Braves

By eric the elder

June 13, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

(Repost from the very end of the last blog.)

DOB, if this T-shirt thing gets legs, were I you I would start getting my talking points in order:

I had nothing to do with this.

This was initiated and promoted by bloggers, none of whom I actually know.

Our Marketing Dept went forward with this against my better judgment.

Etc.

My experience has been that friends and colleagues can get their noses out of joint when they perceive that someone’s success is blatant and is showing them up.

It’s a great idea, but you might want to stay at arm’s length from it.

By Jim

June 13, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Is Salty in the lineup? and if so, where?

By Johnny R

June 13, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Thanks for posting that pearl again, eric.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 13, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

if only joe morgan could offer that special joe morgan analysis of the pads being used in chipper’s gloves. ron gant is trying ron gant’s best, but ron gant is no joe morgan.

now, jerome jurenovich just said that chipper has been “sorely” missed. oh, the humanity! everyone is a comic. ron gant got into the act, too, saying, “yeah”.

and will the new tee shirts be of good quality? union label in case tom glavine wants one? and what manner of person will be seen wearing such a shirt? perhaps dob can have dob’s own cheering section in the stands with lovely girls like tatiana honey and diane lane in tee shirts. imagine them jumping up and down and the d-o-b appearing to read dbo or odb or who cares? such movement will be very welcome. and dob remains modest. coltrane must be very proud.

and eric the elder is right again. dob should be wary of jealousies in the newsroom. does luckovich have a tee shirt? the old journalist? maybe the ajc can use some of the old, left-over celestine sibley tees and just overprint them with dob. in any case, the tee shirts should prove to be most popular. next, caps … yes, caps. then, yo-yo’s.

By David O'Brien

June 13, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

Only in Minnesota: They just played Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61” on the stadium PA during pregame.

Mr. Zimmerman was, of course, born in Minnesota, in Duluth, and raised there and in Hibbing, Minn….

Eric: Thanks. But it’ll probably fizzle, unless maybe we can get coach Yoc to post a good slogan. Something to kickstart the whole thing.

And if it does take off? Well, my friend, then to hell with everyone whose nose is out of joint. (just kidding. no, really, just kidding)

By N8

June 13, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

I “take back” what I said on the other blog about Boyer going down, as opposed to Paronto.

If they’re making (attempting to make) a starter out of Boyer, I’m cool with that. Nothing to lose, IMO. If he doesn’t work out, you bring keep him up as a reliever.

Now THAT’s the creativity that I’ve come to expect from Bobby/JS.

We’ll see…..

By spinelli

June 13, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

I think this is a great idea about moving Boyer into a starters role. If Gonzalez didn’t get hurt I wondered if they would do the same with McBride. Any word on if Chipper would play some 1st if Escobar continues to play good?

By David O'Brien

June 13, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

No, Salty not lineup. Thorman at first, batting eighth, Escobar at third, batting ninth.

By Lew

June 13, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

DOB-I’ll go you one better on the T Shirt. We will declare the slogan’s creator a Wurlitzer Winner-The Wurlitzer Prize For T ShirtSlogan Writing. They will win appropriate prizes. I’ll also volunteer any artwork you may need for the design.

By Kieran: Long Island Braves Fan

June 13, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

Did not know that Minneapolis was a big music town… and can you believe that the stadium they are building is going to be OUTDOORS?!? I guess they’re planning on having opening day on June 1st!

By Kieran: Long Island Braves Fan

June 13, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Did not know that Minneapolis was a big music town… and can you believe that the stadium they are building is going to be OUTDOORS?!? no roof I guess they’re planning on having opening day on June 1st!

By Rubbin's Racing

June 13, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

UH……… I blog ‘bout the UHtterances of Chipper with DOB at the AJC.

By Why I drink

June 13, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

As I was passing by my son’s bedroom this morning, I was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then I saw an envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to “Dad.”

With the worst possible premonition I opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter.

Dear Dad:

It is with great regret and sorrow that I’m writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you. I have been finding real passion with Stacy and she is so nice. But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercing’s, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is much, much older than me. But, it’s not only the passion…Dad, she’s pregnant.

Statistics that we will be very happy and Stacy thinks so too. She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter. We share a dream of having many more children.

Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn’t really hurt anyone. We’ll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people that live nearby for cocaine, ecstasy, and spending money.

In the meantime we will pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Stacy can get better. She deserves it. Don’t worry Dad. I’m 15 and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I’m sure that we will be back to visit so that you can get to know your grandchildren.

Love,

Your Son, Shaun

PS. Dad, none of the above is true. I’m over at Tommy’s house blogging. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the report card that’s in my center desk drawer.

I love you. Call me when it’s safe to come home.

By JasonInMaine

June 13, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

Oh well, there’s always tomorrow.

By A-ville Ranger

June 13, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

In the why the hell not spirit,why the hell not bring Buddy Hernandez down (geographicly speaking)from Richmond for one start ? Is being 5’9” such a disqualifier that consistently excellent results at the highest level of the minors means nothing ? If the team had good options other than this it’d make more sense to me.How is it better to try Moyer as a starter in mid season ? Oh well I must be missing something in the equation,it wouldn’t be the first time.

By CrimeDawg

June 13, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

Tough luck for McCann!…pathetic at bat for Francoeur…

By CrimeDawg

June 13, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

God our starting rotation blows!!

By eric the elder

June 13, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

Meanwhile, Kelly on 2nd with 1 out, Chipper and Andruw on 2nd and 1st with no outs - - and nothing.

Good stroke by McCann, though.

By Bob, Journalist

June 13, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

I still think something’s bothering Kelly … I can’t put my finger on it but for some time, both his tempo and swing plane have seemed different. Of course, as confessed on the previous blog, meine augen ani’t what they used to be.

With a right handed batter and one man out, I like the steal attempt but, the fact that it wasn’t close suggests that he didn’t have a jump that justified so doing.

By eric the elder

June 13, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Meanwhile, Ford hits his 1st home run of the season.

Sometimes I wonder if this team is snakebit.

By StingerSplash

June 13, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

What about “Pleased to Meet Me?” from The Replacements? Minnesota is also home to Soul Asylum, I believe, a band that is now not what it once was.

By Jared

June 13, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Wow what a surprise. Bobby Cox fails to play small ball again. 1st and 2nd with nobody out and a struggling hitter at the plate. Common sense tells you to bunt but apparently Bobby Cox has lost his mind

By CrimeDawg

June 13, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

A little out of touch a little insane, just easier than dealing with the pain

Great song pretty sums up being a Braves fan right now also…

By Caleb

June 13, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

DOB, you’re right. I meant to say Smoltz vs. Sabathia (but I typed Santana). My bad. Two straight games against arguably the two best lefthanders (or best pitchers period) in baseball right now. With how they’ve hit lefties all season, it would be just like the Braves to surprise the hell out of everyone and come out and pound both of them. Then they’d be like “what, we’ve been hitting lefties ALL season. Why wouldn’t we against Santana/Sabathia?”

On second thought, I’d take a 1-1 record in those two games any day. Hopefully, the Braves can pull one out at least.

By JasonInMaine

June 13, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

I know we are only 2 out, but we will be in 3rd after tomorrow! This is a .500 team.

By Stuart

June 13, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Boyer is a one pitch pitcher. Unless he has some stuff he hasn’t shown, he wont make it as a starter. For those who want to bash me for being negative, I have actually seen Boyer start with my own eyes a couple of years ago, and yes he really only has a fastball and a little curve. What have you seen?

Again, I got bashed for being negative yesterday, and when I blogged I was in a bad mood and was a bit negative, but the facts are the facts and they drive me crazy. Chuck is not great, but the back end of the rotation is worse, and Willie takes bad routes to the ball and did in that inning and gave up an extra base. That aint the first time that has happened either.

The reliever who should be extended and given a chance to start is Villareal and that is bad enough, but he is actually a better starter than reliever. He uses all his pitches and doesnt look like over throws everything when he is starting.

By N8

June 13, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

I’m not gonna be blogging for a while. I just got a phone call from MLB. It seems they need some help printing Braves playoff tickets.

REALLY? Giving up a HR to a guy hitting .218 with O HR and 3 RBI.

(sigh)

This team doesn’t feel like playing baseball right now. It’s actually getting mighty embarrassing to be a Braves fan.

But hey! The T-Shirt idea for the blog is cool. :-)

Hey McCann…if Castillo doesn duck next time, throw the frickin ball right at his head, he’ll figure it out after that.

So quick recap:

1st inning: single for KJ. Caught stealing with ZERO REASON to steal 3B.

James gives up 2 runs because Francoeur CAN’T hit the cutoff man (next play would’ve been a inning ending DP with only 1 run across).

2nd inning: back to back hits to lead the inning off. Then Francoeur and McCann proceed to EACH swing at the 1st pitch….nice approach.

Chuck gives up a HR to a guy that makes Pete Orr look productive. Then McCann “complains” to the ump about something, when he fails to throw out the base stealer. How about COMPLAIN to your pitcher (entire staff) for literally IGNORING every base runner that’s ever on base.

Exactly what is it about this team that makes all you homers think the playoffs are in our future?

By MBATL

June 13, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Jared, I don’t think you bunt Bruised Fingers McCann, with CJ and AJ on the basepaths and no outs, in the 2nd inning. We had the opportunity to play for a big inning.

It IS kind of disturbing that after getting 2 men on, the Braves saw a total of 5 more pitches. 1 for McCann, 1 for Frenchy, and 3 for Thorman.

By Bob, Journalist

June 13, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

Time for some of the confidence Chipper was talking about!

By A-ville Ranger

June 13, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Is bunting even an option anymore ?

By Oh My

June 13, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

Kind of surprised Escobar and Johnson didn’t get bunted over by Willie. Second and third with 1 out….that would have been nice.

By Caleb

June 13, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

I know Willie’s been tearing it up, but I think he should’ve been bunting with two on and no out. For anyone who’s watching, did he attempt a bunt at least? (I’m just on Gamecast so who know’s what a “foul” is on this thing).

By MBATL

June 13, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Now, not having Harris bunt with 2 on and none out… that’s a headscratcher.

By cwk

June 13, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

Sometimes I wonder if this team is snakebit couldnt agree more, alotta guys get their firsts against the braves.

By Stuart

June 13, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

The Braves take TERRIBLE ABs. McCann and Francouer hacking at crap on the first pitches in the 1st. Then, 1st and 2nd and nobody out and our beloved willie GIDP. Bobby, he is your best bunter and you had atheletes on base, sac bunt and give the 3 and 4 hole guys a chance to get one in.

By N8

June 13, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

Caleb

“On second thought, I’d take a 1-1 record in those two games any day. Hopefully, the Braves can pull one out at least.”

LOL! Yeah….whatever. I’ll be happy (more like shocked) if we get 1 hit in each game. I wonder when the last time the Braves were shutout on back to back days?

If Carlos Silva (a RETREAD ex-Phillies reliever), can shut us down, what the HELL are those guys gonna do to us.

This is MOST DEFINITELY the wrong park for a guy like James to be pitching in. Fly balls go along way here.

By The Truth Hurts

June 13, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Hey, Chuck James could cure prostrate cancer all by himself tonight.

By A-ville Ranger

June 13, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

What happened to the never give in pitching philosophy ? We need a pitching coach,this is some dead-head bs.

By Calvin

June 13, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Just don’t seem to have any consistent pitching nowadays…sad.

By Oh My

June 13, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Well, it’s not looking too good tonight for a win. Really sad considering the Phillies are surging and the Mets are playing worse than Atlanta. although they are in most of their games. What happened to the Braves pitchers not named Smoltz, Soriano, Gonzalez and Wickman?

By JasonInMaine

June 13, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

The braves may have to do something drastic like acquire another 8th inning guy and turn Soriano into a starter. They HAVE to do something.

Wow, 1st and 2nd with nobody out twice…how about bunting them over and getting a productive out to score a run? It would be 3-2 if this team had ever heard of such a strategy.

Regards,

Jason

By Del

June 13, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Watching these young Braves pitchers mature sure is PAINFUL. 7 runs. Yikes !!!

By N8

June 13, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Maybe Chuck should wear a T-Shirt that says:

My name is Chuck James…..I’m the Twins’ B!TCH.

THANK GOD, I didn’t make the 6.5 hour drive and spend my money to go to this series.

Unreal. Amazing what happens when batters take the meatball stuff the way it’s pitched, isn’t it? The double by Cuddyer, and both HR by Morneau and Hunter would have ALL been week groundouts by the 3 guys in the heart of our order.

I said it last week, I’ll say it again. Mark Redman would EAT this Braves lineup for dinner, belch and go back for seconds.

By Brave Josh

June 13, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

In case anyone cares, Chuck’s ERA for this game is still slightly lower than his waist size.

By StingerSplash

June 13, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

How fast can Boyer be recalled, because our other two hometown starters are getting slapped around but good.

By eric the elder

June 13, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Ranger, bunting is not an option because none of our guys know how.

The Twins are a .500 team and 3rd in their division. This is the easy part of these 12 games.

By Coop

June 13, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Last year it was the bullpen that blew games for us; this year it’s the starting pitching.

3-4-5 absolutely suck, and there is help no where.

By DS39

June 13, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

JasonInMaine No offense but being a Braves fan means showing support no matter how the team is doing. This is baseball, you never know what’s going to happen.

I don’t get it guys. If the team wins 2 in a row, you guys start talking about us winning a world championship. If we lose 2 in a row you talk about how bad we suck and that we’re only going to finish 3rd or 4th.

Atlanta has some of the worst fans. Show some support for a change. Nobody is perfect.

By GermanBravesFan

June 13, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Is it as painful watching the game live at the stadium as it is following it on the Yahoo website? Man…. down 6-0 in the third inning…. it’t depressing!

By Oh My

June 13, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

Chipper Jones, Professional Hitter.

By Stuart

June 13, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

I think it is safe to say that it IS the lineup and the people in it and not missing chipper. Runners everywhere and cant do anything. I am sick of this.

By GermanBravesFan

June 13, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

Wow… Kyle Davies made it through an inning without giving up a run!!! That should give him a rais in arbitration!

Am I being too negative?

By The Truth Hurts

June 13, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

DS39, one isn’t less of a fan for noting that the team is 28-29 over the last 57 and showing no signs of improvement. After tonight, it’s likely to be 28-30 over 58.

That’s not a statistical anomaly.

This IS the 2007 Braves.

Looking at the core, the roster is pretty promising for the future, one would think. However, the window is closing on Chipper and Smoltz’s opportunities in Atlanta. There’s only so much patience one should have at this juncture, no?

By BravesDave

June 13, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

I am just glad that I got my daily does of McCann grounding into a double play started by the second baseman. Who knows, maybe he can do it twice tonight. Or make another error or two.

By Oh My

June 13, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Braves - 6 hits, all singles, 2 double plays hit into and a caught stealing at 3rd.
Twins - 8 hits, 3 homers, 3 doubles, 2 singles and a steal of 3rd. Perhaps the Braves need to look at video of the Twins hitters.

By Berigan

June 13, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

By A-ville Ranger

June 13, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Is bunting even an option anymore ?

Sure it’s an option! Didn’t you see Torii Hunter, hitting 80+ points higher than Andruw, and with more homers than Andruw, bunt???

I asked earlier today, I don’t think anyone answered. Who, today would you rather see in a Braves outfit? Torii, or Andruw?? Who looks more fit? Who can hit to the opposite field with power, consistently? Who thinks when he is at home plate???

Andruw is still the best center fielder though…..

By Todd A

June 13, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Man,this is looking more and more like June ‘06 with each passing game.

By N8

June 13, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Not only will we be in 3rd place by the time the plane lands in Cleveland, we will be 35-35 after a sweep by the Indians.

But I’m sure Andruw’s gonna “turn it around” real soon.

As I type that, Francoeur makes an out on ONE PITCH!!! Add that two McCann’s inning ending DP, and each of their AB’s the first time around and they have COMBINED to see 4 pitches, will accounting for 5 OUTS.

I don’t need Shaun’s stats to tell me that that is the polar opposite of “out avoidance”.

Face it people this team SUCKS. Aint no way around it. You can lie to yourself and sugarcoat the stats, and make an “argument” that certain individuals are doing OK (which some are), but bottom line is that this TEAM absolutely has zero clue how to win a game, unless the other team (or the umps) give it to them.

I don’t care if we’re 2 out, 12 out or 6 games up. DENY that this team plays some of the ugliest baseball, that you’ve seen in the last 17 years.

Deny away.

By Braves suck

June 13, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

It is so frustrating watching this team. We are nose diving out of this thing quick and are staring another 4 game losing streak right in the face.

By cricket

June 13, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Wow !! Down by 6 in 3rd and now the hitters just have given up !! Everyone is just swinging early in the count to get the game over as they know the pitcher is on the hook for the loss. I don’t know why I keep on watching this pathetic effor on the small laptop screen scr@@ing my eyes.

By BravesDave

June 13, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

Man, five scoreless innings against a 3-7 pitcher with an ERA over 4.00 after losing to a rookie making his third start yesterday.

This team needs an enema.

By A-ville Ranger

June 13, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

Well it’s a good night to watch planet earth on animal planet.For those who like such things, it’s an amazing series.

By Bill

June 13, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Did you say 3rd. place tomorrow. How about 4th. place by the week end. Another pitcher for the junk yard. We don’t need anymore soft throwers. Chuck James throws nothing but junk. How long has it been since the Braves drafted a hard thrower and developed him for the big leagues. This team is garbage. They don’t know when or how to bunt. They only won’t to hit home runs. BC doesn’t know how to play small ball. They need a balance lineup and they sure as he— don’t have one. This whole team stinks. As I said many times, this team needs to be blown up and start over. I doubt that they will win a game on this road trip.

By GermanBravesFan

June 13, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

I agree with A-ville Ranger: Hunter might be a better choice overall. Who knows, maybe he’ll sign for less then $15 million per year?

Andruw might be the best defensive centerfielder of his generation, but offensively… I am not sure how much longer I can watch him strike out time and time again.

By Random ("Smoltz Mentor"?)

June 13, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

I have (and, I’m sure, y’all have) been reading so much ink in the past few years about what wonderful MENTORS Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux are and have been to the young pitchers on their respective staffs.

So, why the jee-dee effin aitch has the Braves’ own super-stud John Smoltz not been better able to “mentor” our own young pitchers — Kyle Davies, Chuck James, Anthony Lerew, Macay McBride, Steve Colyer, Kevin Barry, inter alia???? Why the el-hay is at-thay?

(I’m not even going to mention the mentoring that Mark Redman could have benefited from, since an illustrious blogger here has previously opined that Redman himself could be a such mentor — “By Matt // March 11, 2007 3:19 PM | // Redman is a great pickup for the Braves, and it’s a plus that he’s a lefty. . . . One last thing…anyone think that Redman might become another mentor to the Baby Braves pitchers?”)

Is Smoltz one of those fellas who can do, but cannot teach? Just wondering.

By Bob, Journalist

June 13, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

What kind of inane talk is It’s actually getting mighty embarrassing to be a Braves fan … I can see being embarrassed for the boys when they take a misstep but methinks the only times we should be embarrassed to be a Braves’ fan would be times when they didn’t try or they did something to bring dishonor to the uniform.

Of course, sometimes I so feel when our fans boo our own or call them names … ‘cause though they aren’t real fans, we are nevertheless identified with them.

Reflecting, I suppose I also sometimes feel that way … knowing the Blog has a broad audience.

I’m sure we have different definitions but, taking pride in a team has nothing to do with wins and losses, but rather it’s how they play the game. Being happy is another story!

I’m tired of being serious and unhappy … time for some babybacks, homemade icecream and Orange Chrush!

By Todd A

June 13, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

I absolutely loathe our approach to hitting under Bobby Cox.Hacking at first pitches against a guy you’ve never seen before is down-right idiotic.At least the season premier of Rescue Me is only 35 minutes away.

By cricket

June 13, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the tip, A-ville Ranger. Planet earth is absolutely amazing.

By I suck for watching the Braves

June 13, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

Does any stat geek out there know if they keep stats on success/failure rate of moving runners over to third with no outs???

If they do, i will bet my left test…er arm that the Bravno’s are dead last by a long shot.

By Oh My

June 13, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

YES!!! 2 scoreless innings out of the pitching staff. We’re on our way Braves fans. LOL

By Bob, Journalist

June 13, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Is James really still in the game? You will note that I made no “not to worry” predictions tonight … come on Braves!

Later …

By A-ville Ranger

June 13, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Moylan doesn’t look like he puts much strain on his arm for such unusual mechanics.It looks like the shoulder could get some wear though.I do like the movement he gets.

By N8

June 13, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

Ho hum. Another 73 pitch (in less than 5 IP) start for James.

He’s SOOOOOOOOOOOO efficiant.

YOUR WELCOME Minnesota. Similar to Carlos Delgado and Rafael Soriano earlier, the Braves mission this year, is to WAKE UP eacj teams struggling hitters.

Mark it down. If the Twins make the playoffs, they will look back on this series, and consider it the “boost” that they needed to kickstart their season.

Unfortunately we don’t play the Mets for while, so we’ll have to wait for “ours”.

By Johnny R

June 13, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

have you seen the man vs. wild shows? I think the guys name is Bear Grylls, something like that. Good one.

By StingerSplash

June 13, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

Don’t pin this one on Chipper. He’s 2-for-2 in his first 2 ABs in a month. But I think something is wrong with McCann. I love the guy, but last night he swung at a terrible pitch against Neshek and he’s not driving the ball like he usually does. He’s been a solid clutch hitter his first couple of years, but really seems to be struggling now. He has three RBIs this month and hasn’t homered in a month.

By BravesDave

June 13, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Carlos Silva has breezed through this crap lineup with only 64 pitches in 6 innings. Impressive. Maybe John S. can swing a trade for him.

By The Grinch

June 13, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

How about: “Blog with DOB…” on the front, then on the back have a picture of David Coverdale with teased out hair and underneath: “…or be Whitesnaked.” Gotta think about something besides this game.

By Oh My

June 13, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

Of course, as soon as Bobby Cox posts the lineup almost everyone has been waiting for in regards to Johnson, Harris and Renteria being the first 3 batters. Hot Willie Harris and steady Edgar Renteria are a combined 0 for 6 against a 3-7 pitcher. We’ll never see this lineup again. LOL

By N8

June 13, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

the only times we should be embarrassed to be a Braves’ fan would be times when they didn’t try or they did something to bring dishonor to the uniform.

You mean like, when 2 of your “best” young hitters don’t have the thought process in their heads to somehow see more than 4 pitches between them in their first two AB’s?

It’s one of two things, Bob. It’s BAD COACHING, by not instructing them to take some pitches or have an approach. Or it’s BAD COACHING by allowing them to make up their own minds, when they are apparently incapable of making the right decsion.

I’m sure Bobby will say that Chuck “looked good” tonight. “Good stuff”. “Those HR, just barely got into the upper deck”.

You really think that this team (NOT EVERYBODY) but the TEAM is trying? They look (in ALL phases of the game), like their heads aren’t in it.

WHY THE HELL would KJ try and steal 3rd base in the 1st inning? I absolutely LOVE KJ’s approach and the way he plays the game. But that is just a PRIME EXAMPLE OF NOT THINKING. We just activate Chipper from the DL, why? So he can lead off innings with nobody on?

Get your head in the game. So either KJ made a bad choice, or if he was given the steal sign (which I highly doubt he was), it was a HORRIBLE call by the coaches.

Swinging at first pitches when you’re down by 6 runs is BAD BASEBALL.

Deny it. I dare you.

By A-ville Ranger

June 13, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Berigan I was refering more to coaching,as to whether bunting is an option on this team.No doubt Hunter is more fleet of foot than Andruw though.

By Mike R

June 13, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Here come the 70’s again! Smoltz plays the roll of Phil Niekro. Hudson takes the place of Carl Morton (for the newer fans, he was a decent #2 started in the early to mid 70’s). Chipper takes Aaron’s place as an aging superstar. Everyone else is either on the down side of their career or long on potential but short on real production.

This season is over… Hopefully the Braves will not waste a prospect trying to improve this team. They also need to let Andrew walk. It makes no sense to waste that much money on a good field no hit outfielder. Ererytime I see Andrew hit, I’m reminded of Dave Kingman.

By Steve McP

June 13, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

DOB - With all this talk of Dylan (who incidentally was disappointingly bad when I saw him in Asheville earlier this year) and Prince, you have forgotten to mention that the classic disco group Lipps Inc also came from Minneapolis “Funky Town”, surely they are on your favourites shuffle?

By Berigan

June 13, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Seeing James get hammered on pitches outside the strike zone even, reminds me of Glavine in the playoffs. Scouts pick up on patterns of soft tossing lefties like Chucky, forever throwing outside to righties. And their teams listen to the scouts. Two opposite field homers off of Chucky. Amazing.

By A-ville Ranger

June 13, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Steve Mvp I saw Dylan two years ago at the Orange Peel here in Asheville.It was a great venue for him.

By HP

June 13, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Is John Schuerholz sleeping in his bed right now. I am concerned about braves starting pitching. We need to trade for a starting pitcher right now. We don’t need after the deadline for two months. The games that we are losing right now are very important and they also count same.

By Todd A

June 13, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

This is getting very reminiscent of the One Crazy Summer.Only thing missing is Ozzie Virgil and Jim Varney singing the National Anthem.

By N8

June 13, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

“Ererytime I see Andrew hit, I’m reminded of Dave Kingman.”

Don’t INSULT Dave Kingman. He was a career .236 hitter.

LOVE IT. Chipper’s on 1B laughing after Andruw pops out…….AGAIN.

This team is “loose”. Like throwing a hotdog down a hallway. (as Ted Danson once referred to Whoopi Goldberg)

Did I just say that outloud?

By Oh MY

June 13, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Chipper Jones, Major League Baseball Hitter. Very impressive considering the time he missed and yet the man goes 3 for 3 to start the game. KJ and CJ have accounted for 5 of the Braves 8 hits.

By geauxbraves2000

June 13, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

So, this is what I come home to, Chuck HR James doing his thing. Is there no one left on this team, save Smoltz, that has the ability to pitch a game?

The Braves did good about concentrating on a weakness from last year, but failed to address the other weakness. And don’t give me this crap about Hampton supposedly being well this year, everyone in the free world knew he wouldn’t be. He is fragile. I don’t expect much next year either.

If the offense had a little more patience, they’d see more pitches, and possibly recognize a pitch and whack it.

But, without pitching, it doesn’t matter if you have an all star lineup (see the NY Yankees)

Geaux Braves!!

By OVERLORD

June 13, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

What in the world is the matter besides the BAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDD starting pitching?????????? This is soooooooooo ugly. It has not been uglier only because the mets starting pitching is as bad as our. Is this team gonna wait mets make first move to get any pitching help? I still hope Cormier makes a rebound. Thank god chipper is back cause he could make us regroup. But write this down……the only thing that has make the difference between a good braves team and the bad present team, is the dominance of tim hudson. The only stretch we have played good solid baseball was when he was solid. Of course JS is supposed to be automatic to us. And when were doing ok with some 500 ball out of the rest of the SP. So i really think nothing is gonna improve no matter what if tim hudson does not makes a solid strong turn arooooooound….PERIOD

By eric the elder

June 13, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Looking for some silver lining.

Chipper gets his 3rd hit, and Andruw does NOT hit into a double play.

Oh wait, Francoeur did. Never mind . .

By geauxbraves2000

June 13, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

I have bat, I swing at ball, I swing at every ball, no matter where ball is I swing.

Gea…oh why bother.

(frustration is starting to set in)

By N8

June 13, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

In all fairnes to Bobby (man I hate to say that), in reference to all the b!tching and moaning about bunting (or lack there of). SMALL BALL is meant to be played in a tight game. 1-0, 2-0, 0-0, etc…..

Why in the name of Shaun, would Bobby waste an out with a bunt in a game when it’s quite obvious that Chuck isn’t “on top of his game”, where 1 or 2 runs is NOT gonna make the difference.

I totally agree that we completely LACK the ability to manufacture a run, for the time when that will be neccesary. But ladies and gentlemen….tonight was not the night that that particular skill was needed.

By Oh My

June 13, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

Well, the Braves do lead in double plays grounded into 3-0. Bad night for most of the lineup. One less hit than the Twins, however 6 less runs. OUCH!!

By GermanBravesFan

June 13, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

How many double plays have we hit into? I stopped counting after the third…

By Steve McP

June 13, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Ranger - I could imagine that at the Peel he was very good as it is an intimate setting, but at the Civic Center he had no rapport with the crowd and the acoustics were awful,

If you are in town where do you like to watch Braves games, I can;t find a venue that has the game with commentary, but there are a few that have it a one option among many screens

By N8

June 13, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Anybody “up” for a meaningless Scott Thorman HR?

By Oh my

June 13, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

One truly good thing so far…the bullpen to this point has done what they’re supposed to, 2 2/3 innings of scoreless ball. UNfortunately the majority of the hitters are not.

By Braves

June 13, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Hey Random(smoltz mentor?): theres only so much that smoltz can do with these young pitchers. They still have to pitch no matter what he tells them, he can’t pitch for them. We need a number three starter fast..or we will be in third. Its a close race in our division but it shouldn’t have come to this really.

By HP

June 13, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Why is the trading deadline July 31. It should be June 15.

By The Grinch

June 13, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Dang, Nate; that was rough. I guess the censors didn’t get it. On a positive note, the Twins have raised $45,000 for prostate cancer research (Truth Hurts, that 8:55 was hilarious).

By N8

June 13, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Smoltz is regretting signing the extension?

Carlos FRICKIN Silva.

I would really like to know what the combined ERA is of the pitchers that have shut us down this year.

Earlier somebody suggested we might be “snakebit”. Nope. Just not very good.

So what are the odds of the two asian groundskeepers in the Major League movie, doing a commercial for Braves Baseball on TBS.

“They’re still sh!tty.”

6-0 nothing in the 8th inning. Already down in the series 1 game to 0. With Santana on the mound tomorrow.

Paronto on the mound. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse……..

By BravesDave

June 13, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

Not to change the subject, but some idiot on the Yanks-DBacks telecast just said that Vlad Guerrero would get more credit for being a great player if he played in a bigger market. Ummm, I think he plays in Los Angeles.

Back to our regularly scheduled comments…the Braves stink. They are 11-19 (after this loss) over their last 30 games. I have to figure that is the worst record in baseball over that stretch. I am going to do some research.

By eric the elder

June 13, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

Oh my, maybe I’ve missed it, but I don’t recall your posting before. I hope you will continue. Your mini-commentaries help to take the edge off when the rest of us (including me) get grumpy.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 13, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

ah, yes, the orange peel - right up the street from short coxe avenue. wonder why so many tourists have their picture made at the corner next to that street sign? members of the coxe clan, no doubt. and where does anne cox chambers stand on this tee shirt promo and will ms. cox chambers be wearing one of these dob shirts?

and now, the twins played some nice national league baseball in the early innings to get on the scoreboard - then they played some american league ball to build their lead.

By BravesDave

June 13, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

By the way, the 6-9 hitters in the Twins lineup tonight are all hitting below .250…and the Braves are still down 6-0.

By Berigan

June 13, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

By N8 June 13, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this “Ererytime I see Andrew hit, I’m reminded of Dave Kingman.” Don’t INSULT Dave Kingman. He was a career .236 hitter.

Thanks Nathan, I needed a laugh! ;) I’d almost take Kingman, almost. At least you could talk a few innings about the 550 foot homer he had just hit…..

By N8

June 13, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Grinch

I can’t believe Danson actually said that publically. That’s good stuff. I laughed HARD CORE, the first time I heard it. Still funny, if you ask me.

I’m glad you enjoyed it (if you did), If you didn’t, blame Ted Danson. It’s his quote. LOL!

By Meanie

June 13, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

Well at least Atlanta has hotter chicks. Anyone notice the crowd? Looks like a friggin albino convention! And those who aren’t watching on Extra Innings… be glad you didn’t have to endure their butch sideline reporter. Made my cat puke on the rug.

By Bob, Journalist

June 13, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

Still 15 minutes on the ribs …

Cato, regarding fundamentals and those that can’t … Maybe we should play prison baseball and allow the players the option of being the executors or executees.

Seriously, if the team is truly weak in it’s execution of fundamentals, Bobby and the entire coaching staff should be held accountable, without regard to icon status or long standing friendships … not at the end of the season or when Bobby retirement is scheduled, but immediately!

There’s no way that ownership or executive management should select Bobby’s replacement from within … not if they were party to allowing the team with which they were associated to take the field unschooled in the fundamentals.

You can’t expect to achieve success by demanding that your programs be put into effect before you’ve been elected but some principles shouldn’t be allowed to be prostituted … and disassociating one’s self is the preferred behavior.

Allowing players to be unschooled and/or inneffective in the execution of fundamentals is unacceptable!

I’m not saying that they are fundamentally inept … just, if that is the case … then neither gee nor haw will do … whoa is the only acceptable command!

By Mike R

June 13, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

Please no trades unless it is to dump older players for prospects… Hopefully Andrew will tire of playing for a 4th place team and be willing to accept a trade. We should also dump Renteria and give the ss job to Escobar. The Braves should be able to get prospects for Hudson. This team is going no where this year or next. Rebuild instead of trading prospects to be stay a 3rd team. Keep Smoltz to maintain fan interest. The Braves will certainly struggle but we can finish 4th with Andrew, Hudson, and Renteria. Why not finish 4th without them and build for 2009. A couple of 4th or 5th place finishes may also convince Liberty to sell in 2009 or 10 as the francise value will decrease.

By A-ville Ranger

June 13, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

N8 It was 2-0 when the team didn’t bunt with two on and no outs.SteveMcp the peel holds 950 or so.It was the smallest venue he’d played in years, I think.It was the dream environment for his music.

By eric the elder

June 13, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

We need to trade for a starting pitcher right now.

HP, with respect, that issue has been beaten to death here for the past month. The fact is that every team in MLB needs starting pitching, and no one is going to trade away a quality starter - - not without giving up our entire future for the next decade.

By Wayne in Utah

June 13, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Could we open up a dual blog? One when we want to whine and complain about how atrocious the Braves are, and the other where we can actually discuss the Braves struggles without all the whining?

It is getting way too tedious to wade through all the negativsm on this blog and get to meaningful posts. I think I will just look for certain names from this point on.

BTW, the T-Shirt MUST be BLACK, regardless of what the wording is…

By SRF

June 13, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

My local newspaper this morning printed the same stupid drivel from the wires - “without the All-Stars Chipper and Renteria to anchor the infield, the team struggled.” Bull-*

So fine - they were both there tonight and guess what - out pitching still STINKS !!! Time for new excuse idiots !

By parks

June 13, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Please no trades unless it is to dump older players for prospects… Hopefully Andrew will tire of playing for a 4th place team and be willing to accept a trade. We should also dump Renteria and give the ss job to Escobar. The Braves should be able to get prospects for Hudson. This team is going no where this year or next. Rebuild instead of trading prospects to be stay a 3rd team. Keep Smoltz to maintain fan interest. The Braves will certainly struggle but we can finish 4th with Andrew, Hudson, and Renteria. Why not finish 4th without them and build for 2009. A couple of 4th or 5th place finishes may also convince Liberty to sell in 2009 or 10 as the francise value will decrease.

N8, someone has replaced you as the king of comedy. lol

By A-ville Ranger

June 13, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

That Danson quote came from a black-face skit he did with Whoopi while they were dating.They got skewered for it.I thought it was harmless and funny as hell.

By BravesDave

June 13, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

OK…there are a few teams that are in worse tailspins than the Braves since the Braves were 24-12. The White Sox are 9-20, the Rangers are 9-19, and the Brewers are 10-19. The Braves are not that far off at 11-19.

On the other hand, just for comparison sake, the Nationals are 16-12 over the same stretch, while the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are 15-12. The Nationals are actually 6 games ahead of the Braves since May 12.

Man, that is ugly.

By Berigan

June 13, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

I watched the whole game! I will now put out a cigarette on my palm, to complete this night!

By Bob, Journalist

June 13, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

One last thing before I go and get unhungry … I don’t know this DS39 person but the 9:03 was well said … unfortunately, it’s only impact will probably be to get nods from members of the choir.

Bananas are on sale at Kroger’s for 39 cents a pound … if anybody likes homemade icecream or puddin’ … of course, they don’t have a contract with Coke this year so a 12 pack costs a week’s pay while Pepsi’s being given away.

By Steve McP

June 13, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Wayne - yes lets look to the positives - Chuck James did not give up a walk. That’s about it I think!

By Fred34

June 13, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

All I’ve got to say is that the BRAVES are sucking! Last year it was crappy bullpen, this year it’s crappy starters. The team ERA in the first 3 innings this year must be close 10.00. Why can’t anyone get anybody out? This triple A pitching staff is not working.

By BravesDave

June 13, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Shut out by Carlos Silva. Maybe we can petition MLB to cancel the rest of the Braves schedule in June.

Silva retired 15 of the last 17 he faced. This guy was 3-7 before he ran into every pitchers best friend…the Braves lineup.

By Eric C.

June 13, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

This team is horrible…and getting worse. There are just too many holes to fill in order to “play for today” and “win this year.” Smoltz and Chipper, I hate it, but you’re winning days are over in Atlanta. Andruw…see ya, it’s been fun. In the mean time…let’s enjoy whatever victories can be salvaged this season. The Phillies are passing us…and maybe the Mets for that matter.

By N8

June 13, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Mike R.

“Rebuild instead of trading prospects to be stay a 3rd team. Keep Smoltz to maintain fan interest. The Braves will certainly struggle but we can finish 4th with Andrew, Hudson, and Renteria. Why not finish 4th without them and build for 2009.”

I’m right there with you. I’m all for “going for it” (the playoffs), if it’s legitimately within reach (which “statistically” they are - but realistically not so much). I just hope that at the deadline, it is very clear cut, where our season is going. If we’re actually still close, and one or two players could allow us to make a run similar to the Cardinals did last year, then by all means (preferably not Salty or Escobar)…..GO FOR IT.

But if we are 10 games out in mid July, I couldn’t agree more. Trade Renteria (somebody would give us SOMETHING for him). Not that I’m dissapointed in him. He’s been Steady Eddy for us. But he’s the ONE commodity that is tradeable, where we have a legitimate option to replace him next year. Maybe Hudson? Surely Wickman?

I see absolutely NO SIGNS that this team will be a buyer instead of a seller at the deadline. If we are a “buyer” I believe it will happen in the next 2-3 weeks. NOT at the deadline.

Sure would be nice to get rid of Andruw as well. Even if we can come up with the money to “afford” him next year, I don’t think we can actually afford to take up that much payroll on one player. Especially one, that apparently has NO INTEREST in learning how to hit at age 30.

Firesale is NEVER gonna happen on JS’s watch. But that doesn’t neccesarily mean that it SHOULDN’T happen.

By Bob, Journalist

June 13, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Oh, my wife had one more comment … getting singles isn’t (she doesn’t say ain’t) what hurt us tonight, it’s those boys who didn’t get singles … that, and letting the Twins get those home runs.

bye …

By Vonshawn

June 13, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

This team has no heart. The Mets get down early, they make an effort to fight back. The Phillies, Marlins and even the Nationals too.

But the Braves? Nope, all they do is tuck tail and give meaningless, “We’ll do better tomorrow comments.”

I don’t care what anyone says, it’s time for this team to go in a different direction and the change has to start with Bobby Cox stepping down as manager.

His brand of baseball is boring and outdated. His players are too comfortable (see Andruw (smile when I pop up with runners on” Jones or Jeff “swing at the first pitch no matter the situation” Franceour) and have no fire; no fear. His loyalty is wonderful, but this same loyalty has also been a detriment to many a championship caliber Brave teams (see Reeksma, Charlie Leibrandt, Pete Orr, etc.).

Bobby says next year could be his final year, and personally, I can’t wait. He’s a HOF manager and has a done a great job with this organization, but his time has LONG since passed as are the Braves chances for competing in the NL.

By N8

June 13, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger

“N8 It was 2-0 when the team didn’t bunt with two on and no outs”

I’m aware of what the score was. I’m also aware of how Chuck was pitching at that point, and being from “Twins Territory”, I’m ALL too familiar with what the Twins hitters do to pitches that are left up in the zone as Chuck so often does.

I’m not saying I’m Miss Cleo, but I saw that outing from Chuck coming the SECOND I saw that he was one of the pitchers going in this series. The Metrodome is NOT a friendly place for fly ball pitchers, and the Twins hitters know it. With ZERO wind conditions, they have NO PROBLEM hitting the ball where it is pitched. A concept our hitters should try someday. :-)

Parks

“N8, someone has replaced you as the king of comedy. lol”

Sad thing is, (which you’ll have figured out by the time you read this post), I just posted another post before this one, pretty much TOTALLY agreeing with him. So maybe we’ll be the new “Penn and Teller”. Oh wait one of them don’t talk. NO way could I play that role. LOL!

By Wayne in Utah

June 13, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Last comment tonight. Much other stuff to do.

For those who want to sell off this year, some ideas:

1. Offer McCann and Hudson to the Giants for Matt Cain.

2. Offer Wickman back to Cleveland or another “friendly” team for the stretch run. (don’t expect more than a midlevel prospect)

3. Go to Andruw and Scott Boras, tell them of our plan to start a mini rebuild process, inform them that AJ would not be offered anything but an incentive laden contract, and then offer to send him to the Angels (nice place to maybe be involved in a pennant run, plus their owner has deep pockets). Ask the Anges for Joe Saunders and Chone Figgins, and then throw in Kyle Davies and another prospect to boot. A change of scenery would maybe do AJ and Kyle some good.

4. Talk the Reds out of Jeff Conine, for a mid level prospect, as Thorman still might be a future first baseman, but will need some help for a year or two.

5. (this is the humorous one) Offer Edgar to the Cubbies and ask for Marshall and maybe Theriot. Throw in Paronto for good measure.

I know this is not going to happen, but I had a long drive home this evening, and my mind went places that I did not expect it to go.

So, for the rest of the year you have Salty at catcher, Escobar at SS, Thor and Conine at first, Chipper at third (hoping Aybar will come back to back him up). The challenge will be centerfield. Do an audition to see who looks best out there. Francoeur, Willie, Blanco, etc. Bring up Brandon Jones, Joey Devine and Brayan Pena.

BTW, Willie is not going to be a good enough OF unless he gets a lot better. I suspect he is another Charles Thomas. So, having said that, offer him to another contender for an outfield prospect.

Well, now I have solved all the Braves problems, thrown 2007 into the crapper, and made many happy on the blog. Let me know how if it were your team, you would do it differently.

Also, with $$ saved, maybe we could pick up someone like Aaron Rowand for CF.

Just speculating, so Dave, please don’t hurt me again. My head still hurts from the 2 nights ago.

By Berigan

June 13, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

I heard at the end of the game that Carlos Silva’s wife just gave birth to a baby boy yesterday, that may explain a bit his good game!

Good news, good news…let’s see. Andruw got a hit, and didn’t strike out! Chipper had 3 hits tonight. Moylan pitched well. Paranto didn’t give up a run. We had 8 hits, they only had 9. Lot’s of positive tonight. Game ended early, plenty of time to watch baseball tonight….It’s all good! ;)

By Zac

June 13, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Whats this about Larry Bigbie getting signed to a minor league deal?

By Bob

June 13, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

New Horror Flick hitting the theaters this weekend. June Swoon Deux.

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

June 13, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

A little silver lining and some perspective…the Braves are 2.5 games out and this team is much better than the 2006 version currently at 35-31. On this date last year, the Braves were 30-35 and 11 games out. They were 32-31 and 4.5 out in 2005 and 30-32 and 4.5 out in 2004. It ain’t over folks. Do we need a reliable 3rd starter? Yes, but please don’t mail it in. Things were much worse last June.

By BravesDave

June 13, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Has anyone noticed how terrible the Padres offense is right now? The leading hitter on the team is hitting .285. Yet, they are in first place at 37-27. They have pitching. I think some guy Maddux pitches there. The Pads signed him for a song, too. Maybe we shouldn’t have wasted our time trying to woo Tom Glavine back to Atlanta.

By A-ville Ranger

June 13, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

SteveMcp I missed the question before so I’ll catch up.I live 20 miles out so I don’t watch braves games in town.There’s a sports bar on Merrimon that Ive watched a couple of UGA football games at.Sure wish I could recall the name but it’s not poping up now.

By Random ("Smoltz Mentor"?)

June 13, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

*By Braves

Hey Random(smoltz mentor?): theres only so much that smoltz can do with these young pitchers. They still have to pitch no matter what he tells them, he can’t pitch for them.*

Agreed. But few doubt that some of those I named (James, Davies, etc) definitely already have the necessary PHYSICAL tools, but still require the MENTAL tools required to consistently realize their physical potential.

And that’s where (imo) MENTORing comes in. Were is Smoltz in this regard?

By The Grinch

June 13, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Bob, anyone who pays for Pepsi should be arrested for bad taste. Nate, it’s virtually impossible to offend me; I thought it was rather humerous. Ok, more work to do. Blog safely in my absence.

By Drummerdad

June 13, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Painful to watch Chuck throw batting practice for the Twins tonight. Mark Wohler’s pitch to Jim Leyritz was tougher than those balls Chuck was delivering. Downright discouraging this team. I’ll be happy to see DOB’s prediction of a division title come about, but not everybody has a Ryan Dempster to give ‘em some help. There is a stark contrast between the posture of the Braves and the Twins. The Twins look like they’re resolute, the Braves look like they don’t know.

By GT

June 13, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

I’m sure tomorrow’s Braves coverage in the AJC will discuss Pete Orr’s favorite childhood memories, where Chipper and Edgar stand in the AllStar balloting, and the latest details of Kelly Johnson’s wedding (I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to find out which church has been selected). As a sidebar, we might get a casual mention that this team lost yet another game because the oppenent’s batting average against our starting rotation is probably somehow over 1.000 - which would be the baseball equivalent of physicists breaking the speed of light. Chuck James may set some kind of record for tossing the most pitches in a season while completing the fewest number of innings. Oh wait, I forgot Kyle Davies also pitches for us. Better leave another couple pages open in the record book.

When is this paper going to grow a pair and start asking Braves management some important questions and stop getting runover by the Cox runaround train? This will be Bobby’s quote in the AJC tomorrow: “I thought Chuck pitched pretty well, he just got unlucky on a couple pitches. We put the ball in play real well.”

Stop the presses.

By MEB

June 13, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

I don’t know whats worse… the Braves performance over the last month or the drivel coming from some of you supposed Braves fans. Misery loves company so you guys have a ball.

N8… brother you need to seek another form of entertainment. It is a long season and this could very well be a horse race til the very end in the NL East. I’m not sure there is a team in baseball that you would be satisfied with.

Wow… Katy looks great tonight!

By parks

June 13, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Wayne, Mccann and Hudson for Matt Cain? C’mon man, Cain is a power pitcher but he has been getting CRUSHED this year. Guys, maybe I’m in the minority but the we ARE NOT DONE! Yall are straight up the most depressing people on earth.

Also Braveheart said it best ,yall want to trade arguably our best hitter this year in Edgar for prospects and replace him with a player that hit less home runs than Michael Jordan did in AA!?

N8, your 10:37 post was at least somewhat logical all though I promise you we will not be 10 games out by mid July

By David O'Brien

June 13, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

What a stinkin’ game. Braves have scored 32 runs in 11 games (3-8).

Starters are now 14th in the NL in ERA.

StingerSplash, definitely should have “Pleased to Meet Me” in any solid record collection, too. I just like “Tim” and “Let It Be” a little more. But not much, that’s for sure.

And talk about falling from grace … Soul Asylum. So good at the start, so bad soon after they got big.

By N8

June 13, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

“Maybe we shouldn’t have wasted our time trying to woo Tom Glavine back to Atlanta.”

I’ll take you ONE STEP BEYOND, for a little roster MADNESS.

Maybe, JUST MAYBE, we should’ve get Maddux and Glavine BOTH at all costs (heavily backloading their contracts). Traded Andruw before he was a 10/5 guy, to aleviate some of the cost. And right now, we’d have a rotation of Smoltz, Maddux, Glavine and WHO CARES #1 along with WHO CARES #2 in the rotation.

Our lineup doesn’t hit anyhow, so who really cares who would be in it. As long as we had those 3 guys at the top, we’d still be winning. Of course come playoff time it would be the same old - same old. But the playoffs are just a crapshoot anyhow.

By B9

June 13, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

Maybe we shouldn’t have wasted our time trying to woo Tom Glavine back to Atlanta.”

I’ll take you ONE STEP BEYOND, for a little roster MADNESS.

I can’t handle madness. I am benign.

By joebrave

June 13, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this

What in the Blue he11 is this? June Swooooon,I predicted…Beyond moltz,Hudson,and the late inning relievers,there is no pitching here.That my friends is a fact,and now the Team is tied with Philly!!!$hit!!I said it before,I’ll say it again,these guys get paid Big Buck$$$ to play at optimum performance,and what I’m seeing is not optimum!!!J.S. is going to do the same thing here that he did to K.C. Folks,It’s not Bobby Cox,He’s just playing the cards he’s been dealt!!!Look no Further than J.S. Mr.Alzheimers himself,dumb BA$TARD should have dumped A.J. last year at the break,looking through rose colored glasses though what does he do SELL more of his second rate Ballclub to the paying public!!!Moves can be made contrary to Editorial positions,however unpopular,which is what any move at this juncture would be!!!James nor Davies will EVER be Major league Big Game pitchers.. And Cormier is a friggin joke!! Third place is creeping up on this team and not even Dontrelle Willis can stop it. All that is needed her is line em up and give them a swift kick in the Ba11s….Especially A.J. HALL OF FAMER MY A$$!!!!!

By Todd A

June 13, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

Great.Starting pitchers ERA is now 14th in the NL,not to mention,we have a bunch of undisciplined,streaky hitters,no bench,and a thin bull pen.And some of you people don’t want to blow this roster up?How much longer should Schuerholz prolong this agony?

By N8

June 13, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

“Whats this about Larry Bigbie getting signed to a minor league deal?”

Cool. Isn’t that the guy who played the Incredible Hulk on TV? Oh wait…that was Bill Bixby, wasn’t it?

Dang. We sure could use somebody to turn all gree, rip through their clothes and kick a$$ when they get mad. Bummer. I guess I got all excited for nothing.

Grinch

“Nate, it’s virtually impossible to offend me”

Glad to hear it. Me too. Have a good one.

MEB

“N8… brother you need to seek another form of entertainment.”

Why? B!tching IS a fine form of entertainment!

“I’m not sure there is a team in baseball that you would be satisfied with.”

Sure there is. It’s the Atlanta Braves. They just need to start playing better baseball to “win me back”. As though, I’ve actually “left”. :-)

When will you guys figure it out? I don’t have a “beef” with the team per se. It’s more with the “homers” that are too blind to see that this year is a lost cause, as the roster currently sits. My negativity/sarcasm is directed WAY MORE at the guys who night after night (in the midst of a 28-31 stretch after the HOT 7-1 start), that CONTINUE to say how everything is “OK”. or “It’ll take care of itself”.

Maybe it will, and I’ll look like an a$$. Maybe it won’t. Of course, some would say I STILL look like an a$$.

I said it ALL winter, and I’ll say it again. I can handle a losing season. In fact I can handle a few of them, if we’re playing the best guys, or giving the right guys the chance to “take their lumps”. Thorman is NOT the future at 1B. So why bother. He SURELY isn’t the “present” answer either. Time to let Salty take his lumps there NOW, so he doesn’t have to next year. Send Davies to AAA so he isn’t embarassed at the big league level more than he has been already. Have McBride and Boyer start as well down there. Stretch em’ out. See what they’re made of (like we don’t already know).

Believe me. I’d rathe be WRONG about my silly little snide remarks, and sarcasm and have the team win. Then have fun at your guys’ expense. But if the team is gonna lose anyhow, then I’m gonna have my fun. Because right now watching this team isn’t very much fun.

Like the guys on Seinfeld said about comparing cleavage to an eclipse, one shouldn’t look at it for very long, rather take quick “glimpses”, but while knowing that, it’s hard NOT to look. :-)

That of course, is paraphrased, but you get the picture.

By gotigers72

June 13, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger - I did turn it over and watch Planet Earth after it got to be 6-0 with the Braves leaving runners and hitting into double plays.

Did you see the scene where a pride of lions ran down and killed a full grown elephant? I didn’t know they were capable of doing that. That was really amazing. At least once, and usually more than that, you see something in each one of those shows that absolutely blows you away.

I am a huge Braves fan, but I just couldn’t take it anymore tonight. Planet Earth was much better, but ANY Braves win beats out Planet Earth.

By SR

June 13, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Nice to see some realists on the blog. What exactly is there to be optimistic about regarding this bunch? Nothing, that’s what. How do you mount a playoff push when you only have one decent starter who by the way happens to be 40 and has a bum shoulder? You don’t.

While i give Schuerholz credit for improving the bullpen in the offseason, he was drinking too much kool-aid when assessing the potential from this year’s starters.

And no, this is not hindsight being 20/20- back in spring training I said that i wasn’t sold on Davies, James, Hudson or Cormier for that matter. Gonna be a long season, especially as there seems to be no help down on the farm.

When do the Falcons report anyway?

By Wayne in Utah

June 13, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

N8 I came back. A couple of thoughts. In regards to your 11:18 post. I can’t tell you how many time in the past 15 years where I thought as you are thinking now. Most of those years, JS and the management team did not give up, and let the season work itself out. They would add a piece or two here or there, and we got a long streak out of it.

So, what I am saying is I hear and understand your frustration, but I think I will wait until we are a little farther behind. I remember years when in June we were completely out of it, and then came back to win the division. Maybe you are right. I too would be willing to go into a minor rebuilding mode once every 4-5 years.

A question for you. If the Braves thought Saltalamacchia could handle first, wouldn’t they have brought up Pena already, and put him over there??? So, something else is going on. I do not share your negative view of Scott Thorman. I think he has the ability to be a serviceable first baseman, or at least be a decent alternative until another came along. A bad first sacker (Thorman is NOT as bad as some would say) will cost you MANY runs during the course of a season.

So, are they saying that Salty is not ready for first, or are they saying that they really believe in Thorman. We really don’t have anybody else in our system ready to try there. KK down in Myrtle Beach might be there some day, but not for a couple of years.

I can see the Braves falling on their collective faces (we sure have looked bad for a while now), or I could see them really turning it around. I would say that if by July 15th, we should have a better idea, although that is still only half way through the season.

If we suck in mid July, maybe we can get JS to ask us for some suggestions as to what to do???

Matt Cain I can’t remember who it was that commented about Cain, but I believe he is the real deal.

By GermanBravesFan

June 13, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh… now, after I had a few cold ones, I am calmer and ready to make some more upbeat comments. True, starting pitching is an issue and some people in the line-up are not doing their share. However, I am still a Braves FAN first and I will stick with this team. I believe now that Chipper is back, things will turn around; give McCann some time to have his ankle heal and we’ll be okay. Hopefully, Chuck James will not pitch this bad again and we can find another solid starter.

Take a look: we are STILL only two games out of first place!!! How can some of us here talk about trading everybody and rebuild??? Andruw will NOT go anywhere before the season is over and that’s GOOD! I am still expecting him to catch fire and carry this team. Chipper will be Chipper and hit the living daylights out of the ball - if he can stay healthy from here on out. Once everybody gets through their little funk (especially McCann and Francoeur), this team will produce a ton of runs!

Let’s quit nagging and bashing and start supporting our favorite team! Isn’t that what fans are supposed to do?

DOB… any signs/talk of trying to find an additional starter externally?

By parks

June 13, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

When will you guys figure it out? I don’t have a “beef” with the team per se. It’s more with the “homers” that are too blind to see that this year is a lost cause, as the roster currently sits

If being a blind homer is not saying the season is over after every loss than count me in.

By Wayne in Utah

June 13, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

SR OUCH! So your a Falcons fan too? That hurts. Don’t tell me you also pull for the Hawks. At least my Jazz are on the upswing out here.

:-)

By Wayne in Utah

June 13, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

parks and GermanFan

Count me in too!

I only post all the trade crap to give people something to discuss, if they choose. I too hope that tomorrow, Andruw breaks into one of his 6 week hitting exhibitions. Chipper’s injuries to his hands/thumbs scares me though. I hope it doesn’t zap his power long term this year.

By SR

June 13, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

Hey there Wayne, can’t help it! I am a native Atlantan who has lived in San Francisco for many years. Hard to give up that loyalty for my old home town teams doncha know!

Yep, saw the Jazz school the Warriors last month. That was a good series.

By Sonny

June 13, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

Let me be blunt and sum up Braves pitching so far:

Redman: S** (gone) James: S** Davies: S** Cormier: S** Hudson: Crap Smoltz: Iron Man

May be the worst starting pitching we’ve had in 20 years. Is it me, or has John S. lost his magic touch when it comes to pitching the last 5 years. I can’t think of a single free agent STARTING pitcher he’s signed that’s really been impressive, in fact about half have been busts altogether.

Salary cap or not, we’re getting SCHOOLED by ROOKIE pitchers on other teams weekly…where the hell are our studs?

By OddJob

June 13, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

It’s dumb luck we’re still in contention.If the Mutts hadn’t gone lame in tandem with the Braves their lead would be 8 or 10.JS said last year in June that he was thinking like a buyer not a seller and stated he didn’t know how to think sell.Well if he had looked at the situation long term at that time Andruw could be else where and we might be stronger in the pitching department.How far back should we get before JS starts thinking more about building and less about contending this year ?

By Bob

June 13, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

Mets getting drilled again tonight. Betemit with homerun and another RBI. Sosa running out of gas in the 6th. Jimmy Rollins must be smilin now. Nobody wants to win this division

By Bob, Journalist

June 13, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Losing is a bummer but these messy ribs are good!!

Wayne, Let me know when you come up with your shortlist … maybe David O’B could then have the posts sorted into those two catagories … of course, it’s very dangerous for one to suggest that without first knowing on which list they’ll be placed.

I don’t know if Chipper’s presence improved the team’s confidence level or not … but I like 3 for 4 and his assessment that a lack of confidence was a problem among some of the younger players is seemingly on point as evidenced by impatience at the plate.

Don’t ever think that veterans are immune either … methinks the worst possible situation with talent laden young teams is when the veterans lose confidence in the team’s ability to win … when that happens, they’re usually done. I think it’s far more commonplace in team sports than we realize, especially in baseball where the long season exposes every team’s weaknesses and adversity is the rule rather than the exception.

Yes, it takes time to post while you’re eating. Maybe, after all is said and done, the good that will come out of this will be that the team will finally realize that the key to winning is found in Mewton second law “The acceleration of an object as produced by a net force is directly proportional to the magnitude of the net force, in the same direction as the net force, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object”.

That is, if you’re going to get anywhere, you best know where you’re going and how it is you plan to get there … ‘cause you have to work together, in concert … and that takes being on the same page and knowing what the plan is … and, as Newton so wisely pointed out, speed is good and being overweight is not generally a good idea.

Well maybe that’s taking license with old Isaac but both have to do with momentum and since old Moe = mass times velocity, maybe being overweight is an advantage, if you’re real, real fast.

It has nothing to do with finding positives to take from the game but … how many times did James throw inside heat so as to set up his junk and keep the hitters off balance? Regardless of recent events, it’s a good idea, provided you aren’t trying to hit the batter. And for some reason, it always seems to increase the team’s aerobic energy level.

Time to get more ribs!

By A-ville Ranger

June 14, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

Gotigers72 Yea I saw that scene on Planet Earth,great stuff.

By Kentavo

June 14, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

I appreciate what they’ve done, but I will be a very happy Braves fan once Andruw Jones and Bobby Cox have moved on. I do not like AJ’s style of play. I cannot stand Cox’s managerial moves within games and his after-game BS to the press.

By Wayne in Utah

June 14, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

OddJob I think the one thing that is happening (as far as JS thinking like a seller) is that he and Bobby probably have a finite number of years left, and he probably doesn’t want to leave on a sour note in a year or two or three.

Now, would he not become a seller if he knew it was for the best for the Braves long term? I think he would, but like he said, he really doesn’t think in those terms. Maybe he should??? But, I will still not give up until a LOT closer to July 31st.

By Ron

June 14, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

Some of you all are blaming it on pitching alone, but the offense has been downright dreadful for awhile now!!! The Braves made Carlos Silva look like CY Young tonight, that was a big surprise!!! I am not giving up on this team, but we better get it in gear before it is too late!!!

By parks

June 14, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this

Muts are getting smashed again. Maybe they trade all their talent and focus on 2010 like our so called fans seem to think!

Wayne, it was me that criticized Cain. Sorry but at least let him prove something in the Bigs before we trade two of our best players for him.

By joebrave

June 14, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

I wonder when good ol J.S. is going to realize when he pulls his head out of his @ss,he’ll have $hit breath???????????

By monty

June 14, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

Team making every run of the mill pitcher look like Cy Young candidates.Our pitching is pathetic, can’t even go a couple of innings without being down 3 zip. Team playing without any fire in it’s belly. I guess Bobby will say “he thought the little lefty had no-hit stuff tonight, a couple of boop hits” and our guys hit it real hard, the balls were just right at people.” He needs to kick some you know what. THey plum suck right now, and I’m a die hard fan!

By Wayne in Utah

June 14, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

OddJob I think the one thing that is happening (as far as JS thinking like a seller) is that he and Bobby probably have a finite number of years left, and he probably doesn’t want to leave on a sour note in a year or two or three.

Now, would he not become a seller if he knew it was for the best for the Braves long term? I think he would, but like he said, he really doesn’t think in those terms. Maybe he should??? But, I will still not give up until a LOT closer to July 31st.

By Wayne in Utah

June 14, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

SR Hey, I lived in Fairfield for 15 years from 1975 until 1990. Turned into a big Niners and Warriors fan. Also was a strong Giants fan, but my heart was always with the Braves, as I was raised in upstate SC with the Braves. Saw Bob Gibson shut us out in 1968! When the Giants picked up Bonds, I instantly turned into a Giants hater.

Really like Chris Mullin, but Baron Davis does nothing for me.

I got a chance during his rookie year to talk to Matt Williams on the KNBR sports talk show via the phone. He was struggling mightily, and I told him to just hang in there, that the Phillies didn’t give up on Mike Schmidt when he was hitting below the Mendoza line during his rookie year. In a subsequent interview years later, he referenced our conversation and how it helped to motivate him to become a better major league hitter.

I also remember with fondness the time that another teams catcher went in hard against Jose Uribe (rest his soul) trying to break up the double play. He went way past the base to take out Jose. Later on in the game, Kevin Mitchell (5’11”, 240) was on third, and pointed at the catcher, as if to say, “Here I come. It’s time for some payback!” The catcher was nowhere to be found after the next batter hit a sacrifice fly to drive in Mitchell.

Sorry for the reminiscing………

By joebrave

June 14, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

Hey Schuerholz,you stoopid futhermucker,who in the Blue he1 told you the bottom third of the bullpen could win more games? you still got to have somebody other than Smoltz,to get to them!!!What an Ignorant Sumbitch!!!!!

By Wayne in Utah

June 14, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

parks That’s ok. He had an excellent rookie seasn last year. Started off slow, but finished strong. 179 K’s in 190 innings. This year he has pitched in hard luck, with a 2-6 record but a 3.31 ERA. I think he is going to be the real deal, but as you state, he is young.

By P-Town Brave

June 14, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

DOB…Soul Asylum…

Misery sounds like a pretty good song for Braves fans right now…

A change seems necessary right now doesn’t it…

Hopefully a pitcher who is consistent and a bat that has a good Avg w/ RISP

By Brian

June 14, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

Why not flip flop Kelly and Willie?

Kelly has been a mid-lineup hitter his whole career and he may be able to swing for the fences more often if not in the leadoff role. Meanwhile, Willie is batting over .400 and has more prototypical leadoff speed. Just a thought.

By N8

June 14, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

parks

“If being a blind homer is not saying the season is over after every loss than count me in.”

I resent that comment Parks. You know as well as I do, that I claim “the season” is over regardless of defeat OR victory. :-)

Can’t call me a fair-weather fan. I’m an equal opportunity pessimist.

Honestly, in all fairness, I actually can’t remember the last game in which we looked “good”. I know we’ve won some games, but even in some of those, they’ve been handed to us, IMO.

Carlyle against Florida? Chuck at Milwaukee? Smoltz vs. Glavine?

Actually, the last game I remember thinking we had all phases going, was the game we pounded Jorge Sosa. When was that? Three weeks ago?

YIKES.

Wayne

While I agree with you about having these feelings in the past. In the past we had the Big-3 to lean on. Chipper in his prime. The addition of a bat like McGriff or the arm of Neagle to “pick us up”.

Those days are long gone my friend. If this season is getting fixed, it’s gonna get fixed from within, not by addition from another organization, IMO. Who’s gonna give up pitching now? We need it NOW, not at the end of July. NOBODY is gonna give it up, because the ones who have it to give up, STILL think they’re in it, like we do. Similar to aquiring Wickman a month too late, JS will probably do the same with a starter, this year.

Of course if it’s the “right deal for the right price”, similar to the Wickman deal, it could benefit us next year as well. After all, teams may be willing to give up more in the middle of the year, than in December.

By The Truth Hurts

June 14, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this

joebrave, can I get a “sumbitch?”

Please? I need it. The blog needs it. The prose around these parts just isn’t the same without it.

I for one appreciate Chuck James’ concern for prostate cancer research. We should applaud his philanthropy. Maybe one day it’ll be called the “Chuck James vaccine.”

Okay…over/under in Vegas on the number of strikeouts for Santana tomorrow night? 9?

The Twins and Braves should just switch leagues and get it over with.

By Wayne in Utah

June 14, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

parks That’s ok. He had an excellent rookie seasn last year. Started off slow, but finished strong. 179 K’s in 190 innings. This year he has pitched in hard luck, with a 2-6 record but a 3.31 ERA. I think he is going to be the real deal, but as you state, he is young.

By buster

June 14, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this

cant believe jack morris is not in the hall of fame. best money pitcher of his era— plus see post season .

By fastasballs

June 14, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

Just awoke a few minutes ago from the worst migraine I have had in years. God bless those who suffer from them on a day to day, week to week basis.

I saw the score, I skipped the details except I see Chipper went 3-4. Salty in for McCann batting fifth would have helped, but not 6 runs worth.

The Muts are getting slaughtered 7-1. If the Braves finish a few games behind the Muts for the division there is no doubt this stretch of games will have made the difference. They are not going to play this bad for much longer & even if they do the Phills look to have a good shot of leap frogging both the Braves & Muts.

Well I’m off to our our finest 24 hour a day eatery, The Texas Tavern. Their slogan is we serve 1000’s, but only seat 10 at a time. It’s the only place I have ever been where I ate sitting between a multi-millionaire & a homeless guy. It has the old style, stainless steel luch counter from the 40’s & 50’s & ash trays on the footrests of the stools. You don’t get a check when you’re done eating, you have to rattle off what you ate when it’s time to pay. Best Chili & Cheesy Westerns around. I can smell it now so I am out the door.

By Coach

June 14, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

No , I didn’t watch the game. Woke up to see the aftermath of the slaughter. 2.90 runs per nine innings this month , that is PATHETIC. The pitching isn’t much better. Looks like my prediction of a losing record and third place by the end of the month is all but guaranteed. What was that song the band played on the Titanic while she was sinking ?

By N8

June 14, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

parks

“Muts are getting smashed again. Maybe they trade all their talent and focus on 2010 like our so called fans seem to think!”

Uh…..No. They’ll do what we did in the 90’s with Ted’s “open checkbook”. Rape the poor, and take on a HUGE salary that will help push them over the top.

Or do you all forget that before we acquired McGriff, we too were the 7th highest payroll in MLB at 38 million(only 7 million behind the highest - Toronto -45 million), and 10 games behind the Giants? We then proceeded to ADD McGriff (and his 4.3 million dollar contract - or roughly 11 percent of our total payroll) to the team for the stretch. NO WAY we catch SF without him.

Make no mistake, the Mets have so many chips in the pot already, they are not going to let a big bet scare them out of the hand. In other words, if they have to add a player making 10 million dollars, they’ll do so, rather than “give up”.

Ask yourself the question: Would JS do the same? Not a chance in hell.

The Mets, Dodgers, Angels, Yankees and Red Sox are in such total different situations than we are, one can’t even compare scenarios.

I know you know, that. But I wouldn’t want you to think that I don’t at least think my lunacy through. LOL!

By Robert

June 14, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

“Exactly what is it about this team that makes all you homers think the playoffs are in our future?”

Bobby Cox’s announcement that he is planning to retire. If he keeps his promise, playoff success could be in this team’s future as early as 2009

Until then, keep the fridge stocked with canned beer (not bottles) and keep a good sense of humor, cuz you’re watching the work of a “genius”

(Cans dont the break the screen when you throw them at the tv - bottles do)

As absurd as it is, it would be far easier and more logical to prove that Andruw Jones is the greatest goaltender in NHL history than it is to postulate that Booby Cox has a single functioning brain cell between his long floppy ears

By DAD

June 14, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this

The Mets will soon get their problems straightened out. The Braves have too many problems with starting pitching, first base,and Andruh Jones. Problems that will plague the Braves for the rest of the season. All you Braves fans were saying “wait until Chipper gets back”. Well! he’s back and what happens to the Braves. They get shuout by a pitcher who had lost his last six games. The Braves have a slim hope of winning the NL East. They will soon fade into oblivion. The race in the NL East in 2007 will be between the Mets and Phillies. The Braves will not ever make the playoffs.

By Coach

June 14, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this

Jeff Francoeur leads the team in RBI and bats seventh while Andruw and his anemic .218 BA hit fifth , genius Booby , pure genius. Here is an idea , Why don’t you bench Andruw , put Willie in CF and Diaz in LF. That eliminates one hole in the offense. Now , if the Braves only had another warm body with a first base mitt. Robert , tennis balls work best when throwing objects at the tv. One prediction for game three : Johan Santana , any questions ?

By Serbok

June 14, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this

N8 STILL think they’re in it, like we do

Which one is bud? Personally I still think we are in it:o)

By Coach

June 14, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this

Robot , your stinking Metro boys are making the Braves look good.

By Coach

June 14, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this

It ain’t over till the fat lady sings and I got her a$$ tied up , unless of course somebody want’s to pay the ransom.

By Todd A

June 14, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this

Geez ^^truth**,Santana will have 9 strike outs in the 4th inning.

By Serbok

June 14, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this

N6 To be more precise?

Who’s gonna give up pitching now? We need it NOW, not at the end of July. NOBODY is gonna give it up, because the ones who have it to give up, STILL think they’re in it, like we do.

By Daxxed

June 14, 2007 1:34 AM | Link to this

Mark my words folks, I stated over a month ago that the Braves would be behind the Phillies and possibly even the Marlins by the All Star break…If the Phillies get a couple of pitchers then look for them to run off in the second half. As long as the nucleaus of the team remains healthy during the run.

By Daxxed

June 14, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this

Hey DAD better watch your back for the Phillies are on a B-Line to run away with this division. Especially if they make a few trades for a couple of arms…

By Wayne in Utah

June 14, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this

Daxxed: Just where are the Phils going to get those “couple of pitchers”? That’s the question the Braves nation is asking itself.

By MOM

June 14, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this

Dad. you cannot even take the trash out much less talk baseball. shut up and tickle my toes.

By Coach

June 14, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this

I can fix it. Davies and Lillibridge to the Whitesox for Mark Beuhrle. Bench Andruw , Willie in CF , Diaz in LF. Go get Conine from the Reds for a couple of minor leaguers. Done , fixed. Now , if it were really that easy anywhere else but in a blog.

By Wayne in Utah

June 14, 2007 2:09 AM | Link to this

Coach I do those deals in a heartbeat, but I don’t think the production for Willie and Diaz would hold up for the long run. Also, Willie doesn’t cut it defensively in CF. With Buerhle and Conine, all we would need is for Andruw to get smart, listen to help, and get hot.

If something that simple happened, plus a little luck with the injury bug, and we could have the division title.

By P-Town Brave

June 14, 2007 2:15 AM | Link to this

Wayne…if it were that easy, I’d rather have Cincy eat the salary and take Junior…Also, that being the case, who is to say that we couldn’t pry Bronson from them if it were that easy…and no, I don’t mean Charles Bronson ;) Although I do believe he’s got a wicked curve

By Coach

June 14, 2007 2:21 AM | Link to this

Wayne , I wouldn’t bench Andruw permanently. Just for a week , long enough to get his attention and send to send a message. If you keep trying to pull everything , the opposing pitching will keep throwing you fastballs up and away and breaking balls down and in. Use the whole field and stop being such an idiot at the plate , you not fooling anybody , not even this fan.

By Coach

June 14, 2007 2:31 AM | Link to this

Does anybody remember the message Joe Torre sent to A-rod last season ? Putting him eighth in the Yankees order. Hello , Bobby Cox…..is anybody home , you see the numbers that A-rod is putting up this season , not to say Andruw would or wouldn’t match A-rod’s production. I’ts all about M-O-T-I-V-A-T-I-O-N.

By The Grinch

June 14, 2007 2:44 AM | Link to this

N8, you may be on to something with the Hulk thing…that sad piano music at the end of the show when he’s hitchiking down the endless highway would be perfect intro music for our pitchers.

Bob, tell me you’re not getting BBQ sauce all over the keyboard. Though I suppose this is the blog for it.

Y’all seen the new headline on the sports page? “…your tired, your poor, your mentally challenged, come blog with DOB.” Man, our quiet little community is about to get an influx of cretins from the Falcons blog (yes, I am a HUGE Falcons fan, but that place has a lot in common with a 19th century New York City asylum). The number of posts will jump up and the collective IQ of the blog will lower proportionately. And with that ominous portent, I bid you all a good night.

By Bob, Journalist

June 14, 2007 2:45 AM | Link to this

Nate, you’re not a pessimist, at least not according to my dictionary … you posit more than you opine or worry … and you’re not as consistently negative as you would have folks believe.

There are 5 teams in the national league with better records with ours … but they’re all pretty well bunched and we’re just 3 games behind the league leaders … are there 5 better teams than the Braves?

That’s a matter of opinion but you seem highly optimistic about our chances and I tend to agree with you … “the last game I remember thinking we had all phases going, was the game we pounded Jorge Sosa. When was that? Three weeks ago?” … astute observation, even for you.

Last time I looked, Sosa was 6-1 with a 2.64 … winning twice in June out of how many Met victories?

We’re three games behind the best record in the league … never seem to play our best eight … had at least one good bat out of the lineup due to injuries every game during this period of woes … and have only had one game in memory where we were really operating on all cylinders.

Now them’s the words of an optimist! That, or perhaps, one who is realistic and recognizes that this is a young, talented team that will how to exploit Newton’s first, second, and third laws … with license taken as necessary to acheive the desired result.

That is, they will learn to consistently operate on all cylinders and follow the game plans to perfection … it’s there for the taking and there’s little stopping them from so doing … other than possibly innefective coaching … and themselves.

Which are you … optimist or realist?

Methinks you’re an optimist, for the realist is required to peal many layers from the onion in order to desern the truth … and you seem determined to stay the course, regardless of circumstance.

I agree too that if this season is getting fixed, it’s gonna get fixed from within, not by addition from another organization … that’s really unneeded thought redundancy … like you earlier indicated, the problem has been that they aren’t operating on all cylinders … not that they didn’t have the horsepower … my words but your strong message.

Just about everybody thought Sosa was worse than anyone we now have in the rotation or the pen … hopefully they’re right … however, I’ve always thought Jorge had the best raw stuff I’ve seen on the staff in a long time but his main problem was above the neck.

I think that’s also the biggest problem with the current staff … with moxie .. learning the difference between pitching and throwin’ not far behind!

Laugh if you will but once a week, on-on-one sessions with the team shrink could have a profound impact on team performance, especially in critical situations.

We’re in 100% agreement that it has to come from within … the main thing is that it’s doable … it really just takes the right kind of leadership … and I’m confident that you’ll agree that our blogging almost certainly has some level of impact on performance.

What we need to decide upon is the appropriate blogging action … not just from just you and me … so as to help them acheive their goal.

By David O'Brien

June 14, 2007 3:22 AM | Link to this

P-Town Bravo, good call on the Soul Asylum “Misery.” Maybe tomorrow’s blog….

Robert, unless that was someone using your screen name as an alias, congrats on being the only person all day who said anything childish and offensive enough to get deleted. Seriously, I’m starting to believe you’re 16.

Between not understanding the actual ins and outs of the game, and the history of pitching inside and retaliation pitches, topped by your high school locker-room humor and barnyard references, I’m really starting to think you’re a teen-ager. That’s the only explanation for that post tonight…

By David O'Brien

June 14, 2007 3:25 AM | Link to this

Peavy 8-1 with a 1.82 ERA, and it’s even lower on the road than at pitcher-friendly Petco.

Might as well start engraving that Cy Young Award with his name.

By brent

June 14, 2007 3:28 AM | Link to this

dumb thats all i have to say stupid get some pitchers i bought season tickets to see last season over again horrible

By Bob, Journalist

June 14, 2007 3:35 AM | Link to this

Perhaps redundant from the previous post … two things that should be obvious which some folks never seem to realize is (1) it’s always nice to feel needed … and the players/coaches as individuals, and as the team collective, need and appreciate us most when things are going badly, and (2) it’s not the end of the world when the team is playing poorly and getting soundly beaten!

From a different perspective, (1) embracing the team only when it’s winning and things are going smoothly is neither needed nor appreciated by players, coaches or real fans, and (2) it is the end of the season, if not their world, when the team is playing it’s best and still getting soundly beaten!

Methinks that’s directionally true in any sport with which I’m familiar.

In addition to our posts having an impact, both the broadcasters and published/written media have an obvious impact. I think that ignoring reality can be non-productive but inept and/or irresponsible or private agenda reporting or commentary can have a devastating impact, especially on a young players … and old ones experiencing difficulties.

Methinks it’s truly remarkable how well they fare, given that to which they’re sometimes subjected. We and they are indeed lucky to have David and others so engaged who are empathetic and supportative of the team … call them team shills if you will … but they play an important role in assisting the team realize its objectives … and keeping us reasonably well informed.

Goodness gracious … look at the time … rather don’t!

Goodnight Miss Allen!

By jwshults

June 14, 2007 3:48 AM | Link to this

DOB - dude, go to bed. I love the dedication, but don’t BLOG with us at 3:30 a.m.!

By Braveheart

June 14, 2007 3:51 AM | Link to this

The Magic Number is 100!

Not that we did anything tonight to lower it. A big thank you to Betemit, Furcal, and Jorge Sosa for getting that thing down to 100 tonight.

By Berigan

June 14, 2007 4:09 AM | Link to this

Amazing that were are still only 2 1/2 games back! The Mets were creamed by the Dodgers. Betemit is finally started to hit, homers in back to back games(He is only hitting .223 but does have 7 homers-but, clearly Woodward is the better player, he can play 2nd base! ;) )

The Phillies are playing great ball, but have to have the sorriest bullpen since ours from last year. It may get better later on, but if we could just get back to playing .500 ball, we might
stand a chance. The NL east may become the NL central of last year…and this year.

By robert

June 14, 2007 4:10 AM | Link to this

Back in the old days, it was “Spahn and Sain and pray for rain”. Since this was before my time, I never really knew the true meaning of this phrase until about 10 years ago. I thought it meant those guys were so good that you had better pray for rain when they were pitching. Then I found out it meant the rest of the pitching sucked, so the Braves prayed for rain just to get back around to them.

Looks like it is Smoltz and Hudson and …….

By Bob, Journalist

June 14, 2007 5:03 AM | Link to this

Robert, I can’t believe that … and if you really thought it, I can’t believe you’re admitting it … however I can attest to the fact that it was thought, written and prayers were made … though it didn’t seem that the Lord took sides.

By Joe VanCaray III

June 14, 2007 6:29 AM | Link to this

It’s all over but the crying and will the last one out please turn out the lights the party’s over.

By Salt

June 14, 2007 6:30 AM | Link to this

Now, it’s,”Smoltz and Huddy and pray that it’s muddy.”

By Bill

June 14, 2007 6:48 AM | Link to this

Totally agree with Mike R. They can’t win with these high money players, why not try something else. If they had played half way decent, they would have a 3 or 4 game lead. I know they are only two games out but they are going no where with this group of clowns. Chipper is a great player if he can stay healthy. The Braves will be lucky if he plays 100 games a season. Who’s whinning, it’s a fact if you are watching these clowns play. I have supported these guys from the beginning, good years, bad years but this is a terrible team. Changes should be made, starting with management and get rid of these high money clowns.

By Charlie

June 14, 2007 6:53 AM | Link to this

This Braves group just gets more and more amazing. Just when you think that this bogus bunch of major league wanna be’s can’t play the game with any more stupidity, they prove you wrong. (“let’s try to steal third base, with one out in the first inning, and go in standing…”) This month has all the makings of their June 2006 style. They flat out don’t know how to play the game, and their AAA talent is over rated. They hack at any pitches inside the ball park. They have no concept of situational hitting. The starting pitching has AA level ability, and it shows. Hudson has reverted by to his “first two years in Atlanta” form. James, Davies, and whatever other clown they throw into the rotation should head back to the minors for another year. They aren’t major league ready, even though Bobby will tell the world what great stuff they have, after another hammering by the opposition. Smoltz is the only thing on this team that is class, and his arm just can’t hold up any more. The Braves made Silva (who was leadind baseball in losses coming into Wednesday’s game), look like Cy Young. Complete game, shut out, wow. This wasn’t hard for him to do when you’re facing a minor league talent level lineup. James says “we gotta snap out of it soon…” Really. There is nothing to snap out of. How do you snap out of NO TALENT? Well, at least the boys are making millions of dollars. I’m looking forward to tonight’s game, although is outcome is pretty much assured. Santana will rack up about a dozen K’s, Hudson will spit it out, and the Braves will be swept out of the Dome once again.

By SRF

June 14, 2007 7:12 AM | Link to this

Um Salt - regarding Smoltz and Huddy…

Smoltz is hurt and Huddy has not pitched a decent game in a month. So it is more like.

“Smoltz if he can and then hope we score 12 runs per game the next 4 games.”

By Jeff R

June 14, 2007 7:16 AM | Link to this

Can’t have the 4-5 starters losing consistently and expect the 1-3 starters to always post victories. 1-3 starters may win more than they lose but they’d have to be pretty near perfect to carry the team. Management gets this, but let’s face it, there’s not a lot of pitching talent available, certainly not before the All Star break. And the Braves may need $ and/or a willingness to give up young talent for a quick fix.

By Bigboi

June 14, 2007 7:26 AM | Link to this

Don’t look now but Washington is gaining on us.

By Berigan

June 14, 2007 7:31 AM | Link to this

I’m trying to be positive here….The Yankees were in a terrible rut, even after the team meeting, they lost a few. Their starters were worse than ours, cuz their starters were mainly AAA guys, since everyone was hurt! At the start of June Bobby Abreu was hitting about .230 Matsui was terrible, even Robinson Cano, who looked like then second comming of Rod Carew, was hitting south of .250.

Everyone was saying this looked like a team that got old in a hurry. I am sure most of their fans had given up on them. Roger Clemens was injured, and besides, it was too little too late. Probably the only people not to give up on them was the Red Sox fans!

So, next thing you know, their pitching staff got healthy, Cano and Matsui started to hit, and Abreu has hit almost .500 for the month of June as they reel off an 8 game winning streak. They still have a worse record than us, and are 8 1/2 games back, while we are only 2 1/2 games back. But, I sure wouldn’t want to face them right now.

With Chipper back, we should do better, and at least Bobby moved the line-up around a little last night. but with Santana in tonight, I wonder if he will have Matt Diaz in, and no other changes, or go back to the tried and untrue line-up???? I hope he will continue to bat Chipper 4th, give it a chance at least. The Yankees didn’t turn around their season right away, but it did turn around!

By Braveheart

June 14, 2007 7:38 AM | Link to this

Well, the Braves used to have a great rotation, with quality starts almost every day. Now every five days, we got Smoltz and little else. So, when I think of the Braves and how their pitching rotation stacks up every 5 days, I think of the Toby Keith song, We’re Not As Good As We Once Were, But We’re As Good Once As We Ever Were.

By Braveheart

June 14, 2007 7:54 AM | Link to this

Yeah, that’s right the high money clowns are the problems. When Smoltz and Hudson takes the hill, the Braves are 18-9. The team is 17-22 with the rest of the low paid clown pitchers. The Braves are 24-18 when Chipper starts, 11-13 when he does not. Yeah, let’s get rid of the high money clowns because we do so well when they are not playing.

By Robert

June 14, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

I’m not sure of the exact count, but it’s under 500

September ‘08 aint that far away, folks.

Hope lives

By chipdip

June 14, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this

our pitching staff is in schambles……there is no hope…were a slowley sinking ship!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

June 14, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this

Good morning bloglatites, A few observations on the recent happenings to which we all have become accustom.

First, the youth of this year’s Braves team is becoming all too apparent. Young teams tend to be very streaky and this one is no exception. The Braves are more similar to the Brewers than they are to the Phillies. Let’ hope that Chipper’s return can get things turned around.

Second, the good news is the Mets have not run off and hid during our recent slump, the bad news is the Phillies have caught us. Maybe Bobby should break bad on some sports reporter like Charlie Manual to get the team fired up. Dave, willing to volunteer for a suicide mission?

Third, do we face teams just as they are getting “hot” or do they get “hot” because they are facing the Braves?

Lastly, remember the old adage that it does not matter so much as to your current station in life as it does the direction you are headed.

By Ron Roberts

June 14, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this

This is scary-bad, folks. We have one truly dependable starter, and he’s ailing. We have one everyday player who consistently hits.

What we also have is a #2 starter who was Cy Young material in April, and has been mediocre, at-best. Look at this, from Tim Hudson:

April 3-0 1.40 ERA (6 games)

May 3-3 4.35 ERA (6 games)

June 0-1 11.25 ERA (2 games)

We also have a #3 starter who’s gone 6 innings or more in 5 of his 14 starts.

Our struggles in the 4-5 spot in the rotation have been well-documented; I wanted to note what our three best starters have given us.

On offense, I posted this yesterday, but we need to stop talking about our offense like it’s some juggernaut. It’s been in steady decline since April.

Player……….April..May…June

Kelly Johnson .326 .259 .289

Jeff Francoeur .306 .279 .240

Andruw Jones .261 .202 .176

Brian McCann .287 .257 .267

Scott Thorman .288 .200 .200

Edgar Renteria .333 .323 .275

Edgar’s the only everyday player who’s hitting has diminished greatly as the season progresses. Kelly Johnson’s having a fairly good June, so far, so I guess we can lump him into the equation, too.

But only two of our everday guys are hitting; three if you wanna consider the LF platoon of Matt Diaz and Willie Harris. Either way, that’s not good. Chipper’s return may bring that number to four, but even if half the lineup is hitting well, they’d only be getting on-base about 40% of the time, the other half 20% of the time or less.

There’s not a trade out there to turn all those problems around. This team needs to look itself in the mirror and find that swagger they’ve lost. Yeah, I hate sports cliches, too, but there’s no other way to put it.

We lack confidence from Tim Hudson lately. We lack confidence from Andruw Jones (when he bats, anyhow), and definitely from Scott Thorman, and Jeff Francoeur (when he’s hitting at home, anyhow). None of us have confidence in the 4 or 5 guys in the rotation, and are we all that confident with every Chuck James start?

I mean, I’d love to see the Braves go get Mark Buehrle, but results-wise, he’s been about as good as…. Chuck James. But hey, that’d be a good three-four option, eh? That is, if Tim Hudson would rise to be the effective #2 guy he was at the start of the season.

But aside from going to get a quality rotation guy, the only thing this team can do to improve itself is to play to the level folks expect them to play.

We expect better from Hudson, and for good reason.

We expect more from Andruw Jones, and for good reason.

We expect Roger McDowell to coach one of our back-of-the-rotation guys through their problems to just pitch well enough to keep us in those games.

We expect Terry Pendleton to coach Scott Thorman and Andruw Jones through their horrid approaches.

Sure, we’re only two back; so are the Phillies, and don’t look now, but the Marlins are only three back of us. We’re another 3-7 ten-game swing from staring at fourth place. So somebody, or a handful of somebodies on this team, need(s) to rise to the occasion.

By ssiscribe

June 14, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this

Ugly game last night, plain and simple. Like many, I too would take 6-6 in this interleague stretch. Now need to go 6-4 to make that happen. At least the Mets still can’t win, but here come the Phils.

Now, pitching (noted transition by the Scribe): I like the idea of Boyer starting. Get him stretched out down in Richmond (didn’t he start some down there earlier this season?) and get him into the back side of the rotation. He’s got the stuff and, I believe, the makeup. He can’t be much worse than what we’ve seen out there.

Now, T-shirts (noted transition by the Scribe, as I get ready to transition from fishwrapper office to corporate world/home office): DOB, I know you don’t remember, but I spoke with you once down in the glorious sunshine of Lake Buena Vista 15 months ago, and the first thing I asked you was about the blog and the way it had taken off.

Did you ever think you’d see the day where we’d be talking T-shirts and denizen of the day? Holy Cornelia! What’s next? Maybe bumper stickers — for those denizens who have cars — that read, “I Blog with DOB,” a la the “I Beat Bisher” bumper stickers I remember from my youth.

(Anybody remember Bisher slapping one of those babies on the back of a taxi in Moscow during the height of the Cold War? Priceless!)

And will Hoss wear a DOB T-shirt under his uni on gamedays? Will Boras wear one under his suit during AJ’s negotiations with the White Sox and the Angels this winter? Will Mark Bowman wear one incognito (better order a big ‘en)? Oh, the humanity!

Time to get this baby closed down and shift operations to the ol’ abode. The Scribe abides … a win today sure would be nice, too.

Selah.

—30—

By Bigboi

June 14, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this

The only thing a high money clown is good for is making one laugh.

By Lee

June 14, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this

Third, do we face teams just as they are getting “hot” or do they get “hot” because they are facing the Braves?

I have thought the same thing. I wish we were facing the Devil Rays, Rangers and Royals in the next 3 series and that would just about tell the story with that question. If we were to lose those 3 series, its official the Braves are in deep trouble.

By TheCutMan

June 14, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this

What gets to me is the apparent lack of urgency with the Braves’ braintrust over the abysmal shambles of the starting rotation after Smoltz and Hudson.

The season is 162 games. I get that. Each NFL game played is equivalent to 10 MLB games. Check.

However, how can the ones making the moves not see where this ‘starter’s rotation’ plane is heading which is down in flames unless they trade some talent to GET some talent?

It’s already been publicized that there are several teams interested in Escobar: CCubs (Sean Marshall), Jays (AJ Burnett), CSox (Mark Buerlhe), and Pit (Zach Duke), ALL teams in need of an upgrade at SS with a starting arm to offer in return.

Oh yeah. “There are still 97 games to go and there’s plenty of time to….” Give me a break!

By David

June 14, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

Great Replacements reference DOB. I love Talent Show and When Began among so many of their great songs.

Let’s see what happens with Chipper back, if Smoltz can get back on a regular rotation and if either James (preferably) or Davies can even be .500 pitchers. They obviously have to find another starter and their bench is a joke. Woodruff and Orr contribute nothing, Salty needs to play first and catcher and be in the lineup most every game and McCann needs to get healthy because he is NOT a good hitter right now. And finally if the over/underrated Andruw Jones finishes under .240……forget it. They’re done.

By TommyP

June 14, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this

I’ll probably have to post this on the new blog as I feel it’s right around the corner this morning…

3 things for “DOB and the Diehards”:

1) We need more hitting. I don’t care what everyone says about pitching. I know, I know…pitching is what got us all of those pennants. But we can’t hit at all. We need, and have always needed, that additional slugger in the middle of the lineup. If we had another big bat, that could comfortably push Andruw down in the lineup where he’s a more natural fit. I won’t speculate whom we need right now but we need someone.

2) If we’re going to get another pitcher, don’t just get a Buerhle or some of these others y’all have mentioned. We need a power arm. Come October, those are the guys that win it for you MOST of the time. Fact is, outside of Smoltz, Games 2/3 in the postseason would look downright scary for us. Hudson would be fine as a #3. Again, not going to speculate as to whom we should get ‘cause most would be unrealistic. But I don’t want to get an average arm to just make the postseason.

3) Let’s face it. Roger McDowell has done nothing for us as far as I can see. I would do anything and everything to try to get Mike Maddux in the offseason this year. The guy is truly a great pitching mind and has helped Milwaukee immensely since he’s been there. It’ll be tough to pry him away from Milwaukee, though. But I’d trade for him…

By ChampDawg

June 14, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

I’m glad Chippers back. But Andruw sucks and Francouer and McCann are struggling right now. And Renteria is hurt. And Booby Cox can’t seem to find a way to get Salty in the lineup everyday. So Chipper’s not going to solve all the Braves ills. But the biggest problem of all- the Braves pitching (the 3-4-5 spots) are an EMBARRASSMENT. THE PITCHING SUCKS!!! When all is said and done and if you really want to be honest with yourself, admit it that this is just an average ball club. We’ll play better than .500 over the course of the season but it’s already obvious that this team is no where good enough to make the post season.

By Patrick

June 14, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

DOB, Looks like James and Davies are not going to be consistent starters. James maybe has a place with the Bravos, but Davies needs to be replaced with a more reliable guy. What pitchers are realistically available for the Braves and what would they have to give up? Do we have any promising starters in the minors, that we haven’t seen yet?

By Braveheart

June 14, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

24-12 on May 12th, 1.5 games up in first place.

11-19 since.

that is disgusting.

Jekyll and Hyde.

Chuck James has middle reliever or career fifth starter written all over him. A future Mark Redman when he gains 100 pounds.

How long do you wait with Davies? He’s like Reggie Ball. He showed promise when he was young so you forgave him for sucking because he was young. You figured he just needed to get some experience and string together some good moments. But as it turns out, just like Reggie Ball, you finally come to the conclusion in his second and third year, that, no, this guy really just sucks. But just like Chan Gailey with Reggie, Bobby is going to stick with Davies. Maybe he’ll realize just like Chan Gailey, that the fans realized that Ball and Davies suck two years before Cox and Gailey did.

By TheCutMan

June 14, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

Memo to blogger Ron Roberts:

Excellent overview with insightful statistics to make your points. Well said indeed. Have you applied to the AJC for a Braves’ beat writer position?

You should. That staff needs an upgrade as well.

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

I have to said this…i not a BC bashed, but last night games look like this time not want to win…not playing small ball in the first two inning with men in first and second with no out, different like the Twin Hunter bunt and moved the runner. I was wathing the Twin broascast in on demand and there was one shot to Bobby Cox and he was look like clueless, i never see bobby like this, i know he is tried his best changing the batter order etc, etc but the team is in low moral right now. I didn’t hear any comment or news regarding team meeting i think Chipper has to have one with the player only.

By Will

June 14, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

What in the world is hard to understand about the fact that this team is DONE! You people that say others are being negative are dead wrong, we are absolutely sick and tired of this team pulling this crap. “Wayne in Utah” you are delusional, as soon as i read that you think Scott Thorman is good i had to take about 2 minutes to compose myself from laughing. I am a life long Braves fan, and any other true Braves fan knows this team is done, you can see it in their eyes. I told a friend on May 17 that the Braves were done and in one month they would be out of the race, only reason that hasnt happened is because the Mets have been brutal. Also predicted a 1-5 road swing thru Min and Cle, but i think i would like to change that to 0-6.

By Coach

June 14, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts , you say Mark Buehrle has been the same as Chuck James ? Wrong answer ! Go check his game logs before you say something you have no clue about. In 12 starts Buehrle has had two bad start all season. If you look even closer you will see that he has ten QUALITY starts , two good starts and two bad ones and his 3.69 ERA is more than acceptable.

By Kappy

June 14, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

DOB Should have gone with The Replacements song “Within Your Reach”. Fantastic song, some may remember the riff from the movie “Say Anything”.

Anywho, I agree that you can’t mess with Willie up at the top of the order, but someone needs to recognize the skills Yunel Escobar has. He just ropes the ball. You have to reward a youngster who plays well or they get frustrated.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

TheCutMan,

The Braves could use another starter but they aren’t going to give up a player like Escobar for an expensive and/or free-agent-to-be starter. And I doubt a team is going to give up a quality, young, cheap starter.

Yes, there are 97 games left and the offense should improve enough to get by with the rotation the Braves have now (as long as Smoltz gets and stays healthy and Chipper can stay relatively healthy).

A projection I saw (DiamondMind) had the Braves as about a .519 team. If they play like they are supposed to they’ll win 49 or 50 out of their final 96. That’s 84-85 wins. DiamondMind projected about 84 wins total for the Braves and projected that this would be enough for the NL Wild Card. (By the way, DiamondMind has a pretty good track record.)

Of course a lot depends on the health of Smoltz and Chipper and Andruw coming on like some of us expect, but this team is not in that much trouble yet. There are reasons to be optimistic about their playoff chances.

By Braveheart

June 14, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

Is it fair to say that the Scott Thorman experiment should be deemed a complete failure already? This guy is brutal. When your career OBP in 315 at bats is lower than Andruw Jones’ career batting average, you have got some serious developmental and productivity problems as a player. Cut bait. Send him back down. Maybe he will be ready next year. Just like in the minors, he failed at every level before he succeeded. But this is the major leagues, not the minors. This is not a place to groom people. We no longer have enough stars to support the development of guys like Thorman. We can’t afford a trial and error period with him. We are 11-19 in our last 30. Send him down. He either sinks or he swims. This year he sank like the big old heavy anchor he looks like. Find anyone to play first. Yeah, it’s not easy to play but chrissakes it ain’t rocket science playing over there either.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this

Will,

I hope you read my last post.

But in case you didn’t, here’s another reason to, maybe not to be optimistic, but to not be so pessimistic about the 2007 Braves just yet:

Last season, the team that won the most games in the NL (the Mets) had a 2-7 stretch in late June and a 3-10 stretch in late September.

I’m not saying the Braves are as talented as the Mets were last season and can as easily make up for that kind of stretch, but the Braves don’t have to be as good as they were. We just want them to get into the post-season however they can.

By robdawg06

June 14, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

Chipper had 3 hits and nobody else did squat. Its a pity to lose 2 straight to the .500 Twins… You can pretty much pencil in losses in games not started by Smoltz & Hudson. Davies,James,and Cormier (thankfully on the DL before he broke the gopher ball allowed record) are horrible.

By Bill

June 14, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

I wasn’t talking about Smoltz as a high money clown. They need four more just like him. He deserves every penney that he gets. I was referring to Hudson. He’s just not consistent enough. I was also referring to AJ. What a joke. He just refuses to listen to anyone. He’s never going to be a consistent hitter and strikes out to much. Why would the Braves won’t to tie so much money in him. He’s declining every year. Also two of my favorites, Renteria and Wickman would be better player elsewhere. I’m sure if the Braves are out of it at the deadline, they could get some good returns for these players. If they don’t straighten out, they should go in another direction.

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

ALL

How is this team getting into the playoffs with the 14th ranked starters ERA????

That is awful.

I predicted 6-6 after these 12 games. I am switching my prediction to 3-9.

We will be 38-38 after interleague play wraps up.

I also think we will be 7 games back in the loss column at that point.

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

This is Bobby Cox commend after the game: “I don’t know what happened, but they had some good rips at him,that for sure” So he not have a clue what going in on…this is what i saw in the firt few inning…james was living his fast ball high and over the plate. Bobby..please you saw what happened.

By robdawg06

June 14, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

The Braves hitters made 4-7 Carlos Silva look like he was Bob Gibson. They all need a swift kick in the adze !

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Efrim,

I don’t know, how did the Cardinals reach the post-season with their starting staff last season?

How far back will the Braves be in the loss column in the Wild Card race? There is another way to reach the post-season now besides winning the division, last time I checked.

See my last two posts, all you doom-and-gloomers! You can still win a lot of games going through bad stretches.

You folks say you understand their are still 96 games left but do you really?

I understand this team is probably not great and maybe not being optimistic about this team but it’s completely irrational and emotional to be so pessimistic about this team right now. You are probably the same type people who bought duct tape and plastic to protect yourselves against anthrax.

By Ron Roberts

June 14, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

Coach we’ll agree to disagree, then.

Quality Starts

Chuck James 5

Mark Buerhle 8

That’s about the only difference I see, and I’ll add that Chuck’s first start of the season he went 5 innings, giving up only a run, so put an asterisk by his name and give him credit for another pseudo-quality start.

They’ve both given up comparable home run totals and have thrown comparable strikeouts. Buehrle has pitched 78 innings this season, Chuck James 75.2 (Chuck’s pitched two more games, though, to your argument’s benefit), but in two extra starts, Chuck’s only given up 3 more earned runs and only one more HR.

Where I give Mark Buehrle the upper hand is in walks. Only 16. That’s something Chuck would vastly improve his game on if he’d cut ‘em down.

But I still say they’re not all that different, effectiveness-wise. Buehrle’s not a marque pitcher, but a good middle-of-the-rotation addition for whomever gets him.

By Bailey

June 14, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Hey…off the subject, i know…but are the Amanda Beard pics even worth checking out??

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

Shaun

You have to admit this team is tough to watch.

Davies should not be in this rotation.

James isn’t a legit #3 starter.

Chipper isn’t the answer to this team.

And if Hudson gets bombed tonight…he will get ripped in this blog tomorrow.

By the way, where is KC at?

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

This is another BC commend about last night Game: “You’ve got to hit a few long ball in this ballpark”.”It’s too easy to hit them and we didn’t come close tonight” With this commend BC always play long ball, he never think about small ball.

By Bailey

June 14, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

I don’t understand why everyone is so down. I know that we are 3-7 in our last 10 games, but we have gained 2 games in the division over that strech. Yes, the Mets (by the way…haven’t seen NoChopZone lately) are 1-9 in their last 10. The Phillies are playing well, but I don’t think it will last. Both the Braves and the Mets WILL WAKE UP. I just hope we wake up before they do. We are closer to them than we should be, and we are in very good shape…even if it doesn’t look or seem that way.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts and Coach,

One thing to take into account, Buerhle is obviously in the AL—DH and better teams.

By Will

June 14, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Bailey, no they are absolutely not worth checking out. It was one of the most BS layouts in that mag i have ever seen.

By Joe Don Barker

June 14, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

Does anyone else think that Scotty Thorman is a boob?

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this

Efrim,

Yes, they are tough to watch now. But show me a team that doesn’t go through tough-to-watch spells throughout any season. Maybe the teams that have won 108-plus games, that’s about it. Doesn’t mean they are out of it by any means. They could still win the division but I think they still have a fairly decent shot at the Wild Card.

By Ron Roberts

June 14, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Good point, Shaun. Might be a moot point anyhow. The White Sox GM has said he won’t trade players off for prospects, so uh, who’d we send to ‘em? I don’t think we’re a good fit for ‘em, trade-wise.

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Shaun

Im curious, who would you trade to acquire Buerhle?

By georgiadawgg

June 14, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

braves pitching and hitting sucks. if you want to lose games start cormier, davies james. they suck, trade them.

By Bailey

June 14, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Will - that’s what i heard. I heard on sports radio the other day that they didn’t have one pic that showed both of her t!ts. Please tell me that’s not right.

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Shaun For the first time i disagree with you..i don’t think any NL east Div has a shot of the wild card…i think wild card going to come from the NLWest…LA, or SD. The only shot we have is to win the division. if we keep close to the Mets & Phillys the Div going to be win in August.

By Will

June 14, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

I would like to know what logical reasons the Braves are not done. I do not care that they are only 2 games out, they have 2 good starters (maybe one they way Huddy is going) a couple good relievers, and not much offense whatsoever. Bottom line is when it is all said and done the Braves do not have the starting pitching to win a playoff spot. I am not even trying to be negative, i just dont see it with this team. Especially since they have no shot with out Chipper, and we all know he will be hurt again. Chipper will continue to get injured the rest of his career, and i am not gonna bash him because the reason he is more broken down now is because he moved to leftfield for a couple years, not many hall of fame players would have done that and i give him all the credit in the world.

By Earl

June 14, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

I like that we got Larry Bigbie to be in Richmond, career 290 hitter in the minors, a couple decent years with the Orioles, lefty hitter, nothing great, but not Pete Orr like either. Bring him up to replace Orr on the bench.

By Braveheart

June 14, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

KC is jinxing Hudson. As soon as KC disappeared, Hudson starting going down the toilet. Coincidentally, the Braves are about 11-19 since we lost the eternal optimist KC. KC stop worrying about work, family, and paying bills. If we’re gonna blog our way back to a World Series title this year, we need your optimism back.

By BOBO

June 14, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

I will probably be blasted for saying this, but do you think there has been thought of trading Renteria? I mean keep all the young talent, take a few lumps, say goodbye to Andruw, sign Tori, and watch this team really take off.

By Will

June 14, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Bailey, Yeah it was that bad, no doubt about it. I am being dead serious when i say it was the worst “celeb” layout i have ever seen. I cannot believe they paid her money for that.

By Chiefknockahoma

June 14, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

I think that John Schuerholtz is a joke for not firing Bobby Cox and hiring one of these experts that blog on this site. The man must be crazy not to notice this kind of talent. Yes, let’s dismantle the team it is already June and we are not in first place. Not to mention that the Phillies and Mets are so awesome with there lights out pitching staffs. DOB, would you please talk to Chipper and John Smoltz and tell them thanks but no thanks for giving us hometown discounts, but we really want to break up this team. Please explain to them that we are going to get rid of everyone that can be traded, and we hope that they will remain enthusiastic while we try and play a bunch of rookies. On another note we also have tons of experts on pitching and could probably fill the 3, 4, and 5 spots in the rotation just from people on this blog. Please tell Roger McDowell he is no longer needed. Robert will also be taking over for Bobby Cox, because he knows so much more than the Hall Of Fame manager. Just tell the team that good things are coming, because we have tons of experts on this blog that know exactly how to dismantle this team. Seriously, Atlanta has the worst fans in all of sports. I see we still have a few true fans left on this blog. To all of you and DOB, I apologize for my rant. For all of the pessimists, I am just sorry for you.

By Todd A

June 14, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Why won’t Bobby give Oscar a shot at starting?Sure as h* wouldn’t hurt anything at this point.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Efrim,

I don’t know. He makes, what, $8-10 million this season and he’s a pending free agent?

I wouldn’t trade Salty or Escobar (unless the Sox threw in another good, young player).

I probably wouldn’t give up a player that the White Sox would likely ask for. Maybe a top 8-15 prospect and a major league fringe-type player, but probably not one of the best 8-10 prospects in the organization.

By Lew

June 14, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Efrim-If they’re so tough to watch, why do you bother. I can’t recall you ever having anything positiver to say about this team all season. Are you a fan or do you just like to b!tch? I swear, between you and some of the other fair weather fans, it’s almost shocking the Braves get any support whatsoever. There’s still 100 games left in the season. Look at how the mighty Mets have been playing lately. Until you’re mathematically eliminated, there’s always hope. Yeah, the play hasn’t been what we’ve hoped for to this point, but it ain’t over, despite what all you negative types would prefer to believe. We’ve had a lousy stretch, but who else in the division has stepped up? The Phillies? Give me a break. No other team in the division has any more pitching than we do. No one! We’re only two games out and we have lots of time left. If the Mets, Marlins, or Phillies were making a major statement right now, maybe I’d be upset as well, but it isn’t happening, is it? Get a grip, Dude, it’s a marathon, not a 100 yard dash.

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

I think I would actually deal Escobar to the Sox for Buehrle. But the problem is that the Mets would probably give up Pelfrey and Milledge for him. They have more depth in the high minors to acquire talent.

By scott

June 14, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Bobby:

Please sit McCann and play Salty.

Thanks,

By Bailey

June 14, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Will - Do you think that was her choice not to show that much. I also heard there was no shot of “down below”. That true? Was what you saw at least pretty good?

By Will

June 14, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

chiefknockahoma,

You do not get it. Do you watch games?? The braves have been consistently bad for upwards of six weeks now. And what irks me is that day after day after day they just have this aw shucks attitude about it. I wanted to throw up yesterday reading about how Davies had one bad inning. Well thats the same story we hear every time he pitches. I will not apologize at all for my attitude, i have lived and died with the Braves my entire life. I have been laughed at year in and year out by all my friends because they KNOW the braves are gonna choke in the playoffs.

By Lee

June 14, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

The thing that troubles me most is the Braves are not even losing close competitive games. They are getting beat soundly because lack of offense and pitching problems. That is a deadly combination to overcome. They show no heart, emotion or fight in them lately. Before the game begins it seems they are already down 3 - 0 and everytime their hitters are up at bat the count is 0 -2 or 1 - 2 before you know it or a fast nonproductive out made by the hitter. Have been turning the games away lately when they fall behind early because one can sense a repeat things to come. You watch negativity at work and it will become contagious. You cannot blame fans for being down on them at the prsent time. This 2 games back thing with more games to play is o.k. for providing hope but not pure enthusiasm.

By Ron Roberts

June 14, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

Shaun, Ken Williams has gone on the record as saying he doesn’t want prospects. And getting Buehrle and a good prospect from ‘em for one of our top prospects is a bit lopsided a trade, still, isn’t it? I think it’s gonna take some more creativity than that, really, to pry Buehrle from the Pale Hose, and keep in mind they’re not that far removed from a WS title and are in a baseball cauldron. Their fan base and the Chicago media won’t let them get hosed (pardon the pun) in a trade-off of their marque players.

The idea, in their position, is to ship off a guy they don’t have beyond this season for a guy that should be of benefit to them in future playoff pushes the following 2-4 seasons. Outside of Yunel and Saltalamacchia, who does that leave in our fold?

By Coach

June 14, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts , I see your point about James and Buehrle being comparable considering all the junk they throw. Neither throws all that hard , they both have fastballs that top out at 89-90. But , Buehrle is a workhorse who takes the ball every fifth day and gives his team 6-8 innings and a chance to win. I would send the White Sox both Davies and lillibridge and gamble that he could be resigned by the Braves. With Andruw’s contract (possibly )out of the way , the Braves should have some money to spend and I prefer it to be on pitching.

By Bigmuddy

June 14, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Somebody please tell Bobby that baseball games can actually be won by “getting them on”; “moving them over”; and “getting them in”. Some patience at the plate and a few sacrifices could actually win a few games. Oh well—-

By Will

June 14, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

It is also the attitude of this team, they act like all the fans are just too stupid to see that they arent very good. They carry themselves like they are a great team, but they are not. This business as usual attitude can go straight to hell and i have been saying that for years. They have no passion and very little heart.

By Julia Roberts

June 14, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

Good Morning, Everybody!! I am pleased as punch to be blogging with you all today!! Wait until you see me in one of those T-Shirts. I hope DaveOB will a-u-t-o-g-r-a-p-h one for me. If he does I will wear it in HOLLYWOOD! I don’t like to pick on other bloggers but that little jbrave makes such trashy posts. He should clean up his act or us ladies will have to blog with Bradley. Bradley is a c-o-l-u-m-n-i-s-t you know. Shouldn’t he get the T-Shirts?

By Ron Roberts

June 14, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

The other thought is….

Try what we already have. Buddy Carlyle’s looked damn good his last two starts, and what the HELL are we waiting for with regards to starting Oscar Villareal?

Those two have looked better than any other 4/5 guys in the rotation have, so far, this year.

By Will

June 14, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Bailey, no there is absolutely nothing worth a crap in that layout. I would say six out of 8 pages there are hands covering everything. If i was not a subscriber i wouldnt waste a nickel on that issue.

By Drew

June 14, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

This is the best news I’ve heard all week. I bought tickets for Saturdays game back in March and hoped that Smoltz would start the game. Sweet, I get to see a Hall of Famer in action.

By Bill

June 14, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

I’m a true Braves fan but get real, this team is going nowhere until changes are made. Trade propoasl: Braves send Renteria,Thorman,McBride,James and Diaz to Bluejays for Halladay and Alex Rios. That would give the Braves a starting pitcher and solve the LF problem.

By Amber

June 14, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

N8

Can’t call me a fair-weather fan. I’m an equal opportunity pessimist.

Love it. I’m going to use that one myself!

Is it still too early to panic? The big difference between last season and this is that the Mets are slumping at the same time. What happens when they pick it back up?

I feel the need for another starter or 4 - fast. Can’t Villareal start again?

Being a real fan doesn’t mean you’re blind to the team’s struggles. It means you don’t jump ship and become a Phillies fan just because they’re on a tear.

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

In yesterday blog i was to write my opinion about underrated. And today in some of this blog there are talking about firing Roger mcdowell the pitching coach. Talent that the key words…i was compare the last three season of the braves pitching staff and the Baltimore Orioles…you know that Leo guy..when he was with the Braves he got talent that why he was so”brillant” in 2004 the Braves pitching staff end with 3.74 era…The orioles with 4.70 in 2005 Braves end with 3.98…the Orioles with 4.57…in 2006 the braves end with 4.60 era(most of this the bullpen)…the Orioles with 5.35era outchh….. I guess the magic of leo doesn’t work. Roger is a good teaching coach but some of the guys does learn quik enough. Roger is not the Problem…is Talent

By Bailey

June 14, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Will, so pretty much what i’ve seen on the cover is all i will see, except maybe a boob here or there??

Drew…don’t get too excited. He may get pushed back again.

By Luther

June 14, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Does it seem like Francouer is stepping and pulling every part of his body to left, while trying to go to right? I think he is hearing too much Joe Simpson. There is nothing wrong with pulling the ball. Who do the Braves usually put on the shift for: Bonds, Ortiz, Ramirez, Delgado. Pull hitters and some of the best hitters. You have to be able to adjust if they hammer you away, but I think this is leading to the first base pop ups. I’d rather see him try to drive the ball and adjust according to the situation(moving over the runner, base hit wins the game).

Not getting to use Soriano very often lately. It reminds me of the Cubs division series and why we moved Smoltz back to the rotation. Not saying we need to with Soriano, but it hurts the team when your 2nd or 3rd best pitcher has little influence and you are playing poorly.

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts

Reserve judgement on Buddy until after he faces Grady Sizemore, Hafner, V Mart and company…….

By Ron Roberts

June 14, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Coach… I feel ya on your last post. And I’m never saying we shouldn’t go get Buehrle; I’m saying his results are Chuck James-ian.

Pushing James back to 4th in the rotation sure would make the rotation far better, already. I just don’t know that it’s enough.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

June 14, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Dayum!!! Verlander’s girlfriend is kinda hot….

http://epaper.wehco.com/Daily/skins/ElDorado/

By Chiefknockahoma

June 14, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Will, I am not saying that they will when the World Series, or even the wild card. however to state that the Braves are done, which you have not, but some others have, is completely insane. Especially with the Mets and the Phillies not being any better off than us with there starting pitching. Who knows what will happen by the end of the season. It could continue to go bad, or we could actually play to our potential and earn a spot in the playoffs. Man, it would be painful for me to be a Braves fan if I was that negative and uptight about them not being in first place in June.

By Renegator

June 14, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Where are you guys seeing these Amanda Beard pics? I have a subscription and I haven’t gotten mine yet.

By eric the elder

June 14, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

While the Braves and Mets are playing the Dodgers and Twins, the Phillies are playing Kansas City. Then they play the White Sox while we play Cleveland.

Don’t be surprised to see the Phillies leap frog over us and possibly the Mets in a few days, but they will have to start playing major league teams again someday.

Of course, the way we are going, we might have been swept in Kansas City.

By Stuart

June 14, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

I have to vent… Who is working with the Braves players as it pertains to hitting? Does it all fall to TP? Shouldn’t Cox - the beloved players’ manager step up and voice some degree of concern (behind closed doors) with his players?

The Braves offense is anemic. To focus only on the homerun will doom the Braves again. Last night… down 3-0, two players reach base with no outs. SMALL BALL would have yielded one run. Bunt, Fly Ball, one run.

I wish someone would step up and stir the group up. This team is waiting for a leader. Not a person to quote.. “we are frustrated… got to get out of this funk soon.” That’s crap.

Next time Andruw, Francouer, McCann, Thorman, etc. make an unproductive out.. Someone should ask them to bunt instead. Because their current approach certainly is not working. Andruw should be benched or dropped to 7th to make him wake up.

Who is trying to right the ship? This June is starting to parallel last year.

By Lew

June 14, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Coach-Just how do you figure Andruw’s contract will net us all that much money when it will pretty well be used up in salary hikes? After Hudson’s $7 mil increase, that only leaves $6.5 million, with major arbitration increases due Soriano and others. McCann’s salary bumps up, they need to sign Francoeur long term and even the ML minimum rises annually. There isn’t going to be a huge Peace Dividend like so many think. Unless Liberty coughs up a few million more, we’re going to see JS put the team together the same way he has the past several years. We’re definitely not going to have the bucks for any significant free agent signing-especially not a front line pitcher. Really, the only way to trim salary next year is to dump Wicky (or hope he retires) and trade Edgar. Otherwise, without an influx of $$$, we’re right back where we are now.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Jersey Gil,

I’ve heard people say the Wild Card is probably coming out of the NL West. I don’t really understand the rationale.

I guess the reasoning is the NL East is deeper and teams are going to beat up on each other, which seems to make sense. Except look at the AL Central the last couple of seasons and how deep it has been, yet Detroit won the Wild Card last season and Cleveland almost won it in 2005.

I see no reason why and NL East team can’t win the Wild Card.

By Braveheart

June 14, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Jerry Seinfeld ended up in jail in his finale and Tony Soprano ended up in a diner?

By Dawgtime

June 14, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

As a diehard Braves’ fan, I have to admit that the Braves are not contenders. The fans and the team needs to recognize that it is time to rebuild with younger talent. At present, we are run of the mill team. Suggestions: Trade John Smoltz, Andruw Jones, and Bob Wickman to the Detroit Tigers for Cameron Maybin, Andrew Miller, and Todd Jones. Smoltz is from Michigan, Andruw will be leaving at the end of the year, and Detroit needs bullpen help. It makes sense for both teams. The Tigers will be loaded for a run to the World Series and the Braves will begin the rebuilding process. Maybin, Miller, and Jones have ties to the south. Trade Mike Hampton, Tim Hudson, Willy Aybar, and Chipper Jones to the Yankees for Philip Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, and Humberto Sanchez. The Braves will have three excellent young pitchers to build around. The Yankees will have an ace to help with their pitching problems along with a great hitter. To balance the trade, the Yankees will take on the contracts of the two other players that have no benefits to the Braves. With that the starting lineup would be CF L Brandon Jones, great athlete that will bring power and speed to the leadoff position, 2B L Kelly Johnson, will develop into a great hitter, Lefty gap created by Jones on first. SS R Edgar Renteria, excellent hitter and leader for the younger players, C L Brian McCann, best Braves catcher ever, RF R Jeff Francoeur, home town superstar of the future, 1B S Jarrod Saltalamacchia, great future hitter that can serve as 3rd catcher, LF R Cameron Maybin, great athlete with power speed combo. 3B R Yunel Escobar, excellent hitter, fill in until Van Pope is ready. In terms of pitching, L Chuck James, Andrew Miller, Matt Harrison, Macay McBride, and Mike Gonzales (next year) and R Philip Hughes, Kyle Davies, Rafael Soriano, Tyler Yates, Chad Paronto, Joey Devine, Joba Chamberlain, and Humberto Sanchez to build around. That is a better staff than we have now. The biggest things that are missing from the Braves of present are excitement for the game and speed. They are boring to watch. Remember Otis Nixon, Deion Sanders, Ron Gant, and Marquis Grissom.

By nonnie

June 14, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Hey, guys, it’s me again. What can I say? Chase your tails some more—it’s so fun to watch. Nonnie

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

hey guys enouch with that Amanda Beard pic thin…this is a blog about Baseball, is you not have any opinion about baseball or braves get the h###** out. Well back again about baseball….in the last 7 days the Braves have only 6 homer and 17 rbi….That why were not wining, BC expect longball. The Phillis have 12 homer and 37 rbi in the last 7 games.

By Will

June 14, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Bailey, yeah the cover is pretty much as good as it gets.

Renegator, I would not get your hopes up, her spread is absoultely awful.

cheifknockahoma, Thats reasonable i get your point, they are not done yet, but i can totally see them falling into the same trap they did last year, and that they always do in the playoffs. Bad starting pitching, and not enough offense is a lethal combo.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

June 14, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

I’m a true Braves fan but get real, this team is going nowhere until changes are made. Trade propoasl: Braves send Renteria,Thorman,McBride,James and Diaz to Bluejays for Halladay and Alex Rios. That would give the Braves a starting pitcher and solve the LF problem.

DOB, you should consider a list of disclaimers at the top of each blog:

Disclaimer:

1.Left field is not the problem.

2.Chipper’s not a first baseman.

3.Willie Harris should not hit leadoff over Kelly Johnson.

4.We don’t have enough payroll to cover (insert $11 million/year player’s name here).

5.Andruw won’t agree to a trade.

By Chiefknockahoma

June 14, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Dawgtime are you serious? How are the Braves to trade John Smoltz, Andruw Jones, and Chipper Jones? They are 10/5 players that can veto any trade.

By eric the elder

June 14, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

I asked this last year, but I got no takers, maybe because it is unanswerable. I’ll try again.

A pitching coach can go to the mound (once an inning) and give instructions, advice, etc. to the pitcher. But I have never seen a hitting coach go to the on-deck circle to talk to a batter. “Jeff, if you swing at the first pitch, especially if it’s nose high, I will kick your butt.” Or “We need to move this runner to 3rd, so I want to see three genuine efforts to go to right field.”

That sort of thing. Seems like younger players especially might benefit from some reminders. But I’ve never seen it happen. Why?

By Coach

June 14, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Lew, Did I say P-O-S-S-I-B-L-Y ? Yes I did , so stop arguing with yourself.

By Will

June 14, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Jersey Gil,

Thanks for the advice, but talking Braves baseball is too depressing. Shouldnt you be a yanks or mets fan anyways. How long have you been a braves fan for 3-4 years?? Thanks for your thoughts on Leo Mazzone too, that proves even more you do not know Braves baseball.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

That’s why I qualified what I said with I don’t think I would give up what the White Sox would ask for Buehrle.

I don’t think Buehrle to the Braves makes sense. I just can’t see a trade that works, i.e., the Braves giving up Salty or Escobar for an expensive, soon-to-be free agent.

Stuart,

Small ball will only make it anemicer. If you can’t get on base to begin with, small ball is just going to cost your more baserunners.

By Don't Trade Salty

June 14, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Braves need another pitcher. They will have to give up quality to get quality. I laugh at those who suggest we could get a front line pitcher for Scott Thorman. The Braves best trade bait would be Edgar Renteria. Trade him for a quality starter and hand over SS to Escobar. He’s ready. Do not trade Salty or Escobar.

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

Shaun My rationality for the wild card in the west is the Schedule…I still saying that the Division is going to be won in Aug…if you look the Schedule for the Braves in aug…we play the mets four games and the phillis 3 in aug and 6 in sept…in the West Sandiego play must of the central division team and the mets & phillis same with the La Dodger.In the same token the Mets in Aug play must of Eastern Div and a few games with the central Div.

By Bailey

June 14, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

eric…You don’t see it because coaches dont want to show up or embarrass a player. Not to say it wouldn’t help, but that’s why you dont see it.

Will…so i go tmy hopes up for nothing.

Dawgtime…That is the dumbest thing i have ever heard when we are TWO (2) games out of the division lead. IF WE WIN TWO IN A ROW AND THE METS LOSE TWO IN A ROW…WED ARE TIED FOR THE LEAD IN THE DIVISION None of us know what is going to happen.

JerseyGil…we are talking baseball also, i was just curious about the pics. So CHILL OUT!!

By Todd A

June 14, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

What people fail to realize,is that this team hasn’t been very good since the start of the decade.We’ve been on a steady decline for 7 seasons.It has been masked by the Braves playing in the weakest division in MLB.We would immediately get exposed as soon as we had to win a short series in the playoffs.That has been going on for almost an entire decade,folks.Now we’ve almost bottomed out.The absolute maximum we can hope for this year is another hollow division title,followed by an embarrassing first round exit.Prolonging this mediocrity for 2 more seasons until Cox and Schuerholz both decide to hang it up is absurd.As a fan,you just want hope.And we ain’t winning anything of significance with this rotation,and our maddening approach to hitting.Something has to give.Owners either have to give the go ahead to increase payroll(not happening) to cover our deficiencies,or we have to start moving salary and try and plug as many holes possible with young talent.I know this isn’t going to happen,but it’s frustrating as a fan.Every day is like Groundhog Day now.We continue to take the approach of patching up a worn out,leaking boat,instead of going out and buying a newer model.

By David O'Brien

June 14, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Lew, while Huddy does get a big jump in salary, from $6 million to $13 million, the Braves are probably — almost certainly, I’d say — going to shed $6.5 mill in salary by not bringing back Wickman. They already dumped Craig Wilson, who gets $2 mill this year, and I can’t see them bringing back Woodward $850,000 and perhaps not Villarreal, who’s making $925,000 and will get another big raise in arbitration.

There’s also Sturtze, making $750,000 this season, plus another $350,000 when (if?) he makes the 25-man roster at any point. No, I don’t have an update, other than he’s still throwing in extended-spring games at Dark Star in Florida, and could be back around the All-Star break.

That’s potentially about $9 mill shed regardless of what’s done with Andruw. As you said, several guys would get arbitration raises if they’re brought back (Paronto, Yates, Cormier, Orr). I’d guess at least one or two of them won’t be brought back, which is another couple million shed, probably.

As for Francoeur, he won’t even be eligible for arbitration until after the 2008 season, so they don’t have to do anything with him yet. He’ll probably make about $500,000 or so next season as a 0-to-3 player, unless they opt to sign him long-term.

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Will For you info i been a Braves fan since the braves Moved to Atlanta..i was station in fort benning ga…live in atlanta till 1999, My daughter & grand son live there and i visit the city every year and go to the Games,so don’t talk about depress about the Braves i’m soffer those back in the 1970’s 80. i think i pay my dues.

By Coach

June 14, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Trade Renteria ? Cox would chase you around the clubhouse with a bat for saying that. Bobby Loves his veteran players.

By Thrillhouse44

June 14, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Okay, Chipper’s off the DL…when does Optimist KC get activated?

By 1957 Braves Fan

June 14, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Let’s plan to win tonight. Go Braves!

By David O'Brien

June 14, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Hillbilly, can always count on you for some reality and wisdom. I like the idea of your disclaimer attached at the top of each reply.

By eric the elder

June 14, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Bailey, thanks, but does that mean the pitching coach is showing up the pitcher when he pays a visit? Does that mean the 3rd base coach is showing up the runner when he whispers something to him?

I’m not advocating an animated tirade, just a quick whispered reminder of what is expected.

I understand your point and appreciate it.

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Hey bailey Be careful “Curiosity Kill Bill”

By Metfanatic

June 14, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Friends of Bobby Cox … defend his coaching this game!!!! Can we teach our players and coaches like the Twins …that is when runners on base, move ‘em over, get ‘em in instead of this homer, homer, homer approach. I think it’s called “small ball”. Every darn batter comes to the plate with only one approach—HIT IT OUT—and they do HIT IT INTO AN OUT (pop-up or DP) … time for a change in coaching philosophy and you know Bobby will never change! Good-bye Braves!

By David O'Brien

June 14, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Chipdip, you wrote: “our pitching staff is in schambles……there is no hope…were a slowley sinking ship!!!!!!!!!!!!!

was “slowley” just an early morning typo, or a tribute to Kevin Slowey, the rookie who beat the Braves Tuesday in his third major league start?

If the latter, as the Guinness lads say, “brilliant!”

By BEST LINE OF THE DAY

June 14, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Blah, blah…will solve the left field problem.

There are about 25 teams who would like to have our left field problem.

By Will

June 14, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Jersey Gil,

Fair enough, just relax about the very minimal off topic stuff. Whether you have put your dues in or not i totally disagree with your baseball opinions, and it still makes me question how much you watch this team.

By scott

June 14, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

why not put McCann on the DL and then re-hab him in AAA, while teaching him a little first base. Salty is the better catcher and McCann is hurting. Our team is much better with Salty and Pena at catcher and McCann at first. Let Diaz play a little at first when there is a lefty on the hill.

By David O'Brien

June 14, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Someone go over to Todd’s house, remove the sharp objects and unload any and all weapons.

My God, man, snap out of it. Fans of most other teams would want to slap you back to reality and play a teeny, tiny violin for you when they hear you moaning about how sad your Braves have been for, as you say, almost a decade.

That’s truly laughable, that statement.

By Patrick

June 14, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Why are teams like the White Sox and Reds whom are clearly out of it keeping their tradable players still?

JS needs to trade for a starting pitcher now. Not tomorrow, not after breakfast….NOW!

By HP

June 14, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Coach, Your last post has made me laugh a lot. I can’t stop.

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

DOB

What do you think the Braves record will be after this interleague schedule is over?

By Todd A

June 14, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

DOB,we’ve won one playoff series this decade.One.If that ain’t mediocre,I don’t know what is.

By Bailey

June 14, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

The only difference i could see with tha is this: Usually when a pitching coach comes to visit the mound, the pitcher is visually being shown up b the hitters, so no one cares about the pitching coach. Sometimes they go out there for consultation…you know those “Are you ok?” and “Do you want to walk this guy?” questions. Make sense.

About the 3rd base coach, they are already there, so it’s not out of the ordinary for them to talk to each other. Most of the time its a “I want you to score on a grounder”, or a “Did you get that sign?”.

Anyone let me/us know if you think anything different.

By Chiefknockahoma

June 14, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Metfanatic, start winning some games, then will talk. The only place you are going right now is down in the division. You are not playing any better than we are.

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

DOB…i have a question…who make the decision to bring up a player from Double A to AAA richmond? I never understand why Johnathan Schuerholz is in AAA Richmomd, he nver hit more than 250 in AA.?????

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Patrick,

Last time I checked, the Reds and White Sox aren’t going to be contracted, so it would be wise for them to keep all their quality, cheap pitching worth trading.

The rest of the pitching that is worth trading is probably expensive or soon-to-be free agents; hard to trade those guys.

Who are the Braves going to trade for a starter? Salty? Escobar? Can’t trade young talent out of desperation. You just can’t. Unless you are 99 percent sure you are getting an impact player/players that will take you deep into the playoffs.

By Lew

June 14, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

DOB-Yes, point well taken. $9 million is some fair money, but what is the going rate for a #2 or #3 starter? Seems to me the price went way over $9 mil a year this offseason and we need two.

By We Have Mets the Enemy

June 14, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Shaun, just you keep relying on the 2006 Cardinals as your basis for hope. It only took 103 years for an 83-win team to be victorious in the World Series. If you’re lucky, maybe history will repeat itself sometime before 2110.

Any chance we can get a blog moratorium on the overuse of the Old English pseudo-verb “methinks”? No offense, Bob, but just as in “Clerks,” when Randal just finally has to tell Dante off for his own good, we’ve reached the point where you need to know: “You sound like an a-hole!”

Using “journalist” in your blog handle is more than a bit pretentious as well, but you’re far from the only posturing a-hole in this regard.

By Renegator

June 14, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Guys:

The pitching is horrible - that is true. However, even if Chuck James had pitched a complete game and given up one run - guess what, we would have still lost. Teams with bad pitching (Mets) can hide it by scoring lots of runs and winning games that way. Right now, we have horrible pitching and a horrible offense. We won’t be winning many games (as seen in the last 3 weeks) if this keeps up. Changes are needed and it starts with Bobby Cox and the coaching staff. They need to motivate this team and do some teaching of fundamentals.

By Lew

June 14, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Coach-I wasn’t arguing with you. Learned a long time ago that an arguement with you is about as eqwuitable as an arguement with a brick wall, or Shaun. Just pointing out the realitiers of the situation. Lots of people here seem to think Andruw’s departure will bring us a new pitching staff. Merely pointing out that it won’t happen like that.

By Chiefknockahoma

June 14, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Todd, mediocre is playing .500 ball and not getting to the playoffs. The Braves have been a far cry from mediocre this last decade.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Jersey Gil,

I still think the Braves or the Phillies or the Mets could still win enough other games to win the Wild Card. I think the east teams may still be talented enough to counterbalance the edge the NL West teams may have schedule-wise.

By Lew

June 14, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

Todd-Mediocre is .500 for a decade and not making the playoffs at all. We have not been the top team for a decade. Big difference. Ask the Cubs fans.

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Renegator

I agree. The offense has been terrible.

McCann A. Jones and Francouer have OPS’s under .800.

Those are our 4,5,6 hitters and they have been underperforming.

I don’t really care how many rbi’s Frenchy has. He has 1 home run in 22 games. Can’t bat clean up next year if he is only going to jack 20 home runs!!!

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Shaun Thanks.. i respect your opinion.Let see at the end.

By Renegator

June 14, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Jersey Gil: That’s an easy one. johnathan Schuerholz is in AAA because his Daddy is the GM of the team. Come on now…

By Renegator

June 14, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Jersey Gil: That’s an easy one. johnathan Schuerholz is in AAA because his Daddy is the GM of the team. Come on now…

Sorry not Daddy but Grandaddy…

By N8

June 14, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist

“…and you’re not as consistently negative as you would have folks believe.”

I’m glad somebody sees the sarcasm, as opposed to me actually being angry.

“…but you seem highly optimistic about our chances and I tend to agree with you”

I don’t disagree that we have a “chance”. Of course we do. We’re not that far out of 1st. Now on the topic of “liking” our chances. I’m not so sure about that. As per my Top 10 list of things that have to happen, I’m not too optimistic about our chances, with the way we’ve been playing. And before everybody says “It’ll turn around, this bad luck CAN’T last.” I honestly have not seen ANYTHING that makes me agree with the optimists.

“We’re three games behind the best record in the league … never seem to play our best eight … had at least one good bat out of the lineup due to injuries every game during this period of woes … and have only had one game in memory where we were really operating on all cylinders.”

Totally agree with you. That’s pretty much what I’m saying. On the bright side, while the offense has been dismal as of late, I do believe that the offense will be fine. Chipper coming back pretty much guarantees that. Unfortunately, I don’t see any signs that our pitching staff will be contributing to any victories anytime soon, and if Smoltz isn’t “right” over the next month, mark it down….WE’RE DONE.

“Which are you … optimist or realist?”

I’ve always considered myself a realist. I get that many (if not most) of my posts are of the negative variety (I’ve always preferred the term sarcasm over negative), but pretty much on a day to day basis, take things at face value.

If Andruw goes 0 for 3 with 3 K’s and 7 guys LOB. I’m gonna complain about it. That’s a BAD day at the office. Does that mean he sucks? Nope. But at what point is a guy in a slump, or in decline? Or in the case of Scott Bora$…In panic mode, or denial.

Do we have a chance to win the division, or the wildcard and then proceed to and WIN the WS??

Sure we do. Just the same as I have a chance of winning a Grammy in my lifetime. After all I’m a muscician, my first critically acclaimed CD could be the next one I do, right?

I would’ve used the comparison of winning the Publishers Sweepstakes, but that’s completely unrealistic. Since anybody that remembers the old commercials in the 80’s knows, that:

“Nobody ever actually wins those things.”

You get the picture.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

We Have Mets the Enemy,

I’m not only relying on the 2006 Cardinals. I’m relying on what the Braves are capable of/what kind of talent they have, the fact that there are still 96 games left and the fact that they don’t have to win the division to reach the post-season. That’s what makes me not so pessimistic about their chances. I won’t say I’m entirely optimistic either but I expect them to be in the race come late September.

Jersey Girl,

DOB would obviously know better than me but I think the Schuerholz call-up probably has to do with Richmond needing another infielder and less to do with Schuerholz’s play. That’s just a somewhat educated guess.

Rather than call up a younger player too fast and risk hindering his development, they’d rather call up a non-prospect-type.

Then again, I could just be naive and maybe it does have something to do with a certain relative.

By Thrillhouse44

June 14, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

Eric the Elder, you original question was why the hitting coach doesn’t talk to the batter on the on-deck circle. I’d say it’s because he probably talked to him while he was “in the hole” or earlier on. The hitting instructor has access to each batter on the bench throughout the game.

Just my thoughts for what it’s worth.

By Renegator

June 14, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

This team will be much better after next year - once the huge contracts of Andruw and Hampton are off our books and are someone else’s problem.

By Bailey

June 14, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Renegator…you had it right the first time. Also, he is playing second base, right? Who else will play there that is better than him??

By David O'Brien

June 14, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Efrim, while Frenchy’s not ideal for cleanup (too few walks, too many strikeouts, etc), he’s hitting .282 with 18 doubles, eight homers and 45 RBIs, a pace that would yield 49 doubles, 20 homers and 110 RBIs.

And he’s hitting .354 (28-for-79) with runners in scoring position, with eight strikeouts and a .411 OBP and .557 slugging percentage.

He’s 10 points higher than the next-highest Braves regular with RISP (Renteria .344), though Escobar, Salty and Harris have hit higher in fewer than 20 at-bats in those situations.

If Salty were your 1B, he might be a cleanup candidate, for sure, next season.

And the current 3B and catcher would certainly be viable candidates next season, particularly if the catcher (McCann hits anywhere near last year’s second half in this coming second half).

By Chiefknockahoma

June 14, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Hampton’s contract is not off the books next year.

By David O'Brien

June 14, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

So, unless I missed it above, I haven’t seen a review of the Rescue Me season premiere last night. Anybody watch it? I DVR’d it, will see it Monday as soon as I get home. Don’t give away anything, just say if it was good or not, please.

By robdawg06

June 14, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Why did they even sign Sturtze ? So he can be like Mike Hampton, a career DL guy getting paid for nothing ? I agree with the poster that said the Braves have no fire. They seem like they could care less if they perform poorly. We need guys like Klesko,B.Jordan,and D.Sanders again. Guys that get happy and get mad at the way they play. Andruw could go 0 for 75 and still only crack that fake smile. I’ve thought Bobby should have been replaced long ago. And for you smart adzes, not replaced by anyone here blogging. He needs to be replaced by a younger manager with fire. I guess Bobby will manage until he’s 100 years-old. I can see him coming out with his walker to make a pitching change…But the $2 million bucks a year is too good for him to retire.

By Bailey

June 14, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Just a thought here…

Is there any problem with letting Chipper hit in his usual third spot and letting Edgar bat clean-up? He is the most consistant and clutch performer we have. Where in the baseball bible does it say that your clean-up hitter has to be a power hitter. Why noe just a run producer.

1. Johnson

2. Harris

3. Chipper

4. Edgar

5. Andruw

6. McCann

7. Francoeur

8. Salty / Thorman (up 4 debate)

By Bailey

June 14, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Just a thought here…

Is there any problem with letting Chipper hit in his usual third spot and letting Edgar bat clean-up? He is the most consistant and clutch performer we have. Where in the baseball bible does it say that your clean-up hitter has to be a power hitter. Why noe just a run producer.

1. Johnson

2. Harris

3. Chipper

4. Edgar

5. Andruw

6. McCann

7. Francoeur

8. Salty / Thorman (up 4 debate)

By Serge

June 14, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Hey Dave. Still think we should have gotten rid of Leo mazzone?

Hes making Gold out of lead again in Baltimore with Steve Traschel and Jeremy Guthrie. While Roger McDowell has done very litle with the young pitchers here.

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Shaun the reason i ask the ?? is Diory Hernandez is batt 341 and Johnathan S. was hitting 182 at the time he was called up.

By robdawg06

June 14, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Why do managers and coaches wear uniforms in baseball ? They don’t play. You don’t see football coaches in pads/jerseys or basketball coaches in shorts/jerseys. Can anyone answer this question ?

By Sergio

June 14, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Hey Dave. Still think we should have gotten Rid of Leo?

hes doing his magic in Baltimore while Roger is doing very little with the young pitchers here.

By eric the elder

June 14, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Thrillhouse, thanks. I’m sure you and Bailey have it right.

I do wonder a little about what you said:

he probably talked to him while he was “in the hole” or earlier on.

Seems to me that in every camera shot of TP he has his arms draped over the railing, and I don’t see much interaction with the players. I’m sure it must go on at some time, but I wonder how active he is during the game.

What I’m driving at, in a more general way, is that we have a lot of very young players who might need more real time supervision than they are getting.

By brian

June 14, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately it does not look like the Braves are going to have a solid 3-5 starters. I love Chuck James but his slight upswing with the change in his mechanics seems to have faded. Cormier still has more work to do and the book is out on Buddy. There will not be too much out on the market without giving up the farm. Short of trading Andruw or Renteria we are stuck with what we have. At least I hope we will not give away Salty

Looking at the minors, I have to guess that we will give Jo-Jo a shot if he has a few more quality starts in AAA. Hopefully some of our new pitchers from AAA can have the same success against other teams like their pitchers in that situation have against us

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

DOB

I agree Frenchy is going to finish with a nice year. But Salty would be a better clean up hitter in terms of next year when Andruw leaves.

So what do you think the Braves record will be after the next 10 games????

Im guessing 38-38.

By Lee

June 14, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

If Terry Pendleton decides to give advice to the hitters while they are batting it would take each Braves game about 8 1/2 hours to play. He just about as well put a recliner on the on deck circle to cut down on trips taken.

By N8

June 14, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Amber

Feel free to use the quote whenever you want. As Nick Burns, the Company Computer Guy would say……..”You’re Welcome!”

*”Being a real fan doesn’t mean you’re blind to the team’s struggles. It means you don’t jump ship and become a Phillies fan just because they’re on a tear.”

So I’ll return the compliment. The above quote is quite possibly the best (most realistic) quote I’ve seen in ages on this blog. Nice job.

There are MANY types of baseball fans, they are as follows:

Old School Baseball Fans (those who have a favorite team, root for it, complain due to dissapointment when things don’t go well - while fully understanding WHY it’s not going well, and praise things when they are done well, EVEN IF THE TEAM LOSES - and would NEVER, EVER, EVER consider changing teams, even if team from the city they live in has won the last 4 WS - one who after his team chokes ANOTHER post-season away, wears the “garb” all winter long, hangin on every offseason minute and move in the hopes that “next year” will be better.)

Casual Fans (those who just enjoy the game - win or lose - without fully understanding the details of the game - and no real concern who is playing.)

Fanatics (those who actually get upset, yell obscenities, throw objects at the TV and heckle players when attending games - those who think that the manager makes bad decisions just to spite the fans)

Homers (those who see NOTHING wrong with their team and will argue with anybody who says otherwise - even if they are the worst team in professional sports.)

Fairweather Fans (those who don’t follow the team when they are losing, yet initiate conversation at the water cooler in the midst of a 10 game winning streak. Those who proceed to sell their LeBron James jersey on Ebay after game 3 of the NBA final and use the money to buy one with Spurs on the front and Parker on the back)

haters (those who think that no matter what the team does they will NEVER ammount to anything, everybody on the roster sucks, the manager sucks, the uniform sucks, NEVER watches a game due to not “wanting to be dissapointed”)

blog pest (those who actually really love the team, are happy about the directiong and youth that is on display, though NEVER feels that there is enough pitching - due to watching 3 HOF pitchers for the better part of a decade anchor the staff, secretly thinks that things WILL turn around, but uses sarcasm and pessimism to [a] Protect himself from being too dissapointed when things DO go bad - if they do - and [b] ANNOY THE LIVING HELL out of the homers.)

Go ahead and put yourselves in a category, add which category you think you belong in and try and take a stab at which one I feel I’m in.

Have a nice day.

By Bailey

June 14, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Rob…some managers (like Bobby) feel that if the players have to wear it, they are going to wear it. Bobby even wears the cleats. No sissy stuff like Ozzie Guillen in that wind breaker and tennis shoes. What’s next for Ozzie, Tank top and flip flops…as long as they are MLB liscensed they are ok, right?

By David O'Brien

June 14, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Serge, HUH? That’s the first I’ve heard such a glowing review of Leo’s overall work in Baltimore.

Do you generally base a pitching coach’s work on two members of the pitching staff? If so, I can take any team and find two guys doing better than they have in the past and a few doing worse, I’d imagine. How’s Baez doing over in Baltimore, by the way?

I’d suggest that the numbers of both the Orioles and Braves don’t do much to fortify an argument that either McDowell or Mazzone has done a bang-up job. You’d have to talk to the pitchers themselves to get a more accurate appraisal, otherwise I don’t know how you could judge that either has done great, since both team’s ERAs are in the middle of the pack, or slightly better (just looked this up and noticed they’ve improved) in Baltimore’s case.

Braves’ bullpen ERA has improved greatly, despite Gonzalez injury. Their starters’ ERA has fallen off sharply.

I’ve heard some fans suggest Leo’s departure has been the reason. But seriously, can you think of a reason why not one, not a single one, of the Braves’ pitchers either past or present will say, on or off the record, that Leo’s departure really hurt the Braves? I mean, any reason at all for that?

Are you going to say they all disliked him, to such a degree they’d all rather lose with a coach they like than win with one they didn’t like? Uh, sorry, I can’t buy that. Honestly, they just don’t think that’s been the reason. None of them do, that I’ve talked to.

Look, Leo did a great job here, no question. Terrific job. But I’ll listen to the pitchers, past and present, and not give him more credit than I give the actual guys who were throwing the ball all those years.

In two of Leo’s last three years, the Braves’ pitching was down. People point to all the division titles and the streak of ERAs at the top of the league for 11 or 12 years or whatever, but always fail to point out that when the payroll went down, the ERA went up. Simple math, my friend.

Can’t have the Big 3 rotations with this payroll. Nobody will have such a rotation again in the forseeable future, under the present economic system in baseball. And I don’t see that changing.

By Renegator

June 14, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Chiefknockahoma:

If you read my post I wrote “After next year” not Next year.

By We Have Mets the Enemy

June 14, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

I saw it, DOB. At the end, Tommy Gavin is sitting in a run-down diner waiting to have dinner with his ex-wife as Fontella Bass sings in the background. Just as Janet runs in the door and Tommy looks up, the screen goes black.

I couldn’t make heads nor tails out of it.

By Mitchie-san

June 14, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

DOB- Do you think that the idea of trading Escobar and/or Salty has changed in the eyes of the Braves? Their talents are starting to show and I bet the Braves are honestly thinking other ideas (what exactly, I have no idea) but it gotta be harder to pull that trigger now….

By N8

June 14, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

DOB

Rescue me was “good”. Not great, but it always takes that show some time to take off.

I’ve always wondered if you like that show. I absolutely LOVE Dennis Leary (big shocker - I like a high strung, highly sarcastic human being!)

I laughed outloud realy hard twice.

Who’s your favorite character? I’m gonna have to go with Franco’s girlfriend’s brother. THAT guy is awesome!

By realitybites

June 14, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry, apathetic baseball fans. The drumbeats of football are beginning to be heard on the horizon. I grow tired of the way the Braves fans are so unemotional, the stadium is so quiet you can hear a pin drop and the laboreous slow pace of today’s baseball game. Give me “The stadium rocks and swings back and forth!”, “My God! My God! A Touchdown!” or even better “Wow, he’s gonna feel that hit for a week!” of college and pro football. Any idea why baseball viewing attendance is falling off the table and football’s keeps growing and growing? Plain and simple, baseball is just plain boring.

By SaltyWoody

June 14, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Let’s Trade Thorman and Woodward for Beurhle…Let’s Trade Renteria for Pujols…Let’s Trade Davies for Peavy…Our season’s over, we’re already 2 games out of first in June.

STOP WHINING!!!!!!!!!!

Holy Mother. This is like the playground in 2nd grade when someone throws the kickball too hard at you.

What is the fascination with Mark Beurhle? Is it the one no-hitter he managed this year? Is that it? Because the guy is just another soft(er)-tossing lefty. And Chuckie James’ performance last night should queue us in on how well those guys fair. Beurhle is NOT worth what we’d have to pay to get him…especially not considering his 9 million dollar contract or whatever it is.

More importantly, what is the deal with all of you suggesting fire sales and packing it in and rebuilding? IT’S JUNE!!!!!! We’re not even at the All Star break! And we’re 2 games out! GROW UP!

This team has the potential to go deep into the postseason…I’ve felt that all year long. We may not have the regular season longevity of years past- i.e. a pitching staff that would go 7 strong every night. But if we can make it through the regular season (which we certainly can, since the Mets are not the team they were last year), we will dominate in the playoffs.

In a short series, you can throw Huddie and Smoltzie twice. That’s got to be good for at least 3 wins. Combine that with our nasty bullpen and the good mix of veteran leadership and younger talent, and you’ve got a team I certainly wouldn’t want to face.

Honestly-look at the numers. Johnson-.289 Harris-.396 (!!!!!!!!!) Renteria-.320 Chip-.311 AJ-.218 (wow, that’s bad-but it can’t stay that way forever…CAN IT????) Mac-.273 (hopefully improving as the ankle does) French-.282

Almost all of our regulars are hitting .270 or above, with the top of our lineup all well above .280 Now, the key will be to get everyone on the same page at once.

I don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, but I would hope that someone like Chipper or Smoltzie will stand up and kick everyone in the a$$ a little to get them going. Clearly Bobby’s not doing that, and clearly Terry and Roger aren’t either. I think it’s up to the veterans on this team to motivate their club and get everyone firing on all cylinders.

Yes, the back of our rotation sucks. Yes, the offense has been in a haze. But, we’re still only 2 games out. If we were to go on a hot streak, which this team is more than capable of doing, we could honestly run away with this division.

Stack us up against the other teams in our division- the Mets’ starters are awful, the Phils’ bullpen is horrific, all of the Marlins’ pitching is young and suspect. Realistically, we are the most complete team of the bunch.

Stop whining and calling for a blowup of the team. Stop demanding the same absurd trades over and over again. And START supporting this team that needs it at the moment.

By Chiefknockahoma

June 14, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Renegator. Your right man. My Bad

By Bob, Journalist

June 14, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

robdawg06, Rules may have changed but some of the most famous managers didn’t … maybe it’s an effort to stay young but most probably because it removes one obvious layer of difference between field management and players … good or bad?

My guess is that proponents feel it promotes team unity … and critics think the difference is needed for control and respect purposes … but if they didn’t think it was good, they wouldn’t be doing it.

Personally, I think it’s much ado as it’s the manager that defines that relationship … but, were it me, I would want the distinction.

By Braveheart

June 14, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

DOB, any word on when KC is coming off the disabled list? Is he even on the DL or did he go AWOL with Aybar? Whatever it is, we need him back. Hudson badly needs his biggest cheerleader back. We can’t have only the eternal pessimist, N8, on here. N8 needs the eternal optimist KC on here to balance him out, and vice versa. Without one or the other, the blog gets thrown out of whack.

N8 is the weather forecaster that predicts that it is going to rain everyday. KC predicts that it is going to be sunny everyday (except when talking about Langerhans). With the two of them together, we get a realistic Atlanta summer weather prediction, sunny, hot as hell, humid beyond belief, violent thunderstorms between 4 and 6 p.m., should clear before game time. Basically, a great Atlanta day and summer with some aggravations.

By Chiefknockahoma

June 14, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Sorry, that’s you’re right.

By We Have Mets the Enemy

June 14, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Hey, DOB, I forgot to tell you that as Tommy’s sitting there waiting, the camera pans to a bunch of firebug/arsonist-looking characters. It lends the scene a really suspenseful atmosphere!

By robdawg06

June 14, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

I think its totally because of tradition that managers and coaches wear uniforms. If they compare themselves to the basketball coaches that wear suits then they look like they are impersonators of players. Heck, why don’t we fans just get the full gear too and wear to games ? My take is that you aren’t going to play so don’t put on the uniform.

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Oye Sergio See my commend above about Leo…he not have any magic…look the stats the last three year.In Atlanta he got TALENT(Maddox,Glavine,Smoltz)in baltimore none.He is not a magiatian.He is to me and average pitching coach, he can teach but is you don’t have talent nothing going to work.

By eric the elder

June 14, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Lee, you completely distorted what I asked.

I did NOT ask about advising batters who are up - - I said on-deck circle.

Also, I’m certainly not suggesting every batter. I was asking only about crucial situations that might come up a couple times per game. Your idea of a recliner is good fun. :)

Honestly, my take right now is that we have 25 guys wearing the same uni rather than a team. It has the feel of every man for himself. Forget about the game situation - - just get up there and hack away.

I’ll drop the subject and thank all who replied. I do think, though, that some vigorous focusing of team play is called for.

By Sonny boy

June 14, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

Where is Leo when you need him Bobby? Its time to overhaul the whole team, starting with Chipper and Andrew while you can still get something for them. I’m talking about getting rid of COX,and the whole bunch of his sorry coaches! It was nice while it lasted but face it, its over!

By Braveheart

June 14, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

If TP could make trips to the batter’s box when Andruw was hitting, do you think he would plant himself firmly under Andruw’s back knee so that thing would never touch the floor again?

How about when Orr was hitting? Do you think he would come behind him and grab ahold of the bat and swing with Orr?

How about when Thorman was hitting, do you think he would wrap himself around the bat forming a human donut in an attempt to slow down Thorman’s swing?

By Arkansas Hillbilly

June 14, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Bailey, I wouldn’t put Edgar in the 4-hole because he is the ideal #2 man. BUT, I will cite an instance that relates to your theory. Mark Grace was not a power hitter but he put up some decent numbers in the clean-up spot behind Sammy Sosa in the late 90’s. So I’ll say your proposition is not unreasonable but also not likely, considering the Braves have more hitters fit for the job than the Cubs did back then.

By N8

June 14, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

DOB

“Can’t have the Big 3 rotations with this payroll. Nobody will have such a rotation again in the forseeable future, under the present economic system in baseball. And I don’t see that changing.”

Great point. I believe that ALL THREE of the “big-3” could’ve and would’ve left for more money had they not enjoyed being teamates and probably truely believed they were in the best spot to keep on winning.

The closest thing that MLB has seen to another version of the “big-3” was in Oakland with Hudson, Zito and Mulder. Well, whaddya know? They couldn’t afford all three either, yet they’ve continued to win. Not to mention that comparing Mulder, Zito and Hudson anything close to Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux, is very INSULTING to the real “big-3”, IMO.

For a short period of time, they were as dominant as those guys, and they happened to be on the same team. THAT is where the comparisons should stop. NONE of those three have done much dominating since being together in Oakland. While Smoltz, Maddux and Glavine have all had continued succes at a higher rate, even while not being together.

In fact as I said yesterday, if Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz were still together on the same staff, even all being over 40, they STILL would arguably make the finest trio of starters in MLB. THAT is amazing if you ask me.

What’s amazing, is that in hindsight, this team would be better off, had they let Andruw walk a long time ago, maybe even Chipper as well, and kept that trio together for the remainder of their careers. I would venture to guess that even with youth and less expensive positon players the overall TEAM results would be similar, if not better than what we’ve seen this year.

But it didn’t happen that way, and I for one, wouldn’t have gambled on that 6 years ago when we let Glavine go. Like I said, hindsight.

By Miss Manners

June 14, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

We Have Mets the Enemy, you are really a cut-up aren’t you? And so entertaining. How can you criticize the learned Bob, Journalist? Spare us your drivel, small minded little man.

By Lee

June 14, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

What is the fascination with Mark Beurhle? Is it the one no-hitter he managed this year? Is that it?

If memory serves me right - that is why the Braves made that infamous trade for Len Barker back in the 80’s. We all remmeber how that turned out.

By snowball's chance

June 14, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Word is that Giambi is about to get suspended. Leaked grand jury testimony showed Giambi the only player that was half way telling the truth. Him telling national media that everyone should come clean is the height of naivete or maybe he lives in a chemically induced 120 million dollar dream world. Is baseball the worst sport for unwritten rules? If Giambi keeps his mouth shut he skates with everyone else. I’ve read Game of Shadows and the lesson of the book is if you cooperate with the prosecution you will be punished to the same extent as people who stay silent or lie.

Is baseball the worst sport for unwritten rules? News of Injuries is guarded as if opposing teams aren’t dissecting every move. Remember Lerew saying he was injured and the staff knew it. Enjoy those bus rides, kid. Fellow bloggers were down on Davies for not telling anyone about his season ending injury last year. Nobody knew? Wickman was in obvious pain this year before he was mercifully rested. Pitching has to be the worst thing a person can do to his body. Do you think any pitchers have been on the juice?

By Braveheart

June 14, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

What if John S. did just decide to go crazy one day and say I am tired of this self imposed salary cap thing and he just went out and traded for a bunch of expensive guys anyway? How PO’d would the owners be? How fast would he be fired? Or would they be too scared to fire him because of the message that would send the fans? Or would the concerns of stockholders carry more weight than the concerns of fans?

By David O'Brien

June 14, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

RealityBites, thanks for that pearl of wisdom. Now run along back to the football blogs, and let us have our boring game….

Braveheart, I agree. We need KC for proper balance. Have no idea where he’s been. Maybe he’s with RealityBites painting his face in school colors to prepare for Saturday Afternoon Battle on campus or Sunday Glory at the Georgia Dome (since they had a losing season last year, means Falcons should go 9-7 and possibly get a wild card this year, right? No? There’s problems there? Oh, nevermind)…

SaltyWoody, funny-a@# post, my man.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Here’s my view of lineup contruction:

You score runs by stringing together baserunners and hits and getting more hits (preferably extra-base hits) once you have runners on. So I say load the top of the lineup with high on-base guys then the high average/high slugging guys next then fill in the rest.

I say obviously Kelly Johnson and Renteria are good choices for the top two spots, and Chipper number three. Then I like Diaz (when he’s in the lineup), Francouer and McCann in the middle, with maybe Diaz hitting clean-up! Check out Diaz’s AVG and SLG. He’s got a great chance to get a hit and there’s a good chance it’s going to be an extra-base hit.

I know this will probably not happen but just some out-of-the-box thinking that I think makes some sense.

Also, maybe it would be good to measure a hitter’s cleanup effectiveness by AVG+SLG. It may help solve the problem of just looking at RBI because RBI are highly context-dependent and the sample-size problem of looking at things like AVG or OBP or SLG with RISP.

By Bailey

June 14, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Hilbilly It was just a thought. It sounds pretty good, though considering Willie and KJ need to be near the top, and Chipper likes hitting 3rd.

Rob - What would you have the managers wear??

By Bob, Journalist

June 14, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

realitybites, you may have a point … I remember when the old story about the man who took his wife to the game but arrived quite late; actually in the ninth inning … score tied, 0-0 … in fact, dual perfect games going.

Her reaction was like yours … Good, I was afraid we might have missed something!

Unfortunately, what was once a joke is now reality … and that bites!

By N8

June 14, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

“N8 is the weather forecaster that predicts that it is going to rain everyday.”

So what you’re tryin’ to tell me is that if I lived in Seattle, I would always be right?

LOL!

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

snowball’s chance,

I think Giambi has a snowball’s chance in hell of being suspended. The players’ union lawyers will be all over it. Unless he has tested positive for something and we don’t know it, I don’t see how he’s going to be suspended.

By MBATL

June 14, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

KC said something a few weeks ago about his work circumstances changing, and that it would affect his blogging time. So he’s got a demanding job, a wife, and (if I recall correctly), three toddlers. So what! Dude needs to get his priorities in order!

To those insisting we need to trade for starting pitching “now, not later.” Sounds great if you say it fast. The problem is:

Let’s take Buerhle, for example, but the same applies to any potentially available starter on a team going nowhere:

We could doubtless put together some package that would get us Buerhle by this weekend. But, the White Sox are likely planning to spend the next 6 weeks evaluating the market, entertaining proposals from a lot of teams.

The only way they’re gonna deal him now is if they feel our offer trumps anything they’re likely to get from the Mets, Yankees, etc. The White Sox (for example) are in no hurry to make a deal - long is it’s by July 31.

In other words, in mid-June, it’s almost bound to be a bad deal for us. Negotiating from a position of desperation is usually not a good idea, especially when you’re 2 games out of first place.

By Ed

June 14, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

DOB

Why is SaltyWoody’s post funny?

Nothing funny about a team that has been TERRIBLE as of late and allowed the Phillies to tie them in the standings.

By Lee

June 14, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

Eric the Elder

You are correct about the Braves hitters seemingly lack of focus. I just wonder sometimes if most hitters are stubborn like Andruw and how much they are going to listen anyway. I suppose the younger they are they may but past a certain point of experience I just don’t know.

By Sergio

June 14, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Dave, Personally talking to pitchers is the worst way to judge whether or not a coach is doing their job. Just the other day i was looking for some books for a fathers day gift, and found this very interesting book of baseball which had a whole chapter on Leo Mazzone. It ended with qoutes from Charlie Liebrant, John Smoltz, Jason Marquis, Mike Remlinger, Jaret Wright, Jorge Sosa among others praising Leo and who Leo helped them in their careers. Thats the problem with simply asking them, cause people are prone to changing their minds.

John Smoltz praised Leo when Leo was here, and yet was vocal on how the Braves wouldnt miss him when he was gone. Smoltz is human like we all are.

Instead i prefer stats. I guess mentioning just Jeremy Gutrhie and Steve werent enough? Eric Bedard posting career numbers under Leo?

or Lets just talk about Roger McDowell, who was brought in because he could “work with young pitchers” lets ignore that his minor league track record was not very good. Edwin Jackson went from pitching prospect to pitching has been under Roger. Kyle Davies has regressed dramatically under Roger Mcdowell.

Remember. The Braves gave Merv Rettenmund just two years before he was sent packing. I think two years is more than enough to judge whether Roger has done his job here.

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Shaun You are a GENIUS…i can agree more with you…Are you a mathematic genius or what…

By BossLady

June 14, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Well, the only way I can live with the losses and poor performances is to remember the the many, many years that the Braves were unbeatable, winners, successful and the best. Since, I have been so comfortable with our record it is very hard to accept this year and last year. Some teams in the majors have not the wins or the position that the Braves share. We are not the worst team and I guess we will have to stand by the Braves like we would a broke cousin. If this sounds solemn and bleak then so be it.

By bravefansince54

June 14, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Two years ago I received Bill James’ “Baseball” (a huge, well-written, compendium of all things baseball)from my significant other’s brother in law who is a columnist for the Tampa Tribune. Bill James is now a consultant for the Bosox, and was featured in a History Channel (I think)show the other night - anyhow, one of his big strengths is that he has more statistical savvy than just anyone. He has it worked out that sacrifices are a statistically losing strategy and to be avoided. (Hint: “out avoidance” is an absolute strategy - you only get 27 of ‘em. Don’t give any of them away.)

The next blogger (flogger) who rakes BC for not “moving” the runners over with a bunt, should work out the numbers, as James has done. James is right. James also has stats that show how the development of relief specialists is not justified.

Now - now one is permitted to tell me what I already know: “there are lies, damned lies, and statistics”. Peace.

By Bob, Journalist

June 14, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

Scooped again by David O’B … I guess the reality is that typing with three fingers is better than two!

Cato, never, never back down … especially when you’re wrong … you seldom are … and certainly not this time!

Shades of Lauck and Goff, gimme a pencil so I can jot it down! … I just saw where somebody recognized that we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors … Mama always said it was none of my danged business … that’s why they were closed.

I’m not mocking the one(s) who made the observation, it’s those who haven’t yet made the connection that need the helping hand!

By Braveheart

June 14, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Gotta love the irony of a dude who names himself after a Winona Ryder movie puffing his chest out and pretending he is all macho about football.

By eric the elder

June 14, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Lee, I think obscene salaries have a lot to do with the me-first mentality and stubborness.

Cant’ remember who it was, (Williams? Bonds?)who, faced with an huge infield shift, was asked why he didn’t go the other way. “They don’t pay me to hit singles,” he replied.

If players understand that a guy with 30 HRs makes a lot more than the one with 200 singles, then they will swing from the heels and team be damned.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

bravefansince54,

You may not want to bring up “out avoidance” lest you get made fun of.

By Salty

June 14, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Ed SaltyWoody’s post is funny because he labeled many of the bloggers as ‘Fairweather Johnson’s’, accurately so. Two games out…sheesh!

Lew equwitable? Elmer Fudd imitation? I’m kidding with you.

For the TP bashers, you can lead a horse to water; can’t make ‘em drink.

If I could turn back time; wouldn’t it be great to read the doom and gloom that would have preceeded the ‘91 season? He!!, would anyone have tuned into blog?

Better yet, if blogging existed in ‘89-90, can you imagine the calls for getting rid of those bums Glavine and Smoltz? Funny, could we be talking about a couple/few pitchers who are taking licks now, but could be HOF down the road? It could happen; be careful what you wish for!

By Braveheart

June 14, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

a demanding job, a wife, and (if I recall correctly), three toddlers

Good Lord, that man is on the disabled list with the potential to go AWOL. I did not realize his situation. He should have been more clear with us. We thought KC was the chosen one who would bring balance back to the force. This is precisely why when KC was a young padawan, us jedi knights counseled him extensively to stay away from women. Sith Lord Grinch however could not help himself and told young padawan KC that the jedi had no clue with what they were talking about, and that he needed to go find himself a woman, preferably many women. Sith Lord Grinch dragged KC over to the dark side of the force. Now we need to find a new chosen one. Maybe one of the three toddlers in his Sunshine Band will be the chosen one.

By SaltyWoody

June 14, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

ED I’d assume there’s some humor in it because it attempts to point how ridiculous some of the posts are on here.

I’m the first to spend hours discussing the team’s shortcomings, potential trades, lineup switches, etc.

After all, isn’t that what being a fan of a team is all about? Investing yourself in their production AND their potential?

What’s sad is the vast majority of people are negative when it comes to a team that’s in 2nd place in their division, only 2 games behind what was supposed to be one of the most dominant teams in the league this year, and that’s with almost ALL of their players not playing incredibly well.

Even your post shows negativity.

And, I’d ask you this: Do you think maybe the overwhelming negativity and the sense of apathy that seems to pervade many Braves fans these days might be a reason the team’s NOT going out and spending like crazy to hire all the big guns you all are clamoring for?

What’s the point in spending millions if the fanbase is just going to criticize it anyway?

For as much as I loved the teams with Sheffield and Drew and Crime Dog, et al, I actually like this team a lot more.

There’s a LOT to be said for having your lineup filled with KJs and Frenchys and McCanns…stand up guys who appreciate their town, their team, the integrity of the game, and who come to play.

I’ll take our team and our record right now ANY DAY over some of the other store-bought teams in the league (Like, for instance, that team from New York with the ugly orange and yellow unis).

By eric the elder

June 14, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

BobJ, the righter I think I am, the wronger I probably am.

I think it was Dennis Miller who said, “Never, never back away from the things you truly believe. Of course, I could be wrong about that.”

An old friend has consistently and perfectly summed up the philosophy of life in four words: “It just doesn’t matter.”

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

So…chances on us winning either of the next two games????????

DOB

So what do you think our record will be after these 10 games we have upcoming?

By bravesfan

June 14, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB is there any trade rumors or thought about putting Salty at 1st or is Bobby just going to keep letting Thorman play 1st?

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

AMEN..SALTYWOODY…..THAT ALL I CAN SAY TODAY…GOODBYE

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Jersey Gil,

Thanks. Hope that wasn’t sarcasm. Hard to tell on a computer screen.

By Jersey Gil

June 14, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Shaun no…that was real…i reconized a Genius when i saw one….i’m a Accountant and love Stats

By Bob, Journalist

June 14, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Salty, the same can be said of mules … that’s why God gave us 2x4s and 4x6s.

I’ve always thought that horse thing was a cop out… just misdirection to avoid responsibility, horses are pretty good a following direction if you’re good at giving them.

I still think Dame Dorthy Parker said it best … when talking about the Pepsi girl and her growing of garden plants.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 14, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

congratulations are in order for bryan schroeder who has the winning tee shirt slogan. it involves knees, spikes, and cigars … all topics bantered about here for months. and no toes … toes are not to be trifled with, bryan. still, a good start to the contest and hearty congratulations go out to bryan for this epic slogan. now, baby seal thought baby seal was a slam dunk for this contest but the competition is too tough for a young canadian seal. that tells us that the blog has matured. baby seal could take many of the regulars :-). and where is walter with walter’s entry? now, baby seal will wait with baited breath (whoa!) for the next day’s results.

By bravesfan

June 14, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Why don’t the Braves trade for Mike Maroth or Trachsel?

By Lew

June 14, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Nathan-Dude, If you lived in Seattle you would predict sunshine and 80 degrees, just so you could b!tch when it rained. I’m certain of it. Have you ever heard of Soul Sirkus? You seem to be a hard rocker and would like this one. It’s got Jeff Scott Soto and Neal Schon. It is not, I repeat NOT Journey!!!! Check it out. If you can’t find it, email me at lewhartman@comcast.net and I’ll tell you where you can find it.

By Robert

June 14, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

“I’d suggest that the numbers of both the Orioles and Braves don’t do much to fortify an argument that either McDowell or Mazzone has done a bang-up job …. Simple math.”

Simple math, from a simple_ton. As long as Leo was here, the team made the playoffs. He is let go, and the streak ends. Simple logic would suggest a connection.

But no, that wouldnt support the current regime and its Cox apologism.

I wonder whether after he is gone, Cox’s current supporters will suddenly start gloating on him less (I didnt want to say appreciating him less, because it is impossible to underappreciate him)

After what Mazzone did, after the track record he showed here, it is (and I need to pick the word carefully here) utterly appalling to see his name being dragged thru the mud, as if he were nothing.

It is ignorant, it is disrespectful, and it’s just plain stupid.

DOB - There may be a good fraction of baseball people who really are this dumbor this brainwashed. Braves management may be this dumb or this brainwashed. You certainly play the part of dumb and help perpetuate the brainwashing. But show your blog community some semblence of respect and acknowledge that not all of us are this dumb or this brainwashed

If you dont think it was Leo all along, you’re just not getting it

By Goat Horns

June 14, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Everyone keeps saying that the starting pitching is hurting the offense because it constantly puts them in a hole by giving up early runs.

I say it would be nice if our offense would score some early runs and take some pressure off of our starting pitching. It seems as if we never score until the 7th inning.

I would sign a petition to have Andruw hit 8th until he gets his average above .260. Having him hit 4th or 5th is like having a “black hole” in the middle of the lineup. I would rather see Thorman coming to the plate with runners on (at least against a right handed pitcher) than Andruw!

McCann has not been much better. Take some time to compare B-Mac’s at bats, hits, RBI, runs scored, and home runs with Scot Thorman and you will see that Thorman (who is struggling mightily) is producing more runs from the 7th slot than B-Mac who has hit 4th or 5th most of the season!

By Salty

June 14, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Bob Plenty of merit to your point; however, we’ve both been around long enough to realize the same message, regardless how many ways it’s presented, falls deaf on the student/listener, while those around him/her grasp it. Look at Frenchy’s improvement: while he definitely committed to getting better, TP gets some credit. Failure occurs on two levels: 1. refusal to listen 2. refusal to relate the message in a way the listener can process. Failing one, forget #2.

By SaltyWoody

June 14, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

Robert You seriously believe the streak was Leo’s doing?

That’s an outrageous claim, chief.

But you’re right- the three future hall of famers he had pitching for him probably had nothing to do with his success.

And he’s doing amazing things with Daniel Cabrera right now in Baltimore, huh? Man, Leo’s really used his teachings to harness that kid’s talent and make him into a lights-out starter?

Ohhh…wait…he’s gotten shelled for weeks now.

Well, surely Trachsel’s a better example. Wait…Trachsel’s been good for years, despite throwing 63 mph and being 97 years old.

Well…Erik Bedard, then. That kid’s blossomed under Leo. Ohh, wait. Actually, he was an ace before Leo got there.

Well, just keep the ignorance coming. And keep calling out DOB on the blog that he runs…and that he runs with a pretty level head, as well.

Speaking of dumb and brainwashed…

By eric the elder

June 14, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Robert:

As long as Leo was here, the team made the playoffs. He is let go, and the streak ends. Simple logic would suggest a connection.

There is an interesting tribe in New Guinea. Each spring, the tribal chief leads the villagers to an open field. He dons a green cape, fills his mouth with water, and sprays the water into the air. He performs the water ritual exactly six times. The purpose is to remind the gods to provide rain for the fields. Sure enough, the spring months are rainy!

Simple logic suggests a connection.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Robert,

Yeah, it was pitching that won it for the Braves in 2005 and 2003, wasn’t it?

What about 1990 when Leo was here and the Braves stunk?

I think Leo Mazzone is perhaps the greatest pitching coach of all-time and it’s good to see the O’s pitching staff doing well under him this season, but you really think Leo was primarily responsible for the Braves making the playoffs every year?

By Chop Chop

June 14, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

SaltyWoody, if the Braves organization is afraid of being criticized by fans for going out and making moves to help the team, they’re not getting the points that so many of us (yes, including me…I just don’t feel the need to moan about it everyday…) out here are making: This team is flawed. They need consistency, leadership and direction on the field. Get some help.

What I want from the Braves is this:

Either be honest with the fans and say that you’re really just trying to rebuild while maintaining a competitive ballclub (which is obviously the case, but I would appreciate the honesty) OR, with new ownership in place, make it known to the fans that you intend to compete for titles now by making a big trade (or two) around the deadline to make a big push this year. The NL is wide open this year, but my main concern is that the Mets have lost 9 of 10 and we haven’t taken advantage of it. Unless we are a better team (we aren’t) than the Mets, we’ve probably missed our best chance to get out in front and put some distance between us and the Mets. We’re only two games out, but we should be three games up, right? Isn’t that why this blog is clogged with the whines and moans of frustrated fans? Well, the main reason, anyway? I’m not taking into account the various psychological and mental conditions (DonkDonkDonkDonkDonk) that afflict a minority of denizens, but you get my point.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Goat Horns,

McCann has more hits, significantly more walks, 1 more extra-base hit than Thorman in five fewer games. Oh, yeah, and McCann’s a catcher and Thorman’s a firstbaseman.

Compare McCann’s offense to the typical catcher’s then compare Thorman’s to the typical firstbaseman’s.

Not saying Thorman’s a bad player, I believe he’ll turn it around eventually, or that McCann has been great but McCann has clearly been more productive than Thorman when you look at the entire picture.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Goat Horns,

Thorman is 32nd in OPS among 34 firstbasemen with at least 125 plate appearances.

Not trying to knock Thorman because I think he is better than this but McCann has clearly been more productive relative to his position. And, yes, I think position does matter and should be taken into account.

By N8

June 14, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Lew

“Nathan-Dude, If you lived in Seattle you would predict sunshine and 80 degrees, just so you could b!tch when it rained.”

It’s nice to feel the love on a Wednesday afternoon. Actually I “lived” in Seattle for about 3 months in HS. My mom’s brothers all live out there, and I spent an entire summer vacation there once. I managed to escape that rain forest WITHOUT being addicted to heiroin. (sp?)

I have not heard, nor heard of Soul Sirkous. But have always liked Schon’s guitar playing. So I would be interested in hearing it. I’ll email you later.

Is it something that is new? Or is older stuff that’s just being released or re-released now?

Robert

“If you dont think it was Leo all along, you’re just not getting it”

I don’t get it either. Please explain it to me.

Maddux was good before he got here. Smoltz is actually a better starter NOW after Leo has left. Marquis, Odalis and Schmidt surely didn’t “blossom” under Leo’s watch. Glavine? He seems to be the guy that BEST fits the mold of Leo’s stamp. Change speeds, away, away, away…….LOW and away. Maddux does as well, but if I recall he won the Cy Young award the year BEFORE he was coached by Leo, so IMO, Leo gets minimal credit for making Maddux a HOF’r. Millwood was incosistant.

Not to mention that Baltimore’s staff ERA actually went UP in Leo’s first year. Why couldn’t Leo “fix” Kolb???? After all, he had a very good year for the Brewers they year before he came to Atlanta. Hudson surely didn’t improve upon Leo’s teachings.

Listen. If you made a list of guys that said they felt like better pitchers because of Leo, and a list of guys that HATED his methods, if would probably be about even in length.

At the same time, if you made a list of guys that STATISTICALLY improved under Leo, and one of guys that didn’t improve statistically, it too would probably be equal in length.

You can’t always PRAISE the coaches, or RIP them when the players don’t respond. Some of it (if not most of it) has to be on the player.

Is TP a bad hitting coach because Andruw is stubborn? Or is he great because Willie Harris is having a monster year?

No waduh mean, Vern?

You know, I’m with you on a LOT of strategy issues when it comes to Bobby. But for the same reason, Bobby was successful in winning the division for 14 years running, Leo was successful for having a great “staff” ERA……SUPERIOR TALENT DOING THE MAJORITY OF THE GOOD WORK SHOWN IN THE RESULTS!

If the Braves traded for Brandon Webb, Jake Peavy, and Bonderman, and THEN went on to lead the league in starters ERA, would McDowel have all the sudden “overnight” turned into a great coach?

In any sport, the coach is only as good as the talent on the field, IMO.

Now if ALL talent on EVERY team is equal, then and ONLY then, can you base longterm results on coaching. Even then MOST of it is on the players.

By Paladin

June 14, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

DOB You are the one who brought up football—so—during football season we can only lose one time a week.

By N8

June 14, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Eric*

Your 2:34 about made me spit pop on my monitor……6 times!!

LOVE IT!

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

ChopChop

Well said. Why shouldn’t we be mad about this team’s performance. Chipper left the lineup and NO ONE except Edgar Renteria stepped up on a consistent basis.

Davies and James are not performing well.

Smoltz is going to be a question mark from here on out.

Hudson has been awful his last six starts.

Need not go into the offensive struggles in detail.

You all can say “We are only 2 back of the Mets”. But they have a team that can go on a serious run and get out of this rut. With Kyle Davies, Buddy Carlyle and Chuck James in this rotation, the Braves are incapable of sustaining a run without a huge output from their offense like we saw in April……

By BamaBrave

June 14, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Mazzone played his part in the streak, but let’s not get carried away. If I’m going to blame any one factor for the Braves’ dropoff, it’s payroll restraints and the exponential effect that has on JS’s ability to deal and manuever.

By robdawg06

June 14, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Coaches & managers should wear anything BUT the uniform. I’d be okay with a suit,casual wear,or even sweats. Just anything that differentiates them from the players attire.

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

11-19 since MAY 12 when we were 24-12

By David O'Brien

June 14, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Robert, you’re absolutely right: The vast majority of denizens here aren’t dumb or brainwashed. Rather, they look at the complexities of issues and realize most things aren’t black or white, great or terrible, that Leo was a damn fine pitching coach who played a part in the division-title streak, but the players and manager played a bigger part (this according to the players themselves, not me or you).

You’re right, most folks here are very reasonable, want their team to do well, and hurt when it doesn’t.

Then there’s you. Childish, not at all in tune to the nuances of the major league game, but rather to historical facts and figures, and to tenants of the game and sportsmanship as taught to Little Leaguers.

Oh, and most of all, completley obsessed by bitterness for one man, which has steadily reduced your credibility among most here to absolute zero. But keep ranting and raving. It’s precious.

By SR

June 14, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Well said Efrim, spot on.

I’ll add this: Last I checked, the National League consists of 16 teams. As accurately posted in DOB’s notes today, Braves starters ranked 13th. No way to paint a pretty face on that stat, it stinks. In fact, it stinks on ice. Teams ranked that far down rarely make it into the playoffs.

Thus, even though the bats have been more than quiet lately, starting pitching is still this team’s most glaring weakness. Hard to debate that point.

By BossLady

June 14, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

That’s what I’m talking about SaltyWoody, they are ours so that’s just it. We are either gonna stick behind them like they are our home team or maybe some people should just “jump ship.” If you look around the majors the Braves are not close to the basement of teams, also, we have so much promise. McCann, Franceour and Kelly Johnson are going to be the stars. Trial and error will clear the other roster members. I like seeing the effort they are making and it shows when they fail. They don’t need much more kicking around what they need is fan support.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Robert,

I admit I can ramble on about things that I think are right but at least I use something beyond third-grade logic to back up my ideas.

Yours is the same logic that says Derek Jeter was a better shortstop than ARod because he won more World Series rings.

By Tulsabravo

June 14, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Hey Dave, What about “Please to Meet Me?”

By sammy miller

June 14, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Please Hoss carry us on your shoulders for a little while man!

By Paladin

June 14, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

After placing Smoltz on a pedestal(where he belongs)”starting pitching”, when applied to the Braves, is an oxymoron.

By TennesseePaul

June 14, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Payne: In your point of view, when Langerhans was on the team, in the line up, hitting .050, would you rather have him swing away (i.e. attempt to not give away the out), or sacrifice bunt (give away an out)?
Granted, this is a catch 22 as Langerhans was an assured out no matter what he did. But at least the sac bunt is a productive out. And you must acknowledge that, if an out is assured, a productive one is better than a non productive one. Right? Though again, Langerhans probably isn’t the best example as, in reality he’d find a way to ruin any rally no matter what he was doing.

The other day when Willie Harris came up to the bat with runners on, ESPN, in all its brilliance, strategized that Willie should bunt and was subsequently shocked that he swung away. There is a time, a place, and player, for the sac bunt, but it was painfully obvious that, in that situation, Willie did not fit any of the criteria. Willie is the hottesting hitting man on the team, and the fastest runner on the team. Of course he’s swinging away.

By Lee

June 14, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Can the Braves please win tonight…… Is that to darn much to ask for???? That would at least prevent a sweep and perhaps keep us from falling into 3rd place in the division. I am for trying anything. Move everyone around in the lineup. Maybe we should let Wickman, Soriano and Yates pitch the 1st three innings and then bring the starter in. Anything has to be better than the 1st two games of this series. We need a win….really we do.

By eric the elder

June 14, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist, your references to Newton’s laws yesterday prompted me to think about the Second Law of Thermodynamics, as it might also apply to the Braves.

Roughly and too simply, the law states that energy dispersal (entropy)in a closed system continues until the energy state reaches equilibrium - - unless the dispersal is prevented.

Assuming that the Braves team is a closed system, the high and low energy of the players will converge to equilibrium unless some form of leadership prevents that from happening.

The law spells the eventual doom of the universe but not of the Braves if the right people step up to redirect and reorganize the energy.

By Kieran from Long Island

June 14, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

I don’t see any “Donk” TShirts in the near future…

It’s really kinda scary how this team is hitting and I looked at the upcoming schedule… ohh boy. Did they get the rough end of the stick or what? 6 games this year against Boston, Ouch. They sure could use that second “rivalry” series against Baltimore like they used to get. What a joke interleague play is. All things considered it could certianly be worse, however, there’s really not much evidence here to show us that its going to get better

Cleveland Detroit and Boston: the class of the American League.

At least 2 of the 3 series are at home, erm, uhh nevermind…

They can’t afford to have Thorman at first with Salty on the Bench much longer, and it’s really amazing how dependent the lineup is on Mcann. When he hits they win, when he doesnt, well…

Hey I got it, Maybe they can send Thorman down to AAA and try to make him into a Starting pitcher as well…

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Robert,

If you want to get us on your side, come up with some kind of tangible evidence (beyond third-grade logic) to give us some semblance of a clue that Bobby Cox isn’t as good as we think.

I have a suggestion but you could use any method you like.

Go to Diamond Mind and look at their pre-season projections, they have them back to 1998 and they use several objective, in-depth variables. It’s not just some guy saying “this team looks better than that one so I’ll pick this team to win”:

http://www.diamond-mind.com/articles/index.html

Compare actual record to projected record. That may give us some sort of clue whether Cox fired up the troops to play better than they should have.

Also look at expected or pythagorean record. This will show you whether Cox has squeezed wins out of his team by using players in the right spots. Even when they may have been outscored, they are scoring runs at the right times so their run differentials don’t match their record.

Maybe combined projected and pythagorean and compare them to actual record and look at several managers over the same time frame to see where Bobby ranks.

I admit this is probably far from a perfect way to measure a manager’s effectiveness but it may give us some clue and something to go by rather than just ‘Bobby Cox is a poopie head’.

If you can show us some kind of in-depth analysis then maybe we’ll admit that you’re on to something.

By SaltyWoody

June 14, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop I agree with Efrim, well said.

The problem is that the Braves are in a tough spot right now. They’re somewhere in between a great team and a rebuilding one and I think even they don’t know exactly where they stand.

Hell, this team could have been(and might still be) capable of a World Series run. Imagine if Hampton had been his old healthy, competitive self? And if Gonzo were still around? And if Chipper hadn’t gotten hurt? And if Andruw wasn’t swinging and missing? And if Davies/Chuck/Cormier were pitching like many believed they would?

I know those are a lot of “ifs,” but had they all come together, this team would be outstanding and a far cry from “rebuilding.”

On the other side of things, some of their players are starting to near the end of their careers. AJ’s going up for free agency. Bobby’s hinting at retirement. Smoltz will only be around for a year or two more. And this all means that the Braves do need to start looking towards the future, instead of trading away prospects for immediate and temporary fixes.

Ultimately, I agree that it would be nice to know exactly what direction the club’s headed in. But do you really expect the Braves to come out and say “Hey, everybody…even though Chipper and AJ and Smoltz would like a shot at another ring, and even though we’re only a couple games back of 1st…screw it. The reactionary bloggers are right-this season’s over. Let’s blow this baby up and looks towards next year.”

Of course not.

Yes, the Braves could use a 3rd starter. That’s undeniable. But the price they’d have to pay to attain one of those (with everyone else looking for the same thing) would be so high that it would be like mortgaging the future…and the future looks pretty bright with all the young talent we’ve got right now.

So, I still hold that the Braves are better off standing pat and seeing how things play out…at least until the All Star break.

Plus, how often does JS NOT have something up his sleeve? I mean, the man cherry picked Soriano from a pretty weak crop of relievers this offseason and only gave up HoRam who, once again, is injured.

I think we should all rest assured that when the time and the price are right, JS will make something happen.

After all, do you think JS is happy with the way things are going? You don’t think he’d pull the trigger on something if it made sense?

Of course he would. And let’s also consider that nobody’s begging us to take their moderately-priced, highly successful starting pitchers off their hands.

By Lew

June 14, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Nathan-It’s relatively new (last couple of years). I heard a cut on XM The Boneyard (best Hard Rock radio station I’ve ever heard) and tracked down a copy. I’m not sure it was ever released in the US. Anyway. It’s real good.

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Lee

We should of won the previous two gamees against Silva and Slowey. But apparently they were way too tough for the Braves. Santana won’t lose this game tonight. I see a lot of Hudson’s balls being hard hit on that artificial turf. Lots of hits for the Twins.

By Kieran from Long Island

June 14, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

By Lee June 14, 2007 3:29 PM | “Can the Braves please win tonight…… Is that to darn much to ask for???? “

Sorry Lee, with Johan Santana on the mound… I think it might be

By Lew

June 14, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Today is my birthday. The Braves better win. They owe it to me for all the arguments I’ve had with Coach and Shaun.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

I definitely agree with the idea that a sac bunt is better than something that doesn’t advance the runner, although I also think the sac bunt is overused by many teams.

As far as your Langerhans example, I think in a lot of situations I would still have had him swing away. Yes, he was bad but if we assume that he actually had the kind of ability he’s shown throughout his career, he still has better than a 30 percent chance to not make an out. If he attempts a sacrifice, he has a much smaller chance to get on.

Of course, it also depends on the inning, the runners, the pitcher (whether he’s a groundball pitcher and is likely to get a double-play ball), outs, who’s coming up, etc.

I wish I had seen the play on ESPN but I don’t recall it. I think it may be a good strategy for a guy like Willie Harris more than others because he probably has a better chance to get on base with a bunt. But given that I think most situations don’t call for a sac bunt, I probably would have agreed that Willie shouldn’t have bunted.

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

SaltyWoody

I agree, this team has the potential to be a great team. If Hampton didn’t get hurt, then he would of provided some stability to this starting rotation.

I also think that the Braves need to understand that Chipper Jones will not be healthy for a full season ever again. The most we will ever get out of the guy will be 130 games.

So from every prediction anyone ever makes regarding this team. Chipper’s health needs to be considered.

It is tough to win the division when your best hitter misses over 30 games.

By Lee

June 14, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Salty/Woody

That is a lot of ifs. If only life were that simple.

By songwriter jimmy smith

June 14, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

But Leo, oh, Leo, Leo,

I can’t sleep ‘Cause all around the bullpen

I hear the patter of Leo’s feet

Leo’s gone, one more round, Leo’s gone

So if yo’ pitchin’s devilish

You can let it run

Or you can bring it down and do it

Like Leo got done

Leo’s gone, one more round Leo’s gone

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Happy birthday. Mine is tomorrow.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

June 14, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Happy 87th birthday Lew. Better have a fire extiguisher when you light all those candles, old man. ;-)

By SaltyWoody

June 14, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

ROBERT By the way, you should check out ESPN’s article on Bobby.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=2903669&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1

Make it a point to notice a few things: 1. That everyone, from managers to umpires and everyone in between, talks about how Bobby is a class act, how he wants nothing to do with any fanfare. 2. That many of his assistant coaches (Yost, Fredi Gonzalez, etc.) have gone on to become successful managers themselves. Think that’s a coincidence? 3. These two quotes: Ned Yost- “In fact, the umpires love him, because they know Bobby respects them. He just has a real strong desire to protect his players. And when he feels one of them has been wronged, let’s just say he’s going to let it be known.”

Jerry Crawford- “One thing about Bobby,” said veteran umpire Jerry Crawford. “He never rips you in the papers afterward. He gets ejected. Then he just goes about his business the next day. I’ve had times where he’s gotten mad with me, and I’ve gotten mad with him. But we come out the next day, and everything’s fine.”

These are well-respected members of baseball that are commending Bobby on being respectful of the game and sticking up for his players.

That’s the kind of guy I want managing my team.

P.S. It must be a cold day in hell, because I actually enjoyed a Jayson Stark article.

By teoa

June 14, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

I think it’s becoming painfully obvious that the Braves simply can’t be a very good team with the current starting pitching rotation. They’re going to be doing well to average half a win each time through the rotation for the #4 and #5 starters, and two out of three for #1-3. That makes the Braves a .500 team, and I don’t think that’s going to change unless there’s a major shake up at the back end of the rotation. I’d like to see some young guys get a shot at it at least…It really couldn’t be much worse than it is now.

By Ron Roberts

June 14, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

DOB… Rescue Me rocked, as always. Even ran long, which makes a viewer feel like he got a treat, right?

That being said, since it ran over, you might need to re-TiVo it if they re-run it tonight like they used to last season. I wanna say it ran like 6-8 minutes over the top of the hour, hoss.

By Salty

June 14, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

I think it’s becoming painfully obvious that the (fill in the blank) simply can’t be a very good team with the current starting pitching rotation.

Borrowing from teoa, but most of the NL, and certainly all of the East can have the same said of them. Of course, the operative word is current.

By ssiscribe

June 14, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Lew, Happy Birthday man! Here’s to a birthday Braves win tonight. May this be the night where it all turns back around!

—30—

By N8

June 14, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Salty/Woody

I don’t remember the umpire (It’ll come to me), but he was on the Dan Patrick show on ESPNradio about 2 weeks ago, talking about Bobby. It was after Wellman and Pinella’s meltdowns, so Bobby came up, since he’s about to take over the lead in alltime ejections.

This umpire (who was a longtime veteran), was asked how many times he’s ejected Bobby, and he said only once, and it was in his first couple of years. He said that essentially Bobby picks on the younger umpires, rather than the veterans, because he respects the veterans, and assumes that the call they made, must be right, since they’ve been doing it a while.

He told a story of old Fulton County Stadium, Bobby had been ejected (by another umpire) and the ump (DING DING DING - It was Tim McClelland -sp?-), said that he came down inbetween innings to get a drink, and Bobby was in the tunnel standing there smoking a cigar, and asked McClellen how he liked Atlanta. He said, I told him it was fine, a little hot, bla bla bla. Then Bobby proceeded to tell him about a great place to eat, and told him that he would call ahead and let them know he was coming for him.

So here he is moments (maybe innings later, I guess), after being ejected and telling another umpire about a good restaraunt. Kinda reminds me of that old Miller Lite commercial with the ump and the manager standing in a house yelling at eachother.

McClellend also told a story about how Jack McKeon would repeatedly come out to argue and the first thing he’d say, is whether you were right or wrong, you might as well kick me out, because something has to wake my team up.

So based on those two stories, I come to the conclusion that MOST manager ejections are way more show than anything. Or as Yost said, him simply trying to keep his players (you know….the ones who actually win or lose the game) on the field, when he senses that one of them is close to getting the boot.

By David O'Brien

June 14, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, coming in strong with a remake of Delia’s Gone. I can hear the great J.R. Cash singing it now….

Happy 93rd birthday, Lew. Stay lean and mean and you might make it to 100.

By OddJob

June 14, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

If Hudson’s ever going to step up,tonight is the time.I know it’s a slow day when I volunteer to help Brttany name her new cd.Anyway here’s a few of my helpful (hopefully) suggestions. 1—-Bald Ambition 2—-I know where you live 3—-cream filled love 4—-beaver shaped box, and last 5—-like a sturgeon.

By BossLady

June 14, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

N8

Terrific Story, Thanks

By MBATL

June 14, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

N8, now that, I agree with. I think most ejections are orchestrated. Some are on pure emotion, but not most, especially with a veteran manager. I really doubt that Bobby gets as emotionally involved as most of us idiot bloggers do.

Lew, Best Wishes!

By supa

June 14, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Is it true that the Braves will get a supplemental 1st round pick in next year’s draft if Andruw signs elsewhere? So it’s not like they won’t getting anything in return. With the Braves’ success of developing their high draft picks to be MLB-caliber players (Chipper, Frenchy, Salty, Adam Wainright, McBride), I think that’s definitely a strong reason to keep Andruw until the end of the season.

By Thrillhouse44

June 14, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Happy birthday! Here’s to Huddy giving you a much needed win.

By Chop Chop

June 14, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

One reason I’m not all bent out of shape about the Braves this year is because of last year. Since the Braves were knocked off of their perch atop the NL East, it’s hard for me to get too worked up if this team, with all of its flaws, doesn’t make the playoffs. My fatalism with this bunch started in 2002 when Glavine was having that terrible NLDS against the Giants. For me, that was the end of THAT team. You know…the one that had a chance to win it all. Ever since then, I’ve just been hoping that I’d be pleasantly surprised with the results. For example, the NL East title in 2005 was a surprise to me. Since I do not believe that this year’s team is going to be in the playoffs (and that has changed since the offseason, but injuries and inconsistent play are as good as any reasons to change one’s mind about this team), I would be really surprised if they turned things around and made something special happen. As a sports fan, I hope that I get to see special moments from my teams. Nothing can top the thrills of ‘91 and Bream’s slide in ‘92 in my mind. 1995 was more of a relief than anything else. I’m a young guy (27 years old, to be exact) and I think that I’ll get to see another great run of play and more World Series titles out of this team, but who knows? One thing I do know is that when I watched the teams of Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz, a bad start was a surprise. I don’t know how many Braves games I watched during those years, but it was nearly all of them.

Here’s a vintage Braves game in my mind’s eye: The Big 3 plowing through the opposing lineup with efficient pitch counts, getting double plays or strikeouts when they needed them, timely hitting, games ending in 2.5 hours or less, etc.

Tell me I’m not the only one who knew the breaks on Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz’s pitches by heart. You know the ones I’m talking about…the screwball-like cutter thrown by Maddux to lefties that would just crease the inside corner and freeze ‘em…Glavine’s changeup just off the corner that would punch a guy out and leave him wondering why the guy on the mound gets all the calls…Smoltz’s splitter that had guys trying to put their front shoulders back in their sockets. The bulldog mentalities of those three on the mound. Never giving in…or giving up. Screw this. I’m hopping in the wayback machine.

Anyway, those days are long gone, but I’m glad I got to see them. I hope the young guys on this team are able to go through some of the great moments that we fans have witnessed over the last 17 years.

By A-ville Ranger

June 14, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Jimmy great song, I laughed,I cried…well I laughed.Oh Leo, we hardly knew thee.

By Kieran from Long Island

June 14, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

N8-

Great 4:30 post

By cricket

June 14, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Shaun, Don’t feel bad. Stark is actually one of the better baseball writers. He just had a serious attack of madness while writing his book.

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop

I agree 100%. 2002 was the last year I thought this team could win the world series. Ever since then, they have suprised me with gutty performances. They ran into a lot of bad luck against the Cubs and Astros the next three years. Those teams had INCREDIBLE starting pitching.

By MGL

June 14, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Lew - Happy Birthday!! Your at the top of the class of denizens. Don’t forget to close that third eye before you blow on all those candles.

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

3-7 the next 10 games???

What do you guys think?

By Mitchie-san

June 14, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Happy Birthday, Lew.

I made it to Sydney yesterday and its great so far. I’m gonna check out the sites and take some pictures. Look out for Dingos!

By JasonInMaine

June 14, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Lew,

My fine Vermonter…Happy B-day!

Regards,

Jason

By Carolina Lady

June 14, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Some of y’all still actually read what Robert writes? Why?? Scroll, baby, scroll!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEW!! You’re the best , my friend! Hope Miss Kathy is home to celebrate with you! Oreo got you a dog biscuit?

jjs, bravo!

It’s time for us to round up a posse and find out where 35 has put himself. He’s been MIA for way too long.

By Ron Roberts

June 14, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady… I love it.

Scroll baby, scroll!

We gotta change the voodoo on our Bravos soon, kids.

The hitting’s in decline, the pitching’s in obvious decline (to be fair, the 3-5 rotation arms have been consistent performances; not a good thing aside from the occasional Chuck James gem) and there’s not much that gives us pause to believe that Andruw Jones is gonna have his annual smash-fest like he’s had after prolonged slumps before.

This is, by far, his longest skid. And Tim Hudson’s reverted back to his Atlanta Braves form after a stellar April.

I did a big ol’ long post earlier today with the declining batting averages of our key bats, if y’all care to check it out [HERE] (http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2007/06/13/chippersbacka.html#comment-1315143) if you wish.

Suffice to say, somebody needs to spark this team back to life - and fast while the Mets are still playing short-handed, and before the Phillies overtake us like they did last season.

By ElbravoX

June 14, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Eddie Murry gets fired after the Dodgers sweep the Muts. The Braves have THE WORST approach in the NL, and Terry Pendleton will probably be the next manager. No accountability at all, status quo sucks. I have nothing against TP, but sometimes a change is needed and we all know Cox ain’t going nowhere.

By Yars

June 14, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

I think we all need to take a step back for a moment, & realize what is the Braves #1 need right now? A solid #3 starting pitcher? (I still haven’t given up on Chucky James. I have given up on Davies) A Left Fielder with some pop in his bat? An everyday 1B? The odds of Schuerholz addressing all 3 of those problems are slim to none. Will he address any of them? Man, it’s anyone’s guess right now. As I see it, we should be in 1st place right now. 1, maybe 2 games in front of the Mets. With the Phillies only 2 games out, I am starting to worry. We can only say it’s still early so many times. Remember last season? In any case, it’s great that Chipper is back. Let’s all pray that he stays healthy. Also, what are the chances of Bobby batting Harris leadoff & KJ second? I could be wrong, but I doubt batting KJ second would effect him one bit. Maybe he would even thrive in the #2 hole & go on some wild tear. Now Playing: Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode

By Yars

June 14, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

Oddjob……..Hilarious post at 4:39 PM regarding Britney Spears. Now that’s comedy. Man, I needed a good laugh.

By Lew

June 14, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

Thank You for the Birth day wishes. DOB-Tell Andruw I’ll do his portrait if he hits a Birthday HR. As far as the lean and mean-I got half of it, still working on the lean part. Shaun-Happy Birthday in advance. Hillbilly-Not quite 86 (I think you’re confusing me with Bob), but enough candles to start a major inferno, nonetheless. Ma’am Orca sent a card.

By Bob, Journalist

June 14, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

This and that on a Thursday afternoon … blame the mindless mind triggers, nicht ich!

Cato, now, as it was 2,200 years ago … your eloquence is exceeded only by your wisdom … now, if only you still had your good looks, the blog would have more outstanding lady participants!

Again, with feeling … you are most certainly a store of wisdom! However, I count contractions as two words … except when sending a telegram.

To be a fan means getting to know the players, if only from afar … sharing their thrills and disappointments … but thinking of them as extended family.

It’s a good thing none of you were Cumberland fans when they last played Tech … you’d still be calling those boys names instead of applauding their effort … and some were still trying hard … up until the very end.

Of course, that was back when they weren’t even allowed to get 50 cents an hour and carfare.

Cato, I can’t remember who is credited as first having uttered the dumbest line in baseball history (hopefully Bobby will replace Who at First with Matt or Salty soon … I really prefer Matt but Salty Soon has a certain ring) … maybe it was Abner, but it certainly has caught on … methinks even the Crimedog once so uttered, back in the day.

Along the same line as that which has been said; it’s easier to change the game to appeal to the masses than it is to educate them … when someone says that the only thing important to them is wins and losses, it tempting to recognize them for the losers they seemingly are and move on … folks who really feel that way aren’t fans.

But that’s too harsh … most folks who so say are well intending and just misled and/or frustrated … and we should always share our enlightened perspective in the hope and belief that it will be well received and possibly serve some useful purpose.

Pretentious? Of course! … but being 2,000 years old has its privileges and Cato, the Elder out ranks even me.

Bowling is a better example than baseball as it has broader organized participation … up until the mid sixties, it was, like baseball, an exciting game of skill … spares were king … if you couldn’t make the 5-7; 4,7-10; 6,7-10 and 4-9 at least 70% of the time … and were playing for money, you were definitely playing the wrong game! Why? … because we practiced making splits and other difficult shots … maybe 200 shots a day … that was our Skins Game!

The same approach was taken in baseball … practicing double steals and “pull punching” outside pitches into short left when we were expected to go with the pitch are good examples. I’ll always remember Coach always saying two things … probably because he was always saying them: (1) your hitting zone is not the strike zone, and (2) power hitters who hit bloops when they’re playing deep don’t have to run laps after practice.

Before Bowling was ruined, achievement was recognized … my first league 300 brought me an 18 carat diamond ring, currently owned by my son … I no longer follow the “sport”, league or tour, but think today’s reward is either stainless or plastic.

Effective power was important … if you couldn’t routinely drive the 5 pin into the 7 with your first ball you were always welcome to join us for lunch … and that’s when maybe 1/10 of one percent could so do.

Then came progress with improved conditions and equipment … and made the game easy with everything designed so as to please and appease the masses … 145 average bowlers became 180 bowlers and 187 bowlers became 220 bowlers … most thought it was wonderful how all their hard work had paid off … they were outside looking in and didn’t have a clue (inflationary raises, that what they were) … the same’s true in golf and baseball.

Regardless of the sport, the uneducated masses are preoccupied with power, without due regard to its proper place or effective application … and the powerbrokers continue exploiting this to the fullest … with sport being the loser.

Money may not be the root of all evil but it’s got a lot to do with what is wrong in sport.

By bruce

June 14, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Delia’s Goneon youtube.

By Ron Roberts

June 14, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

By the way, I LOVE Arkansas Hillbilly’s earlier idea about the disclaimer. If you missed it…

Disclaimer:

1.Left field is not the problem.

2.Chipper’s not a first baseman.

3.Willie Harris should not hit leadoff over Kelly Johnson.

4.We don’t have enough payroll to cover (insert $11 million/year player’s name here).

5.Andruw won’t agree to a trade.

How about this one?

1. Saltalamacchia’s already played first base and rang up an error in just a few innings of work, there. Let’s get our pitching right instead of hampering our defense further, first.

By Efrim

June 14, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, are you going to put up a new blog?

By bruce

June 14, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

Lew, you should also ask DOB to suggest that Andruw tip his cap with his other hand as he crosses the plate to acknowledge your birthday offer. THAT would be cool. Thanks, Bruce

By Lew

June 14, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Mitchie San-Dude, Look out for Fear Snakes while in Australia.

By Coach

June 14, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

At any rate , I’ll miss the game tonight(taping it to watch later). Bob Gibson did it in 1968 , Santana did it in 2004. Ok , your probably going to think , Thats it ! But remember , its only been done twice in the past 37 years and it’s not even a record , just more or less the by-product of a Cy Young caliber season. Gibby reeled of 22 consecutive quality starts in 1968. Santana had 21 in a row in 2004. Nobody else has ever had 20 in a row. It’s hard to do , almost impossible. It made me appreciate the (quality) start as a fairly good barometer of how well a pitcher is performing.

By Ron Roberts

June 14, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Happy Birthday, Lew…

How about I expand on Bruce’s suggstion and Andruw just do something at the plate aside from frustrating us as a gift to Lew?

Here’s an idea: a multi-hit game?

By Bob, Journalist

June 14, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

Sakes Alive! That is Lew’a alive! I honestly thought that he died last year … when somebody said he was a complete fool … and that Dews was pretending to be him so that he and Kathy could continue to get his Social Security. Lew and Dew, do sound a lot alike and they look a lot alike too.

I’m told they both look like Ernest … especially in the movie Ernest Goes to Africa so the ruse made sense to me.

Just imagine, connecting Lew, Dews, and Ernest … no, that’s a bit too much to expect … Lew’s 84, if he’s alive!

Happy Birthday Lew, wherever you are!

By David O'Brien

June 14, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Guess who’s playing first base tonight?

Some rookie named Salty.

I’d guess he’ll be in there two days in a row against lefties, though they are rather difficult lefties for the kid to face: Johan Santana and C.C. Sabathia.

Bobby would only say, “We’ll see what happens,” when I asked if he might be in there two days in a row.

Smoltz is a go for Saturday, just in case you were still wondering.

And yes, Efrim, I’m gonna put up a new blog. Doing it now.

By P-Town Brave

June 14, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

**Well, since no one has discussed this in the past 24 hours, I figured I’d mention how much improved our lineup would be power wise and top to bottom if we added Griffey. After discussing for a long while w/ Reds intel, they seemed to think that it would be very possible to get Griffey and make the Reds pay a portion of 07 and 08 salary while only giving Gregor Blanco, Will Startup, and Blaine Boyer or Kyle Davies…To me, that doesn’t seem too bad of a deal…

Our lineup w/ Griffey:

1) Johnson 2b 2) Renteria ss 3) C Jones 3b 4) Griffey lf 5) Francoeur rf 6) McCann c 7) A Jones cf 8) Saltalamacchia 1b

And yes, I do have Salty playing first which is where he should’ve been a couple weeks ago…I mean how much worse than this last week could you get w/ him plugged in there…you can’t! BUT, you could get much better!

And Andruw is in the 7 hole where he would be UNTIL he proved for a few weeks, NOT days, that he could hit consistently.**

By Coach

June 14, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Lew , you old fart , your a walking advertisement for geritol ! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DUDE !!!!!!!

By SR

June 14, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop and Efrim:

I was at the 2002 playoff game out here (San Francisco) where Glavine got his arse handed to him. I can still painfully recall Rich Aurilia’s 3 run blast and the mocking tomahawk chops.

Damn that one hurt.

By Braveheart

June 14, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

Lew, happy birthday! and many more……

here is a clip of Jimi Hendrix celebrating his last birthday backstage with the Rolling Stones for your birthday…….

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Rqqaw9iN0Js

By Ron Roberts

June 14, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

Eeks, Saltalamacchia’s playing 1B tonight, eh?

I’m a little blown away at the notion of Cox throwing the kid out there w/now seasoning at the position. Really am… but then I’ve been on the record saying he wouldn’t do it, and I personally still have my trepidations about the idea. I just hope I’m dead wrong about being worried over defensive lapses, there.

Best I can figure is, before Schuerholz makes any kind of moves to address team concerns, he’d like to see if we can fix 1B in-house first, and hell, we’re already in a tail-spin, so what’s a coupla more games piled on if Saltalamacchia’s inexperience at 1B costs us, right?

Whew, I’m nervous, now. But then, again, I had my concerns about Kelly Johnson at 2B, too.

Good luck, Jarrod! Prove me wrong, hoss.

By Braveheart

June 14, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

BMAC is hitting 8th. ouch. tough lefty though

By Bob, Journalist

June 14, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Congratulations Bryan Schroeder! … even if it isn’t your birthday and you dont look like Ernest! Kudos!

By Bob, Journalist

June 14, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

Salty at first … at least Bobby’s consistent and gives us another different lineup.

Looks like we’ll never see someone who really hit’s both righties and lefties playing first … well, maybe the kid can do that … and I’m sure he has proven to Bobby that he has the necessary defendive skill set and is ready to go. Like Bobby said, we’ll see!

By Chop Chop

June 14, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Happy birthday to Lew.

Happy birthday to Lew.

Happy birthday, dear Lew-ooh.

Happy birthday to Lew.

(I do believe I’m the next Jimmy Smith.)

By Julia Roberts

June 14, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

DO YOU BELIEVE THIS! Salty is at f-i-r-s-t!! If Bobby had listened to us Salty would have been there sooner!!

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

Here is a list of Diamond Mind projected wins, expected/pythagorean wins and actual wins for the Braves every year 1998-2006:

Year - Projected/Pythagorean/Actual

1998 - 104/106/106

1999 - 96/98/103

2000 - 101/90/95

2001 - 97/90/88

2002 - 88/96/101

2003 - 86/96/101

2004 - 86/95/96

2005 - 86/91/90

2006 - 85/85/79

The Braves have exceded their projected record six times in the nine seasons. They exceded their pythagorean record five times in the nine seasons.

We can look at the average of the total projected and pythagorean wins compared to total actual wins. This may give us a small clue into Bobby Cox’s impact 1998-2006.

The idea, again, is that if the Braves outperform their projected record, Cox may have fired up the troops to play better than expected. Of course we also have to recognize that Schuerholz may have made some great trades during the season or that certain players may have played over their heads for some other reason that had nothing to do with Cox.

Also, the idea is that if they outperform their pythagorean record, it means Cox made some good moves at the right time that helped the Braves score and prevent runs at the right time. So even if the Braves were outscored in a stretch of games, they still won because their runs scored/prevented came in important situations, perhaps due to good strategy by Cox.

Here are the numbers:

total projected - 829

total pythagorean - 847

Avg. projected and pythagorean - 838

total actual - 859

That’s a difference of 21. So, 21 divided by 9 seasons is an extra 2.33 wins a season.

We can’t be sure how good this is without some comparison to other managers, but obviously it is a positive number and it seems like a pretty significant difference between projected/pythagorean and actual.

They Braves have played better than expected according to a couple of different metrics since 1998. I think you have to believe Cox has something to do with it, or at the very least he isn’t costing the Braves wins.

By Ron

June 14, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

Lew, how old are you dude?

By Bill

June 14, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

I noticed that alot of the teams have been signing their draft picks. Does anyone know if the Braves have signed any?

By sg

June 14, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

jim rome had scott boras on his tv show (espn) and not one question regarding his job for star player like andruw jones…….. questions about mlb ticket prices, bonds,a-rod, sheffield race comments….. no braves love nationally guess romie didnt read DOB last blog

By A-ville Ranger

June 14, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

Happy Birthday Lew,best of all good things.May there be many more.go Huddy,go Bravos.

By The Grinch

June 14, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Happy Flag Day, Lew. :-) And what were you taliking about when you said we needed two new starting pitchers? Don’t you know when Hampton comes back it’ll be just like getting an “Ace” free agent? Huh-huh. Huh-huh-huh. Huh-huh. Dumb@$$. Huh-huh-huh. Huh-huh.

Oddjob, was suggestion number one related to her shaving her head before going to rehab, or was it more related to number 4?

By snowball's chance

June 14, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Happy Birthday, Lew,

Here are some #1 hits from your big day. Hope you didn’t get a Pat Boone. That guy is tenascious.

1962 … “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Ray Charles 1961 … “Moody River” by Pat Boone 1960 … “Cathy’s Clown” by The Everly Brothers

THE 1950s

1959 … “The Battle of New Orleans” by Johnny Horton 1958 … “Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley 1957 … “Love Letters in the Sand” by Pat Boone 1956 … “The Wayward Wind” by Gogi Grant 1955 … “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White” by Perez Prado 1954 … “Little Things Mean a Lot” by Kitty Kallen 1953 … “The Song from Moulin Rouge (Where Is Your Heart)” by Percy Faith 1952 … “Blue Tango” by Leroy Anderson 1951 … “How High the Moon” by Les Paul & Mary Ford 1950 … “‘The Third Man’ Theme” by Anton Karas

THE 1940s

1949 … “Riders in the Sky (A Cowboy Legend)” by Vaughn Monroe 1948 … “Nature Boy” by King Cole

By David-ATL14

June 14, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

Good to see Salty starting, now we need Pena as the backup catcher in place of either Orr/Woodward on the bench.

Several loudmouthed bloggers, over and over ad nauseaum,were wrong about Salty and playing 1b.Step up and proclaim your mistakes now, you know who you are.

He was never going to see an inning in the minors after Wilson’s release.

By Shaun

June 14, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

Anyone see Dayn Perry’s latest column, “What team’s playoff hopes are dead, alive?”

Here’s what he says about the Braves:

“Status: Alive The -1 run differential is a bit troubling, as are the injuries to core contributors like John Smoltz and Chipper Jones. Still, they’re only two games back in the East and in the Wild Card chase.”

By Chop Chop

June 14, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

Forgot the 1880s, snowball:

“Grease My Palm With An Assortment of Greenbacks” by the Tammany Hall Quartet

“Demon Rum Killed My Mum” by Rev. X. Phineas McHighhorse

…and who can forget this hit…

“Goodbye, U.S. Grant: Candle in the Wind 1885” by Elton John

By Lew

June 14, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Well-Apparently Leroy Anderson was doing the Blue Tango when I was born. Doubt Mom was, though. DOB-Tell Andruw if he has a multi HR game, I’ll do a whole family portrait for him. Braveheart-Wish I could celebrate with Jimi. Don’t know if I could keep up with Keith Richards, though. Chop Chop-Appreciate the sentiments, Dude, but you need to practice lyric writing if you’re gonna win a Wurlitzer.

By A-ville Ranger

June 14, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

snowball I’m familar with moon river,but not moody river.Well I’ve kayaked a few but song wise,can’t sat I’ve heard of it.

By P-Town Brave

June 14, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

I’m absolutely LOVING the Braves Sonic commercial here

By David O'Brien

June 14, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOG UP (we’re working on fixing a couple of lines of Jayson Stark’s e-mail to me that came out disjointed when I posted the blog)

By sg

June 14, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

boy that tbs intro with chip & joe was not, NOT funny

By The Grinch

June 14, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

New blog is up.

By OddJob

June 14, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Which ever one works for you Grinch,that’s what it means.

By A-ville Ranger

June 14, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

I’m starting to suspect Andruw is taking money from the Twins,Mutts,Phillys,Marlins,…..I think there’s a pattern here.

By Gil In Mechanicsville

June 14, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Happy birthday Lew….. Looks like Andruw didn’t get the message…..

By A-ville Ranger

June 14, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

Man that was some wicked pitch that got Muer,still he’s a little higher than I’d like to see.

By Braveheart

June 14, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

I was a big Leo fan. However, maybe the legend of leo was just a myth. maybe he was just a legend in his own mind and because he promoted himself so well and so actively, we all bought into the egomaniac? i don’t know. that is kind of simplistic. i always thought he was great but when you look back at it, outside of the Big 3, was he?

He can not really take credit for having those big three HOF pitchers. That is like the career services at whatever school boasting that the top 10% of the class got jobs over $100K upon graduation and that the top 25% got good jobs upon graduation as well. Newsflash, career services, they were getting those jobs without you anyway. Tell me what you did with the the middle 50% or even the struggling kids from 75 to 90%. That is what the alumni and taxpayers are paying you to do.

What was the accomplishments of the man with the future young studs of our team who should be our top pitchers right now?

Schmidt - got traded for Neagle which was understandable (sort of), but the kid struggled under the tutelage of Leo. Would have been nice to have him for the last 10 years. Leo did not do much for the team or for the kid when he was here.

Odalis - a thick headed player with a thick headed pitching coach butting heads the entire time. The kid never realized his talent here. To be fair though Odalis has seemed to have problems with head butting authority figures elsewhere as well.

Marquis - stubborn kid pitcher with stubborn pitching coach. does not realize talent here and leaves for modest success elsewhere.

Bruce Chen - never realizes talent here under the tutelage of Leo. never realized much anywhere else either but if the pitching coach was so great wouldn’t Leo have helped Chen maybe tap into that talent during his formative years?

Avery - unable to prevent one of the oddest flameouts in baseball history for such a great young pitcher. Shouldn’t a great pitching coach have been able to figure something out? Maybe it was just inevitable anyway.

Rocker - completely unable to prevent one of the most spectacular flameouts from a great young pitcher and completely unable to harness and humble the kid and keep him in check. an unfortunate early demise. alas, might have been inevitable anyway.

Millwood - did he really make Millwood a better pitcher? or did Millwood with tremendous talent never become the dominant pitcher he should have been under a supposed great pitching coach?

Paul Byrd - did Leo do anything with Byrd during his early years? Did not seem like it. Byrd later became a serviceable MLB starter elsewhere.

Mark Wohlers - wouldn’t a great pitching coach been able to prevent one of the great flameouts of a great talented young pitcher there has ever been? maybe inevitable anyway.

Damian Moss - had success his one year here but that seemed to me to be more attributable to Tom Glavine talking to Moss in his year here between innings of every start. Glavine, just from a fan’s perspective watching the games on television, seemed to be more of a pitching coach for Moss than Leo. Plus, why was Moss traded away after one decent rookie season? Did the kid have personal problems or did Leo give up on the kid? Maybe Moss had personal problems or something because he never did anything afterwards or maybe being given up on early in his career messed him up mentally. seems like another example of a strong willed dude (but maybe at the same time weak minded) butting heads with a strong willed taskmaster pitching coach. maybe this was all but inevitable as well. another young shooting star that burned out too quickly.

Horacio Ramirez - seemed to do well with Horam but did Horam ever become better than his rookie year under Leo? maybe this was all but inevitable as well because of injuries and because Horam may not be anything more than mediocre. but was Horam’s conditioning top notch? did not look like it. perhaps coach leo should have stressed that more.

I don’t know. the more you look back, the more you start to realize that maybe he was better with helping old vets find some lost magic - although it seems that most of the vets did not really pitch all that well - they just did what old vets are supposed to do as #4 and #5 starters - have ERAs in the 4s and win a little more than half the time when you have the big 3 winning 65% of their starts.

By Matt

June 14, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

I am so sorry to be doing this but I am joining the hate parade. I don’t know if I can take watching this team anymore and I am sorry if you don’t like me saying this. I know a baseball is a marathon but the Braves have just thrown up all over the place and the race is just a 3rd over! I really wish the Braves didn’t mean this much to me but the sad fact of the matter is; they do. Can the Braves find any other ways of losing ball games? They get blown out, they lose close ball games when they are ahead, they lose ball games when they are behind. I am stressed out every night and when the season is 162 games long that means that I am stressed out almost half a year!!! Please, please, please start hitting.

By Matt

June 14, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

I am so sorry to be doing this but I am joining the hate parade. I don’t know if I can take watching this team anymore and I am sorry if you don’t like me saying this. I know a baseball is a marathon but the Braves have just thrown up all over the place and the race is just a 3rd over! I really wish the Braves didn’t mean this much to me but the sad fact of the matter is; they do. Can the Braves find any other ways of losing ball games? They get blown out, they lose close ball games when they are ahead, they lose ball games when they are behind. I am stressed out every night and when the season is 162 games long that means that I am stressed out almost half a year!!! Please, please, please start hitting.

By Matt

June 14, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

I am so sorry to be doing this but I am joining the hate parade. I don’t know if I can take watching this team anymore and I am sorry if you don’t like me saying this. I know a baseball is a marathon but the Braves have just thrown up all over the place and the race is just a 3rd over! I really wish the Braves didn’t mean this much to me but the sad fact of the matter is; they do. Can the Braves find any other ways of losing ball games? They get blown out, they lose close ball games when they are ahead, they lose ball games when they are behind. I am stressed out every night and when the season is 162 games long that means that I am stressed out almost half a year!!! Please, please, please start hitting.

By Mountain Man

June 16, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

I don’t like the new Braves announcer. He and Joe Simpson sit and mumble all the time when the game is going on. I miss Don Sutton, even if he did wander off course some times. The new guy came from the Marlins and I think he needs to go back. Why can’t Skip Carey be on TV? Has he oissed someone off. Hearing Chip Carey on TV, especially during a Cubs game, he sounds like the Cub Announcer. I never hear Pete anymore. Kind of miss him spouting statistics off all the time.

By Critical

June 17, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

I agree with mountain man. Not only I don’t like the mumbling of the new guy, I can’t spell his name either.