Braves

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 8, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

this and that from journalist jimmy smith: well, the small monkey that was smuggled into the ny airport yesterday has been turned over to the cdc for testing. what kind of testing? monkey disease? steroids? if the monkey is healthy, the monkey could wind up in a zoo - or perhaps with a journalist already in the ny area. and now, it is 94 degrees in atlanta and the weatherman says it feels like 104 degrees. this is very confusing to jimmy smith. if 94 degrees feels like 104 degrees what feels like 94 degrees? mark davis should write a story on this. and speaking of mark davis:

*”She walked across the hillside, diamond-dewy in the morning sun. He bumped behind her like a shadow. She sniffed the air, filled with the cries of bluejays. He snuffled his little nose, too. And when she grabbed a rope, wrapping banana-sized fingers around it, he wrapped his skinny little self around her. Together they swung like a red, hairy pendulum — Madu and Dumadi, mother and child, orangutans.”

“He apparently learned well. Madu wriggled down a post, leaving Dumadi alone on a platform. He thrust a head the size of a coconut over the platform and opened his mouth. Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! he yelled.”

much like chino cadahia when francoeur hit that big homerun last night.

By Anders

August 8, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

DOB What are thoughts about Dotel pitching in that bandbox in Philly?

By David-ATL14

August 8, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Keep up the outstanding work DOB, your efforts are much appreciated.

By RHETT

August 8, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

FIRST?

LOOK OUT METS HERE WE COME!

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 8, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

let’s say for a minute a monkey is managing another national league team and that monkey knows that when playing the braves, if the monekey starts a left-handed pitcher, the monkey’s team will face players like wilson and woodward instead of the braves better players. that monkey will start a left-hander everytime! not saying a monkey could out-manage bobby, just saying a monkey would know what to do.

By Anders

August 8, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

DOB Last night will feel like the Idarod Race compared to the impending swealter coming tonight at Big Shea.

By Anders

August 8, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

DOB Last night will feel like the Iditarod Race compared to tonights impending swealter at Big Shea!

By Tim Donaghy

August 8, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

I thought I would take this opportunity to address the talk on the prior blog of the proper use of pivot foots. Once you choose a pivot foot, you can only have one pivot foot, never two. If you choose one pivot foot, then abandon it, and try to use the other foot as the pivot foot, I have to call you for traveling.

I am usually pretty strict about the improper use of pivot foots except, of course, when me and some of my buddies got some money down on the game. Then I could be either very liberal or very strict depending upon which side you are on. Heck, I might make it so difficult for you that I never let you establish a pivot foot or I might be so lenient that I let you have mulligans and switch your pivot foot whenever you want. It is all contingent upon how much Uncle Vinny and myself have on the game.

Sometimes, David Stern though tells us to ignore proper enforcement of the pivot foot rule. For example, Patrick Ewing was allowed three or four different pivot foots any time he had the ball (per David Stern). Ewing never knew what a pivot foot was. And we were told by Stern to forget what a pivot foot was whenever Ewing had the ball.

SO, be wary, it appears DOB is a tough ref who enforces the proper use of pivot feet rather strictly. DOB has already called traveling a handful of times this morning. If you want him to liberalize his interpretation on the proper use of a pivot foot, I suggest you find a way to compromise him like the mobsters did to me.

By Adam

August 8, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

I do have to admit, the strides that Frenchy has made this year are impressive. In my opinion he has done about 2 years of growth in 2/3 of a season. He will soon start hitting with power to all fields and be a the total package. He’s never going to walk 100 times but he doesn’t need to. He is so much more selective with the pitches he swings at and has a professional approach with 2 strikes. I think he’s on the verge of becoming a superstar.

By Wes

August 8, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

“if the monekey starts a left-handed pitcher, the monkey’s team will face players like wilson and woodward instead of the braves better players.”

What on Earth are you talking about? Wilson’s been gone for like 5 months and Woodward might get 1 at-bat every 3 games. Do you even know where you are right now?

By BossLady

August 8, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

That song is sad…….

By Anders

August 8, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

DOB You missed an obvious slam dunk regarding the Braves finally beating Perez. They finally got the monkey off their back and put him on a plane out of town.

Come on now - you know you’re wishing you thought of that.

By David O'Brien

August 8, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this

Well, Anders, if that’s the case, then I’ll be working in the nude tonight.

By Shaun

August 8, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

Don’t know if you saw the quote from Coco Crisp a couple of weeks ago about the Yankees being back in it. His response was something to the effective of he never knew they were out of it.

I think this sums up the feeling of a vast majority of major leaguers. They know history and they know never to discount any decent team.

Again, not saying confidence and momentum and such things don’t matter at all. But I do think they are vastly overstated a lot of times, especially this time of year.

By Bob

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

Anders, DOB,

It ain’t any cooler in Hotlanta either. Looks like about 100F and seems like about 100% humidity. Pretty miserable, but compared to my old stomping grounds in Balad, Iraq, it is downright Iditarod like.

By Anders

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

DOB Well then you can sit next to Ralph Kiner as that’s how he generally likes to work.

Just threw up in your mouth - didn’t you?

By AthensBrave

August 8, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Great win last night.

The Braves are jacked up and hungry.

After reading a few New York papers this morning, I sense fear in the mets. They’ve had plenty of opportunties to put us away, and here we are….3.5 out w/ 2 more to play at the toilet.

Lets go Smoltz, keep it rolling great one!!!

By Lee in S. GA

August 8, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

On a off the wall note Wally Backman, 2nd baseman for that infamous 86 Mets team retired today as coach of the South Coast League team the Albany Peanuts. Although I think forced to retire would be a better term. Living in this area I have been to several of these games this year. He had been in trouble for fighting with umpires (pushing one physically), other coaches and finally going off on his bosses. This is the same guy that the Diamondbacks fired before he ever coached a game for a prior DUI incident. That 86 Mets team had its share of role models also….…Gooden and Strawberry just to name a couple. Of course it will never happen but I wished Backman would be hired as future coach of the Mets. It would bring back that feeling of having Bobby Valentine in the dugout. Even more reason to despised the Mets.

By Anders

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

Bob - What were you doing in Iraq?

By Shaun

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

Adam,

The thing I’m most impressed about is how quickly Frenchy has turned it around. He looked clueless often last season. Now he looks like a real hitter. He does have the tools to become an Andre Dawson type player.

By 3trees

August 8, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Many, many positives about last night. Francoeur is about a year ahead of where I thought he’d be this year and last night was killin’. Yunel starting that DP after KJ’s error. The Budster. Maybe Soriano’s coming around from his mid season slump.

My only beef; Not liking what I’m seeing from Dotel so far. Looks like he’s got life on his pitches, but the location is terrible. 2 warning track balls to the lower part of the order. That coupled with his last few outings. Hope they fine tune him.

Got to check out your man Joseph Arthur, DOB. Looks like DBT @ the Variety in late September.

Go Braves!

By Jersey Gil

August 8, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

DOB Just hanging there..for one more Day…when you come to Phyllis is going to be Friday 84% and Thunder Storm(From both side) above and in the park, and Saturday Decreasing Cloud and pleasant same for Sunday night.Not need your speedo. I think and agree that this series going to be a lot of score and bumber from both side…Who’s ever has the best pen will win the series.

By Greg in TN

August 8, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Afternoon gang…

Posted this on the last blog, but reposting here with a slight addition.

First, wanted to put this in my first post last night, however I thought Thorman had an excellent at-bat last night during the game. It’s a shame he was half a spoonful of Wheaties away from a homer last night, but was really happy to see him hit the ball hard.

Chris Klob I’m staying at Isle of Palms this week with the missus. Very beautiful part of the country. Took in a Riverdogs game Monday night against Greensboro. Driving up the coast tonight to Myrtle to catch the Pelicans tonight and tomorrow night.

Robert(JITB) Agree with your post in terms of not throwing rocks at glass houses in terms of Bonds. My beef with him has nothing to do whatsoever with him off the field. What he does in terms of his marriage, his taxes all of that stuff is immaterial to my take of how he plays the game. I realize some people do, though.

Bonds is a lock for the Hall of Fame. His body of work before science intervened was worthy. He’s the greatest five tool player that I’ve ever seen. It’s just too bad he felt the need to do what he did.

Folks, if it were up to me, I’d be more than happy if we put asterisks by Bonds and McGwire, however I also realize that its not realistically possible. In the last few years, folks have made the argument “How do we know that the greats of the past didn’t cheat?” I have several responses to that question. First, it’s very possible that some did cut corners. It’s going to be impossible to keep someone from trying to gain an edge. It’s the same today as it was in 1923. The difference today is the amount of scientific help today’s players have in pushing the envelope. Can’t say that if the sluggers of the 1920’s and 30’s had access to today’s technology that they would or would not take advantage of it. If there is incontrovertible evidence that players of any era cheated and gained a sustained advantage through whatever means, I’d be open enough to look at it. The integrity of the game is THAT important to me.

But really, integrity is really taking a knock these days isn’t it? Sounds like the NBA is also taking a hit in that area at the moment. I believe that the sports world is a microcosm of life, and in those regards, Robert (JITB), I think you are completely right and I agree with you. We should NEVER hold sports heroes to a different standard that we should hold to any other member of society. But also, kids look up to these same sports heroes, so who’s to say that their conduct isn’t the cause of their missteps, but an effect?

Dale Murphy is my most favorite Brave of all time. I started following the team a few years after Hank Aaron broke the Babe’s record, or it could have just as easily been the Hammer. Today, Dale Murphy didn’t win any MLB Hall of Fame votes (which I think he deserves to be in, but won’t argue that point here), however I believe he certainly won points in the Hall of Fame of life for taking a stand.

Thank you for once again validating my faith in you, Dale.

By Lew

August 8, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Anders-Heat and humidity a factor? Dude, go spend a summer in Atlanta (or better yet, Macon-where almsot all of this team played at one time or another) and then come back and tell me about heat and humidity. It’s a big deal for NY and Mets fans, but it’s normal operating conditions in Georgia. Smoltz will loosen up quicker, that’s all. Don’t tell me a humidity index over 100 is bothersome to Georgia boys-I’ve painted houses in worse than that.

By john

August 8, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

Hot in Richmond as well…

I didn’t see the game last night, but was the Tex plunking intentional or look intentional?

Let’s hope the Bravo’s can win 4 out of the next 6!

By Bob

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

Anders, I was a Logistics Support Commander in Balad from April to Dec 2003. After 30 years the Army throw you out, so I retired in July 04. Balad is on the Tigris so we not only got the heat of Iraq but the humidity of the river to boot. Wasn’t too bad for old guys like me working in offices, but it was/is miserable for those young Soldiers and Marines on the ground and in convoys. The body armor, the gear and the heat make you forget how bad the American South is in the summer.

We did get Armed Forces TV so I saw lots of Braves games and quite a few of my Dawgs too.

By Anders

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

Lee in Ga You may remember that ‘86 team was managed by ex- Brave Davey Johnson who ran shot gun for Hammerin Hank for a couple of years - We all have our skeletons - you know what I mean?

By UVA Law

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

Wes - I believe the good journalist was referring to why we faced so many lefties early in the year.

However, I tend to think its just a statistical aberration.

By Greg in TN

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

Chris Klob

I also agree with you in terms of the wild card. It’s done a lot for baseball in its short time and the number of World Series champions that have not won their division confirms its legitimacy in my mind. I have to give Bud credit for that as well.

By Greg O.

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

DOB,

Have the Braves signed Jason Heyward? If not, with the August 15 signing deadline a week away, are you hearing anything about the situation? How about Josh Fields?

By Lew

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

Jersey Gil-With due respect to your Phillie’s fan wife, I think we KNOW who has the best bullpen and it isn’t a team from Philadelphia.

By AthensBrave

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

This just in: A new blogging record

Anders(met fan) has just set a new ajc Braves blogging record. How did he do it kids?

Its easy. All you have to is be unemployed met fan and post every 7 minutes for a week straight.

Congrats Anders!!The mets can’t beat the Braves, but at least you hold the ajc blogging trophy.

DOB will send you a 2007 NL East championship Braves sweatshirt as your prize.

By BamaBrave

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

Greg in TN…if you haven’t already, check out the Windjammer at the IOP. One of my favorite places in the world. Just look out for the cops…they have no sense of humor whatsoever.

A year ago I made fairly regular work of b#tching and moaning about Hudson and, to a lesser degree, Francoeur. (Swinging at everything.) What a difference a year makes. Both of these guys have shut me up completely, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Keep it up, boys.

By Jersey Gil

August 8, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

BOB Welcome to retirement…And I salute you from another Vet to another…i know what you are talking about, i spend sometime in the desert near El paso TX one summer in a special training section , was brutal i was sick three day in the hospital.

By David O'Brien

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

3Trees, yes, I noticed ad for that DBTs show in Creative Loafing last week. Forgot to look at date to see if Braves are in town or what. You got the date handy?

R. Cash is playing with Flatlanders in a twinbill here in New Yawk City. This station I’m listening to is phenomenal, better that any we’ve got in Atlanta, unfortunately. Ryan Adams, Tom Waits, Spoon, Paul Simon, Grace Potter…. that was just in about a 10-song span while ago.

By Adam

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

Shaun,

I agree with you, it’s impressive to see him grow so much in a year. I think we tend to forget that most of the time, the type of growing that Frenchy is doing is done in the minor leagues at not at the major league level. To me that makes it even more impressive.

By DAP

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

anders i challenged you directly to give me a weakness in the braves lineup…or someone that can be “pitched to” (cant everyone?)and you have yet to respond. i assume this means you realized how wrong you were. the braves lineup is downright scary.

By Anders

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

Lew I’m mentioning a fact - It’s putrid here today - Let it go! I did not mention what it means to the game.

However, I was the guy who talked about Franceur yesterday. I was the one who talked about all the Braves .300 hitters last week I was the one who said beware of Philly’s bandbox yesterday

If we’re gonna review -let’s review.

By David O'Brien

August 8, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

It’s 90.7, WFUV, for those in the area or traveling to NY soon. It’s really the best station I’ve heard traveling the country, best since the one in Boulder tweaked its format and got kinda lame. There’s also a great one, Indie 103.1, in L.A. where former Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones spins records in the afternoon. Those two are head and shoulders above all other stations I’ve heard.

By Jersey Gil

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

Lew I know we do…but it will be a War situation with my wife this weekend…I create a monster in her…few year a go she doesn’t like to much sport…and know she is all over me with the Phyllis and the Eagle…it my fault.

By David O'Brien

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

In answer to the daily question I get from one guy about the unsigned draft picks: No, I’m not keeping up with it much, because there just isn’t enough time to do that on top of all the other stuff involved with covering the team. If they DON’T get signed by the deadline, it’s a story. But there’s about 10 first-rounders still unsigned, maybe more, and it’s not a big deal yet. Still time to get them signed.

Sorry, but most readers here aren’t so concerned about players who aren’t going to be up with the big club for several years, in most cases. I know it’s important, but I really do have a lot more stuff to do with the team in a playoff race. We used to have someone stay on top of the minor league stuff and draft stuff, but really don’t have anyone who’s stricly the braves backup anymore to do that. Carroll’s one of two backups for four pro teams.

By Bob

August 8, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Thanks Jersey,

Yeah it is hot around Fort Bliss, but the Middle East is really unbelievable. My guys up in Tikrit one day measured 140F. That was in the sun, but it was amazing.

I know that Shea can be a real humid cauldron though. Went to that unbelieveable game a few years ago when the Braves blew a huge lead late. I was stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground and went to NYC for the weekend. I think it was either 99 or 2000. Braves had big lead, but Mets came back and won that game. Loudest baseball stadium I have ever heard and not real “friendly” toward Braves fans. That being said, it was quiet compared to an SEC football game crowd. It was a very hot and humid night with no wind blowing at all.

By Anders

August 8, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Bob As an American who didn’t serve I owe a debt of gratitude to you and your brethren. Glad you came through ok. I hope our country is taking proper care of you and your family as well.

I have a brother in law whose a Lt. Colonel down Huntsville. He served in the 1st Gulf war so I have a feel for what you guys go through.

thanks again.

By Greg in TN

August 8, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the tip, Bama! The Windjammer is on my short list. Had dinner at Coconut Joe’s last night and had a good conversation with our waiter who was a Twin’s fan.

By Lee in S. GA

August 8, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Anders

“Skeletons” is my middle name. I am no angel myself. Willie Randolph is obliviously a good manager. Maybe overrated to a certain degree because of the Mets parole. Torre is like that also. Just wanting a manger in there I can despised more. Hey Ray Knight lives in Albany GA and we know all about him. I could care less about him either. Oh sorry couldn’t care less or as south GA boys refer to it “couldn’t give a flying F&#)……………..

By Braves Fan 79

August 8, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

where did all the fairweather fans go?? Get em Braves!

By Bob, Journalist

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

Apologies for the redundancy but for some reason, my screen didn’t show the new Blog 20 minutes ago so this was just posted on the previous one.

Shaun, “we do have to recognize that Bonds was one of the five or ten greatest players of all time” is an inane statement following your having said that he probably falls into that category.

In fact it’s inane to suggest that we have to recognize that he was one of the best 5 or 10, regardless of your opening. Selecting the 10 best is within itself subjective and highly argumentative.

Granted, Barry was a very good player but I certainly don’t recognize him as one of the top ten players of all time … why in the world would I do that?

Personally, I would think that he would probably be in the top 50 … How would you compare him with my top 25?

Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson, Ted Williams, Sandy Koufax, Ty Cobb, Jimmy Foxx, Josh Gibson, Mickey Mantle, Rogers Hornsby, Eddie Mathews, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, Lou Gehrig, Cy Young, Cool Papa Bell, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Tris Speaker, Eddie Collins, Joe DiMaggio, Pete Rose, Reberto Clemente, and Wee Willie Keeler.

Of course, I’d put a bunch more ahead of Bonds … including pitchers Satchel Paige, Greg Maddox, Carl Hubbell, Dizzy Dean, and maybe John Smoltz. I’d even rate Country Brown ahead of Barry Bonds.

No, I’m sorry … you can … and we can too if we so want … but we do not have to recognize Barry Bonds as one of the 5 or 10 best players of all time!

By jame

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

DOB, do you know what the club plans are on Brent Lillibridge? Clearly Escobar is the SS of the future, but Lillibridge is dominating in Richmond. September call-up?

By Anders

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

DAP - Sorry I was using my life lines before responding. I’ll say Andruw. .243, 2 HR’s, 6 RBI , 8 SO, last 10 games. Granted thats a step up from the .215 previously but I had to pick someone or lose the challenge.

By ObiWanKobe

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

Bonds reflects a society looking for an edge We need to start taking a look in the mirror about our unsatiable need to alter ourselves before making a scapegoat of the Giants slugger, who is widely said to have used steroids. By Kurt Streeter August 7, 2007

You’re a hypocrite …

If you knock Barry Bonds and let your daughter sneak an Adderall to do better on her college entrance test, then you’re a hypocrite.

If you knock Barry Bonds and filch one of your husband’s Prozacs to mellow out for a job interview, then you’re the same kind of hypocrite.

Truth is, if you knock Barry Bonds and slip behind the stands to chug a few Red Bulls before playing in the office softball game, then you’re a hypocrite too.

A lesser hypocrite, perhaps. But a hypocrite.

Bonds, it is widely said, has used steroids. And steroids, his extremely vocal critics say, have given the Giants slugger an unfair edge that will soon leave him standing alone with the career home run record.

But honestly, would that make Barry Bonds any different from your cousin the violinist, who takes a beta-blocker to steady his hands before a concert? Or you on Viagra, when neither of you really needs drugs medically?

I’m with John Hoberman, a professor at the University of Texas in Austin, who has long studied the tormented relationship among drugs, society and sports.

Not just in baseball, or in the Tour de France, he says, but in society at large, we are on a mad sprint to bust past our normal limits. We’re awash in the use of all kinds of performance enhancements — some illegal, some not.

As long as we do that, Hoberman says, and we don’t start taking a long look in the mirror about our unsatiable need to alter ourselves, we need to think hard about singling out Barry Bonds.

He’s a scapegoat. I agree.

It’s simply hypocritical.

For me, none of this is to excuse illicit drug use by athletes. I cringe at the shadow our drug-addled pros have cast, at the fact I can’t tell my nephew Jack that I know his sports heroes are clean.

No, this is about us. Hypocrisy is inexcusable too.

It’s one thing that we’re already medicinal lemmings. We take way too many pills with the encouragement of doctors who are working under the spell of companies such as Pfizer. It’s even worse that loads of us are gulping pills nobody with any medical authority signed off on.

Take a look at two popular medications: Ritalin and Adderall. They can give a distracted kid the focus of a Tibetan monk. Doctors prescribe them for kids with attention disorders. These days, though, they are often the drugs of choice for kids who don’t have attention problems but are looking to ace their exams. They help students cram for hours. They make a full day of testing seem as if it lasted 30 minutes.

Let’s say your daughter is cramming for her SAT. She gets her hands on some of her best friend’s Adderall pills and takes the pills to boost performance. Well, her scores will be stacked against those from other kids across the nation, and she’ll have an unfair advantage.

It won’t be just an edge in a pro sport that only a few of us have any chance of playing. It will be a cheater’s advantage in the race to get into a top college, which for millions of us is the key to a lifetime of success.

How many of these kids get caught? How many get vilified? How many of their parents turn a blind eye?

We’re constantly redrawing the line on what constitutes normal behavior, aptitude, beauty and performance.

As a society, we’re way too OK with being users. Abusers even. And our multimillionaire athletes, the ones we — perhaps foolishly — hold up as paragons of virtue simply because they can run and throw, are they supposed to be different?

Said Hoberman on the phone the other day: “You can’t have an enormous development in performance enhancement in society in general and expect the sports world to be immune to it.”

It’s not only about pharmacy drugs. We want to be able to bash Bonds and head to a surgeon to get a new chin and new lips, so we can fake everyone into thinking we’ve slowed the march of time. We want to bash Bonds and then drive to a health-food store and load up on non-prescription pills that have us feeling as if we can walk through walls.

Watching Bonds get booed at Dodger Stadium last week, I began pondering options.

• We throw our hands in the air and legalize performance enhancers for the pros. We allow drugs up to a certain limit and hire platoons of doctors to keep the athletes from dosing themselves to death.

• Or we go the other way. We go after drug users in sports the way we’d go after robbers trying to get inside Fort Knox. We toss out sham drug-testing programs. We sample DNA. Year round, we give not only urine tests, but blood tests too.

Some of the smarter, wealthier athletes and their scheming doctors will try to stay one step ahead of us. So we drive a stake through their pocketbooks if they slip up. Get caught? You’re done. Outta here. For good.

Trust me, with millions on the line, the more sophisticated users would think twice.

• No matter how we deal with big-time athletes, we turn to ourselves. Where we can test, we test. Particularly people whose jobs affect us all. We test the pilots. We test the muscle-bound cops who get so hopped up that they head into neighborhoods like rhinos, wanting to charge at anything that moves.

And where we can’t test, or where we just can’t stomach what this does to our freedoms, we start using some discipline , and getting some self-awareness.

Maybe we toss the Red Bull and talk with our kids before their next big tests. Maybe we ask ourselves why it’s so important to make ourselves look 45 when we passed 45 two decades back.

Maybe we ask ourselves why we’re so obsessed with athletes and drugs when we do some of the same things they do.

Then again, maybe we keep doing what we’ve been doing and fiddle around at the margins of change.

That way we can keep filling the seats and buying the Dodger Dogs and feeling smug as we boo Barry Bonds, comfortable in our hypocrisy.

Think about it.

Kurt Streeter can be reached at kurt.streeter@latimes.com. To read previous columns by Streeter, go to latimes.com/streeter.

By Lew

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

Abders-Whatever. Dude, you’re the one who brought up humidity and temperature-twice, now-not me. Seems it’s on your mind quite a bit, no matter how you try to spin it post facto. No one keeps bringing up a subject unless it’s on their minds more than usual. If it’s not a factor in the game, to your way of thinking, then just cut on your AC, or turn on a fan and grab a nice cold glass of Sweet Tea-and then quit bringing it up. Maybe you could just talk about how the Braves own the Mets this season, instead of trying to obfuscate. Do you actually think that bringing up Francoeur’s success (something that should be obvious to EVERYONE by now), makes the Mets and their fans any more acceptable to us? Dude, you’re here to thump your chest, or maybe grab your crotch over how good you think the Mets are. That’s the only reason you’re here. You keep telling us that all you desire is an open discussion of the Braves/Mets. Dude, if you haven’t heard it all by now, you never will. You certainly have not changed the minds of any Braves fan-all you’re doing is showing your own insecurity. A well deserved insecurity it is, too.

By ncscoots

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

And tonight comes the turn of Kelly and Tex to spit on the moldy, dying carcass, I believe (a sac fly only from Tex last night? Bench that sucker!). If the fairy tale is going to be written correctly, that has to be the next chapter. Different heroes every night, boys, until the opponents are twisting their heads around like a cow in a Kansas tornado, looking for the next blade to be sunk deeply. Hurt ‘em until their girlfriends can’t bear to look, I say.

Is a pennant race any fun, or what?

By The Grinch

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

Good stuff, AthensBrave.

Journalist Jimmy Smith; agreed. It does seem he finally figured out last night to start the best lineup regardless, and behold! It worked.

I’m in Vinings right now and it’s 96 with a 106 heat index; that’ll do ‘till hot comes along. It’s still relatively cool to me after living in Statesboro, though.

Dob bloggin’ in the nude from a sticky hotel room in Queens (sweating through a cloud of Cohiba smoke that won’t dissapate) and Jersey Gil talkin’ Speedos; this is not a good day for visuals. On that note, off to the gym.

By Mash

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

DOB, Love the blog. I live up in TN and I love getting inside info on my beloved Braves.

Wondering what your thoughts are on Chipper possibly picking up his first gold glove. I know he has never been known for his defense, but it seems like every night he is making great play after great play (he makes the bare hand throw to first on bunt attempts, etc. look easy)

Am I completely alone on this one?

By Ron Roberts

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

DOB, the verbal beatdown I’m referring to was your reaction to Paladin’s saying today’s game is pivotal. I didn’t take offense to your response to me.

Shaun… you said…

…not saying confidence and momentum and such things don’t matter at all. But I do think they are vastly overstated a lot of times, especially this time of year.

How else do you explain the poor-pitching St. Louis Cardinals in the post-season of 2006? Or the Red Sox freight training those same Cardinals in 2004? Or Anaheim in 2002?

It seems that lately, teams that make the playoffs and excel in them are usually the teams that go into the stretch drive and/or the post-season with momentum.

There are examples to the contrary, as well; but my point is that you can’t just ignore momentum completely, and I think Paladin’s earlier assertion that tonight’s game might be pivotal shouldn’t be smirked off as an inferior viewpoint. I think tonight’s game very well may be a pivotal moment in this team’s drive to make the playoffs.

I’m sure that players like Coco Crisp never counted the Yankees out; it would’ve been unwise to do so, anyhow, but the Braves were never that far behind the Mets, anyhow, so I’d expect that the Mets never counted Atlanta out, anyhow.

But as the Braves creep on them, the pressure has to mount on them; but there are enough players from *last year’s Mets squad who, it wouldn’t surprise me, probably thought we were about as much of a threat as we were last year, (meaning not at all, it turns out…) and a sweep in their home park will change that perception, if it hasn’t been already.

By ncscoots

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

*Oh sorry couldn’t care less or as south GA boys refer to it “couldn’t give a flying F&#)…………….. *

Laughed out loud, man, that was perfect. As only a fine specimen of southern manhood could put it, I’m saying, LOL.

By Anders

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

Athen Brave There is a scenario that maybe you didn’t consider. Maybe Anders is actually a fairly successful guy who runs his own business and can choose to do what he likes when he likes. But I can understand why that scenario would never occur to you.

As for the T-shirt if the Braves win, send it. I’ll wipe my dogs butt with it and send it back to you.

By ssiscribe

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

Top of the afternoon, denizens, as the thermometer nudges toward the triple digits (99 here along the southern rim of the capital city) and the Braves creep toward the top spot in the NL East (3 1/2 games out of first).

Yesterday, I posted the Braves needed to start resembling the World Series contender they appear to be, and they responded with one of the best performances by the ballclub all season. Outstanding hitting, solid pitching by Buddy and the four no-hit innings from the bullpen, and superb defense (Kelly’s error notwithstanding).

The Mets looked nowhere near as good as we all know they are, and you better believe they want to bounce back tonight. But last night, the Braves simply were the dominant team.

Now, tonight (noted transition by the Scribe): Combined, Smoltz and El Duque have won 27 postseason games, a fitting matchup in a game that would feel like October were it not being staged in a sauna. Should be a great game; I’d be surprised if we see another four-run margin of victory by either team.

Last night was great for the Braves, but it’s time to carry that forth into tonight. The Braves could, in 25 hours or so, be 1 1/2 games out of first place. Or, they could be 5 1/2 back. If that doesn’t make you realize how important the next two games are, think about how long it can take to make up four games in the standings.

Now, pivotal (noted transition, albeit the transition actually started at the end of the previous paragraph): These next two games are pivotal. Are the Braves out of it if they lose both? No. Are the Braves division champs if they win both? No. But, to win the division, you gotta get into first place, and winning tonight moves the Braves one step closer, two steps if they win tonight and tomorrow. Lose both, and the Braves are 5 1/2 out, not eliminated by any means, but the climb gets steeper than it would be if the nine from the A wins even one of the next two.

Yes, these next two are pivotal. So are the next three in Philly. So are the six on the homestand next week. When it’s August and you’re in contention — either leading the division or within striking distance of a playoff spot — all the games are pivotal.

Now, weather (yes, the Scribe knows his weather, too. Follow the transition, denizens): It’s hotter than, well, you know, outside. And I imagine it’s hotter still inside Shea, with the leather-lunged throngs of Mets Nation screaming and hollering for nine innings (although they were somewhat quiet after the third inning last night).

But despite the weather, one must remain focused on the task at hand. That means not worrying about the role humidity plays in fly balls to the wall, and not worrying about having to write a game story and notebook in the press box by a scribe (lowercase s means I’m not talking about myself) who has shed his clothing.

Can you imagine Red Smith taking it all off, including the hat and jacket, to bang out a column sans clothing? Or Grantland Rice, who I saw quoted in the N.Y. Daily News this morning regarding Bonds? Shirley Povich? Oh, the humanity! At least tell us Bowman and Schultz won’t be following your lead, DOB.

And do any bloggers blog naked? Wait, don’t answer that …

Now, cheese (transition): What role does the heat have on cheese in the press box? Must the cheese plate be chilled? Is it to be passed down the rows of the press box, or must scribes pull themselves from their laptops and fetch the feta? The Esteemed Ugandian Journalist surely is working on this exclusive, page 1A centerpiece story as we speak.

And speaking of work, duty calls. Fully clothed (although working from homes gives one liberties when it comes to work attire; hence the Daytona Beach T-shirt, house pants, ballcap and no shoes), the Scribe abides.

—30—

By The Grinch

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

Carroll’s a backup for four pro teams? Cool! Depending on her size (I have absolutely no idea, Carroll; don’t get mad) the Falcons could sure use her to back up about six positions, especially DT.

Ok, I’m really leaving now.

By BamaBrave

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

Nice Freudian slip, Lee…with Lastings Milledge on their roster, it’s just a matter of time before Mets management is more concerned with parole than payroll.

Wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a decent band at the ole Windjammer, Greg. I’ve killed more brain cells at that place than any other…enjoy.

By GeorgetownKid

August 8, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien,

Have you ever detected any frustration on the part of Smoltz or any of his teammates over the stunning lack of run support in games in which Smoltz starts?

His ERA this season is among the lowest of his career (in a season in which he is a starter), and is almost identical to that of his Cy Young season. Yet he’ll be unlikely to win more than 14 or 15 games this year.

With a better bullpen last year, Smoltz would have won the Cy Young. Well, he is pitching even better this year, but the lack of run support will preclude him from even being mentioned for the award this year.

This MUST frustrate him terribly. For the calibre of his play is that of a 20-game winner.

By Lew

August 8, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Gil-I wish you well, Dude. Do we need to arrange marriage counseling for you? The Eagles-Dude, that’s even worse than the Phillies. You have my sincere sympathy.

By Bob

August 8, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Anders, NP my friend. Those young Soldiers and Marines on the ground in combat on on convoys are the real guys in harms way. We just had to dodge an occaisional mortar round, but every minute is tense for them. Just tried to support them the best I could.

I have some good friends stationed at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville.

Looking forward to the next two games at Shea. I know you think the Mets have an advantage in the bullpen, but I think it is the starters that give them a bit of an edge. Wagner is lights out as a starter, but as for the rest of the bullpen, I will take the Braves…..with the caveat that they don’t have to work 4 innings every night. As for the regular lineup, I think the Braves have an advantage, although the Mets certainly have more speed.

Right now, I think both teams are likely to make the playoffs. I think Brewers are headed south without Sheets and I don’t think the Dodgers or Padres have enough offense out West. Phillies can hit with anyone, especially in that bandbox, but I still wonder about their pitching. Plus, the Phillies are still the Phillies.

By Anders

August 8, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Lee in GA I couldn’t agree more on Torre. talk about landing in the right place at the right time. that guy couldn’t manage his way out of a paper bag before ‘96. Even the Yankee fans didn’t want him. Now they treat him like he’s the second coming of Joe McCarthy.

By AthensBrave

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

Mash,

I agree. I can’t recall the last error that Chip made. He makes that one handed grab off soft grounders to 1st as good as any 3rd baseman in the majors. His play against Helton on Sunday was awesome. Gold Indeed

By Joe Schmoe

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

Brad (Denver): Has Heyward signed with the Braves?

Jim Callis: (2:54 PM ET ) For weeks, the word has been that Jason Heyward, Atlanta’s first-round pick, has agreed to a $1.7 million bonus. But because his draft slot is $1.53 million, nothing has been announced officially yet.

By Braveheart

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

You know it’s getting closer and closer to opening kickoff when our favorite old Dawg, The Enforcer, is chomping at the bit and ripping the heads off Mets fans.

Hot-diggety-damn, Lew!

By ChampDawg

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

What’s happened to Texiera? has he fallen off the wagon already? His bat has dissappeared since the first 3-4 ball games with the Braves and 2 costly errors (1 called a “hit”).

By jim

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

DOB, didnt know if you had seen, but Athens trio The Whigs will be touring with former DBT guitarist Jason Isdell this fall. They play at the Variety Oct. 20.

By Sir Stealth

August 8, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

I think that the plunking of Tex last night was definitely intentional. Don’t remember who the pitcher and batter were, but the Braves did throw some sweet chin music high and tight on somebody shortly before that. I’d guess that was probably the reason for throwing at Tex. Will be interesting to see if that escalates tonight especially if there’s a blowout

By Greg O.

August 8, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Point taken. A week to go to sign draft picks, the journalism industry is on a respirator, and AJC has no money to pay another writer. It’s important, but doesn’t sell newspapers. Sad.

By TexasBrave

August 8, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

ssiscribe - Great post! Although on the topic of cheese. Given the temperature inside Shea, should one not be careful of what type of cheese one cuts? ; )

By DAP

August 8, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

anders thanx for answering, man. ok, i asked you for a hole in our lineup and you said Andruw. .243, 2 HR’s, 6 RBI , 8 SO, last 10 games.

ok, thats fine. lets say we replace andruw with a-rod in our lineup. then we are a super scary offensive team, no? a-rod’s last 10 games .211 avg. 1 HR, 7 RBI’s 7 SO.

andruw has better numbers than arod in the last ten games.

whats the point? your statement that the atlanta lineup has holes with easy outs (not your words, but pretty much what you said) doesnt fly, because EVERY team in the majors makes 27 outs per game(unless they are the home team and winning)

unless your defineition of no holes is every batter batting 1.000, then every team has holes, and big ones. the braves are the best offensive team in the NL without a doubts, where every single spot can hurt you big time. there are no holes.

By Curtis Mayfield

August 8, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Hey isn’t the correct pronuniation “DeeAzz” as opposed to the one that Matt Diaz uses- “DIE- Azz”. What I am trying to say here is that Atlanta is so racist that this Latino kid felt he had to Anglophile his name. So what you pieces of turd beat the Mets in another meaningless regular season game. The fact is the Mets are the reiging division champs and still have a 3 and a hal;f game lead. Your team is soulless: Your Chipper Jones is a wife cheater, your great manager, Cox is a convicted drunk driver. You won the division how many years and you just have won world series to show for it. You punks make me sick. Go to hell.

By michael of b'ham

August 8, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

BOB, Thanks for your service. Glad you made it back home. While I’m at it…any others on here who served,THANK YOU!!

By Braveheart

August 8, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

Isn’t WFUV the Fordham Univesity station? If that is the station, many years were spent at grandma’s house listening to that station’s Irish music every Sunday afternoon after Mass.

By Colin

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

I was just watching Rocker on youtube. WOW good times…

By Sir Stealth

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

Good one, ChampDawg. In all seriousness, I’m still shocked that ol’ Peehands Alou was able to lay out for that ball that Tex smoked to left last night. I think that Texiera was about 5 feet total from having 3 homers and a triple last night.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

August 8, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

I am strongly considering going to a DBT Show in New Orleans on October 13th. It will be one of those acoustic “Dirt Underneath show” but any clothes will fit a naked man. As a band, you know you must be something special if you can get the Hillbilly to skip a weekend of pre-rut bowhunting to come see a show. That just don’t happen….ever.

By Jersey Gil

August 8, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Lew I let you know on Monday..if you don’t hear from me please call the police and send some help…. If anyone read about Mr. Murphy comment about Barry Bond…”He is not a good example for our Children”….He is 100% sure that Barry used steriod.WOW….what happen with be innocent until proof guilty.

By Bob

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

What’s happened to Texiera? has he fallen off the wagon already? His bat has dissappeared since the first 3-4 ball games with the Braves and 2 costly errors (1 called a “hit”).

ChampDawg….he has only been here for 6 games guy? He has 3 homeruns and 8 rbis in 6 games. Drove in pretty big run last night in the 7th on what would have been a double without a great play by Alou. Surely you jest guy.

By Lew

August 8, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Sir Stealth-The only difference is that Soriano just buzzed Wright high and tight. It was an inside pitch-a brushback, six inches away from hitting him. Retaliation (which I think it was), shouldn’t involve hitting the opposing player if your’s wasn’t hit first. If it were up to me, I’d have Smoltz knock Wright on his @$$ again, tonight.

By Hawke

August 8, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Great song selection Dave…Joseph Arthur is one helluva talented musician and songwriter. Loved seeing him at Smith’s 2-3 years ago…what a soulful voice… So glad the Braves beat Perez last night…I’m not gonna lie and say I thought the Braves were going to win last night, but I intentionally cut grass the first three innings and prayed while I turned on the TV that the Braves were ahead. Great match ups these next two games (at least statistically), can’t wait to see the games unfold…god I love baseball

By Daybed Wagmoe

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

here’s a snippet from an article at the new york post:

Unless Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado start smoking like they haven’t really all season, the Braves are getting much more for $96 million than the Mets, only sixth in runs scored in the NL, are for their $117 million. (article link too long to paste…go to nypost.com)

since when do we have $96 million? i thought we were around $80 million this year. i would think that a writer would crosscheck his facts before printing them…is there something i missed?

also, DOB, have you heard the queens of the stone age’s latest album, era vulgaris? if not, check it out. it rocks hard, and it’s great.

By Wolfpack Man

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

Don’t complain about the NYC heat when the heat index where I am in South Georgia is 112F and the temperature is 101F… according to weather.com, NYC is currently 92 and 99 respectively.

Almost like spring up there compared to here.

But seriously, it is hot everywhere.

By Lee in S. GA

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

BamaBrave

You are right about the slip (parole) thinking too much of Strawberry in the past I guess. Milledge will be one to look out for - that is for sure.

Anders

You surprised me with agreeing about Torre.

By Jersey Gil

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

Bob good point about the phillis and also you forgot the William Penn course…I told my wife that the Phillis are playing sub standard team in the last couple week…let see when they play the Big Boys(Braves, Mets)

By Lew

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

Curtis Mayfield-And you’re full of sh!t.

By AthensBrave

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

Anders,

Maybe AthensBrave will start blogging in 1st person as well.

I insist that you keep the gift…it gets cold up there during the winter.

As far as your buisness, it’s sucess must heavily weigh on the fair side…b/c every blog your name appears every 5th comment.

But hey, AthensBrave can understand your harsh words….your’re frustrated. Your team can’t beat us.

It’ll be allright, just keep blogging so that no one can ever beat your blog record.

By Braveheart

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

These transitions from blogging naked to whether cheese will be served raises serious concerns about whether frumunda cheese is going to be doled out.

By keylargo25

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

I don’t think you can minimize the contributions of Buddy Carlyle this year. Outside of Hudson, no one has been consistant at all this year on the pitching staff. If not for him, I would say we would have given too much, probably way too much, for a starter instead of trading for Teixera. The pitcher that sort of reminds me of Carlyle’s contribution that came absolutely out of no where was Buzz Capra when he won 16 games and pitched 200+ innings in 1974.

By Bob

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

Jersey Gil,

I know who William Penn is but I have not heard of the curse. Is this what has caused the Phils so much pain for more than 100 years?

By DonCoburleone

August 8, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

I don’t know about everyone else on this blog, but I am just waiting for this team to do something amazing. Every freakin’ hitter on this team is hitting .300 almost and yet we haven’t strung together a streak of more than 3 wins in a row since acquiring Teixera… What’s the deal? Now, if we sweep the Mets all that is forgotten, so lets get the brooms ready Braves!!!

By ChampDawg

August 8, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

My bad……… I guess I haven’t been paying close enough attention. What’s his BA since joining the Braves?

By ContactBuzz

August 8, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

DBT will be at the Variety Playhouse on Sep 28 - the Braves will be in Houston.

I’ve seen them twice in the last couple of months - in Chattanooga and in Myrtle Beach. The show at the Myrtle Beach House of Blues ranks in my top 5 rock shows of all time (if not #1).

By Braveheart

August 8, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

TexasBrave, I hear ya. Hot, humid, sweaty conditions tend to be ideal for curdling the dreaded fromunda cheese.

By Lew

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

Greg O-And exactly what would you have the newspeople do? It’s quite obvious that if he hasn’t signed yet, then they are still in the process of negotiating a deal. Since when in the past 20 years have you ever heard the Braves comment on ongoing negotiations? I’ll tell you, in case you’ve forgotten-they don’t, so the answer is never. Now if the Braves aren’t talking, then just how, exactly do you suggest that DOB, or any other representative of the media, get this information that you feel is so important and is causing you unbearable pain in the meantime? Dude, it’s a draft pick who may or may not ever amount to anything, and like DOB has pointed out to you (much nicer than I would have), won’t see the bigs for at least another 4 years. It’s really only a big deal in your mind. Most of the rest of us really think that the upcoming games with the Mets and the subsequent series with Philadelphia is much more important. When there is information to report, on rookie signings, or anything else Braves’ related is available, from past performances, I’d say they’ll let you know. Go drink some Sweet Tea and life will be fine.

By BravesFanInRockies

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

DOB,

Re: radio on the road. When you’re in Denver, 102.3 KCUV is mighty fine for the sort of tunage you (and I) seem to enjoy. They LOOOOVE the Man in Black, btw. When Hot Tuna was in town recently, they actually led up to the show by playing them and Jorma’s new stuff, too.

It’s not as progressive as some college stations and a handful of the remaining free-form stations out there (KPIG/KPYG on California’s Central Coast may be the best), but for a commercial station in a large metro market, it’s pretty doggone neat. I don’t listen to my XM in the car nearly as much as I used to.

By ncscoots

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

Lew, I think I’d wait on retaliation. Tomorrow is better, if the Braves win tonight especially. Then, come Thursday, I’d pick one of the other mangy curs…Reyes, maybe. If LoDuca were hitting a lick, he’d be a good candidate, just because he’s LoDuca. But Reyes would work for me.

By BamaBrave

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

Curtis Mayfield needs a hug…

Diaz was traded here from Kansas City, played college ball at Florida State, and was born in Oregon. What did Atlanta have to do “anglicizing” his name?

Loved your work on the Superfly soundtrack, though…

By Jersey Gil

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

BOB the curse of Bill Penn is since 1985 when all new Sky rise buiding shadow the statue of William Penn no sport franchise in Philadelphia won a champion ship. That why the 76’s Eagle, Phyllis,Flyer not won.

By Shaun

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

Ron Roberts,

The Cardinals entered the post-season with momentum? They were under .500 from August on.

I explain the teams you mentioned winning the World Series because their pitching got hot or the ball bounced their way or they were simply the better teams in October. Fluky things happen in a period of 11-19 baseball games; that explains why sometime inferior teams beat obviously better teams in October.

By D-O-B

August 8, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

It’s SO d@mn hot! Milk was a bad choice.

By Robert

August 8, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Well, we finally beat Oliver Perez.

Braves should be 6 games or so out front, but, thanks to Donk, we’re still 3.5 back

By Anders

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

Lee in Ga The only one more over rated on the Yanks is Jeter. Excellent player but being in the right place at the right time has put him over the top. Lifetime .300 + hitter for sure and should get 3,000 hits. But he averages like 18 HR’s a year and 65 to 70 RBI. does score 100 runs per year but you need a lineup behind you for that without power numbers. here in NY it’s sacreligous to write such things as these. I view him as a Robin Yount type player if he played in a smaller market. that’s still pretty good since Yount is a HOF’er but certainly not viewed on Jeters supposed level - At least here in NY. Maybe you guys see it differently.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

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

ContactBuzz, Have you seen any of the “Dirt Underneath” acoustic shows? I’ve heard the rock shows are top notch, but I was just wondering how good they are when they’re not rattling the windows.

By Lew

August 8, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Scoots-I’m not looking for retaliation-I’m from the Don Drysdale/Bob Gibson generation. I think there would be a lot less HR’s hit if pitchers went inside and took control of the plate more often. I thought that pitch by Soriano was well called for-hell, even Ron Darling agreed it was a good purposeful pitch. It came nowhere near hitting Wright-in the head or anywhere else. Put him on his @$$ again tonight and see how his power drops off when he can’t just wait on one grooved over the plate to his liking. I’ve seen Andruw park similar pitches in the fifth row of the bleachers before.

By NVBrave

August 8, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Hey Curtis Mayfield, Diaz’s father changed the name years ago, before Matt was born, when his family moved from Barcelona to Portland, OREGON. Kinda far from Atlanta, eh?

And besides, by your logic, we’d be making Andruw spell it Andrew instead. What would we make Yunel change his name to? Fred? If you’re going to be bitter, don’t bring racism into it. It’s too serious a subject.

By Shaun

August 8, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist,

At his most valuable Bonds was as valuable as anyone—Ruth, Wagner, Mantle, Williams. And he was great for long enough to be considered one of the ten greatest. Even if you take away the alleged steroid years, I think this is probably true.

By Bob

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

ChampDawg,

Batting 297 overall and 231 since joining Braves. But with only 6 games, that doesn’t mean much. He also barely missed couple of long ones last night. Plus, look at what Chipper is doing getting all those good pitches to hit. Tex adds real punch to this lineup.

By AthensBrave

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

Hillbilly,

I saw the one in Athens. Its acoustic and very good. The crowd is supposed to be quiet the whole time.

Patterson was hung over and got mad when people were talking during a story he was telling. He said, “will ya’ll shut the hell up?”

Now, I think in some cities they are doing half acoustic/half rock

By Ron H

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

After reading that post, let’s just skip the rest of the season and go directly to the WS!

Gooo Braves!

By Jersey Gil

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

To set the record strait….For that moron of Curtis mayfield….Matt Diaz family come from Tampa Florida Area…there European(Spain)…Tampa has a lot Spain decendant..like Low Pinella, Gonzo and others, there are not latinos(From latin America)….Matt Diaz pronunciation is correct.

By DAP

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

BAXTER!!!

By Bob

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

Thanks Jersey Gil,

Appreciate the info on the Curse of William Penn. I guess except for the old Atlanta Chiefs in 68 and the Atlanta Braves in 95, we have the curse of that damn Sherman.

By Sir Stealth

August 8, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Lew, I agree with you. I was actually at the game and in the stands and couldn’t really see how close Soriano’s pitch came. Wouldn’t be at all surprised to see the Braves at least make a point of going hard inside again tonight if not hitting someone back.

By ssiscribe

August 8, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Hey for those of you talking about the weather — and I’m not making this up — I just checked Weather Underground for the southern suburb of Atlanta where I live:

Temperature: 99 Heat index: 117

ONE HUNDRED AND FREAKIN SEVENTEEN!!??! Holy Cornelia, Clarkesville, Homer and Helen!

Think I’ll skip the afternoon coffee and cigar on the patio after work.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By iwalterp

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

The Braves facing a ton of lefty’s at atart of season was not a coincidence. All the Braves starting power at that time was from the left side except Andruw and Jeff, athough Chipper is a switch hitter, most of his homeruns come from the left side. The Braves had Langerhans,K.Johnson,McMann,Thorman,and Orr. Add the fact that Wilson,Diaz, and Andruw were not hitting at all early, it was wise for the opposing manager to set his pitching rotation with as many lefty starters as he could.This was no fluke or coincidence. Those who are commenting on Jeff’s improvement from last year, might want to give T.Penndleton some credit. He was preaching that(go back up the middle and to right field to open up the inside pitch) to Jeff and Andruw last year but neither took his advice. jeff you could understand, because he was a rookie following Andruw’s lead on what was good for the team. Unfortunately, Andruw still has not learned. he may do it for a series and get several hits but then he tells himself he is out of his slump and starts trying to pull pitches 3 feet outside the plate.

By ContactBuzz

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

ARK Hillbilly - I’ve gotta admit I’m fairly new to the DBT scene so I haven’t seen one of the TDU shows although I’ll probably catch the one at the Variety Playhouse.

In general I’m a fan of the rockin’ stuff so I would prefer to catch one of their rock shows over a TDU show.

By AthensBrave

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

Lew,

I’m all for retaliation tonight. It’s well deserved.

Mota clearly hit Tex on purpose. We can’t let them get away w/ that.

By john

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

As much as I’d like to see Smoltz send a message to Wright, I’d like to see it to that punk Milledge. However, I don’t think that it should happen tonight- too much pressure on Huddy and the rest of the staff tomorrow. However, I think Huddy has got the balls to throw one (A. Soriano)… I’d like to see that happen if it was the right situation (6th inning or later with the lead)…

Kind of like what Clemens did the other night for A-Rod. I still don’t like either one of them though

By ncscoots

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

Lew, preachin’ to the choir re throwing inside. But I thought the discussion was about Tex getting plunked? If not, then disregard, LOL.

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

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

I’ve always thought Jeter was over-rated. He simply a product of very good yankee teams and the largest sports market in the country. Lets not forget ESPN’s relentless coverage of the Yankee’s.

An example of the ESPN’s catering to the large market. Last night Yankee highlights against the Bluejays lasted approximatly five minutes and showed at least ten highlights. I understand the bench’s clearing was worth of attention. However, you compare the Braves/Mets highlight which recieved approximately 30 seconds with only two highlights and you get an idea that ESPN producers don’t really give a damn about objectivly covering sports. How is the Tronto Bluejays/New York Yankees’ get more coverage than a great rivarly and great divison race to boot get more coverage. It was disappointing to me as I did not see the game and was looking foward to the Braves highlights and all i get is Diaz/Francours HR.

ESPN is a joke. They may have always been this way with the Yanks but I did’nt notice it that much when I was yonger.

By kcr211

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

Curtis Mayfield: Guillermo Mota is a cheater, Lastings Milledge is a misogynist, Paul Lo Duca is a degenerate gambler, Moises Alou likes to give himself golden showers, and you are an idiot. But who’s keeping score?

Matt Diaz’s grandfather decided to anglocize the family name when he came over from Spain. If Matt’s grandfather were here to respond to you today, he would surely say “que g********.”

By Arkansas Braves fan

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

Dob, Are we going to see the real Smoltz tonight? He was very hittable his last two outings. He sure looks to be about 75%.

By Paladin

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

I just came back in to see where Anders is proposing to do some very unsanitary things with a t-shirt and Lew is telling somebody that they are full of what Anders is going to wipe from his dog’s undercarriage. Wow!! This is the way I like it! Hot and steamy!

By Braveheart

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

Anders, you keep believing that Derek Jeter and the Braves are overrated if that is what makes you sleep at night.

A shortstop with only 18 homers, a .300 batting average, 30 stolen bases, 120 runs scored a year and 70 RBIs, 4 World Series rings, 6 AL pennants, and 11 division titles. Yeah, he sucks! Too bad he never used steroids like his former buddy playing third base over there in the Bronx so that he could make you happy by hitting 50 homers.

You wanna know what is overrated? A team that loses to an 83 win team in the playoffs by having a $120 million dollar centerfielder sit there with his bat on his shoulder with the bases loaded with two outs in the bottom of the ninth in Game 7 of the NLCS. Now that is overrated!

Know what else is overrated? 1 division title in two decades. Talk to Jeter and Braves fans about who is overrated when your Mets win 10 division titles in a row. We’ll be waiting a really long time for that phone call.

By David O'Brien

August 8, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Robert, good you could chime in with such an astute and reasoned comment. Thanks much. We’ve missed your witicisms.

Surprised you didn’t comment on that Baseball America thing that named your boy the best manager in the NL. Damn players. Peers. Front-office types. They’ve all bought into the media-driven conspiracy. only one man knows the truth, and it’s you. Go get ‘em.

By Lew

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

Sir Stealth- I saw the pitch at least four times on The Mets network from their center field camera-straight on(the home team usually has there feed used on Extra Innings) and it did not come within six inches of Wright. If they hit Tex on purpose, then someone on the Mets has his head up his colo rectal cavity and needs to get whapped in the ribs, himself. It was a brushback pitch and nothing more.

By Anders

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

* Billy the Blogger* Couldn’t agree more. Captain intangible hasn’t won a title in over a billion $’s. At what point does the *he may not have the numbers but he’s a winner * argument start to fade. When the Yanks haven’t won it all for 10 years, 12 years? Can’t have it both ways.

By pete

August 8, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Frenchy is on FIRE!! I love the hard work & improvements he’s made to his game. I can’t believe so many people were on this kids acks last year & already calling him a bust & all that other crap. Did some of those so called Braves fans forget how young this kid was?? He barely had a full year at AA & his game was not polished.

Speaking of good young players did you guys know Frenchy is a little younger than both Ryan Braun & Hunter Pence? Those guys have been refining their games in the minors the last 2 years while Frenchy was learning in the majors. That’s harder to do & won’t always be pretty.

Even last week some fool on the Braves MB said Frency was a huge waste of talent, so ignorant!!

By Robert

August 8, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

As far as the whole Bonds/Aaron thing

The numbers dont make the player - the player generates the numbers but is not defined by them

Anyone who thinks Aaron is anything less because he is now number two on the home run list is a bobbycox

Anyone who thinks that Barry Bonds is not one of the greatest players of all time, regardless of whether he did or didnt use steroids and whether you like or dislike him personally, is also a bobbycox

Anyone who is going to waste time and effort talking about ARod and how many home runs he might or might not end up with, in an effort to try and minimize, or negate, or blow over, Bonds’ accomplishments, is also a bobbycox

‘nuff said

By NVBrave

August 8, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Ahh, to live on the East Coast again. In Las Vegas it’s been above 100 since June. We get a day around 95 and people talk about how beautiful and cool the weather is.

Granted, I lived in south GA for 20 years…and i’d take 119 degrees here over 99 degrees with humidity any day.

By Lew

August 8, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Scoots-One thing, apparently, led to the other. I’m just not sure why it should have.

By Greg O.

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

Lew,

1. I’d have someone at AJC talk to his agent, high school coach, the list goes on about any progress. “Joe Schmoe” was able to come up with a Jim Callis piece with some info in his 2:57 post - that’s all I’m asking for.

2. Unbearable pain? Get over yourself.

3. In case you were in a cave for the last two weeks, the Braves turned several prospects into Mark Teixeira. The impact of a prospect could be more than merely production in an Atlanta Braves uniform. How far away are Elvis Andrus and Neftali Feliz? How much did they get for them (among others)? Get my point?

4. I never said this is more important than the pennant race.

5. Nice suggestion on the sweet tea. I’m enjoying it. Any other questions?

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

And before I can get that posted, Scribe is saying FREAKIN. It must be hot.

And on the retaliation subject: I hope Smoltz hits somebody so hard that they holler Medic!!.

By Jess

August 8, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien don’t bother to try & reason with these so called Braves fans who ahve na unnatural hatred for Bobby Cox & swear they know millions more about Major League Baseball than him. Despite all of the players, opponents & media who say otherwise.

By Braveheart

August 8, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Billy Lemme get this straight. You were all upset last night because most of us give absolutely no kudos to Bonds for cheating his way to that record but you wanna call Jeter overrated because of a lack of power. Gotta get your priorities straight. You want us to celebrate a crook but discredit a clean player who has done it the right way? Maybe Jeter should have juiced up and hit 40 homers a year so that you could respect him.

Saying that Jeter is just a product of ESPN hype is a bunch of garbage as well. The reality is Jeter is considered what he is because he does it in the postseason where everyone is watching him.

What’s next, is Tom Brady overrated as well?

By DonCoburleone

August 8, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

The more we beat up on the Mets the more I believe that this team plays up or down to their competition. I mean, how can we be 7-3 against the Mets and yet still have a losing record against the Reds and Nationals??? WE should be the team with the 2.5 game lead right now, not the Mets… Just off the top of my head I can think back to losing 3 of 4 to the Nats and getting swept in a 3 game series by the Reds… 1-6 in 7 games against cellar dwellers!!! If we just had went 5-2 in those games (like we should) we would be in first right now!!!!

By Chop Chop

August 8, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Damn…

102 with a 111 index right now here in Albany, GA.

You know what, though? The Braves kicked the Mets’ a* last night so I don’t give a flyin’ f***.

By june_baby

August 8, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

congrats to barry bonds, the all-time homerun king!!! the bravo’s are starting to play some inspired ball, at the right part of the season. this is the time of year when good teams separate from the chaff of the league. how long before WICKMAN is deposed as the closer, and who should get the job(or should he be deposed)??. is it healthy for a club to have a different lead-off hitter every 2-3 games?? maybe if CHUCK JAMES was considered the no. 4 or 5 starter, he could go deeper into some of his starts(less pressure). D. MURPHY, I WAS REALLY DISSAPPOINTED with your comments. what if someone started making false statements about you or your religion? i dontthink you would like it very much. even if you knew it was just a pack of lies, it still would be painful. so i think you should lay off the bond comments.

By Efrim

August 8, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

I’m pumped.

BRING ON EL DUQUE!!!!!

I really should be concentrating on work. Geez, I’m such a good employee.

By Jess

August 8, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Robert you keep getting dumber if that is possible. Sounds more like you are a “robert”. People ahve every right speculate on how many homers Arod will hit or if Bonds being a sleazy cheat impacts his legacy on what kids of player he was. It’s called using common sense, something you’re clearly lacking. Or should I say you’re just being a “robert”

By Bob

August 8, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

It is utterly impossible for one of our bloggers to talk about anything at all without denigrating Bobby Cox. As if we should take his sage word over all those players, managers and GMs who must know nothing of which they speak.

By ssiscribe

August 8, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

NVBrave: Went to Vegas last summer. It was 107 the last day we were there, and it was to climb to 112, 113 the couple of days after we left.

That’s why we’re going the first week in October. The dry heat was something totally different from the sticky heat and humidity I grew up in here in the ATL. I’ve read it’s supposed to be around 90 during the day at the start of October; definitely can handle that.

With that said, can’t wait to visit Vegas again. Absolutely love that place. We land about 10 hours before the first game of the playoffs start on that Tuesday (actually got my visitors guide in the mail yesterday; now that I’m finished with work and I’m skipping my usual cigar outside, think I’ll dive into that bad boy).

Plan to watch the Braves in the first two games of the NL Division Series while we’re out there. But first things first. Need to take the next step tonight, folks.

By the way, the heat index has dropped to 110, but the temperature now is 101. Think I’ll bundle up on the way out the door.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Arkansas Hillbilly

August 8, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Thanks ContactBuzz and Athens Brave,

I, too, would rather see one of their rock shows, but they rarely come around the South Arkansas area (New Orleans being the closest since I’ve become a fan) so I don’t have a chance to pick and choose. I have a 2-cd bootleg album “Live at Cooley’s House” that was recorded around the time of the Dirty South Album. It’s an all acoustic performance but it still kicks much @$$. I think I can deal with it.

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Bob I’m sorry that this is so far “down-the-line” it may be forgotten.

Don’t mention your military experience on here or they will accuse you of having too much “man-love” for yourself, or whatever. But, between us, buddy, tip of the hat!

By monty

August 8, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

SInce when does a team get to hit one of yours because you dusted off one of theirs? Last night Soriano dusted their valuable number 3 hitter. THe next inning Tex gets nailed. When is it fair to trade close for a nailed batter? Look for some payback tonight. Probably after the gamehas been decided one way or the other. Maybe even a brawl. If so, I hope our bullpen guys can make it in fast enough to toss their weight around.

By ncscoots

August 8, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Ah, shoot, Lew, let’s have the Braves throw at one of them suckers, anyway, LOL. Just on general principle, for being the egg-suckin’ dog-kickers they are.

BTW, Anders, don’t mind me. I’m just falling back into my brought-up-a-country-boy mindset for a few days. Gotta tap into that venom occasionally, else become entirely too civilized for a pennant race :-)

By Chase

August 8, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

LOOK OUT MUTS..

Who is that RACING UP IN YOUR REARVIEW MIRROR?… IT’S THOSE DAMN DUKES of HAZZARD

YEEEEEHAW BOYS HERE WE COME 3.5 to go…

By Braveheart

August 8, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

Anders If I’m told I’m gonna go to the postseason and I can have any five players I want, these are the players that must be taken: 1. John Smoltz, 2. Mariano Rivera, 3. Albert Pujols, 4. David Ortiz, 5. Derek Jeter.

Notice that not one Met is on that list whatsoever - and not even close to inclusion.

By Bob

August 8, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

june_baby,

Congratulate who you want to congratulate. Your opionion. Murph has his opinion so why can’t he express them? And by the way, what lies and false statements? The truth hurts, doesn’t it. We shall see when the Grand Jury info is fully out. I say put an asterisk for the whole period 85-05, but that is not realistic.

By BlueMoon

August 8, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Okay, here’s my question….

Does anyone get hit by a pitch tonight? The Mets retaliated on an errant inside pitch last night twice. Should we expect to see some heat tonight against the Mets?

I know I would crease one up under the chin of one of those guys for sure. No reason for what they did last night.

By ernesto

August 8, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

If the Bravos win tonight, I think Bobby should flop CJ and Huddy. CJ in Philly scares me, I think he’s going to give 6 or 7 dingers.

Big win tonight. Come on now!!!

By Bob

August 8, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Paladin,

Hoooooah guy, or I guess Urrrrrahh for you guys. You are right…I was trying to elaborate on how damn hot it is in Iraq compared to here and let myself get carried away. That was friggin hot…today feels like mid-Spring compared to that and a lot less of that damned dust to boot.

Three and a half weeks till its time to tee it up between the Hedges. Am loving it. Braves-Mets Friday night; Dawgs-Okie State Saturday night and Braves-Mets Sunday day.

By DonCoburleone

August 8, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

DOB how about a new blog???

Hehe, I’ve gone ahead and made a joke about it now… Anyway, forgive me if you’ve already answered this DOB, but do you think (like I do) that it is only a matter of time until Cox starts a full on Johnson/Prado platoon at 2b???

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

I see where the AJC has a picture of Dale Murphy on the “front” page and that calls for this:

Who would you rather hold up to your child, or grandchild, as the epitome of a baseball player? Barry Bonds? Or Dale Murphy?

And don’t anyone dust off the race card. This has nothing to do with race.

By A-ville Ranger

August 8, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Ole give’um hell Dale,way to go Murphy.I get sick of all the fake correctness coming from media types.Most people think like Murphy.Bonds is clearly a cheater,yes there are others but only blow up Barry has stolen the most prized record in american sports.One last thought where would Griffey jr be with Barry’s advantages ? The people cheated the worst are the clean players and parents who want their kids to think the right way is the best way.

By Ron Roberts

August 8, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Shaun, first of all, I didn’t say the Cardinals entered the post-season with momentum, but I cite them as an example, because after a hotly-contested NLCS, they promptly trampled over a superior Detroit Tigers team that swept through Oakland and sat there waiting on their opponent to be determined. You could argue that the Cardinals, then, had the momentum going into the World Series, because the Tigers were stagnant. Detroit went seven days between the ALCS and WS, while the Cardinals had two.

But you’re deviating from my initial point (you try that, often, I think, as a debate tactic); I was just not disagreeing with Paladin when he earlier believed that tonight’s game could turn out to be a pivotal point in the NL East race. I think tonight’s game, could indeed be a turning point (a pivot) in the season for both teams if Atlanta wins.

By BlueMoon

August 8, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

TO June Baby

Bonds admitted to using the substances in Grand Jury testimony. So before you spew your mouth about the Murph you may want to check facts. Bonds cheated, pure and simple.

By Anders

August 8, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Braveheart Time to back up your argument. Better player career wise Jeter or Chipper?

By The Grinch

August 8, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

I just rode the stationary bike for 20 minutes and said to hell with it. Damn it’s hot out there.

Ok, I guess I’ll have to weigh in on Bonds since some of you don’t seem to understand what the word “great” means. Hank Aaron put up impressive numbers. More importantly, he was a team player, an ambassador for his sport, and someone little kids looked up to all over the world. You can walk around everywhere you go waving a Hank Aaron flag and look folks in the eye while doing it. Add all that to his numbers, and he was a “great” player.

Barry Bonds has put up impressive numbers. Even though anybody that doesn’t spend all day with one thumb in their mouth and the other in their behind playing “switch” knows he took steroids to achieve a signifigant portion of those numbers, that’s not really the issue as he would’ve put up impressive numbers regardless. Is he “great?” What did he do last night? He paraded around the bases with his arms up in the biggest “ME” way possible. He ignored his son at home plate. He convinced the manager to put him out in left just once more so he could get another standing o., then asked to be taken out where he sat on the bench the entire rest of the game AND WATCHED HIS TEAM LOSE. Poll all his former teamates; did he ever contribute to the game in any meaningful way that wasn’t negative? Notice none of them showed up for the historic moment? Reckon why? Have any of you ever heard him say or do anything that didn’t make you respond “wow, what a self-serving piece of %^$#.” This “man” has nothing to do with the greatness of baseball in any way other than he’s spent his whole career wiping his behind with it, pre and post steroids. He is the antithisis of a great ball player. He put up impressive numbers. The only way any sane person should use him and “great” in the same sentence would be something like “Great God, what a douchebag.”

WORD.

By 3trees

August 8, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

DOB - Sept 28th @ Variety http://www.variety-playhouse.com/#dbt.

You might want to try WFDU Farleigh Dickinson U station as well. I remember it as a good one up there.

BamaBrave/NVBRave thanks for tweaking on “Curtis Mayfield”. Nuff said.

And on the subject of pitching inside, man, if they wouldn’t allow the batters to wear body armor, then maybe they wouldn’t take the inner half from pitchers. I say, take away all of it but those ankle protectors (they’re for foul balls off the bat).

At any rate, GO BRAVES!

By Tomahawkin' Again

August 8, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Just been listening to Glavine on with Chris Russo on WFAN streaming on the computer. He was asked about being booed by Braves fans and he pretty much ripped those who booed him as not being good fans, as not knowing all the circumstances behind the ‘94 strike and his involvment. Whatever Tom, you’re booed at Turner Field because you went to the stinkin’ Muts for a $5 million more in guaranteed salary and you choked in the ‘02 playoffs against the Giants. Loved you as a Brave, hate you as a Mut…end of story. Now, as far as tonight, LETS GET IT ON!

By john

August 8, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Wouldn’t surprise me to see a Smoltz heater thrown at someone. But, Smoltz is a smart pitcher and won’t do it just because. If the time is right (aka Clemens’ timing last night) then I can see it happening. However, once again, I don’t think he’d put that kind of pressure on Huddy’s finale. I hope like he!! one of them goes in firing though.

Yates seems pretty bad-@$$ maybe we get him to go out there and throw a 97mph heater

By Rivals.com

August 8, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Greg-O forgot he was not on an SEC recruiting update blog. Greg-O is what happens when an SEC fan brings his recruiting crazed mindset over to the baseball diamond. There are about a thousand other things to worry about with this team. If there was any real danger of him not signing, you would not stop hearing about it. Controversy sells. No news is good news. If the kid did not want to sign and did not like what the Braves were offering, or the Braves thought he was being an idiot, then the media would be used as a pawn in the negotiations between the kid and the team. That ain’t happening right now so presume that all is well. But, really, who the hell cares?

By Arkansas Hillbilly

August 8, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

If a brawl were to break out, I’d have my players stay far away from Lastings Millidge and Chris Woodward. Milledge may be strapped and ready to bust a cap in dat azz, and Woodward looks so much like Billy Bob Thornton on Slingblade, he’s got to be toting a lawnmower blade in his equipment bag.

By jerbo

August 8, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

HOla,

Has Bobby ever been asked why doesn’t he try moylan as a fifth starter. He’s been their most consistent starter, has a rubber arm and doesn’t freak out when runners get on. The braves have a surplus of relievers with pronto, boyer and devine in the minors.my hunch tells me this guy could do it. jerbo

By Bob

August 8, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, I love Jeter, but I have to go along with Anders on that one. Still, Jeter is exactly the type of guy I would want to build my team around. I know Shaun will kill me, but he has that intangible…he has it, whatever it is. He is a gamer. Yeah, I know he gets more pub than most anyone else because of where he plays, but he could still play for my team anytime.

By ncscoots

August 8, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

No, fellas, as I mentioned earlier, if there’s retaliation in the forecast, tonight would be the wrong night. Braves are the team trying to put a foot on the Mets’ throat, and anything that might motivate the opponent in the middle game is bad juju.

Win tonight, and Thursday the Braves can plunk anybody they want without regard to the series outcome. But tonight? Make ‘em wait for it and anticipate it all game long.

If indeed they were throwing at Tex in the first place.

By Michael Dunaway

August 8, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

DOB, WFUV is indeed one of the greats…you should also check out KEXP in Seattle (there are streams both live and archived at kexp.org). Best is John Richards’ “John in the Morning” show, although you’d probably love the Sugar Shack as well.

By Josh H

August 8, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Heck Braveheart, I would take, what year was it, the 2005 Carlos Beltran into the playoffs. He got hot at the right time, and its paid off for him both in money, and in all-star appearances.

By Steve

August 8, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Uh… shouldn’t you be in first place before you open your yap Dave?

By russ in augusta

August 8, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Hey, Dave. Do you ever listen to Townes van Zandt? Talk about beautiful sadness and criminally underrated.

Francouer hit everything they threw last night: breaking pitches on both sides of the plate went for doubles, a fast ball went over the left field wall. He’s becoming more and more The Man everyday.

By NVBrave

August 8, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

ssiscribe: October is absolutely the perfect month to come to Vegas. Its usually anywhere between 75 and 90 degrees during the day, and it’ll dip into the low 50s at night. If you’re able to get out of town to some of the parks we have out here, its really amazing in that weather. I’d recommend the Valley of Fire…beautiful place, and only 40 minutes out of town if you get tired of the city.

By Kentavo

August 8, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

DOB, another “Tattoo” by the who:

Me and my brother Were talking to each other ‘Bout what makes a man a man Was it brain or brawn Or the month you were born We just couldn’t understand.

Our old man didn’t like our appearance He said that only women wear long hair. So me and my brother borrowed money from mother We knew what we had to do We went downstairs past the barber and gymnasium And got our arms tattooed.

Welcome to my life tattoo I’m a man now, thanks to you I expect that I’ll regret you But the skin-graft man won’t get you You’ll be there till I die Tattoo

Now I’m older I’m tattooed all over My wife is tattooed too A-roody-to-to Rooty-tooty-to-to Rooty-tooty-to, tattoo too To you

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Gee, Grinch,does that mean you don’t like Bairy? :-)

I had one of those stationary bikes and, sure enough, it was. Now, I have a three-wheeler and I’m FREE!!!

By JS

August 8, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Mayfield you are a loser and an idiotic TOOL!!

Get your facts straight. Matt has always pronounced his name that way because his famil is from Spoain & that’s the way his family ronounces it you fool!!

By JS

August 8, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Mayfield you are a loser and an idiotic TOOL!!

Get your facts straight. Matt has always pronounced his name that way because his famil is from Spoain & that’s the way his family ronounces it you fool!!

By uga-brave

August 8, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

gotta use same approach tonight as last night when facing el duque. get ahead in the count and lay off his junk and he is very hittable.

as someone who has been very critcal of francouer’s approach, i gotta give him his props. the guy looks like a totally different hitter now than he did in may and june. I said in a post about a week ago that he could develop into the X-FACTOR in the line-up. dont really care about the home runs just as long as the doubles keep coming.

for all you cox bashers out there, the guys’ not half the idiot you think he is.kinnda funny what happens when players just execute the game plan. great work by the pen last night.

By uga-brave

August 8, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

gotta use same approach tonight as last night when facing el duque. get ahead in the count and lay off his junk and he is very hittable.

as someone who has been very critcal of francouer’s approach, i gotta give him his props. the guy looks like a totally different hitter now than he did in may and june. I said in a post about a week ago that he could develop into the X-FACTOR in the line-up. dont really care about the home runs just as long as the doubles keep coming.

for all you cox bashers out there, the guys’ not half the idiot you think he is.kinnda funny what happens when players just execute the game plan. great work by the pen last night.

By knowitall

August 8, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Curtis Mayfield, isn’t Matt Diaz from Florida?

By Bob

August 8, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

I would be surprised if there is any further retaliation. The Mets sent a message by hitting Tex that they did not want to have Wright messed with. Soriano was clearly not throwing at Wright based on where McCann had set up. Mota grazed Tex. Nothing last night in the post game indicated that anyone was going to do anything more. That isn’t to say that something else won’t come up, but I seriously doubt that things will happen because of last night.

If I am wrong, then I would think Thursday would be the earliest we see something.

By Efrim

August 8, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

Good post about your list on players you would want in the postseason. I would have to go in this order:

1. Mariano Rivera
2. John Smoltz
3. David Ortiz
4. Derek Jeter
5. Andy Pettitte

Two big game pitchers, hitters and the best closer of all time.

By john

August 8, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Good points, ncscoots. No need to give them any kind of edge for the remaining series’…

Let’s just say I won’t be waiting to see it tonight. Tomorrow, however with a 5 run lead is another story

By Braveheart

August 8, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Time to back up your argument. Better player career wise Jeter or Chipper?

Anders Don’t be an autistic statistic. Chipper is obviously a better player for their careers, although Chipper is a lifetime .288, .411, .459 guy in the postseason whereas Jeter is a .314, .384, .479 guy in the playoffs, so you could definitely argue you would rather have Jeter than Chipper in the playoffs.

Admittedly, it does not hurt Jeter’s fame that he messes around with the Jessicas - Alba and Biel - whereas Chipper is a boring married guy whose most risque dalliance involved one too many helpings of Buffalo Wings from a daisy duke wearing waitress.

But it’s really an apples and oranges comparison anyway. Jeter is a point guard who sets things up and makes others better, Chipper is a shooting guard, small forward who fills up the rim, and guys like Pujols and David Ortiz are the power forwards and centers who kill you with their size and power.

Only an autistic statistic would confuse what he expects out of the point guard with what he expects out of the 2 or 3 or what he expects out of the 4 or 5 just like only an autistic statistic would confuse what he expects from a top of the order guy as compared to a middle of the order guy as opposed to a bottom of the order guy or as compared to a middle infielder as opposed to a corner infielder.

By Arkansas Braves fan

August 8, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Anders,If your talking World Series rings? Of Course Jeter is your man. If your talking regular season numbers? Chipper is the answer. Chipper has a career .403 OBP,.306 AVG,375 HR’S,1255 RBI’S, AND .544 SLG. Jeter is a career .317 hitter with 2300 hits which is very good, but Jeter’s fame comes from playing in October.If Jeter had played his entire career for the mets and played less than half the Postseason games he did for the Yankees he would not be the Household name he is now.Chipper will go down as one of the greatest switch hitters of all time. Jeter will go down as guy who got big hits for a dynasty in the late 90’s. I’ll take Chipper over Jeter anyday.

By Chop Chop

August 8, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

I long for the day when it’s possible for people to differentiate between the aspects of an individual when ripping him to shreds.

Bonds is an all-time great ballplayer (sans humility and scruples) AND an all-time great douchebag.

It’s possible to be both.

Barry’s career is one of absolute self-absorption, culminating in 2007, which is the kind of season that Barry Bonds has always wanted. If you look at the NL West standings, they should read like this:

Arizona

San Diego

Colorado

Los Angeles

Bonds’ Ego*

(* - denotes “super ultimate stupendous tremendous and supremely most awesomest division leader in Barry’s heart”)

By Anders

August 8, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Bob I think that they were buzzing Wright inside. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it either. I’d like to see pitchers be able to take back at least half the plate. There’s guys diving out over the plate all over the place, including Wright. The Mets throwing at Tex is all part of the dance and the Mets should expect someone to get plunked tonight. As long as all stay from the chest down let ‘em go. I worry more that the umps will overreact and send unnecessary warnings which has a greater impact on the game by taking away all inside pitching.

By Steve

August 8, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Yes, El Duque has been very hittable to the toon of a .198 BA against. Good to see your facts are straight. Anyway, to give you guys some kudos, I’d love to have Francouer on the Mets. He’s going to be one helluva ballplayer.

By TampaBrave

August 8, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Does Joey Devine have access to the corporate jet? Just wondering.

If a pitcher on steroids pitches to a hitter on steroids, is that a level playing field?

KJ has got to move to the OF next year. My daughter fields better than him. Love that bat though!!

Put Yunel at SS and Edgar at 2nd. Just a thought. He used to play 2B.

By Shaun

August 8, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Bob,

I like Jeter. I think he’s both overrated and underrated by a lot of people. His abilities are underrated because he does so many things well and none great. I think he’s overrated because people think all those World Series necessarily equal greatness. But no one player can win a World Series. And I’d venture to say the Yankees would have a couple of more if they replaced Jeter with ARod in the ’90s.

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

I stand corrected, and now agree. Tomorrow night is the time for any retaliation, and only if Bobby thinks it is called for. Those of you who “know” me know how hard it is for me not to hit first, and ask questions later. Maybe I’m getting mellow. Nah, it ain’t even 5 o’clock, yet.

By GT80

August 8, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

DOB, the fact that you still read Robert’s post and comment about it is hilarious. Now I have to go back and see what the knucklehead said. What a maroon! But you really made me laugh. But Robert does have a compatriot - Beau Bock. Maybe they are one in the same. Robert, are you really Beau??

Francouer is just a stud. He’s gonna be one of the top players in this league for years to come. He works hard at the craft and doesn’t want to accept anything less than excellence.

Re: Bonds, my only thing with him is it is always about him and never about the team. I think the last 5 years he hasn’t cared whether his team won or lost, as long as he got his AB’s and HR’s and of course his cash. I agree with Murph that it’s obvious, but he never got caught, he’ll never admit it and he’s now #1 on the list. I don’t recall Hank wearing a hat that had 715 on it. Hank just wanted to play ball and help his team win. The HRs were just a by product.

By The Grinch

August 8, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Paladin, a three-wheeler? I thought those things got outlawed years ago. I almost killed myself on one back in the 80’s. Don’t ever try to make a sudden turn at speed, especially on gravel. Unless, of course, you’re talking about a tricycle. :-)

BTW, y’all; I didn’t say “WORD” in my last post. Chuck d. was standing behind me as I typed. He doesn’t like Barry either.

By Shaun

August 8, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

I’m sure you could cite examples where teams won emotional series then got beat in the next round.

Look at a team like the ‘96 Braves.

It’s not clear cut. You can think of all the examples you want but I’m pretty sure there are just as many counterexamples.

I just think ability far outweighs most other things like desire, momentum, etc.

By Anders

August 8, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Braveheart Sorry that’s a weak argument. They’re both contemporary players who played the same position for quite a while and are infielders anyway. Both have long playoff records. Saying that is apple and oranges couldn’t be further from the truth. Who’s dating who really doesn’t concern me. I’ll ask it a different way. Jeter makes $21 mil a year, Chipper makes $12. You think that’s fair?

I don’t see point guards making what Jordan or Shaq make. Anyone want to help Braveheart? - Maybe I am wrong.

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Braveheart You gave me “autistic statistic” and then you use it twice in one post. You, native-american-giver you!

By Bob

August 8, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Anders,

You might be right. Wright does hang over the plate. Braves announcers felt it might be one that got away from Soriano, particularly because of where McCann set up. But Soriano seems to have regained his stuff, so it would not surprise me if you are right.

By BamaBrave

August 8, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

It cracks me up that the Giants lost last night…very fitting.

By Anders

August 8, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Arkansas Braves Fan I’m not saying Jeter isn’t playoff clutch. If I was picking the most clutch playoff player I would probably pick him. But you have to be in the right place at the right time to get all those oppurtunities too. You know who the all time post season home run record holder is?_-Bernie Williams. Good player no doubt but not your quintessential home run guy. He just had many many oppurtunities. Again, Jeter is more than that in the post season, but I agree with Shaun that they may have won as many if not more if they had A-Rod all that time or maybe even Chipper.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 8, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

wes, thanks for keeping this journalist informed about baseball. dob referenced 1,500 at-bats against left-handed pitching. wilson had more than wilson’s share of them. journalist does not normally indulge in such talk, but journalist is thinking wes is a new name not seen before and wes, it could be your and idiot instead of this journalist.

now, scribe … cold cheese or hot cheese? journalist will get right on it!

and dob, some things do not do well in too much heat. leave anne cox chambers in the room.

now, good to know that carroll rogers is backing up four teams. seems like a skilled journalist. who backs up mark davis?

and now, same blogger using so many, many, names … and making the same grammatical error in each post. busted! sja will one day come back to this blog and deal with this blogger. always comes back. like the easter bunny - only with an attitude. working to keep this blog prominent in the world of baseball blogs.

and, dale murphy calls ‘em like dale murphy sees ‘em. still, innocent until proven guilty is so over-taxed. that one must be proved guilty is fundamental but flawed. guilt begins when the deed is done - knowingly, willingly. proof is in the pudding. banana pudding, preferably. with meringue. room temperature or slightly chilled. no steroids.

and now, toes. hot. hot feet. hot feet. athlete’s foot. athletes foot. between the toes. between the toes, no web. no web. most of the players. web? perhaps only a rumor. not sure. could be, though. wears lots of socks.

somebody wake up journalist bob for the game.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

August 8, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

It has been said, “if you place an infinite number of monkeys in front of an infinite number of typewriters, eventually you will come up with all the great works.” I pose the following: If we were to substitute those typewriters and replaced them with keyboards and computers, would we come up with postings by our esteemed Ugandan journalist.

I further ask, would someone still cut the cheese? Oh the humidity, Yes it is very warm and once you get past 95 degrees it doesn’t make much difference anymore. Personally, I am imposing a very large carbon footprint today by maxing out the AC.

DOB Remember to hydrate. They say beer is not a good substitute for water but I am risking it myself.

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Grinch I am talking about a tri-cycle and I don’t appreciate your condecending and wheelier-than-thou attitude. :-)

By Lew

August 8, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Greg O-I didn’t have any questions to begin with. It was you that’s been so upset not knowing recently. It was never an issue in MY life. They probably weren’t planning on trading him for a while, anyway. Glad you’re enjoying the sweet tea, Dude. Happy to know you value my opinion so highly.

By Shaun

August 8, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Braveheart and Anders,

I think it’s pretty close between Chipper and Jeter. Chipper definitely has the better numbers but Jeter plays a position where his numbers are probably at least close to as impressive and he’s been able to stay injury-free a little more. But also, thirdbase is a tough position to fill also. There are fewer thirdbasemen in the Hall than any other position.

It’s certainly close. I’d probably take Chipper but it could be my bias coming through.

I don’t by the World Series ring argument. If Chipper were on the Yankees, I think he’d have just as many rings as Jeter.

Brosius has more rings, does that mean he’s better than Chipper?

By Arkansas Braves fan

August 8, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

I agree Anders. I got to run so I won’t be able to respnd any more today. Go Braves!

By Anders

August 8, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

8Bob* Mets annoncers thought it was intentional and they applauded it. Hernandez and Darling both said it was the right pitch 0-2 against Wright. He was setting up the slider. That’s big league baseball. If you ain’t hurt you ain’t trying hard enough.

By bigboi

August 8, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Paladin why do you call Braveheart native american giver? It was the white men that gave the indians the land then took it back. So the saying should be “white man giver”

By uksportswriter

August 8, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

David Wells just got waived by the Padres. DOB, would the Braves take a flyer on the best druken pitcher in baseball?

By Dirty Scribe

August 8, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

David Wells just got waived by the Padres. DOB, would the Braves take a flyer on the best druken pitcher in baseball?

By Lew

August 8, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

Took my own advice and went and had a cold glass of lemonade then listened to some tunes. Thought this one was appropriate to some of today’s discussion… One Hundred and Ten In The Shade-John Fogerty Way out here in the cotton-sun beatin down so hard. Sweat rollin off of this shovel-Diggin in the Devil’s bone yard. Sure like a cold drink of water-Soft rag to soothe my face. Sure like a woman to talk to in this place. It’s a hundred and ten-a hundred and ten in the shade. Goin way down, Mama won’t you carry me? Handle so hot I can’t stand it-Might shrivel up and die. Noonday sun make you crazy-Least that’s what the old men say. Bottom land hard as a gravestone-Couldn’t cut it with an axe. Gonna lay me down,here-and that’s a fact. It’s a hundred and ten in the shade.

By Anders

August 8, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Shaun Excellent Brosius point. Plus Brosius actually has some real clutch post season hits.

By Kieran, Long Island Brave Fan

August 8, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

WFUV is my college’s Radio Station, Fordham University, I graduated last spring. Very unique station and highly regarded around here.

I was at the game last night, Hung out by the World’s Fair Marina before the game, definatly the best place by Shea to Tailgate. I went of course with my met fan friends, but found a little group of Brave fans all decked out with lettered shirts and tomahawks that I was able to High Five and Chop with after Frenchy went yard. Growing up on Long Island its not often i get to “Chop” with a group of Brave Fans, so it was a fun experience.

A lot of Brave fans tehre as usual, and the average met fan was very awnery and uncoftable as usual. Last night had the same feel thats been going on for the bast decade and a half, no matter what Willie, David Wright and the otehrs say about it being “A differant Braves Team”, they still own those mets.

Go Braves!

By Anders

August 8, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Paladin Me thinks we found a double dipper somewher between 5:18 and 5:19-no?

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

bigboi One thousand pardons for my politically incorrect statement.

Braveheart You are an engine giver.

By David O'Brien

August 8, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Knowitall, Diaz was born in Oregon, but lived almost his entire life in Central Florida, the Lakeland area.

By Chris

August 8, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Anybody think the Braves will consider David Wells? His numbers stink, but then again, so does every Braves’ 5th starter this season.

By Ron Roberts

August 8, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Shaun… I never once said that ability should be overlooked. But I don’t think ability is the issue in the discussion, dude. You keep straying from what started all of this; are these Braves/Mets games pivotal? This late in the season, I say they are. Singularly or as a collection, I think they’re pivotal.

I think, objectively, you could look at the Mets’ and Braves’ rotations and lineups and make an argument that one or the other could have the upper hand, depending on perspective.

But the fact is, they’re up by 3.5 games, and every game we play ‘em, with only a little under 50 games left in the season (8 of those against them, by the way) is a pivotal game. Of course, we could sweep ‘em and then go 0-47, and that would trash the theory, but neither team’s gonna tank; but they do both play each other 8 more times with less than 50 games left to play. I think if the Braves manage to sweep the Mets in Flushing, and we leave only 1.5 games back, it only makes it more a likelihood that Atlanta catches and passes ‘em. If we win 2 of 3, we’re still leaving town 3.5 games back with 47 to play and only six games head-to-head to better the outcome in the division.

That’s been the discussion, Shaun. Not just momentum and ability. But I’ve entertained your argument(s) in those avenues, as well.

By BamaBrave

August 8, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Good one, bigboi…

By caveman22

August 8, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Paladin

Ooooooohhhhhhhh, I am so scared right now……

Your just another old man blowing out insults from your keyboard because your too much of a wimp to actually be able to do something to anybody in person. So keep up with the tough talk, it just makes you look like the as$clown that you really are.

By David O'Brien

August 8, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

Time to dig into a turkey sub from Mama’s of Corona, one of the few (only?) redeeming points of Shea Stadium.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 8, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

cheese is sometimes heated. hot cheese dip with jalapenos comes to mind. fondue, as well, comes to mind. cheese, when heated, can be poured. warm cheese is served in many fine restaurants. cold cheese is sometimes served on a tray in a pressbox with journalists all around. cheese on a tray, if left out in the sun, can become stinky cheese. stinky cheese is undesirable much like the stinky blogger. best to keep cheese trays chilled and warm cheese heated. combine the two for a journalist’s delight. nothing pivotal here, just good cheese talk. cheese is not to be spoiled. never waste cheese. there are less fortunate people out there who have no cheese. those who have no cheese can never experience the thrill of the cheesegasm (common to many journalists in the late innings of a baseball game). can say, cheesegasm on here? will find out in a minute … oh, the poor taste of some bloggers. innocent until proved guilty.

and now, carolina lady is coming back tonight so this journalist must clean up this journalist’s act. everyone have a pleasant time watching the game.

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Fran “The Man” is on fire ! Its good to see the Braves beat the Mets and gain ground in the pennant chase. Anybody wanna give me some props on Yunel Escobar ? I told ya’ll he was a 5-tool player that would become a superstar (and he will). He took right up where Renteria left off…

Did anyone else notice Francoeur kiss some player or coach on the cheek in the dugout after his homerun ? That was weird…

Dotel needs to stay out of the center of the plate with those fastballs. Hitters are teeing off on those !

We need a great outing from Smoltz tonight. Its pretty much playoff baseball from here on out ! I like our chances of winning the division more than winning the wild card race. Its easier to beat out two teams instead of six teams.. Go Braves !

By David O'Brien

August 8, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

Just talked to Mike Hampton, who’s with the team here and is throwing today for the third time. Throwing from 45 feet, then going to 60 next week, then 90, 120. Throwing every other day for a month. Plan is to throw off mound in September, get in instructional league games in October, then pitch in winter ball.

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 8, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

Your post

August 8, 2007 4:02 PM

Billy Lemme get this straight. You were all upset last night because most of us give absolutely no kudos to Bonds for cheating his way to that record but you wanna call Jeter overrated because of a lack of power. Gotta get your priorities straight. You want us to celebrate a crook but discredit a clean player who has done it the right way? Maybe Jeter should have juiced up and hit 40 homers a year so that you could respect him.

Saying that Jeter is just a product of ESPN hype is a bunch of garbage as well. The reality is Jeter is considered what he is because he does it in the postseason where everyone is watching him.

What’s next, is Tom Brady overrated as well?

My response.

Braveheart,

As always, you read what you want to read and draw conclusion based on your distorted perspective of my post along with what appears to be a poor reading comprehension.

I never said Jeter was over-rated due to lack of power. I said that he was a product of very good Yankee teams and a large market. I think he is a good player not great.

Why dont you present your facts straight before you attack my proirities. You did this before misconstruing my post with someone elses. Learn to read.

If you don’t think ESPN and other national networks contributed to D. Jeters image as one of the all time greats your sick. He is probably a HOF but is he in the top 50 greatest. No not even close. Bonds and Jeter dont belong in the same conversation.

He is not even the best shortstop on his team. However, he is a good post-seasont player. But again when you have the talent he has had behind him you better have some good stats. Thats why I think he is over-rated.

Here is a telling stat. Leads in over all plate appearances all time in post season however is not in the top ten in OBP% or SLG% or AVG. He does lead in runs though.

Witht that said a .314 AVG in the post-season is good not great espcially with the AB’s he has.

This is truly astouding compare Andruw’s stats with Jeters and project’s andruws stats with the same AB’s as Jeter the run production is awfully similar. AJ is eighth all time in post season runs with half as many aB as Jeter.

AJ will probably get No where near the same amount of hits but runs and RBIS the stats that I look at are about the same.

Oh yeah look at chipper in 200 less AB’s. Run production is already close to Jeter’s level.

Last thing, Jeter has never won an MVP and I dont think his stats are worth 20 million a year.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/leaderscareerbat.shtml

Whats the right way Braveheart? Explain that to me? You probably think taking greenies is different than steroids. Further you probalby see scuffing or applying a foriegn substance on a baseball is not the same either.

But no one subjects Gaylord Perry or others for putting illegal substance’s on the baseball to gain an unfair adavantage.

No one calls someone taking creatine and other legal performance enhancers unethical.

Jeter is no where near the player B. Bonds is. With or with out steroids.

D. Jeter is great at what he does. A supporting player. He will never be a game breaker. How many MVP’s does Jeter have? When you have some of the most prolific power hitters in the game batting behind you you better get on base and score runs.

Ask C. Jones what was one of the biggest contributions he got when he was rookies and contributed to his ealry sucess. He will say batting infront of F. McGriff and D. Justice.

Dude you have your opinion on Bonds which is ok but dont distort what I write. Then attack for it. Mabey your priorty ought to be to learn how to read.

Once more H. Aaron shows what kind of class he has by congraulting B. Bonds and truly putting perspectiv on the moment. Too bad alot of ol’ Hank’s fans cant

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

Anders a “double dipper” at 5:18 and 5:19 and a dipsh!t at 5:29.

By BamaBrave

August 8, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Mike…Hampton, you say, DOB? The name rings a bell, but I can’t quite place him. Did we get this guy in the trade with Texas?

Juuuuust kidding. The ‘08 roster will look mighty sweet…

By MS

August 8, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Tonight’s lineup: W. Harris lf K. Johnson 2b C. Jones 3b M. Teixeira 1b B. McCann c J. Francoeur rf A. Jones cf Y. Escobar ss J. Smoltz p

I like it!

By Christy

August 8, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Greetings all. A few weeks of vacation and travel and so much happens. all caught up now.

A couple of comments. on the Diaz pronunciation thing. Spaniards and Latinos - same language, same pronunciation, most Latinos descend from Spaniards (please note, this includes many races, not just white, or mestizo, black or moor or mulatto), including yours truly. Difference being that once Matt’s grandfather (or was it great-grandfather?) arrived on the West coast, changed the pronunciation for the sake of the “anglos” on that side of the country.

Tomahawkin’ Again If you’re going to say that some Braves fans hate Glavine (not I, who still consider him my favorite player -nor do I know why I’ve just admitted that to this blog), because he went to the Mets for more $$ and because of his 2002 choke, then we have to hold Maddux to the same standard. He left for more money, and had just as many chokes as Glavine, if not more and Tommy came through in the biggest game in Atlanta Franchise history.

Glavine’s 14 and 16 in post season, in 35 starts with a 3.30 ERA. Maddus is 11 and 14 in 32 starts with a 3.34 ERA. Exactly how much of a difference is that? Glavine “choked in 2002”, following Maddux’s in 2000.

He was player rep for the 1994 strike year. He was man enough to shoulder the blame many heaped on him alone, when it should have been spread out among the players who he reported to as much as led.

Okay, coming down off my personal soapbox RE Glavine now and headed home. Y’all have a nice evening and keep cool.

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’m sorry but Hampton should refund at least half his 2007 salary. I know he didn’t want to be hurt but accountability has to start somewhere… I wouldn’t deserve that money if I didn’t play, nobody would deserve it.

Chipper is the 2007 Braves MVP. He might be MLB’s 2007 National League MVP too !

By Braveheart

August 8, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Anders, if Chipper played in NYC, he would be making about Jeter money as well. But you also can’t forget that Jeter does not get paid strictly for what he does on the field. Part of that is the tremendous growth in attendance and merchandise sales and beverages and food and parking and television ratings since his arrival - similar to how AROD’s is also justified by the attendance growth since his arrival in 2004.

Jeter is worth an $18 million contract in NYC but not in Atlanta. Chipper is worth a $12 mil contract in Atlanta but significantly worth more if he played in NYC - see Tom Glavine.

If they both played in the ATL, Jeter would make less than Chipper because his name and persona is not worth as much here as Chipper’s. Chipper’s star power is more powerful in this city for who he is and where he from than Jeter.
If they both played in NYC, Jeter should make more money than Chipper because of what the Jeter name and personality means to the team in terms of money in NYC as opposed to what Chipper means in that city.

And it is apples and oranges. Chipper is a corner infielder. Jeter is a shortstop. Much different expectations from what you expect out of them from an offensive production standpoint because of the position they play. There are also much different expectations from Jeter being a #1, #2 hitter as opposed to Chipper being a #3, #4 hitter. For the positions they play, they are each excellent for the position they are asked to play. For the lineup positions they have, they are each excellent for what they are asked to do.

It’s similar to Kelly Johnson being significantly more valuable to this team from an offensive production standpoint as a second baseman than as a leftfielder or first baseman. Chipper does not want to play left or first for many reasons - one being that he knows he is more valuable to the team and HOF voters offensively as a third baseman than as a leftfielder or as a firstbaseman.

Jeter is Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, and Tom Brady. Chipper is Michael Jordan, Lebron James, and Peyton Manning. They are each asked to do much different things but each does them excellently and they both do what they are asked and much more.

By Anders

August 8, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

DOB Mama’s is an excellent choice but you need to stop dissing Flushing. Lot’s of great places to eat. Have you ever ventured into Corona or are all these observations from the window of a cab?

By TexasBrave

August 8, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

ME - is that line up for real or your personal wet dream?

By jimmy msith, ugandan journalist

August 8, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

yes, that was a big, wet, kiss. journalist saw it, too. and the hug … the big hug with chino cadahia. francoeur was in a most cheerful mood. still, kissing other players is to be discouraged.

in jimmy smith’s country, there was once a political leader that would kiss freely other men. if a taste was acquired, that person could later be eaten at a state dinner. never trust kissers.

and now, that was the last bad post. soon carolina lady will be here and jimmy smith is sure to be caught with these ugly posts. of course, jimmy smith should get a few mulligans after all the abuse this journalist took for months from stinky(s). still. decorum demands a kinder, gentler blogging experience.

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 8, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

Similar Batters through Age 34 Chipper Jones

Compare Stats Gary Sheffield (928) Duke Snider (904) * Dick Allen (877) Billy Williams (870) * Jeff Bagwell (870) Frank Thomas (858) Bernie Williams (857) Mike Schmidt (852) * Rafael Palmeiro (851) Reggie Jackson (845) * do the same.

Similar Batters through Age 32 Derek Jeter

Compare Stats Roberto Alomar (913) Ryne Sandberg (890) * Frankie Frisch (886) * Arky Vaughan (878) * Alan Trammell (869) Joe Torre (855) Bobby Doerr (853) * Ivan Rodriguez (852) Pete Rose (845) Charlie Gehringer (844) *

Similar Batters through Age 29 Andruw Jones (although this list will look different after this season)

Compare Stats Frank Robinson (874) * Eddie Mathews (862) * Johnny Bench (861) * Ken Griffey (849) Ruben Sierra (846) Al Kaline (844) * Ron Santo (840) Hank Aaron (828) * Juan Gonzalez (826) Darryl Strawberry (820)

Who’s list look better?

By Ron Roberts

August 8, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

What kills me about people who call themselves Braves’ fans and boo Tom Glavine is they remember his being a team players’ union rep, and they wanna say he “choked” in 2002 (what about Russ Ortiz?), but they don’t remember all he did in our World Series’ seasons, let alone the 1-0 one-hit shutout he pitched in the deciding Game 6 in 1995’s World Series.

And lest we forget that team owners, to this day, don’t have to crack their books open for anybody to see how their accounting works. They only made vague statements about constantly losing money, yada yada yada, and never offering to show off their ledgers. And they weren’t even as galvanized as the players were. If the owners could have kept maverick spenders like Tom Hicks and George Steinbrenner from running up the market for free agents, maybe the 1994 strike wouldn’t have happened.

The economics of baseball are about as healthy as they’ve been in a long time, and Bud Selig gets not nearly enough credit, I think, in steering the game through a tumultuous tenure, what with the 1994 strike, the “steriod era” that his predecessors frankly were asleep at the wheel for, and the such. The luxury tax has been beneficial in balancing the power a bit.

But as long as owners refuse to open their books to prove their case, they’re just as much (if not more) to blame for the labor problems in the 1990s. Hell, even with the luxury tax seeing tens of millions going to teams like the Royals, the Royals aren’t forced to put that money into team payroll, or show any accountability for it.

My point is, stop booing Tom Glavine, the former Brave. Boo Tom Glavine, the Met, all ya want. But show some dignity and appreciation for what he’s done on the field for the Atlanta Braves all those years. The one World Series we won, we probably don’t without him.

By Anders

August 8, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Anyone have a picture of Braveheart? I think we should put it on the side of a milk carton. he’s apparently been kidnapped. paladin Organize the search. Shaun Alert the media. I’ll make brownies.

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

all these observations from the window of a cab?

Anders DOB shares cabs with Huddy. It’s cheaper that way albeit somewhat humbling, at times. :-)

By Miss Manners

August 8, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Caveman! Hello, darling. There you go again picking on Paladin. If you are going to be the smart one you must learn to use “you’re” correctly. You had two boo boos in that last post, sweetie.

By TexasBrave

August 8, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

robdawg06 - Good point. Were else besides professional sports can someone get hurt and still receive all their salary? Sports needs to set up some type of workers compensation like us regular Joe’s get if we get hurt on the job.

By Anders

August 8, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

* Braveheart* Let’s agree to disagree. Enjoy the game tonight boys. I’m off to watch with some fellow brethren. I shall be back tomorrow.

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 8, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

By Braveheart

August 8, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Anders, if Chipper played in NYC, he would be making about Jeter money as well. But you also can’t forget that Jeter does not get paid strictly for what he does on the field. Part of that is the tremendous growth in attendance and merchandise sales and beverages and food and parking and television ratings since his arrival - similar to how AROD’s is also justified by the attendance growth since his arrival in 2004.

Wow your such a good guy! ESPN does not contribute to this treand at all does it?

By Bob, Journalist

August 8, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Shaun Payne

At his most valuable Bonds was as valuable as anyone—Ruth, Wagner, Mantle, Williams. And he was great for long enough to be considered one of the ten greatest

I don’t pretend to know what you mean by “at his most valuable Bonds was as valuable as anyone” … are you talking about baseball cards?

I’m sure most folks agree with you but I don’t … I’m sure that I’m in the minority but I just happen to believe that he isn’t among the top 25-30 players of all time.

Methinks comparing Barry Bonds to Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson, Ted Williams, Ty Cobb, Christy Methewson, Jimmy Foxx, Stan Musial, Roger Hornsby, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Josh Gibson and Henry Aaron … is a bit like comparing Victor Frankenstein to Mary Shelley … though Barry may well be a monster.

By TNRON

August 8, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB,I was just on Padres website and they said Ledezma was a possibility to start for them on Saturday.How come he can start in SD but we said his arm wasnt in shape to start?I just dont understand how we can GIVE McBride away for this guy and at least not see if he could have been a better option in the 5th spot.Supposedly when they traded for him they thought then he might be a better starter than reliever,and if you wanted Ring you probably could have traded for him anyway.Just wondering.

By dack jerrick

August 8, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Mike Hampton is one of the guttsiest, most determined players ever to put on the spikes. If there is anyone in the game who can overcome the type of adversity he has faced it is Mike H. Any true Braves’ fan is pulling for this guy night and day.

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

is that line up for real or your personal wet dream?

TexasBrave Please!! We are trying to cleanup the blog. What you referred to above—according to Miss Manners—is a damp interlude. Bookmark that, if you will.

By caveman22

August 8, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

ok ther pul-a-dik

what’s the matter, the Poligrip not giving you that secure feeling? Or did you just realize your out of Depends and the ones your wearing are in need of changing?

Well look on the bright side……….well shoot-I guess their isn’t one. Sux to be you huh?!

By Chop Chop

August 8, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

To anyone who defends Barry Bonds on the grounds that he’s innocent until proven guilty, I only have one thing to say to you:

Your pathedic.

By David O'Brien

August 8, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Anders, I’ll diss whatever I want.

And yes, I’ve been to Corona and there’s quite a few outstanding restaurants there. My ex-wife took me to a famous Italian restaurant, Park Side, that’s one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to, better than any Italian I’ve had in Manhattan and Little Italy.

But again, I’ll diss whatever I want. And the immediate area around Shea is a dump. Sorry, just is. Or maybe you like multiple chop shops lined up along the street directly adjacent to the new park being built now?

And if I WAS observing from the window of a cab, what does that mean anyway? You can’t see from the window of a cab? You’ve got to get out and what, run your hands along the graffiti to know it’s real? Whatever. Relax. If you don’t want me dissing Flushing, too bad.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

August 8, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

jjs If one were to become astute in the formation, tasting and preparation of various types of cheeses, would that person be referred to as a “Cheez Wiz?

And would a rose still smell as sweet were one to cut the cheese? Ah well, I bid you a fair fondue.

By caveman22

August 8, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

to Miss-opinion really doesn’t- Matter

yeah I saw that but if you going to start checking grammer on this blog you’re going to have a full time job on your hands.

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

pul-a-dik

Mr. caveman, are you trying to tell us what you do with most of your time?

By TexasBrave

August 8, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Paladin if that were true you would have been booted a long time ago! ;-)

By Greg O.

August 8, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

Lew,

Whether they wanted to trade him August 16, 2007 or July 31, 2015, it’d be irrelevant if they didn’t sign him. But I’ve had enough of the pi$$ing contest. I’ll just go to Baseball America’s website - they understand that the whole organization is important to the success of the big league team.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

August 8, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

chino cadahia Would take a really big pot……. Bright side is he would feed a very large gathering. Maybe it is a French thing, more likely Chino spotted something that was tipping off Perez’s pitches.

By caveman22

August 8, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

DOB You know there’s a reason they named it “Flushing”, it is quite the toilet isn’t it!!

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

Jeter and Chipper are really close period. Both are their team’s franchise players. Both are in the top 3 at their positions. Both are lifers on their original teams. Chipper has a little better power and Jeter is a little better on defense (range). Arod is better than both but gets booed in N.Y. by Yankees fans. Imagine that…

Exactly TexasBrave. I’m pizzed at any Braves player that collects millions on the DL. Or any major leaguer period. What is totally insane is that Clemens is getting paid about $5 million per start this year and he has a losing record.

I’m going to say this and I truly believe it. I think around 90% of ALL MLB players used some form of steroids from 1995 to 2004. The reason MLB doesn’t want to do anything about is for this reason. How do you punish 90 % of MLB players ? Many have retired too. Rafael Palmeiro was caught in a dead-lie. He testified “I have never used steroids” then a few days later tests POSITIVE for steroids and retires. Unbelievable. Most hate Jose Canseco but I believe he was the only player telling the truth in front of Congress.

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 8, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop,

If all the circumstantial evidence in the world showed that you killed someone and I believed you were innocent until proven guilty would I be pathetic for beliving in the legal system or you?

By Will Schaffer

August 8, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Haha, completely agree DOB. Not only is the area around shea a dump but the flushing toilet itself is a dump. Absolutely can’t stand anything about that place.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 8, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

oh, dob seems to be in just the right mood tonight for a game with the mets. this is good because there are more ny journalists than atlanta journalists should anything physical begin in the pressbox. “open that window, wimp.” will not likely be heard tonight - not with dob so feisty. and why do papers blow off a laptop anyway? and cheese can be a good adhesive in a pinch. or as some here prefer, in a pitch. and gil must know that real cheese does not come in a jar or a can. canned cheese is a farce. imagine a self-respecting journalist carrying cheese in a can. not going to happen. riding in a cab, looking out the window, carrying canned cheese. nope, not going to happen. it is good dob is covering this game instead of carroll in case things get rough.

By MS

August 8, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

TexasBrave, yes that was tonight’s real lineup.

By Lew

August 8, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Greg O-Whatever. Enjoy your journey. Dude-If this were really a p!$$ing contest, believe me, you’d be needing a shower. Why don’t you just ease up on your journalistic demands and quit being such an @$$ when no one rushes to answer your questions and no one would call you on it.

By Chop Chop

August 8, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

DOB, there’s a lot of culture in Flushing. Hope you packed penicillin.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

August 8, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

robdawg06 Sounds to me like you have a real future as a human resources director for any number of large corporations. Just the attitude they are looking for. “To heck with what the contract says, don’t pay them……” Could also look into working for the Social Security Administration or the VA.

I repeat, no one forced the Braves to accept Mike Hampton’s contract. Now get over the money thing, it was a self imposed restriction by Time Warner.

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

TexasBrave I have been “booted”. By SJA. And believe me, those size 17EEs go in hard and they come out even harder. :-)

By caveman22

August 8, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

Pala-dork

It just amazes me that people like you want to “clean up” the blog when what you really mean is you want it to be they you like it. Of course, it’s OK for you to insult somebody because you think your opinion matters.
DUDE - this is a blog and none of what gets said here matters in the real world so get off you high horse and hurry on down to the Golden Corral - their still giving Senior Citizen discounts till 7:00.

ps- don’t worry about the poligrip - they got lots of Jello.

By Miss Manners

August 8, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

Oops! Caveman, sweetie, you have made three more errors since my last post. The contraction, “you’re” replaces “you are”. As in, “you’re not very smart”. Yes, correcting “grammer” will be a full-time job, but eliminating you will eliminate most of the problems. Bye now, sweetie.

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

That’s a real problem in today’s judicial court syatems. You take the Nichol’s guy that killed the police officer and judge in Atlanta. His case has never been tried. He keeps trying to change the venue for a trial. They have him on camera committing the crimes (murders) and about 35 witnesses too. He should have been hanged at the courthouse square the next day. But he will keep appealing with crooked lawyers and drag it out for decades. The judicial system in America is a joke…

By Braves Fan in Denver

August 8, 2007 6:30 PM | Link to this

Greg,

I am the one that asked Jim Callis about Hayword. I don’t blame DOB for not paying too much attention to the minor leagues. The guy knows about the Braves top prospects, but has enough going on covering the major league club.

If people don’t realize the impact the entire organization has on the big league team, they don’t understand the league. They should look at the Braves roster and see how many of those guys came up through the farm system. Without a great farm system, the Braves would not be where they are today. That is how most of the top teams in the league today have built their clubs. Look at Milwaukee, Atlanta, Arizona, they have built the big league club through the farm system. Sure they have made trades, but without the farm system, the Braves wouldn’t have been able to get Texeria. BTW, the teams can’t trade guys they just drafted and signed. There is a rule that they have to be in the organization a certain amount of time before they can be traded.

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop If you are going to kill somebody to “prove” Billy’s “point”, I have an obvious nomination. :-)

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

DOB, heed the words of John Rocker. Lol.

By Bob, Journalist

August 8, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, you can color me dense but how does “ownership refusing to open its books” make them in any way responsible for the labor problems in the 1990s?

Two additional questions …

Should not labor should be entitled to share in the profits only to the extent that they are willing to share in the losses?

Should management, with the approval of ownership, be able to use incentives to attract labor?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

August 8, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

jjs Just for that, I am not going to share my box of wine with you….

By The Grinch

August 8, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

Christy, dear, Maddux left because we never even made him an offer. Glavine left after turning down an offer from us that was frankly more than he was worth at the time to take a marginally better offer from our main rivals. And while their post-season numbers are comparably mediocre, Glavine couldn’t carry Maddux’ jock overall. The two don’t compare favorably, but not for the reasons you listed IMO.

Ron Roberts, I’m a real live Braves fan and I still boo Glavine. I appreciated what he did when he was here, but what he did when he left, the way he did it, and the smarmy way he’s acting about it now are grounds for me to boo him as far as I’m concerned.

Bob J, your 5:59 was right on target.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 8, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

lew, why not bring in some more pencils and paper and try a chino cadahia portrait? should be ready about october. still, chino is a nice man. and gil is likely right. francoeur probably went to school with chino before that at-bat. otherwise, why would anybody hug chino cadahia on a hot night in nyc? better to smell bad cheese. and now, baseball … will willie randolph have a surprise for bobby cox tonight? there have been rumors …

By Stinky

August 8, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

Dob’s dissing Flushing? With a name like ‘Flushing’, its gotta be good, right? What’s DOB’s problem?

By jon

August 8, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

ANDERS…..let me remind you…you’re on our blog! Not the other way around, OUR BLOG WRITER can diss anything he wants!

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

Gil, things would be totally different with me in charge. You wouldn’t hear about a gas company CEO making $8 million in bonuses while every American is paying an average of $1.50 more per gallon for gas than in 2006. Gas is going to sell PERIOD. With billions of cars and trucks on America’s highways its a no-brainer, duh-huh. A CEO is not even needed.
What do you get paid Gil if you get injured and can’t work ? I bet its no where close to your full salary. You might get disability if you paid for the insurance…

By Ron

August 8, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

I hate ESPN soooo much!!! They have the game on tonight, but yet it is blacked out here AGAIN!!! The Only games on ESPN I get to see of the Braves is ONLY on Sunday nights!!! They never black out those games!!! I just DONT understand why the Braves games are ALWAYS blacked out here!!! Either it is blacked out when the Braves are playing at home or away, such as NY or wherever!!! But yet they will show the Mets and Nats games and they are NOT blacked out!!! No other game that they have EVER shown is blacked out other than the Braves games!!! I just DONT get that!!!

By Braveheart

August 8, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Billy You’re right I misread your post - only because I did not read it literally - it actually does take reading comprehension to read between the lines Billy and see what you are actually saying. I could tell exactly why you think he is overrated from reading your first post - his lack of power - you think ESPN and the media market overexpose him because you don’t think he hits enough homers. And in your response, you proved that I did not miscomprehend you at all. In your response, you said:

is not in the top ten in OBP% or SLG% or AVG the top ten all time should be filled by corner infielders, outfielders, and not shortstops. it should also be filled with people with much smaller sample sizes in the postseason because it is much easier to post freak playstation stats in a limited amount of at bats. There is going to be more of a normalization of stats with a larger sample size.

compare Andruw’s stats with Jeters and project’s andruws stats with the same AB’s as Jeter the run production is awfully similar you are comparing him to a slugging outfielder.

look at chipper in 200 less AB’s. Run production is already close to Jeter’s level. you are comparing him to a power hitting corner infielder.

Jeter has never won an MVP and I dont think his stats are worth 20 million a year. again power hitters tend to win the MVPs. His ability to sell merchandise, tickets, beer, television ratings and to be one of the best players on a 4 time World Series winner makes him worth $20 million.

By Chop Chop

August 8, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Billy,

I’m referring to the naive idea that if something isn’t proven in a court of law, it didn’t happen. No one is pathetic for believing in the legal standard of “innocent until proven guilty”. I just think some people like to take that legal standard and apply it to other aspects of life where such a strict standard is not guaranteed or required.

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

I consider Glavine and Maddux traitors. They both left for more money than the Braves wanted to pay them. I appreciated all they contributed over the years but since money was more important (unlike it was for Chipper,Andruw,and Smoltz) to them, good riddance…

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

This place is becoming overrun with trolls, fools and adolescents. Sometimes, all three within the same organism. I’m going to take a dinner break. Hopefully, it will soon be time for “them” to go hang out at the mall.

By Braveheart

August 8, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

Jeter is no where near the player B. Bonds is. With or with out steroids. Again, you are comparing a middle infielder to a slugging corner outfielder.

D. Jeter is great at what he does. A supporting player. He will never be a game breaker. Again, you think he is a supporting player because he is not on steroids hitting 40, 50 home runs in this steroid era you seem to think is acceptable and which we should stand up and applaud.

Ask C. Jones what was one of the biggest contributions he got when he was rookies and contributed to his ealry sucess. He will say batting infront of F. McGriff and D. Justice. Ask Jeter the same and he never praises himself and says everytime it was Mr. Torre, Paul Oneill, Tino Martinez, Jorge Posada and every other guy before he starts getting carried away with himself and crediting Luis Sojo.

By Chop Chop

August 8, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

Paladin, just as long as you’re a witness for the defense…

By Braveheart

August 8, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Whats the right way Braveheart? Explain that to me? You probably think taking greenies is different than steroids. Further you probalby see scuffing or applying a foriegn substance on a baseball is not the same either. Steroids, the clear, the cream, amphetamines, female fertility products, horse tranquilizers certainly is not the right way despite the level of your acceptance of it. You can sleigh ride down the slippery slope to your heart’s delight but two wrongs don’t make a right. Would Derek Jeter have gained your approval if he took roids and hit 30 homers a year?

He is not even the best shortstop on his team. How do you know? Jeter never took steroids like AROD did/is.

By ncscoots

August 8, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Gil and Bob, let’s recap, shall we? Hampton’s contract shouldn’t be honored, since he was injured in the performance of his contract; the judicial system is trash and courthouse hangings are the advised solution; CEOs aren’t actually needed to run large companies; and those who actually have to meet payrolls, and accept the responsibility for doing so, should let other people with no stake in the coutcome determine the level of their success. That about it, so far?

Fellas, “your and idiot” is starting to look more acceptable all the time.

By Ron Roberts

August 8, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist… you had team owners claiming that player salaries were rising too fast for teams to remain competitive, and made claims that they were losing millions of dollars per year, but never once opened their books to prove that.

I mean, how many times did Braves’ fans hear from AOL/TW that the Braves were losing money, when we never heard how much their TV division (TBS) was “paying” their baseball division (the Braves) for broadcast rights? I mean, we just took ‘em at their word that they were losing money w/out any basis to believe ‘em. Somehow the Mets’ new cable network puts the Mets in a situation where they’re awash in money to pad their payroll, and yet the Braves and TBS had been synonymous for decades but alluva sudden we’re trailing the Mets with our spending?

They could’ve been doing just fine, and in fact, making money, but using their argument as leverage to lower player salaries to pad the ownerships’ bottom lines.

I’m not saying some teams weren’t losing money; but how do we know if they’re not open to scrutiny like any other corporation would be in a massive labor dispute? Hell, they didn’t want Congress to look into it bad enough to let ‘em in the books, either, did they?

I’m just saying, it’s not all on the players; there’s wrong to be spread to both sides of the dispute.

And who, among us, hasn’t turned down a higher-paying job? Where was our loyalty to our previous employers? C’mon; Tom Glavine did what most people would’ve done; and it’s been well-documented from interviews with he and John Schuerholz that communication between the two was muddled in his free agent year; but who are we to decry a lack of “loyalty” from Tom Glavine when Glavine felt there wasn’t much “loyalty” from the team he helped guide to a nice run of division titles, NL titles, World Series appearances and a world championship?

I’m just saying the guy deserves more benefit of the doubt.

By Chop Chop

August 8, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Time to make like a monkey and fling El Dookie. Go Braves!

By Yars

August 8, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

We all love Glavine, we just hate seeing him in a Mets uniform, that’s all. I get the feeling this will be his last season.

By Braveheart

August 8, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

If you don’t think ESPN and other national networks contributed to D. Jeters image as one of the all time greats your sick. He is probably a HOF but is he in the top 50 greatest. No not even close. Bonds and Jeter dont belong in the same conversation. Was ESPN supposed to ignore all those clutch hits, homers, fielding plays in the biggest baseball moments? Did ESPN create that or did the fan interest cause ESPN to feature him so much? I never said he was one of the 50 greatest. You are right because Bonds and Jeter don’t belong in the same conversation unless you are talking morality and how you appreciate the player and the man with one being clean and being all that is good and right about the game and the other being an unrepentant dirtbag.

But no one subjects Gaylord Perry or others for putting illegal substance’s on the baseball to gain an unfair adavantage. ‘Cause no one gives a darn about Gaylord Perry. He does not deserve the HOF but he hit a magic number and they put him in but does anyone ever talk about how good he was or do they rather jokingly talk about him as a cheater? The only time he is ever mentioned is to joke about his cheating. His first name is a joke and so is his reputation. Barry Bonds catches hell because he is Barry Bonds, one of the best players of all time. Heavy weighs the crown.

By Braveheart

August 8, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

he was a product of very good Yankee teams and a large market. I think he is a good player not great. on none of his world series teams of the late 90s did anyone on the team hit 30 or more homers. oneill & bernie & tino were not any better than jeter. once the team went away from “supporting” players like oneill & bernie & tino, and got the Giambis, the Sheffields, the Damons, & the Giambis, they stopped winning WOrld Series.

Similar Batters through Age 34 Chipper Jones Gary Sheffield (928) Duke Snider (904) * Dick Allen (877) Billy Williams (870) * Jeff Bagwell (870) Frank Thomas (858) Bernie Williams (857) Mike Schmidt (852) * Rafael Palmeiro (851) Reggie Jackson (845) Similar Batters through Age 32 Derek Jeter - Compare Stats Roberto Alomar (913) Ryne Sandberg (890) * Frankie Frisch (886) * Arky Vaughan (878) * Alan Trammell (869) Joe Torre (855) Bobby Doerr (853) * Ivan Rodriguez (852) Pete Rose (845) Charlie Gehringer (844) * Similar Batters through Age 29 Andruw Jones (although this list will look different after this season) Frank Robinson (874) * Eddie Mathews (862) * Johnny Bench (861) * Ken Griffey (849) Ruben Sierra (846) Al Kaline (844) * Ron Santo (840) Hank Aaron (828) * Juan Gonzalez (826) Darryl Strawberry (820) Who’s list look better?* Yep, Jeter’s list is so awful. Imagine how horrible it must be for a middle infielder to draw favorable statistical comparisons to other great all time middle infielders and top of the order hitters. How shocking it was to me to see Jeter compared to other great middle infielders and top of the order hitters and see Chipper and Andruw compared to other great corner infielders and outfielders and middle of the order hitters. Shocking indeed.

Mabey your priorty ought to be to learn how to read. Fair enough. When I read your posts, I’ll learn to read more literally and not read so much between the lines. Perhaps, you need some reading comprehension skills to understand what you write.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 8, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernJackAss returns to the blog, after a brief hiatus of refreshing R&R, to discover that as the outside temperature has risen, the intelligence quotient of many bloggers seems to have definitely diminished…as the esteemed ugandan jjs had previously alluded to, the dumbing-down of this blog continues unabatedly…hardly a fit domain for man nor beast…

TheJackAss guaranteed in an earlier blog…that identity theft would come to a sudden, and unexpected halt…thus, whither Stinky?…the trap is now set…

TheJackAss will be busy watching the game, while monitoring the blog…and is available to lay boot leather on A$sClown skull if necessary…and TheJackAss is glad to see that it appears as if DOB may just have a little SouthernJackAss in his attitude tonight…JackAss out…and riding the pine…

By Todd

August 8, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

Wow!! Andrew hitting 6th?? What happened? (not complaining)

By David O'Brien

August 8, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

Forgot to mention lineup, but someone probably already has now. Anyway, Willie’s leading off, Escobar hitting eighth, McCann fifth, Francoeur sixth, Andruw seventh. Rest is the usual

By Latka Gravas (Met Supporter)

August 8, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

Mister Schmolts is pitcher tonight for “you-all”. Hope sugeon is standing by to sew back arm after it fall off.

Schmolts not happy his team score no runs for him. Maybe Chipper still mad at him. Maybe Schmolts have bad breath.

By David O'Brien

August 8, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

Oh, also forgot to mention: Hampton has no intentions of retiring after the 2008 season.

“After two years of not playing, I realize I’m not ready to retire,” he said. “I’m planning to definitely play some more.”

By Todd

August 8, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

Oops 7th, even better!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

August 8, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

ncscoots I am not the one proposing to take back something that was contractually agreed to.

By Overlord

August 8, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

Here we goooooooooo Lets go boys…..lets do some damage.

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

Hey coots, you have your idea of America and I have mine. Any conservative would agree with my view. Why pay a man $8 million in bonuses when its not earned ? Why not take that money and keep it and instead lower gas prices 1 cents per gallon so all Americans can benefit instead of just one (that CEO) ?

Its a fact that all jails across America are overcrowded. Its to the point that they put petty criminals back on the street with no jail time (but the crime calls for jail time). The only way to stop crime is to deter it. If you have a lax judicial system them crime will be rampant as it is today. You start using capital punishment and crime will decrease. There is story after story of criminals released that commit worse crimes immediately. Wimp judges are a disgrace to justice for crime victims.

By Latka Gravas (Met Supporter)

August 8, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

Some recent posts on actress Roseanne Barr’s MySpace page created a minor stir… the messages seemed to indicate that Barr was drunk out of her mind while writing them… Barr’s online messages highlight… the dangers of blogging under the influence.

Hmm. Perhaps Roseanne is Brave fan and blogging here.

Who is under the influence? Who can it be?

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

Maybe Hampton is considering 2 more years on the DL as “playing” ? Not at the Braves expense, I hope…

By Yars

August 8, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

Smoltz will either have a great game, or a bloody awful one. Nothing in between. It would be nothing but comedy if he pitches a great freaking game, but gets 0 run support. Watching the Braves the past couple season has definitely been a roller coaster emotional ride.

By A-ville Ranger

August 8, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

Latka How’s the taxi business ? It was really good reading Murphy’s thoughts on blow up Barry.He said what I’ve been saying only better (and people actually listened).The part about not watching as an example for his kids was especially gratifying….OH yea go Bravos !!!

By Ron

August 8, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

McCann batting 5th!!! Surprised it is not Frenchy, but thats fine with me!!!

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

Pardon me, maybe Hampton’s contract (and his only since he’s the DL lifer) should be worded “The contract is void if the player doesn’t pitch in 25 games and will be pro-rated for the games he does pitch in.”

By Ron

August 8, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

Well what do you know!!! The Mets get Reyes on second with 0 out and score him!!! Only IF we could do that more we would be 3 or 4 games ahead of the Mets by now!!! ABC baseball, gotta love it!!!

By jimmy smith, ugandan jouranlist

August 8, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

jose reyes is a player, huh? so many say good leadoff is over-rated but reyes makes things happen. a very good leadoff man. tushy seems to miss a few balls that come tushy’s way. hope that improves soon. now, no more mets runs. please get at least two for smoltz.

By Shaun

August 8, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist,

By valuable I mean worth the most in terms of contributing to wins—creating runs on offense and preventing runs on defense.

In 1992 and 1993 his OPS was over 100 percent better than the league average when adjusting for ballpark. Through the 1998 season he had an adjusted OPS at least 47 percent better than league average 10 times. And he won eight Gold Gloves over that period…as a left fielder, not a center fielder or a right fielder with a great arm.

His resume matches up with pretty much anyone in history, even if we subtract the probable steroid years.

And I’m assuming you are taking his character into account. I would probably agree with you that he wasn’t at all a model citizen, but go back and read some stories about some of those players you mentioned. Read about Ruth’s drinking, eating and womanizing. Read about Mantle’s drinking and womanizing. Read about Hornsby and Williams and Cobb’s nastiness. None of these guys were model citizens. I realize some you mentioned were but a lot were not.

I’m not defending Bonds’s character at all. Or the fact that he likely got more powerful and prolonged his career by using an illegal substance. And I think he should go down in history with the biggest horse’s a**es in the game. But I don’t see how an objective observer could argue Bonds was not at least one of the 25-30 best players of all time, even subtracting the steroid years. I would estimate more like top 10-15.

By Ron

August 8, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Memo to John Smoltz: Do not give up ANY more runs because we are not looking too good against El Dookie!!!

By Miss Manners

August 8, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

We have a winner! Dawgsomething with this: “The only way to stop crime is to deter it.”

By GermanBravesFan

August 8, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

Grinch… I just logged on in the homeland to follow tonight’s game on Yahoo…

I thoroughly enjoyed your post about Bonds!

Prost!

By N8

August 8, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

If the first inning and a half are any indication, this ain’t our night folks.

KJ and Tex look like Ronnie Milsap facing Cy Young for the first time, in their AB’s, Francoeur misses probably the biggest hanger he and his teamates will see all night, and a Smoltz error (looked like a ball Tex could’ve & should’ve caught to me), leads to a run.

YIKES.

By The Grinch

August 8, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

Smoltz looks like he’s aged a good bit all of a sudden; even got bags under his eyes. I didn’t relize Dookie was only 37; I thought he was a good bit older than Smoltz. I seem to remember him being washed up several years ago; he looks good tonight. Anyone else notice the A-B-C baseball the Mets played to give them the lead? Anyone really think it was noticed in our dugout?

By DonCoburleone

August 8, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is definately NOT on his game tonight…. Just keep us in the game Big John!

By Latka Gravas (Met Supporter)

August 8, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

Soon big yellow taxi come to take away old Schmolts.

By jbutler

August 8, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

Yars…you made me laugh about zero run support….Maybe its me and my rapidly advancing years, but it seems like Smoltz doesn’t get the best run support when he’s on target. Not all the time- but enough that I’ve either noticed it - or had bad dreams about it.
DOB…hope the clothes are still on. But - if you feel the need to go commando- it will take everyone else’s mind off what a heap Flushing/Shea are!!!

By Ron

August 8, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

We might have to DL John Smoltz!!! I feel bad for him too!!! This guy just does not have it!!! But I dont know if we can DL him, because we would have to pitch both Cormier and JoJo!!! So I dont know!!! I just dont know IF John will be able to go the rest of the year!!! I hope he does not injure his arm to the point that he is done for the rest of the year!!! This just is not the SAME John Smoltz!!!

By David O'Brien

August 8, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

Robdawg, hate to break it to you, but the Braves didn’t offer Maddux a contract before he left. So does that mean he’s still a “traitor” in your view, or should he have just kind of hung out at Braves camp and asked if he could pitch for them for free?

By A-ville Ranger

August 8, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

There’s clearly something wrong with Smoltz.I don’t know if he’s sick,in pain or just fatigued.I know from a lumbar problem that chronic pain can wear you down.Whatever it is let’s hope it’s a short term thing.

By Overlord

August 8, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

Ron i said this yesterday… el duque is their besta chance.

There something positive here, you know if you dont get to smoltz early you probably wont get to him, so i think things are not so bad.

Breath deep man.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 8, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

It definitely isn’t you Latka Gravas/Stinky…it’s evident that what you’re blogging under is the influence of inbreeding, and lack of education…

By Overlord

August 8, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

1-0 is a joke to this lineup… lets just hope smoltz keeps score that way.

Winning is the goal….. Braves are the better team… go braves.

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 8, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

Braveheart it was fun discussing this with you. Time for baseball now. Last point. You read between the lines sometimes you get yourself into situations such as Iraq.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 8, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Kinda pleasant to watch a Braves game without having to listen to “High-pitch” Chip…

By Brad in KY

August 8, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

The Braves are a better team than the Mets offensively and do not need to play “ABC” baseball. The only thing the Mets are significantly better at than the Braves offensively is stealing bases. Otherwise, the Braves are clearly superior at this point in time when it comes to scoring runs.

The real difference between the two teams is pitching. If the Braves had any rotation depth at all they’d be in first place by a few games at this point. So stop parroting that nonsense.

By heath

August 8, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

i think this game is really important. if the mets get this game, they are most definitely going to want to come out and give it their best to finally win a series this year. if the braves were to get this one, that just might deflate the mets and give the braves a real change to sweep…. braves should look alive here and start playing with a little more intensity. guys look lethargic.

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

DOB, if you remember the year before Maddux agent Scott Bor”a*” waited until no team wanted to pay Maddux $16 million a year and accepted arbitration from the Braves ? That was conveniently after the Braves had already signed Paul Byrd to replace Maddux in the rotation. So the Braves were forced due to payroll to trade a pitcher. That pitcher was Kevin Millwood. So would you deal with Maddux and Bor”a*” again ? I think Maddux signed for like $6 million with the Padres too. And your boy (Mr. DL) Mike Hampton messed that up again (resigning Maddux) being on the DL when he was counted on as the #3 starter this year.

By Overlord

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

Small ball is been executed by muts, thats how they have been winning all year. Theyll need more than that if braves play to their potential.

Go braves.

By The Grinch

August 8, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

Ok Caveman/Robdawg, we get it that you don’t like Paladin and he’s old. Kinda figured it out after the 5th post.

Smoltz is the ultimate warrior and I know better than to totally rule him out, but there’s no way he makes it the rest of the season. I just don’t see it. I’d be surprised if he’s 80% and he looks totally gassed from the get go. I’m more worried about him than I am our season, though they’re one in the same.

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

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

Thats how you pitch….Smoltz is a gamer. His change up is looking good tonight.

By JasonInMaine

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

El duque looks like cy against us…

Smoltz looks NOTHING like the Smoltz we all know and love…he must be hurting…doesn’t have any zip, sharpness, or location…

I have to admit, I am a little concerned about Smoltz. He hasn’t looked like the dominant Smoltz for a while now…

By caveman22

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

hey SJA

I missed a few weeks…..what’s up with this Stinky guy… Is he the one who was stealing ID’s and acting like an As$clown on the blog??

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’ll spell it out for you : Maddux was a traitor for accepting arbitration that year knowing it would cause the Braves a payroll mess (and force a pitcher to be traded). Plus Maddux had even said he would like to finish his career on the west coast since he lived in Las Vegas. It was only a matter of time. He had plans on leaving period. So in my view he cost us Millwood and to pay him an over-inflated salary that year ($16 million) when his market value wasn’t even $10 million that year. The Braves likely would have been glad to sign him for $6 million last year but they probably figured he wanted $16 million a year.

By Latka Gravas (Met Supporter)

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

Game 33.3% over now. Braves better team offensively? They must be leading then? Score says not.

Buck Martinez is creeping Latka out.

By David O'Brien

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

Let me make sure I have this straight, Robdawg. First you said Maddux was a traitor for leaving for more money from another team. Now you’ve revised that and he’s a traitor because he accepted the Braves’ arbitration offer the previous year and got $16 mill, after which, you ask, would I (or the Braves, I presume) want to deal with Boras again?

Well, no. But what does that have to do with Maddux being a “traitor?” Makes no sense. Fact is, the Braves DID NOT MAKE HIM AN OFFER when he became a free agent. So at that point, what was he supposed to do? How in h can that make him a traitor? I’m missing something. I must be. That or you’re just talking out of your … uh, just making it up and changing your reasoning as you go along.

Oh, wait, I’ve got it: Maddux was a traitor for accepting the Braves’ arbitration offer and getting $16 mill, a traitor because they messed up and took a gamble that he wouldn’t accept it, then had to trade someone to make the numbers work on their arbitrarily set payroll. Ok, now I’ve got it. Sorry about the confusion.

By Braveheart

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

Billy, at least we have similar political views. :-)

By Brad in KY

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

Perhaps Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux will all retire after the season and then be inducted into the Hall of Fame together. That’d be cool. In fact, I think that’d be worth making the trip.

By Tomahawkin' Again

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

Man oh man, this is like hitting against a knuckleball pitcher (‘92 LCS vs. Wakefield is coming to mind). Got to keep it 1-0 until we can to their bullpen. El-Duque looks to tough for us tonight. Cmon Smoltzie!

By Colin

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

What was that?…oh that was our offense flying out the door heading back to ATL.

By JasonInMaine

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

Our super powered offense looks like Samson without his hair…

No hits through 4…yikes…

The Braves should s Call Wells’ agent…

By Latka Gravas (Met Supporter)

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

Bobby Cox genius mind working at such fast pace it overheats. Cold towels are required.

Latka derive following equation:

Thorman + dance lessons = Teixeira

By Lee in S. GA

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

Agree Smoltz is not 100% but the Braves just don’t provide the guy with enough run support. Not taking anything away from Hernandez’s pitching tonight but this is a trend when Smoltz pitches. If they lose this game 1-0 it will be a shame

By robdawg06

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

DOB, the Braves couldn’t renege on the arbitration offer after signing Byrd. If they could have they certainly would have. All indications were that Maddux was going to sign with a west coast team. The money wasn’t there from those west coast teams so he fell back on the Braves arbitration offer costing them Millwood. You call him great and I’ll call him a traitor.

By Ron

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

Well since Smoltz is CLEARLY not 100%, I dont think we can WIN the East!!! But we have a good chance with Smoltz being 80% to win the Wildcard!!! The bad thing about it is Smoltz will probably get WORST and WORST as the year goes on!!! Not good for us!!! Hope we at least are able to resign Tex, because the Championship aint coming to Atlanta with Smoltz NOT 100%!!!

UHHHHHH? Is El Dookie shuting us down? Wow, that is pathedic!!! 5 innings of 1 hit ball for him!!! Why am I NOT surprised!!! Well lets go get em tomorrow Hudson!!! Not saying the game is over tonight, but it aint looking good!!! Not at all!!!

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

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

Andruw is still my favorite Brave, if not loyalty but plain stupidity….the whole damn ballpark knew that pitch was going low and outside.

Cant spell his name but the mets pitcher is on it tonight. Were going to need a couple of bombs.

By Brad in KY

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

Latka Gravas

Season 70% over:

Braves = 562 runs, Mets = 522.

Head-to-Head (Braves lead 7-3):

Braves = 44 runs, Mets = 41 (including tonite).

Not counting the Mets 11-1 win in their first meeting, Braves = 43 runs, Mets = 30 runs.

Idiot.

By TheSouthernJackAss

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

caveman—no, this Stinky is just a cheap, generic, wannabe version of the other Stinky…steals an ID occasionally, but he’s so dumb that everyone is immediately aware of it when he does…somewhat odoriferous, but not the same offensive stench as before…however, a t#rd is a t#rd is a t#rd…they’re all just $#!t in the end…jjs has already b!tc#-slapped his stupid @$$ a few times…

By Lee in S. GA

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

Boog just called the mayor of N.Y. a nerd. Starting to like him a little.

By David O'Brien

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

Hey, this shouldn’t come as a huge surprise, given El Duque’s recent performances. Here’s what I had in the ondeck, for those who didn’t see it (and I don’t know how many actually read it, but hey, it’s there just in case):

The Braves face a difficult test in “El Duque,” who’s 3-0 with a 2.48 ERA in his past five starts and 3-0 with a 1.13 ERA and .157 opponents’ average in his past six home starts. He’s 3-1 in six starts vs. the Braves, including 3-0 with a microscopic 0.69 ERA and 1.32 ERA in the past four, with 29 strikeouts and one homer allowed in 26 innings

By Braveheart

August 8, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

Smoltz tends not to get run support because he usually faces the ace of the other team.

How about putting our fifths up against their aces since those are guaranteed losses anyway and getting SMoltz more wins against lesser pitchers?

By Colin

August 8, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

Well atleast we got a hit…WOW….

By Overlord

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

Next inning john is 1st hitter so el duque has the upperhand for the 6th.

7th and 8th is our chance. But since AJ will bat in the 8th i would say 7th is our chance.

9th= wagner … and lets face it he might fece the top of the lineup but the guy is having a grat year.

By caveman22

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

OK OK

I loved that UGLY remark with the telestrator on El Dookie.

Even the announcers get in a slam on the Mutts.

By TheSouthernJackAss

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

Padres dump David Wells—Braves should at least give “Boomer” an opportunity…what would they have to lose…except maybe 300lbs.?…

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

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

We will not score six, seven runs a game every game….their will be times where we wont score any….but lets hope tonights not the night.

That was two bum calls by the umpire. But those are the breaks.

Atta boy B-Mac.

By Sims, Warner Robins

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

Not sure if this has been posted, but I just saw on ESPN that Pedro Martinez gave up 5 ER on a Single A rehab start in 3 innings. This does not bode well for the Mets.

Of course, I doesn’t bother ME. LOL

By Latka Gravas (Met Supporter)

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

Braves need more offensive. Should hire Barry Bonds. Barry Bonds inject more power into lineup. Provide more juice. It is very clear they need him.

Bobby Cox just give confusing sign: nose, nose, nose, nose, shirt. Sign for pick-off?

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

I always wondered why if an umpire was calling a bad game (strike zone) why doesn’t the pitcher just throw a 98 mph fastball at the umpire and tell the catcher not to try to catch it. That would send a message.

By JasonInMaine

August 8, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

Wow, I knew El Duque had been tough lately, but I didn’t know he had been that good…how can he be so hard to hit? I know it obviously isn’t the case, but you would think you could sit on that slow curve and adjust to that 87 MPH fastball…

By Brad in KY

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

Goodness. It’s only the 5th inning. Although it’s possible they’ll be shut out it’s not likely. After all, they’re only behind by one run at this point.

By Herschel Talker

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

DOB: what do you think of teams that hang “Wild Card” banners in their stadiums?

By MurphyRules

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

Yep, this feels EXACTLY like October.

By Bow wow

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

For Smoltz not being “100%” he sure looks damn good so stop your whining. Just because the Braves aren’t 100% tonight doesn’t mean we wont win the East. The Braves are charging and over 162 games you are going to have off nights

By David O'Brien

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

Here’s some bad news for Mets fans: Pedro made his first rehab start tonight for Class A Port St. Lucie. It didn’t go well.

Pitched 3 innings, and allowed 6 hits, two homers, 5 earned runs, with no walks and five strikeouts.

By caveman22

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

sja

I gotta go get some brews so I ‘m gonna leave the b-i-t-c-h slappin to you for a while.

By TheSouthernJackAss

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

Did anyone see that??…and just as TheSouthernJackAss was learning how to steal signs…Bobby Cox goes to his chest, to his chin, to his eyebrow, to the bill of his cap, then twice to his naris with finger and thumb…TheJackAss stole that sign immediately…sign meant…”throw Reyes out quickly, I need to get at this booger!”…

By Paladin

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

Braveheart Speaking of 5ths. :-)

By Colin

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

Nice offensive performance so far

By chrisklob

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

Greg in TN, welcome to balmy South Carolina. I live in Mt Pleasant which is right next to the Isle of Palms. I hope you enjoyed the game at the “Joe” on Monday. It’s a great park. Myrtle Beach’s park is really nice too. I usually go to a handful of games up there each year.

BamaBrave is right about the Windjammer. They have a lot of live music. Also check out Poe’s Tavern on Sullivan’s Island, Bert’s (dive bar), and Budiroe’s.

There are about a thousand places I could recommend for lunch or dinner. Let me know if you’re interested in hearing. I’m in the spirits business so I’m in these places all the time. I can definitely tell you about places that you DON”T want to eat it! Anyway, enjoy your stay!

By Jerry Lawler

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

Lakta

Shut the he!l up.

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

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

Wille Harris had a great AB. Making him work and drew a walk. I think we are being to aggressive…but ump been inconsistant so who knows.

It’s nice to have a speedster. Well two outs….this is where we normally do our damage. Lets see what happens….the man is up! Wait for your pitch CJ.

What a dumbass….its a 2-0 count of course he can sit on a fastball.

Thats our boy! CJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

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

mccann gets a hit, frenchy strikes out, and the new number seven hitter hits into a double play. oh, the humanity!

chino cadahia is intently studying el duque and will soon figure out what is going on. then, chino will whisper something in fracoeur’s ear and perhaps give a little hug…

oh, the humanity! good job, chipper!

By Lee in S. GA

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

Chipper OWNS the Mets.

By Bow wow

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

What do you know we are ahead HELL YEA

By caveman22

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

whoa robdawg

I umpired high school / college baseball for about 5 yrs and I’ve seen that happen. Once by accident and once on purpose, both times during a pitch-out. First off — that only makes if worse for your team and secondly - in a game where I was on first base - it is considered an assault on the umpire and the game is forfeited to the other team if the umpire’s conclude that the manager and pitcher and catcher where all in cahoots together. It also results in fines-suspensions- and forget about ever getting a call from another umpire EVER!!

By Sims, Warner Robins

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

Way to go Larry! Way to go Tex!

3-1 Bravos!

By Tomahawkin' Again

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

WHAT HUSTLE BY KJ! Nice hitting Larry and Tex. It’s destiny Braves Nation.

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

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

1-0….then I turn on the game, and we score 3 runs!!!!! Am I good or what????

By robdawg06

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

Sweet ! 3-1 Braves now ! Where’s that El Duque Mets backer now ? The game is 75 % over….

By David O'Brien

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

OK, nothing to complain about now. What else is on TV?

By heath

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

and just like that…. 3-1…. here we come muts!!!

By JasonInMaine

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

If Willie were ever going to run again…it would have been after his walk against a guy that is throwing 80% slow curves…

Of course, while I am typing this on my blackberry, the Bravos put 3 on the board!!!

By Sims, Warner Robins

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

Way to go Larry! Way to go Tex!

3-1 Bravos!

By Overlord

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

There goes chipper again…… He steals the show AGAIN against the so loved muts.

Great running by KJ.

Team work.

Go braves

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

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

kj is fast and there is no defense for speed. this team now has a few players that can run a little. very refreshing. boog says the crowd has quieted down. probably heading to the exits for muggings.

By Brad in KY

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

Wouldn’t you know it: A three run inning after two were out. And it all started with a walk. Those two out walks are killer, aren’t they?

So much for the shutout. Excuse me while I get my broom out of the closet.

By TheSouthernJackAss

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

The most offensive thing about tonight’s game was Bobby Cox going after that goober with both a finger and a thumb all the way in to the second knuckles…while on TV…

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

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

Grinch,

The other day while b*** about the truly annoying commercials run to death…did you mention these stupid Miller lite ads, where they take the beer out of expensive restaurants???? Isn’t that a great campaign?? This is a cheap beer, meant to be sold for a cheap price!!

Still hate the anytime minutes ad the most.

By A-ville Ranger

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

Larry Jones Met slayer extraordinare !! What a great inning.Johnson is the best baserunner on the team and one of the best in baseball.What a warrior Smoltz is,there’s just no quit in the man.This would be the best win of the season so far,here’s hoping.

By robdawg06

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

Who did I say the Braves MVP was ? Chiiiiiiper !

By Runnin

August 8, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

DOB, any word on how Pedro’s arm felt. I’d assume they are more concerned with the state of his arm than with his performance at this stage. And he did strike out 5 in 3 innings.

By Lee in S. GA

August 8, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

SJA

That was a rerun I think. I’ve seen it a few times already.

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 8, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

Well the complextion of this game certainly has changed…

By ijonathan

August 8, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

Right now, Smoltz is like the “pitcher in the bubble.” As long as he can sit in his bubble, rock and fire strikes, he’s fine. If he has to field a grounder, cover first, etc. it is touch and go whether he can survive.

By JasonInMaine

August 8, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

Is this the NY Marlins…60%of their infield are from the Marlins…

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

Bobby was a pickin’ & a grinnin’ ! It was his best managing of the night… He managed to finally get that booger !

By JJMB

August 8, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

Dotel Moylan Wickman?

By jj186

August 8, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

All things considered this is an amazingly gutty performance by Smolzy….he could have given up a lot of run tonight but the competitor in him just willed this one out.

By JasonInMaine

August 8, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Is this the NY Marlins…60%of their infield are from the Marlins…

By NCBravesFan

August 8, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Hats off to Smoltzie for pitching his butt off again tonight. What a stud!

By Overlord

August 8, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Where might our dear muts friend be? no chop zone and company

By Stark

August 8, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

well DOB: it sucks watchin this game on the met channel. it took the crew 5 times to figure out what happened to el duque.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 8, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

If Braves can hold on to win this game…it means another pleasant evening on the MIB blog without any of those stinkin’ sweat hogs from New Yack runnin’ off at their putrid pieholes!…

By jj186

August 8, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

Surprised to see Smotlz on deck

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

Question DOB. Please ask an umpire ok ? Why does every pitch that is thrown in the dirt at home plate discarded for a new ball but a ball can be hit repeatedly thru the infield and outfield for hits and outs and used over and over ? Is a homeplate scuff different than an infield or outfield scuff on the ball ? Think about it…

By Overlord

August 8, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

Boy do this muts team and fans must hate us………

By A-ville Ranger

August 8, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

I can’t recall a rookie looking more comfortable than Yunel both in the field and at the plate.He seems to think he belongs,I tend to agree.

By heath

August 8, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

i would imagine smoltzie would be on a pretty short leash this inning…approaching 100 pitches now…

By The Grinch

August 8, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Someone please defend sending Smoltz back out for the 7th; I’d love to hear the argument whatever happens.

By Ron

August 8, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

I cant believe BC brought John Smoltz back out for the 7th!!! Stunning!!! BC is trying to get his arm injured more and more!!! Thanks BC!!!

By Miss Manners

August 8, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Caveman, does this mean you are like you are because you were hit in the head by a baseball? Forgive me for all the things I have said earlier. Your an inspiration to us all. Miss Manners

By brian

August 8, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Looks like David Wells is going to be released from the Padres. Any chance the Braves try and sign David Wells through the end of the year to be our 5th starter?

Any chance we will see David Wells in a Braves uniform?

He would fit in well with Wickman and Paronto

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 8, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Wow, we win this game we have a great shot at sweeping with Hudson going. Would’nt that be great? Ah…get this one done and over with first though.

How many times do you see bobby discuss wheather or not a player should come out of the game….that folks is why bobby is repected around the league.

By JasonInMaine

August 8, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

Is that Shawn Green hitting against Smoltz or Ted Williams? Smoltzie needs to throw Green his nasty split…

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

I wish Mahay was being brought in. The rest of the relievers can be real shaky…

By JJMB

August 8, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Well, it looks like 5 Sheaoids had the decency to applaud the gladiator in the arena.

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 8, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

I dont understand why moylan was no in the game.

By Ron

August 8, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Thanks BC!!! Thanks alot!!! You put John Smoltz in their for the 7th then your stupid @$$ takes him out!!! Damn!!! You either leave his @$$ out their and let him pitch his way through it OR you dont even put him back out there!!! Thanks alot, we lose this game, ITS ON YOU!!!!!!!! Another potential loss goes to BC!!! Why am I even surprised!!!

By Paladin

August 8, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

I couldn’t get my last comment past the “word Nazi” and, believe me, it was tame compared to some of the others that “made” it. It ain’t worth it. I;m going to watch the rest of the game and go to bed. Tomorrow, hopefully, they will have some fresh squirrels.

By Stark

August 8, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

way to throw it right down the middle. thanks for bc goin w/ the new guy.

By A-ville Ranger

August 8, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Tough luck for Smoltz,just a little bloop,still counts 2 though.

By The Grinch

August 8, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

You were saying, Billy?

By Ron

August 8, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

Damn you BC!!!!!!!!!!!! Everybody on this f*** planet KNEW JS should not have come back in there!!! The sooner you retire the better!!! Another game that we MAY lose because of his sorry a*!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 8, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

Well no one said the mets were going down easy. I do have to question why moylan was not brought in after the walk. Another blow win for Smoltz. That sucks man.

By Braves Fan 79

August 8, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

DAMNIT BOBBY! why take smoltz out? this sucks! If we hold em here 3-3 i think we still win thou.

By heath

August 8, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

leave it to bobby to ruin this games… trotting smoltz out there with 90+ pitches and pitching against his nemesis…. now we will probably have to start listening to the muts fans now that it is 3-3 sigh

By JJMB

August 8, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

F-ing Booger Cox! Mahay? Sending Smoltz out for the 7th? G*******!

By JasonInMaine

August 8, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Man, that sux!!! Once we got Reyes, I thought we were going to get out of it…jeez, that really sux

By The Grinch

August 8, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

Peter Moylan starts this inning and we likely win 3-1. Let’s hope the offense overcomes the offensive strategy. Luckily, I have faith it will.

By VandyBrave

August 8, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

hmmmm. runners on, close game. hmmmm. bring in our best reliever??? nahhhhhhh.

By JasonInMaine

August 8, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

I am assuming Castillo hits much better from the left side than the right…only reason to not have Moylan face him…

By Ron

August 8, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

All that hard work for Smoltz might be for nothing because BC messed it up AGAIN!!! How many wins has he cost us!!! Im a fan of BC but man is p** me off this year!!! I have NEVER talked this way about BC BEFORE this year!!! Everybody KNOWS he has absolutely LOST it THIS YEAR!!!

By bravesdude

August 8, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Nooooooo….oh well. You gotta feel bad for Smoltz….I dont care what any of yall say….7 innings 1 unearned run against the division leader is a helluva job until Mahay chokes again. I imagine Dotel will come in and choke out a few more runs-unreal!! Now Moylan comes in for 1 out….hope he stays a while.

By Miss Manners

August 8, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Caveman, you mention college a lot in your posts. Does this mean you are a college student, or perhaps a college graduate? Barber College or Clown College?

By Ron

August 8, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Grinch Absolutely right!!! Why was Moylan not in there!!! Instead we only pitch him to ONE batter!!! BC blows Another one!!! HOW MANY HAS HE BLOWN THIS YEAR?

By dannyboy

August 8, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox is a f** idiot. Anyone who would put a 40-year old pitcher with a bum shoulder who has thrown 90+ pitches back into a game with a 2-run lead should be fired. Maybe the new owners will take an active interest in the team.

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 8, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand you people. You blame Bobby. But dont give the mets the credit to mount a rally, they are a good team after all. You guys expect perfection. You are the same that say the bullpen has been overworked and complain aobut bobby letting smoltz go in the seventh. Besides Mahay should of did his job and pick up his team mate.

By JasonInMaine

August 8, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Willie needs to run with slow curve pitching and not on a 94 MPH fastball…

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 8, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Well, at least Bobby was able to save that booger…

By Brad in KY

August 8, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

That’s the 10th time Harris has been caught stealing in 26 attempts. He shouldn’t have been stealing given that he stinks at it.

By A-ville Ranger

August 8, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

DOB’s right, Harris needs to plant himself on the base till the ball is hit.He just doesn’t have a feel for the steal.

By Ron

August 8, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Can KJ not put contact on that ball!!! Finally BC hits and runs and what happens KJ totally whiffs on the ball and Harris is thrown out!!! No wonder BC does not hit and run much!!! Because people dont put contact on the ball and when they do they hit into a triple play(Chipper Jones against the Rockies)!!! Unreal!!! We have a manager that is making mistake after mistake in CRITICAL situations!!! And we have players on this team that DONT know how to play ABC baseball and dont know how to make CONTACT when the Manager FINNALLY calls for a hit and run!!! Unbelievable!!!

By OhMy

August 8, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Once again it’s Bobby’s fault when a player doesn’t do what he is paid to do. Take Smoltz out, it’s his fault. Leave Smolt in, it’s Bobby’s fault. Funny how it’s never Bobby’s “fault” when the Braves win, however almost always his fault when they lose or someone does bad. You know what, he did what he thought was right and if not for a BROKEN bat looper, Bobby would have been right.

I know, it will be Bobby’s fault if they lose, however he will have nothing to do with it if they win. Got it.

By Lee in S. GA

August 8, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

This has the excitment of a playoff game. Perhaps a preview to the N.L. pennant series this year.

By The Grinch

August 8, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

G’night, all.

By Stark

August 8, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this

WTF!

By Ron

August 8, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Game over!!! What a f*** surprise that Soriano HUNG one!!! He grooved one to Delgado and somehow Delgado did not hit that ball out!!! Thanks BC, we had a f*** chance to win 3 games now we just gotta WIN tomorrow!!! Unbelievable!!! I am never gonna be stunned again!!! And now we gotta face Wagner!!! BC YOU just cost us ANOTHER loss!!! Thanks man, thanks!!!

By OhMy

August 8, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Homer by Alou and a Green single.

All Bobby’s fault, right? I think I’m getting the hang of this.

I will admit though, I was hoping for Moylan to pitch the 8th.

By Braves Fan 79

August 8, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Soriano gives up a HR in the 8th……gee didnt see that coming! I bet NOW bobby brings in another reliever and burns yet another arm. This sucks. If we dont sweep this series i think we might as well set our sights on the wildcard because the mets beat up on all the teams we seem to struggle with. Its ok thou….you mets fans know u dont wanna see US in the NLCS!!

By Herschel Talker

August 8, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

I hate Cox for bringing in Soriano. Gosh I hate this guy.

By jon

August 8, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

unreal! Soriano just isnt getting the job done!

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 8, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Here comes all the talk about soriano but he threw a good pitch. This sucks.

Lets see what happens with Wagner….I’m bummed.

By A-ville Ranger

August 8, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Soriano is a big liability now.Right down the middle,belt high with no movement.He’s batting practice for good hitters.

By william cranman

August 8, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Can we have Horacio Ramirez back? Soriano is a blooming idiot! An 0-2 pitch in his wheel house?! He has no clue. He’s throwing without thinking!

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 8, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

too much nose picking, not enough right calls. advantage, willie randolph. oh, the humanity! this cannot be. what do bobby’s peers say about all the nose picking? somebody must now hit a three run homerun. can do this with no one on base?

By KC

August 8, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

SORIANO MUST BE DEMOTED!!!!! He can NOT be the setup man anymore. Moylan should be moved into that role!!!!!!!

By Braves Fan 79

August 8, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

So why this obsession with soriano in the 8th?? I dont get it….with all the relievers we have now. Why not let Moylan go another inning? Wheres Dotel? And will we ever get rid of woodcrap??

By d

August 8, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

man, soriano is reminding more and more like sosa

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

Soriano is homerun giving machine…

By Overlord

August 8, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Did anyone know it was coming? or was it only me?

By MurphyRules

August 8, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Harris shouldn’t have been running, period. You have to get Chipper up in that inning with an RBI chance, not leading off the ninth.

By Ron

August 8, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy The reason we blame BC is BECAUSE he should not have been back out there for the 7th!!! Not with his arm!!! And since BC did leave him out there and apparently HAD to take him out he brought in Mahay INSTEAD of OUR BEST reliever!!! That is WHY we are blaming BC!!! How can you STILL defend him at this point!!! The dude has Clearly lost it this year!!! I never complained this much before, but Everyone KNOWS he has lost it!!!

By Mets rule. You drool.

August 8, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah Babay!!!!!! Hahahahaha!!!!! I guess you just got told! The Amazins put you in your place tonight - 3rd! Hahahahaha!!!! ROTFL.

That was your best pitcher? You got problems. Hahahaha!!!!

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 8, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

Ron, your about as big as fair wheather fan I’ve ever seen with limited baseball knowledge to boot.

By Mets rule. You drool.

August 8, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Here comes Billy…your a little scared aren’t you? Hahahaha!!! Cant blame you. Game over.

By Alex

August 8, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Another game that is fraked up by the management style of one Bobby Cox!

First…I would rather take my chances with a John Smoltz, who is a fighter, and not bring in Mahay who does what…get 1 out!!! I think Smoltz could have done that. Give him a chance to get out of the inning, he wanted to say in the game and was throwing OK.

Second…he bring in Peter Moyland for 1 batter and that’s it!!!

Third…he bring in Soriano “HR ball, how do you like it on a platter” instead of leaving Peter in for the 8th inning.

Bad Management cost the Braves this game so far.

By ijonathan

August 8, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

Does Soriano even have an offspeed pitch anymore? His repertoire seems to be a fastball that gets fouled off and a fastball that gets hit 9 miles.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 8, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Chris “freakin’” Woodward?????????…even TheJackAss can’t watch anymore of this…

By Braves Fan 79

August 8, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Woodcrap hit for Mccan? man he better get this bunt down because this and striking out is all hes good for.

By Superman

August 8, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

WOODWARD FOR MCCANN?!?! i just threw up a little

By caveman22

August 8, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

robdawg

I can answer that if you don’t mind me doing so. The ball in the dirt isn’t a bad ball but it is the quickest way to change balls since it is in the catchers mitt already. Also it has probably been in play for a few batters already-lots of times you’ll see the umpire simply put the ball back in his bag. The plate can scuff a ball but most of the time the pitcher likes a different ball than the one he just chucked in the dirt anyway. As a general rule of thumb umpires are taught to swap balls because it guarantees continuity in feel and performance of the ball throughout the game. It is also to make sure that the ball is not being doctored. As an umpire I had several occasions where a ball appeared to have a mark,cut,or scuff in the same place on more than one ball and checking balls throughout the game is easier if you make a habit of switching balls often. It doesn’t cause a delay in the game or create a disturbance on the field if the umpires all follow the same general habits in replacing balls.

I’ve never umpired pro but I have trained with pro ump’s like Harry Wendelstat and the one thing that you strive for as an umpire is to not draw attention to yourself for any reason other than the six calls - ball, stike, safe, out, foul, fair.

The best day I had as an umpire was a college doubleheader were I had the plate and the catcher from one team was hitting so I had both catchers at the plate and the hitter looked at me and said I had called a great plate for him today and the catcher in front of me said “absolutely the best zone we’ve had all year”.

It doesn’t show up in the boxscore and nobody knows it but us. It was just a product of doing things consistently which is what the ball swapping is all about.

PS- I’ve also been cussed at under their breath so it goes both ways.

So goes the life of the umpire.

By Todd A

August 8, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Another day, another blown lead. May be time to officially demote Soriano to garbage relief in blow outs. 10 home runs allowed in 51 innings pitched for a setup guy, are you kidding me? How many 0-2 and 1-2 mistakes made by our pitching staff this year? Sheesh. 7 games over .500 seems to be the plateau for this team all year long.

By Eric C.

August 8, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Gee…this revamped bullpen is a real treasure.

By forcesaberz

August 8, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Wow what a job by woody!!! How you can be that patient when bunting is beyond me :-)

By jon

August 8, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

You Bobby Cox bashers are too much!!!

By Ron

August 8, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Oh hell we better get 2 runs in this inning!!! IF we dont then f*** it!!!

By Rodger

August 8, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

What is Bobby thinking wiyh W00dward?

By tbo

August 8, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Ron. Thank God somebody else says the same thing that I have been saying for years. Bobby Cox should be FIRED. He is killing us. What an idiot.

By jon

August 8, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

I’m not a Bobby Cox basher, but DAMN……Andrew Jones is killing us! Every single game he is killing us! Him and Soriano

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 8, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Guess who is coming up with the game on the line.

Did you guys see those Met’s fan face…..oh boy! Damn Frenchy cant win’em all. No DP. Freaking AJ lets go baby…..

Come on AJ!

AJ no my favrite player anymore…..how do you not score!

By Stark

August 8, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Mr. DP. Goodnight.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 8, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Unbelievable!…

By Mets rule. You drool.

August 8, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Hahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!

Bases loaded. No outs. You SUCK!

ROTFL.

By Todd A

August 8, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Ok Chase……defend your rally killer now.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 8, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

two double plays batting seventh. drop andruw at least one more spot.

By Stephen

August 8, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Andruw double play jones does it again.

By jaysen

August 8, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

ANDRUW…YOU STUPID B*******

By Efrim

August 8, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Terrible job.

How bad is this team in 1 run games?

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Can Andruw bat 9th ? What kinda crap was that ? Bases loaded nobody out, no runs. Danmit….

By MurphyRules

August 8, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Did anyone NOT see a double play coming from Andruw? Awful. Simply awful.

By tom

August 8, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

Thought we should have got one there in the 9th. Jones just scares me anytime he is up. He is in such a rut that he will ground into a double play even with the bases empty.

By Chad

August 8, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

I got $10 on Andruw’s head. Anyone else?

By OhMy

August 8, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Bases loaded and they don’t score. That’s clearly Bobby’s fault. Right? He should have pinch hit for Francoeur and Andruw. I mean he had to know Francoeur would ground out and AJ would hit into a DP (this one is not far from the truth). Crazy game, isn’t it?

By for real

August 8, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

bobby cox is the smartest manager i know.he’s had the best team in the 90s and won us one pennant.

By tom

August 8, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Thought we should have got one there in the 9th. Jones just scares me anytime he is up. He is in such a rut that he will ground into a double play even with the bases empty.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 8, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Mets drool—I’ve seen countless A$sClowns in my day—but you wear the crown!…TheJackAss out…

By Ron Roberts

August 8, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

F$CKING Andruw and his worthless, fat @ss free-swinging som’b!tch.

Bases loaded, no outs, and we do it again! How many times have we done that this season???

Sheesh. Should’ve pinch-hit for him, if his damned elbow is nagging him so bad. Why not Matt Diaz, then move Willie to CF if we go extras? Dammit.

Can’t fault Francoeur; kid’s on a roll, and you can’t hit 1.000, but for GOD’S SAKE, Andruw??? How many times do we have to endure these rally-killing moments from him?

Sit his @ss til his elbow’s better; and if that ain’t til next spring, let somebody else deal with his uncoachable @ss.

By phil

August 8, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

cut andrew!!! he’s a disgrace and that silly grin of his is pathetic. loses another game for us. Willy and Diaz care about winning and should be playing everyday. Andrew is ridiculously terrible at the plate!!! cut HIM!!!

By chipdip

August 8, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

AJ FRIGGIN BLOWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TRADE HIS A* AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!HE SUCKS DONKEY DICKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By ernesto

August 8, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Outdruw.

We’re running out of places to hide him.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 8, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

4 1/2

By Alex

August 8, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Has Andruw Jones had ONE clutch hit all year long? What a waste of roster space, I say let him take his overpriced, lazy backside to the highest bidder next year.

I’ll take Willie Harris, Matt Diaz, anyone else in the OF b/c they have clutch at bats. All Andruw does is make unproductive outs.

How hard is it to hit a damn fly ball from a fly ball pitcher? You are a fraking professional hitter!

Also, Francouer…what the hell was that swing? Level off on the ball, elevate it, don’t drive it in the ground.

Terrible offensive inning, let that the MUTS off the hook, they were ripe for self destructing themselves and nothing came out of it.

Wasted game, Braves should have won this game, blame it on Bobby Cox, Francouer and Andruw Jones at bats in the 9th inning.

Braves gave it away, Muts took advantage. At least it didn’t go into extra innings and tax the Braves pen for tomorrow’s game.

Need a strong start from Hudson on Thursday and DO NOT let Soriano in the game no matter what.

By braint

August 8, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

0-2 pitch….should I throw my million dollar slider off the plate or do I try to sneak an 0-2 fastball by one of the great fastball and clutch hitters in the last 12 years? Nice pitch selection mcCann….

By andy

August 8, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Some times I hate Andruw Jones. I never thought I wouold ever say that. But this season has done it for me. Good ridance. I will cool off and appreciate watching him gor 10 seasons or so—he has been amazing. BUT man this season and last season—is there any other hitter on the team that I hope is not up there with the game on the line…corky miller—not by much though. MAN Andruw—WHAT!!!!! what a piece of crap approach……ugggggggg

By Ron

August 8, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this

Andruw better not Bat Above 8th AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! F*** the East!!! F*** it!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is a f*** embarrasement!!! Lets TRY to go for the Wildcard!!! Frenchy could not get it done, I KNEW Andruw was gonna either hit into a double play, Hit a popup OR strikeout!!! Anybody that did not see that coming from Andruw has not been watching this game!!! Told you this team does s** backwards!!! You know I actually am stunned at what happened!!! I thought at least Frenchy was gonna come through!!! You know what I dont just blame BC for this loss!!! I blame Everyone EXCEPT Chipper, Smoltz, Moylan, And Tex!!! Those are the ONLY ones I dont blame!!! Great Job tonight Chipper, Smoltz, Moylan and Tex!!! Yall wanted to play in this game to bad nobody else wanted to play in this game!!!

By MARK

August 8, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

JEFF AND ANDRUW SIMPLY BLEW IT..AJ LOOKS LATHARGIC ANYMORE..SORIANO YOU’RE A LOSER!!!

By Lee in S. GA

August 8, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Not only do we lose the game we are back in 3rd place.

By iwalterp

August 8, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

I know the players love Cox, but his decisions tonight show why the Braves may not win another series. Everybody including the announcers said that Smoltz was running on fumes at the end of the 6th. But Cox runs him back out there for the 7th and the Mets tie the game. Then he brings “homerun derby” Soriano into the game and he immediately gives up a homer. This was a huge game, if the Braves win they win the series and all the pressure is on the Mets. But Cox says he manages this series just like any other and it shows. Thats the same thing he would do in a tight series and the Braves would lose. Cox should have started the 7th with the left hander to face Delgado, Alou and Green(2 out of 3 lefty’s. Then bring in Dotel to get you to the 9th. The guy is just not a big game manager period.

By Cro

August 8, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Until Bobby learns not to use Soriano in a tight situation, the Braves will continue to look up at the Mets. Nice job getting the runs in with no outs and bases loaded in ninth. Not what great teams fail at.

By A-ville Ranger

August 8, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

If we don’t make the playoffs we all know why.Too many failures in clutch situations,way too many.

By ridiculous

August 8, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

cut Andrew!!! please before he somehow makes our stadium implode or the entire team catches whatever he has and spontaneously combusts. mike hampton is doing more for the team than Andrew right now…SIT him until we trade him!

By Tomahawkin' Again

August 8, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

I wonder since all of us had the same thought go through our minds after Frenchy grounded out (“Uh, oh, Andruw’s up…game’s over”), it was karma that did in the Braves? Nah, it’s just that Andruw s@#ks and he should be hitting 9th in the line-up. Oh well, Huddy does his thing and we’ll win another series against those NY a-holes.

By Joe

August 8, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

Andrew don’t need to be batting 7th. His sorry behind needs to be on the bench…..

By ernesto

August 8, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

Mahay can’t come in and walk rat-faced Easley.

Soriano can’t keep giving up backbreaking dingers.

Outdruw can’t possibly stay this cold for an entire season.

But they do.

By Bob Cox

August 8, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

bullpen blows the lead, andruw jones kills rallies, and p** poor game management….what exactly did we accomplish at the trade deadline??? missed the boat on trading andruw

By Jman

August 8, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

IF THAT SO CALLED EXCUSE FOR A DECENT HITTER ANDRUW JONES GETS 20 MILLION NEXT YEAR FROM SOME STUPID IDIOT TEAM I WILL LAUGH MY FREAKIN’ HEAD OFF!!!

By TNRON

August 8, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

You think youve seen it all wait till tomorrow,probably the biggest game of the year,and we will see Corky Miller,Woodcrap,and Prado because of a day game after night and some scheduled days off.Unbelievable job of choking one up for Smoltz.And the sad thing is Cox will make the same bullpen moves tomorrow.Soriano can not blow enough leads to get Cox to lose confidence in him.He will probably say in the press conference about how darn well he was throwing the ball and Alou is a really good hitter.By the way good swing Andrew you Big A@@ chokedog.

By Mark in PA

August 8, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

Good to see Doughnut loafing to first to end it, too.

By Braves Fan 79

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

Bases loaded….and we dont tie it!!???? are u fckin kidding me!!??? Francour should of taken more pitches…WTF! And Andrew…damn bobby…bad night to bat him 7th! I think the Braves r just on a bad luck streak this year…of course it dosent help that we waited so long to bring up escobar (common everone knew woodcrap and orr sucked from the start) and giving redmen chance after chance. Man i find it amazing that were even in the playoff hunt after all the stupid mistakes weve made this year. Im being realistic here….lets win the wildcard and then we can do some damage! This team is sooo much better than its record….as ive said ALL year long!

By Bobby Cox is a Moron

August 8, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

This game is a perfect example of why the Braves have won only one World Championship. Bobby Cox cannot manage a big game. In the sixth inning of this game during which Smoltz struggled every pitch, he sent John back to the mound instead of going to the pen. Mahay should have started the inning, not come in with two men on base. Smoltz didn’t break 90 all night. We were lucky to be up 3 to 1. Smoltz was clearly gassed. And Bobby ran him out for another inning. Bobby Cox does not understand momentum. He doesn’t have the killer instinct.

By supa

August 8, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this

I would rather see Oscar Villarreal batting in that situation than Andruw.

Braves have to have a short memory. Next game in 14 hours. Let’s go Huddy. Shut em down.

By Marc

August 8, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

If Diaz is up in the 9th with bases loaded and one out, you feel almost garaunteed that one run scores. With Andruw, you turn off the TV and go to bed - absolutly pathetic year for him, he should be batting 8th.

Games like this are the reason we’re not first in our division, our pitching keeps us in the game, our offense gets us the lead, and then we just hand it right back over in the clutch.

Why did we send Mahay out anyways? We need a DP, hello, Moylan is kind of the DP expert in our pen… Bleh, I hate the Braves right now, I’ll love them again tomorrow, but I hate them right now.

By Ron

August 8, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 8, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Here comes all the talk about soriano but he threw a good pitch. This sucks

Your just the Biggest IDIOT on this blog with that statement!!! Yeah Soriano threw a Good batting practice pitch to Alou and Delgado!!! He was lucky Delgado did not hit that ball out!!! You are an idiot for that statement!!! So f*** you!!! You piece of s**!!!

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

Francoeur made one out and Andruw made two. I think I’ll start calling him DP instead of ANDRUW….

By NCBravesFan

August 8, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

Mets Rule How were all the back to school sales? Did your mommy buy you some nice things?

Are you excited about going to middle school this year (or were you held back again)?

Tough loss folks. Let’s get ‘em tomorrow.

By Ryan

August 8, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

Ladies and gentlemen your attetion please, now batting for the Atlanta Braves #25 Professional Rally Killer Andruw Jones

By Glass Half Full (GHF)

August 8, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

On the bright side, we won’t have Andruw to kick around next year.

By submariner

August 8, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

A.J. stinks…..Cox has burnt out Soriano’s arm! Where was Moylan!!??!!??

By Ernest (Bobby Cox fan)

August 8, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Bobby Cox bought a 24-piece jigsaw puzzle. He worked on it, in his office, every day for two weeks. Finally, the puzzle was finished.

“Look what I’ve done, Terry,” he said proudly to his hitting coach.

“That’s surely somethin’, Bobby. How long it take you?”

“Only two weeks.”

“Never done a puzzle myself,” Terry said. “Is two weeks fast?”

“Darn tootin’,” Bobby said. “Look at the box. It says, ‘From two to four years.’”

By Jman

August 8, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

The Braves are still the better team. I just hope that one doesnt take the wind out of their sails…

By Marc

August 8, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

For those of you saying “Who didn’t know Andruw would hit into a DP?”

I personally thought he would strikeout.

By daxxed

August 8, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

Good, game….Bad call leaving Mahay in with Castellia bating though. He hits better right. Should have brought in Moylan sooner. But could’ve, wold’ve, should’ve does not win games. Comming through in the clutch does. AJ should get Bonds armor and when he comes up to the plate with runner on 3rd, take one off the armor….you know the clutchest hitter the Braves had for this situation is no longer on the team. I bet the old man could have gotten the runner in.

By ernesto

August 8, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

Andruw lolly gaggin’ to first was almost as bad as the loss. Just jogging. I swear, I don’t get it sometimes.

By Matt

August 8, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

I am so tired of watching that fat b@$t@rd choke in the clutch - why not just pinch hit for him - at least we could have tied the game instead of seeing another inept roller to the left side of the infield. He’ll never change. What a turd.

By JasonInMaine

August 8, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Wow…awful, awful, awful lost…I hpoe the momentum doesn’t carry over into tomoorow for the Braves, but I think it will…

This has got to be the worst team in the history of baseball at getting the runner in from 3rd and less than 2 out…

It appears every decision Bobby makes regarding the pitching staff this year turns out to be the wrong one…

We very well may look back at this game as one that haunts us…should have never lost this game…

This just in…Andruw is not very good, espercially in big situations..I swear I looked at my wife and said Bobby should hit Diaz for Andruw…Diaz had his first failure at driving a runner in from 3rd with less than 2 outs the other day, but is still 10 for 11…

Saddest thing…I had absolutely no doubts we would not score…teams of old do not lose this game…

I am so mad and disappointed that I am taking a personal day tomorrow…son of a!!!

By Carolina Lady

August 8, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

John Smoltz deserves much better than he gets from this team.

Andrew is about to wear out his welcome with me. And he said he’ll study tapes AFTER the season and work on his swing then?? Can’t help but wonder how that went over with his teammates.

jjs has been in the oats today? :-)

By Raleigh Dog

August 8, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Did I miss it or was Andruw just jogging to first base on the double play? Still, I blame Cox for taking out Smoltz. Smoltz seemed ticked off. Don’t resign Andruw!!!! Cox should bench him and let somebody who really wants to win play.

By kris

August 8, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

How can you bench your best hitter (Matt Diaz) in the of the most important games of the season? I simply don’t understand it. I’ts obvious Andruw can’t even swing the bat now (not that he really could before the injury)

By dannyboy

August 8, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Does anyone have the e-mail address for Liberty Media? It’s time for an organized blitz to get the imbecile Bobby Cox fired!

By Roswell Ed

August 8, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Scott B I’ll give you $10 or a pile of horse sh— for AJ! I’ll take the horse sh— b/c I believe it will get you a hit before the $10 or AJ.

I hope he goes to the Mets with one caveat. Make sure that its only a one year contract!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I’d do better than him b/c I’d strike out and there’d be another batter to follow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Andy

August 8, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Well its August and Andruw is STILL hitting .215. I dont see him finishing the year hitting over .230. Let’s hope that he is playing elsewhere next year.

By VandyBrave

August 8, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

holy God just hit it in the outfield and the game is tied.

this team has been terrible all year at getting runners home from third with less than one out.

bases loaded with 0 out - you just have to get a run out of that, especially in the 9th. Where is francoeur’s adjustment in that situation? he is still trying to crank one. I know its not easy but DAM! Last night same thing, easy grounder w/ bases loaded 0 Out.

I’m depressed. It’s sad, but I think I’m gonna call a psychiatrist.

By chipdip

August 8, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

No Matt Diaz tonight??????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By kevin

August 8, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

how hard is it to hit a fly ball? ask andrew!!! it seems he already plays for another team. bases loaded no outs and no one can hit a fly ball. wow how about soriano. he’s been great. i think you should have brought diaz to the plate. andrew should sit for a week just for that. like we had to in high school because we even knew how to hit a fly ball!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By BOBBY

August 8, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

I THINK THEY SHOULD POST BLOWN WINS FOR MANAGERS LIKE THEY DO FOR BLOWN SAVES FOR RELEIVE PITCHERS BECAUSE BOBBY COX WOULD LEAD THE LEAGUE

By manolo

August 8, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Incredible!!!

in 40 years of watching baseball, i have never seen a team load the bases with no outs and do not score. It happens almost every night, in key moments. Not even in the 80’s or 90’s did this happen. I said it two weeks ago, same as that killer Reds game last year where Francoeur was the one with the dp grounder, against another lefty, Guardado. Even a DP grounder by the 1st hitter at least scores one…

By Mets Rule. You drool

August 8, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Bye Bye. We’ll have your mail forwarded to third place!

hahahaha!

But forget the smack talk, you saw why the Mets are DOMINANT this year. This team HAD to win tonight and they figured out a way to get it done. Thats what championship teams do.

That’s why the call them the Amazins.

By Todd A

August 8, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

7 more weeks of this guy and he’s a free agent.If Schuerholz even so much as remotely hints to Boras about the possibilty of bringing Andruw back to Atlanta, he should be fired on the spot.

By Don

August 8, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

This team finds ways to LOSE, not win. How many of these type games have we lost this year?

Pinch hit for McCann and not AJ? Insightful wisdom Cox!

By HP

August 8, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Bases loaded and no outs and can’t get one run in. That is just ridicules. Don’t tell me Wagner is nasty, if I was player batting instead of Andruw I would be looking to go deep into count. Folks Andruw Jones is terrible this season. He does not even know how to hit a damn fly ball. I am not gonna bash Francour has done a lot this season. But your talking double play. That ball was not even hit hard. In another words, Don’t play Andruw Jones when he is hurt. I watch most of the Braves games. But can anyone remind me the last time that Andruw Jones had a hit that had helped Braves to win the game? Thats how terrible he has been this year.

By A-ville Ranger

August 8, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

I agree Mark every time Andruw jogs toward first I want to smack him.When he does it in a situation like this I want to smack him with a bat.Bobby said Mahay did fine I agree,just a broken bat bloop that found a hole.

By StingerSplash

August 8, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

As great as last night’s win was, this loss hurts just as much - squandering a two-run lead and then loading the bases with no outs only to leave empty handed. Like getting to the Varsity when it’s not crowded and finding out they’re out of FO mix.

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 8, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

“mahay’s gonna look like the goat, maybe, but he can’t throw much better than that.” - bobby cox

interesting. bloggers are saying bobby may be the goat. did the idea cross bobby’s mind?

diaz or andruw. you decide.

By DG

August 8, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

One of the worst at-bats I have seen Andruw take. I can understand if he is hurt—but maybe he should talk to Bobby and sit down a few more games. What is irritating is to see a lack of expression on him when you see him hit into that double play. Like it doesn’t really matter.

It is ironic that Andruw’s play has sunk again since Texeira came aboard. Does he realize finally that there is no way the Braves could afford him now and pay the 9-11 million in arbitration that Tex will get?

A terrible loss to watch. If Hudson can do his usual tomorrow it will be forgotten. Unless we miss the playoffs by one game.

By Eric C.

August 8, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

When was the last time the Braves pulled out a comeback win in the ninth? They’ve sure blown games like this…but it doesn’t seem to work the other way.

By BravesDave

August 8, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

I just returned to my computer after throwing up.

I believe that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. As such, Bobby Cox is obviously INSANE. Sending Willie Harris with one out and KJ and Chipper prepared to take swings was idiotic. We all know this and we are posting on a blog. LoDuca has been throwing out runners at a pretty fair pace. Terrible decision. Secondly, Soriano is single-handedly destroying this team’s chances at the playoffs. Will the acquisition of Teixiera increase the Braves win total by 5 additional games…because that will be necessary just to make up the ground lost from Soriano costing the Braves 5 games since the All Star break. This guy is a disaster right now. And McCann is partly responsible for calling for a fastball on 0-2 to one of the best fastball hitters in the game. About the only thing Alou can still hit is the fastball. That pitch should have been bounced 5 feet in front of home plate.

There goes the sweep. Terrible.

By brewdawg

August 8, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

Geez folks, gloom and doom abounds here. Braves win tomorrow, they win the series, and that’s all I could have reasonably hoped for. DOB , Do you think the Braves will have any interest in David Wells? I know he has struggled this year, but we sure could use another pitcher.

By Alex

August 8, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones can’t get out of the ATL fast enough. I’ll volunteer to park the moving truck infront of his country club of the south mantion. He can take his overpayed, unproductive backside somewhere else.

I don’t care about his defense. I would rather take a middle of the road center fielder who can come through in the clutch, hit for average, and keep out of slumps that bring his average down to under .200!

Fraking Andruw Jones, not one big clutch hit in recent memory, not ONE!

Yunel, Diaz, Chipper, Rent, Francouer, McCann, Johnson, Harris, they have all contributed in recent weeks with clutch hits.

The only one that gets meaningless hits in the bunch is Andruw Jones, only hits HR when the game is out of reach, and doesn’t come through in pressure situations at all this year.

Get rid of Andruw Jones.

Put Willie Harris in CF, and let Matt Diaz get a chance at LF everyday. Bring up Brandon Jones. Anyone but Andruw Jones in CF for the braves next year.

MUTS got lucky that AJ was coming up to bat in that spot…one more hitter and the Braves would have probably won the game…Yunel was due up next!!!

By CalCuse

August 8, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

I live in California now, but 10 years ago, as a devout Braves fan, someone who should know told me that Andruw had no work ethic. Now he’s doing AT&T commercials showing off his big house and all his nice cars. But he doesn’t have time to work on his game. If we were in the AL, a decent manager would be using the DH for him, and let the pitcher bat. BC needs to bat him 3 spaces lower in the order! Go get ‘em Huddy!

By Stark

August 8, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

ros ed: LOL. you took my mind of the loss for a few.

By Paul In Richmomd

August 8, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

I had to root for Andruw to strike out - I had chipper in the “Which Jones boy will hit into the next double play” pool

I think AJ got two DPs tonight….

By Steve

August 8, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Tonight’s loss was a tough one. I think it might have been wiser to take Smoltz out before the inning started, but that wasn’t cut and dry, so I don’t want to knock Cox for that. Sometimes things don’t work out.

With regard to Andruw Jones — this is a rally killer bar none. And a rally killer can kill you batting in the 7th slot, but less often than in the cleanup or in the 5th slot.

Where Bobby Cox deserves unending criticism is for keeping Jones in the cleanup spot for so long this season before Tex arrived. In all my years of watching baseball, that has to be among the worst long-term strategic moves I’ve ever seen, and so unnecessary. I think that decision alone cost the Braves several games earlier in the year. The way Jones is hitting this year, I wouldn’t bat him higher than 8th.

Andruw Jones this year has been such a poor hitter, relative to the opportunities he’s had, that I would not have minded if he struck out as I felt that if he put the ball in play that it would more than likely be an easy routine double play. It’s so predictable at this point. And lo and behold. I liked the Braves chances better with 2 outs and Escobar up than with one out and Jones up.

A gutsy move would have been to pinch hit Diaz for Jones. There is no guarantee that would have worked out any better, but the odds of it working out better were certainly substantial, imo.

By bill

August 8, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

This is insane. If the Braves sign AJ next season that will be awful. They have to a win tomorrow or it may be curtains. I wish there were some way he could be traded but it won’t happen.

By N8

August 8, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

This team is WAY too predictable. Last night, I called it, when I said they’d lose the next two games by 1 run each. Which would be followed by the “homers” saying we STILL outscored them in the series.

Let’s hope I’m wrong and we win tomorrow.

On a side note, somebody explain to me WHY THE HELL it is that Soriano is a better option than Devine?

Because I don’t get it.

By kt

August 8, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

Ok…There is no way that Andruw would have beat out the throw but can you at least show us that you care a bit? Maybe hustle just once? Cmon! His whole smiling thing is really getting me too. Im so tired of the whole “Im a laid back guy from Curacao vibe”!!! Just pretend you give a damn!! Please, give us something! Also,I just about fainted when Cox brought up Woodcock! And would someone tell Soriano that MLB players can hit fastballs! Please mix it up a little! Ok, vent over. Tomorrow is a new day!

By monty

August 8, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

With the game on the line Bobby should have brought in Moylan FIRST. Your best reliever. Mayhay was ok, broken bat blooper. But put out the fire before it spreads! Can anyone possibly have any confidence in Soriano at this point? Yeh, Bobby will. Mcann was set up outside, pitch was up and in.Terrible location. Francour wasn’t patient enough thatlast time. Count was in his favor and he swung at one high and away.Andrew took it back up the middle but the second baseman was playing on top of second. Reyes couldn’t have beat that one out. what a crappy loss!

By BravesDave

August 8, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

The problem with the Francoeur and Andruw Jones at-bats was simple…no patience. Wagner had just walked a .200 hitter who was attempting to bunt. I think in that situation, as a hitter, you almost have to force Wagner to throw 2 strikes. Neither guy was patient enough to do it. I expect nothing less out of Andruw. Every single one of expected him to hit into a DP in that spot. Couldn’t even make a productive out with a fly ball. Horrible. Horrible.

Also, more insanity out of Bobby will probably come tomorrow in the form of Corky Miller, Willie Harris, and Chris Woodward somewhere in the lineup in what is WITHOUT QUESTION the most important game of the season. A loss and the division title is a pipe dream.

HOW CAN THIS TEAM NOT HIT A FLY BALL WHEN IT COUNTS????????

By Patrick

August 8, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Andruw hasnt had a clutch hit all season long. I love Andruw but he is just TERRIBLE right now. Oh…and by the way, has anyone shown Bobby Soriano’s stats over the last 25 games? He has single handedly blown 4 or 5 games by giving up HRs. I knew he was gonna blow it before he even threw a pitch.

By monty

August 8, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

With the game on the line Bobby should have brought in Moylan FIRST. Your best reliever. Mayhay was ok, broken bat blooper. But put out the fire before it spreads! Can anyone possibly have any confidence in Soriano at this point? Yeh, Bobby will. Mcann was set up outside, pitch was up and in.Terrible location. Francour wasn’t patient enough thatlast time. Count was in his favor and he swung at one high and away.Andrew took it back up the middle but the second baseman was playing on top of second. Reyes couldn’t have beat that one out. what a crappy loss!

By gotigers72

August 8, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Yes Soriano is terrible. He should not be in the game with the game tied or the Braves up by one. Why can’t he throw the ball down in the strike zone. He and every other Brave pitcher should know to keep the ball down when Alou and their other power hitters are up.

I’m not impressed with Mahay either. He has more walks than innings pitched. Last night he walked the leadoff hitter, but got lucky with a DP. Tonight he walked the leadoff hitter and didn’t get so lucky. That put the tying run in scoring position.

That’s two nights in a row when the Braves had the bases loaded with none out and scored zero runs. I know Francoeur is raking, but both last night and tonight, he was the hitter up with the bases loaded and none out and he didn’t drive in any runs. Of course tonight Andruw follows up with his double play.

No way they should have lost tonight. Bad bullpen, bad clutch hitting.

By Todd A

August 8, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

So…THIS is what was compared to Roberto Clemente coming up through the minors?

Can we petition Selig to create a new position for Andruw, say, designated outfielder? That way, we won’t ever have to suffer the indignity of seeing his lazy @$$ step into another batter’s box in an Atlanta uniform.

By A-ville Ranger

August 8, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

Can any of you brainy-yaks tell us how many times the team has failed in these clutch situations lately ? I think it’s about 6 of 7 games and some like tonight’s they,ve failed multiple times in a game (3 times in the 9th).Carroll was right,unless they learn to succeed when it matters most it’ll be the story of this season.We have leaders on this team but these guys need a Paul O’neil,somebody who simply wouldn’t accept this sh**.

By MEB

August 8, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

Did I accidentally end up on Braves Vent? This is sad, really sad! Not too many Braves fans out tonight. Lose a close ball game and the fringe elements start screaming from the roof tops. Then of course there are the Mets trolls who are less then loathsome. Think I will call it a night and look forward to the Braves taking another series over the Mets early tomorrow.

By Robert

August 8, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

“As if we should take his sage word over all those players, managers and GMs who must know nothing of which they speak.”

Oh all those guys know something all right. They know the Braves are no real threat as long as Donk manages

Anybody that could watch tonight’s game and not realize that Cox is a moron is as dumb as he is

Bobby Cox is to managing as Rafael Belliard was to power hitting

By BravesDave

August 8, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

3-1 lead in the 7th. We just let the Mets off of the hook. If we won this game, as we should have, the pressure on the Mets tomorrow afternoon, facing a sweep with Hudson on the mound, facing a 3-9 record against the team chasing them…the pressure would have been enormous. And frankly, I don’t think the Mets would have been able to handle it.

We just gave them momentum, belief, and breathing room. Regardless of what happens tomorrow, this gives the Mets a minimum 3.5 game lead. They are facing the 3rd place team tomorrow. All the pressure is back on the Braves…and after witnessing Soriano and Andruw Jones tonight, it is obvious that there are a few players on this team that can’t handle the pressure right now.

By aj hater

August 8, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

im not going to be able to sleep tonight after i seen aj swing tonight. my tee ball coach who is well into his 90s by now could have won that game just by noticing aj is garbage and should be thrown in the dumpster along with the rest of the muts.

i think he’s allready worked out a deal with the muts

send his lazy gidp fat @#@ to Rome where he might be able to hit a fly ball against a high schooler

By manolo

August 8, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

This was the day to get to Wagner, and we do nothing. A total non clutch team!!!! And Escovar left in the on deck circle…

By Ron

August 8, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Ernest (Bobby Cox fan) Dude that was freaking hillarious!!!

By Robert

August 8, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Mismanaged bullpen, Mismanaged lineup. Poorly prepared hitters

Horrible managing

And Cox is so frickin dumb he thinks (and I shouldnt use that word in the same sentence with his name, I know) that folks are gonna view Moylan as the goat

Earth to Bobby Cox. Moylan aint a goat, but you are a donkey.

Bobby Cox is Manager of the Year. If you’re a Met fan.

By jon

August 8, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Im a Bobby Cox fan, but do you really think he will sit Andruw on the bench???? No way, but he needs to! Andruw just isnt cutting it! Anyone can hit a homerun when it doesnt matter, coming thru in situations like the one tonight is how you get remembered….see Jeter

By Todd A

August 8, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

This team has a patent on heart break.I can’t ever remember another Braves team that lost so many games they could’ve, and probably, should’ve won, like this one has.

Oh yeah, big surprise the Mutts fans are showing their mugs after one win.Where were they last night?

By jimmy smith, ugandan journalist

August 8, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

apparently there will not be a game this year where jo jo pitches to corky. journalist was so looking forward to that.

carolina lady is back and all bloggers should be mindful. hello, carolina lady.

and now, pleasant thoughts … tomorrow is another day. bobby has the opportunity to make out another lineup. perhaps bobby will do better.

By SomeYahoo

August 8, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

I’ve seen this movie before.

As a Braves fan, it hurts like hell to see them go through this crap. These kinds of games are going to be the end of us this year.

It won’t matter tomorrow. We’ll probably win and we’ll probably win the Phillies series, but knowing we let a game in a pennant race slip away when, with a few clutch pitches and hits we would be leaving victorious, it just kills me. I love this team, but they sure know how to disappoint in style.

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

I’ve been wanting a new manager for 5 years. I guess Bobby will be managing in depends undergarments with a walker 10 years from now ? The outfield of Diaz,Harris,and Francoeur rocks. They try to move Andruw down to 7th and he still has the most important and least productive at bat in the danm game.

By tbo

August 8, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

I’m done. I can’t take the lunacy of Bobby Cox anymore. And AJ get the hell out of Atlanta please!!

By Robert

August 8, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Anyone who watched that game tonight and still claims that Bobby Cox is a competent manager, much less the greatest manager of all time either

1 - Works for another big league franchise,

2 - Has killed every one of their previously functional brain cells with some combination of crack cocaine and inhalable solvents,

3 - Never had any functional brain cells to begin with,

4 - Works for the ajc and is afraid of losing their job if they speak the obvious truth, or

5 - 4 and either 2 or 3 are correct (which is it DOB?)

By daxxed

August 8, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

This loyalty thing for Cox is gettting old with AJ…You have a hitter on the bench in Diaz who has the highest batting avg since the break. Cox should have pinch hit for AJ with MD..I think a 344 hitter has a better chance to drive in a run than an 214 hitter.

By Tad

August 8, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

ANDRUW JONES AT .215 IS ALREADY AN AUTOMATIC OUT, BUT TODAY HE TOOK THE CAKE GOING 0 FOR 4 NIGHT WITH 2 GIDP’s!

I can’t wait for him to be out of here after this year, but we are in a playoff race and he needs to bat 9th or sit on the bench until he figures out how to hit.

His attitude is so inexcusable, lauging after he makes outs! It is such a basic problem being exploited night after night with him trying to pull outside pitches, causing slow grounders to the left side. We don’t need a .200 hitter in this lineup with so many LOB and rally-killing outs.

This is no slump that goes back to last year, I think he has forgotton how to hit a baseball. All he wants to do is hit .200 and the occasional meaningless homer. We need him to be a better situational hitter and be able to hit a stupid fly ball to tie the game against the Mets.

Andruw Jones has had 133 at bats with RISP, 30 hits (.226 BA), 37 RBI’s, 36 strikeouts, 7 GIDP’s, and only 2 sac flies.

Keep smiling Andruw! You’re killing the team!

By MS

August 8, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

SomeYahoo, my thoughts exactly.

By Todd A

August 8, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

When Andruw strolled to the plate, did anyone not really know what was about to transpire? I mean, c’mon. We all knew.

By BravesDave

August 8, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

I am going to catch flak for being so negative, but I have been saying all along (and along with N8) that this team is not a playoff team until they show it on the field. They still cannot expect to make the playoffs while being unable to piece together anything more than a 5 game win streak. This game was a solid winner if it was managed better. I know Mahay was not poor, but still, you cannot walk Damion Easley in that spot. That was the key to the inning. After Smoltz left, it should have been Moylan. He is the ground ball, strikeout pitcher. You use your best reliever in that spot. Period. I would not even have minded seeing Moylan hit for himself leading off the 8th inning, just so he could face Delgado, Alou, and Green in the bottom of the inning.

I am telling every person on this blog tonight, and I have said it before, 2 out of 3 was not sufficient in this series. I am sure the Mets feel just as good as the Braves…their ace is on the mound tomorrow, too. We needed to sweep the Rockies, or the Mets. We did neither. This is still not a playoff team. You can’t lose this game when the next few games have James, Cormier, and Carlyle facing the best offense in the NL.

By HaRdTiMe

August 8, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

I have washed my hands of Andruw Jones. Enough is enough. Farck!

By Ron Roberts

August 8, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Let’s go through the laundry list of what went wrong tonight….

1. Soriano gives up a clutch dinger.

2. We can’t get a ground ball out when we need to.

3. We load the bases with nobody out and get nothing out of it.

4. John Smoltz pitches a good game and we give him paltry run support and we lose the game.

You could grab, I’d guess, a half dozen such games like tonight that have at least three of the four ills we suffered tonight, and probably a game or two with all four.

Solutions?

1. Stop using Sorryano. Period. The guy’s lost his mental edge.

2. Get Chad Paronto back up here. He got those ground ball outs when we needed ‘em, usually.

3. Sit Andruw, play Diaz in LF, and Willie in CF. We got our power bats covered now, with Teixeira. Defense be damned.

4. Solutions #1 and #2 would help keep Smoltz starts in the W column, as would using Moylan as our primary setup guy and/or closer, frankly. He and Tyler Yates (even Tyler freaking Yates!!!) are doing better than Sorryano are.

I agred with Paladin that tonight’s game had the chance to be a pivotal moment in the division race. We blew it, frankly. No ways around it. Apologists need not cover for Bobby not pinch-hitting for Andruw in the 9th, or for using Soriano again in a situation where he could hurt us.

I’m a Bobby Cox fan, but his critical game decisions have been skull-scratchers this season. It’s easy to second-guess, but dammit, we here on this blog seem to know what’s coming before he does. You can read it here all damned day.

So now we not only don’t send our message to the Mets, we’ve fallen back to third place, again, and fall back in the wild card race, as well.

So now we kinda have to win tomorrow (no pressure, but guess who it’s on, now???) and go into Philadelphia and dominate them and get ‘em off our @sses.

Great. Some pivotal moment.

By A-ville Ranger

August 8, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

robodawg that was a trashy post guy,no need to sink to that sort of nonsense.

By Robert

August 8, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

“I guess Bobby will be managing in depends undergarments with a walker 10 years from now ?”

I have a sneaking suspicion that only one of those props would be new

The greatest mismanager of all time

It’s funny, cuz last week, after the Tex and Dotel trades, USA Today’s Hal whatshisname (Bodley?) wrote about how everyone is familiar with Bobby Cox’s “managerial wizardry” (I believe that’s the term he used). I about choked on my soda when I read that and my first thought was - well, Bodely needs some Alzheimer’s medication

If it werent predicatble. If it werent Act 487 in a 17-year-long tragicomedy. If you didnt KNOW - yes KNOW, somewhere deep down, that Donk would find a way to hand the opposition, on a silver platter, an opportunity to triuumph - Then I could be mad.

I cant be mad any more. I cant even cry any more. I can just laugh.

At the idiots who still back the idiot

By The Truth Hurts

August 8, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this

All this blog talk about this series having a “playoff” feel.

Hey, the Braves did play tonight like it was the playoffs. Good for them.

The lineup had one good inning. The starting pitching kept them in it. The bullpen allows the tying and go-ahead runs late in the game. The Braves get back off the deck in the 9th and…fail to get the clutch hit.

It’s perfect, really.

Ladies and Gentlemen, your Atlanta Braves.

What’s kind of funny, and by funny I mean inhumane and cruel, is that Cox finally put AJ 7th rather than 5th and that’s the exact spot that comes up with the game on the line.

It’s called karma.

Cox has angered the Baseball Gods one too many times by butchering winnable playoff games. They’re striking back.

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

Any competent manager would bench Andruw, play Harris in CF and Diaz in LF. How can Bobby justify sitting a .344 hitter on the bench for a .215 hitter. I wouldn’t care if Andruw was my own son, if he slumps, his azz sits. May the best man play. And it ain’t Andruw.

By BravesDave

August 8, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

How disgusted with their teammates must Chipper Jones and Mark Teixiera be right now??? Chipper gets the big 2-run double to give the Braves the lead, he scores the 3rd run on a single by Tex. Both single in the ninth against the most dominant pitcher in baseball for the past two months………..and their teammates leave them stranded when a FLY BALL OUT by Francoeur would have tied the game and another FLY BALL OUT by DP Jones could have possibly won the game. Their teammates did not even need clutch hits…just outs anywhere but on the ground could have done it.

How good do the Mets feel right now…they have lost 7 out of 11 to the Braves and it doesn’t matter. They still have a 4.5 game lead.

By Andruw Jones

August 8, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

I sorry, I try. I hit baseball where it was pitched. I will try and do better next game…and I promise I will go leech off another team next year, I leave the braves alone, I promise. I take my none producing in the clutch backside to the NY Muts, I fit right in with the rest of the overpayed, over the hill team there.

I give my word tomorrow, I ground in only 1 double play! Look and see, I make progress tomorrow!

By MS

August 8, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

Chill out people. Yea, it sucks and it’s frustrating, but it’s baseball. You can’t win ‘em all. Let’s just hope this loss doesn’t linger or do any mental damage to the team, and we can go out and win tomorrow to win the series and then take 2 out of 3 from the Phils. Yea it will suck knowing that we were on our way to sweeping the Mets and blew it, but in the grand scheme of things will it really matter?

And if some of you were really Braves fans, you wouldn’t be calling for Andruw and Bobby’s head everytime they screw up. It happens. Support your team through good times and bad. Yea, they deserve some criticism but some of the vile crap you guys are spewing is just wrong.

C’mon boys, forget about this one, get out there tomorrow and start another win streak. Go Braves!

By HP

August 8, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

Quick Question: Is the person(s) posting under Ron, Roberts, and Ron Roberts is a same person or three different people.

By A-ville Ranger

August 8, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

BravesDave If you’re going to post-manage at least do it right.Mahay did fine,the walk wasn’t good but they happen.The hit was nothing but a broken bat bloop.As for your assertion that Moylan should have been brought in,he can’t pitch every relief inning.You could make a case that Soriano shouldn’t pitch in big situations but other than that the players simply failed to get the job done.Oh and 2 of 3 would be fine,just not this way.

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Hey ranger, its a blog. Bobby won’t retire so I offer a possible scenario. He like them $2 millions a year too much to retire. Every year in the playoffs he would make all the wrong moves and the Braves would lose again and again. Remember Joey Devine a rookie pitching aganist the Astros and giving up those bombs ? Remember all the games he would leave a starting pitcher in too long (wait it happened tonight too) ? Remember bringing in 45 year-old decrepit Leibrandt to face Puckett ? Need I go on and on ? Glenn Hubbard for manager of the Braves RIGHT NOW !

By Ray Kelsey

August 8, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

Marc, your post was dead on accurate—when Diaz is up with men on base, you get excited. You know he’s going to put a charge in the ball and hit it somewhere that will get it done. When Andruw is up, you turn off the tv. My best friend, a Mets fan in Rochester, NY, told me earlier today that he’d trade Alou for Andruw in a heartbeat.

He called me after the game and said, “Nevermind.”

Appropriately put: Andruw never seems to mind—-losing games for us, that is. His fat carefree galumphing down to first to end the game along with that insufferable smile is enough to make me want to puke. BENCH HIM, BOBBY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KEEP DIAZ IN THE LINE-UP, EINSTEIN!!!!!! Go get em Huddy.

By Mark

August 8, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

You know they say that if someone is out of position on defense the ball will always find them. I guess you can say the same about people who can’t hit on offense. I mean it doesn’t matter where Andruw Jones hits whether 5th or 7th, big situation seems to always find him and he always chokes!

I guess all us Braves Fan were wrong when we said our lineup was strong 1 through 8. Unless we meant the pitching spot, because Andruw Jones is a disgrace and should bat 9th. He should also be designated for assignment. It wouldn’t hurt to send him back to the minors until we expand the rosters, but I know that will never happen.

You can’t say bad situations find poor relievers unless STUPID, IDIOTIC, DUMBASS, MANAGERS put them in. This is why we will never win a World Series under Bobby Cox again. He has a sick loyalty to his players. I mean SORIANO!! Why did we trade for Dotel! I know he pitched last night, but so did Soriano, Moylan, and Mahay. Bobby Blows Another One!!

This crap started in 91 when he put Charlie Liebrandt in to face Kirby Puckett.

Face it folks we don’t win because of Bobby Cox, we win inspite of him and his go by the book managing.

By David O'Brien

August 8, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Robert: Bodley has Alzheimer’s, Cox needs Depends, we’re all crazy or old or just not savvy like you, who we’re supposed to believe, for god knows what reason, are a real savvy baseball guy. Yeah, sure, I’m in. You’re Bob James, man. Now please, see someone about the adult-diaper fixations, the farm-animal fixations, the old-age and nose-picking fixations. Seriously. It’s troubling….

Robdawg, that was mismanaging? Was he supposed to manage a hit out of Francoueur there? Oh, that’s right, he wasn’t supposed to play Andruw to begin with. Sit his $13.5 mill salary, team-high 21 homers and 72 RBIs and gold-glove defense n the bench and play Willie Harris. Yeah, lot of managers would do that.

Andruw’s having a horrible year in terms of clutch hitting and in overall average. In every area but homers and RBIs, in fact. But it’s a no-win situation and you really are not going to find other players or managers who’d tell you that the Braves should bench him.

Meanwhile, for those who care:

That was the eighth homer off Soriano in 23 innings over his past 24 appearances, during which he’s posted a 5.87 ERA and been tagged with three losses and three blown saves.

This from a guy who had an 0.42 ERA over his previous 21 appearances, with an .074 opponents’ average and one homer allowed during that torrid stretch.

By Alex

August 8, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Hey, we are not jumping on Bobby Cox or Andruw Jones just for tonight! It’s the body of work this entire season for those two in particular, and how they have affected games that the Braves end up losing b/c of them!

At the end, let’s call a spade a spade. Andruw Jones has sucked all year long. Tonight was just a capper on what has been an unproductive and the most deceiving numbers in MLB. If Andruw just would hit .260…he would have 100RBI’s right now! Do the math!

Bobby Cox has blundered through the pen all year long as well. Not just tonight, but all year long bad decisions with leaving or taking guys out of the game!

So there, it’s the body of work for the entire season, just happens to spill over tonight.

By mets fan in atlanta

August 8, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

First off, what a game! Great pitchers duel that most expected it to be. Other than that, i can’t tell you how amazed i am that wagner wriggled out of that mess in the 9th inning. He was definitely overly “amped” as one of the announcers put it—i watched him pitch on Sunday night against the Cubs and even then he wasn’t as hyped up.

Anyhow, the mets are for real, they aren’t “scared” or “worried”, and they definitely aren’t worried about who AJC columnists think is the best team on paper. (Which by the way was one of the stupidest articles i’ve ever read in that paper)

Its not about who has the best collection of individual talent, but who has the best team……not about who has the most .300 hitters, but about who has the best team……not about who traded for the most players at the trade deadline, but who has the best team. And right now i think that team is the Mets.

I watched the game sunday night (glavine’s game) with a buddy of mine who is a braves fan. After watching the mets take the lead on the cubs with some nice baserunning, hit and run, 1st to 3rd, sac fly—i said to my friend, “doesn’t this just seem like the better team? They can manufacture runs, even on a bad hitting night.” Of course he said, no I like the braves team better.

Point is, in a close game, i like the mets chances. Last night, braves scored 6 early and it was over before it started. The mets have a combination of speed and power that the braves don’t have. Its funny, someone mentioned earlier that the braves don’t need ABC baseball, their offense is good enough. And on some nights, the 3-run homer is a great thing. But what do the braves do on nights when they aren’t getting the big power hits? As they say, speed doesn’t slump.

I’ve been a reader on this vent all season, but for some reason i decided to post tonight. I guess i’m still giddy from the Mets winning the game. Take it easy, and hopefully Maine will pitch us to a series victory tomorrow.

By TexasBrave

August 8, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

We beat ourselves tonight plain and simple. Some have been saying to give the Mets some credit but sorry I can’t. That should have been a W in the win column boys and girls. Lets break down what lead to our demise shall we:

1. Quite a few of you have said that you would not have left JS in to start the 7th. I could go either way on that. In the past John probably would not have told Bobby if he was tired and didn’t think he had enough to go out there. But John has gotten wiser in his old age and if he told Bobby he had it, then I think you go with John. John had the bottom half of the line up coming with right handed hitters after Shawn Green. Green owned him tonight but I didn’t see the concern after Shawn. Now the first crucial mistake. Bringing in Mayhey instead of Moylan. Every one of those switch hitters bat naturally from the right side, so why not have them hit from their weaker side against a guy who has shown he can get anybody out no matter what side they hit from.

2. I know some of you wanted to leave Moylan in the game, but would you have him bat for himself in a close game in the 8th inning? No, although I would have much rather had seen Prado instead of Thorman, more of a natural lead off guy. I don’t even fault Bobby trying a hit and run, Kelly just flat out missed the ball. You got to put pressure on the defense and we just came up empty.

3. Soriano in the 8th. His problem is he is not locating the ball well. Did you see where Brian set up to receive that fastball? Low and outside. Where was it, up and inside and Alou just happened to put wood on the ball, it wasn’t even a good swing. Soriano’s location has not been good for awhile. I still have confidence in him, but he needs to stop trying to blow everyone away and locate the ball more. Not to mention he needs to stay out of the zone on a 0-2 pitch.

4. Top 9, our big chance. Get the first three on and can’t move them over and that is on us. Wagner practically asked us to win the ball game and we can’t come through with at least a fly ball to tie it, neither Jeff nor Andruw. I mentioned to DOB, halfway jokingly, after he had asked Andruw about being ready for the Mets series that DOB make sure that Andruw he didn’t need a few more days off. Well after seeing his hacks today (I didn’t get to see yesterday’s game) I can tell you that Andruw wasn’t ready. He looked bad and is probably why BC moved him down in the lineup. Any great player wants to be in the big games and that’s why AJ wanted to play, but for the good of the team with his elbow affecting his at bats he should have recused himself for the good of the team.

Bottom line, we beat ourselves. However, I feel really good about our chances tomorrow with Huddy going against Maine. Just keep winning, we might not win the East (although I am not conceeding it to the Mets yet, still a lot of baseball) but winning games will get us into the playoffs and that’s where we want to be in the first place. Then we can beat the Mets and go to the World Series.

Have faith Denziens our boys will pull through!!!

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

There has to be some reliable pitcher at Richmond that can pitch a scoreless inning ? Danm , you ask a pitcher (Soriano) for just one scoreless inning and he can’t even do that. Its like he was pitching batting practice. I read Moises Alou’s lips in the dugout after the homerun. Alou : “It was right down the middle”. In a game like this maybe they should have brought in Chuck James ? You lay it all on the line at crunch time. Its just ho-hum and another loss for Booby.

By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 8, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

They choked , plain and simple , I say this team has no chance at the playoff’s. Only 48 more games to prove me wrong fella’s.

By Ron

August 8, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

Robert Dude In the offseason before the year started you called BC a donkey and All kinds of stuff and you still do!!! And I gave you a hard time, because believe it or not he USED to be pretty damned good, but dude I gotta agree with you NOW!!! I STILL like BC, but this year he has made MORE bonehead mistakes than he does in 2 to 3 years combined!!! I would NOT fire BC, because of all the division titles but he BETTER retire after the 2008 season!!! Because I cant take it anymore!!! He has TOTALLY lost it this year!!! I Still dont blame him for PAST playoff appearances, but I do blame him THIS year!!! We dont make the playoffs IT IS BOBBY COX FAULT!!! And it is ALSO the fault of the damned offense for not coming through with runners on 2nd and less than 2 outs THIS YEAR!!! They have Repeatedly screwed that up, and we have lost games BECAUSE of that!!! If it is not for that and BC we would be up by 10 games in the East!!! It is ridiculous!!!

By N8

August 8, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

4-3 since Teixeira has played for the Braves.

I know a week isn’t enough to judge off of. But it seems to me that 1B (Salty/Thorman/Julio) was NOT the problem with us being a mediocre, barely above .500 team.

Anybody have any ideas as to what the problem is? Because apparently Bobby and JS, didn’t either.

And to think about a month and a half a go, I was clamoring for Soriano to be the closer.

We’d be better off with Kyra Sedgwick coming out from the bullpen.

YIKES.

By A-ville Ranger

August 8, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

I’m all for honest criticism but Robert,Robdawg06 (please tell me you’re not a UGA grad) and others who wallow in negativity day after day…grow up !!! The comment on Mr Cox by dawg and seconded by Robert was just trash.There is no place for that bs.I believe giving an honest opinion is what we’re here for.Let’s try to keep it above the slime level though.

By Ron Roberts

August 8, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

No, the mis-managing was…

1. Using Soriano, when he, the manager, knew as well as anybody here (and the beat writer, too) that Soriano’s been giving up gopher balls like tootsie rolls on Halloween night the past month…

2. Taking McCann out of the game in place of Woodward. Uh, which of the two tends to get those clutch hits and which doesn’t? Woodward got a walk, which is I guess about as good as we could expect. Tha walk drove in zero runs, though.

3. Not pinch-hitting for Andruw when you had a capable .340+ hitter on the bench to replace the .215 hitting o-for-the-night sure-fire double-play candidate.

There are plenty of rational and irrational spots to second-guess the manager. Obviously nobody can manage a hit out of anybody; but leaving Andruw in at a critical moment in the game is just about as good as managing an out (or two) out of somebody.

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

DOB, you’re a big man. 85 people jump on Bobby and Andruw and you single me out ? I’ll be in Atlanta to take my family to a game in a few weeks. I’ll look you up, big man. Your homerism for Bobby and Andruw is pathetic. You probably wait in the showers after games to get their dirty jocks ? Can you offer a valid reason Bobby continues to be the manager ? I’ve listed the post season moves he made that failed. You can list the one post season against the Indians that actually worked, I guess… See ya soon, big man.

By BravesDave

August 8, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

Hey A-Ville Ranger, Mahay did not do fine. I am sorry but when you enter a game with runners on first and second, and you walk the first hitter that you face…a pinch hitter no less, YOU DID NOT DO YOUR JOB. What you did was you just put the tying run in scoring position. Fine, he got Reyes to hit a blooper to right that Francouer made a nice play on, but when you load the bases with the top of the order (two slap hitters) coming up, you are asking for exactly what happened…a bloop hit that scores two runs. So don’t tell me that Mahay did his job.

And I don’t need Moylan to pitch every inning, just the important ones…like say 2 runners on, with a run lead, in a game that is absolutely necessary to any playoff chances.

By Jobu

August 8, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

DOB, any indication from Soriano himself on his struggles? I know Bobby and Roger keep saying he’s just missing his location, but have you heard anything directly from him? Is he worn out? He seemed to be getting into a little groove the past few games.

By N8

August 8, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

BTW: I forgot to add this in my last post.

I noted that we are 4-3 since Tex started his first game for us. What I forgot to point out, is that TWO of the three losses were games started by Smoltz. That’s NOT good people.

Don’t give me the crappy run support either. He’s the ACE, deal with it. Besides, the 1st run doesn’t score tonight if the ball doesn’t get thrown away (still think Tex should’ve caught it). So Smoltz had his hand in giving away a run tonight, as well.

IMO, with Smoltz on the mound, 3 runs should be enough to win.

He gutted it out tonight, and Chipper did what he always does to the Mets.

Still not enough. Oh well, a win tomorrow means we win the series, but that will still suck, since this game should’ve been won.

As far as Andruw goes. I’ve NEVER, EVER wished personal harm or injury to anybody before. But damn! I wish that guy would break a wrist or something diving for a ball, because it is the ONLY way that Bobby takes him out of the lineup right now. He’s a liability at the plate. PERIOD.

To the bloger that said “defense be damned” when suggesting that Diaz play everyday in LF and Harris in CF. You’re right, the defense would suffer a little, if not a lot. But I’m still not convinced that getting NOTHING but defense out of Andruw wins us more games than getting Diaz’ bat in the lineup everyday, and NOT having AJ’s defense.

Just imagine, how many RBI Diaz would have, if Cox was willing to let him bat Cleanup for about 100 games.

Oh well, all of his peers think he’s the best. Hopefully, one of those peers get’s stuck having Andruw Jones in THEIR lineup killing rally after rally next year. Because as far as I’m concerned, he can’t leave town fast enough.

Good riddance.

By cooper

August 8, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

Bases Loaded with nobody out. You have to manufacture a run there. IT’S ON BOBBY COX! Put a damn bunt down, squeeze home a run, anything. There is no excuse for the 4 or 5 times in the last 30 days where the Braves have had the tying run on 3rd with nobody out in the ninth inning and failed to score. That is shameful and embarrassing. Bobby is a cheerleader, not a MANAGER. I also hope that the Braves let Andruw walk after this year without even making an offer. Screw him and his lack of passion and personal responsibility.

And Moylan should have been brought in instead of Mahay with men on base. He’s been amazing in those situations.

DOB, I know that you don’t usually agree when people hold Bobby Cox accountable for mismanaging critical game after game but all that I can imagine is that you must not have been a Braves fan long enough.

-end of rant-

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 8, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

Andruw Jones is my favorite player for the past 11 years although Francour is in a dead heat with him. It’s tough for me to stop being loyal to a player but as I noted before there is a time when loyality becomes stupidity. I will still root for AJ and don’t hold any personal grudge towards him nor will I bash him with the zeal most bloggers here do. However, as a baseball player who is supposed to be one of the main threats he just is not getting the job done. I cant logically support him being in the lineup anymore as this slump seems to be far from serious. I will still root for him though. I think AJ needs to be DL’d in order to give him an extended break to clear his head then mabey, just mabey, he can come back at the end of the season refreshed and ready to be a threat in the post-season. This is no knee jerk reaction tonight is just the culmination of one of the worst season’s by a superstar. AJ will probably earn kudo’s by the fans here if he were the one to suggest this. I’m not sure his defence has won more games than his bat probably cost us.

I really feel bad for the guy because I don’t think the Atlanta Braves can risk signing him to a large deal, even if its for his current 13 million he earns now, and getting this type of performance. AJ I love ya man but you had the worst possible season during the worst possible time.

Another Brave is going to hit a milestone with another team…I will be rooting for AJ when he goes for his 500th homerun. You people still on Bobby? Give it a break we lost a ball game. Get over it. Like I said before Mahay should’ve done his job. There is a reason why we gave up Elvis, Salty, and Harrison for Teix and Mahay. You ever wonder if Bobby and John talked before he went out there in the 7th? Smoltz probably said he was good and before he pulled him Bobby asked smoltz how he felt and obvioulsy smoltz said it was time to go. If you are all so smart baseball men why are you not a major league manager. As I see it base on your posts most of you really lack baseball aptitude to even manage a Jr. High School game muchless a Major League game.

I can’t imagine living with the precieved emotional highs and low you people feel on a what appears to be a minute by minute basis. It would have been nice to sweep the Met’s and it was a real posibility but the Met’s are a good team and they proved that tonight. You have to give them credit for doing the job. However, we gave our selves a chance to still win the series which is the goal for the big picture. We win 2 out of 3 games of every series we go to the playoffs, I gaurantee it.

By BravesDave

August 8, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

I have absolutely no problem with Bobby pinch hitting for Brian McCann in that spot. Brian is not a good bunter, as we have seen with the hand injury earlier in the season, and he is a major double play risk with his lack of speed. Plus, Bobby had the right idea…get Chipper and Tex into scoring position, take the double play out of order…expect that Francoeur can put the ball in play.

Woodward attempted to sacrafice, but Wagner walked him. All the more reason for Jeff and Andruw to force Wagner to throw strikes in their at-bats.

By Ron

August 8, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

HP Dude I am Ron!!! I just post under the name Ron!!!

By Mark

August 8, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

DOB, I don’t care what other players or managers feel. Andruw should be benched. This isn’t the first time he has choked. I could care less about his so call injury. He wasn’t hitting well when he was healthy.

The only reason he has that many runs batted in is because we have arguably the best 1,2,3 hitters in the league in terms of average. If he was having an average year he would probably have as many RBIs as A-Rod.

DOB don’t start defending Bobby on his stupid decision to bring in Soriano. You need to be a little more critical of his mismanaging in your articles. We traded to get Dotel because Soriano was sucking and for games like this. Why didn’t we us him? Bobby has always had sickening loyalty toward his players. I see why Smoltz didn’t want to leave the game.

By robdawg06

August 8, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Hey ranger, you are the child here. I simply make an analogy that its already time for Bobby to retire right now, he’s in his 70’s. How long will he manage ? I guess he will still be putting in sorry relievers from the grave 50 years from now ?

By David O'Brien

August 8, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

Robdawg, seriously, I gotta know: Have you ever watched baseball games before this season? Ever?

I ask this after seeing your comment a few minutes ago, which is just beyond the pale in terms of complete lack of knowledge and understanding of the game:

You wrote, presumably in a serious tone: “In a game like this maybe they should have brought in Chuck James ? You lay it all on the line at crunch time. Its just ho-hum and another loss for Booby.”

I mean, where to even begin with that comment, other than to say it’s the worst, most inane, nonsensical post of the year. The WORST.

To face right-handed hitting Moises Alou in the eighth inning, you take out your right-handed setup reliever and bring in … YOUR LEFT-HANDED STARTER WHO IS PITCHING FRIDAY’S GAME IN PHILLY!!??!!!

I mean, that takes the prize. All-time post. Just complete absurdity with no basis in reality or any thought given to the utterance. My God, man. The next time you’re going to type, please, we beg of you, just think it through for 10 seconds.

By MetsFan

August 8, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

This is the most pathetic blog in baseball. Did robdawg just challenge the writer of this blog to a fight? Wow.

By Bob, Journalist

August 9, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

David, I too would have played Willie Harris as opposed to Andruw in Center … but, that doesn’t mean the outcome would have been different … I simply prefer Matt over Andruw in the batter’s box. However, I don’t understand what salaries have to do with who rides the bench … that’s money already spent.

I didn’t see the game but why weren’t Prado and Diaz used as pinch hitters instead of Thorman and Woodward?

By robdawg06

August 9, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this

Fact : 90 % of all Americans retire at age 62. Bobby has gone about 12 years over when he should have retired already. Go home Bobby. Let a younger,smarter man like Hubbard take over. You were a good manager. We appreciate all the NL division titles and playoff losses.

By TexasBrave

August 9, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

DOB - I know AJ is an all-star and he makes a lot of money and yes he has hit some homeruns and had some RBI’s. However, he is not completely 100%. He looked absolutely dreadful in each of his at bats tonight. This is (was) a big game (not the end of the world, but big none the less). Bobby even moved him down to 7th knowing that AJ is not himself. Either AJ has to do the right thing and take himself out, which he is not going to do voluntarily, or Bobby has to make the difficult decision and take him out and put in someone who is 100%. I can’t blame Bobby for starting him, because we need his defense and Bobby did move him down in the order. But in a big at bat with the game on the line and his star player not 100% and Mr. Raking the ball Matt Diaz on the bench, why not Pinch Hit him? Is there anyone on this blog that would have blamed Bobby for Pinch hitting Diaz for AJ and Diaz not come through? Not I.

By Ron Roberts

August 9, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

N8… you’re wrong. John Schuerholz did make the necessary moves to give this team a chance.

But the continued decline in Rafael SORRYano have now cost us two of those three games we’ve lost since Mark Teixeira arrived. Pure and simple.

I’d take 6-1 since his arrival; it would certainly have us staring the Mets down with first place on the line.

As it is now, we’re in third place, 4 1/2 games back of the Mets, a game behind the Phillies in the loss column, and you just have to ask…

…how many more of these games we should have won and let slip away can a playoff team suffer before they just aren’t a playoff team?

I don’t fault JS or BC for Gonzalez’ injury, and I don’t fault ‘em for Hampton not making the team; I fault whomever keeps insisting we pitch Soriano in close ballgames.

We had a veritable plethora of options other than Soriano to pitch an inning tonight, and yet we went for the guy who’s given up all the homers and coughing up all these runs since the All-Star break.

Tyler Yates was available, no? Is Moylan good for only one batter now? He’s our most effective arm out of the bullpen, and we used him for one out? Deplorable. Hell, Oscar Villareal was out there, too, right? You know, the guy who should’ve been our fifth starter anyhow…the one with the 3.69 ERA.

No, Schuerholz isn’t to blame, here. He’s done all he can to get us the players we need to win the division and/or grab the wild card. It’s decisions in-game that are killing us.

And I’m a Bobby Cox fan, folks! I roll my eyes at the degenerates who keep making nose-picking cracks or call him a donkey (it is childish and moronic, after all…), but tonight’s game is a collection of the things that have gone wrong throughout the season all wrapped into one winnable, yet elusive game.

By A-ville Ranger

August 9, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

BraveDave I made the point that Mahay walked the batter and that the bloop hit was just that.The walk was not a good thing but 2 runs scored is a high price to pay for it don’t you think ?

By Ron

August 9, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this

N8 Dude that post about you hoping Andruw breaking a wrist or getting hurt is too much dude!!! I agree with a good bit of what you say, but there is NO reason to want someone to get hurt!!! I know AJ is KILLING us, but NEVER EVER wish another player to get hurt, not even OUR Rival teams players!!!

By robdawg06

August 9, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

So James and the other starters are so fragile that they can’t pitch an inning then pitch on 2 days rest ? Wow ! I never knew these guys were such wusses. You take a pitcher like David Weathers and he would be willing to start 2 games back to back. The bottomline is 1)Andruw is the worst $16 million dollar hitter in MLB 2) Bobby can’t manage a bullpen 3)I’m going to bed

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 9, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

Unbelievable!…

By Alex

August 9, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

MetsFan

I just want to know where were you last night? There was a blog, and the Braves won that night, oh yeah, that’s right, you only come out of the dark when the MUTS win and the Braves lose!

There are 2 or 3 MUTS fans who show up no matter what, but it’s TROLLS like you that ruin this blog…what did you call it…pathetic, yes, sort of like the kind of person/fan that you are!

By Savannah Guy

August 9, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this

Expectations Are Met. Beneficiaries Are Mets.

As soon as I got back to my hotel room in Atlanta I decided to go ahead and jot down my alternative journalist thoughts before first reading the blog, which is not consistent with what I usually do. I can imagine…no…make that, I KNOW how the ebb and flow of this forum went tonight. So I’ll just go ahead and say: Naysayers…relax. Long post haters: scroll on or cry. Trolls…watch tomorrow and come back after your loss. We will take tomorrows game…2 of 3 in this series. Huddy is on a mission and we will not be denied.

So, how do we explain this loss? Optimist view is, hey, we won last night, they won tonight, rubber match tomorrow. No biggie. No reason to gripe. Game of inches, long season, lots’a games left, could’a gone either way….yada yada blah blah.

Well…first, this loss was not from a lack of consistency. We had that in spades. Yep, expectations were met once again. First…we had a great outing by Smoltzy. It was a damn gutsy performance, especially in the brutally hot conditions. We’ve seen it before. No surprises there. Expected that. Chipper played Shea like he plays Shea so well, which was expected.

Tex didn’t have a particularly good game with the bat, but that is forgivable. Certainly not hoped for, but not unexpected or unreasonable, because he has been seeing AL pitchers all year…and the last 4 of ‘em. So his short “slump” does not concern me. He’ll come around as soon as he gets more comfortable in the NL. John, Chipper and Mark are playing to my expectations, which are high. All is expected and understandable there. Expectations met.

Trouble is, the usual suspects were also playing to expectations tonight. Just to replay for no doubt the 100th time here tonight: Bottom 7, two bloop hits off of Smoltz. I thought he should stay in, but I’ll give benefit of doubt on taking him out.

Maybe he was understandably out of gas. Ok fine. Not fine was…he is relieved by Mahay (great pitcher but LEFT hander) with 3 RIGHT hand batters coming up. Bad move. Where the hell was Moylan, our hot hand lately? Bobby managed to expectations unfortunately. More? Ok…Kelly’s been in a hitting (and fielding) slump for a few days. Looking weak at the plate. So, we don’t hit and run with Kelly tonight in that situation please…right? Against my judgment but not against my expectations…hit and run is called by Bobby with the oft-busted stealer Willy. Slumping Kelly misses the very hittable pitch by a foot. Willy is thrown out. Once again, Bobby managed to expectations. Strategic? In a word…uh, NO (is uh a word?). Bad manager call. Expectations met again and again and again.

This is getting (gotten) long and you saw the game so, shorthand from here: Soriano to Alou, who hits his first home run as a Met? Uh, Alou. Expectations met. Taking McCann out to bat…WHO???? Woodward??? (lucky walk for us). Brilliant!!! Expectations met. Then, the most predictable player on the Braves comes up with bases loaded, two out, bottom 9, game on line…double play. Another rally and game killed by none other than the underachieving poster boy…Android-won’t take-a-hint-because-I-want-to-pull-pitches, spider web-elbow-tattoo-smiley-Jones. Very expected.

Chalk this loss up to Bobby’s “upside-down-backwards-playbook” Cox. Against logic and against common sense is, somehow…logical with these games. By now, with Bobby in close, important games, you always get what you expect. Good thing David justice hit a home run in 95, so Bobby has a depth gauge for that nose pickin’. Ok, don’t mean to be cruel. Try this then: Bobby Cox meets expectations and players like him. Now, that’s nice. I’ll stay with that. Everything else is just expected. Phillies in second? You got it…expected. Long post by me? Once again…

Sad but true. Hard but fair.

By Ray Kelsey

August 9, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

I agree with DOB about the lack of wisdom putting Chuck James in for a relief appearance, but guys, guys… I think perhaps we are all getting a little irritable after the last few weeks of close losses. I mean, really, we should have won more than half of those extra inning games. It seems we keep losing the games that are supposed to test our mettle, our heart.

Soriano has become the 2007 version of Chris Reitsma. And Andruw Jones is a liability. That’s the tall and the short of it. He just isn’t getting it done anymore. We are all peeved because we should have about 67 wins already. Instead, we are fighting for our lives.

Bobby is culpable in some respects, sure. I wish he’d be more inventive at times, but the team HAS to figure out a way to pull out these close ones or the season is a wash, regardless of whether we make the playoffs. Hudson has to be lights out tomorrow.

The Rockies are starting to scare me, as they no longer seem to find the loss column every other day.

By Chop Chop

August 9, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

robdawg06,

I hope someone else is just pretending to be you in your 12:12 a.m. post. Otherwise, don’t lay off the sauce. You provide much reading enjoyment.

By MegaBravesFan

August 9, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

This is dumbfounding… Did you know that Andruw Jones is near the top of the league in number of pitches seen?

By Ron

August 9, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

Metsfan But yet YOU are here!!! Dont give me that crap!!! I have been on some met blogs, and they are PURE crap!!! This IS the Best Blog that I have been to!!! Even Though We have to endure ALOT of the Mut Trolls!!!

Robdawg Dude do you EVEN know what DOB looks like? I would not be threatning anybody unless I knew what somebody looked like!!! Maybe you do know what he looks like, I dont know!!!

By robdawg06

August 9, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

Decisions,decisions… So is my worst all-time post the one about pitching Chuck James one measly inning or saying I’ll look DOB up to discuss this in person ? Hmmm… How’s this ? Once the Braves lose out to the Mets because of poor managing I’ll remind you of this very game we discussed ? And I hope I’m wrong but I’m usually not. And DOB, how did you decide to choose me out of 85 bloggers bashing Bobby and Andruw ? You single me out so I’ll single you out. Alls fair…

By Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy

August 9, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this

robdawg06,

And you wonder why he singled you out. Your 12:12 post is really revealing as I was conteplating my comments in my previous post but now you just confirmed my thoughts. I don’t think your competent to manage a Playstation baseball game.

By MetsFan

August 9, 2007 12:31 AM | Link to this

Alex - I’ll be honest, I like coming here when the Braves lose, because that’s when the fans here IMPLODE. It is just too funny to listen to the sort of stuff that goes on here when you guys are in panic mode—and tonight takes the cake. Tonight, you had a guy tell the writer who runs this blog that he’s going to come looking for him next time he takes his family to a game. Seriously—he’s going to look for the writer of a newspaper blog because he actually wants to fight him. Over his comments on a BLOG. That is just priceless. The only thing better than that is the suggestion that you start using your starters in relief roles in between starts! You cannot make this stuff up. It’s not about trash-talking the Mets vs. the Braves…it’s more about getting a good laugh at the lack of baseball knowledge here. And just when I thought you guys couldn’t top all the “release Hampton and save his salary” stuff.

By MetsFan

August 9, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

Ron, aren’t you the guy who, a few posts back, told a guy to f- off and that he was a piece of sh-t because he offered an opinion? Yeah, great blog.

By TexasBrave

August 9, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts - I don’t like Woodward either but he is a much better bunter than Brain and if Brain doesn’t get down a good bunt you can count on getting a double play.

N8 - I don’t see how you can place blame on Smoltz. The man only gave up 3 runs through 6 innings. I would take that from every starter, the way this team normally scores runs. But they didn’t so you can’t blame Smoltz. Do you really expect him to allow less than that every time out?

Billy, The Blogger Formerly Know as Billy - I completely agree with your AJ coments.

By robdawg06

August 9, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

Soriano or James for one inning ? ConteMplate that. I’ll leave this board to you experts then… Same manager, same results… No championships (but one). You blind fans deserve Cox.

By A-ville Ranger

August 9, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

RobPuppy I’ll steal a line from John Wayne’if you can’t respect your elders,respect your betters’.Bobby Cox is a better man than most of us and I’m as sure as I can be he’s a better man than you.Show some respect,who knows you could even start respecting yourself. night all, go Braves.

By Chop Chop

August 9, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

N8,

It will be interesting to see how many people call Andruw a “traitor” at the end of this season when he leaves for more money. You’re hoping he breaks a bone so he won’t be in the lineup. Because of that, I hope you call him a traitor.

It would be funny, dude.

By David O'Brien

August 9, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

“And DOB, how did you decide to choose me out of 85 bloggers bashing Bobby and Andruw ? You single me out so I’ll single you out. Alls fair…”

Real simple, RD: No one in the short history of the blog has ever suggested something so ridiculous. In a Wednesday night game, with the score tied and a right-handed hitter coming up in the eighth inning, you suggested that the manager should have skipped over rested relievers, including the right-handed setup guys, and called on the left-handed starter who’s scheduled to PITCH ON FRIDAY.

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. All-time post.

By David O'Brien

August 9, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

Mark, just scrolled up to your post — a logical one, I might add — about Soriano. I totally agree with you that it’s time to drop Soriano from the setup role for a while, until he puts together not one or two good appearances but a couple of weeks’ worth of them. I’d use Moylan as the key setup guy for now.

As far as Dotel, whom you suggested should’ve been the guy tonight, I just haven’t been very impressed with him. He’s been better than Soriano lately, yes, but Dotel hasn’t been very strong lately, either. I mean, just last weekend he gave up five runs (four earned) in 1-1/3 innings over back-to-back appearances against the Rockies.

But just so we’re clear: I’m with you on removing Soriano from the setup role, at least until he gets straightened out.

By Ray Kelsey

August 9, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

Just curious, guys. Are any of you on the west coast? I live in Los Angeles (Born in Rochester, NY—which had TBS) and I marvel at how many of you are still up.

It’s only 10pm here, but what are you guys doing up this late?

Maybe the vitriol on this blog as of late is attributable to the lack of sleep.

By BravesDave

August 9, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this

A-Ville Ranger, walks in tight spots, like Mahay’s walk to Easley will burn a pitcher every time. Every time. My point is that you cannot say that he did his job tonight, because he didn’t. If he did his job, he would have gotten a double play grounder from Easley and the Braves would have won the game and the series. Instead, he walked a pinch hitter, put the tying run in scoring position, and set himself up to fail by only giving up a broken bat single to Castillo. The facts speak for themselves. Don’t walk Easley and the inning ends much differently, most likely.

And once again, for anyone who was not paying attention the first time, Cox mismanaged the bullpen big-time tonight…but pinch hitting Woodward for McCann was a very smart move…and it worked. Just so happens that Francoeur and Andruw did not do their jobs.

By David O'Brien

August 9, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this

Mark, you wrote: “The only reason he has that many runs batted in is because we have arguably the best 1,2,3 hitters in the league in terms of average. If he was having an average year he would probably have as many RBIs as A-Rod.”

Did you just take this directly from any of the countless posts I’ve had explaining exactly this fact, that Andruw Jones is hitting barely .200 with runners in scoring position and that if he hit .300 in those situations he’d have about 100 RBIs by now? The posts where I’ve pointed out that Francoeur and Renteria are hitting about .350 with RISP, and if Andruw was he’d be leading the league in RBIs, since he’s got more RISP at-bats than any one on the team and one of the lowest averages in those at-bats?

Or the many posts where I’ve pointed out that if Andruw had hit .300 with RISP the year he was the MVP runner-up, he’d have finished with 160 RBIs and won the MVP award going away?

Or have you really never seen me point out these facts and you thought you were telling me something I don’t know? Just curious.

By Loss: Bobby Cox

August 9, 2007 1:04 AM | Link to this

There’s just no bigger choker in sports history when it comes to managing an important game than Bobby Cox.

There is absolutely no logic that can possibly justify Mahay over Moylan. Moylan has been the best reliever all year, and the 7th inning was clearly the time for your best. Moylan makes sense with runners on as a sinker baller. You gain nothing in terms of left/right match-ups with switch hitters coming up. On and on — it was an absolute no brainer.

And then Homeriano in the 8th. Why did the Braves trade for Dotel again?

And an injured Andruw Jones, who sucks when he’s not injured, playing over Matt Diaz, possibly the hottest hitter on the team right now.

If BC only screws up 9 out of 10 decisions instead of 10 out of 10, the Braves win that game. I understand why he has gained a reputation as a consistently good regular season manager, but I would take anyone else if you have to win one. Anyone.

By Random

August 9, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this

I’m as frustrated as all you others. As soon as I saw Smoltz come out to pitch in the 7th, I “knew” we were doomed. Cox always seems to leave in his starters one inning past their effectiveness.

That said, though, I do not criticize Cox’ decision to replace Smoltz with Mahay when he did. Remember, the Moots had brought Gotay in to bat for Hernandez — Gotay who is hitting .344 overall (.355 at home), but who’s hitting only .200 against left-handed pitchers. Of course Cox should bring in our left-handed “specialist”.

However, when the Moots replaced Gotay with Easley, who is hitting .350 against left-handers but only .252 at home, imo Cox should have brought in Moylan at that time. The Moots burn one or two (if Easley’s replaced) of their bench, we burn one reliever — one who had thrown 14 pitches the previous night (Moylan had thrown 9).

But if Mahay stays in as he did, it was wise to pitch around Easley. He got the second out and, as has been said, got beat by a blooper. (I imagine Mahay was left in to face Castillo since Castillo fares worse against left-handers than against right-handers.)

So some of Cox’ moves were questionable (letting Smoltz start the 7th), some were less than genius (not bringing in Moylan for Mahay when Easley appeared), but not all were wrong or stupid. Take that, Robert!

By robdawg06

August 9, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

Bobby should have brought himself in to pitch tonight. He would be pitching on 14,600 days rest…I heard that he has a nasty sinker (wait, sorry that was when he was fishing)… He’s in uniform so he could pitch. What else does he wear the uniform for ? You don’t see Bill Bellycheck in pads and a jersey on the Patriots sideline…If he was he’d get tackled…Maybe Mike Hampton could have pitched that inning instead of Soriano. Lord only knows he owes an inning or two for the Braves (& Rockies maybe) paying him $30 million over 3 years to ride the pine so-called hurt…

By 1mansopinion

August 9, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this

Too bad Andruw Jones is past his prime, don’t worry AJ, some American League team needs an overpriced DH that hits at Mendoza’s line. I remember the good ol’ days when they would hate to see him come up in NYC. Now its just a weak ground ball to start a double play. They used to mention him with the young guns that might set the home run record too, but no more. Thanks for the memories.

By uga-brave

August 9, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

CONSISTENTLY INCONSISTENT THAT IS REALLY THE ONLY ONE TRUE FACT.

braves had no runners in scoring position before the sixth inning, and that was with two outs. harris was thrown out on a hit and run which kelly missed, guess that was bobby’s fault. bases loaded with none out in the ninth, francouer swings at a 1-1 pitch in his eyes, bobbys’ fault again? andruw hits a ball up the middle for a game ending dp, gotta be bobbys fault right? look i am as fustrated as any of you. but here are the facts the braves dont execute late in close games (both offensively, pitching, and defensively) look the braves win the game against houston without the two defensive errors in the eighth. anyone remeber the two errors in the ninth at minnesota? the lack of offense in extras against the reds? the record in extra innings? the one run in A five game stretch? kyle davies blowing lead after lead at L.A. on july 3? could go on and on.

my point is this, its not the managers fault this team cannot execute in crucial late games situaions. mangers manage players play. our players just dont play well in late game situations. FACT 24-46 OR SO WHEN WE SCORE LESS THAN 6 RUNS. THAT STAT HAS TO SAY SOMETHING? OH I GUESS THAT BOBBYS FAULT TOO.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 9, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

The most pivotal thing about tonight’s game was when Bobby Cox had a finger and a thumb inserted up his naris all the way past the second knuckles…while on TV!…and all this just after giving the sign to “pick off” Reyes at second…

By BravesDave

August 9, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this

I wonder if all of the people who were suggesting that 2 out 3 against the Mets (including people that are still suggesting this) was acceptable realize that we can win 2 out of 3 and actually remain in 3rd place. Is that acceptable…to win the series, but fall into 3rd place. Does anyone think the Phillies are going to lose to the Marlins tomorrow?? They beat Dontrelle Willis tonight. They will probably get the sweep that the Braves have not been able to get for weeks now. The Braves have swept only 4 series all season…think about that for a minute. They have played 36 series so far this season and only swept 4 of them. Guess what, they have been swept 4 times also. That is the very definition of a mediocre team. I hate to say it, but I have been saying it for a few weeks…if the Braves do not start sweeping some of their opponents, they will not make the playoffs. They blew a golden chance tonight.

By robdawg06

August 9, 2007 1:15 AM | Link to this

Yer blog tomorrow should be : Braves Lose In Sweaty Cauldron of Shea….

By facereality

August 9, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

Am I the only Braves fan who would have felt a helluva lot better with Matt Diaz — rather than Andruw — batting with the bases loaded and one out in the ninth?

By Greg in TN

August 9, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this

Morning denizens…

Tonight is typical of the reason why there is pent up frustration on Planet Braves. When you have a team on the ropes like we had tonight, you have to finish the job.

Soriano took a step back tonight, didn’t get a good look at the pitch through the advance ticket window in Myrtle Beach, but didn’t need to either from what I could see. Still the same situation, getting a lot of the fat part of the plate.

We have Hudson going tomorrow bidding to get a little of that momentum back we lost tonight. Going into Philly with a win is important since they’ve been hitting the ball well of late.

Chris Klob Really enjoyed the Monday game at the Joe. I have a feeling we’ll be making a return trip back to the Lowcountry soon. Any advice and/or wisdom from you is welcome. Feel free to contact me offline at gregadd AT comcast DOT net. We’ll be here until Sunday.

For those denizens curious for a little report on Myrtle Beach…

Spent the evening at Coastal Federal Field in Myrtle Beach watching the Pelicans play the Kinston Indians. In what seemed to be a foreboding trend, the Indians won 4-3.

Jordan Schafer started in CF and lead off, going 1-4 with a single, stolen base and a run scored. Tonight he hit opposite field for his single and flied out twice to left. I felt he showed good speed and a very good arm in center.

Jairo Cuevas got the start for the Pelicans and went five giving up seven hits and all four runs which were earned. Cuevas has a pretty good curve, however he struggled with his location tonight. The Pelicans brought in Carlos Sencion to pitch three innings and struck out four. He was mixing his pitches well and could consistently throw his curves for strikes. Sidewinding southpaw Kevin Gunderson pitched a scoreless ninth and recorded one strikeout and surrendered a walk.

I can see why Kala Kaaihue liked this ballpark what with the fence being 308’ down the left field line. 1B Roberto Alvarez homered for the Pelicans in the first, however the Indians homered twice and added an RBI single for the difference. The Pelicans squandered a two-out Quentin Davis double in the ninth before Kinston registered the final out to end the game.

I’ll be heading out to tomorrow evening’s game also and will let you guys know what happened when I get back to the hotel.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 9, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

Looks as if Edgar Renteria’s bat is also sorely missed in the lineup…

By Bob, Journalist

August 9, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

Nathan, I don’t disagree but I think your’s is too strong of an indictment of Andruw … I’ve called for someone to properly handle his development as a hitter for most of the last 10 years … I suppose most folks see that as being inconsistent with my belief that Bobby is a great manager … but I don’t think it is.

“Andruw, here’s what you need to do if you are to have a chance to realize your potential as a hitter and here’s how we’re going to address that … you’re too talented to settle for less than being the best … If you don’t agree, we can address that too” … there was a time for such a word but it’s a moot point now.

I don’t blame Andruw and I have little problem playing someone with his defensive skills in Center, regardless of their offensive contribution but neither do I put an inconsistent power hitter in the heart of an order filled with good hitters.

As an aside, I do think that Bobby is a great manager … but methinks the opinion of the players relative to his greatness as a manager is of little value in making such a determination … beyond the marginal impact it has on the players themselves … beyond that, their opinion, together with a couple of dollars, might buy you a cup of coffee … if you’re lucky.

By David O'Brien

August 9, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

Robdawg, just got up to the post where you threatened me, promised to “look me up.” I hadn’t even seen that post when I called your other the worst in the brief blog history. Honest, I hadn’t seen it. Your other post stood on its own, uh, merit.

Anyway, “I’ll be in Atlanta to take my family to a game in a few weeks. I’ll look you up, big man.”

Good deal, partner. Let me know when the family will be in town and I’ll tell you if I’m doing that particular game. This will be a first, though. Interesting. Will the family stand by and watch dad fight the sportswriter, or what? That’s quite a visual.

By Todd A

August 9, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this

Yep, thank goodness for David Justice’s homer, and of course, Mike Hargrove.The only manager in the American league at that time, that our esteemed Bobby Cox could match half-wits with.

By BravesDave

August 9, 2007 1:27 AM | Link to this

I am not a typical Bobby Cox basher…but many have said that Cox should not have sent Smoltz out for the 7th inning and I agree. I was surprised. I don’t know if he was out of gas, but he was battling all night. He was managing to get out of trouble, but he was not completely on his game. He let Reyes get on base three times…that is a sure way to lose a game to the Mets. But there was one overriding reason to get Smoltz out after the 6th, and it is ABSOLUTELY GLARING. Two words: Shawn Green. Green was leading off the 7th. He absolutely owns Smoltz. Why send Smoltz out there when there is then a better than 50% chance that the Mets are going to get the leadoff hitter on in the 7th when the Braves only have a 2-run lead. Does Cox not look at the lineup card and realize that a guy that is hitting over .500 in his career against Smoltz and has drilled homers off of him is leading off the inning?

By Todd A

August 9, 2007 1:33 AM | Link to this

“I would take anyone else if you have to win one. Anyone.”

Truer words have never been spoken.

Is it Sept 2008 yet?

By robdawg06

August 9, 2007 1:33 AM | Link to this

Who said fight DOB ? You assume… I have to look you up to fight ? I can’t look you up for discussion ? Tell me where I used the word fight, please ?

By Jobu

August 9, 2007 1:39 AM | Link to this

Yeah, I definitely think Moylan should have been the guy to replace Smoltz in the 7th inning given the way he’s pitched and his DP ability. Also, both switch hitters — Reyes and Castillo — actually have better numbers from the right side. Also the other thing with Soriano, I know there was an off day, but he’s now pitched in the last 4 games and 5 of the last 6.

Does anyone know who calls the pitches for the relievers? I mean 0-2 fastball when everyone in the building knows that Alou is a fastball hitter, is just not smart pitching. Any idea if in the post game comments, Bobby alluded to finally demoting Soriano to a 6th or 7th inning role or atleast giving him a break?

By robdawg06

August 9, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this

If I recall correctly it was Metsfan (who shouldn’t be allowed on a Braves Blog) that said I was wanting to fight you ? I guess if I use Big Man in a sentence I wanna fight…Daniel Boone was a man, a Big Man… Meet me at sundown Daniel Boone or else…You guys are too easy…Its too much fun to make stuff up and get your responses…

By TexasBrave

August 9, 2007 1:43 AM | Link to this

You know it really amazes me that not that long ago a great number of you (including myself) were being critical of Bobby not leaving his starters in longer and thus having to use the bullpen too much. Now that he did leave his best pitcher in, he gets criticized for that too. John had been getting it done for the first 6 innings, it stands to reason if John says he is good to go that he is the best option against a bullpen that has been suspect the second half of the season.

By Rex Boaz

August 9, 2007 1:49 AM | Link to this

If the Braves don’t bench AJ, they will not make the play offs. You canot win 7 or 8 games in a row with a 215 hitter batting in a key position. Some one must see this and make a decision as to wheather they are serious about the making the play offs.A manager is paid to make these difficult decisions. I just don’t think BC has the b__ or the will to do it.

By Chop Chop

August 9, 2007 2:00 AM | Link to this

BravesDave, you’re absolutely right. The fact that Smoltz was left in to face Shawn Green is the most damning indictment of the way Bobby managed the game tonight. If you’re trying to keep the tying run off base, let Mahay start the inning off so he can face Green.

Why? Let me re-emphasize BravesDave’s point with numbers:

“After tonight’s game, Shawn Green’s lifetime average against John Smoltz is .552 (16-for-29). According to the Elias Sports Bureau that’s the highest batting average any batter with at least 20 at-bats has against Smoltz.”

I guess Bobby was hoping for the other 44.8 percent.

And with that, pass out time.

By Metropolitan Man

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

Not quite the response I was looking for from those METSIES but a win is a win. I will tell you, that top of the ninth was a true Rolaids moment. You guys know you let 1 get away and tomorrow will tell the tale if you guys carry this over. Maine and Hudson against the benches and a few regulars, should make for great TV.

LETS GO METS!!!

By D I Hartman

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

Glad I missed the game. Sounds like nobody’s got any love for Bobby, except for maybe SJA, a renowned booger connoisseur.

And poor SJA - reduced to huddling with his conqueror, jjs, for moral support. How sweet.

By MS

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

Hey Rex, he batted AJ 7th! Is that a key position? I’m pretty sure every team in the league would be happy with a guy who hits 21 HRs and 72 RBIs through 2/3 of a season (no matter what the .BA is) and plays gold-glove defense in CF, to be there number 7 hitter.

Unfortunately, that’s where AJ should have been hitting the last two months though…

By Coach ( Hank Aaron Will Always Be My HR Champion)

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

The blowpen has 29 saves , 18 losses and 13 blown saves. Folk’s , that screams M-E-D-I-O-C-R-I-T-Y. The Yankee’s can make up five games in a week , the Braves haven’t been able to make up 4.5 games in the past three months. That should tell you something.

By uga-brave

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

DOB, liked you piece on marcus giles the other day. always had my supicions on why marcus’S offense went into decline. it is no coincidence that his brother brian has only hit 15 homeruns in the last three years, this after always being a 30 a year guy (BRADY ANDERSON?) always thought brian was a juicer. there is a direct correlation between both of their power production, and it aint because they both now play in SAN DIEGO. i really believe we will see marcus riding the buses real soon.

DOB going to see FRAMPTON AND THE DOOBIE BROS next thurs. at chastain should be a great show

By Runnin

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

I wonder if BC ever considered pinch hitting Diaz for Druw in the 9th. Probably not, but I did.

By Runnin

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

I wonder if BC ever considered pinch hitting Diaz for Druw in the 9th. Probably not, but I did.

By Chase

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

For GOD’S SAKES PEOPLE…

The BRAVES had just won THREE IN A ROW!

They are 6-3 in their last 9, 7-4 against the MUTS, and if they win Thursday they will have taken the SERIES!

They still get the MUTS 6 more times, and play, SF, FLA, Wash, and CINCY during a stretch when the MUTs play the Phillies 7 TIMES!

JUST WIN SERIES and THEY’LL BE FINE!

YOU CAN’T ALWAYS SWEEP!

The METS were VERY VERY LUCKY and IT TOOK EVERYTHING and I MEAN EVERYTHING TO GO THEIR WAY FOR THEM TO HANG ON TO WIN!

Now for you MUTS TROLLS

I’d Like to petition DOB to somehow have these guys BANNED.

I said last night that IF Trolls like NCZ, MUTS DROOL, MUTS FAN, and a couple others couldn’t BE MAN ENOUGH to BLOg when their team lost.. THEN… THEY LOSE ALL RIGHT TO COME ON and TALK TRASH WHEN THEY WIN

It is Pathetic, Cowardly, and Childish but I guess that makes you JUST LIKE THE TEAM YOU ROOT FOR!

Here is a terrifying thought for MUTS fans, Braves vs Muts in NLCS! Enough SAID!

By Double Deuce

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

Ron You are unbelievable. Do you ever go back and read your posts during the game? You had this one lost in the 5th when we were only down 1-0 and then b*** about every move after that. We lost by one run and it wasn’t Bobby’s fault. Its like you sit and wait for something bad to happen so you have something to say. In your case, silence would be golden.

By Ron

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

Metsfan I said that because he said SOMETHING about ME!!! Thats why I told him to f*** off!!! But you are right I also get a good laugh on this blog too!!! That was funny Robdawg gonna come to Atlanta to try to woop up on DOB, because DOB singled him out on this blog!!! I am laughing uncontrollable while I type this!!! That was funny!!!

By Coach ( Hank Aaron Will Always Be My HR Champion)

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

http://www.nbcsports.com/jdub/blog/

By uga-brave

August 9, 2007 2:27 AM | Link to this

wouldn’t it be nice to see the players in the game actually execute in close late game situations. all you bobby bashers say what you want, but if pitchers make stupid 0-2 pitches and hitters dont take advantage bases loaded no out situations there is not much bobby can do about it. too many losses when the 25 on the field spit the bit in close games. time is growing nigh and very few teams reinvent themselves at this point of the season. for now more of the same win three and then UGH. KINDA THINK CHUCK JAMES OUTING IN PHILY ON FRIDAY MIGHT BE UGLY.

By Metropolitan Man

August 9, 2007 2:27 AM | Link to this

Wow, saw that venom you guys are spewing on Sorry-ano!! Wasnt this guy a major piece in this revamped pen?? I know you lost Gonzalez, but you finally replaced him with Dotel. Who picks up the slack for Wickwoman and Sorry-ano now??? The rest of your pen is hit or miss so where do you guys go from here? Do you really want to live by the Philthies formula and try to bash everyone to death?? As you can see any team can be held down on any given night. Yeah, Chumper is still a METS killer but I see he forgot to tell his buddies to bring their bats. Hopefully Booby will rest him 2morrow so we can finally win a series. Hey, a win is a win!!

LETS GO METS!!!

By BravesDave

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

Isn’t this game of baseball amazing? One at-bat can turn a game, a series, even a season around. Just think about this blog tonight if Francoeur or Andruw Jones comes through with a 2-run single in the 9th inning against Wagner. Here would be the Braves, 2.5 games out of first, with Hudson on the mound tomorrow afternoon, just having beat the Mets unbeatable closer. With a 8-3 record against the Mets. Momentum on our side, major doubts on the Mets side. One base hit.

Instead, two ground balls, three outs, 4.5 games out, third place, incapable of making any sustained winning streak.

One base hit.

I hate this game…and I love it.

By Bobby Cox

August 9, 2007 2:36 AM | Link to this

Soriano just made a bad pitch. I have to play Andruw until I can get those compromising pictures back from him.

By Metropolitan Man

August 9, 2007 2:37 AM | Link to this

Stop moaning Chase!! I actually had some good convo on the last blog late last night with a couple cool bloggers. Stop grouping everybody dude and get a grip. If I lumped you with Grinch, Scribes, KC, Anders, Lew, (and countless others) I would be doing them a dis-service. I know you gotta read crap from annoying METS fans and I think they are young and I think they dont know any better.

Dont let a braves loss drive you off the deep end!!!

By fastasballs

August 9, 2007 2:37 AM | Link to this

I think everyone has covered the bad choice Cox made by not bringing in Moylan to start the 7th or to relieve Smoltz during the 7th.

Pinch hitting Woodward for McCann was a really smart move IMO. He can’t hit worth a damn, but he lays down a nice bunt. McCann doesn’t fare very well against nasty lefties, doesn’t bunt well & if he did hit the ball on the ground it’s 2 out runner on third.

Cox should have followed it with another good move & pinch hit for Andruw with Diaz. Odds are the game would have been tied or better. What a deflating loss it would have been for the Mets? Oh what could have been…

Andruw is damn right pathetic. I guess he’s pouting now that Tex took his clean up spot & figures he’s not going to be back anyway so why bother? All he had to do was take one of the outside pitches he got (every one) and drive one into right field somewhere for a sac fly.

It’s just so damn frustrating to watch a team be killed by a few players & the manager who allows the said players to committ the crime. How many games has there been like this so far?10-12? Almost all ended up as losses.

Maybe it’s about time Smoltz & Chipper blasted Andruw’s big azz in the papers. He deserves every single bit they could dish out.

By BravesDave

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

CHASE, I hate to say it, but man, you are delusional. Everything in your last post speaks to exactly why the Braves are in the current position…third place and 4.5 games out. Just won three in a row???? Big deal, how about not sustaining a longer winning streak than five all season? You cannot gain ground by winning 3, losing 2, winning 1, losing 2. You can’t always sweep???* The Braves have swept only 4 out 36 series all season, and they have been swept 4 times. The Braves play SF, FLA, WASH, and CINCY???? Last time I checked, the Braves were 14-17 this season against the teams that you mentioned.

You really need to think about these things before you post nonsense. I know you are looking for the silver lining after tonight’s dark clouds, but you have seriously misplaced your optimism.

By Random

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

fastasballs

I had a differrnt take on Cox’ relieving Smoltz — it’s lost above somewhere. Here it is again:

I’m as frustrated as all you others. As soon as I saw Smoltz come out to pitch in the 7th, I “knew” we were doomed. Cox always seems to leave in his starters one inning past their effectiveness.

That said, though, I do not criticize Cox’ decision to replace Smoltz with Mahay when he did. Remember, the Moots had brought Gotay in to bat for Hernandez — Gotay who is hitting .344 overall (.355 at home), but who’s hitting only .200 against left-handed pitchers. Of course Cox should bring in our left-handed “specialist”.

However, when the Moots replaced Gotay with Easley, who is hitting .350 against left-handers but only .252 at home, imo Cox should have brought in Moylan at that time. The Moots burn one or two (if Easley’s replaced) of their bench, we burn one reliever — one who had thrown 14 pitches the previous night (Moylan had thrown 9).

But if Mahay stays in as he did, it was wise to pitch around Easley. He got the second out and, as has been said, got beat by a blooper. (I imagine Mahay was left in to face Castillo since Castillo fares [marginally] worse against left-handers than against right-handers.)

So some of Cox’ moves were questionable (letting Smoltz start the 7th), some were less than genius (not bringing in Moylan for Mahay when Easley appeared), but not all were wrong or stupid. Take that, Robert!

By bravessucktonight

August 9, 2007 2:55 AM | Link to this

Bat AJ Eighth, then PH for him in late situations….simple. As for Soriano, definitely no late close games. PERIOD. And Braves just lost the division from a mental standpoint. Thanks Booby Cocks.

By Bravo Nam

August 9, 2007 2:57 AM | Link to this

You’re either on the bandwagon or off it

The number of bloggers on this blog who jump on and off the Bravos bandwagon depending on a win or loss is sickening- you’re either with the team through thick and thin or you’re not- stop your moaning at every little thing that doesn’t go our way. Metro Man has shown a lot more class than many supposed Braves fans on here…some of you are pathetic creatures.

MetsFan

You wrote: “This is the most pathetic blog in baseball.” Well, why don’t you help improve it by taking a hike!

Escobar

We had the wrong guy in last night at no.7. If Andruw did not hit into that double play, it would’ve given Escobar a chance to provide some more heroics. The guy is clutch. At this juncture, BC’s gotta make a statement and swap AJ and Escobar in the order.

AJ

Anyone can hit a bad patch of form. What is much harder to stomach than AJs form is his apparent lack of seriousness (borne out by jogging to bases, his lack of willingness to listen to the advice of others, comments about fixing things in the offseason) and intent in making an effort to improve things. He needs to take a leaf out of Chipper’s book when it comes to taking responsibility for his own performance.

Robert

You suggested that BC is MVP…only to Mets fans. Well, as a Mets fan yourself, it’s nice to know that you value his performance.

By Chase

August 9, 2007 2:58 AM | Link to this

METRO MAN

Did I say anything about you? NO!

And I am NOT 8”letting a loss drive me off the deep end”*

I WAS SAYING THIS LAST NIGHT WHEN THE BRAVES WON!

Why? Because I know how PATHETIC the majority of MUTS fans are… They hide and run away when they get beat but They are the first ones ready to trash talk when they win!

It is all part of the MUTS’ and most of their FAN’s INFERIORITY COMPLEX

I mean really… Talking trash after winning ONE DIVISION TITLE IN 18 YEARS!

Only a loser braggs about winning ONCE OUT OF 18!

And before ANY MUTS TROLL makes the old standby crutch of a stupid remark where they say “uh well how many WS did the Braves win during that time”

The answer is ONE MORE THAN YOU DID!

By AZBravoFan

August 9, 2007 2:59 AM | Link to this

Isn’t that now 2 games in a row that the Braves have failed to score with the bases loaded and no outs? I seem to remember Joe Simpson reading a stat last month about how the Braves were the worst in the league by a longshot at getting in runners from 3rd with less than 2 out. Anyone remember that stat? It was ridiculously low.

By klesko12

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

DOB:

Do you think there is something mechanically wrong with Soriano, or is he a slight head case? He never seemed quite right after getting drilled in Seattle, do you think its just a case of being a purely STREAK player? He seemed to be lights out for the M’s pre injury, then horrible after, now doing similarly with the Braves. Forgive me if my memory isnt up to par on his performances, 2 deployments have prevented me from watching alot of ball(this one has 9 months left(of 15).

Thanks for the great job you do covering the Braves.

By Metropolitan Man

August 9, 2007 3:03 AM | Link to this

This question is for you DOB: If any on of those major NY papers offered you more money to cover NY sports teams (your pick) would you???? I’m curious to know if you are completely loyal to Atlanta or can you make a buck anywhere????

By BravesDave

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

I can’t stand people who refer to true fans complaining about a loss as “bandwagon” fans. That is idiotic. A bandwagon fan is someone who suddenly becomes a fan of a team when they are winning…for example the 51,000 at Shea tonight (after the Mets were typically getting less than 20,000 a night when they were not spending $120 million on payroll). The people on this blog complaining tonight are frustrated fans of the Braves, win or lose, people that actually spend precious time discussing the team they love with strangers on the internet. Being upset about a loss, second-guessing Bobby Cox, and wishing Andruw Jones would get his act together does not make anyone a bandwagon jumper.

By Bob, Journalist

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

robdawg06 … what is “over 3 years to ride the pine so-called hurt”? Are you suggesting he wasn’t hurt?

Ron Roberts,

I would hope that fans don’t feel that it’s incumbent on management to “prove its case” to them … we can agree or disagree with either or both sides on a point by point basis but since we don’t have line item veto power, it’s of little consequence.

I personally don’t have a problem with the players, as a group, receiving a percentage of the gross funds received by MLB for marketing rights of its product … and, I have little interest in how that’s distributed.

In my view, the appeal of the game is not in who the players are … that’s self-serving hype by those with private agendas … it’s a team sport … it’s the competition that provides the appeal … but there will always be those who excel and become our heroes … if it’s not George Herman Ruth Jr. it will be Ralph W. Swartz or John J. Brown.

I don’t agree with the notion of union represented folks having individual contracts negotiated through personal agents … but that’s just me.

I do totally agree that there’s wrong to be spread to both sides of the dispute … but then that’s true of most disputes.

I had several different employers during my hour upon the stage … but, I never took a job that I didn’t think would be my last and never did I leave because of the money … though in all but one case, I received a significant increase over what I had been making.

I’m not one who really faults Glavine’s loyalty or lack thereof … he’s a good competitor and brought a lot to the table of the Braves … but I expect no less from all who wear the uniform.

Regarding documentation, I also expect both sides to put their own spin on things … in such a contrived and manufactured environment, where kids are paid millions of dollars to play a game … there’s far more in doubt than the the loyalty and integrity of the players, regardless of any benefit given thereof.

Can you imagine playing a player millions of dollars a year … it’s insanity … why should one attempt to rationalize the behavior of those who are exploiting the system.

It’s the tail wagging the dog and we’re the dog!

Shaun … my evaluation of Bonds, with regard to his relative greatness when compared to the game’s all time best, has nothing to do with his personality or off field actions … he’s a very good player, probably among the top 75 of all time.

My according him his due for probably having one of those top 75 … is certainly influenced by what I believe to be his blatant disregard for best interests of the game. the same is true of Pete Rose and Mark McGuire, though I never considered McGuire to be among the top 100.

By Chase

August 9, 2007 3:12 AM | Link to this

BRAVEHEART Before your last comments I thought you were a smart person!

Did YOU KNOW that if the BRAVES won 2 out of every 3 for 48 games THEY WOULD GO 32-16?

you don’t think that that is better than an arbitrary WIN STREAK?

Did you also know that if the Braves win 2 outta 3 in this series and the other two with the MUTS that they would take 3 games off a 4.5 game lead?

All of that and you think we MUST SWEEP or have a long winning streak…?

And you think I’m Delusional? You Sir, are an IDIOT if that is what you think!

No matter how you slice it, if you win series you win divisions and championships!

I can’t stand when some of you FAIRWHETHER FANS are patting the Braves on the back one night when they win and Kicking them to the curb the next night if they lose! PATHETIC!

By Ron

August 9, 2007 3:13 AM | Link to this

Double Deuce I did not say we WOULD lose, I said it would be tough, AND IF we did not score 3 times in that inning we would have lost without scoring!!! In your case SHUT THE F*** UP AND MIND YOUR OWN DAMN BUSINESS!!!

By bravessucktonight

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

I’m glad DOB confirmed that the Braves didn’t offer Maddux a contract, that is reason I gave up my 11 year season tickets. I figured they aren’t really interested in winning the Series and by this point that is what they are all about, supposedly. thanks Dave. And about Hampton, it would be sad but something tells me Hampton blows out his elbow in Winter Ball. Bring back Julio to pinch hit for AJ!

By Serbok

August 9, 2007 3:27 AM | Link to this

Ya Know? Tho~ I realize ya dont~ cept for a few real knowledgeable BB fans on here? IT’s really sickening to read the posts on here ‘cuz the braves lost last nite? I have criticized COX immensly! This year! This was 1 game? OUR goal is to Win the series? Cox ca’nt win! with you people! Cox DOES NOT!!!!! make the decision when Smoltz comes out of the game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He doesnt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SMOLTZ MAKES THAT decision!!!!!!!!!! It would not surprise me at all~ IF COX did’nt ASK Smoltz who HE wanted to come in to finish the inning!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And Smoltz~ Chose Mahay? Seriously people~ After hudson we will be 3.5 games out~ With the Best Team in the National league!!!!!!!! We dont have Billy Wagner~ True~ But I’ll be dammed if we didnt make that Boy sweat?

By Ron

August 9, 2007 3:34 AM | Link to this

BravesDave Agreed 100% with your 3:09 AM post!!! We would be bandwagon fans IF we did NOT post on games we lose!!! We would ONLY post WHEN we WIN!!! I get SO sick and tired of some of these IDIOTS on this blog that keep calling some of us bandwagon fans!!! They OBVIOUSLY dont know what a bandwagon fan IS!!!!!!! I post when we WIN and when we LOSE!!! That is what makes me sick, when people call others bandwagon fans when they dont even know what it is!!!

By Serbok

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

Chase* appreciate your 3:12 AM post! RIGHT ON MAN! Sorry to say it Ron You my friend really do not understand BB! Appreciate you wanting Bravos to win~ but DUDE~ YOU~NOR~I~ know everything? It’s cool to second guess~ But To think You know something about whats happening on the field or off is DELUSIONAL! ENJOY the Game~ for ALLah’s sake? lol

By BravesDave

August 9, 2007 3:39 AM | Link to this

C’mon Chase, who is the IDIOT here??? Yes, if the Braves win 2 out of 3 in this series and the next two against the Mets, they would pick up 3 games on the Mets…and you know what, that would mean that they were still behind the Mets, all things being equal. Yet, if they swept the Mets, they could pick up 3 games in ONE series. When you are competing with 5 to 6 other teams for the wild card, you cannot reasonably believe that you are going to pick up a sufficient number of games to pass 5 or 6 teams without a significant winning streak or a few sweeps. The Braves only had one stretch this season where they played .667 baseball (like you suggest with your 32-16 record)…during the 24-12 stretch to start the season, they swept two series (against the Phillies and the Padres) and had winning streaks of 4 and 5 games.

Plus, you call me an IDIOT…yet you never responded to the fact that teams that you insinuated would comprise an easy stretch of the Braves schedule had actually beaten the Braves in 17 out 31 games this season. Explain that, IDIOT.

By Serbok

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

just now~ 5 minutes or so ago~ catchin up with blog~

To face right-handed hitting Moises Alou in the eighth inning, you take out your right-handed setup reliever and bring in … YOUR LEFT-HANDED STARTER WHO IS PITCHING FRIDAY’S GAME IN PHILLY!!??!!!* LMAO LMAO UNBELIEVABLE! WOW THAT IS the Best All Time Stupid WEB-GEm of the YEAR!

By BravesDave

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

Thanks, Ron. I am here, win or lose. I am happy when the Braves win. I give credit to the players that deserve it (for instance, great job by Francoeur in game one of the series). I am disgusted whent the Braves lose and I criticize players when they deserve it (for instance, Francoeur needed a fly ball in the 9th in game two and could not get it done).

That makes me a FAN. Not a bandwagon fan. So, I guess by these people’s definition, anyone who says Andruw Jones stinks this season is not a true fan. What STUPIDITY.

If Hudson throws a shutout tomorrow, and Bobbby Cox starts his best lineup (one that includes McCann, Diaz, KJ), I will praise them. But I will still be annoyed that the Braves let a golden opportunity to sweep the first place team slip through their fingers through poor decision-making by Cox and poor at-bats by Andruw and Francoeur.

By Serbok

August 9, 2007 4:00 AM | Link to this

best news I’ve heard 2nite~ is it seems as tho Chipper isnt a juicer~ He couldnt make those comments if he did Juice? Thats kinda nice feeling~ Don’t ya’ll think? I really never thought he was~ but (TAKE NOTE RON) Know way for me to really know? My guess is ROBDAWG and RON~ probably party together! LMAO

By Train Wreck Bystander

August 9, 2007 4:06 AM | Link to this

Last night’s game was tough to take. Bases loaded in the 9th with no outs, a lineup that always seems to swing for the fences and no one can hit a fly ball.

Snakebit.

I questioned Smoltzie coming back out in the 7th and was surprised to see him back on the mound. One of the TV announcers had noted that he seemed to be running out of gas in the 6th.

Now consider if Moylan had come out at the top of the 7th. He might have blown the 2-run lead, but I doubt it.

Some would blame BC on this, but I put it on Smoltzie. He didn’t even want to leave when yanked in the middle of the 7th. Sometimes, you’ve just gotta know your limitations.

All-in-all, a tough loss.

By Serbok

August 9, 2007 4:11 AM | Link to this

ME AGAIN~ I Have to think~(dunno why) some? of you ppl have played BB before? Then Agasin~ You ppl sound like YOU have NEVER played the GAME? Ya Know~ Yeah~ lets bring in~ Chuck James to bunt?~ then we could save Woodcrap for positional strategy later in the game? Better yet? Lets Bring in James to pitch an inning? Start Wicky on ?Friday~ So James gets another 20 minutes rest? Depending on Wicky’s performance~? ALL I can Say is some of you people are absolutely STUPID!!!!!!!!!!

By Serbok

August 9, 2007 4:19 AM | Link to this

BRAVESDAVE I give credit to the players that deserve it (for instance, great job by Francoeur in game one of the series). I am disgusted whent the Braves lose and I criticize players when they deserve it (for instance, Francoeur needed a fly ball in the 9th in game two and could not get it done). YOU GET IT DONE SON? You cannot ohnestly say to me Francouer didnt wanna get a fly ball? Homerun maybe? another idiot! You seem to think its so easy? You criticize that man for that? You Obviosley have never played any type of sports? IF you Have~ YOU should SHOW more RESPECT! Of course unless I’m talkin to TED Williams Frozen Head? LOL DumbA$$!

By Marc

August 9, 2007 5:30 AM | Link to this

Bleh, all I know is if Andruw is hurt, he needs to go on the DL and stop hurting the team. He probably could have gone on the 15-day back in May and came back strong, but instead he decide to play Superman and play through it, here it is August and he’s still playing through it cause it’s never been rested. Some players just don’t understand the difference between helping the team and helping themselves.

By Veer

August 9, 2007 5:32 AM | Link to this

Woodward in the game was right thing becuz he was trying to bunt the runner over. Mahay wasnt a bad choice he had era under 3.00 and we got him in a trade for situations like this. Soriano- there was no saying he would give a homerun, he was our setup man.

this loss goes not to bobby,woodward, mahay or smoltz, it goes out to Andruw Jones and Francoeur. Jeff can be excused because he has contributed but Andruw has done nothing this year. If he was making 3 million a year we could sit him out but baseball is a business its a game about ego and there is noway you can sit a 15 mil guy on bench and ruin his relationship with the manager.

By Bobby Cox

August 9, 2007 5:42 AM | Link to this

Andruw is just hitting the ball so well, but right at people. I need to move him back to the number 4 hole where he has a better shot of winning games for us.

And Soriano, man what more can you say about the guy. I mean look how hard he throws the ball, and then they get lucky and get a little wood on it. But he’s my 8th inning guy. Always will be. Just a tremendous pitcher. Can’t throw the ball much harder than he did tonight.

And wow Chris Woodward. Just unbelievable. Look how well he came through yet again for us tonight. Got the walk. He could be the first player to hit .400 in many many years in the next couple of seasons.

Oh yeah Scott Thorman too, he’s got a ton of power. Great bat. Feel good when he’s pinch-hitting with the game on the line.

By Bob, Journalist

August 9, 2007 6:12 AM | Link to this

“there is noway you can sit a 15 mil guy on bench and ruin his relationship with the manager” … well said!

My oh my!!

By caveman22

August 9, 2007 6:30 AM | Link to this

DOB

Wow, I just got up and had left the blog up so I glanced at it and found out you had been scheduled for a Main Event Title Match with robdawg. My question is will it be a Hardcore -No DQ -Falls Count Anywhere Inside Turner Field Match?? I would like to offer my services as DOB’s manager. Not that he needs it but I would enjoy giving Robdawg a back-of-the-head chairshot. We could make it a Loser Leave The Blog Match so we don’t have to hear Robdawg complain about his headache.

Sorry RudeDawg but “when you walk that aisle, you gotta know—To be the Man, you gotta beat the Man!! WWHHOOOOOHHH!!!”

That why DOB’s name is on the blog and you gotta log in to read it.

Beeaattccchh!!

By Alison'sDad

August 9, 2007 6:45 AM | Link to this

Did anybody else notice last night when Alou hit the homer against Soriano he pointed to someone in the Mets dugout? I wonder if Soriano is tipping his pitches?

By jon

August 9, 2007 6:49 AM | Link to this

THIS POST IS DIRECTED AT ROBDAWG!!!!!!!!!!! Lets get something straight brother, there is a lot, LET ME REPEAT, a lot of teams that have been sitting at home watching the playoffs when the Braves were in them for all of those years. You’ve had the honor of looking forward year in and year out to watch one of the most amazing feats in sports history. All you can do is put the blame on one of the best managers to ever manage the game? Don’t mix it up Rob, Bobby Cox knows more than you’ll ever know in your entire lifetime!!!! How dare you call yourself a Braves fan and bash Bobby after suggesting we should bring in a starting pitcher at the end of the game! We have a month in a 1/2 left in the season, it’s not panic time. We are 4 1/2 games out with many games to play against the guys. Yeah the lost stung, but for heaven sakes, bring in a starter? You’re a freaking idiot dude! Freaking idiot! Nothing you say on here has ANY merit whatsoever! To top off your insane post, you make a threat to fight DOB, A FREAKING BLOG WRITER???? IN FRONT OF YOUR FAMILY????? Give me a break loser! Listen to this real close, because obviously noone has ever told you, consider yourself lucky to be able to afford cable so you can watch the Braves night in and night out..you’re not fooling anyone, affording a ticket for your family is too much to ask of your redneck @$$! Much less, getting up to the pressbox to see DOB. If I were DOB, I would turn you in for threats….but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want you to lose your trailor just because you’re a big macho man! You’re funny Rob, keep up the good work with the retarded post AND THREATS! Ride that mobile trailor up to the Ted and lets see what you got big boy!

By Yars

August 9, 2007 6:49 AM | Link to this

Time is running out. Losing last nights game was a heart breaker. The schedule isn’t getting any easier. Phillies this weekend, then the Giants & D’Backs. Mets got the Fish this weekend, then the Pirates & Nationals. We need to win today. Can’t afford to be 5.5 games behind the Mets approaching mid August with less than 50 to go. Bobby should have let Smoltz finish the inning. What is Soriano’s problem? Is he hurt & not telling anyone? Want to let the opposing team score some runs? Put in Soriano. I can’t be the only one who hopes the Braves don’t resign Andruw. I can’t wait until he’s gone. Nothing but a rally killer who has no problem hitting into double plays. Andruw can take his embarrassing average & meaningless HR’s to the west coast. His lack of hustle running to 1st p** me off too. If he hits a weak grounder to SS, he seems to be jogging to 1B. Why does Bobby let him get away with that? Man, you don’t see Thorman or Harris doing that. Bases loaded, 0 out, don’t score a run. Amazing. How many times has that happened this season?

By Soul Man

August 9, 2007 7:01 AM | Link to this

DOB, thanks for your hard work and for being a level head in this recent corporate hand-wringing. I am genuinely curious about why there were no quotes from Andruw after last night’s game. He probably wasn’t too willing to talk after what must have been the most boneheaded at-bat of the season so far, huh? For some dumb reason, seeing him say he is disappointed in how the game ended would make it a bit more palatable, especially since he’s been famous this year for talking so carefree after games in which every at-bat was a K.

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

August 9, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this

This will make everyone feel all warm and fuzzy. On baseball tonight, they mentioned that 5 teams have loaded the bases with no outs this year…down one run…only one team did not score a run….

By ssiscribe

August 9, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this

A pivotal game slips away, as the staunch supporters of Mets Nation stand and roar in the steambath known as Shea Stadium.

A squandered chance of tremendous proportions against the best closer in baseball.

A lost lead in a big game in the midst of a pennant race. A game, and a position, lost in the standings that, by all rights, the Atlanta Braves had no business losing but found a way to lose nonetheless.

If there is good news to be found in the sorry state of affairs following last night’s 4-3 come-from-ahead loss by the Braves to the first-place Mets, it’s Atlanta doesn’t have too long to stew over the details of this latest blown opportunity.

The Braves take the field in less than five hours for the final game of the three-game showdown series. A win, and Atlanta returns to 3 1/2 games out of first heading to Philly for an equally important three-game set this weekend. A loss, and the Braves will be 5 1/2 games out and guaranteed to be behind the second-place Phils entering the weekend series.

Championship teams gotta seal the deal in games like last night. After showing the form of a World Series contender Tuesday night, the Braves let several opportunities slide away Wednesday.

Don’t blame the offense for the first eight innings. Orlando Hernandez has been great of late, and he was every bit as good as advertised last night. Finally, the offense broke through, and John Smoltz pitched well enough as usual. The veteran righty deserved a better fate.

Clearly out of gas after six innings, Smoltz nonetheless found himself toeing the slab in the seventh. He didn’t last long, and Ron Mahay eventually got beat on a good pitch, a broken-bat single that plated two runs to tie the game.

That’s a shame. I’d much rather seen Peter Moylan, arguably the Braves’ best reliever, come in to pitch the seventh. Can’t blame Mahay, although walking the first hitter he faced wasn’t good. He threw a good pitch to Castillo. Sometimes, in baseball, you throw a good pitch and get beat.

But why was Rafael Soriano even anywhere near the mound in the eighth? Certainly he’s pitched better his last two outings, but you almost felt the impending gong of doom sounding in the background before he even threw that pitch to Alou. Certainly, Soriano has to be removed from the setup spot now. For what it’s worth, Moylan could be a good fit here, with Dotel pitching the seventh. That’s what I would have done last night.

Could’ve. Would’ve. Should’ve.

And speaking of should’ve, should’ve scored at least one in the ninth. Bases loaded off of Billy Wagner, the best closer in baseball who has been lights out this season (one blown save in 2007). No outs. Two hits and a walk, but you can’t score. Tough to take.

Can’t blame Jeff Francoeur. Kid rakes in the clutch, and he hit one right at Wright. The emotional outbursts at Frenchy on the blog last night were ridicilous. Kid is not going to drive in runs in every single AB.

But, would it kill Andruw Jones to do something when it matters? Weak-sister ground ball double play, game over, drive home safely. And would it kill AJ to bust it down the first-base line with the game on the line, with two games in the Games Back column in the standings on the line?

Have fun playing out West next year, AJ. Your cleanup hitter — and I know he hit seventh last night, but how long has he been this team’s cleanup hitter? — has to come through in the clutch, and AJ once again failed. Sad, sad.

(And no, the folks who said bench him, again, that’s as ridicilous as piling on Frenchy, or suggesting bringing in Friday’s starter in relief, for that matter … some of you have to get a grip on reality and realize this is baseball, not an XBox game or your friendly neighborhood fantasy league.)

So it’s on to today, bounce-back day if you’re the Braves. Tim Hudson and his 12 wins take the mound for Atlanta against Maine for the Mets, also a winner 12 times this season. But while Maine has struggled of late, Hudson has been arguably the best pitcher in the NL since the All-Star break.

The Braves need him to be that good again today. With 48 games to go and the potential of being 5 1/2 back by sunset, Hudson — and his teammates — need not panic. They simply need to play well, get a win and get back on track.

Otherwise, last night’s loss — the worst of the season, given the situation, circumstances and implications in the standings — will continue to fester. Not a good thing for a team in the midst of sprinting toward October.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By allen collier

August 9, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this

Bases loaded, none out in 9th and Braves can’t score a run???? They’ll never make playoffs at this rate. Also those two relief pitchers picked at trade deadline need to realize they are in the NL now, not the AL. What got them noticed over there won’t cut it in the NL.

By Robert

August 9, 2007 7:51 AM | Link to this

Look on the bright side. One more season and change and it’s finally over

By bravefaninFL

August 9, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

Bases loaded, no outs and down by a run, and they get nothing out of it? Also, the relievers picked up on deal at deadline need to realize they’re in the NL now. What got them noticed over there isn’t necessarily transferrable to the NL.

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

August 9, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this

By Carolina Lady

August 8, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this….Andrew is about to wear out his welcome with me. And he said he’ll study tapes AFTER the season and work on his swing then?? Can’t help but wonder how that went over with his teammates.

Carolina Lady, so very true! As much as we all have our issues with Bonds(), he does work on his hitting *in season. Bonds said on EPSN that he was looking at old tapes, and saw something he wasn’t doing now, and corrected it. Now he has killed the ball on back to back days.

I understand Andruw has a bad elbow, but why can’t you run hard like Thorman does every time, to put pressure on the fielders at least?

What’s really pathetic, is between sac flies in the early part of games, the occasional fielders choice, and solo homer, Andruw will have 100 RBI’s this year. And some dope GM will lose out on the real CF free agents Torii Hunter, and Rowan, and will buy the crappola that Boras will spout about the runs Andruw saves and how you can count on 100 RBI’s every year, and he’s only 30, blah, blah, blah…and get him 20 Mil for at least next year.

I just hope, no matter what, the Braves don’t take a flyer on him for next year. I can really see them doing it though, thinking it was just one bad year, and if he and Tex hit well in ‘08…..

By Braveheart

August 9, 2007 8:13 AM | Link to this

CHASE Not really sure why you were addressing me in your 3:12 a.m. I didn’t blog much last night. Had my little silly fight with Billy before the game, made 2 or 3 little posts during the game, but then knew to stay away when everything started going down the toilet late. I knew I had nothing nice to say so I just avoided the blog altogether last night because the ugly blogger would be at his ugliest. Besides, I think the loss was so traumatic, it put me into a coma for the rest of the night.

Besides what was I gonna say about Soriano and Andruw that has not already been thought and said a thousand times before. I couldn’t tear Frenchy to shreds because that would be stupid and hypocritical after I championed his performance the night before. I could not rip Smoltz because he gave everything he had in him.

I don’t like the fans who wanna rip Cox for not taking Smoltz our or keeping Smoltz in. It all just seems so whimsical for when you keep him in and when you take him out for most fans. If Cox had taken him out earlier, fans would have destroyed him if the pen got beat up. If Cox leaves him in, Cox gets beat up for not yanking him.

Don’t know where most fans work, but if ya got a job worth a damn like Bobby Cox does, you are well paid because you get to make tough decisions almost every minute of every day that could be either very right or very wrong with varying consequences. No one is perfect all the time or even 2/3rds of the time. IF you got a job where you are, then you don’t have a job worth a friggin’ damn. But I’m betting customers probably get angry with your perfect self every once in a while when you give them paper instead of plastic.

Here is the funny thing: If Cox leaves SMoltz in and he gets through the seventh unscathed, not one of you would really have applauded Cox for leaving him in. You would have acted like he did not even have a decision to make there. But things go awry, all of a sudden we got a bunch of closeted managerial genuises on our hands.

If Cox goes with Moylan in the 8th and not Soriano, and Moylan gives up the fateful run, many of you would all say what the heck is Cox is doing? We brought Soriano in to be the setup man.

What happened last night was simply that our flaws were exposed. Smoltz is getting older and is hurt and tires more easily. Soriano is normally good but has been horrible lately and is prone to give up dingers. Andruw is Andruw is Andruw. Frenchy is damn good but if he came through even more than he already does, he would average 180 RBIs a season.

The loss sucks. It sucks big time. I’m kinda too heartbroken about it to be too angry but I think the fateful players last night: Cox, Smoltz, Mahay, Soriano, Frenchy and even Andruw gave it their all and just came up short because as good as they all are, they have fatal flaws that were taken advantage of last night. It sucks but it is what it is.

Also, a big reason we lost was because we were playing a damn good team. Isn’t that the reason you all cared so much we lost? Can’t have it both ways. So amped about the game but then so shocked when the other good team actually beats you.

By Braveheart

August 9, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this

CHASE Not really sure why you were addressing me in your 3:12 a.m. I didn’t blog much last night. Had my little silly fight with Billy before the game, made 2 or 3 little posts during the game, but then knew to stay away when everything started going down the toilet late. I knew I had nothing nice to say so I just avoided the blog altogether last night because the ugly blogger would be at his ugliest. Besides, I think the loss was so traumatic, it put me into a coma for the rest of the night.

Besides what was I gonna say about Soriano and Andruw that has not already been thought and said a thousand times before. I couldn’t tear Frenchy to shreds because that would be stupid and hypocritical after I championed his performance the night before. I could not rip Smoltz because he gave everything he had in him.

I don’t like the fans who wanna rip Cox for not taking Smoltz our or keeping Smoltz in. It all just seems so whimsical for when you keep him in and when you take him out for most fans. If Cox had taken him out earlier, fans would have destroyed him if the pen got beat up. If Cox leaves him in, Cox gets beat up for not yanking him.

Don’t know where most fans work, but if ya got a job worth a damn like Bobby Cox does, you are well paid because you get to make tough decisions almost every minute of every day that could be either very right or very wrong with varying consequences. No one is perfect all the time or even 2/3rds of the time. IF you got a job where you are, then you don’t have a job worth a friggin’ damn. But I’m betting customers probably get angry with your perfect self every once in a while when you give them paper instead of plastic.

Here is the funny thing: If Cox leaves SMoltz in and he gets through the seventh unscathed, not one of you would really have applauded Cox for leaving him in. You would have acted like he did not even have a decision to make there. But things go awry, all of a sudden we got a bunch of closeted managerial genuises on our hands.

If Cox goes with Moylan in the 8th and not Soriano, and Moylan gives up the fateful run, many of you would all say what the heck is Cox is doing? We brought Soriano in to be the setup man.

What happened last night was simply that our flaws were exposed. Smoltz is getting older and is hurt and tires more easily. Soriano is normally good but has been horrible lately and is prone to give up dingers. Andruw is Andruw is Andruw. Frenchy is damn good but if he came through even more than he already does, he would average 180 RBIs a season.

The loss sucks. It sucks big time. I’m kinda too heartbroken about it to be too angry but I think the fateful players last night: Cox, Smoltz, Mahay, Soriano, Frenchy and even Andruw gave it their all and just came up short because as good as they all are, they have fatal flaws that were taken advantage of last night. It sucks but it is what it is.

Also, a big reason we lost was because we were playing a damn good team. Isn’t that the reason you all cared so much we lost? Can’t have it both ways. So amped about the game but then so shocked when the other good team actually beats you.

By Will

August 9, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this

Another unacceptable loss last night. Obviously they can still win the series today, and i think they will, but why is this team allergic to an extended winning streak?? Smoltz pitches his a* off once again and gets nothing. Ron Mahay, welcome to the Braves, it makes me feel wonderful to know that you can blow a lead just as well as the rest of the pen. Rafael Soriano can go straight to hell giving up a homer on a 0-2 pitch. the only two Braves players that are really on my s** list right now (Andruw and Soriano) sure got me last night. I have never til this morning actually thought the Braves are better off without Andruw in the lineup, but i am pretty much convinced they are. At least they didnt lose much ground in the wild card, that is more then likely their ticket to the playoffs anyways. Win or lose today, yesterday’s loss was just senseless.

By Will

August 9, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

Some of this Bobby Cox bashing last night is laughable, i dont care for alot of his decisions, and yes Smoltz did look gassed, but a championship team HAS to be able to get out of situations like that with their bullpen. Castillo hits a broken bat single, real tough luck, but still thought the Braves were gonna win. It all comes back to the fact the Braves could not get a god damn run in with bases juiced nobody out and their hottest hitter at the plate, and i dont care how bad Andruw there is still no excuses for not getting a run in. Sadly i was not surprised cause we have all seen is before. One thing i said when the Braves got Tex was that i am worried Chipper and Tex can start rally after rally and then Andruw can step up there and kill with a 6-4-3. F*** Andruw Jones.

By Apaul404

August 9, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

Braveheart is right, to a point. They are a great team, but you gotta find a way to win that one last night. If the tables were turned and they had the sacks full with no outs I bet they would have gotten two at the very least. I guess Andruw is going to stink all year. Another poor at bat when it really mattered. It seems like Soriano needs a week off. Does not seem possible but that’s how I see it. Everything is high and should be hammered. 0-2 count, you can’t throw him something he can hit 420 feet. We were fortunate that he only gave up one run. I’m a bit concerned with the prospects of Cormier, and James, in the first two games in Philly. Gotta get a win today! GO BRAVES!

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

August 9, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

Anyone notice what has happened with the Phillies version of Andruw Jones, Pat Burrell??? After being benched for a fair bit of June and July,(What, how can that happen, he’s got a huge contract, you can’t sit a guy making 13.5 million, can you???) he started to tear the cover off the ball and now it hitting .265 with 17 homers, and 58 RBI’s. .215 before all star break, .410 after!!!

Wonder if Andruw had been benched for a week, if he would start to watch the tapes, perhaps right now???

By Ron H

August 9, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this

I think Andruw should be “rested” on the bench for a couple of days. Let’ Diaz play right and Willie play center. Come on! Everyone knows he’s playing hurt and he’s just hurting the team. I am so heartbroken over the 9th last night. When it was announced that Wagner had gone umpteen games without a blown save or giving up a run, i thought this was it.

Andruw, you’re costing us big now…You haven’t done much to help us out ALL SEASON. Now would be a good time to start.

By NCBravesFan

August 9, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

DOB Just wondering … if you’d care to comment … your thoughts on Carroll’s assertion last week that title teams don’t lose games like the Bravos did last week to the Astros (and last night’s, for that matter).

I know that you have covered WS winning teams before and have witnessed a lot of baseball. Have you ever seen a team quite like this edition of the Braves … that can hammer the stew out of people and look like worldbeaters one game .. and then lose in shocking and painful ways the next?

And do these performances say anything about the Braves postseason prospects … or are we armchair managers overreacting to a few games in a long season?

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

August 9, 2007 8:48 AM | Link to this

Oh, by the way Berigan, it’s Aaron Rowand, not Rowan….learn to spell it, he may be your centerfielder next year! ;)

No, no one it pretending to be me, I am dogging myself…I am tired….

By Lee in S. GA

August 9, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Last night’s defeat by the Mets made me have a feeling inside like the Braves just lost the deciding game of the N.L. pennant. It was heart-breaking to say the least. Not going to get highly pessimistic or overly optimistic about this. I would say the Braves are a very good team but they are not a great team. The game today means one or two things to me: 1. win - the Braves remain having a decent shot for the division title 2. lose - lets just say I am going to be watching the Wild Card standings a lot closer.

By Shaun

August 9, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist,

I’d say Bonds easily belongs in the category with those players you mentioned if we’re just talking in terms of ability and pre-steroid years. Whether he was looking out for the best interest of the game, I think his abilities to play the game are right up there with the best players of all time (again, even if we discount the probable steroid years).

I know you weren’t trying to compare Rose and McGwire to Bonds in any meaningful way but I think Bonds is fairly significantly ahead of them. Don’t get me wrong, both were fine players but Bonds belongs in the class with Ruth, Williams, Mantle and Wagner (in terms of baseball abilities).

As far as the best interest of the game, I doubt a lot of those players one your list had the best interest of the game in mind during their playing days. Do you think Ruth really focused on the best interest of the game primarily? He held out for more money, he drank a lot, he ate a lot, he chased women in his fancy new automobiles, he punched an umpire. Ruth was focused on Ruth. Of course we all know about Cobb. Hornsby was the same kind of guy. Ted Williams wasn’t exactly the most pleasant soul by most accounts, at least during his playing days.

I wish great atheletes were also great people but the truth is many were not, probably more were not than even we would like to think. That’s why when I’m trying to rank a player, I’ll just focus on what they did on the field.

By Will

August 9, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this

Berigan, I think that is a slap in the face to Pat Burrell to compare Andruw to him! Andruw is just on the downslope of his career i have always been a big fan, but no more. Good riddance and good luck trying to find a big contract somewhere else.

By Christy

August 9, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

Good Morning All.

Bummer game. As much as I wanted to blame BC for letting Smoltz go out to pitch the 7th though, had to wonder if that was mostly Smoltz telling him he wanted to go out and pitch and do you say No to John Smoltz if your Bobby?

Carolina Lady - very true on Andruw. Heard soundbite from Chipper last night and I’m wondering if he’s not more than tired of AJ this season. DOB?

Grinch - very true sir, my error. Maddux did not receive a contract offer - though I think that had as much to do with our not being able to afford what he would want and command as JS and BC not wanting him back. Then again, I wasn’t in those meetings so what do I know?

However, I think my point holds true that Glavine has shouldered too much of the blame for the 1994 season, and after 10 years of booing and ill will I’d get a little whiny too - more than actually, when considering that if not for him Atlanta would still not have a championship I think. Maddux didn’t get it done in Game 5 and Smoltz, next up in Game 7, did Not have a good World Series at all.

Also, I never said that Glavine was a better pitcher than Maddux - two completely different styles that could not be compared, though I beg to differ on whether or not he is worthy of jock carrying duty. I don’t have the numbers, and no idea where to go to verify what I wanted to go dig for, so I’ll have to rely on my memory, faulty as it is. Seems to me that throughout the mid to late 90s, if the Braves had a run of 2 -3 losses, those runs usually ended on a night Glavine pitched. He stopped the bleeding, which to me has always meant that if I had a big pressure game that I had to win, Glavine could be relied upon to go out and do his job. I never had the same feeling with Maddux on the mound, even if I had more reason to feel it.

anyway, back to work.

have a good day all.

By Shaun

August 9, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

NCBravesFan,

I’d rather see the Braves win blowouts and lose close games than the other way around. A player sneezes and you could lose a close game. But what they do in other games probably tell us more about what kind of team they are.

As painful as watching the Braves lose close games is, those are the games that are less likely to reveal anything about the Braves’ ability.

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

August 9, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

Still tired, but another question….why in the wide wide world of sports is this game scheduled for a 12:10 start??? Sorry if this was mentioned before, but do they have a big concert in Shea at 5 pm or somethin’???

By Paladin

August 9, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

I’m glad I signed off and went to bed when I did. The blog went absolutely ballistic last night, and in the early hours. There were some good posts, but too much tripe. And a real calling out of DOB!?! Robdawg, or whatever your name is, you must be—to borrow from the scribe:-)—out of your FREAKIN mind!

I’m really afraid to try to say something serious about baseball, or to throw in some of my poor excuses for humor, until I’m sure the fire is out. I’ll be watching

Savannah Guy Did you see my answer to you on the previous blog?

By TommyP

August 9, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

DOB: You’re a trainwreck. Simple as that. Re-read your posts throughout this blog (and SO many others) and just look at what you post.

That’s as nice as I can put it.

Talk to Skip Caray a bit about this. He was very similar on-air in years past on the call in shows but eventually realized how pathetic he was.

You sound like Barry Bonds.

By David O'Brien

August 9, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this

Shaun, agree with you on Bonds vis-a-vis Ruth, Mantle, Williams.

I understand why it’s impossible for some to separate Bonds’ ability and his pre-steroid accomplishments (Hall of Fame in and of itself) from his second-half career homer explosion that was clearly (at least in most of our eyes) chemically enhanced. But personally, I can and do.

And I’d vote for him in the Hall strictly on his pre-growth spurt and homer explosion, the “first career” if you will, before the freak show career. The first career was a better career, statistically and in terms of awards/accomplishments (All-Star apearances, MVPs, Gold Gloves, etc) than the careers of all active players with the possible exception of A-Rod, Vlad, and perhaps a couple others.

By Stuart

August 9, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

DOB,

I love your stuff usually, and I am sure with some of the junk that was said, I would be peeved too, There is no sense in anyone threatening you or anyone else on here. That is out of line. I do however think it is not unfair to question the way you and the AJC defend Bobby Cox. It is sometimes too much. He is not beyond reproach and his decisions are not fool proof. Last I checked this was an open forum to post. Some are going to stink and some are going to be good, some are going to praise the team and others are going to critize, probably depending on the game result. That is how the fans are feeling and if it bothers you as bad as it does sometimes, stick to writing articles that do not have comments sections.

First off, Bobby has done more for the Braves than anyone, maybe for the exception of GM John Shuerholz. We should be forever grateful of it. He has helped make the Braves relevant and the envy of many fans in MLB.

However, with all that said, his management of the bullpen has been awful. I honestly think the last two years have made him gun shy. He has had too many bad relievers burn him that he is like the kid who gets hit with the ball to many times, he gets scared. He finds one or two guys that work and runs them into the ground. Then for some reason, probably because he knows he screwed them up, when they start stinking up the joint he keeps running them out there and defending the bad results.

Smoltz NEVER should have started the 7th last night. Bobby on FSN South last night during the post game said (paraphrasing) ‘John tweaked his back, but said he was fine and we (him and Roger) that we would get him if he got in trouble.’ Why, since Smoltz is 40, with a bad shoulder, tweaked back and a fatigued arm because he just started doing side sessions (again from FSN South broadcast)was he asked to start the 7th. It was ridiculous. He gave us what we needed. Get him out of there and use the bully.

It should have been all hands on deck (RPs, not Chuck, you are right, that guy was stupid)to try and win this one and get the series win out of the way and then let Huddy be the ace today to spare the pen for the Philly series.

I love BC, and this blog is great. There is no room for people threating each other, leave that to Mutt and Philly fan.

It is your blog DOB, and you can do what you want with it, but at the same time, we fans are frustrated and if it is and open forum, then we have the right to critize who we want, in a fair manner Right now, BC is not above the critisism and neither is this team, and neither is this blog.

By JasonInMaine

August 9, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Listen, I know Bobby would never do it, and maybe he shouldn’t. But, I have one serious question: How many people would have rather seen Diaz up instead of Andruw in the key AB in the 9th? Again, I am not saying I expected Bobby to PH for Andruw, but I am asking a simple question…

DOB, I am not a Bobby basher and normally defend him against some of the insane rants that go on here. But, I will say this: It does appear that a lot of his pitching moves (the same one s he has made in the past) simply aren’t working out. Sometimes, when things are going good, everything he or a manager does turns to gold. They pinch hit the right person, bring in the right reliever, know when to pull the starter, etc. This year, it appears that moves that Bobby are making, and some of them moves that he should make, simply are backfiring…the opposite of the midas touch. What do you think?

By STRETCH

August 9, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

BASES LOADED AND NOBODY OUT. WOW! I THINK ITS SAFE TO SAY THAT THESE BOYS MIGHT FINISH 3RD FOR THE 2ND STRAIGHT YEAR. I DONT EVEN KNOW WHY SORIANO IS STILL IN THE LATE SET UP ROLE…BEATS ME!

Wheres Moylan? Atleast his pitches have movement. Soriano and Wickman are lobbing BIG FAT grapefruits and guys are tagging them. And im NOT an expert, but i do know the difference in pitching style!!! Bottom line…this bullpen still needs some help.

Also, BMcann finally threw somebody out last night!

Bobby Cox keeps leaving starters in the game too long…(remember games 1 and 2 of the 1999 World Series folks?) Thats why they only have 1 ring!

Billy Wagner was practicly serving this game up on a silver platter! Andruw Jones is stubborn and selfish, he has NOT had a big hit all year. The only thing he thinks about is going yard and he’s over swinging. HOW MANY OF HIS HOMERS(OR HITS) HAVE COME WITH RISP???? The ESPN anaylists even said he’d banged up, so why have him in the lineup? There is absolutely NO excuse for bases loaded and NO outs in the 9th inning and NOT scoring a run!

Why was Matt Diaz sitting?

Its really sad when im sitting and watching the game and already knowing whats going to happen next. Soriano and AJones are sucking the fight right out of this team!

LOVE CHIPPER AND TEX IN THE 9TH LAST NIGHT BUT LIKE I SAID BEFORE, THIS TEAM IS SO CLOSE, BUT YOU CANT CATCH ANYBODY WHEN YOU ARE WINNING 5, LOSING 6, WINNING 3, LOSING 2…CANT CATCH ANYONE LIKE THAT. THE BULLPEN ALONE HAS COSTS THEM ENOUGH GAMES TO BE IN FIRST PLACE BY NOW! JEZZZZZZ!!!!

By Efrim

August 9, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

DOB

Did BC mention anything about moving Soriano from the 8th inning role and giving it to Moylan?

I would have Dotel/Yates/Mahay pitch the 7th. Soriano can’t be trusted right now.

Add Closer to the offseason shopping list. Although I am really not sure if we could afford it, prospects or money wise.

By David O'Brien

August 9, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Stuart thanks for straightening things out, putting things in perspective. We’ll try to follow your guidelines in the future, Mr. Ombudsman.

But seriously, this blog is for my personal commentary. That’s what a blog is. Look up the definition. My newspaper stories, game stories, etc, are not about commentary. This is. If you don’t want to read it, go elsewhere.

And as you can tell, there’s dozens and dozens of posts here criticizing Cox. Fine by me. I think he screwed up bringing in Soriano again in a crucial situation, as I said I’d drop him from the role for now.

And I’d drop Andruw to eighth and leave him there until he’s clearly out of his slump. Other than that, I tend to put blame on losses last night on players for not being able to get a crucial hit or even hit a fly ball with bases loaded, rather than blame the manager.

But that’s just my opinion. You’re free to have a different one. Just don’t tell me what to think or so, because I really am not going to change what I write to suit you or anyone else here on the blog.

TOMMYP: Good post. And thanks for the comparison to Skip Caray, who’s always been one of my favorites, since long before I came to Atlanta. Being compared to him is an honor.

I’d compare your post to a couple others here, but you can probably guess without me naming them.

And thanks for continuing to stop by and drop your knowledge on us.

By TampaBrave

August 9, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Thought BC would see Smoltz killa Shawn Green leading off the 7th and yank JS before he could get hurt. But you can’t really argue with leaving him in either, given the BP failures.

Also, I did not know Wagner was a sinker baller. I really wanted Diaz up there at the end.

Everyone is right about AJ, he should sit a few games until he heals. Don’t see where he is helping us right now.

I sure hope we win today. Last night was a killa.

By Anders

August 9, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Paladin Well good morning. Not sure if it’s an omen but it’s a beautiful day here in NYC. Some time late last night the putrid muggy air lifted and moved south bringing in some clear invigorating refreshing skies. It seems like just yesterday NYC would be cloaked in what some would call a cauldron of heat that had arrived some time Tuesday but seems to have left as quickly and quietly as it came. How’s the weather by you?

By Brian20

August 9, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

By the way that is 2 nights in a row with bases loaded and not scoring a run. That just can’t happen, but that being said a win today and all will be forgotten and then we head to Philly which I think is a much, much better team than the Mets.

By Efrim

August 9, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

DOB

Was there any talk of starting Mahay in the 7th inning?

Shawn Green owns Smoltz and Green in hitting under .200 versus lefties.

Just a thought. That first batter was key. Oh well, I guess you can’t lose with a future hall of famer.

By TexasBrave

August 9, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this

Guys DOB cannot criticize Bobby Cox even if he wanted to. DOB would never get another serious interview with any of the Braves personal if he went around criticizing everything he felt was wrong with the team. You don’t bite the hand that feeds you!!! If you want a harsh opinion go read Terrance Moore (I personally wouldn’t) or someone else at AJC who is free to do so.

By Ricardo

August 9, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

Robdog -

You are a total moron and don’t know anything about baseball. I read this blog almost every day and though I don’t post much I agree with DOB - bringing Chuck James into the game in the 8th to face a righty is real stupid - especially if he’s going to pitch on Friday! Based on that line of thought we should’ve brought Hudson in to face Alou - after all, he’s pitching this afternoon and maybe that would help “loosen ” him up. Whatever. Moving on to more important topics - that was a tough loss last night but all will be forgotten if we win today and take another 2 of 3 from the Muts! I’m as tired of Andruw as the rest, but there’s no way BC (or any other mgr not named Robdog) pulls him. He may not be hitting that well but he’s still our best option in center and he does have good power numbers. Win today and it’s all good!

By Will

August 9, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

Totally agree with everyone on Matt Diaz pinch hitting for Andruw last night, although Bobby Cox would never in a million years pinch hit for Andruw. I didnt even think about Diaz last night, i was too busy begging and pleading with our so called “allstar” CF not to hit into a double play lol! Its sad, but thats what it has come to with andruw.

By Phil

August 9, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Apparently Reitsma passed along those incriminating pictures of Bobby Cox to Soriano…..

By Paladin

August 9, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

why in the wide wide world of sports is this game scheduled for a 12:10 start??? Sorry if this was mentioned before, but do they have a big concert in Shea at 5 pm or somethin’???

Berigan They are having the annual “Running of the Rats” later today. Both drool fool and NCZ will be taking part. They are presently under the bleachers(with their “brothers and sisters”) chomping at the bit, so to speak.

By BamaBrave

August 9, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Awful night…for Braves baseball as well as the blog. I thought I’d heard/seen it all until I scanned and saw “robdawg’s” ludicrous postings. The Calling Out was a new low…a remarkable example of inbred stupidity. But all his postings were ignorant.

I only have a few thoughts about the game really… Many last night were slamming Soriano. Granted, he probably needs to be removed from the setup role, but when you have the bases loaded with no outs and you only need one run to tie…and your offense can’t deliver… Well, that’s just horrible. And I’m constantly amazed at how baseball exposes the weak link in the chain. I don’t care if Bobby moves Andruw to 1st in the lineup, or 9th…the game’s going to find him.

One final thought… It’s pretty clear from Moises Alou’s gesture to his own dugout, that Soriano is tipping his pitches somehow. Now that we know that, perhaps McDowell can help him remedy that situation. Thanks, Moises. You may have just helped Soriano regain his mojo.

By ssiscribe

August 9, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

Let’s see … 9:30 a.m. Eastern on the clock. Let’s see … Thursday, Aug. 9 on the calendar.

Let’s see … the Braves have not played yet on Thursday, Aug. 9. That comes in two and a half hours.

Last night — and the game played last night — is over. The beauty of baseball is you have to put things — good or bad — behind you quickly. If the Braves win today, they take two out of three. If the Braves win today, they do what I’ve preached all season long they need to do:

Win series.

Win today, win two of three in Philly, and it’s a successful trip. Plain and simple. Win series, and this team goes to the playoffs. Plain and simple. Win two of three in the playoffs, and this team wins the World Series. Plain and simple.

Look folks, I’m as frustrated as you at last night. Just ask my wife, who watched me slam down my hat when AJ grounded into that game-ending double play. But last night is over; time to move on to today.

The marathon continues, denizens. This isn’t football, where you stew for 72 hours over a loss before getting ready for the next game. Gotta let it go now and look to today.

Certainly, this one hurts. If the Braves miss the playoffs — and I still say what I’ve said all along, this team is going to the playoffs — last night’s loss will be one we all look back on and cringe.

Hudson’s going today. He’s pitched very well since the break, as well as anybody in the NL. Still gotta shot to win two out of three, and leave town 3 1/2 back with 47 to go, with six games left against the Mets. At worst, win today and this team is 1 1/2 back in the wild card.

So everybody take a deep breath and relax. It’s a long road to October. The Braves just can’t let last night’s speed bump turn into a pothole, and with Hudson on the mound, I like their chances today at Shea.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Nola

August 9, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

To me, this is just another case of Cox’s loyalty to players and lack of urgency getting in the way of winning another important game. In the 9th, with the bases loaded, one out, and you send a .220 hitter to the plate with a .344 hitter sitting on the bench. Here, the urgency DEMANDS you use a .344 hitter. I don’t care if he bats left, right, or none of the above. I know I’m an old-timer, and there is no more respect or demand for tem anymore.

By Bailey

August 9, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

Any one rather see Diaz in that spot instead of Andruw last night. After Francoeur didn’t get it done, it was almost predictable after that.

By bravesfan1966

August 9, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

soriano is killing the braves…He gives up home run in every appearance.

Has Francouer even driven in a runner from third with less than 2 outs

Andruw needs to go away

By Greg

August 9, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Bobby, when are you ever going to realize that Andruw is not a clutch hitter and never has been? You should have pinch hit for him last night, there is no way I’d want him batting with the game on the line. If you are going to play him for defense move him down to the 8th spot, but then again I don’t think we missed a beat with him out this past weekend so bench his butt and let’s see how free agency treats him in the off season. I am so tired of seeing him screw up and then smile like a little girl on prom night. If he had half the heart of Diaz, Willie or Frenchy he could be the best center fielder ever but it seems he’s just out there to gain a paycheck now and could care less if the team wins or loses. And Andrew how’s that indoor batting cage that I keep hearing about on the radio working out for you? Can you get in there for the cob webs?

By Efrim

August 9, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

I didnt even think about Diaz last night, i was too busy begging and pleading with our so called “allstar” CF not to hit into a double play lol! Its sad, but thats what it has come to with andruw.

The problem is, I really don’t think Andruw cares. He is just waiting for that payday this offseason. He knows he is going to get it.

Sooner or later you have to hustle down the line. How bad is it that I was hoping for a strikeout so that Yunel can come up and hit a bases clearing double……

I had hoped Carroll Rogers was wrong with that blog she wrote titled “Title teams don’t lose those games”. But they seem like a weekly occurence with this team.

We have had 2 losses this second half where we weren’t in the game. That is sad. All of the others could have been won with a clutch hit or clutch pitch. Very sad.

The Phillies series worries me to death. Our back end of the rotation in that ballpark. Scary. The bats better come alive in that series or we might get swept.

60-58 might be on its way…….

By TexasBrave

August 9, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

JasonInMaine - I proposed the same type of question last night and it probably got lost in all the quagmire. My question was would anyone criticize BC if he pinch hit Diaz for AJ and Diaz not come through? I know I wouldn’t. Diaz, with AJ not being himself lately, would have given us a better oppurtunity to win. And if Jeff and Diaz can’t get it done then kudos to Wagner and the Mets for getting the job done.

By Paladin

August 9, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

OK Anders you got your digs coming. But, be gentle. Our wounds have barely scabbed over.

By ChampDawg

August 9, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Come on people….. Smoltz did fine. Gave it his all. Hell of a warrior. The broken bat hit against Mahay- that’s just bad luck. Give the guy a break.

The REAL reasons for the loss are (1) Booby Cox continuing to put Soriano out there with the game on the line and Soriano giving up the homer as he’s been prone to do and (2) not being able to at least manufacture a run with the bases loaded, no outs.

These are MUST wins. Championship caliber teams don’t let the big ones slip away. The Braves are not a championship caliber team unless Andruw improves and the pitching gets better.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 9, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Last night was awful. This team should’t blow games like that. First of all, Soriano needs to be dropped from the setup role. I personally think Moylan has earned the role. He is the one guy who comes out of that pen and does his job night in and night out.

The bases loaded situation was horrible. I’ll give Francoeur somewhat of a pass because he has come through in those situations so much. And, if the Mets didn’t have the infield in at the corners, the run scores and it is highly unlikely a double play would have been turned. Now, Andruw is just killing this team. His ridiculous hit into a double play is something that has happened time and time again. It hasn’t only been this year either. I think he needs to be dropped to 8th in the lineup. Escobar should have been up in that spot. He wouldn’t have hit into a double play. I would have rather seen Diaz pinch hit in that situation.

And, injuries have nothing to do with this. Everybody is banged up. Chipper has two bad wrists and a bad thumb along with a groin injury and he is still raking. Frenchy is banged up and so is McCann. I think the chances are getting slimmer and slimmer that Andruw gets re-signed and money will have nothing to do with it.

By Shaun

August 9, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Yeah. And I think if you want to keep Bonds out of the Hall because he (probably) decided to use steroids, not only do you have to keep other players from this era out, but also you’d have to keep out other guys who made poor decisions—Ruth, Cobb, Hornsby, all the horses’ a**es.

I could understand if he did not have a HOF career before steroids but it’s obvious that he did. As I posted yesterday, his OPS adjusted for ballpark and league was at least 47 percent better than league average 10 times before 1999. It was at least 60 percent better 9 times. And it was over 100 percent better twice. All this while playing Gold Glove defense, not as a center fielder or a right fielder who racked up assist, but as a left fielder. I don’t know off the top of my head but I’m guessing there aren’t many left fielders who won multiple Gold Gloves.

The sad thing about Bonds is the BALCO stuff will likely for many people overshadow how amazing he was minus chemical help, and it’s completely because of choices he made.

The interesting(?) thing is someone will probably make a fascinating movie about his life some day. Maybe as fascinating as John Turturro as Billy Martin and those prosthetic ears.

By bill

August 9, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

The pen needs help this off season. The sooner AJ is gone, the better it will be. I like BC but he has made alot of mistakes. Why did he leave Smoltz in? He had gutted it out and should have been taken out. Can’t put all the blame on the pen for this loss. Bases loaded and none out, so the hitters are to blame. I hope they will be no carry over for today’s game.

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

August 9, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

*Paladin *,

Ah, the running of the rats, thanks! ;)They do grow ‘em big there, that explains how NCZ, and the droolin’ fool can use the computer. Well, not exactly. They seem a bit illiterate to me. Perhaps their computers are voice-controlled. And excellent dialect translating software.

By ChampDawg

August 9, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

siscribe— it’s your type of mentality that dooms the Braves. The goal should NOT be to just win 2 out of 3. Winning 2/3 is not going to catch the Mets and get the Braves in the playoffs. Got to do better than that. This Braves team is proving to be a little better than .500 ball club but that’s about it. Andruw sucks and the piching rotation is just too weak.

By Arkansas Braves fan

August 9, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Anyone besides me toss and turn all night, replaying the 9th inning? The first mistake was bringing in Mahay in the 7th. I would rather see Molyan face lefties then Mahay face righties.Soriano is out of chances, plain and simple. I was suprised Frenchy didn’t come through with the bases loaded. Andrew, who has been around for 11 years getting paid more than any everyday player on the team, has to get the ball in the air. You would think a guy getting demoted to the 7th spot would have fire in his eyes. The good news is the Mets get to meet Mr. Filthy today. Tim Hudson will help us forget last night.

By TampaBrave

August 9, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Good catch BamaBrave.

Why don’t we use our scouts to find Soriano’s “announcement of a fastball on the inner half” and remedy. Like when he gets aggressive and buzzes the chins. I think he thinks his stuff alone will get it done, but with the lack of movement, he needs to get nasty and intimidating.

By Efrim

August 9, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

The Braves really have to stop losing games like this.

By the way, Brandon Jones is absolutely killing the ball in triple A. We need to figure something out with him. He hits left handers very well, you can’t platoon the guy. I really wish he was able to play center. Too bad he can’t. He is going to be a great addition to this team next year.

By Will

August 9, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

I dont think Soriano is tipping his pitches, he is just throwing 96 MPH fastballs with no movement right over the plate!! You cant do that to major league hitters. This bullpen stuff is sickening, i dont know who they should use when and where.

By JasonInMaine

August 9, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

TexasBrave,

I posted similar thoughts as well last night. I sometimes miss posts on the trusty old blackberry…which also contributes to my typos…believe it or not, I do have some semblance of intelligence…well, that’s debatable…

Anyway, Diaz failed getting a runner home from 3rd with less than 2 outs for the first time this past Sunday, but is still 10/11 in those situations…obviously the highest on the team. I wouldn’t have criticized BC at all for pinch hitting for the biggest rally killer on the team…not at all. If he can PH for B-Mac (yes, I know it was lefty vs lefty), he can pinch hit for a guy that is hitting .215 and has the RBIs he does simply because of where he was hitting. He is AWFUL with RISP. He was awful with RISP the year he finished 2nd in the MVP voting…

By Paladin

August 9, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

DOB May I say that today’s game is pivotal without fear of taunting derision? Or, should I stand very loose at the plate, as usual?

By Anders

August 9, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

Paladin 12:10 start is because its “campers day” at Shea. There should be lots of screaming 7 to 14 year olds in the park today. Have fun DOB They play early so the kids can get back home by the end of the day. They play these on thursdays so it can be used as get away day for the visitors too.

By Will

August 9, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

ArkansaBravesFan, I too tossed and turned over that damn 9th inning, my neck hurts today from laying in bed shaking my head lol!

By Chris

August 9, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

Wow. Soriano gives up a homer and Andruw hits into a DP to end it.

Who would’ve thought? Sorry folks, but you’re not going to the promised land if you need Andruw to get a hit in a pressure situation. He should just start bunting every time up.

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

August 9, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Paladin, Anders already got his digs in!!!! He said the heatwave broke in NYC! And I heard we may have this heatwave in the ATL for another 15 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Phil

August 9, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Greg, the answer to your question is that Bobby Cox is a moron and he doesn’t realize the obvious. That’s why he sticks with Andruw and Soriano, even though they are killing us. Cox can’t see it, he hasn’t been seeing it for 10 years. Cox is already in post season form.

By Greg in TN

August 9, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Morning folks…

BravesDave, you have your opinion, which is cool, I respect that. But I disagree. It’s way too early to be drawing lines in the sand and say a sweep against the mets is crucial right now, especially since you mentioned yourself, we’ve only swept four times this season.

Here’s my reasoning, and if you disagree, no sweat. Agree to disagree.

Let’s assume the Braves take the series today against Maine and win each series from here on out. My calculations put us at 93-64 at that point which would include 5-3 against the mets and 6-3 against the phillies. To match our same record, the mets have to play 12 games over .500 the rest of the way out, just to tie. Guess what their combined record is against teams they are playing from here on out (not counting us)? 12 games over .500

I’m not saying we will, I’m not saying the mets will play better or worse than that from here on out, but winning series from here on out isn’t exactly a guarantee that we’ll not be fighting for a playoff spot, it just isn’t. I actually agree that we need to sweep a few teams between now and then, but just taking the series isn’t the recipe for not putting ourselves in a position to make the playoffs come October.

Win the series gang.

By Shaun

August 9, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

That game was not fun to watch at the end and a loss is a loss but losing close games doesn’t necessarily say a whole lot about their abilities. I don’t think a close game or two or three tells us a lot about what they are likely to do for the rest of the season.

By Efrim

August 9, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Paladin

Yesterday’s game was pivotal as well. People sometimes fail to look into the future and make bold predictions. Ryan Howard and the Phillies loom in the near future. Our back end of the rotation facing an offense that is flat out hotter than ours.

I’m sure we’ll rebound and beat up on the Giants and D- Backs at home. But how far back will we be on Monday?

By Chris

August 9, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

The guy sitting next to me at the bar last night said, “Let’s go Andruw! Time for a grand slam!”

I wanted to say, “Dude, you know he’s hitting into a DP.” But I didn’t want to jinx him.

Turns out I don’t have to.

By Will

August 9, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

ChampDawg, Agreed on your 9:57 post. Optimism is great and refreshing sometimes, but its not gonna work when you lose a game like last night or last Thu against Hou. I dont wanna hear a damn thing about taking 2 out of 3 when you should have swept a freaking series!! 2 out of 3 is always the goal, but it is NO EXCUSE for not sweeping a series when you damn well should. Hudson is gonna win today and all i am gonna think is son of a b*** this should have been a sweep.

By NCBravesFan

August 9, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Berigan Funny stuff @ 9:52 on NCZ and “I’m a Mets Tool, But You Cool.” What’s not funny is that Robdog has actually spawned … ensuring generations of nitwittery to come. ;)

By Greg in TN

August 9, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Oops, typo in my last post. Winning series from here on out puts us at 93-69 and not 93-64.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 9, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Efrim, B. Jones will be here next year likely playing RF while Francoeur switches to CF. Money aside Andruw is sealing his fate in Atlanta. Perhaps, Jayson Stark was on to something in his book when he said Andruw was the most overrated centerfielder in the history of the game. He sure isn’t doing anything to prove him wrong now is he?

By rotomeister

August 9, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

I was absolutely shocked to see Smoltz on the mound vs. Shawn Green to begin the 7th inning. There can be no acceptable explanation for not having Mahay on the mound to face the hitter with the all-time highest batting average vs. Smoltz — more than 20 at bats. It was a bad way to start an inning in which the Mets ended up tying the game. I don’t think Castilla ever gets to the plate that inning if Mahay faces Green.

By Renegator

August 9, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

This team’s biggest problem is that they can’t win the close games. Once they got up 3 to 1 - I knew their bullpen would blow it. If this team is going to win it has to be a blow-out.

Why can’t our bullpen hold a lead in close games? Why do pitchers that did well for other teams - suddenly stink when they put on a Braves uniform.

Is it the manager? Is it the team’s veteran leadership? What causes this team to be so bad in close games?

Once again, this is not a playoff caliber team. Even with the trade deadline acquisitions. I am looking forward to 2008 with no Andruw. What a waste of money.

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

August 9, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Can anyone ever recall Andruw being pinch hit for??? McCann was last night against a tough lefty closer, but even with Andruw batting .215, I bet he will still be in there against Brett Myers, a very tough righty.

Oh, and it’s funny all the talk about tipping pitches. It most likely is true. But, I saw part of the now old Ken Burns baseball documentary on PBS a few weeks back. One reporter was talking about Sandy Koufax and how he held his arms differently for curveballs and fastballs, but it didn’t even matter that the hitters knew what was coming! Now, that is having “stuff”!!!

By AthensBrave

August 9, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

After ——— grounded into the dp last night(he doesn’t deserve a name), I yelled a few expletives and punched the booth at a packed Mellow Mushroom.

Everyone stared at me, the waitress told me if I didn’t calm down I’d have to leave, and my hand is killing me today

By Braveheart

August 9, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

I’m with scribe on thank goodness the game is early today. I don’t have to agonize over that game from last night for too long.

By Stuart

August 9, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

DOB,

I didnt tell you to change anything you write. Your blog is personal commentary, THAT YOU OPEN UP POSTS TO. My opinion is mine and I respect your opinion. I made a post in a gentle way, trying to make a point gently and rationally and you write the same “I work for the AJC and I am all knowing” junk you usually retort at us. That’s fine. I made a neutral point, and again last I checked, you get paid to cover the braves, and if we didn’t post and read this thing, then the AJC wouldn’t run it. Part of a blog is critism and if you cant take it, dont have a blog.

My other opinion is also that when someone critizies you, you come off as kind of a hack who is just jealous that Terrance Moore does 1/3 of the work you do and gets on ESPN while you are a half cocked beat writer who likes to argue with a bunch of average fans.

Still, love the blog, thanks for what you do. I am glad you replied to me, even if I disagree with you.

By Chris

August 9, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

By the way, Soriano is currently tied for 2nd among NL relievers in HRs given up. Just thought that would interest some people.

By Anders

August 9, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Braves Fans I’m really suprised at all the Cox and Andruw bashing going on here. To me, the issue is the bullpen. Smoltz gave you everything he had plus some. That guy is an absolute warrior. If I need one big game pitcher he’s definetly in my top three or so with Gibson, Koufax etc.. But what was Cox to do? It looked like on the NY feed that Cox asked Smoltz if he was done and Smoltz agreed. Not sure, but it looked that way. If Cox doesn’t have a bullpen that can protect the two run lead for Smoltz, what’s gonna happen when your 3,4 and 5 starters go? Even after giving up the lead you then need a bullpen that can hold the other team where they are. Soriano’s 0-2 pitch was a disgrace. I’d like to know what McCann called for. If it was an inside pitch than he’s culpable too. That ball was on a tee for Alou. Even in the loss the night before the Mets bullpen gave them 5 innings with 1 run. Last night no runs. I’ve been telling you guys, that’s how they’re winning. That’s why wether Pedro comes back or not is not that important. As for the last inning that was a one in a million fluke that the Mets got out of it. Any Met fan who tells you they wouldn’t give anything to get out of that tied is full of it. I was already going over who was batting for us in the bottom of the 9th in my head. That said, sorry fellas but Franceur is as responsible as Andruw if not more. He had the infield in and wagner reeling from the walk. I understand Anfruw has been a big dissapointment but you can’t pinch hit for him there. Anyone who thinks that doesn’t know how a big league locker room works. Cox could lose the team over that and believe me I’m sure he’s more worried what those guys think of him than folks like us.

By beachcomber

August 9, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

DOB - What are knowledgeable people saying about Soriano?

He was simply lights out earlier in the season and I seem remember when looking at the Seattle days, he didn’t suffer from the gopher ball. What’s up?

The good news, of course, is Pete Moylan looks better and better with each appearance and should be able to slide into the 8th inning role if Bobby deems it necessary.

By Paladin

August 9, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Ok, let me gt cirus for a moment.

I have never been a Bobby basher. I have been a Bobby defender. But, a manager—like a Commander—must know his players/men, including their weaknesses, and deploy/utilize them accordingly. Bobby is not doing a good job of that, right now. A Commander—regardless of his prior record—would be summarily replaced if he were getting the “results” that BC is, right now.

I don’t advocate replacing Bobby now, but when this season is over—regardless of the outcome—I think it is time for Bobby to join Dan Reeves, in retirement. They were both very good in their time, but “times they are changing”.

By Arkansas Braves fan

August 9, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

I know we want the Braves to win the division, but everyone keep in mind their only 1 1/2 out of the wild card race. This team is to good not to make the playoffs. I said two months a go that losing Gonzalez was going to be a terrible loss. Their is no way a guy who was 24 of 24 in save chances in 06 blows up like Soriano or Wickman do consistently. As long as Gonzalez comes back healthy in 08, he has to be the closer.

By Jon in KY

August 9, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Does anyone have a report on how Ring is doing down at Richmond? I would assume giving up Startup we should expect to see him at some point this season.

By Braveheart

August 9, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Athensbrave, I laughed my butt off at your 10:18. Glad I’m not the only nut whose temper gets the best out of him and puts him in embarrassing situations.

By Alex

August 9, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Shaun,

A loss is a loss man. Close, a blowout, it all looks the same in the standings.

DOB,

Thank you for saying that if it was up to you, you would have Andruw I can’t drive meaningful RBI’s in to save my life batting 8th in the order. It makes perfect sense to the rest of us, and maybe you can pass along this suggestion to Bobby Cox. We’d appreciate it.

I completely agree that if andruw had been hitting even .260 with RISP he’d have 100RBI’s right now, and if he had been hitting .300 with RISP a man can dream right? he’d end up with 140-150RBI’s at the end of the season, but he’s not. He is killing the Braves offense. I don’t know how to look this up, but has anyone else on the team come up with more RISP than Andruw Jones? If you can look that up,it’ll be great, but if not, my instinct tells me the placing in the lineup almost guarantees that…given how productive the 3 slots in the order have been all year getting on base infront of him.

If the Braves have ever needed a pitching gem by Tim Hudson, it’s today. He’s gotta go a strong 8 innings on less than 100 pitches. Then watch Cox turn it over to Wickman in the 9th and pray…and hope that his over 8.00 ERA on the road doesn’t mean that much, or it’s a fluke, or just wave that BK bag from the dugout and let him know he can have it as soon as he gets a 1-2-3 inning and the save!!!

By Chris

August 9, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Anders, B-Mac had his glove down low. The pitch was up and on the inner half. Definitely not what he called for.

By TampaBrave

August 9, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Arkanasas fan

AYE!!!!!!!

By tigger101023

August 9, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

I just wish I understood why Bobby seems so convinced that Soriano’s problems couldn’t possibly be fatigue related. I’d put the man on the DL to get him some rest and then Bobby can’t run him out there in enough games saying “well, he just needs to locate better”. Duh! Except that if he can’t locate because he’s never pitched more than 60 innings in his his career, doing it over and over doesn’t help!!

For God’s sake, would someone get him out of Bobby’s clutches? I don’t mean lower in the pen hierarchy, I mean on his tookas for at least a week.

By Efrim

August 9, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Robert (Justice Is The Best)

Efrim, B. Jones will be here next year likely playing RF while Francoeur switches to CF.

Franocuer isn’t a CF. Lets not mess a good thing up with his gun in right. They are going to need to find a cheap option in center next year, or give the job to Blanco.

By Nola

August 9, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Here is another example of Cox’s loyalty to players and lack of URGENCY costing the Braves another important win. You send a .215 hitter to the plate with the bases loaded and one out when you have a .344 hitter sitting on the bench. I don’t care if he bats left, right, or none of the above. You throw the book out of the dugout and use your head.

By Efrim

August 9, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Jo Jo Reyes went 6 innings giving up 1 hit, walking 2 and strikin gout 6 for the win last night.

Too bad he can’t strike anoyone out in the bigs.

By steve

August 9, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

bases loaded, no outs, then guess what? francoeur grounds out and andruw hits into a double play. please separate these two in the line-up. by the way, what is andruw jones’ problem other than stupidity? the dude is a frickin’ moron. why does he smile everytime he strikes out? get him and his big fat salary outta here and put willie in center fulltime. at least willie can hit, run and catch and is hungry to boot.

By Will

August 9, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Efrim, I agree with your worries about going to Philly. I hate that little league ballpark and the combo of that and the Braves 3,4,5 guys i could see a disaster in Philly. Yet another reason i am having a really terrible time choking down last night’s loss.

By Bailey

August 9, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Anyone who is “Bashing” Bobby need to take a good look at the last 15 years. Bobby has and is the heart and soul of this team. I dont always agree with what he does, but i trust him. For exapmle, I would not had pinch hit for McCann last night, but that actually worked out for Bobby.

For all of those who are “bashing” Andruw…let me join you. I would rather have Gregor Blanco in CF. He is batting right at .300 at AAA with 61 Stolen bases in about 95 games. He is also the one that Eddid Perez said that people told him (at winter ball) is the best defensive centerfielder they have ever seen. I would rathe have him, or Diaz, or Brandon Jones, or Escobar, or Salty, or Bryan Pena, or Chuck James hitting and playing CF instead of AJ right now. Any chance they will institute the DH for any player in the next few weeks. We could let the pitchers hit and DH Diaz for AJ.

By Shaun

August 9, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Prediction: The Braves will win tonight and everyone will be talking about how this team is the best thing since sliced bread. No one will bring up that Cox is an idiot or that Andruw is the worst player in baseball or that Soriano has lost it. The general feelings on this blog are so predictable. Seems that a lot of you lack perspective.

It’s ONE game decided by ONE run!

By Bob, Journalist

August 9, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Shaun Payne, you can buy smart pills at Walgreens … “what they do in other games probably tell us more about what kind of team they are” … it’s true that the ability to frequently win by large margins, against top competition, is informative … Tiger Woods, Secretariat, the 1927 Yankees.

However, winners find a way to win while losers find a way to lose … and it’s the close games that define both the individuals and the teams.

A lot of talented losers can come from behind … they never give up … but when it comes to scoring the tying or decisive run … their focus changes and they usually fail. There’s something special about winners … that has nothing to do with the raw talent that produces lopsided victories and everything to do with closing the deal when the game is on the line … about winning the close ones … maybe there’s no statistic that measures it but it’s there all the same … too bad you can’t see that!

By Will

August 9, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

AthensBrave, I definitely have been there making a scene in public before lol! Its even worse for me cause i live up north and nobody cares and most are Braves haters anyways.

By Braveheart

August 9, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Uncle Paladin The problem with your position about getting rid of Cox and him not getting results is that he seems to be getting pretty darn good results when the team is 51-31 when Smoltz, Hudson, James, & Buddy start. How is he supposed to prevent the 9-23 mark when the other guys start? If those guys had gone 16-16 like they should have and the Braves were 67-47, would you still think Bobby’s time had passed him by?

By Lee in S. GA

August 9, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Anders

You are right. I have no confidence in this bullpen at all right now. You have to have the majority of the bullpen working on all cylinders not just 1 or 2 relief pitchers. And no Cox will / cannot pinch hit with A.J. up there. Not going to happen with a player of his statue no matter what the circumstances. If the Braves make ii to the final game of the World series and the situation came up again . Jones will bat.

By Shaun

August 9, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Alex,

I’m not denying a loss is a loss. But close losses tell us less about a team than blowout losses. Again, a player ties his shoe funny and that could lead to a win or loss in a close game. That’s my point. Everyone doesn’t need to get their panties in a wad over one close game.

By Anders

August 9, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Chris If McCanns glove wasn’t behind the lefthanders batters box he wasn’t doing his job. You have a guy on the mound who’s been reeling for a week. Your catcher needs to be extra careful and very deliberate. Can’t rely on Soriano to think there. You start outside and work your way back. No way you ever throw inside, up or down to Alou. He’s been turning on those for 15 years.

By Lew

August 9, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

I had sincerely hoped that with the day shift’s arrival, the auto erotic feeding frenzy that results from a close loss would have ended by now, the suicidal bodies had been cleared away and we would be concentrating on today. Yes, today. You know, the game at noon that pits our best pitcher against theirs? You know, the one that when we win, will give us 7 of our last ten and our usual 2 of 3 from the Mets? You know, the one that will put us back to 3 1/2 back with 40 something left? You know, the one that will make 2 games gained on the Mets in a week? You know, the one that something can be done about? Time to move on folks. It really is. That being said (and it needed saying-it’s time to get a grip), I wonder what the reaction would have been if BC had pinch hit Diaz for Andruw? I wonder how many second guessers would have reamed him over THAT move? Damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t. Resume feeding upon yourselves. Certainly not a pretty sight, but I guess you’re gonna do what you’re gonna do. Bon Apetit.

By TampaBrave

August 9, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

I have to defend BC by saying that he has to manage based on a formula that works for him. By leaving Andrew in to hit, he must judge AJ on his entire body of work tempered by the recent body of work. The overuse or over-reaction to the recent BOW would likely stir the mix of players and create an unstable environment in the clubhouse. A stable clubhouse has been a strength of this organization since he arrived. Remember Rocker and all the problems he was causing in the clubhouse. He had to go. BC must believe that AJ can and will contribute. I hope he’s right. We will need him against Philly. Philly is hot.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 9, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

What’s wrong with your team? Can’t hold a lead? Now you find yourself in 3rd place and all some of you can do is throw insults at bloggers who are not fans of the braves. I guess you all have to find a way to vent. Go ahead and let it out…..You WON’T catch the Mets so you all might as well seek therapy and counseling now cause they might be all booked by the time the brave are officialy eliminated…..GO METS!!!!!

By Efrim

August 9, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

Soriano’s velocity is the same. His legs might be tired, but I doubt it. The guy lives up in the strike zone and is getting beat now. Hitters have caught up to him.

By ssiscribe

August 9, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

*By ChampDawg

August 9, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

siscribe— it’s your type of mentality that dooms the Braves. The goal should NOT be to just win 2 out of 3. Winning 2/3 is not going to catch the Mets and get the Braves in the playoffs. Got to do better than that …*

What?

You’re telling me winning two out of three won’t catch the Mets?

The Braves keep winning series, they WILL be playing in October. Do the math … actually, Greg in TN did it for me. You’re telling me 93 wins WON’T put this team in the playoffs?

I’ll agree the Braves need to sweep a series or two here and there, but if they continue to win two out of three each series (and all but one the rest of the way are three-game sets), they will be in the playoffs. You can bank on it.

Will: I’m with you about thinking this should be a sweep if Hudson wins today. I’ve thought that several times last night and this morning. But the bottom line is that game is over. The Braves lost. Shouldn’t have, but they did. Hopefully, the players on the field have done a better job of processing it than the folks on this blog.

Why not be optimistic? You’re sending a 12-game winner to toe the slab today, with the chance to win a series and gain a game in the standings, on the road, against the division leader, in the midst of a pennant race, a race THE BRAVES ARE STILL IN, DESPITE LAST NIGHT.

To listen to some of you negative nellies, you’d think it was 1989. When the sun rose on Aug. 9, 1989, the Braves were 45-68, in last place in the NL West, 19 games out of first place.

(You can look it up. I just did in my 1990 Braves media guide. And by the way, Smoltz — who pitched on Aug. 8, 2007 — pitched on Aug. 8, 1989. Lost 10-2 to some guy named Hershiser.)

There. Your large dose of perspective on this hot Thursday morning. Drink it down, chill out and let’s see if the Braves can bounce back today. Win the game, they — ready for this? — win two out of three, on the road, against the first-place team.

Yeah, should be a sweep. I agree. But you know what? Could’ve. Would’ve. Should’ve. I’ll take two out of three the rest of the way, and I’ll enjoy watching the Braves open play in the NL Division Series the first week in October.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Braveheart

August 9, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Soriano has caused 7 losses since July 1.

July 1, July 14, July 18, July 20, July 22, August 2, August 8.

In the first 3 months, he never caused one loss.

Completely befuddling. The dude’s arm must be tired or something.

By JasonInMaine

August 9, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Shaun,

It is the cumulative effect my friend. As a guy who loves to toss numbers around, I know you understand the concept. How many times have we said….”it is only one game”…and this “one game” is actually a 2 game swing…so, yes; it is a big deal. Add those “one games” up, and you can see where some of the denizens are coming from…pretty easy concept really

By Will

August 9, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Shaun, you are wrong man. Yes, i think the Braves will win today, but come on dont try to brush that loss under the rug. That loss is gonna sting for a long time and i highly doubt most true Braves fans will be acting like “they are the best thing since sliced bread”. That was the most sickening loss of the season hands down.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 9, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

your all and idiot. that’s right, all and idiot :-). imagine, someone wanting to fight dob over a little testy comment from dob.
this journalist knows dob has a tough skin because this journalist will sometimes take liberties with dob on this very blog. anne cox chambers comes to mind. cheese, too. still, dob deflects most of these comments because dob has a job to do and is the winner of two wurlitzers and a best of cox for this blog. dob may condone nose picking and batting andruw higher in the order than some would like, but nothing pivotal here - for dob is an honourable man.

the noble dob hath told you andruw was ambitious: if it were so, it was a grievous fault, and grievously hath others answer’d it. here, under leave of dob and the rest— for dob is an honourable man; so are they all, all honourable men.

will you be patient? will you stay awhile? journalist has o’ershot journalist’s self to tell you of it: journalist fears journalist wrongs the honourable men whose daggers have stabb’d andruw and bobby; journalist does fear it.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 9, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

D I Hartman—blogging with your mama’s balls again this morning I see…

By Bob, Journalist

August 9, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

For those so inclined, Loy and Powell are currently being featured on TCM … always a winner, even the close ones!

By steve

August 9, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

Damn you Braves fans are cold. I thought Met fans were hard on their team but I think you guys have us beat. Mahay did a great job to get Reyes to pop up and sawed off Castillo’s bat. Soriano’s pitch was up and in and at 96 MPH, anyone else would have swung and missed. And all the hate for Bobby Cox, well I would take him as the Met manager any day over Willie.

By Will

August 9, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

Lew, Thanks for the optimism man! I know we are all fools for feeling jolted about the WORST loss of the year. Everybody knows today is another day. But the problem is the Braves have several losses this year that they never ever should have lost. Its going to be almost ironically funny if 6 weeks from now people like you are still saying no big deal we will get them tommmorow when the Braves are watching the playoffs at home. Optimism is great, but its almost annoying after a loss like that!

By Lew

August 9, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

NoBrainZone- Therapy and counseling? Can you suggest someone? Perhaps your own counselor? Or does she just cover your elementary school classmates? Go away Little Troll. Your Mets are going to be beaten again today. We’ll win our usual two of three against you. Just like we have all year long. Don’t you just wish the season ended with almost 50 games left? You just might have a chance if it did. Which Maine is pitching today against this year’s Cy Young winner? The decent one, or the one who gave up 6 runs in his last start-which lasted 2 2/3 Innings? Oh yeah, I forgot. He had a bad call go against him. Or was it the humidity?

By Efrim

August 9, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Will

Efrim, I agree with your worries about going to Philly. I hate that little league ballpark and the combo of that and the Braves 3,4,5 guys i could see a disaster in Philly. Yet another reason i am having a really terrible time choking down last night’s loss.

Yes. People on this blog have a problem looking into the future and seeing what we have on tap.

Shaun

Prediction: The Braves will win tonight and everyone will be talking about how this team is the best thing since sliced bread. No one will bring up that Cox is an idiot or that Andruw is the worst player in baseball or that Soriano has lost it. The general feelings on this blog are so predictable. Seems that a lot of you lack perspective.

It’s ONE game decided by ONE run!

We have lost many one run games. If the Braves do lose today, the odds are definetly stacked against them this week in Philly.

By AthensBrave

August 9, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Stuart, What exactly is an average fan? Are you an above-average fan? If so, how can we achieve this status?

I seriously doubt DOB gives a rat/mets a* that Terence Moore is on ESPN. Big Deal. The only reason he gets on is b/c of the vick deal. He’s a black journalist from Atl and loves to play the race card.

DOB’s blog for the “average” fan is the most insightful and best media concerning the Braves. Thanks for all your hard work DOB.

Get lost Stuart

By Renegator

August 9, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Guys,

The Braves aren’t going to catch the Mets. Deal with it and move on. That said, we have a great opportunity to win the Wild Card this year and hopefully advance past the first round of playoffs. I’ve stopped worrying about the Mets and started worrying about the Cubs, Brewers, Phillies, Dodgers, Padres, Diamondbacks, Rockies…

You see the type of mental fortitude this team has. Last night was a VERY important game and they blew it - big time. They aren’t going to catch the Mets. Let it go…

By Anders

August 9, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Lee in GA - I was really suprised that Cox pinch hit for McCann only because of all I’ve heard about McCann’s hitting prowess. I viewed him as one of the Brave’s core players and to see him hit for there was suprising. I think by doing that Cox committed himself to definetly bunt. To let Woodward hit away there instead of McCann would take an incredible pair. Plus if Woodward goes to two strikes and has to swing away all hell would break loose on this blog. I would have let McCann hit. That’s one of those “Today you become a man” moments. I know he’s slow but sacrificing is not about speed it’s about execution. Plus you back the corner infielders off a little because this guys a real hitter.

By ncscoots

August 9, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

At least the folks who have decried every loss this year as “the worst one of the season” now actually have one that’s legit to earn the tag. 3-on, none-out, 9th and not a flyball to be had was absolutely brutal. I mean, the Mets’ players get paychecks, too, and Wagner got his desired results, but still…just brutal.

Luckily, it will stay with the bloggers a lot longer than the players. Up and at ‘em. Win series, boys, everything else will work itself out.

By Bob, Journalist

August 9, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

Et tu, Brute?

As an aside, I did not mean to suggest to Shaun that the current version of the Braves are losers for I think they will show themselves to be winners … however, I’m not sure that they are yet convinced.

By Yars

August 9, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

Most of us are still p** off from last nights loss. I think that’s good. It means we give a *hit. Most of us on here see things for how/what they are. We don’t sugarcoat anything. We tell it like it is. The Braves are our team. We live & breathe Atlanta baseball. It’s in our blood. To most of us, our lives revolve around Braves baseball. We schedule things around Braves baseball. We need to start getting help from other teams now. I hope the Cards beat the Padres today, maybe the Astros will beat up on the Cubs, hopefully we’ll take care of the Phillies this weekend. I think we’re still in this thing. Look at the Wildcard standings.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 9, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Is it just me or has anyone else lost complete confidence in Andruw. I almost changed the channel last night because I knew he would hit into a double play but I held out that little glimmer of hope that he would come through for once. Well, my first inclination to change the channel was the right one.

Shaun, sadly you are right. However, I’m not one of those people. I don’t care what happens today Andruw still sucks in the clutch and Soriano has some issues he needs to work out.

I have to bring this up again. That proposed trade last year between the Braves and Red Sox doesn’t look so bad now, huh. Hell, it looks better and better everyday. Nobody can say the Braves would be worse off without Andruw here. Sure, he has driven in a lot of runs but look at how many he has left. We could have had Crisp, who is doing an excellent job in Boston, for almost a 1/3 of what Andruw is being paid. Not to mention we would have a pitcher with a promising future in Craig Hansen and while Lester was out of the question one of the names that came up was Kason Gabbard. We could use him about right now.

I’m sure I will get ripped but this so-called “slump” of Andruw’s is now in month number FIVE!

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 9, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Bobby Cox will go down in baseball history as one of, if not the greatest, manager of all time for being able to get any winning results out of the overpaid, underachieving bunch of lazy, incompetent A$sClowns that he has had to work with over the years!…

…and for all you slimy sweat hogs claiming to be New Yack Mets fans…Mets didn’t beat the Braves last night—the Braves beat the Braves…so don’t give the Mets so much credit for that win…it was a gift from Andruw Jones/Soriano & Co…

By Will

August 9, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

SScribe, Another point i have about winning 2 out of 3 getting the Braves to the playoffs you are damn right that will get them to october. But the problem i have with that logic is do you seroiusly think they will win every series?? Sweeping teams you should sweep can help combat losing a series once in awhile. Its comical to hear some of the justifications for not sweeping a series such as HOU at home, with a 4 run lead in game 3. I still believe unless the Braves wanna get a 6+ game winning streak together they will not be winning the East. Wild card is still winnable one way or another.

By ncscoots

August 9, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Gil, hope you check in here today. Re my “recap” post yesterday, I was referring to posts from the denser-than-plutonium bloggers to which you and Bob had replied, not posted. My bad, man, for not making that clear. You’re probably in the very last percentile of bloggers on here who might deserve a YAI. Sure didn’t mean for it to come off any other way.

By CalCuse

August 9, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Bat Andruw lead off! Guarenteed to be at least one less double play opportunity for him…

By tkg

August 9, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

My thoughts on last night … as if anyone cares.

Wow, that lost was brutal. The good news is today is Aug. 9 and we’re still just 4 1/2 out. A win today and we’re still right there with them.

Some random thoughts…

Watching Smoltz and El Duque last night was great. Two fantastic pitchers. Smoltz has always amazed me. El Duque is an artist pitching. Lefty’s always get labeled “crafty” but that fits El Duque perfectly to me. He is the Mets’ best SP by far in my opinion.

Andruw is so frustrating, as usual. And it goes beyond the double play. I just don’t see where he’s going to get a huge multi-year contract. He may have to come back for a one-year deal and re-establish his value — assuming the Braves would want him back at this point.

Agree with most here on Soriano. He’s not the eighth-inning guy right now. Definitely should be Moylan.

Hopefully we will get’em today and go get two of three in Philly.

By Paladin

August 9, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Nephew Braveheart In a word, yes.

By Will

August 9, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

Steve, Dude if you are a Mets fan you have no idea what Braves fans have put up with for years. We have put up with so many big one run losses its ridiculous, plus pretty much a bad bullpen year in and year out. I would rather have Bobby then Wille Randolph too, but just cause all the players love him dont think he is a great in-game manager. and yeah some people are hard on the Braves, but can you honestly tell me if the Mets had bases loaded nobody out in the same situation that they would not have gotten a run home. They sure as hell would have at least tied it. I bet Andruw Jones flies out to sac fly distance on the first pitch he sees today, but could not do it yesterday.

By Lew

August 9, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Will-Sorry I annoy you, Dude, but I’m not ready to fold up the tents quite yet. Sorry you are-you may miss some good baseball and surprises the rest of the way. SJA-And how are you this fine morning? Well, I hope.

By Ron Roberts

August 9, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Folks, let’s be real. We’re putting up our top-tier starter against theirs (much as we did, last night), so anybody thinking this game’s in the bag because we have Tim Hudson pitching needs to be a little more concerned.

Last night’s loss wouldn’t be so bad to take if we’d lost with a proven clutch guy at the plate. But we didn’t; we lost with a guy sporting a .215 batting average, a .217 average so far this month, a guy who’s .224 with RISP, and ground into 8 double plays with RISP (thus, killing a rally…).

The manager knows all this, going in, though; I’m trying to understand what Bobby Cox thought would happen, this time? Given all those negative numbrs this season with Andruw Jones, situationally, coupled with his ailing albow… I’m trying to understand why Bobby Cox thought he’d get better results.

I can’t.

With our back-end rotation pitching in Philthadelphia this weekend (lest we forget that Chuck James is a fly-ball-out pitcher….YIKES!!), winning last night was important for this roadtrip, and it could, instead, begin an untimely tailspin.

Sure hope Tim Hudson’s got a few more great starts in his holster; he’s been on fire since the All-Star break, but as many have said, before, this Mets’ team is good, after all.

And we’re going up against one of their two best guys on the hill, too, ya know.

By Stuart

August 9, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Athens,

An explanation:

Average Fan (in my own words): Probably gets to go to a handful games a year if they live close, or if not watches the team pretty regularly on TV. Also probably owns a hat or two, and a jersey and a T-Shirt.

Average fan probably gets a little more down on the bravos than they should when the team goes bad and a bit too high on them when they are playing well.

Average fan might post on here, but not enough to be a ‘denizen’.

Average fan tries to be insightful when he posts, but probably lets his emotions run away with him, and while trying not to be wordy, may come off as a bit of a know it all, or someone who doesnt quite know it all.

To answer your question fully, I am probably average, to slightly below.

However, DOB is a big boy, he can take what we say, he doesnt need a butt sniffer like you coming after me, so why get your lips off DOBs butt, go back and reread what I posted to understand it is only one critism and that I do enjoy the blog and then, you get lost.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 9, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Lew, You’ll be the first one who’ll be at the ledge ready to jump. you’re issues run too deep for an average therapist to handle. You’ll need to buy all those self help books and contact a professional in schizophrenic dillusions.

By ssiscribe

August 9, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Will: I’m with you, dude, on the fact you need to sweep a series or two because, in all likelihood, you’re not going to win every series. If you did, you’d win 108 games a year, and very few teams in the past 50 years have done that.

My point is the focus should be on trying to win series, winning two out of three. Certainly, you wanna sweep every chance you get. Certainly, the Braves should’ve swept Houston (I was there for the meltdown in the series finale) and, if they win today, all of us can rightly say they should’ve swept the Mets.

But they didn’t. So, win two out of three and move on. I disagree with you saying they won’t win the East without a long winning streak. On the other hand, I’d almost rather them win the wild card, start on the road with Smoltz and Hudson, and come home with momentum for Game 3.

Again, if they win series, win two out of three, I believe everything will fall into place and things will take care of themselves.

—30—

By David O'Brien

August 9, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

AthensBraves, thanks much. Hey, those folks come with the territory. No problem.

The vast majority of bloggers dig what we’ve got going here, and a whole lot of them e-mail me privately to let me know. So it’s all good. But again, thanks. Don’t worry about me.

And we might offer seats for the steel-cage match.

By Anders

August 9, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

DOB Any word on line ups yet? Game’s in a half hour and it’s a day (almost morning) game after a night game. I’m sure the lineups aren’t chalk. Anything you could provide would be welcome.

By Big Easy

August 9, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

You know, last night’s loss was tough to stomach, but don’t you just get the feeling that the Mets were elated to steal a win from us? Because, that is what they did. As the esteemed siscribe stated earlier, it was yet another “come-from-ahead loss” by the Braves. However, if the Mets are happy about stealing a win from the third place team in the division, that tells me that they are worried about us, whatever they tell the papers. Make no mistake, folks, the Mets do believe it will come down to us versus them.

And I also agree with siscribe in that, if we persevere, and take 2 out of 3, win every series, we are in the playoffs.

It is going to be a bumpy, crazy ride for the next 48 games, so hold on. But, we’ll be there in the end.

By Lew

August 9, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

You know what? If the Braves don’t make the playoffs, then I guess they won’t make the playoffs. So what? Are you all a bunch of 12 year olds that can’t sleep if the Braves don’t win every night? It’s time to grow up. Whether or not I, or anyone else on this blog is optimistic, negative or completely oblivious to what is or isn’t happening will not affect the Braves’ performance on the field. Not one little bit. It won’t influence BC’s decisions. It won’t make Andruw hit the ball out of the park instead of to the shortstop for a game ending double play. Not one word I, or anyone else here has to say about the Brave’s chances will make a single difference with a single pitch Hudson throws today. Won’t make a difference to Maine, either. You’re all tired of my optimism? Well screw all of you. I’m tired of your negativity. I’m sick of Coach and his wrecking ball. I’m sick of N8 and his rambling vitriolic rants. I’m really sick and tired of the Trolls coming here making absolute @$$e$ of themselves on an every other day basis. I’m even getting sick of supplying many of you toads with artwork for some of the crap that you spout on a daily basis. THAT’s what I’m sick of. I will never be sick of watching Braves’ baseball, no mater how bad they do-or how bad y’all perceive them to be. I will never tire of seeing Sorinao trying to blow a fastball by an opponent. I will never tire of hoping Andruw hits a grand slam instead of a game ending grounder. I will never tire of watching Smoltz battle his shoulder and his age to excell at what he does. I will never tire of Chipper making the Mets his B!tch.If some of y’all knew your @$$ from a hole in the ground, you would have encouraged your best buddies to quit trying for a hole in one a long time ago. Annoying, my @$$. Negativity and vitriol are annoying. Trolls are annoying. Coach and Nathan are annoying. Not optimism. Live with yourselves. Thank God I don’t have to.

By Will

August 9, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Lew, You dont get it, i say nothing, absolutely nothing that would lead you to say i am going to fold up my tent. Its just time and time and time again people keep saying its just one loss its okay. Well, as i think JasonMaine said earlier, those “its only one game” losses have a cumualtive effect. That guy is never negative on anything he says on here, that is just flat out fact. Sorry i do not mean to say you “annoy” me, but it seems like with your first post today you are trying to be all high and mighty towards everyone who is justifiably upset about the game. People, including myself, sometimes come on here to vent their frustrations. You cannot brush last nights loss under the rug with the “its just one loss” chickenshit.

By Lew

August 9, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Will-One more thing. If I wake up some morning in a month or so and the Braves are mathematically eliminated (which they won’t be), then I will book my reservations for Spring Training and start to watch what moves JS makes so we can be this close again next year at this time. What will you do? Cry, hide your head and wring your hands? Become a Mets’ fan? Or just watch football because your team wasn’t playing to YOUR expectations?

By Braveheart

August 9, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Shaun, although I appreciate the points you are making, I have to disgree with you about not measuring teams by what they do in close games.

Close games usually mean the lineups and starting pitchers were usually pretty evenly matched during that game.

When teams are evenly matched from that standpoint that is where the teams differentiate themselves with the strength of the bullpens, benches, or tactical decisions by the managers.

When evenly matched in lineups and starting pitchers, it is the little things and unsung players that separate the teams.

Historically, that has been a popular criticism of the Braves - The GM does not stack the team with enough of a bench or with enough relievers and the manager makes questionable managerial decisions late in big close games.

SO, during the regular season, their lineup and rotation in the 90s could rip through the inferior teams in the regular season but when confronted with evenly matched pitchers and lineups in the postseason, the inferior bench, inferior pen, and questionable tactical decisions by Cox have caused postseason failures time and again.

Don’t necessarily agree with that entirely but it is an important consideration as to whether you measure a team that is always so close but yet so far by how well they do in close games. It’s not just pure luck - on a game by game basis maybe - but not as a whole.

By Efrim

August 9, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Lew

I’m not ready to pack it in either man, but sooner or later these one run losses are going to hurt us. We need to start being more clutch in late and close situations. If you break down all of our second half losses, we have lost 10 games in which we should/could of won. 10 is way too much. I’d list them but they are too many. The only losses in which were clean was this past Friday’s Colorado loss and the Cincy loss when Kyle Davies pitched. Other than that, it has been 10 heartbreakers. We’ll recover, but if we don’t win the division, you need not look further than these tough second half losses.

By geauxbraves2000

August 9, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

I’ve always wanted AJ on this team, and have defended my opionion, but (hate to say this) I think I’ve seen enough. He is the best CF in the game IMO, but you can’t pay a guy $20M just for his defense. Let AJ walk and sign Tex long term.

Sorry AJ, but you just are worth $20M. Not anymore.

Geaux Braves!!

By bobby

August 9, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Face it, the Braves are just not a very good team. Good individual players but not a team.

By TampaBrave

August 9, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Sucks for my employer that today is a day game. Love that MLB TV!!

Worried about Huddy with all the speed guys(reyes, Castillo, Millege, Gotay). They can be diifucult on a ground ball pitcher.

Stay focused Huddy!!!

By Efrim

August 9, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Anders,

MLB.COM. The lineups are the same for the Braves. Castro and Anderson are in for the Mets. I can honestly say I wish Milledge and Lo Duco were in there. Castro hits Hudson well, I think.

By Anders

August 9, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Guys, not to burst your bubble on all this just win series talk but the Mets haven’t lost any of their last 5 series either with one 4 game split in there. Plus with the Marlins, Pirates and Nats on the horizon for the next 3 series the Braves need to sweep someone to make up the ground required. Keep in mind the Mets last 14 games - Marlins and Nats with one make up game against the Cards mixed in. Still haven’t seen todays lineups but I think it will be very telling as to how each of these managers view the importance of todays game

By Will

August 9, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

Lew, are you even a braves fan? Why do you take the time to come on here and write, hands down the biggest rant of the morning, if everyone annoys you so much?

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 9, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Lew—Here!..Here!!…

By Braves20

August 9, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Go get ‘em Huddy. And remember - do not speed up Alou’s very slow bat by throwing him breaking stuff.

By Paladin

August 9, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

No Zone Chop Where were you yesterday? Get caught up in the traffic,id est, the other rats underneath the bleachers? We missed your wit and intoolingence. Do come back tomorrow, y’hear?

By Latka Gravas (Met supporter)

August 9, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Latka back again to cheer Mets to victory.

Met manager Willie Randolph is classy guy. Smart.

But Bobby Cox is genius manager. His strategy is to pick exact perfect time to say “Let’s go kid”. Hall of fame stuff.

By Lew

August 9, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Will-With your first sentence you than me for my optimism. With your last sentence you tell me the optimism is annoying. Then you talk about waking uop some day and being faced with the Braves futility. Whatever. Sounds like you think you’ve already figured it out. I don’t think you have. No Brain Zone-Never seen a therapist in my life and the opnly thing that drives me crazy these days are insurance companies and the foul stench of your presence and that of other full of crap Trolls like you. I’m not suicidal and never will be. Just tired of @$$e$ like you.

By Efrim

August 9, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Lew

You’re being unreasonable man. You can’t get mad at people when they post frustrations with this team. No one is saying that the Braves are done. But these second half losses have been bad. Not resembling a team that will make the playoffs. Sorry man. We want the team to win as much as you, it is just really tough to keep losing like this when we are so close. Literally, we have been one clutch inning away in all of these losses. Smoltz sais last night that he would rather lose 10-0. I agree with him to some respect, I guess.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 9, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

I live for this!…

By Will

August 9, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Lew, Screw you man! I am a diehard Braves fan, i would never ever root for anyone else. I will be just like you and turn my attention to next season. I am very passionate, i care about sports way too much, i will readily admit that. Why do you take time to come on here if you “dont care”! f*** you.

By Lew

August 9, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Efrim-And yet we’ve won 6 of our last 9 and gained a game on the Mets this week. Imagine that.

By Colin

August 9, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

So who will choke today for us?..Im guessing Bumdruw…

By Ron Roberts

August 9, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

Anders has a good point. It’s fine to win series all the way through, but they Mets are doing that, and we’re splitting with the Giants, getting swept by the Reds, and dropping should be sweep games against the Astros.

Even if we did just “win series,” that only means it’s just that much more important to win all your games against the Mets head-to-head. The Mets aren’t going to fade or just go away. They’re like us in that they have enough offense and just enough pitching, and I say they still have a better bullpen.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 9, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Anders—can’t some of you brilliant New Yackers scrounge around amongst yourselves and come up with enough intelligence and creativity to get a “damned blog of your own”?…

By David O'Brien

August 9, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

Lineups are usual for both teams, except Castro catching for Mets and Anderson in CF stead of Milledge.

Braves lineup is the usual.

NEW BLOG IS UP

By Colin

August 9, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

* Thesouthernjackass*

What do you live for losing? Cuz were good at that.

By Will

August 9, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

Lew, By the way dude i was basically trying to say my bad for saying you are annoying, but now you made it personal.

By Yars

August 9, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Lew……I have always been a fan of your posts, but the reason some of us get p** off over this team is because we know they are better than this. Losing last night, splitting a series against last place Giants, getting swept by the Reds, ect… I know. It’s baseball. Stuff like that can happen over a 162 game season. Teams like the Mets & Phillies don’t impress me. After watching the last 2 games against the Mets, I can’t help but think this is a average team. Sure, they’re in 1st place, but this is definitely not the ‘06 Mets. The Phillies are nothing to write home about either. We swept them once, & I think we can do it again, or at least win 2 out of 3 against them this weekend.

By Braveheart

August 9, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Will, Lew is a HUGE Braves fan. He fights with Mets fans more than anyone on here - in fact, he takes us to task all the time for not defending our Braves enough against Mets fans. Will, I dare you to tell Lew you don’t think the Braves are as good as the Mets. You’ll see what kind of Braves fan he is then. In fact, after he’s done killing you, he might use your corpse to paint his next Wurlitzer on. :-) But, sorry, Will, Lew is gonna let us down because I don’t think Lew is going to bring his entire family to come watch him beat you down.

I still can’t stop laughing about that bringing the family to the fight thing. Good lord that is hilarious. I am still laughing like a maniac thinking about the mental images created by that crazy threat.

I keep thinking of poor DOB sitting on the Jerry Springer stage talking all serious about baseball, not knowing that robdawg’s whole family has filled the entire audience and out comes robdawg bum rushing DOB, grabbing his hair, and swinging away on DOB before DOB body slams him and stamps out his Cohiba on robdawgs face. Oh, it’s hilarious to think of.

And by family did he mean he was bringing his mother and his father or was he bringing his wife and children? Were all of his cousins and uncles coming too?

Oh, the mental images are too funny!

By Lew

August 9, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

Efrim-And why can’t I get upset when I’m constantly told, in so many words, that my optimism is annoying? Seems I have every right to get totally p!$$ed, Dude. I hear the same negative crap and bovine excrement on a daily basis and I’m supposed to shut up and not care? Guess again. I understand exactly what the Braves are doing, have done and where they may or may not end up. I choose to think they can still succeed. Sorry if my optimism annoys people. Their negativity and constant derogatory tirades annoys me. I just decided I’ll let y’all know wat’s on my mind.

By Overlord

August 9, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Paladin no chop zone was under his bed as he saw the bases loaded with no one out. Mets showed once again they are not a better team, braves are they own worst enemy. We lost a game we should have even, but, i dont feel bad, there was evidence yesterday (once again) that we are in the drivers sit.

AJ proved once again he is the worst player in the team, he is as bad as any of the bad 5th started that we have had this year, he never and i mean never helps.

Come on, what kind of player wouldnt hit a sac fly under the circumstances? Is this guy about to ask more than 15 millions a year. Even woodward took a WALK to 1st. Jeff i dont mind, he did more than one good defensive play and contributes……always…….. but AJ? The guy has been due all year long, is he gonna start contributing next spring? come onnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!! Im sure that if he was hitting 8th, escobar would have done the job.

I dont even care about alous homer because lots of games were won earlier in the year because of soriano, but this guy just zux.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 9, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

…and take Radio Ron with you…

By Greg in TN

August 9, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Anders, no bubble burst here. Status quo remains the same, it will be neck and neck right down the wire, just like everybody suspected on opening day.

The mets aren’t going to fade and I think we’ll be there in the end fighting it out with the mets and the phillies.

By lilman916

August 9, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

DOB, Is there any chance that Andruw’s sholder/arm/elbow/wrist is still troubling him? I know he’s been sub-par all season long, but has his performance the last two games been injury related?

As tough as it is to believe, Chipper leads the Braves in grounding into double plays with 16.

By Lew

August 9, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Yars-I know they are better than last night. I just finally got tired of listening to the same crap over and over. Screamed at maximum volume as if it will actually matter to the team. Yesterday is gone. Let’s look ahead to today. Will-If you have to ask if I’m a Braves’ fan, then Dude, you are completely clueless and don’t read this blog very often. I’m out of here. I have to go watch the Braves win. Y’all don’t like my optimism, but y’all don’t think much of my rants against negativity, either. Did I strike a chord you can’t stand hearing? Later.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 9, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

The Mets are once again playing small ball…something the Braves manager seems to know nothing about…thus knows no way of defending against it…

Colin…TheSouthernJackAss is anything but a loser!…son

By Chase

August 9, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

BRAVEHEART

I APOLOGIZE WHOLE HEARTEDLY… THAT 3:12 am POST WAS MENT FOR BRAVESDAVE

Now to today….1 to Nothing… in the FRIST! we’ve gotta keep REYES off the bases HE’s THE ONLY THING THEY’VE GOT!

By Colin

August 9, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

One question…WHY CANT WE WIN??

By Shaun

August 9, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

I don’t think last night’s loss or a loss today will have anything to do with what they do in Philly. Yes, it will mean winning games is more important because they are running out of games.

JasonInMaine,

I’m not suggesting because it’s one game it wasn’t a big deal that the Braves lost. I’m suggesting that losing one game by one run doesn’t really tell us how good a team they are.

Also, I’m not suggesting one-run games mean nothing. I’m just saying they don’t mean as much as other types of games as far as judging how good a team is or is not.

Here’s something from Gordon Edes in the Boston Globe, August 16, 2004:

“…luck and randomness are significant factors in one-run outcomes, and it’s not hard to find some support for that conclusion. For example, last season, the Toronto Blue Jays were 10 games over .500, but were just 14-23 in one-run games. This season, they’re 14-15 in one-run games, but began play Monday 20 games under .500. Felipe Alou is widely regarded as one of the game’s best managers, and last season his Giants were 28-12 in one-run games. This season, they’re 15-19; did Alou suddenly become a worse manager? How ‘bout the Cubs? Under Dusty Baker, they were 27-17 in one-run games last season; this season it’s 15-19. This might be the best example of all. Last season, the Braves were just 17-25 in one-run games, and yet won 101 games overall. How does the Braves’ record in one-run games reflect on Bobby Cox’s managerial abilities?”

I know some of you will say luck and randomness are taken into account too much, but no one is saying the outcome of one-run game is all luck and randomness; just that luck and randomness are significant factors in such games.

Do teams start to tank after heartbreaking losses? I seriously doubt you could find a significant amount of evidence to support that.

If they are, why did the Braves start a three-game winning streak two days after losing to Houston in 14 innings last week? Why did they win four out of their next six games after the 15-inning loss to the Reds last month? Why did they win 10 of 15 after an 11-inning loss to Colorado in April?

I’m sure some of you will list all the times they struggled after extra-inning losses or went on tears after extra-inning wins, but doesn’t that just prove my point? There is nothing that reveals that extra-inning wins or losses are going to send a team on a tear or a tailspin.

By Lew

August 9, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Will-Your comment was the proverbial straw. If you didn’t mean it, then I’m sorry, but I’m just real damn sick and tired of hearing everyone rag on the Braves. It’s constant. No Brain Zone talks about being schizoid? Hell, just listen to the so called Braves fans nitpicking every single decision. Dissecting every single play. Second guessing every decision on a daily basis. Never once thinking we stand a chance and not wanting to listen to anyone who tells them we do have that chance. You just happened to supply the one word that really pi$$ed me off. If you tell me you didn’t meran anything by it, then I’ll take your word for it. But don’t expect a Wurlitzer for Pi$$ing off the Artist.

By Paladin

August 9, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

With all the trips to the woodshed that SJA, Lew and Nephew Braveheart have taken us on today, my @$$ feels like I am sitting in molten lava. During my lunch break I am going to put some Budreaux’s Butt Paste on it. NOTE To the word Nazi and all: That is an actual product as visitors to the Gulf Coast will attest.

By Will

August 9, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, So should i not tell Lew that I think the Braves are better then the Mets, but they are not gonna catch them in th east, but will get the wild card? I find realism more refreshing then optimism.

Lew, Just asking…you said the Braves gained a game and are 6 out of last 9, but they have actually lost two games in the standings since the all star break, which is a bigger sample of games.

By Colin

August 9, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

No no i meant the Braves are good at losing.. a la last night

By robdawg06

August 9, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Hey BigmouthBraveheartless, I’ll take you and DOB on together (but not as you were “together” with him last night) and won’t break a sweat… Maybe DOB will let you iron his clothes the morning after.. What a suck up…

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 9, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Screw all Y’all!…

By Will

August 9, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Lew, Fair enough, we are both Braves fans, and have a right to our own opinions. I struck a chord calling your optimism annoying, you struck a chord with me about last night being “just one loss” when in fact it was the biggest loss of the season to a team they are desperately chasing in the standings, we are not the team in front this time. Anways i will put the guns away, we are both braves fans, simple as that.

By robdawg06

August 9, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

I make $75,000 bucks a year. What does the famed AJC beat writer DOB make a year ? $30,000 ???

Hey Jon, your stupid mom & dad left the “H” out of your name when you were hatched…

I post these ludicrous blogs just to get you guys upset and as predicted, it always works…

Hey cavegirllyboy, your next. Quote Goldberg…

By TampaBrave

August 9, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Will and Lew,

No domestic disputes on the blog.

Proceed directly to the make-up sex.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 9, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Colin—Colon—whatever you call yourself—TheSouthernJackAss understood what you wrote quite perfectly…TheJackAss has no problem with his reading comprehension, nor with the heterogeneity of his vocabulary…even when deciphering the piteous attempts at written communication displayed by poorly educated A$sCowns…

TheJackAss merely attempted to convey to you sir that although the Braves lose many games…there is absolutely no possible connection betwixt their losing and my blogging…thus any assertion that my statement of, “I live for this!” means that I live for losing, or that I myself could possibly be thought of as a loser…

“I live for this!”…is simply a sarcastic belittlement of the Chipper Jones MLB commercial in which he said, “I live for this!”…meaning he lives for the game of baseball…

I hope this brings a bit of clarity to your otherwise boring and dull existence…

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 9, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Boo that!…you stinkin’ sweat hogs…

By Christy

August 9, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Oh my. What a bomb by Chipper. Even some of the Met’s fans cheered that one. Holy cow. His going to miss this stadium…

By Christy

August 9, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Oh my. What a bomb by Chipper. Even some of the Met’s fans cheered that one. Holy cow. His going to miss this stadium…

And then Tex follow up with one of his own.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 9, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

…and that!…

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 9, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Quickly!…someone!…anyone!…run down to the bullpen and stomp a couple of Rafael Soriano’s toes…just to make sure Cox doesn’t even think about bringing him into this game!…

By The Grinch

August 9, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Howdy, all. I get back, turn on the tv and Castro pops out to a Cuban. How appropriate. Looks like Hudson’s pulling a Chucky T…whew.

By Overlord

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

This could easily have been a sweep…… How sweet would it have been.

Tim…….get us one more inning……bottom of the lineup.

By Overlord

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

AJ is nothing but a bad 8th hitter………nothing but that.

And you cant even put him at 8th because he wont see a single strike there and he will swing at everything.

He has 10 season under his belt and his hit a fly easy to catch……then comes the rokkie and hit a sharp base hit……..what does that tells you?

By Overlord

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

Hey muts……. you so called ace is out after 5.3 innings……

What a shame.

There goes your bullpen…….

I tip my hat to bobby…. have to accept it was a good called there…….. i admit it.

Wow, does this puts us in really good shape……… if we win the division, ill have to say matt diaz was the turning point and not Tex, with his HR in the 1st on friday.

Hey…….to those scaut fans from texas that had said tex will only hit extrabases when it didnt mean anything, i really dont feel that here in atlanta…… every hit has been important, every walk.

By Overlord

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

JackAss I can bet you last night was the last time you saw i game lost because of him for the rest of the year…… He made his last mistake…….

Remember my words.