AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves limping toward September
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Remember all the years past when the Braves would put it in cruise control for all or most of September as they rolled to another division title?
Remember how the Braves’ lackluster performance in the final weeks of the regular season, after clinching, would become a concern because most other NL playoff contenders were having to play hard (and stay sharp) until the end?
Oh, what the Braves and their disappointed fans would give to have those kinds of concerns now, instead of frustrations and anger over a maddeningly inconsistent second half and this awful road trip that’s diminishing their postseason chances.
Last night might have been the cherry on top of this collapsing sundae, a 4-3, 11-inning loss that featured a 19-strikeout performance by Braves hitters, who were 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position in a game they knew they needed badly to win, against lowly Florida, losers of 12 of its previous 13 games.
The horror…. The horror….
Forget for a moment the costly miscommunication between emergency left fielder Pete Orr and center fielder Andruw Jones on a catchable ball that resulted in an 11th-inning double that led to the winning run.
Let’s focus instead on the wasted opportunities throughout by Braves hitters, against a Marlins pitching staff that’s neither experienced nor been effective most nights this season.
Because for a Braves team that leads the NL in many offensive categories, including hitting with runners in scoring position, they sure have a way of being, well, offensive.
For a team with a potent lineup and such lofty batting averages with RISP and with RISP and two outs (they lead the NL in both catgegories), the Braves sure have a way for shrinking in the most crucial of those situations, again and again.
And it’s only gotten worse at the most important point of the season, when they’ve needed big hits and big performances to lift a rather mediocre pitching staff. Even when the Braves get good pitching, as they got last night from John Smoltz and the bullpen, the Braves find a way to lose crucial games against mediocre or bad teams.
They are 3-6 on a 10-game trip that mercifically ends tonight, and the Braves are 0-3 in one-run games on this trip, and 0-5 in games decided by two runs or fewer. Their only three wins were by scores of 14-4, 7-2 and 13-2.
As we mentioned yesterday, hey pile up hits, especially with runners on base, in one-sided games, and too often fail to get a few such crucial hits in close games when they need them most. They are 15-21 in one-run games this season.
Where’d the road mojo go? It disappeared when the Braves started losing so many close games on the road, the games they were winning early on.
This is a team that went 27-21 in 48 road games through July 24. Since then the Braves are 7-13 on the road, including an abysmal 2-12 in games decided by one or two runs.
Let’s repeat that, for emphasis: They have lost 12 of their past 14 road games that were decided by two runs or fewer. That includes an 0-3 record in extra-innings road games in that span.
The Braves still are tied for the NL’s highest overall batting average at .277, but their average in close-and-late situations is .254, tied for sixth in the NL. Their .385 slugging percentage is 57 points lower than their overall mark.
Smoltz seems shell-shocked. And who can blame him? After last night’s game, he seemed in a daze as he spoke in disheartened tones about how this record keeps playing again and again, the losses mounting, the Braves unable to find ways to win. “I’m running out of words,” he said after last night’s loss.
No one feels the sting more than Smoltz, who is 40 and not just running out of words, but running out of time. He’s the only Brave who was around for all 14 consecutive division titles, and really, it seems almost cruel that he’s the one who is getting so little support those nights when he’s on the hill trying to get the Braves back to the playoffs.
Consider this: In his past 10 starts, Smoltz has a 3.18 ERA and 65 strikeouts with 16 walks in 68 innings. Yet he has only three wins in that span. The Braves provided him with more than three support runs while he was in four of those games, and he went 3-0 in those four starts, all Braves wins.
They provided him with just one support run in four of those 10 starts, and Smoltz was 0-2 in those four games despite producing three quality starts, including the one he had in last night’s no-decision.
Whiffs piling up: Bobby Cox and Terry Pendleton have often said in recent years that they don’t care about high strikeout totals, long as players are productive otherwise.
But this is getting a bit ridiculous.
Twice this season the Braves have struck out 19 times in one game. Twice this season they’ve had a player strike out in all five plate appearances in a game.
Put another way, Andruw Jones and Jeff Francoeur have done in a span of four months - whiff five times in a game — what no Brave had done in 14 years since Dave Justice wore the platinum sombrero with a five-strikeout game in 1993.
Only the young Rockies have struck out more in August than the Braves, who’ve amassed 204 strikeouts in 961 at-bats this month. The Cardinals have 161 strikeouts this month, the Mets 166, and even the Reds, with whiff-machine Adam Dunn, have only 147 strikeouts in August.
Yes, an out’s an out much of the time. But in some situations, particularly with two runners on base and less than two outs, an out’s a pretty lousy out.
Last night the Braves had runners at second and third with none out in the fifth inning, and stranded the runners by recording three straight outs including a Kelly Johnson strikeout to end the inning. Smoltz’s lineout to the pitcher for out No. 1 was the best swing anybody got of the three consecutive outs.
Then in the sixth they put their first two runners on base again and failed to score. This time, Francoeur and Andruw struck out to end that inning.
Francoeur has made big strides toward becoming a better overall hitter this season. He’s had a solid second full season in the majors. That said, he’s been awful on this trip and struggling most of August, at the most crucial time.
He is three starts away from a 300-consecutive-games streak. So what?
If he’s as tired as his looked last night and the past week, what’s the point? He and no one else will ever approach Ripken’s record, so what’s the point in trying to play every single game, if you need a day off? Rest him a game now, put the streak to bed so you’re not tempted to play every game next season. Enough.
Francoeur is 18-for-80 (.212) with seven RBIs, 24 strikeouts and more grounded-into-double-plays (4) than homers (3) in his last 20 games. In the past eight games, he’s gone 5-for-38 (.132) with one RBI, one walk and 11 strikeouts.
Enough with the LF platoon? Speaking of struggling, how bad must it get for Willlie Harris before he sacrifices some playing time to platoon partner Matt Diaz, or at least before the Braves pull Harris from leadoff duties?
Harris is 6-for-49 (.122) with one RBI, seven runs, one stolen base and a .228 on-base percentage in his past 16 games, and the Braves are 6-10 in those games.
He went 6-for-6 with six RBIs in the game of his life July 21 vs. St. Louis. Outstanding. Sublime performance. But it was more than a month ago.
He had six RBIs that night, and seven RBIs in 32 games since then.
Yes, beginning July 22, Harris has gone 24-for-109 (.220) with seven RBIs, 24 strikeouts and a .328 OBP in 32 games, with six caught-stealings in seven attempts. He has more errors (2) than steals (1) in that span.
And on the road? Oye. Harris has hit .183 (15-for-32) with six extra-base hits and one RBI in 30 road games since June 29. In that same period, Diaz has hit .362 (42-for-116) with 10 doubles, six homers and 20 RBIs in 48 road games.
But enough moaning. Who wants pie?
OK, to take us out, we’ll turn to J.R. This is the last song the Man in Black wrote before he died, and unfortunately it might apply to this Braves season.
”LIKE THE 309” by Johnny Cash
It should be a while before I see doctor Death
So, it would sure would be nice if I could get my breath
Well, I’m not the cryin’, nor the whinin’ kind
‘til I hear the whistle of the 309, of the 309, of the 309
Put me in my box on the 309
Take me to the depot, put me to bed
Blow an electric fan on my gnarly ol’ head
Everybody take a look, see, I’m doin’ fine
Then load my box on the 309
On the 309, on the 309
Put me in my box on the 309
Hey, sweet baby, kiss me hard
Draw my bath water, sweep my yard
Give a drink of my wine to my jersey cow
I wouldn’t give a hoot-and-nail for my journey now
On the 309, on the 309
I hear the sound of a railroad train
The whistle blows and I’m gone again
Hitman, take me higher than a Georgia pine
Stand back children, it’s the 309
It’s the 309, it’s the 309
Put me in my box on the 309
A chicken in the pot and turkey in the corn
Ain’t felt this good since Jubilee morn’
Talk about luck, well, I got mine
Asthma comin’ down like the 309
haaaaaaaa…..
Write me a letter, sing me a song
Tell me all about it, what I did wrong
Meanwhile, I will be doin’ fine
Then load my box on the 309
On the 309, on the 309
Gonna get outta here on the 309
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Comments
By Lee in S. GA
August 29, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
And the hits keep on coming….good Blog DOB but very depressing and discouraging at the same time. Not a whole lot of positive things to say about this team at present time.
Good teams have to win close games and this has been the downfall of the Braves.
By Joe Schmoe
August 29, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
Not first…couldn’t be…
By the Stranger
August 29, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
This season may be heading out on the 309. I can only guess tomorrow’s song will be “Hurt,” if a winning streak doesn’t start tonight. Personally, I’m holding out hope for “The Man Comes Around.” But then I’m a half-glass-full kind of guy.
By Shaun
August 29, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
This blog has become all about Cox-bashing and jump-off-a-bridge pessimism.
Is anyone at least open to the possibility that the Braves are playing up to or maybe even exceeding what should have been our expectations?
I mean a lot of the forecasters who use objective means—running it through extremely detailed systems to get likely outcomes—had the Braves at a few games above .500…which is right where they are.
And they’ve gotten horrible seasons from Andruw and the fifth spot in the rotation for the most part. And Bob Wickman certainly had his struggles.
Just trying to balance out the pessimism with what may be some realism. I can say for myself, maybe I thought more of this team at the beginning of the season because of my own biases. With the exception of Andruw and Wickman, no one is really playing that far outside of the realm of what we’d reasonable expect and a lot of guys are playing better.
Maybe all the doom and gloom also is coming from our emotions—it stinks when your team is close but can’t seem to get over the hump. But maybe this is exactly what we should have expected from the beginning.
Also, has anyone noticed Arizona is only one game up now? They’ve lost six of their last nine games. Meanwhile the Pads have won seven of their last nine. Could this be part of the market correction both teams were due for? I hear Pythagoras whispering in our ears!
And while I’m rambling and speaking of Pythagoras, the Braves can’t keep this up for long, can they? They’re also due for a slight correction.
By Supes
August 29, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Last night’s loss to Florida was unexcusable for a team that is claiming to be trying to make the playoffs!
There is zero consistancy with the Braves. If they pitch well…they don’t hit. If they hit well…it’s a 7-8 loss to Cincy! That has been their biggest problem, it is just not been “their year” at all.
Jeff Francouer should be ashamed of himself for last night. He cost the Braves that run by getting himself thrown out, knowing there is no qualified outfielder to take his place. Not only did he go 5 K’s, he should have been mad at himself, not the ump!
Well, is the lack of execution from this current Braves team that has cost them time and time again.
The talent is there, they have the people able to make a push for the wild card but they are not stepping up in big spots…with a few exceptions and they fail to execute against these bottom dweller teams…like Cincy and Florida…and ironically that is where the Braves are headed themselves!
By Shaun
August 29, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
As we mentioned yesterday, hey pile up hits, especially with runners on base, in one-sided games, and too often fail to get a few such crucial hits in close games when they need them most. They are 15-21 in one-run games this season.
Lots of things factor into winning and losing one-run games but luck is still a huge one.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
Robert (JIB) said
“If a business was performing like this team has performed the manager would have had his butt chewed out by now if not fired. He or she would be the ones held responsible. So, why isn’t that the case here?”
I can only smile. Finally some people are starting to ask the questions that I have been asking
Ever so slowly, the worm is turning
Fire Donk TODAY!
By willie
August 29, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this
Cox didn’t do anything when AJ was struggling, so why should he jump on Harris? I hate to say it but its time * “For Bobby Cox to retire and head to the farm.”*
By Braves Fan 79
August 29, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
Dont think ive ever been first before…but who cares. Man we need wins, and i think catching the Mets is more realistic at this point than the streaking padres. Last night was disapointing but typical of this season. Andrew striking out with RISP, bring in the wrong reliever at the wrong time, and once again a member of our weak bench hurts us again.
Its almost as if if we dont win the game within 10 innings Cox gives up. Im in favor of playing everygame like its life or death and if u have to bring in Smoltz or Hudson in a late inning game then SO BE IT! Its better to assure yourself of the victory that game and worry about the next day…rather than just give up and expect to win the next day to make up for it.
By DAP
August 29, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
i was pretty irritated when i saw that diaz was not starting last night. as hot as he has been against the marlins, and just in general, why isnt he playing everyday? i absolutly do not get platooning diaz.
By fastasballs
August 29, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
I posted this at the end of the other blog.
Well if no fault is to be given to Cox & since he’s not responsible for anything that occurs before, during & after the game, then what exactly does the man do? In the great run of division titles Cox was anoited as “King” of managers, yet now that they are losing he is responsible & accountable for nothing?
They are not losing because of lack of talent. They simply can’t win tight games anymore. Yes players play the game, but a good manager puts the players in a position to win because of the decisions he makes. Willie isn’t hitting his weight the last 20 games, but he’s still batting leadoff even after Escobar has succeeded in the lead off role quite a bit of late. Why is he still starting at all much less setting the table? He has failed countless times to get guys in from 3rd with less than 2 out. Diaz doesn’t have that problem.
The platoon role in left has worked amazingly well up until the past 3-4 weeks. Just one half of the platoon is failing, the other is hitting .350 & can hit a RHP just as easily as a RHP. It’s crunch time, wins are needed, therefore you play the hot hand no matter who it is.
No I don’t think Cox needs to be committed to an old folks home, but I never recall this many mistakes being made to cost games or lower the percentage of many to be won.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this
“Remember all the years past when the Braves would put it in cruise control for all or most of September as they rolled to another division title?”
And I also remember how they’d abandon the car at the side of the road come the first week in October
Someone said this team was “2-7 off-suit”
That’s crazy. Fact is the 90’s Braves teams were a pair of aces every time, and Donk couldnt managed to lose
This team? It’s like a pair of 9’s. You have to really know what you;re doing. If you do, you can still win big. But if you dont, you’re gonna get into a world of trouble quickly, committed but playing catch up the whole way
Of course, OBrien can point out porblems and issues but shys away from even speculating as to who is to blame
Wouldnt wanna lose access to those cigars in Donk’s office
By John
August 29, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
What’s going on with Wickman…don’t have but a few days left with him right?
It would be nice to pick up atleast something? Are there any teams calling?
By Stuart
August 29, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Thanks Dave. Now please write something that will shake some egos. Write it in the AJC. Here are a few topics/questions: 1. Is it time for Bobby to go? Cox won for forever with the string of Division Titles. He won with Baby Braves. Then, he lost with talent, but not enough money and bullpen. Now he is remaining a .500 coach with talent (loads of hitters), average pitching and a better bullpen. 2. If not, why? The players play for him and say that it is not “his fault.” But what the $#@! is going on!? Who is to blame? Who is responsible? Where should the buck stop? 3. Who is the Motivator of the Braves? Who prepares them to play at their best and raise their levels of play when necessary? If not Cox, then who? Home records were awful during the year. Road records were good. Now, the slump of wrong time slumps occurs. But not really. Situational hitting has been relatively poor for the Braves all season. When was the last time Chipper, Andruw, McCann, or Francoeur bunted? Shake things up. Teach the guys how win close games. Manufacture some offense. Win when you have to. 4. lastly and finally… who should be held responsible when the Braves continually fail to meet or exceed expectations… or when the Braves fail to win when they need to?
If not Bobby, then who?
Who will shake the funk of mediocrity away from this highly talented bunch of players?
The Braves are very disappointing. Hope still exists, but it exists like the chances of the Braves around the 5th or 6th inning. Down a few runs and needing to -not just tie it - but get the lead.
Thanks S
By Robert
August 29, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
“Lots of things factor into winning and losing one-run games but luck is still a huge one”
I LOVE it. Luck determines one run games, but Pythagoreans prove managerial wizardry.
Shaun - you talk out both sides of your Cox-kisser.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 29, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
Shaun, how do you explain the play of the Chicago White Sox? Am I to assume they will go a huge winning streak so that their record will resemble the one Pythagoras suggested they would have.
By Braves Fan 79
August 29, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
Shaun: man are you kidding me!??
Is anyone at least open to the possibility that the Braves are playing up to or maybe even exceeding what should have been our expectations?
MAN HELL NO! This team should definitly be a playoff team. Especially in the weaker NL!
By nono
August 29, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
Need to load Bobby’s box on the 309 and get outta of here. There comes a time when everyone needs to move on.
By Jersey Gil
August 29, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
DOB thanks for the new blog…you said it all…you said it like it is….i don’t participate much lately but i always real your blog & comment….Thanks. I posted this before This will be my last blog comment for the season. Next week i starter a new job with no internet connection and in my home computer is to slow to blog in….so in my last comment i will said this…a few weeks ago i comment that BC with the Platoon in second (before Rent was hurt)and in left field will hurt the Braves chances to the playoff.Wiilie Harris is not other than a bench player(a good one)and i said in that moment to Bc “enouch with that platoon think, let the KId play”(KJ,Matt Diaz)every day….and guess what happen last night. I think we still have a mathematic change to win the Division(forgot it the Wild card to many team involve).But if we get in the off season a good starter we have a good chance to be a good contender for the Division in 2008. Good luck to BC (I think if time to retired) and i will see you in the ball park around the cities. Hasta la vista baby
By Ron
August 29, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
Well we are done in the Wildcard, but we actually control our own destiny in the East!!! I don think we will win the East, but if we somehow win 5 out of 6 against BOTH the Mets AND Phillies, and beat the other teams we can win the East!!! But of course I aint holding my breath on that one!!! We gotta get A Good #3 Starter and potentially a #5 starter, and Strenthin our bench!!! And then RESIGN Tex!!! Other than that it looks good to go!!!
By brent a.
August 29, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
DOB: I like the way you don’t bow down to the “no such thing as a clutch-hitter” mentality.
I would like to see an analysis of which teams have a runner on 2nd and nobody out, and fail to get him past 2nd, the most often.
Yes, we can hit. But, we don’t always hit when we need to.
This road trip is a classic sign of that.
Come to town, and get a huge victory (margin-wise) in the first game of each series, only to watch our bats die in key moments in the remaining games.
Where do we rank in sacrifice bunts? I believe it’s something like 13/16 in the NL.
Our approach looks beautiful when it’s clicking, but it’s painful when it’s not.
By Jeff321
August 29, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
Its the Pete Orr curse I tell ya!
By Efrim
August 29, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
Such a shame. This team is going to miss the playoffs for a second straight year. And just in case anyone forgot, we lost four straight first-round series and five out of the last six. That Chris Burke home run is still in my head.
The Phillies who “couldn’t get out of their own way” early in the season are a better team than the Braves right now. Plain and simple. Lets not even bring up the Mets. Smoltz should pitch against the Phils on Monday and not against the Mets on Sunday.
The Padres are starting to run away with the Wild Card and we can’t even beat the Marlins. This team is scared of winning streaks.
By Candid Kid
August 29, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Shaun will you be announcing your new blog to DOB as well? I don’t think he was here when you announced your own blog to the entire world on a previous AJC blog!
Lew you would know all about anal cavities since that’s where you store your head!
By JD
August 29, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
The most aggravating part of all of this is that the Mets have sucked for almost 3 months and the Braves have owned them all season. Essentially, it gets down to the fact that they have had a chance to win this thing and they have flat out pi$$ed it away. Even more frustrating is that the Mets have lost three straight and the Braves have gotten quality starts in each of their games during the slide and have lost 2 of them.
This would have been a helluva lot easier to take if the Mets were going to win 98 games again this season because the inconsistency would not have been such a big deal because they would be out of it. If the Braves had just played .500 since their high water mark of 24-12 in mid-may, they’d be 73-60 or 72-61(they have played 97 games, so they would have gone either 49-48 or 48-49). That would put them at 1 game out of 1st the division and with a tied for first in the wild card.
By Ron Roberts
August 29, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
Things I (and many of us, frankly) have been saying awhile now need to start happening…
Matt Diaz needs to be playing in LF everyday. Period. Willie’s been a godsend, and his bat gave us quite a spark when he came up; but Matty D’s been about as consistent as can be, when Ryan Langerhans struggled and when Willie’s done well or struggled. I don’t see what the guy has to do to prove his worth on an everyday basis. He hits. He hits lefties, he hits righties. He hits. His defensive deficiencies aren’t so great that he’d cost us all that often, either. That’s why you pay tens of millions for a Gold Glove CF who’s having an off-year offensively, anyhow.
It’s long overdue, now, and too late (I think) to be effective, anyhow, but Oscar Villareal should’ve been an option in the starting rotation before Cormier came back. When you look at the motley crew of misbegotten arms that we’ve used instead of a proven commodity in that role, it’s disgusting. The man has a 4.02 ERA and we’re 13-34 in games he’s pitched in. His ERA’s taken a sting of late, too, because we used him in two blowout losses, where he came in and had to endure the pounding, too. I’m not saying he’s without flaw, but when he started for us in ‘06, we were 4-0 in those games. He gave us 5 inning starts (on average) and kept us in the games, which is more than we could say about Kyle Davies, Anthony Lerew and Mark Redman most nights.
Those two points, and the extra-inning losses / late-game leads blown are the death-knells of this year’s Atlanta Braves.
We’ll be able to correct the starting pitching with money freed up post-Andruw and the (hopeful) return of Mike Hampton. But it’s also high-time to lock up Matt Diaz to a multi-year deal and give him an everyday spot in left, I think. The bullpen will be fine, next season, once Gonzo returns mid-season, and we have a full season of Mahay, the kid we got from San Diego down in the minors, plus Soriano, Acosta, Asciano, etc. Might see us picking up one veteran presence (who’s not a clubhouse cancer, thank you) as well, but we’ll be in terrific shape for next season should we go out and add one decent-to-good starter from the free agent pool.
As for this season, eh, sit back and enjoy the call-ups sparking the team a bit (let’s hope, anyhow) and just root on the Braves for as positive a finish as they can muster. Don’t expect a playoff spot, but if they get one, revel in it. Oh, and buy some damned playoff tickets if they make it.
Let’s stop dwelling on Bobby Cox’s shortcomings this year; no doubt, he’s made some head-scratching decisions. I think much of it stems from (my opinion) a communication issue he and Roger McDowell may be suffering from. I don’t look for McDowell to return next season, and it wouldn’t shock me a bit if Leo’s back to rockin’ in the ATL next year.
I say this all because Bobby’s obviously not called on the right people out of the bullpen many times this year, and like a head football coach, he has to depend on his coordinators to know their players. Our pitching coach hasn’t been all that in-tune (my opinion) with his staff.
McDowell defenders might point to the resurgence of Tim Hudson, but I think Tim’s offseason regimen has more to do with his success, frankly. Let’s look at the guys that have worked exclusively with McDowell since their arrival: Tyler Yates (more ups and downs than Lewinsky under a desk), Kyle Davies (more down than up), Jo Jo Reyes (seems to do well in the minors, but not so much in ATL), Buddy Carlyle (looked good early, but fading down the stretch). The bullpen - in general - has been a collection of mis-use, over-use, and disappointment. Yeah, the Gonzo injury’s not on McDowell, but again, I think much of what is decided on by Cox in-game is from what he learns from McDowell about the pitching staff, and I just don’t think Roger’s doing what he was expected to do. He was a bullpen mastermind in L.A. But I suppose anybody coaching with Dotel and Gagne in their primes at the same time might look good, too. Question is, did he look good because of them, or did he make them good?
By 22oz
August 29, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
I would love to know the reasoning behind Francouer not getting a day off once in awhile, just like everybody else does. I’ve been clamoring for him to get a day off since mid-season, so this idea is nothing new to me. After watching the “Spotlight” show with him, i’ve come to the conclusion he might be a suckup. Just a guess.
As far as Willie STILL being in the lineup and STILL batting leadoff, well its up to DOB to ask Bobby those tough questions, not us. I hope to one day enter the word “platoon” in Wikipedia, and see Bobby’s picture.
Lucky for Jason Heyward that Bobby will be retired by the time he gets here…
By Shaun
August 29, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
Robert,
Are you open to the possibility Cox got too much credit for the Braves winning and too much blame for them losing? Do I even need to ask that?
I didn’t say luck determines one-run games. Luck is a huge determining factor, along with other things.
Okay, if you don’t like Pythagorean record; run differential is very valuable when it comes to predictability. Case in point, look at what the D-Backs and Padres are now starting to do. Didn’t I tell you this was likely to happen about a week and a half ago? Was I some sort of wizard? I’m I smarter than anyone else? No way. I just looked at their run differentials.
Braves Fan 79,
Give me something besides “hell no.” How about why we should expect the Braves to be a playoff team? I mean, they aren’t as far off as some of you folks make it sound.
A lot of smart people who use some very reliable tools didn’t think the Braves were a clear-cut playoff team.
By Lew
August 29, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
Anders-Haven’t really seen many people other than you disagreeing with me on much of anything I’ve had to say-only on some minor points not really relevant to much of anything. Kool Aid? No I just refuse to hang it up til , like Yogi says, it really is over.
Like I pointed out, the Mutts have lost three straight and five of seven, Troll Boy. Funny how there’s no mention of that fact in ANY of your posts-just a constant barrage of “Why don’t you give up” rhetoric and invective.
Lose tonight and what’s your lead then? How about this weekend when the Braves give the Mutts their customary thrashing? Will you even be in the division lead come Monday (Come Monday, it may NOT be all right-note musical reference, here)?
Believe me, Mets’ Troll, my posts are certainly more revered here than ANYTHING you have ever had to say. I’m not angry- you simply lack the capability to make me angry-you’re an annoyance and little more. Just pointing out your deficiencies to you, much like you insist on doing to the Braves. Turn about is fair play, after all, isn’t it? Just because you don’t cuss like the Drooling Fool( still don’t know why you let him live-he may, unfortunately, reproduce) or NoBrainZone, doesn’t make you, or your obsessive need to seek the surrender of Braves’ fans any more relevant, much less palatable.
Take my word for it, the Mets may well go down, be it at the hands of the Braves OR the Phillies. The way they are playing right now against THEIR close competition can’t possibly have you all snug and secure in your divisional blanket. Then let’s see how long you still insist on coming around to our neighborhood talking your bovine excrement. P!$$ off Mosquito Boy 2.
By Renegator
August 29, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
How is that everyone can see how poorly Willie Harris has been except for Donk?
Does he watch the games or just yell “C’mon Kid” without really seeing what happens on the field.
Those who want to blame the players for the poor performance - can you blame Diaz for sitting on the bench 3 out of every 5 games?
Can you blame the bullpen arms that are falling off because Donk uses the same 4 pitchers in every game, regardless of score?
Serious Question: Do you think the players scratch thier heads at Donk’s decisions? Do you think anyone would ever say something publically about how dumb his decisions are? Similar to how Smoltz called out the “Homeboy upstairs” last year…
By Ralph
August 29, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
If a player don’t agree with bobby his as# is gone. Look at Wickman,Lofton and others, you got to agree. no see, no hear, no speak. The great bobby walks on water but not my water.
By BravesFanInRockies
August 29, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
Not that I’m longing for a return of “ABC” baseball or anything, but those strikeout totals are appalling.
(Besides, Chuck Tanner really grew fond of crappy players. Remember Omar Moreno? Of course, Willie Harris lately has played a lot like Omar. But I digress.)
Surely there has to be some balance between Mike Scoscia’s never-walk-never-strike-out strategy and Bobby’s hack-attack. And if TP’s an enabler of this approach, then us Braves fans will need a lot more Maalox if he’s Bobby’s inevitable successor.
By Lew
August 29, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
JerseyGil-Now YOU, Dude, we will miss. Hope your wife doesn’t drive you insane if the Phillies take it all. Come back and talk sometime. Well keep the light on (though knowing how it works on the MIB Blog, more likely the glow will be from someone being burnt at the stake).
By Stuart
August 29, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
Someone said this team was “2-7 off-suit”
I said it and I mean it. The 90’s were Aces high, but now its drawing blind on the river.
(Just a thought for a second. There is NO reason to be showing poker in HD. Those guys are really too ugly to be in HD. Can we get a law passed or something?)
We can sit here and debate moves all day until we are blue in the face. Bobby had his hand and folded in the 5th when he didnt PH Diaz with 2nd and 3rd and and 1 out. That said. This team is giving up 3-5 outs a game with that terrible bench. That is tying the hands of the manager. Plus when you have a soft underbelly like our bullpen does, no sense in playing matchups there. I honestly don’t think there is anything BC can do in some of these games. He is letting it all ride on his starting 8 to produce. If they go 0-8 with RISP, he is messed up.
Every once in awhile you hit on the river, but more times than not, you are going to lose. That is what it is like watching this team. BC can bluff and do matchups, but usually with the lack of talent on that bench, he is just trying to get lucky on the turn or the river, (ala a walk to a PH or a line drive at somebody).
The team has talent. It is the top 2 in the rotation, a couple in the bully, and batting 1-8 (unless Diaz is on the bench, but that is another conversation). If the the lineup and SP don’t produce, it is usually a bad night. Who is going to bail us out on nights Tex, B-Mac, Chipper don’t hit Woodward? Thorman? Villareal? Carlyle? Who is going to save a start from Huddy or Smoltz? This team is top heavy and there really are no moves but to hope the lineup hits and the bottom 3 SP have the ball hit right at people.
By fastasballs
August 29, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
Well if the Braves can manage to win tonight’s game they should take 2/3, maybe sweep the Mets because they don’t face El Duque or Perez, the only two Mets pitchers to pitch well against them this year.
It’s almost impossible to stay upbeat about this team right now, although I’ll try. Even if the Braves don’t make the playoffs, rooting against the Mets may satisfy my baseball cravings.
The Muts fans are starting to squirm a bit so we’ll have to deal with their nasty posts for a while. If Philly beats their best starter tonight they start to implode because they know they can’t beat the Braves heads up & I believe Philly has the Marlins after this series.
By Ron Roberts
August 29, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
Hey Robert, the differences between you and others who might criticize Cox are…
They blog about other things from time-to-time, too, and…
They don’t diminish their points by lowering the bar with nicknames like “Donk” and “booger.”
Even when someone casually wants to agree with a point you’ve made, they inevitably arrive at an immaturely-placed Donk in your post, and any respect for the message is lost.
By Renegator
August 29, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
brent a:
I think Joe Simpson said that the Braves were next to last in sacrifice bunts - only ahead of Chicago.
By Ron
August 29, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Shaun You dont know what you are talking about!!! Alot of people picked the Mariners to stink this year, they might win the Wildcard!!! Many people thought that the White Sox, Blue Jays, A’s to be real good, instead they stink!!! The Braves were viewed my many to win either the East OR the Wildcard!!! Dude the Phillies were without Utley, Victorino, Bourne, Lieber, they moved argueably their best starter in Myers to the bullpen because their bullpen sucked so bad, and other injuries, but yet they keep coming!!! All those guys have missed some time with them!!! Some of the stuff you talk about, you pull it out of @$$!!!
Dude there is no damn reason why we SHOULD not be a better team and be in front or at worst 2 games back of the Mets!!! Carlos Beltran has stunk this year, Delgado has stunk this year, Valentine has missed MOST of the year, LoDuca is not NEARLY as good as McCann, Green has stunk most of the year other than against us of course, Alou has missed some time this year!!! Pedro has missed ALL of the year!!! Sanchez has missed time this year, Wagner has blown some games this year!!! Their 5th starter stinks!!!
We have a better First baseman, better 2nd baseman, Just as good of a SS in Renteria(I would rather have Reyes, but I sure am not gonna complain about Renteria), better 3rd baseman, better Catcher, better RF, better LF, and CF is a toss up, because both have stunk this year!!! Our 1 and 2 starters are better than the Mets!!! James and Carlyle have been solid OTHER than their last 2 or 3 starts!!! Bullpen got overworked, but the Mets bullpen aint great either!!!
How are we NOT leading the Division? Shaun look up the stats and tell me that we are NOT better than the Mets, because we sure as hell are better than the Mets!!! And everybody on here knows that!!! Stupid managing and LACK of clutch hitting has cost us 10 games this year!!! Stat boy look up the Damn stats!!! That is what you like to do right?
By Stuart
August 29, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
Oscar Villareal is terrible. The reason he does not start is because he CANNOT throw strikes. He should be the first one voted off the island. How many 3 run bombs and inherited runner does he have to allow before we realize he aint the answer?
Cormier is the least of our worries right now. He actually did something no one in that back end has done lately and this WIN A START. His last 3 have been okay. If you want to start Oscar over JoJo, I am cool with that, but Oscar is awful.
By Jersey Gil
August 29, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
Thanks Lew You don’t have idea how my wife is it show it in my faces….we still have ticket for the Phillis series…and i looking for some one in the family to replace me.
By Braveheart
August 29, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
The bottomline at this point of the season is that we are 20-8 when Hudson starts, 13-12 with Chuck, 9-7 with Buddy, 15-10 with Smoltz. That makes us 57-37 when they start. We were 7-10 with Kyle (including 1-6 when he was the 5th, 6-4 when he was the 4th). 1-4 with Redman; 0-7 with JoJo; 1-2 with Larew; 2-4 with Cormier. That makes us 4-17 when the fifths start.
57-37 with the good pitchers. A 98 win pace. 64-47 if you include Kyle with the good crowd. A 93 win pace. 4-17 with the bad pitchers. A 31 win pace. 11-27 with the bad pitchers if you include Kyle with that crowd. A 47 win pace. 63-41 with the top 4 starters (Kyle included until June 1st). A 98 win pace. 5-23 with the fifth starters (kyle included after June 1st). A 29 win pace.
The problem is not the offense, the manager, the GM, the pen, Andruw Jones, Smoltz, Hudson, Chuck, or Buddy. The glaring issue is the fifth starter. And whose fault is that? It is the fault of AOL/TW with their b.s. salary cap. They labeled the Braves Discontinued Operations and NonCore Assets and they treated the Braves in accordance with that label.
The manager and the GM were placed in unnecessary financial handcuffs. There is fiscal responsibility, and then there is being a cheap bas tard. AOL/TW, while trying to lose the fat, ended up losing too much of the muscle. But they did not care. SO long as they got tax breaks and sold it at a reasonable price and made a profit.
But keep blaming the manager, the GM, the players, and so on and ignore the Intrinsic Value Ians and Spreadsheet Sams who left this team short of a fifth starter (actually a 3rd starter). When the labor and time resources were plentiful, the monetary resources were not. When the monetary resources became adequate, the labor and time resources were not. At least LM seems to care so far.
Managers make mistakes, hitters go up and down. The good starting pitching seems to consistently overcome whatever the faults of the pen, the bench, the lineup, and the manager are. The bad pitchers not so much. Kind of hard to do when your ERA is over 7.00.
See ya.
By Mark
August 29, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
We could be within 3 or 4 games on the Mets if we had won several games on this trip. This team just doesn’t have it. They have no heart, just like their manager.
I am sort of glad that it is ending this way for Cox because he has always been a crappy manager.
He can’t handle a bullpen, he doesn’t play small ball and he is too loyal to his players.
His biggest problem is he goes by the book way too much. He believes a right handed hitter should face a lefty and vice versa. That’s the main reason he continues to play Willie instead of Diaz. He has always been that way.
DOB, I see you answered my question as too why Orr was in left instead of Kelly. You stated that Orr has played some outfield in the minors the last few months. That’s BS. Kelly should have been in left because he would have caught that ball and AJ wouldn’t have called him off.
DOB, I also agree with Stuart that you need to shake some egos by writing some articles or blogs that hurt some people’s feelings.
It’s a shame that John Schuerholtz has had such a lousy manager like Bobby over the years. Any other manager would have won more than one championship in 14 years. I sort of glad this is happening to Bobby because I am getting sick of people defending him.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Wait a minute now. The guys say would run thru a wall for Bobby Cox.
That’s why Cox is such a great manager, cuz he’ll get that extra out of his players, who want to win extra badly, just for him
And we can see that, with the spirited play of the Braves on the field
You know, I;m gonna sit back and watch for a little bit.
It’s been a year and a half or more, but FINALLY - my work here may be done for now
Relax, I’m not going anywhere.
Let’s do the obvious, get rid of Donk, NOW, so the team can go thru it’s withdrawl THIS year, when it wont matter any, and then let’s start talking about how bright the future looks without Donk there to ruin everything
By Aaron C.
August 29, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this
Some one remind me why Chris Woodward is on this team? Bring me back to sanity!
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 29, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
I see a guy like Phil Garner in Houston who got canned for a poorly performing team. Of course, the Astros are most made up of mostly AAA rejects. Garner had little to work with. His team’s performance wasn’t his fault. He worked with what he had. Now, contrast that to Cox. I’m not here to harp on Cox like others. However………Why is that some people don’t want to lay any blame on him at all? Surely nobody in their right mind (not even Shaun) can say that the Astros and Braves are anywhere near each other in talent.
Fact is Garner took the fall for an inept GM and a meddling owner. Cox doesn’t have either. So, what is the deal?
By JD
August 29, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
Another thing to keep in mind this year is the inequality in schedules. The Braves interleague opponents are a combined 372-287, .564 while the Mets faced 349-313, .527 and the Phils faced 327-330, .497. The Braves have the 4th hardest NL schedule, the Mets 5th, and the Phils the 9th hardest.
You’d have a hard time convincing me that there weren’t at least 2 or 3 games in there that the Braves could have made up. I am not saying the Braves shouldn’t be better than they are, but this stuff matters.
By Efrim
August 29, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
I agree with your statement about the fifth starter, but there is more to it than just that. Lack of fire. No sense of urgency overall.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
“Hey Robert, the differences between you and others who might criticize Cox are…
They blog about other things from time-to-time, too, and”
It’s called priorities, Ron, Once the big problem has been eliminated, it will begin to make sense to discuss other things about the team.
Until then it doesnt matter. Just look at what happened after we brought in Tex - a real good player (an MVP according to Cox, never mind that he has never actually won one) and what happens ?
The team plays their worst ball of the season
By Eugene
August 29, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
I think the fans should select a theme song for their team. Although Johnny Cash has a very special place the hearts of almost every Southerner, I think the young guys on the team will be more motivated by the music a a Taylor Swift, a Faith Hill or a Tim McDraw.
By Ron Roberts
August 29, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, I feel what you’re saying, and yeah, a fifth starter would’ve been terrific in that it would’ve hidden our bullpen deficiencies better.
But I think you could either/or it.
Either we could’ve overcome a down year from Andruw with better results from a fifth starter, or we could’ve negated that fifth starter concerns with a typical Andruw Jones year.
If we fall short of making the playoffs (more an inevitablity now), my memories of this season will be scarred by the numerous clutch at-bats Andruw whiffed or grounded into a double play. Most teams have miserable fifth starters, even the playoff contenders (see: Mets, Phillies).
I think, frankly, the more telling stat is the 11 losses in Smoltz-pitched games. It’s not his fault we lost that many games he’s pitched, that’s for sure, and last night’s a prime example of that. Our offensive inconsistency has been galling; we score 14 one night, 3 the next. That kind of explosion has been followed by 3 runs or fewer alot this season.
And in games we’ve lost that Smoltz has started, we’ve scored 0, 1, 4, 1,, 0, 2, 4, 3, 2, 3, and 3. He’s only given up more than 4 runs in a start twice (both losses). Smoltz deserves better, and the team would’ve benefitted from it, as well.
By Thrillhouse44
August 29, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this
Robert, the use of “Donk” never gets old - does it? You can’t let it go, can you? Do you still have an 8 track in your car? Do you harp on everything this much? Or do you have time for anything besides hating Bobby Cox? Are you just upset that you guys share the same name? You know you’ll never be Atlanta’s favorite Robert…probably not even your family’s favorite. Reminds me of Office Space where Michael Bolton is forced to deal with the Michael Bolton jokes.
By Braves Fan 79
August 29, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this
Shaun: alright heres the top reasons why were a .500 club right now instead of where we should be:
choosing to keep woodward and orr/wilson on the roster over escobar and salty. Impact? cost us at least 5 wins in the first half of the season alone!
Giving Redmen CHANCE AFTER CHANCE. Impact? at least 5 wins!
Between keeping Andrew at cleanup 3/4th of the season and bringing in the wrong reliever at the wrong time theres NO telling how many games that cost us!
There u go shaun…we all know the Braves deserve better! Smoltz and chipper deserve better!
Next year lets get some help in the dugout for Bobby..a bench coach whos not afraid to step up and give advice!
By Robert
August 29, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
“I hope to one day enter the word “platoon” in Wikipedia, and see Bobby’s picture.”
Platoon. Buffoon. One of those
By michael
August 29, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Diaz should have started last night. He is swinging a hot bat. Orr, Thorman, and Woodward has no business in the majors. They have not contributed anything of the bench during the regular season. They would have came out better by keeping Franco. At least he puts the ball in play. All of a sudden Cox is beginning to shift things around. It to late. Like the old Brooklyn Dodger fans use to say, wait untin next year.
Michael
By michael
August 29, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Diaz should have started last night. He is swinging a hot bat. Orr, Thorman, and Woodward has no business in the majors. They have not contributed anything of the bench during the regular season. They would have came out better by keeping Franco. At least he puts the ball in play. All of a sudden Cox is beginning to shift things around. It to late. Like the old Brooklyn Dodger fans use to say, wait untin next year.
Michael
By michael
August 29, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this
Diaz should have started last night. He is swinging a hot bat. Orr, Thorman, and Woodward has no business in the majors. They have not contributed anything of the bench during the regular season. They would have came out better by keeping Franco. At least he puts the ball in play. All of a sudden Cox is beginning to shift things around. It to late. Like the old Brooklyn Dodger fans use to say, wait untin next year.
Michael
By Daybed Wagmoe
August 29, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
“Like the 309” — great song pick, DOB. i absolutely love “A Hundred Highways,” i think it might be my favorite of the american recordings.
By Ron Roberts
August 29, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
No, Robert, where you’re wrong is that there is PLENTY more to talk about than the manager, and don’t forget my 2nd point, either. The Donk stuff is not just childish, for crying out loud - it’s beyond old, now, too. Freshen up your approach, your banter, your critiques, your points.
There’s not a manager out there who’d have gotten the results we got out of J.D. Drew and an undermanned squad in the early 2000’s, in 1991, and I dare say 1999, when a key component of our offense was on the shelf. But I’m not going to get into that w/you again, because you have your tunnel-vision way of seeing things and you wouldn’t dare budge to consider that Bobby Cox has had moments of greatness, many many moments of just good-ness, and has also had moments where we’ve all scratched our heads.
There’s not a manager in the game who’s done as much for as long, consistently, as Bobby Cox. You’re in a big hurry to fire him, but you might want to consider that hiring a good replacement is the other half of the equation. If there’s a manager with a better track record that would accomplish a similar run of consistency and organizational aptitude, I don’t see him out there. Jim Leyland’s an opportunist, and a smart one, too; but he’s not an organization-builder. Tony LaRussa’s savvy, but he had some strong Cardinals’ teams with Pujols and McGuire and Edmonds and won zilch with them. Hell, I bet St. Louis blogs have their own warped Robert or two who called for his head last season, shortly before they won the World Series following an 83-win regular season.
I, too, have had my issues with Bobby this season, but I don’t belabor the point ad nasueum, with the same childish Donk drivel. I think folks might even get aboard your bandwagon more if you’d at least give the man the respect he’s earned, over time.
The man has elevated this franchise to levels never before seen by most teams in the game, and you ignore that and insted call him Donk. You lose people then and there.
By Ron H
August 29, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Ouch, this hurts! Come on Braves. One last hurrah! it’s now or never…
By flange1
August 29, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Robert,
Haow many different ways can you say the same thing? We must be up to 5,476,879,990,765 ways now.
Believe me when I say:
WE HERE YOU, YOU WANT THE BRAVES TO FIRE BOBBY COX.
Everyone on the blog is in complete understanding of your position. Some agree, some don’t, but the more you run the same idea into the ground, the more people hate you. Please GIVE IT A REST. At least for a couple of days?
Thanks!
By fastasballs
August 29, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
10-18 is the Braves record in games decided by 1-2 runs. Playoff teams don’t have losing records in this department this late in the season.
Even a 14-14 record in these game, which still would be subpar for a playoff team, they would be very much in the hunt with a very real chance to take the division lead this weekend.
By GermanBravesFan
August 29, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Robert: GET A LIFE!
Go back to your stable and play with your Donkey…
By Robert
August 29, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
“Are you open to the possibility Cox got too much credit for the Braves winning and too much blame for them losing? Do I even need to ask that?”
Well Shaun, if guys like you could ever put any of the blame for losing on Cox, I might could do that
So, the next time you bring yourself to say “Cox lost that game”, we might have ourselves a conversation
Remember now, I have given the long-eared one credit for having done a fine job during his tenure as GM
I dont see how your little run differtial thing with the Padres and the D’backs relates to the Braves
By ChampDawg
August 29, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
This season and that fact that the Braves WILL NOT make the playoffs really all boils down to not being able to win against lesser ballclubs. But that’s what seperates true winners from wantabes. This team has struggled all season with trying get all the pieces to work at the same time…. but injuries, a failed experiment at 1B, a weak 3-4-5 in the rotation, and Andruw barely hitting his weight have all but doomed this team. It’s time to focus on next year.
By fastasballs
August 29, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
The first 3 months of the season the Braves were 19-15 in 1-2 run games. Even in the bad month of June they had a 5-4 record.
By GermanBravesFan
August 29, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts: the replacement for Bobby Cox should be Robert. He claims that the Braves would have won SEVERAL more World Series titles with him as the manager, so let’s give him the job!
By Shaun
August 29, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
Ron,
search diamond mind 2007. You’ll see a lot of teams where they are right now, including the Braves and White Sox.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
But then, Shaun, I DID see how run differential might mean something
So here we go - for the NL
Padres - 585/520 +65 72-59
Braves - 670/619 +51 68-65
Phillies - 713/667 +46 69-62
Mets - 620/576 +44 73-58
Rockies 664/628 +36 67-65
LA - 591/566 +25 69-63
SFran 575/575 0 61-72
Brewers 621/642 -21 65-66
Dbacks 561/597 -36 74-59
Reds 643/704 -61 60-72
Pirates 596/657 -61 59-72
Florida 640/711 -61 58-75
Cards 575/636 -61 64-64
Astros 580/673 -93 58-74
Nats 524/628 -96 58-75
Who stands out? Four teams - two good and two bad
The Dbacks and Cards, whose records are significantly higher in rank than their run differentials, and the Giants and Braves, whose records are significantly worse in standing than their run differential rank
Now, I dont think this is the end-all. Some part of run differential comes from how the manager runs things
But overall, run differential is A measure of how good your team is - how much more is it generating than it’s giving up - it’s ONE measure of what the manager has to work with
Seems like Cox may have the second best MIX in the league available to him. And wont make the playoffs.
And seems like Bob Melvin might merit some consideration for Manager of the Year
I will say I have to take another look at LaRussa - seems I mightve been wrong about him
But Donk - has the benefit of the second highest positive run differential in the league, and yet has his team in full reverse
It shows that he has hardly been dealt “2-7 off-suit”
By Insider
August 29, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
ron roberts: leo will not be back, ever.
leo’s reputation benefited from an incredible group of pitchers.
stop trying to perpetuate the myth of his intelligence in handling a pitching staff.
By Bernie
August 29, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
I was at the game last night and I was surprised when I saw Oscar come in and pitch, or at least stay in after the bases were loaded. I thought for sure I would see Acosta or another power arm. I haven’t often questioned Bobby’s decisions but the last few weeks it seems his decisions are not working. Is he in a funk or is he losing it?
By FanWithNoName
August 29, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse44—Funny stuff about Office Space. I can see that happening. Robert: That’s it, stop calling me Bobby. I’m Robert now. Co-Worker: What’s wrong with Bobby. There’s nothing wrong with that name. Robert: There was nothing wrong with that name, until 1991, when that a** clown Bobby Cox started winning division titles and getting undeserved praise.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 29, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
This argument about Cox lies somewhere in the middle. To say Cox hasn’t been a good manager is just ridiculous. He has been very good. But, at the same time it would equally ridiculous to say that his shortcomings and mind boggling decisions haven’t cost the Braves valuable games in the postseason.
Robert’s obsession with firing Cox is boderline psychotic, however this non-sense of not wanting to blame Cox for some of this team’s troubles is psychotic as well. I keep hearing how injuries have hurt this team. What injuries? Hampton? He wasnn’t there earlier in the season when the Braves were 24-12, so that is not a viable excuse. The pitching has been an issue but its been an issue with the Phillies, Mets, and some extent the Padres as well yet they are all winning.
Its not all Cox’s fault. That is asinine to suggest but it is equally asinine to bury your head in the sand and act like none of it is his fault.
By gotigers72
August 29, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Excellent point about Willie DOB, but that is picking low hanging fruit. Why does BC insist on platooning when one guy is in a horrible slump, and the other guy is just raking. I believe they said last night that Diaz is hitting .331 against RIGHTHANDERS! That’s better than Willie by about 40 points. This righty/lefty crap only goes so far. And this loyalty crap only goes so far too. Like leaving AJ in the 4 hole every day, even when he was hitting .199. He would still be there if the Braves had not traded for Teixeira. Well at least Diaz will go tonight with Willis pitching. Wiilie’s outs aren’t even productive. Like last night when he hit a weak fly ball with a runner at third and one out. Wasn’t even far enough for the runner to tag and score.
As you said, time to end the platoon at that position. Now we have to watch the quickly fading Buddy Carlyle go against one of the best offensive lineups in the NL. It could get ugly. 5 behind in the Wild Card, 6 in the division. And there is more than one team to jump over for the Wild Card now, thanks to this disaster of a road trip.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 2:47 PM | Link to this
German fan
küssen meinen nichtbeschnittenen mannwurst
By uga-brave
August 29, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
ron roberts,
i absolutely agree with you on your MCDOWELL 1:17 post. i have said many times that he really looks uncomfortable. have you ever noticed, and DOB could tell us better, that he never critiques any of the pitchers or for that matter we have not heard a peep out of him with regards to any of the pitchers. one thing you did get wrong though he was never the DODGERS pitching coach, he was with their AAA afiiliate. this is his first big league job.
i really thought he would be a breath of fresh air, but the numbers dont lie
By FanWithNoName
August 29, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Robert: “Well Shaun, if guys like you could ever put any of the blame for losing on Cox, I might could do that.”
Just saying, Robert, if you would stop resorting to child-like name calling maybe more people would take you seriously.
If you really are so serious about this “crusade” then why not tackle it in a serious, thoughtful manner instead of with your teenage schoolyard bravado.
By Lew
August 29, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil-At least if you go see the Phillies, you can eat cheese steaks and some of that Bull’s BBQ. That should make the trip a little better.
Now Bobby Cox-It matters little what any of us may think of BC. Part of the ML deal with Liberty Media called for keeping the same management in place for (I believe) three years. Bobby ain’t going anywhere. Looks like Robert will rant for months to come, if not years. Robert, do I need to send you another Twinky with Grinch on Friday? It sounds like you need a major infusion of artificial ingredients and preservatives. Need to keep up your strength, Dude, that rant sure is tiring to the rest of us, it must be killing you. Come to think of it, Maybe we all need Twinkies.
By Renegator
August 29, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
From mlbtraderumors.com:
Dodgers claimed Esteban Loiza off waivers and this is what they had to say about it:
“Loaiza slots into the fourth slot for the rest of the season, behind Chad Billingsley but ahead of David Wells. Ned Colletti did a fine job adding two respectable starters for nothing.”
Where were you JS? If starting pitching is the obvious problem - why not try to fix it? I guess he was asleep at the wheel.
By FanWithNoName
August 29, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
Robert JIB: Very good points. I can understand that argument completely.
By TampaBrave
August 29, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
his blogger continues to talk about how great he is, even during a “truce” speech. dude, you are uncivil, have no manners, and the Garbage” you see on this blog is your own posts.
DAP
Harsh words. Don’t recall thinking I was great or posting that. Perhaps, subconsciously, you think I’m great and resent my “to the point” posts. You can suck up to DOB all you want. I’m sure he washes his backside. But me, I tend to think he works for the public and will not elevate him to deity status. I simply requested info from him and he insulted me and was somewhat disingenuous. My last post was a bit of an explanation and a move toward reconciliation. Don’t know where you get off jumping on me unless you are his chimp.
Sorry everyone for the interruption
I think anyone who goes back through the previous blogs will find my posts both civil and relevant. I know you don’t care, but the proof is in the puddin. I have made the statement before that I am a counter-puncher. DAP, sorry about the black eye dude, but I’m not one to take your crap lying down. Use a simple rule. If you wouldn’t come up to me personally to say those ugly things, then don’t do it over the blog.
Now, anyone not see Chipper in tremendous pain last night?
By Robert
August 29, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
“There’s not a manager out there who’d have gotten the results we got out of J.D. Drew and an undermanned squad in the early 2000’s”
UnderMANNED? Oh yeah, only 2 HOfers on the roster that year. And by some miracle JD Drew stayed healthy for a full season - maybe because he didnt have to stretch before games and was prohibited from wearing sunglasses on his ballcap during bp
2004 was a decent year, performance vs expectation-wise, but it was hardly a HOF caliber managerial performance
As for how long he has done it consistantly - done what? Turned filet into hamnburger?
By monty
August 29, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
Sad to read that Andrew was passing the buck to Orr for not making that catch last night. THe replays clearly show Andrew saying “I got it, I got it,” from a long way from the ball. Everyone knows the centerfielder is the captain in the outfield and when he calls for the ball you let him have it. Just suppose Orr tried to overide Andrew and they collide and Andrew is out for the rest of the season, who gets the blame? ORR! Andrew tried to do too much and he should be willing to take the blame and say “I called him off I should have caught it!”
By Lew
August 29, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Just got an email from Carroll Rogers. She is heading out on a well deserved vacation from we reprobates and will not be at the Wurlitzer presentation on Friday evening. It has been handed off to the blog. It sure would be a shame, after all the b!tch!ng and moaning y’all did last week if no one except Grinch, who is presenting the award, shows up. The presentation will be at 6:30 in the Fan Plaza. The Auburn Songwriters will be performing their song on the Plaza stage immediately thereafter. The Blog needs to represent. Rumor has it that Grinch will be dressed in a horned helmet, carrying his battle axe (barbarian that he is), wearing the infamous yellow clown shoes-at least that’s what FLBraves Girl said-we’ll see. He needs all the support he can get. Be there if you can.
By Renegator
August 29, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Robert:
Great point on the run differential. Braves have the second highest run differential and won’t even sniff the playoffs. That is truly sad. Sounds like mismanagement to me…
By Inside Edition
August 29, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah…………..theses post are like so 5 minutes ago. Same ole, same ole Donk this, Donk that, pitching problems, bench players stink. Hope there are some fresh exciting new posts before the end of the season; but the odds are not very good since this team is as done as burnt toast.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
“and I dare say 1999, when a key component of our offense was on the shelf. But I’m not going to get into that w/you again,”
Javy Lopez? A key component of the offense? No - He played well that year, beyond what was expected of him, and he turned out to be our third best hitter that year - But going in, he was NOT counted on to be one of the big run/rbi guys. What they got out of Javy was a lot of gravy
You take MINOR overachievements, in one facet of the game, grossly exaggerate them, and then claim (without any proof) that NOONE else could possibly have gotten this out of their guys
Lean in close so you can hear my answer to that clearly
BULL SHEEET!
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 29, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
The platoon in LF is a prime example of how some of this team’s struggles are Cox’s fault. Who in their right mind is going to start Harris over Diaz when the lefthanded part of the platoon doesn’t hit nearly as well against righties as the righthanded platoon player. Diaz raked against righties last year as well but Cox religiously trouted Langerhans out there. That is simply stupid. Like LaRussa said, you have to ride the hot hand. That hand belongs to Diaz. Hell, look at Torre. He has pulled Mussina from the rotation. Mussina a veteran and Cy Young award winner. He is one of the best pitchers of our generation and he got the hook. Now, I dare anybody to tell me that if Mussina was a Braves the same thing would happen. Pleeeeeeeeeease!
By GermanBravesFan
August 29, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Robert: I will NOT kiss your non-circumsized man-sausage… ;-) (that’s the word-for-word translation of your comment directed at me)
BUT: I will ask you to just get a life and relax a bit. No matter how often you compare Bobby Cox to your favorite animal, things will NOT change. Try to exhale every once in a while… I am sure you have other hobbies besides following the Braves and posting Cox-bashing comments on here. Come to think of it, you may not have anything else in your life. Reminds me of “Mets rule. You drool”… are you guys related?
By Chop Chop
August 29, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
gotigers72, it’s not just Diaz’s average against righties that qualifies him to be starting every day. Look. They’ve been playing in Florida. In 16 games at Dolphins Stadium, Diaz is hitting .478 in his career there. He’s slugging .761 at that stadium. How in the world could you ever bench a guy who hits like that somewhere?
I guess it’s also appropriate to post what Willie Harris is hitting at Dolphin Stadium: .083. He’s slugging .083 at Dolphin Stadium. Seems like an awfully simple choice to make, doesn’t it?
By Robert
August 29, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
“I think folks might even get aboard your bandwagon more if you’d at least give the man the respect he’s earned, over time.”
He has taken more talent and more opportunity and squandered it worse than any manager or coach in the history of pro sports
Yeah, I respect that
The man is a FOOL! A total, blithering, unmitigated, FOOL!
I hold stupidity in contempt, as opposed to those who extol its virtues
By Robert
August 29, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
“Robert, do I need to send you another Twinky with Grinch on Friday? It sounds like you need a major infusion of artificial ingredients and preservatives. Need to keep up your strength, Dude, that rant sure is tiring to the rest of us, it must be killing you. Come to think of it, Maybe we all need Twinkies.”
I will only accept the Twinkie if it comes with a hug
By flange1
August 29, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Robert (JIB) -
I agree with your 2:42 post. The other Robert has beaten a dead horse to a pulp, but I think most of us agree that this has not been his best year either.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 29, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop, the answer to your question is simple. Can’t breakup the platoon.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
“The man has elevated this franchise to levels never before seen by most teams in the game, and you ignore that and insted call him Donk. You lose people then and there.”
The man did a good job as GM in the late 80’s. He was then along for the ride as a combination of factors, including superior talent, a big-for-the-times budget, a new GM who WAS at the time savvy, the greatest pitching coach in the game, and an extended run of good health for the star players all combined to give him a string of opportunities never before available to any manager.
Which opportunities he proceeded to squander, one by one, except for one year when the regular season was shortened, his pitchers ran the table 3 times running, and he faced a cretin opposing manager in the WS
Cox did NOT elevate this franchise. He got on board a rising balloon and has been the anchor that has kept it from reaching truly stratospheric heights - from the DAY he took over as manager
By Bobbymahlon
August 29, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
First off lets not blame Orr for not catching that fly ball last night. Pete was ready to catch it but Andruw being the hog that he always is was calling him off and than Andruw never got it. The Braves have got to go with their hot players and that does not include Harris. Like last year Frenchy is worn out and is swinging a slow bat so it would not hurt to sit him down a game or two and put Diaz in right if Cox insists on using Harris against right handers. This using Frenchy every game for the entire nine innings is crazy I don’t care if he wants to do be in there it’s up to the manager to keep him rested and sharp.
By fansince66
August 29, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this
That ump last night had a gigantic strike zone. Up, down, inside, outside were all expanded. The Braves needed to adapt and deal with it. Instead they had 19 K’s. Whatever.
By Renegator
August 29, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
Template for Bobby Cox apologist post:
Bobby Cox is the reason the Braves won 14 straight division titles.
Bobby Cox is not the reason why they only one 1 WS title and he is not the reason why the Braves missed the playoffs this year and last year. That is the players fault.
Guys: You can’t have it both ways. You can’t praise Cox for team success and then not hold him responsible when they fail. If he is responsible for their string of 14 straight division titles - then he is responsible when they have back to back .500 or under .500 seasons. On the other side of the coin, if you think the players are to be held responsible for the back to back bad seasons - then the players are also responsible for the 14 straight division titles.
Come on apologists - use your brains…
By Lew
August 29, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Robert-Of course it does. Grinch will stand in for me. You know that once every six months or so, I have to let you know you’re not forgotten by The Artist. Let me know what you think of Grinch’s clown shoes. Get pictures if you can.
By uga-brave
August 29, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
kind of funny how FRANCOUER “was not available to comment” last night, considering he has never met a mike he does not like. got this feeling the guy has got a BMOC attiude about himself, which has been of course perpetuated my the media.
fundamentally if this guy does not make some serious changes at the plate he is going to melt down. two years from now if he still is a .280 type with 20 and 90 i see him possibly going the route of laroche.
By Chop Chop
August 29, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
I know, Robert JITB, I know. Can’t break that sucker up. It works too well.
I was talking to my dad a few months ago (yeah, you could say I’m not surprised at where this team is at right now) about the Braves’ struggles and about this blog. I mentioned Robert and how, even though his posts are annoying, the “Donk” aspect of Bobby Cox has become frighteningly apparent in recent years. Now, whenever I call him up and complain about some dumb move Bobby makes, my dad lets out a braying “HEE HAW!” This admission might make some of you cringe, but it’s funny as hell. I guess I owe ol’ Robert some thanks for the comic relief.
By X-Blogger
August 29, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand why the AJC allows Robert to completely dominate this blog, no wonder everyone is exiting!
By Robert
August 29, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Lew - Remind Grinch to make sure it’s ok with Cox if he wears his shoes to the awards ceremony
By Colin
August 29, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Nah nah nah hey hey good bye…as in playoffs…
By DAP
August 29, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
tampa whatever, man. i disagree. youre pretty rude most of the time, and you dont think so because you think youre great. you dont say out loud how great you think you are, but its obvious by your high-minded posts. trust me, i dont think youre great. arrogance irritates me.
no black eye here, tampa. and i think thats great advice about not saying something on the blog you wouldnt to someones face. i have always done my best to do that on this blog.
By Lew
August 29, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Pitbull7-Down boy, I hear Michael Vick is coming back to town.
By J.D. Phillips
August 29, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
Well Cox will be the manager next season and that is not going to change.
I have absolutely no confidence this team will win tonight. The Marlins have always had their number and the Braves are not exactly feared these days.
Hope most of you are either tennis, football or NASCAR fans otherwise it is going to be a long fall and winter.
By Reality
August 29, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
This team never has been very good …. All the years winning the worst division in baseball and now the Braves just wet themselves when thet face any competition at all. They even dirty their drawers against sub-par competition (Florida, Cincinnati, etc.). This team needs a bigtime facelift and rebuilding effort. You can start in the front office and manager who have never been able to do much except early playoff exits. The product in Atlanta has long ago become boring and stale. Either change the merchandise or move the hell out of town. Might as well find something better to do in October because this team won’t be in the post-season for a good while to come. LOSERS FOREVER.
By Lew
August 29, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Robert-Now THAT one made me laugh. Barefoot and clueless, right?
By Shaun
August 29, 2007 3:34 PM | Link to this
Well Shaun, if guys like you could ever put any of the blame for losing on Cox, I might could do that
So, the next time you bring yourself to say “Cox lost that game”, we might have ourselves a conversation
Well, no one player can win or lose a game singlehandedly so I don’t think one manager can win or lose a game singlehandedly.
I dont see how your little run differtial thing with the Padres and the D’backs relates to the Braves
Well, run differential has some predictive value. So the Braves are quite possibly do for a correction.
By Shaun
August 29, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Renegator,
Not sure what you mean by “sniff the playoffs.” I mean, it’s not like they’re 10 games out.
By michael
August 29, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
The back end of the rotation and the bench has been a problem all year long. Diaz is swinging a hot. Keep him in the line up. Thorman, woodard, and Orr should be in Rome or Korea. The Braves don’t know how to play little ball, such as bunting and making good outs. Loyality is fine but sometimes you have to crack the whip. Frenchy needs to sit down a game or two and stay away from the mikes.
Michael
By michael
August 29, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
The back end of the rotation and the bench has been a problem all year long. Diaz is swinging a hot. Keep him in the line up. Thorman, woodard, and Orr should be in Rome or Korea. The Braves don’t know how to play little ball, such as bunting and making good outs. Loyality is fine but sometimes you have to crack the whip. Frenchy needs to sit down a game or two and stay away from the mikes.
Michael
By michael
August 29, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
The back end of the rotation and the bench has been a problem all year long. Diaz is swinging a hot. Keep him in the line up. Thorman, woodard, and Orr should be in Rome or Korea. The Braves don’t know how to play little ball, such as bunting and making good outs. Loyality is fine but sometimes you have to crack the whip. Frenchy needs to sit down a game or two and stay away from the mikes.
Michael
By Summerteeth
August 29, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Clearly there are some things to at least try to remedy the situation. Bobby finally did one of them by splitting up he and Hudson in the rotation. Here are the others I would try…
Cut down on K’s. I know Cox is OK with high k rates, but like DOB said, it is getting ridiculous.
Diaz to full-time LF. Seriously, could it hurt to try? The guy flat out rakes and you sub him a guy that has no power and is a liability on the basepaths? Time to let Diaz play.
Trade Renteria. Probably too late since he is on the DL unless he could be a PTBNL? Yunel is good enough at SS and Rent would bring in a decent SP…you would think! Maybe it is too late.
Boyer to SP? Again probably too late but Boyer seems like the kind of horse that maybe…maybe could eat some innings?
Again, too little too late I am sure.
By Outsider
August 29, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
Insider guess I’d rather be insider than outsider, but how dare you challenge or question the Einsteinian baseball acumen of memphisump/ I mean Ron Roberts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Lew
August 29, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
Robert-You forgot the straw hat and piece of alfalfa between the teeth. You need to complete your metaphors. Reality-You sound suspiciously like Anders’ dark side. True nature coming through?
By sportsmandh
August 29, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this
Michael, I agree would be good to give Franceur a couple days off. Last night when he got mad it was ridiculous. It was a good call. I’m sure he was very frustrated due to his 5 Ks, but enough of this team and arguing with the umpires. It doesn’t help, it only hurts.
Is there a term for 5 Ks in a game? 4 Ks in a game is the ‘golden sombrero’. Maybe 5 Ks could be the platinum sombrero.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts, EXCELLENT post at 1:25 p.m.
That dude you referenced is a pouting child, and I’d hate for any of my views to be even remotely associated with his.
Most of us can look at things with a level head. About five here choose to behave like third-graders, rendering them irrelevent in an adult discussion.
The rest of you, good stuff, for the most part. I do love the passion.
By uga-brave
August 29, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
summerteeth,
really doubt blaine boyer has any future with the big club as long as bobby is the mgr, and rightfully so.
last year during spring training this guy said his arm was healthy, the braves were depending on him to be a cog in their bullpen. so what does he do, throw 1 2/3 innings, in L.A., before he says he has a sore shoulder and is out for the season. this forced the braves to bring up devine and you know where it went from there.
my point is he lied to management and left the team in a lurch. bobby does not forget things like that.
By bobby
August 29, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
Was this a real team that struck out 19 times against questionable pitching? A team that supposedly has as much talent as this one and is only playing .500 ball has a big problem and it is the one holding the record for getting tossed out of games
By Shaun
August 29, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
Braves Fan 79,
choosing to keep woodward and orr/wilson on the roster over escobar and salty. Impact? cost us at least 5 wins in the first half of the season alone!
With the limited playing time of all those players, I’m very skeptical that the difference in Orr/Wilson and Salty/Escobar was five wins. Great everyday players are worth about 10 wins, according to the best estimates.
Giving Redmen CHANCE AFTER CHANCE. Impact? at least 5 wins!
Redman started five games pitched in another one and pitched a grand total of 21.7 innings. The most losses he could be responsible for are 6. And that makes a big assumption that he is the only player responsible for the games he appeared in a lost.
Between keeping Andrew at cleanup 3/4th of the season and bringing in the wrong reliever at the wrong time theres NO telling how many games that cost us!
You should check out some of the estimates on how batting order affects runs and winning. Even Sciambi and Simpson discussed this the other night. Best estimates are that the difference between bad batting orders and good batting orders is only a few wins at best.
And Moylan leads the team with 73.7 innings. That’s about 8 games worth of innings. And again, it makes the assumption that single players can solely cost you games.
By Pitbull 7
August 29, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
In essence we have to work harder than the rest of the leauge to be in the playoffs..BAR NONE..
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 29, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
Shaunn, did you seriously say that no one player or manager can single handedly lose or win a game? Did you see Ryan Howard last night? Remember Grady Little from the ‘03 ALCS? I don’t know about that one there, buddy!
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Loaiza to the Dodgers, off waivers, they’re taking on $8 mill in salary, including $6.5 mill next season….
Damn, just counted up the number of posts by our new standard-bearer for serial posting, the petulent child who’s not exactly well-rounded. You know the one. Anyway, just try to count up the number of posts. No job, dude? No hobbies? Wow.
By Lowermanor
August 29, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Wanted to share this year’s lineup for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. Should the Braves NOT make a miracle run into October, you can’t beat this FREE (yep, FREE) music festival in Golden Gate Park on October 5th - 7th
Friday 3 PM - 7 PM The morning is a special educational program featuring The Abrams Brothers and PMW for local schools (and the general public) as part of the Daniel Pearl World Music Days. The afternoon features very special guests Buddy Miller, T Bone Burnett, and Jeff Tweedy.
Saturday 11 AM - 7 PM Alison Brown Quartet w/ Special Guest Joe Craven, Allison Moorer, Austin Lounge Lizards, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones feat. Victor Lemonte Wooten, Future Man & Jeff Coffin, Belle Monroe & Her Brewglass Boys, Blanche, Boz Scaggs & The Blue Velvet Band, Chris Smither, Dale Ann Bradley & Coon Creek, Dan Reeder, Fionn Regan, The Flatlanders feat. Joe Ely, Jimmie Dale Gilmore & Butch Hancock, Gillian Welch, Guy Clark & Verlon Thompson, James McMurtry, Jimmy LaFave, John Prine, Julay Brooks & Richard Brandenburg w/ The Cash Magnets, Keller Williams, The Knitters, Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands, Los Lobos, Michelle Shocked, New Lost City Ramblers, Nick Lowe, The Roan Mountain Hilltoppers, Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby w/ Kentucky Thunder, Robert Earl Keen, Symphony Bluegrass Ramblers, Shana Morrison & Caledonia, Steve Earle, the subdudes, T Bone Burnett, Teddy Thompson, The W*******
Sunday, 11 AM - 7 PM Bill Callahan, Bill Kirchen & The Hammer of the Honky-Tonk Gods, Charlie Louvin, Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men, David Grisman Bluegrass Experience w/ special guest Curly Seckler, The Del McCoury Band, Doc Watson w/ David Holt & Richard Watson, Dry Branch Fire Squad, Earl Scruggs, Emmylou Harris, Gandalf Murphy & The Slambovian Circus of Dreams, The Hacienda Brothers, Hazel Dickens, Heartless B*******, Hot Buttered Rum, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Jim Lauderdale, Jody Stecher & Bill Evans / The Secret Life of Banjos, Jorma Kaukonen, Kevin Welch, Kieran Kane & Fats Kaplin, Marley’s Ghost, Mekons, Moonalice, Mother Hips, Ned Sublette, Pete Wernick & Flexigrass, Poor Man’s Whiskey, Railroad Earth, Red Wine, The Sadies, Songwriter Circle (w/ Chris Smither, David Olney, Ray Wylie Hubbard & Steve Young), Steep Canyon Rangers, The Wronglers
By bubba
August 29, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
“Robert” I used this “line” last night but you just beg its’ resurrection: As a member of Ducks Unlimited might say—Shut the duck up!
By ElbravoX-- EbX
August 29, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
A month worth of baseball. Last year we weren’t in the playoffs because of June, maybe we’ll make it this year because of September. My lager is always half full, always! Go Braves, always!
By Efrim
August 29, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
DOB
If Buddy Carlyle pitches poorly tonight, is there a chance BC decides to keep Jo Jo in the rotation when Chuck returns?
By bubba
August 29, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
“Robert” I want to add one other thing, seriously. You make the rest of us Cox Critics ashamed. The man has earned respect! You owe him that, even when you criticize what he is doing now.
By Big Easy
August 29, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this
DOB, any chance of talking to Francoeur to see what his take is on his 5 K performance (or his ejection)? I know everyone on here is ripping him right now, but he seems like a genuinely good guy, and I think he is pressing and tired right now (until this road trip, he has played excellent baseball pretty much all year, without an extended slump). I feel for the guy, because he had the worst game of his career in a spot where his team needed him to produce.
Bottom line, though, we are barely treading water in the Hunt for a Brave October, and we have got to make up some ground on the home stand. Of course, we need to start making that ground up right now by winning tonight.
~E~
By pinkygonzales
August 29, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
Listen, it’s all well and good and easy to blame Bobby for what’s happened to the Braves for the last couple of years. But the fact of the matter is that we have been done in by the very factors that we knew would be problems at the outset of the season. Last year, we knew that having Giles bat lead off and Reitsma closing were going to be gambles, and both did not work. This year, we knew that having Redman in the rotation and no major league-ready starting pitching available the minors could be our biggest hurdle, and that has been the case.
We are not six games back in the division because Bobby still plays Willie Harris (even though I think he should be replaced by Diaz). We are not six games back because Chris Woodward is still on the team (even though I think he’s an offensive and defensive liability.) We are not even six games back because Andruw was hitting 4th for much of the season. The reason why we are six games back is because Mark Redman, Kyle Davies, Jo-Jo Reyes, Anthony Lerew, Lance Cormier, and recently Buddy Carlyle have flat-out just not gotten the job done. And that ain’t Bobby’s fault. We knew coming into the season that the back end of the rotation could come back to bite us in the rear. And unfortunately, it has done just that. Still, keeping hope alive. Seven game win streak and we’re right back in this thing…
By A-ville Ranger
August 29, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
At this point the situation is what it is and I’m not real interested in pointless rehashing.Here’s a short numerical reality check.The Padres lead is 5 over the Braves for the wildcard.They have 31 games remaining on their schedule.If they only go 15-16 we would have to go 19-10 (29 remaining)just to tie.If the Mets with 31 remaining go 15-16 we would have to go 20-9 just to tie for the division. In that scenario we win due to our record head to head.None of this takes into account the fact that the Philles and Dodgers are also ahead of us for the wildcard and the Philles lead us for the division.A very steep climb with no momentum and a head wind.
By dadgum
August 29, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
I didn’t see the game last night (not many did anywhere) but please tell me Cox bunted with runners on 1st and 2nd and nobody out. Please!! He did right? I mean I don’t care who was up. You bunt. Almost impossible to believe they stranded runners back to back innings. Forget the mess in the outfield. It never should have come down to that anyway as I see it.
It is possible that the Braves could end up further back in the wild card than the division race after tonights game. If the braves and Mets lose and Padres win that will happen. The Braves have a far better chance in their own division than the wild card and that ain’t saying much. In other words folks the fat lady is singing. Damn.
Rock on……..remembering Nokahoma
By Shaun
August 29, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
Robert (Justice Is The Best),
There were several events before Little made the decision to leave in Pedro. That decision certainly didn’t help and certainly contributed to the loss but it didn’t cost the Sox the game and series by itself.
By Dave
August 29, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this
DOB, will you ever grow a pair and ask Boobby why he continues to platoon Diaz, and why he kept Anboo in the cleanup spot for most of the season? I know you might be too busy adjusting the Old Man’s jock strap to do that, but when you find the time, I’d be interested in Boobby’s answer. Oh, and if your hands aren’t full caressing Anboo’s ego and praising his “candor”, could you ask him if he feels that he’s above criticism since he’s obviously such an expert on criticising his (current/former)team mates? Strange that he’s all mouth when he’s not exactly tearing it up on the field.
By TommyP
August 29, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
So would it be appropriate for any of the bloggers to now blast you, DOB, for being so negative as you have been so often to them?
I mean…this blog is unreal in negativity.
The clubhouse must love you, man. Not sure you really saved anyone in this scathing column.
Well, at least we know Chipper loves you for the affectionate pet name you’ve given him.
By Josh H
August 29, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
Efrim:
Considering the Braves are 0-7 in games started by Jo Jo Reyes…I don’t think you put him in over Carlyle.
Hopefully Carlyle will shut the fish down tonight and we won’t even have to think about it :)
By wjones
August 29, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
I just saw where Richard Jewell died today. Only 44 years old…
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 29, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I’ll give you that about Little and Pedro. But, what about Howard? Anybody who hits a walk-off homerun wins a game single handedly in my opinion. Also, managers do make a big difference in a game. Cox may have not single handedly lost that game last night with his managing but he sure did help it greatly. In extra innings McCann should have been bunting with runners at 1st and 2nd and nobody out. Hell, if for no other reason I could scoot on my a** faster than McCann could run down to 1B. If McCann would have hit a groundball in that situation it would have been an almost certain double play.
By Shaun
August 29, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this
Robert (Justice Is The Best),
Name an event involving a single player (or coach or manager) that you would say didn’t just contribute to a loss but wholly caused the loss. I can’t think of any in team sports.
By stynes
August 29, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
DOB, ? about Villareal’s comments from last night. “The guy [Hermida] hit a fly ball. I don’t know what happened in the outfield.”
I’m sure the quote was immediately after the game and in the middle of a very frustrating stretch. Does the attitude sound a little sour, though?
Btw, excellent comments by Smoltz. It’s time to put up or shut up, boys. Go get some Ws and hang them on whomever you’ve got to.
By Shaun
August 29, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
Robert (Justice Is The Best),
Well, no. Even walk-off homers had events leading up to that. If the Phillies score just one more run earlier, there’s no need for a walk-off homer. Team sports aren’t conducive to people singlehandedly winning or losing games. The closest sport that comes to this is basketball.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
“The man has earned respect! “
For his work as a GM - surely.
For his work as a manager - get real
By rammerjammer
August 29, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
Ah, it’s a bitter blog that brews today.
Bloggers biting the hand that feeds them the blog!
And our one-dimensional Okie is winning converts in his Bobby Cox jihad.
Bitter, bitter blog.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
“Best estimates are that the difference between bad batting orders and good batting orders is only a few wins at best.”
Ok - so what’s the difference between making the playoffs and staying home, when you’re only a few games out of the wild card spot?
By Scalp 'Em Braves
August 29, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this
Last night was a major bummer for all Braves fans, no doubt, as it was for me. Ditto on Smotlz pitching a good (not great) game, and getting no run support. Makes no sense that they can hang 10 runs or better one night, and then can’t even get a sac fly with nobody out to get a runner home from third.
Not sure if it would have been more depressing had Hoss not gone yard and tied it up against Benitez, and we simply lost.
D-Train pitching for the Fish tonight and history is we have had our way with him most of the time. Hope that happens tonight, cuz if we go into this weekend down 7 to the Mutts, we can forget about the division (which realistic, we should already do) and hopes for the WC get much slimmer.
Anyhow, I’m still rooting for the home team. Win or lose, they’re my guys.
By Hypocrite
August 29, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this
Mr. OBrien
Please cease and desist. Any further representations of me will result in legal action.
By A-ville Ranger
August 29, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
Rammerjammer Who does the blog feed other than maybe DOB ? Speaking of food supper awaits.
By MS
August 29, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this
DOB, I agree with you on Francouer needing a rest or something to get him going again but tonight is not the night. He KILLS Dontrelle. He is 10-26 (.385) with 4 HRs and 8 RBIs vs the inconsistent lefty. Let’s hope he keeps it going tonight to get us a series win. If we win every series from here on out, we can still make the playoffs.
Now, I understand we haven’t won a series since the SF home series two weeks ago, so it’s obviously easier said than done. My point is only that we don’t HAVE to go gangbusters and roll off 8 wins in a row (not that I wouldn’t LOVE to see that), to get right back in the middle of this thing. With 4 series left against NYM and PHL we still control our own destiny if we can just keep (start, actually) winning series. As much as last night’s loss hurt (and boy did that one sting. How many brutal losses like that are we going to have to suffer this year? Hopefully no more!), it’s just one loss and if we take 2 out of 3 we’re still on the right track and are consistent with what the guys (I forget if it was Mac or Frenchy) said heading into this series: “we have to win 2 out of 3 from here on out”.
By geauxbraves2000
August 29, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this
You want to know what causes losses? The other team scoring more than you. It’s a team sport. Player A got on in the 4th inning on a bunt single, effectively turning the lineup around and allowing player B’s turn to come up in the 9th to hit that GW HR.
Does anyone remember that Dale Murphy story (I believe it was), when the Braves won the pennant, he went around to everyone and said, remember when you did so and so, well, thanks to that we won.
Win as a team, lose as a team.
Unfortunately the team is losing right now. But, a win tonight should hopefully lift up some spirits.
I’m off to home, the family, and then Church, so you all route the Braves on, and lets win one for the Gipper.
Geaux Braves!!
By Braveheart
August 29, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
Is this the time of the year all the lowlifes and demented degenerates come out and start blogging? Gotta question some of your raisin’. I do not get the guys who get off on attacking DOB. It is disgraceful and really speaks of the quality of parenting you all received as children. My parents taught me you don’t backtalk your parents, your coach, your teacher, your boss, police officers, judges, etc. My pops always said if you don’t like it, then move the F out, find another team, another school, another job, another whatever it is where you feel the need to trash those in authority of the place you are. If you don’t like DOB, find somewhere else to be.
Only a confused child could still harbor this level of resentment against authority figures. I often wonder what some of you call your mommas. You sound like a really bad Eminem song where you rant all song long about your crappy relationship with your mother when you are 30 years old like Slim Shady and should have long since overcome any unresolved issues about your crappy childhood.
You weirdos sound like O.J.’s infamous comment, “If I killed her, it would have only showed how much I actually loved her, right.” Or was that Guns N Roses?
I used to love her, But I had to kill her, I used to love her, Mm, yeah, But I had to kill her, I had to put her six feet under, And I can still hear her complain, I used to love her, Oo, yeah, But I had to kill her I used to love her, Oo, yeah, But I had to kill her, I knew I’d miss her So I had to keep her, She’s buried right in my backyard, Oh yeah, Oo yeah, whoa, oh yeah, I used to love her, But I had to kill her, I used to love her, Mm, yeah, But I had to kill her, She b*** so much, She drove me nuts, And now I’m happier this way, yeah, Whoa, oh yeah, I used to love her, But I had to kill her, I used to love her, Mm, yeah, But I had to kill her, I had to put her, Oo, six feet under, And I can still hear her complain
By GK
August 29, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this
I am looking forward to seeing who the Braves will bring up for the September callups. I noticed that Brandon Jones and Brent Lillibridge are NOT on the 40 man roster. As best I can determine, there are only 38 players on the 40 man roster, not counting 60 day DL’ers, which do not count.
So who will come up? Jones, Lillibridge, Pena, Blanco, Prado, Paronto, Devine, Ring, Boyer and maybe Doug Clark (having a good year at Richmond)?
If we do sink any lower, it will be interesting to see some of these guys play a bit.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this
One-dimensional Okie, indeed. Excellent. What does that make him? The ODO. Perfect, Rammerjammer….
Now, back to the real world (I had to actually go work while I’m sure he kept spewing bile here, though I haven’t had time to catch up with his latest Donk or nose-picking posts)….
ANYWAY, THIS JUST IN:
Chipper told me his right shoulder’s been hurting for a month or so (hadn’t mentioned it before) and this past week it really got worse. He plans, or hopes, to keep playing every day. Said it hurts most when he swings and misses, “and unfortunately I swung and missed a lot last night.” Said it also hurts throwing.
As I said, I told you I’d ask. Before you folks noticed it on TV, there had been no reason to ask, because he’s been hitting like crazy and it has not been mentioned by Bobby or Chipper or anyone else.
Couple other things: McCann and Kelly Johnson both getting day off to rest, to couple with tomorrow and give them two days.
Francoeur is back in there, but admitted to me that he “might” be tired and T.P. telling me Frenchy’s tired. As another blogger pointed out, he does rake against Dontrelle, though….
Dotel is going to be away from team for a few days to be at his grandmother’s funeral. He returned to Dominican after getting call late last night that she’d died.
As far as baseball, doesn’t much batter since he wasn’t close to returning anyway, at least not one-week close or anything….
Braves haven’t made it official for Saturday, but it’s gonna be Chuck barring unforseen developments.
By rammerjammer
August 29, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
A-ville,
I don’t come to praise DOB or to bury him.
It’s just ironic that the dude who brought us the blog is now getting ripped by some who use the blog he brought us.
You gotta think, if DOB decides life’s too short to put up with mouth-breathing Deliverance stand-ins (present company not included), then who you gonna blog with?
Shaun? Carroll? Bring back Guy Curtwright?
But you’re right, it’s time to eat!
By Tyler
August 29, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
Robert, you’re getting annoying. It sounds to me like you have something personal against Cox. If you haven’t noticed, you’re not going to change every persons mind about him. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion about him, including you.
In my opinion, no other manager could have managed the Braves to 14 straight division titles. He may not be the best ever, or the best now by any means, but give credit where credit is due.
By Sims
August 29, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
Sorry folks, Braves are done.
By TampaBrave
August 29, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
DAP
I do like to think of myself as high minded. I don’t try to impart that on to anyone, that’s just who I am. The real question is, Why do you think so lowly of yourself? Its all relative, you see. Maybe I’m not high minded. Maybe I’m medium and it seems like I’m really high because you are so low. Some here would probably call me low-brow. If thats true, where does that leave you? Anyway, I appreciate the compliment.
If you want to talk about manners, start with yourself. No one asked to to start lashing out unnecessary insults. You sir, are quite the hypocrite. I have refrained from retaliation despite your constant salvos. Luckily for you, your computer makes you 10 feet tall and bulletproof. Whatever….
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this
Sorry, ODO, but you taking advantage of the Braves’ current lousy performance to stir up anti-Cox sentiment among the easily influenced here is hardly going to change the man’s legacy in Atlanta and certainly not around baseball.
Now, I know you hate it, but he’s won more Manager of the Year awards, both from the BBWAA and from Sporting News, than any manager in history. Just facts, pal. Deal with them, because your small little sphere of influence on this blog certainly isn’t going to change that, just as mine isn’t going to affect it. The dye was cast on that one long before I started covering this team, my unhappy friend.
The man’s headed to the Hall of Fame, a mortal lock to make it. How do you like that?
By MS
August 29, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
Well said at 5:34, Braveheart.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this
MS, very good point about Francoeur vs. Dontrelle, statistically it wouldn’t make sense to rest him tonight.
By Timmy down the well
August 29, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this
This blog feeds many people.Let’s start with Robert it certainly feeds his obsessive compulsion with Bobby Cox.There are others who feed their compulsions as well.Then you have JJS,BTJ and others who feed their voracious egos.Then we have the angry the curious the social types and last and my guess the least in number are the fans with no agenda or neurosis’ who drop by from time to time.
By Dis is de truth
August 29, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this
I have heard ad nauseam(latest by “pinkygonzales”)that the “fault” and cause of the Braves’ demise(if it happens)is the ownership for not ponying up the bucks and the 3-4-5 end of the rotation. Wrong!!
The reason the Braves are where they are is lack of timely hitting in close games(outlined by DOB, above)that they coulda/shoulda won. If they had won their “share” of those games they would be tied with, or ahead of the Muts.
Is that BC’s fault? Yes, in a way it is! He has consistently kept people at the ML level that should have been at Richmond, or lower. He has consistently played people, and let better ones sit, and has let people bat in slots where they had no business being. And he has let his pique cause people to be released or traded that could help this team.
The ownership and failure of the backend of the rotation(plus the loss of Hampton and Gonzalez) a handicap? Definitely! But, other teams have had their problems, too.
You Cox apologists are getting almost as Johnny-one-note as Robert.
By Chase
August 29, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this
HEY EVERYONE
IT AIN’T OVER TILL ITS OVER
A modest 3 game win streak would change everything!
30 Games left, 5 or 6 out (depending which race)
THEY CAN DO IT!
Even if they don’t, I’ll be right there every night pulling for them!
No matter what has happened so far, no matter if you have reason to or not……YOU GOTTA BELIEVE
By BravesDave
August 29, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
TommyP, nice post at 4:32pm. Specifically, the part about the people on this blog that have been stating the same things that have been in DOB’s blogs for the past two days and have received nothing but grief. I have been posting about the lack of clutch hits for weeks, but now the Padres, Phillies, and Mets are hot, and the Braves are falling behind. Losing games to the Reds and Marlins and Giants is no longer being swept under the rug because the Mets are losing at the same time. So now, the lack of clutch hits becomes an issue for everyone.
DOB and others have been insisting for weeks (up until this stretch) that the Braves were somehow playing better than any team in the NL. It was nonsense. No team that is under .500 or at .500 since the second week of the season is playing good ball. They have followed up every single decent stretch this season with a garbage stretch like the one that they are on now.
By Efrim
August 29, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
Chipper hurting? Weird, that never happens. I know Escobar deserves a starting spot next year, but lets keep Edgar around and have Escobar back up everyone. We don’t need Martin Prado getting 300 some odd at bats next year. Yes, I know, how the heck will we upgrade the pitching? No clue. That’s way they pay JS the big bucks. He has to figure it out without trading Esco or Edgar.
By ronald
August 29, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
Well the offense doesn’t produce every single game. However, it’s good enough that we should be better than we are. The real problem is the pitching. Forget Andruw for next year. Don’t even offer him a contract. Take his money and do two things: 1. Get us some starting pitching. 2. Get rid of McDowell and bring Leo back. Pitchers are simply not developing under McDowell. Our pitchers are all consistently getting hammered by throwing the same old belt high fast ball over the heart of the plate. McDowell stinks, period. Get rid of him.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 29, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
Okay! Here’s my stance on Cox. He is one of the best managers to ever live. He has had great success getting the best out of his players. But, the man is not above approach. He has made his mistakes. His use of the bullpen has always been a question mark. Always. His loyalty to players is both a blessing and a curse. The same goes for his love of platoons. He can be brilliant and he can be stubborn. I think his handling of the team this year has been okay but he just hasn’t been able to motivate these guys. His laid back approach is successful but like all approaches it begins to get lost on players. These aren’t college kids. The enthusiasm isn’t always there even though it should be.
Fact is a lot of blame deserves to go around for this team’s struggles and some of it goes to Cox. Its that simple! Unlike Robert I don’t hate Cox and will not refer to him as “Donk”. But, I won’t sit here and act like he is God and he can do no wrong.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this
Person with screen name Dave, sorry, but I couldn’t make it past your use of “Anboo,” since it made me feel like I’m wasting my life reading something that simple and unfunny, and I don’t want to feel like I’m wasting my life even if maybe I am by responding to the likes of ODO.
By Lew
August 29, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this
Their is no such creature as a fan without a neurosis. It’s oxymoronic.
By ijonathan
August 29, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this
DOB
Some of us have been mentioning Chipper’s winces, grimaces and obviously pained swings well before this week…so it wasn’t just last night that tipped us off. But you were so sure that he was “fine.” Oh well.
I’m surprised Cox didn’t decide to give Francouer the night off too, and give us one of his AAA lineups he decides to field about once a month.
By GK
August 29, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
Efrim: the answer to your question as to who will back up our middle infielders next year, is Brent Lillibridge. If he is as good as some say, it would be a great way to bring him in; spell the SS and 2B and play if anyone gets hurt. I am personally hoping Aybar gets back next year. I like his bat.
If Aybar doesn’t get back to cover 3b and pinch hit, then maybe somebody like Mike Lamb or even use Brayan Pena at first, third and catcher. If you do that, then you have to either keep Corky Miller or get another back up catcher to be your emergency backup.
In other words, use Pena and Lillibridge a bit the way Salty and Escobar were used this year.
Agree/Disagree?
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this
Robert (JIB), this certainly won’t rank among Cox’s best managerial jobs, this season. He won’t be getting any manager-of-the-year votes in the BBWAA voting, I’d assume (and shouldn’t). Of course, that would indicate that the writers around the country actually vote for the manager they think is deserving of the award, and that they’re not part of ODO’s brilliant conspiracy theory, the one where all the writers in places like Philly and NY love the teams they cover so much that they vote for Cox as manager of the year in order to keep him in his Atlanta job and give their own teams better chances to win.
Folks, I didn’t make that up, for those of you who’ve been around a while. That was the actual theory advanced by a certain someone here.
By GK
August 29, 2007 6:09 PM | Link to this
Who is that pitching coach in Mississippi? Maybe the Braves should bring him in next year. Is Ned Yost totally committed to Milwaukee. I would like to see him back in the Braves dugout. I have no strong opinion of Pendleton. Would like to see more leadership from him in the AJ situation. WHICH, btw, is the one primary reason this season has not been as good as it should be. YES, we needed another starter, but AJ has done more to sink this season than Bobby Cox and all the other players have combined.
Don’t start talking to me about Redman and Davies, as very little was expected from them. I lay this season squarely at the feet of Andruw Jones.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this
ijonathan, I told you Chipper said he was fine, Bobby said he was fine, and that he’s been the Braves’ best hitter ever since he got back from the DL in June, without any extended slump including now. What more do you want, ijon? Has it affected his performance, until his three strikeouts last night? Does he rank among the league leaders in average, OBP, slugging (second to Fielder, ahead of Bonds). Is it a huge deal with you, even if he’s playing every day and performing?
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Rammerjammer. And believe me, if the comments of a few here outweighed the positive interaction that I have with most of you, I’d cut back to doing what they at the paper ask me to do, as far as time commitments and such. I don’t get paid one extra dime for doing the extra 5-6 hours a week I put into this, above what they ask me to do. Not one dime. But I really don’t mind sparring, because you gotta understand, a lot of us get a kick out of some of the unbelievably sour comments we see here.
By Either Orr
August 29, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
you said:
I do not get the guys who get off on attacking DOB. It is disgraceful and really speaks of the quality of parenting you all received as children.
Thats exactly how I felt last night when DOB attacked me for no apparent reason. What did I do? I voiced an opinion or two. I directed my observations to the blog, NOT to DOB. Yet he chose to call me out, belittle me on this forum and make it seem that I had no idea what I was talking about. Fortunately others here backed up what I said and there was video and other reporting that backed up what I said.
So Braveheart….. that ship sails both ways. I’m not going to come here and arbitrarily start crap with anyone, including DOB. On the other hand, I don’t expect DOB to pick me out of a crowd and start blasting me about something especially when he obviously didn’t have a clue!
Maybe it was the screen name. Either Orr. I started using that name while Orr was in the minors! I’m not even a Pete Orr fan! It had nothing to do with the play last night! Maybe my remarks and the association with the screen name just ticked him off! I have no idea.
He was wrong. I was right. It was documented. That’s satisfaction enough for me.
By GK
August 29, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien: don’t worry about some of these blog malcontents. They are just looking for something to complain about, it seems to make them feel important!
Get a life, some of you LOOOOOOSSSSSERRRRs!
By Efrim
August 29, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this
GK
I agree. But I really don’t want to trade Edgar. .880 OPS. Escobar isn’t as good as him offensively. Then again we will need rotation help, should be an interesting offseason. We could sure use another reliever as well. How about Edgar Renteria to the Tigers for Fernando Rodney and Nate Robertson? Not sure if it would be to the Tigers liking, but maybe it is enought o get the deal done….
By GK
August 29, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this
Maybe Andruw should “hurt” his shoulder??
By ijonathan
August 29, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this
DOB So, what you are saying, is either: 1) you are more willing to believe the Bravespeak eminating from Bobby and Chipper than to believe what your own eyes and experience might tell you, or 2) You haven’t been paying much attention to Chipper’s at-bats, demeanor and simple body language lately, because his discomfort has been obvious. Several bloggers commented endlessly about how he didn’t seem to be happy high-fiving Teixeira after home-runs, in the dugout, etc. The fact is, the guy is hurting so much that anything he does gives him pain.
Agreed, Chipper has maintained his outstanding numbers during this time, but it’s not like he’s been going yard every other day. Just look at his swings. They are mainly arm swings, where he flicks his wrists at the ball. He’s so talented that he can get by with that. Sure, he’s centered a couple of balls and driven them, but most have been pure arms and wrists. And from the right side of the plate he’s even more restricted. Just because Kirk Gibson homered of Eck on one leg (and that swing was one of the ugliest HR swings ever) doesn’t mean Gibby wasn’t injured.
You’re right Dave, it isn’t a huge piont because Chipper has still been a very effective hitter. But it is disappointing when you simply spit out that “he’s fine.” At least say something like, “yeah, he sure doesn’t look right, but Bobby and Chipper aren’t saying anything.” The former answer cements the opinion of those on this blog who view you as nothing more than a Bobby/Braves mouthpiece.
By Jay Dub
August 29, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this
Threatened this a couple of blogs ago, but things have gotten bad enough I’m packing it in. understand, I’m still watching the games. I still want them to win. I’ll love it if they make it to the playoffs and I’ll even admit to being wrong.
I just can’t bring myself to hope for it anymore. The pencil-thin writing on the wall is now in a dark Sharpie marker.
So here, with minor appropriate changes, I’ll let Bob Dylan do the talking. (Yeah, go ahead and skewer me for changing Dylan. I know its sacreligious.)
Things Have Changed
*A worried man with a worried mind The Mets in front of me and no one behind There’s a woman on my lap and she’s drinking champagne Got white skin, got assassin’s eyes I’m looking up into the sapphire tinted skies I’m well dressed, waiting on the last train Standing on the gallows with my head in a noose Any minute now I’m expecting the wild card we’ll lose
People are crazy and times are strange This ain’t the 90s, the Mets are out of range I used to care, but things have changed
This team ain’t doing me any good I’m in the wrong town, I should be in Hollywood Just for a second there I thought we might make a move Gonna take the offseason to learn the jitterbug rag Ain’t no shortcuts, gonna dress in drag Only a fool in here would think he’s got anything to prove
Lot of water under the bridge, Lot of other stuff too Don’t get up denezins, I’m only passing through
People are crazy and times are strange This ain’t the 90s, the Mets are out of range I used to care, but things have changed
I’ve been walking forty miles of bad road Looks like Robert was right the Braves will implode I’ve been trying to get as far away from myself as I can Some things are too hot to touch The human mind can only stand so much You can’t win without a new starting man
Feel like falling in love with the first woman I meet Putting her in a wheel barrow and wheeling her down the street
People are crazy and times are strange This ain’t the 90s, the Mets are out of range I used to care, but things have changed
I hurt easy, I just don’t show it You can hurt someone and not even know it The next month in baseball could be like an eternity Gonna get low down, gonna fly high All the truth in the world adds up to one big lie Watchin’ Andruw strike out don’t even appeal to me
People are crazy and times are strange This ain’t the 90s, the Mets are out of range I used to care, but things have changed*
By GK
August 29, 2007 6:34 PM | Link to this
Efrim: I agree that Edgar is a strong offensive force, but as long as he is the SS, then Escobar is not going to realize his potential. Escobar is a born SS. Not nearly as good at second. (not that KJ is any great shakes either, but he is serviceable).
My point is we NEED another strong starter, and who else could bring one? I am sure that we could trade someone else, but do we want to?
Think about this lineup: Chipper, Tex, Frenchy, McCann, KJ, Escobar, and then Diaz and BJones in left, and whoever in center. Not a bad lineup without Edgar. Also, I like what I am hearing about Lillibridge.
So, I kinda had my heart set on Javier Vazquez for Renteria.
I am not thrilled about bringing back Glavine, unless he comes in cheap, which he won’t.
Hudson, Smoltz, Vazquez, James and then one of these guys (Hampton, Lerew, Reyes, Cormier) would be an OK rotation, so long as Smoltz stays healthy.
So unless there is another trade piece out there that can bring value, then I think Renteria is gone.
By GK
August 29, 2007 6:43 PM | Link to this
ijonathan does it matter if somebody denies that they are hurt or not. Does it help DOB in his work to question when the manager and the best player say everything is OK. It just makes him look like an a-hole if he keeps pushing the same point, which is what you are starting to look like.
By GK
August 29, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this
Jay Dub: cry me a river, won’t you?
Come on, man up and be a baseball fan. What if your team had been the Pittsburgh Pirates for the past 20 years.
Let me get out my violin and play you a sad song.
Be a baseball fan, and just enjoy the ride.
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
“bobby cox said”, the devil has more credibility.
By Stu
August 29, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this
Efrim, I agree, regarding Edgar. One, he’s too valuable to our lineup, and two, after missing most of a month (which he will have, once he comes off the dl) and at his age/salary, he’s not gonna be a huge draw as a trade prospect. Teams trading quality pitching are usually looking for inexpensive talent, not grizzled veterans.
Escobar will have more value than Edgar in the offseason, I think (different story at the trade deadline, where a contender might want a big bat, but that would assume the Braves aren’t a contender and were looking to sell).
And I still think Escobar is hitting over his head (can anyone say “Willie Harris?”); everything he hits is falling in. I’m not hating on him; I like him, and I hope it keeps up forever (long as he’s a Brave, anyway), but even with the good BA, he doesn’t have a lot of power, or a lot of speed; and has been only fair in the field.
I’m not a stat junkie, but Yunel’s “batting average on balls in play” is .367; reality suggests that he’s not really a .320 hitter.
I wouldn’t blame the Braves if they trade either Edgar OR Yunel, if it nets a quality SP. But, he’s such a quiet professional, I think it’s easy to overlook what Edgar brings to this lineup, both offensively and defensively.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this
Oh, hell, maybe we should just pack this in, too. Guys like Either Orr are thin-skinned, ijonathan is taking a flip under-deadline “he’s fine” comment and taking it beyond all logical importance, I’ve got guys telling me to grow a pair and ask why Bobby’s still platooning Diaz with the guy (Harris) whom most of you were touting for full-time duties a month or so ago and many have projected as the CF next year … what’s the use. Let’s shuck it. Sorry to waste all your time.
I’m gonna just cover this game for the paper. How’s that? that way, you can have an open canvas here and agree with each other about how bad Cox and “Anboo” are and how both should be fired, traded, and any other action that’s not realistically going to happen.
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this
Vazquez is not good enough for renteria.
By GK
August 29, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this
with KJ and McCann sitting, that gives us two strong lefties off the bench to go up against their bullpen.
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this
well, its our turn again to lose tonight, that the price we are paying….. we blow out then we pay the runs we scored, so we still owe the fish, plus is willis tonight…… in for long night.
Not sure about you but i think we have better chances for division than for WC.
By Logan23
August 29, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this
Appy league playoff preview covering Danville Braves and Elizabethton Twins at minorleaguebaseball.com. Located Under Appy league headline news Some intriguing stats on potential braves of the future. I’d provide the link if I weren’t so technically impaired. Still trying to master the twist off cap!
By JC FROM UT
August 29, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this
DOB: I know this is off subject but is there any word on the progress of Mike Gonzalez.
By J-School Dropout
August 29, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this
DOB:
As a fellow ink-stained wretch who also has to write a blog on top of his normal duties for no extra remuneration, I really appreciate what you do on here. Fortunately, my readers don’t care as much about my topic. At least none of them have ever challenged me to fisticuffs. Not yet, anyway. Take care and thanks for keeping us informed about the team. It’s going to be a long winter. The one comment I would like to make is to all those idiots out there who thought it would be best for the team not to make the postseason for a few years because it would help them win the World Series again. You got your wish. Morons. Winning an MLB division title is one of the toughest accomplishments in all sports. If it was easy the D-Rays would have done it by now. Some teams have never done it. From 1965 to 1991 the Atlanta Braves never appeared in the World Series. They got there back to back twice in the ’90s. Believe me, folks, the ’90s were glory years for this team despite the frustration of only winning one championship. At least we got the one. That in and of itself was a miracle to a Braves fan who remembers the days of 100-loss seasons and being mathematically eliminated by the June 1.
By chipdip
August 29, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this
They have already packed it in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Get real!!!!!!!!!!!!!UP THE IRONS…MOTORHEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By JC FROM UT
August 29, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this
Would anybody out there like to have Cody Ross for centerfield next season?
By Jay Dub
August 29, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this
GK - about enjoying the ride, maybe I wasn’t clear. I’m still watching, still hoping, still enjoying.
I haven’t jumped off the ride. Let’s liken it to a roller coaster with a big loop-to-loop finish. Yeah, I’ve enjoyed the big finish for the past 15 years or so. But along came some safety inspectors and took out the loop to loop. Somewhere, about halfway through the roller coaster, you know its just downhill. Sure, downhill is fun, but it aint the big loop-to-loop, right?
That’s what I’m saying. Because of the number of teams ahead of us, we actually have a better shot at the division than the wild card. I don’t see us taking the division. They’re still my team, but I’d just like a respectable finish to the season at this point. No more “win the first game big and then start losing the series.”
By ObiWanKobe
August 29, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this
DOB is there any way to set up one of the AJC Polls in here?
We could do: “Bobby Cox as a manager is?”
( ) Good ( ) Badand see what the readership thinks. I’d say propably 75% would say he is doing a good job.
I mean you have to play the cards your dealt.
I live in the L.A. area, and everyone is a Dodger fan, and you hear the same gripes about Grady Little and all the other managers they’ve recently had that we hear here about Bobby Cox.
I happen to know Robert Fick, all-time greatest Brave First-Base Man, and he has said Bobby is the best manager he ever played for and all of the players in the league would go to Atlanta just to play for Bobby.
By JDG123
August 29, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
Now we are in trouble. Woodcrap is starting this game. Who will come up to strike out pinch hitting in the 8th inning with ol Woody not available?
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
Willie on the bench…. better chance to win than last night
By Braveheart
August 29, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this
Either Orr Whatever. Get over yourself, dude. DOB zings everyone. He does not discriminate in that regard. He does not even know you so how can you take it personal. He is attacking your opinion, your view, your expressed knowledge, not you personally. Every stinkin’ Wurlitzer winner and member of the Wurlitzer committee has received a smackdown at the hands of DOB (except probably CL). It’s part of the fun of it.
DOB has smacked me around as much as anyone both on the blog and through email. The reason I started regularly blogging was because he lambasted some poorly written post I wrote about SMoltz and his divorce. That actually got me hooked because I rephrased what I originally meant to say without calling him names. Because of that, he apologized.
But still, he has told me at least a handful of times this season to seek mental health treatment because of some of my more unfortunate postings. He has also privately sent me an email telling me he is really sick of my crappy postings. But I don’t come on here and trash the man and I don’t take it personally.
The man puts his heart and soul into it. It ain’t right the way some of you go about it. Some of you have really got to get over the persecution complex.
Whatever comment DOB makes about your opinions (not you personally) can’t possibly hurt especially when you are anonymous unless you personally know he is onto something about you. As the saying goes, the truth hurts. Anything else is just funnin’ and bloggin’.
Alright, I’m tired of this. Gotta go meet some people for dinner and drinks.
Go Braves!
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this
Come on guys, pick up a game on somebody tonight, anybody. Just win.
By Jay Dub
August 29, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this
DOB, you’re doing a great job.
For anyone who hasn’t been a beat reporter it is virtually impossible to understand the tiptoe work involved in covering the same people day after day. Thankfully, for those of us that only have their work in soy ink on newsprint, we never have to deal with the frustratingly anal tiptoe work of dealing with the readers as well.
Think of it like this. Since must of us bloggers are fans, we think of ourselves in a kind of relationship with the team. It can be love/hate. Worse yet, Bobby Cox, Chipper, Brian McCann, etc. have not bothered to say a word to me to make me feel better. Since you see them daily, that makes you our relationship counselor, doesn’t it?
I can only imagine how much that job totally sips. Let me add again, thanks for doing it.
By Rodney Derrick
August 29, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this
It has been difficult enough to watch this road trip, but since I live in Durham, I see the Braves on the “In Demand” service. It seems that we have had the opposing teams’ announcers for the entire trip. I like to hear them once a series, but every game is a bit much. Unless it is a guy like Vin Scully, who surpasses everyone, or a cameo by Ernie Harwell, during a Tigers game.
Meanwhile, go Escobar.
By Either Orr
August 29, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
Yeah DOB, that’s the spirit!
You slam me and when I respond, you’re like ole’ fido…can dish it out but can’t take it!
You have a good blog here. You have people who worship you. (or at least it seems that way) You have people here who will follow your lead and jump on anyone you jump on! How does it feel to know that all you have to do is point your finger and your minions will take over?
If you want to quit, that’s your business, but don’t blame it on folks like me who HAVE NEVER ATTACKED YOU UNTIL YOU ATTACKED ME!
Blame it on the people who seek you out with every post and call your hand. Blame it on people who take what you say and find every reason to pick it apart. Heck blame it on a bad ham sandwich. I don’t care what you want to blame it on…. But DO NOT DARE blame it on me!!!
I chose to interact. I chose to post my thoughts. I chose not to direct those thoughts to YOU or anyone in particular.
YOU CHOSE to pick a fight with me and when I fought back you want to take your ball and go home!
So please be honest will you? At least before your swan song…be honest.
Do you only want people posting here who agree totally with you? And if they disagree do you feel the absolute necessity to belittle them?
If the idea is to only post opinions that are in line with yours, then PLEASE tell me!!!! My life goes on if I post here or not. My life goes on if this blog exists or not.
You reap what you sew. If you sew arrogance and loathing toward bloggers who disagree with you…then that’s what you get in return!
If you wuss out, it will be because you decided you didn’t have the heart for it NOT because I chose to defend myself from you.
Man that’s weak!
By chipdip
August 29, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this
Woodward ba.200…AWESOME!!!
By ijonathan
August 29, 2007 7:14 PM | Link to this
GK Why don’t you try reading what I actually write if you’re going to comment on it. Nowhere did I say that DOB should press the point with Bobby or Chipper. If they say he’s fine, what else can you do. I know that, I’m not stupid. What I’m saying is this: in writing the Blog or column or whatever venue of the 14 DOB is simultaneously putting together under tremendous deadline pressure, just tell us that. As I said previously, just tell us that you see what we are seeing, you thought it looked like Chipper was hurting, but BC and CJ say he’s fine. If DOB didn’t mean to say “he’s fine” he just shouldn’t have said it. If that was just a “flip” comment “under deadline” what else that he writes is a “flip” comment under deadline that we shouldn’t pay much attention to?
By bfan54
August 29, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
There is realistically a week left for a .500 team with realistic post-season hopes to out-perform their season long performance and sprint to the finish line.
The statistically glaring defect in our #5 starter is the most obvious reason for our current misfortune. It ain’t Woodward, Orr, or Andruw’s off year - BC has lost a step or two, to be sure, and, I absolutely hate to agree with that idiot Robert, but even a broken clock correctly tells the time twice a day, and Cox has been slow to see what this blog collectively sees. I don’t blame BC for our dire straights, anymore than I think the Corporation had any obligation to spend money for (unavailable!) starting pitching, but does seem arguable that BC “might” (key word: might) have some earlier decisions. In fairness to him, he was saddled with some salaried players, and that puts him in a vice. (Look at the salaried players he put up with (had to!) before he finally dumped them. Wilson (2M), Redman (750K), Wickman (6.5M) - I’m sure I missed someone else. This amount represents 30% of the Devil Rays total payroll. Any manager has to “go” with guys that his GM has paid this kind of money for a bit longer than say, a Langerhans, or a Kyle, or a McBride. (I do blame BC for the McBride for Ledezma deal!)
This from a guy who believes BC belongs in the hall of fame, and has happily followed this team since 1954. I’m not down on the man, and, as this is my first season, maybe I’ve fallen into “scapegoating”, despite my best intentions.
Godawemighty, I hate to be on the same side as Robert. Did I mention he’s an idiot!
By Supes
August 29, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
DOB
Will Mike Hampton be ready by opening day next spring, as far as being able to start for the Braves, or are they realistically looking at May/June?
I know those kind of things are unpredictable, but have you heard anything from Mike on how he is doing, I know he is traveling with the team, they kept showing him on camera in the dugout in Cincy.
I am sure the Braves are praying he is alright and able to at least start some next year.
As far as “ripping Francouer”…Is anyone on the Braves beyond reproach? Are we not allowed to express our opinion here? In my post I specifically criticized him for LAST NIGHT’s game and nothing more, b/c it is not reflective of the good season he’s had so far. Let’s call a spade a spade…he cost the game last night!
Some people just have a hard time dealing with the facts around here!
By Efrim
August 29, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this
Supes
If you’re a negative person, don’t bother coming on this blog. At least that is what I was told by many. I still come though, much to the dismay of many on here.
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this
obiwan, did i read 75% will say good? are you talking since 1991 or something?
By Jay Dub
August 29, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
Geez, Either Orr! Are you trying to raise money for the Either Orr Narcissistic Defense Fund? If so, I ain’t gonna donate anytime soon. If not, find a new topic already.
Let us even assume for a moment that you’re correct in your inane assertions. (An assumption, I point out, I am only on board with for the sake of argument.) What the heck do you expect from DOB as remuneration? Would an A1 flogging tomorrow satisfy you? Would you like him to put his nose in the corner for 10 minutes? Go to bed with no cookies?
Whatever offense you could have taken at his comments toward your comments (they weren’t even towards you) has been more than repaid by your bellyaching blog-a-thon. You think you’re right. We get it. Really we do.
Can we move on now or do we await another half all-caps over-punctuated post? Personally, I think I can live with either, or.
By Jay Dub
August 29, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this
Oops, I also meant to ask, Either Orr, could you please walk me through your decision making process on whether to use three exclamation points or four? Pretty please?
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this
WOOOOOOOWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!! AJ KKKKKs, for the 1000000 time, i still dont get it. Why keep putting automatic out in the lineup.
Why sit KJ and Brian on the same game with a day off coming up?
no sense to it.
By Mojo Rising
August 29, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this
Seems like Mr. O’Brien is trying to distance himself from some of his prior predictions. Wonder if he’s still a big fan of Bobby Cox?
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this
Mighty muts are about to be swept by the phillies…… now i dont see any dummy fans blogging here, guess they are under their beds.
By Yars
August 29, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this
The NL Wildcard race will most likely come down to the final game of the regular season. Perhaps even a 1 game playoff could occur. D’backs play the Padres 3 more times early next week, I don’t think anyone would be shocked if the Dodgers go on some 5 game losing streak, Phillies don’t impress anyone. We very well could win 2 out of 3 against them early next week. I don’t care about the Mets, but we have to win 2 of 3 from them this weekend. I know there are only 29 games left. That’s not a lot, but just enough to make some noise one last time. In any case, tonights game is a must win. Let’s hope the D’backs beat the Padres tonight & tomorrow. I know it’s hard now trying to stay optimistic about this Braves team. I really don’t want to start thinking about next season, now. I’m going to give it a few more games. Now Playing: Personal Jesus by Johnny Cash (Depeche Mode cover)
By stinky
August 29, 2007 7:40 PM | Link to this
f*ing Dontrell Willis…
By Braves Fan 79
August 29, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
DIAZ! That a Baby! Once again what a impressive lineup from Bobby on the final game of a 3 game series. This is exactly why we kept winning 2 out of 3 back in spring instead of sweeping people.
By Either Orr
August 29, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
I understand what you are saying. I do find it a bit odd however, that I’m accused of being “thin skinned,” yet when I throw it back at him, he gets thinned skinned and threatens to quit!
Is that the pot calling the kettle black or what??? Is he being thin skinned, or when he does it, it isn’t being thin skinned?
Carry on regular bloggers! I’m too confused about the rules to argue anymore! I’ll try to refrain from arguing with anyone thus jeopardizing the very existence of this blog!! I’ll make NO MORE comment on this matter, so fire away at an unarmed man.
Tell you what is ironic though…. I agree with virtually every word DOB has posted the last couple of days on the blog lead-in.
This is too rediculous to even comprehend.
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this
Get the signs bobby……. see that HR……. just get it please.
By Efrim
August 29, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
Yars
Why don’t the Phillies impress you? They should. They have two of the top 5 hitters in the National League. Utley and Howard carry that team. They are incredible. They have played better baseball than us for the whole year and are 5-1 against the Braves in the last 6 games played.
By gotigers72
August 29, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this
Get the lead, give it up, get the lead, give it up. 3, 4 and 5 have done that ALL YEAR LONG. That is demoralizing to the hitters to go out there and bang away, then have the lead given up the next half inning. And on a homer by the FREAKIN’ PITCHER TOO!
I’ll tell you what, if Bud Roe [I had an uncle that used to call me Bud Roe] Carlyle is in the rotation next year, the Braves will have a losing season. The league has finally figured him out and he is fading fast. Am I the only one, or can anyone else see him noticeably slow down his delivery on off speed pitches?
By blog docent
August 29, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this
*Efrim / Supes *
It’s ok to be negative on this blog - just be sure the use the template for pessimist posts.
By Either Orr
August 29, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this
Jay Dub
New subject, just answering your question, not extending the previous argument.
You asked:
Oops, I also meant to ask, Either Orr, could you please walk me through your decision making process on whether to use three exclamation points or four? Pretty please?
Oh I don’t know Jay Dub…. probably get the idea the same place you get the idea that you are a songwriter or poet. (refering to your earlier attempt at said vocation)
I’d say both of us have some work to do huh?
By Braves Fan 79
August 29, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this
That a boy Jeff….get the meaningless 2 out hit to keep that batting average up there. Where was that last night? O look here comes Andrew 2..(man were great at meaningless hits arent we!)..2 bad we have 2 automatic outs coming up back to back starting with woodcrap.
By Mojo Rising
August 29, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
David O’Brien, Do you, as a beat journalist, ever feel you’ve been suckered in by Braves propaganda?
By MEB
August 29, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy… please come back. The blog really needs you!
GO BRAVES!!!
By Braves Fan 79
August 29, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
ok so im wrong, i thought Buddy was hitting after woodcrap. I have mor faith in Miller than i do most of the bench.
By Supes
August 29, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
*Efrim *
Well, I’m a realistic person who is a passionate braves fan and I’m still here.
Like I said, some people just have a hard time dealing with facts. I give facts and I’m called “negative”, so be it. I’m not here to change people’s minds or influence their opinion, just simply conversing with fellow fans and giving my own.
I know that Dontrelle Willis has had a rough year, but would anyone object him being on the Braves starting rotation next year, before the Mets snatch him from the Marlins for more money? What is his contract status, will he be a free agent or is he still signed on for a year or two.
By ijonathan
August 29, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
Joe Simpson is about to have a coronary.
By Mojo Rising
August 29, 2007 7:59 PM | Link to this
David O’Brien, what are your thoughts about Bobby Cox as a Manager with 3 HOF pitchers and a top three payroll and Bobby Cox as a manager without 3 HOFers?
By Efrim
August 29, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
No, it is not okay to be negative on this blog.
By GK
August 29, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this
Lets get that bullpen warmed up. Where is Acosta or Ascanio?
By JD
August 29, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
Y’all are the most tempermental fans in history. I, like everyone here, root like hell for this team and hope they do well every night. I also am frustrated with the team. That, to me at least, is not a reason to berate the messenger. Hell, he’s gotta live with these guys for 6 months…and with us complaining every friggin’ day. Lighten up just a litte.
By Efrim
August 29, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
Hopefully Buddy can turn this rut he is in around, he has looked good for a while…..
By Mojo Rising
August 29, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
Does anybody think that David O’Brien is not a homer?
By fastasballs
August 29, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
Even with KJ & McCann resting tonight I feel much better about the offense with Escobar leading off & Diaz following him.
Escobar hit leadoff in the first game of the series & got a hustle double that set the tone of the game. He & Diaz are two spark plugs that need to bat near the top of the order every night.
By ijonathan
August 29, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
I think I just read Bobby’s lips, mouthing, “who’s this Diaz guy? he’s pretty good.”
By Braves Fan 79
August 29, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this
Its official….Start Diaz the rest of the year! Willie will only make the bench stronger.
By Stu
August 29, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this
Supes, since you like to deal in facts, my answer on Dontrelle Willis is this: for the last two years, the fact is, he’s not as good as Chuck James (he does pitch more innings than Chuck… but he pitches them badly).
I’d take Dontrelle, for about $1 mil a year, as a 5th starter; but to pay what he’s gonna command (despite his clear loss of effectiveness)? No way!
Willis has given up 5 runs, and 3 HR, in 4 innings to a depleted Braves lineup tonight… and his ERA is pretty much identical to Buddy Carlyle’s.
By parks
August 29, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
Mojo rising, Your infatuation with DOB is a little alarming.
By The Grinch
August 29, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this
Good thing there’s a lefty on the mound so we can play Diaz…
By JD
August 29, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
Mojo rising, No, I don’t think DOB’s a homer. He said himself that Wick couldn’t stand him. I don’t know, but I would bet that there are other Braves that aren’t fans either. I think that’s the case because what he writes isn’t always what they want written. Look, typically in the blog he gives some perspective about where the team is in the season, what the guys are thinking, and lots of stats and what he gets from those stats - whether positive or negative. May be it makes his life easier if the team is successful because they might be more cheerful but otherwise I doubt he has a vested interest.
By uga-brave
August 29, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
this is getting stupid why cant we get dan ugla out. once again the most important inning of the game is the next three outs after you score.
tell you what, with the way DIAZ HITS THE MARLINS AND the way willis is pitching these days the fish just may want to swap them. JUST KIDDING OF course.
DOB, i have been one of the most critical braves fans on this blog, but BOBBY COX is off limits.
this game should already be over if we had any quality depth in the rotation. just dont see how the majority of this falls on cox.
By Sam
August 29, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this
Robert, how many aliases do you have? Nascar fan, mojo, etc. etc. Dude, do you anything but post here? I’d love to know what you do for a living. Seriously. Unless your reply is “I don’t have to work, I inherited a fortune” then somebody somewhere is paying you way too much.
By Mojo Rising
August 29, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this
The messenger David O’Brien is very deserving of being shot. He tries to capture the cool by plagiarizing other’s lyrics. He acts like over-cooked green beans are a delicacy. And then he launches into a diatribe about Kansas State basketball. He’s not Southern. He’s a transplant with an identity crisis!
His only heart felt words come trhough when he’s star struck by ‘Druw or Scott Boras.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this
Mojo Rising, if you read my blog year-round and came to that conclusion, well, don’t know what to tell you. I sure wish the guys in the clubhouse thought I was one more often, I can tell you that.
By the way, does anybody know or care whether Mojo Rising is a fan, homer, Mets fan, or simply an agitator who wouldn’t know a two-seam fastball if it hit him in the glasses?
By CMC
August 29, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
DOB,
With the advent of interleague play into the MLB schedule now, why do we continue to use the stats of players traded from one league to another post trade? For example, all we see are Teixeira’s season totals in a Braves uniform, with his numbers in Texas removed. Why aren’t his total season stats used? I guess it may have made sense before interleague play (although you could still argue the other way), but it doesn’t now.
Thanks for the REM song yesterday. Like you, I am a big fan. My favorite album is the first one, “Murmur.” “Dead Letter Office” also has some great B-side stuff. Your favorite???
By Braves Fan 79
August 29, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this
No Mojo Rising: Dob isnt a homer….IM A HOMER…as well as about 75% of the pple on this blog. Man i live and die with my team and im proud to say we might miss the playoffs this year for the 2nd time since 1990. Yea….think about that one for awhile and youd see how lucky us atlanta fans have been. Now Dob…hes a good guy and were lucky he puts so much time into answering our questions. But DOB is NOT a homer. Shoot he didnt even grow up a Braves fan, nor is he from Ga. (im about 90% shure)
Hes realistic in his approach although sometimes i wish he was a diehard homer like we are.
By Efrim
August 29, 2007 8:23 PM | Link to this
How can you not start Diaz Friday night against the Mets? Or for the rest of the season. It just doesn’t make any sense. Willie is better defensively, but you can’t make a case for not starting Diaz every night. He rakes righties as well. The guy is just a solid hitter.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Does anybody care who Mojo Rising is? Any neighbors, friends from high school … anyone? No. OK, just asking.
Now I’ve got to get back to the Braves’ GM box to keep watching the game with Schuerholz.
By Todd A
August 29, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
And Diaz didn’t start last night, while in the middle of a (cough)pennant race(cough), against a team he absolutely murders ……..WHY? Oh yeah, lefty-righty. You know, the book.
I will be literally stunned if Shawn Greene and Moises Alou sit against the Braves this weekend.Two guys that have hit the Braves very well this season.
$#%@, Andruw with another double.
By Dwight Fry
August 29, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
I’m tired of hearing this type of argument in support of Bobby Cox:
I happen to know Robert Fick, all-time greatest Brave First-Base Man, and he has said Bobby is the best manager he ever played for and all of the players in the league would go to Atlanta just to play for Bobby.
All this means is that he is popular and he is easy (perhaps undemanding?). These are not the same qualities as excellent or effective (in the sense of getting the best performance out of the players).
Where is the evidence that, at this point in time, he is excellent or effective?
I am prepared to accept that he is an excellent and effective manager if someone can provide a fact-based argument and not simply quote a popularity poll.
If teams want a popular manager who is easy to play for, perhaps they should consider Santa Claus.
By Braves Fan 79
August 29, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this
SO bases loaded and 2 outs in the 5th. With a hit we can blow this one open. Id be in favor of pitchitting for Buddy here. Looks like COx is sticking by the book on this one…like always…lets hope Buddy can at least give us 2 more good innings!
By ernesto
August 29, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this
The corky millers, chris woodwards, scott thormans and pete orrs of this team do not help us one single bit.
By Mark
August 29, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this
Stu are you crazy? You think Chuck James is better than Dontrelle Willis. Hell No! He is having a bad year now, but this man would be much better than a 5th starter.
He a championship unlike Chuck James.
By Efrim
August 29, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry, Francouer tried to steal home???
I am not watching the game, but can someone explain that to me?
By Yars
August 29, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
Efrim……I just don’t think the Phillies will catch the Mets, even though they may beat them tonight, & play them again tomorrow. Hell, they may sweep the Mets! Braves play the Phils starting Monday. If we can get some kind of winning streak going, I think we can climb over them sometime next week. I’m well aware of the Phils lineup. I see the Phils being somewhat similar to the Braves. A lineup that can score a lot of runs, but a starting rotation that is horribly average-below average most nights.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
BravesFan, no, not from Georgia. From North Carolina, lived in Memphis a couple of years, went to school in Kansas….
Anybody wonder whether it was a dictionary or thesaurus that Mojo Rising used to find the spelling of “propaganda,” or if maybe he just uses Google?
By Mark
August 29, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
Maybe Bobby should platoon Willie Harris and Andruw. Diaz should play everyday as far as I am concerned. He was better than Langerhans last year and better than Willie this year.
By JD
August 29, 2007 8:37 PM | Link to this
Mojo, I probably should not even respond to you. Ummmm, where to start. Who cares where he was born? So he went to KU, so what. It’s a basketball school anyway. If you’re so southern, that shouldn’t threaten you. You should only care about football.
As for the lyrics, I like it. I listen to a lot of the sampes on Itunes and if I like it, I’ll buy it (but I already have a lot of the Johnny Cash and REM). Lastly, you’re a moron. Look up the word plagiarize and learn the definition and how to use it appropriately.
By uga-brave
August 29, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this
well once again failure to execute with bases juiced and one out. got a bad feeling about the bottom half of the inning if things stay true to form.
DOB, chin up this is the collective blog melt down, knew it was coming just thougt it would be SUNDAY NIGHT. too many weird games piled up too fast. we have been living like BILL MURRAY IN GROUNDHOG DAY FOR ABOUT A MONTH.
By Mojo Rising
August 29, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien, regardless of my spelling faux pas, people know what I’m talking about. Nice try deflecting your waffle iron scars, though.
By gotigers72
August 29, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
If Matt Diaz doesn’t start EVERY game against the Mets and Phils, no matter which arm the opposing pitcher pitches with, I’m gonna wonder when BC had his lobotomy. I’ve ALWAYS been a big BC fan, but I swear I can’t figure out why he does things he has done this year, such as continuing to insist on keeping a platoon in left when Diaz is raking like he is, and Harris can’t hit my mother right now. Leave the hot guy in Bobby, for Christsakes.
That GD rubberized warning track has cost the Braves a run last night [which would have won the game in regulation], and again tonight.
Boy, ol’ Corky has a quick bat don’t he? I know, he got a hit and an RBI in his first AB, but I would rather take my chances with Brayan Pena. Especially in the batter’s box. Has there ever been an explanation why Miller was brought up instead of Pena? Can’t wait ‘til Saturday when Pena can be brought up, and the Corkster can go back to ridin’ the pine where he belongs.
By N8
August 29, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
“Escobar hit leadoff in the first game of the series & got a hustle double that set the tone of the game. He & Diaz are two spark plugs that need to bat near the top of the order every night.”
Which is why it will NEVER happen on a regular basis. It makes too much sense.
DOB, You made a comment earlier about all the people begging for Harris to sit, being the SAME people that were screaming for him to get in the everyday lineup a month or so ago, or be the everyday CF next year.
First of all, I was asking for him to be in the lineup THREE MONTHS AGO, not a month or so ago. Because anybody that’s paid attention, knows that about a month or so ago, was when his slide began.
It’s classic Cox at his best. Let Langerhans play for about 30 games, absolutely sucking the life out of the offense, while a guy is in AAA tearing it up, THEN shows up here in limited duty, that at worst case scenario, he’s a better option than Langy.
OK. Finally Harris get’s thrust into a platoon role. He is light’s out in the 2-hole and 8 hole of the batting order. In fact one could say that he is a PERFECT NL #8 hitter. Not very disciplined, but when he gets on, he can score from first on a double from the leadoff hitter.
Then what does Bobby do? He decides to move KJ down (not neccesarily a bad move, since I’ve always thought that KJ could be an RBI guy), but then he platoons Escobar and Harris in the leadoff spot!! It’s been WELL documented how horrible Harris’ numbers have been from the leadoff spot. Doesn’t Bobby look at THOSE numbers?
I’m not talkin’ rocket science here. Just some common sense.
In the 90’s when our lineup was stacked and the pitching was even more stacked, he could fill out the lineup card, and let things happen, and more often than not GOOD THINGS would happen with those teams.
Now that the chips are on the table, and we have NO starting pitching beyond Smoltz and Hudson, our bullpen is an incosistant mess, and the lineup has some guys NOT performing well, it’s up to him to make the correct decisions on a nightly basis to put the team in the best position to win.
I think the last two seasons have shown EXACTLY what Bobby is capable of without superstars and HOFr’s making up 60 percent of his pitching rotation.
If he’s so damn good, and this team is so talented, what’s up? Answer me that. That’s all I wanna know. I’m not being smart azzy or rude, you just happen to be the one that for months have argued with the doom & gloom crowd and raved about the lineup and such that we were good enough for you to uphold your prediction of them winning the division, all while claiming that EVERYBODY and their mother thinks he’s the greatest manager of all time, yet here we sit at 147-148 the last two seasons.
It can’t go both ways, can it?
Ask yourself this. If he were to swap spots with the Devil Rays manager (don’t even know who the hell that is right now), would that make them an instant contender with his butt sitting in the dugout? Exactly how many wins is his prescence good for?
My guess is that it’s not very much. More than likely he’d be as successful as Leo has been in Baltimore without the big 3 as Bobby has been with 1/3 of them remaining.
Isn’t the fact that Glavine and Maddux have both helped anchor teams that are in better positions to make the playoffs than we are without them, while we search for ANYBODY that has two working arms (the 2nd arm is actually optional - since NONE of our pitchers can bunt anyhow), enough to finally let all the people recognize who was ACTUALLY RESPONSIBLE for the “team of the 90’s” doing what it did?
My guess is that Glavine and Maddux each get a little smirk on their faces when they tune into ESPN and see Buddy Carlyle getting hammered. I would.
In fact I’d put money down RIGHT NOW, that if those 2 guys were still in our rotation along with Smoltz we would’ve won this division HANDS DOWN without having to make the Tex trade.
Imagine that. 3 guys in their 40’s are arguably still 3 of the Top 20 pitchers in the league. And we had them ALL in their 20’s in their prime for a decade.
Yeah. Bobby should get all the credit.
Whether he’s a “mortal lock” to make the HOF as a manager is irrelevent. The past two years he has done a HORRIBLE job.
Does it get to be more of a “mortal lock” for the HOF than Michael Jordan? Last I recall, he had to pretty unspectacular years in Washington at the end of his career as well.
Yeah, I know. Apples and Oranges.
But my point is that IF Bobby ever had “it” to begin with (and obviously I’m one that contends the “it” was 3 HOF pitchers in your rotation, and an owner willing to outbid and outspend the other owners), he surely has lost it the past two years.
For those that want to argue the “youth and inexperience” angle. Well, it doesn’t get much younger and inexperienced than the 91 team, does it? Oh yeah. All of that success for that year goes to Bobby.
I forgot.
By fastasballs
August 29, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
Efrim, Willis threw a wild pitch & it hit the backstop & came straight back to the catcher. Frenchy got caught in a run down because he didn’t make it halfway. Unlucky bounce, along with Andruw’s ground ruled double. Frenchy would have scored easily & Andruw probably gets a triple out of it.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this
CMC, I’ve asked and argued with people about that subject, and agree with you completely that stats should no longer be divided when a player changes leagues within a season, because of so much interleague play.
But I don’t see it changing anytime soon, that rule….
Oh, and I’d probably go three-way tie: Murmur, Reckoning, Document. But Dead Letter Office is great, you’re right. And I also love Fables, and from the latter period, Adventures in Hi-Fi
By Either Orr
August 29, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
Efrim
Bases loaded, two out. Pitcher hitting with two strikes on him. Ball got by the catcher, hit the wall and bounced directly back to the catcher.
I thought it wasn’t a bad play. If the ball doesn’t bounce back to the catcher, Francouer probably could score and steal a run.
Considering Buddy probably isn’t even going to put the ball in play with one strike left….he had to try it. Just didn’t work out.
By JD
August 29, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
uga-brave, i went to tech and am a bit weirded out by agreeing with a uga fan, but you’re right - just tons of odd things happening to this team the past two or three months. usually, though, these things even out. hopefully this weekend for the braves with a sweep of the boys from up north.
good luck on saturday with ok st.
By N8
August 29, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
“If teams want a popular manager who is easy to play for, perhaps they should consider Santa Claus.”
LOL! Actually darn near spit pop all over my monitor.
If only our manager didn’t actually exist.
For those of you about to slam me, due to taking that as though I’d prefer he not be alive, GROW UP. It was a joke, and that’s not what I meant.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this
UGA-Brave, agree with you: Majority of this does not fall on Cox. I just said this wouldn’t go down as one of his banner years, that he wouldn’t get manager of the year votes. That’s all.
By JJMB
August 29, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this
Man oh MAN! Diaz!
By uga-brave
August 29, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this
DWIGHT FRY,
why dont you ask the players, how many players want to play for larussa, pinnella, bowa, valentine, showalter. BOBBY treats his players like men. the rest of those guys have egos the size of rushmore.
its just unfortunate that there are a few guys on this team that just dont get it.
DOB anyone that posts that R.E.M. song is alright with me.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this
“Now, I know you hate it, but he’s won more Manager of the Year awards, both from the BBWAA and from Sporting News, than any manager in history. Just facts, pal. Deal with them, because your small little sphere of influence on this blog certainly isn’t going to change that, just as mine isn’t going to affect it. The dye was cast on that one long before I started covering this team, my unhappy friend.
The man’s headed to the Hall of Fame, a mortal lock to make it. How do you like that?”
I fully understand why he won MOY awards. If I worked for another big organization, I too would laud Cox, to do my share in making sure we could play against teams managed by him as often as possible
As for the lock HOF induction - I think it is very unfortunate. There have been some poor HOF selections, but voting in Cox would be the topper.
As a true baseball fan I personally feel that voting Cox in to Cooperstown would be the intelectual equivalent of walking into the Louvre and p** on the Mona Lisa
By JD
August 29, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this
What is it with dudes from north Atlanta. Man, they can throw from RF.
By Stu
August 29, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
Man, that Hermida has an arm, doesn’t he?
Mark, the guy I was responding to made a big point of dealing with “facts.” The facts say that Dontrelle is just not very good any more. I think he’s a warrior, a great guy, and I don’t know how he’s lost his stuff, but he has. I don’t hate him, and there’s no way he shouldn’t be better than Chuck James, but look at the numbers.
To say Dontrelle is a great pitcher based on what he did in 2004 and 2005 is like saying the Braves are a championship team on the same basis. I really wish the Braves were what they were a couple of years ago, but the “facts” suggest that ain’t true, right now anyway.
He’s an enigma, but NO WAY do I trade valuable prospects, or pay big money, for him with the way his numbers have slidden the last 2 years..
By Mojo Rising
August 29, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this
Mr. David O’Brien, you still have not addressed the central issue of such a learned baseball scholar being so wrong about a team he is so closely associated with. I think all your readers deserve to know how you would rate yourself as to your own baseball knowledge and your prognosticative results in the last couple of years.
Feel free to quote the Man In Black. (Just hope his family knows about your purloining of their heritage.)
By Either Orr
August 29, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
Mojo Rising
My disagreements with management have recently been WELL documented here.
However to accuse DOB of being a “homer” is a bit off base. It goes without saying he has to maintain a degree of caution with what he reports and how he approaches his interviews. If he came off like some hotshot, tell all,damn the consequences, investigative reporter….I’m sure he would get Braves news from the ticker rather than from the players and management’s mouth. Think that “not even the regular beat reporter” guy in Philly, who Myers had to be restrained from, is going to get any inside info from the Philly clubhouse in this lifetime?
If you had read the lead-ins to the last couple of blogs, I think you would see a very candid assessment of the Braves woes and weaknesses. Didn’t look like the writings of a flaming homer to me.
Just my opinion. If you’ve been following recent events on this blog, you’ll see that I have no reason to defend him. I simply think your charge is baseless.
By The Grinch
August 29, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this
I hope we only face lefty’s the rest of the season; looks like we could use that boy every day. I know .339 in his last 500 at bats with a bit of power isn’t a big enough sample to really tell you anything (dripping, dripping sarcasm); I was just thinking he’s at least deserved an audition. Man.
By Mojo Rising
August 29, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
Oh, and I’d probably go three-way tie: Murmur, Reckoning, Document.
That equates to: “I don’t know the difference between the three. I’m just surmising based on what I read in SPIN.”
By A-ville Ranger
August 29, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this
Ok just this once…you have to play Diaz full time as long as there’s a chance to make the post season.I’m not joining any village torch committees but how obvious can it be that we’re better with him out there ?……REM’s best…..1—-Murmur…..2—-Document.Who was around Athens back when Pylon was the bigger name ?
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
Sorry N8, length of your post frightens me. Gotta watch this game, don’t want to miss any winces while blogging, scoring game and writing notebook and game story. Because I’ll be taken to task for missing winces on replay. Can’t have that. Then folks want redemption and it’s all wrath-of-God stuff, cats living with dogs, etc.
By uga-brave
August 29, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this
JD,
well said and believe it or not there are a lot of us in the dawg nation that actually pull for tech. makes the game that much better when you guys are having a good year.
keep it in the south against the domers.
DOB, 1987 in the old uptown lounge in athens, got to see stipe, buck, and mills play an impromptu 45 minute set in front of about 100 people. pretty memorable. 7 runs magic number.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this
“Ask yourself this. If he were to swap spots with the Devil Rays manager (don’t even know who the hell that is right now), would that make them an instant contender with his butt sitting in the dugout? “
If Cox was suddenly sitting in Tampa Bay’s dugout, the Braves sure as hell WOULD instantly become contenders
By Dis is de truth
August 29, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this
I just came back from dinner, and some drinks, with friends. And I find the blog smeared with excrement, much aimed at DOB. Well, keep it up you morons and he may do what he says. As he told you, this is a “hobby” and hobbies that just bring “grief” ain’t worth doin’. And then what are some of you who have no life, except for mouthing on here, going to do with your time? You have run off most of the “regulars”. Is the man-in-black next? I hope not.
By Dwight Fry
August 29, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this
uga-brave
Does it really matter whether or not well-compensated professional baseball players like to play for a certain manager or not?
There are plenty of enormously successful CEO’s, head football coaches, etc. who are not necessarily well-liked but who demand excellent performance and who deliver results.
In my experience, the bosses that I most liked to work for were eventually fired or demoted.
By Braves Fan 79
August 29, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this
DOB: well i believe your team (KU) and my team (Ga Tech) play this year in the real college sport…im talking about Basketball of course. Good rivalry there as their both strong teams year after year.
College football would be great but i think its about as fake as wrestling. I mean in what sport do you “vote” the teams to the championship.
By Lew
August 29, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this
UGA Brave-Never got a reply from you the other night. Do you remember the SEC mascots mural on the wall at the Sub And Steak at Little Five points in Athens?
By JD
August 29, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this
Mojo, he is not passing the song off as his own! He tells you who the artist puts the lyrics in italics. That means it can’t be ripped off. Learn the definition for chrissakes! And their heritage? What are you talking about?
By Stank
August 29, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
Mojo Rising = stinky
By Dwight Fry
August 29, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
DOB
Are you joshing or are you really ticked off about certain posts?
We can’t see whether you are wincing or not.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
“why dont you ask the players, how many players want to play for larussa, pinnella, bowa, valentine, showalter. BOBBY treats his players like men. the rest of those guys have egos the size of rushmore.”
As a fan, if my team wins championships, I could care less whether the players want to play for our manager or not. Likewise, if they should be winning championships but consistantly arent, I could care less if they love the mutual admiration sessions and the cake and ice-cream parties
By Yars
August 29, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
Joe Simpson can be a trip sometimes. “Let’s sweep the Mets, sweep the Phillies, sweep the Nationals, & then let’s see where we are.” Sarcasm at its finest. Joe & Boog do make a great team.
By fastasballs
August 29, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
MoJo, Give it a rest already. Quit clogging the blog with crap about central issues & learned baseball scholars(whatever the hell that is). You sound like some host of a PBS talk show.
By Mojo Rising
August 29, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee - DOB can’t touch me.
I’m not going away. I can do this all night. Answer the questions.
If you dare.
By stinky
August 29, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this
Scott Thorman peaked at Richmond.
By John B.
August 29, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this
Anyone know the answer to that question on FSN? I wanna say it was Tommy in ‘98.
By N8
August 29, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
DOB
“Sorry N8, length of your post frightens me.”
LOL! Sorry dude. That’s what happens when you don’t blog a lot for a week or so. When you come back, you come back in full force with a lot to say, even if by some opinions, it’s a lot of nothing. :-)
When you “get the time” read it, and respond. I understand you have work to do. I’m going back to work, and may do some blogging later.
Just so long, as you’re not using that as an excuse to ignore me, or put me in my place. LOL!
By The Grinch
August 29, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
BravesFan79, while the bowl system is utter nonsense, the game itself being compared to pro wrestling is very, very offensive. College football is the sport of the gods.
By Mark
August 29, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
You never here from KC on this blog unless the Braves win. You might here from him tonight if they win.
By JD
August 29, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
Mojo, you win. I, and likely a lot of others here, can’t go all night. We have little annoyances like, y’know, jobs.
By Stinky
August 29, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
Tommy stinks in ‘98 and every year before that and after.
By Dis is de truth
August 29, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
Bravesfan79 If I were a Tech fan, I would prefer basketdunk, too.
By TennesseePaul
August 29, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
As long as Rilo is playing, the Braves are winning. Happened last night. As soon as I took it off, Francoeur went and got himself tossed and the Braves lost.
Saw his quotes. Saw he had a hard time admitting he shouldn’t have even been in that position. It’s his fault. No two ways about it.
I’d like to see them hold this one down.
By Lew
August 29, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
There has been so much rampant negativity, you need a dose of unbridled optimism to balance it out. Now I’m certainly NOT saying this will happen, but……If we sweep the Mets and Phillies, and the Marlins finally get P!$$ed and sweep the Mets after we do, The Braves would be in first place in the division next Wednesday evening. How’s that for a positive outlook. It COULD happen. Not likely, but that’s how quickly things can change. Stranger things have happened. Oh, that’s IF the Braves win tonight and the Phillies keep beating the Mets. Thank you. Little Merry Sunshine will leave now.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
I love how the creative ways DOB has come up with the avoid addressing the issues. If a post makes valid points about Cox’s incompetence, or correctly calls DOB out for hypocrisy, or just plain calls bs bs, then
1)it’s too long to read
2)he attempts a funny, by insulting the author
3)it’s time to go sit and watch the game with JS (or to smoke cigars with BC)
Shuck and jive all you want chief, the facts will remain. As soon as the Braves get the donkey out of the dugout, they’ll be in position to win something worth playing for.
Relax, I’m not talking another divsion title, tho I know get your wee-wee excited
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this
Mojo Whatever, I can laugh off 99.9 percent of your uninformed and irrelevent posts, but accusing me of going to Kansas State … ohhh, that’s unacceptable. That won’t fly. That’s a bannable offense.
But seriously, how is reprinting lyrics and crediting the writer plagiarizing? Long as you had the dictionary out to get the spelling of the word, you should have let someone read the definition to you.
By bryan
August 29, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this
Dave! No Life’s Rich Pageant … COME ON! HEll, i would take Life’s rich pageant, Automatic, and Murmur every day of the week (no favorite topic of mine than to discuss REM!)
By Dis is de truth
August 29, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
Mojo When is the last time you had a real “rise”? And I’m not talking about the “Boy magazine” induced ones.
By Buck
August 29, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
Darn it, Robert, the ground hog, is back.
And MoJo, who the he!! are you, and why don’t you crawl back under the rock you came out from under. Very soon, everybody will be just skipping everything you post.
Dave, don’t miss any winces tonight, please. Wouldn’t want to be called a homer.
By Scalp 'Em Braves
August 29, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
Grinch:
Dripping with sarcasm? You? More like a leghumper drooling, dripping and slobering. Anyhoo, you are dead on, as usual. Diaz is killing left handers, and he ain’t doing so bad against righties either (mild sarcasm there). I say play him everyday until he goes cold, then throw Willie back in there and hope he gets hot.
Can you believe we are less that 24 hours from kickoff? Are you guys gonna cover this weekend? I got major bucks riding that sez you Smushnoses will beat Robert’s Okras by 6.
By Mark
August 29, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
Well said N8. You are absolutely right.
By Efrim
August 29, 2007 9:26 PM | Link to this
Mark
Agreed. I have no idea why either.
By TennesseePaul
August 29, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
Yunel… wonder how close this kid will get to the ROY
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
UGA-Brave, that’s a good REM story. My ex-wife went to UGA in the early 90s when Stipe was still around Athens a lot, and one day she was getting a coffee somewhere and he was behind her in line and ended up buying it for her.
I saw then in Lawrence in 1983, the tour when Murmur was just getting huge on college radio and Stipe still had the long, curly hair and performed with his back to the crowd much of the night because of his extreme shyness back in the day.
By Mojo Rising
August 29, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
Still no response. Mojo is duly impressed with the respect shown him.
By Mojo Drooping
August 29, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
I stink! I stink so badly that even I can’t stand myself. So I have to inflict my misery on other people. Blah Blah Blah Blah
By Mark
August 29, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
Them Phillies might be for real.
By Buck
August 29, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
Mark: I have been reading this blog for about a month and a half. The reason that guys like KC don’t come on after losses, is the same reason that some of those other bloggers have left (JJS, Paladin, Wayne).
By "Miami" Bennie Hershkowitz
August 29, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
Go Marlins!
We have 2 innings to get 3 runs.
You can do it.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
Bryan, that’s the problem with debating the REM albums. Seriously the first 5-6, or more, were all incredible albums, including Chronic Town, the EP before Murmur.
By Yars
August 29, 2007 9:33 PM | Link to this
I would have to say my all time favorite REM album is UP. Came out back in ‘98. It was their first album without drummer Bill Berry. The album had a tad of a electronica vibe to it, due to the band using drum machines on most tracks. Up wasn’t much of a commercial success. A lot of fans hated it. I liked it. Some hidden gems on it such as Sad Professor, Daysleeper, & my favorite, Lotus.
By Buck
August 29, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
Sounds good Mr. Lew!
By Mojo Drooping
August 29, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
STINK LIKE A GOAT, FLOAT LIKE AN ANVIL
I can stay here all night cause I’ve already worked my shift at Sh!tonlies. And since I have no family, no friends and no life I can blog from now on. So there! Blah Blah Blah Blah
By GermanBravesFan
August 29, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this
Buck: ROBERT just got done playing with his donkey and is now back to insulting DOB and Bobby Cox. It is like “Groundhog Day”… I sure wish he’d be a bit more creative, but that’s too much to hope for from a guy infatuated with carrots and donkeys…
As for Mojo Rising: some people just waste valuable space…
By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////
August 29, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this
this is 3 straight games for Mahay, right??? Well, he’s young, only 36….sigh…
By JJMB
August 29, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
there should be some kind of civil rights group Diaz could appeal to.
By JD
August 29, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this
Robert, long as we’re here, why don’t you go on and let us know what unemployed manager you would hire to replace Cox and give us the reasons you think he’d be more successful (if that’s possible). That is, of course, the other end of firing someone…but you already knew that.
By Scalp 'Em Braves
August 29, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
Wow - Stinky is back, or either SJA got tired of being his obnoxious self, and took on a new moniker. Either way, Mojo, blog all you want - guarantee I won’t read another word of your idiotic posts.
By {{{{Buck}}}}
August 29, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
Whassup with that Berigan? Just wondering?
By Mark
August 29, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
You are right Buck.
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this
Right now, benching Diaz is like benching Chipper or tex, simple, just dont do it and we will be in the playoffs for sure.
Yes….. bobby brings soriano for 1 batter…. that is what soriano is for……. this was the move i called last night when villarreal was lost the game.
Good move bobby….. just listen to your heart man.
Where are all does loved muts fans now??????
If we sweep them…… september will be very interesting…. Could be done if chcuk shows up and acts like a man.
By Supes
August 29, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
Stu, first back off man! Yes I like dealing with facts but if you read the post that you referred to, you took what I said out of context! How convinient for you, giving me Dontrelle’s last 2 years statistically, you don’t think I know those numbers? The question I have for discussion is, what are the chances that he will improve the Braves rotation and find a way to get back to being a dominant pitcher, or at least serviceable pitcher and how much of his problems are associated with being on a bottom dwelling team like the Marlins!
It’s a discussion nothing more. Not facts! The facts statement was referring to “being labeled” a negative guy when you give numbers. That’s all. Don’t try and twist people’s statement’s and last but not least, we are all on the same side, right? We are all Braves fans…with the exception of Anders, MetroMan and the METS trolls that come wondering in here when the METS win and the Braves lose.
Scott Thorman finally gets a HIT and still makes an OUT! Beyond Pathetic and I wish this guy never sees an at bat for the rest of year. Oh no, that’s too negative! I wish him all the best somewhere else next season…the guy has proven to be a mental midget and he can’t handle being given the starter job, or being demoted to a pinch hitter. Don’t let the door hit you on the a** Thor!
Gotta compliment Acosta, the guy looks like a good relief pitcher and he will help the Braves down the stretch and next year.
Matt Diaz=Hitting Fool!
Lineup against the Mets on Friday should be the same, but with BMac and KJ in there at the 6th and 8th spots in the order!
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
Those phillies have just worked their way into striking distance……. wooowwwwwwww.
Tip your hat to them!!!!!!!
Showing guts…… And the race is on!!!
By Mojo Droppings
August 29, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this
I’ll have you know that I never go to the outhouse without a dick-son-ary. I use the pages with writing on them to wipe my mojo, after I salivate over the pictures of those big boys.
By stinky
August 29, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
Someone about to loose they Miller high Life sellin’ privelages. $11.50 for a hamburger. Please.
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Sorry…. muts still can avoid sweep tomorrow, or things could get even worse for them.
By JD
August 29, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Manny Acosta > Joba Chamberlain
By Stu
August 29, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this
Supes, I didn’t mean the “facts” reference as a shot but it obviously came off as one. Sorry.
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this
OOOOOOpppppppppppsssssssssss…… muts back in game.
By The Grinch
August 29, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
Scalp ‘em, even with the rookie o-line and half the skill players suspended the first two games, we ought to be able to cover 6. Keep in mind, that’s a non-SEC school you’re talking about.
Good win, 5-1 in the next six and we may be on to something.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
“Robert, long as we’re here, why don’t you go on and let us know what unemployed manager you would hire to replace Cox and give us the reasons you think he’d be more successful”
Surely. It’s very simple
1.Go get your phone book
2.Lay it down on the kitchen table
3.Close your eyes
4.Open the phone book
5.Point randomly at a name
As long you havent pointed at “Cox, Robert J” or “O’Brien, Dave”, the Braves will be better off than they were with Cox
By Buck
August 29, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
Yes, Mark, it’s because smart a*******e$ can’t just talk about the game, they gotta rip everyone a new one, every time a batter takes a strike.
That stupid manager of ours, why does he let those guys get a strike on them. It’s Bobby’s fault.
That is why some guys don’t frequent the blog on nights the Braves lose.
Why I am usually quiet, which I should be more of, as I will probably p!ss people off otherwise.
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
If we had played smart baseball and had picked up last night game, and one in st louis and one in cincy, we would be sitting at 2 GB muts.
Even only 2 more games won would put us in such a good position……….
Anderson makes such a stupid block on phillies 2b on a slowly roller, no need to, no way they turned the DP, he is called with interference, tying run left at 3b…….. game over……..
WOOOWWWWWW!!!!!
Mighty muts……. Are you scared???????? At least the phillies have shown the race is not over yet. You could find yourselves losing division and padres winning wildcard. how does that tastes?
By Mojo Droppings
August 29, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
Buck Do you need “company” to watch the efing game? Do you blog during sex? Get a life, or a reasonable facsimile.
By bryan
August 29, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this
Yeah, the Flagpole magazine had a really good article about rem around the release of reveal … the opening of the article detailed the writers position that Chronic Town was the (THE) best REM EP and that for rem fans from the beginning nothing every topped those five songs… which is a damn good point… what other band, for their first … and i mean FIRST … release came out with better music … Gardening at Night?!? HA!
read this [http://flagpole.com/Music/RecRev/2002-08-21]
not the article i wanted … but it will make you drive home and flip that dead letter office to side B and drag the needle to the last 5 songs… (or just throw your chronic town ep on like me!)
By Efrim
August 29, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
Grinch
Good win, 5-1 in the next six and we may be on to something.
An act of god. I’m not being negative, but honestly, a miracle.
By Jay Dub
August 29, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
An open apology to Either Orr
Dude, just a note to say I’m sorry. Hope you read it. I do think you needed to give it a rest, but in retrospect I was a bit harsh to you earlier.
I felt convicted of this especially after reading your considerably level-headed post to Mojo Rising (now he is an idiot).
My sincere apologies, sir.
Jay Dub
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
For those of you saying at one point soriano sucked……. he has given just 2 earn runs in las 9 appearances, 10.2 IP.
I told you to be patient. He is back in form.
Bobby needs to stop it with mahay or we will see him perform as bad as soriano at one point. Bobby is doing the same to him as he did with soriano, give him a break.
I tip my hat to bobby as his call turned just fine as mcCan will have 2 days rest and KJ. Just think Jeff needed it more than KJ.
By bryan
August 29, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Mojo rising … go gather throw up beer…
By Ron Roberts
August 29, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
Well, I don’t expect it to happen, but hey, let’s say the Braves shock the world (and this blogosphere, frankly) and sweep the Mutts at home this weekend. That puts us 2 games back with 25 to play. Hell, 2 of 3 (which is what we’ve done every series with them this year makes it a 4-game deficit with 25 to play (and 3 more to play at Shea).
You can dig the hole, fine. But don’t throw dirt on the pine box, just yet.
But, sadly, since the Braves won, all Robert will be able to do tonight, is belabor us with oh-so-witty barbs about nose-picking and mule/burro/donkey references for our future HOF manager who’s somehow still gotten this team in a position to reach the postseason despite losing two opening day roster starters for most/all of the season, losing two of the three key bullpen arms, plus having to overcome supbar offensive output from CF and 1B - two positions we considered position strengths in our batting order in past seasons.
No, instead of trying to bludgeon BObby Cox on merit, or lack thereof, we’ll have to endure regurgiated mis-information and booger-picking or elongated ear jokes.
Braves won; Mets lost. We’re 5 games back of the NL East lead, and 4.5 back of the wild card with plenty of time to change those, and all the scenarios pointing to our doing our own work against the Mets and Phils. We’re in it, it’s September, and realistically, there are over a dozen or more other teams who’d gladly trade places with us.
Signing off.
By KC
August 29, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
Post-Wicky bullpen looks damn good to me. Acosta… 99 with movement… nasty! More great work from Moylan and Mahay, and Soriano looks very comfortable in the closer’s shoes.
My only question is this… is Bobby conducting a lab test on Mahay to see how many pitches a guy has to throw before his arm falls off?
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
What it it withi Acosta? He is lights out…. what a good surprise, just hope bobby understands what he represents
What are the chances of james beating the muts?……… very important!!!!
Im not sure how but braves look far from 1st but still alive!!!!!!
By \\\\\\\\\\BERIGAN//////////
August 29, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Overlord,
If the Braves can’t get in the playoffs, wouldn’t it be nice at least to see the Phils ahead of the Mutts?? Perhaps the Mutts not even getting in at all? Heck, the Dodgers seem to have gotten two starters for nothing(Nothing but money I mean! ;) The Padres and Dodgers ahead of the muts, sweet!!!
By A-ville Ranger
August 29, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
Surely a few of you go back to 1979/1980 or so in Athens…maybe not.I came out of west Ga and :head east: cover bands in Rome.Pylon was the king or queen (Vanessa Ellison) of the scene then.If they’d had REM’s ambition who knows they might be legends themselves.I always say The last waltz is my all time favorite concert film.The documentary :Athens Ga inside/out: is by far the most important film in a personal way though.It’s also a pretty damn good movie.If you were there you’ll recognize Oconee st scenes and much more.Don’t miss REM’s acoustic rendition of the Every Brothers :all I have to do is dream:.
By The Grinch
August 29, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
Robert, are you saying now that Coach, Head and Lady, Carolina have been vaulted past Bobby?
Efrim, I agree it’s unlikely but it certainly isn’t impossible. They’ve been taking 2 of 3 from the Mets all year and they swept the Phillies one series earlier. You never know.
Time to get some work done; Night, all.
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
Whos pitching on saturday? james or cormier?
I heard on the radio it was james but mlb.com is reporting it will be cormier.
By Yars
August 29, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Weekend series against Mets followed by the Phillies coming to the Ted will determine the Braves fate. Just barely enough games left for the Braves to get back into the playoff race. I kinda hope the Phils do sweep the Mets tomorrow. We have to at least win 2 out of 3 against both teams, or do something that would forever change the playoff picture & that would be to sweep. uck it. Go for broke. The Braves have played that type of baseball before, & man is it exciting! now playing *Down In It by Nine Inch Nails.
By KC
August 29, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Owings on the mound tonight for D-Backs against the Padres. Let’s hope he remains sharp. It’d be nice to pick up a game in both the division AND the Wild Card tonight.
No use crying over spilled milk, but if the Braves had gone 7-3 (as they should have) on this road trip instead of 4-6… they’d be 2 games back in the east and in the Wild Card right now.
Oh well. Could be a lot worse that 5 games back right now, and this teams capable of reeling off a big run.
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts actually it would be 1.5 GB if the phillies beat them again tomorrow and we take a 1 day vacation.
By BravesFanInRockies
August 29, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
At least one optimist remains …
Seriously, dude, I’d love to share your good vibes. But last night’s loss still hurts.
If we take two of three from the Mets I might be back on the bandwagon, though.
By Efrim
August 29, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this
KC
No offense man, but why do you only post when the Braves win? You’re an all-star on this blog, no doubt, just wondering. I would like to hear what you have to say after losses as well.
By KC
August 29, 2007 10:32 PM | Link to this
Overlord: I don’t know who’s going, but I hope it’s Cormier. I’m anxious to get James back, but the way Cormier’s been going, I wouldn’t want to mess with him in rhythm. That’s my vote (not that I get one).
By Robert
August 29, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
“our future HOF manager who’s somehow still gotten this team in a position to reach the postseason “
Being within wishing distance of the playoff race when yolu should be a half dozen games out in front is NOT a noteworthy accomplishment
By DAP
August 29, 2007 10:35 PM | Link to this
tampa ditto, dude. back at you.
By Bill Berry
August 29, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
Burn bright through the night, two pockets lead the way Two doors to go between the wall was raised today Two doors remain before your others and your own Keep these books well stocked away and take your happy home
My carpenter’s out and running about, talking to the street My pockets are out and running about Barking in the street to tell what I have hidden there
Burn bright through the night, two pockets lead the way Two doors to go between the wall was raised today Raise the walls and shout its flaws, a carpenter should rest So that when you tire of one side the other serves you best
The hills ringing hear the words in time Listen to the holler, listen to my walls within my tongue Can’t you see you made my ears go tin? The air quicken tension building inference suddenly Life and how to live it
Raise the walls and shout its flaws, a carpenter should rest So that when you tire of one side the other serves you best Read about the wisdom lost, a knock, a knock, a knock A secret knock one hammer’s locked the other wisdom lost
My carpenter’s out and running about, barking in the, listen to the holler My pockets are out and running about Barking in the street to tell what I have hidden there
Listen, listen to the holler, If I write a book it will be called “Life and How to Live It”
By Robert
August 29, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
“Robert, are you saying now that Coach, Head and Lady, Carolina have been vaulted past Bobby?”
Yeah - I dont often AGREE with Coach, but he CAN think outside the box, which puts him several IQ levels above Donk
And Carolina Lady has been wonderful lately
By Stink Y
August 29, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this
Robert, You go BOY. Shout it loud and shout it Proud: Bobby Cox is a lame A** manager!
By Yars
August 29, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this
supes…..if Renteria is out for another week, Bobby would have to be a fool not to start Kelly Johnson at 2B. Sure, he rested him tonight against Dontrelle, but I can’t see him doing that against teams like the Mets & Phillies. He can’t afford to. KJ is the type of player that could change the game with one swing. His bat is needed in the lineup, even if a LH is pitching. Those that say he can’t hit LH pitching need to look at his overall numbers against LH pitching. Not great, but definitely not bad.
By Either Orr
August 29, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
Jay Dub
No problem. We all have some days that are better or worse then others. I’m no stranger to the “over the top” days. (kinda obvious on my part sometimes)
Don’t give it another thought.
By Ron Roberts
August 29, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this
Mojo/Robert… Did I say the Braves would make the postseason?
I’m just pointing out that there’s still plenty of time and opportunity to get the job done.
By KC
August 29, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
Efrim: “No offense man, but why do you only post when the Braves win? You’re an all-star on this blog, no doubt, just wondering. I would like to hear what you have to say after losses as well.”
Efrim, that is a fair question and an astute observation. You’re correct. =)
I’m usually way too pi$$ed off after the Braves lose. Like last night, when the game was over, I threw something across the room and then tried to get my mind off the game.
By Ron Roberts
August 29, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
half a dozen games in FRONT?
Dude, you HAVE lost your mind.
Just because you can manipulate baseball on your out-dated SEGA Genesis in mom’s basement, you think the real thing is that cut-and-dried, too?
Get a clue. Climb the stairs, walk past your mom’s couch, open the front door, and breathe in some fresh air, ODO. You’re delusional now, and I’m guessing it’s from a lack of oxygen, coupled with the exposure to rat droppings in mom’s basement.
By Yars
August 29, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
Man, there is no telling what we’ll get out of Chucky when he comes off the DL. I’m starting to wonder if he’s in the Braves plans for next season. I think a lot of teams would want Chucky. He’s not as good as a Jason Marquis, but he’s not as bad as a Horacio Ramirez.
By KC
August 29, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts: I don’t know what to expect from this team at this point… I really don’t. But you’re absolutely right in saying that the opportunity is still there.
The Braves have the best offense in the league, the best 1-2 punch (Smoltz/Hudson) in the league, and a very good bullpen.
If James is healthy and Cormier keeps going like he has been… the Braves are definitely capable of earning a playoff berth.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 29, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
DOB, in reference to your response to my post from earlier, I hear you. I really do think Cox is a good manager but he just has his faults and those faults have really been exposed the last couple of years. As I said earlier, I think his laid back approach is a good one but sometimes a team needs a kick in the arse. It is just like a team will replace a laid back manager with a fiery manager and vice versa.
I think sometimes Cox’s easy going approach and player loyalty leads to some guys being way too comfortable with their spots on the team. That kind of feeling can (not always) lead to complacency and taking things for granted.
Robert is obsessive compulsive in his “jihad” against Cox. While he makes some very valid points, they tend to get lost among the insults and non-sense he spews. However, just because Robert can be crass in his assessment of Cox doesn’t mean he is wrong. Despite what Robert says Cox is a great manager. But, he could be better and has made his share of mistakes with some idiotic moves.
By Supes
August 29, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this
Stu, thanks for clearing that up, no offense, I’m kind of jumpy myself with all the posts by “drooler” and “NL Chumps” and other trolls. It was a misunderstanding, it happens.
KC
I know what you mean about not posting after a Braves loss. Sometimes it happens to me too. I’m way too upset and I know my comments will not be constructive, and to top that, I know that the trolls will be out in full force baiting us to respond.
Yars
I agree about KJ. His numbers against LH pitchers are not “great” but they are serviceable enough to justify playing him right now at 2B on a daily basis. Plus what happens once the starter is out of the game and they bring in Righties? So yeah, KJ better be in there in the 8th slot on Friday. BMac should be 6th, just to break up the lefty/righty combo and throw in Andruw 7th.
Speaking of Andruw…I dare not “jinx” it, but is he finally “coming out”? They said he had not batted .225 or whatever it is since early June! He had a .300 road trip, right? Some HR’s some 2B’s not bad. I hope and pray he continues his progress against the Mets and Phils. If we have ever needed AJ to step up, it’s now.
By wayne
August 29, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
Dave, So the braves miss out on Loaiza because of his salary. The extra 8 mil next year isn’t worth the few extra games he might win for us….but if we traded the farm for Tex it seems like we were “in for a penny in for a pound.” But if we’ve given up why is Smoltz pitching on 3 days rest?
By Efrim
August 29, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
KC
10:46 Post: I feel ya. Tough year to watch this team. So much talent. Should very well be +5 games better, at least.
10:56 Post: I’m sorry, I have to disagree with you regarding the Braves offense. I really think the Phillies have the best offense in the league. I know the stats don’t support me, but with the two walking hall of famers in the middle of the order, and Rollins and Roward(career year) and Burrell(hottest hitter in NL since July 1), I think they are the best.
I want Smoltz to go against Moyer in the Phillies series on Monday.
You have to play the next six games as if it is one series. I am not sure if that makes sense, but right now, with the pitching matchups being the way they are, I think we could afford to go with Smoltz on Monday. We don’t see Oliver Perez or El Duque. John Maine, Philip Humber, and Tom Glavine. We should hit them all.
Please BC, go with Hudson, James, and Cormier. Then follow up with Smoltz, Carlyle and Hudson. Please Bobby. Make the right move.
By Milton
August 29, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this
Regular reader, rare blogger…must say the blog was a much better read when Journalist Jimmy Smith, Carolina Lady, Tennesse Paul, etc. were posting regularly. Is it possible to make a trade of bloggers? I’ll trade two Mojos and a Stinky for Jimmy Smith and a minor league prospect.
Oh, and I was raised to show respect for one’s host. DOB, you have mine. Thanks for the time and energy you put into the blog. Most of us appreciate it.
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this
Berigan the phillies are putting the phillies on the ropes….
We could catch them if phillies beat them tomorrow and we sweep them.
Do you know how is pitching on saturday.
Right now the phillies are showing courage.
Ill say…..lets go braves…….. dont let bobby cox beat you…….hahaha.
By Mojo Falling
August 29, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts try stating something other than the obvious, or something that’s already been said by others.
By gotigers72
August 29, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this
Don’t get me wrong, because I have criticized BC some this year, including tonight, but shouldn’t posters whose only reason is to come on here and blast him night after night be banned? They add nothing to the discussion on this board. The same goes for posters that come on and try to goad DOB into mentioning their unworthy website names 50 times per night, by trashing him and what he does. [DOB does a great job in my book]. That poster adds nothing to the discussion either, which is supposedly about baseball in general and the Braves in particular.
Those types remind me of self absorbed 2 year olds who will do anything to grab attention. Haven’t grown up, never will. Your stuff ain’t funny or interesting now, nor will it ever be. Just tiresome and boring. No wonder you stay on here so much. You aren’t interesting enough to have friends or a real life.
Thorman gets his only hit of the month, then gets thrown out by 20 feet at second base trying to stretch. Good job Scotty! You continue to impress.
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this
KC i also hope its cormier, Braves need to win right now, and part from there. Get confidence back.
We could be as close as 1.5 GB by sunday midnight , even 3.5 would be very very good.
Carlyle gave us all we needed.
Acosta is doing good job.
Even Yates is steping up……in his own way, but he is doing it.
I just hope Matt plays 80% the rest of the way inclunding next 3 against muts.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
Asked Bobby after the game if he’s not tempted to use Diaz more instead of a straight platoon, and he said, “It�s been a real good platoon. Wasn�t long ago you guys wanted Willy to play.”
In other words, no, he’s not going to change it (much as I agree with most of you that he should.)
I was about to explain to him that that answer would not satisfy some of our angry bloggers, but he was too intent on watching the Yankees-Red Sox game in his office, and had a tone and a smile that, of course, a few here wouldn’t understand means, “That’s your answer. Period.”
A few who perhaps work in a, oh, i don’t know, a more gentle environment than the locker rooms and clubhouses of professional sports, especially the locker rooms and clubhouses of teams that are in the midst of disappointing seasons and don’t really feel obligated to entertain your every question or defend their every move.
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
Efrim, braves need to win now, they cant wait any more, a sweep to the mets is the only way. 2/3 aint good enough. They need to pitch smoltz against the muts and they can start thinking about phillies.
What importance would it have to pitch smoltz against phillies if they only win 2/3 from muts? They need to put muts on check. Makes everything close and then think about what they will do next week.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this
Overlord, tentative plan is still Chuck James for Saturday. Don’t go by what you read there in these cases. The game notes still say “undetermined” so they’ve got Cormier listed since it would be his regular turn. But before game, I was told plan was Chuck James for Saturday. They just don’t want to announce it yet.
Hey, I guess they figure any minute advantage they can get at this stage, even if it’s not letting the Mets know who’s pitching Saturday until, say, Friday.
By David O'Brien
August 29, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
So true, GoTigers.
By Mr Fury
August 29, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
If Frenchy takes a night off, who plays right field? I know that he catches a lot of grief here but I would love to see Thorman take a shot at it. I really like his swing. I also like the young pitchers we have in the bullpen.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 11:35 PM | Link to this
“I have criticized BC some this year, including tonight, but shouldn’t posters whose only reason is to come on here and blast him night after night be banned? They add nothing to the discussion on this board”
Ban me if you want. Avoiding, trying to cover up, or hiding from the truth doesnt change the truth.
If Cox sticks to the plan he made public late in spring training, then by June of ‘09, it should be clear to everyone how much I was adding to the blog
By Overlord
August 29, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
Thanks for you explanation DOB, as things are looking last few games, i just hope it is Cormier, he has looked good to me. But if it James, maybe he could give us his 5 innings, even that could be good enough if it is 5 innings of 3 runs. The REASON, bullpen will be rested as today some of them rested, tomorrow theyll rest and it is tim on friday. So bullpen might be relatively (not 100%) fresh, sounds fair to me.
One things that could help James is that if Santa Claus reads our letters, phillies beat muts tomorrow and tim shuts them down…… that will put lots of pressure on muts when james turn gets here, not much but at least a little on his advantage.
How is James feeling? has he pitch any games in AAA or something??? or was he just resting and playing catch and some throws from mound?
By flbravesgirl
August 29, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this
Missed a good chunk of the game due to power outage but as long as the results are good I’m happy. Do y’all think the Marlins’ have nightmares about Diaz?
Milton, 100% agreed with your 11:14. Wish some of our old friends would stop in again (or more often in some cases).
Lew, I never said the Grinch would be dressed like that for the presentation! Besides, the battleaxe & horned helmet are probably packed away while he has the manor worked on.
By Chop Chop
August 29, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
With all due respect to Frank Zappa…
Matty knows a lot about hittin’
That’s why I blogged this song
One in the platoon is better than the other
And that other one’s played too long
The Marlins can’t hang wit ‘em
The Diaz batter’s box rhythm
He’s on the bench most every night
And we’re hoping that Bobby might get it right
Matty’s a…hittin’ fool, Matt’s a hittin’ fool
The Fish look beat, I’m outta my seat, Florida can’t compete ‘cuz Matty’s a hittin’ fool
The Braves fans are all stressed out
Like they’z fit to kill
Matt walks up an’ sees ‘em there
Gonna give ‘em all a thrill
When they see him comin’
They all comes alive
They has a fit while he commits
His baseball homicide
He’s a hittin’ fool, Matty’s a hittin’ fool
The hits go on
And Bobby’s wrong
The hits go on
And Bobby’s wrong
The hits go on and Bobby’s wrong
The hits go on and Bobby’s wrong
The hits go on and Bobby’s wrong
Bobby may be totally wrong but Matt’s a hittin’ fool
Bobby may be totally wrong but Matt’s a hittin’ fool
Yowza, yowza, yowza!
We’ve got it all together now
With our very own batting champ, hey!
His stance is awkward, his swing is kooky
And his fielding’s kinda average
Matty’s really something
That’s what you’d probably say
So post your little post
And drink your little drink
While Matty sprays the ball today
Matt’s a hittin’ fool, Matt’s a hittin’ fool
Bobby may be totally wrong, but Matt’s a…
Bobby may be totally wrong, but Matt’s a…
Bobby may be totally wrong, but Matt’s a…
Bobby may be totally wrong, but Matty’s a foooooool
By Robert
August 29, 2007 11:48 PM | Link to this
“Asked Bobby after the game if he’s not tempted to use Diaz more instead of a straight platoon, and he said
HEEEEE HAWWWWWW!
And then he did it again with emphasis indicating to DON that that was his answer, period.
By Robert
August 29, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this
” was about to explain to him that that answer would not satisfy some of our angry bloggers, but he was too intent on watching the Yankees-Red Sox game in his office,”
So, DOB, I’m betting you didnt ask the next obvious question, which is
“So jackass, why are you watching American League baseball instead of studying the teams that you are gonna have to beat in September to have any chance of making the postseason?”
By Supes
August 29, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this
DOB, we appreciate the info you give to us on the blog about what Bobby or some of the players say, but if that is Bobby’s answer…well just damn! Finally an explanation for why the Braves have only 1 WS ring, and should have at least 3! Probably the worst answer ever. I wish Bobby would look at the fraking numbers and be objective, but of course that doesn’t figure in being loyal. No wonder players want to play for him, they can under perform and keep their job, they can go 5K’s in a game and he still will praise something they did instead of point out the obvious, that they stunk up the joint!
I will rejoyce the day Bobby Cox is no longer managing the Braves and they will finally be able to win their second WS title!
Numbers don’t lie:
Matt Diaz is hitting above .300 against RH and LH pitching! What more does Bobby need to be told! I guess he’s not watching the guy just rake the ball all over the park, even his “outs” are line drives right at people right now! Play the hot hand bobby!!!
By Bo
August 29, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this
TampaBrave-I agree DOB was a smarta*# to you yesterday over CJ. DOB don’t watch game on TV, If he did he could see the pain on Chippers face. He could have also seen AJ call for the ball in lcf many times. The broadcaster showed it several time telling everyone that AJ was call for ball. DOB works for ajc but depends on players and JS, BC for info so he has to be loyal to them. You were right he was wrong. Let it go he has to live with it not you.
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this
Robert for the 1st time ill have to disagree with you. Let the old man what some real baseball teams, maybe he will learn something from good managers. Plus he needs to know what are the bosox and yanks are made of in case we get that far.
But i get your point, which is valid.
By Brian
August 30, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this
Did Bobby really just say he “wished Diaz had more at-bats”? Uh, can’t he do something about that besides wish??? Wow. Maybe Robert’s onto something.
By New Braves GM
August 30, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this
First, let me introduce myself. I am Shure Johnholtz, the new GM. If I look strangely like John Schuerholz with a mullet, then it is purely a coincidence. I wanted to give you a heads up for the upcoming winter and spring for your Atlanta Braves.
I have arranged to trade Edgar Renteria, Oscar Villarreal and Dan Smith to Oakland for Joe Blanton. In addition, I will also sign Matt Clement to an incentive laden contract this winter. He, Mike Hampton, Lance Cormier, Anthony Lerew, and JoJo Reyes will battle in spring training for the 5th and 6th spot, the 6th spot serving as the long reliever. So, we will have Smoltz, Hudson, Blanton and James in the 1-4 slots.
Sadly, I must allow Andruw to leave. Thank you for all the fantastic plays and long homeruns, and good luck with the Yankees in New York City. I also will sign a Georgia boy, Cory Patterson to a 3 year contract to play centerfield. He will also bat leadoff, so long as he is able to keep his average over 275 and his OBP over .330.
In left field, it will be Matt Diaz getting the lions share of the at bats, with Brandon Jones as his ocassional platoon partner. Jeff Francouer, while capable of playing centerfield, is too valuable in right with that cannon for an arm.
While we will miss Edgar Renteria, with Kelly Johnson, Yunel Escobar and Chipper Jones manning second, short and third, we should not miss a beat. If someone has an injury, we will use one of our two utility players, Brent Lillibridge and Willie Aybar. Brayan Pena will serve as Brian McCann’s primary backup and will also fill in as needed at the corner infield positions. I have also arranged another trade to Texas of Scott Thorman for their catcher, Gerald Laird.
Our closers position will be filled after a springtime audition of the following pitchers: Rafael Soriano, Tyler Yates, Joey Devine, and Peter Moylan. When Mike Gonzalez returns, he will have every opportunity to close out games also. Our lefty specialists will be Ron Mahay and/or Royce Ring. The remainder of the pen will be filled from the ranks of Manny Acosta, Jose Ascanio and Chad Paronto. Those who do not make the final cut, will pitch at Richmond and hone their skills for the time when they are needed.
We have some real up and coming talent in the lower minors that you should be aware of. Remember the names of Campbell, Johnson, Heyward, Schafer Hernandez and Esquivel. Pitchers to watch our for are Hanson, Locke, Rohrbough, Medlen, Evarts and Bueno, just to mention a few.
So after our close run in 2007, we will return to the top of the heap in 2008, with a new manager at the helm (to appease Robert and others). His name is Cox Roberts. If he looks strangely like Bobby Cox, but with blonde hair and 40 pounds thinner, that is just a coincidence.
Thank you for your continued support of the great team, the Atlanta Braves!
Sincerely,
Shure Johnholtz
By fastasballs
August 30, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this
A much needed win tonight. Good pitching all around, especially Acosta & Soriano. Carlyle pitched fairly well.
How much heat would be on the Mets had the Braves won the last starts of Hudson & Smotlz. Potentially would have been a 2 1/2 game lead going into Fridays game.
They need to sweep either the Mets or Phillies & take 2/3 from the other. Tall order? That’s an understatement.
Well I guess we have our answer as to Diaz starting Friday. Can’t say I’m shocked at all. Hopefully Cox at least moves Harris to 8th in the order, but I doubt it. It’s almost as if Cox continues with a bad strategy much longer than he would normally just because he is being critisized about it.
I will applaud Cox for resting McCann & KJ tonight. They needed the extra day, Frenchy could have used two days as well, but he beats up Willis & there was really nobody else to play right field.
DOB Any idea on Sept call ups? I assume Paranto, Pena, Prado, Ring, & Franco are locks. Brandon Jones or Lillibridge?
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this
Actually, he might have had an NL game on. The Yankees-Sox game was on in the clubhouse, but I think Bobby was watching an NL game. I forget which one.
But nice to know your vitriol bubbles past midnight, well-adjusted adult (he says, raising eyebrows to signal genuine concern).
By TampaBrave
August 30, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this
DOB
Forget the finder’s fee on the Chipper injury situation, its on me:) Glad to see you didn’t take your toys and go home. Good man!!
STU
You commented that Escobar is overrated and will soon go the way of Willie “Malaise” Harris. What in the world makes you think that? The guy hits in the clutch, hits to all fields and is a much better defensive SS than Edgar. I love Edgar, but you can’t deny the talent level of Escobar. And he’s young and much more affordable. Either keep Renteria at 2B or trade for a 2 or 3 pitcher.
If Cox puts Harris in the leadoff spot one more time, I’m done. Its one thing if he plays, another if he’s popping up in the LO spot.
By Braves Fan 79
August 30, 2007 12:09 AM | Link to this
Grinch: u saying college football is the sport of the gods is almost as bad as saying your hardcore about the WNBA. In what other sport can u go UNDEFEATED and STILL have NO chance at a title? Utter retardation. U cant even compare March Madness to the Crap that is the who givesashit.com bowl.
Until theres a playoff, college football will ALWAYS BE A JOKE!
And this is coming from someone whos a Falcons fan as well as a Ga tech/Uga fan. But whats the point when before the season starts u already know you can get 2nd or 3rd at best? Ga tech could go undefeated and STILL be 3rd or 4th in the rankings at the end. Oyea…the real champ last year: BOISE STATE!
By fastasballs
August 30, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this
Pads just took the lead in the 8th
By fastasballs
August 30, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this
Bravesfan79 Isn’t being a Ga Tech & UGA fan some kind of sin in Georgia?
I’m a Hokie & couldn’t root for UVA, AKA “The French”.
By New Braves GM
August 30, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this
And Mr. O’Brien, thanks for being an ace number one blog jockey. The Braves management appreciates your objectivity and your hard work for the bloggers, who are the primary fans that we aspire to please.
You will see in 2008 that we will have a weekly forum to take suggestions from your best bloggers, you know, guys like Coach, Robert, N8, and others. We do aim to please 110% of the Atlanta Braves fans.
Forgot to mention in the previous post that I have also signed Mark Teixeira to a 5 year, $90 million dollar contract, with options for years 6-8. We will enjoy his batting heroics and fantastic glovework for many years to come.
And those two young men from Auburn, if they don’t screw up Friday night, will be our new broadcast team. We are sending the Caray’s back to Chicago.
By GermanBravesFan
August 30, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this
ROBERT: did your donkey go to sleep already since you are still here? Won’t he feel lonely in the stable without you?
By Dad
August 30, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this
After the Mets sweep the Braves in Atlanta, starting Friday, the Braves will not only be “limping in September”. They will be in a total collapse. By sweeping the Braves, the Mets will put the Braves out of their misery. The Braves will fall to 8 games behind the Mets. It will, then, be impossible for the Braves to catch the Mets. Braves fans lets together go ahead and concede the NL East Title to the Mets. Too bad the Braves can’t even make the playoffs. The Braves had their “day in the sun”. The Braves will now lose in 14 consecutive attempts to win the NL East.
By New Braves GM
August 30, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this
Dad, you obviously didn’t catch my glimpse into the future. Actually, the Braves SWEEP your pitiful Mets this weekend, and eventually pull ahead of BOTH the Mets and Phillies. We win the NL playoffs, and lose in game 7 of the World Series against the California Angels. (they DO have angels in the outfield).
As for next year, even geritol will not help your fledgling Mets. But you are welcome to move on over from the dark side, and join forces with the team of the next decade, YOUR Atlanta Braves, The World’s Team!
By GermanBravesFan
August 30, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this
Dad: how many more times will a Mets fan come on here and predict a Mets sweep over the Braves? Have you checked lately how the Mets have done thus far against the Braves? They were lucky to win one of the three games last time… I think it’ll be quite the opposite: Braves sweep the Mets and with that, the Phillies will move into first place!
By Todd A
August 30, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this
“Good win, 5-1 in the next six and we may be on to something.”
I would take 4-2 in that stretch. 5-1 and it’s hello Atlanta.
*”Surely. It’s very simple
1.Go get your phone book
2.Lay it down on the kitchen table
3.Close your eyes
4.Open the phone book
5.Point randomly at a name
As long you havent pointed at “Cox, Robert J” or “O’Brien, Dave”, the Braves will be better off than they were with Cox”*
Now, that’s comedy right there. Of course, with all due respect to DOB.
“Man, there is no telling what we’ll get out of Chucky when he comes off the DL”
Whatever it is, I guarantee it won’t be over 5 innings.
“No use crying over spilled milk, but if the Braves had gone 7-3 (as they should have) on this road trip instead of 4-6… they’d be 2 games back in the east and in the Wild Card right now.”
I hope the Braves don’t try and put a number on this homestand like they did before they hit the road. Just go out, play ball, and take it one game at a time. This team hasn’t responded well, at all, to pressure this month.
“Robert, long as we’re here, why don’t you go on and let us know what unemployed manager you would hire to replace Cox and give us the reasons you think he’d be more successful (if that’s possible).”
Better question is, who would even be able to manage this team when Bobby decides to retire? The Braves will probably have to turn it over to Pendleton (I hope not), because the players will likely revolt if an outsider comes in, and asks them to start executing at the basic fundamentals, stretching, getting in shape, running out ground balls etc. The Braves will probably have to make wholesale changes to their roster when Bobby leaves.
Apparently, Smoltz went to Bobby and asked him to break him and Huddy up in the rotation, to keep the 3, 4, and 5 starters from going back to back to back. Maybe they can get on a streak and not tax the pen? Makes perfectly good sense. Wonder why Bobby didn’t think of it earlier? Maybe Smoltzie will go to Cox tonight and tell him to play Diaz everyday while he’s hot?
By Braves Fan 79
August 30, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this
Dad: man your half retarted if u think the mets can win 14 division titles in a row. 1: there not that good! 2: there OLD!
And Fastasballs I have my football favorites/rankings…and Ga tech is tops regardless. But UGA is #2, AL #3 (parents went there before moving to Ga) and Notre Dame #4.
Now i do have my teams i root hardcore against: USC, Florida, Miami,and especially Colorado! (aparently raping a woman is ok if shes “only the kicker”) Now when it comes to Basketball im hardcore GT.
By TLJ
August 30, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this
Dad,
Just saw you comments regarding Braves losing 14 consecutive attempts to win the NL east. You may be right after all you’re probably an expert at this since it took your MUTTS 20 years to win a division title. When your MUTTS win another 13 in a row then we can talk. OOPS I forgot It’s doubtful anyone will win 14 division in a row. I guess you can dream though.
Go ahead and eat your heart out because you know there is no way the MUTTS will ever come close to what the braves did. You guys really are jealous. It must really be something always to come in second. In the NL it has always been the braves and in the NY it’s always been the Yankees. Have a nice night LOSERS.
By Robert
August 30, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this
“Actually, he might have had an NL game on. “
Yeah whatever. Nice to see you so succinctly express your attitude regarding accuracy in reporting
By BravesDave
August 30, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this
It is official. After reading Cox’s answer regarding Diaz getting more regular playing time, I will now be referring to Bobby Cox as “Donk”, a la Robert. In addition, all of my posts in the future will include at least one sentence related to the inadequacies of Bobby Cox as Braves manager.
What kind of nonsense answer was that? Sounds like a spiteful child.
By Dwight Onkst
August 30, 2007 1:08 AM | Link to this
Recipe to possibly pull out the wildcard:
Bring up Brandon Jones OF, Prado 2B, Pena C, Franco PH, Blanco PR; Boyer P; Devine P; Ring P; From the DL: Renteria, Doyel, and James.
Use as many pitchers as you need, with Boyer, Villarreal, and Reyes in long relief or in our case, early inning relief.
Put Escobar at leadoff and leave him there. Put Diaz in LF against all types of pitching.
Give Brandon Jones some playing time to rest Andruw and Jeff.
Don’t use Woodward at all and Thorman at all.
Use Prado to relieve Chipper if he needs it and platoon Prado at 2nd.
Have Pendleton teach them how to bunt. Hit and run some to stay out of DP’s.
Use Acosta more. He has not given up an earned run in the majors.
Use Ascanio and Devine more. They are ready.
By fastasballs
August 30, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this
Ah the lone Muts fan comes to talk crap shortly after the Muts were totally shut down by perineal Cy Young candidate Jamie Moyer. Even in the 9th they had a chance to tie the score until that needless tumble into the 2nd baseman by Anderson cost you a chance in extras.
They only streak the Muts have going is 4 losses in row, 5 after tomorrow, & possibly 8 once the Braves are done with them. Your best shot at winning a game is the middle game & even then a rook is taking the mound. What happened to Sosa? Thought he was going to carry you guys?
You know the Muts fans are strarting to sweat a bit. Think about it this way Muts followers, the Braves & Phillies have already had their meltdowns, yet the Muts may be about to experience one at the worst time imaginable. The Braves may very well not be able to catch the Muts, but the Phillies without a doubt can.
By gotigers72
August 30, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this
new braves GM - Shure johnholtz I like your ideas for 2008. Like ‘em a lot. Hope you get the job!
fastasballs - I think they will bring Brandon Jones or another outfielder up Saturday so they won’t get caught like they did when they had to play Pete Orr in the OF. Other callups IMO - Julio, Brayan Pena, Devine, Prado, maybe Paronto. I would say some more pitchers, but I think if they had any in mind, they would already be here! Maybe one more LH bat, cause Thorman sure ain’t gettin’ it done.
By Blog Monitor
August 30, 2007 1:18 AM | Link to this
Now it is official, Robert and BravesDave are joined at the proverbial hip. And alas, it has been said that BravesDave would not resort to name calling on the blog.
As one who has departed would state, oh, the humanity!
Now, if we can just get N8 to resort to using the “Donk” expression, then my life will be complete as the blog monitor.
By Groundhog Day Redux
August 30, 2007 1:25 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 Groundhog Day Redux
August 30, 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 fastasballs
August 30, 2007 1:27 AM | Link to this
“I wish he had enough at-bats — he’d lead the league in hitting,” manager Bobby Cox said.
What will Diaz think when he reads this tomorrow?
That has to be the single dumbest quote by a manager referring to one of his own players that I have ever read. You only say this about a player who doesn’t have enough AB’s because he had been DL’d the majority of the year or a call up who only has a few months of AB’s.
Is Cox speaking as a fan? A Manager? Does he not know he controls who plays & when? If you really wished that Diaz had more at bats then it would come true. This isn’t rocket science.
It’s hard to stay positive when you read a quote like that by the manager. I’ll give Cox credit he rested KJ & McCann against a normally tough lefty, it will pay off this weekend. Also I saw a hit & run for the first time in maybe a decade. Maybe Woodward missed a sign or decided to steal on his own & Miller was just trying to protect Woodward who had missed a sign.
By Blog Monitor Monitor
August 30, 2007 1:28 AM | Link to this
Note to Blog Monitor, BravesDave stated that he would not utilize name-calling in relation to players.
When Bobby Cox treats reporters, fans, and his own players like idiots with his reference to people calling for Willie to play more previously, what respect does he deserve? He is consistently putting a substandard lineup on the field, hitting a guy at leadoff that had not performed well in the leadoff role, leaving a .350 hitter on the bench more often than not.
Also, Blog Monitor, I assume by reading your humorous post that you understand sarcasm, so don’t take BravesDave’s post literally.
Thank you for your time.
By GeorgetownKid
August 30, 2007 1:33 AM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien,
What is your sense as to why Cox is so reluctant to play Diaz full-time?
Does he not have faith in him as a full-time hitter (which would be odd as he has proven his ability to hit right-handers)?
Or is he concerned that benching Harris will preclude him ever emerging from his slump?
I just can’t see a reasonable explanation as to why one would sit the team’s hottest and most consistent hitter.
By Wilson
August 30, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this
How long til Diaz takes a bat to Willie’s knee? Hell, he’s hitting everything else. Please Bobby, end this crap! I’m so sick of watching Willie Harris watch 5 pitches every at-bat. Geez, if Bobby insists on playing him, will he at least entertain the idea of moving KJ back to the lead-off spot? Can you ask Cox about that DOB?
By fastasballs
August 30, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this
gotigers72
It slipped my mind about Devine. I forgot he had boarded the Richmond shuttle bus service again. Even when he’s here he rarely pitches.
The only other outfielder I think could be called up is Blanco. They have three stud OF’s in the system: Brandon Jones, Jordan Shafer & Cody Johnson (2006 #1 pick). All having great seasons.
There is a lot of talent down in the lower minor leagues. There is a slew of pitching prospects, including many power arms like Rohrbough. These people who think the Braves traded the farm for Tex are wrong. The only player I didn’t like trading was N. Feliz (power arm). They are stacked with infielders & with Escobar & KJ there isn’t room for many of them.
I would be wiling to bet Edgar is moved for pitching in the off season. Escobar is much better than I thought he would be, he has exceptional baseball instincts & is fundamentally sound.
By Todd A
August 30, 2007 1:56 AM | Link to this
DOB, you know it’s bad when you hear the announcers questioning why Diaz isn’t playing full time right now, at least while he’s hot. I heard both Pete and Joe make mention of it tonight.
It seems Cox would rather keep everyone happy, than maximize his available resources to try and get into post-season. And people wonder why we have one WS in 14 playoff appearances? Unreal. Still think it’s a crap shoot? Ask the Chicago Cubs. First playoff win in 95 years, against…. you guessed it. Houston Astros, in nearly 40 years of existence?Yep, them too. Is it Sept ‘08 yet?
By Todd A
August 30, 2007 2:01 AM | Link to this
“new braves GM - Shure johnholtz I like your ideas for 2008. Like ‘em a lot. Hope you get the job!”
Ditto goes for me.
By Eugene
August 30, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this
To me this season for the Braves has been like watching a Kenny Roger’s movie, 1 big gamble after another. “You gotta know when to hold them and when to fold them.”
However since these Braves are mostly youngsters it might serve them well to take time out to listen to that old Southern band of brothers, the Allman Brothers, as mental preparation for their series with Mets. “We’re all brothers on the road. Just like you we bear a heavy load. Been through hell and back again. If we don’t lose we’re bound to win.”
By fastasballs
August 30, 2007 2:13 AM | Link to this
Todd A
The Marlin announcers were absolutely amazed he didn’t start lasy night’s game. They were almost thanking Cox for leaving him on the bench & starting Willie.
On another listening to the Marlin announcers was like old times listening to Skip, Pete, Sterling & Ernie Johnson back in the mid 80’s. They have a lot of time on their hands, but keep things rolling along with entertaining comments about fans or lack of. Last night they read emails the entire game, well the ones they said wasn’t too vulgar, which eliminated most of them.
By Metropolitan Man
August 30, 2007 3:01 AM | Link to this
This is crazy, you get hyped one week just to be let down in the next. Ok, this METS fan was forced to eat humble pie by the philthies so far. I was hoping for at least a split, but not a possible philthies sweep. So take solace braves fans, some METS fans have hit the panic button and we know you guys are on deck. This may all be moot next week, but this week I am not as comfortable as I was last week. Now I know no one wants to lose to the braves this weekend…again!!!
LETS GO METS!!!
By cdinala
August 30, 2007 5:52 AM | Link to this
Anyone else chuckle at Cox’s remark that it was a shame Diaz didn’t have enough at-bats to qualify for the batting title? Cox and Yogi Berra were teammates, weren’t they?
By wjones
August 30, 2007 7:01 AM | Link to this
No, Bobby and Yogi weren’t teamates. The Braves traded Bobby to the Yankees after the 1967 season, getting Bob Tillman and Dale Roberts in return. Yogi had long since been retired. I’m not sure if Yogi was a Yankee coach then or not…I’m thinking he was still with the Mets then. The comment was kind of Yogi-ish though, right?
By TampaBrave
August 30, 2007 7:36 AM | Link to this
DOB
Asked Bobby after the game if he’s not tempted to use Diaz more instead of a straight platoon, and he said, “It’s been a real good platoon. Wasn’t long ago you guys wanted Willy to play.”
Did you think about pointing out the operative word, “been”?
BC obviously is not a surfer because if you are not riding a good wave, you are looking for the next one. Time to let that wave fizzle out and get the next one BC.
I love BC. I have fought in the BC army against the Axis of Evil, Robert, N8 and all the other BC terrorists. My stint is over and some other poor schlep is in my foxhole. I remain in the reserves, which probably means I’ll be back on the front lines anytime now. We must fight them on here so they don’t follow us home.
That being said, I like that BCs frenetic managerial style yields long term results, but I wish he’d use the facts on the ground to make those situational moves that could produce the next big wave. And remember this, Charlie don’t surf.
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this
I see where “Robert” and “BravesDave” have “joined” forces. Now, there’s a pair—of deuces/dunces.
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
Now DOB, no matter what kind of mood BC is in, you ask him those questions that your “fans” want answered, y’hear. Braveheart will kiss your @SS, and make it well, when you get tossed out of the office. :>)
By Chad
August 30, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this
Hey DOB, Is there any word on Wickman? Are there any teams interested and do you think he will be traded by 8/31? Also, is he eligable to be traded after 8/31 because he was DFA’d prior? Thanks!
By Tomahawkin' Again
August 30, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this
“I wish he had enough at-bats — he’d lead the league in hitting,” manager Bobby Cox said about Diaz. I had to pick my jaw off my desk @ work after I read that this morning. Like I typed during Wednesday’s night debacle, not one of the animal-fetish obsessed Cox-haters, actually think he is going to be remembered as one of the best 4-5 managers in the history of MLB…but, WTF?! That comment is simply one of the most moronic things I have ever read from Bobby. “I wish he had enough at-bats”…I hope Willie stops holding that gun to Bobby’s head forcing him to play him. A guy batting almost .360 is on the bench every other game during the pennant race…sometimes Bobby, maybe the fans who can’t stand you have a point. Free Diaz!
By Efrim
August 30, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
Start chasing the D-Backs folks. The Padres are on a roll. I hope this series signals their collapse. It would be great.
19-9 the rest of the way.
Can it be done???
By Braveheart
August 30, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this
Well, i guess he answered my question. He does realize he has a batting champ on the bench. He just does not realize what to do about it.
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this
Got a few minutes here before my 9:49 a.m. flight. While I’m thinking about it, best pure country album I’ve heard this year might be the new Dwight Yoakam album coming ou in October. It’s all Buck Owens covers, Yoakam being a fellow practitioner of the “Bakersfield Sound” and all. It’s outstanding. Another loaner from my man Don at Ella Guru records in Atlanta (Don, I’ll get that and the new Steve Earle CD back to you today or tomorrow. Sorry about the delay, pal, but had to take them with me for the long drive to the stadium in Florida…)
Chad, nothing on Wickman yet, any interested teams probably just be waiting until after 10 days when they can pick him up for a song (as a free agent, no trade needed, etc)….
Todd A, I’m with you — and the announcers. He should be playing full time, which is why I asked Bobby if he’s thought of doing it.
By Robert
August 30, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
“That comment is simply one of the most moronic things I have ever read from Bobby. “
Nah! It IS one of the most moronic things I have ever read or heard, but for Bobby, it’s par for the course.
He actually said something similar about Betemit last year, something like, “He (Betemit) needs to be playing more)
“The Braves traded Bobby to the Yankees after the 1967 season”
Any CHANCE we could pull it off again?
By Bob
August 30, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
I have grown so weary of Bobby Cox. What an idiot. Diaz would have enough at bats if he didn’t have such a dumb_ manager. What other team has a 350 hitter that rides the bench half the time? I bet the Marlins sure were glad he wasn’t in the lineup Monday. BC is and has always been too much of a players coach. He doesn’t have the balls, courage and/or smarts to sit players that aren’t performing and replace them with players that are.
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
TampaBrave, I am home, my man. I am home.
You’re visiting. But you’re welcome anytime.
By Robert
August 30, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
JS - (on the line with the Yankees front office) - Hey dudes, check this out. We’ll give you Orr, Thorman, and Cox
(click)
JS - (dialing back) No, you dont understand. You dont give us anybody back. We just give you Orr, Thorman, and Cox.
(click)
JS - (to himself) ok W - White Sox , Y- Yankees - awright, back to A - A’s (starts dialing the phone)
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
“Robert” is out-and-about early, today. Must be dumpster pick-up day.
By MLB(all teams)
August 30, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
JS WE WILL TAKE COX!! Those throw-ins, you can keep.
By New Braves GM
August 30, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
My new manager, Mr. Cox Roberts will not have any issues listening and acting on blog recommendations.
By KC
August 30, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
DOB: Awfully disappointing news about BC’s unwillingness to play Diaz everyday. VERY disappointing.
I’m as big a Willy backer as there has been, but with your backs against the wall heading into Sept. you’ve got to go with the hot hand.
Besides, it certainly appears that if Diaz gets 550-plus at-bats, he’ll hit better than .300 with over 200 hits, around 20 homers and 80-110 RBI (depending on where he hits). Is that the kind of guy you platoon????????
That platoon made sense when BC started it, but Diaz has improved as a hitter this year… which considering how good he was already, is kind of scary. But with this power stroke he’s discovered, Diaz looks not only like an everyday player… he looks like an all-star.
Has BC seen that stat they show every night on the Braves telecasts… the fact that of all players with at least 500 ABs over the past 2 seasons, Diaz leads all of Major League Baseball in hitting (over the likes of Ichiro, Jeter, and Cabrerra).
Come on Bobby, I love Willie… BUT YOU HAVE GOT TO KEEP DIAZ IN THE LINEUP EVERYDAY!!!!!!!
By KC
August 30, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
What if the Mets drop each of the next 2 series (against the Braves and Phillies). That would be the biggest choke job I’ve ever witnessed. To lose 8 games in a 10 game stretch against your division rivals… wow. That would be something. Let’s hope we can contribute to the cause.
By Robert
August 30, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
“JS WE WILL TAKE COX!!”
You know, that’s what they want the Braves and their fans to think. And they have done a great job, cuz noone believes the crap more than Braves fans.
But if the rubber came to the road, they’d find some way to back out
“Um, ah, we just wanna go in a different direction”
“Um, it just doesnt fit well for us right now”
“Gee, we wish we could, but um, oh, oh gotta go”
“Cox? Like with a C? Oh, we thought you said ROCKS. No, sorry, we’ll have to pass.”
By KC
August 30, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
If the rotations hold, here are the pitching matchups for the weekend series:
FRI: Hudson VS. Maine
SAT: James VS. Lawrence
SUN: Smoltz VS. Glavine
If those are in fact the matchups, all 3 are favorable… on paper anyway.
John Maine’s September ERA is 7.77, and he hasn’t gone 6 complete innings in a game in over a month.
Lawrence hasn’t fared well at the big league level yet, and if James’ shoulder is healthy and strong, I feel good about him.
If you look at the history of Smoltz-Glavine matchups, Smoltzy usually makes Glavine his woman.
It’ll probably then be Cormier, Carlyle, and Hudson for the Phillies series. That concerns me a bit. Well… just the “Carlyle” part.
By Efrim
August 30, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this
KC
Besides, it certainly appears that if Diaz gets 550-plus at-bats, he’ll hit better than .300 with over 200 hits, around 20 homers and 80-110 RBI (depending on where he hits). Is that the kind of guy you platoon????????
You can’t know that. If BC gives him the shot next season, which he won’t because of Bradon Jones, then you can assume that he could hit that well over the course of a season.
Im sorry to be a Debbie Downer, but the Mets last 12 games are against the Nationals and Marlins. Folks, that team would have to all of a sudden not hit for the month of September to lose this division. Again, just think about that. Their last 12 games are against the Nats and Marlins. Teams that are 16 games back right now.
Anything could happen, but personally, I am rooting for the complete and utter collapse of the LUCKY Arizona Diamondbacks. We are 5 back from them in the Wild Card, and I am hoping that they will go something like 12-16 down the stretch and miss out on the playoffs. The Padres have obviously taken off and are a lot more of a balanced team than people give them credit for.
Root for the D-Backs to collapse along with the Mets. The Padres will be playing serious October baseball. You can count on it.
By GSU-Lee
August 30, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
DOB, Assuming that andruw is gone next year, do you think Frenchy is a feasible candidate for center field? Just thought that might clear a corner spot for Brandon Jones.
By teoa
August 30, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
DOB, please tell me you didn’t do the chest pound thing when you typed that 8:53. You didn’t, did you?
On behalf of your loyal readers, I ask that you never channel Steven A. Smith ever, ever again.
Thank you.
By KC
August 30, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
I mentioned this briefly last night, but…
Did the bullpen look “dominant” again, or was it just me?
Soriano looks like he’s made the necessary adjustments from that funk he was in. Over his last 5 outings(5-1/3 innings), he’s allowed 4 hits (all singles), no walks, and has struck out 7. And he looked very comfortable in the closer’s role last night.
Mahay and Moylan continue to look great.
Acosta… 99mph with movement. That’s some nasty s*!t. He also showed a good changeup and a good curve. He seems to have several excellent pitches (which kind of makes me wonder why he’s not starting).
Yates has also looked good lately.
Other guys who will be in the pen on Saturday (Sept.1):
Devine, Ascanio, Ring, and Paronto (who was pitching extremely well before being sent down to make room for Dotel).
If Dotel can get healthy, that’s icing on the cake.
All in all, I think the bullpen looks extremely deep and somewhat dominant right now.
By KC
August 30, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
Efrim: I don’t know anything that hasn’t happened yet. I didn’t etch those numbers in stone somewhere and declare it to be gospel truth. I just said it certainly appears that if Diaz is given a chance to play every day… he’ll put up those kinds of numbers.
This is not the typical platoon-guy scenario, where you look at a player and say “yeah, but could he do it everyday?”
Diaz has almost 600 at-bats now as a Braves over this season and last, over which he’s hit .340. This is not one of those typical platoon situations where a guy has a hard time against either a righty or a lefty.
Diaz hits lefties, he hits righties. He hits at home and he hits on the road. He hits in day games and he hits at night. He just doesn’t give a damn. The guy is a machine.
I’ll say it again… give him a chance to play everyday and you’ll get numbers like these:
.330, 200 hits, 20 homers, 90 RBI
Do I know that? Again Efrim, one can never KNOW something that hasn’t happened yet. But would bet money on it? Hell YES!!!!!! If Diaz gets an everyday job next year, anyone who would like to take such a bet… PLEASE email me!!!
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
“Robert” instead of being a constant Cox Basher, why don’t you become a Willy Whacker for relief? No, not that willy, you silly.
By H.R. Dept
August 30, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
The scene: a conference room somewhere in corporate America.
HR guy: thanks for coming in Robert, we’d like to talk to you about your computer use.
Robert: what do you mean?
HR guy: well, it looks like you’ve been logged on to an “ajc.com” pretty much throughout the workday.
Robert: yeah, I like to keep up with my Braves.
HR guy: sure, I get that, but what about the fact that you’re logged on throughout the night as well?
Robert: um…
HR guy: are you sleeping here?
Robert: well…
HR guy: Robert, we let you use the computer because you said you don’t have one at home. From our perspective it’s a show of good faith to let janitorial staff use PCs in the first place but you’ve really taken it too far.
Robert: HEE HAW!
End of scene
By Thrillhouse44
August 30, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
KC, good point. Looks like the bullpen will be sick come this weekend. If things go well this homestand, things are going to be quite interesting. It’s a good thing the Braves have today off to rest up.
By MEB
August 30, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
Robert… I know funny and you’re not funny. Sorry dude, you’re still an obnoxious moron.
GO BRAVES!!!
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 30, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
Okay, quotes like Cox’s last night is what fuels the neverending “jihad” of Robert’s. What does Cox mean when he says he wished Diaz had more at-bats because if he did he would be leading the league in hitting. I agree, but isn’t the one and only reason he doesn’t have those at-bats because of Cox. Cox writes out the lineup card does he not? That was just an asinine comment. It is his fault that Diaz is not leading the league in hitting.
Needless to say, it is now or never for the Braves. I’m really excited about the September callups. I think they will have a huge impact on this team the last month.
By Boredom sets in
August 30, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
Well, it has become the “Efrim” and “KC” show, again. But, KC, you had a wonderful suggestion at the end of your 10:07. Efrim PLEASE e-mail KC. KC PLEASE e-mail Efrim. Thanks from all.
By Robert
August 30, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this
HR Dept - Cute, but you can do better. Work the midgets, the boa constrictor, and the turtle into the scene and get back to me
By Robert
August 30, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
“Okay, quotes like Cox’s last night is what fuels the neverending “jihad” of Robert’s”
Yup. He’s either a moron, a liar, or both.
Either way, he is useless as far as properly managing a baseball team goes
By chris
August 30, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this
DOB,
Is it a given that they go Cormier, Caryle, and Hudson vs. the Phils or has Reyes pitched well enough to stay in the rotation? I’m guessing they’ll keep Carlye in but I would rather go with Reyes myself.
Also, my prediction on who they call up on Saturday: Prado, Pena, Boyer (pitching well of late as a starter), Devine, Poronto, Franco, and Ring. What do you think? What about Clark or Bigbie? Is there a limit to how many they can add?
Chris from MD
By Lew
August 30, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
It’s like I said last night-Not that I even dream it will happen, but if we sweep the Mets and Phillies and the Marlins grow some brass ones and sweep the Mets, we’re looking down at EVERYONE in the division Wednesday evening. Now is it improbable? Of course it is-but that’s how quickly it could all change. All it takes is a lousy six game winning streak and a bit of help from the Marlins. Stranger things have happened.
Uneasy lies the head, doesn’t it Metro Dude, when your boys lose 4 straight and six of eight. Told you they weren’t all that. Seems to me they’re lacking a bit of fire, too-aren’t they? I hear Pedro won’t be back until at least the middle of September, either, according to Minaya. No help from that quarter coming, is there? What, maybe two starts-if you’re real lucky? I sense the impact in the making. HA.
By Shaun
August 30, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
San Diego is now tied with Arizona. Not to toot my own horn, but BEEP BEEP!
http://shaunpayne.blogspot.com/2007/08/padres-diamondbacks-in-midst-of-market.html
By Shaun
August 30, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this
If Terry Francona deserves as much credit as Robert thinks Bobby Cox deserves blame, Francona could probably conquer world hunger.
By fastasballs
August 30, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
I think 15 is the max on Sept call ups if memory serves me correct.
The Braves will gain a 1/2 game on the wildcard today regardless who wins. Arizona is beginning to slide a bit so it should be easier to make ground on them instead of the Pads
By outsider lookin' in
August 30, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Quick takes
1-The bandwagon jumpers are riding the Brave Train again. I will believe this team gets to the playoffs, when it actually makes it. Not before! A loss to the Mets and everyone will be back to reality moaning and whining.
2-It is me or does the Padres seem to be the team everyone is pulling for and not the Diamondbacks. Don’t understand this. All S.D. did was practically eliminated the Braves Wild Card chances by defeating sweeping Arizona.. I think some of you are so into yourself until proving the run differential theory is the “law” written in stone until that is the most important thing to you this season Shaun. Well that is good, now Arizona wins the Wild Card instead of Atlanta.
3-Cox is a stubborn old man.
4-I believe, going out on a limb here, “bubba redux” is the blogger who posted under “budda” yesterday.
5-Diaz deserves much better. Play him or trade him before another season.
6-The METS will win the divsion also.
By David-ATL14
August 30, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
DOB, don’t you think there’s at least a possibility that any team wanting Wickman will make a move for him by tommorrow?
He will have to be on some team’s roster by 11:59P Aug 31st to be elgible for post season.
Can’t see anyone wanting him and waiting the ten days, thus negating his inclusion on a post season roster?
By DAP
August 30, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
i agree that the pads catching the dbacks was a bad thing for atlanta. we just have to hope now that the dbacks to plummet. the braves have alot of teams to get through. id they get to the playoffs at this point, it will mean that they really made a hard push.
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this
Idiot lookin’ in You are a yawn. Be “gawn”.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 30, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this
Shaun, I hope your “market correction” is correct. If it is, then playoff baseball should be in Atlanta.
As far as who gets called up, I think the roster can expand to 40 and I do believe they don’t have to be on the 40 man roster to do so. If I’m wrong I’m sure somebody will correct me.
Anyway, this is who I believe will be here Saturday: Prado, Devine, Boyer, Jonathan Johnson, Paronto (?), Ring, Franco, and B. Pena. Now, I firmly believe that B. Jones, Lillibridge, Bigbie, Dan Smith, and Kevin Barry should be here as well. Not to mention spots have to be reserved for Dotel and Renteria. I think Trey Hodges should be called up as well because there can never be enough pitchers.
By wjones
August 30, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
I don’t know if I have just been missing this or not, but has anyone else noticed Bobby has taken to wearing a glove in the dugout? Does anyone know why? Seriously?
By fastasballs
August 30, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
I think the Padres are a much better team than the DBacks & it will benefit the Braves because the DBacks have been playing over their heads. The Braves have to get by Philly regardless, unless the Mets have a total collapse the next few weeks which is possible with their recent losing streak & lack of offense. They scored a total of I think 6 runs in the three games they played at Philly this week. Game 4 is in an hour or so.
The teams from the West will start knocking each other off. The one I worry about is the Dodgers, they are very streaky. Other than that I hope the Pads stay out front & have a 20-9 finish. Every team minus the Giants are in the race so a dominating San Diego will benefit the Braves as long as the Braves take care of business by winning games.
If we did make the playoffs by the wildcard we would play San Diego if they win the West. The Braves seem to match up with them better than the DBacks & Andruw hits like a god at Petco.
By sportsmandh
August 30, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
DOB; Just wondering if you ever listen to radio via the internet. If so, you might like to check out wdvx.com. You might like it given some of the stuff you post. It’s alt. country, classic country, bluegrass, etc. Very good mix for country fans that don’t like the mainstream pop country stuff.
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
I don’t know if I have just been missing this or not, but has anyone else noticed Bobby has taken to wearing a glove in the dugout?
Maybe you should ask Michael Jackson. :>)
By Bobby's Cox
August 30, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
I don’t pay much attention to this team’s inflated high BA or BA with RISP either DOB. The team hits when it doesn’t need to, and is stale when it needs a hit. Runner on 2nd, no out, that’s a bunt situation, no matter who is hitting, especially with this bullpen and all of these 1 run games.
Any word on what the team’s BA with RISP after the 5th in a 1 or 2 run game is? I bet we’re close to last.
By Maybe Next Year
August 30, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this
Yep, just no explanation for Bobby recognizing that Diaz could be one of the best hitters in the NL…and then in the next breath, saying that he still doesn’t deserve to play even half the time.
This is why the Braves have no chance at a wild card run. If the manager doesn’t even sense enough urgency right now to play his hottest hitter more than 3 games/week, then there’s just too much to overcome — shaky pitching, Andruw, hitters choking in close games, and Bobby. Maybe you get through 3 out 4, but the Bobby handicap pushes them right over the edge.
By Bobby's Cox
August 30, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Woodward, Wilson, Thorman, Langy, are crap. Play diaz everyday. This dude can hit.
I think these were my words since the 1st week of May. Does JS need an advisor? I think i’m ready.
By Renegator
August 30, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
This team will not be able to overcome it’s managers stubbornness to the platoon (Diaz vs Harris). Here’s to the Braves getting in the playoffs in 2009 when Bobby is finally gone.
By David-ATL14
August 30, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this
A few tidbits:
The pitching matchups for the Mets Series: Hudson,James and Smoltz vs Maine,Pelphrey and Glavine. Brian Lawernce was optioned to the minors after his last start.
Sept callups: Julio Franco(probably tommorrow) to make him playoff roster elgible. Brayan Pena, Gregor Blanco, Chad Paronto,Royce Ring.
Martin Prado and Joey Devine are not elgible to return until their minor leagye season ends due to the 10 day rule. Richmond’s regular season ends Sept 3rd.
Also factor in that Richmond is in a playoff race, thus negating wholesale callups, JS will recall some parts for bench depth and bullpen depth, but players such as Barry,Boyer, and a few others will remain in Richmond.
Brandon Jones, Brent Lillibridge,Dan Smith and a few others mentioned esarlier are under no consideration at all, they are not on the 40 man roster.
You can rest assured they won’t be added just to be called up in Sept.
By Lee
August 30, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
BY the way, who does everybody have more confidence in? Cormier or James? James hasn’t done anything consistently all year except throw 95 pitches by the fifth inning and exit the game. I would let Lance pitch Saturday. He has earned it and it is a big game. If the Braves get back into this thing they are going to need lke a 7-2 or 8-1 homestand. Go with Lance Bobby, Chuckie’s got nothin.
By GermanBravesFan
August 30, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
Yaaaaaaaaaawn… same old, same old here: ROBERT stopped playing with his donkey and is now on here again to throw insults at Bobby Cox and all loyal Braves fans.
I really wonder what Robert will do in the off-season… Perhaps GET A LIFE????
By GermanBravesFan
August 30, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
Is Robert blogging under two names now? Renegator and Robert? damn, he’s relentless!!!
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
David ATL, you’re right — Brandon Jones and Lillibridge aren’t on 40-man, and won’t be Sept. callups to sit on the bench in a pennant race.
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
Oh, and yes, there certainly is a possibility a team would make a move by tomorrow midnight to get Wickman on its postseason roster. But how many contenders need closers? We know how he feels about setup work.
By A Jones 25
August 30, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this
Tell me why Diaz can’t hit right handed pitching?
Could someone wake up Bobby and tell him Willie is in a terrible slump?
By 96,sc
August 30, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
The Phillies Pat nicknamed so wrong it can’t go on it’s MATT THE BAT
By StingerSplash
August 30, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this
How can you blame Cox for pushing the wrong buttons when the buttons this year have included: Mark Redman Craig Wilson Chris Woodward Wilfredo Ledezma Kyle Davies Lance Cormier (before his last start).
For every Escobar, Kelly Johnson, Matt Diaz/Willie Harris and Peter Moylan, there’s been the anti-matter for them, and mostly it’s been pitching. And when your starting staff and your bullpen have been shuffled like a shoe at the Mirage, all the button pushing won’t lead you to Willie Cicci or Luca Brasi or any other good button man.
By X-Blogger
August 30, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
DOB I don’t understand why you b!tch about people like Robert’s incessant diatribes. If AJC would limit posts to one per household per hour,(ala the AJC polls) and limit the size of said posts, most problems such as “Robert”, along with one-liner trolls would be instantly solved. If these limits can be applied to polls, then certainly someone there could apply them to blogs, but if AJC doesn’t mind, you shouldn’t either.
By monty
August 30, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this
I’m just curious what those who spew venom about Bobby Cox would say about Joe Torre and his ablity to motivate players. Personally, I believe he’s a great coach, but if you look at him having the best line-up money can buy you would be tempted to blame Toore for not motivating all the talent he has and fix blame on him for their under acheiving. The bottom line is the players play the game, they are the ones most responsible, not totally, but mostly. Managers don’t strike-out with runners in scoring position, or fail to move runners over with bunts, or drop balls in the outfield or hang sliders with the game on the line. What they do is manage. In the course of 162 games, yeh, they are responsible for some losses, but I have yet heard anyone giving BC credit for making the right decision at the right time and I’m sure that has happened more times than anyone dares think about. What we as fans get to do is Monday morning quarterback, which is a heck of alot easier. Outside of a Torre ot a Larussa, who else would you seroisly want managing this team?
By Lew
August 30, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
David-Atl-I’m not positive, but Julio would not need to be called up before Sept. 1, due to the fact he has already played with the Braves this season. He was already on the roster prior to September 1, which, I believe, is all that matters.
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
Diaz CAN hit right-handed pitching, quite well as a matter of fact. He’s hit .331 with a .794 OPS in 134 at-bats against them this season, compared to crazy .372 and 1.023 OPS in 164 ABs vs. righties
For his career, it’s .335 with .910 OPS in 382 ABs vs. lefties, .314 with .782 OPS in 322 ABs vs. righties….
Oh, and DAVID ATL, keep in mind there are ways around that 40-man roster rule, tomorrow midnight. If a team has an injured pitcher after Sept. 1, they can replace him with another pitcher from anywhere in their organization (same for position player replacing injured position player) and be eligible for postseason roster.
By StingerSplash
August 30, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
BTW, I’m real partial to Fables and Document. Man, when I was going to college, we thought REM was great but figured, you know, they’ll be in Statesboro all the time, so we don’t need to go see them now. Oops. Was in a bar in Smyrna some years back and Mike Mills was there. There was only about a dozen folks in there at the time while me, my boss and the manager sat around talking baseball, movies, books, etc. Didn’t ask him to join us, though I’m sure Mills would have loved talking about the Braves.
By Lew
August 30, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
I like the pitching matchups for the Mets’ series. Hudson and Smoltz match up quite well against Maine and Glavine. Pelfrey has yet to win a game this year, if I’m not mistaken. That’s definitley the best matchup for Chuckie, especially with the Sept. 1 bullpen callups to back him up, if necessary.
By Lew
August 30, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
Someone the other day asked if any of the denizens were in Athens when REM started out. I was. They were playing Abbott’s Pizza at the time (even before they ever played O’Malley’s, or anywhere else, for that matter) and Pete Buck was working at Wuxtry. I had artwork hung at Wuxtry. One day while I was there and Pete was working, he received a call from a band called Rapid Eye Movement, challenging their use of the name REM. After much wrangling and hassling back and forth, they agreed to leave them as was, with both bands keeping their names. I’ve often wondered what happened to Rapid Eye Movement. Never heard of THEM again/
By ssiscribe
August 30, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
Top of the afternoon, denizens, from the southern rim of the capital city. Pretty big homestand coming up, wouldn’t you say? Of course, we kick it off with the Wurlitzer Presentation Friday evening in the Turner Field plaza.
I won’t be there, I’ll be scribin’, but I’ll be with you good inhabitants of the Braves/MIB/Toes/Pie/BBQ/Tunes Blogosphere in spirit. Grinch, look sharp, bro, and represent us well!
Now, the pennant race (noted transition from the Scribe): September dawns in less than 36 hours. When it closes, will the Atlanta Braves be in the National League playoffs?
It’s put-up or shut-up time for the Braves, who will sit 4.5 games out of the NL wild-card lead and either 4.5 or 5.5 games out of the NL East top spot when Atlanta kicks off a critical nine-game homestand Friday night against the East-leading New York Mets. After three with New York, second-place Philadelphia comes to town, followed by an off day and three with the Washington Nationals.
It’s possible by the time the Nats leave and the Braves pack their bags for their final three games of the season against the Mets (Sept. 10-12 in Flushing), we’ll know if the Braves have a realistic chance in the second half of the season’s final month to secure a playoff spot.
Atlanta finished an ultra-disappointing 4-6 road trip with two victories over the hapless Marlins in equally dismal Dolphin Stadium (dismal, mind you, if you name isn’t Matt Diaz; dude flat out rakes every time he plays in South Florida). Still, there was plenty of collateral damage done during the stumble through Cincinnati, St. Louis and Florida, even the most optimistic fan has to question if the Braves are capable of running off the type of sustained stretch of good baseball needed to vault Atlanta right back into serious postseason contention.
But there are signs the Braves are positioned to do just that, and not a moment too soon.
The back end of the Braves’ starting rotation – the reason they’re in the mess in the first place, instead of cruising toward a return to October – has put together three really good outings in a row. Jo Jo Reyes pitched great Sunday in St. Louis, Lance Cormier fashioned his third good start in a row in an outstanding effort Monday in Florida, and Buddy Carlyle was good enough last night against the Fish.
Pitching John Smoltz on three-days rest in the middle of the Florida series – a move that worked, but was ultimately undone by the Braves’ lack of clutch hitting and Jeff Francoeur’s lack of emotional control – means the warhorse right-hander will match up with Tom Glavine in Sunday’s series finale against the Mets. It also means both Smoltz and Tim Hudson, who will start Friday’s opener, will each pitch in both of the remaining series against the Mets.
Provided Chuck James, who struggled mightily in his final two starts before landing on the disabled list with shoulder issues, is well-rested and ready to go Saturday, the Braves have the pitching matchups they want this weekend. And, too, you have to wonder about the New Yorkers. Last week, the Mets put some needed distance between themselves and the field in the NL East, something Willie Randolph’s club had tried to do but failed for nearly three months. But entering today’s finale of a four-game set with the surging Phils, the Mets had lost six of eight and are showing signs of leaking oil all over the place.
Need I remind you the Braves have won two out of three against the Mets in each series they have played this season? The Turner Field crowds this weekend will be all over the Mets. Should New York lose today – Philly jumped out to a 2-0 lead on a Ryan Howard two-run homer in the first inning, and are up 2-0 going to the bottom of the second – and the Braves take two this weekend, Atlanta would find itself a mere 3.5 games out of first Sunday evening, after being seven games out of first just a few days ago.
Of all the teams fighting for the four NL playoff spots, the Braves also get the biggest boost from the expansion of rosters Saturday. Atlanta’s bullpen, which has pitched quite well of late, will get a huge pick-me-up from Royce Ring, Chad Paronto, Blaine Boyer, Trey Hodges and Joey Devine. The lackluster bench gets Martin Prado, Julio Franco and Brayan Pena. Don’t discount the addition of those extra bats and extra arms.
Also, don’t discount Wednesday’s win over the Marlins. It was mighty big, and not just for Carlyle, who has endured a dismal August following his stellar June and July. The Braves’ loss Tuesday, in which Francoeur got tossed for arguing in the 11th inning, forcing Atlanta to turn to reserve infielder Pete Orr in the outfield, was the worst defeat of the season. That’s saying something, folks, given the manner in which the Braves have dropped winnable games since early May.
But Atlanta bounced back, won a series and comes home with momentum. The Braves come home knowing this is their chance, likely their final chance, to get themselves into position to push into October. And if they can get there, most everybody agrees Atlanta is a dangerous matchup.
But the Braves have to get there first.
The time to go has arrived. Either the Braves win now, or it’s a second consecutive early winter. We’re about to find out if this team, which started August talking World Series, will be saying the same thing when October comes calling.
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By rammerjammer
August 30, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
The way BC responded to DOB’s question about Diaz makes me think he IS planning to play him fulltime.
Most managers don’t acknowledge what the writers or fans want. BC did. I think he was just yanking DOB’s chain.
We’ll see Friday.
By ssiscribe
August 30, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Phils got Rollins and Utley on in the bottom of the third, in case you’re interested. Burrell up. Howard, who already has a two-run dinger today, on deck.
2-0 Phils, bottom third.
—30—
By ssiscribe
August 30, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this
Edit from last post: Only Utley on base, not Utley and Rollins.
That matters cuz Burrell just went deep to make it 4-0 Phils off El Duque in the bottom of the third.
—30—
By ssiscribe
August 30, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
Rowland solo shot, a line drive to right off El Duque.
Phils 5, Mets 0, bottom third.
—30—
By Tomahawkin' Again
August 30, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
It’s now 5-0 Phils in the 3rd. Wow, the Muts are gagging big time, aren’t they? It’s going to be 4.5 gms back going into the weekend. Amazing, in spite of themselves, the Bravos have one heck of a shot the next 3 games. Free Diaz!
By fastasballs
August 30, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
5-0 Phillies. 3 HR’s allowed by El Duque & he’s not out of the third yet. Watching the Mets implode is very enjoyable to say the least.
By Lew
August 30, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Just received a request from the Braves’PR department to write an introduction to the award presentation, for the Braves’ MC Dude to read over the PA. The blog is prominently mentioned as the award givers. The Braves PR department has gone out of their way to heed the Denizens’ requests to present the award. We need to have a presence there tomorrow at 6:30. Now I realize the denizens are scattered from Maine to Utah to Arkansas, Florida, California, New Jersey, Virginia, Louisiana, the Carolinas and even Nathan in one of the Dakotas-as well as other ports of call world wide (Bravo Nam, German Braves’ Fan and Mitchie-San). However, I know many of you live within attending distance. Please show up. I repeat, the PR department heeded YOUR requests to let us present. Do the blog proud. This is recognition that is not ordinarily afforded to denizens of blogs or fans in general. Your voices have been heard and paid attention to. Make the most of the opportunity.
By bill
August 30, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Don’t go overboard about Diaz. I agree he should be playing every day. He’s alot better than Willie. If he played regular, he probably would hit about .280 and 20HRS. He’s not a good fielder, just average. No speed at all.
By Thrillhouse44
August 30, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this
Notice how NCZ, Anders, and Drool Boy are no where to be seen? I can’t say I’m surprised.
Hopefully the Mess’ tailspin continues through the weekend!
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 30, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
Well, if the Phillies do sweep the Mets it could be good news or bad news for the Braves. Either the Mets will come into the series defeated and scared or they will come in p** and ready to fight. Lets hope for our Braves’ sake its the former and not the latter.
By DAP
August 30, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this
this aint looking good for the mets… i hope the phillies get into thier bullpen and wear them out for us!
By KC
August 30, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
bill: “Don’t go overboard about Diaz. I agree he should be playing every day. He’s alot better than Willie. If he played regular, he probably would hit about .280 and 20HRS. He’s not a good fielder, just average. No speed at all.”
And you’re basing this on what?
Matt Diaz has hit .340 in 585 at-bats this year and last year. What in the name of all that is holy tells you Diaz is not a .300 hitter if he plays on an everyday basis??
Your statement would make sense if Diaz didn’t hit righties nearly well, or if we had only a small sample size to gauge him by… but neither of those things are true here.
If he plays everyday next year, please see me if you’re up for a friendly wager.
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
“Lew”, my mule is a little “under the weather” and I am, too. So, I won’t be able to attend but I will be there in spirit. I know that “Grinch” and the crew will represent us well. Then, I hope some of them will come back to the blog. It just ain’t the same.
By Lew
August 30, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
RJIB-It doesn’t matter how the Mets feel coming in. We own them and Smoltz and Hudson are going for the Braves. We come out of the series no more than 3 1/2 back. The Phillies are more of a concern to me. BTW, Dude-Still enamored of Dontrelle after last night’s all too typical performance? Do you still think he’s worth Diaz, Renteria and maybe more?
By KC
August 30, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
“Right move at the wrong time”… Mark Bradley’s jumping the gun.
5 games out of the Wild Card.
5 games out of the division with 28 games left to play, including 6 against the division leader.
If James shoulder is healthy and strong, and we can get the July version of Chucky back to go along with the good work we’re getting from Cormier… the Braves are very capable of making he post-season.
You should save your declarations until at least the end of next week, Mark Bradley.
By ssiscribe
August 30, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
Mets respond with three runs in the top of the fourth, leaving two more on base. Green, Gotay and Milledge (hitting for El Duque) drove in the runs.
To the bottom of the fourth, Phils 5, Mets 3.
—30—
By Lew
August 30, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Bubba-Hope your mule feels better soon. You sure he’s not up to a trip to the Ted? I hear Pete and Skip have some decent BBQ.
By Renegator
August 30, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
Mets just hung a 3 spot on the Phillies - both teams are into their bullpens in fourth inning. Nice!
By Lee in S. GA
August 30, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this
In a tight playoff run and the way Diaz is hitting, Cox needs to have him in the Braves line-up. No question about that.
By Lee in S. GA
August 30, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
I hear Pete and Skip have some decent BBQ.
Yep, I hear it too…everytime I listen to a Braves game on radio. That’s just good advertising by Pete and Skip I suppose.
By GermanBravesFan
August 30, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
Robert (JIB): let the Phillies sweep the Mets and then the Braves sweep the Mets as well… that’ll make for an interesting month of September!
GO BRAVES!!!
By Anders
August 30, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Lew Some of these bloggers are watching the Mets/Phils game - I thought that wasn’t allowed? What I like to call the Lew “Just win our games and let the chips fall where they may rule”. Would you please set them all straight on this?
Thrillhouse 44 Damned if I do and damned if I don’t. When I’m here I’m a troll that’s told to go away and when I’m not I’m missed. I’ve actually been blogging with some Phillie fans who aren’t as thin skinned and enjoy a giving and taking a good barb. They don’t scream for me to leave every time things don’t go their way.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 30, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
Your point has been made, Lew. But, in fairness, the Braves generally own Dontrelle.
Fellow bloggers, isn’t funny how a certain friend of ours from the north has been inconspicuous by his absence since the Mets have freefalled into a four game losing streak which seems very likely to turn into a five game losing streak. Hmmm? Very interesting.
Well, maybe I should give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe business at the ‘Silvers has picked up this week. I’m sure that is it!
By TennesseePaul
August 30, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
KC: Saw your projected pitching match ups. I’d agree that on paper they look favorable. But then you took it another step and listed how much they stink lately. Just hope you didn’t jinx it.
By Braves4Ever
August 30, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
Dave, Not sure how you feel about Stevie Nicks but listening to “Sometimes it’s a b***” sure seemed to sum up being a Braves/Baseball fan to me. Don’t won’t to be putting up lyrics myself, leaving that to you, but thought you might check it out.
By bubba
August 30, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
No, “Lew”, my mule is really worn-plumb-out. I’m thinking of trading him for a Southern Jackass. :>)
By Renegator
August 30, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Mets are mounting a comeback - now 5 to 4 and the Mets have a runner on 3rd with 1 out.
Not sure who to cheer for…
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Braves4Ever, I dug the Mac, and Stevie solo has had her moments.
By the way, Pete Van Wieren and Mark Lemke chatted with her for quite a while in the bar at the team hotel (Ritz-Carlton) in Phoenix when we were out there. She played that night in the city and her band and some roadies came down to the bar (they were staying at the hotel, too, obviously).
Can you believe she’s 60?
By Renegator
August 30, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
Muts tied it up…
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
It actually looks like the NL East might be slightly easier to win than the wild card, with the way the Padres and D-Backs are playing compared to the Phils and Mets….
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
Who is this “Anders” guy? Is he one of us? No, follow the rule. If it looks like a troll, smells like a troll and talks like a troll, must be a troll. Am I right?
By The Grinch
August 30, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
Just a moment here at the computer lab; you guys need to make plans NOW to come out tomorrow night and support the blog. Don’t you dare leave me up there all alone in front of a bunch of teenage girls…um…on second thought, that increases my chances. Stay home. :-)
I also wanted to let everyone know I ordered an new Van D** furniture catalog. No, I don’t expect you all care; I just wanted to see if that innocent word would get deleted as if it were a Van D** mustache. However, I feel like the Dutch boy with his finger in the D** considering all the work I need to do, so I’ll just run along.
Later.
By KC
August 30, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Tennpaul: Yeah, it’s all on paper of course. Anything can happen.
Again, if James’ shoulder is healthy and strong… then that’s one more quality starter to go along with Cormier who has really been stepped up. If James is right, that stabilizes the back end of the rotation… and if that is stabilized, the Braves are capable of anything.
I’m really hoping Phili can pull off the sweep here. Regardless, we’ve got a great chance to jump right back in the thick of the division race here this weekend/next week.
By Lew
August 30, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
Anders-It may surprise you, but I have the MLB Extra Innings package and watch most of the Mets and Phillies games-as well as only missing one Braves game so far this season. Why do you think I’m so aware of how much the Mets suck? I also watch numerous Rays games and now I watch Brewers’ games as well, since a friend of mine pitches for them. All in all, I’ve watched 250 games so far this year. I will eventually, by the playoffs, have watched over 300.
By knowitall
August 30, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Lee,
I haven’t been able to tell if the BBQ at Pete & Skip’s is good because it’s been cold everytime I’ve had it.
By Renegator
August 30, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
Phillies back on top - 8 to 5
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, you remember Farron Young, don’t you? “Hello Walls” “Live Fast, Love Hard” and “Pick me up on your way down” are some of his. I was inducted into the service with him. We stood in a line for what seemed like hours, with nothing on but our jockey shorts. It may have been that you can’t have many pretenses when you don’t have on anything but jockey shorts, but he was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. Anyway, this is about my only opportunity to talk music with you.
By Anders
August 30, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Lew And Paldin accused ME of not ever seeming like I work. I don’t have the MLB deal but I get plenty of Braves, Cubs and Red Sox games along with the Yanks and Mets on my sports package. I don’t think any of those teams suck. As long as we’re throwing player/friends around I went to high school with Craig Biggio. More of an acquaintance than a friend. That dude was an awesome football player in HS. The baseball side didn’t really shine until college at Seton Hall for him.
By Lew
August 30, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
RJIB-Just giving you a little grief, Dude-kind of filling your minimum daily requirement. The problem with Dontrelle, though is not that the Braves own him, but all the ownership going on with him the past two years with everyone else.
Bubba-Your Troll Recognition System is in fine form-apparently better than the shape your mule’s in. Anders-It’s not that you come here and blog, but the way you continually attempt to shape us to your point of view-which we do not now, nor ever will share. Just trying to tell you what a waste of your time it is. Glad the Phillies’ fans liked you more. Maybe that’s where you should blog. You do realize, of course, that in person they would stone you and burn you at the stake asfter tearing your fingernails out, don’t you? Just ask the Easter Bunny. Heard he’s Rabbit stew now.
By DAP
August 30, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
anders welcome back!
By KC
August 30, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
Phillies with an 8-5 lead! Go Phils! Oh… and get all this winning out of your system before Monday. =)
By brent a.
August 30, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
It looks like we’ll be 4.5 games out after today.
Shocking, really, and we’ve got the Phillies (and Padres, despite my earlier desires to see the Mets beat them) to thank for this.
We could ask for better, but shouldn’t really. In many instances you create your own luck, but this season, a lot of luck has been created for us.
We need to sweep the Mets. Anything less will probably not do the trick.
At a minimum, win 5 of the 6 games we have remaining with them.
Wow! Six huge games in a row at home beginning tomorrow.
We have a chance to really make some hay. It comes down to what we can do with our chances now.
All the bad that has happened goes out the window now.
The Braves once again control their own post-season destiny.
Go Braves!
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
Maybe we should sell “Anders” to Pete & Skip and let them make BBQ out of him. Probably kind of stringy and gamey, but put enough sauce on it…
By Lew
August 30, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Anders-I imagine Craig Biggio is a nice guy, considering his special treatment of Jeff Bagwell when Biggio got his 3000 hit. He damn well has been a good player and will likely be inducted, deservedly, into the HOF. No disagreement on him. The Mets, however, still suck.
By Mo in the boonies
August 30, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
wjones RE: Bobby Cox wearing a glove in the dugout, maybe he really is beginning to grow a hoof on that appendage! :>)
By Braves20
August 30, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
I hear a distinct sound of choking from Philadelphia - and it ain’t coming from the home dugout!
By Braveheart
August 30, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Holy Man of La Bubba. When did Don Quixote start riding a mule instead of a plane? Why would you ride a mule anyway when we got our own donkey here on the blog who never gets tired and goes on forever? Call me an @sskisser again and I’ll kick your @ss, down your plane, and kill your darn useless mule, old man. Only 4 more hours until Bubba goes to sleep.
THIS JUST IN: Ozzie is loco in el poco.
So, Bob Watson, the MLB top cop, came swaggering down last night in the second inning to the Red Sox dugout, billy club in hand, with Derek Jeter on second base to tell Terry Francona to put his jersey on. How silly. Nothing else more important to worry about Bob? I’ve ranted about this before but it is silly that managers wear unis anyway. Why do they wear them? Most of them are fat and out of shape. Too many are older than dirt. They look ridiculous. They should be nattily dressed old school style in suits. Think about how much small market teams and managers could make by having managers and coaches wear suits or other team related gear. That would be awesome. Makes too much sense to me. Of course, someone would get carried away with the Deion zoot suit and others would get carried away with looking like a homeless bum like the home wreckin’ coach of the New England Patriots. But it would be awesome to see Jim Leyland wearing a suit, smoking a cigarette in the dugout. Of course, Leyland would probably die before agreeing to take off his uni and beloved spikes. How silly of Leyland to wear spikes like he is a ballplayer. But whatever. Those unis on coaches have got to go. At the very least it would set the example for all of those dweeby Little League and high school coaches who for some reason feel compelled to don a uni. That is an awful sight. What grown man puts on a uni to coach little boys? Pathetic.
Later.
By TennesseePaul
August 30, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Lew: That is awesome! I just got back from lunch and saw your 2:17 post. I wish I could be there. I’ll be there in spirit though.
Sweet… sweetness.
Yall betta represent. This game isn’t on TBS is it? I’ll never see or hear the ceremony. Hope it goes well.
GO BRAVES!!
By Anders
August 30, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
Lew You do make me laugh I must admit. You’re as relentless about the Mets Suck thing - hey I respect your tenacity at least.
Bubba Redux I think you’re breaking your own rule about trolls. Please refrain from doing so.
Dap I’ve been gone about 12 hours! Did you miss me that much?
By fastasballs
August 30, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this
El Duque being pounded this afternoon has to be a downer for the Mets & their fans. With the division getting tighter the games Pedro pitches may be the difference. It will be interesting to see how effective he will be after being out a year. You can’t a whole lot by his A ball rehabs.
The Mets are leaving the door cracked for the Braves & halfway open for the Phillies. These next 6 means a lot to all three teams. If all go well Sept will a very fun & stress filled month for Braves fans.
Wish I could be there tomorrow evening to witness blog history in the making. We that can’t make it expect a full report.
By Chop Chop
August 30, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Since I’m something of a Red Sox fan, I have to say that they showed absolutely no guts against the Yanks. They were 8 games up and, quite honestly, just needed to avoid being swept at the Stadium to nail that division down. Instead, they get swept right out of the Bronx, including being no-hit for the first five innings in the second game and the first six innings in the third game. I’m not saying the Yanks will end up winning the AL East. They’re still 5 games out, after all. The problem is that the Red Sox didn’t show any killer instinct in trying to knock off their bitter rivals. They just bent over and let the Yanks give it to them. As bad as this blog gets, I shudder to think what the Red Sox fan blogs are like today.
By Lew
August 30, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
Like I said, Anders, just be glad you’re not a Florida Gators fan. You think I’m relentless with the Mets? You’ve seen nothing, yet.
By Thrillhouse44
August 30, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
“They don’t scream for me to leave…” - Anders
They must not know you well.
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
Damn Braveheart, are you going to “out” me again? You will be hearing from my lawyer(Fickle Nickle, Esq)the AARP, and SPCA. And would it make any difference if you are my favorite @sskisser? :>)
By beachcomber
August 30, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Braves20 - you forget about the Phil’s pen. It’s as beat up as ours. Now 9-8 Muts and the the Phils have Jose Mesa warming up - now that’s comforting!
By Anders
August 30, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this
Lew I assume you’re watching the Mets /Phils game. How does Charlie Manuel intentionally walk Jose Reyes as the go ahead run in the 9th to pitch to Endy Chavez? This is so wrong on many levels. Very hard to double up Chavez so you’re almost gauranteeing Wright and at bat who’s the hottest hitter on the Mets right now. This guy is a world class dope in my book. Not to mention you put one of the fastest players on base with the go ahead run! Wow.
By rammerjammer
August 30, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this
Wow, the mets tied it in the eighth. Plenty of fight left in that dog.
By Randall
August 30, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
This is all true but for me this will be a great year if Andruw plays somewhere else next year! One of the two most over rated over paid athletes in all of sports is gone from Georgia for good in M.V., now get rid of A.J. and cleanse Atlanta completely. A.J’S collapse has been coming on for years, but his crazed fans wouldn’t see it or acknowledge it. For everyone who questions this and defend his stats this year think about this. when a man gets 2 hits out of ten think of how many at bats he robbed his team of this year. You get 27 outs a game, he takes 4 a game away from the potential.
By Fred from CT
August 30, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
for all the idiots in here who want cox fired and thinks he is a bum go check out what charlie manuel did by leaving in alfonseca in the biggest game of the season. he just blew philly’s season. If philly doesn’t come back and win they are done you can’t blow this game against the mets and the mets will also have some momentum coming into atlanta.
By Anders
August 30, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
Lew My bad on the Manuel question - it was the 8th not the 9th. I have the gamecast on in my office and I saw the yanks were in the 9th. I still wouldn’t have walked Reyes though.
As for college football - I live in NY - college football doesn’t exist up here.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 30, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
Well, this week’s developments from the ‘Amazings is good news for the Braves. The Mets are beginning to slump. If you remember they did this last year, it just didn’t get as much attention because of the huge lead. The Phillies had cut what was once a 15 or 16 game deficit to under 10 at one point in September.
The Braves need to come with it this weekend. Can they sweep? I don’t know. They play so inconsistently. But, maybe seeing that they are still in this race will perk them back up. Maybe it will give them that sense of urgency! Lets’ hope so.
I tell you what those clam strips and stale french fries must really be selling. Or, the backroom must be in seriousn need of inventory. I haven’t heard one word from our friend who is so enamored with the “Amazings”. Maybe he is ashamed to show his face? No. That couldn’t be it……Could it? I’m sure he just got a conscious about blogging on company time or something.
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
“Anders” We would invite you to the presentation but there is a banquet immediately following and you asking for sugar on your grits and iced tea without it would be foe paws that we couldn’t overcome. We could get you and Stinky a table for two at dumpster 5876. Interested?
By rammerjammer
August 30, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this
Now they’re ahead! Man, you gotta love a good pennant race. Phils thought they had it locked away and now it’s slipped away.
Mighty dangerous team coming to the ballpark this weekend. Don’t no one get too cocky.
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this
Bubba Redux, Faron Young? Wow. That’s cool, my man. One of Elvis Presley’s favorites. “Hello Walls” is a great tune, and we’ve had the lyrics to it here before.
By Blog Monitor Monitor
August 30, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
Man, the Phillies bullpen is pitching like the back-end of the Braves rotation today. Jeez. Tough way to lose a game when you are going for a 4-game sweep if you are a Phillies fan.
By Renegator
August 30, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this
Hey Lew:
I’m a Gators fan - bring it on!
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
Nice performance by Alfonseca. No outs, four runs, blow a 3-run lead. Solid work.
By DAP
August 30, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this
anders actually i didnt see you eariler, and feel like i havent seen you on here for a few days. my bad…well in that case go away anders!! :-)
By Anders
August 30, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
fastasballs The Mets had won El Duque last 9 starts. When you’re 40 something every 10 starts or so you’re gonna be off.
As for Pedro - he’s joining the Mets in Atlanta tomorrow night. Something about receiving an award before the game??
By New GM
August 30, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Our pitching matchups look good for this weekend! And we get Hudson for one game in Phillie. Hopefully guys like Reyes, James, Carlyle and Cormier will be in top form then too.
We should also have a deeper pen to draw form starting Saturday.
Go Braves!
By flange1
August 30, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Hey Lew,
Thanks goodness we don’t have any guys who are both Mets + Gators fans here yet. Those guys should be stoned to death ASAP so they can’t breed!
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
Want to hear somethin crazy?
Matt Diaz hasn’t started a HOME GAME since Aug. 5. In the interim, Willie Harris has started six home games and gone 4-for-23 with one RBI and a .231 OBP (though three of the hits were extra-base hits).
By Shure Johnholz
August 30, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this
Larry Dobrow from CBSSportsline.com wrote an article and ranked the organizations in baseball by their GM’s. Not to brag, but here are his comments:
Ah, but there are degrees of competence. So I present to you the First Annual Uncle Larry Organizational Rankings. This is not a per-se list of baseball’s best GMs so much as a gut-feel take on which franchises have their crap together. Let the debate begin:
Take that Omar!
By KC
August 30, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
DOGGONIT!!!! Mets have the lead in the 9th. #$%^&
By Renegator
August 30, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
As a Gators fan - I can see I’m going to have a lot of enemies during the fall.
Hey, at least I’m a Braves fan…
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
DOB Thanks for the crumb, my man. I know you are busy. But, let me correct one misspeak. I should have said he was the most genuine “performer” I ever met.(Ronnie Milsaps was the phoniest). I have met a lot of genuine people in my time. Thanks again.
By Anders
August 30, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this
Bubba Redux Did you write Foe paws?? That is the single most ignorant attempt at trying to impress that I have ever encountered - Trust me, even your fellow Braves fans bloggers are having a laugh at you.
You might want to take whatever diploma you possibly have and put it in dumpster 5876.
By Brian the Brain
August 30, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
Sure would be nice if the Mets Phillies game would go extra innings….wear that Mets bullpen out for us.
By Thrillhouse44
August 30, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
I wish I could be at the game tomorrow for the presentation. I’ll definitely be getting updates as regularly as possible. We’re lucky to have Grinch strap the leotard on for us.
By Anders
August 30, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
Dap No problem brother. Every blog needs a bad guy. Gives it juice on Braves off days while you all are biting your fingernails watching this Mets/Phils game. Something tells me Lew is pacing in front of the TV thinking of nasty things to say to me if wagner blows this.
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
I thought I smelled burned gator meat. They get that from slithering up white-hot I75 on their bellies to bother the blog. Stinky has company.
By 22oz
August 30, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
DOB, are you intentionally trying to get us fired up with more Diaz/Willie stats? You already crushed our dream when you asked Cox last night about it. “This platoon has been great….. i just wish he had enough at-bats to qualify.” Blimey!
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this
“Anders” Writing it as “foe paws” is merely corroborative detail intended to add artistic verisimilitude to an otherwise bald and unconvincing narrative. And btw, “redux” is not a brand of vacuum cleaner.
By Renegator
August 30, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
Phillies tied it up in the bottom of the ninth off of Wagner. Woohoo!!!
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
Hey muts fans………do you feel the pressure?
How about another blown save by your ace!!!!!!!
By Braves20
August 30, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
Another blown save for Billy “Big Game” Wagner.
By bravesfan
August 30, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this
Man the Phils are stealing all over LoDuca 3 SB in the 9th tie game in the 9th 10 - 10
By Sam
August 30, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this
Billy Wagner is @ 40 pitches. This would be a crushing loss for the Muts after coming back from 5 down twice.
By Sam
August 30, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
Down go the Mets…Down go the Mets…Down…go…the…Mets. Wow. I may just have to get a Phils cap. Those guys are gritty.
By Chop Chop
August 30, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
Am I the only one who is starting to think that Jimmy Rollins might have been right in his offseason prediction?
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
Nice game by the Mets.
They’re steamrolling to the NL East title.
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 5:14 PM | Link to this
Picking up half a game ………
Muts are about to collapse, hope braves step up and play like men.
By MS
August 30, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this
Wow. The Mets have lost 5 in a row coming to ATL and the Phils have won 5 straight. How big is this homestand going to be???
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know why Alou and LoDuca didnt start this game?
This one was maybe the most important game so far for the muts this season. It was the difference between having or not having a race in the east. Now you have a race.
By brent a.
August 30, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Mets fans should find a Phillies board to troll.
By Anders
August 30, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this
Lew I’m certainly eating crow on my Wagner chest thumping from last week. He’s been horrible since.Todays game bothered me more than the first two. I don’t mind losing when we pitch well. Losing after coming back twice in one game is real tough. Kind of feels like Appollo Creed when he turns around and Rocky’s getting off the mat again and Appollo slumps his shoulders. Well I need to head out of the office - Looking forward to a fun series in Atlanta. I haven’t lost the faith in my Mets - we’re just taking the hard way in.
By brent a.
August 30, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
DOB: Is there any way that Smoltz pitches on Wednesday?
(I’m not asking because I think he should, etc., I’m just asking).
Thanks!
By Braveheart
August 30, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
As for college football - I live in NY - college football doesn’t exist up here.
Anders, you must not be Catholic or Irish. I remember many a Saturday growing up in the Bronx where I thought me and all my friends were literally going to drive all the way to South Bend to kill Ron Powlus. My brother would literally stroke out and have ridiculous seizures over every Powlus screwup.
Many tears were shed during that unbelievable Boston College game after we had beaten FSU the week before. I can remember sitting in the barber shop towards the end of the game where the curse words were flying out of the mouths of grown men and children like you would not believe. Many more curse words were spewed later when the voters gave the phony national championship to Bobby Bowden because Bobby was “the story” of the phony media and had never won so they handed him one. The same thing happened the next year with the Big 10 nuts I knew when Penn State got robbed by Nebraska because Osborne had been around forever and never won either and so the phony media creating stories handed Osborne one as well. Nebraska rightfully earned it the year after by killing Miami, which made many of us very happy because many of us hated Miami with a passion dating back to the Catholics vs. Convicts rivalry.
Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, FSU, Miami were everyone’s favorites and caused many fights in school. The SEC was an afterthought up there, except for Florida and Tennessee, although most NYC people I knew growing up respected Bama and Auburn for their runs in the 90s and noticed Georgia only to recognize the greatness of Hearst and Zeier.
People did not care about college as much as the Giants or Jets but the Irish Catholic crowd I grew up with was pretty psychotic about the Fighting Irish. I’m not much of a Notre Dame fan anymore. I have moved on to the Dawgs and Tide because of where I live and where I went to school. BUT I will be a HUGE Notre Dame fan again this weekend, singing that fight song I used to love to sing as a kid.
So, don’t tell me college football is not big in NYC because that was not my experience growing up. Nor that of most of my friends. NYCers are usually bandwagon jumping college football fans but the ones I knew were pretty hardcore about the sport even if some were not hardcore about any particular school.
Actually, my experiences being in both worlds was that NYCers are kinda more knowledgeable about the entire sport of college football but Southerners are much more passionate and knowledgeable about the sport on a regional basis. Okay, that will be taken the wrong way and really anger people. My point is that I was once much more knowledgeable about all the teams across the country but living down here I now realize that the SEC is God’s gift to football, so I don’t care as much about the rest of the conferences.
Anders, if you ain’t into college football, then you must not be much of a sports fan. Living in NY is not an excuse. But, then again, you made the choice to be a Mets fan and not a Yankees fan. So, that explains alot.
By Anders
August 30, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this
Hit and run. Why am I not suprised?
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
Oh, don’t leave “Anders”. It was just getting fun.
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this
DOB the thing about this is that they come under real pressure to atlanta, not only urgency to win, but if they get sweep, not only braves will be in very good shape to win division, but the muts might find themselves in second place.
Any word on renteria? Is he ready to play?
Any word on how james shoulder is?
By Shaun
August 30, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this
It is me or does the Padres seem to be the team everyone is pulling for and not the Diamondbacks. Don’t understand this. All S.D. did was practically eliminated the Braves Wild Card chances by defeating sweeping Arizona.. I think some of you are so into yourself until proving the run differential theory is the “law” written in stone until that is the most important thing to you this season Shaun. Well that is good, now Arizona wins the Wild Card instead of Atlanta.
Can’t speak for others, but I could care less who wins the NL West. I think at the beginning of the season I picked the Dodgers. My only devotion is to the truth.
Of course, the Braves are my favorite team. I’m not like others who come to a rival team’s blog and try to childishly stir up things. If I stir up things, it’s because my convictions tell me that what others are saying isn’t the truth.
By tkg
August 30, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this
Braves seem to be getting the Mets at a good time … Hopefully their doubts about whether they can beat the Braves will kick in early and often over the next three days.
Another Mets series sweep sure would be sweet. That would completely change the face of the division race, wouldn’t it?
By Braveheart
August 30, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this
METS LOSE! MAGIC NUMBER IS 34!
Unfortunately, it looks like the Phillies are playing the way we are supposed to be playing. We got chastised for this a few weeks ago but we must sweep the Mets. Act like ruthless killers. Take it to those suckers. Kick ‘em when they are down. They are the Mets. They will not get back up. Send a freaking message. No more of this oh, well we played well, just came up short crap. Three wins bring us 3 games closer. 2 wins only bring us 1 game closer. Sweep those suckers and the fickle media and the fans up there will eat them up for lunch and finish our jobs for us. All we gotta do then is worry about the Phils. They are crumbling yet again. Love it.
Beat the Mets, beat the Mets, step right up and beat the Mets….
Sweep the Mets, sweep the Mets, step right up and beat the Mets….
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this
Anders, if they lose to tim hudson, the pressure would be in their minds so high that they could find losing to a mediocre james.
Good thing is that race is back, even if it is only the phillies for now, we are still very far, but a win tomorrow will make muts knees shake so much it will be heard around the world.
By Anders
August 30, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
Braveheart I was leaving until Bubba (spell check) redux reeled me back in. Anyway, if you are from the Bronx then you know that NYC is a pro sports town. It’s not that we don’t respect college sports or even watch them from time to time but there aren’t any major college teams here to support. Our NYC colleges educate people to Own* the team not cut their grass. _ that should get things cooking!
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 30, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
The Mets will be coming in as a wounded animal. We all know that a wounded animal is the worst kind. The Braves have to go for the jugular. If they can sweep the Mets they would be looking at being now worse than 2 1/2 back by the end of play Sunday.
The Braves need to take a clue from the Phillies and play as hard as they do. I heard Peter Gammons say today on ESPN radio that the Phillies are the “grittiest” team in the NL. They just never quit. I think this Braves team can be like that too. It is time for them to show it. This sweep of the Mets is like rain from heaven. The Braves in the words of Smokey from Friday “better take advantage”!
By brent a.
August 30, 2007 5:35 PM | Link to this
ALL: Please ignore my earlier question about Smoltz pitching Wednesday.
He pitches Sunday - too quick a turnaround. I knew this, just wasn’t thinking.
Also excited about our renewed chances.
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this
Slowly Braveheart, I’m taking notes. :>)
By Shaun
August 30, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this
Prediction: If the Braves don’t get into the playoffs, they will finish within two or three games of a playoff spot. Of course, if they do finish out of the playoff spot, even if they have a pretty good record and just miss, there will still be a lot of folks on this blog who write how horrible the Braves are and Bobby Cox is responsible for everything from global warning to the trade deficit, and how Schuerholz started The Salty Curse.
Again, not trying to be happy-go-lucky, every thing’s roses. Just saying, this team hasn’t had a bad season and will not have a bad season, even if they miss the playoffs.
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this
Mets are starting RH Mike Pelfrey (0-7, 5.92) in the middle game, apparently as a favor to the Braves and Chuck James to help restore his confidence and give the Braves a boost heading into September.
By GermanBravesFan
August 30, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this
Geez - it really seems like the Mets WANT the Braves to stay in this.
Now, can we please take advantage of this situation? I think winning the first game tomorrow will be key! Two out of three will be nice, but a win in the first game tomorrow will put immense pressure on the Mets. And, after a win in the second game… oh well, I am getting ahead of myself.
BUT: The Braves are definitely back in it!!!
By Fred from CT
August 30, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this
the braves better take advantage of this met team there is no excuse not to sweep. this team is down we better stomp them.
By Anders
August 30, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this
Overlord I agree a loss by the Mets tomorrow night, especially if the Phillies win would be huge, but what would you say if the Mets actually win? Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every once in a while -right? So it is possible. You see, you guys are still closer to the Phils than the Mets by two games. Do you really think you can jump both to win the division? That takes perfect storm type math. WC was the smart play for you guys. If you don’t believe me just ask Carroll Rodgers she said so a few days ago. These Phillie wins hurt you guys as much as the Mets but you just don’t see it. You will.
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this
Overlord, James told Braves he felt great when he threw on the side couple days ago.
Renteria told me in Florida that his ankle feels MUCH better this time than when he came off DL before. But he went back on DL Aug. 23, so he’s not eligible to return until after the Mets and Phillies series on this homestand.
By bill
August 30, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
KC I know he’s got a terrific average this year and last year. Everyone has their own opinion but you are including parts of two seasons. I wished they would play him a full season. I just don’t think over a full season, he would average over.280. I hope I’m wrong. He’s just an average runner and fielder but he’s find for LF. What about those PHILLIES????
By DonCoburleone
August 30, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this
“Matt Diaz hasn’t started a HOME GAME since Aug. 5. In the interim, Willie Harris has started six home games and gone 4-for-23 with one RBI and a .231 OBP (though three of the hits were extra-base hits).”
It is officially time to stop bowing down to the Rainbow Coalition and start Matt Diaz every day! Make Willie the 4th outfielder already! The guy is hitting .360 for christ sake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By DonCoburleone
August 30, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
“Mets are starting RH Mike Pelfrey (0-7, 5.92) in the middle game, apparently as a favor to the Braves and Chuck James to help restore his confidence and give the Braves a boost heading into September.”
HA! I’m at work and I laughed out loud when I read that… Nice one DOB.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 30, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I agree with you about the Braves having a successful season even if they don’t make the playoffs as long as they don’t tank and wind up with a .500 or worse record. I also agree with your “market correction” theory to some degree. The Braves are due for a hot month. They just haven’t had one this year. Even last year during that fiasco they had an excellent July. Hell, every team has a hot month unless they are a true bottom feeder. I do hope the Braves are due for a huge run. I suppose now is as good as time as any!
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
“Anders” You are hardi comme un coq sur’son fumier. Look it up. We will be here.
By Braveheart
August 30, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
It’s not that we don’t respect college sports or even watch them from time to time but there aren’t any major college teams here to support.
From time to time, Anders? Are you kidding me? You must be a herb from the burbs. People in NYC love sports, period, Anders. I think you are speaking for yourself and not most New Yorkers. Not having major college teams meant nothing. If you were Irish Catholic, you rooted for Notre Dame. If you loved sports, you rooted for FSU, Miami, Penn State, Ohio State, Michigan. In fact, I think the reason no college team could ever make it there, including Rutgers, is because the fan base is too divided in their loyalties to too many different teams throughout the country. Whatever Anders. Speak for yourself. No man I knew growing up in NYC only watched college football from time to time. Admitting to watching college football from time to time, no matter where you are, is equivalent to admitting you just turned in your man card.
Next, you will probably tell me that college basketball and high school basketball is not huge up there as well. Ya see, NYC is not really a Pro Sports Town - that is just something the ESPN types use to mock Southerners, specifically people from Georgia. NYC is more of a sports town generally, especially a major event town. So, whatever big college football team was playing or whatever the big college football game or the big name player was, everyone was watching, be it college or pro or even high school basketball. And the men I knew we were watching every Saturday from noon ‘til midnight and then doing the same thing again on Sunday. Or at least the men I knew.
By DonCoburleone
August 30, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this
And speaking of Chuck James B!tch!, check out this John Donovan article on SI.com regarding the Braves:
Braves — The Braves’ fate lies, as everyone who has seen this team realizes with painful certainty, with the rotation beyond John Smoltz and Tim Hudson. Another reliable starter would be more than nice. It’s necessary. The one that folks in Atlanta are holding their breath on: lefty Chuck James, who should come off the disabled list at the beginning of the month. Last September, James went 4-1 in six starts with a 3.29 ERA, allowing 28 hits in 38 1/3 innings. If the Braves can get that out of him this September, and Smoltz and Hudson keep it up, this team has a chance.
By David-ATL14
August 30, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this
Lew just for general info.
Franco will have to be added to the 40 man roster prior to 11:59P Aug 31st.
It matters not one iota he was on the active roster previously.
His contract will have to be purchased from Richmond prior to Sept 1, for him to be elgible for the post season roster.
While you are right about adding players for injured spots/DL spots, those players that are added have to be on the 40 man roster prior to Sept 1.
No player not on the 40 man roster as of end of day Aug 31st is elgible for the post season roster under any circumstances. Said player could be added to the 40 man after Sept 1 and recalled to ATL, but can’t not be considered for any post season roster spots.
By Supes
August 30, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this
KC
Do we agree at this point the Mets are ripe for the taking…they are losing, can’t seem to buy a win and even find a way to blow a game after staging a comeback. Braves are rested, got their aces going…and the middle game will be a “shoot out” given the starters for both teams…glad the Braves get to bat last I guess.
I will be wearing a “FREE MATT DIAZ” T-shirt and I hope to be able to get that message through to the thick skull of Bobby Cox! KC, those are excellent stats on Matt, all those at bats represent a full season, right? About 550AB is what…145-150 games?
The thing I dislike the most about Cox, he will forever be stubborn about this platoon crap and all these lefty/righty matchups. If you are a ball player, you play everday. Matt Diaz is a ball player who is raking right now. Go with the hot hand Bobby! Damn it this is insane and frustrating if Willie Harris gets the nod again this weekend!
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
I’m going to dinner. Let me know if Anders figures it out.
By TennesseePaul
August 30, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this
What a Melt Down by the Mets. 5 games in a row. Sheeeeesh.
I’d get excited, but, like AJ getting on a hot streak, every time I do get excited, the exact opposite of my wish comes true.
So… Bravos. Focus on those Mets tomorrow. Win that game. Once that’s done, focus on the Mets and win that game…
In the words of the acclaimed Dr. Leo Marvin: Baby Steps.
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this
Thanks again for comets DOB. Anders yes you are right, even the best lose once in a while. 2 Straight loses by Hudson does not looks like something that is going to happen. It could happen, slim chances. I would like more our chances with tim since he lost last time out, stats and probabilities say he will win tomorrow, but the game has to be played. Plus i dont think Maine is going to shut us down, he has been struggling, thats no secret.
One thing im glad of, we wont face Hernandez, that is a another bad break for muts, but they pitched him today, good scenario to stop the bleeding, just didnt happen.
Hope fans go to the ted……braves really need fan support in this homestand.
By Lew
August 30, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this
David ATL-I stand corrected. Thanks
Anders, eating crow sure beats some of what we’ve had fed to us by the Trolls the past two years, that’s for damn sure. Pacing in front of the TV? Hardly. Reclining in my chair in front of the drawing table, laughing my fat behind off watching Wagner (who XM Home Plate said asked off this week for a dead arm) getting his butt handed to him. Apparently batters are hitting .378 against Billy in August.
Now Anders, this game (and the whole series) showed me several things-1.The Mets are extremely vulnerable 2.The Braves can play Boom Boom with either team, toe to toe 3. The Braves most definitely have the best bullpen of the three at this point of the season (did you see Sorino blowing hitters away last night). 4. Neither the Mets nor the Phillies pitching is any better than our. It’s like I told NoBrainZone (for which I have received innumerable grief), The Mets could very easily end up in third place this season. Ending up there by the end of next week is a definite possibility. They have lost 5 straight and 7 of 9. I don’t want to hear anything else about how the Braves have not taken advantage. I’d like to know what you think happened to your bunch of underachievers. They are going down.
By Fred from CT
August 30, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this
David-ATL14
I think your wrong about that julio will be eligible for the postseason even if he is called up on sept 1st. he doesn’t gotta be called up before that.
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this
One more thing…… How could Hernandez look so bad. 5 runs in 3 IP??? Is he hurt? Is he tired? i didnt see that part of the game but that guy has been so dominant it makes me wonder if that shoulder is bothering him again. If thats the case, muts are done for the season. Its like us losing smoltz.
By heath
August 30, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this
I know we’ve all been saying IF all season…but….IF the Braves sweep the Mets this weekend, then the Braves will be back in the race. The Braves have played well against the Mets this year AND they have favorable pitching matchups this weekend. And as much of an “IF” as it is, they BETTER sweep to have a realistic chance. They will only have 1 game with either Hudson or Smoltz against the Phils in the following series…. Here’s to “IF”
By David-ATL14
August 30, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this
Fred from CT- I don’t want this to turn into a Thorman options debacle as many will recognize.
Most players called up by any major league team are on the 40 man roster before being recalled.
Julio is not on the 40 man roster,his is now a minor league contract assigned to Richmond currently.
His name will have to be on the braves 40 man roster prior to Sept 1, for him to be elgible for post season roster inclusion.
He could in theory be added to the 40 man after Sept 1, but he will then be inelgible for the post season roster.
By AZBravoFan
August 30, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this
Overlord, I think they pulled him early so they could pinch-hit Millidge when it looked like they might be able to rally back from the 5-0 deficit. But that would be nice for the home team if his shoulder is starting to bark again.
By Efrim
August 30, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this
Anders
Your team better not lose that game tomorrow night. You then will have to rely on Mike Pelfrey on Saturday, and then have a Smoltz/Glavine matchup on Sunday. Lose tomorrow and you’ll get swept.
Lew
Check the Mets last 13 games. Nationals, Marlins for 12 games and then 1 game against St Louis. I know it is an exciting time right now, but remember that we are 69-65 and still 4.5 games back. Need to go 5-1 in the next two series for me to have a serious amount on confidence with this team. Again, we haven’t had a good stretch yet. The Phillies on the other hand have just won 5 in a row and are about to face the Marlins(who suck) and the Braves(won 5 of last 6 games against ATL). So they are a team to look out for as well.
By Supes
August 30, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this
No doubt a sweep against the Mets is needed, or the playoffs maybe history. Braves have to make some sort of statement and win the 3 games against the Mets, just take it one series at the time.
If they have any guts as a team, they will rise to the occasion and play as good or even better than they can!
Let’s hope all the pressure is on the Mets, since they are in 1st and are in the middle of a losing streak. Braves should play loose and with a smile on their faces, while the Mets will be grinding at bats and overswinging, trying to make perfect pitches, etc. That is the big key for this series. Play relaxed if you are the Braves and let the Mets be the ones to shoulder the expectations of being in 1st place.
By bubba redux
August 30, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this
If the Bravos sweep the muts that, of course, will mean that the muts will have been swept in two straight series by their divisional rivals. In that case, regardless of numbers, stick a fork in ‘em…
By KC
August 30, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this
Supes: I agree… save one thing. I’m not so sure that the middle game will be a shootout or a slugfest (pick your term).
Before Chuck James shoulder started bothering him 3 or 4 starts ago, he had been on a tear. From June 29th - July 25th (a 5 start stretch), James posted a 1.47 ERA and averaged over 6 innings per start. His overall ERA of the month of July was 2.48.
As of July 25th, James boasted a 3.55 ERA, which placed him among the top 15 starters in the league. And heading into August, he still had a very good 3.70 ERA.
So if that shoulder is good now, James could be a huge asset again.
I’m not saying he’s going to go out and there and shut em out through 6 or 7, he may well be rusty… but it’s easy to lose sight of how effective James can be when he’s healthy.
As for all else… definitely a great opportunity this weekend. Please make one of those “Free Matty” t-shirts for me!
By TampaBrave
August 30, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this
TampaBrave, I am home, my man. I am home.You’re visiting. But you’re welcome anytime.
DOB
Don’t get it. Can you elaborate?
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 7:27 PM | Link to this
AZ i got that one. Well, let the games begin. I just hope all our hopes dont go down the drain as early as tomorrow, tim needs to perform.
By DonCoburleone
August 30, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this
Yeah come on guys, I agree with Efrim,its getting pathetic at this point… I’ve done more rooting and cheering for teams playing the Mets than I have for the Braves this year, and that tells me something - WE ARE M-E-D-I-O-C-R-E! Thats it, theres your answer to the “are we gonna make the playoffs” question. I say we just fight for 85 wins and at least improve (by 6 games) over last years team… Then next year we improve by another 6 and boom, 91 wins. How much will somebody bet me that we go 3-3 in the next 6 games and end up in the exact same spot we are now? (except with 6 less games on the schedule to catch the Phillies, Mets, Pads, etc.) Thats what this team does! It is what they are!
By DonCoburleone
August 30, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
In fact, I bet whichever game is MOST likely we win this weekend against the Mets is the one we lose… So, maybe Pelfrey gets his 1st (or is it 2nd?) win of the year on Saturday? I still say we take 2 of 3 from the Mets, but then we will turn right back around and lose 2 of 3 to the Phillies keeping us in the same spot were in now.
Remember like two weeks ago DOB you gave sh!t to somebody about proclaiming this series or game is a “must win”? Well, do you finally believe this is MUST WIN territory for the Braves in the next 2 series’?
By Lew
August 30, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Efrim-You’re right, but we play the Mets and Phillies 12 times in the last 28 and A. The Mets suck. B. The Mets are playing right now like they suck really bad. C. The pitching staffs of both the Phillies and the Mets are no better than ours (especially given recent performances by Cormier and a rested James returning) and D. The bullpens of both the Phillies and the Mets are nowhere near as good as that of the Braves right now (especially after the call up on Saturday).
Now you are absolutely right-we need to put a streak together-but a six game streak should do it. You’ve seen all week I’ve been screaming that lack of consistency is and has been our problem. I haven’t changed my tune, but man, the Phillies staff has been operating on smoke, mirrors and offense all year and the Mets, by their own announcers’ words today just suffered “their most devastating loss of the season” and “are a team in total disarray.” Couple this with the fact that we own them and have three favorable pitching match ups this weekend and I’m greatly heartened. Yes, we’re 4 1/2 out, but that was what, six or seven back the other day? That could EASILY be 1 1/2 by Monday.
Now Anders-Are you still harping on that Wild Card nonsense? Just how in the world do you “concentrate on the wild card”? You’ve never explained just how a team goes about that, have you? Could it be because it’s nothing but a bunch of crap? Why don’t the Mets “concentrate” on it? Seems to me that they are in tons of trouble right now, with zero momentum and a really depressed team. Your two best pitchers have had their rear ends handed to them- Maine for the last month and El Duque had his bell rung today in fine fashion. In the middle game of this series, you’re running a pitcher out there who hasn’t had a ML victory all season. He won’t get his first on Saturday.
By Fred from CT
August 30, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this
David-ATL14 you are correct I thought he was still on the 40 man roster my apologies.
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 8:01 PM | Link to this
DonC, yes, I do most definitely believe this is “must win” time for the Braves, these two series (and every one after that, if they should be so fortunate as to win these two).
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
Overlord, as for the crowds, I’m told they’re gonna be very large, maybe even a sellout or two.
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
TampaBrave, was just responding to your post in which you said you were glad I didn’t take my toys and “go home.”
It’s all good. No worries, my man.
By David-ATL14
August 30, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
No problem Frd from CT.
As DOB said it’s all good.
Braves wake up Labor Day with the Phillies and Mets tied and find them selves ony 1.5 out.
Braves win NL EAST.
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
Wow. Im salivating already to watch all that tomahawking.
Guys, just dont get too high. We could even get swept by muts. Hopefully is the other way around.
If this team is some 2 games from top when edgar gets back and pitching help. I like our chances.
Right now i still say top 3 teams are positioned as their chances.
You still have to make muts even more, no easy task.
Phillies are giving all their heart but they wont play muts everyday in september, so muts could win games in september.
Braves have not proven late as much as the teams in front of them. muts are playing poorly but dont forget it was against a powerful phillies team.
Gladiators are loose in the arena…. TAKE COVER!!!!!!!!!!!
By MEB
August 30, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
Stevie Nicks… Oh, the humanity and be still my heart DOB! Talk about the perfect rock-n-roll songstress for the MIB/BBQ/Pie/Toes/Braves Baseball Blog. Hauntingly beautiful and with an enchantingly wonderful voice. Stevie and Fleetwood Mac are at the top of my favorite list. You know she is from the Phoenix area and started out singing country music. Saw her last back in the late 70’s probably doing their Rumours tour and no, I can’t believe she is almost 60.
Stevie Nicks (Written by J. Cash and R. Cash)
Outside my door the rain is falling A cold, wild wind will come Well there’s someone for me somewhere But I still miss that one
No I never got over those blue eyes I see them everywhere And I miss those arms that held me Baby, when all the love was there
Well I Wonder if he’s sorry For ending what we had begun Well there’s someone someone for me somewhere Baby, well I still miss someone
And I never got over those blue eyes I see them everywhere And I miss those arms that held me Ooh baby, when all the love was there
And I never got over those blue eyes I see them everywhere And I miss those arms that held me Baby, when all the love was there Baby, when all the love was there Baby, when all the love was there
By fastasballs
August 30, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this
Damn I wish I could be there tomorrow night, the atmosphere will be electric or it should be.
I’ve contemplated getting in the car or better yet the motorcycle (can make better time) at 6AM and taking a little impromtu road trip to the ATL. I’ve already blown a ton of money for the Baton Rouge trip next weekend, trying to tighten the belt a bit as I own a seasonal business & things start to dry up around October or Novemeber depending on the weather.
Maybe I can save a few bucks by sleeping on DOB’s couch. Think he’d mind?
By TennesseePaul
August 30, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this
Lew: Best bullpen. I love this pen. I don’t need to wait till Saturday. I love it more now that Acosta and Ascanio are in the pen. These to young studs are amazing. Under the radar type guys. I didn’t know we had them but they’ve been better than any rookie pitcher call up I’ve seen of late. I hope we hold on to these guys for a while. Solid stuff.
By Mojo Rising
August 30, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
A few who perhaps work in a, oh, i don’t know, a more gentle environment than the locker rooms and clubhouses of professional sports, especially the locker rooms and clubhouses of teams that are in the midst of disappointing seasons and don’t really feel obligate to entertain your every question or defend their every move.
What?
By fastasballs
August 30, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this
The Braves have to treat these next 6 games as the playoffs & leave it all on the field. They should have the edge in all three games, although I thought the same thing before for the Cincy series.
The Muts are on the verge of an implosion & the Braves should add all the fuel to the fire they can.
Cox needs to to channel Casey Stengles brain & refrain from doing anything other than running the same line up from Wed back out there tomorrow night, but include a rested McCann & KJ. Diaz is the wave, ride him while he’s hot, which is about every month except April.
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
Acosta was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Yankees on January 6, 1998. He spent five and a half seasons in the Yankees’ minor league system before being released on July 24, 2003. Prior to his release, Acosta had gone 0-8 with a 6.40 earned run average in 15 games.
The Atlanta Braves signed Acosta on July 29, 2003. He fared slightly better with Atlanta’s High-A team, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, recording a 6.39 ERA and winning 2 games.
In 2004, Acosta began the season with the Rookie-level Gulf Coast Braves. However, after only 2 games with the GCL Braves, he was called back up to Myrtle Beach. He started the next reason with the Rookie-level Danville Braves. After an impressive performance, striking out 8 batters in 3 games, he was once again promoted to the Pelicans. He split the 2006 season between the AA Mississippi Braves and the AAA Richmond Braves.
Acosta pitched for Panama in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. He had an 0-1 record during the event.
On October 12, 2006, the Braves purchased Acosta’s contract and added him to their 40-man roster.
On August 10, 2007, Acosta was called up to the big leagues after Octavio Dotel hit the DL. He made his big league debut on August 12 pitching a scoreless inning of relief against the Phillies. He has yet to allow a run in 8.2 innings pitched.
By DAP
August 30, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this
if bobby does not put matt diaz in the starting lineup tomorrow night, its time for some sort of intervention. diaz MUST start. DOB, as our man on the inside its up to you to make this happen! maybe some exlax in willie harris’ lunch. he’ll be fine, but itll keep him out of the lineup!
By B9
August 30, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
This blog is dead. But I don’t care. I am benign.
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
im here
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
Guess even player are as exhausted as the bullpen, hahaha
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
Fastasballs, I think you should ride the bike (motorcyle) here. Weather’s good for it right now, too, only about 88 for highs.
What kind of bike you riding?
By David O'Brien
August 30, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this
I expect Julio to be added to 40-man tomorrow.
By Carolina Lady
August 30, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this
NEWS OF BOB JOURNALIST
I’ve just received news that Bob’s precious wife Carol was rushed to the hospital night before last for emergency surgery. Widespread cancer was discovered, though the “surgery went well”. Those of you who know how to pray, please include this kind man and his wife in your heartfelt prayers. CL out.
By MEB
August 30, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady… Thank you for the news regarding our intrepid Journalist. I’ve missed Journalist Bob’s style and wit over the past couple of days. Bob and his wife Carol are in my prayers.
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
I dont know about julio, his bat didnt look good last time around. Better than Thorman at least.
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 10:51 PM | Link to this
Guess even blogger are as exhausted as bullpen. hahaha
By Coach ( NAIL THE COFFIN SHUT AND LOWER IT)
August 30, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
The Mets have lost five in a row. The Braves have picked up 1.5 games in the standings during the past five days. The Phillies have picked up five games in the same time period , primarily because they are the team that has beaten the Mets. If you are expecting the Braves to do the same over this weekend…..well , I don’t.
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this
Coach no need to be negative, but your point is very clear, i think to all bloggers. Lets just keep up the faith man. Im sure everyone knows this is our last chance. The braves will do everything they can. If they play miserably, then its clear we dont have enough to compete.
Gooooo Braves!!!!!!!!
By Ron Roberts
August 30, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
Fastasballs… don’t tell the Braves to treat the next six games as playoff games. LOL. They don’t respond well to playoff pressure, lately.
Carolina Lady… Sad news, indeed. Mrs. Bob Journalist is indeed in my thoughts and prayers. My heart just sank upon reading your post. Let us all hope for a miraculous about-face.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
August 30, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
Carolina Lady That news just makes me so sad…. My heart goes out to Bob and his wife Carol. I have been away from the blog for a while and have been catching up from the past few days.
It puts things in a different perspective when we hear of sad news concerning our friends. An extra prayer for all those who face such trials in their life.
By Overlord
August 30, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
It will be enough if the braves realize it is the muts they are facing. Its the only team they play well against.
By Overlord
August 31, 2007 12:04 AM | Link to this
Im not much related to Bob but since this is a community and the braves join us together……. i hope everything gets better around Bobs life.
By Another Fan on Crack
August 31, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this
By David-ATL14
August 30, 2007 8:26 PM | Link to this
No problem Frd from CT.
As DOB said it’s all good.
Braves wake up Labor Day with the Phillies and Mets tied and find them selves ony 1.5 out.
Braves win NL EAST.
By fastasballs
August 31, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this
Wow that’s horrible news about Bob J’s wife. The both of them will be in my prayers. I couldn’t begin to understand what the both of them are going through right now, but I will offer about all I can, which are prayers.
He’s always been one of my favorite bloggers although on occasion, I do need a thesaurus to decipher some of his posts. Always liked “methinks” which he is known for. Keep us posted Carolina Lady if you here more.
By Lew
August 31, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this
Well, the Eternal Optimist can certainly spare some positive energy for Bob and Mrs. Journalist. Hope things get better soon.
By fastasballs
August 31, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this
DOB At the moment I have a Suzuki GSXR1000, but my knees & back are beginning to scream for something a little more upright. I’ve been riding my friends Ducati ST4, love the handling of an Italian bike, however the parts & service bills have kept me from seriously considering one. I think I am going to start hording up some of my current favorites because everything coming out now is so techincal & difficult to work on.
I’ve seen you post a few times about riding, what do you ride?
By Chop Chop
August 31, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this
Bob J’s wife and Bob J, my prayers are with you. Meknows the rest of our fellow denizens concur.
By fastasballs
August 31, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this
San Diego was down 8-0, now it’s 8-6 & they are batting in the 8th. If Arizona blows that game it will be devastating for their season.
By Braves Fan 79
August 31, 2007 2:39 AM | Link to this
Well Arizona won, which sucks for us because we need one of the 2 teams to fall off BIG time if were gonna win the wildcard! Im guessing SD’s pitching will not allow that to happen….so im going for SD to run away with the west and the Dodgers and Diamondbacks to falter. Go Braves! Oyea…and Julio could be 100 years old and STILL be a better hitter than thorman or woodcrap. I hope its not true that hes not eligible for the playoff roster.
WE GOTTA CATCH FIRE!!
By Serbok
August 31, 2007 3:24 AM | Link to this
Wow~ I’m so sorry to hear about the esteemed BobJ and the predicament He and his wife are going thru:o( Bob~ my thoughts are with you my friend!!!!!!
By Serbok
August 31, 2007 3:54 AM | Link to this
Coach, I respectfully ask that you modify your moniker. Just for awhile, k?
By Metropolitan Man
August 31, 2007 5:41 AM | Link to this
Any braves fans going to the games this weekend??? I’ll be there tonight praying that the METS dont continue to embarrass themselves and the fans. Boy, this is maddening and I just want to get drunk and celebrate a win. So break out those chants so us diehards can gain some measure of respect and shut you down.
LETS GO METS and I mean it!!!!!
ATLANTA BRAVES VS. NEW YORK METS Friday, August 31, 2007 7:35 PM Section Row Seat(start) Seat(end) Tickets
239R 12 15 15 1
239R 10 15 15 1
239R 16 15 15 1
239R 15 15 15 1
239R 13 15 15 1
ATLANTA BRAVES VS. NEW YORK METS Saturday, September 01, 2007 3:55 PM Section Row Seat(start) Seat(end) Tickets
211R 13 13 13 1
211R 11 13 13 1
211R 12 13 13 1
Come and enjoy the game with good people if you are not a METS fan hater!!!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
August 31, 2007 6:53 AM | Link to this
There you go Serbok. I’ll send up up a prayer to the big sky pilot for Bob and his wife. My Mom survived cancer as did two of her sisters. I survived a heart attack. Life is short , play hard !
By ssiscribe
August 31, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this
Tried to post something short this morning but it didn’t go through. Oh well, here we go again:
For your chill-bump moment this morning, jump on the Braves’ Web site and look at some of the clips from the TBS Braves 30-years thing. They’ve got Claudell’s hit to make it 13 in a row in 1982, Garber striking out Rose in 78 to end Pete’s 44-game streak, Horner’s four-homer game in 86 and the epic 19-inning game against the Mets the year before.
But the ones I really loved — and ones that really got me pumped up for this weekend — were the ones from the early 1990s: McGriff’s homer on the night of the fire in 93 (totally forgot that went to dead center, and over Brian Jordan), DJ’s homer off Dibble to cap the big comeback in Cincy the final week of the 91 season, and Otis climbing the wall in 92 to rob Van Slyke as the Braves won 1-0 (on a Justice homer, the only hit of the game for Atlanta, if memory serves) to win their 13th in a row.
Great way to get the blood pumping as the biggest six games of the season begin tonight.
Good thing I’m not presenting anything tonight … I’ve got a cold. Wouldn’t you know, on the opening night of high school football season, and I haven’t covered a game of any kind in 10 months, and I wake up clogged up like the Downtown Connector. Nice. But good luck to Grinch tonight, and to the denizens who turn out tonight, look forward to meeting you guys at a game sometime soon.
And Bob J., you and your wife are in our prayers, my friend. God Bless.
To a safe Labor Day weekend, and to three wins over the Mets, starting tonight.
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By Thrillhouse44
August 31, 2007 8:15 AM | Link to this
Here’s the link to what ssiscribe mentioned: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/fanforum/tbsbraves_moments.jsp
It’ll definitely get you ready for this big homestand!
By Paladin
August 31, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this
Heavenly Father: Please grant your infinite mercy and succor to your good and loyal subjects, Carol and Bob. We respectfully ask this in the name of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
By Thrillhouse44
August 31, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this
Sorry for the broken link, just copy and paste this http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/fanforum/tbsbraves_moments.jsp
By Arkansas Hillbilly
August 31, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this
Bob, Journalist….Thoughts and Prayers are sent from South Arkansas.
By flange1
August 31, 2007 8:35 AM | Link to this
CL,
Thanks for the information on Bob abd his wife. They are both in my thoughts and prayers!
Please keep us posted.
Thanks
By Sam
August 31, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Best to you Bob J and Carol. We’re thinking about you.
By Dave In Tampa
August 31, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this
Wow, the next couple series is huge. It’s desperation time. We need to sweep both series from the Mets and Phillies to win the East. We need to take 2 out of 3 to have a shot at the wild card, but we CAN do it! Good luck Braves!
By 3trees
August 31, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
BobJ & Carol - Thoughts and prayers. We’re pulling for you.
By journalist jimmy smith
August 31, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
thank you, carolina lady, for notifying jimmy smith. prayers go out for friends carol and journalist bob.
By bubba redux
August 31, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
This is an “Anders” kind of day.
A little guy is sitting at the bar just staring at his drink for half an hour when this big trouble-making biker steps next to him, grabs his drink and gulps it down in one swig.
The poor little guy starts crying.
“Come on man. I was just giving you a hard time,” the biker says. I can’t stand to see a man crying.”
“This is the worst day of my life,” says the little guy between sobs. “I can’t do anything right. I overslept and was late to an important meeting, so my boss fired me. When I went to the parking lot, I found my car was stolen and I don’t have any insurance. I grabbed a cab home but, after the cab left, I discovered my wallet was still in the cab. At home I found my wife in bed with the gardener and my dog bit me. So I came to this bar trying to work up the courage to put an end to my life, and then you show up and drink the damn poison
By Thrillhouse44
August 31, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
I hit my knees this morning for you, BobJ and Carol.
By DAP
August 31, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
thanx for letting us know about bob, CL. ill be praying for him and his wife. wow, thats gotta be really hard.
By geauxbraves2000
August 31, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
My heart breaks for you Bob & Carol. I am a praying man, I have prayed for you and will continue to do so.
By David O'Brien
August 31, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this
Fastbasballs, I’m not a crotch-rocket bike rider, but I can imagine how that’d be hell on a bad back. I’ve never understood how the riding position on those racing-style bikes could be comfortable. But they are fast as h, right?
I’ve got two bikes, a Triumph Bonneville and a Harley-Davidson Dyna Street Bob, the latter with an Screaming Eagle expanded engine kit, taking it from the now-standard Harley twin 96 to 103 cubic inches.
By David O'Brien
August 31, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this
Brent A, no way Smoltz pitches Wednesday on TWO days rest. But he does want to pitch more on three days rest if the Braves stay alive in this thin.
By Overlord
August 31, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
will there be chance to get the games going? I see its going to rain all weekend
By bubba redux
August 31, 2007 10:02 AM | Link to this
DOB You mentioned that you had used some of Farron Young’s lyrics on here, before. I used “Live fast, Love Hard” as my “anthem” for many years. Now, it is “If I’d known I was goin’ to live this long, I’da taken better care of myself.”
By Thrillhouse44
August 31, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Smoltz wants to pitch more on 3 days rest?!? Geez, what a gamer! Someone on here mentioned the Phillies were the grittiest team, but you’re not going to find anyone more gritty than Smoltz! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Smoltz has the juice! (R.I.P. 2Pac)
By bubba redux
August 31, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this
Smoltz is the ultimate warrior; and his “call out” of Chipper is the reason the Braves, starting with this series, have a chance to make it to the dance.
By DAP
August 31, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this
this is why the bearded icon IS the braves. he wants to lead the way, and what a leader he is. the kind of athlete and competitor that smoltz is…it just gets me PUMPED thinking about it! i hope it has the same effect on his team. john smoltz has got to be one of the greatest athletes of our time. definetly one of the greatest ive ever seen.
By Overlord
August 31, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Playoff atmosphere, adrenaline everywhere, everybody under pressure, chipper looking for the fence AGAIN…… this is what the game is about. Lets get TEX into the mix, make them hate you as well TEX
GOOOOOOOOOO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let Acosta and soriano close the deal, so the muts feel even more the pressure.
By The Grinch
August 31, 2007 10:29 AM | Link to this
Morning, all. While every one’s praying for Bob and Carol, have an extra one for Savannah Guy’s family; he’s missing the game tonight because of medical complications with his wife, as well.
DOB, I’ve ridden both crotch rockets and Harleys (no comparison; Harleys are an entire universe ahead); your back gets used to whichever style you’re riding provided you do enough of it. The rockets can be surprisingly comfortable for short to medium range rides. But they ain’t got that style and sound, and I’m not big on going 200mph anymore.
Come on down tonight, y’all, and we’ll stomp the Mets’ @$$. Tell me you guys don’t want to watch a drunken, anguished MetroMan collapse on the ground like a cheap tent after a 15-2 game.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 31, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
First let me say that my heart felt prayers are with Bob and Carol. I pray everything will work out for the best and Carol will recover to full health.
Now, as for this series this weekend. We will now see what this Braves team is really made up of. Anything less than winning 2 of 3 will tell me that all the complaining I had about this team not having heart is correct. Also, I really hope The Ted is packed and not packed with Mets fans. This is the time when Atlanta fans have to show the rest of the country that Atlanta is not the “worst sports town” in America. The Tomahawk Chop has to be going consistently and the music blaring. The crowd needs to be out to support this team and hopefully get them fired up! This is THE BIGGEST SERIES OF THE YEAR! It truly is now or never for this team. Hudson is going tonight and Smoltz on Sunday with a refreshed Chuckie in between. The Mets are reeling. The Braves need to go for the jugular. None of this “there’s always tomorrow” crap. The Phillies loaded the gun. Its time for the Braves to pull the trigger.
By the time this weekend ends the Mets could be in third place. Can the Braves answer the bell?
By Paladin
August 31, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
I come out of “retirement” once more to offer my sincere good wishes for Savannah and his lady. I do hope that she does well and he comes back—to us—with his wit and intellect, soon!
By Efrim
August 31, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
I think I saw someone said that the pressure is all on the Mets.
Why would that be?
We still need to finish out the season on a 19-9, 20-8 pace.
The Mets, who are 73-60, need to just go 15-14, 16-13 their last 29 games to make the playoffs.
The pressure is on us folks. We need to sweep them. If they get out of here winning one game, then they have done their job.
I’ll say it again, 12 of their last 13 games are against the Nationals and Marlins.
By bubba redux
August 31, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
“Efrim” Forget the doom ‘n’ gloom will you, bro? Let’s just worry about one game—or one series—at a time. Shall we, please?
By Shaun
August 31, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
Robert (Justice Is The Best),
Not saying at all you think Atlanta is the “worst sports town” but it’s a ridiculous claim, whoever says such a thing.
Google does something interesting. They have a site called Google Trends. You can actually see which cities search for certain topics most.
Atlanta is number ten in the world in searching for “sports.” They are seventh in the search for “baseball,” ahead of New York! “Football” they are 6th. “Basketball” they are fourth. Even “soccer” they are eighth.
I know this is not scientific research but this gives us some kind of idea that Atlanta isn’t as bad a sports town as some people think. Those folks are just plain wrong.
By ssiscribe
August 31, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
Savannah Guy: Hope your wife gets feeling better. We’ll remember you guys in our prayers, as well.
Grinch: Tell MetroMan to drink one for me as his Mets’ collapse continues! Since I very seldom drink anymore, and if I do, it’s at home (or in Vegas) and certainly isn’t beer (which I tend to chug like water, which isn’t a good thing), I’ll let the rest of you raise frosty cold ones for me tonight after the Wurlitzer Presentation.
Tomorrow, I’ll be there with family, chopping and chanting like crazy. Gang, we need to SWEEP this series. Two out of three is an absolute must, but a SWEEP gets the Braves right freaking there with four weeks to go and the Phils coming in to town for three more games Atlanta needs to win.
Oh, if there ever was a time to win at least five out of six, this is it. So the Braves need to go 19-9 or 20-8 the rest of the way? Win five of six against the Mets and Phils, and beat the Mets twice in Flushing Sept. 10-12, and you’ve got seven of those 19 or 20 wins right there.
If you are going to the games this weekend, please please please be loud, cheer like it’s October, cheer like you did in old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in the early and mid 1990s. The Braves need EVERYTHING they can get at this point, including a rocking ballpark this weekend, next week and for every home game the rest of the season.
That means not waiting for the stupid message board to tell you to get loud. Do it on your own. Stand up. If the people behind you complain, tell them to stand up, too. It’s September (or soon will be). It’s baseball. It’s a pennant race in absolute full effect, and with a good weekend and first part of next week, not only are the Braves back in it, the Braves are right there at the top of the division.
Cheer like it’s October, if you want to see baseball this October. Our city has been the subject of the worst sports story of the year for months. Time to make Atlanta a national story for a positive reason: the resurgence of a franchise and a fan base. The time is NOW to make that happen, so do your part! Go to the games, yell like hell, wear your Braves gear, bring your tomahawks and cheer this team to the playoffs!
There. I’m off the soapbox. Time for some cold medicine, a cigar, a Coke Zero and some research on the game I’m covering tonight.
Later, denizens. Let’s Go Braves!
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By bubba redux
August 31, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
“Shaun” Your Google search is interesting, but surfing and going out and supporting your team(s) are two different things. I don’t think that “worst” label, right or wrong, had anything to do with surfing the net.
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves in 2008)
August 31, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
Efrim is correct , the Braves would have to win 19-20 games out of the remaining 29. It’s all but impossible to ask a .500 team over the last 130 games to play .650 ball over the remaining 29 games they have left.
By bubba redux
August 31, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
“Coach(Let’s rain on everybody’s parade)” I bet you don’t believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, either. Well, believe in the GRINCH!!!
By TennesseePaul
August 31, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
How much of Smoltz’s desire to pitch the rest of the season on 3 days rest stems from wanting to win the season, and how much stems from wanting to beat Tiger Woods in their bet?
I bet he could handle it no matter. It’d be like the good ol’ days when you ran a 4 man staff out there, using the 5th guy in double headers and extra innings/long relief. It wasn’t that long ago that 4 man staffs were around. Guys could get 40 starts a year and have a solid chance at winning 30 in a season. It’d probably help the Braves a ton to have Smoltz and Hudson going more frequently. But the other guys I’m not so sure could handle it. Running James, JoJo, Lance, or Buddy out there on short rest sounds like a disaster waiting to happen.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 31, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
Shaun, I don’t think Atlanta is “worst” sports town. But, I think when people say that they are referring to the support of fans. We have to be honest. I don’t care how many times the Braves made it to the playoffs and didn’t win the World Series there is just no reason for a playoff game not to sellout. No reason at all!
Even this year I have noticed games where the fans seem to be sitting on their hands when the Braves are on the verge of a rally or in need of one. I definitely think most would agree here that the Braves fan base doesn’t have the same excitement and enthusiasm as teams like the Cubs, Cards, Red Sox, Yanks, Twins, and even the Mets. Sometimes seeing Red Sox or Twins games gives me the same feeling I get when watching college football or basketball. You can just feel the excitement. I really believe that is what is needed this weekend. It will take more than people showing up. They need to really be into the game and get caught up in the atmosphere.
The Braves playoff hopes hinge on this series. It is as simple as that!
By Efrim
August 31, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
Coach
Efrim is correct , the Braves would have to win 19-20 games out of the remaining 29. It’s all but impossible to ask a .500 team over the last 130 games to play .650 ball over the remaining 29 games they have left.
It isn’t impossible. But lets be honest with ourselves, it would take an utter collapse of the Mets, Padres or D-Backs for us to make the playoffs. It is sad, because that is the situation that we put ourselves in because we played terrible baseball for 4 months. Of course we need to win one game at a time, but this team needs a 6 game winning streak right about now. They also need an 8-2 homestand.
By Shure Johnholz
August 31, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this
Not been too connected with Bob the Journalist much, but from everything I hear, he is good as gold. My best wishes and prayers go out to him and to his dear wife Carol. God Bless.
By MS
August 31, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
I’m heading to Chicago this weekend to catch GT-ND on Saturday so won’t be able to attend any of this great series (or the Wurlitzer presentation!).
I second the Scribe in charging all those who are down there to get loud and support our Braves through to victory this weekend (when they need it most). Let’s take advantage of this golden opportunity and get right back in this race!
Everyone have a fun, safe weekend.
Go Braves!!
By bubba redux
August 31, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
Com’on “T. Paul”, Smoltz is not only a warrior, he is a team guy. I don’t think his willingness to “give his all” has a damn thing to do with a “bet”. I do agree, however, that it takes a real Hoss to go on short rest and I’m not sure James, Jojo and Lance are up to it. Buddy, maybe.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 31, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this
It isn’t IMPOSSIBLE for the Braves to on such a streak. Lets not forget at this time last year both the Twins and the Astros were all but left for dead in regards to their playoff hopes. It appeared the Tigers had the AL Central wrapped up and the Astros were playing such mediocre baseball that nobody thought they had the ability to make a run. Well, the Twins won the division and the Astros only missed the playoffs due to the Braves.
The Braves as good as either one of those teams were and I would argue they were better than the Astros. Yes, the Astros had good pitching but my son’s machine pitch baseball team could have scored more runs.
All I’m saying is that anything is possible. The Oakland A’s went on 19 game winning streaks in consecutive years and while their pitching was good, it wasn’t that good.
What it comes down to is what do these Braves have inside them. Can they find that light or that spark that will ignite the fire? Can they hunker down and take care of the job at hand? We’ll see in about 7 1/2 hours.
By rammerjammer
August 31, 2007 12:04 PM | Link to this
Regardless of how the weekend turns out, this is why it’s great to be a Brave. This is why Tex just might stay awhile. This is why other players want to play for Atlanta. They and we all know, year in and year out, September games ALWAYS mean something.
And that’s great.
My prayers are with our blogger friend and his wife.
By DAP
August 31, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
it is too bad when you go to the game and the people around you dont seem to be into it. people just seem kinda lackadaisical about the braves! i decided a long time ago, that i cant do anyhting about them,butim always gonna cheer my heart out and whenever i get the chance, do the chop with both arms!
sadly, i live just far away that i have to make a day of going to a game, and on a day i have to work… well i have to feed my my wife and i first! i wont be able to make it at all this weekend, but im gonna try to go on monday and will the braves to a win over the phils!
By Shure Johnholz
August 31, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this
Efrim You might be right about the numbers of games that need to be won, but the ONLY way that a team can look at the Braves current situation is to just play them one game/one series at a time.
You can’t worry about what other teams might do, you just play your games, and let the chips fall where they may. Trying to do the math after every game to me is counter productive, and just puts undue pressure on a team.
So, if we sweep the Mets, then you are trying to do the math some more. Just play the games.
Agree/disagree?
By David O'Brien
August 31, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this
Robert (JIB), regarding your line: “Shaun, I don’t think Atlanta is “worst” sports town. But, I think when people say that they are referring to the support of fans.”
You want bad? Go to South Florida. I just spent three days there in what was hands-down the most depressing pro-sports environment I’ve ever experienced. I mean, announced crowds of about 11,000, actual attendance perhaps one-third of that, and as quiet as a library — or morgue, more appropriately.
I spent 13 years down there, and saw a top-10 college football program draw 35,000 for games against non-ranked opponents (what other ranked college football team doesn’t routinely sell out all games, regardless of opponent?).
Saw UM play ACC basketball games in a new, small on-campus arena with 2,000 people in the house (less than half-capacity).
And for all its self-proclaimed status as a “pro football town,” Miami has the distinction of being the only NFL team that had playoff games (plural) blacked out on local TV because they didn’t sell out before the deadline for the network.
South Florida is such a worse sports “town” than Atlanta, it’s not even comparable.
When you consider the turnouts for UGa football and the middle-of-the-road (in MLB rankings) attendance for the Braves during these past two mediocre seasons, not to mention the Falcons sellouts despite a less-than-stellar product, I think it’s a bit of a stretch to call Atlanta a bad sports market. It’s certainly not one of the best, in terms of tickets sold, etc, but it’s far from the worst. The mere fact that the area can support TWO sports-talk radio stations for the past decade or so, says at least something for the level of enthusiasm of local sports fans.
Go to similar-size cities and I don’t think you’ll find many, if any, that have multiple sports-radio stations that have survived for an extended period. Just a small factor in the discussion, I know, but I just offer it as a point to consider.
By David O'Brien
August 31, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
KC, mets are starting Pelfrey, not Lawrence, on Saturday. Even better, at least on paper, for Braves: Pelfrey is 0-7, 5.92 ERA in 10 games (9 starts)….
teoa, just saw your hilarious post regarding my “I am home” line. You’re right, it did sound like I was channeling Steven A. Sorry about that, man. That was cheese.
By Bobby's Cox
August 31, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this
Sorry fellow braves fans, but i think our chances have come and past. Being we sweep out the mets & phillies, we’re still in 2nd with the mets getting to finish off the last 2 weeks of the season against the sorries (nats & fish), while we get playoff hungry philly, milwaulkee, and an astros team that wants to do to us this year that we did to them last year.
We’d have to have at least a 2 game lead going into that final stretch. But if we can win 21 of 29 while the west beats each other up, then we can squeeze in.
To be a bit more positive, if we do get in, we’ll be on a hot streak like we never had from 1996-2005 going into OCT. Plus we’ll be playing against a weak NL to get to the WS. I’m gonna start praying. Hopefully your city which you call Atlanta has more magic left in its belt. Here’s for hope and a september like years past!
By Anders
August 31, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Efrim Thanks for bringing some sense to the blog today. I know when I say it it sounds like just another Mets fan raining on your the Braves fans parade.
By ncscoots
August 31, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
Shure, you want counter-productive? We got bloggers doing the math in between INNINGS, let alone games, LOL (not Efrim, he’s one of the good guys here).
Some posters here have long espoused your contention that tonight’s is the only game that counts, rather than “if team A goes B and C, and team D goes E and F, then the Braves need to go X and Y. But if team R goes S and T, well, then…” (fade to head exploding).
Tonight we get to see how well the Mets forget yesterday and how well the Braves ignore tomorrow. Which team does the better job, wins.
By KC
August 31, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
Robert(JIB) I agree.
The Braves have underachieved over the last month. Sure, the case could be made that they’ve underachieved most of the season… but while that may be true even of the pre-Tex/Mahay Braves, it would be true to a lesser extent. We know THIS team that we have now is capable of far better than .500 ball.
As you pointed out Robert, we’ve seen teams go on nice September runs… and this team is MORE than capable of doing the same.
It won’t take a miracle. There are 28 games remaining, and we don’t have to go 23-5 the rest of the way.
If we can win this series against the Mets, we’ll find ourselves in 1 of 3 possible situations come Monday morning (with 25 games left to play):
A - We win 2 of 3 and are 3-1/2 games in back of NY.
B - We sweep and wind up 1-1/2 games back from the Mets.
C - We sweep the Mets while the Phillies sweep the Marlins, in which case we’d be 2-1/2 games behind the 1st place Phillies.
In any case, win this series, and the Braves will be no further than 3-1/2 games back with 25 games left to play… including 3 more against the Mets, and 6 against the Phils.
I understand why many thought so (I was tempted recently to think so myself), but…
Rumors of the Braves demise were greatly exaggerated. Atlanta should be right in the thick of a great pennant race through September.
By beachcomber
August 31, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
DOB - As an “outsider” in both cities have to agree Atlanta by a landslide over South Florida in terms of sports.
We often accuse Braves fans of being complacent. But the Ted or Fulton Co. before it rock compared to the morgue (I believe I’m borrowing your term) that houses the Marlins.
And while on the subject of sports radio stations, it kills me to hear the powerhouse rock stations of my youth (and remember I’m ancient) like WFUN and WQAM down south and WQXI in Atlanta doing talk.
By Salty
August 31, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this
Excellent interview with Texeira at foxsports: http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7173580 Addresses the salient issues and motivations.
Bob, J nothing but best wishes to Carol and you…and many prayers!
By Ron Roberts
August 31, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this
I worked public address for the New Orleans Zephyrs (AAA Mets’ affiliate) in spot-starts this season, and saw Pelfrey a couple of times. He wasn’t fooling anybody at this level the time I saw him, either.
This weekend looks really good for the Braves; I’m just hoping we don’t waste another quality Smoltz start or blow another quality start from Hudson. We’ve lost 11 games Smoltz has started, and he’s only pitched less-than-decent in 2 of those losses. He deserves a better record, and it’s been well-chronicled how we’ve led Hudson leads slip away late, too. The matchups are there for us to continue the Mets’ misery, for sure. But again, it’s that series with the Phillies that follows that has to make the stomach churn, eh? At Lance has been showing steady improvement, and Huddy would pitching the finale Tuesday.
I’m kinda getting goosebumps thinking about how key this series is, coupled with the talk of a packed house all weekend and then reading an article on the AJC.com about the “return” of the Tomahawk Chop. Could it be?
Gotta tell ya, the chop used to bring chills to my spine when the crowd would do it w/out being prompted to in those playoff games of the early ’90s. It was chilling and had to be haunting for opposing players to hear non-stop.
If we can’t get sellout playoff games, let’s at least be loud and obnoxious in a packed ‘Ted this weekend, folks. I’ll be watching from afar.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 31, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this
DOB, I totally agree. I actually think that LA is a bad sports town. Other than the Lakers and USC football people there don’t really care about sports. Heck, they couldn’t even keep a NFL team there. That’s sad. I laugh everytime they say how LA is the second biggest television market but can’t keep a NFL team.
By bubba redux
August 31, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
“Ron Roberts” How can we be truly “loud and obnoxious” without our star? Just kiddin’, guy. Just kiddin’ :<)
By Chuck James is solid until the 6th!! (Formerly Steve-O)
August 31, 2007 12:45 PM | Link to this
DOB, Any Word Or Update On Dotel???
By bubba redux
August 31, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
“Anders” Did you ever figure out my “note” in french, to you? If not, “Lew” can translate it for you.
By TennesseePaul
August 31, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this
bubba redux: How can you say Smoltz is a warrior, ready to give his all, and then turn around and say he isn’t also wanting to win the bet? I’m not detracting from Smoltz. He’s my favorite ball player, not just Braves player. I know he is a tough competitor as well and doesn’t like to lose. So I’d image the thought has at least crossed his mind that, pitching every 4 days allows him a real chance to win a trip to the post season, and, as icing on the cake, best his good friend Tiger Woods. Theoretically it’s “win/win”.
Smoltz has had the worst luck since moving back to the rotation. Well, not worst I suppose, he’s healthy and kicking @ss. But he’s pitched well enough to be a 20 game winner for the past 2.5 seasons and yet doesn’t have the 20 W’s to show for it. Going to the post season would totally make up for it… which makes me wonder, do post season wins count in the Smoltz/Woods bet or is it only regular season W’s?
By Shaun
August 31, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this
Robert (Justice Is The Best),
Seems to me, Atlanta may be the city with the most to do, when you take into account sports, attractions, weather, etc.
People are interested in almost all the major pro sports teams (except maybe the Hawks just because they’ve been so bad for so long); it’s obviously in the heart of the south so it’s a huge college football city; there are aquariums, museums, parks; the weather is generally nice so people are going to be doing things outside or watching their kids do things outside.
There are all kinds of reason Atlanta sports fans “don’t support” their teams.
Kind of like the old saying Atlanta is the city too busy to hate, it’s also the city too busy to watch sports. Unless it’s a big game, Atlanta has too much to do.
At least that’s my theory on one factor. Think about, can you name another warm-weather city with as many halfway decent sports teams?
Then you also have to take into account a lot of Atlanta is transplanted from other parts of the country and they root for their home teams and teams like the Braves and the Falcons are relatively new so you don’t have the generational connection that you have in other baseball and football towns with those teams.
You take all this into account it’s easy to see why Atlanta looks like it may not be a sports town. But it is, flat out.
By bubba redux
August 31, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
OK, “T. Paul”, if you put it that way.
By Mo in the boonies
August 31, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this
Although I am new to this blog, I would like to add my prayers for the recovery of Bob the J. wife, and that he have the strength to give her all the support she needs. Would also like to offer my best wishes for the health of Savanna Guy’s wife, I wondered why he hadn’t posted lately, and also missed the updates from The Fly.
By bubba redux
August 31, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
OK, “Shaun”, if you put it that way.
By Shaun
August 31, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I don’t think Atlanta is “worst” sports town. But, I think when people say that they are referring to the support of fans. We have to be honest. I don’t care how many times the Braves made it to the playoffs and didn’t win the World Series there is just no reason for a playoff game not to sellout. No reason at all!
Well, I think the fact that the first round of the playoffs aren’t really all that exciting anymore is part of it. Also, the Braves haven’t been past the first round in a while, so there’s probably a little bit of a feeling among some of why go watch. Also, I think you have to take into account the transplants and the fact that Turner Field is a pretty large stadium for the city it’s in. I don’t think it’s too hard to come up with reasons besides a lack of passion why some first-round playoff games aren’t sold out. Now if NLCS or World Series games didn’t sell out, then it would be a story. Unfortunately it’s been a while since we’ve been able to tell if those would have sold out.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 31, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
Shaun, I think all the “imports” from other states and areas definitely contribute the perceived lack of support for Atlanta’s sports teams. But, I have to disagree about Atlanta having too many other things to do. Cities like New York, St. Louis, Chicago, Dallas, and Houston are also big cities with more than just sports going on. However, the people of those cities support their teams.
I honestly believe a lot of fans became disenchanted with the team after the neverending playoff disappointments. But, people have to put all that aside and leave the past in the past. This is a different Braves team and hopefully one where the youth will rise up and display that hunger and passion youth often has.
By 1957 Braves Fan
August 31, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
Have to find a way to win tonight.
By Thrillhouse44
August 31, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
I hope Robert reads the article Salty linked. I’m glad I did.
How great is it going to be when the Braves sweep this weekend??? I’m pumped! I know Smoltz kicks it in an extra notch or two during big-time situations, but I’m most worried about game 3 against Glavine for some reason.
By Shaun
August 31, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
Robert (Justice Is The Best),
Well, a lot of those other cities a) are a lot larger than Atlanta and b) are colder-weather cities.
Also, in a lot of those cities you named, baseball is passed on for three or four generations. The Braves have only been passed through two or three generations.
As far as Dallas and Houston, I think a lot of it is they only have football and baseball as their major sports. Atlanta is a huge youth soccer “town,” hockey is popular and college and pro football are really big.
Don’t think it’s one factor, but many as to why there is this perception that Atlanta isn’t a good sports town.
Also, I think the disenchantment of the fans is overstated. I think what we’ve seen over the past few years is the norm, not what we saw in ‘91 or ‘92 or ‘93. In those years winning was new and a lot of casual fans are going to get drawn in in a circumstance like that.
By Anders
August 31, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
Shaun As someone who has had family in the Atlanta area my understanding is that it is a very transient city. I remember my brother telling me after he lived there a year already that he felt like he hadn’t met anyone who actually came from Ga. yet. Obviously that’s a stretch but I think you get the idea. It also may have something to do with him moving to an area where the transient folks gather. Anyway, I think as a flagship city on the Atlantic seaboard in the south where many of the North Eastern businesses have moved over the last two decades the employment market has followed. That said, it’s no excuse to not sell out any playoff game. I’m sorry but you should be able to attract 45,000 fans from that base for the most important games of the year. I believe it was just complacency with winning all those division titles. Is this weekend sold out? I can’t imagine it isn’t?
By KC
August 31, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
1957 Braves Fan:
I certainly agree with you that we need to win tonight… but “Find a way” might be kind of a funny way to put it with Hudson on the mound. No mystery to what needs to happen tonight. If everyone does their job, we should win this game.
By bubba redux
August 31, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
The time to get things “posted” on here has, for some time, made elephant gestation seem like rocket liftoff. I had wondered if perhaps Richard Jewel was at the “control panel”, but now that he is no longer with us, I guess I will have to blame it on someone else. Elmer Thud, maybe?
By Brooklyn Braves Brawler
August 31, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
Things could get interesting if we take the first 2. The Mets may lay down in the finale. Beltran and Reyes scare me to no end.
You gotta start Diaz and KJ for every game this series. Julio, Prado, and Royce Ring will be available tommorrow as September callups kick-in. This is where the rubber hits the road.
If we win the first game of the series then the pressure is on them.
By KC
August 31, 2007 1:37 PM | Link to this
DOB: Less than a week ago, Brian Jordan said he though BC might go to a 4-man rotation. If Brian hadn’t played under BC before, I might have laughed.
Do you think there’s any chance of that happening (Smoltz/Hudson/James/Cormier)? Kind of sounds like it might be a good idea to tell you the truth. We have the depth in the bullpen (especially as of tomorrow) for the pen to take it from the 5th or 6th inning each night. And of course with a 4-man rotation… you add one more guy to the pen.
I have my doubts that BC will seriously consider this though.
By Coach ( Lets Go Braves in 2008)
August 31, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Atlanta , Georgia has earned a reputation as the armpit of the sports world , primarily due to the fact that Between the Braves , Hawks and Falcons it has but one Championship. These three pro franchises have played a combined 122 seasons. Don’t blame the fans for the reputation this city has , blame the results.
By bubba redux
August 31, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
“Shaun” You are getting repetitious. Now there’s a first! Not!! We see your point, already. And ready. And ready.
By KC
August 31, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this
Chuck James is solid until the 6th!! (Formerly Steve-O):
I don’t think there’s been anything new on Dotel in the last few days. He threw last weekend and still felt soreness. I don’t think he’s thrown since.
By DonCoburleone
August 31, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Hey if anyone on here is bored, Kyle Davies is pitching for KC in about a half an hour… Its not on national TV, but I’m sure alot of us have MLB.tv or the baseball package…
Anyway, with that MLB.tv thing, can multiple people sign on to the same name at the same time? Does anyone know?
By DonCoburleone
August 31, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
“Atlanta , Georgia has earned a reputation as the armpit of the sports world , primarily due to the fact that Between the Braves , Hawks and Falcons it has but one Championship. These three pro franchises have played a combined 122 seasons. Don’t blame the fans for the reputation this city has , blame the results.”
That is a very good point… But as far as cities in America with at least 2 PRO teams and very little positive history, what about San Diego? They have exactly 0 championships. And between the Chargers, Padres, and then throw in the Rockets of basketball back in the day there is probably close to 100 years of pro sports with no titles…
By mariner
August 31, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
I guess Rockets and Mavericks don’t count as major sports, Shaun?
By KC
August 31, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Anders: I know there has been a great deal of growth in this area by way of people moving here from the north. This city has been a growing center of commerce, especially over the past 20 years. A LOT of corporate growth in recent years, which means there are people coming from out of state to fill certain jobs.
Aside from that, I think it also matters that the Braves have only been the Atlanta Braves for about 40 years… and they were a bad team for many of those years.
There are teams that actually play in slightly small markets than Atlanta, like St. Louis or Boston… but there isn’t a rich long-standing tradition of baseball in Atlanta as there is in Boston or St. Louis.
By Ron Roberts
August 31, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
What about Cleveland? Cavs, Browns, Indians… they haven’t won a thing in decades, between ‘em.
Truth is, there’s a little truth to the variety of reasons given why Atlanta’s slightly more apathetic to their franchises than most rust belt and northeast U.S. cities are. The area is full of folks who’ve moved there from elsewhere, and brought their alliegiances with them and the constant heartbreak of not winning has soured some people.
The Braves were a poorly-run business venture before, during (early on, anyhow) and after Ted Turner; the Falcons were a badly-managed franchise for decades, and the Hawks had one good stretch of seasons (mid-to-late 80s and early 90s) and aside from that, they, too, have been poorly-run.
Customers are perfectly within their rights to sour on badly-run businesses. Decades of mismanagement by all three major franchises has probably had an effect on local allegiances.
Even with good/decent management, the whole Michael Vick “experience” has turned some people away from the Falcons; either because some fans loved having a QB that represented their ethnicity or way of life and now don’t have him, or because the same QB, it turned out, was a gambling animal abuser who’d earlier flipped off unhappy fans.
Even with good management, the Braves have soured some people from the run of October heartache.
As time marches on, and folks who’ve moved to Atlanta become more firmly entrenched in Atlanta, and their kids follow the Braves, Falcons, Hawks (and Thrashers, too, I suppose), those franchises will have developed a following much like those midwestern and northeastern cities’ teams have as their fan-base. Let’s remember, folks, the Bostons, New Yorks, Philadelphias, Chicagos and Clevelands of the world have had their teams (some) nearly twice as long as Atlanta’s had professional teams.
These things take time.
By Salty
August 31, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse
You know who was the first one I thought of when I read Rosenthal’s interview with Tex! Too funny!
The key piece to the article, IMO, is his desire to win, and keep the family happy. While he won’t be cheap, it still bodes well for Atlanta…perhaps to the point he negotiates early. Hmmm…
By KC
August 31, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
Anders: I meant to say… “there are teams that actually play in slightly smaller markets, but have a much better following…
By Anders
August 31, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
DOB Just as another morsel to rev up your Braves nation faithful, have you reviewed the new playoff format for this October? Assuming no “play in” games on 10/1 everyone gets two days off before they start. Then there are extra off days to allow for more prime time playoff coverage in the later rounds. Custom built for teams with a strong top 2 or 3 starting pitching staff. Hmmm I wonder who that would be?
By Shaun
August 31, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this
Anders,
I’m sure this weekend’s games will draw huge crowds. And I think the first-round weekend playoff games draw big crowds. I think it’s important that the first round just doesn’t have all that much meaning to a lot of fans. Getting out of the first round is when folks will start to pay attention. That may be a little bit because of complacency but I think it’s mostly just the fact that the first round is just the first round.
mariner,
Okay, Rockets and Mavericks. But does anyone pay attention when they aren’t good? People are a lot more interesting in football and to a lesser degree baseball, in those cities, it seems to me.
That brings in another factor, DonCoburleone and Coach. Being a “good sports city” often correlates with winning. People support winners and they don’t support losers. Aside from maybe Boston and Chicago (with the Cubs) fans show up when they can see a winner and don’t when they can’t.
Again, I don’t think it’s one factor but a number of factors that give Atlanta it’s false reputation as a bad sports city—factors that have nothing to do with the passion of the fan base.
By Efrim
August 31, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
I certainly agree with you that we need to win tonight… but “Find a way” might be kind of a funny way to put it with Hudson on the mound. No mystery to what needs to happen tonight. If everyone does their job, we should win this game.
Hudson has not looked sharp his last three starts. I worry about him tonight, but I don’t worry about hitting Maine. Wagner is unavailable tonight, and that bullpen is reeling. No reason not to sweep this series. Its in the players hands. They better get it done.
By KC
August 31, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
DOB, the ole’ blog is moving veeeeery slooooowly. Any chance of getting a clean canvas? =)
By Overlord
August 31, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this
Are we ready?
How about forecast…….40% chance of rain.
By AZBravoFan
August 31, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this
Well here we go, it’s playoffs in August/September. I don’t think there’s any doubt that the next 6 games are the Braves own personal NLCS. Sure they could go .500 again and maybe hang around for a couple weeks. But realistically, if they’re going to make a move to get back in it, now is the time. I think we reached this same point around Labor Day last year and gakked up that horrible rainy series in Philly before bowing meekly to the Mets and never being heard from again. Here’s hoping the boys are more up to the challenge this year. Sure would make September a lot of fun.
By Mo in the boonies
August 31, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know if the game tonight is being broadcast somewhere other than SportsSouth?
By teoa
August 31, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
DOB, all is forgiven. You do enough here to excuse one unintentional Steven A. quote — even if it did conjure an unfortunate flashback to chest pounds and wagging fingers. Quite frankly I don’t miss that show very much.
Best wishes to BobJ and family.
By David-ATL14
August 31, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
Another arm off the market.
Trachsel to the Cubs per Ken Rosenthal.
Somebody mentioned earlier a note about Prado’s return, he won’t be back tommorrow. He can’t return until after Sept 3rd due to the 10 day rule. Should be up after that though.
By Anders
August 31, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
* KC* I agree with you but if 14 straight division titles doesn’t build loyal and passionate fans base that can fill your stadium for a playoff game, what will?
40 years is two generations - that should be their target audience, guys from 18 to 40. They go to games, they spend money, they buy merchandise.
By Overlord
August 31, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
any word on the lineup?
ooohhh……….oohhhhhhhh…. oooooooohhhhhhhhh……..oooooooooooooohhohhhh ooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh…….ohoooooohhhh ooooooohhhhhhhhhh ….ohhhh. ooooohhhhh……….ohhhhhhhhhhoooooh……….ohhhhh hooohhoooooohhhhhhhhh. tan tan tan tan oooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh …..ohhhhhhho ohhhhhh oohhooohhhhhhhhhh……… tan tan tan tan tan ooooohhhhhhooh hooohhhooooooooohhhh ohhhhhhhhhhoohhhhhhhhhhhh ohhhhhhhho……ohhhhoooh ooohhhhhhhhoooohhhooooohhh tan tan tan tum tum tum tum tan tan
IM READY !!!!!!!!!!!!!1
By The Grinch
August 31, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this
RR, I believe there are now a good bit more Thrashers fans than Hawks fans in this city of late…at least in terms of who shows up to Phillips. Of course, they’re also a much better team, which has a lot to do with it.
OK, y’all; gotta get some work done and then head down to the stadium. Anyone who wants to meet me as I’m getting down off the stage just holla; I’ll buy the first round.
Let’s go Braves!
By David O'Brien
August 31, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IS UP
Will Grinch shave and shower before tonight’s presentation?
By 1957 Braves Fan
August 31, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Efrim.
By Anders
August 31, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Efrim I read more about inevitable sweeps on this blog than anything. The Braves last sweep was mid July against the Pirates. Plus they’re 4-6 in their last 10. While I can understand that you’re excited with the Mets coming in off a 4 game sweep to the Phillies, to make like the sweep is in the bag is a little presumptuous no? Keep in mind the Mets were in the last 3 games and had some tough luck in games 2 and 3, but hey that’s the way the ball bounces. However, this is not a team that is out on it’s feet. While possibly stating the obvious, I think tonights game is huge. The Mets need to get off the mat. I agree that you have the pitching advantage too. But as you guys know from all those playoff games in the 90’s with your 3 hof’ers that doesn’t always translate into automatic wins.
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 31, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
AZBravoFan, I think you are right about the Braves being at this same point last year with a big series against the Phillies. I think the main difference between this year and last year is that deep down the Braves knew last year they weren’t going to the playoffs. I think in some ways they didn’t want to go because we all knew the fiasco that would have ensued. But, this year is different. This team knows that they can be beat almost anybody in baseball in a 7 game series and for sure anybody in the NL. It is just a matter of getting there. I have a feeling that seeing the Mets get swept yesterday may have energized the Braves. They went from on Wednesday hanging on by a thread to stay in the race to being smack in the middle again. I think these guys are smart enough to know that no more chances will be given to them. It is now or never!