AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > June > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves suddenly skidding at home
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After a day spent motoring around Atlanta on the bike, glad to be back on the case at Turner Field today. But the Braves are playing as if they’d like to be somewhere else.
Not to harp on this home slump thing, but … well, yes, to harp on this home slump thing: Entering today’s series finale vs. Florida, the Braves have lost five of their past six games at Turner Field. They’ve posted a 6.33 ERA and giving up six runs or more in four of those six games, and five in another.
After going 14-7 with a 3.29 ERA in their first 21 home games, and talking enthusiastically about how they had their home thing reversed from last season, the Braves have reverted to last season.
They are 2-6 with a .228 batting average and 5.00 ERA in eight home games since that 14-7 start. They’ve scored three runs or fewer in five of those last eight home games.
Braves rank first in the NL in road average (.287) and first in road homers (37), but come into today ranked 15th in a 16-team league in home average (.242) and eighth in homers (27).
Not exactly giving Turner Field denizens a lot to get excited about, eh?
And speaking of “eh” — clever use of Canadian jargon as transition, if I may say so myself — Scott Thorman is batting .174 at home this season. Yes, one-seventy-four. (IMPORTANT UPDATE: He must’ve heard us talking about him. He got three hits today, his first three-hit game of the season. OK, back to regularly scheduled blog already in progress…)
Andruw’s turnaround stalls: Not that the Canadian rook is the only Brave struggling at home (or struggling, period). He has company in Andruw Jones, who is below the home Mendoza Line.
It’s June 6, and Andruw enters today hitting .196 in 26 home games, with five homers and 16 RBIs. He’s not exactly raking on the road, but is 50 points higher (.246) with 22 RBIs in 29 games.
Speaking of Andruw, I guess we jumped the gun thinking he was turning it around. He made strides in late May, but didn’t start one of his trademark power-hitting binges. Braves are still waiting for that.
After going 10-for-32 (.313) with three homers, seven RBIs and one strikeout in eight games May 25-June 2, the CF is 2-for-15 with no RBIs and three strikeouts in his past four games before today.
Now brace yourselves for these stats since May 2 for Andruw: .192 (23-for-120) in 32 games with four homers, 19 RBIs, 11 walks, 30 strikeouts, .263 OBP and .350 slugging. As they say in Curacao, yikes. (Or as I say when on vaction in Curacao. If I ever make it to Curacaco on vacation. Which I’d like to do, but it’d be behind a few other Caribbean Islands. I’ve done Maui and Kauai in a couple of trips to Hawaii, but never made it to St. Bart’s…. oh, wait, back to the blog).
McCann rolls that ankle: You know the one. The one he sprained so badly last season, robbing him of his power for more than a month. The right ankle.
He rolled it in his first at-bat in the second game of Tuesday’s doubleheader, but Bobby Cox said he could play and indicated McCann would be in the lineup Wednesday.
The kid’s played with nagging injuries most of this season, including the ring finger on his glove hand, which has affected his defense and hitting. But he doesn’t make excuses, another reason the Braves like him so much.
And trust me on this: There is absolutely no talk of moving McCann, not to another position and certainly not to another team. I spoke with Schuerholz about this this morning, and the head man basically scoffed at the insinuation that Saltalamacchia’s situation could in any way impact McCann’s.
As I’ve said, they gave McCann a six-year contract extension this spring because they fully intend for him to be a franchis cornerstone. As their catcher.
He’s hit .248 with one homer, three errors and a .298 OBP in his past 33 games, but does have eight doubles and 16 RBIs in that span. So the worst slump of his young career isn’t exactly epic.
Besides, he showed signs of coming out of it before rolling the ankle. McCann had gone 7-for-19 with five RBIs and one strikeout in his past four games before taking an 0-for last night after playing hurt following his first at-bat.
Elvis is struggling, thankyaverymuch: Something to think about. The Braves might be less inclined to trade Cuban rookie Yunel Escobar — and I don’t know how inclined they are to begin with — given the sluggish performance of top shortstop prospect Elvis Andrus at Class-A Myrtle Beach.
Young Elvis (as opposed to ‘68 Comeback Special Elvis, or older, white-caped Vegas Elvis) is batting just .231 with two homers, 47 strikeouts and 14 errors in 55 games (212 at-bats) at Myrtle.
Edgar Renteria, the majors’ post-6th inning batting leader by the way at .408 is under contract through 2008, with a club option for 2009. The only Braves shortstop who looks certain to be ready if they need him to take over in the next year or two is Escobar.
Brent Lillibridge could be ready, but not a certainly. He hit .275 with a .355 OBP, three homers and 14 steals at Double-A Miss before getting called to Richmond to replace Escobar when he got called to the big club. Lillibridge was 4-for-17 with a homer and seven strikeouts in his first four games at Richmond.
OK, gotta watch the game now. Braves already down 2-0 after one inning against the Fish, who by the way have won 12 of the past 20 vs. the Braves before today.
“I WAS WRONG” by Mike Ness (Social Distortion)
When I was young, I was so full of fear
I hid behind anger, held back the tears
It was me against the world, I was sure that I’d win
But the world fought back, punished me for my sins
I felt so alone, so insecure,
I blamed you instead and made sure I was heard
And they tried to warn me of my evil ways
But I couldn’t hear what they had to say
I was wrong, self destruction’s got me again
I was wrong, I realized now that I was wrong
And I think about my loves, well I’ve had a few
I’m sorry that I hurt them, did I hurt you too?
I took what I wanted, put my heart on the shelf
How can you love when you don’t love yourself?
It was me against the world, I was sure that I’d win
But the world fought back, punished me for my sins
And they tried to warn me of my evil ways
But I couldn’t hear what they had to say
Well I grew up fast, I grew up hard
something was wrong from the very start
I was fighting everybody, I was fighting everything
But the only one that I hurt was me
I got “society’s” blood running down my face,
Somebody help me get outta this place
How could someone’s bad luck last so long?
Until I realized that I was wrong
I was wrong, self destruction’s got me again
I was wrong, the only one that was wrong was me,
I was wrong.
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Comments
By metsmanintheatl
June 6, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this
your team is laughable…will end up in 4th behind metros,phils and fish!!!
By go braves
June 6, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
1st?
By N8
June 6, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
These are all responses to posts on the other blog.
DonCoburleone
“…and Davies has been a HUGE surprise in my opinion).”
Yup. Me too. But the surprise is that HE’s STILL ON THE FRICKIN ROSTER.
Yeah, this team is SO MUCH improved over last year.
Like I said last night. It is apparent that the improvements in the bullpen have been all for nothing, because at this point, all they’re good for, is making sure that a 9-6 deficit doesn’t become 11-6. YIPPY!
Kyle Davies is trying his hardest to make me wish that HoRam was still here.
YIKES.
Anybody out there STILL think that the lineup is the “problem”? I’m all for Salty playing everyday, because I personally will enjoy watching him play. But even I’m not misguided enought to think that it’ll make a difference in the standings.
Bubbaallred
“Has anyone noticed that if you take away the 7-1 start for the Bravos, we have a glorious record of 26-25.”
Yup. I’ve been screaming it in ALL CAPS for about 2 weeks. Welcome to the club of “the homers don’t wanna hear it”. Because everybody, but a select few, STILL thinks this team is gonna make the playoffs.
To that, I say, that we’re gonna have to win the NL EAST, because there is 3 teams in the NL WEST playing better ball than us. IMO, the Wild Card winner is coming out of the West, not the East.
ON A SIDE NOTE, why the hell, in the midst of another 0 for 9 stretch, is Andruw BACK in the cleanup spot????
That Bobby sure knows how to push the right buttons, doesn’t he?
Rally Monkey
“Mike Schmidt in 1973 played for a Phillies team that finished 20 games under .500. If the Braves were a team that was on the way to a 20 game under .500 season, they could afford to have the patience of Job with Thorman.”
If they keep playing like this, being 20 games under .500 would be a pipe dream. We may end up having the “ability” to have patience with Salty (or Thorman) at 1B, with the direction or record is going.
By flbravesgirl
June 6, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
So now, on top of the finger injury, a slump & having the Saltalamaniacs try to toss him out like yesterday’s garbage, Mac’s ankle is barking. Somebody check Salty’s locker for a voodoo doll with 16 on its back.
By Efrim
June 6, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
DOB
A .298 OBP is an epic slump.
By jh
June 6, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
metsmanintheatl = a typical yankee idiot and a stupid moron
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
Braves on their way to losing 3 of 4 to another division rival that they should be beating.
N8:
I have to agree with you on Bobby putting Andruw back in the clean-up slot. I know there is a lefty pitching but come on…
By Tommy Boy
June 6, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
We are laughable right now … why is that the Nationals and Marlins seem to OWN the Atlanta Braves? we can beat the Mets, Phillies, Dodgers, Padres, Brewers — but not the Fish and Nats.
Those two teams will cost the Braves a shot at the postseason. Mark it down.
When will the Thorman debacle end? bring back Rico Brogna!!
By Thrillhouse44
June 6, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
I’m not in panic mode by any means, but the Braves certainly need a spark. I always drink a Lo-Carb Monster (the blue one) when I need a spark. It’s quite tasty and is packed with energy.
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
Yes, Efrim, for McCann it is.
But if that’s epic, then what’s .192 with 30 strikeouts in 32 games for the 2005 NL MVP runner-up?
By NO CHOP ZONE
June 6, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
The NEW YORK METS will represent the NL in the WORLD SERIES. They have a 3 1/2 game lead without five impact players (Alou, Pedro, Sanchez, Green, Valentin). This team will just get stronger as the season progresses and when this team is at full strength no team in the NL will be better. Also lets not forget the possible trade for an impact player…….stay tuned
By geauxbraves2000
June 6, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
The Braves are a 3 run HR team, Turner Field doesn’t give up many of those. Maybe play some small ball a game or two and see what happens, if it doesn’t work, well, at least it was tried.
Like Ron Santo said on a Cubs broadcast a few games back, It’s like going to the same movie over and over again.
Geaux Braves!!
By BossLady
June 6, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
I went to sleep on the Braves game for the first time. No, hope of them coming back, I guess. This is getting to be something I dread, hopes up and then drenched.
By TennesseePaul
June 6, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
There it is. I guess GameDay froze up. All of the sudden Warm up is skipped and we’re in the 3rd down by 2.
By Efrim
June 6, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
DOB
Bet you he had a higher OBP in that stretch than McCann’s .298.
I’m aware Andruw has struggled as well. But McCann has not had a good season. I understand he is hurt. But maybe we should DL him and get these nagging injuries over with. We have Salty to play for those 15 days until McCann is healthy.
By N8
June 6, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
DOB
“But if that’s epic, then what’s .192 with 30 strikeouts in 32 games for the 2005 NL MVP runner-up?”
I would say that that is as about as pathetic of an effert one could give.
Perhaps you could start referring to “slumps” as Whitesnakes?
I like the sound of that.
“Andruw Jones is in the midst of a slump of Whitesnake proportions!”
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Tommy Boy:
Not to nit-pick but we actually can’t beat the Phillis - remember they just swept us last week.
By Coach
June 6, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
All the injuries and the failures(Redman ,Wilson ,Langerhans etc.etc.etc.) have finally caught up with us. The offense has gone in the tank , we can’t put our best nine on the field because the team we have is put together all wrong. Put on your hard hats folks , it’s only gonna get worse before it gets better.
By The Grinch
June 6, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
FBG, be fair now; it wasn’t yesterday’s garbage it was last week’s. :-)
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
A third run in for the Marlins - yep, Davies has definitely turned the corner.
Chances of the Braves winning this game - 10%
By Lee
June 6, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
Right now I don’t know if anybody deserves to be the clean-up batter. Don’t think it would make much of a difference
By go braves
June 6, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
aaron “f***” boone_ 2 homers in this series
By geauxbraves2000
June 6, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
Well, that should just about wrap up this game.
Same stuff, different day. No consistency from Davies, no offense against a LHP.
Geaux Braves!!
By fastasballs
June 6, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
If Davies doesn’t let this game get out of hand……. well as I type this Boone just left the yard. Well so much for the post I was about to make.
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
I stand corrected - Davies just gave up a bomb. Who here still thinks he has turned the corner?
Chances of a Braves win today - now at 0% and falling.
When was the last time the Braves farm system turned out a pitcher that was actually good? Is it Glavine?
By JasonInMaine
June 6, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Yup, Kyle Davies sure has turned the corner. Folks, these types of performances are way to common to think you can rely on Davies for anything.
This team sucks. Until it learns how to beat the teams it should beat, they will not be a true WS contender.
Wow, GOOD thing the Braves have that fortuitous 7-1 start.
Son of a…
By Thrillhouse44
June 6, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
NoChopZone, What makes you think Pedro will be effective when he comes back? Rotator injuries typically take longer to heal than Tommy John surgery. Pedro went down in October but you think he’ll be back AND making an impact in August? Don’t get your hopes up on that. Quit believing all the hype the Mess and their reporters are giving you and start thinking for yourself.
By ChampDawg
June 6, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
Well, here we are losing to the Fish in the 2nd inning. Looks like we may drop 3 of 4. The pitching, with exception of Smoltz, has been inconsistent and a major concern. Combine this with Chipper being out and Andruw hitting his usual 230 and this team doesn’t stand a chance!!
By Tomahawkin' Again
June 6, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Wow, the Braves are as flat as they have been all year long. DOB, do you think that the announcement that Chipper is probably going to be out for another 2-3 weeks and not returning from the DL on Friday take some wind from their sails, or is this just a continuation of what we have seen since 5/12 (24-12 on that date)? Somehow, someway, they have to get more production from 1B, clean-up hitter, bench than we have been seeing. A tad bit depressing, isn’t it Braves Nation?
By N8
June 6, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
DOB
You know my “style” of posting. I rip on people, I say they’re struggling, blah, blah, blah, etc….
I usually don’t go as far to say somebody sucks. But it’s time to change that trend.
KYLE DAVIES OFFICIALLY…….SUCKS!! Like it’s EVER been in question.
By DonCoburleone
June 6, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Well, here is Davies’ typical “every other start” game… So freakin’ frustrating - but then again that is how the majority of very young major league pitchers are… Hey, at least we’re NOT the Marlins who have 4 starters like Davies. It’s either dominate or get roped… Again, very frustrating.
By fastasballs
June 6, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
What the hell is Frenchy doing? They are down by 5 in the 3rd! Stupid decision
By TennesseePaul
June 6, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
This is brutal. Davies is on an every other start thing these days. At least he still kicks the snot out of the Mets. That makes his suckiness worth it in some respects. To bad he is up against Olsen. Olsen blows so he should 1 hit us today.
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
N8,
Yes, Horacio and his 6.47 ERA would be much better than Davies.
Also, teams have hot streaks that push them into the playoffs all the time. You can look at most playoff teams in history and I’m sure you can find a stretch that pushed them over the top.
I’m so glad you know how the Wild Card race is going to end with over 100 games left!
Let’s see, last year on this date, Seattle was leading the AL West by 3.5 games and Minnesota wasn’t close to the playoff picture.
Two years ago at this time, the Yankees were 7 games out in the AL East, the O’s were leading the AL East and the Washington Nationals were leading the NL East.
By Efrim
June 6, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
Yea, so much for that Davies has turned the corner talk.
Losing three of four to the fish at home is sickening.
7-11 against the Marlins and Nationals
11-7 against Mets and Phillies
33-27 overall
26-26 since that 7-1 start.
This is an 85 win team.
By JasonInMaine
June 6, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
When the hell is Frenchy going to learn he is no Carl Lewis? Thrown out trying to stretch a double into a triple last night and thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double today…down by 5 we need freaking base runners…COME ON!!!
By A-ville Ranger
June 6, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
I’m no mind reader but Gary Shiefield commented that Latin players are easier to control than american players.Would another word for control be coachable ?
By The Grinch
June 6, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
Wow. Davies finally gets out of the inning by throwing at the batter’s head, forcing him to flinch for strike three. Still think he’s turned the corner, Lew? If his next start’s good, you gonna feel comfortable with the following one? Wow. Now Frenchy’s trying to carry the team and failing. Hate to say it, but I bet Salty or Escobar are fixing to go to fix what should be Hampton’s spot in the rotation. Irritating, to say the least.
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
Why do you guys still argue with the Mets fans. The Mets are 10 times better than the Braves this year. Accept it and move on. They manhandled these same Marlins that are manhandling us. Let them have their day in the sun and we’ll try and get them next year.
By glove51
June 6, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
Now that was briliant, Francouer! Down 5-0 and tagged out at 2nd.
By Rally Monkey
June 6, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
Wonder if Carlyle has unpacked his bags yet in Richmond?
When things go bad, every aspect of the game seems to suffer. Terrible move by Francouer to try and take the extra base down by five. It wasn’t even that close.
By Lee
June 6, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Renegator -
Glavine was the last pitcher that was actually good at a consistent level from the Braves system.
By Chris
June 6, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Andruw goes 0-8 yesterday, and is batting in the low .220s so Bobby decides to put him in the cleanup position. What’s up with that? This isn’t the Andruw of the past couple of seasons, and he doesn’t need to be batting cleanup. It hurts the team.
By ElbravoX
June 6, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
We suck good.
By DonCoburleone
June 6, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
“Well, that should just about wrap up this game.
Same stuff, different day. No consistency from Davies, no offense against a LHP.
Geaux Braves!!”
I would have to agree with that 100%. Inconsistency from Davies and no offense against a LHP are definately the 2 most frustrating things about this team…
By TennesseePaul
June 6, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
I’d rather have seen Harris at Second. Woodward is a loser. He came from the Mets. It’s inevitable that he will suck.
By fastasballs
June 6, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
Has Andruwism spread throughout the team? I can’t watch this anymore. This will end 11-2 or so. This team has no fight, I’m disappointed to say the least.
By NCBravesFan
June 6, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
Kyle is everything or nothing - it’s either goose eggs down the linescore … or 5 runs given up in a hurry.
I seriously underestimated how much we would miss Mike Hampton.
By Fred from CT
June 6, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
booooo boooooooo I hope the fans start to let these guys here it. This is embarassing. what a joke.
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
According to the Baseball Prospectus odds report, the Braves have over a 38 percent chance to reach the playoffs, that’s a better chance than all but four teams and very close to the fourth (LA).
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/ps_odds.php
By Thrillhouse44
June 6, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
Braves Nation? More like Hater Nation. Where’s the support?
By A-ville Ranger
June 6, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
This team may be too inconsistent in hitting and too thin in the rotation to be a playoff contender into august.
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
Good thing the Braves had that 3-0 end to the season in 1993. Otherwise they wouldn’t have been a playoff team.
By thats_reality
June 6, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
yes, things are not looking good. marlins take 3 of 4 (in atl) and we have a brutal schedule coming up. davies is like rolling the dice, a team can’t live with that. in his last 4 starts, hudson has given up at least 5 runs in 3 of them. the one time he won was to a team that had lost 15 of 20! hopefully, cormier will be decent this season. what are the chances that davies goes to richmond and carlyle is called back after this game? what could it hurt?
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Red Sox, Tigers, and Indians …
Another June Swoon?
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Its sad when the other team scores 5 runs (in the first 3 innings) and you know you are out of it because your offense has been flat for at least a week.
By DonCoburleone
June 6, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
HA! Look at that! Davies has officially turned the corner! He struck out the side last inning, HE’S A STUD!!!
By TennesseePaul
June 6, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Nathan: Had we HoRam he’d be on the DL with Hampton, after blowing 5 straight games. Davies can at least beat the Mets.
By ChampDawg
June 6, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
I was going to try and catch a game this weekend……… forget it now. I’d rather stay home. This team is no fun to watch and another big dissappointment I fear this year.
By Tomahawkin' Again
June 6, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
The ‘Dru Jones update: .222 and sucking
By Coach
June 6, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
Hey , lay off Davies ! His Jekyll & Hyde act is very consistent. Good start , bad start , good start, bad start , good start , o wait , today is bad start day. Feel free to throw him under the bus.
By Rally Monkey
June 6, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
Shaun
I’ll be sure to order my playoff tickets tomorrow then. Geezuz!
By DonCoburleone
June 6, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
Matt Diaz just struck out looking??? Oh dear lord, the end is near!!!
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Well, we got Salty on - lets see if Woodward or Thorman can get him in.
HAHAHA - just kidding.
By AMG
June 6, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Why not call Richmond and have them play this game today … couldn’t have done any worse with the line-up Cox put out there today. Could you use this line-up in a spring game?
By Lee
June 6, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
This team may be too inconsistent in hitting and too thin in the rotation to be a playoff contender into august.
This team is both without question. Time to do something - call Rangers, Devil Rays, Royals, Blue Jays….anybody out of contention and see what deal can be done to try to help this team. Not saying just make a trade for the sake of making it but it is time for a little shake-up in the clubhouse.
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Efrim,
I’m sure you can find plenty of playoff teams with similar performances.
The Tigers were 7-12 against the White Sox last season. Who made the playoffs?
I love these simplistic analysis that think the first two months and week of the season and record against certain teams tell us everything we need to know.
By Braves Fan 79
June 6, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
AHHH….WOODWARDS IN THE GAME!?? wtf?? arent we trying to WIN!!!???? And i was excited after salty got a hit….i had no idea woodward was coming up. damn this sucks. DUMP WOODWARD…SOONER THAN LATER!!!
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
N8, I like that, slumps as “Whitesnakes.” Holy Cornelia, you may be on to something with that line.
By NO CHOP ZONE
June 6, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse44….I agree that it will take the month of August for Pedro to get back into a comfort zone. But by September and October he will be a definite IMPACT.
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
And Thorman struck out - there’s a shock!
So Andruw and Thorman have a good battle going for who can suck the most.
Andruw - .222 Thorman - .220
By thats_reality
June 6, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
DOB, what are the chances chipper will come off the dl this weekend? i know he won’t play for another week but just wondering if they’ll take the chance of having him out for another week or another 2 weeks. if he comes off, we’re gonna have to release woodward or orr, huh? or will they just send another reliever to richmond?
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
I think that Joe Simpson is very boring.
By DonCoburleone
June 6, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Just calm down guys… No team in the NL west is good enough to completely run away with the wild card… Barring a 6-23 month, we will be in one (or both) races come September, I GUARANTEE IT! So lets hear it, LETS GO BRAVES! LETS GO BRAVES! LETS GO BRAVES!
By ElbravoX
June 6, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
We excel at sucking.
By rammerjammer
June 6, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
The back of the rotation will keep this team out of the postseason. Watch Schuerholz. We have excess parts on offense. He is going to deal. We won’t like it, because we know what other teams want, and it ain’t Thorman and Davies. It’s Salty, pure and simple.
Wouldn’t it be nice if every trade was like Renteria for Marte? But that’s not realistic. To get quality, you gotta give quality.
Salty’s stock right now is HUGE and so is the market. John, do what you must and do it quickly.
By JasonInMaine
June 6, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
Oh and one more know…all of you folks saying Salty has “cooled off considerably”…uh, wrong.
By Double Deuce
June 6, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
I’m not a Bobby basher, but sometimes when you watch a team play with such little enthusiasm you wish someone would shake them up a little. Comments that like “we’ve been at the park a lot lately and we’re all a little tired” need to be addressed with a reminder that this is what you get paid for. This team has a lot of young talent so its all the more important to teach them to suck it up. There is huge potential for this offense, but if no one holds them accountable for half as* efforts nothing will change, and as of now nothing is changing. Three runs a game with our pitching won’t get it done.
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Rally Monkey,
I didn’t say order your playoff tickets, but don’t act as if this team is guaranteed to finish in the toilet.
It’s ignorant to assume you have much of a clue at this point.
By eric the elder
June 6, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
Fred from CT, I’ll bet Shaun has a stat for this, but my guess is that there is less booing of our own players than in any other stadium.
Some players and teams seem to respond when their fans get on them. They are embarrassed, and they get some fire in their bellies. I doubt that would be the case for the Braves in their business-like climate.
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
Shaun:
You don’t actually think this team is going to the playoffs, do you?
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
What is up today? Any rational baseball fans out there or is the blog full of football rednecks today?
By 22oz
June 6, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
This team needs a rain-out ala Bull Durham. The only people showing any drive are the rookies who are happy to be here. Again, is it a sin to give Francouer a day off? Then sit andruw the next day.
By ObiWanKobe
June 6, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
Why does BC refuse to play his best line-up? This June is starting to look like last year’s.
By The Grinch
June 6, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
WHAT THE HELL? Davies finally gets mad and starts pitching, and we lead off the next inning with Pete Orr? Bobby has lost his %^$#$@&%$#ing mind. As SJA would say, un-be-lieve-able!
By N8
June 6, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Are you REALLY gonna sit there and argue that the 3 teams out west AREN’T playing better than the Braves, and that if the Braves don’t wake up and smell the maplenut crunch, they will NOT be in the post season???
Let me rephrase, in greater detail for you, as to not be insult the other NL EAST teams.
I’m not so sure where the Wild Card is going to come from. The NL WEST has 3 teams that I consider to be more complete TEAMS than the Braves. The way the Phillies and Marlins have played us, maybe THEY are wild card contenders.
So, in conclusion of my revised statement….
I’ll go out on a limb and say that the Braves ARE NOT going to win the wild card. Team that play 50 game stretces of “1 game above .500 ball”, do not win the Wild Card. Especially with literally NO PICHING help on the way.
Find me some “stats” that prove I’m wrong about this team. Don’t give me the Seattle this, the Yankees that.
Those teams HAVE MONEY TO ADD PAYROLL, we don’t.
It’s THIS SIMPLE. If we don’t find at least one starter after Smoltz and Hudson (who hasn’t be that great of late either), to be consistantly AVERAGE (That’s all I’m asking for….mediocre and not HORRIBLE), we will not make the playoffs.
PERIOD.
Argue away.
By Fred from CT
June 6, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
lets score some runs. we need a inning like we did against the brewers.
By jojaboi
June 6, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
Well everyone wants to talk about Andruw and his struggles, but it would be a shame to let him go and Chipper and his annual trip to the DL are seen to be the key to our success. Andruw saves more runs than anyone else on the team, and he drives them in despite the low average. You gotta keep home grown talent home or we will never compete!!
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
Apparently, in Canada, it’s 3 balls for a walk :)
By Rally Monkey
June 6, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse44
My support comes when I buy tickets, concessions, hats, shirts, etc. It also comes when I partronize the sponsors that are responsible for bringing me the Braves broadcasts on TV and Radio.
That support also comes when I stay up way too late to watch games on the West coast or games that go extras or are rain delayed. I pay for that the next day when I’m at work trying to stay awake and do my job.
My support is also evidenced that I bought the MLB gameday radio to insure that I get to at least hear the Braves should SS decide to show some stupid hocky game instead of the Braves. Thankfully, a local station has finally started carrying the Braves games on radio but sometimes it is pre-empted by local programing.
So that’s my show of support.
One more thing…. when they are sucking or not performing or their manager or GM stumps their toe I reserve the right to b*** some.
You be the kind of fan you want, I’ll be the kind of fan I want. My money spends as well as yours does and the franchise has always gladly accepted my money when I throw it their way.
And believe it or not, when I’m at the game, I NEVER hollar anything derogatory at anyone! I just sit there and steam when things go badly. I save my b***’ for here.
By N8
June 6, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
DOB
I knew you’d like that. Even in the midst of negativity and venting, I can still be funny once in a while.
BTW, I watched Mr. and Mrs. Smith last night again on HBO and I gotta tell you. Everytime I watch that show I laugh harder and harder.
Damn fine show. Though, I somehow have this feeling that with Angelina, I would still watch it if the TV was on mute.
By bclontz
June 6, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
Ever heard the term “like dead lice falling off of them” ?That’s about how sick these guys look ! No OFFENSE, and pure out ole “don’t have it in me” attitudes. Hire a batting coach, or don’t have one at all ! Something bad is going on ! Pitching ! Nobody is going to let all these pitching mistakes get by…Pitching up in the zone, look at the films, constantly leaving the ball up and over the plate has killed the Braves…it doesn’t take a Rocket Scientist to see that! McDowell needs to go back to where he came from too….Sound Mad ? Yes, I’m finally mad enough to lump this bunch in there with the Dead Birds over in the Dome…. Smoltz….I feel so bad for you ! You want another ring and you deserve it, but barring a “devine intervention”…You’ll have to buy tickets if you want to go to the series. Bobby, put the best players on the field and play them and stop trying to please everyone….you;re making us all crazy….tell the players to play ball, stop waiting for a home run to save your donkey….play little ball for awile….Heck ! something else might work……
By Lil Abner
June 6, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
Can somebody tell me when Joe Simpson has another niece or nephew wedding to go to so I can turn my TV back up?
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
Let’s see, last year on this date, Seattle was leading the AL West by 3.5 games and Minnesota wasn’t close to the playoff picture.
Two years ago at this time, the Yankees were 7 games out in the AL East, the O’s were leading the AL East and the Washington Nationals were leading the NL East.
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
I know that Andruw is a great defensive center fielder; however, since 1996, there have been 11 World Champions, and none of them have had Andruw Jones on their roster.
By Efrim
June 6, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Shaun
You should be p** off about this performance. Yea this is early in the season, but if this team doesn’t take care of business with these teams, they won’t make the playoffs.
By eric the elder
June 6, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Comments that like “we’ve been at the park a lot lately and we’re all a little tired” need to be addressed with a reminder that this is what you get paid for.
Double Deuce, agree completely. As far as I know, Florida has been there, too, and they are at the end of a 10-day road trip. That kind of talk is just sickening.
By DonCoburleone
June 6, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Looks like Davies has turned it around in this game… Just too bad he gave up 5 runs (instead of 2 or 3) before he got his act together… It’s funny, this one game is a microcosm of Davies season so far…
By DonCoburleone
June 6, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Not over yet guys…
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
Attaboy Jeff!
By rammerjammer
June 6, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
We are third in the NL in runs scored. We are eighth in earned run average.
The problem is pitching. Not Andruw, not Orr, not Woodward.
Pitching, pitching, pitching…and we have a slugging, switch-hitting, 22-year-old catcher.
Let the bidding begin.
By DonCoburleone
June 6, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Jeez, is Olsen hurt or what? If he’s not, that’s gotta be the shortest leash I’ve ever seen!
By Bill
June 6, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
I have been a Braves fan before they moved to Atlanta. This team needs to be torn apart. I’d rather suffer with young players that want’s to play. I’m sick of Kyle Davies and Andrew Jones. Chipper is off the juice and he will never be the same. They are weak in pitching and LF. I’m tired of this platooning. Harris & Diaz are nothing but bench players. They need someone to hit the ball and Bobby Cox should be fired if he don’t put Salty at first.He can’t be any worse than Thorman. I’m for getting rid of Bobby Cox and John Schuerholtz. They have had their day. Need some new blood. I’ve been around awhile but this is to much to swallow. I’m still a big Braves fan and hopefully things will get better. Finally they decide to score.
By 22oz
June 6, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
See, i told you they should rest Francoeur. Maybe Andruw should get it before Francouer. Glad to hear some boos for AJ.
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
For those who might have missed it on TV, those were more than a few boos for Andruw on that popup.
Yes, they’re booing Andruw at Turner Field.
By Rally Monkey
June 6, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Shaun
The definition of clue is: a slight indication, evidence that helps to solve a problem
Yeah Shaun, I do have a clue. The evidence is watching this team play all year. I trust my eyes more than I trust mathematical probabilities of the chance the Braves have of reaching the playoffs.
Will they make the playoffs? Hmmmmm based on the mathematical assumptions of Baseball Prospectus, that’s 38% affirmative. So I suppose BP has a clue huh?
One thing I do guarantee. If they continue to play as they are right now, they won’t make the playoffs. If they improve their play, they have a chance. I hope their play improves.
By mr baseball
June 6, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
To those of you on the blog whose opinion of the players and team hinge on the last game, start, at bat, etc., please find a football blog with like-minded individuals with limited attention spans. Davies pitches well, he’s turned a corner; he pitches bad, he sucks and needs to go to the minors. If you haven’t figured out yet that young starting pitchers in the major leagues are inconsistent, maybe it’s time to tackle something more challenging, like the WWF.
For those of you with a little more knowledge of the game but an obsession with certain stats, the reason the Braves’ offense is struggling at the moment has nothing to do with OBP, OPS or whatever that thing is regarding hitting the first pitch. It all has to do with hitting with runners in scoring position.
The Braves are hitting somewhere around .100 in that state of late, and that’s why they aren’t winning. Not becase James & Davies are inconsistent. Not because the team isn’t getting men on base. Not because they’re not hitting homers. You don’t have to hit the ball out of the park or resort to the cliched idiocy of “small ball.”
The Braves failed in a couple of situations earlier and fell behind. This time, Francouer comes through and they’re back in game. It may sound too simple to be true, but if you hit w/RISP, you win. You don’t, you lose.
Evidently, coaching under Bobby Cox erases any sense of logic you might possess. Andruw is 0-for-15 career against Olson, so Gonzalez takes him out of the game. It worked, but it still wasn’t very bright.
By ElbravoX
June 6, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
Francour is like good wine and AJ is like stale beer. Yep, I’m drinking.
By Jersey Gil
June 6, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
I been follow the game in MLB”Gameday” and who’s ever doing the computer process ,they don’t know what is going in on…1st they start it late in the 3rd inning and second they don’t follow pitch by pitch well. way to go frenchy….double and two rigbys….. Let go Braves
By Bravos
June 6, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Man, there is a common theme on the blog today, huh?
Can’t say I blame everyone for being down on a team that is pushing to lose 3 of 4 from the Fish, after winning series in both Milwaukee and Chicago.
But, I don’t think we need to rush to so many judgments. The Mets lost yesterday to a sub-par team. Kyle Davies, although he gave up 5 runs today, didn’t look terrible. His walks were low and his strikeouts were decent.
All this team needs is to turn one corner and we’re there. If the Braves collectively kick it into the next gear, this is certainly a team that can make and compete in the playoffs.
Seriously. We’ve got a ton of young talent to fill the gaps. Imagine where we would be if we didn’t have Salty, Escobar, KJ… And our veterans are all playing about as poorly or as little as possible (with the exception being Renteria).
I know these are a lot of ifs…but if AJ heats up (which it’s got to be inevtiable that he will, right?), if Chipper gets back, and if Davies and Chuck round into form, this team is just as strong as almost any other team out there.
If we can get through the regular season, we will be an impossibly hard team to beat in the playoffs. With Huddie and Smoltz as our 1-2 punch and the strength of our pen, I wouldn’t want to play us at all. And we’ve already shown we can beat the Mutts.
By jojaboi
June 6, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
To BrenT A…nor has any of them had CHIPPER…Not a hater just a realist
By Chris
June 6, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Someone please let me know if our GM made any good deals or picked up any players in the offseason who are actually helping the team this year besides Soriano. I can’t figure out what he’s done lately to help this team. He’s getting old and not as good I believe.
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
Team that play 50 game stretces of “1 game above .500 ball”, do not win the Wild Card. Especially with literally NO PICHING help on the way.
Let’s see, the Twins were 25-32 (a .439 winning percentage, which is under .500 last time I checked) on this date last season. All they did was finish a game behind the Yankees for best AL record with 96 wins. But they had so much money they could add payroll, right?
Also, I doubt 96 wins is going to be needed to win the NL Wild Card.
Not saying print your playoff tickets, but you doom-and-gloomers are clueless. I usually don’t name-call but the ignorance today deserves it.
This isn’t college football. A two-game losing steak doesn’t end your season. What are all you folks doing on the Braves blog? Time to put the Georgia Bulldog mud flaps on your pick-up trucks and mud bog while drinkin’ a cold beer.
By joe from central ca
June 6, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
Andruw Jones = RALLY KILLER
who’da thunk it?
Come on Bobby…get him outta the middle of the order and put him in the eighth spot where the pitcher can protect him some…lol
No one else seems to be able to hit!
By DonCoburleone
June 6, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
I mean seriously, can someone please stop Aaron Boone??? He just stole a base off Salty??? Somebody make this guy pi$$ into a cup please…
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
Efrim,
If the Braves are a game over .500 in July with Chipper still out and Smoltz still hurt, then I’ll be concerned.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
Steve Bedrosian
By Efrim
June 6, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Bravos
Who said the Phillies were a sub-par team???
They swept us and are playing better baseball. Myers is on the way back from that shoulder tweak to a bullpen that is improving.
I will probably get destroyed from that post because no one likes to hear anything positive about the other teams in our division.
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
jojaboi:
Chipper is not a free agent, and is virtually untradeable, that’s the major difference in terms of our future planning
also, Chipper did win a WS, Andruw never won one
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
jojaboi:
Chipper is not a free agent, and is virtually untradeable, that’s the major difference in terms of our future planning
also, Chipper did win a WS, Andruw never won one
People are arguing about all that we’ll lose if we can’t re-sign andruw, but other teams seem to have managed with a different center fielder.
I don’t hear many people worrying about what will happen if and when we lose Chipper
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Why is everyone convinced that Andruw will heat up? Its more than 1/3 of the way through the season and his numbers are still down.
Its time for Bobby to stop playing favorites and move him to the 7 or 8 slot where players who bat .220 play.
By eric the elder
June 6, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
rammerjammer, you are going to give me a stroke with all this trade Salty talk. Now I must play my broken record again: We must not ever, ever, ever trade Salty - - not for anyone!
By Chris
June 6, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Is Kyle Davies incapable of pitching two decent games in a row? He’s almost Reggie Ball-like in his inconsistency from game to game.
By MBATL
June 6, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
N8, someone pointed out earlier that the Braves were 24-12 on May 12. Since then, we’re 9-14. A very good stretch (better than we were likely to play) and a very bad stretch (much worse, IMO, than we really are).
If those 2 stretches were reversed, but we had the same record, would you be so down on the team?
Or do you just not acknowledge that baseball is a game of streaks, and that the Braves are probably somewhere in between the .667 WP of the early season and the .391 of the last 2 weeks?
If AJ stays at .220 with no power; Chipper stays hurt; McCann doesn’t hit a little better, etc, etc, yeah, we’ll have a bad year.
There’s too much offensive talent on this team (based on careers, not 25 games) for them to stay this flat.
Last June was much worse than this, and then we went on a record-setting offensive rampage. Things like that tend to happen.
By journalist jimmy smith
June 6, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
up the middle, this team is supposed to be tough. up the middle right now are woodward and orr. don’t worry, if it’s hit to the right side thorman is there. oh, the humanity!
everyone is sore and needs time off. what can the problem be? this team needs new socks! one pair per player, maximum.
maybe something a little flashier would be good. imagine pete orr in bright red canadian socks with the big maple leaf!
willie harris m.v.p.
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Rally Monkey,
Did you trust your eyes last season when you saw the Twins finish with the second-best record in the AL. Don’t know if the Braves are that good, but they don’t have to be to win the NL Wild Card, and they haven’t been as bad as the Twins were that season yet.
Season is far from over. You don’t need to use any math to see that.
Let me put it simple for those of you scared of Baseball Prospectus’s odds or any kind of playoff probabilities:
The Twins finish with the second-best record in the AL in 2006. Don’t know if the Braves are that good, but they don’t have to be to win the NL Wild Card; and the Braves haven’t been as bad as the Twins were last season so far.
By AthensBrave
June 6, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
Have we left runners on every inning this game so far?
By N8
June 6, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
Shaun
“Let’s see, last year on this date, Seattle was leading the AL West by 3.5 games and Minnesota wasn’t close to the playoff picture.”
Yeah. About when Liriano began DOMINATING for a stretch of 9 games. Beginning June 11th, he went 8-1 while allowing 11 ER in ALL OF THOSE STARTS COMBINED. Do you see that happening from Chuck, Davies or Cormier in the next month and a half? Yeah. Me niether.
As for the Yankees of 2005? Are you REALLY comparing the 300 zillion dollar payroll of Yankees to the Braves? Whatever, dude. You don’t think Giambi (you know the guy making 20 million) waking up in the second half for 22 HR and 55 RBI along with Randy Johnson knocking almost a full run of his ERA from 1st half to second half helped, do you?
Our two pitchers that are SUPPOSED to perform are. And one of them (Hudson) has been mediocre at BEST his last 5 outings. If you think ANYBODY already in this organization that might pitch in the 3-5 spots in the rotation are gonna have any kind of impact like that, I admire you optimism.
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
MBATL:
I know you didn’t address me; but, I’ll throw this out there …
Chipper is now hurt, and we don’t have a great gauge on when he’ll be back, and how “nagging” his injuries will be
Also, our 7th inning “closer” is out for the year
Those 2 things were not the case the first 6 weeks of the season
If Chipper comes back healthy, the first is taken care of
Now, what about the replacement for Gonzalez?
By Bravos
June 6, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Efrim The Phillies are playing a little better…but I would still say they’re sub par. Their bullpen is in shambles, the majority of their lineup can’t hit the ball.
My point was that the majority of the constituents on this blog continue to say that we’re getting beaten by crappy teams like the Marlins and Phillies…and that the Mets don’t lose to these kinds of teams. But, obviously, the Mets lose their fair share of games, too.
What we need to start doing is bringing the same intensity to the Expos/Marlins/Phillies series that we bring to play the Mets or the Brewers.
And we desperately need to find the 2-out hitting we had earlier in the season, as well.
By Tomahawkin' Again
June 6, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
Thorman has caught and passed Andruw’s batting average = .224 vs .221. Way to go Thor!
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Bad day for Canadians
By N8
June 6, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
brent a.
“I know that Andruw is a great defensive center fielder; however, since 1996, there have been 11 World Champions, and none of them have had Andruw Jones on their roster.”
Posted the same exact thing about 2 months ago, when everybody was up in arms about possibly losing Andruw after this year. Couldn’t agree more with you.
MBATL
“Or do you just not acknowledge that baseball is a game of streaks, and that the Braves are probably somewhere in between the .667 WP of the early season and the .391 of the last 2 weeks?”
I totally agree with you. I just happen to look at the “streak” we’ve been on since the 7-1 start:
Which is 26-25 in the last “51 game mediocre streak”. Ironically you are correct. The .509 winning percentage (which will be .500 after today’s futile effort) during that stretch IS inbetween those two winning percentage.
I think you may be on to somthing.
NICE PLAY THORMAN! Yup. We wouldn’t want Salty embarrassing himself over at 1B, would we?
By BravesFanInRockies
June 6, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
I’m with Shaun. It’s way too early to give up on this season. If Hoss returns healthy and Smoltz is OK, the team will be fine. If not, no amount of tinkering with the roster will make any difference …
By joe from central ca
June 6, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
Blow up time…
By eric the elder
June 6, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
I put a clock on Yates and learned that it takes nearly 2 seconds from the time he starts his delivery until he releases the ball. Salty might as well concede the steals.
By Rally Monkey
June 6, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Shaun, you are the one who is clueless.
It’s clueless to spout statistics without context. You are nothing but stats. You wouldn’t know a blue chip from a cow chip. The Twins were playing under .500 this date last year. Hmmm let me get my calculator out to figure this one…. it’s gonna be tough…. OK I got it!!! They played over .500 the second half to win 96 games!!! Do I get a prize?
Here’s where we are. Players perform well enough to win or they don’t. The fact is that based on half a season, our first baseman is hitting in the .220’s. Our last 3 spots in the rotation are Jekyll and Hyde. The Braves aren’t performing well enough to win. They don’t score runs or play defense for their two top starters who give you the best chance for a win. If that continues they aren’t gonna be a playoff team. If they improve they may play .650 ball the second half.
You make your assumptions on whatever stats you can find and I’ll make my assumptions based on what I see with my own eyes.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Rick Camp
By DonCoburleone
June 6, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Why exactly are we walking Hermida to get to Aaron “Braves Killer” Boone???
By TennesseePaul
June 6, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Oh man this is going to be ugly. Walk .220 to get to the guy with 2 HR’s in the series.
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Eric the Elder, Braves fans boo the home team a lot less than most crowds do, but the least booing is at St. Louis, where they have big crowds and very, very little booing of their beloved Cardinals.
Those fans even give ovations to opposing teams when they do something particularly outstanding.
By supa
June 6, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Two-out, late-inning, and one-run magic can’t last forever. Remember the Nationals from 2 years ago? Sooner or later, statistics catches up with you. I think they’ve caught up to our Braves.
The “expected won-loss record” based on run differential on MLB.com’s site is quite telling. Basically, if the Braves were a stock, it would be over-valued right now.
By Bob, Journalist
June 6, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Willie keeps om keeping on but Kelly’s effort in the 6th seemed atypical … never seemed to get set at the plate … maybe his mind was elsewhere.
For some reason, Bobby just doesn’t seem to pay any attention to us … we all have our preferred lineup … Willie keeps om keeping on but Kelly’s effort in the 6th seemed atypical.
I’m not telling, but you can’t count the number of times mine has been selected on your fingers and toes … what about you?
By TennesseePaul
June 6, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
So close to blowing it. Now, let’s plate some runs.
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
N8,
I can see AJ heating up to his normal level, Smoltz and Chipper getting healthy, Kelly Johnson getting on base at a .350-.360 rate, Hudson continuing with his good season, Francouer continuing his improvement, McCann hitting better, Chuck James and Kyle Davies and Cormier or whomever pitching well enough for the Braves to win half their starts or a little more, and maybe even Schuerholz making a nice little trade that helps the team.
Not saying all this is going to happen but I think some or most of it could and it’s just as likely as what the doom-and-gloom folks are saying is sure to happen.
Yes, I’m aware that it’s quite possible the Braves are no better than a .500 team in 2007. But it’s far from a sure thing at this point. There’s still over 100 games left. No need to panic and act like we are watching the Royals.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
Bob Horner
By MBATL
June 6, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
brent a., fair points. I am assuming Chipper will be back - if not, sure, that hurts our chances. Hopefully within a couple of weeks.
And losing Gonzo does hurt, but not so much. We had a luxury of “closers” with him, which was nice but not necessary. Our bullpen era is 3.86, 6th in the league. Despite the loss of Gonzo, I don’t see it as a major weakness.
We’ve just got to score runs. I think we will; others think the last two weeks represent the best we’ve got.
By rammerjammer
June 6, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
eric,
Sorry, but I don’t see any other starting pitching options. The back side is killing us and there are no better answers from the minors, at least not this year. Maybe Smith or Harrison next year, but not this year.
We just can’t be afraid to make a move because of what the traded player will do on someone else’s team.
We HAVE a star catcher. We NEED more pitching. Salty is much more valuable to us for what he can bring us than for what he is in our lineup.
There’s a blogwide man-crush on Salty. Let it go.
By GANDFAN
June 6, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
The Bravos have contracted the dreaded virus “Cubitis” and that team is coming up next so there is no cure in sight! We might could get Wellman up from Mississippi to counter the carrier, Pinella.
By The Truth Hurts
June 6, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
The Fish are 4 for 4 in SBs against my man Salty. On the bright side, there are far fewer worms in front of 2nd now.
The Bravos are neither good nor bad. It’s really kinda simple.
My man Chipper can’t pour the beer at Hooters anymore?
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
Otis Nixon
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
Pascual Perez
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Gene Garber
By eric the elder
June 6, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
DOB, agree about St. Louis, and ain’t it grand.
I can never predict what will get your hackles up, but I keep waiting for word from you about trade Salty, trade Escobar, release this guy, send that guy down, put McCann in center field, etc. Things are getting a little frantic out here, Dave. Time to weigh in?
By Jersey Gil
June 6, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
I been a Braves Fan all my life…i also a Baseball Fan…but guys we have to know that the Marlin has a Good Young Talent team…there are not in First place because on injury of the Pitching staff(johnson,Nolasco..etc)Position by position there are some better than the My lovely Braves and also the Mets….I like young talent player and the Braves until they fix the Bench and the starting rotation there will be out of the play off.
By Ovation
June 6, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I’d give the Braves an “ovation” if they did the right thing: trade Renteria and Hudson in order to build for the future.
This team isn’t one pitcher away from the playoffs. Giving up any of the young core (Salty, etc) for the short-term would be idiotic. Rather, give up the veterans with trade value and focus on the future.
Someone tell me: Does Edgar have any greater trade value than right now? What a pickup he’d be for a contender.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Terry Forster
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Here’s where we are. Players perform well enough to win or they don’t. The fact is that based on half a season, our first baseman is hitting in the .220’s. Our last 3 spots in the rotation are Jekyll and Hyde. The Braves aren’t performing well enough to win. They don’t score runs or play defense for their two top starters who give you the best chance for a win. If that continues they aren’t gonna be a playoff team. If they improve they may play .650 ball the second half.
I’m just saying it’s much more likely that the Braves play better than they have been than for them to completely go in the toilet. But you seem to think the other way around.
It’s not wise to base everything on what you’ve seen so far when there is still over 100 games left.
I’m not sure what would give you any reason to believe the Braves will be under .500 from here on out. Could happen but I don’t believe it’s likely.
Oh, and the Braves longest losing streak this season so far, even with all those problems you pointed out, is 3 games.
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
For what it’s worth, Schuerholz told me before the game the Braves view Salty as a future big-league catcher. That hasn’t changed. In other words, they don’t see him as a 1B. At least not now.
In other words, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s traded between now and the end of the winter meetings. But that’s just my educated guess/gut feeling.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
Brad Komminsk
By N8
June 6, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Shaun
In 2006 Johan Santana went 10-1 with a 2.54 ERA in the second half.
Radke had a 2.84 ERA in the second half.
Bonser had a 3.62 ERA in the second half.
Their top five relievers (as far as IP) had a combined ERA of 2.89 in 329.33 IP.
They had the AL MVP in Justin Morneau.
Not to mention they went 54-27 at Home.
The Braves top 5 relievers as far as IP, this year have a 3.53 ERA, and that’s without having to face a DH. Kinda puts that in perspective a little.
We are currently 16-13 at home. That aint gonna cut it.
Our MVP CF, should be batting 10th in our lineup, but the best manager ever continues to throw him right smack dab in the middle, helping him kill as many rallies as possible.
And I’m certainly not foolish enough to think we’ll have 4 guys in our rotation have ERA’s under 3.50 in the second half this year, as the Twins did last year.
Dude. I live in Twins Territory as all the lame radio ads say 20 times a day around here. Since TBS doesn’t show but 1 out of every 4 Braves games anymore, I actually watch more twins games each year (and have for a few years), than I do Braves games.
Believe me when I tell you that it is a RIDICULOUS insult to the Minnesota Twins to compare this Braves team to that Twins team last year. That team played every game hard, and played the game it was supposed to be played.
I can tell you right now that Ron Gardenhire would NOT have Andruw batting anywhere near the cleanup spot until he earned it back.
But keep talking Twins Baseball with me, if you so choose.
This team isn’t even close to the Twins of 2006.
By Lee
June 6, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Zane Smith where is a photo baseball card of yourself - everybody needs a good laugh today.
By Tomahawkin' Again
June 6, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Andruw, .220 and still stinking up the joint…BOOOOOOOOOO!
By Biff Pocaroba
June 6, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Hey Zane, did you forget me?
By Bravos
June 6, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
rammerjammer PLEASE stop insinuating that trading Salty would be a good idea. I’m worried JS might catch wind of your idea and actually do it.
Trading Salty is certainly not the answer. This kid’s going to be REALLY good for a REALLY long time. He’s hitting above .300 in his first stint in the Majors, and absolutely gunning guys down who try to steal on him.
Yes, we have a paucity of good pitching right now. But, our offense, if you’ve noticed, has been pretty lackluster, too.
Salty’s been one of the few bright spots…and I think, at this point, we need all the offense we can get.
There are NO solid pitchers on the market. If there were, don’t you think teams like the Yankees, with unlimited payrolls, would already be clammoring for them?
The Braves have to solve the rotation situation on their own…with some combination of Davies/James/Carlyle/Harrison/Cormier/Whoever.
I hate to say that, but it’s true. And it’s not like it’s an awful situation. Somewhere in the middle of those 5 pitchers, there’s got to be at least 3 that can pitch serviceably for the rest of the year.
But, DO NOT TRADE SALTY. Giving away a long term solution for a temporary fix is an awful proposition.
By MBATL
June 6, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
N8, the DBacks are 11 games over .500, 35-24 (.593). Pretty good!
But, they’re 10-1 in their last 11. Does that mean that they’re really a 25-23 (.520) team because they played to that level over 48 games? Because a lot of their wins have come during a hot streak, they don’t count? Or does only the most recent streak count?
By JasonInMaine
June 6, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Salty’s cannon has turned into a squirt gun today…what the heck happened. He hasn’t gotten one throw to 2nd on the fly today!
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Rick Cerone
By go braves
June 6, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
even on a pitchout braves cant throw out a base stealer, marlins r 5-for-5 today omg!
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
The “expected won-loss record” based on run differential on MLB.com’s site is quite telling. Basically, if the Braves were a stock, it would be over-valued right now.
The Braves are over-performing their expected W-L record but their expected W-L record is right there with the other NL Wild Card contenders to this point. I see nothing to panic about based on expected W-L.
By Braves Fan 79
June 6, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
I still belive this team belongs in the playoffs and is strong enough to at least beat the Mets in the NLCS. However we have to DUMP WOODWARD, and start playing whos hot instead of the lefty righty matchup Bobby loves so much. And James, Cormier and Davies have to STEP UP THERE GAME!! I dunno why the Braves put so many home day games on there schedule this year….there a better team at night!! Last year we sucked at day games 2. This sucks…i will never have anything to do with AOL or time warner again….they ruined a dynasty.
And everyone talking about trading chipper or smoltz and blowing up the team….YOUR STUPID! Maybe after chipper and smoltz retire….but until then….everyyear we have a legit shot at the WORLD SERIES!! We just need 1 or 2 more players!
By ElbravoX
June 6, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
We have mastered the art of sucking. No pulse on this team, none.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Me
By eric the elder
June 6, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
rammerj, I understand your point, but you haven’t told us the pitcher we can get for Salty. EVERY team in the league is desperate for pitching. So who is going to give up a top pitcher for a position player with 2 weeks of major league experience?
In the 90s, we had outstanding pitching, but if we hadn’t, would you have entertained the idea of trading that switch-hitting rookie infielder named Chipper Jones to get someone?
It’s not a “man crush” to think that Salty might eventually be that good - - just intuition.
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
MBATL:
Keep in mind … we traded offense (and a little first base defense) for Gonzo.
Lose him, and what is left? Thorman is a downgrade from Laroche, both offensively and defensively.
And, Yates, Paronto, McBride, etc. are all downgrades from Gonzo.
We built this team around having shut down guys for the last 3 innings.
Now, that is down to the last 2 innings, and it is becoming a struggle to get there, not only because of offense, but also because the 7th inning guys are completely unreliable.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Claudell Washington
By The Truth Hurts
June 6, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
You have to see Chad Paronto to believe how bad he looks. On the bright side, his ERA is still below his uniform number.
By joe from central ca
June 6, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
game over..Parriah’s in..I mean Paronto..good job Bobby..lets make this a no doubter..
By DonCoburleone
June 6, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
Wow, who here thinks like I do that Paronto’s replacement already pitched today? (Boyer)
By Daybed Wagmoe
June 6, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
i noticed the andruw-booing on tv. while i generally don’t like booing your home players, i think this one is well-deserved. the guy is having an awful year, and even though he’s on pace to break 100 rbi, he’s not producing like he should.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Biff Pocoroba
By Chop Chop
June 6, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Looks like Salty can’t throw anyone out anymore. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m thinking it’s time to trade Salty while we can still get Dontrelle Willis, Mark Buehrle or Rich Harden in return. Salty just doesn’t have it anymore. He’s obviously a declining player and the Braves should rob another team blind before the rest of the league realizes it.
Homeboy, get on the stick.
By rammerjammer
June 6, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Interesting comment from Schuerholz on Salty. Thanks for passing it along. The GM sees the young catcher as a commodity, and correctly so.
It’s not healthy for the boss to get emotionally attached (unlike so many bloggers) to his players.
With every impressive at bat or defensive play, Salty’s trade value for the Braves just gets better and better.
By WICKIWICK
June 6, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil - I truly believe the Marlins - at full strength - are a better team than the Braves. Hands down, 3 starters, the centerfielder, their fourth outfielder and the first baseman have been out with injuries. When these guys get back the Marlins will be challenging for a wild card - bank on it.
By Chris
June 6, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Quick Poll: Who is hurting the Braves worse? Andruw Jones or Chad Paronto?
By keylargo25
June 6, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Dr JeKyle or Mr. Davies?
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
N8,
Do the Braves have to be as good as the 2006 Twins? I never said they were that good or that they have to be that good.
The Braves were never as bad as the first couple of months of 2006 Twins and don’t have to be as good as them to win the NL Wild Card.
You are taking my argument and dragging it through the dirt. Read what I’m saying.
The Braves could easily be good enough from here on out to win the NL Wild Card (which would probably take 91-88 wins).
My point about the Twins is roughly 60 games doesn’t tell the whole story…sometimes it doesn’t even come close. I wasn’t saying the 2007 Braves are the 2006 Twins.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
Terry Harper
By DAP
June 6, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
guys, im feeling depressed about this. after losing 3 of four to the nats and getting swept by the phils, this series has really hurt. we just arent getting ANY clutch hits it seems and we cant hold any teams either. im starting to feel like i did last june.
i really feel like it is going to turn around, but i did last june, too. weve just gotta play better, period. i dont feel like it can be pointed at any one player or anything.
i dont think ANYTHING is working now. something has got to happen to this team. they need a dramatic come from behind win or something.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
Craig McMurtry
By Bravos
June 6, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
Are Andy Ashby or Denny Neagle still around to bolster our rotation? How about Charlie Leibrandt?
By Berigan
June 6, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
Ok, so Andrew and Frenchy are in EVERY game of the 4 games in 48 hours series. Can I ask why??? Seriously, is Frenchy’s dream to play in more consecutive games than Cal Ripken? If not, why not have him take a day off already?
I remember Bobby being asked why he didn’t take Frenchy out for a few days early last year when he was pressing, and hitting about .180. His answer was he couldn’t imagine Frenchy ever not bouncing around the dugout, just full of energy!
Bobby doesn’t really seem to get that some players need a day off mentally, and physically!
And we only have 4 outfielders, why doesn’t anyone worry about a day like today? Willie pinch hit, right? Now, we only have 3 outfielders. What, if God forbid Andruw and Frenchy ran into each other, and both could not play? Orr in Right, Escobar in center???
Most championship teams will rest their player some times during the season. Give a guy a game off before an off day, might allow a sore back, shoulder or leg just enough of a break to come back stronger than ever! Andruw and Frenchy should have 150-155 starts max this year, but unless they get injured, Frenchy will start 162, and Andruw 160….yeah, that’s what’s best for the team!
By Chop Chop
June 6, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
Salty just hit the ball to the opposite field. Can’t trade him now, Homeboy. His stock is just too high.
By Biff Pocoroba
June 6, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
Man, I’m even sexier than I remember!
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
Rick Mahler
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
Pete Orr > Wood Turd
By realistgrod
June 6, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
This Braves team is far from being a playoff team. Wake up people! The Marlins are better than the Braves even with all their injuries. That is a fact.
By bruce
June 6, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
It seemed like Woodward hurt us more when he was a Met…
By DonCoburleone
June 6, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
Nice AB Woodward - right after 2 straight hits too…. That hurts…
By BravesFanInRockies
June 6, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
eric,*
Agreed about not trading Salty … yet.
It’s not as if accomplished, major-league ready SPs grow on trees.
And he’s not the only prospect that would be available for the right pitcher.
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
eric the elder,
Someone will give up good players for Salty. I guarantee it. Every team knows that Saltalamacchia is the best catching prospect in baseball, a switch-hitter with power.
Perhaps Boston would give up one of their young stud pitching prospects. They’ll need a catcher as Varitek starts to decline.
I could see the A’s giving up Harden and a lesser prospect for Salty, although I’m not sure the Braves would want Harden.
There are going to be options out there, I’m sure, for a good, young, cheap, power-hitting, switch-hitting catcher.
By Bailey
June 6, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
DOB - Any chance they trade McCann (who is locked up for more years) instead of Salty??
By Berigan
June 6, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Hey, Thorman has 3 hits! We have 3 runners on, watch already!
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Matt Sinatro
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
Tommy Boggs
By VandyBrave
June 6, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
When bobby wants to call Paronto into the game, rather than using the bullpen phone, he should just wave a white flag from the dugout.
Bravos!
By Tomahawkin' Again
June 6, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
Chris, my choice is C for all the above
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
JAMES McMurtry
By Ovation
June 6, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
Man, that Ed Miller, he sure turned out to be a star. He, Raffy and Terry Harper made one star-studded trio.
Nice work Topps!
By Waffle Boy
June 6, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Hey Dave, Whats up with Salty? Five SBs? I saw him in person gun down two in yesterday’s game. Guess its just one of those day.
By rammerjammer
June 6, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
eric,
I’m having some fun about the Salty man-crush, but I’m serious that he is better for what he can bring us than what he can do for us.
And it pains me to write that, because he does have “star quality” all over him.
However, switch-hitting power catchers may be even more rare than young starting pitchers, and there’s no doubt a market for Salty.
Whatever pitcher we get would likely (hopefully) be a lot like Salty…huge upside but limited experience.
And, yeah, I’d probably err on the side of trading a young position player for a young pitcher. Pitching just overcomes so many more weaknesses, and all the big bats in the world can’t overcome lousy pitching.
Which we’re finding out.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
Tom Hausman
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
Now, just think if Bobby had pitched Soriano in the 8th …
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Wow. Those 2 runs that Paronto gave up really hurt right now. He has not been right since his injury. Bobby, send him back down until he is healthy again…
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Ken Dayley
By Tomahawkin' Again
June 6, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Hmmm, a 7-4 game…wouldn’t that be something after all of ou b@tchin’ and moaning this afternoon?
By eric the elder
June 6, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
The GM sees the young catcher as a commodity, and correctly so. It’s not healthy for the boss to get emotionally attached (unlike so many bloggers) to his players.
Fans and bloggers do get emotionally attached to players, and that’s as it should be. Otherwise, we would just regard them like kitchen utensils and never have any passion about the game.
In fact, we wouldn’t even need to see the game. Just check the box scores, put the data into a spread sheet, and write a report. When we start to see players as mere commodities, the game is dead.
By Shaun
June 6, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
eric,
The difference between Chipper and Salty is that Chipper had a place to play. Salty is a catcher and is blocked by McCann for the next 10-15 years.
I would think you have to trade Salty soon rather than let him waste on your bench.
You have a player that good, you don’t just sit on him. You utilize him by playing him or getting something for him.
By Braves Fan 79
June 6, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
No one can argue with me now that woodward should be cut!! And this should be a 1 run game….so whys bobby use Soriano and Wickman in the same game when were up by like 6 runs…but he wont use them when were down by only a couple of runs to keep the game close!!??? WHY BOBBY WHY??? And why in the world didnt Rentirea start today!? Does bobby really that senile to believe we can win with woodward and orr in the same lineup!???
By N8
June 6, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
I know I’ve said repeatedly that the offense and all the Salty talk is the least of our concerns.
But with how hot Harris is, and Johnson’s knack in the clutch, I agree with the poster, who recently suggested puting Harris in the leadoff spot and put Johnson in the 3-hole with Chipper out and McCann struggling.
It appears to me that KJ wouldn’t (and shouldn’t) change his approach based on the spot in the order. He is just a good hitter. Imagine how many RBI he would have if the Langerhans wasn’t in the 8-hole for a month.
By Bravos
June 6, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Do we have any explanation as to why Bobby doesn’t play Salty more consistently at 1b?
I know his trade value is higher as a catcher. I know we’re expecting big things out of Thorman.
But why the heck, since Thorman has been slumping so badly, wouldn’t you put McCann and Salty in the lineup at the same time?
There’s no way, with all the practice he’s been getting there, that Salty couldn’t at least play a serviceable 1b.
And it would prevent us from playing Woodward there and have him demolish any and all chances at a potent lineup.
By JasonInMaine
June 6, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Frenchy is going to hit a slam!!!!!!
By bocabrave
June 6, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
I’m a loyal braves fan and not down on them, but reality is facing us. We have very talented young players at several positions: francouer, mccann, salty, johnson; and some young pitchers with potential: james, davies, cormier, etc. On a team with that much youth, you need vets to step up. Unfortunately, only renteria and smoltz have really done that. Hudson has been great at times but also inconsistent. Chipper is constantly hurt. Andrew sucks. Losing gonzo really hurts. We are unlikely to have the financial resources to do much about it. The biggest mistake the braves can make now is to try to salvage this season by mortgaging the future. Don’t trade escobar or salty or any young arms for a rent a player. Let a. jones go this winter; pencil in chipper as a substitute-not a guy who can play 100 games; dump guys like orr, woodward, and other marginal bench guys who are not performing; spend andrew’s money on a pitcher. We might still get lucky this year if some bats come to life and we get anything out of the 5th starting spot (i don’t have the data, but we must have one of the worst 5th spot stats in baseball, right?); but even if we miss the playoffs this year, we have a young team with lots of promise. I hope the front office doesn’t panic.
By Chop Chop
June 6, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
Dammit, Frenchy. What are you doing, son? Show some patience at the dish. Homeboy, word to the wise. Ya might want to look into trading this kid.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
June 6, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
Man, it’s a good thing Shrek Paranto kept us in striking distance >: P
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
Len Barker
By 22oz
June 6, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
Take a friggin’ pitch!!! Good gravy!
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
Ugh, Jeff. Why do you always have to swing at the first pitch?
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
Zambrano pitching a pretty nasty game over on WGN …
did just give up a homer to P. Fielder, though.
(NO shame in that)
Hill, not Barret, is his catcher. Hill’s batting .091; but Zambrano is picking up the slack, going 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
Paul Assenmacher
By JasonInMaine
June 6, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Just not today…
Did you folks here that…The Braves “were represented” at Troy Percival’s latest workout.
By jay
June 6, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
hey brave fans, don’t you dare trade Salty or McCann. Those guys are players. I watched them at shea when they played the Mets and they really carried themselves very well. Plus, there is no real pitching phenom that will be available and if one does, say zambrano, the price will be WAY more than just Salty or McCann. Salty is a true catcher put McCann at first. He won’t be good but his bat is solid. At worst he’ll be a Giambi type at first.
By Chop Chop
June 6, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
Zane Smith
“Do not weep, ladies. There is plenty of Zane to go around.”
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
Jeff Blauser
By Waffle Boy
June 6, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
Despite the outcomes of the last two games; Boyer has pitched well. I think he will be a solid 7th inning guy in the near future. Remember how awesome he was in 2005! What does everyone else think?
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Jose Capellan now pitching on WGN
thought that was interesting because Paronto reminds me of Kolb
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Jim Acker
By HP
June 6, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Why is Chad Paronto still on this team? He has 7.64 ERA. He needs to go minor league to fix his problems, just like McBride was sent down. Look how good McBride is looking after he came back from minor league.
By joe from central ca
June 6, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
How big are those 2 runs Parriah gave up now?
By Savannah Guy
June 6, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
It’s getting uglier and uglier.
Just got back to the game and to the blog. Unfortunately, I am not surprised by what I see there on TV and here on the blog.
Not sure why, but Braves are not so much slumping as they seem to be rudderless and distracted. Ok, call it a slump. If Braves are going to be anything but a third or fourth place in the division this year (where they seem to be headed), there HAS to be a real shakeup.
Don’t want to join in the Cox bashing, because he has been so good at managing a clubhouse and players so many years. I didn’t say that he was great at strategic management, quick slump-turnarounds or post-season management. But that’s not my real point here. In addition to the skipper, we need some of the vets in the dugout to rile up the young guys. As much as that might help, it is not the answer to putting a winning season together.
To have any chance for post-season this year, this team needs to be shaken up from top to bottom. They are playing with no fire, no passion, no urgency. Oh, I know…I know they WANT to win, they have the talent to win…but are they making the adjustments and sacrifices that it’s going to take? It just doesn’t seem so. I’m not privy to their home habits but I’ll venture a guess…many of the team get distracted by things other than baseball and a bit too comfortable, more at home than on the road. So what does that tell you? Management.
Shaken, not stirred
Cox has had an incredible managing career. He’s won a lot, the players love the way he manages them. He treats them with respect (as he should). He runs a smooth “club”. Sometimes though, “clubs” get a bit too comfortable and cozy. Cox has always let players work through slumps and, for the most part, that is a good, season-long strategy. But occasionally, when in war, strategies need to change on the fly. We’ve never had that with BC. It wasn’t as noticeable because we were winning. But that was pitching. We don’t have that now.
Well folks, we’re in a baseball war and we are getting our butts kicked. We need to fix what’s broken, replace what’s not working and find new talent where it is glaringly missing.
Obvious Needs:
First base: send Thorman to Richmond. Replacement could be Salty and other platoon. Or whomever. You decide, just not Thorman. How many runs has he left on base?
Left Field: Willy Harris and Matt Diaz platoon.
Center: Sit AJ more often until he gets whatever is missing back.
Pitching: We have Smoltz and Hudson and a 5th starter (not sure who it is). We need a 3 and 4 starter.
Utility: Escobar. Anywhere he can play.
Hitting in general: Who knows what is needed. Group therapy? Trouble is, Braves throughout the winning 90’s were not a big-hitting club. We won because we had Smoltz, Glavine, Avery, Maddux, Pena, and others that didn’t cough up 6 and 8 runs a game, so we won with few runs. Not now.
Will we do it? Hate to say, I doubt it. We seem to be continuing to play like it’s spring training and Cox seems comfortable with that, since that’s the comfortable way he runs his “club”.
I know I didn’t break any new ground here, but just had to say it. Should I even post this….ah, what the hell…
By rammerjammer
June 6, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
eric,
I re-read my post, and didn’t mean to imply that bloggers shouldn’t get emotionally involved. Far from it!
Shoot, I still remember jumping up and down in the living room when Sid scored in ‘91.
Guess what I meant to say is that the GM isn’t like us and probably shouldn’t be like us, or there’d be wholesale roster turnovers every week!
By N8
June 6, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Tomahawkin’ Again
“Hmmm, a 7-4 game…wouldn’t that be something after all of ou b@tchin’ and moaning this afternoon?”
Well, first of all, the rally MIGHT have continued had Francoeur actually took a pitch with the bases loaded.
Second of all, what would a comeback victory solved?? Would it have erased Kyle Davies performance and lack of consistancy? Would it all of the sudden mean that Andruw is gonna play like a guy making 13 million dollars? Would it solve Paranto’s recent issues?
Nope. Would’ve just proved that the Marlins bullpen had a meltdown. Nothing more.
But I’m sure Andruw will hit a meaningless HR here in the 9th, with nobody on. That’s right up his alley.
By Daxxed
June 6, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Same song same verse…just the Braves seem to do it worse…that is not able to bring in a runner at 3rd and no outs…or advancing a runner by bunting eliminating the double play but putting a runner at 3rd…BC once again did not play small ball when he needed and if the Braves loose by 2 runs…then look back at the 2 he failed to score by playing small ball…Funny that is exactly how the Marlins scored most of their runs today though…And the funniest thing is that every coach that leaves Atlanta to become a Head Coach, seem to play small ball to win….Especially when they play BC and the Braves…they can count on his inability to manufacture runs instead of counting on the log ball…Long balls will come but they should not be counted on when all you need is to advance a runner and score a run…If he would have done thqat today…we would have won…
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
Here’s a question:
Could we get Lincecum, or Cain for Saltalamacchia?
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
Jeff Treadway
By Braves Fan 79
June 6, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
Ovation: u said trade rentirea and Hudson. YOUR A IDIOT! your about as bright as when Pete Babsuckacock traded Dominique for danny freakinmanning.
This team IS a contender…i compare them to the Astros team that went to the world series a few years back(not enough pitching to win the division but enough to win a short series in the playoffs if they got in!…..except the Braves have a better offense! (when were not starting woodward and orr) If we can beat out arizona and the padres for the wildcard….THIS IS A POSTSEASON CALIBUR TEAM!!
By Winston
June 6, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
You think it’s bad now…wait until we play Cleveland, Minnesota and Boston again. We’re a .500 team.
By metsfanintheatl
June 6, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
SEPTEMBER HEADLINES…BRAVES-NATIONALS BATTLE FOR 4TH PLACE!!!!!!METROPOLITANS RULE!!!YOUR NEW WORLD CHAMPS…SORRY BOSOX
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Waffle Boy, there’s no way they’ve stolen five bases with Salty catching. No way. You must be counting wrong. Or McCann must be catching. Just ask people here. No way they’ve stolen on Salty. Has to be all the pitchers’ fault today, right folks?
By Savannah Guy
June 6, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
Clarification: I’m not a Thorman basher. He may wind up being Babe Ruth. But he is not ready for prime time. In Richmond, he needs to see as many lefties as possible.
Nor am I a Cox basher. Do I wish he would do things differently? Yes. Do I think he’s getting too old to do this job? Maybe. Am I glad he’s been our manager all these years? You bet. None better in the long run.
It’s right now that I’m concerned about.
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
This should be the last at bat of Chris Woodward’s career.
By Braves Fan 79
June 6, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
guess whos coming up to bat….woodward….the games over before he even took a swing. If anything maybe some good will of come out of today and we release woodward after his 0-5 performance! I hope he dosent get a hit and we still loose…that would just prolong the misery longer…..
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
Al Hrabosky
By Bob, Journalist
June 6, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
Chris, I don’t know about the worse, but as for Who’s been hurting us the most, just remember he’s on first … as Bud was known to say.
Andruw has long been a strong contender for that honor when he’s at the plate … though he has the rare, raw ability to carry the team were he but to accept counseling.
I think you can get a good idea about fan knowledgeability by evaluating how frequently they loudly cheer when the ball is hit in the air without regard to outcome … them what do ain’t … nor are those who confuse showboating with skill.
Applauding the good play of the opposition was once expected fan behavior but that has changed with the price of peanuts and fan priorities.
By Wood
June 6, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
And Chris Woodward goes 0 for 5. He is a waste of space!
By Berigan
June 6, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
*Chop Chop, I have said some pretty crazy stuff here, like trade McCann and play Salty, but come on now, who do we have that could replace Frenchy??? Frenchy still swings at a lot of first pitch fastballs, cuz he knows pitchers like to get ahead. In fact, his average was .333 before today’s game swinging 0-0, still gonna fail 2 or off 3 times.
By The Grinch
June 6, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
D’OH! D’OH D’OH!
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
Charlie Spikes
By brent a.
June 6, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
rammerjammer:
Sid scored in ‘92 - at least, that’s when he scored the run worthy of jumping up and down over
By Braves Fan 79
June 6, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
Man todays game was SAD! I dunno what i was worried about thinking hed get a meaningless hit….he struck out like always. WOODWARD SUCKS…..CUT WOODWARD IF WERE AT ALL SERIOUS ABOUT THE POSTSEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Bravos
June 6, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
LOB STATS TODAY Johnson:4 Escobar:2 Frenchy:4 AJ:1 Diaz:3 Salty:1 Woodie:4 Thor:1
Hmmmm…this is not good. So much for our early-season tirades with 2 out and runners in scoring position.
And Woodward strikes out to end the game… NICE WORK!
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Brian Asselstine
By Jersey Gil
June 6, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
That right DOB…hit the nail in the head Salty gone down two yesterday…today was pitching fall. And Guys what Bobby cant fo?…He is not a strong Beanch, he has to rest some of the player…imagine Renteria got hurt?
By Andy
June 6, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
I think the only team the Braves play good against is the Mets. How in the world are they 6-3 against the Mets ? At one time, the Braves were 24-12. Now they are 33-27. So they are 9-15 in the last 24 games. We need Chipper back really bad. Right now our pitching suck and our hitting sucks. Hudson is back to his old ways. I expect his ERA to be over 4 when the season is over. Smoltz is the only really good starting pitcher we have. Davies sucks. Renteria has been our only reliable hitter. Andruw Jones is hitting about .220. Lets face it, the Braves are going nowhere this year. If they are lucky they will win 90 games, but i think 85 is more realistic.
By Robert
June 6, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
I stood and cheered when the Braves dumped Craig Wilson. I wait with anxiety attacks to hear that we have dumped Chris Woodward. THE MAN SUCKS!!!
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Look for the Braves to exit Interleague Play with an overall record below .500. Then its a downward spiral from there as divion rivals (Phillies, Marlins, Nats) continue to dominate us - winning 3 out of 4 or sweeping us.
By Jay
June 6, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
There isn’t a single soul on earth that the SF would trade Lincecum for. But a package of Hudson, Salty, and Kevin Johnson? Still would get a no.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Larry Whisenton
By SNH
June 6, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
Make it 6 out of the last 7 dropped at home vs. division rivals Philly and Florida. I’m going to the game tomorrow night but I’m starting to think we should all get discount tickets since we are fielding a discount team.
I have a question: Why was $2 million Craig Wilson released because as Cox said “it didn’t work out,” and yet Pete Orr remains on the team no matter how poorly he hits? Is what he doing “working out?” Is there more to the Craig Wilson story than we’ve been told? Broadcasters mentioned that Thorman has hit .164 or something like that since Wilson was released. Did we give up on Wilson a bit soon? He’s done the job in platoons in the past.
By eric the elder
June 6, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
rammer, I do agree with you about that.
By Tomahawkin' Again
June 6, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Not going to a roof to jump, but dammit, the last 4 days have absolutely sucked! Oh well, we have the Cubbies in town starting tomorrow, hopefully we can gain a split (that is what is has come to…hoping not to lose a series to the Cubs).
By Bill
June 6, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
June is here and the way we go. This team is no better than .500. The Marlins are alot better and getting better every game. We need offense. We would be better off with Thorman in LF and Salty at first but Salty had a bad day behind the plate, so it’s time to get rid of him. Our goofy GM thinks Salty is just a catcher. He will never find some one better. Salty is capable of hitting 35-40 home runs and knock in over a hundred runs.
By Jersey gil
June 6, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
Ok….you guys want Woodward out…please…please tell me wich player(utility) are in the Market right now. Any team need a utility that can Play infield and the outfield and can hit.Tell me please right now who is the best utility available???? Resolve NONE ….we have to bring some one from the farm system. They have some guys like(Javy Lopez)or Juan GOnzo) but they are not utility player.
By The Joker
June 6, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
This team needs an enema!
By null
June 6, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
CHRIS WOODWARD SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!! PETE ORR SUCKS! GET US SOME MAJOR LEAGUE CALIBER PLAYERS!
By null
June 6, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
CHRIS WOODWARD SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!! PETE ORR SUCKS! GET US SOME MAJOR LEAGUE CALIBER PLAYERS!
By null
June 6, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
CHRIS WOODWARD SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!! PETE ORR SUCKS! GET US SOME MAJOR LEAGUE CALIBER PLAYERS!
By joe from central ca
June 6, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this
This just in…we stink..bullpen loses yet another game for us…Frenchy still can’t take a pitch…AJ can’t hit a stupid single anymore (watched the game on gamecast) if the pitch locations are correct AJ is clueless at the plate right now (all season actually) up/down inside/out…rally killers abound on this team right now and that includes BC!
By alan from Atlanta GA.
June 6, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
Well, Wednesdays game is over and the braves lost another. When is Bobby Cox going to wake up and realized that Woodward is a piece of trash as a player 0 for 5 and 2 k’s. The entire braves b team is horrible. The pitching is awful. Hudsons last two starts were disasters. The bullpen is a joke. You never hear McDowell talk about the bullpen anymore. The braves had a good player in Betimit, so lets trade him and get NOTHING back. I believe that when woodward plays the braves have lost more games than they’ve won. I’m actually giving my tickets away for the Sunday cubs game because I refuse to spend more money at turner field and it will a long time until I go back. Sorry to make this sound like a vent but losing 3/4 to the Marlins should make fans rethink attending games until the team improves, especially at home.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Rob Belloir
By Brian20
June 6, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Its not as bad as it seems, just think how bad we have played, but yet we are only 3.5 games behind the supposed power of the NL the Mets. I know we have a tough schedule coming up, but we can right this ship. The Marlins series is over now lets look to take at least 3 of 4 from the Cubs.
By Waffle Boy
June 6, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
Hey Dave, I was just looking at gameday on MLB.com I haven’t been able to watch. Its no big deal but after watching seeing Salty throw those guys out yesterday it just seemed odd.
(here is the box score from today’s game) BASERUNNING SB: Amezaga (5, 2nd base off Yates/Saltalamacchia), Abercrombie (5, 2nd base off Paronto/Saltalamacchia), Ramirez (18, 2nd base off Yates/Saltalamacchia), Boone (2, 2nd base off Boyer/Saltalamacchia), Uggla (1, 3rd base off Davies/Saltalamacchia).
I didn’t see any double steals and only one of them was from Hanley (cause we know he could steal five in one game but guys like Boone?)
By HP
June 6, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
Question for everyone: Will Edgar Renteria get 3,000 hits in his career? If he does then he would certainly be in Hall of Fame. I think so. He has 1,844 hits in his career so far. He is only 31. Will the braves sign him for couple more years? I hope so.
By rammerjammer
June 6, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
DOB, love the Salty sarcasm. Talk about a sacred cow!
brent a., Lincecum or Cain for Salty? That would be sweet. SF’s catcher is having a career year, but he turns 33 next month and is probably a one-year wonder. I’d have to guess that Lincecum’s stock is even higher than Salty’s, but Cain…a possibility.
Plus he was born in Bammer. What’s not to like?
By ncscoots
June 6, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
Even I will admit Kyle puked on his cleats today. Another opportunity to take a big step up (get a series split after Smoltz and Hudson lose), and he just didn’t seal the deal. I keep thinking he’s gonna nail one of these “big moments”, and that’ll be the end of that, on to fame and fortune. But, so far, that’s a ladder-rung he hasn’t been able to climb.
By N8
June 6, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
DOB
“No way they’ve stolen on Salty. Has to be all the pitchers’ fault today, right folks”
I consider your sarcasm on this subjec “odd” to say the least, considering you said the following in the opening of this blog:
“The kid’s played with nagging injuries most of this season, including the ring finger on his glove hand, which has affected his defense and hitting.”
Throws in the dirt or not, you can’t possibly deny that Salty’s arm is better than McCann’s, can you? I’m not gonna argue with you on something that is a matter of opinion of the starting pitchers, when it comes to “game calling”. Obviously Smoltz, and the rest of the staff are elated to throw to McCann.
I’m not dumb enough to argue with Smoltz on his OPINION of who he likes to throw to. I will however argue that Salty has a cannon and appears to throw better than McCann.
A couple of the throws sounded like they were Salty’s fault, but Skip and Pete certainly blamed at leas two of the SB’s on Davies for literally ignoring the runner. Can this occasionally happen to McCann as well? Of course it can. But last time I checked, they both have caught the same pitchers this year, haven’t they?
By Berigan
June 6, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
DOB, I know that Salty had 5 players steal on him, but from the quick replays I saw of all 5,(They showed them in about 60 seconds talking about all the steals the Marlins had) it looked like 3 were on the pitchers since the ball arrived after the the ball, he should have had the guy on the pitch out though….
By 1957 Braves Fan
June 6, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Eleven hits and seven walks but we only managed to score four runs. We cannot score runs when we need them the most. This may be a negative post but what do you expect when the team loses like this.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Barry Bonnell
By Chris Woodward
June 6, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Hey Everybody! How’d you like that little performance I turned in today? Nobody makes going 0 for 5 look as good as I do. All but ending the 8th inning rally AND striking out to end the game! I am NASTY. Too bad Andruw’s doing so poorly, otherwise I’d be the shining star of sucking. Hey…maybe they’ll let me pitch in the 3rd or 4th spot one of these days. Or maybe I could just turn around and throw lefty and take Gonzo’s place.
By Bob, Journalist
June 6, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Berigan, … swinging 0-0, still gonna fail 2 or off 3 times I admit to my mental faculties being in decline and that my math is rusty, but I just don’t understand that conclusion … are you sure?
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
Rowland Office
By Chop Chop
June 6, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
Berigan, I’m just kidding around. I’m trying to portray the more reactionary denizens who populate this blog.
The Braves are struggling right now because the lineup and pitching staff are both inconsistent. It’s going to be that way all year. We just have to accept it.
Before the season started, I believed the Braves could compete for the wild card this year. I still believe that, but I don’t want to trade off the good, young talent in order to make one last run at a playoff push. In my opinion, the only way the Braves will trade Salty is if Schuerholz decides that his ego is more important than the long-term future of the team. By that, I mean that Schuerholz sees the handwriting on the wall for the end of his own career and decides to make a desperate and delusional push to win another world title. Excepting that circumstance, I think the Braves will mostly stand pat. As much as I’d like to see the Braves winning the division this year, I’d much rather see the team be competitive for postseason play in future years because of trades that aren’t made now.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
Rod Gilbreath
By Berigan
June 6, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
Rammerjammer, as much as I don’t want to trade Salty, if the Giants would be dumb enough to trade Matt Cain, I’m all for it! I have heard several baseball folk say he reminds them of a young Roger Clemens, so that would be fine with me!
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
Brian20: We are now 4 games back and will be more if the Mets win tonight.
By The Truth Hurts
June 6, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
DOB, as you well know, runners steal as much off a pitcher as a catcher. Ask anybody who’s caught Greg Maddux. Granted, today Salty could be prosecuted by PETA for worm serial-killing, but you also noticed the jumps those runners got on Yates, Paronto, etc.
Not an excuse. A reason.
Salty has an approach at the plate, i.e. he already has more opposite field hits in his brief career as Andruw does in the last 10 years. Or so it seems. Whatever.
If you can insinuate anything about JS’s recent comments about Salty, it’s that he’ll likely be traded. I hope I’m wrong.
On the bright side, Chipper’s thumbs were insured by Sotheby’s.
By Ovation
June 6, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
rammerjammer:
I don’t see San Fran making a trade like that unless they feel Cain isn’t future Cy Young winner everyone seems to think he is. You just don’t trade top-flight, ace-in-waiting pitching prospects.
Unless, of course, Doyle Alexander is the trade bait (thanks again Detroit)!
By rammerjammer
June 6, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
*brent a.,
Was it ‘92? Ah, well, the memory fades. Just glad I can remember at all!
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
Paul Zuvella
By DB
June 6, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
What evidence does Chad Paronto possess on the Braves organization that keeps him on the roster???
By Renegator
June 6, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
I’m just trying to imagine the Braves stealing 5 bases in one game. Have they even stolen 5 bases this year?
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
[Al Hall])http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/pics/alhallautograph.jpg)
By Andruw Jones
June 6, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
“Cha-Ching. Cha-Ching. Cha-Ching. Cha-Ching. Cha-Ching. Cha-Ching….ohhh, wait, what? I’m up? Well…this’ll be over quickly.”
By ncscoots
June 6, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
Please. A trade of Matt Cain for Saltalamacchia, and Sabean would be glad Kinko’s is open late for resume-copying.
By Zane Smith
June 6, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
Tommy Gregg
By null
June 6, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil: You want someone to replace “0-fer” Woodward? Give me anyone with a pulse and someone who doesn’t strike out every other at bat. After an 0 for 5 with 2 K’s and 4 LOB, he is hitting .224, which is only a little better than our All-Star CF Andruw Jones at .219 and our Canadian lumberjack 1B Scott Thorman at .229.
How about Martin Prado? How about Brayan Pena (to give us more options with Salty / McCann)? How about Brent Lillibridge, Elvis Andrus, Eric Campbell, or Van Pope? How about closing your eyes and pointing to the Richmond or Mississippi roster? How about the lucky fan in aisle 119, row 13?
Chris Woodward has done NOTHING and will never be more than a reject player. His career batting average is a pathetic .246. He strikes out in 25% of his career at-bats. He sucked in Toronto so they got rid of him and he sucked in New York, so they got rid of him. It is time for the Braves to do the same!
By Headlines
June 6, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Let’s just trade the whole lot of them for a smelly jock strap or just send them out with the next garbage pick up. Once A Loser, Always A Loser.
By rammerjammer
June 6, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
Berigan,
It’s wishful thinking on my part. If I was SF, I wouldn’t trade Lincecum or Cain.
Great pitching staffs can lead teams to lots of great seasons without a great catcher.
Evidence: Greg Olson, Damon Berryhill, Eddie Perez. Nice guys, good catchers, not great.
By AZBravoFan
June 6, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
Hey Zane Smith, how about Marty Perez?
By Patrick
June 6, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
We should try and trade with San Francisco.
After all, they traded Joe Nathan and Francisco Liriano for A.J. Pierzynski
By Jesse Jackson
June 6, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this
The Rainbow-PUSH Coalition would like to recommend an African-American player to replace Chris Woodward, who can’t hit his way out of a paper bag. Terry Pendleton at age 46 already has a uniform and I am sure could do better than Woodward. Why can’t we play Willie Harris instead of Woodward?
By Steve from OH
June 6, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
If gameday is correct, Gregg threw Woodward the same pitch (fastball) in the same spot (letter-high, right down the middle) 3 straight times and he could not hit ANY of them? At least Pete Orr is fast…
By Eddie Joiner
June 6, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
The Braves dont know how to bunt people over. They dont steal. We are payinying 17 million for a player who plays two thirds of the year. We have another who wants the same amount to hit 230 and strike out. Bobby waits for the home run and when it doesnt comewe wait on base and not score. several times this year we have had runners on second with two outs and when the ball is hit they dont score on singles to outfeild. I thought they were runnning on contact. I saw the third base coach put up the stop sign today in the eight inning. Jeff F. then grounded out to the infeild. Again they play for the homerun and dont score.
By JasonInMaine
June 6, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
Patrick,
I think the Giants got Boof Bonzer as well…3 pitchers!
By Kentavo
June 6, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
This game was treated by Mr. Cox like it was spring training. If Renteria is not ailing, it was no excuse for him to be out of the lineup today.
I know we’re only a few games out of first and right in the thick of the wildcard race, but……
I am almost of the mindframe that the Braves should go with a serious youth movement and see what they can get for Renteria and both Joneses (I know they are both 5-10 and have right of refusal but I think both of ‘em would go to L.A. Dodgers given the chance or Chip would go to a contending AL team where he could DH).
Despite the offensive funk, the team’s real problem is pitching, both starting and bullpen (execpt for Soriano and Wick)
I say unload the vets for pitching. It worked for Florida.
The other scenario would be nearly the exact opposite - trade the prospects (Salty, Escobar) to fill the holes.
The bottom line is, something needs to be done. The status quo is not working.
Of course, if boneheaded Bobby would field his best-hitting team (i.e. getting Salty and McCann and Willie and Diaz all in the same game and benching Andruw) that might work too, until Chip gets back.
By Bob, Journalist
June 6, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
local boy Alan, for one sorry for making it sound like a vent, you gave an excellent imitation of one relishing the moment.
It’s probably in everyone’s best interest that you stay the course and actually effect your posited intentions.
With regard to your suggestion that fans should rethink attending games until the team improves, I suggest you rethink the propriety of considering yourself a member of the fan collective.
Most of us are herein are proud members of that collective, some of rather long standing … and while our frustration levels may be closely tied to the team’s performance, our loyalties aren’t!
The truth is that the team needs fan support when it’s struggling far more than when things are going well … they’ll take your money and hope you enjoy the game, but I imagine that their opinion of you is about the same as yours currently is of them.
No, I can’t speak for the Blog … my opinion is my own and isn’t shared by all … but it is my opinion, plain and simple!
Sorry for making it sound like a vent, but … we have central air and have no further use for than kind of fan.
By alan from Atlanta GA.
June 6, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this
Remember Adam Wainwright? Jason Marquis? and a couple of other pitchers we let get away. Jason Schmidt? I just wonder how McDowell could have screwed them up. Maybe it’s time for JS and BC and RM to retire. Woodward! my G-d! Woodward, Andrew Jones, must be worth a buck fifty on the free agent market, I’d rather be seeing the kids from AA or AAA than see them get more retreads
By Steve from OH
June 6, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
I’ve always been a Bobby supporter too, but I’ve seen enough of Orr and Woodward for one year. Give us a chance Bobby! I also think (unfortunately) we are stuck with Thor for the time being. This may be good. He might bust out of his slump and start hitting well. You never know…
By Ron Roberts
June 6, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
Kentavo’s right, but Edgar being out didn’t cost us the game. Kyle Davies’ inconsistency cost us. We were down 5-0 by the bottom of the third, and our offense (today, anyhow) wasn’t going to overcome that.
Time to start thikning Kyle Davies just isn’t going to be a long-term rotation option for us. Who do we shop, guys? Yunel or Saltalamacchia? Who can we live without?
Before you go answering with your heart, answer with your mind. Yunel’s gonna be a 3B/SS, and Saltalamacchia (per Schuerholz) is a catcher. We have old guys at 3B and SS and just signed our catcher to a six-year deal, and he’s only 23.
So who do we shop?
By teoa
June 6, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
Honestly, I think it’s about time for Homeboy to hang it up…everything he touches lately turns to s*.
The “big” offseason free agent signings of Woodward and Wilson were disasterous. Trading LaRoache for a pitcher that ended last year with a bad elbow turned out to be as stupid as it sounded at the time. Giving away Betemit at the height of his trade value and getting absolutely nothing in return…literally nothing. Stubbornly refusing to allow one of the Braves biggest bats to fortify a struggling lineup because Homeboy thinks Salty should catch one game out of five. Building a bench for a good part of the year with identical no-hit utility men in Woodward, Orr, and Prado…It goes on and on.
I just hope they don’t butcher the Salty trade as bad as they did with LaRoache…The Braves need a lot more in return for Salty than a one month pitcher. Come to think of it, maybe Homeboy could package himself in the deal.
By Chop Chop
June 6, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this
This song goes out to Chipper Jones…
A Zevon Song
By Whitney
June 6, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
Hey Zane Smith, what about Bruce Benedict? He’s a fighter…just ask Bob Horner. ;)
By Hammond
June 6, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
why does cox put yates and pronto in the game they suck! why does or it seem lately that he is putting the weaker team on the field why in gods name did he play Woodward/ and pete orr can hit if it was on a tee cox needs to go
By Jeremy
June 6, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
We have lost 5 of 6 at home and sent the only pitcher to win back to Richmond, do we want to win? I am not paying any money to come to a game when we get rid of a pitcher after a great game. We want Buddy!!!
By Lew
June 6, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this
Has anyone on the blog hung themselves yet?
By Bob, Journalist
June 6, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
teoa, I haven’t said howdy since your recent return … as always, you have a way with words!
I can’t say that I can agree with all that you have said, but again as always, you give good reason to pause and reflect … I’m sure that you gained a fan in Mark Redman … and, there certainly are elements with which I concur.
Regards,
Bob
By Bob, Journalist
June 6, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this
Most know that I strongly oppose booing players but it may well the prescribed treatment for what ails Andruw … any feedback on his reaction, official or no?
By Ippississim
June 6, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this
I wish, just once this season, I could see this lineup: 1. 2B Johnson 2. SS Renteria 3. 3B Chipper 4. RF Francoeur 5. C McCann 6. 1B Salty 7. CF Harris 8. LF Diaz 9. P Smoltz Then I could at least get a glimpse of how it could have been this year.
By Bobby Cocks
June 6, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
Homeboy and Cox have lost their touch. It was Glavine, Smoltz, and Maddux who made them look like geniuses all those years. Cox “fiddles while the NL East burns” because “that’s how he’s always done it” and Homeboy continues his “downward spiral” in the GM seat (with apologies to Nine Inch Nails)
By Braveheart
June 6, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this
Not much to say except that we are really Whitesnaking right now. :-(
By Harvey
June 6, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
time for a shake up lets get new players trade hudson andruw cant stand watching either anymore release woodward orr proato yates moylan dont think anybody would want them also i would trade rentaria his value should be high
By bill
June 6, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
McCann should NEXT YEAR be the first baseman. Salty has a chance to be one of the best defensive catchers in a long time with that cannon of an arm. Moving to first base would save alot of wear and tear for McCann. Of course, we know it will not happen because bobby cox is way too scared to try something innovative and new
By Injunjoe
June 6, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this
Hey guys—let’s get real. Chipper is no longer a full year player and Andy is so streaky you can’t count on him. We have two starters you can count on—Smoltz every time, Hudson every other time, and a bunch of other pitchers who 25 years ago would have been in the minors. Thurman is Ryan Klesko without the power. This is not a team that has been built to catch the Mets. I hate the Mets, but look what they have done without their best pitcher (Pedro), without 2/3 of their starting outfield, and with their best young player (Wright) in a season long slump. The good times are gone—welcome to corporate ownership.
By N8
June 6, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this
Lew
“Has anyone on the blog hung themselves yet?”
I would’ve responded sooner, but I was busy getting the noose off my neck.
By nelson
June 6, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this
is hour to change to davies is a bulk I never habia seen a thrower nastiness as it is it davies, when we are even going to hope that the senor wants to send well, another thing that does woodward in atlanta, James? think that we will arrive at something with James and in addition because they do not remove to kicks mike hampton that the only thing that to fact is to make the money in DL easily
IF the BRAVE ones REALLY WANT TO IMPROVE THEY MUST CHANGE to end SENTIMENTALITY, CHIPPER JONES? it is hour to see if some team of the American league wants it, ANDRUW equal JONES not to hope that when finishes the anus the agent of andruw takes towards another one team to it and we remain with the desire to see it in atlanta again, andruw podra to be very good CF but he is terrible at the moment, this that goes away of mouth treating to give him to launchings by grounds
Diaz? create you who we will arrive at something with Diaz like gardener? francoeur even when francoeur finished with the problem throwing to him to the first launching. you but I am not something tired to be seeing all the time the same and the same and the same it is hour and this anus side if they do not do anything we will be saying ourselves to him to the first place of the east: BYE BYE and we will possibly be again outside playoffs is necessary to pitcher opening but been accustomed to, davies are sweepings AND ARE HOUR TO CHANGE makes IT lack somebody that juege the LF and knows to do it and there it is where if you change andruw podrias to solve the problem, in addition qe many are wanted to chipper but when we have it to have in list DL we leave the sentimentality and even we finish that I want to see my brave returning to be world champions .
By The Grinch
June 6, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
Lew, see what you just did? We almost got rid of Nate and you %^$#ed it up.
BOOOOOOOOOOOO—-LEWWWWWW!
HOOO-RAY—-BEEEEEER!
By nelson
June 6, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
Diaz? create you who we will arrive at something with Diaz like LF? francoeur even when francoeur finished with the problem throwing to him to the first launching. you but I am not something tired to be seeing all the time the same and the same and the same it is hour and this year, side if they do not do anything we will be saying ourselves to him to the first place of the east: BYE BYE and we will possibly be again outside playoffs is necessary to pitcher opening but been accustomed to, davies are sweepings AND ARE HOUR TO CHANGE makes IT lack somebody that KNOWS TO PLAY the LF and knows to do it and there it is where if you change andruw, in addition qe many are wanted to chipper but when we have it to have in list DL we leave the sentimentality and even we finish that I want to see my brave returning to be worldchampions
By Doctor Dictionary
June 6, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
Nelson- Are you missing a few keys on the keyboard, there, chief?
By caveman22
June 6, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this
Bravos are not going to trade Salty or a starting pitcher . That’s just ridiculous. I see that during my vacation time you guys on the blog haven’t gotten any smarter. Just a bunch of knee jerk reactors and dumbass theory’s that mean nothing to no one but yourselves.
By Braveheart
June 6, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
—-0+<
Lew, that’s a picture of them dragging my body by the noose across the ground after I hung myself.
By 59bulldawg
June 6, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this
Just when you think Kyle Davies is about to get his game in order, he pitches another crappy game. With the possible exception of Mike Hampton, never have so many people counted on a Braves pitcher to deliver so much been given so little in return. Oh well, at least Hampton can pitch when he’s healthy. What’s Davies’ excuse??? Is he ever going to suck it up and give the same effort game after game or is he just over-rated? And while we’re on the subject of underachieving pitchers wearing a Braves uniform, what’s up with Hudson. Can he ever get in a groove and stay in a groove? How about a little consistency at the top of our rotation? That would be nice. Hell, the only real starting pitcher on this team is John Smoltz but even he can’t pitch every frickin game. If the starting rotation doesn’t get it together soon, this will be another lost season. I know this is not the best team we’ve ever fielded but there’s no way that I’m believing the Marlins and Nats are better than us. Rooting for this team and expecting good things in return is frustrating to the point of almost making me physically ill. Right now these bums make me sick! But what can I do … it’s an addiction.
By journalist jimmy smith
June 6, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this
jimmy smith will now blog music …
A horse is a horse, of course, of course,
And no one can talk to a horse of course
That is, of course, unless the horse
is the famous Chipper Jones.
Go right to the source and ask the horse
He’ll give you the answer that you’ll endorse.
He’s always on a steady course.
Talk to Chipper Jones.
People yakkity yak a streak and waste your time of day
But Chipper Jones will never speak
unless he has something to say - “uh”,
A horse is a horse, of course, of course,
And this one’ll talk ‘til his voice is hoarse.
You never heard of a talking horse?
Well listen to this: “I’m Chipper Jones.”
thumbs are thumbs and toes are toes,
and what makes ‘em hurt, no one knows,
if thumbs get sore when hoss makes a fist,
time to go on the disabled list.
By The Grinch
June 6, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this
Wow, Nelson; that was impressive. No offense to you whatsoever; I’m sure your English is better than my…whatever that is, but danged if you don’t sound like one of those e-mails I get like “welcome Grinch@Yahoo.com love little girls donkeys microwave justice freakzone knowhow jurisprudence hotel agua moo-cow knevitchflaven.” It’s like radio for the French resistance during WWII. “John has a long moustache.” Someone’s about to have a bridge blown up near them. :-)
DOB, you’re right; I’m sure Salty just pulled a Knoblauch on us and forgot how to throw for the rest of his life. Like Texas, Don’t mess with Salty.
By Judy
June 6, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this
Is Chipper the Wally Pipp of our generation? I like Yuni a lot. In fact all the young guys are busting it compared to the vets. I hope this NEVER becomes Chipper’s team; he’s the worst example of a pro on the Braves. I was going to say in all of baseball but there, unfortunately, are worse. Mr. Jones would rank in the top five though.
By jed
June 6, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this
yeah…nelson…i’ve got a bad hangover and your post scared the bejeezuss outta me. thought i’d lost my mind for sure…burnt the last brain cell. innarestin’….
By flange1
June 6, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this
WOW,
Ugly in here tonight.
By journalist jimmy smith
June 6, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
tomorrow there will be a pie in centerfield. the pie is hitting .275. andruw is hitting .219.
By Bob, Journalist
June 6, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this
Ohio Steve, I too have seen more that I would like of Woodward and Orr ‘cause I think we have better options and it would be good to see “Yunel/Chipper, Edgar, Kelley, Matt, Willie, Andruw, Frenchy and Bryan/Salty starting the game, at least once before I die.
I didn’t mention it yesterday, but Salty and/or young Yunel might prove to be of the leadership ilk for which I was searching … but might isn’t will … at any rate, while I can’t help but be appreciative of their efforts, I would hope that Woodward and Orr could be dispatched so that we could move forward.
However, I can’t understand the reference to Scott’s breaking out of his slump … I see no slump with which to be concerned … he doesn’t need to improve unpon his approach, he needs to change it before it becomes totally ingrained and he’s doomed to mediocrity or failure!
His approach to hitting is almost as flawed as that of our esteemed Centerfielder … well, that unfair … but, it’s certainly flawed and it needs to be changed. Methinks that’s difficult when you’re faced with the pressures of playing first base for the Atlanta Braves. If he’s expendable, then expend and be done with it … if not, give him an even chance to make the grade by sending him down to polish his craft.
I am becoming increasingly concerned with what I’m seeing in/from Bryan McCann … but, that’s a different bedtime story , and as Miss Vivien said …
By MEB
June 6, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
Bob.Journalist… Thank you for your reminder that as a fan we owe the Braves our allegiance if we are on the mountain top or down in the valley. As difficult as it is right now I’d be in attendance for every game if my life would let me.
nelson… please stop blogging for a week or two in order to get your act together. This years Braves are not to be followed by those with physical or mental handicaps.
By jed
June 6, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
i dont mean to go all ‘robert’ on yall, but i’m afraid we’re in for a long year of woodward. one of cox’s great weaknesses as a manager is that he gets fixated on these veteran journeymen players and will not leave them on the bench. i have no idea what he sees in them, and it doesnt matter how many 0 for 4 days they string together—bobby will have right back out there the next day. lockhart, ray sanchez, caminiti, reggie sanders (the single most brutal season by a braves player, in my opinion…i still have nightmares about it), etc. anyway, yall know the story, have seen it year in & year out. this one’s shaping up to be the year of chris woodward. god save us.
By journalist jimmy smith
June 6, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
nelson should try third person and nelson would be a worthy fill-in for jimmy smith when this journalist goes on the d.l. next week. was planning to ask victor but victor has disappeared.
By Tampaparrotthead
June 6, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
NO CHOP ZONE… about your early, early post. You are exactly right and I totally agree with you… THE METS ARE THE BEST TEAM MONEY CAN BUY!!!
By bravos
June 6, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this
it is hour to change chipper, Diaz, andruw, lowering to woodward & orr to the minors and to make changes if non good bye to season 2007
By Lew
June 6, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this
Nathan-Don’t let me stop you.
By raplg
June 6, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
mets ? kiss my a*
By Brian
June 6, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
Bobby,I love you like a father but for the love of heaven stop platooning .Play your top eight and let the lefties hit lefties.They did with success early in the year.And put Paronto on a bus.The runs he gives up in the middle innings are killing us.
By jed
June 6, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
—what IS the plan we’re following with salty, anyway? we’ve brought him to the majors to play occasionally as a back-up catcher. and we’re apparently scared to put him at 1b, where we could actually use him. so essentially, we’re just wasting him on the bench, when he could be playing every day in the minors. the only thing that makes sense is that we’re planning on trading him for a starting pitcher. if so, we’d better get someone good and not one of those rent-a-pitchers for a few months.
—and if you refuse to play salty at 1b, wouldnt it make sense to move chipper to 1b when he gets off the DL, and keep escobar at 3b? (who would you rather have playing everyday—escobar or thorman?) but, i know bobby and bobby’s NOT going to move chipper to 1b during the season. why? it’s another weakness. chipper would be fine there immediately, and eventually he’ll be a very good 1b. any other team would make that move. not atlanta. not bobby. he’d rather have a poor fielding, slumping thorman at 1b than do anything “crazy” like trying to move chipper to 1b. again, it’s a real weakness of cox’s as a manager. (and i’m for the most part pro-bobby cox…)
By Spinelli
June 6, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
How about these trades if JS is to trade Salty:1. To Toronto for Roy Halliday 2.to Detroit for Nate Robertson and Zach Minor or Craig Monroe 3.to Boston for Kason Gabbard, Jacoby Elsbury 4. to Whisox for Mark Buhrle (only if he will sign an extention). Oakland for Dan Haren (not Rich Harden). All of these teams have aging catchers with some pitching to spare, plus they are all in the AL so Salty can’t come back to haunt.
By tyyosh
June 6, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this
If I am not mistaken, the Nelson posts look like Spanish after it has been put into one of those internet translator sites like Babelfish. Maybe he speaks Spanish and was trying to communicate here.
On another note, I must admit that when an article about Sam Perlozzo’s job status appears, I do wonder about what would happen to his uh, coaching staff should things go south for him. The realist in me, though, says that Leo is never coming back regardless. Flame away if you choose, but I don’t think we would be having nearly the same problems if he were here.
By Drummerdad
June 6, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
Strikes me that the “head game” is injured with this team. Confidence is AWOL. The places where young players get confidence are from some early achievement and watching the big dogs do it right. But, the big dogs either aren’t there (Chipper), are not everyday (Smoltz), or aren’t there (Andruw). We struggled as fans watching Chipper go out of action for the last 3 years and asked the question of what to do with a talented player whose body is breaking down. DOB answered that during last season by saying that you don’t mess with a legend (if I remember right). So here we are at the 4th year in a row with him out of action for an extended period of time because the great years have taken their toll. This slide started in Washington when we lost 3 out of 4 to the Nationals. Things were going well prior to that. The previous series was the one in Pittsburg when Hoss got upended. The confidence has subsided steadily since.
I hope Schuerholz and company are looking for some veterans that know how to win and can help this team with some mental toughness.
By TennesseePaul
June 6, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
You know, maybe AJ’s troubles stem from Boras constantly buggin him… “AJ, I’m not going to get me new ivory back scratcher if you keep this up. Start hitting. Do something. PLEASE!” Possibly though it could be that Eric the Elders earlier references of deals aren’t all that far fetched. Maybe the mid season signing is getting to his head. If so I hope they bang it out quick so he can start playing. If not, then AJ’s f-cked. There isn’t much left to tinker with. Well, there is that willingness to work with TP. That might help. If not TP, then Mr. McCann.
By joebrave
June 6, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
Well I’ll be damned caveba$tard22 is back,let’s deduce this jjs,becomes a bird watcher and after a lengthy weekend cavetrash comes back.Oh the humanity….
By SaltyWoody
June 6, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
GRINCH That was unbearably hilarious. I love those emails.
By Bob, Journalist
June 6, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, shades of Eddy Waller and little Robert Blake … Rocky and BlackJack would have been proud of you, not to mention Harry Albershat!! Kudos!
Grinch, I can relate … we must be on the same list … welcome Name@Yahoo.com love little girls donkeys microwave justice freakzone knowhow jurisprudence hotel agua moo-cow knevitchflaven … I get that same email at least once a week.
By h_charles
June 6, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this
Someone tell me why Chris Woodward is on this team? What does he provide we can’t get elsewhere?
Why do we need Pete Orr and Woodward on this roster? Isn’t one weak hitting utility man enough?
By Braveheart
June 6, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this
Is Chipper the Wally Pipp of our generation? I like Yuni a lot. In fact all the young guys are busting it compared to the vets. I hope this NEVER becomes Chipper’s team; he’s the worst example of a pro on the Braves. I was going to say in all of baseball but there, unfortunately, are worse. Mr. Jones would rank in the top five though.
Judy, Chipper has 12 home runs in 160 at bats this season. Escobar has 10 home runs in 836 at bats in the MINORS. In Chipper Jones’ last 836 at bats in the MAJORS, Chipper has hit 54 home runs.
Escobar hit 2 home runs in AA last year. As I have said before, Michael Jordan hit 3 home runs in AA the year he played AA and Michael Jordan had not played baseball for fifteen years at that point. 2 home runs does not a third baseman make.
I hope for the best for Escobar and I think he will make a fine middle infielder or utility man with power numbers like that. The best we can hope for at this point is that he turns into what Betemit was the two years he played here. Maybe he will develop some power at some point. But he is 24 already. When is that power surge coming? We’re waiting. BTW, Chipper hit 30 home runs, had 110 RBIs, and batted .309, .393, .530 in the MAJORS when he was 24 years old.
How is he one of the worst pros in the bigs and the worst pro on the Braves? How exactly? In his first 9 seasons, he missed a grand total of 43 games. The man was a gamer. He is getting older and he is getting hurt. This is what happens, woman. This is baseball.
As I have written before: Don Mattingly - retired at 34 years old, declining health and production from the age of 29. Will Clark - retired at 36 years old, declining health from the age of 29. Kirby Puckett - retired at 35 years old for health reasons. Lenny Dykstra - retired at 33 years old. Jeff Bagwell - done at 36. Jose Canseco - done at 36. Mark McGwire - done at 37. Ryne Sandberg - done at 37. Roberto Alomar - done at 36. John Olerud - done at 36. George Brett - no longer Brett past the age of 37. Dwight Evans - no longer Dwight Evans past the age of 37. Robin Yount - retired at 37, but really done at age 33. Jim Rice - retired at 36 but really done at 33 years. David Justice - retired at 36. Tino Martinez - retired at 37. Dale Murphy - retired at 37 but really done at 31. Joe Torre - retired at 36. Mickey Mantle - retired at 36. Joe D. - retired at 36. Barry Larkin - retired at 40 but done at 36. Lou Gehrig - retired at 36. Albert Belle - retired at 33. Ken Griffey, Jr - injury prone from the age 30 onward. And so on and so on and so on.
Hey, who look who is on that list Judy: none other than the man who Wally Pipped Wally Pipp: the Iron Horse Lou Gehrig. Yeah, he and the rest of those guys were so unprofessional for declining health wise and from a production standpoint as they got to be around 35 years old. A bunch of unprofessional bums, every last one of them. At least Chipper is still going strong from a production standpoint at 35. The rest of them seemed to hit a wall.
BTW, in case you have not noticed Chipper has been the offensive MAN on this team for many, many years. In case you have not yet noticed, the Braves in the last 4 years are 214-163 when he starts and 84-85 when he does not start. 225-173 when he plays. 73-75 when he does not play.
When Escobar does things out there are you about as short bus special as Suzyn Waldman, “Oh my goodness gracious. Of all the dramatic things I have ever seen. A fine singles hitter has hit another single.”
I’ll stop wasting my breath now. I would have called you a retard but I have been asked to stop using that word. This however would have been a very judicious utilization of the retard word.
By SaltyWoody
June 6, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this
How about Woodward, Orr, Prado, Keith Lockhart (sign and trade), and Francisco Cabrera (sign and trade) for Carl Pavano’s ex girlfriend.
Ten bucks says if we put her on the mound every five days, she’ll distract the other team so intensely that she’ll be unhittable.
Plus, having her in the dugout might give Andruw and Chipper and the vets someone to impress…and they’ll play harder.
By joebrave
June 6, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
HERE GOES!!!! While I usually occupy myself with bashing Mutts fans that come here and snub our team,BRIAN MCCANN IS NOT GOING TO BE TRADED!!!ANDRUW JONES CANNOT BE TRADED unless he so Chooses,Not J.S.,Cmon guys please STOP WITH THIS IGNORANCE… John Schuerholz drooped the ball last July,instead of patting A.J. on the back he should have been kicking his @ss out the door.We are getting the same dose of Andruw I CAN”T HIT IN THE CLUTCH Jones that we have for the past 11 years.the problem here is Chipper has aged and cannot make up for the shortcomings of A.J. anymore.Frenchy,B-Mac,Thor,K.J.,and Salty,as well as Escobar,do not have the experience to cover up his shortcomings..Pitching,Pitching,and more Pitching,but there is none to be found!!!!!!!!!!!!
By einstein
June 6, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
I’ll tell you what’s wrong with the Braves (and MLB). 1. Their GM is average when there is no open checkbook. 2. Their mgr quit managing 3 years ago, and is more concerned with setting the record for being “tossed” than winning. Bobby is past due for the farm. 3. Chipper is breaking down from all the steroids. “I’ll retire when they pry my cold dead fingers from my check…” 4. Their batting coach (TP) would have a difficult time teaching Ted Williams to hit, much less Andruw. 5. The team plays with as much passion as a harpist…it’s all about the guaranteed money. 6. Most Georgians really don’t care (nor do they attend)…this is a college football area. 7. And last but not least, MLB will slowly die the dance of NHL and NBA, because it’s becoming the great hispanic pastime. 8. Why is Chad Paranto and Kyle Davies still in the major leagues? Is our farm system so depleted? Joey Devine for president!!!!!!!!!!
By Drummerdad
June 6, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, Well said. I agreed with DOB’s assesment last year that you don’t mess with a legend (Chipper). Still do. (What the Yankees did with Bernie Williams is a travesty.) But I think we need some veteran help to help pick up his load. I’m thinking of the kind of infusion that Terry Pendleton and Otis Nixon gave the ‘91 team. There were others as well, but those 2 stand out in my mind. And I would hope that Liberty will open the purse strings so that we’re not having to “sell the farm” in order to go get some help who can get it done.
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
Grinch, glad to see you’re getting those e-mails I’ve been forwarding to you….
Got to agree with most of what’s been said about the bench, which has been a tremendous disappointment. To see Woodward up there with two out in the ninth, doesn’t exactly give you a positive vibe, does it?…
And regarding a certain post here earlier tonight, as Cary Grant was supposed to have said (but actually never did in any movie), “Judy, Judy, Judy…”
By Drummerdad
June 6, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
I know there has been a lot of love for Andruw in the past. But is his lack of delivery causing him to wear out his welcome?
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
You guys want to take a stab at how many wins Davies has in his past 20 starts?…
….. pause….
… pause….
OK, time’s up. He has four.
He’s 4-9 with 7.55 ERA in his past 20 starts, averaging fewer than 5 innings while giving up 129 hits in 95-1/3 innings, with 53 walks and 64 K.
By A-ville Ranger
June 6, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
This isn’t a bad team.It may not be a playoff team though.The long term potential of the young regulars seems good.With neither of the veteran Jones boys being reliable and with a hit and miss pitching rotation this seems likly to be a .500 or a little better season.If some of the minor league starters pan out the rebuilding may be finished by 2009.Who knows though,if they can make it to the post season with Smoltz healthy and one more starter in top form,it could get interesting.
By Drummerdad
June 6, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
Einstein, I can’t agree with point #1 there guy. Edgar is looking like a real fine pickup. What about Wickman? Gonzalez and Lillibridge? Diaz?
DOB, What’s the word on Tanyon Sturtze?
By David O'Brien
June 6, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
The Braves did have somone at Troy Percival’s workout Tuesday in California. Not sure their level of interest. And unfortunately, don’t know how he’d help their glaring need for a starting pitcher and another bat off the bench.
By NCBravesFan
June 6, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
I strongly suggest the Braves wear the road leotard this weekend.
By Jeff321
June 6, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox should be fired solely for having Pete Orr on the team. Oh right, and for having the audacity to start Pete Orr. Followed by even thinking Pete Orr could contribute anything to this team. Did I mention Pete Orr has 9 hits this year? So does Y. Escobar, with 20 LESS AT BATS!
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
June 6, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
DOB
Do you think Salty could bring us Arroyo?
By Braves Fan in PA
June 6, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this
“Zane Smith” thanks for the links to photos brings back some memories! Zane Smith was one of my favorite players growing up.
About Davies do you know whose career his reminds me of…. John Smoltz both struggled early and it seems like Davies thinks too much what about having him see the Sports Psychologist who helped Smoltz?
Yeah I want to win now too but I hope they don’t give up on him too early! When he is on he seems to be a top of the line starter! When James is on he is good but not dominate like Davies.
By eric the elder
June 6, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
So the proposal is that Salty, a guy with 46 at bats in the majors, will get us one (or two) of the following:
Roy Halliday
Nate Robertson and Zach Minor
Craig Monroe
Kason Gabbard and Jacoby Elsbury
Mark Buehrle
Dan Haren
Not one of those will happen unless the associated GM is career suicidal.
On the other hand, I think JS’s comment that Salty is a catcher, period, means that we had better enjoy watching him this year because it is his last with the Braves.
By N8
June 6, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
“About Davies do you know whose career his reminds me of…. John Smoltz both struggled early and it seems like Davies thinks too much what about having him see the Sports Psychologist who helped Smoltz?”
ARE YOU KIDDING ME????
John Smoltz struggled in his first 12 starts in 1988. Going 2-7 in 12 starts with a 5.48 ERA. AS A ROOKIE!!!!
His “results” in the Win/Loss column were mediocre until the mid 90’s. But he’s had ONE SEASON with and ERA over 4.00. (1994 - 4.14 ERA).
I’ve said some silly things on this blog before, and occasionally type before I think.
But comparing Davies to Smoltz is similar to saying that Pete orr reminds people of Ricky Henderson.
If I was you, I would post a reply appologizing to Smoltz.
By Reality
June 6, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
Andrew in a contract year ????? He is more worthless than a three-headed dildo ….
By journalist jimmy smith
June 6, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
jimmy smith has enjoyed the posts from victor and from nelson very much. it is hoped by this journalist that both bloggers will blog some more. victor and nelson do better than some who enjoy english as their native language. and jimmy smith just wants to say to somebody, “your an idiot!” that one warms the heart of jimmy smith. there are many interesting folks blogging here on the dob/braves/man-in-black/toes/music/pie/barbecue/birds/best-of-cox blog, though journalist seems to have attracted a most untidy little bird blogger with bad bird manners. why this journalist has drawn this unsanitary little bird is unclear to jimmy smith. maybe the little bird will become a gifted contributor to this blog in time … nah, probably not -just a speck in the eye. there is passion on tonight’s blog and that is good. still only four games out. the hitters will hit. the pen can still be formidable. journalist would like to make out the lineup for bobby but, in return, bobby might want to call birds for this journalist. word to the wise: never let bobby cox handle your bird call.
By Stuart
June 6, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
Salty did give up alot of steals today, big whoop, he his hitting .304. Last time I checked, McCann aint throwing really well either.
I am so g.d. sick of D.O.B. and his crap about Salty. You need to keep your hole shut with some of your smart allick posts. Its your blog and all, but still, you sound like some of the a-holes up here in Chicago who make fun of Ron Santo having no legs. I am so glad to be flying home to TN tomorrow.
I dont care who plays where, I want people to hit. I want pitchers to pitch and not fall behind 5-0, (or loose 10-1 when I am in Wrigley for the first time and have to sit through that). I want to go on a 6 or 8 game winning streak, but it wont happen since we dont have enough hitting or SP to make that happen. I want salty and mccann in there at the same time, or I want one traded for an under contract good SP. I want Paronto cut. I AM glad Boyer is up with the big club again.
The braves suck right now. I did not see the game, but the box score tells me all I need to know. Paronto blew another winnable game with another epic meltdown. I am so sick of his fat @ss. He is done more so than Kevin Gryboski ever was. Thorman got three hits, whoo freakin whoo, he wont get three for the rest of the week.
Andruw is really awful. The White Sox need a CF, just ask those a-holes at 670 who I have listened to all week up here. Maybe they have some pitching. Garland looked good in person on Monday. Something has to be done, or get ready to go 80-82, because that is where we are heading.
By Carolina Lady
June 6, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
What might have been!
By brian
June 6, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
I know I am not JS, but no way do I trade Salty unless I am getting a Homer Bailey, Phillip Hughes, or a Scott Kazmir type pitcher in return. A top young starter with a great arm. Destined to be an ace of the staff and under contract for a long time. Unfortunately, no one will be as dumb as the Mets and deal away their top pitching prospect.
I know the Braves want to keep Salty a catcher to keep his value high, but they are doing this to a fault. They need Salty’s and McCann’s bat in the lineup. They need to at the very LEAST platoon Salty and Thorman at 1B while also giving Salty 1 game out of 5 behind the plate. Yes they need to recall Bryan Penya to make this work, but the Braves do not need Chris Woodward and Pete Orr on the bench and Penya could take one of their spots.
I agree that I doubt the Braves will trade Escobar and also feel that would be foolish as well. Escobar is obviously needed at 3B for the forseeable future and will likely be our starting shortstop soon.
I also agree that this is early in the season and despite all the injuries and slumps the Braves have endured, we are in good shape. If the Braves want to shake things up, there is not any good or realistic options.
I, in my novice “wisdom” (and yes I am using that term loosely) would look to the future as much as I could without killing this season. The person that will have a high trade value and be somewhat (and I stress somewhat) replaceable is Edgar Renteria. The same reason why I do NOT want to trade him is the reason many teams would line up to get him. Solid fielder, great clubhouse presence, best #2 hitter in baseball, having a great season, and under a GREAT contract thanks to the BoSox and Marte.
A second option sure to make DOB’s blood boil is trading Andruw Jones. This is very far fetched because Andruw has said that he will veto any trade. The more he is booed and the more he struggles, the more I think Andruw may welcome a change of scenery, especially if that change of scenery is accompanied by a fat contract extension. If Johnny Damon plays 1B with Giambi out, would the Yankees be desperate enough to throw a boat load of money at Andruw and offer the Braves a package we cannot refuse (Hughes and Melky Cabrera?) - I doubt it seriously, but Cashman must feel pressure to shake things up. Texas is unlikely to give up Brandon McCarthy and others but is known to open their wallets (maybe Andruw to Texas for McCarthy and Teixiera? Even if big Tex is gone after a year he can at least hold the fort until Salty or the big Samoan is ready for 1B). The Angels could be another target such as Ervin Santana and Casey Kotchman.
I realize Andruw is not going anywhere but I just do not see where the Braves are going to get a very good, young, affordable arm unless Andruw or Edgar are involved.
PLEASE DO NOT TRADE SALTY unless a top young pitching prospect ready to help us now is included. The Braves will be much better now and long term with Salty AND McCann in the lineup
By SNH
June 6, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
Jeff321 just stated what I stated about 4:30 this afternoon: why does Pete Orr keep his roster spot year after year and Craig Wilson (who has done more in one part-time season in just about any season you pick than Orr has done his whole career) gets cut outright because as Bobby put it, “It didn’t work out. We thought it would be it didn’t.” Is Pete “working out,” or is it just me?
What’s the news on rehabbing Aybar? We was supposed to be Chipper’s backup when we traded Betimit away.
By Drummerdad
June 6, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady, You’re right. They’re all over the map right now. Did you get rain last weekend?
By The Truth
June 6, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Yes Or No ???? Is there a dumber bunch of people than the ones that represent major league baseball ???? Yes, it is the a-hole fans that support them. Go Home, Losers …
By Train Wreck Bystander
June 6, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
I keep reading that the Braves are scouting bullpen help… and it just seems odd to me. The guys we have in the pen are fine. It’s a starter that we need.
If 3 of 5 starts are going to require long relief, well YEAH I guess the pen will be worn down. But the best help for the pen right now would be a consistent, reliable #3 starter.
Having said that, we all know finding a good starter in the trade market is like finding hen’s teeth. I’d love to see JS trade one of the Braves bench players for Justin Germano. Maybe they would give us Germano if we offered Orr, Woodward AND threw in Thorman to sweeten it. HAR. But the way this blog reads sometimes, you’d think that kind of trade was possible. The trades you can get away with in your roto league are not the same trades you can get away with in MLB, people.
It looks like we are gonna have to count on James, Davies, Cormier or someone else already in the Braves system to step up.
Who is it going to be?
By fastasballs
June 6, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
I think half the damn team needs to see a Sports Psychologist, maybe they can get a group rate.
Where is the competitive fire in this team? Andruwism has spread & is now polluting the waters so to speak.
I know it’s against the Braves code of eithics, but I would like to see someone on the team take out their frustrations on the nearest water cooler or bat rack. Maybe a good brawl would do the trick. Something, anything to show failure p** them off. No, not a Pinella type tirade.
I don’t think the young guys know “how to win” so to speak. There are only three guys left from the last WS team. Chipper , Andruw & Smoltz.
I guess this question would be for DOB since he is around the team constantly. Who is the leader/captain of this team? Chipper? Does Chipper or any other players ever get in the grill of a younger guy when he screws up? Cox or TP?
Circumstances should dictate the way a certain team is handled by the coaches. The kid gloves need to come off with this group, IMO. A vetern player or team can right itself without prodding, a team full of rookies & second year guys can’t.
If players are really saying things like “We’re tired” & “We have been at the ballpark a lot lately” then it’s time for someone to remind them how privledged they are to play baseball every day & get paid large sums of money for doing so. It’s their damn job. If they make immature comments like that they should be booed.
By Double Deuce
June 6, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
Had a horse once who could run like the wind. Problem was when there was no wind he didn’t run. Lost some money with that horse. Kinda reminds me of this year’s version of the Braves. There’s a whole lot of horses on this team. Problem is they seem to play only when they’re into it. Probably going to lose some money on these horses too.Unless…somebody actually steps forward and manages this team. Two years ago Jim Leyland was hired to fix the Detroit Tigers. They had talent, but had finished middle of the pack and down for so long they got used to it. I think they were ten or twelve days into the season and after a decent start lost three or four in a row. Leyland called a closed door team meeting, ripped a few as**and laid down the law. His simple law was no matter what happens at home, when you get to the park you get paid to compete. If you don’t come to play, you won’t. The Tigers have done pretty well under his management. The point is, there is a ton of talent on this team but if no one holds them accountable for half aseffort, if no one makes them compete they will continue to play the way they are and we will be lucky to be a wild card team. I think
By Carolina Lady
June 6, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
Hi, DrummerDad! We got only an inch or so. A big disappointment - had sure hoped for more. Y’all?
By N8
June 6, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
Brian McCann had ONLY 36 HR’s in 1082 minor league AB’s.
Yet, he’s managed 29 in 622 AB’s since coming to the majors.
How do you explain that? :-)
I’ll tell you how. In those same 1082 minor league AB’s, McCann had 84 doubles. Anybody that follows the game, will tell you that most of the time, the POWER is the last thing to develop with a young hitter.
But a guy that makes good contact (like McCann), and hits a lot of doubles, will eventually turn those doubles into HR’s.
In 796 minor league AB’s, Escobar has 45 doubles and 10 HR’s. When “pro-rated” to the same ammount of minor league AB’s as McCann had, Escobar would have about 61 doubles, and 14 HR’s. Not really THAT FAR off of McCann’s 84 doubles and 29 HR’s.
Furcal also had 96 SB’s in his last minor league season, what’s his career high? 40? 45? (I forget).
Chipper Jones had 42 HR’s in 1695 career minor league AB’s. Minor league numbers don’t tell the whole story.
Say Salty vs. Thorman for instance. I’ve already seen more patient AB’s in two weeks of seeing Salty than I have in a year (essentially) of Thorman.
When Bobby talks about “tough luck” and seeing eye singles off his pitchers, I chuckle. Or the obligitory “Andruw’s been tearing the cover of the ball, just hitting them right at em’”.
Does he actually WATCH Andruw swing? Results are results, can’t argue with anybody on results. They are what they are. But guys with good approaches, seem to succeed more often than the guys that don’t. Say a guy like Chipper. Regardless of his HR totals when his career is over, people will refer to him as a GREAT HITTER.
Will people say the same about Andruw?
Hardly.
By Paul
June 6, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
If the Braves do trade one of their prospects (i.e. Escobar or Salty) it has to be for a frontline starter. Where is that starter? The Yanks would never trade Hughes. Their rotation is worse than ours. What really is alarming is that fact that Hudson is starting to pitch like he did last year. If you look at his past 4 starts, he has given up 5+ runs in three of those starts. If he reverts to last year’s form, there is no way the Braves sniff the playoffs.
By Headline
June 6, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
Not only do the Braves not know how to WIN but many of them could not even spell WIN. Dah ………. Go back to working at the Varsity and quit embarrassing the city. ‘Would you like fries with d’em dogs, Massa ???’
By Rally Monkey
June 6, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
Someone said it earlier. Wow… it’s ugly in here tonight…..even by my standards and my standards are pretty low!
I seeing some issues with the team that need to be resolved, but some of these guys in here tonight are brutal! Hang this one, shoot that one, draw and quarter that Brave over there!
LMAO
By Bob, Journalist
June 6, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
Alright, time to confess!! Who’s hiding behind the Nelson mask when he should be playing First?
We need to know before we embarrass him and/or ourselves.
Nelson, if you’re what would have us to believe; an honest, sincere, hard working Braves’ fan wanting to share your views, we applaud your efforts … “Nelson” is a fine English name but your word choices and syntax suggest that it’s adopted … relax, most of us have difficulties with the language.
Even if you’re not honest, sincere and hard working … you’re still welcome if you’re a Braves’ fan … you’ll fit right in!
Can you pitch?
By Double Deuce
June 6, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady I was just sitting down to weigh in on this same subject. There is a wealth of talent on this team, but they are underachieving miserably. They have no spark, fire, sense of urgency, whatever you want to call it. It is a privelege to play professional baseball and make a great living playing a sport. It would be nice to see an effort reflective of that, but under the current management style(or lack of)I can’t see anyone capable of lighting that fire, and that doesn’t bode well for the rest of the season. A good manager gets his team to compete every game, so this is a challenge to you Bobby, let’s see if you still have what made you great.
By journalist jimmy smith
June 6, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
a rough day in baseball, so more music …
A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go
Heigh ho, the dairy-o, a hunting we will go
A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go
We’ll catch a doe and stomp her toe
And then we’ll let her go
A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go
Heigh ho, the dairy-o, a hunting we will go
A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go
We’ll catch a bum and mash his thumb
And then we’ll let him go
A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go
Heigh ho, the dairy-o, a hunting we will go
A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go
We’ll catch a geek, pull his oblique
And then we’ll let him go
A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go
Heigh ho, the dairy-o, a hunting we will go
A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go
We’ll catch a scrod and strain his quad
And then we’ll let him go
A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go
Heigh ho, the dairy-o, a hunting we will go
A hunting we will go, a hunting we will go
catch escobar and make him a star
And then we’ll let him go
By N8
June 6, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
Anybody who hasn’t read Bradley’s latest story, should click over and read it. He’s pretty much hit the nail on the head with that one.
Or are you guys all gonna say he’s stupid too?
I’m STILL lauging, btw, about that Davies/Smoltz comparison. Parks THAT is comedy.
By Steve from OH
June 6, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist Sorry, my last post regarding Thorman was a bit vague. I was saying that right now, it is unfortunate to have him in the lineup because he sucks. However, if he stays in the lineup all year, he MAY, and I emphasize the “may,” develop the patience at the plate that he needs to succeed as a hitter. If not, here’s to hoping Salty or Tex is ready to step in. JJS: you are quite the songwriter.
By bravesfan
June 6, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
Somebody needs to get the Braves pumped up for the games. We need Chipper back ASAP. We need our hitters and pitchers to be consistent none of them are except Renteria most of the time. Cause they are one game good next game bad and so on. They need to get rid of Paronto, Woodward, and may be Orr(He atleast give it all he has). Hey David have you heard any rumors of a trade?
By TennesseePaul
June 6, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
DOB: So, I’ve given it a couple months. I’m taking it you weren’t to into the CD I sent your way? Have you had a chance, a good chance, to sit down and give Aquaduct a listen? I can’t seem to get enough of that album or his first full length.
By A-ville Ranger
June 6, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this
DOB Is there a minor league starter in the Braves system with any potential to be of help this season ? Throw us a fricken bone here.
By TennesseePaul
June 6, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
It used to be, part of the Braves winning fire was ignited by Cox having a closed door meeting and setting things straight. When is he going to have one of these meetings with this team? The team has the talent to win it, but this sub .500 home play and recent .500 play isn’t cutting it. Hope something clicks soon. We got a tough schedule ahead.
By bobby
June 6, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
What is the line on when the braves will drop below the 500 mark? Probably by the 4th of July if Chipper doesn’t get back in the lineup. All together ddifferent team when he plays.
By H_charles
June 6, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
DOB What are your thoughts on the Braves lack of speed? Since ‘roids have come under the microscope, it seems the NL is reverting back to a more balanced approach of speed + power. The Mets, Phillies, and Marlins all have lineups that can run like the wind and play to manufacture runs as well as bash. Bobby seems stuck in the Earl Weaver mentality, and I wonder if it is catching up to him this year.
We simply do not have the speed to manufacture runs like our competition. As Whitey Herzog used to say, “speed doesn’t slump.”
The biggest knock on KJ, in my book, is that he just isn’t scary on the basespath. In fact, nobody on this team is scary on the basepath, save Willie Harris. In fact, most of our player run like they are dragging a tire behind them.
So, is it time to try Willie at leadoff regularly? Is KJ the 2nd baseman of the future, given his lack of speed in the new NL East?
By Bob, Journalist
June 6, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
On a serious note, I would sincerely like to join the esteemed Unganian from Cordele in his comments regarding the efforts of Victor and Nelson!
Jimmy’s on a roll … “your an idiot!” certainly warms the hearts of many of us … more than that, it has an endearing quality that helps define the Blog … though methinks he should have used the plural rather than the singular, when making the reference.
How’s My Lady? Other areas have been worse hit than ours but an inch or so would be most welcome …
By Greg
June 6, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
This skid shows the importance of Chipper Jones in this lineup. Without him, we are a terrible team. Too many free swingers, Bobby playing his silly lefty/righty platoons, other teams scoring first. Chipper changes the equation: He’s disciplined and he hits for average and power and he’s a switch hitter. If we don’t get him back soon, this season is over. Yunel Escobar is a good slap hitter, but he has no power.
By Steve-O
June 6, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
If it’s been mentioned sorry but Huddy needs to go on 3 Days rest for this wekeend series….so you get a Huddy Smoltz James 3 game win streak goin ….
By Randy
June 6, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
Just for the sake of responding on the Percival question, adding him to our bullpen would allow Bobby to stretch out McBride, Villareal, or even Boyer as a potential starter. Though personally I don’t think any of those guys are the answer for the rotation, the addition of Percival (granted we know nothing of how he looks or how much he costs) would lessen the importance of some of those guys in the current pen.
Clearly I’m just trying to find something else to think about, because the games have been tough to watch recently.
By A-ville Ranger
June 6, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Headlice You’re projecting onto others.
By eric the elder
June 6, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
N8, okay I read Bradley’s column. The header, likely written by an editor, not Bradley, says “Braves Need Pitching Now, Not Later.” However, Bradley never says that in his column - - doesn’t even allude to it.
All he tells us is that the Braves pitching stinks, as if we didn’t know, and that being the case, we probably won’t make the playoffs. Pretty useless column, I think.
I was hoping he WOULD say that we need pitching now, and that he would tell us which teams are ready to hand over their top pitchers/prospects to us. I know we’re frustrated, but I really think we’re in a fantasy land if we hope to see any significant pitching moves this year. It’s a pitching wasteland out there, and the teams that make the playoffs will be those whose pitching is less woeful than all the others.
By JJMB
June 6, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
CL, well put. This squad is just putting in time. No grit. Ready to go home as soon as they can. They’ll take take the big paycheck, and say howdy-do to all the saps that pony up for them.
By Carolina Lady
June 6, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
Bob, journalist - how are you, my friend? Lots of folk having a hard time in the drought! Locally, retention ponds are drying up, water use restrictions in place; dirty cars, brown lawns and wilted plants are the norm.
Fortunately, out where I am, I have a deeeeeep well and the pond is spring-fed so it is doing well. Without it, I don’t know if the animals would survive ‘cause there has certainly not been any rain. Something like 4.5” in 2007.
Back to the Braves - maybe there are just too many new wives, fiances, new houses, new contracts, too many new teammates coming and going - Who is the leader? Ultimately, that responsibility lies with Bobby Cox. I’ve always been supportive of him, but it would seem that he needs to close the door and have a prayer meeting with his young charges, let them know that they are THE Atlanta Braves, and the post season awaits them IF they go out and give it their all. Putting on that uniform makes each person a part of a unit, and the unit (team) depends on each part performing well. He, or someone, has to direct their focus. Drifting And Dreaming was a great song, but makes a lousy team anthem.
By Carolina Lady
June 6, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, ….. roll eyes, shake head, sigh…
By journalist jimmy smith
June 6, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
tony pena, jr. now hitting .263 in k.c. woodward hitting .224 and orr hitting .205. pena, jr. could play ss, 2b, and 3b and save a roster spot. and escobar … let escobar whistle. journalist remembers when chipper first came up chipper yodeled some in the field. not everyone will remember this but yodeling soothed the young chipper’s nerves much as whistling soothes escobar in the field. jimmy smith fondly remembers trips to atlanta fulton county stadium and hearing “uh, yodel-a-e-oo, uh, yodel-a-e-oo.” then, the ball would be fielded and thrown like a bullet to first base. call it therapeutic. and, did anyone find out what cheeses will be on the table in the draft room? speaking of cheese … this team has a few pitchers that can throw cheese and this is a major difference in the team last year and this. and why does a pitcher who can throw cheese throw his third best pitch in crucial situations? and what is davies best pitch? journalist was having a hard time telling today as many pitches were being driven.
By eric the elder
June 6, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
Looking at it another way, there are about 360 pitchers on the major league rosters right now. That doesn’t include the pitchers moving up and down from the farms. By year’s end, there might be 450-500 pitchers who were in the bigs for some brief or long time. Enough to fill a good sized auditorium.
And how many of them are Smoltzes or Hallidays or Santanas? Very few. Giving up a home-grown top prospect for a pitcher that someone is willing to give up is a real crap shoot. We spent a ton for Hampton - - remember him? We gave up our first baseman for Gonzolez - - remember him? And even if they turn out well, we can’t afford to keep them.
These are the new days of baseball the new economics of baseball. To survive, we need to scout better, draft better, and develop better.
By A-ville Ranger
June 6, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
We can p** and moan about how useless management is an delude ourselves into thinking we could do better.The thing is every sane one of us know’s you can’t win every year.So after 15 strait winning seasons(counting the strike year)the team has one losing season. Now they’re above .500 but the post season looks doubtful at this point.The Skankees with all the resources on the planet,the most storied franchise and the big Crapple to attract the top free agents are worse off than our Bravos.I hope we’re cheering watching a playoff series come Oct.If not, we’ll get’um next year.
By Rally Monkey
June 6, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
eric
Like you, i feel like the pickin’s for a legit starter are pretty slim. I just don’t feel like we can get pitcher value for what we will have to give up for one.
No big deal, but Bradley actually did say we need pitching sooner rather than later.
And now, with 60 of 162 games gone, we see what the Braves must do if they’re to play beyond Game No. 162: Find another reliable starter, and they can’t wait until the July 31 trade deadline to do it.
Just thought I would mention it.
On BASEBALL Tonight, Kruk is supposed to tell us what is wrong with the Braves after the break. lol
By Bob, Journalist
June 6, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this
Greg,
There’s little doubt but that Chipper changes the equation and is important to the team, but we were well aware of Dame Misfortune’s propensity for finding Chipper when we set our expectations … and when he’s not playing, his influence is still there … whether one perceives that as being good or bad.
It’s true that what he brings to the table is important but the season doesn’t hinge on Chipper’s on field presence. Pardon my French but this ain’t a terrible team by any stretch of the facts or the imagination , with or without Hoss in the lineup.
However, it may well be that some of the team’s current problems relate to some of the young players sharing your view and it’s incumbent on Bobby, the coaches, experienced players, and perhaps even the Media to help those players over the hump, if such is actually the case.
Your concerns regarding the number of free swingers, Bobby’s platooning tendencies, and other teams scoring may be genuine, but have little to do with Chipper.
As an aside, Yunel Escobar may not have any power, but 3 doubles and 1 homerun out of 9 hits in 24 tries is slapping the ball pretty good if you ask me.
By TLJ
June 6, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this
I’ve read all of the blogs about who should be traded, who should retire, etc. Bottom line this Braves team is just not a very good team. We need a # 4 and a # 5 SP, a left handed relief pitcher, a first baseman at least one decent bat on the bench. I don’t think trading Salty will fill all of the needs.
However, unless they make some changes another 6-21 June may happen. I see no way for the Braves to catch the Mets. Right now the Braves are playing for the wild card and it’s possbile they could finish in 4 th place in the East.
Bummer, I had high hopes for the season. On the bright side it’s only 3 months before college football.
By Braveheart
June 6, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
Sorry, CL, sorry.
By TennesseePaul
June 6, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this
I guess no one noticed. We have been pretty busy on this blog moaning about the lack luster play. Losing the series to the Fish.
Mets Lost. Lost the series to the Phillies. Lost 3 in a row. I’d love to have gained on them, but we didn’t. The next best option is to not lose ground. We are still 3.5 back with a 100+ games to go. The season isn’t over yet. We just need these guys to start playing better. We need to trim the dead wood.
Drop Woodward. Drop Paranto. Pull off a trade for bench help or something. Perhaps Sturze? Wasn’t he supposed to be ready by now? We have options to improve this team. We have the means. It isn’t going to take a ton of moves to get it going in a better direction. Our bench is stronger now than it was at the start of the season. Our rotation, as hard as this is for a few to swallow, is better now than it was when it included Mark Stinking Redman. If we shore up the bench just a tad more. And clean up some of the lose ends in the bullpen, we’ll be able to get this thing going strong. Mostly though it is going to take the team believing in itself. It’s June. If they start getting down now, we’ll have another June Swoon and we’ll be out. They have to want it. They have to play like they want it. And they have to do it every single game. They need Cox to fire ‘em up like he did during the streak.
By Carolina Lady
June 6, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, you are forgiven.
:-)
By parks
June 6, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
I’m STILL lauging, btw, about that Davies/Smoltz comparison. Parks THAT is comedy.
Thats what keeps me coming back to the blog N8.
By TK
June 6, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
Has anyone else heard the rumor that the Braves were looking into trading for Eric Bedard of the O’s???
By Daybed Wagmoe
June 6, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
Got to agree with most of what’s been said about the bench, which has been a tremendous disappointment. To see Woodward up there with two out in the ninth, doesn’t exactly give you a positive vibe, does it?…
no, it doesn’t give me a very positive vibe, but for what it’s worth, woodward technically wasn’t in there as a pinch-hitter at the end of the game…
By Carolina Lady
June 6, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
Good night to all.
By journalistjimmysmith
June 6, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
somethingiswrong,journalistisunabletospace.jimmysmithispullingjimmysmithoffthebloguntilthisconditionimproves.
By Bob, Journalist
June 6, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
Shame, Shame on you, William Wallace!
Talked to baby brother earlier … he’s had strong winds but no significant rain in Roswell either … your situation sounds similar to his … without the well, but he does have his lake. Songbird activity here has certainly decreased over the last few days … bummer!
Regarding the Braves, you say it so much better than I! That’s among the many reasons that you’re the Blog’s First Lady … stay safe!
By Brad in MT
June 6, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
Wow…what a bunch of fair-weather fans. They haven’t had a great couple of weeks, and this series wasn’t good at all, but to say the season is lost is a huge stretch. The Mets have the same record in the last 10 games, and I am pretty sure no one is saying their season is over. We got swept by a surging Phillies team that has already taken two from the Mets, then went on the road and won 4 of 6, which is a great trip no matter who your playing. Every team goes through bad stretches, its part of a long season. The offense is the same one that was scoring runs in bunches earlier, they aren’t going to struggle forever. Our rotation has to be fixed, hopefully Davies will show come consistency or Cormier will pitch like he did in Spring Training. I know this team has holes, but I think in baseball right now every team does. We are only 3 1/2 behind the Mets and to give up on catching them, and especially to say the Wild Card is out of reach seems a little crazy to me at this point in the season.
By NC Bravesfan
June 6, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
Didn’t get to see the game this afternoon but did read that the Fish stole 5 bases on us…any mitigating circumstances?” Salty’s arm has looked pretty good to me over the last few weeks!
By JasonInMaine
June 6, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
Wow…I have been known to get frustrated with th team and say the occasional negative comment, and I do believe this team has some very real concerns, but the blog has reached new lows in regards to negativity!
By journalistjimmysmith
June 6, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
offthebloguntilthissituationimproves.
By Kieran: Long Island Braves Fan
June 6, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
I got your bat off the bench here… His name is Scott Thorman. I asked this about Langy and I’ll ask it again about Thor(God of Wiff Related Wind) How low does the average have to go for him to be yanked from the order?? The answer for Langy was sub .170. That’s gonna be a long, painful game of Limbo with Scotty if he’s gotta go that low.
The met’s are fools for not using Aaron heilman as a starter, he’s being totally misused. Maybe he’ll get booed outta town and the Barves can Get their hands on him, erm, not likely…
Also remember 2 of those 4 Davies wins in his last 20 came against the Mets. That means he’s only beaten 3 major league teams in 20 Starts.(Assuming the otehr two are differant opponents) Ouch is right. The TBS announcers brought up a stat about hios runs given up in teh first inning. Dont remembe rthe numbers, but man were they bad. No differant this afternoon.
But hey all this Chaos and they’re still just 3.5 back!
Watch out for those Fartin Phils, although a sweep of teh mets would surely mean that they’d be swept by the Pirates back in Philly next right??
By teoa
June 7, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
Thanks, Bob, it’s good to be back, although I’m frequently reading even when I haven’t had time to post. And you’re right — how could I leave off the Redman signing from my list? Guess I was doing a pretty good job of blocking out the Redman-era…
Cheers, teoa
By Coach
June 7, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this
Another lefty(Olsen) , another loss. Three more lefties in the next four games against the Cubs. 12-15 against left handers , 21-12 against right handers. Then we are going to see Minnesota and Johan Santana , Cleveland and C.C. Sabathia , Detroit and Boston. Get used to it , it’s going to get worse before it gets better.
By Drummerdad
June 7, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, Not your best foot forward with the words to the Carolina Lady. But you finished right and well and I commend you for that. I usually dig your posts on the Tomahawks.
Carolina Lady, Sorry I didn’t get back to you before you said good night. I was watching Myth Busters with my boys. Weatherwise, we got a bunch of rain down here from Saturday morning thru last night. Sunny and humid today. Just like your situation it was much needed.
This team started off well obviously. But they seem to lack some mental toughness right now, Maybe they’re tired. Early on they were delivering 2 out base hits with RISP, fighting back, and winning games. They don’t seem to be in the games consistently now.
Don’t look now, but Tim Hudson ain’t bowing by people these days either. In my big fat humble opinion I really believe that John Schuerholz needs to trade for a couple of proven, veteran position players to make an impact on these guys. And I think that the train of popular opinion on Andruw Jones is leaving the station if he doesn’t get his act together. Tenn Paul, refreshing news on the Yets, I mean Mets. There is some hope that we’ll regain some form and wind in the sails. I asked about Tanyon Sturtze a couple of times but haven’t goptten an answer yet.
By 3trees
June 7, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
Thanks for all who try to keep a sense of humor in here. I know its tough as these guys are in a real funk (not the good kind) right now. It will eventually pass, but its looking like this is a good but not playoff caliber team as others have noted. Its a tough game and can make you look just like the Braves look now. I did raise an eyebrow at Francouer’s comment about “being at the ballpark a lot lately”. Huh?
CL - Good to see your post and comments. Sorry for the lack of rain, but its that way here in ATL as well. Thank goodness for deep wells and tree cover.
Thank goodness for friends and the Meters too!
Go Braves!
By David O'Brien
June 7, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this
Hey, I see where Clemens threw 55 or so pitches to hitters at Tampa and blah blah yahdee yahdee felt good groin scar tissue sunday pittsburgh $28 million $18 mill prorated regrets i’ve had a few but then again too few to mention … whatever.
By David O'Brien
June 7, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this
Hey folks, this just in: The Braves are 3-1/2 games out of first place. Repeat, 3-1/2 games out of first, despite losing 15 of their past 24 games and six of seven at home.
Anybody who thinks 3-1/2 games out of first place with more than 100 — repeat, more than 100 — games to play is some sort of significant lead, well you really haven’t followed many division races too closely over the years, have you?
Or does what the Mets are doing these days really make you shake in your boots? Perhaps that overwhelming Pedro Martinez throwing session that we saw on the highlights yesterday, where he barely gets his hand extended behind his ear?
Come on. It’s bad right now, but what were you saying a week ago? That’s right, you were saying the Braves just got swept by the Phillies…. Oh, wait, nevermind. I meant, what were you saying two weeks ago? Damn right. You were saying this Braves team was looking good. OK, maybe it was three weeks ago. Anyway … you were saying it. Or someone was.
OK, gotta go watch Entourage on ondemand.
By joebrave
June 7, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this
Here’s a familiar shout out to,Mary met,NCZ,Metroman,and any other asinine @ss clown,Mets Lose,Mets Lose,MetsLose,hahahahahahahahahaah,especially you Mutts fool!!!!!
By Braveheart
June 7, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this
Not your best foot forward with the words to the Carolina Lady. But you finished right and well and I commend you for that.
Yeah, you’re right. Thank goodness CL is a cool woman. However, what good is the world without a little healthy sexual harassment now and then? Well, on second thought, the world might actually be much better off because then humans could never procreate and the world might actually survive the next million years without us humans being seemingly hellbent on destroying it with our nukes, nonsensical religious wars, and our disregard for the long term disastrous effects of global warming. Okay, not sure if I agree at all with that statement. Just thought I would be make an overly dramatic statement for no apparent reason whatsoever.
BTW, loved your love for Bernie. The fans always treated Bernie, Don Mattingly, Paul Oneill and Tino Martinez without alot of respect during the sunset of their careers, chanting their names and whatnot. Will never forget the Donnie Baseball chants in 1995 or the Bernie chants of the last couple of years. The coolest and most touching moment was when they were chanting Oneill’s name during the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2001 World Series, which they knew was his last home game and the ole warrior started tearing up in the outfield.
Wish some of the numbskulls on here would start showing Chipper that sort of appreciation while they have the chance to do so. Don’t let him leave here not feeling loved. It’s pretty sad when the Shea Stadium taunts of Larry, Larry, Larry show more appreciation and respect for Chipper than what he often gets from too many Braves fans.
The two coolest moments for me this season were how the fans reacted when Smoltz won number 200 and when the fans started chanting Bobby! Bobby! Bobby! when he was getting tossed from the last game. That was really great stuff.
By Coach
June 7, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this
Absolutely O’Brien. The Yankees are done , stick a fork in them. Their season is over.
By Bob, Journalist
June 7, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this
TLJ, Right now the Braves are playing for the wild card and it’s possbile they could finish in 4 th place in the East
Make no mistake of it … the Braves are playing for the Divisional Championship but would certainly like to make the playoffs at the wildcard team should those efforts fail to be realized.
That can be said of many teams with only a few realizing their objective … whether we are one of those succeeding teams is of far lessor consequence than the team’s finding itself and giving 100% … if they do that they’ll be fine, regardless of their winning percentage … and if we don’t appreciate their effort, then shame on us … not them!
I agree that we should rid ourselves of any not worthy of putting on the Leotard … and then quit worrying and start embracing … Bobby’s shown that it gets the most out of the players, and after all, that’s a pretty good idea … even if it his and not ours.
I too had high hopes for the season and still do … of course I want us to win … every game! But, an exciting, competitive team that gives it’s all is what I expect … and I’ll be as surprised as I am disappointed if that’s not what I get.
Make no mistake of it … the Braves are playing for the Divisional Championship but you’re also wrong … they could finish fifth … and if you don’t think our posturing has an impact on the team’s performance, then you just don’t think!
Goodnight Miss Allen
By Wayne in Utah
June 7, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this
A couple of points of clarity from my late post last night. First, I did not say that Thorman was the next Mike Schmidt. I did say that the Phillies stuck with Schmidt through a terrible hitting first season.
I like Thorman’s upside, but if there were a viable alternative, I wouldn’t mind seeing that person in the lineup some. Is it Diaz? probably not. Is it Saltalamacchia? I suspect that it could be, but you know Bobby’s penchant for keeping a catcher in reserve.
Davies is a typical 2nd year pitcher that hasn’t quite figured it out yet. He might NEVER figure it out, but until somebody else steps up, I like his upside.
Woodward and Orr have both been disappointing, but who is available??? Really, nobody.
Nice to see Boyer up and getting them out. Also would be good if Paronto could maybe go down for a few weeks to work out the kinks, ala McBride.
As for Thorman not having a clue, he has been good at driving in runs in April and very early May, if my memory serves me correctly. Also, if he had as many AB’s as Andruw, his prorated numbers would be better. AJ just plain stinks.
BUT, the real problem with this team, besides needing the rotation to settle in, is that when Hoss is out, we don’t have it.
I really don’t like the pithers that are supposedly available for either Salty or Escobar.
Folks, as my friend Brad in Montana states, let’s get real and realize it’s a long season.
Thanks goodness Willie has not cooled off yet. If McCann doesn’t get it together soon, he might have to shave that peach fuzz off and get a fresh start.
Let’s get behind our team, and not get too up or down with the swings all teams have during a season.
We might not be quite World Series material, but we are certainly close enough to still hope and dream. Whining about Woodward and Babe Davies is not solving anything.
By N8
June 7, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this
DOB
The lead could be 3.5, 10, or we could be up by 5 games.
That’s not the point, IMO.
My point (yes, somewhere in my negativity, I have one), is that our pitching stinks. Or did you already forget the Davies stats you posted earlier? And he’s our 4th starter. I don’t think people get the seriousness of that last statement and the following stats:
“He’s 4-9 with 7.55 ERA in his past 20 starts, averaging fewer than 5 innings while giving up 129 hits in 95-1/3 innings, with 53 walks and 64 K.”
THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A MINUTE!! That is our FOURTH best option in the entire organization to start a baseball game on the mound for us!!!!
If that doesn’t sink in and “say it all” for the people that think we’re going places, I’m actually at a loss for words.
That of course doesn’t mean I’ll stop typing. :-)
Alright, here we go. Our best pitcher has a bum shoulder. Our 2nd best pitcher is a setup guy that hasn’t been needed due to the depth of the less than mediocre pitching that’s entered games before him. Our 2nd best pitcher from last year (Chuck) can’t get into the 7th inning most of the time. Our April Ace (Hudson) looks like he did last year, lately. (ps: That’s NOT a good thing)
Add to that our best hitter and leader (Chipper) for the last decade can’t grip a bat, much less do a pushup. Our best hitter for the NEXT decade, can’t hit like he’s capable of doing, due to getting hit in the hand by a bat. Then there’s Andruw….
Like you said, 3.5 games is hardly a lead that is too big to overcome. I will argue though, that if things don’t change and chang quickly. It will be a lead that THIS team cannot (and will not) overcome.
By Savannah Guy
June 7, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this
Carolina Lady 8:53 post Right on in your 8:53 post. On your later posts: Is it hot in here or is it just you?
null: Interesting post. You are being politco-sport-tically incorrect. But you have inspired the following advice to Bobbin-on-the bench-Cox, John Shure-holtzs-his-opinions and Liberty Mee-dee-uhh and justice (tax shelters) for all…
CONSENSUS OPINION ABOUT WHAT THE BRAVES MUST DO TO SURVIVE AND LIBERTY TO BE HAPPY AND FRANCHISE MANAGEMENT TO BE CONTENT WITH BLAMING LOSING TEAMS ON THE ALLIGNMENT OF THE STARS, THE FCC, THE SHAREHOLDERS AND NOT THEIR OWN ACTIONS- OR THE LACK THEREOF:
Immediately Trade (regardless of their tenure or contracts): Smoltz, Hudson, Soriano, Wickman, Jones (Hoss), Renteria, Johnson, Francoeur, Diaz, Harris, Saltalamacchia, McCann.
Keep and Start: Andruw Jones (until he starts hitting and figures out his place in the universe), Woodward (2nd), Orr (catcher), Prado (3rd), Thorman (1st), Danny DeVito (short), Aybar (wherever he wants), Hampton (until he comes off DL then trade him), Gonzo (‘til he gets healthy then trade him), Davies (ace), McBride (LF), Paronto, Boyer (RF), James.
Bring back immediately: Redman (ace #2), Wilson (CF).
Braveheart Whitesnaking? Actually, Braves are weird Al Yankoviching right now.
journalist jimmy smith Are you putting yourself on DL? Is it the thumbs? Did a bird inject his beak into the fatty part of your hand? Can you not type with your pinkies and other digits? Are you a Mr. Ed theme song kinda’ guy? What will we do for affected poetry when you depart? Nelson? Can he fill your shoes? Feed your many songbirds? Match your prepositions and participles? Your dangling modifiers? No. It is inhuman!
fastasballs 9:08 Good points. I think I made the same ones recently. So did almost everyone else on this blog. I think I even saw them on the History Channel.
On the Pinella tirade…weak. He is NOT a master of contrived anger or enthusiasm. Dibble kicked his a* in the clubhouse. The Cubs will not excel.
On everything else Pay yer-dues then we might listen First, let me just say: don’t you guys hate it when a new blogger comes in and posts a comment that is so oblivious to what you guys have been saying for hours, weeks and months? Hate it when that happens. They should at least read the article, then read the comments from the beginning so that they don’t come on as Johnny come lately’s with: “I think Cox should retire”. Or, Thorman and Woodward suck”. Or, “golly gee, we have to get starting pitching or we won’t get to win the World Series”. Don’t you think they should earn their right to “belong” on this blog? They have to earn their position here. Can you believe it? They expect some of you old-timer-paid-yer-dues-bloggers to actually respond to them? The audacity. The sheer ridiculousness of it all. They need to earn the right to be responded to. Unless they are irritating Mets fans, then they get a free pass to joebraves heart. Give’em hell joebrave. You are a real, chicken-wing-breakin, sloppy joe eatin’ mean guy and I think we should all join in your fighting fire with bodily fluids. Blah. Blahblah. Yakkety. Blah.
By The Grinch
June 7, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this
Bob, your post inspired me. I’m now willing to strap on the leotard, and I’d be willing to bet a whole lot of money that the muscle behind my nearly b’s is bigger than anyone else here who wished to make a similar comparison. I have the biggest pec to boob ratio of any dude here who wants to bet (that has both). Speak up. I ain’t skeered.
By DAD
June 7, 2007 1:25 AM | Link to this
The powerful Mets team is on the way to the World Series while the inept Braves are on the way to the bottom of the NL East. The Braves will not win the NL East in the next fifteen years while the Mets will break the Braves record of 14 consecutive NL East titles. Braves fans wait and see. My predictions will all come true.
By Wayne in Utah
June 7, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this
N8 When did you get so cynical? Don’t you realize that the season is long, and that teams both slump and surge. Yes, Davies has had a bad record for the past 20 starts. Do we really want to count the 8 starts last year. JEEZ, that was last freakin year already. What does that count AT ALL. Not a dang thing.
Davies has alternatively stunk and pitched well this year. We have won a tad over 50% of his games this year. Maybe he gets it, maybe not, but I am not about to just ditch him or our team because he both sucked and got hurt last year.
James has pitched OK this year. Does Hudson’s recent woes mean he is washed up, or does it mean he has been in a lull?????? We hit the skids when Chipper went down, not when Redman pitched, not when Redman was released, not anything but when Chipper went down. Now, that doesn’t mean that we don’t need our staff to even out a bit.
Soriano sucks when things aren’t on the line. He has never done well starting in his career.
I just don’t understand the panic? What will you say if they turn it around in the next 2 weeks. Will that mean we are WS bound. HECK NO. It will just mean we turned it around for awhile.
Like Dave says, after a lousy 3 weeks, we are still only 3 and a half out.
How many years of the past 16 have week been in the lead from gate to gate??? I would hasten to say either none, or not too many. I just remember us being in the lead ALL but one year when it counted.
Nate, maybe you should go get some drugs or something. Don’t let this get to you too much. You are too good of a fan to get this negative.
By Wayne in Utah
June 7, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this
Nate: One more thought. Many of the things that confuses many on this blog concern the question: “Why can’t we start this guy, or why can’t we bat that guy there, or play this guy over at that position?”
The answer to most of these questions is that we can’t because that is the way Bobby and JS do things. Always have, always will. Wanting them to be something they are not, is wasting your time worrying about something that you can’t change.
My grandpa years ago told me to not sweat the stuff I couldn’t change. He was right.
By Savannah Guy
June 7, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this
Speaking of baseball:
Does Tim Russert remind anyone else of an ultra-left-wing suck-up, liberal version of Captain Kangaroo?
And he used to seem so unbiased. Then biased. Then nice when selling dad’s book.
Oh, it’s late. Never mind. Don’t scratch that, just never mind. Blah blah.
By The Grinch
June 7, 2007 1:58 AM | Link to this
Sav Guy; not famililiar with book, can’t weigh in (wouldn’t anyway if political). I do like russert potatoes!
Wayne: “N8, when did you get so cynical?” That’s like asking Tom Cruise “Tom, when did you become a bad actor?” Luv ya bro, but sometimes gotta wonder if Utah’s gettin’ to you.
By Wayne in Utah
June 7, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this
Grinchster: Actually, maybe it’s being out of Utah this week that has me turning into one of those “I love everybody liberal types!” Been in Montana and Idaho all week on a road trip with my 15 year old. Drove through Yellowstone today.
I miss the South, but I love the west!!
Good night all!
By The Grinch
June 7, 2007 2:18 AM | Link to this
Wayne, bad acting, while accepted all too often by tax-paying Americans of all political denominations (hence its obvious popularity), is simply a vile offense, much like peeing on the boot of one’s parson. It will not do. I shall sermonize when I have more energy. Until then, peace be unto y’all. G’night.
By Bob, Journalist
June 7, 2007 2:24 AM | Link to this
Grinch, inspiring you is no great shakes … why that’s like preaching to the choir, but your secret’s safe … now take off the leotard, put on your superhero suit, light up a Mac, and be nice … there’s work to be done … the Blog’s infested with folks pretending to be fans!
Wayne, grandpa was right … but it’s a sword with another side … too many folks use it as an excuse not to expend energy when they could made a difference if only they would.
By Bravo Nam
June 7, 2007 3:56 AM | Link to this
Get some backbone
This blog is over-represented by spineless fans who like jumping off and on the Braves bandwagon when it suits them. Stop the negativity already- stop the sanctimonious musings about how much better your anaylsis is than BC and JS- stop your yellow backed whinings- stick with the team during the good and bad (and you can hardly call 3 and a half games out of first place bad) or go and follow another team, coz your kind isn’t wanted around here.
DOB
Two questions:
1). When do the contracts of Aybar, Villareal and Cormier expire? If signed through 2008, how much for?
2). There was some mention on the blog yesterday about Ken Rosenthal talking about an imminent signing of AJ. Have you heard anything? My gut feeling is it’s off the mark, coz I can’t see why on earth JS would be resigning Jones at this juncture for even 13 mill a year given his current form and concerns about his long-term health.
Trading Salty
Looks like it could be in the works. JS, in his conversation with DOB, was adamant McCann is our future catcher. He was also firm in his opinion that Salty is a major league catcher. Can JS give any clearer indication that Salty is on the block? I expect given the past week’s pitching performances, he will be traded for a SP.
Get both on the field
I know I sound like a broken record, but get Harris and Diaz both on the field playing every day.
By CHRIS WOODWARD
June 7, 2007 5:01 AM | Link to this
you think the team is playing bad now? just wait until my personal scientist clones me and orr. then there will be 12 of me and 12 of little petey on the roster!!!! btw pete, i don’t care if you won at rock/paper/scissors last night, i am pitching every 1,3,5 games.
By scottyboy th-orrman
June 7, 2007 5:05 AM | Link to this
woody, you’re dreaming buddie! bobby already said i get at least 4 of the clones. you and petey can handle the pitching but i have the infield covered. someone has to hit the runs in, right? look at my avg., i’m far superior to you and orr dog!
By android jones
June 7, 2007 5:11 AM | Link to this
you guys are both out of your minds. neither of you can hit worth a crud! at least give it some effort like i do. remember what bobby says….a player with dirt on their uniform is a player that is giving it his all. i give 110%, ask the laundry guys. do you know how many pants i’ve worn a hole in the right knee from my vicious swing? you 3 just get on and once every 11th game, i promise to hit you in.
By Coach
June 7, 2007 5:43 AM | Link to this
Bravo , let me get this straight. Brayan Pena is hitting .233 with zero HR’s in Richmond , McCann is playing hurt , the offense has gone in the crapper and you think Salty is on the trading block ? Right on ! good idea and in the words of Donald Trump……..YOUR FIRED !!
By serbok
June 7, 2007 5:59 AM | Link to this
“mornin guys~ I usually always, sometimes maybe, Post in the wee hours of the morn~ to carry the torch sorta speak? LOL And this post might probably work as all the others have shown spontaneous semi-agreement with ALL the bloggers who have blogged b4 . However, this morning I can certainly say that we most probably have in the making~ A certain predeliction to the future outcome that this season may or not bring. I am A little bit uncertain as to the true nature as to what may or not be a braves fan! We all see that the strongest line up is not being put forth? Why? I agree that JS pretty much said that Salty is not gonna be a Brave for much longer:o( This guy is no Wilson Betameat? From his stature and brief appearances on the field~ he kinda reminds me of a John bench? I’m not gonna rip on bobby anymore~ for those who read the blog~ you guys know how it is? It just to me, seems like~ It shouldnt be that difficult to put the best 8 on the field. I do agree (for what its worth) That someone needs to show these kids “how to win” We have Absolutely nobody to do this? Who is the leader on this team? Bobby Cox? I digress, Season has much more to transpire, than to just be negative? We are better than most teams in mlb! Yet? The bloggers still whine?
By yogi berra
June 7, 2007 6:19 AM | Link to this
Who the hell woke me up?
By JasonInMaine
June 7, 2007 6:55 AM | Link to this
DOB,
I think that is part of the frustration…if we were playing .500 ball over the last 24 games or so, we would be in 1st place. You have to beat the teams that you should beat, especially when the upcoming schedule is so brutal. So, while all is certainly not lost; we have missed some opportunities to take advantage of the weaker part of our schedule while the team in front of us hasn’t been playing particularly well. A couple of teams in the West have been playing great and are the main competition (so far) for the WC. We have just missed some opportunities.
Regards,
Jason
By JasonInMaine
June 7, 2007 7:10 AM | Link to this
The Braves hit more HRs, hit 32 points higher, and strike out 5 less times in the Marlins series. But, they lose 3 out of 4. Why? Fundamentals, small ball, and manufacturing runs certainly played a big role.
By Ron Roberts
June 7, 2007 7:26 AM | Link to this
DOB… I’d heard around various trade rumor sites and blogs that the Astros are dangling Brad Lidge around, but what about Jason Jennings? He’s pitched well for them the past season and a half, and would certainly be no worse than a good-to-decent #4 starter on our squad. He’s a free agent this upcoming offseason, so I’m wondering if they’d have an interest in moving him.
By Thrillhouse44
June 7, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this
Anyone who is thinking about jumping ship should read DOB’s 12:40 AM post. We’re only 3.5 games back with plenty of ball to play.
By Ron Roberts
June 7, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this
Thrillhouse and DOB are right, and my positivivity post yesterday said essentially the same thing.
But if we’re writing revisionist hisory here (that’s alot of what we do here, right?) then I think it’s fair to look back at the offseason moves and nit-pick a bit.
I was never crazy about Mike Gonzalez coming here, and not because of his injury status last season or any lack of ability; no doubt, he’s good when healthy, but I thought the move was over-kill when it came to bolstering the bullpen.
I’d have rather seen (if we were going to trade LaRoche) a move for a starting pitcher since we were counting on Mike Hampton’s return from such a long injury. That’s coming home to roost, now, too. Our bullpen’s fairly good even without Gonzalez, but it doesn’t matter a bit if 60% of your starting rotation isn’t consistently good enough to keep you in the games they start.
If we’d had Hampton come back, and effectively, we’d have just had an abundance of what the rest of the contenders would be wanting, which would’ve put us in an enviable position come trade time.
Don’t get me wrong; I still think Lance Cormier’s gonna be fine once he gets back into the major league frame of mind, so that gives us Smoltz, Hudson, most of James’ starts and Lance, but we’re falling woefully short with Kyle Davies more often than not, and you have to ask how much more patient can we afford to be with this kid?
Buddy Carlysle should’ve applied the amount of heat on Kyle’s rear with that last start. I’d kinda prefer to see Kyle wink-wink strain something and have to pitch two weeks or so of “rehab” assignments in the minors while we see if Carlysle’s already learned something at this level after his first bad outing and actually can hang in the bigs. Let’s remember, his first start was against that vaunted Red Sox lineup.
By Coach
June 7, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this
Well , whatever. If you think the blog is negative right now , just wait until the end of this month. Braves nation will be ready to eat itself alive.
By Bravo Nam
June 7, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
Coach
By all means, fire me. That ain’t going to change the fact that Salty’s on the block. I didn’t say Salty will be traded NOW- but I think he will be traded some time after McCann is in good health. I wouldn’t read too much into Pena’s stats. I think he would get a new lease on life if Salty was traded and perform well again at the big league level. Let me make this clear- I’m not saying Salty should be traded- but look at what JS has been saying and don’t let emotion cloud that reality.
By Bailey
June 7, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this
Why not trade the All-Star catcher with, seemingly, the lower ceiling? He is a proven guy and might et the same attention on the market as Salty. Remember, he is 22 also, and is locked up for 6 years. Does anyone think Salty could start for us now??
By matt
June 7, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this
I’ve been to six home games this year. All losses. I have seen Mark Redman pitch FOUR TIMES!!! One of those was a spring training game, but still a loss. Why is this happening to me? I’m a good fan! Am I some kind of jinx?….Nah….this team just blows.
By ncscoots
June 7, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
Assuming there were a stud pitcher significantly better than Davies and James available (there probably isn’t), and assuming an equitable trade package could be assembled (that won’t gut the farm), with what money does the blog propose to pay said stud pitcher?
Get all that working, and you can start sending out your resume for a GM job. For sure, I have plenty of work for you as an accountant. Because Houdini ain’t got nothin’ on you, my friend.
By Ron Roberts
June 7, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
I think you’d upset the apple cart (Smoltz, Hudson, James in particular) by shipping off the catcher they prefer working with. Smoltz alone would be miffed, I think. He spoke so highly of McCann’s game-calling earlier this season. I’ve always thought Smoltz was very calculating with his words, too, ya know? Like, maybe there’s an underlying reason he made glowing remarks about McCann with Saltalamacchia on the horizon.
By Thrillhouse44
June 7, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
Coach,
It’s natural to get frustrated after several (or even one) bad games. But the thing is: a baseball season is very long. There are going to be ebbs and flows throughout the season. For every 7-1 streak there’s likely to be a 1-5 slump. The Bravos are cold now, but I expect them to get hot at some point in the near future. There were a number of times during our division winning streak that we were behind at the All Star break, but the Braves came back and won the division. I don’t know that they’ll win it this year, but it’s way too early to throw in the towel. It just seems that some of us bloggers think the season is over because we are struggling in early June. I’m still positive that we can compete for the Division or the Wild Card. Just my thoughts on the whole thing…
By Lee
June 7, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
Bailey -
If I was general manager of the Braves it would be McCann that was dealt and not Salty. But that is why I am on this blog… because I am not the G.M. Braves will keep McCann over Salty - no question about it. I fully believe it will prove to be a mistake in due time. Salty will hit with more power, maybe average also, is a switch-hitter and has better defensive ability.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
The bullpen likely costs the Braves a playoff spot last season. And I don’t think there is anything wrong with “overkill” when it comes to acquiring arms.
And the Braves’ top three starters are below league average in ERA. Another pitcher (Villarreal) who could start is also below average and has a very impressive K rate. (Free Oscar from the ‘pen!)
Actually, the pitching staff as a whole is only a few points below league average in ERA. Once the offense gets healthy and gets going, this team will be good enough to at least contend for the wild card spot. And if the Mets falter just a little and the Phillies continue to struggle, I see no reason why they can’t win the division.
Once the offense gets healthy and gets going, the Braves will also have plenty coming off the bench—Salty, Harris, Escobar.
Here’s some telling stats that may indicate that this team is capable of easily making a playoff run—they are 3rd in baseball in extra base hits and third in total plate appearances. They are hitting the ball hard and sending a lot of guys to the plate.
Also, they are 8th in baseball in quality starts. The rotation is good enough for the offense to keep them in games, once it gets rolling.
Yes, the offense is struggling right now, and this is how this team must win games, but there is absolutely no reason to believe it will continue to be this bad.
By Coach
June 7, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
Bravo , you don’t have any facts. You have no idea what Schuerholz is going to do about Salty. Just a quick Braves history lesson. Chipper was a 1990 1st round draft pick who started at SS , moved to left and now is at 3B. Salty is also a 1st round pick(2003) , also a switch hitter , has a great arm just like Chipper and has nothing but great potential just like you know who. Salty can be moved to 1B or 3B depending on the future needs of the Braves. Andruw is all but gone after this season , Chipper has a team option for 2009 but do you think the Braves will be inclined to pick it up after the end of the 2008 season ? Edgar Renteria is in the same boat. His contract is up after 2008 with a team option for 2009. So , do you really want to hope that Escobar , Lillibridge and maybe Andrus will be able to fill in the whole left side of the infield ? Will Thorman pan out at 1B ? Do any of these four young Braves have the switch hitting power potential that we already see in Salty ? Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
By Jersey Gil
June 7, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
This is the Blockbuster Deal the Braves need to do: To The Tampa bay:Salty/Woodward/Anruw/Orr
To the Braves:Kazmir/Crawford/Wiggings and Problem Result.Also guys looking at last year Standing at the same time we was 29-30,4th in the Div at 6.0.. at June 6…this year 33-27, second at 3.5 games , so we gain 4 games before the June slumpig.
By Coach
June 7, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
Hey , I posted this before. Last season the Braves averaged 5.22 runs per game. This season in April 5.33 , in May 4.28 and so far in June 3.71…… if you can’t score , you don’t win no matter how good or bad the pitching is. One more ugly stat , 12-15 versus lefties.
By ncscoots
June 7, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
Ron, you’re a hoot. You show complete confidence that Cormier will be an excellent pitcher (based on a single spring training and a disastrous first start); and obviously feel the same about James (who’s averaging 18+ pitches an inning and has made 7 innings once in 11 starts); yet Davies is the question mark?
Don’t get me wrong, Kyle needs more consistency in his outings, no debate. But your confidence that the other two guys can carry their water any better has no foundation.
At least two of these guys have to step up, but which two can do it is far from determined. All three should be looking over their shoulder, not just Davies.
By Ron Roberts
June 7, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
Shaun, we don’t know that the rotation’s gonna be strong enough for this team to contend or win the wild-card, as is. We’ve had consistency from John Smoltz, but Tim Hudson’s been AC/DC of late, and although Chuck James’ stats might look good on the whole, he’s only pitched more than 5.1 innings four times in twelve starts, overall, and has been off-and-on himself.
I agree; acquiring “arms” isn’t overkill… acquiring too many bullpen arms is, though, and we’re not going to move Rafael Soriano to the rotation now that we’ve seen how good he is at the back end of the bullpen, and with Wickman now putting a good scare in us earlier this season when he had back issues. We have so many bullpen options in the minors (Devine, Startup come to mind right away) along with Yates, Paronto, Moylan (all of whom look dazzling at times and dismal at times) that I’d prefer, as well, to see Oscar Villareal in the rotation at this rate, as opposed to the iffy Kyle Davies, but I was saying that during the offseason anyhow (along with Cormier).
That being said, we’re not currently built to contend unless Davies suddently becomes consistently good (and what evidence do we have to suggest that’s going to happen?), and that Chuck James does the same (which I suspect will happen…he’s good a good head on his shoulders). Then we still have to expect Cormier to get back into the MLB mindset (I give him good odds to, but…) and we’ll be “decent” most of the way through.
But there sure are a lot of variables there, aren’t there? And as our offense has shown lately, the ill-timed slump or bad day seems to be falling on Smoltz’s starts, so it’s no gaurantee his starts are sure-fire wins, either.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
ncscoots,
Salty and Brandon Jones to Boston for Jacob Ellsbury and Clay Buchholz or Daniel Bard or Michael Bowden. (Probably not Buchholz because he is tearing up AA and I don’t know if the Sox would trade their top pitching prospect.)
Braves could throw in one of their thirdbase prospects—Van Pope or Eric Campbell—as the Red Sox will likely need a thirdbaseman soon, and maybe get another pitcher out of the deal.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
June 7, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
“You folks are crazy.” (Little Feat reference). I got some good laughs out of lastnight’s posts. And while I’m not lining up for my turn on the ledge with most of you, I will agree with Carolina Lady and Double Deuce. All this team needs is a kickstart: a trade, a bench-clearing throwdown, a fire in the pressbox, another Jimmy Rollins quote, or some kind of combustion to bring them together. Right now we’re playing to the level of our competition. Don’t be surprised if we reel off 7 or 8 out of 12 against the A.L. “powerhouses.”
Kicked by the Wind, Robbed by the Sleet, Had My Head Stove In, But I’m Still on My Feet.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
Jersey Gil,
The Rays aren’t giving up Kazmir and why would they want Andruw? They have plenty of young, cheap, good outfield options. And I’m guessing there’s a 0 percent chance that Andruw would want to sign with the D-Rays or the D-Rays would want to sign Andruw next season.
By Coach
June 7, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Jersey , 5-10 and if you don’t get understand what that is , well look it up because it’s the reason your absurd trade proposal could never happen.
By biffpocoroba
June 7, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Old School Trivia Question:
Who was the fourth member of the broadcast team with Ernie, Skip and Pete prior to the insufferable John Sterling - late ’70s early ’80s timeframe. Thanks for the help.
By Lee
June 7, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
biffpocoraba -
a guess was it Milo Hamilton
By Efrim
June 7, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
DOB
Your right, we have overreacted to every loss lately.
But this team is 9-18 in there last 27 games. That is terrible man. You can look no further than that Saturday night in Pittsburgh when Chuck James pitched 7 innings and gave up only 1 hit. Oddly enough the same series when Chipper got hurt. They are finding new ways to lose, whether it is a bad pitching performances or inconsistent offensive output. That isn’t a good sign.
I’ve said it about one hundred times on this blog.
Its difficult to win the division when your BEST player only plays 120 games a year.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
I think there’s a better chance that the pitching/defense will be good enough and the offense will be great enough to the Braves to at least contend for a wild card spot than for them to finish around or under .500.
This is still a good offense (don’t let a month’s worth of games fool you) and a decent pitching staff. And the bullpen isn’t going to blow late-inning leads like it did last season.
I think the question is does this team have enough to win the division or is it merely a wild card contender?
It’s hard to tell if this team is going to be a 93-95-win team or a 85-90-win team.
If they don’t at least contend for the wild card, it would be shocking (barring a serious Smoltz or Chipper injury that keeps them out for well over a month).
By ncscoots
June 7, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Shaun, sorry, those are prospects, not “stud pitchers”. Absolutely no indication that the pitchers mentioned could perform any better at the ML level than those currently on the roster. A completely different scenario than the one under discussion.
Hold on to your resume just yet, LOL!
By Lee
June 7, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
For everyone who keeps saying trade Andruw…HE will not agree to any trade this year and I am not sure any team really wants him for just the remainder of the season. Maybe the Angels
By Ron Roberts
June 7, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
All this talk about the Braves’ struggling versus lefties as opposed to righties…
We lead the league in runs scored against lefties. We have a .266 batting average (.268 against righties, by the way) lead the majors in HRs, second in doubles, and lead the majors (by a wide margin) in total bases.
Incidentally, a funny note from ESPN.com…
RHP Buddy Carlyle hung around the clubhouse another day, even though he’s been assigned to Triple-A Richmond. He had 72 hours to report to the minor league club.
Think he, too, wondered WTF was he being sent down for with what the team has for options besides him? Especially after his last start? Just chuckled when I read it.
By Bailey
June 7, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Lee…send him to the Angels for Ervin Santana, then.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Coach,
Did you read Schuerholz’s comments (courtesy of DOB) that the Braves organization sees Salty as a catcher?
Obviously no one knows what the Braves are going to do but looks like a trade is the most likely scenario.
In my opinion, he’ll go to the Red Sox for one of their three stud pitching prospects, as they are the only team I can find that has a lot of top pitching prospects and a need for a young catcher (as Varitek is getting older and is signed only through next season and I see no top catching prospects on the horizon for them).
By Bailey
June 7, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
Ron…are those number per game, or total? We have faced a ton of lefties this tear, and i doubt other teams have faced close to the amount we have.
By Ron Roberts
June 7, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
Here’s some more stats of concern, Shaun, et al, about our starting pitching….
Here are teams currently getting better results from their starters, overall….
Pittsburgh
Chicago Cubs
Houston
San Francisco
Baltimore
Baltimore? Can anybody name a Baltimore starter without looking it up?
Oh, and these teams all have losing records. Fix the rotation and the team can hang.
By Wayne in Utah
June 7, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
At any point in this miserable season for Andruw do you think he and/or Scott Bore-us would think a change in scenery would do him some good??? Just curious.
Don’t quote me the 10-5 stuff. I know all that. I am just curious if anybody thinks there is ANY point in their plan where a trade is something they (Andruw and Scott B) would entertain, or think in their be$t interest?
And some of you guys think Scott Thorman, Pete Orr and Chris Woodward are the biggest drains on the Braves!! I propose the loud sucking sound is coming from the direction of center field. With a normal Andruw May, we could be in first place or neck in neck at least.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
ncscoots,
Two of the three throw fastballs in the 95-100 mph range, according to scouting reports.
I think I would trade Salty for one of those guys before I would trade him for a guy like Mark Buehrle or Dontrelle Willis.
I would definitely want to trade Salty for someone around his age so you get about equal value for about the same time frame.
It’s not helping us if we trade him for a guy that is only going to be around or effective two or three seasons at the most.
The only way a trade Salty for an older pitcher is if that pitcher is someone like Santana or Webb or Oswalt, and I doubt those guys aren’t going anywhere.
By braves fan
June 7, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
DOB,
What are your thoughts on the Braves trying to entice the White Sox into a swap of pending free agents? Maybe Andruw Jones with a prospect for Jermaine Dye and Mark Buehrle?
By Wayne in Utah
June 7, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
Ron: Erik Bedard…..
By Bailey
June 7, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
RON
Eric Bedard (i think he leads the ML in K’s), Daniel Cabrera…those are the only two i know.
By Lee
June 7, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Bailey -
Andruw for the Angel’s Ervin Santana. Even though Santana is not exactly tearing it up right now. 5.32 era… record 4-6…he is in his mid-20’s and with the season Andruw is having I would say it is about an even trade. Like I said he would probably not go for it though.
By Efrim
June 7, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts
Erik Bedard leads the AL in K’s. He is an ace under 30. We haven’t had one of those in a while.
By Jersey Gil
June 7, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Coach I know that this trade is absurd, and i understant what is 5-10(10year in the MLB 5 with same team)he is the only one in this trade that have that.But like all the discussion for trade in this blog, every one have one absurd one. Looking at all MLB roster for utility player there no one that have the same problem that the Braves has with Woodward(There are Defenses player that can play the infield and the Outfield not to much Avg)…example(Cantu (TB) Gomez(O”s)Vazques(TX)Dobb(Phi)Chavez(Met) so what is the problem that everyone want to release Woodward.Reality is we don’t have a strog Bench,like in the past(Betemit,Franco,Ward). So Bobby have to live with that.
By Ron Roberts
June 7, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Bailey,
Cincinatti (53) and Cleveland (51) have played in more games than Atlanta vs. lefties. The Phillies and Braves have played in the same number of games (50) vs. lefties. The Braves have many many mor ABs (812) than any other MLB team against southpaws, though. But only the Mets, Astros and Dodgers hit better against lefties than the Braves in the NL.
By biffpocoroba
June 7, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
Lee-
I actually don’t know the answer, but don’t think it was Milo. Pretty sure he was gone by mid-70s.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
The Braves don’t need great pitching. They need decent pitching. The offense is good enough to keep the run differential high enough to contend.
The Braves are 8th in the majors in quality starts with 32. That’s 32 times the starters have given the team a good shot to win so far this season.
Now, I’m aware they aren’t going to win all of those games but the pitching is good enough and the offense is great enough to keep this team in contention.
The pitching is average. But once the offense gets going, that’s all it needs to be.
By We Have Mets the Enemy
June 7, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Milo Hamilton was calling games for the Pirates by the late ’70s.
I don’t remember a fourth announcer for the Braves in the late ’70s. Maybe back then they had sense enough to realize there’s no need for another talking head, anyway. Best I recall, two of the three worked the TV game and one worked radio, and they swapped around every three innings. Seems like Ernie always took the lead for the last inning-and-a-half of the TV broadcast.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
Pittsburgh and Houston have actually given up more runs than the Braves, if runs mean anything to you.
By bclontz
June 7, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
I’m not going to say anything bad about the Braves today. Everything has been said. I just hope that things turn around and we start to win. I’m a Braves fan ! I stand with the team, win lose or draw (even though I do get discouraged at times) and yes I run my mouth about this and that…..I still love the team and will try to refrain from casting stones in the future. If it gets to be too much, I won’t watch…..I’m tired, I’m old and my blood pleasure and blood sugar just won’t handle it anymore….For health’s sake….Good luck Braves…..
By Ron Roberts
June 7, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
Good job, kids. Bedard was mentioned earlier in the blog. wink And we’er talking about a guy with an overall losing record, who was 15-11 last season and has shown moderate progression the past three years. He’s not an ace, but he’s their ace.
You could say much of the same about Daniel Cabrera, too… overall losing record, slight, moderate progression, etc., not an ace…
I was hoping somebody’d mention Steve Trachsel, actually.
By Braves20
June 7, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
Have to wonder what people are thinking. Everybody wants to trade the two best prospects in the organization (Salty & Escobar) for a #3 pitcher. This isn’t Andy Marte we’re talking about. Most teams would have already installed a switch hitter who has hit ML pitching at first base - screw “trade value.” As for Escobar, anybody noticed the left side of our infield is getting a bit long in the tooth? And that he’s hitting everything in sight? And while I rant, what’s up with Carlyle being sent down - he may be a one game wonder but he sure didn’t dig us a 5-6 run hole by the 3rd like Cormier and Davies.
By Seasontickets
June 7, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
The only thing I’ve seen them do as a team lately is check out the chicks in the stands or the ones the Braves provide on top of their dugout as eye candy.
Yesterday was a perfect example - because of a day game I assume, a lot of people without tickets to the dugout section were allowed to sit there. One in particular was a solo female in very short shorts and a very tight tank top. She plopped down in the second row, right next to our dugout. Lo and behold! Who could care less about what’s happening on the field after that? The answer - Our team!! From coaches to players they all trained their sights on her for the last few innings. You have to wonder if the boys started putting that much attention toward the game instead of paying attention to what’s in the stands, we might win a few more. As a fan it ticks me off when they are losing these home games and they’re playing around but can not find the energy to be at the rail to show support for teammates As a father it ticks me off because there are so many young fans in the crowd now that summer is here, what message is that sending to our youngsters? Of course the cameraman doesn’t help either by finding the sleaziest females in the crowd to put up on the big screen, but this team should be focused on the game, not the crowd!
By Bailey
June 7, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Thanks, Ron…I knew that we faced a bunch of them. It seemed like there for a while we’d never see a righty again.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Seasontickets,
I hope that’s not a serious post. I sure hope your joking.
Braves20,
Yeah, no team keeps major league ready hitters out of their major league lineup, do they?
How about Ryan Braun earlier this season? How about Chris Shelton from the second-half of last season to the present? Happens all the time.
By Jeff R
June 7, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Braves run production down. How has the pitching staff’s era tracked during the periods Coach mentioned?
By Jersey Gil
June 7, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
bclontz I’m sorry about you blood presure and sugar…but men, this is the fun part about this…i’m old to and suffer enouch with the 70’s 80’s Braves team.But i still listening and going to the games to see those young braves kids to emerge as an major leaguer.
By We Have Mets the Enemy
June 7, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Seasontickets, considering how gay the Braves’ play on the field has appeared lately, I’d say it’s more likely the coaches and players were checking you out.
By Braveheart
June 7, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
I would trade for Cabrera and Bedard so long as Mazzone was coming with them.
Again, which pitcher exactly has McDowell really helped along?
By Lee
June 7, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
Mark Bradley did hit it on the head with his column: Negativity is one thing………..reality is another. It is kind of gambling on teams with your heart and not your head sometimes. This current Braves team is not going to get it done this year unless some trades are made.
Anyway just for the fun if it…………… 2007 seems to be the year for teams out of the western conference winning pro championships. Ducks just won the Stanley Cub Spurs will dispose of Cavilers in 6 games if that many is needed) And no I am not giving up on the Braves - I always pull for the underdogs….however I am not predicting them to wind the division or Wild Card. If they do shame on me and I will be as happy as anybody on this blog….. I
My predictions, * just a hunch*, are as follows:
NL 2007 winners NL Pennant World Series East - Mets Mets West - Padres vs Central - Brewers Wild Card - Diamondbacks Diamondbacks Diamondbacks
AL 2007 winners AL Pennant East - Red Sox Red Sox vs Central - Indians vs West - Angels Angels Angels
Wild Card - Tigers
2007 World series winner Angels over Diamondbacks in 6 games - sorry Mets fans your team is not as great as most of you think and Red Sox will meet their match with the improving Angels
By Ron Roberts
June 7, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Guys, Bedard’s not even in the top 150 in slugging percentage against. He’s not an ace.
He’d be a solid #2 or #3 guy on anybody’s rotation, but he’s not an ace.
Would I take him? Heck yeah, but not for a primo prospect.
My point is, would you compare him to Smoltz? Would you compare Baltimore’s #2 to Hudson? I mentioned Baltimore (and other teams with better starting pitching results so far than Atlanta) because while we racked up quality starts early on the backs of Smoltz and Hudson’s great starts, we’re not getting them much from our 4 and 5 guys, and we’ve not had consistancy from Chuck James (and Hudson, of late, either, really) to say we’re okay and things will just “get better” on their own.
By Lee
June 7, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Seasontickets, I hope that’s not a serious post. I sure hope your joking.
Shaun I am with you on that comment.
By Bailey
June 7, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Braves20…it’s not that we WANT them to trade Salty or Escobar, but SOMETHING HAS TO CHANGE. Whether they trade Thorman and put Salty at 1B, or McCann and let Salty Catch…or trade Edgar and let Escobar play SS, or move one of them to the OF, we don’t really care.
But something HAS to change.
By Seasontickets
June 7, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Sir I do not find any humor in what I’ve been seeing lately and would never consider it as any type of joke
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
Lee,
Yes. Reality is this team is 33-27. Their expected record based on runs scored and allowed is 31-29 (which is about as good as any other wild card contender).
Reality is several key players (namely Chipper and Smoltz) are injured and several are under-performing based on what we’d expect them to do in 2007.
Reality is this team is probably an 85-92 win team and will eventually wind up as a Wild Card contender, at least. That is as long as there aren’t any significant injuries. Could wind up worse, could wind up better but this is the most likely scenario based on what we’ve seen so far and what we expected before the season started.
Sorry to disappoint all you pessimists and football fans who don’t have the patience to judge a team by more than 30 games.
By Ron Roberts
June 7, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
Shaun, The Astros’ starters have given up one more run than Atlanta. The Pirates two. C’mon….. lol. They’ve also pitched nearly as many innings (their starters) as ours have, in less games (one less for Pittsburgh, two games less for Houston).
If you’re comfortable with our team making the postseason with starting pitching comparable or worse than the Astros and/or Pirates, then good luck.
I’m saying our rotation has to get improved results. Bullpen’s fine, offense, in general is fine (esp. with Chipper healthy).
Rotation, after Smoltz is a roll of the dice.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
Bailey,
Yes, Chipper and Smoltz need to get healthy and a few key players need to play like they always do, which will happen.
I’m all for a trade that improves the team but this team doesn’t have to have something drastic happen to be a contender.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
Look at the Cardinals’ starters last season. Look at the Yankees starters last season.
If you have a good offense, your pitching just needs to be good enough.
Starting pitching is only one part of one half the equation.
Would I like to see better starting pitching? Of course. Can the Braves contend with what they have? Probably. They aren’t going to win 95 games but they can contend.
By Alex
June 7, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
If the Braves trade Salty, it’ll be a move they will regret for a long, long time. His upside is better than Brian McCann’s. We already saw what Brian McCann can do, last year. That was it folks, if you think he’ll have a better statistical year as a catcher, esp. offensively, you will be proven wrong. His defense has been slumping as well.
Salty will be the next “stud catcher” whenever he gets the chance to do it full time, if not for the Braves, than elsewhere. Think Posada, “Tek” but better!
Salty should stay and the Braves should trade McCann if not this year, than next. He’s signed on relatively cheap, and his value has declined slightly this year, but they should still be able to get something good in return, like a starting pitcher from the A’s or prospects maybe from Boston, or another team. Pitching is needed, but the future is Jarod, not Brian McCann.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Seasontickets,
What I mean is, you don’t seriously think the Braves recent struggles are due to a lack of effort, do you? I hope that post was just trying to stir up stuff on the blog.
By Braves20
June 7, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
Chris Shelton - there’s somebody 28 or 30 teams are dying to have!
Bailey - I agree something has to change but let’s not go back to the 70’s & 80’s when we mortgaged our future for studs like Len Barker. Actually I think your scenario where we trade Edgar might not be that crazy. Value will never be higher and there is that step or two he’s lost at SS. But only if we get a solid #2.
By Lee
June 7, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
Shaun
Pessimists, optimists, football bloggers, professional columnists bloggers, dummy bloggers, …………Shaun please don’t sound like Gary Sheffield segregating the different posts. Everyone has a right to their opinion on this blog. You do not have to fall into 1 category to be a Braves fan. By-the-way I don’t like football that much especially like I do baseball..
By Lew
June 7, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
Glad to see the neighborhood hasn’t changed overnight. Let’s see if I got this straight. BC and JS suck and should retire. The Braves suck and should retire. The Braves have the worst pitching staff in the history of ML play. The Braves will not only not win the division, will not win the wild card, will come in fifth in the division and are unlikely to ever win another game (except against the Mets, unless Oliver Perez is pitching). Someone one the blog is due to commit suicide any moment now if we don’t sign Mark Buehrle. Salty will be traded or kept. Salty will be traded, but only for a pitcher named Santana or Clemens (or whoever won a game last night). Smoltz’s arm fell off. Davies never had an arm. Nathan just turned negative. Grinch doesn’t care that he has man boobs, because he pumps iron and they’re hard. Does this about cover it? Good, I’m going to go listen to music, because as The Lizard King said “Music is your special friend.” However, I will not dance on fire as it intends.Later y’all. Keep away from sharp pointed objects. There is no Wurlitzer for obituaries.
By Bob, Journalist
June 7, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
Bravo Bravo Nam!!
By Patrick
June 7, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
DOB,
What did you think of the new Entourage this week?
Can’t stand it though that HBO is making you wait two weeks between episodes lately…
By Braveheart
June 7, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
Shaun, unfortunately, I think that guy is serious. Sounds like he went to the game with his wife and he was the one checking out the babe in the stands. His wife probably noticed and got angry. But he tried to justify it saying, no, no, no, honey, I’m just appalled by the Braves players checking her out. I’m not really checking her out. I’m just monitoring how much the Braves players are checking her out. Yeah, right. Sounds like someone has season tickets they are afraid to lose in the divorce because of their straying eyes. Don’t project your own sins onto others, season tix.
By flange1
June 7, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
I agree with your Boston trade idea, if Salty gets trades, that is the type of deal that will happen. Everyone needs to remember we still have payroll issues and if we could trade Salty for Roger Clemens, we could not afford to pay him.
I think JS will look at Boston, Detroit, and the 2 LA teams as trade partners for Salty because they all have young talented pitching.
It would not surprise me to see the Braves try to look at Mike Maroth from the Tigers when Kenny Rogers comes back.
By Seasontickets
June 7, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
Sir; once again, I was not joking about what I witnessed yesterday. My point is the frutstration that I felt when we had runners on base, could have very well have been back in the game but the dugout area was consumed with this female in very provocative clothing, as opposed to trying to concentrate on the game and rally their teammates.
No, I was not trying to stir this blog up, I was venting my frustrations just as every one else has since I agree that something needs to be done about lighting a fire under this team.
This was simply my observation about their is a lack of concentration and that the team themselves do not seem to be into the games as much as one would think they would want and need to be given their home record as of late. I truly apologize if my observation offended you given that I had no statistics to back it up.
By Bailey
June 7, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
Shaun & Braves20
I dont necessarily think it is something drastic that needs to happen, but SOMETHING or someone needs to shake things up in the club house. Even if just a little rumble. If something comes along that is drastic and it will help the team now without hurting us in a few years, then we need to do it.
By TennesseePaul
June 7, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
If we trade Salty mid season it will not be for a couple of AA pitchers. It’s just not going to happen. Looking back at recent history we can see our last uber-prospect, Andy Marte, and what happened with him. We brought him up and let him play for a while at the top level. Then we traded him for an All Star Short Stop, not a handful of AA minor leaguers. We traded an early 20’s prospect with a few at bats at the top level for an older proven veteran and cash. Salty will not be traded for some other teams minor league system. If he is to be traded it will be for an impact, proven player. IF he is to be traded. I don’t think he will be traded until the AJ scenario is settled. No way JS trades Salty until he knows for sure and for real what is up with AJ. And I’m not sure he’ll trade him then. He’s a good player. He’s a big bat. We have at least 2 positions where we could fit him in on a regular basis. We’ll hold on to Salty for a while I think.
As for how Salty is viewed, I wouldn’t say Catcher or trade, if that were true, he wouldn’t be taking grounders at 1B. He wouldn’t have been brought in at 1B the other day. He wouldn’t be mentioned in the same breath as 1B other than to say, “he is not going to 1B.” Salty’s bat is forcing JS’s hand. He’ll find a way to use him. He’ll exhaust all possibilities before he trades him.
What we need now is more consistancy out of Davies. I see those last 20 starts stats. But those also include a groin injury. I see Davies minor league numbers. I see a string of consecutive good innings followed by an atrocious bad outing. I see some of those outing looking worse because Tonto comes in and allows 95% of inherited runners to score. Davies needs to be more consistant, but he has improved over last season. He can get it together.
James is doing better than he appears. We’re something like 7-5 in his starts. He has a 3.78 ERA. He a little under a K an inning. And his K/BB ratio is steadily improving. He was amazing last season, but you must remember, the bulk of his work came in the hottest part of the season. I think his best is yet to come. He should end the season with an ERA closer to 3 than to 4.
Our bench is better than it used to be. There is room for improvement, but it is certainly better.
Bottom line though, we need the vets to step up. We need AJ to swing his bat like he is capable. We need Chipper in the line up. Those two things happen, we can weather the pitching short comings.
In the mean time, we’re only 3.5 back. Both the Mets and the Braves have tough schedules this month. Face it guys, it’s going to be a battle all season long. I’d rather have it this way than a blow out though. At least this way we have the chance to go into the post season with the team in game mode instead of relax mode.
By Seasontickets
June 7, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
Sir - I attend the games with my teen age son and some times with my 10 year old daughter. My wife passed two years ago so I am not afraid of losing anything to divorce. I resent your implications, and thank you for making a new comer feel so welcome.
By Bill
June 7, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
Don’t trade Salty for Bedard. We would need more in this trade. Keep Escobar and Salty and see what happens this off season. I hate to say this but the one with the most trading value is Renteria. Who needs a shortstop? Give McDowell a chance. He knows more about pitching than Leo ever known. Leo had great pitchers to work with and McDowell has not.
By Eye Candy
June 7, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Seasontickets: I enjoyed your post. Who’s your favorite “eye candy” Braves pep squad member on the dugout? Mine is Julie. She is so fine. I also like Lacey. We’ll be at the 755 Club Saturday before going to the Cheetah.
PS: God bless “solo females in very short shorts and very tight tank tops.” I love summers in the South.
By Bailey
June 7, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
SeasonTickets
Sorry, mun. It wasn’t even me who said it and i feel bad. Kudos for standing up for yourself, though.
By Lew
June 7, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
SeasonTickets-Sorry for your loss. It doesn’t surprise me in the least that ML ball players check out the Babes in the stands. We do too, don’t we? It’s called hormones. Good looking women dressed for hot, humid weather might just have something to do with it as well. Now trades (that’s one of our famed Journalistic transitions, ST-you’ll become familiar with them if the loonies don’t chase you away). Who does anyone realistically think that Salty will bring in a trade? He has had approximately 40 ML AB’s. He is off to a good start, but has not played regularly enough to form much of an opinion. He never played at AAA. JS was able to get Renteria because Boston wanted him out of town, badly and ate a bunch of bucks to make it happen. We got Wickman for a AA catcher, but the Indians weren’t going anywhere and Wicky agreed to go, because he wanted to be in Atlanta. No one is going to trade us a frontline pitcher-the hottest commodity in MLB, for an unproven catcher with damn little experience, either at the ML level or high minors, just because he has a major upside. It ain’t gonna happen folks. EVERYONE wants and needs pitching. We have no money (that we know of) and is it worth mortgaging our future by trading Salty and others for a rental pitcher or a #3, 4, or 5 starter? Think before answering. BTW Season Tickets, Welcome to The Man In Black and BBQ blog. Use of tranquilizers is a big help around here.
By Braveheart
June 7, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
Okay. I am going to ban myself from blogging for the rest of the month after that. I have just won the A-Hole of the year award if that guy is serious. Until next month……..
By flange1
June 7, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Seasontickets,
welcome to the blog! You are not a part of things until someone rips you a new one —- even if you are right!
By Jersey Gil
June 7, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
This Just in…….the braves will bring up Jonathan Shurholtz(in my opinion i don’t know what that kid is in AAA roster batting under the Mendoza line)i guess have to do with his father?..uhmm..
By 22oz
June 7, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
Lets just calm down and not pull our hair out every time the Braves look bad, otherwise we’ll be bald. well, except for me, i have thick, luscious hair. We’re 3.5 back at the first of June, and the Mets have stalled, while the Phils are rising. Its gonna be a dogfight, barring a repeat of last June, which shouldn’t happen. This rest for Chipper will not only heal his hands, it will be good for his legs and feet too. He should be in good shape when he comes back. We do need starting help, but right now there’s no help to be made. Everyone wants to dump Orr and Woodward, but with who? Prado didn’t show me anything, and Escobar is up already! Once Chipper comes back, then they can make that decision, but until he does, to talk about it is pointless.
By Lee
June 7, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
SeasonTickets - I can see your point to a degree. There was some player years back that actually admitted to getting phone numbers and going into the stands to actaully talk to females once he came out of the game and who knows what else. Can’t remember his name though. Even his teammate said he would disappear between innings. Like Lew said though we are all only human. It is good to see young people take a interest in MLB however. My 2 kids in their 20’s don’t get into it much.
By txbravesfan
June 7, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
i wonder when salty will be traded. i believe his upside is better than mccanns but they’ll both be very good. i just think salty is more atlethic and being a SH doesn’t hurt. i believe we’ll see great things from him and we’ll regret ever trading him in a few years. however, if its going to happen then i hope we at least get someone that will help us now and in the future. lidge will not help this team in anyway. if that deal goes down then i expect to see the braves trade lidge as soon as they get him. i just can’t figure out who would want him and his salary. the bottom line is that we’ll need a good SP that is under 30 and makes less than 2-3 million. someone that is signed for a few years or someone that we could sign to a long deal. i just don’t see any teams that have that kinda player that they’d be willing to trade. it would be horrible to deal salty for an avg. pitcher that won’t be around to help this team in 2 years. i wonder what the chances of johnson being traded are? i’d rather not trade him but i think escobar could step over to 2nd without any problems. its not like any teams are interested in thorman. we really need at least 1 more quality starter. i only feel confident when smoltz takes the mound. 1 outta 5 isn’t a good thing. hudsons been getting the ball up lately. we all know how that went last year. my dream trade would be salty and johnson/escobar to oakland for dan haren. oakland needs a decent catcher like no other. haren is the best i’ve seen in a few years. if oakland would only start playing poor ball! toronto is a team on the decline with a need for catching as well.
By Seasontickets
June 7, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
Bailey and Lew - much appreciated comments. I have nothing against nice looking women (this one was not, but was dressed to get noticed, so I assume we’d consider her successful in that attempt
Lew - I don’t think anyone out there who is worth the trade would be affordable and I do not advocate rental players if there’s no hope of keeping them. Salty may be worth much more to us by sitting on him here for a bit and seeing how things pan out with Andruw, Thorman, even Chipper just to name a few.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul,
You are right. I think it’s more likely that they will trade Salty in the offseason, but I think odds are he will be traded.
DOB says Schuerholz and the Braves see him as a catcher in the majors, not a 1B or OF. Not saying they won’t play him there, but you get the feeling they’ll try to trade him before they move him.
And I think the Braves would trade him for the right minor league pitchers—pitchers that throw in the 90-100 mph range, are among the top pitching prospects in baseball and are major league ready or close.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
txbravesfan,
The A’s have Kurt Suzuki, a solid defensive catcher, in their system and not too many pitching prospects.
And I’m not sure Haren is at a point where they want to trade him (due for a big raise) quite yet.
By bravefansince54
June 7, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this
Reading between the lines: Since JS has said McCann is our catcher for the future (and he s igned him for 6 years), that he has no plans to play him at first, AND that he “sees” Salty as a big league catcher - hey, I didn’t fall off the pumpkin truck, SALTY IS GONE -LONG LIVE SALTY!
Now that that is settled, who we gettin’ for him and when (I say sooner - 2-3 wks - rather than later.)
By Efrim
June 7, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
Salty has more offensive upside than McCann. Stick Salty at first. We need that offense in the future. Chipper is old and Andruw is leaving via free agency. Figure out another way to get a solid pitcher. Do not trade Salty.
By beachcomber
June 7, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Tenn Paul - Great 11:34 post.
By ssiscribe
June 7, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Sigh … here we go.
I wanted to jump on here yesterday when I got home from the game. I said no. I wanted to jump on here last night when I finished up some stuff for the current gig, and before I started research for the new gig. Again, I said no.
But here I am today, ready to try and convince myself of what I tell you good people of the blogosphere all the time, that baseball is a marathon, that in the course of 162 games, you’re going to hit some valleys.
But after watching probably the most lifeless display of baseball I’ve seen in person in a long, long time — and anybody who was there, from DOB up on the front row of the press box (seated one row in front of the esteemed Paul Newberry) to the apparently scantily clad lady near the Braves dugout, can attest to that fact — this team isn’t playing to its potential. Wednesday’s game was, to be blunt, a waste of money for Braves fans. The effort just wasn’t there.
The offense isn’t hitting worth a squat with runners in scoring position. Of course, being down 2-0 before your seat gets warm and down 5-0 before nine outs are recorded doesn’t exactly help your offense. The back end of the rotation continues to be a problem. Kyle Davies, for all the potential he shows — remember, yesterday morning I was set to pronounce him a viable lock for the rotation — is a case study in frustration. His tentativeness. His inability in some starts to throw to the inner half of the plate. Somebody needs to tell the pride of Stockbridge to throw the damn ball on the black inside, or else hitters will wait for him to fall behind and tee off on the fastballs down the middle.
For all the people who whine and cry about Chipper, listen up: This team needs him in the lineup, hitting third and playing third. He establishes the batting order. He plays very good defense. He hits, and hits in the clutch. For all the potential of Escobar, Chipper’s been doing it for years and years. The Braves need him.
The Braves can’t win at home. The Braves aren’t taking advantage of the Mets’ recent struggles. The East lead is there for the taking, and yes, there is a blue-ton of baseball left. But 25 games is a pretty good sample size, and I don’t think anybody on this blog who follows the Braves would say we’ve seen this team hit on all eight cylinders the past 25 games. Truth be told, this team is sputtering like a badly tuned engine.
As for the bench? Yikes! Not to play Monday morning quarterback, but the trade of Tony Pena Jr. looks pretty bad right now. Chris Woodward’s job should be hanging by a thread. Pete Orr has speed on his side, and little else. Where would this vaunted bench be without the pride of Cairo, Willie C. Harris?
So, what to do? Many organizations, seeing the potential slippery slope of sliding into the middle of the division and further out of the East and the wild-card chase, would panic. Not the Braves. They won’t make a move for the sake of making a move.
But the more time passes, the more whiffs and popups coming from the bench, the more line drives whizzing past Kyle Davies and the other starters not named John Smoltz and Tim Hudson, the more ticks in the L column, the more games Chipper sits on the DL, the more the Braves must begin considering whether an Escobar, a Saltalamacchia, a package of talent, must be sent away in order to give this team its best chance to do what so many of us thought possible in the bright glow of April’s fast start:
Get to October, and win 11 games once there. For now, that thought might as well be filed with walking on Mars and balancing the national budget. This team, as it stands right now, has about as much chance of winning the World Series as it does of snowing on St. Simons Island next week.
—30—
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this
Seasontickets,
I have a very hard time believing that major league players would be affected by women in the stands. They probably look at them but I seriously doubt it does much to affect their play.
If you are one of the top amateur players in the world and make it through four or five levels of minor league ball, I’m pretty sure you have the ability to for the most part zone out distractions that would cause you to play poorly. I’m sure some distractions are bigger than others but I’m pretty sure a hot woman in the stands is not a big one. In fact, I bet there are quite a few at every game.
I know the Braves lost but I seriously doubt they would have scored 4 runs on 11 hits and walked 6 times if they were that distracted. Almost every player in the lineup got on base.
By eric the elder
June 7, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
Zeke had two horses to pull his plow, his tiller, and his hay wagon, but he needed three horses to run his farm.
Other farmers up and down the road had three horses and were successfully running their farms. Zeke went to see all those farmers and proposed a trade of one of his extra cows for one of their horses.
All the farmers said, “If we give you a horse for your cow, we can’t run our farms. We would be left with just two horses and a cow that might or might not produce milk.”
Undeterred, Zeke said, “Tell you what. I’ll trade my farm for one of your horses.” Zeke now spends his days mucking out a stall and blogging.
By MBATL
June 7, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
I’m sure the Braves will entertain offers for Salty this year, but it’s hard to see getting what we need for him midseason. I agree, if he is traded, more likely in the offseason.
Meanwhile, I think he stays as relief for McCann - and will probably get quite a few starts there. Maybe some 1B LATER in the year, if he develops.
Interesting that Pena has played 4 positions in 4 days. I think the Braves will call him up as emergency catcher and, if he’s able, roving sub (won’t call him a “super sub”).
When Chipper comes back, this gives us Escobar and Salty off the bench. Not too bad.
I get a feeling the Braves will go after a starter if the rotation doesn’t solidify in the next 6 weeks or so, but I don’t think we have to give Salty or Escobar to get one (as a rental, or a guy with only 1 year remaining, that is).
A second-tier prospect like B Jones, Esquivel, etc (just throwing out names, not specific suggestions, so no one jump off a ledge) might just garner a middle of the rotation guy, not a star. Which is what we really need this year.
By blaylock
June 7, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
mets fans are nothing more than a bunch of a$$ clowns that have until recently been hiding in their rooms sucking their thumbs. Don’t forget your team has won 1 division title is the last oh I don’t know how many years. Your team can’t even hold it a top the division more or less do anything else. Once your team spends a boat load of cash and wins 1 division title then you are like cockroaches coming out of the woodworks saying how great your team is and how loyal of a fan you are. We have been here before and still came ahead on top of you losers once the season is over and we can certainly do it again. You KNOW without a doubt you hope we don’t run into you guys in the post season and if you say differently you are a liar. Go home Yankee
By 22oz
June 7, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Season Tickets, so let me get this straight: you have season tickets right above the dugout? We should be friends! Welcome to the blog good buddy!
By Lee
June 7, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
bravefansince54 - Tend to agree with you about Salty. His days are numbered this season with the Braves. Who else will bring the Braves any quality pitching besides Salty. Escobar cannot be traded because of Chipper’s uncertainly.
By TennesseePaul
June 7, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Payne: I disagree. I don’t get the impression that they won’t move Salty. I think they are willing to move him if it helps the team. They’ve shown this by letting him play 1B already. If they didn’t want to move him at all, he wouldn’t have played 1B. And I don’t think they will trade him for minor leaguers regardless of how fast they throw. The Braves have passed on flame throwers in the past. The company line used to be location over velocity. I’m pretty sure it still is. And I wouldn’t assume it is a forgone conclusion that Salty is going to be traded. I’m more inclined now to think they’ll keep him. Especially if Thor keep slumping. But Salty for a handful of Minor leaguers. I’d say there’s a 1% chance. I’d up it to 2% if you can list the last time(s) JS traded a #1 prospect for a handful of minor leaguers at any level of development.
By Bob, Journalist
June 7, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
I would suspect that Seasonstickets isn’t joking and his reaction to what he witnessed is not without substance … at least it’s something of which we should be aware. What we see, whether it’s at the games or one the tube, are but snapshots from a complex drama, played out 24-7 … we often lose sight of the fact that we are on the outside looking in.
For a Bobby Cox team to give less than 100% effort … is not only unthinkable, is illogical … it’s not what he’s about. However, that a young team, in the absence of effective leadership, could lose its focus is not only logical, it’s reality.
Concluding that they have actually so done is subjective and a matter of opinion.
Make no mistake, the team is good … and is very young, virtually at every position … and Andruw may be among the youngest from an emotional perspective. The team leads proactive leadership and, from the outside looking in, that seems me to be its greatest need.
They have to understand the task at hand before that can be expected to effectively accomplish that task, regardless of their talent.
Too many of us fall into the trap of proffering solutions without properly identifying the problems … and for those who avoid the conclusion jumping gambit, the dilemma is often compounded by conflicts between the demands of the moment and longterm objectives.
The algorithm for success may be relatively easy to resolve under laboratory conditions but when noise and chaos are introduced … as Mama used to say, ‘tain’t easy McGee!
Neither is being a fan …
By N8
June 7, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
ncscoots
Regarding your 9:15 post about James high pitch counts and everybody ragging on Davies.
To me, the be all end all stat for a pitcher is runs allowed. I’m not even talking ER or ERA. That is obviously the stat to go by. But I also judge pitchers by what jams they can get out of even after their fielders let them down with an error.
A truely good/great pitcher, will overcome it and do what is needed to not make it hurt. Usually it’s guys like Smoltz, Clemens, Schilling, etc… that can get out of these jams via the strikeout. Obviously, Tim Hudson gives up too much contact, so he is more apt to NOT get out of a tight spot, as he showed in his last outing.
Anyhow, James’ ERA is 3.78, while pitching 64.1 innings in his 12 starts (5.1 IP ave. per start).
Davies has a 5.31 ERA in 11 starts, in which he’s compiled 62.2 IP. (5.2 IP per start).
Do you STILL think that Chuck isn’t givine the team a better chance to win more often than not???
Sure, he could go deeper into games. He is definitely using too many pitches to get through 5 innings. But at least more often than not (while taxing on the bullpen), he is putting us in a position to have a CHANCE at winning. Can you say that about Davies, more often than not? I can’t.
I’d rather have a guy consistantly give up 2-4 runs in 5-6 innings pitched, than go one start giving up nothing and then in the next one give up 5 runs in the first two innings.
At least with the mediocre (but consistant) guy, you’ve got an idea of who’s showing up that day.
Chuck, as long as he doesn’t start going deeper into games, will not be anything more than a #5 (or #4 at best) guy in the rotation. Your Top 3 guys need to be able to consistantly get deep into games.
IMO, Chuck should be #4, and then let Davies & Cormier battle (along with other rookies in the organizations) for the #5 spot.
Thus conlcluding that we need AT LEAST another pitcher to fill the #3 spot in the rotation. Or if you feel Tim Hudson is a #3 type starter (which I tend to lean towards base on his consistancy as well), then we need a #2. Either way we need one more frontline pitcher, or we’re not going anywhere.
It’s too bad that Gonzalez got hurt, because I would like to see what Soriano could do in the rotation. But we need him in the pen…..or do we?
Ask Smoltz where he thinks Soriano would be more valuble if he’s capable of starting?
Maybe next year.
By Braves20
June 7, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
MBATL - Like the way you think. Many major league teams including the Braves feel they must stock their bench with proven .230 hitters - Woodward a prime example, instead of a kid who might hit .260 or .270 because of some tired cliche about getting reps in the minors. When Chipper gets back, give me Escobar on the bench to relieve Chipper and Edgar not some Met’s reject. And as for 1B, I’m sure the untested Salty would not have handled that pop fly as well as Thorman did last night. But hey, Thorman still has no errors and continues to get hits with nobody on.
By bravefansince54
June 7, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
I’m tired of Zane Smith and his endless and pointless recitation of former Braves players. Get a life, go away!!!
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
This team, as it stands right now, has about as much chance of winning the World Series as it does of snowing on St. Simons Island next week.
I’m sure a lot of people thought the same thing about the Cardinals last season.
Obviously I don’t know what’s going to happen, but to pretend this team is inevitably headed for doom, is just ridiculous.
This team is struggling but the most consecutive losses is still 3.
The 2006 Cardinals longest losing streak was 8 games (twice).
The 2005 White Sox lost 7 in a row once.
A team is never as bad as their lowest point and at the beginning of the season most of us thought the Braves were a 88-95-win team, I would guess.
Apparently people just don’t understand that there are still over 100 games to go. We’ve seen about two months and a week’s worth of games. We still have over 3-1/2 months to go.
If the Braves play .500 from here on out they will be 84-78, which could happen. That probably won’t be enough to win the wild card, but it could. But if they are just 4 or 5 games better than that, they should be right there. If they are just 7 or 8 games better than that, they probably win it. If they are 10-12 games better than that, they have an pretty good chance to win the division.
By Lew
June 7, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Efrim-Dude, you’re getting closer-at least I half agree with you this time. How can you say Salty has more offensive upside than McCann? Salty has about 40ML AB. He has started well, for sure. However, he has yet to put up ANY numbers over the course of an entire season. McCann, on the other hand, has had a .335 season with 20something HR and is showing himself quite capable of hitting .300 this season (he’s at .280 and has been injured and in a slump). He’s a proven enough commodity that they gave him a huge contract extension. No one is going to sign Salty to a seven year deal yet. However, this is where I agree with you. We need to keep Salty. Teach him first or left field. Keep his bat. He isn’t going to bring a qualified top starter, either current or future-they are the elements EVERYONE is looking for (hint-they’re looking for them because there aren’t very many-certainly not enough to go around). Why trade a valuable piece for something that won’t really help?
By Arkansas Hillbilly
June 7, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Hey, I play in a softball league on Monday nights, and there ain’t a decent-looking woman that sneaks in or out of the stands without me putting a keen eye on them from right field. Maybe that’s the reason I didn’t make it to the majors…HA! =-)
By MBATL
June 7, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
Scribe, good post. But if we reach the point where we’re wringing our hands over giving up Tony Pena Jr., we should just throw in the towel.
If Lil’ Tony was with Atlanta, playing once every week or so, I guarantee you he’d be no better than OrrDward. Good for him that he’s playing every day and doing pretty well for a last place team. His bat is very weak, but he did put together a little hitting streak to get is average to respectability, if .262 is respectable.
Plus, the guy we got for him, Cordier?, could be a real power pitching prospect once he gets over the TJ surgery.
By journalistjimmysmith
June 7, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
journalistisunabletospace.jimmysmithisgoingonthed.l.foratime.ouch!
By Mel Kiper's Hair
June 7, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Saw you discussing a few things and wanted to join in. A couple days ago you and I discussed something we’d both obviously read from Keith Law and I was curious if you caught his chat yesterday on ESPN.com? Someone asked about Salty being an All-Star first baseman and he agreed he could be and that the Braves should move him because his size is starting to work against him behind the plate. Thought that was pretty interesting and wanted your take after you said JS and the Braves see him as a catcher. I know a lot of people think Mauer is getting too big and that’s part of the reason his legs keep breaking down on him and Salty isn’t that much smaller(like 2”) and may weigh more. He looks like a catcher to me, but then again he’s 22 and will only get slower and less mobile if he stays behind the plate.
The thought of Salty going to the Red Sox has always been in the back of my mind too. It seems almost perfect with the guy most people compare him to being the guy he replaces. Plus, with the way he shows he can work a count and always looks in control of an at bat, I don’t think Epstein would mind getting a hold of him. The only thing that bother me about it is that Salty has shown he’s ready now and Varitek looks like he’s righted his swing and can contribute for a few more years. Also, I’m not sure JS would take an unproven major league arm for him. Boston has a few guys tearing it up in the minors, but a lot of things can happen between now and when they are MLB ready(arm problems, etc.).
Having said all that and reading you talk about end of the year projections, you have to be a little concerned with the way they’ve pitched and the recent run differentials…right?
By Kentavo
June 7, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Why would the O’s trade Bedard, their best starter?
By Seasontickets
June 7, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
22 oz. My seats are not directly over the dugout, I am up a few rows but am over in the dugout general area. I have had these seats for 12 years.
By David O'Brien
June 7, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
MBATL, agree with you on Pena Jr. I’d rather have him than Prado just because Pena’s defense is so exceptional (neither is an offensive force), but Pena was out of options and Braves were able to trade him for a pitcher who could — repeat, could — turn out to be something special….
Hey, this MIRANDA LAMBERT CD is good. Women that gorgeous shouldn’t sound this good and write country songs this good, but it happens. Thankfully.
By flange1
June 7, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
Tennessee Paul,
I hear what you are saying about trading Salty for minor leaguers, but we cannot afford an 8 million dollar player. When JS traded Marte for Edgar, we had just lost Furcal AND his paycheck, so we could with the Red Sox help pay Edgar.
I think Salty will get traded and will get traded before the all star break for a Bedard/Kaxmir/Bailey type of pitcher who is either in AA, AAA or has just been called up and another AA or AAA prospect that can have impact.
By Lee
June 7, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
The hot women shown on television has just about been the only Braves highlights during this home-stand. You cut them off of T.V. and viewing may be down at this point.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul,
Trading Salty for minor leaguers is trading prospects for prospects.
I don’t think Schuerholz would have a problem trading Salty for the right minor league players (a top prospect or two).
It’s true Schuerholz hasn’t traded for other teams’ top prospects but this situation is unique. In the past the Braves didn’t have to worry about money so they could trade a prospect for a major league star. Now I believe they would want a player or players (preferably at least one pitcher) around the same age as Salty so that they theoretically get roughly equal value that they would have got from Salty over the next decade-decade and a half.
And I do not see a reason Schuerholz would lie to DOB when he says they see Salty as a catcher at the big league level. If anything it seems like they would want teams to think they are going to keep him and move him to a new position to drive up his trade value. If other teams know they see him as a catcher, and see the Braves already have McCann, seems they would be less likely to give up as much because they know the Braves have to trade one of them.
By David O'Brien
June 7, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Folks, a few of you keep suggesting these trades for true aces of other teams that aren’t out of races yet. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN. Teams almost never trade away big pieces of their rotations when they’re in the midst of a playoff race, or even in wild-card contention. And especially not before we’ve even reached the halfway point.
By tvsportscaster
June 7, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
Here’s a name to keep in mind. Thoma Okha. He was just DFA’d by the Blue Jays.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
Mel Kiper’s Hair,
I think Salty could be a good firstbaseman but I think he’s more valuable as a catcher and I think teams would want him to catch for as long as possible.
If the Braves don’t trade him obviously he’ll have to move to first. I think the Braves think they’ll get more value for Salty in a trade than they would by moving him to first. Good-hitting firstbasemen are relatively easy to find but good-hitting catchers are not. I think the Braves figure a team will give up a lot for a good-hitting catcher and, if Thorman doesn’t work out, they can always find a decent firstbaseman.
That’s just my guess of how they are looking at the situation.
By JasonInMaine
June 7, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
There are rumors floating around that the A’s had a scout at this past Tuesday’s Rangers vs. Tigers game to watch Nate Robertson. If my memory serves me well, I believe this is the same game that a scout from the Braves was also present. Maybe the scout wasn’t there to watch the Rangers…
With Kenny Rogers coming off of the DL, maybe he is expendable. His overall numbers don’t look that great, but he had a great April before landing on the DL in May.
I am not necessarily advocating we trade for him, but am just wondering if this may be the type of pitcher JS is scouring for. Probably not…seems pretty expensive.
Regards,
Jason
By ssiscribe
June 7, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Obviously I don’t know what’s going to happen, but to pretend this team is inevitably headed for doom, is just ridiculous.
Shaun, nowhere did I say this team is “inevitably headed for doom.” What I said — again — is this team “AS IT STANDS RIGHT NOW” is not heading to a World Series win. And why else, gentle denizens, do you play the game? To finish second in your division and win 81 games? Nope.
Now, props to Shaun (noted transition of a fellow blogger by the Scribe): You raise a great point of reference in the Cardinals of last year. They got in and played their best baseball. You can win 100-plus games then fall short. Heaven knows us Braves fans know all about that.
My problem right now, other than being ticked off at what I watched in person yesterday afternoon, is the lack of a consistent third starter, and you have to have a third starter in the playoffs or else you’re not winning the World Series, and the lack of production off the bench.
True, MBATL, we shouldn’t be gnashing our teeth about Pena Jr. vs. OrrDward (love that moniker, by the way). And the pitcher we got back from Kansas City could develop into a stud and Tony was out of options (I forgot about that, thanks much for the reminder DOB). Just frustrated the bench isn’t doing much other than Willie C. and Salty, who probably needs to play playing everyday somewhere.
But that’s a story for another day. For now, gotta get back on deadline. No doom from here, guys and gals. Just pointing out the obvious. The beauty of baseball is one regular-season loss, unlike losing to Auburn or Florida or Clemson or N.C. State, doesn’t totally upset your season. It’s a long road, but there clearly is a need to snap out of this and start looking a little more like the Braves.
Peace.
—30—
By flange1
June 7, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Tvsportscaster,
I try not to remember Thoma Okha,neither will Andruw, he beaned him a couple of years back…
Please JS NO OKRA for the Braves!
By Richard Cory
June 7, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
So players can’t be distracted by women?? Anyone ever read Ball Four, by former Yankee pitcher Jim Bouton? Somethings never change, and on a team with a high number of young and possibly immature players, having the time of their lives, and a noted discipline lax, manager—I could very well see the scenario that Season’s Tix described.
By beachcomber
June 7, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
DOB - re your 1:32 post. Thank you for being the voice of reason/experience. I fear a few of us belong to one too many fantasy leagues.
By Rosalynn
June 7, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
Ah especialla like Chippa Jones. I am a little annoyed with Juhnalist Jimma Smith foah picking at Chippa, and Ah am thinking Jimma Smith mah have some soah thumbs of his own. Ah see he is unable to space without pain. This would lead me to believe that his going on the blog D.L. is thumb-related - and it would sehve him right! Miz Lillian told a storah to me once about when Jimma was a little boah and would make fun of his old-maid Aunt Willie. Now, Aunt Willie had a little mustache and ovahbite and was not considahed vera pretta. Jimma would make ugla faces and weah a catapilla ovah his lip and say, “Ah am Aunt Willie” - (this was right befoah Jimma went off to the Naval Acadamah to become a submarinah). Well, Miz Lillian slapped Jimma hahd and told Jimma his face was gonna freeze just like that ugla face he was making and it would serve him right! Has Jimma Smith now got soah thumbs? Ah would like to remind the bloggahs that during post-season plah when the braves were losing a deciding game, Chippa was caught on camerah fluhting with a comela sideline repohtah. Now, Chippa is on the bench and the entiah bench is distracted by a comela young ladah in tight pants. Is this the leadahship Carolina Ladah was talking about? Hey, if theah want some tight pants how about Chica Cadahia? Oh, well, Jimma is calling me to put some peanut buttah on some crackas for his snack. Ah will be back latah in the dah. Go Braves!
By MBATL
June 7, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
JasonInMaine: saw that report about the A’s scouting Robertson. First, that’s kinda baffling to me. The A’s have 4 very good starters (5 if Harden comes back), and Dinardo has been very good since moving into the rotation. But, whatever…
Robertson hasn’t been great this year, but not so bad, and is just the kind of guy I could see us getting for less than Salty. He’s not an ace, but you could hope to count on him for a consistent 4.5 ERA in the #3 or #4 spot - push Davies back to #5… and he’s a free agent after this season. Makes sense to me!
By Efrim
June 7, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this
Heyward folks. Young CF. He is the guy I want.
But I would love to bring in a power arm.
Bumgarner or Smoker, although they are lefties are solid.
I hope they dont shy away from price tags.
By Lew
June 7, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this
What part of Tomo Ohka’s 5.79 ERA or 20ER in his past 27 IP is supposed to attract our attention to him? The Blue Jays have numerous injured pitchers and need all the help they can get. If they’ve given up and released him, what does that say about his performance. Consdiering Davies has a 5.31 ERA, I hardly see Ohka as any kind of improvement. Hell, look at all the grief Chuck James generates and his ERA is 3.78. Let’s keep looking.
By JasonInMaine
June 7, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
MBATL,
Yeah, I don’t think it would be the end of the world to get him! He is a lefty with playoff experience.
Another draft name that I have come across a couple of times is Michael Main(e). From MLB.com:
“Atlanta Braves: Michael Main, RHP, Deland HS (Fla.) Sure they could go local in Georgia, but look for them to head south to Florida to take Main, a terrific athlete and the kind of power arm the Braves covet.”
By Jimbo
June 7, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Fathead Jones is back in a slump again. The hot streak didn’t last long. No clutch hits as usual. I can’t wait until he is some other team’s problem next year.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Efrim,
I think Heyward is committed to UCLA. It may take a lot of money to sign him away, but he is a local kid who may take a hometown discount to play for the Braves. Who knows?
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this
Richard Cory,
They may get distracted by women but I doubt it affects the play of a vast majority of them.
By MBATL
June 7, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
According to Stark:
Clubs that have asked the Braves about Jarrod Saltalamacchia report they’ve been turned down flat. But by July, the Braves expect to have a better read on whether Scott Thorman is the answer at first and/or whether Saltalamacchia can be an alternative first base option. And those answers will determine whether Saltalamacchia becomes their No. 1 trading chip at the deadline — but only for a major player whom they’d control for multiple years.
By TennesseePaul
June 7, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Payne: I’m saying JS has no history for making such a move. You framing it as “prospect for prospect” still doesn’t show where JS has done that in the past. List them out and I’ll up the possibility, but to date, that isn’t the type of deal JS makes.
Yes, flange1, we did get money, which only makes more since to me in my call on Salty. Why would we trade Salty, a success at the MLB level (comparatively) for less than what we traded Marte (not much of a success at the time of the trade)?
There’s also this:
Clubs that have asked the Braves about Jarrod Saltalamacchia report they’ve been turned down flat. But by July, the Braves expect to have a better read on whether Scott Thorman is the answer at first and/or whether Saltalamacchia can be an alternative first base option. And those answers will determine whether Saltalamacchia becomes their No. 1 trading chip at the deadline — but only for a major player whom they’d control for multiple years.
—Jason Stark
That’s pretty much what I’ve been saying. Stark assumes that the read on Thor will make Salty available. That’s debatable. Salty could be raking so much by then JS wouldn’t think of ever trading him. But if a trade does occur, I don’t think it will be for minor leaguers, prospects or not. It’d be for a major leaguer. And like the Marte deal, it’d most likely include cash if cash was needed. But I just don’t see Salty being traded. Not anytime soon anyway.
By Lew
June 7, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
SCribe- Respectfully, Dude, but as it stands right now, no one is heading to a World Series win. There’s still 100 games left in the regular season. Everyone has seemingly been willing to concede everything to the Mets, but guess what? They just got swept by the Phillies, hust like we did. NO one in our divison right now is playing better than .500 ball except the Marlins, who were 6-4 in the past ten games. In other words, it’s anybody’s race, with lots of time left. Chipper will return. Andruw will start to produce something (though at this point I wonder what). James has a 3.78 ERA. So what if he can’t go 7. That’s why we have a bullpen. Smoltz proved the other day that his arm is not falling off (and if it is he can pitch anyway, apparently). Hudson is still better than he was last year and so is Davies (at least half the time). There has been no indication that the Braves are going to slide into 6-23 territory again. My God, at the worst we’re mediocre. There is absolutely no need to run out and trade Salty or anyone else just for the sake of a trade. All that scenario will bring is more griping when Ohka or whatever Flunky Du Jour doesn’t perform any better than deep down we all know they will. Some of the names and trade scenarios here border on the insane. Maybe some of the people here really could use straight jackets for Father’s Day, as opposed to the obnoxious ties they will likely receive.
By JasonInMaine
June 7, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
MBATL,
Where did you get that from?
Regards,
Jason
By MBATL
June 7, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
ESPN HERE
By TennesseePaul
June 7, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
Here is what the inexplicable interleague schedule has brought the Mets: According to the Elias Sports Bureau, they’re about to become the first team ever to play six straight series against six different teams that made the playoffs last year (Tigers, Dodgers, Yankees, Twins, A’s and Cardinals). Two other teams in history (the 1997 White Sox and 2002 Blue Jays) have played six series in a row against playoff teams — but not against six different teams. The Mets managed to pull that off because they’re also the first club ever to play interleague games against all four of the other league’s playoff entrants from the previous year. Lucky them
Poor guys. Gotta go up against Yankees and Cardinals. Must be tough. I feel much better now looking at the Braves Interleague schedule: Twins, Indians, Red Sox, Tigers. Anyone would rather play the BoSox over the Yankees this season. Those Yankees are tough! Same goes with the WS reps this season… Easier to face the Tigers over the Cards. The Cards are scary good this year.
By flange1
June 7, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Tenn Paul,
I read the same Stark article. I do see your point, but I think JS is going back to PITCHING PITCHING PITCHING, so I think Salty is long gone. You might be right that it will be a Willis/Haren/Harden guy, but I don’t see us getting cash in the deal as well. The only folks that can pay are the big market clubs and I don’t see too many of them moving a 1-3 starter AND cash for Salty.
By TennesseePaul
June 7, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Jason: On ESPN’s MLB page. He has the notes on all possible deals that he can think of.
By ncscoots
June 7, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Folks, the team’s fortunes are more likely to be improved by the changing of the calendar than the changing of personnel.
Especially when I see scenarios that tout a player with “he hasn’t been that good, but…”; if he hasn’t been that good, why in blue heaven would you think he’s going to be significantly better than the current player he would be replacing? And if he’s not going to be significantly better, then why would you make the trade IN THE FIRST PLACE??
I’m no happier about the current malaise than anyone else. But, man, the level of clueless here is just about to freakin’ red-line, fercrissake. Let’s just get…a…grip, shall we? Sheesh.
Jeepers. That felt good.
And before any shorts-wadding gets started, I didn’t aim those comments at anyone in particular, so relax.
By MBATL
June 7, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Not that it matters much, but think I misspoke about Robertson’s contract. Apparently, not a F/A; he’d be arbitration-eligible for ‘08 and ‘09…
By flange1
June 7, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
10 Paul,
You are right again! The media feels so sorry for the hard Mets schedule…BoooooHooooo, when ours is worse..
Anyone watching the MLB draft? Keith Law has not been right but once and that was the first pick!!
By A-ville Ranger
June 7, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
DOB I went over the Richmond starting pitchers stats.I’m a little confused as to what the plan is with those guys.The three with the great numbers Carlyle,Acosta, and Hernandez are all older players.If we’re not going to use the guys now who are pitching great but too old to be groomed as the future, what’s the point in having them ?
By Steve Geddie
June 7, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox is loyal to his players. Bobby Cox is the best manager ever. Bobby Cox knows how to run a team.
Blah, blah, blah. “I need to get Woodie (Chris Woodward) some at-bats.” “We need to get Pete Orr in the game.”
Why are two guys with a career OPS of less than .700 even on the roster?
I know that we must have utility infielders, but couldn’t at least be someone good?
Why isn’t Salty playing first every day? He can’t possibly be worse than playing Thorman.
It is statistically proven that they way you win baseball games is to put your biggest bats on the field and keep them there. The Braves aren’t doing that, and that falls on the manager. There is no way that Thorman, Orr or Woodward should even be on a major-league roster, much less playing with any regularity. With Chipper out of the lineup, we cannot afford to give away outs.
By NCBravesFan
June 7, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Billy Beane would have to be stupid to trade Dan Haren for Salty. Flat stupid.
By Lew
June 7, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Flange-I don’t see Salty straight up bringing in Willis, Haren or Harden. We just can’t keep giving away the farm for short term pitching options. Better to bite the bullet and build for the future. Just how much is too much to pay for quick fixes. Good God, people are still griping about giving up Jason Schmidt ten years ago. Or giving up Jason Marquis, who has basically sucked since leaving Atlanta (his 2.85 ERA is not likely to remain at that level in Chicago, either). What will the hue and cry be if we mortgage our future yet again? There is a dearth of pitching out there to begin with. Salty will not be enough to obtain what little bit may be available.
By JasonInMaine
June 7, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Thanks MBATL!!
By Efrim
June 7, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Kind of sucks that there are no starters available. TONS OF RELIEVERS!!!
Gagne Otsuka Lidge Fuentes Isringhausen Al Reyes
I actually think we need another reliever just as much as we need a starter. Fuentes would be great. So would Otsuka. As far as starters, there really isn’t much out there. Willis is overrated to an extent and Harden is Mark Prior waiting to happen. I think as we get closer to the deadline, more will be available.
But does this team have the time to wait till July 31st???
Even if we sweep the Cubbies this weekend, I will still be down on this team. I just can’t see them ripping off 12 of 15 or anything like that.
By MBATL
June 7, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
‘scoots, glad you threw in that last line; I could already feel the early stages of wadding!
I don’t see the Braves obtaining a young, inexpensive, proven ACE at the deadline. And I also HOPE that among James, Davies, Cormier and Carlyle, we can solidify the rotation, and start hitting, and not have to make any major trades - just a bench bat, or a lefty reliever, or something like that.
But, if it doesn’t work out that way, I’d expect we’ll look for a reliable mid-rotation type of guy who will consistently get us through 6 innings with a chance to win; and I think we can do that without giving up top prospects. A guy like Robertson, but not necessarily him.
If Hudson doesn’t pitch at least well; if CJ can’t come back reasonably soon; if McCann doesn’t start hitting; if AJ hits .230, etc etc, none of it matters. There’s no way we can fix that many problems in half a season, and we should be sellers rather than buyers at the deadline.
I’m far from panicked, but am guessing that if we’re still in contention 6 weeks from now, some tweaking will be in order. That’s all I’m speculating about.
By eric the elder
June 7, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
Lew, 10Paul, nscoots, I really do need to read your posts to keep my spirits up. Several weeks ago, I felt almost alone in having the same position that you are expressing.
The blog has a tendecy to run about 4-6 weeks ahead of the Braves management. Last year, we were after Reitsma’s scalp well before he was finally gone. I know the blog has absolutely nothing to do with what happens, but I hope the recent outcry for not letting Salty/Yunel go is indicative of what will eventually go down.
By JasonInMaine
June 7, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves will get crazy and trade for another stud 8th inning guy and put Soriano in the rotation…
The guys the Bravos supposedly wanted just went with the 10th pick - Madison Bumgarner
By Lew
June 7, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Efrim-Yes, the Braves have time, but I’m not sure if you and half the blog can hold out for another five minutes.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
Efrim,
Does this team have to rip of 12 of 15 or anything like that?
Even with their troubles, they are still only 3-1/2 back in the divisional race and right in the thick of the wild card race plus they still haven’t lost more than 3 in a row at any point.
By Ron
June 7, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
Our pick is about to come in: Starting Pitching, or that Heyward guy, but would prefer a good hard throwing Starter!!! But whoever we select we have to make this one count because we get a good pick!!!
By Bob, Journalist
June 7, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
Methinks some of us just aren’t on the same page and don’t speak the same language …
Es tud mir leid, aber Ich dinke das wir schlechte Nachrichten sind, grosse Unsinn ist!
Es ist was es ist … und es kommt, wie es kommt, aber passt mal auf, es ist nicht die Ende and Gott sie dank, die Prufung ist nicht vorbei! Ich hoffe and glaube das am Ende, wir die ambesten werden sein.
Nicht wahr?!
Yes, my German is as bad as some of you think are the Braves and their chances … but, in any language, it’s a good thing that those who give up on the team so easily aren’t the ones playing the game!
Go Braves!
By Efrim
June 7, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
JasoninMaine
How about we keep Soriano in middle relief, add another set up guy and another starter.
In a perfect world we could acquire a guy like Fuentes and then acquire a guy like Buerhle. Of course that would cost a lot of young talent which we don’t have…..
By flange1
June 7, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Hey Lew,
I agree with you, Tennessee Paul does not think JS will trade Salty for prospects, I do! I know you don’t think Salty should be moved at all.
I think that if we can get prospects that fit our needs better than Salty, we should consider the trade. I think Andruw is going to be gone next year and we need a CF and an outfield impact bat. We are in good shape at RF, C,SS,2B,3B and have some decent arms in the minors. If Salty could bring a stud prospect starting pitcher and a Hermedia type prospect for LF, I say make the trade…
I also think that JS is eagar to acquire more pitching. Our only bagaining chips are prospects, Escobar and Salty.
I don’t see JS trading any current starter or starting pitcher or relief pitcher unless he is overwhelmed.
But I do think we will see a trade in June…
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
JasonInMaine,
I like having Soriano as the set-up guy. It allows the Braves to use him in crucial situations whenever necessary.
Also, I wouldn’t want him to be a closer, not that Bobby typically uses closers in conventional ways but I wouldn’t want him to only come in in the 9th inning when the Braves have a lead.
He’s basically a two-pitch pitcher (fastball and slider) so I don’t know if he would fare as well as a starter. He can just come in a blow guys away when needed right now.
By Lee
June 7, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Efrim
A sweep of the Cubs and you would still be down on this team. Right now I would be content for A 50 - 50 split any thing better is a bonus. If the Braves can retain that magic to start winning series again or at worse split a few of them; it would enable them to remain a contender this season. This losing 3 out of 4 or 2 out of 3 series games is not going to do it.
By Lew
June 7, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Jason-Dude, Soriano is not going to be a starter. Period. Not when he’s lights out in the role he’s in, which is exactly why we got him.
By JasonInMaine
June 7, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Braves took Heyward…
By journalistjimmysmith
June 7, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
jasonheyward.ouch!
By SteelCav
June 7, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Our spot is next in the draft. Think we take Jason Heyward? Hope so. Could be the power hitting 1B we’ve been longing for since Crime Dog.
By Draftman
June 7, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
With the 14th pick in the 2007 Draft, the Atlanta Braves select:
Jason Heyward OF Henry County HS L/L 6’4” 220
Great pick!
Scouting Report:
Heyward is one of the most intriguing high school bats in the draft class. He’s got legitimate power potential from the left side, always a hot commodity, but isn’t an all-or-nothing hitter. He’s got a good approach at the plate and has the chance to hit for average and power. If the cards fall right, he could be a future cleanup hitter.
By flange1
June 7, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
JUSTIN HEYWARD CF
Welcome to the Bravos!
By JasonInMaine
June 7, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Here is Keith Law’s summary of Heyward:
“Summary: Tremendous upside. Strong kid with decent idea at the plate;40-HR power down the road. Stance is slightly open with front knee bent, body mostly upright. Holds the bat slightly away from his body, with his front elbow way back like he’s already loaded. Plus arm but iffy range in center; takes a while to get going. Probably destined for RF or 1B. Drops head of the bat well to get to ball down, but needs to work on getting to the ball in. A kid to dream on.”
By Ron
June 7, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Heyward is fine with me, as long as we got him or a Starting Pitcher, which he was probably the best that was left!!! Great move!!!
By Steve from OH
June 7, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Heyward
By DIRECT
June 7, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
this draft is hilarious, braves select a 14/1st round georgia outfielder jason heyward (high school)…. any thoughts
By Lew
June 7, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Flange-Dude, we don’t need prospects. We have prospects. We have a farm full of prospects. We have pitchers-Dan Smith, Matt Harrison, JoJo Reyes, Tom Hanson (at least I think that’s his name). We have infielders-Lillibridge, Pope and Kai’ahue. We have outfielders like Brandon Jones. We don’t need other teams’ prospects. If we need anything, it’s extra ML ready pitching and that’s what there ain’t none of. What good is it going to be giving up Salty or anyone else on the farm for someone who will be no better than what we have available already? All that could possibly do is mess us up for the future. No team (as DOB has stressed) is going to give up their top starters. That leaves the like of Tomo Ohka and his ilk. They are no better than Davies or James (and James hasn’t been anywhere near as bad as what some here like to think). People are tending to forget that Carlyle pitched a two hitter through 7 the other day before he was sent down. That’s a two hitter against one of the best hitting teams around. It’s way too soon to give up players that have a good or great future for the crap we could get in return for them. We’re only 3 1/2 games out of first and the Mets are sucking right now, too. Hang in there. Dude, it’s like a Bulldog game-just stay close until the last couple of minutes and they’ll find a way to win. It ain’t over yet.
By txbravesfan
June 7, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
looks like the braves struggles may continue. the cubs have 4 good pitchers going this weekend. has anyone noticed how the braves can not hit a breaking ball? any pitcher that throws lots of junk gets results against atl. i’ve never seen an entire team swing at so many balls in the dirt has atl does this year. hill embarassed the entire team last weekend(as well as last year). i’m amazed that no one in the line up can’t resist swinging at that stuff. as long as a pitcher is throwing a decent breaking ball, atl can’t hit.
By Ron
June 7, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
flange1, Dude we JS aint gonna trade Salty for Prospects, no way he would do that!!! When is the last time he has ever done something like that with our #1 Prosect, if you can name one time that has happened then fine, but never happened!!! Salty should be our first baseman, or LF!!! I think Escobar will be traded either this year or in the offseason!!! You can never trade a guy like Salty for just Prospects!!! That would be stupid!!!
By Lee
June 7, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Hard to get excited about baseball drafts. Unlike the NBA or NFL it takes a few years to see how these really stack up. There is no immediate impact but hopefully this kid ends up being Chipper Jones quality.
By DC Braves Fan
June 7, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Interesting rumor from ESPN re Griffey: “We’re not sure it’s even possible to fall out of the NL Central race. But the Reds have given it a try, by losing 25 of their last 34 games. If that full gainer continues for another few weeks, then get ready for the birds of prey to start circling over. An official of one team that inquired about Griffey says Griffey has informed the Reds he won’t oppose a trade “in the right scenario.” But outside of the Braves, a club he has told friends for years he’d go to, it’s tough to say what he’d consider “the right scenario.”“
We should’ve had him BEFORE he became a Reds player. This guy has been wanting to play for us for a long time now. Not saying we’re going to do it, but it would be neat to see one of the MLB’s prettiest swings nightly at the Ted.
By 22oz
June 7, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
So the Braves drafted a left handed hitter with their first pick. Will their second pick be a right handed hitter to platoon him with?
By flange1
June 7, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Hey Lew,
I agree that we don’t have to do anything now. I just believe that JS WILL do something soon to get more pitching. I think he will try to get a AAA prospect that is ready for the ML NOW, like Jon Lester of the Sox that is a quality arm with a high ceiling.
I don’t see any other reason for Salty still being on the major league roster if not to showcase him for a trade. I still don’t buy that the Braves will shove him in at first and say GOOD LUCK!
By Ron
June 7, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Lew, another infielder that you forgot to mention and one of the top prospects for us is Campbell!!! He has 40 homer power for an infielder!!!
By ncscoots
June 7, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
MBATL, bro, you’re the last guy on the blog I would consider on the ledge. Glad you didn’t get to the intermediate stage, LOL!
Nor would I disagree on “tweaks”. Hey, the bench bites, absolutely. But pitching, hey, Braves are relying on guys at 3-4-5 with fewer than a hundred starts in the bigs total, they’re gonna struggle at times. That’s baseball. Unless there’s a solid, proven, experienced, 15-game winner for the taking (I doubt it), I can’t see that trading for an incremental improvement is worth any trade package that would be asked. I’d rather see the Braves’ own young pitchers get the innings and develop, even with the occasional (and hopefully less-frequent with experience) mushroom cloud.
By Keith from Chatt
June 7, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
DOB, What do you think it would take for us get Dontrelle Willis form the fish??
By MBATL
June 7, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Can Heyward start at 1B tonight?
Just kidding, obviously. I think ESPN broadcasting the draft is great. It adds a little connection between the fans who watch, and the players selected. Assuming we sign him, I’m sure I’ll watch Heyward a little more closely than I have last years top pick…. uh… who was it?
Hope this guy, is it Porcello?, who’s widely considered the best pitcher in the draft but hugely expensive (Boras client) to sign, falls all the way to our next pick. He could be the next Lincecum, Cain, Hernandez. Good chance for Liberty to man up. But, doubt he’ll last that long.
By Richard Cory
June 7, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Shaun it doesn’t have to distract ‘a vast majority of them’, to be a problem. Only a few.
By MEB
June 7, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
So does Heyward have any options left? Based on all reports this kid can hit. So… can he get on a plane and be at the Ted this weekend?
By Efrim
June 7, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
Good pick. We needed outfield depth in our system. I was unaware that he was not athletic enough to play center in the majors. That is a bummer.
Shaun
If what this team has showed you the last 24 games doesn’t worry you, then you are lost dude. Chipper goes out of the lineup and NO ONE picks up the slack.
Still getting inconsistent starting pitching, on top of the fact that Hudson is pitching worse.
Gonzalez going down in that stretch. Yates is good, but I don’t trust him as much as I trust Gonzo.
Andruw still hasn’t righted the ship.
McCann is still hurt, has to be because he has looked powerless in that stretch. I don’t care about his 16 doubles, I want to see home runs!!!!
By Jersey Gil
June 7, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Well let go wait tomorrow what the Shef has to said about the Draft…First round pick was an African American…the Braves Pick an African American… I guess the owner are listen to the Sheff comment.
By Lew
June 7, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
DCBraves Fan-Yes, it would be nice to see Griffey’s swing in there every night-a feeling I’m sure Cincinnati has had ever since he got there. He’s been injured so much, Chipper plays more. We don’t need another old injured player to frustrate this blog even more. If we had Griffey, someone here would surely kill themselves.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
June 7, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
So the Braves drafted a left handed hitter with their first pick. Will their second pick be a right handed hitter to platoon him with?
HA!!! Best post of the day right there 22 oz.
By Shaun
June 7, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
Ron,
Salty’s a prospect himself. I think you do trade a guy like Salty for prospects if they are the right prospects.
The Braves have traded their #1 prospect several times: Bruce Chen, Wilson Betemit, and Andy Marte over the past decade.
But again, I think this situation is unique for several reasons. You get the sense that baseball people are pretty certain Salty is much better than any of those top prospects, so they may be willing to give up one or two of their top prospects to get him. And in the past the Braves have always been in a position to add an established star making a lot of money. I don’t think that’s ideal any more.
Also, like DOB said, teams are going to be very reluctant to trade an established, young starter that’s already signed for the next few seasons. I think Salty will be traded for a top pitching prospect and probably one or two lesser prospects.
I just have a hard time believing they are going to move Salty to first or left. JS seems to think he’s a catcher and other teams would give up a lot for a young catcher of his caliber. If they move him to first and left, he’s still probably going to be a star but he’s not nearly as valuable at those positions. There are more 1B and LF that can hit than there are catchers, which is why I’m sure teams would give up a lot for him. About the only thing a team wouldn’t give up is an established, fairly cheap pitching star in his mid-20’s. But a team loaded with potential pitching stars in their early 20’s (Red Sox?) may be willing to give up one of them and a lesser player or two.
By Renegator
June 7, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
22OZ: Great post about the drafting a RH platoon…
By knowitall
June 7, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
I don’t see any other reason for Salty still being on the major league roster if not to showcase him for a trade.
I’m going to go waaaaay out in left field here and suggest that Salty could actually be on the major league roster to help the team win games.
By Bob, Journalist
June 7, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Jimmy, have you considered Paridae as an editing avoidance alternative?
I don’t know anything about young Heyward … knew Susan slightly but she spelled her name differently … and I probably have a different view of drafting from most, … whether it be at the drawing board, on the track, or drawing a brew … seems to me you should look for those who are showing some promise inspite of their flaws … flaws are a good thing when looking for selection advantages … if you think they can be corrected.
I’m opposed to homerun preoccupation but the importance of effective power use is important to the success of any endeavor … why Ted could bunt the ball to The Green Monster, when he wasn’t preoccupied with counting the ball’s stitches. Neither he nor Joe were preoccupied with the long fly but both had effective power and I suspect young Heyward could too.
In golf, where accuracy is king … with young kids, the coach wants them to first hit Hell out of it … and if they can, he’ll figure out a way to help them with their game!
By flange1
June 7, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Thanks you Shaun! That is what I have been trying to say all day, I am just too much of an idiot to say it properly!
By MBATL
June 7, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
knowitall, absolutely.
By Carroll Rogers
June 7, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Talked to Heyward a few minutes ago. Sounds like he’s in great shape to sign folks, and that’s important. Here’s what he had to say:
“I was in awe,” said Heyward, who watched the announcement on ESPN2 from his living room in McDonough, surrounded by his parents, younger brother, grandparents and another dozen family and friends, including teammates from Little League on up to high school. “Not in shock,” Heyward said. “I was in awe. It was a great feeling to have a dream come true.”
The phone started ringing before Heyward even got a hug in. It was his advisor Victor Minocal, who works for Lonnie Cooper and Atlanta-based career sports.
That’s important for the Braves. who would expect to have a great shot at signing Heyward. It’s makes it more likely first off that Heyward is not a Scott Boras client.
Heyward has signed with UCLA but said Thursday that was only a backup plan, and he was “very likely” to sign with the Braves.
“My overall goal for everything is to become a major league baseball player,” Heyward said. “I was given the opportunity to start (working toward that goal) with the Atlanta Braves.”
By ncscoots
June 7, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
And the line of the day goes tooooooo…22oz.
Heck, that might be the line of the week! LOL
By David O'Brien
June 7, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IS UP
By Dr. Franklin Ubuto
June 7, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
I have perfected a salve that will remove a bone bruise in a matter of 2-3 days. This salve is not yet approved by the FDA for humans but it works especdially well on horses. The salve is pungent and powerful. I think this salve may be the answer to getting your Chipper Jones back in the lineup. Now, I don’t wish to appear greedy, but there are some costs incurred in the development of miracle cures and there will be some cost to you for this salve. I can leave a small jar of salve at the base of the hank aaron statue tonight if you bloggers can leave some cash (say, $50,000) in an envelope along with two dugout level tickets. soon, your boy will be back on the field with good thumbs - but the same toes. I don’t work with toes but will ask my brother-in-law, Dr. Jerome Bakuta, noted toe-man, if there is anything he can do for Chipper’s toes. With healthy thumbs and toes this team can contend for the division. I know there is a doc here who is a blog regular and I hope this post does not step on his toes.
By Bob, Journalist
June 7, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil, how insightful … or should it be inciteful? Regardless, methinks it’s nonsensical.
By Berigan
June 7, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
lew, you said at 11:53 AM…. No one is going to trade us a frontline pitcher-the hottest commodity in MLB, for an unproven catcher with damn little experience, either at the ML level or high minors, just because he has a major upside.
Funny what a difference a few years makes! JS traded a 20 game winner for an unproven catcher. And which unproven catcher would you rather have at the age of 22???(Wasn’t Estrada 26 when we traded for him?)
By Ron
June 7, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
Does anybody know anything about Cody Johnson, the guy the Braves drafted in the first round last year? Heard one at bat he looks like a young Frank Thomas and then in another at bat he looks like a no talent nobody. Heard he has alot of holes in his swing. He is still young, but wondering if he has a future in Atlant!!!
By BossLady
June 7, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this
One of my former employees, always took off in the afternoon to attend the Braves games. She seriously believed that Turner Field was the place to meet young, successful, and decent men. She says that criminals don’t sit through 3-4 hours of baseball. When she changed in the ladies room, I would ask her to leave the building through my private door. The plan and intentions are out there gentlemen, it’s what you do with it that counts. Just a thought..