Braves

By Billsnv

September 14, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this

Go Braves!

By bruce

September 14, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Hi Carroll, Welcome to Nat’s country…. lets take three from the Nats. Thanks, Bruce

By Jon

September 14, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Though there is still a mathematical chance, I think you are right about the Braves being out of it. I spent the week in Orlando and the papers there don’t even have the Braves on the list for Wild Card possibles. I have enjoyed the season - baseball is still the best game in the world! As a child I remember the Brooklyn Dodgers’ cry, “Wait ‘til next year!” I anticipate John Schuerholz will be doing some things to make this team stronger and the Andruw thing will work itself out some way. With a whole year from Teixera and a season under the belt by Escobar, 2008 will be one of optimism. Enjoy the nation’s capitol Dave. If you get a chance to see the Korean and Viet Nam Memorials, say a prayer for my friends.

By Thrillhouse44

September 14, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

How can you hate on the REDSKINS? With the Braves out, Notre Dame “rebuilding”, and my college playing I-AA - the SKINS are all I have. I used to think you were cool, Carroll.

Not a bad looking team you put together, CR.

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

September 14, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

Carroll,

Sad to me that we couldn’t find the money to get Daryle Ward for this year. He’d probably ended up starting the majority of the games at 1st if he was here. I mean, no way Bobby would leave a liability out there day after day when he had a hotter hitter on the bench! ;)

Too bad we couldn’t keep Maddux and Glavine as well, but hey, they are only future HOF’ers, not like we could find a use for them with all the young stud arms we have in the starting rotation. Yep….At least Time-Warner/AOL saved some money not keeping them here the past several years, that helps me sleep better at night knowing that fact…..

By gotigers72

September 14, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

IMO-That team wouldn’t go too far in any playoffs. #s 1 and 2 starters would be tough, but you have to score SOME runs, and like you said, this team wouldn’t have much punch. Furcal would probably lead them in HRs and RBIs.

I’m broken hearted that the Braves on THIS year’s Braves team won’t be in the playoffs. They got my hopes up with that 24-12 start, bats a blazing, then the 3-5 in the rotation went in the dumper, Andruw suddenly couldn’t hit my mother [she has a mean knuckler],and things just slowly fell apart.

Then they traded for Teixeira and got my hopes up again, because when they got him they weren’t far behind at all. How could they have played so bad since August 1st with all those bats they have, and a 1 and 2 starter that were just dominating most of the time?

Now they have to look to next year. Let go of the Buddy Carlyles, the Lance Cormiers, the Chris Woodwards, the Scott Thormans and the Roger McDowells [he should have done a better job with the young pitchers by now]. Get us some more starting pitching and a decent bench in here. This year’s bench was just horrible. And let Matt Diaz play EVERY day and Andruw play ZERO days. If he couldn’t change his batting style this year with all of the trouble he had, he’ll never be able to change it. Don’t EVER let Willie Harris hit leadoff again. In fact he may be another one to let go. Anybody that loses OVER 100 points off their average over that short of a period needs to be at AAA, which is where he started.

That is how I would start to fix the Braves for 2008.

By Chop Chop

September 14, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Carroll,

You probably could have put Ol’ Roachy at first base. Adam’s having a decent year (.274, 21 HR, 84 RBI, 35 2B, .812 OPS). In a shocking turn of events, LaRoche is hitting .303 against lefties this year. Weird.

Furcal’s actually having a terrible year for the Dodgers. I’m sure they’re having a good time footing the bill for Fookie’s $13.7 million salary this season.

By ned drinkle

September 14, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Apparently a handful of the Braves got to go to the White House today and have a private meet-and-greet with President Bush: John Schuerholz, John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann.

No wonder the Braves are doing so poorly this year: a bunch of fascistic morons. Bobby Cox not going? But he’s the Braves’ decider.

By Bob, Journalist

September 14, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Coach, sincere thanks for the earlier response … I would assume that were you the GM, all veteran residents of our neighborhood would receive free access to VIP boxes at the Ted!

I certainly have no problem with starting from scratch with emphasis on youth, athletic ability, speed, pitching and defense … in fact, I tend to support that general notion!

However, my emphasis would be on team rather than individual, starting with a base budgeted $25 million in player salaries, one per active roster slot. The rest of the budgeted payroll would be deterministic … with emphasis on team rather than individual performance. Everyone would be signed to long term contracts with multiple team options and no agent involvement.

With regard to the individual compensation elements, they would be based on current performance with tenure considerations rather than being retrospectively based.

Initially, it would obviously be very complex, requiring probably 1,000 pages or so, just to outline; with maybe 500 devoted to interfacing with the existing MLB operating framework and environment that would involve significant grandfathering and other artifices, but it could be done … well maybe 2,500 pages. Once properly in place, it would/should be rather simple to effect and maintain.

I’d do a lot of things … most of which would find little or no support … and the most important person of all would probably the team Psychologist … everybody’s best friend and the one responsible for seeing that everyone buys into the program and stays on the same page.

We can easily put together a team that has the raw talent to consistently get the job done, we’ve probably got one now, or very close … the trick is taking that talent and turning it into something it’s not … a highly motivated, ever passionate team continuously operating on all cylinders. Methinks the current system, with its individual performance orientation and retrospective compensation structure, takes what is and tries not to change it.

By Richmond

September 14, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Cute political blast, Ned Drinkle. But save it for your far left moveon.org sites and don’t concern yourself with the Braves political leanings. Bad news for you Mr. Pelosi, you’ll prob find more republicans among players in MLB than in any of the other major sports (for various reasons). Now…back to baseball talk…and for Ned, back to the dailykos

By Lee in S. GA

September 14, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Carroll Rogers,

I completely understand about being in Redskins country. I have always and will always be a Cowboy fan. Been to D.C. 4 times in my life. Living in GA all of my life I had to find a team many years ago that knew how to actually play pro football. That was Dallas.

And why do I have this gut feeling that Wilson Betemit will hit a game winning home run in the decisive A.L. playoff game, perhaps even in an extra inning games and the Yankees beat the Red Sox and go on to the World Series.

By mr baseball

September 14, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

More ex-Braves: Jason Marquis, Henry Blanco, Gary Matthews (cut in spring training without ever playing a game here), Tony Graffanino & Jason Schmidt (DL division); and lots more relievers — Juan Cruz, Antonio Alfonseca, Roberto Hernandez, and the unforgettable Jorge Sosa. List would be longer if the Tigers & Cards were still in contention.

Some GMs used to be reluctant to deal with Schuerholz. Not any more.

By Tonight on TBS

September 14, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

After the game…

Ex-Men (2000)

Big screen adaptation of the classic comic book. A band of baseball players with unique abilities, the ex-Braves were persecuted and forced to flee Atlanta. Under the guidance of their leader, Mad-dog, these ex-Braves strive for the pennant that ordinary human Braves are incapable of attaining. The ex-Braves must also combat the criminal mastermind Scare-holtz and the evil genius known as “The Donkey”. (Adventure).

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

September 14, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Mr. Baseball,

Oh yeah, Gary Matthews Jr. Man, I always liked the way he played, and yet the Braves didn’t even let him make it out of spring training. Would rather have him in Center this year than A.J. Oh well…..

By Kentavo

September 14, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

This is a very weak blog topic.

By Train Wreck Bystander

September 14, 2007 5:23 PM | Link to this

Ol’ Roachey isn’t going to the playoffs, though.

By StingerSplash

September 14, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

Carroll,

In your week away, it doesn’t appear you missed much, other than the end of the season.

By Carroll Rogers

September 14, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

mr. baseball, thanks for those guys. i looked at some of them and their numbers weren’t better than the ones i had. like marquis. and gary matthews seemed a stretch. Graffanino’s on the DL. so i did have some criteria, tho you guys are right, this group wouldn’t score a lot. they’d have to scratch it out.

chop chop, no rochy because his team is not in contention.

chipper is playing tonight. says the oblique is fine now. even right-handed, which is what was giving him the most trouble before.

gonna write something about the white house visit. be on the lookout before too long

By The Piece

September 14, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Will Peter Moylan get ANY ROY consideration over some everyday players. Relief pitching and setup men don’t probably get a lot of attention for this sort of award, but he definitely has been important for the Braves and has the excellent stats he would need.

By the Swami say

September 14, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this

The Swami thinks that the Braves have become the farm club for all the teams in both leagues. A lot of talent sold that we could have used.

The Swami has looked into the heart and mind of the Great Manager Cox. What I see does not please me. He has penciled in Willie Harris for Andruw’s job in Center field. He thinks that Willie has speed to steal bases, never mind that he gets caught almost every time, it is the stealing that counts. He can play in the outfield. He will hit much better, when he doesn’t have to platoon with Diaz in left field. He is black, that will shut up all those people who are complaining that there aren’t enough blacks on the Braves. And he is cheap. Perfect man for the job. Nope, not going to change his mind…he is a very stubborn man.

By Jhhnny Carson

September 14, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

Swami May 10,000 starlings nest in your nasal passages—and proliferate.

By Señor Sucio

September 14, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Chuck James.

That’s the punchline.

By TennesseePaul

September 14, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this

Scoots: The article goes into various points of the advantages of his system as opposed to other systems. I haven’t gone through all his material so I don’t know if there is a statistical, analytical break down of it one way or another. His students rave about it and he managed a solid career out of it. And he got his Doctorate based on his desire to learn about amore efficient safer method. So I’d imagine it has some merit in there somewhere.

Payne:Can’t really control whether you win or lose other than just playing hard
Intangibles, I know you have a hard time with them, they cannot be programmed, categorized or easily referenced. In every field of life, without exception, the impossible happens through belief and resolve. Statisticians always write them off as aberrations, anomalies, matters of little concern, and it’s understandable. You cannot bet on these things. A statistician’s duty is to understand the mechanism and how it works on a day in day out basis. But it doesn’t change the fact that intangibles exist and happen. The one common thread between all of the miracles is faith; an intangible. This team is talented enough to win. But when you take the field with the mindset of: “maybe the other teams will lose and we’ll gain ground” or “they’re better than us, perhaps we’ll catch a break” you have very little chance of winning.
Ask a doctor what type of patient is the most likely to survive a critical situation, the one on the bed saying, “it just isn’t my turn, but maybe I’ll get lucky”, or the one saying “With the love and support of my friends and family, I will beat this”. I think you’ll find the doctor placing his bets on the fighter; the one determined to win. Even if the fighter is in a tougher position than the guy banking on chance.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

September 14, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

thanks Bob , I must digress with Schuerholz and his philosophy. He tends to value the other teams proven veteran rather than go with his own minor league talent. Nothing wrong with trading young talent for proven veterans , but where would we be in recent years if the Mike Hampton and J.D.Drew trades had not been made ? John Schuerholz has made some very astute trades over the years but the recent salary cap has called that philosophy into question with where the money has been spent. The Yankees and Red Sox are on ESPN tonight but I think I’ll go see 3:10 to Yuma. Gotta love those Westerns.

By Chop Chop

September 14, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Carroll, Roachy is actually in position to play with the Braves in October. I just didn’t realize you weren’t talking about golf.

(Also, I paid no attention to your caveat. My deepest apologies, Carroll.)

By ned drinkle

September 14, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

gonna write something about the white house visit. be on the lookout before too long

Actually, it is Bill Belichick who was invited to meet and greet the President. The President wants to learn more about his “data mining” activities which he believes are encouraged under the Patriot act.

By Tonight on PBY

September 14, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

FRANCIS THE DONK (Remake)

In this remake for the very small screen(and market)”Francis” aka Skipper instead of being a talking mule is a nose-picking baseball manager. He, and “T Pee” his sidekick(no pun)make outrageous personnel decisions and utilize comically bad game-strategy. But, the whole civilized world(except the town where the team is)love their pitiful antics. As for his detractors, Francis says, “Ef ‘em, and the white mule they rode in on”. (Tragedy-comedy) (Laugh-track)

By JC FROM UT

September 14, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Does anyone think Scott Thorman has any trade value? If so who would be interseted and if not what will JS/BC do with him? As we all know Thor is out of options and cannot be sent down. Does anyone think he could platoon witrh Diaz next season if LF.(although I personally think Diaz should be the everyday). I’m wondering if Thorman could be packaged with one of the relivers and sent to KC for David DeJesus.Or maybe San Fran for Randy Winn.

By JC FROM UT

September 14, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

Coach: I don’t think you can critisize JS for the Mike Hampton trade as far as giving up talent. All he gave up was TIm Spooneybarger, and last I knew he wasn’t on any roster.

By mr baseball

September 14, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

The official all-ex-Braves team of current players.

Furcal, SS

Lofton, LF

Matthews, CF

Sheffield, DH

LaRoche, 1B

Dye, RF

Estrada, C

DeRosa, 2B

Betemit, 3B

Bench: Klesko, Giles, Helms, Pena, Drew (baseball’s most overpaid bench player), Saltalamacchia.

Starters: Glavine, Maddux, Wainwright, Byrd, Marquis, Millwood.

Relievers: Sosa, Cruz, Seanez, Springer, Alfonseca, Stanton, Embree.

Closer: Borowski.

Even though he’s a local kid, do you want Farnsworth on your team for anything besides a bench-clearing brawl? I don’t.

Big waste of money on the DL: Schmidt.

Much bigger waste of money on the DL: Wright.

Pitchers the Braves may regret giving away: Davies, Belisle, Miner.

Pitcher the Braves wish they actually got something for in return: Capellan.

And now for something completely different — 2 nice things the GM did:

Pitcher the Braves are glad they traded: Ramirez.

Best use of somebody none of us here remember: Whoever they traded for Diaz. (Not sure that was JS, but he gets the credit, perhaps undeservedly).

Gotta go. High school football beckons.

By Bob, Journalist

September 14, 2007 6:38 PM | Link to this

What has happened to Willie Harris??

I suppose that conventional wisdom is that he was playing well over his head and he has come back down to earth … I never buy into conventional wisdom ‘cause the Earth is round and it travels around the Sun … certainly Willie got off to a fast start, much better than expected and a lower level of performance, especially as he became more of a known quantity, isn’t surprising.

However, my question might be better expressed as “Has Willie changed his approach?” or “Has the opposition identified some glaring weaknesses which they are exploiting?”

I haven’t been paying close attention but wouldn’t doubt the answer being both … what appear to be his weaknesses?

Regardless, methinks he’s a winner and would have thought that Braves’ Field Management would have anticipated both possibilities and done whatever might have been necessary to stay ahead of the game!

Maybe I should have known better, huh?!

By Lee in S. GA

September 14, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

JC FROM UT

I am not sure how much value Thorman has but I certainly like your idea about him and a reliever for ether DeJesus or Wynn.

By DonCoburleone

September 14, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Hmmm, Thorman and someone else for David Dejesus; That might just be crazy enought to work… Dayton Moore seems to be in love with certain Braves minor leaguers, maybe he likes Thor?

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

September 14, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

I can criticize him , JC. It’s not the trade , it’s the result , the money spent , the two and a half seasons on the DL. somebody has to be held accountable and that somebody is the homeboy upstairs. Schuerholz bought into the middle of an eight year contract and it looked like a great idea at the time. Now, it’s looking like a total disaster.

By JC FROM UT

September 14, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

say thor and devine and prado for dejesus and grienke

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Im curious, what are your pick for the WS drive.

Im picking like this

SD over NY

AZ over Cubs

SD over AZ (even if AZ has owned SD lately)

LAA over NY

Bosox over Cle

Bosox over LAA

Then

BOSOX over SD in 5

By BossLady

September 14, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

Hey Carroll, I have been saying this for the longest of times in past. Justice, Dye, Betemit, Furcal and the Maddux and Glavine trades. It looks just like corporate America. The GMs, CEO, and VPs keep all the money for themselves,find inexperienced help that they can use to just show up everyday. I look at these young guys we have and they were not ready for all this responsibility. That is what happened to Davies. With all the money we paid for TEX we could have gotten some pitching help. Our pitchers are out of their league with MLB batters. Our batters give pitchers that are just as bad as ours good numbers, they all come up swing for the fences never working the count. I just believe that Pendleton and McDowell should be fired. Bobby Cox like all managers need good support in their staff. And, who is that man down there coaching the field and bench. I don’t even know who he is and the season is over.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

One more thing, AJ is climbing the lineup, the lower his BA, the higher in the lineup he hits, he might bat cleanup before this thing is over.

By JC FROM UT

September 14, 2007 6:55 PM | Link to this

my apologies coach, i agree with the loss of innings/wins and such due to injury but at least it did not cost a talented prospect.

By DonCoburleone

September 14, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this

Looking at the schedule, we still have 3 games against Philly and 4 against Milwaukee… Those are the only teams left where we can play “spoilers”. I am actually rooting for the Brewers to make the playoffs so I won’t be too heart-broken if Atlanta loses 3 of 4 or splits the series. But beating Philly and possibly costing them a playoff birth would be great (almost as good as officially eliminating the Astros from the playoffs the last weekend of the season last year).

Still, it’s pretty sad that its September 14 and that is what I am looking forward to…

By DonCoburleone

September 14, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Not that it matters anymore, but please explain to me the logic in batting Andruw 6th while Diaz has to bat 8th??? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

By Dwight Fry

September 14, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

Re: Scott Thorman

In 2 seasons, Scott Thorman has an overall ba of only .224, obp = .261, and slugging pct of only .406. That’s awful. While striking out 87 times in 406 ab’s.

He is a so-so defensive firstbaseman and is a lousy outfielder: he does not get a good jump on balls and is a danger to himself if he has to venture to the warning track or beyond.

Who would want this guy? How many more chances should he get?

Maybe the Braves can trade him for a draft pick. Or just cut him loose and move on.

By GEO

September 14, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

My line up: JOHNSON (2ND) ESCOBAR (3RD) RENTERIA (SS) TEXERIEA (1ST) McANN (C) DIAZ (LF) FRANCOUER (RF) AAA (CF)

By Supes

September 14, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

The key thing this Braves team has to show me, is not to “just quit” now that they are out of the playoff contention. I want to see them fight for every game in the standing and not have a “pity party” or just want to go “golfing party” as soon as the season is over.

One big omission from the list in the outfield…Garry Sheffield anyone! I’d be nice to have him on the Braves team, even when he’s subpar he is still far more dangerous than Andruw Jones at the plate, and he’s one of the most feared hitters in the league.

Braves need to seriously think about either rebuilding the far system with some quality drafts and some pitching depth. Show me one dominant Braves starter that they have produced in the last 10 years, currently on the Braves team? Exactly.

By JC FROM UT

September 14, 2007 7:07 PM | Link to this

IMO Diaz is hitting 8th because BC doesn’t want to sure outs in a row with AJ hitting in front of the pitcher, but AJ should be 7th.

By Lee in S. GA

September 14, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

NY over SD D-backs over Brew Crew D-backs over Mets

NY over LLA Boston over Cle Yankees over Red Sox (Betemit hits game winner hr in the 13th)

D,backs over Yankees in 7 and laugh at everybody about their run difference that people bring up

By JC FROM UT

September 14, 2007 7:10 PM | Link to this

Dwight Fry: in baseball there is no trading of draft picks.

By Lee in S. GA

September 14, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

I know Frenchy’s parents are proud of him; however, this is the 20th time SportsSouth has show this clip of his parents in a rain delay situation.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

DBacks over yanks? thats wild, but not impossible. I think this year has been soooo crazy, wild. I think its gonna be something like the dodgers beating the As. something like that.

By Bob, Journalist

September 14, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

I don’t disagree with the notion that we have traded away a lot of talent over the years … but that doesn’t necessarily translate to improper or poor decisions.

Coach, is that the remake just out or Glenn Ford?

One last set of thoughts with the GM thread … I don’t totally disagree with trades and, looking from the outside in, I never do too much second guessing … still, I’m a home grown, long term relationship type.

For the most part, methinks we can best pick ‘em green off the vine and certainly before they are a ripened red and have to bought retail from the Kroger.

While there will always be differences in both raw talent and levels of achievement, I think it’s a mistake to have different expectations for each player … each should have the raw talent necessary to become the best at what they do, and that should be the expectation … which methinks is possible because none reach their full potential … not Hornsby, Cobb, Foxx, Williams; not even the Babe! Well, maybe the Babe.

Methinks most folks would agree that the objective is to have the 25 that will score at least one run more than the opposition more often than anybody else, regardless of how it’s done and regardless of individual performances … year in, year out … that’s what we’re after.

As an aside, I too believe in power but I have no interest in homeruns or RBI … it wouldn’t bother me one iota if the team’s total homerun production for the entire season equaled zero and my only interest in runs batted in is that they are … don’t like fly balls neither … most everybody cheers when they’re hit but most of them are just outs.

Every player, when they’re in the batter’s box, needs to have an expectation of being able to best the pitcher … and if they don’t have the tools making them capable of being taught to so do, they’re in the wrong organization.

First thing I’d do would be to conduct a talent search for the best possible coaching staff, no experience required but with patience and good communication skills … and they would have to be expert in the dynamics of whatever it was they were to be coaching … the best possible Psychologist; the best baseball in-game strategist, and the best pure manager. That’s the team that make things go, the leaders … or should be … and, as such, they should be the highest paid.

Unfortunately, those currently filling the managerial and coaching positions within MLB are almost universally ill suited for the positions they hold, and/or they themselves are improperly directed and managed.

Virtually nobody even approaches fulfillment of their potential … which typically goes unnoticed because our basis of evaluation for such things is relative rather than absolute.

Methinks players get to the dance because of a combination of circumstance and the fact that their relative performance make their so doing the best available option for the team … not because they’ve reached their potential or some absolute level relative to performance.

My guess is that Williams was still trying to improve going into his very last at bat … certainly the Babe worked hard at so doing into the late twenties, if not the early thirties.

Methinks virtually everyone on the team would greatly benefit from a broader and more intensified support program, directed at performance improvement. From an individual player support perspective, were I to be the GM, I’d employ special, full time training coaches, each dedicated to one, two or three players … coordinating with a small staff of specialists.

I’d also create a staff unit with the general responsibility of enhancing preparation for each series, including participation in the preparation of the offensive and pitching game plans.

Methinks …

By TennesseePaul

September 14, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

Probably get shot at for posting this but I’ll do it anyway…From SI…

FIVE DOWN
I. Jose Reyes: No player entered this season with more hype than Reyes. Coming off his first All-Star campaign, Reyes was considered by many as the game’s most dynamic player. The Mets shortstop came out the gates blazing hot, hitting .356 with a rotund 1.038 OPS in April. But after the season’s opening month, his production steadily declined, especially after the All-Star break. Since July 1, Reyes is hitting .264.

Didn’t see Hanely Ramirez in that Downer list. Probably because, in the same time Reyes has hit .264 with a .321 OBP and .412 SLG (.733 OPS), Hanely has only hit .348 with a .402 OBP and .668 SLG (1.070 OPS).
Reyes does have 37 steals in that time frame compared to 22 by Ramirez… but I gotta think that getting on, hitting for more power and higher average would worth a drop of 15 stolen bases.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

How bad is weather in DC? It this doesnt helps us if they call the game.

I heard it was supposed to be light rain, but all night long.

By TennesseePaul

September 14, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

Going with the Angels over the Yankees. For some reason they are the only AL team that consistantly beats the Yankees no matter time of season or club records. They just beat them. Only AL team with a winning record against the Yankees since something like 1995…
Plus, the whole parity factor has to play in… The World Series will probably be The Padres vs the Indians assuring yet another season ending with a different champion.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

apparently is gonna get little worse next 3 hours. OOOPPPPPSSSSS!!!!!!!

By Lee in S. GA

September 14, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

10Paul -

Just think if Hanely Ramirez was still with the Red Sox the attention he would be getting. I know that trade helped the Bosox but they gave up a future superstar.

Listening to the game on the radio. Pete said the recent series with the Nats and Marlins had only a total of 3000 people for all 3 games combined. One game had 410 people at it in Florida. No wonder Hanely Ramirez gets no attention.

By DonCoburleone

September 14, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

Here comes our 13-2 game…. I swear we have one of these in every series. Who wants to bet that tomorrow we end up losing 3-2???

By rene descartes, philosopher

September 14, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

Methinks, therfore me am.

By DonCoburleone

September 14, 2007 7:42 PM | Link to this

You don’t have to convince me TennesseePaul, I don’t live in the NorthEast so I know (like all other INFORMED baseball fans) that Hanley Ramirez is without question a better offensive player than Reyes… That said, Hanley’s defense is flat-out AWFUL…

By DonCoburleone

September 14, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

OH CRAP!! Home-run Chucky is back!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

By Romberto

September 14, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

Don’t worry. The Donk is waterproof.

By JJ

September 14, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

We can’t worry about the braves of the past but look foward to the braves of the future. It’s sad because the only right move they made was getting Tex. The Laroach trade was a bust. The Dotel trade was a bust. Jake and the fatman Wickman was bust along with his stomach. Now they need to address the centerfield position which I hope they go after Tori Hunter and let Andruw go unless he signs a 1 year deal to redeam his name and playing ability. They need to go after Glavine, Santana, or that right hander for the White Sox (can’t think of his name). Trade Renteria and let Escobar play fulltime at 2nd base or SS. I would also trade Kelly Johnson (he sucks too). Move Matt Diaz in left fied. Also trade broke arm Hampton for AJ Burnett with Blue Jays. Pick up some decent utility players who can hit and we’ll be able to get back to the post season and whip the METS A??

By TennesseePaul

September 14, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Lee: I hear ya. Hanley Ramirez is the best young short stop in the game. And from where I’m sitting the most exciting guy to watch. But, he’s in South Florida (I’m in Southern California, SoCal, is South Florida SoFlo? You gotta Let you’re… Sooooo Flo!) so he’ll never get the press he should. He’s younger too. And this season, he only got better with each passing month.

The BoSox did get a pitcher they needed, but sheeesh, they’ve had a helluva time replacing Nomar. Hanley would have been huge up there.

By Socrates

September 14, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

rene descartes, philospoher Me thinks? You are underpowered.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 14, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

Yo… Carroll, Careful or I will start posting the words of the “Skins” firght song.

Bob, J. I just wanted to let you know you and your wife are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope she has a full and speedy recovery.

Now baseball… When the team owners can no longer use lawyers in their negotiations with players then I would agree the players not be allowed agents. We may not like it but the playing field is pretty level except for the New York teams.

By TennesseePaul

September 14, 2007 7:52 PM | Link to this

DonC: It’s bad. No doubt. But, I’d put his error totals on par with Furcal… Furcal’s a little better, but they both rack up double digits on the E column. Besides, I’d take the defense if I was getting that level of offensive production… Incredible stuff. He has time to improve as well. Maybe if he didn’t play half his games on a football field…

By parks

September 14, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

JJ, time to come back to reality.

By Adirondackdave

September 14, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Been a diehard Braves fan for 15 years but, man, it turned my stomach when the ajc did the article about how much our guys loved smoozing with the guy who lied about starting a war that so far has cost us nearly 4000 dead soldiers and half a trillion dollars. Not to mention creating tens of thousands of more terrorists around the world who are dedicated to killing your family and mine… Hard enough to see us finish third in the NL East and now I have to endure this?

And don’t ask me to keep politics out of this… the AJC and its article about players choosing to kiss up to him started it.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 14, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

and why was bobby cox not invited to the white house?

bad manners. that’s why.

nose picking.

expensive furniture.

By De facto

September 14, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

AdirondakDave Keep your political bullsh!t to yourself. And the only hope for this country is that Ted Kennedy gives Hillary a ride home from a Chappaquidick(?) fundrasiser.

By TennesseePaul

September 14, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

45 pitches after 2 innings. This is why he doesn’t go deep into games.

By Lee in S. GA

September 14, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this

JJ

Did Johnson take away one of your x-girlfriends or something. Is he really that bad of a player to you?

By The Grinch

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

Adirondackdave, agreed. Don’t forget about several hundred thousand dead innocent civilians and countless children without schools or clean drinking water; they seem never to get mentioned.

For those interested in “3:10 to Yuma,” I definitely recommend it. Saw it day before yesterday. The first third or so of it is a bit disjointed, but then it settles in and takes off. Good stuff, great acting. The same director who did “Walk the Line.” No, Bob; no Glen Ford. Though it does have a surprisingly old looking Peter Fonda.

By Carroll Rogers

September 14, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

good point on sheffield. he adds a bunch of thunder to my little ficticious lineup. the tigers are a lot closer in the AL wildcard standings than i realized, so sheffield does have a real shot at being back in the playoffs.

adirondackdave. not even going to touch that one. but i hope your post doesn’t start a whole string of e-mails. how bout we stick to baseball. if you didn’t think it was newsworthy to write that story, then i’d have a big problem with your argument. you don’t have to agree with anything other than the guy is the president….oops i touched that one.

By The Grinch

September 14, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

Andruw just struck out!

Also, before anyone jumps on my last statement I should point out I’m a Republican; I’m just tired of this crap. No Hillary or Pelosi for me; just ANYONE else.

E’nuff politics (too much already, actually). Sorry.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

DonCoburleone i guarantee you a sweep by the braves in this series.

The team that will put the last nail wont be the nats, i can assure you that.

Maybe phillies or brewers…….. just keep believing. Phillies are losing, we will close gap on them tonight.

By TennesseePaul

September 14, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

And don’t ask me to keep politics out of this… the AJC started it.

Spoken like a real man. Now, keep the politcs off the blog.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

Angels look good TP, maybe they play the muts in the WS.

Hey we can get as close as 3.5 by the end of the night.

you never know…… i have not found an internet site or a tv or radio show that is taking the braves in consideration ……. not in the las 2 weeks……. i wonder what would they say if we get to 2.5 by sunday 2300h ET.

GOOOOOO braves!!!!!!!!

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

boy those yankees-redsox games are played soooooooo slow.

They are int eh 3rd after 1.5 hours of play.

Talk about patience at the plate.

BTW………its been a long time since villarreal comes intog the game early….. SP is doing better.

Go chuck shut them down just a little.

By Lee in S. GA

September 14, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Grinch

My son and I am going to see 3:10 to Yuma tomorrow night. He is 21 years old and is do into westerns. He has actually watch the original 3:10 to Yuma.

James is nothing more than a 4th or 5th starter unless he can get his freshman year’s grove back. He has his moments but he gives you your moments also.

By TennesseePaul

September 14, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Been a diehard Braves fan for 15 years but, man, it turned my stomach when…
They started losing?
Well, now you finally have an excuse to jump off the wagon and hop on the RedSox caravan without feeling to bad about it.
Dasvidania, Comrade!

Com’on Bravos! Hold ‘em. This is a great chance to step ever so much closer to 2nd in the Division…

GO BRAVES!!!!

By Lee in S. GA

September 14, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Overlord

I look at it this way. I have given up on the Braves making the playoffs but if a miracle came along it would almost be as good as 1991.

By TennesseePaul

September 14, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

Overlord: I hope not. I have this thing where I refuse to cheer for the AL. Goes back to way back in the day when players had passion about the league… Maddux still represents and few others. But I will not cheer for the AL and you put the Mets in the World Series, just like when the Giants and Bonds were there, and I’m forced in between a rock and a hard place.
Anyway, I think the NL West will represent. Hell, with the way the playoffs are these days, it’ll probably be the .499 NL Central winning it all again.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

brewers are losing.we might pass them in the standings tonight.

Phillies still losing…..might close the gap to 2 games behind them (psychological boost only).

By Lee in S. GA

September 14, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Prediction.. James is traded after this year. Everyone see Bobby practically tell him to hold up a second before walking off the mound when he handed him the ball.

By TennesseePaul

September 14, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

HA! Just read the Bowman version of this Politically infused article. Sounded like a good time, but this part cracked me up…

Bush indicated he wanted to get some pictures…
“[Bush] said we need some pitchers — that’s what I heard,” Schuerholz said. “I said without missing a beat, ‘Well, we’ve been trying for two months, Mr. President, but we can’t get any.’ He said, ‘No, John, pictures.’”

By Rocky Stone

September 14, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

I was getting a haircut and the barber sneezed and cut off a little piece of my ear. I live with that to this day because now I have one big ear and one little ear. The barber didn’t mean anything - it just happened - and I have been able to forgive him. This is just like Idiorondack Dave - he didn’t mean nothing and he didn’t say much. I forgive him.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Hey there is no reason to panic.. We are in great shape for next year. It was a fact the streak was not gonna go forever. Its no like we are gone for long time like lots of teams have done after great season and championships: 1. Blue jays early 90s 2. pirates early 90s 3. whitesox recently 4. fish twice 5. AZ 6 years ago, (apparently they are back). 6. Even tigers looked so unbeatable and as if they had a team for 5 years, and looks like they are quiting already. 7. etc.

We will be back as soon as next year and play in octuber…….deep into october.

Relax, we are just retooling and it takes time and patience. It could have been only a 1 year absence if hampton and gonzo didnt go down. So take it easy.

Braves are just regrouping…. and the race this year aint over.

By TennesseePaul

September 14, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

“This year, I know I was counted on to be one of the main guys in the rotation,” Hampton said. “It was set up in the rotation, and I was on schedule. So I kind of put the Braves behind the eight ball, because I was ready to go, and then all of the sudden, I had a booboo.”

This guy is really going to have to start speaking like a grown up…

By beki

September 14, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Villareal is now pitching; CJ ( the pitcher )was taken out and it’s just the bottom of the fourth inning. Oh,3:10 to Yuma is a remake of the Glenn Ford classic. Go see it ‘cause it’s a d**n good movie with great performances from Christian Bale ( doing the Ford role )and Russell Crowe. As a matter of fact, I just might go see it again or go see the Jodie Foster revenge film; however, there’s the Alabama-Arkansas game. Dang and double dang too many choices to do and see and not a lot of money to do it with. Triple dang.

By Robert's Rules

September 14, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

OK. No politics.

Now regarding Bobby Cox, the decider for the Braves:

He has picked a management team to assist him that does not seem to be getting results, but he will stick with them no matter how incompetent they are.

He is woefully deficient in the strategery department.

He seems to possess, at best, average intelligence.

He stubbornly sticks to an approach that is failing and does not seem to accept any input from reasonable objective observers (except those who agree with him).

He has contempt for the press. He is not very articulate.

He is lauded by some as an exemplary person but his past contains some episodes of questionable behavior.

It seems that the majority of Braves fans would like him removed but he has a little more than one year to go.

He’s a lame donk.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Well………. we are not going into the bunt thing again………we already know this teams smallball zzzuuuuxxxxxx!!!!!!!

By Señor Sucio

September 14, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

rocky stone, or should i say, the juvenile mr. jimmy, go back to basketweaving. the blog is tired of your drivel.

By The Grinch

September 14, 2007 9:01 PM | Link to this

Lee, I think y’all will both like it. You can tell at first the director’s not used to doing westerns, but then he seems to get the hang of it as it goes. It’s a great thing to be able to watch westerns with your dad (with the exception of “Brokeback Mountain”). Not that there’s anything wrong with that. :-)

Couldn’t even get five outta Chuckie today against the Nats (KC and Shaun, who’ve been insisting he usually goes 6 plus when he almost NEVER breaks 5 and 1/3). If he doesn’t come up with a new pitch we might need two innings-eaters next year and put him 5th. The bullpen can’t handle that all year.

By Ed Glennon

September 14, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

If only Andruw played for Tony LaRusa. He could hit after the pitcher and no one would ever critizie Tony again.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 9:02 PM | Link to this

Im not sure the reds the reds are such a bad team. They have a good manager (at least better than ours). They just swept the cards, they kicked our butt, they are giving the brewers something that they wont forget so easily. This team can hit, they lack pitching, but their pitchers are young. Wonder if they will get better next year, scary for the NL central.

By ncscoots

September 14, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

It’s official. Villareal makes my let-me-help-you-pack list. I swear, I know it’s just my perception, but you put him in at the top of an inning, he gives up 2; put him in with inherited, and they promptly score. Pitching genes courtesy of Exxon. Sheesh.

By TennesseePaul

September 14, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

I think there is a clinic in the South East corner of New Mexico that goes into bunting techniques. Perhaps the rest of the team should spend the winter there.

Has there been one successful bunt all year? I can’t remember any…

By uga-brave

September 14, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this

another gutless performance from the little slinger. he could not wait to get off the mound, tried to give the ball to bobby. DOB said we dont have the IT factor, well i know chuck does not have it. absolutely GUTLESS. what a freakin joke of a competitor, go frame some windows because your day job might not be here next year

By Adirondackdave

September 14, 2007 9:08 PM | Link to this

Robert’s Rules — Very well done!

By uga-brave

September 14, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

way too many strikeouts for francouer.

By Bob, Journalist

September 14, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Adirondackdave, I try to look at the “why” rather than the “what” of agenda related posts in an effort to understand but methinks your 7:57 is as amateurish as it gets and warrants no such consideration … it should definitely be removed, as least that’s my opine.

Regardless of what either of us think, it’s probably a good thing that neither the AJC nor the USA are democracies.

By Lee in S. GA

September 14, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Grinch

Brokeback Mountain and a quote from Seinfeld … I just sprayed my beer everywhere. I am looking forward to the movie.

Perhaps another one run game. The hits keep on coming.

By uga-brave

September 14, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

two hits since the first inning, way to go guys, way to show some heart. if this nucleus returns next year aint nothin gonna change we are a.500 team

think about this WE HAVE WON ONE GAME SINCE THE ALL STAR GAME IN WHICH WE HAVE SCORED LESS THAN 5 RUNS.

By Matthew At The SLC

September 14, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this

The Braves are my team and always will be. If I can stomach the 100 loss seasons I can handle two years without making the playoffs. While “wait until next year” is a sports cliche, I am real optimistic about next season’s potential.

Liberty Media has proven that they will spend the money needed and wants to win. With this line up and some Shurholtz magic in the off season to get a couple of starters, they have the potential to be one of the best teams in the majors next season. The bullpen is even looking promising. Hopefully with some solid starting pitching added they can avoid wearing the pen out.

Even if Andruw doesn’t come back, I am pretty sure they will find a suitable replacement in center field. With his new role as a “complimentary” piece to Teixeira, I think he will be more productive if re-signed. He doesn’t have the pressure anymore to be “the man” since Tex now is. Even with all the physical tools, some players just don’t have the mental makeup for that role and I think this is the case with Andruw.

By Braveheart

September 14, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

3:10 to Yuma is a great movie. Love that movie. If you are a man, you must see it. No way a man could not like that movie.

As for the President, I am a Democrat. Don’t care for the man, his politics or his political party. I am about as opinionated as Adirondack Dave about Mr. Bush and the Iraq war. Maybe even more so.

BUT if my/our President, whether I like him or respect him or not, asks me to come to his house, his office to sit down with him, I must sit down with him out of respect for the office, the position, and this country.

When the President asks me to come to the White House, it is not Mr. Bush asking me, it is the President of the United States of America.

I would put aside my moral, political, and personal feelings about the man because his office, his house, his title, and his country is much bigger than that man or any other man from Washington to Lincoln to FDR to Clinton to Bush who has held that position.

That position, house, office, and this country will be around long after Mr. Bush leaves Washington and I don’t want it on me that I ever disrespected any of those things because of my personal feelings about a man who held the office for what will amount to be a very brief time in what is gonna be a very long history of our country.

Besides, who wants to be a hypocrite like Mark Chmura, the Packers tight end, who refused to meet with Bill Clinton when they won the Super Bowl because he was too “Christian” to set aside his feelings about the sexcapades of the man to shake the hand of the President of the United States but then found himself in deep trouble for his own sexcapades with underaged girls later on.

Who wants to be a basturd like Nick Saban who was too busy breaking down film of training camp to meet with the President? Yeah, yeah, he was so committed to his job he could not meet with the President but then quit on the job 4 months later. Whatever. Gotta love the coach of my alma mater. Roll Tide!

By Braveheart

September 14, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

Mathew at the SLC, you didn’t bring Tito the Bear along with you I hope.

By zimo z

September 14, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Did anyone notice:

The ad at the top of the blog page (for the Bring home a Brave contest) shows Chuck James and says:

“Instead of bringing heat, he’s bringing dinner.”

How ironic.

By Braveheart

September 14, 2007 9:41 PM | Link to this

Yankees/Red Sox games are like Giligan’s Island. It’s supposed to be a three hour tour but the damn games go on forever and ever and ever.

By Braveheart

September 14, 2007 9:46 PM | Link to this

How the heck is Oklahoma State losing to Troy?

It’s the Nationals. Can we please score some runs already?

By Braveheart

September 14, 2007 9:48 PM | Link to this

HORRIBLE CALLL!!!!!!!!

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

THAT STUPID HP UMPIRE IS BLINDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

A$$$$$$$$$$$$$HOLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!

HE SHOULD BE KICKED OUT OF THE GAME!!!1

THAT WAS A BALLLLLLLLLLL……..”·%$·”&%$·&$·”&&·!$%”·$”·ª$ª”(/&(&”$·&··$%

By d

September 14, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

has tex gotten a clutch hit since he’s been with the braves?

By Matthew At The SLC

September 14, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this

Braveheart,

Any association with Tito The Bear and myself would be due to that troll who comes on here and impersonates me by posting ignorant rants using my name and engaging in pointless arguments. If he does appear it is not of my doing. I have no problems with you and am sorry someone besmirches my name and trolls you. I promise you it is not me.

You are actually one of the better bloggers on here and I enjoy reading your posts and insights.

By Lee in S. GA

September 14, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Braveheart

Agree pretty much with your political viewpoints. Like the old saying I avoid politics and religion conversations usually.

5 to 3 well………I don’t know. I really hope we stay above 500 for the remainder of the season. Having to battle and not put away teams like this, only to eventually lose many games, is what the majority of the Braves problems have been this season. AS if nobody knew this.

By Edgar

September 14, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Hey, not for giving up the HR to Zimmerman or anything,but why is TYLER YATES on a MLB Team, he should be playing AAA ball, the way he has played this season, in any other team he would be DFA,cut,etc.He just purely SUCKS and i hope his not back next year.Every time he comes i feel the game is lost.The funny thing is BC trust him. he always brings him in a tight situation and he chokes.

By Lee in S. GA

September 14, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Ump got mad because Tex started to 1st before he made that call. Chipper’s comments, even as true as they were, did not help this matter.. They will probably not give the Braves a benefit of a call for the remainder of the season.

By Stu

September 14, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Matthew At The SLC, though we shouldn’t talk politics on a baseball blog, and I probably don’t agree with your politics, I liked your statements.

A recent case in point was when the ‘06 FL Gators were invited to the White House. Joakim Noah, an avowed liberal, initially refused to go, out of protest. Billy Donovan sat him down and explained just what you said… it’s the office, not the man… and that his refusal would cast a dark cloud over the whole team’s visit to the WH.

Noah (to his credit) reconsidered, and went, though he dressed sloppily, which was a little tasteless. I guess compromise works.

By will rogers

September 14, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

I am not a member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat.

The more you read and observe about this Politics thing, you got to admit that each party is worse than the other. The one that’s out always looks the best.

On account of being a democracy and run by the people, we are the only nation in the world that has to keep a government four years, no matter what it does.

The man with the best job in the country is the Vice President. All he has to do is get up every morning and say, “How’s the President?”

If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can’t it get us out?

Be thankful we’re not getting all the government we’re paying for.

Politics has become so expensive that it takes a lot of money even to be defeated.

Diplomacy is the art of saying “Nice doggie” until you can find a rock.

A fool and his money are soon elected.

About all I can say for the United States Senate is that it opens with a prayer and closes with an investigation.

Our Constitution protects aliens, drunks, and U.S. Senators.

Anything important is never left to the vote of the people. We only get to vote on some man; we never get to vote on what he is to do.

I bet after seeing us, George Washington would sue us for calling him “father.”

If you ever injected truth into politics you’d have no politics.

Things in our country run in spite of government, not by aid of it.

Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke.

Liberty doesn’t work as well in practice as it does in speeches.

The 1928 Republican Convention opened with a prayer. If the Lord can see His way clear to bless the Republican Party the way it’s been carrying on, then the rest of us ought to get it without even asking.

There is no more independence in politics than there is in jail.

By Edgar

September 14, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Goners in 08: -Woodcrap -Thorman -Dotel -Yates

Adjustments in 08: -Chuck James get a freaking 3rd pitch -Francouer less Strikeouts -Chipper get more muscle on that Oblique. -Get rid of AJ

By zimo z

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

I guess tonight is the night that the Braves are supposed to lose a 1-run game.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

I RATHER see pete orr PH or prado.

By Braves 2007 season = Mission Accomplished

September 14, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

The Braves are a bunch of losers like that moron we have as president. Losing to the Nats…what a joke

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Nothing new, we already knew Thorman was gonna KKKKKKK.

Our bench has to be in the top 3 as the worst benches in the league, no need to look for number, the feeling says it all, you always know they are not gonna respond (only if matt is on the bench or yunel).

By zimo z

September 14, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this

“Swingin” Scotty T.

Way to go.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

September 14, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

One God , one Heaven , one Satan and one Hell……..and yet , we insist on a million different religion’s , belief’s , cult’s , etc.etc.etc. Go Figure.

By Edgar

September 14, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

The braves are not getting anywhere with that “staff”. The braves are horrible executors,they seem like the dont have a clue about the fundamentals of the game. T.Pendelton i hope you consider the KC Job.Mcdowell hit the road pal.

        It's going to be a long   
        winter until 08 season.

By the Stranger

September 14, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

CR, I don’t blame you for doing your job. And I really can’t blame Brian or Jeff for being awestruck at the opportunity - they are young. But considering all that has been lost and will continue to be lost (not pennants, folks, lives), this was not a great PR move for Homeboy and his posse. I wish I’d never had to read that and could, as a lifelong Braves fan, remain blissfully ignorant as to the hero-worship of my heroes. This has nothing to do with Right or Left, and everything to do with right and wrong.

The Stranger does not abide.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 10:25 PM | Link to this

By Edgar

Goners in 08: -Woodcrap -Thorman -Dotel -Yates.Adjustments in 08: -Chuck James get a freaking 3rd pitch -Francouer less Strikeouts -Chipper get more muscle on that Oblique. -Get rid of AJ

It would be nice if you had a job with the braves cause that is just what we need and 2 freakin SP or 1 at least.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Langerhans is in the game, i guess he is up for a big play and put the icing on the cake. Maybe he robs a HR to chipper.

By Braveheart

September 14, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

SLCMatt, I was just playing with you. I read those Falcons blogs all the time and watch you deal with that crap all the time. I used to be a regular blogger over there under a different name but got sick of that crap and have not gone back since January.

By gotigers72

September 14, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

I think I need to add Yates and Chuck to Braves that should not be Braves next year. Yates has an ERA close or over 5. Why would you want a reliever with an ERA of 5 in your bullpen? Chuck is a HoRam clone. Think about it. Both had good rookie years, then the second year was all downhill. Both throw too many pitches and throw up in the zone too much. Both give up bushels of home runs. HoRam has gotten worse every year and is not long for MLB [has an ERA of almost 7this year]. I expect Chuck to continue his downward spiral. He has not improved ANY, and has not been able to break that horrible habit of pitching up. Announcers say Chuck is a flyball pitcher. They are right. The problem is that a lot of his fly balls leave the park.

Why doesn’t someone say to Francoeur “Hey Jeff, the catcher is standing up behind you to give his pitcher a target”. Why can’t Francoeur, who IMO will soon be a superstar, lay off of those high pitches? He should know by now that certain pitchers and certain teams are going to pitch him that way.

By Braveheart

September 14, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Pete Orr was actually useful for once. We found a use for pete orr!!!!!! It took 5 months but he finally did something useful!!!!!!

Attaboy Chipper!!!!!!!!!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 14, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

Hail to the Redskins, hail victory… Braves on the warpath, fight for old D.C…… OOps… Wrong blog….

By Señor Sucio

September 14, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

Coach take your medication and go to bed. You are ranting incoherently.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 14, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

Yes, season is almost over and i dont see yet what the game plan of the braves besides waiting for someone to hit a bomb. They are not thinking on getting on base and advancing the runners. Who the is our setup man? who the hell has been our setup man for more than a month? Who is our closer? when we had one he just couldnt get the job done smoothly. Now we dont have one stablished.

Cox doesnt lets anyone get used and comfortable to anything expect chipper, tim and smoltz…….. everybody else have looked like balls on a pinball game.

THERES A DELIVERY FOR THOSE THAT SAY CHIPPER AINT A LEADER.

And i agree, TP and Mc should leave along with cox or at least 2 of them.

By Braveheart

September 14, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Joe Simpson likes Andruw very much.

By MrC

September 14, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

I don’t care what anybody says about leadership and all the crap……

Chipper is THE MAN

By Edgar

September 14, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

I just wonder…which team has the most Team LOB this year and specially with Bases Loaded.

By Bob, Journalist

September 14, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Coach, methinks there’s insight in what you expressed but the better insight might have been to not have so done.

Tie game … bases left loaded … somebody has to win, why not us?

By Tomahawkin' Again

September 14, 2007 10:45 PM | Link to this

Did anyone else notice that the 2 players that were so in awe of going to the White House today are a combined 0 for 10 tonight? Yeesh, everything or anybody that comes in contact with G. Bush turns to crap

By Rolo Tomasi

September 14, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

How about doing a 180% from BC and hire Bobby Valentine ? Now that would be culture shock.

By Edgar

September 14, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

Here we go…another Extra Innings bullpen lossss.

By the Stranger

September 14, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, your 9:37 was well reasoned, and you remain one of the most respected characters on this blog - at least in my opinion.

I watched a Johnny Cash documentary the other night and the final song was JR explaining to the audience why he always wears black. This hallowed space, where all of us united by a love of the Braves meet to talk about unimportant matters such as baseball and music and pie, is dedicated to the Man in Black for a very good reason. Go back and listen carefully to the words of that song, The Man in Black, and apply it to this Braves’ season - it makes perfect sense. Now listen to it again and apply it to this war, this administration, this POTUS and tell me that dissent should be absent in this forum, not to mention this country.

By Savannah Guy

September 14, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

Will Rogers Personally, you didn’t include it in your post, but I liked it when you said, “you can usually tell where a man get’s his opinions. From the one who signs his paycheck”.

Then, another Will gem that seems to fit right about now: “Last year we said, ‘Things can’t go on like this’, and they didn’t, they got worse.”

Politics That’s not what this blog needs. Keep it up and this place will surely be intolerable.

By Lee in S. GA

September 14, 2007 10:54 PM | Link to this

Mt dream come true would be one of the Braves hitting a game winning home run and it wacks Joe Theisman in the head trying to catch it.

By Edgar

September 14, 2007 10:59 PM | Link to this

Attaboy Sorianoooo!!!! Getting out of that jam wasnt easy.

By Savannah Guy

September 14, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

Stranger Suggestion: use your usual moniker if you’re going to make political comments that many find objectionable.

Better yet, talk baseball, BBQ, music or some other non-polarizing subject. Otherwise you might try:

www.findapoliticalblogordropit.com

By the Stranger

September 14, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

And Bob, Journalist, methinks you should be censored everytime you work “methinks” into one of your rambling, inane soliloquies…but this is America, so I grit my teeth and let you have your fun. Why don’t you do the same and give Adirondackdave the benefit of free speech?

By Savannah Guy

September 14, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

Hey Cuz…just caught up. You and Lew were breakin’ bad on the anders/jay boys yesterday. Brilliant posts all. Just cause, to be sure. Always good stuff.

Lot’s of folks behind the curtain lately. Changelings are back? Weird and weak…when it’s not done for humor.

By Savannah Guy

September 14, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

Stranger Why don’t you just come in here and start attacking Bob, Journalist, one of the favorite denizens on this blog?

Change my last suggestion. Try this, you troll:

www.takeyourselfbacktothespiderholeyoucamefrom.com

By the Stranger

September 14, 2007 11:14 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy, my moniker is and always has been “the Stranger.” My comments here on my favorite blog are in the context of my favorite baseball players making a trip to the White House to visit POTUS on their day off. I respect the fact that politics is not an option of conversational topic here. I also respect your long-time contributions to this blog. I will, however, continue to speak my mind in a respectful manner under my usual Braves/MIB Blog moniker, the Stranger. From one American/Braves fan to another, thanks for the suggestion.

By the Stranger

September 14, 2007 11:21 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy, no troll, here. Been on this blog since the beginning, and I’ve read your posts, along with Bob’s for a long time. I’m just not a very prolific poster. Got no problem with either Bob, J or you. But Adirondackdave is no troll either. He’s been on here a long time, and I just thought it was out of line for Bob to cry censorship. (That, and his “methinks” bugs the hell out of me.)

Apologies for raising your hackles tonight, but I’m not on here to make cheap politcal shots - just to speak my mind like you and everyone else on here.

By The Grinch

September 14, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

Sorry I chimed in on the politics, albeit briefly. I know better.

By Lee in S. GA

September 14, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

The Red Sox are choking against the Yankees. That team is hot. The Angels IMO will be the only team that will give them a challenge in the A.L.

By Savannah Guy

September 14, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this

Stranger, if that is your usual moniker then perhaps I’ve missed you all these months. After your attack on Bob and some of your other comments, I’m glad I haven’t noticed you. I’ll try not to in the future.

Everyone on this blog has a political position and many differing political opinions. I don’t find yours agreeable nor do I find them unique or respectful in any way. So as an American that respects the Office of The President of the United States and out of respect to DOB and Carroll’s requests, I refrain from posting my political opinions. It was wise of DOB to ask all of us to refrain from that. Let me remind you of that and ask that you respect their requests.

By Savannah Guy

September 14, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

Grinch Where ya been man? I’m about to call it a night. Too much travelin’ to keep my eyes open much longer, with the help of these Big Lebowski white russians. You around tomorrow?

Where the heck is Chris lately? Somebody has to throw a rock at his window and get him in here. Klobber’s probably got a little Knob Creek action going.

By uga-brave

September 14, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this

mcaan is flat out terrible behind the plate. dude layoff the YOHOOS AND DONUTS.

By the Stranger

September 14, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy, I knew you were reasonable. Apology accepted and no hard feelings.

By Chop Chop

September 14, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

I have a lot more respect for DOB than I do for President Bush.

If I were a full-blooded Red Sox fan, I’d be breaking stuff right now. The Sox don’t have the stinkin’ guts to bury the Yankees. That lack of guts would seemingly preclude the Sox from winning a World Series. They need an Eckstein, don’t they? Lord Scrapford von Gritt never loses.

By The Grinch

September 14, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this

I’ve been furthering my education, such as it is. At the moment I’m working on some Sweetwater 420. And yes, I’m around tomorrow (assuming I can get up out of bed). Been a bit under the weather lately. Chris has gone AWOL, hasn’t he? Maybe we should print his picture on the back of a whiskey bottle. :-)

By uga-brave

September 14, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

SAVANNAH GUY,

right on. leave politics off this blog. if you wanna talk or listen to politics flip over to HBO and watch that moron bill maher.

guys if the future of this team is francouer and macaan we might be in trouble. they are same player. medium power no speed. both have pitiful .oba’s

By uga-brave

September 14, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

well the gwinett county all-stars are 0 for 12. dont give me that crap about their age both have 1500 plus plate appearances. AND YOU WANT TO BE MY LATEX SALESMAN.

By Savannah Guy

September 14, 2007 11:56 PM | Link to this

Strange One: For the record, no apology was offered. But “no hard feelings” is mutual. Respect may not be, but I’ll not lose one minute of peace with your superficial comments or your tricky wordplay just now.

So, you want respect? Post an apology to Bob, the blog and to DOB. Then I’ll consider it sincere.

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 12:02 AM | Link to this

sorry guys just dont see all star in francouers future, way to many holes in that unortodox swing.

if you are going to strike out 125 times every year you better hit 30 plus every year. right now you have one extra base hit in sept, PATTY POP UP.

By the Stranger

September 15, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

Grinch, speaking of 420, you may have seen this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWAT3liSS6w

…or that might be you for all I know.

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 12:18 AM | Link to this

troy just hammered oky state. dawgs play troy later this year. hoss is a FLAT OUT STUD. take note gwinett county golden boy its CALLED COMMAND OF THE STRIKE ZONE

By the Stranger

September 15, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist, methinks I owe you an apology for publicly venting frustration at your cry for censoring another card-carrying member of the Braves/MIB Blog.

Respected Denizens of The Braves/MIB Blog, I sincerely apologize for injecting political discourse - even in the relevant context of CR’s story on today’s visit by Schuerholz, Hudson, Smoltz, Francoeur & McCann to the White House at the request of POTUS - into today’s discussions.

DOB, …why am I apologizing to DOB?

Savannah Guy, I regret raising your blood pressure this evening. I do find it a bit ironic though that you continue to mis-print my moniker while drinking Big Lebowski white russians. It’s THE Stranger, dude.

I hope you can abide by that.

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this

good at bat there JEFF, i know its not from a lack of effort. you probably lay it out there more than anyone else.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this

SD, LA and Rockies losing………seems we are gonna be 3.5 back. Phillies won, but it would be a good day for us.

YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!

3.5GB

GO BRAVESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Edgar

September 15, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

Wowwwww, B.Mcann is 0 for 7.Rough night

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

overlord,

that would mean we would actually have to be over .500 for the month. tell you what it aint the bullpens fault this year.

By The Grinch

September 15, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

That was funny, The Stranger. I assure you it wasn’t me, though; I would never commit such a beer crime. Plus, I don’t wear cargo shorts. I’ll be glad when that whole cargo shorts/mandals thing goes out of style. Lemmings.

Go Braves!

By Unhappy American

September 15, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this

Now that politics is out there. I must tell you that, regardless of political affiliation, I think it is a farce that this country does not have a national day off for voting. We can celebrate President’s Day(who cares) but we can’t have a day off for voting. I think France does theirs on a Saturday and Sunday and guess what, their participation rate is above 80%. Ask yourself why this country would not do something that makes so much sense. Because the politicians wouldn’t like the results. Sorry, had to say it!!

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 12:38 AM | Link to this

the silence is deafening where ART THOU BRAVE-DAVE. for the sake of sanity i should be gone too.

By Savannah Guy

September 15, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this

the Stranger: Very upstanding of you. Appreciate it. Blood pressure is fine, now that Braves pull it out.

Lucky 13! Who knows what might be in store for this crazy wild card thing…

Peace…out.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

overlord,

that would mean we would actually have to be over .500 for the month. tell you what it aint the bullpens fault this year.

????????????????????

By the Stranger

September 15, 2007 12:45 AM | Link to this

Go Braves!

Ascanio was nasty in the rain.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 12:46 AM | Link to this

Well guys, better start begin the muts to win next to games and things could start getting awfully close here.

By the Stranger

September 15, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this

Unhappy American, there’s no place for that here. Seriously.

And if you’re not happy why not just move on?

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

overlord,

we have not had a month over .500 since april???????????

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this

Good chance for tomorrow also!!!!!

Pedro against the phillies

Tomko goes for SD, he is 2-11

Livan H. goes against LAs Lowe

Cormier for us.

Gooooooo braves.

By Braveheart

September 15, 2007 12:54 AM | Link to this

A new blog record has been set. 174 posts during the middle of a game with only 6 posts actually discussing what is going on with the game. Hard to believe. It’s not like the game did not take 6 hours to complete.

Whomever mentioned having an all weekend long vote - that is a great idea. It would be like a Super Bowl weekend or an NFL draft weekend or a Final Four weekend. But then you said France does it that way, so the hell with that idea no matter how good it may be.

To Heaven With Frenchy, To Hell with France!

By the Stranger

September 15, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

Savannah Guy, what with all the pie, and baseball, and bbq, and music, and bottle labels we all share in common here, it should be easier to stay on topic. A wildcard race would be a lot more fun to talk about.

Go Braves!

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this

SD has just tied the game in the 9th…..winning run at 2nd with 2 outs.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this

we are gonna have one now.

By Choppinmama

September 15, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this

If I have to watch the opposition’s broadcast - for 13 innings, yet - at least I had the familiar Sutton voice to listen to. Even though he’s a Nats homer now, he has better-than-average Braves knowledge and can analyze game situations with more acuity than most other opponent’s announcers. Having to watch other teams’ broadcasts can be so boring (but I am dutifully thankful to be able to watch our out-of-market games).

Congrats to the guys tonight. They hung in there, and except for the bases loaded inning where we should have scored BIG, the pitching held us in the game, and the bats did the heavy lifting. Sure would love to see a few more balls out of the park though.

McCann looked good behind the plate tonight, had to catch a penful of guys tonight for 13 and handled them nicely.

Hail to our Chiefs tonight!!

By Tyler

September 15, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this

I missed the game, can anyone fill me in on what happened and why Chuckie left early?

That aside, I think he may be used as a trading piece if we were to pick up another pitcher.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this

Cameron just gave the ball a ride to CF and SF CF made a web gem………saving at least for the moment they day for us.

GO giants

top 10th

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this

braveheart,

i think you are kinda the pulse of a real brave fan win or lose. i am more of a cynic. the playoff losses to inferior teams got to me. even though i bleed and die with these guys every night, i love that uniform. any thoughts on that matchup in tucaloosa one week from saturday?

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this

for all you politicos which i hate bill maher has called gen. patreus betray us twice.

By Dad

September 15, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this

I am so glad that you Braves fans have finally conceded that the Mets are the best team in the major leagues. Your Braves may not make the playoffs for another 25 years. Why don’t you Braves switch over and pull for the Mets? You will be pulling for a team that is headed for a dynasty.

By Unhappy American

September 15, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this

Stranger

Anywhere is the place for free speech. I guess I should be happy with the current situation. I guess me and the other 70% need to move on overseas so that you fascists can argue with each other about who has the bigger gun and who has goes to the biggest church.Your statement reveals that you failed civics class in high school. Just to let you know, we parted with England a couple hundred years ago and now their royalty has no authority. Best take a refresher course.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

SD wins…….. LA winning

Everything is turning around, at least we also won. Tomorrow will be better, im sure of it.

Tyler, james had 50 pitches before the 4th inning ever started i think. i think cox is tired of him giving the long ball.

Game could have ended in 9 innings since in th e 7th i think bases were loaded and on a 3-2 count tex was walking to 1st after a ball 6 inches below his knees, he was call out on strikes, the worst call of the year. Inning over. After that it took some comeback from 2 behind as the nats went in front.

Hell of a job by soriano with bases loaded (his own mess) and acosta, mahay and ascanio.

Francouer wins it in 13 with a single to RF.

But after all that effort we could pick up ground on anyone as everybody won.

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

seebrok,

you vampire i am waiting. three game parlay tommorow, usc - 10, boston college plus 7, florida state - 4.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this

I wouldnt speak so loud if i was a muts fan (yuuuuuckkkkkksssssss, what did i just say?), because the phillies are about to sneak into the playoff and my team has not found a way to beat those guys. Pretty scary.

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 1:29 AM | Link to this

dad,

i guess you wear jean shorts and a wife beater tank top. i also bet you where a gold chain or two. when you type on this blog i bet you where one of those cheesy gold nugget rings. i dont hate the mets players, i always liked piazza.

for me i always HATED VALENTINE, AND the mets ignorant fans.

By mr baseball

September 15, 2007 1:35 AM | Link to this

uga brave: Cracking on Francouer on a night when he delivers another game-winning hit does not exactly enhance your status as a shrewd baseball observor. Calling Bill Maher a moron leads to the conclusion that you are a sheep capable of being herded in whatever direction the opinion makers of your particular stripe want you to go. Maher is one of the few political observors capable of cutting through the B.S. spouted so prevalently by both sides. He is a very perceptive individual, and judging by your characterization of him, you are not.

Padres scored 2 in the 9th to tie the Giants and the Dodgers are leading the D-Backs. Need a little help from the West Coast.

Whatever improvements need to be made between now and next season, none involve the bullpen. Got some pretty impressive arms down there.

Since Carroll is not into lyrics, a few snippets of an appropriate relic from several decades past:

Still alive and well/Still alive and well

Every now and then I know it’s kinda hard to tell

But I’m still alive and well.

Johnny Winter, little remembered Guitar God, circa 1974.

By Unhappy American

September 15, 2007 1:41 AM | Link to this

Bill Maher rules!!

Rednecks are tools!!

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 1:41 AM | Link to this

clap clap clap for uga…….and the crowd gets on their feet.

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 1:44 AM | Link to this

chuck james is what he is, to use a tired cliche. this guy is the anthesis to a guy like, maddux, smoltz, or glavine. he has no competive fire, i dont want him here anymore, horacio home run allowz was the same guy.

chuck could not wait to get out of the game.

so now we go into next year with SMOLTZ, HUDSON, AND what?

mcdowell are you listening.

as much as i disliked DAVIES, he has a major league arm. gets strikeouts and we traded him for NOTHING.

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this

MR. BASEBALL,

he sure hit the heck out of that ball. hey i like francouer, think he is what is right about baseball. he loves to play everday, as a braves fan he is a media good guy.

i have read your posts, i know you know the game. one question, do you think he is a build around the roster guy?

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 2:06 AM | Link to this

mr. baseball,

lets not talk politics, its trite.

i would put my MBA AGAINST YOURS ANY NIGHT.

let me ask you a baseball question, chuck james or reyes? there at this moment is no upside to CHUCK.

bobby begrudingly brought him up here last year and he was right. the guy does not have that much talent.

as for all you MAHER fans i find him entertaining, funny, and very self absorbed. just like the rest of HOLLYWOOD.

By mr baseball

September 15, 2007 2:17 AM | Link to this

ugabrave:

Francouer won’t carry a team like Chipper, Vlad, Pujols, Howard, etc. He will, however, be someone who will produce consistently excellent numbers, and is already showing signs of maturation (more walks). He may not be a 40 HR kinda guy, but I’m guessing he will be among the league leaders in RBIs for a long, long time.

He is still a work in progress, but on his repeatedly demonstrated clutch hitting and Clemente-like arm alone, he is definitely someone a team can build around, even if he isn’t a stand-alone superstar.

Between Francouer, McCann and Escobar, the Braves have 3 budding stars they can pencil in the lineup for a number of years. If the organization could develop pitchers at anywhere near the rate it churns out position players, the Braves will be back in the playoffs in the very near future and for a while to come.

Sorry if I was a bit harsh re Bill Maher, but I really think the guy has a unique, no BS perspective that is increasingly rare in this PC climate where people on both sides of the ideological fence spout the same cliches and rehearsed talking points over and over.

Gotta get some sleep before I head to East Lake in hopes that someone can finish within 10 shots of Tiger. If he shoots another 63 tomorrow, I think they should just call the tournament and give him the entire $35 million instead of just the winner’s annuity. When he plays like this, the outcome is about as predictable as a Harlem Globetrotters game against the Washington Generals.

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 2:21 AM | Link to this

learned a very hard lesson tonight, most people on this blog are left wing looneys. NO DISREPECT. the biggest journalist school in america is probably SYRACUSE.

wow that school has produced a lot of real smart guys. for that matter i did a turn AT PRINCETON, the entire economics staff there is borderline SOCIALISTS. heck our FED CHIEF IS a princeton guy. the fed is SO BEHIND THE CURVE.

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 2:31 AM | Link to this

mr. baseball,

i knew there was a reason i always read your posts. WELL SAID and articulated. enjoy east lake tmmrw. great track. tiger will win by 5 or 6. anyways agree to disagree sometimes.

i always enjoyed your posts, N8, EFRIM, LEW, paladin, overlord, and most definitely BRAVE-DAVE. where have you gone my lost dog.

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 2:39 AM | Link to this

mr baseball,

LIVE right off of lake forest around CHASTAIN. LETS TEE IT UP SOMETIME.

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 2:47 AM | Link to this

FOR THAT matter why dont a couple of us meet at chastain play golf and smoke a cigar?

we HAVE b***, yelled, and unfortuantely talked stupid politics. MAYBE even talk DOB, INTO HAVING the first annual BRAVES BLOGGERS GOLF TOURNEY. that would be fun. WOW A FACE WITH A NAME.

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 2:56 AM | Link to this

BRAVE-DAVE cmon back, i miss your candor.

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 3:05 AM | Link to this

DOB,

cmon man this golf tournament would be cool. heck i could drum up a couple of sponsors. I know the AJC could do that. with your connections i guaratee in early nov. you could get a couple of braves. how much fun would it be to see the faces of all the bloggers. DOB, dont know if you play or not but who cares, would be a great time.

By Serbok

September 15, 2007 3:22 AM | Link to this

Mornin all~ Uga-Brave I have to admit!!! I’m friggin addicted!!!!!!! lol To this blog, the ppl are good for the most part? I dont quite understand CR’s post. I guess there was just nothin else to write about? I agree with Mr BB on the Maher thing. Much as I hate to say it~ Dick Cheney has led our country down the road of being looked like as despots:o( Not gonna Give GW the credit, He hasnt a clue what that word means:o( Clinton handed George a 2 trillion dollar surplus, we now have a 5 trillion dollar defecit and Osama Mocks Cheney every chance he gets? I refuse to acknowledge Gw as the president:o( THATS SAD! I voted for his daddy! Cheney is gonna hand the next president a 6 trillion dollar defecit and the bloody mess he created in Iraq! Not to mention our constitution that made this country so great and powerful has now been smeared by power and greed! Top it off? Clinton probably never lied about having sex with that woman. I doubt very seriousley if procreation was a possibility. And if it wasnt? Then he never had sex with that woman. Yet~ Clinton is compared to being as big a liar as the sitting president? Big difference when lies Kill ppl? On one hand I wanna apologize for the political post ~ on the other I do not. Wont happen again~ I promise~ Stupidity just drives me insane! Thank god it will be over next year~

By mike

September 15, 2007 3:25 AM | Link to this

Im dissapointed about this season 2. If you look at the 8 main position players numbers and compare them two every playoff team, the braves have them beat easily. And if you do the same with the first two starters in the rotation they much up with anybodys first two spots in the rotation. My point is there is something really weird going on if the braves are not in the playoffs. My conclusion, and you heard it hear first, THE CURSE OF LEO has begun. Think about it, how many times did they lose when he was there and how many times have they lost since hes been gone

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 3:36 AM | Link to this

seebrok,

politics aside love you man, great win for us tonight. the bravos got off the dirt and won one for a change. win 8 more in a row and who knows. have not done that all season, but why not.

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 3:41 AM | Link to this

mike,

1 win since the all star when we have not scored 5 or less that speaks vollumes.

By uga-brave

September 15, 2007 3:51 AM | Link to this

paladin,

graveyard shift is done.

By Serbok

September 15, 2007 3:56 AM | Link to this

UGA True Bravo’s fan!!!! As am I !!! Sorry bout the political post~ but~ hey? then again I’m not? LOL I’ll go with ya on the 8 wins~ as you said~ why not? H3ll it aint over? I’ve seen stranger things in sports? Ciao :o)

By d-rock in Scotland

September 15, 2007 4:24 AM | Link to this

I agree with you 100% Adirondack Dave. Frenchy was one of my favorite braves, but I lost some respect for the guy. How can a thinking person be a big fan of Bush? He’s just a ballplayer without a broader view I suppose.

Good win last night though.

By Serbok

September 15, 2007 6:13 AM | Link to this

methinks I totally agree with adirondackdave!** BOBJ? your more than welcome to espouse your anti constitutional support for this government? Its Freedom of Speech! Thank God GW can only be king for 8 years~ If it was longer my friend~you would not have that right!

The approval rate for this government is less than 30 per cent? The ppl have spoken? HOW STUPID AND BLINDED? CAN PpL BE? BOBJ You really dissapoint me~ I thought you were a learned man? I find~ you are just another brick in the wall~ bummer:o(

By Serbok

September 15, 2007 6:31 AM | Link to this

Bush indicated he wanted to get some pictures… “[Bush] said we need some pitchers — that’s what I heard,” Schuerholz said. “I said without missing a beat, ‘Well, we’ve been trying for two months, Mr. President, but we can’t get any.’ He said, ‘No, John, pictures.’”BRILLIANT and probably true? LOL

By Serbok

September 15, 2007 6:41 AM | Link to this

Reading the blog~ I see Mr grinch’s 8:15 post Apologizing for how he truely feels:o( All in ALL it was all just bricks in the wall~

By gotigers72

September 15, 2007 6:50 AM | Link to this

So I was asleep when the Braves won. Maybe I should try that every game.

I wasn’t watching when Bobby yanked Chuck, so when I came back and Chuck was out, I figured he was injured or something. But no! Bobby yanked him because he was getting his brains beat in. I’m glad to see Bobby doing that more often. He’s giving Chuck, Cormier and Carlyle short leashes. Guess he’s getting tired of their putrid pitching the same way we are. And he can afford to do it now that the rosters have expanded ‘cause he has a larger bullpen.

One of the problems IMO is Roger McDowell. He seems to have trouble teaching the younger pitchers how to keep the ball down and pitch to the corners. Do the Braves most successful starters, Smoltz and Hudson, keep the ball down? Of course they do. I could be their pitching coach. McDowell has had 2 years now, and there has been no improvement for most of the younger pitchers. Chuck is especially notorious for pitching up, as evidenced by his 28 homers given up.

Bobby is yanking them early to try and get their attention, and because he’s tired of stuff like Chuck getting banged around because HE WON’T PITCH DOWN IN THE ZONE.

By Serbok

September 15, 2007 7:05 AM | Link to this

Braveheart You! are the most level headed person on this blog in my opinion! I understand~what you say about the office of the president. However I do not agree with you:( If a man is an AZZhole~ I dont want anything to do with him~ especially if said person abuses our constitution bypasses congress and generally puts on the path to an orwellian state. It is MY duty to CORRECT such behavior! A man IS only A Man? He is NOT an office? This man thinx he IS an Office? ANY free thinking individual! Must SEE the harm that this Man is doing to our country and OUR constitution? I am thoroughly OUTRAGED and LIVID! About these 2 people who are running our government! These guys make Shirley Temple look like the wicked witch of the EAST?

By r1U

September 15, 2007 7:46 AM | Link to this

Kenny Lofton was NEVER a Brave…he might have worn the uniform….LOFTON WAS NEVER A BRAVE!!!!

By r1U

September 15, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this

Kenny Lofton was NEVER a Brave…he might have worn the uniform….LOFTON WAS NEVER A BRAVE!!!!

By S t i n K y

September 15, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

The great experiment of having two members of the fairer gender perform the duties of the AJC’s Braves’ beatwriter postion seems to be going swimmingly with the posed question: Wither all the ex-Braves in the playoffs?

Normally, such keen insights are strictly confined to a secret hemisphere of a local Waffle House.

Kudos to Carroll for her investigative efforts and her sense of culinary adventure. No wonder she gets the plum aasignment of covering the Braves-Nats series.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 15, 2007 8:07 AM | Link to this

Serbok Not going to get into a political discussion with you as it is not worth the time, effort or heartache. I am certainly not going to defend George W. but I am not going to let the Clinton remark slide either. Please be careful when you make inane statements as it harms your credibility.

Now baseball…. Wow, what a LONG game last night. I am just glad no one got hurt in that mess. It is going to be a much cooler here as the winds of autumn blew in last night.

A few more reinforcements will arrive in D.C. Sunday as the R Braves will try to take two from Durham today to win the IL title. A tough chore to be sure but then again why not us for a change. It has been a very interesting year here in Triple A as a lot of the guys we started out with are already in Atlanta. Says a lot for the organization to have that much depth.

By Shaun

September 15, 2007 8:31 AM | Link to this

Couldn’t even get five outta Chuckie today against the Nats (KC and Shaun, who’ve been insisting he usually goes 6 plus when he almost NEVER breaks 5 and 1/3).

Don’t ever remember arguing that James usually goes six plus, but if you say so. Maybe you could show me where I’ve ever said that.

I have argued that James isn’t an awful pitcher and he’s probably not the primary reason the Braves haven’t gotten much out of the back-end of the rotation. They just could have used someone better in between he and Smoltz and Hudson.

By The Hit Man

September 15, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Serbok Continue all your drunken and inane political blathering that you want, and that Carroll will allow, but leave BobJ alone. I know where you live.

By The Grinch

September 15, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

Serbok, I wasn’t apologizing for my views; I’d never under any circumstances do that. That’s one reason why I don’t have more friends. I was apologizing for contributing to a political discussion in a place where I’ve been politely asked not to. There’s a difference between good manners and moral cowardice.

Shaun, perhaps it wasn’t you I was thinking of, then. My apologies. There were at least two people here a couple of weeks ago insisting that Chuck routinely goes 6 or 7 per start, and I can only remember about 4 or 5 times all season he went more than about 5 1/3.

By Chipper's Chippies

September 15, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

Gosh, our Man is really “leading” us against the Gnats. Too bad he was “tweaked” and couldn’t “lead” us against the Muts.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD morning america!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So we werent able to pick up a must needed game in the standings as everybody barely escaped the loss column, phillies and SD in their last at bat.

Ill tell you what, this padres team is not playing good baseball, LAD and phillies are doing better.

We would be in very good position today, with the opportunity to close the gap to 2.5, that would be something. Lets pickup one tonight.

By Efrim

September 15, 2007 9:48 AM | Link to this

Chcuk James is not a #3 starter folks. He is a #4 at best.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this

chuck is no #4 right now, at least not right now, he could be #2 in some years but right now he is no better than #4.

By Braveheart

September 15, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

Efrim, I think everyone gets that Chuck is just a number 4.

By Braveheart

September 15, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

The Braves are 15-13 in Chuck’s starts this year. You can’t ask for much more out of Chuck as a #4 starter. More innings would be nice.

There were only arguably 3 games in his 28 starts where he did not give the Braves a chance to win. In those 3 games, he gave up 6 runs. 6 runs is not all that much of a killer either. He has never given up more than 6 runs in a game. With this offense, if you keep the opponent to 6 runs or less, you have a chance to win.

In Chuck’s 28 starts, the opponent only scored 6 runs or more 4 times.

The opponent only scored 5 runs or more 10 times in his 28 starts. Unfortunately, 5 of those have happened since August 5th - not coincidentally when he had arm troubles. In his first 22 starts, the Braves only gave up 5 or more runs 5 times.

Chuck has done his job as a young, inexperienced pitcher for the most part by keeping us in games.

By Roger McDowell

September 15, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this

To settle the argument, Chuckie is my 3.75 to 4.75 starter. I did it in decimals ‘cause I know you guys can’t do fractions.

By Lee in S. GA

September 15, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this

Maybe if a couple of starter were obtained in the off-season, James could go to the bull pen (barring he is not in an unforeseen trade). Braves seem like they are always short 1 left-hander out of the pen.

By AARP

September 15, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this

Sign Julio to a 2008 contract, now!

By Braveheart

September 15, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

UGAbrave, I am alot more cynical than you believe. I don’t believe the Braves have a shot at winning the World Series with the way the owners behave. LM is doing better than AOL/TW but I still think we’re being run by the owners like a mid-major college program where we were once run like Duke, North Carolina, Kansas, Kentucky.

Since AOL purchased this team, we have been run like a team that should just be happy to win our conference tournamant, get giddy about being invited to the tournament, and not upset that we got bounced yet again the first round.

Now, we’re not even making the tournament. We have an athletic director and coach who made the tournament 14 years in a row. The problem is the school president has become a cheapskate and cut back on the athletics department budget and the athletic director and coach are unable to land the five star and diaper dandy recruits they were once able to get. When our campus legends like Maddux, Glavine leave, we no longer reload, we start over and rebuild. Why is the school president cutting back on the athletic department budget? Dunno. At least, in college it could be justified by saying the school wants to stress academics more and just have a moderately competitive athletics program. But can the Braves say they are cutting back on athletic spending to stress academics more? Don’t think so. BUT, uh, Chipper Jones is using a ton of big SAT words this year, so maybe they have been stressing academics down there in the Braves clubhouse. NOW, if they could only teach Chuck James who Todd Helton, Adam Laroche, and Mike Gonzalez are.

UGABrave, as to the Bama-UGA game next week, that raises kind of a dilemma for me. I am a graduate of Bama but have become a big fan of the Dawgs over the last 7 years and live a half mile from Sanford. But I gotta root for the old alma mater. It’s one of those things where I hope it is a three overtime shootout where Bama pulls it out 57-55 but Stafford throws for 500 yards and Moreno runs for 200 but John Parker Wilson throws for 400 and Terry Grant runs for 300. Or something like that. If the Dawgs were still undefeated, I would feel even more of a dilemma but they’re not. Richt is not the level of Spurrier or Saban or Myer. The best thing that could happen is for Richt to lose alot, so UGA could get a better coach with a killer instinct.

Richt is like AOL/Time Warner & Liberty Media - he will keep ‘em moderately competitive and mediocre but they will never have a chance of winning it all.

By dawgbone

September 15, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

Braveheart As a confirmed Dawg who hates Bama, I have to agree with your assessment. Richt does not have a killer instinct and he is playing in a league where most coach’s do. He is a wonderful recruiter, but too goody-two-shoes on the field. Just as Dooley had his best years with Erk Russell to motivate, Richt needs someone like that. Willie Martinez is even more of a wuss than Richt. This year’s Ga. team has more raw talent than any of Richt’s teams. But, there is not a leader in sight—-on the field, or on the sideline. They must have one if they are to be successful.

By Lew

September 15, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

Braveheart-I wouldn’t worry about your college football dilemma. The Dawgs will win. BTW-You’re Wurlitzer gets started today. Any Dawg fans who can’t get the game on TV today, but who have XM Radio. The game’s on XM 232 at 1:00. I got to hear Larry Munson do a game for the first time in at least ten years last week. What a broadcasting legend that man is.

By dawgbone

September 15, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Braveheart That being said about Richt, I’d still hate to have liar-liar-pants-on-fire Nick Saban as my coach. And you better watch out if someone comes along and offers him $100 more, in salary. If you don’t like his principles, he’s got others.

By Lew

September 15, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

DawgBone-WEhat you say is somewhat true, but keep in mind that this year’s Dawgs are a relatively young group of players. The leadership positions will fill out before too long. You’re absolutely correct, though. They’ve got some great talent. Wouldn’t it be a real kicker if we beat Tennessee, Florida and Auburn, but lost to that @###@@$^&**^%$#@# Spurrier?

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

September 15, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Overlord , stop it. please ! The Braves playoff chances ended about two months ago. They are playing for pride and a paycheck. The Braves have some realistic goals left. Finish with a winning record , catch the Phillies and finish second behind the Mets. Knock the Phillies and Brewers out of wild card contention and make the Mets 2007 post-season a lot tougher by having the Cubs , Diamondbacks and Padres with them in the playoff’s.

By dawgbone

September 15, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this

Lew What you say is somewhat true, as well. I’m just not as much of a Spurrier hater as some. I love for the dawgs to beat him, but you have to admit that he is a hell of a coach and motivator. He’ll lose, he doesn’t have that good of a team. Our job is to take care of business, no matter who we are playing. Meanwhile, my next favorite team is whoever is playing the Gators. Go Vols!

By You know who

September 15, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Coach(Lets Go Braves in 2008) For **once I am in total agreement with you.

By A Jones 25

September 15, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Next year you can chalk me up as another former Brave who will be playoff bound. I just don’t know yet if it will be the Yanks or Sox or anyone else who wants to pay me $25 mill a year.

As a parting gift I told Frenchy to watch me closely at the plate. He can learn plate discipline and selection. Naurally, if he learns those two things he will become a great clutch hitter like me and he won’t look like a clown in so many at bats.

Sorry, gotta run, I’m checking out a Ferrari here in the DC area. I may buy it and have it shipped home. Thank goodness Boras came up with the injured wrist idea to explain my season. His cut on my next contract will be astronomical. He deserves every penny.

Maybe I’ll ask for a home town discount…yeah right (uncontrolled laughter).

By Braveheart

September 15, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Yeah, dawgbone and lew, I think saban is bit overrated. But I’m glad to have a kickass persona on the sidelines.

But the reality is that Saban had alot of talent and Richt hung with him, playing him close once (still remember jumping through the roof on that 90 something yard pass & run by Tyson Browning - only to be let down), getting blown out once and returning the favor to Saban the next season. Richt even beat the heck out of Saban’s players in 2005 when they were being coached by Miles. Richt showed some heckuva killer instinct in paying back LSU in 2004 & 2005 for those painful defeats of 2003.

Richt is 10-12 against LSU, Tennessee, Auburn, and Florida, and 2-2 against Spurrier. 1-0 against Bowden, 1-0 against Beamer, 0-1 against Rich Rodriguez, 3-1 against Holtz.

That makes him 15-15 against evenly matched programs when they have evenly matched coaches, which is pretty understandable.

Richt is 47-3 against everyone else. The only losses that were totally inexcusable were the Boston College loss in 2001, and the Vandy & Tucky losses last season.

I give the fella a hard time and am kind of sour on him but he is darn good. He hangs with the best of ‘em and beats the heck out of everyone else, suffering only three unexpected losses in his tenure which is actually to be expected - especially when he is breaking in a freshman QB - all 3 unexpected losses happened with frosh QBs behind center.

Lew, glad to hear you’re working on the Wurlitzer. Can’t wait to get it.

By Braveheart

September 15, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

dawgbone, i hate the gators & vols with an equal passion. hate spurrier as well. great coach but i hate that man. i could almost never find myself saying go gators, go vols, or go spurrier. well, actually, that is not true. as painful as it was, i did root like hell for the gators in the national championship game last year because I can not stand the slow as molasses Big 10 and their whiny crybabies. It was an SEC pride thing for me. Michigan thought they deserved to play in the national championship game last year? They’ve lost 4 games in a row. Lost to App State, got smoked by USC, got smoked by Oregon, and really got blown out by Ohio State last year - that game was never as close as the final score suggested. And really they are 0-5 in their last 5 competitive games. Mediocre Nebraska beat them in the bowl game 2 years ago. Go Fighting Irish today! Nothing would be better than Michigan at 0-3. Hate USC too. So go Huskers!

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Coach if you quited 2 weeks ago that doesnt means i have to quit, right? and i dont think having the cubs in the playoff is a problem for the mets. And i dont think having the phillies out of it is what the muts want. And i rather have the braves having a losing record if they are not going to the playoff, that would make the front office do bigger moves. If they finish 2nd they will act as if the team was not that bad. It would be better for them to finish in the cellar so the wallets feel the urgency to go spend.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

If win dont fhinish the weekend 3.5 or less behind the WC leader, ill quit, otherwise, im not just yet. Or do you think we cant pick up 3.5 games in 2 weeks? i think they can, or at least make it close enough to call it a race.

By Braveheart

September 15, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Mississippi State is beating Auburn 10-0. Oh boy. Another turnover by Auburn. 3 turnovers today. Go Sylvester!

By Bob, Journalist

September 15, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

I’m somewhat bemused by some of the reactions to my 9:12 PM response to Adirondackdave’s 7:57 post.

I believe the reactions were probably in response to my opine that the post was amateurish and not worthy of my consideration … I still think that.

If others don’t do think then that’s certainly their prerogative.

It could be that some took issue with my expressing my personal opinion that the post should be removed from the Blog … which was based on my understanding that irresponsible, inflammatory political rhetoric is not to be allowed, regardless of the motivation or political position.

If that is not the case, then certainly the wording of my opinion was improper.

As an aside, methinks that certainly there are others falling into the same category but it’s not my desire to be pejorative.

I doubt that my “it’s probably a good thing that neither the AJC nor the USA are democracies” closing comment triggered anything worthy of note.

It’ a beautiful day in Nashville … enjoy!

By Jim Valvano

September 15, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Overlord can play for my team anytime. Overlord doesn’t give up! Overlord never gives up!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 15, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Bob, Journalist That is because they aren’t. Our founding fathers were very deliberate in their undertaking and realize that the governing of the our republic was to precarious to be left to the whim of the masses.

As for the AJC, I fear it yields to the will of the readers all too often. It takes real courage to stand in the minority but then again, many may see that tact as folly and bend with the wind.

It is why I could no longer stomach public service as I though integrity to be more important than popularity which was necessary to get re-elected.

By Bob, Journalist

September 15, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

Coach, you’re confused about Options again … Overlord still has options, it’s Thorman who’s out!

The Braves playoff chances didn’t end two months ago … I haven’t put the pencil to it … not a sharp one anyway … but, while I could be wrong, I believe that they still have a chance.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 15, 2007 1:34 PM | Link to this

My lovley bride and I are going to take advantage of a beautiful afternoon and head to the Diamond to watch the stars of tomorrow play for the IL Govonor’s Cup. I will give my final scouting report on some of the upcoming talent tonight.

We might even try to catch the last Atlanta game in D.C. tomorrow. It is not too bad of a trip on the weekends.

Have a great day all….

By Jim Valvano

September 15, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Citadel 21, Wisconsin 21 at the half. The Dawgs look like they are bored. Too many empty seats. The Big 10 is HORRIBLE!

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

Perhaps i even would like to see the phillies make a run at the muts. Why let them get it so easy??? Let them sweep the muts and see how their smiles go away.

Meanwhile we take care of our business and see what happens.

No reason we couldnt get a 6 game winning streak going…….. no reason, just the law of probabilities, but for once it could work in our favor.

GOOOOOOOOO BRAVES!!!!!

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

Pedro has KKKKKed 5 of 6 outs.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

September 15, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Overlord and Bob. nobody else quit , that’s why the Braves won’t make the playoff’s. You guys are living in la la land , where the fairy’s rule , troll’s blog and happy weed abounds.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

What do you want me to do?

I know the team, specially the manager have done baaaaaaaaaaad, but thats our team, and they are not dead.

If they get to the postseason they have an advantage on other NL teams, so why quit?

I know what do you mean, its not like this is the dream team, people like cox, tp, mcdowel and owners, dont deserve to get to the offseason, but i guess lots of the players do, so ill keep it up, even if they are not for real, cause they might surprise and shut some mouths.

By Lee in S. GA

September 15, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Compared to most college football fans I am a little more varied on my approach to teams. I actually like the Bulldogs and Gators….that’s right both of them. The national championship is through the SEC. I also pull for GA Tech and Florida State as well.

I will pull for the team each year that still has a chance for a national championship opportunity when they play each other. If the Bulldogs and Gators are both undefeated at the time I will pull for GA. That has not been the case in a while now. In other words not a die-hard true blue fan for one team.

Use to gamble while in college. That cured me from ever becoming a loyal one team fan in college or pro football.

USC, Ohio State Nebraska, Michigan, Notre Name, etc….I hate these teams.

I am loyal as a Braves fan however. Overlord I sure hope you have the last word and can tell everyone I told ya’ll so about the Braves.

By Efrim

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

Yea and Pedro was going to suck and take so long to come back from injury.

I must say, I was one of those who didn’t expect much, but I am watching this game and he is throwing very well against a good offensive team.

By Savannah Guy

September 15, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

A Late Summer Daylight Dream Sonnet (may require a nap right after you get on it)

As the baseball season nears it’s inevitable close, I contemplate our Braves without thought of prose. There were so many issues for reason and rhyme, to capture this summer’s shortfalls in limited time.

Without intention, my words have come as a sonnet, realizing if poets were crowned I sure couldn’t don it. Not being practiced in lyric or fable, rhythm or verse, attempting acrostic would sure make matters worse. The point is just reflection while season’s end is near, on the Braves and the Blog, of which we hold dear.

For most of this year many Braves fans have joined, the esteemed reporter DOB, where MIB was coined. Many thanks for great reporting go to Mr. O’Brien, we appreciate the forum and you’re the best, no lyin’. Our eclectic denizens comes from many walks of life, some share their statistics while some just strife.

There’ve been many great postings of humor and wit, we’ve laughed our butt’s off while on them we sit. Reading the timely articles and perusing the blog, Some brought clarity and reason, some merely smog. Then the jackals raged on with meaningless tripe, their intention seemed to goad, ridicule and snipe. The faithful denizens held tough while Mets arrived, then there were off nights when trolls just thrived.

Denizens brought cheer along with a poem or song, some of us climbed a soapbox and went on too long. Passionately babbling without considering brevity, we’d get nice reminders of the soul of wit, with levity.

We hung here all season, through setbacks and pain, watched the back-three pitching and prayed for rain. The bats were on fire when the season was so new, but they always cooled off when Smoltz was due. Huddy was tough as nails, threw as a Cy Young ace, ‘til the dregs of late summer took him out of the race. Our post-season expectations were once so high, have been reduced to “next year”, but we’ll still try.

We’ve seen our team lose, even with plenty of runs, We could’ve been contenders with a few young guns. From game to game, all season long, troubles came, from pitching, clutch hitting and starters went lame.

Against Braves management many denizens railed, Yet young starters faltered and closers have failed. Bobby lost old bench mates whose advice he needs, by using our pen properly he may have held leads. Opportunities were lost, he just couldn’t light a fire, after a winter of consideration, perhaps he’ll retire.

The East was imminently winnable for the right team, that could overcome adversity and gain a little steam. The gap was so narrow; the Mets were within reach, we got swept, momentum stopped with a screech. All year it seemed we would somehow find a way, win the elusive one-run game and begin better play. But our Braves kept losing for a myriad of reasons, but playing 500 ball just won’t cut it most seasons.

We’ve had ownership changes, funds that came late, Braves were disadvantaged out of the starting gate. Discontinued Ops & Non Core Asset was our place, handicapped by a corporation, an owner with no face. John still looked all over for some quality starters, but none were to be found for sane cash or barter. With pitching so costly and experienced arms so rare, John dealt in July for Tex and bullpen talent to spare. But the losses kept mounting despite his best deals, trading deadlines ended with us still on our heels.

Now even the wild card race seems impossible today, but all good denizens will hold hope, watch and stay. We may not play October, the second year in a row, But DOB’s Blog will rock on if the denizens don’t go. We’ve got hot-stove coming, BBQ, music and such, with DOB, Carroll and Blog friends staying in touch.

Go Braves, Go Dawgs, Go Falcons, Go Thrashers.

By mo in the boonies

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

I think everyone missed the most humorous item in the White House visit story. “Francouer had to buy a sport coat to wear to the White House, because his suit was in the cleaners.” I surely do hope that the Braves sign him to a new higher paying contract soon, so although he now is the possessor of a sport coat, maybe with more money the poor guy can afford another suit. big grin….

By Braveheart

September 15, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Holy crap. Lew stop working on my Wurlitzer and get working on Savannah Guy’s. That is by far the best post I have ever read on here. It’s worthy of three Wurlitzers. My, my, Savannah Guy. A jaw dropping effort.

By Carroll Rogers

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

savannah guy, i dig you nostalgia. very cool.

beautiful day in the nation’s capital. got out and ran today on the mall, from the capitol to the washington monument to the jefferson memorial and then one last little wink to abe. it was great.

here’s hoping for a little bit quicker game tonight. having it not pouring rain will probably help? we can only hope.

By Braveheart

September 15, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

Mississippi State 19, Auburn 14. LOL!! South Florida one week, Sylvester Croom the next. Ha! Ha! Roll Tide!

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

**Another thing about AJ (This guys just buried us in so many ways):

1. He killed so many rallies in close games braves could have won, id say more than 20, we cant win them all, but what if he would at least have made contact.

2. As a result of #1, he becomes a distraction, team doesnt believe in itself for more than 3 months because they feel there is noone to drive in the big runs in key moments.

3. Instead of having a year a cleanup hitter is supposed to have, too many games that should have been put out of reach, werent and bullpen was working on their heals everytime out.

4. As we didnt have a cleanup hitter, JS was forced to be distracted on that matter instead of focusing 100% on SP, as a result we gave us a lot for TEX, much needed TEX, but, im sure for what we gave, a good pitcher could have landed in altanta, but braves needed to address all deficiencies including cleanup.

5. Im sure his attitude never allowed Cox to bench him, i mean, man if you know you are not helping the team do something so the manager understands you are willing to go to the bench until you work your thing out……. instead of a hero for playing “hurt” (i dont believe thats true), i see him as a selfish A*******H _ _ E whom was only thinking this was his contract year and he needed to prove himself.

6. He is THE one brave player that plays with less heart and that stuff is contagious, the only emotion he shows is a freakin smile after a KKK or a weak groundball.

For christs sake, i cant understand why would someone leave such a bad hitter at clean up so much time, having lots of RBI men here.

By brian

September 15, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Chuck James will be a fine pitcher for years to come. He is years away from his prime. Trouble is that he should have been a 5th pitcher this year. Agree with the above posts that the trouble was that there was no one between him and Smoltz/Hudson.

Hopefully his lack of stamina is simply being young and he still needs to build up arm strength. Otherwise he is starting to resemble Ken Dayley who struggled as a starter with the Braves but the Cards made him a reliever and he thrived. Maybe the same with be in Chuck’s future.

I am expecting next year to be a much better year for Chuck and that this year was simply a sophomore slump. Keep your head up Chuck and work your butt off in the offseason - we need the 2006 Chuck James back!

By Tommy Tupperware

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

Anybody know a High School that needs a football coach?

By Lew

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

Braveheart-Yeah-It’s pretty good, but I missed points 39 through 45 of the Dawgs game while reading it. Maybe if he had posted it later tonight. I suppose we have never had a Wurlitzer for Iambic Pentameter. Was Wayne In Utah’s poem the Wurlitzer for Poetry in 06 or 07? We’ll see.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

beltran misplays a line drive to CF hit straight up to him, he started in and the ball just went over his head, he looked very bad, phillies lead 5-3. This team has no bullpen, if any team can take SP out of there before the 6th arrives, they are done. Before the 7th yo have a very good chance.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

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

Poor muts, they just cant beat the phillies, i hope the phillies go to the WS, they deserve it.

By Pulletzer Committee

September 15, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy If you don’t get a Wurlitzer, we want to award you a Pulletzer. It is a full-color photo of a Rhode Island Red wearing a Braves cap. Grinch will make the presentation at a bar of your choice.

By Savannah Guy

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

Braveheart After writing that I had to do some yardwork then hit the shower. Then return to see your post…whoa! Thanks for the compliments Cuz. Although you exaggerated…it was really appreciated. Made me grin real big. Coming from you I take it as a huge compliment.

Carroll Thanks for the comment. Hey, I feel for you after last night’s game in the mosh pit. That win was huge because of the effort in those conditions. Hope that old field has dried out some.

Did Abe wink back? Hard to tell his mood, he’s so stone faced.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 15, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

7 straight for the phillies against muts…..

Wonder where the muts are right now???

It seams the superdupersuperior team just cant beat the inferior phillies.

By Anders

September 15, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

Overlord Apparently the Mets don’t have to beat the Phillies. They just beat the Braves and let the Braves beat the Phillies.

Hey, as Lew said a few days back - Phils get in the Mets play the winner of the central in round 1. That’s not a bad deal.

By Carroll Rogers

September 15, 2007 5:20 PM | Link to this

the field has dried out. bobby was just telling stan kasten a few minutes ago how well the field held up last night, considering.

abe didn’t wink back, SG, but he was thinking about it, i could tell.

mccann gets the night off. bobby says he’s fine. just could use a break after catching last night’s game.

and diaz is in there in left field tonight against right-hander Jason Bergmann

By Savannah Guy

September 15, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

Pulletzer A Rhode Island Red wearing a Braves cap and beers with Grinch at the bar of my choice…I’m there.

By Braveheart

September 15, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

abe didn’t wink back, SG, but he was thinking about it, i could tell.

a very deliberate thinker was ole abe. you could be waiting a while for that wink.

By Pulletzer Committee

September 15, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy In seriousness, it was one of the best things I have read on here; and by someone who would also have several in the top five. You are a talented man.

By Yars

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

Watch the Braves finish the regular season 2 games behind the NL Wildcard winner. Over the winter, when the Braves come to mind, we can all think, ‘Damn, 2 freaking games. Damn.’ I’ll be switching back & forth tonight between the Boston College vs Tech game, & the Braves vs Nats game. Now Playing Sea of Sin by Depeche Mode

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

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

When playoffs get here, there will be nowhere to hide deficiencies……. so run muts run, and never return.

By dawgbone

September 15, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Go Boston College!!

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

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

Yars it might even be 1 as things have been going.

By Chop Chop

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

Lew,

Could you make an addition to Braveheart’s Wurlitzer? I think he might appreciate a picture of Mike Hart busting through yet another a wide-open hole in the Irish line.

By Lew

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

Well-I suppose if the post got Carroll’s recognition then I should probably award a Wurlitzer. Let’s let this one be a Fan’s Choice-what’s everyone say? Is Savannah Guy’s post Wurlitzer Worthy?

By Anders

September 15, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this

Overlord If there is one area of expertise Brave’s fans have it’s knowing there is no where to hide deficiencies in the playoffs. 1 for 14 certainly proved that.

By Fan

September 15, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Yeah, give him a Wurlitzer!!!

By Lew

September 15, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

ChopChop-I probably could, but Braveheart is giving his Derek Jeter Wurlitzer to his Dad, so I’d better not.

By de facto

September 15, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

Anders is back but frankly I like him more than “Panders” the @$$kisser of the past couple of days. Well, I hate him less would be more accurate.

By Lew

September 15, 2007 6:15 PM | Link to this

ChopChop-I wouldn’t have wanted to be the team playing Michigan today, even if I were a Souther Cal fan. Someone was going to pay a terrible price for the final scores of Michigan’s first two games-especially after that Appalachian State fiasco. Last week was a bit of a face pounding as well.

By The Grinch

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

Morning, all! Looks like the Irish are congradulating themselves on that big-@$$ contract extention they gave ol’ Charlie Weiss.

Good stuff, SG…though I’m not so sure why everyone thinks I can just be ferried from bar to bar like some kind of common slut. I have standards, you know. :-)

By Braveheart

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

Chop Chop, if Ty Willingham got fired, how does Charlie Weis not get fired? Some freaking offensive genius Weis is, huh? Have they gained a rushing yard all season? Or a touchdown? It’s really hard to root for Notre Dame when they have a Clausen playing for them. Casey was a total tool. Remember when he said he could beat the Dawgs with one hand tied behind his back. Freaking Iceman. Such a tool and such a fool. Rick wasn’t as easy to hate. Stuck on the bench behind Baby Vick and Ainge and he ended up better than both. I actually liked Rick for that because he was better than both of their ballyhoo kids they would not shut the hell up about. But this Jimmy, I can’t stand that kid. He’s the worst Clausen of them all. That spiky blond dye job hair, that cocky grin, his scrubby play. He’s a thousand times easier to hate than Iceman and that is hard to believe. And then all these announcers make every excuse for him. They keep saying oh he is playing so well. Uh, no he is not. Say what you will about Stafford but Stafford has 10 times the talent of Iceman and his two dorky brothers combined. Stafford at his ugliest and worst still wows you with his talent. If that kid’s last name was not Clausen, would you even realize he is on the field? Why is it the worse Weis’ teams play, the more they bring up his work with special needs charities? How about breaking down what has gone wrong with game planning and recruiting instead? Would that be too offensive to criticize Saint Charlie? Zbikowski does two things well. 1. He returns kicks, punts, and interceptions for touchdowns; and 2. He looks cools sprinting 15 yards behind every wide receiver who burns the Irish for 5 passing touchdowns a game. He better not quit the boxing ‘cause he ain’t gonna play in the NFL.

By Braveheart

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

I’m not so sure why everyone thinks I can just be ferried from bar to bar like some kind of common slut.

Is The Grinch Paris, Richie, Lohan, or Britney?

Who wants to start taking bets on a death pool for Britney? I’m thinking July 2009.

By Savannah Guy

September 15, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Lew Whoa! Wow! and no kidding? The Big W? Could it be…now I’m getting nervous with anticipation for something I didn’t expect, the coveted…don’t wanna say it and jinx it.

Grinch Thanks man. Hey, guess we’ll just have to go to a “respectable establishment” then, lest you feel, well…loose. Some place that allows cigars. What say we drag Braveheart along and get him outa’ that home office.

By de man

September 15, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

You don’t have to drag Grinch in the bar; but you often have to drag him out.:>)

By Savannah Guy

September 15, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Braveheart Hey, been meaning to get back to you on the Mark Messier post or two some several weeks ago, where you described a negative experience with him running from fans and such. It was as usual, a good story. It’s always disappointing (and disgusting) to see sports stars “sprint away” from young fans and behave in such a way as you said. Whatever he was thinking that day or those days either had him in a bad place or maybe it was just his usual behavior.

Whomever you were talking to on the subject mentioned that he had a “compound” in Hilton Head. Actually Messier’s property is on Daufuskie Island between Hilton Head and Tybee Island (Savannah’s beach). The Island is only accessible by boat. Nice place. I’ve been there many times and met the man several years ago.

When I met him he seemed like a really nice, regular kind of guy. No attitude or ego to speak of. Everyone he’s met on that little island seems to like him and he goes out of his way to get to know the locals. He bought his first boat so he could enjoy the waterways and learn to fish. The first week he had it moored at his dock, he left the drain plug out and it sank. Maybe that’s what broke the ice with he and his neighbors who got a big chuckle out of it.

The compound is one helluva’ place. When he first started building there I got a tour of the mansion. It’s an amazing design…looks like something out of architectural digest. Inlaid slate walkways in imported Canadian heart pine floors, large open spaces with wraparound decks. After the tour we were told that the place we just looked at was just the first structure and that it would be for his friends and teammates to stay in when they visited. This “little” place was about 5000 square feet. The main house went up afterwards. I’d be happy in the servant’s quarters.

Whoever mentioned the compound also said that John Mellencamp lived there on Hilton Head as well. John actually lives at Tybee Island in an old house near where I spent my formative years. John’s house is by no means a mansion, just a nice 100 year old, restored two story overlooking the ocean.

Not really trying to correct anyone you were talking to about this stuff, just letting you know as an fyi. All of those guys no doubt own houses in many places. Anyway, no big point to this…just wanted you to know so that you could “round out or add to” your impressions of the guy and maybe consider that he’s either matured or perhaps he was just having a bad stretch when you met him. Or just add the bit to your “sport star social studies” file.

By Mark

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

Will someone please tell Joe Simpson to shutup. Talkin about he gives Chuck James a pass because he is a 10 game winner.

By Mark

September 15, 2007 7:38 PM | Link to this

Some people are predestined to make an out. Andruw aint worth a damn.

By Anders

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

Savannah Guy That was me with the Mark Messier story. Apparently Messier has moved. I was at his place on Hilton Head Island about 4 years ago. His house was on the ocean, his sister had the place right behind him and he had a nice guest house adjacent to both. Plus he had 2 or 3 other family members who live in the area. I don’t know Hilton Head all that well but I’m sure we didn’t take a boat to get to his house. I was told Mellancamp owned the place right next door on the ocean but was hardly ever there. Anyway, I think your take on Messier is accurate. A lot of us Rangers fans got p** when he left for Vancouver but after being at his place and seeing that he was basically supporting about 30 family members I could understand why he had to follow the money. He’s a real family and friends oriented guy. Plus the word is if you were on any of the teams he won the Cup with your a made man in his eyes. That carries a lot of weight in NHL circles. As he’s known here in NY “The Captain’s Captain”.

By Salty

September 15, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

Braveheart That ‘kick a$$ persona’ is doing just that to the Hogs! Wow!

By The Grinch

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

It would take Paris, Ritchie, Lohan AND Britney to make this Grinch, thankyouverymuch. Yes, cigars are a good thing; I tend to indulge about once a month. I don’t know about dragging Braveheart away; we might have to let him bring his laptop.

Looks like Nickie Satan’s got the Tide rollin’, for those of you who want to watch a better game check out my alma mater Ga Southern on SS.

By Savannah Guy

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

Anders That really surprises me if he really lives on Hilton Head now. You should see his compound on Daufuskie. Not sure, but perhaps he let’s New Yorkers visit his little place on touristy Hilton Head and entertains himself and friends on Daufuskie. ; )

By dawgbone

September 15, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

After watching the Gators and Vols I have these comments. If the Gators have an Achilles heel, it is a poor pass rush, and now the season ending(?) loss of their all-world freshman safety. But, If you beat them, it will be in a shoot-out. Offensively, they are awesome.

By Savannah Guy

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

Grinch Ga. Southern? That’s close to me, about an hour away. My nephew went there as did some friends. Go Eagles!

By The Grinch

September 15, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

I lived in Swainsboro about 10 years before moving back up here last year. Kind of miss it. The Ark/Bama game’s getting a bit better.

By Efrim

September 15, 2007 8:21 PM | Link to this

Best case scenario for next year is JS going out and getting two pitchers.

Having Chuck James, Mike Hampton, Lance Cormier and Jo Jo Reyes battling it out for the 5th spot would be nice.

By Braveheart

September 15, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this

Roll Tide!!!

Hey, Salty’s back. All we need now is the Klobber.

By Braveheart

September 15, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Chrissakes, Cormier, Buddy, and JoJo in the same game. Is Bobby trying to give us a sampling of what our pitching woes have been all year in one game? Is Redman and Larew next? Meanwhile, the Dodgers are 3-1 with David Wells and he has a 3.91 ERA for them. Think we could have used that?

Ole Abe Lincoln may be deliberate with the think & the wink but he can run. I’m with Boog, Chip, and Joe, Teddy Roosevelt is tanking those races.

By InsidePitch

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

This offseason Mark Teixeira will be offered a contract extension. If a deal is reached, a move will be made for 1 pitcher involving a trade of Renteria. If no deal is reached, Mark Teixeira will be shopped to several teams for young pitching and some hitting.

By Anders

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

Savannah Guy I meant it the other way. I think I must have seen his old place. Anyway, do you actually live in Savannah? Been there a few times. Nice town. I’ve walked the squares. Ever been to Tubby’s on the riverwalk or to the Pink House for dinner?

By beki

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

I lost TBS;however, the blank screen there is symbolic of the Braves season.

By Stinky

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

Will someone please bring Earnie Johnson back? At 83, he’s still got more in the tank than Chip Caray will ever have, potential wise.

By Savannah Guy

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

Is this the slowest night on the blog all season? Lost everyone to college football? Man, these Braves are having a tough time in Washington. Are they watching college football? Another night to make a hole then try and dig out of it.

Yep, I live in Savannah. Have gone to Tubby’s and Pink House but they are tourist oriented. Much better spots than those.

Hey Cuz…seen Paladin? What happened to him the last few?

By Savannah Guy

September 15, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this

This game was the story of our season…like the trailer to a movie titled, The Underachievers. It’s amazing how we play just below the level of our opponent, no matter who they are.

By N8

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

As most of you know, I’ve sung the praises of Kelly Johnson all season. I think other than being fairly weak going to his right on grounders, he’s had a spectacular season for a guy coming off of major surgery, and being asked to play a position that he has never played before in Pro Ball.

That being said, his AB in the 9th inning tonight, pretty much sums up this season for the Braves. A guy on the mound BEGGING to be hammered for the second night in a row, 2 runners on (after a walk to Renteria where NONE of the pitches were that close), and KJ swings at the first pitch.

All you Bobby backers should take notice. Because unless it is Chipper or McCann at the plate, the manager HAS TO HAVE THE TAKE SIGN ON IN THAT SPOT!!!

Shame on Bobby for NOT having the take sign on, and shame on KJ (one of my favorite Braves - just mentioning it, so y’all don’t think I’m piling on KJ), for swinging at the first pitch IN SPITE of his manager’s idiocy.

Even had he hit a HR on that pitch, it was the wrong “play” to swing at it. No discipline on this team whatsoever.

I’ll forgive KJ. He’ll live and learn, and be a better player for it. As for Bobby? I’m so beyond being shocked at his demeanor in the dugout.

DOB

In your prescence, have you EVER seen Bobby “teaching” these guys anything? Or does he just sit and pick his nose in Sprig Training too? Must’ve been nice to be one of his kids. Oh to grow up with no rules.

Oh. Wait. What’s that? People become better human beings, and players when their is consequences for their actions, or lack there of?

JS sure has a LOT of work to do, huh? Oh well. For the second year in a row, he’ll have an extra month or so to think about what moves to make.

Good thing too. There’s a lot to fix.

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

September 15, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy,

Nope, not watching college football. not very interested in watching farm clubs for the NFL. Don’t live and die for AA braves either! ;)

There, that should bring the blog back to life! double ;)

Perhaps this is the way to get rid of the Met fans,(Well once they wash out of the playoffs, it will be quiet for a few months) just stop talking , period!

By Bob, Journalist

September 15, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

Most Esteemed Gentleman of Breeding, Letters and the Savannah … methinks that’s the longest 14 line verse I’ve ever seen … good stuff!

I taped the game … watched the first half of the Both Avenue Trade School - Boston College game … 0-14 bad guys at the half.

However, I did see Chipper do what he does more than any of the Braves, including Andruw and Brian.

As I’ve said for a long time, from a raw talent perspective, we’re about as good as it gets … it’s a shame we don’t know how to best use what we’ve got.

That goes for both the offense and the defense, though I’m not that well acquainted with Brian’s abilities as a Catcher or the raw ability of out pitchers other than Smoltz and Hudson.

Is the game worth watching … or should I devote my energies to preparing some artichokes and answering emails before retiring to the sofa and heating pad?

Relative to 2008, I would love to see more evidence of aggressive and dynamic leadership from the pitching and hitting coaches … I’m not sure why they aren’t meeting my expectations … maybe the reasons lie somewhere hidden in the convoluted thought that you can’t work your plan unless you have one.

By Bob, Journalist

September 15, 2007 11:03 PM | Link to this

Nathan, “Oh to grow up with no rules” … that explains what’s wrong … not what’s right.

By The Grinch

September 15, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this

Sorry, y’all; just went out for a beer or 5 to finish watching a couple of games. Bama looks pretty charged up; should be a good game next week against my Dawgs. Came back to see Tech is being cut back down to size; that always makes my heart sing. Bob, can you explain to me why with 5 minutes left in the game down by 11 their cheerleaders are cheering facing the Ramblin’ Wreck and a retaining wall behing the crowd instead of out on the sidelines trying to rally the team? I understand the car is more appealing than the team, and the wall is more appealing than Tech cheerleaders, but still…kind of strange. :-)

And my Eagles won in hostile territory, 42-34. Hoo-ah.

By The Grinch

September 16, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

Oh, yeah; that Kentucky/Louisville game was awesome. Who was it who got onto my case last year when I dared suggest the SEC was better than the Big East? I seem to remember Ron Roberts and The Stranger, though I could be wrong. Anyhoo, an unranked SEC bottom feeder just knocked off your #9 Cardinals, so stuff it.

By Edgar(See ya in March)

September 16, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this

Nor we need 1 starting pitcher,it’s 2 or 3,please JS get it done in the offseason. Chuck is pretty bad,he’s a lousy #4 for me, Hampton is an ‘if’ and Cormier and Carlyle are AAA pitchers.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 16, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

Savannah Guy Congratulations, good stuff……

Richmond swepted the Durham Bulls today to win the IL championship. First time Richmond has won since ‘94. Two very well played games. I will give a detailed final scouting report tomorrow but for now just remember this name. Brent Lillibridge…. I swear, he was worth the Adam LaRoach trade straight up. Gonzales was a bonus. That kid can flat out play baseball and is clutch.

Okay more tomorrow, I hope….

By flbravesgirl

September 16, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

Chiming in late as usual… Lew, I second the motion to award Savannah Guy a Wurlitzer. Great stuff, SG!

Grinch, since you went out I hope that means you’re feeling better?

Congratulations to the Richmond Braves!

By Chop Chop

September 16, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this

(As I stumble in…)

Braveheart,

Notre Dame’s schedule is too damn tough and too many teams are getting too many good players for them to be what they used to be. I hate Notre Dame. They’re like the Yankees, Lakers, Cowboys, etc. However, they’re in a sport that is changing for the better. They can’t dominate college football anymore. That’s a wonderful thing.

Lew, if I were to ever get a Wurlitzer, I’d probably want one of Sid Bream sliding into home plate and Justice smothering him. That’s a pretty good Wurlitzer moment.

As for the Braves tonight, they just stink. They know they’re finished. They’re playing out the string.

By deewill23

September 16, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

http://tomahawkinbraves.blogspot.com/

By Apes

September 16, 2007 1:01 AM | Link to this

You people are like a bunch of APES picking fleas off each other’s mangy hides! Do I get a wurlitzer for that?? The lazy Braves will do good to end this season above .500. Homeboy genius better pick up some pitchers, or more of the same next season, of course he knew that, he is a genius isn’t he?

Why don’t you people get a damn life? Maybe this is your damn life! You pathetic baztards!!

By Lew

September 16, 2007 1:10 AM | Link to this

I guess I should go ahead an award Savannah Guy his Wurlitzer-to p!$$ off the Planet of The Apes, if nothing else.

By mr baseball

September 16, 2007 1:28 AM | Link to this

Now that there is absolutely, positively NO CHANCE the Braves make the playoffs, about the only team goal left is a winning record. Braves are currently 2 games over .500. With half their games left against playoff contenders, can they play .500 the last 2 weeks and avoid a second straight losing season? 82-80 or 81-81 sounds about right. Should have been at least 6 to 10 games better, but if ifs and buts were…. yada, yada, yada.

Will be interesting to see how Cox handles the rest of the season. Does he keep trying to win, or play whoever gets called up from Richmond, if anybody? Wonder if any team in modern baseball history has played half the final month of the season with exactly 4 OFs on the roster. If by some miracle, Cox decided to rest Andruw and Francouer the same night, who would be the other OF? Thorman? Orr? Woodward? Pena?

Why not put Hudson out there. He’s as likely to get a hit in the clutch as Andruw “don’t let the door hit you on your well-padded gluteus maximus as you leave town” Jones.

By Tyler

September 16, 2007 2:37 AM | Link to this

I’m excited to see what JS does this offseason to improve the rotation. Hampton can’t be relied on. Neither can Cormier, even though he’d be a descent #5 starter. We need another #1 or #2 pitcher that can take over when Smoltz retires. On top of that we need a #3 so that we can have Reyes or Cormier fight out the #5 spot. I feel Chuck James should be traded while he has some value. Maybe to get an outfielder that’ll play LF or CF? JS needs to get something of this sort-Sabathia/Carmona and Arroyo/Vasquez. Let B. Jones or B. Lillbridge cover center. Pitching is the answer, I promise.

By uga-brave

September 16, 2007 2:42 AM | Link to this

drunk dawg’

here brave-heart. roll tide untilll == next weekend

By uga-brave

September 16, 2007 2:49 AM | Link to this

drunk and stupid is no way to go through life.

By uga-brave

September 16, 2007 2:55 AM | Link to this

cant see staight. but go dawgs love the staff.

By uga-brave

September 16, 2007 3:03 AM | Link to this

braveheart.

you are the defender of the faith.

By Robert

September 16, 2007 4:48 AM | Link to this

“How about doing a 180% from BC and hire Bobby Valentine ? Now that would be culture shock.”

Actually, that would be a 360 - replacing one idiot with another

Sure, let’s replace thje worst manager of all time with a guy on the short list for second worst all-time

By Serbok

September 16, 2007 5:11 AM | Link to this

Robert? Who would you want to manage the braves? I would like to see the manager for the astro’s~ cant come up with his name right now!!!!!!!!!! dammit! “scrapiron?” Played 3rd base for the pirates? shyte!

By Serbok

September 16, 2007 5:13 AM | Link to this

PHIL GARNER!

By Braves Fan 79

September 16, 2007 5:37 AM | Link to this

yea…i think Garner would be a good manager. He took that weak hitting astros bunch to the WS on the strength of 3 great pitchers. Man i wish Jim Leland was available! I actually want Bobby to be back next year….just as head cheerleader and let someone else make the majority of the game time decisions!

I cant believe some of the roster moves made/not made this year and it makes me sick. What has woodcrap done to still be on the team? Why didnt we have escobar on the team coming out of spring training? i mean the guy only hit .350!! Yet we choose 2 carrer .200 hitters over him?? I know everyone else was contempt at the time because we started off hot…but i knew at the time woodcrap/orr and andrew in the lineup + the pitcher was like having 4 gaurnteed outs. And man its hard to win games that way!! And pple wonder why we only have 3 sweeps all year!?? This sucks.
JS: next year PLEASE take all the CRAP players away from bobby before it takes him 140 games to realize they SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!

By uga-brave

September 16, 2007 5:45 AM | Link to this

nice game francouer, KEEP GET THOSE EXTRA BASE HITS

By ncscoots

September 16, 2007 6:53 AM | Link to this

SG, just so you know…one of my other philosophical tenets is that you take as much time (or screen space, LOL) as needed to do it right, regardless of the quantity. I’d say your earlier poetic post conformed, my friend.

And a note to mr baseball re the trade scenarios floated on the blog…if you think the ones so far are bizarre, wait til hot stove season, LOL. Last year, especially, you had to keep checking to make sure you hadn’t fallen into a parallel universe, brother, and I’m assuming this offseason will be more of the same. :-) Just think of wading through them as an offseason training regimen!

And, as long as I’m catching up: Bob, I’ve got a good thought for you and Carol every day, without fail. I’ve built up a pretty healthy bank account of good karma, and I’m tapping it hard for ya, my friend.

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

September 16, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this

Yeah, I’d take Phil Garner in a New York Minute. I don’t recall what exactly he did as manager during a game in Houston during the last series there, but whatever it was(Hey, I am getting old, and it’s 8 am!) my thought was, man…no way in the world could Bobby think of that…and the Astros won the game….

By journalist jimmy smith

September 16, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

a beautiful sunday morning. good thoughts go out to carol and carolina lady and to savannah gal. speedy recoveries for all. best wishes, jimmy smith.

now, baseball … this team lacks something that the ‘91 team had in abundance - youthful enthusiasm. our youthful players are now “corporate minded” - no rally caps, no emotion to speak of - very business like. those who behave differently seem not to fit here and are removed from the team.

and whither blaine boyer?

and surely this season is lost. remember all the bases loaded situations of the past few months where no runner scores. there is a flaw in the teaching process.

a three run homer cannot be hit with the bases loaded.

and now to the wurlitzer … a true honor not to be handed out lightly. only the very best works are worthy and lew is kind to offer so many wurlitzer prizes. whither the wurlitzer for our carroll rogers? and who will be the subject? a bobby dews fan? chino cadahia?

and speaking of winking at abe lincoln, must be something with these beat writers about flirting with older folks. not saying a-c-c is old, but her war bonds are from 1812.

and now, culture … someone keeps taking shots at this journalist and suggesting jimmy smith’s posts are not worthy for this blog. this same someone posts inane dribble under several new to the moment screen names. jimmy smith has this to say: come out and play under an identifiable name and we shall have some fun.

and to those who have called others and idiot in the past … it is not nice to call names.

and, to bobby cox … this journalist was watching the game on television with a beautiful woman and the camera panned to the dugout. bobby was putting something in bobby’s mouth. “what’s he eating?”, she inquired.

now, quickly, what thought ran through your mind?

and now to pie … probably shouldn’t follow boogers with pie but it could be mince meat pie. lots of raisins in mince meat. there has been very little talk of pie here of late.

and why are so many braves players injured merely by swinging the bat?

and ga tech’s problem last night … no quick kicks. no third down punts. must return to the basics of ga tech football.

have a pleasant good day and, go braves!

By Lew

September 16, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

Esteemed Journalist-Welcome back. Carroll has chosen an obscure basketball player from some strange ACC school in North Carolina as her Wurlitzer subject. Being an SEC guy, myself, I wonder at this choice, but I suppose college teams and their stars are a somewhat personal choice. I don’t know-I’m not really a hoops fan. Has anyone out there heard of some school called Duke (thought that’s what they called John Wayne)or a player named, let me see know, what was it? Oh Late-ner or some such thing. I understand he was instrumental in winning a game. Oh well. To each his or her own, I suppose.

By Realist

September 16, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

Lew I knew when Braveheart requested(for good reason)a change from Braves to ???, the floodgates would be opened. I suggest that BH’s request be “grandfathered” and all future Wurlitzers be Braves. But, what do I know?

By Braveheart

September 16, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

this team lacks something that the ‘91 team had in abundance - youthful enthusiasm. our youthful players are now “corporate minded” - no rally caps, no emotion to speak of - very business like. those who behave differently seem not to fit here and are removed from the team.

well said jimmy.

young guys should play like a bunch of crazy punks, infusing energy and enthusiasm to the team. reyes and wright do that with the mets. giles used to do that with the braves but seemed to tick off too many of the braves button downs with it.

with the braves, it seems they are quickly domesticated and told to get married. does someone sit down with them when they are called up and say it is strongly encouraged around here for you to get married as soon as possible if you want to stick around? no wonder so many of them play so bad at home.

frenchy, mccann, kelly, yunel, chuck, pena, sammons, jojo, moylan should be burning Buckhead down every night.

this sort of thing scared the falcons away from brett favre. glanville might have liked to pretend to be a phony rebel with his black but when confronted with a real rebel who promised greatness, glanville turned out to be not much of a rebel at all, called the real rebel a train wreck and traded him. estupido. guess there could only be one rebel in town, even if he was phony.

maybe the baby braves are burning down buckhead. dunno. but it’s hard to tear up the town but also pretend to be domesticated as well. the duality has to be a taxing distraction. only the best of the best can be masters at compartmentalization.

there once was a kid in the 1990s who dared to dream of hitting a homer to win the world series and of playing the field until he snagged the most beautiful woman on the planet. not a surprise david justice did both. he was not settling for no ordinary high school sweetheart or yet another division title. heck, the kid was such an arrogant, cocky dreamer, the most beautiful woman on the planet was not good enough for him after a few years.

frenchy came in like a wild stallion 2 years ago, taking the world by storm, with his arm bands, eye black, socks up to his knees, and wearing number 7. but now he has been broken by the firm and he has become all domesticated, too often wearing his pants all the way down to his spikes, making him look cool no longer, making him look like a big tall doofus, 23 years old and hanging everyday with middle aged men, like he should be wearing number thirty, forty something instead of number 7.

he once had the chance to be the next broadway joe but instead he chose to become clean cut johnny all american.

is a buzz cut next?

frenchy may only have one suit but he is developing one helluva well starched white collar.

if frenchy keeps it up, i am not gonna be surprised if frenchy shows up next season sporting cufflinks on that number 7 jersey.

By Braveheart

September 16, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Christian Laettner. YUCK!!!! One of the greatest college players of all time but YUCK!!!!!

By Lew

September 16, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

Realist-I have no problem drawing other sports figures besides Braves-just no Mets, though I did one of Scott Kazmir which he signed (oh wait-The Mets traded him for Victor Zambrano-never mind). Seems to me that the first Wurlitzer, won by DOB, was of Johnny Cash. I don’t recall him playing for the Braves-unless it was on the stadium PA system.

Journalist Jimmy makes another good point. Several denizens and assorted Denizen spouses are having serious health issues. Carolina Lady, MRs. Savannah Guy and Mrs, Bob Journalist are experiencing some bad times-Mrs. Wayne in Utah, as well, though not as seriously ill, need our thoughts and positive energy sent in their directions.

By N8

September 16, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this

Braveheart

Not sure what “award” would qualify, but yourlast post (10:43 am), should receive whatever prize is adequate for POST OF THE YEAR.

That pretty much sums it up in a nutshell.

Justice: Fire and drive (and a big mouth)….Shipped off.

Lofton: Played his music too loud…..Shipped off.

Fick: Fire and drive…Shipped off. Oh, wait. He was’t very good, was he? Never mind.

Francoeur and McCann are playing with NOWHERE NEAR the fire and enthusiasm that they had on their faces when they came up and made us forget about Mondesi, Jordan and Estrada. Oh, btw, they could play a little too.

Just another reason why Bobby must go. He not only can’t manage a game to save his life, but he somehow manages to suck the enthusiasm out of the few players that show up and wanna be “rah rah” guys.

Step asside Mr. Cox. Your experation date has passed.

By Realist

September 16, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

Lew Like I said, what do I know? You de man, so the subject matter is whatever you say. But, what happens if someone wants Glavine in his Muts uniform?

By Lew

September 16, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Realist-Likely, they’ll get Glavine in a Braves’ uniform and they can send it back if they don’t want it. That would not be without precedent. One Wurlitzer has already been refused. The person felt they were not worthy and refused to name a subject for their portrait. Seems to me they watched Wayne’s World one time too many.

By Lew

September 16, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Nathan-Yes, you must be right. BC has sucked the life out of all of his players. He just woke up one morning two seasons ago, with an empty pod next to him and the Braves were there ever after doomed to be meaningless husks of baseball players-all to wear their uniform pants so they could trip over them and sporting buzzcuts. Whatever. I suppose that Chipper having what could have been an MVP season(if he hadn’t missed 30 games and the Braves had won), Willie Harris having the greatest two months of a seven year career, Matt Diaz becoming a world class hitter, Edgar Renteria having a Batting Championship staring him in the face (and fools think he should be traded?), Smoltz going on and on like the Energizer Bunny, Hudson completely turning his career around, KJ making an amazing successful transition both offensively and defensively and Yunel tearing the world apart as a rookie, have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with BC and his management style?

Sorry Dude-you can’t blame Cox on one hand without attributing success to him where applicable. Sucked the life out of his players? Come on Nathan-that’s too bombastic even for your level of-well, whatever, I won’t get into your track record. We all know you’re somewhat over the top.

Now Francoeur-It’s about time that y’all stop with this Francoeur bashing crap. It is totally absurd, totally unfounded and flipping stupid, as well. The kid has not even played three full seasons. Of course he looks different than when he came up. He’s older and is maturing as a player. He is no longer a wet behind the ears rookie, just up in front of a hometown crowd for the first time, listening to standing ovations-just because he’s him. Get real.

Francoeur’s numbers and his improvement is, in actuality, nothing short of spectacular. All last season and all of this I hear nothing but “why does he swing at everything? When will he learn to be more selective?” Damn it all, he has remedied this situation (or at the very least made great strides toward remedying it). He has doubled the number of walks over the past year. That IS learning to be selective. He has raised his batting average almost 40 points!!! he is well on the way to becoming the .300 hitter he told everyone this spring he could be. Everyone last year p!$$ed and moaned about his low OBP. He has raised it almost 50 points from .293 to .341. He has learned situational hitting-he now can go to right field when necessary. He learned to shorten his stroke with two strikes. Everyone complains about his loss of power, yet he has hit 11 more 2B hits over last year. His OPS has RISEN since last year by over 40 points-so much for loss of power. This kid has made bona fide strides to improve himself. Wouldn’t that have been nice to see from, say Andruw Jones?

I think it’s time to face some facts here. BC has NOT sucked the life out of anyone. The reason the Braves are mediocre this (and last) season -yes, mediocre-this is NOT the Royals or the Rays here, y’all-is simply because we have had no consistency from the back end of the rotation, and for most of the season, had zero production from 1B and Nothing from Andruw Jones in his “walk” year. Blame this on BC if you wish (I myself wonder why Joey Devine and Brayan Pena are not well thought of and haven’t been given a chance), but let’s get real at the same time. If you can blame him for the crap that’s happened, then he must get credit for the strides some have made, as well. I blame our fortunes as much on the loss of Leo, Pat Coralles and Bobby Dews much more than BC being taken over by an alien life form.

By N8

September 16, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Lew

What would you say to somebody asking you to make a portrait of Bobby looking right at the viewer with a finger up his nose?

Just kidding.

So are you ready for our endless offseason “discussions”? I’m kind of at “peace” with this lost season, and ready to move on.

Haven’t read too much of the blog lately, (still swamped at work - in fact I’m at the studio today working on the thousands of images I’ve gotta get out, with my little 13 inch TV and antenna all set up to watch my Chiefs get their azzes handed to them by the Bears at 3:00), so if I’m jumping into a conversation without knowing the jist of what’s been said, I pre-appologize.

I think if Glavine chooses not to excercise his player option in NY, the Braves MUST sign him. With the money that they’ll “save” on Andruw (Yeah, I get that arbitration and other escalators in others contracts will eat up some of it), not to mention the money saved by the possible trade of Renteria for another pitcher, would be EXACTLY what this team needs.

Not so sure Tommy is the post-season answer (I guess we’ll find out in a few weeks), but he SURELY would’ve been better than ANYBODY we could’ve ran out there in the 3-5 spot this year, not to mention what the effect would/will have taking him off of the Mets roster.

Add that to the pitcher we’ll get (whomever it may be, just so long as they can pitch .500 ball) for Edgar, and our rotation all of the sudden looks OK to GOOD.

THEN if we are lucky enough to get in the post-season next year, the 1-2 punch of Smoltz/Hudson should/could be formiddable.

The window for Smoltz is closing day by day as he gets older. So whether signing Glavine is a longterm answer or not (it’s NOT), isn’t the issue at hand. The issue at hand is to get Smoltz to the post-season one more time. It’s only fair to him and Chipper.

For that reason, (the possiblity of signing Glavine - for short-term help), we could essentially give Renteria away for a YOUNG up and coming pitcher that may or may not help next year, but would help once Glavine and Smoltz are done.

L8r

By Lew

September 16, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Trading Edgar if he wins the Batting Championship may not be quite as stupid as the Cardinals trading Steve Carlton as a 20 game winner (ask the Cards how THAT one went), but it would rank right up there. Do y’all actually think we will get a pitcher for him of comparable value? I think this idea needs more evaluation. If you could trade him for Cain and Rajai Davis-maybe. Otherwise, I doubt you’d get the kind of return for him he’s worth-not to mention a serious loss of our offense.

By Lew

September 16, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

Nathan-I wouldn’t do a disrespectful portrait of anyone-not even a Met. I will have a portrait of BC at Spring Training. However, it will be complimentary enough that he won’t object to signing it for my gallery. I guarantee it.

By The Grinch

September 16, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Morning, all. Just a moment before I take off to a friendly Falcons environment (yes, they do exist). Nathan and Jimmy Smith, I think there may be something in what you say. It does seem (with the exception of McBride and Davies) that the players that are shipped out of here tend to all have energy and enthusiasm in common, whatever other flaws they may have. It is also unusual to see multi-millionaire young stud athletes all giving up on life and getting married before the average American does, too…you’d think they’d want to have a good time for a while first. This team may be kind of like that law firm in “The Devil’s Advocate:”

“Wow, what a great salary and awesome perks!”

“Yes…in exchange we strongly encourage you to get your wife pregnant as soon as possible…”

Escobar’s even quit clapping his hands when he gets on base. I sense a horror movie screenplay coming; I’ll work on it later tonight.

By Lew

September 16, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

I was just looking at my Fantasy team site. They have B.Jones listed in LF for the Braves today. Is Brandon Jones up with the Braves? I can’t find any mention of him joining the big club. I thought he was going to play in the AFL. Has anyone here heard anything about this? Carroll? DOB?

By Carroll Rogers

September 16, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

have a look in left field today, folks. brandon jones got called up from richmond and will make his major league debut this afternoon in left field.

the kid with 100 RBIs in AA and AAA who was going to get a shot at playing left field next spring training has got an early opportunity. this came to his surprise after playing all 18 innings of Richmond’s doubleheader sweep Friday to win the IL championship. so instead of going to oklahoma city to play in the one-game Bricktown Showdown vs. the Pacific Coast League on Tuesday, he’s playing for Atlanta.

and for the trivia buffs, it’s the first time a team has had three players with the same surname in a lineup since 1999. Adrian Brown, center field, Emil Brown, left field and Brant Brown first base hit first, second and third for the Pirates on Sept. 29, 1999. today chipper jones is hitting third, andruw seventh and brandon debuts in the eighth spot.

By Realist

September 16, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Grinch I hope your “horror movie” is not a replay of the Falcon game. Have fun.

By Bob, Journalist

September 16, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Thanks Lew! Speaking of other sports figures, how’s young Seth’s brother?

The early morning sky in Nashville was sunny and clear before becoming overcast but, Jimmy, Scoots and others certainly brightened our day … and now the sun is back out and the clouds have all but disappeared!

While the enthusiasm issue so well addressed by the esteemed Dean of Blog Journalism and expanded upon by William Wallace is still considered heresy in some quarters, it doesn’t represent new insight for the majority of the neighborhood residents … it has long been the bane of the Bobby Cox, “even keel” brand of business baseball.

For me, the defining moment of Atlanta Braves Baseball is Sid Sliding Into Home … I don’t have the eloquence demanded and deserved but we somehow need to put the essence of that moment into a bottle and give daily doses to our players.

One thing’s for sure, were that ingredient added to the mix, and … we were 5.5 out with 14 to play, our support of the team would still be strong!

By Lew

September 16, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this

Morning Bob, Journalist-I really don’t know how Marcus is doing. Seth hasn’t answered any of my inquiries about him. I sincerely hope that, in and of itself, is not telling. I don’t hear much from him during the season, especially since he just was traded to the Brewers, after playing at Durham all year. Their travel schedule in the minors is not conducive to communication, I suppose. As a matter of fact, all the travel ballplayers do would wear me out, for sure. Hope you and Carol are doing as well as possible, though. Let me know if maple syrup or artwork will help.

By Braves20

September 16, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

We could be going for a sweep today but for some very questionable pitching match-ups used in the eighth inning putting us 3 runs rather than 1 run down.

But then would it have made any difference how we played the top of the ninth? Probably not.

Oh - another one run game (until the last inning) and our esteemed clean-up hitter one for four - a bad hop infield grounder.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

September 16, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Lew , I read your 12:15 and I got a good laugh. So , watch carefully when Renteria is traded. Keep up the good work my friend.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 16, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this

nickname? brandy? jonesey certainly won’t do. “kid” is overused.

brandy sounds too much like a hooters girl. can’t have a brandy in the dugout with you-know-who.

since this team is getting hard to nickname, bobby should refrain from calling out “c’mon __.”

and who knows what bobby calls yunel? yuni? yunicorn? and why not let yunel whistle? whistle away. whistle at the girls.

and this for thought: can bobby whistle? what would impede bobby from whistling? and how many here have heard of nose whistlers?

By de facto

September 16, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Thank goodness, for obvious reasons, that Booger McFarland doesn’t play for the Braves.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 16, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Seems to me that the Braves have a baseball jones…

Actually, Brandon is a good looking young player, nice range, plus arm and can hit with some power. He went deep yesterday for the RBraves. Blanco has a stronger arm but is about the same size as Willie Harris.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

September 16, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

Th Richmond Braves championship game is on Tuesday in Kansas City. It will be televised on ESPN2. Tune in Braves fans for some televised Braves playoff baseball.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 16, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

On the RBraves yesterday…. Lillibridge made some spectacular plays yesterday and one near impossible play which involved him just missing an over the shoulder catch in foul territory near the Durham bullpen in the far left field corner. I still don’t know how he came close to the ball.

A bit of history for everyone. The last time the RBraves won the IL championship was ‘94. The following year the Atlanta Braves won the WS.

By Savannah Guy

September 16, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

Oh…my. Maybe we’ll get ‘em year after next

Jimmy, Braveheart, Bob, Lew and others: many good points and sound, rational observations today by you gents. Multiple dittos around. All good stuff as usual.

After these last two games in Washington, even the ugly “win” in 13 innings, it’s painfully obvious that there is no hope of post season for our Braves team. Sure, we all knew it was mathematically possible but highly improbable. Well, trigonometry, the Atlantic Ocean freezing and Braves pulling it out of their, um…ears aside, it is now mercifully over, regardless of how many times they might pull out a series win from here out this year. We might just hope that those that own and manage these ball players learn lessons. Actually, it may be a blessing.

Yep, it’s really a blessing. Sometimes bad, in this case mediocre behavior and management on the field that achieves success is more harmful than the humility one achieves and the lessons one learns in defeat.

Will lessons be learned? Will the “management” realize that the old ways won’t work? Old ways being, manage just like Bobby has this year, but get a young Glavine, Maddux and Smoltz at the top and let us still continue to struggle to win games by one run in the 8th or 9th inning as we did so many times in our pennant years. Well, those days are gone. Those pitchers are still HOF’ers but they’re past their prime. That opportunity is gone. No longer will a “buttoned up” “country club” house be the ingredient that wins. My opinion, it never was the ingredient. The aforementioned pitchers and a slew of good relievers WERE the ingredients.

It’s a new day and we need a new way. We don’t need a “comfy club”; we need a blue-collar ball club, a well-managed clubhouse and a manager that has multiple talents as a teaching and motivating manager. The only “buttoned up” we need are coaches and managers with their processes, procedures, strategic thinking AND player development. If they do that, t-shirts would be just fine by me. Better.

Will management see the economic writing on the wall and do what needs to be done (amply discussed on blog) to field a champion next year? Will revenue be the motivation? Will team and city pride be that motivation? Hate to say it but I think the Braves will not be a “new” club and a new team until the 2009 season, when it has a new general manager, new team manager and all new coaches…maybe not even then. Perhaps we won’t have a new team until we have that AND an owner that is a baseball loving, competitive sports-minded human being. That’s my bet.

Yes, it’s over. The Fat Lady has not even cleared her throat, but she knows what is coming and what tune to sing. The song will not be a tragedy. Falling suddenly and surprisingly at seasons end would warrant that. No, this song will be a slow death march that took five months to earn. This won’t be an opera about a brave and glorious fight to the end. Our song will be a sad, quiet requiem for a season of desperation and false hope. There will be no stirring crescendo. This song will be quiet and without rhythm or high notes.

If you are not naturally inclined to finish the baseball year with a non-contending Braves team, get depressed when our Braves aren’t winning or can’t find a reason to watch, just go back and read Braveheart’s recent Wurlitzer winning post, where he listed many of those reasons.

Go Braves!

By the Stranger

September 16, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Hey, Grinch, I’ve said some tremendously stupid things here, but I’ve never said anything as stupid as the the Big East is as good as/better than the SEC. Now the AFC South may give the SEC a run for its money, but the Big East, Big 10, Pac10…not yet.

By the Stranger

September 16, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy, you are the Braves. Great posts this weekend and congrats on the Wurlitzer.

Go Braves!

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

September 16, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Tim Hudson was outstanding today ! Finally , a complete game. Great pitching is fun to watch. Braves fans , If you were watching football( the Falcons getting beat , again) , shame on you.

By TennesseePaul

September 16, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Jorge Sosa. I knew this guy would be a weak link. He came up and pitched well enought to restore confidence only to blow it at critical times… Proud of that man. Jorge, go treat yourself to a cheeseburger.

By Lew

September 16, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Coach-I don’t doubt that it is a probability that Renteria will be traded. I just don’t agree with it, especially losing Andruw’s production(such as it was this year). I don’t think we could afford to lose both (and there are others out there advocating the trade of Tex, as well) without somehow boosting the pitching staff in a major fashion-something I’m not sure could be done just by trading Edgar. There are several teams out there that don’t have Tejada, Hanley Ramirez, Rollins, Jeter or Jose Reyes, but what kind of pitching do they have and how excited to give it up will they be?

If we could get a package from the Giants of Rajai Davis, who impressed me as much as any young opponent we faced this year, plus one of their young stud pitchers like Cain or Lincecum (Lowrey just got hurt), maybe THEN would it be an equtable deal, but I would still hope we could acquire more pitching. I’m not real sure just how much people realize how important a piece of our lineup that Renteria is.

By Señor Sucio

September 16, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Nicknames?

How about jibberish smith?

C’mon jibby. Ooze out some more of that ersatz “humor”.

By Savannah Guy

September 16, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

The Compressed and Condensed Braves Summer

With the exception of an uptick in July with the Tex trade expectations, each and every passing month, some fans (not on this blog) literally lost the words to describe the descent of the Braves…until they are left with a mere one syllable utterance to express their feelings about a season that once again has been shortened, due to mediocrity at almost all levels.

April…………..Oh…my Braves will not be denied

May……………Oh…my Braves will not be

June……………Oh…my Braves will not

July…………….Oh…my Braves will

August………..Oh…my Braves

September……Oh…my

October……….Oh…

By So Who's Optimistic?

September 16, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

It’s a real blast going back and checking out some of KC’s preseason posts. Like this one:

By KC

April 1, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

I have to admit that I have warmed up to Mark Redman. That 8 run outing he had a week or so ago was the result of experimenting with a relatively new curve ball. He was not pitching that game to win. But when he has pitched to win this spring, he’s done nicely. And that curveball looked pretty good against the ChiSox yesterday.

I think there’s a good chance that he’ll pitch quite well for the Braves until Hampton’s return, at which time Redman will have some trade value for Atlanta.

This signing could work out very well in the end.

By Ah Ha

September 16, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

Ahhhhhhhhhhh Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

By StInky

September 16, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

“Mestinks!”….thus I am!!!!!!!

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 16, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

We all err from time to time in our zeal to be fans. I for one will admit I was wrong about Scott Thorman. I really thought he would be a better player and an asset than he turned out to be. I guess you could say he has a very big upside as I doubt he could sink any lower.

I know the Braves hate to lose anyone who was such a high draft pick but I doubt he will be around next year. Kelly Jonhson on the other hand turned out to be a pretty good little infielder. He is not all star caliber yet but a very solid guy.

By de facto

September 16, 2007 6:25 PM | Link to this

This year we have all spoken of “Smoltz, Hudson and…” Next year it will be “Hudson, Smoltz and…” Hopefully, someone good will take the place of …

By journalist jimmy smith

September 16, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

stinky, it is in poor taste for stinky to trifle with journalist bob right now. stick with this journalist.

the clever names used by the stinky blogger never cease to amuse and the stinky thoughts run so deep they border on esotericism.

journalist envy is hard to fight but fight it stinky must.

perhaps stinky is deserving of a wurlitzer. shut-ins need love, too. and a casserole. somebody bake stinky a casserole.

can lew do a whiny little jerk wurlitzer for stinky?

award it late at night when stinky is king of the blog. stinky blogging with stinky.

By Braveheart

September 16, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Great start by Huddie.

Great work today Cuz. Tell our dear old uncle to stop riding around in those stealth planes and get back in the fighter plane we all love to see him flying in. have gun, will go stealth.

Bravesdave, UGAbrave, The Vampire Serbok make sure before your graveyard shift is over that you clean up all this tumbleweed blowing around.

If Shaun was a vampire, would he be Count Von Count or The Vampire Le-Stat?

One of you vampires on the graveyard shift needs to claim the Count Chopula moniker. Too cool of a moniker that no one will adopt. Count Chopula is a poor foster vampire child looking for someone to adopt him as a moniker. He’s tired of your ten cents a day donations.

ugabrave and bravesdave, we all confuse the two of you. can never figure out which pragmatic brother is which. one of you should claim count chopula and run with it.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 16, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this

stinky runs amuck on this blog. journalist is off to water the plants. more intellectually stimulating than reading stinky blather.

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

September 16, 2007 7:04 PM | Link to this

Man, now I hear that Brandon Jones was playing after the fact. Funny they use his option now, instead of having him up by 9-1. Now we have 3 left fielders. Poor Matt Diaz. If only he had hit .400…well, no he still wouldn’t start, would he?

So, before I get a chance to see him play, what did everyone here(Anyone here watching braves games anymore?) think of him? I read one description above. Does he look like a guy who can’t ever play center?? I guess it just wouldn’t be fair to Andruw to have him not start a few games to get an idea what Brandon Jones can or cannot do. Not fair at all……

By where is stinky

September 16, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

when did stinky post? I keep seeing replies to stinky, but never any posts by stinky. Is he real, or a figment?

By de facto

September 16, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

where is stinky Do you read?

By where is stinky

September 16, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

de facto, I see one stinky post where he calls for the return of Ernie Johnson, and one where he mocks Bob J (who may be a blog hero, but is open to some criticism). Am I missing something?

I haven’t been here as long as some, so maybe I’m missing something. And I’m not trying to defend a villain. I’m trying to figure out who the villain is, and what all the fuss is about. I keep seeing responses to this poster, but just can’t find evidence of the crime.

Please enlighten me…

By de facto

September 16, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

OK, where is stinky, here is your “enlightment”, hopefully. Stinky or his “disciples” have mocked jjs—one of the blog’s most noted denizens—many times. He has been banned, but he comes back, repeatedly. It’s like a roach, if you see one—there are many others. So, you attempt to squash them, the first time you see them.

By de facto

September 16, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Also, where is stinky, I would strongly recommend that you come up with another “moniker”.

By where is stinky

September 16, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Why? I’m really just trying to understand some seemingly strange dynamic that is going on here. Why should I change my moniker?

By It's over, it's over, it's oooooover

September 16, 2007 8:14 PM | Link to this

de facto = de truth = SJA = caveman22

What a punk you are. Are you still hiding from Tampa brave?

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

September 16, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

Lew , Yunel Escobar has to play everyday even though he isn’t the clutch hitter that Renteria is. Escobar is eight years younger , far cheaper , the better athlete and superior defender with a cannon for an arm. Did the Braves keep two catchers in McCann/Salty ? Renteria’s trade value will never be higher. He will save the Braves 6.6 million in salary. He will bring something of comparable worth for the Braves in the trade market , whether or not it’s quality starting pitching , bullpen pitching or otherwise , Renteria has to be traded. Believe it or not , Teixeira/Escobar will adequately fill in for Andruw/Renteria when it comes to offense. The real problem is replacing Andruw’s gold glove defense in CF , it will be the second priority behind finding quality starting pitching. At any rate , it is going to be an active and interesting off-season even more so than the last one.

By Robert

September 16, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

“Step asside Mr. Cox. Your experation date has passed.”

Only by about 18 years

Y’all know what the Braves are?

Politically correct

No music in the clubhouse (cuz someone might not like it)

No sunglasses on the ballcaps during BP

Total “professionalism”

But being a professional ballplayer doesnt mean that baseball is a profession like being a doctor or a lawyer. Baseball is a frickin GAME. And to win a GAME, sometimes you need some emotion. Somre fire

When they had among the biggest payrolls on the block, then lesser teams with more zeal would beat them when it counted

Now that they dont even have the biggest payroll, the Braves may remain corporate baseball to the nth degree, but as far as winning the GAMES that matter, the Braves dont.

And Bobby Cox is a company man. Instill the company line. Enforce the company line. Toe the company line. Parrot the company line.

Damn the results, but maintain the appearances.

By Robert

September 16, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

If Cox is gonna stay for ‘08, here’s what I;d like to see

1. Re-sign Andruw to a one year deal.

2.Loan Texeira to an American League team for a year

Assuming that Texeira’s guts and fire are still salvagable, that would keep two players from being fully indonktrinated before ‘09 (the second being Andruw’s replacement)

The guy I’d like to see is Girardi. (assuming Leyland remains unavailable). Girardi showed he could manage, and showed he was anything BUT a company man

I fear tho, that the Braves wont make such a move. They are likely going to breing in a Cox-protoge. And what more politically correct choice could there be than Pendleton?

By the way, I think Cox WILL get a few Manager of the Year votes. From the Mets and Marlins for example. He sure won more games for them this year than Willie Randolph or Freddie Gonzalez did

By Robert

September 16, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

I went to the Turner Field fair

Chipper and Andruw were there

The big buffoon by the light of the moon

Was plucking out a nose hair

The stupidest was the Donk

He sat on JS’s trunk

Then DOB sneezed, and fell on his knees

We hope for the end of the Donk (the Donk)

Let’s hope for the end of the Donk

By Robert

September 16, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

Change those lyrics.

I went to the Turner Field fair

Chipper and Andruw were there

The big buffon by the light of the moon

Was plucking out a nose hair

The stupidest was the Donk

He put his team into a funk

Tho DOB sneezed and made his weak pleas

We hope for the end of the Donk (the Donk)

We hope for the end of the Donk

By Bob, Journalist

September 16, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this

Jimmy, thanks for the thought but little Stinky is of no concern … his “Methinks, thus I am!!” is a joke … at least it made me laugh.

The truth is that Stinky doesn’t, therefor he isn’t!

If you are discerning, the reasons for changing your mask identity should be self suggestive … understanding Stinky may take longer as he is both insidious and patient, though he is prone to unravel under properly applied sustained pressure.

By It's over, it's over, it's oooooover

September 16, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Robert, I’ve wanted Girardi ever since he was fired. He’s exactly what this team needs. A young, talented, non-asškisser.

I doubt Schuerholz or McGuirk will want anything that will threaten their gravytrain. It won’t happen.

By journalist jimmy smith

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

the pressure of being recognized as a whiny little jerk? lew called it long ago.

journalist bob is correct that meltdown will occur after a time. the new bloggers may not yet be able to detect stinky but the seasoned bloggers here can catch a whiff.

like the 3rd grade child whose report card reads: “does not get along well with others. talks to himself and has imaginary little friends that he carries on with (sorry scribe). he really envies the smart kids and cries out for their acceptance but they just don’t like stinky. neither do i, but i have him in my class for six more months. just see that he gets here on time and stays away from me and my family.” miss murdock, third grade teacher.

if somebody doesn’t want to be stinky anymore it is probably because stinky is banned. banned from a baseball blog! there’s something to be proud of (sorry scribe).

oh, well, stinky continues to take shots at this journalist. must be p** envy. can say that on a blog?

By Braveheart

September 16, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

To Hell With AOL, To Be Free From Liberty!!!

By Braveheart

September 16, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

It Is B.S., No More TBS!

By journalist jimmy smith

September 16, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

oh, the humanity! the ajc.com headline writer is at it again!

Sagging pants bring crackdown

By Robert

September 16, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

“Best case scenario for next year is JS going out”

and taking Bobby Cox with him

By The Grinch

September 16, 2007 10:29 PM | Link to this

Howdy, all.

Sorry, Stranger; it was a name that sounded kind of like yours then.

So, Robert, do you think the Braves should go ahead and offer Cox an extention?

By Braveheart

September 16, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

NYC Carriage Horse Breaks Loose, Dies. One of the horses that pulls carriages around Central Park died Friday after breaking loose and running into a tree, police said. Witnesses said the horse, which became startled by a street performer playing a drum, ran nearly a block along the sidewalk on the southern edge of the park before colliding with the tree. The 13-year-old animal, named Smoothie, had been a carriage horse for only a year. “We are devastated by the tragic and sudden loss of our mare Smoothie,” said Carolyn Daly, a spokeswoman for the Horse & Carriage Association of New York.

Maybe we just solved Jimmy’s dilemma about what nickname is right for Brandon Jones.

If Brandon hangs out in the Braves clubhouse long enough, it won’t be long before the suits break Brandon and turn Brandon into a carriage horse named Smoothie.

So we might as well get it out of the way now and just nickname Brandon Smoothie.

Hopefully this is not the fate that awaits Brandon Smoothie Jones.

It would be a shame for Brandon to be made into an NYC carriage horse named Smoothie who runs into a tree after being spooked by the drum beat of Chief Nocahoma.

By journalist jimmy smith

September 16, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

would an extension enable bobby to reach the elusive booger? the one just out of reach? the one for which bobby is nightly probing the proboscis? if so, jimmy smith says give bobby that extension and bon appetit. now, jimmy smith is no fan of bobby cox but respects the position of field manager of the beloved atlanta braves. bobby should be taught that atlanta has 2 “t’s” and both are pronounced. also, that it is rude to pick one’s nose in public and on television. small ball we’ll have to forget. too old to learn small ball at this juncture. could it be that bobby dews was the brains of the outfit and now that bobby dews is gone the team lacks focus and direction? can’t be choosy - bring back dewsy.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 16, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

So sad, so many bloggers utilize such a small part of their brains. Oh well, it’s appropriate I imagine as they are so adept at talking out of their a$$.

Now a little baseball. Nice game today by Hudson, a very masterful performance. I would have gone to the game in person but I was worn out from the 18 innings I attended yesterday. This getting old sucks….

Nice game pitched by Kevin Berry yesterday. Not someone I would put on my hot list though. Phil Stockman also looked a bit rusty. Jeff Bennett however pitched six strong innings in the first game but left tied at 1-1 and settled for a no decision.

Another kid who had a nice game was Mike Rozema , a young second sacker who played stellar in the field. Rosema took Jon Surholtz’s place on the roster when the GM’s son decided to hang up his spikes and return to Auburn to complete his degree.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 16, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

jimmy, i am surprised at you. so quickly to go over to the “we need a new manager” camp. most of braves woes can be traced to aol/tw and their tight fisted payroll policies. be thankful that at least the braves have a winning record and have been in the chase all year.

By wjones

September 16, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know who was moved to get the spot on the 40-man for Brandon Jones? When I look at the roster on the mlb site, it shows him added in black, but no one taken away, hence there are now 41 players on the 40-man roster (excluding 60-day DL guys of course).

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 16, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

60 day DL guys don’t count towards the 40 man roster…

By chrisklob

September 16, 2007 11:50 PM | Link to this

wjones, TJ Bohn was removed from the 40 man to make room for Jones.

By The Grinch

September 16, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

Gil, I don’t think anyone’s gone “quickly” over to that camp. You were around last year; did I say a single negative thing about Bobby? Nor did I (at least not often) in the 15 or so years before that. No matter what some folks may say, if you’ve paid close attention this year he has not done a good job (either that or he’s so many light years ahead of everyone else it just didn’t work, which amounts to the same thing). Whether you want to attribute it to other coaches leaving and him being exposed, or him going from great to good to WTF? gradually as he ages or whatever, the man has gone way beyond the “Well, every manager screws up now and then” situation this year. I’m really not trying to be a contentious @-hole; I’ve always liked Bobby. But look at yourself in the mirror and say out loud that you haven’t at least once a week this season looked at your TV and asked out loud what the hell is he thinking. If you can do that, than you’re either delusional or you’re autistic enough to be able to go the place Bobby has gone. Believe me, I’d love for him to come out and admit his family was held at gunpoint all year by Tim Doneghy(?) while he made those decisions and that everything’s fine now and we can all look forward to him going back to himself next season. I just doubt that’s the case.

Got an early morning; y’all be good.

By Bob, Journalist

September 17, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

Where Is Stinky, methinks the post you perceive as “Stinky mocking me” may well have been something else entirely … then again, maybe not.

Based on the dialog, I assume you to be relatively new to the neighborhood. That the dynamic is complex and worthy of consideration is a posit rather than my simple opine and it’s refreshing that you are so inclined.

I seriously doubt that any of our residents really consider me to be a hero in any sense of the word … though I admit that I like that notion better than being thought a blog villan.

The plain and simple truth is that there are a whole bunch of nice folks in these environs who’ll be your friend, in spite of your faults and inane views … if you’ll just give them half a chance, good neighbors all … they’re the blog heroes.

I’m not sure of your point regarding my being open to criticism but it’s true that I am indeed open to it … in fact I myself so indulge and welcome it from others.

By The Grinch

September 17, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this

Howdy Chris! Long time no blog.

My last rant wasn’t meant to imply everything’s Bobby’s fault; far from it. I just think a good bit of it this year has been, and I’m surprised so many folks haven’t noticed. And I wasn’t trying to single you out, Gil; I respect your opinions. I’m just frustrated and bewildered.

G’night for real this time.

By Another KC Classic

September 17, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this

Good prognosticating on Kelly Johnson, anyway, KC! But those pitching projections… SHEESH!

By KC

March 19, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

OKAY… Now that we’re about 2 weeks out from opening day, I’ll go on record with my final pre-season Braves predictions.

ROTATION

Smoltz: 20-6, 3.05 ERA

• Hudson:* 19-7, 3.13 ERA (Yes, I’m going to predict a full-fledged bounce-back season. I think there’s at least as good a chance of that happening than not.)

• James:* 17-7, 3.67 ERA

• Cormier:* 14-8, 4.20 ERA

Redman: 5-3, 4.37 ERA (In 12 starts… I’m thinking he’ll be the one to go when Hampton returns)

• Hampton:* 9-6, 4.30 ERA(In 20 starts) The important thing is that he be healthy and sharp when October rolls around.

BULLPEN

Wickman: 3.06 ERA, 38 saves in 43 opportunities

Gonzalez: 2.32 ERA, 8 saves in 8 opportunities

Soriano: 2.27 ERA

McBride: 2.90 ERA (lefties hit .179)

Paronto: 2.80 ERA (I would expect him to have a very low ERA this year, not just because he’s pitching well, but also because he’ll be used mostly to try and get out of an inning, as opposed to starting the inning. He’ll have a lot of inherited runners on base, and even he fails to get out of the inning, those runs won’t be charged to him)

Yates: 3.20 ERA

Villarreal: 3.37 ERA

LINEUP:

Johnson: .280, 12 HR, 48 RBI, .360 OBP

Renteria: .290, 14 HR, 58 RBI, .368 OBP, 16 SB

C.Jones: .319, 27 HR, 92 RBI (in 135 games)

A. Jones: .276, 49 HR, 128 RBI

McCann: .313, 29 HR, 98 RBI

Franoeur: .279, 34 HR, 110 RBI

Thorman: .267, 20 HR, 71 RBI (In 450 AB’s… Wilson will get at least 100 AB’s at 1B)

LF – Langerhanz/Diaz/Wilson: .272, 21 HR, 76 RBI (numbers not total combined stats of all 3 players… only what they do while playing LF)

I believe it’ll be a very good year to be a Braves’ fan.

By Blogologist

September 17, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

Mestinks jimmy smith is suffering from the dreaded B.J.S. - “Battered Journalist Syndrome” - That’s right- “BJS” - it seams jimmy thrives on being the “victim” - if jimmy smith does not perceive some real, or imaginary, blogger as his nemesis, then ultimately jimmy smith is no longer jimmy smith - just another bland, boring, generic blogger with nothing of substance to say among a multitude of other wannabes - jimmy must legitimize his identity, worth, and existence by the enemies he creates for himself - if jimmy can portray himself as a defender of whatever it may be at any given time, then jimmy can give the impression of being the “good guy” amid all those nasty “stinky” bloggers - you see - jimmy just wants to be a hero! Be careful who you call out here on this blog jimmy smith - you just don’t appear to have enough mental firepower to do battle with some of the grownups here! Troll on jimmy smith - Troll on!

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

September 17, 2007 12:36 AM | Link to this

I dunno who reposted KC’s jewel but it wasn’t me. It is kinda of hilarious , don’t you think ? I really can’t blame the guy for being so optimistic but it should be a lesson for all to see. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch !

By Double Deuce

September 17, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

++Grinch++ I’m with ya on the Bobby thing. I am a long time Braves and Bobby supporter, but it seemed to me this year that Bobby wasn’t managing the game with the players he has, he was managing with players he used to have. Waiting for Andruw to show up certainly cost us, and not having a stable end of the rotation hurt, but it seemed like the philosophy was if it worked in ‘95 it will work today. I think Bobby is a great man, and I hope he returns, but he needs to surround himself with someone with energy and new ideas. If you picture Bobby and Chino, you get the Braves of this year.I’m sure Chino is a wonderful man too, but if we need a spark he doesn’t seem to an igniter.

I’ve read a few speculations on a replacement for Andruw, Ryan Freel was one. There’s a kid in Philadelphia, Shane Victorino, that can run, hit and cover a lot of ground. He’s not a power guy so he’s sitting behind Jason Werth right now, but he would be a great addition to the Braves lineup, a switch hitting burner at the top of the order and I think he’s not even arbitration eligible yet. No cost and a huge upside.

Great posts on the blog tonight. So many well written pieces it makes guys like me hesitant to join in, but reading what some of you write is a treat. By far the best blog in baseball because of the content and quality of the bloggers. Good stuff.

By sgabravesfan

September 17, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this

If only….had the Braves done to the Mets what the Mets have inflicted on the Braves the last six times out just think how interesting the next two weeks might have been. 5-1 instead of 1-5 against the nemesis from the north would have the Braves and Phillies tied for the divisional lead with the Mets a half game back. Wistfully wishful wanderings of the mind… guess when crunch time came the Mets did it and the Braves did not.

By fastasballs

September 17, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

Just catching up the blog, good stuff.

I don’t think any fan of the Braves can honestly come to the conclusion that Cox has done a good job this year. From spring training on it has been one idiotic move after the next. It’s not that he tried some new strategy & it didn’t work. He made the same decisions over & over without the outcome changing. There’s a word for that, but it’s escaping me…….

Yes we all know the starting pitching problems were a large part of the downfall, but even with those failures there were countless games the team should have won.

When the majority of the team can’t bunt, run the bases or hit the right cut off guy half the time, who’s to blame?

The way I see it when players fail continuously at basic fundamentals & general knowledge of the game you can pin that on the coaches. If there is no penalty for failure then there will be no corrections.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)

September 17, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

09/15/2007 9:57 PM Richmond, Va. – The Richmond Braves swept the Durham Bulls in a doubleheader on Saturday to win the International League Governor’s Cup Final. In the night cap and decisive fifth game of the series, Doug Clark set the tone with a three-run homer in the bottom of the first inning. The next batter, Carlos Mendez smacked a solo-shot to make it 4-0. The Braves never trailed in the fifth game and went on to win 7-2, for their first Governor’s Cup victory since 1994.

The Braves who started the day down two games to one, won the fourth game of the series by scoring three runs in the seventh inning and two more in the eighth to go on to win 6-2. Jeff Bennett pitched six strong innings but left with the game tied at 1-1. Zach Schreiber earned the victory with two scoreless innings while Chad Paronto finished out the win by pitching the ninth inning. Brent Lillibridge, who was 2-for-3 in the win, led the offensive charge.

Richmond took an early 4-0 lead and went on to win the second game 7-2. The Braves were led by Kevin Barry and his very strong, five innings on the mound. Barry earned the win after allowing just one run. Phil Stockman, Dan Smith, Buddy Hernandez and Joey Devine all saw action to finish off the sweep. Brent Lillibridge, Brandon Jones, Carlos Mendez and Wes Timmons all recorded two hits in the victory while Doug Clark knocked in four of the seven Richmond runs.

The Braves travel to Oklahoma City for the Bricktown Showdown Showcase on Tuesday and will face the Sacramento River Cats, the Pacific Coast League Champions, for bragging rights in a one-game Triple-A championship. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN2 at 7:00 p.m.

The Richmond Braves front office would like to thank the City of Richmond and all of the fans that came out to support the Braves in 2007. Have a nice and safe off-season and we hope to see you out at The Diamond in 2008.

By john lennon

September 17, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

jimmy smith is a concept by which we measure the least common denominator

By Blogologist

September 17, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this

jimmy smith is once again blogging with jimmy smith - the originator of M.B.N.S. - “Multiple Blog Name Syndrome” - Meseams I’m out 4 now!

By Lew

September 17, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this

Well-I for one have enjoyed this weekend. The Dawgs won. The Braves won two of three. The Bucs won. The Mets lost a three game series. Savannah Guy won a Wurlitzer for his poetical leanings. Pretty good weekend, all things considered.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 17, 2007 1:27 AM | Link to this

Lew what do you think about the phillies? i mean, mets are not smiling about what the phillies have done….. 0-8 recently??? Im pretty sure the muts dont wanna face them in the playoff, i know the only way is both teams winning division series. Well, know there even is a chance phillies could win the division, that would be a major collapse for the muts, but if the phillies pick up 2 games this coming week, the muts are in real trouble. And the braves will be the team to determine that, because if the phillies sweep them or something like that, muts are in trouble even if they are playing fish and nats.

One more thing, finally i find someone that realizes that letting renteria go away would be the biggest mistake the braves would have made in 2 decades. They are not getting what we need in a trade for renteria, so dont give him up. Nobody is giving an ace for a SS over his 30s and that spent a month in DL over an ankle.

Keep edgar and find another way to get you pitcher. Give edgar away only if an ACE is what we are gonna get.

By Bob, Journalist

September 17, 2007 1:55 AM | Link to this

KC, I have a very sophisticated horse racing projection system currently under development that is expected to produce results that are about as reliable as your 2007 projections … unfortunately, my funds have been exhausted and the project is in abeyance … any interest in financing its completion?

Gil, I continue to believe that Bobby is a great manager but I too have come to believe that it may be time for him to step down … though I doubt that it will just now happen as I imagine both he and John have designs on leaving following a successful season.

Regardless, he must be held accountable, if not responsible, for team performance relative to expectations.

From my perspective, there is little question but that the team has come up short in their execution of fundamentals and that the Andruw Jones and Matt Diaz situations have been grossly mishandled.

From the outside looking in, it also appears possible, if not likely, that the Chipper Jones and Bob Wickman situations also reflected ineffective management.

Setting the lineups for each game and in-game decisions are somewhat subjective and depend upon many factors/variables, many to which few, if any, of us are privy … but, it would certainly appear on the surface that Bobby’s acumen in this complex arena was frequently suspect … some of the decisions seemed inexplicable … and, adding to the frustration have been the frequent unresponsive responses.

Not a posit, just my opine.

By wjones

September 17, 2007 5:53 AM | Link to this

Chriskolb, thanks for the info. I saw they have corrected the 40-man this morning.

By ncscoots

September 17, 2007 6:41 AM | Link to this

Maybe the blog should appoint someone as an archivist, so we can then see a doofus post from every blogger re-posted, not just KC. I guarantee that every moniker on here has plenty of such posts from which to choose (yes, I include myself in that august company).

KC was optimistic in his projections? So what? Did all the bloggers who managed to know that the “season was over” in May dispute any of those projections at the time they were made? Some perhaps in value, but hardly any in concept.

Perhaps the poster who had the time to go back to the archives and search out the post in question might spend some of that time on formulating some original content. Maybe then we can see if he or she is worth reading or merely a member of the eminently-scrollable list.

By ssiscribe

September 17, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

Top of the morning, denizens, on the type of morning that led me to move away from the warmth and sunshine of isles so golden.

Mid-September. A hint of fall in the air. Not too cold for shorts, but a pair of jeans would be just right. Coffee and a cigar on the back porch and a few minutes break to collect my thoughts. Can’t see your breath, but you know those days are coming. Those green leaves will be showing their splendid colors in the not-too-distant future.

It feels like football season. It also feels like birthday season in the Scribe’s newsroom, with little ones flipping the odometer all over the place. Birthday parties running together, making the little ones the kings of the world for a solid week … not that anything changes the other 51 weeks of the year, mind you.

And the new job going like gang-busters. Accepting new responsibilities. Feels like I’m playing point guard in the NBA Finals instead of just trying to run the base offense. And it’s a great feeling, one that has kept me very busy for the past week and promises to do so until my bird carries the bride and I west to the city of neon lights in 14 days.

Ah, fall. A great time of the year, unless your baseball team is all but finished. And finally, I’m ready to raise the white flag on this maddening 2007 Braves season. That does not mean I’m not watching, or even checking the standings (as I do every morning if the results from the previous evening are not in by the time my lights turn out).

I’ve just finally given up the last hope of going to a playoff game at Turner Field this fall. Oh, how I had hoped to take my boys to their first postseason game this year, something I didn’t experience until I was 19.

So many reasons and arguments and debates and what ifs have been offered, with an infinite amount more to come in the days and weeks ahead. I’ll save you; no need to soil such a beautiful morning, a gift from above, as each day is.

For now, merely a tip of the cap to Tim Hudson, going the distance and doing so efficiently after the bullpen was burned yet again Friday and Saturday. An atta-boy to Brandon Jones, getting the call to start his 2008 audition two weeks early. A great job directed to CR, on the clock this weekend, not only for covering two wins (TWO WINS!), but for rewriting as Friday night turned to Saturday morning. Beat writers have to cover the beat, even when the team fades, so a kudos on a weekend of good stuff from D.C.

And to the regulars of the blog, keeping the lights on at the Braves/MIB as many of the patrons leave their tip on the table, say their so longs and step outside, waiting to grab a cab to carry them down the road, around the corner and into football season, I salute you as well.

Lew, Savannah, Bob, The one and only Grinch, CL, Braveheart, KC, ncscoots, the return of the Esteemed Ugandan Journalist, Gil, and many others (you know who you are; the role call would be too long). My point: The Scribe enjoys the time on here with you good folks. It is my wish, my prayer, that whatever comes your way, you may turn on it like it’s a batting practice fastball and rip it into the second level in left-center. Continued and sustained wishes for good health and good blessings, especially for those who need it most at this hour.

And finally, while there won’t be a gathering of the bloggers at Turner Field come October — and what a setting that would have been, with the chilly breeze rustling the red, white and blue bunting in the yard at 755 Hank Aaron — know that Braves fans near and far remain linked together always, joined by their passion for a franchise that has given us so much heartbreak … and so much joy.

It is my final wish on this morning, as duty calls, that we focus on the joy rather than the heartbreak, we look forward to a strong two-week showing to end 2007, and the hope that 2008 produces something much better.

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By Braveheart

September 17, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

Chipper is leading the league in batting average. Edgar was leading yesterday. Come on boys. Finish strong. Give us a Mattingly/Winfield finish a la 1984. Hoping Chipper pulls what George Brett did in 1990.

Rooting for Edgar as well. They wouldn’t dare trade a batting champ would they? Not because we got a good kid coming along? Whatever happened to postseason wannabe contenders maintaining their stars and deepening their depth by letting their younguns fill in and spot start and platoon until it is time for the vet to move along? Isn’t that how true title contenders are built?

It seems like we think depth is a problem. Betemit brings good depth - trade him. Escobar brings good depth - trade Edgar or Kelly.

Edgar may net us some pitching but as Lew has pointed out many times, it will not be the kind of pitching that brings what Edgar brings offensively and defensively. Steady Eddie needs to stay.

Any scrub we trade Edgar for will not be better than a scrub we can get as a free agent. Tell Liberty to put up or shut up. Commit again to Edgar for next season and tell Liberty to put up another $7-$10 million dollars to net us a decent quality third starter who goes 6 innings or so with a 4.50 ERA and a 15-12 record. That’s all we need.

For those who say where are they gonna get the money. Remember this. As fans, we put an extra 3 thousand fans in the seats this season per game. Take that 3,000 multiply it by 81 games and then multiply that by the $25 or so it costs for the average fan to attend the game. (low estimate). Right there we just gave the Braves an extra $6 million to play with to sign a free agent.

Glavine is the guy they sign with that money. They should be able to give Glavine $8-10 million a year. To be able to afford that salary for Glavine, we would need 36000 fans or so a game for next season instead of the 34000 this season and the 31000 last season.

Attendance has gone up by 6000 fans a game since Glavine was last here. That is an extra $12 to $15 mil a year in income that has not really been reinvested in the talent.

They can afford Glavine back. Make Liberty accountable in a way most of us never made AOL accountable.

Glavine can put an extra few thousand fannies in the seats next season and justify his salary demands. Especially since I think alot of fans probably will get wrapped up in nostalgia and want some closure in their relationship with Glavine. It’s been a rocky relationship at times. But I get the sense that most Braves fans want him back bad so we can end this relationship with Glavine the right way.

Next season may very well be the last season for Sir John, Cox, Smoltz, and Glavine. Too bad we can’t throw Maddux into the mix. It would be a cool ride into the sunset marketing theme for the 5 of them.

Hoping neither Chipper or Edgar pulls what Boggs did to Mattingly in 1986 by sitting out the last few games of the year to preserve his batting title. Boggs sat out the last 4 or 5 games of the year preserving his batting title.

Don’t pull a Bill Mueller from 2003. The Bosox essentially did not let him bat in the last game and a half of the season. Kind of strange because they benched Manny Ramirez who was also in the hunt. They only let Manny play about half the innings in the last 3 games of the year. Deprived Derek Jeter of a chance for the batting title that year who played up until the 7th inning of the last game trying to win it. His ohfer ruined his chances and Torre pulled him then.

Maybe we should trade Edgar NOW to the American League so he can win an NL batting title like Willie McGee did in 1990 although he did not play in the NL for the last month or so after being traded to Oakland late in the season.

If you wanna be a man’s man, you gotta do it like Ted Williams in 1941. Technically, hitting .400 going into the final game of the year, The Splendid Splinter could have sat and preserved it. Nope, not good enough for Teddy Ballgame. He had to play and ended up at .406.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 17, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

Good morning all, Sscribe I am reminded of something a young friend of mind once said about fall, he “love fall because it made a flannel shirt feel good.”

I am not ready to throw in the towel on Bobby Cox quite yet, even though my wife agrees his time has passed. Sometimes you just don’t have the horse it takes to win a race.

I would however, like for everyone to take a look at the great job Mike Brundage did with the Richmond club this year. Seems like every timed he rolled the dice he came up a winner. Defiantly a thinking guy who played with what he had and not what he wished he had.

Honestly though, how many teams not named the Yankees could begin the season with only two good starting pitchers and expect success?

Andruw managed to play his way out of the hearts of Atlanta fans this year. Maybe he took Bobby with him.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 17, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Pardon the typos, meds are working overtime this morning……

By John

September 17, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

Morning all!

I was at the gaem yesterday at good old RFK. Brandon Jones looked good taking BP- solid hitter, not good during the game at bat- but who can judge from his first game?

I was impressed with Yunel- he has definitely matured. He took solid BP- came over and signed autographs for about 15 minutes, went into the clubhouse, came back out warmed up, and then signed more autographs- which was good to see. Kelly, Moylan, Pena, were also signing. I point this out because I read an article with some perspective from Eddie Perez.

DOB Would appreciate this if he sees it. They played “Start Me Up” over the speakers before the game (I was watching Huddy in the Pen) and Moylan jumped out of his seat and started rocking out- Soriano was also nodding his head and doing a little rocking out with Moylan too- Great to see! Looks like our pen gets along- good chemistry.

But, the story of the day was Huddy! Boy did he look good. Threw about 9 different pitches from about 9 different arm angles. The man was nasty- I was laughing at some of the swings the Nats were taking off of him

By Shaun

September 17, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Here’s what I wrote on my blog about the 2007 Braves and what to hope for in 2008:

The Braves again have a poor record in one-run games as they did last season. This season hasn’t been one of Bobby Cox’s finest managerial performances. He continued to play Willie Harris even after Harris started to play like Willie Harris again. Matt Diaz has been among the best hitters in the game for a season and a half now, yet doesn’t have a regular job. Also Cox has inserted Willie Harris’s name in the lead off spot 44 times. With a little more luck, finding a suitable replacement for Andruw Jones when he leaves and deepening the pitching staff, the Braves should again be in a position to contend for a post-season spot next year.

By Lew

September 17, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Well, Y’all would feel great in a flannel shirt up here in the Great White North. It was 34 degrees last night. Might want a coat along with that shirt, while you’re at it.

Now who do people realistically think we could get for Renteria in a trade? Are y’all aware that Shortstop is one of the most well stocked positions in baseball-not just filled with good, but truly GREAT players? The Phillies have Rollins, the Mets Reyes, the Marlins Ramirez, the Yankees have Jeter. The Red Sox have already gotten rid of Renteria. Realistically-who needs a good hitting, average defense over thirty shortstop, batting champion or not? Of these teams, who realistically has the pitching to trade for Edgar? Who among these teams would be willing to give up good pitching for him, seeing as there is a major premium on pitching of any kind, much less someone worthy of an All Star and Batting Champion?

Now I’m certainly not going to say there is no possible trade out there. I really don’t know for sure. I haven’t done an exhaustive analysis. I have many Wurlitzers to draw, especially now that Savannah Guy joined the list of winners (rightfully so, mind you), but could someone out there tell us? Who would be a good match and who could we expect to get in return. I agree we need pitching above all else-I would just hate to see Renteria leave-especially for anything less than quality in return. I feel it would be a mistake-a big mistake-to get rid of him. That certainly is only my opinion and I’ve been wrong before (and likely will be wrong again), but I feel dumping him would be a major mistake for only a few million in savings-unless we could get a stud starter in return and maybe a CF, as well.

By Anders

September 17, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

Braveheart As a result of innings pitched already this season Glavine has a players option gaurantee of $13 mil next year with the Mets in his back pocket. I think expecting him to sign with the Braves for $8 - 10 mil is quite a stretch especially based on the last two past negotiations between Glavine and the Braves not to mention what JS wrote in his book. I’m not saying it’s impossible but I think JS will have to be the one with hat in hand this go around. Plus, Glavine has never looked more comfortable as a Met than he has the last two months and has publicly said so repeatedly. I’m not sure he’ll want to walk away from that to go back to the Braves and start again. Family of course is the big wild card in this as being close to your kids on a daily basis trumps all if that’s his singular goal.

By Efrim

September 17, 2007 10:30 AM | Link to this

How can we trade the batting champ?

By Braveheart

September 17, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

76-73 overall

71-54 with Hudson, Smoltz, James, Buddy, Davies - 92 win pace

5-19 without

64-44 with Hudson, Smoltz, James, Buddy - 96 win pace

12-29 without

53-36 with Hudson, Smoltz, James - 96 win pace

23-37 without

38-23 with Hudson, Smoltz - 101 win pace

38-50 without

22-10 with Hudson - 111 win pace

54-63 without

By Shaun

September 17, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Lew,

I could see a team like the Giants, who are stocked with pitching and are probably going to lose Vizquel, offer up a pitcher for Renteria. The only way to make trades for pitchers is to find a team that is over-stocked and be willing to get one that’s pretty good and not great.

I can assure you that Schuerholz will get good players for Renteria, if a trade is to be made—I’m guessing a pretty good starter, a decent reliever and he may throw in another young player/prospect to get the other team to throw in a solid platoon/utility type. You’re right, Renteria is extremely valuable and I believe Schuerholz can really improve the team.

By Anders

September 17, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Lew I agree with your thoughts on the short stop market as it relates to acquiring starting pitching. However, could you see a scenario where the Braves instead look to trade Renteria for a high quality set- up guy and maybe another quality middle reliever? Generally speaking you don’t trade starting players especially coming off a real good year for this type of return, but I think with the way pitchers only go on average 6 innings these days you can’t under value relief pitching. Especially with Smoltz and possibly Glavine on the staff in their 40’s. Not sure what’s out there in that market but I could see JS trading off a little of his infield strength to add to the bullpen. Teams get hot and cold these days alomost soley on how their bullpen is pitching. Look at the Mets. Also the Phillies, their bullpen has been horrendous, except against the Mets.

By Shaun

September 17, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

I think that’s what Schuerholz does better than anyone, he doesn’t fear making a trade and he has confidence in himself in the ability to make trades.

For instance, with the Salty trade, a lot of teams wouldn’t have traded Salty for a guy they would only have for a year and a couple of months. But Schuerholz knows he got an MVP-type player in his prime and believes he and his staff can find a replacement or make another trade when the time comes for Teixeira. He just knows exactly how far down the road to look.

By DAP

September 17, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

to the folks on this blog, you have made the season so much more enjoyable to me, and have enabled me to emmerse myself in braves baseball, which i love! i hope to continue to hear from alot of you throughout the offseason.

ssiscribe, i look forward to your posts every morning, almost as much as i do DOB’s. thanks for the inspiration today.

everyone, DOB, KC, jimmy smith, braveheart, ncscoots and many more, you guys make this place fun. i cant wait to see how the offseason develops with all of you!

and for the remainder of the season, i want to see huddy win out and get the cy young(still possible!) i wanna see frenchy get over 100rbis again, and over 20 hr. i want to see mccann get antoher silver slugger, and chipper to win the batting title, with edgar nipping at his heels!

go braves!

By John

September 17, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

Shaun,

I agree that there if there is a team looking for a quality SS then it would be the Giants. I don’t expect Tim Lincecum to come over in a deal, like some are proposing, but I think there is pitching in their org can be had.

By Lurker

September 17, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Braveheart Sincere thanks for your acknowledgment of Teddy Ballgame. Those were the qualities of leadership I was trying to convey in my rants. You did a much better job.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 17, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

And in conclusion, don’t let the box scores fool you….. It appears to me that Chad Paronto is a one or two batter pitcher. Seems he has trouble throwing strikes after about 10 pitches. Joey Devine wasn’t exactly fooling them either. Some hard hit balls for outs with a six run lead can make a guy look good on paper but I can see why Bobby doesn’t yet trust him.

Have a good day all, time to get outside and enjoy this weather while it lasts.

By Robert

September 17, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

“This season hasn’t been one of Bobby Cox’s finest managerial performances”

Actually it has.

As bad as he has been this year, it’s as good as he has ever been

To all those who think Cox was suddenly different this year, please tell me exactly what he did differently this year than any other

It was the same old Donk

By Shaun

September 17, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

John,

Yeah. I think Giants or White Sox. If the White Sox are smart, they’ll look to replace Juan Uribe and his dreadful .284 OBP/.393 SLG.

By Lew

September 17, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this

Shaun and Anders-I don’t see the NEED for another reliever. Mahay has helped immensely. Ring looks like the other LH reliever we need. Acosta and Ascanio look like potential studs. Yates does well except for one month a season, especially if we don’t need to use him all the time. Apparently BC was right about Soriano-he needed to reset his location. He is our closer. I wouldn’t count on Gonzo until late (if at all) next year, but what about Paronto? What about Devine? We still have Villarreal and Moylan. No, we’re set in the pen. We need starters who can eat innings and make the pen even more effective..

Now, that being said, Shaun’s sugggestion of the Giants occurred to me as well. They are an old team and they have young pitching. I would love to see a trade for Rajai Davis (who would be the new CF) and maybe Cain or Lincecum (I have concerns with Lowrey’s recent injury). The question is, would the Giants go for this deal? Even if they would, I would still like to get an additional #3 guy who could eat innings.

By Robert

September 17, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

“With a little more luck, ….. the Braves should again be in a position to contend for a post-season spot next year.”

F%^k luck.

A little less Bobby Cox, and the Braves, flawed as they were, would be playoff bound this very October

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this

The Giants aren’t trading Lincecum. Be serious. That guy’s a flamethrowing young stud making no money, on a team that needs cheap players where it can get them. And since they’re going to be overpaying for Zito for some time, they can especially use a cheap guy or two in the rotation for a few years.

Teams don’t trade talented young starters for 32-year-old shortstops, much as I really like Edgar and believe he’s got a few (or more) good years left.

By Anders

September 17, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Lew The Giants will not make a move at short until they know for sure they’re out of the possible A-Rod derby. As for your relievers what about Carlyle as a reliever? He reminds me a lot of Heilman. Good efffective stuff that seems to fade after a few innings and flatten out. Again, the way the game is played today a guy who comes out of your pen 3 to 4 times a week for an inning or two is as valuable as a 4th or 5th guy who only goes 5 or 6 innings. So changing a guy with a good arm to this role isn’t a waste anymore.

By wjones

September 17, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

I’m thinking that if Renteria is willing to move to third, that might open a few more trade doors. Back to the Giants, Pedro Feliz is not setting anyone ablaze with either his bat or his glove, and a left side of Edgar and Omar would be pretty sweet. Just a thought. It does seem that third is a little thinner than short right now across the majors, not that it makes any sense.

By Lew

September 17, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

DOB-Dude, that’s my point. I really don’t think the Braves will get true value for Edgar, hence I prefer to keep him on the team. I mean, $6 million for a batting champ? Why get rid of him? He’s cheap and he’s highly effective with power in the two spot. I say keep him and sign a journey man type #3 starter-or two.

By Lew

September 17, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Anders-The only thing that bothers me about Carlyle in the pen is his penchant for first inning trouble-bad thing for a reliever to have.

By Thrillhouse44

September 17, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

JS is going to have a tough offseason. Obviously we need a reliable starter or two. But there aren’t many on the free agent list and what teams are willing to trade a solid starter?

Lew has a good point: Renteria is very cheap and very good. But Escobar has to play everyday, right? And do you really want to get rid of KJ?

I’m glad I don’t have to make the decisions JS does…I have a hard enough time deciding what to have for breakfast.

By Lew

September 17, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Another thing that needs to be remembered in any deal involving Edgar-After that fiasco with the Red Sox, he has definitely been labeled a NL player. Does anyone truly believe an AL team would take a chance on him? This leaves us with the NL. The only other team beside the Giants with decent young pitching is the Pirates. Do we need to revisit another deal with that dysfunctional front office?

By Anders

September 17, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Lew didn’t know that about Carlyle - Fair enough.

By Shaun

September 17, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

Lew, Yeah, no way the Giants part with Lincecum or Cain, both of whom have the stuff to be aces on most staffs. I would say Lowry at best, or Correia.

Robert, we’ve all heard this one before. Can you please drop it?

I can’t think of too many years where Cox didn’t give a regular job to one of the best hitters in baseball in terms of batting average over the last year and a half (Diaz). I also can’t think of too many where he continued to play a guy who never really showed an ability to hit in the majors even after his hot streak wore off…and hit him leadoff a lot, no less.

Other than his refusal to play Ryan Klesko more, can’t think of too many big things that Cox could have done differently. Glad you think you can, Robert. Everyone, give Robert a cookie.

By Ray

September 17, 2007 12:05 PM | Link to this

A little off subject here. Yes we all know there will be a ton of talks between now and the start of next season’s spring training. DOB maybe its just my imagination or just pure coincidence but back in the first part of the season when Andrew was around 260 (could be wrong on that number) he made a comment about being a dead pull hitter and we all will just have to get over it. But after those comments, didn’t his avg go south on a rapid decline. Or it is just my imagination? Nothing more than curious.

By Lew

September 17, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

If I were the GM (yes, I know I’m not nor will ever be), this is what I would do. I would try to find one or two journeyman type #3 or #4 starters-pitchers who could eat innings and get us to a less tired bullpen. Then I would move KJ to right field (yes, again I realize this may never have been discussed by the Braves-it’s what I would do) and move Yunel to 2B. I would move Francoeur to CF (yes, I know he’s a good RF and some here think that would not be a good move-whatever-this is MY deal, right?). I would platoon Diaz and Brandon Jones in left. I would get rid of Woodward and Orr (he’s never going to be a good enough bench player, as far as I’m concerned). I would then bring up Lillibridge for utility and maybe pick up another good bat for the bench.

Chipper, being Chipper, will miss more time next year. You can then move Lillibridge to second and let Yunel play third. This way, you keep Renteria, get a cheap outfield and have Lillibridge get some playing time. You have Yunel playing everyday-keep in mind he’s only played a half season and there is such a thing as a sophomore slump. This takes care of all problems-at least when you find the inning eating pitchers. It also leaves all available $$$$ (hopefully from a boost in salary) for pitching.

We’ve got some stud kids of our own in the lower minors. They will develop. Next year, decisions can be made whether or not to attempt a re signing of Hampton (based on what he has left in the tank-if anything) or we can use his salary to further boost the staff.

By Braveheart

September 17, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

What about Mike Mussina? I would not trade Renteria for him but maybe we can find a deal for Mussina to bring him here. He’s been bad this year but a move to the NL at this stage of his career may be good for him like it was for Clemens.

Mussina’s only making $11 mil - maybe they can get the Yankees to eat some of that money just to get rid of him. He’s not even starting for the Yankees anymore. Maybe trade them a few of our good young relievers since we have alot and they don’t have many. Then that will make it easier to trade Renteria to another team for maybe lesser value. Perhaps Renteria could then be traded for a serviceable closer.

Heck, if AROD leaves the Yanks which I don’t think is gonna happen, they might need Renteria to play third - or short if they decide it is about time to put Jeter at another position. I would hate to be Edgar replacing Jeter - did not work out too well for Manny Alexander when he replaced Ripken. Edgar is obviously far better than Manny Alexander was - but there may be questions about his ability to handle the bright lights, big city pressure after his stint in Boston - which is weird since he hit one of the most clutch World Series hits ever when he was just a puppy.

By Shaun

September 17, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Lew, problem is you have to overpay for pitching if you just plan on throwing money at the problem. If you trade a quality player (like Renteria) you can probably get a decent pitcher already under contract for at least a couple of years, plus one or two other minor pieces.

By Thrillhouse44

September 17, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

Lew, good ideas. But why not let KJ work this offseason at CF the way he did at 2B this past offseason? (Poor guy wouldn’t have had a day off in two years, but why not?) Then you can keep Francoeur in RF and have KJ move from 2nd to CF…a la Ronnie Gant.

By DAP

September 17, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

i wouldnt give up on getting lincecum or cain so fast…it IS within the realm of possibility. it wouldnt likely be a renteria for lincecum or cain straight up deal, but there might be some other needs the giants want filled.

does anybody think JS would be daring enough to use teixeria in a deal to get young stud starters? i dont think he is, but what if he used tex in a package to get lincecum, davis, and some prospects that are ready to play? then we can use money from andru AND tex’s salary to sign a slugger, or another star pitcher.

i dont think this will happen for alot of reasons, but just food for thought.

and i dont think AL teams will be weary of renteria. the year with the red sox will be seen as a hiccup, i think. the red sox wont want him back, but i think any other team in the majors would be glad to have him.

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 17, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

I wonder if the muts will accuse the phillies for stealing signs at shea also……hahaha

Face it, the phillies own your a*******e$.

Muts this year have been handled by SD and by the muts. One of those 2 is gonna be the WC, so if i were the muts ill be trying to figure out how to beat them before november gets here.

By flange1

September 17, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Lew,

I agree on trading Edgar. I have looked at all NL teams that might need an upgrade at SS, and don’t really see a match up except SF and the Cubs. I can see the Giants trading Davis and a prospect for Rent, but not Cain, Lowrey or Linscum.

The Cubs might consider Rent and upgrade, and they might offer Sean Marshall and a prospect, but that doesn’t seem to be equal value to me.

I know JS is much better at spotting talent than I am so maybe I am missing someone.

I like the propect of keeping Edgar and moving KJ to the outfield. Bring up Blanco to be the 5th OF, then find an innings eater starter and see how we do..

It should be another interesting winter!

By Bob, Journalist

September 17, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Thanks to Scoots for the heads-up and Apologies to KC if my post seemed in any way sarcastic or suggested that I was having fun at his expense. I thought that it was KC reposting his early season predictions for our enjoyment … as well as his own.

There’s a strong correlation between maintaining good mental health and the capacity to laugh at oneself … but I have little regard for those who laugh “at” rather than “with” others … methinks the reverse is true of those folks who so do.

I agree that most of us shared in the feelings expressed by KC … such posts make you feel good, did me anyway … I also remember feeling that the Phillies rather than the Mets posed the greatest threat, even after our first series, provided their manager didn’t self-destruct.

I guess in truth, I’ll remember this as the title nobody wanted to win, or so it seemed … it was certainly there for the taking.

I just checked with Mr. Berra and it still ain’t over!

By Lew

September 17, 2007 12:31 PM | Link to this

Shaun-True to a point. If all you’re looking for is a journeyman #3 or#4 starter, it won’t be nearly as expensive as looking for an ace or a good #2. We have to face facts, here. We may not win a playoff spot for a year or so, until our own kids in low A and rookie league shake out. But look at the Danville pitching performances this season. Rohrbaugh has been discussed, but the entire staff led their league in ERA-an extremely LOW ERA. There are some studs coming along. Hansen may also be closer, as well as that kid DOB was telling us about last year-can’t quite remember his name. What we need is young pitching in a trade (and I don’t know if we can get it-especially for Edgar) or to wait on our own kids, using vets as a stop gap measure. There will be salary cleared out in the next year or two. We may need to wait until then.

By Renegator

September 17, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Can someone explain to me why you would start B. Jones option clock with only 9 games left in the season? What is the logic behind that?

It’s that same reason that we were stuck with Thorman on the major league club all year - because he was out of options…

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

Lew, if they don’t get value for Edgar, I don’t think they’ll trade him, at least not in the offseason. You can always hold onto him either for all of 2008 or trade him if a team has an injury or other circumstances and gets desperate for a quality SS, at which point you might get more value for him.

But there’s a lot of ways Braves could go, as many of you have pointed out. They could move Yunel around between 3B, SS and 2B and end up playing him 150 games that way, no question, with the understanding he’d move into the SS job a year from now, or whenever Edgar’s gone.

So many ways to do it. All make some sense (well, not all, but many of them that you folks have proposed have merit).

By Overlord (BAND OF BROTHERS)

September 17, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

I guees bringing mussina to atlanta is part of a plan to win the east, not the WS, right?

By Wayne in Utah

September 17, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Been out of pocket for several days. Any word on additional callups? Nice to see BJones up. Where are Blanco, Lillibridge, Devine, etc?

I’ll check back in later.

By Renegator

September 17, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

Here’s a novel idea. Instead of overpaying for starting pitching every year - why don’t we look at what is wrong in our minor league system that has caused us to be completely inable to develp any quality starting pitching over the last 15 years.

By Shaun

September 17, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, I know it’s a hypothetical, but I think Chipper has just as much chance of playing center as Edgar does playing third or Jeter moving.

If Mussina can’t even start for the Yankees (a mediocre staff at best), why would the Braves or most other teams give up anything in terms of players or money to get him?

Also, it’s basically the first really bad year Mussina’s ever had. I’m guessing the Yankees would rather keep him and take the chance that this is just an off year rather than pay him and give him up to another team for less value than what an average pitcher is worth.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

September 17, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Well, it’s been a while since I’ve participated, but it seems nothing has changed in my absence. Since we’re all about making bold predictions, I’ll throw this one in: Edgar Renteria will not be playing 3rd base anywhere next season.

And if the Giants trade Lincecum within the next 4-5 years, their GM needs to be checked into Greenwoods in Essex, ala Syd Barrett.

By Anders

September 17, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Braveheart Mussina I’m sure has a not trade. I doubt he’d want to come to the NL at this stage of his career but if he did I’d bet it would be to Philly assuming he has a no trade that gives him control. He’s from Pa. and lives there to this day. He’s very Rainmanish in his habits. He hasn’t pitched for a team more than 100 miles from where he grew up and still lives - He’s a quirky dude.

By Lew

September 17, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

Rene-You would start his clock running because he will be on the Braves next year, anyway. What else is there to prove in the minors when you knock in 100 runs between AA and AA in one season? The kid is here to stay, as far as I’m concerned. It also indicates to me that Diaz will not have a full time starting job next year, either. They certainly WON’T move Matt to RF full time. I see another LF platoon in our future-and no Willie Harris. Oh yeah, the kid I couldn’t remember was Chris Medlin.

By Wayne in Utah

September 17, 2007 12:50 PM | Link to this

Since it ain’t cold (except in Lew’s neighborhood!), we can’t call this the “hot stove league.” I guess we will have to come up with a name for our speculatin’. Any suggestions?

BTW, since I am so smart, in a couple of weeks I am sure JS will call me in to strategize over what to do for the 2008 Braves. No charge, home boy!

By crimedogrules

September 17, 2007 12:51 PM | Link to this

Does anybody else think that KJ might be a good center fielder? I have it stuck in my head and can’t get it out. Yunel at 2B and Renteria at SS - Kelly starts in CF. I know he was a LF before this year. TJ on his throwing arm should be healed but I don’t remember what type of arm he had before the injury.

By Shaun

September 17, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Lew, journeyman starters are still expensive, unless you are just signing a bad one in hopes you’ll get lucky. I think they Braves would get more by trading a good, expendable player like Renteria.

Renegator, they probably figure Brandon Jones is virtually a lock to make the club next spring so why not get his feet wet now?

Also, the situation with Scott Thorman was probably different because the Braves would have probably lost him if they didn’t start his option clock when they did. I’m not sure if that’s the case but I know you can’t just sit on minor league players forever.

By Arkansas Hillbilly

September 17, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Lew,

I think Kris Medlin (or Medlen) is the guy you were referring to, and if my memory serves me right, he dominated early this year, but struggled a little bit after his latest promotion. Sounds like he piles up lots of strikeouts. I’d love to see him in action in a couple of years.

By Wayne in Utah

September 17, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Lew: As much as I love Diaz’ bat, I could see him being possibly moved to an AL team as either a part of a greater package for a starter, or for someone who can man CF for a few years.

While he is most valuable to us, he would be more valuable where they have the DH.

By Bob, Journalist

September 17, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this

Renegator I not sure I understand the 9 game reference but wouldn’t the 4th year exception to the Options rule apply in this case?

By Shaun

September 17, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Renegator, guess you would need to do that for probably at least 70 percent of the teams around baseball over any 15-year stretch. How many pitchers did the Braves develop in the 15 years prior to the last 15 years? Tom Glavine? Can you name many more?

Also it depends on what you mean by quality. The Braves have developed plenty of pitchers who have been decent over a few years. But you aren’t going to find many teams who have developed consistently great or even consistently really good pitchers over a 15- or even a 30-year stretch.

By Lee in S. GA

September 17, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

does anybody think JS would be daring enough to use teixeria in a deal to get young stud starters?

DAP

I certainly cannot see the Braves trading Tex unless they have a poor 1st half of a season in 2008, or perhaps are double digit games out of 1st place by the all-star break next season and then only if they don’t have enough confidence in having a good shot to resign him.

I do think the Braves may be more open-minded about trading players in their contract year in the future after this season from A.J. left a bad taste in their mouth.

However, the Braves, gave away too may prospects not to try to keep and resign Tex beyond next year IMO.

By KC

September 17, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

GRINCH: “Couldn’t even get five outta Chuckie today against the Nats (KC and Shaun, who’ve been insisting he usually goes 6 plus when he almost NEVER breaks 5 and 1/3).”

Come on dude… you’re twisting my words. I expect better from you.

I said that WHEN CHUCK JAMES IS RIGHT (when he’s pitching well), he’ll usually go 6 innings. WHEN HE’S PITCHING WELL. If you look at that great 5 start stretch he had right before the shoulder problem popped up (from the last start of June till the last start of July)… he averaged better than 6 innings per start.

I am not of the opinion that he usually goes 6 innings in general. How could I be? He doesn’t.

By Lew

September 17, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

Rene-Before you go denigrating the Braves minor league pitching, perhaps you should do some research first. Cole Rohrbough 1.17 ERA 96K 20BB in 61IP. Jamie Richmond 138 IP 98K 25BB. Bryan Dumesnil 23IP 23K 4BB. Thomas Hanson 133 IP 154K 58BB and a .216 avg against. Ryne Reynoso 1.91 ERA 61 IP 75K and 36 BB.

Also, you might just want to check out Jose Ortegano, Edgar Otsuna, Eric Barrett, Steve Evarts and Jeffrey Locke, who pitched 61 innings, struck out 74 and walked 8. The discrepancy in minor league pitching has been dealt with. Do some research some time. Why do you think Texas wanted all of those pitchers for Tex? Maybe because we ARE producing some bona fide prospects. Ya think?

By ncscoots

September 17, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this

minor league system…completely inable to develp any quality starting pitching over the last 15 years.

So that would be back to 1992, right? Exactly how many of those quality arms, had they been developed, would have made the ML squad while Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Avery, Millwood, etc. were filling up most of the spots? Unless you would have traded an established, winning veteran to give a young, unknown arm a shot. Not likely.

Drafting low, with other areas of need, and a solid core of starters in place at the ML level means you prioritize your picks away from pitching, at least during the first half of the period you mention.

The last five or six years might be a different story, though I think many scouts on draft day would have told you that Anthony Lerew and Kyle Davies had all the tools. That those two haven’t blossomed doesn’t mean you fire all your scouts.

Considering how many pitching prospects come through ANY organization’s farm and fail, the more surprising fact is that some clubs HAVE developed a young stud starter, rather than that the Braves have not.

By DAP

September 17, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

crimedogrules KJ in centerfield is an original thought, i believe, but i dont think its feesable. it has been said that KJ isnt really a defensive whiz in left field, which is the least demanding position on the field. i dont think CF would work for him.

BTW, i think his arm is fine. DOB mentioned a couple of days ago that KJ said throwing from the outfield would actually be easier on the arm than 2nd base.

if KJ moves to the outfield, which i think is very unlikely, it will probably be back to LF (which is one big reason its unlikely-we have b. jones and diaz out there already.)

and i would be shocked if frenchy moves positions. i believe he will be a RF his whole career.

the braves out field will be frenchy in RF, Diaz/Jones in LF and a free agent/trade in CF. frenchy may sub in center if needed. PS has anybody thought about lofton coming back as out CF next year? i believe hes a free agent. he could be a good stop gap until we get a young’un ready to play CF (schaffer or the like)

By Braves20

September 17, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

re the query as to trading Teixeria - there are some of us who sincerely hope JS would make such a move to reacquire at least a portion of the price we paid (or overpaid) for him.

By Renegator

September 17, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

Lew

Let’s wait until those minor league pitchers succeed at the major league level before you say they are great. I’m sure Davies and C. James had great numbers in the minors too.

Being good in the minors doesn’t mean anything if you can’t succeed at the major league level.

By DAP

September 17, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

Lee in S. GA i agree with you, i think trading tex would be PR suicide for the braves, and i dont really see it happening, BUT i think its interesting. if we WERE to trade tex for some great arms, just hypothetically, lets say we trade him to the giants for lincecum, davis, and a minor league pitcher, how is this not a win? bascially, youve traded salty, and 3 prospects for a future #1 starter, a gifted CF and a prospect. if we did THAT deal over the all star break everyone would have loved it.

im not saying i think this is a GOOD idea, or that it will happen, because im just not sure, but it certinly is thought provoking. its leaves us without a cleanup hitter and a great defensive 1B, but we do the deal and turn around with about $25mil(from andruw and tex) to try and find a decent 1st baseman.

its alot easier to dream up trades than it is to actually do them.

By Lee in S. GA

September 17, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

The only 2008 free agent starting pitchers (barring Glavine) I could see the Braves interested in are Shawn Chacon, Josh Fogg, Kyle Lohse, Joel Pineiro and Carlos Silva. Although no 1 or 2 type starter pitcher in this bunch exists, these pitchers will not be exactly cheap either.

By Shaun

September 17, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

ncscoots, well said!

Renegator, check this out:

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=2197

Unless you are a subscriber, you can only read a few paragraphs, but you’ll get the idea from those few paragraphs.

By Renegator

September 17, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this

Shaun and ncscoots:

So the Braves are just the unluckiest team in the majors? I somehow doubt that.

By Shaun

September 17, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

To all who think the Braves gave up too much in the Teixeira deal,

What do you think is the going rate for an MVP-caliber player? And what should the Braves have done with Saltalamacchia? Traded him for a mediocre pitcher? Move him to first where he loses value both offensively and defensively?

By The Grinch

September 17, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

Morning, all!

Renegator, I agree with you as usual on your last four or five posts.

KC, that’s like saying “When Andruw Jones is on, he really hits a lot of homers.”

Shaun, I think Robert just fooled you into admitting Cox screwed up this season.

Hillbilly, please tell me you guys just choked Saturday (although you did show some grit in the comeback) and my Dawgs aren’t going to get trampled by Satan’s Turds this weekend in ‘bama.

By Lee in S. GA

September 17, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

DAP

I have got to agree that trade you suggested with the Giants would be intriguing to say the least. Finding another 1st baseman would be worth the risk to me if we landed Linceum, Davis and a minor league pitching prospect. Like you said just a thought - don’t see it happening.

By Shaun

September 17, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Renegator, what do you mean by that? So every other team out there has developed more “quality” pitchers than the Braves over the last 15 years?

By Efrim

September 17, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

KC

Chuck isn’t “on” a lot. He isn’t that good. Don’t be fooled by his hits per inning and mediocre ERA. The hits he is giving up are for extra bases more often than not and his ERA would be higher if he tried to pitch more than 5 innings.

By Shaun

September 17, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

The Grinch, I don’t think this was Cox’s finest managerial job but I don’t think Cox is to blame for everything that went wrong. If Andruw has a normal year and Schuerholz acquires another pitcher or two or if one of his off-season or pre-season pitching moves had worked out, I think the Braves would have made the playoffs. Even if Andruw had a normal year, maybe that’s enough for them to get the Wild Card.

By KC

September 17, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

So Who’s Optimistic: “It’s a real blast going back and checking out some of KC’s preseason posts. Like this one:”

Okay, time to answer. =)

Dude, first of all… what handle do you usually post under? I’m curious who has the time not only to opine in this blog… but to archive the posts of others that participate in the blog.

Anyway, it was April 1st. Yes, I was optimistic before opening day that Redman would be a half-way decent (which I would define as an ERA in the mid 4.00s) starter for us. I think a lot of people were. And I was at that spring game against the White Sox, and he did in fact look very good. However, when it became apparent that he was anything BUT half-way decent and in fact was hurting the team… I was one of the first to call for his release.

As for the 2007 projections: That’s one post of my own that I actually archived myself (though I guess if I need any others, I could email you).

Yes… I definitely got win-happy on the starters numbers. I felt that the Braves would have an absolutely dominant bullpen and a very good offense… which together, would result in inflated win totals for Braves starters. I was thinking of Trachsel last year, and the 15 wins he got with an ERA of about 5.00 on the shoulders of a good offense and great bullpen.

However, with the Gonzo injury, the fading of Bob Wickman, and even a rough 6-week stretch by Soriano… we obviously did not have the best bullpen in baseball (or anything close to it) as most expected we would.

I expected much better from Chuck James. The win total was based on the ERA I thought he’d post, as well as the kind of bullpen I thought we’d have. And I must point out that before his shoulder started bothering him… heading into his last start of July, James had 3.55 ERA for the season and one was top-15 in the NL in that category. It’s only been in his last 5 starts or so that my expectations of him have started to look way off base.

As for Cormier… who knows what he would have done over a full season. I think he’s capable of a 4.20 ERA. Heading into his last start, Cormier was coming off a 5-start stretch in which he posted a 3.81 ERA, and had posted a 4.37 ERA (still not bad) in all his starts since returning from the DL. And let’s not forget his 3.25 September ERA (in 5 starts) last year, and his dominant spring.

I was pretty damn close on Smoltz and Hudson though wasn’t I?

Smotlz SHOULD be on pace track for 20 wins right now. With a dominant bullpen all year OR more run support… he certainly would be. With BOTH, he might have easily cruised past 20 wins. And my numbers on Hudson should be pretty close.

Wickman: Yup… you got me there. I expected much, much better.

Soriano: My projected 2.27 ERA for him was right in line with what he’s done over the past few years.

There was no way to predict that Hampton and Gonzo would be lost for the season or that Redman would suck as badly as he did.

To explain the McBride and Paronto ERAs… I expected Paronto to be used almost exclusively in double-play specialist situations… meaning that he would nearly always be brought in with inherited runners. So I figured that even when he failed, the runs usually wouldn’t be charged to him. I also figured McBride would be a guy brought in to face one lefty, and then pulled. I did not think those guys were anywhere near as good as those projected ERAs would seem to indicate. I just thought the specialized nature of their roles would usually shelter their ERA from damage. But as for Yates and Villarreal… I just flat overestimated them.

Andruw Jones, and the 1st base platoon we started the season with definitely made me look bad. And I’m very surprised to see the higher-average/less-power version of Frenchy. McCann’s numbers would have been about where I said if not for the hand injuries… so I feel pretty good about the lineup projections outside of 1B and CF.

I think it’s fun to make projections at the beginning of each season… either to brag at what you got right, or laugh at yourself for the stuff that’s way off base. Obviously, my pitching projections deserve some laughter.

However… where are your projections? Don’t just post mine. Let’s see yours too!

By KC

September 17, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

EFRIM: I’m well aware of your lack of confidence in Chuck James. And certainly, the way he’s pitching right now makes you look smarter than me on this matter.

You could be right. But it’s only been his last 5 or 6 starts (surrounding -coincidentally or not- a DL stint) that James has looked bad. Again, prior to that… heading into his last start of July, he had an excellent 3.55 ERA for the season. And his 2006 numbers were also excellent.

So I’m just not ready to sell all my Chuck James stock just yet. I agree with you 100% that James is flawed and badly needs another weapon or two.

If there’s any way he could develop a 2-seamer or some kind of pitch to get a ground-ball when he needs it, that could change everything him. In addition to having a double-play inducing pitch, it might allow him let the hitters put the ball in play on the ground, and cut down on his pitch count.

He also needs a punchout pitch against lefty-hitters.

I don’t know whether or not either will happen. Obviously it’s easier said than done, or I’m sure he would have already done it. But I’m also sure Roger is going to be working with him on developing another weapon or two prior to next season. Let’s hope they’re successful.

But hey… this is only his first full season in the big leagues. Let’s remember that.

By Braveheart

September 17, 2007 2:32 PM | Link to this

KC was right about Hudson and Willie. That’s good enough for me.

BTW, KC, Soriano’s ERA outside of that one bad stretch where he was tired because of the bottom three starters, is about 2.60 or so. So predicting a low ERA for him was not crazy. If our starters pitched 6 innings, Soriano would have been guns a blazing all season.

Say what you will but Soriano never complained and took that ball everyday even though something was clearly bothering him physically and he must have felt humiliated about his troubles for that one month. Wish we could have said the same for Wickman. Soriano is a tough hombre and can pitch for my team anytime.

Thank goodness for Ascansio and Acosta. They were AA batteries that recharged Soriano by giving him a few days off to get his body and arm right again.

By Shaun

September 17, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

Also, Grinch, I wrote that on my blog over the weekend with no influence from Robert or anyone else on this blog. Also, I never mentioned this wasn’t Cox’s finest managerial performance because he’s a farm animal. I gave specifics on things he could have done better. Still don’t know if those things would have been enough to push the Braves over the top.

By David O'Brien

September 17, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOG IS UP

And Shaun, the pimping of your blog is getting a bit tiresome. Buy an ad.

By ncscoots

September 17, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Renegator, don’t know anything about luck or not. Merely that every organization has a minimum of 90-95 starting pitchers come through the minors in your 15-year period, and a track-record of three elite starters from those would be phenomenal. Any number of factors, none of which have to do with luck, staff ability, or scouting, could reduce a 5% success factor (which would have most folks raving) to zero.