Braves

By Colin

August 15, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

We need a sweep…Go Huddy…

By blazerpunter

August 15, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

Good Blog DOB!! I agree about Aybar!! It is very easy to write someone off like that, but we truely never do know what demons people are fighting in their own lives, heck, in their own heads!! I think now more than ever he needs a group of fans, a city, an organization to just sit beside him and let him know they are going to fight with him and help him get back to the game of baseball!! I am definitely rooting for the guy!!

GO BRAVES!!

By joe

August 15, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

Nice read Dave! Especially the piece on Aybar. I hope things get better for him.

By Reid Davis

August 15, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

I have sympathy for Willy, but none for Andruw. He certainly hasn’t hit .300 by playing hurt, and has hurt the team as a result. (If I only had a quarter for every 2 out, RISP situation where he hasn’t delivered…)

Why isn’t he sitting? I’ll take my chances with Harris in CF at this point, and at the beginning of the season I never thought I’d say that.

By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 15, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

August 20-29 we play ten games against the Reds , Cardinals and Marlins. Three teams with losing records. During August 21-30 the Mets play ten games against the Padres , Dodgers and Phillies. three teams with winning records. The Phillies play ten games from August 21-30 against the Dodgers , Padres and Mets. Again , three teams with winning records. I said all that to say this : The next fifteen days will make or break the Braves season , they will not get another opportunity like this one in September. It’s a total mismatch in scheduling , especially with the Mets/Phillies playing four games head to head leaving the Braves with a chance to make up a lot of ground. It’s do or die , sink or swim , put up or shut up time. To the 2007 Braves baseball team , are you pretenders or contenders ? You have fifteen days to show up or go home.

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

DOB

What were the players thoughts after hearing about Willy being done for the season? What were their thoughts on him overall?

I hope we bring him back. High OBP skills and a solid glove. Hope he recovers and gets through these troubles.

By Caleb

August 15, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

I like it DOB, thanks.

By Chase

August 15, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Repost for

RON ROBERTS and ROBERT (JITB)

The “LIST” I was referring to was announced on 680 the Fan abot a month ago on both the Morning and Afternoon shows!

You have to remember that the BRAVES can be seen all across the country as well as other countries via TBS and it has been that way for a long time.

This creates Braves fans everywhere, especially in markets with no team!

I was recently in California and was even surprsied myself at how many Braves hats I saw. (I realize part of that may be that it is trendy to wear the “A” hat in LA) but still.

Also the Braves finish every year in the Top 5 or 6 in attendence.

Don’t forget, some 36 thousand people were at last night’s game and that left some 20 thousand seats BUT at FENWAY that would’ve been a SELL-OUT!

By Robert

August 15, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Coach, good points. One thing however on the losing records of those three teams. Watch out for St. Louis as they appear to be getting hot at the right time and see the Central division for the taking. Having Rick Ankiel on the team has seemed to put a charge in the World Champs

By BHP

August 15, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

I love how loyal Bobby is to his vets, but enough is enough. He needs to sit Andruw and play Harris and Diaz at the same time. If you doubt this, answer one question: Would Andruw have delivered last night like Diaz did in the 6th? Please Bobby, we’re begging you, put Andruw on the DL or just rest him for the remainder of the week.

By jon

August 15, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

nice blog dob!!!! you couldnt have put it any better! I commend him for getting help! A lot of people don’t do that!

By Madonna

August 15, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Can I adopt Willy?

By doc

August 15, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

dave, i am with you 100% on willy. said yesterday it is time for the braves to get a new york model mri that found the injury in hampton not the model that missed it in the case of both hampton and willy. it is either that or get a new radiology group to read the film. willy’s only out may have been the mask of “self induced medication” if you cant be heard and are doubted. besides we may need him more that woody next year.

last night could be huge if the guys follow up and gain momentum. yes, they hav been the best in the nl in the last 6 weeks. however, it will take to december to catch and pass the mets at that rate and the season just aint that long unless you play for the ring.

By Cody

August 15, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Great post about Aybar, the kid is struggling and all Braves fans should give him their support. Now lets go Huddy, bring us home a win tonight!!!

By Shaun

August 15, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

I often wonder how guys can go to a foreign country, not know the language, not know anyone, not know how to get around yet still play baseball at the level at which they do. I’m honestly surprised more guys don’t suffer from the same type problems. Maybe they do but most don’t reach the bigs before they hit rock bottom; don’t know.

Obviously I don’t know what kind of person he is but I liked him as a player from what I saw and, yes, his stats.

Would love to see him next year as the top backup, getting some key pinch-hits or making some key plays for the Braves. I think he could be that type of player if he can beat his demons.

By The Grinch

August 15, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

I asked for a new blog when I came back from lunch and I received. Thank you, Dave. I know some jackass (not you, SJA) will pop up somewhere and say all Aybar needs is a good swift kick in the rear, blah blah blah, but I empathize with the lad. Why do you think I stole christmas? :-)

By DonCoburleone

August 15, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Need Hudson to keep it up. Tonight is another one of those games that the Braves should have absolutely ZERO chance of losing.

By TNRON

August 15, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Kuddos on the blog Dave.Lets hope Willy can make it back completely healthy for spring training.We certainly could have used him this year.

By Jim

August 15, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

It’s all going to come down to whether the starting pitching holds up….gotta get more innings out of 3-5 starters or they’re going to kill the bullpen. Come on boys step it up!

Escobar is going to be one hell of a player, I do believe.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 15, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

think something that we all have to take some comfort in is that the Braves are only 3.5 games back with six weeks left. Remember 1991? As September approached the Braves were close, but far enough away that you had doubts. The Dodgers were the “best team in baseball”. Questions were being asked about how can the Braves overcome a team with such a great pitching staff and strong offense. I remember people saying the Braves have great young starting pitching but the bullpen is weak. Their offense is supsect. Otis Nixon is a great story but when will it end. Justice and Pendleton are the only “good” hitters in the lineup.

Now, bring this to 2007. The Braves are chasing the Mets and I suppose you can say the Phillies. Neither of these two teams are anywhere near as good as that 1991 Dodgers team was. I will argue this Braves team is just as good, if not better. No, this 2007 edition doesn’t have the starting pitching that the 1991 team did. However, that 1991 team didn’t have near the talented bullpen or the offense. Matt Diaz is no Lonnie Smith….thank God! While I love Pendleton he isn’t even in Chipper’s class. Rafael Belliard was a nice shortstop but Renteria and Escobar run circles around him. Lemke was a much better defensive 2B than Johnson but Johnson is by far the better all-around player. Sid Bream was a nice firstbaseman but could he even carry Tex’s jock? McCann is ten times the catcher Greg Olson was. Frenchy and Andruw aren’t as good as Gant and Justice but they are close enough. Wickman may struggle but he is better than Alejandro Pena. Mahay, Soriano, Dotel, Yates, Villareal, and Moylan are an infinitely better unit than the one from 1991. And, this team has veteran leadership with playoff experience which the 1991 team did as well. People forget that it was Glavine and Avery led that starting staff in 1991. Smoltz was good but had his issues. He became an ace during the NLCS. Glavine and Avery formed a two headed monster to drive this team to the playoffs ala Hudson and Smoltz.

My point with all this is that this Braves team is in this race as much as anybody. My comparison with the 1991 team was to point out that this Braves team is at the least as talented as that 1991 team and the team this Braves team is chasing isn’t as good as that Dodgers team was in 1991.

By Shaun

August 15, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

To continue the discussion about ESPN from the previous blog: I think they are suffering from the same problems as MTV (too much TV, not enough M) and VH1 (too much H1, not enough V). They are going for too much E and not enough SP (although The Bronx is Burning seems fairly entertaining from what I’ve seen).

That said, I do think their baseball coverage is pretty good, aside from Mr. Morgan and Sutcliffe. Don’t like to listen to those guys too much.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

August 15, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

Good post DOB, it is always good to remind folks that baseball players are human beings with all the frailties that beset us mere mortals.

On the Diamondbacks, do we need to remind everyone of the Nationals two years ago when their winning record in the first half of the season went for naught as the law of averages caught up with them? When a team wins a lot of one run games, they have more than their share of good luck.

It is the teams that constantly overwhelming their opponents who do not rely on luck. Beware of the statistics that simple show the number of one run wins, it is a house of cards.

By Jersey Gil

August 15, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

DOB Well done…kudos for you about Aybar Comment….It hard when you come from another country with no friend or Family near you to help you…I hope the Braves Organization support him and bring him back. I read a book that David Maraniss wrote about Roberto Clemente, his year in the MLB…and how difficult was for him to adapt to this country.In the book was a mention of this couple that help Clemente to adapt and learn english. …..well done DOB….Thank you for that Article.

By supa

August 15, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

Nice article DOB. This is exactly why I love this blog. Thank you for sharing your perspective on Aybar.

I seem to remember Chipper saying some unflattering things about Aybar when he was missing, but hopefully Aybar can make a comeback and show the team that he belongs.

By The Grinch

August 15, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Coach, I’m surprised you popped up at the beginning of THIS blog, considering the umpteen dozen posts you made about how JS was a fool for trading Horacio and how any of us who thought we wouldn’t be worse off without him in the rotation were idiots who knew nothing about baseball. I give you credit for courage.

By flange1

August 15, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Thanks for the new blog. I agree with your thoughts on Willy. Hope he can come back! Hope the Braves will bring back for another shot next year, he is a free agent isn’t he?

By the way, wouldn’t The Needle and the Damage Done be a better choice of songs????? :)

By Scott

August 15, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Hudson vs. Ortiz tonight. If we lose this game, we should be contracted. Hopefully Russ throws some gofer balls up there tonight.

By jeff

August 15, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Dave—Interesting about Ramirez. Have you noticed the mediocre year that LaRoche, and the downright rotten that Giles is having? As disappointed as I was in the spring to lose both of those guys it’s obvious the Braves are better off at both positions. I guess that’s why the GM gets the big $$$.

By Yars

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

DOB….Thank you for informing us all on Aybar. I’ve never known anyone personally that has gone through substance abuse issues, but from what I’ve heard/read, you really need to have a strong mind to overcome it. I’m glad the Braves didn’t give up on him.

By Eric from MO

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

DOB I still dont feel sorry for Aybar but I will admit I didnt think about it that way. Hopefully he will turn ok.

By John Adcox

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

Frankly, I’m delighted to see Aybar on the road to recovery. If there’s a team anywhere on the planet where he can revive his career and make a meaningful difference, it’s the Braves. I’d love to see him fill a utility role next year, and I’ll welcome his bat and glove on (I hope few) days when Chipper needs a rest.

In fact, I’d have to say that Aybar is one of the reasons why I can’t help liking next year’s Braves team even better than this one. I know it’s awfully early to start thinking about next year, especially since I’m still picking the Braves to win the east.

As much as it breaks my fan’s heart, I’ve already resolved myself to losing Andruw, UNLESS he pulls a Maddox and accepts arbitration—which, frankly, wouldn’t surprise me in the least. The Braves have plenty of options in center without making a move, including bringing up Brandon Jones if he has the spring we all expect, splitting our left field platoon (I’d hate to see that, as well as it’s working), Lillibridge, and (my favorite) moving Kelly Johnson back to the outfield and starting both Escobar and Renteria in the infield. I don’t mean that as a knock against anyone, especially KJ. But man, I’d love to see those bats in the lineup every time I buy a ticket. Not a rally killer among them.

That leaves some good money to find a starter… okay, maybe not an ace, but a good arm. Assuming JoJo, Boyer, or Hampton doesn’t step up. And even if they do, depth is never a bad thing. I’d like to see Glavine back, too, although I confess that’s only for sentimental reasons. To me, the emergence of Glavine and Justice, more than anyone, marked the birth of the new Braves, the ones that won 14 straight. Anyway.

We look really, really good everywhere else, folks. Personally, I’d like to see more from Don’t Ask Dotel before decision time, but I wouldn’t mind making a run at keeping him. I have high hopes for Gonzo, too. Chipper is Chipper… he IS the Atlanta Braves now, maybe even more so than Smoltz. Maybe.

I don’t think Escobar, Frenchy, or McCann are anywhere near their ceilings yet. It’s downright scary to think those guys are still getting better. Can you say enough about Tex and Renteria?

Which brings me (at last) back to the main point. Aside from a starter, our most glaring need is on the bench. Aybar can be huge for us. And after what he had to beat… the NL East is nothing. I’m really looking forward to rooting for him.

John

By Fred Secunda

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

Well said DOB, thanks for putting things about Aybar into perspective.

By The Grinch

August 15, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Madonna, I think you’ve had quite enough Willy for one lifetime. :-)

By Nurse Patty

August 15, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

You don’t have to be so snippy. You got your teeth back. The horse is nice about it, why can’t you be?

By bill

August 15, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the insight on Aybar… I definitely want to see him in a Braves’ uniform next Spring and hope that he gets all the support he needs from the team to be successful. It is so easy to write someone like this kid off when you don’t understand the underlying issues. I couldn’t believe it when Andruw went over Boras’ head during his last contract negotiation to sign at a “discount”, now I can’t believe that he isn’t knocking the door down with another offer to discount his services in exchange for a career contract. That is our only hope of seeing him back and, even though I remain a fan of his, I’m not sure he has what it takes to regain his position as a feared hitter. As a matter of fact, I would rather see some of our pitchers come up in a RBI situation than watch him right now…sad, but true. Here’s hoping Hudson pitches a gem tonight….Go Braves!

By Arkansas Hillbilly

August 15, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Good stuff from the topic line all the way down to the last lyric line of a kick-### song. A little trivia for ya’ DOB and others: Neil Young wrote Cinnamon Girl, Down By the River, and Cowgirl in the Sand all in one day while sitting at home with the flu. Now I understand, there aren’t a whole lot of lyrics to any three of those songs, but still….That’s three timeless classics in one day, and a crappy day at that….

Now baseball. That’s odd that Horacio’s record really doesn’t reflect on those terrible ERA and Average-against stats you recited. 7-4 isn’t that terrble if you’re thinking in Buddy Carlyle terms.

By Bob, Journalist

August 15, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

There’s most always a lot of good humor to be found on the blog … with the exception of the efforts of the genius behind the mask of the esteemed Ugandan journalist, most of the best is unintentional.

By Chris

August 15, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Tim Hudson would have a really good shot at the Cy Young if the bullpen hadn’t blown about 4 games for him already this year.

By Eric from MO

August 15, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Robert(Justice is Best) I agree with your 3:08 post and I also hope your right.

By kg

August 15, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Last night was a very good win. I’ve watched too many games where the bull pen blew a save and the Braves were not able to climb out of the hole with a win. They haven’t been very good in extra inning games. I would love to know what their record is in comeback wins after the 8th and 9th innings.

By NCBravesFan

August 15, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Nice post DOB. It’s nice when the curtain gets pulled back some in situations such as Aybar’s and we get to see the situation a little differently.

We see individual success and failure played out on the field every night, and often form our point of reference about players based on how much money they make. (As if no one who is making a certain amount of money should ever fail.)

Its easy to forget the humanity in each and every situation. Given what’s been said about Aybar since he arrived in ATL, your post was a much-needed frame-of-reference. Thanks.

By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 15, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this

Grinch , you were one of the damn fools wanting to trade Hudson this past off-season . If I were you , I’d shut up permanently.

By Eric from MO

August 15, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Jersey do not compare Clemente and Aybar. Clemente is one of the greatest players and a hero. Aybar is a utility guy and addict. Clemente also had to endure much more hatred from race than Aybar could imagine. Lets not make Aybar into a hero cause he went to rehab.

By Julia

August 15, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

I remember when a fellow actor had to overcome ADDICTION to shrimp sammiches. The individual I am speaking of would eat shrimp sammiches to excess. It was while we were in New Orleans filming a movie. People who are addicted to shrimp sammiches cast an O-D-O-R. It is tell-tale and it is not pleasant. They also develop a little POOCH around the middle and require weight and diet training regimen.

By Yars

August 15, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Shaun….Those over 21 have no business whatsoever watching mtv. I’m not gonna lie, back in the day that’s all I would watch. There was a time mtv was actually pretty cool. If it weren’t for mtv, I would have never gotten into bands such as The Cure, Depeche Mode, Metallica, Motley Crue, Nine Inch Nails, Megadeth, Ministry, ect… There was a time they did play good music. All they seem to play now is rap, hip hop, generic sounding bubble gum pop crap, & emo garbage. I stopped watching the channel in the mid 1990’s. VH1 is no different. The little credibility they had, they lost. In all honesty, the only reason I have cable is because of baseball. That’s really all I watch, except for maybe a couple shows like Top Chef on the Bravo Channel & No Reservations on the Travel Channel. When the season is over, I’m thinking about canceling my cable subscription, until next March.

By Lew

August 15, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

It certainly sounds like the young man has been behind the proverbial eight ball for some time. It is definitely not a fun place to be. I hope he recovers and can make the most of what lies in front of him. As loyal as the Braves can be, we’ll just have to see if they can be in his case, as well.

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

I left an apology for my “horn tooters” jest on the old blog. If you need to, you can go back and read it. It will be hard to find among all the “novelettes”, but it is there. Now, a “carry over”:

The best way to stop SJA from attacking you is to stop attacking him. I agree with him. There has been plenty of that. You won’t get the best of him with words. I can attest to that.

By Jersey Gil

August 15, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Eric Don’t be a moron…i never compare My Hero and Idiol Clemente with Aybar…i was compare the Situation of all Latinos Player suffer when they came to this country.

By Ron Roberts

August 15, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Repost for CHASE…

Chase… we’ll agree to disagree. I’m betting there are more Red Sox fans; you disagree. TBS, by the way, isn’t showing nearly as many Braves’ games as they once did. Trust me, those and the FOX/ESPN games are the only ones I get to see.

Either way, you griping about an ESPN bias against the Braves is rather silly when you argue they should’ve been at or near the lead story on last night’s SportsCenter.

Between Michael Vick, the crooked NBA ref, Rizzuto’s death, the Detroit/Cleveland battle for 1st in the AL Central, the Red Sox/Yankee race (alluva sudden closer now), then the Mets and Phillies (both ahead of Atlanta in the NL East three-team race), I don’t see where the Braves’ game should’ve been ahead of any of those stories.

By Big Easy

August 15, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

You know, I never really felt for Aybar, because I figured he was like all of the rest of these guys…they play hard, they know the biz, and they get on with it. It felt like he was hiding something, or loafing on us. Take the money and run, so to speak. But, when you step back and really look at the events, backlit by his introverted personality, it really is a sad story. I know the kid has tons of talent (we saw it last year). And I hope that some of the guys on the Braves reach out to him. We have a lot of guys from Cuba, the Dominican, etc. Guys like Escobar, who had to defect on a boat that he wasn’t sure would stay afloat. I hope some of these guys go to Aybar and reach out to him; show him that he is better than all that, and that he has the talent.

I want to see him succeed, even if it isn’t here.

~E~

By Scalp 'Em Braves

August 15, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

Heartfelt epistle on Aybar DOB. I have no problem with you spending that much space talking about the situation and how you feel about it. It’s your blog, afterall, and that sort of information (and editorializing) is why I come here. I guaran-damned-tee you I won’t see anything in the Birmingham News about the injury or surgery, much less the background information on what led him to disappear to begin with.

Didn’t get to see the game last night - having work done at the house that ran us out for a couple of nights and the hotel doesn’t have FSN or SSN. Damned TBS and their constant Raymond and Friends re-runs.

While I have concerns about Beefy Bob (especially lately, when he has seemed especially vulnerable) and Soriano, who has found a penchant for tossing the occasional gopher ball, we’re still much, much better off in the pen than we were last year. At least we have a better than even chance of holding onto a lead after the starter leaves, which we couldn’t say last year.

No doubt, many here are ready to dump him, have asked “wonder what it would take to get Papelbon from the Red Sox”, etc. Patience people. Not likely going to be any quick fixes from here on out - we’ve just got to believe.

And the bleat goes on…..

By Richards Gerbil

August 15, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

sja/julia, I swear if you dont shut up Im gonna smack YOU with a shrimp sammich, ya dumb, irrelevant b!tch!

By Julia

August 15, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

I did not name the actor referenced above for obvious reasons. Would you wish to be known as a shrimp sammich addict? Neither would he. My comments also bear no relation to others on this blog and any similarities noted by anyone are purely coincidental. Any shrimp sammich ODOR, though, ya just gotta live with.

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Coach*(yada yada) Attacking Grinch on this blog is like throwing snow balls at Santa. Now stop it, you Phoolie.

By flange1

August 15, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Grinch, great post at 3:16!

Poor Horatio! too bad he and Wilson Betemet can’t playing on the same team! probably in AAA ball. I hear Jose Offerman is out for awhile….

By Ron Roberts

August 15, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Paladin, I rarely disagree with ya, but we disagree on that. I think I fared pretty well. :)

By Shaun

August 15, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

The Diamondbacks will fall. Question is how far and how fast?

They’ve outperformed their Pythagorean record (their run-differential) by ten games! You’d be hard pressed to find any team that has done that in history.

My guess is they’ll flop the rest of this month—they play Atlanta, Milwaukee, Chicago and San Diego.

By Mark

August 15, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

I’m with ya on Aybar, DOB. The kid recognized he had a problem and tried to do something about it, in the wrong way be disappearing, but he did something about it none the less.

By The Grinch

August 15, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Though my opinion of Hudson matched the opinion of almost everyone in the country (including Hudson) this last off-season, I admit I was wrong. Thanks for wording your comeback like a 12 year old girl in a junior high bathroom “put-down” contest though; you’re the height of unintentional comedy on this blog.

By flange1

August 15, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Just thinking out loud here, but having a loved one with a dependency problem, one of the things that my family recognized real quick is that my brother loved to hear supposrt from friends and family but preferred it by mail or email.

Is there a way the BravesNation can email write to Willy offering our support and prayers?

Thanks

By Ron Roberts

August 15, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

This blog’s gotten weird/ugly early. Unfortunate. Paladin’s right, about the Grinch, tho. C’mon… ya don’t attack him!

By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 15, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Chris , exactly my sentiments. Tim Hudson is 13-5 with about five more games where he deserved a winning decision. I’m afraid this bullpen will cost him the Cy Young just like they did to Smoltz last year.

By Bob, Journalist

August 15, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

TampaBrave, i think a lot depends on the horse’s VO2max and how quickly he reaches it … I suppose that’s why we have spring training.

However, 162 games is a lot and perhaps an Arabian might be a better choice than a Thoroughbred, Big Red excluded of course.

We need to be neither pacer or closer at this point in this year’s race; being a stalker works just fine … we know that we’re capable of beating both the Mets and Phillies “head-to-head” and they have to play each other too.

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Julia and Richard If y’all get in a fight, can I have the sammich? If it is a little “past its’ prime” I’ll feed it to the barn cat. Rodents(other than Muts trolls)are in short supply, what with the drought and all.

By TampaBrave

August 15, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

TBS is the sole reason that the Braves are the 2nd most popular team behind the Yankees. Moving away from TBS can only deplete our fan base. When I used to go to Philly every year in the 90’s to see the braves, there were hordes of braves fans there. Why would they want to tinker with such success. Oh yeah, immediate returns for MLB. Hey, I bought the internet package.

By Salty

August 15, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Bob, J Your wordsmithing from the previous blog: …belaboring the oblique to prove the obvious

Could be an album title…er, CD for an appropriately named band!

By ncscoots

August 15, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

I thought there was a team option on Dotel for 2008? No?

We can all snigger about the Pythagorean record as a valid indicator of ability, if we wish, especially when you see a team such as the D-backs exceed. But, I see their RS/RA and I remember Tom Cruise’s answer about what’s in there: “Doom.”

Putting a human face to a baseball player?!? My God, David, what other kind of bolshevik ideas will you come up with next? Logic and perspective instead of passion and rant, LOL? What kind of blog would THAT be?!? :-)

By MGL

August 15, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

DOB - One of the best blogs ever. That is quite a story on Willy. I hope that he has a good recovery from the surgery and the addiction.

Hopefully some of the Latino players and coaches will support this young man and help him get over this terrible year.

I would encourage others who attend some on the Spring Training games to try to catch this guy and give him some encouraging words. I will make a point of that myself.

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts But, from what I have seen—at least over the last 24—you have not attacked, you have counter-punched. There is a difference. Have a nice one, pardner. :-)

By journalist jimmy smith

August 15, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

horatio was a hornblower if this journalist ever saw one. horacio, on the other hand, was unable to keep the ball in the ballpark. much better to toot one’s own horn than to have no pie in the refrigerator. journalist is not well. depression is clouding this journalist’s creativity today. what could have been . . . “and now, american idol, jimmy smith!” alas, not to be. journalist is seeking full time work in journalism, though. have applied for a column at the ajc. sent a canned ham there this morning.

now, baseball … doc has a good read on aybar. if it went down that way, sad. journalist has known addicts that were redeemed. hopefully, aybar will be redeemed as well.

By lilman916

August 15, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

It’s true that the other teams have gaps as well as the Braves, but the other teams have better starting pitching, and relief pitching that’s just as good as the Braves. The Phillies are starting to get healthy, and the Mets look to get a shot in the arm from Pedro. Once you get past Smoltz and Hudson, the starting pitching is a crap shoot. You never know what you’re going to get. Unless the Braves can get a starting pitcher from somewhere, I don’t expect them to make the playoffs. It will be interesting down the stretch, but the Braves just don’t have enough consistent arms.

By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 15, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Hey , I’m just returning the favor. You live in a glass house and throw rocks , well……….. be prepared to get stoned.

By russ in augusta

August 15, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Can Escobar play outfield? I bet he can. If so, move him to right when Edgar comes back, switch Francouer to center, and continue the platoon in left. That would give the Braves the strongest lineup possible with the current personnel. And you could play Escobar without the expense of losing Kelly’s bat and everything that Renteria brings: great defense and professionalism.

By ryan bauer

August 15, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

DOB- Nice take on Aybar, I think he can still be a good player and for anyone who doesn’t want him on this team next year, you obviously don’t have the braves best interest at heart. Wouldn’t you rather have him pinch hitting than Orr or Franco even Langerhans earlier this year. I’m pulling for this guy and I agree with DOB, he’s been through a lot. Hope to see him next Spring. Rock Chalk

By kreedham

August 15, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

I’m sure, at least I hope, that the Braves are in somewhat constant contact with Aybar. With, what appears, to be fragile psyche, it wouldn’t take much for him to become depressed or return to his substance abuse problems. Hopefully the Braves have Dr. Jack or someone meeting with him twice a week or so.

Another thing that might help. If it’s allowed let him come to the games, in uniform, and just sit on the bench. Might make him feel part of the team.

Anyhow I agree with many that Andrew should be checked again and maybe even put on the DL. The Braves may be thinking that too but could be waiting until at least Edgar comes back. I also agree, at the very least, Diaz should spot start. Where would we be without him?

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

*Pythagorean record*

Scoots I thought we agreed not to talk dirty on here. CL may be doing some chores right now, but she will take a switch to you when she gets back! :-)

By RickNole

August 15, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Would Druw do us a favor and sit down??? You would think he would be embarrassed.

By Paladin

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

 *be prepared to get stoned.*

I am getting prepared, Coach, but it ain’t 5 o’clock yet. But when it is, I’ll be prepared.

By AthensBrave

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

Take a look in the mirror ya’ll… The majority of you are blogaholics.

Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Adjust your eyes and slowly step away from the computer. Grab some ice for your fingertips. Take a walk outside, go out to eat, spend some time w/ your family.

If you feel the urge to blog, then go ahead…just try and keep it under 30 posts a blog

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Shelly Duncan just tied the game on a 3 run home run. I hate the Yankees!!!!

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Thanks all. It’s what makes doing this thing worthwhile, the outstanding, intelligent audience/conspirators in this enterprise. Beneath it all, most here aren’t much different.

Flange1, I’m gonna check into your suggestion.

Headed down to clubhouse. Later.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 15, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

DOB, this was an excellent blog. The piece of Aybar is one of the best I have ever read that you wrote. It really was.

I think as far as an addiction goes, we all have choices to make. Yes, it can be a sickness but one that is cureable. It is up to the individual to seek that cure. Aybar did that.

As someone who used to be shy and at times painfully shy,I can empathize. When you are that shy you have problems expressing yourself. I imagine it is only worse when you are somewhere most of the people speak a different laguage from you. Sometimes asking for help isn’t as easy as it sounds. You have all sorts of thoughts go through your head. You are worried that people won’t like you or will judge you. I’m sure Aybar felt that revealing his demons may cause him to lose his job. So, he attempts to take care of the situation himself, which of course is never a good idea. We all need help from time to time.

I never reverted to substance abuse or anything of the such. But, I did go into a hole and wouldn’t let people near me. My shyness caused enough problems. My embarrassment over it made it ten times worse and actually caused me to be even more shy.

Believe me, if you aren’t shy or have never been you just don’t know what it is like. You can’t imagine the courage it took Aybar to not only admit his problem but seek help for it.

I, for one, applaud him for what he has done. He has come a long way and anybody with a heart should stand up and acknowledge what this young man has done to get his life in order. It is a wonderful story and I hope the story hasn’t ended.

This sounds corny but I think JS and Cox should seriously think about getting somebody outgoing like to Escobar to hang out with him and help loosen him up. Perhaps, ask somebody like Diaz or McCann to help him assimilate into “American” society or the Braves “culture”. I hope Wily Aybar realizes all his dreams and I am very proud of what he has done.

From a fan prespective, anyone who doesn’t want Aybar here next year is crazy. Let me ask you this question. Who would you rather your utility player be: Chris Woodward or Wily Abyar. Personally, I would rather see Aybar than to see Woodward steal more money from the Braves.

By snowball's chance

August 15, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Nice piece on Aybar. He could have helped the Braves this year but I will pull for him to make a comeback. He sounds like someone who wouldn’t complain about injuries and that can hurt a person with a serious injury that isn’t diagnosed properly. Maybe a physical recovery will help his mental state. 43 games to go and only 12 on TBS. Maybe I will have to get a life and get away from the tube now. I have been forced to watch other teams this year and they do all seem flawed. Whomever gets hot will take it.

By RedEyedAndBlue

August 15, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

Good pen. Soft heart. Nice job, DOB.

With all the recurrent posts in this and previous blogs from folks demanding that Andruw sit (read: lose his job) and Willie or someone else take over CF, I’ve been tossin’ back the bottle a few too many myself. It’s been said. [Hiccup] We get it. If you were manager, you’d sit your $12 million outfielder and nine-time Gold Glover for Willie Harris, who was in the Minor Leagues in mid-May. Those, my friend, are some brass cajones, and considering what AJ has given this franchise the last decade plus we’d all do it right? Sure. [Gulp] That’s what teams are all about, right? Or wait, maybe you’d ask the rest of the players to pick up the slack and help out their teammate like Diaz, Chipper, Tex, Willie, and Francouer have done. Seems to me that’s what AJ did in ‘05 when Chipper got hurt. But no, let’s bench the guy and take our chances with a player who is not a natural CF. Only 3 games back in a pennant race. Sure, that’s what we should do. [Barf]

By jed

August 15, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

you should be proud of that blog, DOB. even touched a cynic like me. valuable writing.

By Eric from MO

August 15, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Jersey if Clemente was really your hero you wouldnt put him in the same sentence with a worthless piece of s**/drug addict like Aybar. If Aybar was any other person he would not have a job next year. If he was any other foreigner he would be kicked out of this country. The United States have enough drug abusers in this country, I say we ban him from this country!

By Jersey Gil

August 15, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Robert (Justice is The best) Well said ……… GO BRAVES…. Hasta La Vista Baby….

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

DOB, this was an excellent blog. The piece of Aybar is one of the best I have ever read that you wrote. It really was.

I second that Robert(JITB). Good work DOB. Best stuff I’ve read from you since I started blogging early this year.

By The Grinch

August 15, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

I wasn’t throwing rocks; you said “Mark it down” a few months ago and I was just showing that I followed orders. As for getting stoned, now you’re talking my language. Let’s do that and throw some Sabbath on the turntable. :-)

By Randy

August 15, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Whoa, brother.

That is a little too much information on Aybar. Talk about rambling. You sounded like an abused woman defending her husband to the cops. “You don’t know him like I do. He still loves me.”

I agree the Braves shouldn’t launch him but to write 17 paragraphs on him……just a bit too much…..and a little scary.

Maybe you can be his sponsor.

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Did I miss something? Is Athens Brave’s name now at the top of this blog? Even a Dawg like me, hopes not. Now, go study for your Sociology test.

By NRBQ

August 15, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Another Neil Young story:

In the late 70’s Nicolette Larson found an audio cassette on the floor of a limo (taxi?) left by Neil. On the tape was a demo of “Lotta Love.”

She called him, he told her she could record it, and the song was a huge (and only) hit for her.

Unfortunately, she died in ‘97.

By Jesse

August 15, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

ron and chase…espn doesnt just have a vendetta against the braves they have one against the entire south. whether braves baseball or sec football, espn always down plays either groups’ accomplishments. whether referring to the braves unprecedented streak as mundane or making excuses as to why the sec has the best talent and teams, espn always speaks with a grain of salt. granted not every person affiliated with espn feels this way (kruck, gammons, steve phillips, kirk herbstreit, rece davis do not) but the majority do

By Adirondackdave

August 15, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

DOB - That was one of the most thoughtful pieces (Willy Aybar comments) that I’ve ever read on a sports page. Good for you and I’ll be pulling for Willy.

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Oh, Grinch and Coach, y’all were talking about that kind of “stoned”. I don’t do that. I get shut faced and open mouthed on bottled-in-the-bond stuff. It’s legal.

By Rain Man

August 15, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

Shaun,

Mom said we’re goin to KMART

By ObiWanKobe

August 15, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

I’m in Southern California, and there were similar stories about Aybar in the LA Times (him being introverted). It helped that his brother was playing for the Angels when he was with the Dodgers. From what I’ve seen, seems to be a good kid.

Anyway Yunel can play outfield?

By Steve from OH

August 15, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Aybar sure gets his props from me for first admitting he has a problem and second actually takin the initiative to fix it. Good luck Willy. I’m rooting for you.

Baseball…

Can anyone find a stat of our win-loss vs. pitchers with a win-loss record above .500 vs. our win loss against pitchers with a below .500 win-loss record? I can’t find it, and I’m interested to know what it is. It seems that we can’t win the games that we shoud be winning, i.e. against Woody Williams, etc.

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Rain Man And miss Judge Waupner? Don’t worry though, I’ll tape it for you. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

By flange1

August 15, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

Hey Grinch,

How about holding the Sabbath and putting on some Floyd….

By bill

August 15, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Just think how much better the world would be if people like Eric were to wake up one morning with both a heart and a brain…

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

*Anyway Yunel can play outfield?*

Obikanobe Is the above a question; a statement, or a brain farth? Inquiring minds would love to know.

By MEB

August 15, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Great coverage of a situation that all too often goes uncovered in sports. I certainly agree that encouragement takes many forms and quite often the thoughts and concerns of someone Willy Aybar does not know can mean a lot. DOB please share with Willy, if you get the chance, that there are baseball fans on this blog who are concerned about his well being.

Looking forward to tonight’s game but unfortunately I have to work tonight. This is a good omen as the Braves tend to do well when I don’t watch. Would love to watch the tape of a complete game three hit shutout for Huddy tonight!

GO BRAVES!!!

By Cali-dude

August 15, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

braves better win this one. really.

just checked the “accuscore projection” on espn site, and it has atl with 74% chance of victory. granted, i don’t fully trust that projection, nor have i checked that thing before every game, but i don’t think i’ve ever seen a 70+% supposed chance of victory for the braves the whole season.

as DOB said yesterday, it is after all hudson vs. ortiz, so i don’t expect too much difficulty, but here’s hoping the bullpen fares better tonight.

By monty

August 15, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Braves need to get on a roll and win 14 out of their next 20 or something. We haven’t done that since April. It seems like every game lately has been a struggle,even if they get up early in the game. Last night they were as flat as they have looked all year, lifeless looking on T.V. I’m like wake up you’re supposed to be fighting for a playoff spot! I was more stoked than they seemed to be. I think that bad call against Chipper and Bobby getting ejected, coupled with Tex’s bomb woke everyone up. What a play by Eunell in the 9th. If Jeter makes that play it’s all over ESPN.

By Henry

August 15, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Great posting, especially on Aybar. Thanks for helping us understand the human beings who wear those numbers. That’s what I read this blog for — you give us so much more than we could ever get anywhere else.

You’ve done a good thing today, in bringing Willy some compassion from the denizens here. I hope someone will bring it to his attention. I’m glad to hear that the Braves are willing to give him another chance.

Henry

By Renegator

August 15, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

The Grinch:

I’m in - let’s fire it up and then fire up the Sabbath…

Flange1:

Or Floyd works too

By ncscoots

August 15, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

And just who IS paying Russ Ortiz these days?

Good night to get pivotal, and smush ‘em like a shrimp sammich. Sic ‘em, Julia.

By Ben

August 15, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

If anyone gets moved to the outfield, it will be Kelly Johnson. He’s proved his arm is ok. Moving Jeff Francoeur to center would be stupid. We need his arm in right field. Any one who knows anything about baseball, will tell you the best arm should be playing right field.

By Tonight on TBS

August 15, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

After the game…

Looking For Mr. Aybar (1977)

AJC journalist Carroll Rogers (Diane Keaton) spends her nights cruising the minor leagues, seeking the excitement that only a new, switch-hitting, utility infielder can provide. What she doesn’t know is that he’s on the disabled list with another hand injury. (Rated R for rehab).

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

I, too, hope that young Master Aybar gets his stuff together, his hand well, and comes back to us to play. Isn’t that the attitude you are supposed to have with “family”?

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 15, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Eric, while you have every right to your opinion, I must say that I have read very comments more ignorant than the one you made. You really feel that way about drug and alcohol addicts. You realize the President of this country had some substance abuse issues in his past, right? Hell, why stop there. I say anybody who has ever done drugs even just once or even just weed should be kicked out of the country. I’m sure that woudln’t include you right? I assume you have never done a drug of any kind. Not even once.

So, I suppose in your world, Eric, nobody deserves a second chance and should be stoned after their first mistake. Must be awfully warm in your house today with all the glass and everything.

By ObiWanKobe

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

Paladin:

Renteria comes back @SS, Kelly stays @2B, Yunel in left, Willie in center, Andruw on the DL. Keeps a hot bat in the line-up

should have elaborated earlier…

By jbutler

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

DOB…great take on the Aybar situation. Having dealt w/an addictive parent all my life, I’m all too familiar with the ugly face the disease can take on. Athletes are all too human which can often be lost when examining their other abilities. A lost year for him..but maybe its for the best- gives him time to focus on getting on track. He certainly deserves every opportunity to succeed in sobriety.

We caught a great Aquabats show last week…they don’t tour a lot - but some great material. Thanks for the bantering.

By bruce

August 15, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Dave: thanks for the Willy scoop… seems like the man has a big heart that might need some encouragement to get through his surgical recovery… here’s to him playing great, healthy winter ball and dazzling us all next spring training. Thanks for great inside scoop and look… it is a big part of helping fans have depth for their team… thanks, Bruce

By Todd A

August 15, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

lilman Judging from Pedro’s first couple of minor league outings, I don’t expect he’ll provide a better alternative to what they already have. If he doesn’t return to form(which he won’t), I don’t think the Mets get significantly better over the last 40 games.

I don’t see the Braves making a move in the standings either, for the very reasons you listed. We just don’t have enough quality starting pitching to overtake the Mets unless they just succomb to the mystic of the Braves, and fold up like a cheap suit in Sept. Their rotation is a little deeper, and they have Wagner.We have B- - - W- - - - - -.

We are throwing our two aces against the Giants(we’ll probably go 2-1), and the Diamondbacks get to face our # 4 and #5 starters to begin the series.Not good when you consider the D’Backs have been eating our lunch the last few years.

Dob’s stats on the last 45 games reveal all 3 teams have played virtually at the same clip since the end of June. If any team in the East stands to make a move in the division, it’s the Phillies,when they get 3 injured players back.But, it’s hard to imagine Utley playing any better than Iguchi is right now. Victorino’s return will provide a boost though.

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Robert(JITB) I totally agree with your post to Eric, except for one thing. You, like many today, link drugs and alcohol together, as if they are the same thing. Remember, alcohol is legal. I don’t disagree that over-dependence on alcohol is a type of “addiction”,but so is over-dependence on twinkees, diet cokes and most don’t-push-back-from-the-table foods. But, they are never mentioned with drugs.

Maybe a small thing, and I can be accused of squealing ‘cause my toe was pulled, but it is a pet peeve. Otherwise, it was one of your usual, good posts. Regards, Paladin

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Phillies placed RHP Adam Eaton on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 12, with right shoulder inflammation.

Well, looks like they have taken care of the only thing holding them down since mid-July. J.D Durbon will take his place. It’s a big deal. Eaton didn’t even give them a chance to win in his last four starts. Durbin should be better. It amazes me that they even win with a rotation of Hamels, Moyer, Kendrick, Lohse and Durbin/Eaton. Kendrick saved their season.

By Bob, Journalist

August 15, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

BravesDave, had I thought you were interested, I would have been taken aback by your earlier exchanges and certainly I wasn’t suggesting that you had passed judgment on anything … that too would have been presumptive … I didn’t complete the thought but you seem to have done that without assistance.

Having frequently visited relatives in East Orange, I can attest to the fact that there are some nice places in New Jersey and some nice folks too.

The weather differences are noteworthy but I never found the winters to be that harsh … most New Englanders seemed to enjoy the seasonal changes, even those electing to move south.

My comment may have been tongue-in-cheek, but the mentality, values and objectives are different … or at least that’s the way it always seemed to me … different doesn’t mean inferior or superior … but, the choices one makes reflects the person, not the mask.

Most Honorable Southern isn’t infallible … none of us are, and he can sometimes be a bit excessive when responding to perceived pharisaism and/or apathy but Ralph is highly intelligent, knows his roses, and we share many of the same values … most folks who are full of themselves don’t realize it … otherwise, they wouldn’t so be but, Most Honorable has a keen sense for such things and easily finds them out … them, and those of private agenda.

You have to respect honesty …even if you don’t know how to peel the onion.

By TennesseePaul

August 15, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

DOB: Thanks for this one. Very good. Very good indeed. I wanna repost this next part because, well, I appreciate it and it speaks volumes:
Since June 25, 2007:

By Wilson

August 15, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

DOB, I know it is early, but where/how to you see Aybar figuring into the Braves future? What is his contract situation?

By Rev. Zoldars

August 15, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

I must say, “tonight on TBS” is my favorite poster. always makes me laugh

By Julia

August 15, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

Well, it is not something I am proud of - but I really am craving a nice little shrimp sammich. I know, I know, I have been critical of others who crave this t-a-s-t-y m-o-r-s-e-l, but now I really, really, need one of my very own. Do you like sauce? What kind of sauce do you like on a SHRIMP SAMMICH??!! It makes me CRAZY when I think of a SHRIMP SAMMICH and I CAN’T GET MY HANDS ON ONE! C-R-A-Z-Y, do you hear? CRAZY!! Now, if I get a Shrimp Sammich I promise not to let myself go like some people. I will still be beautiful and shapely and with no discernible POOCH!! C-R-A-Z-Y!!! And TASTY!

By Bob, Journalist

August 15, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

For those so interested, I just received word that Beat The Drum should be available in the USA on DVD in late November.

By DonCoburleone

August 15, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

We are ALL addicted to something in one way or another… I am just happy I never tried any hardcore drugs (heroin, coke, meth) cuz I probably would’ve liked ‘em and ended up addicted…. Pot however, is less dangerous than Alcohol in my opinion…

By dadgum

August 15, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

There can’t be a team in MLB that has had the nightmare pitching curses that the Braves have faced. Hampton, Sturtze, Dorel, Gonzales - all injured. Not to mentioned those injured and now back (cormier). Davies & McBride shipped out. Those that have simply not panned out this year like Soriano and Wickman and not to be counted as sure thing closars. The starters have been mostly good but outside Hudson and Smoltz I am not real excited about any starter getting to the 7th inning stretch.

Bottom line is all the pitching is pretty much a crap shoot and “hey Wick you can quit hugging Chipper now”. There is no amount of consistent offense that is going to consistently bail out fair at best pitching. NOt down the stretch. Let’s hope and I am not jumping ship. Just seems the Braves always have more than their share of injuries and underperforming pitching. Maybe we have simply been spoiled by the 14 titles.

By Todd A

August 15, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

DOB thanks for that excerpt on Aybar. I have a family member that is suffering from an addiction and it has virtually destroyed his life. I keep hoping the light bulb will eventually come on, and he’ll be his old self again, but he doesn’t seem to want to pay the price to end his addiction.

Aybar sounds like a good kid, and he just gained a new fan.I’m really pulling for him to make it.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 15, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

pharisaism on the blog! a first! did hippocrite see this yet? oh, the humanity! journalist bob has taken this blog to a new level. mezzanine.

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Edgar’s ankle sprain is healing faster than Braves anticipated, sounds like he’ll be ready to go by early next week. I wouldn’t even rule out this weekend (Saturday he’s eligible to come off DL), though it sounds like early next week is more realistic.

By gotigers72

August 15, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Don’t know if Ted Barrett has a reputation as a good ball and strike man or not, but he was terrible last night, for both sides. Went from being a “nose to toes” strike zone in the first 7 innings [which I prefer], to just squeezing the heck out of it in the last 2 innings. No way Wickman should NOT have gotten a save in the top of the ninth. He threw 3 or 4 pitches where McCann didn’t move his glove and the pitch was called a ball, including 1 or 2 on the guy that hit the triple. Wickman walked 2 which is highly unusual for him. Then went 3-2 on Klesko before he got a call. It was like Barrett was taking it out on Braves pitchers for the way Chipper and Bobby barked at him. I thought it was a miracle that Chipper didn’t get tossed, which makes me think Barrett thinks he missed the call.

I umpired for about 10-12 years in the 80s and 90s. High School and small college. The guy that trained us had been a minor league umpire for awhile, but gave it up because the pay was bad and he didn’t like being away from home that much. But one thing I remember he told us that goes to Chipper’s at bat. He said it was okay to have a “loose” strike zone. Said it made for a better game. Made the hitters come to the plate swinging, and you would usually catch a lot less grief than if you squeezed the zone. This was true. BUT, on the 3rd strike, don’t call somebody out on a bad pitch. Make it be a strike. Doesn’t have to be down the middle, but needs to be over the plate, corner, at the knees, at the letters, whatever. Just make it be a strike.

He said he was told that at umpire school by one of the ML umpires that was an instructor. That umpire was given that advice by none other than Stan “The Man” Musial. Advice given from a pretty fair country player, huh?

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

Don I like pot, too. Pot of soup. Pot of chili. Pot of flowers. Pot of… And they are only dangerous when I get drunk and drop one on my foot. :-)

By Ron Roberts

August 15, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

LOL. Mezzanine. Funny, JJS.

By TennesseePaul

August 15, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

DonC: =) Oh man am I smiling…. that last point… HA! I do not disagree, I find it funny nevertheless. As for the previous point… it’s a matter of strength as to what you do. Those three you can take by choice and you beat by choice. It’s easier said than done, but it can be done.

The last post I’m seeing speaks of a mezzanine and what immediately comes to mind is Soul Coughing…. you gotta take the elevator to the mezzanine… now to find that disc and put it on.

By BravesDave

August 15, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist, I guess my point was that I do not judge anyone based upon where they were raised or where they choose to live. Fairly simple concept. Being from Jersey doesn’t mean much in the scheme of things, besides the fact that some lumps like JackAss think they can put you on the defensive by dragging down Jersey (even though he knows nothing about it). I really don’t want to hear about him being honorable, intelligent, or anything else. I find him to be obnoxious in his posts, and I also find that he enjoys attacking others frequently. If some on this blog find that to be honorable, so be it. Ocassionally, he needs to be given a little attention just to keep him in line. Since you know East Orange, you probably know a few of the places that I would prefer to leave him in Newark.

And now, back to baseball.

By TennesseePaul

August 15, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Hip-hip Horray! The Renteria is coming back! This only makes the bench that much deeper! Escobar is much, much better than Marteen Prado.

By geauxbraves2000

August 15, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Sweep.

Geaux Braves!!

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

Scoots, Arizona is still paying Ortiz a lot of money on the contract they gave him. That’s why Giants signed him for the minimum ($380,000).

Lineups: Barry’s in the Giants lineup.

Braves looks familiar: 1. Willie, 2. K.J., 3. Chipper, 4. Tex, 5. McCann, 6. Frenchy, 7. Andruw, 8. Escobar, 9. Huddy.

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

You just can;t leave it alone, can you, BravesDave? Pity.

By Bob, Journalist

August 15, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Pot however, is less dangerous than Alcohol in my opinion … on what do you base your opine?

Alcohol has many worthwhile uses … it’s those who choose to drink it, especially to excess who are dangerous … as are those who choose to break the law or the rules, as the case might be.

I’m told that jumping off of 10 story story buildings is less dangerous than jumping off 50 story buildings too.

By Amber

August 15, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Why isn’t Andruw sitting?????

WHY??

I want to put my head through a wall right now.

As soon as Aybar can show up and start contributing to the team, I’ll be happy to support him. Maybe we should have put him in anyway - drunk with a broken hand, he’d still probably swat the ball better than Andruw right now.

By the way, could Escobar be any better? He is a marvel to watch. I hated to see Renty hurt, but we had an A+, number one stand-in for him.

By Lew

August 15, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this

If everyone were to get stoned after making a mistake, I think lots of people would be screwing up. Oh.

By Heather

August 15, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

David, I love Willy Aybar too, and I think he is going to be immensely valuable to the Braves next year as a Betemit type of utility infielder.

But seriously, quit trying to play armchair psychologist here. You don’t know what goes on in his head any more than we do, and it’s rude to Willy for you to speculate about his mental health here.

We all love Willy and hope he rejoins the team next spring, but please let his own personal issues remain private.

By DonCoburleone

August 15, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Man, if only we could talk some sense into Cox then he would put Escobar ahead of Andruw Jones… Ah well, I guess he wants to sandwich a good hitter in between 2 pitchers…

And since TennessePaul agrees with me, why doesn’t everyone else answer this question: Which is more dangerous/detrimental to a persons life? Alcoholism or smoking marijuana every day???

By TexasBrave

August 15, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

Good story DOB, I really hope though that the organization has someone who had take Willie under their wing and befriended him. Would also be good, once he arrives at spring training if one of the Spanish speaking veterans would do the same. Hope he makes it.

By Colin

August 15, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

Harris in Center Diaz in Left…One pitch last night and Diaz had the go ahead hit…he should be playing everyday.

By Eric from MO

August 15, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Bill and Robert you know what? I have had a hard life too. I saw my Dad beat my Mom to death. Ater that I got sent to a Foster family where I was abused. I then ran away and lived 2 years on the streets of St. Louis. While I was living on the street I worked my a* off to get by and study and get my GED. Then I went to college and now am an engineer with a wife and a kid. In that whole paragraph did you ever see me mention drugs. HELL NO! I will admit I drink occasionally but as Paladin mentioned that is legal. Also as I pointed out a lot of people in this country do drugs. That is why we dont need to import anymore. Alot of people have a lot harder life than a Major League Baseball player. So Im sorry if I dont have a heart and feel sorry for him.

By Carolina Lady

August 15, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

DOB, if you hadn’t already earned a Wurlitzer (or two), today’s blog would have earned it with a standing ovation. Congratulations on putting a very human face and heart on what so many had only seen as a name. Sterling!

It is my sincerest wish that Willy A. receive the mental, physical and social help he needs to overcome his difficulties.

A very big step would be to learn the English language which will enable communication on just about every level since he now lives in this country. Not learning the language further is further isolating.

Do you think the Braves would consider opening a website, a PO Box or some means for supporting fans to be in touch with him? Perhaps that would help in some way.

Again, congratulations on an excellent piece!

By TennesseePaul

August 15, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Willie Aybar and Willie Harris… probably best they aren’t both on the bench. Cox would be confounded to find distinct nick names.
Let’s go Harrie
Go Gittum Ayie!
Hey Willie! You’re up! Not you Willie. I’m talkin to Willie.

By BravesDave

August 15, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Hey Paladin, I was responding to Bob, Journalist, so I am not sure how that constitutes not “leaving it alone”. No need for you to chime in.

By TexasBrave

August 15, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

DOB it is good to hear that Rent is going to be back soon, but will he be 100%? What I mean is it’s not like his replacement is killing us. And to be honest I hate to see Escobar and KJ go back to the platoon, both need to be in the line-up every day. What I am really trying to say is that there isn’t any rush,IMO, for him to be back in anything less than 100%.

By Eric from MO

August 15, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

DonC- my opinion to you answer is Alcholism. I work with a bunch of Construction workers. Some drink alot. Others smoke alot of pot. The ones who drink alot can still carry on conversations and still do math. The ones who smoke a ton of pot are normally burnt out. They can barely carry on conversations and you have to figure everything for them.

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

Gotigers, that was the consensus from players on both sides last night — Barrett’s strike zone was all over the place, never consistent.

By the way, I’ve never seen a player throw a bat as far as Chipper and not get tossed. That was something.

By BravesDave

August 15, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Well, here is my does of positivity, for those who say that I am too negative. Another big game tonight, but I am conifident with Hudson on the mound. Make it a short night for the bullpen, Tim. Hopefully, the Braves hitters will be patient tonight. Russ Ortiz has yet to meet a strike that he enjoys throwing.

Decent matchups in the Mets and Phils games tonight. Redding has pitched fairly well, but with some hard luck, for the Nats. The Phils are throwing a decent rookie. Maine has been very shaky lately for the Mets - but that was against good lineups like the Cubs and Braves. He may have less trouble with the Pirates. Also, maybe we can get a decent night out of the Rockies offense against Chris Young and Padres.

By Lew

August 15, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

DonC-I don’t know. I don’t drink.

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

BravesDave You were not in a private conversation with BobJ, you were posting it publicly for all to see, and comment on. That’s the way blogs work. Down here, anyway.

By Carolina Lady

August 15, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Your brain and mind is irreplaceable. Why on earth would a person ever want to mess it up by killing the brain’s cells with anything? It’s a mystery to me! :-)))

Here’s (a glass of root beer) to a great game tonight!

By BossLady

August 15, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Good Blog, thanks DOB. As much as I am money grubbing and power hungry, I would not know what to do in a situation like Aybar. It is my greatest prayer (excuse religion to the bloggers) that I remain in my right mind and healthy condition. It is the things we have no control that scares me to death. It could happen to anybody at anytime such as all sicknesses. I have seen men and women with millions, who have battled brain tumors, breast cancer and drug abuse that can afford the best medical treatment in the world but no help was to be found and they are no longer with us today. There is no better accomplishment than to lookout for, empathize and support fellow man. I thought he had too much money and only wanted to party. He is with the best organization when it comes to this problem. I am thankful he is not in Philadelphia, New York or Los Angeles. DOB, YOU ROCK!!

By Eric from MO

August 15, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

DonC- I meant Alcholism is safer.

By Bobbymahlon

August 15, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

All you people that say you can’t wait until Aybar comes back so he can make us a much better team much realize that for him to do that we must sit Escobar. How does that sound, do you think for one minute that he would have played better than Escobar, if you do you don’t know much about baseball. Our main problem still remains we have only two dependable starters and no real closer that we can count on.

By JC FROM UT

August 15, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Is there any update on Dotel? Also what is his contract situation? I thought he signed 1 year with an option with the Royals

By Bobbymahlon

August 15, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

DOB Is it next year that TBS will be cutting out 75 games on their network ? Do you know if anybody else will be picking up these games or will we miss these games ?

By BossLady

August 15, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry, I did not know this was tell your life story time. So, forgive me if i don’t want or care to decide who had better lives and who had terrible lives growing up. When I read that blog, I wonder if that life made you numb and bitter. Everyone deal with problems in a different way. So again, with Aybar he has my concern and best wishes to a full recovery and happy and prosperous future.

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Carolina Lady Some of us—and I am certainly not referring to the most esteemed lady—have more cells to kill, than others. And, at this point in my life, how I kill them is irrelevant; but my officer-of-the-court status insists that I keep it legal.

By Lew

August 15, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Ma’am-They just found out that drinking soda leads to weight gain and diabetes-even the diet stuff. It’s one of the worst things you can drink. Nothing’s safe.

By TennesseePaul

August 15, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

I gotta say, I’m bummed I couldn’t see the bat toss. I keep reading about it and I wanna see it but I can’t find the video of it anywhere. The imagination has him tossing the bat over the seats and into the parking lot. But, well, that might stem from the fact that I’ve never read an article up until now that mentioned a bat toss. And every game summary I read mentioned despite being from different authors and sources. Must have been a helluva toss.

Eric, I’m glad to here you made it through life without making the choice to do drugs, but I gotta disagree with your call to deport Willie for substance abuse. Little over the top from where I stand.

By joebrave

August 15, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Richards Gerbil,I hope you don’t draw that damn sammich back to hit a woman when I’m around big BOY!!!Ya might wind up with it stuck up ya @SS!! Ya dumb@ss Summabitch!!!!

By BossLady

August 15, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

What!! Alcohol destroys the heart, the kidneys, the brain, the pancreas, the liver, the bladder, the eyesight, the skin, the blood presure, the sugar levels, also the gums and teeth. Is there anything else that is more vital than that. High school biology will show you that alcohol has nowhere in the system to process so it destroys WHATEVER until it kills.

By DonCoburleone

August 15, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

I’m gonna be drinkin’ me a fat SAMMY right now while I watch the game. Talk to ya’ll later and GO BRAVES!!!

By TheJoiseyJackAss

August 15, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

BravesDave—so glad to hear that you’re doing your best to “keep TheJackAss in line”…bet you didn’t count on all this hell, fire, and damnation when you took it upon yourself to attack me last night…you want to be like radio ron huh?…get in line with rest of the ignorant pukes…TheJackAss will give you the grand tour…mess with the bull…get the horn!…

By jbutler

August 15, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

Paladin….I fully agree w/your brain cell assessment. I’m afraid I burnt (okay..no real pun intended..but frighteningly true!!) thru more than my fair share of grey matter.

As age - hopefully wisdom caught up to me, I’ve since put down the peace pipe. I still have a hard time imagining anyone beyond college truly doing that to their body.

Cheers to a great game!!!

By raindawg722

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

Slightly off-base question here, but has anyone noticed an odd, high-pitched voiceover during one of the promos they play between pitches? I think it’s at the end of the “Let’s Go Braves” chant, but if not, I think it’s one of those with the repetitive drum sounds. It happens right at the end. I hear it a few times last night at the game. What the heck is that and what is it saying?

By MetsFan

August 15, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Mets score 5 runs in the top of the first, still only one out. Mets 5, Pirates 0. Try to keep up, Braves….

By Carolina Lady

August 15, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Y’all, that was no judgment; in fact, my thought was light-hearted but re-reading I see where the written word came across differently than intended. :-))

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

Gonna be up to the Braves to try to stop Brandon Webb’s scoreless-innings streak — he’s scheduled to pitch for Arizona on Friday in the opener of the series at Turner Field.

By the way, Braves need to win tonight, because they don’t want to have to rely on Chuck beating Tim Lincecum tomorrow night in order to win the series.

Check out Lincecum’s recent performance: The rookie is 4-1 with a 2.12 ERA and .197 opponents’ average in his past nine starts, with 67 strikeouts and 26 walks in 59-1/3 innings.

He had eight consecutive quality starts, including six with one or no runs allowed, before giving up six runs in six innings of loss to Pittsburgh on Saturday. He’s 1-0 with an 0.89 ERA and 21 strikeouts in his past three road starts.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 15, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

Alcohol or pot…pot or alcohol…both are bad—-it’s inbreeding that should be deemed as a capital offense…

By ObiWanKobe

August 15, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

Mets put up a 5 spot in the first…drat

By journalist jimmy smith

August 15, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

not two choices - three. alcohol, weed, neither. best to choose root beer like carolina lady. if a rush is needed read a good book and stimulate the mind. the mind is a terrible thing to waste. somebody said that already, right? get lew to send some maple syrup - use it on pancakes or drink it from the bottle. better than the other two choices. and now, chivalry has a new name and it is joebrave. humanity! andruw was once a favorite of this journalist but now the stubbornness is growing very old. stubborn bobby cox, too. stubborn chino cadahia. chino needs some bigger chinos - or less time on camera. must have been eating those sandwiches that put on the tummy roll (role for some). and this journalist requires a dentist and wants to be sure not to use the one nurse patty works for. dob please notify journalist. and is journalist bob awake for the game? still on the mezzanine? journalist bob is not being entirely candid with the bloggers. it is well known that journalist bob often gets soused.

By The Grinch

August 15, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

Back again. As for alcohol vs. pot, there’s really not much debate as to which is more dangerous when you have access to facts and don’t go on what you heard growing up. I’ve actually devoted a number of years to research (yes, that kind too) and been heavily involved in a number of public debates, some in surprisingly large forums. I won’t go into it here (for obvious reasons), but anyone who wishes to engage in a friendly debate or just learn some interesting history and biology contact me at voton1066@yahoo.com. Bob and Paladin, no offense but people over 60 are the ones I try hardest to reach out to because they tend to make up both the most vocal and least knowledgable of the anti-pot folks. And for the record, I personally enjoy them both at the same time, so there’s no bias involved. I’m not a hippie, nor do I work for Anheiser Busch; just something I’ve always been fascinated with.

Now, baseball…time to win tonight to set up the sweep.

By Señor Blanco

August 15, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

Since Willy Aybar no habla inglés, Señor Blanco would like to convey the spirit of periodista O’Briens’ column in case he should look at this blog:

Esperamos que Willy Aybar se recupere de su herida y de sus problemas. Esperamos verlo feliz y sano el primavera próximo. Recuerdos, mi amigo.

By beki

August 15, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

As a low self-esteem, chronically depressed ( diagnosed ), introvert, I understand the feelings of being the lesser person to the brother who was glib, confident,and extroverted.So, in this way,I am like Aybar and feel for him;however, my addiction is to books,movies,and ————banana pudding!

By BravesDave

August 15, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

Paladin, thanks for the quick lesson on the inner workings of blogs, Master of the Obvious. I never said that I was responding only to Bob J. What I said was that I was responding to a post by Bob J, so therefore I was not the one keeping it alive. Sorry that I have to translate English for you. Let’s not nominate Paladin to help Aybar learn English. He’ll just confuse him more.

JackAss, I have to hand it you, you are entertaining. Roaming around the blogospehere, claiming that you have somehow mortally wounded other bloggers by posting Joisey Windows Edition nonsense that has been floating around the internet since Al Gore invented it. You are a scary man. Messing with you is more like messing with a stuffed animal bull. The horn is so plush. It actually tickles a little.

Ummm, baseball…looks like the Mets are doing just fine against the Pirates tonight, unfortunately. 5 runs in the first against Morris.

By SandyB

August 15, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

First, let me preface this by saying that I am a loyal Braves fan who loves this team…..however, being at the game last night was almost like sitting in the dentist chair waiting for the drill. You could feel the tension in the air….the fans were looking for ANY reason to get to stand up and cheer (and move around, hoping for a cool breeze…..) There were boos for Barry, and flashes every time he moved, which made things a little different…..But still, it was a painful game to watch…even when we were ahead. It was like you knew something bad was about to happen…(like a bad horror movie).

When Chipper threw his bat, I wondered what would happen if he had thrown the bat against the ball with the same vengeance….(We had no idea about Bobby until we saw sportscenter)

The end of the game was pretty exciting from the stands…it was like we had just won the World Series. The guys were jumping around like kids. Maybe we can start stringing some wins together….

By Bob, Journalist

August 15, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

BravesDave, “I really don’t want to hear about him being honorable, intelligent, or anything else” … no disrespect intended but I never thought or even suspected that you did … maybe my purpose was something different … but, a member of Doc’s Flock he is not.

“I find him to be obnoxious in his posts” … I dare say that God must love the ugly people for I need only to look in the mirror to recognize that he made so many uglier and so few better looking than I … the same thing goes for my intelligence. Could it be that my good looks and intelligence are more of a curse than a blessing?

‘Tis in the mind’s eye of the beholder that you find obnoxious … he’s a slippery chameleon, that one. I’m told that many find me obnoxious as well but I don’t pay that no never mind … they’re just misguided or envious of my good looks and intelligence … and it wouldn’t surprise me none if you run into the same problem.

“I also find that he enjoys attacking others frequently” … remember, you’re on the outside looking in … I suggest that he’s far more complex than that and what some of us find most honorable about Most Honorable is that he is … maybe it’s a third eye thing.

“Occasionally, he needs to be given a little attention just to keep him in line” … pardon the editing … joke, right? No, I rather think that’s more insidious than insipid.

It’s wise to avoid the deep end of the pool while learning to swim … Freddie LaNue taught me that … it’s why I prefer the Hot Tub!

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

By the way, Braves need to win tonight, because they don’t want to have to rely on Chuck beating Tim Lincecum tomorrow night in order to win the series.

Thank you DOB.

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

Grinch I will be happy to take part in your symposium, but please, an adequate supply of St. Paulie’s Girl dark, is required. :-)

By Stark

August 15, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

its nice to see our leadoff guys getting on base & driving up pitch counts. i dont miss mr uppercut marcus one bit.

pitt tryin a comeback chippin away 5-2

By Julia

August 15, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

That was one GOOD Shrimp Sammich! I am feeling a little out of sorts, though. I now have an u-n-c-o-n-t-r-o-l-l-a-b-l-e desire to listen to Ethel Merman. What is it about these SHRIMP SAMMICHES??

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

BravesDud We have a sayin’, down here, that yankees are people who live up north, damn yankees are ones who come down here, and stay. That’s because, they constantly tell us ignorant Southerners how it “should” be done. You, sir, are a Damn yankee from afar.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 15, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Eric, I don’t care if alcohol is legal. It can still be an addiction. It is silly to dismiss alcohol because its legal. Gambling is legal as well under certain guidelines but it doesn’t mean it is not an addiction.

Look, I don’t condone drugs and despise them as much as you do, but people make mistakes whether you want to accept that or not. Now, if Aybar continues to use drugs despite all the help that is available to him then I will be very inclined to agree with you. But, as far as we know, this is his first mistake with them and he is doing what is necessary to clean himself up and get his life right. What? People no longer can receive second chances. I think that is a dangerous view to take because you never know when you may need a second chace.

The way I see it is if our President can overcome the problem then anybody else should be able to as well.

By The Grinch

August 15, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Paladin, funny you should mention that: I have a sixer of Paulie dark in my fridge. No debates here, though; that’s a surprisingly inflamatory subject akin to politics and religion. E-mail only.

We’re gonna blow Ortiz open the second time around; I can feel it.

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

You know Robert(JITB) is like too many on here. They only read their own posts. Damn other people opinions, full speed ahead!

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

DOB, That was a good story of sort on Aybar. I agree with your sentiments because from what I’ve read and seen about Aybar, is that he’s got the tools, its just the mental aspect and the demons that he has in front of him. I hope everything works out for him, I do.

As for last night….

I was impressed with Escobar’s play to keep that one guy from scoring on that play (even though he scored anyways). Hopefully, Braves can sweep Giants and at least 2 out of 3 from D-Backs.

By Salty

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

DO’B Thanks for using the blog as forum for updating your perspective of Aybar. The Braves are ‘personal’ for many of us, and you taking (valuable) time from your day means a lot…and I’m quite certain it will to him. An article, you have to do…the blog lets your conviction…and passion show.

By BravesDave

August 15, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

OK, Paladin, JackAss, Bob J, I notify Scarlett O’Hara that you guys are available.

By Yars

August 15, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

I see nothing wrong with the occasional drink and/or joint. When used in moderation, it can be quite an enjoyable experience. Big difference between addiction & experimentation/casual using. I’m not some tree hugging, ultra liberal democrat, or a right wing conservative.

By Tomahawkin' Again

August 15, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

Huddy is the man. DOB, you need to start the Cy Young campaign going with your fellow beat writers.

By Tomahawkin' Again

August 15, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Hudson-.228 BA, Andruw-.212 BA; you just have to shake your head and laugh

By Paladin

August 15, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

Gosh, I’ve gotten top billing.(Eat your hearts out BobJ and SJA)

As for you, BravesDud, others can continue to talk baseball or whatever with you, but you bore me. I’m going to talk to my dog who, by all appearances, has more intelligence. Bye bye.

And, to all that count, I’m going to bed. Pull ‘em through. Go Braves!!

By TenneseePaul

August 15, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

Pirates plated another… Let’s do this Braves! Burry ‘em in the sand.

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

Salty, I appreciate that.

BravesFanChris, I just finished a note on Escobar leading off my Braves notebook. It’ll be posted soon, I’m sure.

By SD Braves Fan

August 15, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Mets 5 Pirates 3

By The Grinch

August 15, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this

Now THAT’s the Bobby that deserves the HOF…good stuff.

By BosnianBaller

August 15, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

I can’t remember the last time the NL has been so bad. Usually there are 2 or 3 really good teams but this year it’s up for grabs.

I’m glad braves kept Aybar.He deserves a second chance.I remember when furcal was going through his dui stuff and the braves kept him.

The Dbacks fired their manager 4 or 5 years ago because he had a dui like 20 years ago which is pretty stupid on the part of the dbacks

By A--ville Ranger

August 15, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

Good play by our right side db.

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

Cool DOB. I’ll be reading.

HAHAHA

Cox got ejected again. Fans went “Bobby Bobby Bobby”. I think the call was wrong, I didn’t see a balk at all.

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

Well, the crowd seemed to enjoy that ejection, maybe because they didn’t get to do their thing last night when Cox got tossed. It was the loudest ovation so far tonight, a standing O with the familiar “Bob-ee” chant as he came off the field.

By Colin

August 15, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

Bobby is the best at pushing just enough buttons to get tossed

By TennesseePaul

August 15, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

I really appreciate having Teixeira in this line up. Much better than seeing AJ in the clean up spot.

By BossLady

August 15, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

BOBBY BOBBY BOBBY BOBBY BOBBY BOBBY BOBBY !!!!!!!!!!!!

His best pitcher is on the mound and this jackoff calls a balk.

Do you thing, Bobby, do your thing, do your thing Bobby Bobby

I luv to luv yu baby, luv to luv you baby, luv to lou you baby luv to luv

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

HAHAHA

Klesko got ejected !

By ncscoots

August 15, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

An on-field chat between Hernandez and Cox is not an “if”, merely a “when”. You gotta love Bobby, he’s a beauty.

By GeorgetownKid

August 15, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

It’s a shame that Aybar can’t play next season in AAA. Because he clearly has the talent to play in the Bigs, but he has to work out some personal troubles. But I would imgine that it’s pretty hard to sort out personal issues while playing Major League Baseball.

Spending some time just enjoying the game with very little pressure while getting to know the guys who will be his future teammates would probably be the best thing for him.

Regardless, I’ll be pulling for him. It’ll be a great story when he starts having success.

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

That dude that came out of the dugout to bearhug Klesko and get him away from the fray, that dude looked pretty huge. Wearing No. 25, I believe….

By journalist jimmy smith

August 15, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

not so fast. chino cadahia is now in charge. let’s hope chino remains in the dugout.

is chino a picker?

oh, the humanity! klesko was just put in a melon-lock and dragged from the field!

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

August 15, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

Man, what the bleep is up with these umps???? Even though that was a technical strike, and good for us, that was not a called strike…except in this series with these umps!!! Tuning in late, what happened to get Bobby tossed???

By Señor Blanco

August 15, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Muchos en este blog se parecen compartir con Willy Aybar un amor de la marijuana y de la cerveza. Señor Blanco prefiere el meditación transcendental.

By Tomahawkin' Again

August 15, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Good news from RFK: Nats 4, Phils 1 after 6

By Stark

August 15, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

mets 5-4

By Greg in TN

August 15, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Evening Braves Nation…

Not a good couple of games for this umpiring crew. I wonder if Prince Fielder will jump out of the stands and start screaming like he did the other night in Houston. Funny, it took Mr. Asterisk to come out and corral a very upset Ryan Klesko. Much of this is frustration from Barrett’s strike zone last night. I saw Bobby’s exit and can’t say that I really care for Angel Hernandez. I don’t believe he’s much better than Barrett at calling balls and strikes. He was also the home plate umpire at Wrigley one night when former Chicago Bear and professional wrestler Steve McMichael called him out. McMichael got tossed. Didn’t see the balk call, so can’t interject an opinion either way, but Hernandez is horrible behind the plate.

Anywho… DOB, thanks for the information on Willy Aybar in today’s blog. The man deserves a second chance and I feel like he’ll get it. It’s up to him from that point on to earn his spot.

Great news in that Edgar is making good progress on his ankle. Would be nice to have him available with Webb looming on Friday, but would be happy to get him back regardless.

By Dwight Fry

August 15, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Braves should have more runs off Ortiz by now. Hope Hudson can go at least 8 innings.

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

I wonder if the inconsistencies of the umpires would be under the scope by higher ups in the umpire world of baseball.

By KC

August 15, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

DOB: I was at the game last night, and I never even realized Bobby was tossed. I don’t know that much of the crowd realized what had happened.

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

Bochy is ejected !!

Who’s next?

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

August 15, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

These umps are blind! If this was just against one team, I’d swear there were some gambling umps on the field!

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Hopefully, that little scuttle doesn’t hurt Braves.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 15, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

Paladin, I’m not disrespecting anybody’s opinion so don’t take shots at me, pal. All I’m saying is that just because alcohol is legal doesn’t mean that it can’t be an addiction. Surely, you don’t think that alcohol is less addictive because its legal. I have a brother who has wasted over half his life being addicted to the sauce so don’t damn tell me that just because its legal it means it is not as bad. Get the hell outta here! Hell, shopping can be an addiction to some people. All I was saying to Eric is that Aybar should be commended for attempting to get his life back in order. If you or anyone else doesn’t want to do that, that is fine. In my useless opinion it is shortsighted. If I’m wrong, then I’m wrong!

By Dwight Fry

August 15, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

If the Phillies lose, then by the Law of the National League East, the Mets and Braves must also lose.

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

I’m not watching the game, but are these really balks?

How bad is the umpiring staff?

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

What the heck is up with the balk calls? Angel Hernandez is completely off right now.

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

August 15, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Well, to be fair, like the rest of you I watch games for the umpires…

By LVChad

August 15, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Phillies coming back. 4-2 Nats, Phils have the bases loaded with no outs.

By RedEyedAndBlue

August 15, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Leslie Nielson calls a better game than these guys.

By Carolina Lady

August 15, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Hernandez has a burr under his saddle tonight? He and Cox mix like oil and water at best.

By ncscoots

August 15, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

good grief, two balks and three ejections?!? This crew got hold of some bad mushrooms, I think!

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Am I wrong? Is Russ Ortiz this good? 3 hits?

By Greg in TN

August 15, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Hmmm, well assuming that the move Huddy made the first time that was called by Hernandez was just repeated, Angel’s not a very good umpire at first either.

By Steve from OH

August 15, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Uh oh JJS…

We have a Chino sighting. Not good.

By Bob, Journalist

August 15, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

“it is well known that journalist bob often gets soused” … I’ll never tell you anything again … insidious though it may be, I’ll drink a Sunkist to that and have a hot tub … nice triple play … it’s all in the vinegar.

By Dwight Fry

August 15, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Stevie Wonder calls a better game than these guys.

By flange1

August 15, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

HOW DOES ANGEL HERNANDEZ SRILL HAVE A JOB?

He is the worst umo I have ever had the displeasure of watching.

His calls stink and he likes to create arguments.

He should be fired….

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Ugly baseball tonight…..

Russ Ortiz folks.

By BravesFanChris22

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

Angel called two balks on Hudson when they weren’t and didn’t call it on Ortiz, ugh. Oh well. Bobby said his peace at him, so its all well.

By LV Chad

August 15, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Ray King comes in for the Nats with the basesloaded and strikes out the 2 batters he faces and then Iguchi grounds out. 4-2 Nats bottom of the 7th.

Why are the Braves not taking Ortiz to the woodshed? Lead should be bigger than 2-1.

By Tomahawkin' Again

August 15, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Nats bullpen got out of the bases loaded jam by Phils; bottom of 7, Wash 4-2

By KC

August 15, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Well… I kind of hate to admit it, because I was pi$$ed that Fox felt the need to make any changes to what was already a great Braves broadcast team… but after 3/4 of a season, I must say I rather like Boog.

I’ll tell you one thing… Boog beats the hell out of Chip. And teamed with Joe Simpson, they make a great broadcast team.

I think Joe Simpson is the best in the business. He’s a knowledgeable commentator, but more than anything, I really appreciate how genuine he is. Where as other announcers often play it safe… Joe doesn’t candy-coat things, and isn’t afraid to say what he feels. He’s already made a couple (well deserved) smart-a$$ comments about the 1B umpire. I love it!

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

Bonds with another, eeks.

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

Damn. Bonds was all over that.

By Colin

August 15, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

F STEROID….HE SHOULDNT EVEN BE PLAYIN HE SHOULD BE IN JAIL

By BossLady

August 15, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this

Face time, Angel wants to be in the Bobby Cox record books, jackoff!!

By KC

August 15, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

This is a frustrating game so far. It feels like we’ve hit Ortiz pretty hard… yet we’ve only scratched out 2 runs.

And Hudson’s been sharp, yet here we are tied in the 6th. Very frustrating.

By StingerSplash

August 15, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

Russ Ortiz is sticking it up the Braves @$$ (since the second inning)? WTH? It’s Russ Ortiz, for crying out loud! Mein Gott in himmel!

By BravesDave

August 15, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Steroids strike again.

In deference to Paladin, my dog just typed the steroid comment. He has more intelligence than I do also. I explained to my dog that some bloggers do not like bolding in posts, but he didn’t want to hear it.

Nats bullpen just got out of that bases loaded, no outs jam.

We need some runs off of Ortiz. I won’t say anything negative. I will just say we need some runs.

By KC

August 15, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

I had a funny (sinking) feeling about Ortiz heading into this game.

Time to put a few more runs on the board boys. Let’s get to it!

By Superman

August 15, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

BOOO Barroid

Hooray Beer!!!

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

August 15, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

As Steve Berthiaume might say, a good night for anyone that has Angel Hernandez in your fantasy umpire league….

Hmmm, a quick google shows that ol’ Angel is not exactly thought of as good ump….

http://www.spudart.org/blogs/angel_hernandez.php

By Ron Roberts

August 15, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Russ Ortiz…our potent offense at the mercy of a collection of bullpen arms last night, and now Russ Ortiz.

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Lets put a couple of runs on the board here.

By Apaul404

August 15, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

Tim hung that ball. My grandma would have hit that out. Oh well, gotta get some runs!

By Stark

August 15, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

angel hernandez and cb buckner are the worst there is. they both tend to lose games for us.

By TheSouthernPuppeteer

August 15, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

TheSouthernPuppeteer has without a doubt enjoyed the blogging experience more this past few days than ever before…all the little puppets dangling from their strings…dancing around just like TheJackAss wants them to…some dance a jig…some dance the twist…some dance the electric slide…all dancing for TheJackAss…

TheJackAss has also given names to some of his favorite puppets…

JoiseyDave.puppet…not so brave, not so bright…yes “Joisey Edition” of Windows XP…been around for a long time…TheJackAss thought other bloggers might enjoy it…and they did…

BayouRon.puppet…fat little puppet…big ol’ pincushion belly with pins like little radio antennas sticking all out of it…he’s my VooDoo HooDoo puppet from the “Big Easy”…trying to put a “root” on TheJackAss…

TexasBrave.puppet…not so brave…and he doesn’t even have a head…so he looks really funny when TheJackAss makes him do the twist…

Stinky.puppet…I call him stinky puppet because I like to make him do the electric slide while dunking him in the $#!tter, right after I’ve taken a healthy ronroberts down in there…then he comes out really “Stinky”…

…and many, many more puppets too numerous to name…if TheJackAss can just get three more puppets…his collection will be complete…TinMan.puppet…ScareCrow.puppet… and CowardlyLion.puppet…

TheJackAss thinks he knows where he can get hold of CowardlyLion.puppet right now!…

TheJackAss would like to request that journalist jimmy(pip)smith would perform the song, “Puppet on a String” by Sandy Shaw?…it goes something like this…”I may win on the roundabout…then I’ll lose on the swings…in or out, there is never a doubt…just who’s pulling the strings…like a puppet on a…..string”…

Hope that doesn’t count as plagiarization…

By BravesDave

August 15, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

Leadoff walk to Tex. Let’s make this chump pay for it here. Unfortunately, Andruw will be hitting this inning.

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Don’t know if you guys noticed, but Bonds’ homer was over Niekro’s name, about 10 feet to the left of HANK AARON’s name and picture on the wall.

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Ouch. McCann got hit. 2 on and 0 out, Frenchy is up. Come on Jeff.

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

1st and 2nd no one out against….the Giants. Runs.

By BravesDave

August 15, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

Man, Ortiz stinks. Just hit McCann after walking Tex. He is trying to give this game away. I cannot believe that the Braves only have three hits.

That was not negative. I was simply expressing surprise.

More yawns from Pepsi.

Can Chino pinch hit for Andruw in this inning?? PLEASE??

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

August 15, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

YESSSS!!! We got the flamethrower Ortiz out of the game! NOOOOO!!!! That Damned Pepsi Max ad…..must not destroy TV…AHHH! Mute button!!! Greatest technological breakthrough of the 20th century?????

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

Bases loaded no one out with Andruw coming to the plate.

Pinch hit.

By BravesDave

August 15, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

Awesome. The Braves just figured out a way to score a run with Andruw at the plate.

That is really priceless. You just can’t make this stuff up.

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

Woooooooooooo. Wild Pitch and Tex scores. Come on Andruw, don’t kill this rally.

By Colin

August 15, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this

WOW Andruw helped us out…HE DIDNT SWING AMAZING….

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Give Andruw a cookie, he DIDN’T kill the rally.

By Steve from OH

August 15, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Andruw got a hit!? Holy Crap!

If Andruw goes, this entire offense will be unstoppble. If he doesn’t, the opposing pitchers can bank on a double play everytime he’s up.

By Apaul404

August 15, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

That’s more like it Andruw!

By Greg in TN

August 15, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

Excellent rally to this point in the bottom of the sixth. Atchison is lucky, almost got spiked by Tex trying to cover the plate after the WP.

By Savannah Guy

August 15, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

Seeing all of this talk about alcohol, drugs, pots and pans here, I am reminded of olden days when different habits, experiments and even a unique language occurred and prevailed in certain subcultures. As I reminisce on those old days and old ways (still a teen), I recall some of the most common slang expressions used in the late 60’s and early 70’s. “Groovy”, “far-out”, “dig it” and “joint” come to mind. One of the most common terms, still used today in some circles, is “EAR”.

If you are younger than, say 40, you may not have ever used any of these expressions. The rest of you might be scratching your head over that last one, “ear”.

Ok, let me explain it like this. Pretend you are hanging around some joint with a friend…call her Mary Jane. So, you take a big drag on a, uh…cigarette and after inhaling your lungs full of smoke, you hold your breath so none of it escapes. After holding your breath for a few moments, your lungs begin to burn and your neck tightens from the pressure. While holding your breath until your eyes almost bulge out, yet wanting to be friendly, you reach out and offer your cigarette to your friend and say…in a very scratchy, guttural voice without letting even a trace of air out of your lungs… EAR.

Seems people back then always knew what that meant.

Funny how some words and slang expressions take on such different meanings in different generations. Oh…I am not promoting hanging around joints, smoking or extended breath holding as virtuous activities. What would Merle Haggard say about joints and such?

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

Escobar with another multi hit game, he’s just impressing me more and more.

By Tomahawkin' Again

August 15, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

Hey, just like Haley’s comet, we just had a Andruw extra base hit sighting. Good, Hudson deserved this 3-run inning…and, he just lined his 2nd hit of the night. CY YOUNG TIM HUDSON

By Savannah Guy

August 15, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Are the Good Times Really Over for Good:Merle Haggard

I wish a buck was still silver. It was back when the country was strong. Back before Elvis; before the Vietnam war came along. Before The Beatles and “Yesterday”, When a man could still work, and still would. Is the best of the free life behind us now? Are the good times really over for good? Are we rolling down hill like a snowball headed for hell? With no kind of chance for the Flag or the Liberty bell. Wish a Ford and a Chevy, Could still last ten years, like they should. Is the best of the free life behind us now? Are the good times really over for good?

I wish coke was still cola, And a joint was a bad place to be. And it was back before Nixon lied to us all on TV. Before microwave ovens, When a girl could still cook and still would. Is the best of the free life behind us now? Are the good times really over for good?

Are we rolling down hill like a snowball headed for hell? With no kind of chance for the Flag or the Liberty bell. Wish a Ford and a Chevy, Could still last ten years, like they should. Is the best of the free life behind us now? Are the good times really over for good?

Stop rolling down hill like a snowball headed for hell. Stand up for the Flag and let’s all ring the Liberty bell. Let’s make a Ford and a Chevy, Still last ten years, like they should. The best of the free life is still yet to come, The good times ain’t over for good.

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

August 15, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Good to see Andruw can still hit a hanging curve! You just earned a promotion to the clean-up spot for the rest of the year! ;)

By Greg in TN

August 15, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Andrew gets a double and Huddy has two hits tonight. C’mon Willie!

By journalist jimmy smith

August 15, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

angst. angst on the broadcast. joe simpson does not say, “angst”. but joe simpson said angst just now. this blog has quite a reach. soon, the governor will be saying, angst. then, the president. then, chipper. well, maybe not chipper.

now, chino cadahia may be wearing a mic. not sure but journalist believes chino was saying, “c’mon bambino” from the dugout.

of course, could have been calling the hot dog vendor.

and journalist bob is in the tub and missing all this. should move the tub to the mezzanine.

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Mets blew it open in the 9th. 9-4. Phillies last ups coming up, still down 4-2.

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Sweet 6 - 2, atta boy Willie.

By NCBravesFan

August 15, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Okay, gotta keep the remote handy since every commercial seems to be either the yawny folks, or Andruw’s “counting cars” (wonder if he regrets doing that spot these days?).

I think the Braves were quite happy to see Ortiz leave - the guy wasn’t throwing very many strikes to begin with, and the ones he did throw, the Bravos didn’t do much with.

By mr baseball

August 15, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

From the things that should happen but never will department: It would be nice if umpires were subject to the same standards as the players. You do a lousy job, you get sent to the minors. You make a bad call and then throw out the manager/player who complains about it, you get benched/suspended/shipped out, whatever.

The umpiring the last 2 nights has been atrocious. Will there be any consequences for the crew? Very, very unlikely. The ump who tossed Klesko deserves some sort of punishment, but you know that ain’t gonna happen.

And as for our record-breaking manager, what does it says about his Hall of Fame credentials that his universally most admired trait is his combination of cheerleading and getting tossed in defense of his players? Wonder how the Braves would have done the last 17 years with a guy like Earl Weaver in the dugout? No pom-poms, no platitudes, plenty of butt-chewing and a whole lot more intelligent strategic moves.

By LV Chad

August 15, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

Mets have exploded in the 9th off of Shawn Chacon and Damaso Marte for 5 runs. 10-4 Mets with 2 outs.

By Del

August 15, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

DOB … Great blog on Aybar. As a recovering drunk myself (Nov 1980) I can only hope that Braves players, mgmt and fans give this young man a chance and give him their wholehearted support if he gets a chance to make the team. Thank again DOB; having been there and done that I for one will give him all my support to help him fullfill his potential, whatever that may be. Thanks again.

By KC

August 15, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

Colin: “F STEROID….HE SHOULDNT EVEN BE PLAYIN HE SHOULD BE IN JAIL”

EXACTLY!!!!!!!

By Superman

August 15, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy

I have used the term EAR many times yet never realized it. That post brought a smile to my face.

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Woot Woot….Nats Win 4 - 2

By BravesDave

August 15, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

Phillies lose. Nice.

Mets put up an interesting bracket, though…5 in the 1st plus 5 in the 10th.

Well, let’s get back into second place. And let’s go Rockies.

By KC

August 15, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

If they show that damn commercial with Deion Sanders counting AJ’s cars in Spanish one more time… I am going to blow something up!!!

By LV Chad

August 15, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Pirates trying to come back after giving up 5 runs in the top of the 9th to go down 10-4 to the Mets. It’s now 10-7 with 1 on and 1 out. COME ON PIRATES! Wagner coming in.

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Atta Boy McCann. Two on base and only one out. Lets go Jeff.

By KC

August 15, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Wonder why Francoeur’s cooled off? It happened when they started hitting Andruw behind him. Why would anyone give Frenchy anything to hit when AJ’s on deck?!

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Okay. Here we go Druw. Don’t hit into a double play. How about another double????!!!!

By ncscoots

August 15, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

gee, mr. b, seems kinda cold, re Bobby’s admirable traits. I’m not blind to Bobby’s faults, either, but I can’t see how protecting his players and responding to some absolutely brutal umpiring is a bad thing.

C’mon, guy, admit it…watching Bobby lay it out on Blue is baseball at its finest, LOL!

By Colin

August 15, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

AJ is hitting the ball hard..now just have some placement….at least he is hitting the ball hard.

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

See. Thats why we sweat in the ninth. Can’t finish em off. A damn shame.

By BravesDave

August 15, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Bases loaded + one out = zero runs

This has got to stop.

By Tomahawkin' Again

August 15, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Wild one in Steel town, 4 in, Bucs still batting down 10-8

By Colin

August 15, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

KC

That came from my Heart…

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Pirates are fighting for a comeback. Its 10 - 8 right now.

By LVChad

August 15, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Pirates comeback falls short. Mets win 10-8.

By KC

August 15, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Well, assuming we hold on to win this one… we’ll be back in 2nd place in both the division and the Wild Card.

Now if someone other than the Braves can take a series from the Mets…

By BG

August 15, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

So, who will be the closer tonight if it is a save situation? I’m hoping for Moylan. I don’t see Hudson getting a complete game. He leads off the bottom of the 8th.

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Ah, spoke too soon. Good effort by Pirates though. Coming back within just 2 points shy of tying is a good thing.

The shift paid off on Bonds. 1 out.

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Sweet double play turned by KJ.

By ncscoots

August 15, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

jjs, while it’s true that Chipper might pale at “angst”, I have it on good authority that he’s been practicing with “factually indefensible”. It’s a little tougher to work into conversation, but much more syllabic. Also rolls trippingly off the tongue.

By Superman

August 15, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

You know the old saying “Swing hard in case you hit it”? I think that Thorman lives by that saying.

By Interested Observer

August 15, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this

DOB: They mentioned on the tube that one of the umpire supervisors was at the ballpark tonight. I hope you have a chance to find him and ask him what Hernandez has shoved up his rear end! I’ve long thought that the he is an embarassment to the game, and he’s proving me right tonight.

By KC

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

Colin: I feel the same way. I hear the Braves announcers talk about people booing him, but they still want to see him hit.

Not me.

At least Pete Rose played his a$$ of and did it all fair and square. Barry should have been watching this game from his living room. It sickens me that he’s still allowed on a baseball diamond. It’s sad.

By BG

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

Is Thorman on a hot streak or what?? Last night, he sees one pitch and GiDP; tonight, a three pitch strikeout. Truly miserable.

By Bobby Cocks (Geriatric Porn Star)

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

Come on Chino, get Woodward an AB and get Soriano up in the pen, the Gigantes need a long ball. C’mon Huddy, close em out.

By Colin

August 15, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this

KC

Exactly considering Rose took someone out during a All-Star game and Steroid can’t run to first on a ground ball…O i just hope that the grand jury finds enough evidence to help put him away.

By BG

August 15, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

Wickman? He threw 36 pitches last night. Will he be effective? Will he get burned out? Last week, he got an MRI due to forearm pain…not the time to overuse him.

By Carolina Lady

August 15, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

Interested Observer, they also mentioned that the Supervisor had been at the game last night, as well. Joe asked,”Is that by chance, or is his watching this crew?” Loved his inflection.

By Apaul404

August 15, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

Why do we have a closer that consistently puts guys on base? I appreciate his effort but good lord. Wicky’s giving me ulcers.

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Come on Wickman. There’s a full bag of Krystals for you, unless you prefer White Castle -_-

By Superman

August 15, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Wickman gives me heart burn

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Folks. This is the problem with Bob Wickman. Its rough. It really is.

By Carolina Lady

August 15, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Correction: Joe said “…..or is he following this crew.” Sorry. You know what root beer does to your brain! :-)

By journalist jimmy smith

August 15, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

chino? hey, chino? is chino watching this? tying run at the plate.

By A--ville Ranger

August 15, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Cox’s approach is win series and the standings will fall into place.This makes 5 of the last 6 series they’ve won I believe,a sweep would be nice….night all GO BRAVES !!

By Colin

August 15, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

NICE NIGHT FELLAS…LETS GET OUT THE BROOMS…GO BRAVOS…Hope San Diego loses now…

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Alright, we win and back in second place of east and wild card.

By Ron Roberts

August 15, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

Never easy w/Wickman, is it?

Funny to see folks talkin’ about puppets when it’s fairly obvious who usually ends up getting their strings pulled by others.

By Tomahawkin' Again

August 15, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Wickman weebles wobbles, but the Braves don’t fall down. Can Bobby get thrown out the rest of the season until we clinch a playoff spot? That’s our good-luck charm, BC getting tossed.

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Big Bob. Always so much fun.

Huston Street. I really think Billy Beane will make him available. I think he is a interesting option.

By OLD LEFTY

August 15, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this

Allow me to apologize up front … I have NOT reviewed the blog. Furthermore, I am watching the game on TiVO and, for me, it ain’t over yet.

But …

I just picked up on that “Buggin’ Boog” trivia question with the thing about Orlando Cepeda never using the same bat to hit one of his 2,351 hits.

Uh …….. if this IS true …… why have we never heard it before. Or, as could well be the case, is my bottom half showing again?

We GOTTA call this one in.

By BravesDave

August 15, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Well, that was an interesting save. But a save nonetheless. Good win. Nice performance out of Hudson. 2-0 start, now let’s finish it 3-1 and make it a 5-1 homestand.

Nice to be back in second place…especially with the Phillies losing to the Nats. I do have to point out, though, that the Nats pitching staff is doing one heck of a job shutting down that Phillies offense.

By Greg in TN

August 15, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

Another win tonight, going for the sweep tomorrow night. Leapfrogging the phils and keeping pace with the mets.

Don’t know if anyone has seen this, but bizarre goings on in the independent Atlantic League last night. Former dodger and met Jose Offerman hits a leadoff homer for the Long Island Ducks, then was plunked in his next at-bat. Before anyone can react, Offerman charges the mound with his bat in hand and hits the pitcher and the catcher with it. Offerman was arrested on second-degree assault charges and posted $10,000 bail.

By ncscoots

August 15, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

The temper of the blog at 9:00PM: “my gosh, can’t we score against this bum? It’s Russ Ortiz! jeez, this offense is pathetic! we’re toast!”

The temper of the team at 10PM (the second time through the order): a 4-spot.

The team: “Boo-yah!”

The blog: “Oops.”

By journalist jimmy smith

August 15, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this

if jimmy smith were a puppet jimmy smith would wish to be howdy doody. howdy doody had it made! beautiful princess on the show and also a clown for laughs. yes, being howdy doody would be jimmy smith’s choice. also, buffalo bob smith makes it a natural for jimmy smith. and even with a wooden head jimmy smith would be smarter than the puppeteer poster. now, baseball … chino is undefeated in two games.

By Savannah Guy

August 15, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

“…trippingly off the tongue.” So much talk of drugs and 60’s nomenclature tonight. What has gotten into this blog? Oh, the toxicity!

By BravesDave

August 15, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

BG, good question regarding why the Braves trotted (and I do mean “trotted”) Wickman out tonight after he threw 36 pitches last night and was recently having forearm troubles.

But after games like the Yates performance at Shea, I guess Bobby figures better to get beat with his closer than with someone else on the mound.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 15, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Just a matter of time with you…huh jimmy??…you go with the flow son…

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Hopefully, this is a sign of a nice run. Keep picking up wins or series wins and we should be in good shape.

I honestly can’t wait for September. I want to see who they’ll call up. Franco/Ring/Orr/Paronto seems like guarantees.

By Carolina Lady

August 15, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy, did that email ever arrive?

By Craig

August 15, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Just heard a rumor on ESPN that the Braves are in the running for David Wells tomorrow. First, would he really help? Second, what changes would it mean making? Third, are there any other waiver wire rumors for Braves?

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 15, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Mets keeping it all in check another day…..still 3 in first. Time keeps on ticking ticking ticking, into the future.

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this

Did Braves lose the game against Lincecum? If so, maybe we can switch it around tomorrow.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 15, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

et tu, jackass? was that a sja post? journalist thought journalist was being called a cowardly puppet. did journalist misread? journalist reads on at least a fifth grade level (though english is not even this journalist’s native tongue), so reading comprehension is not usually a problem for this journalist. but journalist felt a twinge of puppet persecution and this journalist is no puppet! pip, yes. puppet, no.

By uga-dawg

August 15, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

HEY DOB, got to think richie garcia aint following this umpire crew around for nothing.
ANGEL HERNANDAEZ has a deep history with hoss. chipper went so far as to call him a pretty boy camera hog a couple years ago. suprised he did not get suspended.

will be real interesting with HERNANDAEZ behind the dish tommorrow.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 15, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

It should have been Slippin, Slippin, Slippin……sorry, too but Killians.

By Efrim

August 15, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this

No Chop Zone,

All we have to make up is 1.5 games. We’ll take both series against the Mets. So just figure 1.5 gams back right now. By the way, Milledge’s OBP Skills are even worse than Francouer’s when he came up.

By Ed Glennon

August 15, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

There has been a disturbing pattern in John S’s latest moves. Aybar, Baez, Gonzalas, Dotel, Sturtz, Wilson, Redman and maybe some I have forgot have all been hurt or sick a short time after we got stuck with them. John’s best move of the last two years was picking up Diaz. I hope he can get back on a hot streak.

By Superman

August 15, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

My thoughts on Angel Hernandez. He is a camera hog who wants to be in the spotlight. Besides can you really trust a dude named Angel. For gods sake its a stripper name.

By Bravesfanin MetsLand

August 15, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

OK boys (and gals) I know this may be stating the obvious, and I surely know this post will contain musch more optimism than most on here are ever ready for, but I swear.. this is a team built for the playoffs. As opposed to many of the 90’s teams that I knew would win over 100 games but had to be realistic and think they would get picked off at some point. I feel this way every time I see Hudson pitch. i mean come on, think about it… The bearded icon is an absolue assassin in the post season. Hudson has got to be one of the three best pitchers in the league. His stuff is just nasty. A killer line up from top to bottom (seriously, I hate what’s going on with Andruw as much as anyone, but let’s keep it in perspective, on this team, he should bat 7 no matter what his stats. I’ll take him at 7 over anyone else’s 7 all year long). If we can get our bullpen right, with Dotel healthy and Soriano not giving up one long ball a game, we are so built for a short series. By hook or by corook we have to get in.

DOB first, that’s the second time you’ve used Ball and Chain, which I’m not complaining about, I love Socail Distortion. Second, if we win the division I’ve got to send you a box of the macanudos that I’m now hooked on (if you promise to hand one over to Bobby. he’s the man) and third, have you seen Damages at all yet? For God’s sake man, this may very well be the best series TV has ever produced.

By Train Wreck Bystander

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

Nice wins this week. Tonight was a little weird and ugly, but a win is a win.

Announcers keep noting that people are booing Bonds, yet they keep popping the flashbulbs. Am I the only one who thinks the shutterbugs and the boobirds aren’t the same people? Just wondering.

By Savannah Guy

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

Carolina Lady No. I sent you a few more…get those?

By Bravesfanin MetsLand

August 15, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

Oh, and PS. This is the time of the year that if you don’t have the baseball extra innings package on your tv, you really need to. Sitting here routing for the Rockies to kick the mess out of San Diego is a lot of fun.

By Savannah Guy

August 15, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this

Eric from MO from your 6:41 post: Do theconversations on the construction site go something like this?:

Question from you to two laborers: How long will it take you to load those twelve beams onto the pickup?

Alcohol Drinking Worker: Aww…hmmm…say, lessee…all afternoon. Then happy hour at four. How ‘bout them Bravos Mr. E? How’s the kids? Let’s go have a cold’un…

Pot Smoking Worker: Whoa man…twelve? Wow. Uh, cool. Uh…what was the question?

By Bobby Cocks (Geriatric Porn Star)

August 15, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

I’m going for the hat trick tomorrow in this series, Angel behind the plate, it’s gotta happen, one thirty four baby!

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 15, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this

Efrim, If this and if that is all I’ve heard all season. If someone would have told you that the braves had won all the series from the Mets up to this point you would never have thought the Mets would still be in first. Anyway, you’re assuming too much if you think the braves will win the up coming series against the Mets. You’re still looking up at us.

By uga-braves

August 15, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

wow, won back to back games without scoring 7 runs. that makes our record in games we dont score seven runs around 29-49. next two games against linceum and webb are big. need to win at least one, no excuses. 5-1 HOMESTAND IS A MUST.

By BravesFanChris22

August 15, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

Well, I’m off, have a new bed time with new hours for work. I’ll be ready for tomorrow night’s game.

By Robert

August 15, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

Two nights in a row, the Braves have won after Donk has gotten tossed

Coincidence?

Methinks not

Keep going Donk - if he can get tossed 11 times in the postseason, we have a chance at the World Series

By Todd A

August 15, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

4 feet is all that separated Bob Wickman and his 4th blown save of a Tim Hudson pitched game this season.If my memory is correct, in all of these games, the Braves led by 3 runs going into the 9th inning.Weird.

By Robert

August 15, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

“The bearded icon is an absolue assassin in the post season”

Cox doesnt have a beard, but he is the ULTIMATE playoff assassin.

By gotigers72

August 15, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Good win. Now if they could just get on a streak; say 12 of 14 or 15 of 18, something significant like that. I’ll bet if you checked back on it, you would find a streak like that during every year they won the division.

They haven’t had a streak like that this year, but one about right now would be nice. Don’t know if you like Steve Phillips or not, but today he picked the Braves to win the division. Cited the strength of the lineup, the improved bullpen. He probably has some issues with the Mets since they fired him, but I like him since he jumped on the bandwagon.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 15, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

apparently that was a real sja post that jimmy smith misunderstood. journalist regrets this misunderstanding and notes that sja is now hurt which was unintentional. always knew sja was a softy. so many identity thieves of late that jimmy smith is on guard. never can tell where they are coming from. if all bloggers were like ron roberts blogging with first name, last name, this would be a simpler place to blog. heard that before, right? still, identities can be confused. and cowardly puppet is a most derogatory term. journalist will try to read more carefully in the future. now, baseball … now that chipper is going multi-syllable chipper must be a more interesting interview for dob.

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

Robert, no, it’s probably not a coincidence. Because the players all said that Cox getting ejected on Tuesday was what sparked them, lit a fire under their butts, in the words of one. So no, you’re right, not a coincidence at all.

By Carolina Lady

August 15, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Savannah, just sent 2 responses back as “Reply to Sender” so there’s no reason for it to not go through. I’m baffled!

By chrisklob

August 15, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

Ed Glennon, Diaz was a great move by JS. Do you think that’s the only good one he’s made in the last two years? How about Mahay, Villareal, Wickman, Teixeira, and Willy Harris. Without doubt, some of his moves haven’t worked out but that’s part of the game. Name another GM that hasn’t made any mistakes. You also have to consider that for the past few years he hasn’t had as much payroll to work with as he did previously which severely limited his options. Come on, you can’t win them all!

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

BravesFan/MetsLand, I forgot that I’d already used Ball and Chain, but you’re right. Oh, well, it’s the first repeat. A worthy repeat….

I’m gonna watch all episodes of Damages no later than next week, when Carroll’s doing part of the road trip. I’ve kept up with Rescue Me, which has been great….

As for the Macanudos, I’ll take them off your hands gladly if you’re afraid of what they’re doing to your health or something. I’m here to serve and protect.

And yes, I will definitely give one to Bobby and tell them where it came from.

By Bravesfanin MetsLand

August 15, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

Robert, For God’s sake. And I mean this with the most respect for another blogger. Shut the hell up!!!!!!! Can we all enjoy one night without you whinning about Bobby. First of all it was DOB who coined Smoltz with the bearded icon moniker. Secondly, Cox doesn’t even have a beard.

We all know you hate him. I live in the NY area where the press here continually refer to him as one of the best in game stratigists, and one of the best managers in history ( and believe me, if you lived and died by Randolph’s decisions you’d be more on board with Bobby to I think). He makes plety of moves you can second guess, sure, but his team always responds to and for him. No one here takes you seriously, so please let me enjoy the night

By Robert

August 15, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

A humerous Rick Ankiel skit, courtesy of CBS Sportsline’s Larry Dobrow

http://sportsline.com/mlb/story/10296672

By journalist jimmy smith

August 15, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

no carolina mail is going into south georgia tonight. meteor showers.

By NO CHOP ZONE

August 15, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

You’re trusting Steve Phillips?? Isn’t he the same guy who traded for Mo vaughn and Roberto Alomar? Of couse you trust his judgment since it’s what you want to hear.

By TheSouthernJackAss

August 15, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this

No journalist jimmy smith—TheJackAss was genuinely requesting that you perform “Puppet on a String” in honor of your attempt at becoming an American Idol…and because you were a pip…TheJackAss thought maybe this would make the esteemed journalist feel better about himself…and help in lifting journalist up from the throes of depression so journalist will not become a shut-in…no mean motive whatsoever…then TheJackAss assumed that you had attacked TheJackAss…or that the journalist had possibly fell prey to a jackal…my apologies jimmy smith…poor composition on the part of TheJackAss, which could have been caused by TheJackAss borrowing BravesDave’s “creative writin’ book”…was a misunderstanding of the worst order…TheJackAss is on edge as of late…not many friendlies…hope detente between jimmy and Jack is still in tact…

By Robert

August 15, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

“Because the players all said that Cox getting ejected on Tuesday was what sparked them, lit a fire under their butts, in the words of one”

So, what you’re saying, DOB, is that once they realized they had a chance to win, they got fired up.

By Savannah Guy

August 15, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

SJA and JJS I knew that was going to end up being a misunderstanding between good denizens. Hoped so anyway. Good. Now I can sleep.

CL YES!! Got ‘em. Thanks.

By David O'Brien

August 15, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

No, Robert the Sixth Grade Humorist, what I’m saying is merely what I was told by Braves players.

But you always act like they’re a bunch of idiots anytime they say anything complimentary about the manager they love playing for anyway, so whatever. Interpret the way you will, my man.

Besides, you know better than all of us and the players themselves what should motivate them, right? You’ve made that clear. So whatever makes you feel good at night, Abner Doubleday.

OK, love to chat with baseball sage Robert, but gotta drive home.

By uga-braves

August 15, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

BRAVES-FAN-IN-MET-LAND

great post about this team being built for the short series. i have been saying all along that in the last ten years we have drawn these pitchers, clemens,oswalt,petite. wood, prior. schilling, big unit.KEVIN BROWN and whoever twice once with fla and once with the pads.

while there was no excuse to of lost ALL those series, there was one common denominator. FINESSE PITCHERS get squeezed in the post season. this would be the first time when we have two top of the rotation power pitchers at the top of their game in a long time. *2005 smoltz was injured.

make the playoffs this year and we will be the team thats doing the chasing, meaning we would be sharp and hopefully be the team with the momentum. BUT HEY the way this season has gone we would probaly have to pitch huddy and smoltz the last two days of the season to make the playoffs, basically making this whole blog a waste of time.

By Carolina Lady

August 15, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this

Meteor showers!! That explains everything! MANY thanks, jjs! I was beginning to think that Savannah had blocked himself as incoming spam! :-))

By Bravesfanin MetsLand

August 16, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

DOB: hahaha if we need to pretend that it’s concen for my health that’s fine. If you need to email me an address to send the cigars or if you wanna go get a PO box :) just let me know

By MS

August 16, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

DOB, I’m in DC for work this week so I can only check the blog occasionally late at night. Thanks for the post on Aybar. I agree with you and hope others feel the same way. There’s nothing wrong with a little compassion in the game.

I’m heading to the Nats-Mets game on Friday. Hopefully the home team will get the job done so the Braves can close the gap. I’ll certainly be cheering for Langerhans and crew!

By Carolina Lady

August 16, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

‘Night, all - CL out

By uga-braves

August 16, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this

DOB, im off to see the doobie brothers (kind of ironic with the subject matter tonight), and frampton tomorrow at chastain. got a great table up front, just hope the doobies dont pass out fromt the heat. should be a great show.

By Peas in a Pod

August 16, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

Todd A, uga-braves, BravesDave, Robert, Bobby Cocks

By Tom Johnston

August 16, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

A “doobie” for anyone who can guess why I spent some “time” away from my brothers.

By uga-braves

August 16, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

you think we are fustrated, check out the cubs game going on right now. what a sorry excuse of a bullpen the cubs have.

By Idiot in a Pod

August 16, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

The Southern JackAss

By Gil in Mechanicsville

August 16, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

Good morning all, I just spent the last hour or so catching up on the blog, amazing what you can tell about the game from the comments by the “peanut gallery”.

Yes BobJ, it is a most amusing place.

Now music…. I had the greatest pleasure tonight of attending the Allison Krause concert. All I can say is WOW!!! A voice like an angel. Made me feel giddy. It was an awesome concert. Jerry Douglas plays a Dobro so beautifully it brings tears to your eyes. Grinch and the rest of you folks living near Atlanta should avail yourselves of the opportunity to see her show this week.

And for you fellow ancients out there, I remember a Doobie Brothers’ concert that you did not have to say EAR. You only need to breath.

By JD

August 16, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

DOB, Just wanted to say thanks for the Aybar bit. I am not a bleeding heart type but I am a have a heart type and will be pulling for the kid because of what you wrote. Again, thanks a lot. Sometimes baseball seems really trivial compared to what real people, even rich ones, deal with everyday (but let’s get a sweep).

By school marm

August 16, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

it’s “frustrated” is that what you get with a uga education?

By BravesDave

August 16, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

uga, ever since Soriano went down with that quad tear, the Cubs have been horrible. Both the Cubs and the Brewers need to watch out for the Cards. It has been fairly profitable for the Braves in relation to the wild card race, though.

By Kentavo

August 16, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

Robert, managers still manage the games when they get ejected - they just do it from the tunnel, barely out of sight from the umps.

By BravesDave

August 16, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

Looks likes the Rockies’ closer is trying to give this game back to the Padres.

By Tom Johnston

August 16, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this

gotta cut the kid aybar some slack. it’s not a disease when you smoke it or put it in your nose. it’s called a weakness in the character of the man.

doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve another chance though. I got another chance….

By BravesDave

August 16, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

I haven’t seen many (or any) people mentioning it lately, but Saltalamacchia is hitting .163 with 3 RBIs with the Rangers. I feel for the kid. That Rangers lineup is horrible right now.

By Bob, Journalist

August 16, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

Chopless, If someone would have told you that the Braves had won all the series from the Mets up to this point you would never have thought the Mets would still be in first … that makes no sense to me … why would one so conclude, the correlation between our small “head to head” and large overall results isn’t expected to be close to 100%, especially when you consider interleague play.

The thing that amazes me is that with as poorly as we’ve performed at times, we still only 3.5 games out of first place. Even after adjusting for my prejudice in favor of the Braves, and removing my rose tinted glasses, I still conclude that we have an excellent chance of overtaking the Mets … our guys are still learning.

They don’t know how good they are, or can be … hopefully, they’ll never find out … nothing uglier than a pretty girl that knows it.

On another front …

It’s always easy to rationalize inappropriate behavior that you either personally endorse or think it expedient to so rationalize … but those who choose to break the law when they see no harm in so doing, are law breakers by choice … there’s a big difference between simply making a mistake and knowing breaking the law.

By BravesDave

August 16, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

A very Wickman-like save for Corpas of the Rocks. A loss for the Padres and a nice night for the Braves. Phillies and Padres lose, Braves win. 0.5 games out of the wild card. Now they need to keep it up against Lincecum. Maybe Chuck can keep adding to that streak of retiring 16 in a row.

By uga-brave

August 16, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this

kinda hate seeing the cards back in the race. TONY LARUSSA is the smartest man in baseball, if you dont really believe me ask him. DAVE DUNCAN is the best pitching coach in baseball, see above. anyone who is a braves fan that has not read LEO’S book TALES FROM THE MOUND, it is a must. without saying it directly the only two opposing coaches both he and bobby both disliked were larussa and duncan.

FOR those of you that dont remember it waS larussa that caused all the catcher box controversy back in 1997.

the guy was always jealous of the publicity bobby got in the 90’s and the UNCONDITIONAL RESPECT he got from his players. once again LARUSSA is the smartest man in baseball, just ask him why he hits his pitcher 8th.

By Bravo Nam

August 16, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this

DOB

I was frustrated with the Aybar situation until I read your piece…makes a big difference understanding the fuller picture…having never lived in any one place for longer than three years until I was in my 30s, and being quite introverted until my 20s, I can relate to his sense of dislocation and feeling like a fish out of water.

Like Aybar, given that Escobar is a young man with Hispanic roots and obviously knows a thing or two about hardship, the Braves should consider making him a mentor for Aybar- while providing some much needed support, hopefully some of Escobar’s belief in himself could also rub off on to Willy.

By the way, “Cinnamon Girl”- all time classic- great choice.

By uga-brave

August 16, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this

lets win say, 12 out of the next 15, and see where the chips may fall. next two games are a real barometer to where we are. time to flex our muscles and beat two grade-A quality pitches

By GTA

August 16, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this

Does anyone know if the Braves signed Josh Fields?

By Bobby Cocks (Geriatric Porn Star)

August 16, 2007 1:29 AM | Link to this

Don’t have no room on the roster anyway with this Aybar kid yall keep bringing up. I gotta get Petie back up from Richmond to help Woodie off the bench down the stretch. Anybody seen Julio, gotta figure what that Yunie’s saying in Spanish when he gets all excited and he’s jumping up and down. Andrew used to interpret some, but Boras told him to stop because it wasn’t in his job description, well neither is hitting .212 I guess. But I digress, gotta get some sleep cause Angel’s gonna run me about the 4th or 5th inning tomorrow nite. He and Bob Davidson are tied for ejecting me 5 times each over the years and I think Angel’s going for the record. Hope Ol’ Chino’s using plenty of Gold Bond Powder around the privates in this heat, because it’s gonna be hard to step in an coach with a bad case of baboon’s a$$ in this weather. Oh well, Sorri’s throwing the ball well in the pen, and I think we’ll run Wick back out tomorrow for another nail biting finish as we go for the sweep. Good Night Keith Lockhart, wherever you are, I miss you xxx

By BravesDave

August 16, 2007 1:36 AM | Link to this

uga, it would be inronic if the Braves, after struggling a bit for the past two games against a bullpen spot starter and Russ Ortiz, dropped the hammer on Lincecum and Webb, back-to-back.

I hope to see it happen.

And you are right, it is not good to see the Cards getting hot right now when we have a series coming up against them.

By klesko12

August 16, 2007 1:39 AM | Link to this

DOB

When Edgar does return to the lineup, with Escobar stroking the ball right now, how do you see the lineup shaking out? Who sits right now? We seem to have some very productive role players IE Diaz, Harrism Johnson, and Escobar, all of which could be starters as of late.

Thanks

By uga-brave

August 16, 2007 1:51 AM | Link to this

brave-dave, good to see you survived all the snipers last night. i agree, offense has got to focus early in the game against both these guys. if they get any kind of groove going it will be tough. kinda think tomorrow is the game that is more winnable.but hey, we took it to PENNY in july when he was rolling.

By Braves Fan 79

August 16, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this

You know….Bobby looks like such a better manager when he has better players than woodcrap or wilson/redmen to work with. Besides Andrews slump everything else has been the GM’s fault…..hey jon upstairs: go the Jim Leland Approach….SCREW THE VETS WITH A .240 career average….GIVE ME TALENT!! With that philosophy theres NO way woodcrap and orr both make the team over Escobar or Prado, or even Salty. We basically had NO bench the first hald of the season because of this and everyone (well the true fans anyways) knows this cost us at least 7 or 8 games in the first half.
So JS please dont make the same mistakes next offseason….and oyea JS….GET GLAVINE BACK…i think hes got a solid 2years left as a #2/3 starter. Go Braves!! oyea all you fairweather fans that thought we should trade smoltz and chipper and start over can SUCK A NuT!! Go Braves!

By Bob, Journalist

August 16, 2007 1:59 AM | Link to this

Gil, it is always that …sometimes a bit more!

By uga-brave

August 16, 2007 2:05 AM | Link to this

two five game winning streaks all year. as much as that stat is mind boggling the fact that we have not put together a 20-7 type steak really speaks testaments about what kind of team we have been to this point. DOB’S stats at the top of the blog prove stats are not everything, just ask the D’BACKS. it takes situational hitting,pitching, and fielding. this is something we have not been able to do consistenly all year. note the record. still time, lets go out and do it. beat these next two pitchers and it could really be the start of something special.

By CC Rider

August 16, 2007 2:07 AM | Link to this

Dave, I don’t know if there is someone you can check with at the AJC, but could you see if Joshua Fields, Colby Shreve, Brandon Belt or Eddie Burns Signed with the Braves before the midnight deadline? I know Fields is a Scott Boras Client, but he also is closer material that most people consider to have a upside well above Joey Devine.

By MegaBravesFan

August 16, 2007 2:31 AM | Link to this

Did ya’ll just see ESPN’s the Hot Seat.
-Braves win the East. -Rockies win the wild card.

By Serbok

August 16, 2007 2:51 AM | Link to this

“Caught a bit about the Cannabis conversation earlier? Cant help but to add my Thoughts on the matter. If I’m not mistaken~ there are more deaths, Medical costs, and viloence due to Alcohol than any other Known DRUG! (YES Paladi Alcohol is a DRug)! Associated with booze than there is Marijuana!

Wouldnt surprise me (I dont Know) but wouldnt surprise me if one combines cocaine with the Pot numbers and still the statistics show~ “Bubba” beats his WIFE (DOG) due to alcohol on a consistent basis. AS opposed to “POT” I am sure however, that Pot is a “God-Send”? It’s pretty natural eh? To the poster who said something about Pot heads and math? A good conversation with Willie Nelson might do you justice? ASK the Folks who are literally Dieing!!!! Due to ppl who do not realize that Pot is illegal due to Auggie Busch and friends? (money) You People should be ASHAMED of yourselves!!!!!! Then again, maybe you are just not educated:o( SAD

By Braveheart

August 16, 2007 3:08 AM | Link to this

BRAVES WIN!

MAGIC NUMBER FOR EAST IS 47!

MAGIC NUMBER FOR POSTSEASON IS 44!

The Tragic Number is …… the number of bloggers (every single one of us) who abuse the English language.

Braves are 54-33 in the starts of Hudson(19-7), Smoltz (13-10), Buddy (9-5), and Chuck (13-11).

Since DOB’s noted June 25th date, the Braves are as follows

10-0 in Hudson’s starts, outscoring opponents 77-32 for an average score of 7.7-3.2

3-5 in Smoltz starts, in a dead tie with opponents 36-36 for an average score of 4.5-4.5.

6-3 in Buddy’s starts, outscoring opponents 61-34 for an average score of 6.8-3.8.

5-3 in Chuck’s,outscoring opponents 47-29 for an average score of 5.9 - 3.6

0-5 in the starts of JoJo outscored 41-30 with an average score of 6 - 8.2. How can a team average 6 runs a game for a starter and be 0-5? Think Smoltz would like some of that support?

1-2 in the starts of Davies being outscored 21-14 for an average score of 4.7 - 7.

1-0 in Cormier’s starts outscoring opponents 7-5.

So, since June 25th, SMoltz, Hudson, James, & Buddy have helped the Braves go 24-11 and outscored opponents 221-131 in those 35 starts for an average score of 6.3 - 3.7.

Braves are 2-7 in the starts of the other guys, being outscored by the opponent 69-49 for an average score of 5.4 - 7.7. Dammit! Give us a fifth who can manage to have an ERA under 5.4 and we should at least be breaking even in those games.

Great blog DOB! Loved the Aybar touch. Very powerful stuff!

By Serbok

August 16, 2007 3:16 AM | Link to this

BTW, I have a High school education, And am still working on my degree from UOL. I hope, Truely, that none of the ppl who deny terminal people treatment they deserve. (Of course, we are all terminal) I truely hope that medicinal value of Marijuana would be available to each and everyone of you! I agree with Grinch! This topic is very,very important!!!! Tho he did not exactly say that~ I felt it thru his inference! The reason, Marijuana is illegal is due to Alcohol. Look it up! Pain and sufferin really sux? But like that guy once said? “Ya’ can’t fix Stupid!”

By Bobby Cocks

August 16, 2007 3:25 AM | Link to this

I’d love to hear Bobby uncensored during one of his umpist tantrums. That’s right, I believe Mr. Cox hates all umpires, across the board, just as I do. Hey, they’re damn control freaks!! I’m not ashamed to be an umpist. I don’t judge umps by the content of their character, I judge them by how many calls they screw-up against the Braves. I honestly believe it’s disproportional; I believe the damned umps are placing bets against the Braves!! I’d sure love to here Bobby cuss those f’rs out! I do my best to help Mr. Cox when I attend games. People makes so much noise while he’s cussing that I never hear it. Bet he can hear me though…

By Braveheart

August 16, 2007 3:25 AM | Link to this

could you see if Joshua Fields, Colby Shreve, Brandon Belt or Eddie Burns Signed with the Braves before the midnight deadline?

Don’t know about the others but the Eddie Burns negotiations have been difficult. It’s tough working around his schedule with appearing on Entourage, writing, directing, and acting. Braves brass are not too sure how well his Woody Allen wannabe movies are going to be received here in the South. Hopefully, they will get him signed and up and in the majors as soon as possible so we can get alot of glam shots of his wife Christy Turlington rooting him on from the stands.

By BravesDave

August 16, 2007 3:29 AM | Link to this

Good post, Braveheart. What a shame to be a combined 26-21 in the starts of two pitchers (Smoltz and James) that have ERAs under 4.00.

The Braves probably should be 22-4 in Hudson’s starts this season. He has been awesome. Great comeback season from him. Nice to see that guys like Hudson and Francoeur really care about their craft.

By Serbok

August 16, 2007 3:33 AM | Link to this

K Apologize for the pontificating~ Just a very sensetive spot with me! Even Makes me wanna say more? LOL But wont:o)

Bravos holdin on? Lookin good guys!

DOB I too wanna thank you for the Aybar thing. I also was guilty of thinkin he was a party boy~ Who did not appreciate his “LOT” in life. So~ 2day~ we go against another “hot-Shot” Pitcher? Seems to me, the Bravos do pretty well against this type? (The better pitchers?) I appreciated the blog bro~ Not much I can Add~ other than I like our chances!

Well~ maybe this?

*Don’t bogart that joint my friend Pass it over to me Don’t bogart that joint my friend Pass it over to me

Roll another one Just like the other one You’ve been holding on to it And I sure will like a hit

[chorus]

Roll another one Just like the other one That one’s burned to the end Come on and be a real friend* FOR ALL Of US!

Much more so for the ones whom are medicinacly deprived:o(

By Bobby Cocks

August 16, 2007 3:39 AM | Link to this

This was/is a great blawg…

By Serbok

August 16, 2007 3:46 AM | Link to this

medicinally Apparently I’m not:o) No Joking Matter tho!

By Bob, Journalist

August 16, 2007 4:56 AM | Link to this

Serbok, “YES Paladi Alcohol is a DRug” … you have me at a disadvantage as I wasn’t aware of that … what is the definitional basis of that assertion?

Regardless, I seriously doubt that those in need of a fundamental understanding of geology and anatomy are properly equipped to make judgments regarding the relative dangers associated with the use of either.

By Braveheart

August 16, 2007 5:18 AM | Link to this

BravesDave, the Braves are 32-17 when Smoltz and Hudson start.

This team seems better built for the postseason than the regular season.

The 2007 Braves are similar to the 2004 Red Sox.

The 2007 Braves and the 2004 Red Sox each had an OPS+ of 111.

C - McCann and Varitek are even although Varitek did have a better year.

1B - Tex is better than Millar.

2B - KJ is better than Bellhorn

SS - Edgar is better than Cabrera. They seemed to believe that themselves since they signed Edgar and not Cabrera in 2005.

3B - Chipper is WAY better than Mueller.

LF - Manny is WAY better than Willie Diaz but Willie Diaz ain’t so bad themselves.

CF - Damon was better than Andruw as he is playing right now. BUT you never know when Andruw will wake up (i keep hoping).

RF - Trot and Frenchy are sort of even.

DH - Ortiz would be WAY better than Diaz but Diaz ain’t bad. But you also have to consider that DH/1B was really Millar/Ortiz/Mentkiewicz compared to our situation probably being Diaz/Tex. Diaz is similar to Millar in skills (more AVG for Diaz/more power for Millar). Ortiz is better than Tex but not by much. Tex is every bit as good defensively as Mentkiewicz.

Bench - Escobar is better than Pokey Reese. Kapler and Thorman are kind of the same. Roberts is better than Woodward. Mirabelli was probably better than Corky Miller but does it really matter with them being backup catchers? Since Tex is good defensively we don’t need an extra position player at first like they did with Mentkiewicz and we can use it to bring either Devine or Royce Ring along for the ride to bolster our pen - probably Ring to have two situational lefties at our disposal and Devine kind of has a bad history with the postseason in Houston.

Smoltz and Hudson are really as good as Schilling and Pedro were. Their combined ERA+ is actually better this year than Schilling and Pedro were that year. Plus, Smoltz is even more money in the postseason than even Schilling is. Hudson can go deeper into games than Pedro who seemed to wilt late in postseason games.

Chuck James is about as good as Bronson Arroyo was that year. Arroyo was not much more of an innings eater than Chuck.

Buddy Carlyle is about as good as Tim Wakefield was that year.

The only difference would be Derek Lowe who was terrible that year but Lowe was nowhere near as bad as our fifths. He at least maintained a 5.42 ERA which helped them win about 50% of his starts. Because he could keep the ERA at 5.40 and win half of his games with a high scoring offense, they could win 98 games in the regular season.

If the Braves had a fifth starter who could keep his ERA around 5.00 they would have gone 17-16 instead of 10-23 with the crappy fifths. Combine that with the 54-33 mark of the top 4 starters, the Braves would be 71-29 right now, on pace to win 97 or 98 games like the Bosox did that year.

But we won’t need those crappy pitchers in the postseason, so we will cut dead weight. However, Lowe clearly has alot of talent and made key contributions in the postseason despite his bad regular season which made him a fifth in that rotation. The Braves won’t have the benefit of that.

The killer difference would be closer. Foulke was much better than Wickman.

But compare Moylan, Soriano, Mahay, Oscar, Paronto, Yates, and Ring or Devine? to Timlin, Embree, Leskanic, Mendoza, Myers, and the bullpens seem pretty even, with maybe an edge going to the Braves for overall quality and depth.

Granted, we are not gonna be playing the 2004 Red Sox but I think the teams are incredibly similar except when it comes to closer and quality fifth starter. Those are really the only two major differences. And the fifth starter is not important in the postseason unless he is Derek Lowe who was really a 3 masquerading and sucking his way in the regular season into a #5. But since, the 2007 Braves don’t have that Derek Lowe type at their disposal, they can make up for it sort of by bringing along Ring or Devine as extra arms in the pen since they don’t need an extra defensive first baseman like Mentkiewicz.

Well, those be my thoughts….

By Braveheart

August 16, 2007 6:00 AM | Link to this

If the Braves had a fifth starter who could keep his ERA around 5.00 they would have gone 17-16 instead of 10-23 with the crappy fifths. Combine that with the 54-33 mark of the top 4 starters, the Braves would be 71-29 right now, on pace to win 97 or 98 games like the Bosox did that year.

If anyone got down that far on that epic novel, I meant to say combine that with the 54-33 mark of the top 4 starters, the Braves would be 71-49 right now, on pace to win 97 or 98 games like the Bosox did that year.

By Julia

August 16, 2007 7:04 AM | Link to this

I have been up since 6:00 AM with the worst t-u-m-m-y ache I can ever remember. Damn those SHRIMP SAMMICHES!! This morning I am casting a foul o-d-o-r of stale SHRIMP SAMMICH. All night I craved show tunes, feasting on all my Ethel Merman favorites (and I had no Ethel Merman favorites before these damn SHRIMP SAMMICHES). I am pooched out this morning and yet, for some ungodly reason, here I am craving another SHRIMP SAMMICH! I must find a weight and diet training regimen.

By Salty

August 16, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

NCScoots Your 10:36 last night on temp.

Advil for the blog…the fever broke!

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

To all Wonderful job of pulling the Braves through last night, with a minimum (for a change) of negative-nellyism from the peanut gallery. Again, good job!

To those who disagree with me on alcohol Ok, use what you will and rationalize it any way you want. I will use what I want and I don’t have to rationalize it.

BobJ Most esteemed one, do you realize that we have been on the same side twice in this blog, alone!? My God, someone call Greenwich and see if the world is still on its’ axis. :-)

By ssiscribe

August 16, 2007 8:11 AM | Link to this

Top of the morning, denizens, after a hot, steamy, saucy, wild night at Turner Field. The Court of Public Opinion raged unabated in the left-center field seats, fights nearly broke out in the stands, fights nearly broke out on the field, we saw two records extended …

And, oh yeah, the pennant race is at full throttle.

What a fun night for Baby Scribe, who stood and held his little arms high and his thumbs down, in silent protest — just as his dad did — while the new Home Run King* stared directly into our section after his sixth-inning blast.

What really amazed me, from my seats in Section 148, was how much time Bonds* actually spends looking into the crowd. Most of the time, he glares at the folks booing him. Bonds* waves to the folks who cheer him — of which there were plenty, and even more stood and clapped when he came out to left field after his sixth-inning blast, which was crushed.

There were a variety of opinions being bantied about during the evening. Signs held up stating everything from “Bonds is Baseball” to “Bonds Framed Vick” to the simple “*” to a few I won’t mention on the family-oriented Braves/MIB Blogosphere.

But Barry* and his supporters can enjoy the new record* all they want … the Braves have a pennant to chase.

Now, pennant race (noted transition from the Scribe): You can feel the energy inside Turner Field. CR, in a blog recently, talked about the difference in this year to recent years as far as buzz around this team, and it’s definitely there. The 33,000 last night were loud, chopping and chanting like it was the final week of the season.

And the Braves are playing with that urgency, showing the emotion of a team chasing a playoff spot. I’m sure some of it comes from Bobby getting tossed the past two nights, but it also comes — I believe — from wins in 10 of the past 15 games (six of those against potential playoff teams in Arizona, Colorado, the Mets and Philly), the deadline deals and just the overall belief that this team now is conditioned to make a run at the World Series.

But it’s going to take top effort to get there, and now is the time. The representatives of Braves Nation who click the turnstiles at Turner Field have shown this pretty much all season. The bloggers in the good ol’ Braves/MIB/Toes/Pie/BBQ/MusicDuJour definitely bring it day and night, 24-7-365.

Their favorite baseball team is showing it, too.

Now, baseball (noted transition): Of course, we’re going to find fault with things here and there, but all in all Braves are playing well, folks. I’ve taken some heat for my “win-two-out-of-three” approach, and that’s OK. But tonight is a chance at a sweep, and while the pitching matchup doesn’t favor the Braves, I would think Atlanta has a ton of momentum coming into tonight’s tilt at Turner Field.

You get the feeling that no lead is safe with the Braves’ bullpen, but no deficit is too great with the Braves’ offense. It makes for an interesting mix as we hit the three-quarter mark of the season this weekend. One-half game out of the wild-card spot, back into second place and looking to finish off a sweep tonight. It’s a good place to be, and a good time to be following the hometown nine.

Now, Aybar: As somebody who has enjoyed his share of “adult” beverages since age 17, I can tell you first-hand how powerful an addiction can be. I’m proud to say there always have been certain drinks I can enjoy responsibily and casually, and there are some I feel I must have as many of as I possibly can ingest, as often as possible.

This baseball season started with a bottom drawer of our fridge totally stocked with beer, and plenty of frosty beverages enjoyed through the first week, just as it’s been for years on end. But after being out all night and realizing how much I let down my family and my friends, I said enough was enough. That was the first weekend of the season. I haven’t had a beer since. A mixed drink or a glass of wine? I have one from time to time, but it never crosses my mind the next morning or through the day. Beer? I know what would happen if I drank just one sip, and I don’t want to go down that road ever again.

Why am I sharing this? I don’t really know, other than I felt it laying on my heart this morning to share it. I spent 15 years covering sports at all levels, and when you get down to it and strip away the money and cars and glitz and glamour, any professional sports team is like most any group of people. There are all kinds, and Aybar fits into the mold of the office worker who sits at his or her cube, does his or her job, and doesn’t interact with many people.

I hope like hell Aybar can grab hold of this, even though his personality is more withdrawn and shy. I’ve prayed for his recovery and will continue to do so. Personally, I don’t care if he ever plays baseball again. If he can get to a point where he can walk past somebody drinking a beer and not think about how good that would taste or how good it would be to sit down after a stressful day at work with a six-pack, he will have made a tremendous leap forward. I know how good it feels to do that, but I also know it takes help from family and friends, and an unbelievable amount of willpower and determination. I believe Aybar can do it, and I hope he does.

Great piece, O’B. Much appreciated from somebody who has battled addiction, and somebody who also knows pro athletes are still human beings. Thanks much.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this

Also, there was a modicum of “factually indefensible”(for this bog)statements made last night. Sorry, Scoots, I had to cutoff the throw to Chipper. That is too juicy of a morsel(unlike day-old shrimp sammiches)to let pass. :-)

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

Bog? Could that have been Freudian?

By BravesFanChris22

August 16, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

Rockies beat Padres so we’re a 1/2 game behind Padres in Wild Card, sweetness.

By BravesFanChris22

August 16, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

Hopefully, Braves can continue on a roll with wins like this and the others lose.

By Julia

August 16, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this

Ooohhh, my tummy a-c-h-e-s, and now I actually have a little tummy - a POOCH that pokes out over my pants. I blame it all on SHRIMP SAMMICH a-d-d-i-c-t-i-o-n. Last night, I enjoyed SHRIMP SAMMICH after SHRIMP SAMMICH. Today I feel like h-e-l-l. *Why do I tell you this? I talk SHRIMP SAMMICHES because all this talk of serious addiction is driving me CRAZY!

This is a blog for light-hearted -some say light-headed - r-e-p-a-r-t-e-e. Why have we turned it into a meeting of AA?

I am going to stop eating SHRIMP SAMMICHES one day and I defy any of you to say otherwise. I respect those who have dealt with their demons. Now, I must deal with my own. Shut up, Ethel!! Maybe just one more SHRIMP SAMMICH won’t hurt. I know who to blame this on - and I will get even with that e-v-i-l person who introduced me to the h-i-g-h-l-y addictive, pooch-inducing, SHRIMP SAMMICH!! CRAZY!!

By Will

August 16, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

Hoping for a sweep tonight, even though they are facing the Giants ace. I do not dispute that 2 of 3 will work, i just think its an ideal time to get a sweep and hopefully get into that wild card lead. Interesting info on Aybar, i am sure getting traded from the Dodgers where he was comfortable was a big shock.

By Salty

August 16, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Well, Denizens, a sobering observation. Granted the last 10 games speak only to recent momentum but, four NL teams are 7-3 over that period. Our beloved Braves…and our next three opponents: D’Backs, Reds, and Cards! The action is hot!!!

By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)

August 16, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this

This is an Ejection http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl-4FSRYagc

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

This is a blog for light-hearted -some say light-headed - r-e-p-a-r-t-e-e. Why have we turned it into a meeting of AA?

Julia Privately, I agree with you but I would never say so in public. Banishment to blog purgatory lies in the balance and I know you know what I mean. Meanwhile, let’s “go at it” and lighten this thing up, a bit.

By Will

August 16, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

Salty, Good observation on the upcoming opponents. Thats gonna be a tough week next week, hope they bring the bats. I am goin to two of the games in Cincy and am very disappointed i cant make it to see Hudson and Smoltz wont even be pitching in the series.

By TampaBrave

August 16, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

Anyone still not thinking we can go 6-0 this week ?

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

I have a qustion for you computin’ commandos(except for Serboc, who I couldn’t understand anyway) During “refresh” my Firefox frequently hangs up on “Transferring data from apps.admission.net…” It’s no big deal ‘cause you give it a little nudge and it goes ahead, or back, and then ahead. Do any of you have the same problem?

By iwalterp

August 16, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

There are few umpires who so impressed or discussed me, such that I remember their names. Angel Hernandez is such an umpire. He has always had an issue with the Braves. He either sees what other umps don’t(Hudson’s phantom balks) or doesn’t see what other umps do(Glavine strike zone when he was a Brave). Poor Chuck James will get squeezed tonight. He won’t get any close calls for strikes and will be near 90 pitches by end of 3rd. Braves will have to score early and a lot. Oh, and Willie Aybar is a good human interest story, but with Renteria, Escobar, and Lillibridge he has no future with Braves. Braves will bring him to spring camp after winter ball with hopes he can showcase some of his talent so that he can be used as one of Braves traded for a starter.

By Will

August 16, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Tampa, I think 6-0 is not out of the realm of possibility, that would probably take beating Lincecum and Webb, that would be great! I still say 5-1.

By Christy

August 16, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

Question for anyone who has the answer. Okay - Assuming that Richie Garcia is reviewing/Grading the umpiring crew, and let’s say that the get a “C”, or more deservingly a “D” for their efforts in this series or in past few series - what happens????

Is there someplace we can find out about umpire performance and how they are graded, if they are put on some sort of “probation” or other?

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 16, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

Paladin, I agree that alcohol is legal. But, surely you can agree that alcohol can be as addictive as drugs. Some people smoke weed their whole life without it really being an interruption in their lives. Last I checked weed is illegal is it not. That person isn’t necessarily addicted right? Alcohol can be the same way. On the other hand, some people smoke weed all the time and can’t even leave the house without taking a hit. Some people can’t function without consuming alcohol.

Just because something is legal dosen’t mean that it can’t be addictive or destructive. I just don’t see how any sane person can say that will all the drunk driving deaths and accidents we have in this country.

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

Christy “Grading of umpires” is kept under tighter security than our nuclear secrets. That is unfortunate, to say the least, ‘cause I, too, would like to know.

By Shaun

August 16, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this

TampaBrave,

Sure, the Braves can go 6-0 this week. But I’m guessing the odds are against pretty much any team winning any six consecutive games. I hope it happens but I wouldn’t be disappointed or let down if it doesn’t. 4-2 is what I’m realistically hoping for, anything else is gravy.

By 22oz

August 16, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

The only thing missing from this current umpiring crew is CB Bucknor. He’d be the icing on the cake.

I’m going to the game tonight, and after the last 2 nights, I fully expect to see a bench clearing brawl, with the umpires!

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Robert(JITB) You are johnny-one-note(ing) this to death. I can’t speak, or take responsibility for, anyone but myself. I drink between 5 and 7 in the evening, in the privacy of my home. I do not drink and drive. I am endangering no one, except to listen to you(and others),myself.

Now, refer to my earlier post where I said to do, or not do, anything you want and I will do what I want. And, you are much too young to “advise” me on anything.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 16, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

Paladin, what are you talking about. I’m much too young too “advise” you on anything? Do you even know how old I am? In reality I wasn’t advising you on anything. I was simply stating something I believe to be true. All I was saying is that alcohol can be addictive. If you disagree, then fine. We can drop it. I drink occassionally as well, but don’t let it affect my life. I have a brother who became addicted and it almost ruined his life. That is a fact no matter what anybody says. That is it.

I don’t want to argue with you. I was simply stating my opinion. I apologize. I won’t make that mistake again.

By RedEyedAndBlue

August 16, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this

Paladin - As to your computer ?, yes, same happens to me. Figured it was just my ISP connection.

A few non-alcohol or drug-related observations this morning:

Willie Harris’ Slugging Percentage is 30 pts. higher than Andruw Jones’. His OPS is about 140 pts. higher. Wow.

Tim Hudson has only walked and Maddux-esque 39 batters in over 170 IP this year and the homer by Barroid was only the 5th he has surrendered in 2007. With six weeks remaining, the guy is on pace for arguably his best statistical season. Even his hitting stats are the best they have ever been (.237) with 7 RBIs.

Chuck James looks like Dale, Jr.

So, BC gets credit for a managerial win even though he gets tossed?

I mean, did you see Offerman go ballistic?!

Salty’s stats continue to suffer in TX. (.163 with no homers, 3 RBIs, and 14 K in 48 ABs).

Seems to me that umps have gotten much more svelt since the 1999 debacle involving their union and mlb. I kinda miss watching the pre-1999 tubs of goo arguing with a manager or player. There’s something about watching a fat guy go at it is much more entertaining.

By Efrim

August 16, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

I know DOB has already brought it up, but good lord, has anyone seen Lincecum’s numbers? The kid is insane. Giants have a hell of a future rotation. Lincecum, Cain, Lowry, Zito and Jonathon Sanchez. Not sure why they aren’t starting him. He has nasty stuff as well.

By TampaBrave

August 16, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

Leaders lead. Chasers chase.Which leads to the following:

It’s hard work to get there and twice as hard to stay there.

The Mets are a resilient team. Only under a lot of pressure will they break down. The Braves will attempt to apply that pressure. The good news is that by chasing the Mets, they will, at worst, secure the wild card. Then look out, because whoever said it was right. This team is built for winning playoff games and the Mets will lose their 1st round playoff series to CHI/STL/MIL because they will see the impending doom of meeting the Braves embedded in their coconuts. This crystal ball zaps my energy. Back after a nap.

By Mitchie-san

August 16, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

I am just shocked that someone can make that kind of money and then do something stupid to screw it up. I am pretty sure $400,000 a year to play baseball would help me quit drinking…

By Julia

August 16, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Let’s all go for a cheeseburger and change this topic. Robert JITB is buying. Go Braves!

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 16, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Last night’s game was a big win. The trade for Tex and Mahay is providing more and more dividends. Anybody who thinks Tex has been disappointing is either crazy or needs to put down the XBox 360. I’ll take 13 RBI in 13 games any day of the week. Also, good news about Renteria. His return will really fortify the bench since either Escobar or Johnson will be there all the time. I am assuming the 2B platoon will be back on once Renteria returns.

By Paladin

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

Robert(JITB) I have dropped it. But, please refer back to my original post to you(yesterday afternoon)when I ended it by complimenting you on your, usual, posts. Did you think Eric wrote that? Good day, sir.

By Renegator

August 16, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

4-2 this week is realistic. Those who are expecting 6-0 are going to be let down and be negative nellies on this blog when it doesn’t happen.

Remember - this has been a .500 team since the 24-12 start. We’ll see if that changes but I wouldn’t expect it to. Just trying to be realistic here. Two wins against a very sub-par Giants team does not make this team invinsible.

By Efrim

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

Miguel Cairo was released by the Yankees. Braves should sign him for the rest of the season and release Chris Woodward. Cairo is a solid utility man.

By beachcomber

August 16, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

DOB - May be the last to post on this but thank you for a closer look at Willy Aybar. It’s so easy for us to judge from afar not knowing the facts. Excellent piece.

And on a brighter note, no team in the major leagues has a better record over the last ten games and we haven’t exactly been playing the Little Sisters of the Poor. This despite Angel Hernandez - what’s up with that guy? We’ve suffered bad umpiring crews before (see the 18 inning post season farce against Houston)but this guy consistently seems to have a chip on his shoulder.

Bring back Frank Pulli - best umpire I ever saw - particularly behind the plate.

By David-ATL14

August 16, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Nice story DOB, very sincere and heartfelt. Kudos!

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this

RedEyedandBlue Neat name! Thanks for the “feedback”. Glad to hear it is not something that I did, or did not do—-in a drunken stupor. :-)

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 16, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

I’ll buy, Julia. Hell, I’ll even pay for a beer or soda….your choice!

By Christy

August 16, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Paladin - figured as much but hoped someone might have access to something. Oh well.

By Steeledawg

August 16, 2007 10:22 AM | Link to this

Entertaining game last night. Umpires left a lot to de desired.

Hey Dob- I’m not sure if you have had the opportunity to cover Klesko much, but I am wondering what caused him to explode last night. I understand the called strike, but he came back out on the field and nearly strangled the home plate ump. I always got the impression that he was kind of a laid back dude.

Thanks for the great blog, it makes my day better.

By Hammy the Brave

August 16, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Wanted to run a few ideas by you.

Don’t you think it’s time the Braves changed their player draft strategy and started drafting more hard-throwing college starters? The Giants are a great example of quickly rebuilding their pitching depth, by doing this, with Cain and Linecum. Plus, the Braves have been doing this with relievers, the past couple of drafts.

Also, do you think JS could revisit talks with the White Sox and see if he could make a Renteria and pitching prospect deal for Javier Vasquez? Another option would be same deal to the Blue jays for AJ Burnett. My point is I feel the Braves need another solid top-three starter, before they can expect to go far in the playoffs.

Lastly, do you hear if the Braves are seriously considering prospects JC Holt and Lillibridge for middle infield slots, in the next couple of years? This would inject more speed into the lineup, making it easier to score runs. Also, it could send KJ to the bench, as a real backup to Chipper, or make him a possible replacement for Chipper, longterm.

Looking forward to your reply,

Hammy the Brave

By KC

August 16, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Anyone see Steve Phillips yesterday on ESPN? He’s predicts the Braves will the East

Not that Phillips is the Oracle or anything… just thought it was interesting.

By michael of b'ham

August 16, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

2 of 3 already done. no pressure. just saw pic of lincecum on the braves website…2 questions…isn’t he the kid from “rookie of the year” and does the team pay for his mom’s travel expenses too? mets won too…should be seeing plenty of posts from the usual suspects explaining how un-concerned they are about the braves today.

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Robert(JITB) Can I mix something with that soda—like Scotch maybe? :-) Julia (or Bullit Bob) will drive me home.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 16, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Paladin, I did read your post from yesterday and thank you very much for the compliment. I mean that. The subject is dropped. I apologize for any dissention that came from my direction. It was not my intent. So, lets move on and talk about how the Braves are going to shock the world and dethrone the “mighty” Mets!

By Will

August 16, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this

Steeledawg, Klesko used to get pretty irritated at times back in his Braves days. Not neccesarily at the umps though. I always liked Klesko alot, at least last night was not due to roid rage, cant be so sure about ten years ago…

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

more hard-throwing college starters?

Speaking of: Did y’all see where the Devil Rots gave ex-Vandy pitcher, David Price, a 11.25 mil contract? Now I have seen the kid pitch and he is good. but, I have only seen him pitch against college hitters. I know that the scouts know a lot more than I do, but they have been wrong before. Just not 11.25 mil, wrong.

I wish Price the best, but this money thing is totally “over-the-top”!

By Shaun

August 16, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Renegator,

Don’t you think that’s a weird way to look at things? I mean, I can just as easily say this is a .554 team (51-41) minus June.

Why discard their 24-12 start? I mean, it’s basically the same players except Teixeira, Andruw’s a little worse and the pitching is probably a little better.

If it’s a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately situation, why not look at the fact that they’ve outscored their opponents 231-187 since the beginning of July? This is more likely to tell us something about where they’re going than what they’ve done minus their first 36 games.

By Chase

August 16, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

NCZ is a typical MUTS TROLL

Don’t really hear from him for days and when his team survives a comeback by thos “mighty” Bucks HE COMES ON TALKING SMACK!

JUST SAD!

Oh and DOB and others who think that ESPN is not biasd against the Braves

They had Steve Phillips on SPORTSCENTER this morning and when he said that he didn’t think the Yankees or Mets would make the playoffs, THEY GAVE HIM HELL!

Then when he said that he thought the BRAVES would win the NL EAST and the Rockies the Wild Card, they said:

What do you have against the New York teams? You know you’re wrong…right? You better be glad we’re out of time!”

See! Someone gives a positive opinion towards the Braves and discounts the Mets and Yankees and the person doing the interview IS ALL OVER THEM!

He actually had to defend himself in the interview!

By Chris from the Rock

August 16, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Time to pick another guy off the scrap heap JS. Joe Kennedy is available. He certainly can’t be any worse than Cormier, Reyes, Redman, Davies or Lerew.

By Shaun

August 16, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Paladin,

Teams have it or they wouldn’t pay it. Capitalism at its finest.

By ncscoots

August 16, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Roger that, re the posts profiling the Braves as a postseason-series type of team. Some posters here have brought that up previously, and it’s a good point.

Must have been a half-dozen “ugly save” posts last night. Besides Efrim, that is (few Braves’ pitching performances pass unbloodied by Efrim’s stiletto analysis). But do you think anybody cares that there are runners on when the game ends? WHIP is not a component of the save stat, style points don’t count, and the only number of consequence is Wickman’s conversion rate. Which has been pretty darn good since his arrival in Atlanta, as I remember. All the rest is just a shrimp sammich.

By Efrim

August 16, 2007 10:59 AM | Link to this

Chase

It’s not that ESPN has something against the Braves. Steve Phillips has something against the team that fired him. He hates New York teams. Very possible that both teams may miss the playoffs, although not probable. I’ve said all along the Mets will make the playoffs, even with their recent pitching struggles. Braves will make it as well. The Mets are 15 games over .500. That ain’t too bad for a team that has been terrible as of late. The Yankees are 14 games over .500 and fighting over a playoff spot against the Mariners(playing well), Indians(15-22 there last 37 games) and Tigers(just as bad).

By Gil in Mechanicsville

August 16, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

Good morning all, A quick note before my dreaded trek to mother’s place. I just want to say thank you to all who shared some very personal moments and feelings. It takes real courage to reveal so much of our personal failings. DOB I salute you for breeching a topic many would shun like the plague.

Alas, the Richmond club continues its slide from first place to only 1/2 game ahead of Durham in the IL South. To be expected with fully half of those player whom began the season with the triple A club now contributing mightily to the Atlanta club’s push to the pennant.

JoJo pitched a nice game this week but the staff is woefully short on arms right now. I hope Manny Acosta can continue his good work for the big club too.

By Josh H

August 16, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

The only thing I’ll say about Wickman’s save last night (as he usually allows a runner or two) was that Bengie Molina was a few feet away from tying that game and giving Wickman his second consecutive blown save. Glad it worked out the way it did and Hudson got a win for once.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 16, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

As I said yesterday, people in Cleveland warned us last year that Wickman will give you a near heart attack on most nights but way more often than not he will get the job done. I can live with that. We all remember last year when Sosa or Reitsma allowed runners on base they were as good as in.

By TampaBrave

August 16, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

I think these umpires should be psychologically tested. These confrontational personality types have left black marks on the game. They all have that “I’ll show you” attitude. It wouldn’t hurt to throw a vision test in there too.

They should make a simulator that tests their abilities to measure both accuracy and consistency. How many times do we see the same pitch in the same place called two different ways. I don’t care if they give a little extra leeway on the strike zone as long as they are consistent.

By Tad

August 16, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

MVP: Chipper Jones Cy Young: Tim Hudson Rookie of the Year: Peter Moylan

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Ok, Shaun, I understand capitalism, but when still-wet-behind-the-ears pitchers start getting 11.25 mil to sign, what do you think a tried-and-true pitcher like Huddy is going to have to get when he “re-signs(?)”?

By StingerSplash

August 16, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Hammy,

Edgar for Javier Vazquez? Huh? My lasting image of him will be that look he had of someone in front of a firing squad in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS.

By Shaun

August 16, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this

Chase,

Could it be because the Mets have been leading the division virtually all seaosn and the Yankees are tied in the Wild Card race and are one of the best teams in baseball in terms of run differential?

Odds actually are in favor of the Mets and Yankees, unfortunately, pretty much in every objective way you look at it.

By Efrim

August 16, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

NCScoots

Say what you will. Wickman will cost us games in September. I just hope it isn’t on the last day of the season when we need to win to make the playoffs. Everyone knows I hate Wickman as the closer. He is the same as Todd Jones and Joe Borowski. Tons of runners on base and can’t get a strikeout in a big spot. You can’t argue against it. We have no better option right now, so I have to deal with it. Moylan needs to be in middle relief. Holding the opposition in the 7th and 8th innings are more important for a big offensive team like the Braves. You can always make it a non save situation in those innings.

By Will

August 16, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

ncscoots, I think its a very big concern that there are always runners on base when Wickman’s saves are completed. Runners on base are a recipe for disaster and obviously a closer is not going to srike out the side on 9 pitches every time, but man this happens almost every damn time Wickman tries to get a save.

By KC

August 16, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

Everyone knows the Braves became a much better team on August 1. But they’ll be even better come September 1. If the Braves aren’t already the best team in the East… they will be in 2 weeks.

When the rosters are expanded on September 1, no team in the East stands to benefit more (or anywhere near as much) as the Braves. Show me another team with this many guys on the farm who can step right in and make solid contributions.

Chad Paronto Had allowed only 3 earned runs in his last 23 appearances with Atlanta, before being sent down to make room for Dotel. His June/July ERA (over 25-1/3 innings) was 1.05.

Paronto clearly did not deserve the demotion. The reason he’s in Richmond right now, is because at the deadline, Schuerholz designed the this team to have all the depth it needed in September.

JS knew Paronto didn’t deserve to be sent down. He also knew he’d be back on Sept. 1. JS knew there was no room in the pen at the time of the trade. He got him for the sole purpose of having him here in September (and possibly October, if he performs well).

By design, 2 more bonafide major league relievers will be added to this bullpen in 2 weeks. It will be as though the Braves made 2 waiver trades come September 1.

And there are other major league-ready relievers who can step right in and have an impact. Most notably, Joey Devine and Jose Ascanio. Both of whom have been mowing down minor league hitters, and both performed well in short stints in Atlanta this season.

In addition to the bullpen help that’s on the way… the Braves have a few position players that could help the team in a couple weeks. The one we all know about is Julio Franco. He was swinging a great bat when he had to go to make room for Tex. He’ll give the Braves a solid right-handed bat off the bench in September and October.

PROBABLE BULLPEN HELP:

Chad Paronto, Royce Ring, Joey Devine, Jose Ascanio. Other possibilities: Manny Acosta, Blaine Boyer, Tanyon Sturtze. *Though… Boyer has been starting at Richmond, and I’m not sure the status of Sturtze’s comeback. *

PROBABLE POSITION HELP:

Julio Franco, Brayan Pena, Martin Prado. Other possibilities: Brandon Jones and Brent Lillibridge… though, neither are on the 40 man roster, so I’m not sure how that would work or if it’s even an option to call them up.

Also… I’m not sure what’s going on with Dotel, but if he’s healthy when he’s eligible to come of the DL, that will also add depth.

Either way, come September 1, the Braves will have all the depth they need in the bullpen, as well as the bench.

By KC

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

MEANT TO SAY… JS knew at the time of the trade for Royce Ring that there was no room for him.

By Paladin

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

Efrim If you ever saw a glass-half-full, you would pour it out.

By KC

August 16, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

EFRIM and CHASE: I don’t think ESPN has anything against the Braves. But they most definitely DO have something FOR the Mets and Yankees.

The ESPN headquarters are up in the vicinity of NYC, and they fall into that mentality that New York is the center of the universe. That’s where they all live and work, and that’s the way it is. They often lose sight of the fact that most of their viewers hate the Mets and especially the Yankees… and are sick of all the attention they get.

The NY teams get a lot of love and attention from ESPN. It’s undeniable.

By TampaBrave

August 16, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Just the opposite people. Wick is the guy you want in the stretch. The colder it gets the better he gets.

By Lew

August 16, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Hammy-Not so sure I’d take the Jays up on Burnett. The Dude has a major history of DL time-especially the past couple of years. Couple this with the arm and leg the guy earns and I just don’t see it as a worthwhile pick up for the Braves. As far as Kelly Johnson. Make him a backup to get more speed in the lineup? The guy is hitting .298 in a full time role, with 10 triples so far. He has speed and is a quite consistent hitter, capable of batting ANYWHERE in the lineup with no complaints. The Dude has worked out so well, he should remain a starter-either at second or in the outfield, if necessary. This team has plenty of speed, but as Willie Harris has shown, speed doesn’t necessarily translate to stolen bases. I think a running coach like Otis or someone like him would be a better and cheaper move.

By David O'Brien

August 16, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Shaun, I like your 10:43 a.m. post. Absolutely agree….

Gil, thanks. You know, there are some important topics that transcend the critics you’ll inevitably encounter. I was pleasantly surprised by how few there were here. But then, this crowd really shouldn’t surprise me anymore. It’s a savvy audience, even if the in-the-gutter arguments don’t always reflect it.

By ncscoots

August 16, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Yes, Efrim, I know you dislike the Wickmeister, along with any other pitcher not owning a fastball that sits at 98. I got it. Though I’m glad you’re able to “deal with it”, LOL, it’s good to know you’re not looking for that serrated baseball card of a few blogs ago!

BTW, ever actually SEEN Jonathan Sanchez play? :-)

By David O'Brien

August 16, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

Will, funny you mentioned that about Klesko. Chipper laughed when someone asked him after the game if he’d ever seen Klesko erupt like that. Chipper said something along the lines of ‘You haven’t seen anything’ compared to what Klesko sometimes did in the dugout, etc. Had quite the temper, Ryan did.

By Efrim

August 16, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this

Paladin

You obviously haven’t read any of my posts in the last month then. I have been much better as of late. I think this team will make the playoffs. I don’t like Wickman as the closer. Sorry if that is too much for you to deal with. I’m sorry but I can’t be in love with every aspect of this team. Sorry I dissapointed you Paladin. Your comment was uncalled for.

By Will

August 16, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Just asking here…do you guys really see Bob Wickman going out and saving big 1 run playoff games, i sure dont. There are no other solutions so Wickman is what we have to deal with. Optimist, pessimist, realist or however you wanna look at it Wickman on the mound saving a playoff game is a very scary situation.

By Efrim

August 16, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

NcScoots

He pitched against the Braves earlier in the year. It was on TBS. He had great stuff. Chris Young throws 89-91. Love the guy. Wickman is not a good closer at this stage of his career. You can’t debate that.

By RedEyedAndBlue

August 16, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Gil - As you know, the Rbraves season will come down to the six games they have remaining against Durham.

Barbaro “the horse” Canizares continues to impress with the bat at Richmond, btw. Too bad he’s not on the 40-man; he’d be a nice addition in September for the big club. If his Winter Ball and/or Spring Training performance is anything like his AAA one, he may have written Thorman’s pink slip. We can only hope. Ahh, The Hoss and The Horse on the same team? Only in baseball.

By Efrim

August 16, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

Shaun

I like your 11:07 post. The Yankees have outperformed almost every team in MLB since mid-June.

By Robert

August 16, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

DOB

Did the Braves end up signing Josh Fields from UGA prior to the deadline last night?

By David O'Brien

August 16, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

220z, you forgot Doug Eddings. This umpire crew would be complete with Eddings, the noted Braves enemy….

KLESKO, Renteria will NOT be sitting when he returns. I’m sure Escobar will go back to platoon with K.J. at second base. He will not be starting ahead of Edgar, I can assure you of that….

Mitchie-san, you can’t seriously be “shocked” that anyone making $400,000 would have a substance problem, right? You can’t be. If so, then I guess you’ve continually been shocked through the years by the overdoses and such by literally hundreds, if not thousands, of millionaire stars in the sports and entertainment industries. I mean, c’mon, man. That’s about as simplistic a view as you’ve shared with us. Money does NOT insulate you from the same compulsions and problems that others have. If anything, it provides the means to eliminate the obstacles that less-fortunate (financially) individuals have of obtaining said drugs and booze.

By ncscoots

August 16, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

*but man this happens almost every damn time Wickman tries to get a save. *

But, Will, wouldn’t that mean that in all but a very few instances, it made no difference? If, as you say, there are base runners “every damn time”, but Wickman converts the save almost “every damn time”, then ?

Seriously, though, I know what you’re saying, and I can respect the viewpoint. I just don’t give it the same importance as some here, and don’t get nervous when Wick enters the game. I get nervous when the tying run is on 3rd with less than 2 out, LOL, but that’s about it.

By KC

August 16, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Willie Harris has been getting gunned down every time he attempts to steal lately… but has anyone else noticed it seems to be largely the product of bad luck?

Lately, every time he runs, the opposing catcher comes up with a perfect bullet right on the bag. The last several CS for Willie seem to have gone that way.

Personally, I think it’s just a string of bad luck in that department lately for Willie. With that in mind, I don’t see any reason why he should stop running (keeping the situation in mind, of course).

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

Efrim I’m sorry I must have you mixed up with someone else who posts under Efrim. My apologies.

By 22oz

August 16, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Does the fact that the Richmond AAA team and the Mississippi AA team appear to be headed for their respective playoffs affect September callups?

By TampaBrave

August 16, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Will

Fat guys work better in cold weather.

By Jared

August 16, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

So are the Braves going to get David Wells today or sometime soon or not? Today is the day he clears waivers, and he’s be a better option for the remainder of the season than Cormier.

By Rudy

August 16, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

YOu Sir, are a looser. You have no ideas of who is the best relief pitchers and whose is the best infielders. Bobby Cox knows whose best. I think your mostly likley a lier and a cheat and don’t pay your bills on time. Idoits like you give thi s blog a bad name. Read and lern.

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Wonder where Anders has been the last couple of days? Still sulking from the arse chewing he got from Lew? Or,has he taken his considerable intellect and knowledge of baseball back to the Muts blog where he can be the top gun?

By Will

August 16, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

ncscoots, Fair enough about Wickman. I dont even wanna single out Wickman other then Peter Moylan most times, its hard not to get nervous with anybody out of the bullpen coming in. They tried their best to put together a good bullpen this year, injuries are part of the game. I dont really believe Wickman has been very healthy since his DL stint, but at least he battles. I saw mentioned earlier how Indians fans warned of this, i heard the same thing from an Indians fan i know, he said Wickman allows runners on base almost every time he pitches, but gets out of it.

By Will

August 16, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Tampa, never thought of it that way lol! So wickman should be all ready to go saving games in 50 degree weather in Shea. I hope so.

By Efrim

August 16, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Paladin

How old are you? You’re acting quite foolish right now. Ask Lew, I really have been more optimistic about this team. The only guy I knock is the Wickster. I will continue to do so. I’m sorry, I just don’t think he is that good anymore. I really can’t believe so many people on this blog can’t see that.

By Thrillhouse44

August 16, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

The Braves’ decision to keep Escobar over Saltalamacchia was a great one. The kid has filled well for Renteria while he was out. He didn’t play flawlessly, but he’s way ahead of having Woodward out there. Getting Renteria back soon will just give us another boost in this playoff drive. Him plus the additions KC mentioned will make this ballclub really, really tough.

When is Dotel supposed to get back?

By KC

August 16, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Jared: I’m not sure about that.

Lance Cormier was terrific, not only back in the Spring, but also late in the season last year when he had to step in as our #4 starter for a while. He posted an ERA just over 3.00 over… I think it was about 5 weeks in the rotation.

Until the 5th, I don’t think Cormier pitched badly in Phili. I’m anxious to see how he does in his next start.

As for Wells… who knows if he has anything left in the tank. If Cormier struggles his next time out, and our scouts think Wells has something left… then there’s nothing to loseby signing him. But if Cormier pitches well tomorrow, I’d like to see Cormier get a legitimate crack at it, because he’s shown a great deal of ability.

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

TB Fat guys may do better in cold weather, but fat girls sweat regardless of the outside temp. Ask any dance instructor. :-)

By RedEyedAndBlue

August 16, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

KC, I’ll concede that Harris’ caught stealings have been the result of some bad luck. Some. But as you know in the Major Leagues the catcher is gonna throw it right on or very, very near the bag almost every time. Occasionally you have your Mike Piazza-type catcher who can’t throw out my grandma. But most of the time stolen bases are the result of a good running jump on the pitcher. As an AL guy, Harris doesn’t know a lot of the pitchers in the NL and may just be adjusting to the new league. Or maybe he just can’t read pitchers that well. Who knows. But his SB/CS ain’t good.

22oz. Good question in re: callups. I had the same one a few days ago and didn’t get an answer. Seriously suspect the parent club (where the real money is made) will fill Paronto/Devine, etc. spot on the RIC club with a Rome or other single-A player and call Paronto/Devine up to the ABraves. The NL Pennant is much more important than the International League playoffs (understatement of the year).

Good blog this morning. Keep it up this PM. Gonna go grab some sustenance. Go Braves!

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Efrim I’m old enough to know better, but(still)too young to care.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 16, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

DOB, I don’t know if you read my post from yesterday but I wanted to say again what a great job you did on this post about Aybar. It was one of the best pieces I have ever read. Well done!

By KC

August 16, 2007 12:01 PM | Link to this

Will” Yeah, Wickman is a contact, play-the-odds type of pitcher.

When he’s on, he wants hitters to put in play… he just tries to keep the ball off the fattest part of the bat.

When you pitch to allow hitters to hit the ball, you’re going to give up hits. But if you keep the line-drives to a minimum, you usually wind up just fine.

As for Wickman in October… there’s one thing I like about that notion. Unlike many players who we’ve seen buckle under the pressure… Wickman has ice-water in his vanes. October won’t bother him a bit.

By journalist jimmy smith

August 16, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

journalist returns to the blog to find considerable disharmony - and journalist was involved in slight disharmony journalist’s self. now, it is time for healing. jimmy smith offers this story to one and all.

chipper was driving down the road and ran out of gas. just at that moment, a bee flew in chipper’s window.

the bee said to chipper, ‘what seems to be the problem?’

‘uh, looks like i’m out of gas,’ chipper replied.

the bee said, ‘you are my favorite player. wait here and i can help you.’

‘that’s good because i’ve been feeling some angst,’ replied chipper.

the little bee flew away.

minutes later, chipper watched as an entire swarm of bees flew to chipper’s car and into his gas tank.

after a few minutes, the bees flew out.

‘try it now,’ said one bee.

chipper turned the ignition key and the car started right up.

‘uh, wow!’ chipper exclaimed, ‘what did you put in my gas tank’?

The little bee answered, ‘BP’

oh, the humanity! that was a bad joke. still, bee pee seems to work in chipper’s tank. should try crowder pea, field pea, black-eyed pea, any pea in a storm. “p” players are exempt.

By TampaBrave

August 16, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this

Wells, yeah that would do wonders for the clubhouse chemistry. These guys are just getting ready to rock and you want to throw Wells in the mix. Hell, where’s John Rocker ?

By Drummerdad

August 16, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

DOB, Great stuff in this post. The Aybar info was helpful and in a way intriguing. A little understanding goes a long way. Just on the basis of what he’s working through I’d like to see the Braves stick with him. Reminds a bit of the Seabiscuit flick. I dig the movie. We’re all toting some kind of baggage. Who knows what by the grace of God can develop in the kid’s life? Also, it’s rather cool to see a “kinder, gentler” DOB. Different from the DOB that has to slap STINKY around every now and then.

By Braveheart

August 16, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Paladin Have another. Denial ain’t just a river in Egypt.

By KC

August 16, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

RedEyedAndBlue:

Good points all. No, his steal% is not good (16-11 in attempts this year). But with just a little better luck… let’s say 2 or 3 more of those attempts go his way…

Now we’re looking at 18-9 or 19-8 in stolen base attempts, which looks pretty good. Again, that’s if just 2 or 3 more of those go his way.

It took a perfect throw and a perfect pitch to throw on to get him last night, and that seems to have been the case multiple times recently.

I think he should keep running when the situations are right, and keep the pressure on opposing teams. Just the threat of his running has value.

By Shaun

August 16, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

Paladin,

Actually Price is deal is only worth a guaranteed $8.5 million over 6 years, which comes out to $1.42 million a year. If Price reaches the majors in just a year or two and becomes a halfway decent starter, this could be a bargain.

I’m guessing Hudson will get at the very least in the $15-20 million range his next contract.

Also, I’m not so sure what Price got was “over the top.” Here’s the story from Baseball America:

Price’s bonus is the second-largest in draft history, behind only the $6.1 million Justin Upton got from the Diamondbacks as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft. The guaranteed value of Price’s contract is the third-highest in draft annals, trailing only Mark Prior ($10.5 million, Cubs) and Mark Teixeira ($9.5 million, Rangers) from the 2001 draft.

If Price enters the bigs in a year or two and pitches halfway decent, no one will remember this as a “over the top” deal. In fact, they may not even if Price blows his arm out. Does anyone talk about the Cubs wasting all that money on Prior? Not really.

By David O'Brien

August 16, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

Thrillhouse, Dotel went on the DL Friday, retroactive to Aug. 8. He’s eligible to come off Thursday, which is probably when he’ll be activated. But it’s still too early to tell if he’ll be ready. Hasn’t turned it up yet in bullpen.

By Lee in S. GA

August 16, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

Willie Harris has been getting gunned down every time he attempts to steal lately… but has anyone else noticed it seems to be largely the product of bad luck?

KC

Seems like he gets a good jump but the pitch he always seems to attempt to steal on is thrown perfectly by the pitcher in order for the catcher to nail him with a decent throw.

By TampaBrave

August 16, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Paladin

Sounds like you’ve dropped a few, fat chicks, that is. Hey man, them fat gals come in handy up thar in them hills. :)

By flange1

August 16, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Very nice JJS!

Well 2 down 8 to go for our Bravos to go on that 10 game win streak. #3 tonight with our friend Angel behind the plate.

My guess is 2 balk calls and at least 2 ejections.

Braves win 7-3………

By KC

August 16, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this

RedEyedAndBlue:

Also… heading into this season, Harris was 55-15 in steal attempts. So unless he’s lost a step (unlikely, since he’s healthy and only 29). this IS a guy you want running.

Throughout his career, he’s been successful 4 out every 5 times he runs. His success rate is down this year, and it’s hard to say why.

But I think a combination of reasons could be to blame… bad luck, and as you mentioned, learning the pitchers.

But this guy’s a legitimate thief. I don’t want him to stop running.

By Shaun

August 16, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

KC and RedEyedAndBlue,

His speed is perhaps as valuable if not more so in and of itself than the fact that it enables him to steal. Scoring from first on a “routine” double is as valuable as being able to steal.

Maybe Harris should pick his spots a little better. He’s already helping his team perhaps more than some others by just being on base.

By Efrim

August 16, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Efrim I’m old enough to know better, but(still)too young to care.

Too much of something else.

By David O'Brien

August 16, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Uh, KC, I can think of one reason Willie should stop running. Actually two.

1. Since July 3, he’s been caught five out of seven times. That’s TWO successful steals in more than six weeks.

2. He has the worst success rate in the major leagues for anyone with 20 or more attempts. He’s stolen just 16 bases in 27 attempts, a 59.3 percent success rate. that’s awful.

Other than being the worst (statistically) base stealer in the majors and getting worse that ever in the past six weeks, you’re right — no reason to stop running!

By the way, Michael Bourn of the Phillies has stolen 18 in 19 attempts, David Wright of the Mets has stolen 25 in 27 attempts, Kaz Matsui of the Rockies is 23 of 25, and the Phils’ Shane Victorino is 32 of 35.

Guess they have a lot better “luck.”

By JP

August 16, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

Has anything been said about the LF in the Gigantes lineup tonight? It is about time Barry Bonds* had a day off. He has had to run the bases a few times over the last couple of days.

By JasonInMaine

August 16, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

DOB:, Thanks for the comments on Aybar. If the Braves feel he can contribute to the team next year, I am all for bringing him back. People deserve 2nd chances. Heck, If they didn’t, where would a lot of us be?

By Jared

August 16, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Stolen bases are overrated. Harris is unquestionably hurting this team with his free outs.

If you can’t steal at a success rate of 75%, you’re better off not going.

By Shaun

August 16, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Last time you got a raise, didn’t it make you a better human being and make you able to fight off all forms of human frailty?

Sometimes I think a lot of people think this way. Making more money than most others just means you are in an industry where people are willing to pay much more for your services…and that’s basically all it means. Doesn’t mean you are a different human being than anyone else, other than you may have better skills in certain areas.

People over think economics when it comes to athletes but it’s really quite simple. Athletes and movie and TV stars make more than teachers or police officers or firefighters because people are willing to pay to watch athletes and entertainers. If you could get 30,000-50,000 folks to pay $15-$80 to watch teachers or police officers or firefighters, they would make more money. Fair or not, that’s the reality of our system. You can pretend it’s not that simple (probably because it takes the pressure off you as a customer of athletics and entertainment) but it really is that simple.

By Lee in S. GA

August 16, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Shaun

Agree that Harris’s base running speed is where he is helping this team the most regardless of his base stealing attempts.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 16, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Guys, one thing that has to be understood is that just because someone has speed it doesn’t mean they can steal bases. Look at Frenchy. He has good speed, granted not as fast as Harris. But, he is terrible at stealing bases. Stealing bases is all in the jump and Harris doesn’t get particuarly good jumps.

By TampaBrave

August 16, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Just because a guy is small and black doesn’t necessarily make him a good base stealer. Obviously, he’s crossing the finish line after the ball. Deion was a terrible base stealer for a guy with all that speed. I think Willie’s forte is his hitting, not his speed abilities.

By Will

August 16, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Have to weigh in on Willie Harris, i definitely think he should stop trying to steal bases. He may be faster then the Jones’ or Renteria, but they could sure as hell teach him a thing or two about picking his spots. Harris gets caught down too often.

By Soul Man

August 16, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

JOSHUA FIELDS, A SCOTT BORAS CLIENT, DID NOT SIGN WITH THE BRAVES. HE’LL PITCH HIS SENIOR SEASON AT UGA.

By Braveheart

August 16, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this

Kenny Lofton was a terrible base stealer in Atlanta for whatever reason.

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this

Efrim This is my final word to you. The next time you are thumbing through a Sharper Image* catalog and you come across a “sense of humor”, purchase one. And have it delivered by next-day air.

By Julia

August 16, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

All this talk of running has made me m-e-l-a-n-c-h-o-l-y. Beautiful people do not r-e-m-a-i-n beautiful without sacrifice and hard work. I am a RUNNER. I run every day to keep my body curvaceous and sexy. Today, I was UNABLE TO RUN. I had a heavy feeling and some nausea and I needed to remain inside close to the facilities. It was all those SHRIMP SAMMICHES that did me in. I will eat no more SHRIMP SAMMICHES! and I will make no more SHRIMP SAMMICH posts after this. I just want to thank all the bloggers who proffered kind wishes and gave me their support. I would love to give you all a free pass to a movie but that would be silly, wouldn’t it? I am Julia and I am a SAMMAHOLIC.

By RedEyedAndBlue

August 16, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

KC and Shaun - As you say Willie’s speed is valuable despite his steal success rate. But there is a difference between the speed needed to score from 1st on a double and the speed (and skills) needed to accelerate and swipe a base. I concede that the threat of him stealing is an asset. In particular I like that pitchers are more liable to throw fastballs with less than two strikes when Harris is on firstbase just to keep him honest. KJ, Edgar, and Yunel (and pretty much any MLB player) love the fastball. And no doubt that his previous steal success numbers in the AL make teams pay attention to him. But, Willie is still 1 for his last 8 SB attempts and hasn’t swiped one since 21 July. Why that is? Well, go figure. Maybe you just tip your hat to the other team. But I’m not sure that in the eighth inning of a tie game in a pennant race that I’d feel confident sending him with Edgar, Chipper, and Tex coming to the plate. Because as you say he can score from first on a double.

By David O'Brien

August 16, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Actually, it’s worse for Willie’s stolen bases than I thought: He’s been caught in all five attempts since July 22. His last successful steal was during his 6-hit game July 21.

Fortunately for the Braves, he’s been hitting like crazy so the caught-stealings are only an annoyance. He’s hit .351 with a .440 OBP in his past 20 games, beginning with that 6-for-6 game.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 16, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Shaun, very well said. Some of the most unhappiest people in this world are rich. It is amazing how so many people believe that money brings happiness, peace, common sense, and intelligence. If you are a person who had self-image issues or issues before you got money, then you will be that exact same person with money. If you are someone (Michael Vick) that didn’t have a lick of commmon sense before you got money, then you won’t have any after you have money. Money only illumiates your problems. Heck, sometimes money causes the problems.

We all wish we had more money. However, if you want money because you think it will make you automatically happier then you will be deeply disappointed.

Money doesn’t shield anyone from the pitfalls of live. In fact, it usually makes those pitfalls easier to come by.

By flange1

August 16, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Robert (JIB), you are absolutely correct. Base stealing has evrything to do with jump and less to do with speed. Some guys get it and some guys don’t.

By KC

August 16, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

DOB:

We all know it’s possible for a hitter to go through a stretch where he’s actually hitting the ball hard, but seemingly always right at someone.

Hitters can go through stretches where they’re swinging well, but without much to show for it. Is it possible that base-stealers can run into something similar for at time?

Is it possible for a guy to get a good jump and then run like the wind, and still be thrown out? Sure it is. But only if the catcher gets a good pitch to throw on, and makes a great toss to 2nd. Sure seems to me that this has been happening to Willie lately. Same as a line-drive, right at the Shortstop.

Through July 21, he was 16-5 in steal attempts. And for his career to that date, he was 71-20.

Because he’s been caught 5 of his last 7 times (with at least 3 of those 5 CS being on near-perfect bullets right on the bag)… he should stop running?

This 2-5 stretch he’s had on the basepaths is a truer sign of his abilities than the 16-5 stretch to start the season… or the 71-20 career mark before this poor stretch? Is that what you’re telling me?

He’s got to pick his spots, certainly… but I’m not going to tell Ray Allen to stop shooting 3’s when he hits a shooting slump. And I’m not going to tell Willie to stop running now.

By Shaun

August 16, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Here’s something from a chat with Jonah Keri on espn.com:

Dj Cuse: Please help me understand something. I was watching the Braves last night and Joe Simpson kept reiterating that Andruw has to play b/c of his defense which makes me laugh. Willie Harris is a step below but bats 150 points higher and Matt Diaz leads the NL in hitting since the all-star break. Am I missing something with Bobby’s reasoning to keep playing an automatic out every night?

Jonah Keri: Ah, but to what extent can we trust Diaz and Harris’ track record, compared to Andruw’s? This is a tough question, actually. Harris has been pretty darn good all year, and Andruw’s been struggling since pretty much Opening Day. But Jones is also one of the best players in the game when he’s on. Assuming he’s not hurt, it’s very tough to yank him out of the lineup, knowing at any moment he could go on a huge home run binge. Rotating those guys through the lineup, maybe with Jones sitting against tough righties like Webb or Oswalt, might be the way to go.

By GSU-Lee

August 16, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

DOB, I hope Willy Aybar the best and would love to see him in the bigs next year, but where would we put him? I know it is a long time from now and a million things could happen, but he isn’t the only minor league talent that we have on the cusp of the bigs waiting for their chance. Also, in that light, what are your thoughts about Brandon Jones and Brent Lillibridge? Future stars? Thanks.

By RedEyedAndBlue

August 16, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Good luck to Josh Fields on his senior season at UGA. Perhaps the Braves checked out his Junior year numbers and offered him significantly less than a Boras client would demand. In 2007 Fields was 1-6 with a 4.46 ERA, 7 saves, but six blown saves.

By KC

August 16, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

RedEyedandBlue:

“But I’m not sure that in the eighth inning of a tie game in a pennant race that I’d feel confident sending him with Edgar, Chipper, and Tex coming to the plate. Because as you say he can score from first on a double.”

A will often agree. It depends on the situation. If there are 2 out in a close game, and Willie’s on base against a pitcher we’re having a tough time scoring on… I absolutely want him running.

If there’s no one out, or the other team has a 3 run lead… not so sure I want him running with the afore mentioned hitters on deck.

By Sammy Kershaw

August 16, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Soul Man;

How the hell will a Scott Boras Client pitch for Georgia? I smell probation

By Efrim

August 16, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

Paladin

I don’t think Sharper Image would have one of those. You started it man. You made a comment that would of been suited for June when we were 38-38. Not right now, nor in the last month and a half. I’m not really that p** off, but when people knock me for having a problem with a closer with a 1.51 WHIP, thats where I draw the line. I’d like to think I am entitled to have an pessimistic opinion regarding our shaky closer. I really don’t think that is too dramatic.

By GeorgetownKid

August 16, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien,

Would the Braves have the ability to sign Aybar to a deal comparable to that of Orr, in which the player is paid $x when in Atlanta and $y when in the minors, but that the minor-league salary is still several hundred thousand?

Or is the option-year thing a non-negotiable rule?

I ask because it would seem to me that the best thing for Aybar would be to spend a few months in Richmond. This would allow him to simply enjoy playing the game without the big-league pressure and attention, while getting to know his future teammates (but while receiving a major-league salary).

If league-rules prevent this scenario, which they probably do, it would be a shame.

By Shaun

August 16, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Robert (Justice Is The Best),

Yes. All that is true. I agree 100 percent.

But my post was more in response to those who like to complain about the money athletes make or who expect athletes to be immune to humanity or be better people.

It bothers me when people complain about the money athletes make, and maybe they don’t like sports, but they’ll go watch a movie where the stars are making tens of millions of dollars. Or maybe they even watch sports but still complain about the money athletes make. To me it just seems like a holier than thou attitude; “Look at them. I would never act like that if I were rich or famous” or “I can’t believe those over-paid cry babies” or “Teachers should make more money.” To get psychological, I think it’s just a way people rationalize their own greed that is just part of being human or their own paychecks which are probably often times more than most teachers’ paychecks.

By KC

August 16, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this

Willie Harris is 2-7 over his last 9 steal attempts.

But prior to that, he was 15-4 on the season, and 70-19 for his career.

When you’re in a batting slump, you’re not swinging as well and when you do hit the ball hard, it doesn’t fall.

I don’t know… maybe Willie hasn’t been getting as many good jumps lately. But when he has…again, he’s been the victim of near-perfect throws (and pitches to throw on) down to second.

Again, no reason to think he’s lost a step. He’s still young and he’s healthy.

He’s the same guy that, before this stretch, was 15-4 for the year, and 71-20 for his career. So… sure, you want him to pick his spots because of the hitters that bat behind him… but I don’t want him to stop running.

By Fat Chick

August 16, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

It tAKes a REAL MAN to t-h-r-o-w-d-o-w-n with a (fat) Chick!

By Shaun

August 16, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Sammy Kershaw,

I believe in baseball the rules are strange. I think amateur baseball players are allowed to have “advisers” which the players can’t pay. Of course, those advisers usually become agents as soon as the players sign their first contract.

By ncscoots

August 16, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

KC, you didn’t really set Willie Harris and Ray Allen as comparables, did you? Did you? That would be hyperbole of a high order, my friend.

Willie (or the bench) isn’t picking good spots, Willie isn’t getting good jumps, and the results reflect it. There’s no spin for that. The steal attempts are removing baserunners and creating outs, in a lineup filled with rakers, and hence elevate offensive risk without equivalent reward.

But, hey, most people here know my feelings on the whole stolen-base thing, so I may not be the guy to even make this argument. :-)

By Braves20

August 16, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Have enjoyed the Wickman debate. Permit me to add a couple stats - post season ERA - Wickman 0.00, the Mut’s Wagner 10.34

By David O'Brien

August 16, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

GSU-Lee, I really don’t know what the true intentions are for Aybar next season, but I think the Braves are leaning toward bringing him back in the role they intended this season, as a backup middle infielder and the primary backup 3B. They could trade Renteria and have Escobar at SS.

As for others on the “cusp” in the minors — Aybar wasn’t on the cusp. He was a major league player. Just look at his numbers. He had outstanding minor league numbers at the upper levels with the Dodgers, and his major league numbers, especially average and OBP, are quite strong.

You’re underestimating him by comparing him to current Braves minor leaguers and hopefuls. He’s already done what they’re trying to do, put up strong numbers and get a shot at the bigs.

Aybar has a .292 career average and .387 on-base percentage with 26 doubles, five homers and 40 RBIs in 329 at-bats in the majors.

Again, I have no idea if he’s worn out his welcome or if they believe a change of scenery might be best, but in my conversations with Braves people, it sounds like they’re ready to write off this season and give him another shot. He’s young, cheap and talented. I don’t think Lillibridge is ready yet or will be next season, though I could be wrong.

Someone asked about Brandon Jones — he’s a stud, and I think he’ll be up next year. But he’s not a CF. He’s a corner outfielder. Very good hitter, for average and power, and a good defensive oufielder, just not a CF.

By Braves4Ever

August 16, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

When Wickman first came over, I loved watching him. The confidence was evident and he was fearless, even with less than dominant stuff. But recently , if you look at his eyes and face , he is not the same. Granted a few rough outings will screw with the confidence but to me he just looks scared. It is difficult to be confident in a closer who has to pitch to contact and is afraid to. I am pulling for him and we need him desparately to regain his fearlessness.

By KC

August 16, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

Cole Hamels on the mound tonight for Phili, and the Pirates are sending Armas and his 6.13 ERA to the mound against the Mets.

It’d be really big to pick up a series sweep tonight.

Tough pitcher on the mound for the Giants. Good news is, ERAs of tonight’s starters are not separated by much, and Lincecum is coming off a very tough outing.

Chuck started out rough in his last start, but really finished strong of his last 4 innings… so maybe he can carry that over.

By ncscoots

August 16, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

I’d like to think I am entitled to have an pessimistic opinion regarding our shaky closer. I really don’t think that is too dramatic.

Efrim, Efrim, Efrim…of course, you’re entitled to that opinion (though I think it depends on your definition of “shaky”). And that, of itself, isn’t very dramatic.

But, you, my friend, seldom express these opinions in terms other than Oscar-worthy. There’s ALWAYS drama in the way you throw out those little tid-bits, LOL, and it’s ALWAYS a pronouncement: the truth, as only Efrim knows it. :-)

Personally, that seldom bothers me, since I know it comes from your fan passion; that trait makes up for much, in my book. But is it OK if I disagree with you on occasion, and take you to task on those topics on which I think you are mistaken? If you say “no”, I can honestly promise that I won’t. Otherwise, I’d hope we could agree to disagree without rancor. Whaddya say?

By KC

August 16, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

nscoots: “Willie (or the bench) isn’t picking good spots, Willie isn’t getting good jumps, and the results reflect it. There’s no spin for that. The steal attempts are removing baserunners and creating outs, in a lineup filled with rakers, and hence elevate offensive risk without equivalent reward.”

To say “Willie isn’t getting good jumps” is the same saying a hitter is 0 for his last 8, and therefor isn’t swinging well. That’s not necessarily true.

Being 2 for his last 9 attempts… It’s safe to assume he’s gotten some bad jumps lately. But I can think of at least 3 instances where he got a great jump, and was just the victim of a perfect throw. And in one of his recent CS’s, he was the victim of a botched hit-n-run with Kelly Johnson, who failed to make contact on the play.

For the 7 recent times Harris has been caught… I can only fault him for 3 at the most.

And for those of you who criticize Willie for not being more selective… He’s only attempted 2 steals since July 27th, and one of those attempts was the botched hit-n-run I was referring to. So, I would say he IS picking his spots right now.

By GSU-Lee

August 16, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB. BTW, I AM pulling for Aybar. If there is a spot, I would love to see him do well for the team.

By RedEyedAndBlue

August 16, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

KC - Isn’t that why baseball’s so great?! You send him. I don’t. Either way, if he doesn’t score, the opposing opinion has a huge beef in the blogosphere/talk radio/water cooler discussion the next day!

DOB - Seems to me that the Braves have had some difficulty in recent years with a player or two who does not have their work permits/Visas ready to go at the start of the season. Aybar was mentioned, Canizares at RIC is also a recent example, Soriano, and others that I can’t recall. And the Braves are not alone as this effects other teams, too. Considering the number of ballplayers from Latin America and the crackdown on immigrants/visa permits in this country, wouldn’t they or shouldn’t MLB have a system in place to facilitate getting these players to the USA by now? I mean universities have “international advisors” who help international students gain entry into this country. Seems like some similar type of agent might be a logical service to provide for your million dollar ballplayer employee. Do these folks exist?

By Efrim

August 16, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this

NcScoots

All cool. No problem. That is just my opinion on Wickman. If people think he is Mariano, then that is cool, I just disagree with that.

By The Wicker

August 16, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Me Scared, not hardly. The reason I looked flummoxed was because I could smell Eddie Perez burning my cheeseburgers on the grill in the BP. I like em medium rare and that damn Eddie keeps throwin em on too early. I think he’s tryin to tell me somethin. Now that Paronto’s gone, I’ve been takin my time and Eddie got a bug up his a*. Eddie told me they were thinkin about bringin Paranto back to man the grill. I’m not too happy about that.

By KC

August 16, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

RedEyedAndBlue:

Sometimes I would send him… other times I would not.

Close game, 2 outs, we’re having a hard time hitting a guy… absolutely, I want Harris running.

With no one out, or if we’re down by 3… nope. Stay put and give the big bats behind you a chance to do some damage.

But again… that’s exactly what Harris is doing. He’s been on base a lot recently. Well, really… ever since he got here. Yet only 2 attempts in the last few weeks, with one of those being a hit-n-run called from the dugout.

He’s being selective and giving the big bats a chance to do their thing. I think he’s handling it the right way.

By ncscoots

August 16, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

Hitters failing 7 out of 10 times are considered studs. Base-stealers failing 7 out of 10 times are known as something else.

Perhaps the reason Willie has only two attempts in three weeks is that someone had a V-8 and thought, “Wow, this isn’t working out too well, is it?” It’s for sure that, no matter the reason (poor execution or simply rotten luck), running Willie in a crucial situation is not at the top of the bench’s list of options.

By Braves4Ever

August 16, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

“The Wicker”… very good man, thanks for clearing that up! lol

By AZBravoFan

August 16, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

Hey KC, don’t look at Armas’s ERA. It was 8.92 at the end of June so he’s been whittling away at it. And he’s had 2 quality starts, beating the Giants and Cards since rejoining the rotation. Hopefully he can build on that while Roachy et al tear up Lawrence. Hey DOB, with the Pirates being out of contention, is a guy like Roachy motivated at all by the prospect of knocking the Mets down so his old buddies can take the division? I’m sure he would never admit it, and would give the PC answer that “we’re trying to win them all”, but it would be nice to think he’s digging in a little harder tonight to help out his old pals.

By Braveheart

August 16, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

Efrim, at this point, the Braves are 2-4 in Wickman’s blown saves. Too many blown saves, on pace for too many at 8, but still on pace to be about 3-5 in those blown saves. Not really a back breaker.

If this team fails to reach the postseason, it will be because we are 10-23 when the fifths start.

Smoltz, Hudson, James, & Buddy have given us a .620 winning percentage and have us on a pace to win 101 games.

Those fifths are the ones making us an 85 win team, not Wickman - they are usually getting blown out so bad, Wickman can’t help or hurt the Braves in those 33 starts.

By Bob, Journalist

August 16, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

KC, methinks you know that I’m a Willie Harris fan of the first order and I don’t disagree with you directionally … but he hasn’t been getting the best of jumps and that you can fault him in 3 of 9 isn’t a strong endorsement … he didn’t get thrown out in 3 cases where he got great jumps … with his speed, that doesn’t happen … they were good jumps, not great.

Actually, I’m not all that sure that he was out in all 7 cases … and I still want him to run when the opportunity presents itself … methinks the threat to steal is as important as the stealing effort itself … it, like the hitter in the on-deck circle, is an element of protection for the hitter.

Patience is good but some confuse that virtue with being passive.

By WESTON

August 16, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

DOB, Did anyone notice Myers giving Willie the eye after the last out Sunday night? They showed the Braves dugout and some of the players didn’t look to happy about it. I haven’t seen this discussed.

By Baron

August 16, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

One thing about Willie, he has several times been thrown out on failed hit-and-run attempts. I can recall three separate occasions that Edgar failed to make contact that resulted in Willie being thrown out. The reason I recall these specifically is because Chip/Skip/Joe/Don talked about the hit-and-run right before it happened. I’d guess it has probably happened to him at least 5 times this season.

I’m not sure that’s an excuse, because you could still steal the base anyway, and I definitely would not keep trying it since it doesn’t work, but no way is Willie as bad as 16-11 on the paths. He’s 55-15 before this season, a .786 clip- pretty darn good.

By Baron

August 16, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Pitch outs too… the other teams all know that Willie’s the only guy on the team that might run in a crucial spot. They look for it.

By Efrim

August 16, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

Very well argued. Wickman is not as big a problem as our fifth starter or our centerfielder. That said, his 1.51 WHIP doesn’t make me breathe easy in the 9th inning with a one run lead. I’m really not the only one who thinks this way. There are many people in baseball who don’t trust Bob Wickman to save September games in a pennant race. If it’s okay with you Braveheart, I’d really like to get off the Wickman subject. I just don’t like the guy as our closer. I’m sorry if that upsets everyone. It’s not like I am knocking Chipper, Frenchy or Tex. They are performing very well. Wickman isn’t having a great season. He has a 1.51 WHIP. That doesn’t leave much room for error.

By Bob, Journalist

August 16, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Shaun, Paladin may or may not understand Capitalism but your 10:53 suggests the possibility that you don’t … however, you’re in good company … or at least you shouldn’t be lonely.

By Chucky

August 16, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

What’s the over-under on Chuck James innings pitched tonight? In his last 7 starts, he has pitched 40 innings, which is an average of 5.2 innings. His ERA over those games is 3.60 and he’s 2-1, while the Braves are 4-3. I hope he can pitch at least 6 against the senior citizens. He has pitched pretty consistently all season, just need some more innings out of him.

By Shaun

August 16, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

We can do a pretty good job estimating how many runs a player is worth or has saved and equate that to wins but it’s simplistic to say Wickman can’t help or hurt the Braves because they are 2-4 in his blown saves.

Now I do agree Wickman can’t help or hurt the Braves as much as a regular starter because he’s not going to play as much and therefore isn’t going to get a chance to. But any player with any significant playing time can and probably will help or hurt the team to some degree.

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

I just returned from my nap and quickly scrolled through to catch up. Can anyone tell me what set Shaun off and put him on his pedestal railing against “rich people”, people who vilify “rich athletes” , Movie-goes and “teachers”?! Since I am none-of-the-above I wasn’t a target, but I would like to know who put the fire ants in his boxers.

By dcarp23

August 16, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Read in an article on (I believe) Baseball Prospectus where they talked about Lillibridge as potentially the Braves future in CF. Apparently he played center his first two years in college, though the author admitted it was probably a long shot. The same author also believed that Brandon Jones would be given the shot to win the left field job next year.

Personally, I’d like to see the Braves make a run at Rowand, who is a free agent. His defensive numbers are comparable to Andruw’s (both are a step down from Beltran) and he’s had a heck of a season at the plate. I’d imagine he’d come somewhat cheaply as well, though I have read he wants to go back to Chicago.

By AthensBrave

August 16, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

w/ Chucky…I’m satisfied with a solid 5 innings and thrilled with 6 innings

By Braveheart

August 16, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Efrim I know you want out but like Michael Corleone, we keep dragging you back in. Wickman is not too much of a problem for me in the regular season. In the postseason, he scares the ever living daylights out of me. Sorry, Efrim, I’ll leave you alone now about it and let you get the final word if you want.

By Josh H

August 16, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Agree the 10-23 mark from the #5 starter(s) is what really killing us.

Hate to go with a “what if” scenario, but I’m sure a healthy Mike Hampton is at least .500.

Go Bravos! Sweep tonight!

By Paladin

August 16, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

Paladin may or may not understand Capitalism

BobJ I thought we had struck a truce, big guy. I don’t question your ability to “cogitate and coagulate”, so don’t question my ability to understand something I studied at least 11 academic years before the completion of my formal education.

By The Wicker

August 16, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

EFRIM

Could you elaborate on “many people in baseball”? Who are you speaking of? Why didn’t someone tell me? The Braves have been giving me the ball for a year and a half and didn’t trust me all this time to get it done. That hurts, man!! Wait til I see Eddie, I’m gonna kick his a*.

By Shaun

August 16, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist,

Well, how about my 12:29? The basic principals of economic and how it affects baseball is fairly simple, it seems to me. Obviously you can dig deeper but a lot of people who complain about athletes being overpaid don’t seem to understand capitalism as much as they should, if they are going to complain about such things.

By KC

August 16, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist: “and that you can fault him in 3 of 9 isn’t a strong endorsement”

Actually, I said I could fault him in no more than 3 of his 7 recent CS, not 9. But yes, I can think of one instance in that stretch where he was the victim of a bad call, when he was actually safe.

I can (as I’ve already mentioned) think of one very recent instance in which he was the victim of a botched hit-n-run… and about 3 other occasions in which I think he got a very good jump, but was gunned down on stellar throws.

All I’m saying is that I don’t think he’s been nearly as bad on the basepaths and in steal attempts as his recent success ratio would lead us to believe.

When he’s on base in a situation in which it makes sense to run… I want to see him run. When it doesn’t make sense… stay put. And that’s exactly what he’s been doing of late. He should keep doing exactly what he’s doing, and he’ll be fine.

By Efrim

August 16, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

Can you imagine Wickman trying to save a World Series game in Yankee stadium? Now that is scary.

By David O'Brien

August 16, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this<