Braves

By biggun

August 2, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

first

By Josh C

August 2, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Way to step up to the plate Carroll. The more I watch this lineup the more I realize how lethal it is. Harris/Escobar, Renteria, Chipper, Tex, Andruw, Frenchy, BMac, Diaz/KJ. The only hole is the five-hole, and that guy seems to be coming around to some degree. I agree with DOB that this team is a serious threat in the playoffs. I agree with you, Carroll, about Julio as well. We traded Salty largely because we don’t have a spot for him- wonder why they didn’t just trade Thorman for the best minor league pitcher they could get for him and let Julio stay? Or, as some have said, cut Woodward instead.

By FutureBravesGM

August 2, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this

Carroll,

Is JS planning on attending Glavine’s start as he did with Maddux when he was going for his 300th win?

By Tonight on TBS

August 2, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

First time on television…

I Now Pronounce You Tex and Larry (2007)

Tex (Kevin James) and Larry (Adam Sandler) are two ballplayers. However, Tex is a widower (with two small children) and Larry is a swinging bachelor. When players union red tape prevents Tex from naming his two kids as his pension beneficiaries, Larry helps out by agreeing to pretend to be Tex’s “domestic partner”. They think it will be easy because nobody will ever know. The two men go to Niagara Falls to get married, and Larry moves in with Tex and his unsuspecting kids. But manager Bobby Cox (Dan Aykroyd) becomes suspicious, and soon the new couple’s arrangement becomes a citywide issue. After surviving their mandatory honeymoon and dodging the threat of exposure, the well-intentioned con men discover that sticking together in your time of need is what truly defines teammates. Comedy.

By Admirer

August 2, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

No way! Team accomplishments over personal accomplishments. Braves need to win, Mets need to lose, simple as that! Sorry Glavine.

By wayne

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

And I notice Salty started at first and got an RBI…we should have kept him.

By Bob

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

I will be pulling big time for Tommy to get his 300th….the day after the Braves win the Division and the Mets are eliminated. Until then, cannot pull for Glavine because all that would hurt the Braves.

By phiz50

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

Good comments Carroll. I agree about Tex’s patience with the bases loaded in the first inning. More important than the late inning homer. So different from AJ this year. Wow! this season has shifted into overdrive with JS’s trades. We may end our eleven year World Series drought. Talk about buzz!

By Periodista Señor Blanco

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

Journalist Señor Blanco will now translate a summary of Carroll’s words for the benefit of the many Hispanic Braves fans. (¡Va Braves!)

-David O’ Brien está bajando por algunos días.

-Tex golpeó un funcionamiento del hogar. Él tiene un paquete grande y Carroll lo ama. Ella quisiera limpiarlo para arriba.

-Está zumbando en el estadio y casi funcionaron a Carroll encima.

-Alguien tomó una fotografía de Teixeira para poner encendido al tablero. Él sonríe siempre para las fotografías. Ella lo ama.

-Los ventiladores de Orioles fueron machacados esta semana en que Tex fue negociado al Braves y no al Orioles. Hay un olor que viene de la granja en Baltimore. ¿La granja de Braves no apesta?

-Tex permanecerá en Atlanta porque su chaqueta dio vuelta a amarillo.

-Thorman tiene también joven y también valor. Él es una herramienta y no puede agitar. Alguien saltada para arriba y el pedacito Franco pero él es desafiantes.

-Brayan Pena se sienta en Richmond y nadie llamadas él.

-La vida es cruel y las sensaciones de Carroll son prioridad superior del Braves’.

-Tom Glavine se está sentando por 299 días pero él procurará levantarse el domingo e ir a Chicago.

By JMar

August 2, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

I’ll be curious if, come August 31, the roster is manipulated in a way to make sure that Julio and Pena are playoff-eligible rather than Thorman and Corky.

By Braves20

August 2, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Texas shut out. Salty takes a collar with two K’s.

By BG

August 2, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

As sad as I am to see Julio DFA, I think it was the right move to open a spot immediately on the roster. Had the Braves DFA’d Thorman, they would be in the position of taking the best possible offer from the team that claimed him. The Braves’ bargaining position would be horrible — they would have gotten pretty much zilch for a 25-year old guy who was ranked as the Braves’ 7th-best prospect at the end of last year. He hit well over .300 last year at Richmond.

With less urgency, they can see if Thorman gets through waivers. If he does, then he can be traded. If not, they have the option of pulling him back. In the end, I expect that Thor will not be traded this month.

Julio will probably make it through waivers and can stay with the organization. If so, he will be eligible to be put back on the 25-man roster (or called up in September).

Woodward, on the other hand, …. not a lot of upside potential for him!

The move I really don’t understand is why Brayan Pena is still at Richmond. Last night, Bobby wouldn’t even play Miller for an inning in a serious blow out. The only thing that I can think of is that the Braves are in a stretch where they play 12 out of 14 days (off days on each of the next two Mondays) so they think McCann can pretty much play every day and Pena will get ABs at Richmond. (or, maybe there is some crazy issue with not wanting him to accrue time on the active roster so that it will take longer before he is arbitration eligible — or some sort of conspiracy theory).

By TennesseePaul

August 2, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the blog Carroll. Good points on Franco and Pena. I’m not sure why Corky is up. Corky Miller. The name strikes fear into the hearts of opposing Managers. “I can’t pull in this pitcher, Bobby will counter with Corky.”
Another plus for Pena is, he’s a switch hitter. He just makes so much more sense being up here. But whatever. We still have a bench that contains Kelly/Escobar and Harris/Diaz. Those 4 guys are solid.
I hope Julio sticks with the organization. I’d love to see him take a player coach job in the minors.

This line up is sick. It’s such an incredible line up. I wish we had it all season. But better late than never.
Now, pull in the sweep tonight guys!
GO BRAVES!!!!

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 2, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

I think most of us here agree we don’t want the Mets to win ANY more games but we have to be realistic that they are. So if they have to win one, I’d rather it be while Glavine is going for #300. As long as they play >500 ball, we WILL take the NL East.

By tiger7_88

August 2, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Dear Carroll:

I think I love you. Do you love me? Check one:

_ Yes _ No

;-)

By Paladin

August 2, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Excellent blog, Carroll.

There were things I wanted to get said on the other blog, but I won’t mess up this one—as some of you did the other one.

Just leave me alone, and I will leave you alone. It’s simple as that.

By Big Easy

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

Ya know, I grew up watching Glavine, and I do hope he gets his 300th win soon, but I don’t want to see or hear about the Mets winning any other games. And, we need to win the same night Glavine does.

What I don’t understand is all the recent talk on the blog of moving KJ back to the outfield next season. Why? Keep him at second, let Diaz play everyday in LF, use Harris in CF (or trade or call up a CF, if Harris still needs to prove something), and either Escobar or Renteria as your everyday SS. Remember guys, Boston is still paying most of Renteria’s salary next year, so he’s not a financial burden. But, I don’t want to see Escobar go, either, because he has tremendous upside. So, figure out who gets the most return, and trade them for pitching while they are hot.

Just my two cents…

By KG

August 2, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

As if Chris Woodward weren’t already bad enough on the field, he’s now going with the shaved head, goatee, super-villain look. Get rid of him!

By Horny for a Homer

August 2, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Carroll while we do drink blood at night, shun the sun and can’t see our reflections in mirrors you shouldn’t think that those of us who disagree with the trade are monsters.

While JS is a great GM let’s look at how the Braves got here in the first place. We traded a good fielding, good hitting first baseman for a LH pitcher who came to us with questions about his arm.

We’ve traded five young LH pitchers and that’s from a not very deep well of pitching in the system. Now I’ll give you that JS knows this system but he still is the man who traded David Cone for Ed who?

I’m a fan for 40yrs and I remember well the crappy team that we often fielded. Yes, the Marlins and D-backs (who names a team after a snake??) but look how long it takes to recover. We never get anything back from guys like Maddux, Drew and Shef, not even draft choices.

Even if Liberty goes up to a 4100M payroll with all of the money available now that’s still will be in the middle of the pack.

We’ve won before on starting pitching..where’re the young starters? It might be a decade before we recover from this. Yes I did say might and I hope I’m wrong. I just haven’t seen a franchise prosper by trading it’s top prospects.

By Bob

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

Big Easy,

I agree. We need to keep Renteria as long as possible. He has been the steadiest player for the past two years. The guy is simply great and is a very quiet leader on this team.

The main reason Kelly became available for 2B was the damage done to his throwing arm. We do not need to test those waters again. Escobar is young and we can give him plenty of playing time because of the way Bobby likes to rest his guys. You know Chipper will need rest now and then although we hope he can avoid DL time. Yunel will get plenty of playing time. The outfield solution needs to come from soemewhere else.

By Tomahawkin' Again

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

Thanks Brewers…NOT. Milwaukee’s in a free-fall, aren’t they? New math for the last 2 months: Braves, Muts, Phils, Cubs, Dodgers, Snakes and Pads divided by 4 = NL playoffs

By bfan54

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

So Biggun that’s your comment: “First”, wow, I am impressed! We all are!

By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

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

Corky Miller is catching behind McCann because he is a veteran with a strong arm who throws out half the runners who try to steal on him and he calls a pretty good game. One of my complaint’s with the Tex trade is that we should have gotten C.J.Wilson. But , Schuerholz caved at the last minute , threw in Beau Jones and settled for Ron Mahay. RH Rafael Soriano ,LH Mike Gonzalez , RH Octavio Dotel and LH C.J.Wilson would have been simply filthy if they had all been in the pen in 2008.

By ChippySwans

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

Franco is my absolute favorite baseball player to watch. I was so excited to see him in a Braves uniform again. I hope he takes an assignment and comes back for the playoffs. You and I both know he will be on the team for the playoffs rather than Thorman. Later.

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

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

NL Playoffs…Braves, Mets, Cubs and LAD.

By Bob

August 2, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

Cubbies coming back. Cut the lead to 7-6 off Flash Gordon in the 8th.

By Jay Stiltner

August 2, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

When Tom Glavine comes to town, I neither boo him nor cheer him. I can’t pull for Glavine because he plays for the Mets; however, I don’t boo him because I will never forget what he did for my team. It’s ridiculous how fast fans in this city forget….

Let’s leave all this talk about the World Series in the dust. Brian McCann and Jeff Francoeur have both been quoted lately as saying that this team has the talent to win it all. That may be true, but not long ago, the Braves had a superb offensive line-up when Gary Sheffield & Javy Lopez were here. We blew out the division in 2003 and didn’t advance past the first round of the playoffs because our starting pitching was suspect. The Chicago Cubs’ rotation wasn’t that year.

I agree that Mark Teixeira is an outstanding addition to the Braves’ line-up, but let’s not get too hasty. I went to Pebblebrook High School, so I’m a big Chuck James fan. He is a decent #3 starter, but we need more from him and the back end of the rotation. Pitching wins championships. The Mets have been in 1st place for a good while now. Let’s concentrate on overtaking the division, winning the division and then getting out of the first round. Then and ONLY then will I even consider thinking of a World Championship. There’s alot of baseball yet to be played.

By Dale Murphy HOF

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

Any one who complains about JS trades this year is an absolute idiot. Who cares about 3 years from now. We will deal with that when the comes. This is not about how many times we can win the east. Its about winning the World Series. I think this is the first year since McGriff JS actually made the right trade. Go Braves

By Realist

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

Can someone remind me why we need a 48-year old 1B who hits .220 and doesn’t do much with the glove? Oh yeah, those are the same people who boo Glavine. Morons.

Julio always played hard for the Braves and gave them everything he had. These days, he has nothing left to give. The Julio love fest has to end before this guy turns 50. And by the way, if you think Mark McGwire took performance-enhancing drugs but you think Julio has always been clean, you have your head buried in the sand.

By Anders

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

Any game Flash Gordon is in is up for grabs. The guy throws pin straight and has one speed.

By Bob

August 2, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Yep Anders, but it looks like the Phils are about to close out the Cubbies. Zambrano going for Cubs tomorrow.

By Ron Roberts

August 2, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Jay Stiltner… I, too, remember all too well seeing that Braves’ juggernaut offense shut down by the one-two punch the Cubs brought in their rotation.

I think the difference, this year, is that nobody’s going to go into the postseason with that kind of pitching, at least not in the National League.

Unlike that year, though, there is no one team that really has a more dominant rotation, or statring two, above than anybody else; I don’t wanna say that it’s a “down” pitching year, but I think the talent’s spread out so much that no one team can claim to have the pitching staff that would carry a team to a title, outside of maybe the Detroit Tigers, who also have the offense, too.

That being said, they were just as strong last year, and watched a mediocre Cardinals’ team celebrate in the middle of the diamond last October.

In my opinion, the Braves sport the National League’s most potent lineup now, and add to that two very good starters atop the rotation and a re-tooled (again) bullpen that should be lights-out… we have as good a shot as any of the teams folks were predicting to win it all in the pre-season, now.

Seriously, put John Smoltz up against anybody elses’ #1 in a Game 1 match-up. Would you have doubts about what he’d bring?

The Tim Hudson of this season… put him against anybody’s #2… how’d you feel about those match-ups?

Now, compare our lineup to the Mets… We’re better.

Compare our lineup to the Cubs… We’re better.

Compare our lineup to the Brewers… We’re better.

Compare our lineup to the Dodgers, Padres, Diamondbacks, Phillies… better, better, and as good or better.

I think this team is now configured much like an American league contender would be. So if we get to the World Series, I know now that we’d hold our own, at least. That’s all you want, is a chance, right?

By chip

August 2, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Carroll — Nice to see your work on the Braves blog. You have a good, relaxed writing style that offers a nice compliment to DOB’s.

My concern with the Braves: Bobby is keeping the worst hitter on the club (and, um, the worst everyday position hitter in the NL) in the #5 spot? This was the perfect time to tell Andruw, “Since you’re struggling, and since we’re putting Tex in the cleanup role, we’re going to move you down a bit and let you figure out that twisting, off-balance salsa move you call a swing.” Frenchy and KJ have earned the right to move up (and certainly having Francouer in the #5 spot makes for a brutal batting order in the first two innings of ANY game). I mean, I know Bobby is a great manager and all, and yes, he loves his boys…but this is crazy. Andruw doesn’t have it. In fact, I’m hoping fervently some numbskull in Boston or NY offers him a huge contract in the off-season, just so Schuerholtz can quickly say, “Dang, we got outbid” and throw some money at a frontline free-agent pitcher. Would love to have AJ’s dead weight come off the books.

One week away…we’ll have the chance to be even with the Metropolitans. Can’t wait.

By TennesseePaul

August 2, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

I’m not clear why anyone would be disappointed with this Teixeira trade. The front office obviously knows more about where the payroll stands or is projected to be going than any of us, but from watching these trades I can only gather 1 of 2 possible reasons behind it.

By Serge

August 2, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Someone explain to me why Kelly Johnson is hitting 8th?

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

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

Not many people are talking about a team who I think outside our division is 1 of the best. That is the Cubs. They are very strong w/ the bat anchored by Soriano, Lee and Rameriz.

I think the main teams in the NL are: Braves, Mets, Cubs, LAD and SD. I would put the Phillies in there but pitching is going to kill them and w/ all the position player injuries I think it is going to be too hard for them to stay close. I don’t think SD has the “O” to beat LA but I still put them in there. Being that the rest have pretty good offenses I looked at pitching.

The Braves numbers are: 4.10 era w/ 712K’s, 356 BB and a .262 avg against. These numbers are going to change a good bit w/ the additions we just made though. If Smoltz stays healthy(and that is key to our success) we have him w/ Hudson Chucky, Carlyle and Reyes. Our pen is stonger than ever w/ Dotel, Mahay, Ring(soon) and a rested Soriano and Yates. Add Moylan, Villerreal, Moylan and Sturtze later and WOW.

As for the others: Mets-3.86 era 726K’s 367BB and .239 avg against. Cubs- 3.81 era 788K’s 370BB and .240 avg. LAD- 4.01era 795K’s 332BB and .255 avg. SD- 3.54era 714K’s 294BB and .249 avg.

The Mets just called up Brian Lawrence who could find his old self and get better. Pedro is coming soon but I don’t think he will be the Pedro of old. He was rained out for his start but is pitching a simulated game today.

The Cubs’ Zambrano is now a 14 game winner and has pitched lights out since his terrible start. Lilly has won 6 straight and 7 of 8. Then they have Marquis, Hill and Marshall. This is the team I am scared most of.

LAD has Penny who just lost for the 1st time in 13 starts and Billingsley who just lost for 1st time since Sept. If Lowe Schmidt and Wolf get healthy they are scary too.

I don’t think the Phillies or SD can stay w/ any of the rest mentioned but for the others…we have some pretty good teams here.

Playoffs will include: Braves, Mets, Cubs and Dodgers. These are 4 great teams. It all boils down to injuries and who gets hot at the right time. I like to think it will be-HOTLANTA

By gotigers72

August 2, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

For those of you that wanted to trade for Garland and/or Arroyo, check out Arroyo’s stats from last night [7 earned runs in a short period of time], and Garland’s stats from today’s game [8 earned runs in LESS THAN 2 INNINGS!!]. Yeah, that’s 2 guys you want on your staff.

A lot of yapping about how Arroyo got off to a bad start, but how he’s turned it around lately. Well check out his starts since he shut the Braves down. The dude is 4-12 for God’s sake. He ain’t pitched good enough lately to TRADE for him. Not only does he look like Spicoli, but now he’s pitching like him, and maybe smoking some of what Spicoli smoked.

Garland ain’t so hot this year either. That guy may have a bad arm /elbow/shoulder. Was given an EIGHT run lead today in the 2nd inning and couldn’t even hold it through the bottom of the same inning! OH THE HORROR!!! Do the words Kyle Davies ring a bell? So when DOB said everybody was looking for starting pitching, but there WAS NONE AVAILABLE, he hit that one right on the button.

Have a nice few days off DOB and welcome to the blog for a few days Carroll. Hope your skin is thick, especially if the Braves lose one, or even get behind for a couple of innings for goodness’ sake.

By TennesseePaul

August 2, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Thinking about draft picks… What is the story with Jason Heyward? Is he signed? There’s just under 2 weeks to sign him or lose him…

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

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

I know I said the Padres don’t have enough “O” as they are knocking 11 runs. Not as much as the other teams I compared.

By Overlord

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

I never though this would ever come up as an important question, but does anybody knows how is *buddys arm doing???* I mean, who would have though this guywould become an important part of our chances to get to the playoffs….. Its amaizing, he came out of nowhere.

I read this morning that cormier was doing very good at AAA, does anybody knows what the plan is for him??? Is he coming up to the bigs again anytime soon?

By Ron Roberts

August 2, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Chip… I think the ragging on Andruw stuff is about four weeks too late, now.

He hit .263 in July, with 8 HRs and 23 RsBI. Hell, .263’s right around his batting average, so it’s not like he’s not giving us what we’re accustomed to getting out of him at this point, anyhow.

He’s also hit in 9 of his last 10 games, and the one he didn’t get a hit in, he took 1st on a walk. His average has come up from .197 to .218 (looks awful don’t it?) since June 25th, too. But if he only does the same for the next month or so, his average would crawl up to .228 or so.

Point I’m making is, we have to stop looking at his batting average over the entire season; it’s not going to get much prettier. That’s for him and his agent to worry about. Fact is, he’s doing, now, at least, what we were used to getting from him - stellar defens and a .260-ish power hitter.

By TennesseePaul

August 2, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

Someone explain to me why Kelly Johnson is hitting 8th?
Because the Braves have an exceptionally deep line up. Honestly though, I’d like to see him higher in the order. Perferably first. I’m just happy I no longer have to watch Langerhans, Wilson, and Orr walk up to the plate at any point the rest of this season.

By Bob

August 2, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

Tennessee Paul,

Amen guy. Well put. It never ceases to amaze me that some on the blog expect us to believe their opinions of JS and BC are the sacred truth. Across the frigging board, other GMs and other Managers and most players think that this is BY FAR the best run organization in MLB. It ain’t even close. How many GMs this week commented across the board that JS does it the right way? How many said that they wished other GMs would do their job in such a professional manner.

Some people want it both ways. They complain about trading a Veteran like LaRoche for Gonzo and Lillibridge. Then they turn around and complain when we trade prospects for a veteran (age 27 mind you). And then they rant on about Boras and two years from now. Well, now is now. We have NOT given away the farm system and we have strengthened ourselves immensely.

Do we need more starting pitching? Hell yeah, but there was nothing out there. Look at Aroyo’s performance last night. And then think what we would be saying right now if these guys who want to trade Renteria and had their way today. Garland gave up 8 to the Yanks today after being spotted an 8 run lead!!!

Face it, there is no way to win with some of our fans. No way whatsoever. I love Julio and what he has done, but how would it make sense to give up on THorman? That would have been another prospect lost for sure. I am not a fan of Woodward but he can play several positions. What would we do with 3 first basemen? Geeeze.

By Paladin

August 2, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul Your long posts are among the few that are worth reading. Good analysis.

By Carroll Rogers

August 2, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

FutureBravesGM, I seriously doubt Schuerholz would go to Glavine’s 300th attempt simply because it’s the Mets and they’re a division foe and that’s just weird. Plus I wouldn’t say after the contract issues and Glavine’s reaction to all that Schuerholz revealed in his book, that there would be exactly warm fuzzies all around. Not that there is anything cold between them, I just don’t see that happening. I’m sure there will eventually be congratulations though. Both men have class. I do know that Joe Chandler the Braves orthopedist and a great guy went to Glavine’s last attempt and will be in Chicago. I also heard the Braves former trainer Dave Pursley went.

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Serge it is simple, he is one of the most patience hitters on the team, and he is not going to see much strikes, plus he has good speed, he makes the perfect 8th hitter. I dont like BC much, but his decision makes sense to me. Plus i think he feels comfortable hitting there, which is very important for any hitter in order to perform well.

By TennesseePaul

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

If Lowe Schmidt and Wolf get healthy they are scary too.

Slow down there… Schmidt is done for the season. Wolf is iffy even when on the mound. Lowe should return just fine. It’s going to be pitching and defense that wins the West. I think the Padres will be able to pull it out, but we’ll see.

By Bob

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

Ron Roberts,

Agree with the crap on Andruw. He is playing well right now. Got two hits behind Tex last night. Plus, I really liked how he grabbed young Escobar and counselled him on his attempt to score that 13th run.

He has not had a good season, but as you correctly pointed out, the average is going up slowly. Right now, leave him 5th. If he goes into another one of those bad streaks drop him. Right now fans should be very happy with this lineup.

As far as Kelly batting 8th….looks pretty good to me. Nice not to be looking at Orr and Woodward batting 7th and 8th.

By Carroll Rogers

August 2, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

Muchas gracias Senor Blanco. That is the coolest thing in the world. Has DOB’s blogging gone Spanish or am I primero? I dig that. Maybe the Braves/man in black needs to go bilingual.

Tiger7_88: Can I check box c: I love your seventh grade technique. and i think i accidentally laughed out loud in the press box - couple writers might think i’m weird now - when i just read that. Great stuff.

Ahem, horny for a homer. i respect your going against the grain, but if you’re going to build your team around young starting pitching you might wanna change your log on…..cause teixeira? he’s got some pop.

By KebMo

August 2, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Someone explain to me why Kelly Johnson is hitting 8th? this is because when Bobby Cox fills out a line-up card, he puts Kelly batting 8th. If Kelly hits in any other spot than the 8th spot for that game, the Braves are called for hitting out of order. That is WHY Kelly is hitting 8th. Plus, you dont want Kelly batting 9th, that is the pitchers spot and Kelly is a much better hitter than that!

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 2, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Here’s the deal brave fans. The reason JS gave up so many of your prospects is because he and cox are soon to be gone and their going for broke before they depart. Not having decent depth down in the farm in the future will be someone else’s problem……That’s the skinny.

By Bobbymahlon

August 2, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Like I said before BC does not have the guts to put a 215 hitter in the eigth spot where he belongs. McCann,Franceour and Johnson deserve to be hitting in front of Andruw. It would not have surprised me if BC had kept Andruw hitting cleanup instead of Teixeira. Andruw ought to have a lot of RBIs he has come up enough times with men on base.

By Spinelli

August 2, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

I read that Blaine Boyer is starting at AAA. How is he doing as a starter and does anyone think he could some day (hopefully soon) be a # 3 or 4 starter?

By chip

August 2, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

You’ve got several weaknesses with your argument there, Ron.

1. You’re raving about Andruw hitting .263 in July. Whoopie. Hitting 263 isn’t exactly what you’d call “being hot.” And the number still makes him the weakest hitter of the 8 everyday regulars. (He should be thanking God for Woodward and Thorman being on the club, so the Braves actually have somebody besides a pitcher with a lower average.)

2. To argue “but this guy is hitting well recently” has always been a lousy argument in baseball. The game is played over six months. And Andruw has stunk it up for most of the season. Using your logic, we’d ignore the other blog discussion about pitchers (“Garland looked great in his last start — we should trade for him!”) because somebody had one good game.

3. I don’t think anybody in baseball has benefitted more from the guys in front of him than Andruw. The ONLY reason he’s got decent power numbers this year is that Kelly, Yunel, Willie, Edgar, and/or Chipper have been on base when he comes up. If Cox had dropped him in the lineup, the true stench of Andruw’s season would be much more apparent.

4. Last thing…like you, I’ve been watching this guy up close for years. And for all the talk about his defense (which is still very good), it ought to be clear to Braves fans what is clear to every other team: Andruw has slipped a bit. Whether it’s too much weight, or too many diving catches in the past, or simply too many birthdays, the guy isn’t getting to all the balls he used to. I’m not saying he’s bad defensively, mind you, only that your argument about “stellar defense” isn’t as strong as in years past. Andruw is a very good defensive CF, but he’s not what he once was. And, um…he’s batting .218.

The guy is in a contract year. Maybe he can’t handle the pressure. But you’ve got to admit, a slowed defender and a crummy batter who is getting $18 Large to play on a great team in a contract year deserves a big of ragging.

chip

By Todd A

August 2, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

“But at the end of the day, we felt this was the best deal for us based on the players who were offered to us.”

LOL,if I wouldn’t have known who made that comment,I would have guessed Schuerholz.Dayton learned from the master well.

As far as Julio is concerned, I understand why the move was made.I don’t like it.But, I understand it.You hate to see a fan favorite,not to mention, the guy who was the most productive of the three options, let go.Hopefully, we can get him back for the stretch run in Sept.

By Bob

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

No Chop Zone,

Welcome to the blog today dude. Are you babysitting Mets Drool tonight? You guys can watch TBS tonight and see your future played out for you. For you guys it will be the Thursday Nite Horror Show. Enjoy because this show is coming to your home town real soon!!

By Eric from MO

August 2, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Serge”Someone explain to me why Kelly Johnson is hitting 8th?” Our lineup is that damn good!

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 2, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

That’s right, I forgot Schmidt went w/ shoulder surgery. Thanks.

By Anders

August 2, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

How can anyone question Shuerholz’s decision making? - I’m a Met fan and I think the guy is the best in baseball. Dollar for dollar who’s had more success in the last 15 years? Granted he had 3 HOF pitchers and Chipper for a lot of it but he kept it together and knew who to keep and who to let walk. The guy gets big dollar results on a mid dollar budget. Two best GM’s in sports - Shuerholz and Lou Lamereillo (NJ Devils GM for those of you who don’t follow the NHL)

By DonCoburleone

August 2, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Carrol, is there any place on the web to see a picture of you? (I know I know, creepy blogger wants to see what you look like - just throw me a bone here!)

By Ron Roberts

August 2, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Chip… slow your roll, buddy. I wasn’t raving about Andruw’s hitting .263 in July; I was pointing out that he’s doing (now) what he’s averaged out to do for us all the while he’s been with the franchise. Hitting around .260 or so and hitting for power and run production.

So because of two bad months, Bobby Cox is supposed to overlook ten years of Andruw’s offensive exploits? Don’t get me wrong; when he was struggling severely, I, like most, would’ve said we were past due moving him. He’s not struggling now, Chip. He’s doing what we’re used to seeing him do, now. He’s hitting for decent average and hitting for power and driving in runs now. That’s what you want in a middle-of-the-lineup guy.

I mean, really… the better options would be McCann? You’d contradict yourself to suggest that, since he, too, struggled a good bit for portions of this season.

Jeff Francoeur? Eight less homers and 2nd on the team in strikeouts, behind Andruw.

Kelly Johnson? He’s not even playing everyday, so putting a platoon man in the middle of the lineup doesn’t make much sense for lineup cohesion.

So who does that leave for the 5 spot, Chip?

Andruw’s where he needs to be, defensive slow-downs or not.

By Todd A

August 2, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

That first inning last night may have been the most patient I’ve ever seen this lineup before.7 runs on 4 hits? None on homeruns. When is the last time we’ve seen a Brave team,especially under Cox, do that?

We’ll know a little more about our potential tonight against Williams, who is always tough on the Braves’ Jones boys.I’m curious to see if Teixeira’s presence helps turn the tables on this guy.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 2, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

Pedro pitched over 5 innings today in a simulated game. No problems were reported. So braves fans, we’ll counter your tex with our Pedro. Oh yeah, Mets win big in Milwaukee to take 2 of 3 **on the road. So you better keep up. That shouldn’t be too dificult at home against Houston. Their terrible on the road.

By chip

August 2, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Good thoughts, Ron. And yes, I’d put Frenchy into the 5 slot. (You want to talk hot? The guy has really come on over the past five weeks.) And I suppose I’d mix and match Andruw, McCann, and Johnson or Diaz for the 6-7-8 slots.

By the way, you make logical arguments that seem reasoned, and you spell everything correctly. A nice change of pace from the rah-rah guys and the participants who apparently stopped paying attention in 9th grade English class. I always like it when somebody can argue on the blog without having to resort to name-calling or sounding like a moron. Now if we could just convince all the Lewis Grizzard wannabes that they’re not that funny, I’d be happy. -chip

By Paladin

August 2, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

Hey Anders, where are you now? What with your “intelligent” comments on things. Why don’t you take care of your buddy, No Chop Zone? Friends don’t let friends drive while stoopid.

By Mackey Sasser

August 2, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

No Chop, what did he hit on the gun? I bet it wasn’t more than 88.

By DonCoburleone

August 2, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

Yeah yeah, Pedro threw today, whoopdy doo! I heard he was TOPPING OUT at 86MPH… Some Ace you got coming back…

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

What i really like about no shop zone is that he (and i have to suspect most of muts fans) is/are still feeling like if things are gonna be as it has been until last week……wake up. We dont care about your pedro…..look at glavine, he has not been to DL and his is not putting up good numbers… you thing your pedro is gonna be comeback player of the year? think twice, he is coming to the bigs, and his recent repaired arm just started to tear down today……..old tissue……. Good luck tough.

By heath

August 2, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

you know how i can tell that js did a good job this trade season…. i am actually giddy about watching this game tonight….just can’t wait!!!! go braves!!!!

By Girth

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

Sorry, but there are only a select few Braves players and fans who are pulling for that greedy man known as Tom to have ANY success whatsoever. Glavine wonders why he gets boos in Atlanta? Read John Shuerholtz(sp) book, and you will find that we offered Glavine 3 years/30 million with an option. He chose to take the HATED rival’s offer of 3 years/35 million with an option. Loyalty was nowhere in his mind, therefore loyalty is nowhere in Braves fan’s mind. End of story. Here’s to hoping you never get that 300’th win Tom.

By Overlord

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

no chop zone your pedro was 9-8 with 4.48 ERA (those numbers look like our 4th SP to me)…..hope he does better this year….. so you muts fans have something to cheer about.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 2, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

Anders is now hangin’ out in the men’s room—expanding his horizons…TheJackAss will return later…to smack around some trolls…

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 2, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

C’mon guy’s he just coming off a long layoff from surgery. Plus you fans of all fans should know that the lighting up the gun doesn’t mean you’re a great pitcher. Look at Maddux and Glavine. Both hall of famers. Plus in 2005 Pedro rarely hit 90 MPH and went 16-9……give him time. I think he’ll still be VERY effective and hit 90-92 from time to time.

By Chip Caray hater

August 2, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

“the Braves send a Tex message to the rest of the league.”

Hardy-har-har. I wonder how long it took him to think that one up.

By Paladin

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

I’m outta here, bu I will read the “comments” in the morning.

By N.Y

August 2, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

You Braves fans are really pumping your chest out aren’t you? For an team that is closer to 3rd-place than 1st-place.You guys of all teams should know that you don’t smash and bash your way to a championship.Pitching,defense,and clutch hitting wins.Tex is going to help the Braves no question-makes them more potent. But in case you missed it, the Mets themselves are swinging the bats well to. After Smoltz and hudson where’s your pitching? The Mets are not perfect and this race is going to go down to the wire. But to think the Braves are just going to zoom right past us is delusional. The Mets are here to stay. By the way Mets beat the Brewers today 12-4. Good luck keeping up.

By OLD LEFTY

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

You guys, with a few exceptions, are good. Very good. I’d still like to get your read on what a lineup infusion like this means to the rotation. Hard to quatify, no doubt, but folks like you know what a no-break, now-who lineup does to OPs. There was no SP help available. JS nailed the lineup and the pen. What’s that worth in terms of SP? As runs come more frequently and, more importantly, earlier and our hurlers relax and drill the zone with more confidence, how many front line SPs is it “worth”? I have argued it is like us having picked up 1 or 1”and a half” solid SPs.

Or is it just me? Especially like to hear your thoughts, TennesseePaul and Bob, but I really get a lot out of a bunch of you … great blog … nice pick-up for DOB, Rogers … thanks in advance.

By Stinky

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

stinkalicious… I like it.

By Yars

August 2, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Kelly can hit anywhere in the lineup. Hopefully next season, I would like to see Bobby hitting him either in the 2 hole, (only if Edgar is traded) or 5 spot next season. Why would anyone be worried about KJ’s arm? It might be stronger than ever before, for all we know. He had Tommy John surgery, it was a success. Sometimes, after surgery the arm/elbow can actually come back stronger. We saw him play LF for Atlanta in ‘05. He’s alright.

By Overlord

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

N.Y. in order to get into this blog you need to stop taking illegal drugs. Keeping up with what? 1 win? I cant stop laughing. I can see you start saying dumb things when you get nervous.

By UncleBob

August 2, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

Carroll, that was your best work ever

By Anders

August 2, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

No Chop Zone. Personally I don’t want to hear anything about Pedro until he climbs a major league hill. Other than that it’s all speculation. Believe me I really hope he comes back and is able to contribute even at 75% of himself but he’s like that year end bonus at work. Until the checks in my hand it ain’t my money.

By HP

August 2, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Andruw!!!!!!!!!!!

By heath

August 2, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

yea….i think andruw would be good in the 5/6 hole…

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

hey NY looks like andrew jones already started keeping up with your muts.

By Anders

August 2, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

Andruw goes deep - Are you back to keeping him?

By Stinky

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

SJA’s 7:31 was validated with his frequent fairy discount.

By Anders

August 2, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Paladin - You’re out? Come on, the Braves are on. Surely you can watch and blog at the same time? I’m enjoying a few cold ones while barbecuing, I have the Braves on TBS thinking about the spoils of the day. Mets, Red Sox, Indians up, Skanks down. Not a bad day in my book. Cubbies let me down but I can’t be greedy.

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Andruw

By A-ville Ranger

August 2, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe Simpson said the lineup when Javy hit 41 hr was about three years ago.It was 1998 nine years ago.

By Chip Caray hater

August 2, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

“the Brewers are imploding from within”

By Ron

August 2, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

More walks from JoJo, and ANOTHER homer he gives up!!! If him and Cormier are our ONLY hope, we still are in a TOUGH situation!!! We need ANOTHER starter BAD!!! JS come on now, lets get it done!!!

By A-ville Ranger

August 2, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

OLD LEFTY I think you’re right,having a better lineup may help our starters other than the obvious way of giving them a cushion.Whether it helps them to PITCH better is subjective at best and probably impossible to quantify.

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

Give the kid a break……braves loaded the bases and didnt score….. did they expect jojo to pitch a shutout?

By Anders

August 2, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

Ouch. Left to flip the burgers it’s 2 -1. Come back and Houston added a field goal.

By A-ville Ranger

August 2, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

Jojo is officially a problem spot in the rotation.

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

why not give villarreal the chance……. does anyone has a clue on that one?

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 2, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

I would have to agree w/ you Old Lefty. Manyfans are upset that we didn’t get a SP. That is ONLY b/c there wasn’t 1 out there worth more prospects. Being there weren’t any available JS went out and got the best bat available and sured up a pen that only needed a little help and mainly rest. He didn’t just help the pen, he obtained 3 great arms. Dotel, Mahay and Ring are going to do wonders for us. So that offense and more arms in the pen will make out SP look even better.

When you have as good of an offense that we do it makes guys who shouldn’t be in the rotation look like #5 guys and it makes #5 starters look like 4 or even #3 starters and on from there. Anytime you add a couple runs w/ the bat, it shaves some off the ERA.

In my opinion, we are going to be fine w/ Chuck, Buddy and Jo-Jo. As long as Smoltz and the rest stay healthy. And if we pick up a better alternative from a wire trade, then all the better.

Like I said earlier-there are 2 factors for who is coming out of the NL. Staying healthy and getting hot at the right time. I put my $ on HOTLANTA

By Chip Caray hater

August 2, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

My god. Bobby was in to his elbow on that pic!

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

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

Jo-Jo doesn’t have great stuff IMHO. Does he strike anyone as a “power” pitcher??? One pitch I saw hit 94, but mostly 92 and straight. I seem to recall after his first start, either Gammons, or Buster Olney said there was only one pitch that he thru that was a swing and miss. Hopefully, we didn’t trade the wrong starter to Texas…..

By NCBravesFan

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

It’s becoming clear that Jo-Jo ain’t ready for the big show.

By chrisklob

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

Memo from the Center of the Blindingly Obvious: JoJo Reyes is not ready for the major leagues.

By Pimply Faced Kid

August 2, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

I mentioned a few weeks back that Jo Jo reminded me of Ho Ram. (which isn’t good)

Are we through with the Jo Jo experiment yet?

I know there isnt much out there…. but it’s time for Oscar or Cormier to give it another shot I think.

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

why is jojo falling down with every pitch?

By TennesseePaul

August 2, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Sheeeesh. JoJo is the Left handed Davies. This is brutal.

By gotigers72

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

Jo Jo down, Cormier up. Jo Jo has just been horrible. Pitching from behind all the time then throwing pitches down the middle when batters know what’s coming.

The #5 starter’s spot is killing the Braves. If they don’t come back tonight, the #5 spot will be FIFTEEN games under .500. Ridiculous. The Braves would be in first if that spot was only TEN games below .500

By HR

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

Jo Jo needs to be in AA, not AAA for a couple of years. He is far away from being a Major League Pitcher.

By BravesRule

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

So…i guess all those people crying about trading prospects are enjoying this game?!? Anyone know how Lance Cormier is doing in the minors?

By TennesseePaul

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

I’m lookin’ for a lot of that over the next two years.
Nice shootin’ Tex!

By JasonInMaine

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

Let’s hope the offense has another 12 spot in them…

Jo-Jo has got to go go. I think he’s got potential, but his time is in the future. 7 HRs in 21 innings.

Yikes!!

It may be time to give Lance another shot…maybe a waiver wire deal before we take the lead in the WC and then the East.

By The Grinch

August 2, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

JS has shown he’s commited to trying to win, now perhaps Bobby will chip in by making Villareal or Cormier the 5th starter.

By TennesseePaul

August 2, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

Way to go Heap!

By TennesseePaul

August 2, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

Sick. Just a sick line up. I love it!

Nice hit Francoeur!

By HP

August 2, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

The hits keep on come in!!!!

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

August 2, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Overlord we cannot have Villarreal start, it is vitally important that he pitch in games we lose.

I’ll say one thing though, Villarreal might keep us close in games we will now have a chance to come back in with this offense! But, let him start already! Jo-Jo could do what rookie pitchers used to do and that is long relief. Lot less pressure to keep it close in a blowout….

By Stinky

August 2, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

There’s grinchy, big bad grinchy, woooooo

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 2, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

well, cubby is calling the game tonight for the braves. somebody please get cubby back to chicago and spare us this drivel.

and carroll rogers is indeed whither. dob is taking a few days off with a canned ham and some block cheese bombs.

and now our story resumes …

tushy: “i propose we make this game a lttle more interesting with a wager. what do you guys think?”

a visible tremor. then another. did they see it? how dare chipper’s emotions betray him now.

it was important that the others not see a chink in the armor. hoss needed a distraction. now.

hoss: “ouch! i think i pulled a hammock when i threw down that card. somebody go get porter. let’s stop this game and start again later.”

tushy: “give it a minute, chipper, probably just a boo-boo. now, are you guys in, or not?”

chino: “i’m in, tushy. i need some new pants.”

diaz: “count me in. i’ll be coming into some money in a few days.”

ringy: “yo”

hoss: “uh, i don’t like to gamble. i just play old maid to maintain mental dexterity and to keep in touch with my inner self. whether he likes it or not, a man’s character is stripped bare at the old maid table; if the other players read him better than he does, he has only himself to blame. unless he is both able and prepared to see himself as others do, flaws and all, he will be a loser in cards, as in life.”

chino: “whoa, that’s pretty heavy stuff, chipper.”

hoss: “uh, yeah.”

tushy: “well, are we gonna bet or not?”

chipper: “uh, God does not play old maid with the universe; He plays an ineffable game of his own devising, which might be compared, from the perspective of any of the other players (i.e., everybody), to being involved in an obscure and complex version of old maid in a pitch-dark room, with blank cards, for infinite stakes, with a dealer who won’t tell you the rules, and who smiles all the time.”

tushy: “they say still waters run deep, but … .”

chipper: “uh, even as I approach the gambling hall, as soon as I hear, two rooms away, the jingle of money poured out on the table, I almost go into convulsions.”

tushy: “then, we’re not going to gamble?”

chipper: “uh, not this game. maybe when i deal.”

chino: “they say a man’s gotta make at least one bet a day, else he could be walking around lucky and never know it.”

hoss: “depend on the rabbit’s foot if you will, but remember it didn’t work for the rabbit.”

tushy: “picture yourself vividly as winning, and this alone will contribute immeasurably to your success.”

hoss: “uh, can i deal?”

tushy: “son, your dealing days are over. gotta protect those thumbs. now, who has the old maid?”

By JasonInMaine

August 2, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

One last semi-negative comment and one that has been stated many times…

We are awful at gettng the runner home from 3rd and less than 2 outs!!!

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

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

Heap???? I know why Tushy is, but who is Heap???

By Colin

August 2, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Bring up Cormier cuz REYES IS TERRIBLE

By HP

August 2, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

I seriously think that Braves can win the division. But we still need to improve the 5th starter pitching spot and bench.

By Todd A

August 2, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Well, now that the euphoria of the recent acquisitions has ceased, we’re back to the maddening inconsistencies plaguing this ball club.Horrible starting pitching from the 5th spot in the rotation, lack of clutch hitting, and some shoddy defense, which tends to rear it’s head a little too often for a supposed playoff caliber team.

Man, Woody Williams is a frustrating pitcher against the Braves.Great 3-2 pitch to Kelly.Nothing he could do with that one.

By A-ville Ranger

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

Man watching Frenchy now compared to this time last year is surreal.He said himself he just went up and hacked at it.I’m just about proud to watch him think through at bats now.It’s like he had a head transplant or something.To all you who say Chipper isn’t a leader ask Frenchy or Johnson what they think.

By HP

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

Peter Molyan got some serious nasty pitches!!!!

By JasonInMaine

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

I wonder if the Braves have given any thought to making Moylan a starter? With that sinker, he reminds a little of Lowe…they could bring up One of their very good minor league relievers…

By Chip Caray hater

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

how about making Moylan into a starter? Jojo the monkeyboy ain’t cutting it.

By chrisklob

August 2, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

jjs, these hammocks that you frequently refer to, are they Pawley’s Island hammocks? Those are the finest hammocks around!

By ernesto

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

Big Thor has got to start being the very last option. Bad bat off the bench.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

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

“welcome to the club, techeriska, glad to have you on board.”

“why, thank you, mr. cox. glad to be here.”

“put er there, techsomebody.”

“er, sir, if it’s all the same with you i’d rather not shake hands.”

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

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

Moylan throws harder than Jo-Jo does! 94 MPH more often than not.

And why oh why do so many here HATE Chip Carey??? He has a good voice, he doesn’t sound bored like Joe does sometimes. Listen to the losers many teams around the league have. Hawk Harrelson, God what a bleeping drip!!1

Chip did cub games for a decade, so it will be a frame of reference sometimes, so what?

You try to talk baseball for 3 hours straight day after day, and see what you will have to pull out of your…..hat. Try it tonight, just do play by play the rest of the night, and see how smart you sound! Your wife won’t think you sound too smart! ;) I hear him rave about the Diamondbacks, or the Red Sox, whatever is the hot team of the time.

By chrisklob

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

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls: We got a new ballgame!

By Salty

August 2, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

I like our 1st baseman!

By Colin

August 2, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

THAT A-BABY TEX…WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HE IS MY NEW BEST FRIEND

By TennesseePaul

August 2, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

*OOOOOOHHHHH YEEAAAAHHHH!!!!

Teixeira!!!!

By TennesseePaul

August 2, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

OOOOOOHHHHH YEEAAAAHHHH!!!!

Teixeira!!!!

By ernesto

August 2, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

TEX!!!!!!!!!!!

By HP

August 2, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

Is Teixeria a some kind of player. I hope we keep him for long term.

By Carroll Rogers

August 2, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

a-ville ranger if i’m not mistaken javy lopez hit 43 homers in 2003. joe’s right. that 2003 lineup was nasty….course i can’t hear what he’s saying since i’m in the other end of the press box. just assuming….

guess tex just gave an answer of what his acquisition could do for starting pitching. clean slate at 5-5. not a good look for reyes tonight tho. ouch.

By Overlord

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

Just a question? Is it gonna be a HR every game for tex? hahaha. GOOOOOOOO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By SteelCav

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

Everything’s bigger in Texas baby, including the homeruns…what a moonshot!!!!!!!!

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

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

Hit 2 homers every 5 ab’s Tex, and even I won’t complain about the trade anymore!!! ;)

Woody has finally given up more than 3 runs in a game to the braves!

By MEB

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

Chip and Joe are a little too giddy in the booth tonight for me. Can we possibly trade Chip for a broadcaster to be named later? I don’t care if there is about a 10 second delay between XM and TBS, I can’t take it anymore. Give me Skip and Pete any day. However, I will give TBS credit for some excellent camera work.

WAY TO GO TUSHY!!!

GO BRAVES!!!

By Ron

August 2, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Anybody BUT Cormier OR Reyes!!! Lord, both of them SUCK!!! I said we need another starter, and we do!!! Tex is freaking awesome, another homer, now get JoJo out of this game, and lets try to win!!! JS TRY to get Silva from the Twins!!! It should not COST much, he is a Free Agent at the end of the year!!! The Perfect guy for us!!! JS you need to get another starter NOW!!!

By Anders

August 2, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Whoah, come back from eating burgers and we’re all tied up. This games got a Sunday softball feel to it.

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

I agree with must of you… Moylan has been the must consistent pitcher for the braves after smoltz. But to mention him as a started………i might be missing something here….. was he a starter in the minors? does he has the endurance?

By Todd A

August 2, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Chip is ok.He’s a little too “wordy” though.

By JasonInMaine

August 2, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

3 extra base hits for Tex already!!!

By Anders

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

TBS announcers pondering A-Rod joining the Mets and Wright moving to second. Something tells me many of you Braves fans just threw up in your mouths thinking about it.

By bravesfan

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

Moylan has some SICK pitches GO BRAVES!!!

By Todd A

August 2, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

If Teixeira keeps this up, he is going to force me to break my cardinal rule of never, ever, pulling for a Techie.

By chrisklob

August 2, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Carroll, is there any word on Lerew? It doesn’t look like he’s been pitching in the minors.

By Ron

August 2, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Wow that homer by Tex did NOT look like it was gonna be a homer at first!!! He has some SERIOUS strength!!!

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Ernesto you need to be patient, thorman will come through, and he is not going anywhere, do you prefer woddward batting? Patience will come to him, wait and see.

By Stuart

August 2, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

I think Moylan aint a starter, but gosh he has been a revelation out of the pen. He is so good at his role of being the bridge to back end of the bully that it would hurt the team if he did anything else. He has been lights out.

Jo Jo is going to be good, he just aint ready yet. He looks like a raw Horacio Rameriez, before Horacio had that nerve damage in his arm. He just aint quite ready yet.

Tex is a man beast plain and simple.

Go Braves

By SteelCav

August 2, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

I hope we keep Moylan in the pen. Best situational setup righty in the league right now IMHO. Hitters have no clue.

By Anders

August 2, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Just heard from Scott Boras- ” I had my facts backwards earlier today. I want $35 mil for Tex and $30 mil for A-Rod”.

By Todd A

August 2, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Doesn’t look like Turner Field is going to be a problem for Tex.

By Stinky

August 2, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

There are two types of people - Heterosexuals and them what likes Chip Caray.

By TennesseePaul

August 2, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

Carroll is right, 2003 Lopez hit 43. Sheff hit 39 and AJ 36. Braves had 7 players with 15+ HRs. That was a massive offense. But I like this one better.

Nice hustle Kelly!

By gotigers72

August 2, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

Jo Jo is looking like Kyle Davies, Jr. because 1 - Throws way too many pitches, goes deep on way too many hitters, causing him not to go deep into games, thus chewing up the bullpen 2 - Nibbles too much, causing him to get behind in the count. 3 - Getting behind in the count makes it a lot easier for a hitter to guess right on what’s coming next 4 - Gives up too many homers [7 in 21 innings, jeez] 5 - Pitches up in the zone too much. Up means anything above mid thigh. 6 - Doesn’t know what a corner of the plate looks like. At least Kyle could pitch without stumbling over his own feet so much.

The announcers said that his control wasn’t that bad in the minors, he didn’t give up a lot of homers in the minors, etc, Thus he was pitching very well in the minors. Why isn’t he doing that up here? Being nervous shouldn’t be a reason as he has had 4-5 starts now. Some people just can’t perform on the big stage. Happens to a lot of players.

Teixeira ain’t one though. Looks like he’s gonna be a player that likes the spotlight that is on during a pennant race.

By JasonInMaine

August 2, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Overlord, no Moylan did not start in the minors, but I believe he did before the Braves signed him…plus he has options and could get stretched out…

By woogidy

August 2, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Let’s try Reyes as pinch hitter off the bench, cut Thor, Call up Lance to be the 5th starter and wha-la, we have ourselves a perfect team. Gonna miss Paronto, he seemed like a funny dude. Moylan, starter? Maybe next year. He needs another pitch, something that breaks down in the zone. He has great side to side movement.

By Stinky

August 2, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

Anders, I’ll meet you down behind the old oak tree, as usual, smooch smooch!

By The Grinch

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

Thank you for noticing, stinky.

By Todd A

August 2, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Way to go Willie!!!!!!!!

By TennesseePaul

August 2, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

AMAZING!!!!!!!

By SteelCav

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

WILLIE!!!!!!!

By Overlord

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

What are the braves going to do when we are against mets and phillies and its reyers turn to pitch? Experiment?

By Colin

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

WILLIE RANKS 2ND ON MY FRIEND’S LIST

By Anders

August 2, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Is it just me or do others agree that Lance Berkman has the same non athletic body and movement that Phil Mickelson has??

By honest_abe

August 2, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

here’s something a little off topic for you stat junkies. what’s the record for most home runs by someone batting sub .220? whatever it is i’m sure andruw is coming close to blowing it out of the water. i mean geez he’s been my favorite player since 96. i mean he’s been a great defensive player that has put up some damn impressive numbers. but, have you ever seen anyone with the kinds of tool’s he possessed/es 5 star tools i remind you, underachieve like he has? couldn’t ever learn to lay off the breaking ball. i kept saying to myself “next year, he’ll get it” over and over, and now i realize it’s been 11 freaking years!!!!!!!! a guy that used to steal 30 bases in the minors and stole over 20 in his first few years got fat and lazy after his first five year and never stole more than 12 bases ever again in a single season! five seasons????? now we finally see all that andruw has been good for, besides his unparalled defense, is an ability to hit a solo shot every now and again. when some stupid pitcher decides he going to throw andruw a fastball up in the middle of the plate. having said all that andruw is still my favorite player but will it be weird if i say i’m kind excited (curious might be a better word) to see what life after andruw might be like.

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Thanks Jason, then i think it would be too risky for his arm and we cant take that risk.

By Lew

August 2, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

I guess we have our answer about moving from a hitter’s park to a pitcher’s park. Apparently Teixeira doesn’t care one way or another. Jo Jo may have lots of potentil, but he needs more times in the minors. It’s time to see if Cormier’s ready, or if not Oscar needs to pitch in the 5th slot. Moylan can handle the long relief quite nicely, especially since we now have Mahay and Dotel. No Brain Zone-Good luck on Pedro’s 5 starts (if he makes it back).

By Todd A

August 2, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Ughhhh….Buddy and Jo Jo going in the first 2 games in NY.

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 2, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

How about double digits the rest of the year!!!GO BRAVES

By ernesto

August 2, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

Overlord - I prefer Diaz. Forget the L/R stuff. I just hope we can weather through til the 40 man expansion b/c Big Thor and Woodcrap coming off the bench - ain’t so good.

By CB

August 2, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

I really like the make-up of this team…what a line-up! It would be fantastic for the new owners to up the payroll and keep all of these guys signed and playing w/ the Braves. That means ANDRUW and TEX!!!!!!!!!

By Anders

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

FairW - Braves 3-4-5 I’ll tell you what. Very Scary if Andruw returns to form.

By woogidy

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

Royce Ring struck out the side in his Richmond debut tonight. He did however walk a batter and hit one. He then had a 7 pitch 1,2,3 inning to follow; still in the game.

By Ron

August 2, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

We have a Great Offense, A VERY VERY Good Bulpen, 4 Real Good Pitchers, 2 Great ones, and the other 2 are Good!!! But our Bench and 5th Starter are Plum AWFUL!!! Silva is the Guy we need!!! Somebody OTHER than JoJo, or Cormier!!! Been there done that!!!

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

August 2, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Moylan would not be a bad idea. Have him pitch 3-4 innings in relief one night, then have him go 4-5 for a start 5 days later, knowing full well the bullpen will be pitching 4-5 innings that night. Or, keep running Jo-Jo out there every 5 days and have the bullpen pitch 6 innings+

By TennesseePaul

August 2, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Bat around guys. If Yates comes in for a second inning trouble will begin.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

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

on many teams in baseball, players are seen during the game leaning against the dugout railing. one team is an exception. the atlanta braves players know that the dugout railings are to be avoided at all costs. same is true for putting hands on the edge of the bench - and no player would ever venture a hand beneath the dugout seat. the reason for these avoidance measures is that legendary manager bobby cox is an avid nose picker who picks from the nose throughout the game. already, tonight we have seen the ugly sight of this baseball legend going knuckle deep in the nostril. index finger, thumb, pinky. heel of the hand. sometimes even top of the wrist. imagine what that world series ring must look like by now! here we have homeboy upstairs in a brooks brothers suit and suspenders and we have bobby in a sticky, gooey, mucous stained uni. and chino cadahia will not wear chino’s good pants in this dougout. too likely to be soiled. as this team continues to make moves to improve, perhaps some thought should be given to nose picking avoidance classes for the esteemed manager.

now, cheese … (sorry to discuss cheese and boogers in the same post, please foregive jimmy smith) … here is a cheese buying tip: costco has many cheese samplers in the store. buy your cheese at membership prices.

this team can hit. oh, the humanity! this team can overcome some bad pitching now. and how about that tushy?! another homerun.

and cubby ain’t so bad when we remember john stirling. but cubby is bad enough. if the cubs get into first place these broadcasts will be unbearable. whither pete and skip?

and the dugout microphone is working tonight. waiting for tushy to come to bat again.

By Stuart

August 2, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

I aint worried about buddy against the mets. If the top 3 do their thing and the offense does its against the Rockies, then BC can go ‘all hands on deck’ in the bully against the muts and let the bats hammer at the mets rotation at least for the first two games, then smoltz goes.

In some ways I wish there was a way to slot Buddy or “insert 5th starter here” INBETWEEN Smoltz and Huddy. It might help the bully with the workload.

By Greg in TN

August 2, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Evening lads and ladies…

Carroll, another outstanding blog from the distaff side of the Braves/MIB blog, thank you.

My, my, my our first baseman tonight is certainly winning votes for the next Atlanta mayoral election. It looked like air traffic control was going to have to re-route some approaches to Hartsfield-Jackson on Tex’s moon shot in the fourth.

TennPaul, was asking the same thing myself a few days ago on Jason Heyward. I’ve heard that he’s signed, that he hasn’t, that he’s close. I’m wondering too.

Folks I haven’t seen the Ted rocking like it is tonight. The noise of the crowd reminds me of some great nights a little over ten years ago just to the north. I enjoy the Ted, don’t get me wrong, but the old ballpark had a charm all its own and the circular design certainly held the noise in better than its successor.

Disappointing night from Jo Jo. Seemed to be really struggling with his front foot landing on the mound.

Will Yost vs. Estrada give the Beermakers the same boost the Cubs got from Zambrano vs. Barrett? Not too sure, however something isn’t 100% kosher in the land of cheese and beer it seems.

This team is certainly benefiting from the McGriff effect, in other words getting a huge boost from the new Braves. The last 48 hours has certainly given me a bigger appreciation for the job JS has done in the past several years with handcuffs on in the form of a limited payroll.

By A-ville Ranger

August 2, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Carroll my bad I checked the record, Joe Simpson was right the 2003 team had a very good offense.I must have slept late that year.

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

What do u think people? is AJ doing a better job last 10 games? or not¿? JUST WONDERING

By Anders

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

Ron You can’t classify the bullpen as VERY VERY good with Wickman at the back end.

By Ron

August 2, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Lew You and others KEEP on saying put Oscar in the 5th spot, WHY? I would not mind to see Oscar in the 5th spot but it aint gonna happen!!! I like Oscar, BUT if he aint pitched there YET then he AINT gonna pitch there!!! That is just like people on THIS blog that say lets trade Andruw!!! We aint trading Andruw, AND BC is NOT going to put Oscar in the 5th spot!!! I know you did not mention Andruw, but I was just using that for example!!! TWO things that WONT happen!!!

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

ernesto im sure BC didnt bat matt because he needs to give ABs to thorman plus i think he prefers batting matt later in the game when the game is more on the line if that moment ever gets.

By JasonInMaine

August 2, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

I agree it would be a risk…throwing it out there as they may have to do somrthing unconvential to try and solve that 5th spot…

Of course, if we keep scoring in double digits every night…

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

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

I think AJ is coming back around. W/ Tex hitting in from of him he’ll get it going. Then not noly will the 3-4-5 be scary, Edgar(our most consistant guy) will go in at #2. Add that to the #1 guy hitting over.320 and the #6 guy over .300. That makes 1 to 6 scary. Then you have McCann and on and on. **Anders, you’re right if Andruw picks it up 3-4-5 will be scary-but so is the rest of the team. The NL East sure has some strong offenses.

FRENCHY FRENCHY

By Stuart

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

I dont think Moylan it the answer in the rotation. Not because he cant do it, but because he fills an important role on this team.

In my opinion, why mess with such a strong member of your bully? Who else is going to fill that role? Even if we go get a SP, Chuck and Buddy still have pitch count issues.

Just because guys are great in certian roles, it doesnt mean they would be great or the best fit for another role.

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Its not over until its over….. There is still some hope for the astros when its ledezmas turn to pitch. Oh almost forgot about it, he aint here anymore. Well we have kept pace with the muts. Lets see how well they do with zambrano tomorrow.

By JasonInMaine

August 2, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Dotel looks good and it was his dream to pitch for Atlanta…I would not be suprised to see him back for a year or two either…

By Anders

August 2, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Fairw- Games like tonight show why the Braves have to load up their bullpen. 6 innings of relief. You do that twice a week and your bullpen is a mess in a hurry - Just look at the Yanks earlier this year. Come September when rosters expand you can march a guy in every inning. They just need to have some quality. Watch for JS to start picking up arms now that he has the lineup squared away.

By Herschel Talker

August 2, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Woodward struck out hitting for Dotel. Wouldn’t we have been better off if Dotel had hit for himself, even if Cox planned on pulling him?

By kg

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

The problem with Reyes is the Big inning. He’ll go a couple of innings doing great and then blow up. Send him back down for more seasoning or move him into the bull pen. I still can’t believe Woodward is the best that we can do. I hope he isn’t on the team next year.

More than anything, the Tex trade has got the team thinking that they can win everytime out.

By Ron

August 2, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

I sure HOPE we can get a Good pinch hitter to put on the Postseason roster!!!

By A-ville Ranger

August 2, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

To all you who want info on any of our minor league guys google Braves minor league teams and it will find the master site.From there you can access any of the Braves teams and player stats.I put it on my favorites list so it’s just a click away.

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

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

Man, if we lose Edgar, I’m going to be pi$$ed.

By Ron

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

Anders Dude Wickman is a Solid pitcher!!! He is not Great, and he is NOT awful!!! We have a VERY VERY Good bulpen!!!

Chipper is gonna play SS!!! that is f*** awesome!!!

By Stuart

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

OH NO, NOT EDGAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

By JMar

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

And here we see why I was so strongly opposed to giving up Yunel for Arroyo…

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 2, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Lets see what ‘ole Larry has for shortstop. Sweet!!

By HP

August 2, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

I just hope that Renteria isn’t hurt much. Good thing we didn’t trade Escobar.

By Greg in TN

August 2, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Ohhhh no. Jeff Porter is earning his keep tonight. I hope Edgar’s ankle isn’t too serious.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 2, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! renteria can’t put weight on that ankle! and chipper is at uh, short. seeds, gum, chaw. pete orr is on a plane. and a lamb at the plate.

By Brad in KY

August 2, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

Did somthing happen to Renteria? What?

By Alan

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

Too cute with the subs again - came back to bite us…

Although it’s hard to blame the manager for Soriano having trouble in blowouts, we really need to take advantage with big leads if we want to catch the Mutts.

Crap.

By ernesto

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

This is where BC gets you with his loyalty. How amny dingers has Soriano given up recently? He needs to drop down until he gets it figured out.

That is just disgraseful and still no one out. And Raffy is still in there about to walk Outmus on 4.

By Ron

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

Renteria is hurt, Soriano sucks tonight!!! Brand new game, we had this game won!!! Maybe I was premature when I said we have a Very Very Good bulpen!!! It may be a very good bulpen!!! Wow, What a game!!!

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

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

You’re right about loading up the pen. We need it, especially w/ such young guys in the bottom 3 of the rotation.

By honest_abe

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

wow. it’s time to reshuffle the bullpen. dotel as closer, wick as the setup and let soriano pitch in games where it isn’t on the line. sure he had some bad luck this inning but he’s been falling apart for some time now.

By SteelCav

August 2, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Wow, just wow. Soriano is toast.

By The Grinch

August 2, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

I’m so glad Soriano was so grossly overused early on; it really helps us now. Wow.

By ijonathan

August 2, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

hmmm…let’s see, instead of leaving chipper at 3rd, moving KJ to short and putting Harris in at 2B where he has played recently in the big leagues, we put him in at 3B (never played) and chipper at SS (not played in 7 years).

By GTA

August 2, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

There goes the lead…I woulda thought Bobby would have used Tex at third, Chipper at short and Diaz at first, oh well. It was just bad luck that Willie got that first chance.

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

This inning should be over by now……its not sorianos fault.

By Bob

August 2, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Ugly, ugly, ugly. Glad we have the lineup that can address this mess. Do not want to lose Edgar for too long but it did not look good hobbling to the dugout with Jeff Porter.

By Anders

August 2, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Ron - I kid you not that your blogg imploring how VERY VERY good your bullpen is came up just as Andruw was climbing the wall to watch the grand slam leave the park. I’m sure you also heard the TBS dudes mention all the innings on the pen taking there toll.

By Herschel Talker

August 2, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Rafael Soriano is a train wreck.

By JasonInMaine

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

What the heck…power goes out, and when it comes back on; the game is tied…Chipper is at SS and Willie is at 3rd…am I in the twilight zone? It may be time to switch Dotel and Soriano…he’s been absolutely terrible…I thought this game was n the bag…

By Stuart

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

Dotel moves to the 8th and Soriano back to the 7th inning role.

By A-ville Ranger

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

Soriano’s a big problem right now.How can you keep using him as a setup man when he throws it right down the middle like it’s batting practice ?

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

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

That’s alright guys, we have Chipper and Tex leading off the 8th.

By N8

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

All you Bobby lovers can keep on giving the guy props night after night. But if the Braves lose this game it’s ON HIM.

Why not let Dotel go 2 innings with a 9-5 lead?

Why not put KJ at SS and Willie at 2B?

Why not get Soriano the FCK out of the game when he CLEARLY didn’t have it *AGAIN.

For a guy that wouldn’t play Salty because he was the “backup” catcher, in case of injury, he surely didn’t waste ANY TIME using up all of his infielders, huh?

Soriano needs to be put on the DL. Period.

If he’s not hurt, then they need to make some sh!t up, because he clearly has ZERO command or confidence right now. He just hit 99 MPH on the gun, so obviously there is nothing wrong with his shoulder, elbow or arm. It’s clearly above the shoulders.

Not to his credit, the ball that Renteria was hurt on, should’ve been fielded and was hit hard enough to be a double play. Not to mention Chipper surely would’ve come up with the ball that Wille kicked. But that is NO EXCUSE for grooving one down the middle for a game tying GS.

Pathetic.

By Chris_In_PA

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

Granted…Soriano did give up the homer to Lamb, and all the ball were hit hard…but he really should have been out of the inning or at least Lamb’s HR is a 2 - run intead of the slam. The bigger concern is Renteria…I hope he is alright!

By NCBravesFan

August 2, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

God I can’t stand the way Joe and Chip make excuses about the pitching staff.

I mean, Jeez, Soriano’s gotta make a pitch. Period.

By ernesto

August 2, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

If Edgar goes on the 15 day dl obviously Yunel takes his place, but who do we bring up? Prado??

By Ron

August 2, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

BC next time, you might want to keep AT least ONE middle infielder on the bench without pinch hitting like how you do with McCann!!! If Chipper was at third that is a double play!!! Woodward or at least Escobar could have played SS!!! Well, BC lets learn from that little mistake!!!

By Chip Caray hater

August 2, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Time for Chippy’s nap. He’s rambling so much I can’t even make fun of him. “Smoltz is 80 to 90% of what most pitchers dare to … WHAT???

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 2, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

9 runs not enough. this is scary. bad pinch hitters are the bane of this team. new shortstop about to bat.

By Bob

August 2, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

You know I have been reluctant to use Villereal as a starter because he really can eat innings when we have starter problems, but I am beginning to rethink that. The very fact that he can eat innings might be what might force our hand. We cannot afford to have our bullpen coming in after 3-5 innings every night. We know we are only getting 5-6 from James and our #5 continues to be a problem. If we do not fix this soon, the entire bullpen might start looking like Soriano tonight. Not many decent options, but I would rather Oscar in there giving up 3-4 runs but pitching for 6-7 and allowing this lineup to keep us in the game.

By Anders

August 2, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

FairW -I swear these TBS dudes are reading my blogs. They’re discussing an overworked bullpen and now the need for more arms.

Ron - Timing is everything - Yours not so good tonight. We’ve all been there.

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

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

I really think the only reason Bobby pitched Soriano in the 8th was to show him he’s still his main setup guy. Just a feeling I had.

By MEB

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

The Astros are always a pain in the arse! Well… if this ends up being one of those 18 inning marathon games I’ll just have to read about in the morning. Soriano should have reasonably been out of the inning, but a grand slam? Oh, the humanity!

GO BRAVES!!!

By Eric C.

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

Is Soriano still the set-up?

By Overlord

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

cant win a game if your sp go 3 innings……what is this about?

By chrisklob

August 2, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Willie spent two innings at third base earlier this year. I believe he also spent time at third during spring training this year.

By N8

August 2, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

“Although it’s hard to blame the manager for Soriano having trouble in blowouts, we really need to take advantage with big leads if we want to catch the Mutts.”

Are you kidding me? How about DON’T USE HIM IN BLOW OUTS?!?

I think this game just shows everything that’s good AND bad about this team:

Offense is clicking. We now can mash with the best of them.

We are in DEEP trouble when Buddy and Jo Jo don’t get past the 5th inning in back to back starts.

No matter who JS gets for our bullpen, it doesn’t matter until Bobby starts using them properly.

Andruw STILL has no business hitting higher than 6th or 7th in this lineup with the other hitters on this team. At BEST, he is the 6th best hitter on this team. NOT 6th best HR hitter…overall HITTER.

Then he sends Anruw with 2 outs and a doubles hitter up at the plate?

What a manager.

By Herschel Talker

August 2, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

N8 at 10:23 - you nailed it!!!

By Ron

August 2, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

Dotel should NOT be the Closer, because in the past he has struggled their, but he should be the Setup man!!! and Moylan should be the 7th inning guy, and Soriano the 6th inning guy or Yates or whoever needs to come in the game!!!Anders I might have accidently cursed the bulpen tonight?

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 2, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

ijohnathan Why would you use KJ at SS when he’s never played it and just learn 2nd. Also Willie has played 3rd..he did it for us. We were up by 4 and I’m sure talks about playing it so Bobby gave him a chance in a supposed blowout.

By Anders

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

Note to the TBS dudes that were ragging on Ausmus’ lack of hitting earlier in the game saying you need more from your catcher. Umm, no you don’t. Wat you need is the ability to gun down a guy trying to steal second in the eigth. WS winning catchers - Joe Girardi, Charlie O’Brien,Charles Johnson, That Miller dude with the D’Backs who’s on Milwaukee now - You get the drift. Good game calling and controlling the running game is what catching is about for championships. Not everybody is Johnny Bench.

By Bob

August 2, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

Wicky….Hellllllllllll of a play. That was off the seismograph. Smoltz and Hudson roaring!

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 2, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

BABOOM BOOM

By Ron

August 2, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Was that an earthquake? No that was Wickman falling on the ground!!! Damn I felt it all the way here in Mississippi!!!

By The Grinch

August 2, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

That was freakin’ hilarious.

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

August 2, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

Now that was funny!!! Like John Kruk said onetime to a fan who was saying he wasn’t in great shape for an athlete, he said, Lady, I ain’t an athlete, I am a baseball player!!!!

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 2, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

I hope Edgar isn’t too bad. Hopefully, he only tweaked the ankle. He needed help getting off the field but it wasn’t like he was carried off. If he is hurt for an extended time, it will be Escobar’s chance to shine.

By Anders

August 2, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Wickman hit the deck making that catch and my house shook up here in NY!!!

By JasonInMaine

August 2, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

The last time I checked, Lillibridge had his average up to .299 at Richmond..m

By HP

August 2, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Wickman doing falling on the ground crazy made me laugh for about three minutes. Still can’t. Play of the Year: Bob Wickman doing his cheerliding move.

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 2, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

I feel bad for Wickman b/c he’s going to hurt tomorrow. Someone give him a pain killer!

By SteelCav

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

Way to go Wick. The athleticsm of a Beer League Bowler. Last time I saw a bald, fat guy take a tumble like that was the Pedro Zimmer fight of 2003.

By Todd A

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

Schuerholz has given Cox the tools to make a run at this thing.If Bobby keeps running Soriano out there in the 8th inning instead of giving Dotel a try, he should be forced to retire at season’s end.No lead is safe with Soriano and Wickman right now.This is sooooooo frustrating.

If Cox just leaves Chipper at third base in the last inning,we still lead.

By Ron

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

The ONE time we need Woodcrap he aint EVEN available!!! Damn now that is TRULY pathedic!!!

By Chip Caray hater

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

Dang. That’s the strangest “knock the wind out of him” I’ve ever seen. Especially since Willie hit the wall with his legs.

By Chase

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

The BRAVES will win this Walk-Off style in the bottom of the 9th!

By N8

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

NOW Bobby’s gonna get Willie killed over at 3B.

Good grief.

Perhaps the Brandon Jones era in Atlanta might begin sooner than expected.

That Wickman catch was the most entertaining thing I’ve seen in a while. Not sure what was funnier. The catch itself, or Hudson and Smoltz laughing in the dugout.

By TheSouthernJackAss

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

I doubt if many people noticed the most amazing part of that cascading Wickman catch…he slammed into the ground hard, without even losing his chaw…

By JasonInMaine

August 2, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

I guess we know why Bobby is reluctant to use Willie at 3rd…

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Sprained right ankel for edgar……

By Lee in South GA

August 2, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

I have had about as many beers as runs in this game. Please let the Braves win.

By chrisklob

August 2, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

N8, hey buddy. Haven’t seen you much lately.

I was thinking something similar to your comment about DL’ing Soriano. My hope was that when some of the new bullpen guys got here that they might actually give some of the guys a break by putting them on the DL. Some of those guys are just freakin’ worn out.

N8, I asked this question of DOB last night and didn’t get a response. Perhaps you know the answer. Clearly the Braves decision to DFA someone on the roster to make room for Tex had to be difficult. An argument could be made for keeping or releasing any of Thor, Woodward and Franco. Is there anything, aside from ethics, that would have prevented the Braves from DL’ing Franco? They could have guaranteed not losing him to a waiver claim, kept him sharp in practice, and enjoyed his veteran leadership in the clubhouse as well as not embarassing him by giving him his second release in two weeks or so. Then, in September when rosters expand, bring him back in for the stretch. That’ll give him another opportunity to prove his worth when BC is making out his post-season roster.

I know that a “Fake DL” exists in the minor leagues because I’ve talked to players about it. Just curious what your take is on that scenario.

By Chase

August 2, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

I give WICKMAN a 8.5 on that tumble

But the Texas judge take off a point on the DISMOUNT!!!!!!!

By jbutler

August 2, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

Truly. I need a dramamine to watch anymore of this. Its all about blows. They blow the lead. Pan to the dugout. Someone blows a loogie. Camera dashes away to someone else blowing something out of their nose. Back to the game. ER blows out his ankle. Another blown lead. Blogger pops dramamine. May pop another one. AGH!!

By Stuart

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

I think Lillibridge has also played some OF too, so with a shorten bench. Double m.

By The Truth Hurts

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

Watching Wickman Wobble and Wipe Out is Weally Weally Wild.

By Anders

August 2, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Fairw - I feel bad for the grounds crew. They have to fill that crater he created behind the mound.

By Bob

August 2, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Good job by Wicky. Now lets get this thing over with.

By A-ville Ranger

August 2, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

N8 Come on guy ! use Dotel two innings with a four run lead….nonsense.The problem is Soriano is getting hammered like a railroad spike.If you think Soriano should be moved down in the pecking order fine.To say it made any sense (without a crystal ball)to leave Dotel in…please.

By N8

August 2, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

FairWeatherBraveFanHater

“Why would you use KJ at SS when he’s never played it and just learn 2nd.”

First day as a Braves fan? If it’s not, you would know that KJ was drafted as a SS and had NEVER played the outfield before 2005. Then he missed all of 2006 with Tommy John surgery and then was asked to learn 2B this past offseason.

Chipper hadn’t played SS since 2000.

KJ was the better, more recent option at SS, IMO.

By Todd A

August 2, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Sending Andruw was the proper play N8.It allowed McCann(eventhough he didn’t get on base) to lead off the 9th.Everything else you nailed though.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

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

what is so humorous? wicky fielded wicky’s position, didn’t wicky? the out was recorded, right? show wicky some respect. after all, wicky’s dignity was lost when wicky took that hilarious tumble. oh, the indignity! oh, that was so very, very ugly. baby seal was laughing at that one. in fact, looked a little bit like a clubbed seal laying out there behind the mound …

and now, please win the game with the bats.

By BravesFanInRockies

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

Sending Druw wasn’t a bad idea — Ausmus was 6/38 in throwing out runners before that — but Holy Cornelia, not on the first pitch!! Let Mac take one or take one cut!!

Prado probably comes up. You don’t burn an option on Lillibridge (who should be up in September) and Prado’s an adequate backup.

But yeah, Dotel should be the 8th inning guy.

So question — does Wickman get a Web Gem?

By chrisklob

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

Eric, Soriana is the “set-up to fail” guy out of the bullpen lately.

By Bob

August 2, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

TBS enough of Barry. Show the replay if you must. I think most of us would rather watch the Braves game. ESPN is covering him so we have options.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 2, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

I bet there’s a really nasty shaped divot in the infield now…bada bing bada BOOOOOM!…

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Even if we win this game, this situation for 5th spot is serious, it is hurting the bullpen too much, bobby needs to do something, it doesnt needs to be spectacular, just something reasonable.

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

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

you know, a good manager might be able to get by with 12 pitchers. But, Chucky might get lucky, right?

By ijonathan

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

FairWeatherBraveFanHater - hey, do some research. Kelly Johnson played shortstop in the Braves system since he was drafted in 2000 until 2004, when they moved him to the outfield. So he played it MORE RECENTLY than Chipper. And from 2002 through 2006 Willie Harris played 175 games at 2B and a whopping 1 game at 3B this year. Other than that, you were bang on with your comments.

By Ron

August 2, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

FairWeatherBraveFanHater Give him some Loritab!!!

By Todd A

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

Is there a worse “game” manager than Bobby Cox in MLB?

By Braves Fan 79

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

Hmm…a extra innings game…so glad we have such great pitchitters like chuck james, woodcrap and thorman. I guess we couldnt use a bat like julio tonight huh people? I cant believe more pple voted that sending julio down was the right move….straight up retarted. I wonder what woodcraps pitchit average is after tonight? .130 or so im guessing.

By Chase

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

Did I say bottom 9th?……

BETTER Make it the 10th

By jbutler70

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

Hey FairWeather…you may feel bad for BW. I feel bad for the ground. Ouch. That’s a lot of hurt!

By Overlord

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

ankle, sorry.

By Todd A

August 2, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

I would be curious to see a stat on how many 3-4 run leads this team has blown in the 8th and 9th innings this year.

By BravesFanInRockies

August 2, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

Think it’s time to give the ball to Cormier in the #5 slot. I don’t expect excellence, but an ERA below 9 should not be too much to ask for.

By N8

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

chrisklob

I’ve been swamped at work. Pretty busy time for me. Been reading the blog, but not posting.

As far as the “fake DL”? I’m not sure how ethical it is, or if players would even “accept” that option.

In the case of Julio, did you watch him play recently? NOBODY is gonna bother claiming him on waivers. They didn’t after he got released by the Mets, and surely he did NOTHING to enhance his value in the week or so he was starting for us. I could be wrong, but I don’t think anybody claims him. He then will be brought back up in September when rosters expand. My guess after that, is that he ends up being some sort of coach for us after that. Bobby’s bench coach, maybe?

NICE! Our commander in chief, left us with NOBODY but the backup catcher to PH in the 9th inning of a game that we scored 9 runs in. Thank god Chuck James was available to PH.

So now between Buddy only going 5 yesterday, Jo Jo getting hammered today and Soriano not being able to hold a 4 run lead, and Bobby not managing his bench very well, our bullpen AGAIN must be used up in an extra inning game. Win or lose, these last three games will effect the next five games.

That sucks.

By Lee in South GA

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

It is time to brig Cormier up for the 5th spot in the rotation. Jo Jo is a No No.

By Stuart

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

Buddy must have gotten a wolly pop when he got his elbow checked out.

By Ron

August 2, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

jbutler Dude take about 6 to 8 Dramamine and see what happens!!! It is some awesome SH!T!!! If you dont know what it will do then ask, because it is cool!!!

By Anders

August 2, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

The TBS dude just said that because Soriano is giving up lots of homers they should move him to the 7th from the 8th. Whaaaaaa? Did I miss something? Are HR’s worth less in the 7th? If so, my scorebook is all F’d up.

By Braves Fan 79

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

I like our new lefty…hopefully hes ours for next year as well. I said last week it sounded like Cormier was doing better and we should bring him back up to atlanta to replace tonights starter. (he pitched 9 innings of shutout ball his last outing in AAA) Why cant the Braves seem to just accept when a guys hot (like cormier…bring him up!) And when a guy dosent have it…..soriano, jojo….let them rest and dont put them in pressure situations were their confidence can only be shattered more. Damnit Bobby! Love ya thou man…

By Overlord

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

Problem is not only the lost, but it also affects the bullpen for the outcome of other games and possibly postseason.

By Todd A

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

Who is our next option out of the pen if this thing drags on?Do we have anyone left?

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

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

RELEASE WICKMAN, AND MAKE SORIANO OUR CLOSER!!! YEP! A blast from the recent past! ;)

Wickman has given up 1 run in 38 innings at the Ted, should we trade him away?????

By Arkansas Hillbilly

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

My TBS feed went black just moments after Wickman’s “diving” catch. Coincidence???? Not a chance….Y’all think I’m kidding, but I’m serious as a heart-attack. It’s back on now, though.

By ted

August 2, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

Bottom of the 10th, it ends now, top of the order, Go Braves

By Todd A

August 2, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

Please don’t run Willie.

By Pimply Faced Kid

August 2, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

This would be a tough loss if the Braves don’t pull it out…. but it has been a perfect storm of bad situationss for the Braves in this one. Edgar doesn’t twist his ankle, could start a double play but at least gets one. Then if Chipper stays at 3rd, when Edgar goes out, he starts a double play on the ball that went through Willie’s legs. At any rate, the bases aren’t loaded for Lamb’s blast. Soriano had some shots hit off him, but he could have got out of it with no runs scoring.

If they lose, just have to shake your head and go get ‘em tomorrow and hope Edgars ok.

By Chip Caray hater

August 2, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

oh god. Another “HOF” call by Chippy. Last one I heard him make was for Julio Franco. I think Biggio has better chance. So nice to be treated to a seasoned opinion, though.

By The Grinch

August 2, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Nice tribute to Biggio; he deserves it.

By N8

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

WHY WHY WHY WHY have Diaz bunt?

Has the guy bunted at all since he’s come to Atlanta?

Bobby, Bobby, Bobby…pull your head out of your arse.

By Todd A

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

Those good ole Bobby Cox lack of fundamentals kill another rally.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

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

That’s instance #2 of the game where Edgar’s injury burned us.

By Chase

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

Better make it the 11th!

UGGGGH…ya gotta get the bunt down!

By Ron

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

Diaz please spend ONE full day of just bunting!!! Please!!! You have the hitting down, now learn how to bunt!!! Take ONE day off of hitting, and JUST bunt that day!!! That would REALLY help!!! Do you guys realize that the Bulpen has been PERFECT except for Soriano!!! If we lose this game, this WILL be ONE of the worst this year!!!

By Astros Fan

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

The tribute to Craig Biggio was a class act touch by the Braves. Nice Job!

By Braves Fan 79

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

That was terrible, dont we practice bunting? And i still think we should of put woodcrap on waivers rather than julio. I mean whos gonna pickup a .135 hitter whos a decent utility infielder? A bunch of NL teams thou could probably use a .300 hitting pitchitter. I hope im wrong…but wouldnt be suprised to see the padres or another weak hitting team claim him.

By Anders

August 2, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

Fairw - See what I mean about bullpens? You’re now burning well into tomorrows game. At best you have three arms available. And so on.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

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

The Hillbilly is online at the homefront now. There goes the neighborhood. Now I can blog while I’m drinking 8-O

By Chase

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

No matter what happens tonight or this year…YOU’VE GOT TO RESPECT FIGHT IN THIS TEAM!!!!!!!

By Bob

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

Nice plays by Willie and Chipper in the top of the inning.

By Chase

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

No matter what happens tonight or this year…YOU’VE GOT TO RESPECT THE FIGHT IN THIS TEAM!!!!!!!

By N8

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

A-ville Ranger

So every time Jo-Jo or Buddy pitch, you think Bobby should go with different relievers to get through 5 innings?

Have you noticed that Garner has stuck with the same reliever because has been effective? Maybe he should’ve burned up 2 more PH’s and 2 other relievers as well. If you and others expect Bobby to use a pitcher per inning, then JS needs to get us about 4 more relievers and then cross your fingers that the 5 guys you choose that night are ALL on. Since tonight 6 relievers have given us 8 innings. Unfortunately ONLY 7 of those innings were good enough.

The more guys you use on a nightly basis, the greater the odds that ONE OF THEM won’t hold up their end of the bargain. But unfortunately that is all it takes to lose a game, or drag it out longer than it should.

So forgive me for expecting more than 1 IP out of a relief pitcher.

(NICE PLAYS by Willie and Chipper, btw)

By ijonathan

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

Willie Harris handles a routine grounder at 3B: Chip Caray, “Have a night, Willie.”

Chipper handles a routing grounder at SS: Chip Caray, “WOW”

Yes, Chip, Wow indeed. Like, “Wow”, you suck.

By Greg in TN

August 2, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

Soriano has regressed after three good outings. Not too sure right now that Reyes is the answer. Absolutely love seeing Wick go after that ball.

Great glove work by Harris, Mahay and Chipper in the field in the 11th.

Here comes Tex.

By Ron

August 2, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

N8 he has ONE sacrifice this season!!! But yeah he SHOULD sacrifice!!! Diaz just needs to spend MORE time practicing how to bunt!!! That is Actually a Good call by Bobby!!!

By Braves20

August 2, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

Now that JS has gotten us a team capable of making the post season, Cox is sending us painful reminders of his post seasons past strategies.

Running out of position players - sending up a guy to bunt who obviously can’t when you have the fastest guy on the team on first. Can Charlie Liebrandt be far behind?

By Bob

August 2, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Astros Fan,

If anyone deserves it, Biggio does. Guy is a total gamer and epitomises class.

By Braves Fan 79

August 2, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

We had a .230 hitter at the plate with a man on 1st and we didnt bunt?? why?? I still like our chances this inning tho.

By Overlord

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

Brian looks tired to me.

By BravesFanInRockies

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

OK, Soriano should be taken out and shot for allowing this game to continue.

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

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

good grief, who could even play the outfield if Frenchy can’t play???? Can corky play right??

By Arkansas Hillbilly

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

unbelievable!!!! can we quit now before our entire roster is dl’ed?

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

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

Man that ball hit and went straight down. Dead on hit. I hope he’s OK.

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Hey bobby….. better give this game to the astros before we get more casualties.

By Ron

August 2, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Thanks alot Soriano!!! You just f*** up the bullpen for the NEXT few games AND Frenchy just got hit with a pitch and it did not sound good!!! Maybe it will JUST be a bruise!!!

By chrisklob

August 2, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

N8, sorry to hear about work. My busy time of the year is all twelve months of it. It always sucks.

I’m not sure how ethical it is, or if players would even “accept” that option.

I’ve been trying to put myself in Franco’s shoes to understand how he must feel. I know that his goal is to play to age 50. I can only imagine that his goal, like all/most players, is to win a ring. I’m reasonably sure he likes Atlanta. He sure seems to have lots of supporters.

Imagine the conversation between JS, BC and Franco: Julio, we’ve got a couple of options for you: first, we can release you. You’ll go on the waiver wire where someone may or may not pick you up. If you don’t get picked up we’re going to ask you to accept an assignment in Richmond. (BTW, Franco hasn’t played in the minors since 1982, although he played professionally in Mexico, Japan, Korea, Khazakstan, Thailand and Liechtenstein). If you get picked up, it might not be by a team that you really want to play for. Might not have the chance for postseason that we have. Second, we can put you on the DL until September 1. You can stay with the team, work out, use the trainer, medical services, etc. and basically enjoy the luxuries of being with the major league club. When rosters expand you’ll come off and have opportunities to prove to us that you’re worthy of a spot on the post-season roster.

and surely he did NOTHING to enhance his value in the week or so he was starting for us.

I have to disagree with that statement. Franco hit .250 during his time in ATL but the last week or so he got hot and hit .385 and played pretty good D, especially for a guy with an AARP card in his wallet. An argument could definitely be made that because he was playing regularly and getting lots of AB’s that he was finally getting the chance to knock the rust off. He certainly wasn’t getting regular AB’s in New York.

I do agree that he probably doesn’t get picked up. But he might. And as I said, I know it was a tough decision to release him. That tells me that JS and BC still find some worth in his abilities.

By Bob

August 2, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

My Gosh….how many guys are going to get hurt before this one is over? Edgar, Andruw, Chipper and now Frenchy?

By Chase

August 2, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

BS CALL BY THE THIRD BASE UMP!!!!!!!

The guys look tired now!

By David

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

If Bobby hasn’t been thrown out yet, I will be surprised. Man, there have been some crappy calls this game. I pray that Frenchy hasn’t broken his hand.

By BravesFanInRockies

August 2, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

And no, Diaz should not have been bunting because he’s a guy who can drive in a guy from first. And he can’t bunt.

Let’s send up Wickman as a pinch hitter when we need a home run next time.

Brilliant!

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

Why are we still playing this game? come on, they should all be sleeping by now and 3.5 games behing muts…. Hello……

By Contra

August 2, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

this remind anyone of the extra inning playoff loss to houston a couple years ago?

we have CONTINUALLY had opportunities to put this game away with a run and our hitters continue to choke with the game on the line.

how this happened with so many different braves rosters over the years is beyond me.

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

August 2, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

**By ijonathan August 2, 2007 11:17 PM Willie Harris handles a routine grounder at 3B: Chip Caray, “Have a night, Willie.” Chipper handles a routing grounder at SS: Chip Caray, “WOW” Yes, Chip, Wow indeed. Like, “Wow”, you suck.

Hey, I was impressed, both Willie and Chipper made decent plays(Willie in particular) and both thru the ball fine….and they are both playing positions they do NOT play!

By Ron

August 2, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

Mahay is in there AGAIN!!! Damn BC you are pushing your luck!!! Where is the 12 run game when we NEED it?

By Braves Fan 79

August 2, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

Im glad Bobbys playing the hot hand and letting the lefty go 3. Damn i hope Francour isnt hurt.

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

August 2, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Ummm, this is our new 36 year old pitcher that pitched an inning yesterday, now going for a 3rd inning….we really don’t need him to get hurt!!! How many innings did Oscar pitch yesterday???

By Lee in South GA

August 2, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Cardinals fans have always been labeled as good baseball fans …..I think it is about time Braves fans get their due respect also.

By Chase

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

That’ll probably do it and I hate to say it but the reason LEE was at THIRD was b/c FRENCHY LOAFED TO THE BALL!!!

By A-ville Ranger

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

N8 You have to consider Dotel had pitched 24 innings all season.So he gets in town yesterday and you want to pitch him 3 innings in the first 2 games here with 1 night’s sleep ?That’s not the whole story either the guy hasn’t pitched much in years.Have we learned nothing about burning relievers out ?

By Overlord

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

I feel sick

By Contra

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

losing this game will/is making me feel sick to my stomach

not to mention, i believe this is the 5th or 6th time i have said that this year

what a joke team

By Stuart

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

Well, who else’s enthusasium has been killed by this showing tonight?

By N8

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

Game over.

Bobby Cox sucks.

By Anders

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

Chase - Turn up the volume on your set. You can clearly hear the double tip -

By Ron

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

I told you that BC pushed his DAMN luck putting in Mahay for this inning!!!!!!!!!!!! Damn!!! BC has had 2 BONEHEAD moves tonight!!! I blame BC for this game!!! BC get it together MAN!!! We probably JUST lost this game too!!! Well 4 and a half games back!!! Great Job KJ!!! Made ANOTHER error!!! Good game tonight!!! LOL!!! BC I hope you are happy, because you just LOST us this game!!!

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

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

man, everyone looks tired, McCann with past ball. Kelly with an error. Bobby, whatever you do, don’t give McCann a day off and use Corky, ok????

By geauxbraves2000

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

BOOOOOOOOOOO!!

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

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

I know. I actually put it in wrong and knew it right when I sent it. Kelly hasn’t played it up here is what I meant.

By Ron Roberts

August 2, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

The real shame of this game is, Rafael Sorryano should be hung w/the loss in this one.

I’m just about tired of seein’ that sweaty scowl of his after he’s hung another one out for the opposing team to dry off.

Thank God we went out and got Dotel; now its up to Bobby to stop using this sorry b@stard for a week or so til he gets his head right. A sure-fire sweep becomes a painful loss.

The more things (or players) change, the more the results stay frustrating.

By Overlord

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

Well, we are back to the zuck zone… i need to start counting games like this and then send a letter to JS at years end.

By Chase

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

EVERYONE SEEMS SOOOOOOO TIRED!!!!!!

The fatiigue monster may claim this one!

By N8

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

Yup. Pitching Mayhay 3 innings and NOT asking for 2 from a couple of your other relievers, is the right call.

Nice job Bobby.

By OLD LEFTY

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

Ditto Bob’s Biggio comments.

Gamer. Period. Credit to the game.

Mr. Biggio … thank you for every filthy uni, every look up from the dust. I only hope there is something of you and your dedication and focus in each and every one of my offspring.

Have a wonderful, rewarding retirement, sir.

By Overlord

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

Im changing my opinion now, JOJO needs to go back to minors today. Right now. He is killing the team all by himself.

By A-ville Ranger

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

This team is just not clutch.There’s no rhyme or reason, they just aren’t.They can score in bunches but when they need one big hit late to win it, they just don’t have the IT.

By Lee in South GA

August 2, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Are the Astros and Braves trying to match their playoff game a few years ago ……this is the game from He!l

By Stuart

August 2, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Ladies and gentlemen, this has to be the worst loss of the year. This is absolutely the most disheartening, emberassing, incompentent loss of the season, Period.

By Anders

August 2, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

How about Chip Caray saying that the one play Johnson has trouble with is the ball to his right. Isn’t that 50% of the freaking job????

By Ron

August 2, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

The Mets are a HOT team, and we need to worry more about the Wildcard than the East!!! I am not saying we CANT win the East, but it will be MUCH easier to win the Wildcard!!! We need to ROOT for the Phillies, Cubs or Brewers, Rockies, Dodgers, Padres to lose!!! Lets root for those teams to lose, because we need that Wilcard!!! I dont GIVE a sh!t about winning the East, I just want to GET to the Playoffs and WIN the Damn World Series!!! Dont Care HOW we get there As long as WE GET THERE!!!

By ijonathan

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

BC pulled all the wrong levers tonight. Funny, the playoffs don’t usually start until October. Maybe I fell into a coma for a couple of months.

By Chase

August 2, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

EVEN IF WE LOSE…Remember guys that is still 3 outta 4….

Its not like they were gonna run the table!

By Overlord

August 2, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

As it looks to me we are gonna loose every 5th day.

By N8

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

“Have we learned nothing about burning relievers out ?”

Judging by how Soriano has been used, I guess Bobby hasn’t.

OK, I’ll back off of the “using Dotel for two innings” stance.

How about Yates or Wickman? Hell, use Soriano for a second inning, what’s he gonna do BLOW THE GAME? I would’ve rather lost this game 4 innings ago than burn up EVERY arm in the pen. Not to mention, Chipper’s “stinger”, Willie running into the wall (twice), and Francoeur getting hit on the hand.

Only one way to put it. Bobby didn’t manage the bullpen and bench well tonight at all. If you disagree with that, I’m not sure what to say to you.

Hey, whaddya know? Porky Miller gets an infield hit. He must be trying to set up the double play. :-)

By supa

August 2, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

C’mon, just give Tex a chance…

By Braves Fan 79

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

AHHHHHHHH DIAZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Greg in TN

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

Amazing… Diaz is officially off the hook.

By Ron

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

Damn!!!!!!!!!!DIAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you the man!!!!!!!!!!!

By N8

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

Yup. Diaz should’ve been bunting before.

Oh well, NOW the bullpen get’s to pitch about 15 innings tonight.

BTW: Nice job Matt.

By Chase

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

YOU FAIRWHETHER FANS MAKE ME SICK!!!!

We make the trade, win 3 in a row, battle back tonight, and now if we lose

YOU GUYS ARE READY TO PACK IT IN, “go for the Wild Card”, or say this team sucks!

What poor excuses for fans you guys are!

THEY CAN”T WIN EVERY GAME!

oh and to you same fans..DIAZ JUST TIED IT UP!

By Herschel Talker

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

Holy $hit!!!! Diaz rules! Let’s end it here!

By chrisklob

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

Overlord, if this team can win 80% of their remaining games I’ll be very, very happy.

By Steve from OH

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

Whew…

Let us not forget that Corky’s wheels sparked that rally.

Let’s freakin’ win this one so I can go to bed.

By A-ville Ranger

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

Well it ain’t over since he drove’er.Diaz marry my sister !!…the pretty one.

By Overlord

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

Is there a better medicine for depresion than a HR in extra innings?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By brewdawg

August 2, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

Atta baby Matt!!! N8… jeez man chill out. :)

By Stuart

August 2, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

I quit, I cannot believe this team. When I write them off, they play like champions. When I think they have it turned around, they suck for a week. They are going to drive me nuts.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

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

what a game! either way it goes - what a game! and which manager has done the best job with personnel? evrybody used up for the braves? oh, the humanity! pull one out the next time you dig, bobby. diaz is a player. awesome job. and where are all the alberta peaches?

By chrisklob

August 3, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

YOU FAIRWHETHER FANS MAKE ME SICK!!!!

Can I get an “Amen” please?

By supa

August 3, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Man, that KJ error hurts even more now. An eventful game to say the least.

By Stuart

August 3, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

I am a terrible fan. I admit it, but c’mon, it aint like this team are comeback kids or anything. Their M.O. has been to battle to a tie or just short and lose it late.

I have never seen anything like it. I can see where Chase is pi$$ed and I dont blame him, but I also dont blame us for being upset and depressed and negative after LOTS of outings like this one.

Heck, I am still awake and the game is still on, might as well win it bravos.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

We may see FRENCHY pitching and SMOLTZ in RF before this thing is over!

By A-ville Ranger

August 3, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

N8 I can’t argue with Yates, I’d sooner trust Mahay over Wickman though.Soriano may be in meltdown.It doesn’t seem like just a physical thing.I commented in spring that his posturing ways combined with a history of blowing saves worried me.

By Ron

August 3, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

Chase F*** the East!!! I dont care IF we win the East OR the Wildcard!!! As long as we make it to the World Series and Win it all!!! Maybe YOU should not JUST want to win the East!!! Who Gives a damn if we win the East or not AS LONG AS WE MAKE IT TO THE PLAYOFFS!!! Thats all that matters!!! It would probably just fine with YOU if we win the East and lose in the First Round!!! I dont CARE how we make the playoffs as long as we make it!!!

By Anders

August 3, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

Chase A little weak reprimanding folks after the game is tied up. The whining has been going on for 1/2 an hour and suddenly your waving the team colors.

The Mets have been tucked in their beds in Chi town for 3 hours by now. As for your bullpen -burn baby burn.

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

This team has just flat out forgotten how to win.They can’t seem to get over the hump.

By Ron

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

Villy, Dude WHY did you just walk the Leadoff guy!!! Bullcrap like that will cost us this game!!!

By N8

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

brewdawg

“Atta baby Matt!!! N8… jeez man chill out. :)”

I couldn’t get more “chilled out”. Calm, cool and collected. Just calling it like I see it, dude.

By Braves Fan 79

August 3, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

If we can get wiggington out here…i think we win the game. Heck yea…man we got out of a jam there.

By bill

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

I hate to be critical of these trades. I like them but JS knew that we needed pitching. It doesn’t make any difference of how much hitting you have. The Braves only have one good starter and that’s Hudson. You can never tell about Smoltz. Jo Jo is an excellent prospect but he is not ready and I’m not sold on Cormier. Hopefully they can get some one on a wavier clain.

By Ron

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

PLEASE anyone, just get a damn run in this inning!!! Lets end this guys!!! ONE run from ANY of the Braves would be fine with me!!!

By Overlord

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

Hey… lock up willie harris tonight for 3 years man……. i bet that guy can throw a change up also.

By Chase

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

“Look at Willy a pickin’ and a grinnin’ over there”

I am not a CHIP CARAY fan but that WAS A GREAT LINE!

Sounds like something my grandpa would say!

Made me laugh at 12:05 am

By Greg in TN

August 3, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

Can’t keep giving these guys shots. Let’s end it here.

By chrisklob

August 3, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

Anders, I believe that you are fairly new here so you may not realize that this is NOT the first time that Chase has chastised bloggers on this site for getting down on the team in a game like this.

It’s a little fatiguing to continually read about how bad this team sucks when they’re down by a couple of runs. This team has scored a zillion runs the last four games yet when they fall behind, people start complaining. Never mind the fact that the guys are obviously fatigued and there have been numerous injuries sustained tonight.

Face it people, if we won every night it really wouldn’t be that interesting. Try to contain yourselves people before your family and friends have you committed for your manic behavior.

By Lee in South GA

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

Chase

It is called emotion and getting into your team and wanting them to win …..that is all. Don’t you get a little ticked off when everything don’t go perfect.

By Todd A

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

“I am a terrible fan. I admit it, but c’mon, it aint like this team are comeback kids or anything. Their M.O. has been to battle to a tie or just short and lose it late.”

Stuart you hit the nail on the head with that comment.This team can’t get over the hump.Get to 6 or 7 over .500 and lose 3 or 4 in a row.

By brewdawg

August 3, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

N8, I certainly respect your passion for the Braves, just giving you some good-natured ribbing on your fiery posts. Remember though, not every move is going to work out like we want every game.

By Stuart

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

FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING GOOD AND CUTE AND CUDDLY AND HOLY WILLY END THIS THING PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!11

By Overlord

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

I will have to admit, the only manager in the world that could win this game for the braves is bobby……..

By Greg in TN

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

Frenchy got rooked there by Larry Vanover, but that base hit by Oscar was nice. Need a two-out hit from Willie.

Funny Anders, I was thinking the same thing when I heard Jorge Sosa is now in your bullpen.

By Lee in South GA

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

Anders - you just find this blog in recent days or what. You do have class as a blogger. I have seen a few people suck up to you in the past couple of days……….read my words THE METS SUCK

By A-ville Ranger

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

This team can’t get the clutch hit to win,to tie yes,to win..no.

By Ron

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

Can we not win this f*** game? Willie dont strike out like that!!! DAMN!!!!!!!!! Can we not win this game?

By Todd A

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

You can not just sit there with the bat on your shoulders in that situation…..sheesh.

By Greg in TN

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

We may have to spring Rick Camp from prison so he can hit a homer in the 18th.

By Todd A

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

@#$% Oscar gets a hit, and Willie takes strike 3 down the middle?

By Chase

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

ANDERS

You jerk…I was typing that before he hit the HR!

Plus read my posts before that one!

Also I said pretty much the same thing during the Arizona series and DOB posted in agreement with me!!!!1

Who cares about you MUTS YOU TROLL…GO GET ON YOUR OWN BLOG!

By uga-brave

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

throw stkikes

By Overlord

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

lee in south GA, could you please repeat that last sentence, it was sweet.

By N8

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

A-ville Ranger

I’m with you on which relievers to “trust”.

Maybe we should go with a 4 man rotation (or even 3, LOL!), go with a 3 man bench (Escobar, Miller and Diaz), and a 10 man bullpen. Treat the 4th and 5th spots of the roation like Spring Training games. By that, I mean, SCHEDULE who’s gonna pitch what innings: 1 guy goes 3 IP, the next goes 3 IP, then use 3 guys for the 7-9 Innings. Then turn around and do it again the next night.

At least then, Bobby could “map out” who’s gonna get used when. As opposed to trusting Buddy or Jo-Jo to give us good innings, and then being surprised when they don’t. Hell, keep those two around for long relief.

Obviously, I’m kidding. But earlier in the year, I had a long post comparing what Oscar had done against what Redman, Cormier, Lerew, Davies, etc.. had done in the 5th spot of the rotation. At the time, Oscar had been forced into action (long relief) many times due to those guys having short, poor outings. His innings ALMOST added up to them all COMBINED and his ERA was ridiculously lower than their combined ERA.

My question then was WHY NOT OSCAR IN THE 5th SPOT? I think that’s STILL a valid question. If he’s gonna end up pitching 6-9 innings of 3.71 ERA baseball in a MOP UP roll (or extra innings), why not let him get those 6 Innings in ONE OUTING as a starter? Which would save the rest of the bullpen?

Now, of course, I realize that he might not be as effective in the 4-6 innings as he is in the 1-3 innings. But the way I see it, is with this offense, if he simply kept us IN games until the 5th inning, that would be a bonus. But these 3 inning outings by our cumulative 5th starters are killing us.

Sometimes I wonder if we’d be better off with a guy like Redman in the 5th spot, and just let him take one for the team every time out, so the bullpen would be fresh for the other games. Sounds silly, but you surely don’t want to leave a young Jo-Jo Reyes out their to get hammered, but a 3 inning outing helps NOBODY.

By Stuart

August 3, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Garner has managed rings around Bobby tonight.

By The Grinch

August 3, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Ladies and gentlemen, you have witnessed the difference having a strategically adept manager makes. Sometimes it doesn’t matter; nights like tonight…

By Braves Fan 79

August 3, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Damn u announcer….u jinxed us saying “he had a base hit last year to the right side” …..CRAP!! 2 loose this game will hurt but its definitly not the end. I think as long as were at least 15 games over .500 we take the wildcard.

By Ron

August 3, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

How did I know that Jennings was gonna get a hit in that situation!!! I knew it!!! I hope in the NEXT blowout game we are in, Soriano pitches 5 or 6 innings in that game!!! He may have lost this game for us!!! But we do have Diaz, Chipper, and Tex coming up, so maybe we will see!!! We had our chances though!!!

By Anders

August 3, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

Chrisklob I am new to this site the last two days. I’ve gone back and forth with Chase - He’s been alright to me. As others on this site know I’m a Met fan up in NY who would prefer to hang with the enemy for the diversity. Stro’s just went up again. Ouch. Bravos are being tortured tonight. I’m wipped - Peace out. I’ll be back. This race is far from over.

By Chase

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

Thanks Chrisklob

By Gil in Mechanicsville

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

How can you not love this game. Drama to the end. 21 hits for the Braves but it t’was the 3 error that will prove costly I fear.

By Overlord

August 3, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

are we gonna loose every extra inning game this year?

By Steve

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

Bobby Cox has a history of managing himself out of players. But I thought without a lot of bad luck, that Soriano would have gotten out of that inning without giving up any runs.

I had no problem with Diaz bunting on the first pitch. But I thought it would have been better to be aggressive and call for a hit and run on the next pitch, or to just let Diaz hit away, or to just have Harris attempt a steal in light of the Houston catcher’s poor throw-out percentage. Cox ran Harris a few series ago, with Chipper up, when the catcher had an incredible throw-out percentage. Why run him then, and not now?

And in light of his elbow obviously bothering him, I thought it would have made more tactical sense to have Andruw Jones bunt when he came up after the leadoff man got on.

So as I think history shows is often the case with Cox, he runs when he shouldn’t, and doesn’t run when he should, and bunts when he shouldn’t, and doesn’t bunt when he should.

While Cox may fool some with his contrarian strategy, he doesn’t fool the law of averages. And when you consistently deploy less than the best strategy and tactics, while sometimes you will get away with it, the law of averages means more often you will get bitten by such strategy and tactics.

By The Grinch

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

However, this is a great team with a lot of fight in it, and it won’t come down to managerial strategy every night. DL Soriano to give the poor boy some rest, bring back up Ascaino or Paranto for a few days, hope for a nice long outing by both Smoltz and Huddy and things should be ok.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

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

too late for any old maid tonight. game will resume later. stayed up late for a disappointment :-(

unless … can they do it again? diaz just reached. chipper can be the hero …

that wicky catch is still playing in this journalist’s head. that was some play. wicky got up though. some would remain on the ground after such a fall.

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

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

Time for Bobby to say F’ing perfect again like he did a few innings ago….

By Todd A

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

Losing games they should win has become this team’s mo this season.Very good offense,but batting Andruw 5th minimizes our abilities.He killed us time and time again in the late innings.Shoddy defense again.Lack of clutch hitting with winning runs in scoring position.Poor relief in late innings…again.This is not a playoff team, folks.

Way to go Chipper…Jeez.

By N8

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

What the FCK is Bobby doing letting Matt swing away….AGAIN*? Why not bunt with him, he’s a great bunter and he can’t hit a lick.

sheeesh!

Nice double play ball. Hey! We’re down by a run, why wasn’t CHIPPER bunting there? Isn’t it the “right call” with the tying run on base?

Oh, I get it. When it’s Chipper, it’s NOT OK. But when it’s ANOTHER guy hitting .340, he should be asked to bunt.

Sorry. :-)

By Stuart

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

Funny, our big star go DP and K, on a night where the division and the wild card where lost. What a terrible loss. Good night everyone.

By supa

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

Looks like the momentum from the “Tex Express” has been derailed.

By Greg in TN

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

Not our night tonight folks. Sloppy defense and the bullpen killed us. Need strong nights from Smoltz and Hudson tomor… Well, later today and then on Saturday.

By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////

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

well crap…..too tired to really get po’ed, we did play a hell of a game tonight, a shame to lose. Won’t we have to bring up a reliever for tomorrow? Paranto? Who can we send down for a few days???

By A-ville Ranger

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

I can’t remember winning a game like this one all season.I remember at least two others we lost like this resently, but not a win.This team is not clutch and it’ll likely cost us the division,and maybe the playoffs.

By Ron

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

How many MORE runs did we score than they did in this series? And we ONLY took 2 of 3 from them!!! WOW!!! This has to be Top 3 WORST losses this year!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!! Lets TRY to beat the Damn Rockies!!! I think they are right there at the Top of the Wildcard!!! Important weekend for us!!! Lets take over 1st place in the Wildcard!!!

By N8

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

11 runs on 22 hits for us. 12 runs on 11 hits for the Astros.

What’s wrong with that picture?

Nice job Soriano. You cost us the game and taxed the bullpen 5 more innings. Well done.

For the record….1-1 with Teixeira in the lineup. Not his fault, but facts is facts.

So a mediocre team has managed to “stay the course” in the TEX ERA by playing .500 ball. That is AAAAWWWWSOME!

Meanwhile the Mets just keep on winning with their allegedly “just as mediocre as ours” team.

No starting pitching = No playoffs.

But hey. Speaking of the Rockies, maybe the city of Atlanta should rename the street that runs by Turner Field to Blake Street.

Because that is EXACTLY what this team looks like. The 1995 Colarado Rockies, only not as good.

By Braves20

August 3, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this

Typical Cox tight game and/or post season game - outmanaged by the other dugout.

Good night Gracie.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

This is a FLUKE game…everything that could go wrong did go wrong and THEY STILL BATTLED TILL THE END! I STILL TIP MY CAP TO THE EFFORT!

11 runs 22 hits and lost…THAT AIN’T GONNA HAPPEN TOO OFTEN!

I don’t think this will hurt their momentum at all

The Offense is still clicking and if you give Smoltz, Huddy, James, and Buddy 5-7 runs a game you are probably gonna win 4 out of every 5

Chip is getting on my nerves talking about “falling behind the Phillies” you’d think we were 8 games behind or something…Good grief its half a game!

By Ray Kelsey

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

Is anyone at all concerned about Chipper? He hasn’t driven anything in quite some time—and his double play dribblers to second base TIME AND TIME AGAIN are killing us!!!! I wonder how many of these winnable games we have blown in the last 2 weeks alone are going to come back to haunt our memories when we lose the F-ing division by a half game. ANOTHER DISGUSTING EXTRA INNING GAME BY THESE SHOCKINGLY UNINSPIRED BRAVES.

By Ron

August 3, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this

Todd A This IS a playoff team!!! This IS the NL!!! We CAN win the Wildcard!!! Like I said lets WORRY MORE about the Wildcard more than the East!!! The NL IS NOT a tough league so WE do have a chance!!! We are as good IF not better than the Phillis, Brewers, Cubs, Rockies, Padres, Dodgers!!! And all those teams are fighting for the division or the Wildcard!!! We can do it!!! Just gotta win these games though!!!

By Chase

August 3, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this

TODD A

you can’t pin this on Andruw!

He had 3 hits and 2 RBIs tonight!

By HP

August 3, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe we lost this game. Loss should have gone to Soriano not Villarreal. To be honest, Braves just don’t know how to finish a game off. Braves need a new starter. We should have actually learned that from Jo Jo last start, but no they are still doing experiment while trying to win the World Series. You can’t win World Series when you are doing experiments. Braves need a good outing by Smoltz tomorrow and a desperate win. I just hope that Renteria is day to day. He is a key guy to this lineup. Now on Soriano needs to be used in early in the game such as 6th or 7th inning. Let Dotel pitch in the 8th inning until Soriano find his grove. I hope are players are felling well tomorrow so can win the game. Good night all!!!

By Ray Kelsey

August 3, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

Is anyone at all concerned about Chipper? He hasn’t driven anything in quite some time—and his double play dribblers to second base TIME AND TIME AGAIN are killing us!!!! I wonder how many of these winnable games we have blown in the last 2 weeks alone are going to come back to haunt our memories when we lose the F-ing division by a half game.

As always—it’s the little things. Brian just loves to stab at balls with his mitt when the game is on the line, allowing runners to advance.

Kelly can go 13 for 13 for all I care—if he continues to play second base like a bush leaguer, then good-bye. Escobar would have gobbled that ball up just fine.

ANOTHER DISGUSTING EXTRA INNING GAME BY THESE SHOCKINGLY UNINSPIRED BRAVES.

By HP

August 3, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

I can’t believe we lost this game. Loss should have gone to Soriano not Villarreal. To be honest, Braves just don’t know how to finish a game off. Braves need a new starter. We should have actually learned that from Jo Jo last start, but no they are still doing experiment while trying to win the World Series. You can’t win World Series when you are doing experiments. Braves need a good outing by Smoltz tomorrow and a desperate win. I just hope that Renteria is day to day. He is a key guy to this lineup. Now on Soriano needs to be used in early in the game such as 6th or 7th inning. Let Dotel pitch in the 8th inning until Soriano find his grove. I hope are players are felling well tomorrow so can win the game. Good night all!!!

By TheSouthernJackAss

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

Unbelievable!…

By Ron

August 3, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

Chase Dude this has been happening ALL YEAR LONG!!! This is not a fluke!!! But we are in the NL so we STILL have a Great Chance to make the playoffs!!! I think we will win the Wildcard!!! I cant believe YOU still think this is a Fluke!!! Unbelievable!!!

By supa

August 3, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

Braves have to have a short memory about this game. Agree that everything did go wrong and we still battled til the end.

Forget about it and move on to tomorrow night.

By Lew

August 3, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

Damn. I learned long ago that you should never tempt fate, who has a nasty sense of humor, by asking what can happen next. Usually you find out all to soon. Tonight was, in particular, one of those nights when you sure didn’t want to ask. I hope everyone is all right and we can just forget about it. Damn.

By David

August 3, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this

I wonder what the team record is for number of hits in a loss.

By N8

August 3, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this

Ron

“We can do it!!! Just gotta win these games though!!!”

You know I agree with you much more than I disagree with you. But the above statement is a doozy. It is games like tonight that is the EXACT reason why this team is not 10 games up on the Mets in the division.

1) Like I said, if in recent past we would show that we are capable of winnging the tight (extra innings) games. We’d already be in first place.

2) The statement is such an oxy-moron, within itself. Obviously by NOT winning these type of games, we’ve shown that we CAN’T do it.

In theory we SHOULD be able to do it. But we haven’t ALL YEAR. So until we consistantly “do it”, I’m not getting my hopes up.

Similar to Kolb and Reitsma in the past, we have one achilies heel that is killing us right now: RAFAEL SORIANO. According to baseball-reference the team is 35-14 in games he’s appeared in. Well, 8 appearances ago, that record was 33-8. Yup that’s right, we’ve lost 6 of the last 8 games he’s appeared in, and 3 of them are DIRECTLY on his shoulders.

He needs a break, as do we from him. As long as Bobby keeps sticking him out there, we can count on him be counterproductive against all the good moves JS made this week.

Like I said. Right now he’s as good for this team as Retisma and Kolb were.

YIKES.

By gotigers72

August 3, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this

Back to 4 1/2out, and at least 4 of those are on Soriano. People were blogging that it wasn’t his fault, and all of it wasn’t his fault. That play that Renteria got hurt on should have been a double play if Renteria would have kept his balance. One of the poorer defensive games I’ve seen Renteria play.

And even though it wasn’t all Soriano’s fault, he continues to give up bombs that either tie the game or put the other team ahead late in games. He should be moved to mop up duty for the time being and Dotel put in to set up. Soriano’s pitching has put an extra 20-25 innings on the bullpen in the last few weeks. Between he and the #5 starters [now 15 games below.500], it’s a wonder several bullpen arms haven’t fallen off yet.

Now Smoltz goes tommorow, and the way his shoulder has been acting lately he won’t go past 6 if he gets that far. Who will be able to come out of the bullpen then?

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this

The AJC has a section called METS UPDATE? I’m touched that an Atlanta paper has a section devoted to a team outside it’s market. I think thats called an inferiority complex or maybe even paranoia. Oh and by the way, your own team still sucks no matter who you traded for.

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this

This team is lacking mental toughness. The losses in extra innings and one run games are starting to pile up now. Defensive lapses at the most inopportune times, and the alarmingly poor performances by Soriano(and Wickman on the road)are taking their toll on the psyche and mindset of this team imo.They can’t ever seemingly get the big hit for the go ahead run.If, by some chance, they do miraculously get that clutch hit(ala Escobar in Fla last month), the bullpen promptly implodes and relinquishes the lead back.

Every error or misplay is magnified, because they almost always seem to come back and haunt them.What’s up with McCann and the passed balls this year?Every time KJ makes an error, it either costs us a big inning or the winning run.Ditto Renteria.

How many times tonight did the Braves get the lead off runner on and not score?He#$,most of the time, we don’t even advance that runner to 2nd base.Another common theme in Braves losses this year.

Frustrating team.We have 3 new toys to play with, but this is basically the same team if Bobby won’t drop Andruw in the order,and he won’t sideline Soriano for awhile, in favor of Dotel.It’s frustrating because this team has some talent and it’s underachieving.We’re giving too many games away that should be in the W column.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this

SORRY RON But this WAS a FLUKE…The inning in which they tied it at 9 there was adouble play that should’ve been made were EDGAR got hurt, and then another when Willy had the ERROR…

2 errors in that inning and an injury on a double play ball…then the pinch hitter gets a GS…THAT IS A FLUKE

and STUART

COME ON MAN

you said “big stars DP and K on a night when the Wild Card and Division were lost”

i’d like to know how one game cost us the Wild Card and Division whe we have 57 games left!!!!

and i guess you missed Chipper’s and TEX’sother at bats…what an idiot!

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this

LEW, What happened tonite? I thought getting tex was going to end games like this. Be carefull, you don’t want to fall to far behind the FIRST PLACE NEW YORK METS.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

Stinky, I love ya man. There’s Lewser, love you too man.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

TODD A Why do you insist that this has anything to do with were Andruw is batting?

He had a HR and TWO RBIs tonight…What they hell do you want?

By OLD LEFTY

August 3, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

A very interesting game among 162.

A night to appreciate for the perfection of The Game.

Most don’t understand that … yet another component of its perfection.

The Braves have assembled a stupendous group of professionals … top (front office) to bottom (farm).

Even in a narrow, hard-wrought defeat … our special fortune in being fans of theirs is to be savored.

Onward guys. Work to do … and I would ask for no other group to follow as you (I believe, inevitably) will do it.

OLD LEFTY’s out …. ‘til tomorrow … and tomorrow.

Yeah.

By Carroll Rogers

August 3, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this

Bobby told us after the game they’ve optioned Jo-Jo Reyes back to Richmond and recalled Lance Cormier. Not a huge surprise there and it might have happened tomorrow anyway, but the Braves need a rested arm badly. Cormier will go in relief tomorrow and into the rotation soon after that.

Also, on Renteria, Bobby said it’ll be at least three or four days on Renteria and he’s hoping not a couple weeks. He said Renteria not only hurt his ankle but his back going back to field that ball that came up on him. So Yunel Escobar will be the man at short for a while. I will find out more tomorrow. They’re supposed to be posting some of this info shortly but things are a little crazy with deadlines flying by.

Goodnight, or shall I say good morning?!!!

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this

“Todd A This IS a playoff team!!! This IS the NL!!! We CAN win the Wildcard!!”

Ron ,yes this is the National League,but this isn’t the first game like this the Braves have lost this season.It’s becoming a broken record with this bunch.We can’t keep giving away sure wins.It’s already August, and the Mets aren’t going to collapse.To win it,or even win the Wildcard, this team has to go on a run.So far this season, they haven’t shown they are capable of doing that.Btw,to get on a run, you have to win tonight.This should have been 4 in a row.

Chase I’m not blaming Andruw for the loss.He had some good at bats his first 4 times up.His at bats at the end of the game were par for the season though.I would have liked to have seen Franceour up there when we had a runner on second with 2 outs in the 12th inning.Andruw went down on 3 pitches.KJ and Renteria killed us more than Andruw tonight.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 1:27 AM | Link to this

No BRAIN ZONE

If I were you I’d be more concerend with having to go to Chicago and then PLAY the BRAVES where you know the best the MUTS can hope for is 1 out of 3!

My prediction the Mets win 1 out of 3 agianst the Cubs while the Braves swin 2 out of 3 against the Rockies then 2 out of 3 against the Muts andleave NY 1.5 games back with 51 to play

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 3, 2007 1:28 AM | Link to this

NO CHOP ZONE—the AJC also has a section called OBITUARY…that’s where you A$sClowns will be able to get your info on the Mets come September…

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 1:29 AM | Link to this

“He had a HR and TWO RBIs tonight…What they hell do you want?”

When the game was on the line, same ole Andruw.Whiff….whiff…whiff.

By the booginator

August 3, 2007 1:33 AM | Link to this

The games are officially more fun to watch on SS/FSN south. Chip is annoying and i think that it’s obvious the tbs sports producers are ready to embrace their new role with MLB. It’s understandable I guess…it’s very funny how much more money time warner is going to be pulling in. Good for them. After reading the article today about Liberty they can do whatever they want, except buy back the braves.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this

Hey guys…WIN TOMMORROW and ITS 4 OUT OF 5

I’ll take that the rest of the way

JUST WIN SERIES

There are 19 series left…Win 2 0ut of 3 and you go 38 and 19 for 95 total wins…THAT’LL GEt IT DONE!!!!

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this

Hey Todd A, don’t forget that Andruw very obviously hurt himself on a swing earlier in the game. It was a surprise he stayed in CF. So, I won’t kill him too much for his at-bats late in the game. This game was a major disaster for the Braves…Edgar is going to miss time at the most crucial juncture of the season (with the Mets & Phils coming up), Chipper may have reinjured his hand, Francoeur got a fastball on the hand, Andruw’s elbow is barking, and thanks to Soriano, our bullpen is shot completely.

Everything felt great after scoring 8 straight runs to take the 9-5 lead, but man, that grand slam off of Soriano was a killer. There have been so many instances like that this season that I thought may have put the nail in the coffin, hopefully they can come back and sweep the Rocks.

By N8

August 3, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this

Chase

“He had a HR and TWO RBIs tonight…What they hell do you want?”

He’s hitting .219. He needs to be in the 8th spot of the order. He is the WORST with RISP.

You see, when you are closer to the top of the order, you get MORE AB’S than the guys at the bottom, especailly in extra-innings games. Now, name me another Braves that you WOULDN’T rather have at the plate with the game on the line.

I’m not talking about his “history” or what his career has been like. I’m talking 2007. THIS YEAR. In the now. Who on the Braves “deserves” to be hitting lower in the order than Andruw?

Answer…..NOBODY. Hell, why not just bat him leadoff? See if we can get him as many AB’s as we can!

That being said, the Braves AS A TEAM, left 36 men on base tonight.

Unacceptable.

This game WAS NOT a fluke, btw. If this team was 20 games over .500 and had a winning record in extra innings, I’d agree with you. But we’re NOT and we DON’T.

Until this team wins about 16 out of 20. I’m not buying that we’re a playoff team. Win 3, lose a SHOULD WIN game. Lose 4 in a row. Win 2 in a row by about 30 runs, lose 1-0, the next day.

MEDIOCRE as a team. Our lineup is surely good enough (even with AJ bogging down the middle of the order), but a team is only as strong as it’s weakest link. Soriano is a weak link right now. So more often than not (8 HR in his last 24 appearances), when he pitches bad things happen.

My advice. DON’T USE SORIANO for a while.

Seems too simple, doesn’t it? Which is EXACTLY while Bobby will drool over the decision, meanwhile his reluctance to give Soriano a rest will cost this team about 3 more wins in the next 2 weeks. Which after each loss, Bobby will say:

“Awe shucks, dag nabbit! He looked good tonight, had good stuff. Just needs better luck.”

If I recall, he thought Reitsma and Kolb would turn it around as well, so he stuck with each of them. I forgot. How’d that turn out again? :-)

By Chase

August 3, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this

TODD A He was obviously playing hurt…give him a break…This loss is on the pitching!

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 3, 2007 1:39 AM | Link to this

NO CHOP ZONE says he touched…touched in the head maybe…

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 1:59 AM | Link to this

“TODD A He was obviously playing hurt…give him a break…This loss is on the pitching!”

This was a team loss.Throw Cox in there too.He played a major role in it.Had he left Chipper at 3rd(and moved Willie to 2nd),we would be celebrating a 4 game winning streak right now.Bobby always plays to win it in regualtion, and tonight it came back to bite him in the arse.Scrap Iron was a step ahead of Bobby all night.

Btw, 22 hits and 11 runs,3 errors, and one passed ball.Only Reyes and Soriano stunk on the hill.Oscar got the L but he pitched 2 innings last night too.That’s 9 innings of pretty good pitching by the Braves tonight.

By Double Deuce

August 3, 2007 2:01 AM | Link to this

Todd A Last time I checked runs scored during the course of a game count exactly the same as the runs scored at the end of the game. Andruw contributed as much as anyone tonight and as I recall, there were a lot of whiffs when the game was on the line, not just Druw’s.

There are a couple of pressing issues that could cloud all this new joy of our new teammates.

1. If anyone has watched Chipper the last few days, he’s hurting big time. Can’t swing the bat and can’t run full out. Now Edgar’s hurt and who knows what the consequences of that will be, except that if Bobby were inclined to give Chip a couple of days off , he can’t with Edgar out now. Not a good scenario.

2.Whatever it is that’s going on with Soriano, it started way before the ‘pen was being overworked. Remember the games he gave up homeruns in and it was all blown off as not being able to pitch in non crucial situations? Well, guess what. These are crucial situations and and its happening with regularity. As evidenced tonite, we need every arm in that pen and a bullpen with a shaky Soriano doesn’t bode well for the future. Roger McDowell needs to start earning his money. You can’t just sit and ignore the issues, you need to do a little coaching, a little stroking, a little talking, whatever it is that pitching coaches get paid to do. Arms like Soriano’s don’t come along very often. Lets get the kid straightened out.

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 2:09 AM | Link to this

“This game was a major disaster for the Braves”

Braves Dave, you’re not just whistling Dixie.The Braves have possibly the most formidable lineup in the NL(would be much better with Andruw hitting 7th) for all of 2 games,and the injuries start to hit.We’ll just have to wait and see, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Edgar is out for 2 to 3 weeks.Who knows on Frenchy.Andruw is pretty tough, and he’ll gut it out.Chipper?LOL….I won’t go there.

Not to mention, we taxed our bullpen again.And we lost a game in the standings.Bad night all around.

By Serbok

August 3, 2007 2:10 AM | Link to this

Mornin all, interesting “stuff” on the blog 2nite. Just as usual wanna add a comment or 2……… First of all, this team Will Not Quit! I was very impressed with the reception Diaz got after his homer. Soriano indeed has a mental problem. Makes too much money not to do his job regardless if it’s for a save or not. I mean 5-4 bases loaded, late? He can’t find enuff adrenaline? hmmmm? I feel it Will be a race to the end, be it WC or Division.

Now~~~~~~~~ as much as I hate this part:o( Unless BC has some sort of an “epiphany”? We will still be in the post season with a manager who has only been able to win ONE World Series in 14 tries!!:o( Despite of having probably the best pitching assembled on one team in the history of modern baseball:o( This is just a fact!:o( I have been a braves fan since About 1967 or so. I am 49 yrs of age, I will always be a braves fan! I used to just root for a win! Titles, pennants were just a dream.

I for one will be pleased when BC retires// Cannot say I feel the same way about JS! Last thought? lol “Then again, always be careful for what you wish for?” LOL

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 2:10 AM | Link to this

I hate to see the lineup tonight (Friday). Woodward at 3B as Chipper takes a break with a sore hand. Corky Miller at C since McCann caught 14 innings tonight. Francoeur or Andruw on the bench, meaning OF includes Willie and Diaz. Kelly and Willie in the lineup against a tough lefty.

I hope I am wrong, but I can see this happening tonight against the Rocks. Let’s hope Zambrano can shut the Mets down and we can regain this game we blew tonight.

In the last week, the Braves have come back from 7-0 down, 3-0 down, and 5-1 down only to lose each game. That is painful.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 2:20 AM | Link to this

Man, I don’t even want to think of Edgar on the DL. That could end this great run before it even starts (since 2-1 since the trades cannot be considered a run at this point). He is so important to this lineup. Granted, Escobar is a professional hitter, but that just means we lose him in the platoon with Kelly. Everything was becoming so clear, lineup-wise. I had even come to terms with Andruw at #5, figuring less pressure would let him turn it on, but tonight’s terrible confluence of events could really put this season on ice. The Braves cannot afford to be at less than 100% with 6 games coming up against the two teams ahead of them in the standings…especially with the 4 and 5 spots in the rotation pitching against the Mets.

By Contra

August 3, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this

soriano has two pitches, both of which he has been consistently getting up in the zone (and getting hammered)

jo jo reyes is like a more wild version of horacio ramirez

if the pirates could get matt morris for next to nothing (by taking on the contract), i think the braves really missed out

we probably could have gotten the giants to eat some of that contract with a good prospect (basically with jo jo reyes, the poor man’s horacio ramirez)… i realize morris hasn’t pitched greatly as of late, but he would definitely be serviceable in the 5 spot over what we’ve seen

this team needs a starter that can go 6 innings and give up 3-4 runs. that’s not a lot to ask for (a + 4.50 era), and if that would happen, we would be good to go.

as it stands, we will miss the playoffs.

By Mark

August 3, 2007 2:24 AM | Link to this

N8, you hit nail right on the head. This team is basically mediocre. Why is Andruw batting 5th in the order. He has no business being there. Frenchy, McCann, and Kelly are your biggest clutch hitters and have earned the right to hit in front of Andruw. Andruw is a disgrace. Yes I give him credit for playing hurt tonight, but he still stinking up the place. You know why he got hurt, because is over swinging and trying to pull every darn thing. How could you people even think that Andruw should stay where he is in the order.

I hate Bobby and his stupid loyalty to players like Andruw Jones and Soriano. This is why Bobby Cox is the greatest REGULAR SEASON MANAGER ever. This same loyalty is why he perhaps is the worst POST SEASON MANAGER. I remember when Cox was so loyal to Chris Reitsma and it cost him in so many games including the post season.

This team isn’t going any where. They are going to be fun to watch, but they won’t make the playoffs or win the division.

I like Texeira and all, but just remember that we had first basemen that had 30 plus homers and 90 something runs batted in and guess what, we still didn’t make the playoffs.

By Contra

August 3, 2007 2:31 AM | Link to this

i will be thrilled when bobby retires and very very bummed when shuerholz retires.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 2:34 AM | Link to this

Contra, I mentioned Matt Morris before the trade and it was not well-received. I completely agree with you. I think a veteran would have stabilized that spot in the rotation. Matt Morris would not be going out there pitching three innings every five days, and with this lineup, chances are he would have won more than he lost for the rest of the season. I think the Giants would have eatent some of the contact…they were thrilled that the Pirates didn’t force them to do it.

Hopefully, Cormier can at least be as good as he was last season. I don’t expect shutouts, but hey, how about 6 innings and 4 runs allowed??????

By Coach (Pitching Stupid , Pitching !)

August 3, 2007 2:39 AM | Link to this

Forty-nine runs in four games and what did we gain in the standings ? Zilch is the answer. Why ? The back of the rotation(pitching). Sending Reyes packing and recalling Cormier solves that problem. Now the injury bug has bitten , Renteria is out , Chipper is hobbling again and the Braves bullpen is less than stellar. Bobby’s bullpen by committee approach burned the entire bullpen , again. Moylan should have been allowed to go three or four innings , the guy had only thrown two innings during the past week and was fresh. I blame this loss on Bobby over managing , again.

By Contra

August 3, 2007 2:45 AM | Link to this

BravesDave, with what i saw out of woody williams, i would have taken HIM in the 5 spot

that sounds ridiculous with the way he pitched, but our line up is outstanding, and the guy was hitting his spots and making big out pitches the whole night (with few exceptions that we capitalized on)

5-6 innings at a 3-4 run clip is all we need right now out of a fifth starter

this revolving door has not worked for 4 months now

and it’s painful to watch

By CC Rider

August 3, 2007 2:46 AM | Link to this

I am going to make this post purely for personal theraputic reasons. We were all excited with the trades and what they could do for the team. Texieria will make the offense better, Mahay and Dotel will help. BUT, this is the reality of our year! The strength of Bobby Cox has always been his patience and faith in his players, which he exercises by giving them opportunity to redeem themselves after failing. This probably stems from his meager abilities as a player and the wish that he had been given more chances himself. His faith has more often than not been rewarded in the past by improved performance. BUT, this faith is a two edged sword. If the players are talented enough with the intestinal fortitude to perform, the rewards can be great. BUT, if they lack the guts, intelligence or ability to perform in the clutch, the results can be devastating. Tonight is a perfect example. Soriano has failed repeatedly for the last month, causing directly or contributing to 6 losses in the last 3 weeks. Yet, he is giving chance after chance not only to pitch in critical situations, but left in the game until the game is lost or tied. You can say this scenario has been played out with Redman, Davies, Lerew, Reyes and anyone I might have forgot in the 5 the starters spot. We have lost approx. 20 games due to misguided faith in players mentioned above. THIS is the managers main role, to make the proper call on the players and the roles they can perform in. Bobby has had a terrible year and I don’t think he will change in time to right the ship. The difference in the Mets being 4.5 games up and us not is their team has only lost one game all season when leading after 8 innings. FACT, our bullpen even with the new additions is not as good, our 5th starters are the worst in baseball and sadly nothing will change because Bobby will keep giving the same players more chances to fail even when they have proven the inability to succeed. Nothing we as fans can do but cheer the good days, bemoan the bad and hope that next season the right mix of different players ,particularly in the bullpen and 5th starter role will be found. This year will be a lost opportunity.

By Mark

August 3, 2007 2:49 AM | Link to this

I feel you BravesDave, but it wouldn’t matter. That pitcher might give up 4 runs in six innings and then Bobby would put somebody like Soriano out there and blow the game like he did tonight.

Contra you can say it again, Bobby needs to retire. I have never seen a team that can’t lay down bunts. Cox is so stupid. If that were my team, everybody on the team (even the Jones Boys) would know how to lay down a bunt. Chipper may have a high average, but he like Andruw doesn’t hit well with runners in scoring position. He kills innings with those double plays. How many times in extra innings did we get the leadoff man on and didn’t score.

If I have said it once, I have said it a million times that Bobby never plays small ball and that’s why we always sucked in the playoffs. He would rather sit around and wait on the homerun or hope the player can hit the ball to the right side to move a runner up.

By Contra

August 3, 2007 2:49 AM | Link to this

honestly, the next time you watch jo jo pitch (which may be awhile from now)

tell me he doesn’t remind you of horacio ramirez

stuff, delivery, inconsistency, hispanic name, everything

^joking on the last part haha

By gpburdell

August 3, 2007 3:04 AM | Link to this

Is it too late to get Horacio Ramirez back from the Mariners? Soriano is killing this team lately. That’s three games he has blown, at least. He cannot be used as the 8th inning guy anymore until he proves he is worthy of it. Make Moylan the 7th inning guy and Dotel the 8th inning guy. Still, it would have been nice if someone (other than Matt Diaz) would have come up with a big hit. We should have won this game!!!

By Contra

August 3, 2007 3:13 AM | Link to this

this is what should happen (but never will) with the bullpen

moylan should be the 8th innning set up guy no matter (you have a sub 2 era and you should get respect no matter how “rubbery” your arm is… he DESTROYS right handed hitters)

wickman should close the home games (since he never gives up runs at turner field) and dotel should be allowed to close away games

and mahay should be given the 7th inning regardless of the lefty-righty match-up

until soriano gets his command back, this is how the bullpen should play out (no excuse for him being “fatigued”)

of course, this will never ever happen under bobby cox

By BravesSuckedTonight

August 3, 2007 3:30 AM | Link to this

Ugh, painful to watch. How do you let a guy give up a Grand Slam after he gives up 3 rockets, one of which is hit so hard it injures your shortstop? Think on that one awhile folks. Sit Soriano period for a few days, then use him and see if he can get someone out. Carry an extra pitcher if you have to!

By Double Deuce

August 3, 2007 3:54 AM | Link to this

A loss is a loss, and nobody likes to lose. But when your head coach says things like…”Soriano made one bad pitch” you have to wonder if he’s talking about the same game we watched. I love our bullpen and have defended them all year, but please don’t insult me with statements like that. There were two absolute peas hit before the grand slam and Soriano made more than one bad pitch and that was obvious to anyone who watched. At least give the fans who pull for you day in and day out some credit.

By Mike

August 3, 2007 4:08 AM | Link to this

this loss hurt in man ways for braves fans. we might potentially have three crucial players injured or hurt, the bullpen which i thought did an outstanding job is completely worn down, and they lost ground on the mets. blaming bobby cox or soriano isnt going to do any good. anyway you look at it this was a fluke. if renteria doesnt plant his foot funny thats a double play. and then the next ball hit at willie harris would have been the inning ending play hit at chipper jones. I still love this team, Soriano will get hot again. Unlike anyone on this blog I think the best thing to do tomorrow would be to put soriano back out there again. Think about it, if the braves are going to get into the postseason they absolutely need soriano to pitch like he did the first two and half months of the season. If they demote him that just destroys any confidence he has right now. He had horrible luck tonight. He’ll be fine. The offense is fine even if Edgar misses a few games or even a week. There won’t be a huge dropoff with escobar in there. The braves will be completely fired up after dropping this heartbreaking game. They sure have the right guy going tonight don’t they. Have faith people, granted it does hurt but they’re only two games back of the wild card. They just have to win five or six games in a row and maintain the rest of the year

By Braves Fan 79

August 3, 2007 4:18 AM | Link to this

I believe this game hurt but well still make the playoffs (im thinking us and the mets will get in) Close games like this remind me thou how much i hate Bobbys decisions sometimes. I mean why allow soriano to pitch after loading up the bases?? u know hes given up alot of homeruns lately! And if its a inning by inning thing why not trot smoltz out there and just skip his start tomorrow? I mean think about it…a wins a win. Let Smoltz shut em down for 2 or 3 innings and im shure we would of won it with our bats within 3. Then u skip smoltz tomorrow and start cormier….this gives us the win, and lets smoltz pick up a quick victory (and saves his arm from having to work 7 or 8innings tomorrow) And for us to get the leadoff man on twice and fail to bunt…man that hurt! This sucks….but were still a playoff team! And i was calling for cormier to start this game 4 days ago….another loss caused by making the right move…2 late!

By Bob, Journalist

August 3, 2007 4:38 AM | Link to this

Nathan, your imitation of Shaun is pathetic!

Folks have said all year that Andruw has been in a prolonged slump which he has not … while his setup is similar and still flawed, there are directional differences that make reasonable expectations far different from what they were in the first half of the season. It’s a two step forward, one step back process, that’s for sure, but making decisions based on his YTD statistics is inane.

Where he should could currently hit in the order is a tough call when you consider contagion but I would probably place him sixth or seventh in the order; with a high average, good situation hitter behind Tex … maybe Matt Diaz.

How many did we leave on base … 14 in 14 innings? Still 22 hits, 4 walks and 2 hit batsmen makes 11 runs from 28 reaching … and I think they averaged seeing 3.84 pitches each … it’s easy to lose some of your focus when you’re full of confidence but, all in all, not bad.

It was a bummer loss … I would have had Oscar pitching the seventh followed Mahay and by Dotel, but that’s just me.

It appears that JoJo may have pitched foolishly, throwing only 53% strikes with a strong, hot lineup behind him … but, I don’t know who dominates the game calling with rookie pitchers.

Three errors … Edgar hurt … Chipper questionable. One thing’s for sure, … it’s not a good idea to put someone in at the hot corner in a crucial situation after they have been in the outfield for 7+ innings, especially in a night game. I would think that would be the worst possible scenario … and why would you not have an available infielder … ? It was a team loss but, methinks Bobby’s pinch hitting Woodard with a 4 run lead cost us the game … I would really like to know why he did that.

Some might say he couldn’t have anticipated what happened to Edgar … but we had a four run lead with 2 defensive innings to go when he so did … anything could happen … you just don’t pinch hit with your utility infielder in that situation … on the surface, it seems like a rookie mistake … methinks that’s why Woodward is still in Atlanta … to me, that’s what was unacceptable.

By Braves Fan 79

August 3, 2007 4:41 AM | Link to this

Mike: i agree man, everyone gets overhyped about 1 bad loss and thinks the season is over. We will make it in the playoffs somehow…I see us taking the wildcard and as long as Bobby plays the hot players instead of just throwing anyone out there well be ok (keeping my fingers crossed) If renteria is hurt but can still swing the bat i say we keep him around as a late game pitchitter. But if hes on the DL man i hope we get someone better than woodcrap up here and he just blows Bobby out of the water by hitting and fielding and we dump woodcrap and keep the rook. I mean we gotta have SOMEONE that could do better than 2 doubles, 1 triple, 7 rbis’ in over 60 games played! If not, then damn thats sad! Wheres all these awsome middle infielders we have in the minors?

By Bob, Journalist

August 3, 2007 4:45 AM | Link to this

Braves Fan 79

“Why not trot Smoltz out there and just skip his start tomorrow? … and lets Smoltz pick up a quick victory”

How and why would Smoltz pick up the victory?

Say goodnight Gracie …

By Serbok

August 3, 2007 4:58 AM | Link to this

By Braves Fan 79 August 3, 2007 4:18 AM

WOW!! That IS the Best Description of Hindsight I have EVER read!! LOL Dude!!! That deserves some sorta award? **I mean ABSOLUTEly Awesome!!!!!!! I agree Bro! IF I knew bringin Smoltzy in guarentees a win!!!! You are Absolutely! correct!!!!!!!! He!! yeah!!! skip his start!!! GET the WIN!! Unbelievable!!!! And here I sit thinkin Bobby is an Idiot? LOL WOW~ just un frickin believable!!!!

Just a lil’ curious? What if we would have won the game? with Villareal pitching and Chip and Tex comming up in the 14th? Then Smoltzy pitches 2day? (AUG 3rd?) And we win again 2day? That would be 2 wins? I have to say! I have read alot of stuff on the blog!!!!! Your post is absolutely!!!!!! the best I have ever read!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did you vote for GW Bush by any chance? LMAO!!!!!!!!

(I knew the weapons were there!) Also heard Osama~and Saddam were secret lovers! WOW!!! WOW

By Braves Fan 79

August 3, 2007 5:00 AM | Link to this

I woulda liked to see Smoltz go 3 or 4 tonight in extras to seal the victory. This would of saved his arm (and oscars)…and have cormier start tomorrow) And doesnt the reliever thats in the game at the end of a tied game get the win? Im not shure why u asked that bob…it would of been a easy win for smoltz. And a win thursday would of counted just as much as a win friday.

By Serbok

August 3, 2007 5:13 AM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist* I agree with 4:38 AM post! Andruw should NOT be judged the way he is being judged on the blog. Andruw STILL instills fear in pitchers! If he is to be judged it should now be on the second half? Last 10 games? Last 14 games? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE LATELY DRUW? not on his BA!!!!!! Funny how “bloggers” look at Andruw from their La-Z-Boyz? LOL

By Braves Fan 79

August 3, 2007 5:14 AM | Link to this

Spermbok: No i didnt vote for bush, i liked Kerry because was more of a leader, and actually fought for his country while bush took the easy way out. (just like i was a bob dole supporter before him). Anyways about the Braves with smoltz arm hurting recently and all why not use him out of the bullpen and skip his start tomorrow? 2 or 3 innings last night at the end would of been just as good as 6 or 7 tomorrow night. Everyone had a feeling oscar was gonna loose it that second inning. Say what you want…but the Braves would of gotten the win, and smoltz would of gotten alot more rest.

By Train Wreck Bystander

August 3, 2007 5:15 AM | Link to this

Well, what do you guys expect?

We traded for offense because starting pitching wasn’t to be had on the market. Offense will win you some and lose you some. You can’t outscore everybody.

Options: (1) Schuerholz sells his soul to the Devil for a quality starter and a PTBNL (2) MLB Contraction down to 26 teams - so there would be enough arms to go around to the franchises deserving of more arms (3) Pray to the deity of your choice that Cormier is locked and loaded

Choice of options to be accompanied by a Sam’s Club sized jar of Rolaids.

It’s gonna be a long roller coaster ride until October, folks.

By Serbok

August 3, 2007 5:25 AM | Link to this

Braves Fan 79* I agree Bro~ Cant think of a reason why you would want to desecrate my username>? handle~ or what ever the he!! they call it? Happy to hear you were too smart to vote for GW :o) Fact of the matter is Most people (like, you and I) were smart enuff to not vote for the fool! lol NOW If you and I can help the other fools who did? LOL Have a g’nite bro :o)

By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 3, 2007 5:39 AM | Link to this

There are 26 games left to play in August. We went 13-13 in July , 13-15 in June , 14-14 in May. It’s put up or shut up time , the Braves have to go at least 18-8 the rest of this month or they will have no chance at catching anybody in September.

By Voted for GW

August 3, 2007 5:45 AM | Link to this

I thought this was a baseball blog??? I suppose you folks wanted Al Gore’d running the country after 9-11?

Seems so many decent baseball fans have bought into the left wing crap……what is this world coming to?

By Serbok

August 3, 2007 5:58 AM | Link to this

my apolgies~ shouldnt have brought politics~ my bad:o(

By Braves Fan 79

August 3, 2007 6:19 AM | Link to this

Serbok: sounded a little sarcastic to me, but alright its all good then. Hope your getting more sleep than me. Take care.
by the way…Braves WILL make the playoffs!! I wish i had more faith in bobbys decisions thou when the game comes down to extras. I remember back in 91, 92 it seemed all his moves were right (except the charlie lebrant inning in 91) I think maybe he needs a stronger opinioned bench coach to advise him a little better, and not just a bunch of yes men on the bench. Someones gotta be able to tell when a players hot or not…SPEAK UP!

By ncscoots

August 3, 2007 7:10 AM | Link to this

random thoughts on the overnights…I’ve decided I much prefer the posts on a losing night than a winning one. You don’t usually get to see that much angst on display without renting a sub-titled foreign movie…the worst loss of the year, someone said? But wasn’t the worst loss of the year one a couple of weeks ago? Or a month ago, or two months ago? Seems to have been said, as I remember…I worried that the blog would be lessened without Davies as a whipping boy, but I see now that we can always find a contender for that prize…down to the river card (Cormier) and all in, I guess. Pray for us in the hour of our need…tomorrow’s another game, and I’m pretty sure that if the Braves score in double digits again, it will be a W. Would that be enough to assuage the blog, or must it be a shutout to boot? Just asking.

By The godfather

August 3, 2007 7:11 AM | Link to this

To hell with a ceremony, I’m just going to make Anders a “made man” on this blog. Now, will so many of you capos and footsoldiers quit kissing his @$$ in public. It is ruining our image.

Cheeseus, the next thing you know Savannah guy will have to do a whole “Daily Buzz”, about him!

By bill

August 3, 2007 7:17 AM | Link to this

If these starters can’t go 6-7 inning’s, they are in trouble. Just can’t use the pen this much. You can’t tell me that JS couldn’t come up with a veteran starter. There’s plenty of them to be had. I think there will be some he could get this month. If they want to get in playoff’s, better get one. I don’t trust Cormier, James and Smoltz hopefully can gut it out.It’s a problem with C. James. Just don’t know why he can’t go more than 5 inning’s.

By JasonInMaine

August 3, 2007 7:40 AM | Link to this

Tough loss…let’s hope that it doesn’t completely kill the momentum they had gained with the excitement of the recent trades…you can’t be blowing 4 run leads in the 8th inning when you are trying to catch teams with a limited number of games left…we aren’t in June anymore…folks, it’s August, and these late game meltdowns have to stop. Dotel should be pitching the 8th, and to be honest; Moylan should be pitching the 7th…at least until Raffy gets ‘er straightened out. But, let’s nip the bud and get a win tonight. No more winning 3 and then losing three…tough loss now let’s go out and get a W tonight!

By Jeff R

August 3, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this

Given last night’s game… #5 starter Reyes was shelled early, Soriano blowing it—again—out of the bullpen, what, precisely, did the Tex trade accomplish? Tex is an All Star, no doubt, but teams win with pitching. No, the Braves don’t need a #4 or #5 starter post season, but they sure do need those arms to get there, and they sure do need a bullpen to shut down the opposition (I hold out a little more hope for the pen, given the additions of Mahay and Dotel).

I don’t think anyone who questions the Tex deal questions the caliber of player Tex is. What we question is whether or not he’s what the Braves needed to make it to the post season.

By Yars

August 3, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this

When Renteria went down, Bobby didn’t have too many options left. He put Harris at 3B & was praying a ball would not be hit to him. I would have left Chipper at 3B, put KJ at SS, & Harris at 2B. I don’t think we will ever see Harris at 3B again. If Renteria is out for 3-4 games, then Escobar will start at SS & KJ will go back to playing everyday at 2B. KJ can hit LH pitching well. He has been the last 2 games. KJ is a exciting player to watch, but his defense makes me nervous at times. What in the world is Soriano’s problem? Is it that he only throws 94 mph fastballs right down the middle & hitters catch up to them? I only have faith in Wickman if we are ahead at least by 7 or 8 runs. Good thing JS did trade for Dotel.

By Apaul404

August 3, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

Last night was not Jo-Jo Reyes’ fault. The man is simply not ready for the big leauges. And they sent him back to AAA. I hope he has not lost his confidence. That ball that broke Renteria off could have been a double play, but at least one. Then Willie takes a tough error. That ball was smoked. But if Soriano is going to give up a homer almost every outing we are going to have a problem. How many times have the Braves been in extra innings and had Kelly Johnson make an error that lead to the winning run being scored. That’s twice by my count. (the Cincinnati game) Gotta wake up! How many poor at bats did we have after Lamb tied the game? Anyway, lets go beat the Rockies today.

By Apaul404

August 3, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

Last night was not Jo-Jo Reyes’ fault. The man is simply not ready for the big leauges. And they sent him back to AAA. I hope he has not lost his confidence. That ball that broke Renteria off could have been a double play, but at least one. Then Willie takes a tough error. That ball was smoked. But if Soriano is going to give up a homer almost every outing we are going to have a problem. How many times have the Braves been in extra innings and had Kelly Johnson make an error that lead to the winning run being scored. That’s twice by my count. (the Cincinnati game) Gotta wake up! How many poor at bats did we have after Lamb tied the game? Anyway, lets go beat the Rockies today.

By ssiscribe

August 3, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

Top of the morning, denizens. I still have sleep in my eyes after watching 11 of last night’s 14-inning marathon from the upper deck in Turner Field … and two innings from the comforts of my own couch.

I made the decision to leave so we could get our kids to bed and try to get everybody out of the house for work/daycare this morning. Mission accomplished on that note. Especially after Diaz’s homer, I thought I might have to order scrambled eggs and bacon for CR.

Rotten night in some respects. Encouraging night in some respects. I’m surprised the blog isn’t in flames — I told my wife when we got home I wasn’t going to get on here until this morning. I think many of us realize this much:

— Yeah, it sucks to lose a game in the standings to the Mets and Phils, a game you led by four runs with six outs to go.

— At the same time, the Braves won two of three from Houston, and as I’ve preached for the past two seasons, if you win series, you’ll be OK.

I’ve also said I believe Jo Jo is going to be a fine major-league pitcher. I felt last night was a big start for him, and he flat-out failed. It happens in baseball, and in life. He just wasn’t good, and he needed to be demoted (I’m surprised it happened, but I’m glad it did). The pressure cooker of a pennant race isn’t the place for on-the-job training if you can avoid it.

Cormier has been excellent in Richmond, was excellent last September, was excellent until he got hurt in spring training. Think about it. He’s fresher because he missed time with injury. He’s been pitching deep into games, so the arm strength is there. He has major-league experience. He’s earned the right to be the fifth starter again, and he also has experience in the bullpen.

I put last night’s loss on Jo Jo (harsh to do that to a rookie, I know; I’m still sky high on this kid’s potential, but he needs to get ahead in the count and pitch like he believes he belongs up here; CR and anyone else who was at the game, would you agree with me he looked tentative and uncomfortable? I sat a couple of rows up in the upper deck directly behind home plate — right above the press box — and to me, Jo Jo never looked settled in).

Wow, what a long parenthesis. Guess it’s the lack of sleep, the lack of having an editor, whatever.

Anyway, where were we? Oh yeah, last night. Jo Jo’s short outing burned the bullpen AND the bench, starting with Thorman hitting in the third. I can’t fault the bullpen. Soriano, who got drilled by Lamb (who freaking KILLS the Braves), should’ve been out of that inning. I agree that maybe he pitches the seventh with a four-run lead and bring in Dotel to pitch the eighth, and I agree that you can’t ask Dotel to pitch two innings.

Edgar’s injury was scary, but when I saw him at least putting some weight on it coming off the field, I felt like it was nothing more than a sprain. And of course, Escobar already had been used. Willie is lucky he didn’t get hurt on the line drive down to him at third in the inning. I believe Chipper makes that play, but what can you do when you burn your bench early in the game? Again, Jo Jo’s short outing really hurt all the way around.

Can’t fault the effort, though. Didn’t get a clutch hit late, and had plenty of chances to win. But most nights, 11 runs and 22 hits is plenty. Time to bounce back tonight and win two of three against the Rockies, then hit the road for a very, very big week: three at the Mets, three at the Phillies.

Just keep winning two of three, denizens, and everything else will take care of itself.

And a very classy move to show the video clips of Biggio’s benchmark hits last night. A true gamer, one who plays the game the right way and represents his family, his franchise and his city with grace and dignity. An awesome moment, and you better believe I was standing and clapping as loud as I could for a guy who I love watching play this game. God bless you, Biggio.

With that, what do you say the Braves get their first complete game of the season tonight? Odds are better it happens tomorrow, of course, with Huddy pitching tomorrow and Smoltz toeing the slab tonight. But deep outings from both would be welcomed indeed. Monday’s an off day. Need the starters this weekend to pitch deep and get the bullpen fully rested for the Mets series.

Final point: I say you skip the fifth spot in the rotation because of the off day. That way, it’s Smoltz tonight, Huddy tomorrow, James Sunday, off day Monday (off day has good stuff from what I’m told: fastball, cutter, change-up, hits 92-94 on the gun … geez, I need more coffee), Buddy Tuesday in New York, then Smoltz Wednesday and Huddy Thursday. Puts the top two dogs in the rotation pitching the final two games at Shea. Surely, this will happen.

This team is fine. Just have faith, denizens.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Josh

August 3, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

If Renteria is hurt…I wonder if Bobby will call up Lillibridge? Guesses are it would be Pete Orr though.

By Will

August 3, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this

Man that was a tough loss last night. I definitely figured Renteria would be out, Andruw is definitely hurting, Chipper and Frenchy also, after awhile i was just hoping the game would end with the Braves still able to field a team tonight! Not even gonna try to nitpick anything about that game it was just a rough loss, especially with the Mets and Phils already in with a W. Rafael Soriano is just a damn mess night in and night out, definitely hoping Bobby moves Dotel into the 8th inning slot. I was wondering this morning when was the last time a team outhit the other 22 to 11 and lost the game. Thank god Smoltz and Hudson are going the next two cause they need to eat up some serious innings.

By ncscoots

August 3, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

I’ll admit to confusion on a bullpen point. If, as some of you think, Soriano and Wickman have lost it, how does pitching them an inning earlier reduce their ineffectiveness? Doesn’t that just mean that the closer du jour never gets to pitch with a lead?

On the other hand, if you believe that a setup guy who has been lights-out for most of his career and a guy with a gazillion career saves will return to form, why would you change their roles? Especially to insert a guy such as Dotel, whom you’ve seen pitch a total of about 4 innings?

Oh, and you guys do realize that winning 2 out of 3 down the stretch makes for .660 ball, right? Right?

Right?

By BB FAN

August 3, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

No Chop Zone,

If the Braves supposedly “suck” but have gone 6-3 against your mighty mouse mets, then what does that say about the mets?

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

I know it sounds simplistic, but, there is no way we are going to catch the Mets with a guaranteed loss every 5th day. something has to give. Neither the Mets, nor the Phils, as mediocre as their rotations have been, are as bad as we are in that 5th spot.Schuerholz failed to address the Braves most glaring need at the deadline,and it’s going to cost us the playoffs.

By Don Caught-a-baloney

August 3, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

In the past two blogs anders, an ackowledged Muts fan, has posted on this blog 58 times—including 20 during last night’s game, alone. The last time I checked, it said BravesBlog at the top of this page.

Now, those of you who are so anxious to “talk with the enemy” and impress them with your statistics, “knowledge” of the game, etc. ad nauseum, why don’t you go over to their blog and do so.

But, I don’t think the comments about Bobby sticking his finger so far down his nose that it goes into his lungs, will get a “good-natured” response. Nor do I think that cheese, canned hams, and other folksey little tid-bits will get a great reception either. And the language? Check it out!!

So, if you want to run a haven for wayward Muts fans, have a go. But, get DOB—when he returns from his well-earned days off—to change the name of the blog.

By Will

August 3, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

ncscoots, you are crazy if you just think Soriano is gonna return to form all the sudden, this has been a consistent problem for a good month and a half now! And people have a right to be bummed out by that loss last night, dont give me that winning 2 out of 3 BS cause any sensible person knows that, last night was a brutal loss you have to win games up 4 runs in the 8th!!

By Will

August 3, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

Todd A, Your point is well taken, although to combat the bottom of the rotation Braves just have to hope Smoltz and Hudson and even James put them in a position to win every single time they pitch down the stretch. The thing that bums me out the most about last night is they could/should have stolen a game where their fifth starter got shelled. It would have been a big W, but i have a good feeling for the weekend and the Cubs will beat the Mets a few times. I absolutely hate the Cubs, its going to pain me greatly to root for them all weekend.

By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 3, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

Smoltz , Hudson , James , Carlyle and Cormier…………and thats it. We have no other help coming. The 40 man is full and no room to add anybody. It’s sink or swim with what we have unless Schuerholz can engineer a trade around the the waiver process.

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

“There are 26 games left to play in August. We went 13-13 in July , 13-15 in June , 14-14 in May.”

If that’s not mediocrity, then I don’t know what is.

“On the other hand, if you believe that a setup guy who has been lights-out for most of his career and a guy with a gazillion career saves will return to form, why would you change their roles? Especially to insert a guy such as Dotel, whom you’ve seen pitch a total of about 4 innings?”

Soriano has been struggling now going on 7 weeks.Either he needs a rest, or his role needs to be reduced.By that, I don’t mean pitching him earlier, I mean not pitching him at all for awhile.When he comes in now, bad things happen.As far as Wickman is concerned, who can explain the disparity between his home success, and his road woes?I don’t know. But, it’s there, and anyone can see it.If he comes into a game on the road, bad things happen.

The season is starting to get short, and the Braves are running out of games in which to put on a run.40-42 over our last 82 games means it’s time to try something different, not try the same old thing and expect different results.Bobby needs to start worrying about W’s,not loyalty to players who are struggling.Dotel was brought in to provide options.Bobby still has to put him in a position to stop this team’s bleeding.

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

Well, there is an occasional voice-of-reason amongst us.

By jack

August 3, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

coulda used Pete Orr last night

By Ron Roberts

August 3, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

It’s always easy for us to second-guess; that being said, the grounder that ate up Willie Harris at 3rd in the 8th inning hurt. With all we had left on the bench (which was what, Corky Miller?), Bobby had to be creative.

Now I get using Willie in the infield, but I’d have moved Kelly to SS and put Willie at 2B. When you play the corners, a hard-hit ball has less ground to cover to get to you on the infield, and when you’re putting a guy in the infield in spot situations, you have to try and put your best gloves at the corners first, in my opinion.

Willie got better as the night went on, you’ll notice; but to go into 3rd base essentially “cold” at that position, with 2 on and none out, I think that decision has to haunt us.

I seriously said to myself after that bobble… “that would’ve been a double play with Chipper there.”

That would’ve been the double play that got us out of the inning with one, maybe two runs scored. Upset as I am with Rafael Soriano, (and he was hard-hit last night), our defensive issue at that point cost us, too.

By Braveheart

August 3, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

9-23 in the starts of Davies, Redman, Cormier, Larew. The Braves have given up 6 or more runs in 22 of those 32 starts. AWFUL!

As for Wickman, Humpty Dumpty went for the ball, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall, ……

Tex is a beast.

Hope Edgar is okay.

Thank Chuck James, Davies, Redman, Cormier, Larew for Soriano’s and Yates’ spectacular second half collapses this season. They are starting to look like Kolb and Reitsma. They both need to be given some time off. Moylan will be next. That guy is a warrior, has pitched great but the dude is being overworked right now something bad. That can only spell disaster later due to overuse and overexposure. I hope Bobby is gentle with Dotel because of his history of arm troubles.

By TampaBrave

August 3, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

BC manages every game as if he’s managing the all-star game, making sure everyone gets to play. I thought Dotel or Yates could have gone two innings, but Bobby’s methodology is one inning at a time. I thought it suspect to PH all reserve infielders early in the game.

It has been an unpopular position, but I have never been impressed with Edgar’s defensive ability. Its a trade-off that we are willing to endure because the guy just rakes. But last night, his slow feet caught up with him and us. KJ has got to improve his glove or the braves may have to shift him back to the OF. There are too many ball getting thru there that should be fielded.

Good job Matt Diaz.

By DirtyDawg

August 3, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

OK, here goes…and I won’t even mention - well, maybe a little - that McCann’s passed-ball, even though it didn’t cost us, was simply more evidence of his defensive deficiencies. And speaking of defensive deficiencies, Kelly Johnson is no second-baseman. With Edgar out for a few games and Yunel at short, why not move Willie Harris to second - he’s quick enough, and not afraid of the ball enough, that at least he’ll get in front of it - and then platoon KJ with Diaz in left. This experiment of Johnson at second is just not gettin’ it done. He’s got a great bat and based on his relays, his arm is sound, so why not put him back in the outfield?

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

“The thing that bums me out the most about last night is they could/should have stolen a game where their fifth starter got shelled”

Will Yep, I couldn’t agree more.We had seemingly stolen a game that we had gotten behind big in early,against a pitcher who had been a Braves nemesis, no less.Winning games like last night’s, when they are sort of unexpected,is how teams get on big runs and long win streaks.But, this year’s edition of the Braves just can’t enjoy any prosperity.Frustrating, frustrating team to watch….entertaining though.

By Ron Roberts

August 3, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Let me add a few more thoughts…

1. Great to get Lance Cormier back. He’s looked fairly good in the minors. Seems to have worked out some early control issues in his rehab stint and hasn’t issued a walk his last two games. He’s also going deep into games the last four starts. I’ll take 7, 6, 9 and 7 inning starts out of our #5 guy anyday. If he says he’s ready, and his arm feels ready (hell, he’s going 7 innings per game now), then we’re ready for him. Could be a huge difference-maker for us down the stretch.

2. With our lineup providing as much offense now as it does, there may need to be an adjustment in the way Bobby and Roger think when it comes to pulling our starters. What I’m saying is, they may have to ride out rough patches from starters in the 4-6 innings and just see what happens from time-to-time. Our offense has shown to be more than capable of putting together big innings and thus, making on rallies late, too, if we’re trailing. Anything to spare the bullpen a little here and there.

Now, tonight, we’re gonna have to have a fresh arm out of the ‘pen (Lance, welcome back) because it’s important we don’t wear Smoltz down any more than he already is. I think it’s also important we get him a sizeable lead so he doesn’t feel compelled to stay out there longer than we need him.

The following night, it’d be damn nice to get 8 out of Tim Hudson. After that, we have Chuck James starting Sunday (expect 5-6 innings if he’s doing well…) and an off-day Monday before we go into that series at Shea.

I’m guessing our off-day Monday means Carlyle might miss a start, which is fine w/me coming off that elbow scare. So do we go with Cormier, Smoltz and Hudson in that series? Let’s remember we leave Shea and go right to Philly for three, too. So is that series James (not a good park for a fly ball pitcher), Carlyle and Cormier? Scary.

By BG

August 3, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

For all the hindsight managers: Bobby ran out of position players because he made a series of sensible moves and then had to replace Edgar due to injury. Look at the pinch hit choices:

1. Thor in the 3rd. Down 5-3, two outs, two on. No way does Jo Jo hit. Need offense.

2. Yunel in the 5th. Moylan had pitched his two innings. Score 5-3. Two outs, one on.

3. Woodward leading off 7th. Up 9-5. Dotel pitched the night before so one inning was sensible. Diaz or Woodward at this point? AJ was hurting so I would keep a spare outfielder on the bench.

4. Edgar gets hurt. Diaz in.

Only bench player left: Corky.

On Soriano: If the Braves win games and only get 5 or 6 innings from their starters, then they can’t hide relievers in mop up duty for games in which the team trails. So, he will continue to pitch in games with leads. Whether it is the 7th or 8th, he will still get the ball. That’s the way it is.

As N8 often points out, not getting innings from starters has cascading effects on bullpen use. Tired relievers mean less flexibility. For example, Yates might just be getting a bit of confidence back so last night was not the time to try to get two innings out of him.

There is lots of blame to go around for this game: JoJo, Soriano, bad defense, runners left on base (less than 2 out, not scoring runner from 3rd, etc.).

By Braveheart

August 3, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this

Frenchy is hitting .306 right now. Exciting stuff. Goals for Frenchy: .310, 40 doubles, 20 homers, 110 RBIs. Paul Oneill type numbers. Now he just needs to act like a petulant child like Oneill and slam and fling helmets, water coolers, and bats.

By Will

August 3, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Todd A, I totally agree with your last post, its time to get going on a real winning streak and stop the 2 steps forward 1 step back every week. Its hard to even voice some opinions on the Braves cause if you do something as simple as pointing out a glaring weakness you are all the sudden labeled a “fairweather” or bandwagon hopper. All in all i still definitely have hope with Mark Texieria in the lineup, but its August, no more excuses. and please win an extra inning game, its like somebody steals their bats once the 10th inning comes around.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

Lets just win this Colorado series and keep the momentum going. I don’t care how we do it, biut lets just take 2 outta 3. 59-53 after that. Then win the Mets and Phillies series. SO simple. 63-55 and I will be a happy camper.

By SteelCav

August 3, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Please don’t feed the troll that is NCZ. He only shows up when the Mets win or the Braves lose. And him preaching to us about an inferiority complex? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

“It has been an unpopular position, but I have never been impressed with Edgar’s defensive ability. Its a trade-off that we are willing to endure because the guy just rakes. But last night, his slow feet caught up with him and us. KJ has got to improve his glove or the braves may have to shift him back to the OF. There are too many ball getting thru there that should be fielded.”

Tampa I said the same thing about Edgar on here last year, and I got raked over the coals pretty good.I’m pretty sure his defense had something to do with his name being mentioned during trade talks.On KJ, I couldn’t agree more.He makes the worst errors at the most inopportune times.He only has 10 for the season(same as Edgar),but, boy, they are back breakers when he makes them.He’s dropped several throws at second base that should have been errors too.Both KJ and Edgar are adequate defensively,but not what Schuerholz prefers from his middle infielders.

By Will

August 3, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Tampa Brave, I think hell is frozen over i agree with you on something! I understand Bobby’s thinking on the pinch hitting and Yunel Escobar pinch hitting worked out at the time, but man that was early to pinch hit him. The way the Braves were hitting i had total faith they were gonna come back one way or another at that point. I will give Bobby credit he is managing balls to the wall, i rarely have ever seen him stretch the bench so early in a game, and he was even willing to pinch hit the backup catcher earlier then he even did. I wont get on him for trying everything to win cause its too late in the season to accept a loss. It its April i am sure that game would have been managed differently.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 3, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

sadly, jo jo’s time under the big top has ended. jo jo will be back later, though. and what a night for injuries! let’s hope everyone is just dinged a little bit and that edgar will be back in a few days. and has there been a hammock bone injury to chipper jones? all this talk on the blog of a sore hand has this journalist worried.

and what manner of manager burns the bullpen and has no position players left?

and if serbok is right and bobby has an epiphany, surely it will be pulled from bobby’s nose.

and why ask diaz to bunt when he is arguably the best hitter in such a situation?

diaz continues to impress. that diaz does not bunt well is not to be held against diaz since bobby only plays small ball in situations and with players that makes little sense. not every player is schooled in bunting. certainly diaz did not appear to be.

and the use of “your a idiot” has slowed on this blog, thankfully.

and there were so many, many, things that may have changed the outcome of that game last night. cubby said about willie, “you can’t hide on a baseball field” when willie was at third and the ball was hit to willie. sadly, one cannot hide in the dugout either and bobby cox seemed to make so many, many mistakes. now, some will say bobby played it right and the players did not execute. did bobby use the right tactics with the right players at the right times? bunting with diaz, pinch hitting with woodward, pulling dotel, burning the pen, having no infielders, oh, the humanity!

soriano was so fearsome for awhile and now soriano leaves the ball out there to be hit. the edge is lost with overuse. soriano is not alone.

and wicky must be feeling icky about now. not enough tylenol in town to stop that hurtin’ wicky must be feeling after that bounce on the field. sja said wicky held that chaw but journalist was wondering if wicky may have swallowed the chaw. in any case, being so out of shape is not funny on a baseball field.

and now, what a group of hitters! andruw contributed last night but hurt us a couple times with the flailing swings. journalist thinks andruw should drop in the order for a time until andruw demonstrates the ability to show some patience and not kill rallies. still, this is a much better andruw than we saw earlier. at least andruw now remains on andruw’s feet when swinging - and the homerun was nice.

By AthensBrave

August 3, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

scribe,

Great optimism after a tough loss. Your an excellent poster/writer, and I’ve started looking for your name as I scroll

By Bob

August 3, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

Todd A,

I agree that we have huge problems at #5. Frankly we have huge problems with starters not going enough innings. I guess that is a glaring case of the obvious.

You could say that JS failed to get us a starter. On the other hand, what was he supposed to get? The two most talked about guys, John Garland and Bronson Aroyo have recently made Jo Jo look like Sandy Koufax. Jo Jo gave up 5 runs in 3 innings, but Garland blew and 8 run lead in a single inning yesterday. And the night before, Aroyo got bombed too. The thought of giving up anyone for those two is frightening. Glad the White Sox were so reluctant.

I hope Cormier can help out. This bullpen is flat worn out. No way I would have pitched Yates two innings last night. He appears to be rebounding and we don’t need to go through that again.

In HINDSIGHT, I think Bobby might should have left Jo Jo in to bat in the 3d. I know we were down, but with this lineup there was plenty of time left. We MIGHT have gotten another inning or two out of Jo Jo without letting the game get completely away. Just seeing how much the bullpen has been worked, I think we might have tried that option. However, it is easy to Monday morning quarterback. I don’t think you can expect Bobby to have predicted the disaster that befell us in the 8th inning.

Hopefully Cormier’s latest visit will be a much better time than his previous one. I agree with most everyone on the blog though. We cannot afford to lose these games that we should win. Go Cubs.

By NCBravesFan

August 3, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

All in all i still definitely have hope with Mark Texieria in the lineup, but its August, no more excuses. and please win an extra inning game, its like somebody steals their bats once the 10th inning comes around.

Will It strikes me that this team is not good at all at situational baseball. It’s like they forget to stay within themselves and try to hit it out every time in extras.

And don’t get me started about the ridiculous decision for Diaz to bunt. The guy’s been mashing for two months - play to his strength, not his weakness.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 3, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

All I hope is that Bobby will play Escobar and Johnson everyday while Edgar is out. I swear if I see that no hitting waste of space Chris Woodward playing 2B against lefties I will be inclined to start my own “fire Bobby Cox” rant. Last night’s loss was tough but the Braves have 53 games left. If they can win 31 of those remaining games they will at least win the wild card. With four teams fighting it out in the west and beating each other up none of them are likely to win more than 87 or 88 games. I think the Brewers are fading and the Phillies just won’t be able to hang with that pitching. I really believe the Braves are in charge of their own destiny. They definitely have to win no less than 5 of the next 9 games.

By KC

August 3, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Glad to hear Reyes was sent down and Cormier was called up. I wish JoJo the best, but he ain’t ready for prime time yet. Let’s all hope Cormier is finally healthy. If he is, I think he’ll help this rotation a great deal.

If after a few starts, Cormier doesn’t appear to be the answer (though I think if he’s healthy, he will be)… then I think it’ll be time to move Villarreal to the rotation. You could fill Villarreal’s bullpen slot with that kid the Braves got from San Diego.

But again… if Cormier’s healthy, I’ve very hopeful he’ll be what the doctor ordered.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

August 3, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

This blog is a great example of how a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Couple that with the ability to type and post with impunity and you have a litany of Monday morning quarterbacks that if the truth be told have about the same amount of baseball smarts as my 5 year old grandson who plays T-ball.

I am disappointed that the Braves lost the game last night, but that is baseball. Events occur in every game that you don’t expect. Overlooked was the fact that the Braves came back several times when they could have thrown in the towel. Tip your cap to the other side and get ready for the next game.

I am much more concerned about Renteria and the recovery of his ankle. He is not going to be 100% the rest of the year. What a freak play that was. I would rather they put him on the DL than try to force him to come back and play when he is not sound. Bite the bullet and bring up Lillibridge and Pena and send down Miller so as to shore up the offense.

And for all you wackos who have allowed the trolls to distort your view of reality, get a grip. Go back to football or dog fighting or whatever sport you think you know and spew your stupidity there. You have little credibility here.

By Will

August 3, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Braves starting pitching does leave alot to be desired, although i am sure John S. tried to find another starter via trade. Its humorous that some people are distressed over the prospects the Braves gave up for a player the caliber of Mark Tex, you have to remember that most teams more then likely wanted many of the same prospects for crap starting pitchers.

By Bob

August 3, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

KC,

I agree with you. If Cormier does not cut it, I think we finally have to give it to Oscar. He has been valuable as a long distance reliever, but we need someone who can eat innings and just keep us in the game. If Cormier fails, the only option I see on the horizon is Oscar. Not the best of options, but frankly, we don’t have a lot of those right now.

By 1957 Braves Fan

August 3, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Another frustrating extra inning loss. We kept leaving the winning run on base. Let’s win tonight.

By BamaBrave

August 3, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

What a nightmare! That was like watching a trainwreck last night…but perhaps it will remind us (the team) that no one is going to roll over for us just because we made big moves at the trade deadline. I’m as mystified about Sore-I-am-oh as I am about Andruw. WTF.

Just stay healthy guys…(knocking on wood)

By Tyler

August 3, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

I’m sick of hearing all your crap guys. You’re complaining about how our bullpen is still disaster. WE PLAYED A FREAKING 14 INNING GAME! Not every single one of our bullpen pitchers will be perfect every pitch.

Our bullpen was PHENOMINAL. Moylan went 2 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 4 K. Yates went 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1K. Dotel went 1 IP, 0 R, 0 H. Wickman went 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 K. Mahat went 3 IP, 2 K, 2 H, 1 ER. Villarreal (tired) went 2 IP, 1 ER. Soriano was the only falter.

Reyes was the problem last night. Ive said it all along, we need to stabilize the 4th or 5th starter. We’ll see how Cormier does, if not, maybe we need to make a move.

By Just a BRAVES Fan

August 3, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

First time poster, long time reader here. I have to agree with others who have expressed their great displeasure with the excess amount of METS discussion on this BRAVES blog. We come here to read about BRAVES. If anyone wants to read about the Mets, they can easily go to one of their sites. This isn’t the place for it.

Those who wish to spend so much time discussing another team should go to that team’s website.

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

“and I won’t even mention - well, maybe a little - that McCann’s passed-ball, even though it didn’t cost us,”

It did hurt us.That run scored on KJ’s error.

By KC

August 3, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Robert(JIB): I couldn’t agree with you more. I was extraordinarily upset that we kept Woodward and optioned Julio.

I know we don’t need 2 backup 3rd basemen, but that’s not the point. We need Julio’s bat on the bench a helluva lot more than we need Woodward. As we saw last night, we have flexibility in our infield.

Escobar can play any of the infield positions, Harris is an adept 2nd baseman, and if we’d call up Brayan Pena instead of Corky… we’d have another guy that can play multiple positions. Pena can play 3rd.

Anyway, I’m pretty p** that Woodward’s still on the team at all, and I’ll certainly be livid if he starts instead of either Johnson or Escobar in any of the games that Renteria misses.

By TampaBrave

August 3, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Pete Orr > Scott Thorman

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

KC

We can still make trades till August 31st. Carlos Silva would be a guy I would target. Much like Livan Hernandez in terms of hits per innings pitched, but he doesn’t walk anyone. Throws a lot of strikes. I agree though, Jo Jo isn’t ready.

All:

Are we going to throw Smoltz Wednesday against the Mets???

Right now it is set up as:

Perez vs. Carlyle Cormier vs. Lawrence Smoltz vs. Hernandez

We could bump Smoltz and Hudson up one, Although I wouldn’t because the Phillies would get to chomp on James, Carlyle and Cormier.

Perez vs. Carlyle Lawrence vs. Smoltz Hernandez vs. Hudson

What are your thoughts?

By David-ATL14

August 3, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Very well said Gill. Blog is full of morons who know nothing about professional sports and MLB in particular.

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

“And for all you wackos who have allowed the trolls to distort your view of reality, get a grip. Go back to football or dog fighting or whatever sport you think you know and spew your stupidity there. You have little credibility here.”

And what makes you think anyone is out actively seeking your approval of anything?Get over yourself.I mean,really.

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

And I say again: An ocasional voice-of-reason amongst us. Which ones? Take your choice.

By Bob

August 3, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Efrim,

I suspect the starters would go on normal rest. Bobby clearly indicated that Cormier was going to be used tonight if/when Smoltzie leaves. I would guess it is going to be Carlyle, Smoltz and Hudson against Mets and then James, Cormier and Carlyle against Phils. Maybe if we don’t use Cormier over the next two days, BC moves Cormier up to start the Mets. Either way, back of the Pen will have to face one of the two teams.

By N8

August 3, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist

“Nathan, your imitation of Shaun is pathetic!”

Not so sure what you mean by that, but……..OK?

Please elaborate.

Gil

“Tip your cap to the other side and get ready for the next game.”

Why would I tip my cap to the other side (which I normally have NO PROBLEM doing, when called for), due to Bobby running out of players, and misusing his bullpen….AGAIN?

Should I tip my cap to Phil Garner for flicking the forhead of a Bobby Cox voodoo doll?

Bobby needs to be an AL manager, where he doesn’t have to think. That would be perfect for him. He’d probably STILL manage to mess that up by pinch hitting for his DH with Pete Orr. LOL!

By Lew

August 3, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

This team has had one major problem all year and that’s it-The fifth starter. The Braves are 47-29 when Smoltz, Hudson James and Carlyle pitch-18 games over .500. That makes us 13 games Below .500 when the fifth spot comes up. That’s it-plain and simple. If the fifth slot was at .500, we’d be running away with the division and have the best record in the NL-that’s all there is to it. Find some kind of solution where you bump that spot up to .500 and the Braves’ cruise. Braveheart-You’re wrong about James being a problem. If your number five starter does not constantly need 6 innings of relief pitching, the three required from Chuck is no big deal. I’m, sorry, but Chuck is 20-11 since coming up for good and has a very excellent ERA of around 3.5 for his career. He has averaged 6 IP throughout his career. I wish we had two more just like him. Bill-You said there are plenty of veteran starters to be had. ????????????????? Do you watch and pay attention to MLB? Have you not heard JS say that starters were the first area they tried to remedy? Did you not hear him say there was no one available, so they did what they could (which was very much)? Just look at some of the scores posted last night-Astros 12 runs, Mets 12 runs, Braves 11 runs (and 49 in 4 games), Phillies 10runs. THERE IS NO PITCHING out there. Our offense looked great and we should just hope our banged up players are all right. The bullpen (with the exception of Soriano), was absolutely lights out last night, despite pitching 9 full innings. Let’s see if Cormier helps and let’s find out what’s wrong with Soriano. The Mets and Phillies will still fail enough to keep it close. We have to answer those two questions and only those two.

By Tyler

August 3, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Our lineup should be:

Johnson - 2B Escobar - SS Chipper - 3B Teixeira - 1B Francoeur - RF McCann - C Andruw - CF Diaz - LF

Smoltz, Hudson, James, Carlyle, Cormier

Wickman - CL Dotel - Setup Soriano - Take a load off his back. Moylan - Awesome Mahay - Very Good.

Thats a damned good lineup!!

By Will

August 3, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

are the so-called morons on here really people who do not know sports, or people who state not always desirable facts about the Braves. And honestly what is the deal with giving a crap if there is some Mets talk on here, most sports discussions on the internet have fans of opposing teams who post on them. who cares!

By TampaBrave

August 3, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Possible silver lining,

AJs injury make force hime to cut down on the windmill swing.

Not so silver,

I’d be very surprised if Frenchy does not have a problem hitting with the hand injury.

By Wayne in Utah

August 3, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Well, I go away for a couple of days, the Braves drop a heart breaker, and the blog within a short timeframe turns from “full of optimism” to “we shoulda done this,” and “we shoulda done that.”

Some folks are never satisified unless we go 162-0 with a team ERA of 0.00 and a team batting average in the Ted Williams range.

We are not a mediocre team. The Orioles, the White Sox, the Cardinals, and the Marlins are mediocre. We are an OK team, trying to become a GOOD team by attemting to improve on our consistency.

After showing a 1-1 record with our new clean up hitter and our revamped bullpen, we still have some needs. Our defense is not perfect (McCann, Johnson, Harris, etc) and our bullpen is still showing signs of inconsistency. Besides Soriano last night, all the other bullpen members did OK, despite what was asked of them. Jo Jo definitely needs more seasoning (see Davies). 4 hits and 4 walks in 3 innings doesn’t get it done, no matter how many errors are committed. Maybe Cormier will be ready this time?

Now, let’s hope that Edgar is going to be OK. I would almost prefer calling up someone (please, not Pete Orr!) and giving him enough time to rest that ankle. For him to be healthy AND fresh down the stretch, is important.

I also hope Frenchy, AJ, and Chipper are going to be OK.

Now, let’s see some of that enthusiasm and a little less of that negativism (“No team can win when every 5th game is an automatic loss!”) There are no automatic losses! That’s why the Braves AND the Mets play all 162 games!

Whaddya think, my friends. Let’s get behind our team.

By tim

August 3, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

I get sick of people talking bad about Bobby Cox. When you listen to players, announcers, writers and other managers they all think he is a HOF manager. what do they know? I guess they wouldn’t know as much about baseball as a blogger who goes to 1 game a year

By Stinky

August 3, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

jimmy smith, I agreed with nearly every thing in your last post. But wasn’t it Joe who said, ‘the ball will find you’?

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 3, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

robertjitb is right. escobar and kelly need to play at the same time. woodward continues to be a waste.

now, a little blog history … once the blog was a braves blog with a little music and a little pie and a few toes. now, the blog has become very successful and all manner of subjects appear.

some posts are interesting to this journalist. some posts are not. not everyone agrees on what is or is not interesting, informative, or entertaining. that’s what makes the world go around. and it’s okay.

readers can scroll past any cheese posts or toe posts that offend just as jimmy smith scrolls past the “your a idiot” posts.

there remain plenty of interesting posts to read and enjoy.

just pass over the posts you don’t like. don’t attack the poster and attempt to impose rules that suit your tastes. the only exception is the stolen identity, vulgar, or personal attack posts that the ajc should make efforts to eliminate.

responders will decide if a post is worthy. no responders means no interest.

if mets fans want to post here, have at it. unless dob says otherwise, it’s a braves baseball blog with other subjects permitted.

By bravesfan

August 3, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

What do yall think tonight lineup will be? I am guessing.

Escobar SS Francoeur RF Chipper 3B Teixeira 1B Andruw CF Diaz LF McCann C Johnson 2B Smoltz P

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

Some baseball type posts(which I am accused of never making)that I have made over the past days.

I wanted the Braves to bring back Julio. I was delighted when they did. I hated it when he was sent down. I loved the trade, except for losing Will startup(a dawg). But, I trusted that JS had, as usual, made the right choices. I urged others to realize that JS has a pretty good “track record” of his own. I suggested hat people get over the loss of “prospects”(as Lew has pointed out, we have plenty more)and realize that JS has brought in stars” to fill our glaring holes. And(right now)I am **confident that JS will get the pitching help that we still need. Finally, but not least(ly), I hate Muts!

The ones who don’t read the posts calling me a homosexual and worse, and who only see my posts in return, will not read this. I hope that someone with an inkling of fair-play, will.

By U.S. Geological Survey

August 3, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Our instruments picked up seismic activity last night in the downtown Atlanta area, with the epicenter about 8 feet behind the pitchers mound at Turner Field. Initial readings indicate a reading of 6.1 on the Richter Scale, at approximately 1115 hours, Eastern time. There were no aftershocks, which has most of our scientists mystified. We’re looking for any information which might explain this strange event. We suspect some of you were there. Please contact us at the USGS with any information. Thanks in advance.

By TampaBrave

August 3, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

Soriano needs to get nasty. He has to use the intimidation factor. Right now, he’s throwing high speed batting practice. Where is the fear factor??????

Bring in Hrabosky as a consultant.

By Will

August 3, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Tim, Players love Bobby Cox cause he treats them with great respect, he is the definition of a player’s manager, but people get on him because he consistnently makes questionable in-game decisions, many times because of his loyalty to players.

By Colin

August 3, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

4.5 behind mets, 1.5 in wc we got some work to do!

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

LEW…….So many IF’S and Maybe’s to Ponder. At the rate the braves are going they’ll burn out their bullpen before the end of the month. I will say I did chuckle when I found out the braves were beat by a pinch hit pitcher…….that was cute.

By Wayne in Utah

August 3, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

N8 You gotta cut BC a little bit of slack. Nobody expects your set up man to give up your 4 run lead in the 8th, after your starter only goes 3. Hindsight is 20-20.

Also, wasn’t it not long ago that we (collectively as a blog, I don’t remember your stance on the issue) were railing on BC for being too cautious in using Salty as a PH or late inning defensive replacement for McCann due to the “safety factor?”

Now, we jam him up for not being Mr. Ultimate Safe in a game where we have a 4 run lead. It was faily clear by the 5th that we had an excellent chance of winning this game. Are we going to second guess every pinch hit, every pitching move he makes?

Lew Excellent points! 47-29 with our best 4, and 10-23 with the other guys (Redman, Davies, Cormier, Lerew, Reyes, did I forget one?).

Sounds like we do need some help there, but can we really expect the 5th position to be .500? Maybe, with this lineup! But I would take even .400, which would put us at 60-49, which puts us at only 1.5 games back right now and IN the Wild Card!

Now, with this lineup, if Cormier and our other starters pitch just what we expect from them, without any major disappointments, we could play .700 ball the rest of the way out. That would give us 94 wins, which I think wins the East.

Whaddya think Lew?

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

No Chop Zone

Next week bro. Next week we’ll find out if the Mets have any guts.

By BamaBrave

August 3, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

Wickman broke a few of my windows last night..and I’m in Birmingham…

By Wayne in Utah

August 3, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Tyler I agree that is a “winning” lineup. We have the parts to win it all, with a few breaks along the way. Most teams that do win it all get a few breaks.

Paladin I have been gone for a few days, so I missed a LOT of what happened on the blog. I, for one, appreciate your comments and point of view, even if I might disagree on ocassion. You are respectful and not a whiner, as I like to call them.

Whiners Are your ears burning? No, N8, you are not a whiner, but some times you whimper a bit!

:-)

By Lew

August 3, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Geo Survey-Wait for the season end highlight reel-I’m sure the reason for the aftershocks will be prominently displayed. But you know what? The Dude made the play, which is more than you can say about some of the others. It may not have looked graceful, by any means, but the batter was out and he pitched a scoreless inning-yet again.

By tim

August 3, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

All moves are questionable when they don’t work out. He was out of options last night because JoJo Reyes didn’t last long. with a 9-5 lead he put the person in there that everybody wanted in the 8th. He hit a grand slam and the game went into the 14th inning. You are going to run out of pitchers at that point and are limited in what you can do. I just think that managers are always given too much credit when they win and take too much blame with a loss. The players have to have accountability too. You could blame the game on errors, bad pitching, and or bad luck also. I’m not saying Cox is perfect but I would rather have him than anyone else. We put a great team on the field with a limited budget. If you want to talk about world series it is hard to comptete with people that are spending 50-100 million more than you. Just imagine the team we could have if we could spend that much. For 100 million more you can afford 3 more all-star pitchers (50 milion) and 3 more all-star hitters(50 million). Just my opinion. GO BRAVES

By BravesFanInRockies

August 3, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

bravesfan,

If nobody else is hurt, the lineup will probably have Miller catching and hitting 8th. Diaz hits second. KJ hitting 7th (please, no, NOT Woodward!!).

Mac caught 14 innings Thursday/Friday and we’re facing Francis, a lefty.

Not shocked with the move to Cormier. Thought Bobby might get a pure reliever for the weekend. But because of the Monday day off, Buddy can pitch with an extra day’s rest on Tuesday and Smoltz, Hudson, et al. can go on normal rest after that.

Cormier’s first scheduled start would then be Saturday. And there’s another day off the following Monday, which would let Smoltz get an extra day.

The silver lining, if there is any, is that we’ll have our most effective three starters vs. the Mets. (Yes, I’m not forgetting Chucky. I’d rather have Buddy in there right now.) The bad news is, the Rockies are in the wild card chase and have been playing feisty baseball. They may fold at the Ted, but don’t count on it.

By geauxbraves2000

August 3, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

I did a little number crunching. If the Mets play .500 the rest of the way, which they are more than capable of, that’d give them 88 wins, which means the Braves would have to go 32-21 the rest of the way. If 93 wins takes the division, they would need to go 36-17.

Geaux Braves!!

By RIP

August 3, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

The Braves game last night was not a loss , it was a give away. The last time I saw Harris play third base was at Cairo High School. That was a dumb move. A third place team doesn’t have time to try stuff out when they are a few games back. When the Braves miss the wild card by one game I hope this one stands out. It got so bad Chipper took the pop-up that Harris could have easily handled. Well he did make a good play an inning or two later, but the whole idea was doomed from the moment they all left the mound laughing.

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

Sorry about the typos, etc. in my earlier post. I have a new keyboard(braille) and I must get use to it. Actually, it is one of the “sealed” kind that will withstand my cigar ashes, and occasional glass of vino, and yes, some cheese and choc-o-lates droppings from the horse derves that I have with my vino, after dinner

By Wayne in Utah

August 3, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

If everything goes well the next 3 days for our staff (if Smoltz doesn’t over tax his arm tonight), I would love to see Smoltz and Hudson go on 4 days rest and face the Mets next week!

Cormier could probably go on Tuesday if Buddy needed a few more days off. Pitching in relief tonight would be like his in between starts workup.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

TO EVERYONE who is complaining about the BRAVES winning 2 then losing 1 and how that is “2 steps forward and one step back”

IF THEY WIN 2 OUT OF EVERY 3 the REST of the WAY…THEY’LL GO 38-19

That would be a TOTAL OF 95 WINS

I’ll take that!!!!!!!!!

They’ve won 3 out of 4…THEY CANNOT WIN EVERY GAME

Good Grief!!!!!!!

By Lew

August 3, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

NOBrain Zone- If you had any sense you might be dangerous. Maybe you failed to notice the Mets’ loss in extra innings the other night where Glavine 1 hit the Brewers through 6 and YOUR pen couldn’t bring home his 300th. Maybe you also failed to notice your own ifs-like If Beltran can come back anytime sooon. If you can beat the red hot Cubs. If your new second baseman with bad legs will help. If Alou remains healthy. If your bullpen ever gets back to being a mere shadow of what you had last year. If your rookie phenom Maine can continue in the stratosphere. If Delgado ever remembers he once used to be a decent player. If Pedro still has an arm when he comes back. If Pedro can come back in time. Keep in mind you little Bozo, that if he comes back in September, you have him for four starts max and not at all in the playoffs. If you even make the playoffs. You want to talk iffy Little Moron, talk about your own ifs. You asked what happened last night? How would I know what you do when you’re in your room all by yourself and Mommy isn’t watching. If I even cared.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

The Mets could lose every series with the braves for all I care as long as they win the division. Beating the braves is just extra. I’ll be at Tueday’s game. Should by pretty amped…..LETS GO METS!!!

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 3, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

You can’t really blame last night’s game on Bobby. The Braves had plenty of chances to win and didn’t get the job done. The only move I questioned was using Thorman as a pinch hitter in the 3rd inning last night. I would have let Reyes hit and saved Thorman for later (not that it proably would’ve matter because he would’ve likely still struck out). Anyway, Reyes can handle a bat so I would have let him and then took him out of the game.

For the time being Soriano needs to pitch the 7th along with Yates and Dotel needs to handle the 8th until he pitches himself out of it. The thing with Soriano is I think his concentration isn’t there unless the game is tied or the Braves are ahead by two runs or less. If you notice, he allows the most damage when either the Braves are way ahead (4 runs or more) or way behind. Its weird but some guys are like that. I remember Mike Gonzales saying that for whatever reason his intensity and concentration wasn’t as strong unless he was pitching with the game on the line in a closing situation.

By KC

August 3, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Efrim: James has actually pitched quite well against the Phillies… and I think the Braves should do everything in their power to see to it that both Smoltz and Hudson pitch in this Mets series… but they won’t. BC rarely manipulates the rotation in any way. He just sticks with whoever’s turn it is.

By Milledgeville Matt

August 3, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

I love Kelly Johnson, but I wish so hard that he could make a play with his backhand…

By Braveheart

August 3, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Hate to be in a minor disagreement with my buddy but Lew, you’re right in that Chuck James is not a problem overall. His lack of efficiency and inability to go deeper into games however is problematic.

He is 20-12 as a starter and has a 3.81 ERA, with 173 Ks and 219 hits in 229 innings. Very impressive.

But that is 229 innings pitched in 40 starts. Not even 6 innings a start. He has to give at least 6 innings per start to spare the pen. He is young and should be the 4th instead of the 3rd, so it is somewhat forgivable. But, not really.

No matter what, this team is in a pennant chase and asking him to step up and be the 3. That’s what he has to be. 3s have to pitch at least 6, closer to 7 innings per start. He is only averaging 5.5 innings per start this year. Unacceptable, even though he has been outstanding for the most part during those 5.5 innings.

He has only had 6 or more innings in 9 of his 22 starts. 7 or more in 3 of his 22 starts, never going more than 7.

For example, in April in Philly, he leaves after 5 with an 8-0 lead. The Braves then have to waste 5 relievers, including Yates and Soriano, who are now burnt out because of things like that.

In Chuck James’ 22 starts this year, the Braves have had to use 75 relievers, an average of 3.4 relievers expended during every start of Chuck James. He has gotten better but in April, it took an average of 4 relievers a game to get the Braves to the finish line in Chuck’s games.

Things like that have taken a toll on Soriano, Yates, Wickman, Gonzalez, & Oscar. He has done much better since the beginning of June, only forcing Cox to expend 3.2 relievers in his starts.

The Braves have had to use 4 or more relievers in 11 of his 22 starts. 3 or more in 16 of his 22 starts. 2 or more in 21 of his 22 starts.

He’s a good young pitcher but he kills the pen.

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Thank you, Wayne. Very nice of you to say so.

By knowitall

August 3, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Are some of you people using your brains? Do you honestly think Calos Silve would clear wavers with every team in the majors looking for pitching?

And everybody is critizing Bobby for running out of position players last night but if I remember correctly it was a pitcher who got the winning hit for Houston. They were out of position players too. Please accept the fact the no team can win every game and stop questioning every single move/pitch/at bat.

By KC

August 3, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

NO CHOP ZONE: “The Mets could lose every series with the braves for all I care as long as they win the division.”

And I don’t care who wins the division, as long as the Braves make the playoffs (WC or division), and outlast the Mets… or better yet BEAT the Mets in the post-season! LET’S GO BRAVES!!

By Will

August 3, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

The Mets have been playing over .500 bsaeball since the break. I hope they lose every game they play the rest of the way, but what you would lead you to believe they are gonna play .500 baseball, thats a pretty big assumption.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

The Mets will play .585 to .600 ball the rest of the year and win the division by 6-8 games…..Thank you very much.

By Will

August 3, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Chase, Obviously winning 2 out of 3 will probably get the Braves in the playoffs, nobody on here is dumb enough to think otherwise. I am just not gonna let that logic justify losing a game when you lead by 4 damn runs in the 8th inning!! If the Braves lost 6-0 last night i would be perfectly fine with 2 out of 3. I am not a moron i know full well you cant win everygame, but its freaking August, there is no optimism to losing a game like that last night. That being said its time to get over it and get ready for tonight and getting back on track.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Paladin - Tough loss. What I found frightening was how banged up and fragile the Braves seemed. Is this their normal M.O. or are their real issues there? No way to tell with the two TBS Yahoos - Those guys sounded like two old men at a nursing home comparing medical procedures.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Actually

If the METS go 28-26 the rest of the way…The BRAVES would only have to go 32-21 (they own the tiebreaker)

32-21 is not impossible by any means!

Niether is 33-20 which would get them 90 wins! That is 16-10 the rest of this month and 17-10 next month!

NOT TO MENTION we are ONLY 1.5 GB in the WILD CARD

By Lew

August 3, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Wayne-You talk sense, as usual. Anyone who counts the Braves out (Hear that Nathan, Coach, ToddA) is a damn fool-in the same delusional category as NoBrainZone and the Trolls. I’ve seen too many weirder things happen in baseball over an almost 50 year viewing life to count out a team with this much offense, 3 of the top 15 ERA’s in the NL and two bona fide aces (including the best under pressure pitcher in MLB today), to concede anything, whether or not struck by the mythical wrecking ball. I’ve seen 6 1/2 game leads evaporate with 11 games left. Look at the Astros the past several years at the All Star break and at the end of the season. No-Like Yogi says, It ain’t over til it’s over. There are still 50 games left. If you don’t see the possibility of this team overcoming such a small deficit, then your brains have more holes that cheese from Northern Europe. You’re all freaking out after winning 3 of 4 and scoring 49 runs in the process- a streak that saw one poor starting performance by a raw rookie and one bad inning out of 9 pitched by the bullpen as well as the introduction of an awesome player who filled our only glaring positional need and the addition of two fine relievers. Holy Cornelia, y’all are beyond belief. Paladin-Don’t worry, some of us are aware of the nastiness of posting Trolls.

By Will

August 3, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Smoltzie pitching on anything less then normal rest absolutely cannot happen. Getting the playoffs wont matter if his arm is gonna fall off.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

The Rockies are only one game behind the Braves for the Wild Card. In addition, the Braves face their two best pitchers in this series, Francis and Cook. This is going to be a tough series…especially if it starts tonight with the lineup that I am expecting (Corky Miller, Woodward at 2B or 3B, and potentially Diaz and Willie both in the OF). We NEED a sweep in this series. I know some have been talking about 2 out of 3, etc, but we need to put some of the competition for the wild card out of the picture and this is a great opportunity to take a 4 game lead over the Rockies in the wild card. Also, the Mets face Zambrano, Lilly, and Marquis this weekend…but the Phillies face the reeling Brewers. This is a HUGE weekend for the Braves. They need a sweep heading into next week.

By U.S. Geological Survey

August 3, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

True, RIP…the infielders had me concerned when they started laughing at the position changes. I suspect it was nervous laughter as much as anything else…I can’t really begrudge them for that. But with Soriano on the mound, there was nothing funny about the situation. I know he wipes a smile off my face these days.

The baseball gods are amazing, are they not? You can almost guarantee that a ball will be hit to any defender who’s unprepared, injured, or inexperienced. You can’t hide out there. Put Willie Harris at third…and a ball will be hit to him… Crazy.

By Excavators-for-hire

August 3, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

US Geological Survey We have recovered a perfect impression from the crater. It appears to have been left by a manatee w/propeller marks and all. We will report more later when the radio-activity diminishes.

By bravesfan

August 3, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies yeah I know McCann has caught a lot but you know he likes to catch Smoltz

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

KC

Efrim: James has actually pitched quite well against the Phillies… and I think the Braves should do everything in their power to see to it that both Smoltz and Hudson pitch in this Mets series… but they won’t. BC rarely manipulates the rotation in any way. He just sticks with whoever’s turn it is.

He had one good outing and one bad outing. The bad one was when he gave up the 3 run home run to Ryan Howard. I would rather have Hudson face the Phillies that first game and have Smoltz on 5 days rest going on Wednesday afternoon against the Mets. I could really care less how they place the rotation next week or this weekend. Braves need to treat every series like the playoffs and just take 2 out of 3. They do that and they will be fine.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 3, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

No Chop Zone, I would respond but I am in awe of the ignorance of your statement. They’ll win the division by 6 to 8 games, huh? Okay.

By Braveheart

August 3, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Lew, they are actually 48-29 with Smoltz, Buddy, Huddie, & Chucky. 9-23 with Redman, Davies, JoJo, Cormier, Larew. AND 2-13 with Redman, JoJo, Cormier, Larew.

Let’s all hope Cormier is healthy this time and back to being decent. This season really is going to come down to his ability to be a .500 pitcher for the rest of the year. We need 5-4 out of him and not 1-8, 2-7, 3-5, or even 4-5. This is gonna be a close race to the finish. Every little thing matters since we are evenly matched. As Lew has pointed out before, the Braves are 51-41 against the NL, the Mets are 51-40 against the NL. That intraleague disaster has been the difference.

Cormier is the missing link if he can just be mediocre. Mediocrity is all we ask out of a fifth starter.

If Smoltz, Hudson, James, & Buddy keep the current pace, we should be 85-68. Then if we can just go 5-4 when Cormier starts, we will be 90-72.

I think it is also reasonable to think that Tex will add an extra win or two or three for Smoltz, Hudson, James, & Buddy. So maybe, we will end up being 78-43 when Smoltzie, Buddy, Huddie, and Chucky start by the end of the season and 14-27 with the Fifths.

BUT it all comes down to Cormier.

As much as it might pain many to do this, maybe for Cormier’s starts, you all need to start practicing your Roll Tide, Roll chants for Cormier. Do it as he throws his first pitch of an inning. Throw in a few Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer, Give ‘Em Hell Alabama!

By Anders

August 3, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Lew - I agree with you. The race is far from over. It’s only 4 games with plenty of games between all three. That said, I think Braves fans have gotten drunk with all the offense now that Tex is there. The bullpen is ok but below division winning level at the back end. If they keep scoring 10 runs a game it won’t matter - I just don’t think you can expect to keep up that pace, especially with all the guys limping around last night . Plus when you do score 9 runs you have to lock that game down. You know Wickman has 2 -3 blown save in him too.

By KC

August 3, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

NO CHOP ZONE: “The Mets will play .585 to .600 ball the rest of the year and win the division by 6-8 games…..Thank you very much.”

NO CHOP, if you would like to put money on that, please email me at embassypro@hotmail.com.

I am 100% serious.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Man LEW…..50 years of viewing. You’re old. No wonder you sound like a crabby old fart with fading mental skills. Now that I realize your malfunction I forgive you for all your failures grandpa……

By TheSouthernRichterScale

August 3, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

I’m Broke!!!…

By tim

August 3, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

no chop zone. Compare line ups between mets and braves

POS C Mccann vs Lo Duca adv ATL
1b Texeira vs Delgado ATL 2B K. Johnson vs Castillo ATL SS Renteria vs J Reyes EVEN 3B C. Jones vs D Wright EVEN LF Harris/Diaz vs Allou EVEN CF A Jones vs millidge ATL RF Francoeur vs green ATL

I like our chances

By TampaBrave

August 3, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Pardon my typos, rushing alot today. I like everything about BC except his willingness to go longer with a relief pitcher who is doing well. It seems like every arm is being used every/every other night. There’s nothing wrong with going 2 or 3 innings, resting two other arms who may be needed in upcoming games. Maybe there is evidence out there showing that pitchers recover better if they pitch shorter stints, but I have never seen or heard of it. That’s something I’d like to know. Any physiological gurus out there??

Wayne in Utah

Frankly, I’d prefer to relieve my negative thoughts here. They have to go somewhere and the dog ignores me.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

August 3, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Lew, I would have paid money to hear Smoltz’s and Hudson’s comments in the dugout after Wicky’s play. They were cracking up. As for the play, itself, damn right it was a good catch. His momentum from the pitch had him going forward, he had to turn back, run over the mound, the rubber, and the cleat-cleaning pad thing, reach back over his head and make the play, with barely any hang time to aid him. Nice work, Bob.

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Yes Anders, it was a tough loss. But dude, a Muts fan wanting to talk to me about “fragility” is like Paris Hilton wanting to talk about dignity.

By Greg in TN

August 3, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Afternoon everyone…

Rough night last night for the denizens. I think the last thing in the world that the bullpen needed was a short night from Jo Jo Reyes and everything else snowballed from there (got to agree with you 100% scribe, just didn’t look comfortable at all on the hill last night). He’ll be there eventually, just needs a little more time at Richmond.

Renteria is of concern to me first and foremost right now as well as Frenchy and Chipper and Willie. We got banged up pretty good last night, however one should expect that at this time of the year.

Got to take care of business tonight with Smoltz on the mound against Colorado. Just win the series guys.

By BravesFanInRockies

August 3, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

R(JITB),

Agreed about wasting Thorman in the 3rd inning. JoJo can handle the bat just fine, 3-fo-8 so far. And on radio, Skip and Pete pointed out that before he signed with the Braves, JoJo was set to go to Southern Cal and play first base. Let the dude hit, and save Thorman (OK, who probably would have struck out anyway, but could have played the OF when we had run out of players).

By Braveheart

August 3, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

knowitall, disagree with you about not questioning every move/at bat - that is part of the fun of baseball, ain’t it?

but do agree fully with you about Silva and how stupid it is to give Bobby a hard time about running out of position players.

How exactly was it Bobby’s fault? The game was an ugly see saw battle, where every at bat mattered, so position players needed to be expended in critical at bats from the 3rd inning on as pinch hitters. They would not have even been in a position to run out of players if Bobby did not start expending them early in the game. Every single at bat mattered last night.

If you are gonna blame anyone for running out of positional players, blame JoJo, although I hate to do that to a talented kid who is trying his heart out but just ain’t yet ready for prime time.

The overexpenditure of the pen and pinch hitting positional players last night lies at JoJo’s feet, not Bobby Cox.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

BravesDave

This is a HUGE weekend for the Braves. They need a sweep heading into next week.

I don’t know about a sweep. But the Braves better win this series. No reason not too. Our three best pitchers are going. In fact, I would be pretty dissapointed if we weren’t sitting here Sunday morning discussing a possible sweep of the Rockies. I don’t care if this team has the same number of losses as we do. The Braves have to start taking series. Every series.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

I understand Stone Mountain shifted 10 feet to the West as a result of Wickman’s cannon ball behind the mound last night!

By Will

August 3, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Tim, Are we really gonna try to sit here and argue with Mets fans comparing lineups when the Braves just lost a game with 11 runs and 22 hits!! The Braves is obviously more desirable, last night was just a scary example of what can happen when the back of your rotation sucks a*!

By bill

August 3, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Lew, yes I watch and pay attention to MLB. you must not. There was and still plenty of veterans available. I’m not talking about Garland, Arroyo or any high priced pitcher. I’m talking a pitcher that’s had major league experience and someone they could put in #5 starter. Silva, Lohse,Trachel, Jenning, William and others are available. JS had his mind set on getting Tex and improving the pen. He doesn’t tell everything. He knowed that there were 2nd tier pitchers but decided to go with what they had. I think the #5 is going to be a big problem. Lew, I hope you understand what I was saying. Pay attention.

By ACB

August 3, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Hey Paladin-Dude, Did you have a little cheese with that whine this morning? (Just kidding.)

But you know not to drink that stuff within an hour of taking your happy pills, right?

By Anders

August 3, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Paladin Why the hostility dude? I just made an obvious comment. I was looking for some feedback on wether your boys always limp around but show up to play i.e. I know Chipper does as he’s old school. Lighten up.

By Salty

August 3, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

The last time the Mets played at that pace for 50 games was June 10…today is the first time they’ve even been over .500 for a 50 game stretch since July 3. They are on that pace over the past 20, though, out of the All-Star break.

The Phils have been on a .560 pace the past 50…and a .650 pace the past twenty games, on the strength of their last home stand. The Phil/Mil series is huge this weekend.

Aaah…the Braves…June 6 was the last time over .500 for a 50 game stretch. Frustrating, frustrating, frustrating!

There are so many analogies that could be ‘expressed’…some not suitable for the blog! The constant teasing…even within a single game, is exhausting…yet…no one has run off in the East or the WC.

Hey, Braves…we’re all waiting to exhale over one of the patented second half runs!

By Braveheart

August 3, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

TampaBrave, no physiological gurus that I know of on here but SJA swears to be a physical specimen.

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

KC Don’t make any bets with that troll unless you are willing to take food stamps.

By TampaBrave

August 3, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Anders,

Don’t agree with bullpen assessment. The 3-5 starters are the concern.

I’d take Wickman over most. He has no fear.

By tyyosh

August 3, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Hey, it’s not what we are used to, but I would definitely take a Braves version of what the 1997 Marlins did. Win the WC, lose the division by 8 games, go .667 during the season against the division champ, then do it again in the LCS on the way to a title. Also, I think this team would do better if the first two games of a postseason series were on the road.

By Will

August 3, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

I actually tend to argue with BravesDave that the Braves really need a sweep this weekend. With the 1,2,3 rotation guys going the Braves need to win every game, especially with Buddy C maybe not 100%, plus god knows who starting every 5th day. Im sorry to break it to many people on here that when you trail by 4 1/2 games you kind of have to sweep a series once in awhile and quit relying on the team you are chasing to play .500 baseball. Wild Card is a different story, but there you are dealing with several more teams when scoreboard watching.

By News Wire

August 3, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Bob Wickman has been called in for questioning by the FBI. An observant and vigilant agent saw his fall last night and did some follow up investigating. It was discovered Wickman had fallen 30 hours prior as well in the clubhouse. The Feds are now examining the causal connection between Wickman falling and the tragic bridge collapse. More to come.

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Andurs(I’m Bravealizing your name:-)) You would have to know by this time that that, for me, was not hostility. I’m just kiddin’ around. You lighten up, Ok?

By Will

August 3, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Tampa Brave, Wickman has no fear, huh! I think he has a great fear of A) saving games on the road and B) saving Tim Hudson’s gems for him.

By raindawg722

August 3, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Chuck James can’t give the staff innings when they keep yanking him after five or six innings when he has only given up a run or two. He certainly has had a tendency to melt down at times after five innings, but how is he ever going to learn to pitch deep into games if the Braves don’t let him? If Tommy Glavine can throw 120 pitches per start, then Chuck should be able to also, but they’ve got to start letting him try. That being said, I do think we’ll see him go deeper in games more as Bobby starts to develop more trust in him.

By Chevy Chase

August 3, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

The Wickman fall would have made Gerald Ford proud.

By Will

August 3, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

BravesDave, Meant to say I agree with you about a sweep, not argue, sorry.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

5 series after next week are: 3 home vs. San Fran, 3 home vs. Arizona, 4 @ Cincy, 3 @ St Louis, and 3 @ Florida.

Then we have the Mets at home. Would sure be nice to go 11-5 in that 16 game stretch. That would be winning every series.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

TampaBrave - Most teams are average starters 3-5. You need a reliable middle bullpen to put out the fires and a lights out closer at the end to deliver the games that are there for the taking. Rivera, Papelbon,Hoffman, Wagner, K-Rod You can’t put Wickman in this class. Having no fear helps, but there’s an elite group and then the next level. He’s on the next level.

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this

ACB I will only talk to you if you put back on your Hannibal Lecter mask. I know it makes it hard to eat your health-food-pizza through it, but “suck it up”,as usual.

By Greg Louganis

August 3, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Bob Wickman violated diver’s etiquette last night. A yell of bellyflop would not have been appropriate. A cannonball yell before splashdown may have sufficed. Bob “Cannonball” Wickman.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Paladin No problem. Just give me the same wide berth in my style.

By V

August 3, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Efrim, I would be satisfied with a winning homestand every once in a while.

By dadgum

August 3, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Last night was a tremendous loss for Atlanta-huge-loss. For one the Astros come to town getting blown out lately and we crush them two straight. Then last night we throw it away. Literally gave it away when we score 11 runs and can’t win. Hey Bobby, the next time Moylan pitches remember it is OK to leave him out there for 3 innings. I mean exactly what was it that you didn’t like about his 4 strikeouts the previous two innings. That’s right we bring on Dotel and same thing yank him. Leave well enough alone. Gotta blame Bobby for last night. You go with Soriano who has been a bust over two guys that have simply shut down teh Astros the previous three innings. Yeah I get it.

Anyway the Braves just faced Houston at home and gained no ground against the Mets or Phillies. Soriano is not to blame Cox should never have used him. What is Soriano supposed to do tell Cox ” sorry but I have been stinking up the joint don’t put me in”. Certainly Cox wins many games but this loss is on him. Time to sit Soriano to get his head straight and mechanics. Folks Wickman and Soriano aren’t the answers teh Braves need to close out games. Time for all you that were so excited about Mahay and Dotel to start praying they get it done. Tex & the Braves will not overcome the poor pitching we have been getting. Here’s hoping it gets turned around—-quick!

Rock on…….remembering Robert Johnson.

By TexasBrave

August 3, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Man before I started reading everybodies posts this morning I was thinking of this line-up: Escobar, Diaz, Chipper, Tex, AJ, Frenchy, McCann, and KJ. However, after reading your posts I just realized that BC might put in Woodcrap to play SS. Please someone tell me that it is just a bad dream and BC will do the right thing and play Escobar.

Now I understand if BC chooses to give McCann the day off, although I know McCann likes to catch Smoltz and Smoltz loves to pitch to him. I can live with Miller in the eight hole as long as BC plays Escobar and not Woodscrap. We are going to need some offense tonight with a better than average pitcher throwing for Colorado.

By Lew

August 3, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Bill-If YOU had bothered to read MY posts, you would have seen that I sad our priority was a fifth starter. Talk about failure to comprehend. Now let’s just look at all those pitchers you mentioned. All have sub- .500 records. The lowest ERA’s of the bunch are 4.61 and Trachsel’s is close to five per game while William’s is 5.41 and Jennings has a 6.03. Just who in the world would you be willing to give up for this group of rejects? If they were so desireable, why did only one get picked up at the deadline, when so many are short of starting pitchers, and that by the Phillies who were absolutely desperate. If JS tells me on National TV that there was no one available, then I am going to believe him, because my own research shows me nothing out there but dead wood that no one wanted. Did you even bother looking up their records before you advocated us going after them? Records of 9-11 (Silva) 6-12(Lohse) 5-7 (Trachsel) 2-7 (Jennings) and 5-12 (Williams) and you’re messing your shorts over them? They are bad pitchers on bad teams. Dude, they are damn little improvement over Davies. People here were already going berserk over giving up what we did for a great player like Tex. What do you think the reaction if we had pulled in one of those losers, for say Lillibridge or another of our young pitchers? Oh, and one more thing-so many advocated picking up Arroyo. Did you notice he gave up seven runs in 1 2/3 IP the other night right after the deadline? Do some research before you jump on my case. It would have saved you putting your foot in your mouth.

By J. Edgar Hoover

August 3, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

A $100,000 reward has been posted on the FBI’s web site for the capture and arrest of the snipers who took out Bob Wickman last night.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 3, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Last night, while doin’ a little journalism, TheJackAss reported that the most amazing thing about Wickman’s cascading catch was not that he actually caught that ball while hitting the ground with authority…the most amazing thing was that he hit the ground so damned hard that TheJackAss just knew that all the king’s horses, and all the king’s men, could never put Wicky back together again…but he did not lose his chaw!…

Today, it was brought to my attention by the esteemed ugandan journalist, that Wicky may have indeed swallowed that nasty chaw…my question now is, was anyone able to notice, through their tears of glee, whether or not Wicky spat that chaw out, as he usually does, when he exited the field?…either way, matters not, fact is Wicky did indeed hold that chaw…but he may have to wait several hours before he can spit it out!…

Other matters—a blogger suggested that maybe DOB could change the name of the blog when he returns because of all the love being shown to Mets fans, and their soon to be domination of the blog…

TheJackAss noticed yesterday that DOB may have already began that transition…the blog was titled “Braves Nation and MIB abuzz over Tex”…Metsucker…Infested… Blog…???

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Paladin has left the bldg., temporarily. I’m going for my “nooner” which at my age is a sandwich and a power nap. When I return, and if you wish, we can continue our “discussions”.

By Will

August 3, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

The Mets play Fla, Pit, Wash after the Braves its not like their schedule is not as manageable or easier then the Braves upcoming schedule. I would like to see the Braves go about 13-3 over that stretch you mention. It is not near as easy to make up 4 1/2 games as some people act like. I am almost to the point where i am floored by so many people that just think it is a no brainer the Braves are gonna win the divison. Why is that? I really dont get it, i am a diehard Braves fan so dont even bother trying to call me out on that. AFter the trades I do believe the Braves a decent shot to make the playoffs one way or another, but when in the hell did it just become so cut and dry they will catch the Mets. We are 3 weeks clear of the all star break and 2 games farther back then at the break. Someone let me know when the Mets blow a 4 run 8th inning lead at home to one of the worst teams in the league. No sweat if you are up 4 1/2 games, but that is not the case.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Will, I got the jist of your post, no problem.

Efrim, 2 out of 3 is acceptable, but as Will said, if this team is going to make a truly sustained move toward either the wild card or the division, they need to start sweeping a series or two in the near future. With so many teams bunched up in the wild card standings, the Braves are never going to be fortunate enough to have all of their opponents losing on the same night. The only way to combat this is to get a little win streak going…even if the win streak is only 4 or 5 games. A 4 or 5 game win streak starting tonight would do wonders for the Braves in the standings. They have not had a sustained win streak all season and that is the reason they are in the current position.

By Mariano Rivera

August 3, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Billy Wagner - not in my class. The next big save will be his first big save. He’ll crap on himself when Larry gets to the plate. No real Mets fan truly thinks he is elite. Trevor Hoffman - not in my class. Did you watch the 1998 World Series? Nuff said. Papelbon - not in my class. Let’s see what he does in a big spot. KRod - not in my class. He had a magical 2002 postseason but has been a big yawn since. Talk to me when he does it 10 postseasons in a row.

By ACB

August 3, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Paladin-Dude, I never had a … o0o0ohhh, you Dawg. You’re f**ing with me. You are a fiesty old phart.

Anyway. Dude-sir, I think I know why you relate to Julio so much. He lives at the same retirement home as you in the off-season. Right?

By Lew

August 3, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

Let’s see now-a 4 1/2 games is hard to overcome? We have more than eight weeks left in the season. If we gain one game on the Mets every two weeks (1/2 game per week) AND play the Mets 6-3 like the first half, that should do it.

By TampaBrave

August 3, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

News Wire

Totally inappropriate. The bridge you fish off of for dinner could have been the bridge that collapsed. Not cool!!

Anders

I’ve seen all those pitchers blow saves on multiple occasions. Wick’s velocity might be a little slower, but his grit makes up fpr it. It’s amazing how, not too long ago everyone was saying that Wick was the s**. Now he runs into a bad stretch and he can’t pitch anymore. Frankly, I’d hate to be the guy between Wick and a plateful of cheeseburgers.

Will

You have found the magic correlation. Please get this info to JS as soon as possible.

By N8

August 3, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

Wayne

“We are not a mediocre team. The Orioles, the White Sox, the Cardinals, and the Marlins are mediocre. We are an OK team, trying to become a GOOD team by attemting to improve on our consistency.”

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

mediocre:

of no exceptional quality or ability; “a novel of average merit”; “only a fair performance of the sonata”; “in fair health”; “the caliber of the students has gone from mediocre to above average”; “the performance was middling at best”

We are as mediocre of a TEAM as you can get. We have plenty of “exceptional quality” on an individual basis (Smoltz, Hudson, Chipper, etc…)

But FAR TOO MANY below average parts. KJ’s defense is becoming a liability at 2B (one momenet he makes an exceptional play, the next he kicks a ball that costs us 2 runs), Andruw’s bat (especially in the middle of the order), is killing us…STILL, whoever happens to be the 5th starter of the week, Soriano has done a complete “180” on what he was in April-May, and then there’s Bobby. I won’t elaborate because I don’t need to. Those who “get it” know what I mean, and those who don’t wouldn’t believe the weatherman if he said it was raining, even after arriving to work soaking wet.

I said it last night, a TEAM is only as strong as it’s weakest link. Similar to the old saying when a defensive liability is brought in…..The ball will find them.

Now, if there is a whole bunch of you that STILL believe that this game will win EVERY game not started by our 5th starter (.800 winning percentage the rest of the way), then that’s fine. We’ll be fine.

But for the realists out there, that realize that we ARE gonna lose some games that Smoltz, Hudson, Chuck and Buddy start, well then we are in serious trouble.

This offense is on a roll right now. Do you all expect us to score 8-12 runs a game for the rest of the year? Get real. Sooner or later, Buddy and the 5th starter are gonna have to get us past the 6th inning on a consistant basis or we’re dead in the water. Throw Smoltz into that list as well. Only difference between him and the 4th and 5th starters right now, is that he at least dominates when he’s in there, so we don’t NEED to score 10 runs (until Soriano comes in, in relief).

Lew

Not sure why you put my name up there when preaching to the naysayers. I’ve NEVER spoken anything but realism on this blog.

I’m not standing on a mountain top professing we have NO SHOT at making the playoffs. The chance is there. But here’s the thing. We’ve had chances ALL YEAR to make a move. Well have MANY more chances to continue to make a move. So far we haven’t capitalized on those chances. So UNTIL WE DO, if you ask me whether I’m buying or selling on us making the playoffs.

I’m selling. Take note on the fact that that is a different statment than saying “we’ve got no chance”. Not what I’m saying at all.

We need to win a damn extra inning game. PERIOD. It’s getting old. Getting outplayed and outmanaged in EVERY close game for the last month, it seems like.

How do you expect this team to respond down the stretch, much less in the playoffs, when we can’t get the big hit to win a damn extra inning game in the beginning of August. We are 3-7 in extra inning games, and 2 of those victories came in games 1 and 2 of the season. So that means since April 5th, we are 1-7 in extra inning games.

Explain to me again why you’re so confident. I don’t get it. I like this team. I absolutely LOVED the move to get Tex (and I was a HUGE Salty fan), loved the bullpen additions as well. But it doesn’t seem to have helped us very much, does it?

I’m not sure why everybody always makes the comments about our 5th starter being the black hole on the team, of course it is. But until we find a fix, or go with a 4-man rotation, we can count on a loss 1 out of every 5 games, and if we don’t win EVERY OTHER start from the other 4 guys, that’s 2 losses (at least) every 5 games.

I’m sorry optimists, but playing .600 ball the rest of the way, is NOT gonna cut it. No way.

Hopefully Cormier fixes it. But until I see, I’m not believing that either.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Mariano - Having had the experience you’ve had against the Braves I think you’d agree that when their bullpen door has swung open in the ninth nobodys been shaking much? At least on the opponents side. BTW - I do believe the Braves offered your team Wickman for Farnsworth less then 72 hours ago. That’s a real confidence booster.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

August 3, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

FYI for all of those who think they know everything. Willie Harris was playing third in Richmond when he was called up.

By Stinky

August 3, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss could sit on a chaw and tell you what brand it is.

By geauxbraves2000

August 3, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

2 out of 3 is great and I would take that the rest of the way, but last night’s game should not have been a loss. 22 hits w/11 runs should be enough to win a game. I guess that proves the old addage that no matter what kind of sluggers you have in the lineup, if you don’t have pitching you don’t have squat.

Geaux Braves!!

By beachcomber

August 3, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Dadgum - I agree with you. Last night was one of the tougher losses. But the good news is the top of the rotation is going this weekend.

Also getting Cormier abck up will be a help if only to get a fresh arm out in the pen.

Soriano’s sudden nosedive is concerning. The guy has absolutely electric stuff. Hopefully a few days off will get the movement back on his fastball which seems to be the issue. Seeing comparisons of him to Kolb and Reitsma in previous blogs makes me laugh. The guy needs some time off and a few side sessions.

Finally, how ‘bout a little help this weekend Cubs and Brewskis?

By TexasBrave

August 3, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Another thought before work calls me back. Has anyone seen or heard an injury report on Chipper’s hand. Although it wasn’t made out to be or seem too serious it does cause me to have some concern for him. If he did injure the web area of his hand that can spell serious trouble when he bats left handed. I played baseball through college (not for any major colleges) and am a left handed hitter and I can tell you that that kind of injury does not go away unless you give it a lot of rest. Also it is very difficult to hit pitches that are inside or even down the middle because you use that top hand to push the bat through the zone. Pitches away from him shouldn’t cause too much pain.

Thankfully tonight I think we have a lefty starter and the hand should not affect his at bats at all.

By Will

August 3, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Let me pose another question in years past when the Braves were 4 1/2 games up were we as Braves fans very worried about being caught by whoever was behind them?? I know i sure as hell wasnt. 4 1/2 games is totally manageable, but its gonna take 2 out of 3 baseball at worst the rest of the way

By beachcomber

August 3, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Gil - Thanks for being our “eye on the farm” so to speak!

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 3, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss could also stomp little Stinky’s @$$ if he ever meets up with him…

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

In keeping with toe stuff. The SJA has more intelligence in his pinky toe than Stinky will ever have.

By Lew

August 3, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Nathan-In a word-Bull.

By KC

August 3, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Efrim: Grinch and I were at that game you’re referring to in which James gave up the 3 run homer… and I’ll tell you right now, THAT WAS BC’S FAULT!!!!!

It was painfully obvious that James was out of gas. He pitched quite well up till that point, but had started to leave the ball up and out over the plate that inning. The bullpen had been since before the start of that inning, and he never should have been allowed to pitch to Ryan Howard. Even before Howard hit that ball, I was in complete disbelief that Bobby didn’t pull him.

Why in the WORLD would you let an exhausted fly ball pitcher, pitch to Ryan Howard in 3 run ballgame with 2 runners on and 1st base open????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don’t ordinarily say this sort of thing, but that was entirely BC’s fault.

Anyway, of course they have to play every game like a playoff game now, but I’m still certainly going to hope we can send Smoltzy and Huddy to the mound at Shay next week.

Mets and Cubs about to get underway. Under the circumstances… GO CUBS!!!

By knowitall

August 3, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, I guess you can critique every aspect of the game if you can do it without having a stroke. I worry about the health of some of those here.

Bill, if all of this pitching was available why weren’t any of them traded with the exception of Lohse? I mean people are giving JS grief for trading Salty for a bonafide star. Can you imagine if he or Escobar had been traded for some run of the mill pitcher? I mean we got a decent prospect for Kile Davies and I don’t know if anyone can pitch worse than he did. Can you imagine what teams were asking for an actual compentent pitcher. The price was just too high for pitching.

By Lew

August 3, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

GeauzBraves-You’re absolutely correct. We should not have lost the game last night. But, guess what? We did. Time to move on. There are 50+ games left and there’s one tonight and another tomorrow. Let’s win them and worry about Sunday on Sunday.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

N8, once again, for my money, you are the voice of reason. I only disagree with your recent posts about moving Andruw out of the #5 spot. I was all for getting him out of the cleanup spot, but I coming to terms with him at #5. I think with Teixeira in front of him, the pressure is off. I really expect that he will settle in and produce better for the rest of the season. Call it blind faith.

As far as your other comments regarding the team’s mediocrity, I could not agree more. Up until this point in the season, this team has not capitalized on any opportunities to make moves in the standings. They have been consistently inconsistent. I felt that the trades at the deadline were going to fix this issue and get the team on a nice run, but these injuries have put a major dent in those plans. Again, the Braves absolutely need to sweep the Rocks.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Will

We will have to go 93-68 to win the division. Lets just put it that way. I’ll tell you one thing though, at worst this team is going to go 88-74. At worst. If they finished with a worse record than that, I would be VERY dissapointed. 88-74 will win the wild card. Might take 90 wins, but between 88-90.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Damn LEW…..There goes thatIF word again. Try posting without an “IF” or “Maybe” sometime when discussing the braves chances of overtaking the Mets. It’ll be tougher than you think.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 3, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

I see that your new pal Anders is gradually transitioning from all that “friendly, good-natured, back and forth banter” to plain old insults and put-downs…true colors shinin’ through…really no way for our guest to behave…just another obnoxious, overbearing @$$Hole from New York…ain’t that right Stinky?…

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

I want to apologize for a couple comments last night. They weren’t totally wrong but I stated what I meant wrong and was called out for it(deservedly so). I said I liked the move putting Chipper at SS and Willie at 3rd. I said moving Kelly to short wasn’t right b/c he hadn’t played there and Willie not at 3rd. What I meant was that neither of them have played it for us. Kelly didn’t play SS at the gig league level. I know Willie played 2nd in Chicago but he did play 3rd 1 time earlier, which was his 1st. I also said that Bobby let Chipper play short b/c he’s joked about doing it and w/ a 4 run lead he thought it couldn’t do any harm. I was wrong, as were they, about that too. If I ever state a fact I usually can back it(never been called out before) but this time I admit I was wrong.

Good to hear that Carlyle isn’t going to miss a start. He’s done a great job since being called up. Also, many of you are getting your wish. Cormier is coming back up. Looks like he’ll be in the pen b/c of the over-use lately but will get a turn to start. Jo Jo is going down to get some work. I think that was a good idea. I believe he will be a good starter for us but he’s not quite ready.

I wonder if Edgar goes on the DL (they some probably not)for the 1st time who the Braves would call up. I keep hearing Lillbridge but I think Bobby would unfortinately go w/ Orr. I haven’t heard anyone talk about Prado and I think he would be a good fit. Lillbridge should stay until we expand rosters so he can get as much work as possible. As for Prado he has been hitting lights out. He had about a 10 game streak until he went hittless the last 2 games. He is hitting around .320 w/ an OBP of .380 and a K/BB ratio about even. He has even stolen a few bases and only has 2 errors. I think he was even a player of the week a few weeks ago. Keep Lillbridge playing every day and Orr w/ his .245 avg down and give Prado an opportunity.

By bill

August 3, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Lew, you are an idiot. I know the record of all the pithers that I mentioned. They are not pretty but they are experienced. You don’t have to give me their stat’s as I already know what they are. The Braves needs someone with experience that can give them innings. The Braves are having problems from the 4 & 5 starters. I heard what JS said but do you have an inside line to where you can chat with him. You should know by now that JS is not going to tell no more than he has too. JS is a good poker player and I’m sure he’s not going to tell you or me what he is doing.

By ncscoots

August 3, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Use a relief pitcher for 3 innings, especially a power reliever, and he’s unlikely to be effective again without two days rest. Use him for two innings, and he might be effective for an inning the next day, but is unlikely to be effective the day after.

Using a couple of relievers for longer stints one day with the idea that you’ll just use a couple of other relievers for longer stints the next would mean no choices on matchups, and eventually leaves you with no rested and ready arms in the bullpen.

Of course, if you can see the future and know that you won’t need the bullpen on a particular day, you could pretty much burn arms any way you like. But, until then, you best be ready to use any and all arms available. Relievers throwing 30-50 pitches an outing pretty much nukes that option.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

KC

Why in the WORLD would you let an exhausted fly ball pitcher, pitch to Ryan Howard in 3 run ballgame with 2 runners on and 1st base open????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know you will hate me for this comment, and so will Lew but, that is why I am not the biggest Chuck James fan. The man has the highest fly ball percentage of any pitcher in the National League. Love the ERA and he has been unbelievable through the first 4 innings of each of his starts but he has to work on his slider/curve if he is going to be a solid #3 starter in the league. If he does do that he will be able to get more grounders and be able to get out of innings quicker.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

EVERYONE….

IF THE BRAVES GO 6-3 AGAINST THE METS…THAT’LL MAKE UP 3 GAMES RIGHT THERE!!!!!!!

Not to mention WE ARE ONLY 1.5 BACK in the WILD CARD!!!!!!

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

The Mets will win the division. Why you ask? They get more production from their 3-4-5 pitchers than the braves do. It’s a simple concept you southern yahoo’s might have a hard time understanding.

By ncscoots

August 3, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

The good news: the blog has progressed from “your an idiot” to “you are an idiot”. As a big believer in the elegant use of language, I find this a plus. :-)

By N8

August 3, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Lew

“Nathan-In a word-Bull.”

Oh yeah.

Lew-In a word-Denial.

Right back atcha’ buddy. :-)

By Jay

August 3, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

The Mets are 61-47,they have 54 games left. If they take 2/3 in seven of their remaining 17 series thats a 34-20 record and a 95-67 record for the season. The Braves would have to go 39-14 to win the division. The Mets have 28 home games left and 19 games left with Washington and Florida and a not-so-tough road trip to Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. A 34-20 record for the Mets is not out of their reach. Again the Braves would have to go 39-14, thats a lot of work.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 3, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

texasbrave made a good post but texasbrave please accept this advice from jimmy smith: never, never, talk chipper and talk webs at the same time. dob does not look kindly toward those who perpetuate the rumors (only rumors, nothing more according to dob).

“If he did injure the web area of his hand that can spell serious trouble when he bats left handed.”

there are no web areas on chipper. not on chipper’s hands and certainly not on chipper’s feet and toe(s)!! (not sure how many, only a rumor, nothing more).

now, sja has made an important connection and this connection appears to be valid.

and where is journalist bob? someone must go by and check. drain the tub. wake the journalist. not a pretty thought, though.

and whither carroll rogers with pithy comment?

and will mark davis ever blog here? dob could never get the gymnastics coach to blog here - scared her off with leotard envy.

By TampaBrave

August 3, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Alou, Beltran, Loduca, and Castillo banged up ad not playing today.

Go Cubbies

By Salty

August 3, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

James is a career (a bit over a year) 20-12 in 40 starts, an ERA of 3.70. He’s WHIP of about 1.3; almost 2:1 K/BB ratio. He has three fewer K’s than Huddy, in 30 fewer innings (yep, would like more innings, oh well). That’s not enough to be a #3? How many #2’s are putting up those results…or aces for that matter. Name another, please.

He gets outs…and helps deliver wins. He’s young and still learning to pitch and will, hopefully, continue to get better. Sheesh, Glavine couldn’t make it out of the 1st inning for years; now he’s knocking on 300 wins.

By N8

August 3, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Hey Lew,

On a side note, since I’m such a pessimist (according to you all), I prefer realist. I was wondering if you’d make me some artwork of an action shot that pretty much sums up the Braves of the last few years.

The shot I’m thinking of, is Andruw scaling the LF wall at Fulton County Stadium with Lyritz’ HR off of Wohlers falling just out of his reach.

That would be somthing. LOL!

I’m just kidding, btw.

Maybe you could do a series of drawings like the old cartoon/comic books that if you fan them out really quick it shows “action”. You could show Soriano from his set position, followed by his windup, then releasing the ball, the final image would be his head snapping all the way around to watch his latest gopher ball flying into the upper deck. :-)

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

I totally disagree. The Braves are far from mediocre. They have 1 of the top 3 offenses in the league and they WILL hit. I’m not worried about that at all.

As for our pitching…yea it is suspect but last night is NO indication as to how it will be. I think what happened last night was Bobby making a mistake. He, as did most of us, thought the game was ours so he only pitched Yates and Dotel(especially Dotel) 1 inning so he could work in other guys. He then(again unfortunately) pitched Soriano in the 8th. I really think he did this to show Soriano that even though we picked up a few arms that he was still his main set-up guy. I really believe that when rested our pen is just as good as most in the DL. Yates is great once he’s rested, which has shown the last couple(2 innings w/ no hits 2K’s and no walks). Moylan is doing great as are Dotel and Mahay. Ring will be a great addition in a bit too. If Villereal picks it back up and Sturtze gets back we have a very formidable pen.

I know I am going to get crushed here for saying this, but I really believe our pen is about to turn it around in a big way. Rest is the key to our success and it WILL happen soon. The guy I didn’t mention is Soriano. It wasn’t too long ago that all of us were singing praises his way. He had some bad outings and most started bashing him too. It happens all the time on here where some of you love guys and when he has a couple bad games you throw him under the bus. He did have a couple outings before last night where he looked like he did the 1st part of the year. I believe Soriano should get DL’ed for 2 weeks, get rested and he will come back the Soriano of old.

The pen made up of:Dotel, Mahay. Yates, Moylan, Soriano, Wickman and a few others added later can stack w/ about any. I will get creamed for now, but they will be a solid group REAL soon. Mark my words!!

This to go along w/ our “O” that I definitly don’t need to discuss will give us a post season. The 4 teams will include: Braves, Mets, Cubs and Dodgers.

As for starters, I have this to say. A strong offense as ours does help lower ERA. I say it b/c when you score as many runs as we can it makes a guy who shouldn’t be in a rotation a #5 guy. It makes a #5 starter look like a #4 or even a #3 and so on. That is why a starter on the Red Sox can have an era of over 4.50 and win 13 games and a guy on a team like Washington that has the same stats and win only 2,4 and 5 games.

So since there wasn’t an arm available worth giving up prospects, JS got the best available bat, therefore making our pitching better.

Go ahead and rip me now but hopefully I am right. Do any of you agree?

GO BRAVES

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 3, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Bill—TheJackAss would like to respectfully enquire as to your use of the word “pither”…is that simply a misspelling of the word pitcher??…or does it refer to a person who’s comments are composed with great pith…thus a pither?…

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

All of this talk of ‘if the Mets go 162-0 then the Braves have to go 163-0’ is mind-numbing.

Let’s sweep the Rockies and then we’ll talk about the standings on Monday morning. The Braves need to take care of g-ddamn business. No more losses like last night. I mentioned last night on the blog that in the past week the Braves have come back to tie or lead games when they were trailing 7-0, 5-1, and 3-0. They have lost all three. That is only in the last week. That has to stop if we want to start talking playoffs.

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this

Chase I agree w/ the way you look at it. It is a very obtainable goal to go 6 and 3 against the Mets. We play them well and like you said that is 3 games right there.

Jay and whoever keeps saying the Mets go …. and the Braves have to go ….to keep up. That is the wrong way to look at it. The main thing that matters right now are the head to head meetings. That is what is going to win the division. You can say the Braves need to go 39-14 to do anything but if they beat the Mets in games that is what is going to do it.

By Mo in the boonies

August 3, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

I don’t blog while I’m watching the game, so I’m late saying my bit. But it looked like the team got “managed” again. First he wastes Escobar, so he wasn’t available when Renteria got hurt, then he did the infield shuffle. Any sensible person would have left Chipper on third, and put Harris at short, and Kelly at second.

I do feel that Andy is relieved to be out of the strain of cleanup, and is going to be hitting a lot better from now on. And I’ve always felt he was the best CF player presently in baseball.

Finally, Reyes is sent down, I was afraid he was going to be another of BC’s pet boys. Please, Please, Lord sent us another starter who isn’t worn out and rehabbed.

I hate losing games, but He//, I was just happy that the game was on where I could see it!

By Kyle Farnsworth

August 3, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Up yours Rivera.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 3, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

No Chop Zone, you do have a point. The backend of the Braves rotation isn’t as good as the Mets. However, I will tell you this Mr. Overconfident. If the Braves get into the playoffs, your precious Mets are in trouble because the Braves #1-#3 in the rotation is better than yours. The backend of the rotation won’t matter in a seven game series.

By lineup correction

August 3, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Bat Andruw 8th. He’d walk half the time with the pitcher coming up next. All he connects on are mistakes anyway.

By JasonInMaine

August 3, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Our prolific offense will have quite a challenge tonight. This is from MLB.com:

“COL: LHP Jeff Francis (11-5, 4.12 ERA) During his 13-start hot streak, Francis has allowed two earned runs or fewer nine times. His ERA ballooned to 6.52 after his fifth start of the season, but fell to 3.44 after a win over the Yankees on June 20. Francis hasn’t lost since June 8, and his last loss to a National League team was on May 2.”

I am betting on our offense!

By Jay

August 3, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

BravesDave- 2/3 of the season is over. We’re coming up on 50 games left. If you can’t crunch numbers now then when can you? I’m sure that Cox and Randolph have numbers in their in terms of wins that will secure a spot in the playoffs. But fans cant have numbers? Thats the fun of sports! Its all about the numbers!

By Jay

August 3, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

BravesDave- 2/3 of the season is over. We’re coming up on 50 games left. If you can’t crunch numbers now then when can you? I’m sure that Cox and Randolph have numbers in their head in terms of wins that will secure a spot in the playoffs. But fans cant have numbers? Thats the fun of sports! Its all about the numbers!

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 3, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

scoots is right. “you are an idiot” shows that progress is being made. it is hard to believe that with all those injuries suffered last night, there were no toe injuries. still, willie ran toe-first into the wall a few times but with no apparent ill-effect. if the hammock is a hurtin’ tonight and edgar is already out of the lineup and we see corky miller behind the plate and woodward at third, will we also see thorman at first? that way bobby could have tushy available for the late innings. porky, dorky, and corky. oh, the humanity! and will the old maid game ever be completed now that the hammock bone is tender? not this game. maybe a new game when hoss can again deal. and where is the chin hair on tushy? and the emblems? does tushy have no endorsements?

By Ron

August 3, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

When Wayne said this comment below I KNEW SOMEBODY would give the definition!!!

Wayne

“We are not a mediocre team. The Orioles, the White Sox, the Cardinals, and the Marlins are mediocre. We are an OK team, trying to become a GOOD team by attemting to improve on our consistency.”

And WHY am I not surprised it was N8!!! This is what he said:

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

mediocre:

of no exceptional quality or ability; “a novel of average merit”; “only a fair performance of the sonata”; “in fair health”; “the caliber of the students has gone from mediocre to above average”; “the performance was middling at best”

That was pretty funny I knew it would probably be N8, Coach, Todd A, Efrim, OR Somebody!!! I just thought that it was funny!!! N8 dont comment on this, Im not putting YOU down, I just thought it was funny, thats all!!!

Oh yeah how was my one of my comments last night a real doozy? I was stating the obvious!!! We can do it!!! We just gotta win these games!!! And that is a fact, we dont win these games, well we probably WONT do it!!! I really dont understand how you took it the WRONG way!!!

By bill

August 3, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Knowitall, yes the price of pitching was steep. Salty had to be traded and JS did the best that he could do. They had better be glad that they didn’t trade Escobar. That would have been a horrible mistake. If Cormier doesn’t do the job, I bet JS will come up with something by end of month. They need inning’s from all of their starters. I have a feeling that’s why Pena hasn’t been recalled. That would be one of his trading chip’s.

By Jay

August 3, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

If all that matters is the head-to-head between the Braves and Mets then why are the Braves in third? A 6-3 record against them hasn’t put the Braves in first place. The Mets can go 34-20 and LOSE the 3 series against the Braves. The point is that the Mets schedule is ungodly poor and after their Cubs series they have 28 of 51 games at home. No one thinks that will be a factor in who wins the division? If you don’t think it matters thats your opinion. My thought is that it will matter.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

All:

You have to be a little alarmed about all those close games we are losing. Extra innings games as well. Don’t get me wrong, I think this team is making the playoffs one way or another. I am not as high on the NL West as some people are.

These losses we’ve had in the second half have been really bad. Each one in Arizona, both in San Fran, last nights, the extra innings loss at home against St. Louis, the other loss against the Cards where Wainwright pitched, and the marathon Reds Loss. In fact, the loss against the Reds where Davies pitched is the only one that didn’t hurt as much. Add onto it the loss where we almost came back to win and ended up losing 7-6. The game Arroyo pitched. Sorry that was a little confusing, but I got every loss that we have had in the second half. I thought it might have ended after winning three in a row, but there it was again last night. Very alarming.

Those are all games we could of won but didn’t, and that is too many to think positive about.

Oh well, this team is making the playoffs. I don’t care what anyone says. BC needs to take care of the problem at hand, which is moving Dotel or Moylan to the 8th inning and moving Soriano to the 7th. It is that simple. If our starters at the back end including Chuck James pitch 6 instead of 5, then Moylan can be used exclusively in the 8th.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 3, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

not hating on andruw but “the game’s best centerfielder” had two throws last night that were well up the line and most uncharacteristic of the andruw of old. diminished skills?

and will lew draw a picture of wicky on the ground behind the mound, on wicky’s back, for the next wicky tee shirt? beached wicky.

and whither carroll rogers today?

By The Ghost of Santino Corleone

August 3, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

What in the sorld has happened to this “family”? This blog is absolutely crawling with trolls, jackals and plain-ole Muts fans. Is The Southern Jackass(What kind of name is that for a member of a good Sicilian family. We will have to call him Luca Brazi, since the original Luca is still testing deep-water scuba gear w/millstones for weights. Now, that Luca, he had/has some stones)the only one with some stones? Have all the rest of you turned into a bunch of white-collar poosies?

These punks need to (speaking of Luca)”swim with the fishes”. Do it! Now!

By Overlord

August 3, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Any word on renteria? Who bad is the sprain???

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Any opinions on my 2:41 post?

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Jay, you can have your numbers, but the facts are that the Braves have to win games, period. I am saying that there is a series in front of us where a sweep is possible (top 3 in the rotation going for the Braves), and a sweep is absolutely needed. If you want to use your numbers, fine. If the Braves go 3-0 this weekend, it makes it that much easier for them to finish the season 39-14 (as some were discussing).

By Overlord

August 3, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Hmmm, Cormier is back……..does anyone knows what to expect of him? i read he was doing really good in AAA.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Ron

I think we are making the playoffs as the wild card. Sorry bro. I might be negative towards this team, but I still think we are making the playoffs. That could change if we go 3-6 the next 9 games, but thats baseball man. A playoff team wouldn’t go 3-6 during this stretch in mid-August.

By ncscoots

August 3, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

jimmy, I don’t think you can blame David for the absence of Coach Yoc here on the blog. Truth be known, I actually sent her an email informing her of blog-heroine status, and our outright thievery of her best quotes. I suggested she get in touch with David to verify, and then join us with a post, but I guess she figured we were just a bunch of Gymdawg stalkers. Or just me, maybe :-).

In any event, appears to me we could use a little leotard-strapping among the bloggers these days. IMO.

Yoc’s rock, go Gymdawgs!

By Overlord

August 3, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Hubbard needs to do something about KJ, his defense has cost us some games now, his helping way above what was expected with the bat, but come on, the guy has made lots of errs on not so hard to field balls…….. issue must be addressed.

By Chop Chop

August 3, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

The Mets’ starting rotation is absolutely better than the Braves. Let’s break it down, shall we?

Smoltz is a Hall of Fame pitcher who’s having a very good year (10-5, 2.84 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) but Maine’s doing pretty well for himself (12-5, 2.92 ERA, 1.13 WHIP). I’d rather have Smoltz (easily my favorite Braves player and a guy who this team is going to miss terribly when he’s gone), but Maine is producing similar numbers and doesn’t have a bad shoulder. Screw him, I’m still taking Smoltz.

Hudson is having a very strong bounceback year (11-5, 3.09 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, an insane 4 HRs allowed in 151 IP) and is living up to expectations. Oliver Perez absolutely owns the Braves (3-0 this year) and is having a good year overall (10-7, 3.00 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 119 Ks in 120 IP). Hudson made one start against the Mets this year and didn’t give up a run. I like Hudson in this matchup because he’s more consistent.

vs.

This is where it gets bad for the Braves. Even if we’re not sure what Pedro will bring when he comes back, I’d take Pedro throwing 85 mph over James, Carlyle and Cormier any day of the week. Pedro is a future Hall of Famer who just knows how to get people out. El Duque has been very good this year (7-4, 3.02 ERA, 1.09(!) WHIP). Glavine hasn’t been all that special (9-6, 4.02 ERA, only 62 Ks in 137 IP), but once again, I’d take him over the Braves’ 3-4-5 pitchers because I know what he’s capable of.

James is having a solid first full season in the majors and will only get better. Even so, he’s only giving the team 5.5 innings per start. Carlyle is a career journeyman who is pitching beyond anyone’s wildest dreams, but he’s still giving the Braves less than 6 innings a start. We won’t talk about the #5 spot too much, but I will say that Lance Cormier is 0-2 with an ERA over 15 in his two starts in Atlanta this year. There’s nowhere to go but up for him, but his career ERA in bigs is over 6. At best, he’s a gamble. At worst, he’s Jo-Jo Reyes/Kyle Davies/Mark Redman/everybody else.

(Okay. That was boring. I shouldn’t make points for Mets fans, but I just did. I hope we can overcome our pitching deficiencies, but we’re 4.5 behind a team with better overall starting pitching. That’s going to be a tough hill to climb.)

By Chase

August 3, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

JAY

you said: “we’re coming up on 50 games left”

MAN I know you are trying to make a point but…THERE ARE 57 GAMES LEFT

That is closer to 60 than 50!

By TampaBrave

August 3, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

Leave Tricy Wicky be.

As I said earlier, if getting opposing batters out is the only thing between Wicky and a plate of cheeseburgers, then I like our chances.

By TexasBrave

August 3, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this

Mr. Jimmy Smith - I am not trying to spread any rummors, I am just telling you like I saw it. A. He was jammed and grimaced on the way to first. B. He then showed he was in a lot of pain trying to take off his batting glove. C. He stuck said hand in a bucket of ice water upon entering the dugout. D. He was very ineffective the rest of his left handed at bats.

I believe based on those observations that my original inference is correct, that Chipper injured the meaty area between his thumb and fore finger on his right hand. I am just trying to show some true concern and am not nor would I ever dis on Chipper aka Hoss.

By KC

August 3, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Efrim: Yes, the perfect prototype for a pitcher is a ground-ball guy who can get a strikeout when he needs it. But that doesn’t mean a flyball pitcher can’t be effective.

Despite Chuck’s tendency to give up the long ball, he gets away with it because he keeps his WHIP relatively low. And the fact is that he boasts a very good 3.70 ERA. That ERA puts him in the top 15-20% of all major league starters. Not bad.

He doesn’t give you many innings, which is why no one is talking about him as a “top-of-the-rotation” kind of pitcher… but on average, Chuck will give you 6 innings a start. I’ll take a 6-inning pitcher with an ERA in the mid-3’s over a 4.40 ERA, 7/8-inning pitcher… any day of the week.

You want more innings from your 1 and 2 starters (and they’re getting it), but for anyone else, a guy that will give you 6 high-quality innings is an asset. It wouldn’t be an issue at all if the 4 and 5 slots in our rotation hadn’t been killing our bullpen.

Chuck James is a quality number-3 starter. Buddy Carlyle appears to be a solid number-4 guy… so let’s just hope and pray that Cormier is finally healthy (for realzies this time) and can round out that rotation!!

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Chase

There are 53 games left. Unless my math is terrible.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 3, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Overloard, you are exaggerating a bit about Kelly’s defense. His error last night was his 10th of the season. That is pretty good to not get your 10th error until August 2nd in your first year at a new position. For those 10 errors he has made 30 terrific plays. His error didn’t cost us the game last night Soriano’s ineffectiveness and the inability of the offense to come through in the clutch did.

By Don Vito

August 3, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

I have a sentimental weakness for my children and I spoil them, as you can see. They talk when they should be listening.

Sonny: Never tell anybody outside the family what you’re thinking again.

By masivatack

August 3, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Don’t know if anyone has brought this up, but…

Just wanted to add something about the game last night. I was actually at the stadium and, let me tell you, for those of you who were not there, trust me it was far worse in person.

OK, I’ll get to the point.

Right after blowing the game and going into the 10th inning, my rage had reached new heights, but heres the doosey. On the monstrosity that is our JumbotronHD, there was a 2-3 minute montage of Craig Biggio’s greatest hits, including several against the bravos.

I was completely floored and have no idea why we would want to celebrate someone who has just destroyed us over the years. This proves to me that we are just a town for “Permenant Tourists” and nobody but a few true hardcore fans are here and really love this team.

Could you imagine the Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals, or anyone with a relevant, popular baseball team doing something so akward and contrived in order to appeal to the visiting team.

That is why we are who we are.

A city with a great baseball team but no real passion for the hometeam and while I consider baseball to be a gentlemans sport, thats just a weak move for our organization. You know, good for Biggio having a great career, but given the recent history between these two teams and his contribution to that misery, I still hate him.

Hate Him…

Shame on the person who came up with that idea.

Also, just a quick proverb from one the great philosiphers of our time.

“Let me let y’all brothas know I ain’t no West coast disser Another thing I’m not is a damn a** kisser ” -Q-tip

Keep it real, true braves fans!

By Jay

August 3, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

BravesDave- I agree that they still have to play the games but everyone thinking that 39-14 is in reach is not being realistic. I think many people think the Mets are gonna fall apart but their schedule is REALLY poor. Braves are on the road for 28 games while the Mets are home for 28 with road trips to florida, washington and pittsburgh. I just think all the talk of the division title should be replaced with talk of running away with the wildcard. I wouldn’t want a burned out team heading into the playoffs, secure a playoff spot so Smoltz can rest in september.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

KC

He needs to develop an effective third pitch. His slurve doesn’t do much. He gets burned on it against righties. He is a solid pitcher and is key top this rotation, but imagine if he was our #4. Thats the hope for next year, I guess.

By Stinky

August 3, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss so bad - he eat the boogas out a dead man’s nose!!!

By Jay

August 3, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Chase- the Braves record is 57-52. There are 162 games in a baseball season. 162-109=53.

By Bob

August 3, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

It would be kind of nice to get some sort of injury update on the Braves. As of this morning Cox said Edgar to miss at least 3-4 games. Have heard nothing more on Chipper or Andruw. I believe Frenchy is alright, but TexasBrave is correct about Chipper’s hand. It was clearly swollen. And Andruw screwed up his elbow early in the game after he hit the homerun.

Carol, any updates on these guys?

By Miss Manners

August 3, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Overlord asks: “Who bad is the sprain???”

Overlord, please allow me to respond. The sprain be so bad that who be missing the game tonight. Miss Manners

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Here is the major problem for the Braves…take today as a perfect example of what they are up against. On this board, when Bobby Cox starts Woodward, or in the past Pete Orr, or now say Corky Miller, we feel like it signals a loss for the Braves. I remember the game against SF where Chipper and Renteria were rested on the same day…we knew that was a loss before the first pitch was thrown. Well, here are the Mets today with Gotay, Castro, Newhan, and Marlon Anderson in the lineup, facing Carlos Zambrano…and they are leading 1-0 in the 6th. That is what we are up against. I hate the Mets with a passion. I don’t think they are as good as their press clippings, but we are up against it if we keep blowing games like last night.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop AND all you people who are HUNG UP on the ROTATIONS of the MUTS and the BRAVES

If you take the TOP 4 STARTERS (because with SOSA being demoted to the bullpen and the Braves’ 5th in flux we don’t have set 5th starters situations for each team)

Glavine, El Duque, Maine, and Perez are a combined 38-22 with a 3.35 era

Smoltz, Hudson, James, and Carlyle are a combined 36-21 with a 3.45 era

Go on the websites and add it up yourselves…THERE IS ALMOST NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN the TOP 4 STARTERS

So QUIT SAYING THE MUTS’ BACK END is SOOOO MUCH BETTER BECAUSE IT IS NOT!

By KC

August 3, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop: I completely agree with your comparison of the Braves-Mets rotations.

Anything can happen in ANY game, with any 2 teams. But if the Braves and Mets were to meet in the NLCS, with both teams able to line up their rotations as they would like… I would have to give the Braves the edge in any games that Smoltz or Hudson started, and the Mets the edge in the other contests.

But overall, that would give the Braves the slight edge in 4 of the 7 games.

The Mets have the advantage of depth in their rotation. But as the Braves have learned the hard way in Octobers past… sometimes having the best 2 starters in a series is more valuable than having the deeper rotation.

I think the Mets and Braves will both make the post-season. And if that happens, I pray that both teams will make it out of the first round (as I expect they would). Cuz a Braves-Mets NLCS now would be incredible, and could easily go either way.

By Bob

August 3, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Zambrano hurt in the top of the 6th. Mets leading 1-0.

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop if you want to break it down you can’t go pitcher vs. pitcher b/c they don’t always face each other. You have to ge by actual #’s. By the way these #’s are before we picked up Teixeira, Dotel, Mahay and Ring(which will help our#’s). They are also before we sent down quite a few who soured #’s.

Braves offense:109games, 541 runs, 1062 hits, 232 2B, 18 3B, 113 HR, 523 RBI, .200 avg and .433 slg.

Mets: 108 games, 503 runs, 1008 hits, 197 2B, 18 3B, 113 HR, 472 RBI, .271 avg, .424 slg.

They are close, but this is pre Tex hitting clean-up and the Mets adding none(I’m sorry…Castillo)

Pitching is pretty close too but again, pre additions

Braves: 57 wins, 52 loses, 28 saves, 497 runs, 4.12 era, 982.1 IP, 725 K’s, 363 BB and .262 avg.

Mets: 61 wins, 47 loses, 26 saves, 457 runs, 3.86 era, 970 IP, 729 K’s, 368 BB and .240 avg.

Pretty compariable but now w/ the additions we have made when we look at these again in 40 to 50 games, they will be different. The Braves #’s will stand out. Another prediction.

By Ron

August 3, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Ron

I think we are making the playoffs as the wild card. Sorry bro. I might be negative towards this team, but I still think we are making the playoffs. That could change if we go 3-6 the next 9 games, but thats baseball man. A playoff team wouldn’t go 3-6 during this stretch in mid-August.

Efrim Dude LAST Night I said we HAVE a GREAT chance to WIN the Wildcard!!! Why DID you say Sorry bro? I dont know when I said we AINT making the playoffs? Dude what are you talking about, I NEVER said we are NOT making the playoffs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is it because I referred to you and Coach and others about the Mediocre comment? EVEN IF we are mediocre, We still have a chance to make the playoffs in the NL!!! Maybe thats what you are referring to!!! But when I said that, I know you think we can make the playoffs, because you said we can, you just say the Mets are better than us!!! I know you think we can win the Wildcard, because YOU said it before!!!

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

My point in my last post was that the Mets win games that they should lose, for instance any game where your starting pitcher is Jorge Sosa or today facing the best pitcher in the NL (who was just taken out of the game after giving up Castro’s bomb)…….whereas the Braves lose games that they should win, like last night. That, my friends, is the difference between a playoff team and a team that is golfing in October. I am really not yet convinced that the Braves are a playoff team. They have the tools…two aces, great lineup, sufficient bullpen…but they have not put it together all season (outside of the 7-1 start). I am not certain that they are going to put it together after over 100 games.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

EFRIM you are right (53)…..couldn’t read my own writing!

Oh and CHOP CHOP Glavine’s ERA is 4.38 not 4.02 go to their website and see for yourself!

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

masivatach you lost all respect when you quoted the name Q-tip. Also, how can you HATE a guy like Biggio? I rooted for him to go hittless every game against us but the guy gave it his all every game. He is a GOOD PLAYER AND CARRIED HIMSELF WELL OFF THE FIELD TOO. wHAT DO YOU hate ABOUT HIM EXCEPT he plays for another team? Sorry, I hit the cap button.

By Bob

August 3, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Derrick Lee…..nice one at Wrigley. Can’t believe I am cheering for Cubbies. El Duque has looked good again though.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

FairWhetherBraveFanHater

I agree with your 2:41 post (although if you look at my last post I don’t think our pitching 1-4 is behind the Muts’)

But I do think that it is going to turn around soon…We win tongiht, and tommorrow and SUDDENLY it will be 6 out of 7!!!!!

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

That last post was supposed to say New blog is up, people. Carroll is feeling very down.

By The Ghost of Santino Corleone

August 3, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

(God)Father I have sinned.

By KC

August 3, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

Efrim: I completely agree. Plenty of room for improvement with James. Being that this is only his first full season in the big leagues… hopefully he will improve.

I would love to see Chucky as our fourth starter. That will be the case if one or more of the following 3 things happens before the start of next season.

A - Hampton emerges completely healthy and ready to go.

B - JS makes a move for another starter in the off-season.

C - Lance Cormier emerges as the stud he looked like in the last 5 weeks of last season and over the spring.

Let’s hope for “C”, because that would improve our fortunes this year!

But I actually expect that Hampton will be healthy next year. The problem he had with the elbow this year wasn’t with the ligament that was replaced in the Tommy John surgery. I personally think that’s a good thing. The problem he had a few months ago (as I understand it) wasn’t a major structural issue.

The part of his elbow that the TJ surgery repaired should certainly be completely healed by then. So I for one happen to think that Hampton will be healthy and ready to go next year. Can’t predict the future (I thought he’d be healthy this year) but I think he’ll be ready.

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

I have returned after my mid-day activities. Following my lunch of milk toast topped with a 1 minute egg and a tall glass of Metamucil I joined the rest of the residents in a rousing sing-a-long. We sang Jesus loves me with gusto. Then, we sang Shall we gather with less..gusto. Then, Julio and I played dominoes.

I see where ACB was the only one to take a swipe at me, in my absence. But, he bores me and I won’t even respond.

By Lew

August 3, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Bill-You flipping Moron. If you want experienced pitchers with ML experience that have the same p!$$ poor stats of the bunch of losers that you listed, just go down to Richmond and bring up Lance Cormier or Trey Hodges. KNow what? You could get the same quality and the same performance as that bunch of sorry team’s rejects for a whole lot less. Nothing. They are already on our payroll. No I don’t have a line to JS, so, just like you, I’ll have to take his word. In that he actually DID spend considerable cash and players to bring Teixeira to the Braves, as well as Dotel and Mahay, then yes, you smarmy fool, I have to think he would have spent the requisite $$$ and talent to bring a top line pitcher here, instead of a top line 1B-were one available. So I can INFER that when he says that was the best he could do-then it was the best he could do. Just what makes you think he would lie about it? That bunch of overused, lousy, has been pitchers you mentioned (one of whom the Mets dumped in the offseason in favor of Chan Ho Park and Jorge Sosa), would hardly have been worth what their teams would have placed on them value wise. Would YOU have traded Salty for Trachsel? Would you have traded Matt Harrison and Beau Jones for Jennings? Would you have traded Davies and another minor league for Woody Williams, who had about the same stats as Davies? If so, you’re a bigger damn fool than I already think you are and I think you’re up there with the best of them. Maybe you would have prefered Lohse to Teixeira? Yeah. Right.

By bill

August 3, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Lew, you are such a sick and arrognant idiot.

By bill

August 3, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

The Southern JackAss You are an a—. a hole in one.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 3, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Bill?…Bill Slowsky??…Bill Slooooowsky?…is that really you Bill???…that last post of yours was rather pithy…

Stinky—if I could just get within arms reach of you…I would stick a boot so far up your @$$, give your $#!t some class…

By Stoph

August 8, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Is it me or does Andruw Jones really STINK this year. Bases loaded, down by a run with only one out and he grounds out to end the game against the Mets. I’d bring back Julio (who can hit) and demote Junior Jones…he’s killing us!