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 Stat