'Brien
June 2, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
Solid post, Savannah Guy. Stellar.
No question about NC pulled-pork, vinegar-based sauce BBQ. The best. Growing up in Greenville, N.C., ate at Parker’s every Sunday.
Stamey’s in Greensboro, and a half-dozen places (at least) in Goldsboro, Kinston, Wilson (where my parents live now) and Lexington are all at the very top, all incredible.
And when I go see my brother in Kansas City and/or a hoops game in Lawrence, this KU grad eats at Bryant’s or Gates at least once or twice….
GRAHAM PARKER concert tonight. Gonna be outstanding.
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this
DOB You’re making me hungry. I’m going to Ashville on Tuesday, any good BBQ places there that you know of?
I’ve eaten at a few in Goldsboro. Good stuff indeed.
By N8
June 2, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this
Hey guys. Looks like Escobar is a “keeper” as far as not sending him back down when Chipper returns.
Just watched Wellman’s meltdown THREE TIMES. I laughed harder every time I watched it. I actually had tears rolling down my eyes, when he crawled on the ground.
Is that guy mentally stable? That’s more absurd than Leslie Nielsen as the umpire in the first Naked Gun movie.
I’m not sure if that tirade could’ve been scripted in a movie to be funnier.
As Chris Farley would’ve said….
THAT was aaaawesome!
By Sir Stealth
June 2, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
Robert, it makes me ill to even respond to you, but bringing up the argument for a forfeit was all about the game being unable to be played because of fans throwing things onto the field. Name the last time the opposing team had to come off the field because of Bobby arguing with the umpire. And for the record, I did not actually think that the game should have been forfeited. I said that if it kept up to the point that you can’t play the game, how long do you let bratty Cubs fans delay the game? 7 minutes is little enough not to take out a whole baseball game, but what if next time it doesn’t stop for 15 and fans keep throwing their crap at the people trying to pick up after them?
By N8
June 2, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
For all of you ragging on Prado for “ole’ing” the ball that was smoked (as Bobby put it). Yes, he did “dog” it and that shouldn’t be the case.
But before you get to down on him (let me state that I don’t think the guy can hit - and with chipper out of the lineup we need offense, not Rafael Belliard), just watch Chipper when he gets back.
Chipper is the MASTER of the side-saddled play. He very rarely gets in front of the ball, 9 times out of 10 chossing to “ole” it. Of course 9 out of 10 times that he chooses to do so, he makes the play, so he should be commended for being good at it.
But for YEARS he’s done this. In fact he had the same result as Prado had, a few weeks ago (I remember DOB commenting on it not being pretty), doing the same thing…NOT GETTING IN FRONT OF THE BALL.
Now having said that, and having played 3B some in HS, I’ll give Chipper the benefit of the doubt that the ball gets on you a little quicker at 3B than at 2B, but he still chooses to avoid getting in front of the ball, when ever he has the opportunity.
Like I said, he just happens to be better at it. Can’t rag on Prado, and not rag on Chipper for doing the same thing.So don’t knock the “method”, knock the results.
Oh, there is that little something that Chipper can do that Prado can’t……..HIT!!!
By N8
June 2, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
Anybody watching the Cleveland/Detroit game on TNT?
That jacket that Craig Sager has on, has to be about the UGLIEST thing, I’ve ever seen.
YIKES.
By brewdawg
June 2, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
DOB,
In your opinion, what do you think the Braves will do regarding starting pitching? Are they going to stand pat and hope Davies, James, and (eventually) Cormier do the job? Or do you think they will make a move? Again, just looking for your opinion, as I realize you would post any significant rumors or facts regarding this subject. I don’t always read through every post, so sorry if you’ve addressed this.
By Coach
June 2, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
Orr and Prado were separated at birth , Orr has the incriminating pictures of Bobby. Yea , Prado is gone.
By jb
June 2, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
n8, I agree!
But when u can’t hit, u better put your body in front of the ball and make to fundamental play.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 2, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
Mets kill the Dbacks today, helping out your wild card hopes. Just can’t gain any ground on the Amazins though…better not lose tomorrow - with no Smoltz.
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
Anyone smell anything rotten?
By eric the elder
June 2, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
I’m ready to declare Eddie Perez a Braves treasure. Katie Temple’s post-game interview with Escobar today, with Eddie serving as translator, was just wonderful. Eddie’s electric smile and his obvious pride in the kid was so heart warming. And I have the greatest respect for people who are fluent in two or more languages.
By joebrave
June 2, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this
Robert I usually post up comical and insulting shots about you,but sir you have to be the dumbest sumbitch that ever lived,outside of Mike Vick of course,you know Dude,I’d almost do the world a favor and beat the $hit outta you,dude get a life and lose the man crush on Bobby Cox before someone takes a stalking warrant on your @ss,your retarded babbling has gotten relly old, and is entirely moronic in nature. Robert are you jealous of B.C.? do you have some demented idea that you can be B,C,? or is it that you want to be the booger that comes from Bobby’s nose? I’m quite sure that your fantasies about good ol B.C. are wearing your testosterone out but dude really,every damn day your on here talking that same incansessant horse$hit over and over…may I suggest a cold shower and some conditioner so you can wash yourself really really FAST!!!!!!!!
By George "Boston Brave". Spitz
June 2, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
I think Atlanta fans should be more appreciative of Willie Harris. It seems whenever a rally is going on, Willie is in the middle of it. I remember 1933 when the Boston Braves made a run for first place in late August. They had not been in the first division since 1920 and were playing their 1914 only 20th-Century Pennant and World Series winning team shortstop, Rabbit Maranville, at second base. The Boston Braves lost five out of six for the New York Giants and barely finished in fourth place, due to a last day home run by their star player Wally Berger. If the Boston Braves had a Willie .Harris to play second base that year, the team would have likely won the Pennant and World Series. Unfortunately, the Boston media that time lacked a Terence Moore.
By joebrave
June 2, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
Good game today,I believe we as fans were watching the future of the braves minus Prado,Escobar has all the tools,and I know Chipper was lauding the kid,but from what I witnessed he better get worried and quick,I mean this kid has skills,and 3rd is a position that will be opening up sooner now than later,No way if I’m J.S. I trade Escobar,or Salty!!!! not now not Ever!!!!and James gave a good performance today as well,Pinella was classic,not even Bobby could top that
11
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 2, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
In fairness to Prado, I think if he had not been hit in the face with a throw ball earlier he would have made the play in the eight.
Savannah Guy Outstanding post. Robert Not so much.
Now that half of Richmond’s roster is playing for Atlanta the R Braves took it on the chin tonight. Ah well, such is the fate of a fan of minor league baseball. Yep, just like being a Cubs fan….
And I still think the Wellman clip is hilarious.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 2, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
ow’s Woodward working out for you? He couldn’t make the Mets this year. A little something from the story of the Mets game today to add to my point
The bench batted a robust .368, combined, and that figure could have reached .500 if not for Endy Chavez’s 0-for-5.
“What a job by the bench,” Randolph said. “These guys feel like they’re a part of this, and they want to win just as much as anyone.”
See when we lose major pieces we just reload. Better everyday players. Better pitching. Better pen. Better bench. Mets! Mets! Mets!
By Ron
June 2, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
N8, I played third base also in HS, and man some of those guys can hit, you dont have much time at all to do much more than ole it like Chipper does!!! Chipper plays third base like how it should be played!!! Now if that was Prado’s first error, then I would give him a little bit of slack, but that is like his third error so far playing second base!!! That is ridiculous!!! If he was hittin, then him makin that error aint too bad, but when you aint hittin you better play some Damn good defense!!! Oh yeah when you are established like Chipper is you can make an error on any play and it aint no big deal, Dont be comparing Chipper to Prado, That is pathedic!!!
By glove51
June 2, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
DOB, just for you, hope you enjoy the shwo tonight:
Temporary Beauty
You have to do your best to come up to par, from straight off the production line like a car, Till everything you put on is a put-on, and you don’t know who’s face you’re gazing upon Could be anyone you’re sending out there tonight, is it any wonder all of the lights are too bright? And you need temporary beauty, and pray to God that it doesn’t rain You need temporary beauty, even though it might be love in vain The world is full of little people like you, they have to read a book to learn what to do They hang around in second -hand[?] clothes, and every kind of pressure steps on their toes Love doesn’t fall out of a magazine, you mustn’t always believe what you’ve seen And you need temporary beauty, and pray to God that it doesn’t rain You need temporary beauty, even though it might be love in vain Ah-ah temporary beauty, ah-ah temporary beauty, ah-ah temporary beauty You might be the sweetest little girl in your heart, But still the world [?] knows that and tears you apart You think of the parties you’ll never attend, you dream of someone who’s more than a friend Love doesn’t jump out of a magazine, you mustn’t always believe what you’ve seen And you need temporary beauty, and pray to God that it doesn’t rain You need temporary beauty, even though it might be love, even though it might be love, Even though it might be love in vain
By Chuck`
June 2, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
It seems like Salty has the tools to be a ‘superstar’ so why not let him play 1st base now and let Thorman ride the bench for awhile, he hasn’t exactly made a case for ‘rookie of the year’.
By Matt the Brave
June 2, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
Will someone please tell the editorial staff that it’s not “tieing” but TYING the record. I would have thought that the online version would be much better (as it has been for years) about catching editorial mistakes. One of the reasons why the AJC is considered a second-tier paper is mainly because of all the mistakes in the editing (not to mention that they change their stance on matters in Atlanta every day instead of just sticking with one viewpoint).
I’ve missed the last two games, but I know the Braves are going to do well. Good thing to have a kid be able to come in and produce with Chipper on the DL. I hope that he’s around for a while, but on the other hand, I’d rather have Chipper in the lineup. I guess this might be a peek at the future for the Braves this weekend.
Btw Mets Rule, how many games have the Mets taken from the Braves? I hope you enjoy the fact that the Braves are going to kick some tail against you in August and September when your pitchers have all been run down from the heat and humidity as when our pitchers will still be ok because they are all home-grown, Georgia talent. If you can’t root for your new hometown team, then go and stick your head in a snowbank and stay there.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 2, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this
By the way know who got the win today with nothing but our scrubs playing? Your pal Jorge Sosa. Seems he can pitch a little when hes with a decent team.Might be another New York Metropolitan in the All-Star game. Seriously, the Mets could take 6-8 All-Star slots easily, with every other team needing to send one player, we’re going to get shafted when it comes to guys who deserve it getting to go. Who would people rather see Reyes, Wright, DelG.,DLo, Shawnie, Alou, Beltran or some scrub from say, the Nationals, Pirates or Reds.
I’ll bet anyone on here the Braves only get one - and who would that be? Not your first baseman, not your rookie 2b, not Rentawreck, not DL-arry, maybe your tubby catcher because of a good season last year or Smotz for reputation.
By Steve from OH
June 2, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Delgado and his .230 average definitely deserve a roster spot
By joebrave
June 2, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
Chuck I agree,Salty has an abundance of talent and put to the right use he would be a beast.
By joebrave
June 2, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
Now to all my fellow Braves denizens,I do apologize for being ill-mannered tonight,I’m vey weary of these little neo-maxi-zoom-dweebies,fromthe Big Crapple,talking smack,these $hitheads only show up when their team wins against sombody else’s number3 or worse starter,but let them face a couple no.1’s and 2’s and you don’t hear from them b/c they Can’t win against those type pitchers!!ie:Smoltz,Huddy,Webb,Peavy,etal…..
By Bob
June 2, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
Mets Drool,
Your funny dude. Ole DL “Larry” has missed all those games and still has 4 more homeruns and only one less RBI than your 3d baseman. Oh yeah, he is also batting 29 points more too. Glad you enjoy Sosa and Glavine pitching for the Metropolitans. We like them pitching for you guys too.
By The Grinch
June 2, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
Neo-Maxie-Zoom-Dweebies? Wow; that’s a blast from the past. The 80’s come hurtling back like a bad hairdo. Actually, I guess bad hairdoos were the thing.
Savannah Guy, I eat good food, listen to good music and I live in a cave.
Met fan; you played your scrubs today? We played 3/4 of our AA affiliate, and they look better than your starters. You’re still a douchebag. Beat it.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 2, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
Speed doesn’t slump. Money to make big moves doesn’t slump. Who is really worried about a late season meltdown. Remember those fall sweeps last year by the Mets. YOur boys didn’t have any fight left at all.
Its all good though - if it weren’t for Braves fans, Nats fans might be the lamest in the nation. Why do you even care about going to the playoffs - your town and your team don’t show up when you do. Ha. ha. ROTFL.
By fastasballs
June 2, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this
Muts Tool Delgado an allstar? LOL! Alou has played in only 30 games. Chipper has better #’s than Wright in about 10 less games.
Do you just have a diminished mental capacity or do you just like the abuse every night, maybe both?
You know nothing about baseball, hell I think I know more about the Muts than you do & I can’t stand them. Why do you even bother to come over here?
Every night you or some of your other idiotic fan base comes over running your dcik smackers, well every night that you win. You’re fair weather fans at that.
We are glad you have Sosa & Glavine, we smack both around at a decent clip. I notice you didn’t brag about Julio & his sub Mendoza batting average.
Your line up is breaking down, ours is gaining strength even without Chipper.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 2, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this
I’d reprint another story for you but I don’t feel like it, but here is what the point was
Sosa has shown command of 4 pitches. He’s throwing for a lot of strikes. With a lot of velocity. How could you guys not make this guy work out? He’s a stud. When Pedro steps in he might take Pelfrey’s spot - can you imagine a 5 who might win 17 or 20 games - the Mets are getting “scary” good.
By Chop Chop
June 2, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this
Think Daniel Gibson is going to get a big raise next year? It’s nice to be a second-round pick in the NBA and play your best when it matters the most.
By Bob
June 2, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this
Mets Drool,
Fans show up for the playoffs, but I will give you the point that those games ought to be sellouts. But the last folks who should talk are Metropolitan Fans. From 91 through last year the Braves have drawn almost 9 million more fans than your pathetic Mets. This is despite a metropolitan population 4 times that of Atlanta. Face it you are second fiddle in your own city and you are lucky if you are only second fiddle in the NL East. Win something and then talk little boy.
By Braveheart
June 2, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this
By the way know who got the win today with nothing but our scrubs playing? Your pal Jorge Sosa. Seems he can pitch a little when hes with a decent team.
Correction, fool. The Braves would have been a good team last year if Sosa had pitched well. If they were not 3-10 in his 13 starts, the Braves would have been far better off. If he had been 8-5, the Braves would have won 84 games. Never mind that he should have made 30 starts if he had not stunk up the joint so bad. If he had won 60% of those starts like he was expected to, then the Braves would have had 18 wins in his starts. Combine that with the 52-36 Braves record in the starts of Smoltz, Hudson, and James, the Braves would have been 70-48 in the starts of Smoltz, Hudson, James, and Sosa. Combine that with the Braves 18-25 record in games started by Horam, Thomson, and Davies last year, the Braves would have been 88-73.
SO, in a lot of ways the failures of the Braves last year was tied to the failures of Sosa. So, to say that Sosa was not good because he pitched on a bad team is not true because really the team last year was a bad team in large part due to Jorge Sosa.
We won’t even mention his horrendous relief appearances and how one of his three blown saves cost the Braves a win last year. On second thought, i did just mention it. And I did just say i instead of I. The disciples of I have become offended by the lack of proper respect being shown to Braveheart by this very blogger through the lack of proper capitalization in referring to Braveheart. And, yes, now Braveheart is referring to Braveheart in the third person because Braveheart tends to be a bit of an arrogant blowhard who is full of himself. Braveheart is now annoying Braveheart with this incessant stream of conscience writing He is displaying right now. And, yes, Braveheart is getting long winded and incoherent because Braveheart is tired and has had a few too many drinks. Perhaps Braveheart has been drinking one too many with Andruw Jones:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=podl3CPa7f0&mode=related&search=
By Bob
June 2, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this
Mets Drool…yeah Sosa was awesome in Atlanta couple of weeks ago. Make sure you tell Willie to pitch him in each of the three remaining series…that will cut into your big 3 1/2 game lead.
By Chris
June 3, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this
So DOB what are the chances that this Wellman moron is gone by week’s end. That kind of crap has got to have an awful effect on players, which is something we definitely don’t want at the AA level. There’s a reason why Lou Pinella can’t keep a steady job - he and guys like this Wellman are organizational cancers because they go overboard for nothing . This goes WAY beyond sticking up for your players and is completely inexcusable.
By The Grinch
June 3, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this
More third person blogging? Oh, the humanity! Agreed, Braveheart; Sosa sucked because he sucked. And he still does. One could argue that having 4 pitches including a mid-90’s fastball with movement and still managing to suck is hard to do, and one would be right. Anyone can suck with average-below average stuff; only Jorge Sosa can do it with stuff any 12-year old would win 20 games with. Loser.
DOB, I understand the whole Robert and BC thing, but…Bill James? Bill James? Et Tu, DOB? Please tell me you’re not crawling into the sack with Shaun; the stats those sheets could tell wouldn’t be pretty. That’s not a slide-rule in his pocket; he’s just happy to see you…etc.
By The Grinch
June 3, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this
Yeah, that’s not nearly as good a present as when your sister does that special thing she does for me, but no need to go into that; I’m sure you’re familiar with her talents. And if you can’t even spell “Retard,” you just might be a Mets fan. Bend over and touch your toes for me, just like you do for the Yankees. Cheers!
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this
How could Mets fans give Braves fans a hard time about not going to playoff games? Let’s give Mets fans a little quiz:
How many Mets fans attended Mets playoff games in the following years:
1991 - don’t recall any Mets fans at playoff games.
1992 - zilch.
1993 - zero.
1994 - well no one went to playoff games that year not even the owners or the players. When you give our castoff you overpaid for another pat on the back, you can thank Tommy Glavine for his role in that - oh wait, Mets fans were not going to Mets playoff games that year anyway.
1995 - nope.
1996 - nada.
1997 - empty stands
1998 - barren wasteland in October at Shea.
1999 - 165,000 losers in the stands for 3 games before the Braves rudely inform them there will be no more playoff games for the Mets that year.
2001 - playoff games? what playoff games? damn brian jordan made sure that pipedream ended in September.
2002 - nah.
2003 - not a soul to be found at Shea in October.
2004 - man, those orange seats in the upper deck at Shea are really Fugly looking with no one to sit in them in October.
2005 - come one everyone, sing along to the tune of Meet the Mets: Meet the Seats, the Empty Seats, every october, the empty seats, leave your kiddies, leave your wife, guaranteed to have no playoff life, because the Mets are really missing the fall, watching chops again in the fall, east side, west side, no one’s coming down, to meet the S-E-A-T-S, empty seats of New York fall, oh the butcher and the baker and the empty seats, where did they go?, not to meet the empty seats, Oh, they’re hollerin’ and cheerin’ and they’re jumpin’ not in their seats, where did they go? not To MEET THE EMPTY SEATS! All the fans are true to the orange and blue, so don’t hurry up and don’t come on down, ‘cause we’ve got ourselves a fall flub, The Mets of New York town! Give ‘em a yell!, Give ‘em a hand!, And let ‘em know you’re not rootin’ in the stand!
By fastasballs
June 3, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this
but why argue the games will show who rules and who are a bunch of loud mouth jerk
That’s the only thing worth a chit that you have ever posted. Now learn from your own words of wisdom & come back October 1st or sooner if the Braves wrap up the East before then so we can all tell you what a loud mouth jerk you & the other critons that call themselves Mets fans really are.
The Mets are OLD, you better have the reserves ready when one of your so called “superstars” go on the DL.
Delgado, Alou, Loduca, Easely, Green, Pedro, El Duque, Glavine, Wagner & Valetine are all over 35. I left Glavine (never injured) & Franco (doesn’t matter) off the list.
Only 1/3 of the season & look how many DL stints there have been. Many more await.
By Kathy
June 3, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this
I seem to be in the minority here, but I think Phillip Wellman’s meltdown was a disgrace to the Braves uniform. Our Braves are a classy, dignified, well-run organization - those theatrics were embarassing, showed no class, and were anything but dignified!!!
By mr baseball
June 3, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this
Things are going nicely at the moment, but you look at the current roster, particularly the bench, and wonder what if any rational thinking is going on in the Braves’ front office.
How does a team carry 3 backup middle infielders and no backup 1B, when the starter is a LH hitting almost rookie? Everybody keeps calling for Salty to play 1B, but he can’t play 1B and catch on the nights when the Braves face a lefty starter. And none of us know if he is capable of playing 1B at a major league level.
Somewhere there has to be a serviceable veteran RH hitter who can play 1B and pinch hit. I guess after Wilson’s failure, the Braves aren’t going down that road again, but they can’t go for long with Thorman in the lineup every day, or with Woodward as his backup.
For whatever reason, the genius GM seems to have a low opinion of the value of first basemen. People here seem to think you can find one on any street corner, but since Gallaraga left, the retreads Schuerholz has brought in — Brogna, Caminiti, Surhoff, both Francos, Fick, Wilson — have ranged all way from pitiful to almost mediocre. He finally gets one, and he trades him for a lefty reliever with bad mechanics and a bum elbow.
Over the years, it’s been the little things that have frequently doomed this team in the post-season. Looking at the overflowing wave of young talent that has already arrived and is still on the way, it’s easy to see the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. But a veteran bat or 2 off the bench might help pull out a close game in the late innings.
Other than the LF not in the lineup, there’s no one on the current roster capable of doing that.
It’s getting late, about time to hurl myself against a wall, ‘cause it’s better to feel bad than feel nothin’ at all.
By The Grinch
June 3, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this
Wow. “Since we can’t beat you we’ll build a bigger stadium and maybe more people will come even though our population is 4 times more than yours now and you’re known for being a slack baseball town and we still can’t outsell youse guys but after that big new stadium that replaces the anchor-in-a-p**-stream of a stadium we’re still playing in gets built we’ll do it for sure…and even though we can’t beat you our our mascot is cooler ‘cause he has a big baseball for a head, get it? No? Uh, we have more crime than you do…uh, wait, that’s not good…uh…” You’re absolutely correct. No use arguing with morons. From here on out, I will not refer to you except to let you know your mom needs the computer back so she can check her e-mail before hitting the third shift at the Waffle House. Buh-bye.
By Wayne in Utah
June 3, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this
Late check in from Utah tonight. The Mets must have won tonight, as the a-holes are out in force. Wish they would go play in their cats litter box instead. “Guys, there are caramels in there! Go get um!”
Looks like we either have some keepers or decent trade bait in Escobar and Saltalamacchia. Personally, unless our rotation does a complete meltdown, I say keep the kids. Would be nice to have a REAL player to backup Chipper, Rent-a-SS and KJ. Also, lots of folks discussing the possibility of moving Salty to either 1B or 3B. He does have a rocket for an arm, but does he have the moves to play the hot corner??? Not my question to answer. It would be nice if he could. Maybe we could give him a tryout at 1B for a few games, then work over the next couple of years at third. I could see him playing behind McCann once a week, then hitting against lefties at 1B (wouldn’t that make Bobby happy!)
I still like Thorman though. He is going to be an average to above average hitter/player in time.
My 2 cents worth…..
By The Grinch
June 3, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this
Anyone else feel like an industrial sized enema has just been induced? The blog is faster now; a bit more “Fleet” of foot? Playing tennis with mom in white summer dresses in a field of daisies Massengil-style fresh courtesy of the Mets fan’s exit? Yeah, me too. :-) Wayne, what the hell’s goin’ on in Utah?
By rupert
June 3, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this
mets fool,
how about you get your team to beat the braves? if we are so bad, and you are so good, what does it say about your team that you have lost all three series to us? it has to be sad to have bought all those old players, the great part about being a braves fan is that most of our players are our players, how’s the next mickey mantle hmmm lastings millidge liking triple a? granted the mets are a good team, but the braves are obviously not intimidated in the least by them, odds are it will be the braves and mets in the nlcs this year, do you really want to play a team that is constantly kicking your a*?
By N8
June 3, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this
“I seem to be in the minority here, but I think Phillip Wellman’s meltdown was a disgrace to the Braves uniform. Our Braves are a classy, dignified, well-run organization - those theatrics were embarassing, showed no class, and were anything but dignified!!!”
NOBODY said it was any of the adjectives you described (classy, dignified).
But if you can’t be amused by that, I’m feel sorry for you. Especially since our manager of 17 years is on the cusp of becoming the ALL TIME leader in ejections, and ALREADY is the leader for managers.
Many of which have happened while having 3 HOF pitchers on his staff, 2 HOF fielders in his lineup and winning 14 division titles in a row.
Imagine what his total WOULD be if the Braves weren’t any good for the last decade and a half.
Lighten up Francis….er….Kathy.
By Wayne in Utah
June 3, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this
Mr Baseball: Thinking about getting a little negative are we??? Some people are never satisfied. Listen to some national stuff sometimes, and see how the Braves are spoken of in those circles. What is the old saying about a prophet in his own country?
As far as a veteran bat off the bench goes. That is what everyone was saying about Wilson last December. At the time, I bet you just knew he was going to be a flop, since you seem to know just about every other thing under the sun.
I too have been critical of some of the Braves moves in the post season, but come on, which other team would you rather have as your home team? The Yankees??? The Red Sox??? I like what we have done over the past 15+ year much better than ANY other major league baseball team.
Hey, like the youngsters say, “It’s all good though!”
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this
How does a guy, and I use the term “guy” very inappropriately, named Mets Rule, You Drool give anyone a hard time about the moniker they choose?
What’s your next moniker?
Is it going to be Smelt It, Dealt It?
Actually, that name would be too cool and too intelligent for you to use since it is something second graders say.
By fastasballs
June 3, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this
You have to like all the young talent in the organization. More on the way after 4 picks in the first 80 of the draft this week.
I’m not sure if I envy JS or not right now. In one respect he has a lot of desirable players that many other teams would pay a high price for. Who do you trade & for whom? You can’t keep them all. Salty almost has to move to 1B which would make Thorman expendable or Salty is traded for a King’s ransom. Is Escobar Chipper’s or Edgar’s replacement or is he traded as well?
There will be a huge hole in center to plug next year. I don’t assume Andruw is being signed. Brandon Jones looks to be ready but not sure he is CF material. There will be a few on the market or maybe one is acquired by trade.
Also there should be a log jam of starting pitchers as well. The top four along with Cormier & Hampton (no guarantee he pitches). Also quite a few youngsters as well.
What do you do with a team & a half of major league ready talent? I expect some moves before the deadline but not the big names unless a trade would drastically improve the team.
I guess a lot has to do with James/Davies & Cormier. If they pitch fair/good then there is very little need for a blockbuster deal this year. Another factor would be injuries.
Fastasballs thinks it is time for bed, too much blogging for one night. I hear Mrs. Balls calling anyway. Peace Out!
By Greg O.
June 3, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this
“Mets rule. You drool” is a perfect example of the most obnoxious fans in the majors. Being from Connecticut, I’ve been to more than my share of games at the eye sore (Shea Stadium) within a bigger eye sore (Queens). I’ve heard those brown-collared fans (made brown by either their sausage and peppers or more likely, well you know) boo Chipper Jones for no other reason than all the home runs he’s hit against them. Mets fans look to pick a fight at any opportunity - evidence: every post “Mets rule. You drool” has ever made on this blog. I had the distinct pleasure of witnessing Game 7 of the NLCS last year and taking part in the funeral procession out of Sh** Stadium that followed Yadier Molina’s home run… if only Mets fans were always so quiet… but I have to say that it made it more sweet that it was the aforementioned packed house of Mets morons. The Mets may have ruled last season, but for most of the last 15 years, you’ve drooled over the Braves’ success. I’d really like you to admit it, but you won’t - because you’re a member of the most obnoxious fan base in all of baseball.
By fastasballs
June 3, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, Said the rhyme, Committed the crime sorry couldn’t help myself, lol
I actually enjoy these douche bag Muts fans. They love having the crap kicked out of them on a daily basis & I’m more than willing to lend a helping hand.
By Wayne in Utah
June 3, 2007 1:29 AM | Link to this
Mr. Grinch!!! All is well here in the Intermountain West. We are a little bummed that our Jazz didn’t get past the Spurs, but there is always next year, and we are young.
I am loving the upside of the Braves right about now. Even if we go into the tank for 4-5 games, I think the future (this year) is going to be bright. The Mets are definitely good, and should be the forerunner, but they better watch that rear view mirror, no matter what the idiots profess here on OUR blog.
I sure hope that Cormier is on tomorrow (today). Even if he falters, I still like our staff. So long as we avoid the big injuries. We don’t need any more Gonzo or Hampton injuries this season. Personally, I would like to see them bring somebody else up for the second start on Tuesday, instead of Carlyle. I think using a journeyman like Carlyle is OK if you don’t have anyone else, but why not take a flier on someone like Smith or Reyes, or heck, even Francisley Bueno. He is a smallish Cuban defector, that has had some killer starts lately. He started off in Miss real inconsistent, but has quite a heater, they say. If they don’t want to put Harrison or Reyes or Smith on the 40 man and use up an option, why not take a flier on Bueno?
Whaddya think Mr. Grinch!
By A-ville Ranger
June 3, 2007 1:32 AM | Link to this
I think the gang slam of Prado is a bit unfair.Everybodies hero in spring has a few bad games and he’s the root source of all bad things.I remember when KJ couldn’t hit a beach ball with a paddle.BC stuck with him and said he looked good at the plate and it was a matter of time before the hits came.Prado is obviously pressing and the error today looked bad.Spring is spring and we all know the real season is what matters.All I’m saying is he did look good in spring,he showed good balance and a good swing.I’m willing to give him more of a chance than the bums rush.I think BC is to.
By The Grinch
June 3, 2007 1:33 AM | Link to this
Fastasballs, that was a solid group effort by a bunch of real Braves fans…while I may disagree with you on the spacing of “Douche Bag” and “Douchebag” (who really knows the truth, huh?) the fact that the term applies to all Mets fans regardless of origin or species brings us all together. Khumbaya, and all that %%$#.
By mr baseball
June 3, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this
Wayne: a week or 2 ago when things weren’t going so well, I chastised the Chicken Littles on the blog who wanted to send the entire bench + Davies to the minors and were moaning and groaning about Andruw & James.
As someone who has followed this team since it came South, the last 16 years have been rewarding but also frustrating. There are some people who are so thrilled with the team’s success in the regular season since ‘91 that they are willing to forgive all the post-season failures. Then there are those who see only the playoff letdowns and brush off the string of division titles.
As great as the regular season success has been, there is still the nagging question of why this team managed just one WS title during its dominance in the ’90s, and has been so awful in the post-season since 2000. I don’t think it’s being negative to look at small but obvious flaws in the team and wonder why they haven’t been addressed.
I thought the signing of Wilson was a good one, and was surprised at his failure. But he was brought here for a purpose, and that purpose still remains. If they’re going to keep Salty on the roster, he needs to play more than once a week and should be available to pinch hit, which he won’t be able to do as long as he’s the only backup catcher.
There are several elements to the Braves’ roster that don’t make sense. And it’s not just this season. The problems the past few seasons can be directly tied to Schuerholz not making much of an effort to build a competent bullpen. This year, the problem area is the bench.
Schuerholz has a little noticed habit of not moving very quickly to correct his mistakes. He left the team strapped at 2 positions for 3 years after the Boone-Klesko fiasco trade, and waited until this year to do something about the bullpen. The wealth of talent in the farm system has helped shield the GM from some of his questionable or short-sighted trades, but the simple fact is that he has allowed seemingly insignificant problem areas to persist, and they have come back to bite the Braves when it mattered.
If it’s “negative” to point that out, fine. Pulling for a team doesn’t mean meekly accepting the decisions management makes. The 2 most visible men in charge of the team (the GM and manager) have skated through this wonderful run of success with virtually no criticism locally in the media. As well as they have done their jobs, their mostly ignored shortcomings have been visible in the post-season, but no one with much of a public voice has pointed that out.
I realize I’m in a minority here, but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong. “Everybody” just knew that Saddam had WMD, but “everybody” was wrong. “Everybody” thinks Schuerholz & Cox are the best in baseball at their jobs. Who’s to say “everybody” isn’t wrong about that.
By The Grinch
June 3, 2007 1:51 AM | Link to this
Now, Wayne, let us not hear of falling short of our basketball aspirations when discussing such things with a Hawks fan. Shall I tell you of borderline-suicidal depression? Would you all like to trade your splendid point guard we had the opportunity to draft for, say, Billy Knight, who’s spoiled three straight lottery picks (and will do so again shortly with no’s 3 and 11 in the next draft)? I would say I feel your pain, but us not ever even getting to the playoffs and all…well. Condolences, anyhow. Y’all played hard and got jobbed by the refs a few times; no shame. I agree with you wholeheartedly on your current assesment of the Braves, though I must always caution against putting too much stock in smallish Cuban defectors; we’ve been burned before. Not really; just had to say so. Any girls out that way struggling to get out of their overly complex underwear? I’m the man to help out!
A-ville Ranger, I never piled on Prado; I think Woodward and Orr should go first, in that order.
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 1:57 AM | Link to this
God or god, douchebag or douche bag. We run the gamut. Yes, we run the gamut here on the DOB blog. Next, we will discuss whether it is Douchebag or douchebag, Douche Bag or douche bag.
By Lew
June 3, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this
Let’s see now-WMD or Dan Kolb? Both explosive, but a bit heavy on the analogy, don’t you think?
By gotigers72
June 3, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this
For those of you saying “it’s only one game” regarding Escobar, his one game equaled the number of RBIs that Chipper’s replacements had in the eight games they played. He looks like he can field the position also, which the replacements had trouble doing. The theory that he would be better off playing regularly in the minors is bullcrap. If he can help the big club win games, he should remain on the big club.
If Gonzalez is not talked into changing that violent, across the body delivery that he had before elbow surgery, then the surgery was done for naught. Name me somebody with that type of delivery that has not had elbow or shoulder problems.
Chuck has had 2 good outings in a row. I still don’t understand the ongoing control problems he is having [4 walks in today’s game.] When he was in the minors, he had excellent control, a very good K/BB ratio. He is just starting his ML career, so maybe the too many walks thing will work itself out. Almost every jam he gets into is complicated by at least 1 or 2 walks. Also tends to give up too many homers. That’s not so bad when they are like Soriano’s solo homer today. But walks put men on base, and then homers are really bad. He also loses focus sometimes, as he did today when he threw pitches that were too good to the 8 and 9 hitters. That cost him a run. But overall it was a good start. He got himself out of several jams and gave up 2 runs in 6 innings, so I shouldn’t be b***’ about his performance. Just ways I see that he could improve.
By Wayne in Utah
June 3, 2007 2:12 AM | Link to this
Mr. Baseball I agree with you on some points, but could you not entertain the idea that maybe one of JS and Bobby’s strengths is that they DON’T pull the trigger too fast. It is too late dig and find examples, but I bet both you and I could find a dozen examples of times when not being trigger happy has actually helped the Braves in the long run.
Most baseball fans would KILL to be where we Braves fans have been for the past decade and a half. I think if you look at JS’s record since around 2000, you have to factor the absence of any real $$ to make immediate impact deals to help out the team. In some ways it is refreshing to me that they are so successful while being made to be fiscally responsible.
BTW, I am one of many who think Saddam DID have WMD’s! So, everybody hasn’t bought into the liberal bulls**t that has been spread and the nation is forced to take, like it or not.
I still think Bobby and John are the best in the business. There are some teams that are close, but listen to guys like Dibble and Kennedy on XM, and they laud the Braves organization often.
Mr Grinch
I stand corrected on Bueno, he is 5’11” and 200lbs. Not too small I guess. Maybe he has an extra eye on his forehead which is why they don’t want to expose him.
Now, you need to behave around us Utah guys, as maybe some of us might take offense to talking about our women, weird undies and all. I have been married to one of those for 30 years this month!
:-)
I probably won’t be around for any responses to this post, so good night all. I will check in again tomorrow morning.
So, for now, I bid you all a fond farewell, until we blog again. Good night, young grasshopper! (Logan, my almost 15 year old has inspired this fond farewell tonight!)
By A-ville Ranger
June 3, 2007 2:15 AM | Link to this
Mr baseball The problem with your analogy of So-damn Insane, wmd in Iraq and opinions on the job Braves management has done over the years is Iraq was a closed society with many secrets.Some say this countries leadership also had motive to misrepresent,misstate and distort facts.Baseball records are an open book for all to analyze.You know the old saying you’re entitled to your own opinions not your own facts.The record of this team over the past 16 years is an open book.That is a fact.
By The Grinch
June 3, 2007 2:16 AM | Link to this
Thou shalt not spell Douchebag with a lower-case “d!” You will certainly rot in a hell that resembles Flushing, NY, sir.
Dan Kolb, Dan Quayle…potatoe heads both.
Time to run the gamut into sleepybyes. Later, all.
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 2:17 AM | Link to this
Being Hawks fans and listening to Wayne lament over the fortunes of his beloved Jazz this year makes me begin to understand all the rage Mets fans have against us Braves fans. I love Wayne and I am starting to get a little resentful towards the fella and he has only made one comment about it. Imagine having to listen to that for 15 years in a row. I would get pretty darn angry myself. SO, Mets fans, I apologize. I am beginning to understand all the anger caused by your Napoleonic complex. BUT I won’t forgive ya until you admit you’ve got an anger management issue. BTW, Wayne, Braveheart, a.k.a. William Wallace, says that although being a great, highly paid HOF first sacker in the mid 70s did not get to your head, being a Jazz fan appears to have done so. B*******. Now go close this sucker out for us tonight Wickman style.
By Oregon_Braves
June 3, 2007 2:28 AM | Link to this
Anyway you spell it, Dayn Perry is indeed a douchebag.
By Wayne in Utah
June 3, 2007 2:31 AM | Link to this
WillyWally, er, I mean Braveheart
Sorry to have touched a nerve. I was once a Hawks fan too. That was many moons ago. And please understand, Logan and I are THRILLED with the season we have had. We were just discussing how the Jazz organization and the Braves organization are very similar in that they both have basic, do it right, and do it consistently ways of going about their business.
So, sorry to hit the “nerve” tonight for you diehard Hawks fans. Sorry you guys didn’t have the forethought to pick up D-Will in the draft a couple of years ago. BUT, folks out here were clamoring for Chris Paul. So, go figure???
Remember, I was a Braves fan also when they stunk, and never was I not a Braves fan. Thick and thin, my friend, thick and thin.
Now, as you suggest, I will bring my “girth” out of the pen, and shut this baby down tonight, just for you. Wicky Wayne again, bids you a good night!!!
By Incognito
June 3, 2007 2:33 AM | Link to this
Agreed on Dayn Perry. He also never learned how to spell as a kid. Dang Met’s apologist……..
By mr baseball
June 3, 2007 2:33 AM | Link to this
Lew: Guilty as charged. Kolb, however, was an actual bomb, which distinguished him from the make believe variety in Saddam’s possession.
By Robert
June 3, 2007 3:08 AM | Link to this
Phillip Wellman’s tirade will be a tough act to follow. Maybe Donk can give us something memorable for #132
(like maybe an ejection followed by his immediate resignation under the claim that he has nothing left to achieve)
By LA Brave
June 3, 2007 3:12 AM | Link to this
I’d like to apologize to all the denizens of this blog (IMO the best on the web) and especially to DOB for my antics the last couple of days…I was on a birthday bender and had no rhyme or reason for mentioning the bulk of my most recent posts about a very good musician and song writer who means a lot to a lot of people though it was all true there is no place here or anywhere to attack someone who is in no position to defend himself and to bring such negative energy to an otherwise great place to hang on the web. I do hope you all accept my apology and accept me back here.
The Mississippi Meltdown was an all-timer.
Has Zambrano backed off of his Cy Young guarantee?
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 3:17 AM | Link to this
Sorry you guys didn’t have the forethought to pick up D-Will in the draft a couple of years ago.
OUCH. Low blow. Your Jazz will be sorry for that comment when the Hawks trot out Chan Ho, Sele, and Jorge Sosa next year. And watch out the Hawks have got this awesome kid named Pelfrey ready to play next year. Whatever. Just wanted to try sounding as stupid as a lowlife Mets fan.
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 3:22 AM | Link to this
LA Brave, you’re cool with me. I’m actually just jealous of the life you live that you get to meet all those awesome people even when they are not acting as awesome as we would like.
Cool seeing Mr. Spitz chime in once again. Now that is a hard core old school Braves fan.
By Braves Fan
June 3, 2007 4:13 AM | Link to this
I see robert got out of the barn. the sheep and donkeys must be getting boring. only robert could enjoy wellmans tirade , he must be related to that fool since robert likes managers so much.
By Braves Fan 79
June 3, 2007 6:16 AM | Link to this
smallish cuban defectors?? did you watch the world baseball classic last year?? Cuba has some of the best unknown players in the world. Ive calling for Escobar to be on the roster all year….always knew woodward and orr were good for nothing but pitchrunning and bunting. Escobars presence along with salty off the bench makes this team SO much better!
Now lets dump woodward….
By serbok
June 3, 2007 6:51 AM | Link to this
LA Brave I wish other bloggers here had the same sense of of humility as you~ I wish you happy blogging my friend! Kathy, I’ve thought about Wellmans antics, You have to admit it was hilarious tho? However I do agree with you. The guy is positioning young kids to go to the “Show”. Ya know I would expect that from a minor league manager from the muts, but NOT the Braves.
He should show a bit more respect to the game than that! What to do with escobar and salty????????? What a nice luxury?
By serbok
June 3, 2007 7:01 AM | Link to this
The more I think about it Wellman’s antics remind me of that guy from wrestlin’ The billionaire guy I dont “know” anything about rasslin other than it’s a joke! And the joke is on the PPL who spend hard earned money to watch a soap opera. Then again, what the hEl if it’s ones money spend it anyway that makes ya happy~
By KJ
June 3, 2007 7:03 AM | Link to this
Wellman is the manager of the AA Mississippi team, not Ole Miss, as you stated in your 2nd paragraph. OLE MISS is a college team from Oxford. You are a sports reporter; get your facts right.
By Berigan
June 3, 2007 7:17 AM | Link to this
Well, everyone and there brother is calling for us to keep Escobar, and Salty(And Chipper has been vocal about both staying with the big club, that they are ready, etc) BUT…..should both of them just sit??? I know, escobar won’t sit while Chipper’s out, but what happens when he’s back? With interleague play, at least we will have the DH on the road, so that gives us a bit more flexibilty.
But, until someone wises up and sends down Orr(Or Prado) so we can have a 3rd catcher, so we can have Salty come in late for McCann in blowouts, or at 1st late, he and Escobar will get splinters in their butts.
This should get peoples blood going early today. What if Escobar looks too good to send down, or bench….. do we trade Edgar,(And save a lot of money along with losing our best hitter) or Kelly to make room???? Hee, that should get Coach mad at me!
What little I saw of Escobar, just on espn(How could I forget day game at wrigley?) He looks awfully good, that is a power swing. A much better swing than Prado has right now, or we will ever see from Woodward or Orr.(Orr or???) And one thing Coach and I agree on is Salty should not be traded….but, we can’t play everyone now can we????
Should be quite interesting the next few weeks!!!
By serbok
June 3, 2007 7:21 AM | Link to this
*For You KJ compliments of *LA Brave *The Mississippi Meltdown was an all-timer.!!! Get used to it~
By Berigan
June 3, 2007 7:26 AM | Link to this
Like everyone else, I have seen the Wellman meltdown, and it was very funny, though I wonder about the guy. Also, did anyone see the play that set him off? I assume by the very big home plate he “Drew” after covering home plate, it was a strike call he was arguing? I assume for AA, just one camera, but….I have always heard you saw a lot of high strikes, low strikes, wide strikes in the minors, the lower the worse the strike zone, since we are talking about raw umps as well.
It must have been a really far outside pitch called a strike, perhaps the pitcher bounced it up there for a strike? ;)
By serbok
June 3, 2007 7:32 AM | Link to this
Mississippi last post was my bad~ just dont have much use for that place~ Kinda wants me to mash the button on my compooter, for some reason/ hm
By serbok
June 3, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this
Berigan good point! Hate to type this, but maybe the MLB umps don’t get their due?
By CAL
June 3, 2007 7:55 AM | Link to this
Right ON… joe simpson STINKS period, I once thought chip would do fine… NO LONGER… Skip is still OK, but why in the hell won’t those STUPID JERKS running the Braves put Pete back on TV… Our announcing crew resembles the CUBS the last two days… But they meltdown every night I am afraid…
DUPE joe simpson …PLEASE!!!!
By ncscoots
June 3, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this
Uh oh, Salty’s BA is down to .278, get Iker Franco up here, LOL.
Stat of the Week: 63.4% of all bloggers currently reporting “I always knew Escobar could contribute” wanted to trade him in February.
Next year’s stat of the week: 49.7% of all bloggers call for Braves to start Escobar, Saltalamacchia, Brandon Jones/Gregor Blanco/some rookie/any rookie in 2008; trade Edgar, Chipper, and Thorman; move KJ to LF; and, I dunno, maybe have Francoeur pitch.
but seriously…I guess it’s got a way of working out, but I’d hate to be the guy making the decisions in the offseason. Escobar is already 24, and blocked for at least one more year, barring a trade; Salty needs a little more work than taking grounders or shagging flies to change positions; etc. etc., etc. Meanwhile, the farm system keeps bubbling up players. What to do and when to do it? Glad it’s not I who will have to pull those triggers.
By Smitty
June 3, 2007 8:06 AM | Link to this
DOB, first time poster, long time reader of the blog. Just saw your comment about trips to Montreal and couldn’t agree more. I used to go there to see Braves vs. Expos…loved it! They’d serve sushi in the stands. Now that’s the way to see a game!
By serbok
June 3, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this
Richard Cory lmao!
By D-Cider
June 3, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this
The Wellman grenade toss with the resin bag was great! It looks like the umpire is putting a piece of gum in his mouth at the time. most of the tirade was on espn news. here is the youtube link. 2:16 of pure insanity. it appears the umpire was calling a pitch a strike that was way outside on a braves batter. since he was arguing balls and strikes, the umpire tosses him when he comes out of the dugout.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=G7CCga0nbG8
By Meanie
June 3, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this
Richard you gotta try harder dude. Unfunny sixth grade humor there.
For what it’s worth, Mr. Baseball has some facts wrong besides his insane analogies. Klesko was traded for, I believe, Quilvio Veras and Wally Joyner. Q actually gave us a good season before flaming out. Boone left as a free agent to enjoy a couple of, ahem, surprising seasons of 40 HR.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
June 3, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this
Good morning all, A few personal observations: The biggest difference I have found between minor league and major league ball games has always been the pitching and the umpires. The rest is about the same.
Sorry some of you cannot see the humor in Wellman’s triad. It was classic minor league baseball. Out of control is when someone starts throwing punches or trying to physically injure someone. What Wellman did will go down as a classic.
Tough decision today on whether to watch Atlanta or the Dover race today. Perhaps the weatherman will make up my mind for me as the storm moves up the coast. Still rooting for homeboy Denny Hamlin. Folks, you could not hope to meet a nicer kid.
My split with pro basketball came back in the 70’s when the Va Squires were part of the ABA. It is when I learned that dirt bag owners did not give a rat’s a$$ about the fans.
As for holding Gavin responsible for the ‘94 strike, ridiculous. Takes more than one person to pull that off. It’s like Scott Boras being blamed for high player salaries. Betcha 75% of you would hire him if it was you.
No, I don’t like losing players to other teams because of price but look at the team the Braves have put together vs the Mets. Which would you say has the better future?
As for Escobar being stuck in the minors, looks like being in the minors and playing everyday did not hurt his game.
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
KJ, don’t know how to break this to you: Fully aware it’s not Double-A Ole Miss, friend. Fully aware.
Just a running joke thing. Obviously if folks such as yourself don’t catch the humor/sarcasm, must not be funny. So I’ll stop it….
Guess it’s time to remove any irreverent and/or sarcastic and/or silly comments from my posts and “get my facts straight.”
By David-ATL14
June 3, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Carry on with the sarcasm and irreverant humor DOB, best part of the blog IMO. For the few(many) who don’t understand, forget them.
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
Best $20 I’ve spent in a long time was the ticket to see Graham Parker last night. I saw the 10 p.m. show, second of two sold-out shows here at Old Town School of Folk Music, an intimate venue with great acoustics.
Anyway, the man’s in great form in his 50s, rockin’ as hard as ever on the early stuff from the 1970s, still full of P and V, still wearing the big Aviator shades.
His band was great, a bunch of much-younger guys who all love playing his catalog, you can tell. He made a funny comment before playing “Glass Jaw” or “You Can’t Be Too Strong,” something about opening on a your with headliner Eric Clapton back in the day and at one point on the tour Parker’s record was higher on the charts than Clapton’s, and one of his younger band members said, “Yours was better.”
He played close to two hours, everything from all the old albums and from his incredible latest album, “Don’t Tell Columbus,” his best in more than a decade.
As a huge added bonus, I didn’t even realize Jon Langford was opening until I got there. Langford, for those who might be unaware, is a founding member of The Mekons, great rock/punk/country band, and most recently of The Waco Brothers, a hard-edged country/punk outfit.
And he’s quite an accomplished painter, does these great folk-art paintings of old country-artist publicity photos, which he turns into these grainy, tattered looking things of beauty, adding stuff like skulls and quotes and other embellishments that turn a simple old photo into a true piece of goth-country art. His paintings of Cash and Hank Williams photos are the coolest stuff going.
By BravesWeenFan
June 3, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
Dave,
for some reason i was laying in bed thinking about the Dylan / Beatles talk and I was trying to figure why it was bugging me so much …
I guess for me, I really appreciate the collective work of a band pulling together to make an album … i think with Rubber Soul, Revolver, and Sgt Peppers you can really hear four musicians blending their sounds, struggling for their ideas, and working that out musically (most of the later Beatles stuff (especially the white album) was like four solo artists on one album.
I love Dylan, I love his work, and his albums are superb, but they lack that struggle of a band… it was Dylan’s show, the musicians were Dylan’s musicians, so the whole sound is a little less… i guess rich for lack of a better word. I also think thats why Blood on the Tracks and Desire are my favorite albums because that we a pretty consistent set of musicians during that time. Did you ever get the Blood on the Tracks New York Sessions? I promised to send it to you … like a year ago… you need to get that album… its an amazing different take Blood on the Tracks.
I think Sgt Peppers is over hyped, and now, a lot of music heads diss on it. I would be wary of that impulse as seductive as it is … ohh yeah, don’t forget that when you listen to that album on vinyl, the first song of side B is “Within You Without You” - what a wild move to have that song leading off the B side of an album … thats something you forget listening to that album on CD… that song kinda fades to the back …
Ohh yeah, go Braves, Escobar is a pimp, Savannah Braves Fan … i just moved to Savannah and I am looking for a good place to watch a game? Any advice.
Bryan
By Larry
June 3, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
Wellman was hysterical. If you think the players lose respect for a manager when that happens then you have not been in many dugouts in your life. Managers do stuff like that when their team gets uptight (like losing a series of close games) and need to chill out and go back to having some fun. I am quite certain it was planned, choreographed and thought out.
I seriously doubt he will be fired, he did not make contact with a single umpire and he stayed completely within the bounds of the unwritten managerial rules. Meaning, you can say what you want, do what you want as long as you don’t touch anyone, certain words will get you thrown out, who cares - he still loosened his team up. That is probably pretty important when you are managing a group of 18 - 22 year olds.
By N8
June 3, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Meanie
“Boone left as a free agent to enjoy a couple of, ahem, surprising seasons of 40 HR.”
Totally hear you on the “juice bombs” as I like to refer to them as. I’ll assume that’s what your “ahem” was referring to.
But, if I recall, Boone & Klesko were traded together to the Padres in the deal that brought Veras and Joyner, along with Reggie Sanders to the Braves.
Not that it matters, but I believe that’s how it went down.
By Savannah Guy
June 3, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
DOB, man Graham Parker does rock. Glad to hear he’s still hard-charging. Wish I could’ve seen that gig. I’ve gotta check out his new album after your review. Man, the memories. This ole Savannah boy tried to see him once upon a time at CBGB but he didn’t show. Or maybe that was me that didn’t show…can’t remember. Maybe because I went over to see REM’s first ever gig in NY over on B street. They were kinda’ the home boys then. Things were like that back in the day. Every day you heard and saw stuff that reminded you of…nothing you’d ever seen or heard before.
The Jon Langford folk paintings sound cool too, like “outsider” art. I’ll try and google. I collect that stuff.
Thanks for the heads up.
By Chris
June 3, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
As for the play that sent off Wellman, it couldn’t have been a Braves batter as there were several Braves in the field as he was walking around. You can see the Braves second baseman laughing. I’m guessing that must mean he was arguing that the umps weren’t calling pitches that he thougt were strikes.
In any case, this was terrible. It was funny, but terrible. Yeah Bobby gets tossed a lot but I’ve never seen him crawl around on all fours and throw a rosin bag like a grenade. I’m still trying to remember if I’ve ever seen him kick dirt on an ump or throw a hat like ol Lou Pinella does.
By Lew
June 3, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
Considering that the only decent album Clapton has put out since Derrick and the Dominoes was Journeyman, you’d better believe anything that Graham Parker did was better. I never saw Parker, but saw Clapton twice (Journeyman and the next tour). He didn’t even play all of the guitar on his own tunes. He had someone else and if you watched what was going on, Clapton played about 50% of the guitar. That sure was satisfying. The real show at the Clapton concerts was Nathan East on bass and that crazy old drummer he had.
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
Other than the fact that he made himself look like a complete buffoon, he did not make contact with a single umpire and he stayed completely within the bounds of the unwritten managerial rules. Meaning, you can say what you want, do what you want as long as you don’t touch anyone, certain words will get you thrown out, who cares - he still loosened his team up. That is probably pretty important when you are managing a group of 18 - 22 year olds.
I’ve played alot of ball in my life at pretty high levels of ball for a wide variety for managers and coaches. Wellman is an idiot. You can’t respect an authority figure who acts like that. That’s not loosening the guys up or firing them up. That’s just being selfish and it is plain ole going off the deep end.
Choreographed, you say? Oh yeah, that makes it so much better. Sorry, your honor, and ladies and gentlemen of the jury, my defense is not that I got caught up in a spur of the moment kind of thing, I actually planned that out. Yeah, that defense actually makes things much worse for you.
Wellman basically went T.O. and John Rocker on the Braves organization the other night, acting selfishly and thinking he was much bigger than the organization.
What happens if Wellman drops Brandon Jones to eighth in the lineup or tells Jones to go do extra drills to get himself better and Jones refuses? Does brandon jones go off the deep end like Wellman did the other night or does Wellman again provide his team an encore performance and go off the deep end on Jones? And if Jones is the one who goes off the deep end, how could the Braves hold it against him and say that he is a cancer in the clubhouse? But then how do you correct the problem before his attitude becomes a liability when he is called up or his Wellman like tantrums have become so out of control that he becomes a lastings milledge whose trade value plummets?
And then what happens if Lillibridge gets tired of Jones acting that way and tells Jones to tone down the tiresome act but Jones tells brent to go F himself. Does Brent then throw a Wellman like tantrum on Jones or does Jones throw the Wellman tantrum on brent? How then could Wellman tell both Brent and Brandon to cut it out nd do as I say and not as I do without each player rolling their eyes at him and perhaps throwing the Wellman tantrum back at Wellman?
There is loosening and firing guys up and then there is being a chaotic, selfish idiot. There is loosening the guys up by having them laugh with you and then there is being a fool who is laughed at. I betcha the other night’s episode was not his only tiresome act. And I bet it is wearing thin.
It’s like when John Rocker was here. Funny, loud, outrageous, pumped up the fans and the team for a while. But then it became so selfish and so tiresome and so much about him and not about the team that he was no longer wanted on the team no matter how good he was.
FYI: There are some very literal readers of this blog. Brandon and Brent are not known as problem children. So, don’t read too literally into my using them as hypothetical examples.
By Richard Cory
June 3, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Clemens upset with Cashman— ‘The Rocket’ is enraged with a quote from Brian Cashman that belittles[pun intended] him. While discussing the ‘Rocket’s’ latest setback, [groin problem] he was quoted as saying ” it’s such a small thing” and “it’s really no big deal”. Last seen he had a bat in his hand and was heading toward’s Cashman’s office!! LOL
By Eric from MO
June 3, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
Larry how many dugouts have you been in where the coach or manager did something to that extent. If I was his player I would think he was a joke and I would of been embarassed for him.
By Mike in 'fretta
June 3, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
I know DOB said that there wasn’t a heck of a lot of trade noise coming from the Braves, but I keep thinking about a trade for Mark Texiera. Thorman isn’t really working out as an everday 1st baseman, but I think he could be valuable off the bench. Picking up a guy like big Tex would make our lineup resemble an AL lineup.
Wow, that is an impressive lineup. I don’t really know who the Braves would have to give up for Big Tex, but I am all about trading prospects for proven big league talent, and he is just entering the prime years of his career.
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
Any word yet on whether Wellman has been offered a Southwest Airlines commercial yet? IF Southwest was smart, they could get about 4 or 5 commercial spots out of that.
The first one would be him storming out onto the field and firing his cap to the ground, with the commercial ending Wanna Get Away?
The second one would be him over at third base, picking up the base and walking away with it, ending with Wanna Get Away?
The third one would be him doing the crab crawl and then grenade toss fading to Wanna Get Away?
The fourth one would be him picking up second base and walking off into the night with second and third base, Wanna Get Away?
The fifth one would be him at home with his family watching his looniness on SportsCenter, Wanna Get Away?
They need to sign Wellman up. They can cheaply get about 5 commercial spots out of that episode.
By Savannah Guy
June 3, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
Lew I tend to agree with you about “slow-hand” Clapton, but he was great, probably more for his body of work and for his collaborative work and influence than for any particular album. The Blind Faith group/album with Ginger Baker was one of his more accomplished works. Solid, good stuff there.
Never really thought about it, but seems he was always overshadowed by breakthrough bands and icons, like Jimi Hendrix, Steve Winwood, Doors, The Band, Dylan, etc. and then Graham Parker, Tom Petty and all those that followed. Seems Clapton was always in-between music movements. Even so, he’s deservedly a HOF’er as a musician and songwriter. He just doesn’t wind up in most people’s top 10.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 3, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
O. Perez (6-3) against D. Davis (3-6) up here today. No help for you there, better hope you win or it’s 4.5 back again.
But something tells me the Cubs are due.
By mr baseball
June 3, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
Meanie: If you’re going to accuse somebody of getting the facts wrong, it’s usually a good idea to have a clue what you’re talking about.
The Braves traded Boone & Klesko to San Diego for Reggie Sanders, Quilvio Veras & Wally Joyner. Klesko had 3 terrific years for the Padres before getting injured a lot, and Boone became an MVP caliber player with some chemical assistance.
Sanders had the only truly awful season of his major league career in Atlanta, which isn’t supposed to happen because we all know Bobby Cox gets the most out of everybody who plays for him. (How to explain Klesko?) Veras played OK for half a season, got hurt, played another half season, was released and never heard from again. Joyner did nothing in his one season here other than run Randall Simon out of town.
The result of the trade was that the Braves were left with huge holes at the 2 positions filled by Boone & Klesko for the next 3 seasons. Schuerholz never made a serious move to rectify what is one of the worst trades in modern baseball history by a supposed genius GM, but he didn’t have to, as far as his reputation is concerned.
For some unexplained reason, the media in Atlanta thinks Schuerholz is the greatest GM ever. Other than Albie Lopez and Dan Kolb, they don’t think he’s ever made a mistake, and make excuses for him when he does something that doesn’t work. (Grissom/Justice, anyone?) The same applies to Cox. He is universally praised locally, to the extent that his strongest atrributes are overblown with factually incorrect assumptions, while his obvious strategic shortcomings are completely ignored.
The analogy regarding WMB may have been over the top, but the point I made stands up. Just because “everybody” shares an opinion, that doesn’t mean they’re all right. Schuerholz & Cox have done their jobs well, just not nearly as well as most denizens of this blog have come to believe.
You want to differ with my opinion, fine. I fully understand that most of you here who make the effort to wade through my verbose posts will agree with some observations and disagree with more. Just have some semblance of certainty about your facts before you start questioning mine.
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
For all of you Joe Morgan and Joe Theismann haters, here is Phil Mushnick’s take on them in the New York Post today:
Consider that for the last 18 years, ESPN was of a mind that America was eager to have its NFL telecasts - ESPN’s most valued property - dominated and destroyed by the insufferable omnipresence of windbag Joe Theismann. Eighteen years!
No offense to Theismann, but most genuine football fans would have instead done one of three things: 1) Coached him, starting with Week 1 of 1988, until he improved. 2) Replaced him after one season. 3) Never hired him in the first place.
ESPN has attached its baseball telecasts, another big-ticket and cherished property, to the fractured, nonsensical and protracted observations of Joe Morgan. But that has only been going on the last 17 years.
Does ESPN really believe America enjoys listening to Morgan wreck baseball games any more than it enjoyed listening to Theismann ruin football games? Or does ESPN’s plan call for an 18-year wait before fixing big holes in its roof?
For nearly 20 years - an entire generation - ESPN, America’s all-sports network, created and sustained a year-round sense of fear and loathing when tuning to two of ESPN’s proudest and most expensive properties. Crazy, ain’t it?
By Lew
June 3, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
Savannah Guy-Clapton started going down the tubes when he recorded After Midnight. Layla was incredible, but I wonder how good it would have been without Duane Allman? I think Clapton played off of his exemplary guitar work-it inspired him to a better performance. Maybe it’s like Bill Maher said- “I wouldn’t advocate heroin use for anyone, but it never hurt my music collection.” I don’t know if bouts with addiction or alcoholism took it out of Eric, or if he needed them for inspiration, but he just isn’t the same when he’s not under the influence. Clapton is God and whatnot. BTW-There are in existence, Clapton/Hendirx jam tapes-awesome!!!!! Blind Faith was all too short lived-an excellent band. Incidentally, there is a double CD set of the Blind Faith album with all sorts of different mixes, acoustic and live versions. You might be interested in it. I didn’t see them, but got to see Traffic. I was psyched and they split after 25 minutes. Chris Wood was so messed up he could barely stand, much less play flute. Winwood made up some crap about firecrackers being thrown (it was at the Omni in Atlanta, and there was certainly no danger to the band-not even sure there were firecrackers). The only good thing about THAT show was that Little Feat opened and Lowell George was still alive. NUff said there.
By Robert
June 3, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
Only I could enjoy Wellman’s tirade?
Let’s seperate the issues here. I dont know Wellman from Adam, but I can tell you things with absolute certainty
One is that the hand grenade act was FUNNY. More than funny, it actually qualified under hilarious.
Two is that Phillip Wellman could outmanage Bobby Cox, even with a hand grenade in one hand and third base in the other
By N8
June 3, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
Maybe Joe Morgan seems more annoying to him, because the FRICKING Yankees are on the ESPN Sunday Night Game of the Week…..EVERY FRICKIN WEEK!!!
Big shocker. Tonight’s game:
Yankees/Red Sox.
Has ANYBODY bothered telling the people at ESPN that the Yankees are 23-30, 13.5 games back of the Red Sox and ONLY 1 game ahead of the AAA team from Tampa?
I guess I was unaware that ESPN was purchased by the YES network.
Ironically, I’ve always liked Theismann and Morgan. Because as ex-players (VERY similar to Joe Simpson and Don Sutton), they’ve been there. They understand the details of the game. Not to mention NONE of them put up with players half-a*******ing it on the field.
Theismann hates the way QB’s are coddled. One could argue that he’s bitter over what happened to him. But I bet when he was playing, he wouldn’t have liked all the rules turning today’s NFL QB into a Girls Flag Football star.
As for Morgan? Well, he’s pretty much the best OVERALL second baseman that’s played in the last 40 years or so. Won two WS rings, 2 MVP’s. Oh yeah, he’s in the HOF too.
I guess if you’re somebody (not you Braveheart - talking in general), who likes your broadcasts sugarcoated and glossed over with cute little knicknames and overdramatizations like Bob Costas, then a guy like Morgan isn’t your bag.
But for somebody to say that Joe Morgan has “ruined” 17 years of baseball on ESPN, I’d have to ask that person if they’ve every heard Chris Berman?
If the Braves aren’t on the Sunday Night ESPN game, (when the hell was the last time they were?), Joe Morgan and Jon Miller are the ONLY reason I even think about turning it on.
As for Thiesman? I could name you about 20 other guys that call NFL games for CBS, Fox, and ESPN that annoy me a HELL of a lot more. Say, for instance, Randy “I used to have Joe Montana’s hands on my A$$ 50 some times a game” Cross.
THAT guy is horrible.
But everybody is entitled to their opinion, I guess. Mine just happens to bog the blog down. :-)
By ElbravoX
June 3, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
DOB, New blog coming?
By Lew
June 3, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
Drooling Mets’Fan-Exactly who are you trying to convince, here? Us or yourself? Must be all those years of sniffing Braves dust while being way behind us in the standings that leads to your massive attacks of unbridled insecurity. It’s pretty pitiful your coming to our blog for reassurance that the Mets are decent. If we tell you they are decent, will you leave? I never saw someone so orgasmic over a lousy 3 1/2 game lead-especially when we have beaten your sorry behinds six of nine times. We still play you nine more times. When we take you to the cleaners six more times, there’s three of the 3 1/2. Imagine, making a mess in your pants over such a slim margin. Wouldn’t want your dry cleaning bill. Make sure you don’t stand too close to Moises when he toughens his hands-the dry cleaning bill could get even larger.
By snowball's chance
June 3, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
Okay, Jerry Falwell, Bill Clinton and Marvin Miller go into a bar…oh,yeah Grinch says to stay off those topics. How about this old one.
Why is Eric Clapton just like coffee?
They both suck without Cream. (rim shot, crash cymbal)
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 3, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
Man. there are some uptight dudes on this blog. Loosen up guys, you’ll live longer.
Well, the weatherman did not favor the NASCAR gods today so it looks like TBS wins out for the afternoon.
I hope Cormier does well today. Perhaps it will quell some of the passion many here seem to have to make a trade.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 3, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
Lew just keeping you in your place…looking up from second place, livinging in the shadow of the Mighty Mets.
Ha. ha. don’t lose to the cubs today, what no name triple a pitching call up are you putting all your hopes on today?
By Lew
June 3, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
Snowball-I just read an interview with Jack Bruce-he says Cream is reuiniting for another reunion tour. That’s tour as in several different dates. Haven’t heard any confirmation of it, but it could be interesting. Bruce was recovering from a liver transplant when they reunited last time for the one show. He is supposedly completely recovered now. If only he and Ginger Baker can learn to just get along.
By Robert
June 3, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
You know, I never thought of Randy Cross quite that way. I bet a lot of women would’ve loved to have been in his position.
Now if Ron Jaworski’s hands were on your a*, I’d worry
By joebrave
June 3, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Mets Fool,I’m ignoring you today you little insignificant pi$$ant,shut up and go play with your dolls!!!!Wellman was hillarious but a little overboard!!!I’d like to see Salty at first today ,and K.J. back with Escobar at 3b.Man I love these kids they just have some energy….
By Steve McP
June 3, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
I have to come in to bat for some later Clapton - for me his best album was Just One Night, recorded live in Japan, astonishing diversity and quality with Albert Lee helping out as well!
Now, I think he really enjoys the music, and plays for the enjoyment of it, witness his concerts at the Albert Hall, where he will play different genres on different nights, it must be hard for musicians to keep doing great things year in year out, but his performances continue to have quality and he is exploring new and differnet ways to play and present his shows, which must be applauded. He is not going to be ground breaking in the sense that Hendrix or the Beatles were, but he is certainly deserving of a place in the HOF for his body of excellent work - and how many people do you know who would only play with musicians accomplished enough to change key in mid song - on Just One Night you can hear him calling out key changes to keep his band on their toes!
By krath
June 3, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
Sheffield says Latin players easier to control than blacks
Sheffield
It’s amazing how just being able to hit a baseball gives someone a forum to make a fool of themselves by their words.
By Robert
June 3, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
If you specifically address someone to tell them you are ignoring them, arent you by definition lying?
By brian
June 3, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Mike -I agree that would be a potent lineup but my concerns are on the money side. We cannot afford to keep Andruw much less a Scott boras 1B. Big Tex also has seen his numbers dip the last few years and one has to wonder how much of his numbers are inflated by his friendly home confines. Texas would demand top pitching and position prospects which the Braves cannot afford to give up.
I for one, like many here, want to see Salty as the everyday 1B.
By snowball's chance
June 3, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
Lew,Have you seen the Cream DVD from a few years ago? It is good. Bruce looks a little frail,as you would expect. Clapton is a much better vocalist now so he picked up the slack. Someone made the point in the Dylan Beatles debate here that the Beatles when they were a true band were the best as opposed to heading a band as Dylan does.Good Point. In Cream you had three huge talents with egos to match.They pushed each other. I can’t think of anyone who did better work as a solo act after being in a great band.
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
Loving the music conversation, learning alot. Keep it up, fellas.
By N8
June 3, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Robert
“If you specifically address someone to tell them you are ignoring them, arent you by definition lying?”
Not exactly how I would have said it. But you pretty much took the words right out of my mouth.
Now had he said: “After THIS post, I will be ignoring you……”
By Robert
June 3, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
As opposed to managing the Braves, which lets you make a fool of yourself by your actions
By Dave knockahomer
June 3, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Tis after twelve on this fine day: two questions:
Salty cannot learn much sitting on the bench and spelling Brian once every 3 or 4 days…..a young hitter needs to be PLAYING…to develop his timing etc. It was said that he played first grade in high school and takes ground balls at first bases every day….so why not let him play first base and develop into the great player he can be?
we gotta find a way to keep Escobar! Let him be Chippers back up man and if and when Aybar gets out of rehab, send Aybar down to Richmond or wherever. Escobar has proven himself! So what do we do with Aybar if and when he returns.
again, Salty can’t learn by sitting on the stupid bench. If they aren’t going to play him somewhere every day, why not send him back to AA or even AAA where he can continue to develop.
sitting on the bench seems a stupid waste!
By snowball's chance
June 3, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
Steve mcP, It was just an old smartass joke. Have you seen the Concert for George DVD? All friends of George Harrison including Clapton and Albert Lee in a tribute concert at Albert Hall. Clapton does a beautiful As My Guitar Gently Weeps.
By Braveone
June 3, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
DOB: You said you have seen Salty taking grounders at first almost every day. How about Diaz? Have your seen Diaz taking grounders at first?
By brian
June 3, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
just a question to throw out there. If Yunel hits well while filling in for Chipper and shows he is ready for the majors now, where do you put him? Chipper is not moving to 1B. Send Yunel down? Keep him as a utility player to give Chipper and Edgar some days off? Trade Yunel away? Or place him at SS and trade Edgar for pitching help trying to pry away a top, young arm? I love Edgar - steady fielder, the best #2 hitter in baseball, and has a good contract, but that is why Edgar’s trade value is so much higher than Yunel’s.
By eric the elder
June 3, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Dave, I know this was just a typo, but I got a laugh out of it. Referring to Salty, you said
“It was said that he played first grade in high school . . “
Or were you referring to Mets Fool?
By Savannah Guy
June 3, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
Lew Good post. True stuff. Snowball’s Chance, funny stuff. Many a truth is told in jest.
Dwayne Allman was the inspiration for a lot more musicians than most know, including during his collaboration with Clapton. Unfortunately, the Allman Bros. band died with Dwayne and Barry oakly. Sad but true, but without drugs, the rock’n roll would have been…well, different. Less of it and probably less breakthrough. Now for the sex, that would have survived without either.
I also read about the Cream tour. It’ll be a must-see. Didn’t know about Jack Bruce having a liver transplant. Glad to hear he’s doing well. That should be an incredible tour…hopefully they’ll push it further than a “best of” performance, although that would be great too. Speaking of Winwood concerts, I saw Winwood/Traffic in Hollywood FL during the Low Spark of HHB’s days. Winwood played virtually every instrument on the stage throughout the show…and actually mastered all of them without the music being compromised by the spectacle. Incredible performance, great show.
By krath
June 3, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
Piniella susspended indefinitely by MLB.
By Dave knockahomer
June 3, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
eric the elder:
dang, I done wrong! I meant first BASE!!!
Oy!
but why keep him on the bench?
I dare anyone to give a rational reason for this!
the dare is on!
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: No shocker, but Prado was sent to Richmond to clear a spot for Cormier. As I suspected would be the case.
Smoltz still not definite for Tuesday, but likely will start the nightcap of that day-night DH vs. Florida. He’s throwing on the bullpen now as I type this. Can’t tell much if anything from here, but he looks OK to me. He’s throwing full ‘pen, no pauses, with Roger standing next to him watching and Bubba (Jeff Porter) watching from behind the catcher (Eddie Perez).
By eric the elder
June 3, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
Yunel’s great first game notwithstanding, we need to be prepared for some 0-fers and an occasional error. He’s human. That said, we definitely need to keep him up to spell Chipper and Edgar, especially because we surely haven’t seen the last of Chipper on the DL.
I’m much more concerned about Salty’s status. Someone observed that his BA is going down. Of course it is. He has no chance to get into a rhythm or groove. If he isn’t going to catch more and he isn’t going to play another position, then for the life of me I don’t see why he is up here - - EXCEPT to showcase him for a trade. That makes me shudder. I’m terrified that we will let this jewel get away.
By John Maedel
June 3, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
RE: Wellman
True, Phillip Wellman is in his first year of managing the Mississippi Braves, but has 4 years of previous managerial experience with the Reds’ Double-A affilliate in Chattanooga. We here in Chattanooga were thrilled that Phil chose our ballpark as his launching pad to fame. The point that people often miss is that Phil’s players would run through fire in a gasoline suit for him. As for the rant, classic Phil.
By fastasballs
June 3, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
JS is in the driver’s seat right now. A player like Escobar could be packaged with a pitcher like Davies or James and used to acquire a front line young starter. Has to be someone that will be here long term, not a rent-a-pitcher. A third power arm to go with Smoltz & Hudson would be a dream come playoff time.
Another option is a trade for power hitting rh first baseman, but if Salty is in the plans to play there then that won’t happen.
If James & Davies pitch well, there may not be any major moves until the off season. I’m just speculating, but like I said JS is in the driver’s seat with all this young talent. Regardless the Braves are going to be a force in the NL for another decade to come regardless of payroll.
By snowball's chance
June 3, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
Wellman’s act was funny, Lou’s was scary. Bruce Fremming did a good job stopping Lou from getting in even worse trouble.Lou didn’t look like he was acting when he was towering over that little ump. Why has baseball gone to these little umps? They used to have these huge ex-wrestlers who weren’t intimidated and defused situations better.
By Savannah Guy
June 3, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
Lew, Steve McP, Snowball’s Chance…seems we are in violent agreement that Clapton is a consumate artist and musical legend…over and above the “just” rock star status in my book. And his stage and studio work with so many of the great talent of our time has been sustained at a high level for so long now.
Also dittos, with George Harrison he was always good, even in the Bangladesh concert. Now, “I look at the floor and I see it need’s sweeping, while my guitar gently weeps.” Yep, he covered it well. Wish George and John were still with us.
Lew, you’ve inspired me to track down the Cream CD. Classic stuff.
By MBATL
June 3, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
Assuming Escobar is solid (and there’s every reason to think he can hit for decent average, if not a lot of power), I sure can’t see trading him. If anything is certain, it’s that we need a capable backup for Chipper. Beyond Escobar, well, we’ve seen what we’ve got and it ain’t great.
Escobar has played a lot of baseball; pro ball in Cuba, a lot of minor league ball. I don’t see any problem with keeping him on the roster as a backup to SS and 3B, if that’s what the big team needs.
By eric the elder
June 3, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
Lou put his hands on Froeming, and that’s a no-no. If the rumor that he was suspended is true, that might be the reason.
By snowball's chance
June 3, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
did anyone see Mike and Mike on Sportscenter doing a sports spelling bee. (ESPN was doing a leadin for their smash show, the national spelling bee. Lesbian billiards got the day off,I guess) Anyway one of em had to spell saltalamachia. It was pretty funny. He had to ask about eight times how to pronounce it. He almost got it but he started with Saul, then made a good Jewish joke.
Savannah guy- nice posts.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
June 3, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
If Escobar clicks, maybe Edgar could be traded in the off season, but right now he’s super clutch at the plate.
By snowball's chance
June 3, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
The best description of Ginger Baker style I ever read was that it sounded like a chopped Harley idling.
By eric the elder
June 3, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Okay, the rumor of Lou’s suspension IS true. The charge is that Lou kicked the umpire.
By snowball's chance
June 3, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
Dave knockahomer, funny typo. I thought we were talking Texas high school football for a second there
By Coach
June 3, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
Berigan , my lineup for 2009: Gregor Blanco CF , Yunel Escobar 3B , Jeff Francoeur RF , Jarrod Saltalamacchia 1B , Brian McCann C , Brandon Jones LF , Kelly Johnson 2B , Elvis Andrus SS. Of course , Brent Lillibridge SS/2B , Scott Thorman 1B and Kala Kaaihue 1B could be in the mix too. The next couple of years should be extremely interesting. Who plays ? Who gets traded ? Do the Braves stay with their own youth and talent or do they pursue free agents ? I have no idea but it will be fun to watch.
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Braveone, I’ve seen Salty take grounders there on a regular basis, but not Diaz.
Salty took grounders here Friday and today in Chicago. He works as hard or harder than anyone.
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
With Kelly, McCann and Thorman, Braves have three lefties in lineup vs. lefty Sean Marshall today.
Escobar batting second again.
Kelly starts it out with a single to right. Beautiful day here, not as hot and sticky as past two days. Chance of scattered showers, but really sunny now. Wind blowing out a little towards left, but not a big deal.
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
Actually, the contact part of Lou’s offense is supposedly that he kicked the 3B ump, not the hands on Froemming part (which Froemming really instigated).
Whole thing’s pretty weak. Shouldn’t be suspended.
By ElbravoX
June 3, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
can salty play center?
By Lew
June 3, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
SteveMcP-That’s just it, Dude. Clapton WAS cutting edge when Cream and Blind Faith came out. Even before then when he was with Mayall and the Bluesbreakers. That Mayall album may be the best thing he ever did and he was barely out of his teens. There used to be Clapton is God scraweled as grafitti over London walls. Ever since he decided to be the second coming of J.J. Cale (who does just fine as himself, I assure you), he has gone way down hill in his playing and song selection. His Slow Hand stuff (Journey Man excepted) seems like it lacks b@lls. At least that’s how it sounds to me and many other old timers.
By ElbravoX
June 3, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
Salty should have started at first. Yesterday one lefty, today three. I do not understand the method of Cox’s madness.
By The Grinch
June 3, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Snowball, funny stuff. I’ve always thought Clapton peaked with Cream and he just never did much for me after that (with a few exceptions, of course). I’ve been debating getting that most recent live Cream DVD; is it worth it?
Trading Edgar right now is silly; he’s quietly having a monster season at an important position, and not costing us squat comparatively.
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
Well, so much for that “boost” to the rotation.
By JasonInMaine
June 3, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Uh…an ominous start to the game wouldn’t you say? Man, will we ever find someone to fill the 5th spot?
By Chubbyrain-man
June 3, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Please god bless mommy,daddy,granny,grand pa,spot and could it rain in Chicago in the next 4 innings ? please.
By MEB
June 3, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
Well… methinks Chip enjoyed that grand slam a little too much.
GO BRAVES!!!
By MBATL
June 3, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
Three lefties today: well, you’d expect McCann back in lineup after an off day yesterday… and KJ too, if he’s over his bug.
I just assume the Braves don’t have confidence in playing Salty at 1B yet. If they did, we’d have seen him by now.
Big mistake by Cormier to groove the 3-2 pitch to DeRosa. Better to try to make a good pitch and risk walking in 1 than to lay a BP fastball in there. Take a page from Glavine’s book - never give in!
By N8
June 3, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
“Well, so much for that “boost” to the rotation.”
DOB, I was just logging on to pretty much say the exact same thing.
Nerves maybe? LOL!
Hey, the other night I was playing MLB 07 “the show” with my 9 year old, and we forgot to put a pitcher in the game after using Thorman to pinch hit for the pitcher.
Thorman proceeded to get the first two guys of the inning out, before I noticed he was on the mound. Then when I brought Villereal into the game, he gave up three straight hits.
So since, so many on hear live in the “fantasy” world, when it comes to trades, free agents, and any other roster moves, I suppose I’m not THAT FAR out of line, in suggesting to put Thorman in the 5th spot of the rotation and see what he’s got. :-)
By The Grinch
June 3, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Wow. Love tuning into the game in the 2nd and seeing we’re down by 5. Did Redman kill Cormier and sneak into his place?
By fastasballs
June 3, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
Plenty of innings left to come back. If they can avoid the doubleplay chances will improve.
If this games continues in the way it has started maybe Salty gets a few innings at first?
By VegasChad
June 3, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
Well, Cormier just needs to give up a two run and a three run shot to have the hr cycle. I hope it’s just nerves. The Braves are going to have a hard time coming back today the way Marshall is dealing.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 3, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
5-0 in only two innings what happened to you guys?
HAhahhahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Told you the cubs were due. The Amazins in the meantime will undoubtably make a big come back.
4.5 back, how’s it feel? lean into it a little, there you go, nice, right?
By brian
June 3, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
Great post Eric. I agree 100% on Salty
By Savannah Guy
June 3, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
Lew, talking John Mayall…now you’re going back. Jazz-Blues Fusion is a classic.
Cormier’s back and we have the long awaited, highly heralded…question mark. Hope it is just the cob webs and rust. But man, lose that slider today.
By Mitchie-san
June 3, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
~sigh~
By bclontz
June 3, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Dark Clouds on the horizon!!!!!!Could be a blessing for Braves!!!!!Cormier was great in minor league play or so we’re told….best prospect in spring training!!!!!!!!Might make a good deal for someone willing to take he and Woodard ? Seriously, I’ll give him this one (nerves)(trying to hard)(just a bad pitch) but I for one am getting tired of these wonder pitchers that Bobby or someone has found that can’t hit a “bull in the butt with a bass fiddle”…..there have got to be someone out there that can throw strikes!!!!!!!I don’t beleive that we have seen the best from our minors…..If we have, someone needs to sale the farm team and buy lotto tickets….odds would be better on winning!!!!!!
By Chop Chop
June 3, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Well, I’m happy with Cormier’s debut. He hasn’t hurt himself yet…that we know of.
By Braves Fan 79
June 3, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
I think Escobar should be the main backup for the rest of the season for 3rd/shortstop. I love Edgars clutch hitting and would like him to stay a Brave for a few more years. But if we could get someone like say….Roy Holliday….then that would be GREAT! Whoever we get thou we need to make shure its a sign and trade so there not lured away by the free agent market. I wouldnt trade or fanyone thou unless it was a true #1 starter!
Damn what a dissapointing start by cormier….this is looking like redmen. I know cormiers alot better than this thou and have faith hell help the team in the long run.
By Chop Chop
June 3, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
Okay. Maybe he should hurt himself.
By IlliniBrave
June 3, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
My God! This guys TOTALLY SUCKS!!!
For some alternative programming, Federer is demolishing Yuzhny at Roland-Garros.
By Tony Almeida
June 3, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
This is the guy you people were so excited about getting back in the rotation?? so very sad…
By Rehab
June 3, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
Perhaps more rehab for Lance? lol
By Randy
June 3, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
Escobar’s arm, wow, yeah I’d say he has at least a 7, too, Bobby.
By A-ville Ranger
June 3, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
I’m go’na have to draw a rain turtle in the dirt if we don’t score this inning.Grinch.. Clapton has turned out lot’s of good stuff after cream,it’s mostly alternative blues and such.His kick a* guitar duel with Robbie Robertson on further on up the road during the the Band’s fairwell concert (The last waltz)is as good as it gets.There’s a little gem on his unpluged cd titled walkin round blues,if you listen you’ll hear every single note completed.To me this defines his play.After 40 something years and millions of notes,he still respects and loves the music enough to never cheat a note.
By 22oz
June 3, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
I was fortunate enough to be one of the few who was at the Mississippi Braves game to witness one of the greatest things i’ve ever seen, and believe when i say this: Video does not do it justice. The video did not show the later instance where a pitcher, shortstop, and Joey Divine got tossed. What a great time to plan a trip to Chattanooga.
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
OK, Sean Marshall just struck out the side, the Braves’ Nos. 2-4 hitters. The boys look ready to get home. A 4-0 deficit in the first inning can have that effect.
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
30-16 with Smoltz, Hudson, James, and Davies take the hill, 17-7 with Hudson and Smoltz, 13-9 with James and Davies.
2-7 without them. We don’t really need a third starter. We need a fifth starter who can merely give us a .500 record. We’d be a half game out if we had a fifth starter who would give us only .500.
By The Grinch
June 3, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Andruw is the man; that catch would’ve put Chipper on the 45-day DL. I don’t think Cormier’s this bad; he’s just nervous. A-ville, I’ll give those a listen. Agreed, the turtle should be drawn; we’re making yet another pedestrian lefty look like Koufax.
By N8
June 3, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
I still get a kick out of EVERYBODY hemming and hawing (hee hawing if you will, Robert), over Orr, Prado, Woodward, Salty, Escobar.
ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!
It wouldn’t matter if Chipper was healthy, we had the Crime Dog in his prime at 1B, Barry Bonds circa 1993 in LF and a bench consisting of Kenny Lofton, David Justice, Rafael Furcal and Marcus Giles.
UNTIL WE FIND consistant 3rd - 5th starters to allow us to STILL be in the game come the 4th inning, we’re gonna sit right in the 5-10 games above .500 for the whole season.
Which, for those of you without a calculator, is 86-76 record AT BEST!
THAT, my friends, isn’t gonna cut it in 2007.
PERIOD.
By Bob, Journalist
June 3, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
We have an arm as third … Interesting comment with none out in the third and down 0-6 … bullpen is strating to stir.
The game ain’t over
By Savannah Guy
June 3, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
DOB, the boys do look ready to head home. That’s where I hope Cox rises to the situation and lights a fire. Or Smoltz…or Chipper.
Crap…looks like Andruw’s dodging beer and hard-ivy on that Soriano triple. This game is continuing to be ugly.
By Bill
June 3, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
I feel sorry for Cormier. He deserves a couple more starts but I don’t think he is the answer either. The Braves have got to do something with Escobar and Salty. They don’t need to be riding the bench. I hate to say this but if they could get a great deal, I would trade Renteria & Thorman. Renteria is the best but he will be gone after next season. The Braves have got to come up with some kind of a deal if they won’t to contend. I don’t trust anyone on that staff past Smoltz and Hudson.
By N8
June 3, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
Good dig, on the W-L with our rotation.
I can agree (looking at those numbers), that finding a 5th starter to simply go .500 would be good enough.
But that is assuming that Smoltz and Hudson keep up the torrid pace that they are on. I’m not sure it’s fair to assume that they’re gonna go neck to neck in the Cy Young voting, especially with Smoltz’ finger.
I’ve got the sick feeling that, that could be an injury that lingers all season.
So, since in my last post I stated we needed consistancy from 3-5 in the rotation, to compete. And you just stated we only need a 5th starter, I’ll ammend my statement to say that we need the 4th and 5th spots to step up.
That or we need to play Blake Street Bomber baseball, and after Hudson and Smoltz say: TO HELL WITH THE PITCHING. Find some more thunder for the lineup and start hacking. Oh wait. We do that already.
Never mind.
Cormier’s window has closed. His stellar spring might have continued had he been allowed to start the season healthy. Momentum is everything, as far as I’m concerned. No other reason to explain Chuck’s dominance last year and his inconsistancy this year. He was on a roll last year.
By joebrave
June 3, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
I guess we got our answer on Cormier… Time to play let’s make a deal!!! Why was J.S. sleeping when Marshall was offered for Langerhans?
By Kevin
June 3, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Mets Drool I’m sure your amazin’s meant to come back but they ran out of innings. Sorry to see that.
By IlliniBrave
June 3, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
I hope Bobby doesn’t waste some good relievers here in what is obviously a done-deal. Let’s see the bottom of the bullpen - McBride, Paronto, Colyer, etc. Even Buddy Carlyle.
Nooooo! Forget using Villareal. What a waste!
Oh, and here’s where Bobby can get those bench retards some at-bats - Orr, Woodward, Prado.
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
This is ugly. Where’s Wellman when you need him to make things entertaining?
N8,
If Hudson and Smoltz keep their current pace, the Braves will be 51-21 in their starts.
If James and Davies keep their current pace, the Braves will be 39-27 in their starts.
That will make them 90-48 in their starts.
Redman, Larew, Carlyle have already wasted 9 starts - 2-7.
That would make the braves 92-55.
If they find someone to merely go .500 in the other 15 starts, the Braves will have 100 wins.
Mets lose, magic number is 111!
By joebrave
June 3, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Oh! My God,what in the blue hell is going on here? this looks like another Bu11shitsession,these guys have no killer instinct,they smell blood and let up…….. this is the friggin Cubs play some g******* baseball………
By fastasballs
June 3, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Andruw missing that ball doesn’t bother me in the least. It’s a meaningless game at this point so why risk the injury by crashing into a brick wall.
The Muts lost so they won’t gain or lose any ground in the division.
By eric the elder
June 3, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
9-0. It’s officially a forfeit.
By JasonInMaine
June 3, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
I agree…Salty should get some work in at 1st today!
By joebrave
June 3, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Bobby needs to instill a win at all costs attitude in these b1tches,Theis lineup sucks,I’m surprised he even started Escobar with Woodward and Prado available,I mean how can you keep those two on the bench,and Orr shouldd have started in CF,as well,Friggin joke!!!!!
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
N8, I agree that Smoltz and Hudson most likely will not keep up their torrid pace.
If they slip down to winning 66% of their games, then the Braves should be about 48-24 in their games. If Davies and James maintain their pace, that would make the Braves 87-51 in the starts of James, Davies, Hudson, and Smoltz. 2-looks like 8 after today with the fifths. 7-7 out of another starter in the rest of the 14 starts would make the braves 96-66.
If Hudson and Smoltz slip down to a 60% win percentage, the Braves would be 43-29 in their starts. If James and Davies keep their pace, the Braves would be 82-56 in their starts. Again 2-8 with the crappy guys. 7-7 out of another guy in the remainder of the games would give the Braves 91 wins. I don’t see Hudson and Smoltz slipping down to a 60% win percentage though. They are 17-7 now. That means the Braves would have to go 26-22 in the remainder of the starts of Smoltz and Hudson. I just don’t see that happening.
Let’s just hope and believe Smoltz and Hudson can keep up this pace, 17-7 becoming 51-21. 2-8 so far with the fifth. Therefore, if James and Davies and whomever the hell the fifth is go .500 and give us a 40-40 record in the other 80 games, the Braves would win 91 games right there.
By fastasballs
June 3, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
Well Prado was sent back to Richmond so that eliminated him from consideration.
Joebrave, Why do you say this line up sucks? It’s the same as yesterdays I believe.
The offense had better put up a lot of runs next week. With a doubleheader followed by a day game, the pitching is going to be stretched thin. Even more so if Smoltz can’t go. Buddy C will be lucky to get out of the 5th without giving up 6 runs.
By fastasballs
June 3, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
My bust on the line up being the same. I forgot Prado was in there for KJ
By Savannah Guy
June 3, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Other than pitching and hitting, we’re not doing too badly. Seems the boys want to coast to the next series already. Shame to waste a golden opportunity while in Chicago to fight for a sweep and stay at 3.5 back or close it up a game.
It’s just about time to declare an official: ok to mow the lawn; check the honey-do list; wash the boat or watch that chick-flick wifey has been wanting to watch together. Wait…no, what am I saying…go Braves. One bag of boiled peanuts left and it is time to break’em out. They are almost always a lucky charm. We need a win and I need a snack right about now.
Talk about innovation, back to the 7 degrees of Clapton: Yardbirds Then Cream, then Mayall, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck Group…what a massive innovation from that group of early birds.
By Bob, Journalist
June 3, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
My last line in my last post was vulgar and unacceptable behavior … please delete!
All the same, poor first outings are not always portends of things to … a I recall, John Smoltz’s return as a starter wasn’t exactly encouraging.
Active Monitor says computer’s fans are failing and system will shut down in 30 seconds.
By JasonInMaine
June 3, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
Before people start freaking out, let me say this: I love b-mac. But, is anyone else at least a little bit concerned about his prolonged power outage? He has one homer since the 1st series of the year!
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
SALTY in at FIRST BASE*
By A-ville Ranger
June 3, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
Well since baseball is sucking right now I’ll do a music post.For those who like to stray from the rock reservation here’s a few for the adventurous among you.BeauSoleil A zydeco band with great instrumentation and passion, some of my favorite songs of theirs.Chanson Pour Ezra,Freeman’s Zydeco,Evangeline Waltz,Cajunization Blues,Cubano Bayou(amazing instrumental)I’ll bring out my African sheep skin drum on this one when the mood hits, Varise (live great energy). Another great non-rocker is Roger Espinoza,the only cd I can find of his is Cafe Fuego he is the best latin guitarest I know of and the cd is near perfect.Another closer to home but not very main stream fav, is Cowboy Junkies, Trinity session cd, I would call it folk ballad music.Then there’s great Jazz with Miles Davis - Kind of blue,Sketches of Spain,etc John Coltrane - love supreme,etc.
By fastasballs
June 3, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
Yep I’m off to house chore work after another pathetic AB by Thorman. I thought for a second the Cubs were doing him a favor by bring in a righty to face him, but should have known better.
By hk
June 3, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
… Salty at first !!!
By fastasballs
June 3, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
Salty is in at 1st base!
By Robert
June 3, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
N8 - The problem aint the bottom three starters. Reverse the games Cox has lost this season, and we are in 1st place
I love reading stuff like, “I dont understand the method to Bobby’s madness” - Folks, it’s not madness. It’s STUPIDITY.
This is a replay of the past eleven seasons. Braves fans, players, and front office types will look everywhere to find the problem except where it’s hee-hawing right in front of their faces
By IlliniBrave
June 3, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
JoeBrave was Marshall really offered for Ryan “can’t-hit-any”Langerhans?!
If so, wow, JS blew that one.
By MBATL
June 3, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
I think folks are being too hard on our 3 and 4 starters. James and Davies are young, and you’re gonna have some growing pains.
But, in their last five starts:
Davies is 3-2 (team is 3-2, obviously), with a 3.77 era (including one really bad game, 8 runs in 4 1/3 IP, against the Bosox).
James is 2-1 (team is 3-2) with a 2.48 era.
We can’t afford to get blown out every time our 5th starter goes, but I think Cormier is better than he showed today. He’s not an ace, but history suggests he’s decent. Let’s give him a couple more shots (as though we had any choice).
By N8
June 3, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
joebrave
“Why was J.S. sleeping when Marshall was offered for Langerhans?”
IS THIS FOR REAL??? A young lefthanded pitcher (good or not) was offered for Langerhans and JS chose to go with the “player to be named later” approach with Oakland? Unless that player to be named later is Rich Harden, it looks like JS dropped the ball on this one.
I’ve just skimmed over the blog today (out doing yardwork - and everytime I come in the score is worse), so if this was mentioned in detail, I appologize.
By A-ville Ranger
June 3, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this
Jason How can you not be concerned.As pretty as it is,the cresent swing may be inherently susceptible to power brown outs.
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Oh, and Escobar moved to shortstop in that inning
By ElbravoX
June 3, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Pepper is on second!
By Mets rule. You drool
June 3, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
YOu lose a game in teh wild card standings and don’t make up any ground in teh East. Nice.
By Mark
June 3, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
I dont care if Salty is an “average” first baseman…he needs to be in there everyday at first. First pitch he saw he smashed on 399 feet to center(2 feet short unfortunately). He is the real deal-Thorman is a pinch hitter at best!!!!
By N8
June 3, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
Two comments. I’m sure they won’t be the last, but…
A) Leave it to McBride to strike out the side (including Derek Lee), in a 9-1 game. Thanks, but no thanks.
and
B) If the Cub’s CF, Pie (Yeah, I get that it’s pronounced “Peee-aay”), was a pitcher, would his ERA be perpetually locked at 3.14?
By Berigan
June 3, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
Salty will be a future gold glover, clearly! ;)
By N8
June 3, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
YIKES.
Nothing like Salty at 1B to make you smile on a day that could be normally classified as pretty sh!tty.
By Mark
June 3, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
ok…nevermind-salty threw it away throwing it around the horn…not a good sign for a new first baseman.lol.
By A-ville Ranger
June 3, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
Robert If anybody on here would be familiar with stupidity,I guess it’s you.
By MBATL
June 3, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
Ugh.
By mark
June 3, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
ok.3rd post. Salty is the devil at first…I was vey wrong 10 minutes ago…where is Thorman?lol.
By journalist jimmy smith
June 3, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! salty has some work to do at first! rr will be here soon to say, rr told us so. now, psuedo chicago cubs announcer chip caray is making this journalist sick of the chicago cubs. must chip caray discuss the cubs to the exclusion of the braves? and will wgn accept a trade? chip caray is the dan kolb of broadcasting. and salty is playing salty’s self off first base. oh, the humanity! shades of dale murphy! oh, that worked out well eventually, didn’t it?
By Chop Chop
June 3, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
N8, Pie’s WHIP would be permanently locked at 3.14.
By A-ville Ranger
June 3, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
Salty showed he can handle the position athleticly on that play.If he doesn’t develop Steve Sax syndrome he could be really good.
By N8
June 3, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
Nice diving stop. Should’ve taken the out at 1B. Didn’t look like he had ANY angle to throw runner out at 2B. Not sure a guy like LaRoche, even attempts that throw.
Better to learn in a 9-1 (now 10-1) game, than when it matters.
No harm. He showed nice agility making the diving stop.
Listen to me. Debbie Downer is looking for the “good” in an ugly play.
I just think the kid is gonna hit, and he’s gonna hit a ton. If he can be servicable at 1B, I think as early as next month, he’ll be a more consistant run producer (in both driving them in and scoring by getting on base more), than Thorman.
Thorman has the makings of your classic bench/utility guy. Essentially a younger version of Daryl Ward. Hits righties well. Can play 1B, can play LF, and hits for power, when you need that occasional 3-Run HR from your bench.
I’m not knocking Thorman, just excited to see what Salty can do with some regular playing time.
By Bob
June 3, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
Robert, You need to go to a psychiatrist dude. You have real problems.
By JasonInMaine
June 3, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
Thor would not have made an error on that play…he wouldn’t have gotten to it!!!
By Rehab
June 3, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
Nice stop by Salty! Bad throw by Salty!
Good situation to use him. Good call actually.
Don’t anticipate seeing him in a close game at first for a while yet.
When Thorman dropped into the .220’s in BA, I suppose that was the time to try it.
By eric the elder
June 3, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
I saw Fred McGriff make that wide throw to second about 900 times, and he was a veteran. Let’s hope Salty doesn’t let it get him down.
By Robert
June 3, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Nice to see donk putting in a 1B who ain’t so good. Time to put the dangling carrot back in front of him and let him bray the rest of the day.
By N8
June 3, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
JasonInMaine
To answer your earlier question…..
YES. I’m concerned about McCanns power outage.
By beatflorida!!!!
June 3, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
Well, we got killed…but it was a 4-2 road trip, I’ll take it!!!!
By ernesto
June 3, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
that was painful - guess you’re going to have those games a few times a year, but the back of our rotation (not picking on Cormiere, lots of bad starts to go around) is really keeping us from going on a roll.
By Sunny Day Fans!
June 3, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
About all I see in this blog are a bunch of “sunny day fans.”
There are also several that border on idiocy…..dare I name them???
By A-ville Ranger
June 3, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this
In 1998 the fifth starter was Keven Millwood his stats 17-8 4.08 era,he was 7ft tall and shot lightning bolts from his arss.
By fastasballs
June 3, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
JasoninMaine, You are correct, Thor doesn’t get to that ball anyway & the run still scores.
Muts Fool, Don’t cry in your milk when Philly takes two of three or sweep the series from you next week.
By Bob, Journalist
June 3, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
Hi HK, good to see your name among those posting … this and that … I checked with the Dali Lama and he said it was okay … the infield has a new look … hunan beef extra spicy with shrimp rolls and hot mustard will either cure or kill.
By Berigan
June 3, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
N8, Pie’s era would be…. 3.14159265358979323846264338327950288 419716939937510
No, I didn’t figure it out, I checked Wikipedia!
By Savannah Guy
June 3, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
A-ville Ranger, bet you’d like Antonio Carlos Jobim. Check out the song, Waters of March. Some of the best Jazz lyrics and vocal treatments you’ve ever heard…Latin or anywhere else (done in English and Spanish).
By Savannah Guy
June 3, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this
After this showing, hope the Braves bunch don’t continue the underwhelming play or they will sleep wid da fishes in our next series. Damn, just when I left for a few minutes of chore stuff, Salty plays first. Sounds like he’s not exactly another Big-Cat there. Hope they play him again next game after the jitters are out and the ribbing subsides.
Next up for the evening, steamed Snow crabs and Sopranos. Should be a blood bath tonight. (not the crabs).
By MBATL
June 3, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this
Salty’s exploits at 1B were cute and all, I’m still ROTFLMFAO (whatever)… but on the downside, it’d be real hard for Bobby to put him into the lineup at 1st, wouldn’t it?
By tom
June 3, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
Berigan is a tool
By Bob, Journalist
June 3, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, Chip is not nearly as bad when talking about the cubs as he is telling us how wonderful the Mets are … at least in the former he has some plane of reference … in the later, he simply displays his emoting skills, remindful of Roy’s costar, Mister Rogers that is.
By eric the elder
June 3, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
MBATL, you’re probably right, but Bobby has a record of putting guys right back out there after a bad showing. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Salty at first in the very next game, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t.
By serbok
June 3, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
I hate to say it guys!!!!!! However this statement is correct!!!!! I love reading stuff like, “I dont understand the method to Bobby’s madness” - Folks, it’s not madness. It’s STUPIDITY.
By fastasballs
June 3, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
I think if would be easier to send Salty down to Richmond or Mississippi to learn first base IF Thorman was not hitting .220. How long does that go on before a move is made?
Salty looks to be a pure athlete, but is he talented enough to learn first in Atlanta? I have no doubt he could be a very good first baseman in the future. Do you stick him out there against lefties? Thorman can’t or to this point he has shown little ability to hit lefties. He’s being very impatient at the plate & doesn’t seem to have a grasp on the strike zone.
By Wayne in Utah
June 3, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this
Hello gang. Looks like Escobar is not the second coming of Ty Cobb after all, or maybe he is just human. Why do we swing so WIDE in our emotions whenever a player has a bad game (Salty’s error, Escobars’ oh-fer, Cormier’s bomb)? It’s a long season folks.
I also read a couple who state that Thorman doesn’t get to that ball that Salty caught, then threw away. I don’t know folks, he has looked pretty good over there at first so far. Does it really matter if he would have caugt it or not, since he wasn’t in the lineup to try?? Might I also add that his year so far has been more successful per plate appearance than Andruw’s as far as knocking in runs.
Robert is just as ridiculous as ever, and Mr. Baseball is proving to be anything but…..
Listen to the non-New York biased national baseball pundits. They will all laud the front office (JS and his entire staff) and the manager of the Braves. Some folks would have BC be something he is not. Most of us realize that what makes him great is what some of you despise him for.
Some are never satisfied. I choose our last 15 year over ALL other clubs last 15 years. I don’t care that the Yankees have more titles. World Series titles are great, but a consistent approach to the organization and the game breeds a long term consistency that 90% of the other teams fans would LOVE to have in their teams.
The season is 162 games long. It is great to be able to think/say that we have been in the hunt for all but maybe a half a season last year for the past 15 years.
So, Robert, do some stupid donkey impression (cause you are such a good a$$ impressionist) and Mr. Baseball throw out some meaningless WMD bull, and then tell us (95% of us) that we are all wrong, and you are right. And for you Mets fans, you are such children that it really doesn’t matter what you say, cause we know that in the end we have kicked Mets butt all year long so far.
Sorry, but after reading some of the dribble that has been posted today, I need to get this off my chest before I throw up.
By Yars
June 3, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
If Schuerholz does decide to make a trade, it had better be for a starting pitcher. Let’s keep the LF platoon as is, & let’s see Salty play more at 1B. We need a #3 starter. James, Davies, & Cormier are mediocre. We need a starting pitcher that can win on a consistent basis. You just never know what to expect out of those 3. If we don’t win the NL East outright, winning the NL wildcard is going to be a lot tougher. I can’t see teams like the Padres, Dodgers, D’Backs, & Phillies going away anytime soon. Who knows which NL Central teams may catch fire very soon.
By serbok
June 3, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
Robert, Yes you! Stand Still with it! Robert I totally agree with you about BC’s lack of strategy skills. He does COST us games when he has to make decisions:o( All in All tho, he is one of the best managers in BB. Things go on behind the scenes that we are not aware of, apparently he must be pretty good at that kinda thing, hence the braves reputation? The problem ppl have with you dude, is you cannot post without belittling bobby! Bobby IS one of the BEST managers in BB! There is more to keeping an organization 2gether than on field decisions, I hate to say that, but it seems true? Sure hope you can “see” this? Talking BB is fun! This IS the best Blog on the internets! Please make a contribution that doesnt involve Bobby bashing?
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
he was 7ft tall and shot lightning bolts from his arss.
LOL! Jackass. Now I know what the A before the Ville stands for. Alright, Longshanks, talk to ya later.
By JakeMabe1
June 3, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this
Wellman’s meltdown was a classic. Beats any of Sweet Lou’s rants.
Today’s game was dreadful. Absolutely dreadful.
BTW, my favorite Tom T. Hall tune has to be “Pamela Brown.”
“I’m the guy who didn’t marry pretty Pamela Brown/Educated, well-intentioned good girl in our town…”
By JakeMabe1
June 3, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
Wellman’s meltdown was a classic. Beats any of Sweet Lou’s rants.
Today’s game was dreadful. Absolutely dreadful.
BTW, my favorite Tom T. Hall tune has to be “Pamela Brown.”
“I’m the guy who didn’t marry pretty Pamela Brown/Educated, well-intentioned good girl in our town…”
By A-ville Ranger
June 3, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
Savannah guy Thank’s for the tip,I’ll download Jobin tonight.
By Dan in NC
June 3, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
Well, this makes the third time I’ve had to tell you guys that Salty isn’t the guy we need at 1st base. Granted he only got two balls hit to him in two innings, but I’m telling you, he should be behind the plate, at least for the rest of this year. You would think Salty is a no-brainer at DH when it comes to the interleague games we’ll have in 10 days but Bobby will be reluctant to use him because Salty is also our backup catcher.
By KC
June 3, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this
Pinella suspended indefinitely??? Geeze, that sounds a little harsh. 5-10 games at the VERY most, in my book.
Hey, I know the story of the day is the poor outing by Cormier (though it doesn’t worry me, as it’s only his first start)… but what the hell is wrong with Brian McCann?! That finger can’t still be hurting him too badly, can it?
By KC
June 3, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
In other sports news… the Cavs are about to get a free education, just like the Jazz did (sorry Wayne).
By serbok
June 3, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this
Dan in NC B-mac IS our catcher, sometimes in life it’s all about timing? B-Mac got there first~ Which is a good thing, It is very much a luxury, to have Salty and Escobar. First base seems to be the only “weakness” the braves have right now. I’m not discounting Thorman, He is a young guy who will have a major league career somewhere. I am also on the bandwagon to get Salty at 1st! nowhere else to put him? The guy does need to be playing everyday!
By serbok
June 3, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
Jammin to OZZY~ with my new Ipod! first Ipod I have ever owned. If any of ya dont have one, all I can say is its awesome to walk around with music in your head! lol
By serbok
June 3, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this
quick poll was Ozzy better with sabbath or after? I vote after, lyrics are more dynamic after sabbath~
By Bob, Journalist
June 3, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
Let me belabor the obvious and talk about religion … if a snapshot could accurately tell the story there would be no need to make the movie.
By geauxbraves2000
June 3, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this
The Cubs, a struggling team, on and off the field, can barely hit their way out of a paper sack right now, yet Comier shows up and gives up 8 runs in 4+. This team needs to get a reliable starter, not a who knows who is going to show up this game type of starter. Admitely Davies has looked good a few times, but who knows how he’s going to look next time. Also, consider the teams he’s pitched against.
And another thing, the Braves better learn how to hit LHP or they will be watching the playoffs instead of hosting them.
All in all though, I’ll take a 4-2 road trip and 2 series wins.
Geaux Braves!!
By A-ville Ranger
June 3, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this
Bob r.e.m lost their’s and A-Rod wears his true ones to strip clubs.what is…….for 50 points ?
By BossLady
June 3, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this
Don’t change a thing in your blog. You can see it is successful with over 500 post everyday. Maybe, KJ should go to Terrence’s blog since they both are !@#$%^&& Thanks for the trip to Chicago and the concert review.
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
if a snapshot could accurately tell the story there would be no need to make the movie.
even if the snapshot accurately told the story, it would not matter, they’d make the movie anyway because movies make more money than snapshots.
By KC
June 3, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this
I didn’t see it… how did Salty look at 1B?
By Braveheart
June 3, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this
KC, where the hell you been? Looks like you were so right about Hudson and Willie C. Harris.
By Bob, Journalist
June 3, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
William Wallace, well said … had I posted as originally written, you would have been saved the trouble!
By Chop This
June 3, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this
Favorite Tom T. Hall song: “Homecoming,” “The Little Lady Preacher” or “Turn It On, Turn It On, Turn It On.”
Best Tom T. Hall song you’ve never heard: “Trip to Hyden.”
By N8
June 3, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
MBATL
“…but on the downside, it’d be real hard for Bobby to put him into the lineup at 1st, wouldn’t it?”
I’m not so sure about that. After all, he DID put Ryan Klesko out in LF. Not to mention, that when Klesko was at 1B he surely wasn’t GG material.
I think judging by the diving play (yes it was just one play), and that arm he has, it’s more about learning the “position” and when to try and throw a runner out, and when to just step on the bag and take the easy out.
He appears to have pretty good agility and athletic ability for a big guy, so the act of fielding and throwing are hardly gonna be his biggest issues at 1B. It’s the quick decisions that’ll make him look lost before the way he handles a grounder does, and that’s after watching a nervous kid kick that ground 4 times before he picked it up.
The one mistake young guys at 1B make that’s mental, is when to go for a ball and when to “trust” that your 2B is gonna make the play. I can see that happening frequently, until it’s just instinct for him to react properly.
KC
“I didn’t see it… how did Salty look at 1B?”
First inning over there, McBride struck out the side (go figure), so he had no action.
Second inning, he had a routine grounder hit right at him, and he bobbled it, kicked it, tried to pick it up, kicked it again and finally got it and stepped on the bag. He was lauging as was the dugout. Pretty funny actually.
Then he made a VERY NICE play, diving to his right, to snag a hard hit grounder, and when he got up to try and get the runner going from 1st to 2nd, he threw the ball into LF. Probably one he should’ve put in his pocket and taken the out at 1B, it was a pretty tough angle, that I’m not sure a GG firstbaseman makes accurately.
But as some other bloggers suggested, I’m not so sure Thorman even gets the ball. So, pick your poison.
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
BossLady, will do. Thanks.
KC, it was rough for Salty in that he bobbled and dropped the first grounder before gathering it and beating DeRo to the bag. And he made a throwing error on the other ball hit to him in the inning.
But — and this is key — he made a great diving stop to his right, showing more range, honestly, than Thorman has shown on any play all season.
I really think Salty could be a damn good first baseman if that’s what they decide to try. I put stats in the notebook I just filed on Thorman’s struggles. It ain’t pretty since end of April, after his four-hit , four-RBI April 29 game.
Since then: He’s hit .194 with three homers, 25 strikeouts and three walks in 103 at-bats in his past 30 games.
Braves released Wilson May 17 and let Thorman handle full-time duties. Since May 19, he’s 7-for-52 (.135) with one homer, two walks and 16 strikeouts.
Braves first basemen ranked last in the majors in average (.207) and on-base percentage (.269) before Sunday, and 14th in the National League in RBIs (23).
By Lew
June 3, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
Serbok-Definitely after. I know I’ll hear about it from Grinch, but Randy Roades and Jake E. Lee were (and are in Jake’s case) better guitarists than Tony Iommi. Sorry, Grinch, but it’s true.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 3, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
Today’s game was a tab bit on the ugly side if you were a Braves fan but not without some redeeming qualities.
We learned that Escobar is susceptible to the same down and away pitch that Andruw was for the past 10 years.
We discovered that Salty is not yet a major league first baseman and those on the blog clamoring for him to move to that position should remember he is only 22 years old and has plenty of time to hone those skills before throwing Thorman under the bus.
We know that Cormier may not be the answer to the Braves starting pitcher woes.
Marshall is another homeboy of mine growing up in my old neighborhood. Too bad he had his breakout game against the Braves.
So all was not lost, only one game. Let’s hope the Braves hook the fish at home and the Phillies can get us closer to the Mutts.
By N8
June 3, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
Lew. Been a long time since I’ve heard anybody other than myself type or mention the words “Jake E. Lee”. Wow!
Are you just an Ozzy fan, or did you get into Badlands?
The first Badlands album (CD…whatever!), is EASILY in my top five hard rock/heavy metal albums of all time. Ray Guillen’s vocals are (were/R.I.P. Ray), truely moving and powerful.
Second album, wasn’t nearly as good. But since I’ve stated that the first one is one of my alltime favorite, not many hard rock albums by ANYBODY has topped it. So take that for what it’s worth.
Ozzy, is one of those fenceline guys for me. I have NEVER been a big Ozzy fan (of him or his vocals), yet ALL of his guitarists were monsters in the hard rock world. I’m partial to Zakk Wylde (something about a guy that uses an ACTUAL chain for a guitar strap, I guess).
But, anybody who has played metal guitar in their lifetime, is lying if they say anything negative about Randy Rhodes. Truely brilliant.
Of course, one could (and many have), argue that Iommi is just as influencial, while not as technically sound.
By Lew
June 3, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
Nathan-Never got into Badlands, but I’ll check them out. I heard rumors of Jake E. Lee, Tim Bogert and Aynsley Dunbar putting a band together, but never saw any results and then Bogert got back together with Cactus. Don’t know if that ended the collabration or not. I’d like to see that band, though. Sounds like it has some major kick a$$ rock and roll potential. I know I just put down Iommi, but check out the DEP sessions with Iommi and Glenn Hughes. The CD rocks. Apparently Iommi and Hughes have been friends since childhood. They play well together.
By Bob
June 3, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
Wellman is not a “first year coach at double A” He managed the Chattanooga Lookouts (coincidence that his meltdown happened there)for six years. He is a pretty good egg, alwways a fierce competitor and gets the boot on a regular basis!
By 96,sc
June 3, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
went to see Bocephus and Skynyrd last night in Greenville,sc. Then started surfing the net today and found a 52 minute video clip of Drive By Truckers. My first time hearing their music and it sounded good. Thanks for mentioning them DOB.
By KC
June 3, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
Braveheart: Hey man! My schedule’s gotten crazier lately… not much time to opine on the ole Braves blog. =(
Yeah, Huddy’s lookin’ good and Harris is greatly exceeding everyone’s expectations… including mine. Now if a few other guys can simply meet expectations, we’ll be in good shape.
I love McCann, but I’m wondering if it’s time to stop using the finger as an excuse (not that HE is, but we all are). It can’t still be hurting him that badly, can it? His bat has really been non-existent this year, and that hurts a lot. Particularly when Chipper’s out.
Thorman, as DOB just pointed out, has also struggled mightily, and Frenchy hasn’t exactly torn the cover off the ball over the last 4-5 weeks. Not sure what happened to Moylan and Paronto down in the pen… but we’ve got a couple guys at Richmond to replace them if they continue to struggle.
The good news (other than Huddy and Harris) is that AJ seems to be coming around, as does James and even Davies, who has pitched well in 4 of his last 5 starts.
By N8
June 3, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
Ansley Dunbar is a helluva drummer. If I’m not mistaking, he was the drummer on the big Whitesnake album. I think it was self-titled, whatever, it was the one with all the “hits”.
I know I should know Bogert, but for the life of me can’t think of who he’s played with (have to google him I guess), I’ll assume he’s a bass player.
GOTTA love the power trio format.
I think you’ll enjoy the Badlands CD if you appreciate Jake E. Lee. It came out my senior year in HS, and I had it in my “walkman” (go google THAT, all you IPOD wearin’ youngsters. LOL!), for months. Good stuff.
Gonna go listen to some now.
BTW: I didn’t take what you said as a “putting down” Iommi. I know exactly where you’re coming from. It’s all relative to your angle on the history of music. Similar to the phrase: “If I haven’t heard it, it’s NEW to me.”
I grew up in the 80’s, which is when I learned to play guitar. So naturally I’m gonna be partial to the 80’s stuff. But at the same time, I respect all that came before it, even if it’s not my bag.
My biggest “hangup” with older music is the sound “quality”. I grew up in an era of overproducing and ridiculous multi-tracking. So to go back and listen to some of older stuff is often frustrating, just from a sound quality angle.
I used to tell my friends, “if it doesn’t thump, in my car stereo, don’t bring it with”.
But it is what it is. There was a time when I would’ve rather listened to Great White, than Zepplin. How sad is that? YIKES.
By snowball's chance
June 3, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
Did the wrong Cormier get released the other day? I’m sure he will get another chance. If he pitched 5 shutout innings the Braves still lose.
Grinch, The Cream DVD from a few years ago is good. Bruce was frail from a liver transplant but it is worth watching. I think they did three concerts at albert hall and cherry picked the best performances. Oregon has a great library system and I get most of my cd’s and dvd’s there.
A-ville Ranger, not a lot of latin music talk on the blog.I’ll have to check out espinosa. My recommendation is Mambo Sinuendo my Manuel Galban. It was produced in Cuba by Ry Cooder who also plays on it. the only way I can describe it is a latin Duane Eddy.
By 96,sc
June 3, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
N8, Seeing you say something about Badlands brings back a memory for me. I was at Myrtle Beach for vacation in the late 80’s and while at the hotel swimming pool, I heard a group of people going crazy over the CD of this new band where they were from. We swapped CDs for a little while. Long story made short, we didn’t swap back. Now every time I get out my GNR CD case, it has the Badlands CD in it and I haven’t listened to it in years.Could this be the same band? I kdon’t remember anything about them.
By journalist jimmy smith
June 3, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this
the culprit was earwax. that’s right, earwax caused kelly johnson to miss a game yesterday. a doctor removed enough earwax from kelly johnson’s ears to fill a small jar. today, kelly was back in the lineup and was the only brave with more than one hit. and what is involved with earwax removal and are there other braves with excessive earwax? could too much earwax affect thumb health? a small brush is employed for earwax removal along with a can of wd-40 and some licorice sticks. more cannot be disclosed on the blog but any medical website can be referenced. and where is the small jar today? hope someone remembered to label that jar. and now, baseball … paronto seems to be pushing the ball rather than throwing it. is there lingering pain from the earlier injury? or could it be excessive earwax? anybody been on the d.l. with earwax? chipper?
By Shaun
June 3, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
Don’t know if anyone has brought this up but it looks like the Yankees post-season streak is likely over after 12 consecutive post-season appearances.
This should give us even more appreciation for the Braves’ streak. Whether you count it as 14 division titles in a row or 15 would-be post-season berths in a row, you have to be amazed.
The Yankees had possibly one of the best teams in history in the midst of their run and of course they are the Yankees; they have all the resources a team could ask for.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 3, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
I would not count anyone out of the race this early except maybe the Nationals. The Yankees still have the deepest pockets in baseball. We may not like it but it is fact.
By Me
June 3, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this
Carolina BBQ sucks. It’s a sin to put slaw anywhere near BBQ.
By MBATL
June 3, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I’ll drink to the Yankees’ apparent demise… although I still wouldn’t put it past them to reel off 9 of 10 and get back in it. According to MLB.com, their “expected” won-loss is 29-24 - amazing that their actual is so much worse. Their run differential is better than the Braves’ by a good bit.
It does provide some perspective on what the Braves have done, for sure.
Regarding Salty at 1B: I sure didn’t mean to say that he shouldn’t get another chance at 1B.
He was obviously geeked up (witness an “error” on the round-the-horn throw). I’m just concerned that Cox spent a month wringing his hands over playing him at 1st, and then a not-so-great debut may have just confirmed his worst fears … anyway, maybe Bobby will throw him right back out there. Hope so.
By A-ville Ranger
June 3, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
Any Sopranos fans on tonight ? This week’s episode was killer,well they all are.This was the best one ever,just a bang up good show.
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
A-ville Ranger, it was an incredible episode. It’s just too bad it’s all coming to an end next week.
By yars
June 3, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
If Thor’s bat don’t heat up soon, Bobby will have no other choice but to put Salty in the lineup playing 1B. Play him at 1B for 5-6 games in a row & see what he does, since Thor keeps proving he can’t cut it as an everyday 1B. Why does he swing for the fences every AB? Good to see KJ back in the lineup.
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
Anybody who says N. Carolina BBQ sucks doesn’t have a clue about BBQ. Period (although personally, I don’t put the cole slaw on mine).
N8 — dude, we’re free to discuss any music here, since I know plenty of people can’t stand my stuff. But please, enough about freakin’ Whitesnake, my man.
If you’re gonna talk hard rock, at least talk about some stuff with integrity and lasting impact, not some hair-band crap that doesn’t stand up to the test of time.
Led Zep, Guns and Roses, Metallica, the Who, Sabbath, all cool. But come on already with the Whitesnake. They’re just not worthy of that many references here. Sorry, they’re just not.
By fastasballs
June 3, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
A-Ville, I’m a huge Sopranos fan. I didn’t watch tonights episode yet, my cable was out until about 10 minutes ago. I’ll catch it on On Demand later. My secondd favorite show is a close battle between The Shield & The Riches.
By joebrave
June 3, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
N8,and Illni Brave,I do believe in the winter he was discussed as a centerfield option for the Cubs,and Marshall was the player discussed to come our way,that was before Gonzo was acquired…. Mutts Fool,your a sarcastic little sumbitch,you little c******** go take a shower and cool off nobody here loves you!!!! And can we trade J.S. back to K.C. for Dayton Moore,me thinks AGE is creeping up on ol’ Johnny(homeboy upstairs)…. A little Alzheimers maybe….?
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Anyone who says N. Carolina BBQ sucks doesn’t have a clue about it (although personally, I don’t put the cole slaw on mine).
N8 — we’re free to discuss any music here, since I know plenty of people can’t stand my stuff. But please, enough about freakin’ Whitesnake, my man.
If you’re gonna talk hard rock, why not stuff with integrity and lasting impact, not some hair-band crap that doesn’t stand up to the test of time.
Led Zep, Guns and Roses, Metallica, the Who, Sabbath, all cool. But come on already with the Whitesnake. They’re just not worthy of that many references here. Sorry, they’re just not.
By Savannah Guy
June 3, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
A-ville Ranger: Sopranos fan here. Tonight was like the early episodes. Wish next week wasn’t the last, but then again, all things must pass.
Now watching the BoSox and Yanks. I’m a big Red Sox fan, but I also like Andy Petit. He just lost it in the 5th…looked injured. BoSox look like they are going all the way. If the Bravos could just get to the playoffs this year, we match up well against the Mets and the Boston boys.
Getting there will be the challenge.
By The Grinch
June 3, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
N8, sounds like we have a lot in common musically. Badlands is good stuff.
Lew, the question wasn’t what era Ozzy had the best guitarist, but whether HE was better with or without Sabbath. Now, IMO, Ozzy only had three great solo alblums (his first three, ending with Bark at the Moon) and two good ones after that (the next two, ending with No Rest for the Wicked). Everything since has sounded like some sappy variation of “Mama I’m Commin’ Home” to me, and doesn’t hold a candle to anything he did with Sabbath. Sit you down, youngster, with a bowl of potatoes and “We Sold our Soul for Rock n’ Roll,” for about 6 straight hours, and get back to me. Rhodes and Lee were brilliant guitarists, even transcendent, but both were still poopin’ in their didy’s when Iommi was bustin’ eardrums in a way they’d never been busted before. The man invented drop-d, for Godzilla’s sake. I can’t believe I’m 20-odd years younger than you and I have to tell you these things. Oh, the humanity!
By joebrave
June 3, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
DOB,Your a music buff,so I wanted to ask you a question,P.McCartney,Eric Clapton,and a few other musicians,collaborated on one album,the Hit Single was, I Will Always Be With You,do you remember the name of that particular band?
By joebrave
June 3, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
Carlos Santana,Leroy Parnell,Dicky Betts,even Brad Paisley all great guitarists,but the purest I ever heard,I’d have to say Roy Clark the man was a beast ,I swear he had 20 fingers on one hand!!!
By Salty
June 3, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
One must admit though, the list makes a good “Which one of these is not like the others?” Led Zep G’n R Metallica The Who Sabbath Whitesnake
Pretty obvious, IMO!
By Hard Rock
June 3, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
Hard rock is guitar. Not the first who ever played it, but the first who played it right.
Hendrix
By Calvin
June 3, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this
Question for you Mr. O’Brien.
Where are the Braves picking in the draft on Thursday?
By Savannah Guy
June 3, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
Closing for the night good folks. I’ll leave you with one incredible video link that you will not believe. You’ll thank me later.
http://www.writingcave.com/a-herd-of-buffaloes-a-pride-of-lions-and-a-lonely-crocodile
By joebrave
June 3, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
When you bring up true rock you gotta go from Macon to Muscle Shoals,Molly Hatchett,.38 Special,Allman Brothers,and of course Lynyrd Skynyrd.. give kudos to the ones who paved the way dudes………..
By A-ville Ranger
June 3, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
I hear they’re considering doing eight more Sopranos next year.We’ll see if Tony’s around for them.Maybe they’ll have to raise him from the dead,say with an axe or meat cleaver for a hand.
By Hard Rock
June 3, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this
And if you’re gonna mention Muscle Shoals, gotta speak of Steve Cropper. Not flashy, but the man was the voice of the guitar on “Soul” records for some of the biggest names in Soul music.
By Hard Rock
June 3, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
Speaking of Molly Hatchett, reminds me of an old joke.
Know what has 200 legs and 12 teeth?
The first two rows at a Molly Hatchett concert.
:)
By A-ville Ranger
June 3, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this
I watched Savannah Guys video,it’s well worth a look.It takes a village indeed.
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
Hard Rock, that’s a good joke. And a great point about Hendrix. None better, obviously.
Muscle Shoals … eternally righteous place and period in music history. Duane was always in demand to play studio sessions there, such was his prowess and soulful sound.
By David O'Brien
June 3, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
You’re right about Badlands. Terrific music:
“…Workin’ in the fields
Til you get your back burned
Workin’ ‘neath the wheel
Till you get your facts learned
Baby got my facts
Learned real good right now
Poor man wanna be rich
Rich man wanna be king
And a king ain’t satisfied
Till he rules everything
I wanna go out tonight
I wanna find out what I got
I believe in the love that you gave me
I believe in the hope that can save me
I believe in the faith
And I pray that some day it may raise me
Above these badlands….”
from “BADLANDS” by Bruce Springsteen
By KC
June 3, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
GRINCHY: Saw a movie the other night that you’d love… Knocked up. Good stuff. Have you seem 40 Year Old Virgin or Old School yet? I still can’t believe you haven’t seen those.
By Lew
June 3, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this
Now Grinchy-Don’t get the Jockeys in a wad, Son. I didn’t say that Iommi wasn’t the most influential guitarist of the bunch, just that they were better guitarists. I always thought Iommi (and Yngwie Malmsteen for that matter) was just a Blackmore wannabe, anyway. Besides, I consider Deep Purple In Rock as the first true Heavy Metal album and not Sabbath’s first. Deep Purple Mach 2-the best bunch of heavy rockers there ever was.
By KC
June 3, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this
Need a tip…
Anyone know an especially good place to watch a game in Atlanta? I’m getting together with a couple fellow Spurs fans for a finals game, and we’re trying to figure out where best to watch it.
By Steve from OH
June 4, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
Gotta love post-sabbath Ozzy. Jake E. Lee is a beast.
Now, baseball…. Denizens, there is no need to freak out about today’s loss. In fact, if you look at the series as a whole, it should be a huge positive for los bravos. We started James, Davies and Cormier (w/o Chipper, too) and won 2 of 3. If we can win 2 of 3 of James, davies and cormier’s starts for the rest of the year, watch out.
By Ron
June 4, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
KC, you a Spurs Fan too, Cool man, me too, I will be watchin hard for those games!!! I think that will be one of the most watched finals ever mainly because of Lebron!!! Lets Go SPURS!!!
By Steve from OH
June 4, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this
Grinch Do you play guitar? If so, how long?
By Robert
June 4, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this
Serbok - you said it best. Bobby Cox watches a game with the best of em. Do you honestly think that one WS title with the teams we have had for the past 17 years is managerial greatness?
By KC
June 4, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this
Ron: Yeah bro… I spend a few years in San Anotonio back in the early 90’s and caught Spurs fever.
Do you live in Atlanta? If so, email me at embassypro@hotmail.com
The more the merrier!
By Chop Chop
June 4, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this
Sabbath is more heavy metal than Deep Purple. I tend to lump 80’s rock groups like Def Leppard and Whitesnake in with Deep Purple. Metallica, Maiden, etc. go in the Sabbath pile.
In other words, Deep Purple = hard rock, Sabbath = heavy metal.
It’s mostly just about the words and the mood of the music. The more foreboding and thrashing the lyrics and music are, the more metal it is.
Led Zeppelin, The Who, Guns N Roses…all hard rock, not metal.
By Ron
June 4, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this
KC, I live in Mississippi man. But I will tell you one thing that will be an exciting Finals!!! Im ready for it to start!! Lets Go SPURS!!! It has been a good year to be a pro fan, My Colts won the Super Bowl, the Spurs are in the Finals, and the Braves are having a good season!!! It will be great if the Spurs can win the NBA Championship, and the Braves win the World Series!!!!! I will be happy for a long time!!!!!!!!!
By N8
June 4, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this
DOB
Unless I’ve referenced them sometime before, I do believe that that is the FIRST (and possibly the last. LOL!) time that I reference, whitesnake.
Sorry. :-)
By Wayne in Utah
June 4, 2007 2:13 AM | Link to this
BBQ All bbq is great. I have lived in lots of places, and they all think they have a lock on good “q”, but I’m telling you, I LOVE IT ALL!
Add the slaw on the top for me, btw…
NC Vinegar based…..great Mustard Based……great KC style……great Texas style….great Tex Mex style…..great
Need I say more…
By Coach
June 4, 2007 2:50 AM | Link to this
Morning folks. Just wanted to put my two cents in on the controversy at 1B. I to like the idea of Salty at 1B but he just doesn’t have the skill set for it yet. Backing up at catcher and switch hitting is tough enough on the rookie but he isn’t the answer at 1B right now. The Braves need an experienced veteran right handed first baseman who will compliment Thorman , hit for average and power , play when needed , pinch hit and add some much needed veteran presence on the bench. His name is Jeff Conine , he plays for the Reds who are going nowhere fast and they need bullpen help. John Schuerholz , I don’t know if you have two million in the budget to pay for Conine’s 2007 salary but if you do , make it happen already.
By serbok
June 4, 2007 3:30 AM | Link to this
Robert Ya know I agree with ya bro!
* I kinda like John Denver* Ozzy is Ozzy? He is just as awesome with or without Sabbath~lol
By serbok
June 4, 2007 3:39 AM | Link to this
* I totally Agree Chop Chop* In other words, Deep Purple = hard rock, Sabbath = heavy metal.
It’s mostly just about the words and the mood of the music. The more foreboding and thrashing the lyrics and music are, the more metal it is.
Led Zeppelin, The Who, Guns N Roses…all hard rock, not metal.
By serbok
June 4, 2007 4:12 AM | Link to this
* Coach* I could definitely see Conine Helping our cause~ but then again~ The braves are in such a beautiful position? What the Heck are we gonna do with salty? And Escobar (if he pans out) People on here used to scream about LF and the back end of the rotation? I’ve said this b4~ and will say it again~ The braves are an unfinished product~ So much potential! Damn If I was a muts fan I would be thinkin to myself~ “we gotta do it this year” cause the braves are so very poised to keep on keepin on! What an awesome Club we have guys? And for many years to come! Who created this? Was it JS? I do realize it goes deeper than him. Just as much as I realize Bobby’s incompetence on the field ummm nevermind~lol~ JS has sculpted a Winner For many years to come! He Is IMO the best GM baseball has ever seen! It’s still Early~ we are “in the hunt” Watch JS do his magic! However~ putting that aside~ Not sure he needs to? LOL Maybe a pitcher? Maybe Salty at 1st base? (COX?) If chipper can come back~ ( I know) thats a big IF! I think the Bravos are doin pretty damn good!
By serbok
June 4, 2007 4:20 AM | Link to this
something to ponder Bobby Cox watches a game with the best of em. Do you honestly think that one WS title with the teams we have had for the past 17 years is managerial greatness?
By serbok
June 4, 2007 4:41 AM | Link to this
one would think~ that 17 chances? 1 ring, How important is a manager? Not freakin on Bobby here? Just curious~ I’ve said b4 I wouldnt want any other manager than bobby~(due to some intangibles)that I really dont understand. Does one think a manager has anything to do with wins and losses? Especially in the post season? Forward he cried from the rear and the front ranks died!
By NCBravesFan
June 4, 2007 6:30 AM | Link to this
DOB On Salty moving to first or being traded … what kind of ML hitter do the Braves project he’ll be, stats-wise?
By Ron Roberts
June 4, 2007 7:09 AM | Link to this
I almost feel bad about mentioning, going into this series, how well Alfonso Soriano hits Braves pitching. Sure enough, he goes 4 for 14 (.429) with a triple, 2 homers and 2 RsBI.
At least they weren’t meaningful homers. They both came in blowouts.
Ya have to admit, we got the results from Saltalamacchia at 1B that we should’ve all expected. That’s why I’d said all along ya weren’t gonna see him at 1B in the bigs unless we were in a blowout. His bobble and errant throw were to be expected in his early play there.
Now let’s get Saltalamacchia out of the skid he’s in… 2 for his last 12. what is it about 1B for us this year???
I still say send the kid down to the minors to hone his craft at 1B otherwise, waiting for blowout situations to get him some time at 1B would be pointless, dontyathink?
By Nikki
June 4, 2007 7:18 AM | Link to this
To the per son thinks the announcers are better on WGN. No one is forcing you to listen to our Braves announcers. Get over it.
By David O'Brien
June 4, 2007 7:30 AM | Link to this
Wayne, I’m with you on the all-is-great statement on BBQ. When I’m in Texas, the Texas stuff is a must. When in K.C., Gates and Bryant’s (and a few others) for me. In Carolina, it goes without saying…. They’re all great. Best eating there is, for me. Good ‘que, anywhere.
Coach, I’m with you on “Niner” (Conine’s nickname), as I was when I recommended him as an answer two winters ago when Braves needed a guy who could play in both LF and at 1B (the Braves talked to him at that time, but Baltimore really wanted him and made a better, two-year offer).
At this stage, he’d be a great guy to get them through this season and a perfect guy to have for a postseason drive. He’s got a lot of postseason experience and he’s a great clubhouse guy.
By Berigan
June 4, 2007 7:30 AM | Link to this
Coach, Conine would be a pretty good idea, especially if we send Salty down to AAA to get more 1st base practice. If we keep him up here, I don’t know what you do then…
Which brings me to Ron Roberts 7:09 post. You are right, while it was smart of bobby to put him in, in a blowout, we can’t just have him play 2 innings once a week and expect him to get better, can we?
I have kind of scratched my head with the handling of Salty from day one. I don’t think they expected him to be quite this good, so early. Fine, but they have to have a clue as what to do with him, don’t they?
As I say this, when they brought him up, they might have thought of using him in Left(I know, never played there before, but face it, 1st base requires more skills, than left does)but just around the time he came up, Diaz got hot, and Harris has been beyond hot! If one or both of them had gotten cold say 2 weeks ago, everyone and there brother would be saying put Thorman in left, or Salty…but they are way too hot to think of benching, at least not right now.
By Berigan
June 4, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this
The Yankees are without their regular DH and 1st baseman, and will be for months…..so, do they have anything that might be of use to us in the minors? Too bad Thor has been slumping of late….and that Diaz hasn’t gotten any practice at 1st. I know, we can’t even think of trading Diaz, he and Willie will be our left fielders forever!!!!!!!!!!! ;)
Just don’t trade Salty to the Yankees, or anyone else, please!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Ron Roberts
June 4, 2007 7:50 AM | Link to this
Berigan, that’s been my point, all along, though. What manager in their right mind would put a guy in who’s never played the position before unless the game were a blowout by then? You wouldn’t want the bobble and throwing error in a nailbiter, where one miscue could cost the team a game, would ya?
I just knew Bobby wouldn’t do that to him, and speculated last week they’d either have to send him down to the farm for some time at 1B or throw him in when the game’s out of hand already.
I just don’t think waiting for “out of hand” does him any good. That doesn’t happen often enough to get him acclimated to the position.
By Berigan
June 4, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this
Savannah Guy that 10:38 PM post with that clip, amazing!!! A bit disturbing, yet it all worked out somehow!!!
By Berigan
June 4, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this
Ron, I don’t think I explained it well enough,(I still haven’t gone to bed yet!!!)
I only wrote he’d be playing 2 innings a week, meaning that he would be at first only for 2 innings once a week as we would be ahead or behind by this many runs hopefully only once a week(Well, we can be ahead by 8 runs 7 days a week, and I wouldn’t complain!)
Perhaps seeing him in a game, seeing that he has potential, they will know send him back to AAA to play for a few weeks at 1st.
McCann and Thorman might relax not seeing him right here, and if they start hitting more, great!
What to do with Salty then? No problem! Salty can start 2 games a week at catcher, 2 at first base, 1 at 3rd base, 1 in left and one in right to help up his trade value, and see what other positions he can play! ;)
Oh man,I have a million good ideas, someday I will share some of them with you all!
By Jeff R
June 4, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this
I’d give Salty play time at 1B at Richmond. Give the guy a chance to work with the coaches and get some real game experience under his belt. See how he adapts to the position over 30 days.
By Ron Roberts
June 4, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
Playing him in all those positions will only diminish his trade value, Berigan. He’s never played any of them; the play he made in the Piniella agrument incident was terrific, and everybody gotta glance at his skill there (pass ball, notwithstanding). If all they get to see are clips of him making miscues at numerous positions around the field, it won’t boost his trade value, that’s for sure.
Besides, I think the goal is to get him ready to play at 1B for us if he shows skill at the position.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
June 4, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
You folks forget who showed Hendrix how to play to begin with and that was Buddy Guy of Chicago blues fame. Even old B.B. King is still great. Sorry folks but I like to hear the music, not be blasted by the pure noise. Had enough of that working for WeSaySo….
Now baseball…. I just think everyone is premature in wanting to make Salty the Braves 1st baseman right now. Thorman is not being fooled at the plate, just pressing right now. Connine is a great choice as a veteran who could help this club but it will be some time before he would be available.
I don’t think there is any question that Salty could play first, just that he needs time at the position in the minors to learn the craft. First base is not all that easy of a position to play despite of what many of you might think.
By Braves Scout
June 4, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
Parkers in Wilson is simply incredible DOB.
I spent a summer up there and would go back to Wilson in a heartbeat just to eat there. Best BBQ I’ve ever had
By David-ATL14
June 4, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this
Ronnie Belliard would be a much better option than Jeff Conine.Better bat at this point in their careers and much more versatile. Belliard is only making 750,000 also.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
MBATL,
Yes, the Yankees seem to be better than their record indicates but their expected record isn’t all that impressive.
The thing is they have to hope for one of the great AL Central teams to falter because they are already significantly behind them (and a few other teams) in the Wild Card race.
Some people seem to think the good AL Central teams will beat up on each other and give the Yankees a shot, but that didn’t happen last season. And I think this season it’s going to be just as tough or tougher for the Yankees because Cleveland is now in the mix, Detroit and Minnesota are still good and the White Sox are hanging in there.
By Assumed Name
June 4, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this
This is not a post about replacing Thorman with Salty. This is a post about giving the team more options.
First base, what a quandary! Thorman has dropped into the .220’s. He may or may not be ready to be the everyday first baseman. He may or may not be ready to hit lefties as part of his assignment. He is young. If he doesn’t perform well now, it doesn’t mean he won’t ever perform well. The situation at first is not ideal. Other options that currently exist on the club are:
Woodward at first. Don’t think anyone is impressed with his offensive skills, at least from what we’ve seen so far.
Diaz at first. He’s played one game at first and only played a couple of innings. Even though he looked pretty good, it’s still just one game in the bigs at that position.
Salty at first. Does anyone think he’s ready to play the position now?
Craig Wilson was the other option. He was to split time with Thorman, be there is needed. Of course now he’s gone.
For the sake of argument, lets take the decision making process of how much Thorman plays out of the equation. What if Thorman breaks his leg tonight? What then? I’m sure the Braves aren’t prepared to go with Woodward at first for the rest of the season if they were to lose Thor today!
Salty looked quite athletic at first yesterday. Great diving stop but terrible decision to go to second with the throw. He was obviously nervous. I think the guy could play the position, but under the current situation using him would do more harm than good. It could screw up his confidence.
I actually think the guy could prove serviceable with very little work at first, provided it’s under game situation.
Would it be feasible to bring Bryan Pena back up for about 3 weeks and send Salty back to play first every day at Richmond or Miss? Heck even A ball would be ok, as long as he got plenty of reps at first.
There is a huge difference in taking lots of grounders at first and playing the position under battle conditions. Battle conditions in the minors would probably be acceptable because the difference in the minors and the big leagues is primarily hitting and pitching, NOT defense. The ball can still get to you quickly. You still have to make decisions and throws based on the situation, not if it’s a major leaguer or a minor leaguer at the plate.
I’m sure if Salty were to get about 3 straight weeks of starts at 1st in the minors, I feel he would look much more confident at the position when he returned. Like I said, he looked yesterday like he could play the position with a little work.
Who knows, while he’s gone, maybe Thorman comes around. If so then great! But if Thorman gets hurt or goes under .200, the team will have more options when Salty returns.
If this whole scenario is unworkable, then you have to go get a Conine or someone similar. If Thor gets hurt, there is going to be a lot of gnashing of teeth and wailing!
My 2 cents worth.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
Did anyone see this from Dayn Perry?:
Set To Go Off: Andruw Jones, Braves
The Braves’ franchise center fielder is struggling this season. Right now, Jones has an uncharacteristic batting line of .230 AVG/.339 OBP/.444 SLG. The secondary skills — the walks and the raw power — are still there for the most part, but he’s not hitting for average. In a related matter, he’s also on pace for a career-high 161 strikeouts. On the other hand, he’s also on pace for 44 doubles (career high), 26 homers and 88 walks (career high). Eventually, the hits will start falling for him.
And they might start falling this week. Jones has been hitting a bit better of late, and over the next seven days he and the Braves will play host to the Marlins and Cubs. Those two pitching staffs have given up a lot of home runs this season, and they’ll provide a good opportunity for Jones to bust out. With Chipper Jones on the disabled list, the Braves need that to happen.
Also, anyone want to guess when Lou Piniella will be fired? My guess is the All-Star break (unless the Cubs can win about 20 games between now and then).
By hisroyalmackness
June 4, 2007 8:51 AM | Link to this
As far as the Salty quandry, has anyone even considered this option: Move McCann to 1st and let Salty be the catcher. Salty obviously has the better arm, can hit from both sides, and seems to be able to call a good game. (Not as good as McCann, but comparable.) McCann has the bat of a 1B, so it doesn’t seem to me that that would be such a bad idea.
Has someone already mentioned this?
Is this a ridiculous suggestion?
By FLBRAVESFAN
June 4, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
On of the Tampa Bay papers over the weekend said the Braves are looking to trade Salty. For what? What could he possibly bring at this stage of his career that would help us short term? This was in a Ray’s column - like they would have anything we want. Got to believe if we school him at first base - he will hit better than the .230 the incumbent is putting up.
By hisroyalmackness
June 4, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
This may be a double post, my comp. locked up. I’ll try it again.
Just wondering why no one mentions moving McCann to 1B and letting Salty Catch. Salty obviously has the better arm, can hit from both sides, and can call a good game. (McCann calls it better, but Salty is comparable.) McCann has the bat of a 1B, I think this would be a great option.
Has this been brought up before?
Is this a rediculous suggestion?
By Braveheart
June 4, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this
Pinella is probably trying to get himself fired seeing that Torre’s day in NYC are probably done.
By Ron Roberts
June 4, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
They won’t move McCann from behind the dish. The starting pitchers like the way he calls their game. End of debate.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
Salty at first. Does anyone think he’s ready to play the position now?
Salty looked quite athletic at first yesterday. Great diving stop but terrible decision to go to second with the throw. He was obviously nervous. I think the guy could play the position, but under the current situation using him would do more harm than good. It could screw up his confidence.
He probably was a little nervous—his first game at the position since probably high school.
I think we would have to see him there for more than 2 innings to get an idea as to what kind of firstbaseman he is at this point.
It would probably be ideal to give him some time there in less stressful game situations but I think he would probably be fine there if he didn’t go to the minors for some defensive seasoning at first.
Like I said before, I know firstbase in the majors is not easy but this guy is a young, athletic major league catcher. I’d be more surprised if he could NOT handle firstbase at least adequately than I would if he came in and played very impressive defense.
Like you, I’m not saying he should or shouldn’t play firstbase regularly. I’m just giving my thoughts on what I think he would do as a firstbaseman, if the Braves felt they needed him there and gave him that chance.
By Braveheart
June 4, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
Just wondering why no one mentions moving McCann to 1B and letting Salty Catch.
That topic has been worn the F out on this blog. Half the darn blog mentioned that ad nauseum for two weeks before DOB laid the smack down on people, telling them that scouts and front office types feel that McCann is a better defensive catcher and that McCann has been born and bred as a catcher. It kind of makes sense for other reasons. Even if you believe Salty is better defensive catcher than McCann, the team would still probably be better off with McCann behind the plate and Salty at first than Salty behind the plate and McCann at first because Salty has better athetic gifts than McCann and would probably become a good first baseman. Once Salty learned to play first, you would have strengths at two positions. If McCann went to first, you would probably have a subpar defensive first baseman - and you would also have a guy behind the plate in Saly that DOB says the people in the know don’t believe is better than McCann defensively - thus you would be weaker defensively at two positions.
By DC Braves Fan
June 4, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
What about McCann at 1B? I know, he’s an all-star C, handles the pitching staff well, calls great games etc. etc. but, I think Salty is a better defensive C from what I’ve seen (albeit in limited action). I think the stress of catching/crouching/taking foul tips off the body will wear down McCann over the long haul and might take its toll on him offensively. At this point, he’s a better bat and we can sure use a fresh McCann than an injured one. Does anyone know if he’s ever played 1B? Plus this way, we don’t stress out a rookie catcher. Either way though, I think we all agree that we need to get bats into the lineup.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
hisroyalmackness,
It has been brought up on the blog. But DOB thinks if anyone moves it will be Salty.
I believe DOB says that scouts think McCann is better defensively overall.
Yes, McCann has the bat of a firstbaseman but from everything I’ve read and seen, Salty will likely hit enough to play first, also.
And just looking at body type, I think Salty looks more nimble, etc., for what that’s worth. McCann doesn’t look like a firstbaseman. He’d probably do alright there but my guess is, of the two, Salty would be the better firstbaseman. This is just my guess based on what DOB says the scouts and the organization says plus my own observations of McCann and Salty’s body types.
By Ron Roberts
June 4, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
Isn’t this redundancy frustrating Braveheart? LOL. I feel ya, man. Sheesh, people
By CAR3BOOGIE
June 4, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
Quick Thoughts:
Find a Pitching prospect with the potential of Salty and Escobar and the Braves Future looks Great.
Music… Whitesnake is a definite NO, without Tawny we would have never heard of them. My Picks: Eagles or Boston
By Braveheart
June 4, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
Love this quote from Weldon about Danica: “She’s just feisty. There’s a lot of pressure on her because she has not won a race and her teammates are (winning). I think in a situation like that, sometimes you get desperate. … She’s just being Danica. She’ll be fine when she calms down.”
From now on, when Mets fans act like punks, I’m just gonna tell them to stop being a bunch of desperate Danicas.
By Johnny Evans
June 4, 2007 9:25 AM | Link to this
Escobar==yes he is exciting to watch==but disappointing==when they sing or play our national song==watch him several times with Richmond=in my opinion=while all is standing=he is non chalant= Prado is the same way==work in America=honor our song==it is what freedom is all about==many many fans in Norfolk has noticed this=
So much praised being heaped on players who have not proven themselves at the big level===etc Salty==escobar=prado=everyone makes their comments-thought I would throw my two cents worth in==
Why does Cox—bring in Wickman in a non save situation==later in the year=the team will need him=and his arm will be tired==
Johnny Chesapeake, Va
By eric the elder
June 4, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
For perspective, let’s remember that Kelly Johnson, a former shortstop, spent months of individualized instruction from Hubbard to learn second base. Thinking that a little on the job training at first for Salty might not be fair or realistic.
McCann is way too slow and plodding to play the position, and he was just signed to a long contract to catch. That’s where he will stay.
I say again that I don’t care that much about this year. I agree with those who believe the future is bright, but our long-term problem is not first base. It’s pitching.
We can be patient with Thor/Salty, but time is running out on pitching. Smoltz is heroic but vulnerable. Hudson is brilliant at times but not necessarily reliable. And then there are all the rest.
To achieve a bright future, we can’t give up our good farm to fix first base. And don’t forget that center field is looming, too.
By Assumed Name
June 4, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
There is a downside to bringing in someone outside the organization to back up Thorman. Even if we get someone with an affordable salary, we’re going to have to give up a prospect to get them. I hate the thought of giving up anyone to fill a slot that will only be needed perhaps the rest of this season.
Thor and Kelly Johnson were the two question marks coming into this season. There were a number of options behind Kelly if he faltered. We’re drunk with middle infield prospects. Wilson was our Thorman insurance policy. As I mentioned earlier, injury, over ability, is a real concern to me. We’re walking the tightrope without a net with Thorman. If he falls and we don’t have options we’re screwed! If he falls and we have to go get someone, it becomes a sellers market really quickly because everyone will know you’re desperate. And of course, we’ll over pay to get someone.
Maybe this will become one of those head poppin‘“wow, I could have had a V-8,” moments. What seemed like an option letting Salty take some reps at 1B may now have become a necessity rather than option. He needs to get ready quickly, unless the Braves have other plans at 1B.
Hard decisions to be made. Glad it isn’t my butt riding on the outcome.
By DC Braves Fan
June 4, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
Braveheart….just saw your post. Didn’t realize that DOB had stated that before.
Fine then, get Salty in at 1B, get him some extended PT and see where we’re at by the All-Star break. It’s not like Thor is saving runs for us with his D (like AJ) that we have to keep him in there even when he sucks offensively. Salty is an upgrade over all the 2007 Braves 1Bs so far: Thor, Woodward (Yikes), Wilson (Double Yikes)
By Ron Roberts
June 4, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
The other thing to consider, folks, is that Saltalamachia’s cooled off a good bit. He’s 2 for his last 12, so now we’re faced with sacrificing defense for offense, and the offensive equation is in a bit of a slide, too. I like the idea of going after a veteran presence to split time w/either Thorman or Saltalamacchia (after some time playing 1B in the minors), personally. There are options out there. The Reds desperately need pitching. What could we offer ‘em for Conine, at this point?
By Braveheart
June 4, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Damn, speaking of Tawny, DOB pulled a Tawny Kitaen on N8, kicking him upside the head with his high heels like she did to Chuck Finley, trying to get him to stop talking Whitesnake. Although I think DOB did it with the heels of his cowboy boots instead of high heels.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
Johnny Evans,
Well, Wickman needs work. If there isn’t a save situation three days in a row, you don’t just leave Wickman in the bullpen.
I’ve never really heard/read anyone overly praise Salty, Escobar, and especially not Prado. People get excited about young, up-and-coming players but I don’t think it’s unwarranted.
Chances are if you can play at multiple levels in the minors, you can play in the majors. Their are very few examples of highly regarded position players who played very well throughout the minors but completely failed in the majors. All of us can think of some highly-touted positional prospects who tore up the minors and failed in the majors but there are much more who have had success in the majors.
As far as what a player does during the national anthem, as long as the player isn’t a terrorist or something, I could care less as long as he helps my favorite team. There are players out there doing far worse things than acting “nonchalant” during the national anthem.
Actually, I remember seeing Kelly Johnson, a Texas boy, chatting with another player during the national anthem before a recent game. Should we criticize him?
These guys hear the national anthem well over a hundred times a year. I think we can forgive them for not taking it as seriously as some of us.
By Braveheart
June 4, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
Didn’t mean to be a jerk about the McCann at first thing. Read it over again and it kind of reads like an arrogant jerk wrote it, assuming that everyone has the pleasure of working out of their home office and gets to read the blog as it develops all day, every day.
Despite what DOB said, I still wonder about McCann being able to play first myself because we are seeing how getting beat up behind the plate is hurting him badly with the bat this year. I would love if they could platoon Salty and McCann at first and catcher letting them each play 80 games at each position throughout the year - would keep them fresh - but that is fantasy geek, XBOX type of thinking - not real world practicality.
By eric the elder
June 4, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts, you are right about the Reds being desperate for pitching, but I would add that they need GOOD pitching - - someone who can have an impact now. But that’s what WE need.
Your last question is what we could offer for Conine. The real question is what would they take, and I don’t like the answer.
By JasonInMaine
June 4, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
From the Houston Chronicle:
“Moreover, Gillick would know that the Braves also have a need for quality bullpen help and a top young, switch-hitting catcher in Jarrod Saltalamacchia, 22, who is stuck behind Brian McCann.
Saltalamacchia would be perfect for the Astros, and Lidge could save the Braves’ season considering they have lost Mike Gonzalez, whom they acquired this winter to try to fix the bullpen that betrayed them last year. As bad as some folks may have perceived Lidge’s season last year, his numbers would have put Atlanta in the playoffs.”
Lidge has been really good of late, but he isn’t exactly cheap, and I am not sure about the statement of “saving the Braves’ season”…
Anyway, I thought I would post this for those interested.
Regards,
Jason
By Bill
June 4, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
I can’t understand why anyone would even suggest moving McCann to 1st. He’s the right size for a catcher and Salty is long and lanky, just right for a 1st. baseman. McCann is not quick enough to play first. Look at the problem that the Twins are having with Joe Mauer. He’s tall and having alot of knee problems. They will have to switch him to another position soon.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
Not trying to pick on you, but you actually want to give up something for a 41-year-old 1B with a OBP/SLG of .336/.411? Maybe the Braves should have kept Redman and traded him for Conine.
I’m not sure what I think of giving Salty regular time at first but I think he’s a much better option than trading anyone for Conine.
By Ron Roberts
June 4, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
It’s not like Thor is saving runs for us with his D
Incorrect, I say. Thorman has zero errors at 1B, DC.
You can quibble over Thorman’s batting average and his fielding range, but he’s made no errors all season to date.
By eric the elder
June 4, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
Jason, that’s the kind of thinking (the Chronicle’s, not yours) that makes me shudder. In terms of this year, such a trade would mean that we basically gave up LaRoche and Salty for Lidge! Yikes!
Two or three years from now, I might be proven wrong, and if so, I will admit it. But for now, I will (figuratively) go off the ledge if we give up Salty for ANYone.
By hisroyalmackness
June 4, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this
Braveheart and Shaun thanks for the reply. R.R., excuse the crap out of me. I read the blog daily and post every now and then, but I guess I missed the great “McCann at 1st” debate. I apologize. (Must’ve been the weekend I was in LA)
So here’s another stupid suggestion. After seeing how hopeless the Cubs are, does anyone think that with the prospects we have to offer we could maybe work something out with them to get Derrick Lee and maybe even Rich Hill or Zambrano? (I know, I know, but if you played for the Cubs you’d want to fight someone, too!)
And this Barret guy seems to get punched by everyone!! He may need to get with Chuck Lidell and get some pointers or something!
By David-ATL14
June 4, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Hard to make errors when your range is that of a statue at 1b.
By Ron Roberts
June 4, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Shaun, a guy like Jeff Conine goes beyond the stats, Shaun. He’s a heck of an influential guy to have. Everywhere he’s been infused into a clubuouse he’s done well and the team’s responded, too. It’s just an intangible that he brings to a team; and he plays a position we’re struggling at, offensively.
Besides, I didn’t make a suggestion about who the Braves should ship off to the Reds for him. Just seems we’re repeating ourselves by a. throwing a rookie at 1B, then seeing that that rookie’s struggling at the dish, putting another rookie in his place, who’s never played the position, aside from mop-up in Chicago yesterday.
KnowWhatIMean?
By eric the elder
June 4, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
royal mack, the really nasty bloggers haven’t shown up yet. Were I you, I would hope that none of them see your idea about Derrek Lee and Hill/ Zambrano. If they do, find an asbestos suit and put it on immediately.
By Ron Roberts
June 4, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
So you ignore 353 plays without an error, then, David? LOL. C’mon, bud, you can’t blow that off.
He’s completely lost at the plate, but Thorman’s no slouch in the field. I’d feel better with a sure glove and marginal batting average out there, which is why I’d be exploring another Craig Wilson-ish guy to platoon with whomever at 1B.
Besides, Saltalamacchia’s bat has cooeld considerably of late, so we might be giving up error-free 1B defense to try and boost offensive output there and only getting another slumping rookie.
By Ron Roberts
June 4, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Royal Mack, no disrespect meant specifically your way, man… but that McCann v. Saltalamacchia thing went on for far more than just a weekend. Keep in mind, too, when you go throwing out trade ideas (and as bad as things are for the Cubs, they’re not out ,yet, with that whole division struggling), keep in mind that the Braves aren’t likely to take on additional salary.
By JasonInMaine
June 4, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
eric,
I agree…I thought those statements from the Chronicle made sense…if they were made last year! Could we use another dependable reliever after losing Gonzo? Sure. But, it’s not like we are in the dire straits we were last year. Speaking of dire straits…
Any Knopfler fans on the blog? Alchemy Live is the band at their best…
Regards,
Jason
By Assumed Name
June 4, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
Since this is the Baseball and Boogie blog,(Boogie, music, took some liberties with that one) thought I would draw some comparisons. If baseball players were musicians, who would they be?
Barry Bonds = Johnny Rotten- terrible attitude. Says’s, “screw you and the world!” Surly, not fit to be around. Either that or George “no show” Jones. Never know when he’s going to play…. or not.
Roger Clemens = The Rolling Stones- just when you thought there was no way, he’s doing another tour!
David Eckstein = Jimmy Buffett- short on talent but people seem to like him and you can’t argue with his results.
Mark Redman = James Brown- people keep covering him with a cape and draggin’ him off the stage, but he keeps breaking away and coming back!
Any situational lefty = Weird Al Yankovic- Self explanatory.
Francisco Cabrera = Vanilla Ice - Both “one hit wonders” but Cabrera’s hit actually meant something.
Henry Aaron = Stevie Ray Vaughn - Underappreciated when he was actually playing, but man could he play!
Don Zimmer (former player, manager, coach) = Johnny Paycheck – told Steinbrenner, “Take This Job and Shove It!”
A-Rod = Motley Crue - Girls, Girls, Girls
AJ Pierzynski = Chuck Berry - Doesn’t matter if he can play or not, still an A$$ hole.
Jorge Sosa = Willie Nelson** - Know what an enthusiastic audience says when the liquor wears off at a Willie Nelson concert? This guy sucks! Mets fans will be saying that later this year when the liquor wears off and Sosa becomes Sosa again.
Could go on and on…..
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
JasonInMaine,
I think the Braves better get a younger player for Salty and preferably someone that’s going to impact more than one or two innings per appearance.
Lidge would be okay but I would want a decent player at least under 25 in addition to Lidge.
Salty is likely to be a quality player for the next decade, decade and a half. The Braves I would hope would get a quality player that can provide something for more than four or five more seasons.
By bclontz
June 4, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
Braves and Marlins ! Get ready for a show of shows……this series will tell the tale ! Young players will make the difference if they are allowed to play…..Thorman, either settle for short home runs or take your over swing to another team…you’re too good a hitter to be looking that bad….Cormier, settle down and pitch, and then decide, do I really want this ? Woodward, you really gotta show somone something pretty quick, your time is running out…Escobar, you are a diamond in the rough and even when the suns not shining, you still glitter…..
By JasonInMaine
June 4, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
Agreed. I was just posting a tidbit that I ran across. Personally, I think they will only include him in a trade this year if they can get an impact starter.
Regards,
Jason
By hisroyalmackness
June 4, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
R.R., I know, but the way the management keeps talking about how they now have the liberty (no pun intended)to maybe up the spending if need be, it does give kind of a hope that some of the ideas that may have seemed far-fetched over the past couple of years, are now somewhat pheasible (is that how you spell it?).
And I know someone mentioned that the D-Rays had no one that we would want, but I would have to disagree. I would love to have Carl Crawford, Scott Kazmir, James Shields, etc.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
Conine would just create a bigger mess at firstbase (if you call one bad month from Thorman a mess).
His chemistry did a lot for Baltimore and Philadelphia last season, didn’t it? And Florida didn’t underachieve in 2005 with Conine in the clubhouse, did they? chemistry can only do so much.
Thorman had one bad month. Let’s wait and see before we give up anything and waste a roster spot on a a 41-year-old who would give the Braves less than what a fringe-type firstbaseman would give them.
I’d rather see Graham Koonce get a shot than see the Braves trade for Jeff Conine.
By fastasballs
June 4, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
Whoever wrote the acticle in the Houston Chronical is insane or a year late, lol. If Salty IS traded it’s for young pitching.
Say Cormier blows for 2-3 more starts. Who’s the next starter? Do the Braves dig farther into the minors & give Harrison, Reyes or Smith a shot? Or is it trade time?
I like the Conine suggestion, he is good vet to have around who can still play a bit.
Do any of you think Salty being here has “hurt” McCann? His bat has really dropped off, could be the finger, but I doubt it. I doubt Salty is bothering him but something is not right. He just looks different at the plate. He’s not getting around on the inside pitch like he was. He wears out the right field corner when he is going well.
By Assumed Name
June 4, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this
One more.
Carlos Zambrano = John Hiatt - “Smashing A Perfectly Good Guitar(catcher)”
By Ron Roberts
June 4, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
Hey Shaun,
Then why do the Orioles and Marlins go back to the well time and again?
He’s better than anything we’ve had playing at 1B this season, bar-none.
By Ron Roberts
June 4, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
And by the way, Shaun, I agree about not giving up on Thorman over a bad month in his first full season. I like Jeff Conine because he just sorta fits the mold of player Bobby Cox tends to like having on his roster.
Then we could ditch Woodward.
By Braves20
June 4, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
It’s amazing to read that Thorman has made no errors at first. It would interesting to see a comparison of how many throwing errors he’s saved versus what LaRoche did in that category. Thorman makes Ryan Klesko’s work around 1B look graceful.
By ncscoots
June 4, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
A typical inning in the field for Salty at 1B at this point:
“Let’s see, who’s covering second? On a low there right there, do I stretch or do I scoop? On a ball hit right there, do I range or cover? Cutoff position is where again? Don’t forget to lead the pitcher. How far in in case he bunts? Oh, yeah, guard the line in case he doesn’t.”
Etc., etc., etc. Point is, he has to THINK about all that stuff instead of relying on instincts that only come with repetition. And if you think he can learn to do all that at the ML level, and STILL have enough brain cells left to make hitting adjustments and hit .330, I fear you will be disappointed.
I think the kid is going to be a star, but his first name is Jarrod, not Kal-El.
By Braveheart
June 4, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this
How about bringing in B.J. Surhoff, the catcher from Rye? On second thought, he is retired and did not work out too well the last time around. But he is another example of a big time catching prospect who was moved to another position to make his bat more effective - and he did actually become a much better hitter when he took off the catcher’s equipment.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
I’m not so sure Conine was better than Thorman in April. And I’d be surprised if Conine is better than Thorman when all is said and done this season.
Also, it’s not only about who is better. It’s also about the Braves giving up a player or money and giving up a roster spot for a minimal improvement at best.
I’m not sure why the O’s and Marlins kept going back to him. I have a feeling it’s out of mutual respect and they never thought he really hurt their chances more than the fact that they could get someone just as good or a little better to fill a bench spot.
By eric the elder
June 4, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
Craig Wilson, Chris Woodward, Jeff Conine … What good prospect are we contemplating giving up for a 41-year-old for four months?
We need to stop living in the past and look to the future. I don’t think it’s too much of a fantasy to believe that Thor will get it together. The Braves believed in him enough to let LaRoche go, and that’s good enough for me. I reserve the right to change my mind at the end of the year.
By Bailey
June 4, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
Conine would not help anymore than moving Diaz to 1st. There is really no difference in Conine 10 years ago and Diaz now. Solid, but inconsistant. If you go after anything in the trade market right now, you try to starting pitching. The bench will be ok. Has anyone suggested keeping Escobar at third, and moving Chipper to first?
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
ncscoots,
You don’t think catchers have much defensive responsibility?
It’s been over 10 years since I played organized baseball and I still remember where a lot of the guys playing different positions go when a ball is bunted or when it’s hit in a certain spot, aside from even the positions I ever played.
I don’t think Salty’s going to be Don Mattingly but do you really think a young guy that worked his way up to the majors as a catcher would be as confused at firstbase as you seem to think?
If I can remember particular plays from high school, I’m sure a major league-caliber catcher has a good idea what to do at firstbase.
Again, I’m not arguing that Salty should or shouldn’t be the Braves regular or semi-regular firstbaseman. I’m just saying I think he’d be fine there. He doesn’t need to be sent to AA to work himself back up as a 1B.
By Braveheart
June 4, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Scoots, ye shall be known from here on out as Jor-El. You’d even get Brando to play you in a movie.
I wonder if Bobby will be lucky enough to get to watch the race this afternoon. I know he and Ned Yost were friends of the Intimidator, just from seeing them doing interviews in Dale Earnhardt tributes. I wonder what he thinks about Junior leaving DEI.
By ncscoots
June 4, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, thanks, buddy. I coulda been a contenda, ya know.
Shaun, at the risk of initiating an unending conversation, you mischaracterized the post. I did not imply that catchers don’t have defensive responsibilities; I said the guy will to have to think more at 1B instead of relying on positional instincts, and that the learning process would affect his offense.
Hyperbole obviously is a poor vehicle for point-making. So sue me.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
ncscoots,
I’m not so sure. Maybe his offense would improve if he moved to first because of less wear and tear. Who knows?
All I know is I wouldn’t hesitate to use Salty at first if needed; injury, etc. Or if Thorman for some reason continues to slump for another month or so.
Any position at the major league level is obviously difficult but my argument is that if you are a young, athletic guy who can catch at the major league level, you can probably handle firstbase at least adequately at the major league level. This is probably not true of all guys but I would say most. If Mike Piazza handled firstbase, I pretty sure Salty can.
By N8
June 4, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Nice 11:22 ncscoots.
Precisely what I was getting at yesterday.
The kid WILL be a star. Will he be Arod, or Griffey in their prime kinda star?
More than likely not. But who knows. But there is no reason to think that he can’t do what Francoeur’s done with the bat, since he’s ALREADY shown more plate discipline than Frenchy did in his first 2 seasons up with the Braves.
The power will eventually come around, and the kid is a big guy.
It’s just a matter of, like you said, he can mentally handle the challenge of switching positions, out of his comfort zone.
It appears as though he has the right physical tools to be a fine 1B. Just getting over the lack of experience over there.
I’ve said all along, that I’d like to keep the kid, rather than trade him. But if, at the deadline, a #2 type pitcher could be had for him and maybe another prospect, I wouldn’t neccesarily complain if they moved him. Just so long as the pitcher we would get in return is young and cheap. Oh, and he probably better not be a Whitesnake fan or DOB won’t aprove of the trade. :-)
By JasonInMaine
June 4, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
The Skanks are moving Damon to 1B…
By The Grinch
June 4, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Salty for Lidge? Houston, we have a problem (the crack pipe’s overheating). Incorrect! Fastasballs, I think you may be on to something; I think McCann appears in an uncomfortable competition with Salty which is messing up his concentration and hitting stroke. He doesn’t appear to have the same deliberate, confident approach to every at bat he had earlier. Of course, if he read this blog he’d know that despite Salty’s obvious potential greatness as a catcher, the very few of us who suggest we might actually use him there are shunned as if village idiots.
Lew, Iommi’s a Blackmore wannabe? Aside from being the same age, comming from England and using humbucking pickups, they’re not even vaguely similar in style. While I admit Blackmore has many immitators, nobody else sounds like Iommi, except perhaps Alex Lifeson’s leads on “Working Man.” To quote Archie Bunker: “Wrong again, Maude.” :-)
Ron Roberts, Conine isn’t a baseball player, he’s a number. Do not debate this fact with Shaun, you’ll lose. Man, I would’ve loved to see Shaun playing baseball in High School: “But coach, you can’t sit me for him! My adjusted OPS is .12 percentage points higher than his during day games, which is the majority of what we play! Our projected win total will drop by 3.14159 games!” Coach: “If I knew what the hell you were talking about, Payne, I’d argue with you. Since I don’t, hit the showers or go burn a bug with your microscope.”
By Lew
June 4, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
I say it yet again-Y’all are the most impatient group of people I’ve ever seen (well, not actually SEEN, but…). Give Thorman a chance. Stop and think for a second-If you got a new job, one that you had trained for for a couple of years and just because you didn’t have it down quite yet after two months, should you lose your job? God Lord-It’s no different with Thorman and his job is much more difficult than anything y’all have done-you don’t face 100 MPH fastballs under your hands or 150MPH line drives coming at your head. Give the Boy a chance, for crying out loud. A little RH power coming off the bench would be nice, but not worth giving up future stars for four months. It is apparent Salty is not ready for first-nor should he be traded. Send him to AAA and put him with someone who can teach him the finer points of 1B-or better yet, the outfield. With that arm he would be killer in left. Whatever, you’ve got to give the kids a chance to work through it. That’s just how it is.
By Braves20
June 4, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
Bailey - I’m not sure the Braves would contemplate moving Chipper to first but I’m pretty sure that Escobar will make it very difficult for the Braves to send him down by the time Chipper gets back from the DL.
By Lew
June 4, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Grinch-Bull, Dude-Just listen to Heaven and Hell by Sabbath (he even has one of Blackmore’s singers)-very Blackmoresque, but not nearly as good. Now Heavy Metal VS. Hard Rock. The Grinch and I have spoken on this topic many times. The first Sabbath album came out in mid- 1970. However, so did Deep Purple In Rock (and believe me, this is NOT Smoke on the Water) and Trapeze by Medusa-both of which are as heavy as the first Sabbath. For that matter, go listen to I Can See For Miles (The Who Sell Out) by the Who, or Vincebus Eruptum by Blue Cheer and tell me Sabbath started Metal. It didn’t happen that way at all. Some say the difference between Metal and Hard Rock is HR’s blues base. Listen to the aforementioned Heaven and Hell-it’s blues based too. Sabbath came up with their own unique sound, it’s true. However, Metal did not leap already grown from the heads of Iommi/Osbourne any more than it did from Metallica or Megadeth. Check your history grasshoppers-learn Rock and Roll wisdom.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
N8,
You act as if he’s moving to SS or CF. It’s 1B.
If the Yankees believe Damon could play first, Cox thinks Salty can play first, Mike Piazza can handle first, I don’t think three organizations would be wrong about how relatively easy it is for a major league player to handle first.
By journalist jimmy smith
June 4, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
if salty has “cooled off” as suggested it is only because the drives salty has hit have been caught at the wall. how many of those has salty had in the last few at-bats? salty is striking the ball hard and too few braves are doing that now. still, it is the pitching that is the problem. and now, announcers … chip caray does talk a lot about the cubs. when salty is at first and escobar at short listeners are serenaded about the cubs - not about the future braves stars. still, chip caray may have been left in chicago. won’t know until game time. and how about that brian jordan on television! suits brian jordan better than first base. and what is wrong with first base? has laroche placed a pirate’s curse on the position? and consider the debilitating injuries to atlanta braves this year: toe, thumb, pinky, earwax, toe, groin, quad, oblique, toe, and toe. scary stuff. and now, barebcue … if barbecue is cooked and served in georgia how can it be called nc barbecue? and slaw … slaw is a side. macaroni and cheese is a side. baked beans, a side. brunswick stew can be a meal or a side. and what is in brunswick stew? and where is that jar of earwax? oh, the humanity!
By DAP
June 4, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
Chipper does not have to worry about escobar taking his position. renteria does. i love renteria and cannot imagine this lineup without him, but im afriad that we have too many middle infielders pushing thier way up for us to keep him after this year. in 2008, chipper will still be at third base, and escobar will play SS. dang im gonna miss renteria, butchipper isnt going anywhere, i promise. once chipper retires, escobar will move to thrid and lillibridge or andruws will take over at SS. if chipper cant avoid a freak injury, escobar will likely spell chipper and one of the aforementioned SS will get a chance.
all that to say chipper aint moving, renteria is.
By JasonInMaine
June 4, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
Let’s not discount Zep’s contribution to the birth of heavy metal…very influential…
By Lew
June 4, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
Uh Shaun-Piazza sucked at first. It was an aborted experiment. There’s a lot of footwork and different angles involved in playing first. Try it some time if you think differently. You have to consistently be in the game and have very quick reflexes in addition to being able to hold runners while fielding your position. It’s really different in many ways than any other position. Chipper, being a third baseman may have an easier time than some, but it isn’t as easy as you seem to think it is. What set of stats led you to THAT conclusion, anyway? Just because 1st and LF are the places people are most switched to doesn’t mean they’re any easier to play.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
June 4, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Please, for the love of all things good on Earth, folks. No more details about The Sopranos. It has been mentioned several times on these blogs, that some of us are about 3 seasons behind and catching up with the A&E reruns. Some of us were broke college kids with no cable and no HBO back when the show became popular. You’re spoiling it for us. If you must spill it all out, Put up a bold-type warning or a disclaimer or something for crying out loud.
By The Grinch
June 4, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
Lew, while we have debated this before, I don’t think we’ve ever fully agreed. I see where you’re coming from, I understand and respect it, but I don’t quite agree. “In Rock” in many ways is as hard as Sabbath’s first, but I contend it’s not as heavy. And yes, there’s a difference in my opinion. However, I agree that Sabbath was not the only band that influenced metal. Also, Sabbath had a couple of very bluesy tunes, as well; they were not a one note band. Hardy anything that came out of England in the 60’s/early 70’s wasn’t blues-based to some extent. Now, lunch…the Grinch will return after a trip to a place that doesn’t balk at serving food to people of color (in my case, green).
By ncscoots
June 4, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
I know I read this, because I not only had to read it twice to believe someone would actually put it in print, but actually saw it repeated later:
If Mike Piazza handled firstbase, I pretty sure Salty can.
In what parallel dimension did you see Piazza “handle” 1B? Yes, he stuck on the glove and was actually stationed there on occasion, but I actually saw him in “action” there. If your mantra is that Salty has the ability to play 1B as well as Piazza (!), please don’t let his womenfolk watch the attempt.
By eric the elder
June 4, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
Ron Gant made an interesting point about switching from infield to outfield. He said it was a lot easier. Just go chase down the ball and get it into the infield.
Yogi Berra ended his career in left field. I find the idea of Salty in left very intriguing.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this
Lew,
I didn’t say it was easy, just easier than most other positions. It’s just common sense that you don’t have as much defensive responsibility at first and it doesn’t require as much athleticism as other positions. Again, that doesn’t mean it requires NO athleticism and there are NO responsibilities.
Also, Piazza wasn’t a relatively nimble, young guy when they moved him to first as Salty is right now.
Catching requires more footwork, etc. Catchers have to be able to shift in front of balls in the dirt.
Why are players without positions most often switched to 1B and LF if it’s not because those aren’t the easiest to play/learn?
By Lew
June 4, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Grinch-At least I woke you up. Now you can face the day with blood flowing through your veins-not asleep on cruise control.
By ncscoots
June 4, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
No Sopranos details here, but a thought. While I’m looking forward to the series finale, I absolutely refuse to watch the new series premiering thereafter. I still haven’t forgiven David Milch for killing Deadwood so he could work on John From freakin’ Cincinnati, so he can just kiss this viewer goodbye, LOL.
By Lew
June 4, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
Shaun-Whatever. I still believe you delusional on this topic, as on many others, but have things that must be done and have no time for an all day arguement. You’re wrong, but we’ll have to leave it there. I’m sure others will point out the error of your ways. Where’s Tennessee Paul? He’ll give you a good go on this one, I’m sure.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
ncscoots, N8, Lew,
There is a lot of reason to believe 1B and LF are easier than other positions.
Their are more great hitters playing 1B and LF than other positions. It’s easier to find a good bat at 1B and LF than at other positions. You will hardly ever see a player move from 1B or LF to another position (other than the very best defensive 1B or LF, can you see one being able to handle most of the other positions besides maybe RF?)
By Bailey
June 4, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
I dont want to bust anybody’s bubble about Escobar…but he is NOT the SS of the future for the Braves. Edgar has 3 years left on his current contract, and I have heard from a lot of people that Elvis Andrus is 3 years away. Maybe Escobar will replace Chipper at 3B in a few years, but he is not our future at SS.
I thik Salty will be a good fit in LF, but I have heard someone suggest moving McCann to 3B in the future b/c Salty has a stronger arm, and McCann is not built for 1B.
ANY SUGGESTIONS??
By Lew
June 4, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
If First basemen and left fielders are so prevalent and easy to come by, why do the Braves always have a need at both positions and it never gets filled with these plentiful options? Amen and Selah.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
At the risk of people telling me I need to watch the game, get off my computer and out of my parents’ basement, blah, blah, blah (the kind of things people say when they have no where else to go to refute you, kind of like when people pull the race card) here is a concept in sabermetrics, the defensive spectrum:
The idea is kind of a simple one—the farther down the spectrum, the more defensive skill the position requires.
You can imagine a player moving up the spectrum but not down the spectrum as his career progresses.
Obviously, like anything else, there are some exceptions—some players are skilled enough and work hard enough to move anywhere and obviously sometimes thirdbaseman aren’t going to feel as comfortable fielding grounders as opposed to fly balls (ala Chipper)—but for the most part, this makes a lot of sense.
By Julia Roberts
June 4, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
I was moved from first base to left field while playing SOFTBALL as a y-o-u-t-h. My family was a-f-r-a-i-d- I would be hit in the face at first base but had no fears about that happening to me in left field. I developed rather early and the boys liked seeing me go after a ball in left. All this to say that if I can play left so can Saltalamacchia.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
Lew,
Diaz is doing a fine job and the D-Rays, Royals and other teams didn’t need him.
Also, Thorman has had one bad month and all of the sudden the Braves have a problem at first? The Braves were able to trade a pretty good firstbaseman because they had another one ready to go.
Also, just because there are a lot of adequate major league 1B and LF out there doesn’t mean there are plenty within one organization.
By snowball's chance
June 4, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
I am not qualified to talk metal but The Who Live at Leeds was the best live album ever when it came out. Did Townshend invent power chords?
By Julia Roberts
June 4, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
One more thing. It almost drove me CRAZY!! learning to play left field. C-R-A-Z-Y!!! AAARRRGGGGHHHH!! Crazy!
By ncscoots
June 4, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Julia, the first screamer at his toes that short-hops within an inch of his beak might make Salty long for the outfield, too, for all I know, LOL.
By snowball's chance
June 4, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
Rock music -- 1961-1970. Browse Catalog by author:Who (Musical group) by title:Add to My List The Who live at Leeds by Who (Musical group) MCA, p1995. Format:
Compact disc Description:
1 sound disc : digital, stereo. ; 4 3/4 in. Notes:
Recorded during a concert at Leeds, England on February 14, 1970. A newly extended version with additional songs and with the crackling noises corrected. Performer:
Songs; performed by the Who. Contents:
Heaven and hell (4:30) — I can’t explain (2:16) — Fortune teller (2:34) — Tattoo (2:51) — Young man blues (4:56) — Substitute (2:07) — Happy Jack (2:13) — I’m a boy (2:40) — A quick one, while he’s away (8:25) — Amazing journey/Sparks (7:34) — Summertime blues (3:20) — Shakin’ all over (4:15) — My generation (14:45) — The magic bus (7:22)
By Mark
June 4, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
Bailey….are you serious? McCann at 3rd? He is probably the slowest, most non-mobile athelete ever. I love McCann but he can play one position and that is catcher! I agree that skill wise behind the plate Salty is probably better…but he is also more versatile. Move Salty to first and let him play there-we need his bat in the lineup
By 22oz
June 4, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Where does David Ortiz play when the Sox play in National league parks? 1B. If he can do it, Salty can too.
By N8
June 4, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
Anybody remember Julio Franco the first year we had him, making a MENTAL mistake, going after a ground ball, rather than going to the bag? Giles was standing behind him ready to get it, and the pitcher NEVER covered, because anybody with normal experience at 1B would NOT have gone for that ball. I’ll remind you that I’m talking about 635 year old Julio Franco, who might have been involved with that baseball game that Harry Caray called with Jesus a while back.
How about Ken Caminiti? One of the better defensive 3B in the last 20 years. 38, I believe, is higher up on the “chart” of difficult defensive position to play, isn’t it? He looked HORRIBLE at 1B.
IMO, the 3-6-3 is the hardest double play in baseball to turn. PERIOD. But what’s more difficult than actually making that play, is knowing when NOT to attempt it. Or even simply knowing when not to attempt to get just the lead runner at 2B.
Plain and simple. Jarrod’s “decision” to try and get the lead runner, cost the Braves a run yesterday. I’m not saying take him out back and give him 20 lashings. I’m just saying, the ONLY thing that helps him know when to do that, is by FAILING at it a few times, and then by LEARNING from his mistakes, knowing in the future when to attempt it and when not to.
In other words, he needs more experience. And there’s only one way to get it. PLAY MORE 1B.
JS and Bobby have 5 choices.
1) Trade him for pitching.
2) Let him learn in Atlanta.
3) Let him learn in Richmond.
4) Let him learn in Mississippi.
5) Don’t play him at 1B.
By Bailey
June 4, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Case and point…Craig Biggio…moved from Catcher to 2B to CF/LF back to 2B. Generally speaking, an atheletic catcher can move just about anywhere.
By Mark
June 4, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
DOB, I was wondering “the player to be named later” from Oakland…have we got that player or did JS just want to get rid of him so bad he just said forget it?
By Bailey
June 4, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Mark
Just something a friend of mine suggested…I don’t necessarily agree with it.
By Mark
June 4, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
Bailey…are you trying to compare McCann to Biggio? Biggio had the ability to do that because he is athletic. McCann can’t move have you watched him? He hits one in the gap and can only get singles because he dosn’t run olr move well. To play 3rd base you have to have RANGE. McCann has NONE!
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
N8,
First of all, you are using one play to say Franco was a bad firstbaseman and Salty would be a bad firstbasemen without being sent to the minors.
Second, Caminiti was 38-years-old and in his final season when the Braves stuck him at first.
Third, I’m not arguing that he needs more experience. It would be ideal to send him somewhere to gain experience at first in less meaningful games. I am arguing that Salty can more than likely handle first without too much trouble.
Bailey,
Craig Biggio is one of the exceptions. He was just good enough to play anywhere he wanted.
By eric the elder
June 4, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
To play first base, one must
To play left field, one must
By DonCoburleone
June 4, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
New Blog needed! Please, DOB, throw up a new one quick! My computer’s frozen!
By ncscoots
June 4, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
Case and point…Craig Biggio…moved from Catcher to 2B to CF/LF back to 2B. Generally speaking, an atheletic catcher can move just about anywhere.
Bailey, that’s good to know. According to that logic, we can expect to see Saltalamacchia fill next year’s vacancy in CF, no?
By Bailey
June 4, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
Mark…I was comparing Salty to Biggio…not McCann. God love McCann, but he may be one of the slowest guys in the league. Salty is athletic enough to move (i think) where ever we need him. The only question is does he have the mentality to move. You have to be open to it to be able to do it.
By Mark
June 4, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
Bailey…I understand your friends thoughts but McCann just can’t move to another position. I think Salty is very, very talented. We DONT need to use him as trade bait…we need him in the lineup. I think he could cut it at first, Or get Mark T(no idea how to spell 1st baseman from Texas last name). This is the lineup we need!!!
1.Johnson 2B 2.Renteria(should be an all-star) SS 3.C.(Cant stay healty Jones) 3b 4.A.Jones(I like batting 230) CF 5.Frenchy(please take 1 freakin pitch) 6.McCann(my thumb is still hurt) 7.Salty 1B 8.Diaz/Harris
By N8
June 4, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
For the record. In my 2:04 post, when I was referencing Julio’s “error”. I forgot to add, that it was in the playoffs.
It cost us the game if I remember correctly.
Oh well. I’m over it now.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 4, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Good news, Jose Mesa is now available. His 12.45 era is better than a lot of the guys you have starting. Make him an offer. Hahahahahahaha.
By Bailey
June 4, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
ncscoots…I think Salty is athletic enough to play there, but I would rather see him in LF or 1B. I would like to see Andruw still patrolling CF, but I don’t think it will happen. I expect to see Willie there for a year or so until Gregor Blanco is ready. I think the money we will save on Andruw will go to an ex-Brave to come back home…a SP…any gusses?
By Braveheart
June 4, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
N8,
I’m sorry but if a pitcher did not cover first base on a ground ball hit to the right side, that is just inexcusable. That was not Julio’s fault. The pitcher is supposed to automatically run over there to cover first or at the very least back up first on every ball hit to the right side. Or at least that was the drill pounded in to my head when I was a pitcher.
As for the rest of the argument, can everyone just admit the following: (1) Piazza was a horrible first baseman because he was not athletic and because he had a horrible attitude and unwillingness to play the position; (2) First base and left field are by far the easiest positions to play on the field; (3) First base and left field are however difficult positions to play for all the many reasons stated above.
Neither side of this incessant argument is right. Both are right and both are wrong. Salty should be able to adjust to playing there over time - probably not immediately - just like it took Chipper a while to become a decent left fielder.
By Bob, Journalist
June 4, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
Shaun, you need to watch the game, get off your computer and out of your parents’ basement!
I don’t materially disagree but I think excelling at the various positions requires different talents as well as different skill sets.
Excel is key … it’s different from Word, PowerPoint, and Access; though if you are familiar with Office, you can probably use most of them adequately, with a little practice.
I think the talent and skill set required to excell is “underrated” by most of us, partially because it has become common, accepted practice to move proven offensive talent to that position as their mobility declines.
That said, I haven’t seen enough of Thorman to evaluate his range … but, he has demonstrated that his anticipation is less than adequate when receiving throws, especially from short and third. That, I think, needs work … whether it comes here, in Richmond, or elsewhere.
Offensively, Thorman is not an established superstar who can afford to maintain an “I gotta be me” attitude so Terry should be able to be proactive … and find Scott a willing pupil … though we haven’t seen much evidence that such is the case.
I find the current pole on Salty interesting (a) play First or (b) trade him.
Whatever happened to (c) send him down for additional development?
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
N8,
If your career is basically over, the spectrum is pretty much irrelevant. It would be ridiculous to assume that players don’t age to the point where they will be bad defensively even at the easiest positions.
Caminiti likely wouldn’t have been able to play anywhere by the time the Braves got him (defensively at least). But I’m guessing Caminiti could have been a decent 1B in his prime.
By Efrim
June 4, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Check those OPS stats for A. Jones, McCann, and Francouer.
Terrible. It amazes me that this team has scored so many runs this year when their 4,5,6 hitters have had below average power years. McCann is on pace for 10 home runs. Francouer is on pace for 20. Jones is on pace for 26 bombs. Good thing Renteria and Kelly Johnson have had great years.
By Bailey
June 4, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Mark…While I agree with not trading Salty, there is no need to go after Mark Texiera. I like the idea, but he is not needed IF Salty is the answer at 1B. He is too expensive and fairly inconsistant.
By ncscoots
June 4, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
Even I will admit the discussion on Saltalamacchia is entertaining…but probably moot. Braves aren’t going to kick Thorman to the curb after 150 AB, pressing and looking helpless though he may be. Nor should they.
Andruw looked similarly clueless a week and a half ago, and we could probably build an All-Star roster of players who have gone through similar periods. Whether Thor pulls his stick from the deep-freeze or not is still an open question, but he probably has until the break to answer it. Despite the screaming blog mob, LOL.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
You are right. Not everything fits into a nice little box.
I just think it’s crazy to suggest Salty needs to go back to AA or AAA and work himself back up to the majors at 1B. Sure, I admit, it would be ideal for him to gain some experience in the minors at first but I don’t think it’s necessary at all for him to be adequate over there. That’s all I’m arguing.
You’re right. The truth is somewhere in the middle.
Of course Salty isn’t going to be a great 1B, at least not right away (but then again I never said he would; I just said he’d be adequate right now).
If I had my way, and the right player(s) was/were available, I’d say trade him rather than move him to first.
By Savannah Guy
June 4, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Just checking in after lunch then back at the dollar chase, so I’ll throw in on the current issues du jour:
1st Base Soulution I think what Shaun might be trying to say is that, first base in the pros takes talent but does not take the speed or quite the finess of other positions. So, the way I see it, here are the choices we have at first base:
Desired 1st base attributes: 1. Great athlete 2. Speed 3. Master of 1st base position 4. Consistent bat (vs left or right pitch) 5. Clutch play and hitting 6. Winning attitude and clubhouse leadership
1st base options Thorman = 1 Wilson = 0 (while we had him) Woodward = (not sure, seems like a really nice fella) Salty = 1, 4 Conine = 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 (but is it really a choice?) McCann = (fuggetaboutit, he our catcher)
Arkansas Hillbilly Don’t blame you for not wanting to know the ending of Sopranos, so my advice is to hurry up and do a Soprano-thon and catch up very soon. You KNOW that someone is going to blurt it out, either intentionally or unintended. It’s human nature. Otherwise, you can’t watch any tv, listen to radio, read any blogs, talk to anyone on the street until you do. You’ll have to move to Tibet.
journalist jimmy smith if you don’t want to call BBQ in a state other than NC, NC BBQ, then I suppose one must refer to it as NC “style” BBQ. Or perhaps (city, state) BBQ-inspired by NC traditions… or NC ingredients made in (city, state) under the traditions and with the recipes of BBQ made in NC (assuming the pig or cow and carrots and cabbage was grown and harvested in NC and shipped to said state). Or, one might just say GA BBQ (but then we would not know which ingredients were used. So, with that reasoning, I suggest the following: NC style BBQ (then it can safely be made anywhere with vinegar, slaw and choice of toast or bun). And, by being just practically correct and not requiring techincal correctness, it will save all the BBQ joints that are not in NC so much money on signage…and shipping.
Now, of course we have to rename a few other food and beverage items so that they are technically and politically correct:
Hot Dog: (Hot-unknown farm animal body parts elongated sandwich).
Hamburger: (No-pig Beefburger).
Brunswick Stew: (unknown animal parts and veggie Stew).
French Fries: (Fried Potato-transfat sticks).
Kentucky Fried Chicken: (Wherever Fried Chicken)
Popeyes Fried Chicken: (Your favorite cartoon character Fried Chicken).
Burger King: (Burger non-political Leader).
Shirley Temple: (Non-alchoholic fru-fru umbrella drinkee-poo).
Ear Wax: (Ear Wax-like substance…not recommended for cooking or second basemen).
Hope this helps. But in all seriousness jjs, this blog would not be near as entertaining without you and your humorous and poetic humanity. Oh, it’s true! Really.
By Braveheart
June 4, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
why would you trade salty for tex when salty is gonna be tex in a year or two and tex makes too much money anyway?
By Efrim
June 4, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
ALL
I know we would never trade him because he is our closer next year, but what offers do you think we could get for Rafael Soriano. He has been incredible.
By Bailey
June 4, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
I would like to see Andruw still patrolling CF next year, but I don’t think it will happen. I expect to see Willie there for a year or so until Gregor Blanco is ready. I think the money we will save on Andruw will go to an ex-Brave to come back home…a SP…any gusses?
ANYONE?? a LH SP??
By Bailey
June 4, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
Efrim…I dont care what gets offered. Soriano is still under 30 (i think) and since we have nothing else in the bullpen, if we trade him we might as well give away all hopes of the playoffs.
By Mark
June 4, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Bailey….aaahhh you are wrong about Texiera. He is vey consistent. His home run totals for the last 4 years are 26, 38, 43, 33 while hittinf over 280 every year but one. This year hes at .301 11 homers. That is great production. His salary is “only” 9 mil. We are paying 5 guys more than that…including our highest paid player Mike Hampton-errrrrrrrr JS might have made a mistake there. He would be a nice solution and there saying on ESPN radio that he Texiera is already on the market.
By Bob, Journalist
June 4, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
If you understood what I was trying to say, Gunga Din … then you know I was referring to excelling at firstbase … for the reat of you, I did read before posting and offer my apologies for tired eyes that saw what they expected to see.
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist.
The defensive spectrum idea of course is an attempt to simplify reality. Reality is going to be complex, but generally speaking there is something to the defensive spectrum idea.
You are right in that different positions require different talents. But the idea is that positions like LF and 1B are easier. I don’t think any reasonable person would argue that playing LF or 1B in the majors is easy. But, generally speaking, players who can play CF are going to have an easier time in LF or 1B than guys who can play LF or 1B would have trying to play CF.
This doesn’t mean that all SS can play LF. It just means that LF is an easier position. There are more defensively adequate LF than SS because it requires different skills, yes, but also more skills.
Trade Salty or move him to first (or another position) aren’t the only options right now but it’s quite obvious that eventually those are going to be the Braves’ only choices.
I would argue keep him, let him backup McCann and maybe play first when and if necessary, and then trade him when the right offer comes along.
The thing I’m arguing against is send him down to the minors to learn 1B. If the Braves are going to send him down, he’s obviously not helping the major league club. Why not keep him at catcher and try to trade him? He doesn’t have much else to prove in the minors and the Atlanta Braves could use him. The Braves are better off with him as a backup C/1B in the majors.
By Bailey
June 4, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
Mark…who would we give up to get him??
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
Efrim,
The Braves could get a lot for Soriano, I’m sure, but why even discuss it?
He’s the relief ace of this team.
By Mark
June 4, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Bailey, I just saw where T is from Tech…errrrrrrr. That’s ok I’ll still take him. As far as your question goes about trade bait. I think you don’t touch Salty, Soriano, or Escobar as some on here have suggested. Maybe 2-3 solid minor league players??? Maybe they will take Thorman, Orr, and Woodward…lol.
By stynes
June 4, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
I know MLB contracts are guaranteed so cutting a player doesn’t refund any money to the team. Is the same true if a player is released and later signed by another team, though?
For example, in recent weeks the Braves have cut both Wilson and Redman. Both managed to find employment elsewhere (the White Sox and Rangers, respectively). Are the Braves due any sort of compensation as a result of the signings? Are they released from the remainder of what they owe the players since they’ve signed elsewhere or do they get compensatory draft picks or anything of the sort?
By Bailey
June 4, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Anybody think we’ll resign Glavine with the money we will save from not signing Andruw…A friend of mine is very adament abou this idea.
By DonCoburleone
June 4, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
New Blog yet???
By Bailey
June 4, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Mark…The one glaring need Texas has needed for years has been pitching…any and all kinds of it. We could include Thorman, Davies or Harrison (maybe), and (we might could sell them on) Joey Devine. However, I still dont think that will be enough. We would probably have to add another quality arm to that. n our wildest dreams I dont think they would think about taking on Hampton…nevermind…just heard that coming out and it was just as stupid as it sounded in my head.
By Renegator
June 4, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
Carrolls got one up…
By Shaun
June 4, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
Why trade for Teixiera? Thorman will be fine and he’s much cheaper.
By Bailey
June 4, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IS UP
By Arkansas Hillbilly
June 4, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Don’t blame you for not wanting to know the ending of Sopranos, so my advice is to hurry up and do a Soprano-thon and catch up very soon. You KNOW that someone is going to blurt it out, either intentionally or unintended. It’s human nature. Otherwise, you can’t watch any tv, listen to radio, read any blogs, talk to anyone on the street until you do. You’ll have to move to Tibet.
Savannah Guy, I’m watching them as fast as A&E will show them. I wish I had time for a marathon. But does it hurt to ask, though, after reading three spoilers (all on this blog) in less than a month? Maybe I should just quit reading this blog? hmmmm?
By thats_reality
June 5, 2007 5:34 AM | Link to this
i hope the rumors about salty for lidge are only rumors. a local sports radio here in houston is preaching it almost as fact. lidge’s #’s are pretty good this year but they haven’t been in the closers role. the guy is signed thru 2009 (i believe) and makes around 6 mill per. the braves can’t take on that kinda money cause there isn’t a good chance you’d be able to trade him to anyone with the way he’s been pitching in the past 1+ years. soriano is just as good as lidge was in his prime. if something happens with wickman, we already have a backup. we need a decent starting pitcher, not really bullpen help. does anyone know how long gonzo and soriano are signed for? if this trade happens to go down then its bad news for ATL. thats basically saying they won’t try to resign andruw and will have very little to spend towards a CF’er!