Braves

By Bob, Journalist

July 2, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

William Wallace

It’s not to intent to chase the dog with my own tail but I did promise to respond to you on the Previous Blog.

Apology accepted! But, a question I ponder but to which no answer is expected, “why, were you me, would you not your apology accept?”

Other than to restate that I do not believe that our society is morally corrupt beyond redemption and to add that I do not believe that to be your current state, the only thing I have to say is that I believe it possible for a specific collective to achieve that state … and that change then requires total regeneration, such as with the Phoenix.

I certainly do not believe that individuals can achieve such a state, just as I do not believe in the possibly that anyone is a complete fool.

By AthensBrave

July 2, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

OB….Welcome back!!!!

By Herschel Talker

July 2, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

First???

Andruw is a bum.

By David-ATL14

July 2, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Sorry to hear about the misadventures of Delta DOB, on another note never leave us when Carroll isn’t lined up as a suitable replacement. Thomas Stinson “mailed it in” all weekend.

Game stories,were lacking and blog interaction non existant.

Good to see you back DOB!

By ssiscribe

July 2, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

What? “scribe’s bags misplaced …” Where the hell did my bags go?!?!?!

All joking aside, that sucks, DOB. Hope somebody at Delta figures out how to get to downtown from LAX before Thursday. They’ve already wasted a day. Is the Cali traffic that bad?

Now, clothing (noted transition by the noted Scribe): When on the road, Scribes must wear what the natives wear, the whole When In Rome thing. So, DOB, make sure you get a cool button down, shorts and flip flops. Sunglasses, too. Gotta have shades when in SoCal. And a good cigar to enjoy after deadline (or to use to burn down the Delta terminal, not that this or another Scribe condones using a stogie as a weapon).

Now, baseball (more transition): Ending aside yesterday, good start to the road trip and a good week after the interleague debacle at home. Good pitching indeed this week. Saw Lowe tie up the boys back in May at Turner Field. Tonight’s matchup will be worth staying up late for, Smoltz vs. Lowe. And there is no doubt: Escobar is fo’ shizzle, ma’ nizzle (gotta quote Snoop since we’re in SoCal, after all).

And now that my commute is all of a few steps to the home office, staying up late for some good baseball is a little easier on the body and soul.

DOB, hope your bags show up. Nothing more frustrating than that, my friend. The rest of you, enjoy your Monday and abbreviated work week.

The Scribe abides. Peace.

—30—

By ssiscribe

July 2, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

What? “scribe’s bags misplaced …” Where the hell did my bags go?!?!?!

All joking aside, that sucks, DOB. Hope somebody at Delta figures out how to get to downtown from LAX before Thursday. They’ve already wasted a day. Is the Cali traffic that bad?

Now, clothing (noted transition by the noted Scribe): When on the road, Scribes must wear what the natives wear, the whole When In Rome thing. So, DOB, make sure you get a cool button down, shorts and flip flops. Sunglasses, too. Gotta have shades when in SoCal. And a good cigar to enjoy after deadline (or to use to burn down the Delta terminal, not that this or another Scribe condones using a stogie as a weapon).

Now, baseball (more transition): Ending aside yesterday, good start to the road trip and a good week after the interleague debacle at home. Good pitching indeed this week. Saw Lowe tie up the boys back in May at Turner Field. Tonight’s matchup will be worth staying up late for, Smoltz vs. Lowe. And there is no doubt: Escobar is fo’ shizzle, ma’ nizzle (gotta quote Snoop since we’re in SoCal, after all).

And now that my commute is all of a few steps to the home office, staying up late for some good baseball is a little easier on the body and soul.

DOB, hope your bags show up. Nothing more frustrating than that, my friend. The rest of you, enjoy your Monday and abbreviated work week.

The Scribe abides. Peace.

—30—

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Bob, J: I got your moral corruption right here … in my misplaced luggage.

But you know, as I stare out at the Hollywood sign in one direction, and the Think Blue sign beyond Dodger Stadium in the other, and look down from my 28th floor hotel room on those poor saps in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the 110 Freeway, which has been bumper-to-bumper since 6 a.m., well, I should say, I know I’m actually quite fortunate.

So I’m gonna go to Macy’s, get some clean underwear and a shirt, and get to the ‘park!

By DAP

July 2, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

if chipper says they need to go 8-4 or 9-3 in thier last 13 before the all-star break, what does he think should happen in game 13? a tie? i suck at math too.

By BT

July 2, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

What did the first blog mean?

Does Wickman need a DL visit, does Andrew need a Psych visit?

By berigan

July 2, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

DOB, Posted this right after you said there was a new blog, so in case you missed it….

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

By striker

July 2, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Eckstein’s not an all star

By Dwight Fry

July 2, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

DOB - you should be accosted for use of the word “costed”

that would have been two wins he costed Tim Hudson in Florida this season

By MEB

July 2, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Ahhhhh, the misadventures of traveling the friendly skies. I don’t miss hip hopping all over the country and being subjected to delays, cancellations, overbooking, and of course lost luggage. I used to always carry a change of clothes on-board but with the restrictions to what you can carry-on its probably too difficult.

I think it will take a series sweep against our natural rivals the Dodgers for me to get over the loss to the Marlins. Gonna be tough but I think Smoltz can give is us a good start tonight.

One other thing… why wasn’t Edgar Rentaria an option for the final vote by the fans for an all star postion? Did I miss something and this was only for pitchers?

GO BRAVES!!!

By bravesfan

July 2, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB let me know the lineup when you get it. How is the mood after the tough loss yesterday even though they lost they should still be fealing alright cause they are still 5-1 in their last 6 games. Also have you heard any trade rumors?

By Ron Roberts

July 2, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Anybody else wondered the obvious question??

DO’B… has Delta’s live bodies ever once said “your bags are here if you’d prefer to come and get ‘em instead of waiting on us.”?

Just curious. I’d be galled if they did, but did they at least offer?

Please, just don’t get in trouble w/the AJC brass over grilling to a crisp one of their big clients. We need ya here, boss.

By TennesseePaul

July 2, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Si. Good to have you back DOB. Thanks for the blog.

I’m going to the game tonight, perhaps I can swing by LAX and pick up your luggage for you? It’s tough to squeeze in the extra tasks between going to Phillipe’s and going to the game.

Sure hope these guys do well tonight.
GO BRAVES!!!

By Eric from MO

July 2, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

DAP- Chipper was probably counting on a rainout. We all know jocks arent dumb.

By Renegator

July 2, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Speaking of All-Star selections: I was shocked to see that B Mac made the team. Nothing against him - but he is having a rather mediocre year. I would have taken Renteria or Chipper before I took B Mac. But at least we have two representatives so we are not one of those teams who just has their token 1 guy on the team.

By Steeledawg

July 2, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Hey Guys,

I know I don’t post often, but I read everyday. I just got some incredible news that I had to share with someone. I just found out my wife is pregnant with our first child. I am excited, scared, nervous, overjoyed all at the same time.

By Eric from MO

July 2, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

Just wondering I thought Reyes made the team?

By BravesinTN

July 2, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

DOB

I hate to correct you, but Eckstein didn’t make the All-Star team this year, Reyes is the NL SS starter, Pujols is the only STL rep. I thought all along Chipper should be an ALL-star (my votes apparently didn’t make enough difference). I don’t care what people say about him being injured, he’s the best all-around 3B in the league (consistently) over the past 5-6 years. Is there any chance Harris and DIaz play the OF together, in lieu of Andruw?

By ssiscribe

July 2, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

And now I’m clothes-less?! Oh the humanity!!

OK, enough fun with headlines for one day! Enjoy the game, everyone.

—30—

By TennesseePaul

July 2, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

scribe: Cali traffic is bad. Death Cab had a great song about it…

Why You’d Want to Live Here - Death Cab For Cutie

I’m in Los Angeles today:
it smells like an airport runway.
Jet fuel stenches in the cabin
and lights flickering at random.
I’m in Los Angeles today:
Garbage cans comprise the medians of freeways
Always creeping, even when the population’s sleeping.

And I can’t see why you’d want to live here.

I’m in Los Angles today:
Asked a gas station employee
if he ever had trouble breathing
He said it varies from season to season, kid.

It’s where our best are on display:
Motion picture actor’s houses
Maps are never ever current, so save
your film and fifteen dollars.

And I can’t see why you’d want to live here.

Billboards reach past the tallest buildings
We are not perfect, but we sure try
As UV rays degradate our youth with time.

The vessel keeps pumping us through this entropic place
In the belly of the beast that is Californ-i-a
I drank from a faucet and I kept my receipts
From when they weigh me on the way out
(here nothing is free)

The Greyhounds keep coming
dumping locusts into the streets
until the gutters overflow
And Los Angeles thinks:
I might explode someday soon.

It’s a lovely summer’s day
And I can almost see the skyline
Through a thickening shroud of egos
(is this the city of angels or demons?)
Here the names are what remain:
Stars encapsulate the gold lane
And they need constant cleaning
For when the tourists begin salivating,

You can’t swim in a town this shallow.
You will most assuredly drown tomorrow.

By Efrim

July 2, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I remember you telling me that Javier Vasquez was someone the Braves wouldn’t touch. But then you say Jose Contreres is someone you can see the Braves scooping up. Vasquez is the better pitcher in every way. Contreres has a decreasing strikeout rate and Vasquez has a steady one that is almost 1 per inning. Vasquez gets 1.5 million more next season. I would muich rather have Vasquez than Contreras.

By Justin Tyndell

July 2, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Someone please help me understand why Salty is not in the lineup at least 80-90% of the time. Thorman has had his opportunities, and Saltalamacchia needs opportunities to work on 1B defense. This kid should almost always either be playing first or catching (when McCann needs the day off). His stick is too potent and the Braves offensive futility from the first base spot is poor enough to make the difference between being a wild-card contender and another Eastern Division title-and the kid is already on the roster! SIT THORMAN DOWN BOBBY (NOT JUST AGAINST LEFTIES)!!!

By berigan

July 2, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

I slept thru last night’s meltdown(So much for sleeping for part of a game, and us winning, (Braveheart, you can watch and blog during the game again! ;) ) But, something I noticed the night before….Wickman was clocked at 91, 92 MPH, seems a bit high for him, doesn’t it? I noticed no sink during Saturday’s game either. Was his sinker sinking last night? Baseball tonight couldn’t be bothered to show “highlights” of the game for me to know…

By SourPatchKid

July 2, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Unless I’m missreading something, Reyes was voted in as the NL SS and Hardy is his only backup. Eckstein is nowhere on the roster

By Efrim

July 2, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Not to mention Contreras has had a huge velocity dip this season. His fastball is topping out at 86 mph.

Vasquez is the better pitcher for the future.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

July 2, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Congradulations to y’all Steeldawg!!! I’m trying my damndest to do the same. No doubt you got some news worth reporting, right there. I’ll drink to that.

By Smoltzie

July 2, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Free Stinky!!!

By Put Me In Coach

July 2, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Delta’s voice automation system is the worst. And for someone who lives in Orange County(just moved here recently)LAX and John Wayne are just bad airports.

I am looking forward to catching the Saturday game against the Padres…Petco Park is a great ballpark.

Go Braves!

By Bob McBrayer

July 2, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Apologies for any comments to which I have not responded.

David O’B, the problem of misplaced luggage is one thing that has not materially changed since the days of Marco Polo.

The Bolg is a good thing … continue to cherish and nurture it with all thy might or at least as much as time, energy and the AJC permits!

I’m afraid my motives are generally misunderstood by most and while I feel my keen interest in the Braves and in the Blog are appreciated by most, I sense that because of my own limitations and ineffectiveness, most of my writings from behind the mask of Bob, Journalist are viewed as condemnation of those who are complacent and/or sometimes unthinking.

While the severity level is individual specific, the incidence rates for those conditions are 100% … and with us all so suffering, I feel most are made to feel at least somewhat uncomfortable by my writings; preferring that I would refrain from so doing.

That is my perception and it would be disrespectful to continue to ignore those feelings.

Some will recall previous posts where I addressed my strong conviction that something is lost when it’s translated from feelings into words … especially when the feelings are strong and the mental capacity and writing skills are weak.

Regardless of my believability quotient, my intent has been to condemn the complacency, the thoughtlessness and the boorish behavior not the folks themselves … though on a few occasions, my passion was stronger than my intent. I truly care about all you folks, including the Met fans, and especially cherish the friendships that have developed … and though it might not have been evident, I always cared less about what you thought than that you did.

I hope and think that my comments were occasionally found to hit the mark by more than just a few … and that some found my humor as good as they graciously said. Thanks for all the times we’ve shared, for all the laughs and smiles I’ve had … but thanks most of all for each and every one of the smiles you’ve allowed me to give you.

It’s been a privilege, it really has!

The Braves are much better than some of you think … give them a chance!

You’ve got a good thing going too … take care of it … and yourselves too!

By Justin Tyndell

July 2, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Let Johnson play left, Yunel second, and Harris in center. Here’s the batting order: 1- Harris - cf 2- Escobar - 2b 3- Renteria - ss 4- Chip - 3b 5- McCann - c 6- Frenchy - rf 7- Salty - 1b 8- Johnson - lf

By Ron Roberts

July 2, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Congrats, SteeleDawg!! That’s kinda awesome that you chose to share that with us.

By GTA

July 2, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

I hope no one’s said this yet, but why not use Soriano on the road as the closer and Wickman for home games?

By robdawg06

July 2, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Hello everyone. The Braves are playing better but the Mets are playing really well. Does anyone else think the Braves should make Soriano the closer ? Wickman just ain’t dependable. What about a starting OF of Diaz LF,Harris CF,and Francoeur RF ?

I’ve been working on my website and any of you sportscard collectors might want to check it out. Here’s the link : robertscollectables.net

Go Braves !

By Luther

July 2, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

DOB- No Arlo Guthrie “Coming into Los Angeles”

Looking forward to staying up for the West coast game and then mailing it in at work tomorrow on the last day before a holiday.

By Ron Roberts

July 2, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Justin… after KJ’s shoulder surgery, he ain’t playin’ left anymore.

By Marc

July 2, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

I think Soriano needs a couple nights off, might not be a bad idea for Wicky to get some nights off too, fortunantly we’re nearing the all-star break and they can get is soon.

Do you think we still need another pitcher DOB? I’m still skeptical about Davies, but I really like where Carlyle is headed.

I’m of the personal belief that we shouldn’t give up anyone bigger than Thorman to get anymore pitching this year, starters or relievers since Gonzo will be back next year.

Is there anywhere to add another bat? We’re homerun starved with Andruw slumping so bad.

By Bob McBrayer

July 2, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Steeledawg, Congratulations!!

Thanks for sharing … makes this Blog special … I’m told that with your 2nd, 3rd, 4th … and 10th … you’ll be excited, scared, nervous, overjoyed all at the same time!

By summerteeth

July 2, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

OK, I finally have a contribution that is worthy enough to be on DOB’s blog. Here goes….music please…

Plagiarized a little tune for you all. Like to hear it? Here it goes…

With obvious apologies to The Man in Black, Bobby Cox, and Chipper Jones.

Cortizone Blues

Early one mornin’ while walkin’ the grounds I took a shot of RockStar and I wrote my lineup down I went right home and I went to bed I stuck that lovin’ lineup beneath my head

Got up next mornin’ and I grabbed that pen Took a shot of RockStar and away I went Made out a good card but they aimed too low Their bunt attempts ended up in Sugarloaf

Down in the hot corner takin’ the pills In walked the coach from across the hill He said Larry Wayne your name is not Oberkfell You’re the Glass Joe always on the DL

Said yes, oh yes my name is Larry Wayne If you’ve got a fix just prescribe it to me Shot it up before but it made me sore I thought insurance covered it but don’t no more

When I was diagnosed I was mad as hell Two bum hands and put on the DL Had no say on my length of stay So I got 15 days and I still got paid

Early next mornin’ bout a half past nine I spied that coach coming down the line Ah, and he coughed as he cleared his throat If you ain’t careful you get replaced by that kid off the boat

Into the ballpark where the game began And onto the field ran 9 paid men Just after the ump said let’s play ball I took a grounder in the hole and had a mighty fall

In about five seconds out walked the coach With my replacement that he once had boast The fans agreed the kid’s legit and they won’t trade me Unless Andruw caves and then alone I’ll be

The coach he smiled as he picked up his pen 15 more days and then I’ll write you in 15 more days to become less sore I sure hope AJ turns around or it could be 30 more

Come on you’ve gotta listen unto me Pick up the pilates and let that Cortizone be

By journalist jimmy smith

July 2, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! what is journalist bob doing? bob must not leave the blog - there is a division sign to win - and much to discuss before this season ends.

dob only: jimmy smith called chico cadahia and arranged for a pair of chico cahdahia pants to be available to dob during this trip. no problem. think nothing of it.

and delta employees who blog here: dob is just a little grumpy. dob will regain dob’s charm when dob gets a change of socks. and speaking of extra socks … journalist has arranged for dob to get some socks from chipper jones. chipper has lots of socks. next column be prepared for lots of “uh’s”.

and smoltz turned down this journalist when jimmy smith asked for some shirts off smoltz’ back for dob. something about bulldogs or bull something …

and lastly, suspenders. this one was hardest. please see homeboy upstairs for the suspenders.

and whither carroll rogers?

By Tony Dobson

July 2, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

DOB, I blame yesterday’s defeat entirely upon you for saying last week that Soriano only gives up runs in blowouts. ;)

By robdawg06

July 2, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Dang GTA, we are thinking just alike…and at about the same time too ! Soriano for closer !

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what you guys are referring to, what idiot said Eckstein made the All-Star team? That’s ridiculous.

But seriously, I just needed clean underwear. My brain wasn’t functioning properly without it.

By Pete H

July 2, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

If you’re looking for a good burger while you’re in town, check out the Redwood Bar on 2nd. It’s a pirate-themed bar voted to have the best burger in downtown L.A.

By berigan

July 2, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, didn’t KJ have Tommy John surgery, or was it something else? If it was TJ surgery, shouldn’t he throw just as well, if not better????

By robdawg06

July 2, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

I’d be up for trading for Adam Dunn or Travis Hafner to play 1B. Those 2 dudes can hit the homers ! Maybe trade Thorman and a couple top minor leaguers for one of them ? Escobar and Salty would be off limits though.

By BamaBrave

July 2, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

DOB must have anticipated some sort of illegal maneuvering, ballot-stuffing, bribery, etc. by LaRussa in order to get Eckstein on the All-Star team.

By Ron Roberts

July 2, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

Vasquez would interest me, but Contreras? No thanks. Anything involving the Braves shipping off Saltalamacchia or Escobar is a deal not worth making, though.

Said this on the last blog, but something to keep an eye on….

Jeff Francoeur’s only making a little over $400,000 and still tied to the team (or whomever they send him to) for, I believe another season and a half, if memory serves. I’d hate to see him go, but ya gotta wonder if there’s more upside to him, or if he’s a tradeable asset that others might covet.

DO’B… thoughts? Is he off the table?

By Efrim

July 2, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

DOB

You would rather have Jose Contreras than Javier Vasquez???

By berigan

July 2, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Robert, I see now that you said shoulder surgery….I just did a check though, it was Tommy John surgery, and it’s been a year now…..

By AZBravoFan

July 2, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

DOB: Any word on the status of Wickman’s health? Just seems like every time a pitcher starts to lose it, we find out a week later (and several blown games later) that it was because of an injury someone was trying to play through, then they go on the DL. And Mr. Smoltz is one of the prime culprits. I find it really annoying. Baseball, and pitching especially, is such a precision sport. This is not hockey. Maybe Steve Yzerman can help his team by playing on a broken leg. But that stuff doesn’t work in baseball. If you can’t do the job, sit down and get right until you can! And good god, why would you throw a scrub hitter like Olivo another breaking ball? 3 hard sinkers over the plate and that guy would have gotten himself out.

By Chris

July 2, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Why does Bobby continue to play Andruw in the cleanup spot?? It makes no sense at all. It really is ridiculous.

By Ron Roberts

July 2, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

DO’B… if you need clean underwear for your brain to function, then, well, pardon me for saying it, but…

…get your head outta your @ss.

:o)

Sorry… couldn’t resist.

By robdawg06

July 2, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

I want a few of you to check out my website and give me some feedback here on it please. I changed the listing format. I went to 3 cards per row from 1 card per row. Its real time consuming working on a website…

By Voice of Reason

July 2, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Bob, J: You’re not goin’ anywhere, are you?

Ron Roberts: KJ had elbow surgery, of the Tommy John variety I believe.

DOB: I’ve found that clean underwear helps clear the mind also. I’m not sure what that says about us, though…

By journalist jimmy smith

July 2, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

steeledawg, congratulations! nothing like a baby (seal) around the house. and now that the crisis has passed … dob will probably talk some baseball. a ham can used as a carry-on would have been indispensable, right? should listen to jimmy smith more often. and the game comes on late tonight. lots of people dragging tomorrow. bob has time for a nap. and more baseball … renteria deserves to be an all-star - maybe our only all-star.

By DonCoburleone

July 2, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this

DOB welcome to Southern California! So what hotel are you staying at? Perhaps the Westin Bonaventure??? I stay at that one all the time with my girlfriend because you can get a room there on the weekend for like $60 (through Priceline)… And yeah, traffic is like that all the time…

By Jimbo

July 2, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

TMI = DOB’s underwear

By TennesseePaul

July 2, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Bobby and AJ and the clean up spot. Perhaps this is for several reasons…

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Probably Vazquez, but I don’t think he’s worth the money for a team with a tight payroll….

Good point, actually, Ron. About the underwear….

With that, I’m driving to Dodger Stadium. I’ll check in later.

By Ron Roberts

July 2, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Good job catching my drop, Berigan. Still, though, all I’d heard outta Braves camp was that KJ was not an option in the OF post-surgery. Personally, I’d like to see us use Matty Diaz and Willie Harris (in center field) in the same lineup more often, and heck, wouldn’t hurt to free up a roster spot or two by sending Orr down and dropping Woodward, too and pulling up Brayan Pena to catch when we have Saltalamacchia playing 1st and McCann needing to be rested.

By John

July 2, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

Holy cow??!! When will they bench Andru!!??

By TennesseePaul

July 2, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

RR: I’d speculate that McCann and Francoeur are off the table due to marketability and skill. They’re good. They’re home town hero’s. They make money. If Salty is to be traded, it’d have to be for a big name pitcher in my opinion.

I still think Aaron Harang would be a great addition to the team. But I never hear a thing about his availability.

By robdawg06

July 2, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

We all love Andruw but when you aren’t getting it done then you get replaced by someone that will. Any way you look at it Harris,Diaz,and Francoeur all deserve to start over Andruw right now. I’ll take 3 hits (by Harris or Diaz) over a great defensive play (by Andruw) per game.

By Chris

July 2, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

DOB - don’t feel too bad about the DELTA mishaps. I was flying into ATL with a guitar, which came through the conveyor belt in three separate pieces - 1)the case (opened) 2)the guitar neck and 3) the guitar body And the Fragile sticker was still on the case. Gotta love that.

So what are the chances that Delta could lose Andruw? Would insurance pay salary for a missing person?

By Big Ed

July 2, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

Chipper on the ALL-STAR TEAM ??? OH PLEASE. If he had his way he would be on his self imposed DL until all his aches and pains are healed.

By DonCoburleone

July 2, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

Haven’t been on the blog in a while, but there is one thing I wanted to hit on and that is the at-bat Escobar had in the 9th inning yesterday; Simply put, it was amazing. I mean, seriously, outside of probably Chipper and Renteria has anyone on our team shown that kind of ability and determination in a single at-bat? He went down 0-2, worked it back up to 3-2, fouled off a few more, then lined one to the opposite field. All this with the winning run on 2nd base and two outs in the 9th!!! He definately looks legit and should net a return of no less than a bonafide #3 starter (who’s under team control for at least 3 more years)…

By TennesseePaul

July 2, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

DonC: You catching the game tonight? Smoltzie on the mound. Bailing this place in a few to head on up. Gotta hit up Phillipe’s before the game crowd becomes too much.

By Ron Roberts

July 2, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

TennPaul, I’d bet just about everything in Ciny’s available at this rate.

I like Harang, too.

By Scott Summers

July 2, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

Don’t check bags

By kdbanks

July 2, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

DOB-

My best recommendation for L.A. (where I travel frequently for business) is enjoy the donuts. There’s a shop on every corner and for whatever reason the apple fritters out there are like heaven.

Regarding the All Star every team gets a rep rule: I said it last year and I’ll say it again - I like it. It gives fans in every city someone to root for and a reason to watch. I know some guys make it that shouldn’t and some don’t that should, but I don’t care. I like every team having an All Star.

Just my thoughts…

KDBanks

By rammerjammer

July 2, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

This talk of underwear and cleanup spots is most unattractive.

Steeledawg, CONGRATULATIONS! Now, be prepared for much talk of cleanup and underwear in your near future. But enjoy it all. Really. I have three and they grow up way too fast.

By Coach (BRINGING THE WRECKING BALL)

July 2, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Well , the Braves are inquiring about and scouting both Buehrle and Contreras. We shall see if the new ownership is going to spend some money or if we get short changed again.

By Robert

July 2, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

“Did Chipper deserve to make the All-Star team?”

Maybe. But if you look at it that way, there’s a bunch of guys that could make the same claim (not a bunch of guys at Chipper’s position, but a bunch of guys)

The right question to ask is “Is the All-Star Game incomplete without this year’s Chipper Jones?”

And the answer there is NO

Looking at it by who we might feel is “deserving” is what makes people think that players are getting dissed if every good player isnt considered an All-Star and every All-Star doesnt get to Cooperstown.

And airlines suck. Every last one of them.

By rupert

July 2, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

DOB, i know its definitely a little early, but do you see the braves moving wickman out of the closer role at any point this season? if soriano wasn’t struggling too it would seem to be an easier question.

By P-Town Brave

July 2, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

TN Paul

Expect to hear a lot about availability for Cincy players soon w/ the firing of their manager last night…that being said, I’d rather have Arroyo as he has more upside than Harang I feel, and Lohse wouldn’t be too bad to take a look on, although he has Bor-a* as an agent…I still like the thought of Vazquez being in a Braves uni..even though DOB says he’s too expensive

By Braves Fan 79

July 2, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

DOB: I wonder what our win percentage is when weve started woodward/orr in ballgames? I bet weve lost at least 70% of our games in which Cox gives woodward his weekly start or starts both. Last nights game being a perfect example. 2 men on base…our first scoring chance of the game and guess who comes up? Of course woodward…the automatic out. Face it Braves…u cant win with 2 automatic outs back to back in the lineup!!

By Fred

July 2, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

*By Ron Roberts

July 2, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

DOB… if you need clean underwear for your brain to function, then, well, pardon me for saying it, but…

…get your head outta your @ss.*

Ron est en fuego!

By Robert

July 2, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

“But seriously, I just needed clean underwear. My brain wasn’t functioning properly without it.”

Makes one wonder how close your brain is to your underwear DOB.

By HP

July 2, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this

Why is Edgar Renteria not on the NL All-star roster. This is ridicules. Let take look at some player selected players that should not be on the roster. Can someone explain me why Brain Fuentes is on the NL all-star roster? He is 0-4 with 4.17ERA. Not so good to be in all-star roster? By the way, Matt Holiday is already chosen for the roster spot for Colorado Rockies. Another spot that I disagree is having four first baseman on the roster. That is just wrong when there are so many shortstops playing good this year. I can understand Dmitri Young to be on the roster, but not Derek Lee since Soriano is on the roster. Let take look at Derek Lee stats and compare to Edgar Renteria. Derek Lee stats: .346BA 6HR 42Runs 41RBI. Edgar Renteria stats: .324BA 10HR 53Runs 41RBI. Now you tell me who should be on the roster? Another player that should not be on the roster is Freddy Sanchez. His stats for this season: .301BA 1HR 28RBI. Already have Orlando Hudson. I understand they choose Sanchez because there is not Pirate, but why did they not chose Pirates left-hander Tom Gorzelanny who is 8-4 with 3.05 ERA instead of left- hander RP Brian Fuentes. This would have made a spot open for as shortstop. I think Tony LaRuusa was drunk when he was choosing the players.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 2, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

dob, tennesseepaul is not steering dob wrong. check out this menu:

American or Jack cheese sandwich 2.90
Swiss cheese sandwich 3.15 Blue cheese sandwich 3.40

journalist heaven!

By DonCoburleone

July 2, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul I have tickets to tomorrow night and wednesday night, but not tonights game… I got them a while ago so I didn’t know who was pitching when… It sucks I know, now I get freakin’ Kyle Davies instead of John Smoltz, woopidy doo!

By Smithy

July 2, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

Summerteeth, dude, that is the funniest thing I have ever read! If the MIB were a Braves fan, he would be proud. Hahahaha.

By berigan

July 2, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

I think it would be quite interesting to see Willie and Diaz in the same game more often…say with Andruw being our big bat off the bench for a week. Phillies have done it with Pat Burrell,(benched 9 out of 12 games I think) and I have seen him get a few big hits more recently than Andruw, one off of Billy Wagner a few weeks back.

If nothing else, why not put Andruw in 7th against righties, 6th against lefties for 2 weeks? See if he hits, then put him back in cleanup, after he has had more than one good game!

Joe Simpson said Andruw’s swing looks better right now…that’s something.

By Lew

July 2, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

DOB-The Hollywood Sign, The Dodger’s Sign and Delta. Isn’t that one of Dante’s Triangles of Hell? Now music-Dylan was exceptional last night and I’m not half the Dylan fan DOB is. Great show. Now Hard Rock Music-(what do you think of THAT Scribe? Two music transitions) Tuesday is the release date of the new Velvet Revolver CD. It’s Slash and G and R’s rhythm section with Scott Wieland of the Stone Temple Pilots second CD. Their first is one of the best hard rocking albums in recent years. This one should be pretty good, too.

By TennesseePaul

July 2, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

DonC: Don’t have tickets for tonight’s game as of yet, but I usually have no issue getting them at the gate right before the game. Even at sold out games.
Going tomorrow as well.

RR & P-Town: Arroyo wouldn’t be bad. He has some pop in his bat as well. Harang is only pulling in 4.7 million, so he’d be affordable I’d imagine. I think he has 1 more season before he’s a free agent. Plus, he’s managed to keep an ERA under 4 in Cincy, that’s pretty solid.

By DonCoburleone

July 2, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

“I’d rather have Arroyo as he has more upside than Harang I feel.”

Not to sound like too big of an a*******ho!e, but are you kidding me? Please do me a favor and look at the numbers of those two pitchers and then come back and tell me who you’d rather have. It’s really not even close, Harang gets more wins, more strikeouts, gives up less hits, and he’s younger!

And for everbody else who thinks we have a shot at getting Aaron Harang let me just say this, HA! We could offer Salty, Escobar, Soriano, Harrison and Reyes and they probably still wouldn’t get a deal done. Its not happening, trust me. We have a better chance of getting Haren from Oakland than we do of getting Harang from Cincy…

By journalist jimmy smith

July 2, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

and what sort of underwear was missing? lingerie, perhaps? not that there’s anything wrong …

and, delta is sort of the only game in town much like the newspaper …

and whither carroll rogers? all this talk of dob’s underwear makes for poor discussion and is most undesirable. perhaps dob should allow carroll rogers to blog for a time to restore good feelings on the blog.

and now, fourth of july only two days away. cookout materials should now be in hand. watermelons should be refrigerated.

By TennesseePaul

July 2, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

Lew: 2 things. 1, I could have sworn Wieland died, but I guess not. And 2, I had no idea that band was putting out a second album. I thought they were more of a 1 and done, cash in on the nostalgia band. But I gotta agree, they are the only band putting out that sound these days. Good stuff. Thanks for the update.

By SaltyWoody

July 2, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

10Paul, Ron Roberts I’ve heard Harang’s name mentioned many times, but never really heard anyone refute his availability or contract.

And as you pointed out, RR, I’ve got to assume everything’s available in Cincy.

His contract’s pretty friendly too after he just signed a 4 year extension in February… $4.25 million this season. $6.75 million in 2008. $11 million in 2009. $12.5 million in 2010. Club option for 2011 at $12.75 million with a $2 million buyout.

There are a couple of incentives built in on innings and stuff, but overall not terribly expensive.

However, the guy’s 29. So, you’re getting into the expensive years of his contract when he’s hitting and exceeding 30.

That’s not terribly old, but it’s old enough to be a little scary.

Plus, he’s thrown well over 200 innings the last two years and is on pace to throw even more than that this year. That’s a good amount of wear and tear on an arm that, before 2004, had never pitched more than 78 innings. And the fact that Cincy just locked him up for 4 years indicates they believe in him and might not want to get rid of him.

That said, the guy’s been really good the last two years and this year’s more of the same. And he’s a lefty with deceptive stuff, so he should age pretty well, even if he starts to lose velocity.

A rotation of Smoltz, Harang, Hudson, Chuckie would be pretty good, R/L/R/L, and if you throw an effective Davies in there, it would be strong and have good changes of pace.

In the famous words of Ben Stiller, tell JS to “DO IT.”

By The Grinch

July 2, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Gil, if you’re still around, I DID miss your reply about the .45 Long Colt the other day. Which blog was it on?

By SaltyWoody

July 2, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Scratch part of that last post.

I’m an idiot…Harang’s a righty. But, he’s still pretty good.

Although, I agree with DonC…we probably have a snowball’s chance in Hades of prying him away from the Reds.

By Ron Roberts

July 2, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Grabbing Aaron Harang, to me, would be huge, but if there’s any player on that team I’d make untouchable, if I were the Reds, he’s it.

By jbutler

July 2, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

DOB…gotta say..I’m glad you’re underwear are no longer in a bunch. Thanks for keeping us all in the loop on that.

By Lew

July 2, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

DonC-But Arroy is a better musician than Harang. He can do post game shows, too. More bang for your buck, so to speak. Package him with fireworks for the Fourth.

By TennesseePaul

July 2, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

DonC: I’d agree with that if Cincy was stable. But there are a lot of questions in that city. And I think I’m wrong, Harang could be a FA at the end of this season depending on his contract which I can’t find to many details on. So perhaps he might be available. The new GM over there is a little wiser than GM’s past, so it might be a steep price. But Harang would be a good pick up.

By Tomahawkin

July 2, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

Grinch, Whaddup…! are U as p-ss-”d off as I am about that tough loss yesterday…?

And Also, Does anyone know the teams record when Chris Woodward starts…?

Everytime I see him in da lineup, I think to myself, “Oh Shyt, Why da hell is he in there, We’ll probably lose” Why is that dude oon da roster…?

By DonCoburleone

July 2, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

Lets just put it this way, I’d give up Salty, Escobar, and Reyes if we could get Harang…

By TennesseePaul

July 2, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

SaltyWoody: Thanks for the info on the Contract.

By lin

July 2, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

ive run out ideas give andruw glasses make chipper dh but oh we not have that rule in ntl by way my opinion am and ntl should have same rules not one sided on the dh cameras for important replay as man games get lost due bad calls by the umps braves well 3 or 4th place is where they will finish its going take money money money to get good pitchers and they sure need them so be few years see them back in first

By BravesFanInRockies

July 2, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

DonC,

You’re high.

By SaltyWoody

July 2, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

TennPaul: You got it.

Still really affordable for this year and next…but the years after that, when he’ll start getting into his mid-30s, get pretty expensive.

Sort of like a Tim Hudson contrat, actually.

But, I still agree with you- he’d be a great addition and would fit in perfectly around Smoltz and Huddie.

By DonCoburleone

July 2, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

If somebody told me today that the Braves are for sure going to land a starter before the July 31 deadline I would put my money on Matt Morris of the Giants. They are looking to trade him, and they are the one franchise in all of baseball who have an abundance of young starting pitching, a lack of position prospects, and are out of the playoff hunt… In other words, they have a decent #3 starter that we could get for 1 or 2 position prospects (of which we have a surplus)… My guess is that Escobar and an A-ball prospect would get it done. I would probably do that deal, but of course that deal completely ignores the Braves budget constraints - I think Morris still has 2 years and $23mil left on his contract after this year…

By Savannah Guy

July 2, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

For some reason this letter was just sent to me from Delta. Since I don’t have DOB’s email address, I thought it best to post here so that he might see it:

To: David O’Brien From: Delta PR Dept.

Dear Mr. O’Brien, We regret that you have experienced difficulty retrieving your luggage on your recent flight to Los Angeles. Since many in our department actively read (and contribute) to your blog, we became aware of your dilemma before it hit the broader media. We have contacted LAX to see what the problem was, and this is the response we got from our Baggage Claim crew:

To: Delta PR From: Baggage Dept.

“We have been made aware of missing baggage belonging to a Mr. David O’Brien (aka DOB). Contrary to certain reports, we must kindly dispute that said luggage is lost. The luggage in question cannot be considered lost, because we know where it is. It’s right here with us, safe and sound.

Today our Canine Inspection-Team became highly agitated and started clawing at one particular suitcase in our handling area. They were barking, sniffing and very interested in what turns out to be the suitcase belonging to a Mr. DOB. When our baggage canines behave in this way, our orders are to pull the suspect luggage from the line and do a thorough search, checking for contraband or other illegal items.

In our search, we did find a few highly suspicious items tucked away in the luggage in question. Upon opening one of Mr. DOB’s suitcases, we immediately detected what appeared to be a note written in code from a foreign national. We called our crack Homeland boys in to decipher and break this code. We still have not decoded this suspicious note, but for the sake of our PR Dept., we will divulge part of the message to see if anyone out there can help us interpret it. The portion of the note we can divulge at this time includes the following:

“My Mr. Big Lebowski, your white Russians were right on. The Cubans were perfect. And you were sooo BAD. Next time we go Italian…my little love bumpkin.

So, as you can see for yourself, there is something very suspicious at hand. While our team of security experts is attempting to crack this clever code, we have not been able to release any of the contents of Mr. DOB’s luggage. We are not sure whether this is the work of a sinister, multi-national gang, but we cannot take any chances.

Signed: Mr. Bagger

So you see, Mr. O’Brien, as your friendly Delta Customer Service And Satisfaction Representative, I am doing everything in my power to resolve this issue in a timely manner…or until my shift ends, which is any minute now. After that there will be another Representative to help you if you will call the 800 number and start all over with your search. By the way, before I knock off for the night, the Lost Baggage Dept. called and told me that, while they were opening the luggage, one of their dogs tore through some of your clothing to get to a peculiar looking sandwich (seemed to have some kind of sausages and peppers in it). Anyway, they let the lead dog, “ol’ Delta Queen” as they call her, go ahead and eat the sandwich since she licked it anyway. She also accidentally ate one shoe, three CD’s and a few shirts. We have already filed a damage report and we will ask you to fill out the 37-page form in triplicate to file your claim. Since you are such a good, loyal customer and Atlanta resident, we are hopeful that you are in no way involved in this suspicious activity.

We appreciate your flying with us and we regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

Sincerely,

Glady’s U. Annottme Delta Rep. “We’re ready way after you are.”

(Delta legal: this is a parody…a joke)

By BravesFanInRockies

July 2, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

DonC,

I stand partially corrected. The deal you described for Morris sounds mostly sober to me .

By The Grinch

July 2, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

T’hawk; what’s up, man? I actually missed last night’s game but it definitely sounds like one that would’ve made me mad. You keeping the sorrostitutes warm for me?

By Wayne in Utah

July 2, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

DonC Do you think the Giants would take Lillibridge, Blanco and Reyes for Morris? Would you do that deal or a similar one for Noah Lowry? I like his upside better than Morris.

By Tomahawkin

July 2, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Dawg, I ready For the Broads to get back 4 da school year, Septermber Rules, Good as baseball ,and wild a-s-s parties up here, U know I ‘m ready for the second half…Its Time I go get the 6-pack tall boys, so I can get tuned up for the game tonite, BTW I was down in the “A” for the Boston and Detroit Homestand (Which Sucked a-s-s, I might add…)

Where are the best sports bars out there???

By Wayne in Utah

July 2, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Who asked the question earlier on the Braves record with Woodward and/or Orr starting? I would love to know that answer.

With a guy like Escobar around, we don’t really need to give those other guys a start. Orr is really only good for an ocassional pinch hitting or pinch running appearance. I think we would be just as well off letting one of our pitchers run and get Brayan Pena up so Salty can start more often.

By Confused?

July 2, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

How is DOB in LA if he is covering Yankees vs. Twins game on ESPN today. Unless they are two different people.

By Jeff R

July 2, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

DOB, I fly a lot in my work. Delta’s bad, but most of the airlines are pretty poor these days. U.S. Airways is a nightmare.

Questions:

Are we seeing the end of Andruw Jones, or does he stage a second half come back?

If a decent starting pitcher is available before the July 31 trade deadline, does management pursue a deal, and if that pitcher is in an option year, will Liberty Media indicate that its willing to open the checkbook to keep the pitcher?

Does Salty move into the starter role at 1B permanently in the second half?

By snowball's chance

July 2, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

DOB, The head of public relations for Delta is the friend of a friend of my second cousin. She said you should go out to North Hollywood and buy a Nudie suit on Delta’s dime. They have one left over on layaway that they have been holding for Gram Parsons.

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

July 2, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

Nothing against Morris, Wanye, but that’s too much from the Braves end. They are an old team in the field.

By Tomahawkin

July 2, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Wayne In Utah…It Was Me….

Meeee…I asked Da Question about our record when Woodward starts, I’d Rather Bring Julio Franco Back

Orr Is only worthwhile as a pinchrunner

But man Woodward is painful to watch…

By Tomahawkin

July 2, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Confused,that question was funny, What da hell are you doing watching the ESPN/Yankees Network…?

I just like to watch them blow games on the highlights, hell that was the only consolation to yesterdays loss in Fort Liquordale…

By Gil In Mechanicsville

July 2, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Steeledawg Congratulations on your good news. Makes me smile to remember my first….

By Aaron

July 2, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

DOB! Welcome to LA. I’ll see you at the game tomorrow! By the way, if you wanna a good burger there is a Tommy’s down your way. Bring a napkin.

By Tomahawkin

July 2, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

Anyone up in here see Thor gettin dealt, the Dude is Aight but I see him being expandable, especially since Salty is starting to Clown…?

By Coach (BRINGING THE WRECKING BALL)

July 2, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

When Chris Woodward starts the Braves are 5-11. The team record in his appearances is 24-29. When Pete Orr starts the Braves are 5-3 and 23-19 in all his appearances. there ya go !

By SaltyWoody

July 2, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

RE:MATT MORRIS For everyone jumping on the Matt Morris bandwagon, I hear where you’re coming from. This guy’s a class act by all accounts, provides veteran leadership, and is having a solid season.

BUT…

There is no way we should give up anything good for him.

This is a guy who will be 33 in August. He’s making $10 million this year and next, with various escalators upping that amount, and there’s a club option for $11 million after that.

Like someone pointed out earlier, this is a guy who pitches to contact. He’s not striking guys out and as his stuff declines, he becomes even more hittable. Plus, a guy that pitches to contact can be very good…or VERY bad.

So, you’d be paying $11 million a year for a guy who will probably pitch somewhat effectively for another 2 or 3 years, and has the potential to get shelled.

I don’t know about you, but I’m not mortgaging the future for someone like that.

You could have a Buerhle or a Harang for that kind of money…guys that are just entering their primes instead of just leaving it.

If the Giants aren’t asking a bunch and would take on some of his salary? It’s worth looking at.

But if the deal’s something like WAYNE suggested? Reyes, Lillibridge, and Blanco?

NO WAY…NOT IN A MILLION YEARS.

By TBFKB

July 2, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

It appears that several bloggers want to trade Escobar. Granted, I have not seen many games as I normally do, but from what I have seen he is a very talented baseball player. I dont see any reason to trade him unless the Braves are able to acquire a top of the rotation type pitcher.

I think K. Johnson with a middle-tier prospect might net a #3 pitcher. As I see it, K. Johnson, is going to be a productive player during his career. However, I dont see his upside in same light as I do Escobars.

I must say, I along with other bloggers look stupid right now considering J.S. probably could have traded Andruw last year and recieved a better return than the performance the Brave’s are getting now. I still stand by my favorite player but man he is really stinking up the joint.

In order for the Braves to get to the post-season they will need another starting pitcher, as having James an Davies in the rotaion is too much reliance on young arms. We can handle one but not both. (We did it before but we had 2 future HOF’ers in our midst and another that had a dream year)

By DonCoburleone

July 2, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

Tough to say Wayne in Utah, but they probably would. I would try and do it without giving up any young pitching though, we are razor thin when it comes to that aspect of the organization… Noah Lowry is interesting - definately younger and cheaper than Morris so we’d have to give up more to get him. But still, I don’t know about that guy. His strikeout rate is one of the lowest in the league and his ERA has done nothing but rise since he came into the league… Basically I see Lowry as a pitcher somewhere between Chuck James and Kyle Davies - do we really want/need that?

By Tomahawkin

July 2, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Gracias Coach Good Digging…Hey You throw any Cans at the Tube after yesterday’s Loss?

By Coach (BRINGING THE WRECKING BALL)

July 2, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Nope , Tomahawkin. Didn’t throw a thing. But , it’s been a while since Ive seen Cox look so smart and so stupid in one inning (the ninth). As they say , that’s Baseball.

By Wally Woolman

July 2, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Let’s not let this get out of hand. The luggage is not lost and we don’t intend to hold it hostage. There was a similar bag checked in Atlanta by a small girl traveling alone. We thought Mr. O’Brien’s bag was her bag and vice versa. We don’t get that many Barbie bags from sportswriters. This one took us by surprise. The correct powder blue Barbie bag is waiting in the lobby of your hotel with your name prominently shown. Let’s be friends. Thanks for flying Delta.

By Josh C

July 2, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Good evening all.

DOB, here’s hoping your drawers are returned unscathed.

OK, I posted this on the long, long blog over the weekend and got somewhat lambasted for it, so I’ll explain a bit before I give my trade proposal.

I believe that we are in a bit of a precarious position in that: a) We know we need pitching, but b) We don’t want to see Salty or Escobar become stars elsewhere, c) We can’t take on much payroll, especially beyond this season as it may prevent us from “locking up” those we need to.

So here’s the problem: If we deal with bottom feeding clubs, the only deals available will be for high priced veterans in exchange for our future. Nope, won’t work.

The solution, then, is to deal with teams in a similar position to ours (still in the race), but opposite needs. Two teams I would target: Oakland and San Diego. These two teams entered the weekend with the top team ERA in their respective league, both in the bottom three in BA. Problem with OAK is that their rotation doesn’t have a lot of proven depth right now, especially with Harden’s injury history (Escobar for Joe Blanton or Kennedy anyone? uh, no.)

So this brings us to the Padres. Their starting ss and 3b are hitting .242 and .223. They hold a slim lead in the West. They need a stick, and probably would prefer a veteran stick over a youngster. They have a lot of depth in their rotation. My proposal:

Renteria for Maddux.

Braves take on about $3 mil for the second half, with Maddux’s contract expiring. The future becomes now with Escobar, and I’m not convinced he’d hit any less than Edgar anyway. The Braves get a pitcher with a 3.66, one of the best no. 3 guys in the league. The Pads get a stud to play third next to Greene and still have Peavy, Young, Wells, Germano in the rotation.

Whew! Thoughts anyone (besides that this post is WAY too long)…

By ronp

July 2, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

either way you slice it, andruw is gone..if he finishes strong, there won’t be any “hometown discount.” If he continues to flop then we’re better off spening the cash on pitching..bye, bye andruw..see you in Boston or somewhere…

By P-Town Brave

July 2, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Hey,

Just figured out the perfect deal to be made…

Gregor Blanco, Elvis Andrus, Matt Harrison, AND Terry Pendleton to Cincy to be their manager for Ken Griffey Jr. and Bronson Arroyo

We can even pay the rest of the year of TP’s salary just so they will take him

By Wayne in Utah

July 2, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

DonC (and others) My earlier question as a trade possibility for Morris, might have been too aggressive. Would you give two of those guys for Lowry. Don says probably not, that Lowry is no better than a cross between James and Davies. Granted, he is not a strikeout pitcher, normally. A day or so ago, he really shined, and while he started off rough this year, he has picked it up lately. I don’t know. Anytime you are talking about trading for pitching, it is a frickin crap shoot.

I do think we need to pick up someone for the stretch run though, be it Morris, Lowry, Buehrle, or someone similar. I DO hope we are able to do so WITHOUT giving up Escobar or Salty. Yunel’s 9th inning AB really impressed me on Sunday.

By HaRdTiMe

July 2, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

I think the best thing for AJ is the DL. A tweaked knee, bum sholder… bad something. Sit em’ down for awhile and show him (Bobby) what the Braves can do without AJ. Geeesh, he won’t be back next anyways (hopefully), lets get used to it.

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

Summerteeth, inspiring lyrics, my man. Great stuff.

Aaron, been to Tommy’s and it’s great. I still like In & Out, but different types of burgers, for sure.

Went to the Original Pantry yesterday for lunch. Great greasy-spoon dinner been here 85 or so years, down on Figueroa not far from Staples Center.

OK, couldn’t read all the posts because gotta write a notebook and do a little chart comparing Renteria and Furcal since Fukie left Atlanta (Edgar’s numbers dwarf his, and he has barely half the errors).

Forgot who asked about Prince at the Roosevelt, but just saw that those shows (which are already over) cost between $312 and $3120 (a play on his last album, 3121).

By Wayne in Utah

July 2, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout some discussion on whether you would prefer to trade, if you had to trade one of our best prospects to get some pitching help this year.

We have some prospects that others covet: Saltalamacchia, Escobar, Andrus, Brandon Jones, Lillibridge and a few pitchers, Harrison, Reyes, or Hanson.

Who would you give up for someone like Buehrle, or Morris, or Oswalt (if he were available).

Any other pitchers we think might be out there (Contreras and Vasquez to me are not what we need)?

Whaddya think folks?

By berigan

July 2, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

I think I saw a clip of Noah Lowry in a game after several mentions by folks here about possibly trading for him. Well, he looked like quite the soft tosser.

Folks here are quick to trade Salty or Escobar….I’d rather give up someone that is still in the minors…we have seen what these two can do at this level. both seem surprisingly patient at the plate, both can go the opposite way, and I think both will show power. Really don’t want to lose them, and for someone like Matt Morris, or Lowry???? No thanks! Davies and Carlyle seem “ok” for the back of the rotation, we don’t need another 3 or 4 starter that will get knocked out in the 3rd inning in the 3rd playoff inning.

Buehrle may not be a fireballer, but he always goes late into games. had a streak of 49 straight games of 6 innings or more, and has a streak right now of 14!!! More the kind of guy we need, you know???

By Elements

July 2, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

Steeledawg

Great news!! Congrats.

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Wally Woolman, nice try. You didn’t connect, but you tried. Hang in there. (I’m assuming that was an attempt at humor, right?)

By ernesto

July 2, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

first?

just kidding

By edward

July 2, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Steeledawg…congrats! Get ready to be yelled at for the next 18yrs!! HAHA. I feel your pain almost DOB. I was on a christmas flight for 19hrs from atlanta to Hartford,ct! Then I finally got my bags 3weeks AFTER I got home. Nothing like one pair of pants and no sweaters up north for the winter. So when do you think they are finally gonna trade off Thorman? I haven’t liked the kid since he got to the majors last year. Too bad Andruw is holding us up. The gentlemanly thing for him to do would be to let us trade him so we could get something outta him this year. It certainly looks like he won’t be doing anything with his bat for us. Harris is a reliable alternative and you gotta love his hitting.

By berigan

July 2, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah, Funny, I answered most of your questions, and you and I posted at the same time! ;) Rocket is dealing tonight, 2 hits in 5+ innings.

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

The usual (now) lineup vs. righties: Harris, Edgar, Chipper, Andruw, McCann, Francoeur, Kelly J., Thorman, Smoltz

By Greg O.

July 2, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

DOB,

For some reason, I started wondering who/what the Braves got for Ryan Langerhans. In checking the transactions, the Braves were to get a player to be named or cash considerations, but there was no update since. Do you have any update on that situation?

By Ron

July 2, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

Josh C Now that is a WILD trade proposal!!! Interesting, BUT HELL NO!!! We dont want to just get to the playoffs, WE want to do damage in the playoffs and try to win it all!!! We all know what kind of Postseason pitcher Maddux is, SO HELL NO!!!

By the Stranger

July 2, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Just warming up pre-game with Clemens v. Bonser, and I couldn’t help wondering where this Braves team might be if our gold glove CF was hitting .300 with an OPS around .900. Even as the biggest Dos Cinco apologist in all the land, I just couldn’t quite shake that daydream.

By brian

July 2, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB - when did Smoltz stop talking to you? I was out of town last week with no internet and no Fox Sports South or Turner Sports South. In the dark ages but sitting on the beach.

The next 2 series are big for the Braves - tough road series right before the all-star break and the Mets are playing well

By Ronnie

July 2, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Aren’t the Sportsouth/FSN telecasts much more enjoyable with Jon and Joe as compared to last year with boring Rathbun and whomever? I actually prefer Scambi to Chip!

By ncscoots

July 2, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

Are you guys listening to yourselves? Buerhle, Contreras, Vasquez, Lowry, Morris, etc., etc., etc. Are those names to strike fear into opposing lineups, LOL? PLEASE!

Highly-paid, hit-an-inning, WHIP-ped soft-tossers whose main attraction to most, it seems, is that they currently wear another uniform. And they are SO attractive that not a single poster touting them wants to give up even a single prospect above AA. In other words, these pitchers would be so impactful as to not warrant a player with fewer than 100 AB in the bigs (Salty or Escobar; “heaven forbid!”, cries the blog).

Aaron Harang, Matt Cain, Ian Snell? In a heartbeat, but Duke will sell the secret recipe sooner than those trades happen. As for the rest of the “names” thrown around, give me Kyle Davies in August or September against ANY of those guys and you get 8-to-5.

By Ronnie

July 2, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

Sorry, mispelled Sciambi.

By 3trees

July 2, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

Steeldawg - Congrats! Enjoy it. And I know its the oldest cliché, but try to enjoy every minute. It REALLY goes by quickly.

Peace & Go Braves!

By Bill

July 2, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

It would be foolish to trade some of the Braves best prospects for Maddux. We don’t need another soft tosser. They need a young power pitcher. I would sit tight and do something this winter. I think if they do trade Salty,they will get a bundle.

By Josh C

July 2, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Ron ya gotta get there first. And frankly I think Maddux may well do better in the postseason as an old man. He kinda comes across as though he doesn’t give a f—-. No pressure on him now.

By bravefansince54

July 2, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

Josh C - you make some sense! Maddox will give you a solid 5 innings, is rarely blown out, and his outings will range from the acceptable to the sublime. He brings some needed class - which is NOT to suggest that Renteria (an unsung hero in my book) lacks it - far from it. But let’s face it, Maddox has some history with us. Big problem, though, is that Greg is a westerner, from Los Vegas, but we are just talking about finishing the season with us, aren’t we?

By Ron

July 2, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah, I would trade a young minor league pitcher for Buehrle, or Morris!!! I would not trade any of those young position players on your list, that is insane(at least it is in my oppinion). Now for Oswalt, I would trade Salty, Escobar, Devine, and a young minor league Starter!!! We fit perfect for what the Astros need: They need a C, 3rd baseman(Escobar could play that position), a potential Closer, and a Starter to replace Oswalt!!! Make a big splash, not a soft splash!!! Who would yall rather have: Oswalt- 14 Million, 5 years remaining, Vazques- Dont know for sure, but pretty damn pricy, Contreras- 10 Million for I think 3 years remaining, or Morris- 10 Million for next year and whatever is owed for this year!!! It is a no brainer!!! But of course, how could we afford Oswalt. Now that I dont know, but its not that much of a difference than the others that I just mentioned, and plus we threw away about 3 Million already for Wilson, and Redman!!! I know most of yall will laugh at this, but the Astros have no Farm System basically and have holes all over the place!!! The ONLY guy that they have that can bring in a KINGS Ransom is Oswalt!!! Say what you want, but the Astros will NOT win in the next 5 Years (even in that bad division) with Oswalt, not his fault, just they do not have the pieces, unless of course they start spending like Crazy in the offseason, I dont see that happening though!!! And Yes it is easier to find a hitter than a #1 Starter like Oswalt, but I think that is a Win Win!!!

By Tyler

July 2, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Maddux is NOT the answer. He decided to walk, and just like Glavine, I dont want him back. Not to mention he’s like 78 and although he’s still good, Chuck James is doing well enough to be a 3 starter and we need someone better than that.

My proposal (If Oswalt is offered): Escobar and Davies for Oswalt. I realize this might not be enough, but Escobar is outstanding and Davies looks somewhat promising to be a quality starter.

If not, I would go for Sampson. He looks promising as well.

By Josh C

July 2, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

102-70, 3.79

118-81, 3.75

ncscoots the numbers above are career stats for Buehrle and Morris, respectively. Both have lower ‘07 ERAs than career average. You take Kyle Davies over either? Without considering money or prospects, for one season, Kyle Davies?

Seriously?

By hk

July 2, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

… here’s latest hitter’s ‘MVP’ rating, ‘MVP’ = projected year end Runs + Homeruns + RBI …

Player - Runs - HR - RBI - This Week - Last Week

Renteria - 105 - 20 - 81 - 205 - 200

Johnson - 99 - 16 - 77 - 192 - 191

Frenchy - 71 - 16 - 103 - 190 - 179

Andruw - 69 - 26 - 93 - 188 - 179

Chipper - 81 - 26 - 73 - 180 - 166

McCann - 47 - 14 - 81 - 142 - 139

Thorman - 55 - 18 - 63 - 136 - 137

Diaz - 32 - 9 - 36 - 75 - 72

Harris - 47 - 2 - 24 - 73 - 72

Team Average - 156 - 150

… click link for curves:

http://www.mindspring.com/~hk3/newton.htm

By Ron

July 2, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Josh C Dude Maddux used to be a beast in the Regular season, and then when Postseason came around where was he? Gettin Beat thats where!!! Why Give up Renteria for Maddux? I would rather not make the playoffs and keep Renteria and our young minor leaguers and Salty and Escobar than make the playoffs and have to give up the future and we lose in the first or second round!!!

By Josh C

July 2, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

As good as Renteria’s been, if Escobar could perform close to his level then the $6 million he’s due next year, bargain that it is, could go toward some pitching. How exactly is trading a thirtysomething shortstop with a great bat, great glove, but declining range mortgaging the future?

By Serbok

July 2, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

it’s their game, let them elect the starters. DOB Hate to be picky here, however? I have always “cringed” when baseball announcers refer to people who watch baseball as the “fans”. Seems to me they are watching the game just as I am? As I’m sure you are more than aware~ fan is short for fanatic. Why do Baseball announcers ie Tim the could happened this way McCarver not consider themselves as fans? I understand keeping an unjaundiced eye to not want to be affiliated with one team or another in order to have diligent reporting on any one organization. However? Why do people in your position, not consider yourselves fans of the game? Just curious.

By ncscoots

July 2, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Josh…and twice for doubleheaders.

Based on what I think any of those guys could produce this year, and what I think Davies can produce with more experience. Unless you think one of these pitchers being bandied about is going to suddenly become Johan Santana and go 14-2 in the second half. Davies, IMO, can put up the same wins and losses (or better) than most of the pitchers being mentioned.

By Paul

July 2, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

What’s the deal with Tanyon Sturtze?

Wasn’t he supposed to be healthy enough to be stinking up the bullpen by now?

By Max Sand

July 2, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Great Kristofferson song,his autobiographical period of song writing in the late sixties and early seventies is second only to Hank senior’s….well period in my book.I’ve been amazed every time Soriano comes in to mop up.I can’t see why you’d put a player who thrives on self confidence into a situation where he will likely fail.The up side is next to nothing,whereas the potential down side is huge.

By Savannah Guy

July 2, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

Bob McBrayer C’mon Bob…don’t dare go. You’ve just got a case of too long on the blog-itus. Just get some rest and come back strong. Also, you’ve been Bob, Journalist so long, don’t change your moniker now. It’s yours. Keep it…Bob, Journalist.

Steeledawg Big congrats to you. Light up the cigars…

Shaun Saw an unusual post from you. Morality? Corruption? Behavior? No stats? Oh my…the river just froze over. My cat just barked…

Wicky Situation He hates road games because he can’t carry his George Forman combo triple-cheeseburger grill and tater-fryer. Delta has seized 53 already.

Andruw is still on the streetcar? Canned ham? Is that redundant?

By Ron

July 2, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Josh C, Well I was not referring to Renteria as mortgaging the future, I was talkin about our minor leagurers and Salty and Escobar!!! I was sayin I would not trade Renteria for a descent starter this year!!! I think that we can trade Renteria in the offseason, and get a good young CF, or a Good young Starter!!!

By the Stranger

July 2, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Glavine throwing BP at Coors.

That’s baseball.

By Ron

July 2, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

ncscoots Agreed with you about Davies!!! He can produce about the SAME numbers as some that were mentioned by others!!! Hell I have heard some people say on a previous blog to trade Davies for Buehrle!!! LOL!!! OK that would be really really really Stupid!!! And then we still end up needing another starter!!! I dont think that some on these blogs put much logic, when thinking about these trades!!! Davies aint Great, but he is ONLY 23 years old!!! Give him some time people!!!

By the Stranger

July 2, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

…apologies for the shouting - meant, “That’s baseball.”

By gotigers72

July 2, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

DOB - You may damage your relationship with BC, but please ask him WHY HE CONTINUES TO PUT SOMEBODY IN THE CLEANUP SPOT THAT IS HITTING BELOW THE MENDOZA LINE. It’s really hurting the team because he’s not driving in runs, especially important runs. He hit a solo homer yesterday, BFD, but when he came up with 2 on, nobody out, he tried to pull a pitch that he should not have tried to pull, rolls over it, and hits into a double play, thus killing another rally.

I don’t understand why he’s playing every day, much less hitting cleanup! The old “he gives us great defense” crap is just that, crap. Willie could play center and make up for the difference between he and Andruw’s defensive ability with his offensive ability. Hitting and stealing bases, and the spark he gives the Braves’ offense.

I am really growing tired of the 4 hole being a BLACK HOLE. It’s ridiculous.

By Blake

July 2, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Yea trade Renteria, your most consistent player. That’s great any more brilliant suggestions. Maybe we can trade Smoltz and Hudson so Harrison and Reyes can get some starts

By Kevin C

July 2, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

For Oswalt I would offer McCann, Devine, Davies and a minor leaguer in the lower levels. A lot could depend on how much Hampton’s salary is covered this year.

By Josh C

July 2, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

I think Davies is worthwhile and has potential but for this pennant race give me a guy with good numbers and 1000+ innings all day. We’re talking three months, not three years. From that perspective age is irrelevant unless you’re way too young or way too old. Davies, Morris, Buehrle are neither.

By Savannah Guy

July 2, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

To: Mr. David O’Brien

From: Delta PR Dept.

Good News! We just got word that your luggage would be released soon and you should have what’s left of it by mid-August. The Homeland Insecurity Dept. said they are about to crack the mysterious code on the note found in your luggage (the big plastic suitcase with a picture of the The Captain & Tennille with Muskrat imprint). As soon as they find the Russian, the Cuban and the Italian they will proceed with further questioning.

Please accept our apologies for the incident and for leaving you without briefs. Would you like us to send you a pair from your suitcase? The cute ones with the Gumby motif?

Sincerely,

Shirley Briefsmatter Delta Night Shift Supervisor

By Josh C

July 2, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

As a side note, Extra Innings package has the FSN-LA feed tonight. Vin Scully is calling the game. What a treat.

Great swing Druw.

By N8

July 2, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

I don’t (never really have) have much faith in Bobby to begin with, but I’m beginning to actually despise him for continuing to put Andruw in the cleanup spot.

Makes one wonder if Reitsma were still here if Soriano AND Wickman would be the 7th and 8th inning guys, respectively.

THIS JUST IN……

ANRUW SUCKS!

(Bobby’s reasoning for putting him in the lineup much less the cleanup spot, isn’t too far off of the same description)

By berigan

July 2, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Ron, You really wouldn’t trade Davies straight up for Buehrle??? A guy(Buehrle) who had a streak of 49 straight games of 6 innings or more thru 2005, and has done it this year 14 straight times??? I know, we’d still need a 5th starter. Well, true, but it would put Chuck in the 4th slot, which he is better suited to.

IF we got in the playoffs with the starters we have, we ain’t getting past the 1st round.

By JJMB

July 2, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, Welcome to North Mexico! I hope you brought your passport.

Another brilliant lineup by Bobby. Bat AJ 4th, bench Saltalamacchia and Yunel.

By Brad in MT

July 2, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

Josh C…I completely agree, there is nothing like a game called by Vin Scully, its great to listen to.

By HP

July 2, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones makes me sick! The whole world believes that Andruw Jones should not be batting fouth? How come Booby Cox does not understand that? Maybe we should all write a letter to Bobby Cox.

By HP

July 2, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones makes me sick! The whole world believes that Andruw Jones should not be batting fouth? How come Booby Cox does not understand that? Maybe we should all write a letter to Bobby Cox.

By The Grinch

July 2, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Y’all, it’s not even an argument anymore. Andruw does not need to be in the cleanup spot. Period. If he hit .280 with power in the 7th spot for about a month straight you could begin the argument to move him back, but this is simply retarded. No other way to put it.

Scoots, I love you man, but you must be high. All other things even, I’d have to see Davies spend another solid season in the minors before I’d take him over Buddy Carlyle, much less those two.

By HP

July 2, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

sorry for multiple post. I though it didn’t take first time.

By N8

July 2, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Here’s a “twist” on the sterroid/Barroid controversy that NOBODY seems to talk about.

Chip just asked Pete if he thought that Jeff Kent was a HOF’r. Pete said that he thinks he’ll get in, just probably not on the first time on the ballot. He stated that while he has good numbers (all time leader in HR for 2B), that his name doesn’t “pop out” when great players of this era are being discussed.

So not only, may Barroid NOT get in (if the voters choose to black list him), but guys like him, Sosa, McGwire, Palmeiro, etc… set the bar so high that guys that actually work hard and put up “nice” numbers (that probably would’ve got them in two decades ago), look insignificant.

Makes me wanna scream. I’m not saying that Kent is a sure fire HOF’r, yet he arguably might’ve been the best player on the Giants in the 90’s NOT ON THE JUICE! Without Kent in that lineup, Barroid would’ve NEVER had any pitches to juice outta the park.

Many players got the shaft in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Take a guy like Wally Joyner. Didn’t get to any all-star games, which in turn was probably used against him when contract talks began. Is THAT fair? When the guys that WERE getting to the All-Star game were juicers?

Anyhow, just something to think about.

By Josh C

July 2, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Yeah Scully’s an icon. How many other guys garner the respect to go solo in the booth? It’s like a good a capella group where you don’t miss the instrumental. You truly don’t miss the second voice with Vin in the booth.

By Enough

July 2, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

Enough…Bobby…This is enough. You don’t want to bench Andruw…ok. At least move him down. Why do you put him back in clean up when he gets one hit. The worst hitter on the team batting clean up?? Really if Orr or Woodward had more playing time, they would have a avg at least over 200. This is enough. Someone has to tell Bobby this is not acceptable. He sat Kelly b/c he wanted Escobar to play. He’s being a little hypocritical when it comes to Andruw. He’s not doing well and yet he continues to hit in an important spot. ENOUGH…it’s just ridiculous.

By N8

July 2, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Scully was just talking about Smoltz ironing his shirt while he was wearing it! Forgot all about that.

Damn that’s funny stuff.

By jbutler

July 2, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

Hey N8…where do you draw the line when these guys come up for HOF consideration? Baroids was an excellent player before he started popping the happy pills. I think MLB has cornered itself by not dealing with it…the players (some- not all!!) will get away w/what they can to keep up- but as wrong as purists of the game say it is…the commissioners office turned its head for so long trying to get fans back from the strike. Its a messy bed - but Selig has to lay in it!!!!

By journalist jimmy smith

July 2, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

andruw is hitting .198 and has one lob already tonight. escobar must wonder what escobar must do to win a position. interesting that the dodgers moved nomar to make room for a player that needs to play - but the braves are unwilling to move a veteran player to another position. and has dob invested in a dodger dog yet? oh, no pockets, so no money.

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

PAUL wrote: “What�s the deal with Tanyon Sturtze?

“Wasn�t he supposed to be healthy enough to be stinking up the bullpen by now?”

Intersting way to put it. He should be healthy enough to do something in the bullpen soon, at least begin a rehab assignment with an aim for sometime after the break. But clearly it’s going to be at least two months after what they had initially said when they signed him, which was that he should be ready in late May or so.

Someone asked (again) about the back end of the Langerhans trade. Nothing resolved yet, the clubs have until end of season. It’ll be some low-level prospect, I’m pretty sure. Maybe a gift certificate to Brookstone thrown in. (OK, kidding about that part)

By Estimated Prophet

July 2, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

How long will Cox continue to leave Andruw in the 4 spot? It’s becoming ridiculous as he should be no higher than 7th.

Jerry Garcia

By Steve from OH

July 2, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

I like our plate approach so far tonight…Lowe’s throwing a lot of pitches.

By Josh C

July 2, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

Or to make the tough decision and trade a great player in his prime to make room for the kid and improve an area of weakness, all the while clearing payroll for next year, eh jimmy?

By superman

July 2, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

I dont post much on here but I read everyday. I was just wondering what you guys think of Sean Marshall? I heard on a cubs telecast that he is being shopped around. He is young 24 or 25 I think and could probably be had fairly cheap. He has decent numbers (3.50 era) this year and it never hurts to have another lefty. Id rather give up as little as possible to get a decent pitcher that we might can sign long term than sell the farm for a rent-a-pitcher.

By MBATL

July 2, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

N8, good point. Kent certainly stacks up well against Sandberg and Morgan, who are about the only “modern day” 2B I can think of who’ve made the HOF. (Mazeroski and Carew I guess are modern to some, but not to me…)

I guess you gotta hope that if the voters are excluding guys like McGwire, and even considering excluding Bonds (which I doubt will happen), they’re at least sensitive to the issue.

Kent’s bat wouldn’t have earned it as a 3B or OF, but as a 2B? Yeah, I’d think so. I’d never really thought about him in that category, but he sure is, based on hitting stats.

By Calvin

July 2, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

I never realized Vin Scully babbles on and on about absolutely nothing during his telecasts. Makes me want to run head first into the TV.

By geauxbraves2000

July 2, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

Another rally killed by AJ. Only he could get a 3-0 pitch, and swing and miss it. I agree with most, this is starting to get more than ridiculous, it’s to the point of outright absurdity.

WTG Rent!

Geaux Braves!!

By HP

July 2, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones new nickname is “A Rally Killer”!!!!!!!!

By Serbok

July 2, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

Conradulations STEELDAWG!:o)

By Johnny5

July 2, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

Brookstone? Damn, i’d trade Orr for that!

By N8

July 2, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

jbutler

“Hey N8…where do you draw the line when these guys come up for HOF consideration?”

Very tough question, isn’t it? I don’t have an answer for you.

“Baroids was an excellent player before he started popping the happy pills.”

Totally agree with you. For that reason, I would still put him in. 400-400 is good enough for the HOF, in my opinion. Which he had done, before his HR numbers exploded.

“the commissioners office turned its head for so long trying to get fans back from the strike.”

Not only did he “turn his head” away from it, I believe that secretly (I’m a big conspiracy guy in general), Selig was all for the Sammy/McGwire show in 98, no matter HOW the results were attained.

Getting back to Barroid being a HOF’r before his HR barrage. How can ANYBODY hold what he’s done against him, since (while illegal), it wasn’t against MLB rules? I don’t think that guys like McGwire, Canseco, Juan Gone, Palmeiro, Sosa, etc… should be in the HOF, but again, what “RULE” were they breaking? Selig is/was/and will be a JOKE as the comissioner until he is NOT the comissioner, and THEN he will just be remembered as a joke.

WTF!!! Really, Bobby? You give Andruw the green light with a 3-0 count?

I wonder if there is any way to get Bobby ejected BEFORE the lineups are turned in? This if F’n RIDICULOUS!!!!!

Lew, you’ve often stated that I need my “meds”, and that I need to calm down. I’ve been “calm” (one can be sarcastic and calm at the same time), for well over a year.

But I am officially pizzed off now. This is unreal. Bobby is off his Rocker (John Rocker would actually be a better option in the cleanup spot!), with this frickin lineup.

ANOTHER rally killed by AJ. I somehow have a feeling this game will be lost by one run.

By chrisklob

July 2, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

Wow, this is great. The Angels have the “Rally Monkey”. We’ve got the “Rally Killer”. Any chance we could do a straight up trade for the monkey?

By fastasballs

July 2, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

Vin Scully is one of the BEST announcers ever. I would rather listen to him than Chip “Swung on & Belted, only it lands 10 feet from the track” Carey. Scully talks nothing BUT baseball. Maybe Calvin would rather listen to the crowd or traffic analysis that others provide us.

I love a game verse the Dodgers. They are our true rivals, the Mets are but a pimple on the arse of the Braves.

Glavine was SMACKED around once again. Let’s get a game tonight.

By Josh C

July 2, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

OK who else wants to see Salty pinch hit for Andruw next at bat? Harris to CF, Thorman to LF. C’mon Bobby! You know it’s the right thing to do!

By ronp

July 2, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

Don’t have to trade for anybody…wave bye bye to Andruw and JS has $15M to spend on pitching..should at least be able to get #1 starter capable of 15 wins or so…

By Brian

July 2, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Any way you could ask Andruw why he has stopped making even a token effort to run out ground balls? I witnessed two games of the Nationals series in person last week and was rather disturbed by his total lack of effort and saw it again in the 3rd tonight. He consistantly jogs halfway to first then begins to trot toward the dugout to eat a big I-don’t-give-a-s**t sandwich.

By superman

July 2, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

and Sean Marshall has a 2.70 era on the road this year. So maybe getting him away from wrigley he could be a solid #3 starter. I dont know maybe im a retard and if so im sure yall will let me know it but I think he at least deserves some consideration.

By N8

July 2, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

“I never realized Vin Scully babbles on and on about absolutely nothing during his telecasts.”

He kinda has no choice without a booth partner. Besides, hasn’t Skip been doing the same thing for about 30 years? Not that there’s anything wrong with that, I rather enjoy Skips mindless babbling.

In fact one could argue that the entire Caray family has made pretty good livings out of mindless yacking.

By Ed Glennon

July 2, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

The reasons Bobby lets Andruw hit fourth: $14 million His swing makes Pete Orr feel better. He wants to see how well Chipper hits with no protection. He wants to give the opposing pitcher a breather. On a hot night Andruw’s swing can cool the fans off in the first inning {as he strands Chipper at first.) Maybe Scot Boreus slipped hitting fourth into his contract.

By geauxbraves2000

July 2, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

I remember when BC took AJ out of a game in the middle of the inning, as most of all do I’m sure, and I think that sent quite a message to him, and I think he is the defender today because of that.

Now, moving foward, (on Josh C’s idea) wouldn’t pinch hitting for him maybe send the same type of message?

Geaux Braves!!

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

Here’s something else I just heard about Oswalt, one more reason you can probably cross him off your wish list. Someone who knows the Astros inside and out said he’d only go to one of a few teams, and that the team that acquires him would likely have to give him another $25 million to the five-year, $73 million contract he got last August.

By chrisklob

July 2, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this

Steeledawg, Congratulations! Your life, as you know it today, will be over the day your child is born. Everything you do will be for a different reason. Perhaps you’ll realize what your purpose for being on this planet actually is (other than bloggin’ with DOB, of course)! Between now and then you and your wife will experience a wide gamut of emotions — fear, excitement, extreme fear, joy, overwhelming fear, anxiety, crippling fear. I think you get the point. BUT, and it’s a big but, with any luck, becoming a father will be the most rewarding thing in your life. Best of luck to you and yours.

One small piece of unsolicited advice: start buying diapers NOW. Buy a pack a week in different sizes. Unless you’re a wealthy guy, freakin’ diapers will totally break your a$$. When our second child was born (learned a big lesson with #1) we had two stacks of diapers that reached to the ceiling. It was a huge help!

Oh, and DON’T buy clothes. Every friend and relative that you and your wife have ever known will bring clothes. No need to buy any until you see what you need.

By MBATL

July 2, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

How can ANYBODY hold what he’s done against him, since (while illegal), it wasn’t against MLB rules?

N8, I had to find some reason to argue with you, right? If the guy was committing a felony in order to further his career, I can hold that against him. How ‘bout if he held the pitcher’s daughter hostage, and demanded fat pitches as ransom? I doubt that’s against the “rules of baseball”, but it’s a crime.

Anyway, I’m not really arguing Bonds’ HOF credentials… he’ll be in, and I’ll look askew at it, but that’s life.

I think the only thing that could keep Barry out is the federal prosecution; if it’s proven that he committed perjury, that might actually sway some voters.

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

Lowe has already thrown 75 pitches

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

Ed Glennon, strong stuff. Now THAT made me laugh.

By the way, he could probably cool Boras this week _ Scott has great seats at Dodger games, last I checked. I’ll see if I can spot him.

By Todd A

July 2, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

I really think Bobby may have scratched his brain while diggin’ in his nose one too many times.His decision making this year leaves a lot to be desired for a HOF manager.

By Savannah Guy

July 2, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

Smoltz at 275 wins, Braves with 4 rings If Smoltz had even modest run support, a “game” manager like Leland and a decent bullpen these past 15 years (notably the last 2 years) he would have 275 wins by now, even with his injury and closer years.

As it is, he’s had to pitch around huge holes like Reitsma, Kolb, Wohlers, Rocker, on and on. Now he has the giant sucking sound called Andruw. Cox is just still being Cox by keeping Android in the cleanup spot/ No surprise there. Bobby manages a “club” and a players “career” just fine, but he’s never been known for being particularly skilled at strategically managing the “game” at hand.

Same as it always was. Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux, Avery and a few others made Cox the winner he is. Braves have never in modern times had what I would consider good hitting. Remember all the one-run games and late inning comebacks throughout the 90’s?

By the way, the Blue Jays didn’t get to the WS until the season after Cox left. Coincidence?

By Ed Glennon

July 2, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

Hey Chris - great idea

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

Yep, there he is. Front row, one section over from the backstop. Talking on cellphone (imagine that).

By Heath

July 2, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

DOB: If Andruw trading Andruw really can’t be traded this year, (most likely cause the Braves would be too scared to ask in my opinion) wouldn’t these be wise to just put in a ‘token’ offer in the offseason and use the money that currently goes to him for a top-tier starting pitcher? Andruw’s put-outs have been a topic of discussion, but, an over thirty guy that has placed center for basically 11 years in the big leagues is going to slow down in the coming years. His defense, while great in his prime, is due to decline. And, while I don’t think anyone believes Andruw is as bad as he has played this year, he has always been inconsistent. I think we would be better, all things considered, with a top level pitcher instead….you?

By Ron

July 2, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

berigan I would not trade Davies for Buerhle!!! Maybe I am a Damn Fool, BUT I think that in 2 years from now(as long as he is healthy) Davies will be the Braves 2nd best Starter!!! Yes I said it, and I aint high, not at the moment at least!!! I could be dead wrong, and Davies could be a journeyman starter, and never do much in the majors, but I doubt that!!! But berigan we aint winning the World Series even with Buerhle!!! We would be wasting a player!!! Personally I like our chances with what we have than with Buerhle!!! Im just not drinking the Buehrle Koolaid!!!

By chrisklob

July 2, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

Ronp, you said: bye bye to Andruw and JS has $15M to spend on pitching. I assume that you’re talking about after the current season as AJ has 10/5 power and has said publicly that he won’t be going anywhere this season.

That said, even after AJ is gone, JS will NOT have the $15m (actually it’s $13.5m) you are counting on. SMoltz and Hudson both get raises next year which will eat up $13m of those savings. Wickman likely won’t be back next year which will save $5m. Taking into account all the young guys due raises or possibly heading into arbitration, we don’t have much to play with in the free agent market unless, of course, Liberty opens up the purse strings and gives JS a little more payroll to play with. And I’m not exactly holding my breath for that.

By rocketman

July 2, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

Did anyone here that great on air comment about Andruw tattooing everything but the ball - Priceless from the old fella…

By N8

July 2, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

MBATL

I’m not disagreeing with you at all. You are 100 percent correct.

However, that is the root of the issue. If Selig had the balls, and the MLB players union wouldn’t be the strongest (and most ridiculous) union in the history of unions, this could’ve been resolved about 20 years ago. That of course is assuming Selig actually wants/wanted to solve it.

I’ve said it before, the “casual fan” of MLB, likes the long ball (not just the chicks). THAT is the crowd that Selig and the owners are trying to cater to. The big businesses that will pay for the luxury boxes (with endless supplies of consessions and beer being carted in every other inning), and the likes.

If the union and Selig wanted to “solve” this issue, they could’ve installed VERY strict punishment years ago. If there was actually any REAL threat of a player (back in the late 80’s early 90’s) of being banned from the game in the fasion that Pete Rose was, do you really think they would have done it?

Some would have, the reward (big contracts and fame) are greater than the risk. Look at guys like Strawberry. Some people are just programed to cheat or do whatever they have to.

But make NO MISTAKE, the fact that the players union wouldn’t let testing done, they are JUST AS MUCH at fault as Bud is.

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Heath, can’t say I disagree with you.

Well, other than the part about them being “scared” to ask him if he’d accept a trade. If they wanted to trade him, they’d ask. If they don’t want to trade him, they won’t ask. Pretty simple. They can’t trade him without asking.

By Ron

July 2, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

DOB, Yep that pretty much puts him off our wish list!!! Damn only if we had the Yankees payroll, and our Farm System!!! Scary Team that would be!!!

By Steve from OH

July 2, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

A win tonight would be huge with the Muts and Phils losing…glad we’ve got a bulldog like Smoltz going for the W.

Go Braves!

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Chrisklob, actually Wickman makes $6.5 mill, not 5.

By jbutler

July 2, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Hey N8…There has to be some tall tale involved with that Smoltz ironing story. Truly. None of my 4 kids - oldest is 8 - would even remotely think of doing that. Between that and the comments about his wife and her canoodling the gym-man..no wonder he quit talking with the press!!!

By Savannah Guy

July 2, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Despite many pitches, Lowe will hang in there because he is a stud and he knows that many Braves batters will get themselves out swinging at his off the plate pitches. Our guys, as usual, are overanxious to hit the ball instead of trying to get on base. Lowe knows it. Could it be the platoon syndrome? The look at me Bobby factor? The gaping hole in cleanup?

By chrisklob

July 2, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

Crap, I was just thinking that Smoltz looked tired and then I saw him stretching that shoulder out.

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

This just in: Russell Martin is terrific.

By Steve from OH

July 2, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

DOB How’s Smoltz’s shoulder doing? I don’t know if you know if its still bothering him or not, just wondering (my internet’s been down on and off the last few days, so my apologies if I missed anything).

By Ron

July 2, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

By the way, the Blue Jays didn’t get to the WS until the season after Cox left. Coincidence?

Uhh, maybe my thinking is off right now, but I thought that BC was GM of the Braves in 1990, and BC was the manager of the Braves in 1991, and the Blue Jays went to the World Series in 92!!! So what other year did the Blue Jays make it to the World Series besides 92, and 93?

By The Truth Hurts

July 2, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

IF Smoltz makes it through the season throwing sidearm, underhand, whatever, I would buy stock in the following headline one day after the season ends: “Smoltz Has Shoulder Surgery.”

By superman

July 2, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

If i am the opposing team I would walk chipper every at-bat i could and let andruw hit into the double play. Im betting it would work like a charm!!!

By chrisklob

July 2, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

DOB, you’re right. I misread the website I was quoting from. He made $5m in ‘06. I stand corrected. Either way, unless JS gets a big payroll increase next year or gets creative (a la Hampton’s contract from Colorada via Florida) I don’t see us being big players in the free agent market.

Hey, did you get your luggage yet? My wife and daughter recently had a really bad experience with Delta too. If this is the “new” Delta…. I’ll put it this way “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss”.

By Pinball34

July 2, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one tired of hearing Simpleton Joe Simpson keep calling his partner Boog?? I don’t even know Sciambi’s real name yet…

By N8

July 2, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

Can’t help but notice that the Braves have left 6 men on base tonight, ironically enough Andruw has left 3 of them on.

Common sense tells you that when you’ve got 3 guys hitting .372, .324 and .336 respectively, and your cleanup hitter is hitting .197, he more than likely is going to lead the team in runners LOB.

WOW!!! A hit. Holy sh!t, Bobby! Time to move him up to the 3-hole…..he’s ON FIRE!

By Savannah Guy

July 2, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

Uh…can I take that last post back?

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

A pitching change as I wolf down a Dodger dog, provided gratis in the pressbox dining room in the middle innnings….

By superman

July 2, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

maybe i should bad mouth andruw more.

By Ron

July 2, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

Damn Andruw got a base hit!!! WOW!!! BC will now keep him in the Cleanup spot for the rest of the season now!!!

By HP

July 2, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

The only positive thing about Andruw Jones right now is that his got 6 game hitting streak. Maybe thats why Bobby Cox leaves him at the 4th spot.

By Bob

July 2, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy,

Bobby Cox finished managing the Blue Jays in 1985. They made it to the World Series in 92….I would say that is more than 1 frigging year after Cox left.

By David O'Brien

July 2, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

How ‘bout that, a nice bunt by B-Mac.

By Max Sand

July 2, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

Q—What do you say when Andruw hits the ball over second base ? A—That’s using the whole field.

By jwshults

July 2, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

Oh my gosh! Andruw Jones got a useful hit! The end of the world is coming.

Other things that will be happening soon:

1) Liberty Media will tell Schuerholz “why not spend another $25 million and sign a good pitcher?”

2) The Washington Nationals will go on a 13-game winning streak behind the pitching of a long-last great-grandson of Walter Johnson.

3) Dodger Stadium will empty when the game is called due to snow in the 8th inning.

4) Delta will deliver DOB’s man-lingerie to his hotel.

By The Grinch

July 2, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

I hate Jeff Kent.

By Ron

July 2, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this

Damn Fathead Jones even got a base hit, and then McCann put down a Great Bunt, and 2nd and 3rd 1 Out and we dont score!!! IS this the Same old Braves again?

By jwshults

July 3, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

DOB - IMPORTANT BASEBALL QUESTION

For those of us without the opportunity, could you use your ample journalistic prowess and describe the Dodger Dog in great detail?

Pretty please?

By parks

July 3, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this

wow, you have to be kidding me

By N8

July 3, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this

Nice job McCann. Way to make the old man HAVE to throw 5 more pitches in the inning.

Yikes.

By jason

July 3, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

thanks to Mccann’s lame technique at catching, now we are to play catch up.

By the Stranger

July 3, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

I’ll save DOB the keystrokes on this one: Dodger Dogs are blue. That’s all you need to know.

By Savannah Guy

July 3, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

Bob, my mistake in the midst of vent-alation. Good call. Good catch. Slapping my fingers now for throwing that.

By brent a.

July 3, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

Well, that “inning-ending” strike-out turned out about as badly as it could’ve, didn’t it?

Reminds me of the Arizona game back in ‘99 when we struck out what should have been the last batter of the game, but the ball got away, and the runner got to first, leading to a D-backs rally. They ultimately won the game (maybe in extras).

By N8

July 3, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

Jeff Kent makes a play in the top half of the inning to SAVE 2 runs from scoring, and end the inning.

Brian McCann (you know….the All-Star), can’t stop a splitter that would’ve ended the inning and 5 pitches later a rookie hits a ball that allegedly has not come down yet.

Who says that tough losses (and cross country flights) don’t linger into the next game?

By True Braves Fan

July 3, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

DOES ANYONE REALLY BELIEVE THAT MCCANN BELONGS ON THE ALL STAR TEAM?

By gobraves39401

July 3, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

Same old Braves..this team has not looked good since 2004…I have come to expect a very average team from them.

By Savannah Guy

July 3, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

What was Bobby watching while the world was watching Smoltz get overworked on the shoulder and gave up the 2 run homer? Was the peanut man making rounds? Cotton candy? Last call?

By N8

July 3, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this

What are the odds of Chipper seeing ANY pitches within 2 feet of the strike zone?

By LVChad

July 3, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

Why not let Harris hit and save Matt for a pinch hit in the 9th. Doesn’t that leave only Orr and Woodward on the bench now?

By ijonathan

July 3, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

I can’t figure out BC’s “strategy” sometimes. Last inning we had bases loaded and one out with Kelly up, and despite BC obviously platooning now he doesn’t hit Yunel. Kelly punches out. Of course, he does pinch-hit for Thorman with Salty. Fast-forward to this inning, he uses Yunel to pinch-hit for the pitcher leading off, meaning that he’s LOST YUNEL FOR THE REST OF THE GAME. That’s a perfect situation to hit Woodcrap.

By Savannah Guy

July 3, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

Chipper is overdue a long one right about now.

By gobraves39401

July 3, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

Same old Braves..this team has not looked good since 2004…I have come to expect a very average team from them.

By gobraves39401

July 3, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this

Same old Braves..this team has not looked good since 2004…I have come to expect a very average team from them.

By The Grinch

July 3, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this

We would have to work pretty hard to lose this game given the opportunities so far, but I think we may have a chance. Nothing if not dedicated. :-)

By N8

July 3, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

How many inning ending double plays can this team hit into this year?

Unreal.

Andruw’s so sh!tty, it’s starting to rub off on the good hitters.

Now that I’ve been bashing Andruw all night, and Chipper hit into that DP, who wants to wager on a meaningless solo HR by Andruw to lead off the 8th inning?

By Savannah Guy

July 3, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this

Erase that last post. Irrational exuberance.

By Ray Kelsey

July 3, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

What a disgusting game thus far. McCann…uh…maybe we ought to put you out to pasture you gimp legged game loser. He has to be one of the worst defensive catchers in baseball. Utterly pathetic. And I am getting really sick of watching braves stranded at third base with one out. We drop 3 out of 4 in this series and we are in serious trouble. The Padres aren’t messing around.

By brent a.

July 3, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

This game really sucks.

Leaving the bases loaded in a tie-game is never a good omen.

and then ….

By parks

July 3, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

Well people the NL PLAYERS believed he did. I will trust their judgment long before yalls. Most of yall needs to grow some stones and not whine about every little thing.

By geauxbraves2000

July 3, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

Well, I guess the good news is the Braves can’t lose a game on anyone in the division, unless the Marlins come back in their game.

That’s a positive.

Nite all, here’s hoping for a comeback!

Geaux Braves!!

By JASON

July 3, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

IT SUCKS TO KNOW THE GRADY LITTLE, OF ALL PEOPLE, IS OUT MANAGING BC.

WALK MARTIN!!!

KENT IS A DOUBLE PLAY WAITING TO HAPPEN

By Ron

July 3, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

Well we should be up by 2 runs tonight, but McCann made that blunder, before that, all KJ had to do is hit a ball deep enough to the outfield to get the run in, and then Chipper in the NEXT f*** inning hit into a double play with Escobar at 3rd!!! Yep SAME old Braves!!!

By N8

July 3, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

After hearing Pete mention the Delta Sky Miles to be given away if the Braves turn two, one must think that Delta doesn’t ACTUALLY want to give those miles away.

If they did, they would have the inning with the possibility of winning the miles, be when the Braves are HITTING, not in the field.

Of course you can’t blame them, they would be letting the whole country fly for free if they did that. However, they STILL wouldn’t be able to find DOB’s luggage.

By Steve from OH

July 3, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this

How can Juan Pierre double on a bunt?

By The Grinch

July 3, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this

A bunt double and steals third. I’m heading off to snooze-land; hope we rally. Go Braves!

By Lee

July 3, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this

hey, are we just going to lose every single day the mets do and then some? and why is it that we can get 13 runs one day, then barely get one the next? This is getting very old very quickly.

By Ron

July 3, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

ijonathan I was expecting to see Escobar bat for KJ in that inning!!! But this is BC for you, dont know what he will do next?

By Max Sand

July 3, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

Let’s get real for a minute.The Braves once won 72 (I think it was)sraight games that Smoltz appeared in as a reliever.With the posible exception of this season is there any doubt he would have had more value to the team as a closer ?

By BravesDave

July 3, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

Brian McCann’s defense comes back to bite the Braves again. That splitter could have certainly been blocked at the plate.

Anyway…another Mets loss…followed by another Braves loss. Way to go Braves.

Bobby Cox needs his head examined. Where was Escobar to pinch hit for Johnson against the lefty Beimel with the bases loaded and 1 out????? Anyone…Anyone…Bueller?????

By Ron

July 3, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

N8 If Andruw hits a homer in the 8th leading off, I say lets go to turner field and Choke his a$$!!!

By N8

July 3, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

Yeah, McCann is having an “All-star” night behind the plate, huh?

Passed ball on Strike 3. Extending the inning and leading to the 2 Run HR.

Stolen base allowed to Pierre. Making there ZERO chance of getting Pierre at home with the base hit that followed..

Stolen base allowed to Martin. Base hit by Kent knocks him in.

(oh, BTW, he’s 0 for 2 tonight as well)

By Leaners

July 3, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

Nice mush, DOB! Thanks for stroking Yates (posted after 7th inning implosion).

By JASON

July 3, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

Having to listen to Vin Scully is good if your a Dodger fan. All he does is stick his nose in each Dodger players’ arse all game long…..he honestly thinks that Pierre tried to bunt that ball like he did. Ray K. is right. Mccann is a below average catcher Can’t block a ball whatsoever, has trouble throwing out baserunners. Eddie P. needs to start working with him ALOT!!!

Not looking forward going to the game tomorrow night.

By Ray Kelsey

July 3, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

For those of you who were curious about the dodger dog… I am a huge braves fan living in Los Angeles. I have seen my share of games and have had the proverbial dog a few times. Honestly, there is nothing transcendental about it. It tastes like a hot dog. It’s very average—much like our 4 through 8 hitters. You could say the braves are the dodger dogs of baseball except you’d be running the risk of unimaginative metaphors. Unimaginative…hmmm…I guess you could say that that metaphor is the Bobby Cox of metaphors. I’d better stop now.

By BravesDave

July 3, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

Another nice night for the bullpen. I believe this is three games in a row where the bullpen has blown up completely.

By Ron

July 3, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

Runner on 2nd and 0 outs, Sounds Very Familiar!!!! I thought that was behind us, apparently not!!! Gonna watch and see if Andruw hits a Leadoff homer in the 8th, after that I am goin to bed!!! G’night yall!!!

By N8

July 3, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

This one’s over.

Good night all.

By BravesDave

July 3, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this

The bottom of the seventh inning has been longer than the first 6 innings of this game combined. This is a complete MELTDOWN. Great way to start a roadtrip against two of the best teams in the National League witj your ace on the mound.

I hate this team. As soon as you think they might be turning things around, they play two straight like yesterday and tonight. The Mets must be laughing at this crap division.

By Max Sand

July 3, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

Can one of you stats wizards tell me how many games the Braves have lost in which they were tied or ahead after five this season ?

By ijonathan

July 3, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

I think you could fit an entire Tim Hudson into one of Olmedo Saenz’s legs

By GermanBravesFan

July 3, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this

Grinch… you can’t go to bed yet! There’s lots of beer to be drunk!

By Savannah Guy

July 3, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this

Russell Martin has evidently not been eating as many cheeseburgers as our McCann. Could that be the difference? He can run hard. Question: Is our club suitably comfortable tonight? Buttered popcorn in the dugout? Early t-time in the morning followed by a hearty lunch? Then a movie? Then punch the old timeclock about 5:00 tomorrow? Where is the fire?

Staying up late is no problem…but this is just…not good baseball. Now Chipper throws it away…the wheels are off. Ugliness reigns. Walk in a run. Gee, do you think the Braves can come back? Is Cox awake?

This is when I usually hope the Braves get totally bashed and humiliated by a complete blowout just so they might wake up for tomorrows game. It’s the Braves.

Now Andruw comes up to bat in the 8th…g’night. Seen enough.

By Wayne in Utah

July 3, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

HELLO Mendoza!

By vwburt

July 3, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

i think bobby has given up on this year. he sure is not putting the best players on the field. the braves will be lucky to win two games before the all-star break.i bet you can’t find another team in the bigs that has a clean-up hitter, hitting under 200.

By BravesDave

July 3, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

As someone who has been harping on McCann’s awful performance all season long, I think there needs to be a recount of the players votes for the All Star game. Maybe the votes were from last season. This guy is a liability right now, no matter what any of his defenders might say. He is hitting under .200 over his last 22 games, and that includes the hot streak against the Nationals.

Ray Kelsey is right about the middle of the lineup being dogs. After Harris, Chipper and Renteria, there is not a professional hitter in the bunch. Diaz is a hacker. Francoeur has lost all his power. Andruw has been awful all season. McCann is awful right now. Thorman should be in AA Mississippi. Salty and Escobar are better than any of these clowns. Not to mention, Cox is destroying Kelly Johnson’s confidence by messing with him.

By GermanBravesFan

July 3, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

DOB: do you know what the Braves’ payroll was in 1995, 2000 and today? How dramatically has it changed over the years? It would be interesting to know, especially since one could see why the Braves were able to pull off deadline deals for big-name players something they can no longer do.

By Ray Kelsey

July 3, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

I am so jealous of N8—he got to go to bed without seeing Andruw’s bat fly farther than any ball he’s hit tonight. I am turning this disgusting game off and going up the street here in LA to listen to the Dodger fans say things like “What happened to the Braves? They used to be so good.” I hope you’re counting sheep instead of Braves runs, N8. 8 hits and 1 run! Laughable. Way to gain ground in the east, Bravos. No heart.

By GermanBravesFan

July 3, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

Now, can we at least make it a close game, so that Saito can earn me a save for my fantasy league team?

By Ray Kelsey

July 3, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

Bravesdave is right about Jeff Francoeur— he looks, in 2007, like he is swinging a telephone pole. What in the hell happened to that lightning swing from last year that left indentations all over the left field wall at Turner Field? This team is like something out of the twilight zone. And Bobby Cox is Rod Serling.

By BravesDave

July 3, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

I would love to know how many additional wins the Braves would have right now if Andruw was hitting .270, McCann was hitting .330, and Francoeur had 15 HRs, instead of 8. I have to figure the Braves would have about a 5 game lead on the Mets. I’ll say again, with all the injuries the Mets have had, they must be laughing that they still have a lead in this division.

By BravesDave

July 3, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

Ray, Francoeur is in the bucket on every single swing. He steps toward third base on every swing. Pulls his head out constantly. I don’t know how many fastballs he has swung through this season. He got himself so focused on hitting to right field this season that he has completely lost all his pop. Hey, it’s great that he is hitting .280 and walking a little more, but when your team has no power in LF and minimal power at C and 1B, you cannot win with a RF with 8 HRs in 83 games.

By Coach (Bringing the Wrecking Ball)

July 3, 2007 1:39 AM | Link to this

0-2 so far in July…… it’s about what Cox can expect when he puts a .200 hitter in the cleanup spot against quality competition. Another chance to pick up ground on the rest on the division , instead we join the rest of the N.L. East in the losers bracket tonight.

By TBFKB

July 3, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this

no loyalty to any player here….wow cant belive the McCann Bashing. You people need to get a grip.

By David O'Brien

July 3, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this

Standing outside Braves clubhouse, where the folks in the expensive seats behind home plate walk past on their way out of the dugout club or whatever it’s called. Among those I noticed walk by were Alysa (is that the right spelling?) Milano and Larry King (no, not with each other).

By Steve

July 3, 2007 1:48 AM | Link to this

David,

The Delta flight (Boeing 777) you were originally booked on boarded at about 12:30 PM. And then didn’t actually leave until about 3 PM due to a continuation of the mechanical problems. The passengers on the plane kept being told that the pilots were waiting for paper work of the mechanics. As for your luggage, consider yourself lucky if it wasn’t damaged. And consider yourself lucky that you didn’t witness the luggage of that Delta flight, and several other flights, all being unloaded to the same carousal at LAX, even though a couple of other carousals lay dormant. There was about 5 times as much luggage on that carousal as it could handle. It was beyond farce.

By David O'Brien

July 3, 2007 2:22 AM | Link to this

Steve, were you on that flight? Man, I feel bad now. But gotta admit, you made me feel better about my situation, at least. Delta had quite a day, huh? Solid….

BravesDave, if you think it was normal for McCann to hit .330, or for almost any catcher to hit .330 … well, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for it to happen again with McCann. That’s an unrealistic expectation to hoist upon the kid, just because he had a career-type year in his first full season in the majors.

I think he’d be absolutely thrilled to hit close to .300 year-in, year-out.

By TennesseePaul

July 3, 2007 2:36 AM | Link to this

What a bummer of a night. Out the door I went. I picked up the wife, headed down the 110 straight into the heart of the beast and BAM! Back tire blew out. Not to be discouraged I toss on the spare doughnut bicycle tire they give you and creep into phillipe’s for a meal. Then I push the car into the stadium, get my field level seats at the gate, and prepare to see a great game from Smoltz. I’ve never seen Smoltz win a game before. I was hoping tonight would be the night. Every time I go, the Braves lose. I think, after tonight, I’m going to have to avoid going to Smoltz’s games, for his sake and mine. The pen looked terrible. The fielding was embarrasing. And the clutch hitting was non-existant. All I’ve got is a car with 3 tires and a bad game on my mind. Absolute bust. And it only took forever to get back home. Now I gotta get a tire so I can get to the game tomorrow.

I’m hitting the hay.
GO BRAVES

By gotigers72

July 3, 2007 2:46 AM | Link to this

Smoltz needs to shut it down until after the All Star break, which would give him at least 10 days off. Almost like a stint on the DL. He can legitimately get a reprieve from pitching in the All Star game. No use pitching in a glorified exhibition game when you have an obvious injury.

BC should have pinch hit Yunel for Kelly in that bases loaded situation. Kelly started out hitting lefties well, but they have him figured out now. He and Thorman both are having trouble hitting a sweeping breaking ball that ends up outside the strike zone. Guess it looks good to them, but they’ve both been swinging and missing a lot at that pitch recently. KJ still hits fastballs from lefties, but they’re not throwing him many. Mostly off speed stuff.

By Bob, Journalist

July 3, 2007 2:47 AM | Link to this

Jimmy Smith, Reasonable Voice,

Thanks for asking! I see that once again I mishandled things … probably as bad as Bobby Cox on a bad day … or night, as the case may be.

That post was originally written as Bob, Journalist, retiring from the field in deference to those suggesting that the title was usurped, inappropriate, and/or ostentatious … … as their opines and posits may well be justified.

While the title of “Blog Journalist” may not have been well deserved, neither was it self bestowed. Having been invited to join that fraternity was truly a special honor … and I’ve cherished my membership, honestly trying very hard not to disappoint those who found me worthy.

There can be great differences among “hiding behind the mask”, using different pen names and personas, and blogging as yourself. If Bob, Journalist is viewed as contributing to Blog disruption and/or being a contrived artifice for the purposes of self fulfillment, then perhaps it’s best he leaves with the wind before he too becomes corrupt beyond redemption.

However, there ain’t that much difference between me and Bob, Journalist … one is what I is and one is what I wish I were. Like the Bard was known to as say “A rose is better known by its smell than by its name”.

No, I’m not leaving … if I’m anything, I’m a bad penny … as the Bolg’s finest journalist has said … we’ve a championship to win!

By Bob, Journalist

July 3, 2007 3:09 AM | Link to this

TBFKB, Oh where have you been Billy Boy, Billy Boy … where have you been charming Billy?

We’ve missed you!

By BravesDave

July 3, 2007 3:19 AM | Link to this

So, DOB, it is not realistic to expect McCann to hit .330??? First, I didn’t say I expected him to hit .330, just that I wonder where the Braves would be if he was hitting .330 like he did last season. Was it realistic to mention .270 for Andruw and 15 HRs for Francoeur?? You didn’t comment on that. Seriously, c’mon, enough of defending McCann. I think every Braves fan expected McCann to be performing a lot better than he is this season. He has been a major disappointment. When you feel you have a .300 hitter in the middle of the lineup, who turns out to be a .260 hitter (and an inconsistent one at that), it makes a pretty significant impact on a team.

By Bob,McBrayer

July 3, 2007 3:35 AM | Link to this

Apologies!!

Confusion abounds! For whatever reason, Foxfire wants to put Bob, Journalist in the “name” textbox when I log onto the site … even though I’ve changed it and selected the remember me “Yes” radio button.

I may not be as smart as the journalist was but I’ll get the problem resolved!

Neither the 2:47AM nor the 3:09AM posts were from the exiled journalist … both were from me!

Billy, the journalist would not have recognized TBFKB, expecting TBFNB and ponders the reason for the reversion.

By jed

July 3, 2007 3:40 AM | Link to this

bravesdave—

it’s pretty obvious that mccann has been playing hurt all year. a better question would be why didnt cox DL mccann for a couple of weeks and play salty at catcher.

By Steve

July 3, 2007 3:53 AM | Link to this

David, Yes, I was on that Delta flight. I booked it a while back and specifically chose one of the few Los Angeles flights Delta uses the Boeing 777 for, thinking that the Boeing 777 was as reliable a plane as there is and the odds were as favorable as could be that the flight would not be delayed or canceled due to mechanical problems. So much for trying to take an analytical approach to air travel.

Once the plane finally got off the ground 5 hrs after its originally scheduled departure time and 2.5 hrs after we boarded, it actually was an excellent flight and the performance of the flight crew was superb and empathetic, considering the delays were probably harder on them than on most of the passengers.

But then the baggage carousal episode at LAX. Maybe I just don’t fly that often, but never in my life had I witnessed luggage being unloaded to a carousal like that. I was under the impression that people were willing to risk injury just to try and dive onto the carousal to retrieve their luggage, or what they thought might be their luggage as bags were piled up many levels deep, going round and round at the carousal rotated, as the adjacent carousals went unused.

It was as if the Keystone Cops were running the operation unloading luggage for Delta, but then again, I suspect the Keystone Cops still would have had the sense to pinch-hit Escobar for Johnson with bases loaded and one out and a left handed pitcher in there for the Dodgers in the 6th inning and no righthander warming up in the pen. Nothing against Johnson, but how could Cox not use Escobar in that situation?

Cox may be a great manager on the macro level, but on the micro level, it’s often painful to watch. It would be one thing if the Braves had a cushion built up for error, but they don’t. The Braves cannot afford to not maximize their chances for victory in each and every game.

Anyway, while I was lucky with my luggage surviving unscathed, I’m sure many had their luggage damaged and I would be very surprised if Delta has not received a truck-load of complaints, or people at least attempting a truck-load of complaints, as it wouldn’t surprise if many just gave up after running into the phone automation system.

By Bob McBrayer

July 3, 2007 3:54 AM | Link to this

This is weird … when the page refreshed … Bob, Journalist reappeared in the “name” box. If this keeps up, I may be accused of Identity Theft!

Reviewing my posts reveals that the journalist and I make the same type errors … the “known to as say” in my 3:47 should have been either “known to say” or “known to have said”, the choice is yours.

Goodnight all …

By Coach (Bringing the Wrecking Ball)

July 3, 2007 4:13 AM | Link to this

Dimitri Young is on the all-star team and he deserves it. The switch hitting first baseman is sporting a .335 batting AVG with 7 HR and 37 RBI. He is making just 500,000 playing for the Nationals. Cheap , switch hitter , 1B …………hello , John Schuerholz. Picking up Young would allow Salty to go back behind the plate full time and give McCann a much needed breather. Speaking of McCann , his selection to the all-star team is just another bad break for the Braves. He needed the time off just as much as Chipper does. The Braves have six position players hitting .307 or better , yet Cox doesn’t seem to be able to get them all in the lineup at the same time. All the while , we get to watch Andruw and his mendoza dance in the four hole every game.

By Bob McBrayer

July 3, 2007 4:23 AM | Link to this

I’m running two instances of the browser and evidently failed to submit this … apologies if it appears twice.

BravesDave, I think we all liked what we saw in McCann’s approach and patience at the plate last year … with many of us attributing a lot of that to his father’s influence, to the point of some suggesting that his father would make a good batting coach candidate.

However, his minor league statistics were not held secret and neither were his defensive limitations hidden from view. His injuries have impacted both his offensive and defensive performance and we were all hopeful for a repeat performance, maybe even with some improvement, but I think to suggest that we expected it … some maybe, most no.

Some might think that his long term contract indicates that even if we didn’t, the Braves’ management did … they certainly had their reasons for doing what they did … but nothing strongly suggests that to be one of them.

By We Have Mets the Enemy

July 3, 2007 4:28 AM | Link to this

Best “coming to L.A.” song of them all, without question: Chuck Berry’s “Promised Land.”

DOB, I nominate this classic to be the lyrics for your next blog. Show Chuck some love.

By TBFKB

July 3, 2007 4:36 AM | Link to this

Bob,

I was thinking about leaving the n for old times sake. However, I rather explain what the letters mean (to new posters) with out causing any misconceptions about my level of ignorance to spelling and grammer…..Thanks for remembering…..did not think anyone did.

;)

TBFKB

(The Blogger Formerly Known as Billy)

By Bob McBrayer

July 3, 2007 5:01 AM | Link to this

As I wait for an email from my son and listen to John sing “I Walk The Line”, I’m reminded of a good friend working in London who flew to Rome for a combination meeting/vacation … on an Indian airlines plane bound for India … with nobody else on board speaking fluent English. He got his luggage, seven months later … it haddn’t been lost … was evidently just waiting for somebody to pick it up in Bombay!

By Bob McBrayer

July 3, 2007 5:07 AM | Link to this

Billy, I kinda figgured that … you’re a gentleman and a good fan … Welcome back!

Take care, mon ami!

By Ron Roberts

July 3, 2007 6:37 AM | Link to this

The likelihood of this happening isn’t all that real, but me personally, I’d like to see us shelve Smoltz through the All-Star break, and use him last out of the rotation coming back, too. Something tells me a good two-week break might be just what the doctor ordered for his shoulder.

We’re already 5-2 in this 13-game stretch of games the Braves’ themselves called pivatol. They wanted to go 9-4 or 8-3 in that stretch, and we’re three games shy of that with six to play, so far as I’m concerned, we’re close enough and I like our chances in the pitching matchups the next three games, anyhow (the Brad Penny game being the iffiest, but we counter with Hudson).

Take Smoltz’ next start against David Wells in S.D. and divide it up between Ledezma and Villareal if you have to, but let’s shelve Smoltz for 15 calendar days and get that shoulder feeling whole again, if that’s possible. I’ll take a skipped start and possibiilty of one loss now as opposed to a wounded ace the rest of the way.

Knowing Smoltz, though, if the Braves come out of L.A. reeling, he’ll be out there. (Take note, Chipper Jones.)

By bruce

July 3, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this

Dave:

Any insight on the dark spot on the bill of Beimel’s cap? He seemed to touch it with his pitching index finger before several pitches (camera not on him each time). Sure looked foreign; wonder if it was sticky and from pine tar? If it has not been a story yet, maybe someone can ask an ump next time he is on the mound. Thanks! Bruce

By bruce

July 3, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this

Dave: as afterthought, maybe you could ask Vin Scully about Beimel’s cap bill dark spot… I am sure he has a story about it… amazing that someone could talk continuously and at the same pace and tone about everything in the media guide while doing a play by play of a ball game. There seem to be almost no dramatic pauses like some radio broadcasters give allowing anticipation of what is happening to build… Is he a cool guy in person, certainly a legend. Thanks, Bruce

By TheCutMan

July 3, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

I follow the Braves closely as most do that post in this blog and for the life of me, I can’t see any formulation of a plan. The strategy seems to evolve on its own lifecycle without having someone with a clear objective as to what needs doing to take the team to the next higher level.

This is all borne out of frustration caused by the losses and can surely be remedied by a good winning streak but still, what is the end game?

Is it to continue with Andruw Jones in the lineup in spite of his repeated failures, especially with RISP?

Or is it the old bromide of the “It’s a long season, a marathon and not a sprint” mindset? So it would seem but I for one, would like to see things shaken up and someone be more pro-active in developing and executing a new strategy even if it fails to produce at first.

Right now the Braves seem to be slogging through a muddy swamp hoping for someone to find the drainage plug to pull. However, HOPEis not a plan.

By Vonshawn

July 3, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

For the life of me I don’t understand the way Bobby thinks sometimes. You have the bases loaded, with one out, and a lefty on the mound.

With Kelly Johnson coming to the plate, in this key situation, you would think that Bobby would pinch hit for him with Escobar - but no, instead he allows Kelly to hit and of course he strikes out.

And then, with now two outs, he pinch hits for Thorman with Salty, who nearly gets a hit if it wasn’t for an amazing play by Kent in the field.

He pinch hits again in a later inning with Diaz coming in for Harris, with a runner in scoring position and less than two out.

I just don’t understand the inconsistency. With the game essentially on the line, wouldn’t you want your best option at the plate?

By Yars

July 3, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

Some of you talk as if Yunel Escobar is the second coming of Derek Jeter. His memorable, historic at bat Sunday against the Marlins. The Braves lost that game, didn’t they? I’m not trying to diss Yunel. He’s a good hitter and all, but I wish Bobby would stop playing mind games with KJ. We now have a platoon at 2B. There’s no reason for it. KJ has proved he can hit both LH & RH pitching. Look at his overall numbers. I think if Yunel were given the chance to play everyday, he could put up a .290 average, 5 or 6 HR, & solid defense whereas KJ is still on pace to hit around .280, 15 or 16 HR, 80 RBI, 100 runs scored, 15 SB, an OBP of around .380+, & decent defense. How about there be a platoon in CF? Bobby still hitting Andruw in the #4 hole? What a joke. Any other manager would have Andruw riding the bench. Is Bobby afraid to say anything to Andruw in fear it may damage his confidence? What Andruw needs is a reality check. Put him in the #8 hole. That way, his chances of ending a rally or hitting into a 6-4-3 double play are less likely. I don’t care how much $$$ Andruw makes. He is nothing but dead weight right now & is hurting the team. Monday nights game against the Dodgers only proved that the Braves can’t beat good teams. Sure, they can beat up on the Fish & Nats, but when it comes to playoff caliber teams such as the Tigers, Dodgers, Tribe, ect… they are nothing but mediocre. A middle of the pack type team that is destined for a 3rd place finish. With the players the Braves have right now, there is just no way they can honestly believe they have a shot at winning the NL East or the wildcard.

By The Grinch

July 3, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

Y’all, lay off McCann. Jeez. He’s not perfect; he’s having a rough stretch. He’s a good kid, he tries hard and he plays hurt. That’s all you can ask. He’ll get back to form, even if he reads this blog which would be enough to make most anyone y’all talk about want to hang themselves. Yes, he screwed up last night. No, Smotz’s shoulder isn’t going to hold up the rest of the season if he doesn’t get an extended break soon. Yes, Bobby hitting KJ instead of Escobar was quite stupid indeed. But, it was what it was: a bad game. We get another try tonight.

By Ron Roberts

July 3, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this

Sometimes you can’t just pinch-hit in lefty-righty situations, VonShawn. You can pinch-hit your way out of one lefty-righty situation, but find yourself disadvantaged later in the game, as well. KJ’s not prone to grounding into double plays, even when he doesn’t get on-base, so at least KJ could’ve provided a fly out to generate a run; it just didn’t happen.

I’m just saying you can’t nit-pick about decisions (or non-decisions) like that, especially if it’s not a late-and-close situation. There’s no way to manage your way to a W in an 8-2 loss. Tyler Yates and Pete Moylan were let-downs last night. It’s rare from both of ‘em, and there was no reason to expect that from ‘em by Cox or any of us, either. Chalk it up. Our bats were dead and theirs awoke on our bullpen and Smoltz’s last inning. It happens.

By Ron Roberts

July 3, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

Who the hell decided that Brian McCann was struggling???

The last week, he’s 8 of 24 with 2 HRs, 2 doubles and 6 RsBI.

Fickle fickle. Some folks turn on a player after one game. Be upset with Andruw all ya want, but McCann doesn’t deserve anybody’s wrath. Sheesh.

By Shaun

July 3, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

DOB,

The problem I have with the Braves (and every other team) with regards to bullpens is that that the save stat influences bullpen usage.

They should be using Soriano in key situations, late in the game, whether they have a one-run lead, the game is tied, they are down by a run, any tight situation, whether it’s the seventh, eighth or ninth inning.

I applaud the Braves for using Soriano in more than saves situations, resisting moving him to the closer’s role in spite of the fact he is the relief ace. And I have no problem with the Braves using Wickman in the 9th with a 2-3-run lead.

The first team that ignores saves is going to have a distinct advantage over everyone else.

Instead teams should define bullpen roles something like this (i.e., please don’t sweat the details and miss the point):

Pitcher a is going to be our ace, pitching late in the game when there is a tie game, a close game and/or the best hitters for the opponents are due up.

Pitcher b is going to come in when we have a 2-3-run lead.

Pitcher c is going to come in when we have a 3-5-run lead, when the lead is comfortable but we really don’t want to give up any more runs.

Pitcher d is going to come in when we just need innings/outs—whether we are way ahead or way behind.

Of course, you could have more than one pitcher in each role (the more ace-types, the better) and maybe you can add some roles (pitchers that specialize in grounders or getting RHB or LHB out, etc.).

Not so much a bullpen by committee but a bullpen set up in a way that makes more sense than the way they are set up now.

Of course it will never happen because agents and players make more money by counting a bogus stat like saves. And quite frankly, saves help smart teams trade away mediocre pitchers that rack up numbers in a bogus stat category.

By berigan

July 3, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

Hey, anyone want a triva question?? No?? Scr*w you, you are getting one anyway!!! ;)

Between them, how many seasons did Bab Ruth and Lou Gehrig strike out 100+ times??? No fair cheating! I will answer in a half hour or so! can you stand the suspense????

By The Grinch

July 3, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

Berigan, fewer than Andruw Jones? I know, I know; his career’s not over yet so it’s not a fair comparison.

By MEB

July 3, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

Grinch… without negativity there are many on this blog whose heads would simply explode. Hating on Brian McCann’s all-star selection by the players is also the worst kind of cyniscism. McCann is one of the top two catchers in the National League and managers are going to have two catchers on their roster. Brian’s technique for blocking that hard cutting slider needs work but Johnny Bench could not have thrown out those stolen bases last night.

Now basketball… what ya think about the Hawk’s new colors? They gonna be enough to get them into the playoffs?

By Shaun

July 3, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

berigan,

None. But they played in a very different era. The homerun/power game was just coming in to being. Players were still concentrating much more on contact and hitting it where they ain’t. Now, if you just concentrated on contact, you couldn’t survive because defenses are too good—gloves are made better, defensive positioning is a bigger part of the game, players are quicker, everyone knows more about how to play the game because the game is older, etc.

In 1923, the Yankees had the fewest errors in the AL with 144. In 2006 that would have lead the AL by 20 errors.

Ruth finished 1st or 2nd in his league in strikeouts 12 times. (Okay, I looked that up, but I didn’t cheat to answer the question).

If you look at the list of most AB per SO active leaders, it’s a list of solid players but they aren’t really the most productive.

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

DOB

Regarding your 11:42 post last night.

He is terrific and a better all-around catcher than McCann.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 3, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

the way bobby is running out of position players in games lately it is no wonder bobby is afraid to employ the pinch-hitter. bobby should count the fingers on bobby’s hands to keep up with the number of players available. wait. “what’s that baby seal?” oh, bobby’s fingers are in use already.

now, nose picking etiquette. it is not appropriate to pick one’s nose while on camera. never appropriate. if picking the nose and the camera sweeps in - it is inappropriate to continue digging. it is also unseeemly to leave the thumb or finger in the nose. removing the thumb or finger in this circumstance is also high risk because something may come out with the finger. oh, the humanity! what to do? maybe the esteemed manager could use a tissue. or maybe just stop picking the managerial nose during games. and is this how bobby picks a lineup?

now, luggage … it appears dob was a bit testy about the luggage caper. thankfully, the dodger organization bought dob a dodger dog and maybe settled dob down a bit. let us hope for a more congenial blog host today.

now, as to andruw’s failure to run down the line when occasional contact is made … this is not a new phenomenon. this is andruw. of course, while hitting .198 in the cleanup role one might hope for hustle down the line. andruw left 3 on base last night. what is the total lob for june? for the season? oh, the humanity!

By Shaun

July 3, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

In 1923, the Yankees had the fewest errors in the AL with 144. In 2006 that would have lead the AL by 20 errors.

Okay, they played more games. But they still were far from the team that made the fewest errors in 2006 (Red Sox with 66 in 162 games).

By Bob McBrayer

July 3, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

Vonshawn,

I missed the game but “he allows Kelly to hit and of course he strikes out” … is this sarcasm?

I don’t have the splits but Kelly hits about .260 against lefties, walks about 15% and strikes less than 25% of the time … Yunel hits about .300, strikes out maybe half as much as Kelly but doesn’t walk much. It’s still early in the game and I wouldn’t think deciding on whether to pinch hit or not was an easy one.

When Bobby pinch hits in the seventh, again against a lefty, I think, he pinch hits Matt for Willie, you seem to react to that with “wouldn’t you want your best option at the plate?” … with Willie hitting about .265 against lefties and Matt about .340, I might not pinch hit, but I can’t argue with Bobby and don’t see the inconsistency.

I defer to John with regard to the choice of catchers, but I probably would have had Scott, Andruw and Chipper on the bench with Yunel, Matt and Salty already in the game … so the decisions would had been different.

Grinch, mon ami, you are starting to sound like 10 Paul, back in the day … you wear the mantel quite well.

By Steeledawg

July 3, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all the kind words and advice yesterday. Cigars all around when the big day comes.

I agree we need to shut the Bearded Icon down until after the break, and possibly give Mac a few nights off as well. He just doesn’t seem 100%, or even 90%.

By Shaun

July 3, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

For those who think strikeouts are such a big deal: Look how often Ryan Howard, Jim Thome, Sammy Sosa, Jim Edmonds, Derek Lee, Alfonso Soriano, Jason Bay struck out in their best seasons…and these are extreme cases. I’m sure there are other very productive guys who didn’t strike out quite as often but still struck out a lot.

I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it because facts are facts—strikeouts are only a big deal because there outs, but in many situations a strikeout is no worse than other outs. In a lot of situations, a strikeout is going to keep a team out of a double play (strikeouts may balance out some would-be double plays). What a team does in between outs and how often it makes outs is much more important than how it makes outs. I’m not just pulling this out of my a—, it’s there for all to see throughout baseball history (in case you think I have some kind of weird pro-strikeout agenda, as some have seemed to think in the past).

By AthensBrave

July 3, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

What is up with the Braves and Mets both losing and winning at the same time? Its so frustrating not to gain any ground on them

By Rosalynn

July 3, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

This is a storah about mah Jimma and Bobba Cox. Since Jimma was a little boah he has admihed Eisenhowa. Yes, Eisenhowa was a Republican but he was alsa a great wah hero. Anahwah, Jimma bought an Eisenhowa pocket knife (Eisenhowa was famous for making gifts of a pocket knife to people he admihed). This pocket knife was Jimma’s pride and joah. Jimma and Ah weah at the ballpahk one dah and Jimma was cuttin’ his fingahnails with the Eisenhowa pocket knife right befoah the game. Bobba Cox came up to Jimma and said, “Hello, Mr. President!, and Jimma said, “Hello, Bobba Cox!” Bobba said, “Is that an Eisenhowa pocket knife?” and Jimma replied, “Whah, yes, Bobba, it is.” Bobba asked, “Mind if I see it, Mr. President?” and Jimma handed it right ovah to Bobba Cox.

Suddenlah, a hohafied look came ovah Jimma’s face! It was if Jimma was thinkin’, “What have Ah done?”

Well, Bobba handled that pocket knife a little while and opened the blades and closed the blades and rubbed that knife all ovah. Then, Bobba closed that knife for safetah and reached to hand it back to Jimma.

Jimma hesitated. Fuhst, Jimma looked to see if one of the Secret Suhvice boahs was around to take the knife from Bobba - but Ah had sent them for some moah Co-Colas. Finallah, Jimma just looked up at Bobba Cox and flashed that big ol’ tootha grin and said, “Keep it, Bobba.”

Bobba was quite pleased and said, “Thank yah, Mistah President”, but Ah have nevah seen Jimma look so huht when Bobba folded that Eisenhowa knife, put it in his uniform pocket, and walked awah.

Latah, I asked Jimma whah he had given awah his favahrite pocket knife to Bobba Cox and all he would sah was that Bobba had boogahed it up while handlin’ it. I remembah that dah like yestadah.

By berigan

July 3, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Shawn, so you looked it up, but didn’t cheat??? ;)

That’s right folks, neither Ruth nor Gehrig struck out 100 times in a season!!!

I know, there were no splitters to contend with.(There were spitters though!) Guys pitched in a game til their arms fell off. still….No video tape to see what was wrong with your swing. Little conditioning. Always playing day games. Ever see an old time baseball player with glasses??? Gerhig’s top strike out season was 84, when he was young (24), and still learning. He did ok around the strikeouts, hitting 47 HR’s, and driving in 175 RBI’s with a .474 OBP while batting behind Ruth.

Ruth? Struck out 90+ times 2 times in his career. And everyone knew what he wanted to do, homer.

One of the years he struck out 90 + times, was 1923, when Gerhig was not yet a factor(Wally Pipp did drive in 108 that year). In fact, folks pitched around Ruth a lot that year, 175 times.

Must have been frustrating, Ruth must have swung at more pitches outside the zone that year. He hit fewer homers that year, only 41,(Still 31 more than anyone else on the club) but he did what he could with the pitches he did see in the zone, and hit a career high .393, and had a .545 OBP!!! Smart hitters adjust. Why can’t Andruw, with all the advantages of video tape, advance scouts giving you the scoop on what pitchers will throw you in certain counts, being in better shape…why can’t he hit .200 82 game thru the season???

By Bob McBrayer

July 3, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Shaun, twas indeed a different era with the official scorer’s determination of errors perhaps being different and playing surfaces too … I’m not sure that errors speak to the relative defensive level of play.

Neither am I so sure that your points necessarily lead to your conclusion … but then, I suppose that isn’t much of a surprise.

Wouldn’t be wonderful if all the field dimensions were so large that players and teams had to use all of their skills in order to compete?

By journalist jimmy smith

July 3, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

ironic, isn’t it, that the two players who most need to shut it down and get a few days rest are the all-star picks. smoltz and mccann could use some rest.

and the cable car … if that is the real andruw on the cable car, who is the guy batting clean-up?

By Chase

July 3, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

SHEESH PEOPLE!

Day after day I find it amusing how many people on here are so KNEE-JERK! Win a game and the Braves “are great” or “they’re gonna do it”, “win it all.”

But lose a game and it’s “same old sorry Braves” “so and so sucks”, “they’re pathetic” “they’re done and it’s over.”

COME ON PEOPLE! The Braves are only 4 games back in the east and 2 in the wild card with what, 79-80 to play!?

Logically they best you can hope for on this West Coast trip is 4-3. Split with the Dodgers and try and take 2 of three from the Padres.

Also, didn’t anybody see Glavine get rocked again and the Mets had to place BOTH Sosa and Oliver Perez on the Disabled List! And you people think our pitching situation is bad.

Forget trading Andruw people, he’s a 10-5 guy…it ain’t happening. The Braves will get another starting pitcher it just may not be all of our first choices. But Smoltz is Smoltz and Huddy and James have been great lately, for that matter Carlyle hasn’t been bad.

One more pitcher and the Braves will be very tough to deal with in th East.

So everyone just calm down and stop going to the high-low extremes with every win and loss!

P.S. I’d like to see Thorman and KJ or Escobar and maybe a minor league prospect go to the REDS for Griffey and Bronson Arroyo. The Reds have an outfiled logjam and after they move Dunn they’ll need a first baseman.

We’d have more POP, either KJ or Escobar could play everyday, Salty could be at first, we could get Pena back up here to back up catch and be better off the bench and have a solid 3-4-5 in the rotation! Just a thought!

By berigan

July 3, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Can anyone explain how Kelly Johnson can hit .340 on the road, and .217 at the Ted???

Also, you take away his April, and he has hit around .258 for more than 2 months. Not the greatest for a leadoff hitter, needless to say.

By P'Cola Michael

July 3, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

San Diego Series Question:

Anybody know who we have schedule to pitch in this series? I assume Smoltz will get at least one start right? I have a standing bet with a friend in San Diego for a bottle of Jordan Cabernet for each game…Thankfully, I am up one right now…but, we’re slumping and they’re not…don’t need to drop a couple of hundred this weekend.

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

For those of you who think we can make this post season with this rotation, you are unbalanced. Smoltz’s shoulder isn’t 100 %. We could really use another innings eater in the middle of the rotation. Vasquez and Morris are the two pitchers that come to mind. More so Vasquez. 6 million coming to him for the rest of the season and 11.5 million owed to him each of the next three seasons. We probably couldn’t afford it, but he could help this rotation.

By Bob McBrayer

July 3, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Mornin’ Miss Rosalynn!

That’s a nice story, but I don’t think Ike was a Republican, not a real one anyway … it’s just that they asked him first … but, I know Harry didn’t like him … and after he tried to have the Augusta National Golf Course property condemned just so he could cut down that tree he didn’t like, neither did I. For some reason, he hated that tree … every time he played the course, he tried to kill it by hitting it with a dozen golf balls.

By Shaun

July 3, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Bob McBrayer,

I’m sure playing surfaces and other things had something to do with the high error total. The point is just concentrating on contact wouldn’t work in today’s game. You’d find yourself in the minors no matter how big they built stadiums.

Also, I doubt larger dimensions would make that much of a difference. It may mean more foul outs (if there was more foul territory) but it would also likely just mean more non-homer hits (singles would drop in because outfielders may play deeper or there may be more doubles and triples because once it gets by an outfielder the hitter could run for days, as they say).

berigan,

I don’t know for sure, but I suspect Ruth and Gehrig shortened up with two strikes because strikeouts were less accepted.

You can read articles from that era about how players who tried to hit homers were “chumps” and the manly way to play the game was to play it like Ty Cobb and how the homerun was a fad that would go away soon enough.

Also, Ruth still struck out a lot for his era.

I think people have romanticized the era where hitters struck out less. It’s obviously subjective as to what you like better. But I don’t think it’s subjective that the rise in strikeouts have correlated with the rise in run totals. The rules of the game and the evolution of the game is such that eventually strikeouts were going to go up as people learned more about what leads to scoring.

Maybe eventually the game and players will evolve so that everyone is a Gary Sheffield, Albert Pujols type—they can hit for power, get lots of hits, lots of walks and not strikeout a lot. But, for the most part, hitting for power comes with a high strikeout total and frankly this power/high strikeout way of hitting has led to more runs.

The only way to change things would be to change the rules drastically—take away a fielder, limit homeruns, make strikeouts two outs instead of one, or some other silly thing.

By Bob McBrayer

July 3, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Shaun, a hot tub awaits but … taking drugs and committing suicide must be good … statistics show that a lot of successful, highly talented and famous people do, nicht wahr?!

However, it’s written on the pack that neither are highly recommended for everyday working folks … or those on Social Security.

By Chase

July 3, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

This just in! METS Place BOTH Sosa and Perez on DL!

Now quick, tell me who’s in their rotation w/o those guys!

Efrim is the Mets rotation better than the Braves? I think not! Glavine keeps getting rocked (winning about 1 out of every 3 or 4 starts) and now everybody else is hurt (Sosa may not be back at all and he was 7-3 for them)

The Dodgers and Padres may have better rotations but they can’t hit and they are not in our division.

Who in the East has a better rotation than the Braves right now?..Nobody…. and if we had one more 3-4 type starter I’d compare our rotation to anybody’s.

And P’Cola Michael, winning 5 out of your last 7…I wouldn’t call that slumping

By JasonInMaine

July 3, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Jo-Jo Reyes had another really good performance last night:

5 IP, 5 hits, 2 BB, 9 K, 0 R

He lowered his ERA to 1.57.

Regards,

Jason

By Renegator

July 3, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Braves desperately need another bat in the lineup that can get some hits. You aren’t going to win many games only scoring two runs.

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Chase,

Yes, I do believe they have a better rotation.

By Bob McBrayer

July 3, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Would somebody please vote and buy something from the MLB or Braves online shops? Please!!

I haven’t had my coffee or hot tub yet … and have already received 7 emails this morning … so friendly and thoughtful.

They now I’m old, and I do appreciate the thought … but I’m not so lonely that I need their advertising to keep me company … not yet anyway!

By Shaun

July 3, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this

Bob McBrayer and berigan,

Not trying to put words in your mouth, so please forgive me if I misinterpret your preferences, but here’s something to think about:

Yes, you may think the game is more exciting if everyone played a contact-heavy, speed game, maybe “Ichiro-style.” Okay, fair enough. But fact is, the high power, wait-on-your-pitch, strikeouts-don’t-concern-us game works better in terms of run scoring, which is why the game evolved that way.

Look at the numbers this season. A lot of the high average, low strikeout teams aren’t as impressive in terms of run scoring. A vast majority of the low-strikeout teams are below average in runs scored.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 3, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

cheese sniffing dogs identified some suspect luggage yesterday at LAX.

By VandyBrave

July 3, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

So I moved to Princeton for Grad School. I turn on the TV in our married student housing and…….NO TBS!!! Impossible, Unthinkable, Outrageous!

But wait, I can get MLB.TV and see EVERY game because now I am OUT of MARKET. Gotta love the MLB blackout policies - I move to NJ and I can see more braves games than when I was in Nashville, TN.

Go Bravos.

By Chase

July 3, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Renegator, again your comment seems a little “knee jerk.”

I’d like another big time bat too but you can’t base that on one game.

The Braves are near the top of the league in runs scored and just came off a stretch where they scored 46 RUNS in six Games!

They went up against a tough pitcher last night and still had their chances.

They can’t win every game and they can’t score 8 every night.

By DE Braves fan

July 3, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Dealing for Oswalt is unrealistic and ill advised. He has a complete no-trade clause so he could veto the deal and apparently he has a vary short list of teams for whom he would play. Secondly, he is either hiding an injury, or he has lost something this year relative to his past successful years. Look at this trend from the past four years in K/9 2004 - 7.82, 2005 - 6.85, 2006 - 6.77, 2007 - 6.17 His walks are also way up this year (double his walk rate from last year). To me he looks like he is ready to break down from all the wear and tear on his small frame over the years (220+ innings in 4 of the past 5 years) and he has a huge contract ($13M each year in 2007 and 2008, $14M in 2009, $15M in 2010 and $16M in 2011).

Getting Marshall is not going to happen, as the Cubs are in the race in the race in the central.

Contreras is used up and over-priced.

Vazquez is a viable option and my preferred one, but I think that it will take Salty to get him and that makes me want to tear my hair out. Vazquez is relatively cheap for a #2 starter (he receives salaries of $11.5M each year in 2008, 2009 and 2010) and he is signed for three more years. Historically he has pitched much better in the NL than the AL.

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

I wouldn’t really worry about last nights loss. It is tough to gain ground when you are facing the Dodgers and Padres at their huge ball parks that they pitch so well in. But that still doesn’t mean that I don’t want to win 4 of the next 6 games. The fact that we aren’t facing Peavy or Young means we should definetly win 2 outta 3 against that team.

The first 23 games after the All-Star Break are crucial for this team. If they go a respectable 15-8 against those sorry teams then they should be in a good place.

Ultimately, I want the Braves to be 62-50 heading into the last 50 games of the season.

By Chase

July 3, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

EFRIM You must be a MUTS fan. How can the Mets rotation be better than the Braves’.

Right now they don’t even have a rotation! Glavine= Getting rocked

Sosa and Perez= DL

O. Hernandez+ Mets best pitcher = VERY SAD!

By Shaun

July 3, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Bob McBrayer,

Lot of highly talented, famous, successful people don’t commit suicide, so what’s your point?

Swinging for the fences, strikeouts be damned works. Just concentrating on contact doesn’t work as well (in terms of scoring runs). It’s fairly obvious. It’s not so obvious that suicide “works.”

By Jersey Gil

July 3, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Remember that quote in the movie “Independence Day” with Will Smith that the drunk aviator (Randy Q) say…”I said it and I said it again” That the mets will go down, because the rotation are to old….I post some comment back wild ago about this….IF the Braves keep it close until Aug…we will win the NL East Division.Braves the only team with better rotation in the east…we need to play better baseball consistanly…and also we don’t need to make any trade in this season…i agree we need to do something with Andruw(moving him to the 7th or 8th spot)and to BC to ended the platoon situation….just play the must consistance player in that moment.

By Lee

July 3, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Braves have as good as shot as anyone in the N.L. east to win the division. Anyone really think the Mets are suddenly going to take off and run away with this division with their recent struggles and troubles. They still can’t even steal the headlines away from this dismal Yankees in their own city. A-Rod’s wife and her t-shirts, Kyle Farnsworth throwing a temper tantrum and some unknown Yankee pitcher setting his equipment on fire is more newsworthy than the Mets……..yes Mets.. New York loves you. And the Phillies - that bunch could not win the title if it was hand delivered to them because of pressure choking. Braves have a real legitimate shot for taking the N.L. East. There is just no dominant team within the division that will run away with the title.

By Shaun

July 3, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Bob McBrayer,

A lot of highly successful, talented famous people do no commit suicide, so what’s your point?

It’s fairly obvious swinging for the fences, strikeouts be damned works better than just concentrating on contact in terms of scoring runs. It’s not so obvious that suicide works in terms of making you successful, talented and famous.

By Savannah Guy

July 3, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Atlanta’s Big Dig Is Bobby Cox turning the dugout into the nose bleed section? Does Bobby have Kleenex? Does Bobby save the goods for gametime? Does Bobby wear that ring on his finger as a depth gauge?

There may be a golden opportunity here with the nose and fingers of our esteemed and curious manager…Promotional dollars! We could have the Kleenex brand sponsor the Braves and thereby make thier product always available and visible in our dugout. With the extra money we could hire a starting pitcher. Or a clutch-hitting big bopper. Or an etiquitte coach.

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Chase,

They will be back after the break.

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

36 out of the first 42 games after the break are a joke. Out of those 36 games, Arizona is the only team above .500. And they will fall apart.

By Chase

July 3, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Efrim I think 62-50 is entirely doable! That would be 19-10 in the next in the next 29.

If we take 4 outta the next 6 on this trip and come out with the REDS. PIRATES, and CARDINALS we could pull that out!

By Bob McBrayer

July 3, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Shaun Payne I agree totally that just concentrating on contact wouldn’t work in today’s game … just concentrating on a single thing never has and hopefully, never will.

Actually, I think your comments support the notion that larger dimensions would increase the demand for multiple skilled players, i would actually prefer just slightly larger fields with some rule chanfes.

I know you think it’s silly but I would support something like making fair balls that leave the field of play count as foul balls or even outs rather than home runs … I think it would be a much better sport if that were to be done … so that players were rewarded for precision coupled with appropriate power … rather than raw power without regard to precision or circumstance.

By Jersey Gil

July 3, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

JoJo Reyes..last night 5 inn 2 bb 9 so 0 er…..era 1.57 priceless. And Pena is hitting over 307… Braves need to release Woodward and bring Pena up.

By Vonshawn

July 3, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Bob McBrayer,

No, sarcasm had nothing to do with my comment on Kelly Johnson; he struck out - that’s a fact.

And with regards to inconsistent game calling, my point is still valid. Bobby has instituted a platoon at second base. Kelly plays with righties on the mound, and Yunel with lefties.

It’s the sixth inning, in a tie game, with the bases loaded and a lefty on the mound. Why not put in your best possible match up with a right handed hitter facing the lefty?

After Kelly struck out, this is what he did, when he pinch hit Salty for Thorman (against the same lefty pitcher).

And, Bobby further showed that he has a tendency to play the match up game when he pinch hit Diaz for Harris in the seventh.

So, in conclusion, if Bobby believes in matchups, why not be consistent and pull Kelly for Yunel in that pivotal sixth? That’s all I’m saying.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

July 3, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

DOB,

I always appreciate a good Kris K. tune, but I just knew you, (a self-proclaimed Guy Clark man), would spring some “LA Freeway” on us. Well, I guess there’s still two days left before you’ll be headed down the road in a cloud of smoke so I should just be patient, right? Say, a little more patient than the McCann bandwagoners? =-)

By DE Braves fan

July 3, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Right now Maine and El Duque (sp?) are a solid 1-2 for the Mets, but after that it is a cr@pshoot. They are shutting Perez down for a few weeks to make sure he is strong at season’s end (which is what we should be doing with Smoltzy) and Sosa is on the 15 day DL with a class two (class four is the worst) hammy strain. Glavine has been atrocious as of late.

As much as we have railed on the back end of our rotation, Buddy Carlyle has been surprisingly effective. He has pitched well enough for the Braves to win in 5 of his 7 starts and he was masterful in two of those. I wish Davies were that consistent. Unfortunately, most teams have only seen him once - when rookie starters tend to do better as a direct result of the oppositions unfamiliarity - so the real proof of the pudding will be when he faces teams for the second and third time (the Marlins have seen him twice).

Is it that the Braves are just unlucky to be facing some of the best pitching in the league seemingly every night? or is it that our hack-happy lineup makes even mediocre pitching look good?

By berigan

July 3, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Bob McBrayer, No, no, a thousand times NO!!!!

If they send 6-7 emails and we are not buying, imagine how many emails they will send if folks start to by the cra….wonderful braves memorabilia! ;)

By Wayne in Utah

July 3, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Wow, what a painful game last night. Some very costly errors, very little clutch hitting……

Smoltz deserved better, but his shoulder scares the heck out of me. I would like to see him rest it and skip the All-Star break (send Huddy instead!).

I am a big BC supporter, but his patience with Andruw baffles the heck out of me! I can live with not pinch hitting for KJ (I think he made the right call), but staying with AJ for this long is painful at best. DOB At some point in August or so, do the Braves either sit or release him if we are not in contention? It would be hard to keep him on the roster, and not be tempted to play him. If the season were lost, might it be a good time to try out 2-3 guys for the outfield. Just curious.

I am so much hoping we do NOT trade away Escobar or Saltalamacchia this month. Personally, I would look for a match for McCann and Renteria this coming winter. While I have not given up on B-Mac nor do I relish the thought of trading him, I believe the upside of Salty is much higher for the next 10 years. Brian would be an easy trade for some pitching help. Edgar, while he is still very useful, if traded to the right team, would also bring along some pitching help.

Maybe we will be able to get decent production from Smoltz for the next couple of years, but I don’t think we should count on it.

Minor League Notes Reyes is looking right now like the diamond of our “almost ready” starters. KK, the first baseman in Myrtle Beach is tearing the cover off the ball now, after a slow start. I hope he gets a promo to Mississippi this summer. Also, Tommy Hanson has a fantastic K to innings ratio. Hope he sees Myrtle Beach before the summer is out too.

Devine and Boyer are probably our closest things to help for Atlanta this year, with Lerew being a dark-horse.

Whaddya think Braves fans? The Mets are doing everything in their power to give us a shot at the East title. Thanks to our buddy Tom Terrific and the geriatric staff in Flushing!

By Lee

July 3, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

So, in conclusion, if Bobby believes in matchups, why not be consistent and pull Kelly for Yunel in that pivotal sixth? Cox’s decision making process has been anything but consistent this season. His reasoning behind all of this platooning is confusing as well. He seems content on platooning everyone in the line-up except for Andruw Jones and Jeff Francour. Chipper takes care of his own platooning with injuries. Cox’s stubbornness to keep Woodward or Orr on this team instead of bringing up Pena may the most unexplainable question of them all.

By berigan

July 3, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Shawn, striking out a lot, and grounding into DP’s like Andruw does, how does that help the team? When you strike out, there is no chance to move a runner over, or a have a sacrifice fly drive in a run.

Heres a stat for you to chase down…how many times has Andruw struck out with runners on base, vs. with the bases empty???

I would agree with you that a strikeout is just an out, with no one on base, but when there are runners on, it is better to make some sort of contact, correct??

By Chuck James is solid!! (Formerly Steve-O)

July 3, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

Hey Chase,

Mets got John Maine who is pitching like Greg Maddux circa 99. Hopefully that will end soon. But Im sick of this BS losses to the Marlins. We need Otsuka from the Rangers and Buerhle from the W Sox ASAP. SO WE CAN GAIN SOME DAMN GROUND!!!! Geez!! We have been for games back forever now. And its making me mad.

By WakeUp

July 3, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Chase - both Perez and Sosa went on the DL with the All-Star break in mind. Stop acting like they’ve both been shut down for the season—it’s a precautionary move for Perez, and gives him the most time to rest his back while missing the least number of starts. It’s also called good baseball management—something the Braves have absolutely no idea of these days.

By Shaun

July 3, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

Bob McBrayer,

I do think deeper dimensions in a lot of parks, may make the game more interesting. But I like to see players hit the ball a long way and hit the ball very hard every now and then so I think you need some incentive for them to do that (the homerun).

I guess your argument is homeruns are too easy to hit and we need some incentive for hitters to just make more solid contact. Moving the fences back in a lot of parks may help that. But in todays game, I guess hitters are always going to have to go for hard contact (and greater chance for strikeouts) in order to get hits. Don’t know if there is much of a solution to that problem unless they do change the homerun rule. But most fans still like to see men hit a ball a long ways.

Another thing that maybe baseball should look into is bat design. Maybe have stricter rules so that the handle doesn’t look like a toothpick. That may make homeruns less a strategic part of the game.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

July 3, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Looks like the Braves are making a move toward some strong international arms. Here’s a link on a 16 year old right hander that has supposedly signed:

http://braves.scout.com/2/656167.html

And another link that mentions him again and another young lefty that the Braves seem to be interested in.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/news/264421.html

By David O'Brien

July 3, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

Hillbilly, I already used LA Freeway. To date, I haven’t repeated a song lyric. Too easy to do that, don’t ya think?

As for McCann, yeah, I agree it’s a bit much how some folks can bash their young catcher so easily here. But you know what? I don’t think he’s one of those who read the blog reguarly, and even if he is, he can probably reconcile the view of a number of his critics here with the fact his peers thought enough of him to vote him to the NL All-Star team for the second time in a row — at age 23.

I know I’d be able to if I were him.

By ncscoots

July 3, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

In February and March, it was a rare voice in the blog wilderness that didn’t opine that McCann would hit another .330 this year, even when McCann himself said that last year was “magical”. He’s having a down year, whether because of injury-related bad habits, Salty in his head, or the new contract (see Victor Martinez the first year of his big contract as a young player), plus Andruw’s struggles have all the young hitters pressing. But I think he’ll have a big second half…he’s still the same guy the Braves thought enough of to give the contract in the first place.

As far as Francoeur, I’m reminded of a Wilt Chamberlain story. After leading the NBA in scoring one year, management told Wilt, “We can’t give you more money, you just don’t pass well enough.” The next year, Wilt led the league in assists, and management said, “We can’t give you more money, your scoring’s dropping off”. The same folks here who decried Jeff’s low BA and OBP last year are the same ones moaning about his lack of power this year. Last I looked, he’s driving in runs aplenty, regardless of his methodology. I believe that’s his role in the offense, no?

Those here on the blog who see these two guys as team flaws cause me to shake my head and mutter, but, hey, you know what they say about opinions and anatomy.

By Lew

July 3, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Someone overnight said this is a team straight from the Twilight Zone. Been reading H.P.Lovecraft by flashlight after Mommy turned off the lights, are we? Twilight Zone level teams are not sporting records above .500, y’all, nor are they only 4 games back chasing a team in more disarray than we are (hear that NoBrainZone?). Twilight Zone teams are the 62 Mets who lost 120 games or that Tigers’ team that lost 119 a few years back. People- The worst that can possibly be said about this team is that they are slightly above average. It really is time for the doom and gloomers to get a grip. Yes, there has been frustration so far. Yes, there have been mystifying performances, both bad and good-Andruw is beyond the pale, but Willie Harris’s performance has been equally mystifying. Did anyone (other than KC) believe Harris would hit like he has? I still can’t see Andruw playing at this level for the whole season (though it IS damn well time for him to get his excrement together). There have been numerous questions thrown at Smoltz’s health last night. Come on-he pitched great until that wild pitch and that ball he threw to Kemp was literally unhittable. I was stunned the guy hit it fair, much less with that much power. It was up and so far in I’m amazed he put his bat on it. Face it. That game was lost because the bullpen couldn’t hold them and our hitters couldn’t hit with runners in scoring position-not to mention that play on Harris by Kemp and Kent’s play on Salty’s ball in the hole. Time to get over it y’all. It was what it was. We’re still in shouting distance. The Mets are much worse than many give them credit for -Gee, just like I’ve said all along-right NoBrainZone and Drooling Fool? We still play them nine more times and we beat them like a drum.

By berigan

July 3, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

With these injuries, I am sure the Mets will go even harder to get another starter….They really don’t want to hold onto Lastings Milledge, but he just started playing Friday after being on the DL for most of the season, so they may not be able to trade him right away.

By Bob McBrayer

July 3, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Shaun payne, you’re right as always … why didn’t I think of that!

I agree … with it’s fairly obvious swinging for the fences, strikeouts be damned works better than just concentrating on contact in terms of scoring runs … Andruw’s the best example of which I can think.

Seriously, I don’t share your thought that it’s obvious, fairly or no. But, like I said, single element concentration, like just making contact, isn’t going to be successful … to put it obliquely, most hitters are interested in speed when they need to be interested in velocity.

The individual player’s objective should be to best the pitcher so that the collective effort maximizes run production … you think the home run is key to that process, perhaps to the point of domination … I don’t.

However, neither do I think that simply concentrating on making contact will be successful … it doesn’t adequately speak to the objective of besting the pitcher … it’s sorta like speed compared to velocity.

Leaving the building …

By DE Braves fan

July 3, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Hillbilly,

It’s always good to get power arms in the farm system. I hope this kid develops into a Pedro Martinez type pitcher.

By David O'Brien

July 3, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

In response to this comment (which I’m taking from Lee’s post referencing it): “So, in conclusion, if Bobby believes in matchups, why not be consistent and pull Kelly for Yunel in that pivotal sixth?”

I’m guessing because Thorman was hitting .190 with no homers, three RBIs and 16 strikeouts in 58 at-bats vs. lefties (Salty was hitting .333 with four homers in 45 at-bats vs. lefties).

But Johnson before yesterday had hit .264 with 10 extra-base hits and a .366 OBP in 106 at-bats vs. lefties, and Escobar had hit .304 with four extra-base hits and a .347 OBP in 46 at-bats vs. lefties.

And Johnson has been one of the Braves’ top hitters all year in clutch situations including RISP, RISP/two outs, and close-and-late situations.

The sizeable advantage that Salty has over Thorman against lefties doesn’t exist with Escobar over Johnson, and the small one that does exist is perhaps countered by Johnson’s hitting in key situations and by the need to keep a bat on the bench for a possible big moment in the latter three innings (instead of just Orr and Woodward).

By Chase

July 3, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

To end the argument here is the BRAVES and METS Starting pitcher breakdown

BRAVES Smoltz 9-5 3.07 era Hudson 8-5 3.18 era James 7-7 4.08 era Davies 4-7 5.42 era Carlyle 2-2 4.44 era

Total 30-26 4.03 era

METS Glavine 7-6 4.49 era Maine 9-5 2.84 era El Duque 4-3 3.78 era O. Perez 7-6 4.14 era Sosa 7-4 3.92 era Pelfrey 0-6 6.11 era Vargas 0-0 6.43 era

Total 34-30 4.53 era even w/o Vargas who is being used now they are 34-30 w/ 4.32 era

But remember El Duque has been on DL once already, Sosa and Perez are both on the DL now and they’ll have to use Pelfrey and Vargas at least for a while Also Maine is virtually a rookie so who knows if he’ll keep this up he is now 16-14 for his career

Bullpens: BRAVES 3.80 era METS 3.84 era

On the flip side it looks like Huddy and James are turning it on over their last 3 or 4 starts

By Savannah Guy

July 3, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

From: Delta PR Dept.

To: Friends of Mr. O’Brien

Since we have tried in vain to reach Mr. David O’Brien, we have sent his luggage to the Security K-9 kennels near LAX property. Our puppies are being trained to sniff out suspicious materials and this luggage will be used for training purposes.

The personal contents of Mr. DOB have been bagged and remain available for pickup. Unfortunately, our over zealous puppies have eaten or consumed 39 CD’s, 86 pair of Disney undergarments, 12 bottles of hair gel, a bottle of Russian Vodka, a bottle of Kahlua and a Captain & Tennille imprinted lunch box, emblazed with the words “Muskrat Love”.

We thank you for the luggage, as they will be a valuable tool for our K-9 training program. Your personal property will be available sometime in November after you fill out the 37 forms in triplicate. Also, we would like you to autograph those mangled Prince tickets for us, since they will be invalid in November.

All the best,

Frank. B. Ball Director, Delta Public Affairs

By David O'Brien

July 3, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah, you wrote:

“I am a big BC supporter, but his patience with Andruw baffles the heck out of me! I can live with not pinch hitting for KJ (I think he made the right call), but staying with AJ for this long is painful at best. DOB At some point in August or so, do the Braves either sit or release him if we are not in contention? It would be hard to keep him on the roster, and not be tempted to play him. If the season were lost, might it be a good time to try out 2-3 guys for the outfield. Just curious.”

Uh, no, the Braves do not release Andruw. That, I can absolutely assure you, will not happen as long as the sun rises.

By David O'Brien

July 3, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Berigan, Johnson hasn’t hit leadoff since June 22.

By BamaBrave

July 3, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Was it my imagination or did Smoltz do his little shoulder stretch not long before Kemp’s HR? I’m not normally one to give up, but if his shoulder goes out on us, I’ll be the one waving the white flag from the upper deck…

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Chase,

Why did you add Pelfrey and Vargas, but you didn’t add Lerew and Redman?

And Davies is 3-7.

By Shaun

July 3, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

berigan,

My argument wasn’t about a specific player or in which situations strikeouts are harmful. My argument was simply that strikeout totals don’t necessarily tell us how valuable a hitter is or isn’t. And also that high strikeout totals have coincided with increases in runs scored. The more you try to hit the ball hard, the more productive you are going to be, but also the more strikeouts you are going to have.

Andruw hasn’t been productive because he’s making too many outs not because he’s making outs in certain ways.

By Chase

July 3, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Wakeup

Newsflash! The All Star Break is ONLY 3 DAYS! Sosa and Perez are on the 15 DAY DL.
Also you need to read more about Sosa, they don’t know when he’ll be back, he has at least a “moderate” hamstring injury. And Perez will miss at least two starts and possibly three.

By Jersey Gil

July 3, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

I’m remenber few year back that the SS position was only for defense only…the team was real lucky to have a ss hit over 250….so in Andruw situation i was think that the CF position will be that.Ours SS position has been hit over 300 all year so far.That why BC have to moved Andruw to the 7th or 8th slot.

By Amber

July 3, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Can we get any actual, honest to goodness reasons WHY Bobby keeps letting Andruw the rally killer hit cleanup??? He’s sinking the team. How many times does he come up with runners on and 2 outs? He should be lower down in the order so maybe he could bunt.

DOB, I know you’ve spoken before about “going there” with certain subjects to BC, but can you give us any insight at all? I know Bobby’s loyal to his players. I know Andruw’s a veteran earning a lot of money. But I also know he’s stinking up the joint and any other team would have him riding the pine. Time for some serious answers.

By DonCoburleone

July 3, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Did anyone see that Tanyon Sturtze pitched in a game yesterday for the GCL Braves? He didn’t record an out, walked 2 and allowed 1 run… Did you hear about that DOB?

By David O'Brien

July 3, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Hey, just saw this stat: Since midpoint of last season (July 1, 2006), Smoltz leads the majors with 21 wins. No one else has 20 (Zambrano and Johan Santana, 19 apiece).

By Lew

July 3, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Efrim-Because Pelfrey and Vargas are in the Mets rotation right now due to injuries to Sosa and others. Rdeman is no longer a Brave and I would be highly surprised to see Lerew back up this year, if at all, after the stunt he pulled when he was here earlier. He was comparing current rotations of the Mets and Braves.

By JasonInMaine

July 3, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Do you know if the Braves signed their first round pick?

Regards,

Jason

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thoughts on the schedule after the all star break?

By DonCoburleone

July 3, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

I for one am completely fascinated with Andruw’s shear helplessness at the plate this year… I really believe this guy loves playing for Cox and the Atlanta Braves and the fact that he won’t be here next year is really messing with his head. He’s always seemed like the type to me who never has anything on his mind and just plays the game on pure instincts and natural ability (like Man-Ram). Not saying that Andruw is dumb, but just maybe a little aloof. I hope he can turn it around and help save our season cuz we need him…

By David O'Brien

July 3, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

DonC, no, didn’t notice that and it wasn’t announced. However, we were told last week that Sturtze had been throwing batting practice to GCL hitters for a few weeks and would begin a rehab assignment before the All-Star break.

It’ll probably take a few weeks on rehab assignment, at least, before he’d be ready to join Braves.

By berigan

July 3, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

DOB, why are you wasting valuable time talking to us, when you could be buying cds at Amoeba records??? :) Or is it too dangerous for you to shop there???? Man, I bet you miss all the great Tower stores now closed :(

By Chase

July 3, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Efrim

Lewrew only has 3 Starts for Atlanta last one was six weeks ago (Braves won 1) and Redman hasn’t been here for 2 months, you don’t include pitchers who are not with the team and will no longer figure in the starting rotation

Pefrey has 11 starts for the Mets and has an 0-6 record

and Vargas has 6 apperances and will have to start for at least the next 3 weeks for the METS (so his and Pelfrey’s stats are pertinant)

That is why you include them and not Lewrew and Redmond

By Renegator

July 3, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Chase

I’m not talking about last night. Maybe you remember that 5 game stretch when they scored a total of 1 run in 5 games. Shaun - can you tell us where the Braves rank in runs scored - I seriously doubt they are near the top. Also, Shaun - where do you find that info?

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Lew,

I know you hate the Mets, and so do I, but they do have a better rotation. Maine and Perez have saved them this year. Every Braves fan keeps waiting for them to fall apart, but it isn’t going to happen.

By David O'Brien

July 3, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Amber, Bobby on the Andruw subject YESTERDAY:

“He’s still the best center fielder in baseball. He’s always had some parts of the season where he’s looked like that [bad at the plate]. Not this long, but….

“At the end of the year, he’s going to have 100 RBIs, 30 homers, and hopefully get his average higher. And he catches everything that goes up.”

And that’s about as “serious” an answer as you’re going to get from him. Hopefully that gives you some idea where Cox stands on the matter.

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thoughts on who has a better rotation?

Braves or Mets?

By Chase

July 3, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Thanks LEW

By Shaun

July 3, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Bob McBrayer,

You are right. Just swing hard in case you hit it is not a wise strategy. Waiting on a good pitch, then swinging hard is a good strategy that will lead to production. And of course a reasonable amount of contact is necessary. But leading the league in strikeouts doesn’t necessarily equal a lack of production.

There are a few hitters who can hit the ball hard enough to be productive and not strikeout much but for the most part hitting the ball hard enough to be productive comes with a high strikeout total…that was my main argument when the Ruth, Gehrig trivia was brought up.

The reason strikeouts weren’t as prevalent in their day was because it was accepted that it was better to make weak contact that go for extra-bases, and also you didn’t need to make hard contact to get a hit as you have to now days because defensive players didn’t make as many plays.

By Chase

July 3, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Efrim

I also didn’t include Chan Ho Park who was 0-2 with a 15.75 era for the Mets as a starter, b/c he is no longer with the team

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Every Braves fan keeps waiting for them to fall apart, but it isn’t going to happen.

I meant Perez and Maine. Mets as a team aren’t as good as many people think. Their bullpen is bad in clutch spots and they have an overrated offense.

By AMG

July 3, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Smoltz may need to go on the DL to get his shoulder “right”. Now would be a good time as any with the all star break.

Keep Andruw in the 4th slot and Chipper’s production numbers will start to go down and his walks will go up… I’d walk him everytime if first base is open and AJ is on deck.

Pete Orr … why has he not been sent down? He doesn’t play much anymore and seems to be the odd man out. Would a 3rd catcher be more helpful?

By Lew

July 3, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Efrim-I beg to differ on the Mets’ staff. They are falling apart. They now have injuries to Perez and Sosa. El Duque has spent time on the DL and is old and will likely end up there yet again. Pedro is not going to come back at Cy Young speed (he hasn’t for three years, anyway), despite what NOBrainZone and the Drolling Mets’ Fan think. The Mets were 3-16 in June when their pitchers gave up more than 2 runs in a game. The team ERA rose by a run per game over the season with Junes’ performance. Exactly what part of falling apart doesn’t make sense? They were overachieving during April and May. They were bound to drop. They are every bit as susceptible to slump as we are. The Braves pitchers, on the other hand, have remained relatively steady throughout the entire season. In matter of fact, they have improved because Redman, Lerew and Cormier added substantially to their ERA with their atrocious starts. They are likely gone.

By Chase

July 3, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

More Braves-Mets Compairisons

RUNS- Braves 373 and Mets 370………. HITS- Braves 763 and Mets 742………. HR- Braves 82 and Mets 83……….. OBP- Braves .333 and Mets .335…….. SLG- Braves .420 and Mets .420…….. AVG- Braves 269 and Mets 268

By Shaun

July 3, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Bob McBrayer,

I guess also I want to argue against this romantic view that the contact, hit-and-run type game of the turn of the 1900’s was a better strategy than going for the homerun. (Not saying that was what you were saying but there seems to be this view among some fans.)

You could argue this was more entertaining but it’s clear the strategy of waiting on a good pitch and going for the homerun has led to more run production.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 3, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

I don’t think the Mets’ offense is overrated. It may be the best top-to-bottom in the NL (with the possible exception of the Brewers). It’s not as solid as, what, a half-dozen AL teams?

The offense could be fragile, however. Delgado is having an Andruw-like year, comparatively speaking. Shawn Green is ancient. LoDuca and Valentin are, well, not very good.

Reyes and Wright and Beltran are exceptional players. Is there a better trio in the NL? (OK, maybe J-Rol, Howard and Utley in Philly.) A couple of the kids may work out fine.

But the NyeMets (as Apu called them) are no juggernaut. Still good enough to win the East, maybe.

By DirtyDawg

July 3, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s got some tough decisions to make. The first one is how to deal with ‘sitting’ an ‘all-star’ catcher and making Salty your number one. I mean, that wild pitch last night should have been blocked by McCann. He is clearly not a very good defensive catcher. He routinely ‘pancakes’ the ball rather than getting his glove turned…he doesn’t move laterally well at all…he turned his body last night on that pitch to the point that the only thing it could do is bounce to the backstop…and he’s throwing out less than 15% of the runners. Don’t get me wrong, I love the guy, but he’s clearly not the best catcher on the team and Bobby must know it.

The second thing is that Bobby needs to get the kid - Escobar - in the lineup everyday, and he certainly should have pinch-hit him for Johnson when they had the bases loaded in the sixth or seventh (or whatever it was) last night…he can platoon Thornton and Diaz at first and leave Harris in all the time to lead off. Harris has shown that he can deal with lefthanders and is a real catalyst on the bases. Keep him in there.

Finally, Wickman throws entirely too many hitable pitches to be a closer. I’d rotate these three - Yates, Soriano and Wickman. When one of them is successful, I’d keep him at it until he fails. Then rotate ‘em again. Sort of a ‘shoot till you hit, then shoot till you miss’ strategy.

By Vonshawn

July 3, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

DOB,

You can’t get out of the way of your own logic. If Bobby had so much confidence in Kelly Johnson against lefties, he wouldn’t have instituted a platoon with Yunel in the first place. And with regards to having a bat on the bench, at the time you still had Diaz and Salty (“for those later rallys” against the second best bullpen in the NL.) ??

And personally, I find it hard to believe that Bobby plays the numbers as much as he plays the “hunch”. In fact, I’ll tell you why Bobby let Kelly hit in that situaton and it didn’t have anything to do with “numbers”.

It was Bobby saying to Kelly, “Hey, I have confidence in you in this key situation. And despite your recent and continued struggles, (and my better judgment) I’m going to give you a chance to right the ship with the game on the line.” (You can insert the names of Andruw Jones, Chris Reistma, Joey Devine, Charlie Lebrandt, Chris Woodward, Aleandro Pena, Mark Wohlers, etc.).

And believe me as a manager, that’s a wonderful way to build loyalty and love amongst your players, but it doesn’t necessarily equate to winning close ballgames or championship(s).

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Chase you can say whatever you want, but the Mets rotation is better than the Braves.

1) Smoltz’s shoulder worries the heck out of me.

2) Hudson has been great.

3) Despite a good ERA, Chuck James has been bad. Gives the Braves no innings.

4) Davies is young. But look at his career stats. He just isn’t that good.

5) Carlyle has been pretty good and has stablized the 5th slot.

I know Perez is on the DL. Sosa as well, but until the Mets lose 10 of their next 15 because of those injuries, then I still say Mets have the better rotation for the rest of the season.

By Shaun

July 3, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Shaun - can you tell us where the Braves rank in runs scored - I seriously doubt they are near the top. Also, Shaun - where do you find that info?

Braves rank 18th in MLB and 8th in baseball in runs scored. You can find this information in a lot of places—espn.com, foxsports.com, baseballreference.com.

By Jersey Gil

July 3, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

FYI>>>> Sturtze….last night 2/3 inn. walk 2..lost the game….He start the game and face only two batter.

By Wayne in Utah

July 3, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

DOB I hear you loud and clear on AJ, and on Bobby’s take on AJ. Being the strict disciplinarian that I am, I would release him in August if the season were lost. I have not in the past and would not put up with utter stubborness and pride from employees. That is where I am coming from.

I also understand Bobby’s thinking about the 30 HR/100 RBI and all catches made statement. BUT, does he have to continue to hit him in a position in the lineup that almost certainly guarantees he will kill one rally per game! That is the part that is just killing me, and is what makes me start with the statements about releasing him.

If AJ had his average season, with his average HR’s and BA, he would have conservatively won us singlehandedly another 4-5 games this season. That would put us at 48-35, and in first place in the East. So, I lay the lack of success this season squarely at his feet. His influence or lack thereof also has such a trickle down effect on the rest of the team, that we could be even farther ahead than my prediction. As bad as our 4-5 starters have been, they still haven’t been as bad as that of the average team in baseball. Our bullpen, for it’s occasional meltdowns, has basically been almost as good as could be asked for. We wouldn’t be talking about Thorman’s failings or the poor middle infield bench if AJ had just put up an average season.

I have probably oversimplified, but go at it and pick apart my contentions that the lack of total success so far can be squarely placed at the feet of out beloved centerfielder.

Whether it is the free agency pressure, or if the wheels are just falling off, it doesn’t much matter. What is done, is done. With all that though, as a true Braves fan, I wish with all my heart that tonight, he breaks out of it, and goes bonkers for the next 4 months!

Sorry for the long post folks!

By Lew

July 3, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

Efrim-I daresay that Chases’ excellent stats point out without question, that the Braves and Mets are frighteningly equal in their potential and performance. The Mutts lead by four games. We have beaten them 6 of the 9 times we’ve played them and we still play them another 9 games. I fail to see why so many doom and gloomers think we have no chance-and I’m talking about winning the division-not the wildcard. Ithink that a third place finish for the Mets is certainly NOT betond the realm of possibility. The Phillies pitching staff is worse than both those of the Mets and the Braves. The Marlins have zero outfield production and Girardi killed their young pitching staff by radically overusing them last year to prove they were better than everyone thought. It may kill that staff until mid 08 or 09. Why the radically negative thought process here? Yes, we need to get Andruw’s bat moving and we need to start taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves. However-We are certainly no where near as bad or as doomed as some here think.

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Lew and Chase,

Falling apart is a little much. Lets take the wait and see aproach on all of this. If what you guys think is true, the Braves should be in first by the end of July. Lew, I know you will still be blogging then, Chase, haven’t seen much of you other than today. But if you are around at the end of July, we will talk about it.

Again, I will be very excited if the Braves are in 1st by the end of July, but Davies and James just haven’t impressed me enough to think the Braves can break off a 15-5 type stretch to put us in first.

By David O'Brien

July 3, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Vonshawn wrote: “DOB, You can’t get out of the way of your own logic. If Bobby had so much confidence in Kelly Johnson against lefties, he wouldn’t have instituted a platoon with Yunel in the first place.”

First, you ask why he wouldn’t have used an across-the-board approach and inserted the other half of all his platoons as soon as the lefty entered the game.

Then when I give you three reasons why he wouldn’t — because the difference in Kelly/Yunel vs. lefties isn’t remotely as significant as the difference in Thorman/Salty vs. lefties, and because Kelly has been one of the team’s best clutch hitters (Thorman hasn’t), and because he might not want to use all his best available bench hitters in the sixth inning — you say I can’t get out of the way of my own logic?

OK, whatever. Then just satisfy yourself believing you’ve got it figured out and don’t listen to any answers I or anyone else gives you. That’s fine with me. I couldn’t care less. Just thought I’d try to answer.

Moving on…

By Renegator

July 3, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Shaun : thank you for those numbers.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 3, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Efrim and AMG,

Smoltzie’s shoulder worries me too.

Were he to hit the DL now, you could call up an extra pitcher to start Friday (unless you let Vulturreal go then) or a position player to help on the bench. JS would miss one start and could return (if I read the calendar right) on the 17th vs. the Reds.

What’s the harm? If he can’t go Friday, you have to find another starter to pitch that game anyway.

By Lew

July 3, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Efrim-My point is not that the Braves will or won’t be in first at the end of the month, it is that the Mets aren’t world beaters like some here have thought all season long. There has been way too much moaning, wailing, wringing of hands, gnashing of teeth and p!$$ing and moaning about how bad the Braves are and how great the Mets are. My God-you would have though the Mets were the Murderers’ Row Yankees with Ruth and Gehrig from some of the comments we’ve heard-from the BRAVES fans. I think the stats that Chase showed us, both pitching and offense, show that we are really quite evenly matched with the Mets. The Mets started out great, but have faded considerably. Everyone, Mets fans especially, thought I was doing nothing but talking smack when I said the Mets would fade. But I was right, wasn’t I. There was no way for them to sustain that level of play with the team they have. Falling apart? Well maybe that IS a bit strong, but the Mets have played such terrible ball the past month that even NoBrainZone and his obnoxious group of Baggers have absented themselves, for the most part, from our blog. That right there should tell you something. I’ve said all along their pitching staff was old and not that good. No one believed me, but now how many injuries have they suffered? How many stellar performances have become average or plain lousy? Like I said, their team ERA jumped a full run a game with June’s performance. Their hopes lie in Pedro coming back from shoulder surgery to perform like the ex Cy Young winner he ONCE was, or the purchase of someone else’s reject by offering Lastings Milledge-a player few seem to want because of attitude and injury.. It won’t happen. They are an old team and their pitching is showing it’s age.

By The Grinch

July 3, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

MEB, sorry; I left right after I posted this morning. The best that can be said about the Hawk’s new unis is that they’re inoffensive. They’re not hidiously ugly. Unfortunately, they’re also about as exciting as watching paint dry. If I had an exciting young team (which they do now after finally not screwing up a draft) and I spent $750,000 on new unis to go with that image, I think I could’ve done a much better job than that. Heck, even if they were hideously ugly at least others would start to take notice of us (which they currently don’t). Plus the new Hawk looks almost exactly like the Louisville Cardinal and the Atlanta Thrasher crossed. Now, baseball…

Berigan, in looking at what you were talking about earlier about players training different in the early part of the last century, I’m reading a book now that says after being out drinking all night players (even and especially the big name ones including Jimmie Foxx) would show up at the park still drunk, put on several layers of sweatclothes and run and do calesthenics until they’d sweated all the whiskey out of their systems. They’d peel off the whiskey soaked clothes and put the unis on and be ready for gametime. Pretty different, no?

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Whatever you want man. Again, the Braves should be in first by mid August if what you say is true.

We have an easier schedule until that point so we will find out. I sure hope you guys are right.

Remember, trades may happen from now till that point, so we will see which GM makes the move to help their team get to the playoffs.

By The Grinch

July 3, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Vonshawn, I completely agree that Bobby batted KJ in that spot last night at least in part because KJ’s feelings were hurt about Escobar taking some of his playing time already, and if Bobby had inserted the rookie in that spot (even if it was the smarter move, which it would’ve been IMO), it would’ve made KJ feel like nobody has any confidence in him any more. Same reason Bobby’s continuing to bat Andrew 4th, despite it being horribly detrimental to the entire team’s chances. Everyone asks “My god, is he really that stupid?” over and over again. No, nobody could be that stupid and still be able to get their cleats laced on their own. Bobby’s just being the ultimate player’s manager, which is why they love him. He seems to take the little league approach that having fun and feeling good about yourself is more important than winning games. For some reason, this has seemed to work during the regular series, but in the post season you don’t win by letting the fat kid bat with two out in the 9th because he’s been crying on the bench or the scrawny kid with coke-bottle glasses close the game out with “uplifting Summer kid’s movie” music playing in the background. This isn’t a movie, and these players have already been through little league. Hard to feel sorry them getting preferential treatment in the batting order to save their feelings when they wipe their butts twice a day with our annual salaries. Just one Grinch’s analysis, anyway. :-)

By Lee

July 3, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Well alts I know is the Braves better make their hits count tonight especially with RISP with Davies on the mound. Davies is due (past due) for a good outing and the Braves have not exactly provided him with much run support lately. Randy Wolf, if he is the Dodger’s pitcher tonight, has not been exactly a Braves killer in the past either. This 2 game losing streak needs to come to a quick halt. Braves lose, Mets lose, Braves win, Mets win, one has to wonder if this will continue and go on all year. It would be nice for the Braves to pick up a couple of games on the Mets before the all-star break.

By HP

July 3, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Efrim, Lets end this converstation about who has a better pitching staff. It is obiovous that Atlanta Braves has a better pitching staff than the Mets. The reason the mets were winning until now was becasue of their offense, which has shut down recently. When Pedro Martinez comes back this year, he will not be good as he was before. Pedro is now considered as a medicore player. Orlando Hernandez is probably going to make another trip to DL before end of this season. You can tell that his delivery is the reason why his shoulder hurts frequently. When you look at John Maine, he is the only guy I think can pitch succefully this year. Tom Glavine is showing that he not dominant but a medicore type of pitcher. And for Oliver Perez, he is not any good beside this year,rookie year, and in 2004. Have you looked at his stats that 3 of 6 seasons he pitched, his ERA is above 5.00. I don’t need to explain the bullpen because there is not much of differnece between them. As for the Brave, they have two two pitchers who can be #1 starter right now on any team. John Smoltz and Tim Hudson. Look at their career numbers and this year numbers. It explains it all. Chuck James, is getting better each day and showing signs that he can go deep into the game. If you compare his stats to John Maine, he just as good as him, but I give little edge to John Maine. Kyle Davies is the only person that gives me concern. But look at Buddy Carlye, he has been good since he came from Triple A. He only had 2 bad starts from the 7 games he has started this year. With that said, there is no reason why Braves pitching staff is better than Mets.

By Lew

July 3, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Efrim-Why don’t you believe what we’ve said? We’ve shown you facts and figures. We’re just pointing out reality, not being Homers. Here’s further proof. Since May 20, the Mets’ record is 17-21 while the Braves’ is 17-23. They’ve gained an entire game on us since May 20-six weeks-while we played horrible for the entire AL stretch. Since June 1 it’s even closer-The Mets are 11-17 since June 1 and the Braves are 13-17 in the same time. It doesn’t appear that the Mets are playing any better than we are. Their pitching performances have gotten worse while ours have actually improved now that Redman, et al are gone. All I’m saying is that the Braves are certainly not out of it and our main competition is just as bad off as we are-maybe moreso, since they thought they were baseball Gods. Seems they were wrong.

By journalist jimmy smith

July 3, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

all this discussion of hit the ball hard or hit the ball softly … who cares? just hit the ball! journalist does not understand all the strikeouts when the ball could be hit. swing hard for two strikes - then swing to make contact. don’t strike out! and this is from baby seal - not from the wizened journalist. leaving so many men on base is unhealthy for the team. and what does it say to the team when players scratch and fight during an at-bat to reach base and then andruw comes to bat and wastes the at-bat? and whither carroll rogers? and now, cheesburger in paradise …

Cheeseburger is paradise.

Heaven on earth with an onion slice.

Not too particular, not too precise.

I’m just a cheeseburger in paradise.

I like mine with lettuce and tomato,

Heinz Fifty-seven and French fried potatoes …

And a bun soggy and icky,

Watch out now, here comes wicky!

For a cheesburger in paradise.

By Shaun

July 3, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

The Grinch,

That’s another thing that was romanticized—how players in the past played for the love of the game and cared more, weren’t as greedy, etc. But players probably take care of themselves better now days. And in the early part of the 1900’s, players reportedly had no problems consorting with gamblers, fighting, etc. Baseball players were a much rougher bunch back in those days. There was more to be embarrassed about, by today’s standards, than just segregation.

By Scalp 'Em Braves

July 3, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB:

The title of your blog should be a candidate for renaming the blog, if you ever get tired of the “Man In Black” blog.

“The Naked Scribe” - Has a catchy ring to it, eh??

Good work on yesterday’s post. I have defended Druw to the nth degree - no more - Bobby has to drop him in the order. If McCann keeps striking out at his current pace, I think a couple of days off might help him as well. Can Escobar catch??????? As you said last year during Fall ball, “Escobar is en Fuego”. Dude can hit in a tight spot.

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Lew,

I don’t think they are baseball gods. I know that they have struggled just as much as we have during that stretch. I am simply pointing out that the stats you provided should indicate that the Braves should be in first place by mid August because the Mets have a more difficult schedule during that time. Right?

By DonCoburleone

July 3, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

I will be at the game tonight… I hope Davies has one of his random good games (like the one against the Mets or the one against the Tigers)… We need this game, I need this game! I’m going with two other Dodgers fans tonight, so I’m gonna get tortured if the Braves get beat…

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Braves Schedule after All star Break:

3 games home vs Pittsburgh 3 games home vs Cincy 4 games home vs St Louis 4 games away vs San Fran 3 games away vs Arizona 3 games home vs Houston 3 games home vs Colorado 3 games away vs New York 3 games away vs Philly 3 games home vs San Fran 3 games home vs Arizona 4 games away vs Cincy 4 games away vs St Louis

That is a complete joke of a schedule. There is no reason that this team shouldn’t go 28-14 in that stretch.

By Chase

July 3, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

The Braves were 3rd in the NL in Runs Scored before that 5 game stretch w/only one run they’ve said so on the broadcast many times!

EFRIM You’re right, I don’t say much on here but I read the blogs everyday and have for a long time…Today I finally had to speak because I am so tired of all the “knee-jerk” reactionary fans on here that are so up and down with every game.

The hitting and pitching stats I posted are correct and no matter how you slice it the Braves current starters have better numbers than the Mets and the offenses have Identical production.

LEW thanks for seeing the logic and cold hard facts in my posts and backing me up!

By Lew

July 3, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t know where they will be in August, Efrim. I hope they will be in first with the Mets a distant third. Like I’ve said before, I don’t have a crystal ball and neither do you. All I can tell you is that right now, at this point in time and for the past month and a half, the Mets have played no better than we have, despite how great many have thought they are and how bad many have thought we are. We haven’t gained ground despite the opportunity and neither have they run away with the division, despite the opportunity. No one can say anything else with any degree of certainty. However, if a month and a half ago, I told you that the Braves record for that time would be 17-23, with a 4-14 record against the AL, the assumption by you and most everyone else would have been that the Braves’ season would have been finished and the Mets would have a 15 game lead. It isn’t and they don’t. I guess we may just have to play the rest of the games-unless you’d rather go home and forget it all.

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Lew,

You would agree that is a weak schedule though right???

By DE Braves fan

July 3, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Here are some surprising numbers for you seamheads. Who leads the Braves in outs per plate appearance? Who is the best? Here are the top 11 hitters on the Braves (by PA)- these numbers take GiDP into account as well Francoeur 52% Renteria 52% A. Jones 50% Johnson 45% McCann 63% C. Jones 48% Thorman 55% Diaz 51% Harris 43% Woodward 58% Saltalamacchia 49% Escobar 58%

I was surprised to see Andruw’s number is not the worst on the team by far. BMac is responsible for one or two outs in 63% of his plate apps. Yunel’s numbers are surprisingly high, but his sample set is fairly small (93 PA). Not surprisingly Willie Harris is only responsible for an out in 43% of his PAs. Even Baroid Bonds, with his otherwordly OPS, makes an out 47% of the time.

By Lee

July 3, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

JJS -

Wicky probably is like me and prefers that cheeseburger with a couple pitchers of cold draft beer also. Reminds me 4th of July, fireworks, Braves baseball, cold beer, going to hear Atlanta Rhythm Section (never get tired of that band) - life is good - have a good and safe 4th of July everyone

By Lew

July 3, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Well-What will be will be, or again in deference to Scoots-Que sera, sera. ‘Tis time to go and create marvels of artistic genius (yes, I’m full of myself). Must keep the denizens happy and the homes of Wurlitzer Winners stylish and attractive-don’t you think? And, Poof, He was gone.

By DonCoburleone

July 3, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Lew I have to agree with you about the Mets. They really aren’t any better than the Braves right now. Without question John Maine has been their most consistent starter all year with Perez second (who is now injured). El Duque is an injury risk, Sosa is Sosa, and Glavine is clearly in the twighlight of his career (think Steve Carlton). Their bullpen is far worse than it was last year and probably worse than our current ‘pen. And offensively, they are flat-out OLD. Delgado, Green, Alou, LoDuca and Valentin make up more than half their everyday lineup (if healthy) with Easely and Franco making up 1/3rd of their bench. And guess what, old players don’t get better as the season goes along, they start to wear down and play worse. Not to mention the fact that Beltran’s knee has been bothering him all season and the fact that (I believe) last year was his “career” year… Look at his past numbers with KC, he was never more than a .265 hitter, never hit more than 35 homers in a season, never known as “clutch”. One good playoff run and a fluke “career year” last year doesn’t make a perennial MVP candidate (despite what Steve Phillips says).

Now, I’m not saying the Mets are bad, Wright and Reyes are two of the best young players in the game; but when comparing this years Mets to last years Mets I don’t think it’s even close. And when comparing this years Mets to this years Braves, it’s very close…

By Lew

July 3, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Yes, Efrim-It is aginst teams with lesser records, for sure. We shall see, shall we not?

By Wayne in Utah

July 3, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

After the allstar game break, it will be put up or shut up time for the Bravos. Even if they do poorly, I will still be hanging on, but it will a definite golden opportunity lost.

By DonCoburleone

July 3, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

I don’t know though Efrim, alot of games against the NL West in there. The teams from that division always play us tough…

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Lesser teams indeed.

By The Grinch

July 3, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Shaun: Then too, players didn’t get payed squat back then either, even counting for inflation. Many of them had to work second and/or third jobs just to put food on the table. I bet if cameras didn’t follow today’s players around all the time and they weren’t risking multi-million dollar endorsement deals by getting caught at anything they’d be behaving pretty badly too. Interesting to ponder, anyway. Off to the gym.

By David O'Brien

July 3, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

In case anyone noticed typo or two in game story done late last night for online, here’s corrected Smoltz stats:

Smoltz is 2-3 with a 4.18 ERA in his past six starts, beginning with the Milwaukee game he left after straining his shoulder. He’s piled up 36 strikeouts (six Monday) and only four walks in 32-1/3 innings in that span, but allowed 38 hits for a .286 opponents’ average.

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

DonC,

No excuses. The Braves better show up against teams like the Giants and D-Backs. Giants are an awful offensive team and Arizona is bound to collapse at any time.

The one thing that worries me is our starting pitching. Your only as good as your next day’s starting pitcher and in a series against the Giants, we could still wind up with a Lincecum vs Carlyle, Cain vs James and Zito vs Davies matchup. But if your a playoff team, you find ways to win those games versus those tough starters.

Tough starters not named Micah Bowie, Mike Bascik, Josh Johnson, and Byung Hyun Kim.

By BossLady

July 3, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

McCann was voted in by the players and that is the best compliment any player could ask to receive. Also, being players they know what it is to play through injuries and recognize that his season is pretty good barring injuries.

By DE Braves fan

July 3, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Sorry about the math in the last post. My son was posting using my name and he wasn’t doing the math right. Here are what those numbers should be (he wasn’t factoring in SO):

Francoeur 69% Renteria 66% A. Jones 74% Johnson 63% McCann 78% C. Jones 62% Thorman 75% Diaz 66% Harris 57% Woodward 79% Saltalamacchia 67% Escobar 68%

More interestingly here are the total bases/total outs numbers for those same guys

Francoeur 0.58 Renteria 0.74 A. Jones 0.48 Johnson 0.65 McCann 0.56 C. Jones 0.93 Thorman 0.53 Diaz 0.69 Harris 0.79 Woodward 0.38 Saltalamacchia 0.77 Escobar 0.63

What do these numbers tell us? Nothing that we already didn’t know. Woodward is a waste of a roster spot. Willie Harris has been unreal so far this year.

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Do you think they should DL Smoltz?

Do you think his shoulder problems changes their minds about acquiring a starter?

I’m sure their goal has been to upgrade the starting rotation through a trade, but has this given them reason to make a deal a little sooner than July 31st?

By DonCoburleone

July 3, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one who watched that game last night and saw 3 critical breaks all go the Dodgers way? I thought we actually didn’t play as badly as the score showed. Almost everything went wrong for us and there are 3 plays I’m talking about… First, when it was a 1-1 game in the 6th inning with the bases loaded and Salty pinch hitting Jeff Kent makes a miraculous play to prevent a 2-run single. Believe me, I live here and watch alot of Dodger games, Kent makes that play about twice a year. That would have made it 3-1 Braves. Then, the very next inning, out #3 gets on base thanks to a wild pitch (sorry McCann haters, that was a wild pitch) and instead of the inning being over Kemp gets to bat and hits one 430 feet. And the final lucky break (probably the most irrelevant one but definately a case of “things going right” for the Dodgers) was the next inning with 1 out and nobody on, Juan Pierre BUNTS a ball over Chippers head down the line for a double which sparks a 5 run rally. If we get similar breaks like that tonight I guarantee we win…

By BossLady

July 3, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

ScalpemBraves that is a good title for the new blog.

By BEST LINE OF THE DAY

July 3, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

“Sosa is Sosa.”

Ain’t it true brother!

By Jersey Gil

July 3, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Doncoburleone I agree with you ..i watch the games last night and i taped…you also forgot the 9th inning Chipper hit the daylight of that ball..in other ballpark that ball goes gone(3run Homer). That was not our night last night.

By Chase

July 3, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

DON

I totally agree, every little unsually and unlikely fluke break that could go the Dodgers way DID go the Dodgers way.
That happens over the course of a long season and I wish most Braves fans would understand that rather than be so up and down on the team.

By DonCoburleone

July 3, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Jeez, if anyone has any respect or cares anything at all about under-appreciated WEST COAST players please go on MLB.com and vote for Chris Young! HOW DID THIS GUY NOT GET PUT ON THE ALL STAR TEAM? Its almost insulting as a fan to see Brian Fuentes or Cole Hamels getting the nod over Chris Young. I mean, does LaRussa even look at stats or watch games? Seems to me like there was very little effort put forth by LaRussa when selecting this team… GO VOTE FOR CHRIS YOUNG!

By 1957 Braves Fan

July 3, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Only my Braves can get 11 hits and 2 walks and only score 2 runs.

By ncscoots

July 3, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Efrim, I know you thirst for a new starter as does a man in the desert for water, but can you stay with me on this for a second?

How many starts to you expect a newly-acquired trade to make for the Braves this season? 15, maybe, if they pick him up today; maybe 11, if at the deadline. And how many more of those games do you think that newly-acquired starter might win over whatever current Braves pitcher he deposes? 11, LOL? or more like 2 (7-4 instead of 5-6)?

Do you really think those 2 or even 3 extra wins will mean the difference? Assuming that said newly-acquired pitcher actually CAN deliver more wins? And believe me, none of the names I’ve seen come up, that are even close to actually available, guarantees that.

I guess the possibility exists that a new pitcher might go 10-1 down the stretch, but I don’t think that’s the kind of odds on which I’d want to hang the season.

By Greg

July 3, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Did you ask Bobby how AJ will make 100 RBIs? The only way I see that happening is if they start awarding an RBI for a runner scoring on a bases loaded DP.

By beachcomber

July 3, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Being trapped in Florida without a TV feed last night, didn’t see the game and the “breaks.” But we sure had the ball bouncing the right way during our five game win streak. Guess it evens out over a season.

By David O'Brien

July 3, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Efrim, I don’t think the Braves will or should DL Smoltz unless he’s struggling and/or tells them his shoulder is hurting too much to pitch effectively. If he tells them he wants to pitch and can pitch effectively, and he does that (even if not up to his usual standards, it’s still better than most), it’s tough to tell a 40-year-old veternan, “No, sorry, we’re going to DL you and insert Anthony Lerew in the rotation. Enjoy the All-Star Game, John.”

But as John said last night, he’s going to see how his shoulder feels in the next couple days, how it responds. He knows his body better than, you, me or the manager. And so far (this season), Smoltz has been honest in appraising his health and leaving games early instead of trying to stay in for 8 or 9 innings when he’s faded.

I asked and he told me last night he would’ve come out after six, even if he got out before giving up the homer.

By Efrim

July 3, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

NCscoots,

Absolutely. You don’t see many 87-75 teams win the wild card, but winning an extra three games helps a lot man. Another established starter on this team is the difference for them being an 85 win team or a 90 win team. 90-72 wins the Wild card in the NL. Heck, 90 wins could capture the division.

By storyteller jimmy smith

July 3, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

and now a story …

a baseball fan appeared before st. peter at the pearly gates. “have you ever done anything of particular merit?” st. peter asked.

“well, I can think of one thing,” the fan offered. “once, on the way to a game at turner field, i came upon a gang of bikers, who were threatening a young woman. i directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn’t listen.

so, i approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker and smacked him in his face, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground. i yelled, “now, back off!! Or i’ll kick the __ out of all of you!”

st. peter was impressed, “when did this happen?”

“just a couple minutes ago…”

By Coach (BRINGING THE WRECKING BALL)

July 3, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox has spoken. The entire season rests on the shoulders of Andruw. He is playing hurt (he hyper extended both elbows) , can’t hit his weight , opposing pitchers have him dialed in and the mendoza dance is getting old , very old. So , Bobby continues to play Andruw , he suddenly turns into Willie Mays , the Braves run away with the division and hell freezes over…………. right on ! I’m gonna go jump out of a perfectly good airplane without a parachute in the belief that I’ll bounce like a rubber ball when I hit the ground……………right on !

By ColoradoBraves FAN

July 3, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Good info on some of our guys in the minors. Check out the Ks for the Medlen kid.

The Braves have promoted three members of the Rome Braves who were on the Sally League All-Star team. Tommy Hanson, Deunte Heath, and Kris Medlen have all been sent to join the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. And Moises Hernandez, who leads the Carolina League in wins with ten, is moving up to Double-A Mississippi.

Hanson has emerged as one of the Braves’ top prospects. He was 2-6 in 15 games (14 starts) for Rome, with a 2.59 ERA. Hanson allowed only 51 hits in 73 innings, with 26 walks, and 90 strikeouts (third best in the South Atlantic League).

Heath leaves Rome with the third best ERA in the league (2.03). He pitched in 16 games (nine starts) and allowed 59 hits in 71 innings, with 19 walks, and 47 strikeouts.

And Medlen completely dominated the South Atlantic League. The right-hander pitched in 17 games and had an ERA of 0.87. He allowed only two earned runs on 13 hits in 20.2 innings, with three walks, 33 strikeouts, and eight saves. Medlen did not allow an earned run in the month of June

By DonCoburleone

July 3, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

DOB about Smoltz, one thing is for certain: If we lose him for any more than a 15 day DL stint throughout the rest of this year we are DONE…

By jed

July 3, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

that cox quote (12:24 DOB post) doesnt address why he leaves andruw hitting 4. ridiculous. you can justify playing him, but not continuing to hit him 4. that’s the issue. of course at this point, they oughta send andruw to the shrink. gotta say…for the first time, i’m starting to wonder if he’ll ever pull outta this mess. reggie sanders sure didnt.

By bud

July 3, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Sometime I cannot understand Bobby’s logic. Last night, critical point in game when Braves load bases with one out and Dodgers into the bullpen with a tough lefty. Why not hit for Johnson when you have Escobar on bench? If you plan to platoon the two then why not use the same train of thought late in the game. Of course, an overmatched Johnson strikes out ending rally, ending ballgame.

By Vonshawn

July 3, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’m not being mean spirited, I read your answers, you’re a baseball guy, as am I, but I just don’t completely agree that the move Bobby “didn’t” make last night was the right move.

Your “opinion” because the last I checked you’re not a MLB manager, and my “opinion” and I am certainly not one are just that - opinions.

The bottom line is Bobby made his call either because of numbers as you would imply or because he chose to be loyal and play a hunch, as I would. Either way, the team loss, have won 5 of their last 7, and have a chance to right the ship tonight.

By ncscoots

July 3, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

So, Efrim, your point then is that Buerhle, Vasquez, Contreras, et al, would at a minimum go 8-3 in August and September, and the best the Braves could hope for out of James/Davies/Carlylye/Grandma Moses in those 11 would be 3-8, a difference of 5 games. Uh-huh. Gotcha.

I mean, who could argue with that?

By David O'Brien

July 3, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Greg, no I didn’t ask Bobby how Andruw would get to 100 RBIs. I was still too speechless from the quote in general to get into specifics and follow-up….

NEW BLOG IS UP

By Amber

July 3, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

DOB, thanks for your response.

That said, I’m still hitting my head in frustration.

WayneInUtah and jed, possibly others, made the point I neglected to put in my initial post - WHY have Andruw still batting cleanup?? So Bobby doesn’t want to bench him, okay. But he’s squarely in the middle of the lineup and I can’t count how many times in the past week’s games that he’s come up with runners on and 2 out and done zip.

Honestly, if there’s a great managerial reason, I’d love to hear it. I acknowledge I’m an enthusiastic with a lot to learn yet. I’ve always been a BC and AJ supporter. But I gotta part ways here.

Talk about frustrating.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 3, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Of course, should you acquire a legit #3 starter (without mortgaging the future), it gives you a better chance of making the postseason. And as an added bonus, you have a legit #3 starter IN the postseason.

I’d rather see the back of this rotation get fewer starts in October, not more.

By BravesFanInRockies

July 3, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Come to think of it, given the fragile health of Smoltz and Chipper and Andruw’s almost certain departure, this may be the year you mortgage a hunk of the future to win now.

Would Braves Nation exchange one more World Series title if the cost was an extra year or two of rebuilding?

By BravesFanInRockies

July 3, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Replay that:

Would Braves Nation exchange one more World Series title for an extra year or two of rebuilding?

By Amber

July 3, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Typo correction to my post - I am an enthusiastic fan…

By Todd A

July 3, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

“He’s still the best center fielder in baseball.”

If Cox has his way,he’ll bring Andruw back next year.I sure hope home boy upstairs doesn’t give Bobby that option.

By david

July 3, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Hey this is my first time on this blog. I JUST DONT UNDERSTAND WHY YOU GUYS SAY YOU ARE TRUE BRAVES when you question every move bobby makes.I understand he does do some dumb stuff but not all the time hes still the greatest manager of this decade.most of you bash chipper and hes the all time braves great what if smoltz gets hurt the rest of the year you guys goin to bash him also.

By jb

July 3, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

There is absolutely no reason to have to put up with a lot of strike outs for power.

Ruth, Gehrig, Williams, Mays, Aaron, and Barry Bonds all hit for power and did not strike out much. I think Bonds is to only one I listed to strike out over 100 times in a season and that was just once.

We as fans and baseball execs. put up with the high strike outs in a power hitter. Reggie Jackson made it o.k. to strike out so much while hitting home runs. Aaron, Ruth, Gehrig, and Williams would be ashamed to strike out that many times in a season. When Bobby Bonds set the strike out record in the 60’s he was embarrassed. It’s too bad a player doesn’t have to pay back a portion of his salary every time he strikes out over 100 times a season.

I would not want an Adam Dunn, a Dan Uggla, or other homer vs. wiff players in my line up. Andruw Jones at least can make some plays with the glove to possibly overlook some strike outs, but he should probably be batting 8th right now. In the AL, he would probably bat 9th.

To make matters worse, some GM’s and managers are putting up with high strike out totals from non power hitters (i.e. Orr and Woodward.)

By david

July 3, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

hey jb ruth also led several times with the most strike outs in a season

By Tyler

July 3, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Smoltz will be fantastic as long as healthy. Hudson will be lights out when confident. James will be better than decent 75% of the time. Davies will be inconsistent but will give quality starts. Carlyle will be fairly consistent and be a solid 4 or 5 starter.

But I think we’re too caught up in being decent. Pitching is absolutely more important, for a few reasons. If we have a great offense (which we don’t, but it is pretty good), then it will run on the pitching. For example, if the pitching is giving up 5+ runs a game, then the offense has to climb a mountain to get back into the game. If the pitching normally gives up 3 or less runs, the offense is confident and knows they can produce what is needed.

Our bullpen is solid. We should place Soriano as the closer, however. The offense is finding it’s way still, since it has been changed around so many times, with Craig Wilson leaving, and Escobar and Salty playing sometimes, and even Woodward. The problem I have with platooning is that yes, the numbers are fantastic, but neither are out there everyday to get comfortable as an every-day team.

Our offense is efficient, and I believe that the pitching simply needs a confident arm (Whether it’s Buerhle, Haren, Harang, all would be nice) to also add confidence to our offense as well.

P.S. - Someone said Chuck James doesn’t eat up enough innings. In 17 starts, he averaged 5.4 IP per start. Smoltz averages 6.1 per start. That’s a little more than a half of an inning more. I’d say Chuck James has been pretty steady.

By uga-dawg

July 4, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this

nice game kyle davies way to blow to 3 run leads in two consecutive innings if i have to listen to the media shove down the atlanta grown braves in my face one more time i am goin puke. total cop out of lack of scouting so why not draft hometown guys to buts in the seats. the reality of this is when time warner took over they cut the scouting budget, so js said take local boys lets sell some seats. no pitching talent since adam wainwright and a depleted pool of talent other than brandon jones who should be playing right field right now. francouer was fastracked to put people in the seats. any educated fan can see is numbers have gotten worse every year. and now for davies no balls no guts and if i see your fat father yelling at bobby one more time in sec 202 i am going to throw a beer in his face and tell him the only real hammer was aaron (not u son which he screams for the two innings u actually pitch) davies kils us early in games, gives us no chance enough is enough.