AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > June > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSpeedster Harris hits lead-off
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Willie Harris was atop Bobby Cox’s lineup card Friday night and it is almost hard to imagine that this is just the fourth time this year the speedster has hit lead-off.
He is a menace to right-handed pitching (.395) and gives the club its best on-base threat since Rafael Furcal.
Cox, as is his custom on touchy personnel decisions, said Kelly Johnson has not “lost” the lead-off job. Johnson, the club’s lead-off man in 65 games, opened the Marlins series in a 0-fo13 slump, with his on-base percentage down to .373.
Harris, platooning with Matt Diaz in left field. opened the night with a team-leading .437 OBP. Johnson hit in the seventh slot Friday for the second time.
“One of them can’t lead off,” Cox said. “That’s all I can tell you. I like both of them.”
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Comments
By jbdrs
June 29, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this
We should trade Johnson and Thorman, and we should plug Escobar and Saltalamacchia into their spots permanently. Maybe we could get a decent starting pitcher in return for those two.
By TennesseePaul
June 29, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this
This is it? This is the new blog? For a pinch blogger Tom, you’ve foul bunted on the third strike. Total let down.
By ernesto
June 29, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this
This should be a non-issue. Who cares who leads off as long as someone is setting the table? I personally like to see BC riding a hot hand once in a while instead of dogged loyalty.
By ernesto
June 29, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
TPaul - easy on the virgin blog-captain. You’re gonna scare off the DOB back ups and we’ll be stuck with 3 day old blogs every time DOB takes a few days off. Just look at that blog, it’s got quotes, stats, ” ” around key words, what more do you want?
By Dylan
June 29, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
where’s DOB?? Tom blows! Carol is a decent change of pace but where did they get this loser?
By summerteeth
June 29, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
Raight on, Tenn Paul, Tom needs to be DFA’d ro at least Rome to figure out how to properly post a new blog. This blog is the 1986 Barry Bonds to DOB’s 2003 Barry Bonds.
By MBATL
June 29, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
Johnson may not have “lost” the leadoff job, but he once had it,and he doesn’t seem to have it any more… seems like semantics to me. Anyway, looks like we’re in serious platoon mode, which given our personnel, is fine with me long as it works.
By Yars
June 29, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
Keep KJ. Trade Yunel. I think KJ will only get better. He’s pretty much a rookie. His overall numbers are impressive for someone who missed the entire ‘06 season. Plus, he has more fantasy value than Yunel.
By Ron Roberts
June 29, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
What’s up with people ready to ship off Kelly Johnson??? Sheesh. Fickle Fickle Fickle.
The guy’s surpassed expectations and that’s not good enough for some of you??? U-N-B-E-L-I-E-V-A-B-L-E.
You don’t trade Kelly Johnson; you continue playing him in a platoon role so he can get himself rested up for a stretch run, if anything. But you don’t trade a guy making near the MLB minimum that’s still near the top the league in OBP and played a better-than-adequate 2B.
Ya wanna move a player? Move Chris Woodward or Pete Orr and call up some of those young arms to take bullpen roles so you can move Ledezma and/or Villareal to the rotation sometime.
By jon
June 29, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
If bobby dares play KJ over Yunel
By uscguyjd
June 29, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
andruw: please stop. please??
By Yars
June 29, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this
MBATL……….I hear ya man, about all these platoons. I think if Kelly’s bat starts to warm up, he will be in the lineup everyday, whether it’s batting leadoff or in the #7 hole. However, I won’t be shocked if his days as a leadoff man are numbered.
By ernesto
June 29, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this
Andruw, and BMac just doing nothing there. Andruw may get hot but how long do we have to carry him at the 4 spot waiting for that to happen? it’s just killing us. Drop him to 8 and when he starts showing signs of life bring him back up.
By Ron Roberts
June 29, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
GEEZ, guys… way to welcome Tom to the circle. You guys would boo a 6-year old if he wiffed at a t-ball game, too, eh?
C’mon… it’s his first entry, isn’t it? Let him warm up to us before y’all run him off.
Besides, it’s NICE not having to wait ten minutes for the older blogs to load up.
By True Braves Fan
June 29, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
It really doesn’t make any difference who leads off as long as Andruw, McCann, and Francoeur are in the middle of the order. Renteria singles; Chipper walks; Andruw and McCann strike out on 4 and 3 pitches. At least put Andruw in the 8 hole, and put Salty behind the plate….
By Bob, Journalist
June 29, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
Methinks Bobby sounds too much like George McGovern when asked about Kelly Johnson.
Stood in line for two hours getting tags today … I paid cash cause they took the fellow in front of me off to jail when he wrote a check … they said his check was bad … written on the West Bank of the Mississippi. The girl said he started acting suspicious when she told him she couldn’t accept out of state checks … and the west bank was in Arkansas, not Tennessee.
She called the police when he asked if she would accept on on the East Bank.
Based on Pete’s description, Andruw looked bad … ruined the inning … maybe it would have been a good opportunity to bench him … after the at bat. Why is Salty not playing?
Interesting lineup … well piched, Chuck, or well caught Yunel, I mean Kelly. Maybe, lower in the order will help Kelly!
Take care … time for supper, maybe I’ll listen to the replay … if we win!
By Jack
June 29, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
Has anyone noticed that Chipper has been playing and not sitting out with minor aches and pains since Smoltz stung him——Hey Chipper if the shoe fits——wear it.
By kg
June 29, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
Is Chris Woodward still on the team? Even when he plays, its like being a man short. He is having a terrible season, why play him? Pete Orr is another waste of a roster space and cap room. The bench is weak, weak, weak.
By Josh C
June 29, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this
Harris is about as “traditional” a leadoff hitter as it gets based on what we’ve seen this year. High OBP, beats the ball into the ground, great speed. Makes sense.
As a side note, watching this game on Extra Innings… the Florida announcers are BRUTAL!! Bland, boring, just awful. Sorta like Thorman swinging six inches over that sinker. Let’s get the switch hitting beast in there on an every day basis and let the Canadians stink up Richmond for awhile…
By Bob, Journalist
June 29, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this
I’m with Ron Roberts … besides … nothing much wrong with … Old Blog, Page 2 … sure helps the speed, if only for a bit!
5 LOB, goodness! Line drives are better than fly balls …
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 29, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
Big outfield… a struggling pitcher’s best friend… Sigh, cannot continue to leave guys on base verses these guys….
By Braves20
June 29, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
Gee, what a surprise. Throman strikes out with men on base. How much longer do Braves fans have to endure this?
By SaltyWoody
June 29, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Was that a blog or a blog post at the top? I can’t tell because it’s so freakin’ short!
Seriously, some of my own diatribes are twice as long as this piece of investigative reporting.
Oh, and by the way?
NO MORE THORMAN!!!!
Please? This lineup is bland. It needs more Salt.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 29, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Wow!!!!! Great play by Scott Thorman…
By Bob
June 29, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Great play by Thor. Should be a web gem tonight. Agree with Boog…Thor may have failings, but lack of hustle ain’t one of them.
By MBATL
June 29, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
Well said, Ron Roberts. Thanks to Tom for giving us a new blog, and a topic to get us started (like we ever really stay “on topic” anyway!) Frankly, I think it’s a pretty good topic.
I think Bobby’s looking at KJ’s numbers… not for the last week or two, but for the last TWO months… and decided there’s a better way to go.
Long as Willie and Escobar are hot, give ‘em a shot up there. I don’t think either of those guys will keep hitting the way they have been, but let’s hope they prove me wrong.
At least this year we have options. Last year, Giles was about the only possible leadoff man, and he wasn’t a leadoff man.
I would imagine KJ will get his chances at leadoff as the season goes along. But I also don’t know that his life’s dream is to be a leadoff hitter (in fact, I’d guess he’d never really considered it); credit to him for his success there, but who said that’s what he really wants, or that it’s his best place in the order?
By My View
June 29, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox always throws what I call, “junk” into the line-up. I’m not downing anyone, but he never seems to get the best line-up on the field, as much as he could. Seems there is one sub in the lineup every night. I understand that baseball seasons are an eternity, but Salty, Escobar, & Harris on the field with Renteria Chipper, Andruw, McCann, and Frenchy at least 4-5 nights weekly is a must. The totality of that order has a potency.
Diaz makes a strong case with the average, but Harris gives the team a leadoff threat on the bases. Check the stats if you want. Harris has more BB, R, 2b, and SB than Diaz, with less ab’s. Please let that guy hit leadoff Bobby!!!
And Salty over Thorman is very close to being a no-brainer. I know Cox is thinking defense, but Salty’s bat will win, twice as many games as his glove will lose.
With all that said, Bobby Cox could probably out coach me from the clubhouse, so those are just my opinions. LOL!!!
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
hey thorman has just won a spot in the lineup for the next 3 games with that spectacular catch on that foul fly. Great play, great infusion for the team. SUPER!!!!!!!!!!
By Coxloser
June 29, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
I love how Bobby Cox takes Andruw- who’s hitting under .200- out of the 4 spot for like 5 games and then puts him right back. At the same time, he moves K. Johnson from the leadoff role to 7th because his average has dropped into the .260’s. My guess is that Cox will leave Johnson there much longer than he did Andruw who will continue to waste our 4th spot in the order.
This is the Cox logic that prevented Atlanta from winning at least 2 more WS titles. Until Cox retires, expect more of the same. Thank God for a plethora of talent in the 90’s and early 00’s or that old donkey wouldn’t even be considered for the HOF.
By SaltyWoody
June 29, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Chipper Jones is just an unbelievably good hitter. It’s just unreal how well he sees the ball.
Why can’t we give him Andruw or Frenchy’s health? This guy could seriously carry the team by himself…you know, like we were expecting Andruw to do.
By BirdMahn
June 29, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
Willie looks best at the top. Tell Kelly lead-off is overated anyway. It happens only once a in a lot of games. hehe
I agree that we need SALTY in there!!!
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
hey saltywood……….
no more thorman???????
r u sure??????
be sincere
By SaltyWoody
June 29, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this
Wow. Looks like “slumping” Kelly Johnson is the only guy that can get a hit with RISP.
Let’s trade him…or better yet? Let’s drop him to 10th in the order.
By Bob
June 29, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
Good productive outs from BMAC and Frenchy and nice two out hit from KJ.
By Kieran, Long Island Brave Fan
June 29, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
What is Scott Thorman DOING swinging at a 3-0 pitch that is clearly outside off the plate?!?!? I dont wanna hear about the pitcher being on deck because what happened next, well he swung at a 3-1 pitch that was borderline and then proceded to strike out. This guy is killing them. I know he seems like a nice dude, and is a good clubhouse guy blah blah blah. Now the Braves have Chuck James leading off next innign instead of willie harris. BAD JOB. Poor, undisiplined hitting. Nice play in the field by Scotty though. That beign said, Salty can’t play tehre every day???
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
This far down on the blog and DOB would be just now MAYBE getting to posting some lyrics…..
By SaltyWoody
June 29, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
OVERLORD
Yeah, I’m pretty sure.
I’d rather have a hit in either of Thorman’s first two ABs than his webgem of a catch.
By Ed Glennon
June 29, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
We might think about trading Reneria after the break and let Escobar play short. It will also save $9 million and hopefully we can get a Tori Hunter next year. I want to thank Scott Boreus for making the decision easy.
By Bob
June 29, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
Great play by Chipper, but I hope those wrists aren’t screwed up again.
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
Superplay by chipper, looks like the spirit is back, we r back in business
By A-ville Ranger
June 29, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this
That Brooks Robinson like play may be Chippers best ever.
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
What is Scott Thorman DOING swinging at a 3-0 pitch that is clearly outside off the plate?!?!?
THORMAN SUCKS! no logic to it. can’t wish that away……
By SaltyWoody
June 29, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
I know this is ridiculous, but could we PLEASE trade for the entirety of the Marlins’ infield?
Man…Jacobs, Uggla, Ramirez, and Cabrera…all 27 or younger, 3 of 4 are cheap…they’re going to be awfully competitive for a while if they can keep that nucleus together.
Heck, I’ll even just take Miggy Cabrera. Straight up for Hoss.
I know that’s treachery and unrealistic, but that kid is good.
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
Seems that our #3 pitcher is doing his job tonight…….Positive guys.
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
We might think about trading Reneria after the break and let Escobar play short.
Ed Glennon….. hope ya got a day job…. don’t quit it….. MLB GM not for you
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
That guy Ramirez (cubs) sure is a major leaguer, one of the best 3b in the game.
By Calvin
June 29, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
I’m still trying to figure out why AJ is hitting cleanup. Just because he hit a three run homer a few days ago doesn’t mean he needs to be in the 4 spot leaving runners on base. Hey look. He just let two more runners on. Sweet.
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
so whats new?
Edgar BB.
Chipper BB
AJ KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK and a sweet long SMILEEEEE. Got to love this guy. Only way not to kill him.
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Willie looks best at the top.
fast, getting hits….. short term leadoff soluton….. wake up a month from now….. Satan has breached his contract with Willie….. You all remind Satan Willie sold his soul….. Satan laughs at y’all….. Satan sez…… He’s Willie Harris…… What did you expect?….. Can’t make it too obvious and let him hit more than .250 for an entire season…… You shoulda stuck with KJ….. Ha, Ha, Ha. I’m Lucifer and you ride my fairweather bandwagon too much….. You should ride the other guy’s blind faith carriage a tad more…..
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
i like chuck work tonight no matter the outcome………..good pitching……….what happens from here on is coaching fault.
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
Chuck is DEALING
By Bob
June 29, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
OK, two innings in a row James escaped. We need more runs and BC needs to get Oscar warming up. Have about reached Chuckie’s limit.
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
I cant read anybody complaining about chucks work tonight……… weird
By Bob, Journalist
June 29, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
We’ll Florida just showed why Andruw should be on the bench … twice!
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this
I’m still trying to figure out why AJ is hitting cleanup.
Because your next best cleanup option sorry to tell you is the guy Bobby just stupidly decided was not good enuff for leadoff….. not even better than career scrub Willie Harris….. Everyone says take Druw from the cleanup spot…. but who do you put in there?…… Druw, McCann, Frenchy, and Thorman all have lower OPS numbers than Betemit…… that says alot….. Bobby is in a no win situation…. would not matter anyway….. such a dumb manager, he would make the wrong decision if one of the them was worthy just like he is doing with leadoff right now…..
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this
hey bob…. chuck is gonna pitch at least 2 more innings………AT LEAST
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
Are these really our braves?
By Bob
June 29, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
Nice smacks by Thorman and James. Overlord, I ain’t complaining about Chuck, but he has thrown quite a few pitches and he usually has problems starting around the 5th. He has lived on edge tonight. Hope he can shut the Fish down for another couple of innings.
By Braves20
June 29, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
Holy moly! Thorman gets a hit in the clutch. Excuse me while I walk outside to see if the Gulf of Mexico has forzen over.
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
Offense is back. Now Chuck can pitch 7th complete easily. any bets???????
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
Offense is back. Now Chuck can pitch 7th complete easily. any bets??????? Well………at least into the 7th
By Carolina Lady
June 29, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
Y’all need to remember your manners and tell Stinny Welcome and thank you for the new blog. Jiminy Christmas! roll eyes…..sigh….. :-))
By Josh C
June 29, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
Well, the best lineup would be Harris KJ Edgar Chipper vs. righties, then Escobar, Diaz, Edgar, Chipper vs. lefties. Makes way too much sense though…
By Savannah Guy
June 29, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
3trees5:40 post: Yep, boat the Tarpon with heavy line so you can get’em in quick so they won’t get too worn out and get eaten by sharks. Then release them quick so they can grow up to be bad boys (leave them half in the water if possible). They are the ultimate in fighting game fish outside of billfish. They’ll get 10-12 feet in the air sometimes. It’s a blast. Nope, name’s not Matt.
By Lew 1:11 post: Let me join in the chorus of ‘grats on good post on DOB’s. Mostly on getting all that info. Where did you get that?
Projecting into the season’s second half: since there is a logjam in the NL “Least”, one of three things will happen to Braves and rivals. One, someone gets really hot and puts too much distance for anyone to mount a comeback. Two, the division keeps stumbling along, up and down, and it’s a mule race at the end, or Three, all of the east melts and good ol’ Bud Selig decides to have the teams pick straws for playoff spots. Or hey, maybe he’ll have the fans vote on it. That’ll be fair. Yea…that’s it.
By A-ville Ranger
June 29, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
James was turning the wheels on that score.
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this
Chipper is from another world….. bad thing is they have no endurance in his planet.
By Josh C
June 29, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
Not to keep harping on these Florida commentators, since I am a master of neither the written nor spoken word among many, many other things…
But he just said that Willie Harris “fought off” a 3-1 pitch that he was trying to drive to LF but just missed. Classic!
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
good eye AJ…… but dont expect me to tip my hat.
By gotigers72
June 29, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this
DOB - It may not enhance your relationship with the Braves manager, but when you get a chance, please ask him why he continues to let someone hitting below .200 hit in the cleanup spot. He has batted 3 times tonight and has already left 4 on with 2 pathetic strikeouts. The reason you bat someone cleanup is because they come to bat with runners on more than anyone else in the order. They are then expected to drive in runs, which Andruw isn’t doing. Sure he has 46 RBIs, but he should have 66 as many times as he has been up with runners on. Also Chipper has 3 walks already. You can bet that pitchers aren’t going to pitch to Chipper with Andruw hitting behind him, until and unless Andruw heats up. And THAT doesn’t look like it’s gonna happen anytime soon, because he continues his bad habits.
While you’re at it, ask Bobby why Thorman is in the lineup tonight. You don’t have to platoon because Salty is a switch hitter, and has been hot recently. Why sit a hot hitter who switch hits to play someone who is literally not hitting his weight? I can understand playing KJ because he hits left and Yunel doesn’t switch hit. And KJ looks good with a 2-2 night so far, while Thorman has looked awful striking out twice. Yes, I’ll give him props for making a great play on that catch in the stands.
Well, I’m getting the crow out of the freezer. Thorman just hit a laser for a double and 2 RBIs. Guess I second guessed too early on that one, though I still don’t understand sitting a hot hitter.
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this
Why do they call him Tom Stinson? ….. Because Thomas is too long for him to write.
Why does Tom Stinson prefer to be called Stinny?….. Because Stinson is too long for him to write…..
By Robert
June 29, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
Andruw Jones extends his hitting streak to 3 games
On fire
Meanwhile, the Braves may lose a half game in the standings, despite extending a modest winning streak to 4
If I could be convinced by something in their demeanor ir attitude that the streak was going to lead to continued motivation instead of renewed compacency, I could almost begin to get excited
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
BOB 6 more out to go.
The kid is pitching fine and this marlins lineup is the 2 best scoring runs in the league.
By Bob, Journalist
June 29, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this
If you don’t set the hitters up from one time at bat to the next, the third time through the order, you’ll wish you had!
By Robert
June 29, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
Gotigers - the fact that Thorman accidentally put a bat on a ball doesnt mean playing him was a stroke of genius
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
good eye AJ
What is he 8 years old again?…… Come on Druw…… a walk is as a good as a hit….. even when you are making $15 million, asking for $100 million more… actually, F the walks and get me some darn extra base hits you fat overpriced bum….. hell, at this point, i’d settle for A hit….. maddux and glavine are no longer here because we are paying $15 mil to a fat fullback to play center……. he should be making $5 mil at the most based upon his offensive disabilities… Falcons, now that you settled that contract dispute with Grady Jackson, look over at the Ted, your next fat defensive tackle is playing center for the Braves… one huge area of concern though is that he does not hit anything… that could be a recipe for disaster for a D Tackle…
By Anti-platoon
June 29, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
I like Stinson. Just give a blurb, and get on with your life! DOB just spits out a bunch of stat-head crappola that anyone could divine on their own. And the music stuff…..Pull-ease! Drug-addled musicians have some kind of insight into the universe now? Or ever? Answer: NO they don’t, and never had.
DOB never gives any “inside” information one couldn’t glean from a number of other sources. He posts the lineup that is already available on ESPN or Yahoo.
As far as Bobby Cox’s platoon system. BS! Just pick the best 8, and play them everyday! Quit trying to fit square pegs in round holes!
2 - McCann 3- Salty 4- Yunel 5- Chipper 6- Edgar 7- Diaz 8- Andruw (possibly Willie now?) 9- Francoeur
Bench or trade the rest.
Pick another booger and chew on that Bobby!
By Tonight on TBS
June 29, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this
Saving Scribe O’Brien (1998)
During the most intense action of the ‘07 campaign, staff journalist Dave O’Brien (Matt Damon) has gone missing. AJC command cannot bear the loss of another esteemed writer. A rescue team is formed, led by Lieutenant Tom Stinson (Tom Hanks), composed of intrepid bloggers in order to save Dave O’Brien. (Parental warning: much cussing and whining by the intrepid bloggers.)
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
DOB - It may not enhance your relationship with the Braves manager, but when you get a chance, please ask him why he continues to let someone hitting below .200 hit in the cleanup spot.
AGAIN, GO TIGERS AND THE REST OF YOU NITWITS.. WHO ELSE SHOULD BE HITTING CLEANUP… THE REST OF THEM SUCK TOO…. FRENCHY, MCCANN, THORMAN, DRUW ALL HAVE OPS NUMBERS LOWER THAN WILSON BETEMIT THIS YEAR AND BETEMIT IS ONLY HITTING .195….. GO LOOK IT UP…… RIGHT NOW, KJ IS THE BEST LEADOFF AND CLEANUP OPTION ON THIS TEAM…..
By caveman22
June 29, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
wow, looks like the blogger “crew” that normally craps up this space are not so much braves fans but DOB disciples. Not that DOB doesn’t have a truly rockin’ blog, but I’m wondering what the as$=clowns are doing tonight??
By Lew
June 29, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
Drug Addled musicians have always had great insight into the world. It’s nothing new. Neither is having your head stuck up your-no, wait. I’m kinder and gentler. Just pull that head out and carry on.
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
Anti-platoon, you are a loser!
By Savannah Guy
June 29, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
gotigers72 When DOB finishes asking Cox the questions you posed, why didn’t you suggest that he then spray cheese-whiz all over Bobby’s desk too. It wouldn’t change the outcome of the interview would it? Oh, but I realize you were just venting and it was just rhetoric…right? But not that outrageous I suppose. Hell, I asked DOB to suggest that Cox send Andruw on a paradigm-shifting vacation over the A-Star break. Never did hear back from DOB on that one. I’m sure he ran right down and showed Bobby my post. Oh well, David must’ve just forgotten to get back to me on that one.
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
Chuck is into the 7th…… Against a good offense. And he does not look tired. I would let him show what he is made of one more inning since he is approaching 100 pitches
By TennesseePaul
June 29, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
Nothing against Tom personally, but this blog is really nothing more than a blank space and a Guy Curtright reduex. I appreciate the blank space though. But as far as pinch blogging, Carroll is at the front of the bench.
Switching Harris to leadoff doesn’t disappoint me. Harris is hot right now and Johnson was slumping before this game. When AJ slumps the cry’s are for him to be dropped in the order. It seems to have worked for KJ and it only helps the team more.
Is DOB on this trip? Well, if you are DOB, when you get to LA, before the game, hit up Phillipe’s. Great stuff.
I’m looking forward to this team coming out to LA. Hope they can tearing it up when they do get here.
GO BRAVES!!
By N8
June 29, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
Not chime a bell that I haven’t rung 100 times.
But, while Chuck has done a fine jobe tonight, his pitchcount of 92 through 6 IP, is still a little high, for my likings.
An 8-1 game, is the PERFECT game for a guy like Chuck to give the bullpen a night off. But it looks like that isn’t gonna happen tonight, with 3 innings to go.
If he could be just slightly more efficiant, he’ll make a fine #3 starter. But until that point comes, he has to be concidered 5th starter quality (4th at best). Because IMO, your 1-2-3 guys in the rotation, can get into the 8th inning more often than they don’t. Especially in blowouts.
Not complaining really. Just pointing out, why I feel the way I do about Chuck, even though he’s kept us in the last bunch of games he’s started.
Call me hard to please if you want, but I expect more.
By Kermit The Frog
June 29, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
Hello… this is Kermit the Frog… reporting from Miami… Animal has been removed from the Enforcer role by manager Bobby Cox… Animal has been placed by Bobby Cox now in the eternal optimist role abandoned by KC over a month ago… DOB has gone AWOL with KC and won’t be back until Monday for undisclosed reasons… Grinch said he had a big date tonight and not to wait up for him… hmmm… in other news……….
By Savannah Guy
June 29, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist: How are you tonight, old recognizable and familiar denizen? I hope well. Looks like we have the old multi-persona-disorder fella(s) blogging tonight. Oh, the humanity. I miss jjs already. He lightens up the room.
By Josh C
June 29, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
Well, Statler and Waldorf, since you have decided to be the resident a$shole for the evening, perhaps you should read my post above suggesting Edgar third and Chipper fourth, with a platoon in the top two spots- Harris/Escobar and Diaz/KJ.
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
caveman22, where you been? we’ve missed ya bud….. they get awfully pretentious when you are not around…..
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
Do we really have to give up on this young lefty?
I wouldnt. Kyle i would think about it but i would also doubt it.
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
N8, you have never made more sense than your 9:22……
By Lew
June 29, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
Nathan-Of course you’re complaining. Before it was that Chuck couldn’t go more than five and gave up too many runs. Now it’s he’s only into the seventh and is kicking @$$. Damn, Dude, what does he have to do? Throw a perfect game? He even had two hits, ran the bases well, had a sacrifice bunt (something the whole team has had problems with) and knocked in a run. I’m not really sure what else he needs to do tonight. Maybe take a shower and enjoy a cold one?
By N8
June 29, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
Man, did I call THAT, didn’t I?
C’mon CHUCK!!
Nice outing, anyhow. Just not as nice as it could’ve been for our bullpen.
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
N8 I understand how u feel, but maybe this guys is maturing and learning what to do to go deeper (and i dont mean HR).
I would have let him finish the inning, 6 more pitches……10…. he was doing ok.
By 42
June 29, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
any possibility chuck james, buddy carlyle and kyle davies(when healthy) form a smoltz glavine maddux??
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
In fact,caveman22, if you’ll meet me, I’d love to give you a BJ.
I like public restrooms.
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
shiver me timbers… Josh C. makes sense… fights intelligently for his own self… Muppets do not talk back to the balcony… got the best of me this time…. ‘til next time….
as usual… blowout games… have to burn pen for Chuck and Duck James….
By Christy
June 29, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
Can’t help but notice that KJ has gone 3 for 3 with a walk, an RBI and 2 runs and he’s not getting nearly the love that Yunel was getting in the last few blogs….
methinks some members of this blog are in danger of falling into the category of those who fall in love with the newest and brightest “hot young thing…”
Or maybe those same people have something better to do on this Friday night before the 4th and I’m reading too much into it.
By Lew
June 29, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
Nathan-We have an excellent bullpen, well capable of handling 2 1/3 innings after an off day.
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
June 29, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this
Between game 3 vs. the Nats and tonight against the Fish, the Braves have scored a combined 21 runs (as of the top of the 8th). But they have hit only one home run in that span IIRC. They are getting them on, getting them over, and getting them in, and the Braves look to win their fourth in a row!
And lose a half game in the standings…argh.
By OVERLORD
June 29, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
Statler pen was not burned because of james but because of bc. Simple.
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
June 29, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Christy:
I was thinking the same thing. Johnson has done an outstanding job tonight, and he deserves “mad props” as the kids say.
The Braves have a good problem in that they have a lot of young talent. The problem is that none of them have proven themselves long term. Johnson had good success in 2005 as an OF, but he is still learning 2B, as is Escobar and as Saltalamacchia is learning 1B. It will play itself out, and as long as we’re within 3-5 games of the Mets come August, I like our chances.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 29, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Yes Lew, nice post today. You can tell by the view points displayed on the blog who really has a clue and those that could not manage a Tee Ball team.
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
We have an excellent bullpen, well capable of handling 2 1/3 innings after an off day.
don’t think N8 questions that… N8 is more correctly concerned with valuable pitches, innings, bullets, guns, arms, cannons, ammo being wasted now when we really need it in September and October… James of course will look like a prince because little more than 5 or 6 is demanded out of him… the guys in the pen will get slammed by all the unintelligent on here in september when they get smacked all around the ballyard trying to mop up James slops for the first half of the season…
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
pen was not burned because of james but because of bc. Simple.
huh? we’re in game 80 now.. have you watched the pen have to be used to pitch 3 or 4 innings in all of his starts? … that has nothing to do with Bobby Cox … that is the fault of James … James does not strike out enough people to have such high pitch counts …
By Lew
June 29, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Actually, the bullpen wasn’t burned at all. They have not been used much this week. Soriano hasn’t pitched since Tuesday. Wicky and Yates hadn’t pitched since Wednesday when Wicky went 2/3 of an inning. Moylan went 1/3 of an inning Wednesday. Everyone was off yesterday and only Villareal pitched 2 innings this week. I hardly consider this to be any kind of overuse. They are big boys making lots of money.
By N8
June 29, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
“Nathan-We have an excellent bullpen, well capable of handling 2 1/3 innings after an off day.”
No sh!t, huh? But since we’ve got Hudson going tomorrow (who in the month of June has averaged 5.1 IP per outing), and Buddy going on Sunday, wouldn’t have been NICE to NOT use the bullpen unless neccesary? Add to that Smoltz and Davies are not guaranteed to go past 6 IP.
Can you not see that getting 2.1 IP out of our bullpen tonight, may comeback to bite us on this trip?
Maybe it doesn’t. But these 2.1 weren’t needed, by our bullpen. Off day yesterday or not.
Nice job of hitting by Chipper, but WHY ON EARTH was he still batting in a 9-1 game?
By Steve from OH
June 29, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
This is what Woodward should be used for!
By Lew
June 29, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
Gil-Thanks. How’re things in Virginia? Matthew-That’s the problem with young players. The so young part means they haven’t had the chance to be there long term.
By parks
June 29, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
Christy that is how this blog works. Knee jerk posts.
By TennesseePaul
June 29, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
Phillies had the tying run at the plate. His name was Pat Burrell. 2 outs in the ninth, two on… Pat Burrell, what a drag. Glad I’m not a Phillie fan.
By caveman22
June 29, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
Sure, I’ll meet you. the airport as usual?
By MBATL
June 29, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
If Chuck can give us 6-plus with 1 run scored, I’ll take that, not just from him, but from every pitcher in the rotation, including Smoltz and Hudson. (in fact, show me one regular starter in the NL who averages 7 IP per start, and I’ll…. well, I’ll be surprised).
The problem has been that Chuck’s often given us 5, or 4+ … he really needs to be more efficient. But for tonight, against one of the best offenses in the NL, in their home park… no complaints at all.
By N8
June 29, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
Statler & Waldor
DEAD ON with you 9:47.
Come September when Yates, Moylan and Oscar are getting hammered with their “dead arms” or worse yet, are unavailable to pitch at all, Lew will be complaining about their durability, while praising Chuck for getting “his 13-15 wins”, while not doing his bullpen any favors along the way.
Last year, I let him get away with it, because he was a rookie and a VERY pleasant surprise. This year, I expected INNINGS out of him, especially once Hampton went down.
But you know, guys like you and I “could not manage a Tee Ball team.”
By Savannah Guy
June 29, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
INSIDE STATSSince it is a slow night (and a Braves blowout…yeah) I’ll do something that I rarely (never) do since I don’t have a dog to walk: throw some STATS around for your careful consideration and viewing pleasure. These are not stats easily found by most baseball experts. In fact, I’ll guarantee you will not get this deep-inside Braves info anywhere. Not from ESPN, not from anyone at AJC. Not even from DOB hizzoneself. EAT YOUR HEART OUT DOB.
McCann hits 60 points higher when he hasn’t had a cheeseburger in the last 12 hours. Amazing. Go figure. Also, when he catches, he has 99.3% more influence on the actual game than when he sits out.
Salty, when laying off the first pitch, never gets an extra base hit…on the first pitch. Oddly enough, he never even gets a hit on the first pitch when not swinging at the first pitch. Hard to believe, but this is true 100% of the time.
Kelly has trouble hitting lefties lately. He’s in a real slump. Yes, I know it would have been difficult to hit that lefty while sitting on the bench, but hey…you are in the bigs now Kelly. Just because you’ve been on the bench for a few games is no excuse for not hitting.
Andruw has not really been in that much of a slump this year. He is still doing very well with the balls that hit his bat. In fact, believe it or not, whenever his bat has accidentally hit the ball, he gets on base 33% of the time. If it were not for those pesky strikeouts, he would probably be batting just fine…at least in the 205-210 area. On top of that, he has avoided 19 double plays due to strikeouts. He has avoided possible injury sliding into a base because of those outs. He’s made 14% less groundouts by simply falling when he swings. So give him a break.
Woodward and Orr get a bad rap. When they play, we have 23% less double plays, due to their well-timed strikeouts.
Admit it, you could not dig that inside stuff out anywhere else. I’ll get to the rest later. Or not…
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 29, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
Lot’s of thunderstorms tonight.
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
I really miss you caveman22
By Lew
June 29, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
Nathan-No actually, I can’t see it. Like I posted before, the bullpen has pitched very little this week. They all had an off day yesterday. We carry 13 pitchers-eight relievers, because that is the way ML baseball is played these days. The days of four man rotations and pitchers completing 20 games a year are as dead as the dinosaurs. With Moylan and Villarreal, we have two pitchers more than capable of going two, three or even four innings when necessary. They are all big boys, seemingly healthy, well rested tonight and will be well rested tomorrow if needed. They are doing their job-pitching. I haven’t seen any or heard of any of them complaining and I see absolutely no problem with the bullpen going a couple of innings a night. The work is well spread out and I doubt any of them are showing any ill effects from any real or perceived overuse. I swear y’all p!$$ and moan like a bunch of wailing Banshees when the Braves are losing and despite being about to win their fourth consecutive game, behind a good pitching performance from one of their most maligned pitchers, scoring 12 runs, you’re are STILL p!ssing and moaning. Y’all need to get a more rewarding sex life or something-maybe a new hobby. You aren’t real good at this one. It certainly doesn’t do much to satisfy you. Perhaps an inflatable Love doll would fulfill your needs better.
By Lew
June 29, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
Nathan-No. I will be complaining because fans like you aren’t really fans. It really is time for you to end the visual examination of your rectal cavity. That’s what colonoscopies are for.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 29, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
That’s amazing Savannah Guy. Must be the mirrors…
By N8
June 29, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
MBATL
Nicely said with your 10:03.
If you notice, I (along with griping about him not getting through the 7th), DID COMPLIMENT HIM ON A NICE GAME. He (like he has in most of his last few outings), gave us a chance to hang in there, and at some point, take the lead, then he proceeded to NOT relinquish it. That’s good pitching.
I agree with Statler and Waldorf, with those high pitchcounts, he should be striking out 9-12 guys per game, but he’s not. So he needs to find a way to be a little more efficient, that’s all. Because facts are facts, Bobby doesn’t let his pitcher’s pitch counts get too far over 100, if he lets it get that high at all, especially with the young guys.
All I was saying is that, if there was EVER a night to let Chuck’s pitch count “take a hit”, it would’ve been tonight. Chuck seemed like he was doing fine as far as getting people out. So maybe my b!tch is with Bobby, not leaving Chuck out there for another inning. Maybe he didn’t wanna come out.
Take that for what it’s worth.
By Bob, Journalist
June 29, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
We often fall into the trap at thinking in terms games behind which falsely assumes games yet to be played will be split … best to think in terms of games lost. We’re still five back in that category.
Jetzt … alles gut, methinks
By caveman22
June 29, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
” OK — I did not post that last comment about the meeting at the airport!! Not that it wasn’t funny but I would caution whoever that was about posting in my name. It will get you banned and if I find out who you are — you’ll get a good ‘ol southern as@-whoopin to boot!!”
By Lew
June 29, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
This whole bullpen usage thing is certainly NOT just a Braves doing. There have been more than 2400 MLB ballgames so far this season and there have been a total of 67 complete games pitched. There’s a lot of relief pitchers out there getting lots of work. It’s the way the game is played today. That’s the way it is.
By N8
June 29, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
Lew
“The work is well spread out and I doubt any of them are showing any ill effects from any real or perceived overuse”
Not trying to be an a$$, (even though, you’ll argue that comment…..because it’s what you do), but get back to me in September, and let’s see WHO is still here, WHO is still effective, and WHO is (has been) injured with arm related injuries inbetween now and then.
“Perhaps an inflatable Love doll would fulfill your needs better”
Well judging by your obvious anger and frustration of your last post, I’d say that it hasn’t worked for you, so why would I try it, then?
“No. I will be complaining because fans like you aren’t really fans. It really is time for you to end the visual examination of your rectal cavity. That’s what colonoscopies are for.”
You’re so pompous, I think it’s time that YOU add that word to your moniker. You rag on me (and others….you know, the guys who “aren’t real fans”), for complaining about everything. Yet I think it’s YOU who lives and dies to RAG ON US, when we gripe about something.
All you would’ve had to do (or type) was something to this effect:
“Nathan….while I respect your view on the bullpen, I disagree with you due to……..”
But you gotta go calling me a “non-fan”, and make comments about blow-up dolls, and or rectal exams.
Old man, it’s time you realized some facts…..you’d be BORED out of your mind, if there weren’t guys like me to bicker with on this blog.
Your WELCOME.
By A-ville Ranger
June 29, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
There’s nothing about this game that a dozen runs and shut down pitching can’t cure.AIN’T NO THANG!!
By Josh C
June 29, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
N8 I completely disagree with you on this one. In fact, I truly believe your thinking is a*-backwards here. You don’t EVER let your starters go deep in blowouts, especially when you’ve got little depth, and I could care less about the pitch count. The longer he’s out there, the better chance he pulls a side muscle, gets hit by a line drive, you name it. What would you rather be looking for in August? A no. 3 starter or a no. 5 reliever? Easy, easy choice for most…
By fastasballs
June 29, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
For once all season the Braves are beating the stockings off the teams they should. They will be playing a lot of bottom feeders for the next month & need these types of performances. These games will determine the division. Doesn’t matter if they beat the Mets 4 of 6, if they don’t win the majority of these games.
Props to KJ & Frenchy. Both had a great night at the plate. Chipper is on fire all of a sudden with runners on, great to see. Andruw is going to have to get off the deck or Chipper will get pitched around the rest of the season.
What happened to McCann tonight? I thought he was getting ready to catch some fire at the plate. Maybe it was just a bad game, who knows? Sucks to stikeout twice in the same inning though.
I think James needs guys on base to pitch effective. He seems to make better pitches once he gets in a jam. That’s a BAD habit because it will bite him more times than not. I’m not complaining, but without some GREAT defensive plays the Marlins would have put some more runs up.
He still didn’t exactly tax the bullpen tonight. They just had an off day & some of the guys need to pitch. Half of them can’t sit a week & then expect to perform.
By Braves Fan 79
June 29, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
Who cares whos leading off……as long as WOODCRAP isnt starting im happy! The Braves have won how many in a row? and in how many of those games did we start woodward or orr? like i told everyone before…we should be 10 games over .500 right now if not for cox starting redmen, woodcrap and orr all those games….the amount of games weve thrown away this season makes me sick. But i still got faith…Go Braves!!
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
I like it when you act tough, cavie ;-)
By MBATL
June 29, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
N8, points taken. I suspect (and of course I don’t know) that Bobby would prefer that the night ended on a positive note for Chuck. And having been off yesterday, and only needing “back end” guys tonight, no great hit to the ‘pen.
I think we agree about Chuck. He doesn’t pitch badly, but it usually takes him 100 pitches to get through 5 innings, which is great “#5” stuff, not “#3”. I guess he was meant to be a “4”, which is just about right.
I gotta think that the pitch count is something that could be worked on, and improved. Whether it can be solved this year… I don’t know, and I kinda’ doubt.
Can a pitching coach help him?
Obviously, Chuck’s NOT gonna strike out 9-12 batters a game (I know you know that) … just doesn’t have the stuff.
At best, he’s gonna give up a bunch of fly balls and hope no more than 1 or 2 go over the fence! He just needs to give them up earlier in the count!
I keep wondering if it’s not possible for him to learn a “sinker” from one of his teammates; if he had something that dived low, he’d be really tough… but what do I know?
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
An “a$$ whoopin” is what you usually give me in the airport bathroom, silly.
By N8
June 29, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
Josh C.
Well said. Argued like a civil human being. Not some grumpy old man, who thinks that because he had a VERY NICE POST earlier in the day, he should get a flyer on the rest of the evening.
Maybe DOB should make a “king poster of the day” link, and whoever ends up in that spot, CANNOT be made fun of, or agued with for 24 Hours.
Josh, having said what you said, I’ll assume that you too were wondering why Chipper was in the game when he hit the bases loaded double.
I don’t argue with your theory, it has reasoning, and a valid point. However, I think the guys that are pitching 2 and 3 times a week, not to mention the times they get up and down in the pen and DON’T come into the game, are more likely to injure themselves than a starter “eeking” out 1 more inning in a blowout.
But like I said, you argued your point clearly and politely, so I respect that.
By rupert
June 29, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
where have you gone guy cartwright?
By meansonny
June 29, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
Nice post, Lew.
Gotta give props to Chuck. Great start. I’d love to see more of this.
I hate to see all the chatty negative posts on a night when we blow out the opponent. Its worse than any office environment I’d been in. Its like the only reason some of you log-in.
Great game tonight. Go braves!!!
By Coach (BRINGING THE WRECKING BALL)
June 29, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
The Braves beat the crap out of the Marlins and lose a half game in the standings , O the agony ! 35 runs in four games , is this real or are the Nats and Marlins really this bad ? It’s amazing what happens when Chipper is in the lineup. Andruw 1 for 5 tonight with 3 K’S and 5 runners left and batting .199 , Chuck James 2 for 3 with a run and an RBI. Yo , Andruw , hey buddy ! when the pitcher can outhit you , it’s a sign that things are getting totally out of hand. We all really appreciate the quality defense you play in CF but the DL would do you a world of good right about……………N-O-W !
By Braves Fan 79
June 29, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
I dont think well beat out the mets for the east…but i do think we gotta chance at the wildcard. We need to be around 15 games over .500 thou to have a chance. If we can be around 8-10 games over .500 at the allstar break ill like our chances!
By noahwayy
June 29, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
Blogger dude, even after his slump, KJ’s OBP is higher than Furcal’s ever was. Cox is just playing the hot hand. Harris will cool off, unfortunately.
By caveman22
June 29, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
N8
Everybody on the blog knows and agrees with you on Lew. He is just a bitter guy with thin skin who loves to blog his insults from the far reaches of the NE corner of America yet falls into his “I’m an old guy with ailments and diabetes and whatever else will make you feel sorry for me” whenever he is dealt a taste of his own medicine. The biggest problem he has is that he is not that good at the verbal sparring, he lacks the creativity and up-to-date vocabulary to really compete in a battle of verbal skills.
He’s like that crazy guy at the rest home, you just ignore him with a smile and a nod and hope he doesn’t crap his pants in public on your shift.
By SAL
June 29, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this
Just a thought, but why not bench Andruw Jones, move Francour to center, put Johnson in right, and try Escobar at 2B? Andruw could always be a late inning defensive sub.
By Lew
June 29, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this
Nathan-All you ever do is gripe. You gripe when things go well. You gripe when things go wrong. If the Braves hit, you gripe because someone had an oh-fer. If they don’t hit you have conniptions because they don’t hit.If the pitching is lousy you gripe. If the pitching is good, it’s never good enough. Nothing satisfies you. Just because I point this out to you, you think it’s because I’m optimistic or because I revel in giving you grief. Actually Dude, if you knew me at all, you’d know I’m usually a glass half empty type person. You call me old, as if that has anything to do with anything. Do you think, perhaps I’m approacing senility?. If I am old, it has given me the experience to know that nothing is ever as good as it seems or as bad as it seems- not even the depths of your dissatisfaction. What do you accomplish, coming here every single night, ranting and raving in the most negative fashion? You swear it’s because you like to stir the cesspool, yet when someone calls you on it, you blow a gasket. Chuck James just pitched a whale of a ball game. He went 6 2/3 innings when you have been griping he copuldn’t get out of the fifth. He gave up a single run against a good hitting team. He had two hits, knocked in a run, he scored another run and showed great hustle on the base paths. He even had a sacrifice bunt. What do you say about this? You say he should have gone more innings and he didn’t have enough strikeouts for the number of pitches he threw. You then take the rant to overuse of the bullpen, despite the fact they are all well rested (not to mention we still have Boyer and Devine waiting in reserve), worrying about September. Then you wonder why people think you might be somewhat out in left field? Dude, that’s just a whole bunch of bovine excrement and you damn well know it. If you’re going to sit here on a nightly basis and spew pure crap, then don’t get so flippin thin skinned when someone tells you it smells.
By Josh C
June 29, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this
Agreed on Chipper. Just remember that your middle relievers are far less valuable than your starters, not to mention that your starters will throw close to 200 innings vs. 75-90 for a reliever, meaning that the starters are twice as likely to go all dead arm. In any case you protect your starters.
By N8
June 29, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
MBATL
I’m not so sure we’ve ever seen more eye to eye on a topic, than this one.
In NO WAY was I complaining about the results Chuck had tonight. He pitched a fine game. He just happened to use more pitches than he needed to, IMO.
You are correct, my “9-12 strikeouts” comment, was tongue in cheek. I realize he’s never gonna be that guy, but his pitch count is similar to guys that do.
Chuck is close….real close. I don’t expect him or anybody to have the “8 IP on 75 pitches” performances that Maddux used to do every 5 days, but like you said, the 90-100 pitches to get through 5-6 innings, is too much.
Believe me, if the kid goes into the 6th inning allowing 3 or less runs, in ALL of his remaining starts this year, I’d be content with it. But if EVERY time he pitches we’re gonna need 3 innings from the pen, once in a while, it’s gonna blow up in our face.
By Chuck James is solid!! (Formerly Steve-O)
June 29, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
You guys were right….All we got is Hudson and Smoltz…The rest are bums….It sucks having a #1 and a #2 then a bunch of #6’s…….God this James guy sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Lew
June 29, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
Whatever. I’ll just leave it all to the various misanthropes. Feel free to abuse yourselves. Enjoy your pain. Stinky-It’s way past all of your bedtimes. Good Night.
By N8
June 29, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
caveman22
Nice touch, not to mention the “visual”.
:-)
By HP
June 29, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
Does anybody know that all the trade talks have stop since we start winning? Good pitching by Chuck James tonight. Who says we don’t have a #3 starter. He is 7-7 with 4.08 ERA. The only guy that gives me concern is Kyle Davies. He is been pitching for 3 years and has not found consistency yet.
By Chuck James is solid!! (Formerly Steve-O)
June 29, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
It’s so pathetic and shallow to talk down and criticize other people on an Atlanta Braves blog…..Lew is a good dude who is a dedicated fan. Not to mention he makes consistent RELEVANT and SOLID posts. You guys act like 5th graders sometimes teaming up on somebody. Everybody grow up and stop with the personal attacks, seriously. Lets talk Braves baseball and stop insulting people. GROW UP!!!
By Stankonia
June 29, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
Statler & Waldorf, and Caveman22, Golly Geez, something smells rotten things have gotten pretty awful when one of the multiple identity bloggers starts stealing the blog name of another multiple identity blogger that whole thing between caveman22 and statler did not really happen blog identity theft don’t mind multiple personalities so much but not identity theft but can an antagonist cry when his name set up to be an antagonist is stolen by another antagonist oh crap, now I sound like jimmy smith crying about identity theft as if anyone wants to be a crazy old man with no sense and without a coherent thought wait, which journalist was I speaking of? all one and the same blogger anyway, ain’t they? am i over thinking this? maybe I am i am starting to sound like a gilmore girl. or is it felicity? or a swimmer in dawson’s creek? sometimes i think savannah guy would have made an awesome dawson he is so thoughtful but yet so glib and vapid all at the same time rumor is he even fancies making Spielberg movies where he hunts down Private Ryan
By caveman22
June 29, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
See what I mean, give Lew a little “chin music” and he wants to take his diaper and go home.
and btw, who the hell is this “Stupid and Whatever” bloggin As$clown. Go cut your teeth on someone you can handle cuz I’ll send you home to mama cryin!!
By Ron
June 29, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
The important thing is we won the game!!! I dont care who leads off, who plays 1st, or who plays 2nd!!! I have no problem with James not finishing 7 innings, because that is what I expect out of him this year!!! Maybe next year he will go 8 innings!!! Lets give him another year before we bash on him for not going longer in games!!! I like Johnson and he had a good game tonight, but if Escobar keeps hittin good against Lefies then lets let him play against lefties!!! I dont give a sh!t who plays where as long as we win the damn games!!! Now if we start losing again on a consistent basis, then lets find out who needs to play where, but for the moment IF it takes 3 Platoons to win games then FINE WITH ME!!!
By N8
June 29, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
Lew
Settle down there Beavis, YOU’RE the one about to blow a gasket. :-)
Here is my 9:22 post in it’s ENTIRETY.
“Not chime a bell that I haven’t rung 100 times. But, while Chuck has done a fine jobe tonight, his pitchcount of 92 through 6 IP, is still a little high, for my likings. An 8-1 game, is the PERFECT game for a guy like Chuck to give the bullpen a night off. But it looks like that isn’t gonna happen tonight, with 3 innings to go. If he could be just slightly more efficiant, he’ll make a fine #3 starter. But until that point comes, he has to be concidered 5th starter quality (4th at best). Because IMO, your 1-2-3 guys in the rotation, can get into the 8th inning more often than they don’t. Especially in blowouts. Not complaining really. Just pointing out, why I feel the way I do about Chuck, even though he’s kept us in the last bunch of games he’s started. Call me hard to please if you want, but I expect more.”
Very well put, if I don’t say so myself. VERY to the point, polite and NOT REALLY complaining, or griping. I actually count 3 spots in that post, where I COMPLIMENTED him. If you don’t agree with the point I’m making, you are entitled to do so. Just as I am entitled to COMPLIMENT HIM ON A WELL PITCHED GAME, yet “wish” he was capable of going further in it, while being more efficient.
Face facts. You like to argue and ridicule others as much as I like to complain.
But just so you know that I don’t wish “ill-will” upon you, I’ll commend you on your post earlier today, since you seem to respond better to compliments than not, I bet you shake and roll over when offered a snack too, don’t you?
Anyhow, here it goes, “all together now”…..
THAT WAS ONE HELLUVA POST EARLIER TODAY, LEW…..GOOD JOB!
By geauxbraves2000
June 29, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
Nice win tonight and an awesome job by Mr James.
Nite all.
Geaux Braves!!
By FSU Brave
June 29, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
Let’s trade Edgar since his contract is about to balloon before running out next year. Plus Escobar in at SS and get us a top flight starter!
By caveman22
June 29, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
the 22 stands for how many I can take in the poop shute in one bathroom session.
By Statler & Waldorf
June 29, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
At least two names have been stolen tonight….. Statler & Waldorf and Caveman22….. Identity theft is a bannable offense….. See you ….. well, I guess, I won’t after tonight… too bad, too sad… we smoked you out….. Imagine getting banned for stealing a name that the guy who claimed it first does not care about?…. What kind of loser would get banned for stealing the name from someone who does not care if you steal it?….. Imagine the shock of the retarded thief when the true possessor and first claimant of the fake identity reports the identity theft of his fake identity so that the identity thief of the fake identity can be banned….. A Set Up worthy of Newman and Redford….. Thanks all for playing, that should get rid of the pest for a few weeks…… See Savannah Guy, if you weren’t so naive, you could have known you were playing along….. a special thanks and shoutout to Grinch, N8, Savannah Guy, Lew, Bob Journalist, Jimmy Smith, Caveman22, Serbok, Wayne, Robert, MBATL - all members of O’Brien’s 11… The bugger is pretty persistent though… something tells me we will need a 12 and 13 before we are done with him the odiferous one…… now, back to your regularly scheduled programming…..
By meansonny
June 29, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
Nice sentiments, Ron.
Lame post nathan. You deserve a fastball at the chin (admiring your own posts???). Pretty pathetic.
I’m no shaun, but I’m pretty sure 92 pitches through 6 is pretty common for a #3 starter. Probably actually very good. Especially when it correlates to 1 run allowed (see Ron’s post again… It don’t matter how you get the W).
Let’s make it 5 in a row through the rotation.
Go Braves!!!
By Bobby Cocks
June 29, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this
Tommy Gregg was the Pete Orr of the 80’s and Pat Rockett was the Chris Woodward of the 70’s
By Bob, Journalist
June 29, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
Savannah, 10:06 is my birthday so I am compelled to applaud your post … well said … and correctly journalized!
However, I’ll bet there’s a lot more folks than you would believe keeping such stats.
This and that
We done good … found a vein but still searching the mother lode!
I know that Andruw and Brian have their supporters and their defenders … we all want them to do well … but methinks we’d be in first and with a cushion, had someone else been playing their positions throughout the season.
I know that there are those that can look at the stats and show that to seem right or wrong … but what they did and what they would have done are only distant kin … stats don’t tell the story.
A bad call by the ump can make a pitcher mad … and we go back, to back, to back … or it might cause him to regain his focus and retire 10 in a row … while, chances are, we would either praise or damn our hitters for the outcome.
Methinks the game’s all about contagion and them boys have been sick most of the time all year … that’s really all I’m saying.
Specific situations aside, Bobby knows that too, and it’s one of the main reasons why he’s a good manager, methinks.
Most everybody liked Brian’s swing and approach at the plate last year, I know I did, and said so too … but when looking at his career performance, minors included, this year looks more typical than does last.
I’ve been a Braves supporter since first seeing them in 1946 … Holmes and Sain are all I remember from that game … been a Bobby Cox Fan since the late 70’s.
However, I usually disagreed with his strategies, primarily because I didn’t think that much about the manager unless things were going poorly and I could point to a reason why we lost … in other words, I could figure out how we could have won … and adopted that as what I would have done. My record was always a lot better than Bobby’s, even during the streak!
He had some strong words on the Bobby Cox show tonight, at least I so thought … said we might just look up and find ourselves in First Place at the Break … of course, that was before the Mets’ sweep, but still, it sounded more like 10 Paul than Bobby Cox to me.
I seriously doubt that they will make the drastic changes in leadership and direction that I would like to see … but, when I’m pondering and not just throwing it out there, the difficulty is so doing is obvious as is the rationale for not.
The only difference between them and us is that that get paid for supporting the Braves and we pay for the privilege!
This is one of the few places where I’m in favor of equal pay for equal work … but I’d settle for straighter answers to the questions that are asked and begged!
By Lew
June 29, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
Nathan-I suppose I should retire now that I’ve had one good post. Don’t you wish you had one?
By rocketman
June 29, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
If BC spent half as much time rewarding players who demonstrated fundamental baseball as who is in a hot streak we would not have these silly polls. Instead, we simply regurgitate the same stuff since 1991. Who cares who bats leadoff? Renteria is a great number 2 hitter but, aside from Chipper, the rest of the team has no clue about situational hitting and are held to no standard. Kelly Johnson was doing a great job in the number one hole, taking lots of pitches, drawing walks, and doing the things that knock a starter out one inning earlier. This game is not that hard to figure out.
By Steve
June 29, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this
Here is the line up that we need to have:
Harris LF Johnson 2B Renteria SS C. Jones 3B Francour RF Mccann C Salty 1B A. Jones C
Actually I would prefer Harris to play center and bat Diaz after Mccann with
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this
Meansonny, don’t be too critical of Nathan … methinks he’s probably a bit like like me … it sometimes seems like I’m the only one who appreciates my best work!
I’d bet dollars to KKs that I’m not alone in so feeling.
By chrisklob
June 30, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
This blog SUCKS tonight. And no, I won’t blame it on Stinny. I’m glad he provided us with a clean slate. Actually, on second thought, I’m not glad. Between the identity theft, home-erotic nonsense, and general bickering between some of the regulars I can say that reading this blog on this evening has been a pretty lame experience and if we’d been stuck with a three day old blog probably a bunch of the idiots would have gone trolling elsewhere.
N8 and Lew, you both have good points which are well researched and well written. It doesn’t mean you’re right. There are very few absolute truths in this game. Get used to not being right ALL THE TIME. Respect the fact that someone else can have a different opinion that’s not WRONG because it’s not yours.
This blog is potentially an awesome space to exchange ideas. Yes, we may get the occasional idiot. Yes, we may get the occasional identity thief. We may even get a visit from an infrequent pervert. Whatever. Let’s learn to respect the opinions of our fellow bloggers.
Get over yourselves people, it’s only a blog.
By caveman22
June 30, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this
** to whoever has posted in my name. I have just sent all documentation to the AJC and have made copies. I hope you realize that even though you may have changed your email address when you changed the name you will still be tracked by the account that you logged into the AJC site with and the IP address of where you logged in from.
While I do not care about bloggers who want to take me on with a verbal joust, it really is stupid to try and post with other peoples names. You are a loser and you have already been caught so — “Say goodnight Gracie!!!”**
By meansonny
June 30, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this
I know this is a little simplistic and there are many factors involved.
But the Braves are 2-6 when Chipper Jones is batting clean-up this season.
I prefer swapping McCann and Andruw with the lefty / righty thing as of now.
If Frenchy’s bat heats up for another 3-4 games, then put him in there in lieu of Andruw.
Not to jinx it, but Huddy’s done real well against the Fins. I’d love to go into Sunday against Dontrelle up 2-0 in the series.
By N8
June 30, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this
meansonny
“Lame post nathan. You deserve a fastball at the chin (admiring your own posts???). Pretty pathetic.”
You guys wouldn’t no sarcasm if it jumped out and sh!t on your head, would you? 1st of all, I wasn’t “admiring my own post”, I was pointing out that, it was more complimentary to Chuck’s performance, than negative. Lew just chooses to cling on to the negative sides of my posts, so he can b!tch about it.
He hasn’t been the same, since Jack Lemon through the fish in the back seat of his car.
Lew
“Nathan-I suppose I should retire now that I’ve had one good post. Don’t you wish you had one?”
Keep going Lew. It clarifies everything. Are you a fan of the Cindy Lauper song “True Colors”?
Anyhow, yours are shining through. So keep on hating.
By Jared
June 30, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson gave a nice, big ol’ middle finger to the dimwits who prefer the light hitting (10 total homers in around 900 minor league at-bats), two week (but still nothing really special) wonder that is Yunel Escobar.
By fastasballs
June 30, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
Another thing I have noticed during the recent blowouts is the killer instinct of the hitters. Ealier in the year when they would jump out in front, many of the hitters went into “homer” mode & little to nothing was added to the lead.
The past two games we have seen hitters taking their walks, going to other way, moving runners up & generally playing the game the way it should be, even when winning by 8 plus runs.
Earlier in the year every other hitter was trying to yank one out, even while playing in pitcher’s parks such as Florida. Why the sudden change?
I’m trying not to get too optimistic about the past four games, but lots of positives coming from pitchers, hitters & coaches. Maybe the Smoltz/Chipper media Biotch session fired the team up a bit.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this
Would someone with my email, please so do … and tell me what has transpired during the evening … sounds rather intriguing, maybe gruesome … anybody get hurt? I was in and out, never really got through it all!
Thanks!
By N8
June 30, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this
Jared
Uh…..didn’t Yunel have 4 hits last night? If I’m not mistaken, it’s his SECOND 4 hit game, (KJ has only one in his entire career).
Sorry to break it to you, but KJ’s performance, along with Yunel’s last night, is doing NOTHING but back up Bobby’s “under the radar” installation of a platoon at 2B. Not much different than the results of the Diaz/Harris platoon in LF.
Platoons are kinda lame, in the theory that by not having 8 guys that can handle everyday play, you can’t stock your bench with typical “bench type” players. IE: a pinch running specialist, a backup catcher, a VERY GOOD clutch pinch hitter, etc…
However, if we end up with 3 platoon’s (LF, 2B, 1B), that means that in a worst case scenario, on a nightly basis, we will have 3 guys on the bench that DO get regular playing time, so they are fresh, if nothing else.
As it stands right now, in LF, 2B, and 1B, we DON’T have anybody cabple of playing everyday at a high level. KJ has “cooled” against lefties (not saying he can’t hit them, or won’s….but lately he HASN’T). Diaz, IMO is the one that actually COULD play everyday, since he has shown that he hits righties as well as he does lefties, but how can you deny what Harris has done against RHP? Salty more than likely, if he doesn’t get traded, will be the everyday 1B next year. Until then, don’t expect Bobby to hand the job over to him. Especially since Thorman seems to hit RHP well enough, for Salty to NOT get a chance to show that he can too. Plus, Salty still has to spell McCann occasionally behind the plate, so it’s not like he won’t be getting AB’s.
Barring any trades (that could/would change everything), I see 3 full-fledged platoons for the rest of the season, and really have no problem with it.
Go ahead Lew, point out the negatives. I know you can’t help it…..it’s who you are.
By meansonny
June 30, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this
Jared,
I recognize that players should want to play everyday. But they should want to win for the team more.
Why do fans need to make it like KJ hates the fans who like the whole team. Or he hates those who like to see other players also succeed?
Why are so many bloggers down on using a platoon? We’re still not 100% positive that this is a regular platoon at 2B. But if it is, then why not have 2 quality hitters at the plate get their at-bats. Especially when they (and most players) tend to do better facing pitchers throwing to them.
By meansonny
June 30, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this
Fastasballs,
Good post. Sometimes I think getting blown up by the Twins showed a lot of the players how to make adjustments in between at bats. And sometimes in between pitches.
I definitely like how the whole team appears to be using the whole field (minus Andruw)
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 30, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this
Happy birthday Bob, Hope you have many more…
By N8
June 30, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this
Not sure anybody cares about this, but I found it interesting.
http://nmsn.foxsports.com/other/story/6975592?MSNHPHMA
By Wayne in Utah
June 30, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this
Lew and N8
Lew is right. Nate, even when you try to tell someone they did a good job, you turn around and kick them in the rear (Chuck James and his performance tonight).
I once knew a business owner who was 83, and his 60ish son ran the day to day operation of the business. Dad just could never seem to give him a compliment, without pointing out something that wasn’t quite perfect.
Lew and others here (myself included) enjoy SOME of your posts, but we sure grow tired of your nit picking every little thing. Thank goodness BC is our manager, and not you. We would be nowhere close to competing in the division, as everybody would be talking about you behind your back.
Lighten up dude, it’s a game. We WILL have more ups and downs along the way. Our team is pretty OK right now. Yes last week hurt, but tomorrow is another day.
So, let Bobby Cox manage the team, and just sit back and enjoy being a fan.
Yeah, yeah, I know. That’s what the blog is for, to be critical of the team if it suits your purpose.
When guys like yourself and Robert are not so danged negative, you are much more pleasant to converse with.
So, please don’t write back and tell me what a “dumb old fart” I am, cause I already know that. It’s all good, just enjoy the ride!
By Jared
June 30, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this
N8,
Uhh….so what? Yunel Escobar will have more multiple hit games. Big deal. He swings at everything, it’s to be expected. He can’t take many walks. Johnson leads the team in walks and will always be a better power hitter and high-OBP guy than Escobar.
Escobar’s best value is getting the Braves a solid third starter, like Matt Morris. I’d bet money Escobar ain’t a Brave come the first day of August.
By Kentavo
June 30, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this
NOTE TO THOMAS STINSON: You don’t write three paragraphs for a blog and then never check in again. That’s not the way it’s done, son. DOB has set the standard. You have to check in during the game and aftrer. Let it be a lesson to you.
By Kentavo
June 30, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this
NOTE TO THOMAS STINSON: You don’t write three paragraphs for a blog and then never check in again. That’s not the way it’s done, son. DOB has set the standard. You have to check in during the game and after. Let it be a lesson to you.
By Wayne in Utah
June 30, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this
Trade Rumor
I can’t even remember where I read it a couple of days ago, but somone was talking about the Astros, and they stated that a team like the Braves might be interested in picking up Mark Loretta from them for the stretch run. He wouldn’t cost us anything more than what Wickman cost last year, I would guess. Dude is a stud hitter.
If we did pick him up, then Escobar could be dealt for a starter (Buehrle, Morris, Lowry, Jennings, Blanton, Guthrie, etc)
Any one of those guys makes us a lot better. Besides, I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Lillibridge up later on this summer to help out, if Escobar were dealt.
I personally like Escobar and would like to see us keep him, but I am also a realist, and I think BC/JS would trade him in a heartbeat if they had somebody else capable of spelling Johnson or coming in for Chipper if needed.
Whaddya think?
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 30, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this
Of all the scenarios that have been thrown about in the past several weeks, I believe the call up of Bryan Pena and the demotion of Pete Orr would have the most benificial effect on the Braves ability to use Saltalamachia, I think Bobby is somewhat hesitant to use both McCann and Salty at the same time.
I would suggest demoting Woodward but Orr is the one with options left. I do think the Braves will add to their bench strength before the trading deadline.
On another note, even though Richmond is leading their division in the International League, they only had one player selected for their All Star team. That was Manny Acosta, a reliever I informed the blog about in April.
By caveman22
June 30, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this
JUST A COMMENT FOR THE PHONY POSTER, I HAVE RECEIVED A REPLY FROM THE INTERNET DEPT OF THE AJC AND THEY ARE GOING TO BE INVESTIGATING TO SEE WHO POSTED THOSE REMARKS.
I WOULD CERTAINLY HOPE ALL OF THE POSTERS ON THIS BLOG WOULD BE BEHIND ME ON THIS ISSUE.
POSTING REMARKS IN SOMEBODY ELSE’S NAME IS ONE OF THE MOST SERIOUS OF OFFENSES YOU CAN MAKE ON A BLOG.
By N8
June 30, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this
Jared
“Yunel Escobar will have more multiple hit games. Big deal. He swings at everything, it’s to be expected. He can’t take many walks. Johnson leads the team in walks and will always be a better power hitter and high-OBP guy than Escobar”
KJ in 2007:
“273 AB’s, 74 Hits for a .271 Average, 13 Doubles, 6 Triples, 8 HR’s, 37 RBI, 44 BB, 60 K’s, .373 OBP, .451 SLG.”
Escobar in 2007:
“82 AB’s, 25 Hits for a .305 Average, 6 Doubles, 0 Triples, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4 BB’s, 13 K’s, .345 OBP, .415 SLG.”
Now since KJ has had more AB’s we need to “prorate” Yunel’s numbers by multiplying them times 3.329, which gives us:
“83 Hits, 19 Doubles, 0 Triples, 3 HR, 20 RBI, 13 BB’s, 30 K’s”
So YES, KJ has “more power”. However, he is only slightly ahead of Yunel, in OBP and SLG. While KJ has MANY more BB’s per AB, he also K’s twice as much, so pick your poison. The strikeout hitter is ALWAYS gonna be more proned to have a prolonged slump, IMO.
That’s not even getting into the fact that Escobar is superior to KJ, defensively, IMO (but more suited for SS or 3B).
KJ (against RHP): Has 6 of his 8 HR, and 24 of his 37 RBI (.275, .381, .467)
Yunel (against LHP): Has 5 of his 6 RBI to go with (.318, .362, .409).
Solution…..keep the platoon. It’s as plain as the Diaz/Harris platoon. I feel like I’ve typed that already.
Kelly surely doesn’t deserve to be yanked from his starting spot, if Andruw doesn’t. But ladies and gentleman, that’s the difference between making 14.5 million, and the league minimum. Management can jerk your chain, if your the low man on the totem pole. REGARDLESS of performance.
Sad….but true.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 2:08 AM | Link to this
Never try to be what you’re not … the truth will find you out!
I was in Munchen one October for the Fest … with a good friend that had just arrived from the states … and having received top marks from the Herren Sprachschule, wanted to test his craft by pretending to be ein Deutscher.
I took him to a nice restaurant and, immediately upon being seated, he loudly asked with an excellent Bavarian accent, “Bist du kalt?” Shocked and dazed, he looked up from the floor, and heard her tart reply … “Nein, bist du heiSS?
It’s always best to be yourself … and as an aside, if you’re ever in Germany in the wintertime, remember as I told him, it’s much safer to introduce yourself with “Ist es Ihnen Kalt?”
That’s a literally true story that happened to my friend and me in October, 1964.
By A-ville Ranger
June 30, 2007 2:21 AM | Link to this
cavedude as a libertarian I doubt you have a case unless you have a trademark or there’s a case of liable.Neither of which seems likely.To be clear I wouldn’t post using somebody elses handle if for no other reason than I prefer to be somewhat my own man.I’m sure there is irony or punditry in that last sentence but it’s too late to grapple with it.
By N8
June 30, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist
That’s a frickin GREAT story.
I’m sure it would be even better if I spoke German.
By caveman22
June 30, 2007 2:56 AM | Link to this
AVILLE
So you don’t care if someone uses your name to post derogatory comments about you or other bloggers. Saying that you are gay and like to receive anal sex, or how about they use you name and start attacking others. I do have a “trademark” so to speak-as do you and all other bloggers who have been using their names for a long time. Don’t start defending, read the agreement the AJC has about blogging. This is a clear violation and they have already responded to me that I am correct. How would you like it if I used your name and started making slanderous remarks about yourself or others. Right- you wouldn’t like it either. And it’s not too late. What kind of attitude is that, they can and will be banned. You can put money on it.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 2:59 AM | Link to this
Thanks Nathan … now, I don’t speak German either, but I too find it funny … in fact, I like a lot of my stuff … that’s now … but back then, I did and if memory serves,
My friend had just come from the Army Language School out in Monterey and I took him to Munich to the October Fest.
Trying to pretend he was a German, he asked the waitress “Are you Cold?” … she slapped him hard, he fell out of his seat and to the floor, more in shock than hurt. She replied “No, are you hot?”
This was a top drawer, 5 Star establishment and in 1964, it was unseemly, if not insulting, for a stranger to use the informal, familiar “du” form of address, even to the waitress … but that isn’t the point … he should have used the indirect form “Is it cold to you?”
What my friend had really asked her was “Are you frigid?” and she returned the favor with “No, are you in heat?”
I’m sure that has probably happened many many times over the years … and since it makes for a good story, I’m sure they have spawned some bawdy humor.
While it’s a kind of “you need to have been there” story … it seemed to fit the moment.
By N8
June 30, 2007 3:18 AM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist
That IS a good story. Sometimes the languages don’t translate well, even if you get the words right.
I took 2 years of French in HS (don’t ask), and my teacher the first year, told a story of how when she was a foreign exchange student in France, she was having dinner with her host family. The proceeded to ask her if she wanted more to eat, and she responded that she was “full” (in french of course). She then told of them “gasping” and seeming very uncomfortable.
As it turns out the term “full” in France means pregnant. So while she said what she wanted to say, as it turns out the “slang” of different countries can surely confuse each culture.
Sorry to bore you with a story that’s not even mine, but it applies.
Good night all.
By Caleb
June 30, 2007 3:33 AM | Link to this
We complain alot about the back of the rotation problems, but it could be worse. Look at the phillies. Their starter in the first game today (Durbin) gave up 6 runs in 4 2/3 innings and his era actually dropped by 72.5 runs, from 94.5 to 21.93!!! I’d say Davies and Carlyle look pretty good in comparison, lol.
By TheSouthernJackAss
June 30, 2007 3:34 AM | Link to this
Well I gave you A$sClowns nearly an entire month sans my presence…and I see there has been no improvement in the character, or content, of this here blog…rather a bit of deterioration is evident…thus, I just as well return…variety is the spice of life…
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 3:39 AM | Link to this
Caveman22, regarding your 1:50 … I tend to agree!
Simple banishment is totally ineffective because of dynamic addressing and 54,276 other reasons so it will take a change in Internet Regulations to effect appropriate punishment on agenda driven violations … but there are simple things that the AJC could do that would eliminate Identity Theft … like Andruw, they could, if only they would! Like Andruw and Jeff, they too feel that they know best. Things have improved and they seem to be making a greater effort than was once the case.
Saying that I tend to agree is an inside joke … I became so concerned over the issue that many posts were penned … letters sent to the AJC, and a plea that any and all that read the blogs who had influence with either the AJC and/or the Braves Organization get involved!
Ultimately, I left the Blog in order to bring attention to the problem!
Perhaps it’s time to again so do … not leave in protest but to beseech those of influence to get involved … the AJC and the Braves should take care of their own … that’s what we are!
Let folks show their credentials if they’re going to post!
It’s not high noon, I don’t know if they’ll let us shoot them … but it is high time we rid ourselves of the bad guys … pursue it with vigor my friend … if you’ve got the tar, I’ll provide the poll … and we’ll find the feathers!
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 4:04 AM | Link to this
We know they’re all trying … but, one for 11 and 7 strikeouts in the cleanup positions … my oh my … what a shame … don’t have to name them to guess who they are
Enough has been said about them already … all that aside, you have to like the kid but if he’s deserving of the overweight jokes, what kind of a personal hitting coach does this Brian fellow really have?
When I turned 50, I was still saying Yes Sir to mine, with feeling!
Oh, the good life …
By Serbok
June 30, 2007 4:07 AM | Link to this
caveman22 Did I miss something on AVILLE’S 2:21 post? I sorta took it as he agrees with you(us) I musta missed something~ tho I have read it twice. Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasnt he just pointing out that it is difficult to To have the “offending” party his/her just rewards for the libel that was perpetrated? Maybe I am stepping into something that’s not my business.but then again maybe not? Just a touch confused here~ If you have read any of my posts, I shouted long ago, that it is cowardly to use multiple “monikers” unless of course it is done for comedic input. WAYNE I still think KJ is better trade bait than Escobar, :o) I feel that IF there is a trade~ It should only involve KJ and Thorman, plus a possible unheralded minor league prospect. Escobar has much more upside than KJ as far as him being much more diverse of a player than KJ. Just my opinion of course. I have said it b4 and continue to feel that the braves should stand “pat” Lew’s post today gave me even more reason to feel that way. I Think the back end of our rotation is being given more Crip than they deserve! If the braves start to hit like they did last year, our pitching will be fine! BTW **LEW thanx for doin the research on how the brave’s have performed this year:o) Just not my “cup of tea” to research like that. Your research Does justify my feelings though:o) Caveman, I noticed you quit posting for quite some time there for awhile? Is that maybe the reason I do not understand the posts between you and AVILLE?
“”KEEP ON ROCKIN IN THE FREE WORLD!”
By dmurph03
June 30, 2007 4:08 AM | Link to this
In 35 career starts (that’s 1 full season) Chuck James is 18-11 with a 3.85 ERA, only 204 hits in over 217 innings pitched. Is he really a bad #3? Those numbers could make him a #2 on most MLB teams. Don’t knock him yet, he’s still very young.
By parks
June 30, 2007 4:16 AM | Link to this
dmurph03 shhhhhhhh! you can’t say that. Every other team has a better #3.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 4:17 AM | Link to this
Most Honorable Southern, it’s nice to see you’re alive and kicking! I know that I’m old and forgetful, but it was getting where I had to double check just to make sure I was in the right place … so many new names and even a few new people too.
However, I must admit that I never fully appreciated the deftness of timing sense … until now, you’re indeed a multi-talented blogger!
By So Cal Brave
June 30, 2007 4:20 AM | Link to this
* I need my DO’B*
By Bill
June 30, 2007 4:48 AM | Link to this
Why is everyone down on old Stinney? He’s a good writer. Does anyone remember when he was the Braves Beat Writer? Jump in Stinney and show us. I have said from the start, to get a good pitcher, you have to give something good up. Renteria is my favorite but he has alot of trade value. Right now there’s no market for a proven SS. James did great but he is not consistent. He’s still young and hopefully will get better as time goes by. Right now he’s a 4 or 5 starter. He needs to develope another pitch since he’s, what is called a soft tosser.
By caveman22
June 30, 2007 4:54 AM | Link to this
serbok
I quit posting for a while because I have been in the process of starting a new website related biz and it has been taking up much of my computer time. I have continued to read and make the occasional post but I am not into the “moan and groan” about losing and player talent. As a former minor leaguer, and I mean VERY MINOR - like rookie league short season teams, I am just on a different perspective when it comes to the ups and downs of a season. As far as Aville’s post - I am just not the type of person to let someone get away with that. I have enough fire in the oven to take Losers that would Fake ID post to task, and by saying that it is too late to do anything is wrong. You can tell by the ID login who it is and by identifying the person by name or email address and posting name that they normally use, we should be able to deter those in the future.
Now you know me, I love a good sparring session, whether it be Shaun’s accountants view of stats or just trading smack with SJA, you know it’s all good b/c it’s always straight up. If you let this crap slide then eventually you wont have a blog you’ll just have a bunch of dickheads posting crap under anybody’s name they choose.
And besides, my posting style is my own and I don’t want others either trying to take advantage of it or try to do damage with it. That’s the bottom line.
By Caleb
June 30, 2007 5:50 AM | Link to this
Bill, not that having another pitch wouldn’t make him better, but I don’t think James developing another pitch is necessary. I can think of plenty of pitchers (Glavine comes to mind with his changeup) that lived with ONE great pitch. I just think James (and Davies) needs pitching experience, which will come. People just need to be patient with him, like in the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s with Smoltz and Glavine. Look at feliz hernandez with the mariners. He’s got INCREDIBLE stuff, but he’s still inconsistent because he’s so young. James is 25 (several years older), but he hasn’t been pitching in the big leagues very long, just about a full season. He just needs time and experience, especially around pitching veterans like Smoltz.
As soon as Greg Maddux retires from pitching, I think the Braves should do everything they can to hire him as their pitching coach. Every team he’s been on admits he’s pretty much their 1A pitching coach already. He was amazing with all the pitchers the Braves had when he was with them and look how Peavy and Young are now with him in San Diego. They both, Peavy especially, give Maddux a ton of credit for improvements they’ve made this year, and he’s only been with them for 1/2 a year so far. He’s not called the Professor for nothing. That man knows pitching.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 6:22 AM | Link to this
ChrisKolb, I went to school with a Billy Kolb … 50-55 years ago.
Some good points as always … and while I understand share the feeling, I do have a problem with it’s only a blog.
Methinks that the fact that it is a blog, one with which so many identify, adds to the importance and significance of your other comments.
Wayne, I have much greater difficulty in spelling Escobar than Johnson but that may be because I’ve known more people named Johnson.
Methinks both bring something special to the table, it they can continue to develop and resolve the team’s identity, it won’t be long before we have an offensive machine of nothing but “youngsters” … personally, I’d like to see it happen!
Me thinks we could now put together a lineup that might just have a collective .300+ average come season’s end!
By berigan
June 30, 2007 6:45 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, Did you follow the winning plan? No watching of the game, no blogging during the game even? I wasn’t going to sleep during part of the game, but once again, it was not up to me…so I slept, only to wake to a 8-1 Braves lead! It’s Kismet or something…
Since I didn’t see a post at all by you here, I’d say you missed the game. We must go the extra mile for the team! Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead!!!!
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 6:52 AM | Link to this
Caleb, you’re close … As soon as Greg Maddux retires from pitching, I think the Braves should do everything they can to hire him as their hitting coach … adding, of course, a qualified hitting instructor.
The Maddog has a wealth of knowledge relating to understanding the hitter, recognizing his weaknesses and exploiting them. What better qualifications could you want? … plus he would not fall into the trap of trying to impose his hitting style on the hitter who has the raw talent … plus again he has a pretty good idea of the pitcher’s thinking too, making him well suited to develop the offensive game plan.
Have no fear, like my syntax … I think backwards relative to most folks and while your idea will receive serious attention … mine will only provide some comical relief … conventional wisdom, I think it’s called.
By berigan
June 30, 2007 7:01 AM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist, Have a problem with spelling Yunel’s last name eh? Heres the solution! Think of gasoline, + candy! Esso-bar! Now, you just need to remember one letter to spell his name, c! I really should be a bureaucrat…
By ncscoots
June 30, 2007 7:09 AM | Link to this
dmurph, yes, those are fine career numbers for 35 starts, though CJ had better results the first 17 than the last. Unknown last year, the book written this year.
As far as his efficiency goes, he faces a dilemma. With only a mediocre fastball and a changeup, he can’t afford to always be around the stike zone. He gets tattooed if he is. He depends on deception to get swings out of the strike zone, and if hitters lay off, his count is going to go up. He’s not yet at the point where he can always make those off-the-plate pitches look good enough to initiate a swing (or conversely, just bad enough to take a strike). That’s not a knock on his ability, just his experience level.
He may get better at that, and develop the ability to refine his location. Or he might develop a better breaking ball. Or both. But, for now, 6-inning 95-pitch efforts might be the best that can be hoped for, and he’s probably going to be in and out of trouble in those starts more often than not.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 7:12 AM | Link to this
Berigan, the key is to tape the games and only watch those we win!
It may not be the winning plan … but it reduces frustration, builds your confidence in the team, saves time, and, remembering only those games, you’re always on a winning streak!
By berigan
June 30, 2007 7:22 AM | Link to this
Ah, so the key is to tape the games and only watch those we win??? Isn’t that the K.C. plan? I imagine he saved many a Mike Hampton game to re-watch as well! ;)
By Kerrb
June 30, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this
We can’t trade Escobar. He is our best backup to Chipper, and Lord knows we will need him often from now on. Personally, I would play Yunel at second against lefties and spell Edgar and Chipper with him to keep them rested. That way you keep his bat in the lineup as often as possible. Play Salty at first and to rest McCann and use Thorman as left-handed power off the bench and late inning defense.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 7:39 AM | Link to this
Ramblings from an old wreck …
Methinks we need to make using the term “homer” a “delete post” offense! We want line drives with power, hit where they ain’t … not fly balls, a few of which just happen to leave the field of play.
And, if the outfield is playing deep, methinks it’s probably better to hit it short anyway.
All this statistical based, informed conventional wisdom, opinion … supporting the importance of home runs and various manufactured stats represents little more than realized self-fulfilling prophecy associated with most, if not all, teams following the same basic approach (i.e. conventional wisdom).
If most of the better teams follow the same approach then the statistics that are relevant to successful play under that approach will directionally reflect the success of the teams.
That doesn’t mean that conventional wisdom is correct and indeed, there is strong evidence to support the fact the bar can be significantly raised in all aspects of the game; few if any of which, are associated with the ability to hit fly balls, regardless of how far.
Is conventional wisdom right or wrong?
Well, such wisdom says give us bats that shatter, becoming lethal weapons, because it adds to fan excitement and makes more money for bat manufacturers … and that overrides safety.
I’m just saying that perhaps the believability quotient of conventional wisdom is too high … experience is the world’s greatest teacher but also the world’s greatest inhibitor!
Line drives leave the field of play too, and when they don’t, they have a better chance for success than the fly ball, especially if hit where they ain’t. Connected, controlled swings on a more level plane results in fewer strikeouts too.
Most of the time, when you make an out you’ve been bested … methinks it’s better to concentrate on doing the besting than leave it to chance or do things that help your opponent best you.
Time to break the fast, a little coffee too … hot tub …
Wouldn’t be bad to get a complete game from Mr. Tim!
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this
Berigan, I do c but my bigger problem is with his first … keep wanting to put an “r” in there and make it Yurnel! Of course, to compensate, I guess I could think of what u r2 and re-move the second “r” from bureaucrat since I had already moved it.
No, I’m not tired …
Later!
By berigan
June 30, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this
an interesting article about arm burnout from pitching deep into October…. [http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=2919034&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab5pos1]
By Braveheart
June 30, 2007 8:03 AM | Link to this
Magic Number is 88!
By berigan
June 30, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this
Braveheart lives! Must have had an more exciting night than watching a braves game could produce! ;)
trying the link thing again, there are other ways of getting a link on a blog that are more user friendly, but gotta use what they let you here…
[October workload can take a toll on arms]http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=2919034&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab5pos1)
By berigan
June 30, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this
Oh fudge! Only he didn’t say fudge!!!! http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=2919034&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab5pos1
By Mets rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
When no-arm Hudson loses tonight and your 5 games in back of the Amazins then I think we can agree this race is almost over!!! Hahahahaahaha! Only the Fatlanta Braves could go on a tiny little win streak and still fall further behind…maybe if some of your team weren’t such lardos you could keep up. Hahahahaha! ROTFL.
By Stuart
June 30, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
I am still a KJ fan. I think he has enough power to hit down in the order in an RBI position. He is a great tandum with Frenchy’s free swinging ways. I like him where he is right now in the order. He did a great job in the leadoff spot. He can do a great job in a RBI position. For all the crud we have had to endure on offesne, it IS nice to have guys who are versitile and can hit all over the order and have a chance to produce. I think KJ can do that. I also think eventually KJ will be back in LF if the braves keep Salty, Lilibridge, and Escobar for the long haul.
By chipdip
June 30, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
Bring up lemmy kilmiester…..UP THE IRONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!MOTORHEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Nelson
June 30, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
Yunel is the perfect guy to give breaks to Chipper and Renteria, there is no need to trade nobody, simply move Andrew to 7th hitter and keep him there forever!
By Mets rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Bad news for you, Delgado is heating up, looks like he may be coming out of his slump a lot faster than Fatdrew. Let’s go Mets! Just think you have to root for us today because that is youre only hope for staying in 2 place - hahahaha. Come on everyone, it will feel good - Let’s go Mets! Let’s go Mets! Let’s go Mets!
By Jim
June 30, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
For those of you complaining about Chuck James ONLY pitching 6 2/3 innings last night and saying we should expect more from our number 3 starter, perhaps we should go out and get one we’d pay 28 million dolars pro-rated to give us 5 or 6 innings per outing. Johnson was the top vote-getting pitcher in the rookie of the year balloting last year and he made 94 pitches in 4 innings. Hamels has been the ace of the Phillies staff this year, but on a night when they really needed him, his pitch count was close to 80 pitches after 4 innings (and he’s giving up HRs at a higher rate than Chuck James). Glavine rarely gives you more than 6 innings and he’s the nominal ace of the Mets staff. There have been few nights when you get more than 7 innings out of Smoltz and Hudson this year and many more nights when you get less. Chuck James is just completing his first full season in the major leagues. He may not be Felix Hernandez or Justin Verlander, but when you compare his accomplishments with that of his peers (the other first and second year pitchers), there aren’t many that have accomplished more than he has during that stretch.
By Braveheart
June 30, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
4-0 Berigan.
By journalist jimmy smith
June 30, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
bloggers blog here and sometimes let emotions take over and get the best of bloggers. bloggers compete for tee shirt slogan glory and sometimes become too impassioned. all the while bloggers ignore the truly important things going on in the world around us. there has been a carving from a 700-pound block of cheddar cheese into a replica of Mount Rushmore! imagine this! imagine the journalists this carving will attract! why is one journalist off today? oh, the possibilities! with anne cox chambers’ pocketbook dob could buy this cheese carving. canned ham and cheese!!
By Jim
June 30, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
The tone became so negative and vitriolic during the bad stretch last week that I had to stop reading the blogs. After scoring 25 runs over the past 2 games, the tone is still weighted toward the negative.
Even when we’re scoring 12 runs in a game that Orrwood is not starting, there is a preoccupation with these 2 players. They are the 24th and 25th players on the roster. With the emergence of Salty and Yunel, their role is diminished. If we cut either or both, the players that replace them will not be much better, and in any case will be less than marginal in determining the outcome of the season. One of the consequences of the diminishing payroll is that there is little money to pay the last two players on the roster. It makes sense to substitute Orr with Pena, but in the larger scheme of things it won’t make much difference one way or the other. With a bench of Yunel/Kelly, Diaz/Harris, and Thorman/Salty, we actually have a better bench than we’ve had for the last couple of years. Even the Mets and Yankees are complaining about the bottom of their benches. We should not obsess too much about Orrwood.
Nitpicking about the manager’s decisions is what baseball blogs are all about, but Bobby Cox deserves credit for some of the things he has done well. Despite the worries of N8 and others, Bobby has managed the bullpen very well this year, and none of the pitchers has been overused.
While it is fun to suggest creative lineups that can put the best offensive players on the field, the game is more usually won with pitching and defense. KJ spent the winter learning 2B and he is doing a decent job of playing that position. He was signed as a shortstop and moved to 3b and LF in the minors. He did not show himself to be anything more than an adequate LF when first called up and was often replaced in the late innings for defensive purposes. Given his elbow surgery and his arm strength, he could not play RF and would not be a good defensive LFer. He is now a 2B man and is working hard to become a good one. Francouer is a good RFer with a great arm. He is a much better RFer tha he would be as a CFer.
By JasonInMaine
June 30, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist
Did you see my post to you on the previous blog?
Regards,
Jason
By ssiscribe
June 30, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
Good win last night, or so it seems. I was out with friends, but four in a row is four in a row.
Man, y’all leave Stinson alone. He’s a damn fine baseball writer and has been at the AJC for a long time. Good writer, much better than Guy.
Let’s go get two more, then reconvene with DOB on the Left Coast and try to build some momentum before the All-Star break. Like I’ve said before, this road trip is crucial. Do well on it, and not only will the Braves gain ground on the Dodgers and Padres in the wild-card race, they also will be right there with the Mets in the East, with that big, long homestand against the Pirates, Reds and Cards awaitin’ after the break.
This is the time to play well. Forget what happened with interleague play, folks. Now is the time to start winning, and the Braves are doing just that.
Soul Man, been away from the blog for a few days. When did you work in Moultrie? I worked on the coast for a few years, and around Atlanta for quite a while. Put the —30— at the end as a tribute to those scribes who came before me. Out of the business now so I can spend more time with family.
Later on, denizens. The Scribe abides.
—30—
By tyyosh
June 30, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
The 25th man is more important than he looks in the NL, because of today’s larger bullpens and also late inning pinch-hitting, IMHO. I would guess we would find at least a handful of games that flip on whether that person gets a hit or productive out in late or extra innings.
If you can make only one change, I would vote for Pena up, Orr down. Pena is a switch-hitter for one, and also, as most everyone knows, that would free up Bobby to make lots more late inning moves without running out of catchers.
By Jimbo
June 30, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
This team is not as much fun to watch when Salty, Yunel and Willie are not all in the lineup.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
June 30, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
Matt Morris would be a solid pickup for the rotation IF we didn’t have to get up Salty or Escobar. He’s a little older, but he’s under contract through 2008. Thoughts?
By Jim
June 30, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
Pena for Orr makes sense, but I don’t think it should dominate the discussion on the blog. I heard the anouncer on one of the games 2 weeks ago say that Orr was 5 — 18 in pinch hitting situations. His average has probably gone down a bit since then, that average is not terrible. Pena gives more flexibility and seems like an upgrade, but that move is fairly minor in the larger scheme of things. We have 3 better options off the bench before we get to Orrwood, and Orr’s greatest value is as a late-inning pinch runner. Bobby manages in a way to try to go all out to win the game in regulation and, if that doesn’t happen, he leaves himself short on the bench in extra innings.
Perhaps the biggest impediment to swapping Orr for Pena on the roster is that by demoting Orr to Richmond, it would displace the incumbent 2B man there by the name of Jonathon Schuerholz and his 180 average.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
June 30, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
give not get
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
June 30, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
Found this on mlbtraderumors. I know it’s not always a reliable site, but I thought it was worth posting.
Matt Morris is officially on the market, as he should be. He’s over his head with a 3.39 ERA, but remains a solid, veteran innings eater with over 70 innings of playoff experience. Morris will make another $5MM this year, $9.5MM in ‘08, and $2MM signing bonus due at the end of his contract. He’s also got a $9MM club option for ‘09 with a $1MM buyout attached. Giants GM Brian Sabean has always been a buyer at the trade deadline, acquiring players like Jason Schmidt, Kenny Lofton, Sidney Ponson, and Randy Winn. Getting a decent prospect for Morris will be a new situation for Sabean.
What do you think? Is Morris for 2 1/2 years worth Escobar? I think perhaps he is, given his track record. Or would you do a Diory Hernandez and Matt Harrison instead? Thoughts?
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
June 30, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
I was reading mlbtraderumors.com and they were mentioning potential pitchers who could be traded for at the trade deadline. Matt Morris’ name came up but so did the name of Jason Jennings. Now, here is a trade proposal I think could work.
The Braves send Edgar Renteria and a prospect (perhaps Matt Esquivel) to the Astros for Jason Jennings and Mark Lorretta. Now, yes, Jennings has had some injuries issues but lets be honest. Any pitcher that is going to be on the trade market this year is either hurt, have been hurt, or is prone to inconsistency. I also understand that by trading Renteria that we are getting rid of our second best all around hitter. But, hear me out on this.
If we don’t make a trade for a starter, this team isn’t going to the playoffs. It is that simple. Now, if they trade for Jennings and he gets hurt or doesn’t perform up to par, then its really a wash. To me this deal could be low risk and high reward. Jennings is an excellent pitcher who is a #3 pitcher at best. He doesn’t have a contract that the Braves would be saddled with since he is a free agent after this season. With Lorretta the Braves get a proven veteran who would greatly improve our bench and serve as insuracne for Chipper since Renteria leaving would mean that Escobar will be playing SS everyday.
The trade would also not cost the Braves any extra money since what Jennings and Lorreta are owed the rest of the season is about the same amount that Edgar is owed. And, of course the Braves would have that extra money this winter.
Now, yes this would basically be a trade for two rent-a-players since I assume that Jennings would get a nice pay increase on the open market during free agency. However, in my opinion, this trade could put the Braves over the top. A rotation of Smoltz, Hudson, Jennings, James, and Davies/Carlye sounds fairly good to me and better than anything the Mets or Phillies can put together.
I do also like Matt Morris but the only problem with him is that he makes more money this year than Jennings and he has another year on his contract, which would mean the Braves would be saddled with his contract next season and would either have to pay him or find a trade for him, which could be difficult if he tanked down the stretch this year.
Any thoughts?
By Journalist Jibberish Smithereens
June 30, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
OW!
By fastasballs
June 30, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
Morris would be a decent addition to the rotation, although I still believe if the offense performs as a whole the Braves are fine with what they have.
The money Morris will make next season is cheap in terms of starters anymore. I say keep what we have & improve the bench. Unless JS can get Morris for a deal I wouldn’t do it. He’s not worth a frontline prospect IMO.
The keys to the staff are Hudson & Davies. If Hudson pitches to expectations & Davies exceeds them in the second half this team will make the playoffs. That is as long as Smoltz stays healthy.
I believe we are seeing the bats heat up with the weather. This was always common during the 14 year run. Of course the pitching was better back then, but in the same respect this offense is better than the ones those teams had for the most part.
The bullpen is a great strength for this team, even without Gonzo. Yates, Moylan, Oscar & others have exceeded expectations.
If they can sweep the Fish & go 4-3 on the road trip before the break, their chances are greatly improved for making the playoffs. After the break they play a lot of sub .500 teams & should get on a roll with them.
It will still come down to the month of Sept. To the Braves advantage the Dodgers, D-Backs & Padres will be playing each other most of the month so they will kill each other off. I don’t think the Phils can survive with their bulpen, it is close to what we had last season.
By berigan
June 30, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Robert (Justice Is The Best), at first I thought your trade proposal was crazy, but the more I think about it, the more I like it! Edgar has been THE man this year, but he is a first half hitter, correct? His trade value will never be higher than it is right now….Loretta is a hitting machine, and would be the guy off the bench, and would start a few times a week around the horn I’d imagine….makes too much sense to happen of course! ;)
By berigan
June 30, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
Another attack overseas it appears, a burning car crashed into a Scotland Airport terminal…it appears only those inside the burning car were injured. Scotland seems like a very strange choice….
By Kristi
June 30, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this
When Harris is playing, let him lead off, at least as long as he’s putting up these kind of numbers. When he’s not playing, leave KJ there. It’s a fair compromise. The real problem is Andruw in the #4 spot. Drop him to the #7 or #8 spot until he brings his average back up to something respectable.
http://mvn.com/mlb-braves
By Josh C
June 30, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
Since we’re talking half-wit trade proposals, brace yourself for the smartest thing you’ve heard all week: Renteria, straight up, for Maddux. The Pads ss and 3b are hitting .223 and .242 respectively.
Now THAT deal would scare some Mets, D-Backs, and Dodgers sh!tless…
By Paranoia Runs Amuk
June 30, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Haven’t actually posted in a couple of days now. It’s good to see that even though I haven’t posted, some paranoid regulars are accusing others of being me.
It give me a warm fuzzy feeling to know that even when I’m not here, I’m in your thoughts :o)
By Lew
June 30, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
Well-Overnight was interesting to say the least. Much negativity and several of our wilder brethern again decided that it was fun to be @$$holish. I suppose we should all be used to it by now. However, today is a new day and the day shift is here-usually a much cheerier crowd (and a few drooling Mets jerks). Now many of you realize that I am an artist (draw your own conclusions on how good I am) and several of you (Wurlitzer Winners as well as others) have been recipients of said artwork. Wayne in Utah, Scribe and Tennessee Paul can fill you in on their thoughts concerning said artwork. During Spring Training I was named the Official (or Officious, if you prefer) Artist of Wickman’s Warriors, Bob’s charity organization. I sent some work to the head of the charity before the Cleveland series and Bob signed said artwork. I have an extra Wickman portrait (signed by Wicky) The first blogger (other than previous winners) to email me at lewhartman@comcast.net will win said portrait. There is a catch. I need your REAL name, home address and your blogging name. The previous winners will assure you that I am discreet and will safeguard your identity and other information. That’s it y’all. I await emails.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
just a few hours until the mighty Amazin’s take apart the Phils again - which means you get to stay in 2 another day. Since you won’t get the game down there I will volunteer to keep you updated. Ready, whos with me? Let’s go Mets! Let’s go Mets! Let’s go Mets!
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
June 30, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
JoshC:
I like that proposal, but what about the salary implications? Maddux is making $10 million this year, while the Braves are on the hook for $4 million of Edgar’s $10 million contract (feel free to correc these numbers, I can’t find the exact ones). If the Braves can take on $6 million in salary, then I’d be okay with it. Move Escobar to SS, keep KJ at 2B, and platoon Salty with Thorman. I could live with that, as much as I like Renteria. The question is, could Liberty live with it, and would Mad Dog return?
If he did, I’d include a clause offering him the pitching coach position the minute he wants it.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
You know you guys just saw a bunch of really good teams and you got killed. What should that tell you? That you are not in top tier of teams like the Mets, Red Sox, Tigers, etc. A few people on here are saying you should trade guys like Rentawreck and that is probably smart - your not an elite team why not start trying like a 5 year plan or something? Bring up some young guys and sell off your old guys. Smoltz would look good in orange and blue and could be a solid #3 for us. You guys need to look to the future because today just isn’t your day.
By Jared
June 30, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
If you can get Matt Morris for Escobar, you do it in a heartbeat.
Problem is, the Giants can probably do better than Escobar for Morris. Some desperate team will probably give a lot for a relatively cheap, solid starter who wouldn’t just be a two month rental.
By Lew
June 30, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
We have a winner of the Wicky Wurlitzer. Matthew, the Father of Young Walter has won. The Wonder of Wicky will wend it’s way to Walter and his Dad later in the week.
By ernesto
June 30, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Edgar for Maddux? Are you insane? What’s the sky look like in 1996? Come on you won’t find a bigger Maddux fan breathing than I am, but Maddog’s at the end of a brilliant career, and wasn’t exactly lights out in the post season in his prime. Edgar has been the most consistent cog in our offense…what are you thinking?
And Matt Morris? I don’t know about Matt Morris, he’d be good but is he really worth, what? 11 million?
By mr baseball
June 30, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
I have a hard time comprehending why so many of you on here are so eager to trade a prime prospect or someone like Renteria for a highly paid, middle of the rotation starter who would represent, at best, a minimal improvement over what the Braves already have.
If Edgar is traded, there is absolutely no guarantee that Escobar is capable of being the everyday SS. He might be ready, but why create a potential problem area when you don’t need to. See the current situation at 1B. The Braves have 11 very nice players (not so sure about the CF at the moment) who give them 3 quality platoon situations and protection for an injury-plagued veteran and the .200-hitting CF. It would be nice to have a functional version of Craig Wilson, but it looks like the team will have to get by with Salty the only backup at C & 1B unless the GM wakes up and does something to earn his inflated salary.
If the 3-4-5 starters pitch approximately the same the second half as they have thus far, the Braves DO NOT need to bring in an overpriced veteran at the cost of an every day starter or an A-1 prospect. If Schuerholz can repeat last year’s Wickman deal, fine. Doubt any GM will be as dumb as Cleveland’s was.
There are plenty of James critics on this blog, but that says more about them than it does him. In 17 starts this season, he has pitched badly a grand total of twice. While he has infrequently made it past the 6th inning, he has kept the team in the game every time he’s pitched with 1 or 2 exceptions. And in his 7 losses, the Braves have backed him with the grand total of 6 runs.
If the bullpen was as lousy as its been the last few years, his inability to pitch deep into games might be a problem, but this season it’s not. The Braves now have 3 relievers capable of working multiple innings, and everybody in the bullpen at present is rested and productive. Continued criticism of Chucky reflects more on the lack of understanding of modern Major League Baseball by ther posters than it does on their intended target.
Davies has been inconsistent (Duh!) with 7 good starts and 7 lousy ones. There are a lot of pitchers making a whole lot more money with less ability than him doing the exact same thing. He is only going to get better, and any of you here who can’t see that need to find another sport to follow, because baseball is apparently beyond your grasp.
Carlyle has pitched well in 4 of his last 5 starts, and is showing no signs he needs to be replaced in the rotation. The Red Sox pounded him, but they’ve pounded plenty of much better pitchers.
Thanks to the Braves’ 2-8 record in the 10 games started by the 3 stiffs no longer with the team, the Braves are behind the Mets rather than being even with them. A month from now, if Davies regresses or Carlyle is getting consistently belted, maybe think about a trade, but now ain’t the time.
The major reason for the Braves’ recent struggles was an anemic offense. Not the pitching. That’s pretty evident. But it somehow managed to slip past a bunch of people here who think being a fan consists primarily of proposing stupid and unnecessary trades. I guess because they don’t have anything else of value to contribute here.
By Jared
June 30, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
Yeah, the Mets looked real good against the AL……
By Lew
June 30, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Let’s see now-The Braves played bad in June, but the Mets couldn’t pull away. The Braves have beaten the Mets 6 of 9 times. In June, The Mets were 3-16 in games in which their pitchers gave up more than two runs. It would probably be the better part of Wisdom (something certainly not associated with Mets fans), not to thump their chests too mightly on a Braves blog-especially with how bad the Mets have sucked recently. Oh, and did I mention that their team ERA rose by almost a run er game in June? Leave, Drool Boy, you’re getting the blog floor wet. Could it be your meager brains running out? Or just an overflow of gall?
By Silly Mets Fan
June 30, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
Lets see, Mets lost 2 of 3 to Detroit. Lost 2 of 3 to the Twins. Split with a Yankee team that is under .500. losing the last two of three they played. They also lost six of nine to an inferior Braves team.
Not a very impressive resume for the Mets. There are top tier teams like the Red Sox, Tigers and Angels. Unfortunately for Mets Drool, The Mets aren’t one of them.
Always helps to inject some fact into what is obviously insane blather from a silly Mets fan.
By journalist jimmy smith
June 30, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this
congratulations to walter - the real winner of the wicky wurlitzer. it shall be called walter’s wicky wurlitzer for walter. or something like that. lew is indeed a formidable artist as this journalist can attest. and yes, there does appear to be someone on the blog imposing someone’s self on the bloggers here. time will tell if this blogger can remain on the blog blogging with this blogger’s self throughout the day and night - or whether this blogger will self-destruct - again. and now, baseball … if willie harris won a wurlitzer would willie’s wurlitzer win favor with wicky who has wicky’s own wurlitzer? maybe that cheese monument would make a good wurlitzer study. must discuss this with lew.
By P-Town Brave
June 30, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
What about Escobar for Chris Young? I have heard much talk about the Pads forfeiting one of their top pitchers for a middle infield bat, and as much as I’d hate to give up Yunel, I’d probably do it for that type of arm.
Also, here would be my lineup for tonight, knowing who is going to be in the game:
1) Harris lf
2) Renteria ss
3) Johnson 2b
4) C Jones 3b
5) Francoeur rf
6) Saltalamacchia c
7) A Jones cf
8) Thorman 1b
Decided to give McCann the night off…needs it after going 0 for 6, but who am I kidding, this is BC we’re talkin about!! He won’t do it!
Whats everyone’s thoughts about my trade proposal…also, what are the thoughts about going after Vazquez for a lesser group of prospects?
By Lew
June 30, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
Esteemed Journalist-Is a cheese statue (or statuette? No? Too small a format?) really a good idea? It would have to be Wisconsin Cheddar, since that’s where he’s from, but, would that much cheese not be better utilized in feeding the Journalists of many cities? What? Not appetizing, you say? Oh, The Humanity!! We shall settle for pencil portraits, instead.
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
June 30, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
JJS:
Wow what wonderful working with w’s!
Alliteration, now we’re getting into preacher territory!
By Mets Rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
I’d be p** to if I was 4 games back, hahahahahahhaha! ROTFL. You better beat up on the Padres if you want to stay in the wild card hunt. Though it’s not like you care if you go to the playoffs anyway, the other team will put more fans in the stands than you will anyway. Lame.
By dmurph03
June 30, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
Mets Rule: “Smotlz…could be a solid #3 for us.” What? No one on your staff could hold his jock right now. He’s going for win #10 (for our inferior team) and his ERA is under 3.00 And btw, when we went through our horrific stretch we actually gained ground on the Mets because they sucked worse than we did. You guys righted your ship 3 days before we did but now we have come around too. It will be a battle ‘til the end and it would be beautiful to play the Mets in the playoffs. Forget the Sox and Tigers, we’d meet them in the WS. To get there we probably have to go through the Mets….how have we done against them this year? That’s right! We’ve handled them pretty easily…Do they not have a Mets blog somewhere? I don’t mind intelligent posts from mets fans who like to debate but I couldn’t allow saying ‘Smoltz would be a good #3 on the Mets staff’ go without telling you that you are misguided in that statement.
By P-Town Brave
June 30, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Dude, you’re a Met fan…why don’t you go do like Moises Alou and all your Mets do and just p** on your hands to pass the time
By Savannah Guy
June 30, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Well, last night’s blog was a case in social studies. Psyco-babble, ID theft, homoeroticism, bathroom crudeness…the whole tostada. Or is that magilla? Nine yards’ll do. I’m glad I took the night off from the weirdness. Is it true, that if a vampire knocks on your door and you don’t invite them in, they can still come in but can’t bite you? What if you just ignored the vampire? Would he get mad and just drool? Would he laugh uncontrollably? I wonder…
By Mets Rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Look it’s not my fault you guys sucks I’m just pointing it out. You guys could have hired Omar but you didn’t. you could have gotten a class manager like Randolph instead of booger Bobby but you didn’t. did you see the reports yesterday about the doulbe header in Philly? The Amazin’s put more fans in the seats in Philly than you rubes do for a home game. Even your own players say it sucks. Hahahahahaha. Second rate city. second rate team. Second rate fans. What do you guys prefer…the Atlanta Bills ro the Buffalo Braves? Biggest chokers ever.
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
June 30, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
Ernesto:
I don’t necessarily want to trade Escobar, and I most assuredly don’t want to trade Renteria. But if we desire another starter, it will cost us something and we don’t have momey to throw at Kenny Williams and the White Sox for any of their pitchers. Maddux is 7-4 with a 3.66 ERA and has pitched a little over 6 innings per start average. This would put him at the #3 spot in our rotation (Smoltz is 9-4, with a 2.98 ERA and Hudson is 7-5 with a 3.29 ERA). The price is high, I agree, but if we do need another starter, and Maddux was obtainable, then I don’t see it as completely unreasonable.
As to Morris, I listed his numbers earlier. 7-4 with a 3.25 ERA in 108 innings (16 starts: almost 7 innings per start). He also would fit the Braves’ need for a number 3 starter and would be under our control through 2009 (if we exercise the 2009 option in his deal). With the market so high for starters, Morris would be a decent buy if it didn’t cost any more than Escobar or, preferably, a package with one of D. Hernandez/Lillibridge/Prado and one of Harrison/Devine/Boyer.
These are not unreasonable. I wouldn’t trade for Maddux because of the salary implications, but would offer Hernandez and Boyer for Matt Morris. The point is that you get what you pay for-we cannot offer Woodward, Orr, and Thorman for Johan Santana and Joe Nathan and expect to get them. That only works on Nintendo 64.
By jb
June 30, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Well said, Mr. Baseball. I like Escobar at SS, but agree that he hasn’t shown yet he can do it everyday. Besides, Renteria is the only consistant in the line up (Chipper’s been on the DL and his track record makes it likely he be there again.) Escobar also shouldn’t be traded due to the fact he can play 3B, 2B, and SS. Without him your looking at Orr and Woodward. I do not think Lillebridge is ready yet.
For everyone wanting to sit Andruw. In this and the next 2ballparks and with Fly ball out pitching James in, his defense is way too important. If you want to bench him, it would be better in a smaller park and Hudson on the mound.Would have liked to see him hitting 7th, however. If Harris is in, KJ is probably the best option at cleanup. Leave Chipper in the 3 spot! With the right handed part of the platoon in, Escobar leads off and Diaz or Salty in the cleanup spot. Renteria could hit clean up, but I like him in the second spot.
By Lew
June 30, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
DMURPH-Intelligent posts from a Mets’ fan? Isn’t that an oxymoron-or just a moron? Play the Mets in the playoffs? You kidding, with Sosa and the rest of their joke rotation, they’re lucky if they don’t end up third in the division behind the Braves and Phillies. 3-16 in June when their pitchers give up more than 2 runs. Pretty damned pathetic. Oh well, they are NYer’s. Didn’t they invent Hutzpah?
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
Jason In Maine, sorry not to have so mentioned … I did and received an a confirming email “Thanks for this information and we will be praying for all of them. Love, Lynda”
Regards,
Bob
Apologies to anyone else saying nice things to or about me, to whom I might have failed to respond, including … if memory serves … the guy from Savannah!
Lew, now that’s downright unfair … you purposely waited ‘til I was asleep! I would have stayed awake for that … anything free … I’ll bet it would bring Big Bucks on EBay!
Besides, preachers are like presidents and aren’t allowed to to accept presents, unless you’re a member of his flock … and after me saying all those nice things about you on the previous Blog too … just for that, I’m going to go back to bed!
By Coach (BRINGING THE WRECKING BALL)
June 30, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Robert (Justice is the best) , Renteria has been the Braves best and most consistent offensive contributer all season. Trading him would cripple the offense. Morris is to expensive (9.5 million this season) unless the Braves could get the Giants to eat the vast majority of his contract. I would trade Davies and a minor league prospect for him if that scenario were to happen. Houston just got Jennings before this season and it’s highly unlikely they would part with him so soon. Yea , I have all but given up on Davies. The kid is a walking head case and after seven seasons in the Braves organization he has shown almost ZERO ability when it comes to consistently performing as a pitcher.
By Mr. J
June 30, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
I’m not burning to make a trade for it’s own sake, and I’m not trying to minimize Edgar’s performance, but he’s probably the best trade piece we have if we expect to receive immediate help in return. Think about it,its all the things we like about Renteria that will make him valuable in a trade. Any team that has a need at short or third would love to have him. But we’re deep in the infield, so he doesn’t fit into our long range plans anyway. If a team makes an offer for him, we need to at least listen carefully.
By JasonInMaine
June 30, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
By Mets Rule. You drool
“Biggest chokers ever.” Well, the Mets can’t have that claim to fame because to choke means to have been successful at one point or another. So, where were you and the rest of the Mets fans when we were “choking”? Oh, yeah; that’s right! You were either in the Bronx with your Yankees gear or home on your coach watching the only team in professional sports history make the postseason 14 years in a row. It is amazing to me that a team without a championship in the last 20+ years, one division title, and two playoff appearances can talk trash to a team that all organizations strive to be like.
Bobby = HOF JS = HOF
Willie = ??? Omar = Pretty darn good
Trust me, we are envious of neither your team nor your leadership.
Regards,
Jason
By Lew
June 30, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist-You’re a member of the Wurlitzer Selection Committee and are therefor ineligible. You’ll have to content yourself with that Vermont Maple Syrup. It’ll keep you awake in that hot tub.
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
June 30, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist:
It wasn’t for me, it was for Walter. He’s too young to have his own e-mail address…
Besides, you shouldn’t be pickin’ on us Southern preachers. We get enough of that from our congregations!
By JasonInMaine
June 30, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist
Again, all I can do is offer our sincerest gratitude and thanks. Please be sure to pass it along.
Regards,
Jason
By Matthew, Dad to Walter
June 30, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
Jason in Maine:
I just caught up on the blog and saw your prayer request. My heart goes out to you and your family, and rest assured my chruch and I both will be praying for you and yours.
By A-ville Ranger
June 30, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
Caveman22 I hadn’t seen the post you mention when I made my comments.I still havn’t seen them so I’ll just say that it’s not cool if accurate.The thing is I’m guessing your mother didn’t name you caveman.If I’m wrong you have my sympathy
By JasonInMaine
June 30, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Matthew, Dad to Walter
Thank you very much. We are praying for one of God’s miracles. The preliminary findings say that is is a pancoast tumor. We are hoping for a different diagnosis when we see the pulmonologist on Monday. Again, we thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers.
Regards,
Jason
By Gil in Mechanicsville
June 30, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
It is strange no one mentioned the fact that Florida used a utility outfielder (Jason Wood) last night to pitch to the Braves in the top of the ninth. The results was three fly ball outs on pitches in the 76 to 81 MPH range.
Proof that when you go up there thinking I’m going to hit one out on this guy the results is often dismal. The Braves batters got themselves out. While it is nice to have a guy who can throw 95mph. It is more important to have a guy who can pitch….
On Escobar vs Renteria….. Escobar is a terrific shortstop but I think he is much older than the 24 listed on his entry papers. In the meantime let Oscar continue to be Oscar. He brings much more to the club than his glove.
Congratulations Matthew….. I was too late to even make an attempt at the art work as my chores around the homestead do not get done while I am on line and the grass could wait no longer this morning.
The day shift does appear to be a bit more civil than the evening shift. The drooler’s post are simply skipped. I have learned that trolls often give up if they are ignored.
By Savannah Guy
June 30, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
JasonInMaine If you can find a way to send me your email address I’ll send you a miracle story you should read. For all of the obvious reasons, I prefer to not make my email or name public, but perhaps if you contact the IT folks at AJC they can work it out. Or post yours if you want.
By Coach (BRINGING THE WRECKING BALL)
June 30, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
To understand all the trade talk concerning Salty and Escobar , you must first consider this. There are wants and then there are needs. These two players would still be playing in the minors except for the fact that the Braves NEEDED them to fill spots on the roster because of the failure of players like Wilson and Aybar. You do not trade a NEED for something that is wanted , such as more pitching. It’s just defeating the all around purpose of improving the team for the future. Unless the Braves suddenly show a massive improvement between now and July 31st I doubt that we will see John Schuerholz making any major trades. It’s more likely he will continue making small trades to try and tweak this team for next season.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Lew, now how you’d have that lame excuse?! However, I do agree that it’s hard to sleep with that stuff in the tub!
Jason, we most certainly are envious … at least I am … imagine how nice it would be, were we able to be able to find enrichment and self improvement opportunities on your opponent’s Fan Blogs … you’ve got to be envious of that! No wonder he keeps returning … just thinking about it almost makes me drool.
By JasonInMaine
June 30, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
Savannah Guy,
I will post my non-work e-mail. I can me reached at jason.d.langley@gmail.com.
Regards,
Jason
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
Lew, that wasn’t a typo … foxfire interrupted the transmission and then restarted, leaving out “did I know” … but, when I go back, it’s still there.
Jason, yours does contain a typo … when I changed some ewes to wes, I missed deleting the ‘y’ from your … apologies!
By Double Deuce
June 30, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
Man, some guys can’t win for losin. What else should we expect out of James? He pitches into the 7th, gets two hits and does just what we need him to do. Sure, it would be great if he had a complete game three hit shutout, and struck out about 10, but given the fact that most of us are hoping for 5 or 6 good innings out of him, give him some credit. He is not Johann Santana.
As for overusing the bullpen, most relievers like to work. Yates hasn’t pitched in so long I know he needed, and probably appreciated, the work. He wasn’t very sharp either so that tells me he sat too long. On the other hand Ledezma’s been out there plenty since we got him…maybe we should spread it around a little better.
By Salty
June 30, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
If anyone knows this, please fill me in: why would the MLBPA have any say whatsoever about a contract a player is willing to negotiate and sign? Apparently that could happen with Buehrle. Utter nonsense.
By Savannah Guy
June 30, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
JasoninMaine: Done. You should have my email now.
By Jared
June 30, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
More pitching IS a need, Ecbobar is not. This team’s chances to make the playoffs are more dependent on another solid starter than an unneeded utility infielder who will be on the bench over half the time. Renteria is here until the end of the 2008 season, and by then better SS prospects than Escobar like Lillibridge and Elvis Andrus will be ready.
And can we please stop putting Saltalamacchia and Escobar in the same sentence like they’re equally good future players? It’s not even really close. Saltalamacchia will be great and Escobar will be average.
By A-ville Ranger
June 30, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
By Lew
June 30, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Now Journalist Bob-Of course I meant that the sugar level in the Maple Syrup would give you a burst of energy. If you’re actually soaking in it-well…..I suppose I’ve heard of stranger things, but it Sounds like a sticky situation to me. To each their own. Or, in deference to Scoots-Chacun a son gout.
By David O'Brien
June 30, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Hey folks, no reason to harsh Stinny’s mellow. The man filled in for Carroll at last minute on this trip, and he wrote a typically fine game story and notebook. Stinbone is the man, a great writer and former Braves beat man. It’s just that he just did this gig before the Braves/MIB monster was created, and isn’t familiar with the workings of the denizens and the 24-hour cycle of this here corner of the blog-o-sphere. He posted and gave you a new canvas to compose or spew on. So chill.
I’ll be in LA, San Diego and the All-Star game in San Francisco. Flying to LA tomorrow, in fact.
And by the way, I’ve got the new litmus test for women on first date in my neck of the woods: If they love the cheap, delicious Cuban food at Havana Sandwich Shop on Buford Highway, then they laugh hysterically through their first viewing of The Big Lebowski, well, they have massive potential.
Yours truly was so fortunate as to meet someone of that ilk, and the world seems like a better place today.
“The Dude abides. I don’t know about you, but I take comfort in that. It’s good knowin’ he’s out there, the Dude, takin’ her easy for all us sinners. Shoosh. I sure hope he makes the finals. Well, that about does her, wraps her all up. Things seem to’ve worked out pretty good for the Dude and Walter, and it was a purty good story, dontcha think? Made me laugh to beat the band … parts, anyway.”
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
When David O’B first mentioned Stinny, I thought he had lost his mind and turned things over to Stinky … thank goodness it turned to be my error and not his!
First dates of that ilk should not be last dates, methinks.
Savannah, it just takes three to tango … seems the conduit network is ever increasing … what with Lew and David and Grinch and Jersey Gil and Jason and maybe Walter’s dad and more … it’s now rather easy to connect with just about anyone you want.
By Double Deuce
June 30, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Salty Not sure if there is a legal precedent, but the MLBPA has an interest in all contracts to insure the standards they have reached are not compromised. Alex Rodriguez would not be allowed to sign for Major League minimum just to play with his team of choice, for example. It would hurt the contracts of future MLB players, and the MLBPA wants to avoid those situations. That’s my understanding, I’m sure there are others out there with a more definite view.
By Mets Rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Just as promised here is your Met update. Top of the first 3-0 and the Amazin’s aren’t done yet. Hahahahaha. At least you get to stay in 2 one more day.
By Mets Rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
5 back tomorrow. Oh no! It’s begining to slip awaaaaaaay! Maybe 8 or 9 back by the break, and then Pedro comes back and it is all over.
Hahahahhahahahahahahaha!
By Mets Rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Sosa on the mound today for the Amazins going for win number 7 and working on lowering an era of 3.5 or so. Not bad. Not bad at all. Just goes to show what a change of scenery can do for a guy.
By Mets Rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Sosa moes down the first 3 batters he faces. dominant!
How did you let these guys sweep you. Hahahahahahaha!
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
Salty, I don’t know the answer to your question but nonsense breeds nonsense as does greed and the lust for power. The notion that workers represented by personal agents, each with individually negotiated contracts, … have a union that controls the relationship with the employer is, within itself, outside the realm of reason … methinks!
Especially when it’s all being done without due regard for the best interest of the ones who are paying the bills … methinks it’s time we put a stop to all the nonsense! … that’s what methinks.
Maybe they have a clause that says that you can’t enter into a contract without their approval for fehr it might not be in the best interest of the union carpetbaggers.
By Lew
June 30, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Drooling Mets Fan-Dude, the only thing slipping away is what remains of your meager brain-if in fact you had one to begin with. Keep laughing like that and what I see in your future is not the playoffs, but men in white jackets taking you into custody. Laugh on, lunatic. If I were you, I’d avoid blogging under the nom de plume of Napoleon. They’ll just come for you all the quicker.
By Mets Rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Lew-ser. Don’t let me get you down, just pretend this is one of your home games where the other team has louder fans. ROTFL. Mets still up 3-0, but Phils have men on first and second.
By ElbravoX-- EbX
June 30, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
Why do you guys take the bait? These idiots want attention, and by replying, you abide. Go Phillies.
By fastasballs
June 30, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
Sosa looked great in the 2nd, didn’t he? Hanger, hanger, walk, hanger…..an all to familiar inning to Braves fans.
By bravesfan
June 30, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this
DOB you got the lineup yet?
By I'm a douchebag from New York
June 30, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
Look at Me! I’m a douchebag! My team just went 3-16 in June and I still talk smack! My team is from a very large city with a fan base that has watched it suck notoriously bad year in and year out since its inception but instead of being embarassed I’m on here laughing and laughing like a little schoolgirl because I can’t find anything better to do in a city of 15 million people than go to the blog of a city 1/3 of the size with the team that’s been RESPONSIBLE for spanking my team and exposing how bad it sucks on the national stage since before I was born! Pathetic and sad? You bet! But that doesn’t scare me off! By definition, being a New Yorker outside New York makes me friendless, like a monkey out of his monkey cage, but since nobody in NEW YORK even likes me (otherwise why would I be here or why wouldn’t more of them come with me?) I’ll just jump up and down like a little girl and prove to everyone that our reputation as useless, uneducated, knuckle-dragging morons with one good baseball team (except for this year) and one crappy one (mine), a crappy basketball team, two crappy football teams and alternating crappy hockey teams is absolutely deserved! HAHAHAHAHJAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Wait for it, wait for it, ROTFL! HAHAHAHAHA! My laugh is so high pitched because constantly breathing the unbreathable air up here has chemically castrated me, but who cares! ROTFL! I wouldn’t be able to breed anyway ‘cause I don’t know how! HAHAHAHA! Ain’t my team great? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA (Sqeeeeaaaalll!!!!!) HAHAHAHAHA!
By Savannah Guy
June 30, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
NEWSFLASH. GOT’CHER PREDICTIONS RIGHT HERE
BRAVOS PLAN ANOTHER FISH-FRY
Bravos: Hudson, 7-5, 3.29 ERA had a great last outing and looks to win his 8th if he gets a little run support. Since Kim can be pesky with that twisty-turvey delivery but with patience…we should wear him out and get crooked numbers. Huddy has a manly name, so he should win. Plus, he has tattoos. Is that manly? Plus, Huddy has no head hair. That will speed his follow-through to the plate. No friction or drag.
Fish: Kim goes 6 innings max since he labors after 85 pitches or so. Plus, he has a girl’s name. This does not bode well for a pitcher. Not sure if he has tattoos, but they would be canceled out by Huddy’s anyway. Kim is also disadvantaged by hair on head. It’s sure to slow him down. Adding to Kim’s disadvantage: he has probably not adapted physically from Colorado altitude and air to the below sea-level Miami heat and humidity. Well, if it ain’t the heat…it’s the Huddytity.
AND THE WINNER WILL BE… Bravos eat fried fish dinner tonight.
While we speak…up the road a bit:
MUTTS TAKE ON PHILTHIES
Mutts: Sosa 2-1 with a 3.79 ERA. His match up looks better on paper than his rookie Phils counterpart, but there is more. More beads. No, not sweat…beads around his neck. Are they big pearls? My guess is they are big, plastic, faux pearls. Pearls could slow him down. They could be his undoing tonight. The baseball experts will all be wrong on this game. The unknown deciding factor you ask? There will be slippage and slideage in center field due to an upwelling of ancient Dykstra tobacco spittage. They say the brown goo just rises up and forms an oily slick in center field. They say it looks like a hog wallow…a nasty pig playground. It happens occasionally before a full moon. Beltran and Gomez may have to tag team due to gooeyness out there. This will prove to be a major distraction.
Philthies: Rookie Happ, 4.02 ERA (in AAA) is scheduled to make his first ML start. This at first glance looks like a disadvantage, but the Mutts have not seen this Happ before. They may not even see him tonight if he throws hard enough. This rookie may bode well for the Phillies, since they will no longer be Happ-less.
AND THE WINNER WILL BE… Philthies beat Mutts due to pearls and swine.
.
By MBATL
June 30, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
Rosenthal picks his allstar team, and actually has Edgar starting at SS (‘course we know that won’t happen), but good to see Edgar get some props from a national writer.
He’s got Chipper as a reserve, and Smoltz as the only Braves’ pitcher. He notes McCann as a “notable exception” but that his nagging injuries have cost him a spot (can’t disagree there).
He selects only 3 Mets - Reyes (backing up Edgar), Beltran starting in CF; and Wagner.
HERE is the link.
By Mets Rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
What an idiot, if the Phils win your in 3rd tomorrow after you lose tonight. Nice math skills genius! Let’s go Mets!
By The Grinch
June 30, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
Savanna Guy, I always suspected Sosa was the kind of guy who enjoyed a good pearl necklace. :-)
By Lew
June 30, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Drooling Fool-You couldn’t get me down if you tried, no matter how many juvenile names you use (do you actually think you’re the first one to come up with that one?-you’re not even the first idiot Mets fan to use it). Whatever. Why don’t you and NoBrain Zone arrange a Mets’ circle jerk in the trash covered aisles of your dilapidated stadium? It’s more your speed than attempting intelligent conversation with your betters here in Braves’ land. We’re on a four game winning streak. Scored 25 runs the past two games. The Mets were 3-16 in June when your pitchers give up 2 or more runs. Yeah, I’d sure be proud enough of that accomplishment to come talk trash to Braves’ fans. The Mets had the perfect chance to gain ground on the Braves, but played so bad, you lost ground to us. Come back when you’ve had a brain transplant-maybe one that functions. Third place at the end of the season behind the Braves and Phillies. That’s where you’ll end up.
By Mets Rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
Tough talk pencil neck, You know if you didn’t have your little keyboard to hide behind you’d be as quiet as all you golf shirt wearing nancy boys at the Teddy. Nice name for a ballpark, named after woman’s underwear. Enjoy getting bounced around by a AAA team tonight.
By Lew
June 30, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
Elbravox-Because it’s a boring Saturday and it beats watching another Law and Order rerun. What should we do? Go watch the Mets’ game?
By Savannah Guy
June 30, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
DOB: Yepper, meeting a nice lady that likes Cuban food and laughs at The Big Lebowski cannot be anything but good. Maybe she’ll get your head out of the blog for a breath of fresh air. The big question: does she drink White Russians? That may be the true Lebowski test.
By Yars
June 30, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
DOB….good to have you back, man. Some of us were actually worried about you. Glad all is well in your world. I bet you anything there are some bloggers here who do have The Dude’s lifestyle. Hanging out all day, loves to bowl, likes to drink White Russian’s, smokes herb, & loves classic rock, except for the Eagles.
By The Grinch
June 30, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
Ted Turner’s seen a lot more women’s underwear than you ever will (your families’ doesn’t count). Nobody’s hiding here; in case you haven’t noticed, dumb@$$, we’re ALL behind keyboards, including you. If you’re in the Atlanta area and wish do discuss this further, e-mail me at voton1066@yahoo.com. I don’t wear a golf shirt. If you were anything but a nancy boy yourself, though, you wouldn’t be here giggling like Nicole Ritchie, so I doubt you’d be interested in cashing your own check.
By Salty
June 30, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
Double Deuce Thanks for the feedback
Bob, Journalist …without their approval for fehr it might not be in the best interest… Nice touch!
By David O'Brien
June 30, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this
Bravesfan, I’m not in S. Fla. I’m catching up with the Bravoes in LA, doing the Dodgers & Padres series and the All-Star Game.
My lineup is cut the hedges (no electric hedge clippers, that’s cheating; gotta do it the old-fashioned way that leaves you with trembling forearms and a wasp bite or two when you’re done) and then mow the lawn, or what part of it’s not scorched from the drought (still green in the shade under my big oak and pine trees).
By the way, watching game on Fox (mets/phils) and keep seeing that All-Star Game commercial with all the superstars riding the trolley cars to the All-Star Game … including Andruw. Uh, have they not heard of using digital effects to change things a bit after the fact?
By The Grinch
June 30, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
Duty calls; I’ll be back by gametime. Cooking tuna steaks for supper, in the interests of metaphoric behavior. Y’all behave (I’ll be checking my e-mail when I get back, too).
By caveman22
June 30, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
DOB
I wonder if you are aware of the Fake ID posting that was going on last night?? I sent an email to your internet dept. and they responded, I’m wondering what can you do yourself about it??
I’m not going to harp on this anymore on this blog, but I would appreciate an answer from you to clarify for the offender what you can or will do about it.
By Savannah Guy
June 30, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
The Grinch whoa now…let’s not go there fair denizen. Sosa really IS wearing a pearl necklace, or pukka or whatever. The game’s on now and he should be pitching now unless his pearls already broke and there was a delay of game while the infield helped him dig’em out of the grass around the mound. No, they are real (or fake)pearls…no that, um…well…other kind. Never mind.
By DSGB
June 30, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
Hey Mets Fan did you hear that? It was Gorge Sosa’s hamstring popping! Hahahahaha
By bravesfan
June 30, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this
Here’s the lineup’s 1. W Harris, LF 2. E Renteria, SS
3. C Jones, 3B
4. A Jones, CF 5. B McCann, C 6. J Francoeur, RF 7. K Johnson, 2B 8. S Thorman, 1B 9. T Hudson, P
By HP
June 30, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
Mets Rule. You drool: Jorge Sosa with the hamstring. Most likely out for most of the season if not entire season. Now how do you feel? Hahahahahahaha!
By Todd A
June 30, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this
Kelly is a streaky hitter.Good to have Escobar in case he goes through another long dry spell.Play ‘em both.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this
DSGB, Who is Gorge Sosa? Regardless, “hamstring popping! Hahahahaha” is without possible justification … boorish and beneath contempt!
For his own sake, can’t we get Mess Rule for fishing without a license, being out without his keeper or sometinng … that was intended to be funny, but he does seriously need better qualified help and guidance than we can provide by playing along… I don’t care if he helps us appreciate the slower of the Met and Philly fans … stop making fun of him for “There but for the ” … he needs help.
By Todd A
June 30, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this
Uhhh…douchebag,you weren’t on here talking smack when your team was in the midst of the 4-16.Come back when you’ve got something interesting to share,which would be,well……never.
By Bob
June 30, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist,
As usual, the voice of reason.
By DSGB
June 30, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this
Bob, you remember Jorge Sosa, the same guy the mets fans were building up earlier today about his 3 something ERA and the same bum we released last year. I know it’s not advised to mess with the animals but I had to take a shot, sorry.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
Maybe Bobby doesn’t want to kill Santa and I like stability, but why keep the B-Team in the middle of the lineup?
Hopefully, they’ll surprise … even if they don’t, methinks Bobby will keep playing that card as long as we win in spite of them … conventional logic, you know … not that I’m totally agin’ it.
If you look closely at the tapes of Brian … even his last good one … he has a lunging loop in his swing, or so methinks. Andruw’s problem is above the neck, Brian’s may have spread to other regions … both can, let’s hope the will.
By HP
June 30, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this
Question: If a player is catching the ball in outfield near the fence and when he is catching the ball he falls on otherside of the fence and does catch the ball. Is the player batting out or not out? I though this could have happen today at the Phillis and Mets game when Aaron Rowand tried to catch Carlos Beltran homerun.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this
DSGB messing with the obnoxious of the Mets’ fans if just fine with me … it just seemed you came too close to laughing at Jorge’s misfortune rather than theirs … probably a misread on my part, apologies.
By DSGB
June 30, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
Bob, apology accepted. I have no problem with Sosa and I wouldn’t wish harm on any player. I liked him when he was here but I am somewhat spiteful that he is doing better in NY than he did for us towards the end of his stay.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
I still like Kelly leading off, followed by Willie, Edgar, Larry, Salty, Jeff, Matt, Brian …
I don’t know Tim’s record in Florida, but don’t like him pitching in high humidity … it affects him above the neck!
By Bob
June 30, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
Andruw is on a tear. A 4 game hitting streak!!!!
By WakeUp
June 30, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
HP - Now wait a minute, I thought according to Lew and you and everyone else, Sosa sucked. So how is losing him a big blow to the Mets? You can’t have it both ways…..either he sucks (in which case he isn’t a big loss) or he is a big loss (meaning he’s a good pitcher). And by the way, it’s a strained hammy, nothing more, according to reports. A couple weeks at most. And oh—Mets have won 7 of last 8 and have close to a 5 game lead over the Braves. And what exactly are you all puffing your chests out about? Oh, yeah—you beat the Nationals recently.
By OVERLORD
June 30, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
Its no secret im not an AJ fan but i have to admit there is some change, slight but better, still too many kkkkkk, but at least not as bad as last week
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
DSGB … Thanks, I don’t like pitchers who have no stuff … them what do are usually prone to injury because of torque … not the hammy … but, one of the most perplexing things is what turns a thrower with good stuff into a top drawer pitcher … a smile, a visual, instruction … a new girlfriend … feeling accepted by the team and fans … pressure … lack of pressure????
Not many with better stuff than JS … John Smoltz, Jorge Sosa, or Jreg Smaddox, methinks!
By OVERLORD
June 30, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this
Expect nothing out of tim tonight, he has nothing on the ball.
We better score lots of runs tonight also.
By OVERLORD
June 30, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
ill tell u what….. i really like kelly hitting 6 or 7, he is more relax, i dont se a problem on that
By Say What?
June 30, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
collapsing like a soggy seafood pastry
classic
By OVERLORD
June 30, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
This marlins pitcher looks like if had thrown 100 pitches already, i guess if we r patient we r gonna give him a rough time. we will score in the 4th, im pretty sure.
By April
June 30, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Last night I had a date with a real doofus. Took me out for Cuban sandwiches (cheapskate) and then to a dollar movie. I was so annoyed it was funny. I laughed like a hyena and the poor guy just thought I was having fun. Nice guy, but smelled of stale cheese and cheap cigars. Of course, after dating a complete jackass for awhile this guy probably wasn’t so bad. not really tall enough for my tastes but had some funny shoes on that helped some. I think he likes me.
By OVERLORD
June 30, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this
Muts are trying hard but we r gonna get them, things have changed………..i feel it in the air.
By OVERLORD
June 30, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
OK tim is doing better, get some runs boys.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
Bob, Reasonable Voice
As usual, “The Voice of Reason” … How dare you sir! I have never, I repeat never been “The Voice of Reason” on this Blog!
What are you trying to do … get me banned?
I admit, I do try to remain reasonable when others do not … but still!!
Reasonable Voice, I assure you, the poor boy is a green tenderfoot and doesn’t know what he’s talking about!
By journalist jimmy smith
June 30, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
“Not many with better stuff than JS … John Smoltz, Jorge Sosa, or Jreg Smaddox, methinks!”
jimmy smith.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
Hoisted … JS, gimme me petard back!
By OVERLORD
June 30, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
We have to, i repeat, we must give harris a contract right now, 2 or 3 years.
By Savannah Guy
June 30, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
Not to worry, Kim turns into a pumpkin in the 5th.
By Bob
June 30, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist,
Mea Culpa Sir.
By Say What?
June 30, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
We have to, i repeat, we must give harris a contract right now, 2 or 3 years.
yes, lifetime .250 hitting scrubs are so invaluable… give him derosa $$$$… sound investment… where art thou junior spivey?
By Assuming Too Much
June 30, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
Watching the game on TBS. I like how Joe Simpson commented earlier in the game that one run wouldn’t hold up with the way the Braves are swinging the bats. I hope the Braves score ten but the bats came alive and are just as capable of going cold again. That’s the MO of this team.
He also commented that the Tiger team that visited Atlanta was not the same team that was losing all those games this week. Joe, it’s the same team. They are probably going through a rough stretch but Atlanta helped make them look like a million bucks by not swinging the bats. The pitching wasn’t exactly top notch against the Tigers either.
By OVERLORD
June 30, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
say what im sorry to tell u that harris is one of the players with more heart in team, right there up with smoltz and edgar.
He has baseball in his blood, sometimes player dont do well till they get HOME, if not as edgar, as he did not feel ok in boston.
By Journalist Jibberish Smithereens
June 30, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
yet another incomprehensible posting… pass the pipe…
By ernesto
June 30, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
what is up with this O. 27 runs one night, zippo the next.
Way to pick yourself up Big Thor though. Now come on, let’s get some runs!!!!!!
By OVERLORD
June 30, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this
Tim is doing ok, cant expect pitchers to shutout teams everyday…… score runs.
By Last Night's Jackass
June 30, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this
April …
Stale cheese? I thought it was you …
And hey … those Cuban sandwiches were 8 bucks apiece … you call that cheap?
But I have to admit … I really do like you … I really, REALLY like you.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
Bob, it takes a good man to admit it when they’re wrong … just don’t let it happen again!
Where were you when Nathan needed help understanding my fake German?
I have such great respect for the stuff of Sir James that I didn’t have de gaulle to blame my having been accused of stealing The Voice Of Reason’s identity as being responsible for my oversight … that, or was I just being his shill?
Words of wisdom … chilli/onion/kraut dogs are good but shouldn’t be eaten while typing … almost as bad as maple syrup in the tub.
By Bob
June 30, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist,
Actually, ihre deutsch ist sehr gut. I must have missed your soiree with Sir N8. Haven’t seen German Braves Fan for a few days. I know he is headed to the Fatherland shortly to stock up on Franken Wein, good Bier and some of those wonderful Fraenkische Bratwurst.
By berigan
June 30, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
Did it seem that after Andruw’s last A.B., he looked as PO’ed as he has after an A.B.????
By Mets rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
Sorry had to go, but as you know, the Amazin’s crush the Phils yet again. To the Dr. Susse character, I’ll keep your she-mail address, and next time I’m down in Neck country I’ll be happy to give you a size 13 enema. Hahahahaha. What do you have Nicole Richie posters up in your house? What are 12? Nice. Even though you can’t beet a AAA team in Miami you get to be in 2 place again tonight. Your welcome.
By Bob, Rocket Scientist
June 30, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist …
Uh … just because you keep a diary (and, unsolicited, share your profound insights with hapless, hopeless, helpless bloggers) … doesn’t make you a Journalist.
… any more than being the guy with the lighter next Wednesday makes me a Rocket Scientist.
And your home planet would be …………….. ?
By Ray Kelsey
June 30, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
Wow. Even TBS is tilting its head in incredulity at Bobby’s risible devotion to the utterly inept Andruw Jones. Look, these anouncers have to be politically correct and keep their opinions at a simmer (they have to be or they might get kicked off the team plane again) They don’t have the clout of a Bob Costas who has the freedom to shoot from the hip (as he did on the air during the playoffs 5 years ago when he categorically stated that steroids was a problem in MLB.) Simpson just said “I don’t know how much longer Bobby can keep Andruw in the clean up spot.” It’s not exactly Deep Throat, but I applaud him for mentioning the pink elephant in center field. Hopefully Bobby tivo’d the game.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Anyone got the stones to predict the All-star team…how many Atlanta Bills vs. the amount of New York City Metropolitans? Seriously, every team gets one player who do you guys get? Larry? Smoltz? I think it’s got to be one of those guys because at least they were great.
Meanwhile, it’s kind of a disadvantage how many guys we’ve got going. Your whole team gets a rest, we have most of the team basicallly palying an extra game. AT least home field advantage is in our onw hands.
By Flushing Meadow Dreamin'
June 30, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
Yaaaah … you guy droooooooollll.
Tell ‘em, Mets rule. You duh man.
Whut a bunch of rednecks. We got all the talent. We got all the brains. We got all the stones.
Eeeeeeeehhhhhh … tell me again, Mr, why are we on this blog?
By MEB
June 30, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
Pinto is not a good name for a relief pitcher… brings to mind the Ford Pinto which was designed to crash and burn. YIKES!
GO BRAVES!!!
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
Thanks for compliment! With you guys here, I’ll defer to you … but having you so say makes me feel like jetzt, die erste Prufung ist noch vorbei!
It was my 2:06 AM post on this Blog to which Nate responded … and I reresponded and he …
My hotdogs were actually Brats, still one to go
By OVERLORD
June 30, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
tim is playing like he cares if we win, good sign. cant ask too much better than today.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
Hahahahahahhahahaha. See there are more Amazin’s fans on here than your own…it’s just like a home game at the Teddy. How’s taht taste?
ps. I know you are really a Braes fan jackass!
By Savannah Guy
June 30, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
Well denizens, summer’s here and now we see those little gnats are out again. They seem to have no real purpose in life other than suck a little, get in the eyes, nose and hair. Can’t think of any critter worse than a biting little gnat flittering around just aggravating everyone. Have they now swarmed into blogville too? Is there a spray that can be used? I never cease to be amazed at how some critters have such a pointless existence other than swoop in and bite. They come by many names. We call’em no-see’ems. There is only one way to get rid of them. Ignore. Drives them crazy.
By OVERLORD
June 30, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
say what
See what i mean????
By Gil In Mechanicsville
June 30, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
Gotta love Willie Harris, honest, I never saw that coming that he would play so well for the Braves.
By Bob
June 30, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this
Herr Journalist,
Good story. I can relate to it since I lived in Germany about 24 years, most of it in the Army. But the most important words, especially in the Weltstadt mit Herz, Muenchen is always “Noch ein Bier, bitte!
By Flushing Meadow Dreamin'
June 30, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
Drooler ….
Brilliant.
Freakin’ brilliant.
Do you really have to show proof of a lobotomy to get into Shea “Stadium”?
Please … you’re stinking up the blog.
Go.
By berigan
June 30, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
Methinks Mets drool will not stick around for long! ;)
By Mets rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Blue is really helping you guys out in Miami. You need 13 guys to beat a AAA team? Nice. We got robbed left and right in Philly and still could not be denide. I’m going to watch a Seinfeld, congrats you get to be 4 behind us…and you probably feel good about that…hwo’s that taste?
By Bob
June 30, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
Flushing Meadow Dreamin,
No proof required at Shea. Makes sense to me since they would have to open the gates 8 hours early to be able to conduct all the checks. Hell, it would look like the lines to get the Iphone.
By mr baseball
June 30, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
I’m sure there were lots of you here (Coach? Bob Journalist? other octogenarians?) who were imploring Cox to have Edgar bunt this inning. Or at the very least, “give himself up” by grounding out to 2nd base and advancing the runner. What we just witnessed is why you don’t have a hitter of Edgar’s caliber bunt in that situation, and why there are better alternatives than just advancing the runner.
All of you pinheads (good word even if O’Reilly has claimed it) who have been advocating trading Edgar need to step up and take responsibility for your unfortunate observations. The guy is an absolute first rate major leaguer and does not need to be going anywhere, except maybe the All-Star Game.
41-30 if you take away the 10 games started by Larry, Moe & Curly. The noted baseball afficianado Mark Bradley just pronounced the Braves essentially dead. Given his absolute lack of a clue about baseball (he is an excellent basketball writer, quality football writer), and how frequently he’s been wrong about the Braves in the past, his column is just the thing we need to get the team going.
By Bob
June 30, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
Mets Drool,
You are so smart dude. Can you tell me what denide means?
By Old Lefty
June 30, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
Has this 8th been a breath of fresh air or what? Now if we can just get it over quick tomorrow, get Dontrelle on our bus, and get out to the Coast for a couple more good series …………
By berigan
June 30, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Met Drool’s special new words for today. denide. and hwo. Only thing is, hwo really knows what they mean??? Not even the great M.D. is sure….
By ernesto
June 30, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
I dont’ even have to read Bradley’s colum to know it’s content. He’s such an old lady. He’s been writing the same thread so long now, he’s almost as tired as Robert - but Bradley’s been at it way longer. Seriously is that guy every insightful? Why does he have a column? I basically skip both him and Moore, you know what the article is before you read it. Furman is good just because it’s fun to see what the angry old man has to say.
Sorry for the tangent…way to go Bravos!
By OVERLORD
June 30, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
Good thing we r gonna go against LA and SD with some hot bats, at least that is what it looks, 5-2 against thoso 2 teams would be just fine. not sure about whom r we facing of their aces.
By Mets rule. You drool
June 30, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
Denide - means Bob can’t afford to buy a dictionary. Hahahahahahaha! Now thats it, I have to go. Please go on convincing yourselves this is still a race.
By Flush Dream
June 30, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
Seinfeld re-run …… sounds about right.
hwo’s (sic) that taste?
Ain’t no botomy like a frontal lobotomy.
Just go, city-slime.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
Rocket Scientist, you may be a fellow Mensa qualifier or just have a 2 digit IQ … it matters not to me.
You are what you are, regardless of your work or avocation … how your’re introduced, named, or the mask behind which you hide. It’s the positive impact that you have on others, relative to your opportunities that really matters … only you can evaluate that.
We all have our share of those opportunities … but, almost without without exception, when you miss them … they’re gone forever!
Try to take advantage of as many as you can … you never know when you’ll really make an important difference … or if it will be your last.
We’re not perfect, none of us are, fur those who give their best effort can hold their heeds high … they deserve a Well Done, whether they strike out or hit a home run!
I have no idea of your perceptions … or where you are with your struggles to find your identity … but I wish you well in that endeavor … it’s a hard road … but. if you’ll fight the good fight and not look for the easy way out, you’ll find the journey worthwhile.
Mock me if you will son … but, it’s only if you don’t strive to be the best that you can be … and take advantage of those opportunities to have a positive impact others … yes, only then that you an I have a problem … regardless of your mask, your name … or what you think of me!
While I would sincerely and most certainly prefer that not turn out to be the case … it’s really your problem, not mine.
By Bob
June 30, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
Must be a Queens dictionary. Time for mommy to tuck you in.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
Bob, methinks after Machen Sie das Fenster zu, those were the first words we learned in German Class.
By Old Lefty
June 30, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
You’ve got that right, OL. But with the Mutts running the rest of the pre-AS break table with COL and HOU and us facing warm (if not hot) PADs & DODs, it comes down to the one truism … The only ones we can win are the ones we play. Nevertheless, let us bow our heads now and pray for hot Rockies and Astros.
Can I get an Amen?
By berigan
June 30, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
Mr. Baseball, last year Edgar hit .318 before the all star break, .264 after. Doesn’t mean he will do that this year as well, but, we do have a glut of middle infielders, and he costs us the most….still a great player, and won’t cry if we don’t trade him.
By Bob
June 30, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Ja wohl und prost mein Freund.
By Sergio
June 30, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Didnt take too long for fans to turn on Kelly Johnson. Half a month of struggling.
Hes the best OBP in the end. Shouldnt be platooning, should be leading off but whaever.
By Rocket
June 30, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
Jeez, B, J … take a break. It’s ok, bud. I was just bustin’ you. Lemme buy you a drink …….
By hadron
June 30, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
Bob Journalist, what exactly did you do to reach the pinnacle of self-actualization? How did you mold the human race into your view of morality? What makes you so special?
By Bob
June 30, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
Getting REAL ugly now.
By Savannah Guy
June 30, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Wicky would rather have a double cheeseburger than fish. Is it deja vu?
By A-ville Ranger
June 30, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this
OH boy 6-5,I’ll check the score latter.This is too aggravating,time for some Das Boot !
By OVERLORD
June 30, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this
What was wickman doing in there in the 9th…..bad idea.
By ernesto
June 30, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
thank god a W is a W. Let’s forget that 9th ever happened.
I’m not a huge Yates guy but way to go Tyler!
By berigan
June 30, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
Wow, seems like Soriano and and Wicky don’t like to pitch with a large lead! Glad to see that Yates is up!!!
By Wayne in Utah
June 30, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
Sergio That’s why some of our bloggers are so special here. They don’t miss an opportunity to get really negative or to jump on a guy for having a bad stretch.
There is a blog for those guys……over with Mark Bradley. New moniker for those bloggers…..WBF’s…..that would be “Whining Braves Fans.”
Nice finish by Yates tonight! Kid has quite a heater.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
Rocket Scientist
Apologies for the glitches and flaws in my last post … but it’s sincere and I hope the meaning is clear.
The use of the “familiar” Son was just the way I write and not intended to be a relative reference to age, sex, or relationship … nor was it intended to show disrespect.
I sincerely believe that Polonius’ words to Laertes “To thine own self be true” are among the strongest, wisest and best pieces of advice ever given!
It was simply my effort to pass along the best of the Bard!
I hope, in whatever you consider the friendly confines, you peel the onion and see how what I said might be of value to you.
By Old Lefty
June 30, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
Wick ……… ??????
Wait … I get it …. there just wasn’t enough blood in the water when we called you.
Go, Yates.
By Old Lefty
June 30, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
Tyler “PIT BULL” Yates
He’s been heading for this. Glad to see it, young ‘ne.
By Bob
June 30, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
I think Savannah guy might have hit on something. Obviously Wick does not like seafood. I am pretty sure Soriano is Catholic, so we could use him for any games against the Fish.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this
Wayne, color me crazy, but if I could stretch Yates out and give him one more pitch … or a bit more speed differential, I’d want to take him out in the pasture and see if he could be what we’re looking for in another starter.
Bob, und niemals vergessen, auch!
By MEB
June 30, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
The thing I like about Yates and Soriano is their stuff is good enough to make good hitters swing and miss. Wickman gets people out with nothing but gile and bravado and dares hitters to hit the ball. So, if the Braves need an inning to win the World Series what kind of pitcher do we want in there? Baseball is such a great game!
GO BRAVES!!!
By Braveheart
June 30, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
Berigan, you cheated. So did I. Turned it on the eighth, scored 5 runs and then gave up 4. Never thought they were gonna lose. 5 in a row baby!
Magic Number is 87!
We will win the division! Don’t doubt that! We can complain, we can moan, we can whine. We are fans. We are supposed to do it. Only a person who is not a fan would keep their head in the sand. The team is far from perfect. Don’t matter. The division will be ours. Those Mets are a freakin joke. We hang with them long enough and they will crap the bed just like they always do. They only won it last year because we quit. If we don’t quit this year, there is no way the Mets will be able to withstand the pressure of looking over their shoulder and seeing us coming like a freight train in a few months. Chuck James came up this time last year. We are going to need a similar kid this year. Dan Smith, Jo Jo, Harrison, it is going to have to be one of you fellas. We don’t need to mortgage the future for a third pitcher. What we need is someone to step up in the rotation like Willie Harris is. For all of you giving up on KJ, SHAME ON YOU! You are not baseball fans. Not at all. At least, not intelligent ones.
By Wayne in Utah
June 30, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
Bob, J Yates might be a project for getting him to be a rotation guy. It’s at least worth some discussion. Let’s bring this up next time our leader returns.
We need your help, Obewon, er, I mean DOB! What say ye??
Gotta go run and do some family stuff. Have a great night all!
By Braveheart
June 30, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
I am pretty sure Soriano is Catholic, so we could use him for any games against the Fish.
Okay. That made zero sense. Back to the drawing board with that one Bob.
By Old Lefty
June 30, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
MEB… Exceptionally well put. Especially the part about BB being a GREAT game.
Re: WS one inning …… right now? …….. Soriano … but PIT BULL’s coming on. Wick? ….. I love this guy when it’s testicle-separating time. Ain’t it just sweet to have this kind of decision?
A real bull pen. Thank you, Jesus.
By Bigboi
June 30, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
Willie is a gettin’ on base machine
By Bob
June 30, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist,
Interesting idea on Yates, but being the conservative old codger that I am, I would be loath to mess with what has been an outstanding bullpen so far. Still, I think it has merit if the rotation reverts to where it was prior to this modest win streak. I would still like to see Villereal get a shot before we tamper with the backend of the pen.
By Mets #1
June 30, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
Scoreboard. Nats are almost as close to second as you are to first. hahahaahhahahaahaha. How’s that taste?
By Bob
June 30, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
Braveheart…fish….Catholics….nevermind. Just kiddin anyway.
By berigan
June 30, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, I did cheat…kinda, sorta! I slept thru the beginning of the game, and woke to a 1 nothing defiect!!! But, we did win!
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
Jason in Maine, I’ve sent you an email … it won’t bite!
By Bob
June 30, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this
Mets Drool/Mets #1
I suspect you are the same person since there could not possibly be two people on the planet as dumb as you guys. Well, then again…
Mets Drool has problems with spelling and grammar. Mets #1 seems to be more of a Math genius. “Nats are almost as close to second as you are to first. hahahaahhahahaahaha. How’s that taste?” Well if you think 10 1/2 games behind the second place team is “almost” as close as 4 games behind your losers, I guess you indeed might be two different droolers.
By Todd A
June 30, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this
Let’s see….it took Bobby almost 2 months before he came to the brilliant conclusion that Willie needed to be leading off.He’s still the only mgr in MLB that would be stubborn enough to leave a .199 hitter in the clean up spot at the mid point of the season.And why in #$@% is Bob Wickman still our closer?Bobby’s had some great season’s where his team has overachieved.The year we lost both Javy(1/2 the season) and Galarraga for the season come to mind.The team with Russ Ortiz,John Thompson,and Jarret Wright in the same starting rotation was another gem of a coaching job.But,2007 hasn’t been Bobby’s finest hour.
By Greg in TN
June 30, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
Evening denizens…
Good to be back on the Braves/MIB blog after work has had its way with me the last few weeks. This past week was spent in NC with a lousy hotel internet connection, however I did spend evenings watching minor league ball in Durham and Zebulon.
Tonight’s win included, it’s been a nice few days on Planet Braves since the team has rattled off five straight. I’ll get back into the swing of things as far as blogging on the big club but wanted to give everyone an update on the Mississippi gang.
Was able to catch the game tonight between the M-Braves and the Tennessee Smokies. The M-Braves fell 5-4 tonight. I was a little disappointed that Brandon Jones didn’t play other than a ninth inning pinch hit walk, however the M-Braves played well.
James Parr started for the Braves and went 6 innings giving up 10 hits, 5 ERs, 2 BBs and 3 Ks. On the plus side, Parr was able to consistently pitch ahead of the count, however he left a lot of meaty pitches in the strike zone and took the loss. The second inning was his undoing tonight with the big blow being a two-run double by Tennessee starting pitcher Kevin Hart. Braves left-fielder Mark Jurich went 2-4 with a two-run double and a solo homer.
All in all, I’m pretty pleased with what I saw tonight from the AA guys.
By Bob, Journalist
June 30, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this
Bob, you must remember that William Wallace has lost his head at least once … I don’t think the Catholics will mind the humor … hope not … but, I was a little concerned … today was Saturday not Friday.
Actually, if memory serves, I think the Mets had visions of Yates being a super starter but things didn’t materialize as expected and then he got hurt. If the Braves were interested, they now know him, up close and personal.
I haven’t really paid much attention to Oscar’s stuff, this season or last … but liked what I saw in that regard, in 2005. I think that he was burned out when he arrived, and though he’s relieving, I think he’s learned a bit more about pitching since then.
By Bob
July 1, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist,
I doubt Catholics will worry. I am RC so no big deal from my perspective. It was a weak attempt at humor for sure.
Yates certainly has that bulldog mentality and some nasty stuff. I guess I am not thrilled to tamper too much with a bullpen that had prior to tonights game the second best ERA in the NL.
Well, past my bed time. Got to grab a Franziskaner Hefeweizen. Will have to split time tomorrow for French F1 at Magny-Cours and the Bravos and Fish from Miami.
Guten Nacht
By The Grinch
July 1, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this
Bob (non-journalist), re: your 12:03, you’re romote-controlled? Just kidding, man. Had a Franziskaner hw last week; they come in pints where I shop but not 6-packs. Good stuff; I’d forgotten how good. Got some Guiness and Spaten Optimator lined up for tomorrow (still can’t believe you can’t buy beer here on Sunday); at least out in the country where I was before there was a bootlegger. Of course, the selection wasn’t great.
I’m in agreement with Braveheart; time for a youngster to step up. Did Y’all hear Buherle turned down a 4 year, 56 million contract extension that included a no-trade clause? We don’t need anyone that stupid on our team, and if more than that is what a #3’s going for these days we don’t need him if he’s smart. I’d take my chances with a youngster making 300 grand (feels wierd just typing that).
Wayne, I love KJ, but you can’t tell me if you watched tonight’s game you don’t think Harris is a more effective leadoff hitter at this point. It’s not just the numbers, it’s rattling the opposing pitchers and rallying the hometown fans. This team is a hell of a lot more dangerous looking and fun to watch with him leading off, and KJ seems to hit just fine wherever he’s at. Shaun, please don’t bother telling me the formula that proves stolen bases aren’t more exciting than walks; you’ll just have to take my word on this one. Or not, most likely. :-) Time to snooze; catch y’all tomorrow night for a southern sweep.
By wowser
July 1, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this
WHOA BLACK BETTY WHOA WHOA WHOA BLACK BETTY BAM BALAM
By fastasballs
July 1, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this
Just finished watching the game. I was attending a wedding, well actually I only attended the open bar & things went well.
Another good win, although it did get tight in the 9th. Willie brings a little more to the leadoff spot than does Kelly. This is in no way a knock on KJ because I think the team can benefit more by having his bat lower in the order. He drove two balls very well to left, maybe he’s heating back up. He’s a steaky hitter as we all know.
The Willie Harris who hit .250 in the past is not the current edition the Braves have. TP worked with him & he’s used the advice to his & the team’s benefit. Anybody expecting him to fall on his arse needs to step back & reevaluate the situation.
Hudson looked good, yet another positive sign. Wickman was the only real disappointment. He left a ton of pitches up when he was well ahead in the count.
Isn’t it great to call on a flame thrower like Yates. Maybe had he not worked last night he would not have been as sharp or called on at all tonight.
Only 2.5 back in the Wildcard race. They go head to head with the teams they are chasing next week, so let’s hope the offense & good pitching continues.
By Jared
July 1, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this
You people are so knee-jerk. Always declaring someone great on one week, or trashing someone over one game. If Andruw Jones goes 20-25 in his next 25 at-bats with 5 homeruns, and Willie Harris goes 1-25 in the same stretch, you’ll all flip-flop.
Wickman has a bad outing, but the Braves still win and Wickman has overall been great. Despite that, you all want Yates or Soriano to close and to be a mop-up man. Get real people.
Of course, if Yates blows a 2-run lead in the seventh inning tomorrow, the Braves rally and Wickman saves a one run Braves’ victory, you’ll all flop right on back.
By RDLDukes
July 1, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this
Wickman is nothing but a liability…He has no business serving a role as a closer, he couldn’t pitch himself out of a paperbag…Ship his lardass somewhere he can do no further damage…
By Serbok
July 1, 2007 2:09 AM | Link to this
WAYNE Just signed into the blog, Dont know if your online or not~ However, just wanted to get a “Barb” in on ya b4 you went to bed,:o) What’s up with Mit And the Irish setter on the top of his car for a trip of a few hundred miles? Now Dont get me wrong! I could see having my Ex Mother In law riding topside! But no way!!! is that acceptable behavior subjecting a poor animal to that type of treatment? :o)
By jed
July 1, 2007 2:15 AM | Link to this
thorman still at 1b; andruw still hitting clean-up. ridiculous. has cox ever thought maybe andruw would be relieved to be dropped to the 7 or 8 hole? that maybe such a move would take off enough pressure that he returned to form?
By Serbok
July 1, 2007 2:28 AM | Link to this
*By MEB
June 30, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
The thing I like about Yates and Soriano is their stuff is good enough to make good hitters swing and miss. Wickman gets people out with nothing but gile and bravado and dares hitters to hit the ball. So, if the Braves need an inning to win the World Series what kind of pitcher do we want in there? Baseball is such a great game!
excellent post man!* **exactly why Soriano SHOULD be closing!
By Bob, Journalist
July 1, 2007 2:36 AM | Link to this
Hadron, I missed seeing your post earlier. It is not my intention to address defensive or confrontational questions, for it would by your agenda rather than the answers … in which you would be interested.
However, assuming you’re interested in my view, I’m try to respond as best I can.
Unfortunately, I don’t understand the first two of your questions. However. I’ll try to address the morality part of the second.
It’s not my objective to have anyone adopt my personal standards of morality … we all must search for our own standards. My fight is more with with amorality and apathy.
However, methinks mine are pretty good … and if you find them to your liking, I don’t mind sharing and strongly urge you to so do!
If everyone will search within themselves … or wherever they might choose to search … for what they will define as good, then I think the chances are that the individual differences will be relatively insignificant. “To thine own self be true” does not mean To Someone else be true**” … but, it’s been found found to be good advice … maybe even a morality standard.
However, if you’re part of a collective whose morality is significantly different from your own … methinks you should (1) strive to change the morality of the collective or (2) reexamine your own morality, relative to that of the collective and decide to either (a) accept the morality standards of the collective or (b) change collectives.
I don’t pretend to be deft in self expression but my intent remains the same, … so this and my earlier post should considered together, regardless of differences in the rhetoric. That is, I hope this is an effective appositive to the first.
Offensive or defensive misdirection and /or mockery will not change the truth or that that in which I believe; which I sincerely hope are directionally the same.
I can answer what I think makes me special … Me and a whole bunch of folks … I’m a human being and I strive to overcome my faults and … within my morality, attempt to have a positive rather than a negative influence on all with whom I come in contact.
Perhaps others don’t consider that to be special … but I do … and, like I said, for all that so strive, I find them special too! That’s all I’m really advocating … and I would hope, most find themselves in that collective.
To clarify, almost by definition, methinks those who don’t so strive … are members of a different collective than those who do … and it’s up to you to decide to which group you want to belong.
Methinks those who would abuse, disrupt and in other ways take advantage of the others in order to satisfy their own depravity, need for attention, and personal insecurity should reconsider their thinking. There’s no good reason for so doing or so thinking … Methinks striving to be good is something we all should and can do!
It’s certainly better than either striving to be bad or not striving at all.
Misplaced but not forgotten, I don’t suggest that folks hide deep behind the mask … it encourages prostitution of your morality standards when it seems convenient or to your advantage to so do.
Hopefully, here on the Blog, we can all strive to make friends, respect each other and exchange ideas and opinions rather than showing off or being confrontational, abusive or disruptive.
By Serbok
July 1, 2007 2:38 AM | Link to this
Chuck James! IS a very serviceable #3 starter! Once again I wanna say, This team as it STANDS! Has a better than average shot at being in the playoffs! Hopefully the braves only “tweak” the team thru trades!
BTW from here on out for all the politicos on here, Mit Romney’s dogs should now be referred to as Mutt Romney!!!
By Serbok
July 1, 2007 2:49 AM | Link to this
Jason in Maine I do not “Pray” in the conventional sense. I do want to let you know my thoughts are with you and yours. Please keep in mind, things are not always as they seem? For whatever that’s worth. Positive energy is being sent your way.
By Journalist Jibberish Smithereens
July 1, 2007 3:43 AM | Link to this
flies are attracted to sh!t… to rid oneself of gnats, flies, pests, you cannot ignore them… such leads to mission failure… ‘tis easier to remove that to which the flies are attracted… those who impose their egos on the blog… notice who the flies gravitate towards… is it usually a good blogger who talks baseball?… or is it ones who talk about everything about thy own self and not ‘bout thy ole ball squad?… sh!t attracts flies… you can’t ignore them… you can’t try to swat them all away… the best thing to do is to get rid of your sh!t to which the flies are attracted to… no one likes pests… but no one likes sitting in their own crap either… the condition is so bad, it attracts the pests…
By Bill
July 1, 2007 6:30 AM | Link to this
The reason Buherle turned down contract was because the White Sox’s would not give him a no trade. I still think the Braves should try and get him but not at the expense of our best prospects.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 1, 2007 7:35 AM | Link to this
it’s a great sunday morning and this journalist is enjoying a cup of coffee and will soon be on the way to church with baby seal. jimmy smith decided to catch up on the overnight posts. well, the 3:43 am is reminiscent of another time with another blogger’s disparaging, vulgar, and pathetic ramblings aimed at this journalist. well, since jimmy smith does not meet the standard (new standard) of the blog imposed by the vulgar one who insists on a commanding presence here (who would choose to meet such a standard?) and since the ugly blogger will likely continue with misbehavior and vulgarity unchecked, journalist is losing interest in blogging here. can choose one’s friends (we’ve done that by blogging together) but also can choose to avoid interaction with social misfits. need a shower after blogging here of late. not much fun.
By ncscoots
July 1, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this
I hope no one took my post yesterday re Chuck James as condemnation. Far from it. I was trying to point out that deep-in-the-game expectations are probably without merit at this stage of his development. He is what he is, but that’s not exactly chopped liver. Were he on a staff with more experience, most would be singing his praises. I think Chuck will be fine, it’s just that his games are likely to sometimes be a little more adventurous than some would like.
In other pitching news, I’m gonna have to disagree with Stinny that Hudson was “sharp” last night. To me, he most assuredly didn’t have his “A” game, but that just makes his performance all the more enjoyable to me. I only hope that James and Davies observed closely…Hudson showed how you win by pitching with your head as well as your arm.
By ncscoots
July 1, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this
Oops. I owe Stinson an apology. The game headline calls Hudson “sharp”, but the game story takes no such position. My bad there, Stinny.
By MEB
July 1, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this
Journalist Jimmy… my thoughts exactly and I hope the AJC will be along directly to eliminate the offenders foulness. Count me as one of the many here that truly enjoy your observations and musing on baseball and the funnier things in life.
Grinch… your observation that Buuherle is not quite Braves material was dead on target and hilarious.
Did Y’all hear Buherle turned down a 4 year, 56 million contract extension that included a no-trade clause? We don’t need anyone that stupid on our team
By Bob, Journalist
July 1, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
We’re all products of our environments!
I grew up in one where the worst thing that might happen in school was a fist fight or getting skinned knees during recess or perhaps being sent to the Principal’s Office for being disruptive in class … and our most dangerous weapons were water … pistols and balloons.
I was thought, from before starting school … and then reinforced throughout, that it was very important to respect others, and their feelings … and that if I wanted to be treated the same way, I should always act with honor so that I would respect myself … those weren’t the words used when I was small, but the message never changed. “If you don’t think Mommie and I would be proud of what you’re about to do … then just don’t do it! We may not know you did it … but you will!”
I know it’s had to imagine but I think I heard I my first vulgar expressions in the sixth grade when the teacher explained that some of the less refined among us were calling each other dogs, or at least suggesting that their mothers were. She said that was weak and suggested that if you wanted to really to talk dirty and call someone a bad name, it was much stronger and more effective to call them “scum of the earth” for nothing was lower or worse than that!
She explained that folks didn’t have much say about who or what their parents were, the color of their hair, eyes or skin … whether they were good looking or ugly, tall or short, smart or dumb, fat or skinny as a rail … but that they did have a choice in how they behaved … and if you really wanted to insult someone when they were being bad and made you mad, you should call them the scum of the earth! “Can’t get any worse than that!” she said!
After that, “Scum of the Earth” became our favorite phrase … at least for a while, and our nickname for the biggest bully in class.
I’ve done, seen and heard a lot since then … but, I haven’t seen any evidence that she was wrong.
Those are part of the reasons I think and act the way I do … why I ask folks to be nice and behave … it’s the only way I know … to me, it’s the only way to go.
You have your reasons, I have mine. I just want you to consider replacing the worst of what is with the best of what was … I think it’s important for us to really try and so do!
We don’t need any “Scum of the Earth” folks on this Blog … and if you think it would be fun to be so known, you need to revisit the sixth grade!
By Bob, Journalist
July 1, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
MEB,
There’s no reason for me to have to lend support for what you and Sir James have said … as most if not all know that I strongly support that position.
I haven’t looked this morning but the last post I saw, about 2:30 Central and several others before that time were beneath contempt … and while one Blogger was not attempting Identity Theft in the usual sense, he was defaming the name of Jimmy Smith and mocking him and others, regardless of any directional validity that might lie within the layers of meaning contained in his remarks.
Referencing my most recent post, that “Scum of the Earth” should be banned and if found to be in violation of any civil or criminal code, prosecuted to the maximum possible extent.
We all have our views, those are among the strongest of mine!
However, I won’t stop or consider leaving until I’ve addressed the subject in depth and explored avenues for ensuring that such action be taken.
Coffee Break …
By Frank
July 1, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
Is “methinks” a real word?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 1, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Since my discovery of the existence of this particular blog this past December, I have enjoyed the musings of most all of the denizens who reside here.
That is to say, those who retain a level of civility. Even those with whom I do not agree are welcome diversions as long as they have some though and intelligence behind them. I recognize my own personal failings and strive to move beyond them for if I were as smart as I would like to think I am I would now own Micro Soft rather than await my retirement checks.
As a young lad I could not abide a bully. That being said, after discovering that most bullies respected those who would fight back, I did a lot of fighting….. Not only for myself but for my friends as well. That carried over to my whole life and I suppose my involvement with unions.
Jimmy Smith and the litany of “friends” he carries with him would be sorely missed were he to leave the blog. I myself have taken some shots from him on occasion but I recognize they were in good fun and not meant to be malicious.
Free speech can be carried too far when it becomes a tool to inflame or besmirch others. One of the best was to lose a privilege is to abuse it.
By Todd A
July 1, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
ou people are so knee-jerk. Always declaring someone great on one week, or trashing someone over one game. If Andruw Jones goes 20-25 in his next 25 at-bats with 5 homeruns, and Willie Harris goes 1-25 in the same stretch, you’ll all flip-flop.
*Wickman has a bad outing, but the Braves still win and Wickman has overall been great. Despite that, you all want Yates or Soriano to close and to be a mop-up man. Get real people.
Of course, if Yates blows a 2-run lead in the seventh inning tomorrow, the Braves rally and Wickman saves a one run Braves’ victory, you’ll all flop right on back.*
Willie has been a model of consistency since he’s been here.He’s also a threat to steal bases and create problems for the Opposing defense.I’m not declaring him great.He’s just had a very good year to this point,and he’s earned his pt.Kelly has been good,but he’s a very streaky hitter.He’s better at #2 or #7 in the order.
If Andruw goes 20-25,that would raise his avg to a whopping .235 for the year.
Uhhh…this wasn’t Wickman’s only bad outing with a lead of 2 runs or more.His road era is over 6.00.He blowed a 3 run lead for Tim Hudson back at the end of April.He was dreadful in Colorado.He blew the series finale to the Twins,where we had Santana beat.This isn’t anything new.Soriano throws harder.He has the stuff to be the closer.I’m all for closer by committee btw.I’m for anything other than just handing the ball to Wickman in the 9th,because,well,that’s his defined role.
By manolo
July 1, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
In my opinion, the braves have two totally diffrent options, if they will trade. One has been discussed here a lot, which is go for a third starter. In this case, I will go for one that will be a free agent after the years over, so the price we pay the other team won’t be that much, since they’ll lose him anyway as well.
The other option, one I like, is to trade for a young power hitter. I will like someone like Adam Dunn, but I prefer MAtt Holiday or Todd Helton. Both of those will be superb for they hit for power and average. The rockies will ask for plenty, and I will give them even Salty, Thorman ,and any other minor leaguer, except Escovar, to pull this off. I won’t move Escovar because if Chipper goes down, our hopes are over without Escovar here.
What do you guys think?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 1, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
Serbok How would Wayne in Utah have any idea of “what’s up with Mit[sic]”? Just because he lives in Utha does not mean he is a Morman.
My youngest son is currently working in Salt Lake Cith but I don’t think he has any plans of having a conversion although it might do him some good.
Grinch I made a reply to your question about the .45 long colt but I don’t know if you read it.
By All Spin Zone
July 1, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
I would say that using Scum of the Earth to describe a person is in many ways as offensive as using the term that refers to their parentage.
I agree that there is way too much vulgarity used on blogs. I would also state that the golden rule is a good rule to follow. The fact is whether a blog or on the street, some people treat others with respect and dignity, some don’t. We do not live in a “kind and gentler” time. We live in a world of “in your face” sports and news coverage. We live in a time where treating others with respect is treated as weakness.
Why should we expect behavior here to be exemplary when we don’t see good behavior on the street and television? Here, one can be only a name with the worst consequence being loss of posting privledges should a person be too over the top. Here a person can insult another without the fear of actually having to look the other person in the face when the insult is levied. That, in itself, seems to encourage some to act with bravado that they may not exhibited in their real life. It’s the nature of blogging, warts and all. That isn’t going to change until society changes. I don’t think society is changing any time soon. In essence blogging is like the wild west. There are hanging offenses and then there is everything else. Hanging offenses rarely occur here even though some would have us think that anything that contradicts their viewpoint should be a hanging offense.
Some here have the ability to insult others using acceptable language without resorting to vulgar or profane language. Does that mean that somehow their insult is somehow acceptable?
An insult, is an insult, is an insult.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 1, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
Okay enough of the blog, too many typos from me should teach me to proof read my post before I hit the send button.
Have a good day all…..
By Mets rule. You drool
July 1, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
Make sure to watch the All Star selection show today - what do you guys think 6 Mets? 5? 4 would be the minimum. And only 1 Brave because they have to have a representative. That rule is such a joke. People would rather see the best players play against each other then have some mediocre has-been who only gets in because of reputation or because every team gets 1 guy.
By Bob, Journalist
July 1, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
Frank, You could look up the meaning and etomology, methinks.
Methinks it means just about what you think it means … Middle Ages would be my first guess!
By spinelli
July 1, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Does anyone out there like Aaron Cooke or Rodrigo Lopez of Colorado? The Rockies are out of the race and maybe they would be willing to trade either of them. I don’t know who they would want in return. Does any one have an opinion or idea? Anothe guy I like is Jimmy Goble of KC as another lefty out of the pen.
By All Spin Zone
July 1, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
Roy Oswalt
Now that I have your attention, did anyone read the article in this morning’s Houston Chronicle? In essence it says that Oswalt might listen to waiving his no trade clause if the trade partner were the Red Sox, Cardinals or the Braves.
Admittedly it isn’t much to go on, but if there is a name out there that makes moving young talent and tying up lots of payroll worth considering, it has to be Oswalt.
There is probably no way this deal even gets past the newspaper article stage, in fact, it isn’t even a deal that is speculated. Let’s just say this a door opener. It may or may not let the Braves know that discussing Oswalt with the Astros is at least a possibility. As far as payroll, he’s expensive but closer to worth it than say Buerle. This guy is in my opinion one of the elite starters in the NL.
Oswalt
By journalist jimmy smith
July 1, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this
the multi-personalitied one entered with timidity - testing the waters. now that blogger grows bolder with each post. the mpb attempts to impose his own distorted values on the blog even pontificating at length about doing so. the blogger is like a child that tests his parents’ resolve - and patience. a parent might pinch off his little head but there is not much another blogger can do except avoid the offending blogger’s company. the blogger has nothing to contribute but disruption and sophomoric vulgarity - personal attack and inflammatory posts. now, mpb poses under yet another name in an attempt to justify ill behavior and deflect criticism to others. jimmy smith will not likely leave the blog but will temper this journalist’s posts. and gil, this journalist can’t recall taking any shots at gil. sure it was jimmy smith? journalist considers gil a respected blogger. certainly jimmy smith would never do anything malicious. did it involve cheese or toes?
and this from a new contributor: “we live in a time where treating others with respect is treated as weakness.” journalist would say that such wayward justification is unfortunate. conforming to ill behavior is the weakness. is it okay to explain away the boorish behavior with mere excuses? let your momma be the judge on that one. would momma be proud?
By Steve from OH
July 1, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
JJS Amen, dude. It seems like ever since I joined the blog in December that it has been increasingly rude and uncivil. The personal attacks need to go, people. Seriously.
By All Spin Zone
July 1, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this
JJS
It was just an observation of how I feel the world is today. I don’t subscribe that showing respect is a sign of weakness, but I feel that so many others on a blog or in the real world feel it is. Social commentary if you will. I don’t like the world better today than yesterday. I grew up in a time when my parents expected me to be respectful of others.
I don’t like the state of the world as it is today. I don’t like in your face sports or news. I don’t like in your face politicians or athletes. I’m simply reporting what I think I see.
There is no justification for being rude, even on a blog. Justified or not, it happens though. I just think that rude is rude, whether profanity or vulgarisms are used, or not.
No matter what I think or what anyone else thinks, I simply don’t think the AJC is going to act as the hit man for some who want to see others expelled. They have a terms of service policy that I feel they will try to follow no matter how much someone screams foul. If the AJC sees fit to expel some for violation of service, then so be it. If they determine that there has been no violation, then I’m sure they will take no action.
If someone wants to find fault with my logic, then so be it.
By Steve from OH
July 1, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Anyone else been looking at the schedule? We’re playing real good now, and if we carry it on through LA and SD, we’ll be in good shape but after the break we’ve got a homestand against Pittsburgh, Cincy and San Fran. These games are big, yes, but that homestand is gonna be critical to determining our success this year. We’ve gotta start whoppin’ the lesser competition like the Mets have been lately. Five in a row looking real good right now. Let’s make it six today against the D-Train.
Go Braves!
By Bob, Journalist
July 1, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
Methinks one of the greatest differences between now and earlier times is in our attitude toward morality. Being Good or Bad has become a matter of convenience and individual choice where it was once the consensus that we should always strive for Good and oppose Bad.
Those who would have you to strive for Good no longer have the right to impose their will the others.
Methinks the reason that young people are less inclined to align themselves with striving for Good than are their elders is that they tend to define success in terms of self promotion and gratification … and the accumulation of material assets … and their actions so reflect … they consider it a right and they strongly oppose any responsibilities being placed upon them.
As folks grow older, they acquire a broader plane of reference and broader perspective … their assets include more than just the material … they have wives, children and grandchildren to love and their self respect is important to them, they consider friendships and relationships as valuable assets … they see being good as furthering their agenda …and look beyond themselves.
Methinks that in earlier times, the family was a closer knit unit and the children shared in the the broader perspective from the outset … a greater emphasis was placed on family pride and values.
It’s complex, but I do know that if you do not actively strive for good and oppose that which you consider bad, you will find yourself being coerced into accepting the agendas of those you chose not to oppose.
We’re like Andruw in his struggles at the plate … we could do something about it if only we would.
By MBATL
July 1, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
ever since I joined the blog in December that it has been increasingly rude and uncivil
Steve from OH … one might deduce from that statement that you are the problem! (insert appropriate “just kidding” web symbol here).
I actually read the TOS for the blog; you have to dig pretty deep to get to it, but basically, the AJC has the right to ban anyone who is compromising the general enjoyment of the blog. However, I think it’s a stretch to assume that the AJC is gonna assign a paid employee to constantly monitor and clean up posts that may or may not fall to that standard (and especially, to make the decision). Or to expect DOB/Carroll/Stinson to do it.
The best thing - the only thing short of abandoning the blog (i.e., losing the battle) - is to ignore the junk, and talk baseball (or, for that handful with the creative talent, to entertain a little along the way).
Bob, Journalist, your 6th grade teacher tought the art of talking trash? Really? Mine took more of a ‘turn the other cheek’ approach. I had to learn trash-talking on the street!
By Lew
July 1, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
History, despite trite sayings and other such cliches, does not repeat itself-It just never changes. Yes, things may have been taught differently in the past, but there were still many who defied said teachings. There are only a few differences between then and now. A.There are a lot more people in the world, hence many more cretins (and many more who are not as well). B.We now have instant communication and 24 hour Paris Hilton watches. We’re just more aware of what happens everywhere. C. We now have camera phones and YouTube. It is now much more difficult to bury your head in the sand about how much lunacy is out there. We are a much more in your face society. Conversely, we now have IPods and can ignore events just as easily, if not more so than before. Esteemed Journalist-cyberspace communications are well worth reviewing.
By TheSouthernJackAss
July 1, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
This blog has sunk to the depths of Hell since my departure a few weeks ago…a departure designed for the betterment of the character and content of same, even if only in the minds of bloggers here…but as I had thought, it appears as tho I wasn’t the entire problem…and the deterioration continues…
It has become a place where even TheJackAss doesn’t want to hang around anymore…and won’t!…
I have offered my humble suggestions concerning how to deal with these malcontents of lesser intellect many times before, but to no avail…you see these troublemakers have what is known as “cyberballs”…those are the balls that some use when they don’t possess a real pair…those are the balls that some use when making certain comments and personal attacks on people whom they know absolutely nothing about, from behind the relative safety of a keyboard…comments and attacks that they don’t possess the balls to make if they were standing face to face with their intended targets…
Those with “cyberballs” always need to get in the last word…or make the pithiest comment…or belittle those of more creative thought in an attempt to bolster their own egos…
Cyberballers crave attention…they thrive on it…it’s what makes them tick…if you block a nasty weed from getting any sunlight, that nasty weed will die…if you refuse to acknowledge the nasty bloggers, and just ignore them, the nasty bloggers will go away…and even if they stick around, by ignoring them, you have essentially pulled their teeth, they may still snap their jaws, but now they have no bite…
TheSouthernJackAss Nevermore!…
By All Spin Zone
July 1, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
Deciding who is and who is not “compromising the general enjoyment of the blog” may in fact be similar to enforcing community standards for pornography. On the surface it sounds simple. In reality who is to say that some do not come here to enjoy bickering and insulting others while others enjoy reading the insults and bickering.
I have to say that I would rather engage in and read thoughtful posts and civil disagreements rather than read and engage in derogatory diatribes.
To each his/her own. The bottom line is the final judgement will be made by AJC staff. I would, however, believe that one would have to really cross the line to meet severe punishment. The very basis of freedom of speech is generally taken very seriously by media outlets.
By Bob, Journalist
July 1, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Stand up and be counted!
What kind of Blog will you support?
Either (1) you want a Blog consisting of decent participants who respect other, regardless of differences in opinion … and are unwilling to prostitute that want, requiring that those who participate abide by the spirit of the Blog … or, (2) you want such a Blog …* but will support it regardless, or (3) you *don’t care what kind of people participate!
Unlike the All Star voting, you have to make up your mind … no multiple voting!
By MBATL
July 1, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
Anywho, Woodward is starting at 1B today, batting 8th… I guess McCann was due a day off (day game after night game); so Salty is catching; and you don’t really want to start Thorman against Willis…. so it makes sense to me.
By Multiple Choice
July 1, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
Where the heck is DOB?
a) He and Carroll Rogers, who share a deep and abiding love for all things Brave, have run off to Vegas to be married.
b) He is in Pittsburgh covering the big story of the summer: the Pirate fans protest.
c) Smoltz blamed him for the “misunderstanding” between he and Chipper and will no longer speak to DOB so he is on permanent reassignment to the real estate section.
d) He is busy working on his knuckleball - the Braves are desperate for pitching help and will take anyone they can get.
By Greg O.
July 1, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
Just to throw some support Bobby’s way, I wanna say that today’s line-up makes complete sense. He’s starting all the righty hitters on the roster against the lefty Willis. The Marlins have only one lefty in their bullpen, Renyel Pinto, who’s pitched in three of the last four games, including the last two. Therefore, it’s doubtful that Pinto will get into the game and/or the Braves will need a righty bat off the bench in the late innings. They’d be facing all righty relievers with a stable of four lefty bats available. I’ve had plenty of arguments with people on here about how good a manager Bobby Cox is. It goes far beyond who pitched for him in the mid/late 90s. It’s simple things like awareness of who’s pitching and who might pitch in each day’s game and making the proper adjustment accordingly that make him a Hall of Fame manager.
By Ron Roberts
July 1, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
DO’B isn’t working this series. He’s meeting up w/the team in L.A. for their California swing there and in San Diego befoer working the All-Star Game.
By MBATL
July 1, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
Greg O, I agree. The lineup makes sense, and you make a great point about the Marlins’ bullpen.
This is a game where it would be nice to Have B. Pena on the roster. He could catch, and let switch-hitting Salty play 1B. I really don’t understand why we don’t make a roster move (Orr down, Pena up) but guess there must be a reason.
Orr has 5 ab’s in the last 2 weeks. He’s basically been replaced by Escobar.
By yellowblood
July 1, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
The only worry I have about this team is playing American League teams which will not happen until the WS. Lets keep this group together and trade no one. Schurholtz will continue to look for a 5th starter and some will now start to become available. After Steinbrenner gets what he wants we can probably find a decent one without having to give up both Johnson and Thorman. This team can beat any national league team with it’s current roster.
By Ron Roberts
July 1, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Those with “cyberballs” always need to get in the last word…or make the pithiest comment…or belittle those of more creative thought in an attempt to bolster their own egos…
That from SJA. Ironic.
Do I detect pock marks from rocks being tossed inside somebody’s glass trailer?
By journalist jimmy smith
July 1, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
does chico cadahia bat righty or lefty? or both? did ted williams sit when a lefty pitched?
By brian
July 1, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
MBATL
The roster move you suggest makes too much sense to actually happen. Send a non-used, splinter catching Orr to AAA and recall Pena. Again makes me wonder what photos pete has on Bobby or JS.
Yellowblood
Steinbrenner and the Yanks need bats right now. They are colder than the Braves were a couple of weeks ago. Too bad we cannot work out a deal for an all star CF for Phillip Hughes. Thanks Boreass
By Ron Roberts
July 1, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Wow, that sucked. Can’t get on the 3B coach for that one, though, with the pitcher due up and two outs.
By Ron Roberts
July 1, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
brian… The inability to trade Andruw Jones has nothing to do with his agent, Scott Boras. The 10/5 clause that allows players to veto trades after 10 years of MLB service and 5 years consecutively with the team they’re on allows that veto power.
By Journalist Jibberish Smithereens
July 1, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
the blog of the few, meant for the many… those who doth protest too much proved the point… those to whom the posts were meant took the bait without being named… those who accuse do so because they be the guilty… those who desire standards, do so out of fear… for they truly be the ones in need of standards being imposed upon their own incomprehensible incoherence… or is it incoherent incomprehension?… conservatives to the core… the creation of an environment of fear… who is left this morning?… not the ones to whom the post was not intended… all that is left in this outhouse right now is the ish and the flies… until the few blogblobs cease jacking the blog each day, unfortunately,… the posts of the few will be many and the posts of the many will be few… worry no longer about me… one less fly but the ish remains… ish in a blog mansion makes the blog mansion a blog outhouse which will continue to attract blog pests… sorry DOB, great blog, many great bloggers but just a few who ruin this for too many with the perpetual imposition of their self importance… and that would not be the childish pests like myself… although we certainly do not help… those who are offended… step away from the blog for a few days … read it without posting… look at what you see… the journalists could never come to the realization which they need to reach for the good of the rest of the blog… ‘nuff said… and with all apologies to the innocent, especially DOB, I hereby banish myself…. good riddance to me… hopefully, the ones who most need to join me in my banishment will so do… leaving the blog for Braves fans… and not for those who belong in an insane asylum… ever notice that the bloggers who post about the Braves on the other AJC blogs rarely post on here?… probably not… too much self involvement by the too few and too proud who hog the blog to notice such a thing and how that may occur because of them… not enough inclusion, too much exclusion… GO BRAVES!!!
By berigan
July 1, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
Something else beyond not having Bryan Pena up….why do we have only 4 outfielders?? I know, Andruw and Frenchy play every day…but…a 5th outfielder could spell them in blowouts, and pitch hit several times a week. The way it is now, Frenchy has to play not only every game, but every inning! Has Willie Harris ever played right? Could his arm work there for a few innings? Right now, we have 3 back up infielders and 2 of them we don’t really need or let’s put it this way, we don’t want them! ;)
By Ron Roberts
July 1, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
Both Carlyle and Dontrelle are pitching efficiently today. Braves, knowing the Marlins bullpen shortcomings (one lefty in the ‘pen) need to work the count a bit more.
By Tonight on TBS
July 1, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
A double feature:
Deadwood (2004)
It’s 2007, the height of the baseball season, and bloggers who love or hate the Braves have been drawn to Deadwood (aka Bravesblog), a virtual town cradled in the wilds of cybersace where the lives of “decent” folks and villainous scum are intertwined. Everyone there, including blog boss Dave O’Briengen (Ian McShane) is out to make a name for themselves at whatever cost. (Warning: violence and profanity).
Followed by
Pleasantville (1998)
Toby Maguire and Reese Witherspoon star as Braves bloggers who, disgusted by the vulgarity displayed on the blog, are magically transported into a black and white blog called “Pleasantville”, which is the cyber equivalent to “Leave it to Beaver” and “I Love Lucy”, where everyone knows each other, where the Braves are only discussed reverentially and where there are no pages in the books or toilets in the bathrooms.
By MBATL
July 1, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
Actually, B Pena’s been playing a lot of LF, some 3B, some 1B, at Richmond… he hasn’t caught in a while, but I guess he won’t forget how.
It makes me wonder if the Braves are thinking of calling him up, and trading Diaz (not saying we should, so don’t get mad!)… Diaz might be pretty popular on the market… a solid-hitting OF who doesn’t cost much… as part of a package for a pitcher, or some other need?
How ‘bout Diaz for Melky Cabrera (and throw in pieces to make the deal work)? Yanks get a LF who can hit, allowing them to move Damon back to CF… Braves get a good, if not great, replacement for AJ.
By TheSouthernJackAss
July 1, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts proving one of my points, yet again…oh, the i ron y…
By All Spin Zone
July 1, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
BJ
If I had a vote, I would vote that everyone on their own would choose to be civil and refined. Thus is not the real world.
Bob, what I am going to say is without rancor or intent to belittle. I just wanted to make a point that I feel is valid.
This is a public blog. The AJC invites readers of all sorts to participate. Some choose to participate in the way you and some others do, some choose to participate in other ways. I would rather blog in the way you suggest, but ultimately I don’t have a say in the way AJC conducts the blog business.
On the other hand, I’m not sure I would want to participate in a blog that exercised extreme censorship.
Bob, the only way I know that you can insure the type of participant you want on this blog is to start your own blog. You can invite who you want from this blog and censor anything you want. You can block undesirables and regulate users and content.
Of course if you did that, you would miss the content most are here to gain, unless you chose to continue to use this blog as well. (baseball from the insider, music, theory of relativity)
I feel the only way anyone is going to live in a perfect blog world is create and regulate it themselves.
It’s a choice. Is blogging here worth the headache? If you answer yes, then so it shall be. If you answer no, then choices are indeed out there.
I’m not inviting you to do anything one way or the other. I’m just stating the way I see it.
By Ron Roberts
July 1, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
And you, SJA, proved mine. Touche!
Incidentally how many times have you “left” the blog never to return, now?
You’ve resurrected yourself more than a cheesy ’80s horror villian, haven’t you? Seriously, how many times does this make for another (ahem) triumphant return of the jack@ss?
By Carolina Lady
July 1, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
All Spin Zone, I agree with your thoughts above.
“Here a person can insult another without the fear of actually having to look the other person in the face when the insult is levied.” That is the behavior of a COWARD. Temporarily morph into an imagined Mr Hot Shot only in secret.
“That isn’t going to change until society changes. I don’t think society is changing any time soon.” My thought is that ‘society’ is US. Some, who were raised without being taught manners and appropriate behavior, have to learn it from those who were. That also is us.
AJC has the technical ability to do a lot more than they choose to do. The operative word here is ‘choose’. There are expected standards of behavior everywhere you go - theaters, movies, hospitals, offices, etc. It should be no different on a corporate-sponsored blog. This blog reflects directly on AJC whether they realize it or not. It is simply a matter of having the guts to take a stand.
Isn’t it a terribly sad commentary on Americans that this is even necessary??
By Train Wreck Bystander
July 1, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this
So whilst the rains fall in south Florida…
Did anyone read Scott Boras’ plan to make the World Series a best of 9 series - almost like a festival of baseball?
It’s on the Yahoo front page right now; in case it gets replaced in a few hours, here it is
I don’t care for the part about playing at neutral sites for a couple of games… but there is precedent for a 9-game series.
By Bob, Journalist
July 1, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this
Well, Chamberlain may have had peace in his time but methinks we paid a hefty price for his peace.
If the system is flawed so as to allow evil doers to profit at the expense of good folks because of concerns over flaws in the law, then fix the damned law!
What is the value of freedom when your society becomes morally corrupt beyond redemption?
What’s the value or enjoyment to be found from blogging when bloggers must endure continual boorish behavior and personal attacks … and raising the issue only worsens the situation …and brings criticism for having so done?
There can be no moral justification for not standing up and be counted when you see injustice being effected.
There can be no moral justification for not standing up and be counted when you your children are being exposed to physical danger, drugs, obscenities, pornography, and other morally corrupt material.
Well, if you do stand up then chances are you might as well sit down … if your children watch TV programs or advertising, go to the movies, attend school or have access to the Internet … they’re being exposed.
What you do is up to you … it’s as simple as that.
I had started writing the completion post that tied my previous one together and a request for Action to go to the AJC … but somehow have lost the interest required for effectively so doing.
Thus this one short last post on the subject …
You may not enjoy reading diatribes … nobody really does … but maybe if enough of you sent one to the AJC, you wouldn’t have to read any … and maybe, the AJC might surprise you … if enough so did … and just maybe no more diatribes would appear on the BLOG …and then maybe you’d have more time to read the wit and wisdom offered up by Jimmy Smith … and maybe there’d be more of it too!
Could happen … if you stood up and so did!
We’ll see …
By berigan
July 1, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
MBATL, I don’t think the Yankees would make that deal. Damon has been riddled with leg issues, and with that girly man arm of his, he should move to left someday. I’d be all for getting Melky though!
All Diaz does is hit, but down the road he should go to an AL team as a DH/LF to get the full time playing time he deserves.
By fastasballs
July 1, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
With the long rain delay the battle of the bullpens should begin. Willis was looking good so I’m not too upset to see the rain. I’ll take Oscar or Moylan for 2-3 innings.
The Braves have abused their pen the past few games so they should have the advantage. The Muts are loosing as well. Providing the Muts lose, a win by the Braves gets them within 3 in the division & maybe 2 in the Wildcard depending on the outcome of the Dodger/Padre game.
By Dwight Fry
July 1, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
Boras’ proposal is nutty.
There are other, bigger problems in baseball, notably
resolving the steroid mess
dealing with the growing payroll disparity among teams (salary cap?)
doing a better job of developing young players especially starting pitchers
shortening game times
and please, no more designated hitters
By Lew
July 1, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist-I’m sorry my friend, but freedom is worthwhile even amongst corruption and lack of redemption. If you want the right to express your opinion, it must be a right for all concerned. If you don’t like what is said, then either argue your own point-be it with logic, parable, parody or profanity of your own, or ignore what you disagree with. Unless physical threats or other than verbal retaliation is promised, those are really your only choices. Dog droppings in the middle of your neighborhood streets are never pleasant, but usually you can step around them. Shoes have been known to be cleanable.
By A-ville Ranger
July 1, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
Bob …..Meanie followed me to the Hawks blog just to insult me in the must juvenile of ways.Since I haven’t been caught up in these little spats much before,I assume it stems from my words criticising sardonic postings.None of this really interest me anyway and the only thing that bothers people like him is to be ignored.I plan on doing just that,I suggest you consider doing the same.
By Dwight Fry
July 1, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
I’m with you, Lew. I don’t eschew your point of view.
By berigan
July 1, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady and Bob, Journalist,
Good points as usual! Most blogs on the web take an active role in the conduct of their bloggers/forum users.
I post on a jazz board that is owned by one man…a man that also has a jazz band that tours. Naturally, he doesn’t want folks just discovering his music, to go to his board and see postings of hard core sex, fill in the blank on his forum. You can say some things about fellow users, but start saying things about their families, or threatening them, you will get banned! Is this censorship? I guess in a very narrow way, but no one is truly shutting them up, they can go to the millions of other web sites, talk on top of a soap box on the street, etc.
I also post on the TCM forum (Turner Classic movies) they had some issues with folks because they never really set any ground rules. So, they had to establish them, then enforce them. People are now more civil to each other there.
It’s not asking a lot to want a blog/forum that welcomes people to read and post as they wish, without being rudely insulted, cussed at, or having your “handle” highjacked. It’s also good business….
By ppaddy123
July 1, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
Where is DOB?
By TheSouthernJackAssRadioPersonalityGoneHayWire_rr_savant
July 1, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
What concern could it possibly be of yours ron roberts as to what the hell I do?…are you so preoccupied with interjecting your nose into the affairs of others that you neglect to address your own obvious shortcomings?…you sound like someone with about enough education to expose yourself as the droll that you are…and you always manage to do just that…try minding your own damn business, just once…and if the rest of you disapprove of my comments…then scroll on past them, or get the hell off this blog…some bloggers get tired of the continual b*** by those of you who only approve of your own comments…and AJC is only concerned with page hits, so they’re not banning anyone…Cha-Ching baby!!!…
So go talk about your beloved braves, and lay off of the rest of us…that is the purpose of this blog isn’t it?…and if you want to make society a better place, then get up off your a*******es, and go out into the real world where it matters and do something positive, instead of beating the point it into the ground on a damn free sports blog…
Unbelievably sickening!…
By Carolina Lady
July 1, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
Lew my friend, most communities have “scoop requirements” whereby the owner must clean up after his animal.
Standards of behavior and comportment are in every area of our lives: Are you allowed to yell Fire in a theater? No.
Are you allowed to yak and make noise in a library? No.
Are you allowed to go unclothed in public? No.
Are you allowed to urinate in public? No.
Is a restaurant permitted to set standards of dress within it’s establishment? Yes.
All expected standards by which we must abide, even on corporate-sponsored blogs.
What if a person moved in next door and decided that he was going to have an open cesspool in his yard. It doesn’t bother him and doesn’t care that the stench makes your life miserable. Without standards, in principle, that’s what it devolves into. As we have witnessed here.
We disagree on this point, but I still loves ya!
By Ron Roberts
July 1, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
AMEN Berigan.
I’ll be the first to admit then when attacked, I’ll fire back. Many people are like and those that are able to bite their tongues and look the other wasy are saintly people, indeed.
But if the site had some sort of administrative rules that people had to abide by, we’d all be civil and remain so. It’s one thing to discuss baseball and complain/argue about team strategy, players, the manager, etc., and qutie another to have to endure the insults from people who’ve not a shred of background on you or what makes you “you.”
I can think of a handful of persistent jerks who’d have been long-ago banished, and thus made this experience much more enjoyable for all.
By Carolina Lady
July 1, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Will check in later - have an engagement.
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith good 7:35 post…except for what you said at the end. Please do not leave this forum. Your humor and writing is always one of the brightest spots, both as a break from baseball stats and as a funny, quirky look at the game, players and wacky world events. Keep doing what you do so well for those of us that appreciate it.
I’ve been commenting on these multi-personality-disorder bloggers for weeks now, to no avail. It’s only gotten worse. But the stuff that is increasingly flowing (oozing) onto this blog is not fun. I too have taken longer and longer breaks from the blog (to some folks pleasure) because of the ceaseless crude, derogatory and inflammatory nature of these unfortunate posts. I’ve tried in vain to point out the sad reality of their negative thinking.
Regretfully, I may have unwittingly contributed to the situation by inflaming the person by responding. Perhaps I should have come to the realization earlier that, to comment on this odd behavior only energizes those who “get off” offending people. It’s weird, but they (he, she, it) seem reasonably intelligent, somewhat clever and very passionate about proving that bitterness and unfairness and crudeness is like the real world, therefore it should be justified, condoned and embraced in this forum. They are so focused on proving that, it seems they must be young, naive and just becoming aware of the unfairness in the world.
Has no one told them that the world is what you make of it - blemishes, imperfections and all? No one here needs reminding of that or of hearing someone’s bitter, delusional and argumentative discoveries on world order. Sad as this case is, it remains annoying and disgusting.
Hell, I’ve poked fun at many or most here, including DOB hizzone-self, but it was all done in the spirit of collegial repartee. Hey, this blog ain’t the Algonquin Round Table, but it does get pretty interesting. My comments are not always about baseball, but I’ve been following Braves and baseball all of my life. My musings are never around stats (we are so well covered in that area). But the common thread to all here is that we are Braves fans (or at least baseball fans) and we enjoy the interaction around that forum. To TheSouthernJackAss, Bob, Journalist, Gil In Mechanicsville, Carolina Lady, Lew and other denizens expressing similar sentiments…many dittos.
I’m sure none of us would want or ask for any restrictions on free speech, but to avoid throwing gas on the fire of the aforementioned behavior, I’ll suggest a moratorium on responding to those that can’t seem to settle on one moniker or control their own foul, condescending behavior. Anyway, that’s what I’ll do. Join me if you agree. Either way, from time to time, as much as I may be tempted, I’ll have to remind myself that, it’s a fool that wastes time arguing with a drunkard….or a social miscreant.
Apologies to all for rambling so long…off of my soapbox and out from behind the pulpit now. Going forward, I promise to not bring others or myself down again on this unnecessary, unfortunate subject nor will I acknowledge thsoe that try so hard to sabotage the forum here. I’ll really try anyway.
Let’s play ball!
By Ron Roberts
July 1, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
So sensitve the SJA can be when one levels charges at him; reminds me of that kid in preschool who’d run around at recess hitting other little kids til somebody clobbers him, then he runs to the teacher, wraps his arms around her and cries into her apron.
Ya sling fists, expect to get knocked down by those who can out-maneuver your 7th grade dialect.
To others… see what I mean about my inability to just ignore idiocy? Touche. To those that rise above it, I commend you. Stupidity with a hint or arrogance, to me, is something I answer to. And if the AJC.com staff just policed this place, most of it would be unnecessary. Take today for example…
By Stephen
July 1, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Harris should be playing every day.
By berigan
July 1, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
With rain delays, why not have baseball related programs like they used to??? Or do I misread Braves fans, and clearly everyone loves Saved by the Bell???? ESPN every once in awhile runs OLD This Week in Baseball show, and man what a kick to hear Mel Allen again, and see the old guys I grew up watching! Seeing how amazingly skinny guys like Omar Moreno and Kent Tekulve were, being reminded what a good hitter Bill Madlock was…ah, good memories.
Hey, games back on and Marlins are up 3-0!!! Crud!!
By Lew
July 1, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
Ma’am-There’s community standards and then there’s the reality of the situation-dogs still leave their unpleasantness in the street regardless of community standards and regulations. Also, one does not hang people who jaywalk, nor do they administer lethal injections to those whose dogs soil the aforementioned street. However, all of this is metaphor. What we’re really talking about is freedom of speech. This is a blog. It is not a packed theater, nor has anyone here yelled the equivalent of fire in said packed theater. There has been nastiness. There have been names called (I’m the recipient of much of this, myself, mind you), there has been much unpleasantness, it is true. There have been dismissals when things have gotten totally out of hand in the past. There have been dismissals when identities have been stolen. We know that this is true. We have witnessed it. We also must realize that the technology to circumvent is available, hence not much can be done. That is why I counsel ignoring or arguing. I don’t really see much choice other than not blogging. That’s just the way it is. Now one thing you may count on, Ma’am-You won’t ever get a nasty word, grief or aggravation from me-rest assured. Maybe I should make a presentation of a Wurlitzer Prize For Being Nice On The Man In Black BBQ Blog. Peut etre, pensez-vous?
By berigan
July 1, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Stephen, yes Willie should be playing every day, as should Diaz. Salty should as well.
By MBATL
July 1, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Shame that Carlyle’s start got interrupted. He pitched really well for 3 innings. Villarreal… not so much, so far.
By Stephen
July 1, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Diaz in left, Willie in Center, Francoeur in Right. Decent outfield right there.
By All Spin Zone
July 1, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
When the neighborhood is opened to all, the ills of society will follow. When it’s a closed neighborhood with a local police force, behavior can be monitored much more strictly.
berigan makes a good point about the jazz forum he posts on. It is run by one person who is dedicated to policing the board to represent what he believes are decent values. The key here is that one man has invested his time to creating something he loves and is dedicated to making it something he is proud of. I assume that’s what he’s doing.
This is a corporate blog, plain and simple. AJC has jumped on the blog bandwagon. DOB posts here. I think he enjoys it but I can’t know for sure. The tech folks are employees of the AJC who may not have any vested interest in this other than drawing a paycheck. I don’t know these things for sure, but I would bet the assumptions are close.
Maybe it should be something as simple as who was here first? Who set the initial standard for participation? Who set the acceptable norms? That I don’t know. I do feel this though; it makes no sense for someone to build a home next to a dairy farm that has been operational for fifty years then complain to authorities about the smell. So was the smell here when you arrived or has the smell just arrived? I really don’t think the AJC cares either way. In fact, I bet they would rather have 1000 posters, half of who are foul and immature than to have 50 posters who are model citizens.
I think anyone who wishes to do so should contact AJC and voice their opinion.
I only hsve so many fights left in this body. I must choose my battles wisely. A campaign to clean up this blog is not high on my list of battles. I do respect the rights of others to do what they feel they need to do to satisfy their own conscious.
By Robert
July 1, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
The best chance the Braves had to win the WS just went by the wayside
To wit
http://sportsline.com/mlb/story/10242614
By journalist jimmy smith
July 1, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
journalist has never suggested banning another blogger and has never communicated with dob or the paper about such a subject. put that talk to rest. if a blogger is banned it’s because of the blogger’s posts, not because of jimmy smith.
the blog serves as an amusement and a diversion for jimmy smith and therefore provides enjoyment to this journalist. along the way, some friendships have been made. that’s a plus.
journalist realizes it is a public blog and open to all comers. jimmy smith chooses to ignore some posts after a few words and scroll past a few altogether. it is when personal attacks are made that this journalist begins to lose interest in blogging.
there must be standards of acceptable behavior in polite society.
there are degrees of tolerable rudeness and then there is unacceptable behavior. who is to judge? depends on how one was brought up. some have values - some do not.
at chastain, some people talk quietly during performances. some people may talk loudly or even sing loudly during performances. others are forced to tolerate the behavior - for the offender has “rights”. where is the line to be drawn - when the public citizen goes to the stage to commandeer the microphone and put on a show of his own?
someone is attempting to commandeer the microphone of this blog. that is not open and free expression - that is abusing the rights of others.
it’s become useful to hide behind our rights when it is convenient. we have rights, so others’ rights be damned. that’s a wrong interpretation from this journalist’s perspective.
and when did we abandon accountability for our own actions? is it always someone else that is to blame? jimmy smith senses a false maturity here - someone offering platitudes of sincerity and wholesomeness that are not real.
if the blogger is gone (and the blogger is not gone) so be it. if the blogger remains and continues to be ill-mannered, then other bloggers can choose to remain or to leave. to engage in boorish public behavior is not a right. at a point such extreme behavior interferes with the rights of others and becomes objectionable to many.
now, baseball … yes, baseball. if the braves have no player who is the best at that player’s position in all the national league … then pick edgar for edgar’s great start and let edgar be the only brave. some years that is the way it must work.
By MBATL
July 1, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Which posts are seen as so vile as to require more censorship here? Have they been deleted (in which case we have no issue)? If they’re still there, I’d really be interested to know what’s been said on here that is so hideous as to deserve all this attention.
I can see being upset over people posting in other people’s established names; and I certainly support deleting posts that are obscene, or threatening.
Beyond that, uh, get over it people. If someone criticizes you, or makes fun of you, ignore it, or get back at them (without being obscene or threatening).
I tend to think that a few folks are taking this blog way too seriously, and that, if so, maybe they should indeed step away for a while.
Maybe I’ve overlooked something that is truly offensive to society (as opposed to just making fun of some bloggers).
Actually, I’ve gotten so upset with the blog (mainly over “racial issues”) that I’ve taken a 10-day leave of absence, but I never presumed that my opinion, or my absence, would have a big impact, in the greater scheme of things. I’ve since learned to enjoy posts that insult me intelligently, and to skip by posts that don’t interest me.
I really am curious as to what’s gotten everyone’s dander up. You can ‘link’ to the posts, or just provide the timestamp…
This is an honest question… so those with an axe to grind, please respond.
PS: for those who keep using the term, this is NOT a “free speech” issue. I won’t go into a lesson on Constitutional protections of free speech, but believe me, this blog ain’t in the mix.
If you own the medium, you have the right to control it. To say that this is a matter of free speech is to assume that any letter I write to the AJC’s editorial board MUST be published… which of course is not true.
By A-ville Ranger
July 1, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts Saintly people my a$$…..now that I take exception to.You BOYS have at it, I’ll go play in another park.
By Lew
July 1, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
All Right Andruw!!
By 2ManyPlatoons
July 1, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
Don’t get me wrong here, I like being able to plug anyone to play just about anywhere. But there is just too much uncertainty on this team. Bite the bullet already and make a decision regarding some of these guys. Now we have a platoon going on at second base as well as LF.
We need more stability in the lineup. Just because there is no clear cut starters doesn’t mean that is a good thing. The Braves need to make some decisions for the future and stick with them. We’re just limping along here 4-5 game out of first, and it doesn’t seem like the players who keep flipping around can get in a groove. And if you tell me that they can’t, then it is a talent problem. In that case, the team just needs to be reworked. Trades will have to be made and some serious decisions to make concerning the future.
Look at next season: Andrew will be gone. Who takes over CF? Is Escobar the answer in the infield? Well, if he’s not, then trade him now and get some starting pitching.
Out in left, are we going to move Harris over to center and keep Diaz? Well, if so then the platoon is fine for this year. But if the Braves don’t see one of them in their future (next year), then cut the one who doesn’t fit out of the mix and trade him. And please, if Salty isn’t going to play first, TRADE HIM NOW. There is no point in wasting his time and development (and our season) by moving him around. And the plans for Woodward: PLease cut him loose. If no one wants him, great. Designate his a* for assignment. These spare parts that count as platoons this year can be turned into some pitching talent.
All I am saying is that if we can’t win with REGULARS (a standard 8 man position force), then we aren’t going to go much farther by shifting them around. Even if that does get us in the playoffs THIS year. It will leave more ?’s for next season and no gain in the rotation (which is all that really matters anyway).
Platoons are only good for a quick fix. And the way the Braves are going, we need some stability.
By Greg O.
July 1, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
There’s a reason why blogs have little credibility in the journalism world - any idiot can post to it. That being said, this blog, like any, has its share of idiots. This blog is successful because anybody can post to it. But people will also be driven away by the idiots. A blog is like a poor man’s sports talk radio. At least the radio station cuts off the beligerent idiot who calls in. I’m sure AJC has the ability to stop posting idiots’ blog entries, but they won’t.
By 2ManyPlatoons
July 1, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
Don’t get me wrong here, I like being able to plug anyone to play just about anywhere. But there is just too much uncertainty on this team. Bite the bullet already and make a decision regarding some of these guys. Now we have a platoon going on at second base as well as LF and 1B.
We need more stability in the lineup. Just because there is no clear cut starters doesn’t mean that is a good thing. The Braves need to make some decisions for the future and stick with them. We’re just limping along here 4-5 games out of first, and it doesn’t seem like the players who keep flipping around can get in a groove. And if you tell me that they just don’t have the stuff to be a full time starter, then it is a talent problem. In that case, the team just needs to be reworked. Trades will have to be made and some serious decisions to make concerning the future.
Look at next season: Andrew will be gone. Who takes over CF? Is Escobar the answer in the infield? Well, if he’s not, then trade him now and get some starting pitching.
Out in left, are we going to move Harris over to center and keep Diaz? Well, if so then the platoon is fine for this year. But if the Braves don’t see one of them in their future (next year), then cut the one who doesn’t fit out of the mix and trade him. And please, if Salty isn’t going to play first, TRADE HIM NOW. There is no point in wasting his time and development (and our season) by moving him around. And the plans for Woodward: PLease cut him loose. If no one wants him, great. Designate his a* for assignment. These spare parts that count as platoons this year can be turned into some pitching talent.
All I am saying is that if we can’t win with REGULARS (a standard 8 man position force), then we aren’t going to go much farther by shifting them around. Even if that does get us in the playoffs THIS year. It will leave more ?’s for next season and no gain in the rotation (which is all that really matters anyway).
Platoons are only good for a quick fix. And the way the Braves are going, we need some stability.
By Lew
July 1, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
No, but you have the freedom to write the letter and you have a right to speak the contents of said letter. Publication, you are right, is another matter. If, however, the publisher does not ban the letter or the airing, thereof, and publishes it then it IS a matter of Free Speech. We’re not talking publisher’s rights here.
By TheSouthernJackAss
July 1, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
I too would like to see the “offending posts” that have dominated the discussion on this blog for the better part of the day…considering that, with the exception of defending myself against the attacks by your beloved ron roberts today, I had only posted one comment as of yesterday, after an entire months absence from this blog…so I certainly hope that certain “acceptable” bloggers aren’t inferring that I have made these infamous offending posts, or that I have stolen someone elses identity…
By Lew
July 1, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
Well, enough of this discussion of Constitutional Law. One thing I know for a fact-I have an unalienable right to good music. I have tickets to see Bob Dylan and Jimmy Vaughan play on the banks of Lake Champlain tonight and I damn well intend to enjoy myself-Even if I have to walk around some dog droppings. Later, y’all.
By Salty
July 1, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
SJA Your name hasn’t come up on either count…don’t worry.
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
A Streetcar named Unfair?** Did I just see Andruw sitting on a streetcar in the All-Star promo ad that ran a few minutes ago? Does that mean he is an All-Star? Or does it only mean that he was in the ad because the non-baseball director just assumed he would be. Am I just the last to know? Or maybe he just happened to be on a streetcar with a bunch of Yankees and other All-Star players when it went out of control and into the Bay. Oh boy, that A-Rod could use some acting lessons.
By Wayne in Utah
July 1, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
Did Carlyle come out after a rain delay. I just came in at the top of the 7th innning?
Has there been some “bad boys” on the blog today???
By Bob
July 1, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
Nice hit Edgar!!
By journalist joe
July 1, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
Lew, don’t step in your own pile on your way out.
What offends me more than anything else on this blog is the audacity that some folks have when they attach the title of journalist to their blog names.
By Salty
July 1, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
Lew Quite a setting…I’m feeling jealousy about now!
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
Should we assign a new meaning to Braves cleanup or just a new name?
By Ron
July 1, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
WoW Andruw hit a solo homer earlier in the game, then hits into a double play with 2 on and 0 out!!! I am sooo sick and tired of BC letting Andruw Bat Cleanup!!! Loyalty is FAR Greater than Winning for BC!!! It is apparent now, if none of you see that, then you aint watching the games Close enough!!!
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
Lew better to be going to a concert than sittin’ inside that mobile with the Memphis blues again. Just make sure you don’t get behind that lady in the leopardskin pillbox hat.
By fastasballs
July 1, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
So is Andruw coming around or not? He’s at least having one good AB a game now. He just reverted to old form on the DP, but looked great during the AB he hit the HR.
How about a Diaz single & a Salty homerun in the 9th?
By ernesto
July 1, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
Andruw is just killing us.
By N8
July 1, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
While, Andruw’s “accidental” HR did contribute to the 3 runs they’ve scored so far today, one CANNOT argue the fact that his pathetic AB with 2 on and nobody out with 2 runs already in, absolutely KILLED any chance of victory today.
He is officially worthless. He serves NO PURPOSE on this team at this point.
He should be nothing more than a late inning defensive replacement.
Argue away homers.
By Train Wreck Bystander
July 1, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
The answer is simple, really: [don’t feed the trolls](http://forums.station.sony.com/mxo/posts/list.m?topic_id=12200012985).
By Max Sand
July 1, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
What a battle by Escobar,this would be the biggest win of the season.
By Calvin
July 1, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
One of the greatest atbats I have ever seen by a rookie. Incredible.
By N8
July 1, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
Yeah….let’s trade the kids and sign Andruw LONGTERM in the offseason.
If JS trades Salty or Escobar for anything less than somebody better than Tim Hudson, he should be FIRED on the spot.
McCann, Francoeur, Escobar and Salty ARE the future of this team.
PERIOD.
By LT
July 1, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
Awesome, totally Awesome!
By tbo
July 1, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
JS, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE get rid of that no-hitting, cheese-eating, goon, sorry a* Andruw Jones. He is a joke. And BC is a bigger joke for his loyalty to him.
By Ron
July 1, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this
Escobar is King baby!!!!! We trade him for Buerhle I will be p** to no end!!!!!!!!
By Greg O.
July 1, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
N8,
This is your conscience speaking. Andruw had a bad at bat. But Yunel just KILLED any chance of you sounding smart.
hahahahaha
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this
Wickman AGAIN!!!! Where is Soriano?
By fastasballs
July 1, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this
Wow what a comeback, but only to be wasted. Why bring Wickman in to face the guy who just homered against him last night & that beats him up in general? Not the best of choices.
By ernesto
July 1, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this
That hurts. Big Wick just doesn’t do Florida very well.
By Rosalynn
July 1, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this
How about that Escobah! Jimma and Fidel will have to have a little talk about that boah! Ah spoke with Jimma about all the disharmonah on the blog todah and asked if he could pehaps mediate. Jimma said he would be glad to be of suhvice. Ah would like to invite all bloggahs ovah to the Carter Centah foah a session with Jimma and a trainee mediatah that Jimma is gettin’ ready foah latuh.
Oh! Wicka!! No, Wicka, no! Ah have lost the heaht to blog anahmoah.
By mr baseball
July 1, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
Wickman’s ERA on the road is somewhere in the ballpark of the SAT score of an academic whiz. The Marlins have torched him several times already this season. Olivo took him deep last night. And with a 1-run lead in the 9th inning, who does our sub-100 IQ manager put in the game to close it out? And with Soriano also available no less. Maybe he can get out of the inning. Considering who’s coming up, highly unlikely. Escobar saved Andruw’s rear earlier. I’m afraid nothing can keep this one out of the W column.
By Max Sand
July 1, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
Wickman looks really uncomfortable now.This could go from one of the best wins to one of the worst.Technically last night wasn’t a blown save but it wasn’t good either.
By Calvin
July 1, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
Soriano for closer…PLEASE!!
By LT
July 1, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
WTF, I blinked and Wickman’s already blown it? By the end of this inning our “closer” will have an ERA closing in at 5.
I’m about to jump on the Robert BC bashing bandwagon if this doesn’t change soon.
By Stephen
July 1, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this
BOB WICKMAN YOU SUCK!
By Ron
July 1, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
I am coming to the side of the bloggers that say let Soriano be Closer!!! We get the lead in the 9th off of a really good closer and Wickman gives it up!!! Soriano should be our closer!!! I said earlier in the year lets keep Wickman as our closer, no more of Wickman Closing, Soriano should be the Closer!!! Wickman should not be a closer anymore!!!
By fastasballs
July 1, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
Wouldn’t it be funny if this game went 17 innings? You know everyone is already wanting to watch the All Star show, lol.
Get some runs! Gotta have this game.
By LVChad
July 1, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
Don’t tell me Big Bob is going to pitch a second inning…… Why? The Marlins have his number. Please get someone up in the bullpen.
By Ron
July 1, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
No more F*** Wickman Closing!!! I will expect for now on Soriano will be the Closer for now on!!! But the only way that will happen is if JS trades Wicman!!! Well guys if we are in a one run game in the World Series we will probably lose, because of who our closer is!!!
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
Wicky has had a decent career but it is time to manage him into a middle relief spot…not closer. Too many cheeseburgers. Key word…MANAGE.
By N8
July 1, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
Anybody for Soriano in the closers role?
The Bob Wickman “train” is coming close to the end of the line, IMO. He’s old and becoming less and less effective as time wears on.
Good thing that Chuck James allowed the bullpen to rest in that blowout victory the other day…..oh wait…he didn’t. Never mind.
Nice job of holding the runner close, Wickman.
Since May 16th (when Wickman returned from the DL, here are his stats vs. Soriano’s.
Wickman: (including today)
18 appearances, 15.2 IP, 8 ER (4.59 ERA), 19 hits allowed, 2 BB’s, 12 K’s
He did however have 14 scoreless appearances.
Soriano:
15 appearances, 15 IP, 5 ER (3.00 ERA), 12 hits allowed, 3 BB’s, 14 K’s
11 scoreless appearances out of the 15.
If it’s not clear to Bobby that Soriano is the “safer” more dominant pitcher at this point, it NEVER will be.
By Ron
July 1, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
Wicman Blows against The Marlins!!!
By Ron
July 1, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
BC is killing us with batting Andruw 4th, and Wickman Closing!!! This is starting to get stupid now!! BC has lost his DAMN mind in the last year!!!
By tbo
July 1, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox is an absolute idiot for putting Wickman in with Olivo the 1st man up. He has no gut feel managerial ability. Its just OK now its the ninth with a one run lead so I’ll put my fat a** closer in there. Now he puts Soriano in there. He should have been the one in there in the ninth. We will lose this game.
By Stephen
July 1, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
Oh the memories of 2006.
By OddJob
July 1, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
This is why I’ve said I wouldn’t use Soriano at junk time.Why would you risk damaging his confidence ? I just don’t get it.
By LVChad
July 1, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this
Wasn’t meant to be I guess. Soriano fails to even get an out. That will keep Big Bob in the closers role.
By N8
July 1, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
OK.
Scratch all of the Soriano/Wickman debate.
ANYBODY for Tyler Yates as the closer? LOL!
PATHETIC showing on “getaway day” by our entire bullpen today. 6 IP…6 ER (I don’t care if Soriano’s was an unearned run - his error set it up).
YIKES.
By Train Wreck Bystander
July 1, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
That was like a punch in the gut.
By N8
July 1, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this
Greg O.
“N8, This is your conscience speaking. Andruw had a bad at bat. But Yunel just KILLED any chance of you sounding smart”
You were saying….?
By tbo
July 1, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
Bobby has got to go. And take Andruw with you.
By brian
July 1, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
N8 - right on the mark for the future of the braves. Good call as well calling out everyone calling for Soriano as closer.
Jones needs to sit for a few games in a row with Harris in CF and Diaz in LF.
Salty needs to play everyday at 1B with one start at catcher every 5 games. Send Pete Orr down and call up Pena to be the 2nd/3rd catcher.
Who would have though coming into the year that LF and 2B would be solid and CF would be our weak link?
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this
We were going to have fish tonight? Oh, Chef Cox said the Sunday menu called for chopped liver** Can a player get too old, out of shape or set in bad habits to win? How about manager? Of course, but that’s just the way it’s going to be for at least another year folks.
Instead of having fried fish, which Yunel handed to us on a platter in the bottom of the 9th, the Fish ate our dinner. Ol’ Cheeseburger Wicky does it again…to the same hitter as last night. Chalk another one up for managing by the book instead of managing by recent player performance. Cox manages careers, not games (always has). Instead we get…uh…Wickman: closer. Um…Andruw: cleanup. Mmm…Frenchy: let the kid swing away. If BC doesn’t at least properly manage those three and double up on the Red Bulls, we lose a lot more games for all the same reasons.
I know, I know…just venting. This loss hurt.
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
Further…would someone please take that perma-marker ink pen away from Bobby? Give him a pencil. And show him the eraser. Maybe he’ll figure it out. Ok, I’m done on that.
So, is there a senseless comedy on tonight?
By Greg O.
July 1, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
N8,
I was saying you looked stupid saying the Braves had no chance at winning at that point. Can you possibly argue that?
By Ron
July 1, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
Who else out their thinks that BC has lost his damn mind this year? This was a pathedic game today!!! Escobar’s last two at bats were fantastic, but it was wasted, because of BC!!! BC has totally lost it this year!!! He has a .199 hitter batting Cleanup and Wickman Closing!!! I know Soriano did not get it done today, but all the Momentum was with the Marlins!!! We had all the Momentum until BC tried to Manage the Damn Game!!! I have never thought that BC was bad in previous years, BUT this year he has lost us about 6 games at least this year!!! We should be in First place, never seen a manager lose it in a year, but he is pathedic this year!!! And this is coming from somebody that thinks BC is a GREAT manager!!! BUT he has lost it in a year!!!
By N8
July 1, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
Greg O.
Obviously, even with Andruw’s double play grounder, we still had a chance to win. But even though Yunel had a big hit (scary when a rookie with less than 100 AB’s has a better aproach than our 14.5 million dollar superstar), to take the lead. That STILL doesn’t mean that Andruw was “off the hook”. Especially in hindsight.
Let me explain. Had Andruw NOT hit into the DP in that situation, we would’ve been in position to ADD more runs in that inning (god forbid Andruw actually get a BIG hit). But since he didn’t, Escobar’s hit was the “BIG” hit, instead of just insurance or add on runs to pad the lead.
Had that happened, with out “Senior Rally Killer” getting in the way, Wickman would’ve been able to keep up his recent trend of being very hittable, while only allowing a “garbage time” run, that would’ve been harmless.
So excuse me for not needing my “conscience” to tell me when I’m gonna sound smart or not.
Whether we came back to tie the game, take the lead, or ultimately lose the game, Andruw’s AB had a huge part of us NOT scoring more runs when they were there for the taking.
Argue away “Sir Homer”.
By Greg O.
July 1, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this
For all the Wickman haters out there, consider the following stats that show he’s actually been better this June and this year than last June and last year at this point:
June 2006 - 0-4, 9.00 ERA, 14 G, 9.0 IP, 3 SV/6 SVOP, 14 H, 5 BB, 4 K
June 2007 - 0-1, 6.52 ERA, 12 G, 9.2 IP, 6 SV/7 SVOP, 14 H, 2 BB, 9 K
At this point in 2006 - 1-4, 11 SV/15 SVOP, 4.88 ERA, 24.0 IP
At this point in 2007 - 1-3, 14 SV/18 SVOP, 4.33 ERA, 27.0 IP
After July 1 last season, he converted 22 of 23 save opportunities, allowing just three earned runs in 30.0 innings pitched. I’m not saying he’ll be that sharp the rest of the way, but look at the numbers and give him the benefit of the doubt.
By Richard Cory
July 1, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady-congrats on your engagement. Who is the lucky feller??:]]
By Ron
July 1, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this
Well guys this hurt worst than the lost when Hudson was trying to go for the Complete game, and instead we lost that game to the Fish!!! This is the Worst Lost this year for us, without question!!! Is anybody that is connected to the Braves gonna try to convince BC to Bat Andruw at least 7th in the order, and moving Soriano to Closer!!! Please Somebody!!! This is getting Retarded what BC is doing!!! Gotta go outside and do some things!!! Cant think about this game for awhile, this hurt!!!
By Greg O.
July 1, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this
N8,
I didn’t need an explanation about how bad Andruw’s at bat was. I acknowledged that in my initial post. You said Andruw “KILLED any chance of victory today.” You were wrong. That’s all I was saying.
By Greg O.
July 1, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this
N8,
One more thing. I’ve got a thick skin, so I don’t care what you say. But it’s name-calling like “Sir Homer” that gets people p** off at you. Maybe you like that and do it intentionally - I don’t know and please don’t take that as an accusation. But with regards to all the talk about blog etiquette and whatnot, I’d say name-calling should stay in elementary school.
By Ron
July 1, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this
N8, saw your 6:26 post before logging off. And that is EXACTLY what I was talking about!! Great Post man!!! Oh yeah BC sure aint helpin when he is batting him Cleanup in this damn lineup!!! Hell Bozo the F*** Clown could do better battin Cleanup than our on Bozo Andruw Jones!!!
By chrisklob
July 1, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this
Congrats to Smoltz and McCann!
By David O'Brien
July 1, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
Wow, I was traveling (long day, flight cancelled to LAX, had to fly into Orange County, blah blah blah) and missed the meltdown. Just got to my LA hotel and am reading your posts and getting a good idea of how it went down….
Much as there can be an argument made (and Shaun as made it) that the eighth is often the more important inning, I’ll say again I think, and have thought, that Soriano should have long since been moved into the closer role, or at least splitting it by now.
N8, your stats on Soriano fail to point out that almost every run and the majority of hits he’s given up have been when used in blowouts, when he’s given up his home runs. In close games, he’s been arguably the best reliever in the NL this season….
Really surprised SSs Renteria, Rollins and H. Ramirez were all left off All-Star team. La Russa dropped the ball on that one.
By Greg in TN
July 1, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this
Evening folks…
Today’s game was a roller coaster for sure. Any loss should be a tough pill to swallow and so far we’ve had 39 to get down. Equally frustrating is the fact that we had a chance to gain ground on the mets and didn’t.
Personally, I don’t think this loss is as bad as some of the others right now. It could be different story if we aren’t able to bounce back out on the west coast. We have Smoltz going tomorrow against Derek Lowe who pitched well last time out but ran into a pitcher in Brandon Webb who just pitched better.
A big congratulations to Smoltz and McCann for making the All-Star team, however I feel like Renteria should be going also.
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
Regardless of BC’s “perma-ink” playbook, how well Wicky has done prior to the Fish series, Soriano will have the closer job before much longer. As much as I respect his decent career, Wicky has let himself get way too heavy, out of shape…and he’s no sping chicken to boot. He has eaten himself into a potential problem. Granted, I haven’t weighed him or even heard of weight comparisons to last year…but my eyes still work. He lumbers out there.
Holding up in the heat this year would be a challenge for the big guy. Avoiding injury due to his being so out of shape is the bigger possibility.
Sad but true. Hard but fair.
By N8
July 1, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
DOB
“N8, your stats on Soriano fail to point out that almost every run and the majority of hits he’s given up have been when used in blowouts, when he’s given up his home runs. In close games, he’s been arguably the best reliever in the NL this season….”
I totally agree with you. I was trying to be objective, and show that neither has really been automatic for a couple of weeks.
But I think I’ve made my case (opinion) QUITE CLEAR that I’d prefer Soriano in the closer’s role, and HAVE since he filled in for Wickman while he was out.
Not that Wickman hasn’t done a standup job, since coming to the Braves, but for some reason or another Soriano makes a lead feel “safer” when he’s out there protecting it.
Greg O.
I normally try not to get into name calling fits, so I agree with you.
Don’t take offense to being called a homer. I mean NO HARM when referring to somebody as a homer. “Homers” are die hard fans, that usually think positively, even in the midst of a moment that has ZERO chance of having a positive outcome.
If it came across as rude, it wasn’t meant to be. You acknowledge that Andruw had a “bad AB”, yet fail to acknowledge/agree that his “bad AB” hindered (I believe that should have been the correct term for me to use, rather than “killed”) our chances to win.
Like I said before, had Yunel’s hit stood up, and Wickman holds the lead. All the “homers” would say:
“See, Andruw’s AB didn’t end up hurting the team”.
My response to that would be……THIS TIME!
And since it DID end up costing us extra runs, and ultimately the game (along with Wickman and Soriano being ineffective today), along with him allegedly being counted on to lead a second half “surge”, I’ll continue to hold him responsible for any game we end up losing where he’s not only left runners on base (especially RISP), much less killed the biggest rally of the day with a ground ball double play on an outside pitch he tried to pull into the upper deck.
So by default, this loss is on him, in my book. Which leaves Cox as an accesory before the fact. Having put him into the cleanup spot…..AGAIN!
By Andy
July 1, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
Can someone tell me why McCann is an All Star ? Renteria, Hudson, Chipper, Francoeur are all having better years than McCann.
By N8
July 1, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
Greg O.
Nice “find” on the Wickman stats from last year up to the same point in the schedule as this year.
But unfortunately for Wickman, most sports fans hold the “what have you done for me latley” attitude, I know I do (Yeah, I know….BIG shocker).
Since Wickman arrived last year up to the before the to outings that essentially landed him on the DL, he was as lights out as any fan can ask for as a closer (I still prefer strikeout guys in that role - yet even I found it hard to argue with his success rate). THAT near perfection is what we became accustomed to, and with a guy like Soriano on the roster that seems more suited NOW to handle that role, it won’t take long for the fans to turn on Wickman.
Kind of sad, but very true, IMO.
I haven’t turned on him, I just prefer Soriano in the closer’s role.
Just my opinion.
By fastasballs
July 1, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
Even though they lost today I don’t see them falling apart. I loved the emotion & excitement shown by the entire dugout after Escobar’s hit. The kids seem to energize the team.
I was amazed Cox sent Orr in to pinch run for McCann. Had he not McCann would have been nailed at the plate for sure. I’m just shocked he followed a risky move that worked by sending Wickman in the game to face Olivo. Maybe Soriano would have been beaten up in the 9th or maybe he stikes out the side. We’ll never know. I would have questioned the move of Wickman even IF he had got the save.
There have been quite a few of these type of losses this year & none had a prolonged effect on the team. I don’t expect this one to either. Hopefully Smoltz can go deep in the game tomorrow & pitch well. This is going to be one tired team by the time they reach the west coast.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 1, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this
not so fast. this team has been built on cheeseburgers. wicky, chipper, andruw, mccann, paronto - all are whoppers with cheese. chipper trains on cheeseburgers. the others seem to be existing on cheeseburgers. and soon, it will be the fourth of july and cheeseburgers will be everywhere! why don’t the players try fish and chips without the chips? and now, just what was meant by the blogger who called andruw a “cheese-eating goon”? first, there is nothing wrong with eating cheese - dob eats cheese. second, goons are not cheese eaters. and all-star selections: mccann 2, frenchy 0. and a yankees pitcher has burned equipment on the field. this should also be done with andruw’s bats that have produced nothing in june. and if joe morgan is so smart why isn’t joe morgan riding on that cable car with andruw and the all-stars? answer to the earlier question posed on this blog: andruw will pull the cord and get off the cable car about two blocks from the ballpark. andruw will then enjoy a delicious cheeseburger and walk to the game. two more cheeseburger eaters of note: bobby cox and chico “cheeseburger and fries” cadahia. now, diane lane … please call jimmy smith. and who will have banana pudding on the fourth?
By Coach (BRINGING THE WRECKING BALL)
July 1, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
Andruw killed the eighth inning rally in spite of his own HR. Cox put it all on the line in the top of the ninth and it worked to perfection. He then put the same pitcher(Wickman) in the same situation facing the same batter(Olivo) in the bottom of the ninth and we saw the same exact result two games in a row. How terribly predictable is Bobby Cox ? Yes , Smoltz deserves to go to the All-Star game but so does Renteria. McCann does not but I guess Tony La Russa needed another catcher. As of right now , Wickman looks like the Braves most tradable contract. Soriano , Yates , Moylan and Villarreal are capable enough to hold the bullpen together. Devine and Boyer are waiting in the wings. Speaking of Joey Devine , he pitched in one game for the Braves this season , he isn’t on the 40 man and is back in AA Mississippi. I wonder how the Braves brass pulled that little shenanigan off ? They got him on and off the 40 man without losing him in waivers.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 1, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
fourth of july in only three more days. buy your watermelons now. best to refrigerate for a couple days before cutting. and barbecue and apple pie and ice cream . . . and delicious cheese samplers from costco. yes, the fourth of july is a most pleasurable holiday. and, if a veteran hands you a flag, take it and say, thank you. don’t question the veteran’s right to hand out flags to patriots. oh, the humanity! jimmy smith has taken a political position on this blog. please forgive this journalist who is from uganda anyway. and cordele, also cordele. and whither carroll rogers? and why are journalists never photographed eating potato chips? who knows the answer to this one? and now, transition to baseball … something is wrong with wicky who seems to be laboring for wicky’s breath while on the mound. could it be the result of too many cheeseburgers? or perhaps an obstruction in the nose? should consult bobby cox on that one. and now, remember what abraham lincoln said in celebration of the fourth of july: “…and now I have said about as much as I ought to say in this impromptu manner, and if you please, I’ll take the music.” and off abraham lincoln went with his mp3 player.
By JJMB
July 1, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
I was wondering why Rentería was left off, and McCann is on the AS team. It’s like when I was playing (pitcher), and I got picked for 2nd base all-star (little league). Well, it’s not really like that, but we were just as perplexed about the situation.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
July 1, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
The All-Star selections were a bit preplexing. I know that we the fans get to vote because the game is supposed to be for us, but let’s be honest. Fans don’t vote with intelligence very much and this year’s teams are another example of this.
David Wright does not deserve to be the starter. He has not had as good as seasons as Cabrera or Chipper. I know Chipper probably isn’t that disappointed to not make the team. He will definitely need the three days of rest, but that is not the point. I would also argue that Rollins, Renteria, and JJ Hardy deserve to start as much as Reyes, but that is a tough call.
Here is one that kind of bothers me. I know Francoeur has a way to go, but looking at the numbers is Soriano really that much better than him. Soriano just started to play like he was supposed to about three weeks ago. And, Beltran sure as hell doesn’t deserve to be a starter.
And, I am a bit confused about Brian McCann’s selection. McCann has definitely not had a great season. I am happy as hell for Brian but I have to say that is strange at best. I guess you could say though that it is quite an indictment on NL catchers.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 1, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
Oh well, another day, another heartbreak ….. At least my homeboy Denny Hamlin won today. Now baseball….
I am putting today’s game behind me. It just was not meant to be. At least Buddy Carlye gave good account of himself. He did a great job. Too bad the rains came. It really did change the whole complexion of the game.
And Escobar’s at bat in the ninth was clutch to the max. Go on, he had you cheering for a while didn’t he? :-))
Of all the pitchers who have been mentioned as available, Oswald would be a deal maker. That is the one guy who the Braves should make a serious run at. How many prospects would the Braves have to give up? He is certainly worth the salary he would command.
I know my suggestions don’t count for much but if you are reading this Mr. Schuerholz, do the deal on this on. It would match your move to get Maddux back in the day……
By JJMB
July 1, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith, have you seen the people that put salt on their watermelon? I would like your opinion on this practice.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 1, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
For those trying to figure McCann’s selection to the All-Star team, he was chosen by his peers, not the public. Maybe they know something more than just stats…..
And yes Edgar deserved to go, but you cannot have but so many shortstops on a team. I would hope that the bearded icon will take the time off to rest.
By JJMB
July 1, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
As far as McCann’s secret skills, I must have missed them this year. He doesn’t make good throws to second, he doesn’t block the plate very well, and his hitting is mediocre this year. Am I missing something?
By journalist jimmy smith
July 1, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
yes, salted watermelon … some say that salting a watermelon makes that watermelon taste sweeter. journalist jimmy smith never salts watermelon but is not opposed to others who do. this may be the year for braves fans to try salty melons. only against left handers, though. oh, the humanity! platoon watermelon eating.
By JJMB
July 1, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this
“only against left handers, though. oh, the humanity! platoon watermelon eating.”
What a waste of salt!
By Jman
July 1, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this
TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW TRADE ANDRUW
By Savannah Guy
July 1, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
As Khalil Gibran once said, “A natural act such as breathing becomes more difficult when you think about it”. Don’t believe it? Then think about it…see! You were about to gasp just a little, go ahead and admit it.
Now, I know that I must have botched that KG quote, but the point is: Is Wicky thinking about breathing or is he having difficulty drawing air because of the inherent physiological encumbrance derived from an abundance of body fat? Are red cheeks a sign of air depletion? Stress? High BP? Could be. Face redness from watermelon consumption? I think not. Cheeseburger slammage? Yup. That would make perfect sense. So there you have it. Cheese is good. Burgers are good. Too much is only good for defensive linemen or sumo wrestling. Too much is not good for general health and not advisable for those pitching a baseball and falling off of a mound and chasing bunts.
On to more lofty subjects…The Big Bang Theory. Regarding those Chinese inventions that are made from gunpowder, packed into a tube and when lit by fuse, shoot into the air and explode into spectacular, colorful bursts of light, typically used on New Years Eve and Independence Day celebrations:
Why do they call them fireworks? Is “fire” really the best we can come up with? Secondly and more important to ponder: What about “works”? Does it require that much work to fire them? The factory that manufactures these things should be called the fire-works. That would make perfect sense, since many people work in a factory to put all that gunpowder into those little tubes and ship them all over the world. But the final product that we consumers enjoy…”works” just doesn’t describe the device accurately. Should we call them “colorful sky explosions”? Hmm…how about “holiday sky display”? No. Anyway, we need a better name than fire-works.
Even loftier: Salt on watermelon or not? I say yes to both, although salt is way overused in our diets, so I suggest not. Wicky should not eat salt on his watermelon for aforementioned issues. How about Pepper on Cantaloupe? Either plain or peppered is acceptableSome even put a little red-eye gravy on the fruit (Carolina Lady?). But a good melon does not need any help at all. Unless that melon belongs to Tony Soprano.
By Lew
July 2, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
I just got back from a great Bob Dylan show with the Green Mountains, Jay’s Peak and Camelback as a backdrop. I’ll wait til the morning to give a review, though. Don’t want Nathan telling me how bad it really was.
By Lew
July 2, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this
Actually, if you eat the cheeseburger with no bun and lots of lettuce, tomato and pickle, stuff with fiber and no bad carbs, that cheeseburger won’t hurt you at all. It’s all that white bread that does you in-that and those supersized fries.
By The Grinch
July 2, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this
I’m here, #@%$^-es! HOO-AHH! Any requests? :-)
By N8
July 2, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this
Lew
“Don’t want Nathan telling me how bad it really was.”
:-)
Now, now Lew. Haven’t you figured it out. Good music is in the ear of the listener. What you like, might not be what I like, nor what DOB likes.
One man’s Whitesnake might be another man’s Bob Dylan, if you know what I mean.
It’s not nearly as cut and dried as an overpaid CF that seeminlgy could kill any rally by merely showing up, or a catcher in his 2nd full year, getting a “flyer” on the All-Star game, like he’s a 15 year veteran.
If you enjoyed the Bob Dylan concert, than it shouldn’t matter how bad I tell you it was or wasn’t.
Now if you wanna argue whether Soriano, Wickman or Kira Sedwick should be the closer….start typing, and I might bite.
By Coach (BRINGING THE WRECKING BALL)
July 2, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
The Braves best lineup is : Harris CF .373 , Escobar 2B .310 , Renteria SS .324 , C.Jones 3B .327 , Francoeur RF .286 , McCann C .261 , Salty 1B .330 and Diaz LF .347. The problem is , we have yet to see that lineup take the field.
By Lew
July 2, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
Nathan-I actually had no idea what to expect with Dylan, having never seen him before and not really having gotten into much he’s done for the last 25 years or so (not didn’t like it, just hadn’t heard it). The Dude rocks. No acoustic at all. I dsidsn’t recognize some of the material, but he did The Times They are a Changin, Rollin and Tumblin, Tangled Up in Blue, Simple Twist of Fate and Like a Rollin Stone. The last encore was All Along The Watch Tower and the guitarist did a modified version of the Hendrix solo (no wah wah). Great show with a lot of head on rock and roll. I was impressed. Now Jimmy Vaughan opened for Dylan. Like Grinch told me yesterday, don’t go expecting to see Stevie Ray. Grinch is right Stevie Ray got most of the family’s talent. His set wasn’t any better than you would see at Open Mike Night at your local blues club. VERY substandard-much like a recent Andruw Jones performance-Totally lacking in substance and sub par for someone of his experience. How’s that Nathan? Did I sprinkle my optimistic review with enough negativity for the Night Shift?
By Ron Roberts
July 2, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this
Can we “watermark” or “post to the side” the reason Andruw isn’t tradeable, please?
He’s a 10 and 5 guy. Clamor to trade him all you want, he can veto any of ‘em, because he’s played 10 years of ML service and 5 consecutive (all 10 actually) with the same team.
He’s untradeable folks.
By Ron
July 2, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts agreed about your 12:43 post!!!! Im tired of hearing about that myself, BUT BC CAN BENCH HIS A$$ FOR AWHILE, OR at least Bat him 7th in the F*** Lineup!!!
By Coach (BRINGING THE WRECKING BALL)
July 2, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this
Exactly concerning Andruw. Big contract , terrible season , veto power with the 10/5 thing and nobody would want him. Hmmm , maybe Andruw could be resigned to a significantly reduced one year contract in the 3-5 million dollar range. Nah , BOOORASSS would make him play in Japan before that would happen.
By Bob, Mild Mannered Journalist
July 2, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this
JJMB, I personally can’t imagine eating an unsalted on a watermelon … even a Black Diamond.
It is never my intent recant earlier avowed abstention but I feel compelled to address some of the relevant comments where I feel failing to so do might lead to misconception.
Lew, I appreciate your comments but don’t see how they in any way address the question that I ask asked.
That question was What is the value of freedom when your society becomes morally corrupt beyond redemption?.
That question address the existing state of affairs but simply asks about the relevance of freedom were such a state to exist.
Perhaps your “amongst corruption and lack of redemption” equates to my “morally corrupt beyond redemption” but methinks that’s an unwise assumption for me to make.
Corruption is like a bad penny and even if you melt down the one it will be replaced with another. So, to me, “amongst corruption and lack of redemption” is describing an ever present condition and most certainly, freedom is therein revalent.
However, “morally corrupt beyond redemption” is intended to describe an extreme end of the spectrum … something which is almost beyond my comprehension and from which there is no return.
Your comments seem to defend the relevance of freedom if such a state were to be realized as if I were suggesting that they would be irrelevant … I only posed the question but it’s interesting that you would so conclude.
I believe that the relevance of freedom increases as you approach the end of the spectrum for it means you have the opportunity to change the existing state, its direction and its momentum.
Indeed, it’s that belief that prompts most of the posts I make that are considered by some to be disruptive, ostentatious diatribes.
The question regarding the relevance of freedom were the end of the spectrum to reached is everyone’s to answer but I personally think it would dramatically change because the state will have become irreversible and its definition will also have change … that is, freedom will have been forever lost.
It’s just my view … not a diatribe … but I do hope that my diatribes over the past two seasons … as disruptive and ostentatious as they may have been considered … may have given some pause and perhaps had a positive impact on some as well.
My only real regret would be if there are those who, by design or no, have allowed my ineptitude, disruptiveness and ostentatiousness to not give my diatribes serious consideration.
Take care
By N8
July 2, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this
Lew
“Did I sprinkle my optimistic review with enough negativity for the Night Shift?”
Not at all. Sounds like you gave a description, based on what you saw and expected. Similar to me saying Andruw Jones is the less “productive” of the two Joneses on the Braves. :-)
Now the only way what you stated, could be considered negative (and not realistic), is if somebody were to try and argue with you about the Vaughn brothers and the “spread” of their talent.
As for Dylan, never really have gotten into him. Before my time. Appreciate him, just not my bag. Had a chance to see him live about 10 years ago, and passed. Wish I hadn’t passed up that opportunity, but I did (young and stubborn - he wasn’t “cool” enough for me back then), but not sure I’d go out of my way to see him.
Like I said, not my bag. I’m glad you enjoyed it, sounds like you had a good time, which when it comes to music is really all that matters to me.
I’ll take a “bad” concert, over watching Andruw Jones “circa 2007” attempt to hit.
Andruw Jones is like the middle act on a “Triple Bill” that you have ZERO interest in seeing, but when you like the opening act, and LOVE the headliner, you’ve got no choice but to sit through his AB’s. It’s either that or spend an hour intaking consession stand food, and then “getting rid” of it. LOL!
Come to think of it, a good #2, might be physically, and mentally more enjoyable than suffering through an Andruw AB with RISP.
Good night.
By N8
July 2, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this
“Hmmm , maybe Andruw could be resigned to a significantly reduced one year contract in the 3-5 million dollar range.”
At this point (If Brandon Jones can hit AT ALL), I’m resigned to think that even that price range is TOO HIGH.
Pure sarcasm of course. But in all actuallity, I don’t want him around next year unless he’s hittin’ 40-50 HR’s, because you know damn well that if he’s in a Braves uniform, you’ll be hearing WAY too much of this…
“Now batting 4th for the Braves….#25….Andruw Jones.”
If Bobby had the balls to keep him out of the cleanup spot, he would’ve done it already….oh wait….HE DID. Then he put him back there, without him having to earn that spot back.
So for that reason, I say…..buh bye.
By The Grinch
July 2, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this
Bob, perhaps Lew fell short of expectations because that’s quite a question to answer and it’s a baseball blog. Who knows? :-)
Lew, it is good you understand my wisdom in a Conan the Barbarian sort of way; perhaps I will next answer “Conan, what is good?” by saying “To attack my enemies, to drive them before me, and to hear the lamentations of their women.” Yeah, baby. Hoo-ah.
By Todd A
July 2, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this
Hmmm , maybe Andruw could be resigned to a significantly reduced one year contract in the 3-5 million dollar range.
I wouldn’t want Andruw Jones back next year at the Major League minimum.
By Serbok
July 2, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this
My only real regret would be if there are those who, by design or no, have allowed my ineptitude, disruptiveness and ostentatiousness to not give my diatribes serious consideration
REGRET TO YOUR GRAVE DUMBA$$! I can exponentially say to you that the diatribe you pretend to portray in an anonymous blogosphere of ppl whom have so chosen to share and discuss BB and all the nuances hence gathered or disseminated have been totally lost on all greensleeved advocates of frivolity such as yourself has been totally for naught! I once danced where you play~ There IS no being, other than the feeling, can mince words like potato stix, Diatribes of “knowing” Fierce winds on candlesticks that refuse to light, uncertain boundaries of self glorifications~ The “Knowing” “SEEing” of all that surrounds us~ The windswept undercurrents that “we” never knew existed. The ever absolute of gentle sounds. The masked carnage of history, The intended rape of the now~ ever be it so gradual~ Shall hang on your mirror for eternity, as in all the inconsequential thoughts that you may have forthwith. For you my Friend, are nothing more than a~~~~~~~~? I will leave it to the rest of the bloggers to fill in the last word~ (that is those who are standup comedians?) LOL
By The Grinch
July 2, 2007 2:14 AM | Link to this
By Serbok
July 2, 2007 2:24 AM | Link to this
This is the “nightshift” come on bro” LOL
By Serbok
July 2, 2007 2:30 AM | Link to this
Grinch Always enjoy your posts:o) Seems no/one thinks about a trade package consisting of a yates, moylan, villareal, or anyone in the bullpen~cept of course Soriano~ I hope we just stand Pat~ and hope Bobby gets a clue~
By Lew
July 2, 2007 2:33 AM | Link to this
Bob-Couldn’t tell you what it means, because I don’t think my society is morally corrupt beyond redemption. I certainly am not and though we are both incomplete fools, I doubt you are either. Soaking in that Maple Syrup in your hot tub tends to make you overthink things at times my friend. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar and not morally corrupt. Or something to that effect. Good night.
By Serbok
July 2, 2007 2:35 AM | Link to this
If the braves do screw it up (trade) one of the relievers is history~ ya heard it here first! Lol
By The Grinch
July 2, 2007 2:42 AM | Link to this
Sorry my post got corrupted by the powers that be…not important anyway. Serbok, as Triumph would say: “Fight the Good fight…” etc. Take it sleazy and good night. Got a reason to quit the computer. :-)
By David O'Brien
July 2, 2007 2:48 AM | Link to this
Lew, glad to hear the Dylan show met or surpassed all your expectations. I had a feeling it would. Obviously His Bobness is one of the greatest handful of songwriters in popular-music history
Not that anyone asked, but I’d go with Hank, him, Tom Waits, Lennon/McCartney, Townes Van Zant, Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, Bob Marley and Springsteen in the top tier, followed by (in no order) such luminaries as Steve Earle, Lou Reed, Curtis Mayfield, Guy Clark, Jimmy Webb, Pete Townshend, Lucinda Williams, Cobain, Paul Simon, Woody Guthrie, Gram Parsons, John Fogerty, Doc Pumus, Burt Bachrach, Greg Brown, Billy Bragg, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Stevie Wonder, Neil, Bernie Taupin/Elton John, Haggard, Nick Cave, Shane MacGowan (Pogues), Chrissie Hynde, Willie, Van, Roger Waters, Kristofferson, Randy Newman, J.R. Cash, Carole King, Graham Parker, Fagan/Becker, Mick & Keef, Brian Wilson … man, OK, sorry I rambled. There’s just way too many, now that I think about it.
Anyway, I was shocked at how good Dylan still was in concert the last couple times I saw him, when he was actually better than when I’d seen him 12-15 years\ earlier. Here we are, what, more than a decade since his near-death experience with the heart infection, and he’s in his 60s and absolutely rockin’ live? Amazing.
Did he play guitar all night? When I saw him with Haggard a couple years ago, he was on keyboard much of the night because his arthritis or some such ailment was getting the best of him after so many shows (the man still tours more than performers one-third his age).
He played All Along the Watchtower during the encore when I saw him last, too. Great, great stuff.
There probably won’t be another of his ilk in our lifetime, and it’s always so special to see the true legends when they’re still on top of their game, which Bob still is. His last three albums have been remarkably good.
By Bob, Mild Mannered Journalist
July 2, 2007 3:23 AM | Link to this
Grinch, Lew, never fails to meet expectations except when he exceeds them, methinks. Actually, the question and most of those included in that post was intended for pondering rather than answering … I do note several errors in my response to Lew that my have you, Lew and others scratching and/or shaking your heads.
“That question address the existing state of affairs” should have read “That question doesn’t address the existing state of affairs”
To my knowledge, “revalent” is not a word but if it is, I doubt that its meaning is relevant to my comments.
On obvious error that should not confuse many is one of tense “will also have change” … should have been “will also have changed”.
Lastly, and especially for Serbok, it wasn’t my intent to suggest that I was in any way concerned that anyone might allow my flaws not to do anything. I most certainly support and defend the right of my perceived flaws not to do anything if they don’t so choose!
However, it would indeed be unfortunate if they kept anyone from doing something I thought was prudent to do … that is, I would hope that my perceived flaws would not prejudice the reader to the extent that the message contained therein would not be seriously considered.
By caveman22
July 2, 2007 3:36 AM | Link to this
wow!! — has the blog deteriorated, spiraled down into an abysmal collection of true fans and several malcontents that even SJA finds hard to swallow? SJA??? SJA??? The blogger who by his own admission spews venom and hurls insults with an “i don’t care what you think” mentality. Now that is an astounding feat!! I think the newer bloggers have just taken their cue from the regulars and have fired double-barrel salvos off the cuff. As far as “cyber balls” goes, that ‘s no different than the way people get all brave and aggressive in their car. They have the buffer that provides them courage. As a former bouncer in ATL they remind me of the guy who only gets brave and talkin smack when there are 5-10 people standing between him and his opponent. Just goes with the territory. Like I have always said - you don’t come to the blog and expect to find manners and brains, you come here to jot down your thoughts—“publish” your own personal column —complain about everything and everybody—or just get a laugh. Most of the crap you here around here is just mental ex-lax anyway.
Go Bravos Happy 4th of July
AND Bite Me!!!
By Bob, Mild Mannered Journalist
July 2, 2007 3:41 AM | Link to this
Thanks Lew, I hope my clarifying comments made it clear that I share your feeling that our is not morally corrupt beyond redemption … indeed, were I to have felt that it was, there would have been no posts on the subject because there would have been no reason!
As also stated in the clarifying comments … I expected no answers to my questions … though, I did appreciate your comments!
By Bob, Mild Mannered Journalist
July 2, 2007 4:37 AM | Link to this
Shaun, I told you not to trust statistics …they’re prejudiced, especially in favor of Andruw. When he goes 1 for 5 they raise his average … but when Willie goes 1 for 3 they lower his!
It doesn’t seem very fair to me … but, maybe that’s why Andrew played and Willie didn’t.
A game that maybe we should have won but didn’t. Tonight’s outcome may have been because we didn’t use Soriano to set up Wickman … that is, I like Rafael pitching before Bob, especially with a one run lead.
For one thing, he has this rule against giving up home runs that I like. If he hasn’t yet pitched and we get to the ninth, let him set up Bob to pitch the 10th and if we win in the ninth, so be it!
I don’t know … I like Bob to finish the game … when we need him to do his thing … but if we haven’t used our overpowering guys when we get to the ninth, why not use ‘em?
Say Good Night Miss Allen
By Bill
July 2, 2007 6:26 AM | Link to this
Who want’s AJ at a reduced rate. It’s time to let him go. He is killing the Braves. If Wickman keeps blowing saves, it’s time to try someone else. If any trades are made, they should be careful about trading Escobar & Salty.
By Ron Roberts
July 2, 2007 7:04 AM | Link to this
I’m not normally the type to speculate about trades out of nowhere or “what if” scenarios that pollute this blog, but the Houston Chronicle had a blurb that caught Sports Illustrated’s “Truth & Rumors” website eyes enough to make it to yesterday’s posts…
…it speculated that if the Astros were to approach Roy Oswalt about waiving his no-trade clause, he’d consider it for deals to Boston, St. Louis or Atlanta.
Stating the obvious, that would be a huge boost to this team.
Otherwise, I’d stand pat with what we have. Our rotations’ pitched very well the past week, and our offense has awoken. Even as meager as Andruw’s been, he’s at least contributing here and there, and that’s an improvement over a large swath of June when he’d 0-fer-each game.
Little concerned about Wickman and Soriano looking very beatable the last coupla games. In fact, Soriano’s not been right in a coupla weeks. He hasn’t had a hitless outing since June 16th. Uh-oh. He’s given up a run or more in 4 of his last 7 outings, too. That’s a far cry from the 15 consecutive outings he’d gone in late April to most of May. Gotta wonder if his arm’s showing some signs of wear after his injury from last season.
As for Wickman, he’s having location problems, and that harkens us all back to the last time he had this issue - back problems.
So here we are with back-end-of-the-rotation issues, and I think we have to consider trying something else in the interim. How about Tyler Yates? Dude impressed me the other night when he came into the game under duress and got us out of the inning and game with such focus. He’s only given up 1 run in his last 12 outings, too.
That makes far more sense than all that earlier clamoring last night for moving Soriano to the closer’s role. That meltdown last night sorta quieted those folks, didn’t it?
By Bob, Journalist
July 2, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts, I for one,agree with you. I actually rewrote my previous post but initially had a Yates to Soriano to Wickman sequence with my closer being the final paragraph.
It’s both natural and prudent to consider prior injuries or conditions when analyzing current performance spikes but with Soriano, I’m prone to think it’s something else … he has sequences when he seems to lose it, whatever it is he has, and he regains it … until the next time it happens … above the neck perhaps, in my usual use of the phrase.
Wickman has been good and was a welcome relief but … as I’ve said since the last of 2006, it’s stressful to watch him pitch, especially in a one run game … better to turn off the radio or TV until it over.
much ado but the probably that a reasonably effective groundball pitcher with good control will give up a crooked number in the first inning he pitches is reasonably low so I’m far more comfortable using him in those situations.
By Ron Roberts
July 2, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this
FYI, I meant back-end-of-the-bullpen when speaking of Tyler Yates. He has that look of a closer, now, not to mention the heat and the pitches.
Wow, are we about to see the Braves go with a closer-by-committee?
We did it last year out of desperation. It might prove to be our strength this season.
And all this cage-rattling about benching Andruw or trading Andurw…
…folks, it’s kind of pointless. I mean, if you’re Bobby Cox, what do you do?
You can’t trade him. He’s a 10/5 guy with veto power and at this time, who’d want him, anyhow?
You bat him cleanup, he’s gonna come up in clutch situations and, more often than not, kill a rally.
You bat him 8th, he’ll still sometimes come up in clutch situations, and more often than not, kill a rally. With our lineup going deep with folks like McCann, Francoeur, KJ, etc., there’s still a high likelihood that we’ll be starting or well-into a rally at some point during the game.
You can’t bench him; he certainly won’t come out of his funk that way, and you’d be crazy to let him ride pine making mad cash and not at least trying to let him work out of it.
Let’s face it; there’s nowhere to hide him in the lineup. We just have to grit our teeth and bear the agony, I’m afraid.
He has to break out of it at some point and time, and that’s gotta be the mind-set from the manager, here.
Yeah, it’d be nice to play Matty in left and Willie in center instead, while they’re both hitting for average, but you have to justify paying a gold-glove nearly-MVP outfielder while he rides the pine and not out there trying to work out of his funk.
By David O'Brien
July 2, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
CAVEMAN: It is pretty interesting, isn’t it? How the five-game losing skid to the two of the three best teams in baseball was the end of the line, or so it seemed according to many here.
But many of the same folks would totally, and I mean totally, dismiss the five-game winning streak vs. the last two teams in the division (not the last two in baseball, by any means, and certainly not the coldest two; remember, Washington had gone 8-7 in its previous 15 against a strong interleague schedule).
Fortunately for the Braves, that seemingly selective view doesn’t change the fact the team is four games out of first place, three games off the wild card lead. And they are 5-1 after the first six games of a 13-game stretch in which their stated goal was to go at least 8-5, but hopefully 9-4 or better, and to at least stay on pace with the Mets until a post-break homestand with 10 games vs. Pittsburgh, Cincy and St. Louis, three losing teams who are a combined 37 games under .500….
RON: Agreed. Andruw is a sub-.200 hitter making $13.5 mill, who who has more power of the 10/5 veto kind than he has at the plate right now. Not much to do, other than bat him lower in the order, which really seems to be the only sensible move at this point….
By Braveheart, a.ka. the diabolical diatriber
July 2, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, not so brave, and not too much heart after all. Good news, he is being straitjacketed as we speak. Apologies to Lew, JJS, Bob are extended although if I were them, such would not be accepted. Lew, your posts were most enlightening. Caveman22 quite the surprise as well.
Society is morally corrupt beyond redemption?!?!?!?! Now, now, Bob. You gotta get out every once in a while. I am morally corrupt beyond redemption, especially after the last few days. But society? Not a chance Bob. Methinks it’s about time for you to turn off Hannity and Rush and get a mind on your own and have a visit or two with your fellow man.
Just look at this blog this weekend. The few morally corrupt beyond redemption on here tried to make the entire blog society morally corrupt beyond redemption. They did not succeed at all, did they? Not even close. The blog society stood up for itself and each other against the moral corruption of the few on here who do not even amount to a handful.
Me thinks society is not as corrupt as you want it to be or need it to be. You need and want it to be morally corrupt beyond redemption because you could not situate yourself as being the morally superior being if the rest of society was not corrupt beyond redemption.
It’s a damn shame when the one who is undeniably morally corrupt beyond redemption has more faith in society and humanity and the general goodness of his fellow man than the one who is taking the moral high ground but declaring society bankrupt as a collective.
Maybe one needs it to be superior so they can continue to feel inferior and the other needs it to be inferior so they can assert themselves as superior.
They each need to find a middle ground. They are each morally bankrupt. Society would do just fine without each creating moral erosion and confusion for their fellow man.
The next time you take cheap shots at a Chipper and a Druw and a Cox, look in the mirror and remember how overly sensitive you get when you are the one criticized and how much you desperately tried to cling to standards and the way things need to remain the way they used to be. You sound like a certain stubborn somebody you rail against daily who does not want to give up their cleanup spot.
But whatever. Who gives a crap? You are a very good man nevertheless. Just a tad bit confused about not throwing out the baby with the bath water.
It’s just baseball and just a blog. Go Braves!
By Efrim
July 2, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
DOB
4-3 next 7 games
15-8 for the first 23 games after the break until we go to Shea
27-23 to close out the season
89-73 Wild Card winners
Think that could happen???
Of course we have to go 4-3 against the Dodgers and Padres for all that to work out
By Efrim
July 2, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
We also miss Peavy and Maddux this weekend. We better win 4 of the next 7.
By David O'Brien
July 2, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
Well said, Braveheart….
Now, regarding this persistent (and not very logical) Oswalt rumor, here’s what you need to know about Oswalt, what’s probably far more pertinent to the Braves’ discussion than the mere fact he WOULD reportedly, probably, drop his no-trade clause if he could go to one of a few teams including the Braves:
Folks, he makes $13 million in 2008, $14 million in 2009, $15 million in 2010 and $16 million in 2011. He has a complete no-trade clause and a $2 million buyout of a $16 million club option for 2012.
Seriously, you look at those numbers and believe the Braves would seriously give up the ton of talent the Astros would get if they traded Oswalt, plus take on that full salary, with the restrictions the Braves have and the eight-figure salaries they’re already paying Smoltz, Hudson and Hampton next season? Come on. Think about it.
And no, Astros would certainly not pay a penny of the freight to make him go away. He’s great, he’s healthy, and he just got the contract last year. They don’t need to pay a penny of it to make that deal go away. They’d have teams lined up interested, IF the Astros were looking to deal him.
By Shaun
July 2, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
How does JJ Hardy get the nod over Renteria?
And Soriano’s obviously the Braves’ best reliever. Wickman coming in in that situation is an example of the save statistic influencing the game.
Here is something I posted last week from an espn.com blog:
SSchulma (6/27/2007 at 8:19 AM) [The save] is the only statistic in sports — try to name another — that does not as much reflect how the game is played as influence how the game is played. Again, I’m not talking about something like the three-point shot — that’s scoring, not a statistic. I’m talking simply about a number recorded AFTER the game. There’s nothing like it in sports. The save has ruined relief pitching.
In fairness to Bobby Cox (attention, Robert), virtually every manager uses their relievers illogically. At least Cox is using his best reliever in more than non-save situations. The problem is when the Braves do have a save situation in which their best reliever needs to be used, they use their designated closer instead.
I don’t think it is an understatement to say the save has ruined relief pitching.
By Ron Roberts
July 2, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
Yeah, I hear ya with regards to the financial obligations owed Oswalt, DO’B.
But I’d take a flier on Brandon Jones at CF, letting Andruw’s big wallet take a walk with a rotation that included Roy Oswalt with Smoltz, Hudson and Chuck James.
I’m sure it’d take Saltalamacchia and Escobar to make it happen, and I’m a little hesitant to do that, only because Jarrod and Yunel have come a long way so fast, and would provide potential answers to questions at 1B and SS (if we were to ship Renteria out at year-end, which I’m personally against).
You’re right. There’s a lot to consider about the future of the franchise when considering tossing Jarrod and Yunel (also keep in mind Francoeur’s making near the league minimum, too, ain’t he?), but wow, acquiring Oswalt really locks up a good rotation for a few years to come.
I’m not saying it would happen, but when ya shed about $16 million in payroll letting Andruw, Woodward, Tanyon Sturtze (what’s the point, anyhow?) before arbitration and acquiring or promoting another CF, it’s not like it’s not plausible, right?
The money issue comes in this season.
If we did pick up Oswalt to go with Smoltz, James, Hudson (and who knows, maybe Hampton comes back? lol - if not, insurance does, right?) we’re back to having the best starting rotation in baseball to go with our ever-improving and darn-good already bullpen. So middle-of-the-pack offense would make us a World Series contender.
By Efrim
July 2, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
Shaun,
I’m in 100 percent agreement. Soriano was the better play there.
How does Brian Fuentes make the All star team. He was moved from the closer’s role this week.
I know Cole Hamels is a great talent, but he still has a 3.87 ERA. Tim Hudson or John Maine should of been on the team instead of him.
By Ron Roberts
July 2, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
And for the record… I’m not suggesting any of those scenarios, just thinking and speculating.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 2, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
“Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar and not morally corrupt.” lew brings it home. the lovely tatiana honey says almost the same thing on occasion. lovely, but a googan.
and as to the matter of trading andruw … what trade value does andruw hold if andruw consents to a trade? look at how andruw didn’t hit in june …
and journalist bob defended this journalist against slings and arrows and jimmy smith is grateful so journalist offers this advice to bob: never eat salted watermelon while in the tub. reasons are obvious.
and will barry bonds be salting the melon this year?
By Efrim
July 2, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Is Brandon Jones a CF at the major league level? I hear from many publications that he isn’t.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 2, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
jimmysmiththinks it is time for a new blog.
By Ron Roberts
July 2, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Former journalist Ron Roberts thinks DOB’s probably already working on one.
By Tommy
July 2, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
pinball
By Shaun
July 2, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
It’s not just about what the Braves would have to give up or pay Oswalt. There’s also the fact that the Astros wouldn’t give him up for anything less than what another team would not be willing to give up and take on his salary.
Have you seen what young ace pitchers are getting these days? Oswalt’s salary is just fine for the Astros so they would have to be blown away in order to trade him.
By Lew
July 2, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
DOB-Dylan played guitar for a couple of songs starting out, then played keyboard most of the show. I really didn’t know what to expect. The man’s oeuvre is so large, the song selection could have gone in numerous directions, but he mixed in a good sampling of older songs, og wehich I was much more familiar. Would have been nice to hear Lily Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts, but he did play Tangled up in Blue and did a great cover of Rollin and Tumblin. There were about 6,000 people there and considering Vermont only has a population of 600,000, that was an exceptional turnout. Jimmy Vaughan was VERY dissappointing.
By Tommy
July 2, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
pinball
By journalist jimmy smith
July 2, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
“Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar and not morally corrupt.” the same can be said for a cheese sandwich.
and will smoltz be given consideration as a trainer when smoltz can no longer pitch? amazing job on chipper’s groin (can say that, right?). the injury went away after smoltz massaged the subject a little. oh, the humanity! journalist must stop right here!
and now, fourth of july is here and who will be serving cuban sandwiches? cuban sandwiches are not an appropriate fourth of july meal. american sandwiches are to be preferred on the 4th. cuban sandwiches are good most every other day if the bread is fresh and delicious.
cheeseburger in paradise - when wicky comes to the mound. think about it.
and speaking of cheese … the new cheese samplers are available at costco starting at $44.99.
and remember: a cheese’s rind protects the interior from air and mold spores. once a cheese is cut into, try to finish it off as quickly as possible to maximize enjoyment.
By Ron Roberts
July 2, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
Shaun… Again, I’m not endorsing or advocating any scenario, because there is no scenario on the table to advocate or endorse. But to dismiss the idea of adding Roy Oswalt, if the Astros are dealing, when we don’t know what they’d first want, would be premature.
Hard to speculate what he’s worth, when it comes to sending them prospects. I’m not an MLB GM, and they’ve not offered anybody a “want” list yet anyhow. I just saw the blurb on SI.com and thought it was worth noting.
If a deal were there that made sense, hell yeah, I’d consider it, cost be damned. We’re losing a big chunk of salary this offseason, and next, too, with Hampton (if memory serves). It’s something (I think, anyhow) that’s worth considering.
By TheSouthernJackAss
July 2, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
It so amuses me when I continue to lay down the bait right out there in the open…and a few of you unwitting A$sClowns just keep on taking it, time and time again…kinda like some ol’ stupid bird that flies into my nice, clean window pane…knocks it’s stupid a$s silly, gathers it’s wits a bit, flies away, then a day or so later SPLAT!…his silly a$s is hitting my window pane again…
Caveman22—mental ex-lax?…if so, I would venture to say that you must feel much better after that Brobdingnagian crap that you squeezed out this morning at 3:36 A.M….
Morally corrupt society—considering that society is composed of individuals, and each of you is an individual, the moral corruption lies within your own hearts(for the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?)Psalms…so if you feel that you must “fight the good fight” against societal woes, and other sundry maladies, then the battle must begin and end within yourselves…(Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.)Psalms…
(And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.)…Matthew,(Journalist)
By journalist jimmy smith
July 2, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this
“The man’s oeuvre is so large, the song selection could have gone in numerous directions … “
much like wicky, huh? large oeuvre from eating cheeseburgers.
and where will barry bonds dine on the fourth of july? and will melons be served? and what if barry bonds hits the big homerun on the fourth of july? will barry replace uncle sam?
By Shaun
July 2, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
One more thing: If I’m the Astros, I want at least one potential ace for Oswalt. I don’t think the Braves can give them that. From what I hear, the Braves aren’t blessed with all that much high-ceiling pitching depth right now in the high minors.
By Renegator
July 2, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
Its definitely been a tough week for Soriano and Wickman. Let’s hope they got it all out of their system.
By Bob, Journalist
July 2, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
William Wallace, I’ll read your post when I return to the building but following first glance … I looks like you’ve thought things through which is all that is relevant or important … regardless of your conclusions!
I’m comfortable that you recognize that I recognize that society has not reached the beyond redemption state … however we may well differ in our evaluation of the current state, the direction and velocity in which its traveling … as well as its probable destination should it be allowed to continue.
If the questions are of any consequence then that we may both differ and agree is to be expected, though perhaps not realized.
My physics is rusty but methinks it’s somehow akin to Newton’s laws of motion and I’m concerned that the algorithm defining our ability to changes those things is too … that is, it approaches zero as the train approaches the station.
Good folks are good folks but methinks it’s possible for what most folks think is good to become bad without their even knowing it … as my hour upon the stage nears completion, I can’t help but ponder … for what does it profiteth the Braves to win the World Series if the trophy is made of plastic and there are no rings to be given out?
Like you said, it’s a web log … now leaving the building
By Renegator
July 2, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
JJS - nice Buffett reference!
By David O'Brien
July 2, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
Efrim, Brandon Jones is more suited to being a corner outfielder, not CF. They’d move Francoeur over to center before they’d use Brandon there. Or perhaps give Blanco a shot (I’m just thinking aloud here, not anything I’ve heard to lead me to believe Blanco’s getting strong consideration yet as a possible Andruw replacement)….
Ron Roberts, it’s only 8 a.m. here, and I haven’t gotten to work on a new blog yet. Would have, but you know what I’ve spent more than two hours doing late last night and this morning.
I’VE SPENT THAT TIME ON THE PHONE, ON HOLD, WITH DELTA AND ITS SHODDY BAG-DELIVERY CONTRACTORS. Seriously, if any of you folks aren’t almost obligated to fly Delta because of their near-monopoly on routes out of Atlanta (I can’t split my business between several airlines and not have status with any, because then I could get bumped from full flights and end up being late for a game, etc)… IF YOU FOLKS aren’t obligated to fly delta (which doesn’t deserve a capital D), I wouldn’t.
The awful irony is that they are EXACTLY like the “generic” airlines they supposedly make fun of in their ads. Exactly. Delta’s a joke when it comes to a situation like I’ve faced since yesterday. They fail to get my bag to LA on a direct flight, then after being put on hold for 20-25 minutes twice, I get through to a customer-service flack in Salt Lake City this morning, who gets through a long on-hold with the shoddy baggage delievery service at LAX (which Delta hires to do its work), and she finds out my bag has been sitting at LAX since last night.
I’m at one of the biggest hotels in LA, about 10 miles from the airport, and yet they haven’t delivered my bag in 10 hours since getting it “released” by the airline to the delivery service. Unbelievable. Just a slipshod airline in almost every conceivable way. Just laughable.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 2, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
the tee shirt contest must have come to an end (sigh), for there is no mention of the contest on the ajc.com braves page. journalist jimmy smith considers journalist jimmy smith fortunate to have received recognition for the famous, “put me in coach, i’m ready to blog” tee shirt slogan. for this suggestion, journalist won nothing but acclaim on the ajc.com braves page, tee shirt page. still, it was acclaim of a fashion. and why did the cowbell not ring when this contest was ended? is there to be no mention of the contest’s demise? and will a canned ham giveaway be next?
and now, baseball … andruw is still on that cable car. we have an impostor batting cleanup.
By Shaun
July 2, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
Oh, yeah, it’s worth considering. Anytime you can get an ace it’s worth considering, if he’s on the market.
But it looks like the Astros aren’t actively shopping him. I’m sure they’d consider moving him if they can set their team up for the next 15 years but that’s the only way. I think it would take Salty, Escobar and Reyes or Harrison or Chuck James, minimum. At least that’s what I would want for an ace I just signed to a long-term deal, but as you said, we aren’t MLB GMs.
By Shaun
July 2, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
If you want to except a common standard for morality, aren’t we all morally corrupt? No one is perfect.
Otherwise we are just all going to have our own standards and behave in ways that make sense only to our own standards.
By Renegator
July 2, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
DOB: Good call on the Havana Sandwich Shop on Buford Hwy. That place is excellent.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
July 2, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
Can we “watermark” or “post to the side” the reason Andruw isn’t tradeable, please?
He’s a 10 and 5 guy. Clamor to trade him all you want, he can veto any of ‘em, because he’s played 10 years of ML service and 5 consecutive (all 10 actually) with the same team.
He’s untradeable folks.
Ron Roberts,
Welcome to my nightmare. I’ve been pleading for a disclaimer for months now. Maybe we should put it in other terms for those who can’t comprehend. Something like:
“Andruw Jones is a made guy. You can’t whack a made guy without having a sit-down first.”
By Tommy
July 2, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
DOB. Delta. Karma.
By Shaun
July 2, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
Arkansas Hillbilly,
He’s not untradable. He can just veto a trade if he doesn’t like it.
That may be splitting hairs, though, as I think DOB has said Andruw would veto any trade.
Doesn’t seem to be likely at all but I wouldn’t be extremely shocked either if he accepted a trade to a contending team in a warm-weather city, if the Braves were to fall way out.
But I do agree, it seems too many things have to align just right for the Braves to move him.
By ncscoots
July 2, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
All-Star break. And how exactly will Bobby evaluate his personnel for the second half? Will Edgar and Chipper move down a notch in the lineup? If so, who hits at 2? Will McCann and Francoeur move up a notch? If so, does Andruw hit 6? Is Bobby ready to commit to Saltalamacchia at 1B and bring up Pena? If so, does he continue to hit low in the order? Or will Bobby just keep on keepin’ on, three platoons, Andruw at 4, the status quo? Etc., etc., etc.
I’m sure there have been other years when the lineup has been in as great a state of flux at the break, but I don’t remember ‘em. But that may just be me. Bobby may think there is order in my perceived chaos, anyway. And, frankly, I don’t know what my own answers to the questions above might be, LOL.
By knowitall
July 2, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
Why would the Astros trade Oswalt. They just signed him to his contract last year. They gave him what they thought he was worth. He has done nothing to diminish his value since he signed the contract. You don’t trade a perfectly heathly ace who is performing as you expected he would. I mean he’s still relatively young so they could still blow up the team and rebuild around him since it’s still early in his contract. The only time you trade an Ace who is still performing as an ace is when he’s nearing the end of his contract and you don’t think you can resign him or when he’s older, like say a Smoltz, and you can get a ton of young talent in return. Neither situation applies in the Olswat situation so I just can’t see the Astros trading him.
By Efrim
July 2, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this
DOB,
What other possiblities are there if we can’t acquire Buerhle?
Jason Jennings, Matt Morris?
It doesn’t sound too good when you hear Kenny Williams is asking for two top prospects. I’m sure his demands will come down, but the Dodgers and Mets have more top shelf prospects than we do. Dodgers can offer Matt Kemp and the Mets can offer Lastings Milledge.
By Ron Roberts
July 2, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this
Whew…I can completely understand your frustration, DO’B.
The media guy in me, though, worries that if, by chance, some Delta big-wig were to catch wind of your (much-deserved) rant here, though, on the very site they’ve bought a good bit of advertising on (I’ve noticed), that they might get that high-uppity client attitude they tend to get and cancel their advertising, to the detriment of the site, the AJC in general, and then somebody high up in your organization comes down to quash ya like an annoying bug.
I certainly hope that doesn’t happen… just saying, it does sometimes happen in the corporate world where bottom line means do what pleases the client even if it means cutting off an appendage to do it.
By Ron Roberts
July 2, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
Matt Morris is an interesting option, with a low ERA, but an equally low K/IP ratio, if my memory serves me correctly. In other words, he’s a pitch to contat hitter, and that’s always scary. Can be dominant, or can be dominated.
A la Chuck James, the fly-ball-out pitcher, or Tim Hudson, the ground-ball-out pitcher.
By Fred
July 2, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
Looking ahead, what happens when the Braves offer Andruw arbitration? There's the chance he'll accept it and then what?
By Lew
July 2, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this
Hillbilly-Great Andruw analogy. All that wit and wisdom must come from fishing for those Stumpknockers down in Arkansas. DOB-The one thing that can be said for Delta is that they are not Eastern Airlines, who are, thankfully, now defunct. They lost my luggage three times, paying me once and returning it a year later, another time (the third I got back in three days). Esteemed Journalist- A songwriter’s oeuvre should not be affected by cheeseburgers (except maybe that of Jimmy Buffet). Cocaine or heroin, perhaps, but likely not cheeseburgers.
By Ron Roberts
July 2, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this
Anybody else notice ol’ Roachy’s had a few cameos on the ESPN bottom line crawl of late? 10 of his last 22 with 2 HRs, 4 2Bs and 6 RsBI his last 5 games. Ol’ boy’s hit 10 HRs and 45 RsBI halfway through the season, and has (ahem) gotten his average “up” to .230 again. Horrible April, fairly nice May, sorry June (until the 27th, anyhow).
By David O'Brien
July 2, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Knowitall, I don’t think they are/would trade Oswalt, and if they do it won’t be to the Braves….
Ron Roberts, it’s a terrible airline. Deliver my bags 10 miles that have been sitting there for 12 hours. Don’t have a 3-hour mechanical delay on a flight yesterday, then not be able to even tell us you’re pretty sure it’s gonna ever take off. Give us something more than two rounds of lame snacks on a 4-1/2 hour flight.
Lame airline that’s exactly like the generic airlines it mocks in its witty new ads. Good new advertising agency, terrible airline.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 2, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! ron roberts, is it possible dob could lose an appendage over this? or be squashed like a bug? and who will blog with us? CR? TS? No one fits like DOB. Still, corporate vengeance can be brutal. imagine if gerald calls anne and dob’s remarks come up in the conversation. imagine if gerald sends some goons after dob. dob will need dob’s own goons!! and who among the bloggers can serve as a dob goon? and think of the tee shirt possibilities!! and no more tee shirt contest!! oh, the humanity!! opportunity lost. as an aside to dob, perhaps add a comment like, “the in-flight snack of cheese and crackers, two oreos, and raisins was most enjoyable.” this could take the heat off. and now, baseball … fourth of july pranks should begin in the clubhouse about now. firecrackers, sparklers, the old hot foot … (mcdowell specializes here). let’s hope chipper does not light fireworks this year. sure to go on the d.l.
By fastasballs
July 2, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
The Braves are going to make some kind of a move or moves because they at least have the Hampton insurance money, 60-70% is the figure I heard the other day. Plus they always have a few million or so left over.
Now if that money is not used this year does it carry over to next? Or is like a government establishment with the “use it or lose it” policy.
By Lew
July 2, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Efrim-This isn’t personal against you, but you were the last to bring it up. so….This whole Lastings Milledge love fest mystifies me completely. The guy is constantly in trouble, has what appears to be a p!ss poor attitude, including his last rap lyrics fiasco. He hangs with people that MLB apparently doesn’t like (and this guy ain’t a Joe Namath, if you catch the drift). The Mets have had outfield problems, what with injuries to Alou and Chavez, yet why isn’t Milledge called up if he’s as good as so many seem to think? He was offered in the offseason, because the Mets needed pitching then too (see the acquistion of Chan Ho and Sosa, among other seeming rejects), yet no one bit at their offers. That’s got to really tell you that people just aren’t interested in taking on a player with massive potential, but also massive problems. Ask the Rays about Elijah Dukes.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
July 2, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Shaun, that “untradeable” part and everything else in italics was actually copied and pasted from a Ron Roberts post late lastnight. My contribution was the futile attempt at humor using “Goodfellas/Sopranos” terminology.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
July 2, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Lew, Grinch, and so on….
On the topic of wildlife terminology. Considering y’all know most of those fish names, I’ll bet y’all probably know what a “LawdGod” is, huh?
By NO CHOP ZONE
July 2, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
The Mets could afford Oswalt and he would look great in a Mets uniform. What do you think LEW?
By Efrim
July 2, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
Lew,
I agree, he isn’t a model citizen. He has been hurt, that is why they didn’t bring him up. Even if he was healthy, Carlos Gomez has moved ahead of him in the outfield depth chart for that team. Talent wise, he is regarded higher than Brandon Jones or Brent Lillibridge. Not sure if he will turn out to be better than them, but apparently scouts rate him higher. The White Sox shouldn’t deal for Milledge if they can get Matt Kemp, but Millegde will still net the Mets something of value because he has talent. He is a jerk though and has serious issues.
By Efrim
July 2, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
NO CHOP ZONE,
What would you give up for him? Would he even ok the trade to New York???
How about John Maine, Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez for Roy Oswalt? If not dealing Reyes for him….
By ncscoots
July 2, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
big-time beat writers who win corporate awards aren’t squash-ees, more squash-ers. If Delta wants summa this, bring it, and pack a lunch. You can run, but then you just die tired.
Can you tell I’ve flown Delta?
By Coach (BRINGING THE WRECKING BALL)
July 2, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
This post is an indicator of where this team is headed barring some major trades. In April: 16-9 , 4.27 team ERA , 5.36 runs scored per game , 36 HR. In May: 14-14 , 4.04 team ERA , 4.32 runs scored per game , 23 HR. In June 13-15 4.22 team ERA , 3.96 runs scored per game , 22 HR. All these numbers don’t lie , the Braves are a quality pitcher short , the offense needs help and the whole Bobby Cox/Andruw Jones soap opera is slowly tanking this season one game at a time.
By TennesseePaul
July 2, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
What a weekend.
DOB you gotta hit up Phillipe’s before the game tonight. It’s the Best David. The Best.
Saw 2 movies yesterday after the melt down. Live Free or Die Hard and Ratatouille. Die Hard was very entertaining, but highly improbable. Ratatouille was also entertaining. I saw these two because the timing allowed for a buy 1 sneak into another free scenario.
Maybe it should be a rule the Wickman cannot be allowed to pitch in Florida.
One pitcher I’d like to see the Braves move on would be Aaron Harang. He’d be a solid pick up for a 3rd starter. Not sure the Reds would deal him though, but if they would, it wouldn’t be that bad. He’s making about 4.7 million this season.
By Lew
July 2, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
NoBrainZone-Of you I think as little as possible. If the Mets could afford as much as you say they can, why didn’t they spend the money and get someone other than Chan Ho Park, Aaron Sele and Jorge Sosa? I think all of that supposed money is a major myth. 3-16 in June when their pitchers give up more than two runs. I wouldn’t be talking trash anymore, Little Weasel. The Mets ain’t all that after all. Oh, did I mention their team ERA going up a run per game in June? And now Sosa’s gone and Pelfrey is back. Your pitching’s going down the drain, just as I predicted, isn’t it? BTW, thats a rhetorical question -one that requires no answer since I’m sure PS Sub Zero in Queens never got that far with your vocabulary development (See Spot run. Run, Spot, Run-sound familiar?). You had your chance to bury the Braves and you lost ground to us. Yeah, the Mets sure are great, aren’t they? Whatever.
By TennesseePaul
July 2, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
You know, I’ve never had one complaint about Delta. I fly it all over America when I can. They’ve always gotten me to the destination on the ticket in a timely fashion and offered me the best customer service. They’ve never lost luggage either. They’ve even given me free movies at times, and I didn’t even ask for them. The flight attendants have always been nice to me like that. Not sure if they had to answer to anyone for it though. But they’ve proven to be the most reliable of the airlines I’ve flown.
United, on the other hand, has been a total disaster. And when TWA was around, absolutely horrid. American was a bummer as well.
Of course, I don’t fly as frequently as DOB, so while I fly about 4 or 5 times a year, my sample size of experience is far smaller than his. Nevertheless, I try to fly Delta whenever I can. I do everything possible to avoid American Airlines and United Airlines, both of which have been a travesty every time I’ve flown with them.
Jet Blue is good, but they don’t always fly where I want to go.
By Wally Woolman
July 2, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
Hey, let’s not be giving the hometown airline such a hard time. Delta was the first airline to fly living vegetable plants (160,000 tomato plants) so flying a journalist is no big deal. What’s in those bags anyway?
By NO CHOP ZONE
July 2, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
I ask a simple question and LEW can’t even handle that. I don’t know why you’re getting so worked up since you’re the one who predicted the Mets would be a 3rd place team and the braves would be in first by now. Check the standings dipsh-it. The Mets may have had a tuff june but the braves suck so much they couldn’t take advantage of it. They’re still 4 games back. So as long as that’s the case you can kiss mine a*******wipe…..BYE
By Shaun
July 2, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
Efrim and Lew,
Based on info that I can find Milledge does have some issues but he’s not an Elijah Dukes. Sounds like he is just a wild “child.” I think he’s more of a distraction than a player who’s going to send himself to jail for a long time or anything like that.
I know I wouldn’t trade Oswalt for him.
By Shaun
July 2, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
Question for everyone: How long do you think it will take for managers (or GM’s to pressure managers) into using their best relief pitchers in tight situations in close games instead of when the lead is 3 runs or less, etc., in the 9th only or in a set-up situation?
Eventually managers and GM’s have to wise up, right? I would guess in the next ten years somebody has to get enough testicular fortitude to say, “f—- saves, we want wins.”
By BossLady
July 2, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
DOB, I hate to sound like a wimpy girl in here but I ‘m sorry your flight and baggage arrangements were ruined. These guys have given TOM heck. I don’t think they like him very much.
By TheBarelyEducatedSouthernJackAss
July 2, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
I’m a little surprised that a man of DOB’s stature and fame would even consider flying commercial—I kinda figured that a dude like that tooled around the globe, stylin’ & profilin’ in his own Falcon 50…
By Jersey Gil
July 2, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this
DOB Do not use “US AIr” to fly to the Northeast(Phil,or NY) they have worst record on Bag handler than Delta.98% of the bag came lated or in another fly….Why?? is the economy of today Airline business…they make more money to put cargo in the plane than passanger Bags.
By David O'Brien
July 2, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
TennPaul, nice to hear your Delta story, as I sit here in the clothes I’ve been wearing 36 hours, waiting for my bag.
Of course, the bag’s only been at LAX since 10 p.m. last night, and it is 10 miles or so between downtown LA and the airport. So I can see where 12-14 hours would be a reasonable amount of time … if they were walking OVER HERE!
But seriously, I shouldn’t complain. Their automaton response system informs me it should be here between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. today. That’s reasonable. Let’s see, 8 p.m. would only be 32 hours after I landed.
Yeah, that’s fine. Shouldn’t complain about that. Especially since I’m supposedly a preferred customer. (What do they do to the bags of the folks who only travel once or twice a year, if they just happen to put them on the wrong flight? I guess they deliver them within a week or so.)
By TennesseePaul
July 2, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this
DOB: not saying you shouldn’t complain. Just that I personally haven’t had any issues with Delta.
The one time I did lose lugage was on a United flight, and it was at LAX, and it took forever and a day to get it back no matter what the automated system would tell me. Perhaps LAX is to blame, being that it is the common thread between the two? It is a crappy airport to begin with, what with the circle of death drop off and pick up lanes and all. I don’t know. But it is a bummer when the lugage is gone, no matter what airline it is. United said they’d pay me $50 if the suitcase never showed up. $50. Yeah that should make up for a case full of clothes.
By Coach (BRINGING THE WRECKING BALL)
July 2, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
DOB , you haven’t flied until you have rode a jump seat in a KC-135 with fifty other uniforms going cross country six hours in the air (With mid air refueling of bombers) on the way to a TDY(temporary duty).
By Chop Chop
July 2, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
DOB,
My uncle has worked at Delta for, oh, about 35 years, I’d guess. He worked his way up from a mere baggage handler to one of the company’s main employee trainers. He is forced to fly all over the world to train people at the new destinations that Delta has added in the last couple of years. He can’t stand the job, especially after having gone through the company’s bankruptcy and all of the other issues that Delta has had in recent years. I’m sure he could describe in exquisite detail how much that airline has dropped off in the last 15 years.
Anyway, keep flying Delta! He’s close to retirement and needs the money more than you need your baggage. The new Delta!
(End scene.)
By Jersey Gil
July 2, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
Little big of History about “Chavez Ravine”…or Dodger Stadium…Did you know that the Best cleanest Stadium in the MLB.Also the Stadium is painted every single year.When Mr. O’malley was negotiating he and the county supervisor flew over LA looking for posible site to build the Stadium…and he saw the Ravine he ask the county supervisor if he can had that one and the supervisor said sure. When the stadium was build for the first time was not water fountan.Only the second private stadium after the Yankee to be build in that time(1962) DOB..enjoy it, is one of the 8th wonder of baseball.
By BossLady
July 2, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
You are exagerating about the 36 hours. There are shops or stadium clothes you could have made a change. We’re with ya,but,ya gotta stop stewing about the bags and make a move.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 2, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
DOB As bad as Delta may be, U.S. Air is worse, absolutely and without question the worse air line allowed to fly in American air space.
Of course the real problem is everyone is so hell bent on trying to wring out every possible nickel that they have cut staff to the point there is no one left to actually do the work. Those that are left hate their job so much that their contempt for the consumer is clearly visible.
Now baseball…. Still believe that Oswalt would be one of the few worth the price. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and pay the price to get the best. It is not that the Braves can’t afford the price, they simply choose not to.
The real question is how bad does the owner of the team want a championship? If being good vs being great is not a problem for management then they will come up with lots of reasons for why not.
By ncscoots
July 2, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
Samuel L. Jackson: “Tell that DOB to chill!”
Seriously, David, you’re gonna stroke out, man, LOL. Crank up the iPod and a Cohiba, shoot, the worst has already happened…it can only get better (at least, luggage-wise) from here.
Man, for a guy who just met a woman who laughed at The Big Lebowski, you mean you want your luggage on time, TOO?!?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 2, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
DOB Of course there is always Wal-Mart…. They are ready when you are…..
By Efrim
July 2, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
Gil,
Well said regarding Oswalt. He is the one guy I would deal Salty, Escobar and Matt Harrison. Probably Santana as well. Oswalt gives up a hit an inning but the guy is such a competitor that his ERA hasn’t suffered because of it. Peavy, Oswalt and Webb are great pitchers and all in their prime.
By dcarp23
July 2, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
From White Sox beat writer Joe Cowley:
“Last week at Tampa Bay, right-hander Jose Contreras said he would waive his no-trade clause if the Sox wanted to deal him. But according to the organization, Contreras’ trade-clause option ran out in November 2006. That means the Sox can move him to whichever team they want. Contreras is rumored to be sought by the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers.”
Doesn’t seem like it would be that bad a pickup, particularly if the Braves didn’t give up too much, and there is nothing Schuerholz’s track record to indicate that they would. At worst, maybe the team gets a couple of extra draft picks when he becomes a free agent.
That being said, Omar Minaya is the quintessential overspender, and if the Mets wanted him, it would be tough to imagine that they wouldn’t get him.
By ernesto
July 2, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Delta is the king of bag losers. Every time I fly that airline and I’m getting curb side service, I feel lke I’m saying, “here’s 5 bucks show my bags a good time.” Because god knows where they send them, but it sure isnt’ where I’m going. I too, flew on big D right after the new ad campaign launched and my first experience with the “new” Delta? My flight was boarding at a gate where numerous flights were leaving and people were qued up at the door, so I went to the desk and asked the woman, who never looked up at me, if that was the flight to my city, still never lookng at me she, I guess, shook her head no. I didn’t know if she heard me so I repeated the question, she finally looked up and said “I told you, no.” No other info, and she looked back down. I was like, nice new tag line, same old Delta.
By Fred
July 2, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
DOB,You know, I'll never forget my old dad. When these things would happen to him… the things he'd say to me, like:
"What the hell are you doing in the bathroom day and night? Why don't you get out of there and give someone else a chance?"
By Wally T
July 2, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
Can we trade the former Marlins announcer Boogs Sciambi back to Florida for Dontrelle Willis in return? The guy is boring. I am starting to turn on the radio just to listen to Skip and Pete. Skip Carey mind you ..it’s that bad. Joe Simpson is the one I really feel sorry for.
By N8.."some sort of bada#$"
July 2, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
DOB
I keep thinking of the movie “Wedding Crashers”, when Vince Vaughn borrows the clothes to wear when the go to the “island” to hang with the family.
Or Joe Pesci in “My Cousin Vinny”, with the suit he buys at the second hand store.
Go for it man, chicks dig guys in plaid. LOL!
By Shaun
July 2, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
Gil in Mechanicsville,
The question is do you want to give up two or three players that will almost guarantee your franchise will remain competitive for the next decade, decade and a half or do you want to give them up for a much more expensive, older (although not that old) pitcher than still doesn’t guarantee anything?
No question Oswalt would improve the Braves chances to make the playoffs and win a World Series, even if they trade Escobar and Salty and somebody else. But he is still only one player and one player that’s only going to make an impact once every four or five games. Do the Braves want to give up two or three potential young, cheap stars for that?
By MBATL
July 2, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
I hope we don’t pursue Contreras. The guy is old (35 at least) and gets $10 mil/year for the next 2 years. He’s had one pretty good month this year (May) but an era over 5.50 in April and June.
I still think we’ll make a run at Buerhle, using Escobar as bait.
By Kentavo
July 2, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
I guess we won’t be seeing DOB on any Delta ads hamming it up with Frenchy. After nearly getting my bags left in KC on a connecting flight to Denver en route to a wedding, I have since travelled by this principle: never check backage, bring it on board.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
July 2, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
N8,
I was thinking more along the lines of Jewels and Vincent in the beach-wear at the “end” of Pulp Fiction. Hey DOB, what’s up with the outfit? You going to a volleyball game or something? ;- ))
By Lew
July 2, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
NoBrainZone-There’s still half a season left for the Mets to slide into third place. They sure didn’t have much luck pulling away from the pack, did they? The Braves and the Phillies, too are right there with ya. Never even thought that was possible, did you Mosquito Boy? Drone on you miniscule pest. Why would I want to have anything at all to do with you or any part of your body? Lord knows where it’s been. Buzzzzzz. Buzzzzzz.
By Bill
July 2, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
Noway I would trade Salty,Escobar and prospect for Oswalt. There’s not many players to come along like Salty. I would stick it out and make no trades until after this season.
By David O'Brien
July 2, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
dcarp, the Contreras matter has some validity. I can see Braves getting him, wouldn’t surprise me at all. Oswalt, no. I don’t see it happening.
NEW BLOG IS UP, FOLKS
By berigan
July 2, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
David, it will be of small comfort, but cheer up, you could have been on this 25 hour flight from Fort Lauderdale to N.Y.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/local/sfl-flzair0629nbjun29,0,5569676.story?coll=sfla-home-headlines
By Shaun
July 2, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Oh, Gil in Mechanicsville, I would definitely take Oswalt if the Astros would give him up for just one player (Salty or Escobar) but I doubt they would agree to that considering they just locked him up for a while.
MBATL,
Contreras may be the type of guy that the White Sox would pay some salary on. If they could get a halfway decent young player, they may have no problems paying some of Contreras’s salary. I’m not sure a team would be willing to give up a halfway decent young player and still pay some of Contreras salary.
By bocabrave
July 2, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
DOB, sorry about your plight/flight. i have over 3 million miles on Delta. the first 2 million were pretty good-usually on time, courteous personnel, good treatment etc. the last million (after the regime of leo mullin as ceo) have been a nightmare-old planes, dirty, no peanuts, baggage on the wrong CONTINENT (twice), surly people, fouled up computer systems. still not as bad as US Air, Northwest (the pits), or the old United (it’s improving) When i found myself in your situation, i generally felt much better after a couple of gin and tonics. i hope your stuff catches up with you before you get back to atlanta. I feel your pain.
By Lew
July 2, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this
One thing on the Mets having all this money. It won’t help in a trade, even if it is there, which I wonder about. It will help them pay someone IF they are able to get them to begin with. They have damn little for trade pieces. Their outfield and pitching staffs are shot to hell. Who do they have in the minors anyone would want? If what they had was worthwhile, they’d do like the Braves routinely do and call them up to the bigs, themselves. Shaun-Milledge and Dukes are just a matter of degree. Neither one is of sterling character and other teams are already wary of them and their behavior. Dukes may have been worse, but both have considerable baggage.