Braves

By Illinois_Brave

August 3, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox gets credit for the loss last night. He used up too many guys trying to get some of the boys playing time. He had some guys pitching well and should have used them for more than 1 inning.

Hopefully this team will reap some benefits from getting everyone in the game…..

By Billy Walsh

August 3, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

I totally agree…playoff teams do not lose the type of game the braves lost last night. I give the suit a lot of credit for making the trades he did, unfortunately the lack of depth in the starting rotation is going to be the braves undoing (nothing the suit could have traded for). As for the braves pen, too many appearances which constitues a lot of tired arms.

By Ron Roberts

August 3, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Carrol… you put into words what a lot of folks here have thought, off and on, all season.

Problem is, you can’t just point to last night’s game as the type “champions” wouldn’t lose.

You could say that about any number of the extra-innings games the last couple of weeks.

You could say that about the Miami meltdowns, or the bevy of games lost when we needed a clutch hit from a clutch hitter late in a 1-run game and wound up watcihng our clutch hitter(s) strike out, fly our or ground into double plays.

Yeah, we’re 1.5 games back of the wild card, and only 4.5 back of the Mets. But we’ve been this close (and closer) most of the season and never seem to just flip a switch.

Maybe last night’s the anomaly for this re-tooled Braves squad. But for this current assemblage to succeed, you have to get better results out of Soriano, or we’ll just watch Bobby Cox avoid using him and instead wear out Octavio Dotel in similar circumstances.

I just wanna see us go on one of those 9-1 spurts you see other contenders go through. We win three, lose four, win four, lose three - ad nauseum, and those streaks tend to either start or stop with weird games like we witnessed last night.

What should be a confident team going into a key series against Colorado (isn’t it just a little strange thinking any series against Colorado is “key?”), is now a team limping into the weekend wondering if even the re-tooled bullpen is well-rested enough and worthy of holding a lead. I mean, if a 4-run lead isn’t safe, what kind of lead is?

This should-be confident team goes in wondering if they’re going to miss their .330ish steady-handed shortstop in this revitalized lineup. This should-be confident squad might well wonder if Smoltz’s shoulder will give most of the ‘pen the night off or if his arm will finally just fall off at the shoulder. Or if Willie Harris’ bumps and bruises around the three-foot mark of his legs are going to hinder him, or if Bob Wickman’s gonna wake up with one hell of a back ache after that earth-rattling tumble he took.

Eh, maybe that stuff’s just in the minds of us fans.

By d-rock in Scotland

August 3, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

I think the loss was disappointing, but the blow came from Soriano. I think he needs some rest; he just isn’t the same since he appeared in a bunch of games a few weeks back.

By Vol

August 3, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Weren’t going to win 50 in a row, and that makes 4 straight with double digit scoring. I’ll still take it as a positive even with the L in the end. Wouldn’t be as fun if we just coasted to the title anyway.

Is Royce Ring not on the roster? Just wondering why he didn’t make an appearance last night.

By PocorobaNaharodny

August 3, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

I know what you mean about losing that kind of game, but I think the real test is how they react after a loss like that. And that might be especially interesting since so many guys are banged up now. It will be interesting to see if Chipper and Andruw can play tonight and how bad Frenchy’s hand is after being hit. The thing I really liked about last night’s game is how so many guys gave gutsy performances - Mahay pitching 3 innings, Chipper playing shortstop (always willing to do what the team needs), Harris playing third and running full speed into the wall (he didn’t look polished over there but at least he was willing and gave it his best), Wickman’s “diving” catch, even Corky busting it down the line to get on base for Diaz. I think it was one of those games that you just lose, despite some heroic efforts. Let’s see how they come out against a very tough Rockies team.

By Vol

August 3, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

I just checked and it doesn’t look like Ring is on the roster. I guess I don’t know who I would send down to make room.

By StingerSplash

August 3, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

And the crowd goes “Mooooose” for the official scorer. But the Braves cannot continue to get less than nothing from the No. 5 starter and at best six innings from its alleged No. 3 starter. Buddy Carlyle’s a nice story, but do the Braves really want to pin their hopes on him down the stretch and in the postseason? James has to, just has to, go deeper in games, especially when the No. 5 spot has been dreadful no matter if it’s Redman, Davies (who had a few good starts mixed in with a few rotten ones), Cormier, Reyes or Billy Chapel. Because Carlyle’s at the No. 4 spot and he’s hurt right now. The Teixeira trade is still a good one and everyone knows there was zero starting pitching on the market. But the Braves have to find something somewhere to stabilize the rotation after Smoltz and Hudson. And even Smoltz isn’t an eight or nine inning guy anymore.

By RichmomdBrave

August 3, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

I agree Illinois. He totally missmanaged it last night. The one inning per reliver is stupid. Keep Soriono out of the 8th inning. he needs to be dropped from the setup spot. It seems like every time he has come out lately he give up a home run. It’s gonna suck to having Rentatia for a while, but hopefully escobar will pick up the slack. We HAVE to take 6 or 7 of our next 9!!

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

Can’t wait to see KC and Lew’s thoughts on this piece Carroll wrote. I wrote that same thing in the last blog.

WHATEVER!!!

THIS TEAM IS MAKING THE PLAYOFFS!!!

By Paul Hamilton

August 3, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Its time to remove Soriano from the bullpen rotation, he is absolutely killing us. He wouldn’t pitch again until he gets his head straightened out. There is no reason for this to continue costing the Braves. He has clearly lost it.

By Ron

August 3, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Carroll, and OTHERS Got a question for yall!!! When they call it September call ups is it the Last day in August or is it the First Day in September? Because for a player to be ELIGIBLE for postseason PLAY he has to be on the ROSTER on the LAST day of August!!! At least thats what I think!!! Can somebody help me out on this one?

By SomeYahoo

August 3, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

If we’re going to win the division or Wild Card this has to change: Extra Inning games: 3-7 1 Run Games: 12-16

The Mets are ahead of us because: Extras: 6-4 1 Run Games:14-6

The 1995 Braves, our standard bearers in the run, were: One run games: 31-17 The silver lining is that they were 3-9 in Extra inning games.

By Eric from MO

August 3, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Let me start by saying every World Series team loses games like these. It just happens. It motivates you. In 2003 when the Marlins won it, do you all remember when they turned around their season. It was when the Red Sox was running the score up.

Speaking of the Red Sox in 04 do you all remember them blowing a lead and losing to the Yankees 19-18. Also do you remember them getting blownout in the first 3 games of the ALCS.

Do you remember last years Cardinals. The played horrible the entire month of September. I think the finished okay.

Im not saying that the Braves will win it all. Im just saying you cant count them out because they lose a couple of bad games.

As for Illinois Brave when your starter only lasts 3 inning and you go 14 innings you have to use damn near everyone. Especially when the last couple of games your starter didnt past the 6th inning.

By bigboi

August 3, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Soriano doesn’t need to be dropped to the 6 or 7th inning, he needs some rest.

By Chop Chop

August 3, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Some business to clear up from the previous blog:

Guys, I was just giving my rating of the starters for both teams. I’m not talking about head-to-head matchups. If I had been, I would have taken Oliver Perez over Hudson because he’s 3-0 against us. I was trying to describe, in general, how I see the starters from these two teams matching up against all comers in the last 50+ games of the season. In my opinion, the Mets have a better overall pitching staff. If that means that they’ll win the division, then it will be no different than all those years that the Braves had better pitching.

And Chase…? Lighten up, man. All the positive (or negative) thinking in the world isn’t going to change the situation. The Braves will either sink or swim on their own merit, not yours or mine. I’m realistic about the Braves’ chances and I’m not going to have an aneurysm if they can’t overcome their own problems. That doesn’t make me want them to win any less than anyone else. I just tend to temper my enthusiasm when reality is staring me in the face.

By Dylan w/o the dead

August 3, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Bad luck cost us that game I mean Soriano had 2 double play balls hit before the grand slam. one renteria had that freak injury the next was right to the one guy on the infield that isnt supposed to be on the infield. I agree with Carroll on this much teams that win tend to get the luck going their way and so far that hasnt happened to u in those extra innings games it felt like the guys were coming up trying to win the game in one swing instead of just getting a few base hits in a row to drive a run in.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

2-1 Mets. Marlon Anderson with a 2 out single. MARLON ANDERSON. Awful.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Ron- You’re right on both counts.

By Brando

August 3, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Cormier is right-handed, not left-handed like the caption under his picture says on the Braves page.

By Wayne in Utah

August 3, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

Thanks Carroll. You just fed into the “negativism machine” that likes to rear it’s ugly head here on the blog.

Looks like I can just go away for at least another day or so. No need to stick around here and listen to all this “this team doesn’t have it”, “Bobby lost us another one”, “I told you these guys sucked” BS for the next day or so.

Good teams DO lose tough games! Get over it you whiners!

Will we win the WS, or even get there? Who knows, but I like our chances better than the geriatric Mets. Could we beat the Cubs or Dodgers in a playoff? Maybe, maybe not. NOBODY thinks this team is a juggernaut, but they certainly aren’t mediocre as some would have you believe.

For those on the blog that I call my friends, I will talk with you soon, but not too soon! I get too frustrated reading all the negative crap.

All in the attempt to be fair and balanced………..

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

When Cormier went to Richmond, did he learn to pitch left-handed? The main page refers to him as ‘the lefty’.

Again, my point from the other blog applies…another unexpected Mets hero. Marlon Anderson hits a huge 3-run HR against the Brewers the other night, now he drives in the go-ahead run this afternoon. C’mon…Marlon freakin’ Anderson???????? Playing in CF???????? Ridiculous.

By JEB

August 3, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

All of the problems, from last nights loss, is directly pointed to Jo Jo Reyes’ early exit. Then having to come from behind to win. When Jo Jo goes out that early, you put too many innings into your bullpen, you then have to pinch hit them to capitalize on scoring opportunities, you then use up your bench, then an injury comes along (Edgar Rentaria) and you have to use a makeshift infield, which then created the error by Willie Harris (playing out of position). If that out is made, even the homerun given up by Soriano just makes it a 9-8 game and the Braves still go home winners. It ALL started with Jo Jo’s collapse, the dominoes then took over!

By Eric from MO

August 3, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

What the f*** is everyone talking about. Mahay went pitched 3 innings. Besides our relievers are tired. James only went 5 innings 2 nights earlier and Caryle also left early the night before because of injury. Its the Dog days of August Bobby is trying not to overwork everyone. He had no idea it would go 14 innings. How many games go 14 innings.

By Wayne in Utah

August 3, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Ron They have only played 2 games since the new arrivals. Three since the announcements. 3-1 since then. Can we at least wait until we have played TEN FRICKIN GAMES before we ask for a 9-1 run!

Also, a player added in September can replace a player who was on the 25 man roster, if one of the “25” is DL’d. That’s how that rule is gotten around.

By DrHoo

August 3, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Bullpen pitched great last night. Problem was defense. Although they didn’t give Edgar an error on the sure double play ball hit to him in the 8th, he sure deserved one. Final score would have been 11-4 if we see typical defense.

By Alan

August 3, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Carroll, I think you’re 100% correct. Playoff teams don’t lose that kind of game. We’ve got to give the Braves credit for coming back time after time, but in the end they failed. Playoff teams also don’t get swept - at home, no less - by the Reds. Soriano is a serious liability right now, and that’s absolutely astounding considering his incredible pitching the first 2 months of the season. I don’t buy that he’s worn out. He’s a big guy - a professional athlete for crying out loud. He had 4 days’ rest just a couple of weeks ago (All Star break), and his first game back he messed up. Not worn out, but maybe injured in some way. And the #5 spot in the rotation has to be fixed. I hope it’s Cormier, but I’m skeptical. Let’s get a vet via waivers. Don’t know who - Matt Morris wouldn’t have been bad - not nearly as bad as poor Kyle Davies or poorer JoJo Reyes. This team has to start stringing multiple series wins together - let’s hope it continues now with the Rockies. The Mets are looming next.

By Chop Chop

August 3, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

Ahhh…there we go! El Duque gave up a run-tying double to Jason Kendall. 2-2 tie in the 7th.

By Ron Roberts

August 3, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Wayne In Utah…let me get this right. The Braves losing games they were very much in control of last night, six outs shy, don’t frustrate you, but those of us who are tired of seeing stuff like that happen, then blog about it, do frustrate you?

By TexasBrave

August 3, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

I think we are about to see if Escobar is completely ready to take over for Edgar if JS decides to trade him during the off season. I don’t know just how bad Egar’s ankle is (depends on how much swelling) but I can’t see him returning for at least 4 days. Most definitely will not see him during the Colorado series, then a day off, then hopefully back for New York. So here is hoping for two things: one that Escobar plays well enough that we don’t miss Edgar and cause him to rush his return and #2 that Bobby does not play Woodcrap at SS.

By Brian Murphy

August 3, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

CR, That’s easy — “Beautiful Girls.” A classic. Stay cool. Stay cool forever.

— murph

By KC

August 3, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

CARROLL: Come on now… REALLY.

This loss can be hung squarely on 2 people… JoJo Reyes, and Rafael Soriano.

Reyes doesn’t concern me, because he’s back at Richmond. =) Soriano DOES concern me because it’s hard to figure out what’s happened to him. But I’m not panicked at all, because the Braves have Dotel down there now as well.

Speaking of Dotel I really think the Braves need to hand him Soriano’s setup job. At least for now, until Soriano proves he’s over… well… whatever the hell has gotten into him.

But the Braves toughed it out last night, and battled the whole way. Matt Diaz’s homer to knot it up again in extra innings showed a lot of grit to me.

They lost, but they never gave up. It was a great letdown, but come on… you’re questioning this teams spirit???

This team is energized, hungry, and confident. You’re reading way too much into that game.

By Ron

August 3, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Well, August Is the month we need to look at!!! If we have ANOTHER mediocre record and play right at or at .500 then that is WHAT we are!!! This month will TELL me EVERYTHING I need to know!!! I know Renteria is hurt, but so is Beltran of the Mets!!! We gotta get over it and STILL win!!! This IS the month that WILL tell it all for us!!! Because this is a different team than July!!! With ALL the new additions!!! We will see, we will see!!!

By Ron Roberts

August 3, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah… Yeah, I can wait for the “new” squad to play ten “frickin’” games to get a 9-1 run…I’ll give ‘em more than that. You wanna wager odds that we’ll go on one between now and the end of the season? Show me the money, sunshine…

Last night should have been in the win column; that’s the point most of us are tryin’ to make. Sorry to pull the shades open to let all the cloud cover in on your sunny disposition.

On paper, we have all it takes to win the whole thing. But games like last night are a stark reminder that there’s just a certain something not happening with this team, new guys or not.

By Double Deuce

August 3, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

I think the problem lies in our comparisons of this team to the teams of the of the 90’s and early 2000’s. We definitely don’t have the pitching, but the offense stacks up well with those teams. What is different, and is the reason I don’t agree with the premise to your story, is the teams we are competing against aren’t much better than the Braves and both the Mutts and the Phillies are dealing with the same pitching issues we are dealing with. So to try and hold this team up to one with Smoltz, Maddux, and Glavine serves no purpose.

We are playing as well as anyone in the NL East, are only 4 back and have the Mutts and Phillies I believe twice each before the season is over. So all is not lost. We have the opportunity to control our own destiny late in the season and with the offense we have anything is possible. Yes, here we are in early August awaiting the return of Lance Cormier. That in itself speaks volumes to the already discussed back end of the rotation. But even with all of the struggles, all of the games we could have won, even with the current injuries, we are not out of this race yet.

So, back to your “Title teams don’t lose this way” premise. In other years I might have agreed, but I believe the Braves not only have a chance at the NL East title I believe they are the favorites, the same as most of you thought in the euphoria of the Tex trade. A bad loss shouldn’t change that outlook.

By ArkyTech

August 3, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Last nine losses have been brutal….5 in extra innings plus 6-5 to CIN, 4-2 and 2-1 to SF, and 4-2 to STL with 1-1 score in 8th! That’s 9 straight L’s in either extra innings or by less than 2 runs! Meanwhile, Braves have a 5-9 record over that span while outscoring opponents 110-67!

Either this team doesn’t have it, or they’ve run into a string of bad timing.

By ncscoots

August 3, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

An “epic loss”? Please. “Title teams don’t lose this way.” Even Please-er. Dynastic teams such as the Reds, A’s, and Yankees ALL lost games similar to last night. Games they should have won, but didn’t. They also won games they should have lost, but didn’t. That’s baseball.

Certainly, anyone is entitled to the opinion that the club is or is not mediocre/playoff-bound/whatever; to opine that they lack or possess some magical ingredient essential to success; or to think that “this series is CRUCIAL!”, as opposed to all the OTHER series that bloggers have nominated as the defining moment of the season. It all works for me. Simply because it doesn’t mean anything in the context of the actual season outcome.

BTW, I know EXACTLY how many games the Braves have to win to take the division…one more than the Mets or Phillies.

By BravesFanInRockies

August 3, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Question, denizens:

Given how banged up and exhausted the guys on the field were last night, did anyone else actually cringe when Diaz hit that homer?

Love the grit and determination, but I was ready for the game to be over a few innings earlier so that nobody got killed out there …

By TexasBrave

August 3, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

I really wish people would cut Soriano some slack. At most he should have only given up 3 runs and at best should have gotten out of the inning giving up no runs. First, eventhough Edgar did hurt his ankle he didn’t hurt his arm. It was a hot shot that he had plenty of time to flip over to Kelly for at least one out. In that case the most Soriano gives up is three runs. Second, if Willie comes up with the grounder (but I can’t really fault him coming in and playing 3rd cold turkey like that) he at least gets one out at second and possibly a double play. So that means a maximum of 2 runs if we get one out and no runs if we get the double play.

So I don’t think we can totally fault Soriano, if at all, for the 4 runs. He got the grounders our defense just failed us and him.

By REFMan

August 3, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Tough loss last night but this team as it’s currently constructed is more talented that the Cardinals that won it all last year. On Paper the most talented team in the NL. If the Braves can get to October, they can get hot and win it all like St. Louis did last year. Unfortunately I don’t know if they have the depth to make it to the playoffs.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

August 3, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Carroll, I really expect more from a Blue Devil but I guess you have been reading all the troll postings and it has worn you down.

Yep, I was frustrated by last night’s lose but the Braves were down big early. I am beginning to think that you folks in Atlanta don’t deserve a team like the Braves. Go jump on a band wagon somewhere so you don’t have to be very smart but can enjoy the winning.

I sure hope the Braves don’t pick up the vibes of all you “woe is me” fans. David Justice was right I think.

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

It sounded kind of “hollow” while I waited for this to post on the other blog. Like everybody was gone. So, I brought it with me. It’s not that I am so proud of it, but hell, I wrote it. Why not post it?

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 TennesseePaul

August 3, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Carroll, you had a long long night didn’t you? Lucky me on the West Coast, the game ended in time for a night cap and a conversation.

Last nights loss as tragic and frustrating as it was, is only one loss. But, I think I can point a few fingers at reasons behind the loss. I haven’t read the last blog. As soon as it went extra innings the posts got too many for the page loading and honestly, I had a nice pitcher of beer and a good conversation going so I passed on posting. Any way here it is, mark it down, I don’t do this often, debate amongst yourselves… the blame…

By Chase

August 3, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

CARROLL I hate to say it but you sound like many of the other KNEE-JERK FRONT RUNNING FANS on here!

IF the BRAVES had WON…Your article would have been about the “Toughness” and “Guts” of this team because of how they battled back again and again!

Instead…They lose and you are ready to write them off! SAD!!!!!!!!

By NCBravesFan

August 3, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Carroll - interesting perspective … these thoughts have crossed my mind during this season. Overall, I’m still pretty optimistic this team has what it takes to make the postseason.

However, something that concerns me beyond the pitching issues is the way that the offense seems to not play very good situational baseball. It’s all sunshine and smiles when everybody’s jackin’ three run homers. But it seems like when the game is tight, guys forget how to do the little things that move runners along.

At a time when one swing will end it - it’s time to relax and take what’s given you by the pitching staff. I don’t know that this offense is very adept at doing that.

By bryan

August 3, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

This goes back to that loss in houston … the last time we were in the playoffs … . you could look on the braves faces … they were ready for the game to be over . . . i think there was even a quote from chipper … something like “i was just ready for the game to be over” …

Every time i watch the braves go deep into a extras game i think of that night … Carroll what is the braves record in 12 plus inning games since that loss?

By Larry (brittle bones) jones

August 3, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Something to get off my chest… Two games yesterday were perfect examples of why Escobar trying to tag up with a 8 run lead Wednesday was not “showing up an opponent” White sox blew an 8 run lead, the braves blowing a 4 run lead. “Unwritten rules, showing up an opponent, etc.” do not really apply in baseball. Football or basketball yes, baseball no.

By jason

August 3, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

My thinking on BC managing last nights game.I got why he used his bench up. The game should have been oner in the seventh. What I don’t get is why “Cairo” was at third. He should have been at 2B or SS. KJ played SS all through the minors. I know bad throwing arm. Well Thorman could have played 3B with Chip at SS. Thor has expierence at 3B in the minors. If you went that route you would have had Diaz on the bench. Tough loss, bad luck whatever you want to call it. Renteria’s freak injury. Has Atlanta even won 5 in a row this year? Soriano needs the week off. It seemed to me that he has lost confidence in his slider.On a different note. JoJo Reyes plain out sucks. I know he came up from double A. He should have never been brought up. This stint in the Majors could very well ruin his career. When will ATL ever get a power arm in the rotation. Alot of people like Chuck James, me included, but if he can’t get pass the 5 inning, or the 75 pitch mark… Then really what good is he? Even if ATL wins the division or wild card, it will be one series and done. They have too many holes in this team. I love McCan, but damn he needs to learn how to catch the ball. After all he is a catcher. Why was Diaz bunting last night with the middle of the lineup coming. Let cairo steal 2b, or hit and run… I’m sorry, just venting. I love the Braves, but they are not playing very good baseball. I know 4 games with double digit runs. That’s the easy part. Last night’s game was the hard part.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

KC

Again, before you read this, understand I think this team is making the playoffs. I see where Carroll is going. Lets break down every loss in the second half:

July 16th vs. Reds- L 10-3. Davies sucked

July 17th vs. Reds- L 6-5. Jo Jo gave up some runs in the 6th, but pitched well through 5 innings. Offense stormed back but we still lost.

July 18th vs Reds- L 5-4. Marathon game. Soriano blew it in the 8th, but we didn’t get one clutch hit to when it mattered. And not to tie, but to win the game.

July 20th vs Cards- L 4-2. Wasted a great effort by Chuck James because we couldn’t get the big hit. Soriano gave up runs in the 8th again.

July 22nd vs Cards- L 7-2. Soriano gave up the solo homer to Pujols in the 8th. The offense couldn’t get a big hit against the Cards pitching.

July 25th vs. Giants- L 2-1. Lowry pitched a great game. But come on, win the game. Chuck pitched great and the O let him down again.

July 26th vs Giants- L 4-2. Lincecum was good. Frenchy provided the only pop. Braves offense fails them again. But looking deeper into it. Buddy didn’t make the clutch pitches with 2 outs. That is the reason we lost.

July 27th vs D-Backs- L 8-7. Jo Jo killed us. Offense came back only to lose in extra innings. Nice job to tie it, but the go ahead clutch hit would of helped.

July 28th vs D-Backs- L 4-3. Well pitched game by Smoltz. Doug Davis, another lefty takes us down. We should score more against him. Lost in extras, again….

August 2nd vs Astros- L 12-11. Better be the last one we lose like this. Yes Soriano blew it again, but Edgar booted that ball, and got hurt. That was a hard hit double play ball. Then Willie Harris booted another double play ball. He gave up the home run. The Braves again came back in the 12th inning off Brad Lidge, but lost in the 14th. We were at home and should of one that game, even in extra innings. We have the last ups….Someone go deep when the game is tied. Anyone. Please.

By Bill Melater

August 3, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Same old story. Booby, you gotta go out there with the HOOK, and one batter earlier. The entire planet knows when to pull a braves pitcher better than you do.

By Kaye

August 3, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

The team last night should not have lost. Soriano should not have gotten past the first baserunner. Had Bobby just taken him out then, Renteria would not have sprained his ankle and we would have won. Thats the problem with Bobby is he always sticks by his pitchers till the damage is done. We are in a race. You are right the real team would not have blown up this way. I blame Bobby not Soriano, not any of them. They are playing great. Bobby should start reacting to these pitchers. If they dont have it, them pull them. We do have more then one pitcher in the pen. Someone should tell Bobby Cox that.

By Carroll Rogers

August 3, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

gold star murph! long time no see!!

vol, ring was sent to richmond. could come up later.

i hear renteria is on crutches today though i haven’t seen him yet to talk to him.

ron, the roster question. it’s my understanding that you need to be on the braves 25-man aug 31 to be eligible for the postseason roster UNLESS you are filling in for someone on the disabled list. for example, if chipper were on the DL, the braves could add an extra infielder to the postseason roster from somebody called up in september.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

TexasBrave

Agreed. Edgar has to make that play. That is a double play ball and game clincher. But Soriano has to spot his fastball better. He is looking like Kyle Farnsworth lately.

By Mark

August 3, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

RELAX PEOPLE!!!! GEEZ!!! Yes, last night was a tough loss. Yes, the back end of the pitching rotation is a little scary, but we weren’t going to go undefeated the rest of the year. This teams starting eight is incredible. I’m more excited about this team than any other since 1991. It’s all going to workout people. Just relax and don’t let one tough loss make you give up on a team that can go ALL THE WAY. Yes, I stayed up until 1am this morning and I was disappointed, but today is a new day. I feel a 10 plus game winning streak coming soon. Let’s hope it starts tonight.

By nfieldr

August 3, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

I agree that this team, as currently constructed, is a very talented “offensive” team. I still think that the 4th and 5th starter positions and a couple of bullpen spots are very suspect. I also think that it may take a couple of weeks for the next guys to gel into the Braves’ clubhouse chemistry.

As of that being said, I agree with Carroll that this kind of loss is something that championship teams tend to avoid. If this was an isolated case, I wouldn’t be so concerned, but it’s not. You only have to look back to Huddy’s start in SF for yet another example of this kind of tough loss. When the battle for playoff spots get close, as I suspect this season’s NL East race as well as the NL wild card race will be, every win is important. And the one that we should have gotten last night and the one that we didn’t get in SF may come back to haunt us.

Just my $.02

By Lew

August 3, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Efrim-My thoughts? Whatever-like Colbert’s THE WORD. Y’all will believe whatever you want to and I’ll probably keep on believing that there’s a chance until they’re mathematically eliminated. I’m fully aware of what the problems are and I’m fully aware lack of consistency will be essential for a division title (I see absolutely no reason at this point to believe that is not a possibility-screw the wild card while the division is unsettled). Now some people here give me grief because of my age (believe me here, too, you 20 somethings-50 comes around a lot quicker than you think and all it brings is more experience and a lot more grief-like putting up with your kids and other younger people who think they have a clue what life is all about), but I have seen stranger things happen in pennant races. Look at the Astros the past couple of years. Most of you here, or at least SOME of you should be able to remember three or four years ago (though occaisionally I DO wonder). How many games back were they at this point of the season? I promise it’s much further back than WE are NOW, and they still beat US in the playoffs, TWICE. So yeah, I’ll pay my $$$ and take the ride and hope all the way. Do whatever the hell suits you best. Whatever. And that’s the word.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

Chase, front-running fans??? We are all fans, win or lose. We complain about poor managerial decisions or poor play when the Braves lose. That does not make you a front-runner. Now, when the Mets don’t win the NL East for years and years, and get 13,000 people at Shea, but get 50,000 win they are finally winning, those are front-running fans.

By About Time

August 3, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Carroll,

Does DOB know you’re writing this stuff? If he reads this, he’ll never take another day off! If the opinions you wrote had been written by a blogger, DOB (and many others here) would be tying you to a post and burning you at the stake! I wonder if some of the bloggers will label you a bandwagon beat writer? lol

I think it’s refreshing to see a viewpoint that isn’t along the normal “company line” we often hear here. I also happen to agree with you on much of what you said.

Who lost the game last night? Was it Jo Jo doing his best to look like Ho Ram? Was it Edgar getting his feet tangled and getting hurt on a sure dp ball? Was it Willie letting another dp ball go between his legs? Was it Kelly trying to ole’ a ball that he clearly should have kept on the infield? Was it Bryan showing some more of his less than stellar defense allowing his daily passed ball to put the go ahead run in scoring position? Was it Soriano for not coming through even though the defense had given the Stro’s about 5 outs that inning before the blast? Or was it Soriano just being the pitcher he has been the last 6 weeks? (throwing a flat, ill located fastball and a slider that breaks about 2 inches, that the opposition has been teeing off on)

Or…… was it Bobby for getting Woodward an ab that he clearly really didn’t need to get, which made him unavailable when Edgar went out. Was it Bobby for continuing to use Soriano in a setup role now that he has Dotel?

I agree wholeheartedly on your last points as well. At least they have shipped Jo Jo back. Cormier couldn’t be much worse. NOW if Bobby will just accept the fact that Dotel needs to pitch the 8th until or if Soriano gets straight. I only use Soriano in earlier innings until he gets his stuff back. And if he doesn’t get it back, hopefully Dotel can pitch well.

I’m not giving up yet, but the Braves aren’t going to become winnerst until there is a team attitude change.

It’s like the team has ADD. They just can’t seem to focus for more than a few games without throwing in a stinker or two.

By Overlord

August 3, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Does anyone knows why wasnt alou on muts lineup¿? i dont see him in any site as injuried.

Cubs arent doing us the favor today…….losing in the 9th

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Mets are leading again. As I said earlier today, they win games they should not win. They are going to win a game today when they faced the best pitcher in the NL with Marlon Anderson, David Newhan, Raul Castro, and Ruben Gotay in the lineup.

Are the Braves going to win tonight with Woodward and Corky Miller in the lineup????

By Jeff321

August 3, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is the problem. He’s been making p**-poor decisions for a long time now.

By Wayne in Utah

August 3, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts As a 40 year Braves fan, yes, they frustrate the heck out of me. BUT, what frustrates me more are the folks that can’t see the forest for the trees. It was one game. EACH loss is ONE game. As my friend ncscoots said so adeptly, we only need to win ONE more game than the Mets.

I would love it if we went on a 15-5 streak. We might. We probably won’t. I just see so many on here that will beat the dead horse until it is a greasy spot on the ground. And what does it prove? That we can rant and whine and complain. Now Carroll feeds the machine today! Thanks!

I too suffer just like all the rest of you folks, but I see last night as a comedy of errors, where blame can really only be laid at the hands of Reyes and Soriano. Yes, Soriano deserved better……he should have only had 2-3 rus given up. Truth is, he failed in his assignment.

And darn it, why didn’t Edgar think to flip that ball to KJ. Besides, he had only just injured his ankle and back. Give the guy a break.

And the folks on here blaming it on Bobby, should go read Hal Bodley’s article today in USA Today. These are the same guys who boo’d Santa Claus because he brought them a “blue” truck instead of the red one they really, really wanted. Never satisfied.

I did say I was going away, but I did want to see if you would respond. I don’t want to come across as a rah-rah positive at all costs guy. I just tire more of the idiocy of some here more than I do of the Braves on-field mistakes.

Gotta run to catch a plane.

Thank goodness for TBS!

By bears51

August 3, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Carroll,

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Delgado doubles to score David Wright to put the Mets up 3-2.

Makes me sick. They are 13-8 since the break and 14-8 if today’s score holds up. They need to start losing games against other teams not named the Braves.

By Stink It Up

August 3, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Hey Mark, forget the start. The Braves went to the eighth with a four run lead.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Edgar on crutches????? I hope that is just precautionary.

I am feeling sick to my stomach.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

The Mets are pouring it on the Cubs in the 9th. We are not picking up any ground tonight. Now we just have to pull this game out of the bag with Smoltz on the mound. 5.5 games out is unacceptable.

By Hotspur

August 3, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Carroll -

I understand your melancholy and that of everyone who feels the same way. I felt that way last night for a few moments. But the fact is, the Braves lost last night for two main reasons, only one of which is material.

The irrelevant one is the injury to Edgar, which opened the door to a horrendous inning. That’s the kind of highly unusual accident you can’t prepare for, and it’s non-repeatable in the sense that it’s not going to happen most nights. That doesn’t worry me.

The relevant reason is Rafael Soriano, who has become a home-run derby pitching machine. My sense is that this is a consequence of overuse, and I’m hoping that, with the arrival of Dotel and Mahay, Soriano will get the rest he needs. (Same for Tyler Yates.)

But the truth is that it took several accidents in a row for that game to be lost, and nine times out of ten - now that we have this lineup - the Braves aren’t going to lose it. I know it screws up the storybook arrival of Tex in a way that emotionally hits us all hard, but today is another game. Honestly, how many games in which you get 21 hits and 11 runs are you going to lose? Not freakin’ many, not in this league. (AL, maybe. :-) )

So chin up, Carroll and all who share her sorrow. It sucked, we should have won it - but it’s over and gone. Momentum is tomorrow’s starting pitcher - and his name is John Smoltz.

We’ll win the Wild Card, at a minimum. Just watch.

By BravesFanInRockies

August 3, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Don’t look now, folks, but I detect the stench of a Mets troll or two drawing near …

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 3, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Carroll, I actually think a player has to be on the 40 man roster to be able to be added to any playoff roster. The reason I say that is teams have finagled things in the past and might have an extra position player for the wild card series but drop that player for a LCS and add a pitcher. It seems like the Tigers did that last year.

Now, as for your column. I cannot say that you are wrong. I think championship teams do find ways to win games like last night’s; however, this team was and is tired. That isn’t an excuse. Its the truth. The bullpen was spent. Villareal was not supposed to pitch at all last night. That tells me he was tired. And, quite honestly, that ball that Jennings hit is an out if Teixeira isn’t guarding the line.

I think this team can win the division. They just have to get it together at one time. I think all those unnecessary appearances by Soriano are catching up to him.

I hope Cormier can bring some relief. I am hoping his struggles from earlier in the year were due to the fact that he still wasn’t really healthy and was being rushed back into the rotation thanks to the horrendous performances of Redman and Davies.

The next nine games will tell the story for the Braves. They have to go at least 5-4. That means they would almost have to take no less than 2 of 3 from the Rockies and 2 of 3 from the Phillies.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

6-2 Mets.

They need to start losing games…..

By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera

August 3, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Zambrano walks 7, wilts in heat. Mets take advantage.

Mets 6, Cubs 2 in the ninth.

By bears51

August 3, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Carroll,

Thanks for keeping the blog going today! Here’s a number that makes me wonder. The Braves have scored 59 runs in their last 6 games (just short of 10 runs per game) and yet they have only gone 3-3 during those games. I’m hoping for the best as a true Braves fan, but that really makes me wonder if they can win enough. Thanks.

By bushwacker

August 3, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

Yes whats up with taking out the reg’s with only an 8 run lead in the top of the 7th weds nite and why did they get mad at escobar for trying to score with an 8run lead?

I’ve seen 10 run leads disappear in one inning.

I think these double digit run nights are making the not so knowledgable fans think we should win every game, Bobby said don’t expect this every night and knowledgable baseball fans know not to.

We’ve won 3 out 4 and scored 50 runs in 4 games,WHY SO NEGATIVE.

If we lose 3 of 4 will you “Carroll” be on a suicide watch?

By Hey KC

August 3, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

KC?

Soriano stunk, but the ball hit to Edgar was a dp ball. The ball hit to Willie was a dp ball.

How many outs do you have to give away before you lay some of the blame on the defense?

Either of those balls fielded and even a single out made, it’s not a tie game even if they hit the homer.

What about Kelly and Brian? Ya know Brian’s defense stinks! It’s a fact! Brian put the run in scoring position and Kelly played the ball off to the side instead of knocking it down to let the run score in the 12th.

So KC, they lost, but there was plenty of blame to go around.

By rupert

August 3, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

i have to dissagree with the premise of this blog, i and im sure plenty of the other long standing braves fans can remember tons of games over the last 15 years that went like last night, the difference, or what made those teams so great is that they would simply forget it and move on, its the next game that shows if you are championship material, its how you respond, those past braves teams would always bounce back the next night….

that being said its time for the braves to fix one more problem, soriano, guy has a great arm but needs to take atleast a week off to rest, recover, regroup etc, we got plenty of live arms with dotel, moylan, maybe yates, that can get the ball to wick, soriana has single handedly cost the braves some painful games over the past few weeks, without those struggles they would be in or around first right now, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results, quit throwing him out there and hoping he figures it out

GO BRAVES!! need a big win tonight!!

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

What is it with guys named Jones grounding into double plays??? Cubs get the first two on in the 9th against Wagner and Jacques Jones ground into a twin killing. Chipper and Andruw have company.

By Bo

August 3, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Big John its time to put some players on Waivers to see if they go unclaimed so you can trade for a pitcher. Good luck JS ,I know you can pull it off.

By Savannah Guy

August 3, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Johnny Mercer, my homeboy might have said it best: Accentuate the positive…Eliminate the negative. Therefore, I will not say anything negative about recent Braves events or that, uh…game last night. Nope. Not gonna do it. Wouldn’t be prewwwdent. Not going to mention how we keep seeing pitchers like Buddy get injured swinging for the fences or the wisdom of managers allowing that especially with big leads. Not a peep of negativity.

Lips are sealed, hands are washed and keyboard is clean. Not even going to throw in on the error-riddled, injury plagued debacle of a game last night. Won’t go near that manager’s masterpiece of strategy. Will not mention Alfonso. Could Soriano be “sore” about not being the king of the hill? Is that effecting his pitching? Should he be deemed “Sore-iano”? No, he’s just tired from overuse. Ok…keep it happy and upbeat. That’s it. Anyway, it’s time to be positive so I won’t mention the negatives…like Kelly’s defense or Willy’s defense or Andruw’s rally-killing ways in the 5 spot or bunting a .350 hitting Diaz. Not gonna do it. I won’t even go there. No siree. If we stay positive, rub our bellies and chant in unison, our team will surely win.

Oh…um, Accentuate the positive. Time to look forward. We had, what…five amazing comebacks last night? That was positive. Bullpen held up (except for, well, you know). That’s good. Anyhoo…how about that Wickman last night? Man, that…uh, catch! Priceless. Wow, the thunderous drop and roll!

He went all Sumo on that.

By Mike

August 3, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

I was just as upset as anyone about the loss last night. I probably didnt fall asleep till 3:30 or 4 thinking about it. As hard a loss as it was I am grateful for the outstanding effort the braves gave. from willy to chipper to wickman to diaz to mahay to villareal. You can point the finger all you want at renteria, soriano, and cox but everyone seems to forget that there was another team out on the field against the braves and they battled hard as well. Give them credit, the astros have had a terrible year but they fought hard and had some clutch hits. They deserved to win that game as hard as it is for me to say that. For the longest time my friends have called me a front runner fan due to the fact that the braves were in first place for 15 years. But I’ll tell you this I was never more proud to be a braves fan than the last two years. The effort has been outstanding and as a fan thats all you can truly ever ask for. Last year the bullpen was very shaky because a lot of guys were rushed to the big leagues and werent ready yet. They did the best they could. Reitsma was absolutely terrible but I was appreciative of the effort he gave. I am also appreciative of the effort Reyes and Davies have given this year even though it hasnt worked out for them. Folks on here talk like these guys wanted to give up runs. Soriano and yates were outstanding earlier and they will be again. Its just a really bad stretch. Win or lose Im thankful for the effort and proud to be a braves fan this year. And I honestly do think they have all they need to win it all this year

By geauxbraves2000

August 3, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

If last night’s game just happened every blue moon or so, then those things just happen, it’s when they keep happening over and over again, that is the discouraging part. How many games have the Braves lost while leading in the late innings the past two seasons? Blame it on the starters, blame it on the blowpen, blame it on the inability to get the GW hit, blame it on the rain if you wish, but something has to be corrected if this team wants to make it to postseason.

That being said, last night was just one loss, a hard loss, but just one loss nonetheless.

Okay, enough of that. Hopefully the Braves offense will keep it going, got a tough LHP tonight. The offense is hot and Smoltz, well, I can’t say anything that hasn’t already been said.

So, with that:

Geaux Braves!!

By Sandy B

August 3, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Last night reminded me of a book series that my son has read….”A series of unfortunate events”…Johnson misses the ball to his right, willie can’t get the DP ball at 3rd, Edgar gets hurt…I have to keep remembering “school is in, school is in.” I can’t stay up and scream at the TV any more. But we still have a chance…we’re counting on ya, Smoltz.

By bravesfan

August 3, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Carroll when you hear the lineup and more on Renteria and the other guys injurys, let us know please. Thanks GO BRAVES!!!

By Haze Gray

August 3, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

If any player starts off hot or has a good season or two,Cox will play him forever. Take Diaz, he should demand a trade. By keeping Andy Jones in the lineeup is pure stupid. Cox is the one who should go and take Jones with him.

By chopper

August 3, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

K.J. as much as I like him has to play better defensively and at the very least knock the ball down . McCann is too hap hazard with pitches in the dirt and ones like the key one which he just flat out missed last night.

By rupert

August 3, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

we get to hear chip carey say all night ” the mets have allready won today, so the braves need to win or else they’re gonna be 5.5 games back”

no s**, we get it when you say it once, hold off on the other 34 references to the mets and phillies winning and that forcing the braves to win, gets really old

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Don’t lose again or it’ll be 5 1/2 games to make up….LETS GO METS!!!

By BravesFanInRockies

August 3, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Edgar on crutches is not a happy thought. I know they’d hate to DL him if he might be ready in less than 10 days, but what about the bench until then?

That was a pretty tired looking bunch last night.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Robert (JITB), if the Braves go 5-4 over the next 9, we can basically forget the playoffs. Remember, in the wild card race as currently constituted, some team that the Braves are competing with is always going to win on a given night. They cannot afford to lose 4 of the next 9. Forget it. They need at least 7 wins out of the next 9. A sweep of the Rockies and 2 out of 3 minimum from both the Mets and Phils. Even that means they will only pick up one game on the Mets and Phils in each series and will be relying on the Cubs, Brewers, and Marlins to do some additional damage to the Mets and Phils over the next week and a half…and that hasn’t started well with the Cubs losing with Zambrano on the hill today.

By Sir Stealth

August 3, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Since when do they let N8 ghost write these blogs? The killer instinct on this team is fine. If anything, they have a lot’ve extra inning wins due to come back to them in the near future. The Renteria (and Carlyle if it turns serious) injury is the real problem. We need Edgar back, he’s been our MVP. However, Yunel does provide some nice depth. Do we know what the lineup will be in Edgar’s absence?

By Overlord

August 3, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

no chop zone i hope we can meet here in the blog come october…… it would be so nice to have you around… hahaha

By Ron Roberts

August 3, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Five extra-inning losses out of the last six extra inning games in the last two weeks, though; you have to notice those trees in the forest, right? Or seven of the last eight extra inning games… or losing seven of ten extra inning games lost this season.

Going 3-7 in extra innings wouldn’t be so bad… it’s the fact that we’ve lost five of the last six, and done so in the last two weeks.

I think, honestly, our window of opportunity for catching the Mets may have passed. They’re playing well, again, and doing so w/a good chunk of the New Orleans Zephyrs starting lineup playing for ‘em.

I know, all too well, that we have 9 games left w/them, and still think we’ll win all three series (6-3 or better), so that’ll help. But hell, we’ve done that already and it’s what we do (or don’t do) against the lesser opposition that gets us behind them. They beat teams they’re supposed to, and their bullpen doesn’t blow many. We don’t always beat teams we’re supposed to, and as was evidenced, again, last night… our bullpen does still blow leads.

By ManOFWar

August 3, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

The movie…. Beautiful Girls starring Natalie Portman.

I think you are wrong… the Braves will catch fire and win the World Series.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

bravefaninrockies….You’re not supposed do it with farm animals. That’s the stench you’ve been smelling. Go take a bath and the scent should subside.

By Dynesh

August 3, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

This team would have won the game last night had Renteiria not got hurt,plain and simple. Sometimes things just happen. I still think these braves have a great chance to make it to the playoffs, because the team we had a couple of weeks ago would have never even came back as far as the Braves did last night.

By Chop Chop

August 3, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

If Renteria is going to be out for 8-10 days and the Braves don’t put him on the DL, I guess the last 15 games haven’t meant anything to Bobby Cox or John Schuerholz. You have to have a full 25-man roster at this time of year. A Triple-A infielder who can play is better than an All-Star who can’t.

By D-Cider

August 3, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Why the braves won’t make the playoffs. The Braves will probably finish a few games out of the playoffs this year and it will come down to a few games that Cox put Soriano in to pitch the 8th, when he hasn’t pitched effectively for over a month. So, I place this firmly on Cox’s fake knees. Of course, since many fans consider Cox some sort of deity, other excuses will be forthcoming.

By dannyboy

August 3, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

As long as Bobby Cox is the Braves’ manager, the Braves will be a bunch of complacent, under-achievers.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

I tell you what - Carlos Zambrano has to show me more guts than leaving a one run game with “heat cramps” . What is that. Sweet Lou should have given him a pamprin an moved on. Zambrano looked fine the inning before when he struck out Anderson with the bases loaded and he ws jumping up and down on the way to the dugout.

By Blogger X

August 3, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

I coulda been a contender. I coulda been someone, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let’s face it, Charley.

I coulda been Senator Corleone; Governor Corleone. There wasn’t enough time, Michael.

She looked at me as if I was a bug!

Don’t you remember that night in the Garden, when you came down to my dressing room and you said, “Kid, it ain’t your night. We’re going for the money on Wilson.” You remember? Not my night.

So, what happens? He gets a shot at the title on the ballpark outdoors. I get a one-way ticket to Palooka-ville.

So we got in this state, a Napoleonic code. So what’s that of the husband is that of the wife, visa versa.

What are you two, a couple of queens?

Here lies Caesar! When will come another?!

Get me the butter.

Aye aye, Captain Bligh.

Luck be a lady tonight.

John Friendly, get out of there! Take away your heaters and your pistoleros, and you’re nothing! Maybe from where you’re standing, but from where I’m standing I relied on myself all these years! You’re nothing but a lousy, rotten, lousy, nothing - I’m glad what I done to you! You hear me?! I’m glad!

Stellaaaaa!! Stellaaaaa!! Stellaaaaa!!

By Carroll Rogers

August 3, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

should be a burst up by now but edgar renteria is going on the disabled list because of a high ankle sprain. worse than the braves thought. came in on crutches today, could put no weight on it. cox said might be more than 15 days. these are pretty serious ankle injuries. javy was lucky to play with one in the postseason a couple years back.

they’re bringing up joey devine from richmond since the bullpen is so taxed.

chipper and francoeur are both banged up but both in the lineup.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 3, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

I said the Braves have to a minimial of 5-4. Nobody is going to run away with the wild card so if the Braves did go just 5-4 they wouldn’t likely lose any ground and if they did it wouldn’t be that much.

I think the addition of Teixeira may help in more ways than one. He seems to be very confident and very hungry. Losses like last night are usually received with a ho-hum approach. I know DOB says that the guys take every loss hard but I think the team as a whole just stays even kiel, which is a reflection of their manager. Most of the time that is a good thing but sometimes it is not. I think a guy like Tex will get these guys fired up and make them act like every game is their last. The only way for the Braves to win enough games to get into the playoffs is to act like every single game will be their very last.

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

I just read something that at least makes me optimistic about Cormier. He pitched a complete game shutout 2 games ago. Looks like he’ll be in the pen tonight to give ALL 7 of the guys used last night some much needed rest, then start in place of JoJo.

I hope everyone else hurt in last nights game are alright. Carrol said Renteria is on crutched, I hope that is to just keep pressure off. That pitch that hit Francoeur sure looked hard. When it hit his hand the ball went straight down which meant it was a pretty solid hit. I can’t believe he’s not hurt worse…or is he? I guess we’ll see how everyone is tonight. We have to win after the Cubs lost it in the 9th. We NEED to start another streak!!!

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Edgar on the 15-day DL and might miss more than 15 days according to Cox. that sucking sound you hear is the life being sucked out of the Braves.

And calling up Devine????? Why call him up when Bobby refused to use him???? How about Pena, Prado, or Lillibridge.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Thats a rough blow. Edgar will miss series against the Mets, Phillies, Giants and D-Backs.

I bet you he isn’t back until September 1st.

By beki

August 3, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

I may not be the most erudite of baseball strategists; but, I have at least 25 years of watching the Bravos; and,BC’s greatest fault ( to my way of thinking )is going with ” the hottest hand” of a pitcher and using him until his arm falls off.That’s been his history as a manager; aside of that,he needs to make James and Reyes go deeper into the innings so the bullpen wouldn’t have to eat up so many innings. Yet, I must remember that this team’s bullpen has been, at worse,a mishmash of average arms, for almost three years regardless of Wickman, Soriano, and the now disabled Gonzales.

By Bob

August 3, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the update Carol. Not good news but appreciate the info.

By bravesfan

August 3, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Carroll thanks for the info thats bad news glad we didn’t trade Escobar

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

Robert (JITB), I completely disagree. 5-4 just continues the 50 Ws - 51 Ls stretch that the Braves have been on since the second week of the season. The Braves need a 7-2 or 8-1 stretch right now. The Mets need to feel some pressure instead of sitting back knowing they can play .500 ball and not lose their division lead.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Fairw -Bad omen for your boys - The Mets had 8 hits with two outs yesterday and 4 in the 9th alone today. I think they’re starting to roll. This is how they hit last year.

By Don

August 3, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

I like Cox, but this has not been a good year for him. This team, even before Tex and Dotel, should have been slightly better than 4 games over .500. The lineup has hit all year and the pitching, albeit suspect, has been good enough to win a few more. This team finds ways to lose and cannot seem to move beyond 5 games over .500 without going on losing streak.

Cox has got to get better and pull the right strings and get this team on a 7 or 8 game winning streak (then not turn around and lose 5 or 6 in a row). And, why wasn’t Smoltz up last night. He had 5 days rest. I think every game from now on is big. Too many fish in the pond for the last playoff spot to be dropping games like last night.

I agree that the Braves will have a good time watching the playoffs.

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Somebody is in to the sauce early tonight.

By pinkygonzales

August 3, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

well, even though he’s hitting like .337 or something, if there was one player on this offense that we could somewhat afford to lose, it would have been either Edgar or Kelly because we have escobar. don’t get me wrong. this sucks. but it’s not nearly as debilitating as it was when our only option was Prado … who I imagine will be brought up at some point once the bullpen gets a little bit more rest. tough blow. but we can survive it.

By David-ATL14

August 3, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Yes, someone else mentioned it, but the line that CR quoted was some of Natalie Portman’s finest work in a very under rated “Beautiful Girls”.

Stay cool forever Willie C. great line.

By bravesfan

August 3, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Well I guess this will be the lineup. Is that right Carroll Escobar SS Francoeur RF C,Jones 3B Tex 1B A,Jones CF Diaz LF McCann C Johnson 2B Smoltz P

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

I hate to say it but Pedro’s #’s from his simulated game look better than I was hoping. He pitched 5 1/3 innings against minor league guys throwing 50 of 67 for strikes. He gave up 2 runs(1 earned) and 4 hits. I was hoping it would take more time to get going. I know a simulated game against minor leaguers is far from the big show but still.

I don’t think when he gets up here, he’ll be that competitive. He missed too much time to get it going this year.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Paladin - Any thoughts on my Mets today?

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

WOW, that news hurts. Pretty depressing way to start a weekend.

By TennesseePaul

August 3, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

they’re bringing up joey devine from richmond since the bullpen is so taxed.

This move makes no sense. Thanks for reporting Carroll, but this is not to relieve the pen. If they’d brought up Bobby Nobody he’d be given more innings than any one in their right mind would offer. But Joey Devine to relieve the pen? Don’t think so. Only thing Joey is going to do down in that pen is fold towels and clean baseballs. Cox is allergic to Joey or something.

By BOBO

August 3, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

The Braves win last night’s game with Julio on the team

By SomeYahoo

August 3, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Cubbies got screwed with that Wright walk this afternoon. Two good strikes were called balls, and Dempster and Pinella were hopping up and down about them. If he goes down on strikes, they don’t score. But they take advantage of their luck. That’s all you can say.

That said, Dempster is a terrible closer. If we think our pen has trouble, the Cubs have a downright terrible one.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

Fairw - No way you can use those numbers on Pedro in the minors to correlate. Look ar Clemens. I’m more interested in how hard he can throw consistently.

By NCBravesFan

August 3, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

In the spirit of Carroll’s post, though … losing Edgar will be a huge test of the “suck it up” quality of this team.

Don’t get me wrong, losing Edgar hurts … but look at what the Mets are doing right now without some of their better players in the lineup.

Championship caliber teams find a way to win when the going is tough.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

Escobar has to step it up. At least Kelly will get consistent playing time against everyone.

By Del

August 3, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

To my way of thinking you can draw a direct comparison between Soriano and Hudson as regards their first season in Atlanta. Both were used to West coast weather, and the hot and humid Atlanta summer weather did them in. Hudson finally realized he was going to have to change his off season conditioning program this past year, and look what’s happening to his performance this year. It’s not unreasonable to assume that Soriano is going through the same thing that Hudson did. Your thoughts?

By Ron

August 3, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

Why even bring up Devine? Bobby Cox aint gonna pitch him much!!! Maybe 4 games the WHOLE time he is here!!! Thats how BC does things!!! BC does NOT trust the guy!!!

By Anders

August 3, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

Someyahoo - Come on. The last two days I had to listen to how Milwaukee is imploding and now it’s bad calls and the Cubbies bullpen? The Cubs have the best record in baseball the last 70 games or so. Any chance the Mets are palying well? I appreciate the comment about the Mets taking advantage of break though.

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

Said sometimes at 86-88mph.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 3, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

BravesDave, I agree with you. I am just saying the Braves can’t do worse than 5-4.

This sucks about Edgar but I don’t feel that bad because I have total confidence in Escobar.

What about Devine? Is that dude racking the frequent flyer miles or what?

I would assume that Devine will only be up tonight so that the bullpen can rest. It would make more sense for Prado or Lillibridge to get called up tomorrow or at the lastest Sunday. A team just can’t go with a four man bench with one of the players being a catcher who can only catch.

I was one of the people on here bemoaning the fact B. Pena wasn’t called up but when you think about it makes sense. Not only has Pena been playing in the field more than catching lately but the Braves don’t want to be in the position of using up all of Pena’s options. I think he only has one. That is what happened with Thorman. The Braves have to send him down last August because of the starting rotation issues and call him up August 31. That caused him to use his options and now he has none. I’m sure the Braves don’t want to be in that position with Pena.

By stew

August 3, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Funny thing about last night’s game was when Renteria got hurt Cox didn’t really dwcide who was going to play short and third. To me, it seemed as if they had a meeting on the mound and Chipper said casually, “OK, I’ll play short.” The very next play Harris botches a DP grounder leading to Lamb’s grand slam. If Chipper’s at third, we turn two at that point and win the game. It’s better to play one player out of position than two. As for winning the division, we better start making hay right away. We’re better than the Mets. Don’t forget right now they don’t have Beltran and don’t know when he’ll be back. Soriano was hot when Wickman got hurt. Let’s face it, Wickman’s become very iffy and should be released. Hopefully we can string five or six wins together and make a real dent into the 41/2 game deficit. We’re the better team. I just hope we don’t run out of time.

By Savannah Guy

August 3, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

There seems to be a lot of increasingly negative back and forth over whether to be positive or negative about the Braves chances this October. There is a civilized solution:

Those that find only the positive, all is well and do not think the Braves are up against a wall, go to www.straightdope.com/classics/a980911a.html.

Those that believe everything the Braves do is bad and they will surely not make the playoffs can go to www.rickwalton.com/funstuff/skyfall.htm.

Trolls and “Changelings” (those denizens that mock under cover of false names) can go to www.whitesnake.com.

All others, who find themselves with mixed feelings, concern about the bullpen, management strategy, starting pitching (jo jo mojo), injuries and all such manner of difficulties…yet they maintain a never ending optimism that the Braves will right the ship and make the playoffs…can simply stay put and continue forwarding their differing ideas on the Bravos right here.

All is well in Carrolltown.

By Chop Chop

August 3, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

The Braves should petition Bud Selig for a temporary 27-man roster.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

FairW Thats not great. He has to have real good hook on his curve at that speed. That won’t be good for the repaired shoulder though. I still view him as gravy until I see more.

By SomeYahoo

August 3, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

What did I say? I said they took advantage of their luck. What more props do you need? The Mets are the masters of the universe. Willie Randolph should join Mensa and take over the war in Iraq.

But that doesn’t change the fact that you got a couple of bad calls that went your way around the dish today so you shouldn’t be puffing your chest out too much. Be happy that the wind was blowing in today because it kept a good handful of fly balls in the park for your boys in ugly orange.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

NC Braces Fan - Right on. The Mets won today with a back up catcher and second baseman, two back up infielders playing the outfield and a 40 something pitcher against Zambrano and the hottest team in baseball.

By Ron

August 3, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Anders To be honest with YOU, I can Care less about the Mets anymore!!! Im more concerned with the Wildcard, so good job of your team beating the Cubs!!! Not worried about the Mets ANYMORE!!! Somebody earlier today on this blog or the other blog said lets do what the 97 Marlins do!!! The Marlins had a winning record against the Braves and won the Wildcard!!! We might have a Better record against the Mets and end up winning the Wildcard and then might can beat yall in the LCS!!! Like how the Marlins did against US!!! And then MAYBE we can win the World Series!!!

By Sauce-er-ror

August 3, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

Paladin, happy hour starts at 4 pm. Whats the problem.

By bravesfan

August 3, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

Here’s the lineup Escobar SS Johnson 2B C,Jones 3B Teixeira 1B A,Jones CF Francoeur RF Diaz LF McCann C Smoltz

By KC

August 3, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

CARROLL: “But the killer instinct, I question. Not from any one player”… “but as a whole.”

That is EXACTLY the opposite of what you should be doing!

YOU’VE GOT IT ENTIRELY BACKWARDS ON THIS ONE.

You SHOULD be questioning JoJo Reyes (not that it matters) and Rafael Soriano… not the team as a whole.

By Ed Starks

August 3, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

Totally agree. This loss is credited to Bobby Cox. I am a huge support of Bobby but as evidence has shown, he gets out managed consistently. Late in the game with the lead off runner on, he should have called a bunt to move the runner over (even if it is a power hitter). Another point, relief pitcher are pitching well and he takes them out after only one inning. Isn’t there someone that can whisper in his ear?

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

Andurs I guess all I can say is congratulations. But, we sure ain’t giving up!

By jason

August 3, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

Escobar SS, Johnson 2B, Jones, C 3B, TEX 1B, Jones,A CF, Frenchy RF, McCann C, Diaz LF I believe this will be the line up.Smoltz will pitch well. Last night was just one loss, but it was a team effort, even the mgr. I did like the heart the braves showed, the fight. I guess that why we can’t give up until their season is over.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Ron - Dude. I spent this week getting hammered by Braves fans telling me the Mets were smoke now that the Braves had Tex and Dotel so I’m not puffing out my chest just answering in kind. The wild card is another way to get there I agree. Actually the Mets are helping you there this week by beating the Brewers and now the Cubbies. Personnaly I don’t think the Braves are dead.

By Ron

August 3, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

bravesfan Are you talking about that lineup for the duration of Renteria’s injury OR are you talking about TONIGHT’s game? If your talking about Tonights game then I would think that Miller would be the Catcher TONIGHT!!! Mainly because of the 14 inning game, and McCann caught ALL 14 innings!!! I would be STUNNED if McCann STARTS tonight!!!

By Anders

August 3, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

* Paladin* - I agree with you. I really believe JS will find relief help. It might be Farnsworth but he’s probably the livest arm that can be had.

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Sauce-er-or Well, sauce on ole buddy but remember: He who hoots with the owls at night, can not soar with the eagles by day.

By bravesfan

August 3, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

jason I just told you the real lineup off gameday so you just had Diaz and McCann mixed up. Escobar SS Johnson 2B C,Jones 3B Teixeira 1B A,Jones CF Francoeur RF Diaz LF McCann C Smoltz

By bravesfan

August 3, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Ron yes I am talking about tonight’s game I got the lineup off gameday

By BravesFanInRockies

August 3, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Holy crap.

You think Joey might get some work this time up?

And Robert (JITB), I’m with you. I hope there’s a position player on the way to Atlanta as soon as the disorder in the house (for you Zevon fans) is taken care of.

By Sauce-er-ror

August 3, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

Paladin, I got too many friends in low places. I gave up soaring with the eagles long ago. And where is that waitress with my beer?

By HP

August 3, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

It was sad to hear that Renteria was placed on 15 day DL and might miss more. I hope he takes much as time he needs to get healthy so he doesn’t have to go back again when we reach playoffs. But I still think we have a good lineup and if you had to choose one person to replace Renteria it would be Escobar. I hope everyone is healthy after the last night marathon. I still think we have a good chance to win division or Wild card. Glad they sent Jo Jo back to Richmond and bring up Cormier. I hope Cormier pitches old like last year and during spring training. We need a good outing by Smoltz today to keep up with division. GO BRAVES!!

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Anders I’m in the minority, but I wouldn’t mind having Farnsworth back. Sure he blew it in the DCS, but with some of the “performances” out of our bullpen this year, could he hurt?

By BravesFanInRockies

August 3, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

So much for the platoon, huh? Mac must have said he feels OK, and I guess as banged up as everyone else is, it must be all hands on deck until Edgar returns.

By Lew

August 3, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

RonRoberts-How many of those extra inning games were due to a blown save? And how many of those blown saves were charged to someone named Soriano? There’s a good deal of your problem, right there. I’m beginning to think he has a physical problem that he isn’t acknowledging. At the very least he needs to figur out what the problem is. He got hit real hard last night. Even the infield mistakes were hit like rockets. He ain’t fooling much of anyone in recent weeks. Look at the performance by the pen last night. They pitched ten innings and only one was bad. Mahay should have been out of his thrid inning if KJ gets the ball he should have. But it was Sorinao that was the problem. 4 run leads must be protected.

By Chop Chop

August 3, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Farnsworth could hurt really bad, Paladin.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

KC

But you have to understand that your teammates have to pick up eachother when they mess up. No one has done that in the second half. All of those losses. All of the blown saves by Soriano, no one picked him up. Every mistake the Braves made has been capatilized on by the opposition. You have to pick up your teammates. That is the mark of a great team.

By SomeYahoo

August 3, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

Andershow are you feeling about Pedro coming back? Think he’s going to give you the Pedro of Old?

I for one have my sights on the NL East. God knows we need to make a run because we’ve got the club to do it. 50+ games left is a long way to go, and 9 head-to-head, so theres’ no way in hell we should be thinking about settling for the WC.

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

Sauce-er-or I had to give up soaring with the eagles, too—reluctantly. In those days, I bet I could have drunk/drank/fell on our @$$es under the table, you. Now, would you like to out chug-a-lug me in a glass of Metamucil?:-)

By Stinky

August 3, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Anybody want to date my mom?

By Chop Chop

August 3, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

Hmm…Lew, if Soriano has a physical problem, then that will mean that both Soriano and Gonzalez (the two big bullpen acquisitions in the offseason) will have lived up to their “injury-risk” reputations. Mother**! I was hoping Schuerholz would get lucky.

I guess I should put my hands over my eyes and think happy thoughts of ‘95 or something.

By Frank Furter

August 3, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Hey Hey Ho HO Bobby Cox has got to GO!

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop I was just stringing along the Muts fan. If they think we want Farnsworth, they will get him. :-)

By Ron

August 3, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

bravesfan I cant Believe BC would do that!!! McCann should NOT be catching tonight, after that LONG game last night!!!

By Chop Chop

August 3, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

I’m outta here. Come on, Smoltz!

By de mouche

August 3, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

Habiendo sido lejos y después de leer los pocos días anteriores en este blog, puede ser que me escabulliré silenciosamente. Por supuesto tomaré la Mosca conmigo, cuando él encontró sólo la burla. Pienso que esto es el demográfico.

O tal vez el zumbido diario sólo carece del humor. Suspiro. Este complacerá muchos, decepcionará unos cuantos y el más no notará. El nombre stealers y estos a quien llaman arrastran casi han asumido aquí. Es deprimente. No es para qué vengo aquí.

By Overlord

August 3, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

I dont understand why some babys are crying……. i remember some 5 days ago lots of you were saying we could ship edgar and play escobar at SS, well, your dream came true.

The last time the braves got a hard blow in their faces of this magnitud on the last 3rd of the season i think it was gregg olson.

This hurts bad…. Only thing i can see as positive is that edgar is gonna get lots of rest, so he will play every game when he comes back.

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

I was just watching our local Tv and on a pickup from the fair they were interviewing a guy with a big black Burmese ape on his shoulder. The ape took a dump down the back of the guy’s shirt on live TV. There must be a moral there, somewhere.

By Chris

August 3, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

Well, ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the next few weeks. You will be getting an up-close look at the Braves’ shortstop for the next several years.

By tony

August 3, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

I’ve been saying for 10 years that Bobby Cox is the reason we have only 1 championship. His decision making have cost us big time. EXAMPLE:(1) Before the trade he had AJ hitting clean up instead of JF (2)Twice this season he left Tim Hudson in the game too long instead of using his relievers (3)He will continue to use B.Wickman as the closer instead of going with the young stud Dontel Octavio(4)He got JF and KJ hitting behind AJ and BM. We would be in 1st place had he made the right decisions.

By Paladin

August 3, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

I’m outta here too. I have confidence that Smoltz and our bats will get the job done.

By Stinky

August 3, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Paladin, that is some FINE TV.

By Niekro35

August 3, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Soriano is not hurt. He wouldn’t be throwing as hard as he is if that were the case. Pitchers go into slumps just like pitchers do, and for obvious reasons, it’s especially apparent when relievers go into funks.

There’s no reason to hyperventilate. The Braves will take the Mets down. We have the better team and an easier schedule. They’re resting their hopes on Pedro; that’s a pretty thin reed to cling to.

By Bobby Cox

August 3, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

Yes, I suck. I suck out loud. I suck in 3 languages. I am touched in the head and will likely die on the field, uttering expletives and sucking up to my own players till the end.

I was a .225 batter with the Stankees, though.

By SourPatchKid

August 3, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

julio would have had that. salty too.

By Andy

August 3, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Smoltz has already thrown 30 pitches, and its only the 1st inning.

By Skip Caray

August 3, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

That little Brat. He can’t be the fruit of my loins. If he walks all over me again I’m gonna recircumcise that little batard with a butcher knife.

By jbutler

August 3, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure what’s worse. The game last night, the first inning today…or the TV announcers. The TBS game is blacked out in Denver - so we get the Rockies crew. Granted- no one watches the Rockies, so quality wasn’t a concern for this hire. I’m guessing between the two announcers, one is the son of the owner, and the other has pictures of someone higher up. They spent 4 minutes talking about how Smoltz isn’t known outside of Atlanta. OK. Sometimes, I wish I drank.

By Overlord

August 3, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

Niekro35 I do think as you do, but u have to agree that what happened to edgar was one of the worst news braves could get, id say more than the one of chipper earlier in the year since this is late in the season and more serious.

By Skip Caray

August 3, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

Don’t tell me that none of you have thought the same thing.

By bfan54

August 3, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

Carroll, Thanks for a great column. This blog comes just after reading your column - I skipped the responses, but when I go back, I expect that many of the “Braves suck” crowd (the six-beer ones) will now be critical of you.

I applaud you for holding back on the blame- too much to go around, but…all of the problems have a P in it(as in SP,RP,BP), the culprits have come (and some gone)but the story is the same.

I hold Bobby in great esteem, but I have to question many of his judgments. Diaz consistently puts the ball in play, so why have him bunt? Why stay with some of these pitchers so long after the writing on the wall was “writ large”. Why no starting slot for the Aussie? Why let Andrew try the steal - he doesn’t do stolen bases since when (2004?). Lots of little things are starting to bother me.

This club is a good club, but not a playoff club, or, if so, a one-round and out. I am not a pessimest. I have followed this team since 1954. Winning teams don’t lose 10 of 15 extra inning games - they just don’t.

By Niekro35

August 3, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Overlord: Renteria is the best player on the team. But the team is deep, especially in the infield. We’ll be fine with Escobar. What we can’t afford is losing is a pitcher, especially a starter.

The weak starting staff puts a lot of pressure on the pen, and on Smoltz and Hudson. I’m damned sick of these guys who can’t make it past the 5th inning.

By Overlord

August 3, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

I though jojo pitches last night, why is he on the mound again? isnt he gonna rest?

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

Not good. This team has to get it together. 5.5 back if we dont get it going.

By Skip Caray

August 3, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

Steroid awareness night. I love it.

By Colin

August 3, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

Well we lost this game 5.5 back and probably 2.5 in WC by end of the night

By Bobby Cox

August 3, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

I love Joey Devine. 9.42 ERA. Gotta love that.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

Thats tough!!! OUR TIRED OFFENSE has to SCORE at least 5 again tonight!!!

By Chip Caray hater

August 3, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

sound turned off at 2011hrs. just can’t take it another night. between the lines ?

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

By the time the braves get to New York they won’t have a bullpen. How many pitches has 40 year old Smoltz thrown already? 4-0 rockies…….NICE!!

By Colin

August 3, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

I dont think we could beat a little league team now..WE ARE HORRIBLE

By Smotzie

August 3, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

Homeboy upstairs done inked my deal for next year. I can cruise from here on out.

By HP

August 3, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is not looking like the old Smoltz we see after a tough loss. I hope he can bounce back rest of the innings. But if you look at the Rockies lineup, they are no worser than Braves lineup. They are 4th in NL BA AVG. The Braves offense needs to pick it up today.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

That was a f-ing ugly swing by Jones………Sure he’s better than Beltan.

By Chip Caray hater

August 3, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

Hey! the radio is synchronized tonight. sweet. Pete and Boog.

By Skip Caray

August 3, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar begat their 17th child. Must be something in that Arkansas water. Woohoo.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

They look TIRED and IMPATIANT….SWINGING at EVERYTHING!!!

By Carroll Rogers

August 3, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

nope, no suicide watch. i don’t have to live and die by the braves. if they don’t play in october, that’s actually less work for me. but i’d rather them be there. it’s more fun. and it’s much nicer to cover a happy team. and i’m not saying they won’t get there. just don’t think they’ll be playing long if/when they do. sue me.

when i write stuff like what i wrote, i’m thinking about things like the 95 team, which won 25 games in their last at-bat, something like that. that was magical. haven’t seen a ton of that in the last couple weeks anyway.

and y’all are right, DOB might have my head on a platter right now. maybe this will shake him out of the woodwork for a comment….nah hopefully he’s taking a real break. i’ll just tell him i got everybody nice and razzed up for his return….and hey, i razz another half of you up if i wax all sweet all the time. so consider it a changeup after a long night, ok?

By Colin

August 3, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

Does anyone think we can score 10 runs a night. I dont, so we LOST. HAHA i thought i saw Soriano pitching they gave up 4 but not with one swing.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

I don’t think this performance has anything to do with SMOLTZ’S shoulder…He just don’t have it tonight….And it is LOCATION not VELOCITY!

By Skip Caray

August 3, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

Chip Caray Hater, what’s up with you? Chip looks nothing like me, but I call him mine because no one else wants to be with me. Give me a break.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

Why take the chance of pitching to the 8th hitter? I’m first guessing here!

By Overlord

August 3, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

no chop zone sit down and what your daddy play, you werent following the braves if you werent scare dummy.

By Chip Caray hater

August 3, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

That darn Escobar can play some ball.

By Ron Roberts

August 3, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

Chase… if his shoulder were bothering, (and I’m not saying it is…), then his location could be off if he were favoring it to avoid pain.

By Eric C.

August 3, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Folks…this game means nothing compared to losing Renteria. Losing him pretty much wipes out everything gained getting TEX. Also, going down 5.5 games at this point…is getting tough. The division isn’t looking that winnable.

Blame Renteria’s injury on Soriano for his lousy pitching yesterday putting the defense in a tougher situation. Ultimately…put it on Cox for continuing to pitch a head-case in the 8th. Sigh

By Colin

August 3, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

O WELL THAT ENDS THERE PACE OF 18 RUNS TONIGHT DANG IT

By HP

August 3, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Someone please tell Teixeira to change his glove. He is not catching any balls on the ground today.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

COLIN I am beginning to think you are a MUTS TROLL!

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Colin Lets just hope our guys aren’t as big of a punk as you. We go down in the 1st couple innings and you make 2 pathetic posts like that. This is getting old on here.

I’ve read this blog for a while and saw many good guys w/ intelligent posts and insight so after adding a few here and there I wanted to join the discussion. What happened?

By Overlord

August 3, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

Eric you cant blame soriano, but your point is near truth, if he was pitching better renteria would be in the lineup today, but yet, sorianos problems are not his fault, i think we all agree on that. Lets hope bobby works his magic and brings this team together again.

By Colin

August 3, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

well for one thing dont ever say im a muts fan, and another is we cant score 10 runs a night so we need pitching which we didnt get tonight so far

By jbutler

August 3, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Carroll…I’m going w/you on this. This team just doesn’t have a championship feel. How many late inning games have been lost? How many times have they blown a lead? How many times have they dug a huge hole (hmm!!) in an early inning?? Even w/the Tush man coming over - a lot of power doesn’t translate if you can’t close the deal… If they make the post season (big if) they will most likely be 1 and out. But…I’d sure like to see the Wickman flop again!! Is he on the DL today???

By TennesseePaul

August 3, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

Came in late but I see a lot of doubles given up. Is everyone playing tired today or what?

By Overlord

August 3, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

seems like if we have been taking it easy and been patient for more than 100 games now, hahaha Go braves-

By ThedamnSouthernJackAss

August 3, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this

I get so damned tired of always hearing about how Smoltz is out there giving it all he’s got, while working through the pain, oh woe is he!…been hearing that same ol’ bull$#!t for the last few years…nothing but excuses…Smoltz if you’re too damned old, or too damned busted up to give 100% without all that trolling for sympathy…then do the Braves a favor by retiring, both you and that big ol’ ego…free up that money so the Braves can afford to sign a good starting pitcher who is physically able to do the damn job…and tired of these A$sClown announcers always making it sound like Smoltz’s damn arm could drop off with the very next pitch…and tired of Smoltz trying to show up the umpires every time a call doesn’t go his way…and trading every other damn ball that the umpires toss to him…

By Bloggist

August 3, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Stinky’s 8:37 post should earn him that banishment from this blog that he’s so been striving for!

By Lew

August 3, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

Carroll-I don’t usually disagree with you, nor do I usually question your judgement, but you think of the 95 team? Well, isn’t THAT special? I like the 27 Yankees, myself (and I’m sure Joe Torre would, too, come to think of it), but guess what? That was then and this is now. Think all you want of the 95 team and we still have to try to win this year without a considerably younger Glavine, Maddux and Smoltz, although JS did try to get his Fred McGriff, this week. I prefer to think of the 06 Cardinals or one of the Astros teams from a couple of years ago that were in 5th place at the break and came back to the NLCS and The World Series. Or even the 64 Cardinals (though as a 13 year old that summer, I was a Phillies fan and THEIR collapse damn near did me in-this won’t, one way or another). Choose your analogies with a bit more care-at least for accuracy’s sake. You don’t have to have the best team of all time to win-it’s been proven more times than we can count. Sometimes you just have to go to war with the Braves you have and not the Braves you wish you had. However, if Smoltz goes down, all bets are off. It’s one thing replacing Redman/Davies/Reyes et al. It’s still another replacing Smoltz. I doubt the Homeboy Upstairs could pull that one off right now.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 3, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

A few things:

1. This team’s inability to lay down bunts and play small ball just kills me. Isn’t this crap you go over in spring training? Just wondering.

2. If every one of these guys had the fire and competitiveness John Smoltz has this team play .800 baseball the rest of the way.

3. This Rockies team is just proving what I said earlier about the wild card being winnable without having to win 90+ games. This is a good team that isn’t going anywhere. They are in that NL West race to the end.

And, whomever was wondering where Chipper’s ability to drive the ball had gone, I think he just answered you.

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

Obviously we know we can’t score 10 a night, but if we could score as many runs as negative comments you’ve made the last hour or 2 we’ll be doing fine. When I made my last comment you only made a couple, since you’ve made MANY more. Chase might be right!!

By Bloggist

August 3, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

The first volcanic rumblings of another Stinky meltdown have just been felt.

By HP

August 3, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

ThedamnSouthernJackAss: I think it is more of announcers than Smoltz complaining about shoulders.

By Lew

August 3, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

The Real SJA never posted that 8:43 post. It isn’t even a good imitation. Trolls are out.

By Braves Fan 79

August 3, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Don: i agree man, and i got grilled on here last night for saying bobby should of brought smoltz in the game instead of oscar. A wins a win, and smoltz working a good 2 or 3 innings tonight instead of 6 or 7 tonight would of helped save his arm. Then cormier could of started tonight. Its like once the game goes so far bobby just gives up and says owell lets loose it and get on home. I like Bobby and all for what hes done for my team over the years…but man he fustrates the hell out of me. Ive known all year we had the TALENT to win big…but man bobby make some flat out dumb decisions somtimes!

By bill

August 3, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is not himself but he is doing a little better. I was taken to the wood shed when I came out against these trades. The pitching staff is in shambles. You just can’t win unless you have three good starters. Good starting pitching is a must. Hudson is only safe bet right now. Their only hope is to sweep the Mets and Phillies and that’s going to be hard to do. Hopefully they will score alot of runs tonite.

By Overlord

August 3, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

way to go AJ, what a way to drive in runs….. thats it trade runs for outs. Its time to push him lower in the line up, it is clear to everyone here.

By Alan

August 3, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

DamnSouthernJackass:

“Jackass” is the right name for you my friend. I was just getting online to blog that Smoltz is again proving why he’s one of my all-time favorite Braves players…he doesn’t have his best stuff tonight, but he’s busting his butt out there, making the other pitcher throw lots of pitches to him, making a great plays in the field, and generally doing whatever he can to minimize the damage and eat up some innings so that the bullpen can rest. He’s playing like a true professional tonight and I’ll be he goes AT LEAST seven innings, win or lose. You, jackass, are full of sh*t. Smoltz is a winner, always has been and always will be. BTW, you need to take the “Southern” out of your name, because everybody on this blog knows that there’s no way you grew up anywhere near the South.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 3, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Man! Is Andruw the ultimate rally killer or what?! I love the guy! I really do, but I am so tired of seeing this day after day. I know he is hurting, but he isn’t hurting any more than Chipper, Francoeur, or McCann. Besides I won’t accept injuries as an excuse because this has been going on for years. I really do think that Cox has got to seriously consider putting Francoeur in the 5 hole against lefties and McCann against righties.

By HP

August 3, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones needs to either learn how to bunt with 1st and 3rd with no outs or needs to get a hit or a fly ball. Double Play is not a productive out. Believe me he has done that a lot lately. 3 more runs to go to tie game. We can do it guys. Lets go Braves!!!

By Colin

August 3, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Overlord

Its time to push him out of the lineup Smoltz had a better atbat than AJ put together!!!

By Chase

August 3, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

FairWhetherBraveFan I’m beginning to think that Me, You, Lew, Chrisklob, and sometimes Efrim are the ONLY POSITIVE PEOPLE IN HERE Who BELIEVE in OUR TEAM NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!!

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

SouthernASS Are you out of your mind? Smoltz has given it his all EVERY time out there. He cares about every facet of his game. You are out of your Jack Daniels infested mind. There, I answered my own question. That takes the cake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Lew

August 3, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Bill-It’s really too bad you didn’t read my last post on the previous blog more closely. Jason Jennings and Kyle Loshe are sure the answer to our prayers if Smoltz goes down (or even if he doesn’t), aren’t they? You’re right, I may be arrogant, but your lack of any sense whatsoever or insight into player analysis is a crime. Talk about idiots, well, I guess you would know having been one all your life. I just can’t understand why JS passed those scrap heap rejects up when he could have traded Salty for them instead of Teixeira. Do you even have a vague idea how stupid that sounds? Yeah, picking up Steve Trachsel would really do the trick, wouldn’t it. Maybe Kyle Davies, Matt Harrison and Beau Jones for Woody Williams, whose behind we handed to him last night. Noted Braves’ killer, right? Moron.

By jbutler

August 3, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Hey Stinky…I’ll hold off on having any more offspring. I have 4 of my own, and if I did - I would choose my husband to be the father. Not Carroll. Sorry!!
Great barehanded throw by the 40 year old!!! Southernmule…turn the volume down if you can’t stand the rhetoric about Smoltz. Yes, he’s played hurt. He’s also super competitive, which is why these athletes have all these “annoying” habits of nitpicking umpires, tossing balls back. I’d take a competitive player over someone not wanting to take the ball anyday.

By Lew

August 3, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

Are we, perhaps, getting a bit-Oh, shall we say Whiny again?

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 3, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

While I agree there are a lot of negative people on here, I think you have to be careful not to confuse legit criticism with negativity. For instance, saying Andruw needs to hit lower in the lineup is not being negative; its providing legit criticism. He comes to the plate trying to yank everything out of the park. You couuld look at his at-bat and Tex’s at-bat and tell the difference in hitters. My deal with Andruw is that he has been doing this for 10 years. Francoeur learned after one season that there is a time to swing for the fences and a time to just put the bat on the ball. You can call it negativity if you want. I call it fair criticism.

By Lew

August 3, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

You know, that really sounds more Like NoBrainZone than the real Stinky.

By Savannah Guy

August 3, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Tonight:

Tex is not Tex.

Andruw is Andruw.

Chip is not Skip.

By Eric C.

August 3, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Overlord, I hope you are right about Cox. Also, I agree completely with you about AJ…I’m sure Tex loves him batting behind him. AJ shouldn’t be hitting higher than 7th.

By Braves Fan 79

August 3, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

ThedamnSouthernJackAss: man from your post is sounds like your not only drunk…but half retarted A Braves fan….diss Smoltz? are you nutz? The mans the all time winningest post season pitcher ever. He guts it out and saying he should retire is like everyone saying we should get rid of chipper and everyone and just build for the future. The man had 1 bad inning tonight and some unlucky breaks. I for one will be VERY sad when he retires.
Hes still got DOMINATING stuff. Which you really cant say about that many pitchers. You might can say he looks tired tonight..but to say he whines and that he should retire your either A: a mets fan. or B: freakin RETARTED.
Ill stand up for Julio anyday…and ill definitly stand up for Smoltz any day. Now woodcrap….thats another story!

By HP

August 3, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Smoltz has 88 pitches in 6 innings. Not too bad. Good come back after pitching lot of pitches in first two innings. I hope he can go to seventh. Lets get some runs on the board.

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

There are a few of us. I do have to say that usually there aren’t this many haters on here. I get just as frustrated or mad as the rest, but my love for the game and the Braves in general, keep me thinking we always have a chance. I am bothered and even worried since both Renteria and Smoltz(and many a few others it seems) are banged up but we have a solid line-up. We will turn it around. I bet we’ll score more than 5 runs tonight!!

By Carroll Rogers

August 3, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

just sent this into the editors… The Braves signed right-hander Ryan Drese to a minor league contract and sent him to Class A Myrtle Beach where he will start Friday night.

Drese, 31, has started 96 games in parts of six seasons for the Indians, Rangers and most recently the Nationals before undergoing elbow ligament transplant surgery last April.

Drese is 34-29 with a 5.31 ERA in 105 games overall. He could serve as some insurance for the back end of the Braves’ rotation if he shows he’s recovered from surgery. Or he could be an arm for the future.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

FairW - Smoltz is really gutting it out for his team. I realize he gave up the 4 early runs but HOF type pitchers get things back under control which is what he did. Even if this game is lost (which is far from over) he didn’t burn out the bullpen again tonight. If they get another inning out of him that would be incredible considering where he was in the 2nd.

By uga-brave

August 3, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

man do we swing at a lot of balls out of the strike zone. the last 18 games have been a microcosim of the whole season. we are just consistently inconsistent. the fact we are 23-45 in ganes that we score 6 or less runs speaks volumes. hard for me to think this team makes the playoffs without a 7 or 8 game win streak somewhere down the line.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

LEW, FairWhetherBraveHater, and other likeminded supporters…

You know its bad enough fighting off the MUTS TROLLS everynight that have to come here to try and EASE their INFERIORITY COMPLEX and because their OWN HOMETOWN PAPERS DON’t EVEN THINK ENOUGH of THEM to GIVE THEM THEIR OWN BLOG

But what is more furstrating is the MULTITUDE of fairwhether, knee-jerk, front running, trurncoat so called Brave’s fans who repeatedly come on here an TALK about “How Great the Braves are” or “How this team is going to the WS” when they WIN a few in a row…

BUT WHEN THEY LOSE one or two and those same people can’t wait to jump off the bandwagon and say we’re horrible we suck or they can’t do it or its over

SORRY but Those people are not true fans!

By Lew

August 3, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Retarted? Oh, the Humanity. Double entendre, perhaps?

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Robert…I have no problem w/ constructive criticism is one thing. Bashing guys just to be negative is another. Go back 2 hours and read Colins’ posts. There are at least 7 that are just ignorant. Actually, you probably don’t want to bore yourself. Giving your opinion if you think JS made a bad trade or if Bobby made a move you don’t like or Francoeur strikes out too much is 1 thing. Calling out your franchise player who has given SO many great memories is another.

By Lew

August 3, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Carroll-Thanks for that tidbit. It just goes to show JS is on top of things and like he said the other day, there just isn’t much out there. Jason Jennings? Right.

By uga-brave

August 3, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

once again 1 and 2 get on and then nothing. just no consistency. this team will break your heart.

By Superman

August 3, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

I wonder what percentage of Andruw Jones at bats have ended an inning

Or even an inning with runners in scoring position.

By uga-brave

August 3, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

eight k’s through six innings, basically not putting the ball in play for half the game. 3,4,5 cant even get the ball out of the infield. look like another .500 homestand.

By supa

August 3, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

We continue to show all indications of being a mediocre .500 team.

By JasonInMaine

August 3, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

Good pitching beats good hitting. Huddie going tomorrow, and he has pitched great after Braves’ losses. Call it negative, but I call it a fact…this team is 3 games under .500 since April…maybe we can go on one of those patented runs we used to always go on!

By FairWeatherBraveFanHater

August 3, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

I know. I think I’ve said this before, but I’ve gone to games and kinda(sweet word huh?) hoped the game stayed close so the crowd would get into it. Besides last year it actually began to get a little better w/ the baby Braves here. I don’t know what it is, we need more people to show there excitement for the team. This is worse though. Getting on here to talk to some passionate Braves fans and this is what I get. There are many on here, so it will get back to where it needs to be.

By uga-brave

August 3, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

flat out gutsy peformance by smoltz. these last two games really magnify the point that pitching and defense never slump.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

HEY ANDRUW BASHERS!

Why aren’t you ALL OVER CHIPPER and TEX for being Rally Killers

First two on and nobody out and they both STRIKE OUT!

3-RUN HR….That will probably do it for tonight!

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

Game over. 5.5 back. Tough two days in Braves-land.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

You’re getting sleepy. When I count to ten you will be 5 1/2 games out of first place……One, Two, Three.

By Wayne in Utah

August 3, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Overlord/Efrim I agree with both of you gents that losing Renteria is a big blow. It is Escobar and KJ’s chances to really shine and pick up the team. Teams do go through this sort of stuff in a season. The cream rises to the top, and the truth will be known in 2-3 weeks, huh.

RJITB and BravesDave I hear what you are saying about not wanting to go 5-4, but until the magic number is zero, there is ALWAYS a chance. Granted, it is not good if we go through another bad stretch, but I can promise you that the JS/BC Braves will NOT give up until the fat lady sings.

Had an interesting flight from Denver to SLC this afternoon. I am changing my approach to the guys I have called “whiners” in the past. I apologize if I have offended anyone. I will continue to monitor the blog, and respond as I see fit. Please, be as negative or positive as you wish, and you will not hear any more complaining from the west……

Although I do reserve the right to tease my friend N8 on ocassion.

Sorry for such a long post.

Smoltz just gave up the tater….ouch!

By Eric C.

August 3, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

uga-brave,

“…the fact we are 23-45 in ganes that we score 6 or less runs speaks volumes.”

Wow…that’s pretty bad. What’s worse, they’ve lost 7 games when scoring 7 or more runs.

By Wayne in Utah

August 3, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Bobby’s gotta do something about AJ’s spot in the lineup. Frenchy or McCann would be a much better option.

Escobar has a CANNON for an arm! If he makes the routine plays as good as Renteria, he might make us forget about Edgar on the defensive aspect of SS!

By Braves Fan 79

August 3, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

This sucks, smoltz shouldnt of been in the game after the 6th tonight, he looked tired from early on. Once again…bobby gets the pitcher out of the game AFTER they give up the big hit. It seems the past couple of weeks after we throw away a game like we did last night the next night we either run into a hot pitcher, or we get spanked and its not even close. WEVE GOT TO WIN THE CLOSE ONES! Damnit Bobby!
I still believe in this team….well win saturday and sunday.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

This game is so predictable. The Braves get the first two on in the last inning…don’t move the runners over, don’t score. The Rockies come back and put them away with a 3-run HR.

I guess all my lobbying for a sweep of the Rockies this afternoon fell on deaf ears.

Once again, this team is not playing like a playoff-caliber team. Can’t botch routine plays and have your ace get you in a 4-run hole in the first two innings…especially when you know the Mets won earlier.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

The BRAVES are TIRED tonight and it shows…before the Homestand I said the Braves would go 4-2…

We just need to wint he next two…And if the Mets lose the next two we’ll be right there!

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

LEW, Let me here some of your IF’S and Maybe’S BE-ATCH!!!!!

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 3, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

Smoltz gave it everything he had. That sucks he gave up the homer but if the Braves lose (which they likely will) Smoltz can’t be blamed for the loss. The Braves should have at least four runs on the board. Smoltz showed once again why he is the ultimate gamer. He didn’t have anything near his best stuff but he kept battling. Like I said earlier, if the every one of the 24 other guys on the team had the same intensity and pride night in and night out like Smoltz does, this team would be damn near unbeatable. But….they don’t.

By Lameculas

August 3, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

Fire Bobby Cox NOW. This team will go nowhere as long as this dry drunk is in charge. Or maybe Bobby needs to start drinking again. Seems like the team was better when he was beatin the wife.

By Wayne in Utah

August 3, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

JasoninMaine We certainly have the tools to go on one of those patented runs. Will these guys have what it takes to do it? That is the 64 thousand dollar question.

OK, we are into their bullpen. If we are going to make a move, it is now or never.

By The Grinch

August 3, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Can anyone explain to me why Yates is being used AGAIN tonight instead of Devine in a 7-1 game late? I guess we won’t really need him later on, huh? Oh, well. Have no fear, folks; it won’t go on like this forever, though Yates and Soriano might need TJ surgery before the season’s over. It’ll get better.

By Southbeachdietfreak

August 3, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Getting Texiera seemed to put a charge into the team… bad night for Smoltz, but to be quite honest, he is probably pitching beyond himself anyway; he doesn’t have a choice but to try to eke out 6 or 7, just because an already overused bullpen was drained last night. I will admit I get down when i see them play like tonight, but they’re playing a contending team. This isn’t your typical Rockies team. They can actually pitch AND field this year. Give them a little credit. I’m not so sure that Texiera will valut them over the top, or even into the playoffs, but I’ll admit they’re a lot more fun to watch! GO BRAVES!

By Del

August 3, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

Sure didn’t take long to convert Tex to Atlanta style baseball. UGLY!!!

By uga-brave

August 3, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

i gotta believe college football is going to start, for a lot of us in about 10 days. down 7-1 and francouer strikes out on 3 pitches. we really look like a beer league softball team.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 3, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Chase, the difference between Andruw’s at-bat and those of Chipper and Teixeira is that Chipper and Tex went to the plate with a plan and made the pitcher throw some pitches. What does Andruw do? He swings at the first pitch he sees. It didn’t matter it wasn’t a strike. He just goes up there swinging hoping he makes contact. That is okay for a rookie but for a guy in his 11th season it is inexcusable.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Hey Jason, we have been waiting for one of those runs all season. Outside of the 7-1 start, this team has played to the level of a mediocre team. We all know they have a huge amount of talent…some of the best players, position-by-position in the NL. Two top starters. All-Star quality infield, C, and two out of three OF positions. Solid bullpen. Fact is, the team has not put it together all season.

Two five-game winning streaks this season…unfortunately cancelled out by one five-game losing streak and two four-game losing streaks. This team is not ‘streaky’, they are inconsistent. The lack of an acceptable 5th starter (and 4th starter for some of the season) has made it impossible for any type of consistent run or streak.

The Braves are not going to make the playoffs this season.

By Southbeachdietfreak

August 3, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

FWBFH

I agree about the crowd… seems like they’re watching a movie instead of a ballgame!

NO CHOP… so it takes a 5.5 game lead for you to be comfortable enough to show your face on our blog!

By dannyboy

August 3, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Way to go Bobby Cox. Let a 40-year pitcher with a sore shoulder throw more than 100 pitches in a game for the Nth time. Your handling of pitchers and your stupid insistence on using Andrew Jones as a cleanup hitter ought to get you investigated for fixing games. If the new Braves owners have any business sense, they will get rid of your worthless a** and hire someone who is results oriented rather than a “players’ manager.”

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Well, leadoff walk issued by Joey Devine. That just earned him another demotion to AAA.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Not much you can say, is there LEW?? You’re right, You better plead the 5th and shut the FU-K up!

By Southbeachdietfreak

August 3, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

I’m not saying the Braves will overtake the Mets… but is it me, or does it seem that we only see the NO CHOP, METRO MAN, etc., when they’re winning?

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 3, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss returns to the blog to discover that he has once again fell victim to a worthless jackal, which is to be expected…however, it’s another thing to be ripped by some of you presumptuous A*******holes who automatically assume that I made those statements concerning Smoltz…

So allow me to set the record straight…TheSouthernJackAss has never professed to be a Braves fan…TheJackAss is a baseball fan, big difference…however, TheJackAss has defended the Braves, and their fans on many an occasion…

And for all you pukes that think you can call TheJackAss any ol’ profane or disparaging name that you like…TheSouthernJackAss will meet any one of, or all of you pathetic pukes face to face, in person…your choice of location…then I want to see you call me those names to my face…I guarantee you that you will not enjoy the outcome…that goes especially for Braves Fan 79…jbutler…FairWeatherBraveFanHater …Alan…the b!tc# known as Stinky…and any other A$sClown that I may have missed!…

So until you have the balls to run your pieholes to my face…I will consider all these cowardly little comments from you pukes as nothing more than pu$$y farts!…

I don’t need any help…I don’t need anyone to defend me…and you better pray that I don’t revert back to being TheJackAss that I once was…for I will rain hell down on this blog…so unless you want to “meet up” with TheJackAss, I will be ignoring your ignorant posts…

By Navigator

August 3, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

I’ve said for years, that the worst possible future for the Braves is Cox at the helm. He’s been good (not great) with a great pitching staff, but his inability to engineer a critical run goes back to his roots. He believes in big innings, and doesn’t practice or put into practice basic baseball strategy. Last night was a good example or not knowing how to win one of those tight games that only needs a run to win. I might be in the minority, but with a young team we need a manager that has or can win with a youth. The GM had to get rid of a 50 year player to keep Cox from platooning him, rather than give the necessary experience that the young guys need. That says it all.

By Wayne in Utah

August 3, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

BravesDave Way too early to throw in the towel, for all the reasons you just stated in your response to Jason. You might be right about not making the playoffs, but WAY too early to give up.

Not necessarily sent to anyone in particular….but,

Bobby Cox is a terrible manager. Why did he leave one of the greatest clutch pitchers in there for that last inning. Didn’t he have ESPN to let him know that Smoltzie was out of gas.

He either leaves them in too long, or he takes them out to quick. What a bum! What does Hal Bodley know, anyway!!

:-)

By gotham man

August 3, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

METS won today and your mighty braves are getting beat by the lowly rockies. How does 5 1/2 sound, it will be 8 this time next week. Braves and playoffs in the same sentence, give me a break. Go ahead and start getting ready for next year, you will need the extra time. HA! HA! HA!

By bill

August 3, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

NEWS ALERT!!!!!NEWS ALERT!!!!! Lew is going to be the Braves New GM in ‘09.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

No Southbeach, I was here b4 the season started saying the Mets were the best team in the NL East and I’m still here saying it. The problem is brave fans keep living in the past and are so full of bull-crap that they refuse to acknowledge the truth.

By Andy

August 3, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

The Rockies will have a better record than the Braves after tonight.

By bill

August 3, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Lew, I’ll finish my post. I can understand why you are crazy. When you were a teenager, you were brainwashed by the Phillies. Now here is a pitcher for you. The Braves sign Ryan Drese. They will win the division now.

By Andy

August 3, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

There are 5 teams ahead of the Braves in the Wild Card race and the Mets are ahead of the Braves by 5 1/2 games, 6 games in the loss column. The Braves have a lot of catching up to do and they better not wait until September.

By Wayne in Utah

August 3, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Too bad that AJC can’t control the whole Blog name deal. I hate that my friend, the Southern Gentleman is being singled out. Granted, he does not need me to defend him, as he is quite capable. I just think it is quite despicable to use anothers name to post.

SJA Don’t let the pukes get to you, my friend. Most of your friends here can tell when it’s you and when it is not.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 3, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

I saw where Kim was claimed off waivers by the Diamondbacks. I love to know why the Braves didn’t claim him since they would have had first choice over the D-Backs due to the D-Backs having a better record. Sure, Kim has his control issues but he piles up strikeouts and would be better than any of the current 5th spot options. Perhaps, a gift like Carlos Silva or even Russ Ortiz will fall into the Braves’ lap.

Chase, I do think this team is tired. All of the extra inning games and the west coast trip has taken a toll on them. They need to take the next two from the Rockies, fly to New York Sunday night and spend the entire day Monday in their hotel rooms relaxing.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

0-3 against Cincinnati; 2-2 against SF; 2-2 against St. Louis; 5-7 against Florida; 0-3 against Minnesota…

9-17 record against weak competition. I throw Minnesota in the mix because the Braves lost to Kevin Slowey and Carlos Silva.

This, more than anything, is the death knell to the season. Playing poorly against poor competition. Losing games that the team should win. Not capitalizing on the schedule.

By Fire

August 3, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

FIRE BOBBY COX

By Southbeachdietfreak

August 3, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

NO CHOP

I will certainly miss hearing from you after the Braves take the next two and the Mets drop 2 to the Cubs. After all, the Mets will only be 3.5 ahead, and that’s way to close for you to blather on…

By Wayne in Utah

August 3, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

It’ll be interesting to see how Mad Dog handles Barroid Bonds tonight!

By JasonInMaine

August 3, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Wayne,

I tend to agree that they can, but they will need to get better pitching with the 3-5 starters going deeper in the game…if they do that, they got a shot…

That’s Woodward at hs best…warning track power…

By No

August 3, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

nobody reads this shat I you did you’d be offended you jews, n**** and spics.

By Andy

August 3, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

BravesDave, i hope you are not saying the Rockies are weak competition, since they DO have a better record than the Braves.

By gotigers72

August 3, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

Last night’s loss was a horrible one. Demoralizing, depressing, deflating and probably several more DE words that I can’t come up with right now.

There have been several of those lately, and Soriano and Wickman have been the reasons for most of them. Mostly Soriano. Since Dotel is here, isn’t it about time to sit Soriano down in close late inning situations? He has given up bombs to either tie games or let the other team go ahead FOUR times SINCE THE ALL STAR BREAK!

I thought the bullpen was supposed to be fixed since last year, but they have really been hurting the Braves lately. Specifically the 2 guys that are supposed to be ending games.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

Wayne, I am throwing in the towel. I was on the verge when we lost 3 out of 4 to the Nationals. I was on the verge when we shutout in 4 out 5 games in interleague play. I was on the verge when we swept by Cincy. After last night’s debacle and the listless performance tonight as a response, I am done. The towel is out of my hands and is soaring into the ring. I think the referee just noticed it and he is putting a stop to the beating. It’s over…I hear the bell.

By dadgum

August 3, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Folks a few blogs ago I said that the Braves have no chance to make the playoffs without Renteria. I will stick by that statement. Also we simply don’t have that many games to play and we are not looking like a playoff team anyway.

After Smoltz got shelled tonight they are 5.5 back. That game last night just simply was a killer let alone tonight. The Braves looked deflated to start the game to be honest. Maybe it will all come together but don’t bet heavy. The Braves may have to sweep New York next week to realistically have a shot. They will either be in it or out of it after the Mets series. Real tough time for Renteria to be on DL which may last until Sept. and have their pitching in disarray.

Heading for a week at the beach. No computer, no blogging, cold beer. Ya’ll think about it.

Rock on……remembering Joe Strummer.

By Southbeachdietfreak

August 3, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

BravesDave

AS I mentioned earlier, the Rockies are right in the middle of the Pennant race… they are not a discount team!

As bad as tonight was, they’ll pick it up tomorrow!

By Ron

August 3, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss Didn’t you say you were a Tiger fan? But yeah I can envision what you look like right now in my head!!! I bet you are a big ole dude, a beer drinker and bad SOB!!! Am I right!!! If I am I damn sho aint gonna mess with you!!!

By jason

August 3, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

WHY IS CORMIER PITCHING RIGHT NOW AND NOT DAVIES????

Cormier is a STARTER.

What is wrong with Cox?

By Daniel

August 3, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

This devastating loss, including the injuries is just the start of a bad homestand… after we lose 2 of 3 from the rockies and mets, we may very well be 8 games out of first place!

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Hey Andy, did you see me mentioned Colorado anywhere in my comments??

Reading comprehension is a precious skill.

By uga-brave

August 3, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

well it looks like all the MO got sucked out of this team last night. combine the fact we lost the game and we probably have lost renteria, really has a sobering effect. you could really see this coming. in fact this is the braves MO look geat for three and then ugh. i agree with a lot of what BRAVE-DAVE says the lack of ANY pitching from the five-hole has prevented any type of streak. winning breeds winning.

really got a feeling we will all look back at the reds series and the eighth inning last night and think what could of been. oh by the way cormier just gave up his 10th extra base hit in eight innings. yeah he is the answer. well it took chip till august to say something intelligent “CMON LANCE ITS 7-1 THROW STRIKES”

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Hey SouthBeach, I’ll ask you the same question that I asked Andy…where did I say Colorado was poor competition??

By Ron

August 3, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Well, for all you folks that THINK that Cormier is our savior you are fools!!! I said it yesterday, and I will say it again, WE have to get a descent starter!!! Simple as that!!! Guess whay Cormier sucked earlier in the year, and he sucks AGAIN tonight!!! What A surprise!!! I suppose we should get ready for a beating the next game Cormier starts!!! Its really a f*** SHAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Apparently, Lance Cormier is not the answer as the 5th starter. Maybe we can sign Lance Bass.

A great question posed earlier was what the heck was Cox thinking pitching Yates with a 7-1 deficit??

By HP

August 3, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

Lance Cormier is no help. He looks like same player that was before he was sent back to minors. But lets what he can do as a starter. GO Braves!!

By Andy

August 3, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

We absolutely have to sweep the Mets.

By Chase

August 3, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

NO BRAIN ZONE

Will you still be talking after the BRAVES win the NEXT 4 GAMES and the MUTS LOSE the NEXT 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Typical MUTS TROLL…Has to come on here when he is secure and help EASE HIS and the MUTS’ INFERIORITY COMPLEX to the BRAVES!!!!!

By HP

August 3, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

jason: Davies was traded to Kansas City for Octovial Dotel.

By Stuart

August 3, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Carroll, you hit the nail on the head. I like DOB, but he too much like Bobby in that everything is always fine and dandy and they are not.

This team takes terrible at bats in clutch situations. They try to jack everything out of the park when they game is close. The back end of the rotation is a joke. Bobby had jerked with that bullpen all year and worn them ALL out. Hell Yates ought to punch him in the face the way he has abused him.

I am tired of the apologests for this team. They have plenty of talent, but they are wusses. I wanted to throw up last night when Soriano was on the mound and Chipper and Willie were laughing after Edgar got hurt. Be Serious, the game was on the line!!! Being p** off at this team does not make me a bad fan, it makes me a human being.

Last year the team was bad and was beaten by 2 better teams, but this year they have squandered chance after chance because they have no sack or excuses, they have blown it.

By Carroll Rogers

August 3, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

I called it! Teixeira’s home run…..It was all here in back, white and blue….just sayin

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 3, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Bill, you’re an idiot!

I know Bobby loves to have Villareal pitch long relief but I think Oscar is the solution for the 5th spot in the rotation. With the addition of Dotel Moylan could take over the long relief along with Cormier or a better option would to be promote Royce Ring. Anyway, Villareal did a terrific job last year when started. Cormier did as well. The difference is Villareal has continued to pitch well while Cormier……. Of course, that will not happen.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

I hate meaningless HRs.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 3, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Just as I expected…No takers!…

I’m out of this trash heap…

By Chase

August 3, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Great HR by TEX but to be fair it was his two bad plays in the 1st that set the tone for the night!

Baseball is an amazing game… as bad as the past two nights have been… we win the next two and the MUTS lose their next two and we’re right back to 3.5 GB… And the bad taste is washed away!

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Southbeach must be too bz jumping back and forth from his favorite porn site back to the AJC. He’s to distracted to post an intelligent comment. Go wash your hands and try again you stupid cross dresser.

By Ron

August 3, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Robert(JISB) I agree man, why cant we go after a starter!!! DOB sits there and says you cant put a gun to there head and MAKE them trade anybody!!! Yeah he is right, but JS made ALL those OTHER moves, why not the MOST important move!!! I said it at the time we were close to getting Tex, WE NEED ANOTHER STARTER!!! And guess what WE NEED ANOTHER STARTER!!! And DOB and others dismissed it!!! Wonder what those same people are thinking!!! Those are the ones that make me sick!!! The ones that thought that getting Tex and getting NO Starter was gonna put us OVER the Top!!! I still THINK we can win the Wildcard, but man is it gonna be TOUGH without a GOOD 5th Starter!!! Cormier IS NOT THE DAMN ANSWER!!!

By Elaine's Friend

August 3, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

You’re all winners!!!

By uga-brave

August 3, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

HEY CARROLL YOU SOOTHSAYER, THIS IS NO CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM. truth hurts but to use a tired cliche “it is what it is”

anyone else but me and BRAVE-DAVE think that brian mccann is a total liability behind the plate? for as much crap as javy caught for his defense mcaann just flat out looks really LAZY.

By bravesfan

August 3, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

Chase we aren’t going to play the Rockies minor league team the next two days so we aren’t going to win the next two. Mark IT DOWN

By Ron

August 3, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

Robert (Justice Is The Best) I wish you were right about Villy!!! But if he aint started yet he aint gonna start now!!! Stuff like this crap, make me want to TURN on BC!!! We NEED another starter so bad, but he wont put a guy right under his damn nose to start!!! I respect him, but he has made me question ALOT of his moves this year!!! In the past I did not question them so much, but just about EVERY game I question something he does!!! He has lost it as a manager in a year time!!!

By PostseasonBlues

August 3, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Why worry about winning the division when plain and simply we know what the ultimate result will be. Postseason pain is a way of life in Atlanta and that is what our bandwagon fans deserve. Garbage time at Turner Field featuring a half liqoured “Bourbon” Bobby Cox.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 3, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Chase…..Are you drunk? at what time this year have the Mets lost 4 games while the braves were winning 4?? you just lost at home to the Astro’s and the Rockies. say NO to drugs Chase or you’ll turn into a comatose idiot like LEW.

By tbo

August 3, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Dannyboy you are so right. I have been saying the same thing for the last three years. Bobby Cox is a terrible manager. He needs to be GONE!! We would be 4 to 5 games up now if we had anyone else as manager. JS get that old fool out.

By Efrim

August 3, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

Rough loss. Need to win the next 2 games. See folks…..

This is why you can’t let the games go when you are up 4 runs. Its called momentum.

What is the Braves record after a loss this season? Last two months?

Probably very bad.

By Stinky

August 3, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

Good stuff tonight, Carrol. Keep up the good work.

By PostseasonBlues

August 3, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

The umpire gave Smoltzie 6 inches off of either side of the plate tonight and he still couldn’t pull off a Maddux like shutout. Now we have “Red” Tim Hudson to end our misery tomorrow before he goes out on a date with Joey Harrington. I figure Coxy drinks this one off and gets run around the 2nd or 3rd inning tomorrow night so he can get to his bottle of jack in his office quicker.

By The Truth Hurts

August 3, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

So….it appears as if the trade motivated the wrong team.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

It amazes me that we once won a division title with a pitching rotation of Russ Ortiz, Mike Hampton, John Thompson, Jaret Wright, and Paul Byrd…but we cannot put anything together with John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Chuck James, and two stiffs for two straight seasons. It proves that even five average starters make a better rotation than three well above average starters and two bottom-dwellers.

And it wasn’t all offense with that 2004 team. Chipper missed 25 games and no Braves hitter drove in 100 runs.

By uga-brave

August 3, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

RON gotta disagree with you on bobby. the only bad decision bobby has made all year is the fact he has treated some players like men when instead they needed a foot in the rear. its a lot easier to score runs when you have a five run lead and you are facing their 5th pitcher in there bullpen. bobby is old school. just think at least hes not bowa, valentine, or larussa, all egomaniacs. just think the great larussa tried to justify hitting his pitcher eight hole.

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

*”HEY ANDRUW BASHERS!

Why aren’t you ALL OVER CHIPPER and TEX for being Rally Killers”*

I’m right here, and I’ve never been a huge Chipper Jones fan either.So nice try.Andruw is a rally killer.He’s the king of rally killers world wide.I’m counting down the weeks until his sorry @%% becomes a free agent. Good riddance.

By Cox (must be on crack)

August 3, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

Did anyone hear the “Bobby Cox Show” on radio before the game? You know that little two minute thing they do before the game where Cox slips in as many baseball cliche’s as he can in two minutes.

He said basically, that the pen wasn’t tired. He said that people were suggesting the pen was tired but that just wasn’t true. They still have their velocity and it’s just they aren’t hitting their spots.

Why is it that most every person who follows and knows anything about baseball (including virtually every analyst who is asked to comment)says the Braves pen is gassed…..except Cox?

He’s a very odd man.

And Carroll…. great blog. Even if the Braves win it all, you bring up some really valid points. Glad someone who covers the Braves on a regular basis has enough guts to state what on her mind instead of more rah rah crap.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

Hey look at the bright side - Friends went on only 10 minutes late tonight instead of 2 hours like last night.

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

We’ll probably score 15 runs tomorrow night.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

Hey Uga Valentine took the Mets to the 2000 World Series with an outfield of Jay Payton, Benny Agbayani and Timo Perez and Todd Zeile was his #4 hitter. Definetly had an ago but I had no issue with him as a manager. He’s making a fortune in Japan by the way.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

I hate to bring up an old topic, but this team has not been the same since Leo Mazzone left. We had payroll constraints when Leo was in town, but we still found ways to field winning teams. We won with reclamation projects like Chris Hammond, John Burkett, Jaret Wright, John Thompson, Jorge Sosa, Antonio Alfonseca, Shane Reynolds, Darren Holmes, etc, and on and on.

We have not had success like that since.

I don’t care what he has done in Baltimore. Although, I know Erik Bedard has turned into an ace under his tutelage.

By monty

August 3, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

Hey, the Cardinals were not a championship team this time last year either. But, they got hot at the right time.What bothers me about the Braves this year is their inability to win in extra innings, something like 1-6 as of late. That speaks of a will to win, to grind it out. Also, does Soriano not throw the easiest to hit 96 mph fastball in the league? Like no movement whatsoever, 8 homeruns in 24 innings. Puts some spin on the dearn ball! Put Soriano in in the 7th and bring Dotel in the 8th. Also Smoltz needs 6 days reat and not 4 or 5. Once a week is all your going to get out of him. Even the best get old.

By Hey Chase!!!

August 3, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

Chase, you’re in high school, right?

Do you wear your school colors on Friday and attend all the pep rallies before the big games?

Do you have a geeky History teacher who wears the funny hat on game days while he tries to get students to take him seriously?

Most Braves fans who blog here are adults. Most, not all. The blog is a good place to vent frustrations and make comments about the team. Some of the most knowledgable fans here do point out the shortcomings of the team.

A fan who vents a bit is no less fan than some guy like you who chooses to look at every aspect of what the Braves do with Rose colored glasses.

So listen up Chase, you can wear your pink panties and jump up and down with your cheerleader pom poms all you want. But don’t even think you have a real clue or the right to dictate to others how they should act as fans! They spend their valuable time watching the same crap as you do…..they just expect a better product than you do.

By gotigers72

August 3, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

Well, doesn’t look like Cormier is the answer for the #5 spot. Looked as bad as he did when he was up last. Here’s my solution, see what you think. Every time the #5 spot is due to pitch, the Braves should forfeit. They’re losing all of those games anyway. If they forfeit, no ragarm starter or ragarm reliever can cause the bullpen to be used like a Michael Vick pitbull. Just forfeit, take the loss that was coming anyway and give all the pitchers a day of rest. Save them for when #s1-4 are going where they might make a difference. Or if Bud “Jelly Spine” Selig won’t allow that, let a different position player pitch each inning. You may end up with scores like 30-7 and such, but as I said, they’re losing almost all of those games anyway and the pitchers arms would be saved.

I thought moving Andruw to the #5 spot in the batting order may help him relax some and bring him out ofthe funk he’s in. Doesn’t look like it though. 2 Ks and a GIDP ain’t exactly coming out of it. Looks like the #5 is the Braves unlucky # this year. #5 in the rotation, #5 in the batting order [now], and 5 1/2 games out.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

So what are you saying Anders, that Willie Randolph is a crap manager? I mean, Minaya has purchased Pedro, Glavine, LoDuca, Beltran, Delgado, Shawn Green, Jose Valentine, Moises Alou, Cliff Floyd, Orlando Hernandez, Billy Wagner in the past few years and the Mets have not been to the World Series.

Do you long for the days of Timo Perez and Benny Agbayani???

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Carol, your comments today were dead on target. Last night’s game was just one of many times this year the Braves have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Playoff teams have their dry spells, but they get it figured out at some point,and the Braves haven’t.

This team isn’t mentally tough. You see it in every facet of the team: back-breaking defensive lapses, failure to get a clutch hit for the go ahead run late in the game, pitchers making too many mistakes with runners in scoring position (many on pitcher’s counts).This is all mental, and when you combine the black hole that is the 5th starters spot, that’s causing a trickle down effect on other aspects of the ball club. This is not a playoff team.I think most people already know it, they just don’t want to admit it.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

Monty The Cardinals ran into two teams in a row who’s hitting went ice cold. The Mets and Tigers. They still did what they had to do and their pitching definetly came through -but that was a perfect storm scenario. They also had a closer to slam the door every time.

By Stinky

August 3, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

Anders longs for something alright, but it’s not Perez or Agbayani! If you know what I mean.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this

* Braves Dave* No , Randolph has done a great job. He took them to game 7 of the NLDS last year. I was just responding to the Valentine bashing which is quite common. I agree he was “Top step Bobby” Who cares? The guy got results. He took a pretty average team to the WS. BTW, most of those guys you listed have been bashed as over the hill under achieving old men on this blog.

By The Grinch

August 3, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

Now Stinky, whatever did I do to get on your @%#& list? I thought we were pals, like Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan. Maybe it’s just all those %$#@ing repeated commercials. I’d really like to smack the crap out of that woman complaining about wasted anytime minutes: shove her upside down into that garbage disposal she fished them out of. Sadly I thought it wasn’t too bad a commercial the first 1500 times I saw it. And don’t even get me started on Delta. Or all those people yawning. Or that oh-so-sincere gentleman who’s restoring an old house. Or the guy who orders the mermaid sandwich. Or Aflack. At least Sonic has the decency to vary theirs every 3 games or so.

What in the name of Vishnu are we going to do for a 5th starter?

By Jason

August 3, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

Looks like you guys are becoming the new repository for Met failures….Royce Ring, Octavio Dotel, Tyler Yates, and for a while…Julio Franco…..Also looks like that whole “we build from within” nonsense is out the window as you have sold your soul for Tex. Enjoy the pergatory of 3rd place.

By uga-brave

August 3, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

HEY ANDERS DO YOU REALLY THINK VALENTINE WAS A GOOD MANAGER? dude as a person who grew up in scarsdale,NY AND moved south by the grace of god i think i have a pulse for NY. val always had the napoleon complex, or as i like to say short mans disease. players HATED HIM. the job of a MANAGER IS TO MANAGE. THATS WHAT BOBBY DOES OVER 162. HE DOES NOT PUT UP WITH CRAP JUST ASK LOFTON, BOONE, AND DEION. ask any player in the majors who is the best manager they played for or who is the manager they want to play for and it is BOBBY.

CMON BRAVE- DAVE CHIME IN

By bravesfan

August 3, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

Carroll what’s the mood in the club house?

By Todd A

August 3, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

“t amazes me that we once won a division title with a pitching rotation of Russ Ortiz, Mike Hampton, John Thompson, Jaret Wright, and Paul Byrd…but we cannot put anything together with John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Chuck James, and two stiffs for two straight seasons. It proves that even five average starters make a better rotation than three well above average Mtarters and two bottom-dwellers.”

Braves Dave, the main difference is the Mets.They are just a much better organization than they were for the last 15 years, as much as I hate to admit it.Now they have a competent GM and mgr.What many fail to realize is that the Braves have been pretty mediocre for most of this decade, but the division was so weak none of the teams could expose them over the course of a long season.Now, the Braves are the ones playing with mental paralysis, not the Mets.

By The Answer

August 3, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

It amazes me that we once won a division title with a pitching rotation of Russ Ortiz, Mike Hampton, John Thompson, Jaret Wright, and Paul Byrd…but we cannot put anything together with John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Chuck James, and two stiffs….

Hey Braves Dave…Two words. Leo Mazzone.

By Anders

August 3, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this

Brave Dave I meant Randolph took them to game 7 of the NLCS.

By BravesDave

August 3, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

C’mon Anders, every one of the guys that I mentioned outside of El Duque and Valentin were high profile, high salaried acquisitions. I am not bashing those guys as over-the-hill. The Mets team on the whole is fairly ‘veteran’, but I think anyone on this blog right now would love to have El Duque in the rotation, Billy Wagner in the bullpen…and probably Pedro, Glavine, and Beltran on the team somewhere. Minaya has gone all-out over the past few years, and it has not translated to a World Championship. You know that hurts. I have so many Mets fan friends that constantly tell me they would rather not make the playoffs than make it 14 straight years and only win one title. I laugh at them. They are liars and are only looking for some miniscule way to degrade the Braves. After Minaya spends all this money in the past few years, every Mets fans knows how difficult it is to win a championship. You lost to a horrible Cardinals team last season in the NLCS. That must have burnt the entire offseason. It must also burn you up that the Mets have yet to put away the Braves and Phils this season.

By Anders

August 4, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

Uga I have no issue with Bobby Cox. If you saw my blogs yesterday I was defending him from his own fans!!! I was just defending Valentine as well. I don’t care wether players like him or not. It’s about results. As a Met coach he did the job. He and Phillips had a power struggle that he lost. Turned out Phillips was in over his head and went out the door the next year. I’m not saying he’s a HOF mgr but he did the job for us.

By Chop Chop

August 4, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Regarding the Home Depot commercial:

I think the Marine restoring the old house should say, “I plan on converting this old place into the Mecca of the dogfighting world. Thank you, Arthur.”

As for the game tonight, uh…it sucked. Smoltz is hurt but had been pitching well, so I’m guessing that he just had a bad night. The defense was shoddy, which isn’t good. I’m not surprised that the bats cooled off, so I’m not too worried about that. It was bound to happen and we all know Smoltz doesn’t get a lot of run support.

As far as Lance Cormier goes:

“He is who I thought he was! That’s why I closed my eyes! If you wanna crown him fifth starter and continue to lose games, crown his a$$!”

(By the way, I heard The Bobby Cox Show tonight. He may not be on crack, but I want some of what he’s smoking. The man is delusional.)

By uga-brave

August 4, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

GO TIGERS GREAT POST. if we would of forefitted every game by a five starter it could not be much worse. BRAVE-DAVE kinda thinks this way, BRIAN MCCANN really has trouble calling a game. he kinda looks like a guy if you threw him in box of 12 kittens he would lose. BRAVE-DAVE you are right again braves really miss LEO in more ways than one. FOOD FOR THOUGHT HAS ANYONE HEARD A RADIO INTERVIEW WITH ROGER MCDOWELL OR QUOTE IN THE PAPER, KIND OF WEIRD IF U THINK ABOUT IT.

By BravesDave

August 4, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Todd A, I understand that the Mets are better now, but the Braves didn’t play the Mets 162 games a year in those seasons. They still had to play the rest of the majors for over 140 games. And they still managed to win 90-100 games a year.

The Answer, I posted my thoughts on Leo about 15 minutes after the post that you quoted. My sentiments exactly.

Jason, the Braves don’t build from within??? Chipper Jones, Yunel Escobar, Kelly Johnson, Scott Thorman, Brian McCann, Andruw Jones, Jeff Francoeur, Chuck James, and various other players that have been on the squad this season were all drafted and developed by the Braves. That is 6 of the 8 everyday position starters currently. Don’t make yourself look like an idiot.

By Anders

August 4, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

Brave Dave -The whole team you mentioned only came together last year. They went to the NLCS. I can live with that. I give the Braves all the credit in the world for their 14 year run. I wish the Mets could have a 5 year run. That said, the Mets were pretty good a lot of those years but because they had to play the Braves (best team in the NL) 19 times and the Yanks 6 times every year it was tough for them to win a wild card too. It was tough having a team in your division with 3 HOF pitchers on their staff for 10 years. Thats a once in a lifetime thing and I’m sure Brave fans appreciated it.

By Jason

August 4, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

I forgot Woodward…I agree that you HAVE built from within…but this last trade really was ominous…essentially, your top 4 organizational prospects gone in the blink of an eye.

By Tonight on TBS

August 4, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

The House on Carroll Street (1988)

Carroll Rogers (Kelly McGillis) is fired by the AJC after refusing to rabidly support the underachieving Atlanta Braves. She takes a part-time job as companion to an elderly ex-ballplayer (Carroll O’Connor). One day her attention is drawn to a noisy argument being conducted largely in Spanish in a neighbouring house. Deciding to investigate, with the help of fellow journalist Senor Blanco (Leo G. Carroll), she uncovers a plot involving Omar Minaya (J. Carroll Naish) and the Cuban secret police to kidnap Yunel Escobar. She soon finds herself in a nightmarish wonderland straight out of Lewis Carroll. (Suspense).

By uga-brave

August 4, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

hey ANDERS WELL PUT. while i did not like valentine, he is alot like OZZIE GUILLEN. they were both fast burning stars. they both put themselves ahead of the team. WOULD MUCH rather HAVE MANAGERS LIKE COX AND TORRE THAT SHY AWAY FROM THE HEADLINES. when was the last time you saw bobby jumping up and down on the field, after a braves win.

cant tell you how many times i saw VAL AND BOWA DO THAT. REMEBER GAME 5 OF THE NLCS WHEN VENTURA HIT THE HR, VAL WAS RUNNING AROUND LIKE HE ACTUALLY WON THE GAME. BOBBY WOULD NEVER DO THAT

By Jeff

August 4, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

I have said from the beginning of 07 the Muts will win The East. We will get thw Wild Card. I think Smoltz and the rest of the Braves were tired tonight. As bad as we have played we are only 2.5 back of the Wild Card. The Cardinals won 83 games last year and won the World Series I don’t even follow the East race anymore. I care more about the Wild Card. The Muts never beat us when it counts. The NL blows. Lets forget about the last two days todays. Lets forget about winning the East. The Wild Card is our only hope. Lets go drill Jimenez and Cook the next two days.

By Kentavo

August 4, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

This team seems to be unable to get in a sustained groove. It’s win 3, lose 2, win 2, lose 4 and so on.

What happened to the vaunted offense tonight? It was back to hack n’ jack. I don’t get it. Didn’t even look like the same hitters from the previous 4 games.

By BravesDave

August 4, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

Jason, this trade was no more ominous than when the Mets sent Mike Jacobs, Yusmiero Petit, and another prospect to the Marlins for Delgado. Or trading Kazmir for Victor Zambrano (who?). Give me a break. We traded two prospects who were blocked by young major leaguers and a couple of other “prospects”. We have traded prospects before…do you remember anyone that we traded for Fred McGriff or Tim Hudson??? We have a pretty good track record with selecting the prospects that we trade away. Unlike the Mets.

By uga-brave

August 4, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

PROBLEM WITH THIS TEAM, besides smoltz, andruw, and chipper, i think there are alot of guys just drawing checks. sorry gwinnett county residents but since ur beloved brian and jeff have showed up, the braves are under .500 for the last 2 AND 1/2 YEARS.

By Interesting observations

August 4, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

Kinda interesting that Stinky has slung insults at our Anders for a couple days now, and Anders has made no reply to Stinky’s obvious badgering, yet our Anders has been quick to jump at all other bloggers’ negative comments. Maybe Anders fears Stinky, maybe the things Stinky says about Anders are true, then again, maybe Anders and Stinky are one in the same. What say you?

Anders/Stinky…Stinky/Anders

Also kinda interesting that Anders claims to have knowledge of things that were said on this blog weeks or months ago, yet Anders claims to have arrived on this blog a mere 3 days ago.

Stay tuned. Many many more interesting observations to follow.

By uga-brave

August 4, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

BRAVE-DAVE THE ONLY ONE ON THIS THREAD I THINK HAS A CLUE. 52 left gotta go 34-18 right? watchted maddawg pitch tonight looked really good. what if we still had the boys? HEY DOB OR CARROLL has there ever been a pitching staff that had 3 over 40 aged hof’s kind of interesting.

By Jason

August 4, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

Kazmir for Zambrano (the horror!) is exactly my point! We will see how it plays out. As for the Mets track record, I do not dispute the woeful actions of Duquette. However, Omar has been pretty shrewd for the most part. But lets face it, spending $120 million can make a lot of people smart.

By gotigers72

August 4, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

uga - I agree with you 100% regarding McCann being a defensive liability. The proof is in the pudding [stats]. He has the worst fielding percentage of any catcher in the NL. 8 errors and 6 passed balls, and has thrown out only 15 of 59 baserunners attempting to steal. That is better only than Michael Barrett and Johnny Estrada among starting catchers.

DOB takes up for him, he has made the All Star team twice in a row, and the Braves thought enough of him to sign him to a 6 year deal. However, none of that makes him a good defensive catcher. Can’t say I blame the Braves for signing him for 6 years at what appears to be a good price. The guy looks to be an above average ML hitter, but he definitely needs to improve on defense. It’s a shame that Pat Corrales left, because I think he was a good teacher of the catching position.

McCann may end up being a star in this league, but he has a way to go. It is said that he calls a good game, but there’s a lot more to being a defensive catcher than calling a good game.

By uga-brave

August 4, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

HEY ANDERS I AM A FAN. FOR EVERYBODY ELSE i watch 162 just like the rest of u. THIS IS WHY INTELLIGENT PEOPLE LIKE BASEBALL WIN OR LOSE IT IS CHESS, NOT THE NFL, WHICH IS CHECKERS. WELL IT LOOKS LIKE THE PADS ARE ABOUT TO WIN. hey dob too many teams to catch. TELL ME IT WOULD NOT BE COOL TO SEE BRUCE AT CHASTAIN ESPECIALLY SINCE MY HOUSE IS ON DUDLEY.

By BravesDave

August 4, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this

Don’t worry Jason, the Braves did not give up a Kazmir in this deal. If Kazmir was with a team other than the D-Rays, like say the Mets, he would be a 20-game winner. None of the pitchers that the Braves traded to the Rangers will be in that class.

As far as Saltalamacchia is concerned, I was not completely sold on him offensively. I think it is crazy that the Rangers are playing him at 1B. I thought he looked excellent behind the plate for the Braves. He has a gun. As a hitter, though, I am not completely convinced. Time will tell. But Teixeira is young (27) and plays defense and is one of the best players in baseball. Delgado, for instance, was not young and was not great defensively. Victor Zambrano was neither young nor good.

The Braves minor league system is still pretty stacked.

UGA, I think I am just about the only one left on this thread…maybe that is why I am the only one with a clue.

By Interesting observations

August 4, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

Now if I were Anders, and someone accused me of being Stinky, I do believe that would definitely anger me. I would most likely try to defend myself. However, if I were Anders/Stinky, then I might have to figure out a way to talk my way out of it. By the same token, if I were Stinky, and someone accused me of being Anders, I would also be extremely upset and angered. Yet, neither of those interesting individuals have stepped up to the plate(keeping with baseball theme)to rebut any such accusations. Hell of a formidable predicament if I must say so. I think if I were to be that easily exposed as being Stinky/Anders…Anders/Stinky, I would just quietly leave the blog before complete and total embarrassment. Could it be the meltdown?

Stay tuned. It’s only going to get more interesting.

By uga-brave

August 4, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

thanks TIGER FOR YOUR INPUT. macs footwork is terrible but i like him as a person . I PLAYED BALL WITH DON PERNO AT UGA. he has told time again that clint sammons is a great defensive catcher. though i really think brian will be fine long time. just need to move his body.

By uga-brave

August 4, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this

BRAVE- DAVE you have it right. DONT LET ANYONE TELL YOU THAT YOU DONT. KEEP PREACHING.

By uga-brave

August 4, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this

ANY ONE ELSE THINKS THE X GAMES SUCK. KINNDA LIKE YO MTV RAPS. the depravity of our society. too many liberals, sorry for all you left coast guys, i really hate hillary and osama. go rudy and fred.

By Interesting observations

August 4, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this

Very interesting, Anders has not responded in over an hour, maybe he finally found that enlightenment that he so desired. Stinky hasn’t graced the blog with his imbecilic mutter in over two hours now, maybe he found something to play with. Seems the roaches have scurried away for the night, regrouping with ones self you might say. Anders/Stinky…Stinky/Anders

Most interesting observation, Anders and Stinky exhibit an identical trait when posting their/his comments(sort of tipping their pitches, in keeping baseball theme). Have any of you fine upstanding baseball gurus picked up on it yet?

Stay tuned. This is only going to get better and better.

By Libertine

August 4, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this

Speaking of delusional, I just read Smoltz’s quote about infield hits doing him in tonight. Infield hits? The Rockies absolutely scorched the ball. Some of their lasers were hit right at someone or Smoltz would have given up more runs.

I think he needs to change shrinks and get some fresh delusions.

By BravesDave

August 4, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this

UGA, the X Games are about as boring as the ESPYs. Ridiculous contrived nonsense from ESPN.

Don’t want to get too political on here, but I am no fan of Hillary or Obama. I am with you on Rudy…not sure about Fred, yet, though.

I am calling it quits early tonight. Big bachelor party Saturday night, so I need to rest up. I will miss the Hudson start tomorrow, but will TIVO. Can the Braves please win 2 of 3, since they already ruined my hopes for a sweep???

G’night UGA and Not too Interesting Observations.

By uga-brave

August 4, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this

hey guyys BRAVE-DAVE THE next 8 games define our season, go 6-2 we are in it. go 3-5 bye-bye. any thoughts?.

By BravesDave

August 4, 2007 1:58 AM | Link to this

Libetine, I read those quotes and chuckled, too. “I kept us in the game when I did not have any rhythm whatsoever” was my favorite. The Braves offense was down 4-0 before hitting in the second inning, but Smoltz kept them in the game.

Another sign that this team is melting down. They can’t even be honest with themselves.

By uga-brave

August 4, 2007 1:59 AM | Link to this

HEY by LIBERTINE U ARE A NOT A SMART MAN (NOTICE I DID NOT CALL YOU A IDIOT) smoltz is right two bad hops at tex and another by the chink and who knows. this is just the way this season has gone.

tough year to be a fan, more talent now than any time in the last 3 years.

By Interesting observations

August 4, 2007 2:00 AM | Link to this

Finally Stinky reappears, and using one of his old screen names. Can anyone identify who it is? Can you tell me who it is…………pee pot???

What a stupid, juvenile move.

More to come.

By BravesDave

August 4, 2007 2:05 AM | Link to this

UGA, before tonight’s game, I had an exchange with a blogger who said the Braves can go 5-4 over the next 9 games with no problem. I think if they go 5-4, they are done. Period.

They need to go 7-2 over the next 9, I think. And that actually means 7-1 over the next 8 since they lost tonight. They need to make a move and get on a run. They are now 50-52 since the second week of the season. They cannot have any more stretches of .500 ball, especially since they 3-6 in their last 9 games.

Now I really going to sleep.

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

August 4, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this

Carroll, and/or DOB, PLEASE, do something about the 9:55 and 10:02 PM posts by “bill”!!!! They are about the most vile posts EVER on this board! I CANNOT believe they are still up 4 hours later! Jesus!

And can you ban SJA and Stinky once and for all??? Brain dead idiots that threaten violence in every other post, (Well, at least SJA does)Just complete wastes of time, and like the racist I mentioned above, they too drive folks away from this blog and the AJC site, which should be reason enough to can them.

And SJA, pretend you are a grown up(We know stinky is a 9 year old in real life) You are NOT funny, not even a little bit. Threatening to beat people up, isn’t that a violation of your parole?

SJA, you know who I think of every time you try to make yourself sound like some supreme bad *ss??? Comic book guy, from the Simpsons! That is who I see. Only you are no doubt a shorter, fatter version…..who goes to even more sci-fi conventions than a fictional cartoon character does. Go blog on some knitting forum or something. You are not only not a braves fan, but you are clearly not a baseball fan either.

By uga-brave

August 4, 2007 2:10 AM | Link to this

brave-dave would love to smoke a cigar and drink a bud with you. i am always at 755 after the game. have fun tomorrow hope you are in vegas.

By Interesting observations

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

Interesting that so many Stinky’s have been lured out into the open tonight. They just keep coming and coming. The more they pop up, the dumber they get. Now Berigan has also tried to sound like a bad man. Calling out the SJA, from behind a PC monitor, truly a ballsy move, a thug indeed. Not very smart though. I do believe you sounded like a high-pitched schoolgirl with that whimsical little post. Oh they’re dropping like flies. What say you pee pot?

Berigan you might get better results if you wait till the SJA is here before trying to be mr. bad man behind his back.

Right, pee pot?

Still more to come.

By BravesDave

August 4, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this

UGA, unfortunately, I am not in Vegas. I am going to be in NYC…more expensive, less fun. But what can you do, right?

Cigars and Buds sound pretty good, though. I don’t know if I am going to make it to Atlanta before the end of the season, though. The wife is pregnant, which puts a little dent in my sports travel plans. I am probably going to make it to one of the Phillies games next weekend.

By Barker

August 4, 2007 2:29 AM | Link to this

I really don’t think the SJA threatened violence with anyone. I think he simply invited the name callers for a little face time, which he said might not be too pleasant. You people ask for it, you might get it.

By Interesting observations

August 4, 2007 2:35 AM | Link to this

The meltdown has definitely begun. But now I’m bored. I shall return tomorrow with even more interesting observations, and a couple new revelations, and some enlightenment.

The end is near.

Like one blogger stated: “If you’re going to dance with lightning, better wear your rubber shoes!”…

By uga-brave

August 4, 2007 2:37 AM | Link to this

good luck in NYC TOMMOROW BRAVE-DAVE. HAVE FUN. GO EAT A STEAK AT SMIHTS AND WOLENSKYS FOR ME. WHILE YOU ARE AT IT TELL THOSE GUYS AT BAER STEANS TO SHUT UP ABOUT THE CREDIT CRUNCH THAT THAT IS AFFECTING THE STOCK MARKET.

By uga-brave

August 4, 2007 2:42 AM | Link to this

YOU really think SJA IS A BADASS, I KINDA THINK HE IS ABOUT FIVE FOOT. just another guy who has no job and is angry about his life.

By BravesDave

August 4, 2007 2:49 AM | Link to this

UGA, I prefer Morton’s for steak, but we’ll see where the night leads us.

And I hear you on the market. It’s as volatile as the Braves performance lately…hitting 14000 was like aqcuiring Teixeira, Mahay, and Dotel. Dropping back towards 13000 is like the Braves being 3-6 in their last 9 games.

By Barker

August 4, 2007 2:52 AM | Link to this

Hardly, I met the SJA at a Tigers game last year. Man is 6’ 11” and a good 345 lbs. and still in pretty good shape. Used to be a professional wrestler I believe, when TNT still had wrestling on. All I know is that I want no part of that man.

Good night blog.

By MS

August 4, 2007 3:11 AM | Link to this

Forgot who asked earlier today, but they stop selling beer after the 7th even during extra inning games. However, the Chop House still serves until the very end of the game (and then boy do they kick you out of there fast). I was at the game Thursday night and we were having a blast up there in the extra innings (moved up there from our outfield seats once it went to extras). The place went absolutely nuts when Diaz tied it up (there were a lot of incoherent folks there by this point). It was a shame they couldn’t pull out the W, cause that would have topped off a great night.

How about Tushy’s line so far as a Brave (JJS, it kills me every time you call him that. Love it. I can’t wait to hear it outta Bobby’s mouth during an at bat some time.). In 3 games he’s hitting .333 with 3 HR’s and 7 RBI’s (he has K’d an alarming 6 times however).

I was hoping Smoltzie would be the old faithful stopper he normally is tonight, but no such luck this time. Hopefully Huddy will keep his stretch of solid starts going and get us back in the right direction…

By Train Wreck Bystander

August 4, 2007 3:13 AM | Link to this

Well I, for one, am not ready to push the panic button just yet. Smoltzie’s entitled to an off night.

I just hope he’s not playing hurt and making things worse for the long run.

We’ll get those Rockies tomorrow!

By Wayne in Utah

August 4, 2007 3:13 AM | Link to this

Just came back from seeing the latest Bourne movie. Great movie, but the “herky-jerky” cinematography will give you a head ache.

If you look up lilly livered in Webster’s dictionary, it tells you to visit the AJC/DOB/MIB blog. Lot’s of examples of such there.

After the trade, everybody was sooo lovie dovie. Then Jo Jo blows a game, and Ron starts ranting about HOW WE NEED A STARTING PITCHER! I thought you were smarter than that. Have you been drinking tonight. How many other teams needed a starting pitcher? LOTS. How many teams went out and got an effective starting pitcher? NONE. The price was astronomical. JS did the next best thing. He filled out last hole in our starting lineup, and solidified the bullpen.

There were lots of guys available, but at what price? Funny how nobody really bit at the bait, unless you think Lohse would be an upgrade.

Cormier might suck the rest of the year, but jeez, he has only pitched 1 inning since coming back. Give him at least a couple of starts before you crucify him.

BravesDave: You are very hard to figure. Sometimes you say things that make perfect sense, then other times, it sounds like, well, I better stop. I said I wasn’t going to offend anybody anymore.

What a bunch of front runners…….but, like they say, there’s really nothing wrong with that, huh.

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

August 4, 2007 3:16 AM | Link to this

Interesting observations,

I’ve never seen you on this blog until quite recently,(Perhaps you rarely post, or is it that you just aren’t very interesting, and that is why I never noticed you until a few weeks ago! ;) I have been on it for the past two years. Perhaps you don’t quite know what brain dead dolts SJA and Stinky have been over this time frame. I am tired of this crap. Doesn’t matter if you ignore them or not, they don’t leave,. even when they say time and time again they are done here. But when they and the Mets trolls post more and more, you see less and less posts by Carolina Lady, Bob, Journalist, etc most likely because of their posting here.

I want to talk baseball, and have others talk about baseball, with some pleasant music conversation tossed in. SJA serves no purpose.

IO, I spent(wasted?) quite some time reading almost all of the 400+ posts, after the game ended. That is why I commented when I did. Didn’t know or care if SJA was on then, get it? Seeing the hateful racist crap here first, really P*ssed me off, it has no place here. I see the 10:02 post is still here, but at least the earlier one is gone. Then seeing the “Fake” SJA, then the real one later, was just the cherry on top. I am not trying to be a “thug”.

But, I guarantee you, I am not the least bit afraid of drips that act tough as nails behind monitors, while they eat their 20th twinkie
of the night..

By Ray Kelsey

August 4, 2007 3:32 AM | Link to this

Carroll’s blog was dead on accurate.

There’s something about this Braves team that is undeniably troublesome—yet difficult to put your finger on. It’s more nuanced than losing in extra innings, risible starting line-ups, taxed bullpens. All year long, like squinting into a microscope and trying to make out bacteria, I keep thinking I can see something fuzzy, something that resembles a pattern, but it’s just too difficult to identify.

And like a virus, it endures…

I did a very sobering thing last night; something I suggest you all do as well—for some startling perspective. Youtube ‘Atlanta Braves’ and click on one of the highlight reels from 91, 92, or the Series Year, and then sit back and watch in horror as you realize that the current roster, comparatively, is woefully inadequate. It hits you like a punch in the face.

Look closely…See that glimmer in the eyes of Deion Sanders, Mark Lemke, Tom Glavine, Sid Bream, Dave Justice, Otis Nixon, Ron Gant and TP? Those guys had heart. They were, quite simply, winners.

Do this, Braves fans, but beware: it’s such a stark study in contrast, you may not turn on TBS again until next year, after Andruw’s welcomed departure, to see if Tex adjusts the aperature and brings the Braves franchise into focus for the first time in a decade.

By Serbok

August 4, 2007 3:59 AM | Link to this

You guys are a Trip! Stinky~ nice poem!!!!! Made me laff! To me laughter is the spice of life! Appreciated it man! The Braves WILL be back~ I feel. But don’t really know~ I get a kick outta ppl who claim to know SO much? (Ahem, Ron?) Sorry dude, you were the first one to come to my mind. There’s many many ppl who also post that way! I’m not criticizing, you guys make the blog fun! One thing I have learned in life is that I actually DO Not know anything! Wayne! Good buddy! Very even keeled. One question for ya tho? Awhile back, If memory serves me correctly?(which it may or may not) Did you and I discuss however so briefly the value of Escobar over Salty? Memory may have failed me? But I ‘member you saying that If a trade is made It should be Escobar b4 Salty? Does my memory serve me well? Also, glad to see that you have come over to the Bobby is not a very good mgr, side of the blog? Enjoy:o)

By Serbok

August 4, 2007 4:02 AM | Link to this

GRINCH This posts for YOU!!! Joey HARRINGTON? LOL Sorry bro~ couldnt resist! Lmao!

By Serbok

August 4, 2007 4:56 AM | Link to this

By uga-brave

August 4, 2007 2:42 AM Couldn’t Agree more Bro!!!!!!! I have the feeling, SJA is also posting under different names. Course, that may be common knowledge, that wasn’t so common to me? I really despise Ppl like SJA~ I wonder what “moniker” He usually posts with? Sounds like IT could be Wayne in Utah? Then again it could be Savannah guy? NAH Both of those guys are far more intellectually superior to play such asinine games? Could it be? hmmmmmm Carrol? Yeah thats the ticket? Way to go Carrol!!! Then again? Could Carrol be DOB’s alter Clark Kent type of super hero? Hm DOB WoW Dude! You are the MIB!!!!! LOL

By A-ville Ranger

August 4, 2007 7:03 AM | Link to this

I’ve said for awhile,this team just isn’t clutch.Why is that ? damned if I know ! It’s not a tangible thing,at least not for a team like this one with so many good hitters.Put these guys in a position to need one hit to win a game and they seem to always fall short…go figure.

By ncscoots

August 4, 2007 7:05 AM | Link to this

random thoughts on the overnights…legit criticism versus negativity? I don’t think most here are Pollyannas who wish only to hear the good news. I can’t quite call “these guys suck!” legit criticism, though…on the flip side of that coin, those bloggers who try to maintain an even keel often get bashed for rose-colored glasses…I expect saying to these players “you have no heart” might get Cuba Gooding’s reply. After they opened up your skull…Carroll, meant no disrespect by disagreeing with some of your assertions. My daddy taught me better. Luv ya, babe, mean it…any other Braves pitcher with Smoltz’s line last night would get blog calls for a Richmond trip. Smoltz gets a pass. I’m not knocking Smoltz; nobody has their A game every night. Just interesting. Especially considering his comments after the game…will there ever come a day when no one places the blame for any, and I mean any, Braves problems on the loss of Leo Mazzone and Wilson Betemit? I’d like to see it, but I’m not that young anymore…another day, another game. Can still win 2 out of 3. Win series, boys, everything else will work itself out.

By Yars

August 4, 2007 7:17 AM | Link to this

I try to keep an open, positive mind about the Braves, but it’s time most of us become more realistic about this team. We are 5.5 games behind the Mets. After watching the Mets/Cubs game Friday afternoon on WGN, I came to the conclusion that the Mets are a tough team to beat. I’m not waving the white flag just yet, but it’s going to be hard to catch them. Like so many of you have been stating the last few months, winning 3, then losing 3, winning 2, then losing 4, against teams you should be winning against will likely be the Braves downfall for not winning the NL East this season. I think our best chance right now is winning the NL Wildcard. Teams like the Dodgers, Padres, Cubs, & Phillies are the type of teams that could lose 5-6 games in a row. Those are teams that really don’t impress me. All this talk about having to win the NL East is over-rated. Winning the NL East or nothing at all is total bull*hit. If our only hope is winning the Wildcard, how can anyone frown at that? The NL is so pathetic this season, perhaps we’ll have a better chance of doing deep in the playoffs winning the Wildcard as opposed to winning the East.

By NCBravesFan

August 4, 2007 7:30 AM | Link to this

Morning Yars - well stated. I posted yesterday … and it bears repeating … that the loss of Edgar is tough, but good teams figure out a way to win when the going gets tough.

It’s an intangible thing, but as I think Carroll is saying - there’s just something missing in this team for whatever reason.

I agree with you that the WC would seem to be more realistic, although like you, I feel the Braves should concede nothing.

If they get to the playoffs, they’ll either hit their way to a title (and rip some teams a new one in the process), or they’ll be out in the first round. Thats just my gut feeling.

By TampaBrave

August 4, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this

We need a posse to find that Mets witchdoctor who is inflicting all these bizarre happenings.

Anybody know how to perform an exorcism?

By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 4, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

A season high five and a half games back and that pretty much says it all. It’s the starting pitching stupid , unless the rotation rights itself in a hurry , this team can start registering their tee time schedule at the local golf country club for October and the rest of the off season.

By Todd A

August 4, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this

“Todd A, I understand that the Mets are better now, but the Braves didn’t play the Mets 162 games a year in those seasons. They still had to play the rest of the majors for over 140 games. And they still managed to win 90-100 games a year.”

Braves Dave, my point is,the Braves don’t play like a front runner any more.I think last year is in their heads a bit.Look at Thursday night’s game with Houston…all mental(except Jo Jo who just isn’t ready).No Braves team of the last 15 years would have lost that game except this one and the’06 team.I don’t think the Mets are any better right now, top to bottom, but they are the ones playing like they expect to win the division, just like the Braves did for so long.The way the Mets ran away with the division might be in the back of the mindsof some of our young guys right now.The roles are reversed.We’re playing like the Mets used to, and they are playing like we used to.

By Paladin

August 4, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this

Our mommas always told us, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” For this morning-and as it relates to the Braves-I’m going to follow that advice.

But, it sounds and seems as if Carroll is a pretty good beat reporter, herself.

By Metropolitan Man

August 4, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this

And this is why I didnt blog when you guys got Tex and Dotel and was trying to get Arroyo. I know it was an upgrade but it didnt scare any knowlegble baseball fan becasue Booby Cox is still running the show. Until he learns to manufacture funs when its obvious the big hits arent there on that particular night,then he needs to learn to hang in there. I’m not talking about last nights game, but the GAMES he will cost the braves because he reufuses to bunt/hit and run with a runner who can actually swipe the base in case of a strikeout. I’m actually suprised at the lead the METS were able to gain. I truly thought the trade the braves made had evened things out but now you guys look more offensively functional, but completely pitching disfucntional. I know it aint over but hey, somebodys wife somewhere is getting ready to sing. You guys will end up being the best 3rd place team in baseball if you guys dont get your heads out of your arses. Keep the race going or bow out gracioulsy.

LETS GO METS!!!

By Efrim

August 4, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

Todd A

Braves Dave, my point is,the Braves don’t play like a front runner any more.I think last year is in their heads a bit.Look at Thursday night’s game with Houston…all mental(except Jo Jo who just isn’t ready).No Braves team of the last 15 years would have lost that game except this one and the’06 team.I don’t think the Mets are any better right now, top to bottom, but they are the ones playing like they expect to win the division, just like the Braves did for so long.The way the Mets ran away with the division might be in the back of the mindsof some of our young guys right now.The roles are reversed.We’re playing like the Mets used to, and they are playing like we used to.

Spot on. You nailed it. I agree. This team has to turn things around. It has to happen tonight. Need to win the next 2 games. It is almost a must. How in gods name can a team that is going to make the playoffs go 3-3 against the Astros and Rockies? Momentum folks. Your only as good as your next day’s starting pitcher. Francis out pitched Smoltz. He struck out Chipper and Tex. Then got Andruw to ground out in that crucial inning.

By the way, Smoltz is not going to be the same pitcher for the rest of this season. So that means we are going to have to get even more from James and Carlyle. Cormier is not the answer for us in the #5 spot.

By ssiscribe

August 4, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

Well, a few disheartening twists and turns in the past, oh, 34 hours or so for Braves Nation.

Last night’s game — which I didn’t see (chose to watch movies with the family and follow the scores on my phone periodically) and didn’t really read about until this morning — wasn’t pretty.

The news of Renteria landing on the DL for at least two weeks is pretty tough. He’s a big key to a lot of the good things the Braves do (and, as an aside, aren’t you glad he didn’t go to Cincy in the rumored Arroyo deal?).

Smoltz didn’t have his A game last night, it appears … for that matter, he didn’t have his B game, either. Average performance from one of the greats of our generation.

So, here’s where we sit: 5 1/2 games out of first, two games out of the ever-crowded wild-card chase. There certainly are worse places to be, but the Braves can’t be happy about getting their clocks cleaned at home.

Just need to bounce back, that’s all. Guys, we’re not going to lose a shot at the playoff berth by losing one game in 14 innings (a game we should’ve won; I was there for 11 of the 14 innings, only leaving to get our kids in bed) and by losing a game in which our No. 1 pitcher didn’t pitch well.

But two losses like that can turn into a five-game losing streak real quick, and that can really make the hill steeper. Time to bounce back tonight with Hudson and tomorrow with James.

And did I see a post from a scribe who fled to the Great Northwest? Murph, hope you’re well, dude. Still in the Land of Potatoes and Blue Football Fields?

Gotta run. Denizens, hang tough (and go Cubs!).

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Metropolitan Man

August 4, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this

Hey Scribes, how the heck have you been??? If I didnt know better (but I do), when say go CUBS, I thought you finally came to your senses and began rooting for a team that could possibly make the playoffs, but then I realized it was only sarcasm. Anyway good luck with your squad, mybe if you complain enough, you can get Booby and Co. to play like they want more than the occasional atta boy’s, play smart baseball and not go away form things that made you a success. I hate to see such talent wasted.

By Tyler

August 4, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

I know what is wrong with this team.

They have no chemistry. They don’t play as a team.

By Efrim

August 4, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

57-53.

I figure we have to go 93-68 to win the division. The Mets are going to win 92 games. So lets see.

36-15 the rest of the way. With 18 games against the Mets and Phillies…..

I think I’m going to be sick.

By monty

August 4, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Is anyone else thinking like me, that when Soriano comes into pitch, there’s a homerun coming from someone, anyone, it doesn’t really matter if the guys he’s pitching to are the 7th, 8th, and 9th place hitters. Maybe Barry Bonds just needs to face soriano. Hmm~ I smell a fastball down the middle belt high. Bobby says his location has just been off.

By Paladin

August 4, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

I noticed where Savannah Guy took to task all that post under Nom de plumes. Does that, SG, include Senor Blanco and others that poke a little fun?

I realize that they’re those that hide behind many names so that they can say vile and vulgar things about other posters. That is way over the top, or more aptly put, out the bottom.

But, if you were to post under “Buffalo Bob” and it was not a vicious attack on another, and it was topical and/or funny, what would be the harm? And I emphasize, “topical” and “funny” are in the eye of the beholder.

So, ole buddy, do satire—you do it well. Do erudite—you do it well. Do funny—you do it well. But, leave the preaching to the preachers.

Your friend, Paladin

By Jeff R

August 4, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Last night’s game is telling in terms of what’s wrong with the team. The 1-3 starting pitchers need to be nearly flawless to win the games that 4-5 starters probably will lose (well, Carlye has stepped up, but we’ll see how his arm is). The team didn’t need another bat, no matter how good Tex is (and he’s good); it needed a bona fide #4 starter along with the bullpen help that management picked up.

By Mickey Featherstone

August 4, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

So, Ole Coonan and Ole Mickey was in a Kitchen bar one day, wasted as always, just got finished watching the Yanks whip up on KC and now were watching the Braves kill the Mets, which filled Ole Coonan and Ole Mickey with great joy. Ole Coonan and Ole Mickey have two favorite teams: the Yanks and anyone who beats up the Mets. Since the Braves always kill the Mets, Ole Coonan and Ole Mickey love the Braves. It also don’t hurt much that, come World Series time against the Yanks, the Braves lie down faster than one of the two dollar wenches Ole Mickey and Ole Coonan pimp out.

Ole Coonan, although a Yankee fan and pleased with the results of the day’s action, was kind of heartbroken about the plight of KC. He remembered dem days when KC & the Yanks were equals. George Brett, Saberhagen, Willie Wilson, Hal McRae, Bo Jackson, Dennis Leonard, the Pine Tar game, and so on. Ole Coonan had played sandlot against Leonard. But now KC sucks and has for a long time. Ole Mickey tells Ole Coonan you better watch what you wish for, KC just picked up Kyle Davies. Ole Coonan lets out a belly laugh and says to Ole Mickey, you might wanna lay off the ole Patron shots for the rest of the night. Ole Mickey says no, no Ole Coonan, Dayton Moore is there now and he seems determined to make Kansas City the Land of Misfit Braves toys. Ole Mickey wonders whether Dayton will take on Woodward and Orr to supplement Pena and Davies. Ole Mickey says one can only hope – it will make the Royals bad so our Yanks will win and will make the Braves better so they’ll kill the loser Mets.

Ole Coonan and Ole Mickey do a line of blow off the bar and start talking about Cox and Torre. Ole Coonan thinks Torre is a great manager. Ole Mickey likes Cox ‘cause he might be Irish with that last name. Ole Coonan swears by Torre, just like he does with all dem guineas. Ole Mickey can’t stand him ‘cause he is a guinea. Ole Mickey says I wish Cox had been the Yanks skipper and not Torre. Ole Coonan says why? Ole Mickey says ‘cause Cox might be Irish with that last name. Ole Coonan calls Ole Mickey a darn fool.

Ole Mickey says Ole Coonan you’d better stop sucking up to dem guineas or you gonna find us both dead or in prison. Ole Coonan thinks Ole Mickey don’t respect the greatness of the guineas, too trapped in the mind with small things like Irish pride. Ole Mickey says Torre is like all dem guinea gangsters, making big money and a big name for himself off the blood, sweat, and tears of others. Dude’s been getting fat off the vig Jeter, Posada, Rivera, and Pettitte kick up to him. Torre ain’t ever had to kill no one.

Ole Coonan says Torre killed plenty a man back in his day when he was a catcher and third sacker. Ole Coonan says Cox is the one who never killed no one back in his day when he was a Yank scrub. Ole Coonan thinks Cox to be a fake gangster, collecting vig off of Maddux, Smoltz, and Glavine. Ole Mickey says I don’t care, Cox might be an Irishman, and Torre is a guinea, so Cox is my kind of gangster and I’d rather kick back vig to a man who might be Irish rather than a darn guinea any day.

Just then, Ole Jackie, Ole Coonan’s older brother, comes out the bathroom, surely having just shot himself up full of heroin, and proceeds to start beating the living hell out of some dude. Conversation over. Time to clean up another of Jackie’s messes. Ole Mickey thinks hopefully we won’t have to kill this guy, chop up his body, and throw him in the freaking river. Ole Mickey thought that, well, if we do, we’ll have to remember this time to slice up the organs to get the air out of his body so that the sucker won’t float back up to the top of the river………

By Efrim

August 4, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Jeff R

We needed Tex. We needed Dotel. We also need another starting pitcher and guys to be healthy. Chipper will always be banged up and the injury to Renteria kills us. Yunel is good, but he is not Edgar Renteria. That absolutely kills us.

By Efrim

August 4, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Jeff R

We needed Tex. We needed Dotel. We also need another starting pitcher and guys to be healthy. Chipper will always be banged up and the injury to Renteria kills us. Yunel is good, but he is not Edgar Renteria. That absolutely kills us.

By Paladin

August 4, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

And BTW, last night’s attacks were some of the most vile and vicious that I have “witnessed” during my 3+ months on here.( I discount the “responses”, because I have been rather “vicious” in some of mine. But, provoked and totally-off-the-wall are, IMO, two different things.)

Freedom of speech, in this case, be damned. The AJC, or the blog-master, is going to have to step in—soon!

By Efrim

August 4, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

The next 8 games for this team will decide the season in my mind. The Braves can pack it in (in terms of the division), or let it be known that they want to win the NL East. 6-2. Need to win these series though. These next two games against Colorado are so important. You can’t lose this series going into such a big week. With Buddy’s elbow problems and Lance Cormier starting against the Mets those first two games, the Braves can’t afford to be riding a 4 game losing streak. The Mets just might bury them for good.

By Anders

August 4, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

* Interesting Observations* Not sure i agree with your name but anyway. I left the Blog after 1:00 AM. Not sure about you but I actually have a job during the week and I had reached my limit. I never claimed to hear anything beyond three days ago. Not sure where that came from. I am not Stinky as well. I just ignore those who poke at me for response, this one time not withstanding, so as to not cast nyself in the Met blogger looking to annoy Braves bloggers. Do you have anything remorely baseball related to discuss? If not I’ll move along -

By Chase

August 4, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

Whoever posted as “HEY CHASE” at 11:23 pm Aug 3

HAVE THE GUTS TO POST UNDER YOUR REAL NAME

Taking shots at someone is one thing… but to be such a LITTLE PUNK that you have to post under a one-time fake name IS PATHETIC…

And not that I have to prove anything to you or anybody but I AM 27 with a MASTERS DEGREE in HISTORY from UGA…

I’m just not a fickle front running fan.. I get frustrated with the team but I am not gonna Talk them UP one day and Run them fown the NEXT!

By Paladin

August 4, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Another btw: I think that the post by “Mickey Featherstone” is “funny”, so it qualifies. But, that’s just me.

By Efrim

August 4, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Tim Hudson is 6-0 with a 1.94 ERA in nine starts following Braves losses this season.

We will need that tonight. The pitcher we are facing tonight is pretty tough. 3 solid starts. Hopefully we can get to him.

The Sunday game is going to be tricky. Hopefully we can bash Cook.

By Chase

August 4, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Efrim

If you look on the Braves’ website at “pitching probables”

Because of the Day off Monday, The Braves are pitching CARLYLE, SMOLTZ, HUDSON in that series!!!!!!!!!

And they are going against, PEREZ, TBA, and EL DUQUE!

and Judging by matchups in this series and that one, We should WIN these next two against the Rockies and at least two out of three at NY…

I know its no gaurantee but I like our chances at taking 4 out of the next 5 overall! And Kudos for arranging the rotation to get Smoltz and Huddy in that series!

By Anders

August 4, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

* Chase* I saw that last night and thought it was pretty low. Way to personal. Hang in their brother.

By Paladin

August 4, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Chase You graduaed from UGA? I knew I liked you, dude!

By SomeYahoo

August 4, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

This division is going to be decided in the next 10 days. If the Braves are 7-9 games back after we play the Mets and Phils next week, we’re toast. We don’t have enough consistent pitching to win 8-10 in a row and at that point that’s what it’s going to take to muscle up to the Mets. The fact is the Mets have found ways to win close and late games. We haven’t. Until we do, we’re not going to make a run at anyone.

Smoltzy worries me. He’s a soldier but he’s getting old and I don’t know how much HOF caliber pitching he has in an shoulder that kills him every night, and has since May. If he goes down we’re screwed, plain and simple.

I know this team has a run in it, if they could just start clicking in sync. One night it’s the offense. One night the pen. One night the SPing. They just don’t seem to fall together enough to put together a meaningful winning streak.

And this blog IS getting pretty lousy with all the morons who taint it with their racist rants and insults towards the home team. The AJC needs to put a disclaimer in saying that any comment deemed offensive will be deleted. That frees them up to clip out anybody who is being an a-hole.

By Paladin

August 4, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

Sorry about the dropped “d” in my post to Chase. I majored in Partying.

By Anders

August 4, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

* Paladin* - Good news for Carroll Rogers - She won’t have to think up a new title for todays blog!

Come on Paladin - admit that your mouth twitched a little smile there.

By JasonInMaine

August 4, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

From ESPN.com:

“Tim Hudson is 6-0 with a 1.94 ERA in nine starts following Braves losses this season.”

Let’s hope he keeps it up tonight! We need to get a W tonight at the very least. Hopefully, the Cubbies will pull out a victory as well. We can’t lose any more ground. The time to start gaining is now. Let’s put the memory of the meltdown from Thursday night and last night’s butt kicking behind us. We are starting our run…TONIGHT!

By Anders

August 4, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Efrim I agree the Braves have the advantage in those pitching natchups although I don’t know much about Carlyle. Perez is an enigma. He can be lights out and lose it in an instant or just roll right through 7. I can never relax when he’s pitching.

By Blaster

August 4, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

If I was an opposing manager, Tex would never see a hitable pitch. I would walk him and have the “automatic” hit into the double play.

By Efrim

August 4, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

Chase

That hasn’t been announced on the Braves web site yet.

And if the Braves want to focus all of the pitchers on the Mets, then that is fine, but understand that we have to throw Chuck James, Lance Cormier and Buddy Carlyle against the Phillies.

I think we should be looking to make a waiver trade real soon. How about Carlos Silva?

And Chase, there is absolutely no guarantees in baseball my friend. None. Perez has owned us and El Duque isn’t too shabby either. He has struck out 35 batters in his last 30 innings. Lets just take the wait and see approach. Lets take care of the next two games against a team that kicked our butts last night. We haven’t been dominated like that since the Reds whooped up on Kyle Davies.

Just keep winning series.

By JC FROM UT

August 4, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

What is going on with Blaine Boyer? Could he be the answer as the 5th starter? Does anyone out there have any info on any one who has passed through waivers? I see that B. Kim got through and was picked up by AZ.

By Mickey Featherstone

August 4, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

So, Coonan and Mickey are sitting on a Kitchen stoop drinking some Guiness one day. Up comes a fella named Berigan. They’d known and liked Berigan for years.

Berigan has some complaints about Coonan’s older brother Jackie. Coonan ain’t listening. Berigan says you gotta listen and do something about Jackie, Coonan, he’s been acting like a jackass. Coonan grabs Berigan by the throat and slams him to the floor and tells Mickey to pass over the switch blade. Mickey gives Coonan the blade but tells Coonan to watch out, we got a lot of eyes looking in here. Coonan tells Mickey that this is the Kitchen and the Kitchen tells no tales. Mickey then tells Coonan, come on man, we all like Berigan, he’s just fed up with Jackie just like everyone and just like you but Jackie is your brother, so he’s protected. If Jackie had not been your brother, someone would have whacked him years ago. Coonan glares at Mickey.

Mickey senses Coonan might turn the blade on him so Mickey says to Berigan, Jackie’s untouchable but we’ll talk to him, anyone else you got a problem with. Berigan says yeah. At his bar, he’s got this loser who keeps coming in every night starting trouble and he wants Mickey and Coonan to do something about it. Mickey asks what his name is. Berigan says I ain’t quite sure, he shows me a different fake ID every night.

Mickey says then what does he look like. Berigan says he looks like a prepubescent little boy with a Southern accent who wears a Mets cap all the time. Mickey immediately smells blood and wants to kill this guy. Mickey wonders why a Mets fan would want to come into a Kitchen bar and cause trouble. Coonan says he ain’t really a Mets fan. Did you listen Mickey? Dude’s a Southerner. He should be a Braves fan. Dude is just a troublemaker posing as a Mets fan. This makes Mickey want to kill him even more.

Mickey says who the hell would pose as a Mets fan? I thought we were sociopathic lowlifes but we ain’t so bad to put on a stinkin’ Mets cap. You’d never get the B.O. off of you after putting on a Mets cap. This dude needs to get whacked.

Coonan says wait ‘cause Berigan said the dude is like 13 years old and we ain’t gonna whack a kid. Mickey says kid or not, if this chump is a sociopathic lowlife when he is 13, what’s he gonna be like at 23? I ain’t waiting around to see him come try and bump us off. The streets is watching and if we let him live, he will be the end of us someday. Coonan begs to differ and says we are such disorganized sociopathic lowlifes, someday we’ll end up being the end of ourselves. No one else will take us down. The best way to take ourselves down would be to waste our time chasing after and messing around with a darn little kid. Mickey says to Coonan then why don’t we just get your brother Jackie to unleash his jackass treacherous ways upon this dweeb. Coonan says maybe that is what we’ll do. Berigan rolls his eyes.

Mickey then tells Coonan to get the hell off Berigan. Coonan starts to get up but then viciously slaps Berigan in the face and says don’t you say another bad word about my brother Jackie or I’ll end your life like I almost just did, you understand? Berigan rolls his eyes again. Coonan gets up and says alright now go inside my wife Edna has got some corn beef and cabbage ready to go. Should be good. Coonan tells Mickey don’t ever again question me in front of a denizen. Mickey says whatever Coonan. I ain’t going to prison ‘cause you killed a good guy in broad daylight for all to see. The coppers ain’t gonna be nice to us over a killing like that. It wouldn’t be worth it just ‘cause you’re angry Berigan was telling the truth about Jackie.

Coonan pretends he did not hear that and asks Mickey if he has got any blow. Mickey says yep in my car. Coonan says alright then let’s do a line before we have to go in and listen to freaking Edna.

By Chase

August 4, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

For arguement’s sake less see how you think your PERSPECTIVES WOULD CHANGE IF…..

What if the Braves had been 7.5 GB when they got TEX and over the last two nights they had won and WERE NOW 5.5 GB…..

If it had happened that way…I dare say that MOST EVERYONE’S PERSPECTIVE on the BRAVES’ position WOULD BE DIFFERENT!

By JasonInMaine

August 4, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Sorry, Efrim’s post must have been in the 5 minute purgatory while I was typing mine…

I agree…I like how the Braves have lined up their rotation…but, for it to really matter…we have to win these next two against the Rox as has been mentioned!

By KC

August 4, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

What’s the deal with Cormier??!!

The guy was brilliant for the Braves late last season and over this spring. Every time he seems healthy and they call him up, he gets shelled. Now, it was just one relief appearance this time around, so maybe he’ll yet come through. But so far… I don’t get it.

If Cormier isn’t the answer… PUT VILLARREAL IN THE ROTATION!!!!!!!!!!

I don’t know how well he would fare over a prolonged stretch in the rotation… but I’d bet money he’ll keep an ERA under well under 5.00, which is a hell of a lot better than any other failed 5th starter has done this year!

By KC

August 4, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

GO CUBS!!!!! somebody win a damn game against the Mets!!!!!!

By Chase

August 4, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

EFRIM

I said “There are no gaurantees”

Also if you go to the Braves’ website, click on “Pitching Probables” under the pictures of Huddy and the Rockies’ guy for tonight’s game

then scroll down you will see were they have Carlyle on Tuesday, then Smoltz listed for WED’s Game on the 8th, I assume Huddy will follow Smoltz as he always does!

Yeah PALADIN I graduated From UGA this SUMMER with my Masters… But I still get my STUDENT TICKETS FOR THE FALL!!!!!!!

By Overlord

August 4, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

As soon as we the fan think the braves are going to win or do something positive, they do exactly the opposite.

We need edgar very bad, even if the hole is filled better than any team could have done that, his presence by itself is way too important, i think it distracted them yesterday and it could do the same today, they need to focus again, they were about to catch fire when bad luck hit us. Lets hope we get on the right track again. Muts are even more banged up than us and they are still winning, that could change in a hurry, but we need to start gaining ground or at least stay close until they start to melt down again.

By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 4, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Perspective is Maddux , Glavine and Smoltz anchoring all those great teams of the 90’s. We have still have Smoltz along with Hudson but Hampton has been A.W.O.L for two and a half seasons and that is what the Braves are really missing.

By KC

August 4, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Chase: Good point.

Bottom line is that this offense scored 11 or more runs in 4 consecutive games heading into last night. The offense has been going great, but from time to time… you’re going to run into a pitcher who has a great night. It happens.

The night before that… well, I’ve already voiced how asinine I think Carroll’s take on that game was (no offense to Carroll). Some things DO come down to luck in baseball. That’s why truly great teams still lose 1 out of every 3 games over the course of a season.

If we can pick up one game between now and the Mets series, and then take 2 of 3 in that series… we’re right back to only 3 games back.

This Braves team (barring major injuries) will play better than .600 ball between now and the end of the seaon… and they will play October baseball. There is way too much talent here for that not to be the case

By TexasBrave

August 4, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Chase I could be wrong, but do you really think Bobby is going to skip Lance’s spot in the rotation? I would like to see both Smoltz and Huddy go against the Mets, however, John has looked a little down lately and could use the extra rest.

By Ron Roberts

August 4, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Waiver trades don’t usually garner “Carlos Silva” type pitchers. There are TOO many teams ahead of us in the pecking order, I think, that might claim him. Kansas City comes to mind. Dayton would be putting together a really solid, young rotation if he were grab him before we could, ya know?

Fact is, the Smoltz we’ve enjoyed most of this season may not be the same Smoltz we see the rest of the year, guys. He’s laboring through something. He may not say it, the Braves’ trainers may not say it, but the results and his shoulder wobble thing tells us all plenty.

We’re gonna have to ride our bats into the postseason, I think; Hudson’s been the stabilizing factor of late, and Carlyle’s been a god-send. What we need now is to keep getting what we’re getting out of James and start using the bullpen arms better. I could go on and nit-pick where Bobby’s not made the right bullpen move(s) here or there, but there’s no point.

I will say, though, that if Chad Paronto had been still with the squad, and he’d pitched with the bases loaded against the Astros a couple of nights ago, we probably win that game in regulation. Soriano didn’t get a fair shake, with all the defensive lapses and all, but he does throw heat, and guys who throw heat can watch their pitches travel just as fast and even farther, going the other way, too. Paronto’s a double-play inducing arm. We needed that against Mike Lamb.

But last night should be an indicator, for us Braves fans, that John Smoltz probably won’t be the Cy Young-caliber pitcher we’ve seen most of this season, the remainder of this campaign. We’re a “team” now, with big bats and a solid bullpen. It’s time to pick up the slack and do this thing together, or not at all.

One more thing; cut Lance Cormier some slack. I’m sure he had nerves and adrenaline flowing freely through him. Once he settled down, he did alright. Getting him in last night, to me, was genius. Get that out of the way so when he goes out for his first start, we don’t deal with it, then.

By Anders

August 4, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

Chase I guess Fox TV figures the Braves are done. A couple of weeks ago they moved todays game off the game of the week. Instead they’re showing Mets /Cubs - Plus Mets/Cubs tomorrow night ESPN. This is network TV wet dream - NYC vs. Chicago.

By Overlord

August 4, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Very accurate and positive post KC, i dont think cormiers problem is his stuff but his mind, that move by bobby to put him in as reliever was very very good to me as he did to positive thing with only one move. I still think our chances are pretty good. Just tink about this…… What if i would say “lets hope cormier could equal james and carlyles work” Thats way to much to ask in some minds, why? because james and carlyle are doing a job so good and i mean so good that if cormier equals the performance those 2 guys are putting this team would be so far above other team in the NL, the there would be no chance we would not win the pennant, so lets keep the faith, we are gonna be just fine.

By Chase

August 4, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

TEXASBRAVE Just go to the Website and see for yourself who the probable pitchers are for that series…And don’t forget Lance pitched last night and may have to pitch again this weekend (especially with James not going deep in games)

By KC

August 4, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

TexasBrave: Yes, I think in this case Cormier will be skipped. He wouldn’t pitcher either Smoltz or Hudson on 3 days rest in order to get them into the Mets series, but that’s not the case here. Cormier is the 5th starter, and the 5th starter often gets skipped in order to keep everyone else on their normal every-fifth-day schedule.

By Anders

August 4, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

KC .600 ball?? For 50 plus games? 10 plus games over .500? I don’t see that. The Braves don’t have the bullpen for that. Two nights ago proved that. They couldn’t put the fire out . Up 4 in the eighth and then give up runs in three different innings after that. Not a good sign. And that was against Houston.

By Chase

August 4, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

ANDERS

I would rather not have the BRAVES televised on FOX they are another network in LOVE with the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, and Barry Bonds….MAKES ME SICK!

Another thing EVERYONE… I have seen the BRAVES COUNTED OUT, MANY MANY TIMES BEFORE for many different reasons just to COME BACK and stick it in everyone’s faces…

so Untill they are MATHEMATICALLY ELIMINATED I WILL BELIEVE THEY CAN DO IT

By KC

August 4, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

From Mets.com:

CHICAGO — Pedro Martinez remains prominent on the Mets horizon, though it now appears that horizon almost must be identified as September. The Mets don’t say so. Indeed, they say little about him that is touched with certainty. And, increasingly, the words they use to characterize his progress and status are measured. Most statements are qualified as they were not in June.

It may be only corporate caution that has created the vagueness. And no one has said Martinez has taken a step in the wrong direction during his rehab. But the increasing lack of definition occasionally raises eyebrows, even those in the clubhouse.

“We don’t know anything — at least I don’t,” one player said Friday. “We just know what we read. And you know Pedro makes his own schedule. But it just seems like with what you hear now, it’s harder to tell when he’s coming back. I know they’re saying we’re not counting on him. But it seems like they were a little bit. But not now so much.”

General manager Omar Minaya, who watched Martinez pitch in simulated game conditions in Port St. Lucie on Thursday, said Martinez’s next activity — the timing and the type — is undetermined, though it is likely to be in a Minor League game. “But that can change,” Minaya said.

He characterized Martinez’s performance with these words: “He didn’t feel too comfortable at first. He was a little apprehensive … I want to say it was a positive outing.” He said Martinez could pitch again in “five, six or seven days” and that Martinez’s velocity was about 85-86 mph — about where it was last season.

Changes: Moises Alou and Luis Castillo were removed from the original lineup, replaced, respectively, in left field and at second base by David Newhan and Ruben Gotay. Alou, according to Willie Randolph, “has a bump on his [left] arm,” and Castillo, the manager said, was merely given a day off.

Alou had crashed into the left-field wall in Miller Park on Thursday, chasing a home run. He had jammed his left thumb sliding into second base Tuesday. Castillo, meanwhile, often ices his left knee.

By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 4, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Alright , I’m known to gripe more than most but this situation has me about to go B-E-R-S-E-R-K !! Chad Paronto made ten appearances in July , pitched 12 innings ,(11.2 innings , 0.77 ERA in July) gave up one earned run and he is left in Richmond while we call up Joey Devine fully knowing the rest of the bullpen is gassed. What in the name OF ALL THAT IS HOLY ARE THE BRAVES DOING ????? WHO MADE THIS M-O-R-O-N-I-C DECISION ???? I WANT TO KNOW , SO WE CAN STAND YOUR SORRY BUTT OUTSIDE OF TURNER FIELD WHILE WE ALL WALK BY AND THROW EGGS AT YOU !!!

By Mickey Featherstone

August 4, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

So Coonan and Mickey was drinking a pint and talking ‘bout dem Braves. Mickey and Coonan had both just finished reading Carroll’s insightful piece about the Braves and could not have agreed more with her.

The eternal optimists seem angry about it but how long can an ostrich keep sticking their head in the sand? The Braves are looking so darn mediocre but people want to act like Carroll and others are overreacting to one loss or another. It ain’t one loss. It’s all the losses. Over the last 100 games, the Braves have been under a .500 team but the eternal optimists keep ignoring this fact. When, over a 100 game stretch you lose more than you win, there is no such thing as overreacting to one loss or the other. Each loss is horrible because it continues an awful trend.

Coonan and Mickey are disgusted with the gross indifference demonstrated to the Braves by so many of their eternal optimist fans. The Braves will be 79-75 with 8 to go and the eternal optimists will still act like people are bad fans because they are angry about losing yet another game that gets them further away from first and the wild card.

Mickey and Coonan agreed that is what the Braves problem has always been: Too many of their fans settle and don’t demand excellence. Baseball is just something they use to pass time until the SEC season kicks off.

Mickey and Coonan are glad they are miserable sociopathic Yankees fans. But they wish the Braves fan would push the Braves harder so that the Mets can continue to be a joke as they have been for the past 45 years.

By Metropolitan Man

August 4, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Hey Anders, would you rather watch a 3rd place team take on a 4th place team, or a 1st place team playing a team 1 game out of 1st place??? The critics have spoken. When they made that Sunday ESPN game a night game knowing the braves had to go to the west coast just proved how much MLB really thinks about the braves.They had better prove they still belong if they want to be taken seriously again.

By TexasBrave

August 4, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Chase I am not questioning what you are reporting. And remember those probably starters are set in advance and probably do not include Bobby’s most recent moves/decisions. Yes I agree that it doesn’t make much sense to pitch Lance last night and then bring him back to pitch on Wednesday. However, if you don’t use him again until Wednesday, then that would give him 4 days rest and being young he could possibly start Wednesday against the Mets.

I think it is possible that Bobby used Lance last night to give the bullpen some much needed rest. They shouldn’t be needed much tonight with Huddy on the mound, thus the pen can be ready for Chucky’s start Sunday with an off day Monday.

Eventhough Smoltz gave us a gutty performance last night, I would much rather see him pitch against the Mets fresh with an extra days rest.

By Anders

August 4, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

KC - Pedro hasn’t pitched for the Mets since last August. He’s a non-factor and would be gravy if he shows up. While Met fams would love to have him back few are counting on it fully. As for Alou -what else is new. However, the Mets did beat Chicago yesterday with a back up catcher and second baseman as well as two back up infielders playing the outfield. They appear to be going on a roll which doesn’t bode well for your boys this week. Even Delgado has started to produce - He’s they key to the offense.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 4, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss ain’t going anywhere—BERIGAN…it’s better to be p!$$ed off than p!$$ed on…if “people like” Carolina Lady, Bob, Journalist, etc. quit posting here because of me, well that’s their prerogative…and what any of you weak-kneed, parasites think, or say about TheJackAss carries less weight with me than a bean fart in a pair of old ladies busted bloomers…so until you lose the booze-balls, come out from behind your little computer monitors, and address me face to face…TheJackAss will continue to disregard whatever cowardly, childish drivel that your bony little fingers type here…

TheSouthernJackAss will make one absolute guarantee—the blatant identity theft on this site is about to come to a sudden halt!…

Go Tigers!!!…

By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 4, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

KC my friend you are living in LA LA LAND. The 2006 Braves went 79-83 and in 2007 they are 57-53. Count it up : 136-136 , that is .500 , so explain to me one more time how Mark Teixiera makes the Braves a .600 team…….. I’m waiting with bated breath , ready to fall out in the floor laughing uncontrollably at your reply !

By bravesfan

August 4, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Ok look we lost one game because Soriano gave up a pinch-hit grand slam (take that out and we win) and we lost to a pitcher that is 11-2 in his last 18 games(so he is pretty darn good). We have Hudson going tonight, he has been pitching good lately(so hopefully we will get a win). Then we will have probably our three best pitchers pitching against the Mets so hopefully we will win 2 out 3 against them. So lets not give up on them yet(or atleast I am not). GO BRAVES!!!

By Anders

August 4, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

* Hey Metro Man* - I’m on your side. We’re making the same point.

By TexasBrave

August 4, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

Coach - I agree, that is kind of curious as to why you would bring up Devine (someone Bobby has shown he doesn’t like to use often) and not bring back Chad or even that other left hander (his name eludes me at this time) that we picked up from San Diego.

Can or would Carroll or DOB please give us an explaination?

By Paladin

August 4, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN I have had the opportunity to look carefully at Anders over the past few days. AAMF, I may just know the guy who posted yesterday the number of posts by Anders. I said, may. But, “my friend” and I have come to this conclusion:

We think that Anders is what he says he is. A Muts fan who gets tired of reading THE BRAVES SUK(they can’t spell either)and who has come on here for some intelligent and prospective conversation about Mets vs. Braves. He has taken nothing but “good-natured” swipes at the Braves, and has taken his share of grief, in return. He appears to know his baseball.

For what my endorsement is worth: I vouch for him. I don’t say make him a “made” man; just give him some slack.

By Anders

August 4, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Chase _ I happen to agree with you that I don’t like my games on FOX. Simply because it’s more of a television show than broadcasting a game. However, this will be the Mets 3rd day game in a row. If they win again I wonder how much pressure the Braves will feel knowing they need to win just to stay 5.5 back? It’s got to be tough coming to the park 3 days in a row knowing the Mets won already and were out having steaks in Chicago already.

By Metropolitan Man

August 4, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

I just cant believe how quickly you guys have given up on your team. Just 3 days ago, you couldnt post here because all the HOMERS were out in full force boasting and predicting and downing my METS. Stay with your team guys, plenty of time. Do I think you can catch the METS, possibly. But you guys are so division title driven, I think you guys forget there IS a thing called the wild card. What 14 titles and then it becomes “title or bust”??? We should never have another cloudy day in GA with all the FAIR WEATHER FANS residing here.

Lets Go Anybody Who Is playing the braves!!!!!

By Chase

August 4, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

ANDERS and anybody who thinks the METS have a better BULLPEN than the BRAVES…

Here are the Cold Hard Facts

Braves: Dotel 3.60era, 11svs, Mahay 2.72 and 1 save, Moylan 1.94 1sv, Soriano 3.94 5svs, Villarreal 3.75, Wickman 4.10 17svs, Yates 5.01 2svs

TOTAL: 15-10 record, 3.58 ERA, 37 saves

METS: Feliciano 2.90 1 sv, Hielman 3.49, Lawrence 5.40, Mota 4.84, Schoenweis 5.49, Sele 4.42, Wagner 1.33 25svs

TOTAL 14-8 record, 3.99 ERA, 26 saves

There you have it…Research yourself if you like but the BRAVES BULLPEN IS BETTER!

ANDERS you can’t ingore all the extra inning games lately and the fact that there were 3 ERRORS that greatly contributed to the runs in the game against the Astros!

By Savannah Guy

August 4, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

I apologize in advance for an extremely long post but I obviously thought it was important enough to spend my time writing it. Maybe Carroll will soon create the new blog and everything will be fresh and new. In the meantime…

It’s Not About The “Hits” People A Letter to Denizens: This really is not intended to be a sermon, although it may look a lot like one. It’s about holding onto a sustainable, respectable forum. After being away a few days and finally having the time to catch up on about four days of the blog before posting (a habit that I wish all shared), I wasn’t sure I even wanted to return. What I found this past week was a forum that had become a repository for foul language, changing ID’s and incessant anonymous and immature, inflammatory commentary. I was going to post a response to all of this but decided that it would not be a valuable use of my time or yours.

So I resisted. Maybe “they” would just go away. Yesterday before the game, the blog seemed to come back around a bit. Some of the denizen community had returned and it seemed like things were getting back to normal. Sure, we had our Braves gloom and doomers and our homer cheerleaders and everyone in between, but posts were well within the lines of fair, reasonable and respectable discourse (most from known denizens). So I jumped in with a few little posts about the team…nothing important or particularly clever…just a post or two. Within a few hours, it became apparent that the blog was being overrun once again by disruptors. Because the trend was continuing from the last few days, I thought about posting a plea to AJC about ID theft and registration. Nope. Decided it would probably just provoke the intruders. Besides, I’ve said all of that before and so have many of you, to no avail. Won’t even go there. It’ll go away. Or I will.

The point really is, what has been and could be again an intelligent, respectable baseball community is becoming a chat room of the worst kind. Hey, I’m a freedom of speech guy from way back, but recently this blog has been sliding down the slippery slope of chaos with the recent backbiting, race baiting and porn laced chat-room dialog. For several days this blog was mired in the pits of trollism (and the constant feeding therein). These destructive and annoying “visitors” have dominated the conversation on this blog. They have owned it. Thing is, these posts are not illegal. Most of it is not immoral. However, they are destructive to what David O’Brien and AJC is trying to build and disruptive to what you and I want to be a part of. Right? Am I off base here? I don’t think so.

Many of these newbie’s are intruders of the worst kind. They do not contribute…they destroy. They disturb the peace. They pick “fights” with willing participants and are even goaded on by a few self-appointed fight club-cupids, playing matchmakers to the pseudo-macho nonsense. Their only intent is to draw attention to themselves and disrupt the enjoyment, humor, information sharing, collegial atmosphere and the flow of the Braves blog. That is their only mission and they are unfortunately succeeding.

Feeding Trolls does not help Good denizens don’t consider other good denizens “weak” if they don’t take up the “sword of retribution”. Good denizens must consider the source of vile or hurtful criticism. Right? Don’t we think that, after, oh…say a dozen back and forth meaningless interactions with these trolls, the “argument” will never be concluded or “won”, regardless of the logic or facts we might present. Logic and reason does not work with trolls. They are immune to it because they do not possess it. That’s why they are doing what they are doing in the first place. That’s why they are trolls. The trolls are fools to be sure. But those that incessantly argue with them, all the while expecting a logical or successful outcome are attacking windmills. Is it a matter of baseball knowledge, macho pride, winning a debate or an attempt at conflict resolution based on facts and statistics? Truth is, the troll is a troll before, during and after the exchange, but they are always more empowered and satisfied after the attention than before.

In all fairness, I too have committed the crime of troll feeding in the past…but usually one or two posts either took care of it or I stated my case and simply moved on. Either that or I just smacked ‘em and then ignored, even if they continued to insult or call me filthy names. Interestingly, very few of those perpetrators had a recognizable moniker. These were usually trolls, “supposed” Mets fans or closeted denizens. That said, I will no doubt and against my better judgment, smack trolls again. But I will not go on and on and on with it. Hey, we’ve all done it. We shouldn’t.

“Changelings” are just as disruptive. These folks fall in the troll category. They hide behind new names to criticize. Unfortunately a few home-grown Changelings that have stooped to join in this teenage wasteland. Note: I’m not talking about those that create a new moniker for the sake of humor. Some good denizens change their moniker for fun and humorous reasons but they are the appreciated exception. Trouble is, most change identities to hide their nasty criticism of fellow denizens. But I’m getting off point here.

Is it about quality or quantity for AJC? The number of new identities and “touted” quantity of “hits” should not make AJC, DOB or anyone here proud when you consider the content and attitude of the majority of those posts. At the end of the day, bloggers are actually a constituency of consumers. Our “hits” add up to “eyeballs” in marketing terms. Our “stickyness” (amount of time online) adds up to value for advertisers. Our community could and should be regarded as a viable “target” for advertising opportunities.

Our demographic is scattered, but no less a captive audience and value to marketers of brands relative to our group. Therefore, the quality of the constituency, directly or indirectly affects the advertising revenue of AJC and the interest of the advertiser that buys media around that. If AJC does not see this, they are missing a huge opportunity. It would be myopic for any brand to ignore the Internet and blog community. But they have to clean up the act with ID registration and some (minimal) monitoring of racist or immoral/illegal posts. Not much difference in how some posts are deleted already. Brand categories that sell products around the sports fan does not require church Choir audiences, but you can’t sell chaotic, smut filled blogs either. You get the picture.

Hope our blog overcomes the inherent obstacles of this new communication technology and has great success. The blog is still a relatively new media. But remember, Trolls can destroy it. Identity theft and misuse can diminish it greatly. Ignoring it will also threaten its existence. At first blush, blog registration may seem limiting, but I believe there can be a symbiotic relationship between internet/identity security and free speech. It is my understanding that no AJC IT improvements (for secure sign-in and moniker protection) have been attempted.

I’m also not aware of any DOB or AJC feedback on the many comments and suggestions posted in the recent past. I am left to assume it is currently deemed a non-issue. Let the blog simply run itself. It’s the Wild West, Internet frontier out there and if it turns into a locker-room or a teenage chat room…so be it, right? Wrong. As long as the “hits” keep on coming everything is cool. Wrong…it just gets killed. Or maybe, it’s just a low-cost extension of a newspaper, right? Wrong again.

Are we losing good people? There is now the possibility of losing good blog talent and decent community members. It’s a shame that recent pleas by others, like our esteemed Lady in Carolina, SouthernJackAss and others that have just this past week warned against troll feeding will go unheeded. Bob, J has all but vanished with his interesting prose. Lew has recently been roundly attacked by the trolls.

That’s a shame, because he is one of the longest and best denizens on this blog. When he’s not swatting these pests he writes great stuff. Braveheart wrote a tongue-in-cheek rulebook and linked it here for us that contained the folly of troll feeding. This incessant swarm of pests may cause them and/or other good denizens to stay away, become scarce or just leave. If that happens, it will be a sad day in this Braves Blogville. I wish we all possessed the ever-positive attitude and the ability to simply ignore all of the trolls and continue to post humorous Wurlitzer gems like Journalist Jimmy. Or the immaculate baseball POV’s like the ssiscribe. Or personal, sincere stories like Gil posted about his childhood baseball experience. I could go on but you get the point.

Penalty Box for long posts? So be it. Finally, if you are upset because you just wasted your valuable time on another long post that didn’t contain a single useful stat, just hand me your “Penalty Box Slip”. I’ll gladly go there and consider it my last for the day, the week, whatever. But ask yourself this first: Is it better to have a long, yet sincere post on occasion that is easy to simply scroll through and ignore or about 50 short posts that are impossible to ignore because of their frequency that wreak of nothing but profanity and incessant smut, ridicule and childish insult?

Which would you prefer? Think about that for just a minute. Oh, but the ones who need to read this just skipped it because they were on a mission to disrupt. Or they just don’t read other posts. They like to talk. To the good denizens who do read, consider this just a sincere and heartfelt point of view around the condition of the blog, directed to those I respect that contribute baseball information, collegial repartee, humor and value here.

My apologies for the length of the post, but I just had to get it out. Consider it as my last attempt to draw attention to the folly of troll feeding and the necessity of user-friendly yet secure blog ID registration.

So, let’s do something about ID/User Registration. We can gripe about it from now until the end of the season or we can do something. Your feedback will determine whether I continue to think that we should, in numbers, send AJC an email requesting ID registration. If you agree, I’ll volunteer (or gladly welcome another volunteer) to write a brief, concise request that we could all copy and send. We’ll just need the email address and contact name. If we don’t do this, we deserve what we get. Any ideas?

By Anders

August 4, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Paladin I appreciate the support. I look forward to the balance of the pennant race. But for now I’m going to spend a few hours at the beach until my Mets come on at 4:00.

Later.

By Chase

August 4, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

METRO MAN and ANDERS..

I’ve been saying all along (go back to other blogs and look) that I not only think that BOTH the BRAVES and METS make the Playoffs…but I think they meet in the NLCS!!!!!!

NO TEAM from the Central or West are as good as the BRAVES or METS (and please don’t bring up the Phillies b/c they are on borrowed time)

By Metropolitan Man

August 4, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Didnt realize it until now Anders, welcome aboard. Usually its NCZ who rolls with METRO MAN, but even NCZ can be a handful. Other than that I try not to get to crazy. Way to many obnoxious METS fans make it hard for this METS fan to talk baaseball with the rivals without it getting ugly. Just like you guys have great loyal baseball fans, same goes for every other team. Difference is no other team has one 14 straight titles (Natural High) and know how to cope with not winning or how to sell losong to their spoiled fasbase. Only true fans stay no matter how bad things may get. You may stop watching, but you never stop following!!!

By Kentavo

August 4, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Why won’t Mets fans stay off Braves blog? Just like they won’t stay in N.Y. and have to move to Atlanta.

By NCBravesFan

August 4, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Paladin I concur - Anders seems like good people.

Lord knows how many weird people show up at a Southern family reunion … there’s plenty of room under the tent in my opinion for a knowledgeable fan (with misguided team loyalties). ;)

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 4, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

sad that this blog is being hijacked by the vulgar ones. can the new bloggers not see the same culprit posting under many names? the culprit blogging with the culprit’s own self? and not all the “mets fans” believed to be posting are really mets fans. a good number of these posts are from our resident troublemaker.

as sja alludes to above, in collaboration together, the sja and jimmy smith have uncovered the dastardly one and will soon act upon information that will restore this blog to its previous good health.

in the meantime, it is worth noting that the bad behavior increases when dob is not here to protect dob’s own blog turf. emboldened by dob’s absence (while eating cheese and listening to music), the ugly blogger gets closer and closer with each post to crossing the line of unacceptable (by the most liberal standards of the ajc) blog behavior.

and as lew pointed out, a meltdown begins. a whiny little meltdown at that. when the neighborhood watch improves the neighborhood, some of this blog’s most valuable contributors will likely return. until then, let this journalist offer this poor substitute for a journalist bob post: “polonius and alberta waxed eloquently upon the throne of dismissal while pondering the fate of the earlier missive and the nine, and contemplating the necessity of yet another written exchange.” that means the braves need to win today and that journalist bob will soon be blogging again.

By Metropolitan Man

August 4, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

Chase, you may have a better pen by the numbers, but what have the braves done with the bats from thwe ninth innning on??? Its ok to shut a team down in late games, but those stats soon becoming meaningless if you cant win those late, close, extra inning games. Better stats but a worse record, which one do you prefer Chase….nevermind I already know!!!!

By Paladin

August 4, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy I read every word. Well written.

Anders No problem. However, I should have written (per)spective and not, (pros)pective. But, my sugar high(I had 3spoons of it with my pablum, this morning)is wearing off.

Now, to lunch and a power nap.

By bravesfan

August 4, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Ok how many of yall think A-rod will hit #500 off Kyle Davies today?

By Anders

August 4, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Chase Check out their whips That’s how relievers are measured today. The key guys in the Mets bullpen are Wagner, Heilman, Feliciano and Mota. Schoenweis has been a dissapointment and Sele is a mop up guy. .

By Lew

August 4, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-Not all of us have given up on the Braves. There are a few of us who will never give up until mathematical elimination occurs and then we concentrate on winning next year. Efrim-I’ve been going back and forth with Bill for a couple of days now. He seems to think getting Tex was a mistake and listed Jason Jennings, Steve Trachsel, Woody Williams, Kyle Loshe and Carlos Silva as pitchers we should have targeted instead. My question to you is this, since you bring up Silva. What should we pay for him (or any of them), in your estimation? Do you think it would be equitable to have traded who we did for what we did for one of those pitchers? What do you think their teams would ask for now if they were to clear waivers? I ask this with no animosity towards you-I’ve called of any hostilities toward you-I’m interested in knowing. Now, I’m in favor of what JS did at the deadline. I believe he tried for a good starter and wasn’t willing to pay the absurd prices that were being asked for mediocre talent. Many complain about getting Tex, insisting we needed pitching (yes, we do need it). However, it is widely considered that Andruw will be gone after this year and is Tex not an excellent addition when viewed from this vantage? If all we needed (and at the deadline it is all we needed) was a #4-5 starter, were any of the aforementioned pitchers an improvement over what we had with Davies? My contention was no, they were no better. Couple this with the price being demanded for ANY pitching and it would have surprised me if JS HAD done a deal for them. If Smoltz does go down, would Jason Jennings and his 6.03 ERA have been a worthy replacement? I think not. As for Silva-isn’t he with the Indians and aren’t they in first place? Why would they get rid of him? What would they ask in return, if they did? One last point. All contenders (Dodgers in particular) need pitching, some desperately. Given the need, then why did NO ONE pick up these pitchers at the deadline (except Loshe and the Phillies WERE desperate)? Makes one wonder.

By Lew

August 4, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Chase-Fellow Dawg. When did you attend UGA?

By Savannah Guy

August 4, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Paladin 9:54: ”I noticed where Savannah Guy took to task all that post under Nom de plumes. Does that, SG, include Senor Blanco and others that poke a little fun?”

You are referring to my 6:21 post yesterday afternoon. To answer your question: No, not at all. I am actually a big fan of Senor Blanco and a few others that create new names for the sake of good-natured fun and humor. I thought my description of “Changelings” was clearly intended for the ones that are disruptive and mocking. The “Whitesnakes” if you will. In fact, I just posted my thoughts on the whole thing. I’m sure you won’t miss it (very long). Don’t know about you, but I’ve had it with the trolls.

”So, ole buddy, do satire—you do it well. Do erudite—you do it well. Do funny—you do it well. But, leave the preaching to the preachers.”

Ok Paladin…got it. But also take my advice friend: Don’t appoint yourself to be the resident gate-keeper of what is pertinent and try to position yourself as the blogs hall-monitor of non-baseball, chat-roomish opines and I’ll try not to preach. Deal?

By Metropolitan Man

August 4, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

No Pedro, no problem. No Beltran, No problem. Delgado Not hitting, No problem. No reliable 5th starter, No problem. Bench made up of moslty castoffs and minor leaugers, No problem.Manager in a sling. No problem.Bullpen roles keep changing. No problem. Best 10th man gone (Chavez) No problem. Now what are the braves complaining about again????

By TexasBrave

August 4, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy - I have only been posting for a few weeks so my support might not mean much to you and the rest of the honest long term denizens that have posted on this great blog. Living in Texas I don’t get to talk with many Braves fans. I was overjoyed upon stumbling upon this blog and read the wonderful bantering over our beloved Braves. I agree that since that time the blog has gone downhill fast. I have chosen to skip those entries by bloggers who scum up this blog. I also refuse to add to the nausium of answering those who do not have any moral turpitude.

I give you my support in finding a way to bring this blog to its once great forum. I would be more than willing to got go along with you and any other respectible denizens to clean up this site. I thank you for being the voice of reason.

By Lew

August 4, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-The Wild card is what a team strives for if the Division is not attainable, The division, at this point is still winnable by the Braves-as well as by the Mets, Phillies or Marlins (for that matter, I’m not sure the Nats have been eliminated yet). Exactly why should we strive for second best? Makes zero sense to me. Why don’t the Mets concentrate on the Wild Card? They haven’t won anything yet, either, nor will they today, tomorrow, or even this month. They just have a lead that is hardly insurmountable. Tell me where things stand after the season ends-not when 50 games remain and none of the 3 contenders in our division have distinguished themselves as of yet. I certainly see room for improvement in all three of the front runners.

By NCBravesFan

August 4, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Lew -

Great point about getting Tex. It sure looks like the fortunes of this team hang ultimately on Smoltz’s health, but that doesn’t mean you make a bad deal for a pitcher who probably won’t be able to help.

The good thing about getting Tex (beyond the offense and defense) is that you punch up the offense this year to give yourself the best possible chance to win.

As for next year, I suggest the Braves let Andruw leave, look to acquire a leadoff/good defense type CF to replace him … a guy who can lead off, get on base at the top of the order, etc.

Having a speed guy in the leadoff spot should help the Tex-enhanced offense be more consistent next year.

They should also get a SP by either free agent signing or by trading Renteria.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 4, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

I was looking at stats from the minor league pitchers and sadly Cormier is the best option. Dan Smith’s numbers don’t look good at all. That is not to say that he wouldn’t pitch well in the majors right now but it would be a risk. Blaine Boyer’s numbers are not impressive at all. Trey Hodges is a possibility but I really doubt he would be any better than Cormier. Ryan Drese illicits no confidence whatsoever. One guy the Braves could go after is Casey Fossum from the Rays. He isn’t the greatest pitcher but does have moments of brilliance. Its hard to say what the Rays would ask in return. I think perhaps Tyler Yates could do the trick. I would hate to lose Yates but Paronto is down in the minors. Fossum is no savior but he would be better than any option the Braves have right now.

By Lew

August 4, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Look Y’all-As a Wise Person once said in relationship to our impoverished Brethern, There will aways be Trolls. Trolls are a part of life. Contact with lower life forms is a fact of life-All Life, not just Blog Life. Whining, p!$$ing and moaning about their existence solves nothing-you are left with hungry Trolls One must learn to rise above Trolldom and occaisionally hit them in the nose with heavy objects (or words as the case may be), to keep them under control. However, if kept at bay, they tend to self cannibalize anyway, so why worry? They will eventually eat themselves. Bat them in the nose every once in a while and they will skulk away and put their feet in their mouths, attempting to satisfy their voracious appetites. One need not worry. They are radically stupid.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 4, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

MetroMan, can’t agrue with you. You’re right. The Braves have no excuses.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 4, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss will now do his part to improve the blog…Good Day!…and Good Luck!…

By NCBravesFan

August 4, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Lew - I agree that the acquisition of Tex was a good idea. He punches up the lineup and gives us great defense at first.

The fortunes of the team the rest of the regular season apparently will ride on John Smoltz’s health and (insert name of fifth starter here). If we get enough pitching, we should have enough to get in to the postseason.

Next year, Tex can help as well. Here’s what the Braves should think about doing, IMHO …

Let Andruw leave, and seek to replace him with a speedy CF who is a top of the order type guy. Hopefully, this replacement would combine with the heart of the order to make the offense more consistent, and able to play for a run when the game is tight (which is a glaring weakness of this version of the Braves).

They should also trade Renteria after the season ends to get said CF, or a front-line SP.

By Lew

August 4, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

NC Braves Fan- I pretty much agree with you, though I think if we let Andruw walk, Francoeur can handle center. WE still have Diaz/Harris, Brandon Jones on the horizon and we can always put Kelly Johnson in left. That boy has flat out proven he can hit as a full time player- hit for power and average and hit ANYWHERE in the order-whether he’s played the last day or two or not. I’m not particularly worried with our outfield options as they are (there’s always Blanco, too, for those small ballers). I think Wicky will be gone and there will be some $$$$ freed up from Andruw’s departure (though Hudson’s raise will take half of AJ’s savings). With that $$$$ in addition to the salary bump (and I think the moves lately indicate there WILL be a bump), pitching will be attainable-and Yes, we do need more pitching. In my opinion, the future is still bright and sunny.

By Lew

August 4, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

RJIB-There are two things that worry me about Fossum. 1. The Rays-they will want ten times more than he’s worth and 2. Fossum has spent a LOT of time on the DL both this year and last. He probably wouldn’t be worth what we’d have to give up-if he cleared waivers.

By bravesfan

August 4, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

a-rod just hit #500 of davies

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 4, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

The problem Andruw will have is that he is not giving the Braves any reason to think it would be wise to invest $18 mil a year over the next five to seven seasons for him. Some have suggested that because of his poor season Andruw will be forced to accpet $15 or $16 million. That is simply incorrect and naive. For one thing Boras is his agent. More importantly somebody will pony up $18 to $20 mil a year hoping that this year is an anamoly and that even if his offense is declining his defense will make up the difference. Teams like the Yankees, Angles, Dodgers, Rangers, Giants, White Sox, and Astros will all make strong bids for him. I don’t really think the Mets or Red Sox will simply because they don’t really need Andruw. That is why I and several others have said Andruw is out of here next season. It doesn’t matter what kind of season he is having. If some jobber like Gary Matthews Jr. can get a 5yr/$10 mil contract than Andruw can most certainly get a 5yr/$18 mil contract.

I personally believe that Brandon Jones will be in CF next yar. If the Braves feel that Jones can give them 20 to 25 HRs and 80+ RBI, then he will be the preferred choice over Andruw. The Teixeira deal by JS was a very shrewd deal and it covered the team for next year. I think giving B. Jones $360,000 next year is better than giving Andruw $18 mil if you think Andruw is just going to go up and stikeout 150 times which he will likely do this year. The money used on Andruw can be used to get a good starting pitcher. It won’t yield a Carlos Zambrano but it’ll be pretty close. Not to mention that if Johan Santana makes a stink about getting traded this winter he could definitely be a target for the Braves even if he is a one year rental.

Also, I would be shocked if Renteria is on this team next year. He can yield a good starter through trade and Escobar is ready to assume the everyday role.

By NCBravesFan

August 4, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the double post everyone - wireless is acting up!

Lew - thanks for the update - I wasn’t aware of all the options you outlined so well. I was coming from the angle of the offense doesn’t play for one run very well in tight situations, and I think a little more speed up top would help.

I agree the overall picture is good - I salute JS for pulling the trigger and giving the team the best chance to play in October with the talent that was available to acquire.

By N.Y

August 4, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

The way things are shaping up,it looks like the pitching matchups for the Mets vs Braves series are- Perez vs Carlyle, Smoltz vs Lawrence,and El Duque vs Hudson. I’m A Mets fan so take my opinion as you may. I would’ve gave Smoltz the extra day giving the promblems with his shoulder.Nothings official but it looks like he is going to pitch the 2nd game of the Met series. If you are the Braves you can understand pitching him on regular rest because you want your 2 best pitchers going vs the Mets.But if I were the Braves I would split the pie by having Smoltz pitch Thursday and save Hudson for the Phillies.That way I have one of my best pitchers go vs Philly instead of neither.I’m not scared because Smoltz and Hudson are pitching vs us but the way the ball travels out of Citizens Bank Park, I would want one of my best pitching.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 4, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Lew, I agree. But, at this point the Braves are desperate. To me Fossum would be worth the risk as long as the Rays are reasonable in their demands.

By Stinky

August 4, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Lew, I think Andruw will be hard to get rid of. His crappy year has damaged his options for next year. The Braves will offer him arbitration to get draft picks, but he’ll accept. And then we’ll be stuck with an older and fatter headcase centerfielder who gets a raise in a rigged kangaroo court.

By Lew

August 4, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

NCBravesFan-As for speed, weren’t amphetamines banned? Sorry, couldn’t resist. However, your point is valid, but KJ can motor (look at his NINE triples), Brandon Jones can burn, so can Blanco and Harris. Let’s also keep Lillibridge in mind as well. It has been said here before he is considered for outfield conversion and he flies-steals bases, too. Optionally, Lillibridge could go to second and Yunel to short IF Renteria is traded. Let’s see how Yunel fares for the next few weeks, though, as a full time replacment for The Esteemed Mr. Renteria (wasn’t THAT deal a coup for JS?). I think our options for playing small ball next year (if necessary) are pretty bright and sunny as well.

By NCBravesFan

August 4, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Welcome back to the show, Kyle. YIKES!

By Lew

August 4, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

RJIB-I don’t disagree-totally- but it IS the Rays, They WILL be unreasonable as they always are, especially where pitching is concerned. They would probably ask for Reyes and Hanson and two others as well. I’d rather look elsewhere for somewhat of a better option than Casey Fossum. His rash of recent injuries scares me. He has missed considerable time this year and last.

By laurance maney

August 4, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

The loss was Bobby’s. Putting Harris at 3rd and Chipper at SS recalled my father’s saying: “Managers are like dogs, they’re only stupid when they try and think.” He should not have used Dotel in the 7th either with both Wickman and Soriano off their games lately. Yates was throwing peas and could have managed 2 innings. On the larger scale, I do hope that AJ leaves. He needs a manager that will move him up, not down, in the order to get his swing back and a batting coach who’ll not tinker with him constantly. He also could use some respect. Up here in the frozen North we watch the Braves when we can on the enemy telecast to not hear Joe Simpson’s constant complaining about AJ. His comment on the night of the Texiera trade that he hopes “Andruw will apply himself” when moved down in the order was idiotic at best coming from a guy who can’t get into Cooperstown without a ticket and isnsulting to someone who plays day in and day out with bad knees and bad shoulders.

By Lew

August 4, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

RJIB-I just did some research and I was wrong (to some extent). Fossum hasn’t spent the DL time this year that I thought he had. However, he has not started a game since early May. He is being used exclusively in relief. He has not pitched more than 2 2/3 Innings since early May. Real BAD starting option, I’m afraid. Back to the drawing board.

By Lew

August 4, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Stinky-You could be right. However, there will be some boneheaded team that will offer Boras the Moon, Sun and a Nebula or two (maybe even an immature Galaxy replete with Black Hole)for AJ’s services. Depends on whether or not Dad takes over the negotiations like last time. JS may be gun shy about offering the arbitration, though, if he remembers what happened with Maddux. I bet his rear end still burns from THAT deal. He better stock up on Preparation H if he goes that route, yet again.

By Savannah Guy

August 4, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

TexasBrave Thanks for the support. Hey, welcome to the Braves forum…the best baseball blog anywhere. Your post means as much as any, whether you’ve been here two weeks or two years. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. With a few IT moves it’ll get better. In the meantime, check out the below link for new members. This hilarious site was created by our very own Braveheart. Just remember, “many a truth is told in jest”:

http://www.geocities.com/rookierulesofengagement/

By Efrim

August 4, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Lew and others,

The future is fine. We have a very talented farm system and young players that will be great in Atlanta uniform for many years to come. But here it goes folks….

BC and JS have put all the chips into the center of the table the next 15 months. The Tex trade needed to happen. He is a GREAT player. He makes us better. I love the trade. This is the team they believe can win the world series either in 2007 or 2008. I’m not saying that it is those two years, then we are screwed, not at all. Great farm, great young players. But this version of the Braves has 15 months to get a ring. I’m not sure who will be back in 2009. JS and BC could retire at the end of next year. It could very well happen. Tex, Renteria, Jones, Jones and Smoltz could all be gone at the beginning of 2009. Not saying they all will, but it is possible. It really is. Smoltz could retire. Chipper might not get those plate appearences, want too much money and leave. Could happen with a new GM and Coach. Its possible, but not probable. They are an inconsistent ballclub right now. To be honest with you, I am not sure why. This team has the talent, even with Renteria hurt, Soriano struggling, Smoltz shoulder, and our 5th starter’s spot being a question mark, this team can make the playoffs. 57-53. It comes down to the next 8 games folks. I can’t stress it enough. I know, 52 games left, how can you say that? Nah. It really does come down to the next 8 games. They need to go 6-2, 5-3 at the very worst. I know they are only 3 back of the wild card and 6 back in the division. 3? 6? Yes, I go by the loss column. You all should too. I don’t trust other teams to lose. I can only trust the Braves.

We have the ability to make the playoffs and win the division, but it starts tonight. If they have a poor showing the next 8 games, then I really will have my doubts about this team.

Now, Lew, I am sure you think I am crazy, but dude, the Mets are going to win 92 games. Don’t ask me how, but they will man. They are 15 games over .500 and 14-8 since the break. They dont have a difficult schedule the rest of the way and neither do the Braves, but we haven’t shown we can take care of business yet. They’re gonna get to 92 victories. Meaning the Braves need to go 36-16 the rest of the way to win the division. 36-16 from the Braves and 30-24 from the Mets for the Braves to get the NL EAST crown back.

Can it happen???

Yes.

If the Braves have a good 8 games. After the 8. Its Home versus the Giants, D-Backs and away at the Reds, Cards and Marlins. 16 games to make the push for the division.

And regarding Silva. Its a body that throws strikes and battles. I really dont think the Twins would ask for a lot. Not much at all. Maybe RHP James Parr. They gave Castillo away for absolutely nothing. Those Mets prospects were not good.

By KC

August 4, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Anders: “KC .600 ball?? For 50 plus games? 10 plus games over .500? I don’t see that. The Braves don’t have the bullpen for that. Two nights ago proved that.”

What happened 2 nights ago wasn’t the result of a weak bullpen… it was the result of Rafael Soriano throwing the damn ball over the fat part of the plate.

I don’t know what’s up with Soriano, and it is a concern. But we now have Dotel and a solid lefty (Mahay) to go along with Wickman (who has been solid lately), and Peter Moylan, who has been incredible.

Yates and Villarreal have also been pitching nicely of late.

It may involve taking Soriano out of that setup role for a while - I don’t know - but one way or the other… the Braves bullpen will be just fine. I wouldn’t have said that a week ago, but Schuerholz gave this bullpen the depth it needed to overcome Soriano’s struggles.

As far as the rest of the relievers the other night… Mahay and Villarreal were the other relievers to give up runs, and that didn’t happen until each was working his 4th inning in two nights.

This bullpen is in good shape.

And if you would like to make a friendly wager as to whether the Braves will play .600 ball from here on out… I’m up for it. Seriously.

By NCBravesFan

August 4, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Good deal Lew … I say let Andruw go and let’s lock Tex up for a while!

Kyle has now cut his AL ERA in half … from 36 to 18. Seriously though, I hope the guy finds a home in KC.

By Tyler

August 4, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

No more deals will be made this year. JS has done all he can for the Braves. Next year, I think Lillbridge will be the starting CF. He will also be the leadoff guy.

As for SP, we need to go after Zambrano, if possible. Trade Renteria for a top notch starter, move Yunel to short. That sounds good to me.

By KC

August 4, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

• The bad news is: The Braves lost a heartbreaker (among other things that were broken) on Thursday, follow by having their high octane offense silenced last night for a second consecutive loss (while the Mets won each of their last two games). So now here we’re 5-1/2 games back in the East.

THE GOOD NEWS IS: We’ve got nearly 1/3 of the season still ahead of us, including 9 more head-to-head games with the Mets, so the division is by no means out of reach. We’ll have to win 6 of the 9 head-to-head games (which is in line with what we’ve done against them so far), and play 3 games better than them in non-H2H games from here on out. Unless the Mets play out of their minds the rest of the way… the Braves are definitely capable of pulling that off. They’ve created a hole for themselves over the past 2 days, but it’s not too deep to crawl out of.

But if all else fails, we’re only 2 games out of the Wild Card, and the Braves are hands-down the most talented team in the NL Wild Card race.

• The bad news is: The recent performance of formerly unhittable Rafael Soriano. He’s blown leads in 5 of his last 9 outings.

THE GOOD NEWS IS: Everything Soriano’s done over his career tells us he’ll be fine… but either way, we’ve got Dotel who can take over the setup job if needed.

• The bad news is: Cormier did not look good at all in his first outing since his recall to Atlanta.

THE GOOD NEWS IS: We’ve got Villarreal who can step into the 5th starter role if Cormier falters. Ring can be called up from Richmond to take Villarreal’s place in the bullpen.

• The bad news is: We’ll be without Renteria for at least 2 weeks.

THE GOOD NEWS IS: We’ve got Escobar to save us from 2 weeks of watching Chris Woodward in the starting lineup!!!!!

• The bad news: The Mets are hot right now.

THE GOOD NEWS: They’ll cool off. And when they do, the Braves will gain ground.

Also, the Mets have health issues. Pedro probably won’t be back until next month… and then who knows what they’ll get from him. (Hey, it’s natural justice. We lost Hampton and Gonzo. It’s only fair if they don’t get Pedro back at anything close to 100% this year.) Then you’ve got the health issues of Beltran, and other bangs and bruises with guys like Castillo and Alou.

By Efrim

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

KC

I don’t worry about the pen either, but BC has to take Soriano out of the 8th inning for a little. I can see him giving up a jack to Howard or Wright this week. I couldn;t take that.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

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

Lew, I definitely agree there are more attractive options but unfortunately at this stage there may not be better ones. I like Cliff Lee from the Indians but I highly doubt the Indians would give him up without getting something of great value in return.

Another option is someone I hate to even bring up but he may be the best available option….Steve Trachsel. The guy is a jobber in every sense of the word, but he is a pitcher who eats up lots of innings and on occassion can look like a major league pitcher. He has a one year contract with the Orioles so the Braves could get him and then cut ties at the end of the year. Now, I don’t know if the O’s would play hardball or not and ask for a hefty return. Its not like they will receive any top notch picks fro him leaving via free agency so I wouldn’t think they will try to hold onto him at all costs.

By KC

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

Tyler: “Next year, I think Lillbridge will be the starting CF.”

I don’t mean to be contrary, but that’s not going to happen. If Andruw leaves, Mike Cameron is a much better bet.

First of all, Lillibridge has shown he’s ready to leadoff in the big leagues. He has 97 strikeouts in 417 at-bats this year between Miss. and Richmond.

The average leadoff hitter gets 600-plus AB’s. If you project that strikeout ratio to 600 at-bats… you come out to 140 strikeouts. That’s an awful lot for a leadoff hitter. He’s going to have to cut down on that before the Braves are going to hand them the leadoff job in Atlanta.

And while I’m sure Lillibridge could play center, but from what I hear, he’s a gold-glove caliber SS… so they’ll be reluctant to move him, even if he’s blocked at Short.

By TexasBrave

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

Savannah Guy - Oh I have read the RROE. Before I started posting I just read the Blog for a couple of weeks just to get a sense of who, what and when. I have tried to the best of my abilities to adhere to the RROE eventhough they were mostly said in jest. It would great if the rules from the esteemed Braveheart were followed.

By KC

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

Efrim: “I don’t worry about the pen either, but BC has to take Soriano out of the 8th inning for a little. I can see him giving up a jack to Howard or Wright this week. I couldn;t take that.”

I agree. He’s blown leads in 5 of his last 9 appearances. It’s time to demote him and make him earn his way back into an 8th or 9th inning role.

We’ve got Dotel now, so there’s no reason to keep allowing Soriano to hurt the team while he’s struggling like this. I’m sure Moylan could also handle setup duties.

By KC

August 4, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

CORRECTION: I mean to say that Lillibridge has NOT shown he’s ready.

By Stinky

August 4, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Lew, We can only hope that JS doesn’t get caught holding the Andruw bag. But the way an overly loyal (or visibly senile) Bobby Cox seems to think that Andruw is still in 2005 form fills me with fear.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

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

Efrim, you are right. If you look at the stats from Myrtle Beach, Mississippi, and Richmond the kids are simply raking. That Richmond team is loaded. Hell, Pete Orr has one of the worst batting averages on the team. B. Jones has struggled so far at Richmond but in AA he was putting up MVP like numbers. Doug Clark, Martin Prado, and Brent Lillibridge are just tearing it up. Kaailhue was hotter than hot in Myrtle Beach. He has cooled off since joining the AA team but I assume that he just has to get adjusted like B. Jones. Our farm system is fine. Look at B. Pena. If he can hold his own at 1B and LF, he will win a spot on the 25 man roster next season.

This team is in better shape than some want to believe. People can rip JS for “gutting” the system all they want. It simply isn’t true. The big league club will be in really good shape in 2009. I don’t think its a given Tex will leave. First of all a lot of the big market teams will have firstbasemen already in place. Also, the Braves will have a ton of money freed up. Hampton’s contract will be gone and Renteria’s if he is not traded by then. If the pitching in the minors can mature like it is hoped they will, then Hudson will become expendable and his contract will be gone. Chipper will still be here but I really wouldn’t be that surprised if he doesn’t retire at the end of next year. Say what you want about Chipper but he is a gamer. The man should probably be on the DL right now.

Think about it. The only players at the end of the 2008 season that will be making substantial money are Smoltz, Chipper, McCann, and Francoeur (arbitration will be very kind to him). This is assuming Renteria and Hudson are gone by that winter. That would leave a lot of money to sign Teixeria. The Braves have 2B and SS covered with relatively inexpensive players in Johnson and Escobar respectively. If B. Jones can produce like the orginization thinks he can, then you have an inexpensive CF. I’m sure Diaz will still be raking and he will still be in his arbitration eligible years. Francouer and McCann will already be covered as will Smoltz. James will be a rotation fixture and also relatively inexpensive. If Reyes and Dan Smith can come along (and I believe they both will; Reyes was brought up before he was ready) then the Braves would have 4 of the 5 spots in the rotation filled. Soriano and Gonzales will be making a bit of change but neither of them will be making more than $ 5 mil a year. By then Devine, Boyer, Ascaino, and Stockman should be ready to contribute in the pen. All of them making league minimum. If the cards are played right and Liberty gives the Braves just a bit of flexibility in payroll, which is something Terry McGirk has all but said will be the case, the Braves would not only have the money to sign Teixeira but could possibly have the coin to sign a Johan Santana. If not Santana, pitchers like Willis, Haren, Harang, and Bedard should be on the market. If free agency isn’t the way then the Braves will have the flexibility to make trades.

Not to even mention that players such as: Lillibridge, Esquivel, Hernandez, Holt, and Prado will be available to contribute off the bench. This team is in a great position for the future.

By TexasBrave

August 4, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Great post KC!!!

I agree that we should give Oscar a chance, but if Bobby hasn’t used him yet with all the 5th starters we have had out there then I don’t think he is going too. Lance is going to get his chance for at least 3 starts. I don’t see any trades happening like everyone else wants to happen, the pitching is just not available at this point of the season and by the time it is it may be too late, either good or bad.

I also agree that Soriano is going to get better especially with the additions of Dotel and Mahey. He will not be call on as much. He is a power pitcher and even though he may only pitch one inning per night it takes a toll on the guy to have to warm up and come into pitch 3 games in a roll on a consistant basis.

Another thing that will be interesting to watch is how well Escobar does in Edgar’s absence. If he does well then for sure Edgar is trade bait after the season. If not????? Lets just hope he gets well fast. But a high ankle sprain usually takes two weeks for the swelling to go down and then another week, possible two to build up enough strength to play.

We just need to worry about getting into the playoffs. I would like to win the division but the WC will work for this year. One game at a time.

By Double Deuce

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

* Savannah Guy*

Well spoken. Hard to believe a surfer dude can have so much insight and be able to get it down on paper. I’ve tried, but I spend too much time in the water:)

This blog is the best forum there is for expressing views on the Braves, and baseball. When it becomes personal it turns ugly. Let’s keep the spirit of the blog where it was intended.

By Wayne in Utah

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

Just a couple of quick thought before heading off to take care of the honey do list.

I agree with my friends that the next 2-3 weeks will tell us a lot about the capabilities of Escobar as a future shortstop. Many of us here believe that while he is an MVP for the Braves, Edgar might be our best bargaining chip for obtaining a decent 3-4 starter this winter.

Depending on what happens over the next 2-3 weeks, I would think the Braves will have a lot of soul searching to see which middle infielder should be tried out in the outfield. Lillibridge, Escobar, or return Johnson to the outfield. Maybe even put Scott Thorman in the mix. So, that gives us a pool of potential outfield candidates for 2008 to replace AJ. Matt Esquivel, Brandon Jones, Gregor Blanco, Scott Thorman and maybe one of the infielders to go with Frenchy, Diaz, and maybe Harris.

Personally, I would love to see Willie Harris get some quality time in the fall league or in a winter league to try to see if he is capable of playing short and third. He might make a good utility man?? I don’t see him being a long term OF fixture. Too much of a defensive liability.

I liked what I saw of Devine last night, except for that leadoff walk. Maybe BC can use this lad some more in the next couple of days.

Have a great day, my friends! (Stay Positive!!)

By Paladin

August 4, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy I just returned from my power nap and read your response to me. Relax everyone, I said the one to me, not the novelette.

I haven’t appointed myself the gatekeeper of a damn thing. I took my lumps yesterday for my, i thought, joking reference to me being an “enforcer”. I can’t even make “crossing guard” here at the home. And I so crave that white belt with a real BADGE on it.

But, back to our discussion. I was only taking up for myself, and maybe a couple of friends, who have some “harmless” fun, playing “roles”. We don’t attack people, or use names of other posters. And we don’t use foul language.

OK, I will take you assurances that your remarks were not aimed at us. Now, let’s get on with baseball—and occasional “fun”—shall we?

Your friend, Paladin