Braves

By TennesseePaul

June 22, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

DOB: thanks for the blog. Regarding the CD/mp3 business from the last. I couldn’t agree with you more. I have to have the physical aspect of the music. Collecting isn’t really something the mp3 age caters to. More like hoarding.
But I do back up everything I own on a portable harddrive so I can drag it to my mp3 players when traveling. The mp3 players work wonders on a bike. Can’t really bike around with a CD wallet and a CD player.

By BravesFanInRockies

June 22, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Greetings all,

FWIW, Cards got Maroth.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6950428?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=49

By John V.

June 22, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Any updates on the rumored trade of Buerhle? Are the White Sox asking for Salty or Escobar?

I’ll start your update with a quote from Schuerholz, “No comment.”

By blazerpunter

June 22, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Nice job DOB. I would love to see the Braves win 2 of 3 for about the next 5 or 6 series and see if we can’t gain the lead and stretch it out.

By Chris

June 22, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

First?

By rupert

June 22, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

DOB, do you think that having the mets struggling as bad if not worse than the bravos has elliminated the since of urgency that they would no doubt be playing with if the mets were merely playing .500 ball? It seems like they are almost accepting their inconsistencies because they are only 1.5 games out.

By sri

June 22, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

DOB.. Would the Braves ever consider trading Andruw this season or have they decided to stick it out with him until the end of the season and then decide his future? I know he is a 10/5 guy, but will they consider trading him (approach him with the notion of a trade). Would you consider that option?

By David-ATL14

June 22, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

What do you think the roster move today to accomadate Ledezma will be?

Devine back to Mississippi?

By 22oz

June 22, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

DOB is there any particular reason Francoeur is exempt from the day off? I think he could use one as bad as Andruw. He keeps admitting he’s tired in interviews, why doesn’t he get a day off? Its not like he’s Cal Ripken Jr.

By TennesseePaul

June 22, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Sweet, Maroth is out of the picture.

By BossLady

June 22, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

How did I do this? I can’t be first. I was just skipping around the Braves pages.

By DAP

June 22, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

yeah, forget about waiting till the nationals series to start winning. were taking 2 out of three THIS weekend! and andruw will be on his way back.

By geauxbraves2000

June 22, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Frenchy looking for … something: Jeff Francoeur says he just hasn’t felt right at the plate lately, and it shows

If he’d stop swinging at every stinking pitch maybe he could break out of it.

Is is me, or doesn’t the hitter have a better chance of getting a hit when he starts to recognize a pitcher’s pitches? What better way to recognize a pitch but to see a few each AB.

Geaux Braves!!

By SaltyWoody

June 22, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Salty And Woody: “Don’t trade us, we’re great together!”

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

sri… I believe it has been mentioned several times here that Andruw will NOT agree to be traded ANYWHERE. Plus: who would take him anyways? He’ll be a free agent after this season and who wants a .205 hitter for the remainder of the season and give up something for him?

DOB: after reading your stats on Buehrle, I am not so convinced anymore if acquiring him for one or more of our higher-end prospects would make sense. However, would there be anybody else out there at this point who could be a solid #3 starter for the Braves? I would assume if they found such a starter, it won’t cost the Braves too much (I hate the thought of parting with Salty or Escobar).

By Eric from MO

June 22, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

22oz when has Francouer said he was tired. I have never heard him say he was tired. He has said that there are the normal aches and pains that go through a normal season but nothing he needs rest for.

The reason the Braves and Mets are losing is because of interleague. Once interleague gets over with they will start winning again becuase the NL is weak.

By james

June 22, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

here’s a good response to stark’s book on jones:

http://sundaypaper.com/CurrentArticles/tabid/98/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/243/062407-SPORTSTALK-Stark-raving-mad.aspx

By james

June 22, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

here’s a good response to stark’s book on jones that even references this blog:

http://sundaypaper.com/CurrentArticles/tabid/98/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/243/062407-SPORTSTALK-Stark-raving-mad.aspx

By Lew

June 22, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Jersey On Your statement about the Braves scoring runs from the last blog. The Braves have scored 5 or more runs 31 times this season, winning 28 of those games. I would imagine this shows that if they score five or more, they have an excellent chance of winning the game. In the first 40 games of the season, The Braves scored five or more 20 times, or 50% of the time. Since then, in the past 33 games, they have scored that much only 11 times, or 33%. That is a substantially lower percentage leading to a greater chance NOT to win the game. Considering they scored NINE runs in at least two of those games and Fourteen in another, inflating their total of runs scored per average game, I’d say that is definitive proof that the Braves are NOT hitting right now. At the very least, it shows they have a much better chance to lose the game than the first 40.

By Shaun

June 22, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

The thing I wonder about from Buehrle is how much he’s benefited from good defense.

Looks like he just barely strikes out enough hitters to get by.

Like DOB said, how much do the Braves want to give up for a few months of a very solid but rarely dominant pitcher?

By Efrim

June 22, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

DOB

Any news on Chipper? Is he going to be in the lineup tonight?

By Jersey Gil

June 22, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Lew I agree with you…but..can you explain why we are 6th in NL in score run?….meaning the other team are in the same boat…that why we are 1 1/2 in the East.

By Eric from MO

June 22, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Lew- doesnt everybody have a better chance of winning when they score 5 or more runs.

By sri

June 22, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Thanks. GermanBravesFan.. Havent been to the blog in a while.. sorry to bring up a well discussed topic..

By TDub

June 22, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

We have an awful lot of SS/3B talent to trade - Escobar, Andrus, the kid we got from Pittsburgh… Seems like there would be some good fits for the ChiSox with Uribe stinking up the joint. But, given Buherle’s recent stats above and the fact that he can walk after this year, I don’t think a move for him will work unless we can immediately sign him to a reasonable long-term contract. Only problem with that, of course, is I doubt it would be reasonable. Maybe option #2 could be with the Cubs for one of the SS prospects and Salty for Rich Hill? That makes me worry too, since McCann is banged up and may need some rest. What about a trade with Cincy for Homer Bailey, or Lohse or Harang if they want a veteran?

By TDub

June 22, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

We have an awful lot of SS/3B talent to trade - Escobar, Andrus, the kid we got from Pittsburgh… Seems like there would be some good fits for the ChiSox with Uribe stinking up the joint. But, given Buherle’s recent stats above and the fact that he can walk after this year, I don’t think a move for him will work unless we can immediately sign him to a reasonable long-term contract. Only problem with that, of course, is I doubt it would be reasonable. Maybe option #2 could be with the Cubs for one of the SS prospects and Salty for Rich Hill? That makes me worry too, since McCann is banged up and may need some rest. What about a trade with Cincy for Homer Bailey, or Harang if they want a veteran?

By daniel

June 22, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

As if its not enough for half of the people on this blog to suggest trading Andruw, the AJC puts a poll on the front page asking whether the Braves should deal him. How hard is it for people to understand that he has the ability to veto any trade with his 10/5 status, and has said that he’ll finish this season as a Brave. DOB, can’t you at least ask for some help from you colleagues there at AJC.com

By brian

June 22, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

I guess we won’t be lucky enough to find some of the same type incriminating pictures of the Tigers GM and of Scott Boras (like Woodward, Orr,etc have against Bobby Cox) to make them agree to an Andruw Jones for Granderson and Miller swap?

Seriously this is a big series for the Braves - time to put up or shut up. They are going against another one of the AL Beasts and the Braves need to make a good showing after the last 2 shutout losses to the Red Sox.

Any word on the lineup tonight? Is Andruw starting? Is Salty getting the nod at 1B? Will Chipper miss the game after injuring his cuticle while cutting his fingernails? Will Chris Woodward use the evidence he has against Cox to get the “platoon” start over KJ?

By Lew

June 22, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Eric-Absolutely. I was following up on a statement from Jersey Gil on the other blog. He stated that the Braves were scoring runs-based on their runs scored for the season, compared to the rest of baseball and the NL in particular. I was trying to point out to him that yes, the Braves had scored runs, but not so much the past half of their season. My point was they weren’t scoring that much right now and when they did score, it was in clusters. I used the 5 run thing as an example of how many more of their runs were scored earlier in the season and how many fewer they were scoring in recent days. Jersey Gil-Yes, the rest of the east is struggling, which is the ONLY reason we are 1 1/2 back despite NOT scoring runs. We’ve been lucky. If the Mets had kept their act vaguely together, we’d be buried right now. If we COULD have scored runs, we’d have buried them.

By AthensBrave

June 22, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

DOB, you are the man and the Truckers rock!!!!!!!!!!!! Lets go Muther F’n Braves!!!!! Get it together!!!!! OOOOOHOOOHOHHOOOOH

By crippled inside

June 22, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

DOB-

Are you thinkin of making it for the Sunday show downtown athens? The Truckers made front page of the athens banner herald few days ago talking up Athfest. Sounds like they will be playing new s**. Mixing things up. P-Groove plays tonight and i saw you said something about the Whigs?? ive read Rolling Stone call them one of the big “new” bands about to break out.. i dont know s** about them. can you (or anybody) compare what their sound is like. do they sound like any other bands? thanks go braves

By 22oz

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

Eric from MO I have seen him say it on more than a couple of occasions on the Braves Live show. He said just this week how he was really looking forward to the off day. Plus it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see he looks exhausted.

By P-Town Brave

June 22, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

I’ve read that the opportunity may present itself for the Braves to get Garland instead of Buehrle and that would actually meet the Braves want to have control of the pitcher they trade for in 2008. Also, it has been said that he could be had w/o sending over Salty or Escobar and we could give them Lillibridge, Pena, and possibly a throw-in pitching prospect if needed.

For us to give them Salty or Yunel, they’d have to give us a starting pitcher AND a bat i.e. Konerko or something of the sort…

And I don’t know where he got this info from, but apparently Stark seems to believe the Braves have all this money floating around bc of Liberty…We haven’t seen it yet, but who knows!

Got any thoughts on this DOB?

By TDub

June 22, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

I was prepared to watch Andruw walk for more money at the end of the season, but I wasn’t prepared to actually be ok with him leaving because he’s doing so badly… If he does leave, I’d go after the Tigers’ Granderson or Milwaukee’s Hart, though both would be hard to get since team needs don’t stack up too well. Salty to Milwaukee might work but I’d only pull that trigger if we got Hart and Bush - and I don’t see them doing that.

By AthensBrave

June 22, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Crippled inside, The Whigs are a poppy/rock band, more on the pop side. I have not seen them since their front man, Hank, left the band as they were getting big…doesn’t make much since eh? They were good then and I hear that the replacement is good as well

By MBATL

June 22, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Lew, of course you’re right. Just like last year, we’re scoring less than 3.5 runs a game in June. That is not enough to win consistently.

Last year, we snapped out of it, and went 45-37 after June 30, despite a lack of great pitching - scoring 5.7 runs/game.

There’s not a whole lot we can do to “fix” our offense this year, I don’t think. We’ve just got to hope that the bats come around. If not, if we can’t score about 5 runs/game consistently, doesn’t matter much if we add a guy like Buerhle.

We’d need to add Santana and Peavy to win on 3 1/2 runs/game.

By Jersey Gil

June 22, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Lew Another good stats in the NL east LOB: Phila : 560 Marlin: 542 Mets : 533 Braves: 528 So we are scoring more and left less in Scoring position in the east.

By Bob, Journalist

June 22, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

I need to read today’s entries to the previous Blog, but want to first thank Jersey Gil, for his kind words regarding what I think was my 3:03AM post!

Thanks Gil! You know that it’s not considered seemly to acknowledge that belief, at least not publicly. I kinda liked that post too … it’s all the rest of mine that have me concerned!

It’s also best that you watch what you say because it’s words like yours that encourage folks like me to continue to make the effort; in spite of our many flaws and failures. That might not always hold you in good stead with others but it will always get you top marks from me!

Hopefully there’s at least a little of God to be found in everyone … look for it … the fact that it’s sometimes difficult to find doesn’t mean the search isn’t worthwhile.

This and That

Though political correctness seems to otherwise so say, methinks that its our differences that make us great!

Oswalt’s wasg etting so much press on the last Blog that I first thought they were rehashing the JFK Assassination … until I realized that they were talking Houston instead of Dallas.

While I don’t always agree with our General Manager, methinks he’s done quite a bit better than break even. I don’t know about such things but I’m told by some who have played and lost … that there are chess players who have been known to make some pretty indirect moves to capture the King. I guess that means that we probably need to wait until we see who’s been mated before passing judgment.

Reading about tomorrow’s game on the Braves’ site prompts me to say that I do seriously wish that young fans and young pitchers would realize that it’s our hitters that have to contend with the opposing pitcher … our pitcher’s job is simply to do his best to get the opposing batters out, regardless!

Indeed, our pitchers do seem to do a better job when the opposing pitcher is highly touted … just as the whole team seems to play to the level of the competition … suggesting to me that focus is good and underestimating your opponent is not.

Even if Paul never said it, I will … you don’t know the rest of my story and probably don’t care … but dollars will get you KKs that you will, if you stick around long enough.

By ChampDawg

June 22, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

The Braves track record of giving up young talent isn’t good. I really hate to say this, but I’d almost rather forget about this season and just ride it out and hope for the best. Don’t trade away the young talent!!!!!!!! Let’s deal with Andruw (and probably Hudson and Hampton) after the season and see what happens.

By JEB

June 22, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

The Braves “at Home” problems: These young guys like the attention they get and do NOT know how to say NO to the “PR” calls. So, when they are home - they get worn out running around for every cause and call they called to and the result is they are not rested, they are distracted, and not ready to play the games. They desperately need some time management skills and learn how to say “NO” and stay focused on the games. There is plenty of time for the other stuff when the season is ended! Just a thought…

By Josh C

June 22, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

In no way would I claim to be the lyricist on par with The Grinch and others, and this likely would have been more appropriate on the old blog, but here goes (and yes, I know the Series was actually 11 years ago):

Ten Years Ago (The Ballad of Andruw)

It was ten years ago, oh ten short years… Ten year old smiles have turned into tears…”The Future” they called me, Hall of Fame was the word… Tore down Ruth’s house as the baseball world stirred…

Then food as my drug took a hold on me, and work was a four letter word… My high profile agent with greed as his game, compared with greats until laughter was heard…

‘Cause I ain’t the Say Hey, and Aaron I’m not… One week I’m cold, but then some days I’m hot… And at thirty years old I’ve taken my shots… But over the years I’ve perfected my trot, Oh you ain’t gotta run when you’re into that trot… Oh how I long to be able to trot…

So I swing from my heels to deliver the blow, that just might bring back ten years ago…

By Warren Haynes For President

June 22, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

We need to get a third starting pitcher. Everytime someone not named Smoltz or Hudson pitches I can’t help but think of the saying “Spawn and Sain and pray for rain.” Thank the lord no one else is worth anything in our division. What is it about June that has caused this collection of players to tank two years in a row?

DOB - how upset are you that Jason Isbell left the Truckers? Outfit, Decoration Day, GD Lonely Love, Danko/Manuel, Never Gonna Change are some of my favorite DBT songs. They just won’t be quite the same without him. Here is a Cooley song that has been stuck in my head for a few days…

Love Like This

Coming home with a bottle, trying not to break the seal. This Friday evening traffic’s about enough to break a man’s will. And I can’t wait to see you and see how your week has gone, and tear into Old No.7 and make love till dawn. But your Mama she’ll be calling, if she ain’t knocking on the door. And it won’t take me long to remember what I brought that bottle home for. And we’ll all get to fighting, just like we always do. And by Saturday morning, I’ll be singing these blues.

Last night I slept with my boots on again, one cut on my forehead and one my chin, on the hard old floor with nothin to cover up with. You got me real good, girl, and I must admit, you pack purty mean punch for such a pretty little dish. And it’s a shame to know most folks don’t ever know love like this.

Come Monday morning, I’ll be sore to a fare-thee-well. Cussin’ God and America, wishing them both just to send me off to hell. But the boss man don’t want no excuses when it comes time to get on the clock. And without that paycheck, I’d lose the rest of what sweet love I got.

Last night I slept with my boots on again, one cut on my forehead and one my chin, on the hard old floor with nothin to cover up with. You got me real good, girl, and I must admit, you pack purty mean punch for such a pretty little dish. And it’s a shame to know most folks don’t ever know love like this.

By Shaun

June 22, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Jersey Gil,

LOB is a stat I wouldn’t pay too much attention to. Often times the highest scoring teams are going to leave more runners on because the highest scoring teams are most likely to be the teams capable of getting on base often.

Found this on Baseball-almanac.com:

The 1976 Reds left 1328 runners on base, most in NL history. They also scored 87 more runs than any team. the most all time was 1334 by the 1941 St. Louis Brown who finished 3rd in the league in scoring.

The 1957 A’s left the fewest runners on, 925, and they finished last in scoring.

By Kentavo

June 22, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

I can see a scenario - and others here have mentioned it - of A.J. signing a one-year deal just so he can stay with Bobby, who may retire after 2008.

I can’t say that I really want him anymore, but if he’d take a one-year deal at $10 mil, then maybe he’d get more motivated to have a real contract year.

By ernesto

June 22, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Hopefully Sheff looks at this as a big important series.

That should make his bat go away entirely for the next 3 days.

By Ron

June 22, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

DOB, you were talkin about when the Braves traded Doyle Alexander for John Smoltz. I believe if we trade Salty for Buerhle that might come back to haunt us big time!!!

By Robert

June 22, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Shaun - a few months ago, you were telling us that the Devil Rays should jump at the chance to trade Carl Crawford for several prospects

Crawford is a player entering his prime, who offers the rare combo of average and speed that can ignite a team, who is signed to amajor bargain of a long term contract, and whose team does not have realistic playoff hopes.

Basically, he is the offensive equivalent to Oswalt.

So you think that the Rays should tarde Crawford in a heartbeat, but that Oswalt isnt available.

Nice 180

All I’ve ever said is that for either of these guys (or for any true stud) the Braves should be willing to give up whatever it takes in terms of prospects.

I think the Rays wouldve been foolish to make the Crawford trade, as I think the Astros would be foolish to trade Oswalt,for Salty, Excobar, and name your next favorite prospect -

I fail to understand why you, however, have either reversed your thinking, or feel differently about two stud players who are in similar situations and who could both help the Braves tremendously

Actually,I dont fail to understand it at all. You’re a smoke blower. Most folks who use sabermetrics in their arguements are smart - so I am thinking that you full well know how madly you misrepresent and intentionally misinterpret the sabermetrics you present -

You’re hoping your audience is a sucker for a guy who throws around fancy figures

If I were in Houston’s front office, I wouldnt trade Oswalt for what we’d offer, but guess what - if I had been San Diego’s front office, I wouldnt have traded McGriff for Nieves and Donnie Elliott either.

If I were the Braves, I’d sure as heck sniff around and see if there’s a way to ask nicely. The worst they can say is no

Buehrle aint the answer

By Jersey Gil

June 22, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Bob Journalist Wow you blew my head….. ChampDawg I’m with you..i always say fix the problem with the minor league…all the other team are jelous of the Atlanta minor league system…don’t trade anyone…everyone need the same. i will signed off for today i going to the Shore this weekend but i will watch my Atalnat Braves games. GO BRAVES

By Beau Vighn

June 22, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Escobar, Willie, and Salty should all be untouchable. Trade some of this excess baggage not producing if you want a player. Having said that, I’m sure JS will package the above mentioned 3 players for a washed up pitcher. It will make it easier for JS jr. to get a shot

By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)

June 22, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

MBATL , exactly ! In April the Braves were scoring 5.36 runs a game , then in May they dropped to 4.32. So far in June 3.45 runs per game and it can all be traced directly to Andruw’s season long slump , Francoeur’s recent slide during the past 28 games and Chippers absence during his stint on the DL. Factor in the fact that Andruw and Francoeur are the two top RBI bats and it’s easy to see why the offense is in such a funk. Fixing it isn’t easy and until somebody figures(the coaching staff) it out , this team and the entire season are in serious doubt.

By Billy Knight

June 22, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

I don’t know who the Braves might trade for. But if I was going to trade jobs and be the Braves GM, I would make sure we traded for a 6’8”, 225 pound small forward to play pitcher. And don’t worry, if I was the Braves GM, I would have a plan. Once we freed up that money, we would start signing people. Just you wait. Someday that money would be freed up. Liberty Media would love me just like the cheapskate Atlanta Spirit chumps love me!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

June 22, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Warren Haynes:

Danko/Manuel is my all-time favorite DBT song, but if you and DOB keep posting lyrics like that, you’re gonna cause me to start drinkin’ way too early today.

By Robert

June 22, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

“Dueling slumps: It’s not as deep as Andruw Jones’ epic slump, but the Mets’ center fielder, Carlos Beltran, is struggling almost as mightily this season as the Braves center fielder (I said almost).”

There’s a big difference. I dont have the USA Today handy at my side, but in their daily team by team liner notes, today’s Mets blurb mentioned how Beltran was working on being patient and using the whole field.

Meanwhile, we in Atlanta have to understand that Andruw’s just a pull hitter who is gonna use his off days to not worry about his hitting

By AZBravoFan

June 22, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

I really think the offense will be fine, IF the pitching is corrected. Right now the Braves are struggling mentally because they are being put in early holes by the starters. Sometimes really big holes. It’s demoralizing when you know you’ve gotta get 5 before you even grab a bat. But in games when the starters keep it close deep into games, the offense has shown the ability to get what they need to win. Take the Johan Santana game. If Hudson had put down a 5-spot in the first inning, does anyone think the Braves would have gotten a runner past 1st base in that game? Not likely. But since they knew Huddy was mowing ‘em down, they could relax and scratch out a couple runs for what should have been a rousing victory. Same goes for the back end of the game. Remember last year when the offense had to overcome deficits 2 or 3 times in the late innings in order to win games? And sometimes even that wasn’t enough. (remember Jorge Sosa in Yankee Stadium?….sorry) That’s really demoralizing to young hitters. But now when the game is close and they get a lead, you can be reasonable sure that the bullpen will hold. A lot less pressure on the offense. So, JS has fixed the back end of the game. Now it’s time to get their rotation in order before the Mets and Phils do, or it’s gonna be another long summer.

By Bob, Journalist

June 22, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Mobile Gun For Hire, everyone’s old enough to remember Dr. Pepper and 10 - 2 - 4! Aren’t they?

I remember a saloon that had a Dr. Pepper vending machine … 6 cents … I was just a young boy and couldn’t go inside, but the machine was located near the back door … and I sneaked in and made about 6 hauls a day as they were so cold that ice crystals formed inside … the best of the best!

Methinks the logo and advertising stopped because doctors started recommending that folks follow my lead and drink 6 instead of 3 … and they didn’t have anybody on staff that could come up with a good line. That and because the Pepsi communists complained it was part of an unfair capitalist plot.

However, I would have thought you would prefer Double Cola.

Regards,

The Dr. Pepper Kid

By Ron

June 22, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Robert Agreed with almost everything you said in your 3:54 post, except why would the Astros not take Salty, Escobar, Devine, and one or two of our Young Prospect Pitchers!!! Like you said they aint gonna win this year, and with all of their holes on the field they probably aint gonna win for awhile!!! What good is a TRUE #1 Starter if you have Absolutely no one to fill your Major holes!!! And there Major holes is Catcher, Third Base, Potential Closer, and one or two Pitching prospects to replace Oswalt!!! I think it is a WIN WIN for Both Teams!!! And yes it is easier to find a Bat than a True #1 Starting Pitcher, but these players that we have, has the ability to become great!!! Like I said what Good is a #1 Starter if you have Major holes on your team!!! We match up as good as any team with the Astros!!!

By David O'Brien

June 22, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Warren Haynes, I agree. About five of my very favorite DBTs songs were written by Isbell. Saw him solo in Orlando during spring and he was very good. Looking forward to hearing his solo album.

Hey, we’ll see how they soldier on. Won’t miss him so much with the guitar, I’d imagine (always can find great axmen), but with the lyrics. Great songwriter.

By Robert

June 22, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

“Robert Agreed with almost everything you said in your 3:54 post, except why would the Astros not take Salty, Escobar, Devine, and one or two of our Young Prospect Pitchers!!! Like you said they aint gonna win this year, and with all of their holes on the field they probably aint gonna win for awhile!!! What good is a TRUE #1 Starter if you have Absolutely no one to fill your Major holes!!! “

Well, that one aint a black or white question I dont believe.

And that’s exactly the point of view I’d be expressing if I were trying to sell the trade to the Astros - We’re your friends and we’re here to help

My personal view counters with what good is filling a couple of gaps if you dont have a number one starter, cuz I think pitching is 70 percent ormore of the game. And beyond that, you can give up all five of those guys and you might not fill more than one of their gaps

I also am of the mind that we call em prospects meaning that they arent good yet. Only a very small percentage of even top prospects go on to become players of Oswalt’s stature. If I have a winning lottery ticket, I dont cash it in and use the funds to buy three or four or five more lottery tickets.

It goes back to what I suggested - that it wouldnt hurt to ASK about Oswalt

By Arkansas Hillbilly

June 22, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Hey, we’ll see how they soldier on. Won’t miss him so much with the guitar, I’d imagine (always can find great axmen), but with the lyrics. Great songwriter.

DOB,

Isbell’s replacement is John Neff. He has sat in and played some pedal steel on “Blessing and a Curse” and “Gangstabilly.” I’ve heard he’s real good but doesn’t write songs. I posted a plea for you to attend Athfest and give us a report on the new DBT lineup in the last blog, but I guess you didn’t catch it.

By BamaBrave

June 22, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

I’m glad Maroth is not available…I agree Ron…Buehrle ain’t the answer… It’s going to take an Oswalt or Dontrelle Willis to give this team a shot of adrenaline…

By Bob, Journalist

June 22, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Josh C, you don’t have to take a backseat to nobody son!

We talk a lot about the need to make adjustments … there’s also much to be said for “if it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it!” It’s a shame Andruw listened to the wrong advice … when was it you said … 10 years ago?

Jersey Gil, in the old days, you had to be careful when paying compliments for fear it might be an imposition on the recipient to be forced to visit the Adam’s hat store. We should all take better advantage of the fact that times have changed and most folks no longer wear hats, except maybe cowboys and girls on Easter.

By ncscoots

June 22, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Folks, I enjoy out-of-the-box thinking as much as the next guy, but this is starting to get goofy:

What about a trade with Cincy for Homer Bailey, or Lohse or Harang if they want a veteran? Absolutely, hopefully at the moment before the GM is laced up in the strait-jacket and hauled away.

For us to give them Salty or Yunel, they’d have to give us a starting pitcher AND a bat i.e. Konerko or something of the sort Yes, Ken Williams salivates over the idea of giving up two impact players for a SINGLE prospect. Make that call immediately.

*Salty to Milwaukee might work but I’d only pull that trigger if we got Hart and Bush - and I don’t see them doing that. * Good insight. Even Steve Phillips wouldn’t make THAT trade.

why would the Astros not take Salty, Escobar, Devine, and one or two of our Young Prospect Pitchers As a WAG, because Tim Purpura hasn’t yet undergone a lobotomy?

And for the folks who actually posted this stuff, I’m not trying to rail on you individually (honest). But these were typical of the last few days, and, well, Holy Cornelia, but it’s starting to border on the bizarre, LOL. Back to planet Earth, whaddya say?

And please, save me from yet another left-handed thumber who will be a rent-a-player to boot. I quote a better man than I: “Buerhle ain’t the answer.”

By ssiscribe

June 22, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Hey folks, top of the afternoon from the home office. Watching Buehrle pitch on WGN. Gave up a 424-foot bomb to Soriano and an opposite-field shot to Ramirez to start the game against the Cubs, but has settled down.

Still, don’t know if you can deal for that guy unless you can lock him up long-term, and why would anybody want to sign a long-term deal in July when they can pitch great down the stretch and name their price with somebody else in December?

Now, Andruw (noted transition by the Scribe): Robert couldn’t be more dead-on with his statement. I am so sick of watching AJ try to pull every pitch 450 feet down the line. He’s a mess right now. I’m hoping the past two days will help him have a fresh approach when he takes the field tonight, but I won’t hold my breath. True stars adjust. Don’t see AJ adjusting to anything right now except life at the Mendoza line. Sad.

Now, weather (noted transition by the Scribe): hotter than a scalded dog out there. Must drink lots of water this weekend (may go to the game tomorrow; may buy a gallon of water to take with me). And how do Scribes keep the cheese from spoiling in such heat?

Ah, a question to ponder on a Friday. Selah.

—30—

By Ron Roberts

June 22, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

The stuff from today on the last blog just shows how silliness can just start with one insane thought and snowball into an avalanche of “We should go get Oswalt!”

That was a good half-day of wasted blog space, wasn’t it?

Now let’s discuss some realistic possible rotation upgrades.

Did John Schuerholz *really say Oscar Villareal is better used as a mop-up guy than a starter?* Fellas (and Carolina Lady) we’re 4-21 in games Oscar pitches in; usually because we’re already in a deep abyss (that’s a fancy word for “hole” for those who scored below 1000 on the S.A.T.) by the time he enters. Frankly, I don’t care what JS said on the radio this morning; Cox is the field manager and he didn’t close the door to the idea. I say if Schuerholz doesn’t or can’t make a deal to upgrade this rotation with something decent, ya have to use Oscar in a more meaningful role. The dude’s got a 3.65 ERA. That would be third-best in the rotation. I actually look upon that with high regard, since he’s usually coming in to face lineups that are apparently lighting it up when arrives. That’s usually why he gets the call.

Just seems like a waste of his efforts, to me. Four wins in his appearances out of 25. Yuck. Did you also know that the’s the fewest amount of appearances among all of our bullpen regulars? Just a waste of good effort.

I just don’t understand how we’ve dealt with nearly half a season of Redmans, Lerews, Carlyles, Davies, etc., and not once considered using the guy who did well when we asked him to step into the rotation in a pinch last season and continues to do well this season as well. Anybody else have a rational explanation?

Anyone?

Bueller?

By Efrim

June 22, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Why is everyone talking about Oswalt being available? He isn’t. That is a good contract and that team needs him. He isn’t coming to Atlanta.

Salty for Willis

OR

Escobar for Buerhle

I’ll take Buerhle. Check Willis’s number out. He hasn’t been that good and there is worry that his arm might not hold up.

By Aaron

June 22, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

You guys thinking of traiding Yunel are smoking crack. Old man jones isnt going to last long at third base and we need him to be there.

By Kentavo

June 22, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Did Detroit deal Maroth to make room for the Gambler?

I hope the Gambler has flashbacks tonight to the NLCS when he walked in the winning run.

By Drew

June 22, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, read what you wrote about wanting to have CDs as opposed to downloaded music, and loved the reference to High Fidelity. Very true. Great movie. Would you consider High Fidelity to be a dude flick? My buddies and I decided that it was probably the male equivalent to the chick flick.

By Ron

June 22, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Robert you make good points no doubt about it!!! And you are right Prospects are Prospects, they could become Great or not, you never know!!! Its kind of like when we traded LaRoche to the Pirates for there Closer, what good is a great closer if you dont have enough offense, and aint good enough!!! In that situation, they were better off with a Position player!!! Same thing with Oswalt, if you dont have enough offense to score I dont care if you have Roger Clemes, Cy Young or whoever you just aint gonna win!!! But like you said it aint gonna hurt to ASK about him, the worst they can do is say NO!!! See man you actually have good points about baseball, if you just leave Cox out of your posts more often!!!

By Paladin

June 22, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Bob,Jounalist And why, great guru, do you think that I would prefer Double Cola? Actually, when I was living in Atlanta and, also when I was near N’Awlins, I preferred good Root Beer. But, none of the stills in this area produces that product. So, Dr. Pepper is the closest substitute. Anyway, may I approach the throne and hear the answer to my question and receive your blessing, O great one? Genuflect-genuflect-genuflect.

By Efrim

June 22, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

There isn’t anyone better than Buerhle available in trades. Make the deal.

You can’t complain about Kyle Davies, but then say we shouldn’t trade a prospect for an established pitcher like Buerhle.

He isn’t an ace, but we don’t need him to be. #3 starter!!!

By Jim

June 22, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Why would the Astros consider trading Oswalt? The only reasons a team might consider trading a young # 1 starter would be

1. He is approaching free agency and they don’t think they can afford to keep him. If that is the case, then the Braves will only be renting him until he goes to the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, or an LA or Chicago team. If the Astros can’t afford him, we sure as heck can’t either.

2. He is a small-statured, maximum effort pitcher whose thrown a lot of innings the past few years and his long-term durability is in question. If that is the case, do we give up a prospect like Salty to get him? His numbers this year are not as good as they have been in the past, and perhaps that is an indication of why the Astros might be willing to trade him.

The hype about Dontrelle Willis seems to hide the fact that he has not pitched like a #1 or #2 starter for the last two years. I think he is way over-valued, and while an upgrade to the back of our rotation, I don’t think he is much of a difference-maker this year, and will be approaching free agency in 2 years -> we won’t be able to keep him if he proves to be anything more than mediocre.

By Warren Haynes For President

June 22, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Arkansas - I love Danko/Manuel as well. It was initially my favorite off The Dirty South. Also, go on and knock one back.

DOB - I agree that we will not miss his guitar but lord he wrote some great lyrics and I like his voice. I am gpoing to NYC this summer for three days on business and I found out today I’ve got a free Truckers show up there from 7 to 9 and then Jason is playing across town at 10:15. That was some great news and I will see them both.

By Kentavo

June 22, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Yeah, whoever floated the Oswalt idea, why not go for broke and say we’re gonna get Halladay and Harden, too?

By ncscoots

June 22, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Efrim, I can’t too excited about a trade made because, as you say, “There isn’t anyone better…available.” Around my place, we call that damning with faint praise.

By Ron Roberts

June 22, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Something to watch out for, kids… now that the Cardinals got Maroth, don’t be surprised if they made a play for Buehrle, too. Alluva sudden, they’ve re-built their rotation with two serviceable starters, to go with Wainright and Braden Looper. They’re only 7.5 games back of the Brewers and 8 back in the wild card. They’re not quite out of it, yet.

Plus, with the Dodgers alluva sudden needing to replace Jason Schmidt, we’re gonna have to compete with their prospects to get an arm, and that might mean giving up sometihng very valuable in order to win the White Sox (or Marlins if Dontrelle really is available) over.

And, of course, the Mets don’t seem interested in standing pat, either.

By Jim

June 22, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Detroit has an awesome offense, but they have an Achilles heel — their bullpen. I hope, that with Rogers making his first start of the year tonight that our hitters will show some patience and drive his pitch count up and get into that pen by the 5th or 6th inning.

By CovNews

June 22, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

DOB and the rest of the blog Some of the papers out of Chicago have pointed out that the White Sox might trade any or all of their starters. The guy at MLBtraderumors points out that they could package two of them in one deal and get a hefty return in the process. So what would the Braves be willing to give up for Buehrle and Garland? Would you guys give up Salty in a package for the pair? How about Buehrle and Garland for Salty, Davis, Devine and Lillibridge? Buehrle walks after this year, but Garland is under contract still.

By Ron

June 22, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Efrim hell no we should not trade a Young Starter like Davies for Buerhle, that is stupid!!!

By hal

June 22, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Last (and only) time Smoltz is starting against his hometown team its ugly but its a daytime game against a cellar dweller and he’s coming off a Cy Young season but he hasn’t got his stuff and the Braves suffer their heaviest defeat of the entire season. Ok we’re back at the Ted but this time its night time and Smoltz is ten years wiser and the Tigers are hot and the Braves are crap. Figures to be a home win.

By BamaBrave

June 22, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

I’d like to b#tch and moan a bit about one of the main reasons why we’re all desperate to get more pitching…the meltdown, the buzzkill that is Tim Hudson!!! Add Buehrle to the current mix and what do we really have? Smoltz would still be the only stud…the only reliable stopper. But if Hudson was even earning half of his #@%&$#@ salary, we’d have a nice one, two, three punch which would make slumps much less likely. There also wouldn’t be as much pressure on Davies, James, etc. and it would be a great playoff rotation. Hudson apparently was quite the negotiator when extorting his $40-plus million contarct with JS…a real pit bull. Well, g**dammit, start earning that dough, Hudson. No more excuses. We’re looking for a #3 starter, but it’s past time for #2 to step up.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 22, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

and what is a good root beer? this journalist is also fond of root beer. is it barq’s? a&w? frosty? hires? ibc? dad’s? mug? what is the root beer of choice of the bloggers? journalist believes this discussion has taken place before but remembers no winner. and what root beer does wicky drink? would be good to know. and is root beer appropriate at dinner? in a bottle or a glass? and who has a root beer cap or bottle collection? (betting on bob on this one). and if chipper ordered a root beer wouldn’t it sound something like this, “uh, root beer, please.” and this journalist must say that barq’s has bite. and do the tigers drink root beer? perhaps some stale root beer delivered to the visitor’s clubhouse …

By Chop Chop

June 22, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

If the Braves add Mark Buehrle, what is Bobby going to call him?

Yeah. I thought so.

By TennesseePaul

June 22, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Often times the highest scoring teams are going to leave more runners

Payne: I’m not going to say that LOB and runs scored go hand in hand, but can it be said “often times”? Everything I’m seeing says, “who knows”, so to speak. Leave ‘em on or not, doesn’t really effect the outcome. That is to say, you listed the Browns with leaving very few on, but ending last… What I’ve seen is, leave ‘em on, knock ‘em in, isn’t really a complete sign of the offense… whole sale. (Ugh… just finished 3 pitchers and the fingers are real fat right now. I’ve hit the back space more than ever.) Anyway, I’d think a more accurate way to look at it would be some sort of percentage or ratio of ability to get guys on and then in. A team that can’t get anyone on obviously isn’t going to score that often. But a team that gets ‘em on all the time and never in, probably isn’t going to win any titles either. I’d venture a guess that a team that is good at getting on, and hits well with RISP or runners on, wins more frequently than a team that gets ‘em on, but never in.

Re-reading this is atrocious so I hope you can gather what I’m saying. Gotta go get another pitcher… look forward to the response this evening… perhaps tomorrow morning/afternoon… we’ll see. I’ll play it by ear.

GO BRAVES

By Ron Roberts

June 22, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Good one, Chop Chop!

By journalist jimmy smith

June 22, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

chop chop makes a good point. cannot trade for buehrle now. burly belongs in the pen.

By Paladin

June 22, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Barqs is acceptable, but there is one that you can get in the Central Market to accompany your Muffeletta that is better. In my “senior” moment, I can’t think of it. If I do, maybe I can talk Grinch into making a Smokey-the-Bandit run for some of it. However, haven’t heard from Grinch in several days since he set out on a similar run to deliver dark St. Paulies Girl to Colorado. Maybe Buford T. Justice got him, this time.

By Marty

June 22, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Why do some people always insist on demanding that the Braves acquire players who aren’t available? Yes, we’d all like to get Oswalt, but you might as well ask for the 1995 Greg Maddux, because we have about the same likelihood at this moment of acquiring the former as we do the latter.

That having been said, while I think that Dontrelle Willis might be a nice gamble, I don’t want to give up the farm to get him. Sure, he was very impressive in his rookie year, and he wasn’t awful in 2004. He came back with a great year in 2005, before having a relatively mediocre 2006 season. So far this year, however, he has looked very bad (4.90 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 1.52 K:BB), and now he may be injured to boot.

Mark Buehrle, on the other hand, has been deceptively good this season. Sure, he’s only 4-3 (probably about to be 4-4), but his peripheral numbers have been excellent so far. Including today’s start:

93 IP, 81 H, 35 ER, 13 HR, 17 BB, 60 K, 3.38 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 3.53 K:BB

Sure, the homer rate is a little higher than one would like ideally, but it’s not terrible, and most of those homers have been solo shots (including the two he allowed today). In fact, when you look at his career stats, it appears that last season may have just been an off year, and that he has returned to form this year.

I think that Buehrle would come more cheaply than Willis, too. That’s not to say that I would turn my nose up at the opportunity to acquire either of those guys for a reasonable price. I don’t want to give up much for Buehrle, either, frankly, if we’re only going to have him for the rest of this year.

Suffice it to say that this decision, as with most others in this game, is not as simple as it appears.

By A-ville Ranger

June 22, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Hooray ! Hooray !! we’re all go’na die.You say yuck,I say suck let’s call the whole thing off.Who’s worst ? you want the truth ? you can’t handle the truth!!What was the question again ? Don’t look now but Philly wins the east by default.

By Eric from MO

June 22, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Lew exactly. Francouer said he was looking forward to the off day. Not that he needed to take a game off.

By brian

June 22, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

nice post ncscoots - I have been guilty as well but you are right on.

Also right on with Buerhle - for a rent a player better be a middle prospect if anything

By Paladin

June 22, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

As for what BC would call Buehrle: Bobby is the 800lb gorilla; he would call him anything he wanted to.

By N8

June 22, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop

“If the Braves add Mark Buehrle, what is Bobby going to call him?”

Uh…..Markie?

Sounds good to me, only this ain’t no “fun bunch”!

By bravesfan

June 22, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB what are the roster moves and what is the starting line up for tonight’s game?

By Ron

June 22, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

I would much rather hope we could get Oswalt than talk much about trying to get Buehrle!!! Buehrle aint gonna help us do jack crap this year!!! Yea he will be our #3, but he aint worth what we will end up giving up!!!

By Robert

June 22, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

“Yeah, whoever floated the Oswalt idea, why not go for broke and say we’re gonna get Halladay and Harden, too?”

Halladay we should ask about. Harden is making about a sixth of what the Oswalt or Halladay make, so that’s not gonna be an option

By Robert

June 22, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Ron, I agree with you, but I’d trade Davies for Buehrle in a heartbeat.

I cant imagine the White Sox are gonna trade Buehrle for nothing, however.

By David O'Brien

June 22, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

Just spent 45 minutes waiting to talk to Chipper after batting practice when the clubhouse reopened, only to have him send word through a PR guy that he wasn’t going to talk. Only about 5 TV crews and 10 reporters waiting in the clubhouse. Oh, well….

He’s got a strained abductor muscle (same thing Paronto had) and is day-to-day. Sorry, can’t get any more specific than that. DL’s a possibility, but really too early to know.

Oh, and Devine SENT DOWN to Double-A to make room for Ledezma.

Lineup: 1. KJ, 2. Escobar (3B0, 3. Edgar, 4. Andruw, 5. Francoeur, 6. McCann, 7. Diaz, 8, Thorman, 9. Smoltz

By Robert

June 22, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

When the team was 24-12, Hudson was being predicted to finish the year with a 1.50 era.

Since then, the team is 14-23, and Hudson is now called more or less a bum

Andruw - 3 total bases in his last 37 plate appearances

By Ron Roberts

June 22, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

I’d trade Davies for Buehrle in a heartbeat. I cant imagine the White Sox are gonna trade Buehrle for nothing, however. - Robert.

…and Davies is about as close to “nothing” as there can be, these days, pitching-wise.

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

send chipper down to AA, his body cant hold up to the demands of MLB anymore. This is ssssssssssssaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaadddddddddd. And please send AJ to curacao, i dont care how many runs he saves with his glove, im sure is not close to 100 and his Ks and smile are like a spreading virus to the braves. I wouldnt give up to any of our pitchers, that includes cormier. But it is clear front office needs to get help 1 good starter, maybe a #2starter. as far as the hitting, i thing everything would be alright as far as AJ is not in the lineup.

By Ron Roberts

June 22, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Ugh. No Chipper, eh. Gonna need Smoltzie to shut out the Tigers, apparently.

Don’t forget… Three of our next four games are against lefty starters.

Grab your air sickness bags; it’s gonna be a turbulent weekend.

By Robert

June 22, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Andruw is hitting cleanup?

Just shaking my head and laughing.

A guy with an OBP under .300 and a slg pct under .400 is penciled in as our cleanup hitter.

Brilliant

By journalist jimmy smith

June 22, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! an abductor bone! and what is an abductor bone? “what?” “what, baby seal?” oh, an abductor muscle. that is better.

with all these mysterious bones in chipper’s body (hammock bone, for instance) it is good to know this latest injury is merely an abductor muscle. healthy thumbs and healthy toes will take a player only so far when that player strains an abductor muscle. oh, the humanity! and now, therapy … what is the prescribed therapy for such an injury? and let us hope it is not the musculus abductor hallucis - the abductor muscle of the great toe. if so, dob will get the story and tell us. and perhaps doc will weigh in as well …

By james

June 22, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Dob do you know what happened to Tommy Hanson? He hasnt pitched in over a week.

By Bob, Journalist

June 22, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Marty, it’s a nice warm fuzzy knowing you can’t be held accountable and your judgment can’t be effectively challenged unless unless your suggestions are effected.

Better yet, in these environs, if they are and unfavorable results ensue, you can easily get out of Dodge or change your mask.

By rotomeister

June 22, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

I keep asking myself what Andruw has done to warrent being re-inserted into any slot of the lineup other than 7th or 8th. He needs to stay there until he comes around, just like Torre did with Abreu for the Yankees earlier this season. Teams do it all the time. Once Abreu started hitting he was reinserted into his normal slot. However, it makes no sense to move a hitter back to their normal slot when they haven’t had a hit in 18 at bats.
I don’t understand this one at all even if Chipper is back on the shelf.

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Robert…

Not sure if it’s the first time, but I do agree with you on the decision to bat Andruw 4th… sitting here, scratching my head…

If Chipper goes back on the DL, then we are in REAL trouble.

By Bob, Journalist

June 22, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

David O’B, somehow I have the feeling that your heart’s not exactly in it … did the PR guy say that Chipper said he wasn’t going to talk as in “I’m not talking and you can’t make me?” … sounds rather confrontational to me!

Maybe Bobby said “Jone”, you’re not playing and Chipper just thought he meant him … though I see Andruw’s evidently in his usual slot.

Hopefully it’s not too serious … but, seriously, is that typical behavior for Chipper … not meeting with you guys under such circumstances? Seems atypical.

By rupert

June 22, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

DOB, what’s up with devine? what would have to happen for him to get a SERIOUS look? seems like guys like paronto etc. keep getting opprotunites, while a kid with a strong arm who seems to have righted the ship, but is yoyo-ing betwen AA and the majors anytime someone gets hurt.

By Ron

June 22, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

Andruw battin 4th, What the hell!!! Why did BC even move him to 6th in the order the other day? I just really start shaking my head every now and then when this crap happens!!! Loyalty for BC seems to be above winning!!! I respect BC but this loyalty crap has got to stop!!! Bat Andruw 7th!!! JS thank you for trading away Langy, because if you did not BC would still be STARTING him in LF against Righties!!!

By Brian P

June 22, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

With all of our offenseive struggles.Wouldn’t it make sense to work with McCann for a week at first base then have him and Salty rotate every other game between 1st and catching…This gets both of their bats in the lineup together and gives McCann a chance to get healthy and not take a beating every night…Send down Orr bring up Pena..Then package Thorman and Davies for a solid #3 starter ..DOB your take?????????

By tvsportscaster

June 22, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Chipper Jones has to be the most fragile human being in the history of the world. He can breathe hard and get hurt.

By A-ville Ranger

June 22, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

With the latest not so Chipper report on our brittle third baseman.I have to wonder if there’s some flaw in his preparation.It really is getting to where the question of whether he should be moved to a less demanding position or either traded to a AL team,should be seriously discussed .

By Ron

June 22, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

The more I look at it, man would it even be worth it to trade for any rental whatsoever? I dont even know about giving up a midlevel prospect, because Chipper STAYS HURT, and Andruw who knows about him!!! It might be better if we keep what we got and if we make any trades, it needs to be a low trade, because with the Jones’ boys hurt or struggling we aint gonna look to good when the Mets start winning!!! No matter who we get as a rental!!!

By Rosalynn

June 22, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Ah am distubhed about this lineup tonight. Alreada, Ladah Buhd Johnson is ill and now Ah am ill, too. Imagine batting that boah cleanup against the Tigahs! Whah, Andrah has not had a hit in so long his tattoos are stahting to get moah attention than his bat! Maybah Andrah can tattoo a pitch tonight and restoah his rightful place in the lineup. Ah asked Jimma if he thinks Bobba is right about this and Jimma just said he nevah second guesses anahone. Jimma has a big ol’ bag of goobahs and a Co-Cola out so Ah know it must be close to game time. Ah must call mah bookah while theah is time.

By Austin

June 22, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

That Andruw for Magglio trade rumor from a couple years back sure does sound good about now dosent it?

By Fed up

June 22, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Boy, just heard that John and the Braves just signed Thompson from the junk yard. More reruns….AJ strikes out in the clean-up spot and Cox picking his nose again. Mark and DOB wanting to know why more people don’t go to games, just open your eyes,the Braves suck right now.

By Ron

June 22, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Guys, what would be the point in trading Davies for Buerhle? At least Davies is a serviceable 5th Starter for us!!! If we trade Davies who pitches 5th- Carlyle-Hell No, then who, exactly we would still be in a situation where we need another starter!!!!

By Robert

June 22, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

“Not sure if it’s the first time, but I do agree with you on the decision to bat Andruw 4th… sitting here, scratching my head…”

Why are you scratching your head?

Does it itch?

By Ron

June 22, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

Wow we just signed Thompson, another injury proned player, gotta love that!!! Well whatever!!! This Lineup is gettin comical with Andruw battin 4th!!!

By Rosalynn

June 22, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

Dick Chenah was in town todah to visit Kennesah Battlefield. Unfortunatelah, that boah is a Yankah and he came heah to a reunion of descendants of the 21st Ohia, who fought in the run-up to the Battle of Atlanta. No wondah that boah didn’t tell anahone he was comin’! Might as well go down to Turnah Field and root for the Tigahs while he is heah. And slap some babahs. And pull on Chippa’s abductah.

By Josh C

June 22, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Ron I think 2+ runs per nine and pushing Chuck back to number four would be the point. Carlyle would be fine at no. 5- he’ll keep you in the game two out of three starts and wouldn’t make the playoff roster should one be needed…

By MEB

June 22, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

Journalist Jimmy… it is my opinion that two manly scoops of Blue Bell vanilla ice cream makes even the local Publix brand root beer quite delicious.

Chipper must be careful to use a pillow while riding the bench to protect his sensitive tail bone.

GO BRAVES!!!

By Robert

June 22, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

An aging junkballer making his first start after a serious medical problem

Come on guys, let’s put up a crooked number and run with it from there

By AZBravoFan

June 22, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

Before we all get too depressed about this weekend, let’s remember this: at this exact point last year, the Braves were 30-43, in last place, and had just lost 10 in a row. Yikes!

By Bo

June 22, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

Robert, if the Braves had a Mgr. and team like the Tigers, just a mgr. the stands would be full of Braves Fans. The donkey needs a douche.

By Bob, Journalist

June 22, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

Paladin, Genuflects are not expected … my pontifications are in no way indicative of my religion … Double Cola was just a bad hunch … back in the mid-fifties, I remember that in Chattanooga, they did have a variety that would have fooled most and, at least in years past, a lot of folks over where you are drank Double Cola products.

Times change, Orange Crush is over $4.00 per 6 at Kroger … I just bought some as a treat for my other half … notice I didn’t say better. Six of one, half dozen of the other … one’s ‘bout bad as ‘tuther!

Bobby’s comments regarding Chipper’s injury didn’t sound good … tone and a couple of quiet appositives … more than the direct dialog or primary responses.

John sounds good … actually Pete makes it sound like John is pitching well!

By MBATL

June 22, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

Where are the Thomson rumors coming from? AJC reports that the ROYALS have signed him… am I missing something?

By Josh C

June 22, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

By the way Bob, J thanks for the kind words. It’s always interesting to look back ten years or so at some true superstars to see what level “prospect” they were, while also checking out yesteryears’ “A-level” prospects to see how they panned out. Andruw has definitely gone from five-tool to just tool…

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

im a doctor and i didnt know there were so many parts in the human body that could get injuried until i started paying attention to chipper.

By Fed up

June 22, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

The Thomson deal was on espn at 6pm. Hope it is the Royals.

By Bob, Journalist

June 22, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Well guys, we’ve seen what the ole gambler has tonight … walk, line drive and full count … he can be had! Here’s how we’re gonna do it …

Don’t we wish!

Does Terry have a plan?

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Robert… I am sitting here scratching my head in amazement…

By A-ville Ranger

June 22, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

MED Any brand of rootbeer other than IBC is just flogging it.Let me recommend a four lb density memory foam tail bone buffer for our peerless convalescent at his home away from home on the pine.Jimmy …how about a home,home,on the pines song.

By Ron

June 22, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Josh C, to be honest with you the Best Package that I would offer for Buerhle is Prado and Devine!!! And that is the Absolute Best that I would offer!!! But I aint running the team, and I could see JS trading a better package for him!!! With Chipper not being able to stay on the field, I have a hard time seeing us trade Escobar, because before long Escobar will have played in more games than Chipper!!! Dont wanna go back to starting Orr or Woodward at third!!!

By Bob

June 22, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

Two days off don’t seem to have helped Andruw and I see that Frenchy still loves that 1st pitch. Lets do anything to get Smoltz out there quickly again.

By Ron

June 22, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

MBATL, Dont know just commented when somebody else said it!!! I have no idea!!!

By geauxbraves2000

June 22, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

WTG Francouer, making an out on the 1st pitch AGAIN.

Geaux Braves!!

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

jeff is out on the 1st pitch again and our slugger is down on a grounder to 3b, which by the way could easily be confused with a ball hit by a hawk cheerleader instead of our cleanup hitter. SO WHATS NEW AFTER THE DAY OFF

By JDG123

June 22, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

Oh well, another game, another missing Chipper. Jones….. Mr. Jones……

I think Chipper’s problem is more a lack of interest and heart than anything else. He is at current an expensive $12 million paper weight.

By JasonInMaine

June 22, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

Man, I love Chipper, but holy cornelia! The dude just can’t stay healthy anymore…period. I am surprised he doesn’t get hurt taking a shower. This is exactly why the Braves won’t be able to trade Escobar for any pitching…Chipper may only play about 50 games the rest of the year!

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

I figured it out why Andruw is not hitting! Since he knows that he cannot have both, remain a Brave AND have Scott Boras negotiate for him, he’s not hitting on purpose to bring down his value and make him affordable to the Braves… ;-)

By Ron

June 22, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

I wonder if we make Rogers look like Cy Young tonight? I vote Yes, but maybe I am wrong!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

June 22, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! andruw is hitting .201, right? not much more to work with there. andruw needs some hits. maybe the tigers will let mcbride pitch to andruw. lots of doctors who write like ee cummings, huh? and what is an abductor and is it connected to the hammock bone? and whither carroll rogers? and this is for dob next time dob needs a quote from chipper: “uh, yes.”

By JohnGTfan

June 22, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

Boy, this offense is really clicking here lately! I’ve never seen such excitement. All this talk of trading for pitching. LOL

By David O'Brien

June 22, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Saw where someone actually suggesting going after Elijah Dukes. Why, so the Braves would have the hitters with the worst averages in both leagues? Dukes was hitting .190, worst among AL qualifiers (Andruw’s .202 had that dubious distinction in the NL).

By Paladin

June 22, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Germanravesfan You are scratching the other end of your anatomy from me.

By A-ville Ranger

June 22, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Smoltz’s slider looks a+ so far.

By geauxbraves2000

June 22, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Smotlz is dealing so far. Now if the anemic offense can support him.

Geaux Braves!!

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Paladin: I have two hands, remember?

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

June 22, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

The way I see it the Braves only have about four pitchers they can legitimately go after: Matt Morris, Mark Burhle, Rich Harden, and Erik Bedard. Yes, I said Erik Bedard. With McPhail now in charge he realizes that getting somebody of Escobar’s or Salty’s ability is an opportunity he may not let go by.

I’m just worried about getting a rent-a-pitcher without getting anything else in return.

By Vonshawn

June 22, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

Hey Chipper, you had some pretty good advice for Andruw with regards to his hitting. Let me give it right back to you:

“Your body is going follow your brain.” “If your brain is thinking I’m injury prone, that’s the way your body is going to respond. Until you get to the point where your brain says I’m going to stay healthy, your going to continue to get hurt.”

I hope this helps.

By Bob, Journalist

June 22, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

I may have already posted that Carey Junior gave the definition of a 5 tool player, based on performance level … I always thought it was more related to talent/ability. That is, the fact that a player isn’t doesn’t mean he can’t.

Thinking of Andrew and Frenchy makes me think that his definition may be of greater utility than mine.

Maybe everything would make more sense if we changed the scoring and gave points for good defensive play, deducting for errors.

Methinks the conclusions reached by announcers are no better than that of bloggers … so far, I don’t like Terry’s plan.

Got to shut down … BBQ sauce on the keyboard is unacceptable behavior!

By Goat Horns

June 22, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Why is Diaz batting behind Andruw, Francuer, and B-Mac?

By Ed Glennon

June 22, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Let’s say we go in the time machine and the Braves pick up Lou Gehrig from the Yankees. Here’s Bobby’s starting lineup: Johnson 2b Escobar 3b Renteria SS A Jones CF Francour RF McCann C Gehrig 1B Diaz LF Smoltz P

By Josh C

June 22, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Paladin, exactly what part of GermanBravesFan’s anatomy are you scratching? Must be his feet or his @ss… you guys seem awfully close…

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

i would say, next ball hit to cf that aj doesnt catches in the air he gets automatically traded, at least for some cheerleaders

By Berigan

June 22, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

Joe Simpson was talking about Andruw’s swing, trying to pull too much, and the replay from the side looked terrible. Funny, he didn’t strike out at all the last game, and he hit the ball, but can’t do a thing with it, when he hits it…Not really news, I know, just makes one wonder were the flaw is in the swing. How did a pull hitter in 2005 hit 51 homers, with Chipper out much of the season, and no one behind him??? Now, there are guys behind him…I still wonder if somehing is up with the eyes, he never seems to tell a curve is coming. Like Bob, Journalist said, he sees just fine in the field, but a fielder has more time to adjust to a ball in the air, IMO.

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

Is there a chance we could sell andrew and use the money to clone john smoltz? Boy is he showing what is the meaning of a major leaguer………..take note andrew

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

Is there a chance we could sell andrew and use the money to clone john smoltz? Boy is he showing what is the meaning of “major leaguer” he is pitching on top of his game………..take note andrew

By Ron

June 22, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

I will tell you one thing Escobar is pretty much untouchable right now, because Chipper gets hurt on a weekly basis!!!

DOB when does Chipper become a Free Agent? I like Chipper, but man that salary is killing us, so is Andruw’s and Hampton’s!!! That is alot of money that we are spending on guys that are either gets hurt weekly, a guy that struggles, or a guy that is out for the whole damn year!!! I know that when Chipper is healthy he produces, but 11 Million bucks for 100 Games a year just does not cut it for me!!!

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

Josh… it’s a guy thing - you wouldn’t understand! ;-)

By Bob

June 22, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones Signature Bat Night on Monday against the Nats. Hmmmmmmm.

By Wayne in Utah

June 22, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist What flavor of sauce? I prefer mustard based myself.

By JohnGTfan

June 22, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

At least Edgar can’t hit into ANOTHER double play this at bat

By JasonInMaine

June 22, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

Our offense is on fire…I think it is comparable to the ‘27 Yanks!!

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

not to sound extremist but yunel is starting to show some of his inexperience. Cant compare him anywhere near chipper, besides his ability to stay healthy

By Wayne in Utah

June 22, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Andruw, if you can just strike out now, you are AT the Mendoza brother. Congratulations dude!

By Bob

June 22, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

FINALLY a base hit! Oh well the Mendoza Line has been reached. One more bat and it is breached.

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

By Robert

June 22, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

An aging junkballer making his first start after a serious medical problem

Come on guys, let’s put up a crooked number and run with it from there

Robert: so far, we’ve got one hit…

I am following the game online and it sounds like a broken record: “Jones grounds out to third”

By geauxbraves2000

June 22, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

IMO this is about the only game I think the Braves have a legitimate chance of winning this weekend, and with each feeble offensive half inning that passes, even this game is in doubt.

Come on offense, WAKE UP!!!

Geaux Braves!!

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

if i where sparky i would shift all my position players but catcher and 1b to 3b when andrew comes to bat, he just hit roller to 3b and ss. The is the worst i have seen this team in long time, even last year it was limited to bullpen most of the faults.

By JohnGTfan

June 22, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Andruw has it going ON! Thank goodness he’ll be in a different uniform next season, hopefully along with Chipper. Get rid of their salaries and lack of production. Don’t get me wrong, I know they did a lot for this organization, but it’s supposed to be about WINNING.

By chopper

June 22, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Another couple of innings and we’ll have a clean-up hitter under the Mendoza Line!!!

By lilman916

June 22, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

Between Tanyon Sturtz, Criag Wilson, & Mark Redman, the Braves have given $3,500,000 to players that have not made a contribution. I’m sure that they could have picked up a nice player for that amount.

By MrC

June 22, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

Well, Well, Well…..Andrew’s official batting average is now .200. If he goes hitless in his next at bat he will be at .199.

What do you call a team when the clean up hitter is batting .199? Pathetic

By Bob

June 22, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

GermanBraveFan,

Yeah but the last grounder to third was harder than the first grounder to third.

Did you know that F.C. Nuernberg won the DFB Pokal? I just found out. Amazing.

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

better take advantage of johns effort, it is starting to look as that start from tim against twins. Muts r winning, dont think they r gonna lose today

By lilman916

June 22, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Someone, please help Andruw. Get McCann’s father, Chipper’s father, anyone other than Pendleton.

By Don

June 22, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Yet another example of how dumb Robert is: he has blathered constantly about how the Braves can never win another title with Cox as manager. So what is he now advocating? Trade as many prospects as necessary for Oswalt. Why would you do that? Well, to win now. But wait, you can’t win now, no matter what the roster, as long as Bobby Cox is the manager. And Cox is going to manage at least through next year. So why would you give up great prospects who can be the nucleus of post Bobby Cox teams, i.e. when the Braves have a chance to win again?

Conclusion: Yes, Robert is an idiot.

By JohnGTfan

June 22, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Does anyone else just feel bad for Smoltz?

By Bob, Journalist

June 22, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Vonshawn, Herr T, Du hast Recht!

By A-ville Ranger

June 22, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Isn’t Aaron under contract ? I know he plays golf so he can probably swing as smooth as Andruw and as hard as McCann.I doubt he’ll travel but could’nt we play him in left at the Ted. He could be like Clemens and show up when the mood hits.

By PhillyGirl

June 22, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

Good grief John Smoltz is good.

It’d be a shame if he didn’t get the win. I say that even though he and my boy Cole are competing for the Cy Young.

By geauxbraves2000

June 22, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

The Mets appear to have their game well in hand, so if would behoove the Braves to win this game as to not lose a game in the standings.

I sure wish someone would light a fire under these players, I mean go absolutely ballistic in the dugout, who cares if the whole world sees it. And it would be better if BC was that person.

Geaux Braves!!

By Bob

June 22, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

Mets, Phillies, Marlins all winning tonight. In fact as of right now all NL teams winning or tied. Braves need to get Smoltzie some damn runs!!

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

hahaha this team is making history, they just find the way to loose. I wonder if there is any relation to those orange jerseys for sunday games…….just a though, i cant find a cause to all this sudden meltdown 2 year long.

By JasonInMaine

June 22, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

Man, this offense SUX!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By rotomeister

June 22, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

2 games + 5 innings now without a run. Isn’t there supposed to be a home field advantage in baseball? (You know the old formula: play .500 on the road and .750 at home and you win 90-100 games.)

Correct me if I’m wrong, but if the Braves lose tonight, they will be .500 at home for the year.

By JohnGTfan

June 22, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

Pendleton is NOT the problem with Andruw. Andruw is the problem.

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

24 straight scoreless innings, maybe we are trying to tie a record or something…gooooooooooo braves!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Bob

June 22, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

JohnGTfan,

Yes I do and that is history. Agreeing with a Jacket fan that is.

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Hey Bob! Where are you watching the game? I couldn’t see how hard the ball was hit.

Nuernberg won in a penalty shoot-out, I think! They had a great season and will play in international competition next year.

Got any cold beer over there?

By David O'Brien

June 22, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Like I said, I think Kenny Rogers will be in playoff form tonight in his season debut….

Anyway, for those who might be wondering, Braves haven’t been shut out in three consecutive games since April 1988

By JohnGTfan

June 22, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Philly Girl

Well, this it’s going to be a shame. Can’t get a win if your team doesn’t score.

By Bob, Journalist

June 22, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

John, GT fan … Methinks any GT fan must be pretty good folks … at least they know for whom to root! However, if you’re not self employed, you might give it some consideration and if you’re an employer, make sure to stay behind the mask.

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

I feel bad for me more than for john smoltz, hahaha. This is ugly. But at least is not 9-0 as the last game. Mutts leading 9-1. News on Chipper:

[http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070622&contentid=2042839&vkey=newsatl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl]

By Bob

June 22, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

Smoltz must feel like Atlas with the weight of the world on his shoulders. I mean he is trying to do it all by himself, but I have no idea how much longer he can hold the tide back.

By Ron

June 22, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

Our Cleanup hitter is hitting .200!!! Now if Someone says that BC values winning more than Loyalty there an idiot!!!

By rotomeister

June 22, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

This team is just inept. There’s no other word to describe an inability to hit the likes of Kenny Rogers. I have a trade suggestion. Go get Corey Hart. He’s got power and speed something we haven’t had in the outfield since Ron Gant unless you count Sheffield’s cup of coffee and he didn’t run much here. Or am I forgetting someone. No wait. Frenchy. Wasn’t he supposed to be a five tool guy? Where are the stolen bases?

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist: wer hat Recht? ich? oder Du? lol

By Bravno's Suck

June 22, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

how in the world is this team over .500 to date????

We have no pitcher besides Smoltz and the batting order has more holes to fill than Paris Hilton.

It is a miserable team to watch yet I keep doing it. i am an idiot.

By Kim

June 22, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

how in the world is this team over .500 to date????

We have no pitcher besides Smoltz and the batting order has more holes to fill than Paris Hilton.

It is a miserable team to watch yet I keep doing it. i am an idiot.

By Bob

June 22, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

GermanBraveFan,

In Gwinnett County on Sports South (The old Turner South). Got a Franziskaner right now.

Smoltzie, 89th pitch just got Shef to pop out. But boy this is really hard to watch.

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

i heard the As had a great pitching corp, guess the muts dont care about it…….

By JohnGTfan

June 22, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Bob

I always pull for my teams and stand by them. But as much money as I’ve spent watching them live since I had my first job…I have more than earned the right to criticize. And believe me, this team is worth criticizing.

By JasonInMaine

June 22, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

Well, with this offense…game over.

By Berigan

June 22, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

Man, gonna be a sweet 1-0 loss….we need to get Rogers out of the game, at least we have a chance against their bullpen.

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

ballgame !!!!!!!!!!!

tigers win whatever to zero

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

0-3.. Game Over…

By geauxbraves2000

June 22, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Well, fellow denizens, that just about do it for this game. Maybe tomorrow.

Until then,

Geaux Braves!!

By Ron

June 22, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Well we are down by 4 runs!!! Game officially over!!! We just might get swept with Davies and James going Saturday and Sunday!!! Maybe the Mets will lose 2 of 3!!! That is our only hope!!!

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

ordoñez was out at home, but that doesnt matter anyway

By Robert

June 22, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

That sound you hear is Smoltz twisting in the wind

As for “Andruw Jones Signature Bat Night on Monday against the Nats. Hmmmmmmm”

No danger of the bat being scuffed

By Bob

June 22, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

Well, the damn just broke. Braves won’t score 4 runs in the rest of the series

By JohnGTfan

June 22, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

MIght as well take Smoltz out and save him for this next start. Game is over now that Detroit has scored.

By Berigan

June 22, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

Gee, nothing but opposite field hits…no one warming in the bullpen? Smoltz gonna take one for the team tonight??? Crap, thought it was going to be a 1-0 game…we are toast for this series…….

By Mets Stink

June 22, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

Down by 4. I sense a sweep coming. Man I wish the Braves hitters would take some notes on how to score some runs. Those Tigers know how to hit.

By JasonInMaine

June 22, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Well, Mets and Phils are both winning in blowouts. The Braves are getting blow out with our ace on the mound. The offense hasn’t scored since I don’t know when. 3rd place again after tonight. Chipper injured. Andruw batting under .200 after his next AB. Frenchy struggling. McCann nowhere near the same player as last year. Two .300 hitters on the bench. Other than that, there really isn’t anything wrong with this team.

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Bob… I wish I had a Franziskaner! Had some Spaten Optimator the other day and some Henninger. I need something stronger tonight, so I guess I’ll go with Captain Morgan and Coke!

By Bob, Journalist

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

Probably we’re both wrong, … the wife is calling me back to the kitchen.

By Goat Horns

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

At least the Braves are getting to watch some professional hitters plying their trade tonight.

Maybe it will rub off in the next series.

I don’t see us winning a game in this one.

John Smoltz deserved better.

By OVERLORD

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

i just hope the phillies win the division and not the mutts. can it get uglier???????? i suppose JS is not making any moves since he might be thinking “we r doing ok, we r only 1.5 games back” dumb axx

By Ron

June 22, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Well make that 5 runs!!! either way, lets get em tomorrow!!! Wait thats right we have Davies facing Verlander!!! Dont think I will watch that game on Fox tomorrow!!! What will be the point!!!

By Train Wreck Bystander

June 22, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Smoltzie deserves better support than this.

Here’s a constructive suggestion for AJ. Someone in the video dept. should make a take of AJ batting highlights where he doesn’t do that pull thing he is trying. Some positive reinforcement of what he is capable of might help him out.

By Bob

June 22, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

NOW PINCH HITTING FOR THE BRAVES….CHRIS WOODWARD

By chopper

June 22, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

O well another L but I’m staying around for the Mendoza watch.

By joebrave

June 22, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Someone asked if anyone wants this division? well it DAMN sure ain’t the Braves!!! My dera ol Granddaddy used to have a saying,and thes boys are about as USELESS as T** on A BOAR HOG!!! What a friggin pathetic display of Baseball,25 Scoreless innings and counting!!!What A F******* Joke!!!!! These sumbitches need to be castrated sorry @ssed B@stards!!!!!!!!

By Robert

June 22, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Just too much Kenny Rogers. Right?

By Berigan

June 22, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

By David O’Brien June 22, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this Like I said, I think Kenny Rogers will be in playoff form tonight in his season debut.

DOB, Thanks for the laugh, I need it after this horrible inning! I was hearing that it was really a bad idea for him to start tonight, how in his A ball rehab start he wasn’t good… Kenny Rogers: Jim, let me start against the braves Friday! Yeah, I know I sucked in A ball, but this is the Braves! They are more like an Rookie league team offensively! I bet I can throw a shut out at 42!

By Daxxed

June 22, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

With AJ still trying to pull every pitch he has completley lost it. Watch his avg go below 190 before the All Star break.

By Hypothetical

June 22, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

What happens if Smoltzie burns out his shoulder and is out indefinitely?

Then what do the Braves do?

Scour the parks for aging knuckleballers?

Bring back C. Reitsma?

Trade for Jorge Sosa?

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

why is woodward batting? why is he still on the team roster???????? why are we still a MLB team=????

By gobraves39401

June 22, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

I thought this team was at best a 500 team,but now watching the last 3 games I hope for a 500 finish.Why are we talking trades..we need to keep our top prospects and just rebuild.

By citrus

June 22, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

braves on their way to another frickin shutout , aat home nonetheless !!#_$!%?

By Bob

June 22, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Somehow I feel like I am watching the K.C. Royals.

By songwriter jimmy smith

June 22, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

apologies to johnny cash …

Everybody knows you go d.l. when the toes go down.

I think from the bench you see the lights of town.

Porter wasted his time when he would try, try, try.

For when the thumbs go, you’re gonna cry, cry, cry.

You’re gonna cry, cry, cry

and you’ll cry all alone,

when you have a hurtin’ in your hammock bone.

You’re gonna cry, cry, cry.

I watch the game at night and wait for you to come in.

You stay a little while and the abductor’s gone again.

Everytime you play, you get a stick in your eye.

For every game you miss, we’re gonna cry, cry, cry.

You’re gonna cry, cry, cry

and you’ll cry alone,

When you have a hurtin’ in your hammock bone.

You’re gonna cry, cry, cry

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

woodward is also heading to the mendoza line

By Ron

June 22, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

If the Tigers teed off on Smoltz tonight what the Hell are they gonna do to Davies and James!!! Its gonna be some crooked numbers on the Scoreboard!!! Smoltz had it workin until the 6th, but the Tigers are just too much, great effort by Smoltz though!!!

By Robert

June 22, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

25 consecutive scoreless innings, but look at the bright side.

We have a catcher available to finish the game in case McCann gets hurt, and noone is wearing sunglasses on their ballcap

By Daxxed

June 22, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

Once again, runner on no outs and to we try to move the runner over. OF COURSE NOT….

By ElbravoX

June 22, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

The 80’s rule. Our batting approach suck. TP most be proud. Embarrassing in so many ways. NOM HEART FOLKS!

By Bob

June 22, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

GermanBraveFan,

You are better off not seeing this. Kind of like the old Friday night horror movies. Well at least we are done with the AL after Sunday.

I have a Spaten Optimator in the Fridge and I might grab it too.

By Berigan

June 22, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

Ron, You HAVE to watch tomorrow! How often do you get a chance to see a pitcher throw 2 no hitters in the same season? Or the Braves to be shut out 4 straight games? When was the last time that happened?

Marucus Thames is up, he hit about as high and far as I have ever seen against the Nationals the other night. At least we got him out. Would be nice to have someone like that off the bench, but we don’t need more than 4 outfielders, not with studs like Andruw and Frenchy playing every single day.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

June 22, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

I am about at the point of saying stick a fork in this team because they are done. This team does not look like a playoff team. We have an offense that can’t score runs. Chipper can’t stay healthy longer than 10 days. Our “all-star” CF is hitting below the Mendoza line and has been in a slump all year. Our 23 year old catcher is hurt and our 23 year superstar in waiting RF is having to shoulder all the load which is beginning to take its toll on him. Our 1B can only hit every other week or so. Our bench has Pete Orr and Chris Woodward on it. Need I say more. Our #4 and #5 starters would barely be #4 and #5 starters on a AAA team let alone a major league team. These guys jut don’t look very good.

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

TRIVIA QUESTION

Which was the last team to go into post season play with his cleanup hitter hitting less than 200 and only 1 starting pitcher with a winning record?

IS bobby stooopittt or what? sit andrew, let willie play, and play salty more often………it doesnt take more than one brain cell to figure that out.

This season goes on cox also as all our playoff misery.

Fire bobby cox today!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Lew

June 22, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Oh, The Humanity! An ill wind blows when Paris Hilton jokes in reference to the Braves actually make sense. This has become very painful to watch. I don’t know why BC didn’t just argue that play at the plate and get thrown out. Maybe punch out the ump or p!$$ on home plate. Something needs to be done to fire these guys up. It’s damn well embarrassing. Where’s one of McDowell’s hot foot tricks when you need it?

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

I guess Kenny Rogers had his last Triple-A rehab start tonight… ;-)
He’ll pitch in the big leagues next week!

By Bob

June 22, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

You know, at least Kyle Davies can hit the damn ball. I think I would take my chances with him pinch hitting before we go to the depths of Orr and Woodward.

By Bill

June 22, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

DOB, why not go after Dukes. He’s no worse than these clowns. They need something to shake them up.They need some bats. There’s so much pressure put on the pitchers that they think they have to pitch a shutout every time out. C. Jones needs to retire after this season. He’s never going to stay healthy.I hope the Braves management,don’t go crazy and trade alot of the prospects.

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

TRIVIA

Which other MLB team with an struggling offense keeps a .200 hitter batting cleanup????????

By David O'Brien

June 22, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

Holy Cornelia and HELLO MENDOZA!!

That gave Andruw a .199 average.

By Berigan

June 22, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

There it is !!! .199!!!!!!!!!!!!! People said it couldn’t be done! A few boos even, not a lot, but a few….

By chopper

June 22, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

Drum roll please! Andruw is about to enter a zone where no clean up hitter has ever been and it’s not the Twilight Zone.Mission accomplished!

By DAP

June 22, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

our cleanup hitter is under .200

our team looks terrible right now, and there are SOOO many things that need to be fixed.

By Lew

June 22, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Bob-No, the Royals score runs.

By MEB

June 22, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

OVERLORD… don’t you think you have gone a little overboard! True fans aren’t so quick to throw their team under the bus. Long way to go this season. Did you refer to Sparky earlier? Sparky Anderson’s last year managing was 1995.

By Logan23

June 22, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

I’m passing on Andruw’s signature bat night and attending Bob’s book signing. “Breaching the Mendoza Line.”

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Did I read this correctly: “Francoeur walked”??????

By Braves Fan 79

June 22, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

so our best chance to win a game in the series and Bobby starts the automatic out woodward?? WHY!!?? Why not rest KJ when were down by a bunch of runs tomorrow instead of tonight?

lilman916: your right, ive been saying all season that instead of the Braves buying one good player in the offseason they bought a bunch of guarnteed CRAP!! So we couldnt take our hall of fame pitcher back at a hometown discount and take away the mets #1 starter in Glavine….but we could give wilson 2 mill, redmen 1 mill, woodward 1 mill…? yea GREAT strategy scherultz!

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

Did I read this correctly: “Francoeur walked”?????? Did the pitcher throw four straight balls into the backstop and Frenchie couldn’t swing at any of them?

By A-ville Ranger

June 22, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Andruw looks like a stubborn pony leaguer now.I mean how hard would it be to stick the bat out and poke it towards right ? What could he lose ?there’s not a worse hitter in either league at this point anyway.

By Robert

June 22, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Make that 26

By kevin

June 22, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Well, I thought I’d pace the six-pack tonight until “Man vs. Wild” came on but I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to chug some more.

By joebrave

June 22, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

If I see Chris sonsabitch Woodward again,Bobby I’ll come to Toner field and Whip your @ss myself,g******* play some f******* baseball,GEEZ!!!!

By Bob

June 22, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Lew, sadly you are correct.

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

am i watching replays ??????? or is this live game?……….andrew hits to SS and jeff swings at 1st pitch……. could somebody tell him no pitcher in this league is ever gonna throw a 1st pitch strike to him again as they all know he will swing even if they throw it over his head. I cant believe how the hell this players get paid millions if they are not able to adjust…….this team is a joke. Id rather watch the royals, at least they try.

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

those who r ashame of been a braves fan raise your hand…….

By joebrave

June 22, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

It ain’t Booby that should be fired it’s that SUMBITCH Schuerholz,here we go K.C. Royals South!!! the guy destroyed that organization,and He’s doing it here!!! and who in the blue he11 keeps drafting guys like Mccay Mcfried!!!!

By Bob

June 22, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Guys,

If this keeps up much longer the whole team may breach the Mendoza Line.

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

is there a chance for a cox for leyland trade???? straight up

By Jon

June 22, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

I’m a daily blog reader on the AJC..especially when it involves the Atlanta Braves, but rarely do I make my opinion public. I’m gonna rant a little bit for the main reason it will make me feel better because I’m disgusted watching the Braves. First off, is Kelly Johnson really that good? Yeah he had that good stretch that inflated his numbers, but honestly, does he really scare you leading off for the Braves?? NOPE! Renteria, the lone bright spot, if it werent for him, I would hate to know where we would be. BOBBY FOR HEAVEN SAKES, BAT HIM BACK AT NUMBER 2! Chipper, our best hitter, and leader! CANT STAY HEALTHY! That simple…he is about to be on the DL again. This is our best overall hitter besides Rent! Andruw looks exactly like Adrian Beltre….he has NO CLUE…NO CLUE!!! Pulling everything to the left side….on his front foot, refuses REFUSES TO HIT THE BALL TO THE RIGHT SIDE…SEE MAGS OFF OF SMOLTZ WHEN THE TIGERS SCORED THEIR FIRST RUN…now thats a good hitter. Believe it or not folks…Andruw just isnt that good a hitter…just raw power thats made him look good! McCann….having an average year…little down from last year, but I’m not really that upset with him…wish his defense were a little better behind the dish, but he is the least of our worries right now! Francouer is a 25 homer 260 BA guy and the whole freaking world is in love with him…he is another Pat Burrell! Defend the golden boy all you want, but just look at the numbers…PAT BURRELL! Thorman……..use his power off the bench and play Salty at 1st from here on out…yes we sac defense, but honestly, who cares if you havent scored in 27 straight innings! He is more versatile and can bat 3rd when Chipper is hurt (switch hitter)…but whatever happens….please get him some at bats…..no sense in our offense looking like this and our phenom not playing! Willie Harris and Diaz…I like what Bobby has here, BUT I would love to see Willie get some more at bats, but I do realize stats doenst back me up on this. Both have been really good! Now pitching..are you kidding me with Davies…..I’d rather Oscar pitch tomorrow. I really would feel better folks! Verlander is gonna straight kill us tomorrow…esp with this lineup against Davies….how in the world does the front office think we are a playoff team when we are just GIVING GAMES AWAY like tomorrows! Last but not least, lets PLEASE give the 7th inning to Moylan! He is filthy and always being used in mop up duty! Its pretty obvious…we need a offensive weapon…and need another starting pitcher..someone that can pitch after huddy! I know its easier said that done, but I feel if we can make those two trades happen….we will take off! Ok I’m done ranting and DAMN I feel better!

By MEB

June 22, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

The Man In Black knows how it feels to be a Braves fan right now.

*I fell into a burnin’ ring of fire

I went down, down, down

And the flames went higher,

And it burns, burn, burns,

The ring of fire, the ring of fire.*

By The run is done

June 22, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

It’s over officially. Those of us that wished last year was a hiccup, have to face the fact this club is rudderless, awash on the rocks of a forbidding shore. No more blood to squeeze from the farm systems. That’s it. Kaputt. Get used to baseball of low expectations.

By kevin

June 22, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

On another note, does anyone here watch “Man vs. Wild”? It’s an awesome show.

By joebrave

June 22, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

Ladies and Gentlemen your former National league Eastern Division Champion Atlanta Fakes!!!This is not a baseball team,this is a Damn Joke!!!Fire Schuerholz Now!!!What a dumbass!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

June 22, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! .199 for andruw.

and cleanup batter ordonez has been hit by a pitch! let’s hope they do not hit andruw in the rump in retaliation.

time for a root beer.

By Wolfpack Man

June 22, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

.199 Watch is OVER

It is ALIVE!!!! Now how low will it go.

Boy, what a depressing week for the Braves. A lot of negative vibes right now. As cynical as this sounds, I will be suprised if the Braves don’t get swept this series (and I am going up from South Georgia to the ATL for both games). It cannot get a whole lot worse.

How in the heck are we only 1.5 (well 2.5 after tonight) out? I know it is a long season, but it is time to make a change for the Braves if they are serious about staying in this race.

I think I would deal just about anything in the farm system for a quality starter (even Escobar, but not Salty).

By Bob, Journalist

June 22, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Robert, only Shaun* is permitted numeric vulgarities on the Blog!

By Savannah Guy

June 22, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

A Classic Battle of Opposites Tonight Tigers get hits to all fields. Braves try to pull and homer every at bat. Tigers get clutch hit with runners on, where our bats go mysteriously cold with runners on. We have a battle of opposites tonight (this year) in terms of hitting, fielding, determination, confidence and…managers. Our rookies (including First-Swing Frenchy) are wearing OUR pitchers out. Tigers hitters are wearing OUR pitchers out. OUR pitchers are getting worn out because of the flailing, failing, anemic offense they get. I know, we’re only 2 games back…blah blah. Fact is, without major luck (Mets bad luck) we would be 10 games back…at least. Sad but true, hard but fair. What we do have in common with the Tigers is consistency. Trouble is, we’re opposites there too. Just when we thought the Braves would pull out of their mediocre play they actually do, although mediocre would be quite a bit better than we’re playing now. It ain’t the heat…it’s the humility! Then there’s Smoltz. He has to at least have a fleeting thought of pitching with the Tigers right now. I just wonder how long he’s going to be able to carry the team alone. It’s got to be wearing on him and wearing thin. Sorry to yuk up the works and be so negative. Just call it a long vent…a cathartic post. Just call it leftover expectations from the last 15 years…but it’s probably about time to say “maybe we’ll get’em next decade” and lower all expectations of a winning team for now and just enjoy the rookie struggles and the basics of the game. Ho hum. Sigh…

By Robert

June 22, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

I think we should have DOB conduct a survey of current major league managers.

He could give them the following hypothetical situation

Your team is in a 14-23 slide. The offense is struggling, so much so that they have been shut out twice consecutively, and even when the only two reliable starters on the team pitch well, it’s tough going to scrape out enough runs to win. What do you do?

I would bet my paycheck that only manager would respond “Put a .200 hitter at cleanup”

By ElbravoX

June 22, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Mr. Cox is losing touch of the team. NO HEART!

By The run is done

June 22, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

yeah Kevin, that Bear Grylls is one tough little dude. I love that show.

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

SURE IM OVERBOARD……… I HAVE BEEN HANGING FOR 9 MONTHS……….BUT THIS IS WAY TOO MUCH FOR FRONT OFFICE TO IGNORE. AND YES I MENTIONED SPARKY INTEAD OF JIM BUT I GUESS U GOT THE IDEA AND ANDREW DID THE SAME NEXT AT BAT AND HE WILL NEXT AT BAT ALSO………ITS NOT ONLY OUT AFTER OUT, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE REPLAYS BATTING AND PITCHING……….NO WILLING TO WIN…….IS IN THEIR FACES

By joebrave

June 22, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

I’d like to take that dapper suit,that J.S. wears and stick it up his @ss!!!Hey B@stard stop looking at yourself in the mirror and get some DAMN pitching in here you worthless sunsabitch!!!!!!!!!!!

By Bob

June 22, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Maybe Andruw has been giving everyone else tips on hitting.

By Robert

June 22, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

I dont what to think any more. But I guess the how-low-can-Andruw-go game could provide some amusing distraction, at least for a short while

By Berigan

June 22, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Does JS have a back up guy for the day and time he leaves after Moore went to KC??? Walt Jocketty has had his hands tied by a cheap-as* ownership(Sound familiar???) and may been soon on his way out…not younger though. http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/story/2007/6/22/91659/5857

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

maybe the braves could ask for some more interleague games next year so the attendance goes up and we have some more money to get real player.

By ElbravoX

June 22, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

First pitch swinging. 199 AJ. What happy hour? FIRE TP.

By brian

June 22, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

If we are shut out again - 3 games in a row. One against Rogers who is just off the DL and had a rocky rehab start his last time out. One against Tavares. Embarrasing. All the talk of adding an ace starter does not do anything if we do not score.

Is TP’s job in jeopardy? Would Dusty Baker or Don Baylor be interested in being Bobby’s hitting coach?

I love TP but 3 straight shutouts at home is not impressive to say the least.

There better be a team only meeting - led by John Smotlz, Frenchy and McCann - old leadership and the new. Somebody please light a fire under these guys

By Savannah Guy

June 22, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Now isn’t that a fine howdy-do comeback from old Android Mendoza Jones. Benching and resting worked just fine and dandy. Looks like Scott Boras is going to have to show just how good he is at the end of this season because he’s got a doozy of a spin job and some fancy dancin’ and yakkin’ to do on this hot property.

Or maybe he’ll do it soon. Wouldn’t that be considered a win-win for us and himself?

By Robert

June 22, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Bob, I didnt say it was 26 f’in consecutive scoreless innings!

My bad. Make that 27

This oughta be a hum-dinger of a postgame news conference.

“Just too much Kenny Rogers. Period.”

I’ve spent a long time b*** about this time. All I can do now is laugh.

By The run is done

June 22, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

between that and The Deadliest Catch. Good stuff.

By Bob

June 22, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Frankly, someone needs to start slamming things in the club house. No frigging emotion whatsoever. I know that is not the Braves way, but it is time to make it their way. I THINK they give a damn,but they don’t display it. The whole team looks clueless.

By David O'Brien

June 22, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Uh, the Braves went on to lose 106 games the last time they were shut out three straight games, in 1988.

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

if i leave my email could someone mail me when this team scores a run====??????? thanks

By MBATL

June 22, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

kevin, yeah, I watch Man Vs. Wild (will have to catch the replay tonight). Before it, there was another one, a canadian guy, Survivor Man (that guy didn’t even take a camera crew with him… did all his own filming). That show seems to be off the air now… hope he didn’t get eaten or something. Anyway, it’s the only “reality TV” that’s interesting, to me.

As to the Braves, it’s so broke you can’t even come up with scenarios to fix it. This is just like last June (only worse, offensively). Brian McCann is hitting .255! Good God!

Just gotta hope that the numbers even out, as they tend to do in baseball, and we get on a hot streak before it’s too late.

By Robert

June 22, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Ledezma with the 2 strike whiferooskis. Maybe we DID hose em in that trade

By Yeah Right

June 22, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

To all you homers who complained about Braves fans not coming out to the games causing them to play poorly, I submit tonight’s evidence to the contrary. We have a packed park and there seemingly are few Detriot fans present. What do the Braves do? Another scoreless game with 2 hits. Sorry folks, the fans are not the reason this team stinks. The team is just bad and is getting worse. Baby Braves are taking us right back to pre-1991 days.

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

at least ledezma gives us something to think positive…….. WOOWWW……. its been a while since i say that word on the positive side. Hope he keeps it going. Sure looked better than macay

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Robert…

Let’s do it. Let’s start a pool: $1 each, winner takes all. I say he’ll go to .175! R U in?

By FLBRAVESFAN

June 22, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

Ledesma wins Cy Young!

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Ledezma with 3 K’s??? Looks like that trade was GENIUS!

By MEB

June 22, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Wilfredo!!! You da man! Striking out the side will make you very popular here at the blog. Baseball reference shows him as being 6’3” 150 lbs and the Braves roster shows him at 6”4” 210. Is this possible? Hanging with Wicky and Paronto could make Wilfredo a giant among boys.

By Savannah Guy

June 22, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Bob…funny. Robert…very nice last two posts…funny plus true.

DOB, forgot to mention I was so bummed in my posts…NICE HEADLINE.

By ElbravoX

June 22, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB!Pass the Patron…

By Robert

June 22, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

I’m in for $1 at .184

By Bob

June 22, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

GermanBraveFan,

Can I borrow some of your hard stuff?

By Braves Fan 79

June 22, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Jim Leland called Smoltz “the best big game pitcher ive ever seen” something tells me that if leland was manager of the Braves back in 2004 or whatever year it was we lost to houston in 5….he would of started smoltz instead of (when im not hurt im definitly not a big game pitcher) Hampton. Thats what hurt me…to just give that game away like that really hurt cause i knew that might be one of our last great teams we had. owell…go Braves…sigh….

By Jman

June 22, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Welcome back to the 80’s guys!!!

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

german i say he will that far and maybe more he has no clue where the ball is.

By toga

June 22, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

well at least you guys aren’t blaming the loud fans for the braves choking tonight. The last blog I read blamed the red sox fans for the Braves getting their butts handed to them. It is about time to put the blame where it is due and just a hint………………….——-> it isn’t the fans from the other side!

By Bob

June 22, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

Ledezma did look good, but lets not go overboard. His old teamates might have wanted to send him off in a good way. I mean they hardly had anything to fear from the Braves bats.

By chrisklob

June 22, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

Sciambi just said that in Smoltz’s last four outings he’s had FOUR runs scored in support of his effort. Way to pick up your pitcher guys!

By ElbravoX

June 22, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Can’t wait on Mr. Cox spin. WE WERE WINING UNTIL THEY SCORED!

By journalist jimmy smith

June 22, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

OH, THE HUMANITY! IT IS CATCHING!! By David O’Brien

June 22, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Uh, the Braves went on to lose 106 games the last time they were shut out three straight games, in 1988.

By Robert

June 22, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

For those of you who might’ve missed it, that was Eulogio de la Cruz that finished us off.

How appropriate.

This team a frickin eulogy

By OVERLORD

June 22, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

hey MEB im just pi22ed off thats all…..im a brave fan since 1983….hope u understand

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Bob… any time! That stuff, mixed correctly, will take your shoes off - it just might even make you forget that it’s baseball season!

Robert: you got it! I’ll send $$ by paypal if I lose. You do the same!

By StingerSplash

June 22, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

What the Braves need is the Pete Rose-Bud Harrelson Reds-Mets dustup from 1973. Someone needs to go in hard and start something, a really, really good fight because right now, lambs being led to the slaughter put up more of a tussle than the Braves. Someone needs to peel the paint in the clubhouse. It’s my understanding Cox can make a sailor blush with his language, but somebody’s got to do something. Fast.

By Daxxed

June 22, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

First AJ is the reason he is now below 200. He will not adjust his swing. TP can not force AJ to change his swing he can only make sugestions. But mark my words, AJ continues with this batting slump and he will blow his chance at ever being in the Hall Of Fame. Now I agree BC should try something different. Send AJ back down. Maybe that will convince him to adjust or sit. If he refuses, put him on the DL with Lack of Know How.

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

OVERLORD: so, put down a number and a dollar! if you win, you’ll already get 2 bucks (mine and Robert’s)

By Braves20

June 22, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

They must all be lining up at Boras’ door to sign a .199 defensive specialist. Anybody remember Ray Oyler?

By Jman

June 22, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Trade ‘em all away…Start over! Send that idiot Andruw packing, Get rid of Wickman, Andruw, Renteria, & Hudson. Maybe they could get some primo prospects and be ready to compete in a few years…sick of these guys who are supposed to be major leaguers playing like crap!

By Stinger Splash

June 22, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

Can we get an over/under on hits allowed by Verlander tomorrow? I say four. All singles. One from Kelly, one from Willie, one from McCann, one from Thorman.

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

“put him on the DL with Lack of Know How”… now that’s funny, Daxxed!

By kevin

June 22, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

MBATL: Yeah Man vs. Wild is just about the only decent reality shows on TV—it’s just one of the few decent shows on TV.

You people just watch…the Braves are going to come back tomorrow and score 10 runs!!!

…and then go right back to scoring none the next day… Go Braves?

By Wayne in Utah

June 22, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Very frustrating! How can so many bats go quiet at the same time?

Time to man-up tomorrow Kyle!

By StingerSplash

June 22, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Right now, the Braves couldn’t score at the Bunny Ranch. Favorite Isbell song - Decoration Day, followed closely by Outfit. Hard to get better than those two, but he is one talented young fella (who dropped a ton of weight from the Decoration Day tour to The Dirty South tour).

By chrisklob

June 22, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox just said in his post-game news conference, “I thought we hit the heck out of the ball tonight”. That’s a real knee-slapper!

By Braves Fan 79

June 22, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

JoeBrave: couldnt agree with you more about woodward. That sorry ex met piece of trash. So lets get this right scherultz….the Braves are supposidly a home run hitting team when there winning…but in the offseason u let ward (whos a good pitchitter with power) walk, and sign woodward and wilson!??? WHY!?? i guess a team cant have to many weak hitting average defensive backups huh JS?? And to think we didnt even try for Glavine yet we signed all that garbage in the offseason.
And how come bobby runs out of patience with mcbride and yanks him after walking someone but never seems to run out of patience when TIME AFTER TIME woodward is a AUTOMATIC OUT! the only thing thats keeping his average above .150 is a few lucky bloop hits here and there when it dosent mean anything!

By Ron

June 22, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

Robert I think Ledezma does extremely good in a blowout, but I hear he melts down in a close game!!!

By Bob

June 22, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

GermanBraveFan,

Well, the Bundesliga starts pretty soon.

By Jeremy

June 22, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

I NEED TO VENT!!! I don’t care who reads this s*&% but these guys friggin suck! The bats suck…the starters have sucked…and the pen has been inconsistent outside of Soriano. This cannot continue! I am so frusterated!!! If the Mets had been playing even DECENT ball, they’d be up 7-10 games by now! JS needs to do SOMETHING but for the 2nd June in a row, the team is falling apart at the seams!

Sit down Andruw for a week and have him work with TP. If that doesn’t work, fire Pendelton. Who cares if he’s being “groomed” to be the next manager, he’s not even a good hitting coach! If McCann is hurt, sit him down. If he’s honestly a .250 hitter, sit him down again! At least give Salty a chance if B-Mac is doing this!

We cannot continue to count on Chipper! Whether it be Escobar or someone else, we need to come into each season with another reliable option at 3B and if Chipper’s healthy, just treat it as a luxury.

I believe we were all fooled into thinking this was going to be a good rotation but its clear Davies is STILL mentally challenged and can’t pitch a game without giving up 5 runs in an inning. Chuckie is not ready for the #3 spot yet and is more a 4-5. Hudson started great but has been less than good of late making him a #3 type. This means we need a #2 starter!!!!!

And not even to mention the inconsistent bullpen led by Mr. Inconsistency himself, Tyler Yates. Oscar pitches well….after the Braves are down a few runs. Ledezma looked good tonight but I dont think he can save our season!

Well, sorry for all of the exclamation points but I can’t stand it anymore. I look forward to every Braves game…they are my passion…but things just look so bleak and hopeless right now, I just don’t know what to say. Well, I guess I’ve said enough!!!

By Robert

June 22, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

The bet is on - but if I lose, I’m mailing you one of them funky dollars that looks like a quarter that you get as change out of the stamp vendors at the post office

By tbo

June 22, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

How stupid can Bobby Cox be? The old fool should have been fired last year and now he is doing it to us this year. He consistently shows his loyalty to players that should be benched. Bobby Cox should be run out of town. JS, please get rid of him before it is too late.

By Todd A

June 22, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

How does a manager let a situation like TP and Andruw exist in the clubhouse?If a player refuses to listen to his hitting coach,and the player is struggling mightily,name me one manager(not named Cox)that’s still going to play said player.

By Ron

June 22, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

GermanBravesFan Im in dude!! I say Andruw will hit .190!!!

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

Perfect, Robert!

By Todd A

June 22, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Jeremy

I can’t be too upset with Yates this year.He’s our third best option out of the pen right now.He’s much improved over last year.

By Bob

June 22, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Jeremy,

I agree with most of your vent. But I don’t agree about the Bullpen. That is the one area that has improved dramatically. Starting pitching has gone to hell. Defensive play has been less than stellar. Hitting is well….need I say anything. But I think the sole bright spot on this team right now is the bullpen.

By mark

June 22, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

Now you see why opposing teams’ fans fill up our stadiums! Go Fans!

By Bigboi

June 22, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

Nobody talks about the job TP is doing with Willie Harris and Diaz, you guys only look at the bad.

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Robert: I can’t wait!! Bayern got SEVEN new players! Two really, really good ones. Their season starts in August, so perhaps some of them could come over and hit for the Braves???

By Todd A

June 22, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Anyone hoping that TP or McDowell will be fired after this season can forget it.With Cox likely(hopefully)stepping down at the end of ‘08,what coach is going to come here under a one year contract?

By SR

June 22, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Other than the word PATHETIC, I am speechless.

Really.

By Ron

June 22, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Hell We need more than a starting pitcher, we need a damn Cleanup hitter!!! This is ridiculous!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

June 22, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

tony pena, jr is hitting .273. andruw is hitting .199. hmmm… langerhans is hitting .182. the solution is ralph garr. garr looks like garr can still play a little. betcha ralph garr can hit more than .199. and whither brian jordan now?

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Okay:

We got Ron saying Andruw will go as low as .190, Robert at .186 and myself at .175. Anybody else wanna make a bet?

By ElbravoX

June 22, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

Great marriages often follow messy divorces, especially in sports…

By Bob

June 22, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

GermanBraveFan, Yeah, ze Roberto is back with them. Hope they can move back to the top. Need better year out of Lukas Podolski. You know, the Braves could use someone with Oliver Kahn’s temperment in the clubhouse. Boy would that cause a stir!!!

By Ron

June 22, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Paris Hilton does not SUCK this much!!! Thats hard to believe!!!

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

Robert: sorry that one post was for Bob…

By Robert

June 22, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

“Bobby Cox just said in his post-game news conference, “I thought we hit the heck out of the ball tonight”. That’s a real knee-slapper!”

Say it aint so.

If he said that, that should grounds for an immediate urine drug screen

By Raleigh Dog

June 22, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

The high water for the Braves was Smoltz’s 200th win. Ever since then, they have stunk. The only surprise is how bad the Mets have been. DOB reminds us that in that season with 3 straight shutouts the Braves 106 games. Cox needs to retire. Chipper needs to retire. Andruw and his smirk need to be sent packing. The glory days are long over. It’s back to 80s. These guys stink. Davies tomorrow? The Braves will be lucky to win one more game on this homestand. The Nats are playing better than they are. DOB is pretty optimistic but come on. This year is done. They are an awful team.

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

Bob: I agree - Kahn would light a fire!! He wouldn’t have waited too long, either… he could be a good outfielder, too - without a glove!!

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

Bob: the team will be amazing with the addition of Ribery and Toni along with Ze Roberto!

By Rolltop

June 22, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

I miss the Braves.

Bobby Cox is no old fool.

But someone is an idiot.

By Savannah Guy

June 22, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

Parting thought: Will Cox know when to hang it up? Will he gracefully bow out and take “the job” upstairs so that the Braves will be more intensely managed? Will Shurholtz know? Will Liberty do anything? Will anyone know? Does anyone but the fans and the players care?

Is anyone out there?

“Not failure, but low aim is a crime.” James Russell Lowell, poet, diplomat and satirist

G’nite. I’m outa here til morning when I’ll check back in to see if anyone sheds some light. Or humor.

By Robert

June 22, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

Germand - Hundert und VIERundachzig, not hundert und sechsundachzig

By Braveheart

June 22, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

Alright, I’m in a p** mood, so forgive me. The Mets win, the Atlanta Discontinued Operations and Non Core Assets suck, haven’t had a cigarette or caffeine in 12 days, and my ex just gave me the bluest of blues. The Braves were not the only ones shutout tonight, folks. Of course, the Braves did not have to pay for freaking dinner like me. Nope, we just paid the entire team a combined $500,000 dollars for that sad sack effort and a combined $1.5 mil for the sorry effort they have put forth in the last 3 days. $20 mil for that pathetic effort we have been watching for the past 40 games. Lord knows how much, over those same time periods, we have paid the cheapskate corporate scumbags who own the Atlanta Discontinued Operations and Non Core Assets.

F THE MAGIC NUMBER!

THE TRAGIC NUMBER IS 80 MIL!

By Blah

June 22, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

I think Bobby Cox has a secret pool going in the clubhouse to see just how low AJ’s avg can go. He must have .195 since he keeps putting him in there. It doesn’t matter where in the line up he is if no one is getting on base either. As for making it into the playoffs - What good is it to make the playoffs if your team isn’t able to get pass the 1st round? I’ve been a fan for a few years now and this team does not have a playoff team swagger. I understand slumps are part of the game. But if your team is relying on one person to come off the DL and change everything, then the team is not going to do well. It is a team effort. There’s still a chance to catch the Mets but if they don’t forget the wildcard. You can blame it on not having the money to get vet players and trying to hurry up minor league players into everyday positions. I hope they do well, but the way they are going right now it doesn’t look good. Go Bravos!

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Thanks Robert… Vielen Dank!

By JD

June 22, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding me, did we not see this coming?…You get what you pay for (most of the time) in this league. We cut player payroll every year, make impulsive trades that are every sign of an attempt at a quick fix, lose key coaches and replace them with average (and my guess is lower paid) replacements, loose one or two keys starters to injury, start how many rookies?, and what do you get……what we have right now….a very AVERAGE baseball team at best! Sorry but as a fan I’m disappointed but I’m not very surprised. So where do you go from here?

By A-ville Ranger

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

I think DOB’s interview of Smoltz last week was more significant than his being in a mood.It may be that John has come to think that this club can’t win a world series in the near future.Coming into the season he was fired up about McCann,had hopes that Chipper could remain healthy,etc.Now McCann looks like a young player uncertain of himself.Add Andruw’s near complete melt down to the pitching problems and you have a very ordinary looking team.I’d bet that everyone of us who have been Braves fans for the past ten or more years has at some time thought it may be time for a change of managers.I’m not one of the Roberts.BC is one of the all time greats.The time comes though where new blood is needed.It could be that a hard nosed Jim Leyland type is what these young guys need at this point.Something did change during that 96 series.Is this the culmination of that path ? I think it could be,maybe,I’m not sure.

By Bob

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

DOB, When was the last time the Braves got shut out 4 straight? Not trying to be funny, but with Verlander on the mound tomorrow it seems very possible, if not probable. In fact, when was the last time ANY TEAM was shut out 4 times in a row?

By GermanBravesFan

June 22, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Okay… enough for tonight. It’s only 8 p.m. here on the West Coast, so still some time left to do something useful! Later, all!

By Braveheart

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

I am a big Chipper defender but chrissakes, which part of this guy’s body is not brittle? Does he have any body parts left?

But have no fear folks, THE IRON-IC HOSS RIDES THE BENCH YET AGAIN!

not talking to the media. great move, Chipper. Real freaking classy. DOB comes on here and defends you all the time and takes alot of heat from bloggers all the time for doing it and you are not man enough to come out and talk with him? Very low rent Chipper. Like DOB does not have better things to do other than sit around for the prima donna diva to come speak to him. That is the second time you did that Larry. You did the same in Spring Training.

GROW THE F UP LARRY WAYNE!!!!

It is no longer fun watching the corpse of the Ironic Hoss rot away on the bench.

The odor from his decaying corpse is stinking up the entire team and stadium

By Lew

June 22, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

MEB-Burning ring of fire my behind. These guys need a ten alarm blaze just to warm up. I have a gallery of Braves portraits that I’ve drawn and had signed over the years. I took Andruw’s off of the wall tonight and it now sits between portraits of two DRays-Scott Kazmir and Casey Fossum. Kazmir has a DH hit for him and Fossum is on the DL. Both have as many hits as Andruw has had this week. NONE. His portrait can remain there until he can hit better than an a DRays pitcher.

By Daxxed

June 22, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

Well the Marlins are only 2 games back of the third place Braves. By the All Star break the Marlins will be 2 games ahead of the Braves and the Nationals will be 3 games behind. BC needs to send AJ down to learn to hit again. His home hitting remedy is not working. Everyone knows now that all you have to do is pitch AJ outside and he will try to pull it to get an automatic out or go down whiffing. As long as CJ is on the DL or hurt and AJ is in the line up I do not expect the Braves to win no more than 30% of their games.

By Robert

June 22, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

Let’s take it one further.

What’s the all-time record for consecutive scoreless innings by a so-called offense?

By Berigan

June 22, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

Post some jokes, (Semi)clean jokes to cheer ourselves up!

The Golfing Nun

A nun walks into Mother Superior’s office and plunks down into a chair. She lets out a sigh heavy with frustration.

“What troubles you, Sister?” asks the Mother Superior. “I thought this was the day you spent with your family.”

“It was,” sighed the Sister. “And I went to play golf with my brother. We try to play golf as often as we can. You know I was quite a talented golfer before I devoted my life to Christ.”

“I seem to recall that,” the Mother S uperior agreed. “So I take it your day of recreation was not relaxing?”

“Far from it,” snorted the Sister. “In fact, I even took the Lord’s name in vain today!”

“Goodness, Sister!” gasped the Mother Superior, astonished. “You must tell me all about it!”

“Well, we were on the fifth tee…and this hole is a monster, Mother 540 yard Par 5, with a nasty dogleg left and a hidden green…and I hit the drive of my life. I creamed it. The sweetest swing I ever made.

Andit’s flying straight and true, right along the line I wanted..and it hits a bird in mid-flight not 100 yards off the tee!”

“Oh my!” commiserated the Mother. “How unfortunate! But surely that didn’t make you blaspheme, Sister!”

No, that wasn’t it,” admitted Sister. “While I was still trying to fathom what had happened, this squirrel runs out of the woods, grabs my ball and runs off down the fairway!”

“Oh, that would have made me blaspheme! ” sympathized Mother.

“But I didn’t, Mother Superior!” sobbed the Sister. “And I was so proud of myself! And while I was pondering whether this was a sign from God, this hawk swoops out of the sky and grabs the squirrel and flies off, with my ball still clutched in his paws!”

“So that’s when you cursed,” said the Mother with a knowing smile.

“Nope, that wasn’t it either,” cried the Sister, anguished, “because as the hawk started to fly out of sight, the squirrel started struggling, and the hawk dropped him right there on the green, and the ball popped out of his paws and rolled to about 18 inches from the cup!”

Mother Superior sat back in her chair, folded her arms across her chest, fixed the Sister with a baleful stare and said…

“You missed the f——— putt, didn’t you?”

By Robert

June 22, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

This has nothing to do with the Braves, but it’s good for a giggle

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/24841

By Bob

June 22, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

GermanBravesFan,

Tschuss.

By Lew

June 22, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist Jimmy-Langerhans is indeed hitting .182, but is hitting .318 with 2 HR in his past nine games. Andruw can’t claim that.

By David O'Brien

June 22, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

Raleigh Dog, I ain’t too optimistic right about now.

Hey, check this quote from Smoltz, and make of it what you will. Pretty pointed barb, if you ask me: “I certainly apperciate the effort of the guys who were on the field busting it. We all wish were were feeling better, but that’s the way it goes.”

Also said: �We can�t worry about who�s in the lineup and who isn�t.

�The guys who are in there are busting their butts, that�s all I know. We�ve got to rally together, whoever�s in the lineup.�

Interesting….

Only thing — THE ONLY THING — that’s worth at least keeping in mind is that AL powers have humiliated them the past three days, not some NL team they’ll have to get past to reach the playoffs or, if they somehow make it, some team they’d have to face in the NL postseason.

But this is bad, and if Chipper’s out a long time, badder.

Also getting a bit tough to defend him, if he indeed goes on the DL again. I mean, the hands were a freak thing, the knee and ankle last season were freak things, unavoidable.

But I’ve always believe the way to give yourself the best chance of avoiding strained hammys and groins, especially among older players, is to stretch and stretch often. The Braves don’t do much of that, not as a group. I think they should do more, but what do I know.

They’ve hit .135 while being outscored 20-0 in three games. They’ve hit .232 in their past 17 home games.

They’ve dropped 11 of 15 home games, and 13 of 19 home and away.

And another sad thing about it is, they’ve done it before huge crowds.

By Braveheart

June 22, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

BMAC - The only man more teflon than BMAC is Sir John up in the GM’s box.

When is someone going to say hey fatass, you wanna mix in a salad or two into the ole diet sometime.

Too proud to go on the DL and watch the Saltalamaniac shine at his position but not too proud to stink it up at the plate, to have ball after ball pass by him, and to toss feeble throw after feeble throw into center.

But of course he is going to cover it up and claim that he is not playing hurt.

Fine, then, BMAC, just admit that last year was a fluke, a career year, and that you are merely what we thought you were and what you were in the minors: a .270 hitter with 10 to 15 homer power.

Pretty darn good for catcher and a number 7 hitter like you were at the beginning of last season. Nothing more, perhaps less.

I am no longer crowning you BMAC.

You are who I thought you were when you came up.

And what is the deal with the pads on the back of his legs when he is behind the plate?

Is he getting so fat, that he needs a seat cushion behind his legs for his big ole behind to rest on when he is crouching behind the plate?

What’s next? Are they gonna wheel the clubhouse buffet next to home plate so he will never miss his hourly meal?

Maybe that is what they do anyway with how fat this team is.

They have a stewardess continuously wheel the food to home plate then out to center and then to the bullpen, so that none of these whales are ever, heaven forbid, in danger of missing their hourly feedings.

By chrisklob

June 22, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Robert, I just threw up in my mouth a little!

By Braveheart

June 22, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

That was a funny link Robert

By Braveheart

June 22, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

That was a funny link Robert

By Headline

June 22, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

It is time for the fire sale ….. Trade the entire roster for a box of Wheaties and a six pack. This team sux cox …..

P.S. Is there a more worthless pair than the Jones boys. Never been worth a damn.

By Lew

June 22, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Braveheart-It might be best if you avoided sharp objects and constrictive items for a while. You’re sounding a bit suicidal there, son. Take it easy. The world is not about to end. There’s another game tomorrow. Think how much you’ll miss griping about tomorrow’s shutout if you do yourself in tonight. Look ahead. I’m sure you can get much more bummed than you are now. Don’t be a wimp. You can handle more suffering.

By Bob

June 22, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks. Pretty interesting. Smoltzie needs to get in someone’s face. Yeah, I know he is not an everyday player, but if those guys can’t do it then who else should? There are times to pat troops on the back and their are times to rip them an new one. Well, this is one of the latter.

By fastasballs

June 22, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

.Besides the pitching I believe most of the Braves players & coaches problems are from the neck up.

I keep coming back to the word leadership, or lack of, would be a better description.

What does it say to the other 24 guys on the team when they look at the line up card & see Andruw batting 4th? A) We stand a good chance of losing B) Is Cox stoned? C) Not only is failure rewarded, but praised D)Not listening to coaches is rewarded E)All the above.

The negativity is radiating from this team right now. Nobody likes to lose, but when your own damn manager is not willing to play the best line up out of loyalty to a pig headed so-called star, problems are going to arise. Andruw has become a cancer, not all his own doing, but because of Cox not removing the cancer. The cancer can’t or won’t remove itself. Since Doctor Cox has not yet diagnosed or discovered the cancer of the team, it would reason the cancer will spread or already has, judging by the team play of late.

Chipper is going down again, hopefully just for a few days, but we all know the ending to this broken record.

These kids are down & nobody is there to pick them up. I know guys making millions shouldn’t need a pick-me-up, but human nature is what it is.

Bottom line, you can’t expect the Braves to win until Cox gives them the best chance to win & with what I have seen lately & at times this year it ain’t happening folks

By bravesfan

June 22, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB have you heard any rumors of a trade or maybe changing the lineup a little bit or even letting some different people start in the starting rotation? Thanks

By Bobby Cocks

June 22, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is a Freakin’ idiot. I just woke up and it’s 1987 again. The guy on Fox Sports Radio named J.T. the Brick has called out Bobby Cox and said he has been given a pass by the national media and should have 3 or 4 rings with the talent he has had since 1991. If I hear one more story about how much his uninspired millionaire players love him I will throw up. Everyone loves a babysitter who won’t discipline them. We need Joe Girardi, he would take Andrew and Frenchie out back and threaten to whip their a$$ till they got their head out of it at the plate.

By Braveheart

June 22, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

I gotta say it was heartbreaking to see Bakery McBride get sent to Detroit the other day.

Anyone wanna take bets on whether Bakery McBride raided the clubhouse buffet before heading out the clubhouse doors after he was traded?

Don’t take that bet. Only a sucker would say he did not pilfer half the buffet on the way out the door.

Word is that people thought Paronto, BMAC, Wickman, and Andruw were crying because they hated to see Bakery McBride leave.

The truth is that they were upset Bakery McBride took half the clubhouse spread out the door with him that day.

Do you think Leyland might say to Bakery McBride, hey kid, you are 24 years old, you are up and down from the majors to the minors, you are erratic in your delivery and mechanics and in your pitch location, do you think it has anything to do with your rotundness and lack of dedication to fitness? Do you?

Do you think Leyland might say, hey kid, I never made the majors. I would have died to have the talent to play in the majors.

But you are only 24 years old and you are fatter than a blogger sitting in his chair 24/7 crying about the misfortunes of the Atlanta Discontinued Operations and Non Core Assets.

24 year old erratic ballplayers struggling to stick in the majors should not be fat. If they are, I have to question their will to stick in this game.

Don’t think Leyland is going to tolerate that level of dedication.

Perhaps even Cox got fed up as well and sent him packing.

By TURTSNAP

June 22, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

I optimistically think that this Braves team SUCKS!!!!

By your phreaking daddy

June 22, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

y’all are the stupidest bunch of fwads i’ve ever read. shut the f up and start watching wnba. f*…

By Braveheart

June 22, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

Oh, Lew, don’t worry about my welfare. When I start calling myself a Non Core Asset, then you will know I am about to become a Discontinued Operation.

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

Headline, never been worth a damn? Yes, this year ANDRUW has been disapointing (understatement) and Chipper has been hurt (again). But look at their collective body of work and you’ll see that they HAVE, in fact, been worth a damn.

Chipper Jones: 5 x All Star, NL Rookie of Year runner-up (and got robbed), NL MVP! Career .305 avg, 369 HR

Andruw Jones: 4 x All Star, 9 x Gold Glove winner, 353 HR and STELLAR defense

IMO, the reason the offense has been so unsettled this year is because of Chipper’s abscence and Andruw’ struggles. For the last ten years they have been the horse that pulls the Braves wagon. Offensively speaking, almost everyone else has been a complementary player.

Yeah, not worth a damn. I see what you did there. Idiot.

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

ANDRUW FREAKING JONES - I am going to laugh at the team stupid enough to hire this fat waste of talent.

Jayson Stark really missed the boat on this lardass.

He is not overrated.

You can’t be overrated when you are universally perceived as one of the biggest wastes of overall talent the game has ever seen.

Wilson Betemit is giving his team more production and Wilson Betemit has been benched because he is stinking it up and below the Mendoza line as well.

TRADE ANDRUW TO THE FALCONS. WE ARE GONNA NEED A FAT DEFENSIVE TACKLE TO REPLACE GRADY JACKSON.

By ElbravoX(FIRE TP)

June 23, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

Common guys: bmac’s finger hurts, Frenchy is getting on base, AJ has a track record, Chipper has had freak….can not do it…14 years as GNR would SING.. ALL EVENS OUT…A shake up and a wake up!

By The run is done

June 23, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cocks, you’re right. They need Girardi. But… they ain’t gonna get him.
They won’t fire Cox. They can’t afford Girardi. Girardi wouldn’t come to Atlanta.

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

Wolfpack Guy, I can understand your “I think I would deal just about anything in the farm system for a quality starter” but methinks it would be best to resolve our problems in the order of importance.

My own personal opinion is that the team is in dire need of effective leadership and regardless of your definitional criterion set, the field manager must be held responsible for seeing that proper direction is given and effective leadership is forthcoming, regardless of how it is delegated and/or administered.

I’m not suggesting that the manager be blamed for anything … but if leadership/direction is a problem that is negatively impacting performance, then it’s his job for seeing that it is corrected, immediately upon his recognition that it is a problem.

If the consensus is that the team is receiving well coordinated, adequate direction and effective leadership, then Braves’ management should definitely proceed with trying to upgrade our talent level as they deem appropriate.

If not, emergency sessions should be held until that problem is effectively addressed. For the purposes of “same page” guarantees, representatives from ownership, field management and the players should be included … responsibilities may well have have to be better defined and reassigned … and changes in personnel may or may not be in order.

That is, if it is adjudged that a significant leadership/direction deficiency exists, it needs to be immediately addressed before it becomes cancerous and last year’s June Swoon looks like a winning streak!

If it’s already cancerous, then for goodness sake, treat it or remove it before it becomes inoperable.

Translating, don’t fix it if it ain’t broke … but, if it is … do something about it now, not later! While hopefully not the case, if them what’s currently involved with providing direction and leadership can’t produce as expected, get somebody who can … or at least give somebody who might be so able, a chance!

I strongly believe that Bobby gets the most out of his players, however, evidence seems to be mounting that they aren’t receiving adequate direction … they need to know what they’re trying to do and what to do with what they give.

Like I said, it’s just my personal opinion … but it’s what methinks me thinks!

Pardon the rant … ‘tis not the Braves but rather the sticky keyboard that’s most responsible for my unacceptable behavior, methinks!

By Berigan

June 23, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

I can understand being Po’ed at Chipper for blowing off talking to the Media, or for being injured a lot, but at least he will fess up about bein injured! He may be thinking, let me sit a few games and let the groin heal, Escobar can at least do better than a single. How much good has it done to have McCann gut it out? I would understand if it was last year and we only had Pratt to back up. McCann hit a homer off of Schilling only because it was 85 MPH! Oh, so many problems right now….

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

Savannah, you didn’t need all those words, “Tigers get hits to all fields. Braves try to pull and homer every at bat” was more than enough!

ElbravoX, we don’t get SS and my computer was down much of the game … what do you mean by “Mr. Cox is losing touch of the team. NO HEART!” … just nice sounding frustrational ranting … or something of substance?

I do believe that most of the trouble is “above the neck” but that of course is with the taking of license and includes the heart, soul and confidence.

My expectation is that Chipper’s return is a function of a return in his confidence in the team’s ability to win … and that while Andruw’s struggles don’t bother Chipper, his attitude and approach to addressing those problems really do. I think too that Bobby’s handling of the situation may be having some impact on Chipper.

The other players, regardless of age or experience level, cannot help but be negatively impacted … and continued goose eggs aren’t exactly the prescription penned by the doctor. Methinks the fuse may well have been lit and somebody had best pull the sucker out before there’s an explosion!

By StingerSplash

June 23, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

Remember when the Braves were 24-12? I barely do.

By fastasballs

June 23, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this

Frenchy getting on base? Maybe with his fiance, but with the plate discipline, impatience & eagerness he’s been showing lately, she’s probably about as satisfied as we are with him right now.

Lord help that girl, if in a drunken stuper he mistakes his wanker for a Louisville.

By Robert

June 23, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

Two good ones from ebaumsworld

http://ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/22748

and this one is special for Bobby Cox fans

http://ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/24593

By Yikes Stripes

June 23, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

Get ready for another streak - 14 yrs of not making the playoffs following 14yrs making it.

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

CAPTAIN CAVEMAN - A million dollar body and a two cent head.

What happened to the brash, arrogant, swashbuckling kid who came up two years ago?!?!?!?!?!

Where the F did that cocky, arrogant Fer go, Frenchy?

You came up wearing those high socks, with the cool armbands, wearing number 7, the chosen one, THE SI NATURAL COVER BOY, with all the athletic arrogance one could ever want.

You seemed to be playing at a faster speed than the rest of the old men out there.

But know you have gotten all institutionalized and domesticated with the rest of that blah lubhouse.

You’ve been broken Jeff.

It all started when you pulled down your socks. And then pulled them up and then pulled them down and then up and then down.

You don’t look like a ballplayer with your socks down. You look like a man without an identity, a big tall doofus, a pitcher standing at the plate.

It’s like you are suffering some identity crisis or something. Don’t know who you are anymore.

You knew when you came up. But some vets probably gave you a ribbing about it. You doubted yourself, pulled them up and down, up and down, one minute conforming to the rest of the dweebs on the team, the next minute rebelling, and lost yourself.

Pull those damn socks back up to your damn knees and tell the world again, I am Jeffrey Freaking Francouer, my freaking arm and my freaking bat are slingblades and I aim to kill you with it.

Bring back the wild stallion, the bucking mustang, sporting the number of Mickey Mantle.

But be careful. They didn’t like the last homegrown rightfielder named David Justice who was brash, cocky, and arrogant. They sent him packing a year after he hit perhaps the second most important home run in Braves history. Maybe that is why you have conformed.

Pull those damn socks back up and take the baseball world by storm again, Jeffrey.

By DAD

June 23, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

You Braves Fans would not listen to my predictions. I stated back in May 2007 that the Braves would soon “implode” because of their many weaknesses. Most of the Braves starting pitching stinks. Andruh Jones should be sent to the minors. First base hitting is anemic. Tim Hudson has returned to his mediocre pitching of the last two years. Should I go on? Braves Fans need to concede that the Mets are going to eventually get everything straightened out. When they do, The Mets will breeze to the the NL East Championship and put the Braves well behind and out of their misery. The Braves are on a pace to fall to the bottom of the NL East by August 2007.

By Berigan

June 23, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

You know what we need here??? More b***’!!!! ;)

Salty has not started in a week, 3 pinch AB’s, that’s it. Are they going to platoon him at first, or not? McMann started a day game after a night game in Cleveland I believe, so, why is Salty up with the big club if he isn’t going to start at least 2-3 games a week and pinch hit in the other 3 games?

So help me, if he is traded for some soft tossing lefty, I’ll just follow the Cubs for awhile….

By fastasballs

June 23, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

God darnit, Mr. Bob, Journalist, you use your tongue prettier than a twenty dollar w*******!

I do enjoy your posts. We share many thoughts although you convey your’s with much more elegance than do I.

By ElbravoX(FIRE TP)

June 23, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

Bob, I see many games and my team is the worst EVER at showing emotion. No silly hand shakes, no fire, no p**-off attitude. NOTHING. The thing that makes Mr. cox a real good manager in good times, makes him the worst when things go sour. Great marriages are often the worst breakups!

By lilman916

June 23, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

BOLD: DOB, Was Smoltz responding to a question, or did he just offer those statments on hisown?

By Robert

June 23, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cox on Family Feud

http://ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/21349

By Todd A

June 23, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

Where are all the Chipper and Andruw defenders now?These two have been on cruise control for the last decade.They have merely been along for the ride since 1996.Smoltz,Glavine,Lemke,Justice,Pendleton,etc did the most of the grunt work and laid the foundation of winning for this franchise.Those guys were real leaders in the clubhouse.Home boy upstairs trades Justice and hands the reins over to these two clowns.We haven’t won anything of significance since.Please….Please let these two stroll off into the sunset this off-season.

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

SCOTT THORMAN - what a Fing joke. This guy is just simply not a MLBer. If it is possible, he plays more retarded than Frenchy and Andruw combined. It’s like watching Corky trying to hit. He’s Russell Branyan without half the Branyan power. This guy is at most a bench player if he ever sticks around. A fill in and pinch hitter who can pop you a few homers a year off the bench. Nothing more, perhaps less. Didn’t we see Thorman playing for us a few years ago? I thought his name was Wes Helms back then? Can’t hit for average or take a walk. Not a very good fielder at all either.

How come the sabermetricians keep preaching to us that productive first baseman and corner outfielders are a dime a dozen but we can’t find ourselves one?

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

Is anyone else getting symbols when David O’B puts in punctuation marks?

Seems like I’ve been getting them for a couple of days … but have only had the problem with his posts,

By Robert

June 23, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

Name an animal with three letters in his name - first, son says “Frog” and the old man one ups him with

“Alligator”

That Family Feud video is just amazing.

Name something found in the refrigerator. He says “ice” and gets NINE POINTS

By David O'Brien

June 23, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, great post, man.

And get that CD I recommended to you. You’ll love it. Sage Francis is the guy’s name. Your indie record store will have it, and maybe even some big record stores.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

June 23, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

A few reflection while waiting for the pain to go away…

Right now as a team the Braves stink….

On the bright side, our new reliever looked super. Do you think maybe we can swap a few more players?

I thought Smoltz pitched a heck of a game concidering he is playing hurt. Anyone else noticed that his right shoulder is lower than the left. Folks, that is a sign of a man trying to relieve the pain.

Andruw is still lost….. It is beginning to p** me off. Of course next year while playing for the Nationals he will revert to all world again.

Francouer is back to swinging at the first pitch again, if I were Bobby I would fine him every time he has a one pitch at bat.

Picked up two Bonnie Raitt CDs plus a Stevie Ray disc at a yard sale. Glad people are dumping their CDs. For all you blues fans do yourself a favor and pick up Jonny Lang’s first CD. Still his best. Of course “Lie to Me” should be the theme song for the Braves fans.

By gotigers72

June 23, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this

Having a .199 hitter in the 4 hole is absolutely ridiculous. I have always been a Bobby fan, but I am beginning to lose some respect for him because he continues to hit Andruw above the 7th spotwhen he is hitting something like .166 in his last FIFTY games. Not the last 10-12, or even 25-30, but the last 50! That’s 1/3 of the freakin’ season.

He also stubbornly refuses to sit McCann down for hardly any time. McCann’s defense this year leaves a lot to be desired,and he is now hitting EIGHTY POINTS BELOW WHAT HE HIT LAST YEAR. One at bat tonight, he took 2 strikes right down the middle, then struck out on a pitch that was head high. I believe he’s right there with Andruw on being messed up mentally as well as mechanically. Give Salty a few games back there in a row and see what he can do.

Loyalty can only go so far Bobby, and should certainly be behind winning.

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

DAVIES - As Jay-Z, would say, I ain’t even gonna waste a line on this (well, I am white so I can’t say that word without giving a black man every damn right to make me look like Chipper with no limbs left on me).

By ElbravoX(FIRE TP)

June 23, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

CAN NOT SAY BETTER BRAVEHEART! GIRARDI?

By Ah Yes, Things are as they should be

June 23, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

The Mets were in a slump. The Phillies were in a slump. The Braves are just showing their true colors. They need a vet to shake things up. I know when they go out on the field they don’t say “How can we lose today?” They’re trying. If they are not taking what they’re doing in batting practice (e.g. being patient, working the count) Call them out on it. I read Frenchy’s dad pulled him from a game for bad grades. He should pull him if he swings at blatant 1st pitch balls. If he sits on the 1st pitch 98% of the time he will swing at the second. Everyone knows this. AJ, what can we say…This is actually a waste of time since nobody except bloggers read this. Maybe let’s out some anger? Just a new “”chat room”. Bobby doesn’t care what we write, AJ will be back in the line up, Frenchy will swing at the first pitch, and tomorrow everyone will be back complaining about another loss. Forget it. I quit this dumb blog thing.

By Ron

June 23, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

Braveheart Dude never seen you type stuff like this before!!! But man that 11:51 post was funny, I got tears comin down right now!!!

By Drummerdad

June 23, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this

This is more than than Chipper’s having an injury. These guys seem demoralized. Seems like it’s more than the number of injuries they’ve had, but what do I know? Where do you start fixing things on a baseball team when there are a lot of things malfunctioning?

By Drummerdad

June 23, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

2 years ago Schuerholz and Cox brought up 18 players from the minor leagues to fill voids. And they were hungry and motivated. Maybe they happens some now. I’d say it’s a good time to sit Andruw. Let somebody else take his place. It wa a shame when it happened to Bernie Williams in NY, but good night, how long do you let this go on hoping it will change? He can’t hit!!

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

DOB, thanks for the compliment but you had better clarify which ones of those was a great post. There was alot of stupid incoherent ranting and venting going on up there by me. You don’t want any of them getting the idea that you liked something crazy and stupid I said up there during my stream of consciousness.

Will definitely check out the Sage Francis rec. Thanks. It is getting harder and harder these days to find good hip hop.

Alright, everyone. Sorry about all that. Thanks for tolerating me tonight. Blew off ALOT of steam. Feel alot better now.

THE MAGIC NUMBER IS ……. nah, still not feeling good enough to go there.

KC-wan-kinobi…… you are our only hope. Please tell your kids and wife sorry, the blog and the Braves need some saving. We need your ray of sunshine back on here. I outdid N8 with my negativity tonight. I sounded like Robert tonight. We need balance back in the force.

Robert, BTW, really liked your funny links tonight.

By NASCARfan

June 23, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

If anyone… ANYONE needs more proof of Bobby Cox’s complete and utter idiocy (or is it SENILITY) I give you Andruw Jones, hitting .202 before the game… BATTING F-ING CLEAN UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How much longer can you defend the indefensable, DOB? How much longer can you keep your lips pressed to Bobby Cox’s wrinkled backside?

HOW!!!!

By N8

June 23, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

The offensive (key word…..OFFENSIVE) woes, are quite simply ALL ANDRUW JONES’ FAULT!

Why Andruw, you may ask? After all he’s, just one man?

Uh…Yeah. He’s one man, the highest paid, man on the team, at that.

He sucks so bad right now, it’s unexcusable, IMO. In the name of Rafael Belliard, get a frickin clue at the plate.

Good old domino effect, if you ask me.

You simply cannont let the “kids” attempt to carry this team, without production from Andruw and Chipper.

Oh, whaddya know? Chipper’s hurt and can’t help. Andruw is out to prove that Dave Kingman is his idol.

Say what you want DOB. Call us doomsayers, debbie downers, whatever you wanna use as the “catch phrase” of the day/week.

Without MASSIVE production from Chipper and Andruw…..THIS TEAM IS DONE!!!

Period.

Give me something….anything to cling onto, to make me feel otherwise, and I’ll shutup…..for now. :-)

By Mark

June 23, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this

Ah Yes now you know how the Braves feel

By Robert

June 23, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

“This is more than than Chipper’s having an injury. These guys seem demoralized. Seems like it’s more than the number of injuries they’ve had, but what do I know? Where do you start fixing things on a baseball team when there are a lot of things malfunctioning”

At the top.

By Chuck Tanner

June 23, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this

Bravehart….have some ballz pal…just because o’brien likes u doesn’t mean sh@#$…u r a huge loser….this team can’t hit…who is the hitting coach….mmmm??…i don’t want to offend bravehart

By Drummerdad

June 23, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this

Braves haven’t scored in somthing like their last 28 innings. Forget trading Andruw. People who say that haven’t been listening or reading. Its time to make some changes and move on as if the Joneses weren’t involved. Time to move on.

By Double Deuce

June 23, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this

Jeremy Of all the things wrong with the Braves right now, to single out Tyler Yates is absurd. We all need to vent, but keep it real buddy.

There are so many problems with this team right now, and each of us seems to be searching for something to hang our hat on to explain what is going on with a team we all are obviously passionate about. This is a talented team. Are we the Red Sox? Obviously not, but we are a young, untested, very talented team going thru a rough stretch. I think we are underachieving based on the athletes I see, and the problem is leadership. I know I keep harping on this, but it just seems so obvious it’s time for somebody to be the Jason Varitek of this team, somebody with enough respect from the other players when he steps up and says enough is enough, players listen. Who is the guy? I don’t have the answer to that, Smoltz and Chipper would be the obvious choices, but that may not be their personality. Wickman? Again, may not be the way he’s made. All I know is there are some great young players on this team and what they are learning right now is how to lose and have it be OK. Dangerous territory there, in my opinion.

By Ron

June 23, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

Braveheart Agree everybody always says a Good First Baseman and Corner Outfielders are a dime a dozen, funny because we never have them and when we FINALLY have a Young First Baseman that can play Great Defense, Great Offense and HIT GREAT in the Damn Postseason we trade him for a guy that missed the last Damn month of last season!!! Yes LaRoche is strugling, but I dont think he would be strugling here!!! This team is So freakin pathedic!!! Yep they traded Justice the guy that actually hit in the Postseason also(at least when he hit that game winning homer in 95 World Series)!!! JS cannot stand for the Braves to have a position player hit good in the Postseason!!! Maybe if we had a few guys that could hit in the Damn Postseason in the 90’s we may have 2 or 3 more damn rings!!!

By StingerSplash

June 23, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this

Ah Yes,

I think a vet has already paid a visit to the Braves. The kind that puts your pet to sleep.

By Bobby Cocks

June 23, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

It’s got to be the curse of Chief Noc A Homa, for those who remember

By N8

June 23, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

Saw where someone actually suggesting going after Elijah Dukes. Why, so the Braves would have the hitters with the worst averages in both leagues? Dukes was hitting .190, worst among AL qualifiers (Andruw’s .202 had that dubious distinction in the NL).

Yeah. Both suck. But one’s making 380,000 dollars and his team wasn’t counting on him to carry them to the post season, the other is making 14 million and his team WAS.

At least dukes has some upside.

It has now gotten to the point that if the Braves re-sign Andruw even for the league minimum, I’m gonna be pizzed! He needs to go, and he needs to go NOW.

Put him on frickin waivers and maybe we’ll luck out and somebody will “claim” him, freeing up some cash for us to make a trade for somebody that wants to and CAN hit.

He’s making Dale Murphy’s final days in a Braves uniform look productive. That’s pretty frickin hard to do.

Side note:

I didn’t watch the game tonight (THANK GOD), but I did see the low-lights on Baseball tonight. I get that Rogers was “dealing” and we would’ve lost 1-0, had Smoltz only given up 1 run, but AGAIN, Bobby leaves his guy out there to hang himself. WHY??

We had an off day yesterday, and Buddy took one for the team on Wednesday. Bullpen should’ve been MORE THAN RESTED to help attempt to bail Smoltz out. Oh….THAT’S RIGHT, Bobby used Soriano in a meaninless game the other day didn’t he.

I get that with all the guys that used to be on this team that let their playing do the “talking” (Maddux, Glavine, McGriff, Big Cat, etc…), Bobby has never been much of a RAH RAH guy. OK. Fair enough.

But if EVER a team was in need of a manager or coach going off on them in a closed door meeting, it was this YOUNG team of Braves players right now.

If I’m Smoltz, I’m freaking out in the dugout on somebody. Where the F is Michael Barrett or Zambrano, when you need them.

If JS trades Salty or Escobar to try and salvage this SORRY AZZ team this year, he should be taken out back and where he can be wiffed repeatedly by an Andruw Jones swing.

Because I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Mark FRICKIN Buehrle is not saving this team, unless he can hit higher than .200 and play CF, 3B, and 1B at the same time, along with throwing a shutout every 5th day.

Mark Buerhle…LOL!….What a hoot!

By dave

June 23, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this

Andrew Jones has been absolutely terrible this year. After the Braves lost Friday to the Tigers, I can’t help but wonder why Bobby Cox keeps him in the middle of the batting order. He needs to be hitting ninth and let the pitchers bat ahead of him. His average is now below the Mendoza line! Let Andrew sit on the bench for a whole week and let Willie Harris get the starts instead.Cox needs to do something other than what he has done. I’m sick of seeing Andrew try to pull every pitch that’s three feet out of the strike zone. And whiff at everything else. I call on all Atlanta fans to Boo Andrew Jones as long and as loud as possible every time he comes up to bat. And one last thing. DOB, is there any truth in the rumor that Torii Hunter (who is also a free agent at the end of the year) said he would like to play for the Braves? If so, let Andrew go. At least Torii Hunter has a personality.

By Wolfpack Man

June 23, 2007 1:24 AM | Link to this

Bob Journalist If your suggestion is a change in the current manager then I think you are wrong and wasting time to think that will or should happen. If it is a hitting or pitching coach change then you are entitled to your opinion. My belief is that the problems are not due to the coaches.

HERE IS THE TRUTH: The Braves are in a slump! They have 2 quality starters who started out great and have been only slightly above average lately. They have major question marks going into 60% of the starts. They have a very good bullpen. They have a weak bench and a solid lineup. That lineup though is not solid when a guy who is your best hitter (Chipper) cannot stay healthy and your best power hitter (AJ) cannot hit above .200. If those two guys are in the lineup consistently and producing “normal” years, then this is a different story.

The offense I think will come around, and I think the pitching staff could be solid if another 1-3 starter could be aquired.

The problem with addressing the offense is where do you make a change or trade? 3B,SS, 2B, C, CF, and RF I would think are out of the question for the remainder of the year. That leaves 1B and LF. Truthfully, I don’t think you could ask for better production out of left, so that leaves 1B. Just not a lot of options out there. And who are you going to add there?

By N8

June 23, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this

“Its time to make some changes and move on as if the Joneses weren’t involved”

That should be easy to do, since they haven’t been.

And to think, I thought we would become the Boston Celtics of the 80’s (since they “hung on” to Bird, Ainge, McHale and Parrish WAAAAY too long based on their past success), by hanging on to Glavine, Maddux and Smoltz too long.

NOPE. JS hung on to Chipper and Andruw too long, putting ALL of his eggs into the Jones basket, on the offensive side of the ball. Shame on him.

Ironically enough, had he let those two go at the time he let Maddux and Glavine walk, and replaced THEM with the same mediocre, mid-range type of position players that he tried to replace Maddux and Glavine (two guys who have NEVER had injury history), with, our success, more than likely would be better than it is right now.

Because essentially, Andruw and Chipper (for half the season), have been NON-EXISTANT anyhow. Tell me that having Escobar at 3B and Harris in CF everyday, with Maddux and Glavine in the rotation instead of Davies and the batting practice machine of the week, that has been our 5th starter, we WOULDN’T be in better shape.

Ladies and Gentleman, call me crazy, call me negative, but to me in hindsight, it is CRYSTAL CLEAR that JS let the wrong pair of guys making more than 10 million dollars walk away. JS doesn’t get the benefit of hindsight when making his decisions, but he shouldn’t. After all…..he’s the “BEST”…right?

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 1:33 AM | Link to this

Chuck Tanner, thanks man. Thanks for the love. You see me in a very fragile, sensitive, vulnerable place and you attack me and call me a loser. I wasn’t suicidal before but now I am. You have that power over me. Sorry for letting you down Lew. You can thank Chuck for me.

On that note, I leave you for the night with this classic from Biggie Smalls: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS:

When I die, F it I wanna go to hell; Cause I’m a piece of sh@t, it ain’t hard to Fing tell; It don’t make sense, goin’ to heaven wit the goodie-goodies, Dressed in white; I like black Tims and black hoodies; God will probably have me on some real strict sh@t; No sleepin’ all day, no gettin my d@#%ck licked; Hangin’ with the goodie-goodies loungin’ in paradise; F that sh@t, I wanna tote guns and shoot dice; All my life I been considered as the worst; Lyin’ to my mother, even stealin’ out her purse; Crime after crime, from drugs to extortion; I know my mother wished she got a Fing abortion; She don’t even love me like she did when I was younger; Suckin’ on her chest just to stop my Fing hunger; I wonder if I died, would tears come to her eyes?; Forgive me for my disrespect, forgive me for my lies; My babies’ mothers 8 months, her little sister’s 2; Who’s to blame for both of them (naw n@gga, not you); I swear to God I just want to slit my wrists and end this bullsh@t; Throw the Magnum to my head, threaten to pull sh@t; And squeeze, until the bed’s, completely red; I’m glad I’m dead, a worthless Fing buddah head; The stress is buildin’ up, I can’t; I can’t believe suicide’s on my Fing mind; I want to leave, I swear to God I feel like death is Fing callin’ me; Naw you wouldn’t understand; You see its kinda like the crack did to Pookie, in New Jack; Except when I cross over, there ain’t no comin’ back; Should I die on the train track, like Remo in Beatstreet; People at the funeral frontin’ like they miss me; My baby momma kissed me but she glad I’m gone; She knew me and her sista had somethin’ goin’ on; I reach my peak, I can’t speak, call my n@gga Chic, tell him that my will is weak; I’m sick of n@ggas lyin’, I’m sick of b@tches hawkin’, matter of fact, I’m sick of talkin’. [BANG]

By N8

June 23, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this

Wolfpac Man

You are not allowed to make the following comments in the same post, without being questioned:

“My belief is that the problems are not due to the coaches.”

Followed by:

“They have a weak bench and a solid lineup.”

Which is it? A solid lineup, or good coaching?

If the lineup IS solid, and they’re struggling as bad as they are, then there is only one place to point the finger of blame……COACHING!

If the coaching is good, and the results are what they have been….then the only reasonable conclusion is that the lineup is NOT solid.

Pick a side, and jump off the fense, my man. Or go into politics, you’d make a good congressman.

You did clarify, that WITHOUT Chipper and Andruw “producing “normal” years”, the lineup is not solid. That if they were having normal years “then this is a different story”

Totally agree with you. But half way through the season, one has to look at it and say THIS IS OUR LINEUP! Andruw has sucked all year, and has shown me absolutely NOTHING to convince me to be confident that he’s gonna turn it around. Chipper (like the previous 2 seasons - JUST AS I PREDICTED), cannot stay on the field. They are essentially no bigger part of this team than Mike Hampton and Mike Gonzalez are.

Actually, strike that last remark. Those guys, while not available to “help”, are at least not HURTING this team, by SUCKING. Chipper can at least say, that when in the lineup, he’s been productive.

A reasonable thinking person, could actually come to the conclusion that this team might actually be better off with Andruw on the DL for the entire 2nd half of the season. Not only is he NOT helping, but he kills more rallies than anybody I’ve ever witnessed in a Braves iniform.

Anybody know how to get ahold of Jeff Gillooly?

By Wayne in Utah

June 23, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this

Wolfpack Man Excellent post. I have been on and off the blog all night, not posting because I don’t want to alienate my friends here. So much whining, I thought we were in a pre-school blog.

Bad stretch. It is entirely possible we might not come out of it, but it is equally possible that in 2 weeks, we are back to winning 55-60% of our games, and then everybody will be just like last night, “who shall we go after in a trade to put us over the top?”

I just get so tired of the fickle nature of some bloggers (Please, non fickle bloggers, do not be offended!)

I would give Chipper a flier on not being accessible, as he is probably frustrated as all get out, and doesn’t want to face the questions tonight.

Yes, Bobby is making a mistake in putting Andruw into the cleanup slot, although I think he was probably hoping that maybe AJ might come out of his funk and to do so in the 7th spot would not be as big of a boost to his ego. Bobby plays to the players egos.

Without Chipper in the lineup, I think we can count this season as lost. But, if he is only out 2 weeks, and if we pick up one more decent starter, then we could make a go of it.

Buehrle would be a positive addition for this team. Anybody that says otherwise is not being realistic. How could replacing Carlyle/Lerew/Cormier with Buehrle NOT be a huge addition. He pitched 7 innings tonight, and only gave up two solo hr’s in the first inning. 4 total hits, no walks, and 4 strike outs.

Yes, Oswalt would be a better addition (Bedard too), if Houston were interested. Buehrle can be had without trading Saltalamacchia or Escobar. It would take Lillibridge, Pena and maybe Reyes, or two of those three. Is he worth it for half a season? Maybe not. Will they get that sort of a return for him? You bet they will!

Back to a key point. We are lacking leadership at this point. Without an on the field leader, I think Bobby has to be the one to provide it. It seems that what he is doing right now is not working. Something must change.

Thanks again, Wolfpack Man.

By JohnGTfan

June 23, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this

Tomorrow should be interesting. Pretty soon Turner Field is going to look like Phillips during a Hawks game.

By Wayne in Utah

June 23, 2007 1:57 AM | Link to this

N8 I think you answered your own question from Wolfman’s post. Yes, when fully intact and performing at normal levels, we DO have a solid lineup.

Gillooly?? google it…..

By sing a long

June 23, 2007 2:02 AM | Link to this

28 zeroes are up on the wall

28 innings of nil

next time the braves come up to bat

29 zeroes are up on the wall

By Ron

June 23, 2007 2:08 AM | Link to this

N8, you commented earlier about JS let the wrong two go(referring to Maddux and Glavine) and kept the wrong two(Chipper and Andruw). Well to be honest would it have mattered if we kept all 4? I mean we still would not have another Championship, so whatever!!! To tell you the Truth it will be better off when Andruw and Chipper is off this team!!! And Chipper is my Favorite Player, but man those injuries are crazy!!! Call me crazy but something tells me that Boras will advise Andruw to sign a 1 year deal with the Braves and Try to have a Great season next year, and cash in!!!

By Wayne in Utah

June 23, 2007 2:17 AM | Link to this

Ron and N8 If you were JS, would you sign AJ for a 10 million, one year extension??

For me, I don’t think I would at this point, unless he gave up his 10-5.

By Richie Rich

June 23, 2007 2:18 AM | Link to this

Just got back from a night on the town, looked at the tape and was absolutely floored by some of the post game comments.

Smoltz apologist Joe Simpson saying he had only “one bad inning”

Smoltz with his usual “one bad pitch” baloney.

and the Grand-Daddy of them all..delusional Bobby claiming the team “hit the heck out of the ball.”

I feel sorry for the writers who have to print such nonsense.

By Wayne in Utah

June 23, 2007 2:20 AM | Link to this

Been racking my brain to come up with possible affordable additions to spell Thorman at first, and to give us a decent bat off the bench. Conine, and Chris Shelton of the Tigers keep coming to mind.

Any others??

By al pacino

June 23, 2007 2:30 AM | Link to this

I’ve been watching the Braves, and let me tell you -

THERE’S SOMETHING REALLY WRONG HERE!

By Wayne in Utah

June 23, 2007 2:31 AM | Link to this

Richie Watch the highlights, and you will see that Smoltz truly only gave up two runs, as the third runner to score, was actually OUT at the plate, and that would have been the end of the inning. So, Smoltz deserved better. He still would have lost 2-0 though…..

By Berigan

June 23, 2007 2:50 AM | Link to this

Ron, I am afraid you are right about Andruw offering his services to the Braves for one year, and giving him 15 mil to do it! He can’t take a cut in pay just cuz you had the worse season since Rob Deer, hell I wish he was having a Dave Kingman type of year.

If Andruw could turn it around and hit .260 for the rest of the year(.230+ for the season) great, we won’t all hate him, we can say best of luck with the next team, and don’t come back now, ya hear? We don’t need him! I’ll give up a dozen balls next season that don’t get caught if we have someone hit .280 in center. His .199 average is 65 points lower than the “average” centerfielder, and 159 points lower the the top hitting centerfielder!!!!!!!!!!

By N8

June 23, 2007 2:57 AM | Link to this

Ron

“Well to be honest would it have mattered if we kept all 4? I mean we still would not have another Championship, so whatever!!!”

Normally, I would say you are right. But that Cardinals team that one last year, was NOT a team for the ages.

Wayne

“Ron and N8 If you were JS, would you sign AJ for a 10 million, one year extension??”

I would not. I’m done with him. I don’t care if he hits 75 HR next year with whoever he signs with. With all the yapping that he and Boras did about “no hometown discount”, I at least expected him to tear it up this year, and get 1 more good year out of him. That possibility was the ONLY thing keeping JS from trading him last year, which he now looks silly for not doing.

If he signed for about 4-5 million for 1 year, and as you suggested, waived his 10/5 status. Why not?

To answer my own question, I’ll tell you why not. Because no matter how horrible he was doing, Bobby would put him in the middle of the lineup.

The only other batting order idiocy that I can remember Bobby being so stubborn and WRONG about, was having a “Pre-Juiced Up” Bret Boone batting in the 2-hole the whole frickin year. That guy had just as little business in the 2-hole, as Andruw does batting any higher than 7th.

Now to change subjects.

WHY THE HELL is Salty still on the 25 man roster? To give McCann an occasional rest? Nope. Bobby played him earlier in the week in a day game after a night game. To be the RH half of a platoon at 1B? Nope. Kenny Rogers on the mound tonight, and whaddya know? Scott “I make a Young Ryan Klesko look like a selective hitter” Thorman is in the lineup.

At this point, we’d be better off with Pena up, and Salty playing 1B everyday at Richmond. Because, unless JS plans on trading him, or trading McCann in the offseason, there is NO reason to keep him up right now…AT ALL.

But then again, we’re dealing in opposites when it comes to actual logic surrounding the current 25 man roster.

Let’s list off guys that have NO BUSINESS, or do have business but aren’t being used, on the 25 man roster:

Thorman…worthless.

Chipper…fantastic player, who can’t be counted on.

Orr….worthless.

Woodward….worthless.

Andruw…worthless.

Salty…wasting space that could be taken up by a player that might actually get playing time (or perhaps another WORTHLESS player).

Soriano…Due to all the other worthless players on the roster, we can’t get him in a game that actually means anything.

Wickman….see above.

Ledezma…he’s a LHP, that can’t get LHB’s out, even though he’s replacing the ONLY LH reliever on our roster that could. By definition…he’s worthless. Regardless of 3 K’s in 1 IP during a garbage time inning.

Buddy Carlyle…Showing WHY he had to wait for a new millenium to record his 2nd victory….worthless.

Kyle Davies…Uber Worthless.

That’s 11 of our 25 players on the current roster, who are either worthless in general, or totally USELESS to a team that never has a lead, and 1 that probably could help if he played everyday, yet he doesn’t get the chance to.

Date to watch out for:

August 3rd, 2007. That will be the day that the Braves move into LAST PLACE in the division, where they will finish the season at.

Here’s a “stat” for you. On Wednesday, April 11th, we beat the Nats to go to 7-1. They, ironically, fell to 1-7.

Since that day, we are 31-35. They are 30-35. LET ME REPEAT THAT. For the last 65 games, we have been 1/2 of a game better than the Wasington Nationals. Everybody keeps saying (myself included), how we can keep losing to the crappy teams like the Nats, Marlins, Pirates, etc….

Time to face facts people, similar to last year, WE are one of the crappy teams, that other teams leave town scratching their heads, if we beat them once or twice.

If we are NOT sellers at the deadline, JS should be fired on the spot. No matter how many times DOB still says we are “only” X ammount of games out of 1st place.

If this team would happen to back into a post season spot, they quite possibly could be the WORST team to ever make the playoffs in the history of MLB.

YIKES.

By GermanBravesFan

June 23, 2007 3:05 AM | Link to this

Braveheart - great post earlier about Francoeur!!!

By Berigan

June 23, 2007 3:08 AM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah, for a cheap 1st baseman to platoon with Thorman, how about Salty??? ;) I mean, what can it hurt? Is someone afraid he will tank offensively, and we won’t be able to trade him for Steve Trachsel at the trading deadline if he is only hitting .260? So he may butcher a few balls, so what? He really seems like a quick learner. Bobby needs to do something to shake this line-up, up! Having Salty and Escobar in the line-up seemed to be a pretty solid one. Willie Harris will be in there tomorrow(later today)

I have a bold prediction for the game, we win!!!! Salty will turn around one of Verlander’s 102 MPH pitches for a homer, and Davies has one of his once a month great starts! Put money on it! ;)

By GermanBravesFan

June 23, 2007 3:14 AM | Link to this

DOB… just went to the cd archives and found “Neil Young Unplugged”… great stuff!

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 3:18 AM | Link to this

fastasballs, You know I’m not much in favor of so using God in a post … and I can’t think of any appropriate 8 letter words starting with “w” since we stopped playing Scrabble back when Mama died.

However, I’ll take what you said as a compliment unless you tell me different … and say thanks! … now to which of my utterings do you refer?

Stepping out from behind the mask … Don’t underestimate your eloquence … I’m quite envious of your ability to make words come alive! Oh, my initial reaction to your post was “What in the world did I say now?”

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 3:19 AM | Link to this

ElbravoX,

Thanks for the explanation and I think we are in total agreement.

I’m sure you know I appreciate Bobby as a manager. I also understand his even-keel, businessman approach preachings … and it’s obvious that it is to him that some, if not all listen.

I think it’s what allows him to effectively manage 25 divergent, highly talented youngsters … youth/young being an abused and relative descriptor.

But, as a fan of the game, I hate it with a passion! Always have and always will!

As I often said, from the outside looking in, it’s far too complex for me to attempt to pass judgment on the decisions that are made by Bobby, his staff, or those to whom he reports … but, I truly respect him for his management ability.

Folks who suggest that players like him because they are allowed virtually unlimited freedom are missing the point that, while it may be so perceived, they aren’t given such freedom; only the freedom which he wants them to have. Twenty five divergent personalities, each given their head, will rarely win one divisional championship, regardless of talent … if each is given their head! The boat would have long ago capsized if such had been the case.

By Berigan

June 23, 2007 3:35 AM | Link to this

N8, while I agree with a fair bit of what you say, I had to mention a few things about your last post….

If Andruw hit 75 homers next year, you would care, and be quite pizzed! ;) Thorman is not worthless,(9 HR’s 30 RBi’s translate to a 21 HR 70 RBI season) not great, but “ok” Put him in the Yankee line-up, where everyone takes pitches, he’d learn to do that as well. Plus, with runners always on, pitchers throwing more pitches per inning because of it, and always pitching from the stretch, he’d drive in more runs, a lot more runs.

But, to be fair to folks like Thorman, and Frenchy, they grew up hearing, you can’t walk off the island, so is it any wonder they don’t take many pitches???

Carlyle, he deserves one more chance, the Red Sox are the best team in baseball, let’s see how he does against the AAAA league for a start or two before we toss him under the bus.

Ledezma. You weren’t able to see him pitch because of the game being on Sports south, correct? (Or do you have MLB.TV? ) Trust me, if you didn’t see him, he looked good! So, he can’t get out lefties, neither could Redman, and that…wait, forget that point! He’s got better stuff than McBride, trust me! Let him just face people for the 6th, or 7th, then long relief…he will start before the end of the year if 4 and 5 continue to suck.

Poor Detroit! Doesn’t your heart bleed for them? So many darned starting pitcher choices That they didn’t even give Ledezma a chance this year, and they sent lefty Maroth to the Cards for a player to be named later, so Kenny Rogers could start today!

Anyway, I am sure I could “argue” more with you, but by the time I finish this lengthy post, everyone will have gone to bed, and no one will even read it! I love to waste time, that’s why I post here, and watch the Braves!

By Chop Chop

June 23, 2007 4:06 AM | Link to this

Whoa…it’s late.

Braveheart, gotta give you props. You brought it tonight. And yeah, DOB should probably clarify the “great post”. He may never get to talk to Andruw again.

By serbok

June 23, 2007 4:16 AM | Link to this

N8! Wolfpac Man

You are not allowed to make the following comments in the same post, without being questioned:

“My belief is that the problems are not due to the coaches.”

Followed by:

“They have a weak bench and a solid lineup.”

Which is it? A solid lineup, or good coaching?

EXCELLENT POST!

WAYNE you disappoint me my friend:o(

Wolfpack Man I Totally disagree with you!

ROBERT Nice to see that other bloggers are finally realizing that Bobby has had more talent than any manager in modern day baseball history and has been on “cruise control thru his tenure as braves manager” Now is the time for the friggin manager to do what needs to be done. Will Bobby do this Wolfman? Will AJ be hitting cleanup against verlander? Was Smoltzie saying he thinks chipper is “doggin it?” The end of 2008 is looking like a very good year Indeed! We get rid of this Brilliant President of our beloved country~ AND The manager of our beloved Braves will step down!!!!! DOB Thanx for your response on the digital Era.(dont mean earned run average~lol) I totally understand where you are comming from:o) However, I do believe in JS still. I think if there is a creative way to dump AJ’s salary, OSWALT is not out of the question. Oswalt is the only pitcher who can save this season, It would be a psychological boost to the kids and he’s a NL pitcher. Unfortunately the only way I can see that happening is during the off season. So Barring Bobby becoming A HOF manager, (aint gonna happen) In my humble opinion, because Bobby gets more than he has given to the organization, The only way out of this mess is to trade for Zambrano and let him, show the passion it takes to survive in this dog dog eat world~

Bob, Journalist I also get jibberish when DOB uses exclamation marks. There is something going wrong with the fonts on his powerbook and probably needs to do an Archive and Install, That would be the easiest way to resolve that, However, If He calls Apple Tech support and speaks with a level 2 agent it can be resolved without that. Tho it would take quite some time to find the offending font. Barring A trade of huge proportions, the only way the braves can turn this around is up to COX:o(

By Zimmerman

June 23, 2007 4:45 AM | Link to this

Parts of this classic number from last year are dated, but other parts are more apt this year than last. An oldie but a goodie:

Ballad of a Third (Base)Man

You stumble on the field

Your team’s out of the race.

When every other year of your career

You’ve been in first place.

You’ve got the most bewildered

Look on your face.

And you say, “Impossible!”

While the press throws you bones.

And you know something is happening here

But you don’t know what it is,

Do you, Chipper Jones?

You walk into the clubhouse,

Your bat in your hand.

You see somebody naked,

And you say, “Who is that man?”

Then he turns around

And you see it’s Brian McCann.

And his bat’s much younger and stronger than your own.

And you know something is happening here

But you don’t know what it is,

Do you, Chipper Jones?

You have many contacts

Among the sporting hacks

Who’ve got your back

When someone attacks

Your declining station.

But, hell, it’s hard enough,

What with old age and stuff,

Just to keep calling their bluff

Without resorting to heavy steroidization.

You run with Hooters girls

And they all like your looks.

And for spurts of a week or two,

Your play still really cooks.

But most athletes your age,

They’re retired, writing books.

And that disabled list

Feels more and more like home.

And you know something is happening here

But you don’t know what it is,

Do you, Chipper Jones?

(moans)

(harsh, dirge-like piano outro)

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 4:50 AM | Link to this

Wolfpack, It appears that as is frequently is the case, I wasn’t as clear in expressing myself as had been my intent.

I opined that the team is in need of effective leadership and posited that the field manager is responsible for seeing that proper direction and effective leadership is effected … at least that was my intent.

Upon closer examination, I can see how my rhetoric and/or syntax suggests the two are, or should be connected … but that was not the intent. One is my opinion regarding the current situation and is but that. The other is my understanding of one of the primary responsibilities of the field manager.

If my opine is true, then the manager’s responsibilities relative thereto are indeed what they are … I was simply trying to state what I thought them to be.

It was my intent to offer the opine and, relative to that, suggest that executive management should, if it had not already so done, take a close look at the situation … before pursuing possible trade opportunities. I realize that I should have explicitly so said … but it was done in haste and sometimes what you think doesn’t make it to the post, even though you think it does.

Actually, it was only me expressing my opinion to you, relative to your opine regarding the need for a trade.

When I said “If the consensus is that the team is receiving well coordinated, adequate direction and effective leadership, then Braves’ management should definitely proceed with trying to upgrade our talent level as they deem appropriate”, I meant the consensus of Braves’ senior and/or executive management, which may well be defined within the Braves organization as being the same.

I intentionally left out the obvious … that if it so chose, Ownership might well override that consensus.

I then followed that with “If not, emergency sessions should be held until that problem is effectively addressed. For the purposes of “same page” guarantees, representatives from ownership, field management and the players should be included … responsibilities may well have have to be better defined and reassigned … and changes in personnel may or may not be in order*”.

The opening “If not* again was intended to refer to Braves’ senior and/or executive management.

Nothing in the entire post was intended to suggest that any specific action should be taken … except that if it hasn’t yet been so done, it should be their top priority to determine if my opine is valid and should that be the case, take immediate and effective action to reseolve the problem.

I appreciate your bringing it to my attention and giving me the opportunity to explainI It most assuredly was poorly written and I apologize both for that, and for any confusion it may have caused.

By Old school bird

June 23, 2007 4:57 AM | Link to this

Dear Chipper Jones, You are suppose to be one of the leaders on this team. Your team hasn’t scored a run in three games, yet you wont play because you tweaked a thigh? Give me a break!!! Strap up and go to work you big baby!!! My hand, my toe my back always somthing with you man!! A little pain wont kill you! you are the softest profesional ball player I’ve ever known! If you want to see a true pro, look across the locker room at number 29, My man Smoltzie, Now thats a ball player. Get on the field and quit crying like a little girl you big baby!!!!!!!!

By Old school bird

June 23, 2007 5:01 AM | Link to this

Dear Chipper Jones, You are suppose to be one of the leaders on this team. Your team hasn’t scored a run in three games, yet you wont play because you tweaked a thigh? Give me a break!!! Strap up and go to work you big baby!!! My hand, my toe my back always somthing with you man!! A little pain wont kill you! you are the softest profesional ball player I’ve ever known! If you want to see a true pro, look across the locker room at number 29, My man Smoltzie, Now thats a ball player. Get on the field and quit crying like a little girl you big baby!!!!!!!!

By Zimmerman

June 23, 2007 5:12 AM | Link to this

Time to get started on a sequel for 2007, I guess:

Ballad of a Dim Man

You flail at strike three —

Three more men left on base.

That you’re still batting cleanup

Is an absolte disgrace —

Especially since that maddening grin

Is still frozen on your face.

Kids at Christmas

Have more patience than you’ve shown.

And we know something is happening here

But we don’t know what it is.

Do you, Andruw Jones?

By Bill

June 23, 2007 6:25 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cox has lost control of this team. I have been a supporter of his forever. It’s time to start kicking _ss. I agree he should step down and a person like Girardi would be great. He would light a fire under them. I know the manager doesn’t hit or pitch. Everyone blames it all on pitching and it is a problem but the hitting is just awful.The pichers are under so much pressure and think they have to pitch a shutout.It’s time to bring up two or three best prospects from minors. Can someone tell me why Salty is not playing more? If he’s not going to play send him back down. It’s hurting him more sitting on bench. This is desperate times. Wake up Braves management, do something.

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 6:39 AM | Link to this

I rarely ever really give my opinions ‘cause there there so many caveats that I get all confused and fail to make my point.

Most everyone knows that I truly respect and admire Bobby Cox, but it may shock some that he’d be gone in a New York minute … were I to own the franchise!

Don’t get me wrong, Bobby’s the best … I just feel his way, old school as he is, is weighted too heavily toward having a winning record … and his genius is evidenced by his having consistently so done.

To me, even-keel baseball quickly turns innocent, enthusiastic youngsters into stoic businessmen … good for a winning record over the span of a season when you have the horses … but personally, I’d rather have a manager who’s style encouraged kids to stay young for as long as possible, kept the stars in their eyes … played the Willies and Saltys every day … and capitalized on the attributes of youth rather than repressing them. Kids are always full of confidence until the adults, including team management, veteran players, fans, broadcasters, media, and bloggers … knowingly or unknowingly plant the seeds of doubt … contagion is mighty powerful stuff … I like the positive kind … heck fire, maybe we could bottle some of that that mystical, energetic enthusiasm stuff and give it away to seniors at the Ted … it would sure beat bobble-head dolls.

Even the even-keel proponents know of the fan appeal of youthful enthusiasm and try to give the illusion that their approach is not an inhibitor … bah humbug!

The ride under such management wouldn’t be nearly as smooth as under Bobby’s even keel leadership and I’m sure we wouldn’t have his winning record, but it would be our guys against theirs and they’d better come to play … each and every day! We’d probably have the lowest payroll and the youngest team … who knows what the record would be … but, we’d fill the stands, give them excitement … they’d love the kids … ‘cause kids think they can do the impossible … and will have you believing it too, if you’ll give them half a chance … there wouldn’t be no trades just for immediate gratification … and them what didn’t like it could just kiss our grits!

It doesn’t really matter ‘cause I don’t own the team but that’s what I’d do if I did … but, it’s just my opine and I’m a minority of one.

Actually, if I owned the team I’d probably be influenced by the fact that it was my money … be afraid to put it where my opine was … and hire Bobby to run things for me.

Still, I don’t really like even-keel sport though I guess it’s alright so long as your water level is high.

Like I said, we’re on the outside looking in … let’s just hope they get whatever problems there might be properly identified and resolved before I forget myself and fall asleep!

Goodness!!

By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)

June 23, 2007 6:54 AM | Link to this

This team has quit , period. Bobby Cox has lost the confidence of his players , no question whatsoever. They are going through the motions , drawing a paycheck and punching the clock. Disgusting !

By Vonshawn

June 23, 2007 7:39 AM | Link to this

FACT: Bobby Cox has forgotten more about baseball than most of us will ever know. But, one can’t help but wonder if hidden deep within that forgotten knowledge lies the secret to him guiding this current team to a championship.

And isn’t winning a championship really what all of this is about? All the consternation, all the frustation with this team centering on the fact that our chances for postseason play seem fleeting based on the current style of play?

In fact, the true Braves fan on here could probably care less if they win 100 games or 85 as long as that final number equates to them playing in October.

Baseball, especially in the NL this year, is not a beauty contest; it’s a dogfight (wait, don’t we have a local guy with experience in running dogfighting operations?)

But seriously, this team has to learn how to win ugly, make in game adjustments and play with the passion of a AJC blogger. Win or lose, leave it all on the field.

But again, one has to wonder if the “professional” approach that has so long been the “calling-card” for this team would allow for such a drastic change in attitudes. History would suggest that we’re in for a long season - unfortunately however, not as long as most of us on here had hoped for in April.

By TheCutMan

June 23, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this

It’s always darkest just before the dawn. This has GOT to be that time for the Braves, what with having gone 28 consecutive scoreless innings. (If anyone cares, they can tie the all-time futility mark of 37 scoreless innings today and match the 1985 team. No one cares? That’s cool. Just a point of reference.)

What to do? We’ve all beat so many of these dead horses in the ground that it’s becoming increasingly frustrating to find any kind of remedy. Be it pitching, Andruw’s slump, Francoeur’s first pitch phobia, Bobby Cox’s decisions, Chipper’s fragile physical form or Terry Pendleton’s ineffectiveness, as the old Ragu commercial used to intone, “It’s in there”, as we attempt to find words to affect a turnaround by this slumping team.

Right now, it’s fair to say, this team needs a genuine SPARK from someone or somebodies? A possible answer? NEW BLOOD.

Trot out your favorite cliche`, whether it be, ‘shake it up’ or ‘re-shuffle the deck’. The current roster is lacking something. Chipper to an AL team where he could be an excellent DH? Offer up McCann as prime trade bait?

Who knows for sure? There are those who post here that will again say not to panic, to stay the course, that this team with right itself and so on. That very well could happen.

I don’t see it happening from where I sit. We all know the definition of insanity, right? I’ll leave it there, for now.

By jerry

June 23, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this

Don’t count the Braves out. They still have their “FIVE HOUSEMEN” to spin, bark, and tout them.

By Jimbo

June 23, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this

I wonder if Bobby realizes his cleanup hitter is batting under .200 and is 2 for 44?

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

Well, there is one caveat to that last post … opines are are supposed to be what you think … but that one was expressing more what I feel than what I think … or at least I was so trying.

Keep your spirits up … chances are things aren’t as desperate as they may seem … much of the frustration stems from being on the outside looking in … don’t really know what’s going on and you can’t do anything to help.

It’s a bummer! Mama used to say that a mustard plaster, some Vicks and ST37 would cure anything … you might try that!

By Tim

June 23, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

The Braves have re-joined the ranks of the other professional sports teams in this city - less than average. It’ll be hard for the team to improve with ownership that doesn’t care about winning. The 14 division titles were great, but it’s over now. The bad old days are back.

By Jimbo

June 23, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

Hey JS! Do you still think it was such a great idea to draft all those Georgia kids? How’s that working out for you?

By Summerteeth

June 23, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

In light of our suckiness, I think it is time for a sing-a-long! A one, a two, a three….

**Well, beat the drum and hold the phone - the sun came out today! We’re born again, there’s new grass on the field. A-roundin’ third, and headed for home, it’s a brown-eyed handsome man; Anyone can understand the way I feel.

Oh, put me in, Coach - I’m ready to play today; Put me in, Coach - I’m ready to play today; Look at me, I can be Centerfield.

Well, I spent some time in the Mudville Nine, watchin’ it from the bench; You know I took some lumps when the Mighty Casey struck out. So Say Hey Willie, tell Ty Cobb and Joe DiMaggio; Don’t say “It ain’t so”, you know the time is now.

Oh, put me in, Coach - I’m ready to play today; Put me in, Coach - I’m ready to play today; Look at me, I can be Centerfield.

Yeah! I got it, I got it! Got a beat-up glove, a homemade bat, and brand-new pair of shoes; You know I think it’s time to give this game a ride Just to hit the ball and touch ‘em all - a moment in the sun; (Pop!) It’s gone and you can tell that one goodbye!

Oh, put me in, Coach - I’m ready to play today; Put me in, Coach - I’m ready to play today; Look at me, (yeah!) I can be Centerfield.

Oh, put me in, Coach - I’m ready to play today; Put me in, Coach - I’m ready to play today; Look at me, gotta be Centerfield.
Yeah!**

By Jimbo

June 23, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this

Frenchy the Clown should be thankful a bum like Fat Head Jones is on this team to keep the spotlight away from his moronic approach at the plate.

By Tim

June 23, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

Folks, it ain't gonna happen.  This is just not a good team, right now.  No other way to say it.  
The two Jones Boys are a prime example of all this.  One is hitting .199, and the other stays hurt more than he plays.  You have an unseasoned Rookie at 3rd base.  You have a guy at second base who has just converted from the outfield.  You have a 1st baseman who hits about .240, with spotty power.  You have a catcher playing hurt, and struggling to hit .250.  Your right fielder is swinging at the first pitch if it's between the on-deck circles.  
On the mound, you have two and a half starters.  The 4-5 slots in the rotation are the worst in Baseball.  And, you have one of the great relievers in Baseball gone for the year.
The talent is just not there.  Only having the good fortune of playing in the NL Least has provided the illusion that this team can be in the postseason.
Not with this roster, they won't.

By Bob

June 23, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

RichieRich,

You poor soul (2:18 am). If we had 25 John Smoltz’s on this roster we would be 10 games ahead. No one, not even Joe Simpson needs to apologize for John Smoltz. You obviously stayed out way too friggin long and damaged whatever brain cells you might have had left. If there is anyone on this team that deserves a pat on the back it is Smoltzie. He has more guts than anyone on this team.

By Paladin

June 23, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

Do you guys even read each other’s posts? If so, it is hard to believe because you say the same things, over and over. Except Braveheart who is drunk out of his mind, but funny as hell. Anyway, this is like being at a cocktail party where every group is saying the same thing. Where do you escape to? And thanks, or no thanks, to DOB there isn’t a decent spread. Hell, there isn’t even any rumaki! Well, I’ll leave y’all to it and meander on down to the barbershop and watch them cut hair. It will be a damn site more exciting and certainly more original.

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

Wolfpack Man, I just reread my 4:50 AM post … and it comes across stuffy, stiff and pompous … if not arrogant and insincere. I feel that if I find it distasteful, then you and any others who might read it will, in all probability, have a similar reaction.

I assure you it wasn’t so intended … I was tired and did not listen to it with my third ear before posting … again, please accept my sincere apology!

However, regardless of its flaws, I think it does explain my original intent … and address the flaws in the original post.

I’ve written other posts since the one to you … and though they too may be so flawed, I’m even more tired now than I was then … so, since I’ve paid my money, I’ll just take my chances … at least until a Hot Tub and some sleep.

By chipdip

June 23, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

Braves friggin’blow!!!!!!!!!!!! They suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Throw this team under the scrap heap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By David

June 23, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

Loyalty is one thing….but Andruw either needs to sit for a week or be sent down to play and figure it out. Bobby he is HURTING THIS TEAM.

Big problem with this team….Chipper always hurt. No leadership….how can Frenchy and McCann also be falling apart. McCann batting .250????? Come on Bobby, what are you doing?

By J.T.

June 23, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

I am tired of hearing Bobby say, “Well we hit the ball hard but it was just right at them.” —and— “You know we really didn’t pitch that bad.”

Pendleton has got to have some accountability here. He needs a bp sessions galore where every hitter in that lineup does nothing but hit the ball the other way.

Jones needs to be batting 8th. Sit Franceour for a game or two and send the kid a message. Harris needs to be playing everyday until the rest of this crew breaks out of it. Furthermore, Salty needs to be on the field everyday.

Even over this terrible stretch from the Mets, if only the Braves could have played even 500 ball.

By TommyB

June 23, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

KJ and/or Thorman to the White Sox for Buehrle.

NOT Salty.

NOT Escobar.

By Ron Roberts

June 23, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Ya have to wonder, sometimes, if there’s something organiztionally wrong of late. We bring up kids who initially take the league by storm then settle into bad batting habits. We call up pitcher after pitcher after pitcher and nobody seems to stick. Think about it… who’s the last Braves pitcher to be called up from the minors, since, what, Steve Avery or Jason Schmidt, to really have success in the bigs? Adam Wainright’s been it, and even he’s struggling of late. We’re brimming over in the minors with potential bullpen talent, but where’s our Tim Lincecum? John Schuerholz, scouts, et al, there hs to be some accountability.

I’m about as frustrated as can be with Chipper’s nagging injuries, but you regulars might recall during the offseason, I wasn’t crazy about his drive-thru-window diet and workout regimen in the offseason, either. There has to be some accountability.

Jeff Frncoeur arrives in the bigs hitting over .300 then gets “figured out” for awhile. He returns with some spark this season, only to regress to his old habits. Couldn’t come at a worse time with Chipper’s nagging crap, with Andruw absolutely sucking at the dish, and with McCann recovering from his plate woes and injuries. What I don’t see is a lot of plate discipline, Willie Harris aside. Terry Pendleton, there needs to be some accountability.

Tim Hudson hasn’t improved; Kyle Davies hasn’t matured; nobody we bring in seems to want the fifth starter’s spot; Chuck James isn’t quite the same. Roger McDowell, there has to be some accountability.

And why, pray tell, have we witnessed experiment after experiment with our fifth starter’s spot, when the guy we call on to mop up behind ‘em after they’ve been slaughtered has shown us all this and last season that he’s the one who ought to be toeing the rubber every fifth game? Why is Oscar Villareal’s 3.65 era going to waste? We’re 4-21 in games he pitches in, nd yet he has a 3.65 ERA? Something ain’t right? Bobby Cox, who gets held accountable for that?

Yunel’s been a life-saver at 3B with Chipper’s crap, and Edgar Renteria’s just been awesome all season. Kelly Johnson’s been a pleasant surprise at 2B, but even his offense has tapered off. Scott Thorman’s coming around to being the 1B we thought we’d get, but his May was atrocious. Our LF platoon as given us one of the more productive left-corner outfields in the game, and John Smoltz, by and large, has pitched his @ss off and given us a chance each start. We haven’t always taken advantage, and he’s not always going to be sterling, but for the most part, he gives us a chance.

Everything else about this team is something to be concerned about, though. It ain’t happening this year, kids. It ain’t happening unless…

1. Tim Hudson magically becomes an ace.

2. Andruw Jones breaks out of a nearly-year long slump.

3. Chipper Jones comes back in a week or so healthy and stays that way.

4. We pick up a quality starter.

5. Chuck James gets in a groove.

6. Bobby moves Oscar to the 5th starter’s spot and puts Kyle in that long relief mop-up role.

ALL of those things have to happen, in essence, for this team to hit their stride. I’m a loyal fan, and like to believe anything’s possible, but damn… the reality is, Hudson’s Hudson, Andruw’s Andruw, Chipper’s Chipper, and the rest would only marginally improve his team.

I hate to say it, but this weekend has sweep written all over it. I hope I’m wrong.

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Paladin, I know I’m guilty of what you say but you don’t have to announce to the world ‘cause some of them don’t yet realize it!

Besides, methinks these other guys are quite funny, as is their predictability … they know that, some of them anyway.

Methinks the best humor is always the unintentional … the challenge is to find ways to laugh with rather than at … cause otherwise we might miss out on making some good friends, get too full of ourselves, gain weight like Macay and and get traded to somewhere like the Terence Moore Blog.

By fastasballs

June 23, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist Yes that was a compliment indeed. I thought you might have recognized my first line in that post, if not, it was a quote from the movie Blazing Saddles. Of course, Bob, Journalist, was inserted for I believe Mr. Taggert if memory serves my correct.

By TommyB

June 23, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

And work some creative financing for Griffey. It should be painfully obvious that Chipper’s body will prevent his appearance in any reasonably value capacity henceforth.

So.

1- KJ/Thorman for Buehrle (NOT Salty or Escobar).

2- An IOU for Griffey. He could be an adequate offensive replacement for Chipper for the rest of the season… and until Salty or Escobar rise to that level.

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

fastasballs, Thanks, I really knew that it was as your close made that clear! I’m tired … and the brain is not really in gear … I know, judging by some of my posts, you could say that been true for some time … but, when I return, I’ll go back … I should not have missed the Blazin’ reference!

By Don

June 23, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

The runner was not out on that 3rd Tigers run. Baby Huey did not block the plate, just as he does not stop balls from going to the backstop or throw runners out at second base. Put his fat a$$ on the DL, get him a dietician and maybe the thought of Salty Wally Pipping him will motivate him to get in shape.

By Jack

June 23, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Smoltz—-good game except for a couple of pitches.—-I would like to remind you that close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. Excuses wont cut it. The bottom line is that the coaches and manager dont have a clue on how to correct the pitching and hitting flaw that the players have developed. Fireing the manager and coaches might not help, but IT COULDNT BE ANY WORSE THAN IT IS NOW. ——MIGHT EVEN HELP.

By mike

June 23, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this

DOB, really enjoy the blog. It is by far the best countrywide for us passionate fans who live and die for MLB. But after 70 some odd games I really appreciate the opportunity to vent as follows:

So old hoss is going on the DL again. Well boo *&^%ing hoo. What is it this time impacted bowel syndrome. Should have traded his effotless behind back in 2005 when we could have actually got something in return. Now we will be lucky to get a buy one get one free 10 piece at Hooters.

When did Jeff Francoeur become the face of the franchise? Tell me I have awaken from a 10 year coma. I turn on the TV there he is. Radio there he is. Sports South does a feature “The Jeff Francoeur Story.” I pick up the paper and it is lunch with Jeff. How many world series rings does he have? And so I totally understand he is hitting one what in his last 30 games and how many homers in his last 40 games?

Is it just me or does Matt Diaz batting helmet look too small.

7AG (Seven years after Gallaraga) and we are STILL looking for a first baseman.

For JS. If we build our foundation on pitching uh where is it?

There said it, got it off my chest and feel much better.

Today is a new day time to go out and kick some Detroit butt. Go Braves!

Thanks again DOB for allowing me to vent.

By tony

June 23, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

I’ve been saying for sometimes now that the braves need to trade A.Jones and C.Jones to the Yankees for Alex Rodriguez. If they can’t make that deal, they should try to make a deal with the Twins. Trade A.Jones and Mike Hampton for Johan Santana.

By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)

June 23, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Verlander vs. Davies……should I even bother to tape the game ? Going to the water park , barbeque’n steak , chicken and burgers for the whole team , parents included. Y’all watch the game , I’m gonna get a tan and play some sandlot ball with the kids.

By Big Ed

June 23, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

It’s easy to see the ballclubs that are playing like “teams” and the ones that are not. Case in point Braves vs Tigers. The Tigers scored their five runs with the middle of their lineup. Three of their power hitters took outside pitches to the opposite field for hits. The Braves leader Andruw Jones continues to want to pull everything for the big hit. That to me is just selfish. It’s obvious that in his contract year he wants to show everyone he’s worth big bucks. How’s that working for you so far Andruw. At this rate he will be begging for a contract not demanding one. The Tigers looked sharper, hustled harder, and displayed much more discpline at the plate than the Braves. Kenny Rogers did not pitch as well as John Smoltz but the end result was another loss. The bad play will end when Bobby takes the Tigers manager Jim Lealand approach. Start holding people accoutable for their play.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 23, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

questions that should be asked:

“would chipper go a huntin’ with a strained abductor?”

“why would terry want to remain on the staff if terry is given no respect by the player and no support by the manager?”

By Bob

June 23, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

I agree Tony. I am sure the Yankees are going to make that deal, if both the Jones boys AGREE to a trade. No question the Yanks can see the upside of such a trade. After that, why don’t we try to fix our pitching and first base in the same deal? I would suggest Pete Orr and Chris Woodward for Santana and Justin Moreau. No problem with that deal. Now if we can just get the Cardinals to give us Albert Pujols for Thorman we will be in position to wipe out the Mets. Hell, with this lineup we might even be able to beat an AL team once in a while.

By Coach (NOT DRINKING THE KOOL AID)

June 23, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Hey tony , did you just wake up from a coma ? I mean , you do know that Hampton hasn’t pitched since 2005 ? Andruw is a bust this season. Santana is the centerpiece of the Twins franchise for the next five years. You better go do something else besides espousing sheer ignorance in our blog , OK ?

By raindawg722

June 23, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Regarding our expanding waistlines and Chipper’s various maladies, maybe we should fire the personal trainer. That worked for the Yankees. (And find another $120M to spread around.)

By GAKnight

June 23, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Observations:

1. Jeff Francoeur - in his last 50 plate appearances I’ll bet the farm he’s swung at the first pitch 45 times.

2. Andruw Jones - see ya!

3. Bobby Cox - time to polish up the ole fishin’ pole. You’ve heard of the aging veteran who hang on for a few more homers of W’s - case in point.

4. Hampton - never will pitch for Atlanta again.

5. Chipper - never will play in a 100 games again.

6. Smoltz - on his last legs. Certainly not in the Braves future (which is several years away, by the way).

7. Braves starting prospects - yuk!

8. If possible, it’s time to get rid of a many veterans as possible and bring in some young prospects. No Braves are exempt.

9. Is is Falcons season, yet. Oh no, not that!!

By Gayle Abbott

June 23, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

To all of you blue sky people out there, this is simply not a quality team. You’ve spent too much time listening to Bobby saying “we’re hitting the ball hard, but it’s right at people” or “Smoltz pitched a great gamne except for that one big inning” or Scherholz apologizing for Andruw “Look at the body of his work over ten years…”. Face it, the Braves missed a chance last year to get something for Andruw. I said it then. Once he became a 10-5 guy, the Braves were screwed. There is no way that Liberty Media will cough up the money to resign him - and even as bad as he is playing, you know that someone (Yankees?) will pay the price for him - it sure won’t be here. Home town discount? Remember how well that worked with JD Drew?

The blind arrogance of the management of this team precludes the possibility of packing it in for a year or two and rebuilding. It is only the fact that they play in the weakest division in baseball that this team is not 15 games out of first place.

And what if by some miracle they sneak into the playoffs? Is this city ready for yet another three and out in the first round?

I just wish that someone, somewhere would call this team as it is - a .500 club at best.

By prosport

June 23, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

A. Jones must be intimidated by his agent Boras. Instead of telling him he will accept less to play in Atl, he will just play himself into a smaller contract. Seriously, its tough to watch, as you know he wants it bad. Thinking about it too much. Bobby probably should not let him take BP for awhile. Needs more SEE BALL, HIT BALL. Hey Bobby! Make Frenchy take every first pitch! That is coaching! Got to see Harris everyday. Much needed spark.

By Paladin

June 23, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist Please, I never intended to critize you! On this blog that would be the severest form of blaspheme. Sort of like passing gas in church. No one may say anything, but you will get a lot of dirty looks. You, Sir, are one of a kind; as are your posts.

By Sloan

June 23, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Please JS, ask Chipper for permission to trade him to an AL team for some starting pitching help. Chipper can still help some team and prolong his career as a DH, but he is nothing but diminishing returns as our 3rd baseman. At least this way, we might get something for one of the Joneses.

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Now if the esteemed one and this humble servant can agree on the questions, then surely someone must know the answers!

If I don’t get some sleep, I’ll be mistaken for a player … please provide a wakeup call so that I don’t miss the game … the number is 1202.

I forget my current number but that was our number in Atlanta, back before we had prefixes … 2 party lines were fun, don’t you think?! 8550 was the bank, giving the time and temp!

When they gave out the prefixes, I got all confused, ours was ALpine and the Bank’s was WAlnut … 5 letters each but we only used the 2 … can’t remember why, unless it was so we could remember … but, if I could already remember 4 digits, why all the fuss over only 2? It made no sense then and it makes no sense now … but it does raise the question, “why can’t I get those old numbers out of my mind when I can’t get the current one in my head”?

I’m swearing off posting during the wee hours … I’m the only one who reads them and most times, I know what I’m going to say before I say it and it’s really something that I’ve already said before, at least according to some … so it’s a whole bunch of work and time for nothing.

The rest of the time I don’t know what I said after I’ve said it … and when I do, I usually don’t remember why!

The above dedicated to all those nice people who sent in their cards and letters, wanting to know more about me life; “e” not being that close to “y” on the key board.

Latch the screen door forgetful, I’m leaving the building!

By Paladin

June 23, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

And besides, you can’t trade me to the Terrence Moore blog. I’ll invoke the 10/5 clause.

By Don

June 23, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

I’ve never seen any indication that Andruw wants anything bad, with the exception of his next meal. What a career he would have if he had half of John Smoltz’s competitive fire. While I hate to see Andruw stinking it up for the Braves this year I’m sort of enjoying the agony that Scott Boras must be going through as Andruw’s value drops every day.

If I was going to make a trade right now, the guy I’d be shopping would be Edgar Renteria. Sell high. We’ve got a potential cheap replacement for him with Escobar and this team isn’t going anywhere. I say let’s get younger, get some more prospects and free up some payroll. Getting a young prospect for 3rd base wouldn’t be a bad idea since Chipper is looking more like an 80 game a year guy now instead of 120.

I also think it’s time to open up the catching job as a competition between Salty and McCann. Whoever loses can pick up a first baseman’s mitt for winter ball or expect to be traded in the offseason. Maybe it will light a fire under McCann’s huge butt.

The one guy I feel bad for in all this is John Smoltz, my favorite Brave of all time. He’s gone through 4 elbow surgeries, pitched through injuries, gone to the closer role even though he preferred starting, given home team discounts to stay here, anything to give the team a chance to win. And look what he’s playing with. He must be disgusted and I don’t blame him.

By GM R

June 23, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Three comments: 1. The main reason for the current problems is that JS never adequately replaced Maddux and Glavine - with the current rotation the Braves do well to win more than 2 out of 5 2. The Braves will not win another title while they have the Jones brothers unable to deliver at the level their salaries demand 3. The best answer would seem to be to unload Chipper and Andruw for strong starting pitching prospects and write off the playoffs for 2 more years.

By N8

June 23, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts

EXCELLENT 9:46 post.

Just the other day, I made, essentially, the same point as you just made. Except I was more harsh in my criticism, of the organizationes ability to produce a starting pitcher that has had a lengthy, productive career.

I could only think of ONE….Tom Glavine.

Smoltz had most of his minor league starts in the Tigers organization.

Avery’s career was FAR from lengthy.

Maddux didn’t come from our farm.

Millwood, has never really had a 3 year stretch of dominating, though after Glavine he is the closest. Unless you count Jason Schmidt, but it took him YEARS to become what he is (not the injury prone part).

Quite simply put, we (along with Bobby, Leo, JS, Chipper, Andruw and the gang), rode out the majority of the 14 year run, with 3 HOF pitchers, only 1 of which was drafted and developed by us, taking their turn every 5th day.

Yet JS, and the scouting/drafting/developing crew, get MUCHO ACCOLADES for being the best run organization when it comes to “young talent” in MLB.

What a frickin mirage, if you ask me.

BY FAR, we have had much more success in developing position players than pitcher, IMO.

Chipper, Andruw, Furcal, Giles, Dye, Gant, Justice, Klesko, Vinny, Javy, and more recently, KJ, McCann, Francoeur, Salty. Hell, you could even throw in “late bloomers”, like Graffanino and DeRosa.

WAY more “successful” position players than pitchers.

Facts is facts.

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

Gunslinger, though I’m leaving the building, I want to make it clear that I do share your redundancy observation … regardless of my partially sarcastic response(s) … we’re all so guilty, only some are more deft than others in its application.

By TommyB

June 23, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Maybe the reason Thorman has been playing 1B all week (and Salty has been sitting) is that he’s being “showcased.”

By David O'Brien

June 23, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

GM R, if the best answer involves “unloading” an injury-plagued veteran making $11 mill this year and $11 mill next, and a veteran making $13.5 mill and hitting .199, and both of those veterans also happen to have complete no-trade veto power as 10-and-5 players even if you found someone to take their salaries, then I’d say you probably need to find a second-best answer. Because that one ain’t happening, my friend.

Is. Not. Happening.

By Don

June 23, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Except for the fact that Andruw and Chipper are 10-5 guys who can refuse any trade. Let’s live in the real world, even if they would accept trades, nobody is going to give up starting pitching prospects for 100 games a year of Chipper with his contract or half a season of a soon to be free agent center fielder who is making $12-$13 million and hitting a robust .199.

Cut the veteran stiff Woodward and bring up somebody out of the farm system like Brandon Jones or the slap hitting leadoff guy whose name escapes me to create at least an illusion of some competition for jobs.

But wait a minute, I forgot that we still have the possibility of the great Tanyon Sturtze joining the pitching staff one day. $4+ million Sturtze, Woodward, Wilson and Redman, 4 guys last offseason who aren’t even legitimate major league players. Did JS start smoking crack in the last year or two?

By will

June 23, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Re: Don’s comment As a Tiger fan and a Michiganian (not to be confused with a University of Michigan fan) {Evil Empire of College Football and arrogance}, i too feel bad for Smoltz. He is a product of Lansing, Michigan and an MSU fan ;) I thought he pitched an ace game until that one bad inning. I was also impressed with how hard he threw at 40 something. He obviously didn’t get ANY run support which spoiled his outing. But to Braves fans, you have not endured the type of pain we have endured up here with some of our franchises: You forget the Tigers were not only sub .500 for several years (over 10), but they lost over 100 games only a few years back. And don’t make me bring up the Detroit Lions… Last time i checked the Braves were still contenders (in theory). Just wanted to shed some perspective on things. Looking forward to visiting Atlanta for the first time (friend just had a baby). Go Tigers, and good luck Braves!

By Lew

June 23, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Yeah right-We need Joe Girardi, the man who single handedly blew up one of the best groups of young pitchers ever assembled. Look what he did to that young Marlins’ staff last year. I predicted in Spring Training that staff would spend a good bit of the season on the DL due to overuse and look what happened. All in the name of getting young guys to achieve. Nolasco, Olsen and Sanchez-all disabled and now Sanchez is gone for the year. Damned if I’d want that dude messing with our guys. Smoltz arm would fall off, Davies would never be right again (if he ever will be, anyway) and I cringe to think what would happen to Chuck James. Y’all b!tch, moan, groan, wail, wring your hands and gnash your teeth and criticize BC to the moon when he stays one pitch too long with a pitcher as it is. You want a guy who’s going to wear them out in a half season? Get real. Girardi’s the Flavor Du Jour. Get over it. Besides, the MLB contract with Liberty won’t allow a change in the management until BC retires in a year or two-or whenever.

By Art

June 23, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Someone said the thought the home run derby was when the Red Sox were in town. I thought it was every nite when Andruw came to bat but the only problem is he can’t hit the ball. Until he decides to drive the ball to right then he will go way below the Mendoza line.

By David O'Brien

June 23, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

MIKE, you just cracked me up with the line about Diaz and his batting helmet looking too small. Hilarious. And very true.

By Amber

June 23, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

I have long been a Chipper, Andruw, and Bobby defender. However, that doesn’t make me defend every move.

I still love Chipper. I just wish he could stay healthy. I don’t think it’s his fault, just really crappy luck. How can you down a guy who can come off the DL and hit .500 right away?

Andruw. Andruw. Do I have to say anything else? I’m not going to miss him now. He’s no longer a “star player.” He’s just a guy who can’t hit for #$(*&. No number of “awesome catches” can make up for .199 from the second highest paid member of the team (second only to Mike “DL” Hampton).

Bobby… It’s on your shoulders now, dude. PLEASE. Do something. Screw Andruw’s 10/5 service, forget his name, and think of the TEAM. He’s been doing nothing but hurting us for a good 2/3 of the year now. Swallow your loyalty and for god’s sake, don’t let him sneak into the cleanup spot. 9th is too good for him. How about a face-saving “sore bat” DL stint?

This team is obviously demoralized now. No one feels that they can do anything to help because no one else is doing anything. It’s spread all over. I fully expect the bullpen to blow a game for us next because they’ve been sitting for the past week.

hanging my head in shame

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Vonshawn said FACT: Bobby Cox has forgotten more about baseball than most of us will ever know

Totally agree with you. BC deserves a lot more respect for what he’s done with this team in the past than he gets on this blog. However, after reading the above statement, we have to ask this question: What exactly has BC forgotten about baseball? Has he forgotten how a lineup should be set up? Does he remember that the #4 hitter generally hits with a good deal of power? Does he remember that it can be really, really bad when you leave a pitcher in for way too long? Does he remember that you don’t have to stay with the same “status quo” lineup, that you can actually change things around if you don’t like the results?

Does he remember where he parks his car before the games? Come on Bobby, you gotta stir this thing up and make something happen. Let AJ or Frenchy and McCan’t sit for a little while and let Diaz, Willie and Salty play regularly for a while. What’s the worst thing that can happen? Maybe you lose. Big deal, you’re losing right now anyway! Shoot, maybe you just get lucky and fall into a win.

By Jman

June 23, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

I’d love to see this team get Buehrle without having to give up Salty. I’d send them Escobar and a couple more prospects in return for Buehrle. Think they’d take Escobar and Thorman?

Then you could move Salty to 1B, and hopefully the bats will start to come around. Andruw Jones is definitely one of THE most overrated players ever. If the guy could hit for AVG - It might be a different story. I dont care if you’re hitting 40 HR’s a year, if you are hitting in the .200-.250 range then you are definitely missing many opportunities. I wish they could trade him…really really do..

By David O'Brien

June 23, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

JUST SAW MY POST from late last night and saw the garble that mysteriously showed up where some quote marks should’ve been. Haven’t a clue why, but here’s a repeat of that part of the post:

Hey, check this quote from Smoltz, and make of it what you will. Pretty pointed barb, if you ask me: “I certainly apperciate the effort of the guys who were on the field busting it. We all wish were were feeling better, but that’s the way it goes.”

Also said: “We can’t worry about who’s in the lineup and who isn’t…. The guys who are in there are busting their butts, that’s all I know. We’ve got to rally together, whoever’s in the lineup.”

Interesting….

By Bob

June 23, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Will,

Some of us experienced 25 years worth of what your talking about, so from that perspective, things aren’t too bad. You have your Lions and we have our Falcons. Maybe a slight edge to us on that one, but clearly no one has anything to write home on that. Then there are the Red Wings and Pistons and we have the Thrashers and Hawks. Yeah, the Thrashers are fairly new so maybe that is not fair, but is there a worse franchise in all of sports than our pitiful Hawks?

Yeah, you guys have gone through some hard times, but outside of the Braves we have you beat when it comes to the misery index.

By Navigator

June 23, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

I’ll be short, Chipper and Andruw are at the end of their Atlanta career. The best pitcher is 40, and most of the regular’s (nix 3 good ones) are bench players at best. Eat your losses and rebuild, and anything less will prolong this agony. The new owners seem to be just like the old ones, and the team will be given average financial support. We need to lower our expectations for the future.

By David-ATL14

June 23, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Boy! the blog is full of venom and bile today DOB.

Carroll if you are reading , that was a well written article about the travels of a player and his family. Kudos!

By Robert

June 23, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

“Ron and N8 If you were JS, would you sign AJ for a 10 million, one year extension??”

I wouldnt give Andruw that much for three years, much less one

And I say that even tho I think he cant possibly remain this bad, although I think the days of Andruw being anything even resembling an offensive force are history

I say that because the boy’s whole way of going about his business reeks.

By Paladin

June 23, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

ChrisKlob I have been a big supporter of BC, mostly because u-know-who rips him so often on here. But, I have to agree with your post. Good one!

By TommyB

June 23, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

Journalist Bob

Your 6:39 am entry rocks. It soars. Got me airborne quickly. And I agree wholeheartedly, BTW.

Maybe you should open up more often.

By Wayne in Utah

June 23, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

N8

Good post on the development of starting pitching. I am wondering though if we are maybe missing the point. I don’t know the answer to this question, but when you look at the Twins, Santana was a rule 5 guy from Houston and Liriano was picked up in the Pierzinski trade.

I wonder how many top 100 starters are playing with the team that drafted them? Just curious. It seems to me that pitching sometimes takes a lonnnnnnggg time to develop, and there are lots of late bloomers.

So, could it be possible that it is normal for a team to pick up another teams projects, and get lucky once in a while. In other words, are we being too hard on an organization if we slam them for not developing their own pitching talent.

I listen to XM a lot as I travel, and Kennedy and Dibble on occasion are piling on the praise of the Braves organization and their way of developing talent. They do not specifically preclude pitching in their conversations.

Just some thoughts, as I too have noticed the same points you make. You know, sometimes it just takes a pitcher a long time to get to the point of being productive. It is easy for a team to give up on a pitcher, then have him bloom elsewhere, or make it later, then go in free agency.

Gotta a lot of yard work to do today, so I will look for your response much later.

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Will, you can complain about the Lions all you want but you had Barry Sanders, a classy dude who never showboated and never got in trouble on or off the field. And, oh, BTW, one of the top 5 running backs in history.

We got Mike Vick, a petulant, immature, finger pointing braggart who can’t avoid stinking it up on the field ‘n gittin’ in trouble off the field. Humiliating face of our great city.

But have no fear. We have a plan. Your former #1 Joey Harrington is gonna be our backup QB.

By Bob

June 23, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

I sure hope Jim Leland wins the WS this year with that team. I mean they are awesome. I hope he can add to his one World Series ring. Considering how well he did in Postseasons in 90, 91 and 92 and oh by the way in 06 the heat must be on him to produce this year. I am sure he will succeed though since he has such an awesome track record.

By pruss

June 23, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

I have a question, isn’t about time for one of those closed door players only meetings. I mean damn how bad does it have to get? Chipper if you cant play at least get the boys fired up and p** off that they are playing so bad.

By Lew

June 23, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

I damn well don’t want to here about being Lions fans. BFD. I was (and am) a Tampa Bay Bucs fan. If you ever see a Barry Sanders highlight film, look for all the orange, creamsicle uniforms he runs over in the film, leaving their cleat covered bodies in his wake. I was doing portraits for the Bucs while they were in the middle of 14 consecutive losing seasons, including numerous with only 2-14 records. Don’t sit here and try to tell me what futility is-I damn well already know. The Lions and the Braves aren’t close. Believe me.

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

DOB, regarding your reposting of Smoltz’s quote from last night: Did you see the look in his eyes when he said that? That was a lot more telling than the words he spoke. He tried very hard to say the right things, to say what he is supposed to say about his team, but the look in his eyes gave it away. Smoltz is disgusted, and rightfully so, I believe.

By Lew

June 23, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Oh-And don’t talk to me about how bad the Falcons have been, either. Until Tony Dungee took over the Bucs, they had the worst record in the history of Sports Franchises-ALL OF THEM!!!!

By dave

June 23, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

As I said, all the fans in the stadium need to boo Andrew Jones as loud and long as possible. Rafael Belliard was a better hitter than AJ has been this year.

By N8

June 23, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Wayne

Good points. One that can’t go unrecognized, is that while we haven’t really developed pitchers that have sustained great success, we HAVE however, developed pitchers that other organizations thought enough of to give up players (veterans) in trades that have definitely helped us over the years acquire guys like McGriff, Neagle, Grissom, Sheffield, Drew, etc…

So it’s not like the farm has been worthless. I wasn’t trying to make that point. For the most part, we didn’t need pitching, we had the Big 3.

Also, when ragging on a guy like Thorman, I should direct my “anger” elsewhere, after I look at the situation closer.

His numbers, while not great, are pretty much in line with what I said, I would MORE THAN ACCEPT, when we traded LaRoche. However, that was with the assumption that Andruw was going to have a monster year, Francoeur would further develop into a more patient, dangerous hitter, McCann would continue to play at as high a level as he did last year, not to mention I was counting on big things from Langerhans.

For the record, I was NEVER in the group that expected more than 100 games from Chipper. No offense to Chipper, but he’s slowy, but surely put himself into the Jr. Griffey category: Fantastic, HOF player that can’t stay on the field for multiple reasons. Not all his fault, but not reliable, none the less.

For how bad our bullpen was last year, our offense has been equally as puzzling this year.

In years past, we could “afford” the occasional off year, by a player, or losing a guy like Galarraga to cancer for a year, because there was always 3 or 4 other all-stars to STEP UP and make the loss seem insignificant, not to mention the “Big 3” that seemed to trump and reall issues anywhere else on the roster.

Thorman (the Braves), just happened to pick the WORST possible year, to give him the everyday job at 1B. No room to slowly develop him, when all the “stars” aren’t holding up their end of the bargin.

So with that, I appologize to Thorman for anything rude (however true it may be) I’ve said about him recently. IT’S NO HIS FAULT that the guys JS/Bobby/the fans we’re counting on to produce, haven’t done their jobs.

A “rookie” should be allowed time to find himself, either in the midst of a great lineup, or on a horrible team with NO expectations. The only part Thorman has going for him, is that this team IS horrible, they just weren’t expected to be. At least by anybody NOT named Dayn Perry.

By Wayne in Utah

June 23, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

Robert Agreed on not resigning AJ. Let someone else deal with the huge uncertainties that he brings to the table, although I would miss the spectacular catches!

By TommyB

June 23, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

DOB

Yep. Smoltzie clearly directed his comments at Chipper primarily, and the rest of the team, secondarily.

No ifs, etc.

So, what will the likely result of that be? (semi-rhetorical question)

By Billy Walsh

June 23, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

I really do not understand on why people are so bent out of shape on how the Braves are playing. Detriot and Boston are the two best teams in baseball. The braves, in my opinion, are a 500 ball club. When you have a guy named Buddy in your starting rotation, your in trouble. That being said, I feel that Buehrle would be a huge upgrade (yes granted you can sign him in the offseason). He would bring stability to a staff that has none. Do you really know what you are going to get out of James, Davies, and Caryle?

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Do you think Smoltz wants to say that I pitched with no arm in 1999? I had my pinky on my pitching hand ripped off this year. My shoulder is killing me. And I play everyday, I play hard everyday, I work out, I eat right, I prepare myself mentally everyday to be a freaking warrior. I was a 22nd round draft pick, traded away by boyhood team. Nothing got handed to me like the rest of ya. I was never the chosen one. I was frequently referred to as the third pitcher. But I fought and fought and fought. He has to look around the clubhouse sometimes at the preppy, yuppy, collective and say what the hell? They don’t work out. They don’t eat right. They don’t prepare mentally. It has all been handed to them from day one. They were the chosen ones. They came up hard and now they are soft. YUCK!

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Lew, will you take Rich McKay back? I’ll even trade you McKay for Gruden.

By Lew

June 23, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Nathan-You should have mail. You’re absolutely right in your last post. This whole fiasco can be laid at the feet of Andruw Jones. When you stop and look at it you see that KJ is much better than anyone anticipated. Willie Harris is much better than anyone expected. Edgar has been awesome. Thorman, as you said, is performing pretty much as we anticipated. Francoeur, though recently in disarray, has matured greatly, in that he can now take a walk (when he wants to) and can now go to right. Great improvement that just lacks consistency. McCann has been injured. Salty has impressed-same with Diaz. Chipper is Chipper-great hitter, even coming in cold from the DL, but we expected injuries from him-no surprise, there. Orr is no worse than we thought he would be. Woodward is nothing but a utility man, Escobar also has impressed. That leaves one player and one player only-ANDRUW JONES.His lack of any production has led everyone else, especially the kids, to press and screw themselves up. I hope placing his portrait with the Rays pitchers has some kind of metaphysical effect on him. Apparently his coaches don’t. Go ahead and boo him. Nothing else has worked, that’s for sure.

By Paladin

June 23, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Way to go guys! Now we are getting some fresh and good ideas. Not all of them are good, but enough to make it interesting. KEEP IT UP!

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

I really do not understand on why people are so bent out of shape on how the Braves are playing.

Huh? They are 14-24 since they were 24-12. The ship is sinking. But if you wanna keep being the band playing on the Titanic, then, by all means, go right on ahead.

By MBATL

June 23, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Good stuff, N8 and Wayne. I think the Braves have developed a lot of “good” pitching, but not many aces. And like you said, when you can acquire guys like Maddux, Smoltz, Neagle, etc, using other resources, doesn’t matter if they were drafted by your team.

I think it would be interesting to know what team has developed the most “aces,” from draft to stardom. I bet there would be no clear winners.

DOB, any comment on what Smoltz had to say? Personally, I think he was clearly calling Chipper out (he’s the only one who didn’t play due to injury, right?). And I think he was out of line to do so (I expect most bloggers to disagree, of course!). You handle that kind of thing internally, not in the press. I love Smoltz, but I think he has a tendency to speak before he thinks.

By Wayne in Utah

June 23, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

N8 One of our biggest issues in the last 6-7 years has been the budget, and our inability to add a big name player at the trading deadline. By not being able to do so, it has opened up the door, and left our dirty laundry to be seen, so to speak.

If we were to do a true evaluation of the team, with some latitude for a bump in the road for that individual, the list of disappoitments would be:

AJ Obvious reasons Hampton Obvious Hudson Inconsistency Chipper Injury bug bites again. Gonzalez Injury Bug McBride Disappointing Utility Infielders Both Woodward and Orr have been disappointments with the bat. Wilson Craig who Redman ouch Coaching Staff letting AJ go so long without addressing more strongly.

Now, I would make a list of lesser disappointments, that are a bit more forgiveable, as they will probably get better as the year progresses. Frenchy Inconsistent McCann Inconsistent James Inconsistent Davies Inconsistent (don’t think we can say he is a major disappointment, as I am not sure what was expected at the start of the spring) Cormier We expected more than zero.

Now, for the meet or exceeded expectations

The remainder of the bullpen Smoltz (lets hope it doesn’t digress from here for him) Thorman did we really expect more?? Johnson very pleasant surprise, even with the tailing off of late. Edgar Rent-a-SS OUTSTANDING! Millie Hiaz OUTSTANDING! Salty and Escobar Exceeded expectations so far. Brayan Pena Can’t blame him if they don’t promote him.

I hope this translates ok when posting. Agree/disagree. Make your points. I am off to the weeds!

By Lew

June 23, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Braveheart-Dude, Grinch and I have had some interesting conversations on that exact subject. McKay is what he is. He fielded some good teams and some that sucked out loud. He’s a GM-by definition of job description, they are less than perfect creatures. In my opinion, the Bucs biggest mistake ever (not counting dumping Doug Williams years ago), was dumping Tony Dungee for Gruden-they gave up way too much for nothing (two first round and two second round choices for Gruden). If they had kept Dungee, they would likely have won that superbowl, anyway. Now they are left with a team majorly hampered by not having four impact draft choices-all for a coach with a nickname and three of four losing seasons since the SB win. Bad, bad move. Maybe not as bad a move as trading twelve players for Hershcel Walker, like the Vikings did, but real bad, nonetheless.

By Paladin

June 23, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

But if you wanna keep being the band playing on the Titanic, then, by all means, go right on ahead

But, instead of having them play Nearer My God to Thee” it will be *The Devil came down to Georgia by Charlie Daniels.

By N8

June 23, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

*” Do you really know what you are going to get out of James, Davies, and Caryle?”

Unfortunately…….YES! :-)

Lew I did get my mail. Just haven’t responded yet. Getting there, LOL!

I can tell you the 2nd one with the “webshots” had no, link. Just the sentence you typed. So you might wanna try and resend that one.

By Paladin

June 23, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Some DOBs slipped into my punctuation in that last post. Possibly, the Devil made me do it.

By Lew

June 23, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Nathan-I shall do so. It acted weird.

By SR

June 23, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Lot of solid posts on the blog, e.g., Wayne N8 & Ron Roberts just to name a few.

N 8 you nailed it with the 11 worthless players my man, there may even be more added to the list after this weekend. That ratio dooms this team unless the roster is re-tooled.

Ron Roberts, couldn’t agree more, been posting about the dearth of young pitchers for quite sometime. Alas, as to all the things that you correctly point out have to go right for this team to improve, I don’t see them happening, especially based on what has transpired to date.

Not a very good team my friends and there is plenty of blame to go around.

By Wayne in Utah

June 23, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

DOB Do you think we are “showcasing” any of our players?? Any guesses as to who?

By Chipper is a SISSY!

June 23, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Chipper Jones gets injured getting out of his own bed. Face it, he is NO ATHLETE ~ Head for Texas you big Sissy!

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Lew, I personally think Reeves handed McKay the keys to the personnel good enough to go to the conference championship game and McKay drove the bus off a cliff (albeit, with alot of help from King Arthur). The worst thing for you guys was losing Dungy. The worst thing for us was losing Reeves. Well, actually the worst thing for both teams may actually be the owners who make such ill conceived decisions to get rid of great coaches. But at least you guys did get Gruden who is pretty good and you won a Super Bowl. We got stuck with that clown Mora.

In case, none of you guessed, I have got a HUGE headache after last night. Can’t tell whether it is a hangover or whether it is from the failed shotgun blast attempt. :-)

By David O'Brien

June 23, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Just got to the ballpark, after a hot ride down 85 on the bike (no, I wans’t out there on a 10-speed; the kind of bike with the motor). Beautiful day here at the ‘yard, but bring the sunblock and drink your fluids, people….

Braveheart, just had to second your comment on Barry Sanders, even if it has nothing to do with the Braves. I get so tired of the Emmitt Smith crowd saying he’s the best or second-best or third-best or whatever because he broke a rushing record. He was great, but to me in large part because he was so durable and had great, great teammates, rather that pure talent, moves, speed, etc.

Not to disparage him, but Smith couldn’t hold the jocks of Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Gale Sayers and Walter Payton. And personally, I’d put O.J. and Earl Campell ahead of Emmit Smith, and maybe Eric Dickerson ahead of him, too.

By Robert

June 23, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

“I sure hope Jim Leland wins the WS this year with that team. I mean they are awesome. I hope he can add to his one World Series ring. Considering how well he did in Postseasons in 90, 91 and 92 and oh by the way in 06 the heat must be on him to produce this year. I am sure he will succeed though since he has such an awesome track record.”

Leyland’s teams in 90,91,and 92 were outclassed in the playoffs by the opposition. Despite this, it took a dribbler from a one-hit wonder to beat him in ‘92

Last year’s Tigers might be grouped with the 91 Braves. Very talented, but not yet ready to win the WS

In 97 (a year you conveniently forgot), Leyland’s team beat two far superior opponents and won the WS.

This year, the Tigers are one of three very strong AL teams. We’ll see how it pans out

By Carolina Lady

June 23, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Wow, the mellow has certainly been harshed!

And the stress is taking a toll on Bobby, as well. It quite often shows up as muscle spasms. Ever had a cramp in your foot or leg? Hurts like blazes! Imagine having that in your back and neck. Absolute agony.

My heart totally goes out to Smoltz. His frustration level with this team must be through the roof.

Chipper has to realize that it’s time to retire. When your body gives out you have to throw in the towel whether you want to or not.

Andruw has messed himself up to the point that I truly wonder if he ever makes it back. He has ‘stubborned’ himself right out of his dream.

But, we’re alive, kicking; we have food to eat, clothes to wear, a roof overhead, and computers on which to play. My daughter is healthy and happy, Mother is having a good day, and I actually got J Deere started today. All is well.

By David O'Brien

June 23, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Just got to the ballpark, after a hot ride down mercifully traffic-free I-85 on the bike (gotta love weekends on I-85 downtown). Beautiful day here at the ‘yard, but bring the sunblock and drink your fluids, people….

Braveheart, just had to second your comment on Barry Sanders, even if it has nothing to do with the Braves. I get so tired of the Emmitt Smith crowd saying he’s the best or second-best or third-best or whatever because he broke a rushing record. He was great, but to me in large part because he was so durable and had great, great teammates, rather that pure talent, moves, speed, etc.

Not to disparage him, but Smith couldn’t hold the jocks of Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Gale Sayers and Walter Payton. And personally, I’d put O.J. and Earl Campell ahead of Emmit Smith, and maybe Eric Dickerson ahead of him, too.

By David O'Brien

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

Carolina Lady, forgot to mention it here yesterday, but Bobby was finally able to walk and sit up pain-free yesterday, after a cortisone shot in his back/neck and prescribed muscle-relaxers.

By Coop

June 23, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

The rotation is like a bad sentence: two verbs (Smoltz/Hudson), one question mark (James) and two expletives at the end (Carlyle/Davies)!!

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, what part of “Carolina” do you live in?

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Barry Sanders would have averaged 7, 8 yards a carry if he played behind that Cowboys offensive line with Aikman, Novacek, and Irvin and with those coaches. The only quality he ever had playing with him was Herman Moore at wideout.

By Robert

June 23, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

So I have an ex-star who thinks he is still a superstar. So he is below the Mendoza line, and showing no signs of being motivated to find a solution, cuz he’s just a pull hitter and it’s just one of those years.

That player cant lose my team games if he’s not in the lineup.

Andruw cant hurt the team and be the cause of all our woes unless the way he is being used allows that to happen

Lew - What Girardi did last year was take a Marlins team that was projected by the “experts” to challenge the 62 Mets for all-time futility records and keep them in the race until the latter half of September.

You bring up valid points about the Marlins young pitching - but I suggest that maybe the training regimen their pitching coach employed is at least partly to blame.

Girardi per se may not be the answer, but I DO want somebody who can find whatever buttons need to be pushed to get a team to overachieve

Going about one’s business in a corporate type professional way may work fine in the regular season when the team’s overall talent makes it a shoo-in to win 90-100 games, as was the case thru about ‘03

It is not fine when extra effort and motivation are needed to attain a record appreciably above .500, or when same is needed to vanquish a worthy if slightly inferior playoff opponent

That extra effort, that extra motivation, is what no Braves team since 92 has had.

I dont see how, barring changes in leadership, player mix, and overall philosophy, we can expect this to suddenly change.

If you keep running the same experiment, you can slightly alter the composition or purity or ratio of the reagents, and you still arent gonna get the desired end product if you keep omitting the catalyst needed to make it all go

By Braves Fan 79

June 23, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Ron: Sturtze, Woodward, Wilson and Redman…cant agree with you more that the offseason was a total wash for the Braves. It makes me sick that we threw $ on that guarnteed trash and yet couldnt find the $ to resign Glavine (who wanted to come home)?? Maybe JS policy of waiting till the end of the season to resign players just dosent work anymore. I mean we lost our best pitchitter ward because another team threw some $ at him….and before that we lost julio franco the same way. So were a team that depends on the 3 run homer yet we let a good powerhitter in ward walk to bring in….WOODWARD!?? and wilson?? and how does wilson get cut before woodward….at least wilson would hit a double once in awhile. The Braves season really started going down hill when bobby was using woodward and orr as fill in starters alot over a 2week period. I mean how many chances u gotta give a guy before u see hes a guarnteed out!? (we should of brought up escobar earlier…as i was calling for at the time) But at the time we were playing .500 ball with bobby seemingly happy with that. (even thou we should of been racking up wins then cause we were playing against bad teams) It just dosent seem to me that bobby plays to win everygame…weve given WAY 2 many games away this year. Oyea and for what its worth…i say keep chipper jones off the DL and use him as a situational pitchitter. Id take chipper batting with one arm over woodward or orr ANYDAY!

By Coach ( EVERYBODY TO THE LIFEBOATS)

June 23, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Fox is going to televise todays game nationally. Watch if you want , I’m leaving for the park , I’ll tape the game and watch the carnage later on tonight.

By Bob

June 23, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

No, I did not forget the 97 World Series. Recall, I gave him credit for that rent a team. The 90, 91 and 92 Pirate teams were very talented. There is nothing about the every day Braves lineup that caused trepidation those years either. To compare the 91 Twins to the 06 Cards is a total joke.

I was being sarcastic about Leland because everyone seems to think he is the answer and the greatest. I think he is an outstanding manager who has some temperment traits that our team could use. That being said, his post season performances have been very sub par except for the afore mentioned rent a team. Some people make excuses for everything others do and throw Cox to the Wolves when he fails. There has not been a weaker World Champion than the St Louis Cardinals since at least the 88 Dodgers. To compare them to the 91 Twins is a joke.

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

BC’s neck/back issues are probably due to the frequency of waving his arms to the bullpen to relieve his SP this year and last. A visit to a chiropractor might be in order.

By Ricky

June 23, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

is it possible to send andruw to the minors? i mean, seriously.

By Carolina Lady

June 23, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

DOB, I appreciate the update on Bobby. If the appropriate moment presents itself, please tell him that one of your bloggers was concerned and sympathizes.

Criskolb, I’m currently in southeastern NC.

By Rx

June 23, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

I second Carolina Lady’s diagnosis. And if he won’t retire, our Hoss needs to be gently put down for his own good.

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, I hear it’s nice there. I live just outside of Charleston.

By joebrave

June 23, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

I know it’s time to find another form of stress relief,This team is going to give me a Heartattack!!!!!they suck!!!!

By Don

June 23, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I’m sure the idiot would have given Bobby Cox a pass if his dominating team from the dominating league got whipped 4 straight in the WS by the worst team to win the World Series in modern baseball history. “Weren’t ready to win”, yeah right, anybody who isn’t the Great Satan gets an excuse.

At least he’s shut up bellowing about trading prospects for Oswalt when I pointed out that it contradicted everything he has ever posted even if he is too stupid to realize it.

Perhaps he’s contemplating “Ocham’s Razor” and whether or not it’s “pertitent” to the Braves. LOL, friggin moron.

By teoa

June 23, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Good for Smoltz for calling out the most fragile player in baseball. Suck it up and play for a couple weeks already, Chipper…Hang nails and all!

By jch

June 23, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

In case anyone’s wondering, this seasons over. All our hopes hang on a couple of aging stars (Smoltz & Chipper) and a couple of “has beens might could be again someday, maybe” (‘druw & Hudson).

The former are true stars and deserve to be in the line-up whenever they can - unfortunately lately, that’s not been nearly as often as this team needs them.

The latter need to start showing us something.

Hudson started out on fire but has reverted to his form of the past couple of years.

Andruw can certainly hit, if he gets his head out of the way and listen to some coaching that’s not coming from Scott Boras.

So, in my opinion, it’s time to “throw in the towel” - yes, DOB, I’ve said it again - on this season (figuratively of course) and give some of those heralded prospects on the farm, and bench, some experience at the bigs. Who knows, they just may gel and give us a shot at the post-season.

A couple of other thoughts.

Harris should play every day, he’s earned it.

Salty needs more playing time and, with McCann not exactly tearing it up, the two should platoon. Maybe give Salty the 4 & 5 starters and Mac the 1-3.

I’d also like to see more of Escobar which, unfortunately considering the way its going for Chipper, I’ll be getting my wish.

By Carolina Lady

June 23, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Chrisklob, it is now one massive construction site, overcrowded, overpriced, noisy, and stressful. A recent report indicates that this area is more expensive to live in that anywhere else in NC, as well as Atlanta and Charleston. Did I mention that statistics show that you are more likely to be involved in a vehicle accident with serious injury than anywhere else in NC? And medical costs here are 8% higher than anywhere else in the state …. huge sigh….. but other than that, it really is lovely…..

I live waaaaay out in the sticks on a huge chunk of land (inherited) and as long as I’m home with my critters, I’m happy. Trips into town are dreaded events to be avoided except when absolutely unavoidable. :-)

Charleston is so beautiful. Haven’t been there in many years, but always loved visiting there.

By eric the elder

June 23, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, your 1:08 was a refreshing reminder about perspective, and I thank you for it. It is the sense of losing that perspective that has caused me to step away from the blog a bit and just lurk selectively.

At age 72, I like to think I have retained some childlike innocence about the game and just enjoy it for what it is. One human being throws a ball as hard as he can, and another human being tries to hit it with a round stick. If he succeeds, then a bunch of other human beings scramble to catch it and throw it somewhere. That’s pretty much it.

There is much fatigue and angst, I think, in subjecting this uniquely playful activity to microscopic examination. Sophisticated measuring devices, analytical tools, computer printouts. The resulting acronyms and data points are suggestive of players being moved about on the field or in the batting order, players being promoted or demoted or swapped for another player or released outright. It’s a little like today’s medical research proving just the opposite of yesterday’s medical research.

The blog often makes me feel that I should be living vicariously and making the players’ successes and failures my own. I can then vent my frustrations and wrestle with my demons all under the good graces of anonymity.

That’s the beauty of the blog, and it works spectacularly well for many. For me? Not so much.

By Bob

June 23, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Don,

You are absolutely right. But after all, the 97 Marlins beat two much better teams. True the Braves beat the Marlins by 9 games for the Division title and were beaten in 6 by the Fish. But that other “far superior team”, the Cleveland Indians had a worse record than the Marlins and only made the playoffs because they won what at that time was the weakest division in all of baseball, the AL Central. And since Mike Hargrove is considered even worse than Bobby Cox, how does that rate so highly? After all, Leyland only beat the two worst managers on the planet to win his sole World Series.

And then of course he only lost to the Braves in 92 because of that one hit wonder. My oh my, we can twist anything to fit our preconceived notions.

By Double Deuce

June 23, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

From Smoltz’s comments I think there’s trouble brewing. It sounds as if his his comments were directed at Chipper, and that can’t be a good thing. I have always thought of Chipper in the same light as Smoltz, someone willing to play hurt for the good of the team. If these two guys, who should be the leaders of this group, are at each other it’s gonna get ugly. Bobby Cox better not sit back and watch this happen or Andrew’s .199 batting average will pale by comparison.

By Billy Walsh

June 23, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

14-24 with the majority of those games against superior teams in the American League. Did you really think that this team was as good as their 24-12 record? Apparently, some of you do.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

June 23, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Okay, here is the deal. The Braves are indeed in a slump, but the question is why and what can they do to get out of it. I think a huge part of the problem is Chipper and Andruw. Chipper always being hurt has got to be wearing on some folks nerves. This is no longer just bad luck. Chipper is my favorite player but I have got to believe that this is a conditioning issue. Obliques and side muscles and groin injuries more often than not happen because of a lack of proper stretching and conditioning. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that out. Even the wrist injury would have been avoided by a lot of guys because of their conditioning. Really. Tell me how in the hell a guy like Diaz can go out day in and day out playing the field like he is in a hockey rink but yet never get hurt? What about Francoeur? They may be nicked up here and there but never are injured. And, yes, they are younger than Chipper but Chipper has been going through this since the age of 31. Derek Jeter plays the game as hard as anybody and he hardly ever misses any time and he is 32. So, what is the deal?

That proposed trade with Red Sox last year that would have brought Cocoa Crisp and Manny DelCarmen doesn’t look so bad about right now does it? I hate to go through this again. But, the Braves are now in a hole they can’t get out of. Andruw will never agree to a trade. Something a year ago he had no control over. Tell me what is Andruw doing for this team right now. He is not contributing in any way really. Sure he’s made some great catches but so does Crisp. What is the point? Andruw is listening to his agent instead of listening to his hitting coach and common sense. As a result, he is killing this offense. Really, would Brandon Jones be doing any worse in CF right now? What about Crisp? The fact is Andruw’s bad habits have come back to haunt him and his refusal to change them is haunting this team. I hate to be so blunt, but am I lying? He is hitting below the Mendoza line. He’s been “about to break out of it” for over two months right now. Andruw is lazy and he is lazy because he has been allowed to be lazy, which leads me to my next point.

I know this is blasphemous to say, but it needs to be asked. Is it possible that Cox’s time to move on has arrived. His laid back style has been successful, but it isn’t successful right now. This team needs an infusion of passion and fire. They really do. I know there are guys who have it but the team as a whole doesn’t. I know this is going to get Robert going but it must be said. This team is past the point of needing somebody who sits in the dugout and cheers them on like a little league coach would do to a 9 year old. This team needs somebody who gets angry and challenges them. They need somebody who will throw some furniture around and challenge these guys manhood and sense of pride. They do! It is obvious. Tell me this. Do you think that Detroit Tiger team could go three games without scoring ond damn run and Jim Leyland just sit back and go, “Well, that is how it goes sometimes.” I don’t think so. Cox has the same problem that Torre has and one that I believe Willie Randolph has and that is they think that calm and collected approach works in every scenario. It does not. I’m not saying that Cox should begin acting like Pinella or Guillen but throwing a tantrum every now and then can work for the team. Hell, the epitomy of peace and calmness Phil Jackson has been known to throw a fit and challenge some guys manhood and threaten them with the loss of their jobs.

This team is sleepwalking. It is totally unacceptable for an offense with this kind of ability to ever go three games without scoring a run. Ths offense has good to great hitters from the #1 spot down to the #8 spot. Yes, even Scott Thorman can hit. The problem is that he hasn’t been challenged enough.

I have another question. Why hasn’t this team had a players only meeting yet. Where are the veterans on this team. I have a feeling guys like McCann and Francoeur would like to call one but don’t believe it is their place. It isn’t. That is the job of the veterans to say, “Okay, we are meeting amongst ourselves and getting this sh*t straighten out…..NOW!” I love Smoltz but he needs to quit taking not so thinly veiled shots at Chipper in the press. What he needs to do is pull Chipper and a few others to the side in private behind closed doors and blast them. Maybe he has done that. But, I doubt it. I really doubt it. This team has way too much of a business like approach. That can be okay but sometimes it loses its edge. Look at the Yankees. You wanna know why that team is 10 1/2 games out of first place and has no chance of winning the AL East or the Wild Card? Because they lack fire. Sure, they have legitimate holes in their team but that team is talented enough to win despite those holes. But, they are not. They have a manager who keeps saying, “We’ll get ‘em tomorrow” and then tomorrow comes and he says it again. They never feel a sense of urgency.

The Braves looked like a team that had that sense of urgency in the beginning of the season. They don’t have it now. Look at the Red Sox. Sure, they are relaxed but they also play with an edge. They play like a team that knows they can never rest on laurels. They know they have to play every game like its their last. Do the Braves play that way? Hell no and I defy anybody to tell me they do.

I think this team is talented enough to not only win the NL East but get to the World Series. Their issues are the exact same as everyone else’s. The only team in the NL that doesn’t have issues at the backend of their rotation is the Padres. The fact is something is awry when a team this talented is winning. Either the players are all head cases or there is a problem at the top.

By N8

June 23, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

DOB

It may be too late for this year, but if he does regain good enough health to play, is it time (since his contract is unmovable), to start treating Chipper like an aging catcher?

By that, I mean, no matter how good he “says” he feels, sitting him, anywhere from 1-2 games every 5 or 6 games.

I know it seems silly to have him sitting on the bench, but I’d rather have him HEALTHY and available for 4 games a week, than have him go all out for weeks at a time, and then miss a month here or there.

Worst case scenario, on the days that he has “off”, we’d essentially have the most potent PH in baseball, not to mention that a kid like Escobar, might be ready for spot duty, but his “holes” would be found, if exposed to an everyday role. Or better yet, a veteran prescence to back up Hoss.

I don’t know anymore. I realize he aint’ “goin anywhere”, yet at the same time he aint’ getting any younger/healthier. Time to protect our investment. After all, Bobby and JS are the “bosses”. If he won’t sit himself (which no self respecting athlete that believes in his own ability would do), then somebody needs to tell him when to sit. If he doesn’t like it, then he can waive his 10/5 status and go be a DH on a team that doesn’t need him to be a leader.

Myself, I’d rather have him stay in a part time role (healthy - part time), because when TP takes over for Bobby, Chipper would make an EXCELLENT hitting coach, IMO. He’s a switch hitter (like TP), who has hit for average and power, and has won an MVP while carrying the team on his back. Not to mention his injury history.

IMO, there isn’t a scenario that any player could be going through, that he himself hasn’t gone through, and he doesn’t appear to be afraid to speak his mind.

By Robert

June 23, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

The 91 and 92 Braves had Glavine, Smoltz, and Avery, to start. Young guys who made them formidable. They were better teams than the 91 and 92 Pirates, but let’s not rehash an old arguement again

Neither Leyland nor any other manager is the single answer to any team’s every ill, but let’s just say that some partial answers are better than others.

“That being said, his post season performances have been very sub par except for the afore mentioned rent a team”

I’m not making excuses for Leyland. His playoff performance is about what one could reasonably expect. Certainly his teams ran into superior talent a far greater percentage of the time than someone’s else’s teams did

The 90’s have been over for a long time (as the past three games have painfully reminded us).

Let’s find a solution for now. I contend that not letting a .200 hitter stay in the heart of the lineup is at least part of the answer. Ergo, whatever it takes to get that done, be it changing managers or putting the cattle prod to the one we currently have, or having someone put the ole Donk down humanely (as was suggested for Chipper), is also a start at a complete answer.

Finding a rent-a-starter du-jour who would be asked to fit into the current system is NOT the answer.

The system needs to change.

We can debate about whether that means 24 individual players all changing their ways, or making one change that would affect all of them once might be more suitable

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, I’m sorry to hear that things have changed so much there. Do you live near a large city? At least you have your sanctuary in the country to retreat to.

Charleston has changed so much too. Long-time residents often refer to “before Hugo” and “after Hugo” (Hurricane Hugo in 1989) as the time that things started to really change. We’ve had so many people “from off” that have relocated here that it has changed the city. Real estate prices have gotten so out of hand that I wonder if my children (10 and 12) will ever be able to afford a home here.

The city is still very beautiful, and many would say more beautiful because a larger area of downtown is considered “historic” by the city and there has been a huge effort to renovate certain parts of the city. And I swear, I think that vacationers to our city view it as a Disney property rather than a city where local people actually live and work.

The downside of this influx of outsiders has been a change in the soul of the city. Not to be too critical of the new additions to our lovely city, but it really has changed the fabric of Charleston. Not a lot of people leave here but with all the outsiders relocating here it changes the mind-set of the population. Still, living here is better than living in most other places I guess.

The real question for you Carolina Lady: what kind of barbeque sauce do y’all use up there?

By Shaun

June 23, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Robert,

It’s not a fair comparison: Oswalt and Crawford.

It’s easier to find a good leftfielder than it is to find a good, true ace pitcher.

Yes, Crawford is a great player but, as we said, there aren’t many true aces around (guys that are capable of top 10 finishes in the Cy Young balloting year in and year out).

The D-Rays have plenty of good outfield options. If they can load up on young pitchers and/or infielders by doing it, I think they should trade Crawford.

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Billy Walsh, take your head out the stands, you are missing a season circling the drain.

By jch

June 23, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

In case anyone’s wondering, this seasons over. All our hopes hang on a couple of aging stars (Smoltz & Chipper) and a couple of “has beens might could be again someday, maybe” (‘druw & Hudson).

And Edgar, the lone veteran bright spot who must be wondering “what else do I need to do?”.

The former are true stars and deserve to be in the line-up whenever they can - unfortunately lately, that’s not been nearly as often as this team needs them.

The latter need to start showing us something.

Hudson started out on fire but has reverted to his form of the past couple of years.

Andruw can certainly hit, if he gets his head out of the way and listens to some coaching that’s not coming from Scott Boras. But I wouldn’t put any money on it.

So, in my opinion, it’s time to give some of those heralded prospects on the farm, and bench, some experience at the bigs. Who knows, they just may gel and give us a shot at the post-season.

A couple of other thoughts.

Harris should play every day, he’s earned it.

Salty needs more playing time and, with McCann not exactly tearing it up, the two should platoon. Maybe give Salty the 4 & 5 starters and Mac the 1-3.

I’d also like to see more of Escobar which, unfortunately considering the way its going for Chipper, I’ll be getting my wish.

By David O'Brien

June 23, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: CHIPPER’S IN THE LINEUP, batting fourth. AND WILLIE IS LEADING OFF.

Chipper wasn’t in original lineup, but came in today, said he felt a lot better, and Cox said he wanted to see him take BP and infield first before deciding. He took both, and the lineup was adjusted.

Willie is leading off (he was in original lineup, too), Kelly batting second, Renteria third.

Kelly said he had absolutely no problem with the change, and that he hopes they score 10 runs today and it stays the same forever. He really doesn’t care, long as he’s hitting somewhere at the top of the lineup he’s thrilled.

By Lew

June 23, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Robert-You’re absolutely right about what Girardi did with the Marlins. However, what was he trying to prove? That they were better than everyone thought going into the season? Fine-he proved that, but at what cost? There was no way on the face of the earth that they were going to beat out the Mets for the division and damn near no chance of taking the wildcard. Not losing 100 games would have been better than expected and they would be in first place right now, contending for the best record in the NL if they hadn’t had their staff disabled for this much of the season (and all and part of next for Sanchez with his torn labrum). It should be common knowledge these days about overusing rookie or young pitchers 25 and under. I realize many refuse to acknowledge it, but pitchers 25 and under that pitch more than 50 innings than their last year flame out with arm injuries the next year. No, it is not a hard and fast rule-there are exceptions-but it happens extremely often. Before spring training started, I predicted that Johnson, Sanchez and Cole Hamels of the Phillies would go down. I forgot about Nolasco and Olsen, but I’ve been right on two of three so far and I’m hardly a baseball expert. If I could figure it out, why not Girardi? You blame their pitching coach, but just who does he answer to in the chain of command? Oh and just as an aside to yank your chain a bit-BC used Chuck James LESS innings last year than what he pitched in 05.

By Bob

June 23, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Robert (Justice is the Best),

Cannot say that I disagree with very much of what you said. Bad as the Braves have been, the NL is so weak that anything is possible. But as stated, they need an attitude adjustment soonest.

By Mark

June 23, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

I agree with Robert. I was sitting here thinking the same thing before I read his post. Chipper has been my favorite player for years. There comes a time though when a “STAR” starts to hurt the team. I loved Dale Murphy as a kid and he knew when it was time to walk away, because he was hurting the team. Chipper I love you, but it’s time to go. And for God sake, please take Andruw with you.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 23, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

vicariously is a new word for this blog and eric the elder is to be congratulated on the use of vicariously. and wayne in utah, this journalist recommends a trip to red rock to watch a game and consume a delicious root beer. and perhaps the muscle relaxers wrote the lineup yesterday. and chipper may have re-aggravated a thumb on the bench in a seed thumping contest with canadian player pete orr. now, baseball … will today’s lineup surprise and amuse? and carolina lady, how are the cranes this year? still grumpy?

By Haze Gray

June 23, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

With Cox, the Braves won’t ever finish 500. Get rid if both Andy and Chippie. Lord, how much you going to pay someone who cannot produce. Chippie cannot even field his position. And Andy, sit him down, don’t bat him 4th.

By bobby

June 23, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

How does a (MAJOR LEAGUE???) team get shut out three games in a row?

By Berigan

June 23, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Did I hear right,Chipper is playing and Andruw batting 7th? Why is McCann in again??? Is Salty hurt? A day game after a night game…again???

By Paladin

June 23, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

I think I will quit early today before Bob, Journalist wakes up and resumes hoisting me upon my own petard. See y’all in the funny papers, which, btw, is The Braves lineup.

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Robert (Justice), I believe it was ESPN that did a study on player’s-only meetings recently. I may be wrong about the source but I know for sure that I heard it on ESPN radio. The end result of the study was that these types of meetings had very, very little impact on future performance.

That being said, I do think it’s high time that John Smoltz calls a players-only meeting and sticks his spiked foot up some of these ample Brave backsides and demand some changes. The look in his eyes during his post-game interview last night told me a lot more than the words that came out of his mouth. He’s disgusted with this team, and rightfully so.

By Mark

June 23, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

I want to be clear. Chipper is still one of the best hitters in the game…. when healthy. Make NO mistake, but this playing for 10-15 games then out for 3 weeks is a team killer. I mean, how many guys can not play for 3 weeks and come back with 3 hits the first night back. I’m to the point now where if he dives for a ball or grimaces after a swing I’m like oh gosh, he’s hurt again!!!

By Braves Fan 79

June 23, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Common Andrew….BREAK OUT TODAY!
And Davies is streaky…he did good for 3 innings last time out. (2 bad bobby wont pull anyone out before they give up 5 or 6 or 7 runs) so heres also wishing Davies starts a good streak today.
i wanna still believe in this team but if i ever see woodward or orr in a clutch at bat situation again this season ill think something is seriously wrong with cox.

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this

DOB, dare I ask where AJ is batting?

By journalist jimmy smith

June 23, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

soaking the right groin in arby’s horsey sauce seems to have done the trick for chipper jones. this journalist can report that trainers were seen this morning taking a small tub of horsey sauce into the braves clubhouse. horsey sauce is well known for its medicinal qualities and for adhesion, too. let’s hope chipper rinsed thoroughly or chipper could be ripe around the third inning in all this heat. and is it true wicky was waiting for the left-over horsey sauce? oh, the humanity! and what if birds are at turner field today and the birds smell the horsey sause? will the birds distract chipper like the beautiful sideline reporters do? and will the birds cause further injury to chipper jones? and dob hasbn’t called chipper “hoss” in awhile, right? how about hossy sauce? oh, the humanity! journalist is too hot in this weather! must stop blogging now.

By Lew

June 23, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

RJIB-Yes, obliques are maybe due to conditioning, but what about the knee last year? That’s what caused him to miss so much time-not conditioning related problems. You can’t blame the hand injuries on conditionin, either. It was a unique situation and is unlikely ever to occur again. Yes, conditioning-stretching and the like IS important, especially as you grow older, but that hasn’t caused the problems that have made Chipper miss so much time the past couple of years. Stuff happens, Dude. It, like getting older, is a fact of life. Let me know when you’ve figured out how to avoid what you have no control over. If you want to get technical, we KNEW Chipper would miss time. Why not blame the backup plan we had? I’m sorry for the problems Willie Aybar is having in his life-I’m sure he didn’t wish or plan things to shake out like they have and I hope he can return successfully some day, but not having him hurts, too. Actually, the way I see it, the lack of a good bench has hurt as as much as any one thing-except Andruw’s performance, which I believe has caused a chain reaction of pressing and futility.

By Jimbo

June 23, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Robert…Very good points. Its time for a lot of vets to go. Andruw, Chipper, Cox and soon even Smoltz. Someone has to sit Frenchy down and read the riot act to him about his plate intelligence. If that doesn’t work then they need to sit him down. He has too much talent to be a .260 hitter or less. Where is Pena? His presence would free Salty to play more. When you add in the pitching or lack thereof this is a very flawed team. They are so lucky to be where they are in the standings but I expect them to officially fall out of the race very soon. They are on borrowed time.

By bravesfan

June 23, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Good Job Bobby! Here’s the lineup for today. Wille H-LF KJ-2B Renteria-SS C,Jones-3B McCann-C Francoeur-RF A,Jones-CF Thorman-1B Davies-P

By Jimbo

June 23, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Whoa Bobby! Nice move batting Fathead 7th. That’s still 3 spots too high. He should be next to you on the bench.

Let’s see. Three shutouts in a row. Verlander vs Davis. Oh yeah We’re gonna win today.

By parks

June 23, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

I would love to see this blog if we let Chipper and Smoltz go and we won 70 games for the next 3 years. Some of yall really need to calm down.

By ElbravoX

June 23, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

How can Chipper be heading to the DL on Friday and batting 4th Saturday? Who is running this sinking ship? This makes me wonder how Smoltz is really feeling…

By Paladin

June 23, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

I was shutting down the ole machine when I saw: Common Andrew….BREAK OUT TODAY

Phonetically—at the ballpark—that cheer will work. But, back here on the blog it’s spelled Andruw.

Take your shot(s)—I’m outta here.

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Shouldn’t Davies be hitting in front of AJ? After all, he’s .211, 12 pts higher!;-)

By Ron

June 23, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Yall are right about us not developing young players the last few years!!! I thought Chuck James was goin to be our #3 this year!!! Thought Davies would be consistent enough!!! And our best Prospect Starters in the Minors are Projected to be at Best #3 Starters in the Majors!!! I know we continually drafted in the late 1st rounds in the past, but still come on!!! I think that one part of the not so great success of us developing more real good Starters is because of our Pitching Coaches!!! I remember reading about how the Young Pitchers did not like Leo at all, especially Jason Marquis!!! And What the hell has McDowell done with the Young Pitchers on our team now!!! He obviously has not helped James any, if anything James has gotten worst under him, Dont know what to think about Davies, but he has not helped him either!!! He could not help McBride with his control problems, but for some reason when McBride wen to Triple-A he found his control!!! Then when we look at hitters when they start to strugle who helps them through it? I think Andruw Jones could be much better but nobody showed him how to be better, Frenchy looks the same way!!! The Coaches say thats all right kid, you are doing your best, when obviously they need some Damn help!!! Hell we had only one Hitting Coach worth a Damn and that was Don Baylor when he helped Chipper bat Right Handed!! Chipper use to could not do anything worth a damn hitting right handed but Don Baylor showed him the way in 1999(If I am not Mistaken)!!! Oh yeah what happened to Chipper in 1999, MVP!!! We have Lacked a True Pitching Coach and a True Hitting Coach over the Years!!! I like Leo, but Leo does good with the Veteran Pitchers not the Young Pitchers!!! Don Baylor was here for 1 year, then I think the Next year he got the Cub Managerial job!! When we find the right Coaches we might be alright!!!

By WHAT OTHER SUB-200 CENTER FIELDER IS STARTING?

June 23, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

I would guess there are no other center fielders in MLB that are hitting below 200 and in the starting lineup.

By Carolina Lady

June 23, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Christklob, only traditional eastern NC pulled pork BBQ is acceptable. With slaw and sweet tea. :-)

I understand exactly what you’re saying about the changing demographics. This area has been outpriced to all but the very rich. Would you believe that a boat slip (currently) costs $8,000 per linear foot?? And boat ramps are all now “private - members only.” There is one public ramp at Wrightsville Beach and one (I believe) somewhere in Carolina Beach. That’s it. Very, very sad that ordinary people have been completely pushed to the side. Frankly, I hate it.

jjs, cranes are always grumpy! :-))

Very interesting that Chipper is now back in the line up. Wonder if Smoltz is still on his Christmas card list? (I’m sure I’m reading way too much into this - but it is interesting!) :-)))

By BrianP

June 23, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

What is the reason Bobby wont put Salty behind the plate and try McCann at 1B ??????? McCann has bad ankles…his speed has went from slow to slowest…So to fix the problem we wheel him out behind the plate 5-6 days a week???This is not rocket science..Salty is better defensively why not let him play 3 of 4 behind the plate then swap with McCann…Lord knows we need both their bats..Bring up Pena and send either Woodward or Orr down..

By MEB

June 23, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Humble Pie… I was wondering about humble pie last night as I read some of the venomous posts that echoed through the blog. I wondered about its origin and I came across this in Wikipedia:

The expression derives from umble pie, which was a pie filled with liver, heart and other offal, especially of cow but often deer. These parts were known as umbles, and since they were considered inferior food, in medieval times the pie was often served to lower-class people.

So I wondered when the Braves win the NL East or the NL Wild Card and then proceed to represent the NL in the Fall Classic how will some of our loud mouth zealots here in the blog enjoy their offal. I do believe that IBC Root Beer helps cut through some of the after taste.

GO BRAVES!!!

By David O'Brien

June 23, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

Yes, as several have stated, Andruw is batting seventh, ahead of Thorman.

By Berigan

June 23, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Well, glad McCann is in again!!! Day game after a night game, and man is he hot, and hot at home! In 94 AB’s at the Ted, he is hitting .234, with a homer, and 13 RBI’s! And he is hitting .203 for the month of June. Salty, just keep yer butt on the bench loser, what and learn from a real stud catcher!

By The Grinch

June 23, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Braveheart and DOB, absolutely afree about Barry Sanders. Emmitt couldn’t carry his jock. Also, while Lew and I agree TB screwed up by giving up so may picks for Gruden, we disagree about Gruden’s coaching abilities. He’s all the coach and a bag of chips; he just doesn’t have much to work with down there. TB will be better now that they have Jeff Garcia; Chris Simms is a weenie. he’s the Kyle Davies of QB’s. Time to make a beer run.

By bravesfan

June 23, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB did Chipper just start fealing better all the suddden or what?

By Chop Chop

June 23, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Per Charles Odum from the AP:

When asked if he is rushing his return, (Chipper) Jones said: “Probably. But I feel a little backed into a corner.”

Asked to elaborate, Jones indicated some doubted he was injured enough to miss games.

“Let’s just say there are people who don’t believe me,” Jones said. “Let’s just say that and leave it at that.”

This should make the next few days interesting, I’d say.

By Berigan

June 23, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Hmm, perhaps I am being too hard on McCann. Just looked at his stats since June 12. Today will be his 11th straight game behind home plate! Except for the off day Thursday, no time off at all!!!! Does this make ANY sense? Oh, how’s he been doing during this stretch? 5 for 36 , a .180 B.A.

By Lee

June 23, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Can Andruw bat ninth and Davies bat seventh? We might have a better chance to get runs out of the seven spot, and at least people expect the nine hole hitter to get out every time

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

CarolinaLady: $8k per linear foot? Wow, I thought it was bad here but that’s ridiculous!

My question regarding bbq was whether you use a mustard, vinegar or tomato based sauce with your pulled pork?

By David O'Brien

June 23, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Andruw’s slump/skid/horrid season is well-documented and don’t know what else can be said about it, and McCann appears to be having the “step-back” season that many have had before in their second full season in majors, when others have made adjustments to you and it’s time you make them to them, etc. Plus, he got hurt and got into bad habits.

But how about Francoeur’s recent slide? It’s alarming: He hit .391 (18-for-46) with four doubles, two homers, seven RBIs and six strikeouts in 11 games May 10-20.

In 30 games since then, he’s hit .217 (25-for-115) with five doubles, one homer, 12 RBIs and 23 strikeouts.

And he’s swung at well over half the first pitches he’s seen in that stretch.

By Ron Roberts

June 23, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Love Kelly Johnson’s attitude about his place in the lineup… very antiMarcus Giles-ian, wouldn’t you say?

Encouraging news on Chipper Jones. FOX pre-game said (in case ya missed it) that Buehrle would like to wind up in St. Louis pitching for the Cardinals. Seems to me whoever rents him is giving up a propsect and getting about half a season of pitching in return.

Not so sold on getting him now.

I’ve said for awhile now… more Oscar Villareal to the rotation and we’re at least four deep with decent-to-good starters. Hell, for that matter, let’s see if the Jays are willing to part with Halliday for some parts in our farms. Can’t imagine the A’s getting rid of Rich Harden since they’re in the playoff race, just yet, but who knows.

But let’s stop thinking Buehrle and start thinking Villareal at the very least.

By Allen

June 23, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

What is the availability of Aaron Cook in Colorado? His era is high but only because of Colorado. His road era is excellent. I really don’t want them to give up Salty and I think he needs to be at 1st base right now. I would think Yunel would be a good fit for Chicago or Colorado. He’s better now than what they have. Could Yunel be a straight up trade for Cook or Buehrle? Would we be close? If we get Buehrle, what are the odds he signs with us after the season?

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

June 23, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Anyone think the Reds would trade Aaron Harang? He’s under contract through 2010 with a mutual option for 2011 if he’s traded. The guy is affordable until is salary jumps to about $9 million in 2009, but by then we won’t have to contend with Hampton’s salary.

By Mark

June 23, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

DOB, any chance on the Braves going after Mark Teixara from Texas?????WE need OFFENSE

By jb

June 23, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Hey Ron, great post!

It seems the Braves youngsters are getting better coaching in the minors. TP and McDowell do not seem to be cutting it. The pitchers respond to the minor league coaches, lose their stuff in the big leagues and McDowell can not help them to get it back. When they are sent back down, they return to the pitcher that was doing well. TP does not seem to connect with the hitter either (Harris excluded.) It’s time to replace both of them. Hopefully their replacements can fix the problems before the Mets coaches fix theirs.

By Tyler

June 23, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Is Chipper p** at Smoltz? http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2914283

By Mark

June 23, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

Alright boys and girls, they just took the field…will Davies make it out of the first????

By ElbravoX

June 23, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

DOB- Backtracking on Bmac? The finger, then the ankle. The finger and the ankle— Look at his minor league stats. 48 million for 5 good months. How ‘bout that folks!

By Robert

June 23, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Shaun - I look at Crawford as a combination of speed and batting average - in that regard he is a lot more of a rare commodity than when just viewed as an outfielder

Lew - Leyland did in fact beat two of the worst managers ever the year he won his only WS. It the Braves or Indians had had good managers, Leyland, for all his worth as manager, wouldnt have been able to muster a series win, because his teams were far outclassed. And in 92, the fact that it took a lucky hit to beat him isnt making an excuse for him, it’s pointing out how close he got despite a vastly inferior team

Andruw is hitting seventh today. What a novel concept. Fifty games after the fact.

The Braves needing someone to motivate them to play with fire is nothing new. Early this season, they played with fire, presumably because they wanted to show everyone wrong and start another “streak” of that end-all goal, division titles

I guess that maintaining that edge wouldve interfered with everyone’s tee times. Since the 24-12 start, which included a couple of early season series wins against the Mets, and which presumably showed all the nay-sayers wrong, the team has played, and has been allowed to play, with an overall atmopshere that can best be described as catatonia

Except for Smoltz. I read his words, and I dont see it as a call-out to Chipper. His emphasis on referring to the guys that were in there makes me think he was trying to say that the wrong guys were in there. - a questioning of leadership

Who knows. If a certain someone’s ears got the rubbed the wrong way, Smoltzie may yet find himself on the way out without even a buttslap

The issues of fire and leadership (from the players and the coaching/managerial staff) are nothing new. What’s new is that the talent level has eroded to the point where it cant cover (in the regular season) for these deepseated and longrooted flaws

Let’s start somewhere. A run somewhere over the course of the next 9 innings. Shouldnt require too much genius to be able to muster that. Unless of course, we’re faced with just too much Verlander, period.

By Carolina Lady

June 23, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

chrisklob, much prefer the vinegar based sauce.

By Bob

June 23, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Chop chop,

Yeah I read it too. I would think these two guys would sit down and talk about this. As frail as Chipper is, it would be damn stupid to go out and really get hurt because he felt challenged. If that is true, the damn ship is truly rudderless now. If he can play through it great, but if he is doing this to prove his manhood it is really dumb.

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

TYler, I shouldn’t be mad at Smoltz. He has no right to be. If he’s not as hurt as he wants everyone to believe then he should only be po’d at himself. Glad to see that Chipper grew a set and is in the lineup today. This team needs a productive bat in the four-hole.

By TURTSNAP

June 23, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Well, lets see, first five pitches by Verlander looked at by the Braves, all strikes. Sixth pitch, swung and missed by KJ… The way the Braves are going, Verlander may pitch another no-no, heck, maybe even a perfect game.

By N8

June 23, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

DOB

Tim McCarver just said on the broadcast, that even though it may seem silly, hitters often hit better with an abdominal/groin injury, because they aren’t trying to do too much. They let the ball come to them.

How about you, run down into the dugout and give Andruw a big knee to the groin, from all of us?

Many thanks for your time.

By TURTSNAP

June 23, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

IX-NAY on the Perfect Game comment. BUT…. 3 K’s for Verlander in the 1st, two of them looking.

And as if things aren’t bad enough for the Braves, and for us as fans, we get stuck having to listen to Tim McCarver for 9 innings. Where is Deion Sanders when you need him? :O)

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady, I’m more of a mustard sauce. Those vinegar sauces are just too tart for my taste. Either way you go, bbq has got to be one of the best “peasant” foods on the planet! I think I’m gonna have to break out the smoker and cook up some pork butt pretty soon!

By Ron

June 23, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Appreciate it jb!!!

Anybody else think that Verlander might just no hit us? He looked real good in the first!!!

By N8

June 23, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Main difference between Davies and Verlander?

Command of the fastball. PERIOD.

If Davies could ever gain full command of his fastball, he’d damn near be unhittable with that 12 to 6 curveball.

Of course being able to hit 99 MPH on the gun with the fastball, AND locating it the way Verlander does, might be another difference.

So tell me again how a guy like Davies with “electric” stuff, isn’t successful? If you DON’T think it’s coaching, you’d be wrong.

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

N8, that was too funny.

By SourPatchKid

June 23, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

boy mccann needs work on blocking the plate

By TURTSNAP

June 23, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Thats it Davies, give up a BIG INNING in the 2nd!! COME ON, WE KNOW YOU CAN DO IT!!

By N8

June 23, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Case in point.

Now Davies can’t find the strike zone with his fastball.

Add that up with a HORRIBLE call at the plate (when it rains it pours), and you got a two word prediction….

GAME OVER.

By Ron

June 23, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Tyler it seems that way!!!

DOB did you read Chippers comments about being in the lineup today, and saying that some doubted him being injured?

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Why is Kyle leaving all his fastballs up in the zone?

By N8

June 23, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

How sh!tty does a pitcher have to look before Bobby sends McCann out to talk to him?

Actually scratch that. McCann is supposed to be so damn good calling a game, at what point does he get off his a$$ and go out and calm him down?

Seems like an awful lot of “sitting” around by our coaches, when they could actually be coaching.

Man alive, did Davies get a BREAK on that called 3rd strike to Granderson.

Make up call for the call at home, perhaps?

Too little, too late. 1 run is all it’s gonna take to beat the Braves today.

By Ron

June 23, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Another reason why I dont won’t us to trade Davies for Buerhle is because the White Sox Pitching Coach would probably make him look like Cy Young, and he will probably win a few Cy Young awards for them!!! What a bad Pitching Coach we have!!!

By ElbravoX

June 23, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Me likes the Smoltz V. Chipper thing…IF WE LOOSE, LET IT BE VIA NO-HIT.

By A-ville Ranger

June 23, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

36 pitches in one inning….damn here comes another four innings of bullpen work.What’s the Braves team record for relief innings pitched in a season ? McCann has that slightly dopey,medicated look today.

By Chop Chop

June 23, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

N8, I usually give Davies three or four innings before making the “GAME OVER” prediction. As you can see, he got out of the jam with one run allowed. Maybe he got the wildness out in the second inning this time. I’m sure my fellow denizens are anxiously waiting to find out.

By N8

June 23, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

“N8, that was too funny.”

You act as though I was kidding. :-)

There is two scenarios that could come from DOB trying out his MMA skills in the dugout.

1) Like McCarver said, an injury might cause Andruw to “settle down” and let the ball come to him (I actually STILL doubt that would do the trick).

or

2) He’s injured and he can’t play. Which, common sense tells you…if he can’t play, he can’t kill rallies.

EITHER scenario is good for me.

C’Mon DOB….Can’t you see my request is a WIN/WIN situation.

Well other than the part where you might lose your job. Suck it up dude…..take one for the team. :-)

By Berigan

June 23, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

By N8 June 23, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this Main difference between Davies and Verlander? Command of the fastball. PERIOD.

I know you backed away from that later, saying 99 MPH heater helps as well. It does. 102 in the 9th is about 9 MPH faster than Davies best. Tigers don’t swing and miss Davies fastball, we can’t hit Justin’s. Good work all things considered, by Davies. At least we are still in the game in the 2nd inning. Don’t ya just love moral victories? I will now shower, and hope Davies doesn’t have an inning like Smoltz’s 6th!!!

By Robert

June 23, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

30 consecutive scoreless innings and counting.

I’m amazed that Andruw remembered how to get to second base. If I’m not mistaken, he hasnt been there in two weeks

By TURTSNAP

June 23, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

DOB - Is Salty hurt? Why, oh why won’t Bobby put Salty in at 1B? I get so tired of watching Thorman take his grand swing and breeze the ballpark!

By archer

June 23, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

tyler thanks for the link/article i dont think anywhere in the article i got the sense that chipper is mad at smoltz {not that u implied that}.

i think hes a dude who should be in the lineup if hes less than 100 %.while less than 100% he was producing {walking and hitting}. chipper came back in the twins series, and had a mini hitting streak going - 6 straight games.

obviously hes not the answer but braves need any help they can get

By N8

June 23, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Not ANY DIFFERENCE in what Smoltz is saying (tongue in cheek) about Chipper, than when Chipper called out JD Drew early in the only season he wore a Braves unform.

NOT ONE SINGLE DIFFERENCE, IMO.

By ElbravoX-- EbX

June 23, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Effectively wild for a no hitter… Dude, where are the bats? This is ridoncolous!

By A-ville Ranger

June 23, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

DOB This may seem a little radical.Why not strap Andruw in a chair, protract his eyes open and force him to watch Manny Ramirez take Moylan deep to right ? It may even get the blessing of Bor-a$$ since all he cares about is how much Andy can put in his bank account.

By Ron

June 23, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

N8 1 run might as well be 10 runs!!! It would not matter either way, we aint gonna score any today!!! Davies might as well save his 1 run game today and let the Tigers score 5 or 6 off of him, and throw his 1 run game in a different game!!! We all know how inconsistent Davies is, 1 game he will give up only 1 run, and the next game he will give up 5 or 6!!!

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Actually scratch that. McCann is supposed to be so damn good calling a game, at what point does he get off his a$$ and go out and calm him down?

Well, would you get up when you have the best seats in the house? Look at those seat cushions on the back of his legs. Walking out to the mound would consist of McCann exercising. Don’t see that happening.

By TURTSNAP

June 23, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

THE WHIFF! and, uh-oh, a base hit (what is that), way to go Willie!

By N8

June 23, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Verlander only hit 95 MPH on that second pitch to KJ.

He must’ve “taken a little off”.

Unreal.

By Ron

June 23, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Well there goes the No-hitter!!! Why watch now, we ait gonna score!!!

By TURTSNAP

June 23, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

WHIFF WHIFF WHIFF WHIFF WHIFF

By Robert

June 23, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

31

By N8

June 23, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

DOB…

Give one GOOD, reasonable reason that Salty is on the active 25 man roster.

All I want is one. And that “reason” better not be to back up McCann. Pena would be better for that role, with Salty getting more AB’s at Richmond (or even back to Mississippi), whether he is catching or learning 1B.

Please tell me you DON’T see any logic in him SITTING on our bench.

I just don’t get it.

By ElbravoX-- EbX

June 23, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

NO HITTER GONE! AJ will honor the hat-trick AND Chipper will be carted off the field.

By TURTSNAP

June 23, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Davies - Open up the Flood Gates!!!

By Ron

June 23, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

N8 You said this: Actually scratch that. McCann is supposed to be so damn good calling a game, at what point does he get off his a$$ and go out and calm him down?

Braveheart You said this: Well, would you get up when you have the best seats in the house? Look at those seat cushions on the back of his legs. Walking out to the mound would consist of McCann exercising. Don’t see that happening.

Damn those Comments were hilarious!!! Keep it up guys!!!

By N8

June 23, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

I’ve got an “idea”.

Since we have ZERO power at the plate anyhow, and we also have ZERO pitching after Smoltz and before Soriano and Wickman.

Why not put up 45 foot high Plexi-Glass windows all the way around the OF?

Then fill our OF with guys with strong arms, and play everything off the wall.

:-)

By MEB

June 23, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Braveheart…Why all the hate for Brian McCann? Looks to me like he’s in the major leagues while you’re blogging.

By Ron

June 23, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

N8 To think that When the Padres had the #1 Pick Overall a few years back and they picked SS-Matt Bush!!! Guess who went 2nd Overall to Detroit that year? Unfreakinbelievable!!!!!!!

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Attaboy Chipper, that’s the way to man up! One swing he grimaces in pain, the next one he hits one out to the opposite field! Andruw, Mac, Frenchy, are you watching this?

By A-ville Ranger

June 23, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

In continuance of the clockwork orange,psycho reform ideas.How about BC hire a hypnotist to work with the team ? One thing he could do is implant the suggestion to Andruw and McCann that if they get to second base the reward is a big bag of crispy creams awaiting them.I can think of complications that may need working out such as constant drooling and walking to second at inappropriate times.Bobby is paid to manage problems like these though(well maybe not quite like these).

By TURTSNAP

June 23, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Scott Thorman + Pitched Ball = THE WHIFF

By Ron

June 23, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Wow if anybody missed that at bat when Chipper hit a homer missed something unbelievable!!! the 3-1 pitch that he fouled back, he almost fell to the ground with pain, and the next pitch he hits it out!!! Chipper is unbelievable!!!

By Braves20

June 23, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Glad to see us finally put one on the board - should have been more. Thorman has what - three hits this season with men on?

By Goat Horns

June 23, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Thank You John Smoltz for goading Chipper into playing.

Maybe he is not as hurt as he thinks he is.

If Kyle can get out of the 5th I think we have a chance!

By ElbravoX-- EbX

June 23, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

324 hits to break a thousand! (Blog hits). Common people, we can do this.

By chrisklob

June 23, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

N8, you said we also have ZERO pitching after Smoltz and before Soriano and Wickman. Did you forget about Villareal, Yates, or Moylan? I think you’re being a little harsh. Are you a little light-headed from excitement with Chipper’s homerun and the the scoring drought ending? :-)

By N8

June 23, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

It is freakin amazing (more like frustrating), how Jeckyl and Hyde Davies can look IN THE SAME GAME!

If this kid EVER get’s it together, he’ll be Maddux like.

If he doesn’t….well….he’ll simply be Kyle Davies like.

By MEB

June 23, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

N8… One good reason is that he is a better hitter than anyone currently on our bench. Look for him to start at catcher tomorrow. I wouldn’t expect Salty to be a starter at first this year but if we still have him on our roster he will start there next year.

Davies is in a pretty good groove so far today. We are a bad call at the plate away from a 1-1 tie in the sixth.

GO BRAVES!!!

By JDG123

June 23, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Good for Smoltz! Many of us have been of the opinion that Chipper has been giving it far less than 100%. If it takes all of us getting on him to force him to play and hit a home run then I will be here every day. Chipper’s overall attitude and lack of interest disgusts me to no ends.

By A-ville Ranger

June 23, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

N8 reasonable-reason = redundant -redundancy.

By TURTSNAP

June 23, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

WHIFF WHIFF

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

MEB, Considerable drop in his skills in all facets of his game: (1) Running; (2) Hitting; (3) Power; (4) Fielding; (5) Throwing. As N8 pointed out, why is he not going out there and talking to Davies and James and guiding them through things - that is what good catchers do. Injuries would not cause considerable drops in all skill areas. Injuries can cause bad habits. But bad habits that affect every aspect of your game? Come on. Get your head out of the sand and take your pom poms off already ‘cause you are missing a terrible season out of the golden boy. His bad hitting, throwing, fielding, running habits are caused more by his bad eating and exercise habits than by injuries. But that’s just my opinion. I will leave the guy alone now

By N8

June 23, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

MEB

“Looks to me like he’s in the major leagues while you’re blogging.”

Looks to me with the way he’s swinging and that .255 BA, that he very well AT THIS PARTICULAR MOMENT IN TIME be the 2nd best option (hitting wise) on the depth chart when it comes to catchers on the 25 man roster.

Nothing more, nothing less….on my end anyhow. I can’t and won’t speak for Braveheart.

Is Salty gonna be the better catcher over the length of their careers? Hard to say. But I can tell you that Willie Harris is also, more than likely, NOT in our longterm plans, but due to his hot hitting, he’s in the lineup.

As I recall, McCann was also at AA when Estrada went down, and “filled in” and then during the offseason was given his Estrada’s job, fulltime. Didn’t Estrada make the All-Star team the previous season?

Trade him or play him….Salty that is….that’s all I ask.

Chipper, Andruw, and McCann could ALL benefit from some time off.

Why not put Harris in CF, Diaz in LF and Escobar at 3B and Salty behind the plate for a week and see what happens.

What’s the worst that could happen? (GASP!) We might not score any runs, kinda similar to the last four games, huh?

Who knows, maybe a week off for each of them to just relax, take some extra time in the cage, is EXACTLY what they each need to come back fresh down the stretch.

Then again….what the hell do I know? I’m just a blogger.

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

Braveheart…Why all the hate for Brian McCann? Looks to me like he’s in the major leagues while you’re blogging.

One last thing MEB. then why the hell are you on here giving your opinion on anything? You’re not playing. This is not a circle jerk worship service. Those are tomorrow.

By Ron Roberts

June 23, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Damned if Kyle Davies doesn’t just drive me nuts. He can be lights out twice against the Mets, once against the Cubs and has the best offense in the bigs relegated to three hits and only two runs in 6 innings, and yet he can be so freaking awful against lesser teams? Makes ya wonder what’s goin’ on in that boy’s head, sometimes.

By Caleb

June 23, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

For those able to watch the game (I hate Fox, who cares about yankees vs. giants), did Smoltz come over and congratulate Chipper after his homerun?

By Berigan

June 23, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

MEB, McCann is as of his 0 for 3, hitting 5 for 39 for a .128 average since June 12th,(How’d I figure a .180 average before, it should have been a .138 average 5 for 36!!!) and he has started every single game the braves have played since the 12th, for some unknown except for Bobby reason. Good managers put their players in positions to be there very best….then there is Bobby’s way.

By A-ville Ranger

June 23, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Good start by Davies,let’s hope it’s not wasted.Well suns burning,I’m headed to mt. greybeard.later all.

By TURTSNAP

June 23, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Scott Thorman + Pitched Ball = THE WHIFF

By Ron Roberts

June 23, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

Good question, Caleb. I got Giants/Yanks too and wondered the same thing.

Who’d have predicted a pitcher’s duel today? That’s why Kyle Davies is such a MADDENING pitcher.

Verlander is still throwing mid-90s, too. Wow. Keep hoping the heat would wear him down, but it isn’t. DAMN!! Clocked at 98 mph to strike out Saltalamacchia!

By LVChad

June 23, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Many of us have been of the opinion that Chipper has been giving it far less than 100%. Yep, the play where he tried to leap over the 3rd baseman and injured his hands is undeniable prove of that. Come on! Is his body breaking down before our eyes? It appears to be. Could he do more to stay in better shape? Probably so. Is he JD ” I can’t play because of a hangnail” Drew? Not at all. I’m of the believe that people know their own bodies far better than anyone else. Can he play hurt? Sure, he’s doing it now. At what expense though? Hopefully he doesn’t make it worse, as this lineup needs him.

By archer

June 23, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

already down to askin if chipper got a hi 5/a* pat from smoltz?? LOL

IM just tryna help ElbravoX— EbX to break a thousand Blog hits

By stu

June 23, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Soriano doesnt look right to me. His location is off. I hope HE aint hurt.

BTW, if Verlander’s arm doesn’t fall off, he is the next great MLB pitcher. No need to bang on the boys today over this one. Bash them all you want over most of the games these last couple of months, but tip your have to Verlander.

As soon as I typed the top part, Soriano morphed into Uber-Stuf Reliever guy again.

By Ron Roberts

June 23, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Wow, between the temperature, Davies, Verlander, Yates and Soriano…

LOTS OF HEAT today, eh?

Oh, and the hot glares between Smoltz and Chipper.

By David O'Brien

June 23, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

Holy Cornelia, when it rains it pours. Davies has a solid start … and leaves with a left oblique strained. Will be evaluated again in the next couple days.

By markdawg

June 23, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

WAY TO GO DIAZ-seems as if someone wants to HIT—-now drive that mother flobber in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Ron Roberts

June 23, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Looks like the Atlanta heat did get Verlander outta the game. Thank GOD!!!

Matty D.!!!! We HAVE to tie this and/or take the lead with the top of the order in position now!!!

By N8

June 23, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Nice job Bobby.

A) You don’t DEMAND your players know how to fricking bunt.

B) Then you ask somebody to do it, who hasn’t done it all year.

Yeah….that Bobby Cox, sure is a good one.

Unreal.

By SUXX? The Braves

June 23, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

Well there is a shocker. A leadoff double and we can’t get him over. Not only do most of the players on this team need to be in AAA, they don’t have the fundamentals of a little league team.

Which is greater - the times the Braves have not moved the runner over to third with less than two outs or the times Frenchy swings at the first pitch??

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

Now Class, this is what’s known a humor that isn’t funny “We’ve been shut out three straight games and four times since I came off the disabled list … there’s some pressure to get back in there”

However, if Chipper’s coming off the DL has resulted in our being shut out 4 times, you’d think the pressure would be for him to return … to the DL, not the field.

Chipper’s a gamer, that’ for sure! Hoss, there’s a new sheriff in town and he’s called you out!

It’s an explosive catch 22 … methinks Chipper may have done himself additional injury, allowing himself to be so portrayed seems to be of his own doing … but while playing with that heavy yoke around his neck may be adding insult to injury, this incident may have lifted some some weight from the rest of the team and provide what it needed …. better identification of who’s the real Hoss on the team.

Of course, there’s different kinds of leadership and Larry still can play when he so decides … it’s he, not Andruw, that can truly carry the team on his shoulders, yoke and all!

Larry responded as only Chipper could … he got the monkey off our backs, or was it John Smoltz? … now we need somebody else to step up and finish the job … and make it turning point from which we’ll not look back!

Well, speaking of stepping up, Mr. Soriano almost never disappoints!

Keep the faith!

By ElbravoX-- EbX

June 23, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

There is no I in team or blog, let’s do this people. DOB-Don’t you dare start one up just yet. Mendoza here we come! (Strapping leotard).

By JasonInMaine

June 23, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Another leadoff double wasted…amazing. The two stars fighting…thie team is in SERIOUS trouble

By Ron Roberts

June 23, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

Staggering…. would somebody look up how many times we’ve had runners in scoring position with no outs and failed to get ‘em in, this season? Seems like we’d be leading the universe in that statistical category, doesn’t it? So damned frustrating.

Sucks to hear about Kyle Davies, too, but frankly since today was a gem his next 2-3 would’ve been blow-outs anyhow. Maybe now we can use Oscar in a starting role? Sheesh.

By N8

June 23, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

” Can he play hurt? Sure, he’s doing it now. At what expense though?”

About 12.3 million this season.

By Stuart

June 23, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

I bet if there was a stat for “wasted leadoff doubles” the braves would lead the world and it would not even be close. Tip your hat to Verlander, but the brave blew a chance against very hittable guys in the 8th.

By MEB

June 23, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Braveheart… WOW!!! I guess opinions are free… just like this blog and I guess I’ve paid my dues. Just keep on blogging friend and I believe McCann will do just fine. In fact I think he will get an opportunity in the bottom of the ninth today. Would have been nice to get Diaz in to tie this game up but the Braves are not executing in a lot of areas.

By Goat Horns

June 23, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

With the way our offense has been struggling wouldn’t it make sense to try and get a .340 hitter (that can hit both lefties and righties) in the lineup everyday?

By Kim

June 23, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

N8 - I know your are critical of Bobby’s every move and sometimes it is deserved.

But get real - you cannot blame Cox for Kelly not getting a bunt down in three tries. he is a professional hitter who is not a slugger and can bunt (even though he doesn’t have one this year because he has basically hit leadoff every game).

Put the blame on the players when they deserve it. oh by the way, the Braves are terrible.

By chipdip

June 23, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

Chipper….first pitch swinging….man on second…2 outs…WTF???????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By StingerSplash

June 23, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Pete was doing PBP when Chipper homered. Too bad. I was hoping Skip would paraphase his great call of Bream’s game-winner with this:

“Braves score! Braves score! Braves score! Braves score! …. Braves score!”

By Ron Roberts

June 23, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

Oh God… due up in the bottom of the ninth….

McCan’t

Fancouer’ced to swing at the first pitch.

Can’tdruw Jones

Prove me wrong, boys.

By N8

June 23, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

SUXX? The Braves

“Not only do most of the players on this team need to be in AAA, they don’t have the fundamentals of a little league team.”

Whoa! Settle down big fella. The “homers” don’t like it when you mention fundamentals or lack there of with the Braves.

Are you fixin to get blackballed on this here blog, or what?

:-)

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

MEB, I admit I have gone overboard with it all (sort of). Not saying you shouldn’t blog or anything ….. usually like your stuff. would not matter what I say anyway. keep on blogging, dude, and throw me brushback pitches when you think appropriate.

BOBBY!
BOBBY!
BOBBY!

By StingerSplash

June 23, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

We’re tied! We’re tied! Oh, wait. That’s Bobby for the all-time ejections lead, not the score of the game? Sorry.

By N8

June 23, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

These guys literally have NO CLUE what the actual strike zone is, do they?

Bummer. Bobby got kicked out about 8 innings too late.

What a bunch of clueless LOSERS.

Time for me to take a break.

L8R.

By Chris

June 23, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

We look the freaking bad news bears. players chewing each other out, blming each other. McCann gets hosed after we’ve burned Salty….real smart. If we make it to extras i guess that means Orr is the catcher. We should all be Cubs fans. Of course, that means Thorman has to do something. not likely.

By ElbravoX-- EbX

June 23, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

TIME OF GAME 2:55, BLOG HITS NEEDED 270, ANOTHER BRAVES L, PRICELESS~!!… Bmac is like a pretzel, with more dough.

By mr baseball

June 23, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

Good thing for a lot of folks who blog here that a working knowledge of baseball is not required. Sorry to break it to most of you, but coaches in baseball (coaches, not managers) are borderline irrelevant. A good position in coach in football and basketball can have a great impact both from a technique and motivational standpoint, but that DOES NOT apply to baseball.

A good hitting coach is going to have negligible impact at best helping one of his players hit a Justin Verlander curveball. And the best pitching coach in the world is not going to keep his starter from throwing a thigh high fastball that gets jacked into the seats. And no amount of motivational speeches are going to make players play harder. Either you hit it, or you don’t. You catch it, or you don’t. You make the pitch, or you don’t. It’s not like willing an offensive lineman to block that all-star defensive end when he’s dead tired and can barely move his feet.

All this talk about playing with a “sense of urgency” and showing emotion on the bench is, plain and simple, crap. Baseball is an individual game, not a team-oriented sport. Getting “fired up” isn’t going to make you a better hitter, pitcher or fielder. If you think it does, you’ve either never played baseball or don’t have a clue what the game is about.

I don’t think I’ve read anything positive here the last few weeks about Davies. Sure, he’s inconsistent. Most young pitchers are. Just about nobody here seems to understand that. He has Major League stuff and will develop into a quality pitcher, but it ain’t happening overnight. Carlyle makes 3 straight decent starts in a row then gets killed by the Red Sox, and everybody here wants to bury him.

Right now, this team stinks. Really stinks. But then, the quality of a sizeable percentage of the posts here stink even worse. Most of those are authored by hit and run bloggers who post once and disappear, but there are some regulars on here who need to engage their brains before putting their fingers to work.

By LT

June 23, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

This team should be ashamed of itself. Every single one of them.

By N8

June 23, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Kim

“But get real - you cannot blame Cox for Kelly not getting a bunt down in three tries. he is a professional hitter who is not a slugger and can bunt (even though he doesn’t have one this year because he has basically hit leadoff every game).”

Uh…KJ was NEVER a top of the order guy in the minors. Not to mention, what the hell does leading the game off have to do with bunting in the other 3 AB’s a leadoff hitter gets in a game?

He doesn’t have a ML History of bunting. He does HOWEVER seem to occasionally pick up an RBI, since he is near the top of THAT category in the NL, for leadoff hitters.

All ANYBODY ever says about Bobby, is that he “puts his players in a position to succeed”.

Hogwash. He not only put KJ in a position that he hadn’t been used in this year, he didn’t help put the team in a position to succeed by calling for the bunt.

If you are going to have guys bunt in THAT situation, then maybe you should execute it in OTHER games with similar situations.

Why not just ask Soriano to throw a knuckleball? I mean seriously! To my knowledge he hasn’t thrown one this year. I mean after all he is a “professional pitcher”, how come he doesn’t know how to throw a knuckleball?

McCann CLEARLY needs a couple of days off. He’s losing it. ALL THREE of those pitches were strikes.

How’s the old saying go? Like father, like son? Well judging by all the Braves hitters complaining about the strike zone, and not actually ADJUSTING or doing anything about it, one could say:

Like Manager, like player.

I’m gonna go check ESPN’s leaderboards on their stats page, because my guess is that we probably are leading the league in “Clueless AB’s” and “Pizzing and Moaning”.

By JasonInMaine

June 23, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

This team is just plain awful…make some trades with the future in mind…

By Nola

June 23, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

Same old Cox. Bunt, bunt, bunt, out, lose

By ElbravoX-- EbX

June 23, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Helping the hits…How about our hitting approach, marvelous and surreal. Going to see ALL games against Dodgers, maybe I’ll call an all bloggers meeting to clear the air. Wait, clean air in LA-Oxymoron alert!

By Tyler

June 23, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

I’m reminded of last year, which just makes me madder and madder the more I think about it.

By Yars

June 23, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

Damn man, another freaking loss. How in the hell was Diaz left stranded at 2B with no outs? KJ needs to learn how to bunt. All we can hope now is that the Mets lose against the A’s tonight, and we’ll stil be 2.5 games back.

By Vonshawn

June 23, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

Helluva game today ladies and gents. We did not win, but I can tell that those guys left everything on the field.

Kyle pitched a wonderful game; and we ran up against an absolutely filthy pitcher.

You’re not going to win them all, and we haven’t won many lately, but with efforts like today we’ll win more than we lose. Go Braves!!

By ElbravoX-- EbX

June 23, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

MR BASEBALL, As they suck, so do we or should we celebrate one run in almost a week?

By BravesDave

June 23, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

Brian McCann = Scott Thorman

By Kim

June 23, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

N8 - The only people who can’t bunt are people like Bonds and Andruw. KJohnson should be able to get the bunt down in that situation. if he can’t then he shouldn’t be playing at this level.

Ant is is completely different than have Soriano try to throw a knuckle ball??? Uhh???

If he would have swung away and popped up, you would have been complaining that Bobby didn’;t have him bunt.

It is completely the right play at that moment. Not getting on you per say, just disagree with the Bobby bashers at every single decision.

Not the biggest Cox fan in the world, but let’s start blaming the sucky players not the manager.

By N8

June 23, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball

So your saying that Bobby, sitting in the dugout looking over his “book” to determine what “play to put on” with KJ at the plate after a leadoff double, NOT taking into consideration that KJ has not successfully bunted this year, should NOT be held accountable for calling for the bunt?

If the coaches are so insignificant, why don’t they all go home, and let the players decide when to do things.

I can see it now. Diaz and Harris fighting in the on deck circle about one or the other PH for each other.

“You CAN’T hit lefties!”…..”Yes I can!”.

Have you ever watched Tim Hudson attempt to bunt? How about McCann?

Everybody and their MOTHER want’s to talk about his hand injury and how it’s effected his season. Sure it has.

But what NOBODY wants to talk about is that if you go back and watch that bunt attempt that he got hit on the hand with, it was HORRIBLE techinque.

If you are NOT going to coach these guys in the spring, or daily in batting practice, on how to bunt properly, then there is only one person who can be held accountable, when they fail to get the bunt down……THE MANAGER, for choosing to ask them to do so, anyhow.

Don’t tell me that the coaches are insignificant.

“And the best pitching coach in the world is not going to keep his starter from throwing a thigh high fastball that gets jacked into the seats.”

Of course there isn’t. But if it happens over and over again, one of two things are happening. The coach isn’t coaching, or the student isn’t listening.

Bobby didn’t throw the pitch that Leibrandt threw to Puckett in 1991. But he DID call for a JUNK BALL left handed pitcher to come into the game with Puckett leading off the 10th inning.

So whether you like it or not, BOBBY will always get more of the blame for that moment in Braves history, than Chuck will.

Maybe I’m wrong for feeling that way, but it’s how I feel.

Either play small ball, or don’t. You can’t expect players to be “prepared” to do it, if they’ve never been asked to do it before.

By archer

June 23, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Bmac is like a pretzel, with more dough.

hhhhahahahhhahahaa lol - rofl

By Tyler

June 23, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

I’m pretty p*ed right now, but we have to remember that the Cards won 83 games last year AND won the World Series. They did this with a few hot hitters and a good front end of the rotation. That is why it is so important for JS to trade for a #3 starter. Smoltz, Hudson and Burhle? Willis? Harang?

By Chop Chop

June 23, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

N8, I wouldn’t criticize McCann for allowing some frustration to boil up there in the ninth inning. Other than “turning this damn ship around ASAP”, don’t we want these guys to show some emotion out there? McCann was behind the plate the whole game. He knew that Fairchild’s strike zone was sketchy. For example, that high fastball on the first pitch wasn’t being called a strike for most of the game. The third pitch was a strike, but Pudge had to reach all the way across the plate to get it. McCann was mad about the first one, confused by the third one and was overcome by frustration and had to let loose. I applaud him for that. If he had just walked back to the dugout like he didn’t give a damn, I’d have less respect for him. Anyway, I’d certainly applaud McCann and the rest of this team more if they’d get their heads out of their collective asses and start stringing some hits together.

By Goat Horns

June 23, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

The bunt was the right call by Bobby. KJ has to execute!

The way this offense was going we had to move that runner into scoring position. KJ is to blame, not Bobby in that instance.

Bobby is to blame however for keeping, 3 (Diaz, Escobar, and Salty) of his 5 hottest hitters (Edgar and Willie are the other 2) on the bench when the offense is struggling.

B-Mac and Andruw need to sit for a while; they are contributing nothing offensively.

Thorman needs to sit against lefties with Chipper playing first and Escobar at third. For that matter this might work against righties also. It would keep Chipper more healthy and it would get Escobar in the lineup in place of Thorman.

Diaz needs to be in the lineup everyday. Bobby needs to make it a priority to find a way to do this everyday!

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Nate, ‘twas Chipper what said he couldn’t … through his PR person, that is … and Chipper what said he could … after John suggested he might!

Without seeing the X-Rays, we can’t say if Chipper’s groin is located above his neck, but it seems possible that it just might be. The human anatomy is almost as complex as the game.

Regardless of the frustration and resulting jokes, nobody wants anybody to sustain injury as a result of playing the game … and that goes double when he’s your friend and a key player. I seriously doubt that the “if I can do it, you can do it” posture would have been taken had John not thought it appropriate.

It’s almost like John never gives up on the team but Chipper sometimes does. I’m not saying that he does, just that his actions bespeak the possibility.

Contrary to popular opines, everything can’t be evaluated in terms of dollars and cents … even when it’s $12.5 million.

Losing is a bummer, especially when you’re Kelly Johnson attempting to justify the wisdom of bunting with two strikes … but hopefully, Kyle’s oblique strain is minor and the team can take positives from the game.

Whether ‘tis good to be on the outside looking in, depends on the in.

By Jimbo

June 23, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

How many of these coddled bums could play for a manager like Leyland?

By David O'Brien

June 23, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

YOU MIGHT SAY CHIPPER IS P’d OFF. On how he took Smoltz’s comments last night, if he thought they were directed at him:

“I don’t know, you guys interviewed him last night. How’d ya’ll take it?” (every reporter sort of smiles, looks uncomfortable, etc)

“I’d be stupid if I didn’t take it the same way. So I’ll play the rest of the games this year and do what I can.

“But somebody I know better not miss a start.”

OUCH.

Then: “He made his point through the media, now I’m gonna make mine through the media. If he doesn’t want to hand it man-to-man, fine.”

Folks, we’ve got a situation.

By N8

June 23, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

“If he would have swung away and popped up, you would have been complaining that Bobby didn’;t have him bunt.”

ABSOLUTELY NOT. The second that McCarver said that he hadn’t been asked to bunt all year, AND the approach in which he took at the first pitch, which made it clear he hadn’t bunted this season, I KNEW it was a mistake to have him attempt to bunt.

Classic Bobby though. The only difference, is this time it wasn’t the post season, in which a player was asked to do something they’ve NEVER done, or hadn’t done all season.

“The only people who can’t bunt are people like Bonds and Andruw.”

I won’t argue about Andruw, but apparently you forget that Bonds was a leadoff hitter his first couple seasons with the Pirates. My guess is RIGHT NOW he could bunt and do a damn fine job, if asked to do so. The guy grew up around baseball ROYALTY (His Dad and Willie Mays), I’m guessing Barry has forgotten more fundamental baseball than some of our young Braves will ever learn.

“It is completely the right play at that moment. Not getting on you per say, just disagree with the Bobby bashers at every single decision.”

Totally agree with you. It IS THE RIGHT PLAY, he just had the wrong player up to do it. If he’s gonna call for a bunt in that situation, as silly as this is gonna sound, the right move would’ve been to have Pete Orr PH for KJ and get the bunt down. Now don’t get me wrong, Orr is HALF the player that KJ is, but I KNOW that he knows how to get a bunt down.

“Not the biggest Cox fan in the world, but let’s start blaming the sucky players not the manager.”

I’m actually not as big of a Bobby Basher as it may seem like I am. I just grow tired of him asking people to do things they aren’t experienced in doing. That’s bad business. Again, I will agree with you, as far as placing more blame on the players for failing. KJ SHOULD know how to bunt.

But if nobody stands there in the cage and makes him do it, until he gets it right, and looks good doing so, then that is bad coaching, especially if said player is asked to do it in a game situation.

BTW, I realize the knucklball comparison was over the top. It was supposed to be. Pure sarcasm. But not as far off as you think it is. If KJ was NEVER a leadoff hitter in the minors (which I’m pretty sure I read, that he never was), and was always in the middle of the order. More than likely being asked to bunt very little, how does that make him any different than Bonds, or AJ? Just because he’s younger, and doesn’t have the “thump”? Giles always batted 3-5 in the order in the minors as well, it took him about 3 seasons before he turned into a good bunter, IMO.

By Bill

June 23, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

People are more concerned with Braves pitching but they better be concerned with their bats. Chipper is a great player if he stays healthy. I think his days are over as being an everday player. Andruw is a lost cause. They mentioned on the broadcast that Andruw should approve a trade, to increase his value. Davies look great today before injury. He has a better future than James does.

By Ron

June 23, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

Mr.Baseball read my 3:15 post!!! Pitching Coaches can help with a struggling pitcher, and a Hitting Coach can help with a struggling hitter!!! Do you still not understand?

By Tyler

June 23, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Did you guys here Chipper’s quotes on the post game show on radio? Chipper is definitely PO at Smoltz. Said Smoltz couldn’t be a man and talk about it in person. Said “I know somebody who better not miss a start the rest of the year.” This is not good.

By Chop Chop

June 23, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

I choose not to let loose with my frustration about the Braves on here. First of all, my posts wouldn’t get through because of the profanity. Second, there are enough hatchet men on here who will gladly take a big ol’ Frenchy/Thorman hack at any intended target I might have. I can just sit back and nod my head (kinda like listening to ODB droppin’ some mad beats) in approval if those comments hit the spot.

By N8

June 23, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

It’s about fricking time DOB.

TELL ME, that some longtime 10/5 guys aren’t gonna go to the homeboy upstairs and ask for, or at least accept a trade.

WOW. Ladies and Gentleman, we’ve got a soap opera.

Just another sign that Bobby is losing this clubhouse. If his two most elder players, are losing respect for each other and venting through the media, what do you think the youngsters are gonna do, when things get worse (which they will), before they get better.

Spite. Isn’t it great.

What a bunch of babies.

By ElbravoX-- EbX

June 23, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

At least we have a reason for tunning in tomorrow. ESPN will have a field day on Sunday. A divided clubhouse gets to the parking lot/buses 30 minutes early. (average). THIS IS TOO GOOD!

By archer

June 23, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

in my opinion, davies doesnt have a better future than james. james has shown more of being a consistent pitcher than davies.

By Carolina Lady

June 23, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

Yep, I’d definitely say that Smoltz is no longer on the Jones Christmas card list.

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

THE FIRST RULE OF FIGHT CLUB IS……

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

Willie, Matt, Larry and Jeff … those names seem familiar? Of course, Willie Matt, and Larry are at best, part time players.

Andruw’s part time too … he plays in the field but not at the plate.

198 and counting … when will it go below our magic number?

Maybe it would help if the Media would start spelling it Andrew … then, when he objected and said it was Andruw, they could belabor the obvious and tell him that they would start calling him that when he started acting like it!

Of course, the real problem is that Andruw is being Andruw.

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

this fight is worthy of a new blog. it’ll get alot of posts I bet

By Goat Horns

June 23, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

Chipper should not let his mouth overload his a*. I don’t see him playing every game the rest of the season.

I’m betting that Chipper misses another game before John Smoltz misses another start!

It might have lit a fire under Chipper however and it could even spark the team.

The focus on this challenge might take the emphasis (pressure) off of the team’s struggles and put it on the challenge by these 2 Braves Icons.

They might just “one up” each other on the field the rest of the season!

You Never Know!

By David O'Brien

June 23, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

They don’t think Davies’ injury is serious, hoping it’s only a cramp. He said it felt fine after the game, after he got fluids, etc,, so that’s why they think it’s not serious.

Meanwhile, Chipper just threw a flaming bag of poop on Smoltz’s porch.

By Robert

June 23, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Eventful day - Braves scored a run. Cox finally has immortality in his sights. And Chipper proves he is a spoiled prima donna

By the way, calling for the bunt was the right move. But also, Kelly’s failure to be able to execute it is partly Bobby’s fault. Why? Cuz Kelly has no experience at it since Bobby hardly ever calls for it

Bobby should employ the bunt a lot more often. And he should have his players practice it during the spring to the point that they have no excuse to not get it down. The flaw of not doing either resulted in the failed bunt today, at a time when the strategy shouldve the right one

Meanwhile, Chipper says Smoltz better not miss a start the rest of the year? Did someone bother to mention to Larry that while he has been out of a couple of seasons worth of games for hangnails and mosquiot bites, Smoltz has been out there giving his all with an elbow that should explode after every pitch (and probably did explode with pain nearly that often)?

John Smoltz is pretty much the ultimate competitor. And pretty much the only Braves with a set.

If you have any respect for what Smoltz has done, for what he has given of himself to earn his keep while less than 100 percent, and for his incredible playoff record (lordy think how bad our body of playoff work would be without Smoltzie), then we cant let Chumper get away with this ridiculous comment

Chumper - when he finally gets irked offed, it’s because of his prima donna ego and not because the team is losing, and it’s at his own instead of at the enemy

Let Smotz wear a “C” on his uniform. Offer another one to a youngster willing to step up. Let the Jones boys ride the pine, soothe each other’s egos, and contemplate their legacy of underachievement in Atlanta

Chipper is a HOF hitter. But I have said before, and he just showed today, that he is a ZERO as a leader

1 run in 37 innings. 1 ejection from immortality. 1 ill-timed spark from a hum-dinger of a family quarrel where I think Chipper would be pulling hair and squealing.

This is gonna get ugly. The boil which has festering since a late October day in 1996 seems about to finally lance itself.

Stick around.

By the way, I still think Smoltzie’s comments were at least partly meant for Cox - tho thankfully the cryptic message seems to have been lost on the genius

By Stinky

June 23, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

testing. testing.

By Summerteeth

June 23, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

First time Cox has lost control of his team that I can remember. We do have a MAJOR problem.

By Ron

June 23, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

DOB thats all we need now our two star players bickering with each other!!! This season is goin down the drain fast!!!

By StingerSplash

June 23, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

This sounds similar to a couple of years ago after a first-round exit when Smoltz more or less called Chipper out for not facing the heat once the Braves lost because Chipper didn’t answer any questions from the press after the last game.

By gotigers72

June 23, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

Just heard Chipper’s reply to Smoltz’ comments. Said he didn’t want to say it in the media, but since the other player [He didn’t mention Smoltz by name] didn’t want to say it man to man, he would reply in the media also. Chipper said he would play hurt for the rest of the year if he has to, but he knows that somebody else “better not miss a start”. Just what the Braves don’t need, confrontations played out in the media between the 2 team leaders, the 2 guys you think of when you think of the Atlanta Braves. Bet Bobby’s not crazy about it either. Wonder what he’ll do about it. Team meeting time.

I’ll have to take Chipper’s side in this argument. If Smoltz had something like that to say, he should have said it to Chipper’s face, not in front of the media. Don’t know what’s wrong with Smoltz this year. I know he HATES losing, but he sure is getting to be a grouchy old man, whether it be directed toward umpires or teammates.

I did like the fact that Bobby got in KJs face when KJ did not execute that bunt. The announcers said they thought Bobby was upset about the SECOND strike, which KJ drew the bat back, but was a called strike. The Braves took way too many pitches today, starting with Wiilie taking 3 strikes in a row to start the game, after which KJ took 2 right down the middle before striking out swinging. I know they are pressing, but taking pitches is not the way to get out of an offensive slump.

Don’t look now, but 4th place is only 2 games from being a reality.

By Berigan

June 23, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

MEB, McCann is as of his 0 for 3, hitting 5 for 39 for a .128 average since June 12th,(How’d I figure a .180 average before, it should have been a .138 average 5 for 36!!!) and he has started every single game the braves have played since the 12th, for some unknown except for Bobby reason. Good managers put their players in positions to be there very best….then there is Bobby’s way.

By StingerSplash

June 23, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Your last line brought this to mind for me: “You s—- on my house! You s—- on my house!” What a great movie. Did that Patrick Dempsey guy ever do anything else? :)

By Ron

June 23, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

I absolutely agree that BC is losing the clubhouse!!!

DOB The Bickering between Chipper and Smoltz is your next blog!!! Get started typing DOB, oh wait, you probably are already typing it!!! Your one step ahead of us, right!!!

By fastasballs

June 23, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Just what the team needs, a media soap opera. The two most influential guys on the team going at it is about as bad as it gets & through the media at that.

A closed door meeting may not get the team on a winning streak, but it would sure & hell prevent this kind of crap from festuring.

I would have thought Cox would have had those two in the office before the game. You knew this was coming. Chipper was attacked & he’s going to respond. Maybe Chipper should have taken the high road & went to Smoltz in private before the game or maybe Cox should have made the two hash it out. Bottom line is the team is really struggling & those two see their chances at another ring fading fast, well a ring with this team anyway.

By N8

June 23, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

DOB

They’re just showing the top 100 songs of the 80’s on VH1. #17 was our good buddy David Coverdale and his group (I was told not to mention them).

I won’t argue about whether they suck, or not. That is up to the listener, and opinions vary.

However, there cannot possibly be a hetrosexual male over the age of 30, that doesn’t get a smile, when seeing the Here I Go Again video with Tawny rolling around on the Jaguar.

Good stuff, indeed. Even if some of you, need to press the mute button on the remote.

(sigh) :-)

By Todd A

June 23, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

Chipper is picking the wrong man on the team to quarrel with.Smoltz is beloved in this town for many of the same reasons Larry Wayne isn’t.If it gets to a boiling point,it’s clear who has to leave town.Chipper better tuck his tail between his legs and make nice.He doesn’t want the fans to let him know just how unpopular he really is.

By Paladin

June 23, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

I’m baaaack! I am sufficiently lubricated so that if I can’t take the “heat” with a smile, at least I won’t go for my holstered .38. You allowed Braveheart some latitude last night, I ask for the same indulgence.

ME8 gave us a culinary critique on ‘umble pie. It was interesting, however, that he stated near the end that it was palatable with ibc root beer. Sounds as if he has partaked. Actually, it sounds like my first wife’s cooking and you ain’t lived ‘til you eat that stuff as leftovers. As a result, my kids grew up with retarded palates where they still think that a Big Mac is a culinary masterpiece. If it is, so is a cow pattie. Speaking of which… Anyone who uses a mustard-based b’cue sauce should only use it on cow patties.

BH Your putdown of MEB was priceless. Are you the new enforcer? And, if I’m invited to tomorrow’s CJ, I had better take my Cialis.

That brings me to: You know you are old when the game is sponsored by three products: A beer, a muffler company, and a pee pee medicine. Guess which one you take/use?

CJ: If Bobby has not communicated it to you by now, WHY bunt with 2 strikes and the runner already in scoring position? Where did you get your “basic training”? The Salvation Army?

Earlier, I called someone to task for not spelling Andruw’s name correctly. In the Corps we have/had some expressions, some of which are useable in a “family” blog. One, A letter of reprimand is better than no mail at all. The second(slightly edited)is: If you are going to write my name on the s$%^house walls, at least spell the fing thing right. I think ‘druw might hold us to the same standards. And lastly, but not yeastly I was surprised to learn that Eric the Eldest, is only 72. That’s not old! Hell, I’ve got underwear that old! As a matter of fact…well, I won’t gross you out. Now, to the kitchen and refill my glass and try to balance it, and me, back here. If I fail on the latter, I’ve always got my “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up, button.

Thanks for letting me ramble.

By journalist jimmy smith

June 23, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

well, this journalist remembers that chipper is always packed for a quick exit to go a huntin’ each year after losing in the first round.

sending the p.r. guy out to talk with dob may be the smartest thing chipper has done. matching wits with smoltz in the press will not be pretty for chipper - who carries no lumber in such a matter.

and what is this about poop on the porch? the wife got the porch and the audi, too.

By Train Wreck Bystander

June 23, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

I’m with Chipper. Smoltzie is not above rearranging the rotation’s work schedule to suit his own starting preferences. Smoltzie can be a bit of a loose cannon at times. Just ask the homeboy upstairs.

But I do hope this doesn’t escalate into something big. Those scumbag Nats, Mets, Phils and Marlins are the enemies.

And on the brighter side, AJ drew a couple of walks today. Hey, it’s not grounding out or striking out.

Still only 3 games back…

By Todd A

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

Btw,Chipper needed to be called out.Most anyone who has followed this team closely through the years has suspected Larry Wayne of dogging it at some point.It should come as no surprise that a warrior like Smoltz knows it too.

By N8

June 23, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

StingerSplash

Can’t Buy Me Love….CLASSIC!

I believe that Patrick Dempsey’s done “alright” for himself. But the STAR of that show, is a very young Seth Green (Scott Evil).

Best line of that show:

“Cards with the tards. Who could beat a night of cards, chips, dips and dorks?”

By ElbravoX-- EbX

June 23, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

NO NEW BLOG! We are about to hit Mendoza.

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

BC is not losing the clubhouse. this is what should be going on. this is real. this is what teammates do with each other. this is much more realer than anything the Braves ever do.

men, boys, women, girls, stuck in closed quarters with each other in a very competitive environment for 10 months are bound to end up in a handful of fights and quarrels with each other.

and i don’t think it is bad for morale. it will probably actually be good for morale because it finally needed to go down between the two of them.

ever been in an office or locker room where two people are itching to get at each other and the tension about that is more damaging than anything. it’s almost like someone, please, instigate the fight already. start throwing punches already. you breakup to makeup. the sooner you break up, the sooner you make up.

it’s kind of also like when you work in an office or store where two coworkers have alot of sexual tension between the two of them. it becomes very uncomfortable for everyone in the workplace. it is almost like get a room already and get it over with so that you can become a boring couple like the rest of us and stop this very annoying flirting and teasing crap. it really is obnoxious.

then of course they eventually break up and the tension in the office becomes unbearable because they want to pretend that there is no pink elephant in the room. they won’t acknowledge each other or anything. everyone in the office is rolling their eyes at the aggravating silliness. it gets to the point where you just wanna tell them please make it public, scream at each other, make a public spectacle of yourselves, have a meltdown, please, so that the rest of us can just get back to work.

so that is why i think this chipper and smoltz thing is not gonna hurt morale. it’s all out in the open now and it will probably make it easier.

By Stinky

June 23, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Chipper and Smoltzie, Mrowwr. What’s up with the geriatric Braves set? Don’t they know that thay’re both gonna miss out on the HOF because champion coattail riders are personna non gratta around the likes of Ruth, Aaron, Mays and Mantle. No Hall of Fame voter gives a flyin’ flip about heartless divorcees who hang on too long with one team.

Larry and John, Stinky invites you to a 3-man cage match. Losers must hand over their paychecks for next 12 months. Any takers? Probably not.

By David

June 23, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

DOB, if Davies does require a DL stint, is Jo-Jo Reyes the most likely pitcher to get called up to the rotation? Given our woes at the back of the rotation, some fresh blood seems appropriate. He might offer the same sort of performance Chuck James did upon his arrival last year. He seems more prepared than Harrison while not being a retread like Hodges or Barry.

By Bob

June 23, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Todd A,

I don’t have any problem with Smoltzie doing it, but I do agree with Chipper that this should have been face to face on the side. Then, if it didn’t work, Smoltz could have used the media route. I know Smoltz pitches hurt, but he also is out there every 5th day. Not taking sides on this, but if this gets some people fired up, then it will have been worth it.

For all the negativism, Davies did a hell of a job today and the bullpen continues to be tremendous. Who thought we would ever be saying that about an Atlanta bullpen? Actually for the first time in a week I saw a glimmer of hope, but Smoltz and Chipper need to settle this crap now and then both of them have a come to J…. meeting with the team. If that does not happen, we are going to see whether or not BC has any control over this team.

By A-ville Ranger

June 23, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

You know this team has real problems when Smoltz and Chipper have a public falling-out.I can’t think of a similar situation in this whole BC tenure.I posted that we could be watching the culmination of something that started when Leyritz homered in game four of the 1995 series.Is an era over ? I’m not ready to take that leap,but it doesn’t look good.

By Bad Luck Schleprock

June 23, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

The Braves are doomed. Doomed I tell you. Doomed.

By Stinky

June 23, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

‘and what is this about poop on the porch? the wife got the porch and the audi, too.’

not bad. for an Ugandan.

By Greg

June 23, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

At least they’re fighting about something. They sure as hell aren’t fighting on the field.

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Yet another June Swoon and a lost season.

http://bands.army.mil/music/bugle/calls/taps.mp3

By Robert

June 23, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

“Don’t know what’s wrong with Smoltz this year. I know he HATES losing, but he sure is getting to be a grouchy old man, whether it be directed toward umpires or teammates.”

I’ll tell you what’s wrong with Smoltz. He’s nearing the end of a brilliant career, one in which he has given his all every step of the way, and he sees the opportunities becoming scarcer and less likely to pan out, and it seems he has done some reflection on past wasted opportunities, and he’s grouchy about it

GOOD FOR HIM!

Since 1996, and certainly for the period of time for which the offensive side of things can be considered to have been Chipper’s team, the Braves have been legends only in their own minds (and that of a few Kool-Aid fried fans and journalists). Maybe Chipper ought to be hacked off about that, instead of about someone FINALLY having the combination of irritability and cojones to say something about it publicly.

But no. Chumper was happy, cuz he was BMOC and had 2000 hits and however many consecutive 100-rbi seasons, and whatnot

By the way - Mr Baseball - I cant beleive I read you saying that baseball isnt a team oriented game. You’ve shown reasonable knowledge and understanding of the game and the situation in the past, so I’ll give you a mulligan. But come on dude. It’s a team game.

By Ron Roberts

June 23, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

I can’t decide if a little testiness in the clubhouse would be good for the team or bad. I keep going back and forth.

It’s actually a change of pace to see something other than “business as usual” from the Braves. Not saying it’s good or bad, but it’s a change of pace, ain’t it?

Honestly, though, with so many young guys looking at them for leadership, especially in such a testy time in the year, somebody needs to step in and mediate this before it truly gets ugly.

I’m betting Cox quells it quietly and without “using” the media to get his message out. So we’ve all been sucked into a NICE soap opera drama, but we won’t get to see the finale because the network will cancel the show before it comes around, I’m sorry to say.

Truth be told, Smoltz’s words prompted Chipper to play today and lookie what happened, bubba. Ya managed to hit a homer, didn’t ya? Now I’m not saying Chipper isn’t hurting, but that whole episode where he blew off the press the day before was a bit out-of-line, too, now wasn’t it? I mean, you came in the next day and felt fine; so we all just held our collective breaths worrying about another prolonged DL stint for nothing. Couldn’t SOMEBODY have just said, oh, I don’t know, the day before Chipper, that ya just didn’t feel well today but should be alright or MIGHT be alright or “we’re taking it day-by-day” instead of making a mountain out of a mole-hill?

Geez, we can’t even dwell on what’s really wrong with this squad today. Listen, we can grumble all we want about the offense, but we ran into a hot pitcher today. The only finger I point is at the bottom of the 8th when we again had a runner in scoring position with no outs and came away with nothing. Seriously, do we not lead the league in that statistic? We seem to do that an awful lot.

Other’n that, our pitcher pitched good; theirs pitched slightly better. It happens.

By Chief

June 23, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

“So I’ll play the rest of the games this year and do what I can.”…..Well yeah Chipper, isn’t that what the *@# you’re supposed to do? Unbelievable…what a crybaby. DOB- do you see the clubhouse being divided between the two?

By StingerSplash

June 23, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

N8,

My favorite line is “I see no boy here.” (I forgot that was Seth Green. Nice call). However, the same can’t be said for the Braves’ two elder alleged statesmen. If Cox is truly worth his reputation as a players’ manager who doesn’t let s—- fester or become a problem, Mr. Jones and Mr. Smoltz will be in his office bright and early tomorrow afternoon.

By A-ville Ranger

June 23, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

that should read 1996 series not 95

By Bob

June 23, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball,

You should be honored guy. Not everybody on this blog gets a mulligan from the font of all wisdom.

By MBATL

June 23, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Chipper has every right to be p!ssed at Smoltz. Smoltz stepped way out of line by calling him out in the press, for missing a game. I said so at 12:32 today, and still feel that way. Didn’t Smoltz push his next start back a couple of times, until he “felt better?” Did CJ jump in his stuff for not playing hurt? No.

But, who knows… maybe a little internal conflict will somehow light a fire under the team. I doubt they’re gonna come to blows, so how much damage can really be done? I fight with my co-workers all the time, and we make $6.50 an hour… but we still get it there in 30 minutes or less.

I’m sure these guys will work it out at $12 mil or so.

And you guys are gonna blame Cox for something Smoltz started? Cox should be able to count on Smoltz for leadership, not cheap shots against his teammates.

But, Smoltz did the same thing last year, calling out “the good ol boy upstairs” for not replacing the pitchers in the bullpen, which was a shot at both Scheurholz AND Smoltz’ teammates. He needs to shut up and pitch.

By tyyosh

June 23, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Looks like the blog editors are looking for ways to stir the pot. Check how they changed the title of this one. But anyone just coming on, looking for “Chipper’s comments at bottom” is going to have some digging to do…

By Chipper vs. Smoltzie

June 23, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

I’ll take Chipper in a standup fight with Smoltz. Chip is one strong dude. So is Smoltz, but Chip has the upper body strength over John. Plus, John is a holy-roller, and Chipper is a down-home southern boy.

What a fight. John with the bad shoulder, swinging with his precious right hand (don’t forget the fit he had over the hurt pinkie), and Chipper with his hurt wrists. After an inital clash, they would go to the ground and ‘rassle.

It’ll come down to who is meaner, and Chipper is meaner.

By Robert

June 23, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

“CJ: If Bobby has not communicated it to you by now, WHY bunt with 2 strikes and the runner already in scoring position? Where did you get your “basic training”? The Salvation Army?”

Where did he get his basic training? Now that is the real question isnt it.

Guess what. It was Stiff Seargent COX’s responsibility.

By Stinky

June 23, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

‘I can’t decide if a little testiness in the clubhouse would be good for the team or bad. I keep going back and forth.’

Anything is better than watching these testosterone challenged team leaders, i.e., jones and smoltz and jones, stumble through the season like hair lipped girls on prom night, ready to lay down at the first sign of trouble.

John, Andruw, and Larry: earn your pay. Start winning and acting like men. Or leave town forever.

Lest we have to set up the cage.

By Paladin

June 23, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

MBATL you say: *Didn’t Smoltz push his next start back a couple of times, until he “felt better?” *

The guy is playing hurt! What the hell do you want from him and what right doyou have to critize him?

I think he was exactly right in calling out Chipper and if you can’t see that, you have s—- in your eyes!

By MrC

June 23, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

I think this little clubhouse squabble will be the beginning of the end or a new beginning. Sometimes these things work out where it draws a team closer to together. Unfortunately, it normally blows the team up. Which direction is this going to take?????

By theunaskedquestion

June 23, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Hey, Chipper vs. Smoltzie… you’re absolutely right, Larry is bigger and meaner. Certainly not-widely-available chemicals have a tendency to do that to a person.

By Stinky

June 23, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

‘It’ll come down to who is meaner.’ Smoltzie carries a knife to plant firmly in his opponent’s back. Just ask JS.

By Robert

June 23, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

Again, I think Smoltz was calling out to Cox, as well as possibly to Chipper.

Chipper obviosuly thought it was at him, which makes you wonder why would he think that way?

If this is what it took to fire the team up, then GOOD! Now find a way not to quell it, but to direct it constructively toward what should be the ONLY goal of any player on the team - winning a WS title

For what it’s worth, I think that if it comes down to it, be it a fistfight, a popularity contest with the fans or teammates, or a spot on the roster, Chipper’s gonna lose if he tries to go mano-a-mano with Smoltz

Smoltz is the symbol of the whatever measure of success you’d argue the Braves have had since 1991.

Chipper is the symbol if the obvious failure the Braves have had since 1996

It aint close.

Larry better clam up, suck it up, and grind it out day by the day the rest of the way. He need not worry about Smolztie holding up his end of the bargain

By Ron

June 23, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

Bob your 9:05 post was f******* hillarious!!! oh man that was funny!!!

By Bob

June 23, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

Paladin,

Normally I agree with you, but I am not so sure about the Smoltzie issue. John was on rotation to start last Friday’s game in Cleveland. Had that gone as planned, he would have faced the Red Sox in Wednesday’s game. Instead, he pitched Saturday which allowed him to pitch on Friday against his beloved Tigers.

We know John was not afraid of the Red Sox after he tied them in knots at Fenway. But why the one day extra delay which by the way then put him on the field for a hot day game against the Indians. It might have been totally justified, but I don’t think Chipper went to the press and suggested anything was out of the ordinary.

I love Smoltzie and the heart he has. I am not sure Chipper has it, but I also ain’t a doctor. But if I learned one thing in my 30 year career it is that an a$$ chewing in front of the troops in NEVER productive. In this case, the troops is us. This should have been handled man to man in private.

By Chipper vs. Smoltzie

June 23, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

“Smoltzie carries a knife to plant firmly in his opponent’s back. Just ask JS.”

Just ask Chipper.

By ElbravoX-- EbX

June 23, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Mendoza has broken! 195 to go. Crunch time people.

By Bill

June 23, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Smoltz and Chipper are acting like brats. Why don’t they retire and take AJ, BC & JS with them and the whole Braves management including Liberty. The wheels have fallen off and can’t be fixed. BC has lost all control of this team. I’m afraid this is going to be worse than 1980’s.

By Mark

June 23, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

I love Chipper, but if Smoltz’s comments got under his skin, then good. He went from another possible DL stint to playing and hitting a HR for the only run. Sure it looked like he was hurting, but for 16 million plus…….sometimes you have to suck it up and play through some pain. You can complain about how raw of a deal the Braves got with the IL schedule and say “oh I need to sit this one out” because I’m in a little pain.

By Bob

June 23, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Thanks Ron,

But I mispelled fount, so there goes any remote chance I might have had to get one. Actually my golf game sux so bad that I would need a lot more than one mulligan.

By Stinky

June 23, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

Chipper vs. Smoltzie, Exactly.

By Ron

June 23, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

I got Smoltz side on this one!!! Chipper B!tches about everything whether it is Interleague play(he has a point about that, but it is nothing he can do about it, except play the damn games) which kind of sent the message to the team that we are good, but look who we play the Red Sox and those other good teams, like we aint good enough to beat the best teams, and look who other teams play the Royals and we dont play against them, like we can only beat the Royals, we cant beat the Good teams. That is the message he sent!!! Since those comments we have been in a freefall and plumeting since!!! Smoltz is the leader of this team, and if Chipper does not shut the f*** up, the fans will let him know it!!! Smoltz plays with pain way more than Chipper does!!!

By Chipper vs. Smoltzie

June 23, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

“Certainly not-widely-available chemicals have a tendency to do that to a person.”

Well, he’s taking the wrong stuff then. The good stuff keeps you hitting HRS and playing LF into your 40’s.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

June 23, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

On the surface this may seem like a very bad thing between Chipper and Smolz but it could wind up being very helpful to the team. What I mean is that is shows a fire and passion that this team lacks. Chipper was so fired up that he played today just to spite Smoltz. Well, maybe he will feel that way all year and begin hitting homeruns.

As for the squabble between the two of them, I think they are both wrong and right. Smoltz was right to show frustration about Chipper and his neverending injuries. However, I am in complete agreement with Chipper when he says that Smoltz should have handled it man to man. Going through the press is never a good idea when it is player to player.

I’ll be very interested to see how the team responds tomorrow to this “situation”.

By Mark

June 23, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

I’m also glad someone has a little fire on this team. Somebody should be ticked and calling someone out. We are making to many bone head mistakes. I’ve also been saying for years that it’s time for Bobby to go. His buddy buddy thing with all the players isn’t working anymore. If someone needs to be told they need to suck it up and play through some pain, then that’s what needs to happen.

By mr baseball

June 23, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

The point I was trying to make (evidently not very successfully) is that when it comes to the actual game on the field, coaches have far less impact in baseball than football or basketball. Not talking about game strategy and other coaching decisions, but the effect coaches can have in working with players. Great offensive line coaches can make a difference. So can defensive oriented basketball coaches. But no hitting or pitching coach is going to make that much difference, with the exception of pitching coaches teaching a guy a different way to throw a changeup, curve, splitter, whatever.

As far as baseball not being a team sport, of course it is to an extent, but not nearly as much as the other sports. Except for obvious stuff like double plays and relays, everything in baseball is based on individual effort. Batters don’t strike out because a teammate didn’t switch on a screen. Pitchers don’t give up a homer because a lineman missed a block.

KJ not getting the bunt down is on him, not Cox for not having him bunt before this season. Major league players — at least those who don’t get paid to hit homers — are supposed to be able to bunt, whether they’ve done so this season or not. I probably would have let him hit in the 8th, but a bunt was a reasonable decision. As much as I knock Cox for his strategic shortcomings, this one wasn’t on him.

My main point, which no one challenged, is the difference between baseball and other sports from an emotional standpoint. One of the things that annoys the he!! out of me is to hear the tired old opinion about how baseball teams need to show more spirit in the dugout. Again, baseball isn’t football or basketball, where you have to get psyched up to block someone 50 pounds heavier than you or play man to man against Kobe, Shaq, AI, whoever. Baseball requires more in the way of focus and concentration, and all the cheering from the dugout isn’t going to make a dam bit of difference.

I have zero problem with Braves fans calling out any and all players/coaches/the manager for doing a lousy job. But don’t expect 23 year old pitchers to resemble Maddux & Glavine and don’t bury utility infielders because they’re not hitting .300. They’re not responsible for the Braves’ putrid play of late. Save the barbs for Andruw, Chipper, McCann, Francouer, the manager, genius GM & whoever else happens to screw up.

And don’t say they’re losing because they lack a “sense of urgency.” The next blogger/media person that says that deserves to have his typing fingers mangled or vocal cords ripped out.

The next two weeks will likely determine whether or not this team is a serious contender, or is in need of an exorcist to expel the demons that have possessed the Braves’ bats. Maybe the Chipper-Smoltz tiff will provide a little spark that will set the team on a winning streak (remember those?). Or maybe it will burn what’s left of the Braves’ winning legacy of the 15 years prior to ‘06.

By Dr. Jay

June 23, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Just high fiving the thoughts here I find most logical/agreeable… 1) Smoltz started this, which was not wise, and 2) it may fire up this team.

Just when you thought we’d hit bottom, eh?

By Braveheart

June 23, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

Et tu, brute?

By MEB

June 23, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Hey… there is enough blame to pass around for this teams showing the last month. I would hope that someone is getting mad and if it happens to be the two stars of this organization then so be it. Losing should never come easy.

Smoltz and Chipper will get over this hurdle and if they can’t then the ship will definitely go under. Like someone said it will make tomorrows game on ESPN interesting.

As for humble pie… I’ve had my share and it always leaves a bad taste. I still think this team can right itself and make the post season. It can’t taste any worse than last year, can it?

By Ron

June 23, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Robert you said this: Again, I think Smoltz was calling out to Cox, as well as possibly to Chipper.

Calling out to Cox, dude When DOB posted Smoltz comments last night I immediately thought it was at Chipper!!! Cox was never even a second in my mind, because Clearly it was no way meant to be toward Cox!!!

By Bob

June 23, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Robert (Justice is the Best),

Concur. This is an opportunity that I hope the two “leaders” of this team take advantage of. It could turn out to be a very positive turning point if they are smart enough to settle this thing. I think they will.

By Lew

June 23, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Yeah-Dueling A*******holes sure have done this blog a world of good, haven’t they.

By MBATL

June 23, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Smoltz walked off the mound without even talking to a trainer - was that against Milwaukee? - because he felt a “tinge.” Later said he was really fine, could’ve kept pitching, but he didn’t want to risk really injuring himself - too valuable to the team! I don’t disagree with that sentiment, but then to suggest Chipper should just play through is the height of arrogance.

I’m not down on Smoltz, Paladin. I’m sure he’s frustrated, and I appreciate his desire to win. But I think he was wrong, first to jump to conclusions about someone else’s injuries, and second, and most importantly, to cry about it to the press on a night when he lost.

I’d be surprised if we don’t see a “clarifation” (i.e., apology) from him in the coming days.

Anyway, sorry I upset you. I’m not a “hater” like so many on this blog; in fact, I’m probably one of the biggest homers on this blog. Just expressing my opinion on this matter.

I agree with some others that in some perverse way, this may actually spark the team. Hope so.

By Robert

June 23, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

“I posted that we could be watching the culmination of something that started when Leyritz homered in game four of the 1995 series.Is an era over ? I’m not ready to take that leap,but it doesn’t look good.”

I am wondering the same thing, but I think nothing could be better than for the era that began that day in October 1996 to FINALLY be over

By Berigan

June 23, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

MBATL, I think you are mostly right about the 9:05 post. Smoltz shouldn’t have said what he said yesterday, but I also don’t blame him when it looks like he is the only one who will put it all on the line every time out there.

Bobby, Chipper and Smoltz have been together too long to let this stand. They will say their apologies, say this things happen all the time, just usually not via the media. Water under the bridge and all that. After tomorrow, no more mention of it by Chipper and Smoltz.

By Richard

June 23, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

How much belly-aching did Chipper do when Smoltz was out for a year? How much do he have to say when Smoltz didn’t pitch in the last two months of 2004 when we needed him to? Yea, we won both years but Smoltz at full strength in 2000 might have made a difference. John Smoltz talks too much, and has always taken great effort to let everyone know how he pitches so much with his elbow or shoulder hurting. How much of that is hype? I am tired of hearing it from him as well…

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Alright boys and girls, it’s time to choose up sides …

I’ll take John, Rafael, Tyler, Yunel, Scott and Salty … you can have your pick of the rest.

Our game plan is simple; we don’t need Bobby or Terry for direction, not that we’d get it if we did … everybody will step on Larry’s toes, every chance they get!

Chipper’s the same piece of work that he’s always been … but you have to respect him, at least when he’s got a bat in his hands … of course, methinks it’s best to be nice to anybody with a bat in their hands, even a partially shattered one.

It’s time to rumble … let’s get it on!

There’s a lot of truth in what Robert said about festering … the other Robert, not me, my son nor his … but this Robert agrees with that one that it could get ugly. Time heals all wounds, ‘ceptin’ maybe festers … simple lancing helps but it isn’t a cure … getting rid of them things is a rotten, smelly and painful business … and even then you never can be sure that you’ve got all the root.

I’ll wager that most of you have heard, at least once or twice, “No, Chipper’s not going to play First Base … not now, not later … ‘cause he doesn’t want to, that’s why!” … if you haven’t heard it, turn up the volume on your 3rd Base ear!

A lot of people have a “take my ball and go home” attitude … if Larry is one, then he’s not alone.

I could just as easily support and defend Chipper … for a lot of reasons … but I won’t … my reason’s the same as his … I don’t want to!

I really like them both … but yes, I tend to side with John on this one, maybe more than is justified. Both think they’re right and from their respective perspectives, I sure they have their points … this can be a good thing or it can spell complete disaster without the aid of Spell Checker … one thing’s for certain, it ain’t likely to remain the same!

Most all of this post is like the MLB Commercial … complete and utter nonsense … or is it? I just hope they can get it resolved without radical surgery being required!

That is my sincere hope, but no, I’m not convinced … I expect the politically correct lancing … and not the cure … but, I do so hope. Either should bring some relief and maybe that will do the trick.

I will say that if management allows the festering to continue without some action, methinks we’ll learn more about Liberty as an owner; regardless of how folks interpret MLB’s dictum … maybe more than we’d like.

We’ve bemoaned our being outside looking in … hopefully there ain’t no bars on the windows ‘cause it looks like we’re about to get a better view.

By MarkDawg

June 23, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

DOB…THIS IS A MUST READ..I WANT FEEDBACK. MY REASONS WHY THIS TEAM STINKS

I’m as fed up as every with this team…I have tix for tommorow and I’m protesting. Watching losers and paying $6.50 per beer just isn’t worth it!!!! This team from player to player has underachieved. here are the three categories./with current 25 man roster

A. Players playing above expectations

1.Renteria .329avg/10HR/36RBI’s… great year, should be an All-Star.

2.Diaz .342AVG/4HR/15rbi’S…SOLID “utility player”

3.W.Harris .379avg/1hr/12rbi’s… SOLID “utility player”too bad him and Diaz BOTH play left-field.

4.Salty .310/2hr/8rbi’s…nice “back up catcher I guess”lol.

5.P. Moylan 2.33ERA/2-1 record. nice side-thrower who is our 5th bullpen guy

1. Soriano 3.03ERA/2-0 record. Great set-up man!!

*that’s 6 guys, including 2 bullpen guys, 2 “platoon players”, and a back-up catcher…booooooooooo.

B.Playing to expectaions

1.C.Jones .321avg/13hr/28 rbi’s…he would be higher if he could STAY on the field. He’s on pace for a whopping 61 rbi’s.

2.Smoltz 3.14ERA/8-4 record…he has been a warrior, but he is playing about what we expected.,on pace for a 17-10 record.

3.O. Villarreal 3.65/1-0 record…he is having fun in his 3rd-6th inning mop up role!!!!Lots of playing time for him.

4.Yates 3.34/2-0 record…can bring it, has a great future.

5.Wickman 3.38era/1-2record/15saves…besides 2 horrible blown saves that cost Hudson wins he has been “OK”.

AAAAAHHHHHHH. big problem..that’s five meeting expectation and 6 above…that’s only 11 out of 25 guys meeting or above!!!!! Lets get to the big list!!!!

C.BELOW expectations

LOONG LIST—BEAR WITH ME

1. Frenchy….276/8hr/46rbi’s-he is on pace for a huge 17 hr’s(WOW) and he swing’s at the first pich WWWWAAAAYYYY to much.

2. K.Johnson…274/8hr/37rbi’s—started off hot,now he’s as cool as the other side of the pillow.

3. A.Jones…198avg/11hr/42rbis’s—-lol,do I need to say anything you don’t already know?

4.McCann…250avg/5hr/35rbi’s—-eeeewwwww, sophomore slump?

5.Thorman…232avg/9hr/30rbi’s—-now that is a 1st baseman, hey Scott, swing a little harder please!!!

6.Woodward…207avg/1hr/6rbi’s—-and he’s on the Braves why??

7.P Orr…192avg/0hr/2rbi’s—folks, I think you or I could have played for the Braves all year and managed those stats-0HR/2RBI’S(WWWOOOOWWWW). At least he gave Andruw company at the Mendoza line!!!

8.Tim Hudson…3.43ERA/6-5record.He can thank Wickman for falling to this list. Just hasn’t performed to expectations for 2 1/2 years.

9.C. James…4.11ERA/6-6record. WAY to inconsistent.

10.Davies…5.42ERA/3-7 record. They said on FOX today that he has the highest ERA in ALL OF BASEBALL among ACTIVE PITCHERS for their career…WWWWOOOOWWWWW.

10.Carlyle…6.11 ERA/1-2 record. Hey at least I went to the game where he threw a 1-hitter against the Marlins…lol

11.Paronto…5.06/3-1 record…how in the hell does he have 3 wins????

OK…that’s 23 guys

2 others with incompletes are

1.Ledezma…pitched 1 inning for the BRAVES

1. Escobar…275avg/1hr/5rbi’s—he came on a boat so let’s give him time

OTHER GREAT CONTRIBUTERS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR ARE

1. C. Wilson…172avg/1hr/2rbi’s—nice trade for him JS.

2. Prado…179avg/0 hr/ 0rbi’s—made all of his chance in the majors…lol

3. Pena…217avg/1hr/1RBI—-this is starting to look ugly.

4. Redman…11.63ERA/0-4 ERA—-oh my god—-what a fat waste of air!!!

5. Gonzalez..1.59ERA/2-0ERA—-Thanks for the contribution Mike.See you next year.

6. Lerew..7.71 ERA/0-2 record—lol.nice call Bobby on that one.\

7. Cormier…15.26ERA/0-2 record—-wasn’t he our best spring training pitcher???

Well, there you have it. An explanation on why this team is 1 game over .500. JS, Cox, Pendleton, and McDowell haven’t been beauties either!!! ALL RIGHT EVERYONE…FEEDBACK???

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

MarkDawg DOB…THIS IS A MUST READ

I like the humor … What’s David going to say?

How players and teams stack up relative to your expectations depend on tour expectations!

By Robert

June 23, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Bob - I agree with the post about it being ultimately for the better when tensions are on occasion aired and thereby relieved.

The better view we might soon be getting might not be a pretty one.

This WILL turn out for the better in the long run, but that long term benefit might have to wait a year or two to manifest itself.

There’s bits of truth to what ever player in this drama has said - including Cox’s assertion that they need to be in and go thru this together. That said, what they need to do together is eventually bury the hatchet and move on, but NOT until EVERYTHING comes out

Now that process might or might not take place mostly behind closed doors. We dont need to hear a recitation of or even hear about every barb that is flung in the coming days. But until this abscess is thoroughly cleansed, things can NOT, no matter if someone wants them to or pretends them to, simply go biness as usual

Simply put, this group of guys needs to lay out where they stand, figure out where they wanna go, and decide if they can so together. Once that’s done, then it needs to be a thing of the past. But it needs to be done thoroughly, and NOW.

Cox said he went out to protect McCann. If his real purpose was to motivate the whole team, then I wouldnt have expected for him to say so, now at least. But if that WAS his purpose, then kudos, for once, to Bobby

The meeting people have postulated needs to happen not between three guys in the privacy of Cox’s office, but amongst the whole team, tho in the privacy of their clubhouse. Anyone who has issues with anyone else or with anything, needs to let it vent now, so that the team can then, together, heal and profit.

For whatever reason, be it Cox, or the front office, or because of certain players, or due to extenuating circumstances, this organization’s performance has been trickling downwards since October of 1995. It’s happened as a tricle, but overall the result has been that the patient is in critical condition. There comes a time when you have to implement a cure, even if it means rapidly losing one more pint of blood

That said, if they collectively find the long-missing fire in their bellies from this, then the job of the manager will become to make sure that the flame keeps a steady but brilliant burn, as opposed to a short lived flare followed by flame-out.

Under the cover of their purported professionalism, the team and the organization has lost its soul. They need to find it, define it, and exploit it’s merits

By kevin

June 23, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

A few points to vent my frustration as a fan:

1)Mr. Baseball: C’mon. Baseball is the quintessential team sport! Your argument about ‘individual performance’ could be said about any other sport that is considered to be ‘team sport.’

2) KJ should have gotten that bunt down. Any self-respecting Major League should be able to get a bunt down—no questions asked.

3) Bobby made a good move in trying to get a bunt down in that situation. I don’t understand why people are complaining that he made KJ bunt when KJ hasn’t bunted all season…someone explain that for me.

4) Kyle Davies is only 23 years old. Give it some time folks. Guys like Smoltz, Maddux and Glavine didn’t spending their second years in the Majors pitching in their Cy Young Form. He’s inconsistent now but he’ll get better.

5) Whatever is happening between Chipper and Smoltz, they need to take care of it between the two of them. They are the veterans and leaders of this ballclub and they need to act like one.

Whatever the end-result, you can’t blame these guys for not having any emotions at all now.

6) I know the Braves are in a really bad situation right now but before we write them off, let’s see what happens in July, August and September.

Yeah, they play ALL 162 games.

By Bob

June 23, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Now I feel honored that you agree with me, but our agreement is surely nothing more than coincidence I can assure you.

By Train Wreck Bystander

June 23, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

“Smoltz walked off the mound without even talking to a trainer - was that against Milwaukee? - because he felt a ‘tinge.’ Later said he was really fine, could’ve kept pitching, but he didn’t want to risk really injuring himself - too valuable to the team!”

You are spot on, MBATL. I believe this is the pertinent link.

By Markdawg

June 23, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Bob, so do you disagree with my “expectation”list?

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

Paladin, thanks for the info … and if so true, then you know my pen’s never dipped in poison … nor is it usually directed at folks what aren’t worth the time … keep the petard handy, I share the vexation!

TommyB your kind words weren’t wasted on me or my persona … glad I could oblige!

We all have to come out from behind the mask every so often or we’ll find ourselves becoming both redundant and that which we pretend … it felt good, opening up, as you say … and I’m sure you’ve also noticed that my persona knows that too and has become more of a moving target than the stationary one for which he’s known. I thought about giving him a sexchange operation but he’d have none of that … claimed I was indulging in unacceptable behavior and told me to shut my mouth!

Speaking of which … Which, I mean Joe Brave, Mama wants to know which soap you like best, Lye or Ivory? She has a nice supply and would be happy to send some to your Mama, free of charge.

By Robert

June 23, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

“3) Bobby made a good move in trying to get a bunt down in that situation. I don’t understand why people are complaining that he made KJ bunt when KJ hasn’t bunted all season…someone explain that for me”

The problem is that Cox didnt have KJ properly prepared to be able to execute the bunt. The error was due to something that happened (or rather, didnt happen) in prior games or in the prior springs. Because of this, the player was not in position to succeed when it came crunch time

I understand N8’s arguement completely.

The proper move then, wasnt so simple as having KJ bunt. The proper move was two-fold. One, have KJ properly prepared to be able to execute a bunt, and then two, call for him to do it.

One part of that strategy was executable in today’s game - the call to bunt. One part had previosuly not been executed - having him properly prepared to be able to do so

That’s how, and why, KJ’s failure was Cox’s fault

By Bob

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

Markdawg,

I think you are asking Bob, Journalist. But a couple of comments. I agree with some of it and not with other parts of it. The Gonzalez sarcasm is pretty weak. Davis and James are young kids…and have been inconsistent. If someone expected them to be Koufax and Drysdale I think their expectations might have been a “bit” high. Frankly, I think just about the whole Bullpen has been very, very good this year. But your a hard grader so I defer to your judgement.

By Bob, Journalist

June 23, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

Markdawg, if you’re asking it you expectations for the players is the same as mine, then I’m sure they’re different! However, I think that would probably be true, regardless of who might ask me the question. Those with whom I would so agree probably wouldn’t ask the question.

Trying to look at it from what I perceive your perspective to be, that is, detailed performance, relative to what you’d like, I think you’re mostly close to the mark … sarcasm and all.

My greatest expectations were that they would each give their best effort, never giving up, with each supporting the other in facing their struggles … and with each diligently trying to improve! My expectations also included effective and improved direction and leadership from the manager, coaches and senior players.

That’s not insincere or pompous, high handed rhetoric … those were my expectations and obviously, at least from the outside looking in, it doesn’t appear that they’ve met my expectations, certainly not as a group … and I don’t think those expectations are unreasonable!

And, while the perspectives may be different … seems to me that we’re in close agreement.

By Robert

June 24, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

Some thoughts - all spurred by today’s fiasco with KJ and the bunt that wasnt

SHOULD KJ, being a big league hitter, know how to and be able to, execute a bunt?

Of course. Same goes for every big leaguer.

Whose fault is it that, as of the start of this season, KJ couldnt reliably lay down a bunt?

Probably not one single person’s, but rather blame divided amongst KJ and his prior coaches and managers.

Now, if KJ cant bunt, Bobby Cox has two reasonable choices

1. Never ask him to do so , or, the better option

2. Make sure he learns how.

Bobby chose unacceptable option number

3 - Dont make sure he knows how, and can execute at any given time, but ask to anyway

Suppose a quarterback gets injured because a guy who had never been asked to protect the blind side miss a block and gave a defender an open shot - Would the head coach be held accountable?

ABSOLUTELY - and chances are he’d be in the unemployment line by sundown

Good managing involves two primary responsibilities. First and foremost, it is about developing and deploying a strategy. Second, it is about making sure that the troops are properly prepared to be able to execute the strategy. Part b occurs when the manager puts it upon his assistants and coaches to get the team ready

Cox fails on the second count. Therefore, even when he actually calls for the right point-in-time-in-a-vacuum strategic move, there is a significant chance that the player asked to execute it wont be able to - which means that

The proper stategy was to bunt. Only it wasnt, because the guy asked to do so wasnt prepared to. And it was Cox who put himself and his team in that box

What did they call it in Star Trek? The Kobiashi Maru? or somesuch?

Because of the manager’s errors, there was no chance of making a winning play, because the options were either a suboptimal strategy, which will liekly fail, or trying to execute without proper preparation, which will likely fail

The combination of focusing on bs like whether players wear sunglasses on their caps during bp instead of on practicing and repracticing the fundamentals until they are second nature, combined with a poor track record for decision making regarding in-game stategy, is LETHAL to a team’s chances against serious competition.

This was the same mistake, in principle, as having Wohlers in there in a position to hang a slider to Leyritz

Like I hinted at in an earlier post, the flaws on this team run deep, and are seriously entrenched.

Umpteen years of having superior roster talent, of a fanbase being brainwashed into being accepting a run of division titles as some sort of incredible achievement, and of the players themselves (excepting Smoltzie, thank the stars) being lulled into accepting division titles while living comfortably has caused this

It will not be fixed overnight. The Braves may come out on fire and run off a win streak, but that wont by any means be indicative the real problem being solved

Now the crux of it. Even IF Cox suddenly starting making nothing but algorithmically and/or situational optimal strategic decisions, the deeply flawed philosophy that has left the team unable to capitalize maximally even on maximally optimal strategy, would keep them from being able to go all the way.

Cox needs to go. And any players (including vets, newbies, regulars, subbies, anybody, including even Smoltz) who are married to Cox and his outlook for whatever reason - they need to go as well

By Bob, Journalist

June 24, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this

That other Bob’s so nice, deferring to folk’s judgment and such … nice, but naive. I normally let such participles dangle for a while but, I did appreciate your earlier humor and thought I would try to compete.

Robert, nice to know we agree … but we knew that didn’t we … probably everyone does … that is, knows that we agree.

I have only one comment concerning tour post to me … well said!

However, an initial meeting between three guys in the privacy of Cox’s office might have merit in that it could allow the parties to let it all hang out and perhaps even get some issues resolved before holding the group session(s).

I would be opposed to such a meeting if it was used as a strategy session or artifice, relative to controlling the group meeting(s). Methinks it’s a delicate situation, at best, since its purpose would probably be perceived as the latter even if it were the former.

Still …

As an aside, they don’t listen to us but I still think my earlier suggested positioning for the team shrink has validity.

Methinks group sessions are fraught with similar peril since they tend to be controlled or dominated by the few, regardless of the issues or everyone’s best efforts to avoid that pitfall.

The fact that a journey is perilous doesn’t mean that the trip won’t prove rewarding … Columbus was searching for India … look what he found!

They do most certainly need to find it … but if they do, methinks it’ll define it self!

You write good kid!

By GermanBravesFan

June 24, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this

Well… I just got to my hotel and I am actually in the same time zone with most of you.

Robert: how low is Mr. Jones today? Is he closing in on your predicted .184?

By Paladin

June 24, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

Well, it’s Sunday morning coming down and I am in the process of choosing my cleanest dirty shirt. And a night’s sleep coupled with some black coffee puts some bandaids on last night’s wounds.

MBATL Thank you for your reasoned and resonable response to my uncivil attack. That is not my “normal” MOD and I apologize for it. But, keep in mind that I am not backing down from my position—just the manner in which I stated it.

I have admitted on here before that I don’t know much about baseball, but I do know “warriors” and Smoltz is a warrior. He “brings it” whenever he can. He is practical, however, in that he knows that just being on the mound does the team no good if he is not somewhere near his 40 yr old best. The guy he called out was comtemplating going back on the DL but when jabbed in the a$$, came out and played a near-normal game. Sounds as if Smoltzie was right, IMO.

And let’s not ever forget Kurt Gibson.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

June 24, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

This team is a lot like last year’s team. They are indescribably frustrating. They are way too talented to be playing this poorly. Like last year, this team is better than its record despite the pitching issues. Yesterday’s game is a prime example. Davies pitches a great game and the offense can’t score any runs. It always seems to be that way with Davies. When he pitches a gem, the offense takes the day off.

Granted, the offense has faced some of the best pitching in baseball over the last four games but this offense has struggled for a couple of weeks now. I know many on here dismiss the importance of “smallball” but times like this is when smallball can spark a team. This team can’t lay down bunts nor can they steal bases.

I said it yesterday and I will say it again today. This team lacks fire. You don’t see the emotion of other winning teams. You don’t see a team that will take nothing less than winning. You also don’t see a team that is held accountable for laziness and hardheadedness. Francouer needs a day off. He reverted back to his old ways when he went into a slump. That is normal. What isn’t normal is for him to be allowed to do it without any instruction or discipline. Andruw has been swinging like a drunk beer league softball player all year and Cox just keeps clapping and saying, “C’mon, Andy, get a hit!” He can’t get a hit because he is coming out of his shoes on every swing. You know why he has bad knees? Because he scrapes them on the ground every time he swings. This is beyond a slump now. I love Andruw but he is undisciplined. I would say TP needs to get on it and work with Andruw. But, I believe the truth is that TP’s hands are tied. He knows what he sees every game is wrong and downright ridiculous, but because Cox would rather coddle Andruw than get in his a** TP can’t really do anything to correct the problem.

This baseball team is beginning to look like a mediocre NBA team. What I mean by that is that the players run the show instead of the manager/coach. The players do what they want to do instead of what they should do. Andruw is like Shaq. He knows he needs to be in shape. He knows he needs to work on his deficiancies which are killing the team, but he doesn’t feel like doing it so he doesn’t.

Chipper is like Dirk Nowitzki. He is the best player on the team and should be the outspoken leader of the team but he doesn’t want the role so he does nothing. Sure, Chipper counsels other guys on hitting and things of that nature but when it comes to getting into somebody’s face and challenging them he doesn’t do it nor does he care to do it.

Smoltz is a great leader at times but at others he isn’t very smart or mature. What he did to Chipper wasn’t right. What he said was dead on but the way he went about it was childish. Smoltz is supposed to be such a “man” then he needs to begin acting like one.

Question is what does Cox do? I personally think Cox is part of the problem. He is a great manager, but he lacks the intensitiy that struggling teams need. In the past his passive aggressive approach worked because the team was more talented and usually experienced. This team is younger and doesn’t quite know how to win in the majors yet. Guys like Smoltz and Chipper aren’t used to losing and don’t know how to handle it. Young guys need a fire lit up under them sometimes. Lets be real. Sweet Lou may be over the top sometimes but those young hitters in Tampa would likely tell you that Lou getting in their face helped them as much as anything. He challenged them to be better and not tell them in so many words that medicority is okay.

I’m not saying that Cox encourages mediocrity but he does condone it. Andruw needs his a** to be benched until he “gets it”. Can anybody here honestly tell me that Andruw deserves to play more than Willie Harris or Matt Diaz? Can anyone tell me honestly that if Brandon Jones was with the team right now that he would playing worse? Andruw is more worried about his contract next season than he is winning this season.

By tmqdchgna nxbay

July 5, 2007 5:52 AM | Link to this

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