Braves

By Stephen

August 13, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

Willie in center, Diaz in left. -_-

By PutMeInCoach

August 13, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

First or Last! Another great blog DOB.

By Dr. Jay

August 13, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

Nope…don’t care about Barry one iota, DOB. So, goodnight, goodnight Melonhead.

Yes, a 5-1 tear is what we need, and I hope someone pastes McKeon’s comments on a wall somewhere in the Braves clubhouse. Time to play ball with a little attitude.

By keylargo25

August 13, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the new blog. My computer is just now unlocking from a failed attempt to download a thousand posts on the last one. Martin Prado. He needs to be gone. I remember him playing bullfighter with two ground balls at second base and jumping out of the way just before he was sent back down last time. Then last night he is so scared of a collision with Rollins he lets the throw get past him into centerfield. Just gutless. I bet Glenn Hubbard was thinking “what’s this chicken sh!t doing to my position”.

By Ron Roberts

August 13, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand, frankly, why MLB is making the Giants and Pirates even play those two games tonight. They’ll obviously have no bearing on a playoff spot. That’s a curious situation they’re being put through.

I like your spin on this week. But I think, after the SF series, the Mets and Phls catch a break while we have the D-backs, before hitting the road to play the same Cincinatti team we couldn’t beat at home, then a suddenly-relevant St. Louis ballclub (5.5 games behind the Brewers, all of a sudden). The Phils and Mets both play the Nats and Pirates, both on the road, but still, neither of those teams are as good as the D-backs. Ehh, nobody thought the Fish would take 2 of 3 in Shea, either, so that’s why they play ‘em, right?

Sure would be nice to put together a nice 5-1 homestand followed by a 6-1 roadtrip. We haven’t had a nice stretch since our 7-1 start.

Here’s hoping your optimistic view plays out.

By Carolina Lady

August 13, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

Carry-over from last blog:

The only street name for BobJ has to be “Hot Tub.”

By gg

August 13, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Why is everyone going on and on about the Braves and pennant fever. I am a huge Braves fan, but they are just one game over.500 since the all-star break. With the talent on this team, it should be much better than it’s record. They continue to blow leads late, they continue to score early and then score no more. Will someone explain to me how the Braves can even get into the playoffs much less win in the playoffs. Soriano can get anyone out, Wicky is just a lard a* that isn’t consistent, Dotel-well he is hurt. Our starters are terrible. Smoltz is questionable each night. I mean give the credit for going out and trying. Hudson is our only reliable starter. Carlyisle has heart but nothing else…i just don’t see it man.

By Carolina Lady

August 13, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

Barry has home runs?? How many are unassisted?

By The Grinch

August 13, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

JJS, I’m thinkin’ “H-Tubb,” “Dub-Tubb,” or “Tubby-B.” “B-Mac” is already taken.

Y’all quit talking about Mother’s, I’m on an excersize and training regimen. :-)

Does anyone here know how Andruw’s average stays over .200? Not trying to pile on or anything, but it seems to me he’s had like 4 hits since the all-star break (and he damn sure wasn’t tearing it up before). Langerhaans hit more often than ‘druw does and his avg. was well under .200. Just curious.

By Ron Roberts

August 13, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

DO’B… you mentioned the Mapleleaf Restaurant. Truly a brilliant concept in an all-night party town. You can go there late-nights and order a terrific prime rib if you’re out that late. I haven’t had the chance, myself, but I hear great things about it. Oh, and they advertise w/my company’s stations, so I hear the commercials all the time. :)

By Carolina Lady

August 13, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

gg, hope springs eternal and stranger things have happened.

By Ron Roberts

August 13, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

The Grinch… if you venture to Mother’s you can eat somewhat healthy. They make a decent grilled chicken salad, but they use that blase’ iceberg lettuce that’s all too often very bright green/white and sometimes uses a lot of the “heel” of the lettuce head. It’s space-filler, really; nothing of any nutritional value, there. The greener the leaf, the higher the nutrients, or so I’m told. So I just get a grilled shrimp po’boy when I decide to eat there. Damn fine.

There’s a Quizno’s around the corner from my office, too. I usually go there for salads and/or grilled chicken sammiches. :) Hard to believe there’d be a chain sandwich shop in the central business district of New Orleans, but for convenience and healthy eatings sake, it’s a godsend. And there really aren’t as many food options within walking distance as it is.

By StingerSplash

August 13, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

Time is of the essence. The team that was once 24-12 needs to play to that level again and soon. There’s no reason why it can’t, other than they have No. 5 starter, Soriano can’t keep the ball in the park, the back-end help they got at the trade deadline is on the shelf, their all-star caliber shortstop has one leg, their all-world center fielder has a bad elbow and can’t hit his weight, but I mean, other than that …. Still, that 24-12 team didn’t have the firepower this team has now and as we have seen with the Yankees, if you can bludgeon people, you still have a chance.

By TexasBrave

August 13, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady that’s just cold, true, but cold. : )

By StingerSplash

August 13, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Wilson Betemit just homered - again. What did we get for him, besides some Dodger Dogs?

By Eric from MO

August 13, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

GG “Why is everyone going on and on about the Braves and pennant fever.”

Well we are only 1.5 games out of the playoffs. Plus with we have the best lineup in the N.L. Plus with Hudson and Smoltz that almost guarentees us three wins in a series. Also last years champion was only 2 games above .500 after the season.

By Braveheart

August 13, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this

Bobby Mac can be Tubbs and Lew Crockett.

By dadgum

August 13, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

I will go so far as to say the Braves will not make the playoffs unless they can go 5-1 on this homestand. I mean really folks you play the freaking Giants and DBacks at home. Come on…go 5-1 or stay home. Tourney teams win these games. Watch Bobby Cox throw some weird lineup out there during the homestand. Something on the order of Corky Miler at catcher then also give Andruw or Chipper the same night off. Gonna happen. Promise. Also Willie Harris needs to be considered the top LF on this team. Period. Regardless of what Diaz is doing he should be second fiddle to Harris. Pray Renteria gets back SOON. Real soon. Not enough good pitching to make up for the gaffs. Smoltz said as much last night on ESPN. I agree with him.

By gg

August 13, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

Give Andruw credit for going out each night and battling. I know his average is terrible, but he is obviously hurt and when you see how he got hurt (making a catch up on the wall), you can’t really blame him. I mean, it wasn’t like he was riding a motorcyle and got in a wreck. However, with his recent struggles, might it make sense to put Willie out there and Diaz in left and let Andruw rest his shoulder? just a thought.

By Paladin

August 13, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

Did you notice how the “first” on the new blog is rarely a name you recognize. They must wait in line.

BobJ I missed your comments on bands and symphonies on the earlier blog. Why dont we get together and attend a symphony? It isan’t that far from Lynchburg to Nashville.

Ron Roberts You made me hungry with your talk of “po-boys”. I like them almost as much as I like muffulettas. With a bottle of that rootbeer that I never can remember the name of, but which is in the cooler. Enjoy!

By Braveheart

August 13, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

DO’B… you mentioned the Mapleleaf Restaurant. Truly a brilliant concept in an all-night party town. You can go there late-nights and order a terrific prime rib if you’re out that late. I haven’t had the chance, myself, but I hear great things about it. Oh, and they advertise w/my company’s stations, so I hear the commercials all the time. :)

You’re a shameless company man Roberts. Glad to hear you like your job though. They should give you a bonus for that one. :o>

By hk

August 13, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

… amazing, Braves lead league in batting avg at .278 (Colo .277 Phila .276)

… latest hitter ‘MVP’ ratings …

Projected Runs - HR - RBI - Last Week - Now

Chipper - 100 - 26 - 91 - 208 - 217

Andruw - 85 - 29 - 102 - 221 - 216

Frenchy - 84 - 19 - 104 - 209 - 207

Johnson - 96 - 18 - 91 - 195 - 205

Renteria - 102 - 15 - 73 - 196 - 189

McCann - 52 - 16 - 92 - 162 - 161

Thorman - 45 - 14 - 47 - 110 - 106

Diaz - 41 - 12 - 44 - 96 - 97

Harris - 60 - 1 - 33 - 95 - 95

Team Average - 173 - 173

… Chipper back in the lead, despite many less at-bats:

http://www.mindspring.com/~hk3/newton.htm

By Carolina Lady

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

TexasBrave, I hope that was in reference to Barry…. :-)

By MariettaJoe

August 13, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

Ryan Adams article is here.

By ncscoots

August 13, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this

Street Name: Jay-Bob Dollar (General). The man be having twice as much cred at 50-Cent (411, the man be eat up with cred, just eat UP!), and ALWAYS, say ALWAYS, be strapped with a Glock coathanger. Bad man. Ricky OUT!

On another note, no transition needed…CL, I’m sorry, but I have a bone to pick with you. How dare you allow yourself to become ill? I find that a wholly unacceptable state of affairs, and I don’t need a pole to know the temper of the blog in this matter. So you just get…your…self well, there, missy.

Don’t MAKE me come over there.

OR send R. Lee Ermey.

By StingerSplash

August 13, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

Hide the women and children. OK, hide the aging groupies and the Metamucil - Van Halen is back! Eddie, Alex, David and … Wolfgang? Does this mean Claudell Washington is signing with the Braves?

By Alan

August 13, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

gg’s 7:47 post hits it right on the head. The Braves are barely playing .500 ball since the break, and in fact since the first week of the season. That simply isn’t going to cut it. And what’s their record since Tex and Mahay got here? And they split their 6-game road trip against the Mets and the Phils. If anyone doesn’t think that’s exasperating, he/she is in la-la land. I won’t go so far as some who claim only 5-1 will do againt the Giants and the D-Backs, but 4-2 is a must. This team really, really has to step up. And frankly, it’s about time for Andruw to step down already. If he’s too hurt to swing the bat, he shouldn’t be in the lineup. He probably should be on the DL. He’s hurting the team, that’s for sure.

By Braveheart

August 13, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Wilson Betemit just homered - again. What did we get for him, besides some Dodger Dogs?

Stop it. We got a season’s worth of the joy of watching the beauty of Billy Bob Woodward and a half season of Pete Orr. Plus, we got to learn what teams do with players on their 40 man rosters who go AWOL on ya.

Anyone else find it peculiar that Lohan, Spears, Richie and that whole Hollywood coke, speed, & smack crew have been to to more rehabs since April than Aybar but Aybar has spent more time in rehab than all of them combined?

Maybe it’s a good sign that he is taking it seriously and doing it, most importantly, for himself and not just doing some token effort to please others and to look good because it’s the IN thing to do to say you went to rehab. Hoping for the best for Willy. Still mad at him though but hoping for the best for him.

By gg

August 13, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Eric from MO: I think our lineup is very good but did you see how last night and Sunday night they failed to put up any more runs late. Friday night, first ining-four runs just like that and then none after. Last night, two runs just like that and then one more after. We can sit around and claim how good our batting line up is but until it can figure out how to add on runs, it’s just what it is, the best lineup…on paper. I mean last night, those pitchers were not what i would even call quality starters and relievers and we still couldn’t do anything..imagine what it will be like against quality pitchers. And then when we do score lots of runs, our relievers blow it. I hope I’m wrong, but i don’t even see us making the playoffs.

By Paladin

August 13, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

I can’t get anybody to talk to me, and statistics, like computer jargon, stupefy me. I’m going to bed.

By The Grinch

August 13, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

RR, I’m not the kind of person that can go into a killer restaurant and order a salad (unless it’s a prelude to something more important), especially if I’m in a din of iniquity like the big easy. And I don’t care for iceburg, either. I tend to just eat what I want and spend more time in the gym. And truthfully I’m still fat, just muscular underneath. :-) Seems like I almost always post about four spots under you in the Falcons blog; happened again today.

Paladin, you and Tubbs better make sure to go to an afternoon show…and who will drive? I sense an engaged left turn signal forgotten for the duration…

By senior circuit

August 13, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

For you stats people out there, is Andruw having, arguably, the worst year in history for a clean up hitter (until recently, he was) for a pennant contender? Seriously, look at his “internals.” Also, would you rather have Smoltz, Hudson, or AJ at bat in a critical situation?

By David-ATL14

August 13, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

Great call on the tune DOB, May I suggest some summer Tv viewing.

I know you are keeping up with Rescue Me and Damages this summer, those are two top flight series, a third for your consideration.

Mad Men on AMC, strangely enough, considering it’s not a classic movie but a “period time piece” that takes place in an Ad agency. Written by some of the underlings from David Chase tree, that worked on the Sopranos.

Best dialogue on TV. it’s 4 episodes in to the arc,I’m sure it is probably available on Demand.

Give it a try you won’t be disappointed. it’s normal air time is Thursday’s at 10:00P. Reruns seems in plentiful supply.

By dadgum

August 13, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

Just got back from vacation and just couldn’t turn around and drive two hours to see DBT’s and The Allman Brothers in Norfolk. Frankly the Allmans have disappointed the last two times I have seen them and well the BBT’s are suppose to be great but couldn’t really risk the Allmans being anything but great. If they had been in Richmond (of course nobody is) I would have definitely taken it in. I have pulled up DBT’s on You Tube and they sound pretty good. Obviously nothing like live though.

By Carolina Lady

August 13, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this

scoots, love you, too. Thanks, my friend. I really believe that all will be well. May be rather drawn out, but that’s OK, too.

By ncscoots

August 13, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

CL…well, OK, then. As you say, and make it so. Glad you checked back in with me quickly, thought I was gonna miss Bridezillas. Ha!

By Salty

August 13, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

CL Ma’am…that was a classic ‘Barry’ dig! You can be quite the stinker when you have a mind to do so! :-)

By Bob, Journalist

August 13, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, I don’t eat red meat very often … neither do I … the secret is to cook the meat … it changes color!

Regarding street names, I’ve been known to answer to “hey you” back in the day I was known as Bullitt

By Carolina Lady

August 13, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Salty, there may be juuuust a hint of mischievousness now and then…. (innocent smile, blink, blink)

OK. Actually quite a lot! :-)))

By Eric from MO

August 13, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

gg “last night, those pitchers were not what i would even call quality starters” You dont think Jamie Moyer is a quality starter. Where have you been the last 15 years? The guy is a multiple all-star. There is a reason he is in his 40’s and still in the bigs. He knows how to pitch. Granted his ERA is 4.5 but in that ballpark that is actually not that bad. As for Friday, when you go out and get your pitcher a 4 run lead in the first and then gives it right back in the bottom half that is going to kill any offense.

Also you didnt even say anything to defend yourself about the Cards. Part of your arguement was the Braves were only 1 game over .500 since the all-star break. Well the Cards were under .500 after the all-star break last year but their fans never gave up on the team. You all should come to Busch Stadium and see some real fans. Not just fair weather fans like you. I visited Atlanta 2 years ago and thought it must of been an off night with fans because the ballpark was only half full and there was no cheering. Then I talked to a security guard and he said that was normal.

Well back to my point, the best team rarely wins the World Series anymore. That is why we have pennent fever.

By The Grinch

August 13, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

“Bullitt Bob!” I love it. Drives a green ‘68 Mustang fastback with an AARP bumper sticker. Hee-hee!

By Carolina Lady

August 13, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Grinch, 9:14 - LOL!!!

By paul

August 13, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

I read somewhere that andrew’s elbow has been bothering hom since late may then I read somewhere that bobby aaid that andrew had never told him that that the elbow was causing his oerformance to suffer.do not these two ever talk . cannot bobby see some is wrong with andrew. we cannot sit andrew at 100% however i think we can ewplXW nsrew at 50$

By vegas bravezz fan

August 13, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Smoltz said it best during conversation with Jon Miller, and Joe Morgan. “the Braves are losing to many close games, and not stealing enough wins”

By JJMB

August 13, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

I’m glad Bonds broke the record. He did it the old-fashioned American way. Cheat like a MF, don’t get caught, and reap the rewards.

Oh yeah, and stick it YOUR FACE!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 13, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

“quite the stinker”? that would be an appropriate street name for carolina lady, right? and if journalist bob is not fit, journalist bob can be hot tubby. if, however, journalist bob has been on a weight and diet training regimen like rr, then perhaps the street name can be shortened to hot tub. hot tub daddy?

grinch is right, left blinker all the way. and stops. plenty of stops.

now, baseball … andruw is much like the whale shark floating to the top of the tank … will bobby remove andruw before andruw falls to the bottom of the tank???? oh, the humanity!

and this elbow injury. tattoo related? did not hear from doc on this matter.

and who is missing tonight? someone has been banned. any ideas? this journalist would miss rosalynn. besides, rosalynn has secret service protection and is a friend of anne cox chambers. probably not rosalynn.

and speaking of anne cox chambers? no longer in the middle of the tank, herself. same age as liberace. same shoe size.

and that is not liber ace if your wondering out there, hippocrite. an better spellers … this blog should do some community service an help people become better spellers. who will voluntere?

By BravesDave

August 13, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Uh oh…don’t look now, but the Giants are catching fire at just the wrong time as far as the Braves are concerned. They had been dominated by the Pirates in four straight games, but now they have a 6-1 lead late tonight. If they get hot, it could be a tough series for the Braves.

I hope everyone can sense the sarcasm here. Seriously, if the Braves split this homestand against the Giants and DBacks, like they just split the road trip, they are in trouble. I have been commenting on the need for a streak of wins for some time now and the Braves have not pulled it off. No time like the present.

By flange1

August 13, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the new blog. The sentiment and the song remind me after the last few days why I read this thing!

By Julia

August 13, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Lyle was a porker, too, when he and I first met. I INSISTED he go on a weight and diet training regimen and Lyle took off those horrible little rolls of fat around his waist and puffy little buttocks. I think they are called shrimp sammich handles :). Anyway, Lyle used to be on the radio, too, and most all those radio people have those big ol’ BELLIES and lots of GAS. Makes me CRAZY to think about it. CRAZY!!!

By A--ville Ranger

August 13, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

DOB—— Me thinks perhaps Rose is a metaphor for Ryan’s substance dependent past.Then again it could be some girl in Albuquerque.Either way I wish him the best of bright mornings.

By chrisklob

August 13, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Just catching up on the end of the last blog and the start of this one after a long, hot day at the office…..

Mo, no problem. It was a legitimate question. Oh, and I caught three large mouth bass. One baby and two in the three pound range. There is a series of small, man-made lakes near my home. It’s nice to be able to get out and spend a couple of hours walking the banks of a lake in a nearly deserted park.

Carolina Lady, instead of burying said horse, you could have had it butchered and sent to some country that believes in eating that kind of meat. After the beating that horse has taken lately, the meat would have been most tender!

Thank you for pointing out to DOB about the disgusting poster from yesterday evening. Very little offends me personally, but that type of language is not suitable for a family blog like this one.

TampaBrave, I like your list of heroes (I think that’s what you called it, at least something similar). Amazingly similar to mine. As a Cowboys fan from around the age of six or so, Staubach was always (and still is) at the top of my list.

keylargo, you might want to try the web browser from Mozilla called Firefox. It’s a free download and is much, much faster that IE. It literally takes about five seconds to reload those really long blogs like the last one. I’ve recommended it so many times the past few days I should be getting commission, but alas, I’m not.

By JD

August 13, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Any word on Andruw’s MRI on the elbow?

By Herschel Talker

August 13, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Where all the white women at?

By A--ville Ranger

August 13, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

BravesDave If we can’t handle the SF Pigmys at home we’re not worthy anyway.At some point you have to take care of business,if not now when ?

By Ricky Bobby

August 13, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

If you’re not first, you’re last

SHAKE AND BAKE

By h_charles

August 13, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

This team is missing that intangible something. Yes, we are 1.5 out. Yes, we are only 3 away from the Mets. However, we strangely miss that winning vibe — that ability to find a way to win close games.

Braves teams of yore had a bit less talent than the competition, but we always found away to drive in that late run and win 1 run games.

This team is the polar opposite. With the trades we made, we now are as good or bettr as anyone else in the NL. This year (and last) we find ways to lose games, however. I’m not sure what it is. Perhaps it is too many young guys that don’t yet know how to win. Perhaps it is just a mediocre back-end of the rotation and an overtaxed bullpen. Three times a week though this team finds some way to blow a game they could have won. Either its an error opening the floodgates, a bullpun meltdown, or Andruw once again appearing at the plate with runners on late.

Unless we can find away to turn that vibe in our favor, however, there will be no postseason. What separates the playoff team from the near miss is really only a few games you could have won here or there. This season has seen the Braves on the losing end almost every time. That must change, and soon.

By David O'Brien

August 13, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, didn’t even know about the all-night food. I guess in the times back when we were frequenting that joint, that was about the last things on our minds. I just remember great, great music there in the wee hours. From Tip’s to Mapleleaf, with various stops along the way. What a town…

MariettaJoe, you’re the man. Thanks for linking. You music heads should read it. Dude’s pretty close to genius, if he ain’t one period. Brilliant songwriter.

By TampaBrave

August 13, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

chrisklob

I like guys with character.

By David O'Brien

August 13, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Grinch, other locals: If you want to eat at a dive restaurant with food that can compete with ANYTHING you’d get in N’awlins or anywhere else, I’d strongly recommend Havana Sandwich Shop on Buford Highway, just a half-block south of N. Druid Hills Road. It’s flat-out phenomenal, and we just got out of there for $21, and that’s two big plates of food, plus two chicken/jalapeno empanadas on the side. It’s one of my favorite Atlanta places for great food, no pretense, on the same level of quality food and laid-back atmosphere as Six Feet Under, or the original Flying Biscuit for breakfast (the Southern Scramble there is the best thing on the menu, has collard greens in it and they’re done perfectly. Grits are great there).

At Havana, try the beef roast plate, comes buried under grilled onions, with black beans and rice on the side, and an order of Cuban bread. Phenomenal. But you can’t go wrong with the Cuban sandwiches there. The real thing. Seriously, as good as any I had in Miami while living in South Florida.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 13, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

journalist was reminded tonight of jimmy smith’s days as an entertainer. not many bloggers know that jimmy smith was once a pip - not a starter, but a backup pip. can remember many times shuffling and do-wahing to rainy night in georgia and other favorites. pipping was very important to this now-journalist a few years back, but now journalism is jimmy smith’s life. when will dob give journalist another shot at the big time? must we wait for the old journalist to expire? like a giraffe? like a wrestler? like cheese left on a radiator overnight? sometimes this journalist misses being a pip, but it was all for the best when gladys came by and said what gladys said. what did gladys say? all jimmy smith can say is jimmy smith is gladys over.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 13, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

word to the wise: stay off the elevator with dob!

By Braveheart

August 13, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Paladin, you and Tubbs better make sure to go to an afternoon show…and who will drive? I sense an engaged left turn signal forgotten for the duration…

Oh, Grinch, that is gonna be one Odd Couple episode you’re not gonna wanna miss. Paladin will forget that he is in a car and not a fighter plane.

Paladin will show up in his leather bomber jacket. As Bob is getting in the car, Paladin will throw him an extra bomber jacket, and tell Bob no one flies in my plane solider without wearing one of these. Then Paladin will strap on his helmet and goggles and pass a helmet and goggles over to Bob and say put ‘em on soldier.

Then Paladin will start flicking all the buttons on the dashboard. Then they will sit there for 15 minutes. When Bob asks what are we waiting for, Paladin will say I am waiting to be cleared for takeoff, do you think we just hop in one of these things the government paid millions of dollars to make and fly right off? Come on, don’t be ridiculous. With your concern about wasted government expenditures, I should not need to explain that to you. Then Paladin will all of a sudden speed off.

Periodically, he will make announcements into a microphone he has in the car to talk to the passengers that are not there except for Bob. Every so often, he will flirt with a stewardess he pretends is in the backseat of the cockpit of his car.

Since he is the Have Gun, Will Travel guy, and he tends to get testy over any perceived slight, any time a driver cuts him off or looks at him the wrong way, the old fighter pilot will get road rage and start shooting at people, screaming “Take that Charlie!”

Bob will keep preaching at him the whole time, demanding he change his bad behavior. Bob will never allow him to turn left. Bob will keep saying right, right, right like my political leanings.

Paladin will keep saying listen here wingman, I’m Maverick, and unless you wanna go down like Goose did, you betta understand I take orders from no wingman. Wingmen are to be seen but not heard. And then he will turn around to the stewardess he pretends is there and say that goes for you too ma’am. Paladin tolerates no backseat drivers. Got that sweetheart?

Then Paladin will start pulling stunts and showing off. He’ll keep saying to Bob, let’s buzz the tower and then veer repeatedly at and away from telephone poles, with Bob in the passenger seat watching his life flash before his eyes. Then Paladin will ask him, ever wanna know what it’s like to break the sound barrier as he revs the engine up and starts going as fast as he can. Then he’ll start shaking the wheel and swerving the car to and fro and saying uh, oh Bob, we got ourselves alot of turbulence here. Then when Bob says what are you doing you madman, Paladin will say oh, come on Bob, I’m trying to shake the wheels off this sucker to show you what it’s like to land with only one wheel. Could be worse Bob, I could be showing you what it’s like to land without an engine.

Then Paladin will put the car on cruise control and take his hands off the wheel and say we’re going on auto pilot now Bob, looks like smooth sailing from here on out, I need a powernap. When Bob objects, Paladin will throw him a Fisher Price toy wheel and say, don’t like it, then you fly the plane wingman.

Then finally, they’ll get to their desired destination, have lunch, go to the orchestra, and enjoy their time together much to their shared surprise. But when Paladin offers Bob a ride back home, Bob will say no, I think I’ll walk. Ron Roberts has me on a rigorous weight, diet, and training regimen.

Paladin will feel insulted so Bob will feel obliged to reluctantly take a ride back. Paladin will behave on the way back and ask Bob as they are pulling into Bob’s drive, you had a good time on the way there, didn’t ya? To which, Bob will reply yes, as a matter of fact, I did. Then they will make cheesy made for television knowing grins of shared newfound understanding and appreciation for each other as the orchestra music plays on Paladin’s car radio speakers which are as weak as clock radio speakers.

Having enjoyed their time together, Bob will invite Paladin in for dinner but then shock Paladin by sprinting towards the hot tub and saying last one in is a rotten egg as he splashes down in his beloved hot tub.

By David O'Brien

August 13, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

A-ville, it’s a pretty powerful and beautiful song when you come at it from that angle, isn’t it? To be able to write lyrics like that, pack that much into 3-4 minutes, what a precious gift from God.

David-ATL, I gotta check out that show. heard great stuff about it….

Flange, speaking of brilliant tunes, you’ve got the Joe Strummer stuff with the Mescaleros, right? Just thought to mention about it because I’m cranking “Streetcore” right now, the last one he did with them before he died. Great stuff, essential for Clash fans. Got that Strummer documentary on DVD the other day. Very intense stuff.

By A--ville Ranger

August 13, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

h-Charles It’s more than the pitching.There’s a reason veteran teams win most chapionships in most sports.You hit it on the head I think.The young guys just don’t have the mojo,clutch,etc.The good news is they’re growing all the time.Maybe they’ll jell before it’s too late for the season.

By Braveheart

August 13, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Paladin, you and Tubbs better make sure to go to an afternoon show…and who will drive? I sense an engaged left turn signal forgotten for the duration…

Oh, Grinch, that is gonna be one Odd Couple episode you’re not gonna wanna miss. Paladin will forget that he is in a car and not a fighter plane.

Paladin will show up in his leather bomber jacket. As Bob is getting in the car, Paladin will throw him an extra bomber jacket, and tell Bob no one flies in my plane solider without wearing one of these. Then Paladin will strap on his helmet and goggles and pass a helmet and goggles over to Bob and say put ‘em on soldier.

Then Paladin will start flicking all the buttons on the dashboard. Then they will sit there for 15 minutes. When Bob asks what are we waiting for, Paladin will say I am waiting to be cleared for takeoff, do you think we just hop in one of these things the government paid millions of dollars to make and fly right off? Come on, don’t be ridiculous. With your concern about wasted government expenditures, I should not need to explain that to you. Then Paladin will all of a sudden speed off.

Periodically, he will make announcements into a microphone he has in the car to talk to the passengers that are not there except for Bob. Every so often, he will flirt with a stewardess he pretends is in the backseat of the cockpit of his car.

Since he is the Have Gun, Will Travel guy, and he tends to get testy over any perceived slight, any time a driver cuts him off or looks at him the wrong way, the old fighter pilot will get road rage and start shooting at people, screaming “Take that Charlie!”

Bob will keep preaching at him the whole time, demanding he change his bad behavior. Bob will never allow him to turn left. Bob will keep saying right, right, right like my political leanings.

Paladin will keep saying listen here wingman, I’m Maverick, and unless you wanna go down like Goose did, you betta understand I take orders from no wingman. Wingmen are to be seen but not heard. And then he will turn around to the stewardess he pretends is there and say that goes for you too ma’am. Paladin tolerates no backseat drivers. Got that sweetheart?

Then Paladin will start pulling stunts and showing off. He’ll keep saying to Bob, let’s buzz the tower and then veer repeatedly at and away from telephone poles, with Bob in the passenger seat watching his life flash before his eyes. Then Paladin will ask him, ever wanna know what it’s like to break the sound barrier as he revs the engine up and starts going as fast as he can. Then he’ll start shaking the wheel and swerving the car to and fro and saying uh, oh Bob, we got ourselves alot of turbulence here. Then when Bob says what are you doing you madman, Paladin will say oh, come on Bob, I’m trying to shake the wheels off this sucker to show you what it’s like to land with only one wheel. Could be worse Bob, I could be showing you what it’s like to land without an engine.

Then Paladin will put the car on cruise control and take his hands off the wheel and say we’re going on auto pilot now Bob, looks like smooth sailing from here on out, I need a powernap. When Bob objects, Paladin will throw him a Fisher Price toy wheel and say, don’t like it, then you fly the plane wingman.

Then finally, they’ll get to their desired destination, have lunch, go to the orchestra, and enjoy their time together much to their shared surprise. But when Paladin offers Bob a ride back home, Bob will say no, I think I’ll walk. Ron Roberts has me on a rigorous weight, diet, and training regimen.

Paladin will feel insulted so Bob will feel obliged to reluctantly take a ride back. Paladin will behave on the way back and ask Bob as they are pulling into Bob’s drive, you had a good time on the way there, didn’t ya? To which, Bob will reply yes, as a matter of fact, I did. Then they will make cheesy made for television knowing grins of shared newfound understanding and appreciation for each other as the orchestra music plays on Paladin’s car radio speakers which are as weak as clock radio speakers.

Having enjoyed their time together, Bob will invite Paladin in for dinner but then shock Paladin by sprinting towards the hot tub and saying last one in is a rotten egg as he splashes down in his beloved hot tub.

By TampaBrave

August 13, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

DOB

Thanks for the tip. Coming to ATL for Mets game on 9/1. Have you ever really met anyone who blogs here?

Anybody know anything about Mary Macs?

By BravesDave

August 13, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

A-Ville Ranger, I agree you with you on the Giants. My only problem is that I felt that way when we played them out in Frisco. Splitting that series was a major letdown. Anything less than a sweep in this series will again be a monumental failure. And there is no reason not to take 2 out of 3 from the DBacks. I will accept a loss to Brandon Webb because the guy on a incredible roll right now (maybe that is all the more reason to beat him), but no other DBacks pitcher is scary. Then again Jamie Moyer is not scary.

By A--ville Ranger

August 13, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Jimmy I used to do all of James Browns stunts…the b******* never let me drive the bus though.

By A--ville Ranger

August 13, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

Amen to that DOB, Ryan has a rare gift for sure.

By Yars

August 13, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

I remember seeing Steely Dan in concert back in the 90’s at one of those festivals with 15 other bands & they opened with Reeling In The Years. How lame is that? Wouldn’t it be something if Frenchy won a Gold Glove? I would have never thought he would be hitting over .300 this far into the season. I hope JS gives him a McCann type contract soon. I know it’s too early to start thinking NL Cy Young award, but if Hudson keeps doing what he’s doing, & if the Braves make the playoffs, we could be talking Cy Young in the near future. Hudson is still within reach of 18-19 wins. I can’t see any NL starting pitcher winning 20 games. I believe that how well your team does plays a big part now in who wins these awards such as Cy & MVP. The rookie of the year award in my opinion is always interesting because you then start to wonder how long before that player who won the award will be out of baseball.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 13, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

journalist must get to bed soon. american idol auditions tomorrow. will blog from blackberry. wish jimmy smith luck.

By Capt Caveman

August 13, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Stinger Splash

If Claudell comes back then the Bravos will bring in Willie Montanez to compete for playing time.

Luv that catch and snap the glove move!!

FYI = You’ll Never Shut Down The Real Napster!!

By LaBrenda

August 13, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

I always enjoyed the Pips. Great looking group of guys. Which one were you, Jimmy?

By Braveheart

August 13, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

sorry about the double post of something that was much too long for one post. wireless is acting up. where’s serbok when i need him?

By Wayne in Utah

August 13, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

Dave, any word on AJ today? Too bad I am not in the ATL area. The food tips sound fantastic.

I remember a taco shack in NE Houston years ago, that was killer. Nobody there spoke English. It’s the small, hole in the wall places that are the best!

By Ron Roberts

August 13, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Paladin, are you speaking of IBC Root Beer? That’s what came to mind when I read you talkin’ about root beer right outta the cooler.

Bob, Journalist…good one.

DO’B…they also recently re-opened the famed Magnolia Grill on St. Charles in uptown. It’s located right near the end of the St. Charles streetcar line. Now that’s a good local food haunt; as is the Clover Grill, where they cook their burgers (literally) under a hub cap to trap in all the flavor (and grease). It’s on Bourbon towards the residential side of the French Quarter. Service is surly (and often verrrrrrrry uh, “unique,” but ya can’t beat it for greasy drunk dining. And let’s face it, if you’re on Bourbon Street and you wind up hungry, it’s drunk duning you’ll be doing.

Tell ya what, though; this Georgia boy misses his Waffle Houses. I get to cheat one meal a week, and nobody makes a patty melt and hash browns (scattered and smothered, thank you) like the WH.

By David O'Brien

August 13, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

Yes, I have, TampaBrave. Met Choppinmama in Florida during spring training. She was all over the place at games down there. Met Lew and his wife at the team hotel in Boston. Met a dude in Washington at a game at RFK, blogger who stopped by near the pressbox to say hello. Met a guy and his girlfriend in San Francisco couple weeks ago, real good dude who had good seats for the Giants games, lives out there.

Mary Mac’s Tea Room. Traditional meat-and-three Southern food. Good stuff. A little on the family-dining side, not a dive or anything like that, more a dress-in-your-Sunday-best old-school place where Presidents have eaten through the years.

You should make sure to eat at Six Feet Under, which happens to be about a mile or two from Turner Field, in Grant Park area, real easy to get to, across the street from an historic cemetary on Memorial Drive. Terrific food, great juke box, and go upstairs on the deck and look in the little alcove where the wait staff has their stuff up there. There’s a big painting of famous photo of Cash giving the middle finger.

By Blake

August 13, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

Is there any chance that Andruw will be put on the DL? Oh well a man cant hope cant he.

By Capt Caveman

August 13, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

Too bad the Braves aren’t playing so all of you whiners would have more to complain about.

DOB - not fair dude, not fair at all.

By David O'Brien

August 13, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

Not sure if Andruw even had an exam today; I’m betting he didn’t. If he did, Braves wouldn’t announce results until tomorrow anyway….

He told me yesterday he was just going to try to not let it bother him, and he took a ton of early B.P., so it apparently wasn’t hurting him too much. Then again, he said when he doesn’t make contact it hurts most, and he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts last night….

By chrisklob

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

TampaBrave, I guess that explains why Barroid Bonds isn’t on your list! All of those guys did/do things the right way. Not flashy, loud, obnoxious. Great human beings, on and off the field. From the list, I suspect that we’re from about the same age.

A-Ville Ranger, pardon me from butting into your conversation but there’s one point that really hasn’t been given much consideration regarding the age of some of the “kids” on the team. Frenchy, McCann, Yunel, Prado, Devine, Reyes, Davies, James, Lerew, K Johnson, Thorman. These guys are all either very young and/or don’t have much mlb experience. They all have a ton of potential but none of them can really be classified as veterans like Chipper, Andruw (in spite of himself), Smoltz etc. They haven’t been through the battles and learned everything yet.

I’ve spent many, many years around the restaurant industry, mostly in high-end, fine dining establishments. The difference between the great $200 dinner and the truly outstanding $200 dining experience is miniscule. It is the finest of details that separate the two experiences.

Such is baseball. And only if, or when these youngsters learn these most subtle of details and how to execute them will these young players be able to reach their great potentials.

By David O'Brien

August 13, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, man I’d forgotten about Magnolia Grill. My sister lived in New Orleans in the 80s, I’d go down and see her and she always took me to Magnolia Grill. Great food, pretty close to Tulane, right? You sit and eat at the stools around the counter if you want, right? Loved that place.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 13, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

andruw was on the golf course today, dob. saw it on the news awhile ago.

By chrisklob

August 13, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

he said when he doesn’t make contact it hurts most

In that case, that elbow must feel like it went thru a meat grinder.

By flbravesgirl

August 13, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Enjoyed the story, Braveheart. For some reason I kept picturing the Coke commercial we saw last year during the games w/ the old gentleman in the senior home who has his first Coke & says “What else haven’t I done?”. They show him tearing down the road on a motorcycle wearing goggles & cannonballing off a high dive.

By Julia

August 13, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

Lyle l-o-v-e-d the PATTY MELT, too, and it melted right down to his disgusting buttery thighs. Same problem, huh?

By David O'Brien

August 13, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I knew he was going to be at the Francoeur/Smoltz/Hudson charity tournament today, but don’t know if he got an MRI before it. Again, I doubt it.

By Ron Roberts

August 13, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

Your memory is good, DO’B. That’s the place.

By gotigers72

August 13, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

Time for you people that are ready to trade Edgar for whoever or whatever to SHUT UP. Trade Edgar you say because we now have Yunel to play short. For one thing, Edgar has played like a mother all year, and for another thing, physical and mental errors by Yunel the last several games have really been crucial.

I’m on the Yunel bandwagon… for the future as a starter, for now as a utility guy, but Edgar ain’t that old and can still play this game like nobody’s business. He needs to stay as long as the Braves can keep him. Don’t know if there’s anyone I’d trade him for. Yunel is a rookie and only 24. Not much HR power and doesn’t steal bases like Edgar. There was one play where he should have stuck the ball in his pocket, but instead wanted to show his arm off and ended up throwing it away, and another play when he assumed something that he shouldn’t have assumed. Remember; A-S-S-U-M-E makes an A-S-S of U and M-E.

While I’m at it, McCann needs to improve defensively also. After he and his honey have been married for a month this winter, she needs to go out in the backyard and throw his balls in the dirt. Sorry, a little typo there, I meant to go out in the backyard and throw HIM balls in the dirt. Now that typo is corrected.

By TampaBrave

August 13, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

How many times did AJ miss hit the golf ball?

By Kentavo

August 13, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

This is not a dig at DOB or the blog, but it seems like since last year’s debacle of a season, the topics on here (written by the real journalist at the top of the blog) are always something like: if they can sweep this series they can get back into it, or Cormier could provide a big boost, or Braves must take care of business and beat teams with sub .500 records……

And on and on.

This team is too inconsistent, makes too many dumb mistakes and is managed too poorly to make the playoffs.

I love ‘em and will root like crazy for them to make it, but every loss chips away at the chances.

Until Bobby wakes up and stops experimenting and “getting guys work” and sits down AJ and uses the bullpen wisely, then this team is not going on an extended winning streak.

When the team was dominant and in first for most of the season in years past, he could do all of his “getting guys some work” bs without it having much effect, but that doesn’t work when you’re trying to chase down other teams. Baseball is about adjustments, they say, but Cox does not adjust. He does the same crap despite the talent level and experience level. If you truly want to win, you go with the hot hands and you don’t start a .213 hitter in the outfield, you don’t trot out a homerun-giver-upper every night, and you don’t use a light hitting utility guy to ph in key situations while .300 hitters sit on the bench. Well you can, and you get the results the Braves have been getting - blowing opportunities to win winnable games.

By TexasBrave

August 13, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this

DOB I know you have always maintained that the Braves will win the East (my hope as well). But did you ever imagine that AJ would play as poorly as he is now? If no changes are made, either AJ gets better or heaven forbid BC changes AJ’s role, do you still see the Braves as East Division Winners? If so what(who) do you see as getting the Braves over the hump?

By Serbok

August 13, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

http://www.ajc.comhttp://youtube.com/watch?v=JNEgr6ua6VQ

By glorydays

August 13, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

**AJ will sign a one year agreement with the Braves for 14M, it makes perfect sense. He work on having a better year, the Braves can afford him before anteing up for Tex at 1B in 09.

It was said here first, write in down

By chrisklob

August 13, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

gotigers,nice post. The play that Yunel should have put in his pocket reminded me of Furcal when he first came up. He thought that he could get ANYBODY out with his arm strength. Time and experience taught him when to try to make a play and when to concede the base to the runner. Yunel will learn in time.

I’m disappointed with what McCann has done behind the dish this year. I can’t remember a year when there were so many balls that got past the catcher. Didn’t his little league coach teach him not to try to pancake the ball?

By A--ville Ranger

August 14, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

ChrisKolb When you look at the massive influx of young players it’s really impressive. The team finished just under .500 last season and they’re contending in mid-August this season.I’ve said before,whether they’re quite ready yet will play out in the coming weeks. The future looks bright however.The ceiling is just about unlimited with these kids.

By iwalterp

August 14, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

Matt Belisle got optioned to the minors yesterday. JS has tried to catch lightning in a bottle all year with Redman,Lerew,Reyes and Cormier, why not take a chance on an old Braves no. 1 draft choice. What is rule for making minor league player swap after trade deadline?

By BravesDave

August 14, 2007 12:21 AM | Link to this

A does of reality seems to have hit the blog today. No game after a tough loss has given many some perspective. A lot of the negativity that I have been trying to avoid is seeping in on some of the optimistic bloggers.

I am still trying to get over Kelly Johnson sitting last night. I really think that had a pretty significant impact on the game. Does he really need a rest?? I know he had elbow surgery, but he has not been starting every day up until the Edgar injury (a huge blow to this team, no matter what Yunel is doing out there). Jeff Francoeur never gets a day off. An injured Andruw Jones never gets day off. Somehow, our .290+, 13 HR second baseman needs days off. Stupidity.

Also, I haven’t checked the stats, and I am not coming down on Teixiera, but is it just me, or has it seemed like he has had some problems hitting right-handed since he got to Atlanta??

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 14, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Good Lord! Are people on here still bemoaning that Betemit trade? People, let it freakin go! Some of you are like a guy who just won’t accept a relationship is over. You just cry and whine and moan. Please, just stop it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The man is gone. So, he hit a couple of homers for the Yanks. Big deal. If he was so dadgum good the Dodgers wouldn’t have traded him.

By BravesDave

August 14, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

I meant dose at the beginning of my last post. Sorry.

By Support Hank

August 14, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

I’ll be at every game vs the Giants and each time Bonds comes up I’m standing up and turning my back to the field. No I won’t boo but the message will be clear if he see my Aaron shirt.

By Scott

August 14, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

I bought one of those Hank Aaron shirts that the Braves clubhouse has been advertising on the Braves telecast. The shirt is really nice. It was 33 bucks with shipping though, so it’s pretty expensive. I’m actually about to get an Eddie Mathews shirt from the Braves website. I don’t know why the Braves don’t have more stuff at the actually Turner Field clubhouse or the store at the CNN center with Hank, Spahn, or Eddie Mathews on it. The only retired numbered shirt I saw was Murphy and I think a Phil Niekro shirt. Online you can get all kinds of stuff. You can get all the retired players throwback jerseys. I have a Warren Spahn jersey and when the Braves were out in San Fran I saw a Braves fan with an Eddie Mathews throwback on. It was pretty cool.

By Todd A

August 14, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this

“A_ _ _ _ _ said when he doesn’t make contact it hurts most,”

Then the pain must be unbearable at this point.

Kentavo You’re dead on with your 11:35 post. When all is said and done, and the dust is settled, this team will finish somewhere between 5 and 7 games over .500 (where they have been all but 3 weeks of the season). This team has major flaws, but Cox has done his worst job as skipper since he’s been back in the dug out.We all know what the Braves are and what they aren’t at this point, no use in me piling on.

“McCann needs to improve defensively”

Go Tigers without question, you’re absolutely right.Braves pitchers are at a disadvantage if they can’t snap off a slider or curve in the dirt with a runner on third for fear McCann won’t be able to come up with the ball.

You may see a couple guys get on base all year via the strike out and wild pitch. It happened to the Braves twice in the Philly series alone.Tough plays, but McCann has to come up with those balls.Brian needs to get in better shape this off season.

And whether you like the idea of trading Edgar or not, he’s most likely to be dealt this off season.Despite some youthful mistakes in Philly, Escobar can handle the job imo.He’s a good enough option at ss that the $$$ paid to Edgar could help shore up other areas of weakness.

By Savannah Guy

August 14, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

This David O’Brien Blog Has To Go Down. Sorry…Just Gotta Say It

(stat and lineup guys: no stats here…you may scroll now)

Just caught up on the DOBlog…what a great coupla’ blog days. Sorry I wasn’t there during the “flowing stream”. Missed you guys and the last game too.

Dead horses: excellent call and so far…evident outcome. CL came in and enforced in one fell swoop. Beautiful. It was a welcomed “hit” and quick burial like a Sopranos cement slippers. Now whoever it was sleeps with the fishes (no offense Marlins). Train wreck-bystander side of me wishes we all knew who it was. Barry’s home runs “unassisted”…a coinable baseball phrase if there ever was one CL. “Barry Bonds and his Traveling Carnival of Homers and Hostility”…classic DOB… just downright classic, memorable, hilarious and true.

Dead Giraffes, sad. Wrestlers, sad but says something about…never mind, just sad. And true. Melted cheese…messy. Stacked toes, hmmm. What ain’t sad…JJS continues with irony, social commentary and pure poetry (sorry jjs, I know you hate that), not to mention the Blanco’s and Mosca’s and such. Chrisklob with his common sense VOR. Lew and his own, patented and passionate Braves stuff that just makes you feel like a good place you want to visit because you love those Braves . SJA…what can I say? You meet him with both eyes open. Sometimes you have to close one eye to appreciate the…color. But dammit, he’s the real thing and he is one cool bad-%#$& (funny) dude. joebrave dittos. Shaun…I have given you a playful jab or twenty, but your earnest and well researched stats are appreciated (the Shaun vs Wall was just good fun, and long ago, eh?)

To make a long story even longer (stand back…on a roll here)…

Got home last night…late, just in time to post something on the Fly (pun intended). Wanted to say a special thanks to cuz BH and TB for keeping Fly in the presses and the “call up”. Kermit and Mrs. Piggy was inspired stuff and had that effect on Fly guy too. BH on the Paladin/Bob,J “ride”…very funny (I’d enjoy that sortee). Serbok, thanks for your 9:04 on my 1:13 of the last blog…but you lost me a bit. Not sure what some what you meant…probably over my head which, right about now, angst hard to do. Wayne, Mo…good stuff from the mountains to the boonies…wow, we’re spread out.

Sorry for all the name dropping and I’m leaving other great folks out but I just wanted to call some stuff out…good time, smart, funny and entertaining as hell (can I say that?)

Thanks DOB for this special place in time and the forum that makes Braves and BBQ and music and the eclectic collection of characters and fine folks so damn much fun. Being a Braves fan has never been so good. Sorry for the mushiness, but wanted to just say it. Life is way too short to not give it up for the good stuff when you see it.

Gotta go now…nealy choked on my ciggarette cuz i was just gettiig so faklempt. Ok…group hug (kidding).

Yep. This blog has to go down…as one of the most interesting, eclectic, humorous and informational blogs this side of sports. Bar-none. Thanks again DOB and thanks to the good denizens.

By Coach (Hank aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 14, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

This 2007 Braves team is sporting a .525 winning percentage , NO braves squad in history has ever made the playoffs with that number in mind. They are 55-55 since that 7-1 start. Thats 110 straight games of .500 ball , What is it exactly about this team that would lead ANYBODY to believe they will suddenly start playing .600 ball (haven’t done that since 2003) over the remaining 44 games. Inquiring minds want to know.

By A--ville Ranger

August 14, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

If you look at the Braves needs and the players ready to contribute in the minors sep 1st can’t come soon enough.I’m not very familiar with the Mets or Phillys prospects but I’ll venture to guess our Bravos stand to gain the most from roster expansion.Time to do some homework….night all. GO BRAVOS !!

By BravesDave

August 14, 2007 1:24 AM | Link to this

Coach, I have been saying the same darn thing as your 12:55am post for I don’t know how long. No one listens.

It is the reason that I keep saying they need a winning streak longer than five games (their longest this season). Unfortunately, I don’t see one coming. Just about every measure we can examine shows a .500 team - since the All Star break, since the 7-1 start, since the Teixiera deal, last 20 games, and on and on. They are .500 since the 7-1 start, and well under .500 since the 24-12 start.

When does it turn around? Can they start the turn-around against the Giants, DBacks, Reds, Cards and Marlins?? That is a 16-game stretch with only 3 games against a team with a winning record. How about a 13-3 stretch to take this team from 62-56 to 75-59??? Then, we can feel somewhat confident that a playoff spot is within reach.

By Savannah Guy

August 14, 2007 1:25 AM | Link to this

Tee Shirts for the series?

Barry, how many unassisted? (CL)

Barry: Anybody Care? (DOB)

Barry Bonds Traveling Carnival of Homers and Hostility. (DOB)

Or,

Barry: You Ain’t Hank.

Or, just…

BARRY*

Got More?

By Savannah Guy

August 14, 2007 1:28 AM | Link to this

Ok…one more:

Lotion in the Motion?

By Chop Chop

August 14, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this

A—ville Ranger,

I think the Braves are in decent shape with position prospects. I just want to know when in blue Hell this organization is going to start producing some better starting pitchers down on the farm. Chuck James is strictly okay right now. He’s getting by on two pitches, which makes his #1 offseason priority to find a third pitch (a breaking ball, obviously). With Chuck’s average stuff, how did he ever make it to the bigs without someone teaching him how to throw an average curve or slider? The fact that he’s been “strictly okay” with only two pitches leads me to believe he could be a very solid starting pitcher with a breaker. Jo Jo Reyes may or may not be ready to contribute next year. He wasn’t ready this season. Beyond Jo Jo, who is the next starting pitcher coming down the pike? Tommy Hanson? It just seems like the organization is lacking in starting pitching, doesn’t it? Maybe it’s because Maddux, Smoltz and Glavine were around for so long that the organization didn’t feel a need to build up the pitching on the farm. I don’t know, but that part of the Braves’ scouting needs to change.

And now it’s time for bed…

Oh, yeah. Savannah Guy? This blog rocks. Best sports blog I’ve ever been to, so I wholeheartedly concur.

By Savannah Guy

August 14, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this

Apologies DOB but I just listened (for the 4000th time)and had to put it here…seemed fitting at this point in life, politics, world events, music, recent DOB blog improvement and last but not least…the Braves season…

The Times They Are A-Changin - Bob Dylan

Come gather ‘round people Wherever you roam And admit that the waters Around you have grown And accept it that soon You’ll be drenched to the bone If your time to you Is worth savin’ Then you better start swimmin’ Or you’ll sink like a stone For the times they are a-changin’.

Come writers and critics Who prophesize with your pen And keep your eyes wide The chance won’t come again And don’t speak too soon For the wheel’s still in spin And there’s no tellin’ who That it’s namin’ For the loser now Will be later to win For the times they are a-changin’.

Come senators, congressmen Please heed the call Don’t stand in the doorway Don’t block up the hall For he that gets hurt Will be he who has stalled There’s a battle outside And it is ragin’ It’ll soon shake your windows And rattle your walls For the times they are a-changin’.

Come mothers and fathers Throughout the land And don’t criticize What you can’t understand Your sons and your daughters Are beyond your command Your old road is Rapidly agin’ Please get out of the new one If you can’t lend your hand For the times they are a-changin’.

The line it is drawn The curse it is cast The slow one now Will later be fast As the present now Will later be past The order is Rapidly fadin’ And the first one now Will later be last For the times they are a-changin’.

By Coach (Hank aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 14, 2007 1:51 AM | Link to this

Well ,BravesDave. Since you brought up the winning streak aspect I’ll give out some more mind numbing numbers. The FOUR game winning streak , in 2007 the Braves have 4 , in 2006 the Braves had 4 , in 2005 the Braves had 6 , in 2004 the Braves had 7 , in 2003 they had 10 and in 2002 there were 9 streaks of four in a row. Thats 2002 to 2007 = 9-10-7-6-4 and 4 , not good. They simply cannot play winning baseball for any length of time , they are 141-139 since the beginning of last season (.501 winning percentage over 280 games) , the numbers are completely brutal. I really don’t understand how the expectation is supposed to change over the next 44 games.

By Coach (Hank aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 14, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this

Barry Bonds minus steroids = retired years ago. Barry Bonds + steroids = 758 HR’s. Any question , refer them to Balco Laboratories Inc.

By Capt Caveman

August 14, 2007 1:59 AM | Link to this

DOB

My question to you would be why is it that you can make threats to other bloggers here and not be banned ….

but make an , admittedly poor joke , and only “ONE” and be banned??

It’s not like a person couldn’t get on here if they really wanted to bad enough but it just seems like the law around here is applied haphazardly.

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

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

The Grinch August 13, 2007 7:49 PM … Does anyone here know how Andruw’s average stays over .200?

A good question o’ Grinchy one! I did a quick check of Mr. Jones’ stats…guess what he did in July??? He hit 8 homers, drove in 23, and…..hit .263!!!!! I do not recall him hitting that well! I guess that must include his swell hitting streak of one hit per game…toss in a few 2 for 4’s and there you go. 8 Hr’s and 23 drive in for August and Sept. each would be fine for me. Thru August, 39 Ab’s, 1 HR. 5 RBI’s, and a .205 Average.

What did old man Julio do in his 36 AB’s here? no homers, but 7 RBI’s and a .250 Average. And was rewarded with a ticket to all the finest minor league parks in the Braves system. Meanwhile, AJ swings, misses, and winces for the big club.

By Bob, Journalist

August 14, 2007 2:12 AM | Link to this

Coach, are you saying that they haven’t gone 26-18 or better for any 44 game stretch since 2003?

Is Andruw’s problem that it hurts most when he swings and misses? … are we talking about his elbow or his ego?

By The Grinch

August 14, 2007 2:15 AM | Link to this

Good stuff Braveheart.

Sav. Guy, that post would’ve brought a tear to my eye if it had mentioned me.

RR, if you’re not already married you might ought to consider Julia. She’s good-looking, rich, and she obviously crazy about you. Plus, there wouldn’t be a name change involved. :-) And no, I have nothing to do with her posts.

Chop Chop, I’m wondering the same thing. We’ve even got some good looking bullpen arms coming up, but not much in the way of starters. That’s why I’m almost certain some major trades are gonna happen in the offseason for at least one front line starter (Smoltz isn’t getting any younger) and a solid #3. No way ‘druw’s getting re-signed at the cost of staying with the same rotation; that would be asinine. My guess is Renteria, a middle infielder and a couple or three RP’s are gonna depart for a couple of starters. Between everyone in the ‘pen now plus Boyer, Stockman, Devine, Gonzalez, Ring, Paranto, Acosta, Ascaino, etc. there’s no way some of ‘em aren’t heading out. Although Hampton’s return will be just like getting an ace free agent. :-)

DOB, will definitely check that Cuban place out; sounds yummy. I like the getting out of there full and happy for $21 experience a lot better than ChrisKlob’s idea of dining (unless you’re buying, Chris). I actually saw some Knob Creek at the liquor store Saturday and thought about it, but went all Hank Jr. instead with some Jimmy Beam. My head could tell the difference, too. Yowch. I’m not as young a Grinch as I used to be (hint, hint…birthday this Saturday).

G’night, all.

By The Grinch

August 14, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this

Just saw your post, Berigan…he hit .263 in July? Wow, I honestly had no idea. That might be the quietest .263 ever. I remember a couple of the dingers (I thought at the time “MAN, that pitcher sure sucks”), but…hmm. You know the sad thing is Andruw’s been my favorite Brave for years (ever since Maddux left); it pains me to see how hard he’s fallen. To actually look at your favorite Brave who’s only 30 and know that if he doesn’t sit your team’s chances of winning drop considerably…that’s sad. Well, at least he’s not going broke, too.

I really am going to bed now.

By BravesDave

August 14, 2007 2:27 AM | Link to this

Coach, do you know what amazes me most??? The fact that the Braves have only one winning month all season - April, 16-9. Last season, which we all will recount as a horrible year, the Braves actually had 4 winning months. In 2006, the season was destroyed by the 6-21 June. Outside of June, they played well. This season, on the other hand, they have been more consistent in their mediocrity.

What is truly amazing is that they have been living off of that April record all season. Since the end of April, they are 1 game under .500, but are still somehow in the race for a playoff spot. Incredible. I know people will say that it shows that the Mets and Phillies are not much better, but remember the Phillies started the season 4-11. The have played well since. The Mets have not run away from the division. I guess we can be thankful for that. But if the Braves do not show that they are better than a .500 team, forget the playoffs.

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

August 14, 2007 2:31 AM | Link to this

Chop Chop,

Even though you have likely gone to bed…. I got to wonder if the “signability” factor + plus signing folks who live nearby is the biggest problem. That, and the fact we seem to shy away from power arms, which I truly don’t get.

Smoltz “gets” the power arm thing. One of those sports south 1/2 shows on him had him mention the fact that playoff teams need a power arm if they were going to win a playoff series, and that he saw us lose year after year with him in the bullpen, never even getting a chance to even get in. Cards won riding Carpenter’s arm last year. But, you usually need more than just one. Marlins beat up the Yankees cuz they had Penny, Beckett, and A.J. Burnett.

I mentioned it much earlier today, but the Yankees now have two amazing power arms to add for their stretch drive. A now healthy Phillip Hughes(96-97 MPH) and the real deal, Joba Chamberlain who can hit 100. Who do we have with that kind of stuff? Jo-Jo??? Lerew? Davies could have gotten away with some mistakes if he had a 96 MPH fastball, instead of a 92-93 fastball.

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

August 14, 2007 2:38 AM | Link to this

Grinch,

Andruw was never my favorite player, but I really thought he and the team would tank in 2005 when Chipper got hurt. But, he hit 51 homers, and seemed to get many a big hit. How did he do that with no real support behind him, to flop to the level he has this year??

By AZBravoFan

August 14, 2007 2:44 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts and DOB I believe you guys talking about the Camelia Grille in New Orleans. I went to med school at Tulane. Nothing better in the world than a fat slice of pecan pie slapped on the griddle with butter and topped off with a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream.

By BravesDave

August 14, 2007 2:50 AM | Link to this

Berigan, I posed that same question a few weeks ago…did the Braves scouts, after the success of Maddux and Glavine, change their scouting on pitchers to look less for the guy with the big arm who can throw 95 mph + and look more for the guys with control and solid makeup? Ascanio has a good arm. Acosta was not a Braves draftee, but throws seeds obviously. Recent pitching prospects have all been average in the fastball department - Davies, Chuck James, Horacio Ramirez, Damian Moss, Macay McBride.

I wonder if this is an organizational philosophy.

By Dad

August 14, 2007 2:57 AM | Link to this

We Mets fans are so glad that Bobby Cox is blind to the struggles of Andruh Jones. The way Cox continues his blind loyalty to a player who is an automatic out every time he comes to the plate is a good indication of why the Braves could only win(remember Charlie Lembrandt)one World Series.If Willie Randolfh had been managing those very talented Braves teams, he would have won a minimum of five World Series. By continuing to play Andruh Jones, the Braves are assured of finishing third behind the champion Mets in the NL East.Thank you Bobby Cox and thank you Andruh for being so horrible in 2007.

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 3:11 AM | Link to this

Thanks, SG.

And no need to ever apologize for posting Mr. Zimmerman’s lyrics.

By BravesDave

August 14, 2007 3:12 AM | Link to this

Hey Dad, you and Willie Randolph should know all about underachieving players like Andruw Jones - LoDuca (.267, 5 HR), Delgado (.251, 18 HR), Valentin (.241, 3 HR), Beltran (.258, 20 HR), Shawn Green (.272, 8 HR), Mike Pelfrey (0-7, 5.92 ERA), Scott Schoeneweis (0-2, 5.10 ERA).

Looks like the Mets have cornered the market on overpaid, under-performing stars. How much does Beltran make annually, with his .258 average?? That Pelfrey is one hot prospect. Nice season out of Pedro for all that coin he is taking home, too. This Mets team is a just a few years away from becoming the SF Giants.

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

August 14, 2007 3:24 AM | Link to this

BravesDave You may be right about this being an organizational philosophy. The thing is, we were always beaten by teams that had guys like Clemens, Jack Morris…

Just looked at the 1999 series at baseball-reference.com. Swept 4-0. The Yankees had El-Duque(He struck out 10 braves in that game), Cone, Pettite and for game 4, Clemens!

2001 Series, the Diamondbacks one because they had Schilling and Johnson….

Yeah, you can win the division with mainly soft tossers, but I think you have to have guys who can get guys to swing and miss if you want to go deep in the playoffs…

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

August 14, 2007 3:37 AM | Link to this

Dad,

You know Beltran should move to left next year, less wear and tear. Perhaps you all can sign this here stud Andruw Jones! He totally rocks man! You can count on gold glove defense and 100 RBI’s for the next 8 years, for only 160 Mil, if your team is smart…..

By BravesDave

August 14, 2007 3:37 AM | Link to this

Berigan, I have always believed that the Braves lack of hard throwers has lead to their downfall in the playoffs. I know many will disagree, but when you are in the playoffs facing the best lineups in baseball, you tend to face intelligent hitters that know how to handle a Glavine or a Maddux. I am obviously not questioning either of those guys, but they have been fairly average in the post season. In the playoffs, teams with aces that throw top notch fastballs can dominate a lineup. We have seen it all too often. I discussed this with all my friends who were Mets fans last season. During the season, I told them that they might win the division, but come the playoffs, with a rotation of Glavine, Pedro, and Trachsel, none throwing above 87 mph, they would not win the World Series. Pedro did not make it to the post season…but look who gave them their best performances in the playoffs…Oliver Perez, a lefty who can dial up a fastball in the mid-90’s (although Glavine did pitch very well also).

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

August 14, 2007 4:05 AM | Link to this

BravesDave, Couldn’t agree with you more! How many times during the playoffs did it seem a team would just go the other way time and time again with Glavine’s low and away pitches?? Lay off the stuff outside, and make Glavine (Or Maddux) throw you a BP fastball over the plate. Glavine learning to pitch inside more, and to throw the change-up to Lefties are reasons he did so well in the playoffs last year. But, he and Maddux will scare you come playoff time more often than not. Just like two pitch Chuck will if we get there this year.

By Charlie

August 14, 2007 6:08 AM | Link to this

I doubt that the Braves will make up any ground this week. As usual, Smoltz will pitch good enough to win, but get little run support, and/or the bullpen will spit it out for him. It’s a “same old/same old” thing for John. Andruw, no matter where he is in the batting will be a joke, with or without RISP. (Another “same old/same old” thing.) Add to that, the right handed gopher ball twins of the Atlanta bullpen will “do what they do”, and Bobby will play a hunch with the lineup that will prove to be a mistake. Chuckie will bring his 2 pitch arsenal to the mound (along his ballerina mechanics) to insure that the bullpen can get in 4 or 5 innings of work. If the past is any indication, the only ground that the Braves will deal with in 2007 is their own mediocrity.

By Steve0

August 14, 2007 6:11 AM | Link to this

Braves aren’t going anywhere in October but home, because Bobby Cox keeps Andruw Jones in centerfield. Jones is done for the season, cooked, toast, finito, aloha, etc. , mentally. He couldn’t hit the proverbial bull in the you-know-where with a bass fiddle. Scott Boras is driving him elsewhere next year anyway, and I say good riddance. Yes, he is a great fielder, but has never been a clutch hitter. Check the stats. Right now, for ALL position players in MLB with a minimum of 325 at bats, Jones has the LOWEST BATTING AVERAGE, that’s right, he is LAST in both leagues in batting. You will not make any kind of playoff run whatsoever with a centerfielder like that….remember the adage about strong up the middle? The Braves are shaky at best on the mound, but no bat in center means no playoffs in October.

By Bob, Journalist

August 14, 2007 6:56 AM | Link to this

Berigan, there’s some truth is that but methinks some of the problem lay in the high level of predictability associated with hyperactive Leo’s “system pitching” approach rather than the speed.

Paladin, it’s something I’ll definitely keep in mind. They have excellent programs and their performances are surprisingly good … fantastic is a better description.

We were active patrons/supporters of both the classical and pops symphony programs, plus the opera, for several seasons but unfortunately, finances and health issues currently make supporting and/or attending impossible … I haven’t been able to attend any of the performances since the new Center opened but have hopes of being able to attend one or two performances next season.

By David

August 14, 2007 7:39 AM | Link to this

DOB, why are we even wasting our time discussing this?

If Smoltz is hurt, he isn’t getting better and the playoffs are a dream without him and if we do make it, he’ll be ineffective or shut down. McCann hurt us earlier in the year playing and now Smoltz is prolonging the inevitable. Either get him rest or we’re done.

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

August 14, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist August 13, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this Ron Roberts, I don’t eat red meat very often … neither do I … the secret is to cook the meat … it changes color!

Bob, great minds think alike, I have said the very same thing before!!! ;)

By ssiscribe

August 14, 2007 7:50 AM | Link to this

Top of the morning, denizens, after a weird day yesterday … I actually had to drive to an office, instead of walking into my office here at home.

For the record, let me state driving to the northside of town during rush hour every day is far from a fun exercise. 35 miles = 130 minutes? Lovely. It amazed me how many cars with Henry, Clayton, Fayette license plates were creeping through Spaghetti Junction at 8:15 a.m.

But today, I’m back at home ready to work, and so are the Braves as a big six-game homestand begins against the horrible Giants and the white-hot Diamondbacks.

As DOB and others have pointed out already, this is a big chance for the Braves to move forward. A 3-3 roadie through Flushing and the bandbox in Philly isn’t bad at all, but it’ll look a lot better if the Braves follow it up with two series wins this week.

The Giants are reeling, folks, having lost nine out of their last 12. The Braves really, really need to take care of business this week at home, and with the D’Backs and Brandon Webb awaiting this weekend, a sweep of the Barroids would be a great step toward a 4-2 homestand.

Baby Scribe and I will be in the outfield Wednesday night, sucking down Gatorade as the temperature hangs around 100. Maybe if Bonds stands just right, his head will shade three or four sections of the seats. I’m thinking about dressing my kid up as an asterisk just for fun. I know I’m taking him to the spot where 715 landed and explaining — as best you can to a 3-year-old — why everybody will be booing Mr. Personality.

Now, food (noted transition by the Scribe): Y’all are killin’ me with all this food talk. I’m in the midst of my diet, doing very well (eight pounds in two weeks), then I log on this morning and see all this talk about food. Wow.

Mary Mac’s is awesome, y’all. If you’ve never been, gotta get up in there. DOB is right; it’s more Sunday best than dive joint, but Mrs. Scribe and I have ate there on gameday a couple of times this year (always nice to look around and see reps of Braves Nation in their T-shirts, jerseys and hats, chowing down before heading to the yard). The kiddies have been in there, too, and enjoyed the food as much as Mom and Dad.

It’s worth going in because the food is awesome, and the walls are covered up with old newspaper articles and famous pics of people who have dined there. Great place in a cool location on Ponce, and you can hit the Krispy Kreme for java and a hot doughnut after dinner. Yum!

If you’re ever down on the southside of town, there’s a place called Willingham’s on Hwy. 42, just down from where we go to church, that has awesome soul food. The fried chicken is some of the absolute best this Scribe has ever enjoyed, and the veggies are rockin. There’s another place just off the square in McDonough that’s good. Can’t remember the name (only been there once), but it’s a buffet that’s cheap and good, with fried chicken, a few other meats, a small salad bar and super good veggies. It’s slammed every day at lunch by the locals, which always is a good sign.

Now, N’Awlins (Cajun transition by the Scribe; you takin’ notes, JJS?): Cafe du Monde. End of story. Sitting out there the morning after the Sugar Bowl on two hours sleep after working all night, nibbing on a beignet and sipping coffee as a street performer played “Georgia on My Mind.” Absolutely awesome city, great food all the way around (even the food at the game was really good). But hearing the sounds of “Georgia on My Mind” in the early-morning coolness on that Jan. 2 morning is something I’ll always remember.

And how good those beignets tasted. Yum yum! Now, if you’ll excuse me, my shake awaits.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Julia

August 14, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this

I woke up one morning and found a half-eaten shrimp sammich in bed with me. I looked over at LYLE and he was just a B-I-G BUTTERBALL.

During this time in our lives together, Lyle was able to sit up in bed and his tummy would make a nice little table for his Shrimp Sammich.

After a time, this became d-i-s-g-u-s-t-i-n-g and r-e-v-o-l-t-i-n-g to me and I left LYLE like so many girls leave radio men that have let themselves go.

LYLE swore he would go on a weight and diet training regimen to tone up a few things and take it to another level.

I think that little tummy table did shift just a bit.

By Dap

August 14, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the updates on the non-Brave related stuff. Great stuff.

Seriously, Let’s talk about baseball, about poorly timed platoons (Prado) about Bobby not wanting to rest AJ because he wants to play, about taking James out after retiring 16 in a row for the monster pinch hitter, Chris Woodward. Let’s talk about winning now because our opportunities are dwindling.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

Some comments, but you knew that was coming, didn’t you.

Braveheart Your “account” of mine and Bullit Bob’s imaginary trip to the symphony, was hilarious. I would like to say “the first time”, but—my age and all-I read it the second time, saying to myself, “This is funny but very familiar.” :-)

Grinch Your comments about the turn-signals was cruel. :-) Actually, I had mine hooked up backwards for a while, but I found I put on the wrong one-which was really the right one—oh hell, you know what I mean. Now, I have them disconnected. Let the bustards guess.

Anyway BobJ, we are talking, civilly. That’s progress.

Savannah Guy In your “readings” of the old blog(s), have you seen any of the “nice” things I said about you? Or, are we still in “limbo”? :-)

By Will

August 14, 2007 8:18 AM | Link to this

With the Giants coming off a doubleheader and Smoltz on the mound tonight there is no reason this should not be a win. I am hoping for a Giants sweep and a 5-1 homestand

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

August 14, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this

ssiscribe,

Be careful with babyscribe in that heat!!! It sure isn’t cooling off much, is it? And boo for me, won’t ya???

By MEB

August 14, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

journalist jimmy… my best wishes to you as you pursue fame and fortune on American Idol. Certainly an individual with the talent to be a “Pip” will breeze through the preliminaries and on to the finals. A word of advice jjs… do not wear California Raisin “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” costume today. Not only is it going to be 101 degrees in the ATL today but acts with costumes never do well on the Idol. The Georgia Dome should be a real interesting place to people watch today.

Oh for the days of Motown and the great music that did come from the 60’s and 70’s. Now that’s some music that will stand the test of time.

GO BRAVES!!!

By chrisklob

August 14, 2007 8:23 AM | Link to this

Paladin, I asked you this yesterday but I think you’d already turned in for the night, but did you get Foxfire up and running alright?

By Will

August 14, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this

Scribe, Why not hope for a 5-1 homestand? I think its time to shoot a little higher then “winning every series” especially with the god awful Giants in town and the 1,2,3 guys on the mound. Just wonderin.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this

Chris I haven’t yet; I’ve been busy. :-) But, today’s the day.

By ncscoots

August 14, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

Uh, fellas, there hasn’t been a team in the postseason in recent memory with more “hard throwers” than last year’s Tigers. That didn’t turn out so well, as I remember.

Lot more to it than just big arms.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

Here is my “dream” for tonight’s game.

The Bravos build up a huge lead and bring in a midget(height-impaired individual)to pitch go-fer balls to Barroid. The problem with that is:

1. Bonds probably will not even be in the game now that he has “broken” the record. We know how much he cares about his team.

2. Where would you find a midget(a height-impaired individual) who would have so little self-esteem that he would want to be yet another asterisk on bond’s(the lack of capitalization is intentional)”illustrious” career?

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 14, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

I see all this talk of next year and it makes me want to chime in.

First the Trading Edgar talk. Edgar is a bargain for us (we only have to pay half of his salary appx 3 mil). He is not busting the payroll so I actually would be very surprised to see us trade Edgar for anything unless its a top shelf innings eater starter. With Chippers injury history and the possiblility of keeping the platoon at secons there is still pleny for Escobar to due without having to make him the starting SS.

Andruw I hate to say but unless he comes in at bargain basement its time to dump him. His defense just can’t justify what he does to the lineup…and frankly I enven think his defense is starting to slip as well. I would love to see the braves go after Rowand but I would be surprised if the Phillies let him get away considering he’s a fan favorite. I also wouldn’t break the bank for a Stud FA….instead look for a middle tier FA that can cover ground and at least give you 260 BA. Maybe even move Francour to center and look for a good reliable Right Fielder. Generally you can find those easier than Center Fielders. Maybe we could strike gold again with another Diaz type player.

Pitching The Braves are going to get Hampton back and I think it would be unwise to consider him better than a #4 starter based on his rust and lack of innings. We’ll be lucky to get more than 5 innings a start from him for most of the first 2 months of the season. For this reason the braves need to go for a true innings eater starter. Preferably a lefty. Maybe a someone like Santana. When you look at the national league east most of the teams are loaded on the left side. Mets - Delgado, Beltran, Green. Phillies - Howard, Utley, Rollins. You need a quality lefty that can neutralize some of that firepower.

Bullpen I think were in good shape…I suspect that Gonzales will be back in good shape and some of these new relievers should fill in with Mahay, Moylan, and Sorianno to make a solid 6 man rotation. I would be surprised if the Bravos bring back Wickman because of his health issues this year. I suspect they will go for a close by committee approach with Sorianno and Gonzales. Assuming of course that Gonzales comes back strong.

Bench Has to improve on the left side. I think Woodward will be gone and Prado will take that spot. I would love to see someone like Sweeney added as a full time pinch hitter/bench player.

By The Grinch

August 14, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Morning, Paladin. Setting aside a whole day for firefox will likely dissapoint you; it takes about 3 minutes (including rebooting your computer for the changes to take effect). Sorry about the turn signal thing; the ravages of time, however, are inevitable. My dad now turns to point his good ear at you while he’s driving which keeps his eyes off the road…most disconcerting. :-)

Oh, the humanity! Juliet the Swan has been found dead, her carcass picked clean! Giraffes, Whale Sharks, Monkeys, Gorillas, Belugas and now Swans! God is coming to collect the animals again two by two; the flood is coming and we all deserve it! Repent!

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

August 14, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

ncscoots,

The Tigers got to the World Series after steamrolling the Yankees 3-0(The team that no one thought could be beaten) and the A’s 4-0. Remind me again, how far have we gone in the playoffs the last several years??? ;)

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this

TrueBlueBravesFan Your analysis is pretty good, except for one thing! FRENCHY IS NOT A CF!! That has been “suggested” on here over and over and has met with the same general derision. Frenchy’s rocket arm is just where is should be—and where it will remain—in right field!

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 14, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this

I see all this talk of next year and it makes me want to chime in.

First the Trading Edgar talk. Edgar is a bargain for us (we only have to pay half of his salary appx 3 mil). He is not busting the payroll so I actually would be very surprised to see us trade Edgar for anything unless its a top shelf innings eater starter. With Chippers injury history and the possiblility of keeping the platoon at secons there is still pleny for Escobar to due without having to make him the starting SS.

Andruw I hate to say but unless he comes in at bargain basement its time to dump him. His defense just can’t justify what he does to the lineup…and frankly I enven think his defense is starting to slip as well. I would love to see the braves go after Rowand but I would be surprised if the Phillies let him get away considering he’s a fan favorite. I also wouldn’t break the bank for a Stud FA….instead look for a middle tier FA that can cover ground and at least give you 260 BA. Maybe even move Francour to center and look for a good reliable Right Fielder. Generally you can find those easier than Center Fielders. Maybe we could strike gold again with another Diaz type player.

Pitching The Braves are going to get Hampton back and I think it would be unwise to consider him better than a #4 starter based on his rust and lack of innings. We’ll be lucky to get more than 5 innings a start from him for most of the first 2 months of the season. For this reason the braves need to go for a true innings eater starter. Preferably a lefty. Maybe a someone like Santana. When you look at the national league east most of the teams are loaded on the left side. Mets - Delgado, Beltran, Green. Phillies - Howard, Utley, Rollins. You need a quality lefty that can neutralize some of that firepower.

Bullpen I think were in good shape…I suspect that Gonzales will be back in good shape and some of these new relievers should fill in with Mahay, Moylan, and Sorianno to make a solid 6 man rotation. I would be surprised if the Bravos bring back Wickman because of his health issues this year. I suspect they will go for a close by committee approach with Sorianno and Gonzales. Assuming of course that Gonzales comes back strong.

Bench Has to improve on the left side. I think Woodward will be gone and Prado will take that spot. I would love to see someone like Sweeney added as a full time pinch hitter/bench player.

By Henry

August 14, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Good point, very good point, about Aaron jerseys at the stadium, especially tonight. I’m going to the game, will be seated where I’ll be very visible, and I’d love to be on camera wearing a number 44 with a Tomahawk on my chest when the Great Pretender comes to the plate.

Henry

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

Grinch You forgot Muslim submarines. :-)

And don’t you think it is time our Father started collecting the trolls, jackals, cavemen and other vermin? And trade ‘em to the devil for some good ole boys?

By AthensBrave

August 14, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

scribe, please dress your 3 year old as an asterisk. you’ll definitely get on Tv…maybe sportscenter

DOB, love the optimism, but I don’t see us gaining much ground this week unless we absolutely tear it up

By Micah

August 14, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Going to Turner to catch Smoltz and the Giant Flounder tonight. Kids want to catch batting practice….anyone know the time it usually starts?

Go Bravos!

By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 14, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this

For the record , Andruw Jones , Bob Wickman , Octavio Dotel , Buddy Caryle , Julio Franco , Chris Woodward , Willie Harris , Tanyon Sturtze , Corky Miller and Ron Mahay (10 players) are all potential free agents after the season is over. Considering the fact that Macay McBride , Mark Redman , Jarrod Saltalamacchia , Craig Wilson , Ryan Langerhans , Tony Pena jr. , Steve Colyer and Wilfredo Ledezma (8 players) have all come and gone already and four minor leaguers were traded , this is going to be an unusually high turn over in personnel , even for the Braves.

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

August 14, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this

TrueBlueBravesFan,

The Braves should get someone like Santana??? There really is no lefty like him, except fellow Twin Francisco Liriano (Recovering from Mike Hampton, er, I mean Tommy John surgery) and perhaps Cole Hamels. Don’t get me wrong, I’d Love to get him! He is having an “off” year this year, 12-9 will likely be the first season he will loose 10 games or more. But, he still struggles along with a 3.02 ERA. He is getting tired of playing for a team that makes the braves seem like spendthrifts. After he sees what the team is like after they don’t offer Torii Hunter the market rate, he will leave as well. I don’t think we have anything left to trade for him though. I know, we traded 3 of our top 5 prospects, but we are still loaded, LOADED I tells ya! Well, if they would take Jo-Jo and his AA stuff and Lillibridge….get him! Only one problem though….he will get more money per year than Zambrano will.

By Steeledawg

August 14, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

DOB- That was a good article about Ryan Adams, but I loved the GNR article about the making of Appetite. Great inside stuff. Axl is a total head case and egomaniac, but they made one for the ages with that album.

As far as the Bravos, I think anything less than 4-2 will be a disapointment. We need to get some runs for the Bearded Icon tonight.

By Pantera

August 14, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Beyond the Bayou should go down as one of the better dives in the Atlanta area. Its up off Ashford Dunwoody just south of Marist. Great food with plenty of spice. Get past the shopping center it is in and you will get some great Crawfish, Andouille Sausage Corn Dogs, Gator Tail, and Louisiana Beer. Can’t recommend it highly enough for a fan of Cajun food.

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

August 14, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

an interesting link on the state of the Braves prospects…. http://mvn.com/mlb-braves/2007/08/08/prospect-chat-with-bryan-smith/

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 14, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

Paladin,

I know Frenchy is a great RF but if the CF market is dry it may just make more sense to try and use him there and find a servicable RF. I personally think that Andruw will stay a Brave because I don’t see any team taking the risk on Andruw as bad as this season has been and quite frankly I’m almost scared of that possibility. And I don’t see my first choice (Tori Hunter) going anywere for less than 12mil a yr. Hey maybe we could somehow talk the Yankees out of Melky Cabrera. (Fat Chance). Maybe Steibrenner will fall in love with Andruws stats. Hahahaha (I almost hurt my self with that one).

By Joe Schmoe

August 14, 2007 9:32 AM | Link to this

This is encouraging news that I thought you guys might be interested in.

Jo-Jo Reyes has made two starts since his demotion and his numbers look like this…

13IP/3H/2BB/12K and hasn’t allowed a run.

Also, Brandon Jones continues to kill the ball. Over his last 27 at bats, before going 0 for 3 yesterday with a walk, he’s hitting .481 with a home run and six RBIs.

Check these numbers out…

Lillibridge in August, has hit .383/.420/.617 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 47 at-bats before going 0 for 2 yesterday.

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 14, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

Coach,

The only 2 names on that list I would put much energy into keeping are Willie and Buddy. Unfortunately both of their price tags have just gone up but since Willie is from GA he might take less to stay. (Of course we are in the Me generation so who knows.)

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 14, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

Ooops….At Mahay to that list. Can forget the only Good Southpaw in the pen.

By Micah

August 14, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

Coach Little help on the approx. time on batting practice? Please. Anyone? (take some cheese with this wine:)

By KC

August 14, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

TrueBlueBravesFan:

I agree that Renteria is a bargain for the Braves, but those numbers a little off. When the Braves got him prior to last season… Boston agreed to pay 8 of the 26 million left on his contract. The left the Braves responsible for 6 million a season for Renteria (not 3).

6 million is not insignificant, but they won’t trade him just to free up that money.

Nor will they won’t trade him just to free up an everyday job for Escobar.

And they won’t trade him just to cash in on his trade value.

But put all 3 of the above incentives (to trade Renteria) together… and I think he’s gone.

The Braves will need a closer, probably a center-fielder, and they’ll most likely want to add one more quality starter, regardless of how Hampton’s recovery goes this winter (they don’t want to bank on him again).

Renteria will have very real trade value this winter, and getting that 6 million back would help the Braves in their quest to fill those other needs.

The Braves front office loves Renteria, as well they should. But with Escobar here, they don’t need Renteria. It’d be nice to keep him… but not as nice as it would be to go into next season without a gaping hole in center or at the closer position.

By Lee in S. GA

August 14, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

While I would love to see A.J. get the he!l out of Dodge next year; I also have this fear he may be able to resign with Atlanta. I really think Boras is going to get a little surprise on what some teams may be willing to spend after a 200 season average. I just don’t see a long term deal by anyone, maybe a 2 or 3 year deal. A.J. really has stunk it up this year. Last year the Yankees more-than-likely would have traded Milky Cabrera straight up to the Braves for A.J…..what a difference a season makes.

By Voice of Reason

August 14, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

This morning, my wife and I heard a radio promo for tonight’s Braves vs. Giants game in which they encouraged everyone to come to Turner Field to see “Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants.” Her line was: Don’t you know the Giants just love being Barry Bonds’ backup band? Man, I wish I had come up with that one…

By Rosalynn

August 14, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

This has been a difficult week foah all of us at the Carter Centah. Theah has been some talk of closing the Carter Centah due to lack of intuhrest in Jimma’s Presidenca. Ah do not believe that the Carter Centah will close though. Some nice wrestla boahs ah talking about renting some of the rooms for wrestlin’. If theah do so, we should remain viable for the neah futuah. That, and raising the prices of concessions should prove fruitful. A good patta melt is onlah $3.50 right now but will be going to $4.25 at the end of the week. A Jimma Carter jersah is onla $33 and a Miz Lillian game jersa can be had for less than $50.

That reminds me of a storah back when Miz Lillian was wrestlin on the touah. Young Jimma would tag along and wuhk the corner for his momma. One dah, Miz Lillian pinned both Madeline Albright and Janet Reno in a tag team match. When Miz Lillian was through, she threw up from uglah. The jersa she was weahing that dah is available foah sale on e-bah.

And Ah would like to say that Ah realla lahk that boah Tex at fuhst base. That boah can rake! Normally, Ah do not lahk anahthing to do with Texas for obvious political reasons but Ah do enjoah Tex at fuhst base.

In passing, Ah would lahk to sah hello to Ronna Roberts who was kind enough to mention me in one of his recent posts. Ah lahk you too, Ronna, but you should take bettah caah of yoahself.

By BT

August 14, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

Coach,

We could actually lose Woodward, Julio, Sturtze, Corky, Tubby (Wickman), Rally Killer (Andruw Jones). Oh no, we are doomed!!

By KC

August 14, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

TrueBlueBravesFan:

Also, if you believe recent reports… the Braves were about to deal Renteria as part of a deal for Buehrle before he re-signed with the ChiSox.

The payroll WILL be increased next year. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have traded for Tex. Because Hudson’s salary will jump up another 7 million next year, and Smoltz will get a 6 million dollar raise.

If the payroll weren’t going up, the Braves would be forced to use the money freed up by Andruw’s probable departure to cover the above stated pay raises. Instead, they’ll use it to pay Tex next year.

But even with that payroll bump, the Braves will need to trim where they can to patch holes in center, at closer, and to possibly strengthen the rotation.

Renteria is gone. I love the guy, and so do the Braves… but he’s out of here.

By ChampDawg

August 14, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

DOB— I respect and appreciate your work and insights……… but, let’s be honest ok. The Braves had a chance to “make ground” during the homestanfd against Concy and that road-trip out west— did not. The Braves had a chance to improve their standing against their 2 biggest rivals on the road last week— did not. Let’s just all be honest here. I like the addition of Tex…… but, he’s not the savior (not even batting .300) and the Braves pitching is just soooooo weak and Andruw just plain sucks. Nope, I just don’t see the Braves catching the Mets. It may be close but it just ain’t gonna happen. There are just way too many weaknesses. Folks that think otherwise— I can appreciate the optimism but it’s just not realistic.

By teoa

August 14, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts, the famed Magnolia Grill sounds a lot like the famed Camellia Grill, which has just reopened. Is that what you were referring to? If so, I’m curious whether it maintained its character through the long hiatus? Man, that place used to be good pre-Katrina. Somehow I’m picturing it as sort of a touristy caricature of its old self though…hope I’m wrong.

By KC

August 14, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

Micah: Here’s the info from Braves.com…

BATTING PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Pre-game batting practice is a ritual exclusive to the game of baseball. The schedule listed below is subject to change by either team.

7:05 p.m. game:

Visitors Extra Hitting 2:00-3:00

Braves Extra Hitting 4:20-4:35

Braves Hit 4:35-5:35

Visitors Hit 5:35-6:15

Braves Infield 6:15-6:25

Visitors Infield 6:25-6:35

7:35 p.m. game

Visitors Extra hitting 2:30-3:30

Braves Extra hitting 4:50-5:05

Braves Hit 5:05-6:05

Visitors Hit 6:05-6:45

Braves Infield 6:45-6:55

Visitors Infield 6:55-7:05

1:05 p.m. game

Braves Hit 10:45-11:35

Visitors Hit 11:35-12:15

Braves Infield 12:15-12:25

Visitors Infield 12:25-12:35

By Efrim

August 14, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

KC

So why did you knock BC after last night’s game? Frustrations? I would never expect it from you.

By David

August 14, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Agree on wearing the Aaron stuff to the Ted. Happened to take in Friday’s Pirates / Giants game out in SF, and I wore my Aaron-era royal blue Braves cap in my seat out in left-center.

By The Grinch

August 14, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

I tried to tell you about those submarines, but my post got deleted. Good idea about the trolls, though.

We ought to get someone like Santana? Brilliant. 160 IP, 170 SO, 39 W, 2.98 ERA in the American League. Only problem is, ESPN says he’ll get 20-25 mill per season on the open market. Small flaw in that plan. Even if they wanted to trade him, we’d have to give them Edgar, another position player, and the rest of our farm system to get a guy we couldn’t afford.

Ok, Y’all; time to get some work done.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Mz Rosalynn LOL, us usual. If I had your gift for dialect, I would never write in anything else. And say hello to Jimma for me, if he is not too busy hammerin’, or messing in other countries’ business.

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 14, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

KC,

I love your arguments and they make perfect sense except.

A. You can’t reasonably expect Chipper to be healthy for all 162 games. If I was GM I would bank on about 140.

B. I also heard read rumors that stated that Escobar was part of the planned trade for Bronson Aroyyo. If you put your faith in trade rumors then who knows what your team would look like. Andruw was rumored to be traded last year too and that didn’t happen.

C. The Buhrle rumors were going on BEFORE Elvis was packaged for Tex. I don’t know if I would be that quick to ship off my middle infield now since it looks like they might be grooming Lillibridge for CF

By KC

August 14, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

Joe Schmoe:

Yeah… I think Reyes is better than what he showed us in his brief Atlanta stint. That’s the problem with being in a pennant race (and the Braves plan to be in one again next year)… you can’t afford to have too much patience with a guy at the big league level. But I’m sure he’ll be back.

Lillibridge has been great recently, and I hope to see him among the September call-ups here in a couple weeks. It’ll be nice to have him here even if it’s just as a pinch-runner!!!

I don’t know that it’s really any easier to steal bases at AA or AAA than it is at the major league level… And that guy stole 53 bases in 66 attempts last year on the farm, and he’s stolen 37 of 47 this year… including 23 of 26 at Richmond in 68 games.

By Juliia

August 14, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

The famed Gladiola Grille is also a DELIGHT. Best little salad in town. I ate there many times while filming Pelican Brief. Some radio types would frequent the place but they had g-o-o-d security at the GLADIOLA so it never bothered me.

By geauxbraves2000

August 14, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

The Braves need to start sweeping some of these teams. They need to learn how to hit soft tossing lefties. They don’t want to be behind Phil & NY when those two teams play each other. Now is the time to make their move if they are going to.

Geaux Braves!!

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 14, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

One other thing. If your JS and you have to pick between Escobar as your utility guy and Woodward. Who would you pick. Both can play just about every position in the infield except Escobar can’t play first and you have THOR for that.

By Steve from OH

August 14, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Everyone’s upset about Prado starting last night, but didn’t he have 2 hits, including an RBI double? A good use of statistics by Bobby if you ask me. And does anyone really expect that he’ll platoon Prado and Kelly the rest of the year? Honestly…

By Bill Robinson

August 14, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

I agree with Stephen, Willie in center, Diaz in left. Numbers don’t lie!

By Anders

August 14, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

DOB As Pittsburgh was Bonds’ first road series since he broke the record do you know if they acknowledged it in any way during or just before the game? I realize what a controversial area this is but I can’t see how all of baseball can just ignore it? Kind of awkward. What,if any, plans do the Braves have? Since Aaron took the high road I would expect the Braves organization to do the same - as they usually do.

I’m not a Bonds apologist I was just wondering how it would be handled?

By Bill in VA

August 14, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

I played a lot of ball, not on Andruw’s level, of course, but when a slump hits it’s time to change something. Me, I used to choke up a bit, try to hit to opposite field, change the dynamics. I coached a lot too. In Andruw I see a guy unwilling to act coachable.

By Rev. Zoldars

August 14, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

You got a date, Rev. Me and Howard Hughes will fly up on his private tri-motor.

I know that was rehashed from last night, but i gotta say, that was hilarious.

And speaking of delicious food, for a meal on the super cheap that is mighty good, I suggest eats on ponce. Im sure many have heard of it, but they have a turkey lasagna fit for a sasquatch and just as good. Its known for its jerk chicken, however.

I was also thinking that willie harris needs mascots in the crowd if he does not already. For pure insanity purposes, i would like too see “Harris’ Ferris’” where everyone dresses up as a ferris wheel. Or Willies Phillies- dress up as cigars roast our way to victory. Every reverend loves a cigar every now and then

By KC

August 14, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

Efrim: I knocked Bobby (even though I love the guy) for the same reason everyone else has been knocking him…

His use of Andruw Jones. The guy is hitting around the Mendoza line. What’s worse than a .200 hitter? A .200 hitter that isn’t even at 100% right now!

I am absolutely convinced that BC cost us the 2nd game of the Mets series. We should have swept it. Had we done so, we would be 1-1/2 back in the east (and still ahead of the Phillies, even with the series loss) and a 1/2 game out of the WC.

In that 2nd game at Shay, down by 1 run in the 9th… BC let a .200 hitter bat with the bases loaded and 1 out. He did that when there was a .340 hitter (Diaz) sitting on the bench. And of course he promptly grounded into a double-play to end the inning.

Andruw has grounded into 14 double-plays this year. Diaz has grounded into 5. And setting the numbers aside… Diaz was red-hot, while Andruw had never looked worse.

Inexcusable.

Chances are excellent that Diaz would have at least done something to get the tying run home, if not a hit to take the lead.

I know he doesn’t want to embarrass Andruw, but some things are more important than Andruw’s feelings… such as a division pennant.

Then in the Phillies series, AJ had opportunities to come up with some key hits, but of course did not. Right now, Andruw should be on the bench until he feels closer to 100%. Use him as a late-inning defensive replacement for now.

But BC won’t do that. He says “There’s no one like Andruw (defensively)” so he’s keeping him in the lineup. Unless he can play all 3 outfield positions simultaneously, there is NO outfielder good enough in the field to justify being an automatic out. If great defense atones for an automatic out… why isn’t Langerhans still in a Braves uniform?

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

I asked a couple of times during the road trip about whether they’d do anything regarding Bonds, and a Braves official told me they might have a video presentation, but nothing on the field….

ChampDawg, let’s be honest here (since that’s the way you want to be, judging from your use of the expression). You stated your opinion, they didn’t make up ground when had a chance, etc, Teixeira’s not great because isn’t hitting .300 (although most I know would take his four homers and 11 RBIs over a .300 average, but maybe you’re a traditionalist who really likes high average over all else).

Anyway, let’s be honest: You think they’re done. Fair deal. I think they’re 3-1/2 down in a mediocre division and two wins from potentially leading the wild card race with more than 40 to go. Sorry, far from done. Difference of opinion. Football starts soon, so you won’t have to worry about keeping up with this futile season, right?

But thanks for your honest appraisal.

Now I’m off to the dentist. Wish me well.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this

Julia You lured me out of baseball, yet again. You mean y’all actually went on location to butcher the “filming” of a good novel? The only one that was worse, that I can think of right now, was Midnight in the Garden, etc. As a result of that one, I haven’t even bothered to watch Eastwood’s two WWII films.

By SRF

August 14, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

I know that this blog is full of loyal braves fans with their fingers crossed, but I just do not see things ending well here. They just went 3 and 3 during a stretch of what was essentially playoff baseball and they proved that they just do not have the pitching or defense to win a playoff stretch. Key errors and gopher balls from relievers that translated to 3 run homers just is not good enough. Yes, yes I saw Willie’s catch and I saw Jeff gun down two runners but those were desperation because the hitters were creaming the ball. That does not equate to good defense - solid handling of a double play and infield grounders are more important.

Lucky for me - football starts up each year just as the Braves swoon and so I have something else to watch.

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Paladin From what the Sultan of Verbosity has been repeatedly told, “the first time” meandering through the maze that are his posts is never much fun. Quite often, no one gets to a second time reading, never mind halfway through the first time reading before nodding off or scrolling by. So, congrats to you.

The Sultan of Verbosity needs alot of tutoring during the offseason from the ssiscribe on the beauty of succinct writing. The Verbose One hopes he can learn and grow like Frenchy so he does not become Andruw. The Verbose One will keep in mind the mantra of Scoots: Brevity is the soul of wit.

The lesson of your teacher you spoke of the other day may also be very helpful. But I’m guessing since she was your teacher when you were young a century ago, she is no longer alive - especially, if she has had the misfortune of taking a car ride with Paladin.

Or was that before cars and you were doing that to her with horse drawn carriages? No wonder the horse is dead and buried in North Carolina.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Watch out everyone, DOB is going in to have his teeth filed. He will really rip-you-a-new-one now! :-)

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this

Yes, it ‘twas Paladin who killed the horse and Carolina Lady who buried the poor thing to stop the denizens from beating on it.

By KC

August 14, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

TrueBlueBravesFan:

You bring up good points, but I still say Renteria’s gone after this year.

Yes, they certainly like to have a solid backup for Chipper. But with guys like Lillibridge and Prado coming up… the Braves probably feel like they have solid young talent capable of taking over reserve-infield duty. But if not, it’s a lot easier to get a solid backup for Chipper than it will be to fill the holes the Braves will have to fill next year (closer, center, one more quality starter).

And again, that’s why Renteria will be gone. Because his trade value and the salary that trading him will free up, will help the Braves accomplish their primary off-season goals.

As for Lillibridge in center… that’s something us Braves fans have talked about… but I’m not aware of any credible evidence to suggest the Braves are grooming him for center.

As far as I know, they’ve still got him at SS. He’s said to be a gold-glove caliber infielder, so I think they’ll be reluctant to move him, even if he’s blocked at his natural position.

And again… he’s a guy that could help add infield depth if Renteria is traded, so I don’t think we’ll see Lillibridge in center.

BTW: I’m not sure I buy into the Escobar rumors, and if memory serves me correctly, I don’t think DOB was ever on board with that one either.

By Joe Schmoe

August 14, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

KC…

The one thing that worries me about Reyes was that he didn’t miss any bats while he was up. Every hitter he faced it looked like he was laboring just to throw a strike and when he did, they made contact. Pitching to contact is a scary way to pitch, if you’re unlucky or have shady defense, you’re in for a long season. You have to be able to strike some people out when you need to and that’s something he’s done in the minors. Hopefully he’ll figure it out with the big club.

The tough thing about the September call-ups, is that neither Lillibridge or Jones are on the 40 man roster. If one or both are called up, some room has to be made. I’d really like to see both of them up, though. With Andruw’s elbow and Renteria’s ankle, it couldn’t help to have another backup in each spot. With Lillibridge’s ability to play the outfield in necessary, it may just be him though.

By Anders

August 14, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

DOB I assume your trip to the dentist is to have your foot removed after our “What’s the difference? Wickman MRI incident”?

Sorry, it was just sitting right there and I couldn’t resist.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

Braveheart I want to say this to you and I want to make it quite clear.ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Huh? Oh! Now, where was I?

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

To all Just because I have horse-hairs and blood up to my armpits, I am not guilty! That is my story, and I’m sticking to it.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 14, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

-from jimmy smith’s blackberry- oh, the humidity! journalist has been in line since 6:00 a.m. jimmy smith feels good and is ready to sing. wish jimmy smith luck. more later.

By Efrim

August 14, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

I haven’t really freaked out about the Braves losing in a while, but I swear, if they lose a game to the Giants I am going to be as mad as I have been this entire season.

I hope all of you react the same way, because a loss to this Giants team would be unacceptable.

By Jay Dub

August 14, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Andruw Jones’ home phone: RIIIIIIIINNNGGGGG! RIIIINNNNNGGGGG!

Hello Hey ‘Druw, this is Scott Boras. We need to talk. What’s up? Certainly not your batting average. Here’s the deal. With the Braves trading for Tex, I think we both know you’re looking for another team next year. So what? We were going to test the market anyway, right? We were going to test it ‘Druw, not tempt it. I was already going to have to convince GMs that your OBP and average with RISP wouldn’t hurt them. But now I’m going to be spending all my time trying to make them forget about this year altogether. We have to give them a reason. So what do you want from me? Nothing. Nothing. I was just calling to check on your elbow. My elbow? What’s wrong with my elbow? That’s right! We have no idea what’s wrong with your elbow. It just hurts. Well … now that I’m thinking about it … yeah, it does hurt a little today. No it doesn’t. It hurts a lot. As a matter of fact, it has been hurting all year, hasn’t it? Man, I hadn’t noticed how much it hurts. I should really get it looked! Nooooooooo! You should DEMAND to have it looked at. You should insist on an MRI, but unfortunately you are much too busy playing golf. Oh, I get it! But won’t playing golf hurt me even more? Only if you whif on your drive with runners in scoring position. See ya when the season’s over, ‘Druw.

By Savannah Guy

August 14, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Paladin No, we are not in limbo sweetheart (wink)…and yes…I’ve read yours and thanks for those nice things you said. Always appreciate being…appreciated. Who doesn’t? Hey, I rarely miss anything written here. Wouldn’t miss it. Lately, I’ve been doing everything but hanging out here on the blog, which means I can only grab enough time to read but not post. In the meantime, hold the fort and keep the powder dry.

Braveheart Just about to reply and run…but then saw your post and wanted to shout a Hey Cuz! Dittos on ssiscribe yes…always interesting, pertinent and succinct. I aspire to that. “Sultan of Verbosity”…hmmm, sounds…just…like, uh…me. Guilty (sigh). But alas, there’s the off-season. Gotta’ run for now. Back late. Great stuff as always Cuz…been fun reading.

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

Be wary, Paladin. The Muslim Submarine might be Mozilla Firefox.

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

jimmy when you get in there with Paula, Simon, and Randy, will you please confirm for us whether Randy Jackson looks like a Seal in person like he does on television?

By Savannah Guy

August 14, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

DOB: Shouldn’t you wait until “two thirty” to go to the dentist?

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 14, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

Folks, I am beginning to worry. Last night we may have received the kiss of death. Steve Phillips picked the Braves to win the division. He said the Mets won’t even make the playoffs.

By Shaun

August 14, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

KC,

Lillibridge played some outfield in college.

By ncscoots

August 14, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, did you really use Scribe and “succinct” in the same sentence, LOL? Man, he’s one of my best blog buddies, but when I see the Scribester start out with “dashing off a quick post”, I know I’m in for about a hundred column-inches minimum :-)

I can say that, of course, knowing that Scribe won’t take it as a slam!

By Jay Dub

August 14, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

I meant to space that phone call out. It doesn’t look good as all one paragraph. Rookie blogger mistake.

By Will

August 14, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Its funny some of these comments about the previous 3-3 road trip being so bad. I am usually first in line to be a realist about the Braves, but bottom line is they are lucky they didnt get swept in Philly with the back end of the rotation going. Other then the first series this year the Braves never play well in that sandbox in Philly. On the other hand, a 3-3 homestand here would be awful and unacceptable.

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Dittos on ssiscribe yes…always interesting, pertinent and succinct. I aspire to that. “Sultan of Verbosity”…hmmm, sounds…just…like, uh…me. Guilty (sigh). But alas, there’s the off-season. Gotta’ run for now. Back late. Great stuff as always Cuz…been fun reading.

Savannah Yes, cuz, rumor is that DOB has made an organizational decision to send the two of us to report to the Arizona Fall League with the scribe and be tutored extensively on the art of succinctness. I must say though that although your posts are long, the writing is succinct. Mine however are just a lost cause. But I’m the Sultan dammit! You can be the Czar or whatever other title you like.

By PostseasonBlues

August 14, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Doesn’t anyone here have a memory? what does the postseason mean to the Atlanta Braves? Thank you.

By TennesseePaul

August 14, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

So I’m coming in on this late. Seems to be my way of working these days. I’ll put down the pitcher to check the blog and a million posts are up already. By the time it finally loads, a new blog is posted with yet another million posts. This band wagon is getting crowded. But I’ll take it.

DOB: I love your blogs and I appreciate this one, but I can’t see this as any more of an opportunity for the Braves than it is for the Mets or Phillies. All three of these teams are starting the week by playing cellar dwellers and only one of them (the Braves) is playing a division leader. This is a key time for the Braves to step up though, I’ll agree to that. But I’m not sold that this week they will gain much ground. This is a time to hold the ground they already have.

I do believe that this season is shaping up to be the greatest penate drive in the history of the game. In the National League alone each division has 3 teams within 5.5 games of the division title. 6 Teams are within 3.5 of the Wild Card. This is going to be very very exciting. I hope the Braves pull it off. It’s going to be a struggle all the way to the end of October.

GO BRAVES!!

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Scoots While Scribe’s posts may be long, his logic and sentence and paragraph structure is succinct. No surplus verbiage. Hey, I’m a long winded one, I’m hoping to cut my two screen long posts into at least one screen to please you, okay? Work with me here, scoots.

By Anders

August 14, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Robert JIB Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain named Steve Phillips. The guy changes his pick once a week.

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

Savannah Let’s hope DOB does not send Scoots over to the AFL to work with us. If he’s that tough on the scribe, what the heck would he do to the two of us? Whew!

By Anders

August 14, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

*To all Word here in NY is that Phil Rizzuto “The Scooter” died. Looks like another horizontal stripe for the Yanks. Just what they need - more inspiration. That team is on fire. Plus if you haven’t seen this Chamberlain kid - he’s got some electric stuff. Looks like the post Mariano years are set now. The rich get richer.

By Christy

August 14, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

just announced that Phil Rizzuto has passed away.

By Shaun

August 14, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Efrim,

Every loss would be fairly big at this point because the Braves are running out of games, are 3-1/2 games back and are behind two solid teams in the divisional race. But losing to the Giants isn’t any better or worse than losing to any other team.

You are always so obsessed with who the Braves lose to. Again, this isn’t college football or basketball. You don’t drop in the polls more if you lose to a bad team.

I would be disappointed if they lost the series to the Giants, certainly but it’s still not the end of the world.

A few weeks ago I pointed to the Giants as one of those teams the Braves need to hold their own against. My thoughts were the Braves need to hold their own against the good pitching clubs—Giants, Mets, D-Backs, and beat up on the bad pitching.

By doc

August 14, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

to be succinct this team needs to show some urgency or the ability to polish off or finish the lesser rans. yes, they have held their own in tough showdowns but have let up on the likes of cincy or in the series early with chicago when they were down. aside, we may have turned their season around. this team needs to make like the yankees or d’backs and win 15 of 20 to begin to take momentum into the post season. i just dont think they will be able to fall into it like the cards did last year if that is what everyone is hoping for. lightening like that doesnt come long too often to catch.

jimmy, if you make it i will watch idol for the first time in my life. just not sure i want to see what you look like, heh heh! i guess for that reason i am not sure i want to offer good luck so ….just break a leg.

By Nurse Patty

August 14, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

DOB, your teeth are ready, sugar. You may pick them up anytime before 5:00 PM. Thanks. Patty

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

To all Just because I have horse-hairs and blood up to my armpits, I am not guilty! That is my story, and I’m sticking to it.

Paladin With your bogus proclamations of innocence, if you were a football player, would you be a Trojan or a Hokie, a Bill or a Falcon, wear number 32 or number 7?

There is no question of your guilt in killing that poor horse. So, did you kill the horse with your fighter pilot manner of riding her or did you punch her like Alex Karras in Blazin Saddles?

I guess I just answered my question. If Paladin were a football player, he would be Alex Karras.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Help!! I downloaded Mozilla firefox and made all the “choices” I thought y’all had told me to, but when I “opened” it there were no “favorites”. So, the only way, I knew, to get on here was to type in the Ajc, etc. and it’s still as slow as Andruw’s slump-recovery-rate. ???

By Will

August 14, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Shaun, You seriously think losing to the Giants at home is the same as losing to any other team? What is the logic behind that. There are some teams you cant afford to lose to because they are bad baseball teams and the Giants are at the top of the list.

By ChampDawg

August 14, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

DOB— I didn’t say they were “done”. What I said was they have so far failed to “make ground” when having at least 2 previous chances. So what makes you think they’ll all of a sudden do it now? This team has time and time again failed to do so when opportunity presented itself. The facts are that the pitching is too weak and Andruw hurts this lineup.

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Anders, very sad to hear about Rizzutto, supposedly nicknamed the Scooter by Ty Cobb. In honor of Scooter, I’m going to go get a canoli. I will also stop calling people idiots and call them Huckleberrys like Scooter did. Very sad day.

Holy Cow! He did it! Sixty-one for Maris! Look at ’em fight for that ball out there!

Met Scooter once - the same day I met Deion Sanders when he was a minor leaguer. I was much more excited about meeting Scooter even though I loved Prime Time. That’s how much my pops and grandpa made me love the Scooter growing up.

By Will

August 14, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

Shaun, Not that this effects the Braves, but if you lose to a bad team in football or basketball you are much more likely to drop farther in the polls then if you lose to a good team. You saying if a #1 team loses to the 200th ranked team they will fall the same amount of spots as if they lost to the #2 team? Dont remotely wanna start debating college sports polling systems, but i have to disagree on that statement.

By Anders

August 14, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

ChampDawg Either drink the koolaid or leave the site! Thems the rules.

By Will

August 14, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

shaun, sorry misunderstood the college sports portion of your last post. Thank god i did was floored a sports fan would make that statement. My bad.

By Chris

August 14, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but can BC put Willie in Center and Diaz in Left?…ok in all seriousness guys, we know it’s not going to happen, so can we cut the blog in half each day by NOT mentioning that anymore? It is what it is, and that is a Mendoza-level hitter that will hopefully get a couple of clutch hits here and there and a 2 run homer in the other blowouts. Not to mention a Web Gem or 2 per week. Let’s focus on Tex, Chipper, KJ, Smoltz & Huddy, and getting that bullpen back in order eh?

By AthensBrave

August 14, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

KC,

excellent 10:25 concerning Andruw.

Bobby can be loyal to a fault. Andruw has struggled the ENTIRE SEASON Mr. Cox. Don’t let your loyalties stand in the way of a 2007 pennant!!!

By Efrim

August 14, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Shaun

You are always so obsessed with who the Braves lose to. Again, this isn’t college football or basketball. You don’t drop in the polls more if you lose to a bad team.

Losing to the Giants is not the same as losing to the Mets or Phillies. The Mets and Phillies are dangerous teams. The Giants are a joke. We aren’t facing their good pitchers. Atchison and Ortiz should be destroyed by this Braves lineup, and to be honest, I want them to handle a rookie pitcher as well. No matter how hard he throws.

How can you not understand that they need to take care of business against teams like the Giants, good pitching or not. Hold their own against the Giants? A team that just lost 4 of 5 to the Pirates? Please. Do you not understand that our 3 best starters are going in this series? So if we lose two out of three to the Giants, what would you expect this weekend with Brandon Webb facing Cormier or Carlyle? I’d say thats a loss. Therefore we have just loss 3 out of 4 when the Mets and Phillies are facing the Nats and Pirates.

By LT (double AA blogger)

August 14, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Hi, I’m LT and I’m a Braves fan!

Woke up this morning with a glass is half empty feeling.

Every time I think the Braves have a good chance to gain some ground they blow the should of’s.

Maybe it’s because of watching Andruw totally implode all season (and now blaming the elbow). Personally, I think it’s mostly contractitis. If it has been the elbow, sit yourself down man.

Is this going to be another Reds like home stand?

Eh, maybe it’s the heat.

Maybe it’s this wonderfully depressing/melancholy Sufjan Stevens I’ve been listening to since Saturday nights Austin City Limits.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Braveheart And you, sir, would be Slim Pickens or pickings, which describes, wonderfully, what we get out of you. :-)

By AthensBrave

August 14, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Where was Anders after we won the mets series last week?

By Efrim

August 14, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this

No logic behind that Shaun. You can’t even argue against it. I really can’t believe you even said losing to the Giants is the same as losing to any other team. No way. Not when our best 3 starters are going. No sir.

By Anders

August 14, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Braveheart Scooter was classic calling Yankee games. Even though I’m a Met fan I listened to him all the time. He’d split after the 7th inning to beat the traffic over the George Washington bridge. They would show taillights on the bridge in the 8th and say “There goes Scooter”. Great stuff.

By Salty

August 14, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this

Paladin To my knowledge, ‘favorites’ are browser specific. Of course you can open both browsers, copy the old URL (old browser favorites) and paste it into Firefox…and save it to favorites. That’s the extent of my tech know-how.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

I, too, would like to be serious and mourn the passing of Scooter. He was a good baseball player, a “character”(in the good sense of the word)in the booth, and from what I know, a good man. Baseball will miss him.

By Anders

August 14, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

AthensBrave I’ve been right here fella. All the blogs are just to your left, open ‘em up and read them. I did miss a couple of days this weekend while I was at the shore enjoying the sun and surf. Is there anything you’d like to discuss?

By Bobo

August 14, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

PHIL RIZZUTO RIP. A great ball player during my early years and a great broadcaster for the last 40 years plus. Where have all the great ball players gone? To a field of Dreams….May God bless his family during this time.

By Efrim

August 14, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Will

Not even focusing on the college football aspect of Shaun’s statement. The Braves need to take care of it against the bad teams. That 5-5 stretch to begin the second half still p** me off. If Cormier and Carlyle were pitching in this series, then I guess I would be less inclined to be p**. But John Smoltz, Tim Hudson and Chuck James are pitching. Need to win those games.

By DAP

August 14, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

will the braves could lose every game they play against the giants, and if they won every other game they played, they would have the best record ever. the point is, it doesnt matter much who youre playing when you win, as much as it does that you win.

if a team wins 100 games, it doesnt matter which teams they lost the other 62 games to, even if they were the worst teams.

By CC Rider

August 14, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

A quick Note to those on the blog that may not know Lillibridge’s college background. He was All-Pac First team in Centerfield for 2 seasons before moving back to shortstop because of need of the team. He has great speed and instincts in the outfield, as well as, a very good arm. So, I think a outfield of Diaz/Brandon Jones in left, Harris/Lillibridge in center ( Harris rakes against righthanders-Lillibridge rakes against lefthanders) and Francoeur in right with Lillibridge being a late inning defensive replacement for Harris is a cheap but effective possibility. It would allow the Braves to keep Renteria and upgrade the rotation (Glavine?) and perhaps the bullpen.

By Shaun

August 14, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

Will,

In baseball any team can beat any other team on any given day or in any given series.

In 2005 the Yankees won 95 games yet went 8-11 against the Devil Rays.

It will be a fairly big deal (although it still probably won’t be panic time yet) if the Braves lose the series because of where they are in the standings and how many games are left, not because of the team they are playing. Teams lose home series to inferior teams fairly regularly, even good teams do this.

By Anders

August 14, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

Paladin You’re taking quite a leap for a guy who probably still watches movies in Beta.

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

Paladin Slim Pickens, huh? I’m gonna give you a Serbok nose and a Paladin smile on that one. :o>

Anders Grew up watching the PIX games myself. Loved the fun he and Bill White would have with each other. Tom Seaver however always was a bore when teamed with Scooter. Not as much of a bore as Bob Murphy, Tim McCarver, and Ralph Kiner when they were doing the Mets games on channel 9 but still an overbearing boor nevertheless.

And, yeah, he would never stick around past the 6th. Those were funny moments when they would show taillights going over the GWB. Although I thought it was funny, I would get kind of angry about it sometimes because that would mean I was stuck listening to Tom Seaver.

And, Anders, did you ever figure out what Scooter’s obsession was with Alvaro Espinoza and Stankiewicz? They could do no wrong in Scooter’s eyes.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Thanks Salty but that is a little over my head. I even failed “Computing for Dummies”. I may have to call in the guru.

By GeorgetownKid

August 14, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

KC You made a great point in your 10:25 post when you said:

“there is NO outfielder good enough in the field to justify being an automatic out. If great defense atones for an automatic out… why isn’t Langerhans still in a Braves uniform?”

Bobby is loyal to his guys. This is undoubtedly a big reason guys love playing for him. And often, his loyalty pays off, as he refuses to pull the plug on a good player.

But this season, his loyalty to A. Jones is rapidly becoming absurd. He is a liability at the plate, yet in some lineups Bobby still bats him 6th!

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Paladin You actually got alot of Scooter in ya with your posting style, you ole Huckleberry you.

By Ron Roberts

August 14, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Teoa and AZBravoFan were right; I meant Camellia Grill. Magnolia Grill’s the awesome place in Durham, NC. If you’re ever in the area, they make a vidalia onion & corn chowder with sausage and shrimp that kicks!

By Will

August 14, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Okay guys come on with this talk about losing to the Giants being the same as losing to any other team. That is outrageous to say that, when you are at home with your 3 best pitchers going. Dont even compare the Devil Rays-Yankees because i am saying today 8/14/2007 the Braves have no business not sweeping the Giants if they wanna go to the playoffs. I dont buy any of this talk about one loss the same as the next. So a loss at home to the Giants is the same as a loss on the road to the Red sox. Whatever!

By Will

August 14, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

dont think that i dont understand that the baseball season is a long grind and even in a great season you are gonna lose at least 60 games, but to be posting that right now, with the situation in the NL East that there is any excuse or explanation for losing games at home to the Giants is beyond me. Sorry not even trying to be rude, i just dont remotely understand that logic

By TexasBrave

August 14, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Bill in VA per your 10:22 post, Andruw’s current “slump” is because he is hurt and yes it is time to change something by placing him on the DL. Andruw is no longer coachable because he know’s Bobby is loyal and is not going to do anything about his poor plate performance. Did you see the act AJ put on for Bobby taking that extra batting practice just to appease BC just before AJ struck out three times in the last game. Pitiful. He will not even listen to Terry who was a great hitter. Look what he has done for Frenchy. You know I would even take the AJ before his elbow became a serios problem. At least he had more quality at bats than he does now. The thing I can’t get over is that AJ and BC think that Andruw is irreplacable and thus keeps putting AJ in the lineup. Their both killing this team and will probably cause us to not win the East division. Wild card I think is still within our grasp.

By Anders

August 14, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Braveheart Have to disagree with you on Seaver. Aloof yes, but I thought he was good listening. He had no agenda. Told it like he saw it. Didn’t need the job so he could let it all hang out. He was the same with the Mets. He’d be a good commissioner for baseball but he doesn’t want or need to work for a living. Murphy is a Mets classic - definite hometown bias there from me. Kiner can be an annoying old timer. Constantly talking about the money players make today. Scooter always rooted for the underdog because he was one himself. I think thats where the infatuation came from.

By Fred Secunda

August 14, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Dave and Ron Roberts, you’re thinking of Camellia Grill, not Magnolia Grill, in New Orleans.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Braveheart Thanks for the comparison to Scooter. I hate the Yankees, but I liked and admired him.

Anders Beta? I still watch ‘em on reels.

By Shaun

August 14, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

No doubt they need to win games. And now it’s more crucial to win games because of their place in the standings and how many games are left.

Doesn’t matter who you beat as long as you have more wins and less losses than any other team in the NL East or any other second place team. I could care less who the Braves win or lose to as long as they do that. That’s my only point.

By IT Department

August 14, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Paladin, in FireFox, first, “favorites” are called “Bookmarks”. Click on the Bookmarks menu at the top of the page, and select Organize Bookmarks. A new window will open. Select File, then “Import”. You should have an option to import your favorites from Internet Explorer, if that was what you were using. Good luck.

By Ron Roberts

August 14, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Never late to the dance, are ya Fred Secunda? :-)

By Anders

August 14, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Paladin You know they have “Talkies” now?

By Shaun

August 14, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Will and Efrim,

A win is a win and a loss is a loss in terms of the standings. Again, that’s my only point.

Say the Braves are swept by the Giants then lose only four or five or no other games this season. Would you still say a loss to the Giants?

But this discussion is really neither here nor there. Truth is the Braves need to win as often as possible against every team they are playing. And this was true all season, of course.

By TexasBrave

August 14, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

KC great points in your 10:25 post.

there is NO outfielder good enough in the field to justify being an automatic out. If great defense atones for an automatic out… why isn’t Langerhans still in a Braves uniform

I wish Bobby could get that point through his loyal head. Loyality has gotten Bobby far in his career, but it is time he recognized that it is not going to help him win more than 55% of the games for the rest of the season. With the state of the Braves pitching such that it is (and that it is not likely to improve) we need all hands on deck contributing if we are to win now and into the post season.

By Lew

August 14, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

LT-Sufjan Stevens? Do you prefer them with or without the fake Butterfly wings? I’ve got to say that group was one of the stranger spectacles I’ve ever seen in music.

By Bill Gates

August 14, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Paladin Even I can’t help you!

By TennesseePaul

August 14, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Payne: I agree. If we lose to the Giants or the Red Sox or the Pirates or any other baseball team, it all counts the same. At this point in the season though, all loses are extra painful and should be avoided at all costs. But I’m not going to get on the wagon that demands a sweep of every team the rest of the season. We lost to the Reds, and I recall someone proclaiming that the season ended right there. But from where I’m sitting, the Braves are still in the thick of things. It doesn’t matter so much where the wins and losses come from just so long as we end up with more wins than losses and most importantly more wins than the division rivals.
That said, the Mets and Phillies are playing the Nats and Pirates. All three of these teams, Braves, Phillies and Mets are going into this week looking for sweeps. The leg up we have is, only Renteria is injured. The Mets lost 2 catchers. The Phillies have crutches every where. But that hasn’t slowed them down. It’s on this pitching staff to get the job done and shut down the oppenent. No more giving away leads. And Yunel has to tighten up his defense. That Phillies series was sloppy.

By Will

August 14, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Shaun, We are gonna argue this back and forth so i just agree to disagree. Fundamentally, you are right a win is a win, but there are series you CANNOT afford to lose and this is one of them. The urgency i feel towards sweeping this series is the combo of 1)playing one of the worst teams in baseball 2) having your 3 best starters going, when we all know the back of the rotation is atrocious and 3) the hottest team in the NL coming in this weekend.

By KC

August 14, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

GeorgetownKid: Yes, I don’t mean to trivialize the importance of showing confidence and patience with your players. It really has been a huge part of what’s made BC such a great manager throughout the years.

But there’s no doubt in my mind that it crossed a line in the 2nd game of that Mets series.

And he continues to dance on that line between showing faith in your players, and downright foolishness… when he bats AJ ahead of McCann the other night, against a lefty who statistically isn’t any tougher on lefty-hitters than he is on right-handed hitters.

We’re 3/4 of the way through the season. It’s time to accept that AJ’s a guy having an injury-hampered career-worst season… and use him accordingly.

By Shaun

August 14, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Will,

There is an excuse or explanation for losing games at home against the Giants right now. Not saying it won’t make things more difficult or that it won’t be frustrating for us Braves fans. But the explanation is simple—sometimes good teams lose to inferior teams, even at home, in baseball.

I think you’re misunderstanding my point. My point isn’t a loss to the Giants is a small thing. The point is every loss in a baseball season is worth the same. Losing to the Giants isn’t going to make or break the season any more than any other win or loss. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be upset about a loss to the Giants (or any other team) at this time of year because truth is the Braves probably can’t afford to lose that many more games from here on out to win the division. But I don’t think it’s panic time quite yet if the Braves lose two of three to them.

By TennesseePaul

August 14, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

I should really refresh this thing more often. All my points are posted by other before I push the post button.

Whatever.

By Lew

August 14, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Paladin-Dude-Even I managed to install Firefox and you can’t possibly have worse computer skills than I do. I promise. It’s easy. Efrim-I agree-we need to take out the Giants, especially with the likes of Russ Ortiz (though I have met him and he has always been a very nice person) pitching. However, if we could pick up Cain or Lincecum for the Braves, I’d love to see it happen. KC- Is there some particular reason you think Francoeur is incapable of taking over center field next year? I think he has plenty of range and Lord Knows, he has the arm. Why not Brandon Jones in right, Frenchy in center and Diaz/Harris right where they are now? Works for me and leaves all other available $$$$ to pick up the necessary pitching pieces that we will definitely need? We can always use Lillibridge for backup, or make Coach happy and bring Blanco up for the bench, or as another OF option.

By RedEyedAndBlue

August 14, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Andruw may go on the DL but not until Edgar is back. His performance has been terrible offensively, and he should hit no higher than 7th. But if the Braves put Druw on the DL, who do they have on the bench as their 4th outfielder? TJ Bohn, Gregor Blanco, Pete Orr? Blanco has played well at Richmond but sticking a rook in the outfield or on the bench in the middle of a pennant race ain’t too smart. You gonna stick KJ in the outfield (best option) and possibly affect his defensive performance at second base? You gonna stick Thorman in leftfield (trust me, he’s already there when he’s hitting)? But those are the options, at least the ones on the current 40-man roster.

Frankly I think it is worth the risk to keep Druw in the lineup hitting 7th or 8th and hope that he can straighten things out in the next few weeks. It’s not likely, agreed. But the upside is a Druw swinging like its Yankee Stadium in 1996 by September and October. And if he has any way of salvaging a huge future contract, Jones must perform in Beltran-esque fashion come late September and playoff time.

By Wayne in Utah

August 14, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Concerning AJ: I know that early on, Bobby stayed with Andruw because there was NO chance we had of winning the division without him coming through. One of those “dance with the one that brought you” deals.

Now, with Tex here, it is not as imperative that AJ be in the lineup. I would take a singles hitting 1 for 3 versus a possible homer in 1 for 5 (not to mention the DP’s and strikeouts!) any day from the 7th position.

So, while I understand why he has been in there from April through late July, there really is no reason to have him in the lineup everyday now. I can understand that you don’t just send a guy like AJ to the bench, only to play as a defensive replacement, but to give him 100% playing time is stretching it a bit.

By Pulpwood Smith

August 14, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

DOB-

This looks promising. Imagine 5 nights of this at the Tabernacle. From that beacon of music appreciation, the Wall Street Journal:

Look for Bruce Springsteen to possibly join Lucinda Williams at a show at Irving Plaza or Town Hall between Sept 5 and Sept 10.

Lu sources hint that Bruce could be one of Lu’s special guests when she performs five of her records - World Without Tears, Essence, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, Sweet Old World and Lucinda Williams - in their entirety at upcoming shows. She’ll perform the discs in that order, one per night, over five nights in Los Angeles (Sept. 5th through 10th), at the El Rey Theater, and five in New York (Sept. 29th through Oct. 4th), at gigs at Irving Plaza and Town Hall. Each night, a second set will feature a medley of favorites.

Ms. Williams is playing the shows, in part, as “a big party to celebrate my work, I guess.” To that end, she has invited several prominent musician friends to perform with her during her second set. The guest list isn’t yet confirmed, but performers she has spoken with include Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle and Elvis Costello.

By ssiscribe

August 14, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Top of the afternoon, denizens. Just got in from lunch and got word of the Scooter’s death. Sad news. Phil Rizzuto was a treasure, a jewel of our game and among the great players on one of our sport’s greatest teams. RIP, Scooter.

Now, scribing (noted transition by the Scribe): Scoots, no slam indeed. It’s all good. See folks, I don’t have to worry about inch counts, word counts or — most importantly — trying to fit all of this into a hole with 500 other things going into the section, all under the gun and the ticking clock and glaring editors and ringing phones.

So while from time to time my postings run a bit long, just know it comes from far too many 300-word quick ones slammed out through the years. Just trying to even out all those stories well-meaning desk folks whacked through the years.

The beauty of the Internet? Your story never runs three paragraphs too long. And on the ol’ Braves/MIB, there are no editors to carve it up and shape it into something it’s not.

Now, instructional league (more transition): Nah guys, you’d want a real hack to show you the ropes, not some dude with 15 years experience. I’m outta that game now … well, sort of. Plus, Arizona’s too close to Vegas, and I wouldn’t be much help to you guys if you’re sitting in the press box in Mesa, and the instructor is sitting in a casino on the Strip.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Will

August 14, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I get your point, i really do. I just have a hard time buying that logic in the middle of August, when the Braves trail in the division and Wild Card. I saw the Reds sweep referenced earlier, well that was like 3 weeks ago, that was like 15 games ago. I still think the Braves have a great shot to make the playoffs, but its getting awful late in the year to not get on a more effecient winning pace. So if every loss is the same then if the Braves get swept at home the last week of the season is that the same as getting swept at home in April? The date my calendar says right now is the main reason i cant agree with you

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Anders Talkies? Is that like you and Braveheart? :-)

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Fred Secunda, indeed you’re right. Camelia Grill in N.O.

Magnolia Grill is in my birthplace, Durham, N.C.

WILL, actually, yes, a loss to the Sox on the road is the same as a loss to the Giants at home. When they go to determine the wild-card winner and one team has one more win than the other, nobody cares if that win came against the Red Sox on the road in September (if they played interleague then) or at home against the Giants in April.

And doesn’t matter if a team’s bad, doesn’t make it any easier to sweep them if they have a stud pitcher going in one game or your own starting pitcher stinks it up one day. Come on, man, you’ve watched baseball (I presume) long enough to know momentum is only as good as your next day’s starting pitcher, an axiom that’s entirely true.

Every series, every trip, you lay down the gauntlet — the Braves HAVE to do this, or HAVE to do that. Then if they don’t do it, and they’re the same place in the standings, you look silly. So why continue to do it when there’s more than FORTY GAMES LEFT?

By beachcomber

August 14, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Reading over the past 20 or so hours of the blog, I believe Carolina Lady has come up with the next relevant stat ala saves etc. - Unassisted Home Run. Priceless!

On another note. Lest we consider tomorrow’s pitching match-up a walkover, I remember how grateful I and others were when we got Ortiz because we could never beat the rascal. But then was then and now is now.

By Will

August 14, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Shaun Lets just hope Braves sweep of win 2 out of 3 so there is nothing else to argue about this series, i do have to say though losing 2 out of 3 with the top of the rotation going would be detrimental to the Braves at this point. There is alot to be said for keeping a cool head when you need to and there is also alot to be said for playing with a sense of urgency when you need to. I have no doubt the Braves players are gonna play with a positive sense of urgency this week. Its too late to lose the Giants at home.

By Ron Roberts

August 14, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

The bottom line is, if you have a star player who’s hurting, and rest might help him recover from it quicker, AND you can have somebody else capably fill in for him and do close to as well as he did defensively, and probably better than he’d do offensively with the injury, then you should sit him.

Loyalty should play no role. I’ve been saying this awhile now, I dig Bobby Cox, but his sticktuitivness with regards to Andruw is maddening. It cost us a sweep of the Mets, I believe, and clutch-ABs becoming clutch Ks and DPs are all too common with Andruw this season.

By Will

August 14, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

DOB, Fair enough on the Red Sox/Giants analogy. Yes i do say they have to do this or that every series and they dont do it and yes they are still in the SAME place in the standings, which is out of the playoffs across the board. I have absolutely watched baseball long enough to fully understand that there are alot of games to be played. The Braves did not erase defecits in 91 or 93 playing .500 baseball though. They won so damn much that one way or another they were gonna catch the Dodgers/Giants. Braves have never been the chasers to that extent any other year in this 15 year run (excluding 1994)

By Lew

August 14, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

Efrim-Dude-Yesterday you said the Braves needed to pull off a 10-5 run. Did you realize that if they take the first two games of the Giants’ series, they will have done just that? Make you feel any better? Keep up with your optimism. You’re doing much better this week.

By TennesseePaul

August 14, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

It’s a procrastination point. Should we win early and cruise to the finish line, or put off the heavy lifting forcing ourselves to be perfect at crunch time… a crunch time we created because we procrastinated.
A loss is a loss. We don’t make this season happen, I’ll point to May 14th-16th series loss to the Nats. The next guy will point to the July 16th-18th Series sweep by the Reds. Others will point to the 2-13 loss to the Pirates on May 13th. And still some will point to the mid August series against the Phillies. The problem with all of that will be this… They all counted the same and it was the sum of everyone of those disappointments that would result in the failure of a season. If we win, you can point to a Willie Harris Catch, a Francoeur Gun Down show. Tim Hudsons early season domination. An opening series Sweep of the Phillies. Anything. And again, it would be the sum of all those things that resulted in a success.

The Braves need to win. No doubt. But suffering 1 loss to the Giants in this homestand will not spell the end of the season. But like every other Braves fan, a sweep would be nice. But this team doesn’t need to think about that. They need to think about winning tonights game. Then go to sleep and wake up the next day and think about winning that game and so on…

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

Ok, who-ever-you-are, thanks for the tip about bookmarks. What, is “favorites” trademarked by Gates. So, I’m cool on that. Now, here is my problem. before, I had a “refresh” button and when I hit it and I was at the bottom of the page it, eventually, returned me to the bottom of the page. I now have a “reload the current page” button that always returns me to the top of the page. Please help the dummy, one more time. And hurry, it’s time for my nap.

By Shaun

August 14, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul,

Exactly. Great points.

If the Braves lose two of three or get swept by the Giants then don’t make the playoffs, do we point to the Giants series as the games that cost them? Well, yes and no. We point to the Giants series…and every other loss.

If they lose to the Giants and make the playoffs, no one will remember that it was “unacceptable” to lose to the Giants.

Baseball teams don’t pick and choose and say “we have to sweep this team, we have to take two of three from that one, it’s okay to get swept by this one.” They try to win every game. It’s just as unacceptable to lose one game as it is another.

By DonCoburleone

August 14, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

“Every series, every trip, you lay down the gauntlet — the Braves HAVE to do this, or HAVE to do that. Then if they don’t do it, and they’re the same place in the standings, you look silly. So why continue to do it when there’s more than FORTY GAMES LEFT?”

I agree with that DOB, but the Braves just can’t keep letting opportunities to gain ground get away from them. This Giants series should without question be a sweep by the Braves. Its like you wrote in your article, this Giants team has got to be flat and worn out. And tomorrow they have Atchinson?? starting in what is a bullpen game for them against our Ace. Then Russ Ortiz (can’t believe he’s still even in MLB) against Hudson. The D-Backs worry me a little bit, Webb has been absolutely lights out and actually so has Doug Davis over the last month or so. Still, if we wanna set ourselves up so we don’t HAVE TO WIN 10 of the last 12 games of the regular season this is the type of homestand where 5-1 is needed…

By DSGB

August 14, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

DOB or anyone else, I read the blog everyday however I rarely post. My friends and I are planning on going to the game tonight but we don’t have tickets. What kind of seats can you get at the door? Is it worth it to try and scalp or should we try our luck at the gate and what can we expect to pay?

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Scribe, LOL! Then Vegas it is! Neither Savannah or I wanna sit in the Arizona heat all day anyway. They can spare me that nonsense about dry heat. Hot is hot. But I think your woman might have a problem with me and Savannah ruining your anniversary trip out there in October. Don’t worry we’ll lie to DOB and tell him we are all in Arizona working on our craft under your tutelage but we’ll all be in Vegas. You and your wife will go and have a good time together. Savannah and I will stay out of your way and get drunk and gamble all over town. On second thought, Savannah and I getting drunk together may not be such a good thing. We might end talking about rules and end up almost killing each other again. Don’t write off the instructional league thing just yet. It might be your way of getting DOB & the AJC to pay all the expenses for your anniversary gift to your wife.

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Anders Good points about the broadcasters. Just had to throw in digs against the Mets anyway. Are you shocked by that? You didn’t address McCarver though. I always hated that guy. Don’t get what the big fascination is with him that he has to be the lead color analyst for every big game.

By DonCoburleone

August 14, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

I saw recently that Josh Towers of the Blue Jays passed through waivers. Why not try and trade for him? Isn’t it time the Braves stopped kidding themselves with Lance Cormier and Jo Jo Reyes? I mean how long do we have to hear about Cormier “regaining” his spring training form? Or how Jo Jo is dominating in the minor leagues? THESE GUYS ARE NOT READY TO CONTRIBUTE TO A PENNANT CONTENDING TEAM! Shouldn’t we roll the dice on someone elses #5 starter just to shake things up? Just the switch from the AL to the NL will help him alot IMO. (And for the record, I was CLAMORING for the Braves to get JC Romero from Anaheim when they designated him for assignment earlier this year, and now look what he’s done for Philly)…

By Lee in S. GA

August 14, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this

All of the division races seemingly are going down to the wire this season. Even the mighty Red Sox once considered by many on here the best team in baseball this season are arguably not even the best team in their division any longer despite the fact they lead it by 4 games. All remaining games are very important to say the least but this is not a must sweep series for the Braves against the Giants to remain in contention. Now if the Giants sweep the Braves and the Mets and Phillies sweep their opponents….maybe then it will be time to panic, but folks I just don’t see that happening.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

Braveheart Can I go, please!? I succinct that Vegas stuff, too. Besides, I don’t want SG teaching you how to drink White Russians. You are a big boy, but you ain’t ready for them, yet.

By P-Town Brave

August 14, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this

DOB

Hope your trip to the dentist went well..

Whats the latest on Andruw and the MRI…did he or didn’t he?

I’m thinking we need to go 4-2 over this homestand and then go 7-3 or 8-2 on our next roadie with the Mets playing Pitt, Wash, and a slumping LA in the next two weeks, and the Phills playing w/ the same contests.

12-4 over the next 16 should keep us in contention for sure and we may even get closer to our goal.

By Efrim

August 14, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Okay. I was in meetings, but I guess after reading everyone’s posts, everyone could give two s** if we lose two out of three to the Giants. OK….. So much for this being a big week for the Braves, right DOB? Not like we are facing a man Friday night who has throw 100 consecutive scoreless innings. Why even blog? Whats the point?

DOB

Every series, every trip, you lay down the gauntlet — the Braves HAVE to do this, or HAVE to do that. Then if they don’t do it, and they’re the same place in the standings, you look silly. So why continue to do it when there’s more than FORTY GAMES LEFT?

So why would you write that this was a big week for the Braves? I guess it isn’t. Screw it.

By GeorgetownKid

August 14, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

Jo Jo Reyes is only 22 and he has 2 more option years left. I don’t think it would be a good idea to trade a pitcher like that, especially one who is left-handed, throws in the mid- to upper-90s, and dominates AAA hitters.

Cormier is a different story. He has no more options, so whichever team he plays for next year will have to keep him in the big-leagues. When this fact is combined with the fact that he isn’t very good, I don’t think very many teams will be lining up to trade for Lance.

By Mackey Sasser

August 14, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

DSGB,

Wait till about 3 this afternoon and go to the ticket office at Turner Field. Ask for “best available” and you will likely get something in the low 200’s sections. Those are great seats. Day of game is the way to go (unless the Cubs or Mets are in town) because that’s when the unused employee and player tickets go back on the market. The only thing is, you have to go to Turner Field. Can’t pull that one on Tickmaster.

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

I forgot who gave the evaluation of Teixeira, that he’d been a disappointment based on his .255 average (regardless of his four homers and 11 RBIs in 10 games), but part of your justification was that he’d not come through in the clutch, right?

Yeah, good point: With runners in scoring position, since joining the Braves he’s 6-for-10 with a triple, two homers, 10 RBIs, two walks, two hit-by-pitches, one strikeout, one GIDP, a .667 OBP and a 1.400 slugging percentage.

So, what else you want to rip him for? Since that little point is kinda, well, absurd.

PANTERA, gonna make a note of that Beyond the Bayou. Not too far a ride from my house. Certainly not too far to go for some good cajun food.

By Double Deuce

August 14, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

gg

Re your 8:23 post. Take that post and put it either on a Mets or Phillies blog, change the name to whichever team blog you are on, and it sums up that team also. The point is, that’s such a generic statement that it not only fits the Mutts and the Phillies, you could probably drop it on 80% of teams in MLB. It’s mid August, teams are tired and all at some point struggle with consistency. I’m not disagreeing with your statement, rather pointing out that our competition are all facing the same issues. I still believe the Braves are the team to beat in the NL East because of our lineup, and if we get Edgar back soon we get even better.

By AthensBrave

August 14, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

DSGB,

I imagine it will not be that crowded tonight, so you should be able to get any section you want at the box office….from $5 to $100

If you find the “right” scalper, you can save a little money. Just bring your best negotiating skills and watch out for the police

By IT Department

August 14, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

Paladin, that’s an interesting point. Unfortunately, returning to the top of the page is just how Firefox works. I hadn’t really noticed the difference, but you are correct, sir.

I’m so in the habit of reloading the page and just automatically hitting the “end” key on my keyboard, and then the “PgUp” button, to get back where I started. That sounds cumbersome but becomes routine real quickly.

I’m not aware of any way to adjust this setting (though Firefox is what’s known as “open source” software, and there are a lot of “add ons” that change how it works. But I fear we’re getting way to far ahead of ourselves with that).

It’s worth sticking with, though. FF is much lighter, quicker, and MUCH more secure against hackers and viruses than MIE.

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

NL leaders in OPS are the cuddly Giants LF (1.081), Miguel Cabrera (1.025) and Chipper (1.024).

The NL’s worst? Marcus Giles (.602). Wow, what a fall from grace. Dude was probably the best-hitting 2B in baseball four years ago.

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

NL’s worst home batting averages: 1. Andruw Jones .195, 2. Marcus Giles .201, 3. Austin Kearns .209

By Will

August 14, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Efrim, kind of what i was thinking.

By Shaun

August 14, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

DOB,

I think that’s an excellent point. And contrary to Robert’s beliefs, your points are what makes Bobby Cox one of the best managers in the game, from this humble outsider’s point of view.

He understands that all wins and all losses in baseball are fairly big but not too big. He’s going to try to win every game and he wants his players to put the effort in in every game but he refuses to say one game is bigger (or not as big) as any other.

This is the most challenging mental part about baseball, it seems—trying to win every game you play but not hanging everything on just a few games. Or keeping players motivated to try to win every game but not letting them blow their whole season on one game. Bobby Cox knows how to deal with this paradoxical aspect of the game better than anyone around, it seems. He seems to know exactly, to the penny, how much a win and a loss is in baseball.

By ssiscribe

August 14, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: My wife will tell you, our anniversary present IS the fact I now can take a week off in the first week of October. I covered football for the three days before we got married (preps-college-pro), and both of us went back to work the day after we said “I do.” Trust me, she’s happy enough I can shut it down now no matter what season it is.

And, the baseball playoffs starting that week is a big draw for both of us. Games on all day long, all over town. Sweet indeed! And while I certainly don’t partake in the adult beverages anywhere near like I used to, I’ll enjoy a Scotch or three while in the desert, for sure. So you and Savannah running up and down the Strip, debating rules and tossing back a few while casino-hopping, won’t bother her at all (I’ll join y’all and we can talk about, eh, journalism. Yeah, that’ll work! Instructional league stuff).

And like I told Grinch when the Braves traded for Tex, if the Braves win the World Series, then all the denizens should fly to Vegas for the post-World Series party. We’ll leave when the parade ends.

Gotta jet. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Ron Roberts

August 14, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

A loss matters more now than it did in April/May because there are fewer opportunities to undo the damage when you’re in a pennant race, no matter who you play.

If you fall 1-2-3 games shot of making the playoffs, though, if you’re the Atlanta Braves, you have to look back to…

1. Getting swept at home by Cincinnati

2. All the extra-inning and late games lost when we had the lead going into the 8th or 9th inning

Losing 2 of 3 in Philadelphia’s not a crime; they’re a good team with a fervent fan base and a stadium they’re more used to playing/hitting/pitching in. The 4-run lead in the 1st getting lost the very next half-inning sorta stings, though. The occasional series loss to teams you’re far better than are going to happen, too. Getting swept by last place teams, though, at home, aren’t good.

That being said, it’s hard to judge the Braves on past indiscretions because they’re not the same team since the trde deadline. The current assemblage, you have to point to (again) the close and late games blown. The home loss to the Astros that was in-hand before Soriano got blasted…the middle game of the Mets series last week come to mind.

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Can I go, please!? I succinct that Vegas stuff, too. Besides, I don’t want SG teaching you how to drink White Russians. You are a big boy, but you ain’t ready for them, yet.

Paladin You got me pegged perfectly. I’m a cheap beer man. Get me a case of Bud and there’s nothing more I would want, except for a shot or two or ten of Patron.

By Shaun

August 14, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

The reason DOB would write that it’s a big week is because of the amount of losses they already have and the number of games left.

If you read carefully you’ll see he says something to the affect of it’s not the end of the world if the Braves lose some ground but it’s a big opportunity to gain some.

And no one is saying the Braves can relax this week. They are saying these games are just as important as any other week’s worth of games.

By Lee in S. GA

August 14, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

The NL’s worst? Marcus Giles (.602). Wow, what a fall from grace. Dude was probably the best-hitting 2B in baseball four years ago.

One of the best decisions ever made by the Braves dumping this guy and giving Johnson a chance at 2nd.

By 3trees

August 14, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Holy Cow! Phil Rizzuto died. Back in the late ’80s we lived in Brooklyn and I became (briefly) a Yankees fan. Don’t hate me, it was easy - they stunk. All they had was a hurtin’ Don Mattingly and Dave Winfield. NO pitching. Plus, the stadium is easy to get to and a great place to watch baseball AND CHEAP! Anyway, by then Phil was like an older dotty uncle the way he called the games, but it was always sincere and he could really go on about the “old times” of the city, the players and teams with such passion. I played with a drummer up there who could do the best Scooter imitation (he was about his stature) and he’d do whole monologues on the guy when we’d play catch.

Sorry for the ramblings. Thanks, Scooter!!!

BTW - Good comments on here from last night and today on the state of the Braves. If the team is really a reflection of the blog they inspired, maybe they’ll find their balance as we seem to have. =)

Go Braves!

By Kentavo

August 14, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

If Andruw doesn’t go on DL he needs to sit. Plain and simple. We haven’t won any WS rings with him, we can’t really do any worse without him.

By DAP

August 14, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

paladin i love using firefox, except when im on this blog. it does load faster though. what i do sometimes is before i refresh the page, i click on the “link to this” link next to the blogers names. firefox will then refresh the page at least close to the post you linked to. bad news is, youll have a pile of URLs saved in your address window.

By Carolina Lady

August 14, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Paladin, (1) put the cursor on a blank space on the page.
(2) RIGHT click
(3) this brings up a Menu. Select: Reload every….
(4) Select: Enable
(5) Below that you have a choice of times from which to choose. (6) If you don’t want one of the auto-sets, click on CUSTOM which will bring up a box on which you can set whatever time you want.

When the page auto-refreshes, it will put you right back where you were when it refreshed, or if you leave the page and return later, it will still put you right where you were when you left.

One word of caution: I have learned to RIGHT click and deselect ENABLE when I’m going to write a post. If the page refreshes while you’re still writing, whatever you’ve written is wiped out and you have to start all over again. Several incredibly brilliant posts were lost that way. Deselecting Enable only takes a second, as is reselecting it.

By DonCoburleone

August 14, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

You got that right about LA P-Town. I have basically written them out of playoff contention. They are not as good as the Padres, D-Backs, Mets, Braves, Phillies, Cubs, Brewers or even the Rockies… They’ve got Brad Penny and ???? for their starting rotation. Their bullpen is basically Broxton and Saito (and Beimel’s okay). But then you look at their offense, YUCK! Their 2 best hitters outside of Russell Martin could very well be rookies (Kemp & Loney), while everyone else is either way over the hill (Luis Gonzalez, Jeff Kent, Nomar Garciaparra), underperforming (Furcal) or just not that good to begin with (Pierre & Ethier). YOU HEARD IT FROM ME FIRST - THE DODGERS ARE A NON FACTOR THE REST OF THE WAY.

By Wayne in Utah

August 14, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

Efrim: Don’t get so dramatic man. The Giants series IS important, but what DOB and others are saying is that until we are mathematically eliminated, it is foolish to say a series is do or die. It ain’t over till the fat lady sings.

Too many times in my 40 years of following sports, teams have been written off early only to return and emabarras those (me on ocassion!) who had written them off. Braves have done this to me several times.

Will they pull out the division if they don’t win 2 or 3 from the Giants, and 4-5 over the next 6? They definitely decrease their chances, but like DOB has stated many times: the eastern division stinks this year. It’s anybody’s division.

By 59bulldawg

August 14, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

DOB, you know … I really like Andruw … think he’s a great centerfielder when he’s healthy … but there’s no doubt he’s hurting the team with his lack of hitting at the moment. Although his effort to keep playing while hurt is admirable, he’s not been able to get the job done … and while he’s done a lot for the team over the years, no game is more about “what have you done for me lately” than the game of baseball. Willie needs to start … at least until Andruw can find his swing again … and Bobby needs to just make the decision … if that’s possible.

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

And Paladin you can only come with us only if you are willing to fly us all out there. Maybe we’ll even bring Carolina Lady to be the stewardess.

And DOB Was I and many others dead wrong about Marcus Giles or what? Imagine if he had been the everyday second baseman this year? He and Andruw would have created two black holes in the lineup dragging the team down. All I can say is thank goodness for Yuni and Kelly and Glenn Hubbard for working with Kelly. Cox and the Homeboy Upstairs look like geniuses with that foresight. (just as Shaun predicted).

By flange1

August 14, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for making me remember the Joe Strummer album. I love that album and the last George Harrison album as much as any of their solo stuff, but each time I listen , Ijust get sad…. I haven’t listened to either in awhile, I think maybe now is the time!

I read where everyone is so up on getting someone else’s #5 or 6 starter. I would love to see us stick with Cormier and really see what he has got! He looked so good this spring, if he can get close to that place again the Braves are in good shape.

I still think with the new additions to the team it will take awhile for new roles to be set and for everyone to get comfortable with their new teammates and their new roles.

I think an 8 game win strak is going to start TONIGHT!

By ncscoots

August 14, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this

Fellas, you’re killing me with succinctness :-). Suffice it to say that you three guys post quality content in any length, and I’ll fight any blackguard who says nay. Hope that clears up my feelings on the matter, LOL.

Far as I’m concerned, you guys are downright pivotal!

By Carolina Lady

August 14, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Now isn’t this a GREAT blog?? Everyone enjoying the companionship and talk of baseball, good food, music, good humor, wit, etc?? Nobody’s fighting, name-calling, cursing or behaving like a spoiled brat. Congratulations to all! :-)))

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 14, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

DOB, I don’t necessarily want to put you in an awkward position. But, isn’t a coincidence how Giles production went steadily down after the steroid testing policy went into effect. I was one on here who always scoffed at the accusations but I have to admit the numbers don’t lie. He is only 29 years old. It is a bit unusual for 28 or 29 year olds to tank all of a sudden.

By Wayne in Utah

August 14, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Lee in S GA Can you say “Steroids Testing!”

By RedEyedAndBlue

August 14, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

What color’s the new toothbrush, DOB?

I think one of your five “big questions” prior to the season was whether KJ would make fans forget Marcus Giles. Ummm, yep.

By 59bulldawg

August 14, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

3trees, no apologies necessary! Scooter was a great one. I’ll miss him too!

By Chuck James is solid until the 6th!! (Formerly Steve-O)

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

Put Andruw on the 15-Day DL NOW. Let him heal his elbow that he SAID HIMSELF “I CANT SWING.” What more does he have to say?? Put Willie in for the next 13 games, DL ‘Druw. Please. It’s getting more painfull by the day watching him strike out and ground out to the pitcher…Sickening.

By IT Department

August 14, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady and DAP, great suggestions.

Carolina Lady, I think you must have some kind of add-on or extension loaded; I don’t have the Reload Every… option. However, if I right-click, and use the regular Reload option in the popup menu, it DOES bring me back to my starting point. Cool! Paladin, give it a try!

By Carolina Lady

August 14, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, if I ain’t in the left seat, I ain’t agoin’! :-)))

Off on an errand. Have a great afternoon, everyone!

By Shaun

August 14, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

You point to those games, I’ll point to losing 7 to the Marlins, or 6 to the Phillies or 5 to the Nationals. Every game is 1/162 of the season.

I’m sure there are games they won that they shouldn’t have won.

How about winning two extra-inning games on the road to start the season? How about going 5-2 against a Padres team that could be the best in the NL? Or going 8-4 against the Mets? Or 2-1 against probably a better Cleveland team? Or any fairly significant comeback win?

See, it works both ways. Perspective, taking the season as a whole, is important.

By Wayne in Utah

August 14, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

CL Except some of the “guys” want you to be the stewardess!! I thought that word was banned from the English language.

I thought I would be killed a few years ago when I accidentally called a flight attendant a stewardess!

:-)

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this

Fellas, you’re killing me with succinctness :-). Suffice it to say that you three guys post quality content in any length, and I’ll fight any blackguard who says nay. Hope that clears up my feelings on the matter, LOL. Far as I’m concerned, you guys are downright pivotal!

Oh, look at Scoots now! He hears a trip to Vegas, ahem Arizona, is in the offering and all of a sudden he sees us as diamonds in the rough he can work with if he is allowed to make the trip.

By Bill Gates

August 14, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Braveheart Took a meeting outdoors for awhile - spectacular day in NYC today. Anyway on Mccarver - he cut his broadcast teeth with the Mets in the 80’s. He was a fresh face with a different schtick so I enjoyed him. He nrought a country edge to the big apple so all his sayings and what not were kind of new to us. Overall I thought he was real good with the Mets. The Mets really screwed him because he wouldn’t tow the company line on the air and he left for the Yanks. Then like most of them do he went National and became a caricature of himself. I think that’s what we see today which isn’t too appealing. It happens to the best of them. See John Madden.

By Thrillhouse44

August 14, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Yo, when is this trip to Vegas? I have the worst luck in the world, so the best seats at the table are to the left or the right of me.

I always liked Giles’ grit and wish him the best, but JS definitely made the right move there. He’s the master of getting more for less. It’s like it’s always happy hour for that guy.

By TennesseePaul

August 14, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

Dry Heat… you mean like an oven?
I’d rather be in a dry heat than in the humidity.*
You know, Hell is a dry heat, why don’t you go there.

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

if I ain’t in the left seat, I ain’t agoin’! :-)))

Ain’t that just like a woman, if she ain’t in the window seat, she ain’t coming. So predictable, Carolina Lady. So predictable.

Okay, one of these days she is gonna kill me like she tried to do to the ugly green sock and then bury me like she did to the horse Paladin punched to death.

Alright, gotta go. Enough of my shamrocks & shenanigans.

By GeorgetownKid

August 14, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand those who opine that the Braves are “not as good” as the other top teams in the NL.

I am a firm believer in Bill Parcell’s old saying that “you are as good as your record says you are.”

The Mets, Phillies, Braves, Brewers, Cubs, Padres, Dodgers, D-backs and Rockies all have very comparable records. If any one of these teams gets hot for a 3-week stretch, they could all but clinch a playoff spot. Conversely, were any of these teams to go into a tailspin for 2 weeks, they could all but take themselves out of contention.

The Braves are right in the thick of things, as are the rest of the aforementioned teams. If the Braves play .500 ball the rest of the way, they will remain in the hunt but will fall short. The same can be said for the rest of these teams.

I see no reason, however, why the Braves are not capable of a hot streak. Indeed, their lineup makes them more capable of such a streak than the other teams.

In summary, a good argument could be made for why any of the aforementioned teams will or won’t make the playoffs. But to say that any of these teams, especially the Braves, have “no shot” is a factually indefensible statement.

By AZBravoFan

August 14, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

While it’s frustrating to see the Braves let opportunity after opportunity get away to make up ground on the Mets and Phis, the bottom line is, as DOB keeps pointing out, they are only 3 1/2 back in the division and 1 1/2 for the wildcard. If this were a bike race you could say they are drafting. I still think this team has a run in them. They just need to continue to stay close until it happens. That means winning series, winning when the Mets win, and taking at least 2/3 each time they play the Mets. I think this is a much better position to be in than the Red Sox right now. Can you imagine the angst and vitriol we’d see on this blog, if the Braves had coughed up a 14 game lead and the Mets or Phils were charging and the noose was tightening? Yikes!

By AthensBrave

August 14, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

actually Carolina,

I prefer a hostile blog

By Colin

August 14, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

We have to remember something…we have Smoltz and Huddy…Tell me who the Muts have or Phillies have that can match them 2 in a head to head….Our O will dominate the pitching of the teams we face the next few weeks….

By DonCoburleone

August 14, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

I have to admit watching Andruw this year has been downright painful. I just cringe thinking about him being up with runners on base in an important situation (see game 2 of the Mets series). It almost seems like even if he tried to do worse he couldn’t. I mean, if theres one out and runners on then you know hes gonna hit into the DP, and if there is 2 outs and runners on you just know he ain’t putting the ball in play (to at least give himself a chance). I love the guy and I love his defense, but I really believe offensively he has hurt this team more than he has helped… Andruw Jones is to our offense what the #5 spot is to our rotation!

By Anders

August 14, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Braveheart The Bill Gates blog above is mine. I used that as a joke to Paladin earlier.

By Ron Roberts

August 14, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I’m curious as to what games have the Braves won that they shouldn’t have? The June 9th game against the Cubs is about the only one that comes to mind.

And besting the Padres doesn’t look like such a fine indicator since we’re only 1.5 games behind them and probably well ahead of them in the wild card standings when it’s all said and done. They have pitching and a paltry offense. We have a little pitching and a terrific offense.

Extra inning games can, by nature, go either way. But when you lose an extra-inning game that you had the lead in late, you have to view that game as a lost opportunity more than if you’d made a comeback to take it to extra innings.

By ncscoots

August 14, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

AZBravoFan’s excellent usage of “angst” makes it now official: the original use of the word, and the original poster using it, will now be forever shrouded in mystery. The word is now blog-domained. jjs may be able to investigate further, but I fear the task to be a windmill. So be it, and hurrah says I.

Also, a Tippicanoe to GeorgetownKid for “factually indefensible”. Boo-yah! God love a man who wields the sharp blade of language.

By Shaun

August 14, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

I was way off on Marcus Giles, I must admit. But I also did say everyone would fall in love with Kelly Johnson as the Braves second baseman and lead-off hitter by the time a month-and-a-half of the season was up.

To think, there were folks who thought a certain player now in New York would solve the Braves lead-off/second base “problem.”

By DonCoburleone

August 14, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

AZBravoFan good points in your 2:24 post. One thing I totally agree with is that I too believe the Braves have a run in them. How could they not have a run in them? The offense is good enough to go on one of those 8-10 game outbursts where we score 8-10 runs a game. When that happens, I say we either catch the Mets or pass them for good…

By geauxbraves2000

August 14, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Sweep.

Geaux Braves!!

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Anders, you made a rookie blogger mistake with the forgetting about the ole moniker switcheraroo. We all do make that mistake at times. But the Bill Gates things were a funny way to taunt Paladin. As for McCarver, you’re right. Perfect analysis. I always hated the guy though because my dad always hated him and anything related to the Mets. If you think Lew has passionate Met hatred, just be glad my father does not blog.

By Nurse Patty

August 14, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

DOB, did I give you the right teeth, sweetie? We were also working on a horse when you came in this morning …

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Agreed, Georgetown Kid. Except that the Dodgers are just flat-out reeling. But you’re right _ any of those teams gets hot for an extended run, the wild card is there for the taking (unless that team wins its division, of course).

If I were you, I wouldn’t worry too much about trying to argue your point. Of course it’s correct, don’t let the “We’re doomed” folks get you frustrated. Just the nature of the beast.

If the Braves go 5-1 on this homestand, the same folks will tell you they beat up on terrible opponents and SHOULD have gone 5-1, but that the real test is to come and blah blah blah.

By Anders

August 14, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Georgetown Kid Have you ever heard the other Bill Parcells saying? “Never use the word aforementioned twice in one sports blog. You confuse your audience.”

By Lee in S. GA

August 14, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

DonC

A.J. absolutely sickens me also. As mention earlier in the morning blog (cannot remember who) A.J. and his share of hits have come far and few between lately……for that matter most of the season. A 225 average would even be impressive now. Any team that signs him to a long term contract is really taking a chance. Cox is probably one of the few managers in baseball that would have kept him in the clean-up spot most of the year and the sad thing about it, if Tex had not became a Brave, A.J. would still be hitting clean-up.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 14, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

-from jimmy smith’s blackberry-

over! finished! too bad! all was going well for jimmy smith in american idol tryouts until jimmy smith was asked to sing “impossible dream”.

jimmy smith proceeded to sing like a song bird and all in attendance were captivated by the melodic sounds of jimmy smith … “to dream the impossible dream … .”

then, jimmy smith got to these lyrics:

and jimmy smith knows if jimmy smith’ll only be true

to this glorious quest

that jimmy smith’s heart will lie peaceful and calm

when jimmy smith’s laid to jimmy smith’s rest

and the world will be better for this

that jimmy smith, scorned and covered with scars

still strove with jimmy smith’s last ounce of courage

to reach the un-reach-able star !!

no third person singers indeed!

jimmy smith did not wish to be american idol anyway.

and doc, jimmy smith is a very handsome man. once a pip.

By DonCoburleone

August 14, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

And I just looked this up out of curiosity (and I’m sure it’s been pointed out already) the Braves are 6-5 with mark Teixera in the lineup… If I extrapolate that out for the rest of the season (44 games remaining for Atlanta) that gives us a 24-20 mark the rest of the way and an 86-76 record at the end of the season… Does 86 wins get us into the playoffs???

By Ron Roberts

August 14, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

I think 4-2 is the more realistic scenario on this homestand, but a 5-1 ‘stand sure would be nice, and very do-able. That being said, I don’t think the Mets and Phillies’ roadtrips to Washington and Pittsburgh is all that scary, either. So to make up ground on ‘em, I think the Braves may have to go 5-1 to grab a game (or two).

But that’s what’s so neat about baseball. The lowly Marlins took 2 of 3 in Shea so anything’s possible, right?

By Efrim

August 14, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

If the Braves go 5-1 on this homestand, the same folks will tell you they beat up on terrible opponents and SHOULD have gone 5-1, but that the real test is to come and blah blah blah.

No. No that couldn’t be more wrong. No real test. Keep winning series and the negative bloggers will shut the f*** up. I’ve been more optimistic lately because the Braves are winning series, Philly aside, I have no problem with them losing that series, very tough to win with the back end in that ballpark.

By DonCoburleone

August 14, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

“The Phillies are 14-7 since July 20, the best record in the division. New York and Atlanta are both 11-10 over that span.”

There are many reasons other than just this stat but, am I the only one who is more worried about the Phillies than the Mutts???

By Pantera

August 14, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Definitely give Beyond the Bayou a shot…if you go on Thursday-Sunday don’t bother with the menu…whatever they have on special is always good

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

I don’t know if you misread what I was saying. I remember in spring training that you were the one telling me and many other skeptical ones that KJ would be really good at second/leadoff.

Looks like you were probably more right about that than you even thought you were going to be. Did not realize you were in the keep Giles camp last winter. I was kind of new on the blog at the time, so not yet aware of who was who and who said what. But I do remember you telling me in ST about how good Kelly Johnson was going to be. So I just assumed you thought not paying Giles that $$$ was a good idea.

If the player you are referring to is Wilson Betemit, I have never been one to think that he should be a starting player. But I don’t think the Braves should have gotten rid of him because I think he is a very valuable bench guy/fill in starter type that you need on a contender. I think that’s why the Yankees who needed bullpen help traded one of their better relievers for him.

But I also understand all the arguments you have made in that Aybar was similar and better with OBP, Baez could have been good for the last two months, Aybar was cheaper and younger and not as close to arb eligible years, and the Braves got an extra draft pick for trading Aybar.

By Nurse Patty

August 14, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Yes, I’m afraid there’s been a mistake. These teeth are much too big for this horse!

DOB, will you please bring the teeth back? We’ve gotta do some swapping. Patty

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Shaun, meant to say an extra pick for Baez being signed away.

Alright, gotta go, annoy you fine folks later.

By Shaun

August 14, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

I’m sure there are a few that you can just as reasonably argue the Braves should have lost but didn’t as they should have won but didn’t.

You seriously are going to argue that there are games they should have won but let get away but there were none that they should have lost but somehow won?

By ssiscribe

August 14, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Oh, look at Scoots now! He hears a trip to Vegas, ahem Arizona, is in the offering and all of a sudden he sees us as diamonds in the rough he can work with if he is allowed to make the trip.

Braveheart, shhhhh! You’ll blow the cover, dude.

And I see Scoots now is in on the “Arizona Fall League Scribin’ Seminar” we’re planning for the first week of October. Vegas? Nah, you guys aren’t going to Vegas. Just myself and my best girl heading to that oasis in the Nevada desert, with a side trip to Arizona to teach Scribing 101 to some of the good denizens of the Braves/MIB.

The REAL trip comes as October closes: The finest representatives of O’B’s Blogosphere, adorned in World Series Champs T-shirts, descend on Vegas for a party the likes Sin City never has seen. Call it Invasion of the Tomahawk Choppers and World Champions (sounds like a bad ‘B’ movie from the ’50s, eh?).

Of course, for that to happen, the Braves gotta win the World Series first (and about 10 of us need to win the lottery, or hit Chipper up for some cash). No better place to kick the October push into high gear than tonight at Turner Field against Barry and the G-Men.

Duty calls. The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Shaun

August 14, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

Oh, to answer your question: By your definition the Braves shouldn’t have the record they do against the Mets, they shouldn’t have gone 2-1 against a better Cleveland team and they shouldn’t be 5-2 against a San Diego team that is just as good if not better than them. This is all just by at least one of your definitions of games they should have won or lost—games against more talented or equally as talented opponents.

See, you pointed out losing to the Reds as games they should have won. So I’m pointing out the games they won against teams probably better or just as good as them, in case you needed me to expound.

By Shaun

August 14, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

Yeah. I thought Johnson would be solid at the very least. But I also thought Giles would be in the top half of all second basemen in terms of production. That’s why I was referring to.

I think I was in the keep Giles camp before I knew Johnson could play second base or would be given a shot. I thought he would at least offer close to enough production to what he was getting paid.

By AuburnBrave

August 14, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Saw on MLBTradRumors.com that Jose Contreras has cleared waivers, we didn’t get Beuhrle, nor Garland, any chance we’ll try to snag the latest ChiSox pitcher on the trading block?

By TampaBrave

August 14, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

DOB

With everyone using Firefox, your blog activity will increase more quickly. You will need to work overtime to satisfy all of our voracious appetites for blogging. Paladin and Braveheart are nearing a carpal tunnel meltdown. Shaun is calculating statistical ANALysis like the WOPR in WarGames. Perhaps this flurry of increased activity justifies a big rai$e for you? CHA CHING!!

Good Luck!!!

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

The REAL trip comes as October closes: The finest representatives of O’B’s Blogosphere, adorned in World Series Champs T-shirts, descend on Vegas for a party the likes Sin City never has seen.

Even more debauchery & treachery than the NBA All-Star game in Vegas last year? Let’s just hope the Pacman ain’t a denizen. If Jimmy’s posse & Pacman’s posse meet up in a strip club, Have Gun, Will Travel & Bullit Bob might be a little too trigger happy for the rest of us. But I would love that scene in a strip club of Bullit & Pacman sitting down together and Bullit preaching to Pacman the error of his ways. I dare say that’s when the shooting just might start and Pacman would find another year tacked onto his suspension.

By Mo in the boonies

August 14, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see the braves management have a Hank Aaron shirt give-away one night of this series. :>)

Robert(JITB) I saw that comment on ESPN this morning, the guy also said that the Yankees didn’t have a chance of winning their division, but the Braves do! I’d like to be able to believe that… but it is ESPN after all.

Don’t know why everyone is so sure that the Braves are going to sweep the Giants this time. Remember those old men showed the Braves they still have plenty of fight in them in San. Fran.

Chrisklob not too shabby for a couple hours fishing. And part of the fun of fishing is enjoying the atmosphere.

Sure hope the game tonight is on TBS or some other station I can get…and hope Cox doesn’t pull any dumb stunts.

By TampaBrave

August 14, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

6-0 this week. You heard it here 1st.

Cormier will conquer Webb when offense goes on the attack with gappers and chalk flying everywhere.

By chad

August 14, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

DOB, anything new on Renteria? How is he progressing? Any comments from the Braves about sitting Andruw for a couple of days?

You would have to think that they’ve at least thought about trying to get Harris and Diaz both into the lineup more. I dont understand how Druw can continue to play while you sit one of your other OF’s while their hitting over .330. I also dont understand that when another player on the team is hurting they make sure to get them some rest, but they dont with Druw. No matter where he’s put in the lineup he’s not producing and it seems as if he always comes up in crucial situations. Thoughts?

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Paladin returns from the depths of cybo-purgatory. I didn’t crash, but I sure had a wheels-up landing. So, being the old farth I am, I took a nap. Behold, time heals all wounds and cranky computers.

Thanks to all of you, and particularly the most esteemed lady, for your tips. I am, as we speak, putting them into practice.

Braveheart I think we might be better off with CL in the left seat. These days, I fly like I drive. Get in, sit down, shut up and hang on!

By Baron

August 14, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

I think the problem with benching or DL’ing Andruw is the hole it leaves in the defense. The Braves are already a poor defensive team- Shaun, I eagerly await your statistical dis-proval of that statement- and other than Andruw, their weakness is up the middle. I’ve heard somewhere that’s real important. By way of backing that up, I’ll rely on my eyeball observations of this season.

Whatever else you want to say about Kelly, don’t deny that his range going toward second is BAD. Edgar is steady as a rock but also lacks range. And McCann has been inexplicable this season. He’s failed to block, missed pitches completely, and continued to get beaten on steal attempts.

If you pull out Andruw you’ve got weak armed Willie in center or Frenchy out of position there, Magellan playing full time, average to below average middle infielders (and two rookies with Escobar and Johnson) and a struggling McCann. And I’m surprised at the errors and mis-plays Teixiera has committed so far. Granted, small sample size, and he has made some GREAT plays- I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.

I think Bobby looks at his lineup and says, well, we’re basically third in hitting with Andruw badly under performing all season. And now we’ve added a true power piece in Teixiera- probably giving us the best lineup in the NL. So if our weakness is fielding, why would we make that bad situation worse to marginally improve the best part of our game?

I’m assuming here that the elbow can conceivably improve without a trip the DL. If not, or if it could get worse, all the arguments go out the window.

By Bay Area Steve

August 14, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

To the Denizens:

Would someone be so kind as to enlighten me as to how JS came to be known as “The Homeboy Upstairs.”

I’ve been reading the blog since the beginning of spring training, and see it mentioned repeatedly. But, as an out-of-area Braves fan for 25 years, I’ve never heard the moniker before. I even understand that JS himself recently acknowledged he was called that in an interview.

So please, a brief history is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Steve.

By Anders

August 14, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Shaun Expound probably in the minority, but I never heard the word before. Looked it up - To present a detailed argument, to explain at length. Excellent choice! Who says we can’t grow brain cells while blogging each other senselessly?

By Lee in S. GA

August 14, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

I think Wayne In UT possibly hit it on the nail with “steroid testing” relating to Giles. You want to give any player a benefit of a doubt until testing positive but it does make one wonder. His brother Brian’s homer production also declined faster than A.J. avererage also. I credit that to the San Diego’s ball park mainly.

By Efrim

August 14, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

TampaBrave

6-0 this week. You heard it here 1st.

People on this blog will be crowning the Braves World Series Champs if that happens. 68-56??? It would be great, but I just can’t imagine beating Brandon Webb Friday night. Unless Buddy throws 8 inning of shut out ball. I guess it’s possible.

By geauxbraves2000

August 14, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

How about making a statement this homestand. 6-0. Nothing less.

The next road trip has the Reds (swept Braves at Turner), the Cardinals (playing better as of late) and the Marlins (seems to always own the Braves), then back home to face the Mets.

This homestand, right now, show the rest of the league who is the beast in the east.

Geaux Braves!!

By Braveheart

August 14, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Tampa Brave, thanks, I’m passing the baton to you now, you can take over from here.

Show us again how to say ten different times in ten different ways in ten different posts within the span of an hour how much the Braves suck.

Then magically sprinkle in another five posts within that same hour personally attacking another blogger but claim yourself as a counter puncher.

I know you can do it. You always do!

Spread the love, ahem, I mean the hatred!

:o>

Good luck!!!

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

TampaBrave I can’t speak for nephew Braveheart but my carpal is alive and well. Now for tunnel(s).

Do y’all hear those “noises” in your machine? Those are SJA’s “tunnel rats” searching for the right IP. And when he finds it he is going to check your oil with a size 17EEE boot. In that case, you better hope you are at least a quart low.

By George

August 14, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

With his mental/physical “I can’t hit the ball phase Andruw has been in all year. why is he still playing when he himself knows he is hurt. I know, I know…..He wants to HELP the team. Well let him help the team by sitting down. We have quality people to handle that position. OK Bobby stay loyal *to the rest of the team.. sit Andru out for one series, so he can really help the team

By bruce

August 14, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Dave: Hope your dental appointment was at least not painful and hopefully uneventful.

Looking over our pitching for the next few days, I believe the Mets and Phillies series have substantially changed my perspective… For the first time all year, I don’t feel an “uh-oh” anymore or a concern about a recent injury. Sure any of them can have a tough outing, but they all seem reasonable healthy. I feel like all five are capable of doing well and taking us into winning or winable position for the bullpen every night. And with Yates seeming having his ship righted in Philly and Moylan being so consistent, I am feeling really good about the pen and with Dotel coming back hopefully ok and Edgar in a week or so (right?)… we should be able to run smooth for a while which will be really nice…. so I am very optimistic about your headline for this blog and looking forward to a very good week.

Not discounting how much I enjoyed being at the games in New York and Philly… they were very exciting to watch and fun to be in the opposition crowd cheering… I particularly enjoyed responding to Mets yelling Larry after Chipper would come through with a hit or home run. (have enjoyed that alot in DC too.)

This Philly trip seemed much better Philly-fan-wise than all of my trips last year… last year the cursing of Bobby Abreu just before he was traded was awful… Last year they posted an 800 number before the game to call if someone was abusive or out of line… this year they say contact any usher… I believe that may be the difference… they are doing a better job of curtailing the really nasty comments, I did not hear any on this Philly trip, which is amazing to me.

Anyway… this should be a good week for us. Thanks too, again, for keeping it fun to follow…. I have to admit, I have greatly cut back on how much of the non-DOB comments I read… some of the regulars who keep it up and up I really enjoy… the bickering back and forth though has gotten too much to tolerate, so I just pick a few participants to read, especially when you comment on their posts… I really appreciate that. You’re the man…. next trip in Philly, the crabfries are on me, if you will allow it, and I’ll bring’em to you. Thanks, Bruce

By Shaun

August 14, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Baron,

Well, there are eight teams in baseball worse than the Braves at turning batted balls into outs.

Yeah, I think defense and the fact that they still have a glimmer of hope that Andruw will turn into the real Andruw offensively for the last month and a half of the season. No one they can replace him with is probably going to provide all that much of an upgrade when you take everything into account—offense and defense.

By TampaBrave

August 14, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

If you can’t imagine it, you CAN’T do it.

Has Webb lost a game this year?

By FLBRAVESFAN

August 14, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Baseball lost an icon today - wonder if Scooter’s passing will again stir the pot as to who’s in the HOF who shouldn’t be etc.

The Scooter was an icon but a very marginal HOF member as are Mazeroski and a few others. And Maris and Murphy continue to be on the outside looking in.

There has to be a better system for electing these folks - particularly when they were dominant in their eras as were Maris and Murph as their pair of MVP’s attest.

Having guys voting on people like Murph who played when they were in nursery school is part of the problem as is the cronyism that led to some unqualified guys entering Cooperstown via the Veteran’s Committee. Wish I or somebody had the answer.

By Tonight on TBS

August 14, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

After the game…

Interview with the Vampire (1994)

An AJC journalist approaches an eerie man and asks for an interview. The man says that he is a vampire and shows, as proof, his unusually large skull and feet. He says that his name is Barry and long ago he was bitten by Balco, a vampire, and was turned into a vampire himself. He soon found himself possessing supernatural abilities and longevity, but he was not happy because no one loved him. (Horror).

By Tad

August 14, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Bay Area Steve

John Smoltz referred to JS as “The Homeboy Upstairs” during his contract extension talk last season.

“I wonder why it hasn’t [been picked up yet],” Smoltz said of his option. “I know what the pat answer is: That’s how we do business around here. But even if it’s going to ruffle some feathers me saying something — you know what? I just don’t understand it. You’ve never heard me be bitter about something, other than bitter that we lose another chance at a World Series. But when people ask me questions, I have to be honest and say I can’t talk about next year because I don’t know what next year is going to [bring].

“I’ve come back from so much, I’ve worked so hard that I’m not going to concern myself with being the prisoner of an environment. I’ve been here 19 years, so the overwhelming feeling is, ‘They’ll never get rid of you.’ But after every single year, I’ve had to work 10 times harder just to work this out.

“All I know is, after these last two years and with my desire to work out, I’ve got two or three more years, easy. I used to always be of the mind-set that, ‘If it’s not here, it won’t be anywhere else.’ But that’s not the case any more. I’ll pitch somewhere else.”

The Braves need significant fixes if they’re going to become a playoff team again. But when Smoltz was asked what areas he would try to improve if he was general manager, he smiled.

“Every time I answer that, homeboy upstairs criticizes me,” he said, a reference to Schuerholz.

By Bob, Journalist

August 14, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Wayne, I can understand that you don’t just send a guy like AJ to the bench, only to play as a defensive replacement … since you understand it, please explain it to me.

I wasn’t aware that Andruw played golf yesterday … has anyone ever tried to play golf with ailing elbows, especially with a disconnected swing?

By DAP

August 14, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

i dont know about beating brandon webb on friday, but the braves WILL end his consecutive scorless innings streak! im looking forward to this week.

By d-rock in Scotland

August 14, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Bay Area Steve:

I believe I heard JS call Teixeira “homeboy” when he was on the broadcast the night Tex got to Atlanta, while discussing the trades made at the deadline. Both are from Baltimore.

Let’s hope Smoltzie can reset the ‘pen tonight.

By monty

August 14, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

THE Braves as of yet lack that killer instinct. THey are as talented as any other team I have seen them play this year, with the exception of the American League teams they have played, Boston and Detroit, but as we speak who would have forseen Detroit’s demise back when they were blanking the Braves. THat just shows you how at any given time a team that looked unbeatable can get in a funk. THe Braves have the talent, but they seem to squander too many close ones. THey still need to get that chip on their shoulder attitude. Right now they just look like a bunch of young guys with a carefree atttitude. If they win fine if they don’t there is always tomorrow.

By Ron Roberts

August 14, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I cited the 1 game I think the Braves probably shouldn’t have won but did.

And I didn’t say the Braves shouldn’t have lost games to lesser teams. They should not, however have been swept by a Cincinatti Reds team that’s battling the Pirates for last place, man. Do not try to twist my words, man. Won’t work.

Any team that’s capable of beating up on the Mets the way they have should win at least one home game out of three against the Reds.

By the way, we’ve won all of three games less than Cleveland, so that’s a bit too close, I’d say, to be calling them a superior opponent.

My point is, if this team falls a game (or a few) short of making the postseason, the games that folks will look at will be the five (of seven) extra innings losses that the Braves gave up late leads, and a series sweep at the hands of the lowly Reds (one of which was an aforementioned extra-inning loss).

You can’t fault a quality team for losing games and/or series to other quality teams; you can - I think - say a quality team getting swept at home by a last place team is something that shouldn’t happen. And if Atlanta falls short by a game or two, that, to me, will be the series I look back to first, followed by the extra-innings games lost that we had in-hand late.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Your Honor, I object. Counsel for the Offensive(tampaBrave)has made the same objections repeatedly, and just as repeatedly they have been over-ruled. And, he has made some “objectionable” comments to opposing counsel out of hearing of the bench. I respectfully request that he be censured and/or found in contempt. He has? Thank you, your Honor.

Tampabrave Report to the jail for a few days of cooling off; or in your case, warming up.

By AthensBrave

August 14, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Pedro struggles again giving up 3 runs in 4 innings in class A

By Double Deuce

August 14, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Don C

I posted the same observation last week. The Phillies pose more of a threat to the Braves than the Mutts. Whether it’s matchups, attitude, team speed I’m not sure. But I do know they concern me more than NY.

By X- Factor

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

Whats up with Andruw, is there any info on his MRI? I like the guy but if he is not up to par then he should sit, and another un-injured player should play in his place. We are looking a play off spot here. !! Come on Coach?

By Either Orr

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

I understand DOB’s logic on some of what he was writing to start this blog. But virtually every valid point he made, could be argued to the exact opposite conclusion.

Braves sent a message to the Mets. Yep and Philly has sent a message to the Braves the last couple of series as well. So who is up on this one?

Braves should handle the Giants and Arizona. Both games are at Turner field and Arizona is due for a correction.

Someone remember to tell Brandon Webb Friday night that he’s due for a correction.

Braves find ways to lose to the Giants, the Reds, and other inferior teams…have all year long. The difference between the Braves and Mets are that the Mets generally wear out inferior teams and the Braves don’t. Arizona ate the Braves’ lunch last year and have won 2 of 3 this year. AND….they are playing at Turner field where the Braves have NO home field advantage. Maybe there will be no correction. Maybe the D backs are handling the Braves….end of story.

Meanwhile. the Mets are playing the Pirates this week and the Phillies are playing Washington. I keep waiting for the Phillies to falter, but they’re winning without half their starting position players it seems! So are they gonna get worse when Utley and Victorino get back? Don’t think so. And I really am not looking for the Pirates to strike fear in the hearts of the Mets.

DOB made valid points and it could go just as he said it might. But it could go just as I say it might as well.

The NL East is nothing but a crapshoot this year. Gonna be interesting until the end.

By Lew

August 14, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Ten Paul-I don’t know about dry heat vs. humidity. I do know that central Vermont today is 72 with clear skies, and no humidity. It’s going down to 50 tonight and by the weekend it will be highs in the 60’s and lows in the lower 40’s. Remind me how beautiful I said it was when I try to fly to Orlando in February for Spring Training-and get hit with a 34” snowfall.

By Ron Roberts

August 14, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

FYI, station I work for…we’re hosting a sneak peek of the movie SuperBad tonight, so I’ll give a review for those who’ll want it. Looks H I L A R I O U S.

By Bob, Journalist

August 14, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Anders, limited word recognition and/or familiarity places you in the majority rather than the minority … it’s the looking up of the definitions and/or appropriate usage when you’re unsure that places you in the minority.

Still waters run deep but you can rest assured that a majority of those who use words with which you’re unfamiliar have the same difficulty … yours is but a misdemeanor, theirs is the felony.

By Anders

August 14, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Either Orr If you’re going to start talking all logical be warned, you’ll be shown the door or worse yet -Banned!

By Bay Area Steve

August 14, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

TAD and d-rock,

Thanks. Exactly what I was looking for. I think it’s awesome that Smoltz seems to have coined the phrase. And it may be even better that perhaps the best GM in the game, the guy in the Brooks Brothers and suspenders, not only acknowledges, but seemingly embraces the term. And then as soon as Tex arrives, he’s using it.

Great stuff. Thanks again fellas.

By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 14, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

You want to know what is wrong with our organization ? John Maine , John Lester , Josh Beckett , Philip Hughes , Brandon Webb , Chris Young and Jake Peavy etc. etc. etc. were all draftable by the Braves. We traded Adam Wainwright and Jason Marquis to rent J.D.Drew for one season. My beef with Schuerholz is this , he drafts the best athlete , not the best pitcher. So many other organizations are emphasizing pitching , particularly starting pitching as the number 1# priority at draft time. The Braves don’t generally do that on a yearly basis and it has come back to bite them in the butt. The last great young potential starting pitcher we drafted was Wainwright(2000) , before that……Jason Marquis(1996) , Kevin Millwood (1993) and Steve Avery (1988). it’s no coincidence that we have not been to the World Series since 1999.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Gettin’ close to quiting ain’t it? You can hear the computers being turned off as some of our most prolific bloggers straighten their desks and get ready for the “Great Race” to the parking lot. See y’all tomorrow.

By Nurse Patty

August 14, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien, I need those teeth back now! The horse does not want beat writer teeth. Are you on your way here now?

By Lew

August 14, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Anders-Banned? If it were really the case that people were indiscriminately banned for holding opposing points of view, Dude, you wouldn’t be here right now making a not very valid point, now would you? I’ve been on this blog for over two years and the only ones ever banned made obscene nuisances of themselves-using language and personal insults that are hardly to be condoned in social settings. Not only that, but the abusive posts lasted for many, many months. The powers that be are hardly noted for itchy trigger fingers in that regard. Could your own troubles here in regards to disagreement perhaps have more to do with the fact that you’re a Mets’ fan on a Braves’ blog, trying to convince rabid Braves’ fans that their team is inferior to yours?

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Anders As I have told you before, you talking to someone about being “logical” is like Paris Hilton talking to someone about virginity.

By TampaBrave

August 14, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Paladin

Surely, you can take one/tenth of the ribbing that you give out. Just busting your chops in a good natured way. I pledge not to get personal. As for SJA, I have fortified the compound with unfed pit bulls, some I acquired from Mikey AND laid concertina wire around the perimeter. The only way he’s getting in is by parachute.

Braveheart

Can’t see where you think I’m negative on the Braves. My wallet says otherwise. I’ve been on two road trips to ATL this year already, planning a 3rd, laid down 400.00 easy on hats, jerseys, shirts, photos, etc.. I think I just said we’d go 6-0 this week. Sorry if my accurate depiction of your blogging habits offended you. It was all in good fun.

Shaun

I hope you don’t despair that I accentuate your over-ability to crunch the numbers.

By dgd

August 14, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

If Cormier continues to struggle, wonder if the Braves might try to get Tim Redding from the Nats? He’s pitched extremely well the past month and the Nats have a couple of their disabled pitchers coming off the DL (Shaun Hill pitches against the Phillies tonight). Redding is old enough that he probably doesn’t figure into the Nats’ rebuilding plan. Nats GM Jim Bowden always asks for the moon, but I would think the Braves would have to give up too much for a Redding…….

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Nurse Patty wasn’t Mr. OBrien’s appointment at tooth:30?

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Anders Now you’ve done it! You have poosed off Lew! Remember our conversation about Yes sir, thank you, sir. You would be well advised to use that. Unlike BobJ, I think Lew would regard anything else as a felony.

By MetsFan

August 14, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

AthensBrave - Once again, the lack of baseball knowledge on the part of Atlanta fans is clear. Pedro did not “struggle,” as you put it. He threw 47 out of 60 pitches for strikes, which is the real focus of a start like that—regaining command, testing the shoulder, etc. ALL signs on Pedro’s rehab have been nothing but positive. They’re thinking maybe two more rehab starts, and then it’s back to the big club. So, sorry to disappoint you. By the way, how’s Dotel working out for you?

By GSU-Lee

August 14, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

DOB, saw you posting some cajun food stuff earlier, ever been to Henry’s Louisianna Grill in OLD downtown Acworth? If not, you will not find better food and service. Phenomenol, and nice N’awlins beer there.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

TampaBrave As some on here can attest, I, too, am just “busting your chops”, a little. There has been nothing malicious in any of my posts. And, the SJA thing wasn’t even aimed at you, unless you are stinky. In closing, as Braveheart pointed out, for a self-avowed “counter-puncher” you have been on the offensive quite a bit.

By GSU-Lee

August 14, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

By the way, just so everybody knows, I CAN spell the word phenomenal. Go Braves.

By bruce

August 14, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

What number is Julio Franco wearing this year for the Braves… found a photo with 4 as second number… I want to get a T-shirt… thanks alot. Bruce

By BosnianBaller

August 14, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

Who’s the last Brave to win 20 games Russ Ortiz.

How did he fall off so fast

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

I know. I know. I’ve been posting too much. But, I’ve got a new toy(Firefox)and I’m loving it. It’s like when I transitioned from Helos to Jets. Man, this thing is fast.

By BravesfanAtlanta

August 14, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

They want to win, bench Andruw. It is hard to think of a worse hitter. Is he the bottom yet. Heck there are pitchers hitting better then he is.

If we want to win we need to put the best lineup on the field. That is not Andruw, Prado, or Woodward. Its Francoeur, Harris, Diaz, Johnson, Escobar (right now) Chipper, Tex and McCann. When Renteria gets back then platoon Johnson and Escobar to keep them both sharp but none of this lefty righty stuff. Johnson one day, Escobar the next. Thats that. Let the hitters play. Besides Harris’s defense is as good as Andruws now. Harris gets to more plays.

You want to win, play the players who are getting the job done. Andruw is leaving after this year, let him go now. In his mind he has already left and his playing has shown it all year. Let him sit.

By BravesfanAtlanta

August 14, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

They want to win, bench Andruw. It is hard to think of a worse hitter. Is he the bottom yet. Heck there are pitchers hitting better then he is.

If we want to win we need to put the best lineup on the field. That is not Andruw, Prado, or Woodward. Its Francoeur, Harris, Diaz, Johnson, Escobar (right now) Chipper, Tex and McCann. When Renteria gets back then platoon Johnson and Escobar to keep them both sharp but none of this lefty righty stuff. Johnson one day, Escobar the next. Thats that. Let the hitters play. Besides Harris’s defense is as good as Andruws now. Harris gets to more plays.

You want to win, play the players who are getting the job done. Andruw is leaving after this year, let him go now. In his mind he has already left and his playing has shown it all year. Let him sit.

By bruce

August 14, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Is Julio number 24? Seems possible since Prado is 1 now and not 24 anymore.

By TampaBrave

August 14, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

Paladin

Offensive is a relative term, however, I try to keep it light. No, I am not stinky, though my wife might beg to differ.

MetsFan

The question is, How is his velocity and movement? It appears they are hitting those strikes, and pretty well too. I can throw 50 strikes out of 60, but the ambulances will be in the left field bleachers.

By Lew

August 14, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Paladin-Lord No. Don’t call ME sir. Anders didn’t p!$$ me off, I was just pointing out to him that it takes more than disagreement with one of us to get banned from the MIB BBQ Blog-that if that was all it took, Mets’ fans would have been forced to depart long ago. However, if he doesn’t like us disagreeing with his view, vis a vis the Braves/Mets, he could go to a Mets blog and likely not be missed.

By TK

August 14, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Afternoon all-

When I looked at these RISP numbers, I was astonished of the gaping difference in performance and can only think what the Braves record might be if someone more productive were to have hit in the cleanup spot (pre-Teixeira) this season.

RISP Statistics: Andruw Jones (AJ) vs. Jeff Francoeur (JF)

AJ 30-137 (.219), 55 RBI, 37K. JF 47-135 (.348), 64 RBI, 17K.

I would be interested in seeing a comparison in RBI/RBI+LOB statistics to prove that Andruw should have well over 100 RBIs by now because of all the chances he had while not producing in the cleanup spot this season.

I can’t believe people are excusing his pathetic batting by the moderate number of HR & RBIs he has! That’s like saying Allen Iverson scored 35 points per game, but he took 70 shots!

K-Druw: Are you using your batting cage? Set it permanently on outer half pitches because that is all that is on your scouting report!

Quit smiling, keep both hands on the bat, and start hitting the ball where it is thrown! Are you listening at all? Please alter your focus to situational hitting (see Chipper, Francoeur, and others), rather than all-or-nothing meaningless HR or K!

IT’S NOT FUNNY THAT YOU STINK! It is actually pretty pathetic that the fans are paying your $15 million salary for 0.8 hits (92/115) and 0.98 K’s (112/115) per game!

3 pitchers have a higher batting average than you! (Reyes, Villareal, Hudson)

12 active position players have a higher batting average than you!

“K” is the new Roman Numeral for #25.

0 K Games: 44, 1 K Games: 43, 2 K Games: 18, 3 K Games: 8, 4 K Games: 1, 5 K Games: 1,

Your record for consecutive strikeout-free games is 6 (miracle). Let’s start a new streak tonight or get someone in there that is more capable of hitting than a relief pitcher!

By doc

August 14, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

jimmy, the operative word in your comment is WAS. we are all legends in our own minds. cool though to think you sang the original rainy night in uganda.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Don’t you love it when a Muts fan comes on here and talks about our lack of baseball knowledge and then tells us that their Ace couldn’t put but 47 out of 60 pitches in the strike zone? An A-ball pitcher better do better than that! I’m glad you are “satisfied”, Mutsfan and I hope your powers-that-be are. I personally, can’t wait for Pudro to come back, pitching like that.

By DonCoburleone

August 14, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

MetsFan you just keep telling yourself that. All I know is the Braves players are licking their chops in anticipation of “Pedro”. Please, I love how “knowledgable” Mets fans like yourself think Pedro is going to come back and be the Ace you guys desperately need… Why don’t you go educate yourself on the difficulties pitchers face when coming back from a torn rotator cuff; and then come back here and give me an example of someone who has done it successfully.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 14, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Okay, Metsfan. Keep telling yourself that about Pedro. You do realize that any ball this is hit and put into play is called a strike? He has had two starts against a single A team and he has been shelled both times. Just stop, dude! By his own admission Pedro was only hitting in the mid 80s with his fastball. Do you seriously think he can get away with mid 80s fastballs against offenses like the Braves, Phillies, and Marlins? C’mon, man! Get outta here!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey! Kyle Davies threw mostly strikes in his first outing with Kansas City agasint the Yankees. The problem was he got lit up for 8 runs and who knows how many hits.

I’m not saying Pedro won’t be back but you can’t be seriously implying that his first two rehab starts have been positive. If I followed that kind of logic Lance Cormier should win a Cy Young.

By Lew

August 14, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Paladin-Besides, I’m not even mildly upset. Haven’t called anyone an idiot or a moron all day today. It’s A Beautiful Day up here in the Great White North-The dictionary defintion of Beautiful day (and No, David LaFlamme is not playing violin, though there are probably White Birds flying around-obscure music reference). No way anyone could possibly get bummed out on a day like this-not even by a Mets’ homer.

By Adirondackdave

August 14, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Andruw needs to go to the American league where they have designated…. oh wait, it’s designated hitters they have in that league. Never mind.

By Lew

August 14, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

Bruce-Teixeira is wearing number 24.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

I feel better now. TK took up more space in one post than I have in all of mine. :-)

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Whew Lew, that’s good news. He is really a nice guy, just terribly misguided.

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Willy Aybar had season-ending surgery to repair broken hamate bone in his right hand. This might be why his wrist wouldn’t heal in the spring, but it’s impossible to know for sure if that was same injury, according to the Braves.

When he started hitting last week after a three-month stint in a rehab facility, it was sore again. But Braves person said he was allowed to hit near end of rehab, and they’re not sure if he might have done it then or after he began playing last week.

If it’s same injury as he had in spring, it would mean someone might have missed something in the MRIs and X-rays done in the spring, so don’t expect to hear anything definitive as to when this happened.

Recovery is 6-8 weeks, so he should still be ready to play some winter ball.

This is a pretty common baseball injury, usually occurs when a guy’s hit by a pitch, from my experiences covering such injuries, but can also occur on an awkward swing.

It does sound like the Braves are leaning toward bringing him back next season, from what I’m told.

ANDRUW told me this afternoon he hasn’t had an MRI or X-ray, but was probably going to get an X-ray today at the ballpark. As of batting practice (going on now), he hadn’t had one, he said when I asked. He’s out there hitting balls over the fences right now.

By Lew

August 14, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Anders-You do realize, don’t you, that when a batter gets a hit, no matter if it’s a single or a HR, that the pitch is counted as a strike in the pitch count?

By Bob

August 14, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Good to see all the regulars on the blog this afternoon. Hate off days on one hand, but on the other wish we had one coming up for the sake of the pen.

Does anyone know if Andruw had an MRI or not? I saw that Dave mentioned he was hoping to get one on Monday. Just seeing if anything came out of that.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 14, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

well, it was a tough day for jimmy smith at the american idol tryouts. journalist went in feeling pretty confident having been a performer (pip) earlier. jimmy smith was all set to go, and already paula abdul was making flirtatious glances toward this journalist, when the song selection was announced! impossible dream! impossible good luck for jimmy smith - one of this journalist’s favorites. well, as jimmy smith has already told the bloggers this journalist was disqualified for third person singing. sent home. to the house. don’t pass go. don’t collect $200.

and now, doc, this journalist’s best lower case buddy, has all but called jimmy smith a has-been. oh, the humanity! this hurts!

jimmy smith cannot say for sure who will win these tryouts. there were some bad entertainers and some good entertainers in the room with jimmy smith. one in particular caught this journalist’s eye - a toothless man attempting to whistle dixie. sad. this man was escorted off the stage. jimmy smith could hear just a little of what was being said: “thith ith an outwage, do wu know whu i am? i have my own bwog.” have no idea who it was but they threw him out.

By bruce

August 14, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

Lew: thanks, now that I read your post, I remember Teixeira was 23 Rangers and Diaz has 23… Prado started out with 24. I really want to have a Braves Franco T-shirt to wear in NY in Sept to Mets game… maybe I should just put his age on it… Franco was 23 in NY for sure.

By Bobby Cocks

August 14, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

If not for Glavine being a Scrooge-like, Silas Marner-like, Milburn Drysdale-like, Imelda Marcos-like, creature of greed, he’d be here now and we’d be several games out front…

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Bob According to DOB, Andruw ain’t had nuttin’ but two Whoppers w/cheese.

By Bob

August 14, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

Good timing on my question. Thanks Dave.

Lew, I think MetsFan was the one touting Pedro’s comeback by pointing out the strikes. Most of the time Anders has been saying he was not counting on Martinez and that if they did get something from him it would be a bonus. Lance was throwing lots of strikes in the 5th inning in Philly. Unfortunately they were being slapped all over the place.

By Kermit

August 14, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Mercifully, the final chapter. It was believed until early this morning the ugly green sock, having been duped by The Fly, had ended the life of the clone of The Fly by eating him. The Fly, attempting to escape the murderous plot of the ugly green sock, had cloned himself. However, The Fly had not only used his own DNA but also the DNA samples of Jimmy Snuka and Curtis Mayfield to create an indestructible soulful fly the ugly green sock could not kill no matter how hard he tried.

This morning, the ugly green sock was laying about pondside and his belly started rumbling, causing tremendous pain. It felt to him that there was a wrestling match going on inside of him. It felt to him like Jimmy Snuka had come out of retirement and kept jumping off the top of the large intestine, doing the notorious Superfly Splash followed by a series of suplexes, piledrivers, headbutts, and Somoan Specials.

Then, all of a sudden, as the pain became too much to bear, nature took its course. As the clone was coming out, the ugly green sock heard the soulful sounds of Curtis Mayfield blaring Oooh, Superfly, You’re gonna make your fortune by and by, But if you lose, don’t ask no questions why, The only game you know is Do or Die, Ah-ha-ha.

And then the clone of The Fly, now properly known as Superfly, fluttered about, smiled at the green sock, used his signature sign language to say I love you, and flew away.

So, the ugly green sock is not a murderer. The ugly green sock & The Fly are rejoining the Braves beat.

Since Superfly is indestructible, Superfly has decided to alleviate the concerns of Journalist Jimmy Smith about the potential extinction of professional wrestlers, by strapping on the tights of one of his fathers, Jimmy Snuka, and becoming a wrestler. Someday, thanks to his unnatural indestructible nature, Superfly will become the last of the professional wrestlers. At least, thanks to Superfly, there will always be one wrestler.

Or maybe wrestling will claim even his life and he will go the way of the giraffes and The Ultimate Warrior.

BH

By chipdip

August 14, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

It’s a cryin’shame about Aybar…he was such an important piece in the Braves quest for a playoff run..i don’t think this team will be able to survive without him and i know the guy was such a fantastic player and a real team leader..the next Derek Jeter comes to mind…i’m sure Bobby and Chipper and the rest of the guys will be really bummed out. I think i will peel back a 5th of OLD GRAND DAD put on some MOTORHEAD and read CHARLES BUKOWSKI to get me through the night.

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

Changed my post a bit about Willy Aybar above, after getting some new info.

By Lew

August 14, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

Well, It certainly seems like this season for Willy Aybar is better off forgotten. Hopefully, he will come back strong for the Braves next year-for his sake. I think he was marginal enough to begin with, though, and this might spell the beginning of the end. Hope not, but I fear it may be so-it may depend on the wiilingness of the Braves to show patience with his recovery (again). Injury proness as well as psychological issues is a bad combination. Wish him luck.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

Bob Good comment on the strikes and a point I failed to make. It is not the strikes that count; it is how many times did he hit his target, the catcher’s mitt. If you just throw down-the-middle-strikes in the bigs, you ain’t going to be in the bigs for long.

By Efrim

August 14, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

LINEUPS

LF Harris 2B Johnson 3B Jones 1B Teixiera C McCann RF Francouer CF Jones SS Escobar P Smoltz

Giants lineup

CF Roberts 2B Durham RF Winn LF Bonds 1B Klesko C Molina 3B Feliz SS Vizquel P Correia

Wow, Correia is starting? Are they going bullpen tonight? He has pretty good stuff. Can’t imagine they would get anymore than 5 innings out of him tonight. At most.

By Lew

August 14, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Bob-Maybe, but they’re all Mets fans. That points to character flaws, no matter what their point of view on Pedro. Anders is just more pleasant in his dubious preferences, that’s all. Personally, I hope they all think of Pedro as their savior. That way, when reality smacks them upside their Mets’ heads, their dejection will be all the more pleasurable after the tons of Troll excrement we’ve been forced to endure on this blog for two years.

By doc

August 14, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

jimmy, no, it has nothing to do with being a has been as you have created anew. you are in the spring of your years as a journalist. sorry you got disqualifed. shame folks dont appreciate crativity of your magnitude. it is all about moving on.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 14, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

hamate bone? interesting. much like the hammock bone, right? and who told chipper it was a hammock bone? playing a joke on uh, chipper? reported in this paper as a hammock bone - must have been a hammock bone.

and why does one player require surgery and another require only additional socks? wait! journalist is now confused. not socks, bed rest. socks were for the toes, rest for the hammock bone. rest and hands in pudding between innings. no starches and slight darkening of the stool. can say that on the blog? now, baseball … tonight is melon night at the ballpark.

By Lew

August 14, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist-Sometimes you just have to acknowledge that the windmills just have a better bullpen. Oh. To right the unrightable wrong.

By Bob

August 14, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

I think they said they were going to have to dip into their pen tonight. The played the weekend series with the Pirates in San Fran and then had to play two more makeup games yesterday in Pittsburgh. I imagine they are out of starting pitchers right now. Russ Ortiz supposedly going tomorrow.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 14, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

alas, doc and lew have made this journalist feel better by putting this unfortunate episode into proper perspective. jimmy smith will continue to be a third person blogger and a third person singer. perhaps a market will be developed for a third person american idol.

and welcome back southernjackass. jackass is correct that rr has been most congenial with all since the tete a tete with sja. as a fitness expert, perhaps sja can be of some help to rr who, from reading some of today’s posts, is in decline.

and whither julia? sja perhaps? mr. hand? can say that on a blog? oh, the humanity!

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

jjs It could have been worse. They could have asked you to sing The Star Spangled Banner. But then, if you could have done it you would have been set for life since no one else in this country can sing it.

By AZBravoFan

August 14, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

Amusing stat as I was perusing the Braves hitting statistics for the season: Tim Hudson now has more hits and RBI than Pete Orr and Craig Wilson. And no, I know what you guys are thinking, Woodward has him beat by 12 hits.

By Bob, Journalist

August 14, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

Baron for several seasons, I’ve said that Andruw should play Center regardless of his offensive contribution … that may have been taking a bit of license but I believed it to be true. I still support the notion that defense and pitching are the keys to winning.

It was good to see Andruw more fit in spring training, but it would still appear that his wonderful defensive skills are suffering somewhat from erosion … he continues to make some great plays … but his overall level of defensive play doesn’t seem quite the same … maybe it’s his focus that’s different; maybe it’s mine, but it seems that way to me.

Regardless, I don’t view him as having been in a slump and I would have benched him when he and TP couldn’t get on the same page … from my perspective, he was, and that was, an embarrassment … as was Bobby’s continuing to insert him in the cleanup position in the lineup.

He’s supposedly has problems with his elbow and unable to perform at the 100% level … I’ll accept that, though some doubt has been expressed as to whether or not he bothered to have what I thought was a requested and scheduled MRI … and it evidently didn’t prevent him from playing golf yesterday … from the outside looking in, he’s a piece of work.

Characterizing Willie Harris as weak armed, while perhaps directionally correct, in your argument is to suggest that Andruw has a strong, accurate arm … last year, Andruw had 4 outfield assists, this year 2 in 1001 innings … Willie has also had 2, in 519 innings.

It appears that Willie needs to improve his base stealing technique but he’s certainly not bad defensively … seems pretty doggoned good to me … and we are a better club with both Willie and Matt in the lineup … especially against right handed pitching.

I’m not against Andruw … I want him to wise up, modify what he’s doing so that he can realize his true potential … not the .265 norm with which he has been saddled because of his history … and I want the Braves to resign him.

I’m again reminded of Macbeth’s reaction to the announcement of his wife’s death … “there would have been a time for such a word”. No, it’s much too late, and that probably isn’t going to happen but it’s definitely not going to so do if things are allowed to take their course without intervention.

It’s unpopular to so say, but Andruw was too valuable of a property not to have done more to help assure that he realize his potential … to have allowed it to come to this gives one pause.

The Braves have to find it above the neck if they are to get the job done this season … below the neck is fine, excepting toes, obliques and elbows of course.

By Ray Kelsey

August 14, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

DOB - So glad to hear that Andruw is hitting balls over the fence during BP—again. Is Bobby lending his avuncular smile behind the cage? AJ sure does seem to hit better when the pressure factor is removed, doesn’t he?

I am so sick of ESPN analysts making risible comments like “Andruw DOES lead the team in RBI’s” A two run shot in the 8th to give the Braves a 13-2 lead doesn’t impress the hell out of me. Anyone else? He has been in the majors for over a decade—he does not perform when it counts.

By Ray Kelsey

August 14, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

DOB - So glad to hear that Andruw is hitting balls over the fence during BP—again. Is Bobby lending his avuncular smile behind the cage? AJ sure does seem to hit better when the pressure factor is removed, doesn’t he?

I am so sick of ESPN analysts making risible comments like “Andruw DOES lead the team in RBI’s” A two run shot in the 8th to give the Braves a 13-2 lead doesn’t impress the hell out of me. Anyone else? He has been in the majors for over a decade—he does not perform when it counts. He doesn’t have to be David Ortiz for us to love him—just occasionally WIN a game for us, rather than lose one.

By Bob, Journalist

August 14, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

One final note of interest … From the Braves site!

The Rome Braves announce that Atlanta Braves star Julio Franco will join the team beginning Thursday, August 16th.

Franco is expected to be with Rome through Saturday and possibly longer.

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Ray, when have you seen the avuncular smile behind the batting cage? I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen Bobby behind the batting cage during the regular season. He sits in the dugout watching BP, or in his secondary office adjacent to the dugout. He used to take ground balls frequently at first base, but pretty much has stopped doing that.

But no, the avuncular smile is almost never seen behind the cage, only during spring training.

By doc

August 14, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

if i were andruw i dont think i would go to get an mri where ayabar and hampton went that missed the obvious. geez, for months before rehab this organization was down on the guy thinking he was faking it. it aint an excuse but drugs might have been his only alternative without much of a support system. and, yeah right, same pain but maybe just maybe it was after his rehab stint. time to invest in something other than a mobile mri machine maybe one like they have up there in the big apple?

By Ron Roberts

August 14, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Is it just me, or does it seem like Andruw Jones and/or the Braves are avoiding the visit to the doctor? What are they (or is he) afraid they’ll find out?

Or maybe it’s not as seriously painful as we’ve been led to believe. I say, shut up, stop grimacing about it, or go get it checked out.

I mean either the elbow is a valid excuse or it isn’t. If it is, Andruw should’ve had it checked out ASAP. So why’s it still an issue but not big enough an isse to actually get looked at?

By TampaBrave

August 14, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

Free Willy

By Savannah Guy

August 14, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

Lew It’s A Beautiful Day - a classic. LaFlamme was ahead of his time. Never got the rep they deserved…overshadowed by all the other great stuff coming out of San Francisco I suppose…then Moody Blues, etc. Earlier this year I finally ordered the CD of that old album (original track version). I gave away my old scratched album years ago to a friend/collector. The music still sounds great, holds up to the test of time and will remain a classic in my collection. Now, if I just had 72 degrees here…

By Bobby Cocks

August 14, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

I honestly believed, from the time he played A-A ball, that Andruw would retire as the greatest player of ALL time; the Michael Jordan of baseball…

I still think he HAD that potential, but hard-headedness in the batting cage might have cost him. I never understood why somebody with such strength didn’t take advantage of right field. We’ll never know how great he might have been. Guess power hitters think they’re sissies if they can’t get-around-on, and pull, every ball…

By TampaBrave

August 14, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Anybody know why mlb.com won’t play using Mozilla?

By DonCoburleone

August 14, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

PIRATES!!! Our ol’ buddy LaRoche just singled in a run in the first, 1-0 pirates nobody out runners on 1st and 3rd…

By Colin

August 14, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Bucos 1 Muts 0…1st and 3rd

By Bob, Journalist

August 14, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

I’m playing hurt … but that’s not an excuse for my poor performance.

Translation … The jury is instructed to disregard the defendant’s admission of guilt … as the question was improper and without foundation.

By BravesFanInRockies

August 14, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

Lew and SavannahGuy,

The great Sam Bush covers “White Bird” on his most recent CD, Laps in Seven.

Saw Sam and the band perform it at Merlefest in NC this past April. Thought I’d died and gone back to the ’70s, or something like that.

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

I actually see quite a few of those Aaron 44 blue T-shirts tonight, including on all the members of the quartet that just sung the anthem.

Nice night out here, not nearly as hot as I anticipated. Doesn’t feel bad because the humidity’s down and there’s a slight breeze.

By DonCoburleone

August 14, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

Jose Castillo!!!! Looked like El Duque was gonna skate out of that first with only 1 run scoring, at least its 2-0 now…

By heath

August 14, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this

pirates are looking good tonight!

By Bob

August 14, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

Rochy just drove in a run for Pirates off El Duque. Pirates up in the first 2-0.

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

They just played the Hank video speech that he did for the record-breaking night. Played in on the video board. Showed Barry in the dugout, and he waved for the camera to a smattering of boos and applause.

Now they just showed his face on the huuuge video board during the lineup intro, and he was roundly booed.

But frankly, the place is only half full and it wasn’t very loud. Still lot of people filing in. What is this, L.A. with the late arrivals?

(Hey, we have L.A. traffic and smog these days, might as well have their late-arriving fans, huh?)

By DonCoburleone

August 14, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

Looks like Ian Snell might be on his game tonight! Lets go Pittsburgh lets go! Ch Ch ! Lets go Pittsburgh lets go!

By heath

August 14, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this

nice short inning for smolts to start the game…that is exactly what we/he needs… now let’s go get some runs boys!!!

By Superman

August 14, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

BOOOO Barry

By Greg in TN

August 14, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

Game time denizens…

Big bad Mr. Asterisk is in town. It’ll be interesting to hear how the surly one is greeted by the Georgia faithful tonight at 755 Hank Aaron drive. Pondering this on the drive home… Wonder what would get under the surly one more? My money is no cheers, no boos, just indifference. Perhaps the sound of crickets chirping after his name is announced. It’ll never come to that, but it would be amusing for this fan to see.

Lew, wonderful weather from the sounds of it up in the Green Mountain State tonight. Now if you could just box a little of it up along with a gallon or two of the state’s finest maple syrup and you’d make a ton of cash.

Aybar’s season is done. Kind of odd to say something like that with the year he’s had, but can’t bring myself to pile on the guy when he’s had the problems that he’s had this year.

Folks I am a firm believer that the only must win situation is when your back is to the wall and you are facing elimination (whether it be from the division, from the wild card, or in a playoff series). Everything else just builds the crescendo to that point.

When I look at our record since Edgar went on the DL (5-4), I am convinced that the only way we let him change ZIP codes in the offseason is if someone dials JS’s number and offers a premium pitcher. Nothing against the kid, he will be a star, he showed me something in Arizona when he swiped a base while the Snakes were dozing, but he’s gone 9 for 35 since that time.

Good first inning for Smoltzie.

By Greg in TN

August 14, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

I should reiterate, Escobar has been 9 for 35 since Edgar was placed on the DL.

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

He just came to bat, and that round of boos was a LOT louder. Of course, there’s also flash bulbs popping all over the place.

By Lew

August 14, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy-LaFlamme has had his two solo albums (post I A B B) re-released on one cd. The first solo covers White Bird and Hot Summer Night and is excellent. The second album is, strangely enough, somewhat harder rock and roll. You should check it out.

By chrisklob

August 14, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

tampabrave, Anybody know why mlb.com won’t play using Mozilla?.

I had the same problem also. You need to load Adobe Flash player. Only takes a second and you’ll be back.

By Colin

August 14, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

SMOLTZ COME ON

By heath

August 14, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

…great… braves don’t do ^%$# in the bottom of the 1st and now that smoltz gives up the lead… probably going to be a long night. …for some reason, these guys just don’t score runs for smoltzie…. do they just relax in games he pitces or something thinking they don’t have to work as hard on a night when pitches or something?

By TampaBrave

August 14, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Love that big Yankee mug in between innings on MLB.com. Imagine they’d come up with something better than that

By N8....What the hell do I know?

August 14, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t care if he IS Barry Bonds. Leadoff walks comeback to haunt you with runs on the board, more often than not.

Just another sign that Smoltz ain’t feeling right. If he’s “on” his game, he attacks Bonds in that AB.

As for Aybar being done? Wasn’t that a foregone conclusion about 4 months ago?

Might as well be a headline that says Sid Bream was safe at the plate in 92. :-)

By TampaBrave

August 14, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

ChrisKlob

Does it matter that it works in IE just fine, but not with Mozilla??

By heath

August 14, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

…these braves are so hard to figure…they look so good…and then, well, just awful… tonight is starting to look like the latter.

By BravesDave

August 14, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

Just a comment that I wanted to post earlier, but I was away from the computer…

I seem to remember that during the SF series out in Frisco, the Giants bullpen dominated the Braves hitters. Not a good sign considering this game is a bullpen effort for the Giants.

Just throwing it out there.

By TampaBrave

August 14, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Nice breeze AJ.

By Colin

August 14, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Corriea is a grade A pitcher….he will make 100 mill next time his contract is up…O WAIT THAT IS WHAT OUR O IS MAKING HIM LOOK LIKE….

By N8....What the hell do I know?

August 14, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

It appears to me after that last strikeout (I’m sure the first of many tonight) for AJ, that the fans at Turner Field are booing the WRONG guy wearing #25 on his jersey.

But what the hell do I know?

By BravesDave

August 14, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

Yes, my memory did serve me correct…the Giants bullpen threw 15 2/3 scoreless innings against the Braves in that 4 game series at the end of July.

Should be interesting to see how the next 7 innings develop. So far, take that to 17 2/3 innings scoreless against the Giants bullpen.

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Greg in Tn Are you talking about Edgar Renteria or Yunel Escobar? In either case, they are not “kids”.

By Paladin

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

Chrisklob I’m flyin’!!

By Colin

August 14, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

Basically AJ is to us as the 3rd string punter…USELESS!!!…I think Diaz deserves a shot….Atleat he could hit the ball some…Move Willie to Center…

By Colin

August 14, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

GOODNIGHT ATLANTA…this is for sure a playoff team…

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

Weren’t the GIANTS supposed to be the tired team? Braves, specifically Smoltz, appear to be the ones dragging.

He’s lifting his arms in that now-familiar stretching motion between several pitches.

By DAP

August 14, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

the night isnt looking good so far for the braves. mets just tied their game on a beltran homer, and smoltz seems to be struggling a bit.

By Tomahawkin' Again

August 14, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

Has the meltdown of the blog started yet?

By ernesto

August 14, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

It’s all well and good for John to come out and say the team has to quit losing games like we lost Sunday but then to come out and spot the Giants 3. That aint’ exactly putting the team on your back.

By BravesDave

August 14, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

I would rather see this ‘roided out freak Bonds jack a 2-run homer than be walked by Smoltz. Screw respecting this clown. I don’t see the Giants walking Jones and Teixiera.

This is an f’ing disgrace. Just as I type this, after Smoltz walks the 49-year Bonds, the 36-year old Klesko rips a 2-out, 2-run double. I am sorry, but to the people that were claiming earlier tonight that it doesn’t matter if you lose to the Giants or the Red Sox, you are all nuts. There is no way that a team struggling for playoff position can be on the verge of losing three straight games to the SF f’ing Giants.

By Del

August 14, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

This years Braves team sure has a knack for dishing out frustration at the most inappropriate time. Get it together boys before you start this homestand on a very sour note!!!

By Bob

August 14, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

I am afraid N8 is right. I don’t care what Bobby or Smoltzie say…he is not right. Not anywhere near right. I am less worried about the 3 runs that I am about him already being over 55 pitches in the 3d. The bullpen has to have someone other than Hudson go deep. I know Smoltz is gutty and he will make the best out of each start, but he looks like he is really suffering.

By JJMB

August 14, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

How about putting some runs on the board!

what is it about Smoltz? No f-ing run support. Do they hate bibleboy?

By OhMy

August 14, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

This team is definately hard to figure out. Not that they can’t win this game, it is only the 3rd inning after all. However, digging yourself a 3 run hole and having your starter at 57 pitches in the 3rd…..I guess we’ll see how the 2nd time around the lineup goes.

By chrisklob

August 14, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

tampabrave, mlb.com has always worked fine with IE for me but I STILL had to reload Flash player. Mlb.com actually threw up a message box for me identifying that as the problem. Just google Adobe flash and you should find the link pretty easy. Assuming your have broadband, it only takes a couple of seconds.

Paladin, I’m proud of you! I knew you could do it! :-)

By BravesDave

August 14, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

Can’t hold this rabid Giants’ offense down. They are unstoppable. Kind of like a rabid racoon.

By N8....What the hell do I know?

August 14, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

If this game ends in a Braves defeat, I’m just reminding people that it would be three Smoltz starts in a row that we’ve lost.

Anybody STILL think we can win ANYTHING without Smoltz leading the way?

He ain’t right people. And without him teaming with Hudson, our 1-2 bunch isn’t plural anymore. Find me a team in recent history that took command of the final playoff spot with ONE pitcher they could count on down the stretch.

Actually, don’t bother. You’re NOT gonna find one.

Oh yeah, I forgot. We have Tex. We’ll just slug our way to the post-season. Only problem is, is that the team actually has to hit to do that.

But hey, let’s just sit back and count the days until Andruw isn’t wearing a Braves uniform anymore. 43 games after tonight, by my calculations and counting…..

Unless you think this team is making the playoffs, but if you do, you are also part of the dwindling group of people that think Andruw will “turn it around” in the next series.

By JasonInMaine

August 14, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this

Smoltz can’t be right…and he hasn’t won at home since June 24th…we will not catch the Mets without an effective Smoltzie!!

Let’s hope our offense wakes up and carries us tonight…still early!

By Paladin

August 14, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

My cigar ash is longer than the stub and my wine glass is empty, so guess what? Pulling them through against Barroid and the buttwipers shouldn’t be hard. Should it?

By Colin

August 14, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Atleast BUMDRUW isent comin up w/ 1st and 3rd two outs…we know what would happen then…Atleast we have a slim chance

By Greg in TN

August 14, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Paladin,

Certainly more fitting for Escobar being 24 years old and in his rookie season wouldn’t you say? It’s a term I throw out there often for rookies regardless of age.

By BravesDave

August 14, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

Yes, Tomahawkin’, the meltdown has started. But I know, you think this 3-0 deficit against 50-68 Giants with a bullpen committee facing the Braves ace is all good. No problems. The Braves are looking solid tonight. As long as the Mets and Phillies lose, this is no big deal. Lose tonight and there will be real potential to lose the series with Lincecum pitching a game, but hey, that’s OK.

By El bravo (EbX)

August 14, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Oh no, I smell a sweep.

By BravesDave

August 14, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

Has the game started, or is this Giants batting practice?

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

N8, so we’ve established that “he ain’t right” and you’ve made it clear (for the 1,703rd time) that the Braves aren’t going anywhere. Anything else to add, anything new along those lines? If not, we’ll consider your points noted and placed for the record. No sense providing them again.

You’ve made your point clearly and succinctly, sir. You’ve sold your wares to us, no need to sell it to us again. Please, for all that’s holy, don’t sell it to us again.

By TampaBrave

August 14, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

chrisklob

Did it. Still not working. No messages

By David O'Brien

August 14, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

Just had a Giants beat writer tell me he couldn’t remember another time this season when the Giants made an opponent pay twice in the same game for walking Bonds.

Remember, folks, Giants are using relievers tonight. Braves have plenty of chances — and no one to blame but themselves if they don’t take advantage.

By BravesDave

August 14, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

By the way, that potent Phillies offense has 0 runs and 1 hit through 6 innings against the Nationals and Shawn Hill (who??).

I guess it is possible after to keep that offense uner wraps…unless your name is Chuck James, Lance Cormier, or Buddy Carlyle.

By Yars

August 14, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

It’s hard for some of us not to root for Klesko. He used to be my favorite player growing up when he was with the Braves. I remember back in ‘96 sending him one of his baseball cards so h