AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > July > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCox gamble pays off
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s some bright and early blogging on a Sunday morning because you guys were posting fiends the last 48 hours. Congratulate yourselves. And let me clean the slate.
It’s not actually that early, just feels that way since the game last night was a lot to wind down from. And hey, I just covered it. I wonder if Willie Harris was bouncing off the walls for a couple hours after the game? Might still be.
It’s been fairly well documented last night, but surely bears repeating. Before Willie Harris stepped to the plate for the first of his six hits in six at-bats last night, his two triples and his six RBIs, he had zero extra base hits, zero runs batted in and was hitting .190 over the last month. Friday night he’d gone 0-for-5 with two strikeouts.
Yet Bobby Cox trots him out there as always, in the leadoff spot, against a right-hander, there you go. That got me to thinking — about how I’m such a horrible gambler. Not that I spend much time doing it. I’ve never even bought a lottery ticket.) It goes against my type A personality. I think I’ve been to one blackjack table in the last five years when I was covering the Independence Bowl in Shreveport. I mean what the heck else are you going to do in Shreveport?
But the reason that I never make any money is I won’t stack a lot of chips down on one hand. It’s pretty much a $5 bet a hand at a $5 table, a $10 bet if all they have is $10 tables, and an occasional double down. I see a king, I think that’s good. I see a two, I’m worried. And a good night at the table for me is either to break even, make something that might cover a dinner at Houston’s, or at least get to say hey, I played on my $50 for an hour.
I don’t have the stuff of Cox, to put so many big chips on a player everybody else would walk away from the table for, at least for one hand, or maybe the night. And that’s why it’s fun to watch Cox gamble sometimes and come up with what he did Saturday night: Willie’s 6-for-6.
Call it luck if you want. But six hits don’t come out of nowhere. Loyalty counts for something. And going to the plate, not worried about your job means something. And if you can follow me here, I’ll continue the blackjack analogy: while the rest of us get excited about the king - the guy who’s on the 10-game hitting streak - we’re not realizing that under the two, there might be a nine, and then here come the blessed face cards.
Cox sticks with his guns. His players love it. And Buddy Carlyle, for one, benefited - he’s now 5-2, folks - if only to improve his cardiovascular health from scoring from first twice on Willie triples.
“Obviously there’s no manager in the major leagues who has more faith and confidence in players than Bobby does,” Carlyle said. “There are other teams when you struggle, you can feel a manager pressing on you. But here, I don’t think you really ever feel that.”
And just a side note about Willie. No I’m not going to pick the day after he went 6-for-6 to remind everybody how when he first came up, I suggested he had Charles Thomas potential. No, that would be just way too easy. I was just going to describe for you what I saw when I walked into the clubhouse yesterday.
No players were around except for Willie and Matt Diaz, the two members of the Braves’ left field platoon. They locker side-by-side. They were sitting in their lockers, deeply engrossed in conversation, pleasantly chatting along. They both got up and walked out of the clubhouse together, still chatting it up. They might not have noticed anybody else in the room as they walked out.
I marveled for just a second at two guys who play the same position and both want more playing time. If it were me, I’m not so sure how pleasant I would be, much less friendly.
Matt and Willie say they pull for each other, and I’m inclined to believe them. This arrangement works, and it’s cool to see. I could surely learn something from them, eh?
It’s also pretty clear St. Louis’ pitching staff has got some major issues. Just saying.
And onto the trade winds … from hearing what John Schuerholz had to say yesterday, and trying as always to read between the lines, it sounds like if Schuerholz had his druthers, the Braves would be acquiring pitching some time in the next nine days.
“We’re talking about a variety of things,” Schuerholz said. “I’m not going to narrow it down to one thing. We’re just doing our due diligence. Something might come up that we weren’t even focusing on. Pitching is always a priority. It always has been and always will be.”
Comments
By Jazzy-ez realamius
July 22, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
Numba won!
By ElbravoX-- EbX
July 22, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
Never first!
By cundh2o
July 22, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
Get Vaz and Teixeira and win it all.
By GHook
July 22, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update, DOB.
Got to give Willie a lot of credit for the great game last night. I just can’t get over the fact that Kelly was a top 5 leadoff man in the NL in the beginning of the season. Then Escobar got called up and he started platooning, then he lost the leadoff spot, and he never complained about it. I really like Kelly’s approach, and Willie seemed to be more consistent at the bottom of the order, I’m just saying…
Cox will do what’s best for the team but I’d like to see Kelly get a shot at the leadoff spot again. And that’s hard to say after Willie’s 6 hit night.
By David
July 22, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
Carroll, Any news on the spat between Larussa and TP last night? Larussa talks a big game, but it seems to me that he is always whining about the dumbest things. Andruw wouldn’t have hit their catcher with his follow-through on purpose…
By mike
July 22, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
Hey, I think he’s showing awesome potential; Time to trade him away for a rent-a-pitcher for the stretch run!
By BravesFanInRockies
July 22, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Nice blog, CR.
The way Cox treats players reminds me why I (or most of us, for that matter) could never be a successful coach/manager in any sport — even if I knew how to teach the fundamentals, which I don’t.
I would not have the patience to endure the slumps and the bonehead plays and the stuff that naturally happens during a long season. So I’d cuss and fume and bench people and generally make an a$$ of myself.
That’s why I admire what BC’s been able to accomplish, even though some of his decisions during a given game or a certain week might infuriate me. He’s got the long view in mind and is trying to keep the guys’ focus on the team.
He knows what he’s doing. I wouldn’t have a clue.
By jay
July 22, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
the platoon thing is working for all three positions but I’d like to see Salty and Escobar get more at bats at 1st and 2nd base. They’re not getting enough at bats in my opinion.
By Peecee
July 22, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
I know it’s corny, particularly for those who are not native Georgians, but it made my heart feel good to see a native South Georgian (Cairo, no less; it’s Kay-ro down here)do what Willie did last night. Why shouldn’t the Braves have moree home-grown talent to go along with Jeff and Brian? don’t think our Braves have the horsepower to go to the playoffs this year but there is promise…especially with the likes of a good young hustling centerfielder (are you looking, Andrew?). Go get ‘em, Willie!
By Mark
July 22, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this
We are so behind the mets. they got there willie harris a couple of years back in Reyes and look what happend. Cox was saying to hisself what the hell do we have to lose with that pitching. He got one right for a chg. :-)
By Hey G-Hook
July 22, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
It’s Carroll Rogers blogging today, not David O’Brian. Thanks for your kind attention.
By Colin
July 22, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
I think we need a reliever (Damaso Marte or Octavio Dotel) and a spot starter reliever(Zach Grienke)…Our offense shows great potential..just wish we were more consistent..I think we can catch the Mets because other than Glavine (who is inconsistent himself) is there best pitcher. We have two aces(Smoltz and Huddy and possibly my new “Buddy”). Yea we were a little late in getting our Reyes but does Reyes ever go 6-6…The Muts are probably the most overrated team..well maybe the Brew Crew…All-n-All we have a good team with potential to be a great team depending on what happens at the trade deadline.
By Efrim
July 22, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this
If Reyes doesn’t pitch well tonight, are the Braves going to consider stepping their efforts up for a starting pitcher? I can see them trading for two relievers, but I’m not sure what they feel about the fifth spot in the rotation.
By Colin
July 22, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this
Efirm
I totally agree, basically tonight Jo-Jo is pitching for his spot because I feel that Grienke is coming our way, I just have this weird feeling. Again your correct about the two relievers, so i think Grienke and Dotel may be the two. Octavio would be a huge addition because he can pitch the 8th or 9th giving Soriano or Wickman a day off.Grienke would take the strain off of Soriano for trying to get out lefties if he isent our 5th starter. I really think Jo-Jo will do a excellent job tonight so he may secure his spot for a while. Also does anyone know how Davies is doing in Richmond?
By brent a.
July 22, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
I must’ve missed how Cox using his same line-up was a gamble.
At what point does it become a gamble to do the same thing you’ve been doing for the past 2 months?
Had St. Louis started a left-handed pitcher, and Cox went with Harris, in spite of his recent troubles against everyone, that might be a gamble.
But, simply going with your regular line-up that you use against right-handers, not so much a gamble.
By JasonInMaine
July 22, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
One of the moves that JS will make will include a lefty reliever.
I am kind of excited by JS’ comments and by comments made by others tha( he is looking under every rock for a starter!
Regards,
Jason
By Ron Roberts
July 22, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
Tampa Brave… B R I L L I A N T post earlier today, with the laundry list of Braves’ minor league “phenoms” that never panned out. Imagine today’s roster with Charles Thomas in LF and Andy Marte at 3B or SS…
Paladin… in arguing against a deal to acquire Mark Teixeira, didn’t Nick Esasky suffer from vertigo? C’mon, dude, you can’t compare any situation to what the Braves went through with Nick freaking Esasky, man…
Folks, don’t let these offensive outpourings shadow your thoughts. To think that offense is not a problem that needs fixing is incorrect.
We aren’t going to get six hit/six RsBI games from a position player most nights and we obviously aren’t going to get double-digit run production like we’e seen this stretch this month, either.
Our starting pitching has been pretty darn good, minus the Kyle Davies’ meltdowns. I honestly don’t even think Jo Jo Reyes has been all that bad, all things considering. He’s managed to go deeper in games his first two starts than Kyle does when he implodes on the mound.
What this team needs to fix are its offensive issues at 1B and solidifying the bullpen.
Can we fix 1B, in-house? Well, when everybody was getting a boner for Saltalamacchia, it was I who quietly mentioned that Matt Diaz can play some 1B, too, and instead, we put Saltalamacchia in. To be fair, I was also still behind Scott Thorman, and proved to be fruitlss. I still reserve judgement and think maybe he was brought up too soon, obviously. Meanwhile, Jarrod did alright for awhile, but the league’s caught up to him a la Jeff Francoeur, circa 2005. It’s past time to see Matt Diaz playing every damned day, whether he be in LF or 1B.
If we don’t do that, I’m still very much of the belief that a trade scenario with Texas where they get Saltalamacchia and we get Teixeira, sprinkle in some prospects on both sides if you must, is the next option at 1B. We have to start thinking about the post-Andruw era of Braves’ baseball, and Teixeira would give us another year to do that; to see if one of our younger Braves’ (Francoeur, Brandon Jones) is going to step up and provide that pop in the lineup we’ll need if we don’t keep Teixeira beyond ‘08. If we dont’ have somebody to step up and be that guy, then we bite the bullet and re-sign Tex. Why not? If he’s raking in 30-40 HRs, 100+ RsBI and hitting for average (as he’s done all his career), he’d be worth it. We’d also (by then) be done paying for Edgar Renteria, Mike Hampton and Andruw Jones, plus be less the contract(s) of wasted spending like Craig Wilson, Chris Woodward, Pete Orr (who ain’t making much, but still…) and who knows where we’ll be with guys like Hudson, Smoltz, Chipper Jones.
Obviously, our W-L record this month would’ve been much better if we’d had the May-June Yates and Soriano. Are they just in need of rest or are they just not as capable as we once believed? Hard to say; but using Yunel and/or Saltalamacchia to fix that part of the club would be a mis-use, I think.
I’ll say this, if Yates/Soriano had been effective this month, we’d be 3 games better than we are, and that’d have us back in first place, and sporting a 12-5 July record, at 55-43, a half-game up on the Mutts.
So I don’t think any of us have the answer; but I think we have options, and if we can find an option that best addresses our needs for this and future seasons, then I say we make it.
I think another patch-job on the bullpen wins us the division or, at worst, nets us the wild card. Are we World Series’ winnable? I’d say probably not, unless we play Matty D. at 1B and he continues to rake, as does Willie. But then what do we make of ourselves in ‘08 and beyond without the pop of Andruw Jones in the lineup? Is there an answer from within? Doubt it. Is there an answer via free agency? Mike Cameron in CF would be adequate, but it’s hard to say he’d be enough, as he’s only hit 30 HRs or more (30, actually), once in his career. Same for 100 or more RsBI. But it’s not set in stone we’d get him, anyhow.
I think a move like grabbing Teixeira wins us the division, or at worst, the wild card, and makes us a serious threat to win it all with good 1-2-3 starters and a damn potent offense. It also addresses the post-Andruw era, and with Mike Gonzalez returning next season (probably, what, mid-May?), our bullpen will be better wiithough any additions.
I’m still leaning towards just building a lineup that outscores folks, myself. I think, in a watered-down National League, it clobbers the opposition on the way to the World Series, and makes our lineup just as formidable as any in the American League we’d wind up facing, and we already have the 1-2-3 starters (add Buddy Carlyle to the ‘pen and we’ve really fixed the bullpen too, right?) and we have a shot.
Just my opinions, folks.
By dave douglas
July 22, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
What kind of moron needs extra help to figure out when his beer is cold?
By gotigers72
July 22, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
On ESPN.com, Jason Stark says the Braves are the most active “lookers” in the trade market. He says they are hanging on to Salty and Escobar, but are willing to part with other prospects. He named Elvis Andrus and Dan Smith [pitcher].
Don’t know how much that’s, worth, but I think ther Braves will make a trade for someone before the deadline. SS is a position where the Braves are loaded [Edgar, Escobar, Lillibridge and Diory Hernandez], and Elvis is not having a good year, even though he’s a highly rated prospect. Hitting around .240 with 24 errors. That’s right, 24 errors. Smith pitched at Mississippi and Richmond before an injury, and is currently rehabbing at the rookie league GCL Braves. I have no idea how highly he is thought of.
By Salty
July 22, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
brent a The ‘gamble’ is in staying with a guy who hasn’t hit for the past month, or…to Carroll’s real point: Bobby’s loyalty to players is a gamble, particularly when conventional wisdom says you sit a guy…be it Willie, AJ, Frenchy, KJ…i.e., the guys who’ve endured lengthy dry spells.
By Chop Chop
July 22, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
gotigers72, when you talk about Elvis Andrus and the number of errors he’s made this year, just know that Chipper Jones made 56 errors (that’s right, 56) as a shortstop at Macon in ‘91. He made 43 (that’s right, 43) errors at Richmond in ‘93 and was called up that year. Chipper was a much more developed hitter than Andrus and made it to the bigs because of his bat, but Elvis is still 18 and he’s hitting .240 in high-A ball. I can’t imagine that he would be a guy the Braves would trade. After all, there are too many more polished players ahead of him in the system that the team just doesn’t have room for and that don’t have his upside.
By James
July 22, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Time to sign Harris to a long term contract based on incentives. He will be a good replacement for Andruw in center field next year.
By chipdip
July 22, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Larussa is a blabbering, drunkin’, cleveland steamer lovin’ idiot.
By Ripper
July 22, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
Jason Stark,Joe Morgan I’m talking about dumb stuff while doing a game and all those nerds at ESPN really don’t know whats going happen in the next few days ,all they truly know is how to flap their gums get face time lets talk about Barry Bonds(which they talk trash until he’s about to break a record) and worship the Yankess and Red Sox .
By Choppinmama
July 22, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
Carroll: A bright new blog to start a new day! Thanks for the observations about Willie and Matt. That’s why I’m proud to be a Braves fan ‘cause that’s the kind of people that the Braves want on their team - good, decent, talented guys who understand the team concept and all play with one very attainable goal in mind - get this team to the World Series.
I’ll bet Willie’s smile was still a mile wide when he got to the park today! TWO triples from Platoon Guy, not to mention the other 4 hits of the night. In my travels from the FL panhandle back to the ATL area, I always go through Cairo - Home of the Syrupmakers - and think “this is where Willie grew up”
One trait I don’t think the team is missing is confidence. It flows from the top on down through the team. Bobby demonstrates his confidence in his guys every day, patiently running them out there over and over until they finally catch fire. (his patience does have it’s limits - can you say “See ‘ya, Kyle”?)
Just like Dave, I was wondering what was up between TP and Tony too? What’s the backstory on that?
OK, almost 5 hours to “get ready” for the ESPN broadcast tonight. “Honey, is that bloody mary ready yet?”
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
July 22, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Can’t wait to hear Joe Morgan tonight. He’s so informative and insightful…er, wait a minute.
By Ron
July 22, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts I see what you are saying about getting another Lefty reliever and a First Baseman!!! But not Tex, I say go after Conine, or Wigginton, somebody like that!!! But We HAVE to get another Starter!!! I like JoJo also, but we have to realize this will only be his 3rd CAREER start tonight!!! I say we need to go after a Carlos Silva type Starter!!! He would be a descent #4 Starter without giving up much, maybe just Thorman and a descent minor league player!!! And then go out and get a Lefty reliever in CJ Wilson, or Scott Downs!!! Then go out and get a Conine, or Wigginton type player to play First base!!! It would take WAY TOO much to get Tex!!! And I do not think JS will trade Salty for another First Baseman, I think IF he trades him, it will be for Pitching!!!!!
By GermanBravesFan
July 22, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
Just read an article on espn.com in which they said Livan Hernandez could be had. Any thoughts?
By Choppinmama
July 22, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts: excellent analytical post regarding our team make up in the future with or without Teixeira.
It got me to wondering: knowing that Andruw will probably be gone next year, how many MLB players have contacted their agents to get them to contact the Braves about playing here next year. Do players do much of that? You’d think a lot of guys would want to come and play centerfield for the Braves in Atlanta. Is that against some union rule? How much self-promotion can/do these guys do behind the scenes?
By JasonInMaine
July 22, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
I wasn’t able to watch the game last night…what happened between TP and LaRussa? I have seen a couple references to an incident that happened last night.
Thanks,
Jason
By Efrim
July 22, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
GermanBravesFan,
He could be had. But the pair of socks that Andruw has been wearing seems to be working out fo rhim in July, so in taht case, no.
By Choppinmama
July 22, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
Carroll: I’m so envious. Just once I’d like to be able to say “I was just going to describe for you what I saw when I walked into the clubhouse yesterday.”
By GermanBravesFan
July 22, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
Joe Morgan? I have yet to hear him say something positive about the Braves… He’s such a Yankees worshipper! I can’t stand that guy!
By GermanBravesFan
July 22, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Efrim… I think Hernandez be an upgrade as a number 4 starter.
By Efrim
July 22, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
GermanBravesFan,
He gives up way too many hits. He is decent, but I would rather concentrate on two relievers.
By fastasballs
July 22, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Elvis Andrus can flat out play. I’ve seen him quite a bit with Myrtle Beach. Many of the infields in the Carolina league are rough & hard as a brick so he’s going to make more errors than expected. Chipper had a pile in his minor league days & Furcal made a ton as well.
The real deal playing at Myrtle Beach is the “Flying Hawaiian”. He had a horrible April, most all of his stats have been compiled in about 2 1/2 months. Please don’t compare him to Scott Thorman, in addition to his power he hits for average, high OBP, high slugging % & takes a ton of walks. Yes he stikes out a bit, but that can be overlooked a bit when compared to his other stats, not just the power output.
I can’t wait to see Hanson pitch for MB when they come to town in a few weeks.
The Braves do have quite a few power arms in Danville, go check their stats. 4 of them stike out 1 plus an inning. Feliz & Rohrbough are a few names to keep an eye on.
So the Braves farm system does have quite a few power arms, out of that group I would expect a few here by 2009.
I seriously doubt Brandon Jones is traded, he will be here next year. There is going to be a big hole in center & a huge power loss when Andruw leaves. Not that Brandon plays center, he plays left, but count on him being here next year.
By periodista Señor Blanco
July 22, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
Se parece que Señor Blanco es el único periodista en el blog actualmente. Él escribirá en español y en su inglés limitado para no asustar lejos a los gringos. ¡Oh, la humanidad!
Ahora, béisbol…
¿Sabías que el Aztecs inventó béisbol? Hoy, Jo Jo Reyes echará bien y golpeará quizá un homerun. No dejar el intento de Soriano o de Wickman ahorrar el juego en caso de necesidad. Confiar en solamente a Oscar.
It looks like that Mr. Blanco is the only journalist in blog at the moment. He will write in Spanish and in his limited English not to scare the gringos. Oh, the humanity!
Now, baseball… Did you know that the Aztecs invented baseball? Perhaps today, Jo Jo Reyes will throw well and strike homerun. Not to let the attempt of Soriano or Wickman save the game in case of necessity. Trust only Oscar.
By Chuck James is solid!! (Formerly Steve-O)
July 22, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
I’d take Livan in a HEARTBEAT. Lots of postseason success and a SOLID #3 or #4!
By fastasballs
July 22, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
Jason, Andruw caught their catcher with the bat on a back swing & between innings LaRussa was out making a production about it to the umpire. I guess TP got mad & yelled something out to him & they had a few words, not sure what they were.
Later in the game McCann was drilled in the leg with a fastball. Coincidence? I think not, more like payback IMO. Nothing was made about it though.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
July 22, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
**All right folks,
Let’s keep track of how many times tonight Joe Morgan references the following: Willie Mays, Willie Randolph, A-Rod, Barry Bonds, Derek Jeter, Joe Torre, David Ortiz, or Manny Ramirez**
Oddly enough, none of those people are involved in tonight’s game.
By Vol
July 22, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
If we were going to move Salty or Escobar, who would be your top choice? Texiera Nathan Gagne Vazquez Cordero Dunn Griffey Fuentes Someone Else
I like Tex, but I’d be tempted to pick up Nathan or Cordero and get the pen back to where we thought it would be. Then again, I wouldn’t trade either Salty or Escobar!
By GTA
July 22, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
We should call it “The Bobby Cox Effect” (C) and make movies and books.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
July 22, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this
Livan walks too many guys. Plus, he’d be a rental and let’s not forget that 1997 NLCS screwjob. Who paid off the umpire?
By grammerchek
July 22, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Hey ron!!!
I think my keyboard just contracted the same problem as yours!!! For some danged reason it types three exclamation points when I hit the period key!!!
By Vol
July 22, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
I’d take Livan…to pinch hit.
By Vol
July 22, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
I think our front four starters are good enough and might plug Villareal in the 5 slot when you have to use him. Upgrading the pen means more to me. I saw that Cordero isn’t a FA until after 2009. I wonder what the Nats are asking for him?
By kg
July 22, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
Didn’t see the game, but I’m a little confused as to why BC took Carlyle out after only 6 innings. With an 11 run lead and a tired bull pen, why didn’t he keep Buddy in for another couple of innings? Was it the pitch count? Heat? Running the bases? Anyway, good game, although Ledzema struggled mightily.
By fastasballs
July 22, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
If Jo Jo pitches well tonight I wouldn’t bother getting a starter unless it’s Snell or someone who will impact this team for years to come.
If the bullpen had been as good in July as they had been April-June, the Braves are in 1st by a game at least. The starters have performed well the past month or so with the exception of Davies & one start each by Huddy & Jo Jo(1st game in the bigs).
I think improving the pen is a must & another big bat like Tex. Andruw can’t be counted on for prolonged production. This team has a high OBP, but has way too may games where they score three runs or less. Most of those games they have a ton of baserunners, but can’t get them in. You guys tell where this team is if another big bat was in the line up hitting clean up? 5 games in first, probably more.
Look at the stats combined of everyone that has hit lead off(Harris, KJ & Escobar), Edgar & Chipper, Andruw should be leading the league in RBI’s by a long shot. I’m not cracking on him, just pointing out how a high average power hitter like Tex batting clean up would improve this team much more than a 4th or 5th starter would.
By D-Cider
July 22, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this
Cox’s loyalty cuts both ways. he continues to send Rafael Soriano out in the 8th inning, even though his ERA has been going up for the last month. One blown save and a loss this week.
By Jeff321
July 22, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this
Before AJ was taken out of the game last night.. he was the only one without a hit. I for one would of enjoyed seeing him go 0-6 or 0-7 and will feel great when he is out of Atlanta.
By JasonInMaine
July 22, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
Thanks fastaballs!
By Choppinmama
July 22, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
After catching up on yesterday’s blog:
Bravesfan: glad to know I wasn’t the only one to think that AI was some really weird movie! They must have cut out some parts ‘cause a LOT of it didn’t make much sense. Was that after Hayley saw dead people?
ChopChop: Valentin is living proof that “karma” really happens.
Bravesfan: I’m in the middle of reading Bill Shanks book Scout’s Honor. Just finished the chapter where he discusses having to trade our top pitching prospects, Wainwright and Bubba Nelson. They were very high on Wainwright and it killed them to have to include Adam in the trade with Jason Marquis and Ray King to the Cards for JD Drew and Eli Marrero.
I, too was following his pitching effort. Happy he was good, just not good enough!
By Ron Roberts
July 22, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Folks, why should the Twins give up anything from their pitching staff?? They’re only 6 GB of the wild card, and uh, let’s remember, last year, we sat here while people on THIS very blog were pining for us to make a deal to acquire arms from them, too, and lo and behold, they wound up getting into contention and winning their division down the stretch.
I think we should stop wasting time looking for Carlos Silva or Joe Nathan to come our way. If I were a Twins fan, I’d be laughing my @ss off at the notion.
By AMG
July 22, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
Ahhhh…I just love it when ESPN is in town to do a baseball game. I love it so much I go outside with a bucket of beer, lawn chair, and radio. It is a great opportunity to get together with Skip and Pete…good weather too.
By Carroll (NOT Ms. Rogers)
July 22, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
LOL! Bobby’s “gamble” pays off? It should read: “Bobby’s stubborn ignorance FINALLY didn’t kill us for once.” If you keep doing the same stupid thing over and over, the law of averages says it eventually has to work out once in a while, right? Well we’ve endured 15 + years of Bobby stubbornly going against common sense—playing the tired vet instead of the obviously better choice; letting the hitter swing away in a clear bunt situation, etc, etc, ad nauseum. Now he’s a genius or something because Willie Harris managed a few hits against one of the worst teams in baseball, and one of their worst pitchers. Bravo. Meanwhile, one of the best hitters in the NL this year continues to waste away on the bench.
By fastasballs
July 22, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this
Another night of listening to Morgan & Miller, yippppeeee. I wonder who their guest in the booth will be tonight? Whoever it is those two will waste three innings talking to them about everything but the game.
The other 6 innings Morgan will tell us how he would have played the ball, how he would have swung, why he would & wouldn’t have done everything. Of course that will be between Yankee & Red Sox references.
By Carroll (NOT Ms. Rogers)
July 22, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this
As for our need for a 3rd starter, word is that the Braves are in on Matt Morris. I’ve long thought he would be a great addition, and shouldn’t cost more than Escobar, if that much (i.e. we wouldn’t have to give up NaCl to get him). Morris has a nice, affordable contract too.
By Paladin
July 22, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this
Oh, it was the old let’s slip over to the new blog and not tell Paladin trick, huh? Well ok, I can take a yoke. But, here is something I brought with me that is still (IMO) topical.
And speaking of Braveheart(we were): He may, at this very moment, be “polishing” something, so stand-by for a ram.
NOW HEAR THIS—-NOW HEAR THIS!! All hands forward, move aft. All hands aft, move forward. All hands amidships, stand-by to direct traffic.
I will be in my cabin(playing with my ball-bearings)if you need me.
Actually, I’m going out and talk to my dog. He is not much of a conversationalist, but he is a hell-of-a listener.
By ElMeridionalGatoAsno
July 22, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this
El Radio Personalidad Ido Heno AlambreRRSabio…tiene no TESTICULOS!…
By Lew
July 22, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this
Over the course of the season, Chuck James has had his share of grief thrown at him from the direction of this blog. Now, it hasn’t been so much lately with his past several starts being so good, but y’all know what I just said is true. However, let’s look at Chuckie from a slightly different perspective. He made his first start on June 25 of last year, just slightly more than a year ago. Since that time, in 38 starts-229 IP-which works out to a good year for a number 2 pitcher (more or less), Chuck has put up a 19-11 record with an ERA of 3.63. Now if someone had come to this blog last season and asked if we wanted a pitcher who would compile those stats in a full year, while averaging 6IP per start, how many would have not jumped at the chance to sign him up? Factor into this that he’s still only 25 years old and makes barely above the ML minimum. Would anyone here have turned it down? I think not. We would all have been thrilled.
By GHook
July 22, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this
Yeah, my bad.
Thanks for the update Carroll.
There we go.
By NC Braves Fan
July 22, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
Jeff321-“would of” ~What kind of English contraction is that?
What real fan cherishes the struggles of their own player in a game? What kind of loyalty is that?
So long as AJ has a tomahawk across his chest, his has my full support. I “would’ve” cheered whether he was 0-6 or 6-6.
By Bill
July 22, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this
The Braves don’t need Livan Hernandez. His fast ball tops out about 88. He’s on the down side. To risky to lose prospects for him. I’d rather have a younger power pitcher, if one could be found.
By The Truth Hurts
July 22, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this
Don’t know if anyone else has mentioned this yet:
Gammons reportedly said the Braves offered Renteria for Garland and were turned down.
By Efrim
July 22, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
Jake Peavy has given up 4 runs on 9 hits. The guy is pitching hurt. He got a anti-inflammatory shot two weeks ago. If he is hurt, the Padres are in deep stuff.
By AMG
July 22, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
NaCl … nice Carroll (NOT Ms Rogers)
When making trades, you need to give up something to get something. This is the time of year for sellers. I would expect to give up more than just one player for someone like Matt Morris.
By bravesfan
July 22, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
The Truth Hurts where did you hear that?
By Efrim
July 22, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this
The Truth Hurts
Not a bad offer if that is the case. Works out for both teams. If Renteria is dealt for a starter, it better be for someone as good as Garland. Our rotation would be big time if that were the case. I fully expect Renteria to be traded this off-season, if Escobar isn’t that is.
By Braves Fan 79
July 22, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this
I would hate to see escobar go for anything short of a #1 quality starter! Common Braves…win tonight…and hopefully the Dodgers can even the series tonight with the mets. Go Braves!
By The Truth Hurts
July 22, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
ESPN Radio Baseball Show.
By bravesfan
July 22, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this
That isn’t anywhere on the internet is it?
By Jeff321
July 22, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this
NC Braves Fan — Thanks for grading my test. Btw, I’m the type of fan who pays for MLB video in order to watch Braves games.
By bravesfan
July 22, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
Dodgers lead 4 to 2 Nomar 2 run HR
By humbug
July 22, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this
I think it’s an awful mistake to trade any of our young Braves for anybody’s cast offs. With AJ, Thorman, Woodward, and a couple more gone after this season We will have one hell of a good team, and at a pretty cheap price. Let’s not sacrifice the next several seasons for the sake of putting on a push for this year’s playoffs. We will not get any decent player without losing Salty, Escobar, KJ, Diaz, or Willie. THEY ARE TOO VALUABLE TO BE TRADED FOR ANYONE!! And make Julio a coach next year. He too is Valuable.
By TN-MAN
July 22, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
Trust him, the Truth hurts is telling the truth. Gammons is reporting that the Sox turned down Garland for Renteria. IMO, lets just be glad they turned it down.
By Colin
July 22, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this
Can anyone please fill me in on the Renteria for Garland deal and any others that may have been talked about?
By bravesfan
July 22, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this
Nah I beleive him I was just wondering, o yeah I am really glad they turned it down.
By Serge
July 22, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this
It payed off for one game. Harris has hit around .190 or so as a leadoff hitter. Hes been awfull
By Adirondackdave
July 22, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
Man, I’m delighted they turned down Renteria for Garland, if the offer was made.
By Colin
July 22, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this
Garland is below average..Almost everyone lit him up and he isent that good…Renteria is clutch…wow this deal would have been terrible…Now JS get some bullpen and a spot starter…Known as Octavio Dotel and Zach Grienke!!
By Ron
July 22, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this
Man I am glad that the White Sox turned that deal down!!! Renteria is TOO valuable to this team THIS YEAR to trade!!! Now in the offseason I can see him getting traded, BUT we need him too badly this year to trade him, even though it was Garland!!! Glad KW told JS no!!!
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this
Idiot Broxton is trying his best to hand the Mets a tie or the lead in this game…the guy is wilder than Phil Spector’s hair.
By bravesfan
July 22, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this
Braves 1 game back in wild card if we win GO BRAVES!!!
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
Dodgers just gave the Mets a tie game in teh bottom of the 9th. Evidently Saieto isn’t available and this Broxton clown (htoguht I don’t know anything about them) is as good as they’ve got. The Dodgers are not helping.
By Braveheart
July 22, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this
The Wilson Betemit Mention:
Wilson Betemit is now hitting .242, with a .366 OBP, .497 SLG, .863 OPS.
FING DODGERS CAN’T HOLD OFF THE METS IN THE NINTH!
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this
In what world does Dotel not suck? Broxotn with another wild pitch has the lead run on third now with one out…they’ve got to pull this guy, he is just gift wrapping this game.
By bravesfan
July 22, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this
LINEUP 1. W Harris, LF 2. E Renteria, SS 3. C Jones, 3B 4. A Jones, CF 5. K Johnson, 2B 6. J Francoeur, RF 7. J Saltalamacchia, C
8. J Franco, 1B 9. J Reyes, P
By scott
July 22, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this
dont trade SALTY
By Efrim
July 22, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this
Well that trade offer shows you how much JS wants a starter to slot in right behind Smoltz and Hudson. I don’t think it is as bad as you all think. Garland ain’t that bad. We need some insurance just in case Smoltz has to take a couple more weeks off because of shoulder inflammation. I think Greinke is a no brainer. But I have a feeling they would ask for Escobar.
By Braveheart
July 22, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
Since the start of the 2005 season:
Betemit: .272, .343, .464, .807
Frenchy: .277, .333, .462, .795
By Colin
July 22, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
In this world Ernesto. He has been brillant this year for the ROYALS…again the ROYALS…I would take him any day.
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
Sorry I just looked over Dotel’s numbers and he’s not that bad, still 5 mil for 21 runs allowed in 21 innings seems a little excessive.
By Efrim
July 22, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this
Betemit has a 863 ops. What a bad trade for us…..
By Colin
July 22, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this
Why would they not start McCann.He is on fire, and does anyone think Edgar will be bitter because his name is included in trade discussion?
By Colin
July 22, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
Tell me where Betemit would play?
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, Wilson’s numbers are allright, but Aybar could party him into the ground.
By Efrim
July 22, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this
Colin, 1st base.
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
The Dodger’s bullpen is leaking…I thougtht that was supposed to be their strength…need Wright to hit into a DP.
By Efrim
July 22, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
Mets neeeeeed to lose this game!!!!!
By Braveheart
July 22, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this
Betemit could have played everywhere - third when Chipper was hurt instead of crappy Orr and Woodward. Maybe even first base right now instead of crappy Thorman. There would have been zero need for crappy Orr and Woodward.
I have never said Betemit was a starter but the man is a supersub. The Yankees badly want him and have badly wanted him for two years now.
By Colin
July 22, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
Muts 5 dodgers 4
By kirknga
July 22, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this
Dotel has not given up “21 runs allowed in 21 innings”.
According to mlb.com,he’s given up 21 Hits in 21 innings, 9 Runs, 2 homers, 10 walks, 26 strikeouts and 10 saves.
Still not sure he’s worth Escobar or Salty.
By Efrim
July 22, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this
DOB
That is why the Mets will win the division. They always seem to win those games.
By Braveheart
July 22, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, Wilson’s numbers are allright, but Aybar could party him into the ground.
LOL, ernesto!
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
July 22, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves should make a play for Livan Hernandez. One reason is that he is an innings eater, which of course saves the bullpen. Also, he is still capable of pitching some gems and his experience could be very useful.
I would like to see Texiera in a Braves uniform but I just don’t see it happening without the Braves having to give away the farm. I’m thinking a guy like Jeff Conine or Ty Wiggington would be a better bet. If the Rays are seriously talking to the Yanks about a Proctor for Wiggington trade, then I think JS should offer a guy with potential like Devine or Davies for Wiggington. The Braves could even throw in Thorman or Esquivel.
By bravesfan
July 22, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
Muts are gonna win.
By Colin
July 22, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this
All im saying is Betemit would have been unhappy if the season so far would have went the right way where Thorman produced and Betemit would have been on the bench a majority of the time. He would have wanted out.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
July 22, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this
Are the Braves a ratings draw on Sunday night? Seems like they’ve been on ESPN more this year than the past 2 combined.
By Paladin
July 22, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this
Paladin has jumped ship and, as usual, is swimming against the tide.
Y’all bring ‘em through. Go Braves!! And, nite all.
By Colin
July 22, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
Here come the Dodgers got Pierre on…steal 2nd, 3rd and home.
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
I agree this team would be better with Wilson that with what we got…nothing excpet the right to send Aybar to rehab, but that’s hindsight. JS’s track record is waaay more right than wrong calls, tehre are some GMs that never want to pull the trigger on a deal, I’m glad we’ve got one that will occasionally roll the dice.
By KC
July 22, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
What the hell!!!!!!! The Dodgers bullpen gives up a run in the 8th, 9th, and the 10th??? Talk about not getting any help here!!!
By Ron
July 22, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
JS should have took the Scott Proctor for Betemit deal last year, instead all we basically got was two draft picks and drug addict that aint even here!!!
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
kirkinga, you’re right, my bad.
Still not sure he’s worth 5 mil on a team that has to watch its nickels and dimes, or the potential of Salty or Escobar.
By KC
July 22, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
Robert(JIB): Respectfully, I don’t think we need to pursue a guy with an ERA of around 5.00, just because he’s an “innings eater”. I know they’re hard to come by, but we need a quality starter.
I am as big of a Salty believer as there is… still, I would trade Salty and Davies for B.Arroyo in a heartbeat. That’s the kind of guy we need.
By Braveheart
July 22, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this
The blog was slow tonight, so I figured what the hell, when things are slow, drag out a Wilson Betemit fight just for the heck of it. Never fails.
By The Truth Hurts
July 22, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this
In the category of “for what it’s worth,” Schuerholz was interviewed on ESPN’s Baseball Show and though he wasn’t asked about specific trade proposals, responded to the question about possible trades with reference to only starting pitching.
By Braveheart
July 22, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
Dodgers suck!
By Tomahawkin' Again
July 22, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
Damn Mets!
By Colin
July 22, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
Well lets get a win to keep pace and gain on the WC….Lets Go Jo-Jo…
By Robert
July 22, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Lemme get this right. You’ve got a guy who makes boneheaded decisions on an everyday basis.
Last year, he had a guy hitting leadoff for over half the season who had no business hitting leadoff.
This year, he’s proven too stupid to remove a .220 hitter from the cleanup spot.
Now, one time, he has a guy with speed and savvy, a guy suited to hit leadoff, leading off, and the guy succeeds, and according to you it’s because Cox is such a great gambler, or such a genius
But failing to score a runner from third with noone out is just bad luck.
You frickin slay me.
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
Arghhhhhhh, the Dodgers just gave that one to the Mutleys! Just wrapped it up, put a pretty little bow on it and gifted it. Could have used a little help from the west. Still, if we take care of business, no harm.
I’m feeling a big night out of Jo Jo. Why not?
By Robert
July 22, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
I’m more concerned with how often Cox DECISIONS backfire than I am impressed with the occasional Cox “gamble” that might pay off
And that’s assuming that we could call the move a gamble, and it’s somehow intimating that Willie Harris needs Bobby Cox to be able to succeed
By WakeUp
July 22, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
Mets rule: I’m a Mets fan, but you annoy even me. Put a lid on it and be grateful for a solid win.
By Real Big Braves fan
July 22, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
That Mets fan is right. As long as they continue to dominate good teams like the Dodgers and we get swept by teribble teams like the Reds we just arent as good. I hope it changes but right now you have to admit were lucky to be in 2nd.
By GermanBravesFan
July 22, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
lol… the drooling douchebag dares to show his “face” again. Still a lot of games left, so no need to celebrate each single one. The Mets’ problem is that they cannot beat the Braves on a consistent base, so all the Braves have to do is stay close until the play the Mets, errrr Mutts!
By Tomahawkin' Again
July 22, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
As expected, just like when you turn off the lights and a cockroach appears, there’s Muts rule, I’m a douchebag…
By GermanBravesFan
July 22, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
Time for the annoying Miller and Morgan on ESPN. Let’s see how many references they’ll make to the Yankees, Red Sox and all the other teams that are NOT playing during this broadcast!
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
Wow, if its wasnt for the error from Gotay yesterday, it would’ve been a clean dodger sweep. Todays game has finally shown signs of being the April team so keep pace bravos, the METS are finally about to reach their stride, at least for the moment. Alou will be back Tuesday, not that Millege and Chip Ambres( Rookies game winning hit)cant handle it. This is not bragging, too many games to play, but after watching a gutsy come from behind win from a divisional leader does nothing but bring a smile to your face.
LETS GO METS!!!
By fastasballs
July 22, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
The Muts should have lost 3 of 4 if not for the Dodgers worn out pen. Your “ace” Glavine is getting pounded on a regular basis & Pedro is going to be of little, if any help. Whose left? Sosa? LOL El Disabled list? or do you think Perez is going to continue his career year? Maine has turned out to be a good, solid starter, but the rest have issues.
Better hope you make some big moves or the Muts are going no where. Too many injuries & not enough starting pitching.
By GermanBravesFan
July 22, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
Joe Morgan said that “as long as Chipper stays healthy, this is a Championship Team”?????? what did they give him before the game????
By heath
July 22, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
When was the last time the braves made a truely meaniful trade at the deadline? McGriff? The sad thing is, I just don’t see any BIG trades coming this year. That would give JS quite a drought for making (positive) impact trades. But, here’s to hoping…
By WakeUp
July 22, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this
Mets rule: I’ve been a loyal Mets fan since you were in diapers. Oh, wait—you’re probably still in diapers. Shut your mouth, little boy. I’m tired of you being the so-called voice of Mets fans. You’re a punk.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
You are on the money GermanBravesFan. As long as the braves are 3 or less behind the METS, it makes no since to get hyped over the lead, just your teams good play. I can only exhale when the METS are up by more games than they have left to play the braves. The braves just get too dam hyped when they play the METS and it is a concern for this METS fan. Other than that, let the nail biting continue, you guys should be glued to ESPN right about now anyway.
By GermanBravesFan
July 22, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
Thanks, WakeUp. Nothing wrong with having a good rivalry going, but Mr. Drool is way below the belt (as did I by call him a “douchebag” - for which I apologize!)
By Carroll Rogers
July 22, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
David and JasonInMaine. here’s what i just wrote for the paper bout larussa vs. andruw vs. pendleton….
Andruw Jones and Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa had an angry exchange during Saturday night’s game after Jones hit St. Louis catcher Gary Bennett with his follow-through during an at-bat in the third inning. “I’ve got a lot of respect for him, but I didn’t appreciate him standing there yelling from the dugout,” Jones said. “I don’t appreciate him raising his voice and talking to me in the dugout.” Jones said the contact - at Bennett’s collarbone - was inadvertent and a result of the catcher being too close to the plate, rather than him being too far back in the batter’s box. “I’m not trying to do that,” Jones said. “He was up there trying to get a low strike to be a strike to the umpire. That’s why he got hit. I’m not one of the guys who stands in the back of the box.” Hitting coach Terry Pendleton came out on the field after the inning to take exception with LaRussa in defense of Jones but went back in the Braves dugout shortly thereafter.
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Boy am I glad the METS didnt pay Zito, 7-10 era of 5. All that money saved will go to good use. Sometimes its just best not to hold a team hostagte when you are on the decline.
By HP
July 22, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
Did Joe Morgan just lied on a National Television that he had a six game hit once. According to mlb.com he never had one. Here is the link: (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/mlb/history/rarefeats/index.jsp?feature=sixhit_game)
By DasSudlichWagenheberEsel
July 22, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
Unglaublich!…
By Carroll Rogers
July 22, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
carroll was that you - name spelled so great and all - killing the buzz of my blog? man, rip bobby cox all you want when he does stuff like starting lockhart and ozzie guillen in a world series game. but can we relax a little bit and appreciate him sticking with a guy who’s hitting .150 for the month and comes up with six hits?
i’d say lighten up frances, (do you have the same first name as me? in addition to my middle name?), but that’s probably pushing it.
By MEB
July 22, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
heath… I think it was pretty meaningful to get Bob Wickman prior to the deadline last year. Didn’t give up hardly anything and Big Bob has been very productive. Give the ol’homeboy upstairs a chance this year and I think we will be happy.
GO BRAVES!!!
By Greg in TN
July 22, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
Evening one and all…
Had a bit of a chuckle at the Bristol boys on Baseball Tonight prior to the start of tonight’s game. The sentiment between Steve Phillips and apparently Joe Morgan is that if Mr. Asterisk does not get his next few homers at the home stand starting tomorrow night, that he sits on their next road trip when they travel down the left coast to face the Dodgers and the Padres. I wonder what ‘ol Bud would do if that happened? After all, Bowie Kuhn put the kibosh on the Braves plan to sit the Hammer in Cincinnati in early April 1974. Interesting…
No official mention on any of the sites I checked on our side or on the Cardinal’s side as far as what La Russa got bent out of shape over last night. Joe Simpson had it right on last night’s broadcast when he said that La Russa gets mad at some very inconsequential things sometimes.
So far Jo Jo has looked just fine through two innings. I like what he’s done to this point with his off-speed offerings.
Let’s end this home stand with a W.
By JasonInMaine
July 22, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
Thanks CR! Did others hear what Gammons said? He said something to the effect that the Braves didn’t think they would be able to make a trade for a starter…
I have been saying the Braves would make a run at Arroyo (before they were rumored to be interested), and I think they will get him!
There are also rumors in the Boston papers that the Sox are interested in Salty…lester?
Regards,
Jason
By tyyosh
July 22, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
CR, that hit by pitch on McCann looked like payback… what do you think?
Mets fans, we were thinking of coming up for some of the Braves series in August. Are there good places to stay and do things around the stadium? Thanks
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
Met fans calling each other out on a Braves’ blog, now I’ve seen everything.
Let’s go Salty!
By Greg in TN
July 22, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the info on La Russa showing his rear. That guy is some piece of work.
By heath
July 22, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
MEB…We needed BOB, but, he obviously did not puch us over the top last year, and is very unlikely to do that this year. Our offense is doing well, and our bullpen would probably get back to early season form if we could just get a reliable #3 start that ate up a lot of innings. So, that in mind, I still say JS has yet to get a guy that puts us over the top since McGriff.
By Carroll Rogers
July 22, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this
wouldn’t think so tyyosh. if retaliation was what he was going for, have a hitter donk mccann with a follow-thru….
(i’m kidding…)
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
Ol’ Chip damn sure making a case for another MVP.
By heath
July 22, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
when healthy, chipper just rakes man…that is a man that WILL be in the HOF!
By Metropolitan Man
July 22, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
tyyosh: Hit me up at nybest@excite.com and I will help my fellow METS fans out. There are some good brave bloggers that will take care of you but you gotta be careful. Oh, and bring some of those delicious NY bagels.
By Braveheart
July 22, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
Morgan telling more lies, huh? Here was another lie he told last week that Mushnick exposed:
HAD OUR PHIL OF MORGAN
By PHIL MUSHNICK NYPOST
July 20, 2007 — IT ain’t so, Joe! The self- mutilation of ESPN, the systemic destruction of what once promised to be the best thing that ever happened to sports fans, continues, on all fronts.
Sunday night on ESPN the Cardinals were beating the Phillies, 10-0, in the eighth inning.
That was before ESPN’s pathetic ESPY Awards, but after ESPN’s pathetic “Who’s Now?” segment, and before and after ESPN’s pathetic sudden enthusiasm for the Arena Football League, which until this year, when it became an ESPN property, ESPN ignored.
Cardinals-Phillies was part of ESPN’s pathetic “Sunday Night Baseball” coverage. The Phillies were about to become the first Major League Baseball team to 10,000 losses. And Joe Morgan, ESPN’s No. 1 baseball analyst, a fellow whose wisdom is often laced with convoluted, confounding and contradictory nonsense, was moved to tell a national audience about the significant role he played in Phillies history.
The year, Morgan told us, was 1964, that calamitous season when the Phillies blew a 61/2-game lead with 12 games left by losing 10 straight. Morgan said he made his major-league debut late in ‘64, against the Phillies. And it was in that game that his RBI single beat the Phillies, extending their infamous losing streak to eight or nine.
Morgan added that Phillies manager Gene Mauch was so upset he threw over the buffet table in the clubhouse, hollering that his club had just been beaten by “a Little Leaguer!”
Great story. But unless Morgan was confusing himself with Reds rookie infielder Chico Ruiz, it never happened. As several readers were moved to write, the Phillies played the Reds, Braves and Cardinals during that losing streak; Houston wasn’t in the mix.
Furthermore, Morgan, though called up in 1964, did not have an RBI that season for Houston.
And he did not make his big-league debut in ‘64, either. That came Sept. 21, 1963, when he went 0-for-1, pinch-hitting against the Phillies. The next day, Morgan did have an RBI single to beat the Phillies, but those Phillies were well out of the race and not in the throes of a historic collapse; they’d actually won four of their previous five games.
Can you confuse such significant and presumably memorable facts about your career? It hardly seems possible, but I suppose you can.
The same bogus story appeared in a Baseball Digest story about Morgan that was published in 2000.
ESPN, through a spokesman yesterday, acknowledged that Morgan’s biographical account Sunday was incorrect, that he likely confused his 1963 circumstances with the Phillies’ 1964 circumstances. Morgan could not be reached for comment, but ESPN said it expects him to make a correction on his next broadcast, this Sunday.
Fair enough. Still, Morgan seems to be just one symptom of what ESPN has become, that no matter what you watch, listen to and read that carries the ESPN brand, ESPN should just tear it up and start over.
By JasonInMaine
July 22, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
Andruw looks like th andruw of the first half so far tonight!
By Braveheart
July 22, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Keep it up JoJO!
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Andruw, Andruw, Andruw, everyone strikes out, but that was not the AB of a 20 mil/yr player.
By fastasballs
July 22, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
I guess Andruw can’t stand prosperity. He’s back to pulling off the ball every pitch.
Nice 2 out hit by Renteria & Chipper to drive him in.
Andruw is the exact reason a big bat at 1B is more important than another starter. Did I read the blog correctly earlier, JS offered Renteria for Garland? Did anyone watch him get pounded by the Sox today? If JS did offer him I’m glad they turned it down. If he did I’m sure it would have included the White Sox paying the majority of his salary.
By bravos11
July 22, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this
Kelly!!
By tyyosh
July 22, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
Met Man, Thank you, but to clarify, we are Braves fans in Atlanta, thinking about taking a cheap flight up to Laguardia and going to Shea for the Braves series. I think (hope) that it is possible to survive at Shea without incident if we are fairly quiet or maybe stick to those alcohol free seats in the upper deck. What do you think? Thanks
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
Julio just cost us a big inning…I really hope this is a trial run. I really don’t think Julio has much left.
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
If, this team puts all componets together at the same time….they are tough to beat…..how to do you fix lack of consistant performance? Guess you can say that about alot of teams.
By JasonInMaine
July 22, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
What are you guys talking about…where did you here that JS offered Renteria for Garland?
By Salty
July 22, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
Perhaps Joe Morgan took a bit of liberty with getting six hits in a game. He wasn’t asked if it was in the majors, and he didn’t divulge what level. Cheeky perhaps, but he did answer what he was asked.
By mr baseball
July 22, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
Lefthander hitters are batting .360 against Thompson. Franco is hitting about half that and just killed a rally, which he is very proficient at doing. There is absolutely no reason for him to be in the starting lineup against a RH pitcher. As poorly as he’s hit lately, Thorman is far more likely to hit Thompson than Methuselah. Starting Franco against a RH pitcher is either: (A) a sign of creeping senility on the part of the manager; (B) another example of his misguided loyalty; or (C) just plain stupidity.
Any of the above represents the correct answer.
By Braveheart
July 22, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
Barry is going to be STOKED to get the record against THE BRAVES.
Yep, he will. Why? Because we at least have some prestigious things for him to aim for. The team that was better than him in 1991, 1992, and 1993 when he and his teams were at their peak. The team with a player Terry Pendleton good enough to take away an MVP from Bonds when Bonds was in his prime presteroids. The team that won the division for 14 straight years. The team that has won a World Series in the last 20 years. The team that featured one of the best pitching rotations of all time. THE TEAM THAT BOASTED THE ALL TIME HOME RUN CHAMP HANK THE HAMMER AARON.
What do the Mets have? Nothing. No history, no prestige, no tradition, nothing of historical significance.
So, Bonds could never give two flips about the Mets and doing anything against the Mets because the Mets are historically irrelevant as opposed to the historical significance the Braves have in many respects.
We give Bonds and others including the Mets a bullseye to aim for ‘cause they wannabe us. To be the champ, you have to beat the champ. The Mets ain’t champs, just chumps, just wannabes. The Braves are champs. Bonds has to cheat to conquer our champ. The Mets have to overspend to beat us as champs.
I mean, chrissakes, the Mets after 45 years of their existence are still waiting for one of their pitchers to throw a no hitter already.
Historical insignificance is what Bond’s record will be and what the Mets will always be.
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
tyyosh - I’m a displaced ATL guy living in NYC and I’ve been to Shea a few times to see los Bravos and I’ve always had a great time. I wear my Braves’ hat, yell my head off, and talk to people around me.
I’ve heard other people have less fun experiences though.
By the way, I usually sit field level and have a few beers myself.
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
Man I knew chipper had good stats but something aobut it being on tv…… .349 16 HR….those are out right gaudy. Why is he not receiving more national attention.
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
mr. baseaball, I would argue that they are trying to see if Julio has anything left quickly b/c they’re going to have to make an addt’l move if he doesn’t. But that’s just my read.
By mr baseball
July 22, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
Chance the Manager strikes again. It wasn’t enough that Molina has already thrown Willie out stealing once tonight. Booby had to do it again. Even though the Cards would have then pitched around Chipper (can’t believe I’m aggreeing with Morgan) if Willie was safe.
Sorry if I offend any one, but our alleged Hall of Fame manager has a baseball IQ somewhere in the Forrest Gump range.
By BUY THAT UMPIRE A PAIR OF GLASSES
July 22, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
Twice in a row it was obvious Willie C was safe, twice in a row he called him out.
Does this 2nd Base Ump have a man-crush on Molina or something?
By Del
July 22, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
An open letter to Julio Franco:
Franco, we love you dearly BUT I think it is time for you to face reality! Please ask JS/BC to de-activate you and hire you back on as an a*’t batting instructor or a*’t trainer or something. You are not an offensive asset any longer, and I believe we can better use your slot. One thing for sure, I don’t believe BC would ever initiate a move like this. You are going to have to make the first move.
By Lew
July 22, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
Now the Mets’ fans are coming on a Braves blog fighting with each other. Whatever. Do you even realize how lame that is? Damn drooling idiots.
By chrisklob
July 22, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
Please do not feed the troll.
By Braveheart
July 22, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Next up you get to join the Phils in the 10,000 LOSS column. What a proud organization you must be.
Yep, we are pretty proud to be around for so long that we will someday get 10,000 losses.
If we were Mets fans we would not be proud to have been conceived as a late afterthought in our momma’s life before she hit menopause as the bastard red headed step child conceived because our grief stricken mother lost her two most beloved children to San Fran and L.A.
We would not be proud that our parents gave birth to us because our older brothers got sick of our parents and ran away to San Fran and L.A.
We would not be proud most people love the two brothers who ran away to Kali and the big glorious pretty boy brother who lives in the Bronx.
We would not be proud our parents kept dressing us in the orange of the brother who ran away to San Fran, the blue of the brother who ran away to L.A., and the pinstripes of the brother who lives in the Bronx.
We would not be proud our parents made us play for 45 years in a toxic waste dump of a playpen in Flushing, Queens.
We would not be proud we were conceived not out of love but to fill a void of the lost and more beloved brothers.
We would not be proud we were doomed to live a lifehood as a confused wannabe suffering an identity crisis because we were never loved and never conceived out of love.
We would not be proud we have to listen to Liza Minelli sing New York, New York because our parents thought so little of us that was what they gave us in our inheritance as opposed to the inheritance the loving parents gave to the beloved glorious big brother in the Bronx who gets to listen to Frank Sinatra sing New York New York.
I guess we would be so angry and confused we would steal Sweet Caroline from the boys up in Boston as well.
No wonder you Mets fans are so angry.
No wonder you are such wannabes you hang out on Braves blogs ‘cause your parents don’t love you enough to bestow upon you a quality blog like our loving parents have bestowed upon us.
Losers.
Chumps.
Wannabes.
Metropolitans.
By Elements
July 22, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
JasonInMaine
I heard about the proposed trade of Renteria going to Chi Sox for Garland on ESPN Radio this afternoon. I think Steve Phillips was interviewing Gammons or Olney.
Phillips said he expects the Braves to plug in Escobar at SS if someone is willing to give a SP for Renteria.
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Atta boy KJ.
By fastasballs
July 22, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
Great job by Moylan & KJ! Get some runs & extend the lead soJo Jo gets his first win, he deserves it.
By heath
July 22, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
it wasn’t in the 9th….but that job by moylan could very well be the save of the game. he just keeps on pitching in impressive form.
By tyyosh
July 22, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
About the 10,000 loss thing - it is quite possible that the first Braves milestone will be 10,000 WINS, followed later by the afterthought of 10,000 losses. The Phillies are something like 15 or more years away from 10,000 wins.
By JasonInMaine
July 22, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Thanks Elements. What the heck was Andruw doing???
I don’t know about trading Renteria…
Regards,
Jason
By mr baseball
July 22, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
Amazing. Cox gets his rookie pitcher out at the right time, replaces him with the most appropriate reliever and gets the optimal result. After starting Julio and sending Willie twice, the law of averages was with him.
If the team is going to keep bringing back 40-year-old ex-Braves, how about Mike Stanton? If they make the playoffs, at least they’ll have one guy in tha bullpen with a pretty good post-season record.
Great baserunning, Andruw. Can’t hit, can’t run the bases. Next time we face a RH pitcher, how about Diaz in left and Willie in center, at least for one game. After tonight’s superb performance, Andruw deserves a night next to his manager for 9 innings. Maybe that will inspire him to do better.
By fastasballs
July 22, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
The Braves would probably have several more runs if they could manage not to get thrown out on the bases THREE times. An entire inning of wasted outs plus another two wasted on Franco’s double play.
Andruw didn’t feel right about taking a four pitch walk so he gave the out back the only was he could without the help of a bat.
By GermanBravesFan
July 22, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this
Braveheart: your last two posts were instant classics!!
By Braveheart
July 22, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
Any Atlanta Bills fan showing Brave gear at Shea will be beaten either verbally or physically. This is not Atlanta. Disrepsect for the home team is not allowed.
Rocker survived your best shot pretty well despite all of you trying to out Rocker Rocker and proving Rocker’s point in the process.
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
everyone see he videos with CJ on the foxsports braves page…pretty interesting
By GermanBravesFan
July 22, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
Mets rule: do us all a favor - pull your lower lip over your head and swallow!
By fastasballs
July 22, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
Muts Rule, You are the biggest douchebag to grace this blog & show your ignorance each & every time you post. As a Met fan you should know the history of your pathetic team.
You would be lucky to beat yourself up. Maybe the AJC can ban your azz now that you have made threats against Braves fans. The next time I’m at Gay stadium I’ll look for the moron with the sign with half the words misspelled, that way I’ll know who you are. You’re probably some little dweeb anyway LOL ROTFL HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Disrespect of the home blog will not be tolerated.
By Elements
July 22, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
Last year Andruw was upset after learning he was placed on waivers. I wonder if Renteria’s performance is going to drop now that the Braves are shopping him for a pitcher.
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
People talk about the bad base running, but that sometimes happens when you playing aggressvie. Just does. If they did not get caught you be complaing that we have no ground game like last year.
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Julio does not look like a the player he was a couple of years ago. However, that was a bad call by the Ump. Bobby getting thrown tonight….I willing to bet.
By JasonInMaine
July 22, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Thor is awful…
By Neil Young
July 22, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
Ol’ Man, hittin’ tonite
0 for 4 if he K’s once more
Doesn’t mean a lot to Cox
But it means a lot to us
We’ve been first and last
Losing days are in the past
But we won’t have much chance
If it’s up to Whoo-lee-oooo
By tyyosh
July 22, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
One of Mets Rule’s posts ended with “Nancy”. Is Mets Rule a lady?
By Braveheart
July 22, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
BRAINFART - it’s not a Mets guys record…if it was we would defend it. Who you putting out there Chuck “BP” Jones, or Look how much I suck” Davies or some AAA call up? Yeah, he’s going to have a hard time getting 2 hr off you. Braves cant even protect their own records. Nice.
Oh Drool Boy, how I love ya.
BUT DID YOU SAY THE METS WOULD PROTECT THEIR RECORD?
PROTECTION?!?!?!
PROTECTION?!?!?!
WHAT DO THE METS KNOW OF PROTECTION?!?!
THE KIND OF PROTECTION THAT LET PIAZZA, PERHAPS THE GREATEST CATCHER OF ALL TIME, PERHAPS THE GREATEST PLAYER IN YOUR FRANCHISE HISTORY, GET BEANED IN THE NOGGIN BY ROCKET WITH ZERO RETALIATION?!?!?!
IS THAT THE METS IDEA OF PROTECTION?!?!
THE KIND OF PROTECTION THEY GAVE PIAZZA AFTER CLEMENS THREW A BAT AT PIAZZA?!?!?!
THE KIND OF PROTECTION SHAWN ESTES GAVE HIS BATTERY MATE WHEN HE REFUSED TO HIT CLEMENS WHEN CLEMENS CAME TO BAT IN SHEA A YEAR OR TWO LATER WHEN THE WHOLE WORLD INCLUDING CLEMENS WAS EXPECTING THE METS TO ACT LIKE MEN AND BEAN CLEMENS?!?!?!?
You’re a joke, drool. You’re not even a Mets fan. No Mets fan would have ever made that statement knowing the Mets’ history of failing to protect the greatest catcher in their franchise history.
By GermanBravesFan
July 22, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
Mets rule: you are pathetic… why don’t you post something of substance instead of stupid ramblings? I enjoy reading other Mets fans’ postings - at least they have some class!
By fastasballs
July 22, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
It’s you’re a loser, idiot! You have managed to use the word wrong at least 5 times tonight. Are all the Muts fans as dumb as you? That’s a stupid question, I’ve been to Shea, I know the answer is yes.
Let me guess your fair weather fan azz wouldn’t have shown up tonight if the Dodgers pen had not melted down once again? No guts to show up after a loss? Yeah I thought so.
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this
Right down the middle
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
Damn, they’ve got to get Soriano sorted out. Is this just a rough patch? Where is the guy he was the beginning of this year?
By Braveheart
July 22, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
BRAINFART - it’s not a Mets guys record…if it was we would defend it. Who you putting out there Chuck “BP” Jones, or Look how much I suck” Davies or some AAA call up? Yeah, he’s going to have a hard time getting 2 hr off you. Braves cant even protect their own records. Nice.
Oh Drool Boy, how I love ya.
BUT DID YOU SAY THE METS WOULD PROTECT THEIR RECORD?
PROTECTION?!?!?!
PROTECTION?!?!?!
WHAT DO THE METS KNOW OF PROTECTION?!?!
THE KIND OF PROTECTION THAT LET PIAZZA, PERHAPS THE GREATEST CATCHER OF ALL TIME, PERHAPS THE GREATEST PLAYER IN YOUR FRANCHISE HISTORY, GET BEANED IN THE NOGGIN BY ROCKET WITH ZERO RETALIATION?!?!?!
IS THAT THE METS IDEA OF PROTECTION?!?!
THE KIND OF PROTECTION THEY GAVE PIAZZA AFTER CLEMENS THREW A BAT AT PIAZZA?!?!?!
THE KIND OF PROTECTION SHAWN ESTES GAVE HIS BATTERY MATE WHEN HE REFUSED TO HIT CLEMENS WHEN CLEMENS CAME TO BAT IN SHEA A YEAR OR TWO LATER WHEN THE WHOLE WORLD INCLUDING CLEMENS WAS EXPECTING THE METS TO ACT LIKE MEN AND BEAN CLEMENS?!?!?!?
You’re a joke, drool. You’re not even a Mets fan. No Mets fan would have ever made that statement knowing the Mets’ history of failing to protect the greatest catcher in their franchise history.
By SteelCav
July 22, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Another blown save by Soriano.
By fastasballs
July 22, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
and another blown save…..anyone think we still need a starter more than help in the pen? Soriano gives up a homerun everytime he pitches.
By heath
July 22, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this
it amazes me that pitches pitch to the ONE guy that can hurt you with the bases empty and 2 out. unbelieveable. soriano should have been told to throw 4 straight in the left-hand hitters box.
By JasonInMaine
July 22, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
I just told my wife Albert was going to tie it up…son of a…what the hell has happened to soriano? It may be time to switch he and Moylan. This sux.
By Tomahawkin' Again
July 22, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
I’m not one of the bash Cox crowd on this blog that knee-jerks every decision that he makes, but damn, Soriano there…really? I know that he’s a player’s manager; I hear ad nauseum that his players respect him, love to play for him because he stays with them, shows confidence in them…but really, Soriano again? It’s obvious that he’s arm weary, is not confidant, whatever, but he’s not pitching the way he was earlier this year. Wow, sometimes even Bobby has me scrathing my head at his stubborn decisions.
By Steve from OH
July 22, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
Raffy just doesn’t look like he has that intimidating glare anymore. Bobby needs to sit him for two games and let him regain his confidence for the stretch run. I think its a phase that will blow over sooner than later.
By Mets rule. You drool
July 22, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
BrainFart - just because you say it like this doesnt mean your’ not an idiot!
Thanks for calling Piazza the greatest catcher of all time, it seems you Bills fans put him down all the time - bout time he got some props.
Mets handle there business, just wait and see.
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
AJ saw six ptiches and did not swing at one….how bout that.
By SteelCav
July 22, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
Spikes up Andruw. Nice.
By overlord
July 22, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
the blogger what do the videos say? i cant look at them because im not able to connect to a broadband today.
Hoped u make comments on that.
What about soriano? why is this guy melting down? is he to tired? WONDER IF THERE IS SOMETHING BAD GOING ON WITH HIS ARM, INJURY THAT IT.
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
Is Salty a superstar, ready for a super star moment? We’re about to see.
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
How many times have we seen the Braves let the other team tie it up or gain the lead for them to come back and at least threaten with a scoring oppurtunity?
By GermanBravesFan
July 22, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
One thing that STILL amazes me is the fact that, for 14 years, Mets fans had nothing to brag about. They win ONE division championship and we have to put up with a low-life like Mets rule… lol
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this
Talks about all kinds of stuff….last year, the injurys, clubhouse atmostpher…havent seen em all yet…htere are 4 of them.
By Eric C.
July 22, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
Guess what…Soriano shouldn’t be the set-up guy. He is right there with Reitsma. Let’s see how many more games are blown before a change is made. Sheesh.
By JasonInMaine
July 22, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this
Salty is O-7 with the bases loaded in his young career…
Come on JS work your magic on the trade market…
By fastasballs
July 22, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
17 LOB through eight tells you everything. Wickman should be closing out a 4-2 or 5-2 game right now instead of preserving a 2-2 tie.
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
morgan’s an idiot….
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this
Morgaon - even though it’s not even close at second base.
Yeesh, he was clearly out. Willie’s been safe 2, does this 2b ump hang out with any NBA refs?
Good god!
By JasonInMaine
July 22, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this
Rolen was out!!!
By 3 BLOWN CALLS AT SECOND BASE TONITE
July 22, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
All involving the Card’s catcher.
Like I said, this 2nd Base Ump has a man-crush of sorts on Molina.
It’s sad, really.
By heath
July 22, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
although wickman gets the out….bobby SHOULD have walked the pinch hitter in the 8th hole to force la russa to use ANOTHER pinch hitter for the pitcher. i hope like heck that the braves get a run in the bottom of 9th here…only one good managerial decision by cox all night (bringing in moylan).
By heath
July 22, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
although wickman gets the out….bobby SHOULD have walked the pinch hitter in the 8th hole to force la russa to use ANOTHER pinch hitter for the pitcher. i hope like heck that the braves get a run in the bottom of 9th here…only one good managerial decision by cox all night (bringing in moylan).
By JasonInMaine
July 22, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
Wow, I didn’t realize they had left so many runners on…julio doesn’t instill confidence leading off the ninth…
By Serbok
July 22, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
Lets make Julio a coach This Year!
By N8
July 22, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
Eric C.
“Guess what…Soriano shouldn’t be the set-up guy. He is right there with Reitsma. Let’s see how many more games are blown before a change is made. Sheesh.”
Comparing him to Reitsma is a little harsh, don’t you think? I’m not sure a “change” needs to be made, but he sure could use a rest, from my angle.
Now for Julio Franco? He was pretty much at the end of his road when we let him go. He looks older and slower than he did 2 years ago.
This is sad to say, but I’d rather watch Thorman than Julio.
By overlord
July 22, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
Julio is not doing a good work, hope he finds a way to get on base soon, once again…… we can carry 2 sub .220 hitters.
By P-Town Brave
July 22, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
So happy Bobby stuck w/ the Metamucil wonder in the 9th…McCann better be unavailable, otherwise Julio had no business hitting there!
By mr baseball
July 22, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this
Is there anybody other than Cox & Schuerholz who thinks Julio Franco can still hit major league pitching? This is just like the failed attempt to revive a 40-year-old Otis Nixon or to bring in Ken Caminiti after his career was long over. The Braves got the last ounce of ability Franco had 2 years ago. He’s shot and it’s pretty obvious, although the Braves’ “brain trust” can’t seem to recognize it.
Looks like another W turned into an L with the aid of our Hall of Fame manager and GM.
By N8
July 22, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
heath
Your 11:00 was dead on. I was thinking the same exact thing about forcing LaRussa to use another PH.
Apparently our manager doesn’t think of stuff like that.
Well, at least we don’t have to worry about only being left with Davies to PH in 15th inning.
You know what’s funny? The fact that Bobby was so pizzed about this game getting switched to a night game when they have to travel to SF after the game, and NOW it goes into extra innings.
By Tomahawkin' Again
July 22, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
Great, extra innings, then we fly out to the west coast to play the very next night. Thanks, MLB, ESPNYC and our lack of a clutch hit here late.
By JasonInMaine
July 22, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
How’s the O tonight? Inconsistent and Andruw reverting back to Bad Andruw. Tex can only help…julio should not start for a little while…
By fastasballs
July 22, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
Another extra inning game to further wear out the pen. Yates is in, watch him give up the lead. He’s tired as well, remember Cox brought him in last night needlessly in a blow out.
By chrisklob
July 22, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
overlord, I’m pretty sure that you meant to say that “we CAN’T carry 2 sub .220 hitters. Unfortunately, we are currently carrying three of them.
By Bob, Journalist
July 22, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
I know this is a minority view but, but Smoltz, Hudson, James, Carlyle, Reyes ain’t So bad with 1B Matt(354), 2B Kelly(292), SS Edgar(334), 3B Larry(347), C Brian (268), LF Willie(335), CF Andruw (216) and RF Jeff(294) … on the bench Scott, NaCly, Yunel and Julio.
You can bench Andruw or sit Willie against lefties, playing Julio, Scott, or NaCly at 1st.
A lot of folks want starting pitching and a big bat … and that’s probably what JS will try to do … but while a good front line starter would be good, methinks some strong help in the bullpen would be better.
We don’t need another big bat … we just need those we have to do the job of which they’re capable and those setting the game plans and calling the shots (Bobby, Terry and Roger) doing a better job.
Just my minority opine for the day.
By JJMB
July 22, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
Game over man. Game over.
By Good Night
July 22, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
Why do I watch this team??? They are infuriating. Starters pitch well, bullpen blows. Bullpen ok, starters suck.
Hitting is on again off again. WE have so many holes it is amazing we are above .500.
Yates is worthless too. Night yall!
By heath
July 22, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
…ok…braves should build for next year… rediculous play out of these guys… so inconsistent
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
well…..that sucks. Yates made a great pitch too…..strikes out a tough hitter than gives up a homerun to a nobody. The talent is on this team just putting it together at one time is strangely a problem.
By supa
July 22, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
It’s going to be a long trip to San Francisco tonight, unfortunately. With all the hoopla out there, the Braves will need to be extra focused. Otherwise, they could find themselves 5-6 games out by next weekend.
By N8
July 22, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
Yates looks nasty tonight. We need him to be.
Ooops. Spoke too soon.
What a joke. Nothing like scoring at will one night and then looking lost and pathetic at the plate the very next day.
But all the homers will talk about how our offense isn’t the problem, since we’ve “averaged” 7 runs per game in this series.
Mediocre defined.
The WORST thing about all of this, is that our bullpen (and lack of hitting), completely wasted a fantasic start by Reyes.
By The Grinch
July 22, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this
Good job, Yates. That was nice altruistic of you to use this non-important situation to give that guy his second career home run. I’m sure his mom appreciates it.
By Ron
July 22, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
Well with that homerun, it looks like we will split with the Cards!!! How pathedic is that!!! We JUST got swept by the Reds, now we split with the Cards!!! TRULY PATHEDIC!!!!!! IF we split with the Giants then that will TELL ME FOR CERTAIN WHAT WE ARE, .500 ball club!!! What that means is enough of a chance to give up minor league prospects to go for the wildcard, but really what will that mean!!! Nothing another First Round loss if we even get in the playoffs!!!
By Mets rule. You drool.
July 22, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
Uh oh the Phillies are closer to you than you are to the Mets. Hahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!! Whose knocking on the door, why look its 3rd place…open up and say hi.
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
Why don’t all you Bobby Cox second guessers post your bright ideas before the decison has to be made. I’ve never seen a post on what Bobby should do before the call is made. coulda shoulda woulda
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
Yates - good job. That was a solid out you got. And you only gave up 2. Stellar.
By N8
July 22, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this
“Julio should not start for a little while…”
That’s the understatement of the season Jason. The guy has NO BUSINESS on this roster.
I’m not only pizzed that he is wasting space on the 25 man roster, but that he’s started 3 of the 4 games since his been “back”.
Let me get this right… The team we are trying to chase can’t find a use for him (not even as a PH), and as soon as he’s released he’s on our radar. Which would be bad enough, just to have him wasting space on the bench, but then Bobby through him in the starting lineup 3 out of 4 games.
What’s wrong? Jeff Blauser not available? Lemke won’t come down from the booth?
Maybe Julio and Bobby should just get a room and call it good.
By Coach ( Pitching , Pitching Pitching , Dammit !)
July 22, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
Another great pitching performance from our starter , a quality start. Another appearance from Soriano , another blown lead and unless the offense bails us out , another loss courtesy of the Brain fart decision making of Bobby Cox. Why did Soriano came in ? Why did they pitch to Pujols ? Why ? Why ? Why ?
By ernesto
July 22, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
At least I can go to bed now. Nice bullpen effort tonight. JS get on on the phone. The Vulture sucks!!!! I’m so tired of that guy.
By Chop Chop
July 22, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
It’s rediculous how pathedic this is!
REDICULOUS AND PATHEDIC!
R-E-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S and P-A-T-H-E-D-I-C!
Ridiculous and pathetic, too.
By N8
July 22, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
If JS trades either Salty or Escobar to make a run with this pathetic cast of characters, he should be fired.
Who’s up for a meaningless Andruw Jones HR, when the game’s out of reach?
Gotta make those stats look good, right?
By All Spin Zone
July 22, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this
Dear Atlanta Braves,
I’m speechless.
Sincerely,
All Spin
By Mets rule. You drool.
July 22, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this
Hahahahahahahaha!!!!!!! What’s THAT taste like?
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
One game does not tell a story of a teams season. As much as anyone wants to believe otherwise. The Braves are flat right now as far as consistancy goes. There will be better times I promise. I’m not ready to say wait till next year, as we have a lot of talent on this team for me to give up. Always tomorrow boys and girls.
By Coach ( Pitching , Pitching Pitching , Dammit !)
July 22, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
Anybody still think that this team has a snowballs chance in hell of going to the playoff’s ? Jump on billy’s band wagon.
By Del
July 22, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
Does ANYONE have ANY doubt where our most urgent need is right now !!!
By geauxbraves2000
July 22, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
Is there truly out there who still thinks this a championship caliber team? 5-5 on a homestand that need to be at least 7-3, the offense kicks butt one game then totally disappears the next, and right now I’m the pen of ‘06 is not looking that bad.
Geaux Braves!!
By Ron
July 22, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
Usually we wait to choke in the Playoffs NOW we are choking in the Regular Season!!! At least the Future looks bright!!! By 2009 with all the Young players that will be ready to come to Atlanta and Frenchy and McCann and others mature enough and Become even better players we will be a Serious threat for the World Series for years to come!!!
By Mets rule. You drool.
July 22, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
Hahahahahahaahahahaha! No fight left in you at all. Time for Seinfeld. See ya. Say Hi to 3rd place for us. Won’t get to see you guys again until the ESPN hightlights of Barry breaking Arons record against one of youre pitchers.
Nice.
By brian
July 22, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
I do not think it will be the minority view for long that the braves need bullpen help before SP help. Tonight would reinfornce that view. Jo-Jo looked great and what happened? Bullpen blew it again. Maybe the bullpen does have dead arms as a result from the starters slow start, but something needs to be done. Whether a couple need to go on the DL for a couple of weeks for a sore arm or dead arm and recalling Boyer and Devine (and actually using them) or trading for someone new I do not care.
Smotlz and Hudson has been terrific. Chuck James seems to have hit his stride and looks great (8-7 with an ERA of about 3.5). Buddy Carlyle has been a tremendous find. Jo-Jo is getting better with each outing. Another solid outing tonight.
Yunel and Salty are too valuable to move for what they would get now in the market, and Harrison and Elvis needs to stay Braves as well.
The pieces are here now except for a solid 1B. They just need to all get perform at the same time. We cannot have the offense, SP, and RP take turns playing well while everyone else is slumping.
By The Grinch
July 22, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
“Open up and say hi?” is that what the guy you just met in the Shea stadium bathroom just told you? Make sure you use a dental dam, sweetie.
By N8
July 22, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
“Why don’t all you Bobby Cox second guessers post your bright ideas before the decison has to be made. I’ve never seen a post on what Bobby should do before the call is made. coulda shoulda woulda”
Do you actually read the blog? When I “first guess” Bobby, I get told to shut up. I’ll gladly question every move AS IT’S HAPPENING and slightly before it, if you’d like me to.
Be careful what you wish for.
By The Truth Hurts
July 22, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this
We simply are who we thought we were 60 games in.
Nothing has changed. And nothing will, with only minor tweaks.
Busting out of the gate with a 5-5 record. Watch out.
Now, let’s go be a part of history in SF. Woohoooo……….
By GT
July 22, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this
Cox needs to be mentioned in the same breath as Newton, Hawking and Einstein - he is that caliber of genius. This was proven again tonight when any other manager in baseball wouldn’t touch the guy, Cox has the foresight (nay, the savant-like vision) to insert Julio Franco in the lineup. What a brilliant move! You’re so on top of things, Cox!
Give the fans their novelty since winning the game is only trivial…
By daxxed
July 22, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
Once again…By playing COX ball in the 4th…with runners on 1st and 2nd and no outs…no BUNT, which results in Double Play. If he Bunts 1 out runners on 2nd and 3rd…But of course COX played COX ball and the Braves lost…So now we go on the road 3 1/2 back…COX ball does it again. When will he play small ball to WIN.
By bravesfan
July 22, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
mets fan atleast we didn’t taste this like you did for 14 strait years without winning a division title i hope yall can win with all the money yall have
By Ripme
July 22, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
Andruw Stinks, don’t look like he’s warming up to me. Let him walk.
By overlord
July 22, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this
yes chrisclub, that what i meant, and u r right, we have 3 of them. And i can tolerate that……In fact maybe we have 4, not sure if woodward is also there but if not, sure it taste like he is .150. This is getting ugly and awfully tiring for the fans. This team is clearly better than the reds and the cards…… why the hell cant we beat them? Someone should be fired, nto sure who. Need to be drastic right now. Woodward should be released. Julio wont be touched since he just got here. Woodward needs to go down and bring up peña or prado.
I will say it again, it is not BP guilt, bats did not do their job and pitchers get tired of it, physically and mentally.
Good thing is that it seems that SP issues are finally solved.
BP will be ok if bats do their job. And i dont really get how in the world they couldnt score more than 2 runs wit h an era of almost 5.
once again…….we are so close and so far from being the beast of the NL again.
Maybe it takes more time, hope clock dont go off before they do something about this miserable situation.
By Mets rule. You drool.
July 22, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
Oh look Dr Susse character speaks up after I say I’m leaving…puss. You are the king of run and hide!!!! Or the king of weird mens rooms conversations. But whatever its all good. You can hide whatever you want whereever you want to. Hahahahhaha! Loser! Coward! and evidently Mens Room Pickerupper!!! Hahahahahahaha!!!!! ROTFL!!!!!!
By N8
July 22, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
“The Braves are flat right now as far as consistancy goes.”
We are 131-130 since the beginning of the 2006 season. It doesn’t ge much more “consistant” than that.
Consistantly mediocre, that is. :-)
By Braveheart
July 22, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this
what the hell? what is this julio crap? and what is this playing the kid crap? julio was lightning in a bottle SIX years ago in 2001 and had good moments after. BUT that was SIX years ago! Let’s move on. WE stunted Laroche’s development for 2 or 3 years hanging on to Julio. Now he is wasting space.
BOBJ, your lineup suggestion was exactly right. It’s grownup time. Not time for the little boys or the old men. McCann, Diaz, KJ, Edgar, Chipper, Willie, Druw, Jeff just as BobtheJ said. Enough of the auditioning of the children. Enough jumping the shark six years after we jumped the shark with Julio the first time.
Two of the losses the last few nights rest on the failures of the 3, 4, and 5 starters earlier in the season - just as N8 said over and over and over again. Yates is shot. Soriano is shot because James, Redman, Davies, Cormier burnt these guys out.
Remember games against the Phils in April where Soriano had to be used because CHuck James left after 5 inning with an 8-0 lead? Remember those of us who predicted this very thing. We were not naysayers. We saw it coming from a mile away.
Braves starters have pitched 553 innings this year - the FOURTH LOWEST TOTAL in the NL, the 23RD HIGHEST or 8TH LOWEST TOTAL in the MLB.
BRaves relievers of course have pitched 320 innings this year - the 5TH HIGHEST TOTAL IN THE MAJORS - the 3RD HIGHEST IN THE NL - behind only the Marlins and Nats.
No wonder this pen and SOriano and Yates are getting lit up now.
Thank you Chuck James, Mark Redman, Kyle Davies, Lance Cormier, Larew, JoJo.
SOriano and Yates did not lose it tonight, those starters lost this game tonight with their failure to get past 5 routinely earlier in the year.
By Ron
July 22, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this
Mets Fool Laugh now, but by 2009 when we dominate AGAIN, and the Mets stink, come back we will give you your own medicine, you little P!SS ANT!!! We will have Plenty of MONEY by then and ALOT of Young Talented Minor Leaguers ready while yall become the Yankees EXCEPT yall won’t have Nearly as much money!!! HAHAHA!!! Hows that Taste!!!
By Braveheart
July 22, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this
G’nite Droolbucket. I always look forward to having the opportunity to educate you about your team since I seem to know more about them than an alleged fan of the team.
By Savannah Guy
July 22, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this
Well, well well…snatching defeat from the jaws of victory once again. Another great rookie start wasted.
It’s just comforting to know that we will be ok, right?. We have a brilliant Manager, Meester Bobby, a 49 year old .189 BA starting at first, a cleanup hitter that would make Mendoza blush, one of our best hitters, Diaz, getting a numb a* from warming the damn bench and a bullpen that is trying to top the 2006 blowpen of all time. And Bobby just keeps on keepin’ on with his cozy little “clubhouse” and his stained old out of date playbook. This was not an anomoly people. This is the way this season will be with a manager that should have retired 6 years ago.
Disgusting. Add to that, JS is looking for what? A starting pitcher? How about a first baseman with a big bat that can hit cleanup and a dependable closer. And I don’t want to hear the Cox apologists explain their way out of this stupidity and mismanagement. Hell, if JS just finds us a new manager this year who knows who, where and how to play current talent we would have a good chance to contend without adding anyone. Yep, if pigs had wings…
This was not just a loss. It was a very clear symptom of fundamental problems with the Braves franchise.
Top that off with having to listen to an obnoxious Joe”6 hit” Morgan.
Arrrggghhh. S**. Pollyannas and Homers…do not reply.
By overlord
July 22, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this
BTW………. why the hell didnt they pitched around pujols?, come on the guy is a SUPERSTAR, against a pitcher that aint a superstar, plus the guy has kicked our a22e2 the hole series……. BC deserves the loss, if he doesnt uses his brain, he does not deserves to win. Pitch around the guyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy……….. for gods sake, u cant let the superstar beat u or tie the game. What are the chances that he hits a HR? way higher than it is that Duncan does. What does bobby gets paid for? He just looked there like a rookie manager!!!!!!
By JordanPTC
July 22, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this
WOW. Lose 5 of 7 to two teams with a combined record of more than 10 games under .500 … at home. Fellas (and ladies), this type of play just isn’t gonna cut it.
JS, please get bullpen help… now.
By Savannah Guy
July 22, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
By the way…as much as we all want a starting pitcher…that will not do it. We will still lose because of lack of run production from 1st base, cleanup hitter and we will still have the same snotty playbook fro 1956.
By The Grinch
July 22, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this
I’ve been checking you openly every single time you open your f-ing smelly pie-hole, you peice of &^%$. I’ve also given you my e-mail so we could meet. You never sent anything, because you’re a f-ing flaming homo. I’m a coward? Voton1066@yahoo.com. Let’s try this again, b***-boy.
By Bob, Journalist
July 22, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this
William Wallace, I wrote that in the first inning … had to leave, came back later, filled in the averages and posted … have to run at 11 Central …
Later …
By Ron
July 22, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this
Maybe since Julio was sooo pathedic with the Mets, Omar figured that JS would sign him and Figured that BC would have ALOT of Loyalty for him and START HIM ALOT AT FIRST BASE!!! And by the time BC figured it would not work out, the Mets would have run away with the EAST!!! That is giving alot of credit to Omar, BUT maybe Omar OUTSMARTED JS on this one!!! I cant believe I just said that because I think Omar is an AWFUL GM, but every dog has his day I guess!!!
By P-Town Brave
July 22, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
* Now who wants to make a trade?!*
By HP
July 22, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this
We lost tonight becasue of Andruw, Julio, and the second base umpire. Second base upire was cheating all night. Two steals by Willy Harris were not outs. One stolen base by the Cardianls was an out. He is blind. MLB should fire him for missing three important calls. The umpires now need to realize that second half of year is most important to most teams because they want to make a run at playoffs.
By The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy
July 22, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this
Mets rule. You drool,
Whoa! Time out. Foul on the DOB/MIB Blog. I don’t normally respond to trolls but in this case I have to make a easy slam.
“You are the king of run and hide!!!! “
You are never present on this blog after a Mets loss and only show up in close or losing Braves games. Hypocricy is a great trait to have huh?
By GermanBravesFan
July 23, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this
Braveheart: did Dr. Drool even respond to your little history lesson you gave him about his beloved team?
By Savannah Guy
July 23, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this
There are very few positives coming out of these last two series. Tonight was one of the toughest losses of the year. There is however a comforting thought I’ll leave you denizens with as I hit the roost pole:
Be very very very sincerely thankful that, by some quirk of genetics and fate, that you didn’t wind up being that sad sack Mets Drool Fool. If nothing else, just count your blessings there folks.
By GermanBravesFan
July 23, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this
Hey Grinch! Relax! He ain’t worth it!
By bravesfan
July 23, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
o great now the muts get the play the pirates if we have any shot at all its the wildcard if that
By A-ville Ranger
July 23, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this
I think most people mistook Soriano’s persona as being super tough.I looked at his posturing in spring along with more blown saves than saves and thought he was a bit fragile.That’s why I worried when BC kept inserting him into situations where he typically failed.I don’t know if his confidence is damaged or what.I do know he doesn’t look like the same guy he did six weeks ago.
By bravesfan
July 23, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this
NO!!! because he can’t say anything to
By Braves Fan 79
July 23, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this
cox sticking by his players is both good and bad carrol. Tonight,just like 2 nights ago….it once again burned us with him insisting on bringing soriano in the 8th. I woulda rather seen the starter go another inning then let Bob work the 9th. Cox’s loyalty goes both ways….good and bad. Unfortunatly. And Dodgers….U SUCK! Why do i feel like were going the wrong direction even thou weve been better lately?
By GeorgetownKid
July 23, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
Tyler Yates is this year’s Ken Ray: unexpectedly strong performance for the first 40% of the season, followed by consistently bad performance the rest of the way.
Maybe Yates is tired, or maybe his strong play was largely due to luck. I don’t know. But he certainly isn’t inspiring too much confidence right now.
With all of our starters except Smoltz (due to his age), I think we need to stretch them to 7-8 innings as opposed to 5-6 innings, even if it means racking up 115-pitch games as opposed to 95-pitch games. Our middle-relief just can’t be trusted.
On a different note, to those bloggers who attempt to “call out” other bloggers and try to meet up for a fight, you should pay more attention to your spelling in those pugnacious posts. When you threaten violence against someone but misspell every other word, you lose some credibility.
By TampaBrave
July 23, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this
What’s wrong with Joe Morgan. He’s very knowledgable to me. He did have 6 hits on 7/8/65 vs the Milwaukee Braves. His 6th hit came off of Phil Neikro, who was pitching in relief in the 11th inning.
http://www.retrosheet.org/
AGAIN I STATE:
Without TEX, we finish 2nd or 3rd. This is the 40th time we have scored 3 runs or less. We need a proven run producer. Relievers are nice, but won’t change the fact that we are disfunctional on offense. JS, get us the cowboy.
By Serge
July 23, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
Willie and Julio 0-6. Cox gamble didnt pay of. Led to a bust by the player.
The House always wins
By gotigers72
July 23, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
Despite the fact that I had to eat crow last night, due to Willie going 6 for 6 after I said Diaz should start every game, I am going to point out several things that are obvious.
1 - It’s obvious the Mutts knew what they were doing when they let Julio go. The Julio experiment is not working. He’s almost 49 and his bat really looked slow tonight. Make him a coach or something, but don’t play him any more.
2 - Soriano and Yates are either hurt or going through a “dead arm” period. Either DL them or let them sit for 5 or 6 days without pitching.
3 - Andruw is headed back for a walk around Mendoza Lane. So he was hot for two weeks. Most of the homers he hit recently were mistakes by pitchers. Get him out of the 4 hole for God’s sake. He is hitting .214. He has 65 RBIs, but he should be leading the league with as many chances as he’s had. Last night he had 2 chances to drive in a runner from 3rd with less than 2 outs and did not do it either time. Struck out once and popped out to the catcher once. Struck out 3 more times tonight. He’s gone back to his pull happy ways. Those homers he hit have him back wanting to hit it on top of the Capitol Dome when most times just a simple base hit will do. Frenchy, McCann or even KJ would look better in the 4 hole than Mr. Rally Killer.
By TampaBrave
July 23, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this
It’s not over til it’s over, but if we don’t get Tex very soon, its over. We will most likely end up behind the Phillies. Every day JS delays, the price gets steeper.
By GeorgetownKid
July 23, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this
I am referring, of course, to the “drooling Mets fan” or whatever he calls himself.
By Braves Fan 79
July 23, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this
HEY BOBBY: Use Julio as the pitchitter! NOT as a everyday starter!! I love Julio but feel were asking 2 much out of him…even thou hes good on defense. Thak God were going on the road again. We really suck at home. How come our guys dont go for homeruns in the short conrners like the cardinals did tonight? We hit a ton of balls to centerfield thou were they die on the warning track. This is fustrating. If were such a good power team why dont we bring in the outfield fences some next year to give us a edge? We have to win 3 of 4 at least against the Giants to keep up with the mets…who will probably take at least 2 of 3 from pittsburgh.
By The Grinch
July 23, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this
German Braves fan; sorry, it’s been a long day. That and I’ve been calling him out for weeks and it’s just a wee bit frustrating when illiterate people who do nothing but sling stones, run and hide and that call out you for running and hiding as they’re on their way out the door. It’s a bit grating.
Georgetown Kid, I used a couple of hyphens and such to avoid actual foul language, but I don’t see where my grammar was so bad otherwise.
Anyway, apologies to everyone for troll response.
By boca brave
July 23, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this
in april, i predicted 84-78, lose wild card by 4…i’m close….extraordinarily bad GM work this year-langerhans? thorman? davies? trade for gonzo? really bad managerial decisions-langerhans? andruw in clean-up spot? thorman/franco (are you kidding? this is the best trade/free agent we can get?)etc.? etc? it’s a slightly above average team with a few good players and a few holes. and js and bc have lost the touch. it’s been a great run since 1991, but it’s time for new management. i can’t blame the players. i think the effort is there, but the talent isn’t. they’re close, but the mets are better. we will be watching others in the play offs and hoping for more in 08. but js and bc should hang it up-their days have come and gone!
By The Grinch
July 23, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this
Ok, gotcha, GTK. Love this delay. Well, I stepped into this game when it was 2-1 in the 7th; how long did JoJo last? Even if it was only 4, he’s already shown management made the right decision about Davies.
By Todd A
July 23, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this
At least we’re better than we were in the 70’s and mid to late 80’s.That’s about the most positive statement I can make about this organization right now.
By TampaBrave
July 23, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this
We’ll be hearing more from Met’s Rule if we don’t make the trade. Get used to him.
By fastasballs
July 23, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this
Tonight’s loss was another in a long line of games given away. They should be 8-2, at the worst 7-3 since the break. The talent is there, but the manager is not managing. He’s a cheerleader, not a skipper. I’ve denied that Cox has lost it because I like the guy & the way he treats his players. Is there something to be said for that? Sure without a doubt, but this is MLB, not a little league team. As fans we put a lot of money into this team & our time as fans, so we deserve the best product the team can put out there. We are not getting that anymore folks, sorry to say.
He has ran Soriano, Yates, Moylan & Oscar into the ground. As a group they are tired & ineffective because of overuse. In 10 games since the break Yates has been in 6 games, 2 of them blow out wins. Soriano has been in 5 games, all but one have resulted in runs, a loss or a blown save. Oscar has been in only 5 games, but one of those was a 3 inning stint.
Do players win or lose the games? Yes & no, blow outs in either direction are won & lost for the most part with the starting line up. Close games like tonight’s? Well this is when the manager’s decisions or lack of come in to play. There is no way the home run off of Soriano should have impacted the game. 17 LOB tells the story, well not all of it. Allowing Willie to run the second time was ignorant. Reason why? Takes the bat out of Chipper’s hands if he makes it, also Molina has a heck of an arm if Cox hasn’t noticed. If Cox has been paying attention to Andruw’s swing the past few games he would know this.
Allowing Julio to start again was a mistake, letting him swing away with 1st & 2nd nobody out was damn near criminal. Result double play. If he bunts the ball fair, worst case is one out & runners are still on 1st & 2nd. Best case is 2nd & 3rd with one out, well not the best, but Julio isn’t beating it out & an error is not probable. Even if he struck out trying to bunt it was a plus. Instead the double play wipes out at least a run. What’s a run you ask? Only the game
Those are the two most glaring examples of bad managing from tonight’s game. There were probably others, but like most games I only recall the top two bad moves. Overusing the bullpen has been an on going issue. Yes the starters earlier in the year caused the pen to be overused, but the starters didn’t pull themselves in blow out victories when they had low pitch counts. What’s that extra inning by Carlyle & James worth to the team now? A win? Probably.
At no point anytime this season has Cox decided a game was lost & left a reliever in to take one for the team. Even when the Braves are getting blown out, 4-5 pitchers are used. Cox won’t leave a guy in to take a pounding for the better of the team because he doesn’t want anyone looking bad. Once again we are given an inferior product. Even our long relievers are worn out because they are up every night.
I wouldn’t get so mad if this team wasn’t capable & as a Braves fan since the late 70’s I know what a team that doesn’t have the talent to win looks like. This very team for all its problems should be up by 5 games & getting ready to slam the door on everyone else after a few shore up moves. Anyone disagree?
I don’t like knee-jerk reactions to every problem, but all of these have gone on the entire season or longer. A good manager make assessments about a player & adjusts quickly. Cox never made an adjustment with Andruw, maybe a few games he hit 5th or 6th, but this wasn’t done until months of struggle & even then Andruw gets s hit & he’s right back being the rally killer. Every other manager in baseball would have had Andruw batting 7th or 8th until he PROVED he could handle the clean up spot. How many games did leaving Andruw at clean up cost the Braves? 5 plus
Now a good promising young bat has been replaced in the line up with Julio. Again I really like the guy, but he’s done. 25th guy on the roster? Maybe, but not in a platoon. Lefties were only hitting the Cards starter from tonight at a .350 something clip. Cox leaves Thorman, the lefty, on the bench.
Once again by signing Julio we have a more inferior product. The move that makes sense? Bring up a red hot Pena from Richmond, who catches & is playing some 1st & 3rd.
I could go on all night, but that’s enough, I am getting a massive headache already. Sorry for the long post.
By jed
July 23, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this
i’m not second-guessing here. i couldnt believe we werent walking pujols w/2 out in the 8th. still cant believe it. stoopid.
By Ron
July 23, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this
TampaBrave Its argument time AGAIN!!! LOL!!! Tex would be nice, BUT we STILL finish 2nd or 3rd WITHOUT a Lefty Reliever that can get out Lefties!!! The Lefty is crucial!!! Even scoring 2 runs tonight, WE STILL had a chance to WIN THIS GAME!!! But the bulpen blew it!!!
By GeorgetownKid
July 23, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this
I disagree with those who believe that the Braves will have to give up more in potential trades as the trade-deadline approaches (i.e. that the prices are increasing with time).
As teams begin to realize that they will be stuck with expensive veterans for the rest of the season, which would expose GMs to significant local criticism, I believe that GMs will begin offering their players at more reasonable prices.
Right now, GMs of losing teams have the luxury of holding out for high returns in proposed trades. When they realize that they have no takers, they will be forced to lower their prices, or be stuck with players they don’t really want.
By gotigers72
July 23, 2007 1:20 AM | Link to this
The Mutts beat Cincinnati 3 of 4 BEFORE the Reds swept the Braves, and yes Harang and Arroyo both pitched in that series.
Today the Marlins finished taking 3 of 4 from the Reds AFTER the Reds swept the Braves. Harang didn’t pitch in the series, but Arroyo did, and the Marlins lit him up.
Someone needs to get in the Braves heads about taking losing teams as seriously as they do the better teams. They are now 20-19 against teams with losing records, and 28-17 against teams in the NL with winning records. Of course that pathetic 4-11 in Interleague play. They need to start wiping the floor with some of these losing teams. If they had been doing that up to now, they would be in 1st place.
By DasSudlichWagenheberEsel
July 23, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this
It never ceases to amaze DasSudlichWagenheberEsel how some of you staunch Braves fans continue to enable one little slimy, pus-oozin’, punk@$$ Mets fan to dominate nearly all of the discussion on this blog…Unglaublich!…even other Mets fans would like to kick his ignorant @$s…
All you have to do is simply not reply to uneducated jabber, don’t acknowledge his odoriferous presence, and ignore his childish remarks…and the little pi$s ant would eventually crawl away…
By Ron
July 23, 2007 1:24 AM | Link to this
TampaBrave You do realize that EVEN IF we get Tex, BC will CONTINUE to bat Andruw Cleanup!!! And he will bat Tex 5th!!! When Andruw was hitting under .200 and he was still batting Cleanup and Frenchy or Somebody else could of batted there, what makes you think Tex would bat Cleanup or Chipper would bat Cleanup? BC is loyal to the guys who have been playing for him, he aint gonna move Andruw out of the Cleanup spot for NOBODY at least long enough for it to matter, he will bat him right back after a few days!!! And what would be the point in getting a #5 hitter, when we need a #4 hitter!!! You have to realize who is managing the team!!!
By Ron
July 23, 2007 1:29 AM | Link to this
GeorgetownKid I would tend to agree, But TampaBrave mentioned about Tex and he DOES have a full year left on his contract, so the Rangers dont have to do nothing, and they can still try trading him in the offseason, or trade deadline next year!!! They will get a good package for him whether it is this year or next year!!!
By Coach (Relief Pitching Or Bust !)
July 23, 2007 1:34 AM | Link to this
The Offense is finally there. The rotation is even there. The bullpen is not , it’s 2006 redux all over again. Julio is done and the Braves are a worse team with him on the roster. Andruw and Julio were rally killers in this game. Willy was safe on both of his steals and the umpire blew both calls. Rolen was out trying to steal second , the third blown call by the umpire…..I wonder if the bookies have him their pocket ? The last 11 games = 8 quality starts , 2 good starts and 1 bad start(Davies), the result of all that great pitching from our rotation……. 6 wins and 5 losses courtesy of the blowpen. Then of course as Carroll has already pointed out , there is the 5-5 home stand. What to do about Bobby Cox ? Nothing , we wait until he retires. I love my M-E-D-I-O-C-R-E baseball team , yes I do.
By Jimbo
July 23, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this
Good stuff fastballs…I agree in spades especially about AJ. He has killed us most of the season. It’s frustrating to watch him kill rally after rally. I hope he is someone else’s problem next year. I wish we could get Torri Hunter but would settle for the cheaper Rowand.
By Ron
July 23, 2007 1:42 AM | Link to this
Maybe if I smoke some of MY GOOOOOD Stuff that I got, I might be bilieving that this is a Championship team also, like Joe Morgan thinks if Chipper stays healthy!!! LOL!!! I dont even think that would help!!!
By GermanBravesFan
July 23, 2007 1:43 AM | Link to this
Hey SudlichWagenheberEsel (Southern Jackass?): I am guilty as charged… I think you are right: if we ignored the little p**, he’d leave. I, for my part, won’t acknowledge is dumb insults anymore!
By GermanBravesFan
July 23, 2007 1:45 AM | Link to this
P.S. It’s: DerSuedlicheWagenheberEsel!
By Mets rule. You drool.
July 23, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this
Hi! Johnny’s computer privlages have been revoked. He’s been a bad, bad boy judging by the sites his visits. I just posting here because he visits a lot & judging by his posts i read, I must esplain his behavior.
Ever since his daddy came out of the closet & moved to Georgia with “Bubba”, Johnny’s had issues. First he lost his job, as the hog dog taster down at the weiner plant. Said something about work made him think of his daddy. Now he hates every thing from Georgia. The Braves are #1 on hated list cause “Bubba” was a fan of Cox, literally.
Hes on quite a few meds but they dont seem to help.Just last week I caught him peeping at me in the shower.he’s my only but at age 22 i thought he would be over peeping at momma.
Anyway dont take him serious, he wont be around much for awhile because from looking at the other sites he visits he takes after his daddy if you know what i mean. Well gotta get to work, first day back, i’ve been out hurt. doctor said it’s caused from lying on my back at work. He looked at me funny when i said well thats what I get paid to do.
Johnny’s Mom Debbie
By The Grinch
July 23, 2007 2:28 AM | Link to this
German Braves Fan, who are you to correct someone’s German? :-) BTW, I just typed “Douchebag” into an English-German translator and there were no matches. What’s the closest approximation?
By Serbok
July 23, 2007 4:32 AM | Link to this
GRINCH Closest approximation to douchebag? my guess is Mets rule. You drool.
It was a funny post by a funny poster? (poser?)
By Eric C.
July 23, 2007 5:18 AM | Link to this
N8,
Yes…comparisons of Soriano to Reitsma are a little harsh at this point. =) Just the way I felt attm.
Folks…consider that Soriano’s last 3 innings pitched are the difference between the Braves having at least a 7-3, and possibly an 8-2, home-stand versus the 5-5 record they came away with!!! Blame it on the offense if you want, but the Braves MUST be able to win 2-1 and 1-0 games every now and then!
Speaking of offense, what in the he?? is Andruw still doing hitting clean-up…it’s a real shame. It’s just a matter of time before he breaks his ankle trying to hit the ball to Alpharetta.
By Vonshawn
July 23, 2007 6:28 AM | Link to this
I just don’t get what Andruw is trying to accomplish. For one game, he makes a visible adjustment to his hitting style by choking up on the bat when he is behind in the count - and it worked!! He actually got a couple of hits to right field.
And for whatever reason he has not done it since. And now, he is seemingly taking fastballs right down the middle, and once again trying to pull breaking balls off the plate.
Chipper and Edgar are having career years and are always on base. And as much as I love Andruw, he is still not “consistent” enough, despite his supposed torrid turnaround, to be hitting in the clean-up spot in the order.
Also, I refuse to believe that this team is a mediocre, .500 ballclub. When I look at this team the pieces are there, but there is something wrong with the way they are being put together.
The Mets are not exactly tearing it up, but they are winning just enough, and at the right times to distance themselves from the Braves. I don’t know, this team is very confusing.
By Bill
July 23, 2007 6:36 AM | Link to this
This week is going to make or break the Braves. I have been a big supporter since they moved to Atlanta and will be forever. I said a month ago this team is not a good mix. The game has passed BC. I love Julio but don’t understand his return. It just doesn’t work. He’s just taking up space. Come next Sun.,if they are 5-6 games out, I would trade just about anybody that can be traded except the young players. It’s time for a complete makeover.
By TheSouthernJackass
July 23, 2007 7:33 AM | Link to this
This that I am about to say is for everybody on this blog. I AM THE BOSS!!!! Anyone who wants to challenge me on that go ahead, but I have the biggest pair of cyberballs on this site. I can get as violent as they come on the internet, but I do not wish to confront anyone in person. If you do not like my cussing and ranting then tough!!!! That is the only way I can get my point across. I will not talk “baseball”, because I know nothing about it. I am just here to intimidate all of you. Go ahead challenge me!!! Try to make me talk baseball!!!!
By Coach (Relief Pitching Or Bust !)
July 23, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this
The pitching so far in July. The rotation is 6-3 with a 3.66 ERA , 8 quality starts , 2 good starts and 1 bad start (Davies). The blowpen is 3-6 with a 5.20 ERA and 5 blown saves. Wickman’s ERA in July is 4.50 , Soriano’s is 6.48 , Villarreal’s is 5.65 , Ledezma’s is 7.20 and last but not least , Yates ERA in July is 16.71. Yes , 16.71. That’s not a typo.
By Carroll (NOT Ms. Rogers)
July 23, 2007 7:50 AM | Link to this
TampaBrave: you’re absolutely right that we are dysfunctional on offense. But adding ANOTHER swing-from-the-heels, strikeout machine in Tex is NOT what we need! It’s SOOOOOOOO simple really. All we need to do is bench that waste of aspea Andruw Jones, put Harris in CF and batting 8th, and play the guy on our team who is one of the best hitters in the NL (Diaz) in LF and discard the 50 y/o BUM who can’t hit .200!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHat the F—K is wrong with you Bobby you stupid, ignorant old man?!!!!! Just retire already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As far as the pen, all of the current guys need extended rest. I don’t care if that means going on the DL for 15 days or going to the minors or whatever, but they have all been overused. Call up Asciano, Devine and others and/or make some trades for new guys until the others an catch their breath at least.
By Carroll (NOT Ms. Rogers)
July 23, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this
It’s this freakin easy you dumba$$ old senile idiot: KJ/Escobar; Diaz; Renteria; Chipper; McCann; Francouer; NaCl; Harris (CF); Pitcher. You could occasionally use Diaz at 1B to spell NaCL or to allow him to spell McCann—so there’s NO need to EVER start Julio or Thorman. That lineup wins us 8 or 9 out of 10 on this homestand and we’re in first place right now.
By Bob, Journalist
July 23, 2007 8:12 AM | Link to this
Active Roster by batting average Matt(353), Larry(345), Edgar(335), Willie(332), Yunel(298), Jeff(294), Kelly(291), NaCly(285), Brian(268), Chris(223), Scott(215), Andruw(214), Julio(177)
last Night’s Lineup Willie(332), Edgar(335), Larry(345), Andruw(214), Kelly(291), Jeff(294), NaCly(285), Julio(177), JoJo (333)
Why Not? CF Willie(332), SS Edgar(335), 3B Larry(345), LF Matt(353), RF Jeff(294), 2B Kelly(291), 1B NaCly(285), C Brian(268), P JoJo (333)
Actually, while it won’t happen, I think I would have preferred Yunel at 2nd, Kelly in Left, Matt at 1st and NaCly catching.
What is the rationale behind starting the two players with the lowest batting averages … with one batting clean up … and not starting the player with the highest average?
It is not sarcasm … I honestly assume that Bobby has a good reason for so doing. I can understand the arguments given for David O’B and others not asking Bobby the question … but I would think that Bobby wants the question to be asked so that it can be answered, for surely he has what he believes to be a good answer … and knows that the question is being widely pondered.
There are those who argue that Andruw in leading the team in homeruns and and runs batted in … true, but we must ask ourselves how many meaningful runs would have been scored had he not been in the lineup … or at least batting 8th or ninth … relative to how many actually were.
It’s a subjective question, that’s for sure, so each person has to decide that for themselves … except maybe for Shaun Payne who can let the statistics decide for him.
As I indicated, yesterday morning methinks, Andruw has improved … but after spending about 45 minutes looking at his plate appearances, frame by frame, over the last two games, my opinion is that his approach still contains the same flaws and he is simply trying to improve that flawed approach as opposed to eliminating the flaws.
He’s been my favorite player for a long time because of his defense … and early on, his use of his wrists at the plate … but, I now believe they really would be better off without him in the lineup … that may change tomorrow, but then it also might snow this afternoon in Atlanta.
Duty calls … I should be back about game time.
By Will
July 23, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
This homestand proved that the Braves are nothing more then a .500 baseball team. You go 5-5 against three of the lower tier teams in the NL, what a joke! Soriano just throws c** shot fastballs right over the plate to major league hitters and then we have Tyler Yates who i dont even blame anymore caues he is so overworked. I wanted to cry when i saw him pitching the 9th inning of a 14-6 game on Saturday. Its okay though you cant win every year, i just hope they do not become trade buyers on a very bad market. Of course all Bobby C say is a couple plays go the other way and we are 8-2 on the homestand, what a bunch of crap, i think the Braves got what they deserved recordwise on this homestand.
By overlord
July 23, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this
Braves are looking like a joke. Teams do not respect us. Ill have to say Bobby Cox is not a good manager. I dont care how many games has he won, anyone on this blog could do the same or better if he had glavine, smoltz and maddux as 1,2,3 for 6 - 7 years or so. I could bet my right hand and both of my eyes that if oue manager was Leyland, La Rusa, Torre, Lasorda, Alou, or somebody of that caliber, this team would be at least 5 games above the mets, if not more. There is not a single fan in atlanta that aint tired of his experiments, hes so called patient and love to players, etc. If a player needs to go to AAA, he must go, if a player is not performing and there is someone that can take his place, he should be benched.
If there is a superstar (Albert Pujols) batting late in a close game, he should be pitched around and not let him beat and make u look stupid.
If relievers are clearly tired, let them rest. SP have to go deeper in the game even if he is not performing too well, because we will get a bad performance from reliever since they are tired. IF you put them in, they will be even more tired and tomorrow is gonna be even worst. So you better figure out how to fix this, and it clearly wont get fixed asking them to pitch every other day.
By Will
July 23, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this
Also Julio Franco is a waste of space, i was irate when the Braves signed him and it has gotten worse. He fits right in over there with his .180 avg. He cant catch up to any fastballs anymore and there is a reason the Mets released him. Scott Thorman looks like an all star compared to him, but i have no doubt Bobby will run Julio out there like there is no tommorow to go 0-4 and kill rallies with double plays and K’s.
By jon
July 23, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
YOU GUYS MAKE ME SICK!!!!!! First off, you criticize Bobby Cox??? All of you are jokes…..why arent you coaching if you know so damn much? Then we have people on here pushing for a Texiera trade! Why? The Braves are putting up runs…..its obvious….either try to get a proven starter and at least 1 bullpen arm….and when I say bullpen arm..lidge or gagne!Another bullpen arm would be nice in the form of a lefthander too. Why would we trade for Tex? No reason whatsoever! You guys are freaking idiots! You guys are such jokes…here is an example. Two nights ago, the braves were the best things ever…now they lose..and they are the worse. You criticize bobby for running the bullpen in the ground…well who the hell pitches when davies, james, cormier, and lerew pitch 2 innings? He is doing his best….know baseball before you idiots get on here running your mouth about nothing you’re talking about! Those freaking relievers kept us in it when our starting pitching and offense sucked. Now its time to pick them up with quality starting innings and maybe a trade of two to take the pressure off the same 2-3 (wick, yates, and soriano)And by the way, people wanting a firesale and people saying this is a make or break week….WE ARE 3 1/2 GAMES OUT OF 1ST PLACE…GET REAL
By overlord
July 23, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this
AJ has no positive impact on this team what so ever. He aint no JETER, NO CHIPPER, NO PUJOLS, NO BIG PAPI, NO MANNY, NO VLADIMIR, NO ORDOÑEZ, AJ simply zuxxxxxxxxx, so why is he still in the everyday lineup?
Wonder what is BC thinking, those he really thinks that he is come out of it? Delgado was in a hole as deep as AJ and he is up to .250(almost). AJ wont get there ever again. Sit the guy for a week. If he does not respond positively, send him to japan or something, Ill pay the rest of his contract, lets write to Bill Gates and ask him for the money, maybe if we explain how frustrating this is he would give us the money.
Send Ledezma to venezuela again please. bobby cox If your bullpen was the most dominating part of your team for 3 months and suddenly they look like cheeth·$%$%&, it is clear that their arms are destroyed, maybe even close to injury, tissue damage. Think about it pal and find a way to fix it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By The Chef
July 23, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this
If you want to be a successful chef, you must learn the art of consistency. If you can’t reproduce your signature dish time and time again, the odds of finding gainful employment are slim.
Recipe for winning the division or wildcard:
Play .500 ball against the powerhouse teams, even accepting the fact that some better teams may have your number and you will not perform as well against these teams.
Kick the crap out of the sub .500 teams. Never lose these series. NEVER get swept by a team who is inferior.
Never let the opposition come into your house and embarrass you.
Never praise the sub .500 teams in the press after they have handed you your head and swept you. They may just play another series immediately afterwards and get their butts kicked by a team inferior to yours. The pitching and offense that embarrassed you may be embarrassed by the team that is also inferior to yours. You, in turn, look even more idiotic than you did when swept by same inferior team that looks inferior after leaving Turner field.
If you play .500 even .450 against the power teams and .700 against inferior teams, then you should be in the playoffs. Once there, anything can happen.
If you find that you cannot perform the necessary steps listed above to complete the recipe……
Then go back to bussing tables!!!!
By Will
July 23, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
Jon, bobby cox makes a lot of questionable decisions it is that simple. I dont blame him for an overworked bull pen, you are right its not his fault when his starters cant go innings. It is his fault when he will continue to run Franco out there to go 0-4 just cause he likes him. He will continue to play Thorman who is terrible. He will platoon K.Johnson who is batting basically .300 with 10 HR. i know Bobby is between a rock and hard place with Escobar, but he is the king of platoons and he could platoon Babe Ruth if he had the chance. I do agree with you about trading for a big bab (Tex) that is just stupid i dont think he would make a playoff difference. Bottom line is there are no trades to be made and I just hope you understand the Braves are not good enough to make the playoffs, 3 1/2 games out will be 6 or 7 before we know it. I am not jumping ship or wavering from day to day, i have been saying everyday the last few weeks that the Braves are not a playoff team. I still watch/root for them every night, but there is no reason to get all worked up over a .500 baseball team.
By AMG
July 23, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this
Just a few thoughts:
Please tell me we did not get Franco to be our everyday starting first baseman.
If last nights pitcher for St. Louis was so bad against lefties, why did we not start Thorman? B-Mac?
If the Braves do not score first they start to press at the plate. Swinging at pitches that are not strikes trying to make something happen.
Jo Jo has been a nice suprise. Could be used in a trade if not the answer for this year.
By Serbok
July 23, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
WILL
c** shot fastballs ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!! funniest thing I have ever heard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! on a BB blog!!!!!!! Congrats Dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By ChampDawg
July 23, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this
Braves suck Braves suck Braves suck Braves suck Braves suck
Going 5-5 at home against supposedly weaker opponents is not going to cut it. The Braves are toast. This homestand was a chance to prove themselves and gain some ground on the Mets. Didn’t happen. Sorry @$$ baserunning mistakes, Andruw back to his usual dismal self, Julio just not working out, and a bullpen that is now imploding. Nope, ain’t gonna happen this year. The Braves just don’t have the talent.
By overlord
July 23, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
jon how come this team has no CG rom SP¿¿?? it is one of 5 teams in this condition?
SP is not making BP look bad, Bobby Cox is
Why was reyes taken out of the game yesterday¿? 92 pitches? To bring in a fresher arm? 5.1 innings? give me a break, there is no such thing as a fresh arm in the bullpen.
Why was Carlyle taken out of saturdays game? 93 pitches? Winning 14-3¿? what was the philosophy there? That he should rest because it is a blow out? HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Why was james taken out on friday? maybe 106 pitches are good explanation.
Why was hudson take out of thursday game? 93 pitches? because it was a blowout? Sit down tim, take a shower. BP is gonna take care. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO let him finish and let bullpen rest. or at least let him pitch the 8th.
So if u see BP could have rested at least in 3 of those 4 games. Instead they pitched around 12 inning. if not more than that. It could have been 7 which would be a great upgrade and positive condition to their arms.
By Scoff
July 23, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
No more platoons. Other than resting their bullpin, the braves need a set, everyday offense to be more consistant instead of scoring 10+ runs one day and then 2 runs the next. It’s obvious that Diaz and Harris need to be playing everyday, but the Braves cannot bench andruw bc he is paid so much.
Escobar is a great young player but we need KJ to be an everyday player to get the at-bats and improve on his defense.
Salty needs to be at first everyday bc thorman cannot perform. Julio is old and cannot handle playing everyday.
If the braves could, they need to bench andruw for at least a week to make a statment to him. Let Escobar be the guy that comes in and gives chipper/edgar/KJ a day off everynow and then. When McCann needs a day off put salty back there and let Diaz play first and let andruw back onto the field.
How can you not let someone like Diaz and Harris not play everday?
matt diaz .354 (total) vs. Left: .355 vs. Right: .349
willie harris .339 (total) vs. Left: .231 vs. Right: .348
andruw jones .216 (total) vs. Left: .230 vs. Right: .206
Get rid of woodward and thorman, what have they provided for us? Bring up Pena and another reliever to help the bullpin.
By Carroll (NOT Ms. Rogers)
July 23, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
Will: I absolutely blame Cox for the worn out pen because I have called him on it a number of times this year when Sory, Gonzo or Wicky would be in the game in a blowout situation. Hell, maybe Gonzo knew what he was doing when he kept whining about phantom arm pain…now he gets a paid vacation this year while all our other poor relievers will need an amputation after Donk is through with them.
By overlord
July 23, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
AMG the hunch that he is gonna wake up sometime this year, same case as AJ, so he is playing everyday to get enough batting practice to get better at the plate, problem is that batting practice is taken during real games.
By Serbok
July 23, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
By Will
July 23, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
Overlord, Right on! Bobby Cox has created his own bullpen problems no doubt about it. Especially taking out Buddy C in a blowout. Try mixing it up out there. I swear to god when i saw Soriano coming in last night i just started laughing and went to get ready for bed, that is how sure i am he is going to mess up anymore, why not try something/anything different! Tyler Yates is the guy really on the raw end of the deal, he gets thrown out there damn near every game whether its 3-2 or 10-1. And then once again i am going to mention the Bobby playing Julio thing, WOW is all i have to say! Somebody else is right on that mentioned where was Mccann last night against this guy who sucks against lefties?? Another good question. Julio’s rally killing DP in the 4th was one of the worst plays in the game.
By overlord
July 23, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
AMG BOBBY COX has the hunch that he is gonna wake up sometime this year, same case as AJ, so he is playing everyday to get enough batting practice to get better at the plate, problem is that batting practice is taken during real games.
By Will
July 23, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
Carroll, No argument here, to be honest i blame Bobby Cox mis-management for a hell of a lot of the Braves problems i just trying my best not to sound totally pessimistic, but its getting very hard….
By TampaBrave
July 23, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this
Carroll,
There’s a big difference between AJ & Tex. Tex consistently hits just under .300 hits over 30 HRs and 110 RBIs, and he doesn’t really have good hitters around him to protect him. So I have to disagree.
Jon, So you think our offense is good huh? After last night, the braves have scored 3 runs or less 40 times. Last night is indicative of a Braves loss. Score 2 runs, the bullpen blows the save and we end up losing. Nobody seems to understand that if we had seized on more opportunities, that Pujols HR doesn’t even matter. But we lose and all everyone sees is the bullpen. The offense gets a pass because so many players are lighting it up. In games where the Braves have scored 3 or less, they are 7-33. There’s your problem. Inserting a proven run producer behind Chipper would make a world of difference. And yes Will, Bobby has to end his love affair with AJ in the 4 hole.
One thing that I would change is this 1 inning crap by relievers. If a guy like Moylan comes in and is doing well, he should pitch until he runs into trouble. At least one time through the batting order.
Could the pen use a lefty, you bet. My point is that we have more than one weakness, but none is more glaring than the offensive disconnect between the fact that we are near the top in OBP, but also excel in strikeouts and DPs. Too much feast or famine for my taste. Smoltz, Hudson, and the rest shouldn’t have to hold the other team to 2 or less runs to win most of the time.
By NO CHOP ZONE
July 23, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
The supposed homestand that was gonna get the braves in first never happened. The Mets had a winning homestand against the best of the west. Now we come home to Pittsburg and the Nats. The braves meanwhile head west. Things are looking up for the Mets now. Alou will be back this week and Pedro in just a couple of weeks away.
By overlord
July 23, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
How hard could managing be?
hhmmmmmmm les see…….lets try this 50 YO 1b that front office brought back, lets play him for a month and see what happens, ill ask the mets to stop winning since im doing and experiment.
Ill also keep trying andrew until, let me think, 2009, maybe he will start hitting then. He is still learning (after 10 years in the bigs), i have to be patient.
Let me see, what else, let me as my dog in what order should i bring in my relievers tonight, and in which inning. If he barks 5 times ill bring my first reliever in the 5th, no matter if we r winning 100-3.
What else, i can remember i dreamed salty was behind home plate and we won the 7th game of the world series, so im gonna put him in the starting line up tonight.
Ill will not be surprised to see kyle make his next start because JOJO allowed 1 run yesterday.
What i really dont get is why the hel_l is woodward not allowed to start everyday at 3b and Orr (while he was here) to start at SS. Hey those guy also deserve some patience till they climb AVG to .300, as andrew does. As Julio does. Maybe Bobby is racist, he does not like white player, hahahaha.
By jon
July 23, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this
By Serbok
July 23, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
Actually no, I’m a liberal! Nice observation though serbok…reminds me of a lot of other bloggers on here! Chuck James—-exactly a years worth of MLB service…..Buddy Carlyle——-under 2 months of MLB service……JoJo Reyes—-two weeks of MLB service! And you guys have nerve to criticize Bobby Cox for not leaving this guys in longer? These guys arent ready to throw over 100 pitches…there arms just arent use to it! I can meet you guys halfway with Chuck..maybe he does pull Chuck out to early! The rest though..you cant have those guys throwing over 95 pitches on a consistent basis! Its not because Bobby is a “donk” or an “idiot” its because the freaking organization has a protocal on how they wanna use these pitchers! You guys are too ignorant to understand that! Bobby Cox has guided the Braves to the playoffs all but 1 year in the past 15 years! I think him, IF ANYONE, would know how to use freaking pitching! As far as Julio starting, he is trying to get him at bats under his belt before he resumes his pinch hitting duty. He only had 57 plate appearances with the mets so he needs some at bats…im with JS and BC on this one..I think he can really help us off the bench! As far as Thorman….know what you’re talking about! OUT OF OPTIONS! THAT MEANS HE CANT BE SENT DOWN OR SOMEONE WILL PROBABLY GET HIM OFF WAIVERS! There is a reason the Braves havent sent him down and risked losing him. Contrary to what most of you believe, scouts must like Thorman and they’ve been told he will be picked up if they release him! Why give up on someone that is so young? For all you tex lovers……give me a break! Thats a want…NOT A NEED. We need one more starting pitcher..either livan from D backs or Bronson from the reds to come in throw a lot of pitches for us and give us some innings! Def need some bullpen work too…..
By Barry Bonds
July 23, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this
Please issue intentional walks to BB (Barry Bonds) every time he is at bat during this series. Not only would that delay his steroid-induced HR record, it would be funny to see egg in the face of ESPN’s “live bonus coverage” of his every move during the next few weeks.
By overlord
July 23, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
TAMPABRAVE
you r right on that one….. that 1 inning crap adds to the things i mentioned before that are causing BPs bad performance. Is there a rule in Braves playbook that all relievers have to warmup and pitch in every game?
Why ?????? if a pitcher is doing fine or at least is keeping team in the game……..let him pitch until winds change. Or is that take pitcher out another hunch trash attitude?
Another thing to be mentioned……. The fire is absent again. Rarely you see the braves excited and fired up. I mean, this is not the NBA or NFL, but hey, express your feeling. They all look confused they dont look anything near a championship team. Watching them plays feels like watching a chess game, or a poker game. Show your emotions, it is part of the sport
By Colin
July 23, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
Jon you are absouletly right everyone ” o there great now” when they win, when they lose ” get rid of everyone time to pack it in” were three games out. Get some bullpen help. Livan is a innings eater, try to get him. If you want bullpen help get Ocatvio Dotel, or Grienke. Come on guy were 3.5 games out and the Muts are average. The Pirates will take 2/3 because Snell and Gorzo pitch game 1,2.We will take care of the grandpa’s out in San Fran. Everything is fine in Atlanta.
By Shaun
July 23, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
It’s a subjective question, that’s for sure, so each person has to decide that for themselves … except maybe for Shaun Payne who can let the statistics decide for him.
Why not let objective evidence decide things, when possible, instead of subjective preferences or emotion?
“The heart is deceitful above all things.”
Also, Bob, batting average isn’t king. There are several stats more telling than batting average.
There are several great run-scoring teams that never led the league in batting average. Look at the late 1930s Yankees—never led the league in batting average, always led the league in runs scored.
Batting average doesn’t take into account some rather frequent occurrences that help a team—walks, HBP, and extra-base hits. With batting average, every hit is equal and walks and HBP are ignored.
By Colin
July 23, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
How does Scott Olsen for Salty sound?
By KC
July 23, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
I haven’t had a chance to read over the other posts this morning, so forgive me if I’m just repeating things that have been said a dozen times, but…
With what we’ve seen from James, Carlyle, and even Reyes lately… maybe we don’t need to make a move for a starter unless we can get another top-of-rotation caliber guy.
On the other hand, with what we’ve seen out of the bullpen lately… I’m beginning to hope that JS is working the phone lines heavily for another quality reliever.
By Will
July 23, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
Jon Dude you have the blinders on big time. I agree with nothing you say whatsoever. as soon as i see you try to explain Julio playing i was laughing too hard to finish reading. Are you related to Bobby Cox or something?? You are on your own on this one.
By NO CHOP ZONE
July 23, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
5-5 against the Pirates, Reds and Cards at home. These opponents had a combines winning percentage of approx .439 (much less on the road I’m sure). Oh Yeah, us Met fans are worried about the braves.
By Shaun
July 23, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
I know you were kidding but if the Braves want to win, I suggest they pitch to Bonds and try to get him out even more than most teams do.
Right now his OBP is .497. That means a team has better than a 50 percent chance to get him out…and that’s not taking into account intentional or “unintentional intentional” walks. If you took those into account a team has much better than a 50 percent chance to get him out.
Obviously it depends on the situation, but no way I’d walk any hitter even close to every time up.
By overlord
July 23, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
jon if no pitcher on this team other thatn JS is able to throw more than 95 pitches what the hell is this team playing for? If that is the case….. lets get rid of 2 starter and just carry 3 starters and 2 more relievers.
What does the protocol you mention says? Remember our pitchers arms are not built for MLB so take them out before their arms explode?
If JO JO and Carlyle are not ready to pitch 100 pitches how come that does not shows up in the scoreboard?
One more thing? if that is the case…… then let the relievers start the games, because it seams this protocols you mention also say that reliever are more warriors and durable and can pitch 200 innings each this season.
By Will
July 23, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Colin, You are an idiot, you do know that Olsen has been suspended for insubordination and was arrested over the weekend for DUI, evading arrest and one other charge. Great trade idea.
By Shaun
July 23, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
overlord,
Starting pitchers can’t go every inning of every game they start, especially young pitchers, unless the manager wants to ruin careers.
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=2633
By NO CHOP ZONE
July 23, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
LEW….come out, come out where ever you are.
By Scoff
July 23, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
Will, Jon is exactly right. Cox is giving Julio at-bats bc he only had 57 with the mets. The braves picked him up to strengthen their bench, not their starting roster. In order to have him strengthen our bench is to give him regular at-bats now.
By Carroll (NOT Ms. Rogers)
July 23, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Don’t get me wrong…I love the person that Julio is, and the player he WAS—especially in light of all the trash in baseball these days (I’m looking at you, Barry). That said, Julio has NO place on this team! Even if you could make the argument that he is a moral leader or cheerleader of some sort, that is unacceptable. This team already has some 8 or 9 different coaches, and plenty of vets who can lead the youngsters. We don’t need to gum up the works by adding ANOTHER guy to take up a roster spot and playing time from more serving guys while batting under .200, adding no power, no speed, and marginal-at-best defense. If you like Julio so damned much, fire on of the coaches…hell, fire Bobby himself. But this current situation is just plain retarded.
By STRETCH
July 23, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
THE GAME LAST NIGHT WAS PAINFULL AND FRUSTRATING TO WATCH! HAS ANYONE NOTICED THE TREND HERE? THE BRAVES ARE AWFUL IN EXTRA INNING GAMES, THAT IS BECAUSE OF BOBBY COX’S MANAGEMENT. ITS BEEN THE CASE OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS(ESPECIALLY DURING THE POST SEASON). HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO LOOK AT AND WHY THIS TEAM WILL BE SITTING AT HOME COME OCTOBER:
WAS IT JUST ME??? BUT THAT UMP ON SECOND BASE MUST HAVE BET ON GAMES, CAUSE THE REPLAYS SAY IT ALL!!! THIS GUY BLEW NOT 1, NOT 2, BUT 3 CALLS WHEN HE WAS ON TOP OF THE PLAYS. I KNOW THIS HAPPENS IN ALL SPORTS, BUT HOW ABOUT THE LUCK OF ALL ATLANTA SPORTS????/ WHAT THE F*CK???!!!!
BUT THE BATS? IM SICK AND TIRED OF WATCHING THESE GUYS MAKE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND STINK UP THE PLACE, AND GUYS THAT CONTRIBUTE (MATT DIAZ) SITTING ON THE BENCH WASTING AWAY. DIAZ WOULD BE A STARTER IN TAMPA, KC, CINCY, HOUSTON AND SO FORTH.
4TH INNING…1ST AND 2ND WITH NO OUTS TURN INTO RUNNER ON 3RD WITH 2 OUTS…HOW MANY TIMES THIS SEASON HAVE WE SEEN THIS? ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!! THEY LEFT TOO MANY MEN ON BASE AS THEY ALWAYS DO.
WHY DO YOU BRING IN YOUR CLOSER IN THE 9TH WITH THE GAME TIED????
WHY IN THE HECK DO YOU PITCH TO ALBERT PUJOLS IN THE 8TH?
I REALLY LIKE THIS GUY BUT, WHY IS JULIO STARTING ALL THESE GAMES ALL OF A SUDDEN??? EVERYBODY IS TALKING ABOUT TRADES FOR TEXIERA…MAKE UP YOUR MIND, START SALTY/THORMAN 70/30 AT FIRST. ATLEAST ITS MORE BAT SPEED!
JUST LET ANDREW GO, THE BRAVES SHOULD TAKE THEIR LUMPS WITH DIAZ, WILLIE & FRENCHY. THEY STILL HAVE KELLY TO FILL IN OUT THERE AS WELL. WITH THE MONEY THEY SAVE FROM ANDRUW, THEY CAN PICK UP IMPORTANT PIECES/PARTS. THIS TEAM IS REALLY NOT THAT FAR AWAY FROM BEING BACK IN THE GLORY DAYS.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
July 23, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
Morning all, I am really bummed after last night’s loss. I am not sure but I think it is more due to the incessant inane chatter of Jon Miller than the actual fact of losing. I cringe whenever that bozo starts his prattle.
Do they actually bother to watch the game? My wife asked me during the contest who the Braves were playing, I told her the Cardinals. She said she thought they were playing San Francisco because that is all she heard them talk about.
Now the game: Because of the sour mood the so called announcers put me into, it was easy to overlook the real reason for the Braves loss last night. Andruw Jones has reverted back to his bad habits. The Braves had several prime opportunities to put the game out of reach but continued failure at the plate by the clean up hitter is killing this team.
The Braves want to keep his glove in the game, that is fine with me but for goodness sakes move his bat to where it will cause us the least pain. Bat him in the eight hole behind Julio or Thorman.
Okay, I am going to the Richmond game this afternoon, I will pass along a scouting report later.
By Colin
July 23, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Why dont we get Morris…and Marte?
By TampaBrave
July 23, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Wasting time thinking Julio is a solution to the real problem is pointless. I like him as a pinch hitter, but that’s it. I don’t like Thorman at all. Salty is playing out of position.
We NEED Tex. Bat AJ 8th or 9th, depending on who is pitching.
You’d be surprised how good we would become when the runs start piling up.
7-33 in games we scored 3 runs or less.
By Shaun
July 23, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
There are those who argue that Andruw in leading the team in homeruns and and runs batted in … true, but we must ask ourselves how many meaningful runs would have been scored had he not been in the lineup … or at least batting 8th or ninth … relative to how many actually were.
Problem with Andruw is not his low batting average, although that contributes to the problem. The problem with him is he has the lowest OBP and SLG than most of the regulars and he’s hitting in the middle of the order.
I agree with you that the folks saying Andrew is alright because he’s still leading the team in HR and RBI are looking at it the wrong way.
He’s leading the team in homeruns because he obviously has power and he plays more than anyone else except Francoeur. He’s tied for the lead in RBI because on most nights/days he’s hit behind two or three guys with OBP over .390. When you are in the lineup everyday and those type hitters and in front of you, it would be hard to not drive in a lot of runs, in spite of the fact you are making outs at a more frequent pace than almost every regular on your team.
People say contact outs are productive; which I suppose they mean contact outs drive in runs. The argument is you can still be a productive player if you make “productive outs.”
How do you explain that Andruw leads the team in both strikeouts (the least productive of “unproductive outs”) and RBI? I’ll tell you how: RBI are virtually meaningless when talking about a player’s individual production.
By Andy
July 23, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
By bravefansince54
July 23, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
A few random thoughts: I am big on Willie Harris, but I was unimpressed when he bounded up from that first (successful!)steal attempt and ran off the field - like the call was correct or something! We took 3 bad calls in stride - no protest, no stirring of the blood.
My patience with BC is utterly exhausted. He flat manages badly- JoJo wasn’t spent the BP was, and we could on and on. I posted of my dismay on Julio when they signed him- ok, he is due some sentiment, but not playing time.
I am saying nothing new here, but this is a great core of players, but major changes are needed, starting with Cox. I like the starting pitching for the future, but Soriano, Wickman, Yates ain’t gettin’ done and are demoralizing.
While I have to acknowledge misplaced faith in Thorman for the long term (was that a WEAK strike out, or what, last night!, I see that we continue to vastly underappreciate Renteria. McCann’s long term contract was at least ill-advised, given that we already recognized the potential in Salty.
I leave it to the better analysts on this blog to come up with some ideas for next year, but this year is sand in the hourglass without adding a significant bat at 1B and getting fresh arms in the pen - seeing that Bobby has ruined the current bunch.
By STRETCH
July 23, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
I AGREE WITH YOU GILL IN MECHANICSVILLE, I LOVE ANDRUW, ALWAYS HAVE, BUT COME ON, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! WHY NOT BAT CHIPPER IN CLEAN UP? WHAT ABOUT SALTY OR MCCANN OR FRENCHY? SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME HERE CAUSE IM AT A LOSS FOR WORDS!
By Matt M.
July 23, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Stretch, to answer your question about why bring the closer in the 9th if its tied. If we are at home, he has no chance to close a game b/c we always get the last at-bat. He keeps us in the game or we walk off, no chance to get a save.
I think our lineup is OK. Starting pitching is starting to get some confidence. Davies in AAA should help. How long for Cormier on the DL? Let KJ play everyday, back at the #1 spot. His OBP is high, why move him. Willy, with the exception of Sat has struggled there. Diaz has to play. He doesn’t have Willy’s speed, but a better bat, more power. Use Willy as the 4th outfielder, pinchrunner and left handed bat off the bench. Julio will be fine, he needs to get his timing down. AJ, WTF. Your baffling me this year. Choke up and go to right. Frenchy’s been doing it and is hitting 295 with more RBIs than you from the 5, 6, 7 hole. Your 220 batting average with RISP sucks. You should be batting 6 or 7, as our 2nd cleanup hitter, not 1st. Swith AJ with Frenchy. McCann, I’m ready for your explosion. Chipper, Edgar, Smoltz, Hudon: hell of a year. Don’t change nothing. Wickman is coming back around. Soriano looked good yesterday except for 1 pitch to arguably the best hitter in the NL. I know 1 pitch makes a difference, but he still looked good. AJ isn’t going anywhere. So move him down in the order.
By NO CHOP ZONE
July 23, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
Strecht….You’re pushing it with #7 “This team is realy not that far away from being back in the glory days”. You’re far away from a rotaion like Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz and a line up that could move runners along to push runs through in a tight game.
By AMG
July 23, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
They are not going to bench, release, or trade Andruw … PERIOD!!
As much as you like or dislike A.J. the fact is we NEED him to hit and he is NOT going anywhere. He will be in the line-up everyday the remainder of the season unless injury… PERIOD!!
Now this Franco at firstbase thing is another issue. I can only think he has “inappropriate pictures” of Cox or something.
Hey METS FANS!!!… you probably have a better team, but you have not run away with anything yet. This just means those series in August and September should be real fun. Get your antiacids and hold on tight for the final two months.
By Amber
July 23, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Stretch, it’s painful to read your post. You don’t need to shout, we can read you just fine.
By Lew
July 23, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Ron-Re: Your 1:42 post. It doesn’t work.
By TampaBrave
July 23, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
Yates pitches scared. Bring back the mad hungarian Al Hrabosky tocouncil some of these wusses.
By Matt M.
July 23, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
If we aren’t going to make Salty an everyday player, then we need to trade him for a young starting pitcher. Do the Devil Rays need a catcher? Remember we have Pena, who is a sufficient (in my opinion) back up catcher. We have the most sought after young player, and an abundance of middle infielders (Escobar, Prado) that we can trade. IF THE DEAL IS RIGHT ONLY.
By Braveheart
July 23, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this
I think not pitching to Bonds is not the way to go. If he is going to break the Hammer’s record, then let him do it against the Braves. It seems only fitting to me.
Bonds has alot of history with the Braves. 1991 and 1992, we knocked him out of the playoffs. He left after that, the Pirates dropped off the face of the earth, and Los Bravos went on to 14 straight division titles. That sissy throw to the plate with Bream.
1993 we bested him in one of the best pennant races of all time. We could have had Bonds, we chose Maddux instead. Pendleton took away one of Bonds’ MVPs. Some say Bonds took away one of Pendleton’s MVPs.
The best Brave of all time Hank Aaron is the home run champ Bonds is aiming for.
To get to his only World Series in 2002, Bonds had to come through us in the division series, giving him some redemption for 1991, 1992, and 1993 (but not quite).
If you remember his historic 2001 season with 73 dingers, he had his coming out party of sorts against the Braves in Turner Field with a 6 homer barrage over 3 games from May 18 until May 20 that gave him 21 homers for the season and made everyone take notice for the rest of the season that Bonds was on a mission. But that May series in 2001 was his coming out party where he served notice on the baseball world that he would not be denied.
So, it only seems fitting that if he is going to take out our home run champ that he do it against us since the Braves and Bonds have such a shared history with each other over the last two decades.
The greatest defining player of his generation shared so many defining moments in his career and our franchise with one of the two greatest defining franchises of Bonds’ generation.
Say what you want about Bonds and his cheating ways and his attitude but it does seem kind of fitting to me for it to happen against the Braves.
Here’s the throw to the plate, Braves Win! Braves Win! Braves Win! Here’s the clip:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=38mOexBigeI
By Barry Bonds
July 23, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
Shaun, Barry Bonds has a 100% chance of not getting a HR or RBI if we don’t throw him a single strike this week.
Using your logic, while we have only a 50% chance of getting Bonds out, we have better than a 63% chance of getting out every other member of the Giants team, so I will take my chances with the other senior citizens rather than Bonds at 50%.
In fact, take a look at your “anti-OBP” stats of the other potential starters: Aurilla .714, Durham .685, Feliz .709, Vizquel .706, Roberts .685, and Winn .653. These 7 combine for a .6934 anti-OBP, which means we have almost a 70% chance of getting them out, compared to Bonds at 50%. If we walk Barry 4 times, and get the other starters out at their 70% clip, we have a good shot at a sweep.
Throw no strikes to Barry this week. The Braves have a better chance going after the other 8 batters on the team.
By Salty
July 23, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
The blog needs a warning posted after losses:
Tears ahead; blog is slippery when wet
By Matt M.
July 23, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
I’m ready for this series in SF. Hopefully we’ll getting rolling with our 2 aces to open it. Good game last night Reyes, and good last 2 games CJames. And Carlyle, what a surprise. Keep it up.
By Shaun
July 23, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
TennPaul and all those who argue for “productive outs” and RBI as a good stat for evaluating hitters, how do you explain that Andrew leads the team in both RBI and the most unproductive of “unproductive outs,” strikeouts?
Ryan Howard has 108 strikeouts yet is tied for third in baseball in RBI.
Dunn is 15th in baseball in RBI but has 119 Ks.
By STRETCH
July 23, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
Ok NO CHOP ZONE…i understand that, but the pitching has been pretty nice the past couple of weeks, we just need to hit and stop making so many mental errors. We need to play small ball. Last night, there was no excuse for us losing that game with all the runners left on or picked off.
The pitching looks a lot better if we would have scored 3 or 4 runs. And ALBERT would have never hurt us in the 8th.
By Rick Roberts
July 23, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
Some truly great blogs here!! We all agree that BC has ‘lost it!’ He does pull starters at the cost of the BP—no excuse for this. Last night’s loss to St. Louis was inexcusable and continues to point to fixes that need to be made: a. AJ either gets traded or benched. b. Willie Harris is our new CF. c. Matt Diaz is the new LF. d. Julio Franco no longer has it—when you cannot hit the fastball of a junk ball pitcher, it’s over. e. Soriano needs a change up. f. Where was McCann—wow, don’t understand this one. g. Jo Jo was outstanding and is getting better—he is here to stay. h. Our team is just a .500, so-so team the way BC manages it and with AJ in the lineup. If BC and others say to manage by the numbers, then our blogs are correct and our lineups are correct—Bobby Cox et al are wrong. So, JS, don’t trade young talent—clean house now and play the kids. Plus, let BC retire and now before he ruins any more BP arms!
By Shaun
July 23, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
Barry Bonds,
Yes, pitch around you in certain situations but I would pitch to you most of the time. If they put you on, your team has a better chance to score a run than if we try to get you and the rest of your teammates out.
By Lew
July 23, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
AMG-Dude, we did score first last night. Also, if Reyes has all of the potential you say (and I don’t disagree), then why in the name of all that is Holy, do you trade him? Do you honestly think you could get anyone better for him (after 3 ML starts) that would make the difference on what you term a .500 team that has no chance of making the playoffs? It’s time for a bit of a reality check y’all. Texiera is NOT coming to Atlanta. There are no reasonably priced starting pitchers out there worth the orice. We don’t really need starting pitching. The Braves are 43-26 in games our top four starters have started. As many here have mentioned, the bullpen is causing our current problems-not Andruw and not Julio. We had the lead but yet again, Soriano couldn’t hold it (and that as a set up man-y’all wanted him as our closer). If we get anyone before the deadline it should be a LHP reliever. As far as other bullpen help-we already have it-Devine, Ascanio and Boyer. But Bobby has to call them up and actually use them. That is the one mystifying thing BC has done this year IMO-Why didn’t he use Devine when he was here. Everyone else was tired and he was sitting on his behind in the pen. You can’t blame BC for Davies 0 inning start and the 15 inning game-these are what has totalled the pen-but not using Devine was insane.
By fastasballs
July 23, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
This team in no where close to the glory days of the 90’s. The pitching probably never will be that good, hard to match 3 HOF’s in the rotation. The teams of the 90’s won games like last night’s the majority of the time. They mopped the floor with sub .500 teams & played .500 or better against the better clubs.
The Braves have 0 complete games this year. Go back & look at the stats from the 90’s & you will a ton of complete games. What is with this magical 100 pitch count? We’ve got guys who barely have 90 pitches thrown being pulled in blow outs, what for?
The the record for the past 10 games should be 8-2, at the worst 7-3. Should be sitting a .5 - 1.5 games behind the Mets, instead 3 1/2 back & the Mets now get to play some weak teams while the Braves head out West. If they were within a 1/2 or 1 1/2 today, then if by chance they lost a few games in the standings out West they would still only sit a series sweep of the Mets away from first. Now if they lose two in the standings they are looking at have to take to next 6 they play against the Mets.
By Carroll (NOT Ms. Rogers)
July 23, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
Tampa Brave: I have long argued for the Braves to bring in a REAL bullpen coach. I mean…where is it required that “bullpen coach” is a job for a well-liked guy (like a Dews or Perez) just to keep them with the organization. Perhaps the fact that we have always treated that position (bullpen coach) like an entitlement rather than a real job is the reason why we have always had such a crappy pen. Why NOT bring in a guy to specifically coach the bullpen—he could be the ROger McDowell/Leo of the bullpen, and let Roger just handle the starters? They are two separate and distinct functions. A ROb Dibble or Al Hrbosky could possibly do wonders for teaching the right mindset of a reliever to these bums.
By Rodger
July 23, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
“Thompson, the right-hander, has been hit at a .360 clip by left-handed hitters this year, and the Braves continued the trend with Chipper Jones’ run-scoring double and Kelly Johnson’s solo home run.”
So why start Julio? I love the guy, but that made no sense. Why not Salty at 1st & BMac behind the plate?
Pitching to Poo Hole made no sense.
BTW, I think Harris was out at 2nd both times, altough Salty clearly pegged the runner at second.
By Matt M.
July 23, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this
I thought Harris was safe the 1st time, out the 2nd time. Can easily see why the unpire called Rolen safe, he would have been if his foot was down. The replay showed that. What p** me off was AJones getting picked off. It was a 1 run game, you have to be safe and careful.
By JasonInMaine
July 23, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
I posted last night that I wondered if the Sox would think about including Lester in a deal for Salty. I found the timing of his call-up interesting. This is from the Boston Herald:
“Given the timing of the move (with the trading deadline little over a week away), it is worth pointing out that teams that are selling talent, such as Texas’ Mark Teixeira, will also have an opportunity to see where Lester is at in his development.”
If Lester is healthy, I would love to have him. But, since they wouldn’t include him in a deal for Andruw, I wonder if they would in a deal for Salty. Of course, they have had other pitching prospects emerge since last year, and Gabbard has been a pleasant surprise for them.
Regards,
Jason
By TampaBrave
July 23, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
Stretch,
Exactly. 2 runs doesn’t cut it with all the talent we have. It’s not great pitchers that are handcuuffing us, its mostly scrubs. I understand when we go up against a Jake Peavy, but not the scrubs we’ve been losing to. Who was that guy last night. Never heard of him before last night.
The blogosphere should be kinetic for the change we need the most…TEX.
Most of you are just shuffling the same cards, expecting a different result. Getting Tex would make AJ expendable and give us some leverage for the offseason negotiations. But first and foremost, he makes us a playoff team
Ad Nauseum, I know.
7-33 in games scoring 3 or less. That’s a lot of damn games. Way too many for a team this talented.
By Ron Roberts
July 23, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Ugh… last night’s loss is yet but another extra-inning hangover for BravesNation to recover from.
Soriano and Wickman are supposed to be the back-end of our bullpen that other teams fear facing, and I think it’s gotten to be the exact opposite of late.
Meanwhile, Octavio Dotel looked nasty against the Tigers yesterday.
By the way, we’re now 2-4 in extra-inning games. How many of those four games were we leading late? The Braves led all of ‘em going into the 8th or 9th innings. Seems to me we didn’t solve the bullpen problem enough.
But anybody who scoffs at the notion that our offense needs tweaking because they’re all glazed-eyed over 10 and 14-run games need to stop and realize that despite scoring 28 runs in our 4-game series against the Cards, we only won two and lost two, scoring just two in the losses. Julio Franco ain’t the answer.
Matt Diaz should be playing. He’d have assuredly made a difference in such a close game.
By JasonInMaine
July 23, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
Lew,
I agree with you that Boyer, Devine, and Ascanio could help this pen. I was also confused as to why BC would not use Devine at all. DOB mentioned that BC obviously has no confidence in Joey. If that’s the case, why call him up? The dude was dominating at AA. If BC still has confidence in the likes of Orr, Woodward, Franco, etc; he should be willing to run Devine out there, especially if the game isn’t close!
We disagree on Tex, but you make some valid points. I just think that if you can’t take care of one weakness, you try and take care of another. Plus, Tex provides insurance when Andruw leaves next year. Again, we will agree to disagree on this point.
But, I absolutely agree that JS needs to find someone to fill the role that Gonzo was supposed to fill or at least be dominant against lefties. Pitt’s Marte has some sick numbers against lefties this year.
Regards,
Jason
By NO CHOP ZONE
July 23, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
Hi there LEW. I guess you know that was a bad homestand against three crappy teams. Meanwhile the Mets had a winning road trip out west.
By TampaBrave
July 23, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
LEW,
The BP blew a 2-1 lead. WE SCORED 2 MEASLEY RUNS!! Can’t you see the forest, or are the trees preventing you from seeing that. I don’t disagree that the bullpen could be better, everyone’s could. But this team is built on hitting the ball. We don’t have the holy trinity of pitchers anymore to save us. Our strength is hitting and for the most part we are. Its the hand grenade in the middle that is blowing it all up.
And frankly, If JS does not want to deal to give this year’s team a chance, then he should start the fire sale. S** or get off the pot.
Jason in Maine No way we need more damaged goods, no disrespect to Lester.He’s a good guy. But this is business. uh I mean sports.
By overlord
July 23, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
Shaun i didnt say that pitcher should pitch every inning of every game they start. I agree with you, over using an arm can blow that arm. But it that rule works for relievers also. But less than 100 pitcher for carlyle who is no baby, thats acting like if he was a lady, not a MLB player. What about tim? he aint a baby either. Maybe JOJO, maybe there i can accept that thinking. But, if he is not ready physically to go beyond 5.1 innings, then he does not belong to MLB, period. And if the braves cant assemble a MLB then tickets must cost the same they cost for AAA and AA games.
What about James? he is no veteran, but he sure is a guy with enough inning s to be allowed to pitch 100 pitches.
If you have not noticed players these days are stronger, not like 1970s and 1980, because babies and young children are exposed to higher quantities of proteins in their diets and they start developing sports skills and practicing sports earlier.
Just look at the average height and weight of people compare decades. We are in times were SS and 2B are sluggers (guess dont have to mention names). Same for pitchers, They develope stronger tissue earlier and more muscle. People is stronger. So dont give me that thing that James is not a pitcher able to throw 100 pitches. I repeat. If our 3-5 pitcher are 80-90 pitches pitchers, then send down 2 bench players and bring up 2 more relievers. I would say that it is more delicate the situation of warming up and appearing almost everyday than to pitch 100-105 pitches every 5th. Im not asking for 120, only big horse should get into that zone, but 100? come on.
By Lew
July 23, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Jason-As a person who has had cancer affect family members and friends, I wish Lester all the best in his recovery. I sincerely hope he is fine and there will be no recurrence. However, I’m not so sure I’d run out and trade a nice prospect to get him until you know for sure his health issues are behind him. It has been less than a year and as you know very well, yourself, the treatment is terrible in it’s own right and can cause it’s own problems.
By STRETCH
July 23, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
Thanks TampaBrave….7-33 in 3 runs or less games? Dang!!! i didnt know that, wow thats seriously scary!
Im a firm believer that good pitching overcomes most things, but this answers my questions about our offense as well. what if we won just 3 more of those games? we should be a half game back.
And i dont care what no one says, they are BLOWING ALOT OF GAMES LATE!
By Rodger
July 23, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
No Chop-why when the Mets are losing, you are No Show? That would be like Billy Knight having nothing to say if the Hawks were losing…oops
By ernesto
July 23, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
Agreed on Julio. I hated signing him b/c I knew we were going to go through this period where BC and JS play him to see if there’s anything left in his tank.
It’s probably going to take another month of him floundering for them to give up on him.
Look at Jordan, I don’t think they would have ever given up on him - his injury was the only thing that got his ineffective bat out of hte line up.
By JasonInMaine
July 23, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
Tampa & Lew,
Very, very valid points…just throwing it out there, and since the Herald seemed to be thinking along the same lines; I thought I would include their comments.
But, you would have to know how healthy he is, how likely his cancer is to come back (obviously, hard to determine, but some cancers are more treatable than others), etc.
What do folks think of Gabbard?
Regards,
Jason
By Drools of Engagement
July 23, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this
Ye Shall Not Respond To Any Mets Fan Except For Metropolitan Man. There’s Really Only Two Mets Fans Anyway: Metroman And The Smelly Troll Who Poses As Many Mets Fans. Hence, Why Ye Shall Only Respond To Metroman. Don’t Be A Troll. Do Not Feed The Trolls. Trolls Feed On Attention. If None Is Received, They Go Away!
By Matt M.
July 23, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Not saying that players are not bigger now, b/c they are. But I heard that the average height for a man has decreased about 1 inch in the last 20 years due to the average person’s bad diet. Anybody else hear that? All of these pitches should go over 100. In Japan, there is no stupid 100 pitch rule. This is new and Cox takes it to a whole new level. Let them pitch, its the starting pitchers game, don’t pull them until absolutely necessary. Like when LaRussa kept Maroth in even though he had already given up 7 runs. Don’t kill the bullpen on a blowout, make the starting pitcher suffer the consequences of sucking it up.
By TennesseePaul
July 23, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
Well this weekend was a refresher in bipolar results. I’ve about had it with Soriano and his game tying home runs. I’m almost at the point of the knee jerks that troll the blog…
TRADE SORIANO! TRADE JO-JO. WE WILL NEVER WIN WITHOUT TEIXAIRA! FRANCO IS NOT THE ANSWER! SINCE 1876 WE ARE A SUB .500 CLUB!
Ok, that felt good to let out. The pen is looking more and more feable with each passing day. But at least our starting pitchers aren’t throwing more than 90 pitches. If we do make it to the post season then we’ll have that comforting fact on our side.
I read that article Payne posted on the 100 pitches. It was interesting and I think there is something there to be studied. But, the issue I have with it is, it started with an assumption of 100 pitches, then configured the formula to match the assumption. We have pitchers like Maddux, Glavine and so on that rarely ever get injured. Then we have the Pavano, Prior and Kerry Wood types… It just seems that it would be more illuminating if the research was done from looking at pitch counts of the pitchers to find the threshold instead. I have a sneaking suspecion Cy Young threw more than 100 pitches in a game on multiple occassions. I also wouldn’t be surprised to learn that genetics plays a huge, massive part in the durability of a pitcher. But that’s hard to truly know unless we turn to a Gattaca-esque society. At any rate, I think our starters are capable of going a little deeper… maybe 105 pitches a game. At least Hudson, Smoltz and Buddy. James possibly as well. Jo-Jo I can understand because he’s a rookie and you don’t want to blow ‘em out early. But the Vets… All these guys could be taken out in the middle of the next inning if it didn’t look good. Unfortunately, this course of action pretty much ended on April 26th when Hudson was pulled in the middle of the 9th and Wicky’s back blew out while blowing the game.
By ernesto
July 23, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
And, as much as I hate to say it, we’ve got big bullpen problems. Even in the blowout game - the bullpen game in late and gave up 3! That’s enough to cost you most games.
This BP was supposed to turn games into 7 inning affairs…now it’s extending them to 10 or 12.
Paranto looks real hittalbe. This year’s Yates is starting to look like last year’s Yates. And who stole Soriano and replaced him with a waaaaaay less effective twin? Big Wick is hardly lights out. We’ve got problems.
By Will
July 23, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this
Sorry Folks there is no reason to make a trade at this point. There is nothing out there that could improve this team into a playoff contender. Until they allow you to include a manager in the deal we might as well give up.
By NO CHOP ZONE
July 23, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Yeah LEW it’s best to ignore me rather than face the facts. There was so much sh-it flowing out of you mouth Jan thru April I had to wear boots. I told you then and I’ll tell you now. The braves ARE NOT better than the Mets. In fact I have faith that the Mets best ballball is still in front of them and they will beging to pull far far away in August….
By jon
July 23, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
I see I was called out earlier when I made the comment our young pitchers were on protocal……..do me one favor before you call me out next time….check chuck james stats the 3rd time thru the order! His ERA DRASTICALLY goes up! thats abut 85 pitches or more with him because he throws a lot of pitchers! Bobby Cox has stats and trends to go by..you idiots have NOTHING! Quit acting like he is a moron and you guys have this whole thing figured out! If you have such a problem…cheer for a new team! We have a top 3 manager in baseball and all you guys do is gripe and complain after a loss. I cant wait to see us win tonight and see all the positive tomorrow! And for all you Tex lovers..haha give me a break! Trade the top prospect in the minors who will one day be a beast (Salty) for tex who we will only have 1 1/2 years! Give me a break! Pitching wins championships! Our offense ISNT TERRIBLE! WHY FIX IT? HOLD THEM UNDER 4 AND WE WIN MOST NIGHTS!!!! WE NEED PITCHING PITCHING PITCHING AND THAT IS THE ONLY WAY I TRADE ESCOBAR AND SALTY! NOT FOR TEX!!!! Guys get real and learn baseball…good pitching beats good hitting anyway! oh yeah dont forget to look at chuck james era teh 3rd time thru the inning (after 85 pitches) and when you get done with that…please remember the other guys (jo jo and carlyle) are probably under stricter guidelines!
By TennesseePaul
July 23, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
TennPaul and all those who argue for “productive outs” and RBI as a good stat for evaluating hitters, how do you explain that Andrew leads the team in both RBI and the most unproductive of “unproductive outs,” strikeouts?
Payne: What the hell? How many days of the year do you have to have this conversation? Why was this even brought up again? And, his name is Andruw Jones, unless you are referring to someone else, which still leaves all the other questions…
For the answer to this question, for the millionth time, go back to previous blogs. You obviously have the time on you hands.
By Braveheart
July 23, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
No Chop-why when the Mets are losing, you are No Show? That would be like Billy Knight having nothing to say if the Hawks were losing…oops
Rodger Billy Knight talks sometimes after the Hawks lose. He tells us it is all a part of the “plan.” What plan you say? Dunno. He never quite specifies the “plan.” But we are supposed to be cool with him saying “there is a plan.” You know once they free up cap space, things are gonna change. Oh wait, they’ve been selling that line for about 8 years now. The Curse of J.R. Rider continues!
By Hammer'd The Braves
July 23, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
That the Braves have a poor record when scoring 3 runs or less might be significant if other teams under the same conditions had much better records, but I doubt that’s the case. Someone can look it up if they like, but nobody wins many scoring 3 runs. Another stat that looks meaningful, but really isn’t.
Now, if your point is that the Braves score 3 runs or less a great deal more often than other teams, that might be relevant. But I doubt that’s the case, either.
By jon
July 23, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
TRADE FOR TEX TRADE FOR TEX….WE SHOULDA KEPT LAROACHE BECAUSE HE WAS ACTUALLY A PITCHER AT ONE TIME! UNLESS TEX CAN THROW A 99 MPH FASTBALL….DONT WASTE YOUR TIME! WE DONT NEED TEX AT ALL! NOT FOR WHAT THE ASKING PRICE IS AND THE OTHER GLARING NEEDS ON THE TEAM! OH YEAH, BY THE WAY, LETS ALL BLAME ANDRUW FOR EVERYTHING AND TALK ABOUT WHAT A PIECE OF CRAP HE IS! I THINK HE HAS BEEN A PRODUCTIVE BRAVE AND HE HAS ONE BAD YEAR AND ALL OF YOU LOSERS WANT TO BASH HIM AFTER ALL HIS HAS DONE HERE WITH MULTIPLE GOLD GLOVES…HOMETOWN DISCOUNT 5 YEARS AGO, AND HIS AMAZING POWER AND RBI NUMBERS! YOU GUYS ARE JOKES AND YOU DONT DESERVE TO BE BRAVES FANS! I REMEMBER LAST YEAR WHEN IT WAS ALL CHIPPERS FAULT THE BRAVES SUCKED! NOW WE HAVE ALL CHIPPER LOVERS IN HERE!
By Bill
July 23, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
It would be insane to trade Jo Jo Reyes. With a little more experience he’s going to be a keeper. I agree that Boyer, Devine and Ascanio would be of big help for the pen. The pen is completely worn out. I’ve changed my mind about Tex. The Braves need more offense and he could make up for the loss of AJ next year. I hate to see it but this winter, Renteria is going to be in big demand. Braves must keep Escobar. Salty more than likely is gone. He seem more comfortable at catching.
By BravesFanInRockies
July 23, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this
Folks,
Big week ahead. Should have won at least two more during the homestand. We need a bullpen arm or two more than we need a starter. The pen just seems like it’s incapable of holding a lead in a low-scoring game.
JoJo didn’t look like a rook last night, and let’s hope the pen’s two straight failures in his starts don’t get in his head.
Also, I hope DOB was right earlier when he said Julio’s signing may be a short-term audition, a low-risk gamble. If he can’t play regularly any more, the Braves will pick up another bat.
Finally, CR, I think LIGHTEN UP, FRANCES would be an excellent T-shirt slogan.
By Matt M.
July 23, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
Have faith in the pen, they are just going through a funk. At least they are doing it all together. Rather now then later. We have beaten the West all year, I believe we always do and we’re on the road. I expect no different. Let Bonds break the record against us, just to get it over with.
By Lew
July 23, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
Tampa Brave-It’s not a matter of seeing forests OR trees. Sometimes, Dude, you have to win 2-1 games. Bottom line. Andruw and Julio DID NOT lose that game. Soriano and Yates did. 2-1 wins are still wins. When the pen can’t hold a lead, you can’t blame the hitters who got you that lead. So what if we scored another run or two? Our bullpen gave up 6 runs. THAT is the reason we lost. Maybe it is you who needs to discern between long and short views.
By Braveheart
July 23, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
For all of those who blame the offense, consider this:
The Braves are 43-29 when Smoltz, Hudson, James, and Buddy take the mound. All have ERAs of 4.05 or lower.
The Braves are 9-18 in the starts of the other clowns.
If the fifths can give us a 4.50 ERA or lower and eat innings to spare our pen from the nightmares we have seen happen to Soriano, Yates, and Wickman due to overuse and overexposure, we don’t need a Tex. Just a good mediocre innings eater in the #4 or #5 spot.
‘nuff said.
By Matt M.
July 23, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
If you think AJones has been a productive Brave, I agree, especially his defense. But look at his career BA with RISP. He is a GREAT Brave, he’s just batting out of spot. He should be a 5-6 hitter. I agree about CJones. People were basing him a month ago and a year ago. No anymore, he had awesome stats last hear in 100 games. I agree about AJones defense, but there is no way in hell I would give him $15 a year. Rowand would want $7 and he can bat 6 behind McCann and Frenchy. 1-5 is as good as anybody’s: KJ, Edgar, CJones, Frenchy, McCann. I’ll take that all day. Put Diaz at 7. Thats easily 6 guys who will hit over 280.
By A Jones 25
July 23, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Hi Gang its me Andruw. Did you guys catch my At&T commercial with Deion? How did you like him counting my luxury/sports csrs and stopping at six. Wait til you see my home. It’s a palace.
What’s with all the criticism of me on here? I’m a pull hitter dammit and I always will be one so get used to it.
Yes, I’m selfish but how do you think I got to be making $15 mill a year. You know I was thinking the other day. I really owe everything I have to the Braves. But there is no way I’m gonna wave that 5 and 10 no trade clause to help them out. So I’m gonna walk away at the end of the year and they will get squat…nada…zero. That’s how I’m gonna show my appreciation.
Pleae don’t tell anyone I am the worst clutch hitter in MLB. I don’t want the Yankees or the Red Sox to know or they might not give me the $20 mill Boras promised me.
And by the way. The other guys on the team know that Bobby has lost it. They are really upset with the way he is handling the team, but I can’t complain because he continues to hit me 4th. Can you believe it? Any other manager would have put my ample butt on the bench. You gotta love Bobby…well at least I do. If I hit like even a mediocre clean up hitter we would be ahead right now by 8 or 9 games, but I’ve come to realize you fans care much more if we win or lose then I do. I just want to collect my money.
How did you guys like when I teased you a week ago with some good at bats? Well, I’m back in the dumper again. I do it to tick off Joe Simpson.
Well guys keep the faith. Pretty soon I’ll be somewhere else making $20 mill and I’ll buy 4 or 5 new cars. But don’t worry…I’ll still live here in A-Town. I learned that from Glav.
Your friend AJ 25
PS Anyone heard anything about the Gold Club opening?
By NO CHOP ZONE
July 23, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
What do you mean when the Mets are losing Rodger? The Mets have been in first place for most of the season(Since late April, I think). Are you saying I should show up every time the Mets lose? I’m only here to address those (and you know who you are LEW AKA Drools of Engagement) who claimed as surly as the sky is blue, that the braves were a superior team to the Mets. Now mind you this was during the winter and early spring month even though the Mets had just come off a 97 win season to the braves below .500 season. So I will continue to show up to say to those who called me every name in the book back then “I told you so Bastards.”
By Shaun
July 23, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul,
I’ve read somewhere that somehow teams discovered that 100 was the general threshold. I forget where I read it and how they discovered it but I’ll try to come back with it.
Oh, here’s something from an article in Baseball Digest by Bob Dolgan:
The late Paul Richards, known as a pitching guru, is generally credited for paying attention to the pitch count in the middle 1960s and establishing the importance of 100. Richards, a former big league catcher, was the general manager of the Houston Astros and wanted to protect Larry Dierker, who had signed out of high school.
Also, in the article I posted, they actually do mention that 100 is not a magic number because it largely depends on the pitcher’s mechanics, age and things of that sort.
The Andruw strikeout discussion was brought up by Bob (I think) saying correctly that people want to say it’s no big deal that Andruw has a low average because he’s still driving in runs. I would argue Andruw’s struggles are a big deal because of his low OBP and SLG.
Guess I just like to make it clear that RBI, in my opinion, are almost as meaningless as saves when it comes to evaluating individual hitters. I would like the world to get away from judging hitters by RBI, such as giving the MVP award to the guy with the most RBI from a contending team.
By TampaBrave
July 23, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
JasoninMAine,
Gabbard reminded me of Chuck James. He shut us down but who hasn’t. Leave that one to our scouts.
By Matt M.
July 23, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
Good post Braveheart. But actual facts don’t matter to most people. Lets trade for Tex, who is a Boras guy that will demand $20 per year to replace AJones when he leaves after he demands $20 per year. And all we have to give up is Salty. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Will
July 23, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
Jon, chill out buddy. You just need to realize that the braves are not a very good baseball team, its too irriatating to think any different. I do agree with you about Tex, that would be a panic trade and would not help them make the playoffs. The Braves have a Top 3 “dealing with players” manager, but as far as on the fly game speed decision making Bobby C has seen much better days. The Braves have a lot of problems and there is no reason to act like they dont. By the way i used to agree with you that good pitching always beats good hitting, but then i saw the Braves get eliminated in the playoffs year after year after year after year with the “better” pitching and that soured me quite a bit on that thinking.
By Lew
July 23, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
It’s real easy to ignore mosquitoes, no matter what the mosquitos may think. They are unintelligent creatures, very low on the evolutionary scale and their whining is merely a nuisance. I imagine they’d like to think they are all Nile Virus positive, but the large majority are just a pain in the a$$- with appparently, nothing else to fill their meager lives with other than @$$wholishness, whining and chest thumping, along with an occasional crotch grab. This whole idea of starting a firesale is absolute absurdity and a total overreaction to what’s been going on. Firesales are what teams indulge in when they have no hope of winning, not only this year but those in the near fututre. This is certainly NOT the case with the Braves. Yes, this is a supremely frustrating team. So was last year’s. But this is not the same team we had last year. The bullpen, no matter how overused and in bad shape in recent games, is much better than Reitsma et al. The players TampaBrave would likely want to dump are undumpable. Andruw is going nowhere. Chipper is leading the league in hitting and is going nowhere. You want to dump Smoltz and Hudson? Dumping Julio will net you nothing. Dude, you are reacting in a complete emotional way. Your frustration is making you talk without thinking. Times could be better, but I damn well don’t see the Mets (or anyone else) running away with anything. 3 1/2 games with 70 games left is hardly reason for suicidal thoughts or team dismantling. At worst, we’re an above average team in need of a fine tuning. We are not the Rays or the Royals.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 23, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
Gammons mentioned last night about the Braves talking to the White Sox about a Renteria for Garland trade. What does everyone think about that? I actually wouldn’t mind something of a blockbuster trade that would send Renteria, Salty, and Dan Smith to White Sox for Garland, Dye, and one of their prospects. Maybe Josh Fields or Ryan Sweeney.
By Matt M.
July 23, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this
Shouldn’t have responded to the Met guy, whose team has to buy a winning season. Oh well, he’s been begging to attack someone. Go ahead, yes the Mets won last year and are in 1st place now. Congratulations on all you free agent signings. How about that draft and minor leagues, oh wait, they’re all on steroids in the minors. Sorry, I forgot.
By Shaun
July 23, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
TennPaul,
Here’s something I found about the pitcher abuse research explained in that article:
Q: Why does the PAP model start with 100 pitches instead of 130 where the curve really takes off?
*Keith Woolner: …I based the system on the lowest pitch count in which we see a consistent decline in one of the four components of the performance index. This index that declined first happened to be strikeout rate. Furthermore, referring to the distribution-of-personal-thresholds model described elsewhere in this FAQ, if there are pitchers with low thresholds, there would be a real chance of pushing one of them past their personal threshold with a relatively low number of pitches. A good system would capture this small, but real, risk even at lower pitch-count levels. *
Apparently research shows 100 pitches is the point where a pitcher starts to lose effectiveness.
By jon
July 23, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
WILL—-you’re absoultely right…..time after time after time we got eliminated from the playoffs with that good pitching! BUT AT LEAST YOUR SELFISH @$$ HAD SOMETHING TO WATCH IN OCTOBER! Yeah lets get offense!!! We saw where that got us last year genious! Lets also bash Bobby! Missed the playoffs ONCE since you’ve probably been watching the braves and you gonna bash him! Give me a break and get a clue! This can be a playoff team with another very quality bullpen arm and a number 5 starter!
By JasonInMaine
July 23, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
Tampa,
Gabbard is 4-0 with a 2.97 ERA and a WHIP of 1.07. So, he has pitched good against other teams (of course, two of those are the White Sox and the Royals) as well.
I just threw his name out there because if they are interested in Salty; they are going to have to give up some young pitching to get him.
Regards,
Jason
By Matt M.
July 23, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
I agree Lew. Also, this team is very young. Only our SS, 3B, CF and 1 lF have more than 2 full years experience and only 2 of our starters do. Maybe only 2 guys out of the pen. Very young, very talented, very inconsistent! With the way the whole NL East has been playing, I like our chances, and I don’t consider us out until we are out.
By Will
July 23, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
Renteria for Garland is interesting, although he did say right after that that the Chisox are probably not trading Garland. I still stick by my guns on the fact this team is not making the playoffs trades or not. How is the bullpen ever going to get rested, ever? The same guys pitch everynight. James cant go past 7, Reyes is still a wild card, plus you cant tell me Smoltz is gonna be going more then 6 or 7 tops the rest of the way, his shoulder wont take it if he pitches 8 every start.
By Matt M.
July 23, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
The trade sounds good, but do you really want to trade the most consistent player we’ve had for the last 2 years.
By JasonInMaine
July 23, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
From MLBTradeRumors:
“Perrotto confirms a rumor that surfaced a week ago, that Ian Snell could be had for the right bat. Perrotto would know, as he spent time as a Pirates’ beat writer. Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Matt Kemp are two possible targets for the Bucs.”
I know, I know…the Pirates aren’t going to trade any of their young starting pitchers…
But, man; it would be nice to snag Snell!
Regards,
Jason
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
July 23, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this
I think it would be a mistake to trade Edgar during the season.
By Lew
July 23, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
NOBrainZone-I will continue to ignore you, but I just wanted you to know that I never post under any other name but mine-Lew. Whoever Drools of Engagement may be, it isn’t me. Apparently there are plenty of people here who know you’re a flipping idiot. Oh, and you are aware that the Mets have a losing record since the 20th of May? You are aware Glavne’s ERA is now close to 5 runs per game and the Mets entire staff ERA has gone up a full run per game since you were trying to figure which of your pathetic pitchers should win the Cy Young-In April. Dumba$$.
By jon
July 23, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
BY THE WAY, I WILL JOIN YOU IN BASHING JS IF HE TRADES RENTERIA FOR GARLAND!!!!!! LOL
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
July 23, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
The Jays seem to be in the market for shortstop. I wonder if they would entertain a Renteria and Smith or Davies trade for Glaus. Glaus could play 1B. He would be up for the idea because it had been tossed around concerning a trade to the Yankees.
By Ron Roberts
July 23, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Lew… the fact that we had opportunity after opportunity slip by last night and in our last extra-inning loss has to be on the offense, not the bullpen.
Last night, we’d kept the Cardinals to 2 runs through 9 innings. With Jo Jo Reyes only going 5 and a third, that’s about as much as you could ask for from the ‘pen. In essence, we got 3 2/3 innings and only gave up one run from ‘em. That ain’t all that bad.
Meanwhile, how many runners did we leave in scoring position last night? Four. The Cardinals left two.
This team needs a 1B bat. Move Matt Diaz to 1B or go get Teixeira, for crying out loud. Since we like to go the “cheap, patch-job” route so damned often, I’d guess we’d play Matty D. before we’d dare do something externally, and even that would be an improvement.
I’m just &%#@ing sick of the scoring opportunities that we let go by the wayside in these close-and-tight, low-scoring games.
The 10 and 14-run explosions don’t impress me a damn bit, because by and large, I just know we’re gonna get shut down the next day. In fact, check this out…
4/24 Braves win 11-4.
4/25 Braves lose 4-3
One more productive bat would’ve been nice.
5/19 Braves win 14-0
5/20 Braves lose* 6-3
One more productive bat would’ve been nice
7/19 Braves win 10-1
7/20 Braves lose 4-2
One more productive bat would’ve been nice.
7/21 Braves win 14-6
7/22 Braves lose 7-2
One more productive bat would’ve been nice
The only time they’ve followed up an offensive outburt with another good offensive game was June 27th and June 29th (note the off-day), when they won 13-0 and 12-3 over the Nats and Marlins, respectively.
We used to joke in my family that on games the Braves were blowin’ the opposition out they’d just lose 1-0 the next day. Well, it’s no joke, this season.
By Kentavo
July 23, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
I can understand sticking with a hitter to get through a slump - often more ABs let’s ‘em work their way out of it. But I have to disagree that this same approach works for pitchers. Cox is exacerbating the situation by continuing to pitch ineffective and tired relievers night after night. Soriano and Yates need a few days off to regroup, not more work. Villareal? There’s really no excuse. To me, he never looks ready to enter a game. I think he’s better suited to starting where he can get his prep time in.
By TennesseePaul
July 23, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
Payne: I would like the world to get away from judging hitters by RBI, such as giving the MVP award to the guy with the most RBI from a contending team
Now you know very well that this isn’t the sole criteria for the MVP. We went over this too. There is more involved in this vote than just that column, otherwise Chipper wouldn’t have won one and AJ would have won over Pujols. There are many examples of winners getting the honor even though someone else had more RBI’s. And you also know that you can’t fault the ages prior to SABRmeterics for not using tools that weren’t even around.
I’d sum it up by saying this: The World just wants you to get away from judging it based on your presuppositions.
By Will
July 23, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
Jon, you are an idiot and you are the one who needs to get a clue. I have been watching the Braves for years (yes even before they were good) you are the one that needs to get a clue. Have you watched Bobby Cox manage postseason games, good god its brutal!! I was thoroughly relieved last year because for the first time in years i lived a stress free october. Not that i dont 100% want the Braves to make the playoffs every year, it was just a relief not to have another first round loss. I have no problem bashing Bobby Cox and i will do it win or lose, he is a players manager to a fault you stupid son of a b***.
By NO CHOP ZONE
July 23, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
Yeah Lew crotch grabbing is something you have no use for since there’s nothing to grab. Go ahead and spend you time thowing out all sorts of possible trades and scenarios meanwhile the Mets just keep on rolling LEW-SER
By jon
July 23, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Call me all the names you want, but you just posted “I was thoroughly relieved last year because for the first time in years i lived a stress free october” get the hell off of here if you were relieved! why should anyone listen to your freaking opinion when you say something like that! Go get another team if you feel that way!
By Matt M.
July 23, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
Will, tell him how you really feel!
By TennesseePaul
July 23, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Payne: It appears to me that 100 pitches is a likely point, but not a law set in stone. And that, some pitchers have much lower thresholds, which would lead me to believe that some pitchers have higher thresholds. And also that, 105 pitches isn’t going to destroy the guy. Which leads me to believe that, when your pitcher has only thrown 93 or 94 pitches, you can bring him out the next inning and let him toss a few more. Perhaps he gets 3 pitches, 3 pop-ups, who knows. You might as well find out. It saves your pen, it builds the confidence of the pitcher. It secures the game. And it still allows for the option to bring the pen in if, after 7 to 12 pitches, things aren’t going so well.
The one major point in that article that I back whole heartedly is 4 man staffs. If we are going to be pulling pitchers after 90 pitches, we might as well have a 4 man staff and then use the 5th starter roster spot for a reliever instead. Then you could have 2 long relievers in the pen in the event a pitcher goes down and out early. In this case, a Davies no show outing would allow two long relievers to account for about 6+ innings of the game keeping your backend guys one the same schedule and “fresh” so to speak.
By NO CHOP ZONE
July 23, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
All those stats may be true LEW but can you say “3.5 games in first place”. You and your team ain’t SH-it. Oh and don’t look now, but here comes Alou and Pedro.
By Shaun
July 23, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul,
You’re right. It’s not always most RBI for contenders. Often times it’s most RBI in the second half or most RBI in August and September for a team that jumped in the standings or something like that.
Not trying to judge the voters and their rationale. I can sort of understand why they vote the way they do in many cases (although I often disagree). It just bothers me that there are so many inconsistencies in the voting. One year one thing matters the next year the exact same thing does not. In one league a player who wins the award is very similar to a player in the other league who doesn’t draw any support.
By Will
July 23, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
Jon, just saying it was different/stress free to watch the playoffs without the Braves not in it/losing. You must not take Braves losses as hard as me. if you think for one second I would PREFER to not have the Braves in it you are crazy. I am just saying it was less stressful, thats it. I have just had enough playoff loss to last me a freaking lifetime, but its not like i am not there on the edge of my seat every playoff game. It just wears on you to be on the edge of your seat and then watch your aces (Glavine/Maddux) get shelled in the playoffs, which happened all too frequently especially at the end. I will never forgive Bobby Cox for leaving Glavine in in the 8th of game 3 of the 99 World Series after he had already been pushed back from the flu, Knoblauch hit his pop up 3 run homer a couple pitches after his visit to the mound. It is decisions like that that make me seriously dislike Bobby Cox’s decision making. I watch every game i can every single year and there is just something missing with this team, its that simple.
By JasonInMaine
July 23, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
One more blurb from the Internet. This one is from Will Carroll over at Baseball Prospectus:
“Watch reports on Jarrod Saltalamacchia closely—he’s the hole card for the Braves. By publicly (and privately) letting teams know that he’s not on the block, they’re hoping that the starter or slugger that they’re looking for either drops in value, or that they put Salty back on the table at the last second and make a deal. It’s a smart play.”
This seems to go along with DOB stating yesterday that Salty is not untouchable. It appears the Bravos may be trying to drive up his value.
Carroll goes on to say that the Pirates have actually targeted Salty as part of a Snell deal. Interesting. If Salty is not the future at 1B for the Braves, I would be hard pressed to not include him in a deal for a young, potential impact starter!
Regards,
Jason
By David O'Brien
July 23, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IS UP
By Ron Roberts
July 23, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
No Chop… You DO realize our goal is to stay within two or three games or so, so that when we go 6-3 on ya again the rest of the way, we catch up, right?
Just checking.
By TheSouthernJackAss
July 23, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
TheSouthernJackAss has once again fell victim to a low-life, no balls jackal at 7:33 A.M…
It’s style is very similar to that of a couple other A$sClown trolls which have attempted, in the past, and under various other bynames, to degrade the honorable SouthernJackAss name…specifically insisting that TheJackAss ‘talk baseball”…
Since it appears that—identity theft,—and other offensive trickery, is accepted as suitable behavior here on this blog…don’t get your panties all twisted when TheSouthernJackAss once again reeks havoc and rains pandemonium down on some of you ignorant As$Clowns…bedlam and chaos is on the way!…the gloves are now off…
By Ron Roberts
July 23, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
Getting Ian Snell for Saltalamacchia is a perfect trade scenario, and I’m all for pulling that off. But can we play Matty D. at 1B now, dammit?
By TennesseePaul
July 23, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
Jason: If Salty is not our future at 1B, I hope his future is in the AL. I don’t want to have to deal with him on any level of regular basis for years to come. The guy is so young and has so much potential you know he’s going to be one to make you hurt if you have to face him many times a season.
Snell is a solid pitcher, but perhaps there is a three way trade in the future as Snell does not address the issue of 1B which Salty currently is our best option. Move Salty for a pitcher and you have Thor and Franco at 1B. I like both of these guys, but I’m not optimistic about our chances with those two as our producers at 1B.
By Shaun
July 23, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul,
Yes. Again, the article states that 100 isn’t set in stone. For established pitchers it may be 120, for younger pitchers it may be 80-90.
Not to nitpick or excuse any lack of detail, but 100 was probably just as accurate and convenient as other thresholds that could have been chosen.
You mentioned Prior and Wood in a previous post opposite Maddux and Glavine. One obvious difference, it seems to me, is that Prior and Wood were often allowed to throw a lot of pitches in may outings when they were very young. I don’t remember if Maddux and Glavine were.
In fairness to Dusty Baker and the powers that be in the Cubs organization, the team was in the heat of a pennant race or trying to advance in the playoffs when they allowed Wood and Prior to throw all those innings. Often times it’s probably worth risking possible injury if it means your franchise could win its first championship in nearly a century. When Glavine and Maddux were young their teams were bad and/or they weren’t effective enough to make a difference in a playoff race at that point in their careers.
Seems the future in pitch-count research would take into account things like pitcher age, size, mechanics, possibly weather and other factors that may not be so obvious.
The major advantage of a four-man rotation, as I think the piece mentions, is it would increase the innings of your best pitcher. Imagine Smoltz and Hudson for over 250 innings instead of 215-235.
By Lew
July 23, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
RonRoberts-I hear you Dude, but would haves, could haves and should haves are basically irrelevant. The one FACT from last night’s games was that the starting pitching and the offense gave the pen the lead and they could not hold that lead. They did not do their job (which for whatever reason is)-something they have not done on this homestand. You can’t blame an offense for what they might have done when another component of the team DID NOT DO THEIR JOB. That’s it. Period. They were handed the lead. Oh, and for the benefit of certain insulted mosquitoes, did I mention that since May 20, more than half of the season, the Mets have a losing record? Seems to me that is hardly cause for trash talking. However, I guess we should expect that kind of behavior from Mets fans who have no sense whatsoever-nor much personality, either.
By Chase
July 23, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
How many times has Chipper (2 outs) been stranded on base by Andruw? I stopped counting but it’s been lots in these last four games.
On another count—Time for Franco to change his bat’s position (from pointing toward the pitcher) in his stance. If he wants to play till fifty, cut the bat-travel by fifty degrees (and maybe a lighter bat). That’s the increased-longevity solution for him, Terry P.