Braves

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 26, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

7th!!!!

By Paladin

September 26, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Whew! I’m winded from running up those steps.

By Thrillhouse44

September 26, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Fitting how the Fat Chicks have infiltrated the Pie/BBQ blog!

2 blogs in one day without lyrics? Notorious DOB, has your iPod hit the fritz?

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this

what if braves win, SD wins and muts lose?

By Burt

September 26, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

I can’t help but imagine what Chipper’s number could have been had Andruw not been batting (so weakly) behind him until Tex’s arrival. Now that there’s a real threat in the No. 4 hole for the Bravos, Chipper is seeing more pitches to hit.

By bandwagon

September 26, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this

ALL ABOARD!!!! we’ve missed quite few of you over the last three weeks. means no matter. ALL ABOARD!!!!

By Burt

September 26, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

And hey, is Escobar eligible for Rookie of the Year honors? He’d get my vote. This kid is the real deal.

By BravesFanInRockies

September 26, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

DOB,

You’re a machine, man. Nice job as always. BTW, I still hold out hope that the Braves will win out and the Mutts lose out (or just win one more) so that the Braves can win the East.

Or I could get back on my meds …

By AJ Soprano

September 26, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Still no Fing Ziti, DOB? This blog without lyrics is like no Fing ziti. Gimme some ziti DOB.

By Ken Oberkfell

September 26, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

Even if the Bravos don’t make it to the playoffs, they can still ruin Philly’s shot at it. Sweep this series and keep those bums at home!!!!!

If the Braves can sneak into the wild card that’d be cool too.

By Thrillhouse44

September 26, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Good point, Burt. There are plenty of “what if’s” for this season.

It’s amazing how Chipper’s season has been so quiet outside of ATL. I wonder if he ever regretted not playing in a more ESPN-friendly city…

By Fat Chick

September 26, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Thrillhouse, sugah, there ain’t nuthin’ wrong with a big strong woman. Ask Paladin. We don’t just like pie and BBQ. We like to have our cake and eat it too. Wouldn’t mind me a little ziti either but DOB has not been so kind to bake us some ziti on the last two blogs.

By Tony Soprano

September 26, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

AJ One more efing word out of you about the efing Ziti and I’m gonna beat the sheet out of you. Now, apologize to your Mother for your bad manners.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 26, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Decent blog, DOB, quite decent….

;)

You make a good argument for Cecil, err, I mean Prince. Where would they be without Ryan Braun though??? That’s what’s so amazing with the MVP race. Usually, there is just one guy that jumps to the foreground that you say, without him, they go nowhere.

Ryan Howard has 43 homers and 127 RBIs AND he was on the DL this year!!! Would they be battling for the wildcard without him??? I think not. Chase Utley was on the DL as well, and with a broken hand. hit .336 22 HR’s 101 RBI’s in 127 games, They would be out of the race without him as well And Jimmy Rollins!!! Has played every game, and has scored 134 runs, has 204 hits, 38 doubles, 18 triples, 30 Hr’s 91 RBI’s(Mainly batting leadoff!!!) oh, and 37 SB in 43 attempts. You know they would be going nowhere fast without him. Never hear of him dogging it like Reyes.

IF somehow, the braves get in, Chipper really should be considered for the MVP though, cuz we all know we wouldn’t be in a race without him. Didn’t Kirk Gibson get the MVP with lame numbers while missing quite a few games? Had big hits when it counted, but man, those season numbers were terrible!!!Well, just checked, he did play 150 games, but 25 homers, 76 RBI’s,anand he wasn’t batting leadoff….

By Thrillhouse44

September 26, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this

Here are some lyrics for you AJ:

Hey fat girl,

Yeah, I called you fat.

Look at me - I’m skinny.

By The Piece

September 26, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

DOB, Why is Peter Moylan not getting any ROY buzz??? He’s easily got the stats, and has been by far the Braves most consistent reliever.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 26, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Jason Stark has gotten on the bandwagon! Sort of! ;)

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=3036950

By Fat Girl

September 26, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Thrillhouse I’d rather be fat than dumb. You can lose fat cells.

By Fat Chick

September 26, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Whew! I’m winded from running up those steps.

Paladin, honey, you’re always the show off ain’t ya? Running up steps at your age. You should be careful. Don’t you stroke out on me. I get winded on the first step. Can’t climb the stairway to heaven and knock on heaven’s door. Gabriel wouldn’t let me in heaven’s gates anyhow. Gabriel says my singing is the devil’s music, the music of Grim Reaper. And no drinking tonight, Paladin, you ole drunk. You’re gonna stay up and watch this game with me. I promise not to sing.

By Shaun

September 26, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

For all the conspiracy theorists out there, the Braves were the top story on espn.com twice today.

DOB, I think David Wright’s candidacy is legit. I do think Fielder will win it but here are some reasons I think a lot of people consider Wright (not saying I accept these arguments but I do think they are just as sound as some others):

1) Chipper hasn’t really played enough, Fielder’s team is probably going to miss the playoffs, Holliday plays half his games at Coors Field, Utley hasn’t played enough and Pujols’s team isn’t going anywhere.

2) Wright has been the most consistent and healthy hitter on the team that will probably finish with the best- or second-best record in the league. Yes, there’s Reyes but Wright has been their only “run producer.”

I personally think Wright should be a candidate because of more non-traditional stats like runs created—he’s created more runs than any player except Holliday (who of course plays his home games in Coors). His numbers look at least as good as Fielders when you take into account that OBP is more important than SLG; he has a 22-point edge in OBP. No other power hitter with close to as much playing time has that good an OBP.

My heart says Chipper. My head says Wright. My pick is Fielder.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 26, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Lyrics??? You want some lyrics??? Hers are some that DOB would totally approve of….

Poison Every Rose Has Its Thorn *We both lie silently still in the dead of the night Although we both lie close together We feel miles apart inside

Was it something I said or something I did Did the words not come out right Though I tried not to hurt you Though I tried But I guess that’s why they say Chorus: Every rose has its thorn Just like every night has its dawn Just like every cowboy sings his sad, sad song Every rose has its thorn Yeah it does I listen to our favorite song playing on the radio Hear the DJ say loves a game of easy come and easy go But I wonder does he know Has he ever felt like this And I know that you’d be here somehow If I could have let you know somehow I guess Chorus Though it’s been a while now I can still feel so much pain Like a knife that cuts you the wound heals but the scar, that scar remains Solo I know I could have saved a love that night If I’d known what to say Instead of makin’ love We both made our separate ways But now I hear you found somebody new and that I never meant that much to you To hear that tears me up inside And to see you cuts me like a knife I guess Chorus*

Sniff, sniff….excuse me for a a little while……

By mart

September 26, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Let me get this straight: you think Chipper is more worthy of being mvp BECAUSE he’s played in fewer games? I think reliability is a criterion for mvp and Chipper’s propensity for injury makes him unreliable.

By TennesseePaul

September 26, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Payne: I’m not the one knocking on LaRoche. But I do find it funny. There are blue blinders on most baseball fans out here. If the player isn’t a Dodger, they aren’t any good. So it cracks me up when the opposite shows up because I know, if that was uttered at a game, the offending person would be found in the parking lot missing a couple of organs, which would turn up on e-bay.

By Fat Chick

September 26, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Thrillhouse, i am spunky, i like my oatmeal lumpy. i’ll eat up all your crackers and your licorice. i’m the one who said just grab ‘em in the biscuits. they say i’m ugly but it just don’t faze me. i get busy in a burger king bathroom. i am crazy, allow me to amaze thee. i look funny but yo, I’m making money. gonna ruin the image and style you are used to.

think that profile is gonna get me far on eharmony?

:o>

By uga-brave

September 26, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

paladin,

just saw that the GOLDEN GIRLS are now on the liftime network every day in the afternoon. now i wont have to worry what you will be doing next week during the afternoons. that betty white is a peach

By AJ Soprano

September 26, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

Every Rose Has Its Thorn?!?!?!?!? F those lyrics Berigan. That’s Olive Garden B.S. ziti. I want some real ziti. Some ziti baked by grandma. With tomato sauce made right from the tomatoes that grow in grandma’s garden that my mother crushes with her feet and toes. Poison?!?!? That’s Prego sauce lyrics. Gimme some homemade tomato sauce. DOB knows what I’m talking about. DOB gimme some lyrical ziti already, dammit!

By Carolina Gent

September 26, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

I do happily admit that the last week-and-a-half have been fun to watch. I said in some blog last week that if the Braves went 8-2 the rest of the way (that was, I think, after game 1 of the Brewers series) with a sweep of the Phillies included, they’d have a shot. Truly these last number of games is the most passion and fire I’ve seen out of this team since almost the first week of the season. May e it’s the fact that they season coming to an end and they’ve lightened up a bit. Who knows? But is sure has been fun to watch.

Now, Chipper as MVP? As much as I love the Braves and love it when Chipper gets on a roll, you gotta go with Fielder. Chipper’s numbers really took off when Teixera arrived and, until recently, wasn’t too good in “clutch” situations. He’s closing fast, and should get some top 10 consideration, though.

I’m also with DOB on the Escobar as leadoff man. A couple of questions come to mind, though. First, if we have to give up Renteria in order to shore up the rotation, will that hurt whoever is in the leadoff spot. Edgar is so adept at moving runners over and getting them in, and we all know that his in short supply elsewhere on the team. Second, even though Bobby Cox could take Jose Reyes and make him a 15-steals player, could someone work with Escobar to improve his base stealing abilities? That’s awfully important for a leadoff guy and has been a missing ingredient since the Otis Nixon days, despite what Furcal did.

Finally, once more thanks to DOBeat Writer for putrting up TWO blogs in one day! How awesome!!

By Braveheart

September 26, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

Now, Now, Fat Girl. Don’t be calling Thrillhouse dumb. That’s my homeboy. Don’t ever call him dumb. The man is far from it. He makes many excellent points. He’s just not a desperate attention seeker like the rest of us.

By Chop Chop

September 26, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Since you’ve never posted these heartfelt lyrics, I’ll do so now:

WORD UP by Cameo

Yo, pretty ladies around the world /Got a weird thing to show you, so tell all the boys and girls /Tell your brother, your sister and your mamma too /Cause they’re about to throw down and you’ll know just what to do /Wave your hands in the air like you don’t care /Glide by the people as they start to look and stare /Do your dance, do your dance, do your dance quick, mamma /Come on, baby, tell me what’s the word

Word up, everybody say /When you hear the call you’ve got to get it underway /Word up, it’s the code word /No matter where you say it you’ll know that you’ll be heard

Now all you sucker DJ’s who think you’re fly /There’s got to be a reason and we know the reason why you try to put on those airs and act real cool /But ya got to realize that you’re acting like fools /If there’s music we can use it we need to dance /We don’t have the time for psychological romance /No romance, no romance, no romance for me, mamma /Come on, baby, tell me what’s the word

Word up, everybody say /When you hear the call you’ve got to get it underway

Low /Dial “L” for Low /C’mon all you people say /W.O.R.D. UP, W.O.R.D. UP, W.O.R.D. UP, W.O.R.D. UP

By Greg in TN

September 26, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

This just in folks… The AP is reporting that MLB has suspended umpire Mike Winters for the regular season for his run-in with Milton Bradley in San Diego last weekend.

Interesting to say the least. Bob Watson was reported as still trying to decide on any punishment for Bradley.

This might put the brakes on some of the umpires out there that were getting a little ‘big for their britches’ as my dear mother would say. I can’t say that will happen as these guys have slowly but surely gotten more and more confrontational in the last 10 years or so. Still, I’d love to see the exchange of lineups at home plate for Winters’ first game with the Pads next year.

By mike

September 26, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

DOB Assuming Andruw doesn’t come back next year and the braves dont want to overspend on a CF when they need pitching is Brandon Jones capable of playing CF or is he strictly a corner OF? I also agree with you that Escobar looks awfully good at the top of the lineup. Everyone assumes that in order for Esobar to play everyday Renteria has to go but I think the Braves best offense and maybe defense includes Esobar and Renteria at the top of the lineup in front of C Jones and Texiera. I dont think the Braves should be in such a hurry to part ways with Renteria for pitching. You cant replace his veteran leadership and his knack for getting the big hit. They do have other trading chips, Prado, Thorman, Kelly Johnson, Chuck James. Heck, Id offer all 4 of those guys for Matt Cain. Think about it the Giants have holes in the of, 2b first base, and james might thrive in a pitcher friendly park such as San Fran. I also do think that Thorman will be a 270 25 hr guy in the near future so it would work out for both teams. The Giants could play K Johnson in left and Prado as 2b. Just a thought

By David O'Brien

September 26, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this

What do you mean, no lyrics?

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 26, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Ken Caminiti got the MVP in 1996 playing in 146 games.Larkin got in 1995 playing in 131 games(hit.319, 15 HR, 66 RBI’s)Bond in 1992 played in only 140 games an won…

By ncscoots

September 26, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

Certainly, one school of thought likes a lefty batting 2, so I could see Escobar-Johnson at the top of the lineup in 2008. Though, for my money, I’d do it the other way around. Just because I like KJ’s pop coming up sooner if there’s a bottom-of-the-order rally.

But, either way, that would appear to mean a lot of baserunners next year, if the two kids were to hold to form (and always assuming Edgar is gone).

By Greg in TN

September 26, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

I should say Winters has been suspended for the rest of this regular season.

Link to story

By AJ Soprano

September 26, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

Thank you for the lyrical ziti DOB. Now AJ won’t have to unsuccessfully attempt suicide for a second time.

By Fat Girl

September 26, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

I didn’t call anyone—by name—dumb. I was just alluding to the fact that fat may be fleeting, dumb is forever. If the glove do fit….

By Thrillhouse44

September 26, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Fat Chick - let me know when you get your eHarmony profile setup. I’m already intrigued. You like the Braves, BBQ, pie and Digital Underground; now as long as you enjoy Ziti, we may have a good thing.

Fat Girl - No offense intended by my lyrics selection; merely a shoutout to a great party song. BUT if you can lose fat cells, why haven’t you?

Braveheart - thanks for having my back.

By Blackie the Cat

September 26, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

MVP

I don’t know exactly what the criterion are, but let me say this. The MVP should be the guy who 1)Has a biggest impact on his team, 2) Is consistently productive offensively and defensively, 3)Contributes to a winning team, and 4) Hits and fields in the clutch.

I think number of games played is only relevant if they prevent him from reaching certain benchmarks, i.e…100 RBIs, etc….

To further CJs case. The records show that with him, we win, without him, we lose a lot. Now that’s valuable.

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Dob’s not a fan, but he sure does favor ol’ Hoss.

By Paladin

September 26, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the headsup on Golden Girls, uga-brave; but Rainman and I watch Judge Waupner during that time period. And I’m a very good driver.

By Chop Chop

September 26, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

Put me down for Prince Fielder as NL MVP.

Chipper’s been fantastic this year, but he missed too many games. For my money (or AJC Bucks!), this is the best year he’s had since he won the MVP in ‘99. I just don’t see him overcoming the 28 games he missed. It’s a damn shame, though.

As for David Wright, he’s had a very strong year, but the Mets’ problems have been too high-profile for the media to give him that award. His candidacy is tainted, rightly or wrongly, because his team was expected to do more.

Jimmy Rollins is the only Phillie I’d consider for the award. He’s playing a very good shortstop while having a 30/30 year. He’s a leader who backs up his words with actions. That plays well in the media. Don’t discount J-Roll if the Phils somehow manage to get into the postseason.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 26, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this

DOB,

you seem to have added italics to all the posts along with those lyrics!!!!

By mike

September 26, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Any 24 Fans? Wikipedia says that Tony Almeida is alive and coming back in season 7. Im stoked the show has steadily gone downhill since his presumed death

By Shaun

September 26, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Berigan, I’d have to go back but if my memory serves me correctly, there were no clear-cut, obvious favorites in those years.

By knowitall

September 26, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

David Wright has too many errors in crucial situations to win MVP.

By Paladin

September 26, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

thrillhouse44 Watch it when Braveheart “has your back” less he slip a stiletto between your shoulder blades.

By StinkyJones

September 26, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

I like Chipper’s chances. Chipper catches choppers and Chipper is clutch. Chipper could capture the crown and command colossal cash in the coming campaign. Chipper for Congress! Uh,

By ncscoots

September 26, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

from here on out, you can just call me…

Notorious Ziti.

By Jason

September 26, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

Great article on ESPN about the last great pennant race. Brings back some great memories ESPN Story

By mo in the boonies

September 26, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

What’s up with all the Italics in all the posts, is the Italic button stuck or what?

By Big Ed

September 26, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

An MVP should not be a guy who cries hurt and who John Smoltz had to “call out” to get back on the field and play. Chipper hit a home run that day when he was supposed to be on his self imposed DL.

By StinkyJones

September 26, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Hoss ain’t a term of endearment. Hoss means cowboy tough. Besides, you can say Hoss on here you just can’t say VanDyke.

By True Braves Fan

September 26, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

DOB: Excellent article. I agree entirely. I think Chipper should not only win the MVP, but also a Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove. Some similarity here between this year and 1999. Bruce (The Brain) Bouchy left Chipper off the All- Star team that year (Greg Maddux also.) He was left off this year. He had a terrific final series against the Mets, and he can have a terrific last month of the season this year. Divid Wright’s candidacy is based totally on offense, he is a butcher on defense. Personally, I would vote for Reyes as the MVP of the Mets….

By mo in the boonies

September 26, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Hmmm….now the italics are unstuck! How’d that happen?

By Buffalo NY Braves fan

September 26, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

DOB thanks for the 2 blogs today, it gives me something to read when things are slow on the job.

Chipper has a shot at the MVP, but the only way he can win it is if the Braves win out, and Chipper plays a large roll in winning those games.

As far as the Andruw situation after the season…. do you think he would take that 5 year deal, and possibly move to left (a la Griffey moving to right) when Schaefer is ready for the bigs?

By knowitall

September 26, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

Mike,

I like Tony but can they bring back Michelle with him?

By knowitall

September 26, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

Mike,

Now that I think about it, Tony was never actually killed was he? He just wasn’t a part of last season’s storyline.

By TampaBrave

September 26, 2007 4:51 PM | Link to this

The fact that Fielder will play 159 games, yet even with competent supporting staff, could not wrestle away a division title in the weakest division in baseball might eliminate him in my mind. Granted, if they come back and win the division and God I hope they do, then his stock goes up a bit.

Insert Chipper in 25 more games and the Braves are likely leading the eastern division or at least the wild card. That is value, like in valuable my friends. Stats are one component but not the only component.

By Dwight Fry

September 26, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

DOB or anyone has Chipper ever considered batting left-handed all the time? I’m not sure that batting right-handed really gives him any advantage against left-handed pitchers.

By Paladin

September 26, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

When y’all talk about “Hoss” you do mean Cartwright, don’t you? I love that show. Can’t wait for the new season to start.

By DonCoburleone

September 26, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this

Seriously people, I am as big a Braves fan as anybody, but Chipper is not the MVP (not even top 3 in my book) and Yunel Escobar is not the ROY (not in my top 3 either).

ROY: 1)Ryan Braun 2)Troy Tulowitzki 3)Hunter Pence

MVP: 1)Matt Holliday 2)Prince Fielder 3)Jimmy Rollins

By Skippy

September 26, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

How can a grown man want to be called “Chipper”?

By Train Wreck Bystander

September 26, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

The WC possibilities give me a headache.

GO BRAVES GO NATS

By DonCoburleone

September 26, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this

Am I the only one who really does not want Andruw back next season? I mean, if he’d sign for $8mil or so then heck yeah, but $15 mil or even the $14.5 he’s getting this year??? I say NO WAY. Let him walk, save the money and get a starting pitcher…. A middle of the order consisting of Chipper, Teixera, Francoeur & McCann is plenty good enough to put up runs next season. PITCHING PITCHING PITCHING!!!!

By Big Donnie

September 26, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

It’s nice to dream — they’re playing awesome baseball right now, but it’s not feasable to get caught up in going to the playoffs.. we will have to win every remaining game and pray for help.

On a separate note: $100,000 fine to D. Hall? That’s ridiculous, and will almost certainly be reduced. Give me a break with that crap. So he melted down… bring him in your office Petrino, shut the door, and chew him out. Then sit him a game and be done with it. $100K? That’s just silly

By Lew

September 26, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Dwight Fry-Last night I watched the Phillies feed. They put up some interesting stas on Chipper. Did you realize that for his career, Chipper is hitting .310 LH and .305 RH? Not that big a difference, is there? He has more power from the left side, but hits righties and lefties much the same. He’s the ONLY pinch hitter with a career BA over .300 (.307) and more than 300HR-which will end up over 400 HR.

By Lew

September 26, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Excuse me. That should have been switch hitter, not pinch hitter.

By jones beach

September 26, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Chipper for MVP. Andruw for another year. Brandon Jones in left next year. And another sunny day at the beach.

By mo in the boonies

September 26, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

Didn’t get to see the game last night thanks to TBS…but will be watching tonight, just hope I don’t jinx them, because the last time I watched after a big win, they lost!

By 3trees

September 26, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

“Early one morning the sun was shinning/I was laying in bed/Wondering if she’d changed at all/if her hair was still red…”

Now THAT’S some ziti!

Reads like a good tune, DOB. I’m sure you’re familiar with The Blasters “Boomtown”? Cool too.

Thanks for bloggin’ yo yazz off, man. I appreciate the thought on Chipper, but Batting Title - yes, Gold Glove - yes, MVP - no.

GO BRAVES!

By mike

September 26, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

know it all Tony was stabbed with a syringe in season 5 but the substance was never identified. Im guessing that they will say that the substance wasnt lethal and that it put him in a coma or something like that. The producers said they toyed with bringing michelle back however they could not find a scenario that was believable. I do agree with you, though it will be weird having Tony with Michelle. Its been said that the Tony Almeida thats coming back is not the one we all knew before. Im guessing that hes either traumatized or has complete vengeance in mind. Michelle is actually signed on to be on ER this year. Ive never seen an episode of ER but I might watch a few this year just for michelle

By jones soda

September 26, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

who’s your pop?

By Lew

September 26, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

It’s interesting. The umpire involved in the Bradley situation the other night, has been suspended for the balance of the 07 season, by MLB. About time the Umps caught some penalty time.

By DonCoburleone

September 26, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

Why is the MVP award automatically tied to a team who makes the playoffs? I can understand the logic behind it - Take a great player off of a playoff team and that team might not make the playoffs; Take a great player off of a last place team and they are still a last place team - I GET IT. BUT, baseball relies on a collection of players more-so than any other sport IMO. If we look at players on bad teams, say Hanley Ramirez for instance, is it really his fault that Florida’s collective team ERA is well over 5.50? Or lets say that Detroit had made a late push and kept the Yankees out of the playoffs, would that mean A-Rod shouldn’t still win the MVP?

Bottom line, I propose baseball introduces another award - the MOP (Most Outstanding Player). You can with both (like A-Rod would in the AL this year) but usually it would be split. For instance, lets say the Brewers miss the playoffs and the Rockies sneak into the wild card. Then Holliday would win the Most Valuable Player award while Fielder wins the Most Outstanding Player award.

By Paladin

September 26, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Agree with you on the fine, Big Donnie. He chucked Smith within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage. What was he supposed to do? Kiss him? And the flag that ref threw on him for mouthing with Smith, was ricki-tiki. And why wasn’t it a double foul? The only thing he should be fined for is mouthing off at the coaches. 10K and one series is what it deserves. AND, for Petrino to tell him to keep his efing mouth shut and play football!

By david byrne

September 26, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

A straight line exists between me and the good things.

I have found the line and its direction is known to me.

Absolute trust keeps me going in the right direction.

Any intrusion is met with a heart full of the good thing.

By DonCoburleone

September 26, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

TampaBrave Fielder is doing ALL HE POSSIBLY CAN to get Milwaukee into the playoffs. Why should it make a difference if Milwaukee ends up 1 game behind the Cubs? Is it Fielders fault that Capuano unexplicably “lost it” this year? Or that Ben Sheets just can’t stay healthy? Or JJ Hardy fell off the map once the calender hit mid-May? I just don’t understand people’s MVP arguments sometimes…

By David O'Brien

September 26, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

Moylan’s had a helluva season, but won’t even get top-5 in rookie of the year. Just look at numbers put up by Ryan Braun, Troy Tulowitzski, Hunter Pence, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Tim Lincecum.

I’d imagine that Escobar will even get more votes. Guys just generally don’t vote on setup men for awards like that. They hardly get noticed, unfortunately. But in this case, no way is he as deserving as Braun and a couple others….

Chop Chop, I’m a fan of the even-earlier Cameo, the Knights of the Sound Table, with “Knights by Knights,” “Don’t Be So Cool” “Freakin Dancin,’” etc….

By kevin

September 26, 2007 5:32 PM | Link to this

I think that it makes a lot of sense to let lillibridge and jones play as a combo of center field. They both have minors experience playing there, and jones can play some in left as well. Escobar is the perfect 9th hitter you need. if he fills in once a week for kelly, edgar and chipper he will get lots of at bats and really be a 9th starter. The problem the braves have always had was depth, mostly because bobby likes extra pitchers. If you keep utility guys with talent instead of the woodards of the world, it is not a problem. Andruws money covers all the extra money you need to resign tex, and when hampton gets hurt again ( not if, when) his money can be used to sign free agent pitching help the following year,

The braves just need to find a lefty that can eat innings to fit into the 3 slot in the rotation when hampton goes down. The bullpen next year will be highly nasty. The braves are close to having another young dynasty team, starting pitching is the only concern. Smoltz id getting older, but as the old aces start to leave there money should help to pay for free agent pitchers.

All the talk about starting pitching from the organization is over rated anyway. The braves built their staff through trades and free agency tommy g is the only long termer that came up through the system. Smoltz, Maddox, hampton.. they all were acquired via trade / free agency.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 26, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Sometimes I think some of the post season awards go to the player with the best publicist. It is almost as bad as the Heisman in college ball. No wonder players want to go to New York, it’s where they get all the press.

It broke my heart that the Giants choked last night, saw it coming though. We can play the what if game all day long, it is not going to change a lot.

One thing the Braves do have is a heck of a foundation for next year. We might not make it this year, very long odds but look out 2008. Braves are going to be everybody’s pick to win.

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

Jerry’s about to steal steal that old lady’s marble rye. Woohoo!

By Caleb

September 26, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

Depending on how all the wildcard teams play, I find it funny/ironic that Mark Redman (who’s scheduled to pitch the opening game for the Rockies on Friday against Arizona) could contribute to the demise of both the Braves’ season and the Rockies’ season.

By Caleb

September 26, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

Depending on how all the wildcard teams play, I find it funny/ironic that Mark Redman (who’s scheduled to pitch the opening game for the Rockies on Friday against Arizona) could contribute to the demise of both the Braves’ season and the Rockies’ season. He’d better do for them what he did for the Braves.

By David O'Brien

September 26, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

3Trees, I’m with you, man. I’d give it to Prince Fielder….

Buffalo Fan, that’s an interesting though on Andruw, moving to left when Schafer’s ready. Can’t imagine Andruw’d go for that, but it’s interesting.

Griff moved, somewhat reluctantly, at a much older age and after multiple surgeries. Andruw’s never even been on the DL, much as he’s played hurt.

I do think Schafer will be the Braves’ CF in 2009.

Someone asked about Brandon Jones. He’s a corner OF, not a CF. Again, a corner OF.

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

1 umpire from each league should be banished each year. The managers should vote on it at the end of the season and then “Asta La Vista Baby”. That would qualify under the checks and balances provision that all real Americans consider fair play.

By Chop Chop

September 26, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Cameo???? This disturbs me.

It’s better to like a lot of different music than just a few bands or singers, though. I’ve always respected that your musical tastes provide something for everyone here. For example, if all you did was post R.E.M. or Tim McGraw tunes, I’d never post here. Your interest in so many different musical genres really makes the music talk fun.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 26, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this

kevin Smoltz was acquired from the Tigers while still a minor leaguer and he spent time with the Braves minor league teams before getting to the majors. Steve Avery was also a Braves product. Jason Smidth and Millwood were also products of the Braves organization.

Maddux was an accomplished pitcher when he was signed but there have been many kids to come up through the Braves system who have made an impact.

Some of the better talent has been traded away but all those tiles came at a cost. The Braves have been in a position to win because of moves made. You cannot always pick someone’s pocket.

Good ballplayers come at a cost. Even Chipper Jones came at the cost of the Braves being one of the worse teams in the league so they were in a position to draft him.

By DonCoburleone

September 26, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

It’s Tim Lincecum DOB… And yeah, I forgot about him… I don’t think Escobar even gets into the Top 5 for ROY….

By David O'Brien

September 26, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

For what it’s worth, my informal survey of the clubhouse revealed two votes for Prince, a split vote for Prince and Holliday, and Chipper himself voting for either Prince or Holliday. “You can flip-flop ‘em, either one,” he said.

Chipper said he’s missed too many games and shouldn’t even be considered unless Braves make playoffs.

Bobby, by the way, in a general discussion of MVP, said he thinks the MVP should be the best player that season in the league, regardless of where his team finishes. “But I know the writers don’t see it that way,” Cox said.

He was referring to the general consensus, which seems to be that a player should come from a winning team unless there’s an overwhelming season by a player from a bad team, a performance so clearly superior to the other individual performances.

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

Anybody who pitches in the World Baseball Classic should be ineligible for consideration for Rookie of the year honors.

By Paladin

September 26, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

See you guys at game time. I’m going out for dinner. Let me go over my check list. Spectacles…testicles…watch…wallet. Yeah, I guess that’s got it. Au ‘Voir

By cutty

September 26, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

Something happened in the Braves comeback win Sunday that I wonder how many people noticed or thought significant. Late in the contest Chipper and Tex hit back to back identical ground balls that the second baseman backhanded.Our MVP candidate jogged his out and was thrown out by a step. Tex ran hard and was safe by the same step. He scored the tying run and the Braves won.How many times in the last few years have the Jones boys conserved energy on ground balls and at what cost?

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 26, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

DOB Hopefully the Braves will recognize Moylan’s good work with a nice raise next year or maybe a bonus. Think that could happen? I don’t know what the club’s policy is but I think it would be a way to give some of these guys some well deserved thanks and recognition.

By the way, told you folks you would like this kid Manny Acosta. He has a little trouble finding the strike zone sometimes but he looks like Soriano’s twin brother. Both are tall and lean and really bring it…..

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this

Paladin forgot his walker and his nurse.

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

Bionic Wednesday. Tonight. Starting at 8.

By Braveheart

September 26, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Gil, Manny “Need Food, Will Pitch” Acosta is damn good. We better keep him hungry. Don’t let him get too Americanized on us like Andruw. Liked your points about things coming at a cost. Even signing good players like Chipper and Andruw earlier in the decade before budget cuts ended up costing the Braves talent after the budget cuts. You need and want good players like Chipper and Druw around but then it costs you having Glavine, Millwood, and Maddux around because the owners all of a sudden got real cheap and Chipper and Andruw were taking up so much payroll.

By Notorious Ziti (aka ncscoots)

September 26, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

Gil, I like Acosta, too, but he’s not really a kid, is he? Thought he was just a little younger than Teixeira?

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Prince Fielder hates his daddy. That’s unAmerican.

By Braveheart

September 26, 2007 6:24 PM | Link to this

Are we stuck with the ESPN fellas tonight? I’d rather hear Joe & Boog or Chip than those clowns. But I guess it’s good because so many of our out of state denizens can watch it on ESPN.

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Lothar: I am Lothar of the Hill People! Much have I have seen, and much have I done, for I am Lothar of the Hill People!

Faldor, Tyler, of what do you speak?

Tyler: We speak of many things! The hunt! Fire! The weakness of women!

Lothar: Do not tell me that women are weak! For today, my woman has cast me out of the hut!

Faldor: Mine, as well!

Tyler: My woman, also! She behaves as if I am unimportant!

Lothar: Yes! I am Chieftan of all the Hill People! But in my own hut, I am deemed no better than foul humors discharged from the body!

Faldor: Ah, yes. I, too, have worn the brown helmet. It vexes me!

Lothar: You know, I will do battle with my woman, and lose. I will do battle with my woman, and win.. and yet, I still lose! And I am supposed to feel great sorrow for her! I swear, by Zeena’s teats, if I hand her advantage on the field of war, I would be a god.

Faldor: To this, I can relate. At dawn, I leave the hut; my woman is happy in her toil. When I return from my daily gathering, I am tired and hungry; there is no food or fire, because she has dragged out her ceremonial betroval skins and spent the day weeping because they do not fit. And somehow all this is my fault! I tell you, that ties a knot in my pelt! And now, her family has come to comfort her. They have been with us since Nordis blew his icy breath. And, I tell you, if her brother is not out of my hut by piping time, there will be a clubbing!

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

I would rather substitute sandpaper for Charmin than listen to Chip.

By David O'Brien

September 26, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Chop Chop, Cameo was good, old-school funk back in the early 1980s, then they became commercialized and mainstream.

Tim McGraw is terrible, overproduced pop disguised as new country (but that’s just my opinion).

By the way, got two George Jones remastered reissues last week, Golden Ring and Grand Tour.

By Elmer

September 26, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

Dat notowious thug David O’Bwien wites weal good. I wike his wywics too. I wike my wywics even bettaw:

I’m wookin’ fo a wiwd cawd bewth… But some dwatted team in my way. Huddy vewses Kywe Wohse? Bwaves vewses Phiwwies? Philliew wisten wight now… I’m a mean mistweetah, A Phiwwie feastah, And I pwedict A bwoody sewies. A scuwowing shadow And dah shadow was dis Phiwwy wabbit. And dah night aiwah echoes… Kill dah wabbit!!!

Kill dah Phiwwys!!! Kill dah Padwes!!! Kill dah Wockys!!! Wiwd Cawd bewongs to Bwaves! Ohhhh…and dayah won’t be any mow awound. No mow Phiwwies. No mow Wockies. And no mow Padwes! Ah ha ha ha ha!!! Be vewy vewy cawhafo… I wuv my Bwaves. Go Bwaves, get wot’s of Wuns and beat thowse Philfy Phiwwies!!!

By Greg in TN

September 26, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Braveheart Actually FSN also has the broadcast tonight, so denizens in the SE are not tied to the ESPN feed.

By Lothar

September 26, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

Lothar: My woman’s family dwelled among us for some time. My woman would not walk with me while they were in our hut. She felt her matriarch would not approve of her walking with a man. I told her that her mother must have walked freely with somebody at sometime, or she would not be here for this conversation. My point was futile. It was like trying to tell the people not to eat monkey heads!

Tyler: Ah. There are days that I am so troubled, that I swear I will never walk with a woman again! And keep only the company of men!

Faldor: I have a brother who made that pledge.

Tyler: Oh, do not be misled.. the urge to walk with women is still there, there has never been any question of that! But my woman is so unpredictable! After the last great hunt, I stopped by the council fire and the feast!

Lothar: Ah, I know it well - it was a good feast, albeit a formal one.

Tyler: I drank many falgens of mead, as is my custom, and invited my fellow warriors to the hut for a game of sticks and rocks. I sent my woman ahead to prepare for us, but when I arrived, I found my personal collection of sacred relics and amulets scattered outside the hut, as if thrown with great force! Above the door is the Talisman of Gleadley, signifying death to all who cross it! Since then, I have been in the company of men!

Lothar: I have seen woman behave like this - they frighten cattle!

Faldor: What gives women such power? We are the warriors! We are the chieftans!

Lothar: Yes! Who smoked the Tree People when they attacked with a force three times greater than our own - women?

Tyler & Faldor: No!! Men!!

Tyler: And who was it that redirected the River Zoro, so the harvest would be more bountiful!

All: Men!!

Faldor: And who is it that can write their name in the snow without using their hand! Men!

[ Lothar are Tyler stare at Faldor ]

Lothar: Well.. that is a lesser point.. But you are a man, and we will overlook it!

Tyler: Yes! Slacks shall be cut for you, my friend!

Lothar: And who is better at creating a social and domestic order - one in which we can all create, and be at our best? [ pause ] Again, that is a bad example. Let us sing a song to help us forget about women!

Tyler: Yes!

Lothar: Yes! Let us sing “The Man Song”! You know the tune!

[ they stand ]

All: [ singing ] “Men, men, men, men Men are better than women! Men are stronger Men are better Men are better than women!”

[ they laugh ]

Tyler: I am filled with camaraderie!

Faldor: Let us sing another verse!

Tyler: Yes!

Woman’s Voice: Lothar? Lo-thar!

Lothar: Uh.. I can tell by the position of the sun in the sky, that is time for us to go. Until next time, I am Lothar of the Hill People!

By Savannah Guy

September 26, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

WW, it’d be a good night to turn the sound down on ESPN and listen to our guys…HD and home cookin’.

By David O'Brien

September 26, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Someone asked about Sunday: If Braves are in it, Hudson will pitch on short rest.

By DonCoburleone

September 26, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

Gil, great point about Acosta, he does look like Soriano’s twin! I really like him. I think when you look at Moylan, Acosta, Soriano and Royce Ring we have a solid foundation for a very good bullpen next year. Then throw in the fact that we should have Gonzalez back by mid-season I really believe we don’t have anything to worry about this offseason in regards to the bullpen…

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 6:48 PM | Link to this

On Dob’s reccomendation, I got ‘The Man Comes Around’. Frankly, Two songs were exceptional and two others would make it to a Mix CD. The rest was a bit too sentimental. He probably had some overdue accolades coming, but I was a dissappointed.

By TennesseePaul

September 26, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

DonC: I can see it now. Fans of a team at visiting stadiums, Home team fans at the home stadium all chanting M! O! P! when their favorite player comes up.
Changing the MVP voting is impossible. It is what it is and typically, it’s a batter with amazing numbers for the year which were increased dramatically down the stretch. But, A-Rod can blow away any typical situation. He won for a last place team, and now he’s about to win for a second place team. But he’s ridiculous.

By Savannah Guy

September 26, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Lothar of the Hill People? You sure that hill ain’t more like a mountain? Brokeback mountain?

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

Huddy’s soul patch is offcenter.

By Chop Chop

September 26, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Your opinion is well-founded. Tim McGraw is garbage. I don’t even care for most old-school country music (excepting Cash and a few others), so when a guy comes along with, as you say, “terrible, overproduced pop”, and tries to pass it off as legitimate…? Well, it reminds me of 80s hair bands that tried to claim to be metal.

That stuff just sticks in my craw.

McCraw.

I kill me.

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Only a guy from Savannah would someone make a mountain of a hill.

By Steamboat

September 26, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

Adding an MOP to the MVP and SS and Hank Aaron … why not just give everyone an award (oh wait, they do: it’s called a PayCheck).

Vote for MVP and be done with it!

btw, for those not familiar with it, in addition to the MVP they DO actually have a Hank Aaron award. It obviously hasn’t “caught on” in the public eye, but I’d rather have an award named after Hank than a floor scrubbing utensil.

From mlb.com:

Hank Aaron Award: This coveted honor is awarded annually to the best overall offensive performer in both the American League and National League. Originally introduced in 1999 to honor the 25th anniversary of Hank Aaron breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record, the Hank Aaron Award was the first major award to be introduced in 30 years.

By Lew

September 26, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

ChopChop-Don’t be raggin on the hair bands, Dude. Some of them put out some damn good rock and roll. For every bunch of losers like Poison, there were good bands like Cinderella, who did some pretty good blues/rock and for every Winger and Warrant, there was a Guns and Roses and Hanoi Rocks-who put out some damn fine hard rock.

By Savannah Guy

September 26, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

The notorious thug DOB hizzone self on the immortal George Jones…make a grown man cry, he will. One of the all-time best he is. Top ‘o the heap, king ‘o the hill. Two story house…He stopped loving her today…so many classics. I’m gonna have to get some of the remastered stuff. One of my old CD’s got scratched, uh…stepped on one night when I was pulling a George Jones. Tammy was out of town and Merle had a bottle.

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 7:06 PM | Link to this

Has anyone else noticed that the coeds appearing in the Krystal commercialz are always fat?

By Alice Smith

September 26, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

MY NAME IS ALICE SMITH AND I WAS SITTING IN THE

>

WAITING ROOM FOR MY FIRST APPOINTMENT WITH A NEW DENTIST. I NOTICED HIS DDS DIPLOMA, WHICH BORE HIS
FULL NAME. SUDDENLY, I REMEMBERED A TALL,

HANDSOME, DARK-HAIRED BOY WITH THE SAME NAME HAD BEEN IN MY HIGH SCHOOL CLASS SOME 40-ODD YEARS AGO.
COULD HE BE THE SAME GUY THAT I HAD A SECRET CRUSH ON, WAY BACK THEN?

UPON SEEING HIM, HOWEVER, I QUICKLY DISCARDED ANY SUCH THOUGHT. THIS BALDING, GRAY-HAIRED MAN WITH THE DEEPLY LINED FACE WAS WAY TOO OLD TO HAVE BEEN MY CLASSMATE.

AFTER HE EXAMINED MY TEETH, I ASKED HIM IF HE HAD ATTENDED MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL. “YES. YES, I DID. I’M A MUSTANG,” HE GLEAMED WITH PRIDE.

“WHEN DID YOU GRADUATE?” I ASKED.

  HE  A NSWERED , "IN 1965.

WHY DO YOU ASK?”

“YOU WERE IN MY CLASS!”, I EXCLAIMED.

HE LOOKED AT ME CLOSELY. THEN, THAT UGLY, OLD, BALD, WRINKLED, FAT A*, GRAY-HAIRED, DECREPIT SON-OF-A-B*** ASKED, “WHAT DID YOU TEACH?”

By jed

September 26, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

saw the louvin bros and lucinda williams last night. louvins were great. 80 years old and he’s still going strong. great voice…it’s aged well, and it’s perfect for the music. lucinda was alternately brilliant and maddening. (doug pettibone was playing guitar with her, and he’s a monster.) she opened with ‘pineola’, which rocked thoroughly, her voice cutting through like a knife. played a few off ‘sweet old world’ (‘he never got enough love’ stood out), a few off ‘car wheels’ (title song, concrete & barbed wire, too cool to be forgotten). the majority of songs came from west. but the set was dragged down by 4—count ‘em FOUR—covers. problem being, the songs she covered werent even terribly good: ‘joy’ segued into ‘riders on the storm’ (which fizzled), then there was the Buffalo Springfield warhorse “stop children what’s that sound” (not again!)…then ‘mamas dont let your babies grow up to be cowboys” (seriously)…and a fats domino cover. bottom line: she sounded incredible on her own stuff, but i went to the show to hear one of the greatest songwriters in america— i certainly didnt go to hear her play lame covers. she is becoming more political though, going off about the need for universal health care. (um. i dont think she’s very pleased in general with the present administration. imagine that, eh?) also she’s got a lot more of a messianic patti smith vibe about her these days.

By Braveheart

September 26, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

I think Acosta has been huge for the pen. He came up in early August when Soriano was struggling bad. It seemed like he gave Cox confidence and allowed Cox to rest Soriano enough so that Soriano could get back to how he was before all the abuse took a toll on him for that 3 to 4 week period in July/August.

I didn’t realize Acosta was from Panama like Mariano Rivera and Ramiro Mendoza. I actually stole that “Need Food, Will Pitch” thing from Jim Bruer’s hilarious old standup act where he made fun of Mariano Rivera and John Rocker. His bit on Rocker had me dying because he’s so good with physical impressions. And then he made fun of the emaciated look of Rivera and wondered if the Yankees only fed him if he got a save.

But Acosta, Mariano, and Mendoza are all skinny Panamanian dudes who fit into the Need Food, Will Pitch category. Acosta is 26, Mariano was 25, Mendoza was 24 when they were called up.

If, at his best, Acosta is like Mariano, we’re in really good shape. If, at his worst, he is Ramiro Mendoza, we’re still in good shape.

He throws alot harder than Mendoza though. Mendoza was more of a keep the ball down, let ‘em hit groundballs kind of guy. Acosta is more of a flamethrower like Mariano Rivera.

Let’s hope we got the next Mariano Rivera in Acosta and that we’ll have a Wetteland/Rivera type thing from 1996 next year with Soriano/Acosta. Add Moylan, perhaps Gonzalez in the mix, we could be in good shape with that pen.

By Edgar

September 26, 2007 7:11 PM | Link to this

Im going into U.S.S Hoss

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

OK we are ready……..whos playing against us?

Is it still the phillies? Lets just get it done, bring in the astros.

By Shamus Thacker

September 26, 2007 7:17 PM | Link to this

Jerry Jeff Walker - Up Against The Wall Redneck Mother

He was born in Oklahoma His wife’s name is Betty Lou Thelma Liz He’s not responsible for what he’s doin’ cuz His mother made him what he is And it’s up against the wall Redneck Mother Mother who has raised a son so well He’s 34 and drinkin’ in a honky tonk Just kickin hippies asses and raisin’ hell

Sure does like his Fallstaff beer He likes to chase it down with that wild turkey liquer He drives a 57 GMC pickup truck Got a gun rack “Goat ropers need love too” sticker And it’s up against the wall Redneck Mother Mother who has raised a son so well He’s 34 and drinkin’ in a honkey tonk Just kickin hippies asses and rainin’ hell

Aw play it for mama

M is for the Mudflaps you give me for my pick-up truck O is for the oil I put on my hair T is for T-bird H is for haggard E is for eggs, and R is for REDNECK

Up against the wall Redneck Mother Mother who has raised a son so well He’s 34 and drinkin’ in a honkey tonk Just kickin’ hippies asses and raisin’ hell (2X)

What’s that spell, Let’s go to Oklahoma USA

By Braveheart

September 26, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

Maybe a little less ziti for Andruw and he catches that.

By andruw watch

September 26, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

nice catch, andruw.

nice throw, andruw.

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

He went said Ed Rappuanno.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 7:20 PM | Link to this

Bad jump off the ball. Bad throw to HP. Talk about D

By Braveheart

September 26, 2007 7:21 PM | Link to this

maybe a little less ziti for andruw and that throw is not 30 feet up the third base line

By tanyon & kelly

September 26, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

we’ll be co-eds when we get to college but kelly will probably hafta go to community college.

hey savannah guy - you’re weird. george jones is like grandpa music.

By Overlord

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

That glove of his aint helping KJ on deciding what to do with the abundance of middle IF.

By ijonathan

September 26, 2007 7:28 PM | Link to this

Platoon, shmatoon. Yunel has to be in there over KJ right now. Period

By Mark

September 26, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this

Kelly shouldn’t be in the game. He is in a major slump and his defense is shaky. He might be one of the guys that got us here, but he might be running out of gas.

I like KJ, but he is not as good as Escobar. Escobar is better defensively and offensively.

By Greg in TN

September 26, 2007 7:30 PM | Link to this

Folks just looking at the splits and the batting and fielding stats, my MVP ranking would look this way. 1) Fielder, 2) Holliday just barely over 3) Chipper and then 4) Wright.

Tough first inning to this point by Huddy. Not sure whether AJ got a bad jump or was shaded a little further toward left on Rollin’s shot. We did get through the inning just giving up the one run and Huddy kept Howard in the ballpark, so not a disaster by any means.

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 7:34 PM | Link to this

Tanyon and Kelly, how much do you ‘chicks’ weigh? And do you eat at Krystal?

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

Does McCann actually shave?

By Shamus Thacker

September 26, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

So Michael Vick is huffing blunts.

Whut’s next!? Maybe he can work for the Braves’ grounds crew. He can snort up the baselines before new chalk is put down…

Andrew has become the other white meat; he’s a porker…

By Mark

September 26, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

Andruw still aint worth a damn. He should have caught the ball and he continues to strikeout.

It’s time for him to go!!

By Braveheart

September 26, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

okay stinky, you’ve proven you’re an ahole. run along now. the men are`watching ball.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 7:41 PM | Link to this

Its starting to look like our off day at the box.

Agree, KJ should sit rest of the season like willie.

By tanyon & kelly

September 26, 2007 7:43 PM | Link to this

stinky we never eat at krystal grease pit.

we just weighed ourselves: 245 lbs together. kelly barfs after dinner sometimes.

stinky you are way cooler than savannah guy.

By Greg in TN

September 26, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this

Good second inning on the mound by Huddy. Got very good movement on his fastball and stayed low or away which he wasn’t able to do with in Rollin’s at bat in the first.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 7:46 PM | Link to this

only thing i have like about this games is that AJ is assuring he is worth nothing, if braves sign him shouldnt be for more than 5m.

By mike

September 26, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

That bull** that skip carray got left off the tbs postseason broadcast team. And for a tennis and football announcer no less. Very classy braves but then again we ran don sutton out of town and he was the best announcer

By Greg in TN

September 26, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Happy belated birthday to Braves’ 1B coach Glenn Hubbard who turned 50 yesterday.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

its starting to smell like one of those no run support……… is Cy Young pitching?

Youve got to hate the braves some days….. you just have to.

Still ill cheer……….. gooooooo braves!!!!!!!!!

By Braveheart

September 26, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

there goes the gold glove.

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

Good Job Huddy. Season over.

By mother jones

September 26, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

chipper mvp?

By Braveheart

September 26, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

okay, i’m not gonna argue anymore. KJ is not a second baseman.

By David O'Brien

September 26, 2007 8:06 PM | Link to this

Well, alrighty they, that was a HUGE mistake by Chipper.

Didn’t need to try to tag him, of course, with two outs, but even after he missed him, still had plenty of time to throw to first base. Just a poor throw.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

Did that play by chipper had something to do with national TV???

By Mr. MVP

September 26, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this

Nice three run error from Mr. MVP at third!

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 8:09 PM | Link to this

This is only the second time since TEX got here that someone has made such a bad throw he just couldnt do anything about it.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Guess we just will keep doing anything to ruin any chance to play in october……….

Go tex….. take it out!!!!!!!!!

By Yars

September 26, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

Now it feels like a playoff game! Way to go Chipper. I didn’t see that error coming. Looks like the bats will be asleep tonight as well. KJ is definitely running out of gas. If he is traded, it will be because of his defense. We all know how much Bobby values defense.

By Shamus Thacker

September 26, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

It’s a shame we have to get old.

Skip, Ernie, Don, and Pete, were the best team of baseball announcers we’ll ever see. They WERE Atlanta Braves Baseball for many of the losing years… They made Braves Baseball bearable, even enjoyable at time, during our 1980’s National League Purgatory Tour.

There’ll never be another bunch like them…

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

OOHHHHHHHHHHH gooooooodddddd!!!!!!!!!

I must have spoken toooooooooo loud!!!!!!!!

Let me try it again!!!!!!!

LOL!!!!!!!

ill save it for a key moment.

By David O'Brien

September 26, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this

Teixeira is ridiculous.

Where would the Braves be if he’d hit cleanup for them all season?

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this

Good Job Huddy. Season over.

HUDDY IS NOT THE PROBLEM, HE CANT FIELD ALL 6 IF POSITIONS.

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 8:17 PM | Link to this

Shamus, Don was nowhere to be seen in the 80’s.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

DOB please talk with bobby, ask him to bench KJ, with need yunel for the rest of the push.

By Todd A

September 26, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

Sorry DOB. Chipper deserves the MVP as much as I deserve to be CEO at Delta. Now our self-absorbed leader can concentrate solely on the batting title after that crushing blunder. I’m sure it means more to him than making the playoffs anyway.

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this

Huddy’s already ‘fessed up to the knick name fungo. But notice no histrionics when Chipper let that swinging bunt not roll foul.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

By Todd A

September 26, 2007 8:19 PM | Link to this

*Sorry DOB. Chipper deserves the MVP as much as I deserve to be CEO at Delta. Now our self-absorbed leader can concentrate solely on the batting title after that crushing blunder. I’m sure it means more to him than making the playoffs anyway. *

Childish

By Savannah Guy

September 26, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this

DOB: Tex cleanup all season…hurts to think about it at this point, but we would be division champs, no doubt at all.

Maybe it’s just me or the view I had, but the runner avoiding Chipper on that botched play ran damn near all the way to the pitchers mound to avoid the tag (slight exaggeration for effect). Still…couldn’t he have been far enough out to call? I know there’s a lot of leeway between first and third but dammit.

Even so, horrible mental and physical mistake by Chipper. Shyte happens. No fuss from Bobby or mention from announcers so maybe I saw it wrong.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

I knew 10 runs yesterday meant off day today.

By ijonathan

September 26, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

Geezuz Krystal, why are we subjected to suspect defense and weak routine grounders to first from our 2B when we’ve got an emerging star (and DOB fave, no less) sitting in the dugout? Everybody talking about how Bobby was managing “differently” right now (and he is a little, I guess), I’m seeing the same old platoon BS at 2B…

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

Overlord, Your operation is over. admit it. Fork time. Que pasa?

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

Last start for phillies pitcher

2 IP 6 ER

how cant we do at least somewhere near that?

By Todd A

September 26, 2007 8:38 PM | Link to this

“Childish”

Who asked you?

By Braveheart

September 26, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

it’s kyle friggin’ lohse. he sucks. come on already.

By Stuart

September 26, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

I wish ESPN would have just left us alone. This team looks completely different from last night. The look stiff for some reason.

How fitting would it be that a terrible pitcher like Loshe would tie our lineup in knots in a critical game? This is ridiculous.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this

Its far from over……. the hook for phillies pitcher will come soon enough.

Dont get mad Stinky, it just aint fair to attack chipper. His err is part of the game. His D all year just superb, and as someone mentioned, utley could have been called out.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 26, 2007 8:42 PM | Link to this

Todd A, et al….

Man, Chipper made a costly error it’s true, but s** happens. Damn. Andruw hits .101 or whatever it is now with RISP since the all star break, and several people here now want to re-sign him…but Chipper makes only his 9th error, and he is a bum. Remember all those games Soriano s** the bed in? All the MONTHS Cox kept putting Andruw in 4th??? How long did Langerhans keep Diaz (and later Willie) from playing??? How many MONTHS did Willie bat leadoff when we had 3 better choices???? How many leads did Chucky NOT hold this year???? How many times did Thorman swing for a 5 run homer, when all we needed was a single up the middle?? How many balls have gone between McCann’s legs???

If we can’t make it to the playoffs, the least of the reasons why will be Chipper’s error. We’d be battling the Nats for 3rd without him…..

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this

5 pitch inning….. That wont help.

Different team with KJ in the lineup.

Different team playing behind in the scoreboard.

Still hope, 9 out to go in the season.

GOoooooooo braves!!!!!!!!

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

When I was matriculating in Athens, the girls looked a whole lot better than those heffers in the Krystal commercial.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this

Lools like we have layers on this blog.

Good to know, maybe ill need one some day, not interested just yet.

By Braveheart

September 26, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this

andruw, frenchy, mccann. one of those 3 need to step up big time here. this can’t be the yuni, edgar, chipper, tex show all the time. it just seems like frenchy, mccann, and andruw are all junk points kind of guys if they were basketball players - scoring off putbacks and such. none one of three seem to be the ones who start rallies or make things happen this year.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 26, 2007 8:53 PM | Link to this

battling Nats for 4th I mean….

By David O'Brien

September 26, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this

Berigan, so true. I mean, I can’t recall another of his errors costing the Braves dearly, and off the top of my head I know two games Escobar lost with defense in one series here in Philly. And Escobar’s been a damn good defensive player.

It happens. KJ cost them a game in Washington that I remember with his defense. McCann’s made some costly mistakes.

And let’s not forget, two batters before Chipper’s error, Hudson misplayed a would-be double-play ball and had to settle for one out.

And after the Chipper error, Hudson didn’t stop the bleeding, giving up the two-run hit.

As I wrote that, Victorino just hit a monumental homer to the second deck.

That’s two pinch-hit homers off Hudson by Victorino, who hit one off him in 2005. Only three in his career, and two off Hudson.

Hey, stuff happens.

Anybody want me to grab you one of these Phillies Fightin’ Towels? There’s a stack in the pressbox. I can fit a few in the computer case.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

lawyers

By Braveheart

September 26, 2007 9:00 PM | Link to this

god dammit!!!!!!!!!!! is cox freaking retarded? at this point of the season, why is andruw still in the lineup and if he is in the lineup why the hell is he batting ahead of diaz? Andruw has just turned into a joke. if he can’t handle the pressure of a contract year in atlanta where we have babied him for a decade, how the hell is he gonna handle playing in the kind of city where they can afford to overpay him? how freaking sad it is to see him turn himself into a fat dumpy old washed up man at the tender age of 30.

too fat to catch that ball in center in the first which led to a run.

not turning two by hudson.

boneheaded play by chipper. why was he even thinking about tagging out the runner? that’s not even a rookie mistake. you got two outs, just come up firing and throw to first. that’s a damn little league mistake that causes your father and every adult male at the field to scream at you when you are 8 years old.

this should be a 2-0 ballgame right now.

By Todd A

September 26, 2007 9:05 PM | Link to this

“Man, Chipper made a costly error it’s true, but s* happens. Damn. Andruw hits .101 or whatever it is now with RISP since the all star break, and several people here now want to re-sign him…but Chipper makes only his 9th error, and he is a bum. Remember all those games Soriano s* the bed in? All the MONTHS Cox kept putting Andruw in 4th??? How long did Langerhans keep Diaz (and later Willie) from playing??? How many MONTHS did Willie bat leadoff when we had 3 better choices???? How many leads did Chucky NOT hold this year???? How many times did Thorman swing for a 5 run homer, when all we needed was a single up the middle?? How many balls have gone between McCann’s legs???

If we can’t make it to the playoffs, the least of the reasons why will be Chipper’s error. We’d be battling the Nats for 3rd without him…..”

Berigan, the three week stretch this offense wet the bed really sunk this team, if you get down to it. There have been many meltdowns this year, as you mentioned, but the Braves would be right in the thick of it had they not lost 5 of 6 to the Mets, along with all the wasted opportunities with the bases loaded against sub .500 teams. It has been a joint effort. But, yes, I’m also picking on Chipper. I’ve always contended he’s a “stats” player. In the biggest game of the year, he choked with his defense this time, not the bat.

As far as Andruw is concerned, he hit .206 with two outs and runners in scoring position in the first half, and has hit .100 in the same situations in the second half. During face to face negotiations between Andruw/Boras and Braves mgt, I would print out that stat, and slide it across the table and show them. You want leverage? There’s your leverage. Then I would go out and sign Mike Cameron.

By Bob, Journalist

September 26, 2007 9:07 PM | Link to this

Seems to me that the MVP should be the player having the greatest positive marginal impact on his team’s overall performance … I wouldn’t think that a player having a banner year on a team laden with talent should win the award since the team would be expected to perform well had that player’s performance level been adjudged average.

By Brünnhilde

September 26, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

Are you ready for me?

By David O'Brien

September 26, 2007 9:09 PM | Link to this

Huge applause here when they just flashed the Nats-Mets score, Nats just moved ahead of the stumbling, bumbling Mets 7-6.

Phillies, NL East champions for 2007. Mark it down.

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

As I said before: Good Job Huddy. Season over.

By Lew

September 26, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

The Nationals just went up 7-6 over the Mets. The Mutts blew another 5-0 lead. Where are the Trolls now?

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

Is JBob actually Bob Costas?

By stephen hawking

September 26, 2007 9:13 PM | Link to this

this should be a 2-0 ballgame right now

But if you change one thing then you change everything. If Chipper makes a good throw maybe it is 11-6 Phillies now. Or maybe it starts raining and the game is cancelled. Or maybe Bobby Cox spontaneously combusts. etc…

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

Phillies, NL East champions for 2007. Mark it down.

Dob enjoyed that too much. He’s wicked.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 9:15 PM | Link to this

We are lucky this game still within reach…… the phillies have been all over the place.

By Just Wondering?!?!?

September 26, 2007 9:16 PM | Link to this

When I was matriculating in Athens, the girls looked a whole lot better than those heffers in the Krystal commercial.

when you were matriculating in athens, did you ever think that someday you would pathetically assume the blog identity of a high school dweeb who lived in his mother’s basement and got himself banished from a blog at least twice? imagine that. dreaming of one day graduating and stealing the identity of a banished loser.

By Braveheart

September 26, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this

okay dude. you hate skip but love chip. whatever.

By Todd A

September 26, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

“As I said before: Good Job Huddy. Season over.”

Yep, big game Huddy.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Heres our chance……….flash gordon in……….

here we go!!!!!!!!

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this

I could sympathize with Skip Caray if he hadn’t nepot’d Chip into the broadcasts.

By Braveheart

September 26, 2007 9:22 PM | Link to this

Why is Joe Simpson so perplexed that the Braves don’t work the pitcher and that the hitters help the pitcher? You have McCann followed by Frenchy followed by Andruw followed by Diaz followed by the pitcher. If a pitcher has to expend more than 10-15 pitches to get through those guys, that pitcher should not be pitching.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 26, 2007 9:24 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Well, if the Fightin’ Phils do get the NL east title, that’s ok for me. Only one Philly fan has shown up here, and he was annoyed from the game last night. Who could blame him? They can at least bash with the AL east teams, and make for a semi interestings WS. ABTM. Anyone but the Mets!!!!!

By Overlord

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

2 runs against a baaaaaaaaaad phillies pitching…… guess we will win tomorrow 15 - 5

oh no, its john smoltzs day, not run support either!!!!!!!!

goooooooooo braves!!!!!!!!

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this

Just Wondering?!?!?,

Was that your daughter horking mini-sliders for Krystals?

By Todd A

September 26, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

Looks like the Astros won’t get the chance to return the favor.

By Mark

September 26, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this

That’s the Chipper I know.

1Error 2 strikeouts.

DOB, why are yall wasting a time talking about Andruw. Do a four part series on what to do with money once the b******* is gone.

Once the pressure started to mount, this team does what they always do. CHOKE!

By Brünnhilde

September 26, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this

I have my horned helmet ready and polished. Just waiting for the pyre.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 9:36 PM | Link to this

Im done, season over, it was a nice final push.

Its a shame of all player chipper cost us the game biggggggggg time.

Could have been worst……… of all pitcher smoltz could have been the loser.

Bad defense (AJ, chipper, Brian, KJ) + No offense + poor pitching = LLLLLLLLL

Doesnt takes a genius to know that.

By StinkyJones

September 26, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

All StinkyJones. All the time. Playing all your favorite multi-personality hits. Remember this one? “You saw me crying in the chapel, then laughing at life, and now I am lonely, SJA took my wife.”

By Just Wondering?!?!?

September 26, 2007 9:37 PM | Link to this

how bad is this game? we’re not even being graced with the presence of the real stinky. just a fake wannabe cheap imitation of stinky. how sad. matriculating in athens to posing as stinky. imagine being a bigger loser than stinky. fair to say you matriculated before the hope scholarship made admission standards tougher?

By Todd A

September 26, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

“Phillies, NL East champions for 2007. Mark it down.”

That would make Jimmy Rollins a prophet. At least he would be backing up his talk, unlike our designated mouth piece.

This Mets collapse is getting more enjoyable by the day. Would love to see them swept by the Fish this weekend.

By Mark

September 26, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

It would be a different year if had Dotel about 6 weeks ago.

It’s a shame that a crappy pitcher like James gets all that run support. He sucks! This idiot actually has a winning record

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

Wait, that was ‘Just Wondering’s’ son who was dressed as a girl in Athens horking sliders!

He must be so proud.

By Mark

September 26, 2007 9:40 PM | Link to this

SeasonS Over!!!

WHERE IS KC?

By Savannah Guy

September 26, 2007 9:42 PM | Link to this

Did McCann, Frenchy, KJ and AJ see a pitch they didn’t like tonight? Even the dirt balls? Flailing, weak uglyness all around.

By Mark

September 26, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

I hate BOBBY and his loyalty to his players.

KJ had no business being in the lineup.

Escobar is just a better player.

We gotta get Andruw out of here because Bobby is in love with the guy.

First game that really could have meant something and they choke again.

By Greg in TN

September 26, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this

The error hurt and I think Joe Simpson was right, for the most part, the lineup got themselves out tonight being overaggressive. It’s happened more than a few times over the course of the season.

Really got to have a loss tonight by the Pads and would be great if the dodgers hung an L on the Rockies tonight.

By Braveheart

September 26, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Oh well. It was fun while it lasted. See you fine folks next year.

By Brünnhilde

September 26, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

Ahemmmm…….la la la la. hmmmm ah hmm….lalalala. fa la la la. lalalala.

I’m ready.

By Mark

September 26, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this

I think this game lost Chipper’s MVP CRED.

Would you agree DOB?

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

fair to say you matriculated before the hope scholarship made admission standards tougher?

Yes.

And I just want to thank JJS for making a guest appearance tonight.

Thank you JJS.

By Mark

September 26, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Please retire BOBBY!!!

By GermanBravesFan

September 26, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Looks like the wild card is almost impossible now… The only consolation I’ll take from this season is if the Phillies won the NL East and the Mets won’t make the post season!!!

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 9:51 PM | Link to this

Did McCann, Frenchy, KJ and AJ see a pitch they didn’t like tonight? Even the dirt balls? Flailing, weak uglyness all around.

Ditto.

By Mark

September 26, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

We lost to Kyle Lohse!

This team aint s**!!

By Mark

September 26, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this

We lost to Kyle Lohse!

This team aint s**!!

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this

I’ll never eat at a Krystal again. And fat chicks, jello or no jello, are off the menu. Oh the humanity.

By where's robert

September 26, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

…the lineup got themselves out tonight being overaggressive. It’s happened more than a few times over the course of the season.

wait - aren’t managers and coaches supposed to COACH the team not to do that?

By Scalp 'Em Braves

September 26, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

I thought the Braves were toast two weeks ago. The last several games, in combination with the Muts tank job and Phillies stumble, made we think we’re merely slightly cooked. But, with the Pads and the Rockies winning last night, well, we can be optimistic, but have to be realistic at the same time.

Reflecting on this season.

Bullpen moves pre-season - Definite “A”; obtaining Soriano and Gonzo looked to be the coup de etat of the leauge. Who knew that Gonzo would go down so quickly, and that Beefy Bob would implode on the road?

Position player moves B- ; Craig Wilson - loser. Woodward - loser. Keeping Orr on the roster - loser. But, KJ a definite positive, and huge surprise the first half of the year. Not giving in to trading Rent, sending Chipper out to pasture (as many here suggested before the season), and signing McCann to a long term contract - great moves, or non-moves.

Starting pitching - B for pre-season, F for everything that happened after Hampton went down (again). Redmond was a disaster - Davies didn’t pan out, again. Chuckie was hot and cold. Cormier inconsistent after long lay off due to injury. JoJo experiment was mixed. Carlyle a pleasant surprise, but not a long term solution. Huddy and Smoltz (he’s still the MAN) had good years, better had they enjoyed some run support. Huddy came out much better than many predicted.

Seasonal moves - getting Tesh was equal to getting Crime Dog way back then - just didn’t have the same results. This guy is a stalwart, and I would rather see the Braves throw tons of money at him to lock him up long term than anyone else on the team. He has come through big time. Yes, it cost us some great prospects (not to mention the coolest and longest player name in the league -best of luck to ya Salty), but an incredible move that didn’t pan out, no fault of Tesh.

Escobar call up - I thought this guy would be up for a cup of coffee during Rent’s recovery. Boy, was I wrong - clutch hitter, great range and a cannon arm. Furcal without the speed, without the ego, and without the proclivity to launch throws into the 5th row of the stands. Agree with DOB here - star written all over him.

More to come later - this post has gone on too long. I know, ya can’t wait for the epilogue. Till then…

The bleat goes on…..

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 9:56 PM | Link to this

2007 will be a season to remember, AJ wins all the awards……. he has been right there in the middle of every single braves loss, he didnt miss a step in that department.

Muts are so desperate el duque is pitching !!!!!!!

Talk about STRESS!!!!!

Stinky hope their is no hard feelings man, we are both braves fans, right? that should be enough.

Im sorry if what i said hurt your feeling, i mean it.

By Stinky

September 26, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

All Stinky all the time. Nothing could be finer.

By Savannah Guy

September 26, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Well, it’s about to get ugly in here. That’s ok…it was pretty ugly in Philly too. Fits I suppose.

Chin up. Tomorrow is another.

G’nite.

By Edgar

September 26, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Well, see ya in February guys.

By Lee in S. GA

September 26, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

The A.L. teams have to be licking their chops. No N.L. team is going to stack up to any of those A.L. teams.

I know what the Cardinals did last year and that is only going to throw gasoline on the fire.

At present time you would figure the Cubs or D,backs stand a better chance than any other N.L. team making it to the post season.

The Braves gave us hope until the end. If only they played baseball like they did the 1st and last month of this season they would have the best record in baseball.

I do not mean to sound down on them. They did provide us with an exciting season. It should be an interesting off-season. There has to be a few missing pieces added to this team.

By A-ville Ranger

September 26, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this

Cheer up folks,in the words of Denny Crum’most of our future lies ahead of us’.In the Braves case, it looks like that future is next season.

By where's robert

September 26, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

“Their team has changed over the years, but Bobby has a history,” said Phillies starter Jamie Moyer, Tuesday’s losing pitcher. “However he does it, I don’t know. Some way, somehow, either he or his players figure out a way to motivate themselves.”

Bobby’s motivational technique is to yell “C’mon kid. Let’s go”.

Who would not be inspired?

By A-ville Ranger

September 26, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

DOB——I’m sure you’ve addressed this before but how close do you think Chipper is to having HOF numbers ?I’m thinking three strong seasons might do it.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

Time to talk 2008……

Can anyone mention another manager that would have started 158+ games¿????

Theres your season right there.

Experiments like Thorman and wilson; redman and woodward.

Too many bad things that got to us in different months.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

Wagner is melting again….. 2 on 1 out. 9th inning.

By Brünnhilde

September 26, 2007 10:28 PM | Link to this

Allright good boys and girls. I’m going to eat a dozen cheeseburgers, slurp 12 milkshakes and down a box of Krispy Kreme’s, then retire for the evening. My wig is ready, horned-helmet polished and costume ready.

Have to rest my vocal chords you know. Tomorrow I’ll probably have the stage. Once I start, I’ll need 18 hours to finish. I’ll feel your pain.

Little Stinky, you behave now and be a good boy.

By Brünnhilde

September 26, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this

Wagner? No, my Wagner never melted. Wash your mouth out.

By Edgar

September 26, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this

‘Slim’ has officially left the town.

By Lew

September 26, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this

ScalpEm’s 9:56 makes sense to me. I think he sums it up pretty well. All in all though, we will end up winning more games than a year ago and things look good for the future, especially if the money is there as now looks to be the case. I’d still let Andruw go and try to sign Rowand if we have that kind of money-if not, lock Tex up long term and find a couple more middle of the rotation guys-maybe go after Bronson Arroyo in a trade.

Life would take a definite upswing if the Mets don’t hold on for the division. The Nationals just scored two in the 9th to make it 9-6. The Mutts are going down and the Trolls have headed for the hills. Life could be much worse.

By Stuart

September 26, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

The braves were playing so loose and free until they got noticed in the WC race. Then the playoff braves we all know and loath showed up. Everyone on that team tonight played tight, scared and selfishly. Andruw misplayed a flyball into a triple and then Chipper tried to do too much on a simple ground ball. That is four runs right there. ABs were a JOKE.

Do you guys realize that the lineup that is supposed to wear down pitchers saw only 35 pitches the last 4 innings COMBINED. That is pathetic.

Chipper is not a hoss, he aint even a man. He is a wuss. He is less clutch than Byung Young Kim. 5 runs ahead or behind in meaningless games, he is the best hitter in MLB, but put him in a big game or when it matters and he turns to mush.

Bottom line, the Jones boys lost this one for tonight and now unless an epic miracle happens we get to watch the Phils and Mets play in a postseason series that we were good enough to be in. I counted 20 games that the braves BLEW obviously, not counting some subtle ones.

A great start and a good finish does not mean squat. This was the most frustrating year for me as a braves fan. I hope next year will be better.

By N8

September 26, 2007 10:50 PM | Link to this

I know this might sound a little “sour grapes”, but is anybody else on here rooting like HELL for the Phillies to win the division and the Rockies/Diamondbacks/Padres to win the wild card? Obviously one of them will win the NL West.

For NO OTHER REASON than the Mets trolls on this blog all summer. Haven’t heard much from them lately. I personally don’t have any issue with the Mets themselves, in fact they have some great players that ALL baseball fans, should root for and appreciate.

But even though the Braves lost tonight, pretty much ending all realistic hope, I just smiled when I saw the Mets lost to the Nats….AGAIN.

Kinda funny, I think.

Because even though we have failed 2 years in a row to make the post season. As Braves fans, we can also say that we NEVER choked a division lead that we held since May.

Yikes.

Go Phils.

By Lee in S. GA

September 26, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this

Lew

I hate the Mets as much as you. The trolls or jerks (too old fashion) have left this blog for now. Some may even be seeking medical counseling these days. I dare say, they will reappear, if the Mets pull this off.

I am no Phillie fan either but I will pull for them to win the division then lose in the playoffs.

This season has been full of surprises if anything. I hope the World Series does not disappoint.

By Mark

September 26, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this

Stuart you are totally right about Chipper. He and and that loser in CF is definitely a bunch of choke artists.

This is BOBBY BASEBALL!!

This reminded me of some of those playoff games we used to choke in.

Mark my word BOBBY needs to go. He takes the fire out of his teams. His loyalties to players that don’t produce is pathetic. If he stays he will take the fire out of some of our young players like Escobar, Frenchy,and McCann.

No Way Andruw would have started as many games as he has.

Why can’t he bat 8th in the lineup? Why was Kelly in the lineup?

Escobar is clearly the better player.

Bobby pleeeeeaaaaase Retire!

By Edgar

September 26, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

I really hope JS keeps from here on my offseason time interesting with that “mysterious” Braves offseason to come.

By Mark

September 26, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

Chipper has definitely lost his MVP Cred.

Although he has strengthened his Choke Cred.

Whoever wants to get rid of Renteria is crazy!

By bruce

September 26, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

Stuart and Mark How many batting champions are wusses or choke artists? Nine errors all year? very solid performance that any player or 3B would love to have. you are letting your emotions rule about chipper.

By Mark

September 26, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

The Phillies have more heart than the Braves and Mets combined.

Man I don’t care what nobody says. Rollins is the MVP!

He is as clutch as they come.

Unlike Braves so called superstars, he hits in the Clutch.

Texeira is clutch, but I am referring to those stars that last names are JONES!!

By Mark

September 26, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

The Phillies have more heart than the Braves and Mets combined.

Man I don’t care what nobody says. Rollins is the MVP!

He is as clutch as they come.

Unlike Braves so called superstars, he hits in the Clutch.

Texeira is clutch, but I am referring to those stars that last names are JONES!!

By Mark

September 26, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

The Phillies have more heart than the Braves and Mets combined.

Man I don’t care what nobody says. Rollins is the MVP!

He is as clutch as they come.

Unlike Braves so called superstars, he hits in the Clutch.

Texeira is clutch, but I am referring to those stars that last names are JONES!!

By Lee in S. GA

September 26, 2007 11:10 PM | Link to this

N8

My preference would be for the D.backs or Rockies to go to the W.S. I have a habit for pulling for the underdogs when push comes to shove.

By Lee in S. GA

September 26, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

Mark I agree with you about Rollins. He is one of those who can

By Mark

September 26, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

Bruce he hasn’t won the batting title yet and this is his first season that his defense actually was good.

My emotions are just fine. This man has always choked in big games. Look at his post season number.

He is sort of like Maddux and Glavine. He is only good in the regular season.

Now he is old and injury prone. Yeah he can still play, but when it counts he is THE SAME OLD CHIPPER!

By Mark

September 26, 2007 11:22 PM | Link to this

You said it LEE!

What do we have left as far as pro sports is concerned.

We have the DODO birds!(Hawks and Falcons)

I guess I am gonna have to watch HOCKEY.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this

I hope the braves make a trade that includes KJ and not edgar or yunel. We would get about the same kind of pitching in giving any of the 3, is not like we are getting santana for edgar or yunel and for kj we will only get someone like Pelfrey. KJ im sure would get us that much needed #3, just by adding one of our relievers in the trade (yates, devine, who knows).

Once again, no need to expend millions on a CF, maybe even BJ is an upgrade from AJ.

prado and lillybrige and peña (C and 1b)could very well back up IF.

sign willie for 1 year and let him play CF, good glove and batting 8th would do no worse than AJ, yunel will be leadoff and we are done with the position players.

Little changes will be enough.

One more thing, we need Cox to be a braves fan, not their manager.

By BossLady

September 26, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

Because…Andruw is a 10 & 5 player and does not have to go anywhere if he does not choose to go. “That’s Why” He can stay there and hold up the bench if they bring in someone else. See he has made more money that all of us on the blog put together in a lifetime. Those players do not need any money, they just want it for the prestige. Popularity is decided on how much they land contracts for and which teams are bidding. To me, and it is just an opinion, Andruw is bored and probably will retire for lack of initiative and interest. The other teams that are interested have “GOOD” hitting coaches and can probably fix Andrus’s stance, swing and hitting. Terry Pendleton should go faster than Andruw. Francour, McCann, Johnson and Harris are good hitters, they need a damn hitting coach. Let’s hold people accountable for doing their jobs, okay? Scott Boras has offers for Andruw, but, he wants to stay in Atlanta with his new wife and baby. Glavine had to leave his family here and go stay in that big nasty NY for a contract. I just do not believe that Andruw will do that. 10 & 5 man, 10 & 5. Like the corporate world you cannot stay in the same place and position too long it hurts you in the long run…….

By fastasballs

September 26, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this

Total team loss tonight. Bad defense & bad hitting. I was hoping to see Escobar in the game & leading off. He just brings something special to the leadoff spot. No he’s not Rollins, but he seems to be in the middle of every rally they have had in recent weeks.

We all knew the chances were slim to none they would make it, but they will take a lot of positives into 2008.

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

September 26, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

Chipper deserves his first gold glove in spite of the error tonight that blew the game open for the Phillies. My feeling is , Smoltz and the Braves will beat the Phillies tomorrow night , but in doing so they will actually help the Mets. Mike Winters suspended ? That man should be fired , his actions will impact the playoffs for a lot of teams. No referee or umpire can be in such a position and still be part of the game in a positive sense.

By Ron

September 26, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this

Im either bad luck OR we suck in playoff type atmospheric games!!! Either one!!!

By uga-brave

September 26, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this

you guys blow me away, how in the heck can you sit there and criticize chipper, the guy arguably just had his second best year in the majors. all i know is he and andruw are the only regulars left that that have led the braves to the postseason.

as for andruw, if i had a dollar for every time JOE SIMPSON said andruw wishes he had that pitch back, i could take the whole blog to the local shoe show.

as painful as it is for me to say because i am druw fan, it time to cut ties.

no way you can have all those k’s in right and center field, both frenchy and druw are always gonna be 125 k a year guys.

if you want to place blame on the game tonight place it on the 5-8 hitters. not a crime to take a pitch every now or then. hate to say it but B’MACC has been somewhat of a disapointment. needs to get better behind the plate no matter what.

By Lee in S. GA

September 26, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this

Mark

I agree man. The Hawks and Falcons are pitiful. You figure you have at least hope with the Braves every year.

Overlord

I have stated on here before that K.J. needs to go before Yunel or Edgar and was attacked like he was somebody’s brother or something. K.J. could possibly bring in more talent than Edgar because of his youth.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this

Mark you are kind of right, chipper has chocked many times, but you have to remember he has been in many many playoff games, that means many many AB, you cant expect him to hit clutch every single time……. He has carried this team to this final run, he chocked today, he has done anything within his power.

Even the great mariano rivera choked 2 years ago against bosox.

Look at wagner.

Cardinals…….from champs to joke, same for whitesox.

I can recall dozens of times this season when i said WAY TO GO CHIPPER, YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!!!! and i wasnt alone saying that.

He chocked but he is not the biggest chocker of all time, come on.

And please, dont even mention him along with AJ, that guy is a chocker, he is out even before he puts the uniform on.

Its sad that our greatest player did cost us the game and maybe the season in a single play, but, thats baseball, as a fan im sure you know that part.

Take it easy, we will celebrate in 2008 even if cox is around.

By uga-brave

September 26, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

stuart & mark,

please call me when you two morons are admitted to cooperstown. oh yeah you’ll have to buy a ticket.

By Lee in S. GA

September 26, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

I fully expect Escobar to be Rollins - Jeter type player when he gets a couple of more years experience under his belt. This kid is fun to watch.

BossLady

Gotta agree with you about Pendleton. He was a good player but as a hitting coach he looks like Pee Wee Herman (overweight) standing out there.

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 11:47 PM | Link to this

What is worst, not only we will beat phillies tomorrow and help muts, that will bring us a step closer to miss playoff by only 1 game.

·$&%/&(&)$·”$%!$%”!·

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this

I was hoping to see Escobar in the game & leading off. He just brings something special to the leadoff spot. No he’s not Rollins, but he seems to be in the middle of every rally they have had in recent weeks.

accurate!!!!!!!!!!

About those las 4 hitters, man, even matt looked baaaaaaadddddd!!!!!! Brian is not looking nowhere near last years performance. Jeff has shown some progress but slowly.

Do you people think there is a better choice than CAIN? im sure braves can get that guy if we throw KJ, Devine and Thorman or some SP from AAA

By Overlord

September 26, 2007 11:57 PM | Link to this

To tell you the truth i hope SD and colorado keep winning.

So the muts dont get the WC berth.

By uga-brave

September 27, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

have always said that rollins was one of the most underated players in the league. he is a true five tool player and at short to boot.

said last night that esco needed to be in there tonight, kelly is hitting .205 in sept. and cannot go to his right at all. the more escobar plays 2nd the better he looks. please bring edgar back next year and let those two play 162 next year.

we would arguably have the best infield in baseball.

renteria and escobar constantly put the ball in play.

By gotigers72

September 27, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this

It really irritates me to think what could have been if BC had moved Andruw out of the 4 hole about a month/month and a half before Teixeira came over, and if he had started playing Diaz against righthanders every day and sat Willie down a lot earlier. He has sat Willie down and is playing Matt daily now. Geez, I wonder what brought that on?

I think a package of KJ and Chuck would bring the Braves an above average starter. I just don’t think Chuck is going to get any better, and KJ has really gone downhill in the past month. He’s lost about 18-20 points off of his batting average, and no matter how hard he worked with Hubbard over the winter, he’s no better than average at second base. Keep Edgar, play Yunel at second, and bring Lillibridge up to fill in when needed in the infield. I can’t believe the Braves would keep Orr and Woodward after this year. They are both hitting below the Mendoza line, not even hitting their weight, literally. May as well give Lillibridge a shot. No way he could do any worse. Give him a shot at playing some second, so when Edgar does move on, the Braves will have an idea of what to do with Yunel and Lillibridge. I can’t see Edgar being traded for anything less than a STRONG starter.

By fastasballs

September 27, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

This Mark guy sounds like a Muts fan. You run your so called team into the ground & blame the one guy who has carried the team most of the season.

I’m sure you were not calling Andruw a “loser” in 2005 or last year for that matter. I think it’s a wise move not to try and resign Andruw, but running someone in the ground by calling him loser is childish to say the least.

Was Chipper the ALL TIME choke artist last night? I don’t think so. Get a life dude. Fans like you disgust me.

I will say you gained some Cred tonight for the annual Poopoolitzer award for blog ignorance & wasting the most bandwidth.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this

Lee in S. GA yunel is almost there, he is not there yet because bobby keeps him on the bench.

Is tony gwynn available for hitting coach?, someone mentioned that weeks ago and i can recall tony on tv making comments for the braves 2 weeks ago.

By Lee in S. GA

September 27, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this

gotigers72

All I can say it a line from “Ghost” ditto.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 12:13 AM | Link to this

gotigers72 if woodcrap and P-oor, i mean P-orr, whatever, play a single game, or even if they are at spring camp, i wont blog a single letter, wont watch a single pitch next season.

By fastasballs

September 27, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

San Fran is loaded with young pitching so they may come off with one, but it’s going to be costly. They need offense in a major way, we have plenty of that.

I watched Cain last night & he has the makings of a great one.

I assume Devine could be trade bait, but he’s never been used enough to increase his value. He’s still untested. Everyone remembers him as the guy that gives up grand slams.

The bullpen will be good next year. Look how effective they were this year with a little rest.

By David O'Brien

September 27, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this

Fastasballs, he’s a piece of work, isn’t he?

By uga-brave

September 27, 2007 12:17 AM | Link to this

no doubt andruw has been a bust this year, looks like he aged five years in the last season in a half, but there were other mild disapointments also.

myself included who expected brian and frenchy to combine for 35 big flys. i think we all thought the over-under would be around 55.

never thought brian would hit .330 every year but his .320 .obp this year has got to be disapointing.

unlike last offseason the bullpen is now somewhat of a strength. there are now defined rolls and if gonzo comes back healthy thats just icing.

i now think esco should play everyday at 2nd next year unless someone absolutely knocks our socks off with a trade for renteria.

By David O'Brien

September 27, 2007 12:25 AM | Link to this

Mark, in answer to your question, do I agree: No, I don’t agree. With whatever you said. Ever. Out of principle.

By David O'Brien

September 27, 2007 12:27 AM | Link to this

Gotigers, I like your midnight post. Good ideas, make a lot of sense.

By uga-brave

September 27, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

fastballs,

here here. could not agree with you more. fans that critcize chipper are either haters or flat out ignorant.

if chipper was as selfish as some say he would not have more walks then strikeouts, 80 vs. 74. thats one stat i am pretty sure frenchy will never see on his bio.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 12:33 AM | Link to this

I would say go for CAIN, that boy has a winning attitude and triples the stuff james has.

Our BP: Soriano, Gonzo, Mahay, Moylan, Acosta, Devine and Ascanio. Maybe we will need villarreal again. That looks pretty solid to me.

What about James for long relieve? He can go 4 innings of good pitching. Plus you add LH to the BP. Just a thought, i know it wont happen.

By David O'Brien

September 27, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this

uga-brave, we probably all believed Frenchy and McCann would hit at least 45 homers between them. But to me, long as they’re getting RBIs, that’s not a huge deal. I do, however, agree with you on Mac’s OBP. Way too low, particularly given what he did last year, when he was just a phenomenal hitter for most of the season.

He played hurt this year all season, pretty much. But injuries are part of the game. He’s young, gotta get past that. Gotta stay healthy and produce, especially since he’s a franchise player for the Braves with that long-term contract.

Early prediction: Big year for him next season. I think he’ll come to camp a little stronger, healthier, in better shape. I do know Francoeur plans to come to camp quite a bit stronger, getting on a better offseason program, better diet, more lifting, etc.

It’ll be interesting. Remember, they’re only 23.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this

Tomorrow by this time.

Phillies win. Muts lose. SD wins. Col wins.

Muts would be tied for 1st in the east and 3 way tie for 2nd in WC.

Sounds like muts wont sleep tonight, lack of sleep can affect you everyday performance, like hell.

By uga-brave

September 27, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

the phils have absolutely built that team around that ball park. it has got to be the toughest place to pitch for opposing pitchers. cant give more than three outs an inning there. if they win the division they are my pick to come out of the n.l. every fly ball makes you hold your breath.

as for their crowd tonight how come ESPN was not blasting that lousy turnout tonight.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

I think McCanns productivity was affected because he was overused. He is young, but he is out of shape. Bad move on the part of the braves to have rookies to back up a young catcher. We need some veteran to do that next year or work hard on peña over winter and spring.

He and jeff were asked to do too much, i think playing jeff every game was a mistake, he could have used some breaks to think and regroup.

BTW, rollins is no prophet, he just did what other 50 players do at the begging of the the season, believe in their respective teams and think and tell they are the team to beat.

By fastasballs

September 27, 2007 12:53 AM | Link to this

Frenchy is never going to have the plate dicipline that Chipper possesses, but should have the same power, maybe more as he gets older. He’s only 23. Murphy didn’t have the power until he was 26 or so. Frenchy already proved last year he can hit 30 plus, but the next time he accomplishes it he will have better overall #’s.

McCann is beat up. He’s had to play basically non stop for months. Ever since Salty was traded we saw very little of anyone behind the plate except McCann. He can’t turn on the inside pitches like he was because of the injuries. He wears out the right field wall when he is healthy. I don’t worry about him in the least. His defense has suffered as well. You can’t count on a catcher to carry the team with the bat all season. It’s not going to happen.

Escobar is going to be a stud. If he developes more power he’ll be a superstar. He has all the intangibles that you can’t teach. He’s the most fundamentally sound guy on the team both in the field & at the plate. If someone like Andruw had Escobar’s mental make up & instincts he would be unstoppable.

I’m excited about next year. This can easily be a 95 win team next year if pitching is acquired & stays healthy. The offense is there. What needs to be changed the most is the approach by the coaches, IMO. When the team lacks simple baseball skills that sandlot teams have there are problems.

There are too many failed bunt attempts, missed signs, hitting the wrong cut off man, bad base running & poor defense caused by bad fundamentals. There were a lot of games lost by lack of excecution this year, enough to overcome 4-5 games for sure.

By uga-brave

September 27, 2007 12:56 AM | Link to this

dob,

i agree, i think brian will only get better offensively. his mechanics at the plate are to good for him not to. he does need to get quicker defensively. he has got some bad habits, tries to backhand too many pitches in the dirt and does not use his body to block balls. that being said those are all correctable.

i too think at some point he will have +.300,30, 110 type of year if not many if he controls that weight.

on top of that i think he is one of the real so called good guys on the team.

By fastasballs

September 27, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this

Does anyone else find it ironic that the AJC is running a Kohler advertisment next to DOB’s blog with a picture of a toliet on the day the Braves season was officially flushed?

By KC

September 27, 2007 12:59 AM | Link to this

TEIXEIRA: “I’m having the most fun I’ve had in my career, and I think it shows,”

Braves Prez, Terry McGuirk: “The trends will be upward; everything will be northward,” he said, “as we’re in the process of building a team and building value and building a franchise. You don’t get anywhere by cutting… They’re not worried about the top number [payroll limit], McGuirk said, and I’m not worried about the top number.”

I think you should get used to seeing Tex in a Braves uni. It’ll be fun.

You should also expect the Braves to add BOTH a quality starter (at least one) and a quality center-fielder this winter.

Baseball-less October streak should be halted at 2 seasons! I’m ready for the next one to start!

By uga-brave

September 27, 2007 1:07 AM | Link to this

i really think k.j. might be more tradeable than edgar, younger cheaper and more upside. dont get me wrong k.j. exceeded my expectations. esco seems just effortless in everything he does, rare. let him play second 162 next year, then slide him over to short in 09.

no matter what #1 priority is signing tex long term. gonna be expensive but it is a must. he is a true 4 hitter and game changer.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

Where did you get those comments from KC, if you could paste the link please.

What i noticed tonight was the sense of PANIC, not a single player, not even renteria looked cool, STRESS and PANIC was everywhere for the braves, it amazes me how did they managed not to lose by 10 runs.

By uga-brave

September 27, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this

october, the best time of the year for us sports fans. postseason baseball and every saturday is a playoff game in college football.

as for the braves thanks for not rolling over and playing dead in sept. lot to look foward to next year if everyone stays healthy. thanks for the blog DOB, it has been a lot of fun. some real characters around here, most are really quite entertaining especially you PALADIN very original.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 1:24 AM | Link to this

Have nothing else to say UGA, you said it all.

Well almost all…….. id add to those comments the efforts they need to do to get CAIN or D.TRAIN or both. Lilly would be good also, but i like 1st 2 choices better.

By David O'Brien

September 27, 2007 1:26 AM | Link to this

Bad as it feels for the Braves right now, imagine how strange and even sickening it feels for the Mets right now, tonight, when they must be seriously wondering if the lead they’ve held all year, the division-title that seemed a formality a month ago, everything is completely up in the air.

I don’t even think they’re going to make the postseason, they’re such a mess right now. And if they do, certainly can’t see them winning a series….

Now think about this: Charlie Manuel doesn’t have a contract for next year, and folks here in Philly say he really might not be brought back (I know, unbelievable). How ‘bout this: If the Phils win the division and Manuel is let go, and the Mets complete their meltdown and don’t make the postseason, and Randolph is back next year.

Crazier things have happened….

By the way, just saw that Danys Baez will miss the 2008 season for Tommy John surgery.

By fastasballs

September 27, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this

DOB You are 100% correct about the Muts. I’ve been reading their blogs the past few hours & it’s utter mayhem with their fans. They want everyone including the grounds crew fired.

Oh & let me say DOB, your blog smashes any other baseball blog in content, baseball knowledge & topics.

By uga-brave

September 27, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this

would love to be a fly on the wall in that mets clubhouse. the buzzards are a circlin and i am sure the press and talk radio are being very understanding, right. they could actually fall all the way out of the playoffs, who are the amazins now? many acta has got more out of the nats then any manager could hope for. i bet he gets a couple of manager of year votes.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 1:54 AM | Link to this

whats funny about muts its that the same thing that left us out is gonna leave them out……. no SP is able to go more than 5 and then the BP is a mess. Guess their fans talked too much.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 1:58 AM | Link to this

He gets mine UGA….. The nats have made life miserable for muts, phillies and braves with their so called “weak team”.

By AZBravoFan

September 27, 2007 2:00 AM | Link to this

Overlord: No way do you want C. James in the bullpen. Way too many homeruns. He just needs to spend the winter shoring up some sort of breaking ball to keep hitters honest and to get him through the 3rd trip through the lineup. Then he’ll be fine. Maybe hit the weights a little too and try to get the heater up into the low 90’s more consistently. Actually, getting Tom Glavine on the team might be a great thing for him.

By uga-brave

September 27, 2007 2:04 AM | Link to this

sebrok,

early graveyard shift is now over. the last meaningful game has been played in 07. the floor is now yours. go get em. see you down the road.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 2:05 AM | Link to this

maybe ned yost

By fastasballs

September 27, 2007 2:09 AM | Link to this

You gotta go read some of the Muts blogs. Their fans are on the ledge & it’s not going to take much for some to take the leap. It makes the worst night in here seem tame in comparison. It’s worth watching their game tomorrow just to hear the boos reigning down from the stands.

If they finish off the meltdown JS can probably sign Glavine for a bargain because he will want nothing to do with New York after the media & fans are done ripping him apart.

By uga-brave

September 27, 2007 2:12 AM | Link to this

overlord,

acta got more out of that team that was possible. just think everyone thought they would lose 110 this year.

as for your idea on matt cain could not agree more, but everyone is gonna come after them because of that plethora of sp’s they have. i think he is actually a better option than d-train. either way would take either of them. i do think dontelle would re-energized playing for a meanigful organization.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 2:13 AM | Link to this

fastasballs ill go read if you send a couple of links…….. im sick minded, LOL.

By uga-brave

September 27, 2007 2:21 AM | Link to this

fastballs,

dont you think the phils are rueing that ninth inning comeback the braves put on them a couple of weeks ago?

as for the mets, nothing better then watching their angst. if this goes bad, it would be absolutely devestating. talk about a lonely offseason. on top of that the yanks clinched at least the wild card tonight.

By travis

September 27, 2007 2:26 AM | Link to this

Does anyone here know whether a team has ever finished up a season with 10 or more victories in a row? The way the Rockies are playing, they could conceivably (although not likely) end the regular season on a 14-game winning streak. The funny thing is if that happens they’ll probably get swept in the first round…

By Mathematical Elimination

September 27, 2007 2:32 AM | Link to this

Chances now of the Braves playing in the postseason: 0%

Chances of at least a post a day from now through next April featuring the boyish exuberance of ol’ sun-never-sets KC on the practically limitless prospects for the 2008 Braves: 110%

By the way, thanks to the blogger who gave the heads-up the other day on that movie on TCM last night, “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.” Excellent movie. Very suspenseful. And obviously a big influence on Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs.”

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 2:34 AM | Link to this

Travis there is no team in the NL capable of Sweeping anyone. And i would really think about that sweep comment, i have seen this guys play, they are on fire, just like phillies.

By travis

September 27, 2007 2:42 AM | Link to this

I wasn’t disrespecting the Rockies, I was just pointing out the potential irony of them winning 14 in a row then getting swept…

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 2:49 AM | Link to this

fastasball….. are you sending the link to mets blogs?

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 2:51 AM | Link to this

I didnt think you were

By Serbok

September 27, 2007 3:02 AM | Link to this

uga-brave Hows it goin bud? Agree with ya on D. Willis, It has always seemed to be an uplift for any player who comes to the Braves Org. Hope it remains that way? I think Roger D. will be gone after this year. For Dontrelle to come to the braves Organization would be just the trick he needs. I agree with DOB, that the Braves have provided us all with QUALITY entertainment is beyond reproach. The Braves are At a very crirical crossroad, as to how this team will continue to provide us with said quality. I really feel that with the Tex trade, we are positioned very good! (of course along with whomever is responsible for our minor league talent) It’s gonna be a very interesting off season to say the least? I still have faith in JS. Fact is there’s just not much SP out there? So?????????? As JS did, he Got TEX. Still wonder how ppl can say that was a bad move? however thats history. I’d love to see TG back and if it can be done prudently, JS will get it done. I have thoroughly enjoyed the season and one of the reasons I have is due to MLB.com and The good bloggers that Have enhanced the experience! Mlb.com, BTW, only cost me 15 bucks a month as where the bloggers cost me immeasurebly! LOL And the Braves gave me immeasurable pleasure:o) Lets hope Bobby learned somehting this year? I would hope that he learned the first game is just important as the last game? Bobby has been absolutely Very good the last 6-10 weeks of the year! Lets just hope Jeb Bush throws his hat into the ring, so he can continue to rewrite the constitution! sorry~ couldnt resist! :o(

By Serbok

September 27, 2007 3:15 AM | Link to this

ARGHHHHHHH Forgot to mention! The way that TBS has treated Chip is despicable!!!! Then again, those in power whom are afraid of open honest comment on whatever may be going on at the time are certainly afraid of the ppl who may “SAY” something beyond the “script” Skip has been around long enough, not to be afraid to speak his mind? TBS is just afraid of what he might say. With the ppl they have chosen to announce the games they must feel more comfortable that they have them by the “career hairs?” I for one am Happy to pay MLB to watch the Braves than to ever have anything to do with WTBS ever again!

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 3:23 AM | Link to this

http://www.metsblog.com/2007/09/26/postgame-nats-9-mets-6/#comments Comment by letsgohome 2007-09-26 23:20:47

Agreed..

Now we have YANKEE fans, PHILLY fans, Nationals fans, braves fans.. ALL of them arer going to make the mets fans their b***.. Two years in a row with a monster offense, and we can not win SHT!!!!

WE are the laughing stock of baseball right now.. espn doesnt even want to recap the games because most of the guys are met fans there in CT… Log in to Reply

By Serbok

September 27, 2007 3:25 AM | Link to this

ARGHHHHHHH Forgot to mention! The way that TBS has treated Chip is despicable!!!! Obviously I meant SKIP My bad

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 3:34 AM | Link to this

Comment by Nightlife 2007-09-26 23:23:26

Let’s just trade our entire farm system, literally, for Johan. Log in to Reply http://www.metsblog.com/2007/09/26/postgame-nats-9-mets-6/#comments

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 3:37 AM | Link to this

Comment by MetsAllTheWay 2007-09-26 23:23:54

Inexusable!!! YOU CAN NOT BE SWEPT BY A LAST PLACE TEAM IN THE LAST WEEKEND OF THE SEASON. Pitiful performance they really do not deserve to be in the playoffs its sickening to watch the bullpen is as terrible as can be. Its an automatic right now, bullpen in = game over. We’re heading for an epic collapse here

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 3:38 AM | Link to this

Comment by letsgohome 2007-09-26 23:24:54

Anyone have a yankee hat i can borrow for October?????

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 3:39 AM | Link to this

Comment by marvelousmarv 2007-09-26 23:25:41

Not sure when he is a free agent but i got two words bloggers:

JOHAN SANTANA.

I’ll pay $30 million PER YEAR. Log in to Reply Comment by Nightlife 2007-09-26 23:27:17

Got one more year before he hits free agency. Log in to Reply

Comment by The Glider 2007-09-26 23:59:34

And then as soon as we get him, he’ll then suck too. He’ll get infected. Log in to Reply

By Serbok

September 27, 2007 3:50 AM | Link to this

Overlord thanx for the Mds link:o) Ya beat me to the:

Comment by letsgohome 2007-09-26 23:24:54

Anyone have a yankee hat i can borrow for October?????

Wow man~ Ya think it’s all that pavement and lack of trees up there?

I loved reading it Bro! Thank you! their blog uses a 24 hour clock? DOB Post some appropriate Lyrics on their site ? Just kiddin~ Gonna take care of that myself:o)

By Metropolitan Man

September 27, 2007 5:26 AM | Link to this

Hey there brave bloggers. Heres to Smoltz throwing a gem tonight. I know you guys still have wild card aspirations but because the METS got swept by the lowly Nats, we look to our past bully for a little help. Its hard being a METS fan, as the lasy month is evidence of that alone. If the METS miss the playoffs youz guyz should rub it in to the fullest. I have never in all my life as a METS fan seen such horrible pitching and defense ( a week ago). So once again, a rare moment shall occur, this METS fan will be rooting whole heartedly for the braves to kick some philthy a$$. It shouldnt be this way, they controlled their own destiny most of the season only to end up depending on other teams like they are in the wild card chase which they could end up being in 2 days.
Smoltz, dont blow the game, keep shooting for the wild card and beat those pesky philthies.

LETS GO……oh never mind!!!!

By ssiscribe

September 27, 2007 7:29 AM | Link to this

Just wanted to check in: Between losing my Internet connection for the end of my work day and most of last night, along with a sick child, I wasn’t on here last night.

But I watched part of the game. Tough loss. Just couldn’t get out of that hole at the beginning. And the Padres win just about ends it.

But it was fun while it lasted, for sure. Gotta get back to attending to things here at home/office.

Go Braves!

The Scribe abides.

—30—

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 27, 2007 7:40 AM | Link to this

Mathematical Elimination,

It was I who mentioned “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.” Glad you liked it! :) I really don’t know why that film isn’t more famous…

Funny story, first time I saw it was on a local UHF channel in Jackonsville, FL in the late 80s in the middle of the night. And the dope who was running the film was either really drunk, or wanted to lose his job, and would either bleep out non curse words and leave in the MF’s or wouldn’t bleep out anything!!!

By Braveheart

September 27, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this

I’ve seen where people on the blog compare Yuni to Jeter. With the bat, I think he is a heckuva lot like Jeter. That pinch hit walk last night was Jeter-esque. A big moment in the game. Everyone else is swinging away and the kid is the one who had patience.

He plays like a wisened old man - those two steals when pitchers were not looking were the greatest example of that. DOB said a few weeks ago that one of the biggest shames of the Braves not making the playoffs is that Yuni won’t get to show the world what he is all about in the postseason. I agree.

I have been pretty nasty about him at times this year - mostly in questioning his power potential - ya know, the whole Michael Jordan AA homer comparison. But after watching him for the last 4 months, I realize I was wrong.

He has alot of power and hits the ball incredibly hard. He just hits alot of ground balls and line drives really hard. If you look at his groundout to flyout ratio, you can see what I’m talking about.

He does not need to get stronger to hit homers. He’s plenty strong enough. If he decides one day to shave 30 points off his average and get more of an uppercut, I don’t think he’d have much of a problem hitting 25, 30 homers. But as for now, with his strength, I’m more than pleased with the laser shot grounders and liners his level swing produces.

But that walk to me last night by Yuni was impressive. That was something Jeter always does in the postseason in late innings. Jeter will either draw a walk to start a rally or hit a double like Yuni did the other night in the sixth inning to extend a critical rally. If needed, I’m betting that Yuni would hit a homer to put the cherry on top of a rally like Jeter has so often done as well.

Frenchy and McCann would be wise to pay closer attention to the way Yunel plays this game and his approach to at bats. Yunel just seems to be one of those guys like Jeter who might not walk a whole heckuva alot and who might be aggressive but who also knows how to step back and get on base when his team needs him to just get on base or to take pitches for the sake of tiring a pitcher out and bringing the pitcher closer to 100 pitches earlier in the game so they can pound the pen in the sixth and seventh before being confronted with the best relievers on the other team in the eighth and ninth.

By //////////Berigan\\\\\\\\\\

September 27, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this

I know I will probably regret even suggesting this, but if we trade Edgar, what about moving Kelly Johnson to short???? Wait, quit yelling! I only mention this because Joe Simpson mentioned that Kelly Still has trouble backhanding the ball up the middle, and said as much. That he didn’t have the same kind of problem when he played short. Now, I know that SS is a more important defensive position, but we know Yunel can play either just fine. So, if it would help Kelly, should “we: consider moving him??? Or just give him another year to improve at 2nd?

Something else I thought I’d mention…for all the resting KJ has gotten this year, he has still played in more games that everyone except Andruw and Frenchy(144 games) since he only played in 87 games with the braves in 2005,(well, he did play 44 in AAA that year as well) and missed all of 2006, could he just be flat out tired right now???

By Yars

September 27, 2007 8:45 AM | Link to this

What is with all this trade KJ talk? In KJ’s defense, he didn’t lose the game last night. Point the finger at Chipper & Hudson. Who is to say Escobar won’t be the odd man out? Didn’t his name come up right before the trade deadline? Escobar for Reds starting pitcher Arroyo? Just imagine what the Braves could get for Escobar now. I could be wrong, but I think if Yunel had it his way, he would stay at SS. I love Yunel. Man, is he an exciting player to watch, & that arm of his reminds me of Furcal. Escobar’s only flaw is that he lacks power. I think he can develop into the type of hitter that hits .300+ every season, but I don’t see him hitting no more than 8-10 HR’s. As for Renteria, nobody should be shocked if he is the one that is traded. His name was mentioned a lot right before the trade deadline as well. That rumor about him going to the White Sox for Garland. Let’s say Escobar is the ‘08 starting SS, & KJ is the starting 2B, let’s not forget we may have both Prado & Aybar as the utility infielders. I think we’ll be just fine.

By Thrillhouse44

September 27, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

Tough loss. If things had just gone a little differently in the third - had Hudson cleanly fielded that comebacker, had Chipper tagged Utley - we may have had another win. But that’s the way it goes. I think it’s awesome that the Braves have played so hard the past couple weeks. It makes me anxious for April!

By Lee in S. GA

September 27, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

Braveheart

I am one of those who has compared Escobar To Jeter often. Everything he does reminds me of him. I agree about his power also. It would not surprise me to see him hit around 12 to 18 homers a year, like Jeter. He could improve on his power numbers. The guy has got to play regularly next year and not as a reserve. Either K.J. or Edgar will be gone. I really think the one that bring in the biggest fish is outta Atlanta.

By Reid in EAV

September 27, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Whoa, the Mutts fans want the Braves to win. Time to lose! BC, pull Smoltz and put in, uh, Cormier or Carlyle or something. (Definitely not Jeff Bennett. Kid can friggin’ pitch.)

I’m resigned to missing the playoffs, but I still have something to root for, for sure! This Mutts collapse is DELICIOUS.

DOB: Cowboy Jack Clement said it best, “Shakespeare was a big George Jones fan.”

By Steamboat

September 27, 2007 8:55 AM | Link to this

Berigan, I agree with you about KJ looking tired. This is the first time he’s played a full season since 2004. And he didn’t rest over the winter, spending all that time learning to play 2B. So he’s been grinding it out for a while now.

I think he’s a very good (not great) hitter, and still has some learning to do at 2B - mainly on going to his right. He looks like he’s just hit a wall, though.

If someone wanted him as part of a deal for good pitching, of course he’s expendable, as we’ve got options at 2B; but I sure wouldn’t get down on him for one bad month, or for needing to improve his D a little; he’s the kind of guy that will work to do it.

By NCBravesFan

September 27, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

I can deal with the Phils delivering the “official” knockout blow to the Braves’ postseason hopes tonight if it means they overtake the Mets and win the division.

Oh, and a hearty thanks to the Braves for playing so well down the stretch and not mailing it in at the finish. The fast finish came too late, but if JS can make a couple of moves in the winter, we’ll be right in the thick of things in 2008.

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

I don’t think Kelly Johnson is going anywhere. Escobar is the shortstop of the future and Johnson’s defense isn’t bad enough to keep him out of the lineup everyday; his offense is too good and his defense is good enough.

To all those who think Wright shouldn’t win the MVP because of his defense, well he’s made 21 errors.

There’s the argument that he’s made a lot of errors because he’s in there virtually every game and has good range so he’s going to make errors. But even if you don’t accept that argument (which I can certainly understand because I think that only explains some of the errors) I think he can still be deserving.

Assume those 21 errors all led to the other team scoring a run. Well, he’s at least made up for that with 30 runs he’s been directly responsible for on offense in the form of 30 homers.

Obviously this argument applies to all players and gives us some idea how much more important offense is to value over defense. Not saying defense doesn’t matter but offense should be taken into account much more.

I do agree that Wright won’t win it. I think the voters will be too overwhelmed by Fielder’s homerun total and will have the Mets’ late-season struggles fresh in their minds.

By Will

September 27, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

I have to give the Braves credit for fighting til the end, but now it is obviously over. They should be a very tough team next season and hopefully we will all forget about this year quickly. For me, this had to be the most frustrating team to watch since the 80’s. Last year at least there wasnt a feeling that the Braves should have made the playoffs, this year is totally different. I hope Tim Hudson learns how to pitch late in the season next year because its getting a little old seeing him dominate early and midseason and then disappearing in September and October.

By Braveheart

September 27, 2007 9:14 AM | Link to this

My heart says Chipper. My head says Wright. My pick is Fielder.

My heart says the redhead. My head says the brunette. My johnson says the blonde. My pick is the fat chick.

By Alice Smith

September 27, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

johnson= little johnny one-note.

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this

Steamboat, Johnson ranks third in OBP, fifth in SLG, fourth in runs created and third in runs created per 27 outs among NL second basemen. Not sure what you mean by “not great” but he’s certainly one of the better hitting second basemen.

By Thrillhouse44

September 27, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this

Braveheart, go ugly early, my friend.

By Mark

September 27, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this

This team didn’t give up, but it is still bothers me that we have a winning record against every team around us in the Wildcard chase.

It sucks that we have man handled teams like the Padres, Rockies, and Phillies.

It also sucks that this team will always remember that the only reason they are not the Wildcard team is because of their play against the Marlins and Reds.

Rollins is the MVP. He came into this season talking stuff and he has certainly backed it up. He is the best all around shortsop and that includes Edgar.

By Large Marge

September 27, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Braveheart:
Hello Eazy E. Do you remember me? (I said no) Huhu yes you do suga My name is Bertha but you can call me booga Remember the time when you were drunk at a party We was slow dancin, give ya all this body

By Steamboat

September 27, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

Shaun, just didn’t want to overstate things. I agree with you 100% on both his ability, and the likelihood that he stays in Atlanta.

“Great” is a subjective term, of course. 3rd in this, 4th in that, 5th in the other - among the 11 qualified 2B in the NL: I’d call that “very good.” Utley is a “great” hitter. But it’s just semantics. He is a good (oops, there I go again) hitter.

And my only point about his being “expendable” is in the context that anyone on this (or any) roster is expendable for the right deal. Not saying that’s likely or that he should be shopped.

By Thrillhouse44

September 27, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

Mark, the Braves also had the misfortune of playing several teams right as they started to get hot. I remember the Diamondbacks and Cardinals right after the All-Star break.

You can also look at interleague play. There’s just a lot of things that went wrong this year. Coulda/shoulda/woulda…but DIDN’T.

By Paladin

September 27, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Normally I hate “mornin’ afters” such as what is going on on the blog. But, I love the type that is going on at my house. “A little more half ‘n’ half in your coffee, luv?”

By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera

September 27, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

Chipper — PUT THAT COFFEE DOWN! Coffee is for closers only.

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this

Will, I respectfully disagree. I was more frustrated last year because they finished under .500 but had the run differential of a playoff team and allowed a guy with a .293 OBP to play everyday.

For all the things they didn’t provide this season at least there was hope. This season they played in a division with two teams that had essentially the same level of talent as them but with more youth and resources, and they are going to miss the division title probably by only 3-6 games. This is more or less what we should have realistically expected out of this season.

I’d rather they exceed expectations but it’s hard for me to compare this season to one in the mid to late 1980s or even last year.

By Braveheart

September 27, 2007 10:05 AM | Link to this

Sorry Large Marge, I tend not to ever know the names of that fat ones I’ve been with. Might have been memorable for you. Not so much for me.

Thrillhouse44, that’s always a fail safe policy to pursue.

By Paladin

September 27, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this

Braveheart No doubt she was coyote ugly. Is that why they call you “Lefty”? :>)

By Lew

September 27, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

Mark-Maybe you need to go check out some stats. We haven’t manhandled the Phillies-we’ve won 9 and lost 8 against them. As far as the Marlins-Dude, we have a winning record against them. But that’s all right. You did get one of three right-The Reds have kicked our butts.

By Mark

September 27, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

Lew the fact is we should have a better record against the Marlin. Hell, we are 11-7 against the Nationals, but we should have a better record against these clubs.

The fact of the matter is this team haven’t dominated the teams they were so suppose to. Yeah I know you are going to say the Nationals have handled the Mets, but we are suppose to be better than that.

We are 9-8 against the Phillies, but I think that is good since the PHillies have more heart than Atlanta.

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this

An open email to TBS:

I get the feeling Skip Carey was left off of the postseason broadcast team because TBS doesn’t see him as a national broadcaster. They see him more as a Braves guy. But Carey is a professional and he’s done national baseball telecasts before. Carey is one of the most entertaining broadcasters in baseball and it’s a shame that he will not be doing postseason games. I’m sure you listened to some consulting firm that knows nothing about baseball or baseball broadcasting, and has no clue that Carey actually has done nationally televised baseball games that did not involve the Braves. Think you need to re-evaluate that decision. I will be encouraging others to flood TBS with emails, phone calls and letters so that the nation can hear an entertaining broadcaster.

By Greg in TN

September 27, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

Morning gang,

No ‘where’s robert’, you can point the finger at coaching all you’d like, I won’t. Aggressiveness has cost us at times throughout the season, that much is fact. However, I look at the batting and I see that through 158 games we’re 2nd in the NL in team AVG (with four other teams), 4th in OBP and OPS and 6th in homers, I don’t see it as an issue in the context of a 162 game season. Sounds like you do, more power to ya is all I can say.

Even when comparing us to that vaunted mets juggernaut that’s leaving the NL quivering in it’s wake right now, we compare quite well. We have one more homer, the same team AVG, two points higher SLG and only give up two points to them in team OPS. Granted, they walk more and strikeout much less, but we’ve scored nine more runs than they have, so they didn’t get that much of an advantage over us because of that.

No, our problem has been what it’s been most of the season, ineffective pitching and clutch hitting.

Is water beginning to spill onto the deck of the SS metropolitan? Certainly looks that way. mets fans, grab your life vests and be sure and follow all of the instructions by crew members as you are being loaded onto your life raft. And don’t forget to row hard away from the boat, you don’t want the suction of the mets franchise pulling you under the surface of the water as they go down.

By Greg in TN

September 27, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

I should say ineffective pitching from the back end of the rotation and from the bully at times. We were clutch early in the year and up until last night, we were clutch the last week or so. And I also agree with the sentiment that AJ hitting fourth and struggling as much as he has this year had a role as well.

By Buffalo NY Braves fan

September 27, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

WOW is all I can say about some of you “fans.” How spoiled are you by AJ? He shades Rollins to left center a bit, and still almost comes up with a “web gem” type catch, but you all are still on his case that he didn’t get there. If it was anyone else in CF, they wouldn’t have even gotten that close, and it was a triple for Rollins anyway.

By David O'Brien

September 27, 2007 11:30 AM | Link to this

Berigan, add one more to the short list of things we can be assured of in this lifetime: There will NOT be a starting lineup that has Kelly Johnson at shortstop and Yunel Escobar at second base….

Another line to add to the Mark-isms, which are becoming this blog’s equivelent of Yogi-isms, only without the homespun wisdom: “We are 9-8 against the Phillies, but I think that is good since the PHillies have more heart than Atlanta.”

Huh?…

Anyone get the new Steve Earle CD yet? Is it not as good as I said i was? I think it’s one of his finest….

By Lew

September 27, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this

Mark-You go right on believing that we didn’t win the division this year because we didn’t beat the Marlins and Nationals more than we did. We had winning records against those teams, who were much better than anyone though going in. What happened to the Nats losing 120 games? Didn’t happen, did it? No, you can lay the blame on our season in two places-we sucked against the AL (teams we would possibly have played in the series) and we got swept by the Mets at the last home series. If we split the AL games and beat the Mets 2 of 3 in that series, at the worst, we’re tied for first right now.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 27, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

*If you want to be happy for the rest of your life

Never make a pretty woman your wife

Take from a happy man’s point of view

Get an ugly girl to marry you….*

Okay, and now baseball. Braves are done but not forgotten, They can still do in the Phillies. The Mets are doing themselves in with their freefall.

Too bad for Chipper last night, see how people can be swayed by just one miscue? He still has played Gold Glove defense this year at third.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

September 27, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

Buffalo NY Braves fan How right you are. I thought the same thing last night. No one else gets close to that play. He came up what? Six inches short? No, last night was just not the Braves’ night.

By Buffalo NY Braves fan

September 27, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

What is up with everyone thinking the Braves are going to get Matt Cain? Why would SF give up a guy who is that good and that young? The Braves have a better shot at getting Lowry than Cain or Lincecum.

OF the pitchers that would be available this off-season in the FA or trade market, I think they should go after Bartolo Colon, Ted Lilly, or Noah Lowry. Glavine is a possibility as well, but only as a stop gap.

The way I see this off-season is that the front office is at a crossroads. Do they pick up a bunch of stop gaps and wait for the young guns in the minors (Schafer, and some of the pitchers) to step up? Or do they plan for these guys to step up 3-4 years down the road?

One other interesting note…. the Twins are looking for a 3B/DH type player and would deal Santana for one. The Braves have Eric Campbell and Van Pope as quality 3B prospects that could possibly intice the Twins to look at a deal for Santana.

By Braveheart

September 27, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Shaun, well said about Skip.

What a joke that is. I think Skip is someone that the whole country knows - even if they know him as a Braves broadcaster. I think fans love when legends do the postseason games. The sound of Jack Buck and Vin Scully doing playoff games in the 80s and 90s always made it better. I think many kids today would feel the same way about Skip as I did when I was a kid listening to Scully and Buck do the playoff games. If I had my way, I would have heard Skip, Scully, Pete, Harwell, Kalas, Uecker, and so on doing playoff games.

It just feels more magical when big moments happen and a legend is behind the mike instead of just another broadcaster. Is Buckner’s play as memorable without Scully’s voice? What about Jack Buck and see you tomorrow night? Think about all the magical moments that have happened in the playoffs since Joe Buck and Fox started doing them in 1996. Can you recall one memorable moment and attach it with a memorable call and distinct sounding voice of Joe Buck? I can’t and I’ve watched most of them. The memorable moments are not as memorable without a memorable voice and broadcaster doing them. They certainly don’t take on a magical feel without the majestic voice of a broadcasting legend like Skip, Jack Buck, Vin Scully.

Most fans around the country I think have even more respect for Skip than we sometimes do because we know him so intimately. The rest of the country just knows him as one of the broadcasting giants with the funny voice that Rich Eisen and many others loved to imitate.

I am sure there are Philly fans who attack Kalas like we do Skip sometimes but as an outsider I don’t know about that. I just know him as a giant with a great voice that I have been deprived from hearing enough and I would just love to hear Kalas doing a playoff game instead of Dick Stockton or Josh Lewin or any of those “young” nondescript guys you can’t differentiate from the other blah sounding young guys.

No offense to Dick Stocton but who really wants to hear him? He does football games but he is always like the C or D broadcaster every Sunday. The football games Stockton does always brings up bad memories for me of watching your favorite team play a game the NFL and FOX deems not so important - you can tell by the quality of the sound and the picture you are provided. Stockton is the voice of lifeless broadcasts of meaningless football games. If Stockton shows up in your town on Sundays, you’re probably thinking more about next April’s draft than you are postseason.

By Braveheart

September 27, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

I think Sabean should be shot if he trades Lincecum, Cain, or Lowry. With those 3 and Zito they are set for the next 5 years with pitching. I understand trading from your strength to improve your weakness but as a Braves fan, I would trade most of our players for a rotation of Lincecum, Cain, Lowry, and Zito. Sabean is normally a very good general manager but he has done an awful job lately. How can he have positional players that are so bad and so old, he can’t win with those players.

By Braveheart

September 27, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

The only memorable call I can remember Joe Buck ever making was his completely irrational overreaction to Randy Moss fake mooning the Green Bay fans. “What a disgusting act!” Calm down, Joe. Calm down.

By ernesto

September 27, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

No one really mentions the huge impact the Tanyon Sturtze signing had. That was a million well spent. I hope JS has him raking his yard or buffing his car…something.

By Paladin

September 27, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

Mark I think you are trying to tell which way the train went by looking at the tracks. No season can be “analyzed” on the basis of if we had beat so and so. It’s who has the most “Ws” and the fewest “Ls” at the end no matter how they got ‘em. It’s really as simple as that.

By eric the elder

September 27, 2007 12:20 PM | Link to this

In the article about Mr. and Mrs. Andruw Jones, we see another example of how not knowing the difference between “lie” and “lay” can create visions that we don’t necessarily want to have. Regarding their sofa, Mrs. Jones said,

“We joke that it’s brought us closer together because we spend all our time laying on it.”

By TennesseePaul

September 27, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

This season they played in a division with two teams that had essentially the same level of talent as them but with more youth and resources
More youth and resources? The money thing I can see, if that is listed as the resource. But the youth… I’m wondering who that second team is with more youth AND more money. Last I looked, Braves were 3rd in the division in money spent, leaving the Mets and Phillies with more “resources” but the Mets were fielding 30+ year olds at all positions except 3rd and Short.

This team struggled due to the back end of the rotation. It just wasn’t consistant enough in a positive way. It was consistant though, in that it consistantly let the team down. Plus AJ’s struggles. But I think the team could have overcome that had the pitching been a tad better.

Funnything about last nights game… it seemed every veteran with experience was at the heart of every mis-step made.
Nevertheless, there are still 4 games left to play. They need to beat the Phillies tonight. Smoltz deserves to get another W in his column. And then they need to sweep the Astros. The pressure is on… everyone else. This team just needs to go out on a good note and may, just maybe the baseball gods will smile on them and reward them with something more.

GO BRAVES!!

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Mark you are forgetting the reds and the nats.

Shaun, i know im getting into some discussion if i go against you, but, KJ might have some good numbers for a 2B, but you have to remember he has platooned a lot, meaning he has not taken tons of ABs against LHP (Im not sure about any of these things am saying cause i have not check stats). I would also bet KJ K/AB ratio is higher than yunel. AVG is lower than yunels. And i would also bet yunels OBP is higher. The kid might not be among leader in the categories you just mentioned and many more because he might not have the ABs. What about fielding percentage, im sure yunel is a lot better.

Of course KJ is very good, he is a weapon as a 2B, good bad, average fielding. But what about yunel. This kid is not a weapon, HE IS A MONSTER at the plate (for a rookie, for an IF, even for a veteran, and he is not one). The kid is a MONSTER with the glove and not only at 2B but SS and 3B, and i wouldnt be surprised that if the braves needed him to back up TEX he would do itwith little practice, less than half the practice it tool KJ to get to 2B.

Then i would even waste my time comparing KJ with edgar.

Think about one last fact, bottom of the 9th, game 7, 2 out, tying runs at 3rd, winning run at 2nd. You have Edgar, yunel and KJ on the bench. Who would you bat? who would be your 2nd choice? SEE WHAT I MEAN?

So you tell me why isnt KJ the candidate to leave….. We keep edgar, prepare Lillybridge with a year as a back up then move yunel to SS and Lilly to 2B.

Just perfect.

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, the Giants have built around Barry Bonds for a while. Now they don’t have to worry about that. There’s no way in hell they’ll trade Cain or Lincecum. But I could see them trading another pitcher if it gets them a all-star caliber position player that fills one of their holes (Renteria?).

By Salty

September 27, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Mark and some ‘negative Nellies’ disappeared a couple of weeks ago when the Braves were written off. The Braves make things interesting and up they pop again…solely to vent because the Braves fall short. Mark it’s a blog, not a vent…figure that out and post something worth folks discussing.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this

Buffalo NY Braves fan is not like they are giving up, they have many needs……we can help fill some of them. CAIN did not give them the pennant right? They need lotsof position players and relievers, we can provide.

By Lee in S. GA

September 27, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Perhaps with Skip’s recent health problems that is one reason TBS chose not to go with him.

Like many on her Skip is a legend broadcaster to me. I was listening to him on the radio when he started out in the 70’s Listening to him the last couple of years no doubt age and memory is starting to catch up with him. To me he seems to make more minor errors, such as the # of balls & strikes on a hitter, what inning the game is in, not noticing when certain players come in and substitute in late innings until corrected by Pete or whomever etc…. Once again minor errors and all announcers make them at one time or another but noticeable none-the-less also …. More than the Skip I use to listen to.

Regardless of this, yes TBS did not do him justice. As much as I despised listening to Buck and Scully you cannot get their irritable voices out of your head. They could make you feel part of the game and that is good broadcasting.

Heck, I still remember Curt Gowdy and Tony Kubek on those Saturday afternoon MLB games in my head also. I do try to forget Kubek.

By TennesseePaul

September 27, 2007 12:42 PM | Link to this

You know, the Mets melting down is spectacular. 2007 Mets… The Meltdown team. I hope they don’t make the post season. That’d be absolutely fabulous!

As for the Braves next season, perhaps they should approach every game and every series with the mind set of, “we’re going to ruin it for them”. It seems they play better under that frame of thought.

I keep seeing the Mets mentioned in Johan Santana rumours. I’d love the Braves to pull of the ultimate coup and get Johan, then sign A-Rod. And manage a move for Alex Rios. HA! Terry wouldn’t be able to crane his neck far enough to see the upper limit of that payroll!

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, you are right. The Mets key players are more youthful and there are more of them but most of the Braves older key players have played very well.

I was thinking that the Mets and Phillies core players were younger and cheaper. But overall talent was about the same for all three teams. Should have phrased that a lot differently. My fault. Mets and Phillies are probably deeper but the Braves were close in overall talent.

Mets and Phillies have a lot of special young players like Wright, Reyes, Howard and Utley. The Braves young players are either younger and/or aren’t quite at that level yet.

I agree with you, the back-end of the rotation was the main reason the Braves will finish 3-4 out instead of leading the division or the Wild Card race.

By Robert (Justice Is The Best)

September 27, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, in fairness to Stockton he is a good broadcaster. He is actually part of the #2 team on Fox’s NFL coverage with Darryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa (sp?). I think Stockton will be fine. Its the additions of Ted Robinson and the Red Sox announcer that I am confused by.

I think Skip deserves better treatment. He is definitely getting the shaft. He is better than his son that is for sure. I like Chip Caray but he isn’t half the broadcaster his father is. I definitely see why Skip is upset.

But, we shouldn’t be surprised. We know how Time-Warner works. They make decisions that are just absurd. I know a lot of people hate pro wrestling but look at what they did with WCW. If they didn’t want “that type of programming” on their stations anymore that was fine. But, why sell it to Vince McMahon knowing damn well that he was just going to shut it all the way down. Why not sell it to somebody who was going to do their best to restore it.

Same with the Braves. Arthur Blank would have been a great owner for this team but it was more beneficial to them to sell it to Liberty Media. We always call the Yankees the Evil Empire of New York. In actuality it is Time-Warner!

By Rodger

September 27, 2007 12:55 PM | Link to this

Haven’t heard mention of something, on Chipper’s error last nite-the guy he was trying to tag RAN INTO THE INFIELD GRASS! Why was he not out of the basepath? I figured the call was made, went away, came back to a slew of runs on the board. And no one argued?

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

Overlord, Johnson and Escobar are cheaper than Renteria and Johnson or Renteria and Escobar; and it’s not a huge downgrade. That’s a major reason why Renteria is coming up in trade discussions and not one of the other guys.

Also Edgar is older than the other guys so it’d be better to get something for him while his value is very high.

It’s not just about how good each player is, it’s also about value on the dollar. Plus I think you are pretty hard to please if you can find a lot wrong with Johnson’s offense.

By TennesseePaul

September 27, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Overlord: Here are the numbers.

Overall:
Player   G  AB  R   H 2B 3B HR BB  SO  OBP  SLG  AVG
Kelly  144 513 91 142 26 10 16 77 114 .376 .462 .279
Yunel   90 305 52 101 22  0  5 27  42 .392 .452 .331

Vs. Lefties
Player  G  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR BB SO  OBP  SLG  AVG
Kelly  86 158 22 43  7  4  2 22 39 .366 .405 .272
Yunel  55 140 25 50 12  0  1  9 16 .412 .464 .357

Vs. Righties
Player   G  AB  R  H 2B 3B HR BB SO  OBP  SLG  AVG
Kelly  121 351 69 99 19  6 14 55 75 .381 .490 .282
Yunel   90 165 27 51 10  0  4 18 26 .376 .442 .309

By Greg in TN

September 27, 2007 1:02 PM | Link to this

Shaun, Braveheart, Lee, et al…

Agreed with all of your points on Skip and in postseason baseball and the people that call the games.

I couldn’t stand the dodgers, despise them with every ounce of my being, can’t stand Lasorda, and the teams of the 80s and early 90s that would invaribly come into Fulton County and sweep us and cackle leaving town. That said, I love listening to Vin Scully. Ditto for Jack Buck. I only had the chance to listen to Harwell here and there, but enjoyed every inning I did get to hear, the same is true for a couple Red Barber games that I heard via Memorex.

To me, hearing Bob Costas call game 6 of the ‘95 series is a treat because I enjoyed Costas’ approach to the game and know that he dearly loved calling baseball for NBC in the time they had the postseason. But there’ll always be a special place in my heart for Ernie Sr, Pete and Skip. They were our eyes and ears before the internet, before the Braves/MIB blog. To me, they are timeless and always will be.

TBS has no affiliation now with the Braves. The announcement of a postseason broadcast team without either Skip or Pete is yet another confirmation of that. Can’t say I am surprised that TBS would do that, because I think they are very eager to shred any of the old time links to what was.

By Braveheart

September 27, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Overlord, one reason KJ strikes out more than Escobar is because KJ works the count more than Escobar. KJ averages 4.11 pitches per plate appearance. Escobar only averages 3.55 pitches per plate appearance.

KJ gets himself into deeper counts trying to work pitchers - to draw a walk, to tire them out over the course of a game, to give the other hitters a better look at what the pitcher is tossing, to get them to throw the pitch he wants.

Sometimes, it backfires on him and he finds himself too deep into a pitcher’s count with two strikes which can lead to strikeouts. If you want him getting that many pitches per plate appearance, drawing walks, and having that on base percentage, you have to be willing to deal with him striking out from time to time.

Kelly and Yunel have similar slugging percentages overall. But if you look at their slugging percentages when they are not striking out, KJ has a .593 slugging percentage while Yunel has a slugging percentage of .525.

Maybe Yunel would have more power if he was more dedicated to working the count into a favorable pitch he could drive deep instead of hacking at the first good pitch he sees. He would probably strike out more and have a lower batting average but he would have more power and draw more walks.

Kelly might strike out more but maybe the best way for him to do it is to work counts so that he either walks or has a chance to drive the ball in a favorable count - at the expense of striking out more often than others like Escobar.

By MegaBravesFan

September 27, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

What’s the deal with Villarreal? I understand that he has struggled…but I haven’t heard anything about him…

By TennesseePaul

September 27, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, you are right. The Mets key players are more youthful and there are more of them
Payne that’s one confussing sentence to get through. My point was, the Braves had more youth than the Mets. The Mets have Reyes and Wright under 30. The Braves had KJ, Francoeur, McCann, Diangerhans, Chuck James, Kyle Davies, and Thorman, just to name a few. All of them were under 30. I’d say the Braves had the younger team, but not the resources, at least not at the start of the season. Maybe youth/inexperience played a part in the outcome. In years past the team had more vets than rookies. And, in comparison to the Mets and Phillies, Rollins and Utley have more time under their belt than McCann and Francoeur. Same goes with Reyes and Wright. But, if that is what it takes, then next season is looking fabulous.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this

I didnt say KJ offense was not good, i never did that.

I asked a Q……..game 7 blahblah….

I didnt read an answer on that.

Are we talking 2010? or a we talking 2008? Our chances of winning in 2008 are much better if our IF is edgar and yunel.

And if KJ number as so good and so much better than yunel, you could get much much out of him, right?

It is clear that KJ has no range, any ball hit 10 feet to his right he aint getting to it, 8 feet he will make an err. I hold my breath when the game is on the line and the ball is hit toward him, and im not crazy, hes glove is just like wickmans arm. Then after the E4 next thing comes to mind is “why is escobar on the bench?”

By BravesFanInRockies

September 27, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

TennPaul,

Thanks for the breakdowns on KJ and Yunel. The platoon makes sense, but both players do all right against lefties and righties (with KJ losing power against lefties but not much else).

On another point —

Do you think MLB has delayed its decision on Soriano so that it might not directly affect the pennant races? He could start serving his suspension at the beginning of next year. Or it could wrap around the end of this season and the beginning of 2008.

So maybe Bob Watson has decided to sit him for three games but won’t do it so long as the Braves are alive. If we’re mathematically eliminated as of tomorrow, the suspension might start then.

If that’s the case, then hats off to Watson.

By Braveheart

September 27, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

10Paul, that would be hilarious. What if the Braves came out this winter and said what do you mean we don’t have money? We’ve just been saving up. We’ve got $100 mil just laying around after not spending the last 4 years. The best would be if they did not tell anyone they had this extra money but they just started spending like Cecil Fielder at a casino. They would blow everyone’s minds. Not gonna happen but it would be hilarious to see them go grab AROD, get Johan Santana, resign Tex, overpay Andruw, give Frenchy whatever the hell he wants, start overbidding on every Japanese player. Then when DOB would ask them what the hell is going on, they would say nothing DOB what are you talking about? This is just business as usual. Then when DOB would keep asking they would put a hand in his face and say talk to the hand ‘cause we’re a faceless corporation.

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Braveheart and Overlord, strikeouts totals shouldn’t be that much of a concern. Johnson is still extremely productive. Ryan Howard strikes out a lot and look how productive he is. How many times do we have to get into the don’t-worry-too-much-about-strikeout-totals discussion?

And who cares if Escobar is better than Johnson? Obviously Escobar has more up-side. Edgar seems to be the obvious choice for odd man out because he’s older and more expensive.

By TennesseePaul

September 27, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Greg in TN: Vin is a treat. Whenever the Dodger games are on against the Braves I tune into Vin. That guy is flawless.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul i think more than youth the problem was that half of the team were experiments and/or unproven players: 1B experiment, LF experiment, C no backup or inexperienced back up to the inexperienced, 2B experiment, 5th pitcher—-experiment, #3 and #4 unproven. Bullpen after 1-2-3….. experiments. Bench………no bench, experiments.

This is MLB not a lab. Hope executives have learned the lesson.

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this

TennesseePaul, yeah, the Mets just had better young players. Both Wright and Reyes are MVP candidates. Same for Howard, Utley and Rollins. Braves young players aren’t quite there yet. Mets and Phillies have more impact youth, but the Braves probably have more depth. But not much seperates the overall talent levels of all three teams. Which is why I don’t think this season is as big a disappointment as last season, when they finished under .500.

By Buffalo NY Braves fan

September 27, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this

Overlord,

Cain did not get them a pennant, but he was not the reason that they struggled. Cain and Lincecum are the aces of that staff. If the Giants were to dump a pitcher in trade it would be Lowry or Zito. Trading Cain or Lincecum would be like the Braves trading Smoltz or Hudson.

Edgar will bring a decent SP to this team in trade, as well as a package of KJ, Prado, and a prospect. The Giants will not trade a pitcher for a pitcher however, like Lowry for Chuck James (like some where suggesting) what would be the point? To get a pitcher back who is not as good as what they are giving up, and 2 younger players?

All I am saying is, if I’m the GM of the Giants, I build my team around Cain, Lincecum, Rajai Davis, and Fred Lewis. That is a pretty solid starting point, and those 4 would be untouchable in any trade negotiations.

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

Overlord, the Braves chances in ‘08 may very well be better if Edgar is traded to fill a hole, the extra money that may come from trading him is used to fill a hole, and the Braves go with a middle infield of Johnson and Escobar.

If I had one AB to win a game 7, I’d probably want Edgar in ‘08. But I wouldn’t be upset if I had to send any of those guys up.

And KJ’s defense is not so bad that he needs to be benched.

Maybe I’m misunderstanding what the discussion is all about but if the Braves can get value for Edgar, why not go with a middle infield of Johnson and Escobar? It has nothing to do with who’s the worst of the three. It has everything to do with which one is older and more expensive because they’re all more than capable of holding down full-time jobs in the majors.

By Steamboat

September 27, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Shaun, not to pick nits, but I don’t know if I’d call Rollins and Utley “young players.” They’re both in their prime (each will be 29 when next season starts) and both on pretty substantial contracts (though those contracts look pretty good right now!).

Anyway, fyi, according to baseballreference.com:

Average age of hitters:

Braves 27.7; Mets 30.8

Average age of pitchers:

Braves 29.4; Mets 31.3

These are “weighted” averages, that supposedly take into account amount of playing time by each player, not just a roster average. (I won’t go into the formulas; they’re discussed on the site).

Seems to me, though, that the only Braves who might be considered “old” using (arbitrarily) age 35 as the benchmark, are Smoltz, Mahay and Chipper.

For the Mets, LoDuca, Delgado, Alou, Easley, Valentin, Glavine, Hernandez, Pedro, Sele, and though he’s 34, Green is going on 42.

By macdwolfpack

September 27, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Dave I have been a long time advocate of at least till mid-season of next year of keeping Renteria and letting Escobar leadoff and play 2b. He’s more athletic than KJ and should cover more ground. I’ve also been an advocate of moving KJ back to LF and letting KJ and Diaz fight it out over there. In adition I would let Andruw go and move Franceour to CF with maybe Brandon Jones going to RF or a free agent. Jeff is a pure athlete and has almost as much if not as much range as Andruw. I would sign Glavine and maybe try to pick up a young pitcher who might be one or two years away as a starter in a trade and keep the same lineup intact with the exception of Andrwu replaced in the batting lineup by B Jones. If you had this same lineup all year wiht Tex and Glavine you are the NL East champs right now.

By beachcomber

September 27, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

Both Johnson’s bat and glove have gone in the dumper the last part of the season. Anomaly or trend?

By knowitall

September 27, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Mike,

Didn’t get a chance to respond yesterday but I don’t remember that happening to Tony. Now I’m wondering if I somehow missed an episode. Oh the humanity!

Big Donnie,

You do realize that a one game suspension would have cost D.Hall $182k rather than $100K

By wg

September 27, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Shaun. Check Wright’s numbers vs Chippers’s numbers. I agree with DOB. If ESPN wasn’t pushing Wright every night, he wouldn’t even get mentioned and Alou has been carrying them since he got back.

By TennesseePaul

September 27, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: lol. This offseason will make the Cubs 300 million 06/07 look like peanuts. When asked where the team came up with the coin and so much coin at that, a Braves employee will fall back to the Memo handed down from the top which directs them to shrug, put the hands about shoulder high, palms up, c** the head back a little and say “What?” If pressed further, the memo directs them to say: “What am I, Job? You don’t like the team we’re fielding here?” Then take the man with the questions down to batting practice to watch Chipper, A-Rod, Teixeira, Andruw, Alex Rios, McCann, and Francoeur all display they’re 30+ HR potential. Then, if more questions persist, walk them over to the side throwing seasions where Hudson, Smoltz, Santana, CC Sabathia and an injured Mike Hampton are hanging out telling jokes.

By AZBravoFan

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

Rodger: I was thinking the same thing after the game last night! He was definitely out of the baseline. But can you imagine what would have happened to CB Buckner if he had made that call? He would have had to put the home plate gear back on to protect himself.

As for KJ, this working the count thing is a little overrated if you ask me. It’s fine if you’re eventually going to get a good pitch and put it in play. A 6 pitch strikeout doesn’t wear down the opposing pitcher. Getting on base and making him throw from the stretch and worry about baserunners wears down the pitcher. To that end, I think the KJ leadoff experiment needs to end. OBP is important but the leadoff hitter needs to be an igniter. Look at the 2 teams ahead of us. They have Reyes and Rollins. They fly around the bases, they have power, they can get the crowd fired up. Sure Kelly has had some nice streaks, but he’s way too laid back for the role. It would be like having Tom Glavine as your closer. Not very scary. I think Escobar fits this bill perfectly. Maybe he’s not as patient, but he doesn’t get himself out that often. I think he could steal a little once he gets some experience. And he gets things going. He gets fired up. Just look at September. KJ: .209 avg .280 OBP 6 walks. Escobar: .333 avg .444 OBP 11 walks. Who should be leading off? And why in the world, in a game the Braves had to win, was he on the bench last night?

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

Overlord, the leftfielder that got the most playing time hit .335/.366/.499.

First base was a big problem until Tex came along but I don’t know if it was so much an experiment. I hardly fault anyone for thinking Thorman would hit better than he did.

Brian McCann is an all-star catcher. Sure it’s great to have a quality backup catcher but McCann got most of the playing time and did a fine job. Plus the guy who got the second-most, Salty, hit well.

The guy who played most often at second hit .279/.376/.462. The guy that played second-most often hit .331/.392/.452.

You’ve got a point with the pitchers but then again it’s pitching. It’s not exactly easy to build a deep pitching staff.

Certainly doesn’t look like inexperience or “experiments” costs the Braves many runs scored this season.

By Braveheart

September 27, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Shaun, I think you missed my point. My point was not killing KJ about his strikeout total at all. Actually, if you read it, my point was the total opposite and really should be the point you try to make instead of the simplistic strikeout totals don’t matter at all statements.

My point was more of providing a context for why KJ might strike out more than Escobar and end up with similar OBP and SLG stats nevertheless.

It’s awfully simplistic to say that strikeout totals don’t matter. They do matter but you have to look at how and why they occur and not just at a cold stat on a piece of paper or computer screen.

My point Shaun was that KJ strikes out more because he works the count which also helps him get more power and more walks.

For example, look at Pat Burrell and Ryan Howard. It’s not that their high strikeout totals don’t matter. Only a simpleton would call them a bum because they strike out too much and only a simpleton would say their high strikeout totals don’t matter.

They strike out alot because they work pitchers trying to get a walk or trying to get the pitcher into an unfavorable count so they get the pitch they want to drive just like KJ does. They each have over 100 walks and 4.20 pitches per plate appearance to go with their high strikeout totals. Sometimes, they end up in unfavorable counts because they work the count too deep and they strike out. With the good, you get more walks and homers and more power. With the bad, you get more strikeouts.

If they went the other way like Escobar and started hacking away earlier in the count, they would presumably get less walks and less homers along with less strikeouts. Or they could end up like Francouer with high strikeouts, not enough walks, and not enough power and an anemic 3.43 pitches per plate appearance.

Frenchy’s strikeout totals do matter because you are not exactly getting the return in power and walks and high pitch counts which are acceptable with high strikeout totals.

Strikeouts do matter Shaun. They are the most unproductive thing a baseball player can do. How much they matter depends upon the how and why they occurred and how much benefit you get in return for the costs of strikeouts.

A strikeout that make the pitcher throw six pitches is much more valuable over the course of a game than a strikeout where the pitcher gets rid of you in three or four pitches.

Ah, never mind. You seem so dogmatic about the overall philosophy of what you are saying that you don’t understand the underlying principles of it.

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

wg, check Wright’s playing time compared to Chipper’s. That’s where the difference lies between those two.

By TennesseePaul

September 27, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

BravesFanInRockies: No problem. I’ve been looking for an excuse to use the new formatting trick I figured out.

By Shaun

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

Braveheart, you are right. It’s kind of misleading to say strikeouts don’t matter. A better way to put it is that a lot of other stats should be looked at before strikeout totals, or strikeout totals aren’t very telling when trying to measure production.

Strikeouts are obviously bad because they are outs. But a player that strikes out 200 times in 650 plate appearances can still be very productive because he still has 450 plate appearances to do great things. Those 200 strikeouts only account for just over 30 percent of his plate appearances. That’s plenty left over to post close to a .400 OBP or even better.

You make good points about working the count. Something I would add is the relationship between power and strikeouts. Bigger swings lead to more power (and more power leads to more runs) and also more strikeouts. Weaker swings lead to more contact but also more weak contact in the field of play that major league fielders can handle very easily.

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Braveheart, it’s not Francouer’s strikeouts so much that hurt him last season. It’s that he didn’t do enough in his non-strikeout plate appearances.

By Braves20

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

Every year at the end of the year, you read of several veteran players being handed their unconditional release (may Chris Woodward be one of them).

The time has come for the same thing to happen to veteran umpires who just can’t cut it anymore. CB Buckner is clearly one of that group.

His home plate work in this series and others has been laughable. As another blogger pointed out he failed to call a Phil out for being far out of the baseline last night.

Viewing more than a few minor league games each year I see hustling, hard working umpires who belong in the majors much more than Buckner and at least a half dozen others.

It’s time for more accountability at the major league level. Hopefully the Winters incident is a first step.

By Arkansas Braves Fan

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

This may have already been posted, so I apologize if it has. Did anyone besides me think Chase Utley was two feet on the grass and should have been called out when Chipper tried to tag him just before he threw the ball to the fans along the first base line. Just for the record, Buckner who was the 3rd base ump last night is the 2nd worst ump in the majors behind Angel Hernandez.

By Savannah Guy

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

Bobby Bollixes, Braves Botch, Brünnhilde Bellows

The Ride of the Valkyrie was fierce and emotional these last few weeks, but alas, the thrill of battle is finally over. You can feel the pain of Brünnhilde, the big-boned, bewigged, heavy horned-helmet headed, Wagnerian soprano heroine as she sings by the pyre on the field of immolation, when the mathematical elimination for our warriors has arrived. Valhalla is in ruins. The Brave fighters will not have their “Ring”. They have been sacrificed, chopped up, left behind.

Ok, got that out of my system. Just had to give that “Fat Lady” some due, since this season has so many similarities to a tragic Opera. So, it’s been a valiant last few weeks. Braves fans hopes were resurrected from the agony of sure defeat, to the new spark of life and hope for an incredible comeback. Barring a set of bizarre events that would be more improbable than winning a lottery, it’s now just a matter of hours before math eliminates all hope of playoffs this year. The Fat Lady will sing her heart out…as ours sink.

Were the Braves good enough to win this year, or were they simply mismanaged? Argue as we might (do) and dissect, as we will, the results of 162 games give us the simple answer: No. The Braves were not a good enough team to win. Period.

Then we can ask: comparatively, did Braves players have enough talent and skill to win? My answer is yes. Absolutely and without a doubt…yes.

So what happened?

In a division where no team was consistent or dominant, the Braves simply missed so many opportunities at every level of performance and game management to win critical games, even against struggling and sub-par opponents, for every reason imaginable since April. The Braves just found so many ways to lose this season.

AJ was stuck (placed too long) at cleanup. That Albatross killed more rallies than we can possibly count. Our 3-4-5 pitching was atrocious and for a time wore the bullpen out. Players like Woodward, Orr and Thorman seriously underperformed and repeatedly failed at executing, yet their consistent lack of performance didn’t seem to effect how often they were penciled into critical game situations. Was that a talent or a management mistake? I’d say both.

Take even one of those three scenarios away and the Braves would have found a way to scratch and push their way atop the division. As it turns out, had we solved even one of our “problem” areas, it’s safe to speculate (assume) that we would today have a commanding lead over the Mets.

It’s frustrating, because we watch every game, every manager move, every golden opportunity lost all year long. It’s even more frustrating because, with our current team, with Smoltz and Huddy having great years and with the schedules of playoff games giving them multiple starts, we could go deep into the playoffs and, with any luck, get to the World Series.

Add to that, with the tremendous year that Tex, Renteria, Chipper, Yunel and Diaz are having, we would score runs in the playoffs. That is, if they were all playing, Andruw wasn’t batting cleanup, Woodward didn’t pinch hit, Harris wasn’t leadoff and stealing and so forth and on.

This year should have been. Next year can be.

I’ll always look at this season as just that, “could have been”. So, even with a few games left, in which I’ll be pulling for our team and the ones who might break personal records, it’s on to thinking (hoping) for next year. With our talent and with the addition of at least one very strong starting pitcher. We can field a championship team. That is, if we do just two things next year.

JS did a lot this year, particularly with the obvious difficulty of finding pitching in a sellers market, but in addition to an ace pitcher he’ll have to make one other tough yet necessary move next year. Either “let” Bobby Cox retire as a certain and well deserved HOF manager — or find seasoned bench coaches that have the experience and gravitas to “manage” our “quasi-figurehead” manager and our players. Those coaches will have to have the trust of Cox and the ability to work in a collaborative way to build a machine that wins. Thing is, Cox also has to go along with the program and let go of one rein on the wagon or it won’t work.

If we do those two things, we will see the playoffs next year. If we don’t, we’ll have great players on another mismanaged, inconsistent, mediocre team. JS might pull a Jerry McGuire and tell Cox something like, “help me help you”. It would be great to see Cox supported and enabled to end his illustrious career with accolades throughout the season. With strategic game management help in the dugout, winning another pennant or a big fat World Series ring…what a great storybook ending for JS and Bobby, as well as a great transition to a new era of perennial contenders and champions, the Atlanta Braves.

Go Braves! Chins up. Next year can be ours.

By Lee in S. GA

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

beachcomber

Johnson has proven to be a very streaky at times during his short major league career. Despite his overall numbers I have always questioned him batting leadoff because of this. I just think he fits the 7th spot better in a lineup.

By ncscoots

September 27, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

The Braves have Eric Campbell and Van Pope as quality 3B prospects that could possibly intice the Twins to look at a deal for Santana.

Yes, as long as the Braves throw in the Gross National Product of Costa Rica to even out the deal. And then what money would be left to sign Johan to the $20MM+/year deal he’s gonna want?

It’s OK, I’ll admit I’ve even had that dream where the Twins go psycho and trade Johan to the Braves over the winter. But those drugs eventually wear off, LOL.

By Savannah Guy

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

Rodger and AZBravoFan The runner was way out of the basepath last night on that botched play by Chipper. Last night I posted such. I wonder if Chipper had only pointed to the spot immediately after launching his throw into the camera well or if Cox had come out and argued, we may have gotten a call.

But they didn’t, so it’s history. I’m just sorry that had to potentially taint Chippers series and potentially distracted him from hitting later in the game. Sometimes it’s a game of inches…sometimes feet.

And then, there’s always toes…

By beachcomber

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

Lee in S. Ga. - Frankly it’s the glove that worries me more than the bat. Our best years have been marked by better than average defense.

Our best year, strictly from a results standpoint, 1995 featured a middle infield that will never be confused with Ernie Banks or Joe Morgan but they caught everything hit their way. Our corners were better than adequate and our outfield, at least right and center, were as good as any in that day.

It’s only his first year and his glove will probably never be as good as Lemke’s but some improvement is needed there.

Your suggestion about the seven hole for his bat makes a lot of sense.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Shaun you cant go young young young, you need experience. Crunchtime players are not easy to find. Edgar is clearly one. Since he was in florida in 1996, and im not making this up, when i saw that guy play, i said to myself, i wish that guy someday plays for the braves, he makes any pitcher nervous, any pitcher knows the chance of him getting on base and make him work is verrrrrrrrry high. Edgar doesnt knows the word choke. As far as i have seen, KJ does. Is not only number, edgar just has it in his blood, his genes, and yunel looks like edgar when he was young. KJ….. well, he is good, but he is not a leader like edgar. We have enough young people.

And it is not like edgars value in the market is going to drop 5m in one year.

Trading edgar would be like trading jeter. If edgar played in NY he would be as famous a jeter, he plays at the same level. What are giving edgar for?

Please exactly tell me 3 real world moves you have in mind. Im not so good as you in digging for info, so i mus be missing something, as far as my humble knowledge, we are gonna get burned in any trade involving edgar. We will get the same if we give up KJ, he is young, he will play for years here? so what? you have lillybridge to take 2nd base 2009, full time.

WE NEED THE VETERANS…….EDGAR, CHIPPER. THERE ARE NO MORE. CANT GO MORE UNEXPERIENCED THAN THAT.

By Buffalo NY Braves fan

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

NCSCOOTS

I meant trading one of those prospects, along with other pieces in the trade. Johan is still under contract for another season, so if next year is truely a last stand for the BC and JS regime, then trading for Johan would be a good move to make. Should they decide to re-sign him after that season, who knows.

As far as the contract that Johan would demand, you have to look at what comes off the books after 2008. Hampton and his large contract are off the books at that point, which will free up a large sum of money. So getting Johan is not a pipe dream.

By Overlord

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

KJ is in a slump, big slump, and we dont need that. I cant recall seeing edgar in a slump last 2 years nor yunel all year.

By AZBravoFan

September 27, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Braveheart: While KJ might get more walks from working the count, I don’t think that so much the case with guys like Howard, or Adam Dunn. These guys get walks because pitchers don’t want to pitch to them. Because they know if they make a mistake it’s going over the wall. They’d rather try to get them to chase something out of the zone, which they obviously do sometimes, and if they walk, so be it. Even Andruw, who will never be accused of being patient, has had respectable walk totals because people still have the old “50 HR Andruw” in the back of their minds. He may only be hitting .220, but you still don’t want to hang a slider. (although lately it doesn’t seem to matter, he can’t hit the mistakes either) So pitchers will pitch carefully to Andruw and he will walk more. KJ has to work a lot harder for his walks because unless he’s on a hot streak, there’s no reason to pitch around him.

By ncscoots

September 27, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

SG, luv ya, man, but that figurehead-collaborative-management idea is just a terrible idea, LOL. No manager would accept that kind of arrangement, and rightfully so. To whom would the players look for leadership? The titular manager, or the power behind the throne? Who would be held accountable for success or failure, the figurehead or the hidden management team? Decision by committee is an awful, ugly thing, riven by finger-pointing and buck-passing. No, thanks.

If it’s gonna be my head, I for sure am not going to let other folks determine if it’s gonna get chopped.

By Paladin

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

One famous aviator was asked to put the art of flying into a few words. Here was his response. “It’s simple. You throw yourself at the ground and miss.” If he could do that for flying, could you guys try to do a little better—word wise—for baseball? Please!

Simplicity and brevity class sign-ups in the lobby.

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 3:42 PM | Link to this

beachcomber, you really think Jeff Blauser was a great defensive shortstop? Go look at his fielding percentages and his stats that measure range.

I agree that the Braves put a premium on defense and that defense is pretty important but it’s not as if Kelly Johnson is an awful defensive player. Plus his offense is too good to justify sitting him because his defense may be below average (but not awful).

By Paladin

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

If you want to read a “lot” said in a comparatively “few” words, read scoots 3:32 post. Bravo, scooter.

By Mark

September 27, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Overlord you are right KJ is solid, but he isn’t Escobar. Escobar is superior in talent to KJ.

We need to keep Edgar because he is more clutch than Chipper and Andruw.

Escobar should play second next year.

Since we had Edgar, nobody misses that alcoholic Furcal. He is clearly the second best shortstop in the National League behind Rollins.

By Buffalo NY Braves fan

September 27, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Paladin,

Maybe a simplistic approach to success…… just fail and being a failure

By MegaBravesFan

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

Any word on the Soriano appeal?

By ncscoots

September 27, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

Buffalo, I know pretty much what you were saying :-). I just wanted to make the Costa Rica joke, LOL.

Though you might want to think about how you work Johan AND Tex into the same budget in their FA years. I believe we could be talking some fairly serious skins there, my friend.

Assume both those players are on the 2008 squad, Braves win the WS, and the two make huge contributions thereto. Would either of those two players, at the top of his profession and entering into the first gonzo contract of his career, decide that less is more? You couldn’t even backload those two contracts, because you would have players such as McCann, Francoeur, and (hopefully) others entering their FA years during the middle of those contracts.

Now, there’s no telling what team budgets (for any team) would be in 2009; for all I know, the median might be $100MM, and the Braves might be at $150MM. Regardless, I have to believe there are only so many 8-figure contracts a team can live with and still have 25-man rosters not filled with scrubs.

By Paladin

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

Teddy Ballgame once said: “The hardest thing to do in all of sports is to hit a round ball with a round bat—squarely.” Unfortunately, the lower end of the Braves rotation found it entirely too easy to hit a round bat with a round ball—squarely. Season in a nut-shell.

By Mark

September 27, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

AZBRAVOFAN, you asked a good question at the end of your post.

The answer is BOBBY COX and his loyalty. You see Bobby is such a players manager that he doesn’t care if you are in a slump for the past few weeks(Kelly Johnson) or the whole year (Andruw Jones), he will continue to play you even if you hurt the team.

He will actually bat players who hit more than 100 points higher (Diaz) behind players that hit .220(Andruw). OH I am sorry .223.

This is what makes him the worst big game manager, whether postseason or regular season, there has ever been.

HEY DOB, is this a Mark-ism

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

Shaun is not only that KJs defense is not spectacular. He has no range, i dont care about numbers in this one, what you see in games, is that if ball is not hit right at him or 7 feet to his right and 7 to his left…….he wont even touch it.

I cant recall him make a highlight all year, is not that highlights win championships, but come on, it speaks of his D. I know he is an OF, he did a superb job adapting, tip my hat, but in this days you NEED to have more solid defense. Teams are loaded with offense specially in the EAST, you cant give and extra out, and more than that, you need a 2B that can take maybe 2 outs from opposing offense, on a DP turned like lighting or a diving stop. Stopping the ball from getting to CF or RF and not letting a runner score from 2B. KJ does not have that ability. you just cant give this monster teams (rockies,phillies, muts, brewers, reds, AL teams) extra outs ……you have to make make it a 23 or 24 out game by having great gloves in the middle.

By Caleb

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

DOB, just for the sake of discussion, if the Braves had a chance to trade for Johan Santana (and it’s your call), would you trade for him and how much would you give up?

By Shaun

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

Overlord, Edgar is a great player. He’s also one of my favorites. But everybody ages. And Edgar’s older than Johnson or Escobar. He also makes more money. Also, talent is a lot more important than experience.

I’m not arguing who’s better out of the three but the Braves could very well be better off getting someone like Noah Lowry and maybe another back-up player for Renteria. Johnson and Escobar are big league players.

Also, people that shake in their boots in key situations probably don’t play at a high enough level in amateur ball to get noticed by pro scouts, then probably don’t make it through several levels in the minors and then probably don’t stay in the majors for very long. If a player is a always nervous and still plays at a high level in amateur ball, minor league ball and makes it to the majors, that would be quite an accomplishment. That’s why I believe all this stuff about clutch-hitting and choking in key situations is mostly bogus. Chokers and scaredy cats don’t reach the major leagues.

By beachcomber

September 27, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Shaun - While Blauser wasn’t bad, I was referring to Rafael Belliard.

Awful is a relative term, granted, but KJ’s glove has approached that relative term during the past month.

By Overlord

September 27, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Cox is so bad that he has the record for ejections or whatever but he didnt say a word last night about utley running to the mound shake hands with huddy and then sliding at 3rd base. The biggest game of the season and he says nothing……..ISNT THIS WHAT BOBBY IS BEST AT? ISNT HE THE KING OF ARGUING????? Maybe he is to tired and doesnt want to play in october.

By Buffalo NY Braves fan

September 27, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

scoots,

The thinking of 2009 and beyond is something I have been pushing for people to look at as well.

Is the 2008 season a season where the Braves go for broke and try to win it all in JS and BC’s last season?

Or is 2008 a season where they make little adjustments, trade to compensate for future losses (Hampton, etc) and continue to be competitive for the future.

By trading for Johan, or signing Glavine, I would think they are going for broke in 2008 and not thinking long term. If they trade for a guy like Lilly or Lowry they may be thinking about staying competitive through 2011 or so.

Its the same with the Andruw situation. With Schafer in the minors, do they sign Andruw long term and block Schafer? Do they sign Andruw short term until Schafer is ready? Do they sign Andruw long term and start Schafer in left, or move Andruw to left?

There are a lot of questions to answer this off-season, and since so many of you on DOB’s blog seem to know so much about baseball, I’ll be happy to debate points and bring up ideas with all of you.

By Paladin

September 27, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this

HEY DOB, is this a Mark-ism

Mark I can only imagine how DOB will turn on that softball, but my comment is that everyone is entitled to be stupid, but you abuse the privilege.

By TennesseePaul

September 27, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

Just noticed the word crane was censored. c.r.a.n.e. I had no idea it was such a vulgar profanity.

ncscoots: Regardless, I have to believe there are only so many 8-figure contracts a team can live
What are you talking about? Any team can live with at least every player pulling in 15 million a year. Who doesn’t want the luxury of a 15 million a year bench warmer? Pull in Teixeira long term, and then get Pujols to back him up. It’s that simple. I don’t live in Atlanta, so I wouldn’t have to worry about the $45 6oz beers sold in the bargain $110 upper deck seats. Buy a $70 hot dog with the beer and get the pair for the cut rate price of $100!

By ncscoots

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

Buffalo, you’ll have to look for someone else to “debate”, then, LOL. I don’t know that I can make the cut :-)

That, of course, does not keep me from posting an occasional opinion, LOL.

By KC

September 27, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

Overlord: Those quotes were gathered from articles here on the AJC baseball page, and an article on the Braves website.

By jbutler

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

I’m not exactly a Fat Chick..but I’m winded from reading all the hot air blasting around up there!!!

Chipper’s definitely done his share for the team - he can still put the team on his back at times..but his body is too fragile - and dare I say..the chip a little too big on his shoulder to be a serious MVP. Just when it seems he’s really gutting it out and leading with his play he’ll bring out the attitude and knock down his standing, I believe.
But…I do feel badly as he’s really stepped up this past stretch - the broadcast kept hammering home his error. The Braves website even put it was “too much to overcome”. Take that.

By Buffalo NY Braves fan

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

scoots,

from what I have read, you have some good comments and what not. This blog keeps me entertained on the slow days at work.

By ncscoots

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

TPaul, I guess that would make the “all you can eat” seats at $300 per look bargain-esque, eh?

By Overlord

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

Which quotes? the ones about cox? or about kj? have not read a single article last 2 days, i brought cox stuff cause a few hours ago someone mentioned it and i just saw the replay a few minutes ago….. if you are talking about cox comments…….. i have not said its something only i could think about….. it burns your eyes as much as sun does.

By Caleb

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

Buffalo, you said earlier that with all the money freed up in 2008-9 from big contracts ending that signing Santana is not a pipe dream, so why would trading for him for 2008 necessarily translate to the Braves going for broke? He’s only 28. Granted, they would need to have him sign an extension after trading for him to justify what they’d have to give up in the trade, and it would be a huge contract (doubtful the Braves could get anywhere close in a bidding war with Yankees, Mets and Red Sox). But, trading for Santana, as unlikely as it would be, does not mean the Braves going for broke in 2008. Also, just b/c Schuerholz and Cox’s contracts are up in 2008 does not mean that they won’t be back for 2009 and beyond. I hope they both resign soon.

By Fat Chick

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

jbutler Surely you have heard the terrible things these chauvinists have been saying about me the past few days. And particularly when they learned I could sing. I think it had something to do with a lady-of-girth singing was “bad” for the team, or something like that. But tonight, I get my chance. Any requests?

Then(flutter, flutter)I have a date with Grinch. He doesn’t know it yet. Carroll set it up.

Do-re-me-fa-so-la-te-dough!

By ncscoots

September 27, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

Buffalo, thanks…I’m especially good at the what-not part.

In truth, I, as does just about every blogger here, feel that I’m knowledgeable about the game. But, unlike some, I’m simply open to the possibility that I might be wrong, LOL.

By Buffalo NY Braves fan

September 27, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Caleb,

By going for broke, I mean they would have to trade another significant part of the farm to get Johan which would be putting all of their hopes on Johan. Then if they let Johan walk, the Braves would have nothing left to rebuild with.

That is what I meant by “go for broke” with JS and BC. I don’t think BC will be back after next year, he was mulling retirement before this season started, and when BC leaves, JS probably won’t be far behind. Then they can hire Robert as the manager and his Donkey as the GM and all of us will be saved….. or so I hear.

By Caleb

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

Last night’s loss hurts even more now that it looks like Oswalt isn’t pitching against the Braves on Friday. Well, just got to hope that the Braves win out and get ALOT of help.

By AJC Censor

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

MrTNPaul “C-r-a-n-e” (ing) one’s neck is permissible, but turning one’s crank is frowned upon.

By Savannah Guy

September 27, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Scoots In my experience, whenever I hear someone begin a conversation with, “luv ya man…”, I brace myself. Perhaps in my searching for a respectable and “polite” way of articulating my idea about our manager, I shouldn’t have used the term “figurehead”. You and I are in violent agreement on the disaster of a committee in the dugout. A “Pat Corralles and a Mazzone type” of trusted “advisors” might have been a better, simpler and more traditional way of putting it.

In my way of looking at it, we have two options if we want to reach playoffs and win next year: Cox is either gone or he’s helped…a lot. I’m not talking about advertising the arrangement. This is between JS and Bobby. It’s inside clubhouse stuff. It’s just on a public blog because it’s just us here, right? Anyway, my thought would be for JS to have a frank and candid conversation with Bobby and let him know that he needs “help” (insert 100 reasons here).

Why? Because, if Bobby doesn’t get serious game strategy assistance we won’t stand a chance to win next year. It’s really that simple. Bobby is older, he seems tired and, how do I put this without seeming to disrespect the man…he is not up to speed on strategy. Actually it’s never been his forte. When he had Smoltz, Maddux, Glavine, Mazzone, Corrales, etc., his blips and bloops were covered. That’s no longer the case.

I suppose we could have business as usual, not ruffle any feathers or rock the boat, let Cox have his swan song year and, well, pick up the pieces in 09. Not a good option in my book. Or we could fire Cox after his great career…also not a good or likely or fair option. I like the man. I don’t know what his health issues are, but he deserves all accolades and a graceful (and successful) last year.

So, in this traditional sport that so often unnecessarily muddles along in management mediocrity, thinking outside the box is sometimes needed. It’s not about committees and finger pointing. Sure, if you took my words literally I could see how you might come to that conclusion. But that’s really not what I meant and not what I’d suggest.

And, as the Paladin so succinctly pointed out (ouch), the post was long enough without qualifying the idea further. Seems this one has grown as well, but I’d like you to at least understand my point even if you didn’t agree with it.

Bottom line: there is a respectable and successful way to put a collaborative dynamic together in the dugout, keep Cox one more year AND win a championship, all in the same year.

Ok, friend, I’ve now used all of my words up for the rest of this season…

By Buffalo NY Braves fan

September 27, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

Scoots,

Being open to the possibility of being wrong is what makes us fans. It is also the fun of ranting and sharing ideas about your favorite team.

So you seem to be a regular denizen around here, what is this wurlitzer award that I’ve read about?

By Paladin

September 27, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy I luv ya man…:>)

By StinkyJones

September 27, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

I got a million of ‘em - a million of ‘em. Did you hear why the batter took a fly swatter to the plate? He was hoping to hit a fly ball. Yes, I am amusing and I can blog with myself for hours.

By Caleb

September 27, 2007 5:05 PM | Link to this

Buffalo, I agree that the Braves would have to give up a whole lot for Santana, probably a ton of prospects and a cheap young major league player or two. It most likely wouldn’t be worth it long-term, but Schuerholz has pulled off trades in the past that make you wonder who’s running the other teams. And the Twins GM just quit, so maybe Schuerholz can take the new guy out behind the woodshed. Just a hopefully thought. Cox also said how much he’s still enjoying coaching and that he wants to continue as long as he is.

By StinkyWashington

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

Hey StinkyJones that was really funnie!

By StinkyJones

September 27, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Gee, thanks StinkyWashington. I’m glad you liked it. Others like me a lot, too, but don’t want to show it because of Lew.

By Paladin

September 27, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Buffalo Bob :>) The Wurlitzer is given to the wordiest, I mean worthiest of denizens. DON’T GET P!SSED LEW, I’M JUST FUNNIN

By Mark

September 27, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

Paladin, that was what DOB stated late last night about me.

Please ShutUP!

Trust me Paladin, you are the epitome of stupid.

By Gene Police

September 27, 2007 5:16 PM | Link to this

STINKIES Out of the pool!

By Shaun

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

Nate Silver writes if the Mets miss the playoffs, their collapse would be the second-worst of all time.

By jbutler

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

Hey there Fat Chick…I’ve never figured out why your singing is the curse. I would think you would just need to sit on said team.

While the ride could end tonight- at least there was a ride. Few weeks ago - no one could have imagined it. Who would’ve predicted the collosal tank jobs of the Mets/Dodgers (even in the AL - the Red Sox??) I guess the only other spot I wouldn’t want to be is a Mets fan if they lose the division and miss the playoffs. Maybe that will drive Tommy back home.

By Gene Police

September 27, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

OK Murk, I’ve shut up. Now, what would your crybaby whiny @$$ed opinion be?

By Bob, Journalist

September 27, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Scoots, you know that I feel you’re knowledgeable about the game … but, I’m not so sure that everyone else feels that way … not that what they think is important but methinks ‘tis good that you’re at least open to the contingency.

By StinkyJones

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

Come out and play Jimmy Smith. I am witty and can blog all nitgh. Did you know that was me erliear? I am too cool for this blog except maybe for DOB and Carrol.

By Fat Chick's Secretary

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

jbutler The Artist formerly known as Pneumatic is busy getting ready for her performance. So, she has asked me to thank you for your nice note and wish you and your team much success in the future.

By Savannah Guy

September 27, 2007 5:39 PM | Link to this

Paladin: I luv ya too man…funny, but some folks lack the talent for brevity and write long because they have a unique (or crazy) point of view to share, regardless of how unconventional that perspective might be or how receptive they expect the audience might be. I’ll plead guilty to that…forever.

Others write very little and very often even though they have no particular point of view…or none that they’ll risk sharing. Seems they must constantly say something for whatever reason. Sort of like a party. Some have great conversations and philosophize on a range of topics while others sit in the corner and talk about other people. The there’s the “one-liner” joke guy with the lampshade running around the room.

And then you have the stinky ones and trolls who enter the room with the pre-announced odor of ridicule, pestering and annoyance. I sometimes wonder if those folks are just too insecure to offer a point of view for fear that they might be ridiculed or their ideas debated, or if they’re just too conversationally inept and they don’t know how.

And then, there’s everything in between. That’s a blog. That’s life. That’s a party. That’s ok by me.

Just a few more games Braves…let’s win’em!

By Paladin's Secretary

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

Mr. Paladin thinks everyone should believe in something and he believes he’ll go have another beer.

By Bob, Journalist

September 27, 2007 5:44 PM | Link to this

From whence I come, complete pieces of work are not epitomes … nor do I think there is an epitome of stupid, though I am open to the possibility of being wrong.

By Savannah Guy

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

Oops, told Scoots my words were up. I’ll put my readin’ glasses on now…

By David O'Brien

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

Oswalt out, Matt Albers in for tomorrow….

And of course I’d trade for Santana if you could get him without giving up the franchise to do it.

By Lew

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

Paladin-If we were to award a Wordy Wurlitzer (a good thing), maybe we should nominate Skip Caray. TBS sure isn’t going to give the man his creds, thats for sure. Maybe he’d like a portrait of one of his dogs.

By wg

September 27, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

HEY SHAUN Your comments about Wright’s playing time vs Chipper’s doesn’t add up. Wright has played more games and his numbers are not as good. If Chipper played the whole year, his numbers would blow Wright away. Too much ESPN hype. Chipper would be a national icon if he played in NY.

By Paladin

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

Savannah Guy I’m sure we are still “on the same page”. What I said earlier, and most what I say, is firmly with tongue-in-cheek. I can write “wordy” as my theses and dissertations will attest. It’s just that I am in the time of my life where I choose not to take myself too seriously, and don’t. So, I run around with lampshade on my head spouting one-liners and enjoying the hell out of it. Each to his own, old friend. GO BRAVES

By Fat Chick

September 27, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this

Have y’all heard me singing lately….. It goes a little something like this……

Beat the Mets, Beat the Mets, the National Always Beat the Mets, in first place, soon they’re not, watching the playoffs on a cot….

Beat the Mets, Beat the Mets, who can’t beat the Mets, we laugh all day at their plight, ‘cause they beat themselves every night,

Beat the Mets, Beat the Mets, time to root for the Jets, if you watch ‘em, you’ll lose your sight, as they go down without a fight

Beat the Mets, Beat the Mets, The Nationals always beat the Mets, in first place, soon they’re not, watching the playoffs on a cot….

By Jim Henson

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

Savannah Guy, thank you. The Muppet Show has not been the same since he walked out on the show and started posing on here as Paladin. Thanks to you, we have now found Statler, a.k.a. Paladin, and have resigned him back to the show.

Statler and Waldorf may resume their positions up in the balcony now

By Mark

September 27, 2007 6:16 PM | Link to this

Savannah Guy, that was a great post at 4:52. Enjoyable and well said!

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

wg, yes, Chipper’s numbers are better and he hasn’t played as much. Wright’s numbers are excellent and he has 107 more plate appearances. His numbers aren’t as good but he’s had more chances to impact games and he’s been excellent. Kind of like a starting pitcher who goes 8-0 with a 2.50 ERA is probably not as valuable as a starter who goes 27-4 with a 3.50 ERA.

By Fat Chick

September 27, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Hey there Fat Chick…I’ve never figured out why your singing is the curse. I would think you would just need to sit on said team.

jbutler, honey, fat chick is guessing you have never had a woman sit on you. it’s quite pleasurable for a man, hon. can be quite pleasurable for the woman as well depending upon where she sits. my singing however is not so pleasurable.

By Paladin

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

If you guys are going to take me on two at a time, one of you get on the other’s shoulders and give me a target.

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

I think the Twins would want at least two or three of the following players for Santana: Escobar, Brandon Jones, Jo-Jo and Lillebridge.

By ncscoots

September 27, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

SG, it’s all good , bro. If we only knew what went on in the dugout this year re collaboration…did Bobby receive just as much input from these coaches as previous ones? If yes, was it wise counsel that he rejected, or unwise that he embraced, that had us scratching our heads? If no, then did the coaches simply not present their suggestions, or were they inclined to think those suggestions were unwanted? Lots of variables.

Jimy Williams and Pat Corrales were former ML managers in their own right; Ned Yost and Fredi Gonzalez were managers-in-waiting; and Mazzone had the same seat for a long time. There’s bound to be a different dynamic with a host of new faces in the dugout. That’s not to say that Cadahia, Snitker, and McDowell don’t know their stuff; just that their relationship with Bobby can’t, simply can’t, be the same as it was with men Bobby had worked around for long years.

As to whether any of this has the least whit to do with anything else, you’d need the Magic 8-Ball to get that answer, LOL. But I agree with you on this: Bobby, this year, certainly made himself vulnerable to the thinking that he needs help.

By AZBravoFan

September 27, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

What if you had a guy on your bench who was hitting .339 with 7 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 15 RBI, .355 OBP, .695 slugging, 1.050 OPS? I don’t think the Braves bench the last 2 years combined can match that. Well those are the numbers of the D-backs’ pitcher Micah Owings after today’s 4-4, 3 RBI day against the Pirates. Can’t wait to get Hackin’ Hampton back.

By Mark

September 27, 2007 6:37 PM | Link to this

Sorry Paladin, I didn’t mean to insult you earlier. You aren’t stupid.

Shaun I see your point on KJ, but we need to keep Edgar.

KJ is not as talented as Escobar and Renteria. That is on both sides of the ball. HE is the most clutch of any Brave. He is the best shortstop we have ever had.

By General Manager

September 27, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

PRESS RELEASE: The blog has just fired the director of scouting and the director of blogger development. They had informed the general manager that Mark would be a valuable September callup. They were wrong. I fired them. Mark will be given his unconditional waivers at season’s end and will not be signed to a minor league contract with a spring training invitation. Sorry, Mark. We just don’t think you can hack with us. Maybe some other blog will feel differently. I would not count on it.

By Andres Thomas

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

KJ is not as talented as Escobar and Renteria. That is on both sides of the ball. HE is the most clutch of any Brave. He is the best shortstop we have ever had.

Screw you Mark. I was better than Edgar.

By ncscoots

September 27, 2007 6:44 PM | Link to this

Buffalo, the Wurlitzer question is more appropriately addressed to Lew; Bob, Journalist; Carolina Lady; The Grinch; and/or journalist jimmy smith. I believe that’s the committee, right, guys?

I can tell you that it is an award worthy of your desire. Seldom awarded in these environs, rightly so, and always rightly awarded. Ask the recipients here to raise their hands, and you’ll find them righteous contributors all.

By Rafael Ramirez

September 27, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

Screw you Andres. I was better than you and Edgar….. combined.

By Shaun

September 27, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this

Mark, but Johnson is still almost as talented as any other second baseman in baseball and he’s young and cheap. Same with Escobar and all other shortstops. Renteria, on the other hand, is older and more expensive. It’s that simple.

I think clutch is irrelevant because all major league players are clutch or they would still be in Double-A ball. Nervous folks don’t make it through the filter of amateur ball, the minor leagues and into the majors. It isn’t little league where the coach is going to throw you out there even if your knees are knocking.

By Braveheart

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

Buffalo Soldier, Dreadlock Rasta I’m a damn Wurlitzer winner and quite darn proud of it. To be honest, I don’t know what took so freaking long to gimme one. I guess they weren’t just gonna give it to me, I actually had to freaking earn it. Luck, circumstance, passion, what kind of oatmeal Lew ate in the morning dictates who wins it.

By Mark

September 27, 2007 6:57 PM | Link to this

I hate to come off so negative on these blogs, but this team can really let you down. Bobby and his moves really upset me. It’s been that way for 16 years. It started with that Leibrandt vs. Puckett in game 6 and it continues..

I always wondered how other managers like ALOU, PINIELLA, DUSTY BAKER, or Leyland would have done with the Braves during that 14 year run of so called excellence.

BOBBY is a HOF manager, but you pointed out earlier Savannah Guy, is terrible when it comes to strategy. He can’t handle a bullpen, runs out of player late in the game, and he goes by the book way too much.

Why is it that when we face a lefthander McCann has to bat behind Andruw. McCann can hit lefties?

Why does KJ have to bat leadoff when we face a righty?

Why did it take Willie Harris going 6 for 50, to put Diaz in everyday?

Why can’t Andruw bat 8th at least once?

Savannah Guy you are right. By having those aces in our rotation, it covered up alot of Cox’s deficiency. If we had that rotation now, we would be 10 games up in the division and probably the best record in baseball.

I hate to say it but we can make all of the moves in the world to improve this team, but we won’t win the WS. There is always on constant and that is BOBBY COX!

Basically, we don’t win because BOBBY, we win in spite of him.

By Program Director

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

Shaun, we love your insights but you’re working overtime. We’re not paying you past 4:15 p.m. No comp time either.

By Paladin

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

Mark I was just joshin. Carry on.

By David O'Brien

September 27, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

NEW BLOG is up

By Paladin

September 27, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

For instance: Braveheart, a Wulitzer winner, and I have had “moments”. I have had words with him; he has had paragraphs with me.

By Braveheart

September 27, 2007 7:09 PM | Link to this

I always wondered how other managers like ALOU, PINIELLA, DUSTY BAKER, or Leyland would have done with the Braves during that 14 year run of so called excellence.

Baker and Alou have no World Series championships. Leyland and Pinella have exactly one each. One has not won it in 17 years even though he had Randy Johnson, Griffey, AROD, and Edgar Martinez on his team. Leyland has not won in a decade and lost twice to Cox with evenly matched Pirates teams and lost to Larussa last year and basically had a freaking breakdown with the Rockies and quit. Cox has not quit the last two years with horrendous pitching other than Hudson and Smoltz.