AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMcGriff, “Tex” comparisons are eerie
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We all know the comparisons from the trading deadline day. On July 31, 1993, Fred McGriff homered in his first game as a Brave. On August 1, 2007, Mark Teixeira homered his first game as a Brave.
Both of them had three homers by their third game as a Brave, hard as it was to believe.
But with what Teixeira has done the last couple games - two two-run homers, two three-run homers - made me wonder if he’s even surpassing what McGriff did in ‘93, and that was the stuff of legend.
So I checked.
Teixeira has 9 homers and 25 RBIs in 18 games as a Brave. (That’s the equivalent of one home run every other day by my very intricate mathematical calculation). How did McGriff do? What kind of production did McGriff maintain over his first 18 games?
It’s close, at least in homers, but Teixeria gets him. McGriff had 7 homers, 15 RBIs in his first 18 games.
McGriff gets Teixeira in batting average and runs. Teixeira has hit .294 (with a slugging percentage of .765 by the way). McGriff was hitting .386 through his first 18 games. Teixeira has scored 16 runs in 18 games. McGriff had 19.
Both are pretty impressive though. Teixeira won’t get the same credit, I don’t think, unless the Braves make the playoffs. But for now, the won-loss record of the Braves through the first 18 games with Tex is is not a far off as you think. (Or I thought!)
You’d think the Braves record with McGriff was much better, right? Nope. It’ss not all that different. The Braves were 12-6 in McGriff’s first 18 games with Atlanta. The Braves are 10-8 with Teixeira.
Those last two wins helped Tex’ss cause. And it’s pretty unbelievable that Teixeira did what he did on a sick belly last night. And Bobby said last night he’s also been playing with an injured finger.
“(It’s) almost a broken finger,” Cox said. “He played (Sunday) I didn’t think he could play. A groundball hit him right on his finger (Saturday). He said he’d done it before. He was good to go.”
Tim Hudson got his 15th win Monday night, and with six weeks left (about 7 starts), he could conceivably make a run at 20, which he has done once in his career in 2000, when he was 20-6 with Oakland.
Someone asked him about that possibility last night.
“I’m just going out there and giving us a good chance to win,” Hudson said. “Hopefully we win every one of my starts. I don’t care if I get the win or not. But if the team wins and we’re ready to make the playoffs at the end of the season, that’s all that matters.”
(Funny, that sounds a lot like the point I made on the blog this morning. Hm. But I digress. I’m sure he’d still love a shot at 20 wins though. Who wouldn’t?)
Can you name the Braves’ last 20-game winner? I wouldn’t have remembered this one. Answer in a coupla graphs.
Jo-Jo Reyes gets back in the big league saddle tonight, filling in for Chuck James who’s skipping a start with some shoulder inflammation (aka dead arm).
Jo-Jo has made five starts for Atlanta and has yet to get his first major league win. This is not the greatest ballpark for him to do that. But then again, it’s not a great ballpark for Chuck James either, who’s given up a staff-high 25 home runs, including four in his last start. I wonder if that played a part in the decision Cox made to skip James. I’m guessing probably not, but you never know.
You guys bring up an interesting point. With the Padres and the Mets playing for the next three days, who should Braves fans be pulling for? Entering Tuesday night’s game, the Braves are five games behind the Mets in the division with 37 games to play. They are tied with the Phillies one game behind the Padres in the wildcard. It’s habit to pull against the Mets. But is it more realistic to sacrifice the division lead and catch up to the Padres in the wildcard race?
If that’s too confusing, you could just concentrate on pulling for the Dodgers over the Phillies. But then again, the Dodgers are only 2 ½ games out in the wildcard. So maybe that doesn’t work either.
See how much easier it is just to win the division?
Let’s take a moment to give props to a local guy: former Parkview and University of Georgia player Jeff Keppinger, who’s found a niche with the Reds. He’s the hottest hitter in the majors this month, hitting.462 in August (24-for-52).
He extended his career-best hitting streak to nine games by going 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and three runs on Monday night. And we shouldn’t expect him to slow down just yet. He’s facing left-hander Reyes tonight and he’s owned lefties this year. Granted he’s had only 30 at-bats against them, but he’s hit them at a .467 clip (14-for-30).
The last 20-game winner for the Braves? Russ Ortiz with 21 in 2003. Before that, it was Glavine in 2000.
P.S. I’m a little scared of the skyline chili. I’ve seen it, and it’s brown, a weird-looking brown. I’;ve heard the secret ingredient might be cinnamon and it might be chocolate. I’m not so sure about either in my chili. And I have been too wimpy to try it. Maybe I’ll get up the nerve tonight.
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Comments
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
One difference, perhaps, between the pickup of McGriff and Tex is context. Although not here at the time, my recollection is that the Braves desperately needed an offensive shot in the arm when they picked up crime dog…and he deliverered mightily. This year, you can easily argue that the Braves #1 need was starting pitching, and Tex (while great) adds to an area of existing strength.
By Stephen
August 21, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Hail Tex
By Carroll Rogers
August 21, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
Oh and apparently our singing Teixeira boys will be on the SportSouth pre-game tonight, starting at 6:30. I’m told they’re bringing their couch from Auburn for the interview……Guess that’ll make them feel at home. Funny stuff. Check it out.
By Charlie
August 21, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Alittle chsange in the subject. It is time for the Braves to make a postive move forward. The Mets and the Padres are playing each other and the Braves can move forward in the division or the wild card race, but they have to win.
When is BC going to pull andrew and put Willie Harris in his place. That would give you 3 players in the outfield w/ over .300 batting average and maybe we could win some games when Smolz or Hudson is not pitching
By Efrim
August 21, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Hope Jo Jo can give us a quality start tonight. 6 innings and 3 earned runs should be enough to get it done.
By Scott
August 21, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
Tex has been awesome the last two games. I’m going to be pulling for the Pads I think because I would rather the Braves win the division. Although if they do win the wild card then Atlanta would get playoff games on the weekend and they might actually sell out and I could actually make the two hour drive over from Montgomery for the games. So that would be nice.
By kdbanks
August 21, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this
Carroll,
Re: Chili. I make a great chili and the secret ingredient is a small amount of unsweetened baker’s chocolate. It adds an interesting balance to the spiciness of the chili pepper. Give it a shot!
KDB
By Daybed Wagmoe
August 21, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
And both of them hit two homers in their second game as a Brave, hard as it was to believe.
Eh? Teixiera didn’t hit two homers in his second game as a Brave.
But you could say that after their first three games as Braves, each of them had 3 homers. (McGriff hit one in his first game, two in his second, and none in his third.)
By GermanBravesFan
August 21, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
One cannot compare the two trades… McGriff joined the team when the Braves had great starting pitching; this cannot be said about Texeira. Some of Texeira’s accomplishments might be neutralized by bad starting pitching.
By Columbus Buckeye
August 21, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
The Braves have to win 3 of 4 in this series. Cincy is not a very good team, and Atlanta has a guaranteed chance to gain ground in either the WC or the division. It’s time for the Braves to make a move….I hope that they can capitalize on it.
By steelchair
August 21, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
CR or DOB,
Any word on possible moves for another starter? 3 or 4 possible candidates out there.
Also, Any chance Bobby is going to juggle this bullpen around some more? Moylan needs to be the closer and now! Wick might be a good 7th or 8th inning guy, but, he getting whacked.
I think the right combination is there for this team. Seems like Bobby needs to do just a little more tweeking.
By Novice Ned
August 21, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
Seems to me that since we won’t face the Padres again, we have to rely on others to knock them back, including the Mets. And then we have to deal with the Mets when we face them man-to-man. Also, since we have won 1 World Series against 14 division titles, I’m ready to see what happens as a wild card participant. Even if it means facing those D’backs.
By Ron
August 21, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
No question about it who I am gonna root for!!! Im gonna root for the Mets against the Padres!!! You other folks can root for whoever you want to, but dont be b!tching and moaning about IF we dont make the playoffs and lose the Wildcard by 1 game and lost the East by 5 or whatever and then yall rooted for the Padres to beat the Mets!!! Dont be complaining then!!! We were 3 and half games behind the Mets after we played them earlier this month, now we are 5 games back!!! We keep getting CLOSE to them but can never get even OR ahead of them!!! Whats gonna change now!!! We have a Great chance at the Wildcard!!! Carroll I am gonna root for the Dodgers against the Phillies, mainly is IF we are tied at the end of the season in first with the Dodgers we make the playoffs and they DONT, because we won the head to head against them!!! We also have the head to head wins against the Padres also!!! So ALL we have to do is be TIED with the Padres(If they are leading the Wildcard when the season is over) and we are the Wildcard winners!!! We just really need to beat the Phillies the rest of the year when we play them!!!
By Adirondackdave
August 21, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
Sure hope we win the division or a wild-card spot. That aside, I love watching a powerhouse offense and we sure have that.
By Thrillhouse44
August 21, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
Glad it’s Tex’s finger and not Tex’s toe.
What a fall Russ Ortiz has made! JoJo gets his first win tonight!
By ncscoots
August 21, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
To heck with rooting for or against anybody. I’ll only do that if one of the other contenders is going for a sweep against another. Too soon for scoreboard watching, anyway.
What did Curly say about the “one thing”? The Braves’ one thing is “Win tonight”. That’s it, all, and finis. Do that, let the other contenders play to a wash, and all will be light in the halls of Braves’ Nation.
By Bob, Journalist
August 21, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
Good golf courses and horse racing in the Cincy area … I don’t know about the Chili but brown was always the operative word for the skyline … times have changed but was always an adventure getting through the city and the bypasses weren’t much better.
Ron Roberts, I’m in a slump and I’ll certainly accept the A- … though I thought I had saved thr best for last.
After my 1:46 AM response to ChrisKlob, regarding Scanarioius aka Scenarios, I fell asleep watching TCM and thought I’d thought I’d forgo blogging and spend this afternoon listening to the WGST archived broadcast of last night’s game … which I’m now going to do … but, your comments triggered the response and indirectly caused me to see some wee hour posts mocking me … which is always an encouraging sign and good for a laugh.
later …
By RedEyedAndBlue
August 21, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
Dive right in with the Cincinnati Chili, Carroll. Great stuff.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 21, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
suddenly and without warning there was a new blog … but journalist posted this on the old blog.
it seems a blog that used to talk cheese and barbecue and pie now only talks sandwiches. the blog has come full circle. while little consideration was given to the health issues surrounding cheese, barbecue, or pie there has been considerable mention of a condition known as “pooch” resulting from too many shrimp sandwiches. again, the blog is coming full circle. this journalist joins with ron roberts in yearning for a return to yesteryear when this blog was a cheese, barbecue, and pie blog and not a blog for greasy sandwiches. and jo jo will be on the mound tonight! the question now becomes “will corky catch?” mccann had a good night with the bat last night so it is time for bobby to sit mccann for a rest and to get corky some at-bats. not sure about the matchup tonight. could see some p players, too. running out of p players, though. still have a w player utility man. oh, the humanity!
and there will be a wurlitzer presentation! this is as it should be. removing some of the grizzle from grinch should begin right now. there is no time to waste.
and will this be a speaking part? no one has mentioned. must have a good voice if representing the blog. can’t stutter or say, “uh”, or “you know”. wait! would fit right in! and maybe a little nose picking, too! carroll, do not shake hands with grinch! this night will live in infamy.
should we ask mrs. anthony for a pie for these songwriter/performers? perhaps a peach pie?
and will there be a blog photographer present? and how about a fly-over? many details. many, many details.
By DSmith
August 21, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
do yourself a favor and order some Skyline coneys (chili dogs with about a half pound of shredded cheese on top). These little guys were the best thing about living in Ohio during the eighties for me. Yes the chili is brown and weirdly seasoned, but it is delicious!
By Paladin
August 21, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
From the other blog, but quickly.
RedeyedandBlue Well done, but work on your genuflection. The hierarchy, I am told, are sticklers for proper etiquette and courtesies. :-)
By DAP
August 21, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
well, im going to root for the braves. to me, whats important is that the braves win, and no matter who wins the mets/padres matchup, we will gain ground on someone.
as long as the braves win, i dont care who loses.
oh yeah, and im rooting for the dogers to. we need them to help us put some distance between us and the phils.
By Jay Dub
August 21, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
Carroll - don’t eat the chili!
Not that it’s bad. Actually it is pretty good. But you can get Skyline Chili at any of the restaurants outside the stadium. Skip the Skyline Chili and go to the American Grill and pick up a steak burger. Wonderful!
If you’re really courageous, skip the steak burger and get a Goetta Burger (FYI. The guy at the counter pronounced it “ghetto.”)It is a matchless almalgamation of meat, spices, bread crumbs, etc. formed into a 1/2 pound burger and cooked to perfection.
Honestly Carroll, trust me on this. I’m a fat guy. We know these things.
JayDub
By Josh
August 21, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
MUST try the Skyline Chili. Get it on spaghetti with the cheese and onions. It is awesome. Then, wash it down with the best ever chocolate chip ice cream in the word from Grater’s.
The secret ingredient is cinamon.
By GermanBravesFan
August 21, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Whatever happened to Chad Paronto? Is he still in the minors?
By NRBQ
August 21, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this
Not to pick nits, Miz Carroll, but there’s more than a little difference between 10-8 and 12-6 when you’re in a tight race. Project the difference over a season and it’s approximately 107 wins vs. 89.
By Alan
August 21, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Not to rain on your parade, Carroll, but I think you’re reaching just a bit in your Crime Dog-Tex comparison. Especially where it counts: wins and losses. 12-6 is a lot better than 10-8: 2 whole games better as a matter of fact. Give the Braves 2 more wins and they’re leading the Wild Card race and they’re nipping at the Mets’ heels. That said, it’s great having Tex in the lineup, and he’s definitely made a huge difference offensively. But to echo what many others and I have been saying for weeks now - the Braves’ biggest need all season has been the starting rotation. No one can feel confident in Reyes tonight, unfortunately. We may wish we had a few of last night’s runs before this game ends.
By Ron Roberts
August 21, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist… We’ll agree to disagree, and that’s just fine. Won’t be the last time; certainly isn’t the first. Blog on, Bob!
By Bob, Journalist
August 21, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Sorry about the repetition … the boss called me to lunch and I lost my thought train.
Remember, it’s sometimes better to be a panda than a grizzly.
By RedEyedAndBlue
August 21, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Oh, sorry, Mr. Paladin. I must’ve gotten the order mixed up. I forgot that it’s bow, pucker, genuflect.
By Colin
August 21, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
Along as we take care of business tonight..IDC who wins between the MUTS and Friars either way we will gain…so let just take care of business OURSELVES!!!!
By Carolina Lady
August 21, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
carry-over from previous blog: Lew, terrific news on the presentation!!! Way to go, Carroll!! Exciting!
Carroll, Renegator is correct about Shaun. DOT has had to replace several STOP signs that he has completely worn out! :-))
AthensBrave: “How many runs do we need to score to make JoJo victorious tonight?” Reds+1. :-)
By Eric from MO
August 21, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Im defiently rooting for the Mets. First of all, we are a lot closer to passing the Padres. Also if we get in the playoffs and beat the Diamondbacks we get to face the Mets, who we own. So if we beat the Diamondbacks we are in the World Series and yes I know they just took 2 out of 3 against us but they didnt have to face our ace Hudson. Also Webb has never pitched in the postseason so we dont know how he will do.
By Josh H
August 21, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
GermanBravesFan, I’m pretty sure Paronto was moved to make room for Ron Mahay. As I understand, he was the only reliever with options.
They’ve been holding onto to a lot of position players, with Thorman, Woodward and Prado.
Oh, and please tell me we only signed Woodward to a one-year contract. We have a guy already who hit around .200 and can play anywhere…named Pete Orr. And there’s still the possibility Pete could figure out how to hit major league pitching.
By Arkansas Braves fan
August 21, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Earlier this year Chipper mentioned the Braves schedule being the most difficult. I heard Steve Philips say on ESPN one night that Chipper didn’t mind the Mets playing the Yankees for several years when maybe the Red Sox were not as good as they are now. Steve’s comments were irrevelant because the Braves during their streak finished almost every year with double digit games ahead of the muts. You give the Padres and the Phillies the Braves interleague schedule and the Braves are easily a couple games ahead of both of them. When you are in a wild card race seperated by 1 game, even a muts fan can figure out that playing the Red Sox 6 times, Tigers, Indians, and Twins is more difficult than the Royals, White Sox, Orioles and D-Rays, which the Phillies and Padres played.
By RedEyedAndBlue
August 21, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
Honestly Carroll, trust me on this. I’m a fat guy. We know these things. —>>
So would that be a quarter-pound of pride and not an ounce? :)
Agreed that you can get as good if not better and cheaper Chili outside the stadium.
By Tom
August 21, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this
I see all these praises for skyline chili; on my first visit to Cincy last fall I was implored to try it and was sorely disappointed. I’ll stick with America’s favorite - Texas-style chili.
By Tomahawkin' Again
August 21, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
Regardless of what happens in the Muts-Pads series, if we take care of bizness against the Reds, we’ll pick up ground on somebody. Just keep the beat down going on Cincy. Because, it’s just not fair-ah…(all sing chorus here)
By Stark
August 21, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
Carroll: If there is too much cinnamon it could ruin the chili. You can always add mucho hot sauce to mask some taste-er make it better.
jjs-do this mean tex will sit the bench also?
By Craig
August 21, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Harris (CF) WHY NOT??? Johnson (2B) Jones (3B) Tex (1B) McCann (C) Frenchy (RF) Diaz (LF) Escobar (SS) PITCH
WHY NOT PLAY HARRIS AND DIAZ FULLTIME!!!
By Jay Dub
August 21, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this
RedEyedAndBlue
I don’t reckon I understand all that measurement hoohaa about pounds and ounces. I only understand good eats. The Goetta Burger … ‘dems good eats! While I’m sure you can get one outside the stadium, I don’t know where. But you can’t pass gas (subtle attempt at irony) in the city without stinking up a Skyline Chili drive-thru.
I actually skipped the chili and opted for the Goetta when I went to a Reds-Pirates game the first week in April. It was only 30 degrees out. LaRoche went 2-4 with a homer and Adam Dunn hit a warning track power home run that bounced off Xavier Nady’s glove and over the fence. Yep, freezing cold weather, Reds-Pirates, Conseco-like fielding … baseball as it was meant to be. Ahhh, memories.
By Downie
August 21, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
Don’t be a wuss… get the chili. Gold Star is better than Skyline. Go in and order the 3-way. (mind out of the gutter, please.)
By the way, Brad Corkstein says hello.
By Paladin
August 21, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
I guess I should read the RROE myself, since I am about to take exception with some of the things written by jjs one of the Deans of Denizens. But, hey, I’m a glutton for punishment.
Cheese sammaches The only people who would choose cheese sammaches over SHRIMP SAMMACHES are journalists and pencil-necked-bean-counters.
Grinch I will be glad to take Grinch out and get him grizzled. Or, was that de-grizzled? Sometimes I have trouble reading that lower-case-single-spaced writin’. Note to self: Have prescription checked.
Pooch My pooch wags his tail.
You other wannabees do not try this at home. I am a professional—screw up.
By Eric
August 21, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
Skyline is awesome. The 3-way is the best. I usually get that along with a cheese coney with the onions and mustard on it. Awesome.
By TennesseePaul
August 21, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this
Shheeeeesh! Talk about playing the Vick Card too much. DOB’s link on the Face of the Braves ESPN dealio goes to the Falcons, not the Braves AJC page. It’s not even the same sport.
And some here think ESPN has nothing against the Braves. They just interviewed the Braves Beat writer and hyper linked his name to the AJC Falcons/Vick page.
By Ric
August 21, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
Skyline Chili Rocks man. Get a Five Way with Pasta, Chili, Beans, Onions and Cheese. Almost worth spending a couple days in Cinci.
Hope somebody steps up among the starting pitchers besides Smoltz and Hudson. It won’t matter how well Tex plays if they can’t get anybody out.
By Lew
August 21, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
Paladin-From the other blog-I meant only that SJA actually posted regularly and nothing else. The person felt he was somehow, a figment of your imagination. Not really sure how you could read anything into it. I thought it was relatively straight forward. No double entendres or hidden meanings.
By jason
August 21, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
Did the stadium catch on fire when Tex joined the team? Then there’s no comparison!
By BamaBrave
August 21, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
Chili should burn twice…I don’t care where it’s from.
By Paladin
August 21, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this
OK, Lew, I’m happy with that. So, in a word or two or three or more: GO BRAVES GO DAWGS
By Bob, Journalist
August 21, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
Craig, don’t be ridiculous … “WHY NOT PLAY HARRIS AND DIAZ FULLTIME” is a question!!! However, there are those who think it’s one with no good answer???
Bobby Cox seems to disagree …
By Paladin
August 21, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
BamaBrave I agree. If you can’t “light off” chili, it ain’t done its’ job.
By Big Easy
August 21, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
Carroll, I have family-in-law in the Cincinnati area, and I gotta say, go for the chili. Actually, there isn’t a big difference between Skyline and Goldstar, at least in my opinion (and there are numerous Goldstar and Skyline restaurants all around that area). Both are good on a hotdog.
~E~
By rochie
August 21, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
MAN HES SO MUCH BETTER THAN ADAM LAROCHIE!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO BRAVES
By RedEyedAndBlue
August 21, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
Yep, freezing cold weather, Reds-Pirates, Ahhh, memories. —>>
Sounds like the game I went to at Jacobs Field ‘bout 10 years ago in early May. Indians-Royals. Lake front came through during the game. Actually had to buy two giant fingers ‘cause my hands were freezing. Would have killed for some Cincy Chili then - good taste or no.
Shuttin’ ‘er down for the day. Blog with you guys tomorrow.
By monty
August 21, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
Can’t play Harris all the time , he’s not near as good against left-handers. ANdrew is showing signs of warming up. Like it or not we really need him to get on a roll. If he can(big if)then we have the best line-up in baseball. He’s like a sleik exotic sports car sitting in your garage,powerful when evrything is hitting on all cylinders. It;s high maintenance and not very cost efficient but boy it looks good and is fun to drive. P.s.- you don’t pay a star his kind of money and sit jim on the bench. I realize he has played in many more games but his HR’s and RBI”S are comparable to Texira’s. I like Harris and Diaz platooning that has worked out well, but they aren’t game changers, they are complimentary guys.
By Melvin Flowers
August 21, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
We Need To Keep Him As A Brave, Andrew Jones Plays Good Defense This Season But to chose between Both Players Tex Is The Future For The Braves.He Can Hit And Play Defense. Andrew Can’t Hit Pass the In field At Times. Trade Andrew And Keep Tex
By DonCoburleone
August 21, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
I vote that we focus on the wild card… Personally, I think it is by far the easiest route. New York is playing their best ball of the season right now and a 5 game lead is no small feat to overcome in a month and some change. It would suck to get Arizona in the first round as a wild card, but lets face it, they are young and have clearly already peaked… If they are still playing like this in October then it really doesn’t matter cuz NOBODY is going to beat them. We may be better than NY head to head, but bottom line they beat the teams they are supposed to beat and we dont! So catching them is impossible when they go 5-1 against Washington and Pittsburgh while we go 3-3… One thing I do know though, we ARE better than San Diego, LA, Colorado and Philly so thats why I say WILD CARD BABY!!!
By Jack
August 21, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
You can talk about your Skyline Chilli all you want——but are any of you bloggers old enough o remember the worlds best dressed dogs at Yorks ?????
By GermanBravesFan
August 21, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this
Josh H: how do Paronto’s numbers compare to Tyler Yates’?
By Carroll Rogers
August 21, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this
some news:
chuck is going on the disabled list will miss two starts but expected back ready to go come sept. 1.
edgar renteria has shown bobby he’s ready to go and is set to start tomorrow.
tanyan sturtze has been given his unconditional release
no chili has been eaten as of yet
By mj
August 21, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
At least the Press Box didn’t burn with this year’s Big Acquisition. Secret ingredient in the chili is brown sugar. It’s good stuff! a 3-way and a Skyliner (chili-cheese dog) will set you up!
By BamaBrave
August 21, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this
I don’t mean to pounce, monty… but sleek “exotic sports car”?!!?? Andruw’s defensive skills might remind us of an Aston-Martin, but his offense this year is like a Yugo. Andruw’s a game changer alright - rally-killer extraordinaire. His LOB numbers this year must rank among the all-time leaders in that dubious category…
By A Jones 25
August 21, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
Carroll….I ate the chili and I blasted a homer last night. Now I have to convince Bobby to put me back in the cleanup spot. I’m way better then this Tex guy.
By Lew
August 21, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
RedEyedAndBlue-Sounds an awful lot like Fenway early in the season. The only game I’ve seen there without needing long underwear was in JUly. April is impossible and May ain’t real great, either.
By Paladin
August 21, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
A.Jones 25 “Chili” and “blasted”. Now, you’re talking.
By Fred34
August 21, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
Don’t get too excited…Sure Teixeira = McGriff, but Smoltz- Hudson-James-Carlyle-Cormier doesn’t equal Smoltz-Glavine-Maddux-Avery…and bullpen was much better in ‘93. Check out the stats for yourself…
By Poot Gibson
August 21, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
You may remember me. I starred in that memorable film *Hoof Hearted?” We had to hire a lot of extras—and served lots of chili—to get the right “atmosphere”. Hi Ho Pooter, Away!
By CW
August 21, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
Carol,
Cincinnati chili has both chocolate and cinamon in it. If you have some, do it right with lots of chopped onions and shredded cheddar cheese.
If you decide to skip the chili, just run out Columbia Parkway and have dinner at The Precinct. Fantastic food in an old-time steakhouse that used to be a police station. Can’t beat it.
By TampaBrave
August 21, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this
I can tell you the reason not to play Willie in CF. I can’t remember who hit the ball, but Willie misplayed a ball in the gap against the Rockies on Sunday. He misjudged, dove and was left hung out to dry when the ball continued on to the wall. You can’t make those mistakes in CF. CF is the most difficult to judge.
By HaRdTiMe
August 21, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
Is there anyway Andruw Jones can get a hit when it matters? When the Braves need it, he provides DP, K or pop-up. When the game is outa reach, he’ll get a hit or two. Bobby stays with him. Sorta hope he would pull something, maybe a DL stint so someone hitting over the .215 mark could get a chance. He is killing the Braves…. and starters 3-4-5.
By Sergeant Salmonloaf
August 21, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
!!!
Hey, Ron!!!*
I see you’re at it again!!!
You really do need to get that period key fixed, dude. It’s still typing three exclamation points instead of a period!!!
By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)
August 21, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this
Tex vs. McGriff is a fair comparison player for player. However , the two trades are totally different. McGriff for Melvin Nieves (amateur free agent) , Donnie Elliot (7th round pick) , Vince Moore (5th round pick) was a one sided rip off job by John Schuerholz. Teixeira and Mahay for Saltalamacchia (1st round pick) , Beau Jones (1st round pick) , Matt Harrison (3rd round pick) , Elvis Andrus (amateur free agent) and Neftali Perez (amateur free agent) is a horse of a different color. The Rangers got the farm and only time will tell just how much we gave up. I have to withhold judgment on this one for another four or five seasons. As far as the short term goes , the Braves got the big end of the stick , but long term , who knows. We got McGriff in 1993 and two seasons later he helped the Braves win it all in 1995. That’s a tall order of business for Teixeira to match.
By Paladin
August 21, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
I’m going to eat my dinner but after some of these “reviews” and commentary, it sure won’t be chili.
By ck
August 21, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this
jose contrereas cleared waivers and the dodgers are lookig at hom… why don’t we go after him as well?
By AZBravoFan
August 21, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
I think Frenchy said it best the other day. Something along the lines of it’s time to step up and get it done, or get out of the way. I have to agree. Between Jo-Jo, Lance, and Buddy, somebody’s got to lift up the back end of this rotation or it’s over. I agree with Bradley that this team can make a run in the post-season with the Smoltz and Hudson and pray for runs approach, but they’ve got to get to the dance 1st. 9 Teixeira’s couldn’t make up for the way 3-5 have pitched lately.
By DonCoburleone
August 21, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
Now that is some BAD news about Chucky; Heres a terrifying thought: Jo-Jo Reyes, Buddy Carlyle, and Lance Cormier now consist of 60% of our rotation! Wow, I wonder who is next on the list of “spot” starters? Is it Matt Harrison? Who is even remotely decent in AAA?
By Eric from MO
August 21, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
Sturtze, now that was money well spent!
By Eric from MO
August 21, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this
Coach(Hank Aaron is the Real HR Champion- dont judge to quickly. Harrison has arm problems, Andrus cant hit, but suppose to be a defensive wiz. However he made 30 errors last year. We also already have Renteria and Escobar. Salty may turn out to be a good catcher but we already have an all-star catcher. As for the other 2, Jones is starting to get old for a minor leaguer and as you said yourself we didnt even waste a draft pick on Perez.
You may be right but lets wait and see how they turn out before we decide this was a horrible trade.
By CK
August 21, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this
Jose Contreras….lets get him
By Eric from MO
August 21, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this
Hey Don- I dont think Harrison is going to be called considering he got traded.
By BravesFanInRockies
August 21, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
Efrim,
The way that park in Cincy gives up runs, 6 runs in 3 innings might be good enough tonight. Six innings and a lead would be nicer, however.
By Ron
August 21, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this
ck You know WHY we dont go for him? Because he is owed 10 Million in 08 and 10 million in 09!!! And I doubt that Kenny Williams will eat much of that contract UNLESS he gets at least a Real good prospect, And I doubt that happens!!! So you can pretty much mark out his name!!!
Sergeant Salmonloaf Dude Why do you care if I use !!!? So what, ONLY 1 or 2 people complain about it!!! Why do you care? I think MOST people on here like it OR really dont care one way or another!!! Get over it dude!!!
By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)
August 21, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
So , the back end of the rotation consists of a rookie(Jo-Jo Reyes) , a minor league journeyman (Buddy Carlyle) and Lance Cormier , who just came off the DL. Excuse me while I do this Chicken Little imitation : THE SKY IS FALLING , THE SKY IS FALLING , THE SKY IS FALLING !!
By Ron
August 21, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this
DonCoburleone I hate to break it to you dude, BUT Matt Harrison is NOW in the Rangers minors!!!
By Bob, Journalist
August 21, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this
It’s true, Willie isn’t as good against lefties as against normal folks … but .250 is better than .214 and I’m guessing he would get better with increased opportunity … he strikes out less and hits into fewer double plays too than our regular Centerfielder.
The notion that Andruw saves a run a game or more suggests that Willie would give up a run or more a game more than Andruw, were he to be playing in Center … it’s subjective … but one thing isn’t … during his tenure with the Braves, Willie has sparked rallies, Andruw has killed them … runners on third make it home more frequently when Matt is batting than when Andruw is too … have we won or lost more games because of Andruw’s offensive efforts? I honestly don’t know but I know that I feel better when someone else is at he plate.
The rule book’s definitional requirements for a power hitter do not forbid situational hitting … Andruw just makes it look that way.
Five run homer Jones … you gotta love his smile … when he does hit one, it goes a country mile. Me thinks he may be the most talented player on the team, below the neck … I don’t really blame Andruw but methinks he could sue the Braves for breach of implied promise to help him realize his potential.
By Chop Chop
August 21, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this
Eric from MO, they should call up Matt Harrison anyway. You know, mess with the Rangers’ minds. They could activate Salty from the bereavement list.
After all, ol’ JS always has something clever up his sleeve.
By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)
August 21, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this
Eric , I said: I’m withholding judgment on the Teixeira trade. How the hell you came up with : Horrible trade , is beyond me.
By Bob, Journalist
August 21, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this
Carroll, “chuck is going on the disabled list” is not totally unexpected news but what is the given reason … that is, what prompted the change in status?
By the Stranger
August 21, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
CR, do NOT seek the chili…do NOT seek the chili. Cinnamon is for pies.
By Mr J
August 21, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this
All this discussion about which team we should root to lose is comical. How about we just root for the Braves to win? If there truely is efficacy in prayer, then the Braves will win so many games that it won’t matter which other team does what.
Encourage the home boys! Enjoy the spectacle!
By kingaddy
August 21, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
The braves still sucks. They will not get into the playoffs.
By GT
August 21, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
“We’re trying not to disable him,” manager Bobby Cox said. “I don’t think we have to. I think it’ll be all right if he just misses a start.”
This was from a couple hours before James actually went on the DL. Why the change in prognosis? Can we look for some answers?
Not sure whether this hurts the rotation at all, since James has proven his mediocrity all season. Reyes can eat up just as many innings as can James. What is not up for debate is how lackadaisical the back half of the rotation has been all year, and how blind Homeboy Upstairs was to not see this during the past winter.
By Savannah Guy
August 21, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this
Special Letter to Denizens:
Lew may hate me for this. Don’t mean to be playing under-assistant east coast promo man and such, but I’ve been thinking on the coming Wurlitzer Awards that will, if I remember correctly, be presented to the “Teixeira singers” prior to the Mets game at the Ted on August 31st. Besides our own enjoyment of the forum, the Wurlitzer is the ultimate prize for valuable contributions to this blog.
Since Lew is the accomplished artist that donates many hours of his personal time creating the artwork for the award, it is only right and fitting that he attend and present the Wurlitzer to the recipients at the game.
Mind you, since the honorable Grinch has been drafted by the W. Committee and since he graciously accepted the presentation duty already (he was hung over…they got him at a weak moment) and since Grinch is one of the favorite contributors to this forum, I would like to also suggest and hope that he would accompany Lew to the event and help him present the awards.
That said, with much appreciation for David O’Brien, the blog, Lew the artist and the (dysfunctional)denizen family, I’m pleased to kickoff the…
Fly the Wurlitzer Artist to Atlanta Fund:
I’ll throw in first, by pledging $100 to see that Lew is able to join the honorable Grinch to properly and fittingly present the Wurlitzer. (notice how Fly just had to insert himself in the fund title somehow? Sorry, it was out of my control).
We’ll only need about $1200 to do the job. Anything left over could go to Lew’s favorite charity or something. Anyway…Lew, I don’t mean to embarrass you or put you on the spot and I know you’re not hurting for money and you’d never even think of this kind of attention or acknowledgement…but since you’ve contributed so much of your valuable time and art to the blog for so long, it’s only right and fitting that the good denizens be allowed to return a small token and showing of appreciation to you.
Denizens, since Lew would never consider anything like this, I wanted to suggest it here on the blog so he couldn’t graciously turn it down in private by email. Lew, don’t say no. Also Lew, do not send me a nasty email for posting this and putting you on the spot. You deserve to be there. Just go and enjoy the event, the game, the food…life.
Grinch: Apologies for being so presumptuous, but I kindly suggest that you are the ideal person as a co-presenter and fund-collection clearing house. Don’t hate me. Would you be available for this? If so, please offer your email address here for donation pledges. If not available, could you provide an alternative idea? Tell you what…if you do that, I’ll buy you and Lew a steak dinner on Thursday 30th in Atlanta. Deal?
If we all kick in just a little, we can not only cover airfare but also put Lew up in style while he’s in Atlanta. Lew, you could stay at the Ritz-Carlton downtown or at my favorite home away from home, the Georgian Terrace Hotel on Peachtree. Both would be nice and convenient to the Ted. Or wherever you choose. Perhaps a Thursday arrival and Saturday departure since the game is on Friday? That’ll give you time to relax, get to the park early, and savor the event and the pre-game stuff.
Denizens Please Join: And support the effort with whatever amount you’re comfortable spending (no amount too small or large) to take advantage of a really nice opportunity for this blog to do this thing right. (This offer is not open to trolls).
Wurlitzer Committee Members: The denizens will expect post-event stories from whoever attends the presentation. Then we will enjoy unique perspectives and different accounts of the same event and the same game. Should be a few good tales there. We will want the “whole” story too, including the de-grizzling of Grinch and other behind the scenes activities. The Lady from Carolina posted earlier that she is unable to attend, but what about esteemed Journalists Jimmy and Bob? Can you go? Ideas? Should the singing lads also be presented with canned hams? Will the boys be catapulted to American Idol status? If so, should they be provided with lyrics to a new song? Since they have entered the spotlight, with fame that may only last 15 minutes, should they be presented with a list of the creative effect of hot tubs on prose development? Of particular interest to a friend of mine…will there be a Fly-over? Hmm…
By Ron
August 21, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this
AWWWWW!!! They could not use the phrase Thorman stinks and Julio is old on the Sports South Live and he could not say not gay!!! But I figured that anyway!!! It would have been cool IF they could have used it!!! But it was STILL good!!!
By journalist jimmy smith
August 21, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
all these northeners talking of yankee chili. sad. chili dogs at the varsity were once much in fashion here and long ago some may remember the old yellow jacket drive-in with the toasted dogs and chili. now, that is appropriate chili talk for an atlanta braves blog. give no comfort to the enemy by bragging on that enemy’s chili. better to brag on who has the best cola? who has the best peaches? who has the best peanuts? who has the best barbecue? who has the best pie? now, cheese … it is true that wisconsin has better cheese than here. that is why dob always makes the trip to milwaukee - that and the sausage races. can pick up a little cheese money if a race winner. and whither grinch? already undergoing grizzle removal? please send that red velvet cake right away, flabravesgirl, for grinch will surely be grumpy now. and will tex be benched after the big game(s) for a little rest? good question from the blogger. gotta get thorman a few at-bats. woodward, too. and journalist will no longer make use of paragraphs. and in keeping with the recent trends of this blog: your all and idiot :-) oh, the humanity! journalist takes it back!
By Alex
August 21, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
I will be rooting for the Braves to take care of their own business. Win their own game, and whatever happens, happens, they don’t have control over who wins the Padres vs MUTS matchup, or Dodgers vs. Phillies one.
All of the fans who are ready to concede the division crown to the NY MUTS, have you no faith? I guess not, I guess you are looking at the worst case scenario.
I am not willing to concede that and I hope neither are the Atlanta Braves.
If the Braves can get within 2 games of the MUTS by the time they have to play them at the TED, anything is possible. We have 3 weeks left after that series. I would rather the Braves fight it out for the division crown with the MUTS until the last day of the season, which will ensure them anyways of the wildcard if they lose the division at the end.
If the Braves go 8-2 on this trip, it changes everything for the division crown! Have some faith people.
By DonCoburleone
August 21, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
“What is not up for debate is how lackadaisical the back half of the rotation has been all year, and how blind Homeboy Upstairs was to not see this during the past winter.”
Remember a guy by the name of “Mike Hampton”? Yeah, neither do I… Anyway, he was supposed to come back this season and be our #3 anchor. Lets just all hope and pray Scheurholz doesn’t make that same mistake before the 2008 season. We’ve got Renteria to trade, he should be able to land us at least a reliable #4 starter right? I know that Toronto is probably going to be on the market for a SS this offseason; maybe we could get Sean Marcum for Renteria?
By ncscoots
August 21, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this
…how blind Homeboy Upstairs was to not see [the coming pitching problems] during the past winter.
That seems a little harsh. I think you’ll find that many on this forum thought starting pitching would be a strength of the club this year, and there was little reason for JS to think otherwise.
The expectation of Hudson’s return to form, Hampton’s return, James pitching at 4 or 5, and one of Cormier/Davies/Lerew stepping up at the back of the rotation had some here looking at the “surplus” as trade bait. In a good world, a solid 5 with two young studs at AAA ready to fill any injury gaps.
But…Hampton hurt, Cormier blisters the spring but gets hurt, James regresses, Davies implodes, and Lerew has surgery. Such are the slings and arrows. But to claim JS should have been able to foresee all that…that’s a little cold. JS may or may not be a genius, but for sure he ain’t moonlighting on the Psychic Network.
By Colin
August 21, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this
WOW ALL I CAN SAY ABOUT TEX
By journalist jimmy smith
August 21, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this
baby seal wishes to contribute $30 earned doing small engine repair. baby seal would also like to have dinner with lew. fish is probably best. still, if lew isn’t coming this blog will be well represented by a de-grizzled grinch and kc. perhaps this can be choreographed. some pip movements, perhaps. a little shuffle, a little do-wah, and then hand over the wurlitzer. has anyone heard grinch talk? manly? girly? say, “uh” a lot? may need a radio voice for this presentation. may not be popular with sja but should be considered in the best interest of the blog. important that the best toes are put forward during this ceremony. on second thought, journalist believes in grinch and is willing to offer additional tacit endorsement but would like to confirm no girly voice. remember mike tyson.
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
Dodgers are doing their job.
TEX is just TEXing
AJ…… weak ground ball to 3b.
That sound familiar.
By Bob, Journalist
August 21, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this
Coach, I’m sure there are many folks reserving judgment on the trade … of course there are always those looking at the short term who point to Tex’s and Salty’s short term performances when trying to make or prove a point … but, there are those with different perspectives … who will take a longer view … what will be the overall impact on the organization long term and will the organization’s achievement of its objectives be enhanced or diminished as a result of the trade … that’s not easy, even retrospectively.
No, it’s not an easy question and there are different perspectives … but, rush to judgment, while rarely prudent, is sometimes the only option … but, using performance as a measuring stick … forget it, just enjoy what Tex is bringing to the table.
The folly is in evaluating trades in terms of outcome … sorta like second guessing a failed play in football that should have worked and won the game … or touting an inane one that succeeded.
It’s like Hudson … most of us were pleased with the trade that brought Tim to the Braves … many rushed to judgment, especially when he failed to meet their expectations … but while only a few find relevance in predicting performance, many taking a longer view recognized Tim to be a talented pitcher, continued to consider the trade to be a good one, and expected him to do well.
By Paladin
August 21, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this
Savannah Guy I will fly over if Boss Lady will lend me her broom. JUST A JOKE BL, JUST A JOKE!!
By ncscoots
August 21, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
SG, have we even found out yet if a denizen will be allowed to make the presentation? Or will the Braves only allow it to be done by blogmeisters? Think that might be an important piece of data before creating a Lew Fund (though I’m all for the idea).
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
john Freakin Maine just threw 26 pitches in the 1st inning….. what a start for an ACE.
By Delta Spokesperson
August 21, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this
Normally, Delta would comp the flight but DOB has been unkind to us lately and this blog is on our sh list.
By MurphyRules
August 21, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this
I certainly don’t wish to take away any of the buzz from the Auburn kids. Their song is great. But this first-inning RBI from Tex had me imagining, imagining what things would have been like if we’d had him the 4 hole all season:
Set to John Lennon’s “Imagine”
Imagine if we’d had him It’s easy if you try No hell in the 4 hole Nothing but R-B-I Imagine all the people Scoring from second
Imagine there’s no strikeouts It isn’t hard to do Nothing to throw at the TV And no Andruw blues Imagine all the people Living life in peace
You may say that I’m a dreamer But I’m not the only one I hope someday we’ll sign Tex And Braves Nation will be as one
Imagine no more popups I wonder if you can No need for N8 or Robert A brotherhood of man Imagine all the denizens Sharing all the Net
You may say that I’m a dreamer But I’m not the only one I hope someday we’ll sign Tex And Braves Nation will be as one
By HaRdTiMe
August 21, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this
http://www.mlb.com/stats/individualplayersplits.jsp?c_id=mlb&playerID=116662&sitSplit1=All&statType=1&statSet=1&splitSet=2
Lookie here.
By TampaBrave
August 21, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
For what its worth, I think Escobar should remain at SS, renteria to 2nd, sprinkle KJ and MD in LF. Willie HArris a fill in for when BC rests starters. Escobar’s defense is great, KJs is not, Edgar is slightly above average. Keep the bats, improve the defense. WIN WIN!!
By TampaBrave
August 21, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
1 down, 8 to go
By BravesFanChris22
August 21, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this
Not a bad first inning for Jo-Jo, considering.
By Mets rule You drool
August 21, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
John Main is bottilicouios
By DonCoburleone
August 21, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
John Maine is just experiencing his natural regression after going through most of the season playing waaaaay over his head… I mean come on, outside of brain-dead Mets fans who really thought this guy was a legitimate Ace back in May or June???
By Paladin
August 21, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
Savannah Guy Before I agree to contribute for Lew’s transportation and lodging?, let me count my lunch money. And he will be traveling by Greyhound and staying at Holiday Inn Express, right?
By Paladin
August 21, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this
Drooler You are back with us tonight. Isn’t your lip chapped from dragging it on the pavement?
By DonCoburleone
August 21, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this
…Loving this game so far!!!
By BravesFanChris22
August 21, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Escobar’s bat is hot as well. 3-0 so far, Bravos in the lead.
By Stuart
August 21, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
*You guys bring up an interesting point. With the Padres and the Mets playing for the next three days, who should Braves fans be pulling for? Entering Tuesday night’s game, the Braves are five games behind the Mets in the division with 37 games to play. They are tied with the Phillies one game behind the Padres in the wildcard. It’s habit to pull against the Mets. But is it more realistic to sacrifice the division lead and catch up to the Padres in the wildcard race?
If that’s too confusing, you could just concentrate on pulling for the Dodgers over the Phillies. But then again, the Dodgers are only 2 ½ games out in the wildcard. So maybe that doesn’t work either. *
I dont know who anyone else is pulling for, but I am going to pull for the Dodgers and the Mets.
As long as the braves take care of business, losses by the Padres and Phils help us more, because that puts us ahead in the WC race. Also, we have 6 against the Mets to hunt them down. Plus it really doesnt matter if we win the division, just whether or not we get in the dance.
I am pumped over Tex, but I am also more pumped over the last start by Cormier and hopefully JoJo gets it figured out. Anything out of the backend will be a plus. Maybe the back end will turn it on for the stretch run
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
AJ back to his old tricks. I’m sure if the Braves extend their lead to 7 or 8 runs, he’ll crank out a solo shot of a scrub minor league reliever.
By DonCoburleone
August 21, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
Uh oh, IT BEGINS! A lead-off walk to the pitcher NEVER leads to anything positive…
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
Somebody wake Chipper up, please.
By A-ville Ranger
August 21, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this
Stats what liars they can be.I don’t care one bit how much more the team has scored with Tex.Same goes for his rbi, hr,etc.The team has pounded weak pitching and scored many superfluous runs.Bottom line is 9-8 nothing else matters.As I’ve said before when they win 4-3 against a top pitcher who’s own his game I’ll be impressed…..this ain’t a softball league.
By Paladin
August 21, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
No one wiil talk to me, even the drooler. I’m going to bed. Chief? Com’on ole buddy.
By GermanBravesFan
August 21, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
John Maine: 3 walks, 3 hits in 2 2/3… hmmmm… Drooler, you better get on your knees and pray (I know, you usually do other things on your knees…)!
By Carroll Rogers
August 21, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this
you can take the girl out of (n) carolina, but you can’t take the carolina out of the girl….there was no chili on the buffet, skyline or otherwise, so i went for the pulled pork bbq sammy with cole slaw on it…..sure i coulda walked downstairs to get the brown stuff, but hey, with 10 minutes between a notebook and first pitch, who’s gonna bother? bbq was yummy.
and besides, i’m not sure how the voting finished out. seemed to get equal amounts heck yeah try it, and heck no. hard to eat domocratically.
as for the chuck james decision. i’m not really sure what changed between last night and this morning. maybe they weren’t 100 percent sure when they said no DL yesterday. things change i guess, whether it’s strategy, or having another night to think about it, or they weren’t ready to tell us the full extent of their plans yesterday. who knows. the story sounds basically the same tho, that they think a couple starts and he’ll be back. i don’t think there was any giant medical recalculation. it’s a good question, though. that kinda thing makes me scratch my head sometimes but it’s just the nature of the beast.
and DOWNIE (how the heck do you bold? those little symbols are too small for my glazed over eyes to read. are those asterisks? am i a rookie or what?) look at you, sneaking on the blog. how the heck are you? and tell corkie that i have a brother living in macon now and he needs some good mexican food! what’s the name of the restaurant? e-mail me….or get lots of pub on the blog…
and last but not least SAVANNAH GUY, wow. what a generous suggestion. how cool.
By raykelsey
August 21, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
Andruw, you just hit a pathetic, flaccid grounder to third—but you were hitting monsters in BP! You hit a homer last night! Oh yeah, that’s right. You only hit the ball out of the infield when we have a 9 run lead. God I can’t wait for you to be someplace else so that the real baseball players on this team can move up in the batting order and get the job done. What oh what are you going to do next year when you’re playing for a manager who doesn’t put one player’s ego ahead of the team?
HERE IS AN UNASSAILABLE TRUTH: Mark Texiera has had more meaningful hits for the Braves in 3 weeks than Andruw has had in a season and a half.
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
JoJo appears scared-scared of MLB hitters
By raykelsey
August 21, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
Andruw, you just hit a pathetic, flaccid grounder to third—but you were hitting monsters in BP! You hit a homer last night! Oh yeah, that’s right. You only hit the ball out of the infield when we have a 9 run lead. God I can’t wait for you to be someplace else so that the real baseball players on this team can move up in the batting order and get the job done. What oh what are you going to do next year when you’re playing for a manager who doesn’t put one player’s ego ahead of the team?
HERE IS AN UNASSAILABLE TRUTH: Mark Texiera has had more meaningful hits for the Braves in 3 weeks than Andruw has had in a season and a half.
By A-ville Ranger
August 21, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this
That should be on not own…what a doofus I can be.
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this
Yup, why don’t you guys start trotting out your stats about how it isn’t really the 3-4-5 slots in the rotation, it’s just the 5th spot.
If it ain’t Hudson or Smoltz, it ain’t sh!t.
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
Where the heck was Diaz on that double down the line? It took him about 5 minutes to run it down. Geez.
By TrueBlueBravesFan
August 21, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
Man JoJo’s problem is between the ears. The kid has no confidence in his ability to pitch. This loss just keeps showing how bad the farm is with pitching if Reyes is the best we can come up with.
By Greg in TN
August 21, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
Evening gang…
Carroll, give the chili a shot and if you don’t like it, I won’t recommend anything to you food wise here on out. It’s different for sure, but I think it’s well worth a shot.
Another night of baseball in the land of WKRP and WLW (and a tip of the cap and nod to some of the denizens that work in the broadcast industry).
Reyes is really struggling with his location in the 3rd. Don’t like to see the walk to Adam Dunn with the bases loaded, however there could have been some more painful alternatives.
Lot’s of questions about whether we cheer for the Mets against the Pads or for the Pads. Cheer for whomever you like gang, however I wouldn’t cheer for the mets if they suddenly became the US national team and were playing Norway for the gold medal. I’d have a Norwegian pennant hanging on the wall, I’d have a Norwegian hat and t-shirt on. Go Norway.
First pitch from Oscar gets hammered down the line and the Reds are up two. Gonna have to go back to work with the lumber in the top of the fourth.
By Stuart
August 21, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
JoJo is just not ready. He looks like a little punk. In AAA he can bully people with his fastball. Now that he is in the show, guys turn that junk around and he doesnt know how to react.
Oscar Villareal aint he answer either. He sucks.
By Ron Roberts
August 21, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
Jo Jo Reyes will be a damn fine pitcher when he starts to trust his pitches more.
Walking the pitcher, batting leadoff, when up 3-0, is a huge no-no. Being too fine with your pitches throughout the inning is, afterwards, too.
Was such a promising start for the kid, and I’m not so sure I’d have pulled him this early, either; but he’s apparently not doing something McDowell went out there and instructed him to do or I think he’d still be out there.
With our offense being what it is, I just don’t see the point in burning up the ‘pen this early in the game.
By Stephen
August 21, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
This is so pathetic, besides Smoltz and Hudson, the rest of this staff is a complete joke.
By MurphyRules
August 21, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
Our pitching staff - after Hudson and Smoltz - absolutely BLOWS!!! Is David Wells still available?
By TampaBrave
August 21, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
Great! Villareal’s a keeper
By uga-brave
August 21, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
what a joke the back end of this rotation is. not one of them has an ounce of sand.
By fastasballs
August 21, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this
I figure the Braves will need at least 6 more runs to win this game, maybe more. Unreal walking the pitcher. You’re just asking for it & they got it.
I think we have seen the last of Jo Jo for a long while.
By TampaBrave
August 21, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
I would rather give up a HR to pitcher than walk him.
By Efrim
August 21, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
This kid has walked 19 and struck out 8 in the majors. I just don’t get it.
Damn Oscar.
What other options do we have?
By The Truth Hurts
August 21, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
Ah, some things are just so routine, you can set your clocks to them.
Another stellar effort by Jo-Jo, who seems to be on a string shorter than a yo-yo.
See the difference between AAA and the bigs?
At least we have Carlyle and Cormier to look forward to…
By Carolina Lady
August 21, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
Carroll, from what part of God’s country do you hail? We need to set up periodic deliveries of eastern NC BBQ to you and DOB!
By Ron
August 21, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
Just got through eating and I see that it is a 5-3 Reds lead!!! When I got ready to eat it was 1-0 Braves!!! I cant STAND Reyes!!! He better not get another start the rest of the year!!! It would be better off if Villy started for 4 or 5 innings and let the bullpen do the rest!!! But nooooooo, BC dont want to do that!!! He would rather be down 5-3 in the 3rd inning with 2 outs and THEN take out the Scrub pitcher!!! Unbelieveable!!! Not saying Villy would have shut them down, but still anything is better than Reyes!!! Send Reyes butt back to Richmond!!! Im tired of him already!!!
By JasonInMaine
August 21, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
I know he has been caled the human rain delay, but the braves should get traschel or even boomer…
I know others have suggested them, but now may be the time with chuck on the dl and no-no not ready…
By StingerSplash
August 21, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
If Jo Jo Reyes is the answer, is the question “Which Braves pitching prospect is not nearly ready for the big leagues and may not be for some time?”
By Lew
August 21, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
Savannah Guy and Fly On The Wall-It is much appreciated by the Bionic Artist that y’all think enough of me to take up a collection. However-I really can’t make it for that weekend. I have other things scheduled and just can’t do it. I will, however, be in Orlando for Spring Training with lots of artwork. There will certainly be Wurlitzers to be awarded at that time. Believe me, I’m quite honored that you feel this way. Come on down to Disney and we’ll eat BBQ and say hello to DOB and Carroll. We’ll have a blog party and commission LeTwan’s Mama to make pie.
By uga-brave
August 21, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
oh by the way that is five straight at bats that livingston has reached base against us. dont see how anyone else can honestly defend our 3,4,5 pitchers. reyes should have to take his uniform off and go play with all the other kids in the stands.
By Random
August 21, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
By Bob, Journalist (August 18, 2007 7:04 AM):
“I wasn’t suggesting X… nor was I addressing Y though I’m not sure what that was.
“I wasn’t addressing Z but I have no doubt that W.
“Were I to guess at U, it was that we needed V… but, that we certainly didn’t need S and T.
“I agree that virtually everyone felt and continues to feel A… but, I don’t think there was overwhelming agreement on B… that doesn’t mean I’m right … maybe there was.
“Regarding C, it’s very possible that D… and if E, certainly not much at all … I haven’t seen him so do but, it’s my understanding that F and G… assuming that to be the case, I, for one, supported H.
“I personally would have I… but that was just personal opinion and my knowledge of the position is very limited.
“With regard to J, I’m not one but there are those who thought that K, or at least that was my read of the situation … should L, then I would agree with those who so thoutht, but I didn’t at the time, nor do I currently.
“However, I think that M… I qualified my comments, or at least so intended, with N… he has more power but even so, I wouldn’t expect O.
“I do think that P… and we should see some improvement in Q but that depends on a lot more than R and I still don’t think there was a consensus regarding the impact on the team’s success other than directionally … before or at the time of the trade.
“Just my opinion … no intent to be argumentative, sarcastic or humorous … and I wasn’t suggesting it was a majority opinion … everyone else may think that everyone was in agreement … I just don’t happen to so think.
“Methinks Methinks Methinks Methinks Methinks!”
By Efrim
August 21, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this
We have to do a better job developing our pitchers. Chuck James is the only one that has worked out since Kevin Millwood.
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
It is so stupid not to start oscar if you are gonna put him anyway before the 4th ……..
By Geoff
August 21, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
REYES needs to WAKE-UP and know the G-D situation! Up 3-0… looking ok… throw strikes… he needs to know that solo HR’s are ok… but he SHOULD understand that he is in a PENNANT race! It’s amazing how he can “throw” in the minors!
By Greg in TN
August 21, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this
A forgettable night for sure by Jo-Jo. Lead-off walks have killed us this year.
Not sure what to think of the decision to DL Chuck James today, but he’s just not throwing the ball well and I think the time off will do him good down the stretch. I’m really happy to see Edgar back in the lineup tomorrow although I am impressed with what Escobar has done lately.
Great news to hear that the Tex songwriters get a Wurlitzer. They are very deserving, indeed. And Savannah Guy, I’d be happy to pitch in to send Lew to Atlanta.
By A-ville Ranger
August 21, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
Carroll —-I got the record wrong as well.It’s 10-8 as you pointed out.I can’t agree that there isn’t much difference between 12-6 and 10-8 though. The first is a .66 % or 108 wins over a full season.The second a .55% or 90 wins over a full season.
By BravesFanInRockies
August 21, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
OK, I WAS KIDDING when I said 3 innings and 6 runs would be enough. Seriously. Geez.
By TexasBrave
August 21, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
Man if Jo - Jo would grow some balls he would make a decent pitcher. But he is totally afraid of any known hitter. He is a left handed pitcher throwing to the left handed Griffy. Challenge him, especially in the first inning with two outs.
And even though he was having trouble, what is Bobby doing taking him out with two outs and the bottom of the order. Gees Bobby lets destroy any confidence this guy has.
Now that being said , I am not watching the game. So for those that are and you agree with Bobby let me know.
By Tomahawkin' Again
August 21, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Is there a (expletive deleted) pitcher out there we can put in the 5th spot who can keep a team under 5 runs a game? WTF!!
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Well..know philly is winning.
Even Kyle won in KC…….
Does anyone has the number to Bobby Cox cell phone?
By Zapata
August 21, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Ron
wRONg moRON
You are such a stupid idiot. Blah Blah Blah
How was your squirrel?
By Efrim
August 21, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Philly down 3-0 comes back to grab a 4-3 lead.
Mets cruising 4-1.
Lets score some runs when we are down.
By Colin
August 21, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
Jo-Jo needs some time as we all see..and anyone we has said try for Boomer…I second that…Good thing were playing in a sand box so keep hope alive…
By Colin
August 21, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
AND what is a WURLITZER?
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
Holy crap, SOMEBODY PLEASE WAKE CHIPPER UP.
By Savannah Guy
August 21, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
Scoots Yes, I realize that first things are first, but one way or another, whether on the field or off, the W could be presented. Am I just being too east coast promo man? Hey, DOB and Carroll could pull it off. Anyway, you are correct. But in this case the cart needs to be arranged before the horse get’s too far out front. Or something like that. (practicing brevity here).
By uga-brave
August 21, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
when was the last time the braves won a 3-2 type game? it will be real interesting to see how the braves respond. good frontrunners not so good when they fall behind. real important to score a run before they do. it would really be tough to lose two games to someone the reds got off the scrap heap. more of the same, just a different team different series.
By bill
August 21, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
Can Smoltz and Hudson start every game? Jo Jo had some bad luck. He just can’t walk the pitcher. All Jo Jo needs is experience. He is a keeper. It’s odd that he doesn’t walk any in minors but when gets to majors, he walks to many but experience will take care of that. This is a bad time for him to be thrown into the fire. If the Braves wants to get into the playoff’s, they had better trade for one of those washed up veterans.
By Ron
August 21, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
UHHHHHH, Can we please score AGAIN!!! Dont tell me they score ALL of there runs at first then when the other team scores they aint gonna score nothing!!! Dont tell me that now!!!
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this
This Livingston is like Chuck James…88 mph fastball and a changeup. Except his changeup actually does something.
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this
OK………2 on and our slugger is coming to the plate….. he is gonna hit a 3 run homer……..right?
wronggggggg!!!!!!!!!!!! it is AJ people.
By Efrim
August 21, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
Here is where Andruw can redeem himself……
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this
Simpson you idiot, it’s just a single error on Dunn, settle down.
By knowitall
August 21, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
No, Andruw never gets big hits.
By Greg in TN
August 21, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
Wow, Adam Dunn handled that about like one would expect Jose Canseco would have done. Even more amazing that the play was scored a triple.
All tied up in Cincy regardless with AJ on third and two outs.
By Stephen
August 21, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
BMACCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
By Daybed Wagmoe
August 21, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this
ANDRUW = NL MVP!!
check that, MCCANN = MVP!!
By Savannah Guy
August 21, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this
Stinker Why, no…not gay. Happily married.
If you want that kind of action you best try another type of blog. No doubt you have a list of those favorites bookmarked. But you knew that. You’ve just brought new meaning to “trolling” on this blog.
By Serbok
August 21, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this
Clutch hit AJ, then BMAC! Oscar finishes?????????????? Why didnt Oscar start?
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this
Yup, livingston is pitching EXACTLY like Chuck James now.
By Greg in TN
August 21, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
B-Mac! Great swing and just enough to make the seats.
By Bob
August 21, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
Andruw with a big hit!
By Stuart
August 21, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this
Is anyone else feeling the ground to see if it is colder since hell may have frozen over because Andruw got a huge hit?
Then, B-Mac steps up and hits a HUGE blast. Tex, you may have company on the top 40 countdown.
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
Brian is looking so much better. Maybe numbers dont say it, but he is focusing better, he is doing something different.
AJ….. You are so mediocre that your SLG% can only go up with favors of bad OF like Dunn.
By uga-brave
August 21, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
well i guess tex is at least used to playing in games like this. i have never seen the braves involved in more beer league softball games.
By fastasballs
August 21, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
That’s the two biggest RBI’s Andruw has had in a LONG time. Totally changes the game & then McCann puts them ahead by two. It wasn’t a pretty AB by Andruw, but luckily the ball found the bat & rolled perfectly down the line.
By Tomahawkin' Again
August 21, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
Braves winning, Phils winning, Padres losing. Think that final week series in Philly might mean something?
By Efrim
August 21, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
Why would BC take Villareal out? Wasn’t he at 12 pitches through his first 1.1 innings. Oh yea. Buddy Carlyle and Lance Cormier are our #3 and #4 at the moment. Sigh.
By Bob, Journalist
August 21, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
Esteemed one of the Savannah, I’m for it and not just because I know I’m Lew’s favorite charity … I had a trip to Roswell planned and we most assuredly would have attended but it now looks almost certain that I’ll be able to do either … it strikes me that someone of influence who does talk about such things is our esteemed General Manager … who has been known to read a post or two himself, sorta like he’s he’s one of us by proxy … it’d be kinda neat to have his support since without him, there would be not Tex in Atlanta … and without us, he’d probably be forced to read the Mets’ blog to get ideas, then where would be be … the man truly makes things happen … and some pretty good things have happened over the last 15 years.
Realistically, I won’t be able to make it, and being the social disaster that I am, that’s probably a good thing … but, this too is a good thing and I’m proud as punch to be a member of such an esteemed group … it’s a treasured guilt by association that’s for sure!
Make it happen guys!
By Savannah Guy
August 21, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
Paladin After last night, didn’t you agree to take one for the team and stay up for games? The superstition thing, remember? Throw that big sink through the window Chief…break outa’ that nest and get back here you old cuckoo.
By KC
August 21, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
Okay… enough is enough!! Villarreal should make the next start in James’ place!!!!
By CobbBrave
August 21, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
I was welcomed to the blog by a fellow calls himself Ron Roberts. Says he likes to talk baseball. So where is this fellow? I need to learn some baseball. Maybe he is busy chasing that mystical, mythical creature that he seems to always be doing battle with..SJA? Slay that nasty dragon Ronnie! Before it rips you to shread.
Roberts, I bet you were that kid that always had an “invisible friend’ to talk baseball with when you were just a young boy, huh?..SJA, SHEESH!
By S T I N K Y
August 21, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
Savannah Gay, You seem like such a sycophant. I just assumed that you were either gay or in middle school.
By Lew
August 21, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
Someone again mentioned using Villarreal to start. The other night one of the announcers gave a split on Oscar’s numbers. Seems when he goes more than two innings, his ERA shoots UP three runs a game. From the 2’s to the 5’s. Maybe not such a good idea.
By Ron
August 21, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this
TexasBrave I agree with BC!!! He was done!!! No reason to keep Reyes in there!!!
Zapata Thank you jack@ss for your nice post to me!!! Anyway it was 3-3 instead of 5-3!!! My bad you Jack@$$!!!
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
If Mahay looks a little less than fresh today, thank BC, who brought him in to pitch an inning in last night’s blowout win.
By Ron
August 21, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
Ignore my 8:31 comment!!! It was in game blogging!!! That is a reason that you should NOT in game blog!!! But anyway we better get ready to put AT LEAST 10 runs on the board tonight IF we expect to win!!!
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
And the other game Mahay was in was in the pounding the Braves took on Saturday. Thanks again, BC. Take your hat off, fold your arms, and stare out into the abyss that is your managerial talent.
By ncscoots
August 21, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this
SG, just checked back in and saw your post. I see your point about time constraints. If the idea takes off and Lew is OK with it, I’d be more than happy to cover any shortfall in the Fund that might occur because of the short time frame. As long as other denzines are pitching in, at least a little, LOL!
By Efrim
August 21, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
Damn Mahay. Bad Job bro.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 21, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
deviled ham. that’s right, deviled ham. why is there so little appreciation for deviled ham? in a can, right? small can, can put it in a pocket for later. no can opener needed. crackers. only crackers. and mahay may being canning hams soon if mahay cannot pitch better than this.
By Ron Roberts
August 21, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
Sheesh. What a nightmare.
By gotigers72
August 21, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
This is just making me sick. The 3-5 spots in the rotation are absolutely killing the Braves.
With that in mind, here is my pitching plan for the 2008 season.
KEEP: Smoltz, Hudson, Moylan, Soriano, Wickman, Mahay.
GONE: *Chuck - Trade. A HoRam/Odalis clone. Remember how good HoRam was his rookie year? He has gotten worse every year since. Has an ERA over 7.5 this year. Odalis has never gotten any better either. ERA over 5 1/2 this year. I don’t think Chuck will ever get any better either. Throws tons of home run balls, just like HoRam and Odalis. And I have a question for those of you that say Chuck is a good fit for the 3rd spot. Are you serious? *Cormier - NEVER been good at the ML level. Another home run throwing machine. Trade or release. *Yates - Trade or release. Has an ERA of 5.26. Great stuff, but can’t locate his a* with both hands. Pitches from behind too much, walks too many. *Oscar - Adios Amigo. Trade or release. Check out his % of letting runners on base scoring. *Carlyle - Trade or release. Had a good 5-6 game streak, but is now back to journeyman status. His last 2-3 games have been horrible, especially the last one where he gave up two long bombs to the OPPOSING PITCHER.
On the bubble - *Hampton - Does he have any tissue remaining in his left shoulder/elbow? *Gonzalez - Great stuff, but I promise, if he doesn’t change that violent, across the body delivery, he won’t have an elbow much longer. * JoJO - About one more chance for him. How in hell can you throw strikes at AAA, but can’t at the ML level? Scared of players named Griffey and Dunn? He had given up only 2 walks in his latest stint at AAA, then gives up 4 in 2 2/3 tonight, all of whom scored. That was really pathetic. *Devine - It’s time for him to get it together. Remember, he came out as a college senior, so he’s getting a little long in the tooth to be in the minors. *Paronto - Hasn’t had a good year this year. Time for him to fish or cut bait. *Acosta - He’s looked pretty good in his few appearances in the majors. Had a terrible walks to innings pitched ratio in AAA. He needs to fix that in order to pitch in the majors. *Ascanio - I really like this guy. Baseball America has him listed as having the best fastball in the Southern League.
Feel free to criticize/add your own thoughts. This list is just my opinion. The only thing I know for SURE. Changes are going to have to be made in the 3-5 spots and a couple of spots in the bullpen.
By A-ville Ranger
August 21, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
You too mayday ? you too ? oh dear !!
By Stuart
August 21, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this
Do we have ANYONE who can pitch. Honestly, this is ridiculous.
By Efrim
August 21, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
Lew
He can’t get lefties out consistently. Check those splits out. Then again neither can Buddy Carlyle, but he is stretched out as a starter.
By fastasballs
August 21, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this
The pen is going to be fried once again when this series is through.
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
When will Chipper join Chucky on the DL? I think one of his fingers has an owie again.
By Efrim
August 21, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
Wow. Not one of Chipper’s best nights. 0 for 4 with 5 left on base.
By supa
August 21, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
Carroll,
I’m not a big fan of Skyline chili either but it’s apparently a Cincinnati staple.
If you get a chance, though, check out Shanghai Mama’s on 6th between Sycamore and Main. The best Chinese food in the Midwest.
Maybe there’s another Jaret Wright lurking in the post-trade deadline market?
By Savannah Guy
August 21, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this
Lew Well, that’s a disappointment you can’t make it, but it would’ve been fitting. Consider it a plan in Orlando. I used to attend the the Grapefruit League Braves spring every year while they were in West Palm but have yet to make it to Disney. BBQ and Pie too? I’ll make sure Fly knows about that.
By KC
August 21, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this
Why does BC continue to insist on trying everyone BUT Oscar Villarreal in the rotation???!!
Villarreal has the pitches, and seems to have the mindset to start. I’d bet sensitive body parts that he’d be a much better option than JoJo Reyes (at least for now), and I think he’d be a better option than Carlyle as well.
I don’t know who will be starting 5 days from now, but I know who should be.
By Efrim
August 21, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this
Damn. The bullpen looks terrible.
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this
Oy. Brain freeze by KJ.
By TampaBrave
August 21, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
Bad play by KJ.
By TennesseePaul
August 21, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
Sheeesh. This group of hurlers is doing everything they can to lose this game. Unbelievable.
By TampaBrave
August 21, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
That’s the reason he’s not a closer.
By Superman
August 21, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
SD 5 NY 4 LA 4 PHI 5
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
KC Because he is the father of stupidity.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 21, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
stinky is blogging tonight. journalist chooses journalist’s company and journalist does not choose stinky. g’night all.
By TennesseePaul
August 21, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
Now that we have that new financial stance, I’m looking forward to the Braves picking up a good pitcher by some means. I don’t know who, how or where, but this off season they ought to revisit last off-seasons quest for pitching. I’m sick of this crap.
I’ll admit though, there are several typically solid guys struggling tonight so maybe they’re on an off night. But Damn if all these guys don’t always pick the same night to be off.
By A-ville Ranger
August 21, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
Mahay AND Moylan getting slobber-knocked…who you go’na call ?
By TampaBrave
August 21, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
Oscar is a junk pitcher. He gets by because he usually comes in when the previous pitcher has gotten hammered. In a long role, he’d get dusted. Sorry, but it’s true.
I hate this ballpark.
By heath
August 21, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
it is so hard to get and stay excited about these guys….they just can’t seem to sustain good baseball.
By Ron Roberts
August 21, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
Cobb Brave… I’m not going ‘round and ‘round w/you into this fight you wanna pick w/me, dude.
Your posts only lead me to believe there’s a reason nobody’s ever seen you blog here before; could it be that you’ve used other names when posting here, before, agitating folks?
I’ve been here, off and on, throughout the afternoon (scroll back if you’d like to check before running your mouth) and evening.
Back to baseball… Tonight’s bullpen performance goes back me wondering why pull Jo Jo in a game your offense was assuredly going to keep you in the game anyhow. Can’t see how we’d be any worse off with him pitching another inning or so, then going into the ‘pen to stay in it; just my opinion.
My point is, we keep hearing about how our bullpen arms are tired, and yet we go to using ‘em in the third inning tonight when our opponent ties us 3-3 with two out.
I’d have just stuck w/Jo Jo another batter or two to see if he’d get outta the inning and give us one more at least. Yeah, he might’ve given up another run or two (Oscar wound up doing just that, actually) but our bullpen doesn’t get burned up in the process.
By Robert
August 21, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
You just cant overcome stupidity
By Stuart
August 21, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
Here we go, watch everyone swing for the fences and take bad ABs now that we are behind.
By Ron
August 21, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
We better sign Frenchy to the SAME type of deal that we did with McCann!!! What MORE can you ask for of Frenchy!!! If we dont sign him long term this winter I will be p**!!! No reason not to lock him up long term!!! We should have enough money to sign him long term!!!
By eric the elder
August 21, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
gotigers, good analysis of our pitching situation, and it’s hard to disagree on any point. However, I think you were picking low hanging fruit, which is about all I could do on the same topic.
The problem isn’t so much the pitchers to discard as the pitchers who are to take their places. Who? And how do we get them? And at what cost? Those are the questions that JS and friends will have to address in the offseason. If he doesn’t, this blog might spontaneously combust.
By Superman
August 21, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
I could be wrong but it seems to me that moylan missing inside is like any other pitcher missing up in the zone.
By Savannah Guy
August 21, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
Scoots Very generous sir. As you’re scrolling through you’ll notice that Lew posted that he can’t go. Prior commitments. So much for ready, fire…aim.
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
Is KJ so tired he couldnt chase the baserunner back to 1st and tag him?
By Herschel Talker
August 21, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
If Cox weren’t the manager for the last 15 years, we’d have enough rings to fill Antonio Alfonseca’s hand.
By Ron
August 21, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
Are you FREAKING kidding me!!! Moylan is BACK out there AGAIN!!! He was NOT very good in the Bottom of the 6th!!!Let me get this straight when he pitches good and can go back out there for ANOTHER inning BC does NOT put him back out there, BUT when he pitches BAD BC puts him back out there!!! Please SOMEBODY ANYBODY tell me the logic in that? It may work out fine, but BC madness is getting downright pathedic!!!
By supa
August 21, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
bullpen let us down tonight. tomorrow will be tough with arroyo on the mound. he completely shut us down last time.
By Ron Roberts
August 21, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
Uh Robert, which bullpen arms would you have called on, tonight?
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
Come on boys……..muts are losing…….lets pick a game and mantain pressure on SD.
By Savannah Guy
August 21, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
when your 345 is going like this do you go to a 678? 411? 911?
By A-ville Ranger
August 21, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul I think almost any position player should be on the table for the right pitcher in the off season.I can think of only two or three I wouldn’t consider moving.
By mr baseball
August 21, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
There is basically no alternative to signing David Wells and putting him in the rotation Sunday. Unfortunately, Boomer may not be personally acceptable to our GM and manager, so the team may have to settle for the #4 starter or whatever at Richmond.
It’s almost amusing watching Cox try to manage the bullpen in a game like this. Just about every decision he makes is the wrong one, even if it appears reasonable.
Does he let JoJo face another hitter or put Oscar in? Wrong.
Does he leave Oscar in for another inning after an effective 4th or does he bring Mahay in with Griffey & Dunn coming up? Wrong.
Everybody here is whining & moaning about the starters other than Smoltz & Hudson, but James & Carlyle have been perfectly adequate in their roles until their last start or 2. It’s the other guys (Redman, Davies, Larue, Reyes, Cormier) who have been atrocious, and Cormier actually showed some promise in his last start. Let’s see what he does against the Reds.
The Braves need a veteran, even it’s one with as much baggage — physically & otherwise — as Wells. They also need a reliever for the next few days until Wells (or someone equally flawed) makes a start. JoJo has to go go. Joey Devine Part VI?
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
I’m getting tired of seeing “Chipper Jones in His Own Words,” “The Jeff Francouer Story” and endless reruns of an interview with Hank Aaron. I miss my old Turner South. You know, with spoken word and Val and Dave on ‘Junkin.
By Ron
August 21, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
Well it worked, but still I dont understand the move!!! But it worked so thats good!!! Now the damn Padres are winning!!! That sucks!!! Lets go Muts!!! Lets go Muts!!! Lets go Muts!!! Damn even saying Muts is bad enough, but for the Braves I will say it!!! Please lets get MORE runs!!!
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
This is a game no championship caliber team would let go away……
Obviously we arent that kind of team.
Not as i type.
By Tomahawkin' Again
August 21, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
We’re running out of innings here.
By BravesDave
August 21, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
There was a lot of discussion this afternoon about what would benefit the Braves more…Padres wins or Mets wins. The real point is that if the Braves win, they would benefit no matter who wins in the Mets-Padres series. Unfortunately, it seems like the Braves just can’t sieze opportunities when they are presented. They could have either tied for the wild card lead or moved to 4 games out. Instead, they will lose another game in the standings somewhere. What else is new.
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
OMG, Soriano is actually mnixing in a nice assortment of offspeed pitches. Who is this guy?
By Ron
August 21, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
We better take 3 out of 4 games from this sorry piece of crap team OR we dont even DESERVE to even win the Wildcard IF we end up not making the Wildcard!!! This is unbelievable!!! Pure Crap!!! What MORE can this offense do!!! Now Arroyo is starting tomorrow!!! He dominated us last time!!! We may clobber him or end up making him look like Cy Young!!! It will either be Close or a Blowout!!! When I say Close I mean we will end up only getting 2-3 runs or a blowout which means we get 6 or more runs!!! We gotta take 3 out of 4 from this crapy team!!! No split in this series!!! We split with this team, that is good for nothing!!!
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
I though in order to pick up games we had to win……..
Isnt that the way it is supposed to be?
By Savannah Guy
August 21, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Stink bug will go away now because he just realized how sick he is and how much he needs serious help. It just occurred to him that his life has no other purpose than to annoy others.
By Braves20
August 21, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
The similiarities betwen the McGriff year and the Tex year end at first base. The Braves the year McGriff came over had a pitching staff whose front four averaged just over 7 innings a start. After Smoltz and Hudson, we average what - 3 innings -not bad for Little League but a statistic that will spell an empty October for Braves and their fans. I have to agree with the blogger who suggested grabbing David Wells - how could he be any worse than what we’re throwing out there 60% ofthe time?
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
Well………this game was not lost bye jojo……. He put us in a bad position…..but it was lost by the BP.
So i guess everybody is doing their job.
TEAM WORK
By John Schuerholz
August 21, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
Does anyone have David Wells’ phone number???
By Stuart
August 21, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
Everybody here is whining & moaning about the starters other than Smoltz & Hudson, but James & Carlyle have been perfectly adequate in their roles until their last start or 2. It’s the other guys (Redman, Davies, Larue, Reyes, Cormier) who have been atrocious, and Cormier actually showed some promise in his last start. Let’s see what he does against the Reds.
I disagree. Buddy has been adegquate. (at best, for a 5, below average for a 4) James has not. He has been a huge disappointment. He has had his moments, but he has KILLED the pen all year with his early exits. If the braves had another guy in the 3 spot in the rotation that could give us innings, then BC could mix and match the bully for the shortcomings of the 5 hole, (and the 4 hole too, cause the market is about to crash on Buddy I fear.)
By Robert
August 21, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this
anyone been to Scotland here? I have a question.
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
David Weathers = Bob Wickman
By Robert
August 21, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this
“There is basically no alternative to signing David Wells and putting him in the rotation Sunday. Unfortunately, Boomer may not be personally acceptable to our GM and manager”
Lemme guess. Boomer wears sunglasses on his ballcap during bp
By A-ville Ranger
August 21, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
This team is the D-backs evil twin.We win a few pointless blowouts-they lose them.We lose most of the close tough games they win them.Tex didn’t bring IT with him that’s for sure.He may yet help find IT though…..Carroll —-we’re now setting a 85 wins pace with Teixeira.
By Stephen
August 21, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
Pitching costs us another game. So f’ing sick of this.
By Braves20
August 21, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this
God - David Weathers. It’s like hitting a ball off a tee and we make him look like frigging Goose Gossage.
By John Schuerholz
August 21, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
I am just going to pretend that I didn’t see Scott Thorman sent in to pinch run for Tex…in a potential extra inning game.
What is Cox thinking? Is Scott Thorman a speedster??
Wow, the playoff Braves have lost 4 out 5 to the Reds. Incredible. There is so much that I enjoed about this game tonight. For instance, Cox leaving Mahay in after it obvious that he was throwing batting practice tonight.
By TennesseePaul
August 21, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
Well, losing is the one thing the Braves can’t do and they did it anyway. I’ll admit though, the game was a lot closer than I thought it would be with JoJo starting. To bad that kid isn’t ready for the show.
I miss the days of the big three. Spoiled I guess. What would it take to pry Johan away from the Twins?
By Stuart
August 21, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
Yet ANOTHER TERRIBLE loss tonight. How many times are we going to have to watch this team BLOW winnable games like this? Unbelievable, just another cr@p fest. Another game of multiple times leading by multiple runs and they couldnt get it done. When is there going to be some accountablility from anyone? Ridiculous.
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
I HATE THE BRAVES MORE THAN I HATE THE MUTS
Its amaizing how they find a way to lose to such a bad team as the REDS.
They dont deserve nothing……. GOOO METS.
GOODNIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And ill see you in hell fokin bobby cox.
By Robert
August 21, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts on talking baseball—August 1, 07—”PLEASE…. I’d bet my first-born that Julio Franco doesn’t get designated.“—-don’t worry, you can keep the brat, but wrong again fruitcake!
By Iowa Brave
August 21, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Boy, this team gets to the 7th inning and can’t score. Bad start by JJ, ugly BP, but once again our lack of late inning hits is gonna cost us a game. Someone needs to light a fire under this team. If they don’t grab the wildcard lead by the end of the road trip, I think it’s safe to say the season is over.
By Greg in TN
August 21, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
If we come up short, too many nights like this is what will be the cause. I believe Trachsel is no upgrade from what we have now and I doubt that Wells is any better, but there aren’t a lot of other options out there.
Arroyo has given up some runs as of late so we have that going in our favor tomorrow.
By LT (double A blogger)
August 21, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Not enough pitching……..this team doesn’t have it. Just not enough pitching- score 8 runs and lose to the Reds.
And then depression set in…….
By ernesto
August 21, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
“Smoltz and Hudson and hope for somethin’” isn’t exactly panning out. You score 7 you should win.
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
This team is so bad the only thing they deserve if watch the muts win the world series…….but for their good, the muts are so bad also that they wont do.
NL is soooooooooooo bad………they should cancel 2008 World Series.
By Roberts
August 21, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
typo by the way—should have been Roberts—not Robert—sorry Robert.
By ernesto
August 21, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
how about, “james, carlyle, comiere the offense better go on a tear.”
By Ron Roberts
August 21, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
We’ve lost an awful lot of the games we get way ahead in early, too, ya know?
Can’t fault Bobby on the folks he called on out of the bullpen. They’ve all been proven pitchers for him, until tonight.
Positive vibe outta what we got from Soriano, at least.
But I still would’ve kept Jo Jo in there through four at least. Just my opinion.
Tough night for Chipper when we could’ve used maybe one more hit from him, too.
Eh, to lose w/Reyes as the starter - not such a shock.
Just getting very late in the season to not be making up ground on team(s) ahead of us in the division and the wild card. Phillies held on (now up by a game on us) and the Pads and Mets are tied, so we either stay a game back of the wild card and lose ground on the Mets (6 games back - yikes) or lose ground on the wild card and stay at 5 behind the NYMs.
I hate to even say it, but we’re better off if the Mets pull one out tonight.
By BravesDave
August 21, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
Robert, I have been to Scotland twice. I feel like going there now. The Braves games would not be on TV over there, so I would not have to torture myself.
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this
The Thorman pinch running move was classic Donk. Yes, perhaps he is a smidge faster down to second base than Tex. But that small advantage is FAR outweighed by the negative of having Thorman in the field and at the plate had the Braves tied the game.
By Ron
August 21, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
Im not even surprised!!! Now we HAVE to SOMEHOW win 2 straight against this team in order to take 3 out of 4 games!!! And that is a TALL task to win 2 straight games!!! Well this is the Braves at their finest!!! Win 1 lose l, win 3 lose 2, win 2 lose 3!!! Should I say more? But Fortunately for us this is the NL, or more likely unfortunately IT SEEMS like it is gonna get our hopes up!!!
By Ron Roberts
August 21, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
Hey Robert… you’ve yet to show your grapes with decisions you’d make, big shot.
You can take all the digs you can muster, but can’t seem to offer up anything substantive, other than your donk drivel.
Now, again I ask you… who should Bobby Cox have used out of the bullpen tonight, smart @@@?
By Robert
August 21, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
Methinks the smelly one has borrowed my name
Now, someone said
“What is Cox thinking?”
When Cox thinks, bad things happen to the Braves.
By Braves20
August 21, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
But wait there’s hope as Billy “Big Game” Wagner coughs up a run to the Padres in the ninth.
By Tomahawkin' Again
August 21, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
For whatever it’s worth, Padres just took a 6-5 lead in the top of the 9th. Like I typed, whatever. If you can’t beat the Reds, the Marlins and some of the other joke teams we have a losing record against this year, you don’t deserve the playoffs. Someone cue up Jim Mora Sr…playoffs? playoffs? did you say, playoffs?
By A-ville Ranger
August 21, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
The worst part of all this is Robert is starting to make sense….I need a break.—Overlord…good lord man a little perspective there.
By Ron Roberts
August 21, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
Robert(s)… that’s all ya got?
If memory serves, I was in the majority who believed that.
But then I’m not the one in the minority when somebody beats their incessant drum about Bobby Cox losing his job, either, am I?
By MetsFan
August 21, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
Mets win, 7-6 with 2 runs in the bottom of the ninth. You’re 6 games back. Since the All-Star break, the Mets have tripled their lead over you. Maybe you should ask Tex if he can pitch….
By NCBravesFan
August 21, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Disappointing. Hard to believe this team is going anywhere but the golf course in October.
By Alex
August 21, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Jo-Jo Reyes cost the Braves this game with his inability to go at least 5 innings!
Of course it will all be forgotten, and we’ll think about how terrible Mahay and Moyland pitched tonight, which was a pure sign of over working them.
Jo Jo is hanging the Braves out to dry, the last time he started before being send down to the AAA team, he pitched exactly the same, 3 innings in Arizona and that was it.
I also blame Chipper Jones tonight, who took so many bad swings against a mop up starter like Livingstone. Why Chipper, swingging at the first pitch twice and popping it up? WTF was that? Everyone else was getting good wood on the ball, or hitting it hard but Chipper.
Now let’s give a little credit to Andruw Jones, he came up with a meaningful hit for the first time in…I can’t even remember it’s been that long! A clutch hit from AJ…I had to look twice to make sure my eyes were not deceiving me!
Edgar should be in there tomorrow, more good news. Need him against Bronson, who pitched the Braves tough in the ATL during that 3 game Red’s sweep.
Need a solid start from Lance tomorrow! Gotta do it. Gotta pitch as good as he did the last time against Webb. If Lance Cormier gives up 3 runs tomorrow in 7-8 innings the Braves have a legit chance to score more than 3 and win the game. Arroyo has not been as dominating of late and has a losing record.
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
Ron you are right…….. im not sure what is it with bobby taking the SP so early……leave them at least 90 pitches, taking them out is not like bringing mariano rivera to shut down the other team. He keeps making the call to the BP and the bullpen is not doing the job. Keep the SP in. Thats just the way it is. You can take your pitcher as early as in the 3rd or 4th inning maybe once a week but not 3 times a weeks.
WHY CANT THIS OLD MAN GET IT!!!!!!!!
If we are gonna lose anyway, why burn the BP.
If there was something positive to say, is that we are in good shape if we win 3 out of 4 in this series, and that this one on paper was the one to lose, but GOD, while on the field, this was not a game to lose.
By S T i n KY
August 21, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
Wonder if Donkey’s eating carrots or greens tonight?
By Robert
August 21, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
From the official transcript of tonight’s game
Bottom of the 6th innings - We zoom in on Scott Thorman sitting at the end of the Braves bench
Thorman (talking on a cell phone) - That works. Book me the flight that leaves October 1st. (setting the phone down and wrinking his nose) HEY! Who farted? Geezus h…….
Corky Miller - (giving Thorman an elbow to the ribs and nodding towards where Bobby Cox is standing with one foot one the dugout, one hoof jammed up his left nostril, and a rapidly expanding area of clear space widening around him as the entire dugout recoils as is just hit by a grenade) He’s been thinking
Stadium Announcer - And the Reds take the lead
By BravesDave
August 21, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
Marlon Anderson just got ANOTHER big hit for the Mets off Trevor Hoffmann. Unbelievable. The Mets this season are kind of like the Braves of old, picking up players off of the scrap heap and having them contribute to win after win…Marlon Anderson, Damion Easley, Mike DeFilice, Jorge Sosa. And, of course, Luis Castillo finished off the rally with the winning hit.
Sorry people, the Braves are not catching the Mets.
By the way, the Braves made another bullpen look like a bunch of Rolaids Relief Award winners…the Reds bullpen goes through the Braves lineup throwing 45 pitches in 4 1/3 scoreless innings. Meanwhile, the Braves bullpen needs 71 pitches to get through the last 4 innings…and gives up 3 runs to lose the game.
Losing 4 out of 5 to the Reds. 6 games behind the Mets. But, hey, we are only a game out in the wild card race.
By Robert
August 21, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts - Maybe Donk shouldnt have used 3 relievers in a ten run win last night - and then Mahay and Moylan wouldve been fresher
By DSGB
August 21, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
In case anyone wants to know, the Phillies Cole Hamels is going to skip his next start (tom) and maybe more with elbow discomfort. I don’t wish bad health on anyone but this is good news for us.
By Steve
August 21, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
This was another one of those games the Braves should win 3 out of 4 times, yet lose. Seems as if we lose over half of these type games we should be winning 75% of. Which is why the won-loss record is what it is instead of possibly being the best in baseball.
Looks as if the most critical event in this game was Mahay possibly being a little worn from overuse. But why was he possibly worn from overuse? Were his recent appearances in games which were close and in doubt?
Or was he foolishly put in games which were blowouts, thus setting up his appearance in tonight’s close game when he was less than fresh, and when it was predictable over the past past few days that he’d likely be needed tonight if the game was competitive.
Andruw Jones comes up with his bimonthly meaningful clutch hit, and it’s wasted.
By TNRON
August 21, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
This team does not deserve to even be considered a playoff team,much less talk about the division.Because of Bob “Pollyanna” Cox who believes you can make chicken salad out of chicken crap if you have enough patience.If you asked the obvious question why not use Villareal as the # 5 starter,I venture to say the answer would sound a lot like “Well He’s really valuable as a long man”.Which is harder to find? A starter of a mop up man.How many games have we came back to win when he came in when the back end of the rotation imploded?maybe he wouldnt be any better than the misfits we tried.But he sure couldnt be any worse.Cox’s foolish confidence will see us at home in October.
By Savannah Guy
August 21, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
SP=911 It’s time for a Braves move…unless 2008 is the strategy. Well alrighty then. On that note denizens, no matter the time zone:
Good morning, good evening and good night.
By MLKJ
August 21, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
Great…We shall over come, or will we?
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
Ill have to admit Bobby cox aint no magician……. He cant pitch for his pitchers…… he is to old to do that.
I dont get it…… if it was clear that jojo cant pitch in the bigs just yet, what is he doing here?
I wonder what have Glenn Hubbard said to KJ after he refused to take the runner that was going to 2b out Im 1000000000000% Yunel would have done the right play and maybe those runs would have never scored…. We will never know.
By Miss Manners
August 21, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
Captivating television: “In His Own Words-Chipper Jones.”
“Uh”
By A-ville Ranger
August 21, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this
This sucks….it blows big fat smelly chunks of unindentifiable…..stuff !!But to claim it made no sense pulling Reyes is bs.If Bobby had not pulled him and he’d given up another run (likely sense he looked to be in full meltdown) this blog would have been overrun with Robert clones explaining how any fool should have pulled him.There was nothing about this loss brought on by a game decision.There is one manager however and the overall play of the team is his responsibility.
By hr
August 21, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
Losing James won’t hurt. You can start Jo Jo 4 nights in a row, every 4 days. No longer than he stays in, he won’t get tired. I have been a Braves fan, way before the big run of Division Championships, but it is over for the year. Just no pitching. I have given up. I swear, we would do better some nights letting the other team hit it off a tee. Probably less Home Runs. It is plain depressing.
By Eric C.
August 21, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this
METS FAN, or “No Chop Zone” or whoever the he!! you are… The mets may have done the Braves a favor by beating the Padres. In the end, the wildcard works out just as well as the division. Once the playoffs begin, no one gives a s#!t how you got there!
By ijonathan
August 21, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
Amen Steve. As I said earlier, Mahay pitched an inning on Saturday (blow out loss) and yesterday (blow out win). WHY oh WHY do you use your designated left-handed “specialist” in two blowout games close together?? Especially when you knew at some point this series you would need him to get out Griffey and Dunn. Blow out games are ones where you give more work to guys who are struggling like Yates, or pitch Oscar for a couple of innings, or Manny Acosta. Ahhhh.
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
Im not sure if Renteria return is such a good news as some might think, i mean, did he learn how to pitch while on DL?
This pitching staff is sooooo tired that im not sure if they will be able to make the last out this season.
Fatigue is everywhere…… I dont remember a single braves pitcher give a sign of emotion for the last 3 months. The just go pitch and hope they can get out of the stadium fast before the game goes out of hand.
Im not sure if they are not hungry or if the fatigue is so huge that they can barely breath.
We need an entire new pitching staff.
And about the comments on the matter that we should have scored more runs in the last innnings, thats not the point to me……. 7 runs against the reds, while we are in the pennant race and they are not, we should win, no need for 20 runs, 7 is enough to ask to the offense. Defense was OK besides KJ mental mistake.
Cant win if pitcher just cant take anybody out.
By fastasballs
August 21, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
Tonight was a must win considering they face a guy tomorrow night that completely dominated them earlier this season. The Braves can’t split with team like the Reds, 3-1 is the only way ground can be gained. The only blessing is Harang is not pitching against us this series.
The 5th starter has been the biggest weakness this team has had all season. Also 3rd & 4th starters who can’t get out of the 6th has caused the pen to be over worked. Also contributing to the tired bullpen has been Cox’s decisions of running out multible guys in blowout wins/losses.
Even a remotely effective Mike Hampton would have chewed innings. JS went in to this season counting on Hudson to return to form (check) & Hampton to eat innings & be effective (not great).
Unless the payroll gets expanded don’t expect any great starters being picked up for next year. The minors are full of bats, but lacking arms until you get to low A. I would keep an eye on a guy named Cole Rohrbough, he’s averaged 1.5 strikeouts an inning & seems able to locate the plate.
Maybe JS trades Edgar & a few prospects for an established starter, that’s the only hope I see in that department.
By BravesDave
August 21, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
DSGB, Hamels missing a start is good news for the Braves how exactly? The Braves just announced that Chuck James will be missing two starts and that they will be replacing him in the rotation with bullpen coach Eddie Perez. In addition, the Phillies haven’t missed a beat while moving Adam Eaton, Brett Myers, Freddy Garcia out of their rotation for various reasons. Nor have they missed a beat without Bourn, Victorino, and Utley. So, I would slow down on the ‘good news’ angle. When the Braves can’t beat the Reds more than once in 5 games, the troubles or non-troubles of the Phillies are meaningless.
By MetsFan
August 21, 2007 10:38 PM | Link to this
Eric what about the fact that you just got outplayed by the Reds makes you think you’re going to the playoffs?
By Eric C.
August 21, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this
You know…think of all those division titles the Braves won followed by a wasted post-season…only to be snake-bitten by a team that just squeaked into the playoffs.
It would be poetic justice to have the Braves squeak into the wildcard spot this year and bite another team in the a$$…lol.
By mets fan in atlanta
August 21, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
Eric, do you really believe this braves team will even get to the playoffs? And if they do, do you really think they will be able to beat Brandon Webb? Understand, the Braves will probably be in the wild card race until the last day or so (if they’re lucky), so Smoltz or Hudson will probably be pitching the last game of the season. So all of a sudden you’ve got James, Cormier, or Carlyle as your Game 1 starter against Webb. Now Webb will get two starts, while your ace only gets one.
It looks a little bleaker now, doesn’t it? All of a sudden the bullpen is getting taxed from the beginning of the series, and you’ve got at least one of that triumvurate pitching twice in the series.
This scenario is scaring me, and I’m a mets fan.
By Eric C.
August 21, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
MetsFan…and what juggernaut do you see pulling away with the wildcard? If the Braves take care of business with the Phillies…who else is going to take it? Every team is flawed. Once again, get into the playoffs and it’s a new season…so mets, keep beating the Padres and Phillies.
By monty
August 21, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this
Tonight Bobby Cox must be singing that old Santana song “i aint got nobody, that i can depend on.” I was ready for Moylan to take over the closers role and now this catastrophe. It doesn’t seem to matter who Bobby goes with when the game is on the line,they underacheive. Nobody really able to step up at the right time. It doesn’t look like we’re much better than a .500 team right now when Huddy and Smoltzie aren’t in there. It doesn’t look good and I’m an optomist.
By Todd A
August 21, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
“Ron Roberts - Maybe Donk shouldnt have used 3 relievers in a ten run win last night - and then Mahay and Moylan wouldve been fresher:
Robert, I was scratching my head on that one last night too. Especially when you consider the 3, 4, and 5 spots in the rotation are on deck, and you’re facing a pretty good lineup, in a band-box no less.I know Huddy had to grind it out a little.He was without his typical good stuff, but, no reason he couldn’t go at least 7 innings with that huge cushion. No reason to use Moylan and Mahay in that type of game. None. It was a very curious move by Cox, and it bit them in the @$$ tonight.
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
ijonathan are you a Braves fan??? Why are you asking this questions??? The answer is well known…….. For any absurd question you cant find the answer…….the answer is bobby cox, if he does not fit as a good answer then the answer is the pitching staff (5th spot preferably) and last but not least the answer might be AJ.
All bad moves you cant understand…….. the answer is sitting on the bench and has been sitting there since 1990 and is wearing #6 on his jersey.
By SR
August 21, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this
What possible difference will it make how productive Texiera is with this worthless pitching staff? Jeesh, yo gotta feel sorry for Cox, after all, who the hell can he count on? You got 2/5ths of a starting staff, a bunch of has beens and never weres and a bullpen full of gas cans. Honestly, who remembers a weaker Braves pitching staff from 1-12 or however the hell many they are carrying? No way does this team win the division and if by some miracle, they make the playoffs, they will end the same way they have ended for the past 10+ years. Frustrated, hell yeah I am frustrated!!!!! Fix the bleeping pitching staff GM, make it your top damn priority in the offseason.
Yeah, I will give kudos for trying to fix the pen by acquiring Gonzalez and Soriano but one blew out his arm who knows when the other will give up his next bomb? Then you have the other stiffs, Yates, Villareal, Cormier, Paronto yada, yada, yada. Fix the blanking bullpen and starting staff. Just do it.
These guys are frickin’ unwatchable.
By monty
August 21, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this
Andrew had a big hit last night and a big hit tonight. Plus he is wincing and looks like he’s about to cry everytime he swings and misses. Lets give him a little credit for playing hurt. If he wasn’t in there most of you guys would fault him for not playing.Darned if you do and darned if you don’t. Compare his numbers with Aaron Rowan for the Phillies who is having a career year and the homeruns and rbi’s are almost identical. Yes he bats .300 and Andrew could be doing much better than he is. But he has been hurt all year.I have had a hyperextended elbow myself playing golf . it can be excruciating when you move the wrong way.Just the thought of knowing how it’s going to feel when it hits you will change your swing to try to protect youself.
By Eric C.
August 21, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
MF in Atlanta…I’ll take Smoltz, Hudson, and a healthy James/Carlyle in a short series any time with the Braves offense.
Brandon Webb, the greatest post-season pitcher of all time…lol! Maddux was one of the greatest regular season pitchers ever, but he was very ordinary in the post-season. Let Webb prove himself in the playoffs…I’m sure the Braves would be happy to give him a chance.
By CobbBrave
August 21, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this
Wow! Some really rude people on this blog! Not a place I want to spend my time.
By BravesDave
August 21, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
Everyone keeps pointing to the fact that the Braves won’t have to face Harang in this series with the Reds. Ummmm…big deal. They just lost to the Reds in a game started by Bobby Livingston for the second time this season. Apparently, the Braves can lose games whether they are facing Aaron Harang, Brandon Webb, Micah Owings, or Bobby Livingston. On the flip side, the Braves opponents seem incapable of losing games started by JoJo Reyes, Chuck James (lately), Lance Cormier (all season), or Buddy Carlyle (lately).
By Eric C.
August 21, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
Monty…that tells you how much AJ’s defense means for him to still be in the line-up. I wish he could sit out for a few weeks and perhaps get the elbow to feel a little better…I mean, Willie Harris isn’t all that bad in CF is he? Having AJ back up to 85 or 90% would be a significant difference.
By N8
August 21, 2007 11:15 PM | Link to this
“Lets give him a little credit for playing hurt. If he wasn’t in there most of you guys would fault him for not playing”
Count me in on the group that would COMMEND him for sitting for a while. 75 percent of the “old” Andruw was better than most if not all other CF’s in the game. 75 percent of the current version isn’t good enough to be better than Aaron Rowand, among others. Mike Cameron is looking pretty good right about now…YIKES.
On a side note, it appears that the train wreck known as our bullpen has finally derailed the last two reliable “cars” at the end of the train, with Mayhay’s and Moylan’s performance tonight.
If those two don’t perform, we’ve got NO SHOT. As it stands, it’s looking less and less like this team WANTS to win. 19-18 since the break isn’t good enough. Unless what you’re aiming for is being a mediocre, .500 team. If THAT’S the goal. We’re the best. Crown us now.
At least Tex can hit, right?
By Ron
August 21, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
mets fan in atlanta makes a good point about us probably being in the Wildcard race at the VERY end, and then having Smoltz AND Hudson pitching the LAST 2 games of the Season!!! And then we will have James, and Carlyle or Cormier pitching game 1 AND game 2!!! Dude THANKS for saying that!!! You did NOT have to go THAT far!!! What did We ever do to you!!! Thats just PLAIN mean man!!! I would NOT even Wish that on your team!!! Damn a Met fan that is probably right about something!!! But in the end IF we can win the Wildcard thats ALL that matters!!! But damn dude, that is scarring the hell out of me with that rotation in the first round!!! For some reason I really did not think of that scenario!!! Thanks again dude!!!
By Overlord
August 21, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
monty if the guy is hurt does it means he has to hurt the rest of the team? If he is hurt i dont think anyone would say he is a lady. Gonzo is hurt, Hampton is hurt and i dont see anyone here saying those guys are gays or something. Dotel is on the DL and noone is complaining. If AJ is really hurting there is no use putting him in the lineup, it is even worse, it makes him look bad, very bad.
By A Jones 25
August 21, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
You have to give my agent Boras credit. He came up with the sore wrist thing to explain my bad season and everyone is buying it. Woo Hoo! I’m gonna get $20 million per season!!!!!
I want my cleanup spot back. Did you see that guy Tex take a walk in the 9th. I would have been swinging for the fences. No walks for me in a clutch spot.
Oh well…time to eat my big bowl of Chili. Bobby lost the game by not hitting me cleanup. Maybe he will wise up tomorrow.
I will leave you with this brain teaser. If the camera catches Bobby picking 75% of the times they focus on him, what does he do when the camera isn’t on him?
By A-ville Ranger
August 21, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
Fastasballs The payroll was expanded for Tex.If Andruw isn’t re-signed it should open 12 million or so for pitching.I don’t see any front line free agent starters so it’s back to the swap meet for JS.If you have any belief in Mike Hampton you should run for office.
By uga-brave
August 21, 2007 11:19 PM | Link to this
hey face it this season was in trouble the day mike hampton blew out his elbow, to compound this lance cormier was actually pitching well in the spring. unfortunately this masked the real need to make a trade for an inning eater.
the braves tried to use paste and duct tape in the one place that you just cant.
looking back there was never really a 4 or a 5 pitcher just names on a jersey, and not one of them pitched remotely well (maybe carlyle). this team would of at least walked away with the wild card with a healthy MIKE HAMPTON.
the worst part about all this is, this is the worst the trio has performed all year.
By gotigers72
August 21, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
THAT’S why the Braves can’t run off a streak. The pure putridness of spots 3-5. They need a streak like they had when they won all of those division titles. Haven’t had one of those this year.
6 games back now. May as well start concentrating on the Wild Card. I hate to, but I guess I’m going to have to pull for the Mutts the next 2 days, and the Dodgers too. Those thoughts make me physically ill, but it looks like Wild Card is going to be the best shot for the Braves.
eric the elder I really don’t know what the Braves will do next year to fill 3-5, but here are some thoughts. 1 - DOB blogged earlier in the year that Soriano said that he either wants to be a starter or the closer next year. Apparently he has been a starter before, so that would be an option for 3-5. 2 - Free agent. I don’t know who’ll be available, but it’s an option. 3 - Trade 4 - Somebody in the minors. I keep up with the Braves minor leaguers, but there is not much there above the A level. Ascanio is at AA, but I assume he is just a reliever.
I don’t think the Braves can count on Hampton. He hasn’t pitched in 2 years, and there’s no guarantee his arm won’t blow again. I can’t see JoJo being ML ready anytime soon. His problem is the same place Davies’ problem was at, between the ears. How can you not have control problems at AAA, but can’t throw a strike on the ML level? I don’t see Cormier or Carlyle in the rotation next year, and if Chuck is in at the start of the year, I don’t think he will be at the All Star break. I just think he’s regressing instead of progressing. You don’t lead the league in home runs given up per innings pitched and call it progress.
By N8
August 21, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
“No reason to use Moylan and Mahay in that type of game. None. It was a very curious move by Cox, and it bit them in the @$$ tonight.”
Bobby Cox at his finest. But there’s only one correction to make. From my angle, it’s decisions like that, that have been biting them in the @$$ for YEARS. Not just tonight. That combined with NOT having Brayan Pena up. If he was up, serving as an uber-utility guy, one more bench player could go down (besides Corky), and another pitcher could be brought up. Even if the SOLE purpose of said pitcher, is to pitch in blowouts like last nights game, to save the “good arms” for when they are really needed. Or if the blowout is going the other way as well.
Unreal.
By DSGB
August 21, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
BravesDave The Phillies are in front of us in the wild card race and their 14 game winning ace Cole Hamels will not make his scheduled star tom. Every game matters and us losing Chuck James is not nearly the same as the Phillies losing Hamels for any period of time. They have a better chance of winning with him on the mound than anyone else and this gives us more opportunities to catch and pass them for the wild card lead.
By uga-brave
August 21, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this
oh by the way BRAVE-DAVE mr. livingston reached base five times in a row against us four hits in atlanta and a leadoff walk tonight.
dont know if would matter but would like to see hudson and smoltz not pitching back to back . if nothing else it might reduce the tax on the bullpen.
the division is for all intents over. time to attempt to embrace the wild card. really though this team cant execute when the game is on the line. no defense i.e. johnson, no clutch hitting and the inability of our pichers to put subpar hitters away. JORGE FRICKIN CANTU. like i have been saying it is going to take a streak, and teams just dont reinvent themselves at this point of the season.
By BravesDave
August 21, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
Has anyone considered that maybe Andruw is having trouble with his eyesight? I am not joking. When I watch him at the plate, he seems to jump out of the way of pitches that are barely inside. I am wondering if he is having trouble picking the ball up out of the pitcher’s hand. It would be one explanation for how a career .265 hitter suddenly cannot maintain a .220 average. And certainly a better excuse than an elbow injury that apparently occurred well into a season where Andruw was already performing poorly.
I am having trouble with my eyesight while watching this team in their supposed ‘playoff push’. 36 games left, 7 games back in the loss column. Division race over. I am not trying to dig on DOB here, but I wonder if he still thinks the Braves are going to win the East.
3-3 road trip, followed by a 3-3 homestand, followed by a 1-1 trip so far. .500 team, nothing more, nothing less.
By Todd A
August 21, 2007 11:40 PM | Link to this
Monty, the hyper-extension came in the Phillies series at the end of May.Andruw was at/below the Mendoza line well before the injury. Now, I’m not doubting he’s hurting. Unfortunately, we don’t have a position in the Major Leagues calling for a designated outfielder. Andruw has to step up to the plate at least 4 times a game. And, thanks to our esteemed manager, those at bats usually come in crucial situations, with several runners on base. If he can’t swing , he shouldn’t be playing. Period. Either way, if he’s going to be in this lineup, he should be hitting 8th. He did come through the last two nights. I’ll give him that.
By BBUA
August 21, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
We are not getting anything from our # 3,4 or 5 starters right now. James has a tired arm and hopefully he will be able to make his next start. Carlyle has slumped the last two starts and hasn’t been effective. Cormier has looked better but I’m not sure what to expect from him. Reyes simply is not ready.
Why haven’t the braves considered David Wells or Josh Towers. I know thier records aren’t any better than what we have. Wells is a veteran and may be able to give us a boost at the tail of the rotation. Towers has pitched in the AL and his numbers should be better in the NL. Both would be help the tail end of the rotation and both could be had for a small price.
What do you guys think???
By The Grinch
August 21, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this
Howdy, all. The Grinch will not likely be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays as he will be in class all day and most of the evening.
Man, am I exhausted. Stretching my neck looking at the campus honeys all day is a strenuous job, but someone has to do it. Now, who let the Braves lose tonight? Y’all are supposed to do better when I’m not here.
As for Lew, don’t let him fool you into thinking he has something better to do (or any other alternative besides picking belly-button lint, for that matter). I’ll chip in too. SG and scoots, my adress is voton1066@yahoo.com.
G’night, all; tomorrow will be a better day.
By Mets rule You drool
August 21, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
alright you b*** Ill be at the game on the 1st & 2nd in section 212 in case anyof you Necks want to show your’e faces.Prabably not cause the Ted will be full of Mets Fans HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ROTFLMAO!!
Mets win, Mets Win. Hows that taste necks?????
By uga-brave
August 21, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
well even the kool-aid drinkers finally got a shot of reality tonight. i kind of get the feeing though no matter what this team does it just wont be good enough. score runs, no pitching. pitch well and not enough runs. play a close game and the defense and the bullpen melt down. if there was ever a time for a so called closed door meeting now is the time.
all this being said you can only put so much lipstick on a pig.
By BBUA
August 21, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this
6 Games out, WOW I agree with a lot of you guys, it’s going to be very difficult if not impossible to overtake the Mets. I’m actually starting to worry about our wild card chances. Outside of Smoltz, Hudson and occassionally a good job from the bull pen, our pitching is horrible.
JS will have to address this in the offseason. We need 2 good SP for the rotation and I’m not sure where they will come from. I agree Renteria will be traded for help.
I guess we will need to start up the hot stove league early this year. Got to get some sleep, see you guys in the morning.
By Todd A
August 21, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
Just a suggestion Drooler, try spell check. It can help mask your stupidity.
By BravesDave
August 21, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this
Once again, DSGB, the Phillies started the season with a rotation of Hamels, Myers, Garcia, Moyer, and Eaton in mind. Three of them have been moved out of the rotation for various reasons. The Phillies have not skipped a beat. The majority of posters on the blog felt that losing Utley was going to kill the Phillies season…same response, no desire to see injuries but good news for the Braves. Ummm, the Phillies are 14-9 since the Utley injury. The Braves are 11-11 since the Utley injury, meaning the Phillies have gained 2.5 games on the Braves since Utley went down (not to mention that the Braves added Teixiera around the same time). So, the Phillies have shown that they can handle plenty of adversity this season. The Braves haven’t handled any. A couple of injuries and their pitching staff is in shambles. Hamels misses a start…big deal. The Braves can’t beat the Reds right now.
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
Is MLB so poor in pitching? At least in the NL there not a team that has a completely dominant pitching staff. Not even SD. The yankees couldnt do better than roger clemens. Zambrano is getting paid as if he was pedro or clemens or dave stewart.
The muts and all their money couldnt do better that the staff they have… bad.
Where has pitching gone. It is affecting teams like us that depend on it.
By Dad
August 22, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this
Well! Braves fans. Your Braves are now 6 games behind the Mets. The Braves are a “dead horse” with only two staring pitchers that give them a chance to win. The braves 3, 4 and 5 starters are automatic losses every time they pitch. The Braves bullpen is in shambles. The Braves have no chance to overtake the Mets. The Braves chance to be the wild card team are slowly slipping away. Braves fans! Just forget about making the playoffs in 2007. When Pedro returns, you braves fans can enjoy the Mets winning the World Series. The trade for Teixiera was a wasted trade. He is only going to help the Braves finish third in the NL East.
By BravesDave
August 22, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this
Hey, uga, don’t worry. Everything is fine. So what if the Braves have lost 4 out of 5 to the Reds. Just a small bump on the road to the playoffs. (That is me being positive - and blind)
The wild card is there for the taking. Unfortunately, the Braves refuse to take it.
By uga-brave
August 22, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this
well if there is one positive to be taken from all of this, the blog has never been more negative than it has been tonight.still think the braves will try to add someone like traschel, or wells by sept. 1 and try to catch lightning in a bottle. CANT BELIIEVE I JUST SAID THAT. desperate times desperate measures.
By uga-brave
August 22, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this
anyone else here have their doubts about ROGER MCDOWELL? not to be obvious but he has not exactly coached anybody up. in fact he has really been not what any of us expected. the guy had a reputation for being loose, but he really kind of looks like he might be in over his head. i think he might be on borrowed time. have not heard any brave make a peep about him good or bad, so you know what that means.
By Mets rule You drool
August 22, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this
NEW YORK METS 2006 WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How’s that taste??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Its not to late to jump on board & route for a winner, the Amazins are gonig to win the series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Bob, Journalist
August 22, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
10Paul, I agree with “Too bad that kid isn’t ready for the show” … why did they bring him back up? I guess conventional wisdom says that it was because he did well after being sent down … but wasn’t he doing well before he came up the first time?
Actually, they must have thought he had corrected his problem(s) … but, if it were mechanical, he wouldn’t go from Henry Jekyll to Edward Hyde when he changes uniforms.
We don’t get SS but it sounded like he pitched scared … he got 8 outs, walked 4 and gave up 4 hits … but, had Oscar not given up the double … well, you never know but I would have probably left him in to battle his demons … or used Soriano to face the one batter and let Oscar pitch the next 2 innings.
It’s almost like he came up, said “here I am, hit me if you can” … Buddy Carlyle style … did pretty well too, then got lit up and said “oh my gosh, these guys are good … what am I doing here?” … got sent back down …
Send him back down, let him win a starting position in the spring, feel like he belongs and become a star … maybe.
This and that …
Bowman says that if we’re gonna make it to the post season, it’ll be up to the offense to get us there … methinks that sounds a little crazy; we know that we’ve got a good offense when they stay focused, play baseball and don’t try to hit homeruns … of course it’s up to Terry to see that they have a plan … dynamically changing throughout the game, based on the pitching … but the ones who are going to get us there must be Roger and the pitchers … if they do their job, we’ll get there … if they don’t, we won’t; at least that’s my opine … they’re better than most think.
It still a team game … we lost by one run … had Jo Jo not walked 4 … had Brian handled him differently … had Oscar not given up the double had the offense scored after the 5th … had it not been Tuesday.
I think that one of the hardest things to evaluate is what constitutes an overtaxed bullpen … and the actual impact being tired has on the effectiveness of the pitchers … methinks it pitcher specific and most complex.
One thing’s for sure, if things do go badly, some fans may give up on the team but the players won’t quit trying to win.
Chuck James is a concern … on the DL because of a tired arm, when we’re in a heated race with limited pitching options … I’m sure that rest will help but were I Chuck and the Braves, I’d want to know what’s causing what is evidently a recurring problem … of course, it could be just internal rationalization for poor performance or the result of experimentation with a new pitch.
This is a new experience for Chipper too …
By uga-brave
August 22, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this
one other positive and i am searching. as much as everyone is in agreement that chip caray sucks, at least we did not have to listen to DON SUTTON explain every little obvious detail to us this year. have not heard one person say they miss him or that absolute moron boob rathbun.
By Alex
August 22, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this
Muts FOOL, I will be there Sunday the 2nd, and I will be looking for you. You think I’m kidding, I’m not. If I can’t find you, I’ll just pick out the next most obnoxious MUTS fan and just beat the hell out of him.
I’ve had about enough of your crap for one season. Let’s see if you are that bold in person!
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this
The NL has never been so wildly wide open. Anybody could go to the WS, pick your winner muts, phillies, braves, cards, cubs, brewers, Dbacks, padres. None of those teams have show to be consistent, dominant, great, unbeatable, untouchable, none. And then what, they get there and the bosox, the yankees, the indians the tigers or he angels will be waiting to teach them a lesson.
It is so strange….. the braves are one of the few teams that have a 1-2 punch good enough to beat an AL team, but the rest of the pitching staff is sooooooooooo bad that there is no chance of them getting there. On the other hand, What about SD, they have the pitching to get there, but, is it good enough to top the big machines of the AL ? Plus they also have good pitching there….. maybe if SD gets to the WS they wont score a single run. What about the muts. There hitter are struggling so bad…. except for reyes and wright (both underachieving anyway), and then beltran is starting to heat up but he is so banged up that come october you wouldnt be able to tell. Alou? he is also hurting. Pitching? As tired as Braves staff and there 1-2 consist of glavine that has been the glavine we all knew and hernandez that was on the dl so who knows. Maine is gone, perez has not been close to his pre-allstar numbers.
By BravesDave
August 22, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this
uga, do you remember that whole debate where people were telling me that I was crazy to say the Braves needed a long winning streak? Remember this one - “if the Braves win 2 out 3 in every series for the rest of the season, they will make the playoffs, they don’t need a winning streak”? That was a good one. Hypothetically correct, realistically ridiculous.
Remember my prediction, uga, I said that the Braves would go 6-6 in the last 12 games of this 16 game stretch against the Giants, DBacks, Reds, Cards, and Marlins. So far, they are 2-2. And that was after going 2-2 against the Giants and DBacks in the first four games of this 16 game stretch. They needed 13-3 and they are probably going to go 8-8 (if they are lucky).
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this
i think the 2006 champions are the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS…… it was that way last i checked.
By Bob, Journalist
August 22, 2007 12:30 AM | Link to this
“NEW YORK METS 2006 WORLD CHAMPIONS” did you save that banner from last year? I’ll grant you this … they came closer last year than they will this!
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this
As things are going, i wouldnt be surprised to see the cards win the central. Braves winning the WC and playing the Dbacks. Muts beating up on the Cards since their pitching is not good. And the Dbacks beating on the muts since the have the east teams number. So maybe the DBacks will be in the WS.
What about does angels…… Dbacks angaist the angels…….. would that be more boring that angels vs Barry bonds?
By Mets rule You drool
August 22, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this
whatever 2007 champions is what I ment.The Cardinals just got lucky but NOT this year!
Your just mad cause you know the AMAZINS RULE and the Braves stink like your’e stool, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
By MetsFan
August 22, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this
Overlord The Mets have scored between 5-7 runs in something like their past 8 games straight. How exactly are their hitters “struggling so bad?” The Met offense is clicking on all cylinders right now. And Maine is gone? Uh…where did he go?
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this
I checked………its was the cardinals that won the WS in 2006…….. and i saw something about them making the muts cry in the NLCS. Weird.
Maybe i missed something……….did they played another WS in november or something?
By BravesDave
August 22, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this
I know this is somewhat repetitive, but what is Bobby Cox thinking by continuing to use Oscar Villarreal in long relief when it is obvious that JoJo Reyes and every other 5th starter this season has been an unmitigated disaster? It becomes even more imperative now that Chuck James is on the DL and Carlyle is falling apart. The guy started 4 games last season, 1 win and 3 ND (but the Braves were 3-1 in his starts). He pitched 18 innings had an ERA of 3.50 as a starter. I suppose the Braves couldn’t use a starter that can produce a 3.50 ERA right now. There are no other options. Unless they call David Wells an option. JoJo Reyes cannot be put out there again in a playoff race. This is mind-boggling.
Bob J, when has Chuck James been experimenting with a new pitch??? While playing his XBOX???
By uga-brave
August 22, 2007 12:47 AM | Link to this
BRAVE-DAVE, funny you said that, was thinking i have not seen your buddy CHASE around here lately. i had the same argument with DOB around the time we were at the dbacks. look it will be improbable that we make the playoffs without a 12 out of 15. for the life of me though i just dont see it. the cards are playing better and we always play poorly in fla.
this whole season will probably end up like greek tragedy. but then again chase might just try to tell you if we just win every two out of three with seven left we will be fine.
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this
Where did he go? i dont know…… you tell me, you are the mut fan.
All cylinders? if that is all cylinders they should change their machine……
As far as i can see reyes is barely over .300, delgado is barely over .250. Beltran was below .270, he just got hot for a pair of games and went over the .270 line. Your catcher is hitting .231 and LoDuca is having a bad year. Green has 34 RBI, and thats your RF…… i think even the nats RF has more RBIs than that.
By Mets rule You drool
August 22, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this
Tomorrow makes 7 games back.8 in the loss collum, its over. can’t wait to watch you necks cry when i’m at the Turd watching the Amazins kick some butt.
Ill bring a few extras Mets hats in case you want to switch sides and cheer for a winner. ROTFL HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!!!!!!!!!!!
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this
Im pretty sure no member of your team will get to 100RBI…… that is a bad sign to me. Reyes is supposed to be the most exciting player in the majors and he is 5th in SB……..come on man. What kind of offense is that.
I have to admit……. they look good on paper. But admit it, they are playing injuried…… alou, delgado, beltran, valentin out for the year, reyes is underachiving (he could do better).
If it was full cylinder you would be resting your banged up players by know.
By uga-brave
August 22, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this
hey the mets are my least favorite team too, though i really hated them more when valentine was there. gotta give them their props though they are getting the job done. tonight just a perfect example beat young,hoffman, and got key contributions from marlon anderson and others.
the thing that irks me the most about this version of the braves is they dont have any sense of urgency.
unless a couple of pitchers on this team get a serious gut check, i think it will all be college football talk around labor day.
By BravesDave
August 22, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this
This whole ‘outslugging the opponent’ strategy that Schuerholz put together is not working out well. It is difficult to outslug your opponents when your own pitchers are having trouble retiring the opposing pitchers at the plate. LaRussa might hit his pitchers in the cleanup spot the way the Braves staff is pitching lately.
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 1:05 AM | Link to this
I could use some of those hats…… could you please give me some of those muts hats? IM OUT OF TOILET PAPER.
HAHAHAHAHAHA
By MetsFan
August 22, 2007 1:05 AM | Link to this
Overlord Here’s the number of runs the Mets have scored in their last few games: 7,8,7,6,7,10,5. Sounds pretty healthy to me. The difference, you see, is the Mets also have this thing called pitching, which really helps to win baseball games. I know you guys don’t need to worry about that, because you went out and got TEX! And tell me, if the Mets are so bad, why are they 18 games over .500, while the Braves are….6 games over. And falling fast. Ouch.
By uga-brave
August 22, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this
guys we are six behind the mets quit arguing with them, we had our chances and we have failed up to this point. right now you guys might as well be trying to shoot down planes with spitwads. if you want to argue about something why not get bobby to give you the definition of insanity, because right now i am sure he has got that one down.
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this
The answer is easy…….. all the NL sucks.
If that aint true……. name a NL team that could beat the red sox or the angel or the tiger in the WS.
PLEASE BE SERIOUS IN YOUR ANSWER.
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this
And if the muts offense is so good, why did they gave up 2 minor leaguer for a 41 year old guy?
If that offense is so good, how come they came 1 hit shy of been sweept by a weak braves pitching???
By Random
August 22, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this
By Bob, Journalist (August 18, 2007 3:42 PM): ” … the biggest problem with telling lies is that after a while, you start believing them …”
I disagree — the thing about lies is, the lies we tell all too often become true. The problem (if any exists) all depends on what kinds of lies we tell.
By Stonecold Steve Austin
August 22, 2007 1:23 AM | Link to this
Mets drool you are without a doubt the dumbest sumbich that ever hit the post button on this blog—bottom line!
By MetsFan
August 22, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this
Overlord Mets, Diamondbacks, Padres….all with a little luck on their side. But bigger upsets have happened, such as the Dodgers/A’s. But the Braves? Forget it…2/5 of a rotation and a bullpen in shambles? No way.
By Stonecold Steve Austin
August 22, 2007 1:27 AM | Link to this
Overlord your spelling instructor wants a word with you—you stupid sumbich!
By A-ville Ranger
August 22, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this
As of now if the Mets play .500 ball the rest of the way they’ll win 90.For the Braves to tie they’d need to go 24-12 that’s a 66% clip.Not imposible but losing 4 of 5 to last place teams makes it a long shot to say the least.The wild card is another matter.In spite of the worst efforts from our team they’re only 1 out.Who knows we could fall a$$ backwards into the post season yet.
By uga-brave
August 22, 2007 1:31 AM | Link to this
BRAVE-DAVE
not to be too critical of the offense but we managed only one walk and that came with two outs in the 9th. just saw we just released tanyon sturtze. thats another great pickup. lets see craig wilson, tanyon sturtze, mark redmon, and chris woodward, thats just this year.
then there is kolb,reitsma, and the all time worst albie lopez. you would think with all those poor moves JS would of had time to improve that p** poor book he wrote two years ago.
By MetsFan
August 22, 2007 1:32 AM | Link to this
Overlord If you knew anything about baseball, you’d understand the need to fill a bench spot with a professional hitter once another major bench player goes down to a season-ending injury. Hence the trade for Conine. And two low-level minor-leaguers for a player of his experience is a pretty good deal. You’re just sounding uninformed right now. And if your pitching is so good, how come you came within 6 inches of blowing a four-run lead to the Mets in the ninth inning? See—it goes both ways.
By Stonecold Steve Austin
August 22, 2007 1:33 AM | Link to this
Random you just admitted to being a damned liar—and it’s pretty clear that you’re also one ignorant sumbich!
By uga-brave
August 22, 2007 1:36 AM | Link to this
19-18 since the break kinda just says it all right there. think about how hard that is to do when we lead the league in road batting avg.
By jed
August 22, 2007 1:37 AM | Link to this
I’ve been yelling for Villareal to be in the rotation since May. And yes, this is effin’ ridiculous. Nothing against Jo-Jo but are we seriously gonna put him out there again? You dont have to gamble on David Wells. Go with Villareal, fergodsakes!
By The Retarded Blogger
August 22, 2007 1:43 AM | Link to this
I hate Bobby Cox ! No , I really really hate Bobby Cox ! Don’t you idiots understand , I HAAAAAAATTTTTTTEEEEE Bobby Cox. Got it , good. Robert has left the blog !
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 1:44 AM | Link to this
That says it all…… luck. Maybe the pirates or the nationals with a little luck could also do it. Hey, the Dodgers where managed by Tommy Lasorda, lets see, what does willie randolph knows about world series? He has never managed in one. And i dont see no Orel hershiser on your team. That was a team. Maybe glavine could do the same trick that he performed in 1996….. you think? DAAAAAAAA NOPE. What about john maine? he threw about 70 pitches before the 4th was over. Who exactly is your dominant reliever besides wagner? he does not looked so dominant the other day against atlanta nor he did today against SD. Did he?
By Wayne in Utah
August 22, 2007 1:45 AM | Link to this
Bob, J How are you tonight? I will be checking in one more time before hitting the sack.
I think it almost comical that we have the Mets dufus here extolling the virtues of the Mets, and then we have all the Braves fans who had realistically given up about 2-3 weeks ago. Guys, this is not a slam against any of you in any way. We have had our arguments in the past about how you are more of a realist, while I and others are more of a dreamer about the Braves chances.
I just think it comical that the Mets dude and the “Braves aren’t really going to win crowd” are arguing. It sounds like you are both saying almost the same thing.
AND YES, you guys are right. Things are pretty bleak right now. Monday night was great, but this evenings game was frustrating, although I will admit that family obligations have kept me from the XM tonight.
But, who knows, maybe we start a streak of 12 out of 15 or something like that, and get back into it. I can always hope, and I always will.
Our 3-5 is looking pretty grim right now. When Buddy was looking good and before James fell apart, I really was hoping our staff would be strong enough to get us on the dance floor. It’s not looking too good right now, though.
By Wayne in Utah
August 22, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this
Mets Fan:
Are you old enough to remember the 1969 Mets, or the 1988 Dodgers? Great World Series’!
Maybe the fall classic this year will be as memorable.
By MetsFan
August 22, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this
Overlord “he does not looked so dominant the other day against atlanta” Thank you for letting me know it’s pointless to try to debate baseball with you. Go kiss your (hopefully laminated) picture of Tex and call it a night. And you can wish all you want on your little Tex statue for the Mets not to be good, but in the morning, they’ll still be in first place, 18 games over .500, and 3/5 of your rotation will still be named JoJo, Buddy, and Player to Be Named Later.
By Random
August 22, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this
“Austin three-sixteenths” — is that your length or diameter?
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 1:57 AM | Link to this
I never said braves pitching was good…….. it is as bad as it gets… if hudson was not here we would be in last place.
What i dont get is, if your muts are so superior, what are you doing here?
I really dont care about what you muts fans say in your blogs, because you are just dreaming. Maybe if you find some 10 position players that can let slow rollers go through their legs like billy buckner, if that is the kind of luck you are talking about, maybe you will go all the way. I wish you the best of lucks, as you will need it. And i hope beltran doesnt goes down again, wouldnt want you to have any excuses.
And yes…… Adding Jeff Conine was a good move, i never said it was not. He is a good player just as alou, a killer in crunch time.
By MetsFan
August 22, 2007 1:57 AM | Link to this
Wayne It might be as memorable, but do you honestly, truly believe that the Braves, as they are now constituted, have a chance of winning the World Series? With their current rotation and bullpen? I’m asking for a reasoned, honest answer. No “if this happens..” Is your current team a World Series champion? I’m sure the fan in you wants to say yes, but I cannot believe any honest, truthful answer would be anything other than “of course not.”
By Wayne in Utah
August 22, 2007 2:00 AM | Link to this
uga Is there anything that John Schuerholz has done that you approve of?
Wickman? Teixeira? Mahay? Dotel(will help, mark my words)? Aybar(what has Wilson B done anyway?)? Baez(did help last year)? Moylan? Yates? Stockman? Sheffield? Drew? McGriff? Galaragga? Hudson? Willie Harris? Diaz?
I have forgotten too many, and yes, some on this list are still suspect. BUT, nobody ever gives the man credit where credit is due.
I would like to see the list of players sent vs players received over the past 15 years. I bet even you would be surprised. Many of the players you mention were long shots, that did not cost much, compared to the overall payroll. (or compared to AJ’s 13.5 million this year!)
Whaddya think?
By purplelemur
August 22, 2007 2:02 AM | Link to this
I think a big problem with the pitching is having an inexperienced catcher calling the game.Example, James got 2 strikes on Jimmy Rollins on fast balls and then threw him a third(0-2) which he rocketed to the wall for a triple. McCann is always sitting on the outside corner. Reyes threw a zillion balls outside tonight. However , he had great stuff. Let’s try the inside half of the plate once in a while. Glavine concedes that is why he is successful this year.
By Bob, Journalist
August 22, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this
I’m doing well Wayne … watching Pride of the Yankees in the livingroom, took a break and saw your post … you’ll be gone before that’s over but there’s still good reason … the dust is still settling … it may be a bumpy ride but we should do well down the stretch if they play as a team instead of individuals … perhaps Chipper and Andruw are trying to hard … but it’s a long way from over … you never learn anything from winning and these boys are still learning!
Back after the movie!!
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this
I wonder if the braves win the WC and then kick the muts azz (once again….. as if saying…… your azz is mine) in the NLCS, would your 18 games over .500 matter?
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But as i dont know much about baseball maybe theyll give the pennant to your muts.
By Stonecold Steve Austin
August 22, 2007 2:04 AM | Link to this
Now that’s some comical sh!t—-Mets fans trying to post with each other—-met1: goo goo ga ga ga gaa, met2: gaa ga ga ga goo goo,
met1: nahh goo goo goo goo goop, met2: goo goop?, yep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
goo ga goo ga gaa goo goo ga ga!
By purplelemur
August 22, 2007 2:09 AM | Link to this
As a follow up comment, I am old enough to remember in 1967 the Red Sox won the pennant with An inexperienced team and an experienced catcher who hit around 200. He was Elston Howard. All I am say ing is that McCann needs help calling the game now until he gets more experience.In time he may be another Johnny Bench.
By Stonecold Steve Austin
August 22, 2007 2:09 AM | Link to this
Random you tell me—-it’s sticking in your ear right now you sumbich!
By Wayne in Utah
August 22, 2007 2:10 AM | Link to this
Do you guys think, if the Giants are rebuilding next winter, they might be tempted to trade someone like Matt Cain? Would Escobar, Thorman and maybe JoJo do the trick?
Also, as our friend near Richmond tells us, Lillibridge is the real deal. Could the Braves be so bold as to trading both Escobar and Renteria for starting pitching? Maybe Renteria and James for Buehrle??
Maybe my brain is not working well, as it IS late? Just wondering…..
Last thought: Would the Cubbies trade Theriot for Brayan Pena? Theriot can play ALL 3 infield positions, and does a decent job with the bat. I see him as being a super sub for the next 10 years or so for somebody…..
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 2:14 AM | Link to this
Yes the braves have a team that can beat anyone in the playoff, as they only have to win 4 times, the maths tell me it can be done putting hudson and smoltz on the hill twice each. And it could be over even before if any of the others happen to have a decent (not a good performance), meaning something like 4 runs in 6 innings. As they have a really good offense no pitching staff would dominate the offense (meaning shutting them down for the series).
This team is the other side of the coin that they used to have….. it is built for postseason. Not to win 100 games, but to win with their horses in a short series and punish pitching staffs.
By Robert
August 22, 2007 2:29 AM | Link to this
“Because of Bob “Pollyanna” Cox who believes you can make chicken salad out of chicken crap if you have enough patience.”
No man has turned more pure platinum into cheap manure than Bobby Cox
He is the all-time king of reverse alchemy
By Wayne in Utah
August 22, 2007 2:29 AM | Link to this
Mets Fan Actually, as a non biased observer, I think I would say the Braves have maybe 1 chance in 20 or 25 to win it all.
As a fan, I have to say our chances are 1 in 10. I only say that because as a fan, I expect most things to go the ideal way that would be best for my team. ie. Renteria comes back strong, James returns to his “average” form, Buddy and Cormier are serviceable, the hitters keep hitting, and the bullpen gets some needed rest and finishes strong.
I have to tell you, I don’t know very much about the Mets farm system, but I would be shocked if their September call-ups help them as much as the Braves call ups could potentially help us. But again, I am being the optimistic fan. You understand.
What I do think though, is that if we are fortunate enough to get into the dance, and if nothing goes too far south, I like our chances to be spoilers. The D’backs are young, good, and UNTESTED! The central division does not scare me (I cringe when I think of what the Cards did last year!) And, to be honest, maybe the Mets would KILL the Braves in a 7 game series, but history is not on your side! I would love nothing better to see Traitor Tom fall so flat on his face! I also don’t think Pedro is going to be much help. Too many things can go wrong with a return from a shoulder injury (I have had a bum shoudler for 30 months now, after 2 surgeries, still not 100%. I “feel Pedro’s pain!”)
It would be a fun series though, you have to agree! Traitor Tom going up against Smoltzie! Maine vs Hudson. etc.
Was that a fair assessment??
BTW, I really like the Conine pickup. I was crying for the Braves to pick him up before the Tex thing started to happen.
By Serbok
August 22, 2007 2:32 AM | Link to this
Children behind Keyboards
I find it fascinating the testosterone that a keyboard can create?
A few observations IF I may?
It’s one thing To standup and be a “man” If one is put into a position to do such.
It’s also an entirely different situation “To place oneself” in harms way without a very good logical reason?
If a Blog~ Any Blog, gets to a person, be they female or male, perpetuates a feeling of estrogen or testes, do be stupid enuff to place one’s self in harms way? To me does not show an emotional level of maturity. However, some mature to higher levels than others? It’s the “others” that have a tendency to get their “15” minutes of fame in a newspaper headline? Lets get real here? If! one wants to be Matt Dillon? or Anne Coultre? Then, Ye shall surely find Ye self either in a grave or looking pretty childish! IE: GW shoulda been “afraid” to go into Iraq? His Daddy was certainly smart enuff to have been afraid to do such a stupid thing? Thanx to G.H.W.B. There are many of our beloved brothers and sisters alive today that if he hadnt been “smart” enuff to understand the fear, WOULD BE DEAD RIGHT NOW! On the other hand, we have his son:o( Now many Mothers and Fathers mourn? Not doin politics here! Just an example! What I’m tryin to say is Even Jimmy Hoffa understood this! His motto was run from a knife! Charge a Gun! Just a lil friendly advice~ Never! be Afraid to Be Afraid? Might save Your life someday? Regardless how Big and Bad one thinx they are, There is ALWAYS someone with a Bigger Bomb?
By Robert
August 22, 2007 2:39 AM | Link to this
Overlord, NO team, be it this year’s Braves or any other franchise in any other year, is built for the playoffs if Bobby Cox is managing
By Wayne in Utah
August 22, 2007 2:40 AM | Link to this
Overlord I think I read earlier where you were telling someone how bad the Braves pitching staff is, beyond Smoltz and Hudson.
I was looking on CBSportsline.com and most of their pitching stats are in the middle of the pack (lots of 7’s and 8’s out of 16 teams).
Their team ERA is 7th in the league, but only a quarter point below the #2 team in the league, at around 4.25. So, while we have had our moments, and while the 3-5 guys have been very erratic (except for a decent stretch or two by Chuckie James), our overall staff is not that bad. Not great, but not bad.
I am hoping that during the first 2-3 weeks of September, we are able to get guys like Ascanio, Acosta, Devine, Paronto and maybe Boyer some work, so that guys like Soriano, Yates, Moylan, Dotel, Villarreal and Wickman are ready for the bell.
BTW, many bloggers mention that they would like to see Oscar get start or two. I am not sure if he would have the stamina? Just a thought.
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 2:45 AM | Link to this
Well, by “team” i was not including the manager, but you are right. Mr. Hyde becomes Dr. Jeckyll in postseason play. Its easy to imagine he could be worse than what we see in 162 games, but only braves fans know about the mutation.
By The Retarded Blogger
August 22, 2007 2:47 AM | Link to this
I hate Bobby Cox . I hate the Braves but I’m still a fan. signed , Robot.
By Serbok
August 22, 2007 2:49 AM | Link to this
ROBERT Gotta love your steadfastness man! You Well know~ BC isnt a HOF manager! But man~ Talent will apparently make a man look good?
Should be required reading in All “humanities” courses in all the universities? Would YOU agree? That BC is now! {Too Late} I’m afarid to say~ IS? he now looking to manage the club with a lil bit more authority and sense of urgency than he has all year? Just curious if you see that or not?
By The Retarded Blogger
August 22, 2007 2:52 AM | Link to this
1995 was fixed , Bobby Cox had it given to him on a silver platter. Trust me , I’m the retarded robot. Did I fail to mention , I HATE BOBBY COX.
By Serbok
August 22, 2007 2:52 AM | Link to this
Dont know bout you guys~ But I’ve liked what I’ve seen from Acosta~
By Wayne in Utah
August 22, 2007 2:56 AM | Link to this
Serbok Hello my friend. I have a little different take on the GWHB reasons for not going to Baghdad. Dude was hamstrung by the UN (another joke, for another time!) Do you think if he had done what he wanted to do, that we would still have our Twin Towers? I think so. I know you and I disagree on this, but that is my take on it.(enough politics for one night!)
I just think that the best way to keep a bully from picking on you is to kick his a$$ when you are provoked.
Overlord I agree with you that this team is built more for the playoffs than for the season. It will be too bad if we don’t squeak in.
Robert Now there you go again. How many times do you have to tell us the same sad tale? Don’t you get it, even if we agree, we are just danged sick of hearing it!!! Please give it a rest, and let’s talk baseball.
By Wayne in Utah
August 22, 2007 3:01 AM | Link to this
Serbok
Acosta, Ascanio, and Devine too!
By Wayne in Utah
August 22, 2007 3:01 AM | Link to this
Serbok
Acosta, Ascanio, and Devine too!
We need some “Devine” intervention in September!!!!
I did a funny!
By Ron
August 22, 2007 3:04 AM | Link to this
Overlord Dude NEVER EVER say a pitching staff CANNOT shut this offense down!!! The 2003 Braves WERE BETTER offensively and got TOTALLY shut down by Wood, AND Prior!!! Is there 2 dominant starters potentially like that in this playoffs once it starts? Dont know!!! I will NAME you the Starters in the Playoffs that CAN shut us down, this is the NL and AL Pitchers that have a CHANCE to make the playoffs: Webb, Peavy, Young, Francis, Zambrano, Sheets, El Dookie, Potentially Glavine, Wang, Lackey, Sabbathia, Verlander, Dice K, and Beckett!!! Thats ALOT of guys that CAN shut us down!!! And some of those teams has a GOOD #2 Starter that can shut us down as well!!! The teams that have the BIG 2 is the Padres with Peavy, and Young AND never forget about Maddux!!! And then the Red Sox with Dice K, Beckett, AND Schilling(That dude does GOOD against us MOST of the Time)!!! So Yeah we CAN get shut out JUST LIKE THAT!!!
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 3:06 AM | Link to this
Wayne The problem with that ranking around 7th is that maybe 20% of that stat is sucked up by smoltz and hudson. There are also some innings there by gonzo and some bye a guy named soriano which i think was traded on july 31st cause i dont see him anymore in atlanta (ill pay a reward if someone finds him). Then there are lots of innings sucked by moylan. That makes up to about 30% of the stat……. and the guy that make that 30% are or were having terrific years (if you know what i mean) Thats why that stat is not so bad. But thats only 5 pitchers cant win a division like that and no team can look good if 1/3 of the staff is great and 2/3 suck.
By The Retarded Blogger
August 22, 2007 3:12 AM | Link to this
Those fourteen division winners in a row , pure luck. Bobby Cox is luckiest S.O.B. alive. Trust me , I know these things. And yes , I hate Bobby Cox. signed , the Retarded Robot.
By Wayne in Utah
August 22, 2007 3:16 AM | Link to this
Overlord (concerning the staff ranking and stats) Good points, but the same or similar points can be made for a large majority of the teams in the league at just about any given point during the season.
Ron also makes a good point about there being a myriad of pitchers out there that can shut down an offense. During the playoffs, the cream rises to the top.
I hope we have some of those types of guys. I think Smoltz and Wickman are that sort of pitcher. Maybe Hudson will be too. If we get lucky a few more will also “man up” if we get to the playoffs.
Good night folks!
By Serbok
August 22, 2007 3:20 AM | Link to this
Wayne I agree Bro~ I read half a post by another blogger and “jumped to conclusion” MY bad~ Yeah~ You and I have very different views on politics, To be sure:o) Was my Bad to bring it up~ and I agree It woulda been US (U.S.) Alone:o) Sorta like it is now? LOL Good to see you are well~ Apparently the wife is also, or you wouldnt be here~ Would like to talk politics with ya someday~ on a different blog of course! I have this unfortunate tendency to equivicate general stupidity with our illustrious leader~lol Agreed with Devine~ not sure bout ascanio~ But Acosta, lookin 4ward to his oppurtunities~ I really believe its gonna be a very good (wild) ride to the end~ Makes it worth my money:o)
By Bob, Journalist
August 22, 2007 3:24 AM | Link to this
Pride of the Yankees was entertaining as always … I never tire of seeing Bill Stern and the Babe … Coop did a good job … methinks one of his best … oops, I just spilled a Sunkist on the keyboard so … goodnight all!
By Braves Fan 79
August 22, 2007 3:25 AM | Link to this
Serbok: yea man i noticed also that Bobby was getting more serious about things lately. Its amazing how much better he looks as a manager when hes not running orr and woodcrap out there…while keeping escobar in the minors. TERRIBLE move by the Braves waiting so late to call him and salty up…that alone cost us 5 wins at least id say.
Mets Fan: man you know you dont wanna see the Braves play the mets in the NLCS…face it we have 2 dominant starters …yall have..? well..?
The Braves are built for the playoffs much like the astros were a few years back when they had petite, oswalt, and clemens. We didnt have the same quality of pitcher after smoltz….maddux was on the downside, everyone (except BC) knew hampton wasnt a big game pitcher! Still makes me sick that a rested Smoltz wasnt given that start! (i love Bobby but i bet Leland or Larussa would go with the winningest pitchr in postseason history!) ….instead he pitches a great 2 or 3 innings….AFTER the game was lost by hamptons sorry a$$.
Anyways i got off topic…but trust me…if the Braves can beat down the sorry teams like they do the Mets…Well make the playoffs and put a beatdown on NY in the nlcs. (arizona actually scares me more than the mets come playoff time)
By Robert
August 22, 2007 3:32 AM | Link to this
“I’m afarid to say~ IS? he now looking to manage the club with a lil bit more authority and sense of urgency than he has all year? Just curious if you see that or not?”
Yeah, I do see that.
We were within 3-4 games of the lead thru early August.
Now that Cox is making more frequant and urgent decisions, POOF, we’re six back
If you’re going to let Cox manage, here’s how to do it. Put together a team including three HOF caliber starting pitchers, with six or seven more HOF-types and/or perennial all-stars scattered thruout the everyday lineup .Hire a staff of talented coaches. Have them teach and coach the players. Have them decide the lineup and the rotation. At the start of each game, tie a carrot on a stick to Bobby’s hat, hand him the lineup card, and point him towards home plate. Include a note on the linecard instructing the ump to turn Bobby around. When he gets back to the dugout, lead him down the tunnel and back into his stall. Hand feed him a few sugar cubes to settle him down, rub his ears and give his tail a little for luck, and go watch the game.
But no. The BRAVES, they have to not only suit him as manager, they have to let him make decisions too.
The man is reacting to the results of a 120-some games worth of poor managing by making ever-more-frquant poor managerial decisions.
This is like the gambler who is nearly bankrupt because his poor betting who decides that the remedy is to increase the amount of his wagers
By Serbok
August 22, 2007 3:46 AM | Link to this
Braves Fan 79 Thanx for your response:o)
I totally agree! I’m not a big Fan Of bobby’s. Enjoyed the fact that a Bobby “person?” Is seeing what I’m seein~ I just have never thought bobby was (is) a great tactition. He IS an Awesome manager in his own way tho! I really feel we are gonna see a bobby that should be managing like this thruout the rest of the year? I’m lookin forward to it. I pay MLB 15 bucks a month~ to watch the braves~ That’s an eighteen pack of budweieser~! Well worth the $! I only get blacked out on marlins games:o( as I live in ft myers fl.)
Which are commin soon:o( Spill checker shows I spelled Budweieser wrong??????? LOL I kinda doubt that!
By Wayne in Utah
August 22, 2007 3:46 AM | Link to this
Serbok After my last bathroom trip, before slumber, I saw you last post. Hey, you know it takes all kinds. (Lots of my friends are….oops…better not!) We Braves fans gotta “just get along” as Rodney said.
:-)
BTW, family is doing well. My wife had ACL replacement surgery about 5 days ago. That is one painful SOB of a surgery. She is finally starting to do some better. Outlook is excellent. Stitches out tomorrow ….ouch!
Also, my 23 year old son had major foot reconstructive surgery about 12 days ago. Long story, for another time. He is also doing well. This son lives at home in our basement.
For me, I am danged tired. Lots of running around doing stuff that others are normally in the habit of doing. It is good to serve those that we love, though. Tiring, but good!
Later, my blogging friend! (all differences aside, I mean that!)
By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////
August 22, 2007 3:49 AM | Link to this
I missed the whole game last night…….am I lucky, or what??? ;)
By Serbok
August 22, 2007 3:54 AM | Link to this
ROBERT! LMAO! Glad I could lead the carrot to the Donk!? LMAO! Thats PRICELESS! Ya need to save that to your clipboard? RE-post IT OFTEN!!!! That was an AWESome Post!!!!!!! Not that your EGO needs Tweaking! That was good man!!!!!!!!!!!! CLASSIC! LMAO
By S t I n k Y
August 22, 2007 3:54 AM | Link to this
Serbok running off at the mouth again about subjects he knows nothing about!
Don’t like it==stinky2525@comcast.net
By The Retarded Blogger
August 22, 2007 4:01 AM | Link to this
I hate Bobby Cox and love carrots. The Braves should let me run this team. I’m a legend in my own mind. Just let me out of my Teepee up here in Oklahoma and I’ll win ten straight world championships.
By Serbok
August 22, 2007 4:05 AM | Link to this
Wayne Very Cool man! :o) Didnt realize ya had a Double Whammy goin on. Good to hear everything is good:o). YES my Friend! Make Marijuana LeGAL! LOL I dont smoke anymore:o( Would like to! Society with all of their Drug Testing ~ Doesnt allow me to be free:o( Yet Alcohol the MOST insidious of ALL drugs runs rampant:o( Go figure~ later bro
By Braves Fan 79
August 22, 2007 4:48 AM | Link to this
Glad others on here are smart enough to see that alcohol is worse than pot. I smoke from time to time but cant stand nasty pointless ciggs.
Anyways back to the Braves. I dont see why this start (along with his prior one) was given to Jo Jo…hes proven that hes not ready! Just like redmen proved he sucked from game 1! Dont we have ANYONE in the minors that can hold the opposite team to under 4 runs in 6 innings?? This sucks..but if we make the playoffs….i still think the Braves are the team to beat in the playoffs! And now there putting jo jo out there AGAIN against st louis?? Man WHY!??
Ive never seen cox so stubborn in my life. Bobby looks like such a better manager when hs not starting woodcrap day after day. What is he good for bsides pitchrunning? And a backup infielder in a blowout? Id rather see the Braves replace woodcrap with a player that couldnt do anything but run. A real speedster that sucks at hitting and defense….im thinking a track star (imagine michael johnson a few years back stealing bases!)
A really fast person would mean SO much more to the Braves. Some pple might disagree with this of course….but then again you cant be 2 excited about woodcrap or thorman having to steal a base in a crucial situation.
Braves will Makes the Playoffs!!
By Bob, Journalist
August 22, 2007 4:59 AM | Link to this
purplelemur, having an exchange with a lemur during the wee hours … goodness!
“I think a big problem with the pitching is having an inexperienced catcher calling the game … All I am saying is that McCann needs help calling the game now until he gets more experience
I don’t know how big of a problem it is … and, I don’t know much about the respective roles of the catcher, pitching coach, manager, and pitcher in calling the game … or who dictates how the catcher sets up … certainly not enough to reach an informed conclusion.
However, I imagine it’s pitcher specific with the pitcher’s role dominating with folks like Smoltz and Hudson.
Uninformed though it might be, I reached basically the same conclusion back in June and at some point suggested that it might well be at least part of the the problem.
I stated the following as part of a post to **David O’B in the hope that he would provide some insights into those roles … and so insights into Brian McCann’s defensive tool set, so as to better be able to evaluate the situation.
“I don’t know anything about the catcher’s role in calling the game except that it’s pitcher specific, but we’re told he does a good job in handling the young pitchers.
Nor do I know much about his other defensive skills but most of his passed balls seem to result from reaching for, rather than blocking or smothering, the ball … and his setup, release and throws to second don’t seem to be above average.
How good is he? One wouldn’t think that he’d be selected as an All Star were his defensive tool set considered suspect”
David evidently misunderstood the thrust of my post and I believe he thought I was being negative toward Brian because I felt that the long term contract in no way inhibited his being traded while he thought it made it all but impossible.
His reply was in part “Bob, journalist: Fortunately for McCann and the Braves, it’s not very pertinent that you “don’t know” about him and his future with the Braves”.
The bottom line is that I still don’t know but I at least directionally share your view.
I’m curious … what prompted your mask selection?
By Robert
August 22, 2007 5:23 AM | Link to this
“Mets Fan: man you know you dont wanna see the Braves play the mets in the NLCS…face it we have 2 dominant starters …yall have..? well..?”
Dude, if I am another playoff team, the one team I wanna draw in October is the Braves
And any team that says otherwise is lying - giving the Braves their “due respect” because of course that stokes the Braves egos and douses any semblance of competative fire they may have
By Greg
August 22, 2007 5:34 AM | Link to this
There has to be a better pitcher in our farm system than Jo Jo Reyes. He stinks. I think the problem is that we get impressed by his AAA stats and bring him up. But let’s face it, AAA hitters are now the worst in any team’s farm system. All teams bring up their best players before AAA now. Maybe we should bring up our best AA pitcher and give him a chance.
By Robert
August 22, 2007 5:54 AM | Link to this
Actually, I forgot one very important element in how to be successful with a Cox managed team, Here is the ammended formula for success
Get three HOF-caliber starters in their primes. Make sure all are signed to long term contracts
Find six or seven other HOF-caliber or at least AS-caliber regulars to scatter thruout the lineup
During spring training, have a certain AJC beat writer take up Bobby’s time by smoking cigars with him in his office. Do not allow either Cox or said beat writer access to the field or the players
Hire the best pitching coach in the history of the game. Make sure Cox does not know the phone number to the bullpen
Once the anthem has been sung, clip a carrot-on-a-stick onto Bobby’s ballcap (remember to make sure that he is not wearing sunglasses while his ballcap is on)
Attach a hand written note to the lineup card instructing the home plate umpire to eject Cox, and reminding him to turn him back towards the Braves dugout after the ejection. Needless to say, Cox shouldnt even be allowed to know where the blank lineup cards are stored, much less have any input in filling them out (except on May 21 - see below)
Hand the lineup card to Bobby, point him towards home plate, and then have one of the batboys scare him from behind (Careful! Those hooves can kill a man)
As he clomps back down the dugout steps, show him the sugar cubes cupped in your hand
Using the carrot-on-stick and said sugar cubes, lead Bobby down the tunnel, out the side door of the stadium, and either back to his stable or to a livestock auction
Feed him the carrot ands the sugar cubes. Pull his ears for luck and tell him how much everyone loves him. Make sure he is asleep before returning to the dugout
Non-starters can draw lots each night to see who must perform steps 9-11, but every May 21, Bobby can be allowed to decide which player gets the “honor” (he should get extra sugar cubes and an extra long grooming session that day) IF (and only if) the team is at least 10 games in front of the competition, then on May 21, it is permissable to allow Cox to pencil the name of the starting pitcher into the number 9 slot on the lineup card . If this is the case, point to the bullpen and whisper in his ear “Glavey” or “Smoltzie” as appropriate
Go watch the adults play real baseball, unimpeded by incomprehensible strategic decisions
A simple twelve step program, that, had it been followed, wouldve yielded enough WS rings to put “The Octopus” (as Alfonseca is known) in a quandry - (kudos to whoever came up with that, I loved that quip)
By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)
August 22, 2007 6:25 AM | Link to this
Did anyone read about the steroid scandal ? Kirk Radomski has revealed all the names of players who bought roid’s from him to Sen. George Mitchell. Head’s are going to roll and it will most likely start with past Mets players and maybe a few who are still with the team. I decided to chart the remaining 37 games and it looks grim. Hudson and Smoltz will start 15 of those games and they basically have to win all of them. The rest of the rotation hasn’t won a game in more than two weeks. The Braves have played .500 ball virtually all season and now they are faced with the task of playing .600 ball from here on out. Hudson and Smoltz have to go undefeated and the rest of the 22 remaining games the offense will have to score runs like crazy. Basically , It will take a miracle. Only 2.5 games separate seven teams in the wild card race and the Braves are right in the middle of the pack. Then there are those defending World Champion Cardinals five games back in the wild card who have played .550 baseball in July and August , they are coming on like gang busters.
By Yars
August 22, 2007 6:56 AM | Link to this
Let’s focus on this season. I really don’t care about the ‘McGriff’ era, or when Glavine was a Brave, or Sid Bream, ect… Those days are gone, forever. Let’s also start being realistic about the rest of this season. We should have won last night. No more excuses. The Cincy park is small, it was hot, the ball was hard to grip, ect… That’s all bull*s** that nobody wants to hear. We visit Cincy once a season for 3-4 games. Learn how to make adjustments. Unless a miracle happens, & pitchers like James, Cormier, Carlyle, Jo Jo start pitching like a Brandon Webb, there is no way in Hell this Braves team is going to catch the Mets. Already 6 games behind the Mets with 36 to play. Man, you do the math. What p** me off, is that the Phillies are still hanging around. What the *uck?!?! It’s impossible to win the wildcard finishing 3rd in your division. The only way the Braves will make the playoffs is the wildcard. If they keep on winning 2, losing 2, winning 1, losing 1, winning 2, losing 2, all we will be playing for is trying to finish the regular season over .500. Maybe over the winter, JS will fix the starting rotation. When you keep throwing players like James, Cormier, Carlyle, Jo Jo on the mound, the odds are against you. Going 5-5 on this road trip will be the nail in the coffin.
By chipdip
August 22, 2007 7:02 AM | Link to this
HELLO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!We need pitching…maybe a starter!!!!!!!???????????????? The hoLe is gettiig deeper and deeper.
By Bob
August 22, 2007 7:11 AM | Link to this
“McGriff, ‘Tex’ comparisons are eerie.”
Yes, I agree.
Unfortunately, just as “eerie” are the comparisons between the Braves’ 3rd, 4th, and 5th starters and the batting practice throwers who take the mound during the All-Star Game Home Run Derby Contest.
By TampaBrave
August 22, 2007 7:33 AM | Link to this
To the Nintendo generation, who have mastered the stimulus response relationship by simply pressing a button:
BC is doing his job as best as can be done. Unfortunately, his players are not up to the challenge, at least some of them. The well is dry. There is no magic button to push gamesters. We’ll have to gut it out this year
Robert , you need to move on. I am still waiting on your resume to manage the Braves. If you can’t supply this, then all your assertions are just hot air.
The reason teams give up so many runs in this ballpark is that they work so hard not to give up the long ball, they end up behind in counts, walking batters and then BOOM, a liner in the gap or over the fence. Looked like everyone was pitching scared last night.
By ssiscribe
August 22, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this
Top of the morning, denizens, on this a morning after opportunity presented itself last night …
And the Braves whiffed. Mightily.
The wheels fell off last night. Jo Jo Reyes, so sparkling after his demotion to Triple-A Richmond, yakked up a 3-0 lead and couldn’t reach the fourth inning in his return to prime time. The two stellar arms in the bullpen, Ron Mahay and Peter Moylan, finally ran into trouble (could it be from overuse?).
Call it what it is: a missed opportunity. Granted, the wild-card deficit remains only one game, and maybe, just maybe, that’s where the focus is going to start to shift if the Braves don’t start winning on a more consistent basis.
I’m not saying the division is lost by any stretch of the imagination, not with six games left against the Mets and Wagner starting to struggle. But the Braves just can’t put a streak together, and won’t be able to until they get production out of the No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5 spots in the rotation.
Not trying to build up the next two nights like they were being played on Sept. 22 and 23, but the games of Aug. 22 and 23 are very important. The Braves need for Lance Cormier and Buddy Carlyle to show up, pitch well and give Atlanta a chance to win. Cormier was great Friday night against Brandon Webb. Carlyle’s ERA this month is nearly twice what it was in July.
Braves need these next two, for sure. If you’re still six games back in the East, that’s one thing. If it gets to seven or eight, then I think the division really gets on the verge of slipping out of reach. If you’re eight back and you win five of six against the Mets, you still have to make up four games in less than a month.
But win the next two nights, and things are OK. Because even if the Mets win the next two, you are right there at the wild-card lead (no worse than a game back; quite possibly in the wild-card’s top spot). If the Mets lose the next two or split, you’re four games back or five games back.
Might not sound like a lot, but it is. If you’re four back and win two of three in the two Mets series, you cut the lead in half. Five back? You can cut it to three by winning each series, to one by winning five of six.
Again, it comes down to the back end of the rotation. I made a comment about the bullpen being the key to the season (and subsequently the reason this team would miss the playoffs) a couple of weeks ago, and a few bloggers chimed in with their disagreement.
They were right. It is the back end of the rotation over the barrel. I’ve wrote that all season, just forgot about it in that post the night after a bullpen meltdown cost us. But in the long run, the back side of the rotation is going to cost the Braves if they miss the playoffs.
And if they get into the playoffs, either as wild card or East champion, I still think they’ve got a great chance to get to the World Series. But you can’t win in October unless you get there.
As frustrating as last night is, just hang in there, folks. It’s a two-fold goal, as I’ve said all along. The first goal is to get to the playoffs and — for all of the times we’ve wanted to scream, cry, give up and totally walk away from this maddening team the past four and a half months — with 36 games to go, the ATLANTA BRAVES ARE ONE GAME OUT OF A PLAYOFF SPOT.
But if they want to get to October, they need to start playing like it, starting right now.
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By Robert
August 22, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this
It’s not the starting pitching. Need I remind anyone that last year’s WS champ Cardinals had two good starters, and four guys with ERA’s of 5+ (and their manager is hardly a genius)
It’s the relief pitching.
It’s not the offense.
It’s the guy who is entrusted with making the pieces fit together in a way that wins.
What would it TAKE for y’all to just admit it’s Cox. What is the POINT of keeping the Cox myth alive? Is it WORTH seeing Braves team after Braves team turned into manure?
WHY?
By Robert
August 22, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this
“BC is doing his job as best as can be done. Unfortunately, his players are not up to the challenge, at least some of them”
Why is it that every manager in the history of sports (along with every CEO of every corporation, every military leader, and so on) at some point held accountable if their charges are not up to the task
except Bobby Cox?
By MEB
August 22, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this
If this were my blog… Robert and Stinky would be out! Not my blog though, so I guess the scroll wheel will get a little exercise. What a shame that the finest blog anywhere is sadly infested with the worst kind of vermin. Oh well, the Braves have some serious work to do and I expect that DOB and Carroll will continue to provide us with the outstanding inside coverage we’ve grown to expect. Trying hard to be at the 31 Aug game against the Mets so I’m hopeful to meet some fellow bloggers at the Wurlitzer presentation.
GO BRAVES!!!
By Bob, Journalist
August 22, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this
Mets rule You drool, I’m sure that this has been asked and answered but is English your first language?
I know that some of us have had some fun at your expense, myself included … but, i think I can speak for most Braves’ fans on the Blog in saying most sincerely that … we would not consider it sporting … nor would it be our intent to unfairly take advantage of the mentally challenged, educationally disadvantaged, or those not fluid in the English language.
Should you fall into one of those categories, then certainly you are to be commended for making the effort to support your team … but, you should be aware that behavior such as yours is generally considered boorish and such extreme misuse and abuse of the language subjects those so doing to ridicule. Braves fans relish the opportunity of doing friendly battle with Mets fans as part of the rivalry and it’s extremely satisfying for us when the Mets are themselves bested on the playing field … but, we don’t want to take advantage of your condition nor would I think that you would want to be considered, as a result of your deficiencies, to be an embarrassment to both the team you support and your fellow fans.
If English is your native tongue and you are not mentally challenged or educationally disadvantaged, then your posts certainly beg the question as to why you choose to hide behind such a mask.
By Charlie
August 22, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this
The Braves are finished, thanks to their pitching staff (Smoltz and Hudson excepted). Pitching was to be a strength when the season started. It has become our greatest liability. It’s hard to believe that you can put such a bunch of LOSERS together in one group. Obviously, we have nothing in AAA. Jo Jo (“The No-No”) isn’t ready. Lance C. has proven to be a fluke (along with James, Oscar V., and others.) The hole that Moylan and the boys dug last night is actually a GRAVE for the 2007 season. Peter M. gave his excuses, and the old worn out “put this one behind us, and get ‘em tomorrow” crap. He and and the other Braves pitching LOSERS have “tomorrowed” this team out of any playoff possibilities.
By Will
August 22, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
Interesting comparisons on Tex and Crime Dog. It is too bad Tex cant pitch, then the Braves would be set. I was happy to see Bobby Cox yank Reyes right away and try to keep the Braves in the game. I dont see anything exciting in Reyes, and if there is i dont think its gonna happen for him this year. Another 5-plus innings for the bullpen is not good news. No matter what they are still hanging in there for that wild card!
By Will
August 22, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
Robert, I will get on Bobby Cox as much as the next guy, but he does not start mis-managing that badly til October. I am not sure what he could be doing differently right now.
Charlie, I thought i was down on the Braves. No playoff possibilities?? They are 1 game out of the playoffs. I have said for weeks they will not win the NL East, but are long from being done in the wild card.
By Paladin
August 22, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
Paladin’s-Post-of-Periodic-Prattles:
BobJ I have really liked seeing you call out people by name in the past 24. You go, big guy!
??? I see where someone trotted out that alphabet soup thing, again, last night. I can handle paint-by-numbers or letters, but read by letters? Beyond me.
CobbBrave I see where he(?) still doesn’t know who SJA is, but he(?) has pulled an SJA and left us. BTW, I like “Stonecold” much better than “Moron” as a moniker. :-)
Stinkerino I see where he has dusted off the old “gay” card. In my experience, those that do are at least closet-gays themselves. Or, are jealous of someone’s ability to use, effectively, the written word. Stupid is as stupid does. Gay is…
Drooler I see where “it” has called us out by giving “its’” section, but not the seat. ‘Course you will be able to tell it by the lip swinging between its’ legs, where nothing else does. I hope one of you young ‘n’ fits will go in there, grab it by its’ lip, and swing it around a few times.
‘Nuff said, for now.
By Mets rule You drool
August 22, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
Hahahahahah! I wasn’t even on here last night and one of you necks wrote in as me - it’s all good. I even got you guys representin’ for the Amazin’s. Hahahahaha!!! By the end of the year youll all be wishing you were Mets fans. ROTFL!!!!
Nice job, neck!
By chipdip
August 22, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
There is a big difference between Mcgriff and Tex…..black and white.
By Bob, Journalist
August 22, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
MEB, you’re on spot but honey can be expected to attract all kinds of vermin. I can’t but hope you can make the presentation … just meeting some good friends you really already “know” will be a treat and it’s sure to be something to remember!
Nathan, your recent posts seem more like vengeful rants than the generally well reasoned, thoughtful albeit directionally pessimistic posts to which I’ve become accustomed.
To think that the playoffs are beyond our reach is folly … the operative word is not can or can’t, … it’s not will or won’t either … it’s should … and if we don’t, I’ll be surprised!
The Hot Tub is hot and the coffee’s grinding … later!
By Paladin
August 22, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
Oh, I forgot on my last post.
Robert I don’t know what you drink, or smoke, but it sure keeps you up at night. They have a new sleep-aid called “Donk”. You should try it.
Now, I’m off to the Doctor. If they check me and I have a pulse rate they will say “Go, and sin no more”. Which I will ignore.
By Kool-Aid Man
August 22, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
Mmmmmm…Kool-Aid is so tasty and yummy. I sell so much more in Atlanta than any other city. Drink some more, close your eyes tightly and just tell yourself, “The Braves can win the National League East!” Then it will magically happen!
By Will
August 22, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
Anybody who doesnt think the Braves have any chance should look at the Wild Card Standings, specifically the record of each teams last ten games. It is just a mess of mediocrity with the Braves right in the thick of it.
By Eric C.
August 22, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
Kool-Aid Man, mets take your frickin division and keep beating up on the Padres and Phillies in the process…the Braves don’t need it you idiot. Why don’t you met fans get that?
By RedEyedAndBlue
August 22, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
Question for the Veterans, should The RROE apply when addressing Mets bloggers?
By STRETCH
August 22, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this
This team is 1 game away from being a wild card. Hopefully they can take the last two of this series and with the way the Mets are playing, the braves could leap over the Pads. Gotta stay optimistic, but to tell ya the truth….i woudnt be surprised if they dont make it.
This team has way too much talent offensively, but as the 95 Braves did to the Indians, pitching wins and thats something they dont have.
This off season, management knows what it has to do. The offense is set, the TOP PRIORITY is picthing.
By Corey
August 22, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
Better start pulling for the wild card. The Braves should have to win somewhere around 28 of the remaining 36 games to win the East. Pitching is not consistent enough to pull of a run like that. However, 21 more wins is definitely in reach and should win them the wild card.
By RedEyedAndBlue
August 22, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this
Something that may only interest me, but it is Braves news:
The lease for the Diamond, the stadium where the Richmond Braves play (and five blocks from my house), was renewed through 2010 yesterday. The agreement gives the Braves the right to opt out of the lease each season. More than anything else, this signifies that at least for the time being, the Braves are committed to playing in Richmond while city leaders and team management continue to pursue a new or renovated stadium.
By Paladin
August 22, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
RedeyedandBlue I am a “Veteran”(of Foreign Wars)so I will address your question. The RROE has a section about talking to trolls. Read it. But, basically it says that MetroMan and now, Anders are the only ones you address, civilly. You may address the Drooler and No chop zonebut only to shoo them away. If I have forgotten anything, I’m sure we will both be told. How’s your genuflection practice going? :-)
By Efrim
August 22, 2007 9:47 AM | Link to this
Lets not talk about the Mets anymore. They are 7-1 in their last 8 games and are 7 games up on us in the loss column. They beat on a very good pitcher in Chris Young last night. I understand that we are 8-4 against them, but it is obvious that they take care of business against other teams and we have trouble doing that.
I am starting to worry about the Phillies. They don’t have that much more pitching than we do, yet they are playing better baseball over the last three months. That worries me, because we have more talent than them. Getting Renteria will be a nice boost, but Escobar has been playing so well there won’t be that much of a difference. The Phillies get Chase Utley back soon. After that they will move Tad Iguchi to 3rd base, which is another obvious hole for them.
Watching last night’s game made me sick. Blowing leads of 3-0 and 7-5 is unacceptable. Another thing that is unacceptable is the offense not getting a run the last 4 innings of the game, when we really needed it. Not when we are already up 8-2. We can score runs then, but we can’t score in the clutch when it matters.
All in all we lost no ground in the Wild Card, but I could care less about that now. I want to sustain some type of a long winning streak. It’s evident that is going to be very difficult for this team. I hope everyone now understands why it’s so crucial that we win all of Smoltz and Hudson’s starts.
Cormier vs. Arroyo tonight, another pitching matchup that favors them.
Cole Hamels has an MCL strain in his elbow, will miss his next start and possibly longer. Say he is out for a month, that would finish the Phillies…..right? I mean it would have to.
By Paladin
August 22, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
RedeyedandBlue That is if you can get a word in between the “tomes” of Efrim, Shaun and Will. :-)
By bill
August 22, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this
JS is a moron for making the statement, we will just out slug them. Look at all the runs this team has scored but where is the wins. The Braves only have two pitchers. They have a good pen but it’s over worked. This team is going nowhere until it gets some SP. That’s why I said for the longest to bring in one of the washed up veterans. They couldn’t be no worse than what they have.
By Renegator
August 22, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this
This is a .500 team. Those who don’t see that are delsuional. Its time to wake up and see that the Braves aren’t going to play .600 ball to make the playoffs. They will continue to win two - lose two, win three - lose three. The are a .500 team. Its time to face reality.
The bigger question is what has happened to the Braves farm system. Why can they not develop a pitcher anymore? Why are all our pitchers headcases? It’s time to re-evaluate the pitcher development part of our farm system and it’s time to say goodbye to Roger McDowell.
By Paladin
August 22, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this
I’m gone to the Doctor, now. I promise.
By Train Wreck Bystander
August 22, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this
As long as the Phillies are in 2nd place in the East, they are a lot more “in it” than our Bravos are.
Last night’s loss was tough, but not devastating. All we have to do is win tonight and tomorrow night.
I am still pulling for my Braves!
By Efrim
August 22, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
Renegator
The bigger question is what has happened to the Braves farm system. Why can they not develop a pitcher anymore? Why are all our pitchers headcases? It’s time to re-evaluate the pitcher development part of our farm system and it’s time to say goodbye to Roger McDowell.
I don’t know if I agree with your belief that this is a .500 team, but you are right about the farm. It boggles my mind why we can’t develop pitchers. There always seems to be something wrong with these pitchers, whether is it them not hitting their spots, mental or just the fact that they don’t have good stuff (Horacio). We have a good crop in the low minors, but I really need to see these guys perform at the major league level……
By Bob, Journalist
August 22, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Paladin, in point of fact, my posts may have different audiences … some of which may be indirect, but when I call someone out, they are are always identified, as individuals or as a collective.
The fact that there may be those who think they’re being targeted and called out by indirect reference or innuendo may be unfortunate but that doesn’t make it true or relevant.
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
August 22, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
I just don’t know about this team. Well, actually I do. The backend of the rotation is horrible. At least so far it has been. Now, I believe that Carlyle and Cormier can get it toghether. Cormier has pitched very well in his two starts. All these guys have to do is hold the other team to four or five runs and the offense will do the rest. The bullpen blew it last night but we can’t expect them to be great every night.
JoJo Reyes is a mystery. He dominates AAA but comes to the majors and stinks it up.
By Metsfanmurph
August 22, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
This is hilarious. Braves fans knocking a hall of fame manager. 14 playoff appearances in 15 years and you people are knocking him.
Memo to Braves fan show up to playoff games for once before you knock your hall of fame manager.
By RedEyedAndBlue
August 22, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
That is if you can get a word in between the “tomes” of Efrim, Shaun and Will. :-) —>>
If I may genuflect and share my sycophant moment for the day:
Actually, I was a bit impressed by how reserved Shaun, aka the Tome-anator, was yesterday when confronted by Carroll about something or another. I mean either the RROE do not apply to Carroll or Shaun politely decided not to invoke rule #8.
By Metsfanmurph
August 22, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
This is hilarious. Braves fans knocking a hall of fame manager. 14 playoff appearances in 15 years and you people are knocking him.
Memo to Braves fan show up to playoff games for once before you knock your hall of fame manager.
By Bob, Journalist
August 22, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
Mets rule You drool, it may well have been an imposter on last night but what triggered my 8:14 was an examination of multiple posts attributed to you … mine was a sincere post and unless there have been several impersonating posts, it would be appropriate for you to consider it directed to you.
By RedEyedAndBlue
August 22, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
I think Carroll had a blog piece earlier this month about how “Title Teams Don’t Lose This Way.” She mentioned that the Braves lacked the “killer instinct.” Teams that lollygag don’t win titles either, and that’s what I saw last night. They lollygagged to the mound, they lollygagged on the infield (Chipper and KJ), and they lollygagged to the plate after the sixth inning. What does that make them, denizens?
Don’t get me wrong, I’ll defend Cox’s blunders, Chipper’s injuries, AJ’s poor play, and the bad bullpen until the cows come home. And I won’t go so far as to say the team lacked heart. But last night’s loss against a team sixteen games under .500 was difficult to watch to say the least. Title teams don’t lose that way.
By Marty
August 22, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
In ‘93 the Braves had 3 quality starters. ‘07 only two and Smoltz is so much older than he was then. Can he be lights out for another couple of months at his age?? Hope so. Can we squeak into the playoffs with only two good starters? Big questions there…but we can sneak into the WC, I like our chances after that. But pitching is the problem now. 07 vs. 93 - Tex and Crime Dog compare favorably but the rotation does not. That having been said, GO BRAVOS!!
By Marty
August 22, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this
In ‘93 the Braves had 3 quality starters. ‘07 only two and Smoltz is so much older than he was then. Can he be lights out for another couple of months at his age?? Hope so. Can we squeak into the playoffs with only two good starters? Big questions there…but if we can sneak into the WC, I like our chances after that. But pitching is the problem now. 07 vs. 93 - Tex and Crime Dog compare favorably but the rotation does not. That having been said, GO BRAVOS!!
By 22oz
August 22, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
September 1st cannot come soon enough. This vastly overworked bullpen needs at least 2 more arms. I think at that point we might actually see the team play better, not to mention having a third catcher and Julio to pinch hit. Need a big outing from Cormier tonight.
By The Grinch
August 22, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Morning, all. Renegator, I’m curious about that aspect of the farm system myself. Most teams with good pitching (with a couple of exceptions, of course) don’t fill their rotations exclusively with grossly overpriced free agents; some at least come from within. I understand that by virtue of finishing respectably every year we don’t get the opportunity to draft the Verlanders and Webbs of the world, but good lord you’d think we could do better than we have.
I, too, am at a loss as to what McDowell’s doing (the only thing I can see for sure is that he can trot out to the mound and tell a joke or two to the foundering pitcher to kill time for the bullpen), but since I’m not actually there I couldn’t fairly say. He may be a genius. Really, that’s not sarcasm. Since he never says anything to the public and nobody ever says anything about him, we have no way of knowing. It’s kind of bizzare; he could talk like Lenny from “Of Mice and Men” or Stewie from “Family Guy” and nobody but the players would ever know. Isn’t that kind of strange for someone in such a high-profile position?
Regardless, I have not given up on this team yet.
Off to the gym.
By steve
August 22, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
Efrim, thank you for coming to your senses knowing that the Mets are not the team you need to beat right now, that it’s the Phills. Now if you can only convince Paladin of that as well. As far as the Phillies go, they are doing it with mirrors. I have to think that if Hamels misses any amount of significant time that it will hurt them. But they are getting Utley back which should help and Brett Meyers has basically been lights out as a closer. It should be a very tight race between the Phills/Braves/Padres for the Wild Card with the Pads getting the edge due to their pitching.
By Nurse Patty
August 22, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Mr. Paladin, do remember to clean your colon before your office visit. Thanks.
By Greg
August 22, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this
Skyline Chili is AWESOME!!!! You’ll eat it once and think it’s okay, but then later on you’ll get a craving for it.
Also, you need to get a calzone at LaRosa’s. The best!
(I went to Cincinnati Christian University, so I ate these a lot.)
By Colorado Brave
August 22, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
When is it time to discuss the job Roger McDowell has done on the pitching staff? With the exception of Smoltz and Hudson, the entire staff is a shambles. The talent is there, but injuries or ineffectiveness are killing us. When the problem is spread across 10 or 11 players, isn’t it time to ask what’s going on with the coaching?
By Steve
August 22, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
The Braves pitching depth problems are hardly unique. With an exception or two, most contenders are facing a similar problem, but few teams have the offensive potential of the Braves. Thus on balance, the Braves should have one of the best records in baseball.
The days when the Braves, or any team for that matter, could often cost on auto-pilot due to strong pitching depth or overall superior lineups are over.
Thus, much more now comes down to strategy/tactics and how to best nuance one’s roster to try and minimize the holes and maximize the strengths. And it is this aspect of the game where Bobby Cox has been outright abysmal, imo. I just don’t think his analytical acumen is of a high-enough caliber to process all the information necessary to excel in this type of environment.
I don’t watch enough of the games of other teams to say with certainty that Cox is the worst between-the-lines manager in the game, but I can say that from the less than complete data points I have seen, that there has been none worse in this aspect of the game.
In a nutshell, I think his less-than-stellar decision making has cost the Braves as many as 10 net wins so far this year. It doesn’t get much worse than that. And if not that many, then close to it.
Still, the Braves chances to make post season are still pretty good. But that’s only due to the overall weakness or mediocrity of the teams the Braves are contending with.
Had there been more intelligent decision making from day one, then I think the Braves would have the best record in the National League and possibly in all of baseball.
By Renegator
August 22, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
22 OZ:
I hate to tell you but it doesn’t matter if we bring up more arms on Sept 1. Bobby is still going to trot Mahay, Moylan, and Soriano out there EVERY night. We already have bullpen guys not being used - after Sept 1 there will just be more guys that we aren’t using.
By Mets rule You drool
August 22, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
The Mets have no pitching. Waaaaaaah! The Braves are too good. Waaaaaaah! Big bad SD is going to be up on those awful Mets. Waaaaaah!
Hey look I can impersonate you guys too. hahahahaha!!!!
Watch out for those Reds their pretty tough. At least when they play you. Hahahahahaha!!!!! ROTFL.
By Nurse Patty
August 22, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
Well, that did not go well. Please be ready next time! There will be a cleaning charge added to your bill. Patty
By Todd A
August 22, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
” alternatively, allow Cox to decide where Andruw Jones bats on May 21. Fill a hat with little slips of paper all of which have the number 7 written on them, and let him pick one”
ROFLMAO Robert, that’s funny right there man.
By Adam
August 22, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
Why is it that every home grown pitching prospect the Braves bring up has problems throwing strikes? When was the last time the Braves developed a dependable starter? Kevin Millwood? The Braves need to look at what’s going on down on the farm and get some coaches down there that teach there pitchers to throw strikes and not nibble so much. Reyes obviously has good stuff, but he was scared to death of Griffey last night and as runners got on, became more afraid of throwing a strike.
James has problems throwing strikes…Davies same thing. There is a pattern that seems obvious. Something needs to be done to get these guys to challenge hitters and trust the defense.
By Big Easy
August 22, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
It seems to me that Jo Jo tries too hard to “aim” his pitches. Last night I watched him throw the same pitch four times in a row (over a span of two batters), to the exact same spot, and all four were balls. And after every one, he looked at the ump, expecting a strike call. Now, if he is John Smoltz, Andy Petite, or Tom Glavine, maybe he gets the borderline call, but he’s not a grizzled vet. He’s a rookie, and usually rooks don’t get the luxury of “the benefit of the doubt” with the home plate ump. You gotta earn it.
Assuming he gets one more chance, he has to quit trying to be so cute and pin-point accurate with his pitches.
~E~
By Will
August 22, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
Steve, you are crazy! I will say it again, I dislike Bobby Cox as much as the next guy, but how in the hell is it his fault with how bad the starting pitching has been. He went and got Reyes immediately last night before he got totally shelled.
By Lew
August 22, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
I’ve got to agree with Robert on this one. Last night’s loss is laid at the doorstep of Mahay-not Reyes. Yes, Reyes was lousy. No argument, here, but it was Mahay that lost the lead we had regained. If he gets out of that inning, giving up no runs, the Braves win last night. Yes, the back end of the rotation needs to step up, but let’s call it like it happened. Reyes was long gone from the game and the Braves led. Mahay blew the game.
By BamaBrave
August 22, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this
I hate to agree with Metsfanmurph…but he’s right. Atlanta fan apathy - especially in the playoffs - has been deplorable over the last few years. My only knock against BC is that he waits too long to pull pitchers, but on balance, he works magic with the players he’s given. Many bloggers reminisce about the “good old days” of Glavine, Maddux and Smoltz, Avery, etc… We’ll be doing the same thing with BC in a few years too.
Two cents about this Wild Card talk… While it might be OK for us fans to start “pulling for the Wild Card”, as Corey phrases it, it’s NOT OK for the team to begin thinking that way. Every coach I’ve ever had would go postal over that kind of attitude. They must shoot for the division title…no less…and THEN they may get into the playoffs via the Wild Card.
One more thing then I’ll shut up and read… But this is the time for Roger McDowell to assert himself and coach these 3-5 starters. I know most of the work he does (McDowell) is behind the scenes. We don’t see that. By gametime, he’s just riding the bench with the other coaches…but I sure would like to see a little fire and brimstone in the dugout from the guy when one of these pitchers lobs a fat 85 mph gopherball down the middle of the plate. Without elevated play from those 3-5 guys - whoever that happens to be - we’re not going to be playing in middle October.
By Bob, Journalist
August 22, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this
Bill, if John said “we will just out slug them”, then methinks that while he meant well, it was a rather poor choice of words … as well as a poor mentality for the team to adopt.
In my opinion, the lineup is simply too well balanced and too good to rely on slugging … I do feel that we should generally be able to out score our opponents, given our pitching, but only if we have a well coordinated attack based on besting the opposing pitcher, taking advantage of their defensive weaknesses and not relying on slugging. Methinks when they become better polished in effectively so doing … so as to fully harness what they have, they will become virtually unstoppable.
From my perspective, the slugging mentality leads to inconsistency and has contributed to our losses as much as any of the team’s flaws or weaknesses, if not more.
I think too that the offensive game plan needs to be somewhat more dynamic with greater preseries and pregame attention given to the opposition’s relievers … as well as being able to adjust more quickly when information regarding the opposing pitcher is limited and/or faulty.
Methinks the proper application of power is beneficial, if not vital, in all sports but the slugging mentality is exploitable, even in boxing.
By Edy's Accounts Receivable
August 22, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
Mr. DROOL
Sir, you have 7 invoices for ice cream sandwiches that are over 90 days past due. We are putting your account on hold until all of these invoices are paid. We would suggest, instead of spending all day at the library blogging, get out and run your ice cream truck routes. Sir, if you cannot make payments, let us know and we will make arrangements to meet you for the purpose of picking up our product. As you know, our drivers are reluctant to operate in your neighborhood because of the blatant crime problems. Please call us at 800-get-edys to discuss your account.
Thank you,
B. Valentine
By Efrim
August 22, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
Lew
You could also blame the offense for not scoring a single run from the 6th inning on. Mahay is the culprit, no doubt, but can’t the offense bail him out? I guess it isn’t there fault since they put 7 runs on the board, but I think that is the difference between us and the Phillies. They seem to score when they have too. Oh well.
By Paladin
August 22, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
Nurse Patty I ate the two bowls of Cinnci chile like you said, and believe it!, me—and the Braves—got cleaned.
By knowitall
August 22, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
Adam
I don’t know that the problem is necessarily with the coaches down on the farm. Reyes really wasn’t walking people while he was down there. I think it’s just a case of being blinded by the bright lights of the big show. It’s a mental thing, not a reflection of the coaching he’s getting.
By Lew
August 22, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
Efrim-The bullpen, when given a two run lead to work with, should not need to be bailed out. Their job is to hold the lead they were given and rarely do they find it necessary to hold the lead for more than an inning. Sorry, the O scored 7 runs last night, even coming off the deck to regain the squandered lead. This one’s on the bullpen-again.
By Efrim
August 22, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
The Phillies have had so many injuries. Imagine if we lost Chipper like they lost Utley. We would be dead. They are basically slapping us in the face with the fact that they have gained games on us since Utley has been injured. Are Kyle Kendrick, Jamie Moyer, JD Durbin taht much better than our back end. I guess so….
By Paladin
August 22, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Forgive the “e” instead on an “i” on c-h-i-l-i in my earlier, “Butt” I’m still “on the run” so to speak.
BobJ No matter what I say to you, it ruffles your feathers. Oh well. Whatever.
The Doctor told me that with all the blood thinners, etc. that I am taking that I particularly, should stay out of the heat. And hydrate!. Oh, that was a mistake! All of you in ChrisKlob’s line-of-work, get ready! :-)
By Will
August 22, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this
Efrim, You are right about the Offense. I think you should never lose a game when you score 7 runs, but there was not much of a fight put up the last few innings. Its real easy to pour on runs when you are already ahead. Not trying to blame the offense here, but the offense is gonna have to pick up the pitching alot down the stretch if the Braves are gonna make the playoffs.
By Lew
August 22, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Y’all might be interested. I just heard from The Braves’ PR Department. The Wurlitzer Award for Songwriting will be presented during batting practice, with Mark Teixeira, prior to the August 31 game against the Mets. It is a done deal. Unfortunately, Captain Cave Bear(AKA The Grinch) and KC will NOT do the presenting. It will be Carroll and/or DOB. However, The Man In Black, BBQ, Pie and Sweet Tea, Braves Blog can still be in the stands for BP. Come on y’all-represent for the Blog on the 31st. Show up early for BP and carry your “I Blog With Carrol and DOB” signs. Let them see our presence and recognize us for the Great Braves fans that we are.
By Steve
August 22, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Will, With regard to last night’s game, I don’t blame Cox for JoJo Reyes. I blame Cox for having pitched Mahay in blowouts on Saturday and Monday, thus leaving him less than fresh for last night’s game. I think it was beyond stupid to have pitched Mahay in those games, in light of who was scheduled to start for the Braves last night and in light of the Reds’ lineup. It was typical Cox, unable to conceptualize a couple of moves downstream.
By Adam
August 22, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this
knowItall,
The problem is it happens with every starter we bring up. If it was just one guy, I would agree, but it seems like every homegrown pitcher we bring up is a nibbler. That tells me that they are being taught to be a nibbler.
By New York City Library System
August 22, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
Mr DROOL
Our records indicate that the following books are past due:
English for Dummies
Guide to Asexual Reproduction
The Complete Guide to Farm Animals
The 1969 Mets-Ya Gotta Believe
Severe Acne- Home Remedies
Please return the requested books and pay the proper fines at your earliest convenience.
Thank You
P Falcone
By Paladin
August 22, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
I usually try to avoid joining the naggingly-negative-nabobs-of-nominal-numbness but, I think Jo Jo pitches like Jo Jo sounds! I think we should appoint jjs and SJA (he’s still here, I promise)to find a new name for him. And while they are at it, maybe they can help him find a pitch besides the here-it-is-hit-it-please! offering that is his primary pitch right now.
By Will
August 22, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
Steve, That is understandable. At this point i just think if you give Bobby Cox choice A,B, or C with the pitching staff all three choices are gonna screw it up. He has two reliable pitchers and the rest of the staff from top to bottom you never ever know what you are gonna get from them.
By Efrim
August 22, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
Lew
But that is what our team has become. Our offense’s job is to be perfect every night that John Smoltz or Tim Hudson isn’t on the mound. It’s a tough spot to put them in, but that is the way our team is currently constructed.
I can’t stress the fact that we need to win these next two games. It could really help our playoff chances. Winning the next two would give us our desired winning streak. Smoltz and Hudson should be able to get the job done in St Louis. 4 wins in a row. 70-60. We aren’t facing good pitchers in that stretch, so it should be achievable.
By Anders
August 22, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
Paladin and Lew - Well now the Braves are 6 games back (7 in the loss column) with 36 to play. Are you ready to say it would be more prudent to hope the Mets beat the Padres tonight? I believe Carroll see’s the situation similar to me. Not sure if she was one of those I alledgedly “Brainwashed” yesterday? There are now 5 other teams (I’ll leave one of the Central leaders out) either in front of the Braves or within 1 game of them in the loss column for the WC and the Cardinals are closing fast. With that many teams involved every time you can chip away at one of the others is absolutely necessary. Keep in mind 3 of the teams are from the same division out West and someone is going to have to win those games when they play each other in September so you can’t be hoping all others are losing in the last two weeks while you’re winning. Like I said yesterday “It’s the smart play”.
Now don’t pull a Tessio in late September and ask “Hey Anders, is there any way you can get me out of this for old time sake?” I’ll have to give you the same answer as Tom gave him.
By Efrim
August 22, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
Looking at the Mets starting staff, I don’t think they have one pitcher better than Tim Hudson or John Smoltz. Overall, I think they just have so much more depth to their starting rotation. They have 5 starters that give their offense a chance. And now that facet of their team is starting to turn it on. which is why we are now 7 back in the loss instead of 4.
By Steve's Brain
August 22, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this
Steve,
I have taken a needed vacation. Don’t try to do anything dangerous while I’m away. I will see you in two weeks. Try not to think at all as it will only cause you and others pain. Thanks!!
By The New York City Library System
August 22, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Mr. Drooler:
We forgot to include:
Your Idiot-An Autobiography
By Ron Roberts
August 22, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
Yikes, we go from talking about sweeping the Reds to staring at hoping for a split, now.
Arroyo was N A S T Y against us last go-round, but we didn’t have Teixeira in the lineup, then, either.
Bronson’s pitched slightly better, ERA-wise on the road than at home (no shock there), but his record’s atrocious on the road (3-9) as opposed to at Great American (3-4). The good news is he’s looked fairly miserable in August, and (checks calendar) it’s August 22nd.
Meanwhile, we all had to be encouraged by Lance Cormier’s last outing, coupled with the decent work he did in another bandbox of a ballpark at Filthydelphia. The big mistake he made was pitching to Ryan Howard with men on base, otherwise, he tap-danced out of trouble.
I like the guy; he had me won over when he spot-started for us in the midst of the June Swoon of ‘06 and pitched a gem against the D-Rays (we still lost, of course). I think ya have to ignore the starts against the Cubs and look at his work since then to get a sense of what we can get from Lance. I’d even go so far as to toss out the relief appearance against the Rockies. He probably had butterflies in his stomach.
Alot was expected of him, coming out of spring training, and he’s dealt with quirky injuries since, and now he’s back and wants to do well. Against the Rockies, I think he was (understandably) nervous. Against the Diamondbacks, he looked (to me) like the guy we saw in spring training and hoped for in our rotation all season-long.
We’ll get more of a sense today what the guy’s going to provide for us the rest of the way out.
By BravesFanInRockies
August 22, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
Denizens,
OK, now we know that positions 3-5 in the rotation are problems. I’m not seeing any obvious solutions.
Those who ask about Jose Contreras … uh, I don’t think so. He’s owed $20 million over the next two seasons, when he’ll be 37 and 38.
He no longer strikes out anyone and gives up too many hits. His ERA is over 6. You’d think you could find someone just as bad for a lot less dough.
By JasonInMaine
August 22, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
It’s pretty simple: The Mets are a better team over a 162 game schedule…
Now, can the Braves beat the Mets in a series…sure, they have done it 4 times already this year. If the rotations are lined-up, which they would be in the postseason, the Braves have a great shot at beating the Mets. But, over a 162 game schedule, the Mets ’ back-end of the rotation gives them a much better shot at winning.
By Lenny Randle
August 22, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
one thing is funny. i being a mets fan for over 40 years have seen countless times in several forums how the streak as braves fan call it will
1 never be equaled. #2 it is the greatest team streak ever.now almost to a man/woman in all forums since the mets won the division in ‘06 and are charging to the ‘07 division tile and a streak. now it doesn’t matter?
hey for the 11 years the mets finished behind the braves, it meant a lot to braves and mets fans. the division mattered then and it matters now. because if it really does not matter then your theory of the braves place in history has more holes than swiss cheese.
don’t lower yourself to phillie fans. the division matters. most of you don’t remember all the losing the braves did from ‘66 to ‘90 but be good sports about this. not saying you should enjoy it but give due to the other teams just like you once expected it yourself, for the braves.
and just like braves fans bring up ‘93 and ‘95 and so on and think that if the braves make the playoffs and face the mets they would just kill them well i also remember ‘88 when the mets didn’t just beat the dodgers in the regular season they obliterated them to the tune of 12-1. that right the mets won 12 of 13 games. then lost the NLCS 4-3. meant nothing at all. later guys/gals.
By Paladin
August 22, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
Anders I can’t speak for Lew but there is/are no circumstances that would make me root for the Muts. I hate them, just like I hate the Yankoos. And for the same reason(s). They are “headquartered” in that cesspool of a town. Yeah, go on and tell me about all the museums, art gallaries, ad nauseam, but they are still on top of a land-fill that, IMO, isn’t worth the $26 it cost. And no matter how much “perfume” you put on it, it still smells like the “S” word! And what is this fascination with Tessio? Is he your hero? It figures you would pick the poosie out of the crowd of real(pasta eatin’) men.
By Jim Staudt
August 22, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
Tex is a great addition even if he’s only a rent-a-player…but he’s not gonna be the savior Crime Dog was. In 1993 we had Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux in their prime, but now we have a 40-year-old version of Smoltz, Hudson (a very good pitcher, but he’s not Maddux nor Glavine), and then we have a No. 3 (James) who would MAYBE have made the ‘93 squad as a No. 4 or 5 starter. And after those 3, we’re using Triple-AAA pitchers in the rotation. We can still enjoy the rest of the season watching the boys knock the cover off the ball, but with the pitching we have, no playoffs this year. Said that when we got Tex, and I say it now. Anybody got Steve Avery’s number? He should be rested and ready…
By Lew
August 22, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Anders-No. The Mets must be defeated. I’m still not ready to hang it up and settle for the Wild Card. The Mets still have the potential to go down in flames. Even if the Braves don’t go to the post season, I will be happy seeing the Mets lose. The Mets suck. Don’t you realize that, yet? Like I keep telling you, even if they won 110 games, they would still suck. They’re the Mets. Nuff said.
Efrim- re: your noon post. Maybe so, but I sincerely hope it hasn’t come to that. Someone at the back of the rotation just has to step up and pull on their leotard. The time has come. We can still win the division, but they damn well better get moving.
By Excerpts from Anders' Basement
August 22, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this
It rubs the lotion on the skin or else it gets the hose again.
Who’s your Jamaican daddy, biatchh?
Here ya go Mr. Pig, a little bacon never hurt anyone.
Come out, come out wherever you are.
Mr. Jackass, is it? Let me get you some of my magic tea.
HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP
By Lee in S. GA
August 22, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
We have gone all year with the 3 - 5 starting positions being no good… well fair at best… and have made it this far. Maybe we can cross our fingers and hope for the best. Forget about a long winning streak happening. Reyes, James, Carlyle and Cormier and a winning streak go together like milk and bourbon
By Paladin
August 22, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
“Lenny Randle” You are very “well-spoken” and “reasoned” but we don’t need you to come on here and preach to us about a damn thing! Now, take your sermon to the “Sister’s of the Poor” or back to the Mut’s blog. They are not really that far apart.
By The Grinch
August 22, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
Hey, Lew; that was awful generous of the Braves’ PR department to take a gift from you in the Blog’s name that took hours and hours of love and hard work and present it themselves instead. That was almost as thoughtful of them as having a t-shirt contest to generate more hits and then not giving away a t-shirt. Hmmm. Imagine how much they’d pat themselves on the back for a job well done if we went up there and repaved their parking lot for them or donated some nice new computers for their office. You guys starting to feel like the 5-year olds that “get to take out the trash” like grown-ups? :-)
By Paladin
August 22, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
Hell, I thought that was the Breakfast of Champions.
By Anders
August 22, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Paladin Now if I talked about your town like that you would reprimand me for bad manners. My blogs are “just business, it’s not personal”. Anyway, in case you haven’t connected the dots - You’re Tessio . He becomes the traitor much like rooting for the Mets would be for you. Me, I’m Tom - the level headed consiglieri who just advises those around them what’s best - I’ll let you pick Fredo from your many Denizens.
By Paladin
August 22, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Hey Grinch, do you think PR in the Braves organization stands for post-retardation? Which we all know, is still retarded.
By matt
August 22, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
Blah blah blah…who cares??? The Braves aren’t going to the playoffs with 2 starters and 2 relievers!!!! Hitting slumps and that’s when you need pitching to step up and the Braves don’t have it! Use AJ’s money and trade Renteria at the end of the year and go get some quality pitching (by quality I don’t mean John Thompson and Mark Redman!!!!)
By KC
August 22, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BACK OF THE ROTATION, AND TONIGHT WILL TELL US A LOT
If Cormier comes out and pitches as he did his last time out… not only will we likely win this game, but we can feel much better about the back end of our rotation moving forward.
Personally, I’m rather glad Chuck James is on the DL. I’m glad there’s an explanation for the way he’s pitched this month. And I’m happy to know there’s a chance that with a little rest… maybe James can come back and pitch as he did in July (or anything close to it), when he posted a 2.48 ERA for the month.
Let’s remember that heading into his last 4 starts… in James first 39 starts as a Braves (dating back to last year), he went 18-12 (and should have had a better record than that) with a 3.66 ERA.
Sure, he doesn’t give you quite as many innings as you’d like, but James is a quality starter. And if we can get him strong and healthy for September, that will help a lot.
And if Cormier has another good start tonight , then there’s hope that when James returns… the back end of our rotation will be solid.
So here’s hoping.
By Paladin
August 22, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
You’ve got me in the wrong role, Anders. I am the godfather—in the garden scene with his grandson. My “dentist” also carves pumpkins.
By Efrim
August 22, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this
Not sure if someone from the back of the rotation can step up. Chuck James is the guy that is going to have to be flawless till season’s end when he comes back from the DL.
36 games left to play. We started the season 24-12, so that type of baseball is there within this team. We will have to play .666 baseball to make the playoffs. Not sure if that will be enough to overtake the Mets, but it should be enough to win the wild card.
By Fredo
August 22, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
Hey Anders, even I wouldn’t hang out with you. I only hang out with guys that can get me some respect. Guys with pull. And we know what you Muts fans pull.
By rammerjammer
August 22, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
It has come to this: Buddy Carlyle, he of the 6.05 ERA in August, is our third best starter. Backed up by fourth and fifth starters with 9-plus ERAs.
And you think this team can contend for a title? Please. That six-game spread might as well be six-hundred.
By all means, cheer for all teams playing wild-card contenders. Attrition is our best hope.
By fastasballs
August 22, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
It’s going to be a tall order for the Braves to overcome 6 games to take the division. IF they had another starter producing consistantly after Smoltz & Hudson or a fresh & effective pen I could see it happening.
There isn’t a lot of difference between the Braves & Mets. The main difference is the Mets manage to pull out victories instead of losing games like the Braves did last night. I have lost count of the disgusting losses the Braves have taken this year where large leads have been blown or failure to get guys in from 3rd with less than 2 out cost the game. Another difference is the scrap heap players signed by the Mets are panning out & the ones signed by Atlanta have been have been tossed back into the pile.
If the Braves had an average offense they would be 10 games under .500 right now. I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t see the last 1/4 of the season being any different than the first 3/4 unless Cormier or Carlyle pitches light out & deep into games.
The Wildcard is still very much in play, but the field is getting very jumbled because nobody is playing great ball except the Cards & they are closer to the Division than the Wildcard.
Maybe is the Braves can stay within a few games of the Wildcard the Sept call-ups will help out especially in the pen. Paronto, Ring & Ascaino could really give a lift to the tired arms out there.
By The Grinch
August 22, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Now Paladin, “post” might be misconstrued as “recovered from.”
Jim Staudt, you think Chuck would make the ‘93 team as a four or five? I seriously doubt he would have beat out Steve Avery for #4. While he wouldn’t have had a chance beating out Pete Smith for the #5 in ‘92 (7-0, 3.65), he would have come closer in ‘93 (Smith had a 4.05, Chuck has a 4.22 right now). Those days are long gone, my friend.
Time to get some work done.
By Brian the Brain
August 22, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Robert,
I just got to know…what do you do for a living? I sometimes get what you’re saying and sometimes I don’t…so I’m just curious what your experience is to better understand your P.O.V.
By SR
August 22, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
Jim Staudt, great post at 12:30, dead on!! This team is the polar opposite of the 1993 team with respect to pitching staffs. This team has no pitching! NO PITCHING!! No pitching = no playoffs. It ain’t rocket science. The rotation and the bullpen need attention if this team is ever to improve. Without that help, it is doomed to mediocrity.
By KC
August 22, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Don’t lose hope that the Braves will gain significant ground on this road trip.
The loss last night hurt, but a profitable road trip is still very attainable. They need to go 6-2 over the remaining 8 games of this road trip. 3 of those games will be started by Smoltz or Hudson. So if we win those… we’ll just need to go 3-2 in the other 5 games (none of which will be against quality starters).
That’s very doable. Obviously we’ll need more than what Reyes gave us last night… but we’re not going to be up against any quality starters (unless Arroyo is on his game tonight) in those games, and of course, these are losing teams we’re up against.
I’m not suggesting any of those games are in the bag. Far from it!! I’m just saying that going 3-2 in those non-Smoltz/Hudson games is not an overly ambitious goal… and that despite last night’s loss, the opportunity for a good road trip is still there for the Braves.
The Mets will send Lawrence to the mound tonight against Jake Peavy. So we’ll probably have an opportunity to take that game we lost last night right back. And then there’s still 7 games on this trip in which to gain further ground.
After tonight, the Mets - over their next 7 games - will play 1 more against the Padres, 3 against the Dodgers (withy Penny pitching one of those games), and then 4 against the Phillies.
If the Braves handle their business and go 6-2 over the remainder of this trip… they’ll likely be either be 4-1/2 or 3-1/2 games back heading into that next Braves-Mets head to head matchup at the Ted next weekend.
If the Braves can pull off a good road trip and another good series against the Mets… they can be either 2-1/2 or 3-1/2 games back (and in the Wild Card lead) at the end of the upcoming Braves-Mets series… with still almost a month left to play at that point, including one last head-2-head series against the Mets.
The division is still within in reach. And of course the Wild Card is VERY much within reach.
By Mets rule You drool
August 22, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
Hello? Hello? Can you hear me from way back there? I know 6 games back is a very long way so I’ll speak loudly
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That was quick huh? One minute your still in it the next its all OVER! Or to put in terms you understand your team is a dog with no fight in it, and the Mets went all Michel Vick on you. ROTFL! Nice team. Nice city.
By BravesDave
August 22, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
Has anyone else noticed that the Phillies pitching staff has overcome injuries to starters Jon Leiber, Freddy Garcia, now Adam Eaton and Cole Hamels (they have not necessarily overcome these - but they are now dealing with them), and relievers Tom Gordon, Bret Myers, Ryan Madson, and Mike Zagurski???? JD Durbin and Kyle Kendrick are a combined 11-5. Even Adam Eaton with his 6.36 ERA had a winning record. Jamie Moyer has a 4.97 ERA and 11 wins. They have used 26 pitchers this season…and they are still ahead of the Braves. I have not even mentioned the injuries to Utley, Victorino, and Bourn.
Meanwhile, they Braves have not been able to overcome injuries to Mike Hampton and Mike Gonzalez.
By KC
August 22, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
SR:
You’re right… and you’re wrong.
You’re absolutely right that the Braves have pitching problems. However… “NO PITCHING”???
Smoltz and Hudson are as good a 1-2 punch as there is in the majors. And the bullpen, while it’s shown the effects of being overworked, is still a good one.
Wickman isn’t exactly looking dominant, but his numbers are still solid. He’s got a respectable ERA and he’s 20 of 26 in save opps. Not bad.
Soriano seems to have righted the ship (no runs and 4 strikeouts over his last 3 innings/appearances). And (while they weren’t perfect last night) Mahay and Moylan have been excellent.
Also, on September 1 when the rosters expand, this bullpen will add 2 solid big league relievers: Royce Ring… a solid situational lefty who JS acquired for the sole purpose of having him to call up in September. And Chad Paronto, who had a 3.57 ERA for the Braves when he was sent down (because he was the only guy with options left) to make room for Dotel. Paronto had posted a 1.05 ERA in June and July combined over 26 innings. And if Dotel can get healthy here for the last 3-5 weeks of the season, that would be another big lift.
*So dude, yeah… the back end of the Braves rotation is suspect right now. No doubt about it. But “NO PITCHING” is a gross overstatement. *
If Cormier pitches well tonight, that will be a very good sign. And if Chuck James comes back feeling stronger after this DL stint… the rotation will be just fine. I realize those are “ifs”, but they’re not at all farfetched.
By SR
August 22, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
Hi KC
You seem like a good dude and you deserve props BTW for your prediction on Huddy’s return to form this year. Never saw that one coming. I guess we just have a good faith disagreement on this one.
While I do agree with you on Smoltz and Hudson, we will just have to part ways on the rest. For example, the rest of the starting rotation is a train wreck waiting to happen. Reyes is clearly not ready for prime time and while Carlyle has had some decent performances, he is no better than a 4th or 5th starter on most staffs.
The jury is still out on Cormier but if history is any barometer, with the exception of a few decent starts last year, he has been woeful for the bulk of his career. James has been inconsistent at best and that is being charitable imo.
As to the bullpen, yes, Wickman has had moments of excellence but he has not inspired confidence as of late. Moylan was one of the ones I cited in an earlier post as having had a good year so yet another point of agreement between us. I guess we differ on Paronto, he has never inspired confidence in me and Yates is a gas can of epic proportions. Soriano has it some nights but his propensity to give up the long ball scares the bejeezus out of me.
In any event, I guess you have a more favorable opionion of this staff than I do. Hey, I got no problem with that, I happen to believe that they are what they are and that is why with the exception of early in the season, they have played .500 ball, nothing more, nothing less. Hey, if they improve and make the playoffs, I will be right there rooting for them, believe me. On the other hand, if they get more of the same as we have seen of late, they won’t.
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
Ron and Wayne yeah sure the cubs made our bats cold as ice, but as you said, you are talking prior + wood, and as you there is no other team in the NL besides Padres with such a dynamic duo. Only one guy wont do the trick because in the NL everyone seems to be exhausted, i dont know is there are too many hitters or is it the heat waves or what. A 1-2 punch can get to any team mentally and make your 3rd pitcher look like cy young in a short series. About glavine, come on, history says he has not done good against us (at least thats what i can remember). Pitching can shut us down, Sheets can do it, he might pitch another 1 hitter or something, but then there is no carpenter or john tudor to follow him, i really like a lot our chances if we can get it, there is more a chance that we can do better than in the regular season, im pretty sure about that. There is no place to hide pitching deficiencies when you play the braves (except AJ and he can quickly turn that around), if you add to that postseason pressure, i think we could get far.
By bill
August 22, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
Efrim- You are 110% correct. The Mets staff are so much more balanced. It’s crying time but I’m not giving up.
By Renegator
August 22, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
What a dumb deal the Davies for Dotel deal ended up being. We basically gave away Davies for 1 month usage on Dotel who isn’t even that good. What are the chances of bringing him back next year?
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
I just hope we are able to blog with all this dumb muts fans once the smoke is gone, im pretty sure they wont be laughing so loud…… nope…… they wont be laughing at all. Theyll go to their girlfriend (or boyfriends depending on their preferences) crying like babies. Im so sure they wont come into the blog and give us the chance to speak friendly to them for the last time this season.
By DAP
August 22, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
regenerator youre upset about losing davies?? i would have paid someone to take him from us.
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Renegator Would you be saying the same about that deal if Dotel had an ERA of 1.50 for the braves and 2 wins and no loses? I dont think so. Deals are made, there is no way to be sure how will it go after the agreement. If kyle was still around and he was doing even worse than jojo then you would be moaning, and id be too.
It was a good try. I wont say anything about it until kyle becomes a good #3 for the royals and dotel is in the NL central or something.
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
Its now official, Edgar will play today. That at least give us a little more bench balance and options. Not sure who is going down, i suppose it will be acosta. I would sent woodward or thorman.
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
How many games do you think the braves need to be behind the muts by the time sept gets here in order to have a chance to win the east.
Id say 3, could it still be done? Remotelyyyyyyyyy
By Paladin
August 22, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
During this “slo” time:
Some of you, earlier, were giving me grief ‘cause I didn’t stay up for last night’s game. Well, if I am going to stay awake, someone is going to have to talk to me. No, “Shut up, Paladin” is not good enough.
When no one would talk to me last night, me and Chief turned off Firefox and went and got some firewater. Now, if this guy can rip a cabinet sink up and throw it through a window sober, you can imagine what he’s like when he has been in the firewater. Prez Boosh is flying over tomorrow to see if we qualify for disaster relief.
Why don’t y’all use that money that was already pledged to fly Lew in for the presentation, which he can’t come for and which won’t be, to fly me and Chief in for the game? Chief is a big Braves fan. I just haven’t told him yet that they are a baseball team. Why don’t some of you resident psychiatrists and philosophers tell me how to break it to him without getting “broken up”?
But, in the meantime both me and Chief say GO BRAVES!! Right, Chief?
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Does anybody thinks zambrano is worth the kind of money the cubs are paying?
By Paladin
August 22, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Overlord If zambrano can also be used to shave the ice off the hockey rink, then he is worth what they are paying him.
By KC
August 22, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
SR:
“Reyes is clearly not ready for prime time and while Carlyle has had some decent performances, he is no better than a 4th or 5th starter on most staffs.”
Agreed.
“The jury is still out on Cormier but if history is any barometer, with the exception of a few decent starts last year, he has been woeful for the bulk of his career.
I will wholeheartedly agree with you that the jury is still out on Cormier. But as far as history being a barometer… his “whole career” only consisted of 1 full season before he got to Atlanta. So, I don’t think you can use historical precedence to build a case there.
Again, I agree that the jury’s still out. Who knows what he will or won’t become. I do know that as soon as the Braves moved him to the rotation last year, he began to shine. He posted a 3.25 ERA over 5 September starts last year for the Braves, and looked downright nasty all spring before getting hurt. There’s certainly not enough to go on for me to bet any money on Cormier, but after last Sept, this Spring, and his last start… there’s good reason for hope. I’m anxious to see how he looks tonight.
“James has been inconsistent at best and that is being charitable imo.”
I don’t know if that’s at all fair to say. Last year, CJ posted a 3.78 ERA for us. This year, at the end of July, he had an ERA of 3.70. If you go back one more start (everything prior to his last 4 outings) he had an ERA of 3.55. Apparently, he wasn’t feeling anywhere close to 100% his last 3 or 4 starts, which is why he’s now on the DL. So, I’m just not sure you can call him inconsistent. Sure, even before August, he had an occasional bad outing, and he often doesn’t give you as many innings as you’d like, but I’m not sure that amounts to being “inconsistent at best”.
“As to the bullpen, yes, Wickman has had moments of excellence but he has not inspired confidence as of late.”…“I guess we differ on Paronto, he has never inspired confidence in me”
Wickman has made me uneasy of late too. Just pointing out that despite whatever confidence he does or does not inspire in you and I… his production has been solid. As for Paronto… I’m not trying to position him as a savior, and nobody’s calling him a dominant reliever. But when you look at the numbers, it’s apparent that he’s a solid middle-reliever who was (temporarily) sent down for reasons that had NOTHING to do with performance. He and Ring will add depth to our middle relief.
“Soriano has it some nights but his propensity to give up the long ball scares the bejeezus out of me.”
Well let’s go back to your statement about using history as a barometer… Prior to June 15th when Soriano’s struggles began… he had given up a grand total of 10 homeruns in his previous 134 games!! Sometimes good pitchers have to make adjustments. History in his case would indicate that’s all that’s needed. He’s been working with Roger some things, and he’s looked pretty darn good his last few times out. So let’s hope he’s righted the ship. Time will tell.
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Thats what i though. And the braves would be equaly dumb to offer anything above 10m to AJ
By Overlord
August 22, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
Now that Roger has been in charge of the staff for a while now….. would anyone say that this team is missing LEO??? Im not sure on this one, but i have the feeling things wouldnt be so bad.
By mike
August 22, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this
not true daybed wagmoe fred mcgriff hit two homers the first nite as a fire broke out in the stadium and one two games later,tex had hit one a game for three strait games,and carrol didnt say they hit two homers in the second game they said three homers in there first three games.i liked mcgriff but was hoping for tex all the way.chip,tex,frenchy,b mac,who wouldnt dread this lineup!!!
By Gustopher
August 22, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this
Another great post CR