Braves

By Tomahawkin

August 27, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

Welcome Back D.O.B., Missed ya! Man…!playing the coldest team in the bigs, gotta sweep, its win or go home…Any word on Chipper starting, because I’m calling a loss if Woodard is in there again

By Stephen

August 27, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Dave, do you think the Braves need to make a desperation move and pick up a starter to make the playoffs?

By chris

August 27, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Welcome back. Great comments as always. A few of my thoughts:

Anyone who blogs in and blames injuries needs to consider all that the Phillies and Mets have endured this year. You weren’t doing this, Dave, but some have.

The Braves starting pitching and bullpen woes are almost identical to the Phillies. In fact, the Padres have the most blown saves since the All-Star break.

This past week was devastating but I am strangely encouraged for a couple of reasons. I really like our young relievers. They are doing well and I’m both anxious and nervous to see how they fare with games on the line.

Also, Cormier hasn’t pitched terrible in his last couple of starts. Reyes deserved much better yesterday, and perhaps James will benefit from rest. I say we’ll take two out of three in both series this week and move on from there.

Any scoop on behind the scenes stuff with regard to Wickman?

Thx,

Chris from MD

By Ron Roberts

August 27, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

Something I was thinking about earlier today…

…is it just me or is our pitching rotation always seeming to catch our opponents’ aces when we’re at the 3-4-5 spot in our rotation?

I can’t help but wonder if we should look ahead and adjust our rotation to match our 1-2 vs. our opponents’ 1-2. Lance Cormier pitched well enough to win except we were up against Brandon Webb, for example. Truth be told, Jo Jo pitched well enough to win, yesterday, too.

Of course, pitting Smoltz/Hudson against our opponents’ best arms, too, might endanger our chances of winning those games, too, but if we’re going to let our offense mask our deficiencies in the rotation, it’d make more sense to line up the rotation so that our weaker arms go against their weaker arms. I realize we can’t match up every series to work like that, but lately, it seems that our back-end of the rotation is flat-out out-matched against opposition aces. Thoughts?

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

Tomahawkin braves are done once they get behind, product of the pressure and lack of veterans that know how to handle deficits. I think that is as important as the lack of starting pitchings. Newest example, they were not able to come back even when tim was on the mound and even when jojo pitched fine.

By J.D. Phillips

August 27, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this

A blind man could do just as good a job off the bench as Thorman, Harris and Woodward. That is the most pathetic numbers ever. I’m sorry I ever badmouthed Keith Lockhart.

By Shaun

August 27, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

DOB, you said, “Besides, the Padres are finding ways to overcome a .249 team batting average that ranks last in the NL, and they’re doing it without a huge payroll.”

Well, the Padres are actually a better offensive team than their overall numbers show. If you take away their dreadful (for hitters) home park, they rank 8th in baseball in road runs, mostly because they’re fifth in road SLG and sixth in road homers.

Oh, and they are also ninth in fewest road runs allowed.

So they are a good pitching team, which everyone notices, but they are also a very good hitting team.

By Thoughts?

August 27, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Thoughts? I think your lame questions was answered sufficiently on the last blog

By BravesFanInRockies

August 27, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts,

Interesting idea, but even if it’s possible to do that I’d imagine it’s too late in the year to try. Smoltz and Hudson have to be running on fumes, and of course Smoltz’s shoulder is bothering him. Seems to me you’d want to pitch them as often as they could take it but not more than that. That probably means every five days, no more, and even less if you could somehow get either one an extra day off, if you catch my drift.

By Shaun

August 27, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

Responding to your views on McCann and re-signing Tex from the last blog:

Well, McCann has had the same body type since he came up and has been mostly excellent.

And Teixeira will command a lot more than he will be worth. No way the Braves should offer him the ARod, Manny type deal that he will likely ask for. He’ll be 29 and I’m sure they’ll be able to find a firstbaseman that can provide more production on the dollar.

By DAP

August 27, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

its great to have you back DOB! weve missed you on the blog!

we braves fans arent used to having a pretty good team and losing anyways. it happens to other teams all the time, because after all, only 8 teams make it to the playoffs. hopefull, we will still make it! it would take an impressive run…

ditto on bourne ultimatum, DOB, what a great movie…all the bourne movies are great. i heard someone say it was this generation’s james bond.

By John Adcox

August 27, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Okay, I am not one of those fans that have given up on 2007. I still feel the Wild Card is possible, and the East isn’t out of reach. I have no idea where or how we’ll find the pitching, but….

That said, it’s not too early to start looking ahead. And folks, we have the potential to look awfully good.

STARTING PITCHING

Tim Hudson and John Smoltz: There is nothing that needs to be said against these two. It’s hard to think of a better one-two punch on baseball, and despite Smoltz’s age and shoulder, I see no reason at all to expect less of them next year. That gives us two… a terrific two, but only two out of five, alas.

Mike Hampton: If he somehow comes back, and uses the winter to shake off the rust without accumulating too much fatigue, the Braves are in amazing shape for 2008. Amazing. In fact, I’ll even go so far as to say I believe it’ll happen. Count on it? Not so much. Hampton is a great piece to hope for, and he can be a difference-maker in 2008. Sadly, he can’t be plan A. He is, however, the only one I see on the radar that might have the potential to step up should one of the big two go down.

Chuck James: The good news is, I see no reason to think he’s reached his ceiling yet. The bad news is, he needs another pitch and some stamina. The former can develop, and I’m willing to bet help the latter a little. As a four or five, we’re fine. I genuinely hope we’ll see him continue to develop. In fact, he’s the main reason I cling to hope that the Braves will sign:

Tom Glavine: To me, more than anyone else aside from David Justice, the emergence of Tom Glavine marked the birth of the new Braves. I’d love to see him finish his career where he belongs. He can win some games for us, and he’ll be a terrific mentor for Chuck James. Perhaps best of all, he buys a little time for some of the rising stars in the system to mature—if we’re lucky, giving us the luxury to avoid rushing players before they’re ready in the event of an emergency (see Reyes, Jo Jo). The payroll flexibility is there. Sign him.

Buddy Carlyle: What can you say? This guy’s played over his head all year, and he shows no sign of stopping. Frankly, I hope he’s our number six next year. If so, you can do a lot worse. Same goes for a number 5, I suppose. He’ll eat innings, some, anyway, and he’ll match up well enough against most number 5 starters. I shudder to think where we’d be without him this year. It’s not going too far out on a limb to say that

Lance Cormier: See above. I like him as a six or seven, unless he miraculously recaptures his Spring Training form. He’s insurance, he depth, and he’s an option. None of those are bad things. If he proves to be more, terrific. At worst, he’s a warm body waiting in the wings should an aging rotation spring a few leaks. We’re going to need a couple of those, folks.

Jo-Jo Reyes: Brilliant future; present needs to be at Richmond. I’m willing to wait. I hope the Braves are, too.

Blaine Boyer: No idea what to think of Blaine Boyer at this point, so call him an incomplete. Seriously, starter? Reliever? Trade bait? I honestly have no idea. If he’s a starter, lump him in with Cormier, unless he just explodes in Spring Training. I assume he’s playing winter ball?

Beyond this, the trade pickings free agent crop are slim, folks. Slim. I absolutely don’t believe anyone is going to give us a two or three starter for Edgar Renteria and anyone we can package with him. If a starter is to be obtained next year, it’s after Spring Training, and probably close to the deadline. If we manage to land Glavine and get any kind of performance out of Hampton at all, that should be fine. Anything else I see on the radar looks like too little to help us much, and for too high a price.

Ken Rosenthal says that Dontrelle Willis may be on the block, but I can’t imagine that the Fish will trade in the division, and even if they do, the certain-to-be-astronomical price against the considerable downside makes him unattractive in my book. Am I missing anybody?

BULLPEN

With an aging core of starters, the ’pen will be more important than ever. We’re looking really, really good, even if we stand pat with what we have. Frankly, I almost hope we do.

Rafael Soriano: I sincerely hope the control problems are an aberration. He looks like the closer of the future to me. A little consistency would be nice—I am aging, Raf, as is my heart. Still, I can see myself getting pumped up when he takes the mound.

Manny Acosta: I love the variety of pitches, and I love what I see of the makeup here. The kid doesn’t get rattled easily. It’s hard to overlook the control problems, except to say that he seems to be getting consistently better, which is all you can ask of a player with his résumé. Wouldn’t surprise me to see him groomed as a closer, and frankly, with his arsenal of pitches, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him a look, at least, as a potential starter. I say that with no idea how he’ll do more than once through an order, of course, or how his control will hold up, which of course renders most of that speculation moot. As a reliever, I like his future. As a fan, I like seeing him take the mound.

Jose Ascanio: See above, only without quite the variety of pitches and without the starter digression. I’d like to see more of him. At this point, I can only judge based on potential, but he genuinely seems to have a bright future. He’s one of the reasons I don’t think the Braves need to make significant moves this off-season, unless there is a quality lefty available and the price is right. With Ring in the wings, even that seems like a minor issue.

Joey Devine: Incomplete. Love the potential. I hope he lives up to it. He seems to have his head screwed on right, at least from what we hear through interviews and such. I genuinely hope and expect that 2008 will be his breakthrough.

Ron Mahay: Exceeded my expectations. He’ll be a major, major factor in 2008.

Peter Moylan: See above. Just amazing.

Oscar Villarreal: Maybe the most useful cog we have. The only problem I see is that as a “long” guy, he doesn’t seem to be good for than two innings (which, for the record, is why I’m not on the “try Villarreal as a starter” bandwagon). No problem. Let him pitch two innings, and give the ball to Moylan. Or just about anyone on this list.

Royce Ring: I can’t wait to see him pitch at the big league level in September. He could be huge for us in 2008. For now, incomplete.

Tyler Yates: Um, well. Potential? Check. Blazing fastball? Check? Flashes of brilliance? Check. Consistent? Um, not so much. Looks like trade bait to me, or depth at Richmond. I used to think he was a closer in waiting. I still do after some outings. I don’t think it’ll be in Atlanta, though, largely because we have more than ten names with at least as much upside for something like seven slots.

And finally….

Don’t Ask, Dotel: I genuinely hope he recovers in time to show us something this year. Right now, I don’t resign him—not that my opinion has been solicited, mind. If he recovers and dazzles, he may well be closer material. Besides, I’ll have at least one more year in which I can continue to make “Don’t Ask, Dotel” jokes, which is worth any price. On the other hand, I can’t help finding his public demands for “closer money” distasteful. Incomplete.

The Great Gonzo: I have such high hopes for him. I truly, truly hope we’ll see him back at full speed next year. Incomplete, but fingers crossed tightly.

CATCHERS

Brian McCann: Three time all-star? Heap isn’t close to his ceiling. The nagging injuries are sure to keep biting him, but he’ll soldier on and give us more than we can reasonably expect. He’ll have a better year next year, and this year was more than fine.

Corky Miller: Somebody’s got to catch one day out of five, and we could do worse. I’d like to see more stick on the bench, but it’s just not going to happen. Defense and game calling seem fine.

INFIELDERS

Chipper Jones: He is the Atlanta Braves now. Well, he and Smoltz—until they officially pass the torch to McCann and Francoeur. I only hope that the Braves maintain enough infield depth to cover if he goes down, and to give him a day off now and again. Chipper is a player we’ll be telling our grandkids about some day.

Edgar Renteria: A+. Exceeds expectations, amazes, anchors the infield. Speaking of depth, I sincerely hope the Braves hang on to him. There is no one else who can make up for the loss of Chipper’s bat when the guy needs a day off. Keep him; whatever we can get isn’t as valuable as what we lose.

Yunel Escobar: An everyday player, an all-star to be. As with Rent, he gives us a solid bat, and depth is never, ever a bad thing. Frankly, I’d rather see him at second, save when Chipper or Renteria need a breather.

Kelly Johnson: See above, but with more power. I still feel that with the probable loss of Andruw, his destiny is in the outfield. His bat is only going to improve; his defense at second is at least adequate and likely to be closer to stellar in the outfield. The one knock against the move is this: Chipper seems to feel that his time in the outfield led to his present injury problems. If so, is the same likely to happen to KJ? Either way, he gives the Braves depth and options, but like Escobar, he needs to play close to every day. I’d like to see that happen—while keeping Rent’s and Escobar’s bats in the lineup.

Mark Teixeira: Everything we’d hoped, and more. Resign him. Now. He and Chipper make a one-two combo that is just amazing. And switch hitters! It’s almost an embarrassment of riches.

Scott Thorman: I suppose someone needs to back up first, but Pena can do that just fine, and maybe give us a little more consistency off the bench. Thorman has so much potential that you just can’t imagine that he won’t live up to it, someday, somewhere. He’s trade bait, even if just or draft picks. He’s got a future, just not here. He’s too valuable to sit on the bench. The Braves sign a bench bat, or Pena takes the spot. I’d think the latter, at least out of Spring Training, if I had to make a bet.

Chris Woodward: Going out on a limb—I think Willy Aybar beats him out and takes the spot out of Spring Training.

OUTFIELDERS

Jeff Francoeur: Lock him up now. The ceiling for this kid is a long, long way above, and he’s going to improve for a long time to come. When Chipper finally hangs up the spikes, he’s the face of the franchise.

Matt Diaz: A hitting machine, and his fielding is better than we had any reason to hope. I not usually a fan of platoons, but this left field combo shows how the concept is meant to work. Bravo. Keep it going. The price is going to go up, but no worries. Sign the guy.

Willie Harris: See above. And teach him some base running skills or make him stay put. He gets caught stealing way too much. I can’t help thinking that we’ll see some improvement there. I honestly thought his bat was going to drop back down to Earth—he’s won me over, and I really enjoy rooting for the guy.

Andruw Jones: I’d go ahead and say he’s gone—except that I can’t help thinking the Braves will offer arbitration to ensure that they get compensation picks, and he may well take it. After the season he’s had, he’d have to at least thing about it. Aside from that circumstance, he’s gone, and I’m going to miss him. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t make move to replace him without at least giving a strong look to some of the candidates in house. If we keep the left field platoon intact, let Harris play center when he starts, and let Francoeur do so when Diaz starts. Lillibridge is an option, and quite possibly a good one. I can see Kelly Johnson in left or right.

I say stand pat, and make a move later if possible. Save the cash and bargaining chips for pitching. And save some cash for Harris and Diaz.

And a bench. Man, we need a bench.

By Bobby Cocks must be fired immediately

August 27, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, not the weekend where I’m at Please ask Bobby is this the worse bench to ever suit up in the bigs with Woodward and Thor coming off the pine to instill fear in opponents.

By AZBravoFan

August 27, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Since we’ve exhausted all other options, blamed everyone there is to blame for the current doldrums, I think it’s time to DFA our pinch-blogger Carroll. She acknowledged herself that she was sub-.500 before the road trip. Now it’s even worse. Time for DOB to get back in the saddle and take us to October. Hey, it’s no sillier than bringing back the Tee-Pee in ‘82, which clearly helped secure the division title. Welcome back DOB!

By gotigers72

August 27, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Good to have you back DOB. Carroll did a great job, but you’re the man! Of course Carroll is a woman, so you have to be da man.

I personally think the Braves currently have a morale problem, due to bad starting pitching that goes in the dumper when the offense puts up a lot of runs, lack of clutch hitting when runners are on 3rd w/less than 2 outs, and bullpen woes [giving up homers to let games be tied or give the opponents the lead]. Either or all of those could cause low morale, but the combination of the three, well, YIKES. They got Teixeira and Mahay and have a losing record since. That’s pretty dang shabby.

I agree with you on the bench. Probably the worst in the majors. It will be nice when Saturday gets here so some help can be brought up. I think Julio, Prado and Brayan Pena will for sure be brought up, but I’m not sure who else. Maybe another reserve outfielder, possibly Brandon Jones. I don’t know if they have any pitchers worth bringing up, because if they did, I believe they would already be up. Whoever they call up, it’s got to strenghten the bench. Couldn’t be any worse.

Any others that you think may be called up DOB?

By Suzie

August 27, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

I have been a Braves fan my whole 41 years and I’m so disgusted right now, you wouldn’t believe it. Man, why do you pitch to Dunn with 1st base open and throw him a FAST ball at that. Of course the blamed thing is going out of the yard. Or why do you bat Thorman against a lefty with men on and expect him to be successful. Put in Woodward or Diaz and let them hit for gosh sakes instead of accepting a certain DP or strikeout. I’m disgusted watching Andrew fail every time it matters—either by striking out or by grounding into a double play. I’m tired of watching sorry pitchers who get 2 innings into a game and just blow up. I’m tired of watching the Braves just suck it up and blame whoever they can. I want some guys to step up and do it. I want them to justify their salaries for once in the last 5 years. When is the last time the braves won a close or extra inning game? I cringe when we go to extra inning b/c I know we will lose. Relief pitching? What relief pitching? We got what we asked for when we didn’t raise payroll. I think the bottom line is that Bobby keeps being loyal to Andrew (even more so now that he actually got a hit) and he keeps failing and failing and failing. Put Brian Diaz in the lineup, at least he will try and not laugh at striking out in the bottom of the ninth with runners on second and third. And would the 3-5 pitchers get a study group or something and learn how to have some balls? I’m a female and I could do it better than them. I think the Braves now have the CURSE. It’s called the curse of I make too darn much money to try hard. Maybe if the players wouldn’t play so much golf before every game, they could have some energy for the actual game. I just can’t stand to watch this group play and it’s killing me. Bring back Big Cat, Mad Dog, and the others. Let them teach this group how to win.

By J.D. Phillips

August 27, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this

John Adcox

First of all, if Woodward is even in the Braves spring training camp, the Braves don’t deserve to win a game next year.

By Supes

August 27, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

John Adcox, that was one damn long post man!

DOB, good to have you back!

All the games are “must win” or “critical” or whatever you would like to call them from now on b/c if they don’t get on a winning streak soon…they may never get on one!

DOB, what are the chances that John Smoltz is moved to start Friday against the Mets at the Ted?

Shaun, While I agree that the Braves don’t need to give Tex the “ARod” money or type contract, do you believe they can find the power hitting first baseman within the organization?

The guy at Myrtle Beach seems to be about 2 years away right now and he looks like a top tier prospect, right?

Hayword, the Braves first round pick is a tall lanky kid, who they project as a corner outfielder or 1B.

If they think those two prospects can be brought up in 2-3 years it maybe OK for the Braves to let TEX walk after 08…although if they fail to win the WS in 08…that deal will look real bad for John S. He will have “nothing” to show for giving up 5 prospects to Texas.

Thoughts on the possible 1B solutions of TEX walks?

By Jay Dub

August 27, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

We need more Steve Earle in the blog I put this in bold because I know DOB appreciates advice on how to make denizens (okay, just me) happy. (Heard Earle sing “City of Immigrants” on Letterman the other night. Cathcy. Not his best work, but I like it.)

The Braves have not played well enough to win. In fact, I was at the Cardinal games over the weekend and the only game the Bravos won came with four Cardinal errors. You could argue the Cardinals played poorly enough to lose - a disease that seems to have infected the Braves of late.

I’ll add this in advance of complaining later. This is maybe the final “must-win blah blah” i can put up with this year. Statistically, the braves aren’t in horrible shape. But we can keep saying “must-win” until they are statistically eliminated. If the don’t gain ground this week, I’ll be writing them off for the season.

My feelings will be best summed up musically by Dylan:

“People are crazy and times are strange, I’m locked in tight, I’m out of range, I used to care but, things have changed.”

By Thrillhouse44

August 27, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Welcome back, DOB. Could the Braves have picked a worse time to lose 3 of 11? Let’s just hope the horrible start to the road trip gets them fired up instead of making them apathetic.

Is it too late to make Oscar a starter this season? Whether it is or not, I doubt it’s going to happen. But, man, something has to happen.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

JD Phillips Totally agree on 249

By DAP

August 27, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

efrim i also pointed out on the last blog, that mccann’s ankle is still an issue. i dont think its his size thats the problem. 6-3 210 isnt to big. thats probably where he should be, but i think the ankle injury last year hurt his “speed” (he was already slow) and his mobility behind the plate, thus his defense suffers (notice all the pssed balls)

nothing wrong with his size, i think he just needs to make sure that ankle is taken care of.

By Bob, Journalist

August 27, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Nice job David O’B … but then, that’s why they pay you the big bucks.

It really would be nice to know the mood … not what they’re saying ‘cause they don’t really know their mood.

Who’s now the best barometer? … I used to think Julio and Terry could read the team’s mood pretty well but that Hoss himself was the easiest to read … maybe now it’s Jeff … maybe.

Are they a team?

By bill

August 27, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

There are pitching available in trades. Renteria will be our best to trade. The Tigers will be looking for a SS. Trade Renteria and James to the Tigers for Bonderman. He has a power arm, just what the Braves need.

By Shaun

August 27, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Supes,

I don’t know if they will find a firstbaseman within the organization. But I do think they could find one that will provide more bang for the buck than Teixeira somewhere by then.

By GriffinFromMillerCo

August 27, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

DOB, there has to be more to tell the denizens on the Wickman release. What really happened?

By Steve

August 27, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

DOB, I’m looking forward to the new Steve Earle album. Glad to hear it’s great. Are you finding it as good as Graham Parker’s “Don’t Tell Columbus”? Also, what do you think of the new Springsteen song “Radio Nowhere” from his upcoming new album “Magic”?

That the Braves could be one winning streak away from still possibly having a decent chance at the Wild Card, after having played so disappointingly and unclutch for the whole year is, imo, a negative commentary on the Wild Card concept. Is there another format they can go to that would still allow as many teams into post season without rewarding such mediocrity?

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

I really think chances of sweeping the fish is good, but braves are not in position to talk about of what if and chances………..MUST should be the only word in the ir heads in order the get the WC. Anything but Must will drive them to another october at home, and i dont mean Turner field.

Take advantage of the weak competition guys……..

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 27, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Excellent blog, DOB. Very well said.

Look, it is easy to blame all the woes on the pitching. But, it isn’t that simple. Using the pitching as the lone scapegoat is a copout. The fact is something is not right with this team. Something is missing. Yes, (laugh if you must) but this team lacks fire and passion. I watch the Mets and see guys like Reyes and Wright high-fiving each other and laughing and showing the enthusiasm of a bunch of 10 year olds. Nothing at all wrong with that. The Braves, on the other hand, act like insurance salesmen who found out they won Insurance Salesman of the Year. They politely clap and give the obligatory high-five. But, I have seen more passion and personality from Al Gore and Ann Coulter.

Fact is Reyes pitched well enough to win yesterday. Cormier has pitched well enough to win in his last three starts. Reyes has had three horrific games and those were against the D-Backs; Astros; and Reds. The rest of his starts were decent. So, why haven’t the Braves won? Just like DOB said the Braves can’t get hits when they need them most.

As much as common sense tells me otherwise, I still believe this team can make the playoffs. But, they have to want to make the playoffs. They have to have that “edge” to them. They have to play every game as if it were their last. If they aren’t willing to do that, then they need to just pack it up now!

By Dwight Fry

August 27, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this

Could it be that part of the problem with the #3,4,5 starters is that McCann is not yet adept at calling pitches and guiding them through a game? Just wondering if an experienced, savvy backstop (e.g. Bengie Molina) would have made a difference.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

August 27, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

DOB Did you catch the Dale Watson concert you were talking about the other day? Good? Bad?

By Reid in EAV

August 27, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Despite the awful road trip, the most encouraging things I’ve seen have been quality innings and starts from Cormier and Reyes. You just knew these two would put it together, but you didn’t know when. If the time is now, and these guys can consistently whip out 6+ innings of 3-run or less ball, I suddently like our stretch chances much much more.

By Josh H

August 27, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

Not too sure if you’re going to find a 1st baseman with more “bang” than Texeira. The guy is a freak.

I guess you see how it turns out. If you have a stud coming through the minors who you think can perform well, you maybe take a risk with letting Texeira walk. Personally, I’d do everything I could to resign him within reasonable limits. He’ll probably be worth $16-$17 million a year (although with Boras, they’ll ask for much more).

Braves need to get serious. Is Cormier going tonight? Hudson giving up 5 runs the other start is nothing to worry about, Smoltz is still on his form, we just need those 3-4-5 guys to step up. It would be nice to hand over a game to the bullpen with a lead.

By Shaun

August 27, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

Robert (Justice Is The Best),

Does winning breed enthusiasm or the other way around?

And is it true that if the Mets look more enthusiastic, they are?

Not saying what you’re saying isn’t true, but I think it’s just as likely to be false. And there’s no way to verify it, except I would tend to accept the simplest explanation. I tend to think, as I’ve said many times, that things like enthusiasm don’t affect one team much more than others. Again, my thought is, if you’ve made it through all the filters it takes to get you to the big leagues and are good enough to play their regularly, you have just as much enthusiasm as is required for you to be on top of your game.

The most likely reason the Braves aren’t winning is because of their talent level. They have simply played to their talent level this season and it looks like maybe they just aren’t good enough.

Also, essentially the Braves are playing like they should. It is just a question of if other teams competing with them are better or worse than them.

By TURTSNAP

August 27, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

I’m sorry, are the Braves still playing baseball? Because from what I saw this weekend, they have packed it in. Better yet, one blogger said a game (or two) in Cincy and St. Louis reminded them of that extra inning marathon against Houston two years ago in the playoffs. The Braves are facing make or break time, which, with the exception of ‘95, we know how this franchise has handled make or break situations in the past!

By uga-brave

August 27, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

johm adcox,

you must of taken a five week nap, but then again it probably took you five weeks to write it.

if 18 out of thr 25 on this current roster are back i will be shocked.

By Lee in S. GA

August 27, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Teams need a little luck also. No one is questioning the offense; however, as DOB pointed out in his blog, timely hits are not happening for the Braves. Too many runners are being left on base. Our 3 through 5 starters need all the run support they can get, especially when they pitch well. Same thing happen to Hudson yesterday. At the 1st of the season the Braves were excellent in getting 2 out hits and bringing runners home. That seems so far, far away and many galaxies ago now-a-days.

By AZBravoFan

August 27, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this

John Adcox Thorman has so much potential that you just can’t imagine that he won’t live up to it, someday, somewhere.

Didn’t they once say the same about Brad Komminsk?

By Shaun

August 27, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Josh H,

Of course they aren’t likely to find a firstbaseman with as much bang as Teixeira (at least that could provide as much bang for the first few years of a new contract) but the question is bang for the buck.

It’s good for all teams to be efficient with their finances but it’s especially important for teams with less resources than others.

I think they’ll make him an offer and they should but I don’t know if it would be wise to give him what he’ll likely want.

By hummm

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

suzie, braves fan for 41 years…who is brian diaz?

By The Grinch

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

Anyone who thinks McCann is actually 6-3, 210 is seriously delusional. If he is indeed 210 pounds, he’s about 5-5. Not that there’s anything wrong with that; he’s in better shape than I am. But 6-3, 210? He’s three inches taller than Mike Vick and 5 pounds lighter? Ummm, no.

By Either Orr

August 27, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

I have to confess that I have not agreed with many observations made by DOB up to this point in the season. But his observations today are just about as dead on as they can possibly be!

Lots of offense, but many times those stats are generated in games where the Braves pile it on. During this recent period of one and two run losses, there have been far too many scoring opps go by the wayside without being capitalized on. Game ending stats like 11-12-13 men left on base have become familiar.

When you have starters like our 3-5, you have to capitalize on run scoring opps when you get them. Too many times, we haven’t.

Where did fundamental baseball go? Seems no one on this team can bunt. Baserunners being decoyed or going to sleep and only advancing one base on a ball off the wall. (think Willie H.) Defensive lapses at inopportune times.

Impossible to make playoffs? No! Likely to make playoffs? No!

The only way we make the playoffs is to go on a streak. The reason we aren’t likely to streak is our 3-5 starters.

Actually, they have already been on a streak, only it’s been in the wrong direction.

By robdawg06

August 27, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Boy, when I left this board the Braves were 3 1/2 games back of the Mets and added Teixeira,Mahay, and another sore arm (they call him Dotel). Now they are 7 games back. At least they got rid of one cancer (Wickman). Can they also get rid of starter/reliver, huh Dave ?) C. James,J.Reyes,L.Cormier,and the entire rank bullpen ? If you look at the infield and outfield starters there are all-stars everywhere. I mean actually every player is hitting .300 or above except Andruw and he has the best power numbers and best glove. Dave has stated the obvious. The 3,4,5 starters and the bullpen are the blame. I’m just wondering who is best at giving up the most homeruns ? R.Soriano or L.Cormier ? And Bobby is Mr. Dumb again starting C. Woodward period. Hey Bobby, just resign and draw your pension (you are past eligibilty at 76 years-old). I want Glenn Hubbard to manage the Braves now and next year. Why wasn’t signing David Wells considered ? He just beat the Mets as a Dodger… Its really sad that they couldn’t beat the Reds. The hitters deserve much better from the pitchers (except for Smoltz & Hudson). What a bunch of losers those pitchers are…I hope the sorry lot of them reads this blog too.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 27, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I look at this Braves roster and I see a lot of talent. I just don’t think this team has marginal talent. I think its better than that. As far as I’m concerned, this team has great talent at all 8 field positions. The starting pitching is better than what its given credit for. The bullpen has tremndous talent. Now, the bench……moving on! This team simply isn’t playing to their potential. It is that simple. A reason must exist.

DOB, I do have a question. Why in the hell is Chris Woodward still on this team? Wickman gets released (which I didn’t have an issue with) and Woodward stays (which I do have an issue with)? Makes no sense. This guy serves no purpose whatsoever. Can’t say his defense because his stellar defense cost the Braves runs yesterday. It sure isn’t his bat. And, Thorman? Just cut your loses and move on. Both of these guys are committing flat out larceny!

By Jersey Gil

August 27, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

DOB Welcome back….Did you read what happen to a beat reporter in Philly this past week end with myers.Myers said “this reporter knew nothing about baseball and he was a part time reporter” and he call the guy(Carchidi)from the Inquire Retard..and almost got a fight….question for you if you was in cinci thursday can you ask Wicky the same question?

By robdawg06

August 27, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

My cards say Brian McCann is 6 foot 3 inches 210 lbs. But you are right and all of them are wrong, right ?

By Salty

August 27, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this

DO’B Shaun’s rebuttal to the Padres’ .249 batting average…you knew that was coming, right? When I saw that stat, Shaun was the first denizen I thought of.

Shaun, you (almost) never cease to amaze me…and I mean that in all sincerity. You really invest in building your position; whether you get agreement is irrelevant.

By Lee in S. GA

August 27, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this

John Adcox

What a post. If I read everything correctly which is a big if, you pretty much have everyone coming back and still expect to add some players. This cannot happen. Somebody has got to go. If Thorman has to reach his potential, I just as soon it be with another team. What are you comparing Woodward with Aybar for. I agree with an earlier posts, why in the World would the Braves even have Woodward in training camp for. uga-braves you are probably right. Seven or eight player positions will more-than-likely be changed.

By Greg

August 27, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Is there any chance at all that we get something, anything for that fat tub of goo Wickman? Personally, I have never been a fan of professional athletes who are in worse shape than most beer league softball players. I’m so glad to see him gone.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this

Jersey Gil, I don’t know, you didn’t tell me what question he asked (the guy in Philly)….

Hillybilly, I’m p’d that I didn’t go see Dale W., man. We had a bunch of stuff going on that day, ended up going to movie late night instead.

Besides, I’d already dragged her to see John Doe, whom she didn’t know, but ended up really liking. Two weeks later, felt kinda bad asking her to go see another act she didn’t know, and a straight-up, hard country act, to boot. Gotta ease into these things.

By Juxta-Poser

August 27, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this

I stand here before you today to tell you how sorry I am.I used poor judgement when I robbed banks for six years(that you can prove at least).I used bad judgement in committing violent felonies time after time while lying to all of you till the very minute I couldn’t get away with it anymore.It’s not like I needed the money I could have spent my time and money helping my community but that just wounldn’t be as much fun as violence is.So when my co-conspirators rolled on me Jesus came to me and said ‘you’re in it now,this would be a good time to find me’.I saw the errors in my ways at that time and now I walk as one with my savior.

By Shaun

August 27, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

Robert (Justice Is The Best),

Well, this team is pretty good, I agree, and their record shows that. They are only a few games out in the Wild Card race and there is a good possibility that if they don’t do what most of us hope they’ll do, they’ll finish just a few games out in the Wild Card race. I wouldn’t say that’s a talented team not playing to its potential.

I think it was clear before the season started that this team was likely a Wild Card contender and if the Mets or Phillies stumbled, they could win the division. The Mets are picking up right where they left off, and the Braves are Wild Card contenders. I think that’s exactly how talented they are. I think they are living up to their potential, for the most part, as a team.

Salty,

I firmly believe the Padres are a good offensive team. Are they the best or an elite one? No. But they are a good one. Their overall stats don’t show it because they play in the worst hitters park in the game probably. Take away that factor and it’s clear they are a better offensive team than their overall stats indicate. There is no way you can deny that unless you want to argue scoring lots of runs doesn’t equate to a good offense.

I try to speak the truth the best I can. That’s what I’m committed to. If I see someone that may not realize the truth (even if they have the best of intentions), I’m going to speak out.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Bobby C, it’s always the weekend somewhere. Isn’t that a song or something? Can’t ask anything while you go by that screen name, buddy….

STEVE, haven’t heard the Springsteen song (don’t listen to much radio, I guess). I love that Graham Parker album. Great album. The Earle album is another solid one, like most everything he puts out, but a little more personal and with his perspective on Greenwich Village and environs, now that he lives there.

Also, if it’s a sad commentary on the wild-card concept that Braves are still a streak from being in thick of it, what does it say about the division races that the Cards got in last year as Central winner with 83 wins and might win it again with about the same number this season?

By bsj

August 27, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

I saw Steve Earle 2 years ago at the Variety Playhouse. Awesome show. I’m a big fan of his wife, as well. Grrrr!

I have to say that the current road trip has put a serious damper on my enthusiasm. Stating the obvious here, the Braves from even 2 years ago don’t let these games get away, never mind the ‘90’s Braves. The way they lost in Natti is, well, pathetic. The sad part is that there is a lot to like about this team. Acosta, Moylan, and even Soriano, have looked great overall. Mainstays for years to come. No complaints about the offense at all, Smoltz and Hudson have been stellar. But the 3,4, and 5 starters have hamstrung us. One of those three spots at least needs to give us a better than 50-50 shot at a win. James and Carlysle have both hit a wall, and the 5th spot hasn’t helped out all year. Do the math: .400 vs. .600 winning percentage.

Is there a chance Bobby gives Acosta a shot at starting? Let him work himself into it on the fly. There is no way he performs any worse than what we’ve been running out there. Even if he starts out giving us 3 or 4 innings, it’s no worse than what our supposed starters have been giving us. It is definitely time to shake it up a little. I like Reyes, but he’s not there yet. And I think guys are figuring Carlysle out a little bit.

By The Grinch

August 27, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Robdawg, the Braves media guide also had Wickman listed at 6-1, 240. If you’ve ever seen anyone that’s 6-1, 240 you’d know that was nonsense. Kieth Brooking’s 6-2, 245, and something tells me they wouldn’t look a hell of a lot alike side by side. Wicky’s more like 6-0, 290. All of that’s fairly obvious though, so in answer to your question, yes. I’m right and your cards are wrong. They’re only printing what the media guide says, rather than what a tape measure and scale would tell them.

By robdawg06

August 27, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

Ron Mexico (A.K.A mike Vick) pleaded guilty (for those living in a cave) today for dogfithing conspiracy charges. It makes me think back to last year when his brother Marcus (Ralph Mexico ?) got into trouble it seemed weekly as QB at Va. Tech. Marcus had speeding tickets,DUI’s,etc. I told everybody that he was a thug that just had the ability to play football. Mike Vick defended his brother publicly saying (quoted) “He’s misunderstood and just a kid.” Forward to today. Here is Ron Mexico banned from the NFL for a year or longer and going to jail. He got lucky that they covered up the drugs in the hidden compartment bottle on the plane. It was too much to cover up a house with pens that housed pit bulls that he owned. You can take a thug out of the streets but you can’t take the streets out of a thug. That’s really sad too…

By TampaBrave

August 27, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

John Adcox,

If Wille Harris is in center field next year, the Braves are in bad shape. He can’t steal, be can’t bunt, and he has an upper cut swing with minimal power. Has also misplayed some balls in left and CF is much more demanding. Scary. The guy had one great game, but the league adjusted and he has been marginalized lately.

By Jersey Gil

August 27, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

DOB The reporter question the pitch that Myer give up a Home run to tied and the Pitch to win the games in Friday blown save…same happen to Wicky the day before in Cinci. Myer call the reporter retard and say he don’t knoe anything about baseball.

By robdawg06

August 27, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Grinch, you are saying McCann’s height is akin to the Cuban’s and Dominican’s lying about their ages. Julio Franco just turned 35, by the way…Why don’t we let DOB confirm McCann’s actual height ? People tend to lie about their weight but almost never about their height.

By flange1

August 27, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Good song and thanks for the new blog. Hopefully the team will show up ready to kick butt tonight and just blow the Marlins away early.

Are you going to Ryan Adams show in Atlanta?

By robdawg06

August 27, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

I tend to blame the bullpen as much or more than the 3-5 starters. Carlyle and Reyes have pitched well at times (2 to 4 runs allowed thru 6 innings). But the bullpen has been awful since the break. All of them sonzabiotches. You fight hard for 7 innings to get a lead that the bullpen promptly blows in one inning… Enough to make ya puke.

By A-ville Ranger

August 27, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Some days I have better judgement than others.When it came time to feed my dogs today I had a choice.I thought you know I could kill these guys and nobody would know.I could drown,electrocute,slam them to the ground while they screamed in pain but that would be immature of me.Everybody makes mistakes right ?I mean who hasn’t wanted to torture animals for sport ? we’re just human…..right ?

By Jersey Gil

August 27, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

DOB your are the lucky Charm for the Braves…i feeling a good thinks coming for the Braves in Fla…they have a good record when you cover them than Carroll…..GO BRAVES….I still have faith in my Braves.

By robdawg06

August 27, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

The groups Default,Theory Of A Deadman,Shinedown,Breaking Benjamins,and Good Charlotte all make good music to me. I guess its all in what’cha like ?

By superadam

August 27, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

Superbad was absolutely wonderful, the health class comment was great and watching the knockout on tv in the bar was even better, did you see knocked up? How do you feel it compared

By Efrim

August 27, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Shaun

Rotoworld.com. Upcoming free agents and trade candidates the next few years. Good article. Richie Sexson is the only other first baseman available at the time of Tex’s departure.

Imagine if he signed with the Mets. Delgado can be a free agent at the end of next year. They could realistically sign Teixiera.

As far as McCann goes, it would help him be a better player in the long term. Look at a guy like Posada. The guy is in great shape.

By The Grinch

August 27, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

McCann may well be 6-3; he doesn’t look all that short on Tv. But if he is, he’s about as close to 210 as John Kruk. Now I’ve got no room to talk, but then I don’t lie about my weight, either. Of course, nobody buys my card…:-)

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

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

Well, I still see that Chris Woodward hasn’t been released. It better happen soon or I may be forced to be like Robert is about Bobby Cox except I will have a lot more legit reasons to give for his dismissal!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

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

Welcome back DOB… Of course I wasn’t here either but that’s another story. All I can say is I thought I left the blog in good hands to keep the Braves going and yikes!!!! I come back to the team in shambles, Wickie is gone. And the Richmond Braves now in second place after being up by 12 games early in the season.

And what of camels? Gives new meaning to the age old question of one hump or two? See earlier report of a woman being killed by her amorous pet pachyderm in Australia.

I have been an avid supported of the team all year and will not falter but these guys are digging a very deep hole for themselves. No more excuses, Git-R-Done….

By the way John Adcox great post.

By robdawg06

August 27, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Vick in 2006 : “That white dog choke-chained in pen number 4 cost me $10,000 last night and my reputation. Leroy, bring him here and turn on the water spigot, I’m going inside to get my taser. We’ll teach this mutt a lesson.”

Vick in 2007 : “I was wrong to partake in fighting dogs. I need to take this year off to mature. I’m sorry to all the kids that looked up at me as a role model.”

By bsj

August 27, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

robdawg06, I agree with you that it can’t all be blamed on the 3-5 starters. It is more complicated than that, overall. But lately, those starters have not gotten it done. Reyes had a “decent” start last night, but part of pitching is working around mistakes. Every mistake by the defense has cost runs lately, it seems. Certainly every pitching mistake has cost runs. I guess one way to describe the team’s play right now is “the opposite of opportunistic”. Would that be “snake-bitten”?

By Shaun

August 27, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

You mean Sexson is the only other free agent firstbaseman who has played really well in the majors at some point over the last several seasons.

I’m sure there are other guys who will be free agents that will provide more as much or more bang for the buck (i.e., will still be serviceable and a lot cheaper). Also, there may be a young guy out there, either in the Braves’ system or someone else’s that may be quite capable of providing more bang for the buck that Tex.

And the Mets are going to be able to sign players like Tex whether we re-sign him or not. That’s just part of being in a division with the Mets. It’s kind of like being in a division with the Red Sox or Yankees. All that means is that the Braves have to be even more efficient with their resources.

By greg

August 27, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

I’m in full agreement with efrim. McCann’s weight worries me. I know he’s tired. The last few weeks must have been brutal catching in that heat. But he needs to lose the baby fat. If he doesn’t, the Braves will regret keeping him and trading Salty. Personally. I’m rooting for him. He has a great swing and good baseball sense and, if Smoltz says he provides a good target, then he obviously does. But the age of the fat catcher is over.

By Anders

August 27, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

DOB I can’t believe all the Woodward bashing on this blog. One very part time player can’t possibly be that important to the Braves struggles in my eyes. Do you agree? Year to date how do you grade Frenchy, McCann, Chipper, Andruw, Johnson indivudually versus your expectation for each this year? I’ve heard plenty about the pitching but not much about some of the everyday players, other than injuries.

By robdawg06

August 27, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Robert Justice, I will make my case for a new Braves manager.

The positives : 1)13 straight NL East titles and 1 World Series.

The negatives : 1)Only 1 World Series title out of 13 post seasons. 2)He had Smoltz,Glavine,Maddux,and Avery at their best. A blind blue pit bull dog (sorry Vick) could win a division with those 4 back then. 3)The decisions at crucial times all back-fired in the post season. Leibrandt-Puckett,Wohlers-Leyritz,pitching period to Beltran (when with the Astros),Devine,etc. 4)He’s over 70 years-old. Why not let a new manager with new blood get a shot ?

My math has 1 positive and 4 negatives.

By Lew

August 27, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

John Adcox-Great evaluation. However, I’ve got to go with TampaBrave on this one. Harris is gone. He had his Chuckie T moment and it’s over. He’s reverting to the career .238 hitter he’s always been. he speed is real nice, but he can’t bunt, can’t move runners over, can’t hit for power and can’t steal a base, which hurts and kills potential rallies. No, he had his run, but players like him are pretty much all over the place. That’s why they switch teams so often. You also forgot Brandon Jones and Lillibridge. I do, however, like putting KJ in the outfield and keeping Edgar.

By John Adcox

August 27, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

UGA-Brave, I see your point, what what do you recommend they do INSTEAD? That is reasonable and affordable? I think with a few tweaks, this team can compete—we need starters (not going to get much) and a bench (easiest to fix). I see more promise, although, of course, a lot of balls (likely too many) have to bounce the right way.

By robdawg06

August 27, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Puckett and Gwynn were over-weight most of their careers. McCann is fine. Piazza was also always a little heavy and to me he was the best hitting catcher ever.

By BEST LINE OF THE DAY

August 27, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

“When we started the season, I thought we had a great team.” - Drayton Moore

Yeah and we thought Lance Cormier was Greg Maddux. Give me a drag off that weed Drayton.

By JD

August 27, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

This is the biggest week, and no, we are not out of the Division race. The next 10 days will give a better guide. Here’s why: the Phils and Mets are playing 4 games this week, We sweep, and they split and we are only 5 1/2 back. Labor Day weekend involves “catching” the Mets and burying the Phils the following series. We could conceivably be between 2 1/2 - 4 1/2 back come Labor Day. Not bad considering we came from 3 back the last Mon of the season in 82’, 91’ and 93’. Of course, we won’t have the benefit of the Dodgers/Giants beating each other up and playing spolier.

I really like our chances when the rosters expand. I’d say look for Bobby to add another 3-4 pitchers along with Franco, Prado, Orr and Pena and then if he has to, watch Cox use 5-7 pitchers in that 5th starters role. When James comes back, you might see Reyes start and pitch 3, Cormier 2-3, Minor leaguer 1-2, etc.

Thorman and Woodward are after thoughts once the rosters expand. It’s a crying shame that we are handcuffed by the “waiver wire” with Thorman and Woodward, but I wish we’d just cut ties. It can’t hurt us. Tigers do it all the time. See Dmitri Young and Craig Monroe.

You can’t pick on the Braves for not getting a starter, and they won’t pick a decent one off the FA over the winter. ESPN has a list of the top 10, and its ugly. We’ll have to trade for one, and it will involve some major prospects, but I’m guessing Renteria to either “trade” the salary or dump it. We still have Hampton, but I’m beginning to think that means “in spirit”.

By the way, don’t count us out on the AJ sweepstakes and signing Tex. Between Hampton, Renteria there’s $20M+ floating around after 08’, who says Smoltz is back after that as well? Also, I like Willie, but not in CF. He’s got potential to bat .240 as an every day player, and he’s lefthanded. I’d take AJ over him every day. They could bat for the same average, but AJ whips him in RBI’s, HR’s and defense.

By Anders

August 27, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Efrim If McCann is that good a hitter and a marginal catcher maybe they should consider moving him to another position. That certainly worked with Craig Biggio. No way that guy lasts 20 years and gets 3000 hits sitting behind the plate. Granted speed was a big part of Biggio’s game too but I think you get the point. I don’t see McCann as much as you guys. Any chance he could play some other position? Left maybe?

By Salty

August 27, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Bob, J Are they a team?

That’s a ‘cut to the quick’ question…and very succinct! :-)

Lew Agree on Harris…nice guy…the league has plenty of them, most likely. Like Chuckie T, maybe a team sees more than the cover suggests.

By robdawg06

August 27, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Anders, do you watch the Braves ? Chipper might be the MVP in the NL this year. Ever hitter is doing well or better than expected except Andruw and only Andruw’s average is deficient. This isn’t rocket science…The hitting ain’t the problem except for your friends C. Woodward and P. Orr…

By Charlie Bwater

August 27, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Mr. Adcox I agree with the majority of your post with the exception of Mr. Woodward who needs to be working at Walmart at the start of next season. AJ, he may need to be gone but not replaced by Harris. May be great in some eyes but appears to be a short time wonder.

Why can’t our Pitching Coach give some help to these young pitchers and reclamation projects? Isn’t that what they are for or is this my imagination or am I dreaming? Anyway lets go to Florida and beat them fish.

By Gant #5

August 27, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Just saw on rbraves.com that Pete Orr was called up and Chad Paronto was placed on the Temporary Inactive list. Can you confirm these roster moves DOB? If so, who’s spot is Orr taking, and what’s wrong with Chad? Thanks!

By NCBravesFan

August 27, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

DOB Welcome back. Excellent blog post, although the subject matter is quite difficult. It seems as though we’re watching the Braves wave goodbye to the postseason.

It occurred to me in the Cincy series that the Reds looked like a team that was playing for something, and the Braves looked like a team that was playing for next year (or tee time in October).

At any rate, have you seen the movie “Talk to Me” starring Don Cheadle as of yet? I saw it last night - great flick that tells the story of Petey Greene, the ex-con turned DJ in Washington, DC.

One of the better movies I’ve seen in a while. Good soundtrack, too .. including James Brown … and overall a Motown flavor.

By Ron Roberts

August 27, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

MLBTradeRumors.com is reporting that local radio in Houston has said the Astros have fired Tim Purpura (GM) and field manager Phil Garner.

Wow. It wasn’t that long ago that Tim and Phil had the ‘Stros in the World Series. They were in the race til the final day last season. Now they’re gone.

I could see firing Purpura, I guess, but how do ya blame Garner for having to manage a team without Clemens and Pettite? They didn’t exactly move to replace ‘em with viable starting options.

Garner’s a good guy; won’t take him long to land a spot elsewhere.

By John Adcox

August 27, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

Lew, I DID mention Lillbridge as a candidate for CF, but shame on me for forgetting Brandon Jones. He was one of the main reasons I was thinking we’re okay to stand pat in the OF.

By Ken Stallings

August 27, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

It’s a shame that the Braves ownership has put this team in the middle of the pack in salary. The Braves have unloaded a lot of talent that it should not have, and most certainly would not have if Ted Turner had kept the team under his control.

The Braves have a core group of players that could win a World Series, but when they dumped Glavine and Maddux in cost-cutting moves that signaled the end. Add Jason Schmidt and Kevin Millwood to the list of quality starters allowed to leave for money, and it’s no question why we’re in this mess.

The injuries to Mike Hampton have hurt more than any other this year. But, quality pitchers being made available on the free agent list is as rare as hen’s teeth and the Braves have made many availble. Glavine, Maddux, Schmidt, Millwood isn’t merely a list, it’s a surrender flag!

You put four quality starters on this Braves team and it would be magic all over again. The tough part of building a title team is assembling all the pieces. When a team is just a few pieces away, most ownership groups cherish the opportunity and seek out the solutions.

Our ownership group had all the pieces and unloaded a few to cut costs. We’ve tried to replace those missing pieces with bailing wire and prayers that Bobby Cox could work a miracle conversion of a marginal player into a one-year wonder! He did sometimes, but that’s not a rational plan!

One day in the not so distant future, the Braves won’t be trying to replace a few missing pieces, but rather revamping an entire roster of retired star players. Then, the real rebuilding effort begins.

Drafting talented starting pitching is the most difficult task in baseball. Atlanta won titles because we were able to draft and trade for a lot of them in miraculous fashion — Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz, Avery, Schmidt, Millwood. Every other GM in baseball shook their heads at the Braves’ Midus touch as only Maddux was a free agent acquisition.

It isn’t easy. As we did it. And then after 13 titles, we decided it was too expensive to keep! Of that list, only Avery faded. Only Smoltz remains from an enviable list of six starters that any other GM would kill to put on his roster! We handed four of them away and saw one lose his skills from injury.

You want to know why the Braves aren’t winning titles any more? That’s why! It’s a game of pitching and defense. You can always get hitters; Mark Texiera is just the latest example. You rarely get pitchers, especially starters. We had them. We don’t now!

By BEST LINE OF THE DAY

August 27, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Apologies for mixing my McLane’s and Moore’s.

Drayton McLane can’t fire himself so fire the only guy ever to get him to the World Series. Nice work Drayton.

By Efrim

August 27, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Anders

McCann is a catcher. He has to stay there. So did you read my post on the last blog regarding the Braves and Mets futures? Mostly the Braves, but did you get to it?

By Chop Chop

August 27, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Ahhhh…bloggity goodness…

Grinch, I just looked up Andruw’s height/weight on Baseball Reference.

Here’s the tale of the tape:

6’1”, 170

Andruw weighs at least 50 pounds more than that, probably closer to 60.

They have Barry Bonds listed at 6’2”, 228. That’s much closer to being right.

By Jim Valvano

August 27, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Don’t Give Up!!! Don’t Ever Give Up!!!

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 27, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Anders, because of the way Cox uses his bench Woodward’s presence is a big deal. If this is were the American League I would not be as upset about him being on the bench. But, this isn’t the AL; it is the NL. Bench players are used all the time. Woodward is getting 4 to 6 abs a game and usually late in the game when those abs count the most. Also, days such as yesterday when Chipper needs a rest or Johnson or Tex he is the guy. Problem is…..HE IS FREAKIN TERRIBLE. Nobody in their right mind can think that this guy is any good. If he is so great, then why didn’t the Mets sign him for $800,000. That is loose change for the Mets. I will tell you why they didn’t re-sign him. Because HE FREAKIN SUCKS!

Right now the bench consists of: Woodward, Thorman, Diaz/Harris, and Miller. Miller, who actually looks like Brooks Robinson compared to Woodward, isn’t ever really a pinch hit option because he is the backup catcher. Diaz/Harris are good option. Thorman is terrible. He and Woodward are almost guaranteed strikeouts. Not even guaranteed outs. Strikeouts.

Let me ask you this. Would you want your Mets to have this bench? I didn’t think so!

By General Custer

August 27, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

I knew not the meaning of retreat.

Charge, Braves, Charge! Remember you are the Indians in this battle.

By beachcomber

August 27, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Ron Roberts - Have to agree with you about Phil Garner. Class guy. Wouldn’t be sad to see him land in the Braves organization - bench coach maybe.

The guy we have this year appears lost.

By StingerSplash

August 27, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this

When you only have four — Smoltz, Hudson, Soriano and Yates — of the pitchers you expected to break camp with still on your staff from Opening Day, that’s a bad, bad, bad sign. Getting Teixeira was a great move, but it still boils down to pitching. Unfortunately, there was little to be had at the trading deadline this year and it looks like the Braves got the best of what was available. Unless by some miracle Messers Carlyle, Cormier and Reyes start getting people out at a prolific rate, winter will come early for the Braves.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Shaun Braves are not playing to their talent level.

Soriano underachieved for more than 1 month.

McCan is underachieving, so has francouer for the last month.

Harris showed lots of talent for more than 3 months, nobody without talent can be so hot for that period of time, obviously not a HOF or something, but teams jus couldnt get him out.

Devine has not seen too much action.

JoJo might be better than he is doing as well as James.

AJ is a much better hitter than he is showing (have in mind am an andruw hater).

So what were you saying about talent?

By Fred from CT

August 27, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

were down but not out still time to turn it around need to start tonight

By Efrim

August 27, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

Jon Adkins

Lew, I DID mention Lillbridge as a candidate for CF, but shame on me for forgetting Brandon Jones. He was one of the main reasons I was thinking we’re okay to stand pat in the OF.

Brandon Jones is a corner outfielder. He is not a centerfielder. They would rather play Frenchy there. And if they were smart, they would never take Francouer out of right.

By Mo in the boonies

August 27, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Brought this over from the other blog. For all who are placing their hopes on Teixeira being signed next year, remember he was offered 140,000 by the Rangers to stay with them, and he turned that down! Do you seriously think he is going to sign for less to stay with the Braves?

By Braveheart

August 27, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

McCann definitely needs to mix in a few salads and lose a few lbs.

With his history of ankle woes, it can’t be easy carrying extra weight and applying extra pressure to it.

Not the most agile guy anyway, it can’t be helping to be overweight, especially when slowed by ankle injuries.

But, of course, how is a guy with ankle problems supposed to get more aerobic to be more svelte? I would imagine running would hurt like hell with his ankles. Running can’t be fun for a catcher anyway with as much as their legs ache.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Pete Orr’s back, Devine sent down (couldn’t bring Prado back, because it’s inside 10 days since he was moved out).

CHIPPER’s in lineup and said he’s gonna play unless something drastic happens in BP. Bobby had two lineups made, one with Chipper and one without, and told us (and his radio show) that Chipper was doubtful. But as I suggested, I thought Chipper would play, in part because he’s 5-for-10 with two homers off Olsen, and also because he realizes it’s getting to now-or-never time with these Braves and they have far lesser chance to win without him.

Also, Andruw is back in lineup, as expected.

By Anders

August 27, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Robdawg First of all saying Piazza always looked heavy to you couldn’t be more wrong. The guy was cut like a Linebacker. Get your eyes checked. Also, Puckett and Gwynn didn’t spend their careers squatting behind the plate for 9 innings.

As for your offense, I’m was interested in DOB’s evaluation. But since you chimed in “If your offense is so loaded and all your offensive guys (except Andruw’s average)have done their job or more why would Woodward and Orr have to be removed from the locker room?” These are part time players

Jack Nicholson - A Few Good Men

By Cassius Clay

August 27, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

The Braves are just rope-a-doping.

Float like a butterfly, Sting like a bee, 3 for 3 in Miami!

Rumble, young men, rumble!

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop, Bonds is a little over 240 pounds. Andruw was about 220 at start of this season, down from about 240 at end of last season.

By Lee in S. GA

August 27, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Braves will go after a CF like Mike Cameron less money. a little less talent. That seems to be the Braves way of the future. Less money…less talent.

If McCann has a weight problem and no doubt he does, it is up to him to work it off during the off-season. A little more salads and a little less Big Macs would be a start. No excuse for the contract he signed. The guy could build/put a weight room in his house.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 27, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

Good lord! You guys are acting like McCann is David Wells or something. McCann has a bit of a gut but not the extent that it is being said here. Look at most catchers. They aren’t really the fittest of people.

By Efrim

August 27, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

We need to keep Renteria.

I know many of you think he is our only tradeable piece this offseason, but playing Escobar at second and moving Kelly to left field would be a great move.

The question really is, what would you expect to get for him?

No team is trading you a #2 starter for him. In fact, I would be suprised if you received a #3 for him. Say Ken Williams changed his mind and would agree to trade Renteria for Garland. Why would we do that? Garland is owed 10 million dollars in 08 and 09. Pointless. Lets try to get a starter some other way. Not sure how, but maybe JS can get creative.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

NCBravesFan, Talk to Me is next on the list. Gotta see that, for sure. Also rented a cool Korean movie, the well-reviewed The Host, about a monster fish thing living in an urban river, created by dumping toxins illegally into the river. Freakin’ cool movie.

Alright, gotta work

By Lee in S. GA

August 27, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Pete Orr …the bench will be he!l now. We are in the playoffs.

By Anders

August 27, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

Efrim Sorry I didn’t see your posting on the last blog as I just got back into town today and have been playing catch up all day

Robert JITB I agree with your assessment of Woodward - he’s a very weak hitter. I guess the question I would have is all I hear on this blog is how full of position player prospects the Braves system is. Isn’t there one or two guys who would be more productive than Woodward that they can bring up?

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 27, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

DOB, what is the deal with Devine. It seems like the guy can’t stay up for very long. He has pitched decently every time. What is this? The fifth or sixth time this season he has been called up and sent back down within a few days. And, why is Pete Orr who can’t hit AAA pitching let alone major league pitching back up with the team. I realize Prado can’t be called back, but what about Lillibridge. He has to be a better option than ‘ol “three pitches; three strikes” Orr.

By Braveheart

August 27, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

Anders Guys like Woodward and Orr are big deals to many of us because this is a struggling team. Every little bit helps. Marginal players make the difference in a few wins every year. Their ability to field, bunt, hit, run, steal bases, field well, step in adequately for starters makes all the difference when you are a few games off the pace. Just look at the Mets this year with Easley, Milledge, Valentin & Endy Chavez last year. Castillo for you guys this year. When the Braves were winning 100 games a year, they could get away with bad benches during the regular season. During the postseason, they could not. The difference makers in the 1996 and 1999 World Series were bullpens and benches. So, guys like Woodward and Orr do hurt this team. Only a fantasy league player or statazoid would not understand that. The dead weight that is dragging this team down is the fifth starter and the bench.

By Tomahawkin' Again

August 27, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

Not to be a nattering nabob of negativism here, but how many “must” weeks have we had for the Braves here in the last 30-40 games? The post-all star break home stand (5-5 against Pit, Cin & StL), the 6 gm home stand against SF and the “they’re playing above their heads” Dbacks (3-3), the 10 game road trip headed into the Rivalry Week (so far, 2-5 & looking like they’ve made their tee-times for early October), etc. I just don’t see it, but I’ll keep playing Journey on the ipod…don’t stop believin’, hold onto that feeling

By Lee in S. GA

August 27, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Efrim

I agree with you. Renteria will not bring us a # 2 or 3 starter alone.

Certain people attacked me on here a few months ago about saying that Johnson would be gone before Escobar. Make no mistake about it, Yunel Escobar is the Braves answer to Derick Jeter of the Yankees and this kid will start somewhere next year. Renteria or Johnson would be history before Escobar.

By Wilson

August 27, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Efrim, you do realize that 10 million for Garland is a pretty good price relative to the rest of the pitching market these days right? I would probably do Renteria for Garland. I would prefer to get more back than just Garland, but that is probably a reasonable deal considering the outrageous market for pitchers these days. And the reason they would do it is because starting pitching is a HUGE need on this team, and we have a SS behind Renteria that is primed for an everyday position in the lineup. Renteria is the most expendable piece and the piece that will get the biggest return in a trade. I would love to keep Renteria. He’s one of my favorites, but it only makes sense to trade him in the off-season.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

August 27, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Well, I’m sure the homeplate umpire is going to be happy tonight. He will definitely stay cool with all the whiff machines the Braves will be sending to the plate in guise of pinch hitters.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

Why is devine down again? cant we send woodward down instead??????????????

By gotigers72

August 27, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe Pete freakin’ Orr has been brought back up. Geez Us H. May as well have kept Devine and let him pinch hit. He can hit as good or better than Orr.

Orr couldn’t get a hit off of my 82 year old mother. She would strike him out 3 out of 4 times. He was hittin’ .240 at AAA. The Braves putrid bench just got worse. The only thing he’s good for is pinch running. Or maybe they brought him up to pitch in the 4 or 5 spot. Couldn’t do any worse than the ragarms the Braves have had in there, especially at #5. Pete would probably give them more innings than those guys have been giving them. That’s it! That’s why they brought Pete back up! It can’t be because they think he can hit or play a position.

By Colin

August 27, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Lets see we lose tonight our season is over..we win its still over….because we cant string 10 wins a row together…

By Chop Chop

August 27, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the info, DOB. I think Bonds’s head weighs about 150 pounds, so that might be off juuuuust a little bit. I knew Andruw lost some weight, but I think he could probably benefit from dropping another 10 pounds this coming offseason. His knees (and, most likely, his new team) will thank him for it.

By Stu

August 27, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Keep Renteria; move Kelly Johnson to Center Field!

Let Escobar and Lillibridge fight for 2B for a year (or 2), and then when Edgar does move on, move the other to SS.

KJ has great speed, great instincts, a good bat, and a great arm. He’s our best CF prospect (I’d bet on him over Cameron any day).

Bring up Brandon Jones to compete with Diaz in LF; let Willie back up the IF and CF; and hope Aybar comes back to backup 3rd.

We do need to think about replacing Chipper somewhere down the road. Eric Campbell and Van Pope are good prospects, but neither had a good year in ‘07.

By Chop Chop

August 27, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

I have three fantasy league teams and love stats. I think the Braves have a terrible bench. I think you should adjust your conclusion to read as follows:

“Only a moron can’t understand that bench players are important.”

Or Coach.

By Lew

August 27, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

GoTigers-Does your Mom change speeds or does she have a good breaking ball? At 82, I have to question whether or not her fastball is still that good. Then again, maybe she can hit her age on the radar gun.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

Overlord, same explanation as it’s been all season: Devine has options, can be sent down and brought back without exposure to waivers.

Robert (JIB), Lillibridge isn’t on the 40-man roster. You don’t have to protect him yet (and won’t have to next season, either).

You don’t normally bring up a guy with no major league experience, who’s not even on the 40-man roster, to give you bench depth during a supposed playoff drive. Just not the way it’s done. Experienced guys get called for those roles….

THIS JUST IN: Just told that Teixeira was an NL co-player of week.

By Lew

August 27, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Stu-Chipper has an easily attainable vesting option for 09, so we do have some time to groom a replacement. Also, If we keep Renteria, there is an option on him for 09, as well.

By Efrim

August 27, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

DOB

What are your thoughts on the Braves entertaining a Renteria trade this offseason? I know I should still worry about the last 31 games, but I’m just asking. Do you think they will deal him? Thanks.

By Anders

August 27, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

Braveheart Good fair comments. Makes sense

By Jeff R

August 27, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

It was always about the pitching, despite the wide spread belief that Texeria was some god come to deliver the Braves. The Padres are where they are despite a .249 team average because of their pitching and defense. Pitching keeps games close, and when hitters aren’t hitting, keeps teams in games they couldn’t otherwise win. Texeria, with all his talent, granted, has been more a distraction than a help.

For 2008, the Braves need to shore up their starting pitching and find a closer who can shut the door consistently. Likely, they’ll need to go outside the organization for both needs, and that will take money, barring some significant trades. If money is required, it will be the first big test for Liberty Media. Will the company open its wallet? Stay tuned.

By Chop Chop

August 27, 2007 6:26 PM | Link to this

DOB, that’s not really an explanation about Devine. That’s just a statement of fact. The Braves either don’t value the guy that much, don’t think he’s ready to be up here full-time or they just enjoy playing yo-yo with his career. If I were him, I’d be happy that I’m not a headcase from the grand slams and NLDS-losing Chris Burke homer, but I’d also be a little confused as to whether this team really wants me or not.

By ObiWanKobe

August 27, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Thank God Orr is back!!!, Rafael Belliard didn’t want to leave his bench job in Detroit???

By Stu

August 27, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this

Lew, thanks. I understand both of those points. If Chipper stays healthy, I’m in no rush to replace him. We’ve been pretty fortunate this year, and hopefully that’ll keep up. He’s a monster at the plate, and I don’t see that changing. I just worry about his ability to play every day (more or less).

And on Edgar… yes, we do have an option and I’m suggesting he may be worth, what, 17 mil, over the next two years if he keeps doing what he’s doing. It’s a lot of money, but he’s a lot of player. (and we could probably get more in trade for Escobar than we could for Edgar, if it comes to that).

I’m not looking to replace EITHER of those guys if they keep producing.

What about KJ in center? I just think he’d be a natural there, and we have the resources to plug someone in at 2B (Yunel, Lillibridge, Prado, etc). That would save us from having to spend FA dollars on a CF, so we could concentrate on pitching with whatever money we have.

By GT

August 27, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

“Must week”? Wake up, AJC. The ship is not just taking on water, its already at the bottom of the ocean. The Titanic would have a better chance of reaching the postseason than the Braves.

What chance does anyone seriously think this team has? What evidence have they demonstrated this year of being able to go on a good run? April? Perhaps. That was so many blown opportunities ago its hard to remember.

One would be remiss in completing the maritime analogy without understanding that Homeboy Upstairs trading away most of the little remaining starting pitching from our farm system over the past 2-3 years is akin to leaving shore with too few lifeboats. “We’re unsinkable, by God!”

By Shaun

August 27, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

Overlord,

I’m talking about overall, as a team, the Braves are playing about how we would reasonably have expected them to play before the season started.

Besides Andruw no one has really playing all that significantly better or worse than we expect. In fact, some guys have played somewhat significantly better—Moylan, Francoeur, and many of us wouldn’t have thought Chipper or Kelly Johnson would be this good or that Hudson would pretty much return to his Oakland form.

So I think overall this team is playing about how we’d expect, more or less. Most thought they’d be about an 84-90-win team…and that’s about what they’re going to do.

By Braveheart

August 27, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop I’m a stat freak as well and have three fantasy leagues each for baseball, football, and basketball. Heck, my stat, baseball, and fantasy craving is so high all year round that I also have 11 teams in my franchise on csfbl.com which is a 12 month computer simulated fantasy baseball league made up entirely of fake ballplayers. If you play csfbl.com like I do, you are way too hard core into stats, baseball, and fantasy league. If you have never tried CSFBL, you should try it out (it’s free) - especially try to get yourself into a private or premiere league where there is alot of smacktalking and it is very competitive. It’s a very nerdy place with alot of cool people. Also, make sure you get into an 8 games or 4 games a day league. I actually won my first World Series in a private league last week on csfbl with a team called the Lilburn Frenchies. I’ve won alot of others on there in greek leagues but that is not as fulfilling. But, even though I’m a fantasy league and stathead type, I also can’t stand the types who are that minimize the importance of the bench. And there are way too many of them.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this

OK, we’re awake now, GT. Let’s talk about Vick instead of this series. That’s a fresh topic. You start.

By Braveheart

August 27, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

Oh, Chop Chop, loved your dig at the Headless Cooch

By Shaun

August 27, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Jeff R,

Check out what the Padres have done away from their cavernous ballpark. I think you’ll see clearly that the Padres are more than just pitching and defense.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Thanks DOB. Then they should release woodcrap………they wouldnt be losing nothing but space for better players.

By Lew

August 27, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

jeffR-What you don’t seem to take into account is that Tex was picked up to replace Andruw’s bat in the lineup much more than to help this year. The fact that he’s even in Atlanta right now indicates a loosening of the wallet. They will sign him long term. Count on it.

By StingerSplash

August 27, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

How many more options does Devine have left? My truck didn’t come with as many as he seems to have.

By Braveheart

August 27, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this

Is Devine going to be out of options next year since this is his 3rd year riding the midnight train to and from Georgia?

By Shaun

August 27, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

“Only a moron can’t understand that bench players are important.”

That depends on how good your “regulars” are.

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

August 27, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Couldn’t possibly wait to bring Orr back up September 1st, have to have a stud like him now. Sigh….

Why’d we send down Prado anywho????(really, I forget)

By Mike

August 27, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Dave, Im curious if there has been any discussion with the twins on the braves part on a possible acquisition of Carlos Silva. I saw it mentioned in one place earlier. I think he would fit perfectly with what the braves need right now. They don’t need another ace but someone that can go 6 or 7 innings on a regular basis and give up 3 or 4 runs while keeping his team in the game. I dont know how much truth there is to it though

By TennesseePaul

August 27, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

pull up a bar stool and watch the postseason from home

DOB: How did you know I lived in a bar? Too many times combining pitchers and typing I suppose.
I’m proud to say I just completely rebuilt my digital music library from the ground up. This is not a task I wanted to do, but I’m glad I did. The library is bigger and better.
No one cares but, I rebuilt it because my hard drive was destroyed resulting in a loss of all baseball analysis, music and photos. So I’ve recovered a good portion of photos sent to family, music from my hard copy library but the baseball stats are gone.
Don’t really need indepth analysis to know why this team stinks. The pitching. Pitching. Pitching. Pitching. Every lead they get, they give up instantly. The longest it takes is 1 inning, but typically it’s a half inning to burn a good lead. If this team want to be in the post season, it’s going to have to win. Not against this team or that team… against every stinking team they play from here on out. Too much to ask? I think not. I’m only asking that they focus their attention on tonights game and win it. Every game is a playoff now. Tomorrow doesn’t matter. Win today.

1 more month until I cancel my TBS programming. Sad really… I’ll no longer have a plethera of Seinfeld re-runs to watch. Good thing I own the DVDs. Post season play? It’s only the Division series. I can watch it at my home.. er… bar.

GO BRAVES!!

By BravesDave

August 27, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe I got my own song on the last blog. What an honor. I didn’t realize that everyone hated me, though. Now, I am sad.

Glad to see that Pete Orr is back, though. That cheered me up a bit. It was a crime to be wasting his talents in AAA. Wait, what are his talents again?? He is the greatest teammate ever or something??? The skies are brightening. Welcome back, big Pete.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Braves have changed their rotation, Smoltz is now going TOMORROW on three days’ rest, with Carlyle moved back to Wednesday.

Braves wanted to break up Smoltz and Hudson, so bullpen isn’t so taxed on the three consecutive days when they weren’t pitching, and also this allows Smoltz and Hudson to both pitch in the Mets series.

By Braves Fan in PA

August 27, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Just heard on the Marlins Radio broadcast Smoltz won’t pitch Wednesday they got interupted with Escobar’s hit and didn’t finish as to why/who will pitch. Anyone know if Smoltz is OK and who’ll pitch?

By Iowa Brave

August 27, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this

Never fear Braves fans! Salvation in here! My wife bought me 3 pair of very fine lucky Braves socks for Xmas last year. I was saving the last pair that I haven’t wore yet for the playoffs, but have decided to bring them out starting tonite. 12 game winning streak starts right now thanks to my better half’s exceptional Xmas shopping acumen.

By Chop Chop

August 27, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

I play fantasy baseball, football and basketball, but I’ve been reining myself in the last year or so. Since I’m weaning myself off of some of these leagues, I don’t think I could get into the “fake ballplayer” stuff. I kind of prefer some reality to my fantasy, if that makes sense. You know, a woman who is flexible (reality) vs. a woman who can bend over and touch the floor with her tongue (fantasy, but should be reality). Fantasy baseball has allowed me to know a hell of a lot more than I would have otherwise about players all around baseball. Guys who play AL or NL-only leagues drive me nuts. Half of them don’t know anything about the other league. In my opinion, that’s just ridiculous.

Most real baseball fans who play fantasy baseball and have a team that they follow do understand that a bench is important. They learn this after a while because they’re left screaming curses at a TV screen or a field because some sorry bench guy somehow blew a game.

And with that, have a good evening…

By Salty

August 27, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this

Texeira wanted out of Texas…saw no near future success…$140 million wasn’t going to change that. Perhaps he’ll take similar with the Braves…only he knows.

Agree wholeheartedly with the Renteria supporters. Just what is he going to bring in trade of like value? A pitcher…a quality pitcher…by the name of…who?

By Efrim

August 27, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

DOB

Why would they do that???????

We need Smoltz to pitch against the Phillies. I guess it makes sense, but good lord does this team get fired up to play the Mets. Every game counts now.

By The Grinch

August 27, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

Whaddaya know, Diaz finally got a hit. Guess that bench time let him get his head back in the game. Now maybe Andruw won’t have to take up his slack so much.

BravesDave, I’ll refer you to a scene from Full Metal Jacket…

By Colin

August 27, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Wow 3-0 nothing already

Over or under the 4rd inning it is tied by

By BravesDave

August 27, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

That damn Matt Diaz better stop hitting. If he doesn’t, he might have to play every day…and then he would get tired.

By Mike

August 27, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Boy, Escobar is an awesome baserunner isnt he? Im glad pete or back, hes going to provide a much needed spark off the bench

By A-ville Ranger

August 27, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is still 40 years old isn’t he ? He does still have a shoulder problem right ? So what the hell let’s throw him out there on 3 days rest,makes sense to me.

By The Grinch

August 27, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Ooops, didn’t mean to hit post yet.

Joker: (straightening Pyle’s collar) “You look like #@%$ today, Leonard.”

Pyle: “Joker?”

Joker: “What?”

Pyle: “Everybody hates me now.”

Joker: (Pause) “Nobody hates you Leonard…you just keep making mistakes.”

Anyhoo, how sad is that they have to break the rotation up? I bet that makes the rest of the rotation feel appropriately douchetastic for forcing this move.

By BravesDave

August 27, 2007 7:22 PM | Link to this

Some of the people that get ripped on this blog incessantly are looking like geniuses right now. I think uga-brave suggested about three weeks ago that Smoltz and Hudson should be split up in the rotation to ease the strain on the bullpen.

By Braveheart

August 27, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop, I hear ya on the AL or NL only leagues. Never understood who would do that. I’ve actually gotten less into fantasy baseball as I used to be. I usually get three teams because I am all psyched and bored in February and end up neglecting two of the other teams - usually the ones where my friends are not playing with me. Part of that is also because of the CSFBL thing. I get way too focused on killing people year round on that. Don’t knock it until you try it. Around Christmas or so, you will get bored and be jonesing for baseball and stats and might wanna give it a whirl then even if it is fake players. But, you are right, fantasy baseball has probably taught all of us alot more about players we would have never cared about before because we try to fit them into our rosters somehow.

By Ozzie Guillen

August 27, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

Renteria sounds good to me for next year. Don’t trade him to the Tigers, they aint got nothing to give up.

By Ron

August 27, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

We have to sweep this series to have any chance at all!!! I think we are done, but IF we wanna get back in it, it is time for a 6 or 7 game winning streak RIGHT NOW!!!

By Mike Hargrove

August 27, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

Phil Garner, welcome to the club!

By BravesDave

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

Grinch, which scene in Full Metal Jacket would you refer me to…I am intrigued.

By The Grinch

August 27, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

Just messin’ with you BravesDave; you’re ok. Just wouldn’t want you being the guy on the phone telling me “Good news/bad news” from the doctor’s office, insurance claims office, whatever.

How said is it we get three runs in the top of the 1st and it’s hard to get excited ‘cause you know there’s a 50/50 chance you won’t be leading by the top of the 2nd?

Braveheart, I don’t believe I’d admit all that. Damn, bro; now I know to get you a pocket protector for Christmas. After I steal your regular gifts. :-)

By Yars

August 27, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

DOB…..we missed ya, man. Good to have you back. Maybe you can bring some good luck to this bad news Braves team. I love Renteria, but I just can’t see him in a Braves uniform next season. I won’t be surprised one bit if Escobar is the Braves starting SS in ‘08. As for KJ moving to the OF, what for? I hope he’s our 2B for a long, long time. If Andruw leaves, I think Schuerholz will go out and get someone, outside the farm system. Perhaps a Mike Cameron or even a Corey Patterson type player. Hell, maybe even Johnny Damon. Way too early to even speculate. Let’s win 20 of the next 31! We can do this!

By Salty

August 27, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

douchetastic

Who’d have thought this blog would ever competer with Funk&Wagnall’s as a source for expanding the vocab! What was last week’s word…angstification? Incredible!

By Mike Hargrove

August 27, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

I heard a blogger named Robert has been dissing me on this blog. He probably is one of those vertically challenged, minimal tools type blogger guys.

By Drill Instructor

August 27, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

BravesDave Not the one in which the fat-know-nothing-thumb-suckin-nurd takes ou the old DI. I take that personally.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

That smoltz move was good…………risky but good. Finally id say bobby did good.

By BravesFanChris22

August 27, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

Well, realistically we still have a chance, so I’m not throwing it away yet. I think Braves could and might pull it together with the games remaining. Hopefully, they get some key wins against Marlins the next three games.

I’ll be rooting for Mets and whoever plays Phillies/Dodgers/Rockies/SD, so at this moment, I’ll be rooting for….

Mets/Nationals/Giants/D-Backs. If Braves can get a nice lead above them and go on a nice winning streak, then Braves could beat Phillies by winning the next two series possibly. I know it maybe more optimistic than realistic at this point, but the past three games, despite the two losses, it seems to me, they are starting to get everything to mesh together.

By Drill Instructor

August 27, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

Personally, I would have thrown two grenades(with pins pulled)into that head, and seen how the fatass handled them. Then I would have picked up his weapon.

By Cory Patterson

August 27, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this

Shaun, do you think I am a decent centerfielder? I know I don’t walk much, and I strike out a lot, but I do have a decent batting average and can steal a base. I just have a problem stealing first sometimes.

By Yars

August 27, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this

Diaz is too hot right now to be in a platoon with Harris. Maybe Bobby will start playing him against RH pitching, like Joe Simpson just stated.

By Randy

August 27, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

Lookin’ like a Smoltz-Glavine match-up on Sunday? Maybe in Glavine’s last game in Atlanta. I’ll brave the heat for that one, then up to Rabun.

By NASCARfan

August 27, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

Wow, I love how in all of this mess (much like the mess of countless fruitless Octobers) Bobby Cox recieves NO criticism from the joke that is the Atlanta media.

It’s wonderful how the lone link (besides the stellar John Smoltz) to all of those unfulfilled postseasons never, ever recieves any criticism from the joke that is the Atlanta media.

It’s amazing how Bobby Cox is NEVER held accountable for his pi$$-poor postseason peformances as a manager, how ALL of the blame gets heaped on his players, but it’s all Bobby who gets the team to October.

Let me let y’all in on a little secret: in the regular season, a pi$$-poor manager with terrible tactical decision making skills is often covered up by the talent of his PLAYERS. But in the postseason, where ever pitch, every at-bat, every out, every inning, and every game matters, a pi$$-poor manager is exposed and will often spell doom for a talented team’s ability to win the World Series (or, as we’ve seen, a first round series).

So, in actuality, you yokels (and DOB, the lead sycophant at the joke that is the AJC and the Atlanta media) has it bass-akwards when it comes to Bobby Cox.

He’s the single most overrated manager in the history of baseball. His terrible in-game performances in the postseason cost this team the ability to win at least 2 more World Series, and possibly another 2 to go with that. So we could have had between 3 and 5 World Series victories if a BETTER manager, such as Sparky Anderson, were the manager of the Braves. And for those of you he make the excuse that “only” Bobby Cox could have gotten us into October, I say B.S. Once again, in the regular season, the talent of a team can cover for the glaring weaknesses of their manager. When you’re beating up on bad Mets, Phillies, Montreal, etc. teams for years, the inability of your manager to actually manage a game doesn’t come into play much. But it’ll kill you when you have to play against good teams with better managers in the postseason. And many people forget, that before 2004, the Braves had a top-5 salary number in all of baseball for YEARS.

Bobby is no genius. The postseason PROVES he’s a DUNCE. Methinks in the process of picking his nose for years, he began to pick out what passed for his brain.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this

Does this many runs means tomorrow is day off for the offense again?

By Colin

August 27, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

I wish we could you know hit the ball..o wait were doing that…well get some pitching…well darn it were doing that to….well maybe we can win…

By Braveheart

August 27, 2007 7:58 PM | Link to this

Grinch screw you man. Will I be the only Who in Whoville who gets a present from the Grinch? A pocket protector? I was hoping for a telescope.

Alright, off to the beach for a week of drunken seafood eating with colleagues even dorkier than myself. Gotta love conferences where they spend 90% of it telling you what you already know and then 10% of it talking so far over your head, the lecture is pointless. Certainly does not help that everyone including the lecturers are hung over. Or maybe that does help? Thank the Lord for cigarettes. Gives me a degenerate excuse to duck out every 20 minutes or so.

See you fellas next week. Good luck on Friday night. As Tribe Called Quest would say, Represent, Represent, Represent.

Go Braves, Dawgs, and Fighting Irish!

By Uggla

August 27, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

What a homa for uggla!

By Anders

August 27, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Sorry boys, Phils 3 Mets 0. Five starter going tonight for Mets. Doesn’t look good.

By TampaBrave

August 27, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

Efrim

Regarding your scenario of keeping Renteria, if they do keep him, they should keep Escobar at SS, Renteria at 2B, and agree on KJ in LF with Diaz. Escobar’s defensive skills are superior, despite a few mishaps this year. His range is great.

However, as good as all that sounds, we need top line pitching immediately or we will be in the same place next year.

By Partial Observer

August 27, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this

Where have all the old timers gone? Only recognizable one left is Grinch. Others are rookies or newcomers???

By Partial Observer

August 27, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Pay attention Bobby, this kid can hit. Wonder if he might be able to hit righties?

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

I think that moves shows that braves still are thinking division (east)

Houston has fired manager and GM. Cant the braves do half that trick?

Poor marlins…….. Now i can say “i know how their fans must feel about this hitting parade”.

By Greg in TN

August 27, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

Evening lads and lasses…

Work had me in the Windy City for the weekend and after waiting for eons for the Thursday storms to pass so that I could fly into O’Hare, I had a seventh row seat (in the bleachers) for the train wreck that is the Chicago White Sox. Granted, it was the all-world Boston Red Sox in town, but Ozzie’s boys barely whimpered in Saturday and Sunday’s games. Oh, and the ballpark was about half Red Sox fans and half White Sox fans.

On to another train wreck (I’m trying this whole scribe transition thing to see how it fits, gang, bear with me), the Cincinnati and St. Louis stops in this road trip have certainly reminded me of our lot thus far in the 2007 campaign.

There’s something decidedly old school about playing baseball on a field that has football markings on it. Don’t see that much anymore with the advent of baseball only/football only facilities now. When I saw that, I had a flashback of Glenn Hubbard and Rafael Ramirez taking grounders on the same field that Steve Bartkowski would throw nice tight spirals the next day.

DOB I think you hit the nail right on the head with your blog entry today. Every team deals with injuries to a certain respect over 162 games. I think the back end of the rotation really felt not having Hampton in there this year. It’s not Hampton’s fault at all and as a team, you got to overcome things like that if you want to walk the walk.

Matt Diaz just hit the ball so hard he knocked SportsSouth’s satellite truck off the air.

Did the Marlins pay their electric bill for the month?

By Partial Observer

August 27, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Renteria and James for Bonderman or Buehrle would be a good deals for the Braves. Then sign Silva and trust the youngsters (Devine, Lillibridge, Acosta, Branden Jones).

Pena and Aybar and Lillibridge would be most of your bench.

By Efrim

August 27, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

TampaBrave

We don’t have the prospects, and they just aren’t out there. If the Twins or Indians actually put Johan Santana or CC Sabathia out there, we don’t have the prospects to acquire either of them. I am not as high on Joe Blanton as some are. I think he is a solid #3, but you would have to overpay to get him. I’m tired of overpaying for talent. Time to develop some of our own pitching talent. The more I think about it, a one year deal for Glavine aint that bad.

By Willy Wally

August 27, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

NASCARfan As usual, you are the most ignorant, uneducated, childish blogger here. I would call you overrated but I would be lying. No one even rates you except yourself. You are a legend in your own mind. NASCARfan’s post: DOB is a &@!&@!@ to the Braves. Bobby Cox is a &@!&#&!#. Blah, blah, blah, blather, blather, blather. Incoherent Incomprehension. Or is it incomprehending incoherence? The Headless Cooch is now off the hook. NASCARfan has replaced the headless cooch as the biggest retard on the blog. The single most retarded blogger there ever was. We’ve been sucking up to NASCARfan for too long, making him believe he was a good fan and a good blogger. Blindly reading his posts without criticism. Want some criticism NASCARfan? You are a retard. An absolute freaking retard. Now go away and watch cars drive around in circles you douchestastic spaz. Leave the baseball criticism to baseball fans and those with an IQ over 10.

What a Douchestastic Spaz!!!!

By StingerSplash

August 27, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

Man, there are week-old mullet that don’t stink as much as the Marlins do right now.

By Michael Vick

August 27, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

SUP,

I just want to, you know, uh, say that, you know, I’m sorry, you know, for all da mistakes, uh, you know, that I made when I kilt dem dawgs. I’m gonna, you know, give, uh, heart to Jesus and see if da commish, you know, buys it.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Isnt is posible for the braves to platoon bobby with the Richmond manager or something?

By Braves Fan in PA

August 27, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this

Any ideas on who’ll get called up when rosters expand? No doubt Bobby will want as many bullpen arms as he can get (hopefully he’ll spread the load around and not kill some arms)!

Are Paronto and (Brayan) Pena in the dog house? OK Paronto hasn’t been that great but I thought we could have used Pena for some time now! I thought Stockman was quite impressive in his short stint last year, is he still hurt any chance he can help in September?

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this

How bad could it be if the phillies sweeps the muts and we sweep the fish?

OR

We Sweep the fish and Phillies get 2-3.

We pick a game on phillies and 2 on muts…. that aint that bad.

Thats what i will root for.

By Colin

August 27, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Diaz doesn’t deserve to play for the next 2 weeks with this outing..BC needs to send him down he is terrible…bring up Prado….Wow i couldn’t write that without laughing…

By Greg in TN

August 27, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Adding some more thoughts on what I posted a few minutes ago…

I think Robert(JITB) has something, and actually he may have touched on the same theme some time ago, if not I remember that someone did. These guys have a very business like demeanor to the game. I vividly recall the ‘91 season when TP became the face, heart and soul of this franchise. So very few guys out there have the ability to lead and do so in a way that does not alienate the clubhouse. The type of guy that could lead quietly or light a fire under a few rears when it needed to be done. TP had that and I think we’ve struggled to find that type of guy ever since he left the ATL. Chipper and Smoltz are the leaders of this team, and I don’t question their heart at all. I don’t know that they can be the same type of leader TP was in the early nineties.

We are woefully inconsistent this year in several areas. The back end of the rotation, which then affected the bullpen, and the bench.

This offseason will be interesting to say the least. JS does not have the handcuffs that he had in seasons past, so I wonder just what Liberty and Terry McGuirk will allow JS when he walks into the market, grabs his shopping cart and begins to build for 2008.

It’s nights like this that keeps me from losing all hope on this season. Again, I realize these nights are few and far between, and even though hope is fading with each one run loss I see, I’ll still have some amount of faith and hope until the point at which we are completely eliminated.

By Anders

August 27, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

Efrim JS blew your prospect load on Tex. That’s why he has to sign him long term. Not much left to get a top flight pitcher.

Phils 3 Mets 2 btw.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this

Is it that bad for us for the phillies to win? I mean……..should everything be that easy for the muts….?

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 27, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

DOB

Can you ask Chipper about his soar right shoulder? That is not the first time he’s winced after swinging and missing from the left side

By Yars

August 27, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

Oh *hit, Woodward taking over for Chipper at 3B. We’re up by 9, so hopefully we’ll be ok. I hope. God, I hope.

By Robert

August 27, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

“They pile up hits with runners in scoring position in easy wins, and fail to get them too frequently in close games”

It’s nights like these that make me think that even when they DO manage to stir up emotion, they dont know how to use it

11-2 - We showed ‘em. That’s what this team will be thinking after tonight

And then they’ll lose 5-4 and 4-2 the next two games.

By Anders

August 27, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

Overlord I keep telling you guys, you can’t split your vote for the WC. Forget trying to catch the Mets and look for them to help you by sweeping any team you’re chasing. Do the Math, Where would you be in the WC if the Mets swept the Padres and the Dodgers? Instead those two teams are in front of you now. They wouldn’t be. Next you could be catching the Phils and so on.

Tigers 7 Yanks 0 - You think you guys hate the Mets? You have no idea about how Met fans feel about the Yanks. They just can’t suck enough.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

Utley just HR, the guy didnt miss a step.

By Robert

August 27, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

“Isnt is posible for the braves to platoon bobby with the Richmond manager or something?”

Overlord man, that’s a hoot.

How about putting him on the 60-day DL? Or DFA’ing him

By The Grinch

August 27, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Joey Harrington just went 5-5 on the Falcon’s first TD drive in the dome.

By fastasballs

August 27, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Isnt is posible for the braves to platoon bobby with the Richmond manager or something?

LOL, that’s an instant classic. I prefer Wellman (sp) from Mississippi. Instead of watching the manager pick his nose all night we can see WWII reinactments on the field.

If the whole team had the baseball awareness of Escobar the Braves would be leading the wildcard. He never fails to take an extra base. He knows his abilities & uses them to the max, too bad the whole team hasn’t adopted that mindset.

By Efrim

August 27, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Anders

JS is the best GM in evaluating his own prospects. Your GM is possibly the worst at doing that.

Your prospects didn’t didn’t show the MLB community much this year.

Fernando Martinez was rushed and performed badly in Double-A.

Mike Pelfrey has no secondary pitches.

Philip Humber is now 25 years old and posted an ERA over 4 in Triple-A.

Carlos Gomez showed flashes of promise.

Lastings Milledge is solid and getting better.

There you have it. Those are your top prospects. Deoilis Guerra hasn’t been great either.

By Partial Observer

August 27, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

If Cormier gets through this inning OK, would you go another inning, or give the ball to Ascanio, Acosta and Villarreal? Or, do you give him the ball until he falls on his face.

I am torn…..

By TampaBrave

August 27, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

Mike

What the heck did you do instead of going to class for 15 years? How in the heck did you skate at VTech? They are a great school. Somehow I don’t see you going there.

By Anders

August 27, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Overlord Reyes and Wright don’t have anything on Utley and Rollins and then you throw Howard in and the Phils have the scariest 3/4 of an infield in baseball. Burrell hit his 38th homer career wise against the Mets too. He might win comeback player of the year.

By NASCARfan

August 27, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

Of course the Bobby Cox-ditto-heads, like Willy Wally, can’t argue facts, so they result to baseless verbal assaults.

Willy Wally, if someone of your obvious lack of intelligence and mental deficiency is the standard bearer for those who hold Bobby Cox blameless, then I have no worries about the rightness of my fact-based opinion.

By eddie U

August 27, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

I love Edgar but this kid can play shortstop……What do they do next year?

By StingerSplash

August 27, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

Can you call the Marlins fans fair weather fans at all?

By Robert

August 27, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

You know the funny thing? We hear all the time about how other organizations respect or even covet Cox.

The funny thing would be, if the market were to suddenly find him available to be hired, sifting thru the excuses that we’d hear

“Oh it’s just not the right time or circumstance for us to make a change right now”

“Oh, we’re just so pleased with the way _ has the team playing right now that we dont want to make a change now.” (Not that we’re not interested but well, we’re not interested)

“Oh, um, um, the guy who makes those decisions is on vacation so we’re handcuffed right now, but boy we’d love to have him.”

“Um, we are on another call right now. Can you call back later? Or better yet, dont call us, we’ll call you”

“Oh, um, ah - No hablo the English.”

“Um, ah -Hello? Hello? Can you hear me now?”

Recorded voice that sounds suspiciously like another team’s GM - “The number you have reached is no longer in service. Please check the number and dial again or ask your operator for assistance”

“Gosh. He’s available. Really? Um, wow, that was just so unexpected that we werent prepared for it. We’re gonna study it and then decide”

Then again, once he was gone, there’d be no point to keeping up the vicious joke would there. So maybe we’d just hear a lot of

“No thank you. (Click)”

By Partial Observer

August 27, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

IF Cormier gets through this inning without giving up a run, he will have an ERA of less than 4.00 for the past 3 games. 18 and 1/3 innings with 8 earned runs.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Anders you might be right… but it doesnt matter which team i root for…. What matters is what happens on the field.

By Tyler

August 27, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

My guesses for this offseason:

Renteria traded for SP (Garland, Blanton, Lilly, someone 3 or better)

Mike Cameron signed to play CF (Which I believe is a mistake, like Raul Mondesi)

Some bullpen help, but no big time closer. We start with Soriano, and hand it over to Gonzalez as closer.

By ijonathan

August 27, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Okay, it’s 11-2…how long before Bobby decides it’s time to get his lefty specialist Mahay another inning of work in a critical 9-run game?

By Anders

August 27, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

Efrim I’ve always paid homage to JS. I’ve stated before that him and Lamereillo of the NJ Devils are the two best GM’s in sports for working within a budget and remaining competitive. I was actually agreeing with your statement that the Braves don’t have the prospects to land the big pitchers being discussed. Why is it every time I mention anything remotely negative about the Braves guys like you go into carpet bombing of the Mets? Personally I don’t care wether we win with our prospects or buy them from other to be honest. I recognize in NY we have that luxury.I judge my GM by how we do at the major league level. To this point I’m very happy with Minaya.

By Ed Glennon

August 27, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

I love stats. I was so happy to see that Andruw is hitting .323 over his last eight games. For comparisons did you know that Ted Williams hit .401 over 152 games with 2 games to go? After the double header he hit .406. He was also in his walk year. Of course every year on those days was a walk year.

By Efrim

August 27, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Anders

I agree with you, Utley and Howard are unbelieveable. But did you know Utley turns 30 next year. Howard turns 29, i think. Wright, Reyes, Francouer, McCann are much younger……

By knowitall

August 27, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Grinch,

Harrington looks good but it’s the Bengals. Not exactly known for their defense. But with all that’s happened today, I’ll take it.

By Colin

August 27, 2007 8:58 PM | Link to this

Chipper Diaz and Yunel are really helping my fantasy team tonight…wow

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

So what’s all this bellyaching about the Braves? They look OK to me? Did something happen this week while I was away, or what?

By knowitall

August 27, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

I know Cincy has a great offense and all but they just kept the ball for almost a whole quarter. Dang!

By Bob, Journalist

August 27, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

See, get them on, get them on, get them on, get them on … it does work.

For some reason, my last set of submitted comments did not get posted … perhaps it’s just as well.

They were a continuation of the closing thought set in my singular post on the previous Blog … and triggered, at least in part, by Jimmy’s announced departure.

The referenced thought set is “This Blog provides us with the opportunity to share ideas, opinions, stories, information and feelings … to talk about the Braves … but I think primarily to make new friends! If your agenda is to impress folks with how accomplished, important or intelligent you are, then you’ve come to the wrong place … we already have a strong contingent of truly accomplished, important and intelligent participants in residence and we’re not easily impressed by the self-acknowledged”.

Perhaps it’s just much ado but I expressed the notion that the Blog is defined by its collective membership rather than by the collection of individuals who post … we’re both a neighborhood as long ago identified by our First Lady and a team as more recently recognized by William Wallace’s “Rookie Rules of Engagement”.

The misguided notion that membership is an entitlement is fostered by the fact that few restrictions are imposed by the AJC … but the membership is comprised of Rookies and Veterans who have embraced the spirit of the Blog without it being imposed upon them … and have been accepted by the membership as worthy to wear the T-Shirt!

Those who mock the notion of privilege are generally parasites who depend upon entitlement for their existence … and if they satisfy the AJC’s minimal requirements, they can post along with those who earnestly audition but it takes substance rather than form to make and stick with the club.

Methinks we’re like a nondenominational church where a wide range of attitudes and beliefs are embraced by its members, and virtually everyone is welcome to attend services … but so doing doesn’t make you a member.

Yes, we have our members, our valued visitors, our insidious moles, detractors and those auditioning … but the Blog is best defined by whom and what it embraces and that is determined by the membership and not the rules of the AJC.

The current plight of the Braves is of concern but the diminishing level of participation by those held in high regard coupled with increasing participation by those of questionable character and agenda is far more disconcerting.

Me thinks the best way to encourage active and vigorous participation by those you respect is to discourage participation by those who do not embrace the spirit of the Blog … and are attempting to replace it with their own … for it is that spirit that brought those we revere to the table and it is the distasteful fare currently being offered that is driving them away.

Pontifications aren’t going to change that … only you can!

By BravesDave

August 27, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

We continually blog about this Braves team being built for the postseason, but I am starting to think that this team is actually built for the psychiatrist couch. DOB has finally come around to stating the same thing in his stylish fashion. This team has no problem piling it on offensively when they get a big lead, but throw them into a close game and they absolutely cannot come up with a big hit.

DOB, someone, anyone, has to press Bobby Cox on why he insists on keeping Matt Diaz on the bench. This guy will hit .300 with 25 homers if he gets a chance to play every day. This would be like the Mets platooning David Wright. He is a .300 hitter with 25-20 homer power.

By Anders

August 27, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

Overlord Every time I get someone to agree with me on this they say that. Do you guys think I believe that if enough people root for the Mets it will help them win???

Detroit 10 Yanks 0 Yum yum. Watching Torre squirm in the dugout has to be the highlight of the summer so far. If you have the YES network it’s must see TV right now!

By JJMB

August 27, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Diaz 4 for 4. Time to sit him down Bobby! Wouldn’t want him to get too hot, would you?

For someone that has been in the public eye, i.e. on television for decades, wouldn’t you think he’d have the self control and prescience to clean his nose BEFORE the game?

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

NASCARfan, thinks for straightening us out.

We’ll give you a lesson in restrictor plates when you’re done with your enlightening tutorial on the manager-player culpability scale.

I know that’s how I usually enjoy a 13-2 slugfest while sitting at home — by spouting my own pompous theories and passing them off as facts.

Oh, and it’s Mr. Sycophant, to you.

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 27, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Good night for Atlanta sports for a change….Braves cruisin and Falcons O looking pretty good.

By TampaBrave

August 27, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

DOB,

No more vacations for you!!! You are the man with a horseshoe up his arse.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

Anders im not sure about what you just said…….. it looks to me that

Renteria

Johnson

Chipper

Tex

Would be more scaring. If you do not agree……..better check again, There is no weakness at least offensively there…..not one…….none of them is a KKKK hitter……….the 4 of them are patient and know the strike zone very well……..

By Anders

August 27, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

Efrim Is that a fact? I definetly didn’t realize they were that old. I never thought to look because they haven’t been around that long. Not the most intelligent reason I admit. Even so, they’re gonna wreck our pitching staffs for a few years anyway. Especially in that bandbox.

Leyland has instructed the Tigers to stop swingning as he doesn’t want to play until 2:30AM again tonight!

By Randy

August 27, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Matt Diaz to name his first son Dolphin.

By The Grinch

August 27, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

knowitall; you see that last play? Yes, it’s the bungholes, but this is hugely important to look competent tonight on a national stage. Makes all the morale difference in the world for this season. Every little bit counts.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Would it be very comfortable for muts to start september with a 3 game lead over phillies and 4 over braves? im not sure about that. Woow does that game against tim really makes some difference…

Cormier has lowered his ERA from 18.00 to 7.60………… it does looks he is improving very fast.

By NASCARfan

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

BravesDave, that will never happen. The joke that is the Atlanta media, and that sycophant DOB, will NEVER criticize Bobby Cox for his many failings which have hurt this team in the postseason and which have hurt the careers that current and former players could or should have had with the Braves.

Bobby Cox ruined what SHOULD have been a very good career for Ryan Klesko in Atlanta.

Bobby Cox ruined what should have been a GREAT career for Jermaine Dye here in Atlanta.

Bobby Cox is now killing Matt Diaz’s career here in Atlanta.

Bobby Cox has been complicit in Andruw Jones showing up out of shape to every Spring Training and Andruw Jones’s outright refusal to change his approach at the plate to become a better and more dangerous hitter for the good of the TEAM.

Bobby Cox is the MOST OVERRATED MANAGER IN THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

willie should be in by now, as well as thorman.

Wake up bobby…… and injury could occur in any moment to anyone.

Let lance finish the game.

By ijonathan

August 27, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

Okay, I really was just kidding, but Joe Simpson just uttered those 9 magic words…”Ron Mahay is getting loose in the Braves bullpen.”

I just give up figuring out BC.

By Lew

August 27, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

Hey, Robert’s a NASCAR fan.

By Ed Glennon

August 27, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this

On sinking boat any Orr will do.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

Sorry, this was lance last inning since he has 103 pitches…. dont wanna take any chances……….take the guy out. Let yates pitch the 2 innings.

By GTA

August 27, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Yeah, their pitching was awful last week.

By Tomahawkin' Again

August 27, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

DOB Raise your right hand and repeat after me: “I swear to take no more vacations until November 1st”. You’re the good luck charm. The ‘82 Braves had Pascual Perez, the ‘91 Braves had Neon Deion, the ‘04 Sox had Pedro’s midget and we’ve got the Man in Black. Watch out Mets & Phils, your fans are going to be cryin’, cause we’ve got Dave O’Brien.

By knowitall

August 27, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Grinch I agree. This game has given me some hope that the season won’t be a complete waste. Maybe we won’t have the first pick in the draft after all.

By Anders

August 27, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Overlord Sorry but Utley and Rollins versus Johnson and Renteria is not even close. Tex versus Howard I’ll call a push. Third is clearly chipper but not enough to make up for the middle infielders especially an old chipper.

By fastasballs

August 27, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

When did Mahay become the mop up guy? Is the lefty specialist really needed in a 13-2 game? Cormier isn’t exactly being taken to the woodshed, he’s only thrown 100 pitches. Why not give the pen a rest until the 9th & bring in one of the kids to finish it.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this

DOB you better stay around, you bring good luck to the team.

Lots of games of interest for us late at night.

Rockies, LA, SD.

By Partial Observer

August 27, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this

Cormier now has a 3.72 ERA for the past 3 games pitched and a 4.68 over the past 4 games pitched. It looks like he might be over the hump? Or is it too early to jinx him with a statement like that?

By Serbok

August 27, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this

DOB Good to have ya back man! Excellent Blog!

By N8

August 27, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

DOB

“So what’s all this bellyaching about the Braves? They look OK to me? Did something happen this week while I was away, or what?”

LOL! I was waiting for that.

THIS JUST IN:

I propose a motion to keep DOB from EVER going on vacation again.

All in favor say AYE!

Now, because it’s my duty to complain about something (what, you thought I was gonna let it slide?). Does anybody else (based on the recent history of this team), have that not so funny feeling that the next couple of games will be of the 1-run difference variety, where we have trouble coming up with a clutch hit? I hope not.

Now, to close this post on a good note, I’m glad Cormier looked good tonight, because hitting is the one thing that the Marlins do well. So it’s not like he’s shut down a weak lineup. Even though they’ve been reeling, they’re a good hitting team.

So kudos to Lance. If (BIG IF), he can do this, we stand a fighting chance. Seems like the last two months of Braves baseball has been described by using the word “if” quite a bit, doesn’t it?

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

fastasballs thank you for the applauds. hehehe.

By ijonathan

August 27, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

DOB

Please, please, please, please, for theo love of all that is good and holy in this world, please try to find out from Bobby what his “philosophy” is in using Mahay. If you check the boxes, most of his last several appearances have been in blowouts either way. I’m pretty sure that’s NOT how you are supposed to use your only left reliever, and not how JS envisioned things when he made the trade.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this

Why the hell is Mahay again in the game……..is COX just insane….. Im serious on this one…….

Do the braves make them take psychological test every year (players and manager)?? they should…….bobby is not well…..the guy has lost it.

By knowitall

August 27, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

NASCARfa I’m pretty sure injuries ruined Dyes career here more than BC.

By Efrim

August 27, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

Anders

My bad man. I didn’t mean to jump all over you. I’m a big Minaya fan as well. I just disagree with how he values his prospects. I think you are a good Met fan and you bring a solid contribution to this blog. As I said many a time I don’t hate the Mets, I think they are funny. They have a funny song and a funny mascot. I dislike them, as well as the Phillies, but hate is a strong word. I hate the Yankees. With a passion. I live in CT and hate them with every bone in my body. If Wohlers didn’t hang that slider, then none of this would of happened. I am still very bitter about it actually.

By dadgum

August 27, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Was in Atlanta last week and got to romp around Buckhead for a day. Popped into Murphys Irish Bar (Fados). Barkeep said that the Streets of Buckhead project was going to start leveling everything with a 4 year build out. Suppose to be real nice. Fados was moving temporarily. Just happen to like that bar. Anyway that I am sure is old news to all of you but since Buckhead is where I was born well kind of like to go back now and again. Give me some good bars to check out.

Can’t really add any Braves talk that hasn’t been said I guess. When you only have two legit starters well that pretty much sums it up. The Mets will be the only team in the playoffs from the East. That I know or would bet on anyway. Pitching has just killed Atlanta(again) in performance and injuries. No it is not their year and while I am not going to totally give up ship ( I have been a fan since the Crackers and Torre playing for them) this job of bailing water is getting old. Hey we still have the hot stove league ahead.

Rock on………remembering Jim Croce

By NASCARfan

August 27, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Lew, to borrow from ESPN’s oft-maligned (and rightfully so) advertising campaign for Major League Soccer…

You are ALL NASCAR fans… you just don’t REALIZE it yet.

Much like hockey (and baseball), there is something that is missing from watching NASCAR on television. ATMOSPHERE. I’m sorry, but watching baseball on television is like watching paint dry. Hockey on television is only slightly better. HD has helped a little for hockey and NASCAR, but watching those sports (including baseball) live is the only way to go. As a NASCAR fan, I find it near impossible to watch a race on television. Usually, I’ll watch the first 20 laps and try to get the last 20. With hockey, it’s the last period. Baseball is just tough, especially when Bobby is the manager making his wonderful tactical decisions, like leaving YOUR BEST HITTER ON THE BENCH.

So, Lew, if you actually head on down to Atlanta or even better, Talladega, for a race, and experience the atmosphere of the race and the fans and the food and the fun, and if you sit with someone with a radio to listen in to the strategy of the race and that person can explain the game to you, much like I’ve done for friends at hockey games, then you will come to realize that you, Lew, were a NASCAR fan and didn’t even know it. And here’s the best thing, you really don’t have to know a Chevy from a Ford to appreciate the hours of marathon-like endurance that these drivers must endure at extreme temperatures created by their cars. As much as a love golf, guys who look like John Daly would die behind the wheel of a stockcar due to extreme endurance related duress. Drivers are athletes, that’s for certain.

By Willy Wally

August 27, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

can’t argue facts, so they result to baseless verbal assaults

No, NASCARfan. I think everyone on here knows I can argue facts all day and all night and I could dance circles around your little head.

But when I am confronted with some nitwit who calls DOB names and questions his integrity on his blog, that is very offensive to me.

Your little Bobby Cox rant there contained no facts. Just attention seeking attacks on DOB, the AJC, the fans, and Cox. So, I responded in kind. Should have just ignored you.

The other day I went on a very long rant about the questionable decisions of Bobby Cox. The whole argument was based upon facts provided to us by both DOB & Carrol during the course of the season. I then used those reported facts to justify my own theories and speculation. You see, that is how it works. Beat reporters report facts. It is for the reader to use those facts and make up their own minds what to read into the collective of facts reported by the beat reporter. It is not for DOB or Carroll to rip Bobby a new one. That is the job of columnists, readers, and fans. Sure, DOB offers opinions but he has to also toe the line in order to be able to gather facts he can report to us so that we can offer opinions ripping or celebrating people. Before you go ripping DOB, make sure you understand first what the relationship between a beat reporter, a columnist, the fan, and the members of the team is. You seem to be six years from graduating high school, so get back to us then.

By Robert

August 27, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Ok, I have my book out and I am trying to understand the work and the mind of a genius

But in my stupidity, I can not find in the book where it says that you are supposed to pitch your bullpen’s only lefty in a 13-2 game

One of you kind fellows who is more in tune with Cox’s geniosity please take the time and help this neophyte.

By Efrim

August 27, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Why can’t we use Ascanio or Acosta or anyone else????

By fastasballs

August 27, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

N8 This has been the MO lately, win the first game in a blowout & then struggle, as you stated, to come up with clutch hits in a tight game.

I have not checked to see if a RHP or LHP goes for Florida tomorrow. I would run this line up out tomorrow regardless, maybe switch KJ & Escobar if it’s a righty, but whatever happens leave Harris on the bench & out of the lead off spot. Then again Escobar set the table for the game tonight by turning a single into a double so maybe it’s best if he stays put.

They are getting a game on the Mets most likely, unless they pull another one of their miracle comebacks. We have plenty of games head to head with the Phillies so I prefer they win against the Mets. Yes it’s against all odds that the Braves catch the Mets, but it’s a 6 game lead after tonight & they play six more times. Stranger things have happened.

By Anders

August 27, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

Efrim No problem - especially from someone who knows what it’s like to live among the Yankee scum

Mets getting thumped 9-2. Funny shot on TV. They showed some Mets fans leaving the game and the Philly fans giving them the business on the way out.

By Serbok

August 27, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

BOBJ I think it’s pretty cool~ that your “Lexicon” “methinks” has been so widely used on the blog? Kudo’s to you! Yes, I agree with those that see how a manager that during the regular season has maybe a 15% impact on the season, CAN be blamed for 1 WS in all those oppurtinities? Bobby IS tryin his BEST right now? Bobby, hasnt had to do much, if anything, to get the teams to post season in the past. When the team gets to post-season managerial input turns into a much higher percentage than in regular season? This year Bobby has a “hitting” team~ Pitchers struggling, due to wear and tear of the season,I like Bobby as an earnest person, he doesnt have a clue tho:o( I detest LaRussa, but respect the fact that he bats his pitcher 8th. Is it a good tacticle move? I dunno know. BUT would Larussa have batted AJ 4th for as long as Bobby did? I dont think so! LaRussa looks for the “Edge” Bobby IS Not a Forward thinking Person! Just isnt! My Kool-Aid is running out:o( Thanx to DOB’s article today~ I’m a bit rejuvinated! BTW I do not like LaRussa at all “wonder where the braves would be if he were managing?”

By BravesDave

August 27, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Good thing Mahay came in to face those lefties with the tying run in the Marlins’ clubhouse. I was starting to get nervous with this 13-2 lead until I saw Mahay coming in to close it down. When you have the tension of an 11-run lead weighing down the other members of the bullpen, you can always count on Mahay.

By Mike

August 27, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

Rollins and Renteria is not close? Hmm correct me if Im wrong but hasnt Renteria hit around 50 points higher than him for most of the season?

By Efrim

August 27, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Rollins is a huge offensive threat and a better player than Renteria. Not sure if he is better than Reyes, but he is definetly better than Rent.

By NASCARfan

August 27, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Willy Wally, the fact of the matter remains… DOB never, ever questions the many questionable decisions of Bobby Cox, past and present. He may be a great writer (I am not disputing that, the man has a gift for words), but he fails as an objective journalist. Being a beat writer for a team is a pitiful excuse for not doing the job of a journalist, which is to be unbiased and objective. Bobby Cox should not be the untouchable quantity that he’s become. There is a myth that’s grown around Cox that only HE could have guided Atlanta’s supremely talented teams into October, but once they’ve gotten there, it’s the player’s fault for choking. Once again, Willy Wally, any logical thinker will tell you the exact opposite is true. In the regular season, while your team plays teams not nearly as talented as your own (which the Braves can say for 12 of their 14 division flags, that aren’t worth much more than the Charmin you wipe your butt with by the way) the deficiencies of a manager in making tactical decisions are routinely covered up by the talent of the team. But it is in the postseason, when every little thing matters, that is when a manager is exposed for being what he truly is. In that pressure cooker, Bobby Cox has proven nothing more than to be an abject failure.

Prove that line of logic wrong.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Anders As far as i see old chipper is 2nd in the league in AVG 1 point behind holliday, he is having clearly his best year on defense, looks like a cat to me. Renteria is 3rd in AVG. I dont see Rollins there, in fact he is behind KJ. JRo is not even in the top 50 in OBP. Every IF for the braves are in front of JRo in OPS. That Dobbs guy (3b) is a joke. Howard is the leader in the NL (152 in KKK, tex has 90, chipper (60).

You want me to continue or was it enough?

The muts sure look like the beast of the east tonight, i would stop laughing if i were the muts….. phillies are playing with heart and that is dangerous for their plans.

By Overlord

August 27, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Come on guys dont you get it…….Mahay pitched tonight because he must be rusty……the guy sleeps in salty water.

Bobby you just zok.

By Efrim

August 27, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this

Read this:

What is the likelihood that the Braves could sign Jake Peavy to head Atlanta’s rotation for years to come? — Scott C., San Antonio, Texas

Considering he’s likely going to be pitching for the Padres through at least the 2009 season, it’s far too early to hold this discussion. But considering he is the finest young pitcher in the game today and the fact that he grew up a Braves fan in Mobile, Ala., it’s not too early for Braves fans to at least dream about him heading their rotation heading into the next decade.

Hudson has a $12 million mutual option for the 2010 season and Brian McCann will earn $5.5 million that year. They are the only current Braves to have contractual language that pertains to anything after 2009.

Obviously, Mark Teixeira might have already been locked up by then and Jeff Francoeur will be making a rather respectable salary via a contract or as an arbitration-eligible player. But there’s certainly a chance there will be some maneuverability to accommodate Peavy.

I can dream can’t I?????

Actually Erik Bedard is also a free agent at the end of 2009. As well as some other stud pitchers. One thing is for sure, this team will have a lot of money to spend on the free agent market. A ton. Even if they re-up with Tex, Chipper and Frenchy. I would have to think the next two years are Smoltz last years. No way he pitches in 2010.

By Mackey Sasser

August 27, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

when did Robert become a NASCAR fan?

By Underdog

August 27, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Considering the amount of collective baseball acumen of some of you Cox bashers, I’m surprised you’re not managing the Braves, instead of flipping burgers down at Burger World.

By ncscoots

August 27, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Bob, as usual, sentiments I struggle to articulate, you express eloquently. Maybe jimmy has the right of it. Perhaps it’s time to flee Rome and let the Visigoths rifle the ruins.

At least, with the romp tonight, we have a respite from the one-note whiners. Having found a point with the luck of a blind squirrel, they pound the blog with it relentlessly: the pitching bites, Andruw bites, the bench bites, Bobby bites, Schuerholz bites, etc., etc., blah, blah, yada yada yada. All delivered with the confidence of a ridiculously higher self-opinion of baseball acumen than truly warranted, intended to impress. Too late. You don’t want people to laugh at that skinny little body of baseball knowledge, you shouldn’t undress it in public.

Add to that the nightly love-fest of “Oh, you think the Braves suck, too? Wow, you must be as smart as me!”, and I start thinking “The Road’s My Middle Name” is a pretty good song. My problem (as most here know) is that I countenance no alternative to permitting anyONE to post anyTHING here, within the bounds of decency. Even if I personally think they have to use the Kelvin scale for stupid.

I hold to the thought that, given time, the neighborhood always cleans itself up. Otherwise, jimmy would have to put another rocker on the porch.

By Serbok

August 27, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Just saw DOB’s post on Smoltz goin on 3 days! Wow! Where was the foresight? Smoltz as Always will gut it out? I totally agree with seperating their starts. I also realize, that to do it now makes sense for the Met’s series. Correct me if I’m wrong (LOL) Isn’t the theory that a sinkerball ball pitcher going on shorter rest is more advantageous than a power pitcher goin on 3 days? I love the Idea!!!!!! However? where was the foresight? Bobby just really PIZZA’s me off! I realize he is tryin his best! That is very evident to anyone who watches the games lately. Oh well, At least he’s tryin to think~

By Bob, Journalist

August 27, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

Thanks Serbok, methinks so too!

Your “Kudo’s to you!” is truly appreciated and most likely the only ones I’ll this day … but were I to receive 10,000; none would mean more!

By GeorgetownKid

August 27, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

We play several right-handers in the next several days. I hope that Diaz starts a few times despite that fact.

The guy is CRUSHING right now, and Harris is in a slump. We have got to keep him in the lineup. Especially since he has proven to be just as good against right-handers as left-handers.

By fastasballs

August 27, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Tomorrow’s game makes or breaks the series for the Braves as usual. I hope Buddy Carlyle turns in anything similar to the performance Cormier gave tonight.

It’s actually possible, but very unlikely, that the Braves are closer to the Division than the Wildcard by the end of Thursday. 3 1/2 at the start of the weekend series would be nice. Would that be enough for this team to play at a level not seen this year?

By Anders

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

Overlord Renteria over Rollins? Come on. I expected the Tex argument but I thought it was pretty clear cut on the middle infielders but I’m too tired to fight this one - Let’s save it for another day.

By bryan

August 27, 2007 10:33 PM | Link to this

Lots of good music last week DOB, have time to catch up?

New Pornographers, Rilo Kiley, Talbi Kweil, M.I.A… . to match that I purchased Traveling Wilburys vol 1 and 3 … WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I grew up listening to that CD and I had forgotten how simple and good it is … damn…

Braves look good, glad your back!

By The Truth Hurts

August 27, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this

Are Nascarfan and Robert two sides of the same boring personality?

By boring, I also mean insane. You know, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Like validation.

Wait, let me guess: Cox stinks.

Boring. And old. And boring.

At least N8 finds something new to complain about every night. Even if it’s the effort of the ballboys or the chalk in the batter’s box.

It could be worse. The Yankees are in the tough part of their schedule and have come back down to Earth. And for only $200 million.

By the way Nascarfan, drivers are decidedly NOT athletes. To compare them to golfers as proof is inane. Tiger being the notable exception, of course. No one who has seen, for example, Mickelson’s ManBoobs would argue that he could run from here to there without having a coronary. To suggest that because drivers tolerate heat well and sweat a lot and are thus athletes as a result does a disservice to the term itself. They have a specific skill set. Which requires very little athleticism.

Any time spent discussing Nascar is time wasted.

My question: will the Sun rise tomorrow in the East now that a back end starter won a game?

By Salty

August 27, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

Scoots *Bob, as usual, sentiments I struggle to articulate, you express eloquently. *

I don’t think you struggled whatsoever…and Bob, J was in his usual, steady form.

By flbravesgirl

August 27, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

That was a lot more fun. Solid start by Cormier. Maybe he’s regaining a little of what was working in the spring.

I got stuck with the Marlins’ broadcast. I have to give them credit for resourcefulness; they called a half-inning over a cell phone while their audio was knocked out. At least the video came back in time to see Mac’s grand slam.

By Willy Wally

August 27, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

NASCARfan, DOB does question BC’s decisions. Sometimes, he does it outright. Most of the time, he does it by just reporting the facts.

It is DOB’s job to report that this happened, that happened, Bobby said this, that player said that. It is not his job to take them to task for this happening, that happening or for what they say. He often does anyway as much as he can. But, again, he is a reporter, not a columnist. Reporters are not even supposed to be as opinionated as DOB is.

DOB was pretty opinionated about Soriano pitching when he needed rest, about Andruw hitting cleanup for way too long, and so on.

But most of the time with DOB, the devil is in the details he reports. It is not his job to come on here and say Bobby Cox sucks.

About a week ago, he talked about how things he had reported about Wickman over the course of the year had ruined his relationship with Wickman. DOB did not come right out and say Wickman is a terrible teammate or that he is a complete ahole. But he came pretty close to it by just reporting the factual nature of his relationship with Wickman.

I took that as his way of hinting to us there was trouble in paradise with Wickman. Thus, when everything went down late last week, I, for one, was not surprised because DOB basically told us what Wickman was about without coming right and calling Wickman a turd.

You see that is what an intelligent reader does. They read the facts reported, register it in their head, process it, and then come up with their own thoughts. You don’t get all confused like a fifth grader as to why a reporter who is not a columnist is not editorializing on the facts he is reporting.

When Woodward and Bernstein were attacking the Watergate issue, they did not come right out and say Nixon is a damn crook. They reported the facts they gathered and let the reader see the case against Nixon build by using those facts reported to make up their own minds.

You did not see Steve Wyche & Ledbetter & company the last 6 months call Mike Vick out for what he was. They worked incredibly hard to gather the facts and reported them to us. Sometimes they did it slowly. Sometimes, furiously. But as reporters, it was not their jobs to give opinions. But we could not get Bradley, Moore, and Schultz to STFU with their bashing of Vick. They are columnists. That was their job. Not the job of the reporters. Your problem is probably more with Moore, Bisher, Bradley, and Schultz about Cox than it is with DOB.

I really do think you need to start understanding the difference between a columnist and a reporter. You seem completely confused by it.

As for your Cox thing, you have valid points but your logic is too simplistic for me.

You are a lone gunman patsy kind of guy. I like to examine the complexity of the possibility of the men on the grassy knoll.

But you can keep selling that lone gunman patsy thing if you want. The Warren Commission was satisfied with that sort of kindergarten logic.

DOB is a big boy. He can stick up for himself. I’ll stop kissing his tush now.

By Efrim

August 27, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this

Cole Rohrbough’s start for Rome tonight:

4.0 IP, 0 Hits Allowed, 4 BB(3 in the 3rd inning), 8 K’s

His totals at Rome are 23 IP, 9 Hits Allowed, 11 BB, 30 K’s 0.95 ERA 3-0 barring tonight’s victory.

He is a 6’3” left handed pitcher. He had ridiculous stats at Danville as well. I’m sure he will start next season at High Class-A Myrtle Beach.

By Salty

August 27, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

fastaballs Smoltz tomorrow…Carlyle on Weds. Rotation change

By Ron Roberts

August 27, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Hmmm… rotation shake-up, you say?

Thoughts? Where’s your sarcasm now?

This is a smart move, I think. It just seemed to me like our 4/5 guys were always going up against top-flight starters. So here’s hoping this adjustment fixes that problem, and lessens the workload the bullpen has to face on consecutive nights.

Great to see continued improvement out of Lance Cormier. I’m telling ya (and have since the offseason), this guy’s worth a spot in the rotation when he’s healthy.

I hate to echo sentiments by the redundant burro-loather, but I almost hate seeing these double-digit blowout wins to start a series. Because we have followed these games up with 1 or 2-run losses.

Let’s snap that trend this week!!!

By The Grinch, Visigoth

August 27, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this

Scoots, be sure to leave behind plenty of loot and booty. :-)

By gotigers72

August 27, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

Lew Regarding your 6:14 post, which was a response to my 6:08 post, Mom’s main pitch is a wicked knuckler, and her second pitch is an 82 MPH cutter, just for a change of speed from the knuckler. If she’s on, that’s all she needs is those 2 pitches. The knuckler is comparable to Hoyt Wilhelm.

Cormier has pitched 3 decent games in a row now. Maybe he’ll be at least part of the answer to the 3-5 problem. He still needs to cut down on the number of homers he gives up. I believe Simpson said he has given up 12, which is a lot for someone that hasn’t pitched any more than he has.

Chipper looked pretty good tonight for a guy with a tweaked groin. He’s a gamer, no matter what some of you think. Guy loves to play the game and plays as much as he can, especially when the lineup really needs him. Like tonight. 3 for 4 with a couple of ribbies. He is NOT a slacker like some [cough, JD Drew] are.

Diaz needs to play EVERY DAY. His average against righties is as good or almost as good as it is against lefties. And Willie is not exactly raking lately.

For those of you criticizing McCann for being, shall we say, portly. He sure can hit for a porker. Needs a little work on his defense, but the boy can hit. And he’s only 24!!

By TexasBrave

August 27, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

ijonathan good call man, with that huge of a lead why do you call on a vet lefty in a mop up situation. Why not let one of the rooks or Yates get in and get some more confidence? Save you better pitchers for tomorrow or even in case Smoltz can’t go more than 5 on 3 days rest.

I totally understand wanting to separate out Smoltz and Hudson. However, with Smoltz’s shoulder he is going to have to be watched closely and I can’t imagine him lasting longer than 5 innings.

I also must offer my condolences to Joey Devine. I don’t know what this kid has done lately to deserve such a fate. But I wish the powers that be would cut him some slack. I mean come on you put him in a tough situation as a rook and he failed, big surprise. When are you going to stop making him pay for it? Why didn’t they send down Ascanio who has less major league experience?

By little timmy tucker

August 27, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

nascar is stupid cars just going around and around and around wasting gasoline and crashing and people cheering for fire and burnt tires crashing in the crowd knocking peoples heads off people drinking beer and cheering and burping and car drivers yelling at each other hey get out of my way dude im trying to go faster around and around and around why

By Think Tank

August 27, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

As much as I hope/want the Braves to make the post season I don’t see it happening. Why are our hitters crying to the umps about ball/strike calls? We cry more than any team I’ve watched this year (over a thousand games watched so far) KJ has a brick in his glove. TP taught him positioning and footwork but forgot to teach him that an infielder HAS to have soft hands. His brick glove was not a big deal in the outfield but it is in the infield. I haven’t seen him make a play yet at second with the ball coming in from left or left center. He let two go off his glove tonight. Between his brick glove and hearing footsteps he cringes at the bag. No one is out to get you KJ, be a player. Get a paddle ball paddle and practice catching ground balls with that until you learn to play with soft hands around the bag. That’s the best way to learn to play the infield. The paddle forces you to get in position and correctly field a ground or thrown ball.

By Serbok

August 27, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

Willywally Why dont you just have the “fastasballs** Cajones to tell us which name you that you ordinarilly post under? I mean~ I post for myself! I dont hide. I despise ppl who do~ tho of course it’s your privelage, Why hide? I just dont understand,why ppl post under different names? Any enlightment you can give me is appreciated . My aplogies to (fastasballs) youre moniker fit? lol

By Brad in KY

August 27, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

DOB

The “because this is a team” defense of the pitchers is pretty weak. Offensively this team can score with anyone. The reason they’re not winning is because they can’t pitch. It’s simply absurd to expect a team that already scores as much as any other team in the league to score even more runs ust because they teammates happen to be bad pitchers.

In other words, when the season is complete and we look back upon what could’ve been in ‘07, I don’t think anyone would take you seriously if you said the heart of the problem was they didn’t get enough big hits. I mean, that’s just ridiculous when you’re running AAA pitchers out there three out of five days and the bullpen can’t put it together consistently.

The “team” stuff sounds good and all, and it makes for good locker room rah-rah speeches, etc., but we all know where the problem really is. And it ain’t the O.

By Serbok

August 27, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

I have a “stupid” car! It only gets 20 miles to the gallon! BTW Doeant have anything to do with the driver! lol

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Brad, please don’t miscontrue what I wrote to suit your needs. Because I did NOT defend the pitching staff, which has been mediocre all season, and pretty awful most night by starters other than Smoltz and Hudson. And Moylan’s been the only reliever who’s met expectations. So don’t go twisting what I wrote.

I wrote this, and I’ll repeat it verbatim, so you can show me where I “defended” the pitching staff:

*They keep talking about playing well enough to win games, but not winning them. But that’s a contradictory statement that rings hollow at this juncture of the season.

If they were playing well enough to win so many games, they’d win at least the majority of said games, wouldn’t they? If they don’t win them, they’re not playing well enough to win. Period.

Because if you’re scoring seven runs a game, it’s still not accurate to say you’re scoring enough runs to win. Because obviously you’re not, if your pitchers give up more runs than you’re scoring.

Because it’s a team, fellas, and those are your pitchers. Whether you like them or not (and at least one of them, you did not, so he’s gone, but that’s another story). So you have to score enough runs and play good enough defense to win with those pitchers, not with the mid-90s Braves pitchers or this season’s San Diego pitchers, or whatever.

Several injuries and a few underperformers have made this pitching staff a far less effective unit than what the Braves envisioned. Tough. That’s the team, and if the Braves thought desperate times called for desperate measures, they could and should have overspent for another starting pitcher at or, even better, before the trade deadline.

They did not. And they also opted to keep Bob Wickman in the closer role right up until the bloody end. Hey, decisions are made. Some are good. Some aren’t. They all have to be lived with, some have to be overcome. Because as a great philospher once said, there’s no crying in baseball*

By flbravesgirl

August 27, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this

Y’all are getting a little carried away with Mac’s weight. He’s just got some baby fat, it’s not as if he’s Wickman’s size. He’s got a kind of stocky build so it’s not like he’s ever going to look like Frenchy.

Gotigers72, actually he & Francoeur are 23.

I can see you with an axe & a horned helmet, Grinch.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

Bryan, I LOVE that Talib Kwali CD that came out Tuesday. That was the only one of the new ones you listed that I bought; heard mixed stuff on the Rilo Kiley, a new sort of direction from them. What do you think of it?

I got the new Waterboys CD, which is strong, and the new Mekons, which is outstanding.

By David O'Brien

August 27, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Bryan, almost forgot the best one I got last week: Josh Ritter’s new CD, “The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter.” Tremendous. Just as good as his last one, if not better, because it’s more upbeat, just enough so.

By jp sartre

August 27, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Crying is not simply an inferior or degraded behavior, a path of least resistance, but an active attempt to change the world.

By Serbok

August 27, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Grinch? Sounds like flbraves girl?????????????????? made a move? your up next bud? lol

By fastasballs

August 27, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this

Salty Thanks for the heads up, I must have missed the note on Smoltz. I only got the Marlins Fox station on MLB.com & they were having mega power problems during the game so I missed that he has been moved up. Good move although I doubt he goes more than 6 innings on short rest. At least Cormier gave the majority of the pen the night off so they should be fresh.

I was a past NASCAR fan back when it was still racing which wasn’t all that long ago & I’ll tell you there wasn’t many “athletes” behind the wheel. I use to hate Gordon with a passion because he was the biggest whiner I had ever seen. Today he wouldn’t even make the top 20 of NASCAR pansy drives. I forget the driver from years ago, but the guy made a pit stop so the crew could fix his broken cigarette lighter.

By Partial Observer

August 27, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this

Mr. O’Brien: Is the treatment of Joey Devine a form of punishment for his early failures, to see if he will have the intestinal fortitude to take whatever is given?

Or, does the Braves really think Ascanio or Acosta are better pitchers at this point in their careers?

Thank you.

By GK

August 27, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

DOB Can you tell us something/anything about the attitude in the clubhouse tonight, before, and then after the game??

Do they really believe in themselves?

Good to have you back.

By Choppinmama

August 27, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

For jjs - if you’re still lurking- don’t worry about me, I have thick skin. Don’t deprive us of your wit and interesting take on whatever strikes your fancy. Take a vacation, then come on back to finish the season!! Go back and read Jimmy V’s posts and take them to heart.

Lew and Grinch: I sure would love to be on the plaza with you for the ceremony, but won’t be in town for that series. I’ll be looking forward to a full report from both of you and DOB.

Could you please explain to me (I’ve tried to read between the lines) exactly what is a Wurlitzer? I have deduced that it’s a prize awarded by someone on the blog in the form of a painting/drawing by the mucho-talented Mr. Lew. Kind of a Pulitzer, but awarded for what by who? Inquiring minds want to know.

Sweeeet win tonight, that’s the way to make a statement. They must have wanted to show DOB a good game to report on. Bobby will enjoy his post-game stogie tonight. Fredi will not.

Did ya notice the Marlins catcher’s chest protector didn’t have shoulder pads? He got nailed good by a BMac foul tip. A glutton for punishment, I guess.

By Serbok

August 27, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this

broken cigarette lighter

LOL

By fastasballs

August 27, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Dawgs, What’s it like going to LSU for a game? Night game? I’m going down for the VT game week after next. Good fans? The worst place I have ever been in my entire life is to Morgantown to see them play the Eer’s. I swear if I ever have to go back to that dump I’m going armed. Their fans make the Phillie fans look like choir boys.

By dan

August 28, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

I have just about given up. After losing two series in a row to teams with losing records, it became apparent to me that no matter how many offensive powerhorses we have, our pitching is still some of the worst in the major leagues in the 3, 4 and 5 spots.

Watching these last two series against the Red and Cardinals was painful. I twitched. My eyes hurt. I got pains all over and ached.

All of the hoopla over Tex has been quieted by a disgusting pitching rotation. If the Braves tried to snag any pitcher during the trade period, it sure didn’t seem like it. Any of the bums available at the time would have been better than Jo-Jo, Buddy and Lance.

I mean, were the Braves just basically giving up for the year and looking ahead to 2008? It sure seems like it. Getting Tex is nice, but why would we seemingly ignore getting at least 1 pitcher (we really needed 2)?

It boggles my mind. We went from a playoff team, possible division winner, to struggling to finish 3rd in the Division and watching the offensively-poor Padres beat us out.

I didn’t want to wait for 2008. I felt an urge to win this year.

It seems the Braves want to give Bobby Cox a good chance in his final year as coach in 2008. Fine. But the way he has coached this year alienated a lot of long time fans, who by the way, are just sick and tired of the Andruw Jones saga.

Yeah, I’m angry and irritated. We all should be. I hate the Mets. I hate the Phillies more.

By Willy Wally

August 28, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

Serbok, my good buddy, it has little to do with cajones. Sometimes, I post on other blogs of the ajc and don’t like to use my DOB blog name over there. Came back over here, forgot to switch, quickly got into a fight and did not think it right to switch back to my normal alias in the middle of a fight.

Also, being a recent Wurlitzer winner, I did not think it right to have a Wurlitzer winning name be engaged in such a childish fight with a mental midget. Can’t disgrace the Wonderful World of Wurlitzer. So I chose to stick with the silly derivation of the formal name my momma gave me. Willy Wally is not a Wurlitzer winner, just a Wurly.

I am not permitted to take my usual DOB blog moniker out on the road to other AJC blogs. My usual name belongs here, having been inducted into the WWOW. It’s not right to don my Wurlitzer uni outside of the DOB stadium. It’s frowned upon.

When you become inducted into the WWOW, you swear to never disgrace the name which received the Wurlitzer. I found the loophole. You are permitted to use a silly derivation of your Wurlitzer name to engage in immature fights.

But that loophole has been discovered and is being addressed by the legislating body of the blog. The hope is that before the esteemed senators recess for the summer that an agreed upon amendment to the rroe will be passed so as to close the loophole.

The problem is that the president jimmy smith has had to go to an undisclosed location due to the increased chatter picked up from the terrorists and evildoers on the blog and now no one knows whether the amendment will be passed in time. Who knows what color Blogland Security is using for this level of chatter? I stopped paying attention to those colors a few years ago. Do they still use them? It did make for good comedy though.

Also, I have routinely used this name as a second name and everyone knows I do. Or at least they should if they pay attention. I have openly admitted this many times in the past. Even as recently as yesterday at the very top of the blog.

Bullit routinely calls me by the formal name my mother gave me hundreds of years ago and from which this silly name is derived. Many others have taken Bullit’s lead and are doing so as well. Even others like the Christmas Stealer and the Dylanesque Ute often call me by this silly name when I post in my real name. I normally go by the name of the movie title. The movie was an Icon Production.

Serbok, my good friend, you are here way too much not to catch on to these things. I wonder about you sometimes. Perhaps too much Pink Floyd for you. IF you have still not caught on (kind of like The Sting reference), how hard was it to concentrate when you were fixing Jennifer Anniston’s computer? If you still don’t know, ask Jimmy Fallon.

Alright, 6 hours behind schedule. Need to get driving to the beach now. Serbok, my good dude, say a prayer I don’t fall asleep behind the wheel. See ya next week.

By Lew

August 28, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this

FL Braves Girl-I think you just took about ten years off of my life. I had this image of The Grinch, looking like the Cave Bear That he is, wearing a Francoeur T Shirt, Horned helmet, carrying an axe and wearing those yellow clown shoes to present my artwork to the songwriters. I think I will go to the emergency room now before I hyperventilate and pass out. Oh The Humanity. Or lack thereof.

By GermanBravesFan

August 28, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this

Braves win 13-2 and Robert is still b***… unbelievable…

Robert: GET A LIFE!!!

By flbravesgirl

August 28, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

Choppinmama, if I understand it correctly, the Wurlitzer came about when jjs was endeavoring to get a Pulitzer for DOB. The Wurlitzer Prize commitee awards it for excellence in blogging. I’ve seen it awarded for songs, poems & just generally excellent posts. Not certain of the membership of the commitee but I know Lew & jjs are charter members.

By Lew

August 28, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

Choppin Mama-I won’t be there for the presentation, either, that’s why Grinch is pulling the shift. A Wurlitzer is the DOB-MIB Blog equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize, only better, because you get one of my drawings. The term was coined by our recently departed Esteemed Journalist from Uganda. Past winners include DOB, Wayne In Utah, Gil In Mechanicsville, Braveheart and Salty. Probably a couple of others as well. They know who they are and will probably tell you if you ask. Word is that Carroll Rogers is in contention for The Wurlitzer Award for Substitute Blogging-If she ever comes back after extended duty while DOB was away. I’m not sure, but we may have scared her off. There is a Wurlitzer Selection Committee, too, when we actually remember who we are.

By Tonight on TBS

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

What About Robert (1991)

Robert (Bill Murray) is a neurotic and obsessive-compulsive man who is fixated on the idea that Bobby Cox must be fired. Robert’s only form of therapy is constantly posting his thoughts on the blog run by journalist Dave O’Brien (Richard Dreyfuss). However, the journalist’s leaving to spend time on vacation throws Robert into utter despair. He calls O’Brien constantly with more reasons to fire Cox, but the journalist says he is on vacation and tries to cut Robert off. But no matter what he does, Robert just won’t go away. (Comedy).

By Incognito

August 28, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

WW/BH Drive safely and have a good trip, my friend!

Do you recognize the alias here? If not, I will identify at some later date.

By flbravesgirl

August 28, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

Laughed out loud at your 12:04, Lew.

You know, the Grinch assures me that he does not actually look like a cave bear.

By GermanBravesFan

August 28, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

“Tonight on TBS”: sounds more like “Groundhog Day”… all the bloggers waking up to the same scene: Robert complaining about Bobby Cox. Makes one wanna smash the alarm clock!

By Yars

August 28, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

ThinkTank….I hear what you’re saying regarding KJ’s fielding. He makes us nervous at times when a ball is hit to him. Being that he was drafted as a SS, he was familiar with the infield, even though he made a *hit load of errors in the minors at SS. I guess that’s what led the Braves to convert him to an OF few years back. I think he will only get better at 2B. Before Renteria got hurt, I wasn’t a fan of the platoon at 2B. KJ doesn’t hit LH pitching as bad as some may think. What is KJ batting now against LH pitching? Someone hit us with those digits.

By Serbok

August 28, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

Willy Wally OMFGod! Thank you BRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been humbled!!!!!LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW! DudE!!!!! I Love it!!!!!! Made MY DAY! HOLY Shyte!!!! Thank you my friend!!!! I’m having a difficult time typing this? As I cannot STOP laffing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Touche! Keep on Rockin in the FREE world!! Man, Did I ever learn a lesson 2nite? LOL WOW !!!!!! Ayight Dude? I owe you a fruitcake, come this XMAS? Lmao!!!!!!

By Serbok

August 28, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

Still laffin! Awesome dude! And to all those who knew!

By fastasballs

August 28, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

LOL, I read Cave Bear as Care Bear the first time I saw it. Have to admit that conjured up some really strange images in my head, not that the rest of the description didn’t.

The way I read it made The Grinch kinda sound like a Mattel toy gone very, very wrong.

By Bob, Journalist

August 28, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

GK, “Do they really believe in themselves?” there are those who may scoff at the question or mock your having asked but while some might think it obvious or easy to discern, it’s probably an onion of many layers … and one to which they may themselves not truly know the answer.

I think what we’re seeing is evidence that it’s more above the neck than below and self-confidence is plays a major role in being to play within one’s self when the situation so demands.

Certainly tonight’s performance should prove helpful relative thereto … just as reading much of what is being said and written about them is probably having a detrimental impact on those who so do.

I don’t think we’ll have to be told … I think they’ll provide the answer, though perhaps not in wins or loses but how they play the remaining games.

I think that many of us are earnestly searching for such answers … and when I read some of the posts, I’m somehow reminded of the old expression “right string baby but the wrong yo-yo” … Hard question, that.

By Robert

August 28, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

Nascar - A-MEN!!

“Prove that line of logic wrong”

Here’s what you’re gonna hear

1.14 straight blah blah blah and if you dont idolize Cox for that then you dont appreciate anything because way back when, the Braves used to really stink

2.”Everyone” says he is the greatest. Especially the people whose job it is to beat the Braves, any way they can. And esPECIALLY the people who opinions we choose to present in makiing our case for Cox. Cuz everyone who doesnt agree has a bad attitude.

3.You dont play big league baseball so you are in no position to question the pronouncements of the powers that be

4.Those really good Braves teams of the past really werent so good, because you see, Maddux and Glavine not only werent good in the playoffs, pitchers like them are essentially useless in playoff baseball, or if that fails to placate you, then it’s because the bench wasnt HOF caliber

5.The Braves have been might unlucky. About 17,000 unlucky things that have never been seen before in the annals of baseball have all happened to the Braves. But the way they go about their business couldnt possibly have anything to do with any of that.

1. Yes, Cox makes lots of questionable strategic decisions, ok, lots of really , really bad, strategic decisions, but he is a genius and a wizard so he gets a pass. Remember in 1999 we went to the WS with Eddie Perez catching. If that doesnt prove Cox is a genius then you just dont understand

7.There once was this other team somewhere whose manager made a poor decision. For example Joe Torre didnt win the WS last year, and look at the team he had - (Of all the arguements this may be the worst. It’s like, suppose that other team IS making a mistake, does that mean we are COMPELLED to follow suit?)

Mix n match those 7 basic comebacks, spiced with varying degrees of vitriol towards you for questioning gospel, and further distirted by some conveniently misrepresented or misinterpreted or selectively analyzed statistics (courtesy of Shaun)

Good luck, compadre, but keep at it.

By Robert

August 28, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

“Oh well, At least he’s tryin to think~”

Q - How do we know when Bobby Cox is trying to think?

A - The dugout smells like fart gas

By Serbok

August 28, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

LEW Between you And~Ahem, willwally You guys have made my nite!!!!!!!!!! GO Braves!

By Robert

August 28, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

Nascar - there you have it. From the scribe himself.

Did he address ANY of your valid statements about Cox?

Did he offer any kind of logical debate or explanation?

No - He called you arrogant and was done with you

Of course, you gotta excuse the man. He’s got his nose (and face, and head, and shoulders) so far up Cox’s pooper that he gets to smoke cigars one on one with the Donk in his office

By Coach ( This is Beautiful , I have to see it again)

August 28, 2007 1:06 AM | Link to this

By Tonight on TBS

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

What About Robert (1991)

Robert (Bill Murray) is a neurotic and obsessive-compulsive man who is fixated on the idea that Bobby Cox must be fired. Robert’s only form of therapy is constantly posting his thoughts on the blog run by journalist Dave O’Brien (Richard Dreyfuss). However, the journalist’s leaving to spend time on vacation throws Robert into utter despair. He calls O’Brien constantly with more reasons to fire Cox, but the journalist says he is on vacation and tries to cut Robert off. But no matter what he does, Robert just won’t go away. (Comedy).

By iwalterp

August 28, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this

Thats just great! Not only is Cox not getting rid of Woodward but he is getting Orr back in time to be on the playoff roster. Cox and President Bush’s loyalty to friends is admiral but that loyalty is at the expense of the team and in Bush’s case the country.Prado is sent down and won’t be back before the Sept. 1 deadline so he can’t be added to playoff roster. Pena won’t be called up until deadline passes so Braves are stuck with Woodward, Orr and Miller on the playoff roster, if they make it into the playoffs. What a championship bench!

By GK

August 28, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this

This blog is starting to sound like “Ground Hog Day.” No wonder that bloggers like the JJS, Paladin and Wayne have gone away! They woke up in the “Robert Nightmare” version of “Ground Hog Day”

Outa here.

By Bob, Journalist

August 28, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this

Brad in KY, “The team stuff sounds good and all … but we all know where the problem really is and it ain’t the O” … I suppose that if we took a pole, we’d find that you’re half right … we all know where the problem is.

However, when it comes to what the problem really is, I doubt that there is consensus … probably just about as many different answers as there are bloggers.

Serbok, I can’t believe that you did not know who Willy Wally was … but I’m truly pleased ‘cause it was a tough job disguising my voice like that.

By Lew

August 28, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this

FlBraves Girl-Now, you know what a golden tongued Devil Grinch is. He could make Wicky sound anorexic. Don’t let him fool you. I’ve seen pictures and heard reports. Cave Bear is a close approximation. I can’t really confirm the yellow clown shoes, but I’ve heard rumors. This Enquiring mind is afraid to ask.

By Choppinmama

August 28, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this

flbravesgirl and Lew - thanks for the explanations. Now I won’t feel like the little outsider with her nose up against the window every time the blog turns to Wurlitzer talk!

fbg - I also echo the sentiments you expressed some hours ago. Such a frustrating situation ‘cause I want the team to do so well.

I really enjoyed the Little League WS games. As my dad used to say, “It warms the cockles of your heart” to see those GA kids hang in there and take it all.

Now, when they come to ATL as guests of the Braves, one of those kids is going to have his picture taken with one of the current players, put the photo in the family album, and show it off for some good laughs in about 8 years when they get called up to play with 30-something Frenchy or McCann a la the McCann/Smoltz shot.

By Ron Roberts

August 28, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this

Fastasballs… went to the UGA/LSU game in Baton Rouge back in 2003. We were ranked #3 I believe (Georgia) and they were ranked far lower. Of course, they wound up winning the national title that year, too.

Anyhow, pre-game tailgating is about as good (and very diverse, food-wise) as any place in the nation. Folks are very friendly, but will tell ya all day you’re gonna get your @$$ kicked. Take it all in good humor.

Death Valley/Tiger Stadium is the loudest venue I’ve ever seen a game at, a close second being the Falcons/Saints MNF game from last season. LSU fans are the LOUDEST fans I’ve ever been around, and I’ve seen three games between LSU and Georgia, only one in Louisiana. Bring your ear plugs. And save your vocal chords; you won’t out-yell them. Just hold your cheering for when VT makes a key play. If/when that happens, they’ll quiet down a bit. But all-in-all, they’re loud form kickoff to post-game.

You should enjoy the trip, and Baton Rouge is a cool city to visit. The LSU campus is beautiful, too. But chances are, the game’s gonna be miserable, and I’m not making that prediction as some uber-SEC supporter; playing at LSU is tougher than nails. David Greene rarely lost a road game, and yet he did at LSU.

By Groundhog Day Redux

August 28, 2007 1:27 AM | Link to this

Our furry friend robert is at the moment , running around in his Mother’s basement screaming : I am Bill Murray ! I am Bill Murray ! I am Bill Murray ! Bobby Cox is the Chipmunk ! Bobby Cox is the Chipmunk ! Bobby Cox is the Chipmunk !

By GermanBravesFan

August 28, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this

Robert REALLY needs a life!

By GermanBravesFan

August 28, 2007 1:41 AM | Link to this

Choppinmama: when the Little League team from Georgia comes to visit the Braves, can they let the Braves borrow one of their starting pitchers?

By Dad

August 28, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this

“This is it. Its all over” to quote an old Jim Reeves song. We can apply this song to the Braves in 2007. I tried to tell you Braves fans that the Braves could not stay in the race with the Mets. You would not listen. As DOB says, the Braves are skidding and have a slim chance to catch the Mets. The Braves made a smart move in getting Teixiera. However, the Braves never addressed their biggest problem. The Braves 3, 4 and 5 starters could not get the job done. As a Met fan, I want to thank the Braves for their oversight. The Braves practically handed the Mets the NL East Title in 2007 by not obtaining another quality starter. So, Braves fans forget about the NL East Title or making the playoffs in 2007. Just relax and enjoy the Mets run to World Series Champions in 2007.

By Serbok

August 28, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist Youre a Trip Bro! This whole Dob/MIB, thing has been a whole lot of fun! I pay mlb.com to watch the games~ unfortunately thats the way its gonna be for all BB fans after this yr~ I’m wondering if I will get the playoffs on my computer or not? It is reALLY worth the money as I have been able to watch All the braves games, cept when they play the marlins, I live in ft myers FL. The quality is very well worth it, of course one needs to have broadband. I have found that this blog to be a very good extension to the game, as sometimes I blog with you’se guys? During the games. Shyte! Anders!!!!!!!!!! :o) Anders is cool! A good BB guy! Seems to be the only one tho? (Met Fan) People from NY Suck! in general. I’m gonna go with DOB and say, that its not over yet, I do feel the team is built for the playoffs? If we can just get there!

By Dwight Fry

August 28, 2007 2:07 AM | Link to this

“dad”: as Lee Corso would say - not so fast my friend.

Mets have played terribly the last 2 games. So I would not assume that they have anything wrapped up yet.

By Bob, Journalist

August 28, 2007 2:10 AM | Link to this

Reread and enjoy some of the unparalleled eloquence of the Blog’s master … taken from his 10:21 offering; a tour de force masterpiece by most standards … light work for him!

… we have a respite from the one-note whiners. Having found a point with the luck of a blind squirrel, they pound the blog with it relentlessly: the pitching bites, Andruw bites, the bench bites, Bobby bites, Schuerholz bites, etc., etc., blah, blah, yada yada yada. All delivered with the confidence of a ridiculously higher self-opinion of baseball acumen than truly warranted, intended to impress. Too late. You don’t want people to laugh at that skinny little body of baseball knowledge, you shouldn’t undress it in public.

Add to that the nightly love-fest of “Oh, you think the Braves suck, too? Wow, you must be as smart as me!”, and I start thinking “The Road’s My Middle Name” is a pretty good song. My problem (as most here know) is that I countenance no alternative to permitting anyONE to post anyTHING here, within the bounds of decency. Even if I personally think they have to use the Kelvin scale for stupid.

I hold to the thought that, given time, the neighborhood always cleans itself up. Otherwise, jimmy would have to put another rocker on the porch.

Man, to have his insights and proficiency with the pen … goodness!

Most honorable Scoots, methinks we share the much same perspective though I dare say there would be no need for such discussion were the participants constrained by appropriate standards of propriety rather that prevailing ones … and I do prefer a scale permitting negative numbers.

Goodnight Miss Allen!

By Serbok

August 28, 2007 2:23 AM | Link to this

BOBJ I have experienced voice inflection and tones can be attributed to extreme temperature differentiations that are directly influenced by either or,thermal quantifications that are indirectly or directly correlated to ones condition? Therefore, either pointing to the obvious or obsequetous amount of bowlshyte being distributed upon one’s Domain. The promulgation of said thought, can only lead to a chocolate Hot Tub~ or the banality of a very clear thought that is brought about by the beauty of chlorine in the morning? As I detest All chemicals that do not bring about vast conceptions,preconceptions, and all the other types of ceptions! I must most honorably put forth!!!!! WillyWally as the Exception?

Humble Regards SERBOK Dated This day OF MY own Misinterpr ation

By Supes

August 28, 2007 2:25 AM | Link to this

Why do NY METS fans believe they are the best team in the NL and the team to beat in the NL playoffs?

Strange, but Arizona is playing well, San Diego can throw a hell of a pitching rotation against any team…the Cubs could be dangerous once they get healthy…esp. Soriano back in the lineup…The Cards are getting Mulder back in a week…anything can happen. Not to forget the Phillies and the Braves, esp. the Braves who own the METS this season.

By fastasballs

August 28, 2007 2:38 AM | Link to this

Ron Roberts Thanks for the info, I always like wondering around at away games, unless they are in West Virginia. Love the different food you encounter, although mainly most ACC schools are similar, well except for the sea food at Maryland, that’s a tasty treat.

Unless our defense outscores them I don’t see victory for the Hokies. We have a very mediocre QB as you guys witnessed at the Peach/Sandwich Bowl & a very inexperienced OL. I’m still having bad dreams about the second half smackdown you guys gave us. I’m at a loss for your OC’s name, but he found the weak spot in our D with the TE over the middle in the 2nd half. We never defend that play except against Miami. That & our OC called the dumbest plays imaginable. All they needed to do is run it up the gut & punt, but all those turnovers in UGA’s territory was disasterous.

I’m going with a few friends so it should be a fun trip. I expect some good natured trash talk, it’s all part of the game. How’s UGA’s season looking?

By fastasballs

August 28, 2007 2:59 AM | Link to this

Supes Don’t you know the Muts have a birthright to the World Series? Or that’s how half their fans act. They are in the drivers seat to win the Eats at the moment, however they have pitching problems as well as injury problems. If Pedro flops so will they. El Duque has been exceptional or they would be right back with us & the Phillies gasping for air.

Now if Pedro comes back & is light out, yeah they should be the favorites, but that’s a big if. Alou has really given them a boost since he returned from the DL.

Back to their pitching problems. Maine is coming back to earth, Glavine is hot & cold, El Duque as I said has been great, so has O. Perez, but after that the water gets a little muddied. The bullpen is hot & cold as well. Feliciano, Heilman, & Schoeneweis have been good recently. Wagner is tired & has been beat around lately. Mota has been horrible & we all know what a time bomb Sosa is. Sele has been average.

All in all, if the Braves can close a few games by Sept 1st I see the call ups helping the Braves more than the Mets, especially in the pen & on the bench.

Like I said Pedro is their make or break player. They are good enough now to win the series or even get there most likely, maybe with him at full strength they could make it, but I just don’t see the any NL team besting the AL champion. Too much of a talent gap IMO.

By Eric C.

August 28, 2007 3:13 AM | Link to this

Typical BRAVES…pile up meaningless runs in a blow-out and skew their misleading offensive stats. If the trend holds true, we’ll see losses of 6-7 and 4-5 the next couple of games.

I don’t know what I’d do if they actually won a game when scoring less than 4 runs. You have to go all the way back to June 5th for such a feat by the Braves. To find a Braves win scoring less than 5 runs…have to go back to July 23rd.

By Braves Fan 79

August 28, 2007 3:47 AM | Link to this

I wasnt on here yesterday to complain about woodcrap starting….but man i hate that guy. Anyone wanna defend woodcrap now!?? We loose about 70% of the games he starts…why in the world would he start!?? This isnt like may where we refused to call up escobar and gave woodcrap and orr start after start…..THIS IS CRUNCH TIME! It kills me we can get rid of one of our best home relievers (hey its not his fault bobby dosent know how to use him) (u shure as hell dont use a fly ball pitcher whos slumping on the road in cinn!)
And yet we keep woodcrap…WHY!??

By Coach (Interesting read in this article)

August 28, 2007 6:10 AM | Link to this

http://atbat.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/08/26/333162.aspx

By Coach (Interesting read in this article)

August 28, 2007 6:14 AM | Link to this

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20392948/

By ncscoots

August 28, 2007 6:28 AM | Link to this

Grinch, why am I not surprised you can relate to the Visigoths, LOL? My friend, if all the barbarians at the gate were like you, the Emperor would have thrown open the doors, tapped a keg, and joined the party himself.

BTW, loot you may have; any booty walkin’ around gets packed, bubba.

By ncscoots

August 28, 2007 6:34 AM | Link to this

And lest I forget…a fine new blog word emerged last night from the depths of some poster’s content: “powerhorse”. Adding it to my personal blog dictionary pronto. I only hope I can apply it to these Braves SOMETIME this year. :-)

By Shaun

August 28, 2007 7:01 AM | Link to this

Mix n match those 7 basic comebacks, spiced with varying degrees of vitriol towards you for questioning gospel, and further distirted by some conveniently misrepresented or misinterpreted or selectively analyzed statistics (courtesy of Shaun)

Yes, I try to be selective with the stats I look at—I try to only pay attention to the important ones.

And the burden of proof is on the one making the claim. Everyone agrees and accepts that Bobby Cox is at the very least a decent manager except you. It’s your job to provide enough evidence to at least make us see your side of things. So far you haven’t.

If I came on and said the Macarena was the most influential song of all-time, it would be my job to provide the reasonable evidence to support that position. No one agrees with that, that I know of. So I can’t just come on here and say the Macerana is the best song ever, prove me wrong. If you can’t, then I’m the only smart one who realizes it.

And I don’t think it’s your opinion of Cox that annoys everyone, but the fact that you think you are smarter than every baseball exec, every player, every other manager, every member of the baseball media and every fan. All these groups realize how good Cox is but you think you know more than they do.

By Shaun

August 28, 2007 7:07 AM | Link to this

NASCARfan,

Read this:

http://shaunpayne.blogspot.com/2007/08/how-many-wins-was-bobby-cox-worth-1998.html

It’s some actual evidenct that Cox hasn’t costs the Braves wins.

By TampaBrave

August 28, 2007 7:31 AM | Link to this

Spahn and Sain, then pray for rain. That old Braves rallying cry rings true once again, except now its been John and Tim, then it looks grim.

But if the Braves are going to make a run, then the last couple of games have been encouraging. Reyes and Cormier looked much better. And frankly, they both have good stuff. What they have been lacking, IMO, is confidence. I think they gained some of that. What I worry about is a letdown from 1 and 2. It is human nature to let your guard down when the calvary arrives, but be careful, the arrows are still flyin. 1 and 2 have been carrying this team all year. The weight has gotten heavy and it would be easy to go out and focus just a little less, enough to get run by the 4th inning. Here’s hoping we stay focused on the prize.

By ssiscribe

August 28, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this

Top of the morning, denizens. Well, I think after last night we’ve figured out what in the heck was wrong with the Braves last week:

No DOB.

With all due respect to CR, missing DOB was, well, the missing link. I mean, look at what happened last night? The Braves scored a bunch of runs, won going away and …

(Psssst, Scribe. The Braves won a game like that last Monday, when CR was on the clock.)

Damn. So much for that theory.

But all joking aside, welcome back O’B (and great job on the trip, CR; your writing was far better than the team’s play on the field).

And welcome back Lance Cormier, perhaps? Sure, the right-hander has pitched some in the majors this season. But for the third start in a row, Cormier pitched well, putting together his best start of the season Monday.

I listened to just about every Braves spring-training game this spring (no longer scribin’, I couldn’t break away to Lake Buena Vista myself this March). When Cormier got hurt in his final exhibition start, it made me feel sick because dude had pitched awesome all spring.

Last night, against a bad ballclub but in a game his team absolutely had to win, Cormier was in complete control. Great curve. Threw the fastball in and established that part of the plate. Didn’t get flustered and, of course, got plenty of run support.

And I know many will poo-poo his performance because he had a big cushion after the third inning. But you cannot deny he’s had three good starts in a row; the one against Webb and last night were absolutely super outings. If he pitches like this down the stretch, he could be the big stabilizing factor in the back end of the rotation.

Now, tonight (noted transition by the Scribe): The bearded face of the franchise goes on short rest, trying to break up the three guys not named Smoltz and Hudson in the rotation. I like the move for two reasons. One, it gives the Braves a good shot at winning two in a row. Two, it puts Smoltz in line to pitch Sunday against the Mets, meaning the New Yorkers will see Hudson and Smoltz in the series.

If Smoltz and the Braves can follow through tonight, then Buddy Carlyle has to step up and get it done tomorrow to finish off the sweep. Bottom line is this, denizens: The Braves played great last night, but the job only has started. Really need to win tonight, then need to finish off the Fish tomorrow night.

Sweep the Marlins, and you know you will gain ground on either the Mets or Phils the next two nights. Should the Braves sweep and the Phils and Mets split the next two, then the Braves wake up Thursday morning a scant five games out, with six more against the Mets, including three this weekend at Turner Field.

Now, wild card (noted transition): Pennant fever in 1991 is waking up at 3 a.m. and calling the AJC scorephone to see if the Dodgers held onto that lead. Pennant fever in 2007 is waking up at 3 a.m. and pulling up the MLB scoreboard on your cell phone (love that technology). Padres won last night, so the wild-card deficit still is four games. But you figure the D’Backs (aka the Baby Snakes, a name I actually kinda like) are gonna get at least a couple in this series. So, sweep the Fish and you’re gonna make up ground in the wild-card hunt, too.

All that matters is on Oct. 1, when the Scribe settles into his airplane seat for his flight to Vegas (I mean, the Instructional Scribin’ Session in Arizona), the Braves are one of eight teams still playing.

Just can’t get too frustrated in the deficits facing this team, folks. It took a few days to slip a little down the cliff. It’ll take a few days to climb back up. Just gotta win, and last night definitely was a good start to the week.

Last week started the same way, and I know that. But for nearly 20 years, we’ve trusted in Smoltz, from the young kid who showed flashes in the late 1980s to the guy who has fashioned a Hall of Fame career and is the all-time postseason victory leader. Let’s trust in him tonight, get some runs and get this one in the bag.

Get a win streak started. My calendar says Aug. 28. Go-time has arrived. Just gotta keep building off last night.

Now, Wurlitzer (more transition): Denizens, I really wish I could be there Friday night. It would be awesome just to see the presentation (taking part would’ve been even cooler). But I’ve committed to something and when the Scribe says he’s gonna do something, you do it. If there is one thing you have in this world, it’s your word. You honor what you say you will do.

Besides, Grinch will represent us well, methinks. I know the Tex singers will greately appreciate Lew’s artwork (Heaven knows I do), and I think it’ll be a great way to start a big series against those boys from Flushing and their legions of orange and blue clad frenzies (that means you, MetroMan!).

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 28, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

I have a theory on the Mahay appearances. I would be willing to lay money that a lot of Mahay’s salary is based on some kind of appearances clause. BC being the players manager that he is is probably trying to make sure that Mahay makes his dough. Just a theory. Because otherwise I agree with others in saying it don’t make sense.

By TrueBlueBravesFan

August 28, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

You know there’s been a lot of bashing of Bobby Cox on this blog but for a minute I want to cast some venting on John Scheurholz. Yes Tex and Mahay were great aquisitions but what in the world was his thinking on Don’t Ask Dotel. Good lord the guy has pitched in 3 games since he got here so please don’t try and tell me he was healthy during the trade. This is starting to be trend with JS. LaRoche for Gonzales. Obvious that Gonzales wasn’t right when we got him. Signing Craig Wilson (ditto). Signing Mark Redmon…need I say more…..Tom Martin….Chris Woodward…. etc

Yes there was Tex and Mahay and Soriano but those were no-brainers.

It sure seems that the scouting department is starting to lose its way. If I was JS I wouldn’t want my legacy to belong to the signings of players like Wilson…..Woodward….trading talent(Davies, LaRoche) for broken arms….and failing to get any starting pitching in return.

As a whole JS has done a great job but there are starting to be some serious chinks in the armor

By h_charles

August 28, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this

Mahay: Don’t know why anyone is surprised here. Cox has always overworked his pen by pithcing studs in meaningless situations. That is part of what caused the Wickman situtation.

Generally: Big win last night, but once again an example of this team not having “it.”

This was a game where we didn’t need Cormier to pitch that well. We needed that a few starts back. Last night he could have given up six, but of course once again we can’t ever match up our hitting and pitching.

SSScribe: If you are going to take up that much space in a blog with your own words, how about coming up with an original tag line instead of stealing one from The Big Lebowski?

By Joe Schmoe

August 28, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

Cole Rohrbough’s line from last night…

4 innings, 0 hits, 0 runs, 4 BB, 8 K

bringing him to…

0.96ERA/13G/56.1 inn/19BB/88K.

Right now, Efrim is smiling and dreaming of the day the kid steps onto the mound at Turner Field.

By The Big Liebowski

August 28, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

Five weeks left in this season and the Braves have no idea who their closer is. Who are we kidding to believe that this team has anything other than a snowballs chance in hell of making the playoff’s.

By ssiscribe

August 28, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

SSScribe: If you are going to take up that much space in a blog with your own words, how about coming up with an original tag line instead of stealing one from The Big Lebowski?

h_charles: Are you serious? “Stealing?” I’ve been using that tag on this blog for going on two years. You’re the first person to accuse me of “stealing” it (or anything else, for that matter). For the record, the New York Times used “The Dude Abides” as a headline on Aug. 14, 2004, in reference to a Lebowski movie event. I suppose they “stole” it, too, right?

I certainly am within my rights to use it here, and have done so for quite a while. Being a former journalist, referencing ANYTHING I write — even something as leisurely as an entry on a newspaper’s baseball blog — as “stealing” is one hell of an insult, one I certainly do not appreciate.

Thanks much for reading, and for your observation. And, as a courtesy and for the record, it’s ssiscribe, not ssscribe. If you are going to accuse me of “stealing,” at least take two seconds to check the spelling of my screen name before posting your inaccurate and insulting accusation.

Peace.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By chris

August 28, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Two concerns about pitching Smoltz on three days rest. First, it’s short rest on a recovered but somewhat suspect shoulder. Second, this means he won’t pitch against the Phils, the team we have a better shot of catching. What would work better would be to pitch him on Wednesday, Monday vs. the Phils, the following Saturday, then bring him back on three days rest the following Wednesday in NY.

Also, what do you make of releasing Wickman? Do you think there is more to it than just performance?

Thx,

Chris from MD

By Dill Pickle

August 28, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

You got him told, Scribe, and right on!!

By Efrim

August 28, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

YES JOE SCHMOE!!!!!

I am dreaming……

His walks worry me though, as do Tommy Hanson’s.

By DAP

August 28, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

smoltz wouldnt be pitching tonight if he didnt think he could do it. he knows his limits, and im sure he and bobby had a lengthy discussion about it. he did go 8 innings his last time out though. im thinking he will probably just go 6 tonight, and let the ‘pen work. lets hope the braves tee off on van den hurk and give a big lead to work with.

By MEB

August 28, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this

h_charles… you believe that Wicky was overused? I believe he was overused to the extent that he cost this team too many games. He appeared in 49 games for a grand total of 43 innings pitched. The ridiculous disparity between his home and away numbers tells me the guy did not have the stuff to get batters out. I think the team lost confidence in his ability to be the closer they needed coming down the stretch. Balking on pitching in an extra inning game when there was only one more option in the pen doesn’t show me a desire to be a winner. There were other negative issues in the clubhouse that we’ll probably never know. I wish he would have worked out, but better to cut our ties now then have him blowing games with the playoffs on the line. I’d rather take my chances with Soriano or Moylan as our closer.

GO BRAVES!!!

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Chris, of course there’s more to it than just performance. Did you read the quotes from Andruw and the inferences from couple other players about how the guys left on the staff were ones who wanted to pitch?

Wickman had rubbed a lot of players and team officials the wrong way. If he’d been as dominant as he was last season, the Braves would have put up with the negatives for the rest of the season because he would have been too crucial to get rid of. They obviously decided he wasn’t effective enough to offset the negative effect he was having in the clubhouse, or they wouldn’t have eaten the rest of his contract and left themselves without a clear fill-in for the closer role.

Not saying if I think the decision was right or wrong, just telling you their thinking. I wasn’t in the clubhouse during meetings, or in the dugout or on the team plane those times when he supposedly complained about how he was used. So I don’t know how bad it got. Obviously bad enough.

I reported here on July 31 that I’d been told the Braves would try to get him through waivers and make a non-waiver trade to get rid of him. But after Dotel got hurt, I figured Wickman was safe the rest of the season. Obviously that wasn’t the case.

As for Smoltz, don’t know what to tell you, other than a big reason for the move was to separate Smoltz and Hudson so the bullpen isn’t so taxed for three consecutive days, potentially, when those two weren’t starting. They wanted to separate them right away, to avoid a repeat of what happened the last couple weeks when the other starters left games early and the bullpen required an extra arm from minors.

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this

Big Liebowski: I give up, who are we kidding? I have no answer. Or was that a rhetorical question?

By Chilled Varsity Orange

August 28, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

“With all due respect to CR, missing DOB was, well, the missing link.” - ssiscribe

DOB as the Missing Link could answer quite a few questions.

By Colin

August 28, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

So 1 down 9 more to go…10 in a row

By Thrillhouse44

August 28, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this

If Smoltz wins tonight and against the Mets and the bullpen is rejuvenated, will Robert and the rest of the Cox bashers give Cox props? I seriously doubt Robert will ever say “Big ups, Bobby.”

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Ncscoots, I couldn’t agree more, or put it as eloquently, as you did with this from your all-time classic 10:21 p.m. post, which I only now read after seeing the refer from Bob. A toast to you, Mr. Scoots. Outstanding. You wrote:

“At least, with the romp tonight, we have a respite from the one-note whiners. Having found a point with the luck of a blind squirrel, they pound the blog with it relentlessly: the pitching bites, Andruw bites, the bench bites, Bobby bites, Schuerholz bites, etc., etc., blah, blah, yada yada yada. All delivered with the confidence of a ridiculously higher self-opinion of baseball acumen than truly warranted, intended to impress. Too late. You don’t want people to laugh at that skinny little body of baseball knowledge, you shouldn’t undress it in public.

“Add to that the nightly love-fest of “Oh, you think the Braves suck, too? Wow, you must be as smart as me!,” and I start thinking “The Road’s My Middle Name” is a pretty good song. My problem (as most here know) is that I countenance no alternative to permitting anyONE to post anyTHING here, within the bounds of decency. Even if I personally think they have to use the Kelvin scale for stupid.”

By David-ATL14

August 28, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

DOB- good to see you back. Sadly though this has forced the village idiot robert and his alias Nascar fan to become more vociferous in spouting their brand of down home ignorance ad nauseaum.

Still good to see you back DOB.

By Stuart

August 28, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Best blog you have written all year. Mad props to you. It was fair, not too one sided positive or negative, just laid it out. The season is not over, but this team has issues. Not that you need props from us, but I enjoyed it.

I love the move the braves made with Smoltz and Huddy being split up. It should have been done sooner in my opinion. When it the eta on the return date for Dotel?

I am also glad that you mentioned the lack of clutch hitting. This team has crazy good stats, but they puff them up on days like last night and then stink on days when they need hits in key spots on days in St. Louis on Saturday, or the series in Cincy when one or two runs would have made a huge difference. It is maddening.

By Dill Pickle

August 28, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

DOB as the Missing Link could answer quite a few questions.

He has answered quite a few questions. You are just not reading, or don’t like the answers. Whatever.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

DOB, what is your honest opinion of how this team really feels. Do you think that they believe they can go on the type of run that will get them into the playoffs? And, am I wrong in saying that Cormier has actually pitched well in all his starts since returning to the rotation?

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Chilled, how much time/thought you put into that zinger? Feel better now? Good for you.

By Halloweenhead (eware)

August 28, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

I recommend the Rilo Kiley album, DOB. I think its pretty catchy and has some great guitar licks. And, man, is Jenny Lewis the cutest girl ever, or what?

Also, did you get your Ryan Adams tickets for his show at the Fox? I know October is a tough time, but that should be a good show.

I have no doubt that this team could win in October. But, getting to the post season is the tricky part.

I move to pinch hit Huddy over Scotty “Strikes-out-a-lot” Thorman every time.

And, by the way, the Teixiera song sucks. Too annoying.

By Salty

August 28, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

ssiscribe

Don’t fret…he feels the hitters and pitchers are supposed to confer on matching performances each night; i.e., Cormier over-performed last night…or maybe it was the hitters…can’t quite grasp the point, frankly!

You keep on ‘abiding’! :-)

By Dill Pickle

August 28, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Nascar Fan thinks his time in bumper cars at the fair make him an “expert”. Robert thinks constantly spouting prattle will make it so. Wrong!, on both counts.

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

David-ATL 14, thanks. Appreciate the kind words. But who, and who? On second thought, nevermind. Thanks again for the sentiment….

Stuart, not ETA on Dotel yet, because he still didn’t feel very good when he threw over the weekend. I’d guess not before second week of September, but that’s just a guess….

Robert (JIB), yes, from talking to several yesterday, i think they believe they can make a run, but they’re not as confident in that as they seemed two weeks ago. I will say most I talked to sincerely believe they can win any series if they get to the postseason. Just getting there is the problem. There’s some doubt in their voices now.

By Stuart

August 28, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

DOB,

If Smoltz goes tonight as planned, would that put both him and Huddy pitching in the Phillies series? It looks like Huddy is a go for Friday, right? Then not only does the move help the bully, but as long as Smoltz wins tonight, probably puts the Bravos in the best postion to make a move in the WC race, by beating up on Philly. Great move by BC, probably long overdue.

What did Wickman do that made the Braves cut him and Andruw throw him under the bus in an article I read? He seems like the jolly fat guy, but you know better than we do.

By Colin

August 28, 2007 10:48 AM | Link to this

Its my birthday today so hopefully it will be a good one with a BRAVOS win tonight against the Fishes of South Florida

By SRF

August 28, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

About a week ago I decided the Braves were hopeless and started watching the many pre-season NFL games on NFL network. I checked in this weekend and yep - the Braves are even more hapless than last week. (one win over the fish does not accomplish that much). So I am thinking that it is time to toss in the old towel. Let Chipper get a head start on fixing/rehab his many injuries (hands, feet, groin, misc) and get rid of the bench deadwood and start evaluating more AAA talent. Let poor Smoltz rest his shoulder and try again next year. I would bring up more AA and AAA pitchers - cause heck they cannot be worse than the ones we have had following Smoltz and Hudson.

It is time to pack it in and start planning the off-season vacations, I am pretty sure that all these guys will be free during the playoff time period, so the resorts should not be all booked yet.

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Eware, she’s definitely among the cutest — but just behind Neko Case.

I’d really like to see the Adams show, but can’t commit until I know which postseason series I’m gonna cover, etc. Last year did the NLCS and World Series.

Got to say, coming around to the same thinking on the song, but more so because it’s been censored and swallowed and regurgitated ad nauseum by TV for commercial purposes.

Also, because Cox would never call Tex “Mark T.”

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

Thanks, DOB. I actually agree with what most of the Braves are saying about they could win any series in the postseason. The Braves are the kind of team that other teams fear facing in a 7 game series. I said a week ago that I believe this the type of team built for the postseason. I think the Red Sox, Tigers, and Padres are the same way. All of these teams have two dominant starters with potentially shutdown bullpens and excpet for San Diego explosive offenses. As you said, the only problem the Braves will have is getting there.

By beachcomber

August 28, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Glad to see the move by the Braves to space Huddy and Smoltz. Like so many others - been thinking that but never said it. Good move.

If we could just get three or four consistent starts from one of the three thru five guys, we might be okay. I disagree with my fellow west coaster who pronounced over the weekend the season is over.

As for Orr being brought up - the only move the Braves had. Not sure they want to give up one of their options on a youngster. Frankly, I’d rather have Orr at the plate than either Woodward or Thorman - at least there’s a possibility of an infield hit.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

August 28, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

FlBravesGirl and Lew,

Let me get this straight…Grinch is going to represent the blog family clad as Flavor Flav???? Ya’ know, now that I think about it, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

By GermanBravesFan

August 28, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Can we have Smoltz start one day and close the next four days? Just a thought… ;-)

By Lew

August 28, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

h-Charles-“this was a game when we didn’t need Cormier to pitch that well.” ???????????? That may not be the dumbest sentence ever uttered on this blog, but Dude, It sure as hell ranks right up there. With the way Cormier has pitched since coming back from injury, I would say it was INTEGRAL that he pitch well. It is always a positive when a Braves pitcher does well, considering how often we have seen just the opposite. Dude, you are hereby Awarded an Anti-Wurlitzer for that one. Pretend I sent you a drawing-of something you don’t like.

By Braveheart

August 28, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Whew, made it with a few naps on the side of the highway. Ever since MJ’s dad, I hate doing that. But you gotta do what ya gotta do.

Ark. Hillbilly The Grinch is going as Flava Flav? I hope he hands those kids the Wurlitzer, takes the big Flav clock off his neck, hands it to them with the small hand on the 12, the big hand on the 3, and says boys, your 15 minutes are up!

Oh, that was wrong. Alright, back over to being bored at tears at the conference.

By Overlord

August 28, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this

Make no mistake on Cormiers performance last night…. fish might be struggling, but they are 5th in runs scored and 3rd in HR. The guy is slowly but surely awakening.

Rookies are already behind us in the standings. Dodgers and phillies are next. Lets gooooooooo Braves!!!!!!!!!!!

Padres Barely made it over the DBacks, its gonna get good in the west.

By Bryan

August 28, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Damn, glad Neko Case’s name is back on the blog… if the man in black braves blog has a guardian angel - my bet is that she has red hair.

Yeah, i like the new Rilo Kiley… but I am not one of those kind of fans that freaks out when a band comes out with a new sound… i hate that attitude … i think people wrap up a lot of their self image with a band (or a team for that matter) so when the sound changes or things don’t go so well - they get REALLY P**!

Whatever.

I just got the new ritter… i will let you know what i think … if you like some good down south hip hop that new UGK is smoking … VERY Blusey … probably the most blues influence hip-hop cd i have ever heard (i am talking about the b-sides not the club/car friendly hits).

Also, that Echo Project looks AWESOME - Flaming Lips, Cat Power, the Killers and a bunch more!

Ohhh yeah, and the new Galactic with all the underground rappers (lyrics born, gift of gabb, mr liff, ect) ain’t bad for a bump.

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

SRF, how can I get the package on NFL Network — but just the preseason games. That’s good stuff.

By Dill Pickle

August 28, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Who is this “Grinch” character, and what is he going to represent? Where did his name come from? Did he “steal” someone’s Xmas? Maybe he stole that “tag line” from the Big Liebowski and gave it to this “Scribe” guy. Did you ever think of that? So many questions. So few answers.

One final one, though. Is he potty trained?

By Efrim

August 28, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

DOB

When did you start covering the Braves? What year, from 2000 on, would you say was their best chance to win a World Series? Personally, I think it was 2002 when they faced the Giants. 1st and 3rd no one out against Rob Nen in Game 5. Sheffield….what a terrible situational hitter. Can’t blame Chipper, he roped that ball. Anyways, what do you think?

By Efrim

August 28, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Overlord

Who knows? Maybe it is the D-Backs we will chase for the Wild Card. That run differential has to catch up to them….right?

By chris

August 28, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

DOB,

I did see the comments about Andruw. Just wondered if you had any more info. Thanks for your response.

Would it be safe to say that Caryle is pitching to keep his spot in the rotation with James coming back and Reyes and Cormier pitching fairly well? Also, any possible way you see Cox putting Johnson back at the leadoff spot in light of Harris’ slump? Maybe even playing Diaz full time?

Thx,

Chris from MD

By Sammy Kershaw

August 28, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

DOB, Interested to get your take on Smoltz pitching on 3 days rest. I assume he would have to sign off on something like this given his age and his arm’s past.

Also have you checked out Flight of the Concords on HBO? The funniest TV show i have seen in a long long time…

By doc

August 28, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

nice win last night.

dave as long as they continue this you are in the typewriters seat. no excuses for staying away from it for so long especially during the critical stretch run.

nice non-sycophant summary of the season and pretty good summary of the wickman melt down, thanks for being so candid about both. it really is time one or two of these starters bow up as we used to say and get some meaningful starts.

as far as the movies, bourne and superbad were top notch. surprised that i laughed as hard at superbad as i did, i guess it appealed to my degenerate self. very funy stuff and a classy rendition of pretty disgusting sight gags. it did animal house maybe one better and was a star over the pregnant film of earlier in the summer.

lives of others was a really good rental that is worth the time spent watching if you can take the sub-titles. what was it called, the perfumer? was pretty cool as well.

maybe we can call of the dogs for the time being, will they show some life? need a string of wins now, more than 21 of 31 me thinks. if not it is dead, dead, dead …

By Overlord

August 28, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

GermanBravesFan thats too much to ask for an old guy…. he can barely get prepared for pitching every 5th day. Maybe bringing him to close 1 game a week could be fair for his arm and shoulder. But i think right now, bullpen is ok. Maybe if its needed cox would think about it. Right now every game has postseason importance. Its like if we are already in the playoffs but with the whole NL in it, MUST WIN SITUATION EVERYDAY.

By Overlord

August 28, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

The casualty of the move was Joey Devine, whom Cox said was tough to send back to Richmond after having tossed a scoreless inning on Sunday. It was the right-hander’s only appearance in his fifth different stint with the Braves this season.

“I apologized to him,” Cox said, “They understand it, but it’s still hard for me to do it.

Apologized??? looks like cox liked what he saw out of joey… or did he lied about the apologizing part???’

By Robert

August 28, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Big ups will come Bobby way from Lawton, Oklahoma the day after he manages his last Braves game

By Anders

August 28, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Overlord Must win every day. That’s what I was trying to tell you guys two weeks ago. That’s why you wanted the Mets beating wild card teams for you when they could. Remember - these west coast teams will be playing each other through September so you can’t pick up games on everyone every night. One of them will have to win their games. The other down side is you burn a lot of fuel trying to win the WC. Then you get to go on the road in the first round of the playoffs and play a team that’s been setting up there rotation for two weeks. That may not happen if you guys make it though because there’s no clear cut division leader in the West and you can’t play the Mets in the first round. Personally I think they should get rid of that rule. Why should the team with the best record in each league be penalized because another team in their division won the WC? It’s bad enough they gave away home field for the WS based on an exhibition game/mid season jaunt just to boost TV ratings.

By TennesseePaul

August 28, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

DOB: Something happen the week you were away? Yes. Carroll had the forsight to post the W/L for games she covers and games you cover. I’ll just say this, you can’t take anymore weeks off. Carroll, great pinch blogger that she is, is killing this team.

Helluva win last night. Glad to see they can beat up on a cellar dwellar every now and then. But, last night is over. Tonight is the night that matters and they need to go out there and win it.

GO BRAVES!!

By Zerevan

August 28, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

What the hell Woodward is doing here? bring Devine in place of worthless piece of $#it

By Robert

August 28, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this

The ‘09 season cant get here soon enough

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

Hey, Cormier’s got a 3.72 ERA in his past three starts, and went 7 innings in one and 7-1/3 innings in another in that span. Couldn’t have come at a better time. If he pitches like he did last night, he’s a viable No. 3….

Smoltz move is two-fold, to break him and Huddy up, but also because it’s must-win time and the Braves want this series. They WOULD NOT do it if Smoltz wasn’t totally in agreement. I’m certain it was SMOLTZ’S IDEA, not one the Braves would approach him with, given that he went 8 innings in each of his last two starts. It does say something, too, about how much better his shoulder feels — and about his competitiveness. He hates losing, and he’s been a bit down lately over the club’s fate. Not his usual disposition lately…

Doc, I’ve heard great things about that flick, Lives of Others. Have to give that a look….

Bryan, Galactic is on my list. And I’ve read a lot of great reviews, including yours, for UGK. Maybe I need to listen to that. You ever get Field Mob’s “Light Poles and Pine Trees” last year? If so, is it like that? That’s a good CD.

Haven’t heard of Echo Project, but love that lineup. Wow.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

Robert, do you live in Lawton, Oklahoma?

By SRF

August 28, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

NFL Network is on the satellites, not sure about each cable company.

They do not show all the games live, but they do show several preseason games live and then replay all of them through the week.

So even though it is delayed - I can appreciate seeing a good game I would otherwise not get to see.

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Oh, the dispiriting one-note voice is here to suck the soul out of us all. Time for me to do some other work away from the blog. Feel free to spew your love and spread your cheer, Obsessed one.

By Renegator

August 28, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

DOB:

I thought Bobby was going to rest McCann last night since he didn’t rest him on Sunday. Do you know if he has a day off coming soon (maybe tonight)?

Now the bullpen, the September callups in the bullpen won’t matter because Bobby is still only going to use the 4 guys that he trusts (Mahay, Moylan, Soriano, Villareal). Hell, the others guys already up here can’t even get in in a 13-2 romp.

By Zerevan

August 28, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Win or go home….win or go home….It is possible for us to win it all…it is possible…and if any team can do it BRAVES are the team…..Thats right we COULD go all the way and win it all…GO BRAVESSSS……..GET WILD GET MOTIVATED AND GO…

By Robert

August 28, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Cox? Lie? NOOOOOOO!!

There is no reason to pay any attention to anything that comes out of Bobby Cox’s mouth

Matter of fact, if the Braves had simply ignored Bobby Cox altogether, they probably wouldve won three or four WS titles

Cox - I said put in Wohlers in the 8th

Mazzone - Oh. Sorry, we didnt hear you. Never mind, we’re up 3 games to 1

By Overlord

August 28, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

It could be Efrim, but i dont think so, they just barely won yesterday and peavy was on the maound. The pressure is on SD. DBacks already believe in themselves.

I have checked on smoltz and he is coming from 103, 118 pitching performances. Some of you could say he did just fine against cardinal after previous outing he went 103 pitches, so he might be ok. But……he had back to back +100 and now he is asked to pitch in 4 day rest. Im not so sure this is not going to back fire. If bobby was going to do this…….. he should have taken some precautions. It doesnt really matter anymore. Lets just hope he does ok, an even more important, he does not hurts himself.

By Hammy the Brave

August 28, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

DOB,

Great to see the Bravos kick some fish a* last night, and to see Cormier pitch so well.

Do you think JS will try some package of Renteria, pitching prospect, possibly Thorman and Yates to get a #3 type starter, next year? I don’t think they can consider playoffs in 2008, unless he gets at least one more starter.

Could JS get Javier Vasquez from the Sox, AJ Burnett from the Jays, or Rich Hill from the Cubs? I wanted to get your thoughts on this.

Also, what have you heard about the Braves’ plans for Lillibridge and hopefully JC Holt? Do they expect them to be legitimate pieces of their middle infield, in the next year or so? I’d love to get more speed in the lineup.

Finally, the trade of McBride to the Tigers seems like a dump/personality conflict to me. Why didn’t JS not try to get another player from Detroit like Craig Monroe, or Ryan Rayburn, to prepare them for Andrew’s leaving next year?

Love to see your reply,

Hammy the Brave

By Dill Pickle

August 28, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

Who is this character “Robert” and is he potty trained?

By Dill Pickle

August 28, 2007 12:09 PM | Link to this

All of “Robert’s” comments should commence with the fr. phrase “gardez ‘eau”!

By Lee in S. GA

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

Seems to me we really need to be pulling for the D’backs to run away and win the west. If the Padres sweep them, the Braves will not pick up one game in the Wild card even if they sweep the Marlins. This has been my major concern the past few weeks. The fact that the N.L. west will produce the Wild card with this type of see-saw play.

By Lew

August 28, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Hammy-Because we needed pitching now instead of a center fielder next year? Besides, just how much did you really think we would get for McBride? He wasn’t exactly tearing it up when he left. I seriously doubt that we will have problems filling center field next year. There are options. Also, Teixeira, Im sure was brought in now as a substitute for Andruw’s season long disappearing bat for next season (don’t anyone hand me a line about how Andruw’s production’s still up there-it’s not. He may end up with 30HR this year and 100 RBI, but the last couple years he averaged 46 and 125).

By BG

August 28, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Anders —

While I agree that linking home field in the WS to the All-star game is silly, it isn’t like the team with the best record got home field advantage under the old system. It alternated between AL & NL. (Best record has mattered for the playoffs.)

By Overlord

August 28, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

DOB good point…….Smoltz must have proposed something like this.

Anders maybe phillies and Braves can beat up the muts and make the final months a crazy one. Never know. I get your point…. dont worry. At least you are a mut fan that uses his head. But i tell you what….. all we need is the ones ahead of us to lose. That means we need we need AZ, SF LA and Roockies to beat up SD, this is as we speak standings. LA just 0.5 ahead of us.

By Efrim

August 28, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Lew

I know you think Francouer is an option for centerfield next year, but I disagree. He is an asset in right field, and he shouldn’t be moved. Brandon Jones is a corner outfielder and not a centerfielder and I really don’t think Blanco is an option. If Lillibridge was the guy, I feel like they would of moved him to CF at some point this year. Not to jump all over your comment about CF, but I think we are going to try to bring in a CF through trade or free agency. Your thoughts?

By Shaun

August 28, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

How Robert views the baseball season:

“I thought the Joe Torre was going to be able to overtake Terry Francona but looks like Francona is going to hang on.

“Jim Leyland started off hot but Eric Wedge has really come on strong in the second half.

“Mike Scioscia is really in control of the AL West. Upstart John McLaren is leading the Wild Card race but can he hold off Joe Torre?

“Willie Randolph has broken away from Charlie Manuel and Donkey. We’ll see if Manuel and Donkey can overtake Bud Black.

“The NL Central is a three-manager race between Lou Pinella, Ned Yost and Tony LaRussa.

“Bob Melvin is really doing well in the West. Looks like he’ll hold off Bud Black.

“Ned Yost leads all of baseball with a whopping 180 homers. At this rate, he’ll break Bonds’s record in no time.”

By Anders

August 28, 2007 12:35 PM | Link to this

Hit and run - Why am I not suprised?

By flange1

August 28, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this

Hi All,

Nice game last night. Good to see the bats break out. Need to do that again tonight.

JJS, if you are lurking, please come back! Your posts ar the spice that make this blog sizzle, without you it is a bit boring.

DOB,

What is Joey Devine like in person? Is he taking this human yo-yo thing well? It seems to me like Bobby is scared to use him..

Thanks

By Shaun

August 28, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Who knows? Maybe it is the D-Backs we will chase for the Wild Card. That run differential has to catch up to them….right?

The D-Backs lead does look like it may be shrinking. When we discussed run differential a week or two ago, their lead was, what five games?

By Renegator

August 28, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Wish list for 2008 (not pitching related) A. Rowand for CF via free agency M. Diaz for full time LF E. Renteria traded for pitching Y. Escobar for full time SS K. Johnson for full time 2B W. Aybar for backup infield W. Harris for backup outfield One solid bat for the bench Woodward/Thorman/Orr GONE Francoeur, Teixeira, C. Jones - no change

Pitching wish list is too long - lots of holes to fill (closer, back end of rotation, etc)

By Lew

August 28, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this

Efrim-Yes, you are absolutely right-Francouer is an excellent right fielder-not many better, actually. However, I see nothing wrong with putting him in center (he certainly has the range and the arm), Brandon Jones in right and Diaz in left (Harris needs to not be here next year-he’s had his Chuckie T time). Matt has convinced even me that he can hit and his defense has improved. There is also Kelly Johnson, who could easily be added to the outfield mix, possibly in center. Now one thing that makes me wonder-why does everyone think Brandon Jones is only a corner outfielder? If he has speed and is a good glove man, just why wouldn’t some winter time in center not be enough for a transition? I seriously doubt (and PLEASE Shaun-let us not start another day long stat fest on how much harder center is) that a natural outfielder with those strengths (arm, speed and glove) couldn’t make the transition-probably make an easy transition. Why go spend precious $$$$ in the free agent market, looking for a center fielder, when we have these options? Spend all available $$$ to get what pitching we can find, as well as locking up Frenchy and Tesx long term. And for crying out loud, Give Joey Devine a flippin chance.

By Anders

August 28, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Overlord Your 7 behind the Mets in the loss. If you realistically think you can make that up then go for it. Otherwise you’d be better served with the Mets knocking off the Phillies who are a game ahead of you. Don’t be fooled by the WC GB standings. Almost all the teams around the Braves have games in hand to play which is skewing the GB column. Look at the loss column. Padres +5, Phillie +2, Dodgers +1,Braves, Cards, Rockies all tied at 64 losses, Brewers at 65 losses. That’s a lot to hurdle and it won’t all happen in the last couple of weeks unless there’s a perfect storm scenario.

By Efrim

August 28, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Shaun

Their bullpen is very good. I’m not sure if the Padres will catch them, but I would not be shocked to see Arizona have an epic collapse and miss the postseason. So many young guys. Eric Byrnes can’t be that good…..

….damn he would of been great for us next year.

By Efrim

August 28, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Lew

They need to sign Frenchy to an extension and re-up with Tex. Boras clients never sign extension’s, but maybe just this once. If he goes into the free agent market, we will most likely have to compete with the Mets, Red Sox and Yankees for Tex. Not good. People need to keep in mind that Santana, Sabathia, Oliver Perez, Ben Sheets, Aaron Cook and Derek Lowe are free agents at the end of next year. A lot of solid pitchers there.

By Tomahawkin

August 28, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Man da phillies are just about fully healthy, I’m certainly riding their bandwagon for them to sweep da Mutts

I call it last nite…Finally our bats came out smoking early last nite…We need Mora da same 2nite, so we don’t have to play that catch-up game (ALA what we tried to do on the last 2 games in da Louie…

By Shaun

August 28, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Efrim,

Yeah. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the D-Backs collapse because they’ve been so darn lucky so far (just had to throw that in; you know me).

By John Adcox

August 28, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

Lew, the church said Amen. The Braves have plenty of internal options for center, and the offense has been fine, although I think Harris will have a role next year. Not more than a platoon partner or a number four, but a role all the same.

Save the money for pitching if any is to be be found. I don’t see much available there—the few that might be available by trade are going to be expensive, and too many teams can put together better packages than the Braves can right now. So every penny and bargaining chip saved is going to count.

By Efrim

August 28, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Lew

They haven’t played Brandon Jones is center all year at Mississippi or Richmond. I think the powers that be believe his future is in right or left.

By Lew

August 28, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Anders-You keep trying to convince us we should not try to take out the Mets, but should GO for the Wild Card. ??????? Are you serious? What we need to do, what every team needs to do in a similar position (Braves or any other team), is to win ballgames. Go for the Wild Card? Whatever. Give me a break. Just how, exactly, does one go about that? Lose occasionally so you don’t overtake the division leader?

If you win, things shake out as they will. If you don’t, then Dude, it’s a moot point, isn’t it? Sounds to me like Mets fans just wanting to ditch any competition rather than any sort of sensible strategy.

By Overlord

August 28, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

Ill hope for a perfect storm for one more week,,,, then ill start thinking WC only.

You probably are right Anders, but i still think braves dont know who they are chasing, theres too many teams around them, even the muts. What would you say if the braves get a 6 game winning streak combined with a 6 game losing streak by muts? Its not impossible……. We just will focus on winning for some days till the smoke starts to clear in a weak or so.

By TennesseePaul

August 28, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

HA! Brilliant Scoots! Had DOB not highlighted it I probably wouldn’t have seen it. Simply marvelous.

By Robert(Justice Is The Best)

August 28, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

The Braves are going to be in a sticky situation in regards to the outfield next year. While I believe Francoeur would be great in CF, I do feel he should stay in right. His arm is way too valuable out there. Diaz has earned the right to stay with this team in LF. However, I still have reservations about him playing everyday. The Braves could very well go after a CF, but Brandon Jones has to be on this roster next year. The kid is ready to play. I think he could have played this year.

I really don’t see Willie Harris being a starter or even a part-time starter on this team next year. I would think B. Jones will platoon with Diaz while the Braves make a strong play for Cameron or Rowand. I still believe Johnny Damon is an option of the Yanks would agree to eat a good deal of his contract.

Now, it is entirely possible Diaz could be coupled with Renteria to get a true top of the line type starter. The Tigers would be a potential trade partner. The A’s would be a potential partner. Both Diaz and Renteria are Billy Beane’s type of players. Would they be enough for Dan Haren? I don’t know without some pitching being included. The Orioles could be a possibility but the chances of them giving up Bedard are iffy at best. The Giants are a definite option. I think the Giants may be willing to give up Lowry or Cain. The Reds and Bronson Arroyo are a real possibility.

The Pirates intrigue me as well. Maholm and Snell being options there. I would think the Pirates would be quite interested in Renteria because they want to rid themselves of Jack Wilson. People have mentioned the Cardinals but they don’t have any pitching to offer the Braves except for Wainwright and I don’t see them giving him up.

Another really intersting possibility are the Marlins. If they are serious about moving Hanley Ramirez to CF, they will need a SS. Renteria would be a good veteran presence on that team. Of course, Dontrelle Willis would have to be the object of that trade. Would the Fish do it within the division? I don’t know why not. They basically made the Mets roster.

This winter will be another intereesting one.

By David O'Brien

August 28, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOG IS UP

By Colin

August 28, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

This is would be my starting lineup for next year in a perfect world

1.KJ (2b) 2.Diaz(LF) 3.Chipper(3b) 4.Tex(1b) 5.Cameron(CF) 6.McCann(C) 7.Frank(RF) 8.Escobar(SS) 9.Hudson(Opening Day Starter)

I would love the idea of having Cameron is CF he is a excellent ball player.

Starters

1.Hudson 2.Smoltz 3.Garland (Got in the Edgar Trade) 4.Cormier 5.Oscar( I know Oscar but he deserved a shot this year)

I’m only guessing…feel free to chime in

By Lew

August 28, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

RJIB-Dude, Perchance have you noticed Dontrelle’s numbers this year? Have you noticed the steady drop in those numbers over the past couple of years? Just because the Marlins will insist on a package for a first or second rotation guy, doesn’t mean Dontrelle is one, anymore-if he really ever was. No way I would give up a package of Diaz and Renteria for his increasingly dismal performances.

By laurance maney

August 28, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Whoever that is above who “still believe(s) Johnny Damon is an option of the Yanks would agree to eat a good deal of his contract” hasn’t seen Damon throw the ball (if that’s what you’d call it) lately.