AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > July > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USInterviewing Bonds has never been a treat
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s Friday the 13th. I haven’t blogged in ages. It seems like the Braves haven’t played in ages. So what’s on my mind today?
Barry Bonds.
Sorry, I know you’ve been slammed with stuff about him over the All-Star break, all the feel good, feel bad, dang Hank’s record is really going to fall stuff. But I thought now might be a good time to share my own brush with infamy story, one I never really thought I would tell.
When I first told an old editor about this, she said, “Why didn’t you write it?” Well, that wasn’t my style, I explained. But hey, that was before we had this wonderful new forum called a blog, before BALCO and before, I don’t know, the statute of my limitations on the subject ran out.
And it’s not like Barry has done any of us media types any favors. Last time I asked him a question, during spring training, his response was “I’ve done that interview 21 times and I’m not doing it today.”
So there. And so here goes.
I was a young and somewhat terrified reporter for the Macon Telegraph at the time, 10 summers ago, when I was assigned to go write a sidebar about Barry Bonds when the Giants were in town.
Now he had supposedly gotten a little media friendlier, but I never kidded myself this interview would be a picnic. It was already a little bit hard for me to go in visiting clubhouses anyway, as a woman, since opposing teams weren’t really expecting me or used to me being around. It just meant I had to take a little bit deeper breath before I walked through the door.
So I did and went to look for Bonds. Didn’t see him, didn’t see him, didn’t see him. I’d go back to the clubhouse, wait for a few minutes, then leave, not wanting to be a fixture there. I’d done this probably three times, when I decided during batting practice to give it one last swing by. I walked into the visiting clubhouse at Turner Field and heard music blaring. I walked around the corner to see nobody in the room except Barry Bonds. He was sitting on a couch on the opposite side of the room, head in a magazine, bobbing to the music.
You talk about a deep breath.
“OK,” I thought. “Here I go.”
I walked all the way around the couch and came up behind him. He never looked up. I reached out and tapped him on the shoulder. I got most of the words out “Barry, do you have a minute?” when I looked over his shoulder and saw something I never really ever need to see.
Let’s just say he was reading a magazine that doesn’t require much reading. I froze. It was way too late for me to take my tap-on-the-shoulder back, throw it in reverse and disappear.
“No, I’m busy right now,” Bonds said, managing to increase my angst.
So I’m standing there, face flushed, brain spinning, trying to figure out the next thing you’re supposed to say in a situation like that, and he spoke again.
“You know what? Yeah, yeah I do have a minute,” and he put the magazine down and moved over on the couch.
So I walked around and sat down, all excited and nervous then, and I started firing off my questions. I had planned quite a few of them - preparation helps take the nerves away for me. And he proceeded to deflect every question I asked.
“That’s luck,” or “I’m not really sure,” or “Blahty blah.”
It wasn’t mean-spirited. It seemed more like a game to him.
Not really sure what to say, I finally just kinda threw up my hands and said “Well, I’m just not asking very good questions, am I?”
He said “Yes you are, I’m just not answering them.”
And we laughed.
Hey, at least I knew I was doing everything I could possibly do to get that story, and it just wasn’t happening. So we chatted for a few minutes more, in an amicable way, and I left. I called my editor and told him I didn’t get enough to write anything. I don’t think I’d ever done that before, but at that time, it was what I felt I had to do.
I wasn’t about to write about Barry Bonds and a porno mag. I was supposed to respect the fact that baseball players let me into their fraternity house and I wasn’t going to blow that all up because a player had made me mad by not talking. Or at least not saying anything I could write. For one thing, I didn’t want other players to read that and think I could not be trusted.
I still feel that way. But I guess the blog has broken me down, and the fact that Barry Bonds isn’t exactly a charter member of the fraternity anymore, or so it seems to me. And it’s not a bad story, is it? I’ve told it at cocktail parties. Might as well tell it here.
So that’s it. Maybe you guys would have a better punch line for it.
And oh yeah, this is supposed to be a Braves blog. and I can’t twist Bonds into much of a Braves angle that DOB hasn’t already done. He’s already put the fear into everybody’s hearts of “oh no, what if Bonds breaks Hank Aaron’s record against Atlanta. Or even in Atlanta, no less?”
Dave’s also done a nice and complete job of wrapping up the first half of the Braves season. So I’ll just say hey, Pirates are in town tonight. Let’s get rolling.
The Braves get to play their next 14 games against teams with sub .500 records - Pirates, Reds, Cardinals, and yes, the Giants. Maybe the Braves will make a move back to the top of the NL East.
So bring it on, second half. About time you got here.
Services »
Comments
By Lee
July 13, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Listening to Bonds has never been a treat either.
By David-ATL14
July 13, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
Nice story carroll, should be a roster move today, unless BC is expecting to go with 13 pitchers this series. let us know if you hear something?
Thanks.
By jed
July 13, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
here’s a better story. i was reading this blog, not checking who wrote it—assuming naturally that it was DOB writing it. then i got to this line:
It was already a little bit hard for me to go in visiting clubhouses anyway, as a woman,
wuh?? oh…carroll…okay…
By flange1
July 13, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
Carroll,
Thanks for the story! Those are the kind of things that I really enjoy about this blog is hearing some of the little insider things that we don’t hear about on ESPN!.
Let’s kick some Pirate butt!
By BravesFanInRockies
July 13, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
jed,
Always check the byline :)
By Arkansas Hillbilly
July 13, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
By Matthew, Dad to Walter July 13, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this Hillbilly: You ok?
By Bigboi July 13, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this Are you OK Arkansas Hillbilly?
Glub, Glub, Glub……
By Greg in TN
July 13, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Afternoon denizens,
Ready to start the second half. Bring on the Lads of the Monongahela!
The Bucs will throw Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelanny at us tonight and tomorrow and neither were pushovers in the first half of the season. Last time out against the Beermakers on Independence Day, Snell went eight and yielded three earned runs on nine hits, walking one and striking out five and getting the win. Gorzelanny followed up the next day by going seven innings, giving up three earned runs on only four hits, two walks and five Ks for his ninth win of the year.
I think Hudson will pitch well tonight on Adam LaRoche’s homecoming and I am heartened by Chuck James’ performance in his last several appearances although I want to see him go a little further tomorrow than the five and six innings he’s done in his past 4-5 starts.
Go Braves!
By NCBravesFan
July 13, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
Jed … Good story, bud … but Carroll’s story is a wee bit better, IMHO.
By Tom
July 13, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
Second half, yeah! Thanks for a new blog. I was getting tired of the old one.
By BB
July 13, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
I agree with flange1. Those are the kinds of stories I love hearing. Thanks for telling us, Carroll-and for giving us more reason to dislike Bonds!
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 13, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
man, I’ve got to get a bigger mower, never let anyone tell size does not matter. Going for a 60 inch deck for sure. So much grass and so little time.
Ah, the dark secrets that are kept all in the name of decency. Good thing we have the internet now, we no longer have to buy those cumbersome magazines. Somehow Carroll with the tone of the blog this afternoon your story is a perfect fit.
Now baseball…. Duh, I don’t know what to say……
By Arkansas Hillbilly
July 13, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
No, seriously it’s passed now. Just a lot of lightning popping and a major down-pour. Got a leak and a fair amount of water in my office, but that’s about it.
Gotta admit, Jed, I had the same reaction when I read that line.
*“I’ve done that interview 21 times and I’m not doing it today.” * —He officially broke the all-time d-bag record with that one. Congratulations, arrogant J###-##F.
By Salty
July 13, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
jed and BravesFanInRockies I did the same thing…sorry, CR, but the story’s a hoot! And frankly, it’s rather humanizing of Bonds! Whoa…did I say that!?!
By brian
July 13, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
Carroll - please give us your opinions - what are you hearing as far as possible changes for the braves in the second half?
What do you think needs to be done?
Thanks and welcome back
(please note this is one of the few times that I have spoken politely to a Blue Devil)
By Lee
July 13, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
The Braves owe the Pirates one for sure. That devastating May 13th loss on a Sunday afternoon with Snell against the long forgotten A. Lerew is what started the Braves slide downward.
By Shaun
July 13, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Lew,
To continue from the other blog:
I’ve thought about it. I see what you are saying, and as I’ve said I don’t think it would be a bad move to trade or keep Hudson—the Braves are in a good situation with him.
I’m just saying I could see it happening. Hudson is a decent pitcher but chances are he’s not going to get any better so trading him while he still has some years on his contract, while he still have some value wouldn’t be a bad move.
I would trade him for a position player if that position player was likely to fill a hole. Matt Diaz is pushing 30, Andruw’s likely gone after this season so I can see Hudson being moved for a top major league ready LF/CF prospect and one or two solid contributers.
At some point Hudson is not going to be tradable (at least for anything good)—he’s not getting younger, chances are he’s not getting better and the years on his contract are falling—so it makes some sense to try trade him this off-season if you can get a very good, everyday, young, cheap player that fills a need for the next 5-10 years or more.
Yes, the Braves need pitching, but Hudson can’t pitch at a high level forever. Trading him while his value is still high does make some sense.
Again, I’m not saying the Braves will trade him or that it’s a bad move if they don’t. But it wouldn’t be a ridiculous move to trade him in the right deal.
By BamaBrave
July 13, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
I still think Bonds is unmitigated jerk, but I’ll never begrudge a guy for looking at a girlie magazine…
By TennesseePaul
July 13, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Carroll: Yeah… That’s one that didn’t need telling.
On to the Braves. All this typing the past week about the Braves 2nd half schedule being simple due to sub .500 teams and here we run into a surging Pirates team with Ian on the mound. I’d rather run into the Angeles with Ervin Santana on the mound. I hope these hot bats came home with the guys this time. I’d love to see them start swinging at home in the second half.
GO BRAVES
By ACB
July 13, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
Wwwhooaa! I thought I stumbled onto another publication’s Forum for a second.
By Chop Chop
July 13, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
I have a book recommendation for the blog that was inspired by Carroll’s appearance today.
I’ve been reading a baseball book called “Crazy ‘08” by Cait Murphy (In her bio, it says, and I quote, “She does not throw like a girl.”) about the 1908 baseball season. It’s a really good read and reminds me of why I’ve always liked reading about baseball history and how it mirrors American society. This book just happens to have so much detail about particular games, the characters involved, and the surrounding current events outside of the game that I can’t put the thing down.
Besides, the 1908 baseball season takes place in a world where the Cubs are a “dynasty” and the Yankees are bums. It’ll blow your mind. Oh, and Murphy also has a picture of Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown’s mangled pitching hand in there. Sweet.
By troll
July 13, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Since DOB has everything covered, according to CR, I guess the only thing she needed to say was, “new blog”, or maybe, “Pirates are in town tonight. Let’s get trolling.”
By Lee
July 13, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
No wonder Bonds prefers to be alone and have time to himself in the clubhouse.
By Coach ( Not Drinking The Kool Aid)
July 13, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
I’m becoming an A-Rod fan a little bit more everyday. I can’t wait for him to bury Bonds in the record book. Hank Aaron has held the record for 33 years , Bonds won’t even hold it for a decade and that makes me smile. All of Barry’s dirty laundry will eventually come out for public display. He won’t have this record or a ring , nor will he get into Cooperstown. he will have little to show for his career other than a fat bank account.The baseball Gods will see to it , of that I am certain.
By Lew
July 13, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Shaun-By now I believe that all that can be said on the topic HAS been said. The only unanswered question, to my way of thinking, is why the hell are we discussing offseason moves of a player who may or may not have a good second half? We still have half of THIS season left and in case no one here has put it together yet, we’re only two and a half games behind a team that everyone thought was invincible but has proven to be ordinary. Let’s just take care of business and figure out (realistically, for a change) how we win it all NOW.
By JasonInMaine
July 13, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Pretty funny Page 2 article on Rickey Henderson over at ESPN
Click Here
Regards,
Jason
By troll
July 13, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
If CR knew anything at all concerning the Braves, I guess she would have reported it, instead of wasting everybodies’ time with a decade old story about Barry Bonds.
By taco slammer
July 13, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
Bonds is such a smuck. I hate to see him break Henry’s record. One thing is for sure, I will never recognize BB as the homerun leader. I don’t know what Bonds took, but he damn sure took something. And I know Aaron gained his record honestly.
By Shaun
July 13, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Lew,
I was just responding to you calling Efrim stupid or crazy or illogical or whatever to suggesting that maybe a Hudson trade wouldn’t be a bad idea this coming off-season. That’s why I was discussing it.
And I hope the Braves don’t make any personnel decisions on the basis of only a half a season.
By ColdHardFact
July 13, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Lew and Shaun, same s**, different day.
By Efrim
July 13, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Shaun,
You follow our farm system, what are your thoughts on Tommy Hanson. He seems to be the right handed power pitcher that Braves fans want. He commands his fastball in the low 90’s and commands it well. Good hits per innings pitched in the minors, high strikeout rate. I asked John Manuel from Baseball America about him on an ESPN.com chat a couple of days ago and he said he was very high on him and thought that he had top of the rotation type stuff. Thoughts?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 13, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
I would not be surprise to see Franco back with the Braves for the run, he would be very cheap. As far as his batting average, numbers like that are not unusual for a guy that predominantly pinch hit. Question is would it help or hinder Salty’s transition to first base.
If he were used in a platoon with Thorman I would think he would be a good fit. Drop Woodward and I don’t think you have hurt the team and it’s pretty cost neutral. Question is what is the Braves long term answer to first base position? If it’s Scott then they may as well play him while they have the offense to cover his lack of production.
By Viking
July 13, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
I’ve heard that’s how Barry started on the juice- he was jealous the centerfold’s chest was bigger than this. I also heard he asked the clubhouse guy after the interview,”Reporters DO know about shrinkage, right?”
By troll
July 13, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Coach you’re dumber than Lew, but that was a gem when you stated it as, “I can’t wait for him to bury Bonds in the record book.”
By Shaun
July 13, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
I think the homerun chase should make people realize that the cliche should be true—athletes are not role models. They are like everyone else. There are all types of personalities in pro athletics. People aren’t perfect so just take them for what they are and enjoy the entertainment they provide. It’s always been that way and always will be.
We have this nostalgic view that in the past athletes were people we could look up to and kids could aspire to be like. In truth, it never was that way and will never be that way. Athletes are imperfect, flawed human beings just like the rest of us.
By Lew
July 13, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
I just picked up a copy of The First Rays of the New Rising Sun by Jimi Hendrix. Isn’t it strange that a man who has been dead almost 37 years, was widely known to be under the influence of mind altering drugs for most, if not all of his career, has more relevance today, almost four decades later, than Cold Hard Fact will ever have if they live to be over 100? Take it easy Trolls, I know who I’d rather be listening to.
By Gretchen
July 13, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this
Did you get to see Barry Bonds naked?
By Paladin
July 13, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
Welcome Mz. Carroll. This, so far as an old man can remember, is my first time with you as blog headmistress.(Don’t any of you trolls even THINK of messing with that. It is a very polite form of reference.) I hope that you will enjoy our time together and that the “children”(including myself)will behave themselves. In the meantime, let’s kick some Pirate duff.(All of you, including CL, know that is a big improvement for me).
By Arkansas Hillbilly
July 13, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Call Bonds the Home Run King, or call him a scam artist. Call him arrogant, or call him misunderstood. Call him mistreated, or call him deserving. Call him guilty, or call him innocent. But one thing you’ll never be able to call him (fingers crossed) is a World Series Champ, and that, my friends, is something I’ll definitely drink to. Bottoms up.
By Randy
July 13, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Honestly, I don’t see how that story puts Barry in a bad light. So he was scanning a porno mag? Don’t think he is the first MLBer to do that.
Plus,he talked to you didn’t he? I don’t see how reporters think it is their God given right to have players magically have all the time in the world for them.
Name me another business where people get expect to get unlimited access to people they conduct business with? Does a sales guy get to talk to everyone he wants to? Does a recruiter? Does a telemarketer?
But just because someone is in the media they feel like they should get a story anytime from any player.
Sorry your job is so hard. Welcome to the real world!
By Paladin
July 13, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this
Yes Gretchen she saw Bonds naked. And it’s true. He is hung like a hoss—fly.
Oh damn, there I go again.
By Latka Gravas
July 13, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
Excuse spelling pleese, learning english:
Latka also like magazines that not require reading - Latka not read well.
Very funny song about men in sux. Latka get joke. Ha Ha. Sux.
Good to see many bloggers ready for brave game - have game feces on.
By TexasBrave
July 13, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
Shaun as per your 12:17 post
I’m sorry I did not know that I had adressed you instead of Bob, Journalist. Bob had pinned a great blog (you must not have read it) about using our own home grown talent instead of getting what we needed elswhere. He also mentioned how interesting it might be (although highly unlikely) if teams had to use only the players they had on their team at the start of the season. I don’t think either of us advocate such a move by MLB, we were just musing.
Thanks for your input :-)
By TexasBrave
July 13, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
Shaun as per your 12:17 post
I’m sorry I did not know that I had adressed you instead of Bob, Journalist. Bob had pinned a great blog (you must not have read it) about using our own home grown talent instead of getting what we needed elswhere. He also mentioned how interesting it might be (although highly unlikely) if teams had to use only the players they had on their team at the start of the season. I don’t think either of us advocate such a move by MLB, we were just musing.
Thanks for your input :-)
By Paladin
July 13, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
TexasBrave Do not use your middle finger. That always gets you in trouble. (:>)
By A-ville Ranger
July 13, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this
Reading these post it’s clear many of you feel as I do that Bonds is a cheat and the record will have no integrity.I challenge you to show your integrity by not going to a Braves-Giants game.I didn’t watch the all star game or any in which Bonds has played the last two years.What will it matter ? What does your integrity matter ? Go ask your son or daughter that question.
By StingerSplash
July 13, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
the big question was how bad was his back acne and was he drinking his “flaxseed oil” straight outta the bottle? Barry Bonds may be a helluva baseball player, but he will never be half the man Henry Aaron is.
By Paladin
July 13, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this
A-ville Ranger I applaud your sentiments and agree with you entirely but it’s like trying to boycott Baskin-Robbins. It ain’t goin’ to happen.
By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////
July 13, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
Carroll,
Gosh, I wish you hadn’t shared that story….I have always admired him so much;)…for the way he stands and admires doubles…the way he stood there and took so many called strike 3’s back when the Pirates lost to the Braves year after year….for being a man, and admitting he juiced up.
You would have only shocked me if you told us that he understood what a tough job you had interviewing sometimes surly baseball players who don’t want to reporters, nevermind female reporters. Or that it would have to be a short interview, cuz he had to run over to the children’s hospital and promise some sick children to hit a home run that night….
By BamaBrave
July 13, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this
I’ve been hearing many in the sports media - both local and national - chastising Bud Selig and Hank Aaron for not making special plans to attend HR# 756, on the grounds that the occasion will be “historic”… David Whitley of the National Post (Canada) recently slammed that flawed logic with this simple line:”The Huns also made a lot of history and nobody in Europe celebrates it.”
Love that.
By Guy LaPointe
July 13, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this
Good point Mr. A-ville. To be consistent we should also stop watching the Braves.
Link: www.sabernomics.com/sabernomics/index.php/2007/03/the-cheaters-guide-and-the-soul-of-baseball/
March 23rd, 2007
The Cheater’s Guide and The Soul of Baseball
I just received a copy of The Cheater’s Guide to Baseball by USS Mariner blogger Derek Zumsteg. Derek also runs a blog just for the book here. I’ve only had time to flip through it, but I like what I see so far.
As a Braves fan, I first checked to make sure he devoted some time to the evil 1991 Minnesota Twins. This team won the World Series by cranking up the AC to give Kirby Puckett a tainted home run off of Charlie Leibrandt. Zumsteg covers this, but misses the most egregious incident of that series: Kent Hrbek pushing Ron Gant off the bag to get an out. The play was so obvious that Hrbek couldn’t even keep a straight face when later describing the play. I remember one of my good friends was a Twins fan who had a Wheaties box with the Twins celebrating their “victory.” Wheaties?…more like Cheaties. Ok, maybe I’m not that mad about it.
As for Braves cheating, Zumsteg reminds us of the team’s manipulation of the catcher’s box to make the strike zone seem larger than it was. The fact was actually pointed out by the TBS television crew. There is no doubt that those guys root for the Braves, but they are not partisan when it comes to commenting on the game. The organization then classlessly booted the broadcast team off of the team charter. One unnamed source was also quoted as saying “Mazzone sucks” three times.
By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////
July 13, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
Guys and Gals,
Forgive me if this has been mentioned before, but did anyone ever hear of a reason all but 2 team in the NL, and most of the AL have yet another day off yesterday??????
By Amber
July 13, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
Well, that was a breath of fresh air. Thanks for sharing, Carroll! I was beginning to wonder if everyone who covered baseball had been brainwashed into Barroid-worshipping automatons. Nice to see some honesty!
By Uh, Chipper
July 13, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
uh, I wondered who had my magazines.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 13, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
Yo, Grinch Thought I would give you a heads up in case you wanted to catch Alison Krauss when she comes to Atlanta next month.
http://www.alisonkrauss.com/site.php?content=tour
By Paladin
July 13, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this
Berigan I would hazzard a guess that the TV folks wanted their “big market” teams to be no more than 1 game down in the series when they televise them on Saturday and Sunday. For a better answer than that you will have to ask Latka.
By Paladin
July 13, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
To the blog: Forgive my extra “z” in hazard, but when you get to my age you can’t get enough zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
By David O'Brien
July 13, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
Hey folks, I almost rode to the ballpark today before I remembered Carroll was covering the series opener. I’m back out there Saturday and Sunday.
Anyway, I had already started crunching numbers and such before realizing I was off today. So might as well use a couple of them here.
First, here’s a stat to put into perspective how important a good start can be:
The Braves started out like gangbusters and were 24-12 through May 12 (I knows, seems a long time ago).
The Pirates started out poorly (as they often do) and were 15-20 through May 12.
Then the Pirates hammered the Braves 13-2 on May 13, a series finale Sunday afternoon day game, to avoid being swept at Pittsburgh.
And since that day? The Pirates are 25-28 with a .265 team batting average and 4.62 ERA, while the Braves are 23-30 with a .272 average and 4.57 ERA.
That’s right, the Pirates have been two games better than the Braves for the past 53 games. Yet who thinks of the Pirates as a playoff contender?
Other thing: LaRoche’s hot streak. It’s pretty serious, or at least it was before the break. We’ll see if he picks up where he left off.
But Ol’ Rochy hit .425 (17-for-40) with six doubles, five homers, 11 RBIs and a .950 slugging percentage in his last 10 games before the break.
This after hitting .211 with eight homers, 40 RBIs and a .363 slugging percentage in his 75 games before that.
One final thing: Pirates probably aren’t going to be pushovers. They won nine of their last 13 games before the break (Braves won nine of their last 14).
The Pirates are throwing a guy tonight (Ian Snell) with a sub-3.00 ERA for the season and a 2.77 ERA in is past three starts, and a guy tomorrow (Tom Gorzelanny) who is 3-0 with a 3.29 ERA in his past four starts, and has a 2.93 ERA in 12 night games.
By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////
July 13, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
Paladin, I just assumed you were a big The Dukes of Hazzard fan! ;)
By Latka Gravas
July 13, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this
Excuse.
Latka not understand why bloggers not like Bail Bonds (pronounce “beel” or “beery”?).
Latka see commercial all time for Bail Bonds. If journalist Carroll get beered up and arrested for DUI then he sure to like Bail Bonds. Else Mr. Carroll rot in jail and have nothing to read except magazine with only pictures.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 13, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this
and what could have distracted dob so that dob would forget a day off? a new girlfriend, perhaps? one who also enjoys the occasional canned ham? and what’s wrong with that? nothing at all.
now, baseball … so laroche is back. so what? never a favorite here. not even when hitting. and are laroche and chipper meeting for some huntin’ before the game? and what will they hunt? and what will they do if they find one? and which one takes the shot? and which one signs the carcass? and do they pull the carcass from the woods or push? and what a conversation between the two of them must be like!!
now, it is good of carroll rogers to offer us a new blog. it was time. the old blog must have been like getting journalist bob out of a tub of syrup. oh, the humanity! that is not a pleasant thought. and now, impostors on the blog … there are some here. sja and jimmy smith are on the case and will have news to share soon.
By chipdip
July 13, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this
BARRY BONDS CAN GO STRAIGHT TO HELL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By brian
July 13, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this
And I assume that there is no way we can get Snell or Gorzellani without a king’s ransom?
I guess we can’t pull the old you owe us with Gonzalez?
By Carroll Rogers
July 13, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
they should be posting a story i just turned in about wil ledezma being stuck in venezuela - apparently his visa got separated from his passport in the wash….no, not kidding.
and on a little more serious note, TP showed up today not feeling quite right - something about his heart rate - so he was taken to piedmont as a precautionary measure but bobby cox assured me it wasn’t believed to be super serious. but we’ll be thinking good thoughts for pendleton tonight.
troll, you’re right, i don’t know anything about the braves. now go back under a bridge where you belong.
By Austin
July 13, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
4-0 Reds on Grand Slam by Phillips
By Ledezma
July 13, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
heelp, I am in Veneezuala and I cannot get out. I wash washing my clohtes and now I hve lost my6 passport. Just as my arm was feling better. Willy Aybare says hello.
By Bo
July 13, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
Good blog Carroll Rogers. I worked in clubhouse 8 years and Bond was always a as*. Now retired. Keep up the good work lady.
By Shaun
July 13, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
Anyone hear about this Gary Sheffield interview with HBO’s “Real Sports”?
Some of the things he’s said are not surprising coming from the biggest moron in baseball.
By Paladin
July 13, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this
Rosalyn I saw the Johnson “girls” at a shot of Lada Burds funeral on the news tonight. They are still uglier than a mud fence, but I bet they have good personalities and they love to dance. The shag, perhaps?
By TheSouthernJackAss
July 13, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
It has been brought to my immediate attention by the esteemed one that impostors are lurking amongst us…Trolls & jackals, the worst of the worst… now I haven’t fed the hell hounds any jackal meat for a couple days, since the last successful hunt…and they’re a bayin’ like there onto something as I post this…I sure hope I don’t have to unleash them during the game tonight…that would cause me to be a very surly JackAss…and nobody likes a surly JackAss…so trolls, do the right thing, don’t tug on TheJackAss’s harness, don’t pi$s into the wind, don’t pull the mask off ol’ Jason, and you don’t mess around with…
By Superman
July 13, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
Thank you Adam Laroche. You are still one of the best players on our team. I think he should get a rbi or two for contributing to those runs.
By Paladin
July 13, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
We need a escue mission to get Ledezma and Aybare out of Vennie-damn-zuwela. Where is Jose Jimenez when we need him?
By P-Town Brave
July 13, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
Well, I just saw TP in the dugout so I assume he is fine
By Paladin
July 13, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
This “r” got hung up in my machine.
By Greg in TN
July 13, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
So far so good at 755 Hank Aaron Drive tonight, folks. B-Mac is starting the second half of the season in fine form and Hudson is cruising early.
Add to that the rather rude reception that the Cincinnati Reds have given John Maine in Flushing and things are just settling right in on our first night back since the All Stars convened in the land of BALCO.
Keep on keepin’ on guys.
By Paladin
July 13, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
I’ve been posting like crazy. No one could think that I could post this many times as Paladin and still have time to be a jackal. It would take a hell of a lot better typist than me. You can huntn’peck an acorn or two, but oaks are out of the question.
By TexasBrave
July 13, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
There goes Thorman swinging for the fences and coming up empty again.
By Greg in TN
July 13, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
Oh, forgot to add my .02 in on Ledezma.
Got to hand it to the guy, cleanliness is next to Godliness and all, but I think washing your visa AND your passport is a bit much.
Also have to give a shout out to TP tonight. I hope it’s just as advertised and that TP is back along the rail on the first base side tomorrow night.
By TheSouthernJackAss
July 13, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
*they’re…
By Carroll Rogers
July 13, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
yes p-town, was just logging on here to post that TP is back. the Braves pr guy told me that the trainer was going to call up if there was something to report. apparently there isn’t much because the trainer hasn’t called up. so that’s good. I’ll talk to terry after the game and find out what happened.
also, about the roster situation. bobby said he was going to keep an extra pitcher for a couple days and just see how it went. so no extra position player back just yet.
By Greg in TN
July 13, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
Didn’t catch that P-Town, that is good news.
The Nats are blistering the D-Train in south Florida tonight. He’s looked very ordinary since the start of June and after tonight, his ERA is gonna be around 5 or worse.
By Paladin
July 13, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
OK, I’m going to bed. Any further posts by Paladin, before 8 tomorrow morning, are not me.
By Josh C
July 13, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
Actually only 2 of Willis’ runs are earned but he was rocked nontheless…
By Superman
July 13, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
Andruw is falling all over the place again. Is everyone ready for the avg to go below 200 again.
At what point do we change the mendoza line to the Andruw line?
By Austin
July 13, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this
Mac is back
By journalist jimmy smith
July 13, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
tbs just showed tp on camera and tp looks terrible! what a mess! oh, wait, that was chino cadahia. nevermind.
and, hudson is pitching well tonight. let’s hope the braves don’t need a lefty coming out of the pen tonight. could get paronto to throw lefty though, if needed. eats with both hands. and now, is there an official cheeseburger of the atlanta braves?
and welcome back to carroll rogers. may have to carry more of the load for a time. dob is expected to call in sick from time to time with all the new distractions. last time it was a horse. at least now it is a girlfriend. whoa! girlfriend. more like a grandgirlfriend, huh? nothing wrong with that, though.
now, songwriting. jimmy smith has a gift for songwriting and is composing a little something for guitar accompaniment. now that grinch has a new guitar the song will be done just for grinch. can play loud, right?
By journalist jimmy smith
July 13, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
cannot advance a runner from second with nobody out. sad. oh, the humanity! an intentional walk to thorman! shades of langerhans! what will hudson do?
andruw is doing some choppin’ of andruw’s own tonight. what a terrible swing! should spend some time with mccann’s daddy. bet mccann has based on what we are seeing tonight.
By chrisklob
July 13, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
I see that the Braves have called up Jose Ascaino and that Ledezma is off the current roster, according the braves.com. Carroll, how long do they think that Ledezma will be dealing with his visa issue?
BC has a habit of getting the new guys into their first game as soon as possible so it will be interesting to see how soon he gets in and what he’s got.
By Play ball
July 13, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
Who are the morons at TBS who think we need to hear a steady stream of: C’mon kid…C’mon Frenchy…C’mon…whoever is at the plate?
For God’s sakes, turn down the dugout level mike and let us enjoy the game without Bobby’s non-stop babbling.
By Bob
July 13, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
Well, no Mets drool tonight. Too bad, always helps to have humor on the blog.
By Love Shack
July 13, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
Carroll, I hope you didn’t glimpse at a wee-wee, or a tee-tee over Barry’s shoulder. Imagine that, someone looking at a porno magazine. Wow, what an earth shattering story. Some “inside” information on Barry.
Christ on a crutch, I think I’m going to puke. Why again are women allowed into male lockerrooms?
By Josh C
July 13, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
jimmy I have some VERY IMPORTANT, I repeat, VERY IMPORTANT questions:
1) Should Paronto pitch left handed has it been confirmed that his left handed toes are strong enough for all those cheeseburgers to land safely?
2) It appears that Bobby has been unable to identify a proper nickname for Scott Thorman. He was calling him just “kid” in his dugout-holler voice. I would guess Scott-y would be appropriate, however I’m sure you will agree that this needs immediate attention. OK, that wasn’t a question.
3) Should we petition that the popular cliché be changed to “Keeping up with one Jones” since the other Jones is now easily kept up with?
Your prompt attention would be greatly appreciated.
By Bob
July 13, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this
I think/hope that Andruw is waving by to that nasty ole Mendoza Line. Definitely showing more patience.
By Greg in TN
July 13, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this
Back-to-back…. AJ and B-Mac for his second.
Great to see the offense still on track after the break.
By Bob, Journalist
July 13, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
In Shaun Payne’s 11:04, he says “In a weird, backwards sense Bonds did not cheat”, exactly.
I wish Barry had said that: “In a weird, backwards sense, I did not cheat, exactly!” That would satisfy just about everybody!!
Why anyone would want to consider things in a weird, backward way is beyond me … but, I still don’t see how whether or not he got caught has anything to do with whether or not he did.
Shaun seems to say that Bud Selig didn’t think it worth the trouble to take action against Bonds.
What’s worth the trouble depends on the “what” and the individual’s value system … but if the Commissioner has the right, then I would consider it his duty to banish those he deemed unworthy of playing the game because of the discredit they have brought to it … for whatever the reason … and were he to choose not to so do because it wasn’t not worth the trouble … then methinks he, himself, would be prostituting his values and sense of duty; guilty of gross dereliction of duty, and should be removed from office.
In answer to my question, Shaun believes that we should take into account the fact that the player could have been great had he not cheated when acknowledging and recognizing his accomplishments. The actual question was a little more definitive but that’s his answer, for which I’m grateful … I just don’t share his view.
Though it is not relevant to my question, he believes that we have good reason to believe Bonds used PEDs.
I’m not familiar with the history of the rules or the posture of the game relative to the use of such things but, provided it was not illegal and occurred before the rules forbade such use, that would not be cheating.
Methinks that those who actively attempt to circumvent the spirit of the rules are guilty of far more serious crimes against the game than those who simply break the rules themselves.
That applies to any game, indeed any activity where there are well established tenets.
Methinks Shaun confuses “legal” with “criminal” in the determination of accountability but, as he says, it’s not worth the trouble to belabor the point.
Shaun Payne’s 11:04 post to me was made in response to a rather simple question asking for his opinion as to whether we should take into account the fact that a player could have been great had he not cheated. He answered that in the affirmative … which was all I wanted to know.
Most of his response was directly related to Barry Bonds and Bud Selig who are but players in the current drama and aren’t relevant to the fundamental question.
However, that situation is upon us and his views are well expressed; for those who might be so interested.
By chrisklob
July 13, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
In light of Carroll’s story about Bonds I have to share one that was told to me just yesterday.
A friend of mine’s son just had his tenth birthday. Ben is a huge baseball fan. I see him and his mother at Riverdogs games almost every time I go, which is frequent. He also plays little league, mostly catcher and is a big Braves fan. His favorite player is Brian McCann.
For his birthday, his parents surprised him with a trip to the All-Star game in SF. He and Mom flew out on Monday morning for all the festivities. They had a great time in The City but that’s not the story.
On Wednesday they got on the plane to come home. When Ben and his mother took their seats, he took a look at the guy sitting next to him. It was Brian McCann! Ben said hello to him, addressing him by name and told him what a big fan he was. They spent much of the flight talking about baseball and everything else. During the flight, Brian got his bag, pulled out a shirt (not sure if it was a jersey or not), signed it and gave it to Ben and also a signed photograph. At the end of the flight he took another five minutes or so taking pictures with the two of them! Needless to say, this young man has an experience that will stay with him for the rest of is life!
Sorry to make the story so long but every time I read about what a tool Barry Bonds (or a host of other players, for that matter) I think it’s important to remember that there ARE guys like McCann who are absolutely wonderful people, giving of their time and attention.
As my father used to tell me “it doesn’t cost anything extra to be nice”. It’s too bad more people don’t live by that rule.
By Greg in TN
July 13, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
Hmmmmm, Diaz hitting for AJ?
Carroll, if you hear anything as to why this is happening, can you enlighten us? AJ didn’t look hurt when TBS just showed him in the dugout.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
July 13, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
chrisklob Wow, great story.
By Lew
July 13, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
Can we now finally put to rest the trade scenarios for Brian McCann? He ain’t leaving Atlanta, nor should he. Signing the boy long term was a stroke of genius. It also looks like we’re getting an answer to whether or not Hudson will slide into atrocity the second half, too. Yeah, I’m a fool, aren’t I Efrim? Don’t have a clue what I’m talking about, do I? If Andruw is indeed, turning back into Andruw, we will win the division. The Mets are getting their behinds handed to them yet again-with their best pitcher toeing the mound. Hey Coach, Still coming with the wrecking ball? Still think it’s over? Whatever.
By chrisklob
July 13, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
Lew, I asked you this in the blog earlier today but I never saw your answer. Seems like you were in the midst of a “discussion” with another blogger. And if you did respond I missed it.
Anyway, did you ever hear back from Seth?
By Lew
July 13, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Chris-Not yet. I promise I’ll email you when I do. Sorry, I missed your question. I was in the midst of a discussion with another blogger.
By Efrim
July 13, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Lew,
You are weak. Hudson pitches well against the Pirates and you go insane. You make me sick pal. The guy is a good pitcher, and as I said today several times I wouldn’t deal Hudson if he had a strong second half. IF he struggles this half, which is very possible, then I would look to deal him because of the fat back end of his contract. You fail to understand what I was talking about. Shaun understood my point. It makes sense if he has a sub par second half, it does.
By Greg in TN
July 13, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
Just what the doctor ordered to start the second half from Hudson. 7 IP, 5 H, 1 BB and 4 Ks. He was on tonight in a major way and shaved his ERA down to 3.35 for the season.
By chrisklob
July 13, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Lew, no need to apologize. I know you were in the middle of something more important at the time.
I’m going to be in Louisville on Thursday and Durham will be there. I’m hoping to get to the game to say hello and see how things are for him. I’ll let you know if I learn anything.
By Greg in TN
July 13, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Great story about B-Mac on the plane, Chris. Thanks for sharing that. He truely gets it and it’s nice to see a kid that can hit a ton and play the game as well as he does end up being a great guy on top of all that.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 13, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
swinging too hard. thorman. swinging too hard. should take a little off and have better bat control and maybe make contact. now, what is up with andruw? if tp is having heart problems tonight maybe bobby pulled andruw to calm tp. and now, to answer the several questions: a nickname for thorman is not important at this juncture. soon, salty will play first base (switch hitter salty). and now, paronto has very sound toes. remember that chad paronto’s toes were called up when wickman had the mysterious abductor injury. abducted like aybar and ledezma? and journalist knew a player named wilfredo could not be relied upon. much like wilfredo carmichael of baseball and journalism fame.
By Wolfpack Man
July 13, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Bob J or anyone else:
Does anyone know what the deal is going to be with the Braves 45 games next year that are to be shown on the Peachtree TV station (over the air WTBS) in Atlanta for the rest of the state?
I guess what I am asking is for those of us who live in South Georgia and other parts of the state outside Atlanta, will those games be availabe on FSN or SS or not at all. And if not at all, then would they be blacked out if you had the Extra Innings package?
I think it would be a major mistake for the Braves to have 25% of their games only available to the city of Atlanta and not the rest of the state or Southeast.
Has this been decided or has anyone heard?
By mr baseball
July 13, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
Journalist Bob: I have to hand it to you, you have absolutely mastered the art of obtuseness. Ordinarily, I bypass your mostly indecipherable posts because they never seem to have much of substance within the professorial verbiage. For some reason, I decided to wade through your meandering post on Bonds, and came away thinking of a scene in “Hunt for Red October,” where Sean Connery dismissively tells Alec Baldwin all his conclusions in a scholarly analysis of Adm. Halsey were wrong.
I did get the gist of your observation, although it took a much closer examination of your thought process than is usually required on a baseball blog: Facts are irrelevant; an undefined sense of right and wrong is all that matters.
Methinks your talents are wasted here slumming with those of us who would prefer erudite discussions of infantile managerial moves and nonsensical hypothetical trades.
Now I’m flashing back on that old Monty Python parody goofing on Hall of Fame philosophers. Next time I come across one of your inscrutable lamentations, I think I’ll pass.
One game back. Woo-hoo. First place by the end of the weekend?
By chrisklob
July 13, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
Gil and Greg, thanks! It’s nice to be able to share a story like that.
By TennesseePaul
July 13, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
DOB: Thanks for the stats. Must be tough… like the job so much you’re prepared and on your way in on your off day.
Pirates not a push over. I’ve been saying the same thing. Despite the sub .500 record of these teams, one can’t assume the second half is easy.
Then the Braves pound Ian Snell for a bunch of runs and win the opener 9-1. Looks like the hot bats came home with them. I hope they can keep them going for the rest of the season. B-Mac is back. This guy is primed for a second half surge.
GO BRAVES
By Superman
July 13, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
I live in middle Tennessee and if all of a sudden i have to pay to watch the braves games next year after watching virtually every game my entire life I will be p**.
But I guess the powers that dont really care.
By ernesto
July 13, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Good W. tonight. Nice the hear Chip and Skip makes me miss the days of TBS and America’s team.
By Salty
July 13, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
Lew Are you ‘baitin’ bloggers again?!? :-)
Chrisklob Riverdogs…Charleston? You live there?
By Superman
July 13, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
*powers that be
Sorry had a long day
By Greg in TN
July 13, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Wolfpack Man,
Tonight’s mention during the broadcast was the first I heard of it. There is already mention of it on TBS’s Wikipedia entry.
TBS Wikipedia Link
It mentions that the local transmitted feed of Channel 17 will offer different programming than the national TBS feed and Time Warner will even use different call letters to the Atlanta market (WPCH).
From the looks of things, if you do not have the ability to receive TBS over the air today, the feed will be different than what the folks in Atlanta will get. I would think that Braves broadcasts destined for WPCH will also be carried to the southeast by FSN or SportSouth picking up their feed, but don’t know for sure what will happen.
By S T I N K Y
July 13, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
jjs & SJA: What is A Confederacy of Dunces?
By Matt
July 13, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
So,I wonder where TampaBrave and his minions are at who were saying we should trade BMac for Texeira.LOL!
Can we please put that to rest,now.It should of never started up in the first place.
Trade McCann?LOL!
By bravesfan
July 13, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
What do yall think about this?
From Baseball Opinion
Could Vazquez be a Brave?
Christopher Solberg, Editor 7/12/2007
The Chicago White Sox have been long rumored to be interested in trading off some of their higher priced players in an attempt to rebuild for 2008. But Mark Buehrle’s contract extension complete, the possible arms left available include Javier Vazquez, Jose Contreras, and Jon Garland.
Could the Atlanta Braves Trade for Javier Vazquez? There have been a few rumors of John Schuerholz’s interest in him before. Back in 2003, he tried to trade for Javier when he was still with the Expos. However the deal was supposedly nixed by MLB when they controlled the franchise. Rumors also floated around about a trade in 2004 the would have sent Andruw Jones to the New York Yankees for Vazquez as well. The Braves were also rumored in December 2005 to be looking at the right-hander according to a Ken Rosenthal article.
So, could Schuerholz be looking into trading for him again? According to the Chicago Tribune (thanks to MLBTR for the link) the Braves had scouts at a White Sox / Devil Rays game. Judging on the day of the report, they could have been scouting Mark Buehrle. But could they have stuck around for latter in the series to scout Vazquez as well? Analyst after analyst continue to strike down trade rumors for Ken Griffey Jr. or Mark Teixeira, citing the Braves need for another solid starter.
The Braves could conceivably give up Jarrod Saltalmachia for Vazquez as the White Sox look to eventually replace A.J. Pierzynski. The deal would most likely take another prospect with the way that Vazquez has been pitching lately. Possibly another pitcher? Maybe a Jo-Jo Reyes who was recently called up, possibly to showcase for a trade.
Vazquez would fit in nicely behind John Smoltz and Tim Hudson, sliding Chuck James to a more appropriate 4th spot in the rotation. This would leave the promising but inconsistent Kyle Davies, the mildly surprising Buddy Carlyle, and Lance Cormier to fight for the last spot.
Can Ken Williams and John Schuerholz make it work? Nineteen days left, we shall see.
By chrisklob
July 13, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
Salty, yes I live in Charleston. Actually in Mt. Pleasant. Do you know the area?
By Salty
July 13, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
Chrisklob From there actually…went to HS, then Clemson. Lived in the West Ashley area. I remember surf fishing the inlet between Kiawah and Seabrook before they became, well…what they are now, so I’m really dating myself!
The Pirates used to have the team there…decades ago…John Candelaria and Willie Randolph played there.
By Bob, Journalist
July 13, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
When someone is begging for attention, it usually best to give it to them, lest you feel responsible when they self destruct … unless, of course that is a desirable outcome.
TexasBrave, regarding your 11:56 AM … well said and agreed! poor Shaun Payne he’s well intending … making trades are within the rules, so it’s not cheating … we kid Shaun a lot about his perspective, or sometimes lack there of … and his overuse, misuse and abuse of statistics.
Shaun’s one of our best bloggers but he’s sometimes remindful of zealots who take things out of context in order to prove or make their point. It also seems that he sometimes fails to consider that others give due and proper consideration to what their saying before they say it.
Of course, that’s not all bad … there are far too many cases where he’s spot on about that!
Shaun Payne. I somehow missed your 10:04 AM … we may differ on what is or isn’t worth the trouble and, as a result, I doubt that the truth will never be known, certainly not a version that will be universally accepted.
As always, I appreciate your comments and you know that I at least directionally agree with much of what you say. On Earth, Clark was Superman, but on Krypton, he would have been just average, methinks. Even he might have had difficulty hitting home runs like the Babe with those marshmallows they were using back then.
I consider Bonds to be a tragic person who has turned himself into a nonentity as far as I’m concerned … he is to the greats of the game the same as lead acetate is to sugar.
I will always believe that if your actions serve to bring clouds of suspicion regarding the integrity of the game then you and your actions should be shown the door.
If there’s a destructive mole in my organization that’s killing it … and the finger points straight at you; you’re gone kid, I’ll find a way! I ain’t waitin’ till you confess or I find the smoking gun! If I’m wrong, I’m wrong … but, you ain’t gonna be the one to bring me down! No Sirree Bob, Journalist!
By Matt
July 13, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
Salty for Vasquez!
HELL NO!
By BREAKING NEWS!
July 13, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
Breaking News: A large pile of bones were discovered late this evening, and upon further examination, including reconstruction, the remains were determined to be that of TheSouthernJackAss, yes the sja has met his demise.
As the result of a more thorough investigation, and eye-witness accounts, it appears as though the sja was savagely attacked and dismembered by a pack of rogue jackals, then ultimately his bones were stripped clean by vultures.
Sadly, a message was scribbled nearby in the loose soil which read, “I kilt the A$sClowns what kilt me!!!”…
The ba$tard won’t be missed by many, but he will be missed by me…Bray in peace Jack, bray in peace my friend…
By chrisklob
July 13, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this
Salty, did you go to Middleton or St. Andrews? I went to Ft. Johnson. How I’m dating myself too!
I, too, went to Clemson, but just for a year before I came back to the C of C to finish up.
I remember the Pirates here too. While I know of some of the players who came thru here, I can’t say that I remember actually seeing any of them.
By Wolfpack Man
July 13, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
Greg in TN
I live in South Georgia, but am a Memphis native and have never had to worry about missing a game on TV. I read an article from the AJC from 6/28/07 that had similar information to your wikipedia post about TBS.
I sure hope you are right about the FSN and SS feeds when games are on Peachtree TV. I would pay for the Extra Innings package if I had to since I already have Directv for the Sunday ticket, but I would rather not pay at all.
My biggest fear is that only the Atlanta area will get those games on TV and the rest of the Southeast be blacked out even if you had the satellite package.
I could see them offering something similar to the defunct Braves Network where local channels in the Southeast have the option to pick up a feed of the 45 Peachtree games and if your local channels pass on them then we as fans will be screwed because of a potential blackout.
By geauxbraves2000
July 13, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
Are you kidding me? Salty and Reyes for Vasquez? JS is sharp, he is the one that usually commits the thievery, not the other way around.
Wow, what a game tonight. Huddy looked sharp, Moylan was awesome and Ascanio finished it.
AJ fell to one knee and popped out to CF (I think it was center), then he puts a beautiful balanced swing on the ball, not trying to hit it to Ohio, and look at the result. Hopefully that at bat will turn his season around.
1 1/2 back, they are getting there!
Okay, nite all, movie time.
Geaux Braves!!
By Coach ( Not Drinking The Kool Aid)
July 13, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
If the Braves get Vasquez or Contreras it won’t involve Salty. Neither one is a front line starter , they could both be defined as a three or fourth starter. Great game tonight , the offense is red hot. Hudson was fantastic , he really kept his pitch count down. The situation with Ledezma is almost funny , except that it’s not. Terry Pendleton , I sincerely hope your health and and heart are ok. Coming from someone who has suffered a heart attack , I wouldn’t want anyone to have that experience. Did anyone read the latest brain fart from Gary Sheffield ? He is the living definition of the quintessential dumb jock and I’m talking total M-O-R-O-N. Sheffield isn’t racist , he is to stupid for that characterization. Yo , Gary. a word of advice : Shut up and play ball because every time your mouth opens , your extreme lack of IQ and intelligence becomes obvious.
By HP
July 13, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
There is no way that I would trade Salty and Jo Jo Reyes for Javier Vazquez. Here is a trade that I would consider: Kyle Davies and Bryan Pena for Javier Vazquez. If they want more throw in Pete Orr and Chris Woodward.
By Bob, Journalist
July 13, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this
mr baseball, How quaint.
I can certainly understand and sincerely couldn’t agree more if I tried … of course, as Shaun Payne might say, I doubt it would be worth the effort to so do.
It’s seldom that you are my primary intended audience, much for the same reason, but I do find many of your posts entertaining.
However, I don’t hold with the elitist point of view and don’t consider the sharing my views, convoluted and obtuse though they are, to be either a waste of time or to be slumming. The neighborhood will only become a slum if we so allow.
We are what we are, you and me.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 13, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
a confederacy of dunces would be several stinky bloggers. no matter the name, the ugly posts are a giveaway. truly a sick individual. banned from a baseball blog by popular demand. trying to force your way back in, huh? what was it lew was fond of saying? oh, yeah, whiny little jerk. somehow, journalist feels stinky will once again self-destruct. in the meantime, stinky can blog with stinky all night like old times. meltdown imminent? now, who is that being mean to journalist bob? mr. baseball? hmmm… and whatever happened to andruw? pull a pork chop?
By Salty
July 13, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this
chrisklob I’m a Rock…was part of the split into Middleton and St. Andrews, so many friends were Hogs. I remember the FT.J Trojans…my how things have changed!
You saw where Matt Wieters was drafted out of Tech; I went to HS with his dad…a Citadel grad.
Didn’t see he Pirates teams either…just recall the names, of the famous ones anyway.
Good thing it’s a slow blog tonight, but we’ll still get blasted for reminiscing…be prepared!
By Salty
July 13, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
Anyone hear the pre-game (radio) tonight. Commenting on Petco being a pitcher’s park, yet AJ hitting so well, was passed by Chipper. He thinks (I paraphrase) it’s a hitters park…lots of space, just put the bat on the ball. He thinks the small parks mess hitters up, but the larger ones get them back in synch. That said, perhaps why AJ’s swing on the HR was comparable to what was in SD over the weekend?
By journalist jimmy smith
July 13, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
chrisklob, very fine seafood in mt. pleasant, sc. and what is chrisklob’s favorite seafood restaurant? jimmy smith will soon be traveling there and can use some local expertise. journalist likes seafood much like baby seal likes seafood. what are the policies on seals in the restaurant? can dress baby seal like a small baseball fan - it works at the ted.
By Carroll Rogers
July 13, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
i was told andruw had to come out with a quad strain but he should be fine to play tomorrow.
By Greg in TN
July 13, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
Wolfpack Man,
I’m on the other side of the state, right outside of Knoxville.
Checking other links, there is mention that plans are to have a regional over the air network to carry the games that WPCH will have in 2008. Will try and find more information over the weekend and whatever I find, I’ll post it here.
Great win by the Braves tonight, folks. We gain a game on the amazin’ mediocres in the process. Who says Friday the 13th is bad luck?
By chrisklob
July 13, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
Salty, when did you graduate from St. Andrews? I had a few friends that went there. I graduated from hs in 82.
Has Wieters signed yet? I just looked him up at milb.com and don’t see any numbers for him so it doesn’t look like he’s signed yet. It doesn’t make me hopeful for him. Baltimore doesn’t exactly have a stellar reputation for developing their young talent. Hopefully he will do well.
By ssiscribe
July 13, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
Top of the evening, denizens. Back from Turner Field after a grand start to the second half of the season.
Now THAT was the type of start I’m talking about, folks. A butt-kicking of the finest order. Mac busting out twice. AJ going yard. Huddy pitching great. The Mets getting beat up by the worst team in baseball.
One and a half games, brothers and sisters of the Braves/MIB congregation. Hear those footsteps in Flushing, tonight?
That be the Bravos, right on your heels. It’s on like Donkey Kong, folks.
Now, Vegas (noted transition by the Scribe): I am going to Vegas for my wedding anniversary the first week in October. I told Grinch I’m going to make a sign pimping the Braves (since that’s the opening week of the playoffs) and the Braves/MIB. But my question is this: Where in Vegas should I place this sign for a photo? Any suggestions? Post ‘em here.
And no, Grinch, your suggestion isn’t going to fly. My wife is going on the trip, after all!
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By Gil In Mechanicsville
July 13, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
quad strain Yep, I know the moment he did it too. Maybe that will cause him to cut down on his swing a bit….
By chrisklob
July 13, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
Journalist Jimmy Smith*, there are many, many fine seafood restaurants in Charleston. I could recommend a dozen or so but I’ll only tell you the ones that are baby seal friendly. Try Fleet Landing, Hank’s, Water’s Edge or the Boathouse on East Bay Street. Of course, there are many other restaurants that do not necessarily specialize in seafood yet offer many fine seafood dishes. And no need to dress baby seal as a baseball fan, although that would be quite amusing!
By Gil In Mechanicsville
July 13, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this
Goodnight all, time to sign-off for the night. Good win for the Bravos…..
By Bob, Journalist
July 13, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
Wolfpack Man
I just saw your question regarding the broadcasts … it was my impression that the 45 would be TBS broadcasts available throughout … though your question would suggest there might be reason to otherwise so believe.
Hopefully, someone else has answered the question … we get FSN but not SS, and home games, the last time I checked, are blacked out in Nashville on MLB.com.
By chrisklob
July 13, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
ssiscribe, if you are taking yourb bride with you then you must take your picture with the sign in front of the Bellagio. Every fifteen minutes or so they give a show that consists of lights, fountains and music. It is particularly spectacular at night.
Now, if you were NOT taking said bride then I would recommend some other places but as this is a family blog, they shall remain nameless!
By brian
July 13, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
you beat me to it geauxbraves - Salty and Jo=Jo for Vasquez is insane. I would not trade Salty for anyone short of Phillip Hughes right now or possibly Bedard.
Go Braves
By Lew
July 13, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
Chris-Tell him I said hello. Efrim-I’m weak and you’re a douchebag. Whatever- I’d rather be weak. I understood exactly what you were running on about and as usual I just disagree with you. Hudson is going to do just fine. I’m not going insane about a win over the Pirates, but he pitched just fine. Maybe it wasn’t a shutout against the Red Sox, but I’ll take a 5 hitter and 7 shutout innings any day of the week. You just fail to absorb the fact that we don’t need any more position players-we already have them waiting in line. We will even have Andruw’s departure covered. We do, however, need pitching and we will next year, as well. You won’t be able to get the extra pitching we already need AND replace Hudson. Not only that, you won’t be able to replace Hudson for any less money than we have him signed for. If you can’t see or understand that, I guess you do have the intelligence of a piece of produce and the pet rock really does have a better personality-it’s less dense.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 13, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
Wilfredo Carmichael could make a very fine baseball player/journalist for the atlanta braves. probably would take salty and soriano to get wilfredo, though.
chrisklob, journalist knows at least three of those restaurants - but, alas, did not eat at any of them. some were within short walk of journalist’s hotel on meeting street.
journalist crossed the bridge and ate on shem creek - but not at water’s edge. must make it a point to eat there next.
and where is the best grouper sandwich found?
now, baseball … that quad went on the first huge swing. bet on it. looked like andruw was falling in a hole.
By Braveheart
July 13, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
METS LOSE! BRAVOS WINS! MAGIC NUMBER IS 75!
By Lew
July 13, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
Salty-Yeah, I guess I am. What do you think-some nightcrawlers or crickets tonight? Seems there are some pretty big stumpknockers Trolling the waters this evening. High time to wet a line or two.
By chrisklob
July 13, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
jjs, try Fleet Landing for your next grouper sandwich. It’s sitting in an old US Navy building overlooking the harbor. Good food, great scenery.
By Bob, Journalist
July 13, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this
I never really liked grouper … excepting some pan fried sea bass that was mighty tasty … maybe it’s because catching giant grouper reminds me of lifting weights … ain’t much fun in that.
Wilfredo Carmichael … nickname ole’ buttermilk?
Now, if the Braves can just win the rest of their games ….
By flbravesgirl
July 14, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this
chrisklob, thanks so much for the airplane story. Ben probably could have flown without a plane after that.
Fantastic way to start the second half. Hopefully Andruw’s quad & TP’s ticker are OK.
Had to laugh a little at Ledezma’s “washing incident”. Of course, if he’s gone too long it won’t be funny.
By The Grinch
July 14, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this
I knew a good evening from Brian would bring FBG out of hiding. You know, if I were the owner of a baseball team I’d specify that if players wanted to visit their families in back-@$$ward countries during holidays or the off season close to playing time that they fly their families here where we don’t have “visa problems” for the duration of said player’s contract. This is getting ridiculous, and they’re being paid a lot of money to be part of a team. They don’t help anyone much being shaken down for 6 weeks by the third-world federales. I think it’s worth the cost of a few plane tickets to protect my investment, and the players should have enough sense not to put their team’s success in jeopardy in light of how many times this has happened recently.
MetroMan, I can start to smell that 50 bucks you’re gonna owe me when we win the division despite everything!
G’night, all.
By BravesYo
July 14, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this
Lew is right..trading Hudson would be a BIG mistake..I mean look at what pitchers were getting before the season began. What the heck was going on? We need a veteran behind Smoltz..We’re not the only ones who need pitching either..but our payroll limits us. We wont get equal value if we trade huddy and we’d be back to same position..needing pitching. I wish we could dumb hampton’s salary..now hes making dollars.
By Ron
July 14, 2007 2:16 AM | Link to this
I would trade Escobar, JoJo Reyes, and a minor league reliever for Vasques!!! But no way on earth I would trade Salty for the dude!!!
Good win tonight, we needed to get off on a Good start!!!
By Bob, Journalist
July 14, 2007 2:48 AM | Link to this
Salty, it’s okay to chide them what is supposedly men of letters for abusing “your” and “you’re” as well as wont, and won’t … just so long as you leave Coach alone! If he changed, I wouldn’t understand a word he said and would probably think it was some evil doer just pretending to be the Coach.
who is that being mean to journalist bob? mr. baseball?
Jimmy, I don’t think Mr. Baseball was being mean … I think he was sincere and it was actually refreshing to see something of substance rather than his usual highly entertaining fare.
However, it is interesting that he finds me to be obtuse and then reaches definitive conclusions as to my intent, presenting them as fact or posits rather than opines.
I believe that, most of the time, most are trying to convey something they believe to be of value and substance … and we should endeavor to determine the intent than to criticize the one, or the style of the one, making the attempt.
I can’t fault our Mr. Baseball for his inability to comprehend that which I post; for reaching the wrong conclusions about my intent; or for his evaluation of them. I see no evil intent on his part and I really do find his posts to be highly entertaining.
I find his assertion that mine is the verbiage of the professor to also be intended as humor … for it is he that uses “erudite discussion” to describe that for which he longs and he well knows that my verboseness simply reflects a frequently bemoaned inability to be succinct.
I don’t know the specific posts that triggered his post to me, but so there’s no misunderstanding, I strongly feel that those who choose to break the rules fundamental to the integrity of the game; those who bring discredit to the game; and those cause shadows of doubt to be cast upon the integrity of the game should live in infamy.
If that’s considered to be obtuse, so be it!
By S T I N K Y
July 14, 2007 5:34 AM | Link to this
If it walks like an obtuse duck, and quacks like an obtuse duck, mightn’t it be an obtuse duck?
Not that there’s anything wrong with that…
By Bill
July 14, 2007 7:09 AM | Link to this
I know the Braves need another starting pitcher. It would be insane to trade Reyes,Harrison,Salty or any of top notch prospects. I like the trade of Davies and Pena for Vasquez or include Escabor instead of Pena. Escabor is a good prospect but I think he is older than what is being reported.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 8:08 AM | Link to this
Another day, another blog, Morning all. I was awakened by the cat looking for breakfast so I thought I may as well check on the overnight chatter.
Thought it was interesting the comments attributed to our GM in reference to several possible trade deals. Basically stating Escobar and Salty would not be used as trade bait. Also seemed interested that Franco was available.
Jullio would deffinately be a positive influence in the club house, in particular with the Latin players. I still think he would be a better alternative than Woodward and he would likely platoon at first with Thorman. Perhaps Franco could teach Scott how to hit too because I don’t believe he is listening to Terry.
By ssiscribe
July 14, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this
Top of the morning, everybody, a morning that finds the Braves just a game and a half out of first place. A few random thoughts as we prepare for the next step in the journey to October:
— Anybody doubt Brian McCann was feeling the effects of his finger injury earlier this season? I know he had a few rough games before the break, but BMac just looks more comfortable at the plate. His homers last night were blasts (sitting in the left-field stands, those balls really jumped off the bat). We saw McCann have a tremendous second half after recovering from injury. Hopefully we’ll see the same this season.
— Andruw’s swing is looking better, some of the time. I guarantee you, like many others have opined, he strained the quad on that falling down swing. But that notwithstanding, I think AJ’s swing is getting better.
— Huddy looked great last night. Worked around the two hits in the first, then found his rhythm. Spotted his pitches very well. When he pitches like that, he’s tough to handle. Put three runs on the board early like last night, and it’s lights out from there.
— Good crowd last night. I was shocked at the number of people waiting in line for tickets. Got to Turner Field a little later than we planned, then had to wait in line nearly 20 minutes for tickets. But that’s a good sign. I think people are really starting to get excited because they realize this race is going to last all summer, and that will stoke the flame of excitement throughout the city.
— Ol’ Rochy, I wish he would’ve gotten a bigger round of applause when he came to the plate in the top of the first. Super guy. I wish him well, especially starting Monday.
— Now, tonight. Need Chuck to come out and pitch well. Need Matt Belise and the Reds to help us out up in Flushing. Do that, and we’ll be a scant half-game from the top this time tomorrow morning.
— I like the Bellagio suggestion. I believe we’re going to stay at the Tropicana (on the corner with New York New York, Excalibur and MGM) on the south end of the strip. I’ve got to figure out just how this sign is going to be designed (I do have more than a decade of design experience, so I should be able to come up with something). Any ideas on what to incorporate, pass them along. I’ll ask again as we get closer to the trip in first week of October.
That’s all for now. A day trip to the mountains awaits. For now, the Scribe abides.
—30—
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
I would agree with Bill in that Pena is the catcher most likely to be offered in a trade deal. He is a very good defensive catcher who has shown the ability to hit when given the opportunity. He has also shown good versatility by playing other positions while on assignment in Richmond.
The question is who needs a catcher that has pitching to trade.
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this
Is that the infamous “Stinky” posting by name? Although I have been accused of being he, I had never before had the “pleasure”.
I would answer your question but I don’t know what obtuse is. I do know what “duck” is. It’s aquatic fornification, isn’t it?
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this
I just looked at my own post and saw how I had butchered f-o-r-n-i-c-a-t-i-o-n. I don’t spell well on Saturday mornings. It probably has to do with the red vino still flowing in my veins.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this
A comment on character and a simple way to judge that particular trait. I am not sure how many of participate in the great game of golf but I used to test potential candidates I had in mine for leadership positions to play a round with me. It was amazing what one could learn while observing them at play. I did not care if they were any good at the game. My observation were mainly to see how they reacted to adversity and if they were honest. Did they truly count every stroke? Funny how you can make a self assessment with this very game. The rules are the rules and lying to one’s self does not change the fact that one has broken them.
This is why there is such a cloud hanging over Barry Bonds and his chase for fame. He will always be suspected of cheating. Perhaps he has no conscious so he does not care, however, it is difficult for anyone to live with the thought they will be found out.
Know the truth and know the truth shall set you free.
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this
When one of the “greats” of this blog, Gil misspells a word, it makes a mere foot-soldier like me feel better. (:>))
By The Grinch
July 14, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
Morning, all. Paladin, maybe it was an unconcience mistake. :-) I know I certainly shouldn’t throw stones; I spend about a quarter to a half of every day writing and I’m one of the worst spellers I know. Ok, Chuck’s going tonight, which means I’m getting stuck with Davies or Carlyle tomorrow. Hope it’s Buddy; he’s at least pretty consistant against bad lineups. I knew Andruw must have pulled something ‘cause of how mad he looked with that awful swing. Normally he just thinks it’s funny. However, he’s still my boy and I hope he keeps up the recent good work.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
Spelling was never a strong suite for me.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
Grinch Going to the Alison Krauss concert in August? It’s your opportunity to woo her with your charm…. Chicks dig “bad boys” :-)
By Salty
July 14, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
chrisklob ‘82, huh? Ouch…’73 for me.
Wieters agent is Mr. Boras…enough said?
Haven’t been to Chasn in quite a while…I didn’t even recognize the restaurant run-down…guess I need to visit…there are worst places to go!
By The Grinch
July 14, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
Holy hot fiddle players, Batman! She’s playing the Fox on my birthday! I can’t bring a date ‘cause it wouldn’t be fair and I’m not taking a dude to an Alison Krauss concert…who am I going to get to buy me tickets? Hmmm…my plans for today have changed while I think of something devious. Thanks for the heads-up, Gil; I owe you one. If you could round me up a backstage pass I’ll give you my truck. :-)
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
I’m doing Saturday morning chores. Not “honey-dos” ‘cause there ain’t no honey. They are me-dos. Anyway, I’m happening by every now and then.
Grinch If you see Rosalyn tell her I would love to hear some of her commentary. It would make my day.
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Speaking of spelling: I almost wear out the minimize button switching to my Merriam-Webster program to check the spelling on things. It is a real pain in the asphidity when I hit “Spelling help” and the program gives me a “tilt” like the old pin-ball machines were wont to do.(I just had to check on “wont”) :-)
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Salty, I had forgotten that Borass was his agent. I’m sure he’s probably looking to get him a 6 year, $10m contract that automatically gets him on the 40 man roster.
That man is a menace to sport. This whole contract thing he’s got going on with PayRod (I mean ARod) is sickening.
If you haven’t been to Chas in a while you really need to get back. We really do have great restaurants here, among other things.
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
Gil, regarding your 8.15 post….
Seems like Detroit has pitching to burn, are they a potential partner?
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this
See! I just noticed in my 10:06 that “there” should have been “the’re”—I think. But, who’s keeping score?
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
You know things are slow when people are picking apart their own spelling and punctuation errors!
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
Paladin Download the Google tool bar. I contains a spell check feature. Very handy to have. One just has to remember to use it.
chrisklob Maybe they will trade us back McBride now they have his delivery fixed.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
Okay guys, I am going to defrag the computer and run the anti-virus. See ya’ll later.
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
I’m back, briefly—I promise.
You are right chrisklob, it is slow so I am going to interject something that I would have loved to cover at the blog change, but thought better.
It was my “bad” for not picking up on the highjacking of jjs’ persona by a jackal. jjs always writes in lower-case and all of a sudden he is “publishing” in bold ALL CAPS! A big duh for me.
I am sentenced to 30 lashes with a strand of al dente fettuccine AND to quit pickin’ apart my own posts.
Is that better, chriskolb? :-)
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
Gil, I thought for a while that Macay needed a change of scenery. Glad to see that he’s doing better.
Paladin, only 30 lashes? ;-)
By Coach ( Not Drinking The Kool Aid)
July 14, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
Andruw Jones is hitting .324 with 4 HR and 9 RBI in his last ten games , WOW ! he has had a hit in 13 of his last 15 games , ain’t it amazing what happens when he stops pulling everything and uses the whole field. Brian McCann is hitting .273 with 4 HR and 12 RBI in his last ten games. As a team over the last ten games , hitting .285 with 13 HR and 58 Runs/RBI.
By songwriter jimmy smith
July 14, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
with apologies to everyone … (it may not work out for grinch and allison krauss)
As I went down to the Fox to play
Studying about that good old way
Who’s that singing along with me?
Good Lord, show him the door!
O sisters let’s go down,
Let’s go down, come on down,
O sisters let’s go down,
Down to the Fox to play.
As I went down to the Fox to play
Studying about that good old way
And who’s that man playin’ guitar?
Good Lord, show him the door !
O brothers let’s go down,
Let’s go down, come on down,
Come on brothers let’s go down,
Down to the Fox to play.
As I went down to the Fox to play
Studying about that good old way
And who is wearing those big clown shoes?
Good Lord, show him the door!
O fathers let’s go down,
Let’s go down, come on down,
O fathers let’s go down,
Down to the Fox to play.
As I went down to the Fox to play
Studying about that good old way
And who’s that man packing heat?
Good Lord, show him the door!
O mothers let’s go down,
Let’s go down, don’t you want to go down,
Come on mothers let’s go down,
Down to the Fox to play.
As I went down to the Fox to play
Studying about that good old way
And who is that guzzling beer?
Good Lord, show him the door!
O sinners let’s go down,
Let’s go down, come on down,
O sinners let’s go down,
Down in the river to pray.
As I went down to the Fox to play
Studying about that good old way
And who is that wearing my dress?
Good Lord, show him the door!
By mike
July 14, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
Ever notice that the crowd at a Mets home game looks like a scene from the Sopranos? The lack of Mets action on this site since last night tells me that they spent the night pumping each other. You want to see beautiful women, look in the stands in Atlanta. You want to look at men, go to Shea.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 14, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
well, in spite of dob’s most favorable comments about adam laroche, all bloggers knew adam was going to forget something last night … and it was the baseball! yes, that’s right, adam laroche forgot to take the baseball with adam laroche to first base. then, adam laroche was hit in the rump by the same baseball. this evoked memories of adam laroche as a brave. still, it was nice to hear fans politely applaud adam laroche.
By Salty
July 14, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist Me, chide? If indeed it was ‘men of words’, the message would be so compelling, certain details wouldn’t matter! I’m not unlike many who prefer to listen than be heard, but I do have my limits! :-)
By Michael, Ex-Sports Editor
July 14, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
DOB - I want to give thanks for the good, inside info you share on this blog. I know that is what a lot of us crave.
I have a potential blog topic I have mentioned before (thought I would dive in while the pool is almost empty ): The Braves (or any business for that matter) have to operate in a “close - to - the - vest” manner so that they do not give out proprietary information to their competition. This is perfectly understandable. However, this creates a lot of questions in my mind - thus this request.
I would like some inside info on the game - day management process of the Braves. You have mentioned before that BC was unavailable because he was in meetings. What kind of meetings? I would imagine that there are various meetings: medical staff meetings, scouting report meetings, coaching staff meetings, and meetings with JS. Of course, the end result of these meetings would be the construction of the day’s line-up card, which dictates the “product” that we see take the field each game.
I think that sharing some of this insight would have an added benefit by demonstrating that the Braves’ management decisions are not made by BC in a vacuum (as some bloggers here claim), but are rather a result of the best collective knowledge available to him at that time.
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
Michael ex-Sports Writer
Excellent post and well-written too. Those “small” colleges teach something too, don’t they? :-)
By The Grinch
July 14, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
Jimmy Smith, I refuse to allow you to dissuade me from my goal. Besides, I could never fit into her dress; she’d have to go on a serious pizza and cookie-dough diet for about 5 years first.
Mike, those aren’t all men at the Mets games; some are thick, swarthy women with mustaches.
Michael ex-sports editor, please don’t tell us things like that. If we assume Bobby makes these decisions in a vaccum, then we can mark it off to him being senile. If we’re forced to believe what you say, then that means the entire organization has its head up its collective %$$, and that’s harder to comprehend.
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Once again, you don’t know whether jjs’ clever barbs are aimed at you/me or not. Take “packing heat” for instance. Sure could be. But, if so jjs, in case you haven’t heard, my guns(well-oiled)are in my footlocker. I’m just a homesteadin’ dirt-farmer now. My only armament is this hoe(that I am just now taking a break from using)that I employ in defense against weeds. Yes, I have heard of *Roundup” but it kills too many other things besides weeds. Anyway, sir, the new song is not one of your best but good by the rest of “us’s” standards, never-the-less.
By Michael, Ex-Sports Editor
July 14, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
BTW - jjs, your 6:36 last night about LaRoche and, uh, Chipper hunting:
and are laroche and chipper meeting for some huntin’ before the game? and what will they hunt? and what will they do if they find one? and which one takes the shot? and which one signs the carcass? and do they pull the carcass from the woods or push? and what a conversation between the two of them must be like!!
Freaking hilarious - made me laugh out loud at my monitor. oh! the inanity!
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
It seems that I am in disagreement with the Grinch. Shall I assume the position, sir? :-)
By the Stranger
July 14, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
You played it perfect, CR. Thanks for saving that story for the Braves/MIB. Have you had a creepier moment in your professional career?
By TheSouthernJackAss
July 14, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
TheSouthernJackAss rejoined the blog last evening only to happen upon a most disturbing post which announced my alleged demise, in graphic detail I might add…a post apparently rendered by some presumptuous half-wit who is obviously blessed with more time on it’s hands than brains in it’s head…
Even more vexing than the content and tone of this bogus proclamation is the realization that not one blogger stepped up to the plate to take a cut at the validity of any of the assertions put forth by this mephistophelean oaf…nor did anyone seem to care…and I’m not referring as to anyone being concerned with the wellbeing of TheJackAss…I am however more so alluding to the blatant apathy exhibited by my fellow bloggers as to the rampant scourge of identity theft which has plagued this forum as of late…I guess it matters not until you become an unwilling victim…
Well, now it matters not to TheJackAss either…every blogger for himself!…TheSouthernJackAss came riding onto these blogs a couple years ago with guns a blazin’, indiscriminately, in every direction, no one was immune to his onslaughts…ultimately he endured ostracism and retribution from virtually all comers, and deservedly so…however, TheJackAss had calmed a bit, and became more selective when firing his fusillades…enduring derogatory and debasing comments just as ignoble as his own…
This blog is a direct reflection of society as a whole…there are all kinds here…those with enormous egos that require stroking on a daily basis like an old house cat…those who hunger acknowledgment and affirmation like a young, new bride…wannabes, has-beens, & never-will-bes…thugs, trolls, bullies, cowards, & snobs…the overly educated along with the overtly ignorant…number crunchers & stat keepers…ladies & gentlemen…those of character along with those that can’t even spell character…liars & cheats…posers & fakes…the honest, the compassionate, the humble, & the sweet…on and on, we’ve got every kind right here…the humanity…
Consequently, TheSouthernJackAss believes that he also has a place somewhere in the midst of all this concoction of abstract personalities which constitutes a blog, and will continue to post his comments at will…you can take his remarks with a grain of salt, or plain, it matters not…for there exists no benchmark here as to designating anyone as tenured, having senior status, or higher rank…a newcomer has as much right to present his thoughts as does those who have been posting regularly since the blog’s infancy…all are equal…the only rules that need apply are those set forth by the AJC, and those of any decent society in general…if everyone would adhere to the same principals expressed in their own everyday personal and professional lives, including being respectful of those who may not always deserve that respect, and if everyone would address fellow denizens as if they were standing face to face with that person, or address the blog as if they were literally standing before a live audience, then it would be a much more pleasurable experience for everyone involved…last but not least, as jimmy smith has oft stated, in various forms, “if you can’t say it in front of your mama, don’t say it at all.”
So TheSouthernJackAss brays on…to the dismay of many…surrounded by a thick coating of A$sClown repellent…now let your arrows fly…
By The Grinch
July 14, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
What, exactly are we disagreeing about, Sir Paladin? Don’t tell me I’ve got to fight you over her too…man, this is going to be harder than I thought.
By Coach ( Not Drinking The Kool Aid)
July 14, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
You might want to read this.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19734725/site/newsweek/
By Ken Myers
July 14, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this
Carroll, If you and your sports media colleagues have that much of a hard time interviewing Barry Bonds and putting up with his BS, I have a very simple solution for you.. DON’T INTERVIEW BONDS EITHER PREGAME OR POSTGAME. You guys know he is going to act like a jerk, so why give him the satisfaction. Report what he does on the diamond, and that’s it. Don’t even nterview him whether he does something good or bad; you can just write about it. Of course, I doubt that he would change his tune, and the sports editors and networks would have a heart attack with this suggestion.
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this
SJA, I read that post last night and assumed that your moniker had been hijacked by a jackal. My personal policy on jackals and trolls is to ignore them.
Welcome back SJA. I’m glad to hear that reports of your demise have been greatly exaggerated.
By TheSouthernJackAss
July 14, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
…and for the benefit of the grammatically correct—it should have read, as do those, rather than, as does those…a rookie mistake…
By Coach ( Not Drinking The Kool Aid)
July 14, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19734725/site/newsweek/
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Grinch Oh, are we fighting over Alison Krauss? I don’t even know the young man but I’m sure he puts on a good performance.:-) Actually, I “served” with a man named “Alison”, but he probably spelled it with 2 ls. These damn masculine/feminine spellings(Sorry, Carroll)will get you messed up!
And now I’m going to go and apply some vaseline. I know SJA must have referred to me somewhere in his post.
By TheSouthernJackAss
July 14, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
Appreciated chrisklob—in my endeavor to smooth out some of my rough edges…I too shall adopt your method of dealing with jackals and trolls by ignoring them…I just hope I never ignore the point of ignorance…
By Fed Up with Who's Now
July 14, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
Just wanted to ask you guys and gals for a few more comments on the Who’s Now segment on ESPN.
This blog had a great discussion of this segment and it was largely slammed. I emailed my cousin who works at ESPN to see what it was all about. I also said I thought it was the worst segment I had seen in years on ESPN. They slam Peyton and LT because they are boring but hype up the players hooking up with Paris Hilton (no telling what you might catch there) and one of the Jessica’s. This segment seemed to support to be great you need to be high profile, while the top players like Peyton and LaDanian who do it with class get criticized.
Maybe that is why ESPN doesn’t like the Braves. The Braves won their divisions with class and acted like they have done it before. They do not admire their homeruns like it is the first they have ever hit (a month or so ago I did wonder if the Braves could actually hit). They don’t get pictured with strippers. There is no Manny being Manny.
He basically said everyone else is promoting that culture (Paris all over CNN) and that if I did not like what it taught children about sportsmenship and how to play the game, that I should lock my children in a dark room for 15 years.
Anybody here with me that Who’s Now is a waste of airtime?
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
The only thing I’ll watch on ESPN any more is Baseball Tonight and the Sunday night game, but only because it’s the only game on. Gammons is great, Kurkjian is very good and Olney is pretty good. I like Kruk too because he’ll say whatever he really thinks — same reason I liked Rob Dibble when he co-hosted the radio show with Dan Patrick.
As for the rest of it, no thanks. I don’t like much of anything else. They have a few other personalities on that I enjoy but much of the programming and commentary is just junk.
And as much as I’ve enjoyed the Yankee/Red Sox rivalry over the years, I really wish they’d quit pimping that so hard. And the Mets too. People complain about ESPN having an East Coast bias with good reason. Except that it’s not so much an east coast bias as it is a New York/New England bias.
By David O'Brien
July 14, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
Fed Up, you’re late to the game on this one. We already had a poll of such on this matter. I asked a few days ago if Who’s Now was the worst segment in the history of ESPN, in their long line of huge mistakes including the Steve Phillips-is-your-GM garbage with the fake press conference, the Stuart Scott spoken-word/rap intro to highlights, the various after-school-special quality movies they’ve done, etc.
I put this at the top of the garbage list. But again, we already covered this ground, unless there’s something new.
Hey Grinch, all the talk about the lovely Ms. Krauss yesterday reminded me to ask you if you’ve heard the band Olabelle. If not, you should definitely buy or download their CD, “Riverside Battle Songs.” Got a lot of Krauss’ more-upbeat songs feel to it. It’s terrific. I got it in spring training, keep going back to it and hearing new things.
By Coach ( Not Drinking The Kool Aid)
July 14, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
Unless ESPN is showing the highlights , a live game or poker. I ain’t watching.
By Tonight on TBS
July 14, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
First time on television:
Batatouille (2007)
Remy (voice of Chip Caray) is a batboy, constantly risking mistreatment at the hands of spoiled superstars because of his love of baseball as well as a desire to one-day become a manager. But opportunity knocks when the crusty old manager, Bobby, (voice of Wilford Brimley), lacking a grasp of basic baseball strategy, discovers the genius of Remy and secretly lets him call the plays. It’s up to the two of them to avoid the insane general manager (voice of Darth Vader), get the team to play slightly better than .500 ball, get into the playoffs, and POSSIBLY WIN THE WORLD SERIES! Finally. (Cartoon).
By Gil In Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
SJA Never knew you were one to need any assistance. Always thought you to perfectly capable of defending yourself. I learned long ago not to come to aid of someone until invited to do so. That not to say I would allow someone to be bushwhacked but you get my drift.
I guess we are who we are warts and all. No need for mask here.
By The Grinch
July 14, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
Paladin, to say such things right after asking if you should “assume the position”…well.
DOB, thanks for the reccomendation; I’ll have a listen.
Looks like I’m going to tonight’s game too; anyone else going that wants to meet for a beer or 12?
By Fed Up with Who's Now
July 14, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
DOB - read my post - I am not late to the discussion. The first line I reported that based on our discussion here I emailed my cousin at ESPN about Who’s Now. He did not seem to believe me that people at this blog and elsewhere thought it was a waste of airtime. I figured he would probably check this blog since he probably would not be able to find it on the past blog.
If there is an easy way to link the discussion on the blog where he can find it, please post it here so I can show him where to look
I guess ESPN felt left out with Paris Hilton all over the news, so they had to talk about their athletes who have hooked up with her
By ElbravoX-- EbX
July 14, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
So Minaya releases Franco without talking to Willie then hires Henderson. Why not promote Franco? No class at all. Hopefully Julio will start his coaching career in Atlanta. I’m back and so are the Braves…Old Roachie never disappoints. Hoss had to give him some trash talk. GO BRAVES.
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Grinch That is an old military school/military expression that has nothing to do with THAT position.
Sorry I don’t live close enough to take you up on the invite. Have one or six for me. In the meantime, I will be here watching Lawrence Welk re-runs.
As for ESPEEIN: I watch it during football season because all I can get on my “local” stations is the Titans, Vandy and UfrigginT! During baseball season, I can get my fill between TV, here and there, and here. And as to those other programs you mention: Ain’t got a dog in that fight, ‘cause I know not of what you speak.
By Braveheart
July 14, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
Hello, hello, hello
Is there anybody in there?
Just nod if you can hear me.
Is there anyone at home?
By KC
July 14, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
DOB/Carroll: Any word on the possibility of Julio Franco returning to the Braves? I’m not sure if he would be able to contribute much, but I don’t think he could contribute less than say… Chris Woodward.
Personally, I wouldn’t be at all heart broken to see Woodward released to clear a spot for Franco. We have enough versatility in our infield without Woodward. Even without Woodward, we have 4 people (Johnson, Escobar, Orr, and Harris) who can play 2B… a true backup shortstop in Escobar (and 2 others who could play it in a pinch), as well as 3 people who can play 3B.
So what purpose does Chris Woodward serve on this team??? Certainly can’t be his bat! I would put Pete Orr in the same category, except that he has some value as a pinch runner.
Release Chris Woodward. Sign Julio Franco.
By SFO
July 14, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
Speaking of Who’s Now - the following appeared in the “Betting Fool” column on the SF Chronicle’s web site…
STUPIDER AND STUPIDER: There is no off button when it comes to ESPN’s lust for jamming the hippest, hottest, coolest and most wealthy at us from every angle.
Have you seen the “Who’s Now?” lunacy?
Some winged monkey among the ESPN cubicles gets a thought bubble: “Hey, let’s have us a tournament, where we rank sports people with the biggest Q-rating (a term they learned from watching Arli$$) and we’ll have brackets and then we’ll seed everyone.”
The leader of the ESPN Mothership nods.
“And?” he asks.
“Panels of experts,” spews the monkey. “We’ll get our people to break it down for us, have Shaun White go against Dwyane Wade, for instance, and Stuart Scott with those huge hands will lead the experts through a discussion of just exactly Who is the Nowest. We’ll even get a Final Four out of it. Maybe Flomax will buy the rights to it — Flomax Final Four!”
“Brilliant,” says The Leader, using the exact tone of the Guinness commercial. “Budget it. Shoot it.
Wait, we have experts?”
Last week, I nearly gagged as I watched Michael Wilbon, a terrific columnist who I enjoy on the PTI show, try to keep a straight face as he “debated” — with cheesy Kirk Herbstreit and Keyshawn Johnson (huh?) — the “nowest” capabilities of the “Flying Tomato” and “Flash.”
What’s next? “Who’s Then?” on ESPN Classic. Somewhere in Connecticut, a winged monkey’s brain is closing in on this beauty.
I could not stomach last night’s “debate” over Jeff Gordon and Barry Bonds (how in the world is Gordon seeded higher, by the way?)
I know ESPN wants to get Keyshawn’s face out there since he’ll be doing NFL analysis next season, but he added nothing to the conversation, sounding about as sharp as a wad of molten Play-Doh.
Who’s Now? The title makes no sense, unless “That dude is now” has become some sort of buzz phrase. If it has, I need to get out more or, better yet, stay in permanently.
By SFO
July 14, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
Bait-a-meat just homered for the Dodgers. Giants self-destructing.
You Braves fans interested in Matt Morris?
What do you bid?
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this
No Braveheart, there is no one in here. SJA came through earlier and killed or severely wounded all of us.
By HP
July 14, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
SFO: I would trade Kyle Davies and Scott Thorman for Matt Morris. If they want more then throw in Chris Woodward or Pete Orr.
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
HP and SFO I would trade Kyle Davies and Scott Thorman for Matt Morris. If they want more then throw in Chris Woodward or Pete Orr.
And emphasize the “throw in” part on Woodward and Orr.
By David O'Brien
July 14, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
KC, I think your proposed move would fall under the category of throwing good money after bad. Makes little if any sense to do that, much as I like Julio….
OK, tonight: Andruw’s in the lineup, but don’t know if he’ll stay in it. He wasn’t moving too well before the game, said that leg was still sore.
By SFO
July 14, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
HP, Paladin No deal. Giants already have a lefty-hitting firstbaseman, Klesko (you may remember him). Maybe Davies is ok. But another (young) player of some value would be required.
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this
OK, how about a pair of Hoss’es autographed boots and an Andruw Jones bat(rarely used)?
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this
Paladin, what say we throw in a Pete Orr jersey, just to sweeten the pot?
By David O'Brien
July 14, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this
Well, after talking to Schuerholz personally, I gotta say, it sounds like they have legit interest in Julio. Don’t think they’ve talked to his agent yet, but there’s legit interest on the Braves’ part.
By Braveheart
July 14, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this
I’m tossing in a special box set of the collective work of Whitesnake. Will that do the trick?
By Braveheart
July 14, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this
If anyone ever finds those compromising photos passed on to Orr by Lockhart, we could get any deal we want done. All we would need to do is exchange the photos for the player of our dreams. Those are some powerful photos. Too bad Orr seemingly misplaced them. We had better find them before they get into the hands of the wrong people. The rumor is that either Davies or Thorman or Woodward is currently in possession of said photos. We will need to send the hounds of hell for further investigation.
By Chop Chop
July 14, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t mind seeing Julio as a coach, but I don’t know if it’s worth using up a roster spot for a guy who would almost never play AND can’t really pinch run. Maybe the Braves can sign him, keep him on the roster a few weeks, see if Julio comes to the correct conclusion (e.g., time to hang ‘em up) and then move him into some sort of a tutoring/coaching/jack of all trades role with the major league club through the end of this season. With a few weeks left in the year, they could name him to a coaching job in the minors (if he’s interested) and let him get that part of his career started.
By HP
July 14, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
DOB: I would be glad if braves can get Julio Franco to play for them. Not only he can play first base this year for us, but he can also play third base. He has played 2 games for mets at third base this year. I would say if braves get Julio, then there would be no need for Chris Woodward on the team. I think Julio didn’t play well for the mets because he wasn’t getting much at bats consistently every day. Here are some stats to compare Pre-All star break: In 2004: 126 AB .310BA. 2005: 174AB .276BA. In 2005: 139AB .281BA. 89AB .281BA. 50AB .200BA.
By Bob, Journalist
July 14, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this
Well i ain’t never! Salty, I seen that the very first time you spoke … some things just make your ears hurt!
We used to use “I seen” and “I done” as code expressions for the sound of someone scraping chalk accross the blackboard … now, “I done did” is perfectly acceptable abuse among friends in polite circles, if you have permission.
Now there’s a little moth crawling between the keys … I am no longer responsible for what gets posted.
There’s a fine line between success and failure … my 7th grade teacher used the capital F followed by the l
to illustrate the point … like the same thing goes for the difference between what we are and what we can be … drawing that fine line takes just a little extra effort, that’s all.
Go Braves!
By Braveheart
July 14, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this
Any truth to the rumor Julio Franco is now the one in possession of said compromising photos?
Is it true Omar Minaya found out Julio had said photos and demanded to see them immediately?
Is it true Julio, being a loyal Brave, would not let Omar see said photos?
Is it true Omar cut him as revenge?
Is it true Julio is now using said photos as a way to blackmail his way back onto the Braves?
Is it true Rick Down actually got to look at said photos?
Did Rick Down get fired because he saw said photos and would not divulge the contents to Omar out of loyalty to Julio?
Has Rickey Henderson seen said photos?
Has Rickey told Omar what was contained in said photos in an attempt to get the job coaching with the Mets?
Is it true Omar did not understand a word Rickey said when Rickey was divulging the contents, so he hired Rickey hoping eventually throughout the course of the season he would be able to decipher what Rickey is saying is contained in said compromising photos?
Is it true Glavine has known all along what is contained in said photos and that is how he was able to get more money from the Mets?
Did the Mets win the division last year because Glavine, being the two face that he is, partially divulged the contents, thus selling out the Braves, and forcing the Braves to have such an awful bullpen?
Being the two face that he is, Glavine, of course, only partially provided the contents and not the whole contents as he had promised the Mets because Glavine of course was trying to suck more money out of the Mets.
Was Sir John in a panic last winter to trade away Hudson and get Glavine back to get knowledge of the contents of the compromising photos back in house?
Will Glavine someday divulge all the contents to the Mets or will he be a duplicitous two face forever, using the contents as a way of suckering the highest bidder?
One has to wonder……..
One also has too much free time on their hands…….
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
DOB, likely would cost the Braves about $200,000 for Julio for the rest of the year or the proceeds from about one night’s hotdog sales.
By Bob, Journalist
July 14, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this
Chuck sounds sharp … is he?
By Carolina Lady
July 14, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
Repeating myself, I think Julio would be a great addition as a bench coach. What a marvelous role model/influence for the youngsters he would be (self-discipline, work ethic, hitting, etc.). Don’t know if he’d be interested in a non-player role/salary, but he would certainly be a big positive for the team.
By Greg in TN
July 14, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
Evening denizens…
Carbon copy of last night’s first inning with a big difference.
Opposite field homer by AJ.
Yes friends, find your seats as soon as you can, oxygen is in route to your homes in case you need it.
Great start to the night at the ‘ol ballyard.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
That homerun by Andruw was a thing of beauty. Looked just like Terry P.
By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////
July 14, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
Who was that swinging for Andruw Jones??? Or was there an alien inside his body that has just been exorcised ??? ;)
By A-ville Ranger
July 14, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this
If Andruw had learned to take that pitch to right early in his career he might be considered the best player in the game the past ten years.I’ll be happy if he can do it for three months.That’s the swing that makes Ramirez special in Boston.
By Greg in TN
July 14, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this
And just to clarify, AJ’s shot was of the two-run variety.
A couple more thoughts that I wanted to give before seeing AJ’s first at-bat.
The Phil’s loss odometer is still sitting at 9999. Is anyone else as anxious for them to get this out of the way and keep going as I am?
I think it’s worth a shot to give Julio’s agent a ring and see if he’s interested. I am sure he is and I think giving him a shot at a bench position could help us down the stretch if he can make a contribution here and there. It’s not like we’re getting much from Woodward anyway, right? Plus, another quality guy in the clubhouse never hurts down the stretch, especially in a tight race.
By David O'Brien
July 14, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
Greg, oh, he’d be interested for sure. Braves are probably just going to wait until he clears waivers, that way only have to pay him prorated portion of minimum salary, while Mets pay off his $1.15 mill salary. If Braves claim him on waivers, they’d have to pick up the contract.
By Bob, Journalist
July 14, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this
How’s My Lady?
I too like the notion of Julio as a coach … he would bring a lot to the table. When he first joined the Braves, his attitude seemed to be “if they ask what I think, I’ll tell them” but that changed as he became more comfortable.
By Greg in TN
July 14, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
Makes all the sense in the world, DOB. We can sign him after he clears waivers, the amazin’ mediocres are on the hook for over a mil for his salary. What’s not to like about that?
Glad we don’t play the Bucs anymore after tomorrow. What is it about third base and our third basemen? Chipper had his injury at third in PNC Park earlier this year and now Jose Bautista cut his hand sliding into third on a steal attempt and into Chipper’s spikes.
By bravesfan
July 14, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this
DOB how many more days before Franco clears waivers?
By A-ville Ranger
July 14, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
Frenchy looks like he could fall a$$ backwards into 1700 rbi over a career.They’re like lint and he’s a dark suit.
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
Franco could be an interesting addition to this team. His stats this year don’t look very good but he’s only had 50 ab’s the whole season. Hard to stay sharp when you’re getting just better than one ab every other game. I can’t see him being much worse than Woodless and he would be a positive influence on the youngsters in the clubhouse
Someone mentioned that his bat looked very slow thru the zone. Perhaps if he puts down the 74 oz. bat that Babe Ruth gave him back when they were teammates and picks up something a little more contemporary he might be able to get the head of the bat thru the zone before the catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher!
By N8
July 14, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this
DOB
I noticed that the other day you said you had gotten all caught up on Rescue Me.
Is Franco’s girlfriend’s brother, not THE greatest character on that show? I pretty much can’t wait to see what he’ll say next. The scene with him talking about his “woman” in the wheelchair, was CLASSIC! Still laugh out loud, when I think about it.
Also, finally started watching the Sopranos. Pretty much had ignored it because I didn’t watch it from the start, and wasn’t gonna go buy all the seasons on DVD. Because all I had to do was wait for my buddy to buy them all. LOL!
Borrowed SEASON ONE from him a couple of weeks ago, and pretty much watched all 4 DVD’s in about 3 days. Pretty much grabs you and sucks you in.
By brent a.
July 14, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this
Homerun: Brandon Phillips!
Go Reds Go!
By GermanBravesFan
July 14, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this
Damn… it sure looks like Andruw is staring to turn his season around. Of course, he’s got along way to go, but it’s a start!
By GermanBravesFan
July 14, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
…. Of course, I meant Andruw is “starting” to turn his season around… duh
By N8
July 14, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
For the record, I absolutely CANNOT disagree with those saying that 863 year old Julio Franco is a better option that Woodward.
However, that being said, the BEST option, IMO, is STILL to bring up Pena to be our utility guy/3rd catcher so Bobby can use Salty (or McCann when Salty starts behind the plate), as a PH, without worry of getting burned by a freak injury to either of them.
By Carolina Lady
July 14, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
‘Evenin’, friend Bob. It’s been a sad week for this lady. My precious cousin Robert King died Monday. Though many years my senior, we were always on the same wave length and emailed every day. He was a combat pilot through 3 wars: 77th FS (No Jokers, All Aces), 20th FG, 8th Air Force out of King’s Cliff, England in WW2 - flew 61 missions over Europe in his P51D “Dizzy Rebel”, and in the Korean and Viet Nam wars. Lively, vigorous, warm and happy with a smile that would light up a room even at age 87. I’ll miss him for the rest of my life. Otherwise, we’re all well. I just haven’t figured quite how to fill this huge empty place in my life.
By Paladin
July 14, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
Bye bye, I’m going to bed. Hope I can wake up and play a re-play of the Brave kickin’ some Pirate %$$. Nite all.
By brent a.
July 14, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
Reflections on last night’s visit to Turner Field:
1) Yes, the Braves do have great fans, and No, Turner Field is not a graveyard. Just add-in a pennant race, and the fans get excited. That was the best crowd I had been in since 7/26/05, when we played the Nationals for 1st place.
Not as good a crowd, but the best since.
2) LaRoche’s error in the 1st inning exemplified why it didn’t hurt to trade him. C’mon! Thinking you have the ball and running to touch the bag, then, getting hit in the butt with the ball.
3) Listening to Laroche’s pre-game interview on the radio was kind of sad. The interviewer was allowing him room to say that his slow start was due to his new environment. Instead, LaRoche says, “You guys know that it takes me 3 months to get going.” Another reason why it didn’t hurt to trade him. 4) Andruw’s homerun wasn’t meaningless.
5) Ascanio throws gas - but he ain’t ready.
6) Even if someone gives you free parking, you are still better off parking a block or two north of the ballpark, if that is the direction you are heading after the game.
7) The fireworks with the “fire” theme, was a tad aggressive, but still fun.
8) I really wish they had announced that the Mets had lost right after the game had concluded. The 30K + fans would have really roared at that announcement.
This team looks like it did the first 6 weeks of the season (Pre-Chipper Jones injury).
We won’t get Gonzalez back, but Moylan has stepped up to help with that inning, and the offense looks the best it has all year.
Go Braves!
By butler's hummer
July 14, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
brett butler no cuss. brett butler love god. brett butler just like steve garvey. hey kids, no cuss, drink milk, stay in school, no do drugs.
By SFO
July 14, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Rumor is that Franco will be back on the Mets. His buddy GW commuted his release.
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
CL, please accept my condolences over your recent loss. He sounds like a wonderful person. I hope that your fond memories of him give you comfort in your grief.
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
CL, please accept my condolences over your recent loss. He sounds like a wonderful person. I hope that your fond memories of him give you comfort in your grief.
By Greg in TN
July 14, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady,
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss.
By El bravo (EbX)
July 14, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
Sorry for your lost CL. You always talked very fondly of him through the years. Working at the VA, I have seeing many WWII heroes pass. Sorry
By Greg in TN
July 14, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
Have to say that I’ve been impressed by the body of work being turned in tonight by Salty in the field. Had a tricky play earlier in the evening to his right and then throwing back overhand to James covering. The throw was a tad behind him, but he gave Chuck enough time to recover and find the bag.
Also like the approach to the throw to second on the pickoff play to nab Davis just now. That is by far the toughest throw for a first baseman to make because you have to watch that you don’t pelt the runner in the back or throw the ball into left field. There’s guys that have played the position for years that have problems with that throw, and although both throws could have been a little bit better than what they were, he got the job done, and it impresses me even more that this isn’t his natural position since he’s been in pro ball.
By parks
July 14, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
Yes Franco can prob still hit better than Woodward. Yall seem to be overlooking the fact that Franco can only play 1st. What does that translate too? Less playing time for Salty. At least Woodward can play any position
By Gil In Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady My most sincere condolences to you for your loss. Sounds like you have lost a true friend.
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
Well McCann is 0-3 tonight. It’s obvious he’s a bum and needs to be traded. :-)
By David O'Brien
July 14, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
Don’t look now, but Chuck James is 3-0 with a 1.02 ERA in his past three starts (provided he wins this one).
He’s allowed 10 hits and two runs in 17-2/3 innings in those three starts.
And against the Pirates this season, he’ll be 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in two starts, with only three hits (and six walks) allowed in 13 innings.
By mariner
July 14, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
parks,
maybe thorman is the one to go, making way for salty full time at first. then franco can just be the back-up first baseman and pinch hitter.
By El bravo (EbX)
July 14, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this
Trade Bmac and get Franco behind the plate. Ignore that, release Chipper and put Julio at third. Where have you gone Franco, jesus…
By butler's hummer
July 14, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this
N8, et al
just saw n8’s 8:15pm post about pena. many of us have been yelling about this for a good while now. why are we limiting salty’s availability and playing time by not calling up a back-up catcher??
it’s so obvious a problem that there has to be some reasoning behind it. meanwhile, the season wears on and you still have thorman at 1b for most of the games.
is it THAT important to have brayan pena learning LF in the minors? the whole thing doesnt make much sense.
any of yall got any bright ideas, lemme hear ‘em….
By Gil In Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
sarcasm alert!!!! :-))
By Carolina Lady
July 14, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
Thank you for your kindness, dear friends. Sincerely appreciated! Don’t want to interrupt the game posts right now - but the stories I could tell! :-)
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
parks, Woodward has 3 errors in just over 100 innings at 3b and ss this year. Fielding percentage at 3b is .923 and ss is .909. Looking back at his career numbers for those two positions I see similar numbers and they aren’t exactly stellar. Between Escobar, Johnson and Harris I’d be pretty comfortable with Woodward gone although I do see your point on Salty losing time at first.
By El bravo (EbX)
July 14, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
DOB- I am not looking!!
By David O'Brien
July 14, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
OK, I can officially be whipped and chained for writing that about Chuck. Damn, that’s unbelievable.
By geauxbraves2000
July 14, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
And so the bullpen implosion begins.
Geaux Braves!!
By Gil In Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Sigh…. saw that coming. Tie game.
By parks
July 14, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
mariner maybe but I don’t see them giving up on Thorman just yet
By Greg in TN
July 14, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this
Ouch…
Doumit measured a Soriano fastball and drilled it, wasting a good night on the hill by Chuck James.
That really takes the wind out of our sails.
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this
*DOB YOU JINXED CHUCKIE!!!
By Bob, Journalist
July 14, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
Sweetheart, methinks you are one of the fortunate few that takes the time and makes the effort to make folks feel good and lets them know how you feel … instead of waiting and wishing you that you had … of course, that’s makes us the fortunate many.
Lively, vigorous, warm and happy with a smile that would light up a room … words I’d use to describe My Lady!
Thanks for the glimpses that I’ve had of Robert King through your eyes!
Words of condolence won’t lessen the loss, but treasured tomes of memories allow him to be with you and yours forever.
By GermanBravesFan
July 14, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
The “blowpen” at work… geez!
By Greg in TN
July 14, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
…and now the rain has called a halt to the proceedings…
By Steve from OH
July 14, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB,is it raining hard there? How long will the delay be?
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
Gil you said: “sarcasm alert!!!! :-))”. If that was directed at me please understand that I said it with tongue firmly planted in cheek!
By parks
July 14, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
chrisklob, point taken but I wasn’t saying he was stellar defensive player. I simply don’t think we need to use a roster spot on somebody that can only play one position unless its Pena.
By keylargo25
July 14, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
With Franco designated for assignment, the Mets have 10 days to decide what to do with him. How about if the Braves offer the Mets Woodward for Franco. The Braves are then free of Woodward’s contract which they would have to pay if they released him. I have to think we would be stronger and the Mets weaker if they have to take Woodward.
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
Looking at radar on weather.com, it doesn’t look like the rain is that heavy but it might stick around for a bit. The heavier rain is up around Marietta and Smyrna. Hopefully this won’t take too long.
By Lew
July 14, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
Ma’am-Sorry for your loss.
By Lew
July 14, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
Well, I guess we can chalk that up to Soriano’s overuse. Oh wait. He just had five days off.
By Bob, Journalist
July 14, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
What is the wording of the new rule … were this to be rained out, would it not revert to the previous inning?
By Gil In Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
chrisklob Did not mean that in a bad way. Just reinforcing your jab at all the nay sayers.
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
parks, I understand your point too but I see them using Franco more as a bat off the bench in late innings as opposed to starting a lot of games. However, if he can still play the field he could be used there on the days that Salty fills in for McCann.
By A-ville Ranger
July 14, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
I posted earlier that the inside out swing to right by Andruw is the swing that makes Manny Ramirez a special hitter.I didn’t mean that Manny chokes up just that he adjust so well to get a good solid swing to right……Here’s a rain delay trivia question. What 52 year old record held by Willie Mays could be broken by Prince Fielder late this season ? ps—- I think he will.
By David O'Brien
July 14, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
Bob, if it’s rained out, we start tomorrow from exactly the point it ended, with one ball on Harris in bottom of seventh
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this
Gil, I didn’t think you meant anything by it but I didn’t want any of the regulars to think that I was stirring anything up!
Don’t you live near Richmond and see the R Braves sometimes? Are they still playing Pena around the field? I can’t find any stats that show what positions he’s played (other than catcher of course). I see he is doing well offensively but if you have any insight as to how he’s doing defensively I’d appreciate hearing about it.
By Braveheart
July 14, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
Chip and Lemke were just talking about DOB and the blog on the rain delay - referencing Tex. Lemke just called it speculation on the part of Dave O’Brien. Tsk, Tsk, Lemke.
By Bob, Journalist
July 14, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
So the Blog and David O’B are getting more radio time in the WGST Rain delay coverage … missed the gist but heard David O’B and his AJC Blog mentioned by Chip and Lemke.
By N8
July 14, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
A-ville Ranger, would that be the youngest player to hit 50 HR’s?
I agree with you, barring injury, he’s a lock to do so.
Special young player, he is. (As Yoda would say)
By Bob, Journalist
July 14, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Thanks David! Had the Pirates had scored 5 instead of four, would that still be the case?
By MEB
July 14, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady… my prayers for you and your family. What a great photograph and such a terrific smile. America has truly been blessed with many who have served with so much heroism.
By Efrim
July 14, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
Mets just went up….
Got to win this game and keep pace. It would be a terrible loss.
By Austin
July 14, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
DOB If it is in fact rained out…Would all players eligible to play tomorrow?
By JasonInMaine
July 14, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
CL,
While we do not converse directly, I too would like to offer my condolences on your lost. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Regards,
Jason
By ernesto
July 14, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
Mets win. D#mn it. Tommy gets win 298 and we need to beat the Buccos.
Anyone still feelin’ Ryan Freel and his sizzling .249 BA? I remember there was a contingent of blogizens who thought he would be our missing piece.
By David O'Brien
July 14, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
10:15 estimated restart
By Gil In Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
chrisklob Yes, actually I am only about 30 minutes from the park. Pena has done quite well. The team is not as strong as it was early but then again half the team has been called up.
The Braves are on the road right now. Pena DHed last night. They have played him at third and left field as well as catch. Pete Orr was 2 for 3 last night too. A double and a triple.
Pitching is still a crap shoot…. Such is life with a farm team.
Pena could play everyday for a lot of major league teams including the Braves with little downside. He is not the star that B-Mac and Salty are but I think he is as good as Estrada was.
By Tonight on TBS
July 14, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
After the game…
Interview with the Vampire (1994)
One night in San Francisco, not too long ago, a young journalist approaches an eerie man and asks to speak with him. As the journalist interviews the man, he tells her that he is a vampire, being over 200 years old. The journalist doesn’t believe him, but after the man proves it’s true (showing her his unusually large skull and feet), he tells his story: His name is Barry and in 18th century New Orleans he was the owner of an estate and a widower. One night, when in self-pity, he tried to destroy himself by imbibing harmful liquids, he was found by Balco, a vampire, who bit him. He soon found himself possessing supernatural abilities and longevity, but he was not happy because no one loved him. (Horror).
By JasonInMaine
July 14, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Sorry, can’t type or think using my blackberry…
By Coach ( Not Drinking The Kool Aid)
July 14, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
Mets just won 2-1. If this game is rained out , I wonder if it will be televised by TBS along with the second game which is scheduled to be shown by TBS ?
By Salty
July 14, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
CL As the First Lady of the Blog to many of us, do know your loss is felt by us all…condolences. Thanks for sharing the photos…and stories. Your’s, and those of others are what makes DOB’s efforts so special.
By TennesseePaul
July 14, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
KC: You’ve appeared! And you’re on the same boat as me. It must be a large boat to have not seen you till now.
I keep reading about Franco’s bat speed. It’s simple to fix. Give him a baseball bat instead of that tree trunk. After 30 years of swinging the trunk he should be able to manage half a season with a baseball bat and be just fine.
I figured there’d be some interest in Franco. He’s a good teammate and a solid guy. I’m glad to hear JS isn’t opposed to the idea.
Bummer about the Blowpen tonight. I’m watching on Gameday and I knew as soon as the blue dot showed up that it was a HR. Soriano doesn’t give up singles, doubles or triples. It’s always the long ball or nothing. I hope this team comes out and cleans the floor with the Pirates bullpen.
GO BRAVES
By Braveheart
July 14, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Did anyone just hear Chip making fun of Lemke and the way he was pigging out on the boiled peanuts and he said he was eating the peanuts like Sherman going through Atlanta?
Am I being really nitpicky and picking on Chip here or is that something that no Southerner would ever make light of?
That seems like a joke a carpetbagger would make. What the hell am I talking about? I don’t know. That just seemed like a weird joke to tell that kind of speaks to his disconnect with fans sometimes.
By TexasBrave
July 14, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
Bob if the Pirates had scored 5 we must have the opportunity to finish the inning. The game would start just as it left off with one ball on Willie and any players that have been taken out would not be able to reenter. Just think of it as a continuation of play just as if it hadn’t rained.
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
Gil, glad to hear that Pena is doing well. I wonder if he’s going to be a super-utility guy or trade-bait.
By TennesseePaul
July 14, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
Lew: Picked up the new Velvet Revolver this past Tuesday. Gotta say, I like it. It’s funny. The snobby side of me doesn’t want to enjoy the glam rock revival, but they do it so well I can’t help myself.
I also picked up the new Interpol along with the Smashing Pumpkins and Wilco.
The Pumpkins album is solid. It reminds me a lot of Gish. I wouldn’t say it’s as solid as that or Siamese Dream or Adore, but it’s not bad. The first and last tracks are particularly good.
The new Wilco is pretty good. It’s going to take more listens to get into it though. Same as the Smashing Pumpkins album. I’m already getting more into the Pumpkins with each listen, I’m sure Wilco will come along soon enough.
By ssiscribe
July 14, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
Evening, everybody, on this rainy night in Georgia.
Tough turn of events the past hour, with the Mets rallying to win and the Braves blowing the lead and now the rain. Need to bounce back and win the game: got three swings at it and it’s tied. Basically, brand new ballgame once Mother Nature cooperates.
During the delay, started reading a new book a buddy of mine bought as a going-away present when I left my old job for my new gig last month. “Game of My Life,” by the great Jack Wilkinson (one of the best — and nicest scribes — in the biz) is a wonderful read: Twenty Atlanta Braves, past and present, tell the story of the game of their life, and Jack tells their career story very well.
Just read the first chapter, which is David Justice’s story. Great story. Great book. If you love the Braves, a must have.
Great work as always, Jack.
Now, baseball (noted transition by the Scribe … and by the weather folks): The tarp is off and the ground crew is hard at work. Looks like we’re close to resuming tonight’s game, one the Braves really need to win.
Stay dry. Enjoy your Saturday night. Hopefully, Grinch and KC did not get drenched by the downpour. Carolina Lady, my prayers to you in regards to the loss of your cousin. Every time we lose a veteran from World War II, we lose another link to such a grand and honorable time of our history. Again, our prayers go to you and your family.
Now, let’s play ball. The Scribe abides.
—30—
By Bob, Journalist
July 14, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
Chip Carey is a Damn Yankee!! Can you imagine not liking boiled peanuts? Goodness!
By Mitchie-san
July 14, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
CL Sorry to hear about your loss.
By Tomahawkin' Again
July 14, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
Having just gotten home and catching up on the game via the blog, can someone explain why Chuck was pulled after 6 innings? He was up to 95 pitches…was he laboring there at the end or was BC just assuming that he had reached his typical 6 innings pitched, let’s get the bullpen in?
By Gil In Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
Braveheart You should not take old cliches personally. Shucks, most people from Texas consider anyone born north of the Red River to be a Yankee. :-)
Time to move on….. Game has restarted.
By A-ville Ranger
July 14, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
BC doesn’t seem to get Soriano’s psyche.Why pitch him in the seventh ?….N8 That’s the one,Willie got 50 at 24 years of age, Fielder would be 23.I think he’ll do it if he’s healthy the rest of the season.
By Bob, Journalist
July 14, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
TexasBrave, thanks!
I misunderstood the new rule, thinking that it only addressed situations where the outcome couldn’t be resolved under the old rule.
By Coach ( Not Drinking The Kool Aid)
July 14, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
I have just one question for O’Brien. What did Chuck James have to do with the Pirates four run outburst in the seventh , He was pulled after six innings and 95 pitches wasn’t he ?
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, in these politically correct times I would say that is a pretty insensitive remark towards Southerners in general and Atlantans (is that what folks from Atlanta are called?) specifically.
Perhaps we should file a class action suit against him, TBS, FSS, the radio station, the boiled peanut salesman, the Braves and everyone affiliated with those people and organizations. We could make a pile of dough. :-)
By TennesseePaul
July 14, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this
The new Interpol is pretty good. They picked up right where they left off. Though, I’ll admit, about half way through the album I’m dying to hear a simple chord be played. They stick with the post-punk revival like glue, banging single notes and arpeggios all the way through the album.
By parks
July 14, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
What a hitter Chipper is. WOW
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
Tomahawking Again, I wasn’t watching the game closely. James looked good tonight but I’m sure that given the number of innings pitched and his pitch count Bobby figured he was done.
By Greg in TN
July 14, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the testimonial to Jack Wilkinson’s book, scribe. It’s in the bullpen ready to go the next time I have a chance to sit down and read for a bit. It’s good to hear that the book is as interesting a read as I felt it would be when I saw it on the shelf.
Got something going in the home half of the 8th. Nice job by Frenchy of drawing a pass there against Shawn Chacon.
By Braveheart
July 14, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
Chipper is a hitting freak!
By Gil In Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
Folks, I imagine this blog is read by a number of people who have an interest in the Braves. A lot of things I hear on sportcasts sound very familiar sometimes. Hummm, I wonder if SJA is really the Lemmer?
By journalist jimmy smith
July 14, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
oh, the humanity! the game should have been stopped before soriano threw that pitch! chipper was trying to call time but all chipper had time to get out was, “uh,…” and unfortunately the pitch was made.
and now, the old journalist reports that laroche handled and damaged all the braves underpants. that is too much journalism for this journalist. and what was laroche thinking while cutting these underpants? and did laroche have favorites? and were these clean underpants? and why confuse chipper like that? and whither dob while this was going on? laroche buddy, right? not involved in the underpants caper, right? and it has been awhile since capers were mentioned on this blog.
and now, there was a story on the news that females attended baseball instruction at the ted today. woodward was teaching hitting! yes, woodward was teaching hitting! off a tee! that may be the problem - woodward is better suited for tee-ball. and how many bloggers would have protested learning hitting from woodward? money-back gurantee?
and chipper was talking about the blog, huh? hmmm….
By Braveheart
July 14, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
KJ is a walking freak!
By Braveheart
July 14, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
chriskolb, the filing of a frivolous class action nuisance suit sounds great ……. nothing like filing a suit with no merit trying to hustle a hush hush get out of our face you little crybaby settlement ….. ah, the legal system is great
By Bob, Journalist
July 14, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
chrisklob, here here!
I agree with most folks from Texas … the only problems are that there are two Red Rivers, and what do you call those born between the two forks of the southern one?
I’m not sure that Bobby thought Chuck was done … just that Tyler was a better option.
By A-ville Ranger
July 14, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
That was a fat looking pitch…Salty must have guessed wrong.
By TennesseePaul
July 14, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
CL: Sorry to hear about the loss. Sounds like he was quite the American Hero. You’ll be in my prayers.
By N8
July 14, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
Why does leaving the bases loaded without scoring any runs, just make my stomach feel “not so good” about the impending outcome of this game?
By A-ville Ranger
July 14, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
Wickman looks to be on the verge of a heart attack every time out lately.I don’t know if it’s physical or what.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 14, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this
had that been a doughnut, wicky would have caught it.
By Gil In Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this
Bob,J….. They are called Texans… :-)
By Braveheart
July 14, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
chrisklob I must apologize. I called you chris kolb in my last post instead of klob
I sincerely apologize for that insensitive remark. Confusing your last name with that of Dan Kolb must have caused you immeasurable pain and suffering. How much can I offer you in return for you not filing suit against me?
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
braveheart, frivolous lawsuits are what make this country GREAT! Any moron with any “perceived” slight can sue whoever he wants at any time and settle out of court for big bucks!
And to be sure, we’ll make sure that we include in the settlement that Chip can’t talk about the Cubs in any future broadcast. That’ll drive him nuts!
Bob, Journalist, James may not have been done but I’d sooner see BC pull him out a little too soon than a little too late, as is his usual M.O. Of course, no one could have predicted that Soriano would have performed as he did.
By Bob, Journalist
July 14, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
Nathan, it’s because you have the wrong outlook … the Braves could seldom come from behind if they felt that way.
I didn’t agree with the bunt! Let Harris steal second …
By Greg in TN
July 14, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
Jeff Francoeur ladies and gentlemen…
Great clutch at bat there on a night we could ill afford to lose.
By Tomahawkin' Again
July 14, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
We had ‘em all the way! Well, a win is a win, right Braves Nation? This isn’t the BCS, you don’t need style points. We’ll be in 1st place by Tuesday.
By ssiscribe
July 14, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
PUT THAT ON THE BOARD IN NEW YORK!! Braves Win!
—30—
By TennesseePaul
July 14, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
WAY TO GO FRANCOEUR!!!!!!!
GO BRAVES
By parks
July 14, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
Thats what I’m freakin talkin about!!!!!
By A-ville Ranger
July 14, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
Frenchy da’ man…great win !! good night all.
By Braveheart
July 14, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
BRAVOS WIN! MAGIC NUMBERS IS 74!
and as Scribe said this morn, IT’S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG!
By N8
July 14, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
But, who woulda thunk that we’d have the bases loaded AGAIN the next inning?
Nice job Frenchy. This was a good win. Good start for Chuck. NOT so good for Soriano.
I’m beginning to worry about him, and about a month ago, he was the LAST guy I was worried about.
Good win, none the less.
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, actually that happens all the time so I am consulting with my team of attorneys to sue you, DOB, the AJC, every blogger on this site, the Braves, the city of Atlanta, the state of Georgia and Chip Caray (just for good measure).
Actually, it DOES happen a lot. Not sure if people are careless, dyslexic or that the general consensus on this blog is that I have the equivalent worth of Dan Kolb. The “klob” is actually an abbreviation of my last name and in no way should I ever be compared to a “kolb” of any kind. No really, please don’t ‘cause it really hurts. I think I’m suffering from emotional distress. Where the he11 is my lawyer’s phone number? :-)
By Gil In Mechanicsville
July 14, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
Braves win! Time to hit the rack. Nite all.
By GermanBravesFan
July 14, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
Nice win!
By Coach ( Not Drinking The Kool Aid)
July 14, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
Bob , the bunt guaranteed that Willy would get into scoring position and it worked. Francoeur got him home and they won the game 5-4.
By brian
July 14, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
Seeing the Delta change commercial always make me think of you and your luggage DOB.
By Calvin
July 14, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
I can’t be reading this right. The Braves are actually thinking about signing 85 year old Julio Franco? What, was Sid Bream not available?
By HP
July 14, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
Good game tonight. Well pitched game by Chuck James. Good hit by Jeff “Clutch” Francoeur. Now lets take the brooms out for tomorrows and sweep them!!!!
By geauxbraves2000
July 14, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
Woo hoo!! WTG Frenchy. Excellent outing by CJ tonight, he earned the win but he was bitten a little by the John Smoltz syndrome.
Anyhow, the Braves picked a good night to put up a “W” with the Mets, Phillies and Marlins all winning.
Movie time, nite all.
Geaux Braves!!
By ssiscribe
July 14, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
Those in the vicinity of Turner Field, be warned: Grinch is out and about, and wearing a Francoeur T-shirt.
The Scribe is past his deadline, so I’m off to bed. Gotta teach Sunday school in, oh, 10 hours or so, and I’ve only slept 11 hours combined the past two nights.
DOB, write fast, bro. The rest of you, be good. The Scribe abides.
—30—
By chrisklob
July 14, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
After all the grief that Joe Simpson has given Andruw this season (and well-deserved) it’s nice to hear him give AJ his props when they’re due.
For that matter, many of us (myself included) have been hard on AJ this year. It’s great to see him perform up to level of ability again.
I, for one, am hopeful that with Chipper and AJ hitting as well as they have lately we have a very legitimate chance to overtake the Mets and win the division.
Chipper, stay healthy. AJ, keep using the whole field. Those are two very big keys to this team’s success this year.
By Interested Observer
July 14, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
DOB:
I have a theory regarding Wickman’s home vs road disparities. Can we determine Wickman’s stats in stadiums where beer is allowed in the clubhouses versus stadiums that have banned beer in the clubhouses?
By Braveheart
July 14, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
13-7 with Hudson, 11-8 with James, 11-6 with Smoltz, 7-9 with Davies, 5-3 with Buddy.
That makes us 47-33 with those guys on the mound. That is a 95 win pace. Sounds good to me. Let’s hope they keep it up.
By Bob, Journalist
July 14, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this
Coach, do you really think that? … the success rate of the bunt at the expense of an out when compared to that of the hit and run, with the possibility of two on an none out … or the steal, against a right handed pitcher … you might be right except with regard to anything being guaranteed … but, I still don’t like the bunt!
I do like the win!
By fastasballs
July 14, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
It seems the roller coaster we call the Braves is heading up once again. Even though we didn’t gain any ground on Muts, you still have to feel good because they only managed to score 2 runs against the Reds.
The Braves can take the division lead when the Muts head out to play the Dodgers & Padres. If they can’t hit against the Red’s pitching, what can they do against those staffs?
Andruw has continued his good hitting after the break. What’s with him choking up ont he bat? He’s the last guy I would think would do that. Then again does anyone do that anymore?
If Chipper had not missed those 20 games he would be putting up some of the finest stats of his career this season. He’s not that far off the batting title race at the moment either.
By fastasballs
July 14, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
I’ll have to correct my previous statement about Chipper. He should be leading the NL in average when the day starts tomorrow. I thought Holliday was still hitting in the .350’s.
By TheSouthernJackAss
July 14, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this
Deep in gloomy dens of stone live the creatures men call trolls…
Creeping forth to prowl at night They scowl, and growl, and give great fright To unwary pilgrims whose last sight is of gruesome fiends in firelight…
And nevermore is pilgrim seen on wooden paths ‘neath evergreen for all that’s left are some bones mixed amongst the trash and stones in troll’s dank cave beneath stony knolls…
So beware, dear friend, if you must go on dreary paths through haunted dale for lurking in their gloomy dens trolls want you for their dinner-pail…
But not in day will trolls come out and go creeping round about (to eat you whole, without a doubt) and pick their teeth with your bones;
For TheJackAss turns them into stones, forever into cold grey stones…
By flange1
July 15, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this
CL,
Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
By David O'Brien
July 15, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this
Coach, James had nothing to do with the seventh. All I meant was, his win was ERASED by the seventh. I had recited his stats IF he won. Of course only the wins changed, not the ERA. But that’s what I meant, I cursed him by giving his record after what I assumed would be a James win….
I asked Chuck about coming out. Apparently Bobby’s given him a 100-pitch limit, for whatever reason. Makes no sense to me, but hey, if the kid doesn’t complain… He’s only gone over 100 four times this year, and never over 105. He’s leaving after six almost every time out, if not sooner.
Andruw showed GREAT progress tonight, both with the opp-field homer and the patience to draw that walk….
And oh, yeah, this just in: Hoss can flat-out hit. Always…
TennPaul, gonna go get that Interpol CD. You heard the Springsteen in Dublin thing? Great stuff. And how ‘bout Kelly Willis’ new one? Love that lady, right there behind Lucinda on the list of alt-country goddesses.
By Bob, Journalist
July 15, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this
Methinks Tolkien’s trolls are friendlier critters than the varmints with which we find ourselves confronted … though ours are bigger fakes and deserve whatever Most Honorable has for them awaiting.
By beki
July 15, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this
Thankya, Frenchy for the hit and the win! What is it about Soriano and Wickman that makes them want to “live on the edge” ? Good grief,one gives up a homerun that ties the game and the other drops a toss from Salty that puts a man on base. Oh, well,thank goodness,we won. I, however, don’t want Franco back with the Bravos for one reason: he is an excellent candidate for a double play;and, if he doesn’t get a solid hit,he’s jogging to first. Nah, “caveat emptor”—buyer beware.
By chrisklob
July 15, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this
DOB, actually the 100 pitch count that BC has given CJ makes sense to me. I have no statistical information at hand to back this up but it seems that he starts to self-destruct sometime around the sixth inning or shortly afterwards, more often than not, or around around 100 pitches. It tells me that BC IS paying attention, or at least someone on the staff is. As I said in a previous post, I’d rather see him come out a little too early than a little too late.
Great outing by Chuck tonight. It’s nice to see a stellar start from the pitcher backed up with some good, solid hitting. If the bullpen can remain healthy we’ve got a great chance to win the East this year.
By Kentavo
July 15, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this
Gotta get a starter. Is Haarang available?
By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////
July 15, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this
Carolina Lady, Sorry to hear of your loss! Sounds like your cousin was a great man. Flew 61 missions over Europe, then was in Korea and Vietnam! WOW!!!
By Bryan
July 15, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this
so glad the braves won - listened to lucinda all morning today - i was hungover from a long night of summer drinking. Bring back Franco!
By Braves Fan 79
July 15, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this
So wheres everyone that was saying drop andrew earlier in the month?? I told yall weeks ago he would heat up and folks hes on fire! I wish we could resign him now instead of loosing him…but i wouldnt pay over $12-13 mill/ year for him.
Go Braves! oyea….SIGN JULIO…..DROP WOODCRAP!!!!
By Mitchie-san
July 15, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this
Oh man, I just had a bad thought. If JS gets Franco back to platoon at first with Thorman so Salty can be traded. I think I need to lie down….
By GermanBravesFan
July 15, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this
DOB: I saw Ryan Adams will be in concert in SoCal this week and I’ll be in the area. I may just have to check it out after your recommendation for his latest album…
By The Grinch
July 15, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this
Whoo-hooo! Now that was cool. There were so many hotties at that game, we went to Hooters afterwards and it was a letdown. All BS aside. Wow. Sat through the rain, and it was well worth it. Glad I wore my lucky Francouer shirt. Goin’ again tomorrow. Stay safe.
By Bob, Journalist
July 15, 2007 1:51 AM | Link to this
Braves Fan 79, I wish I could have seen tonight’s game … you can’t tell too much from just listening … I did see the 9-1 game … and felt that Andruw’s swing had regressed a bit from just before the break … there seems to be little question that he’s improving … going 12 for 35 with 5 home runs in July.
Perhaps the most encouraging thing in July is that he’s 4 for 9 when behind in the count … as compared to 5 for 38 in June. Of course, walks after being behind in the count should also be considered and while I haven’t been keeping track, my guess is that that too has significantly improved.
I look at “behind in the count” more than RISP which is also improved … 4 for 12 compared to 4 for 36 in June.
Methinks that if he will just stay patient and stay within himself, he should continue to improve. It just seems that he sometimes doesn’t trust his wrists and tries too hard to help them.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 15, 2007 2:29 AM | Link to this
Good morning all, dang pain pills wore off so I am up waiting for the second round to take affect. Please forgive any sloppiness in my prose as I sometimes speak before I think.
Bob, the homer hit by Andruw was a thing of beauty. Honest, if you can remember Terry Pendleton’s swing and style back in the 90’s then you would have a sense of exactly how it looked. He was not trying for a homer and honestly when he first hit it I thought double all the way.
It has a line drive that just cleared the fence in the right field corner. He had choked up on the bat about two inches. By golly I think he has gotten the message.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 15, 2007 2:40 AM | Link to this
DOB I am sure you are aware that the Braves have the means to measure bat speed. It is part of a litany of test all major league player s are put through. The more important test I would think would be his eyesight. As long as he retains the above average eyesight all major leaguers possess then the rest is just timing and good judgement.
Personally, I am neutral as far as my feelings towards the Braves signing Franco. I can see where he would absolutely be a positive influence and certainly a better alternative than Woodward coming off the bench. However, I also think Brian Pena should be recalled to fill that role.
I must admit though that no one from the Braves has called to get my opinion on the matter and probably what I think is of little consequence.
By Bob, Journalist
July 15, 2007 2:46 AM | Link to this
Before adjourning to the Hot Tub, with hot tea and maple syrup … methinks the secret to Julio was his ability to pull the ball … it’s what allowed him to exercise bat control with that heavy bat and hit it where they weren’t in right and right center. His arm’s strong but I’m not sure he gets around much anymore.
However, assuming his defense is up to the task, he’s a past master at adjusting so we shouldn’t sell him short … though my expectations wouldn’t be high and I wouldn’t want to see him in a pinch hitting role.
He’s appeared in 40 games this year … with 61 plate appearances, 31 as a pinch hitter. Hard to evaluate ol’ Julio with just 9 games spread out over half a season … and hard for him too.
Still, methinks I’d rather replace Woodward with a youngster from within, play Diaz at First, and add Julio as a coach.
By Coach ( Not Drinking The Kool Aid)
July 15, 2007 2:49 AM | Link to this
Yes sir Bob , in that situation me and Cox think alike. I’ll get that runner to second even if I have to sacrifice an out. There is no guarantee of a stolen base or a game winning hit but putting that winning run 90 feet closer and in scoring position can only help. Besides , lets say Willie steals second with one out , the Pirates know Chipper would be bunting and they would walk him , trying to get a play at third. In either situation it’s a possible force out at third with one out , an inning ending double play , a pop up , a fly ball or a strikeout. Thats five different ways the Pirates can get an out or even get out of the inning. So , Cox bunted Willie to second knowing the Pirates would walk Chipper regardless of whether there were one or two outs and he would still need Francoeur to come up with a base hit. The passed ball helped by getting Willie to third but either way he would have scored from second or third on Francoeur’s slow roller up the middle. That is the way the game is played Bobby Cox style. Andruw’s HR was almost straight down the right field line , he has finally listened to someone (Pendleton , Boras , maybe he reads the blog ? ) and started using the whole diamond instead of trying to pull everything to left field. The result is a hit in 13 of his last 15 games played. In his last ten games Andruw has 5 HR , 11 RBI and a .342 batting AVG. The Jones boys are smoking hot and so is the offense. Fifty-seven frigging runs in the last ten games , thats 5.7 per game ! Unbelievable !
By Bob, Journalist
July 15, 2007 3:10 AM | Link to this
Gil, that’s music to my ears! If he really gets the message after all these years then they’d best resign him!
Coach, I was suggesting Willie’s stealing second against a right handed pitcher and nobody out … that only takes the bat out of ol’ Hoss’ hands if Yunel is unsuccessful at whatever he then does, unless of course it’s to drive him in.
However, I admit to not knowing Willie’s success rate at stealing against right handed pitching compared to Yunel’s bunting proficiency, but Bobby does.
The tub awaits!
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 15, 2007 3:17 AM | Link to this
Coach I would agree that bunting Willie over was absolutely the right call in the situation presented. Bob Many folks fail to realize that a successful hit and run play is one by which the lead runner is advanced. For the batter to get a base hit is just icing on the cake or meringue on the pie in Jimmy Smith’s case.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 15, 2007 3:40 AM | Link to this
Now, if the Braves can just get Scott Thorman to cut down on his swing the Braves will have developed their own murderers row. He has so much potential but it is just that, potential.
His fielding is improving but he has such a huge hole in his swing he is falling easy prey to pitchers who possess an above average fast ball or can change speeds. It takes so long to get that big old looping swing started that by the time his bat is moving through the strike zone the catcher is tossing the ball back to the pitcher.
When he gears up for the fast ball he cannot react to an off speed pitch. He was so much better early in the season when he was driving the ball to left center. He’s a strong boy and can hit them out to all fields. I just don’t know what it is going to take to get him to realize that.
It was funny in a way the other night when the Marlins used a position player ,Jason Woods, to pitch the ninth inning in a blow out game. the results was three harmless flyball outs by the Braves batters because everyone of them was thinking they could hit a homerun off this guy.
Alright, I think I can go back to sleep now. Thank you Lord for making doctors smart enough to listen to me……
By Superman
July 15, 2007 3:51 AM | Link to this
I could sleep so i thought i would say hi to the blog. So hi everyone. Now I have the chug that last beer and stumble back to bed
Holla
By Bob, Journalist
July 15, 2007 4:12 AM | Link to this
Gil, I totally agree with your hit and run comment. Regarding the bunt, I’m not intending to be critical of Bobby’s decision, but with Yates, Soriano and Wickman already used … I would have selected not to offer up an out when other opportunities availed themselves.
Willie’s stolen base success rate is a bit better than 75% … and the optional run and hit on the steal attempt, should Yunel get his pitch, stands a chance of first and third or even winning the game … a line drive kills you as does a popped up bunt attempt.
Willie’s on 2nd or 3rd over 75% of the time he attempts the steal … with nobody out … I just like it … doesn’t make me right!
By Bob, Journalist
July 15, 2007 4:21 AM | Link to this
It takes so long to get that big old looping swing started that by the time his bat is moving through the strike zone the catcher is tossing the ball back to the pitcher with that most astute of the day’s analyses, methinks I’ll cool down for 10 more minutes and take a nap.
By Miller
July 15, 2007 6:11 AM | Link to this
To all of you ignorant fools ( about 90% of you on this blog) who were knocking on Andruw, it looks like he is back tearing it up now. Good call on Andruw having a good second half DOB. Now if the rest of the bums on this blog had half a brain, they could see how valuable Andruw Jones is to this Atlanta Braves team. Seriously guys, has N8’s stupidity rubbed off on most of you???
By The Grinch
July 15, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this
Ohhhh, my head. These things keep hurting worse and worse as I get older. Does it get better, any of you old people? And what’s the ESPN main baseball headline this morning? “Mets triumph over Reds.” Go figure. G’night.
By Paladin
July 15, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this
Miller Do you always wake up this mad? Or are you mad ‘cause you can’t sleep? Anyhow, we take back everything we wrote about Andruw—well most of it, anyway.
By Paladin
July 15, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
Grinch Some people have those headaches from keeping their heads inserted in a lower orifice for too long. However, I know that’s not your problem. Have a nice pourer nap.:-)
By 59bulldawg
July 15, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this
This is news? Athlete looks at girly mag in locker room? Yes Bonds is a jerk who deserves to be unmercifully booed when he comes to Hank’s town but your little factoid about the magazine adds nothing to your story. We already know that Bonds is a self-absorbed jerk who thus far has cheated and gotten away with it. Yeah I know your story was written beforehand, but how about some real news … like how the Braves nearly lost the game last night due to another brilliant move by Bobby Cox when, leading 4-0, he took out starting pitcher Chuck James and the Pirates proceeded to tie the game at 4-4. Absolutely brilliant and another example of why the Braves will be lucky to ever get back to the World Series with Cox at the helm. I’ve posted on this before … if you look back over Cox’s career, during his first stint with the Braves and in Toronto, he has never been able to get the most out of the talent he has managed. Instead he has benefited from talented teams most of his career except during his first stint in Atlanta. Yeah they often win the division, or the pennant, but only once have they won the world championship. This is not Braves bashing either. Hell I’ve been a Braves fan since the days of Ralph Garr and Mike Lum. I’ve pulled for them since the seasons of 100 game losses … when basically Hank Aaron, Darrell Evans, Dusty Baker, Phil Niekro and later Dale Murphy were pretty much the only things to cheer about … memories that many of you younger nouveou Braves fans who will defend Bobby can only know through reading the press guide. I’ve said it often and I’ll say it again, Cox is simply an average manager who has managed above average and very talented teams for most of his career. Last night Francoeur bailed him out with the winning RBI in the bottom of the ninth. Cox is not the second coming of Casey Stengel or Sparky Anderson and I’ve always been perplexed that so many see him as a great strategist. Yeah he’s won a lot of games but he’s also been very fortunate to have great talent. But Cox, except for 1995, has never been able to consistently push the right buttons in the biggest games. He can certainly judge talent but I’ve never thought of him as a great manager. And last night’s 5-4 win is just another in a long list of examples. So Carroll, if you want to impress me, do some research on Cox’s career and hold him accountable for his bonehead moves. The little part about the magazine Bond was reading makes you look amateurish.
By Paladin
July 15, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
59bulldawg Go Dawgs!!!
By Todd A
July 15, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
“To all of you ignorant fools ( about 90% of you on this blog) who were knocking on Andruw, it looks like he is back tearing it up now. Good call on Andruw having a good second half DOB. Now if the rest of the bums on this blog had half a brain, they could see how valuable Andruw Jones is to this Atlanta Braves team. Seriously guys, has N8’s stupidity rubbed off on most of you???”
Miller Andruw can hit .500 the rest of the season,but that still doesn’t excuse the fact that he should have been benched when he was hitting .146 for 49 games.No way he should have been in the middle of the order.Just wait.Andruw will get back into some bad habits at the plate again very soon.
By MEB
July 15, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
59Bulldawg… Come on! If James puts a couple of runners on in the seventh and then Soriano relieves and gives up a three run homer then you blame Cox for not pulling James. Making decisions is what managing is all about. James has a history all season of wilting after the sixth so Cox puts in the usually capable Tyler Yates. Hey… give this Cox and this team some credit for coming out of the rain delay and putting runners in position to score and ultimately winning the game. Cox has a history over many seasons of winning a lot of games.
Willie Harris is flat out killing right handers. I wish he could see the ball as well against lefties. He puts a lot of pressure on our opponents when they have a right hander in especially late in a close game. I wonder what approach Terry Pendelton is taking to improve his hitting against lefties.
By Bob, Journalist
July 15, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
59bulldawg, I doubt seriously that Carroll is interested in impressing anyone but if you’re truly interested in being impressed with a good example of what it is to look amateurish, read your 8:54.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 15, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this
On a more positive note….
Cormier pitched 7 shutout innings last night for Richmond. Here is a link to the short story. http://www.timesdispatch.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-07-15-0271.html
By Todd A
July 15, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
“another brilliant move by Bobby Cox when, leading 4-0, he took out starting pitcher Chuck James and the Pirates proceeded to tie the game at 4-4.”
With Cox it’s the old square peg in the round hole theory.He has a philosophy,and sticks to it,regardless of how the game is evolving or unfolding.He wants his starter to go 6 or 7,bring in a guy for the 7th,set up man for 8th,closer in 9th.Guess he got used to taking Greg Maddux out of the game after 6 innings and 71 pitches for so long.Now he can’t help himself.I do see the others point of view in this instance though.James usually hits a wall in the 6th inning.Still,I would have liked to see him try to get over the hump by coming out there for the 7th.We had 4 runs to play with if he got in some trouble.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 15, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
Grinch You realize the definition of insanity don’t you? That is to say doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results.
You may try switching to a different potable. Cheap liquor has a tendency to make things worse. Sometimes the pleasure ain’t worth the pain.
By Salty
July 15, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this
Bob, J Your 9:31…now that’s a chide…a good ‘un, too!
By Braveheart
July 15, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
Miller the % was much higher than 90%. Only one of us defended him throughout - Shaun. It was not ignorant to give Dru a hard time. The guy hit .200 for an entire half season of baseball. Come on, get real.
59bulldawg It is called a blog. It is a place meant for random notes, musings, anecdotes of beat reporters. It is a place for quirky little stories like she told. They are not critical columnists. If they were, as beat reporters, they would not get much of the “news” you want them to get.
This is news? Athlete looks at girly mag in locker room? As she said above, she did not find it newsworthy enough to report for the past 10 years before being provided this unique forum to share those kinds of quirky stories.
I think she did a great job with it - a perfect quirky story for this kind of forum. She not only gave you an inside glimpse of what Barry Bonds is like but she actually was very revealing about herself as a young reporter being thrown to the wolves, as a young reporter being scared but still mustering the courage and tenacity needed to pursue the story and man her boss told her to pursue, about her awkwardness early in her career as a young, inexperienced FEMALE reporter going into clubhouses and lockerrooms, about interviewing a huge intimidating jerk superstar and feeling like you are in over your head as a kid reporter when he is a jerk to you, about overcoming your fears and doggedly pursuing your story and man only to be crushed and not get anything worth writing about, having to call back to your boss and tell him you could not get your story which must be a hard thing for any cub reporter to do, about wanting to tell the story to the fans but not having an appropriate forum until changes in the news business provided blogs, wanting to tell the story but being afraid if that was a violation of clubhouse etiquette.
Many female reporters and young beat reporters like to pretend they have no fear about going into a lockerroom but she was very real about it.
Her story had many layers to it. Her story had everything to do with Bonds but nothing to do with Bonds at all. Only the simpleminded would get hung up on the porno mag.
If all you saw was the Bonds porno thing then that speaks more to your closeminded agenda before you started reading the blog. You seem to think we should talk the ineptitude of Bobby Cox all day or something. Imagine how fast a beat reporter would be yanked off the beat if he/she came on here and called Cox a dunce for this stupid move. They would not get any “news” from Bobby for the rest of the season. That is the job of the columnists.
your little factoid about the magazine adds nothing to your story. Gotta disagree with you on that. it actually humanizes the guy for many of us. And it is a funny thing to hear about him. The kind of stuff that made books like The Bronx Zoo and Ball Four must reads.
how about some real news … like how the Braves nearly lost the game last night due to another brilliant move by Bobby Cox when, leading 4-0, he took out starting pitcher Chuck James and the Pirates proceeded to tie the game at 4-4.
Since you asked, here is what DOB, the beat reporter who covered the game last night actually said about said move in his article written about the game: If the Braves had lost, Cox would’ve been second-guessed for removing starter Chuck James after he pitched six innings of scoreless, two-hit ball. James threw 60 strikes in 92 pitches and left with a 4-0 lead. He was poised to pick up his ninth win and improve to 3-0 with a 1.02 ERA in his past three starts, but James could only watch that would-be win evaporate in a span of six batters in the seventh inning. The spurt was capped by Ryan Doumit’s three-run homer off setup man Rafael Soriano, after three of five batters reached against reliever Tyler Yates. “I could probably have gone one more inning,” said James, though he wasn’t critical of the decision. He also said the bullpen or Braves hitters have saved him plenty of times. “It happens,” he said of the blown lead. “Good thing we came out and won. That’s the most important thing.” Cox said James was nearing 100 pitches, apparently his unspoken limit. He has pitched more than six innings in only three of 19 starts. He has thrown more than 100 pitches four times, and never more than 105.
And if you look up, DOB talks about said moves in the comments section of this very blog.
News articles report news. Columns provide critique and analysis. Blogs provide the smorgasboard of whatever - anything goes so long as you remember they are written by beat reporters who have to walk back in the locker room the next day. DOB and CR provide insight and inside information but if you expect them to come on here and rip Bobby Cox to shreds then you don’t really understand the nature of their jobs or the nature of the blog of a beat reporter.
By Salty
July 15, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Grinch Does it get better, any of you old people?
That’s not the question to ask…if you want a response! Just draw upon our experience, and leave chronology out of it, if you don’t mind! :-)
Still, the answer…No!, which is why I avoid excess like the plague!! Of course, I still get bit…occasionally!
Have fun tonight…and don’t wash the jersey…go as you left last night; don’t mess with the karma.
By Salty
July 15, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
Meant this afternoon, not tonight! The sweating may be a help, Grinch!
By Denny Zenn
July 15, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
Grinch, Your best bet, regarding hangovers, is to drink 1 liter (2 half liter bottles) of water for every 6 alcoholic drinks consumed. In other words, stay hydrated.
By Bob, Journalist
July 15, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
MEB, one thing that might help Willie against lefties would be to allow him to play against them … he’s appeared in 22 games with only 24 plate appearances … 4 walks, 4 for 20 with 8 strikeouts.
By comparison, Andruw, in his last 87 plate appearances against lefties has 11 walks, 14 for 76 (2 for 10 in July) with 24 strikeouts.
By Lew
July 15, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Grinch-Take my word, it does get better when you’re older, but then again, I quit drinking twenty years ago. I found out long ago that no alcohol and no Dunkin’ Donuts make for a happier human. I also avoid all of those milkshakes everyone drinks, calling them coffee.
By Paladin
July 15, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
I was one of the first—if not the first—to advocate, on here, bringing back Julio. Now, DOB, says it would be “throwing good money after bad.” I usually have the good sense to not disagree with DOB but…
I’ll bet the proverbial dollars to doughnuts that if Julio is brought back he will win more than one game for us. How much will wins from here on out be worth? Huge!! Supercalifragalisticxpeealidocios huge!!
Besides, do you know anyone who looks better in a Brave’s uniform than ole whoolie? The guy doesn’t have “guns”, he has howitzers(Not to be confused with wurlitzers:-))!! He looks as if—as my Daddy used to say— he could go bear-huntin’ with a switch.
That is, if he can still develope enough “switch” speed. And that, dear friends, may be the case-in-point here.
By Bob, Journalist
July 15, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
Mornin’ NaCl H2O … much obliged, mon ami!
By Bob, Journalist
July 15, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
William Wallace, it’s unfair to use more than 2 fingers to type … it would take me three hours to write that much, more if it made that much sense … goodness!! Well said!
By Paladin
July 15, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
BobJ Chemistry formulae and French in one post? Com’on!! Give us guys with our Mr. Goodwrench certificates a break! :-)
By Bryan
July 15, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this
Braveheart
Good reply to 59bull … i wanted to address that post, but didn’t want to shake off my sunday morning hangover glaze just to string together a competent sentence or two as a rebuttal… I also didn’t want to spend my first post of the morning writing something like “hey, 59bulldog, shut up, lay off Cox and Carroll - give bulldogs a bad name.”
Harsh way to start off the morning.
Bring back Julio … but give the man a smaller bat! I would absolutely LOVE to see him back in the club house - working with Escobar and the other latin youngsters during the late season call-ups.
I might leave Savannah just to go see Julio one last time - he was my favorite brave for a few years… the sincerity with which he would come to bat playing “God is in Control” made me smile …
By Efrim
July 15, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Is this game going to get played today? How is the weather down in Atlanta? Looks like it doesn’t break until 3 PM.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 15, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
come back in time with this journalist, if bloggers will, to a simpler time … a time when the braves thought it would be a good idea to bring back terry pendleton.
terry possessed certain desirable qualities and terry had been a wonderful contributor to an earlier edition braves team.
alas, terry’s skills had diminished!
in one of the most important at-bats ever for this team, terry pendleton’s slow bat was in evidence for all to see. a young ryan klesko remained on the bench available to hit with the bases loaded - but bobby wanted presence at the plate. terry never caught up with a pitch. over-matched.
klesko led off the next inning with a homerun. journalist remembers. let julio be remembered for the gifts of the past. allow julio to come back as a coach - not as a player with diminished skills. perhaps julio could teach hitting behind runners? oh, the humanity!!!
By TexasBrave (formally know as Miller)
July 15, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
Hey guys,
Paladin, Todd A., Braveheart, et al. That Miller was not me. So unless there is another Miller out there, there is a Jackel in our mist.
For the record I have always maintained that we should keep Andruw and I still do. I also think we try and do as much as we can to keep him after the season, provided Boras doesn’t go crazy on us.
By Paladin
July 15, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
Now I’m in disagreement with DOB AND jjs. The slide is gettin’ more slippery by the minute.
I would only point out, dear journalist, that TP is a mere mortal—whoolie, bless his heart, is a ‘droid. They don’t age, they just go in for new parts.
By Braveheart
July 15, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
TexBrave, I knew it was not you unless you had turned into a real tool overnight.
Paladin, liked your 10:28. Well done.
By Carolina Lady
July 15, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this
I wasn’t able to get back to the computer last night (Mother had some problems), but I want to tell each one of you how much I sincerely appreciate your kind comments on the loss of my beloved cousin Robert. I can only say ‘Thank you.’
Getting information out of Robert about his war experiences was like pulling hen’s teeth, but the few I got told so much about the man - as I should have known to begin with.
In Dec 1944, returning from a mission, the ‘Dizzy Rebel’ developed engine trouble and he had to make an emergency landing in a farmer’s field in France. With the rapid help of the farmer and an auto mechanic in the small town, he was able to make repairs, took off and make it safely back to England.
Some years after the war, he made it his personal mission to find the family who had helped him in a very dangerous situation and thank them again. To his surprise, the family’s son still had the silk scarf he had left with the parents - on which he had signed his name and the name of his plane. He never forgot a kindness. Neither do I.
Moving on -
Braveheart, superb post at 10:08. Wish I had written it myself! CR, so far the score is 625 to 1 in your favor.
By Paladin
July 15, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
Braveheart I tried to come up with an appropriate chemical formula but none would have failed to insult you. So…mucho grass, Bon Amy. :-)
By Bob, Journalist
July 15, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
Grinch, let them have their fun … I saw ol’ Dino Crocetti maybe 15, 16 times back in the 60’s … always drinking, never drunk … of course, I don’t know what he was drinkin’ but it looked like Chivas ‘n water, heavy on the water, to me!
By journalist jimmy smith
July 15, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
one blogger lurks here (with a long history of lurking) and is familiar with many of the bloggers and the bloggers’ styles. that blogger will post at all times of the day and night with many identities (some uniquely that blogger’s own - some appropriated from others). journalist was once the target of many ugly posts made by this blogger. journalist was annoyed. but journalist is annoyed no more. now, a revelation: journalist believes the ugly blogger is a shut-in. that’s right, a shut-in. heard about them at church, right? go visit the shut-ins? well, no one would visit this one! anyway, this ugly shut-in blogger has disrupted the blog in the past - but will not do so again. how else to explain the ability to post at anytime? no job. no life. alone in life at a table for two. now, there are some nice shut-ins (have to be careful typing “shut-in” - made a serious typo twice now) and there is the ugly stinky shut-in. why stinky is back no one knows. probably using another shut-in’s computer. this is a long paragraph, right?
journalist has now spaced for easier reading. anyway, bloggers must not let the ugly stinky blogger derive satisfaction from ugly stinky misdeeds. time will catch up with this blogger and once more the blogger will be a non-entity.
so, on this rainy day, remember the shut-ins - and know that not all shut-ins are nice.
sja is on the road today looking for this shut-in ugly stinky blogger while journalist continues to do research leading to positive identification. so far, journalist is only sure that it is a sick-o pervert of some kind. sja may have more to reveal at a later time.
now, thought of chipper for some reason . . . really striking the ball well. chin hair seems to be working. cheeseburgers and shakes may be the new training regimen for all of baseball - not just these braves.
and chipper and laroche went out after last night’s game - planning to go a fishin’. both were saddened to learn that fishin’ is not permitted at the aquarium.
By Braveheart
July 15, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
BobJ, thanks. That one has been kind of building up for the last 2 days. Been too sick to put any thoughts together in response to what I saw as pretty disgusting commentary directed towards someone who was very revealing about herself. But woke up this morning feeling good and let it rip.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 15, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
it can now be revealed that laroche was surprised to find one pair of lacy bikini underpants in a famous player’s locker. stockings, too. still, a joke is a joke, so laroche went about cutting out the crotch of these underpants. only worn on thursday nights. not anyone’s business. nothing wrong with that if that is what the player wants to do. runs funny, though.
By Bobbymahlon
July 15, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this
Forget Franco who can’t hit anymore and bring up Pena who can be the backup catcher thus freeing Salty to play first base,pinch hit and catch. We do not need a 200 pinch hitter and a guy who hits into too many double plays. His career is over,washed up let youth prevail and this is and old guy talking.
By Paladin
July 15, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
CL I was already in bed so I hope that, now, you will allow me to add my condolences and a heartfelt salute to a fallen comrade-in-arms.
By Bob, Journalist
July 15, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
That you Jimmy?
By journalist jimmy smith
July 15, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
journalist bob, jimmy smith is not jimmy smith’s self today. cannot explain further but for purposes of authentication … journalist knows more than one blogger here wears yellow shoes :-) wink, wink. now, awaiting a call from sja who is getting a list of all shut-ins in the area. more later.
By Paladin
July 15, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
This is my last word on Julio, as long as folks stay polite.
We are not talking about taking ABs away from Klesko et al; we are talking about taking ABs away from Woodward and Orr.
‘Nuff said, by me, at least.
By journalist jimmy smith
July 15, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
orr? minor leaguer orr? and who will run for julio? cannot remain in the game. one at-bat at most. of course, could hit the ball (always has) but could be over-matched (apparently over-matched this season). could a younger, quicker player offer more? perhaps. jimmy smith will not be hurt if julio is re-signed for julio is a favorite of this journalist. still, tp was a favorite, too. and tp lost his bat speed. dob has already told us this is the case with julio. heck, bring back ralph garr and the hammer. love ‘em all but no need to get too sentimental. if the pitcher’s cooperate and pitch to julio the right way … julio can maybe meet the ball and serve it to right field (used to do that well). if, however, the pitchers see a weakness (slow bat) julio will see pitches julio cannot catch up to. that’s the way this journalist would pitch julio - at one time a very tough out. there are other moves that would offer versatility. bobby pinch hit with james the other night with salty standing in the dugout. hands were tied (self-tied, admittedly - but tied). maybe with more versatile players in the lineup bobby could out-manage rather than be out-managed (whoa! opening for robert). julio limits the options available to bobbycox. still, the bat used to be magic. maybe a few cheeseburgers would restore julio’s bat speed.
By N8
July 15, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Miller
When a guy (Andruw) is making approximately 18 percent of a team’s payroll, should he account for AT LEAST that much of the production?
Also, last time I checked the second half of the season is only 2 games old. Don’t count your chickens before their hatched, just yet.
Soriano gave up a 3 run HR, does that mean his “second half” is doomed?
You call me stupid, yet you wanna crown the guy after 2 games (against the pirates, none the less).
I’ve said all along, that if Andruw turns it on in the second half, it’ll be a good thing, and I’ll commend him for it. But as Todd said, it still doesn’t excuse the guy being in the lineup (much less the cleanup spot), when he absolutely SUCKED and didn’t have a clue for 3 months.
Call me stupid, but I’m guessing that there is AT LEAST 20 other managers out there that would’ve sat him for a while, if for nothing else, just to clear his head, and refresh the batteries. And I’d all but guarantee that there is about 30 or so other managers that surely wouldn’t have batted him in the cleanup spot.
And I’m the stupid one?
Face 2 facts my insulting friend:
1) If the Mets weren’t as pathetic as we were in the first half NO AMMOUNT of an Andruw Jones surge in the second half would’ve been big enough to help overcome his first half.
2) With the Mets struggling, had Andruw Jones had even ONE GOOD MONTH out of the first three, the Mets would be worrying about catching us.
If you can’t see that, then YOU are the stupid one.
By Carolina Lady
July 15, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
jjs, your thoughts on Julio returning as bench coach?
By bravesfan
July 15, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
FROM MLBTRADERUMORS.COM What do yall think?
Braves Want Young Impact Pitcher For Salty Back on June 24th, Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette mentioned that the Pirates inquired as to the availability of catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. At that point the required bounty was thought to be a frontline starting pitcher like Mark Buehrle.
Today, Kovacevic clarifies: the Braves want an impact-caliber young pitcher. That makes sense. The Pirates have a couple of those: Tom Gorzelanny and Ian Snell. They’d have to give one up to get Salty. Such a trade would be excellent for Atlanta but wouldn’t really seem to move the Pirates forward.
While shaky in terms of confirmation, we do have one report that indicates the Pirates could trade Snell this month. Snell is 25, healthy, and a long ways from free agency. He’s been the eighth best pitcher in the National League this year according to VORP. Better than Roy Oswalt, Brandon Webb, Carlos Zambrano, or Cole Hamels. It’s been quite a breakout season for Snell, and he’s improved his efficiency greatly. He averaged 5.81 innings per start in ‘06 and increased that all the way to 6.76 per start this year.
By Wake Up
July 15, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
In relation to Andruw Jones, I have never seen so many so-called fans rooting so hard against their own players!! It’s like some of you idiots WANT him to fail.
N8 I will call you stupid. Instead of Andruw bashing, which has become so popular these days, you need to realize the Braves are going nowhere without his bat in the second half. He is hitting much better. He’s going the other way with pitches. It looks like he’s coming around. And it’s not just against the Pirates. You conveniently forget that he hit 5 homers in 12 games before the all-star break. Get your foot off the guys neck and give him a chance. If you really are a Braves fan, you’re not a very smart one. WE NEED ANDRUW IF WE WANT TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS. PERIOD!
By TexasBrave (formally know as Miller)
July 15, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
N8 I don’t know how to address your last post as I don’t know who you are addressing. Someone earlier posted as Miller was not me. I would never call anyone stupid for their own opinions.
As for your comments, yes one would hope that someone making that much money would produce more. Although I am an Andruw supporter, I too would have lowered him to the lower portion of the batting line up until he broke out of his funk. You might set a player out a game or two, but in my opinion the only real way to get out of a slump is to be in the line up hitting just maybe in a different part of the line up than you are used to.
Lastly N8 I have scoured this whole blog and have found only one entry by Miller and he did not address you. So I would love to see where you dreamed this stuff up.
By Salty
July 15, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
My $.02…stupid is not a word this blog needs. Please, exhange e-mails and/or phone #’s and take it off line.
Bob, J I’m reduced to elements?!? I feel like…Lot’s wife!!! :-0
By David O'Brien
July 15, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
Paladin, I’ve come around a bit to your way of thinking on Julio. And by that I mean, as one broadcaster told me, he’d rather see Julio strike out than Thorman. And you just never know….
Actually, I think a guy like Conine would be a better fit. But there are so few guys available, and Julio would be dirt-cheap, and can still pinch-hit better than anyone Braves have, at least except their left-field platoon guys.
So if you can’t get someone else, then go for it with Julio. I don’t know if that’d mean sending Thorman through waivers, sending Salty back to the minors, or what (can’t see them doing that with Salty).
By journalist jimmy smith
July 15, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
carolina lady, good afternoon! well, this journalist would favor julio as a bench coach except for the large presence of chino cadahia. can bobby cox have another bench coach? how many coaches can a team have? not sure. bobby would never fire chino cadahia. anyway, julio would be a nice instructor for the batters. oh, wait, that position is also filled. hmmm… perhaps julio could become a journalist. a journalist permitted to sit in the dugout and do journalism. that way, julio could impart knowledge and motivation to the players young and old. seems that andruw could benefit from a julio-focused at-bat. julio was a hitting specialist supreme for an earlier braves team. it would be good to see julio back in some capacity - not trying to win the game against a power pitcher, though. not now. not with diminished skills. say it ain’t so, julio. say it ain’t so. oh, the humiliation! julio kept the edge for 47 years - that’s pretty special. and now, rainy day here. plants need the rain. braves don’t. imagine a wet grinch at today’s game singing allison krauss’ tunes. sings like an angel - allison, not grinch.
By Bob, Journalist
July 15, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
Nathan, you’re smarter that to say something as inane as “When a guy (Andruw) is making approximately 18 percent of a team’s payroll, should he account for AT LEAST that much of the production?”
At the higher levels, a lot, if not most, of what a player makes is based on his expected marketing and entertainment value … regardless, much of Andruw’s value is in his smile, his daring defense, and even now, his outrageous antics at the plate.
Simply put, folks come to see him … at home, and on the road.
If you’re going to use percentage of payroll I suppose those playing for less than $800,000 would be expected to generate less than 1% of the production. I would hope that they don’t view it that way … I certainly don’t!
Of course, Tim and John wouldn’t want to be so evaluated as their combined salary is the same as Andruw’s … and if you base it on position player salaries, … oh well
Methinks salary and performance should be more closely connected and then maybe folks would retire when they should.
By N8
July 15, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
Texas Brave (formerly known as Miller
You said…
“Lastly N8 I have scoured this whole blog and have found only one entry by Miller and he did not address you. So I would love to see where you dreamed this stuff up.”
Apparently you didn’t “scour” enough.
The following was posted by Miller at 6:11 AM, and was quoted by Todd again at 9:12 AM.
“To all of you ignorant fools ( about 90% of you on this blog) who were knocking on Andruw, it looks like he is back tearing it up now. Good call on Andruw having a good second half DOB. Now if the rest of the bums on this blog had half a brain, they could see how valuable Andruw Jones is to this Atlanta Braves team. Seriously guys, has N8’s stupidity rubbed off on most of you???”
Wake Up
“If you really are a Braves fan, you’re not a very smart one. WE NEED ANDRUW IF WE WANT TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS. PERIOD!”
I AM a Braves fan. One who saw that we have not won ONE SINGLE TITLE SINCE ANDRUW HAS BEEN HERE (not that it’s his fault). One that has hear and read thousands of times that NO TEAM HAS EVER WON THE WORLD SERIES with a single player making as much as 16 percent of his team’s payroll (Andruw is around 18 percent).
So call me an educated fan, that doesn’t wear rose colored glasses.
Sure, we need Andruw if we’re gonna make the playoffs. Why is it that we “didn’t” need him in the first half? If he had played up to his level at any point of the first half, we wouldn’t NEED him to make a run. If you think his bat is more important than Chipper’s, you seriously mistaking. If I had to choose which one to be without, it wouldn’t take too long for me to make my choice.
Based on what he’s done in the first half, and our pitching woes, I will STAND BY MY EARILER COMMENTS THAT STARTED LAST YEAR….this team would’ve been so much better off trading him last year, and adding some more pitching. Of course we didn’t, and we’re NOT.
If we’re making a run of it this year, he is a VERY important part of the run. DON’T put words in my mouth, I’ve never said, that while he’s still here, he’s NOT important.
However, unless LM is raising payroll by about 25 million, it would be a WASTE OF MONEY to sign him again after this season. Because even if they raise it to 100 million, and he “settles” for 20 million per year, that STILL adds up to 20 percent of our payroll.
We can’t and won’t win consistantly with that equation. Or have you NOT been following this team since April of 2006? For the record we are 128-125 since the beginning of 2006. Last time I checked Andruw Jones has playedin MOST of those games, hasn’t he?
We might actually be a mediocre team, if AJ leaves after this year….oh wait….never mind.
By ElbravoX-- EbX
July 15, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
A week ago today we broke a record. Lets go or a sweep!
By Wake Up
July 15, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
N8 Don’t put words in my mouth.I didn’t say that he was more important than Chipper. Nor did I say a word about re-signing him. I watch the baseball games. I know Chipper is a better hitter than Andruw. That is, when Chipper decides to grace us with his presence in the line-up. My point is we need them both (and then some)if we want to win! Now whether it’s a good idea to re-sign Andruw after the season is definitely debatable. But how about rooting for the guy while he’s here?? Is that too much to ask from an “educated” fan such as yourself?
By Ron Roberts
July 15, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Where are all those people who were berating Joe Simpson a coupla weeks back when he said Andruw Jones’ swing looked better? Folks here were scoffing left and right, and guess what, armchair baseball minds… he was right.
Heck, I kinda sensed it myself about the time the Braves notes article came out that said he and T.P. had worked out the issues with his swing in the batting cage but they couldn’t get him to translate it (yet) to the game scenario. I stuck my neck out and even said here I thought he was close to rebounding.
Since June 24th, he’s hitting .290 with 6 HRs and 15 RsBI in 16 games. It’s not a fluke, anymore. Heck, in July’s 10 games, how’s .343 with 5 and 11 rate?
And while I can certainly understand those who’d “Monday Morning QB” the decision to pull Chuck James after six innings and 92 pitches, he’s had a history of having good starts and imploding the third time through the opposing lineup, too. I think Bobby and Roger McDowell finally caught on to that and just have it in their mind now that if they get 5-6 out of him and we’re ahead, to pull him and be grateful.
The only concern I have, now, is with two dependable bullpen arms. Three weeks ago Tyle Yates looked like he wanted to be considered as an option for closing games, and now he’s given up runs in 4 of his last 6 outings and sports a 19.64 ERA for the month of July. Yikes. And Soriano’s given up runs in 4 of his last 10 outings… not exactly slam-the-door closer material, anymore, is it? Not good.
By N8
July 15, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
“Bob, Journalist
“If you’re going to use percentage of payroll I suppose those playing for less than $800,000 would be expected to generate less than 1% of the production. I would hope that they don’t view it that way … I certainly don’t!”
In fact it’s JUST THE OPPOSITE.
I believe there are certain positions/players that are had for cheap that are merely late additions to the club to fill a spot, or somebody that a GM is trying to add for little or nothing that might give them value (Woodward, Wilson, Redman etc…)
However, obviously when a talented rookie comes along and tears it up at the league minimum it makes the higher paid athletes seem severly overpaid.
It is not as noticable on a team like the Yankees or the Red Sox. If they have a 10 million dollar guy NOT PERFORMING, they go get another one and sit the underachiever, or trade them to somebody while eating half (or more) of the salary.
WE CAN’T DO THAT.
In the past, JS has some wiggle room to make a “mistake” when putting the roster together in the winter. Not any more. It’s NOT that Andruw can’t and won’t be productive for somebody, but if WE sign him to another deal, and the payroll stays in the ballpark of where it is (even a slight increase will do nothing more than cover Andruw, Smoltz, Hudson, and Hampton’s raise in salary and the arbitration eligible players raises in pay), Andruw would darn near have to produce MORE for us, to be worth the investment, than he would have to for another team with a bigger payroll.
If that makes any sence.
So in other words, if a team has an 80 million (or so) payroll, and 6 guys (Hudson, Smoltz, Chipper, Andruw, Wickman and Renteria), make up well over half of the payroll, doesn’t it ONLY make sense that those said player should be expected to carry the load.
Hmmm, let’s see:
Hudson and Smoltz seem to be doing just that in the rotation.
Chipper (when healthy), is arguably one of the top 5 players in MLB, so he’s off the hook.
Wickman, while not being as perfect as last year, has been very servicable at the 5-6 million dollar range.
Renteria? Arguably the Braves MVP this year.
That leaves Andruw. You go ahead and finsih the equation.
I’ll tell you, with Andruw’s defense, if Bobby would just have dropped him in the order and kept him there until he started producing, I would’ve had ZERO problem with THAT bat being in the 7th or 8th spot in the order.
The OTHER issue, is Andruw and his agent NOT being willing to accept a trade if the Braves were out of it, and them yapping their traps about him breaking the bank and taking no home town discount. If you’re gonna talk the talk…..walk the walk.
Is there still time for Andruw to salvage his (and the Braves’) season? Sure.
But NOBODY can say that he was worth half of his salary in the first half….NOBODY.
By David O'Brien
July 15, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
Alright, I don’t know why I felt so inspired to do a Sunday blog, but NEW BLOG IS UP. Please flood it to show support of this cool, funky corner of the big ‘ol blogosphere.
By dcarp23
July 15, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
Not sure how you can say that Julio can pinch hit better than any reserves the Braves have. He’s likely a better hitting option than Woodward, but not nearly as versatile. And for all of Thorman’s struggles, he has still outperformed Julio thus far. After that, the bench consists on any given day of Diaz, Harris, Johnson, Escobar, McCann and Saltalamacchia. For all of the attention focused to the Braves bench, it’s actually a bit of a strength. If they could find a big time bat to start in left field or at first (difficult obviously), I think that would be a more attractive pickup.
By N8
July 15, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
Wake Up
“But how about rooting for the guy while he’s here?? Is that too much to ask from an “educated” fan such as yourself?”
You act as though I’m sitting here HOPING he fails. That’s ridiculous.
I root for Kyle Davies to succeed as well. I’ve been rooting for Scott Thorman all season too. In fact I was ALL FOR trading LaRoche to make room for him, if it meant getting Gonzo on the team. But Thorman has royally stunk it up as of late.
Don’t confuse rooting for somebody with, wishing Bobby might put a hotter hand in the lineup (or AT LEAST alter the order), to better the chances of the Braves winning.
I challenge you to find a post where I stated ANYTHING to the fact that I wasn’t “rooting” for Andruw to DO HIS JOB THAT HE’S BEING PAID FOR!
By Wake Up
July 15, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
Andruw just hit a pop-up. Bench him!!
By Bob, Journalist
July 15, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
Nathan, I would never suggest that any of them were worth their salary, based on performance. He’s being paid to fill the seats … he’s doing that … I just wish his offensive production was a reasonable fraction of his potential.
We had a fire next door so we had to evacuate … missed the first half of the game … looks like we played ABC for the first part of the 5th … XYZ for the last part.
Send the boiled peanut hater back up north!
By 59bulldawg
July 15, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Well now, looks like I stirred up a hornet’s nest this morning with all of you Bobby Cox apologists. Sorry I missed it cause after I posted I logged off and got on with my day. Unlike Bob who thinks he’s a journalist, I don’t sit in my momma’s basement and post all day and all night taking childish potshots at folks who disagree with what I have to say. If you disagree fine let’s discuss it. But leave the childish comments off. I still stand by what I said and I know a lot of other people feel the same way. If you don’t like it well tough. Supposedly we have the right to agree to disagree in this country. Unfortunately it d******* like Bob who wants to be a journalist, folks who unfairly criticise the views of others, that’s causes the political dialogue in this country to too often take the low road. My comments were earnestly made and not intended to offend anyone. I like to keep my remarks non-offensive in nature but I will not be bullied by a bunch of morons. And while I’m at it, Braveheart, thanks man for the explanation about blogs and DOB’s news comments. I never would have figured it out without your super insightful points. Thanks again. However I still hold to my original comments. After all it’s a blog and those random musings you reference refers to all posters. What are you? Carroll’s boyfriend or something? My point is, and I don’t care if she’s a beat reporter or a critical columnist, is that it wasn’t relevant 10 years ago and it wasn’t relevant to her story now. Yes I get it that Bonds is a jerk but her anecdote about the mag, especially so long after it happened, seemed like so much piling on to me. And no it didn’t add a thing to the story. A jerk is a jerk is a jerk … much like many of the posters who rip others who post on this blog. But hey it’s only my opinion though! And Lord knows I don’t know nearly as much as a lot of the loudmouthed bloggers who try to rule this blog through the intimidation of folks who just want to express their views. And hey Bryan … you who should serve as the poster boy for idiots on this blog … you who said “hey, 59bulldog, shut up, lay off Cox and Carroll - give bulldogs a bad name.” Son I doubt if you know anything about either the Dawgs or the Braves. Hell you probably never even attended UGA so what would you even know about giving anybody a bad name … except your own ignorant self of course. So until you’re ready to make a serious reply to an opposing viewpoint, go back to your playstation and comic books. To all of the rest of you bloggers who are suffering through this tirade, my sincere apologies. I cannot abide rudeness in anyone and there’s simply too many folks on this blog who seem to think that the only legitimate opinions about anything are the ones that they themselves express. This blog is not for those idiots alone and it’s high time for those folks to get a life. Again I don’t care if you disagree with me. This is not a my opinion is better than your opinion post. Folks we can all agree to disagree but don’t disrespect me because I don’t hold an opinion that you can agree with.
By TheSouthernJackAss
July 15, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
You’re damned right 59bulldawg—this here blog ain’t for just a few select idiots…hell, it’s for idiots just like you too…
By 59bulldawg
July 16, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this
Well Jackass … at least you’re aptly named.
By Gustopher
July 16, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this
An awesome blog CR especially with all that was going on.