Braves

By P-Town Brave

June 17, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Braves record after a Saturday win 1-4 (soon to be 1-5)

* We need a NEW middle of the order hitter*

By ElbravoX

June 17, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Yeah sure, Bmac is ok—dude’s struggling in offense and defense, or maybe he is just playing like in the minors. The hype is slowly dissolving on the guy. Francour with single digits in HR’s is also playing up to par with minor league numbers. AJ is Mendoza bound. Painful and sad to watch, even I cringe when he swings.

By Tyler

June 17, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Get. Griffey. Now.

By A-ville Ranger

June 17, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

TP must have taken Thorman’s gum away before that last at bat.

By chil61

June 17, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

David, good to see a little publicity for Greg Brown, one of my favorites. It was also great to hear the little blog mentioned on Fox yesterday, obviously that security guard didn’t hear your name mentioned but the people who really matter know who you are. You are well on your way Bro. Looks like the bottom suddenly fell out today. I’m just listening on MLB but it seemed that Davies had decent stuff today. I’m not an Andruw basher but I wish Cox would show a little less patience when he makes out his lineup. I feel that AJ should be permanently placed in the 7 hole for the rest of the yr because we all know he is not coming out of the lineup and he shouldn’t just because of his glove. I know Salty doesn’t have much experience at 1st, but do you feel that he is that much of a downgrade from Thorman?

By True Braves Fan

June 17, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Anybody believe that we can actually compete with A.Jones-Francour-McCann in the middle of the lineup? In addition, A. J. has no peers in tracking down a fly ball, but how long has it been since he threw a runner out on the bases (or the plate?) McCann CANNOT throw out a base runner and has been letting an increasingly numer of pitches get by him, thereby permitting baserunners to advance a base, a lot of times to score. While Francour is tracking down fly balls, he has the tendency to (1) over throw the cut off man and (2) throw to the wrong base. I HAVE PRESENTED A PRESSING PROBLEM. DO ANY OF YOU BLOGGERS HAVE A SUGGESTED SOLUTION????

By Troy

June 17, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, Do you think a Eric Byrnes might be on the Braves radar next year? GO WILLIE!!!!!!

By Mitchie-san

June 17, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

second?

By ElbravoX

June 17, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Chipper’s got skills!!

By Troy

June 17, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Wow Cleveland is really flashing the leather in the outfield

By eric the elder

June 17, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Michaels and Sizemore prove that great catches can be made by others not named Andruw.

By chil61

June 17, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

I don’t feel that anything is dissolving with McCann. He had a few nagging injuries which have contributed to his struggle at the plate. This kid is a real major league hitter and a very good catcher. Francouer is also a big league hitter who will only get better as he matures and becomes more disciplined at the plate. This is still a young team that has had some bad luck with injuries this yr and are still 1 1/2 games out of 1st right now.

By Mitchie-san

June 17, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

GO WILLIE!!!!

By David O'Brien

June 17, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Betancourt hadn’t allowed an inherited runner to score all year before this inning, when Harris’ double broke the string.

He threw three nasty down-and-away pitches to Chipper, the first called a strike, the second fouled down the left-field line, and then he got that third one in play for a liner. If that balls gets past diving Michaels, it’s a 5-4 game with Chipper at second or third. But it didn’t, And Andruw was up next. K.

Game of inches, always. Betancourt’s filthy. ERA was 1.21 and .175 opp average before today. Their setup Rafael’s as good as the Braves’ setup Rafael.

By P-Town Brave

June 17, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Calling Ken Griffey Jr. PLEASE REPORT TO TURNER FIELD ASAP!!

By Train Wreck Bystander

June 17, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

I fear the Kellogg company will be calling AJ soon to ask about putting him on Special K boxes.

This is one putrid stretch at the plate. I keep thinking that this appearance will be the one where he unloads…

By brent a.

June 17, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

2 on 0 out, and what do we get?

tired of this

Go Braves!

By Over Andy

June 17, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

I have enjoyed listening to Skip for years. He just pulled a huge homer call though. Kelly Johnson on third and Chipper hits a soft liner to left that Michaels dives and catches. Kelly wasn’t tagging which was an absolute mistake! The score would have been 5-3. Skip says, he didn’t tag because they need more than that run.

What a joke! You get them one at a time! That’s one less run they scored that inning because of a baserunning mistake! No way Michaels even tries a throw home after sliding on his belly. No way he throws Kelly out if he tries! You go to the ninth down two instead of three!

When do they finally decide winning the game is more important than brusing Andruw’s ego. I pinch hit for him when he came up in the eighth although I knew there was no way Bobby was going to.

By Bob, Journalist

June 17, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Steve-O, maybe it’s spelled wrong in the contract and we can get our money back!

Robert, I’ll review your post when time permits. Father’s Day is for family and my blogging is limited to the consequential rather than the trivial.

And from the end of the previous Blog … old people should be allowed to repeat themselves on Father’s Day, at least that’s what I told my grandson, Robert IV …

For those under 65, Genuine Leather is …

I would be genuinely surprised is anyone doubts the presence of the Braves’ management and/or players on the Blog … participating and/or routinely observing.

After much serious consideration methinks that’s a good thing!

That is, so long as the support and optimism is strong enough for them to be able to keep things in perspective and enjoy the thrashings given to the invaders from the north and those of us who venture over the line. They share our passion though their perspectives are of leather while ours frequently are of plastic.

It would be extra special, super good if the Blog could have a positive rather than a negative impact on our young gladiators … if we build it, the will come!

Yes, I didn’t come up with that line, I stole it from Jimmy Smith … fair’s fair!

Over Andy, I was only suggesting that the situation is probably more complex than we realize. Like with evaluating Bobby Cox, we can all opine but to strongly posit is inane.

Personally, I just want what’s best for Andruw … and, from where I sit, his temporarily sitting would be much better than not hitting; regardless of order position.

By eric the elder

June 17, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

Chipper’s liner to left was a 2-RBI single, and we are back in the game. Except it wasn’t - - by inches. Sometimes the ruler slides to the other side.

Although Chipper was only the 2nd out, we all knew the inning was over.

By Bob

June 17, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

I have defended Andruw forever. I think Bobby Cox is a tremendous manager. As a Soldier for over 30 years I know something about loyalty. Sometimes taking care of your players means kicking them in the butt. This has gotten to be utterly ridiculous. As a MINIMUM, Andruw has to be moved to at least 7th if not 8th. We are committing suicide because no one has the guts to fix this. How many runners has Andruw left on in just the last few weeks? A ton. We have several others slumping, but Andruw ain’t slumping. He has fallen into a crevasse.

By fastasballs

June 17, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Yeah Kelly goofed up, he can walk home if the ball drops & Willie can only go halfway between 2nd & 3rd until he sees if it is caught or not. Should be 5-3, actually it should be 5-4 if not for that great diving catch. If Chipper has hit that a pitch earlier it would have rolled to the wall, they had him shifted well over to right until he hit fouled it down the line the pitch before.

By dean

June 17, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

atlanta needs players. this season is lost. they should trade husdon for some prospects. Also I think a new hitting coach is needed.

By Greg

June 17, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Can we trade Andruw for a used jock strap? I mean, does Boras really think he’ll get $20 million for this putz? He doesn’t even look like he wants to be at bat. He should be benched and brought in only for late innings defense. He’s a joke. And a bad one at that.

By NCBravesFan

June 17, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Andruw’s body language at the plate is awful! Guy swings like he’s asleep up there - and did you see it when he got down 0-2 in the 8th inning? It was like, “Man, here we go again!”

No matter what anybody says on here … what’s going on inside is head is far, far worse.

That said, it’s way past time for AJ to bat sixth, if not seventh on a consistent basis.

By StingerSplash

June 17, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Andruw couldn’t look more clueless at the plate than if you’d ask him to write a term paper on James Joyce’s “Finnegan’s Wake.”

By eric the elder

June 17, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Over Andy, couldn’t agree more. Kelly has to tag up. If the ball falls, he scores anyway.

I about choked on your idea of pinching for Andruw! Just imagine Salty pinching for him. The club house dynamics would keep DOB busy for weeks. Love it.

By Vonshawn

June 17, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

DOB,

You wrote that Bobby, “…has a bottomless vat of loyalty for guys who’ve been with him a long time. For better or worse.”

With Andruw, it is without question for the WORSE. With the exception of his defense, this guy is hurting the team batting high in the lineup.

At what point does Bobby see this?!!

By ElbravoX

June 17, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

K’s is an infectious disease! Yikes…

By Troy

June 17, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Well put Bob, its really tough to watch AJ disappoint time after time but really what do you do? Most likely he will continue to hit 4th or 5th with the hope that he will turn it around and it seems like he never will get going

By chil61

June 17, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

True Braves Fan, My only suggested solution is to have patience and let these young players mature. The concerns you brought up may be pressing problems but I see this as a young team with potential to contend for several yrs. Here is my suggestion(opinion) for next yr regardless of what happens the rest of this yr. Let AJones go, even if he wants to stay I don’t think the Braves should even put themselves in the running to sign him. They should be able to sign at least 2 decent starters with what it would take to sign AJ. Put Harris in cf, Salty at 1st, Diaz/Thorman platoon in lf. If you prove to be right about McCann(I disagree), then he can surely be trained to play 1st with Salty catching. Use the money to get the best quality starting pitchers available and watch this young team grow into a powerhouse.

By Robert

June 17, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Ok, guys, I’m gonna try and calmly discuss some stuff, and I ask that if you choose to read it, do so calmly, and refrain from the arrogant dismissal of any anti-Cox sentiment that was referred to

Ok - the manager makes many decisions in every game, NONE of which is assured of success. In other words, he has the potential to be damned if you and damned if you every time

The purpose here and in my past criticisms of Cox, is NOT, to damn him in either case. When Cox makes a good decision and it goes sour, I am not gonna belittle him for it

Now - every decision the manger makes - some have more of a chance of succes than others. When Cox chooses an unlikely to succeed path, and it fails, then he is due criticism

Someone said a day or two ago that I wanted it both ways because once I critice him for taking the pitcher out early (and letting Wohlers go two innings 1996 Game 4) and then I criticize him for leaving Maddux in too long (99 Game 1)

Here is why it is INACCURATE to say that I want it both ways

In 1996, was Wohlers typically a two inning closer? NO - Therefore, it’s not going to be the path of most likely success to suddenly ask him to be a two inning closer in that situation. (even tho, as someone said, sometimes closers can be asked to go two). I didnt criticize taking the starter out, I criticized putting Wohlers in. And if want to say that his options were limited, then let’s go back and see if he used his bullpen most efficiently in games 1-3. (he did not)

In 1999 Game 1, the first hitter due up in the 8th was 2-2 in the game to that point. Now, it may seem that Maddux should be able to get Brosius out easily, but he hadnt, and to now ask him to suddenly do so, after seven great innings, and with a rested relief corp who had typically worked the late innings all season, I contend that leaving Maddux in to start the 8th was NOT the path of most likely success.

Leaving Glavine to twist in the wind in game 3 was a REPEAT of the same error, showing that Cox didnt learn from his mistakes

People make mistakes. Smart ones learn from them, and in the future, at least they will not repeat the same mistake (cuz lord knows all of us find enough new creative ways every day to make mistakes)

Ok, let’s turn to the present day. A couple weekends ago, Andruw was allowed to bat with the game on the line, 4 whiffs already, and got number 5, and the Braves lost.

Today, never mind that his .210 batting average is hitting fifth, he has 2 K’s, runners on 2nd and 3rd, two outs, down three in the eighth, and he is allowed to bat. Result - whiff and Braves loss

Bobby, if you make the same move in the same situation, why do you somehow think that the result is going to be drastically different?

WTF? What part of the learning process is he just incapable of?

How many of y’all would trade wounding Andruw’s massive ego just a tad for the sake of a 5-5 ballgame right now?

Someone also said that today’s players are adults. Well, if they are, then they dont NEED big discipline, and they dont need a kindly buffoon of an uncle to make sure their diapers are clean and that everyone got enough cookies to be happy. What they need, is a capable field general who can mesh their talents and produce a winner.

By P-Town Brave

June 17, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Vonshawn

Bobby would have to wake up in the dugout to be able to see any of this! I am getting pretty sick of not closing teams out when we have a chance to sweep bc of Bobby being Bobby and I am beyond sick of our lack of production by the middle of our order i.e. mainly Bad-druw…

I am starting to believe that we need a middle of the order bat (Junior) WAY more than another pitcher…Kyle didn’t pitch too bad today…we had WAY too many chances and hardly scored…our top of the order, NOT A PROBLEM, bottom of the order, NOT A PROBLEM….middle of the order, THEY SUCK!

By ElbravoX

June 17, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

Just realized this is the last time Skip is on TBS on Father’s Day, corporate sons of b%#^s…

By beki

June 17, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Maybe Cox ought to bench AJ and put Harris in center and Diaz in left field;at least,that way he might, I say,might be humbled enough to stop swinging at every thing.Yet, I have a sinking feeling that he’s not proud enough to deliberately lower his value for trading; and, thus stay a Brave. I hope that’s not the case.

By Troy

June 17, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

For next year and beyond the Braves have got to focus on aquiring players that get on base at a better clip and not strikeout so much

By Bob

June 17, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Troy, bat him lower in the lineup and at least give others a chance to drive in some runs. Frenchy and McCann are slumping, but at least they are making contact. As many others have said, he looks completely lost at the plate. I don’t think a day would be helpful, but after he got moved down last month he started to come out of it a “little” but then we moved him back to clean up or 5th. Delgado is doing the exact same thing for the Mets right now and Willie Randolph seems to be just as stubborn about it as Bobby is. Thank Goodness I guess. We were facing a very good pitcher today, but this has been going on now since the season started and a change is in order.

By Salty

June 17, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

How the heck did KJ* screw up by not scoring? Where’s the baseblog sense here? His run doesn’t matter…Harris is still at second and he can’t move up, even if KJ tags. It’s about getting to 5, not getting to three…sheesh! I

know, I know, this is a blog, and I’m venting! I’ll move on to the proper site! BTW, where would that be? :-(

By Mitchie-san

June 17, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

I am real close to hopping on the Anti-Andruw bandwagon….

By chrisklob

June 17, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Dave, thanks for the new blog. And I loved your story about Huddy calling you “Nobody”. Don’t take it personally. It’s what ballplayers do to protect each other so it’s probably just a habit. I swear, a player could be walking with the pope and he wouldn’t identify him when asked. Anyway, you should be relieved. With all the pub you’ve gotten lately you might have had to stand there and sign autographs for a while!

By Robert

June 17, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

There’s been a lot of conjecture on where Andruw will wind up next year. I offer a possibility to chew on

Out of baseball

Right now, the difference between his real value and his asking price is so huge - and I dont know if his ego (or his agent) could humble themselves to sign a one year deal for $3 million or so

The comments about how sad it is to watch Andruw - you know, this is partly Andruw’s fault - a guy who has forever lived on raw ability, who has never developed good fundamentals, has never worked that extra hard, and who hasnt taken care of his body - well gee, he gets to be 30, the raw abilities are dulled just a tad, and the bottom falls out

His mentors are to blame as well - for setting this up to happen, and for allowing the freefall to hurt the team

The military man spoke about loyalty to the unit. Do you remain loyal to one fallen soldier to the point that because of it you lose the war?

And I’d venture to guess that if DOB risked his future cigar dates with Donk by asking him if he had CONSIDERED dropping Andruw way down in the order, the response would be that vacant wide eyed stare and some incredulous remark like “Why would I think of doing THAT? ” or “I’m not concerned at all” or “Just one bad swing”

After games, what they ought to do is Terry Pendleton could turn the crank on the music box and Bobby Cox could dance around in a funny hat waving the coin cup in front of the sportwriters faces. It would at least raise money to help up the payroll for next year, and we wouldnt be missing out on any vital revelations

By Berigan

June 17, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

By StingerSplash June 17, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this Andruw couldn’t look more clueless at the plate than if you’d ask him to write a term paper on James Joyce’s “Finnegan’s Wake.”

StingerSplash, it’s hard to have a comment be both cruel and funny, but you did it! ;) Of course, I wouldn’t want to write a term paper on something Joyce wrote either…

By Troy

June 17, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Anyone know roughly how much free money the braves will have next offseason? With AJ off the books that $13 mill, Wickman is what $5 mill, then Huddy get an extra $ 6 mill right? With arbitration raises and stuff does that leave about $8-10 mill? Does that sound about right, anyone agree that all of that money should be spent somehow improving the starting staff?

By Daxxed

June 17, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

When you have a chance to bust a game wide open and there is a right handed hitter that is hitting above 300, why do you leave in a hitter that is almost a guaranteed strike out. AJ needs to go…WH needs to play CF and MD needs to play LF…that is 2 hitters the have over 300 averages compared to the whiff king Jones.

By Dr. Jay

June 17, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Andruw is pathetic at the plate. I’d hate to be in your cleats, Bobby Cox, because it ain’t April…it ain’t May…and you’re going to have to do something about Andruw before he kills our chances this year. How many times do I have to watch him kill a rally, and look downright goofy in the process? I’m glad he can smile, but it’s making me postal. OK, so he can’t be traded without his consent, but bench him then. ENOUGH.

Time to go watch Tiger anyway…

By MBATL

June 17, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Salty, gotta disagree with you on this one (KJ at 3rd, not scoring). If it had been the NINTH inning, it wouldn’t have mattered. But if he’d scored in the 8th, we’d have only needed 2 runs in the 9th.

3 runs in the 8th inning is pretty definitely better than 2 runs in the 8th inning.

By fastasballs

June 17, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

More than Andruw’s strikeouts & poor AB’s today, nothing p** me off more than seeing him up in the 8th, down 0-2 or 1-2 in the count, 2 out in the must crucial AB of the game & he is up there laughing & joking with the catcher. That takes the cake. Moments like that REALLY show the fans what you are made of.

The Indians starter pitched a great game. Frenchy & a few others could have been a bit more patient in an attempt to get to rack up more pitches, but the guy’s sinker was like lead.

Still the team got off the mat when they were down 5-0. They didn’t win, but it took some miraculous defensive plays by the Indians & quite a few liberal strike calls to keep it 5-2.

Without the lead baller out there the Braves probably win this one 7-5, the bats are going & other than the their first reliever today their pen is hitable.

Back to Andruw for a moment, the boo’s are coming whe he gets back home. I would have never even thought of booing a guy, much less Andruw, well except for the Mets, but after watching him joking it up at the plate in the 8th I think I would be leading the chorus of them.

By Over Andy

June 17, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist

I’m not trying to be snippy, I really am not, but I’m more concerned what is best for the team than what’s best for Andruw. I don’t see Andruw turning this around this year. He’s way too much of a head case for that. I think the Braves are a better team with him sitting down right now. You give up something on defense, but you get another outfielder in the lineup who is actually hitting the ball. We can’t hide Andruw. He continues to come up with an opportunity to make a difference in the game and he contiues to struggle.

If there is something that sticks out negatively about Cox it is the fact as DOB says, his loyalty to players who have been with him for so long.

For example in the 2002 playoffs against the Giants, Cox started Glavine in game one. He finished the season going 2-5 in his last 8 starts. Millwood finished 5-2 and Maddux was something like 5-1 with like 3 no decisions. Maddux couldn’t start the series and was regulated to starting 3rd because of the way the regular season schedule fell.

Glavine had struggled to finish the season yet Cox opened with him. Predictably Glavine lost and put the Braves is an 0-1 hole. Millwood came back the next night and beat the Giants. Maddux beat the Giants in game one in SF and put the Braves up 2-1. Glavine comes back in game 4 and loses again. Millwood finished the series and threw a good game in Atlanta but the Braves offense couldn’t produce.

It was obvious that Glavine had struggled to finish the season yet Cox started him in game one. Of course I’m still grumbling about that.

So even though he is a HOF manager, Cox has indeed let blind loyalty cost the Braves in the past. I understand his patience to a point, but how long can he afford to go with the Andruw that is playing right now? I fear we could see September and the Andruw we see right now is still coming to the plate in game situations with Cox making no move other than to clap and say, “go get’em Andy!”

By A-ville Ranger

June 17, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

If the defense hadn’t taken an inning off we’d be praising the game Davies pitched.Hopefully he’ll see how consistent his follow through was and build on it.

By Vonshawn

June 17, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Memo to Bobby Cox: the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. And Bobby, I realize that you are kind of slow, so I’m going to break down what I mean.

Typically you make this mistake with pitchers, but now you’re doing it with a position player. Batting Andruw Jones in the middle of the lineup is a mistake; is hurting the team’s success; and I would bet silently it’s also hurting overall team morale.

I realize that he is like an adopted son to you, but your decisions and loyalty have to be based on overall team success and NOT on individual ego.

Please move this guy down in the lineup and keep him there, until he can consistently (more than a couple of games) show that he has turned around his “walk-year” troubles.

By StingerSplash

June 17, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Berigan,

Ah, the number of single (and a few married) women who have said the same thing….

By Marc

June 17, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Here’s a stat for ya DOB, Chipper went onto the DL with 12 homers, leading the team. 3 weeks later upon returning, he was still the team leader in homeruns.

After their loss to Clevand today, my optimism is finally starting to fade.

Teams don’t make into the post-season without a clean-up hitter, or reliable starting pitching, or good clutch at bats.

Some holes have been filled, yes, but if not for the Mets’ pitching finally living up to expectation and collapsing the last few games, we’d be 8-9 games back by now.

By True Braves Fan

June 17, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

How about this lineup (until we lose the DH?) Harris, cf; Renteria, ss; Johnson, 2b; Chipper, DH, Salty, c; Thorman 1b; Diaz lf; Francour, rf; Escobar 3b???? Oh yes, against LHP AND RHP..same lineup… If we get a lead, we can bring in Andrew for defensive puroses. McCann can be used as left handed Pinch hitter (I don’t think anyone would argue he is better that Orr. If McCann luckily gets on base, use Orr as a pinch runner.)

By Bob

June 17, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Robert, The “military man” doesn’t have time to spend endless hours on this blog making inane and childish comments like you seem to do. Part of loyalty is taking care of the lost soul and sometimes that means kicking him in the butt and in this particular case, moving him down in the batting order. Benching him would be more harmful than good because he would never get out of it and besides his defense is still critical.

I have no problem taking leaders to task if they deserve it. Right now I believe we need major changes in our batting order. I am not happy that Bobby Cox has not done this yet. The difference is, that I am at least offering some positive alternatives.

You spend 24 hours a day making negative and stupid remarks about Cox. It is your right to do that and a lot of my friends are defending that right at this very moment. I just wish you would grow up and act like an adult.

By StingerSplash

June 17, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

A-ville Ranger, Davies was starting to struggle to find the plate in the fourth. Went to a couple 3-ball counts and Victor Martinez absolutely bailed him out swinging at 3-0. I thought it was just a matter of time before it caught up to him. His defense, or lack thereof, was no help, either.

By fastasballs

June 17, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

By the second game of the Red Sox series we are going to have a guy batting below the Mendoza line in the middle of the order.

I really think the offense is getting ready to take off a bit, but until the dud named Andruw either sits a few games or bats 7th/8th the the team will be cost runs & outs. At least Andruw has reached such a low level that he can’t produce two outs with one swing anymore. No contact = no double play, well unless someone is running.

By Salty

June 17, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

MBATL Hmmm…upon further consideration, I’ll take crow for dinner!

By chrisklob

June 17, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Troy, I don’t think the Braves will have as much extra payroll to work with as you think. With Andruw and Wickman coming off that frees up $18.5 million. But Hudson and Smoltz both get significant raises for a total of an additional $13 million. A bunch of the younger guys are going to get raises next year too: Soriano, Villareal, Paronto, Yates, Francoeur, Diaz, Harris and Gonzalez among them. Unless Liberty allocates some more funds for payroll, I don’t think we’ll be big players in the free agent market. Check out Cot’s Baseball Contracts to see exactly where Braves payroll is going this year and in the future.

By Memphis

June 17, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

For those saying KJ’s run in the 8th means nothing: That is absurd. If it had been the 9th inning, I would agree- but it was the 8th inning. I heard Chip say that that run was not important and I have seen a couple of people write that as well. That is absolutely wrong.

If he is tagging then he scores relatively easily. It is then 5-3 in the 8th. Andruw then strikes out and you only need 2 runs in the 9th not 3. Consequently the Braves then have the tying runs on base in the 9th instead of the batters box. To say that run does not matter, when it was in the 8th inning is displaying a lack of knowledge about baseball. It was not like the Braves had to tie it in the 8th, they had the 9th as well.

Also, does Chip Caray have a man-crush on Jose Reyes. I mean Reyes is a really good player, but to say that one reason that ESPN is showing Mets-Yankees is because Reyes is the most exciting player in the NL is a little bit of stretch. He may be the most exciting, but Reyes has little to do with the fact that ESPN is carrying that game.

By Over Andy

June 17, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Salty

What’s so hard to understand?

You’re on third with one out. You don’t have to get a running start to score on any ball hit to the outfield. Michaels makes a diving catch. If KJ is tagging he scores. If it’s a clean hit, KJ still scores.

Stay with me here.

What if the Braves had scored two in the ninth? They would have lost 5-4 with the run that would have tied the game still standing on third in the eighth inning.

Would KJ’s failure to score in the eighth been a moot point then? Nope it would have been a huge missed opportunity.

That’s a run you take if you’re down 3 or down 12! It was a gimme. There was no risk! Michaels does not jump up off his belly and throw a strike to the plate to get a fast man.

Surely you’re not saying that if you can’t get all 3 runs with one swing of the bat you won’t take the one they gave you?

By Herschel Talker

June 17, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

DOB: in all seriousness, if you were the manager, what would you do with Andruw?

By eric the elder

June 17, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Ranger:

If the defense hadn’t taken an inning off we’d be praising the game Davies pitched

I’m prepared to praise his work, regardless. I know what you’re saying, but a pitcher who dramatically improves his game ought to get some credit, even if it isn’t a win. He does need to cut down on the walks, though.

You’re right, though, about the defense. Thorman’s aggressiveness hurt us on the bunt that Davies should have handled. And, of course, there was his Bill Buckner that hurt really badly.

The last thing I will think of when I go to sleep tonight is Chipper’s 2-rbi hit that wasn’t. Gosh, I need a week off even more than Andruw does.

By Salty

June 17, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Over Andy

I don’ mind a discussion, but the condescending nature I can do without. We all reserve the right to miss the obvious from time to time, just like KJ! Besides, I’ve already ‘manned up’ to MBATL.

By fastasballs

June 17, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

If you did not see the last fly out by KJ & just heard Chip’s call you would have thought it was on the track against the wall. In reality the ball was about 25-30 from the wall & caught easily.

I have always loved to listen to his dad, the dry wit & dripping sarcasim from Skip is about all that got the Braves fans through the mid & late 80’s. Too bad this is the last year we hear Skip call a game on TBS.

By Bob

June 17, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Salty, Don’t sweat it. This can be a tough group.

By David O'Brien

June 17, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Chrisklob, what are you talking about Hudson calling me a “nobody.” Dude, you need to read a little more carefully. Never did I say that. It was some autograph seeker, answering another. Jeez, you turn a harmless little anecdote into something it’s not.

Huddy’s cool, man. Not some prima dona who’d say something like that openly.

By Troy

June 17, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

At least we’ll have a New Jones patroling CF next year named Brandon who will only be Making $375,000

By MBATL

June 17, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Salty, sure glad I never misspoke on a blog!

Eric, that was a classic Bill Buckner, wasn’t it?

I can’t really see benching AJ. Diaz and Willie have been great, but starting them both is not the answer. I’d move AJ down to 7th and let him play through (unless maybe a day or two off would help - I’m not opposed to that.)

His struggles have been magnified (if that’s possiblbe - I’m sure not “minimizing” them) by the fact that the top of the order has been so productive. Move AJ out of the top half of the order so he’s not in the middle of so many rallies. And beyond that, hope he comes around. We need him to return to form, not to sit on the bench.

By Eric from MO

June 17, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Why does everyone want Jr. I mean yeah he is having a great year but everyone knows he will not finish the year.

Dean “The season is lost. We should trade Hudson for prospects.” I hope you are being sarcastic. I know the braves have been in a slump but so have the Mets. Look at the standings the Braves are only 2 back. If the Yankees win we will only be 1 1/2 games back. Once interleague is over the Braves will start winning again. Other than last year the Braves have always been a 2nd half team. Everybody needs to calm down.

Robert-In your head you may make sense but there is something you are forgeting. In 1995 our only good reliever was Wohlers and many times you see many 1 inning closers go for more than one inning in the postseason. As for 1999 we had no outstanding reliever (Rocker was wild and too much of a head case) and as you pointed out Maddux and Glavine had pitched great games. They are aces, you would expect them to be able to pitch another great inning. 7 innings is not that long especially with adrenealine pumping.

Troy you said the Braves should have about 8-10 million next year. Well, you forgot that Smoltz is going from 8 million to 14 million next year. So it should be more like 2-4 million. However with Insurance paying for some of Hampton’s contract maybe they will expand the payroll next year.

By Over Andy

June 17, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Salty

You’re right, I was a bit over the top on that. I appologize.

By chil61

June 17, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

There is no chance that AJ will sit this yr. I know this is a good way to vent about this subject but Cox will give him the entire season to work thru this. We can only hope that he is moved down to 7th for the remainder and that CJones can stay healthy enough to make up the difference. This season is not a lost cause, the east is still a 4 team race and will be going into the 2nd half. This is putting a lot of pressure on the young hitters to produce and some of them are doing a decent job. I think the Braves will stay in the race if CJones stays in the lineup. This team is no worse than the Cards were last yr, just a lot younger and no big power hitter like Pujols.

By Danny

June 17, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

hey every1…gotta get a few things off my chest…1. Bobby Cox will never win again period….he is only holdin this team down. 2.AJ battin 4 or 5??? what a joke. 3. Frenchy swingin at every 1st pitch is killing/sad to watch. 4. adjust the line up with contact hitters 1st and strikeout hitters ( AJ n JF ) at the bottom…they cant even make a productive out for gods sake. Bottom line Bobby seems to give away toooooo many games just to please his players..n not playin to win EVERY game possible…..and i do blame cox for the loss vs the twins ..puttin wickman in while soriano was just fine with 10 pitches thrown…IS it a law that he MUST put his closer in.????? moron i tell you….Never was a cox fan….he’s gotta go.

By A-ville Ranger

June 17, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Stingsplash I was looking more at Kyle’s fundamentals.It’s an old habit I picked up from Waylan Billingsly in Rome Ga.If anybody who knows Mr B reads this they’ll know what it means.Davies kept his follow through (for the most part)if he keeps it going, he should be able to keep the ball down and have better control in general.

By Paladin

June 17, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

No one can accuse me of being a Andruw basher. I have been one of his biggest fans, if not supporter(s). But, my patience—unlike BC’s—has bottomed out. Andruw, my friend, don’t let the doorknob hit you in the tailfeathers on your way out!

By fastasballs

June 17, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Troy, Brandon Jones doesn’t even play centerfield in AA Mississippi so I doubt he is going to be one here. Of course I never thought BC would start Salty at first base in a meaningful game.

He does have some impressive stats this year so I would expect him to be here next year regardless which OF spot he patrols.

By eric the elder

June 17, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Salty, there is quite a lot of lag time before posts show up, so Andy’s must have appeared to be piling on. I doubt that he intended to. Manning up to MBATL was classy.

I make it a rule not to take any baseball knowledge from Chip Caray. In fact, I take most of what he says and conclude the opposite. He was complaining about that 1st inning called strike to Sizemore, even though the replay showed that is was clearly knee high. Not being able to let it go, Caray was still complaining about it in the 4th inning.

Skip calling Paronto “Borowski” added to an already long day.

By Bob

June 17, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

MBATL,

You are right on my friend. Move him to the bottom of the order. Don’t bench him. If he does not come around some time soon, we will not be in the playoffs. In the mean time, push him down the order and lets see if he can get it through his thick skull that he needs to listen.

By Eric from MO

June 17, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

I have come around to dropping AJ in the lineup. However do not start Harris at center. He can not cover as much ground as AJ and he does not have a strong enough arm. Also the reason Andruw does not throw out as many runners as he used to is because runners dont run on him unless they know there is no chance of him throwing them out.

By Ron

June 17, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

It is one thing to not give up on Andruw, but it is another to be stupid as f*** and let him continualy bat 5th!!! BC would not be giving up on Andruw if he bats him 7th!!! But we deserved to lose this game!!! Thor was pathedic when he made that bad defensive play, and in that same inning Davies had a chance to get an out, but he did not go to first base, and I dont know what the Hell KJ was thinking when Chipper hit that ball and Michaels caught it, and he did not tag, and again how many more times do we get a guy on second and 0 out and do not score!!! This is what we deserved in this game, we need to get back on track before it is too DAMN Late!!!

By Danny

June 17, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

btw….THANK GOD A.JONES has his own battin cage….god i would hate to see him if he didn’t…LMAO joker.

By Salty

June 17, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Over Andy Only bruises, no blood…I’m fine! :-)

By dbthumb

June 17, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

The only thing Andrew should be cleaning up is the stadium!

By A-ville Ranger

June 17, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Danny You tip your bias when you state you never were a cox fan.So 15 years ago you knew it was just a matter of time before his incompetence cought up to the team.That’s not the most rational argument I’ve seen.

By Tom

June 17, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

New to this blog - after the game today I needed a place to say “Bench Andruw.” I’ve watched AJ since he was in Durham and still think he’s a great player. But he is not adjusting his swing and he needs to actually listen to TP and others who are giving him advice. It is embarrassing to watch. The Braves are essentially playing with 8 hitters. AJ is the DK. Something needs to light a fire under him.
Loved the “Special K” comment. Priceless.

By Ron

June 17, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

DOB, How big a boy are you? HAHA!!! I was referring to what you said about a fan might would think you might be an undersized pitcher!!!

By MBATL

June 17, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

Just a shoutout to Chipper Jones. As DOB mentioned, got his 2000th hit today.

The guy spends 3 weeks on the shelf, comes back and goes 9 for 19 (.473) with an OPS of over 1.000 in his first 5 games back.

I don’t know how many more years he can play the field, but I think he can hit .300/.400/.500 almost in his sleep. Could be a great DH for many years to come, if he wants to.

By Danny

June 17, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

lets not start…on that subject 14 straight…1 title…so on….Never was a fan of his….gettin to the playoffs with rookies or whomever then…all the sudden they sit in favor of a vet…or start some1 on 3 days rest just not to start a rookie which helped get there to begin with…latest incident i believe was H.ramirez…and i believe D moss too…regardless…NOT a fan of his.

By Troy

June 17, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Yeah I don’t care if B. Jones play LF, CF, or RF as he’ll be in the lineup if he hits and he won’t break the bank. Franceour can handle CF defensively, and if Salty takes over permanetly at 1B he should produce over the course of a full season. But the name of this game is pitching, and we desperately need to imporve our pitching depth to once again be a powerhouse contender

By eric the elder

June 17, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Thought you might like to see something off the Mets blog:

Well, Glavine is new the new Trachsel. Its painful to watch him pitch. Right now, I think he may be our #5…I have the least faith in him and whenever I know he is going, I get that sinking feeling.

Those that want to blame the rest of the team or age or whatever…the real problem here is Beltran and Delgado. They are killing every rally…ITS AWFUL!

Sound familiar?

By Savannah Guy

June 17, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Game of inches…true all around

It’s been almost a week since I checked into the House of D. Traveling in the land of Phillies and Mets/Yanks. Missed the blog and all but one Braves game that happened to be on TBS…the one Huddy pitched great and we lost. Terrible loss, but I don’t blame Wickman. Sometimes luck trumps skill with those seeing-eye hits.

Speaking of inches, I read the last few days of the blog. Lots of good stuff from DOB, the regulars, some new folks and from our esteemed regular-guest journalists. Of course there was also the usual dribble from the usual suspects. Here are a few highlights, low-lights and unusual musings around the “inches” theme:

On ”Salty Adjustments”: several bloggers commented that they had a problem with the way salty was, ahem… handling himself with first base duties. Hey, if you catch, you dress left. Play first, dress right. It just takes some adjustment to change positions and change…uh, well, equipment. Hey, blame the camera. Did I, um, er… handle that subject ok jjs?

On the T-Shirt Contest: There was a winner? It was an actual contest? Who won? Was it Fastaballs? Was it one of our own? Was it Baby Seal? JJS? Oh well…I had two more to add, so I’ll just throw’em out here for no apparent reason…with no chance or expectation of fame or glory: “BLOG DOB (be a contender)” and “I BLOG (therefore I am)”. Am I inching toward shameless self- promotion and beating a dead horse?

On the edge of the abyss: The Braves are inching towards the proverbial cliff. Andruw has long since passed the hitting-mediocrity level and is still inching toward a drastically reduced contract. Willy is inching toward starting every day (second base). Escobar, lest you inch your way to the bench, forget das boot and remember das bat and das throw. Kyle Davies is inching toward being two people needing two numbers on two uniforms (Dr. JeKYLE and Mr. Hyde showed up again today). Bobby Cox is inching towards having to throw the “book” away, break tradition and shake up the lineup.

On Bubble Gum: To this long-time observer of the Braves and their off the radar stuff, has anyone else noticed that Chipper plays better without chewing gum? Mind you, he’s doing just fine now…but he has always played (hit) better without the gum. Is it the distraction of the bubbles? I’m not advocating he start chewing tobacco again, but he might try some other oral gratification (Milk Duds? Flavored paraffin?) that is less distracting. DOB please mention that to Hoss and see what he says. My bet is that he laughs it off, calls me an idiot…and then he will try something else soon and pulverize the ball. Then he will thank you for noticing. Did you notice that Thorman was over there at first today chomping away at Bubble Gum? The big bubble he blew after his Buckner moment?

Since my last paragraph strayed from the “inches” theme…and since I’m inching toward writing a book (and breaking blogger rule #2) I’ll close. Hey, if you got an inch, you gotta scratch it.

By Chop Chop

June 17, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I’ll give some love to Chipper as well. I’m sure he would have rather have gotten that historic 2,000th hit in a win, but 2,000 hits is still a damn good accomplishment.

Way to go, Hoss.

DOB, it’s sooooooooooo hard to be humbled, but you can always come back here and have your bruised and battered ego assuaged. Well, between shots across the bow, that is. You do a damn good job. Rental cops ‘cross the land, ya betta reconize.

By Robert

June 17, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

” The difference is, that I am at least offering some positive alternatives.”

I can offer you a positive alternative.

Ever hear of addition by subtraction?

By Robert

June 17, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

“Moments like that REALLY show the fans what you are made of.”

Question is, did Cox notice? If he noticed, does he care? Is he smart to realize this could indicate an attitude problem?

Bob, between his loyalty to a guy who isnt just slumping but is flailing, and his complete misuse of the pitching staff, Cox has cost, at conservative estimate, 6 games this year.

Those six games would give us a nice little division lead, but no, we’re still 2 back, despite the fact that the Mets have lost what, 10 of 12?

There has to come a point where the overall goal overrides - I mean by your logic, it’s ok to finish last with a WS roster as long as noone’s ego is bruised.

Putting Andruw Jones in pressure situations right now, when he is flailing, may be the right thing to do out of pure loyalty - but both as far as being productive to Andruw and as far as helping the team win, it’s a losing strategy, a counterproductive move, and a classic example of stupid managing Cox-style.

You know this. It’s to the point where the best ammo you have is to try to somehow equate letting Andruw stay in the middle of the order with patriotism or to complain that you consider my sarcasm inppropriate.

You’re not dumb Bob. You could do better, if you had any ammo. But Cox’s actions right now are indefensible. It’s time for an intelligent guy to admit it, and to realize that there is a valid reason you dont like what Cox has done recently - namely that what Cox has done recently has hurt the team you root for.

By ElbravoX

June 17, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

So Hudson is a punk, I knew it!

By Paladin

June 17, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

If you are not going to use my sword, can I have it back? Actually, his comments today have shown flashes of brillance. Do you think he is an i. savant?

By ElbravoX

June 17, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Hoss “hit a line drive for his 2,000 hit”, wow, it usually takes a day or longer to convert a bloop single into a line drive. Must be 21st century technology.

By Ron

June 17, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Robert, this is what you said: There has to come a point where the overall goal overrides - I mean by your logic, it’s ok to finish last with a WS roster as long as noone’s ego is bruised.

Putting Andruw Jones in pressure situations right now, when he is flailing, may be the right thing to do out of pure loyalty - but both as far as being productive to Andruw and as far as helping the team win, it’s a losing strategy, a counterproductive move, and a classic example of stupid managing Cox-style.

I cant believe I am gonna say this, but YOU are absolutely RIGHT about this!!! If Langerhans was not traded, I BELIEVE Langerhans would still be STARTING most of the time!!! That is where Cox is an idiot when he puts LOYALTY First and WINNING SECOND!!! And nobody can ARGUE about that, I DARE ANYBODY TO!!! I am not saying Bench Andruw just move him to 7th in the Batting Order, he is killing soooo many Rallies, and COX KNOWS that!!!

By Chopper

June 17, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Why didn’t Cox use Matt Diaz to pinch hit for A. Jones is beyond my comprehension. Diaz is red hot with the bat and could have gone in to play left while Willie could have moved to center. Andrew needs to have a shock to let him learn that he is not the only hitter in the tribe. Cox is too loyal to his players to a fault. Andrew would have seen his stock drop to where it belongs if Cox had done this. Hoping someone would get a hit because he is overdue is not good business, much less baseball.

By bravefansince54

June 17, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Dropping AJ down 6th or 7th is probably the least and the most realistically. I am also troubled that our $6M guy is not hitting, making errors on throws and allowing baserunners to steal at an alarming clip. Are BC’s hands tied, because the suits have tabbed him a franchise guy of the future? Probably. I can’t blame BC for staying with McCann and not moving him to first and allowing the better catcher behind the plate. He ain’t allowed, folks, by the fool’s law.

It is way, way too early to panic, but, the troublesome signs are there. Let’s face, this is going to be a long, long year for AJ - and we all sense this, I think. But I am not that pessimistic about our pitching.

This blog was right to get up in arms against Redman and Wilson, and Langerhans’ defensive skills were rightly dismissed when he tanked as bad as he did.

But I am tired of all the harping on BC, on Orr and Woodward (they’re bench guys, danm it!)and Thorman and…the list goes on KJ made a basepath error, we are not all that solid behind Frenchy.

Hope these guys don’t read this blog, I wouldn’t. Hero one day, and your should disown you the next.

A season goes south for a whole lot of reasons, and a lot has happened this year -it’s not that I’m giving up on this group, but it seems that we go from falling behind 4 runs in 2-3 innings, to consistently not bringing the runners in; I am not impressed with our power and speed, either. So with the a couple of good starters, good middle and relief, a solid infield, 2 good third basemen, and 4 good outfielders - no, it’s still there…but…peace!

By This Way is a No Go

June 17, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones - He’s one of the best outfielders. Bobby says he saves runs, but unless he’s saving 2-3 runs/game he’s costing the team 1-2 runs/game. Maybe he should sit a few games, work on some mechanics. I don’t know if there’s a stat for avg # of pitches/bat but it looks like AJ gets 3-4 pitches & usually the result is a SO. Team loyalty should supercede individual loyalty right now. Can’t blame all the struggles on him but he’s been a chronic question mark this year so far. Frenchy - probably gets 1-2 pitches b/c he chases the 1st pitch majority of the time. Mccann - I think the word is out to steal on him. Nagging injuries

By Jeff Pace

June 17, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

When do you think it will be ok to put Andruw Jones in the 8th or 9th (when playing interleague)spot in the order? He would be great in one of those spots and it’s where you typically find good field (in this case great field) no hit guys.

By Paladin

June 17, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Bravesfansince54 you wrote: “…a solid infield” Since when did they leave 1B off the infield?

By Maine Braves fan

June 17, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

I say put willie harris in the outfield. We are not out of the division title run but if we keep letting andruw jones kill rallys than we will be out of it. I believe in riding the hot hand. how ever is hitting the ball better keep putting them out in the field.

By Lew

June 17, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Well, I just solved the Andruw problem. I dropped him from my fantasy team. That should mean that he will now go on an unprecedented hitting rampage. I replaced him with Luis Gonzalez. What does that say about Andruw’s season?

By GermanBravesFan

June 17, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

DOB - what is the coaching staff doing about Andruw’s struggles? I mean, is his entire situation a technical one or is it more mental? I remember that last season (or was it before last season?) Terry Pendleton and Andruw made an adjustment to Andruw’s stance… Of course, if the entire problem is a mental one, then dropping him out of pressure-filled situations might be the best solution.

Either way, I am looking forward to catching one or two games when the Braves will be in San Francisco!

By WickmanFan

June 17, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

Umm. It is the Braves…Managed by Bobby. GM JS. Fairweather fans do not need to apply. My(OUR) beloved Braves will be there in September and October. If I am wrong, damn me. UMMMMMMMM the THE GREAT DEFENSE/OFFENSE Mets are struggling. WOWOWOWOW. OMG WHO KNEW!?!? You brat ppl of GA have NO IDEA how lucky you are to have a team like the Braves. You have NO idea what it is like to be a great city/team like Atlanta. YOU are spoiled. I grew up in WV, loving the Reds until Mr. Ted Turner brought us the BRAVES on TBS. I moved here and immediately loved the damn team I cursed because TBS had great movies unless THE Braves were playing on TBS. The Tomahawk Chop. Bobby. JS. I LOVE THE BRAVES. I am sure all the Cubbie fans will attack. Cubbies have rage issues. LOL

By GermanBravesFan

June 17, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

Lew… I actually traded for Andruw a week ago (I “only” had to trade Padres’ first baseman Gonzalez for him!), so if he’s going to go on a hitting rampage thanks to you, I’ll buy you a case of beer!

By Alex

June 17, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

Memphis Chip Carey’s mancrush on Jose Reyes is beyond belief. He can’t go one broadcast without mentioning how “great” he is and how he’s the most exciting player in the national league! He probably has a pic of Jose he kisses before he goes to bed at night!

Andruw Jones is a blackhole in the lineup right now and an automatic out, he should be dropped to 7th or 8th in the order, but Bobby Cox is too fraking loyal! If he would just quit trying to baby his “star players” they may actually try and play hard for him and the team.

This is a game the Braves had chances to win, but shotty defense and men left on base with less than 2 outs will do you in every time against a pretty good Cleveland Indians team.

Now come the 2 best teams in the American League into town…Red Sox and Tigers. Braves will be lucky, lucky if they go 3-3.

The only good news…MUTS aren’t that much better right now! Hope they get their butts kicked by A-Rod and the Yankees.

I also would like for people to quit using the injury factor about Brian McCann! Stop giving breaks to the guy, if he is “that injured” and he can’t be 100% he should sit and let Salty play behind the plate. Brian McCann has made plenty of errors this year behind the plate and is reduced to a singles hitter. Where is his power, and Jeff’s for that matter? Can you say sophmore slumps or what? I would rather Jeff hit .250 but with 14HR and more RBI’s than he is right now hitting what - .280? He’s reduced to being a slap hitting to right field. All this garbage about him having to hit for a higher average is messing with his power/homerun stroke!

By Drew

June 17, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Andruw has to sit. There is no problem with TP, he is a good hitting coach. AJ is stubborn and selfish, he wont hit the ball the other way. He should be a .300 hitter. Just another frustrated Braves fan, watching Andruw under perform. Good riddance, AJ.

By Humpback Liner

June 17, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

Humbling Experience: Listening to Boog, Joe “Birddog” Simpson and Professor Pete Van Weiren.

By LT

June 17, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

In regards to AJ, I believe this is why BC is one of the best managers in baseball. This sounds ridiculous on surface seeing AJ’s season so far.

However, what I think BC see’s that everyone is missing is that this team has no chance of going anywhere without AJ being productive in the middle of the line up. How is that going to be accomplished by sitting him or jacking him around in the order?

I don’t think it’s loyalty at all. I think it’s BC knowing what gives this team the best chance to win over the full season. Without a productive AJ in the middle of the line up- this team will finish third or fourth in the east. I don’t believe there’s another legit four hole hitter on this team (with the exception of Salty in 2-3 years).

AJ will start to hit again when he stops listening to the Rabbit and just is (again). Unfortunately, that might not be until next season.

By WickmanFan

June 17, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Chip Carey LOVES anyone besides the Braves. I find Chip’s ummm “erection” for the Cubs gross.

By Yars

June 17, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Andruw is going to sit anytime soon, but perhaps moving him down in the order would benefit the team. Move him into the #7 or #8 hole for a couple weeks. I fear that pretty soon, Andruw’s average will be hovering around the .200 mark. At that time, it will be time to panic.

By Edo River

June 17, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Thanks Mr. O’Brien, I appreciate both stories, and as for the Braves, they will come around, or maybe they won’t, What does it really matter, its just a game anyhow.

By Braveheart

June 17, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

Paladin, take the sword back. I tend to make very long movies and battles with lots of gory bloodshed when I use swords.

As for Robert, he is smart. He just loses all credibility with how over the top, how maniacal, how irrational, and how insulting he gets about the Cox thing.

By Danny

June 17, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

LT….LMAO…soooo in the meantime the braves will fall way out of it..til AJ finds his swing/ball…then what good is his “production” then???.wow what a smart thing to say about mr cox….thats a good one….but NO he should hit 8th til he can at least make contact with a pitch….and frenchy 7th…both need to learn its a team thing not selfish stat game…strike outs with tons of men on base.

By chipdip

June 17, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

Kyle davies friggin blows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Why is he even on the team!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????????????????????? Andruw jones plain out sucks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By eric the elder

June 17, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

Yars

I fear that pretty soon, Andruw’s average will be hovering around the .200 mark. At that time, it will be time to panic.

He is at .208 right now. Depends on the definition of “hovering,” I suppose, but my panic set in long ago.

By Ken Stallings

June 17, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

You’re kidding me?

David, I thought you were a better person that this indicates! No joke!

It said “Player’s Entrance.” What on the planet makes you think that this means members of the media may enter?

And the guard was absolutely correct. He could have lost his job if he let you through. Sorry, but you were being a jerk giving him even the slightest challenge!

You said you knew where the press entrance was located. Good, then why didn’t you take your butt over there to start with?

By writing this encounter with the guard, you have shamed yourself and the AJC. I am truly surprised and disappointed. Like I wrote before, I thought you were a cut above the stereotypical arrogant media reporter. I guess not!

By Over Andy

June 17, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

Just read something on SI.com attributed to the Chicago Tribune. Everyone knows that Adam Dunn is on the block in Cincy. The White Sox are supposed to be big players in a would be trade but according to the article at least five other teams have at least a passing interest in Dunn. The Braves were one of the teams.

Whats up with that? I rate the odds of that happening like 1 in 100 but I just wonder where some of the writers pull some of this stuff out of? Well I can guess where they pull it from.

Where would Dunn fit in Atlanta? I can’t even figure that part out. Unless…..because he is a free swinger who either knocks it out of the park or K’s that being the MO of some of the guys who have played for the Braves the last few years. The organization doesn’t seem to have a problem with guys who strike out a lot.

By Danny

June 17, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

1 more thing…there are teams like SD..LAD..ARI..and more without an AJ “power” hitter on the team…and they are doing just fine….mainly because they can string a few hits together without strikin out like the braves “power” hitter AJ…..He once said he would do antything to help the team….bout time he steps up and demands to bat 8th…if he really cares about the team.

By Todd A

June 17, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

A prime example of how Cox bungles things,(yet it virtually goes unnoticed)was in the 3rd inning.Thorman leads off with an infield single.Cox sends Thorman on the first pitch(a pitcher’s pitch).Scott is thrown out easily,and Escobar gets behind 0-1 taking a half-hearted swing on a ball in the dirt.He strikes out on 3 pitches.The Braves follow with another infield single and a hit to center.Braves could have scored 2 runs in that inning if Cox wouldn’t have blown the inning before it got started.

By Braveheart

June 17, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

For my t-shirt slogan, I am gonna go with the Method Man line about the ODB.

I BLOG WITH THE DOB ‘CAUSE THERE AIN’T NO FATHER TO HIS STYLE.

By Savannah Guy

June 17, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Funny, I actually thought about saving my 5:34 post until the Braves won again. And, no…I don’t need recognition or kudos for a point made or a humorous idea, but anything other than the usual bash written after a Braves loss is bound to be covered in ten feet of muck during the inevitable avalanche of negative slime with name-calling, sky-falling, Cox-bashing and hand-wringing when the nattering naybobs take over. Many a truth is told there, but lots more BS and b***’ than insight. It is frikkin groundhog day all over again.

There is no room for anything else. No BBQ, no music, no dialog about anything but shoulda’ coulda’ replays of the game and suggestions on the starting line-up dujour. Hey, it’s understandable because it’s frustrating to be playing so poorly. I have a lineup suggestion or ten myself, but come on people…it’s a game. It’s a long season. It does not have to be an emotional roller-coaster every time we lose. Lighten up. It’s a blog…not a black couch. So don’t park in the passing lane.

Blog t-shirt option: BLOG WELL. BE ORIGINAL. RANT NOT. PARK NOT.

By P-Town Brave

June 17, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Monday’s lineup should look like this:

1) 2b Johnson
2) lf Harris
3) 3b C Jones
4) ss Renteria
5) c Saltalamacchia
6) rf Francoeur
7) 1b Thorman
8) cf A Jones
9) p James

With that lineup we should at least be able to perform better w/ RISP, and I rotated Renteria and CJ because w/ Eddy batting cleanup I figure it gives us a better chance to stay out of previous issues of leaving runners LOB

Also, I put Salty in bc it looks like Mac really needs a day off and Salty would be in the 5 spot as a result of his Avg w/ RISP and Frenchy’s lack thereof lately

Finally, you see AJ where he should be…no explanation necessary

By jeanE

June 17, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

I totally agree with most of you, Bobby Cox is loyal to a FAULT which is obviously why his players love him but also why this team isn’t always functioning as well as it could or should. Andrew should be dropped in the order or benched, NOW. If it was anyone elso on any other team, he wouldn’t been riding the pine by now. Play both Diaz and Harris in the outfield or teach Salty how to play out there but it can’t get any worse. The only reason we’re still in it is because the Mets have swan dived, too. Scott Boras must be ready to hang himself!! Dollar signs are flying out the window…And we still need another decent starter, yeah like that will happen. We can dream.

By Braveheart

June 17, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

ken stallings, i hope your tongue is in your cheek because that was ridiculous.

as for the ain’t no father to his style thing, we need to set that up with the RZA and get the tees made for free through Wu Wear.

By MrDan

June 17, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

I was in Cleveland over the weekend and went to the game Saturday. A stellar performance by Edger Renteria, five for five and capping it off with the homer. And Andruw striking out 3 in a row then a popout. Bobby, you need to do something-too many men left on base and in scoring positions. Not good.

By Robert

June 17, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

” don’t think it’s loyalty at all. I think it’s BC knowing what gives this team the best chance to win over the full season”

Well now here’s the crux of the entire debate.

You see, back in the 90’s, when the Braves were loaded for bear, riding the steady course and letting the little kinks work themselves out without rocking the boat WAS what gave the team the best chance over the long haul.

Even then, however, in the short term, the best option for winning any particular game or series is to go with the hot hands.

Cox never makes this adjustment. Therefore, it followed that his loaded teams won over the long haul of the regular season, but were vulnerable in a short series. What Cox failed to do was to tinker, game to game, in the playoffs, to patch it together one day at a time

These days, when the team is good but not great, the day to day approach has to be taken even during the regular season. Every opportunity must be exploited to the max, because we dont have a ten game cushion to make the playoffs on talent alone. It will take good managing to get the most out of this team. Past teams didnt need the most, until the playoffs.

Now, Andruw Jones. If this were 1998, and if you thought Andruw was fixable in the short term, you could argue with letting things ride until he gets hot. In 2007, with his mechanics and his psyche seriously off kilter, you gotta doubt when and even IF he will snap out of it. I think Andruw needs to take a huge step back and rethink his approach. He needs to learn how to hit, whereas in the past all he needed to go was go bat.

It cant be assumed that he’ll just suddenly pop up right (as opposed to popping up TO right) and the team doesnt have the margin to wait for the turnabout that might happen.

Furthermore, there are some young guys who are critical crossroads in their careers. McCann and Francoeur have talent, and McCann has good fundamentals to go with it. What tack they take now is gonna have a big bearing on whether they become long term stars or short term partial success stories who never fulfill their whole potential.

This team needs a mentor. Or better yet, mentors. Cox is a supporter, and maybe even a father figure, but he is NOT a mentor. Now those who feel good about playing for him might think of him as such, but mentors help guys reach their ultimate potential. Cox helps guys make their off-day tee times.

This team’s player woes are fixable. And that means more than making sure guys are content to be going nowehere as regards the playoffs, big long term contracts, or heaven forbid, the HOF.

The best mentors I have ever had in what I do were, to a man, hard on me. They demanded my best, every day, with NO excuses.

Think of it this way. Do we pay Andruw, and Frenchy, or any of ‘em for that matter, to play baseball? Or do we pay them to help the Braves win ballgames and potentially win championships?

By snowball's chance

June 17, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

P-town brave,Please turn off the bold type. It is the blog equivalent of screaming. Most people skip the bold type. Just a suggestion.

By Braveheart

June 17, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

HARRY CARAY IN IRAQ

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1750946

By LT

June 17, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

Danny boy,

Yeah, SD, LAD, ARI are killing the league aren’t they? Wow….I can’t think of any other teams that have won a game let a pennant in the past 10 years. They truly are the model in which to measure success now aren’t they.

My point wasn’t not to move AJ down in the order at any time. My point was that BC will know when to do it, and won’t just go jacking him around in the order. He knows what will give him the best chance of winning.

If you think this team is gonna win the WS without AJ being successful in the middle of the line up, you’re deluding yourself.

By Herschel Talker

June 17, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

Robert tends to go overboard, but his 8:29 post is dead on.

By Ken Stallings

June 17, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

I was totally 100% serious in my remarks. I have praised O’Brien many times in the past. But in this case, his conduct to that guard was unprofessional.

The guard was doing his job and O’Brien gave that guard a hard time. And that’s just from the information O’Brien related to us. We won’t hear the guard’s version of events because the guard doesn’t have a news blog.

The only acceptable reply when the guard politely informed him that it was a player’s entrance was to say, “You are right, sir, my apologies for causing you any difficulties.”

People should be respected for the job they do, regardless of that job. O’Brien made that guard clearly uncomfortable or else the guard would not have mentioned the possibility of losing his employment if he let O’Brien do what he wanted.

Folks are free to call it as they see it. But what I see is a writer who misunderstood close association with players and coaches with earning the privileges of one.

O’Brien had a press entrance which affords him more privileges than the paying clientèle. I have no problem with that since it is a requirement for his profession. But he should be satisfied with that privilege and not pressure other professionals for those he does not have.

By Bob

June 17, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Robert, You are right, I am not dumb. But you must be. Where did I say anywhere that the team should continue suffering because of Andruw’s ego? I believe I said I have had it with the Manager continuing to have him cleanup or 5th. I said moving him down to 7th or 8th in the order. Can you read?

You never put loyalty to one player (or Soldier) above the team. Loyalty is also a two way street. Frankly, Andruw shouldn’t have to be put down in the order, he should be telling his manager that he is badly hurting this team and ask to move to a spot lower in the order.

It is not being loyal to Andruw to allow him to continue making a fool out of himself and damaging the team’s chances to mount any sort of a rally. For the good of the team (1st priority), and for the good of the player (2d priority), Andruw should be moved out of the heart of the order.

I would suggest you go back and read Dick and Jane so you can perhaps better learn the skills of reading. Since you clearly have challenges with listening and comprehension, reading may be your only hope.

By Danny

June 17, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

LT…LAD..39-30..SD 40-28…ARI 40-30…not bad…better then the braves right??? my point is they are and have been winning without a true power hitter in their lineup…which tells you the braves should be doin better but they aint…and as for cox and AJ…he must move him down now….the braves could have been makin a move in the division…with the muts slumpin as well….point is it might get to late when he does realize AJ aint cuttin it…AJ cant even make a productive out for cryin out loud….stop trying to give BC credit…he’s costing/costed the braves quite a few wins already.

By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)

June 17, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones 10 for 68 in June , that’s a .156 batting AVG in 17 games. To late has come and gone. Bobby Cox is apparently asleep at the wheel. Speaking of wheels , they are about to come off. Ever seen one of those old Westerns where the stage coach is on fire , roaring down the hill , the driver is dead and the passengers are screaming. The hoard of Indian’s are right behind. That’s what this team reminds me of right now.

By Bob

June 17, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

Watching ESPN, that National League team in Queens looks even worse than we do. Beautiful to watch when it is the other guys.

By P-Town Brave

June 17, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Good call at 8:29 there Robert! I think DOB needs to print that out and post it on Bobby’s office door and in Andruw’s locker…

Who’s for the petition signing of Andruw being moved to the 8 slot in the order

By Danny

June 17, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

P-town….count me in…..where do i sign?

By Bob, Journalist

June 17, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

Over Andy,

Most nice folks that try to be snippy … fail, even worse than Andruw is doing in his efforts to make his point … or hit, as the case may be.

I know that you’re not so trying … and if you were, I’d probably know that too.

Actually, we are not be in substantive disagreement as I feel that what is Andruw’s current best interest is also what is best for the Braves.

Were that not to be my belief, my words would have been differently couched. I think we’re in total agreement in both form and substance.

However, expecting the unexpected … were he to be benched, I would expect marked improvement in his attitude and performance … if and when he returned … and methinks the mortgage would be quite safe, were you inclined to so wager.

Whenever I see HOF, I have to think twice, especially in Bobby’s case … since while a future hall member he is, a courtyard manager he is not … pardon the diversion but my bad pennies and rusty German keep finding ways of coming back to haunt.

I think loyalty if mighty important … but, it may be represent the most misunderstood and abused word group that God created when he made up the English language.

I don’t believe that those loyal to Bobby would expect him to make loyalty based decisions any more than I believe he so does … that just wouldn’t be being loyal; regardless of the vision level associated with the loyalty.

No, we use and associate the “loyalty” word group with Bobby’s decisions and actions because it is easy and convenient for us to so do … and certainly your examples point to rather consistent behavior relative to his faith in the ability of certain players to get the job done, relative to his other available choices.

There’s a gulf, if not an ocean, lying between the equivalence of such faith and loyalty.

No I’m loyal to Bobby in believing that his decisions are information based and only loyalty influenced when all other things are virtually equal, based on the available information.

Is Bobby loyal, I believe he is … doing what he thinks is best for the team is exactly what I think he does … that’s close, if not exactly like what we were saying about our own preferred decisions relative to Andruw.

So, in that regard, his decisions are loyalty based … but not in the commonly accepted sense.

Do we reach the same decisions as he … of course not, we’re on the outside looking in … and were we to be on the inside, we would still disagree on occasion … beauty will always be in the eye of the beholder. But, we could still be loyal!

Certainly, it is useful to draw upon examples when attempting to conclude or offer support for your conclusions … but, never use them as proof!

Those who do can find themselves on the wrong end of the petard … as I’ve often suggested to Shaun.

You can give me 100 billion consecutive prime numbers that are odd … but, that doesn’t prove that all prime numbers are odd … not because they aren’t … but, nevertheless, they ain’t!

Nice you are, picky … you’re not; but I am!

Goodnight Miss Allen

By Paladin

June 17, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

Thanks, but I will just use it to clean my fingernails.

By Eric from MO

June 17, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

Robert- you said Cox has blown 6 games. Im not going to argue with you on this even though I could. However look at most teams in baseball you could argue that their manager could of blown 6 games.

ChipDip- did you even watch the game. The defense is the reason we loss not Davies.

LT I comepletely agree with you. If the Braves are going to compete we have to Andruw hitting well and batting 4th. Who else can hit 4th? Kelly Johnson is a leadoff hitter or number 2 hitter. Renteria is a number 2 hitter. Chipper struggled as a 4 hitter for those couple of seasons when he was batting cleanup. Francouer is 3 or 5 hitter but he also isnt a #4 hitter. McCann doesnt have the power and also is a #4 hitter. Salty isnt ready yet. So really there isnt no other option other than to wait and hope AJ gets going.

Todd A- everyone complains that the Braves dont steal enough. Well this is why they dont steal, because we arent made for speed. However your coment is dumb. Teams send their guys on the 1st pitch all of the time.

By Over Andy

June 17, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

I’m really surprised when I read so many opinions that Andruw has to start producing or the Braves won’t make the post season. After thinking about it, I suppose they are right.

Andruw can be hitting .160 in mid August and I feel like he’ll still be in the lineup. If there truly is no limit as to how long Bobby will go with Andruw, then yes Andruw will have to come out of it or the Braves are done.

I don’t see why it’s a sin to consider getting better offensive production from a spot in the lineup that is currently giving you a .200 ave and an inability to help the team offensively.

I know about Andruw’s history in Atlanta and Bobby’s history of being loyal to a fault, but we’re talking about a guy who isn’t hitting his weight and is going to walk after this year. Shouldn’t that at least temper some of the loyalty with common sense?

By Bob

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

Eric from MO,

I am inclined to agree with you. In the end, I doubt we are anything close to a playoff team unless Andruw is batting cleanup and doing it with some authority. But for right now, he is as lost as a golf ball in high weeds. He looks totally clueless at the plate and it is killing us. For right now he needs to be moved down in the order. Then, if and when he starts hitting we need to consider moving him back up. That does not mean if he hits well for a couple of games, but for a prolonged period of time. I don’t think this team is going anywhere unless we can start getting productivity from AJ, but it is past time to make adjustments.

By Eric from MO

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

Robert- I have never agreed with you. However you make your point nicely in your 8:29 post about Bobby over the long haul and him in the playoffs. Im not saying I agree, but this one of the few times I dont think you are a complete idiot.

By Bob

June 17, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Andruw just struck out again!.. Oh, I guess that was Carlos Beltran. Swing sure looked familiar. Maybe AJ has been giving Carlos some pointers.

By Robert

June 17, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

Bob says “It is not being loyal to Andruw to allow him to continue making a fool out of himself and damaging the team’s chances to mount any sort of a rally”

and Bob alaso said

“Part of loyalty is taking care of the lost soul and sometimes that means kicking him in the butt ”

So now Bob. Let’s take those two true statements, and let’s analyze a real life situation, keeping them in mind.

If Cox isnt giving the team a chance to win by keeping Andruw in the heart of the lineup, and Cox isnt doing Andruw any good by allowing him to continue making a fool out of himself, and Cox isnt even showing loyalty by how he is handling the Andruw situation, then

WTF exaclty is Cox doing?

a. picking his nose and unbuttoning his uniform pants b. putting on the funny hat and dancing around with a coin cup in his hand at the postgame news conference c. sitting in his office smoking cigars with DOB and wondering what to say to the team d. making sure noone is wearing sunglasses on their cap during batting practice e. turnign various shades of red muttering about the home plate ump’s strike zone before toddling out to heehaw at said ump in aneffort to outdo a great manager like John McGraw at SOMETHING f. wearing a saddle and giving kids rides at the Lakewood Fairgrounds g. still trying to get his teeth into that carrot dangling so tantalzingly close to his face, or h. all of the above, but at the same time, nothing to help the team win, and nothing to warrant consideration for the HOF

By Robert

June 17, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

“You can give me 100 billion consecutive prime numbers that are odd … but, that doesn’t prove that all prime numbers are odd”

On the other hand, the fact that all even numbers are divisible by two, combined with the fact that prime numbers are divisble only by one and themselves, proves that the only even number that can, by definition, be a prime, is two

But proper reasoning, which involves selecting the relevent facts and deducing further fact on their basis, is apparently beyond your capacity, as it is beyond Bobby Cox’s as well

By Braveheart

June 17, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Captain Robert Ahab is getting his butt whupped by Moby Cox.

By Jt

June 17, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

At the risk of committing blasphemy, maybe McCann should be groomed for 1st base and Salty catching. Just a thought. Just a thought.

By Bob

June 17, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

Robert,

I don’t think Cox has handled it well at all and he needs to make the move. Do you understand that??? I have said that ever since I got on the blog today. I am being critical of Cox without making an A$$ of myself by constantly referring to barnyard animals like. It seems like you have not advanced past the Teletubbies. A lot of people on this blog criticize Bobby Cox and sometimes I agree and sometimes I don’t. The difference is that most of them have rational arguments. Even you are correct once in a while…but then again so is the weatherman that predicts rain every day of the year.

By GermanBravesFan

June 17, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

Robert: get a life… or a hobby!

By Robert

June 17, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

“Robert- you said Cox has blown 6 games. Im not going to argue with you on this even though I could. However look at most teams in baseball you could argue that their manager could of blown 6 games.”

Could’ve, for sure. Any manager could, at any time, theoretically have blown as many games as his team has won to date.

But in most cases, the managers recognize these situations, and avoid making the fatal move (or non-move, whichever the case may be).

Cox converts more chances to blow games than any three other managers combined. Maybe this success as a “finisher” is what has folks rallying support for his election to the HOF?

By Bob

June 17, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Hey, GermanBravesFan, Sprechen sie Deutsch?

By Robert

June 17, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

“I don’t think Cox has handled it well at all and he needs to make the move”

Ok, then let’s try some more reasoning from two other facts

If you think Cox is doing it wrong, and yet you think Cox is a genius, then

a. are you an idiot for thinking Cox is handling it wrong, or

b. are you an idiot for thinking Cox is a genius?

By GermanBravesFan

June 17, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

Bob: fliessend… was willst Du wissen? Get that?

By Robert

June 17, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

Esel im Einbaum

By Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda

June 17, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

I thought that with the lineup the Mets had, the Braves would have to play at a high level most every day to compete with them this season. Not only has that not proven true but if the Braves had only played respectably this month they would be leading the East. What the Mets have done this month HAS TO BE what the Braves hoped for going into the season. They had to be hoping the Mets would hit a rough spot and the Braves could take advantage of it. They haven’t. It probably stands to reason that the Mets will again find their stride. They are too good a team not to.

In October, I hope we don’t look back at this part of the season and say “what if.”

By GermanBravesFan

June 17, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Wasn’t Rule #1 for the Blog yesterday to just ignore Robert? He’ll never change his mind and there is no use arguing with him. Let’s just focus on the REAL problems: Andruw’s (lack of) hitting and the need for another starting pitcher!

By Bob

June 17, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Robert,

One last time and then I surrender. You simply invent things and imply that people say or believe them. I challenge you to find one time that I have ever said that Bobby Cox is a genius. I think he has been a very, very good manager. I think he is a human being and not a donkey. I think he makes mistakes. I think he is making a mistake now with Andruw. I know I am making a mistake trying to answer your illogical and factually incorrect statements. Brother you have a real serious problem and you need to get it taken care of.

By eric the elder

June 17, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Tomorrow evening’s game might be interesting with respect to Andruw. Having given it a great deal of thought - - well, a couple of minutes - - I’m ready to offer predictions.

All children 12 and under, still in the embrace of their innocence, will cheer Andruw as their hero. All young men from 13-30 will boo lustily. Everyone else will be on their cell phones.

The question is how Andruw can get back into our good graces. I have some experience with that.

As a northern transplant, my initial rank here in the south was a “Dye-um Yank-a.” After 7 years of making sure I was a moving target and of hiding in the shadows as much as possible, I received a promotion to just “Yank-a.”

Now, after 23 years, I have reached the pinnacle of my career in the former Confederacy. I have been honored with the title “Yank-a, but he cayn’t hep it.” I know that’s the most I will ever be. A man has to know his limitations.

Andruw will get back in our good graces when he acknowledges that he has limitations and makes the needed adjustments to overcome them. If he continues to swing really, really hard at anything in the vicinity, with the goal of hitting the ball really, really, far, he will end his career here only being the player who might have been.

By Paul

June 17, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Thats all we need, an injury prone CF who makes a ton of money. Who are the Braves going to give up for Griffey? This team needs starting pitching in the worst way. Unfortunately, nothing is out there to warrant trading any of the Braves top prospects. Is it me or does Escobar hit like Julio Franco did with Texas in the 80’s.

By gotigers72

June 17, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

You people that continue to criticize the Braves postseason failures need to pull for the Kansas City Royals, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, or some other team that hasn’t sniffed the postseason for the past 20 years. Would you rather be a fan of a team that has won 14 division titles, 5 NL pennants and a World Series, or a fan of a team that is out of the race every year by August, has no division titles, 0 pennants or World Series wins? I too am disappointed that the Braves haven’t won more WS, but to go on and on about it the way some of you do is ridiculous. And to blame the manager for not winning more WS is just asinine. He threw nary a pitch and had nary an at bat in any postseason game.

Baseball experts say that a manager may make a difference at the most in 5-8 games per year. It is much harder to win a division over a 162 game schedule than it is to win a WS. Things happen in 5-7 game series that cause better teams to lose. The team may go into a slump for a short period, pitchers may have a bad game, etc. In the ‘91 series against the Twins, there were so many spots where just one hit would’ve won a game that would have given the series to the Braves. Lonnie Smith’s bad baserunning, Puckett’s great catch, etc. That’s just the way it happened.

Personally I’m glad to be a fan of a team that wins every year [except for ‘06]. It is much more fun to be a fan of a team like that than a fan of the Royals, Devil Rays, etc. Why don’t some of you try that for awhile? See how you like pulling for a real loser.

Besides the Yankees and Marlins, no other team has won more than 1 WS in the last what 20-30 years? So why not enjoy the success the Braves have had instead of being jerks that complain about the lack of World Championships in Atlanta.

DOB -I know you are a McCann fan and so am I, but he has been about as cold as Andruw lately and his defense has left a lot to be desired this year. Even though he says he’s not injured, I am not convinced. Just don’t believe he should be hitting 80 points below what he hit last year, and with a lack of power in comparison, without something being physically wrong.

By Danny

June 17, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

funny how joe torre was on the brink of gettin fired …fans wanted him out…meanwhile torre led them to 4 rings…plus division titles and so on….meanwhile cox has had plenty of great teams…and we all know what he won…1 title…and his reward is an extention….ridonculous…i tell ya….plus lets not forget J torre batted AROD 8th…and sat shef out in the playoffs….but god forbid cox sits K-druw jones….during the regular season.or bats him 8th.

By Braveheart

June 17, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Robert, you are too smart to continue to be the bumbling detective who keeps fixing their sights on framing one man as the killer in order to solve your case. You have developed your patsy. Your Oswald for the Braves in Cox. You do not want to hear any talk of grassy knolls. You do not want to hear that the reasons the Braves never won more World Series was because their team was usually built around 10 or so good players and 15 or so average at best players, the team rarely had a good pen, the team never had a bona fide closer, the team never had a good bench, the manager made SOME bad decisions, the GM made SOME bad decisions, ownership since Ted has handcuffed this team financially, the players did not always live up to expectations, the pitchers were not always as dominant as their HOF credentials would make you expect out of them, blah, blah, blah. Books are going to be written about the multitude of reasons. Your Nancy Grace style of prosecuting the case will never be considered truth or justice.

By Josh C

June 17, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

or is it

c. We’re ALL idiots for continuing to read Robert’s drivel.

Was at all three games this weekend. Can’t gripe much about today’s game. At one point we were 1 for 11 with RISP, but Cleveland had made at least two great defensive plays in those situations. Thor gave up two, Michaels saved two. There’s your game, 4-3 Braves. That’s how it goes over 162…

By LT

June 17, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Danny boy,

On the subject of AZ, LAD, and SD, why don’t you go to MLB.com and search the National league team leaders in pitching….. Oh, and then search hitting.

I might agree with you that the Braves don’t need AJ hitting in the middle of the order productively if they led the league in ERA.

Anyways, my point is that BC will move AJ in the line up when he see’s there is no other option. To think BC is throwing away games out of loyalty to anyone to me is asinine.

I’ll say it one more time. I think he knows his best chance of success this year is to have AJ succeed in the middle of the order. That’s why he’s been staying consistent with the line up.

As I rarely blog, Robert you are absolute idiot. It’s sooooooo easy to sit back and second guess every single call someone makes.

By Bob

June 17, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

GermanBravesFan,

Nicht so fliessend. Mutter ist aus Muenchener raum. War stationiert in Deutschland fuer 21 Jahre. Braves war oft an AFN Fernsehn…die Amerikanischer Sender.

Your right about the rule from yesterday and I have sinned. Will correct that behavior now.

By Braveheart

June 17, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is getting Nifonged by Robert.

By fastasballs

June 17, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

I’m starting to think 85 wins will take the NL East. The Mets look a lot worse than the Braves do right now. All of their starters, with the exception of Perez, has been getting slaughtered.

The Phillies have been playing around .500, but have been gaining simply because the Braves & Mets are playing .200-.300 ball as of late. Actually most of the NL have been playing around .500 the past few weeks. Nobody is going anywhere fast. I’m still amazed after this month we can even see the Muts, much less be stuffed up their tailpipe in the standings.

The Braves line up looks a lot closer to turning it on than the Muts. Beltran is hurt, but playing. Delgado is matching Andruw’s average & still batting clean up as of yesterday. Alou isn’t ready, Chavez is out & Reyes is slumping. Wright is about the only starter doing anything for them right now. Granted it probably won’t stay like that, but there are not going to put up any mind blowing offensive stats anytime soon.

By chrisklob

June 17, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Woulda, It’s a shame that the Braves haven’t been able to capitalize on the Mets slump. But, I think it’s safe to say that the Braves will once again find their stride too, at least offensively. Francoeur and McCann have been struggling of late and I’m sure they’ll find their way soon enough. They are both very good ballplayers but I think they’re pressing too much right now. If Andruw can, and I think he will eventually, figure out what to do in the batter’s box (outside of smiling at the pitcher when he strikes out) our offense will be fine. Of course, like most of the bloggers here, I think he should be hitting later in the line-up.

To me, the biggest question mark that we have is in the starting rotation. Smoltz has been great although I’m afraid he may be hurt. Hudson struggled a bit of late. Davies and James have been hit-or-miss. Carlyle has been a nice surprise but he’s only had three starts so it’s a little premature to annoint him as a savior.

The successes that we’ve had over the years have been mostly due to a good or great starting rotation — something that we’ve not enjoyed a lot of this year.

By GermanBravesFan

June 17, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Well said, gotigers72!

By Bob

June 17, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

gotigers72,

You are on target.

Josh C,

You are 100% correct. I beg forgiveness.

By A-ville Ranger

June 17, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one who remembers Robert fessing up to being a group of Berry college students back some months ago ?The Robert com-post made the claim fri that another blogger was a group of Berry students.I mention this because the 8.29 post is actually quite well considered and articulated.This is in stark contrast to many of the com-post that are crude and child. This makes me wonder if more than one writer is involved.While I’m on the subject as I hope not to revisit this.I’m reminded that a sure way to draw attention to yourself in our popped culture is to wear your underwear outside your pants and fart loudly in public.

By David O'Brien

June 17, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Robert, I’m getting a distinct impression that very few people here like you or respect your opinion. You’ve ruined it for yourself here, so please stop poisoning the well and go away.

Thanks.

By Troy

June 17, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

Andruw vs. Schilling- 16/63 (.254), 4 HR, 7 RBI, 19 K’S. Encouraging? Probably not so much!

By Lew

June 17, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

Whatever.

By Carolina Lady

June 17, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Eric the elder, 9:53 was great! I saw a truck the other day with a license tag that read: DYankee :-))

GermanBravesFan, it’s completely beyond me why anyone wastes even one second on reading anything that “he” posts. And then feel compelled to answer in detail over and over and over again. Perhaps they just like seeing their names in print - I dunno. I laughed the other day when someone wrote “I’m so tired of reading his same stuff repeatedly…” Um, he hasn’t figured out that he doesn’t have to read them and can just scroll past?? Funny!

By GermanBravesFan

June 17, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Bob…

Schoen, mal etwas auf deutsch zu hoeren! I was going to college in Georgia (Milledgeville) when the Braves went from worst to first. Until then, I didn’t care for baseball at all! However, during that year, our entire college tennis team (from all over the world) started watching the Braves and most of us still are die-hard Braves fans.
Personally, I enjoyed EVERY single season since ‘91. Yes, there was a bad year last year, but without bad years, we do not appreciate the good ones! So, having said that, I am firmly believing that this year will be another good one!

As for “Rule #1”: no worries… I think I sinned, too, be even acknowledging you-know-who!

By GermanBravesFan

June 17, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

CarolinaLady: I agree - I won’t even comment anymore. :-)

Bob: where in Germany were you stationed?

By yknot

June 17, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

I was a Cub follower in 1989 when Don Zimmer stuck with Andre Dawson through what must have been the worst year of his career. Even through the playoffs he put him at clean-up. He just didn’t have it that year for some reason and it cost them. Andrew just doesn’t seem to be coming out of it. Who knows why, but it is starting to cost them. Bobby, you have to move him down in the order. It’s a team game and it’s almost July.

By eric the elder

June 17, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

DOB … DOB …DOB… what are we going to do with you?

Choose a simile:

1. You are like a lamp. When Robert pulls your chain, you light up.

2. You are like a Pavolovian dog. When Robert rings your bell, you salivate.

3. You are like a Roman candle. When Robert lights your fuse, off you go.

It’s called free will, my man. You have it within you to chart the course of your own life. You must believe in yourself, believe that you can overcome this terrible Robert addiction.

Do the bloggers need to hold an intervention session with you? Group hugs and all that?

By Bob

June 17, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Johnny R, sehr gut.

GermanBravesFan,

Lots of places in the south. Buedingen, Wuerzburg, Kitzingen, Schweinfurt, Crailsheim, Wiesbaden, Mannheim and Heidelberg. Got to see lots of Braves games on AFN TV in the latter years in Germany and in Iraq. Before that hoped to hear on AFN radio if you could get it off post.

By Elements

June 17, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Robert -

Nice post @ 8:29. I too am worried that some of the young Braves will not reach their full potential. Maybe McCann has taken a step back and maybe Francoeur has maxed out. It’s still way too early to judge either player but after watching Andruw’s career and noting his reluctance to make proper adjustments at the plate, I can’t help but wonder if he has suffered from the lack of a leadership and/or discipline from the coaching staff.

Maybe the Braves are guilty of having a laissez-faire management style, I don’t know. Smoltz has been successful so have Chipper and others so the management style certainly has not failed. Still, something appears wrong with a team that specializes in loyalty and fielding patchwork players who rarely grind out series wins in the playoffs.

Regardless, I’m a Braves fan which is better than being a Cubs fan any day of the week so, go Braves.

By Braves Fan 79

June 17, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

I think this team is a playoff caliber team. That said, bobbys gotta quit going for the “2 out of 3” thing and start trying to sweep people! I guarntee everyone at the end of the season…those 2 or 3 losses…or wins will make all the difference!
It made me sick to my stomach that we didnt bring up escobar earlier in the season and had orr/woodward’s sorry a* in the game. i mean how many chances do u have to give a career .200 hitter with no power before u realize HE SUCKS! Id rather see Hudson or Davies at bat than woodward or orr. It also made me sick how they let redmen come back to loose 2 or 3 more games for us by himself.
WTF was bobby thinking!!??? Why does bobby manage like only some games are meaningfull…..its not like we have Glavine, Smoltz, Maddux around anymore to give us those guarnteed wins everyweek. Bobby u gotta play to WIN…EVERY GAME!! That means not having woodward at bat with runners in scoring position, that means if soriano pitches a lights out 8th inning….let him pitch the 9th. Then if he struggles bring in wickman! And good lord drop andrew down in the order!

And i know its against convention…but if it was playoff time id rather see soriano be the starter than Davies or Buddy, or James. (hmm….kinda like how i thought smoltz should of started that game 5 agsint houston a few years back instead of hamptons sorry a$$)

By Robert

June 17, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

To whoever said, ” Let’s just focus on the REAL problems”

Dude, all I have ever tried to do since I started posting to this blog, is to get folks to realize that their is only ONE real problem, and to get people to focus on it

And DOB - No thank you. I’ll stay and continue to try and keep people from buying into the party-line progaganda you print

And LT - I just posted how I do not second guess every move Cox, or anybody else, makes.

And Bob - I have news for you son. Lee Harvey Oswald shot JFK and Bobby Cox sunk the Braves.

By Savannah Guy

June 17, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Ken Stallings: so…exactly what is your point? That DOB dissed a “guard”? Didn’t you read his story? Don’t you think DOB could have said more to the guy than he did, which was only NORMAL, given the circumstances? Were you able to separate his thoughts (to us) from his words (to the guard)? Are you by any chance a security guard and feel the need to defend one of your own? Are you making a mountain out of a molehill? You missed the point of that insignificant little part of the story. DOB doesn’t need me defending him from stupidity, but man…you sure are reaching for straws in your little meaningless sermon.

‘nuther subject: DOB…do we have a case of bloggers using multiple names here? If so (I think so), it tends to create a weirdness that is unhealthy to a blog. Anonymity is crucial to blogging freedom, but perhaps those that delve into the multiple personality category could be brought into the light of accountability for what they post. Not big brother stuff…just let us all be known for what we say.

“Sports do not build character. They reveal it.” Heywood Hale Broun

By GermanBravesFan

June 17, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Bob… I am from a small town between Schweinfurt and Wuerzburg. Went to high school in Schweinfurt and know both, Conn and Ledward Barracks! :-) It’s a small world! Most of the guys stationed in Schweinfurt are in Iraq right now… :-(

By Bob, Journalist

June 17, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

Elder one; My oh my … look at you! Don’t forget where the rocks are, mon ami.

By Bob

June 17, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

GermanBravesFan,

Yeah, I was in Desert Storm during the first half of the Worst to First 91 team. Was back in Crailsheim during the Series and saw all the games…at 3am. Not much sleep but worth every minute of it.

Have been Braves fan since they were in Milwaukee. I agree with you about enjoying their success. From 66 until 91 it was more than just a little dismal, so I appreciate the last 15 or so years. Could it have been better? Yeah, but for me only the Yankees have real reason to talk. Sure the Marlins won two World Series, but the rest of the time they have sucked pond water.

Where you from in Germany?

By Savannah Guy

June 17, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady: Don’t mean to repeat myself, but…is it hot in here or is it just you?

You are always a breath of freshness.

By Over Andy

June 17, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

LT Anyways, my point is that BC will move AJ in the line up when he see’s there is no other option. To think BC is throwing away games out of loyalty to anyone to me is asinine.

I’m not a rabid Bobby hater like Robert, but I have to disagree with the above statement you made. I don’t think Bobby intentionally tries to blow games, but I gave an example earlier today of a Division Series that I thought he blew by starting Glavine who had finished the season going 2-5 while Millwood had finished 5-2. Millwood had playoff experience and actually thrown a couple of gems in the post season. Bobby, however chose to open the series with the Giants with a Glavine who had been struggling. The result was predictable. The Braves were in an 0-1 hole.

Is there anyone who would disagree that post-season success usually favors the team that is hot? Look at the Cardinals last year. Look at the Marlins and Angels when they won it. The list goes on.

Why should going with the hot player in post-season be any less of a factor? The logic of post-season suggests that you go with your hot hands no matter who they are. I don’t see Bobby being that flexible.

THAT is the chink in the Bobby Cox armor. He doesn’t seem capable of abandoning loyalties to maximize his chances of winning at times. He isn’t trying to lose games, but he has a blind spot when it comes to pulling one of his “guys” for the good of the team.

By ElbravoX

June 17, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

The next adjustment AJ will make will be one requiring changing ZIP CODES. He is done in ATL. Next year, or maybe in early October we’ll hear how stubborn #25 was. Could be surprising. I dream of Ichiro, in a non-biblical way—not that there is anything wrong with that.

By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)

June 17, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

At the moment , the Braves best overall center fielder is playing in Richmond. His name is Gregor Blanco.

By Braveheart

June 17, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Lew, have you ever seen this clip of Jim Morrison being a complete dork while a student at Florida State in 1964:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zFuQEx-50UE&mode=related&search=

Extremely hard to believe the chubby faced dork checking the mail and getting rejected from FSU in that video would become the Lizard King only 2 years later. There must have been, ahem, some performance enhancers involved.

By David O'Brien

June 17, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Entourage “new season” premiere tonight was outstanding. I say that in quotes because the old season just ended a couple weeks ago, right?

Whatever, glad they didn’t wait to start a new one.

Is Billy Walsh, the director, the greatest character on HBO (now that Sopranos is done) or what? Every scene with him is tension-filled hilarity.

By Robert

June 17, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Eric from Mo, you said

“Robert-In your head you may make sense but there is something you are forgeting. In 1995 our only good reliever was Wohlers and many times you see many 1 inning closers go for more than one inning in the postseason.”

Eric, baseball-reference.com will verify that in 1995, the Braves had no fewer than 4 releivers who posted ERA’s of 3.65 or less AND saved games during the season. So your first “fact” is in fact, not fact

Now, the fact that SOME closers have successfully worked two innings in a WS game is not a valid justification for letting Wohlers, who was hardly ever used as a two inning closer, suddenly be allowed to try it in a WS game. So your second fact (which is in reality your first fact) has no relevence to the case of the Braves in Game 4 of the 96 Series.

By Bob

June 17, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

GermanBravesFan,

I lived in Ochsenfurt and drove everyday to Conn in 86-87. Wish I had some good Frankenwein right now. Its nice to be a Preis, higher to be a Bayer but the highest rank is to be a Frank.

We are closing or have closed all the old 3ID or most recently 1ID installations in Franken. Only thing to be left is K-town, Grafenwoehr, Wiesbaden and Vicenza and maybe still Heidelberg.

Mets, Phils and Marlins losing today. The NL looks really weak again this year.

By Austin

June 17, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

DOB, do all players vote for the all star repersenatives, or just a select few?

By chrisklob

June 17, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Dave,

BravesFan79 brings up an interesting point about Soriano regarding him being a starting pitcher.

Looking at his minor league numbers (which are here I see that he was used mostly as a starter early in his career. When you look a little deeper into his numbers they look a little strange. In 2004 he appeared in six minor league starts (seven appearances) yet had a very low ERA. 2005 is also pecular. He made eight starts at three minor league levels and threw a total of eleven innings!

Any idea about how these unconventional numbers might have come to pass? I know that a lot of starters make it to the big initially as a reliever and stick there because of their successes. Is there any talk about stretching him out and letting him start? As much as the Braves could use another reliable starter I’d hate to see it as he’s been so dominate for us this year.

By GermanBravesFan

June 17, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Bob,

I am from a small town called “Schwanfeld”… I’ll be going there in July again and might bring some Frankenwein for you! :-)

I live in California now and will try to go see some games in the beginning of July when the Braves are out here. Last time I went, I sat in left field and missed part of the game because a certain left-fielder’s head was in the way!

GO BRAVES!

By Robert

June 17, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

” I dream of Ichiro”

Ichiro. Boy. The Japanese have a very different way of looking at accountability than most Americans, and especially most Braves fans and management. How do you think Ichiro would feel about teammates who spend the night after a loss preparing for their 8AM tee time? Besides, I heard a rumor once that Ichiro likes to wear his sunglasses on his ballcap during BP, so he’s out

But just to stir up some chatter, where do y’all think Cox would Ichiro, second, or sixth?

The ripper of the night tho, has to be

“I’m a Braves fan which is better than being a Cubs fan “

You chew on that one for a while, and it really screws with your head. Cuz it might be true, and it might not. One WS title is better than none, but the Cubs have converted a higher percentage of their legitimate WS chances than the Braves have. Either way, it aint much consolation.

Two things you never say on the suicide hot line are

1) Hold please

and

2) Are you a Cubs fan?

By David O'Brien

June 17, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, hilarious posts throughout the day and evening, as usual. I just scrolled up and got to them all.

Ken Stallings, sorry not to have replied to you by now. I really did just see your posts regarding my encounter with the guard.

I’m going to assume you were being serious, alarming as that thought is (I mean, really…). But maybe I should point out to you: There was no “players only” sign, no sign at all. And the media entrance was completely on the other side of the stadium, as far from the players’ entrance as it could possibly be.

Perhaps I should have clarified that. I was only upset because a., it was an uncomfortable situation, having to walk through the crowd after they’d seen me get out of the cab with Hudson, and b., I was already running a bit late, and didn’t want to walk around the entire stadium to get to the media entrance.

And I didn’t shout or anything else to the guard when I asked him if I could just enter there and was he going to make me go through the crowd of fans surrounding Huddy, etc. I just asked him quietly, frankly, hoping to avoid anyone noticing.

When he started to tell me where the media entrance was, that’s the only time I even slightly raised my voice.

So relax, OK? I really doubt the guard was half as stressed over it as I was, and certainly didn’t give it nearly the consideration you have. I’m sure he moved on and continued signing in players, etc.

I do not expect or ask for the privileges awarded the players and coaches. It just so happened that Hudson was leaving and offered to share a cab with me, and I didn’t know where that cab was going to drop us off, that the players’ entrance was on the other side and beyond a gate. Otherwise, I would’ve taken my own cab.

Now that I’ve spent more time responding to your gravely serious posts about a really inconsequential matter, let’s see if we can continue to dissect this brief moment in time for the rest of the night, shall we?

By Bob

June 17, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Do you think the NL is ever going to go to the DH? When they started interleague play a lot of so called experts said that the NL had a big advantage because our pitchers knew how to bat and move runners over.

That might have been true initially, but it sure seems to me that the AL lineups with these guys who can hit a ton and don’t have to display their fielding “skills” are simply too tough. Maybe it is the weaker NL pitching, but you really don’t see lineups like the Red Sox, Indians, Tigers, Yanks, Angels and Mariners in the NL. I know some say the Mets, but even they don’t have the firepower on the bench like these AL teams.

I really hate the DH, but am almost to the point that if you can’t beat them, join them. I know league domination is cyclical, but it seems like a real mismatch now. Your thoughts?

By Carolina Lady

June 17, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

Hey, Savannah Guy! LOL - thanks! No, it’s probably all that hot air emitted by a certain someone’s posts….. :-)

By tlj

June 17, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

I have been an AJ fan for a long time but something needs to be done. He is unable to perform offensively and his defense isn’t worth the cost on offense. Maybe a trade to another team would be helpful to AJ and the Braves. I know he can veto a trade but maybe JS or BC should tell him agree to a trade or become a defensive replacement for the remainder of the season.

Any thoughts?

By Bob

June 17, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

GermanBraveFan,

Hooaah. Hope you get to see some Brave wins and enjoy your trip back to Franken. I will be back over in January to go skiing in Austria. Bundesliga fan too? I am…naturally FCB.

By MBATL

June 17, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’m pretty much seeing the guard (John Candy) in the National Lampoon Vacation movie, when the Griswold’s showed up and demanded entrance (at BB-gunpoint), even though the park was closed. That pretty much how it played out?

By Ron

June 17, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

OverAndy, Dude I remember that 2002 NLDS against the Giants!!! We were better than them that year, and Glavine Blew it for us, and then he wanted all that money, and was mad for some reason why we did not want to pay him sooo much!!! Man we should have won that World Series, We should have won 91 also, if it was not for that damn baserunning blunder!!! Dont even get me started with 96!!! We were the Second best team in 03, but those damn Cubs choked against the Wrong team!!! Still p** about that!!! I really look back and think damn, This would be ONE of the BEST DYNASTY’S EVER in Professional Sports!!! We were Robed of that HONER!!! OH Yeah I am NOT BLAMING COX at all, because players just did not come through at all in the playoffs!!! Still never gonna forget what this team could be remembered as instead of what they are remembered as!!!

By Johnny R

June 17, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Dang, wiping posts on sunday night. davey must be a mormon. Sorry, davey!

By fastasballs

June 17, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Nothing like a Muts beatdown on national TV to perk me up. I do miss the Muts trolls awaiting their smackdown with baited breath on an almost nightly basis. I’ll assume they are too busy with Yankee fans right now…. LOL

By Andy

June 17, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

I laugh at people who say this team is a playoff caliber team. Even if the Braves make the playoffs, the chances of them going all the way is extremely small. Lets face it, they dont have what it takes to win the World Series this year.

By choppinmama

June 17, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

DOB: thanks for sharing your “from posse to peon in 10 seconds” experience with us. Just ignore those among us who can’t appreciate an interesting life experience from our Blogmeister.

Savannah Guy: you were right on at 10:33 back at Ken Stallings. What an uptight guy.

Also, I sent in “I blog, therefore I am” about 3 days ago! Not too original, but I did better yesterday. Good luck anyway!

Anybody know how to go back and see all of the past Wurlitzer-quality winners instead of just the daily one?

Poor, poor Andruw :-(

By Bob, Journalist

June 17, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

Robert, When folks do a good job of making me doubt that I’ll ever benefit from giving them the benefit of the doubt, I generally stop giving it and start applauding their effort … Kudos!

Bob, Wuerzburg-Schweinfurt Dorfer,

Now that I know that there are Leute herein what Deutch lesen und verstanden konnte, ich had best stop meine geschrieben … and switch to ancient Greek aber 45 years ago, Bier aus Wuerzburg war immer ganz Gut … ambesten, die ganze Welt!! … as I recall.

By Braveheart

June 17, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

Mets lose! Magic Number is 96!

I am tired of writing this magic number thing. It keeps going down but not because we are winning but because the Mets keep losing. The Mets are on the ropes and we keep staying in second place. I am starting to feel like the Braves are George Foreman and we are getting rope a doped right now. But I’ll keep doing it. Trying to maintain the power of positive thinking.

By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)

June 17, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

Is it possible to DH for the CF in an American league park ? (tongue in cheek) :>)

By Bob

June 17, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

Bob,Journalist,

Ja, Wuerzburger Bier ist immer Gut aber Muenchener Bier ist noch besser.

By GermanBravesFan

June 17, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

Bob,

FCB rules.. and: at the end of the day,that’s the sport that REALLY matters anyways! Too bad I only made it back for the third-place game last year (yes, third place DOES mean something in an event that’s only played every four years)…

FCB made some MAJOR moves in the off-season! Rumor is, they made Andruw Jones an offer to shag balls behind the goal! Nobody else gets a better break on them than Andruw!

By George "Boston Brave". Spitz

June 17, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

The problem is not Andrew Jones, but Willie Harris and Matt Diaz. Both should be playing every day. Perhaps they would not be able to maintain their currrent stratospheric batting averages, but it is hard to imagine either would sink to a level below 280 and even that is a stretch.

Willie Harris and Matt Diaz are clearly top rank every day ball players. We now know that Diaz is a much better fielder that the reputation that accomanied him to Atlanta. Willie’s speed would be a plus in Center and on the bases. Andrew will probably not be back in 2008. He, not to mention the Braves, might be better served if another team finds out if there is anything left in his tank.

While it may be embarrassing to watch Andrew consistently fail to move runners. But, it is evem more painful to observe Willie Harris and Matt Diaz on the bench because they contribute so much when given an opportunity to play

By ElbravoX

June 17, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Robert, you need couch time dude. Just when I think its all in jest, you prove me wrong. Why are you a Braves fan, Mr. Cox is going nowhere until he wants to. For your health and sanity, let it go…Muts lose and they keep smiling as if everything is roses. How great would it be if we could win five games in a row. If they are in second, the NY media will have a field day.

By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)

June 17, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

DOB , I seriously doubt that Andruw Jones has a single humble bone to be found anywhere in his body. He plays defense with total arrogance and he swings the bat the with the same attitude. His glove and bat are the same , with polar opposite results on the field.

By Bob

June 17, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

GermanBravesFan,

I like Bundesliga, but not ready to go so far as it is best. My favorite is CFB but I like most all team sports. Yeah, it was really cool last summer and the national team did great. Love F1 too. Missed race today, but went to last two years in Indy and once at Hockenheim.

The way Andruw is going, he would probably score an “own” goal for Bayern. LOL

By Robert

June 17, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

Bob said “When folks do a good job of making me doubt that I’ll ever benefit from giving them the benefit of the doubt, I generally stop giving it and start applauding their effort “

Bob, all our past differences and nasty barbs aside, the above statement is the ONLY reasonable explanation I have ever seen or heard for cheering Bobby Cox

And it will remain so, until the day he finally leaves.

By Sergio

June 17, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

Man some of the hate Andruw gets is really pathetic. So hes struggling. So what. Before that 50 HR season of his he had an awfull first half slump and got through it too. Hes too good to be like this for the whole season.

People want him moved down. And move who to the cleanup/5th spot?

Brian McCann? I love Heap but McCann has been Awfull recently. Franc? Hes been almost as bad as Andruw in June. Scott Thorman? Please.

Complain about Andruw all you want. But the other guys down the order have been pretty bad too (Im not talking about Harris, or Edgar, or Chipper)

Finally i really hope we dont get Griffey. His contract with its years and years of deffered payments is awfull.

By Elements

June 17, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

Braveheart - Please keep posting the magic numbers b/c they help identify exactly how close the Braves are to actually making the playoffs. (Yes, I know it’s still June.)

Positive vibes from a newbie.

By fastasballs

June 17, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

Coach Nice post. I’m in total agreement with you on Andruw’s attitude. After watching him laugh it up with the catcher in the 8th inning while representing the tying run & in a 2 stike hole really shows his true colors.

Getting him out of the order for a few games would be too much to ask, but he has to move down to 7th in the order at the very least. I would prefer watching him sit on the bench for a week, but there is about 0 chance of that occurring.

By Braves Fan 79

June 17, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

Andy….i have to disagree with you. This Braves team can be as good as the tigers or cardinals of last year(with mccan and andrew hitting). If we dont get to the playoffs it will of been because cox gave away 2 many games during the season. I love Bobby but man how do u give orr and woodward so many starts there a few weeks ago…..and why wait so long to bring up escobar when we knew orr and woodward werent getting the job done? And why in the world did we GIVE REDMEN SO MANY CHANCES!????????? This p** me off when it was happening and if we miss the playoffs by a game or 2 its gonna really p** me off looking back on the season and all the dumb moves made by cox. Love ya thou bobby…but man do something risky once in awhile to spark the team….like try giving Soriano a start if were in a must win situation and Smoltz and Hudson already pitched. I know Scherultz dosent like doing deals during the season…but if we dont sign soriano to something sooner than later….hell be out of our price range.
I think the hometown discount thing is more likely to be accepted by the player when your in the middle of the season and hometown emotions come into play. At the end of the year u have your agent and other teams wispering in your ear about other chances….and the emotion of the season just isnt there. I wish we woulda lockedup julio franco and Glavine before the mets came wispering in there ears. If we dont lock up soriano sooner than later..expect someone like the yankees or mets to throw all kinds of $$ at him.

By Robert

June 17, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

Elbravo X - Why am I a Braves fan? Two reasons. Cuz I lived in or near Atlanta for almost 20 years. And cuz in his prime, Maddux was so brilliant that nothing could dampen the pure joy of watching him pitch - until the eighth inning of Game 1 of the 1999 World Series.

What Cox did in that game was more than losing a game, or an entire World Series, or cementing a legacy as a dimwit. It was akin to walking into the Louvre and flicking a bugger at the Mona Lisa.

By choppinmama

June 17, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

OK, does anyone else think that Bob, GermanBravesFan and Bob,Journalist are talking about all of us?

DOB’s going to have to hire a linguist to keep up. Or are your tightwad owners keeping you at your $80 mil budget again this year?

By Braveheart

June 17, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

Cleveland, Ohio —— Bobby Cox made a questionable managerial move today that may very well have cost the Atlanta Braves a ballgame and ended their modest two game winning streak.

In the two previous games, Cox, in a stroke of genius, had switched the optimist and pessimist platoon roles of esteemed bloggers N8 and KC. It was a controversial call when made because KC had been so wildly popular as the blog’s ray of sunshine. But concerns were laid to rest when KC fully embraced the role and became an undeniable force of negativity on the blog by attacking Kelly Johnson. N8, on the other hand, never fully embraced his newfound role as the optimist but the team thrived in the two games with him in that role regardless.

Inexplicably, however, Cox went away from the hot hands and did not play either N8 or KC today. Neither one uttered an entire word all day on the blog. Not surprisingly, there was a disturbance in the Force, the Braves lost, and the winning streak ended.

Not playing KC was a surprise since he had only just recently come back to the team on Friday after being AWOL from the blog for about a month reportedly dealing with undisclosed personal issues. Apparently, the undisclosed personal issues persist.

As for not playing N8, Cox said, “That kid busts his tail everyday, all day for me. He leaves it all out there on the blog. He never takes a game off. He needed a day off. He needed a blow.”

With the Braves struggling in this manner, how many more days off and off days can this team afford from the blog regulars? The Denizens will never blog the Braves to the Word Series if they keep Whitesnaking like this. Balance must be brought back to the Force. Oh the humanity!

By Bob

June 17, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Sergio,

I don’t hate Andruw at all and I don’t disagree that the options for cleanup are not good. However, something needs to done to shake up the entire lineup. He is completely lost up there right now. He is killing us and he has never had a long period of really bad plate performances like he has this year. His 2005 first half was not nearly this bad.

In my mind this team does not win without him producing. I tend to agree with DOB that he will turn it around. But I don’t think that will happen until he gets moved down in the order and then works himself back into the cleanup slot. The other guys you mentioned are slumping, but Andruw is in much more than a regular slump and he looks completely confused.

By David O'Brien

June 17, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this

“Davey must be a Mormon? Sorry Davey?” Oh, boy.

When you don’t have kids, you forget about the school-year schedule and all that. But this reminded me that it’s summer, isn’t it? The kids are up late at night, no class in the morning.

Actually, junior, I kinda like “Davey,” as in the Davey O’Brien quarterback award. When I was a cub reporter in college and Mike Gottfried was KU’s football coach, he used to call me Davey. It’s kinda nice, actually. Makes me feel younger….

Oh, and while I had a good friend who was Mormon when I lived in Fort Lauderdale, I don’t think there was a Mormon church anywhere near my hometown of Greenville N.C., when I was growing up there in the 1960s and ’70s….

Anyway, moving on….

Andy, I agree with you that this team, as currently comprised, certainly doesn’t appear to have the goods to win the World Series. Not going out on a limb there.

But … with another good starter, and provided Smoltz and Hudson are healthy, then all of a sudden can’t they compete with just about anyone in the mediocre NL, especially if Andruw Jones finaly gets going (or does anyone really believe he simply has lost the ability to hit and will finish the season like this?)

The thing is, who in the NL is clearly so superior to the Braves? I mean, there just aren’t any great teams. Therefore, it’s wide open.

Could they compete with the Red Sox in a seven-game series right now? No. But they don’t have to compete against the Red Sox (or Yankees, or Tigers, etc) in the playoffs, if they get there. At least not unless they were so fortunate as to get through the first two rounds. And who in the world is looking that far ahead? Just winning a five-game first-round series would be a huge improvement over the past four years, right?

I do think Schuerholz will make a move to get another pitcher by mid-summer, and if it’s a good one, this team is capable of beating anyone in the NL. Seriously.

Just haven’t heard any names yet as far as pitchers available for what Braves have to offer.

It’s still not quite heating up yet, because most divisions just don’t have a dominant team that’s burying everyone and making it easier for teams to pull the plug on this season.

But the Rangers and a couple other teams are clearly done, and shouldn’t be much longer before some teams start unloading talent, especially unloading free-agent-to-be talent.

And keep in mind, the Braves did just beat Sabathia, who was dominating everyone recently, and they did have Santana beat in Minnesota until that ninth inning and a couple of hits down the third-base line.

They got beat by a very good young pitcher today who pitched a fine game, Fausto Carmona. But they won two of three from the team that had the majors’ best home record before the Braves came to town, the team that was ahead of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.

I mean, that’s the bottom line, right? They just won two of three from Cleveland, including beating Sabathia.

And the Mets just keep losing. I mean, the Braves haven’t had a streak as bad as the Mets are on since last season’s 3-20 nightmare….

By Elements

June 18, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Who or what is a “Whitesnake?” If it’s a band, then please name a couple of their best tracks so I can check them out.

By Bob

June 18, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

Choppinmama,

Don’t worry. We love yall …. well, most of yall anyway. Go Bravos.

By David O'Brien

June 18, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

Choppinmama, I was thinking the same thing about the German posts….

COACH, you’re right. I meant Andruw “should” be humbled by his sinking average 70 games into the season. Whether he is or not, only he knows. But good point you made.

By chopper

June 18, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

It’s becoming painfully obvious that one of 2 things is true. Either Terry Pendleton is totally useless or those in the middle of the order are unteachable.I guess I hope it is the former.

By Sergio

June 18, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

Bob, i dont disagree on something being done..

Maybe you could bench him a couple of days to have him clear his head. Im not convinced on Harris at CF but ill take it for a couple of games if it clears Druws head.

Or maybe Smoltzie can give Andruw his Sports Psychiatrists number. Who knows.

I just think in the end Andruw will be fine. Heck hes probably been almost as good as ever defensively. So these problems cant be that bad. People Always Love to mention his smileing but thats just the way hes ALWAYS been. I dont understand why people hate his smileing.

I guess if he broke the bat ala Bo Jackson that would make people happyer?

By MEB

June 18, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

GermanBravesFan… what a small world we live in. My wife and I were married in Wuerzburg. I was stationed at Emery Barracks from 76-79 in a HAWK missile unit. We lived off post just down the street from Leighton Barracks. Those were wonderful times and Wuerzburg is a truly beautiful city. I went to flight school in 81 and was stationed in Illesheim. Back then we didn’t get much live sports on AFN-TV and the Braves didn’t win enough to be carried on the radio. Was stationed in Korea during the 91 World Series and I can remember it like yesterday watching Game 7 at the Officers Club with a few other die hard baseball fans.

By Braveheart

June 18, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Elements, I would tell you but DOB does not permit discussions of that band whatsoever. No exceptions unless we are mocking the band.

By David O'Brien

June 18, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Anyone else see that picture of Davies on our Braves page at AJC.com and think it’s rather odd? I mean, it looks like he’s hiking up a freakin’ mountain. Is it an optical illusion, or the world’s highest pitcher’s mound?

By Wayne in Utah

June 18, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Dave: BTW, lots of Mormon churches out this way!

What do you think the lineup will be tomorrow without the DH? Is Chipper ready and if so, how do you think Bobby will work in Escobar?

A little off subject, but just curious if you think with a little practice that Escobar could play the OF??

Also, is the reason B Pena is not up is because he is being showcased in the minors? If he comes up, he will be a third catcher and back up first and third baseman.

What do you think we could offer the Chisox to pry away Buehrle, short of Salty or Escobar?

Asking a lot of questions, sorry about that.

Kyle deserved better this afternoon. If AJ either catches or backs off that liner to right center, then there are runners on 1st and 2nd, and on the next play, if Thorman picks it up, then it’s probably a double play. He is out of the innning with maybe one run.

AJ didn’t really dive, he just sort of “fell” into the ball. Hate to be too critical of such a good defender, so I will stop with that comment. Our defense has looked pretty bad lately. What is wrong with Baby Huey McCann?

By Bob

June 18, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

MEB, Hoooah. Spent time in 3ID in Wuerzburg and the Marneland area. Was brat in 50s and stationed at Leighton in 85-86. Agree about Wuerzburg. Illesheim still open and will apparently remain open.

I heard extra innings of those last two 91 series games in VW Van with my bus on way to Wiesbaden to brief retrograde from SWA. Got p** as the signal faded in and out between Ansbach and Heidelberg and depressed with the loss in the Smoltzie-Morris game.

By David O'Brien

June 18, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

Wayne, yes, I’m certain Escobar could play the outfield with a little work. He’s athletic with a cannon arm. Not blazing speed, but plenty fast enough to cover a lot of ground in the OF.

That said, he’s a shortstop and I don’t think they’re planning to make him an outfielder anytime soon. Of course, if they decide he’s worth more to them than he is to other teams, that could be a move they consider.

As for Pena, I don’t know why him or Mendez isn’t up yet. I’d have one of them up now, because they can both catch and play first base. Like I said before, Orr’s got all his options and they could send him down if they wanted to. It makes more sense, to me, to have one of those other guys up and then you’d have some 1B options with Salty and one of them.

Pena could be getting showcased for trade. Only reason I can see for them playing him at variety of positions is they’re gonna call him up as a utility guy or they’re showing another team he can play several positions.

By Bob, Journalist

June 18, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

Congratulations, Brian Boak! But, who/what are the Hawks? Are you referring to DOB’s connection to the land of OZ?

A-ville Ranger, Am I that easy to forget? Gone with the wind, but not forgotten … you’re not a lone Ranger, not as long as you have Tonto!

Robert, There was no bait on my hook and I wasn’t trolling … but, while it’s good to know that too know the definition of prime numbers, I simply assumed it to be common knowledge and felt it unnecessary to explain.

I most certainly concur with the notion that my reasoning capacity is rather limited … it’s your definition of propriety that has me concerned. Neither was I addressing Mr. Cox’s reasoning capacities … though my opine is that they are superior to most, relative to managing the Braves … certainly much better than mine.

My comments were and are intended only to be directional and/or conceptual … and for polite, non-confrontational discussion. As I indicated to you earlier, my Father’s Day blogging is reserved to the consequential and I’ll address the trivial at another time.

By Savannah Guy

June 18, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

Over Andy: On your 10:37 post…true and well put. But careful, lest you become a mere “pane of glass” to the homers on the blog…or worse, lumped in with Robert, the self-positioned pariah that has unwittingly become the chopped liver in these parts.

DOB, don’t fret about the guard thing…I really wasn’t defending you…(you must apparently disrespect that) just defending common sense. Inconsequential as it is, the Ken Stallings post was just an example that reminded me of the guards at airports frisking the innocent, gray-haired little grandmother because they need to look busy and important and follow the “rules”. Unfortunately, “Security” seldom has anything to do with actually guarding or securing anything…or with common sense, efficiency or consideration. Nuff on that. Moot.

So, on to more “consequential” subject matter: It’s after midnight, so it’s time to let it all hang out. Has anyone noticed that John “Breck Girl” Edwards always says “Worl” instead of world? He will do or say anything to get elected…even sell his soul to the almighty (they think) labor unions. Hillary will buy him like she bought Spielberg and the “community” in NY. Oh, the things that should not be muttered during daylight can be spoken after the midnight hour. Is Joe just Biden his time or is he going to lift another speech from someone in-between dissing convenience store owners? Has Obama run into a Barak wall or is Sharpton flattening his tires because he got a better offer from the Clintonistas? Is Al Gore waiting in the wings for an engraved presidential prod or a PR nod from Nobel socialists…or is he just savoring his 15 minutes of carbon credits profits and fraud?

Is it hot in here or is it just global warming?

By Elements

June 18, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

Thanks Braveheart.

By Wayne in Utah

June 18, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Dave: My only point on Escobar in the outfield is if they don’t move him for some pitching help, we are very thin in the outfield as far as close prospects go. Also, I understand Lillibridge played OF in college for a while. A lot of folks think Renteria could be moved for some help over the winter, but personally, I don’t think he would bring a solid #3, but I could be wrong.

Any word on Aybar? Would be nice to have him back for some insurance off the bench.

By Braves Fan 79

June 18, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

Forget the chi sox pitcher Beuhrle…..the guy the Braves need to pickup is ROY HOLLIDAY! that mans got smoltz type stuff and is just NasTy!!

I think really the only other person of tade value (that we have a good backup for) would be rentirea. But man do i love his bat!

By Bob, Journalist

June 18, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

David O’OB, As for Pena, I don’t know why him or Mendez isn’t up yet look at the time … I know it’s late but chances are he just got to bed!

By Savannah Guy

June 18, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

Oh…almost forgot in the politico-ness…

Braves need a leader so that most of them will quit sucking on the field as of late (most of this year…past two actually).

Not a clubhouse grandpa. A leader that will move’em in, move’em out, chew butt, mentor and coach. Sad but true…hard but fair.

By Wayne in Utah

June 18, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

Excellent Bob!!

By Eric C.

June 18, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

CONGRATULATIONS to the M-BRAVES for winning the first half Southern League title!!

By David O'Brien

June 18, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

Savannah Guy, no problem. I just didn’t want a big deal made of something that was not at all a big deal.

But why are you running through the list of democratic candidates, making smarta$@ comments on each, when we really do fine avoiding political discussion? Is it so hard for you to avoid that here? Really, it’s just impossible for you? Because you’re bringing it up, not answering anyone. You’re just stirring it up begging for replies, when we agree to generally avoid such discussion.

Whatever. I’ve gotta catch a flight in the morning anyway. I just don’t understand why you can’t chill on the one topic we ask you to chill on. I really don’t .

By Coach

June 18, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this

DOB , I have to agree. While Bobby Cox managerial decision making process has us all Dazed & Confused (good movie), the Braves are not dead yet. I said Y-E-T. At 37-33 , four games over .500 and just 1.5 games out of first. The National league east is beginning to look just as mediocre as the N.L. west. The Braves need another quality pitcher and some stability at 1B and on the bench. I have all but given up on Davies , he has seven professional season under his belt and still can’t figure it out on the mound. I would trade Davies & Lillibridge for Mark Beuhrle , then try to pry Jeff Conine away from the Reds. I know , it’s a risky trade but the current Braves squad has little chance of making the playoffs much less even competing in the prsssure cooker that is the postseason. By the way , there are five teams currently with a better record and four playoff spots.

By GermanBravesFan

June 18, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this

choppinmama and DOB: don’t worry, we weren’t talking about y’all! :-)
Bob and I were just talking about where we used to live at a certain point in our lives.

At the end of the day, only one thing matters: Braves win NL East and go deep into the playoffs!

GO BRAVES!!!

By David O'Brien

June 18, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

I finally got that Van Morrison “At The Movies: Soundtrack Hits” this weekend when I found it on sale in Cleveland. Already had most or all of the other songs on it in one CD or another, but got this one primarily for the live version of “Comfortably Numb” he does with Roger Waters, played prominently in The Departed (and again in The Sopranos). Great song.

By Bob, Journalist

June 18, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

Savannah, if Robert, is a self-positioned pariah then how was what he became unwitting … possible I suppose but would hope and think that it would have been anticipated … well, perhaps not at first.

By Steve-O

June 18, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this

Ya’ll over react too damn much!!! Relaaaaaaax, Once we get Carlyle goin consistent, and Andruw comes around (Real Braves fan know he does this alot, then all the sudden he explodes, so I guess not so much dedicated real fans are on here, because alot complain, sure I know he’s an automatic out now and I go insane but I know he’ll come around, so relax!!) and McCann gets fully healthy **Again Same thing as last year,minor injury, little power, just singles, then EXPLODES the last two months and Francoeur settles in, WE WILL BE FINE as long as Chipper can play ATLEAST 115 Games with Yunel back up and Renty doin his thing…. We re in business with Wick And Soriano and Yates, and you KNOW JS will make a solid improvement to the club (DITH WOODWARD!! PLEASE!!!!) We will have Salty at first with Thor, who WILL be good!! Give the guy a damn break or a chance!! Calllllm DOWN they will overtake these AARP Mets who are falling apart physically and as a team.

By Greg O.

June 18, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

DOB, Was Jo-Jo Reyes in big league camp at all this spring? I’m just wondering if Bobby got a look at him at all because his numbers at Mississippi look pretty good - 8-1, 3.56 ERA, 71 K’s, 35 BB. I have all the confidence that the Braves have the chips to make a deal for a pitcher, but could the starter they need be within the organization at Double-A? (Matt Harrison’s numbers don’t look too bad either…

By Greg O.

June 18, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

DOB, Was Jo-Jo Reyes in big league camp at all this spring? I’m just wondering if Bobby got a look at him at all because his numbers at Mississippi look pretty good - 8-1, 3.56 ERA, 71 K’s, 35 BB. I have all the confidence that the Braves have the chips to make a deal for a pitcher, but could the starter they need be within the organization at Double-A? (Matt Harrison’s numbers don’t look too bad either…)

By Coach

June 18, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this

Brayan Pena is on the 40 man , Carlos Mendez is not. It’s possible the Braves could call up the right handed hitting Mendez and add him to the 40 man. He is a fifteen year career minor leaguer. But , Pena is a switch hitter currently hitting .304 at Richmond.

By Wayne in Utah

June 18, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this

Greg I can’t remember for sure if JoJo was in the Braves camp, but I think he might have gotten some exposure. He is now at Richmond, and has been for a week to 10 days, I think.

By Greg O.

June 18, 2007 1:37 AM | Link to this

Thanks Wayne! Looking at milb.com, they’ve got him back in Mississippi, but I see one start, a win, at Richmond. Either way, that just makes his numbers that much more impressive… bump it up to 9-1 with a lower ERA. Gotta hope he’d be the next guy in line to make a major league start should somebody go down.

By fastasballs

June 18, 2007 1:44 AM | Link to this

The way I see it from my limited, intoxicated view is we have 92 games left to play. I feel safe I have not botched the first sentence so I will continue.

Being only 1 1/2 back at the moment with that many games left is more or less like starting the season over with the exception of knowing your weaknesses & strengths. The team weakness is the back of the rotation & the bench. Left field was a huge issue, we all agree that is fixed & performing well above our expectations. Fist base is a work in progress, but I dare say is better than it was.

The bench will take care of itself. There is always going to be a combination of Diaz, Harris, Salty, Thorman & Escobar depending on who they are facing plus one of the two duds & a call up. I’m sure a vetern gets brought in at some point via trade.

That really only leaves the back of the rotation. Granted, that’s a huge part of the success or failure of this team for the rest of the season. Unless Davies & James catch fire the next three weeks or so a trade probably happens, one we may not like very much.

As I said before the Muts look worse than the Braves & the Phillies have our bullpen from 2006. This team is ready to go on an offensive surge within the next few weeks.

The idea that the Braves go as Andruw goes is a myth. He can’t continue to kill rallies by batting in the middle of the order. He will put up somewhat better #’s than he has, but I wouldn’t expect 2005 type #’s or even last year’s #’s.

As DOB pointed out, along with many others, who in the NL is running away with things? What team is playing much better than .500 right now over the past few weeks?

I feel much better after 3 straight good outings by our starters & a decent one today by Davies. I didn’t see but a few really well hit balls off of him. A few walks & errors did him in today. Not saying he has turned the corner or anything.

The next 20 games will make this season lean one way or the other. The Braves play some really quality opponents including Boston, Detroit, & the NL West leaders. Also the Marlins & Nats who give them fits.

If they can get through those games in decent shape the NL East & Central are up next, should be advantage Braves.

Goodnight ladies & gents

By Greg O.

June 18, 2007 1:48 AM | Link to this

Wayne, I just found the transactions on Reyes. It must’ve been just a spot start at Richmond because he was called up on June 10 and returned to Mississippi on June 11. He’s since made another start (another win, his fifth in as many consecutive starts) with the M-Braves.

By Wayne in Utah

June 18, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this

Thanks Greg…

By Caleb

June 18, 2007 1:57 AM | Link to this

DOB, back when Smoltz strained his shoulder, I remember you (or someone) interviewing him and he said he was frustrated by it because he was going good (which he definitely was) and didn’t want to sit for a while or alter his pitching mechanics, which he said might into problems like screwing up his mechanics or making his shoulder worse. But, he clearly was altering his throwing on Saturday. Obviously, he still pitched great, but did that issue come up at all in your interview on Sunday? The last thing I’d want to see is Smoltz not pitching and obviously he knows his body better than anyone else (i.e. he was right about starting being better for his health than relieving), but did he give any indication that having to change his delivery in order to pitch on Saturday was or could be a problem?

Keep up the good work DOB. I know it’s alot of traveling and time away from your family, but you’ve got a really cool job. It’s got to be pretty cool and interesting to hang around all those great players, but I’m most jealous of you when you talk about sitting in Bobby’s office just chatting with him, not interviewing just hanging out shooting the sh@%. That’s just unreal.

By Wayne in Utah

June 18, 2007 1:57 AM | Link to this

Goodnight all..

By Bob, Journalist

June 18, 2007 1:59 AM | Link to this

Robert, my apologies to our Mr. Cox … I was anticipating your response … as I imagine most were … ‘twas just a side bet, little more than that.

However, it’s nice to know you got the message and, of course, nice to win!

If you have been sending barbs my way, I’m afraid they’ve passed over my head.

Choppinmama, If you knew how bad my German was, you’d know that there was nothing to worry about from me. It’s been over 40 years since I’ve tried to use it … other than a few words during our vacation to Berlin in 2003, mostly to the animals at the zoo … we hired an English speaking guide!

Man, even back when my job demanded an understanding of the language, I thought a Milch Bar in Munchen was a place to buy dairy products. However, I must admit that the singing of the old songs and drinking the different beers were outstanding!

Speaking of somebody who’s nobody, I don’t believe we’ve heard from A Nobody who I referred to as A Somebody … since My Lady returned to the blog following her illness last year.

For those who don’t remember, he was a breath of fresh air, a thoughtful gentleman of the highest rank and one who’s missed!

By Wolfpack Man

June 18, 2007 2:27 AM | Link to this

DOB- I absolutely agree with you about bringing up a 3rd catcher. It seems like the Braves are handcuffed right now with the situation with Salty. I mean if he is at 1B then you are tempted to leave him in longer (late in games) with his defense still questionable.

He then could be used as a pinch hitter without concern of being without a backup catcher.

Regardless of the feelings on Orr and Woodward, they are basically the same player and very redundant. MAKES TOO MUCH SENSE TO LET ORR GO DOWN AND BRING UP B.PENA.

By Caleb

June 18, 2007 2:52 AM | Link to this

DOB, to clarify my earlier question, what I meant by “the last thing I’d want to see was Smoltz not pitching” was maybe it would be best to have him sit out another start or two now so his shoulder would be able to fully heal and changing his pitching mechanics wouldn’t screw anything up or hurt his shoulder more. I know he’s one of the most competitive athletes out there and, even though he’s become more wise as he’s gotten older about not pushing things and making little injuries worse, but I know he knows the team needs him badly and he might push himself back to quickly. But, of course (as I said before) he knows his body better than anyone, so if he says he’s good to go, I trust him and just hope his shoulder heals as quickly as his dislocated pinkie finger (remember how big a story that was and how it hasn’t really been an issue or even talked about since the day after he injured it).

By Braves Fan 79

June 18, 2007 2:58 AM | Link to this

Wolfmanpack: no it makes 2 much sence to DUMP BOTH THERE SORRY A*******E$ !! whats the point when the pitcher is a better hitter? or faster runner? and neither is exactly ozzie smith on defense. The Braves would be alot better team without those 2.

By serbok

June 18, 2007 3:01 AM | Link to this

LT My point wasn’t not to move AJ down in the order at any time. My point was that BC will know when to do it, and won’t just go jacking him around in the order. He knows what will give him the best chance of winning.

If you think this team is gonna win the WS without AJ being successful in the middle of the line up, you’re deluding yourself.

ARE YOU SERIOUS?

By jed

June 18, 2007 3:54 AM | Link to this

when chipper comes back, i bet you’ll see him at 3b, with escobar on the bench. meanwhile, cox will stick with thorman at 1b. in essence, he will be choosing to put thor in the lineup over escobar. that, folks, is a huge mistake. the possibility surely exists to move chipper to 1b, or bring up a 3rd catcher to sit the bench so we can play salty at 1b. but, nope, watch him—he’ll stick with thor…& will even put him out there against lefties.

meanwhile, cox will keep andruw in the middle of the order so he can continue to strike out w/RISP.

i make these points because—as much as i think cox is brilliant at managing a team over the long haul—he does indeed have weaknesses with personnel management and the occasional game strategy. main thing is it’s way past time for cox to do something with a couple of situations re: this team.

1. andruw (i would sit him for a series and give him some time off, then bat him 8th until he starts hitting again. but i wouldnt send him out there repeatedly to fall on his face and hurt the team.)

2. first base (salty or chipper—i dont care, just hurry up and figure it out.)

to me, it boils down to who do you like better where?
—chipper at 3b; salty at 1b or —chipper at 1b; escobar at 3b

problem is we havent investigated such scenarios, so it’s hard to say which would be better. fact is, i know cox will NOT move chipper to 1b during the season, which normally i would agree with. BUT your 1b now, thorman, has got to be the worst defensive first baseman in the majors. chipper would be an immediate improvement.

which raises another point: what exactly is the braves organization thinking in their handling of the salty situation? it’s downright bizarre, if you consider it. they certainly have had options:

—they could leave him in the minors and have him continue to develop. nope. —they could bring him up and find a way to get him steady playing time. nope. —they could send him back to the minors to learn 1b, as the team desperately needs a 1b.. nope. —they could call up a 3rd catcher, get his bat in the lineup every day, and put in a defensive replacement for late innings. nope. —they could bring him up and play him everyday at catcher until their ALL STAR catcher gets over the injury that’s killing his production. nope.

—they could bring him up, play him once a week and sit him on the bench the rest of the time. YES!

really…could someone explain the logic to me? i always thought we were a sharp organization. but they’ve positively mangled this salty situation.

By Bob, Journalist

June 18, 2007 4:14 AM | Link to this

Caleb, if ol’ Diz could pitch with a sore ankle, then I think that Smoltz should be able to put up with a little stiffness in his shoulder! Of course Dean wasn’t 40 at the time and that might make some difference, but still, this is a man’s game!!

Sergio, opine are opines but mine is that the team’s senior staff should include a resident, hands-on
psychiatrist/psychologist who would be expected to maintain a “first name/best friend” relationship with each and every player. The General Manager would define the actual role which would depend on the perceived importance of team chemistry to overall team performance … and the relative importance of what’s above the neck to that below, to individual player performance. To me, he would be the most player on the team.

Serbok, He knows what will give him the best chance of winning … you’ve been talking to Daddy again!

By serbok

June 18, 2007 4:28 AM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist The incredulity , of your auspicious transmogrifications , makes me literally , shudder in amazement! of how a serious “journalist” would even consider, the ramifications of said post? I Sir, post to you? here within The weather is here, I wish you were beautiful? :o) lol

By serbok

June 18, 2007 4:40 AM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist Your post~ to me somehow seems to attribute to me? He knows what will give him the best chance of winning … Maybe? But no~ I agree with Robert:o) He’s absolutely correct! I do admire your wordsmithing talents~ but at times~ you seem to have the frailty that I would say maybe 60% or maybe more bloggers have? There’s always been somethin about a mandelin? As the lemmings march to ~ wherever the hell they march to up there? LOL Bobby watches a good game!

By serbok

June 18, 2007 4:54 AM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist Perception as a general “rule?” Is predicated on the ability of the one whom may or may not? be doing the perceiving? Perception, IMO, Is based on lifes transgressions, regressions and progressions which lend to the perception of one’s self? Therefore hither to the projections that a so-called clinician? can technically only be based on one’s life experience? To put forth a philosophy that it would be beneficial, to All involved, that having said such amusement, may or may not be beneficial to the masses, that the clinician is trying to interdict, or let it flow like the rains of summer?

Is to me preposterous! In other words? Listen to Robert? LMAO!

By Bill

June 18, 2007 6:03 AM | Link to this

I like Halladay of Bluejays alot but I would go after Matt Cain of the Giants. He’s off to a slow start but he’s young and throws hard. If it took Salty and a prospect I would do it. I sure would hate to give up Salty but the Braves needs some good top notch pitching.

By David O'Brien

June 18, 2007 6:32 AM | Link to this

Caleb, John did contradict himself a bit, as you point out. He said several times he wouldn’t want to alter his mechanics to compensate for injury, because he could end up doing longer-term damage or putting rest of season at risk. But then he did alter them, by dropping down more with his arm angle. Afterward he said he was confident changing a few things like that, altering his repertoire and making any pitch necessary, because he’d done it before and knew he was capable of doing it.

Anyway, he told me Sunday he’s confident he can and will pitch with this shoulder soreness, that it didn’t get any worse Saturday and that he’s just got to be smart, come out when he needs to until it gets better, that kind of thing. he didn’t mention any possibility of skipping next start or moving it back (he gets another extra day of rest because of off day in schedule).

Alright, gotta go catch a flight home.

By Ron Roberts

June 18, 2007 6:44 AM | Link to this

The Giants aren’t giving up Matt Cain. He and Lincecum are part of that team’s long-term future. Two young starters with that kind of talent are definitely something you can build a team around, and as old as the rest of the Giants roster is, those young guys are going to be untouchable, I’d think.

By Ron Roberts

June 18, 2007 6:51 AM | Link to this

MLBTradeRumors.com* is reporting that the Mets are inquiring about Buehrle. I’d almost make a preventative trade just to make sure they didn’t get a guy of his caliber. He sure would solidify our rotation. Picture:

Smoltz

Hudson

Buehrle

James

Carlyle

Boy that rotation sure looks a lot better than what we’ve been trotting out so far, doesn’t it?

By ssiscribe

June 18, 2007 6:54 AM | Link to this

Happy Monday: New job starts later today, Braves and Red Sox with my best girl this evening and the children are at the grandparents’ house for a couple of days.

Think I’ll go pour another cup o’ joe and catch up on my blog reading. But a couple of real quick points:

— Gotta drop AJ down in the lineup. Bobby’s loyality isn’t good in this case. Sure, AJ is gonna go on a tear at some point in time, but he’s hitting .211. Can’t hit that guy fourth or fifth with the way he’s swinging.

— Another one-inning meltdown for Davies. But, would sending him to Richmond do any good? And, who would you call up? Boyer? Reyes?

— Can the Braves, as they are made up right now, win the World Series? I don’t think so. Can the Braves, with a solid starter in the No. 3 spot, win the World Series? Perhaps. Can they get there? Absolutely.

Food for thought as we reach the third week of June, and some teams start to realistically look in the mirror and realize their season will end on Sept. 30. For them, it’s 2008 already, or soon will be. But not for the Braves.

Atlanta would be eight games out in the AL East, seven in the AL West. But in the NL East, where, like the NL Central being average is good enough to stay in the hunt, the Braves are 1 1/2 games back. As poorly as they have played, as much as they have underachieved and battled injuries and slumps, the Braves are right there.

If Atlanta hangs close until the All-Star Break (the schedule is tough until then), and the Braves then get hot, the Braves will grab control of this thing.

Just my two cents worth on a really nice morning, the start of a day that will end with me in the upper deck in right field tonight.

Enjoy your day. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Soul Man

June 18, 2007 6:59 AM | Link to this

Maybe I’m grasping at straws here. Maybe I’m laughing to keep from crying. In any event, remember this Braves fans/MIB denizens: If the Braves can get into the playoffs (even if they have to back into them as many teams that have gone deep in the playoffs in recent years have done), you gotta like our chances. Sure, we ain’t looking too good over - what’s it been? - 70+ games but I like our chances against anybody when Smoltz is starting game 1 and Hudson’s starting game 2. Think about it. I don’t think I’m brewing Jones-Aid here, folks. If this team can get into the playoffs, I like our chances. Neither Smoltz nor Hudson has been perfect this year, but they’ve looked great more often than not. If one, just one, starter can shore up the third spot, watch out come playoff time.

By ssiscribe

June 18, 2007 7:00 AM | Link to this

Happy Monday: New job starts later today, Braves and Red Sox with my best girl this evening and the children are at the grandparents’ house for a couple of days.

Think I’ll go pour another cup o’ joe and catch up on my blog reading. But a couple of real quick points:

— Gotta drop AJ down in the lineup. Bobby’s loyality isn’t good in this case. Sure, AJ is gonna go on a tear at some point in time, but he’s hitting .211. Can’t hit that guy fourth or fifth with the way he’s swinging.

— Another one-inning meltdown for Davies. But, would sending him to Richmond do any good? And, who would you call up? Boyer? Reyes?

— Can the Braves, as they are made up right now, win the World Series? I don’t think so. Can the Braves, with a solid starter in the No. 3 spot, win the World Series? Perhaps. Can they get there? Absolutely.

Food for thought as we reach the third week of June, and some teams start to realistically look in the mirror and realize their season will end on Sept. 30. For them, it’s 2008 already, or soon will be. But not for the Braves.

Atlanta would be eight games out in the AL East, seven in the AL West. But in the NL East, where, like the NL Central being average is good enough to stay in the hunt, the Braves are 1 1/2 games back. As poorly as they have played, as much as they have underachieved and battled injuries and slumps, the Braves are right there.

If Atlanta hangs close until the All-Star Break (the schedule is tough until then), and the Braves then get hot, the Braves will grab control of this thing.

Just my two cents worth on a really nice morning, the start of a day that will end with me in the upper deck in right field tonight.

Enjoy your day. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Soul Man

June 18, 2007 7:03 AM | Link to this

Just realized The Scribe’s post at 6:54 touched on what I said. Sorry to repeat. Nice work, though, Scribe. Man, if you were a Cleveland fan, you’d have a field day creating some Tribe/Scribe moniker for their blog. Enjoy the java.

By TheCutMan

June 18, 2007 7:08 AM | Link to this

In the sport I know most about, Andruw Kervorkian (Where all rallies go to die)should be asked to ‘take a standing 8 count’.

Meaning, either being dropped to the #8 slot in the batting order, or asked to sit a few games on the bench in order to get his head and perspective right with the world. OR, both of those measures.

The guy is hurting the Braves far more than helping and I have to wonder just how long Cox can continue to be the loyal manager for an unproductive and rally-killing player?

By Ron Roberts

June 18, 2007 7:29 AM | Link to this

It’d be nice if Andruw would sprain his ankle “wink wink” and head to Richmond or Mississippi for a rehab assignment, frankly.

By Paladin

June 18, 2007 7:33 AM | Link to this

Y’all have been busy while the old knight slept. There are too many things to comment on but I will submit to Eric(who I hold in the highest esteem)the Elder. Yank-a(s) are denizens of the north who migrate down here. Dye-um yank-a(s) are ones who stay. And as the late and great Lewis Grizzard used to say, “If you don’t like the way we do things down here, Delta is ready when you are.”

By Greg

June 18, 2007 7:38 AM | Link to this

The amazing thing about this season is that a team this bad is in the hunt. I mean we really suck this year. No clutch hitting, back of the rotation might as well be throwing batting practice, and we strikeout at a prodigious rate. If we do get to the playoffs, it will be embarrassing.

By Soul Man

June 18, 2007 7:50 AM | Link to this

Greg, I confess I’ve thought the same thing. Sure, the Cardinals won the World Series last year, but no one thinks they were a great team nor will they ever. They got hot at the right time and got some breaks. If we get into the playoffs, it won’t be because we’re good; it’ll be because the NL East is the NL West from two years ago. It’s been so long, though, since we’ve won a World Series (or a playoff series for that matter) that were we to get some postseason hardware, I wouldn’t spend too much time feeling bad about it because we’re not a great team.

By ssiscribe

June 18, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this

Soul Man, thanks much. Yeah, Scribes covering the Tribe have went a long time without covering a World Series winner (1948, against the Boston Braves). This Scribe saw the Tribe fall short with my own four eyes 12 years ago this October. Obviously, that was an awesome moment.

(And sorry for the double post. Don’t know what happened there.)

Now, playoffs: I don’t think the Braves would get embarrassed in the postseason or not. If the Braves get good pitching from Smoltz and Hudson, they won’t get embarrassed. They might still get swept, but it won’t be as embarrassing as Chris Reitsma getting rocked in Game 5 in 2004, or blowing a five-run lead in the waning moments of Game 4 in 2005, or watching from home in 2006.

Now, Escobar: What can we do with this kid? He needs to play everyday. He’s not going to play everyday at third (long as Chipper’s healthy), or at short (All-Star playing there), or at second (potential All-Star playing there). Tough decision, certainly, because he’s played well. But with Salty into the rotation at first base, I think Escobar’s going to go back to Richmond.

—30—

By David

June 18, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this

Look, if McCann is hurt….REST HIM, let Salty play. Good gosh, the guy is not a .260 hitter and that is all he is right now and we need him healthy with how bad Andruw is.

By will

June 18, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this

By my count Andruw left 10 men on base in the last two games of the Cleveland series. Why is he not hitting eighth (or ninth with the dh)? Maybe that would wake him up a little bit.

By Stuart

June 18, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this

The boys looked a bit better this weekend. They played with a bit more fire and passion. I think you have to tip your cap to the tribe for the win on Sunday. Stuff happens in baseball.

I don’t know what to do with Escobar and Salty anymore. They are such good young players, but they are blocked by good players. Renteria is having a career year and McCann should get going anyday now, I hope.

What do the braves do? I just wonder if there is going to be anyone on the market pitching wise that will be worth the trade of the two young guys. I also dont want to mortgage the pondorosa on this flawed team for a shot at fleeting playoff glory this year.

I almost wonder if it is not better to keep Salty and Escobar, trade Edgar during the offseason, let Andruw walk and try and sign a SP or two, move Francouer to CF, and bring up B. Jones and shove him in RF, or a 3rd or 4th starter and someone like Ichiro or Hunter for center with the cost savings, which might not be enough to do all of the above.

Question for the panel, I am not in favor of giving up McCann, but if you can trade him and Edgar, saving 10 mil on payroll (or thereabouts) and get a good SP or postion player in the trade and the cost savings, do you do that and take your chances with the kids next year? (This question assumes there is a market for those two and anything that happens this year is a bonus. This is more of a long term type projection.)

Thanks, go Bravos

By Lee

June 18, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

IF the Braves somehow do reach post season play, perhaps Andruw can bust out like Beltran did a few seasons back with Houston and carry Atlanta. This may be the only way to justify the money he is going to demand next season.

By JR

June 18, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Oh Andruw. You have done it in the past but Bobby has got to move you down in the order. He’s as automatic an out as I’ve ever seen in my over 50 years of watching baseball games. Loyalty is wonderful but if the Braves are going to get to the post season this year management is going to have to make a tough call and move Andruw down to take the pressure off and give us a chance to win.

By JR

June 18, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Do not under any circumstances trade Escobar or Salty. These 2 guys are going to be superstars. The Braves management is too loyal to veterans whose skills are declining. We have too many good players sitting on the bench too often.

By Ron Roberts

June 18, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

Sorry, but this team would be far worse off if we didn’t have the consistently good-hitting Edgar Renteria in our lineup. Wouldn’t trade him for anything frankly; especially with the Red Sox paying some of his salary.

By Lee

June 18, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

Stuart -

I am also skeptical about trading Salty and Escobar. I would hold on to them for the remainder of the year and ride this team out and see what the results are. If we are talking about the future of the team and not the present I would trade Edgar in the off-season. McCann vs. Salty - I have said all along I would take Salty over McCann for the future but I do not see the Braves doing this. I hope Salty stays with the team as the everyday 1st baseman. Thorman is not superman at defense and his offense helps this team very little. An occasional homer is about the extent of it. I hope you are right with Andruw walking. He is going to be overpaid and the Braves just don’t have this type of money. He would be better off in a stacked power hitting line-up and maybe batting in the 6th or 7th position.

By Big Green

June 18, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

Some brief comments:

*Andrew is not in a slump…this is the kind of permanent hitter he has now begun. Yes, his flailing and awful pitch selection are obvious, but not as obvious is the fact that he has lost his bat speed—it’s gone and this kind of deterioration doesn’t return.

*Braves may be able to resign Andrew (if they still want him for defensive purposes) since he will finish around .215-.230 and 20 HR (if he’s fortunate) and won’t be worth twelve cents in the free agent market. Believe me, others now see his diminishing bat quickness.

*McCann may have lingering hand injuries, but his defensive deteroration blocking dirt pitches comes from a poor habit of using his glove to block and not shifting his body. His hitting and power have gone south due to giving up on the inside pitch too early and rolling over his wrists on outside fast balls instead of hitting to left as he did so well last year.

*Francouer is back to his old habit of swinging at the first pitch or very early in the count. Big mystery, however, is what has happened to his power? Rarely hits balls to the outfield wall anymore and, I believe, has one homerun in the last month plus.

*Thurman is going to hurt himself hitting his head with both hands everytime he makes an out. Great heart but a fatelly flawed swing.

By Ron Roberts

June 18, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Thorman’s mis-judging that bouncer to his side of the infield, have y’all noticed his bat’s awakened?

Last ten games: .333 average 2 HRs 2 2Bs, 3 RsBI

Seems the pressure of a looming replacement might’ve done tha boy some good.

By Lee

June 18, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

i know the bullpen, even with the injuries has been one of our stronger areas, but man, i really want to see manny acosta pitch. paronto has struggled here and there. that acosta guys numbers in richmond are tremendous. im surprised i havent seen anyone talk about him yet.

By Paladin

June 18, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

Some observations:

Andruw can nix any trade, and the way he is going no one, where he would want to go, would want him—for other than peanuts. So, the only way that Andruw is gone—let him walk at the end of the season.

Next, the quickest way not to get anything done is to make demands! or sign petitions. Yes, DOB has said that “some” of the players(?)read this blog. So, make your case in a reasonable and well-thoughtout manner(as some of you have done) and hope that the right eyes fall upon it, and that it is then brought to the attention of the right people.

That is my quick-hit method for blogging your way to the stars. With much respect for all—Paladin

By Ron Roberts

June 18, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

Why are y’all still berating Paronto? Check out his June stats…

7 games

1-0 2.00ERA 9IP 8H 2ER 1BB

He had a horrible May, no doubt. But he also battled an injury, too. Let up already. Paronto’s doing fine.

By Rick McNeill

June 18, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

It appears to me that our biggest problem is hitting coach Terry Pendleton. Andruw Jones is sure he can fix things without TP’s help (how’s that working out?) and Francour continues to be a first pitch swinger, as do so many other on our team. It is obvious that the players do not respect TP enough to follow his instruction, or his instructions are the porblem. Either way, it is a lose, lose situation that needs to be corrected.

By Efrim

June 18, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

Francouer 757 OPS

McCann 719 OPS

A Jones 707 OPS

They are hurting us. Although I’m sure DOB will disagree with me.

By jeremyoo7

June 18, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Please Trade Andruw Jones now before he losses all value and we lose him next year and get nothing in return!!!!!!!!!!!

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Big Green,

*I agree Andruw needs to turn things around but his struggles don’t seem to be because of a loss of bat speed. He’s still second on the team in homeruns and third in doubles.

If you take singles out of his slugging percentage (something sabermetricians call Isolated Power), you’ll see he’s still a capable power-hitter.

Also, as I pointed out last week, Andruw’s batting average on balls in play is only .240. His career average is about .280. Typically hitters will be around .290-.300. Eventually those batted balls will start to find holes instead of gloves.

*Believe me, Andruw is probably still one of the top three if not the best position player on the market this coming off-season. If he turns it around even remotely to his previous levels, teams will be willing to pay him.

*The Braves are in the middle of the pack in baseball in Wild Pitches and McCann has been basically average in allowing 4 Passed Balls. I don’t see where McCann’s defense is that bad as far as preventing Wild Pitches and Passed Balls.

As far as his hitting, yes, it’s a far cry from last season but he’s essentially what he was his first 200 or so plate appearances in the big leagues in 2005. He’s not really as good as he was last season but he’s probably not as bad as he is this season or as bad as we was in 2005.

By Kentavo

June 18, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Hey - I think the N.L. does okay when it really counts, we don’t need the stinkin’ D.H. Look at the WS winners from this decade, it’s pretty even, with Diamondbacks, Marlins and Cardinals winning.

By vlad

June 18, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

it really is time to bench andruw jones. put harris or francoeur in center and see if a week sitting down will help. other projects have to be addressed as well but there are too many to tackle at once. perhaps mccann could stand some healing time as well. it makes no sense for him to continue to play ineffectively because of injuries. cox’s loyalty is commendable but sometimes he has to realize that the team would be better off if he tones it down a bit [i.e. a. jones].

By Ron Roberts

June 18, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

DISCLAIMER Andruw Jones can veto any and all trade proposals.

By jeremyoo7

June 18, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

Please Trade Andruw Jones now before he losses all value and we lose him next year and get nothing in return!!!!!!!!!!!

By ssiscribe

June 18, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Hello, denizens. Taking a break to check out the discussion, as we draw closer to Chuck James @#$%^ getting it on with Curt Schilling tonight about 25 miles north of here:

For his injury woes, Paronto hasn’t had a bad year, guys. He’s just gotta keep that sinker down. He’s the double-play guy out of the bullpen. He’s not going anywhere. Even with Gonzalez hurt, I still think the bullpen is in great shape: Soriano and Wickman at the end, Paronto the sinkerballer, Moylan and his work, Yates and his stuff. McBride’s your lefty match-up guy. I’ll take my chances with this bullpen after what we were subjected to the past two and a half years.

Now, trades (noted transition by the transitioning Scribe): No way I trade Edgar. Maybe it’s personal bias. Maybe it’s the fact the BoSox pick up a big chunk of his paycheck through next season. Dude is a gamer. He’s the glue of the lineup, especially when Chipper is not in there. He’s underrated as all get out. Plays great defense. Great hitter. Plays hard. Veteran leadership. No way I deal him.

No way I deal McCann, either. I really believe he’s not a .260 hitter. I’m not sure he’s a .330 hitter, but I think .300 is very realistic, given his swing (when he’s healthy) and his approach. Plus, his prime is three or four years away. Love the way he calls a game. Defense is good and I think he’ll only get better with age.

So, what to do with Salty and/or Escobar? It’s a great problem to have. I think you may have to move one of them to get the third starter you need to have a realistic shot of winning the pennant and reaching the World Series.

Here’s the problem: Escobar would fit in nicely at third, and has when Chipper’s been hurt. With Aybar suspended, you don’t have a third baseman if/when Hoss goes down. Escobar is a shortstop by trade, so if you deal Renteria after 2008 (when his salary jumps and you’re on the hook for all of it), who plays short? Elvis? Lillibridge?

Salty eventually will fit at first base, with experience. If you believe Prado will develop into a good everyday big-leaguer, or if you put Lillibridge at second, you can move Kelly Johnson back to left field, and put Thorman in a trade now with Escobar and another prospect for that bonafide No. 3 starter. That’s a heck of a roll of the dice, I know, to put a guy out there with just a handful of innings at first base since high school, in the thick of a pennant race that, by all accounts, may run until the final minutes of September. I know this, folks.

But as good as Escobar is and will become, I think if somebody held a gun to my head and made me keep one and trade one, Salty is the one I would keep.

So, if you trade Escobar now, is it too steep a price to pay to try and win what is a weakened National League championship and play in the Fall Classic right now, with AJ in his last year with the Braves and Chipper getting older/frailer and Smoltz on the other side of 40? At what point do you give away a part of your future to try and win now?

Do we look back in three years and bemoan trading Escobar like we did last fall when Adam Wainwright was helping lead St. Louis to the World Series title? Or, do we look back in three years and be thankful the Braves traded Escobar for the pitcher that helped lead the Braves to the pennant and a shot at the world title?

It’s June 18. That bridge isn’t here just yet, but it will be soon enough. So denizens, if you’re the homeboy upstairs, what do you do?

—30—

By mel

June 18, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Sorry to hurt your feelings, Dave, but did you really expect to be treated any differently than any other media personnel?

The reason the Braves keep losing…Andrew can’t come through in the clutch. Now that the bullpen seems a little more consistent and starting pitching is getting a little more solidified, there is no reason other than not getting the big hits (not necessarily homers) at the right time and it seems like Andrew is usually the one at bat. It’s great that he saves so many runs with his Superman-like prowess but they still have to score to win. The Braves have always been too dependent on the home run. It’s nice (and unusual) to see some small ball. I’ve seen a lot more of that this year but we need to see a lot more. Come on, Andrew! Just get a base hit. It doesn’t have to be a home run everytime! Grow up!

By Amber

June 18, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

Aww, DOB - you’re our celebrity! I got all excited when your blog was mentioned on national TV!

Bobby, I love ya, but really. Please put Andruw hitting 8th so his damage is somewhat minimal!

No surprise, but ESPN shafted the Braves once again. Renteria’s throw from deep, deep short and Andruw’s “Superman” catch were more deserving of Web Gem status than other plays that made it. It was especially cruel having two Indians share the #1 spot.

By Efrim

June 18, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

ALL

Andruw is terrible, but McCann has been bad as well. Frenchy hasn’t been very good either. All of their OPS stats indicate that the whole middle of the order has been bad.

McCann has 4 home runs

Frenchy has 9 home runs

Andruw has 11 home runs

Where did the power go????

By geauxbraves2000

June 18, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Loyalty doesn’t get you to the postseason, winning does.

Geaux Braves!!

By Go Dawgs

June 18, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Dave,

(First time poster, long time reader.)

If it is possible, I want you to keep a running mental note during some of the upcoming Braves games of two things:

1) There are “outs” then there are “unproductive outs.” Seems to me where the Andruw is killing the Braves are with his strikeouts and doubleplays.

2) I don’t have the statistics to back anything up, but it seems like is behind in the count every single at bat, in many cases 0-2.

I am certainly not a fairweather fan and understand that this is the same guy that has carried us in the past, but it is getting a little disheartening when he is getting into Uecker territory.

By Ron Roberts

June 18, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Come playoff time, Scribe, the teams that win are the wins with good pitching, defense and timely hitting, usually. Thorman didn’t help the argument with yesterday’s mis-judgement on that tricky bouncer, but by and large, he’s our better 1B defensive option.

If we go out and get a veteran 1B at low-cost, and can put a Thorman/Escobr package together that gets us a 3rd starter, then I’m all for it.

But no way do I put a rook at 1B who’s hardly played the position. I just don’t see that winning a World Series. I swear, I still have Ryan Klesko flashbacks from the ‘98 NLCS against San Diego everytime I think of it.

Also, Kelly Johsnon came up through the system as an infielder, not a left-fielder, so moving him back to LF would be secondary, I say, to the idea of putting him at shortsthop (his natural position, by the way) if we shipped off Escobar for a deal this year and down the road had to find a replacement for Renteria. Just my two cents, abider.

By Paladin

June 18, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

I know this will go over the blog word limit but I think it is worth it. This is Yogi’s recent commencement address:

Thank you all for being here tonight. I know this is a busy time of year, and if you weren’t here, you could probably be somewhere else. I especially want to thank the administration at St. Louis University for making this day necessary. It is an honor to receive this honorary degree.

“It is wonderful to be here in St. Louis and to visit the old neighborhood. I haven’t been back since the last time I was here. Everything looks the same, only different. Of course, things in the past are never as they used to be.

“Before I speak, I have something I’d like to say. As you may know, I never went to college, or high school for that matter. To be honest, I’m not much of a public speaker, so I will try to keep this short as long as I can.

“As I look out upon all of the young people here tonight, there are a number of words of wisdom I might depart. But I think the most irrelevant piece of advice I can pass along is this:

“The most important things in life are the things that are least important.

“I could have gone a number of directions in my life. Growing up on the Hill, I could have opened a restaurant or a bakery. But the more time I spent in places like that, the less time I wanted to spend there. I knew that if I wanted to play baseball, I was going to have to play baseball. My childhood friend, Joe Garagiola, also became a big-league ballpayer, as did my son, Dale. I think you’ll find the similarities in our careers are quite different.

“You’re probably wondering, how does a kid from the Hill become a New York Yankee and get in the Hall of Fame? Well, let me tell you something, if it was easy nobody would do it. Nothing is impossible until you make it possible.

“Of course, times were different. To be honest, I was born at an early age. Things are much more confiscated now. It seems like a nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore. But let me tell you, if the world was perfect, it wouldn’t be. Even Napoleon had his Watergate.

“You’ll make some wrong mistakes along the way, but only the wrong survive. Never put off until tomorrow what you can’t do today. Denial isn’t just a river in Europe.

“Strive for success and remember you won’t get what you want unless you want what you get. Some will choose a different path. If they don’t want to come along, you can’t stop them. Remember, none are so kind as those who will not see.

“Keep the faith and follow the Commandments: Do not covet thy neighbor’s wife, unless she has nothing else to wear. Treat others before you treat yourself. As Franklin Eleanor Roosevelt once said, ‘The only thing you have to fear is beer itself.’

“Hold on to your integrity, ladies and gentlemen. It’s the one thing you really need to have; if you don’t have it, that’s why you need it. Work hard to reach your goals, and if you can’t reach them, use a ladder. There may come a day when you get hurt and have to miss work. Don’t worry, it won’t hurt to miss work.

“Over the years, I have realized that baseball is really just a menopause for life. We all have limitations, but we also know limitation is the greatest form of flattery. Beauty is in the eyes of Jim Holder.

“Half the lies you hear won’t be true, and half the things you say, you won’t ever say.

“As parents you’ll want to give your children all the things you didn’t have. But don’t buy them an encyclopedia, make them walk to school like you did. Teach them to have respect for others, especially the police. They are not here to create disorder, they are here to preserve it.

“Throughout my career, I found good things always came in pairs of three. There will be times when you are an overwhelming underdog. Give 100 percent to everything you do, and when that’s not enough, give everything you have left. ‘Winning isn’t everything, but it’s better than rheumatism.’ I think Guy Lombardo said that.

“Finally, dear graduates and friends, cherish this moment; it is a memory you will never forget. You have your entire future ahead of you.

“Good luck and Bob’s speed.”

By ECU Grad

June 18, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Scribe,

I’m with you on trading Escobar. Like you mentioned, what happens if Hoss goes down? That’s the biggest gamble with dealing him. We all know Orr and Woodard just can’t cut it.

What about we package Escobar and Willie Harris for Griffey? I know Willie is killing it right now and I’m going to get roasted for even thinking about trading him but follow me for a second. Willie is no .380 hitter, which he is hitting right now. Can anyone say Charles Thomas? Willie’s stock is probably as high as it’s going to get right now.

Besides, imagine this lineup:

2B K. Johnson SS E. Renteria LF K. Griffey, Jr. 3B C. Jones C B. McCann CF A. Jones RF J. Francouer 1B S. Thorman P

Let the bashing begin………..

By coachk

June 18, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

It’s time for a real mgr for this team and quit worring about feelings. Sit andrew, let willie witha 383 avg play center, Salty to catch and chipper to first, Yunel at 3rd that is your future, trade Mccann and Thorman for Harang in Oakland. Our pitching is not as bad as it looks if our mgr would learn small ball one run per inning not look for all at once. We don’t work the other teams we are so predictable, time to have a close door meeting and through someone on the carpet, I wish the new owners or John would blast someone. we are so laid back is why this team underperforms in post season, you had the greatest team ever for 14yrs and 1 championship, unexcusable, like how we are playing.

By LR

June 18, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Jeez, you guys are ruthless. How do you think Andruw is feeling? This is gotta be killing him. How easy it is for you all to forget what he’s done for this team in the past. He’s carried this team a number of times. I agree he shouldn’t be hitting clean-up until he figures out what’s going on, but really…some of your comments are heartless.

By Efrim

June 18, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

ECU Grad

Why bat McCann clean up? He has a 719 OPS and 4 home runs. He has been awful.

By NCBravesFan

June 18, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Go Dawgs -

I agree with your 10:09 post. Andruw seems to be in a habit of swinging at pretty much everything right now. Absolutely no plate discipline at all.

He and BMc and Frenchy need to get back to basics at the plate. I still think this offense as constituted can put up some big numbers, but they’re going to have to stop putting so much pressure on themselves individually.

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Here’s what’s going to happen: Everyone is going to hit like they should at some point and the Braves are going to be right there in the Wild Card race by season’s end (as they are right now).

Of course I’m sure we’ll still have people complaining about TP or whomever they want to blame.

By ECU Grad

June 18, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Efrim

I agree. That’s why I have Chipper hitting cleanup.

By Braveheart

June 18, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Home runs are down 15% across the NL this year. That could be one reason for the decrease in homers from Frenchy, McCann, and Druw.

But more importantly, I think mcCann is injured and trying to pretend he is not, frenchy is trying to adjust and grow his offensive approach so that he can become a better, more balanced hitter, and druw is just completely lost and clueless right now. It is very sad to watch him.

As for Frenchy, I think it is kind of cool that he is doing what he is doing, reinventing his swing and offensive approach. I think it is similar to what Tiger Woods did in reinventing his swing. It caused a lull in his career but he did it thinking it would make him better and more consistent long time. Hopefully, it will work for Frenchy as well.

As for McCann, I keep getting the feeling that he is too proud to ask out of the lineup or to be DL’d, he is too proud to sit on the bench while Salty shines at his position, but he is not too proud to put forth subpar defensive performance and average offensive performances for a catcher. Hate to say that about the kid. BUT if you read my posts a month ago, I said DL him then so that he would have been fresh by June 1st. They are just delaying the inevitable and his season is going in the crapper because of it. I wonder if the Braves would wait another 10 days or so to DL McCann, so that they can time it that he is DL’d for the 10 games right before the All Star break and will only miss 10 games on the DL instead of being on the DL for 15 days and missing 15 games otherwise or never going on the DL and getting himself recuperated.

I might also tell Druw to pull a hammy right around July 1st as well, get himself DL’d, and come back fresh after the All Star break.

Just a thinking and a speculating out loud.

By Ron Roberts

June 18, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

I’d agree with you, Shaun, except we’ve been thinking that about Andruw for a long time now, and he’s just getting worse - not better.

By Drummerdad

June 18, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Not sure I agree with the CutMan on sitting Andruw. The temptation and frustration would be incredibly strong. But, I suspect that Andruw’s glove in the field brings everybody else on the team a measure of confidence and security just knowing he’s there. Probably affects the game plan for the other team too. Conversely, that would help their game plan for pitching strategy these days too. I personally think the situation a good part of Andruw’s problem. The last time he came up on contract time (as we all know) he and his dad bypassed his agent and dealt directly with Schuerholz. And they did it early and got it done. This time he’s under a lot of pressure and apparently not dealing with it well. I wonder what Boras is saying to him these days?

By Bill

June 18, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

K. Johnson will never play outfield because of his shoulder. It’s 2nd or any position in the infield.

By Efrim

June 18, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Shaun

I disagree. I think Andruw will continue to struggle. I don’t think he will finish with a 709 OPS, but he will finish with a 750 OPS. And that isn’t good enough. McCann and Frenchy are also issues that will keep this team from winning the wild card.

By Larry

June 18, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Andruw Jones is looking more like Paul Blair (after he got beaned) than Willie Mays. Of course, if Scott Boras rep’ed Paul Blair, we would have heard how he was the greatest CF in history.

By TennesseePaul

June 18, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

DOB: Have there been any scans or x-rays or any medical imaging of some sort on Smoltz’s shoulder? All I keep reading about is his altered mechanics and pain. The last time this happened he needed surgery. You’d think they’d at least scan it to see whats going on in there. Especially after just extending his contract.

Payne: Here’s what’s going to happen: Everyone is going to hit like they should at some point and the Braves are going to be right there in the Wild Card race by season’s end (as they are right now).
So what we have to look forward to is the Braves hitting better but making no progress in the standings… That certainly should cheer everyone up. Puts it all in perspective. Reminds me of something Homer Simpson told Bart.
Bart: I’m disappointed in you man. You’re the one who told me I could do anything if I just put my mind to it.
Homer: Well now that you’re a little older son I’ll tell you the truth. No matter how good you are at something there is always a gazzillion people out there that are better than you.

By LT

June 18, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Over Andy,

You made valid points against my argument. I just get sick and tired of reading over and over how BC is the problem which I believe is nonsense.

The only silver lining I can see to AJ’s year is that at least nobody will care in the least when he’s gone next year.

Who knows? Maybe he’s like that bad relationship break up guy? You know that friend that never has the balls to tell the chick it’s over, but goes around sleeping with her friends until she finally dumps him.

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

We would think there has to come a point where Andruw will start hitting like Andruw. And I think it will happen eventually. Maybe he continues to slump for another month or another week but I think eventually he will break out.

Efrim,

The Braves are very much alive in both the divisional and wild card races so far, even with injuries and horrendous slumps. What makes you think two or three players that have shown they can perform in the past and who aren’t old, are going to keep this team from at the very least contending for a wild card spot. I can kind of understand a lack of optimism. I just don’t understand the extreme pessimism.

Why do you think those players will continue to struggle? Because I certainly see no reason to believe they will continue to be this bad.

Do I think Andruw will approach his career averages? Doesn’t look like it. Probably too late. But I see no reason to expect he can’t start hitting like Andruw from some point in the near future until the rest of the season. It’s just as likely (I would argue more so) as him slumping terribly for the rest of the season.

And McCann is probably not going to hit like he did in ‘06. He’s still young and it’s hard for any catcher to maintain that, much less one in his early 20’s.

By Efrim

June 18, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

Braveheart

Be careful what you say about McCann. This blog will label you a McCann hater, and that is unacceptable.

B Mac has been just as costly as Andruw. Look at the defensive miscues that McCann has had. Andruw is still saving runs by his defense.

They have hurt the team equally this year.

By Bob

June 18, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Kentavo,

I hate the DH too. I really think it ruins a lot of what is great about baseball. But unfortunately the players association is never going to let the AL get rid of it. Meanwhile NL lineups simply cannot match the AL.

Since 91, the NL has won 5 World Series. The Braves, Marlins (2) and D’backs all won with overwhelming pitching. The Cardinals won because they got hot and the Tigers imploded. During that same period the AL has won 10 World Series and many of them in 5 games or less. Over the past several years the AL has killed the NL in interleague play. I don’t want to go into the All Star Game results, but they have been even more dismal.

I think the DH really is crappy, but we have to face facts. AL teams can get along with less pitching because they don’t have to pinch hit for their pitchers. That adds at least one additional bat to the lineup. Then you add most of the good AL teams have a monster hitter in the DH slot…i.e., David Ortiz. NL teams cannot afford to pay someone those bucks to sit on the bench as a potential pinch hitter. The result is you get pretty weak benches and terrible mismatches when NL teams play in AL parks. The slight advantage of forcing AL pitchers to bat is far outweighed by the much stronger benches they have. Admittedly the Braves bench is bad even by NL standards, but nonetheless, I think it is about time to throw up the white flag and try to get our teams more competitive.

By Bob

June 18, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

DOB, This might be heresy, but lets go with it anyway. Do you think that Smoltzie might have asked to delay his start from Friday night to Saturday afternoon to allow himself to pitch in the Tiger Series? I realize that the shoulder is sore and I know he would never do anything to hurt the team, but it does seem interesting that by moving to Saturday, he is set to go on Thursday for the start of the Tiger series. Frankly, it doesn’t matter to me whether he would do that or not, especially since he has the Detroit and Michigan State connection. We need him regardless whether he pitches against Boston or Detroit.

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Well, I think the Mets are better than they’ve shown. I think the Braves should be about even with the Phillies, and the good NL West teams with the Braves probably having the upper hand.

The Braves are three-games back in the Wild Card race and I think they will be closer or leading at some point.

Another thing is the Braves haven’t played as well as their record indicates. Eventually their play will get better but there not likely to make a huge jump in the standings (although I do think they’ll jump up some in the Wild Card race).

This was my thinking. Sorry if I didn’t express it in depth in that post.

By Leo the Mazzone

June 18, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Do not worry braves fans I will be there soon. My good freind is about to be fired.

By Leo the Mazzone

June 18, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Do not worry braves fans I will be there soon. My good freind is about to be fired.

By Leo the Mazzone

June 18, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Do not worry braves fans I will be there soon. My good freind is about to be fired.

By Efrim

June 18, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Shaun

I think they will all play better. But I am more dissapointed in McCann and Francouer than I am Andruw. Why you ask?

Andruw is on his way out at the end of the year.

B Mac and Frenchy are here to stay for the future and they are not looking very good right now. I’m sure they will be better than what they have done to this point. But my point is that McCann, with his defensive miscues and lack of power has hurt this team just as much as Andruw, who has only been AWFUL on one side of the ball. He has been amazing in Centerfield. Lets just say our middle of the order has cost this team a lot of games. It is a problem that isn’t as well documented as the lack of pitching we have.

By David

June 18, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Why is McCann playing when he is obviously hurt and can’t hit nearly the same as before? Look at his stats since the “injury”. Rest him. Salty is healthy, that is what you have depth for. And the lack of power for Frenchy is a little questionable too.

By choppinmama

June 18, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

DOB: you’re probably home by now, taking a well-deserved snooze before heading to the Ted this afternoon.

I’ve been thinking that I can’t remember ever seeing Edgar interviewed. He’s so sure and steady on defense and has been on fire with the bat lately. When you have a few spare blogging minutes, can you tell us a little about his personality and what he’s like off the field? Give us a peek behind the uniform.

To our newly founded German club: my husband was born in Weisbaden, do I qualify for honorary membership by marriage? Ya or nein?

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Bob,

How do you explain the NL’s dominance in certain periods after the DH came in?

And believe me, if David Ortiz were in the NL, he’d be playing first everyday. Has little or nothing to do with the AL being able to get monster hitters to sit on the bench.

Look at a guy like Ryan Howard. You really think he would be playing first everyday for a lot of AL teams?

If anything, the AL should be at a disadvantage when they come to NL parks because they are either losing their DH or they are having to play a much weaker defensive player.

Also, most teams win in the post-season with overwhelming pitching/defense, not just NL teams.

I think it’s kind of silly for the two leagues to be playing under different rules but in a way I think it makes the game interesting. But I doubt it has much to do with the outcome of all the different types of interleague games.

I honestly just think AL teams generally have smarter management, have been luckier, and there are a few more “rich” teams in the AL and/or teams willing to spend their money.

I think if the DH had something to do with their dominance, the NL wouldn’t have went through periods of winning All-Star games every year and success in the World Series some of those same years.

By BamaBrave

June 18, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

LR… I respect your appreciation for Andruw’s past heroics, but I don’t really think he’s in some WiFi coffee shop this morning, reading this blog on his laptop…welling up with tears. On the contrary…he’s not listening to anyone these days. And that’s what has many of us frustrated beyond belief. He’s rapidly becoming the offensive version of Rick Ankiel…the Cardinal’s pitcher who simply lost the ability to pitch. Andruw’s demonstrating incredible selfishness and unprofessionalism by - apparently - ignoring all attempts by Pendleton to modify his approach at the plate. It’s not disloyalty when you have to demote a guy who’s barely hitting above the Mendoza line, and shows no signs of remorse or improvement. Bench him, Bobby. Please.

By Bob, Journalist

June 18, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

William Wallace, Home runs are down 15% across the NL this year. That could be one reason for the decrease in homers from Frenchy, McCann, and Druw

I admit that I’m just starting my first cup of coffee, but what are you suggesting?

CoachK, Our pitching is not as bad as it looks if our mgr would learn small ball

I admit that I’m still on that first cup, but are you and BraveHeart in some sort of conspiracy?

ECU Grad, That’s the biggest gamble with dealing him. We all know Orr and Woodard just can’t cut it. What about we package Escobar and Willie Harris for Griffey?

That would be neat … I’ve always wanted to see Junior play 3rd … do you Liar’s Poker … or is this your first visit to Vegas? I can see that Decaf ain’t gonna do the trick today!

Ron Roberts, no, not you too?!

“Andruw Jones can veto any and all trade proposals” … methinks that’s an awesome responsibility, especially if you include those made here on the blog. Maybe he would hit better if he just worried about himself and let JS do his job!

Finally, here’s something I can understand!!

Before I speak, I have something I’d like to say. As you may know, I never went to college, or high school for that matter. To be honest, I’m not much of a public speaker, so I will try to keep this short as long as I can

Coffeebreak!!

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Efrim,

But McCann and Francouer are about 3-4 years from what should be their peak seasons.

Maybe McCann and Francouer have hurt the team in the last month to month and a half but is there any reason to believe they will continue to hurt the team?

By BossLady

June 18, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

For those who believe that Andruw is overrated, then the balls that kept dropping in the Cleveland outfield which allowed us the two wins should tell you something. We would never have had all those missed balls and plays in the outfield. I was laughing very hard when they couldn’t have caught a cold out there must less a baseball.

By Braveheart

June 18, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

BobJournalist, just suggesting that you would perhaps expect a dropoff in home run production from them because home runs are down 15% across the league. What was worth 20 home runs last year is only worth 17 this year.

By Lee

June 18, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

The dominance favoring the A.L. as opposed to the N.L. in the World Series since 1991 can be attributed to one factor alone - that being the New York Yankees.

By TennesseePaul

June 18, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Payne: No need to appologize. You were thorough enough the first time. The team will hit better eventually but not gain any ground in the standings. This should cheer everyone up after a loss. It should be the tee-shirt slogan:
Don’t worry everyone, we aren’t going to move up in the standings, but we are going to look better treading water.

By Jimbo

June 18, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

I wonder if Bobby benches Fat Head Jones he will get annoyed enough to waive his 5-10 no trade deal?

By snh

June 18, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a big fan of Chipper Jones since he was the number 1 pick of the 1990 draft. Todd Von Popple who? It’s been great to have such a solid MLB player in the middle of our lineup for so many years. Here’s to improved health and many more productive seasons.

By Braveheart

June 18, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

TSHIRT: Join DOB & The Denizens As They Rearrange The Deck Chairs On The Titanic. …….. And Yes DOB Will Make Sure The Band Keeps Playing.

By Mark

June 18, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

This team has alot of talent on the team. Do you think that the team has an identity crisis? Or do you think that the team is in a little slump?

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Lee,

What about the dominance of the AL over the NL in interleague play and All-Star games and the World Series? I think that has to do with other factors besides one team’s dominance.

I think it has mostly to do with generally better management, luckier drafting and a few more rich teams.

Bob makes an interesting argument about the AL not needing as many pitchers because they don’t have to pinch-hit. But I think that is balanced out by the fact that there is no automatic out (basically) in an AL lineup like there is an NL lineup so pitchers probably throw more pitches and more high-stress pitches.

Also I’m not sure AL teams have stronger benches. If anything they may have weaker benches because they don’t have to spend the extra money on that extra pinch-hitter that would be required if you pinch-hit for the pitcher.

By Summerteeth

June 18, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

My question is…when you split a cab with Huddy, do you really stand there and try to decide who pays what when you get out, or does Huddy just drop a 20 spot and say don’t worry about it?

By Bob

June 18, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Lee,

I agree, the Yankees are the primary reason. But last I checked, the Yanks are in the AL and they count as an AL team. And the AL still leads without the Yankees. Should we throw out the Marlins for 2 of the NLs wins?

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

The Braves may move up but I doubt they’ll move up 8 or 9 games, that’s all I’m saying.

The Braves should play better and should continue to play around .530 ball, as they are now, which may be good enough to win the Wild Card. That is why everyone should be somewhat cheerful or at the very least not so pessimistic.

And everyone should be cheerful because the Braves have had injury problems, prolonged slumps, yet are still only 1-1/2 games behind the Mets and are only 3 games out in the Wild Card race.

The Braves record is quite good (too good) for a team with that amount of issues.

By iwalterp

June 18, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

About B.Cox and Andruw. I don’t think loyalty is the only reason Cox keeps Andruw in the lineup and at cleanup. BCox although spending over 20 years as a national league manager, just like W.Randolph has an Earl Weaver-American league mentality i.e. play for the 3 run homer to win. Both have guys (AJones & Delgado) who are stinking up the place hitting cleanup but they are capable and pose the threat of hitting that 3 run homer based on what they have done in the past. This is what has always bothered me about Cox. I think being perceived as a players manager has made many of his mediocre players play above their heads through the seasons so it has been a good thing over all. However his reliance on the homerun has been a detriment to the overall progress of his teams. Andruw Jones was a 5 tool player when he came up from the minors he could hit for average,run,throw,play defense and hit homeruns. BCox wanted him to hit more homeruns so AJones became a free swinger and foresaked the ability to hit for an average. Furcall was a 3.00+ line drive, hit to all fields player when he first got to majors. He hit a couple of homweruns and Cox said he could do this all the time from the leadoff position(i.e. R.Henderson of AL) Furcal started swingging for the fences and forsaked his linedrive hitting to all fields style. Marcus Giles was a line drive hit to all fields when he first got to majors. He hit a couple of homers right off and Cox said he could hit 20 homers from the 2 spot in the lineup on a regular basis. Giles stop hitting balls in the gap and started uppercutting the ball for a homerun swing. I know many will say T.Penndleton is the batting coach, but a plyer who makes $5-13 million a year is not going to change his free swinnging style b/c a $200,000 coach tells him to. Especially when he knows the manager who determines playing time, prefers the 3 run homer instead of station-to-station baseball. So far Renteria b/c he is a veteran has resisted going for the dowans at each at bat and still hits line drves and drives in runs. I hope McCann,Frenchy,Harris and Salty don’t get corrupted. Thorman seems to already have fallen into the go for the downs swing at each bat, instead of the swing that had him hitting at a high average in the minors.

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

June 18, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

DOB

Would Matt Morris interest the Braves? I know he’s making $9 million this year and next, but he’s under contract through 2008 with an ‘09 option. Plus, Andruw and Wickman money could help pay for him.

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Bob,

One last thing, then I’ll stop…

I guess there’s also a valid argument that an AL team playing in a NL park has the DH ready as a pinch-hitter. The problem is it’s probably more of a disadvantage to have the DH as a pinch-hitter rather than not having him in there.

For example, a few years ago when Frank Thomas was still going strong and the White Sox had to visit an NL park. They were forced to sit Konerko or Thomas. Yes, they have one of those players to pinch-hit but they are also without one of their best bats throughout most of the game.

So unless an AL team has a couple of versatile, good-fielding player that share time at DH, so that that extra player is guaranteed to play somewhere and upgrade the regular lineup I don’t see that the DH on the bench makes a significant difference.

By MBATL

June 18, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Shaun, curious as to what you mean by “better management” in the AL…

I think PAYROLL is the reason AL teams dominate in interleague play and AllStar games. (Part of the reason for higher payrolls in the AL is probably the DH, which is an added “high-dollar” position for some teams, but mainly it’s market size).

The Average payroll in the AL this year: $92,800,000;

Average Payroll in NL: $73,700,000.

Even if you take out the Yankees, the AL payroll is still $85,394,000.

And, 7 of the top 10 team payrolls are in the AL; while 6 of the bottom 7 are in the NL.

Give the average NL team another $19 million or so to spend, and I imagine the win-loss records would even up pretty quickly.

By choppinmama

June 18, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

For Sean, fellow stat-heads and other minutiae-minded, ESPN has a list of all of Bobby’s ejections, who made them and why.

There are quite a few “mystery ejections”, but a couple of the most interesting: some apparently vociferous bench jockeying, and arguing the decision to resume play after a rainstorm.

Ump: Let’s play ball. BC: Nah, it’s still too wet. Ump: Bobby, get your team on the field. BC: It’s a quagmire out there, looks like my pigpen at the farm. Ump: Bobby, you have two minutes to field 9 guys, the TV guys are screaming. BC: J##%%#@ F#@%%# C#@@%$! We didn’t bring our galoshes on this road trip, you wanna-be meteorologist.
(He just got personal, he’s in big trouble now) Ump: You’re outta heeeeere! Take your umbrella and get back to the clubhouse. Let’s play ball.

By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)

June 18, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Shaun the Braves are 7-10 this month and 14-14 in May , that .530 stat is based on the Braves 37-33 season record. Believe me when I say this , that stat won’t hold water considering who we are playing during the next six games.

By DC Braves Fan

June 18, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

We need pitching, a starter. But from where? It’s a buyer’s market for starters…every team could use a starter. And the teams that are out of it (Rangers, Reds, etc), want the farm, ie., Salty, Escobar, + other prospects - a little too much to give up for a 3-4 rotation guy. Now if a team wanted to give up a front end guy (e.g., Dontrelle, Rich Harden, Oswalt, etc.), maybe pull the trigger.

Realistically, I say we use the Nationals approach & make it an open audition for any available pitchers…the ol’ “throw it up and see what sticks approach.” Remember they were supposed to be John Patterson and a bunch of no-names (people taking the over/under on how many games they’d win? - Well, they have a starter’s ERA of 3.55 (5th best in NL). Who heard of Shawn Hill (2.70 ERA), Jason Bergman (2.76), Mica Bowie (3.78), etc. before the season started?

Looking at a list of “available” pitchers:

Pedro Astacio, Dewon Brazelton, Juan Dominguez, Jesse Foppert, Kevin Jarvis, Jose Lima, Joe Mays, Tomo Okha, Ricardo Rodriguez, Ismael Valdez, Paul Wilson - YIKES - NOT PRETTY!

But what the hell? Maybe one of these guys could “catch on”…somewhere GA native Kevin Brown is pitching in his basement. Can’t be any worse than Redman, Cormier…can it?

By Jim

June 18, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand the argument that teams need fewer pitchers with the DH. In the game yesterday, we used a DH and still had Salty and Diaz available on the bench, but with fewer opportunities to use them. (We could have used a pinch hitter for Andruw in the 8th, but his situation is an aberration.)

In an AL game, you can leave a starter in longer that is doing well but trailing, but, in general, it seems that you have more opportunities to change your pitchers (righty/lefty matchups for instance) and you have a need to keep the bullpen fresh. In the NL, you need pinch hitters to hit for the pitcher in different spots during the game. (Good) AL teams have a player like Ortiz or Giambi that can’t play very well in the field but only has to bat. NL teams cannot afford to pay a similar player who is only going to pinch hit once during the course of a game.

With a true DH and the regular lineup, there seems to be more opportunities to use the extra pitcher than to use the bench players.

If you have the 8 starters, the DH, a 2nd catcher, and 3 reserves you can carry 12 pitchers. To me the 12th pitcher would have more value to a team than a 4th reserve.

By Bob, Journalist

June 18, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Serbok, Thanks for the kind words … you are one with keen perception! I understand transmogrifies but what does auspicious mean? Are you casting suspicion on the sincerity and worth of my profferings?

Being a numbers man, I’m not used to being admired for any reason and it’s nice that somebody finally recognizes my talents. I knew a Mandelin once, back in high school … good looker who played the mandolin but she wasn’t a baseball fan … forget it, now that I think about it, her name was Madeline.

I frequently tell myself that The weather is here, I wish you were beautiful is at least of some small value … but myself and I can never agree on “what” that is … only that it might be one of the keys to the onion’s many layers; at least that is our hope.

We both wish the weather was here rather than there and were we to be granted two wishes, we would most certainly ask that you be accommodated regarding our appearance! I guess that’s being Royal rather Loyal but this is still only my second cup.

By iwalterp

June 18, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

The Braves need a veteran 4th starter.Smoltz, Hudson and James are adequate for the first 3. Davies(for now) and Carlyle are not good for the 4th spot. a possible trade that won’t cost the Braves Escobar or Salty would be for former Brave Matt Belisle of the Reds. The Reds are not going anywhere and possibly could use a switch hitting catcher like Pena and a AA minor league pitcher. Belisle is 5-4 and has pitched into the 7th inning most of this starts. He would make a good 4th option right now. Then the Braves could use Davies or Carlyle as a 5th starter.

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

MBATL,

First of all, take the Yankees and Red Sox and Angels out of the equation (and maybe the Mets and Dodgers in the NL) and see how the numbers look. It would also be interesting to look at interleague games not involving those teams and see who comes out on top.

Look at the AL teams that have been perennial contenders since around 2000. Of course you have the Yankees and Red Sox, but you also have teams with lower payrolls winning—A’s, Twins, Mariners are all in the top 11 in winning pct. over that time period. The White Sox won the World Series in 2005 after lowering their payroll. The Indians have been really good for a few seasons recently.

I think other teams trying to catch up to the Yankees and Red Sox certainly is a factor. But I think better management and/or getting lucky in the draft or with risky trades are bigger factors.

To answer your question: I guess it looks to me like there are more teams that don’t overvalue and overspend to get wins. There really aren’t many A’s or Twins in the NL besides the Braves (the Diamondbacks may be coming around).

By Bob, Journalist

June 18, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Terry Moore’s still confusing Mighty Joe Young with Barry Bonds … methinks it was more likely that steroids and not the Braves that took Bonds toward 756.

By choppinmama

June 18, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Sorry, S-H-A-U-N

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID),

But will it hold water over the course of the rest of the season? That’s a more important question. The next six games aren’t a lot in the grand scheme of things. Also, did anyone expect the Braves to take two out of three vs. Cleveland?

By Jim

June 18, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

We have one advantage this week. The AL teams will not be able to use a DH. That means that the Red Sox will have to choose between Youklis and Ortiz for their first baseman and the Tigers will not get to use their DH (or have to play him in the field.) With Youklis out of the lineup and Ortiz at first, the Red Sox lose one of their best hitters and have a defensive liability at 1B.

BTW, why was Travis Haffner not playing yesterday? Was he hurt?

By Lee

June 18, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Shaun / Bob

Agree that the A.L. has more depth in their line-up compared to the N.L. because of the DH. From what I have gathered - heard - read the DH is here to stay in the American league and the National league will never accept it. If that is the case I suppose the A.L. will always have the advantage as far as hitting goes. The N.L. will have to suffer the consequences of the DH if they are not willing to change and continue to let the pitchers bat. Even when the inter league games are played in A.L. cities the N.L. teams do not have an ideal DH on their team to match the DH in the A.L..

Shaun - If it is management skills in the all-star game that is certainly questioning Cox a little since he manage some of those all-star games. I remember the N.L. league dominated it for so long and now it is the opposite. I agree with you money, drafts and management and even a little luck have played a part of their success.

The Blue Jays also have 2 in the World Series as Florida also during this span. Looking back at the World Series I don’t have an answer. I still believe sometimes it is timing and a certain team gets hot at the right time. Even last year I have no doubt the Tigers were a better team than the Cardinals.

Yankees were a dominate force for so long kind of like Lakers, Celtics, Steelers, Cowboys etc…………………in other sports. I still feel like they are the main reason the World series got so log-sided for a while.

By Braves20

June 18, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Gone for a week. Don’t think I missed a damned thing. Davies still giving up 5 runs a game. W. Harris still making the front offices of both Sox look bad - but I did note that Thorman actually got a hit with a man on base. Now that’s one for the ages.

By Bob

June 18, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Jim, Supposedly the Indians wanted to hold Haffner out because he had been in a slump. That was only from the Braves pre-game crew so I don’t know if that is the Indians position.

I agree that the Red Sox are penalized by not being able to play both Youklis and Ortiz in Atlanta. But that is my point. I doubt Youklis and Ortiz would be on the Sox roster if there was no DH. I suspect one of them would have wanted to be traded. Most NL teams do not have the luxury of choosing between an Ortiz or Youklis.

Shaun, as usual you make good points. Clearly teams like the As and Twins demonstrate how lower salaried teams can win…although neither has won the big one lately. There is probably something to the smarter management argument. I still hate the DH, but it is here to stay so we really probably ought to have both leagues on the same sheet of music.

By Bob, Journalist

June 18, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, Thanks for the explanation, I assumed that to be the case.

I’ve just been impersonating myself the last few days … don’t pay me no nevermind … just pay me, I could certainly use the money. Hopefully, the reduction in homerun production reflects an attempt to play better baseball but bad habits are difficult to break and everyone needs to get on the same page.

Though offered in jest, I honestly just don’t see that the homerun production of other teams has that much to do with that of the Braves … unless per chance they’ve made changes in the ball without our permission and I would consider so doing unseemly.

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

Lee,

I mean front office, not field management.

I also think you can make some pretty valid arguments as to which side suffers most from playing under two separate rules and you can have some pretty valid answers to those arguments.

For instance, you say NL teams don’t have a DH-type hitter on their team. But most of the time they are going to lose a valuable cog in their offense when they play in NL parks. The Red Sox will lose either Ortiz or Youkilis or they lose a lot defensively by putting Youkilis in the outfield.

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Bob,

I kind of like the leagues playing under two rules. It makes the game interesting and gives us fans something to debate, I suppose.

But at the risk of PO-ing the traditionalist, I wouldn’t be opposed to the DH-rule in both leagues.

I mean, I can understand the argument that it’s tradition and that the pitcher is just as much a part of the team as the shortstop so he should bat, etc.

But in the NL, you know the pitcher is going to make an out about 84 percent of the time at best (judging by the numbers over the last few years). Does anyone really enjoy seeing an automatic out come up that often?

I have mixed feelings on the subject. I think there is something appropriate about a player in the field hitting. But I also don’t think it’s very entertaining to see basically an automatic out come up with two outs and runners on.

By John Tucker

June 18, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Trade Andruw and Thorman while you can still get anything for them.

Play Salty and Excobar; and if Johnson’s average keeps sliding, put Willie Harris at 2B and Diaz in LF every game.

It’s time to shake ‘em up and start over.

Perhaps an incentive program for walks would help the younger players draw more walks.

By John Tucker

June 18, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Trade Andruw and Thorman while you can still get anything for them.

Play Salty and Excobar; and if Johnson’s average keeps sliding, put Willie Harris at 2B and Diaz in LF every game.

It’s time to shake ‘em up and start over.

Perhaps an incentive program for walks would help the younger players draw more walks.

By John Tucker

June 18, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Trade Andruw and Thorman while you can still get anything for them.

Play Salty and Excobar; and if Johnson’s average keeps sliding, put Willie Harris at 2B and Diaz in LF every game.

It’s time to shake ‘em up and start over.

Perhaps an incentive program for walks would help the younger players draw more walks.

By Bob, Journalist

June 18, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

10Paul my 4:14 AM to Caleb was agreeing with you … and I think Caleb too … on the John Smoltz enigma, er that is … stiff shoulder condition. Methinks it’s something about which he, we, they, them should be more concerned.

Shaun Payne,
The Braves may move up but I doubt they’ll move up 8 or 9 games, that’s all I’m saying … when you’re down 1 or 2, it don’t take 8 or 9, mon ami.

By Lee

June 18, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Shaun - I got to admit I see your point on the DH. I cannot decide personally if I like the DH or not. It takes away managerial baseball strategy in baseball but yet I really despise most pitchers at bat. Like I said both leagues are head-strung about having and not having it until I guess it is about as equal parity as you can have at present time. . I have mixed emotions about it. I would assume most pitchers do not like it. It would hurt their ERA in the long run and I would think most of them would like to bat.

I am seeing the words Wild Card mention more frequency, even by some of your more optimist bloggers. The Mets may be a better team but they are hardly invincible by any means and once again the best team does not always win. Myself being a moderate pessimist I think the Braves may have a slightly better shot at the division than I do winning the Wild Card. I think the Padres and Diamondbacks will duke it out over the division and wild card slot.

. By the way for all of your Mets bloggers - What’s Up. Did New York put the Yankees flag back up or whatever the city does to celebrate the winner of that stupid subway series…..

By BossLady

June 18, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Sure we would like perfection in our Braves, however, we are not in the worst of teams. There are teams AL/NL in far, far worst position than the Braves. Can’t we just enjoy the wins and hope for the best after we lose? If this blog was used by MLB/Braves we would change players and the road from minors to majors would be very congested. Let these guys play and begin to work together. Call up this one, call up that one call everyone up. Change the batting order, change the rotation. Man, this is tiring…

By RotoRob

June 18, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

The Braves have a great chance to make a move on the Mets during his homestand. Too bad the first six are going to be pretty tough games. My take:

http://www.rotorob.com/baseball/braves-hanging-around-despite-skid/

By MBATL

June 18, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I’m a ‘traditionalist’, but it doesn’t P me O for someone to suggest the DH.

I don’t get a thrill out of watching a pitcher hit in the early innings. But, I do enjoy seeing which ones are capable of getting down a sac bunt when needed, or moving a runner up.

And I like the strategy involved in managing relievers/pinch hitters in the late innings of a close game. I just think the DH removes a lot of what I love about baseball… the finer points. But, just my opinion…

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist,

I didn’t say it would take 8 or 9 games. The context was that some people were in a panic over the Braves playoff chances.

I said the Braves are lucky to be where they are with the troubles they’ve had. They’ve played over their heads when you look at what they’ve gone through so we should expect them to remain at least roughly on their current pace for the rest of the season, which may be enough to win the Wild Card or quite possibly the division if the Mets and Phillies falter.

There, that was a better way to explain my points of earlier.

By B F braves fan

June 18, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one that’s noticed how bad Snitker has struggled in the third base box. It’s lasted from day one and I’m worried Bobby will stay with him till the end of the season. Anybody else ?

By Lew

June 18, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Who could we trade Efrim for?

By Kentavo

June 18, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Hey, Orioles are firing Perlozzo (or however you spell his name).

Mazzone said he’s the only reason he went to Baltimore.

Can we get him back if he quits?

By Bob

June 18, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

MBATL,

I definitely prefer every player in the field batting and the strategy that goes into double switch and so forth. I have always thought the DH as tacky…kind of like softball. I hope they don’t go to designated runners at some time in the future. If that ever came about, guess we might need Orr to run for McCann. Actually, I kind of agree with Skip’s idea of having the DH in effect in NL parks and the pitcher batting in AL parks during interleague play. Just something to switch it up a bit. Whatever, it makes for interesting discussion.

By Braveheart

June 18, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

As much as you all get angry with Andruw or Thorman or Mccann failing to come through, I get even angrier when a two out rally is brewing, 2 men are on, there are two outs in the fifth and here comes the pitcher. Rally over. THAT drives me more nuts than anything. I also think that most of the time when a pitcher comes through in that situation, it is based entirely on luck and not on skill. I would rather see my team win on skill rather than luck. That is why I would rather see the DH in both leagues. I could care less about all that strategical nonsense.

By Salty

June 18, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

John Tucker Your wrote: Perhaps an incentive program for walks would help the younger players draw more walks.

Ummm…why would you sit Johnson, then? He leads the team in walks, I believe…or quite close (not good at tagging from 3rd, though!).

By Caleb

June 18, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB. If Smoltz says he’s good to go like he was on Saturday, I trust him. Man, I hate to think about the Braves without John Smoltz in a few years. Inevitable, but still sucks.

By Efrim

June 18, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Lew

You got a problem bro?

I keep it real. The 4,5,6 hitters aren’t producing. Everyone jumps all over Andruw and lets Frenchy and B Mac slide. Its a f*ing joke. McCann hurts us on both sides of the ball. Andruw on just one side. Frenchy isn’t progressing.

I know what you’ll say, “McCann is hurt”. Well then he should be disabled and Salty should take over for now. A 719 OPS is unacceptable.

By beachcomber

June 18, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Braveheart - I had to respond to your call for a universal DH. That may be throwing the baby out with the bath water. The problem as you clearly point out is pitchers in general being unable to hit. That was not always the case. When both leagues hit their pitchers, we often saw guys like Bob Lemon, Dick Hall and others pinch hit in games. Our own Mike Hampton has done it many times in his career.

We’re somehow dropping the ball in our developmental programs where pitchers who were usually the best players on their team in their amateur days can’t hit a lick.

There’s no question that the present set-up fabvors AL teams. More hiting in the minors is probably the answer.

And while on the subject of the AL - another pet peeve - the rock hard infields in places like Tampa Bay, Minnesota etc. I would pay serious money to be the one who pushes the plunger when that freak dome in Minnesota is imploded in a couple years. And would pay a bonus if Kent Hrbek were in it - just kidding - sort of.

By Kentavo

June 18, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

I would rather see one of our pitchers at the plate than Andruw. At least some of the pitchers can make contact.

By David O'Brien

June 18, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Excellent submissions to the T-shirt contest over the weekend. Dramatic upgrade in quality and quantity over last week. Thanks much….

JOHN TUCKER, your points make little if any sense.

Trade Andruw while he “still” has value? He’s hitting .208, has the same 10-and-5 trade veto power he’s always had, and he’s a free agent after the season. Who is going to give you “value” for him in a trade right now?

And the Kelly Johnson thing is just not very smart. I have no earthly idea what you and KC are looking at, honestly. You’re watching a different player, apparently, because I can assure you that the Brave are thrilled with Kelly Johnson, whether you and KC are or not. And fortunately, your opinion will have no say in his job status:

You wrote: “If Johnson’s average keeps sliding, put Willie Harris at 2B and Diaz in LF every game.” Uh, he’s hit nearly .300 for the past month and has the fourth-highest OBP among NL leadoff hitters (.391).

By Braveheart

June 18, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Lavar Arrington supposedly got in a terrible motorcycle accident. He’s supposed to be in bad shape.

By Lee

June 18, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

One can compare a pitchers bat to Derrick Lee and Chris Young. A lot of swings but no hits

By David O'Brien

June 18, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Summerteeth, in answer to your question, Huddy just drops the 20 spot and says don’t worry about it.

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

Do you know how many catchers have an OPS of .719 or worse of the catchers with at least 150 plate appearances?

1. McCann is far from the worst catcher in baseball.

Thorman is the major problem. He’s been one of the worst-hitting firstbasemen in baseball. But he may turn it around. Like Andruw, his BABiP is extremely low. You expect some of those batted balls to find holes instead of gloves eventually.

By blaylock

June 18, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Get Andruw Jones’ no plate discipline having rear end the heck out of here already. Pitching is a MUST if the Bravos will contend.

Willie Harris can run down anything Andruw can get to and obviously looks like a big league ball player at the plate. Do that then you get Diaz in left everyday which is a must as well.

Point is andruw doesn’t care about staying here as he will be gone at the end of the season to the highest bidder. That’s a fact, don’t dispute it.

By Renegator

June 18, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

Carroll has a new blog up.

By Shaun

June 18, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the compliments yesterday.

It’s not hard to get passed third-grade logic to see that Bobby Cox is at worst a manager that doesn’t hurt his team’s chances to win in a vast majority of his games.

By Bob, Journalist

June 18, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Young Mr. Payne, I know you were addressing the other Bob who seems to have his head on his shoulders … but while my thinking seemingly reresents neither the conventional nor the traditional, the notion that it’s not entertaining to see an automatic out come up with two outs and runners on … is only true when it’s your team that adoin’ the hittin’!

Shaun, you know my views on statistics … it’s not the automatic outs, but rather the ones that are not automatic, that interest me … them and the hits. The worrisome thing always has been that I never can figure out which ones are going to be automatic. Count your blessings son, for if I could have done that, then Liberty would not currently own the Braves!

Much of the excitement in baseball comes from how what takes place now is impacted by what will most likely later take place … and … eliminating that, well personally I prefer lots of hazzards, deep rough, narrow doglegged fairways and small, lightning fast greens … and no, I don’t believe in square grooves and metal woods.

I agree that change is needed … I would like to see bats that don’t become lethal weapons … like with John Smoltz’s stiff shoulder, one would hope it doesn’t take disaster.

Of course, I must agree there is a big difference between entertainment and sport … but, for folks looking for entertainment, there’s always the movies and the Blogs!

Even in the movies, I never liked standins.

By Savannah Guy

June 18, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

DOB. Hey man…got your dart…er, point. No problem, no biggie, no offense intended, no rule intentionally broken, no harm no foul. Just silliness. Thought I read from you recently that anything political after midnight was perfectly ok. Guess I read wrong but whatever. Not really important. Thought it might add color to a perfectly ground-hogish, negative-tilting evening on the ol’ blog. Several were in serious after-loss perpetual should’ coulda’ mode.

As in baseball…each day the slate is wiped clean and we start fresh. Unless of course someone gets tagged with a fastball. No hits taken or given here so all ok and looking forward to seeing one of my favorite pitchers (Schilling) on my favorite AL team lose to my home team tonight. On paper, the matchup odds don’t look so good tonight…but it’s so skewed in favor of the BoSox, I predict an upset. Chuck, don’t make me eat those words…

By Stuart

June 18, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

How long can Andruw keep stinking it up? For as long as until he finally admits he has a problem. His little grins and Cox’s loyalty to Jones batting 5th will keep Andruw looking pathetic. Drop Andruw to no better than 7th. Let him relax, play defense and not worry about being the rally killer that he has been all year. Also the rest of the Big Braves - Frenchy and McCann need to step up. Chipper will be hit or miss. Regular hits will be fine, but he will continue to strike out or pop up when it matters most too. The Braves need to drum up some motivation. Cox needs an enforcer to go along with his den mother personality.

By Lew

June 18, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Efrim-You ask if I have a problem, Bro? Yeah. I usually do. Thankfully it’s only a trifled toe again and not some of your anally obsessive maladies. Dude, you don’t have a clue, as usual. McCann has been hurt, yes, but have you ever heard of playing through minor injuries? I seem to recall Dale Murphy in the lineup the day after receiving nine stitches in his hand. Everyone p!$$e$ and moans when Chipper misses a day. Do you think they will be any less upset because McCann is disabled? You just can’t have it both ways. As far as his offense, he is not up to last season’s standards, but if you check last year, he went on a second half tear to put up his numbers. As for his defense-have you noticed most of his passed balls seem to happen when Tim Hudson is pitching? Do you think it may have something to do with the downward motion and sink on Hudson’s pitches? Ya Think? As far as Francoeur, he’s hitting about 60 points higher than this time last year, has learned to take a walk and go up the middle and to right in appropriate circumstances. He also is 8th in the league in RBI’s, is on pace to nail well over 100 RBI’s again and leads the flippin world in two out RBI’s, making him one of the best clutch hitters in baseball. Yeah, I have a problem with your evaluation. As usual. Ya think? No, I’m not sure you do very often.

By P-Town Brave

June 18, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

WOW! Francona has J.D. leading off…their manager is smoking even more crack then ours is!

Oh…and FYI, Bad-druw has been dropped one whole spot to #6!