Braves vs. Mets -- rain, stay away | Braves

By Longwood's Finest

April 4, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

go HUDDY!

By Kevin

April 4, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

Hello Hello

By Lee in S. GA

April 4, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

1ST

By Andy K

April 4, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

DOB..I look on MILB.com, and the Richmond roster lists Sal Fasano as one of their catchers. Is this true? Did they pick him up for AAA?

By Kris

April 4, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

1st?

The pitching is a concern to me. You want to rely on Hampton, and you can’t. You then add James to the mix, who I like but can’t trust with the possibility his shoulder will flare up. Jo Jo…..no way Jo—-se. Kid is way too raw, and no sense of control. Also, we have no clue what to expect from Smoltz. Guy is a true gamer, and will give it all he has. Problem is, will he try too hard?

By Patrick

April 4, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Why did you have to throw that in there about Wright? That Sieve couldn’t field a shotput cleanly if he had magnetic hands…

Why do you have to bring up bad memories…

By bravesfan

April 4, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

Rain, Rain, stay away!

By nolie

April 4, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

OK guys, call Noah and get him busy. If today’s title challenges the baseball gods like yesterday’s obviously did, y’all might be swimming for your lives this evening. ;-)

By Bobby's Cox

April 4, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

HR tonight for Tex, since DOB says “he’ll be fine”!!!

I hope i didn’t reverse jinx it

you’ll be fine tex, you’ll be fine

By Big Easy

April 4, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

oh, how we need Huddy to go 8 or 9 tonight. Maybe get a CG early this year.

DOB, I saw some comments on here saying Kelly’s injury is more serious than first thought. What’s the word on that?

Let’s go Bravos!

~E~

By Sir Stealth

April 4, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

It’s funny how people confuse these blogs with the Braves Vent, which is provided by the ajc for that purpose and very much available if you click on the appropriate link. No need to have any sort of rational analysis or perspective on that, just let it all out. That way people don’t have to be confused that you’re trying to talk actual baseball and you don’t risk embarrassing the entire fanbase.

One thing that makes baseball so fascinating is that it,maybe more than any sport, can be a game where inches one way or another can make a big difference. The Braves have started off with a few close games in which they just missed wins here or there. These things even out over time, and there’s no reason to view the team any differently now than coming out of spring training. The entire lineup has looked good to me - just haven’t gotten that extra inch here or there, haven’t strung hits together at the right times. They will though.

Hampton could explode into a million pieces on the mound (if he ever gets there again) and I don’t think anyone would be that surprised. But he was just a wild card. Jurrjens good performance means that we may be counting on Hampton even less. Chuck James makes a fine number 5 starter.

By OrlandoFan

April 4, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

Man, DOB, you throw out those stats about Wright just to get the denizens riled, don’t you? Certainly will detract from bemoaning the loss of Hampton. Anyway, we didn’t expect him to pitch much, and we aren’t going to have him pitch much. No tangible loss. If he had pitched well for 3 or 4 starts and whetted our appetite, it would have been worse. But anything he gave us with a Christmas morning — no, maybe Easter morning — kind of gift, if you get that metaphor for his career. That’s why you have depth, to go to the next guy. Chuck will give it his best, I’m sure.

By mo in the boonies

April 4, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

Wayne The team has some issues (all teams do, look at the Tigers!). Yes they all do have issues, but today Leyland said their team stunk, and he took the blame, said evidently they weren’t prepared enough in spring training. He said it is always the manager’s fault if the team isn’t ready. I’ve never heard Cox or any Atlanta fans say that.

Ugabrave: How can any of us fault Cox??? See above comment. And as a matter of fact, when Cox pulled Diaz out of the game, I think I heard the distant braying of a donkey. With all the talent there is on this team they should be playing much better ball. The buck has to stop with the manager or the coaching staff. There should have been some changes made last year, at least with the coaching staff.

McFann Your boy is still squinting when he comes up to bat. I thought the surgery was going to take care of that. And he should have been in to start the game…another stupid theory of Cox’s, he thinks after they have one day off, he needs to add another one for some players, so they get two days off in a row. That might be okay at the end of the season when everyone is worn out, but clearly not necessary now.

The only bright spot in last night’s game for me was that Bennett did a surprisingly good job subbing at the last minute.

I’d just like to remind JoeBrave and others that there is a minor girl on this blog now, and perhaps you might like to adjust the language used in your posts. I know you are intelligent enough to be able to get your point across without embarrassing her.

Wes Helms??

By Sir Stealth

April 4, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Optimistic or pessimistic, I think that we should all be able to agree that Wes Helms is not the answer to anything.

By Efrim

April 4, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Tigers about to be 0-4. The Sky is falling in Detroit…..

By DAP

April 4, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

10paul what is going on with tex right now can (and has) happened to every hitter who has ever played baseball

Except Chipper over his last 700 at bats.

well, you were probably joking, but its a good opportunity to show you and THE BEAR this:

chipper jones from may 2nd to may 9th, 2007. 7 games, 19 ABs, 3 hits (2 doubles) .157 AVG

mark teixiera in these four games has had 19 ABs, with two hits, which is a .105 AVG.

this shows even the mighty chipper, who is truly an amazing hitter, goes through these same issues in small stretches. also, notice how much one hit changes your average when your talking about suck a small number of ABs?

By matt

April 4, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

DOB, sorry if this is a stupid question, but we’re still under the impression that the plan is for Hampton to come back and pitch in a few weeks, right? Judging by everyone’s reaction, it is starting to sound like he’s done for the year.

By superadam

April 4, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

DOB typo I believe you put state of 06 and i think it was start. ITs where you were talking(typing) of TEX

By Allen

April 4, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

If we win this series against NY the Pitt series will be forgotten about. Seriously folks! It’s the first week of the season. If we banked the whole season on what happens in the first week then we would have won it all last year. Come on!

Jurrjens looked great the other night! I like Bennett. He has good movement on all of his pitches. Unlike Carlyle, who’s fastball is so flat. Hitters just wait on it. Huddy looked great the other night. I’m real anxious to see Smoltz. I think with Glavine’s help Chuck can really shine this year.

By Ramblin Wrecker

April 4, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

I think from a roster perspective what needs to happen is when John Smoltz is activated for Sunday’s game, you send Jo Jo Reyes back to AAA. Then when you activate Chuck James to take Hampton’s spot, the Braves should send Corky (2 passed balls) Miller back to AAA. The guy is not here for his bat, and if he can’t catch simple pitches, he don’t need to be wasting a roster spot, especially with the bullpen taxation that has ensued early in this season. So turn that 3rd catcher into an extra bullpen pitcher, at least until things sort themselves out down there and until Omar Infante comes off the DL.

By Ben

April 4, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

As much as I want to get the Mets series started tonight a rainout might not be a bad idea, unless they schedule a doubleheader for Saturday. Lets just get it rained out before Huddy gets going.

By chase

April 4, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this

I just want to say this BEFORE the series with the Muts…

NO Matter What Happens… PLEASE don’t keep pressing this IRRATIONAL PANIC BUTTON!

These KNEE-JERK reactions after 4 games with 3 close loses ARE RIDICULOUS!!!!!

If you need to complain and vent that is fine BUT PLEASE BE REALISTIC there are 158 games to go!!!!!

By rob

April 4, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

I said the he’d pitch fewer than 10 starts this year, and I still stand by that prediction.

By chase

April 4, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Also… It’s funny I never heard back from any of those people who were GRILLING me for saying CORKY shouldn’t be in the lineup…

They took their shots and I ate crow when he got that RBI BUT… Those same people were NOWHERE TO BE FOUND when CORKY gave the BUCS 2 runs from passed balls..

Especially when you guys kept harping on me that he was here for his DEFENSE!! Give me a break!

He seems like a good guy but he is NOT a major leaguer AND McCANN should only be off 1 out of every 7 games anyway! Not one in five!

By 18 Wheels of Love

April 4, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Random lyric in my head

“I’m not one to sit and spin cause livin’ well’s the best revenge.”

Rock, chalk, tomahawk! Go Braves!

By RichmondBrave

April 4, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

I hear ya Dave, but we were told that Andrew would come around last year…. I am seeing another Boras client tank in his FA year. I am praying I am wrong as I type this. With nothing out of the 4 hole and the pen blowing it could be a long weekend let alone season.

By TJ

April 4, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

Weather looks really bad for tonight and Saturday. Much as I love watching the Bravos, a rainout or two really wouldn’t be a bad thing. Would be like pushing the ‘reset’ button on our bullpen.

By Efrim

April 4, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

I say we could really use a rain out for the bullpen. Although Moylan didn’t pitch last night, and Reyes is up, I think they could use a day off seeing that they will be playing a couple of tough offensive teams the next 7 days.

By Kev

April 4, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Andy K

Yes, the Braves signed Sal Fasano and assigned him to AAA… he’ll probably back up Clint Sammons and could come up if Corky Mille cant cut it.Here’s the link

the mention of Fasano is down near the bottom of the article.

By Justo

April 4, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Im a Big braves fan but I exspect us to lose 2 out of 3 games from the mets. They just have seemed to play really well against us the past 2 years. The key to this series will definetly be shutting down Jose Reyes when he is off base we win, so huddy will have to keep him off base..i exspect him to and the braves will win a cllose one tonight. Tommorrow I dont think we can win that ball game Mike Pelfrey sucks against every other club but dominates us and i expect tom to get pounded tommorrow by his former team. Sundays game will be a close one but we will lose folks there is no way we are hittin Johan he will dominate. John will do great to but he aint as good as Johan.

By chase

April 4, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

How come whenever I think of HAMPTON I get Johnny Cash in my head slowly singing

“I Hurt Myself Today”

By Bubdylan

April 4, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

Mike Hampton’s injury is a freak injury. He was throwing warm-ups. It’s not as if he reached a new level of game-time stress and his body couldn’t take the extra pressure. He had already done five times more than this during spring training and excelled. I know DOB doesn’t go along with this, nor many of the posters on here I respect and trust more than my own hunches. But still, I honestly believe this is a minor snag. Call me a fool, but I still think Hampton will come back and pitch, not just okay, but very well. 14 wins. You’ll see. I’m a Hampton believer till that close the curtain officially.

By TJ

April 4, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Kev, I don’t know, but I would sure hope that Fasano is backup insurance for Richmond, in the event we decide to call Sammons up.

By Novice Ned

April 4, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Seems to me that Cox needs to keep Bennett in the large cylinder labeled “break glass in case of emergency” instead of using him like a standard reliever. Pitching him the day before Hampton’s start may not have been Cox’s best all-time decision. And he shouldn’t pitch Bennett the game before James takes the mound (until he proves he is healthy). Heck, for that matter, same for Saturday, before Smoltz takes the mound on Sunday. And how much depth do we have for these relievers who are pitching 3 out of 4 games? A 14-man bullpen is sounding like a viable option.

By CT

April 4, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

RichmondBrave: you are crazy for thinking this is another Boras client tanking a free agent year, have you seen his starts for his first FIVE years in the bigs, this guy is breaking records. And dont forget, the mets lost a lot better pitcher than Mike Hampton.

By Overlord

April 4, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

DOB, you should have called the blog “Im ready, Hampton banged up”.

By Duke

April 4, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Im not really upset, I mean him being healthy could have taken us to very far places but if chuck can bounce back and have a good year then we are fine.

By chase

April 4, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

Justo

You think the Muts have played well against the Braves the paast 2 years????

The Braves have always OWNED the Mets head-to-head

I think they have only won the season series against the Braves ONCE in recent memory

Also the Braves 9-3 at one point agianst the Mets last year until those last couple series when we were basically out of it!

By Dale

April 4, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Mike Hampton is my hero. Watch free baseball games inside a MLB dugout…on the team’s payroll making millions…and having a body that seems to find a problem just at the right time to avoid doing any work. Are there any real jobs out there like that???

By Renegator

April 4, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Redman is getting lit up in Colorado. There’s a shocker!

By chase

April 4, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

I think Justo is a MUTS fan in disquise NO WAY does any Braves fan discount SMOLTZ’s chances in a big game

And if Memory serves the Braves would’ve beaten SANTANA last year in MINN until WICKMAN blew it…..

Stop with the Johan is unstoppable CRAP! Stinks of a muts fan

By Overlord

April 4, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

RichmondBrave im amazed on how you pretend to compare AJ and TEX. You need a TV for christmas. Superstar vs superkkk.

By chase

April 4, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

I do think HAMPTON will make at least 20-25 starts this year..call me crazy but I just have a feeling he will!

By JD

April 4, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why people are being so hard on Mike Hampton. I’m just as frustrated as anyone but who in their right mind wants to be considered injury-prone? It’s not like he enjoys this. Whatever happened to supporting players as long as they put on our uniform? Just a thought!

By Jared

April 4, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

If Chuck�s shoulder isn�t ready, if he struggles, the Braves have Jeff Bennett or Buddy Carlyle available to start. Again, this is not a huge setback.

Chuck James is fine. Buddy Carlyle and Jo-Jo Reyes are where it starts to feel like 2007 again.

By Randy S

April 4, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Mark Redman’s just gave up 3 in his 1st inning with the Rockies. Stranded men on 2nd and 3rd. 35 pitches, 18 balls.

Redman in Colorado = Non es bueno. Or just a bueno as he was in Atlanta. Not exactly Francisely Bueno. Only saving grace may be that he faces NL West offenses.

By Joebrave

April 4, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Mo,insight taken into account. However don’t single me out like that again. I have been here longer than you,and the squirt!!! I respect the fact that we have tyke Fans,as my 2 year old watches with me. But you’re not my father,Parent,Significant other,or Boss. Point is appreciated about the Kid,Placing me in a firing lane will Pi** me Off!!!!

By Lew

April 4, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

Mo-You’ve never heard anyone on this blog blame Bobby Cox? You say you’ve been posting here how long? Ever hear the name Robert? Sorry Dude-That may be the most absurd thing you’ve ever said.

By embizzle

April 4, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

Justo, Look at 6/14/07 game against the “unhittable” Santana. I’ll give you this, he put up a good fight, but we had the game won if it wasn’t for our “lights out” closer wickman. That was one of the games that Huddy looked like 2007’s Cy Young award winner until Wickman came in and gave up all 3 runs to blown another win. Santana pitched good, but we had that game won until the 9th inning. Plus, that was the braves 1st game against Santana, and a lot of the braves got several good looks at him. Now, with him coming to the TED, and now pitching for the MUTS, I see the braves having a little more incentive to hit him a little bit better. So, will it be a tight game? Yes. Are the braves destined to lose? No. Don’t ever count Smoltzie out of a win on a BIG BIG game.

By Joebrave

April 4, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

In the Name of all that is Holy! Please give the job to Bennett,and NO MORE C.James…

By CT

April 4, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Jeff Bennett or Chuck James are serviceable 5th starters. Hampton will be back in 15 days. Bobby needs to shake up lineup with backup catcher in, maybe Yunel leadoff, Kotsay 2nd, Corky’s mistakes last night weren’t as bad as bullpen leadoff walks, especially Morgan, the Pirates speedster who scored the winning run.

By SAMMY THE HEAD MILLER

April 4, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

The only Legend David Wright will ever be is a Blog Legend! Go Braves lets beat the Los Mets!!!! In Smoltz I Trust.

By Bobby

April 4, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

JOE BRAVE- YOU ARE SUCH A STUD AND SUCH A BIG MAN OVER THE BLOG!!!!!!!!!

By richbrave

April 4, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

JARED:

Buddy gave up 3 earned in 3.2 last evening. BUT it was a dog of a day. Mid-40’s, windy, drizzle with steady downpours intermittently. An absolute horror-show opening. So I wouldn’t put too much stock in Carlyle’s current 8.44 ERA. Two walks and three strikeouts. He did O.K.

Most effective pitcher yesterday was Rowenhorst in relief of Buddy. 2.1 with 0 ER’s, and in worsening conditions. Pitchers were literally sliding off the mound at times on both sides.

Josh Anderson did well with the stick 2-4 w/walk, stolen base, and an outfield assist at second from DEEP center. Barbaro Canizares also had a good day 3-4.

By aefwb

April 4, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

bubdylan— Fool.

As for the rest of ya, we will be fine. Bobby has to get a feel for this bullpen just like he has to every year because it is constantly turning over. I will say this after seeing Resop, I think I would rather have Yates.

By McFann

April 4, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

If Ho-Ho had to make Hampton’s next start instead of James, I don’t know if I could watch. All we need is Ho-Ho pitching in the Rockies ballpark�

chase

I’m with you on your 4:04 post. And I really don’t get why Bobby put Corky in except oh—“They’ve played some long games” and “Oh, it’s cold out!” Sheesh. Give me a break! They took a day off after that really long game. And c’mon, McCann caught 18 innings in the playoffs once.

Mo—

I don’t know what to tell ya about the squinting except that I noticed that, too. Maybe he can’t break the habit�

And he most certainly should have played. But, along with the dumb excuses I typed above (which I don’t completely agree with), there was a lefty on the mound. And Heaven forbid he start against to many lefties! Sheesh�

By AmazinsAgain08

April 4, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

,Placing me in a firing lane will Pi** me Off!!!!JoeBrave

Oh man, that big talk is just sooo scary. I might run from this board in terror. What a macho jerk. You onna them southern rednecks, bubba?

By SHA

April 4, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Wren, this blog is for you. Sign TEX and lock him into a multiyear deal and build this team for the future. He’s your consummate professional…work ethics, stats, offense & defense, and from what seems to be a problem with some Braves, he stays off the DL. He may request some outrageous amount of money, but in five more years his contract won’t seem that outrageous. SIGN TEX!!!

By The Wizard

April 4, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Without a doubt, baring injury, David Wright is on his way to becoming the best position player in all baseball. He’s been on fire since last August (see article above) and currently has a 20 game hitting streak dating back to the end of last season. A great hitter, terrific power and speed, spectacular defensive plays…the kid’s got it all. And at 25 hasn’t reached his full potential yet. Scary!

By Kev

April 4, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

TJ

What do you think, Fasano is better than Corky with the glove… cause its been only 1 game for Corky but what a horrible one in defense… i dont know if Fasano would do better than that(Defensively)… if not Sammons is waiting in AAA…

By TJ

April 4, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Richbrave, got any “scouting report” on Canizares? Never hear much about him, but seems like a pretty good hitter.

And, anybody know if we released Eric Campbell? Don’t see him any of the milb rosters.

By King521

April 4, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

And the rains begin to fall at Turner Field…Round one of possibly three significant rains on the night…

This cannot be good for attendance…Friday night against NYM is usually packed…NOT TONIGHT!

Heres hoping they can get this one in and Hudson continues the great work he did up in WAS.

By McFann

April 4, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Yeah, that game against Santana last year would have been a sweet win! Diaz had an RBI, McCann hit a solo homer, and Timmy was brilliant! Can’t wait for Sunday! (I’m also as nervous as going to the dentist, but hey, it should be a good one, anyway.)

By TJ

April 4, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

Kev, not quite sure I understand your post (but thanks for the reply). I just don’t see Fasano as a solution to anything, except minor league depth. Corky had a bad game… that’s forgivable, IMO, but I’m just wondering if it was one of those nights that gets under management’s skin, and might cost him a job.

Frankly, I’d rather see Sammons than either of them.

By mo in the boonies

April 4, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

JoeBrave Sorry if you feel I singled you out, I didn’t mean to do so, I did add “and others,” because there were several who used language that wasn’t appropriate, probably a couple worse than yours. I just meant it as a reminder. Once in a while we all slip up.

Lew Ok, Robert, and a couple others blame Cox, but no one on here ever admits it might be the truth, and never has Cox to my knowledge ever taken the blame or even admitted that the team isn’t playing up, to par like Leyland did. He always has some excuse. One time in all the years he has been at Atlanta did he ever call out a player for not doing his job, and that time was Andrew. Cox thought he was dogging it because Andrew made every catch look too easy, and pulled him out of the game. It made Cox look like a big man, but it wasn’t a move he even needed to make. We’ll see how he manages this series with the Mets, when he has already wasted his entire bull pen. Maybe he is praying for rain too.

By THB

April 4, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Our rotation looks fine to me Mets Fans, what do you have against us?

Smoltz is pitching Saturday, Hudson is Hudson, Glavine pitched a solid game the other day, Jurrjens looked great and is very young, Chuck James has had good success in the majors, and if not hurt will be one of the best 5 starters in baseball, and a good 4 starter. Carlyle had decent success last year and can spot a starter along with Bennett who has also pitched well. Meanwhile, Pedro is out 6 weeks (one of your top 3 starters), and you’re left with Santana Maine and Perez. 3 tough starters but missing the depth.

Our bullpen? It’s decent, but the main problems are in the middle innings (6 and 7). Moylan and Soriano are real tough, and Gonzalez will just add to the depth. Your bullpen? What happened to Duaner Sanchez? Billy Wagner is your best relilever and he is fairly inconsistent.

Our offense isn’t anything like your offense, but will be just as effective. Yours is fueled by Reyes and Wright, while ours is by Chipper, Tex, and Escobar. We’ll score our runs by Kelly getting on base, Yunel moving him over and Chipper or Tex knocking him in. You may have an edge on our offense, but our offense is no slouch and is going to score a lot of runs.

Your Muts are in the situation we were in last year. Injuries will ruin the season and the talent will be wasted..

By Rain Delay

April 4, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Maybe the Braves need to think about picking up a guy like Claudio Vargas to fill out the back of the rotation.

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

First off, nothing new on Hampton. He just told us that he feels a little better today, got here early and started his rehab, etc. He’s miserable, said he didn’t sleep last night, etc….

They haven’t announced anything yet, but it looks almost certain this GAME IS GOING TO BE RAINED OUT, and early. Not gonna sit around long, because the forecast is terrible and is going to be terrible all night.

I’d expect it to get banged soon.

By the way, Braves had two lineups for tonight’s game, one with Kelly in it, the other with Prado in it. They were gonna test Kelly’s knee during BP/infield, but that got rained out.

The lineup without Kelly had Escobar leading off and Kotsay hitting second, Prado eighth…

Won’t have a doublheader tomorrow, it’ll be done next time they come in.

By Pete H.

April 4, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Wait, something happened to Hampton?

I hope we can mutilate some Mutt pitching tonight, assuming it isn’t pouring. The weather forecast doesn’t look good.

Whoever suggested sending the Corkmeister down and getting another bullpen arm is on the right track. That’s one beat-up bullpen only four games into the season.

By Joebrave

April 4, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Amazins your name says it all Mutts Trash!! and Booby you can Blow that trash at someone that really gives a crap!!! Both pieces of feces!!!

By Justo

April 4, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

Chase They won every series in O6 but 2.

By doug

April 4, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Canizares is a first baseman from Cuba I believe. He was in Miss last year. I think I remember DOB saying that he isn’t much with the glove, but can hit.

By FEAR

April 4, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

let tex go to much $$$$ we got a bunch of good players coming up from AAA. sign CC Sabathia. How much longer can Smoltz (he’s great) and Glavine hold out? Hudson has vastly improved since ‘06. Jurrjens impressed me greatly. Chuck James too inconsistent. Bennet did well at the last second and he pitched that great game last year against The Brewers. The Bullpen is dreadful. Our starters need to pull some 7 and 8 inning outings….until we can figure out what the hell is wrong with the pen. Bobby needs to stop playing chinese firedrill with our pitchers! later…..

By The Wizard

April 4, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

THB: Concerning the Mets rotation, you forget El Duque returns next week. And I believe the Mets bullpen is somewhat better than the Braves. The Braves top to bottom lineup is a little better at least until Alou returns the end on the month. The key is how much does Delgado have left, and how well Church does. He’s off to a good start under batting coach HoJo’s guidance. The Braves lineup is very good, but they must keep Larry off the DL.

By brewdawg

April 4, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

DOB,

Huddy just gonna go tomorrow I assume (if tomorrow doesn’t get rained out as well)?

This is actually not that bad a thing to happen guys what with our bullpen already being overtaxed. Sure, it’s the first night I could have had some cold ones along with the game this year, but hell, there’s always tomorrow. (And i’m still gonna have some cold ones).

By chase

April 4, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Justo…

I said except once in recent memory… that would be 06

By Joebrave

April 4, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Mointhe Boonies,Taken and filed away,I have never had come uppance with you,and never will.I didn’t realize that there was a tyke here. so duly taken into account. Too Bad about the Game.. need to rest that Pen tho’

By Curt

April 4, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

DOB

So does all this bad weather ruin the Santana vs Smoltz Matchup?

By Mike

April 4, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

I have tix for tonight. Davis O’B, you mention that game won’t be played tomorrow if rained out tonight. Is that for sure? I want as much notice as possible if I need to get there tomorrow

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 4, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

It sounds like both today and tomorrow’s games are likely to be rained out.

Bad news for us fans and quit the break for the bullpen.

Watching the Rockies vs Diamondback right now, our old buddy Mark Redman(Colorado) is down 0-4 after five innings.

Mike(hypochondriac)Hampton needs to see the same shrink that Smoltz worked with.

By calicriz

April 4, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Gotta be honest, as much as i’d like to see these two go tonight a rain out would be an outstanding thing to happen for the Braves. The bullpen gets a rest and the starters would all move back a day, delaying Bobby from having to pick which 5th starter he would go with until later next week. We’d miss Smoltzy/Santana though which is ashame, but at least it’s another day for him to recoup as well.

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

I should say, it’s not raining right now, so let’s back off the “it’ll get banged soon” statement. But I do think it’s going to be rained out.

Bobby said they’d just move back the pitching, meaning Hudson would start tomorrow. I would assume that means Glavine would start Sunday, and I’d guess Mets would keep Santana on schedule to start that game since he’s already getting an extra day of rest this week.

But that’s just speculation. We should know before too long.

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

They’re playing Cold War Kids’ “Hang Me Up to Dry” on the stadium PA right now. Great song.

By Steve McP

April 4, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

DOB - I am here in Atlanta, waiting in my hotel room and just picked up the blog news, seen some heavy showers but not much sustained rain - is this enough for it to be called off?

I will hang on for a bit and keep an eye on the blog for your updates before deciding when to leave for the game, your last note seems to be pretty certain that it will be pulled, which is very disappointing.

Do you have any indication that will they make it up with a double header tomorrow or Sunday if/when It is pulled? i would assume that TV coverage might be the issue that stops that, also regular games with the Mets give more flexibility so I am expecting that the weekend will be shortened to two games.

By etownbrave

April 4, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Sure hope tarp is on the field as the radar looks mighty green, yellow and red! Too bad the Peach has the game on TV so can’t watch it anyway…will catch Pete and Skip on the radio!

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

King521, all or nearly all of the tickets have been sold for tonight’s game anyway, whether it rains or not, whether they’re used or not. Money’s paid.

By mo in the boonies

April 4, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

JoeBrave, Ok, all’s fine here.

Disappointed the game won’t be played. I will only be able to see them as long as Direct TV is showing them this week, and when they will be on regular Fox or ESPN.

McFann At first I thought the sun might have been in his eyes then I remembered there wasn’t any sun. :-)

Well time for me to shut down the computer for the night.

By JC FROM UT

April 4, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

DOB: If (God forbid), Chuck James is not ready to pitch when his turn comes up, what are the chances of possibly seeing Charlie Morton take a turn.

By AGTfan

April 4, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this

The Wizard Thanks for providing some comic relief. Concerning the Mets rotation, you forget El Duque returns next week.

That’s priceless.

By mr baseball

April 4, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

If the Braves get rained out tonight, what does our future Hall of Fame manager do in regards to the rotation. Does he bump Glavine to Sunday and send him out against Santana, moving the first start for Smoltz to what could be some unpleasant weather in Colorado?

After the Rockies’ series, the Braves play Washington, Florida, LA & Florida again before traveling to Shea. If this team isn’t several games over .500 by the end of the month, that may be the time to voice some serious concern about the team.

Tonight’s rainout doesn’t help. The Mets get to pitch Maine & Santana and skip Pelphrey. It also makes last night’s decision to pull Soriano after 11 pitches look worse in retrospect. Still don’t fully understand why Cox basically refuses to let relievers work multiple innings, and won’t allow Ring to pitch to anybody except LaRoche.

Next question: who goes down with JoJo when Smoltz & James come back? Can’t be Bennett, so that leaves Boyer & Resop. I think we’re seeing why Resop has been been released previously. The ability to hit 99 on the radar gun doesn’t necessarily make you a Major League pitcher.

Funny how the Pirates have made some awful trades lately, but they look to be 2-0 in that department against the Braves.

By Pete H.

April 4, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Looks like we’re going to get a game in. Sunday.

By King521

April 4, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Dave… I will believe it when I see it… My guess is the boxscore will read less than 38,000.

Lets play some baseball!

By McFann

April 4, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

I sure hope the game doesn’t get rained out. That would be a total bummer. I don’t want them to play a doubleheader against the Mets��EVER AGAIN!!

Mo—

Let’s watch and see what he does when there is some sun!

; )

By tj

April 4, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Somebody correct me if I’m wrong,but I believe Santana was 15-13 and led the AL in home runs allowed last year. I think Hudson was right when he said ” he’s not unbeatable.”

By JC FROM UT

April 4, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Buster Olney is writting that the Red Sox may be in the market for a back up catcher and Brayan Pena is mentioned. Does anyone think this could happen?

By JD

April 4, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Good News DISH Customers! Rumor has it that SportSouth is working on a deal that will air all PeachTree TV games!

By Teddy Jack Eddy

April 4, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

When was the last series this early with a feel of desperation ? Maybe that’s a little strong but get swept (even in a 2 game set), we’re at least 4 back.

By I Love the Braves

April 4, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

Mike Hampton- Bu Bye. No value- AT ALL= over the years.

Tom Glavine- Thanks for coming back and letting me relive those days that were the good ole days.

Braves=Play hard! Thank you for providing me clean entertainment in a very unclean world-THANK YOU

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Second wave of rain just began here.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 4, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

TJ Canizares looks better than Thorman… He DHed yesterday for Richmond and had 3 hits and a couple of RBI. Thorman managed to wild throw home in the 8th inning and opened the floodgates for Rochester. Thor still has that big swing too.

By Ben

April 4, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Probably get rained out tonight, but I’d expect to get the game in tomorrow.

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this

Agreed, it would be the best thing in the world for the Braves to get this thing rained out before anyone even warms up. Two games banged would be even better for this pitching staff.

By jed

April 4, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

dob

could the braves sue hampton for breach of contract if they discovered that all of these injuries are the result of his having taken steroids years ago?

also, in a month or so when hampton is finally out for the season again, would AJC consider interviewing hampton about past steroid use? i know you, as the beat writer, cant really ask him anything right now, but i think eventually it’s a legitimate question.

more than legitimate. he brought this stuff on himself and in the meantime is collecting a small fortune doing nothing.

By Bad Bart

April 4, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

DOB: I know you keep up with Kansas so I assume you went to school there. If you were that close, why didn’t you go to the University of Missouri’s J-School?

By etownbrave

April 4, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

JD DISH?! Really?! I have sent numerous emails that they have not answered. Would be thrilled if this does work out! Thanks for the info.

By FEAR

April 4, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

I thought the same thing about ‘roids and Hampton. Who in the world tears that many muscles and tendons?

By Ryan

April 4, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

Hampton needs to RETIRE!!! Well, I guess he has been retired for the last 2.5 years. I don’t want to hear about how hard he has worked, or how much sleep he didn’t get blah blah blah. If he is a man at all he will pay back the money he’s been ripping the Braves off for the past 3 years. Braves need to cut there loses and let this loser go!

By Steve McP

April 4, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this

The messages must be getting through that people are pretty annoyed about the TV situation and it does look like there is some movement going on - this is the reply I had from Peachtree recently:

“Thank you for your correspondence. We appreciate hearing your views and welcome your suggestions.

Peachtree TV has taken over the local broadcaster position in Atlanta that was held by WTBS and so is only available to viewers within the metro-Atlanta area. However, we’re pleased to announce that the Braves Games have been offered to TV affiliates in the 5 Southeast states in the Braves footprint”

By JD

April 4, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

I have spent the last two months going round and round with DISH Network. I spoke with PeachTree today. They didn’t share anything significant. But a contractor that I had contact with today said that they were working now. I know that they’ve been snowed under with complaints. Get this: PeachTree TV told me that DISH Network is the only cable and satellite provider in the southeast without PeachTree’s feed.

By Greg in TN

April 4, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this

Evening ladies and gents…

Doesn’t look like Mother Nature will be cooperating with any aspirations of baseball in Atlanta tonight. A good break for the team because the bully needs a rest after the Pirates left town.

Looks like BC got caught in the numbers game last night with having to bring Bennett in to start. I liked the gamble in putting Resop into left while Ring pitched to LaRoche even if it didn’t work out in the end.

Hampton’s frustrating odyssey continues. I agree with DOB’s assertion that we can stand an injury to Hampton, but can’t withstand a major one to the big three. It’s frustrating for sure, however I’ve said this before, any health problems outside of his arm really could be expected after such a long layoff.

By Murphy

April 4, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Steve McP— I got the same message from Peachtree TV (I live in Charlotte). They actually did not say much of anything that we didnt already know.

By BravesFanInRockies

April 4, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

BTW, denizens —

Forecast for Denver next week — sunny to partly cloudy. Highs in the 50s, lows in the 30s.

Subject to change out here, always. At least we’re not supposed to have a repeat of yesterday — highs in the 40s and rain. Yuck.

I’ll be there Wednesday night. Could be Redman vs. James. Yikes.

Can’t go Monday. Have to see the Heels on the tube in the National Championship game. (Not that I’m making any assumptions, DOB!)

By rlpmetro

April 4, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

Folks, can we PLEASE lay off Hampton right now? Don’t you think the guy has suffered enough? God knows, he doesn’t WANT to be injured! You are all making it out like he has done you wrong. Take solice in the fact that the Braves planned on him not being a critical part to this pitching staff, wish him well in his battles to stay healthy, and let it go!

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 6:47 PM | Link to this

Braves need to cut there loses and let this loser go!Ryan

They can do that, though I don’t know how cutting him a check for the remainder of his $15 mill salary this season would be “cutting their losses.”

If he goes on the DL, at least they recoup some portion of his salary through insurance. if they cut him, unless it was determined he had a career-ending injury, Braves would owe him the remainder of his salary and get no insurance relief.

And any team would be free to sign him to a minimum salary at any point this season, while he’d get his $15 mill from the Braves.

So you see, releasing him would not in any way be “cutting their losses,” at least not in any financial sense.

By William

April 4, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Weather doesn’t look good for tomorrow either folks.

By BravesFanInRockies

April 4, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Everyman,

If they call the game early, will you get to catch some of the REK show?

Three weeks to Merlefest; I’ll be back in N.C. for the whole shindig, including Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble Saturday night …

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Ripmetro, very good points (6:47 p.m.)

By Proeye

April 4, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

Starting out slow may be one reason why Teixiera hasn’t reached his potential yet. Why lose 10% of the season just because you can’t get up early? As great as he supposedly is, he has only hit 40 homeruns once in his career and he’s only posted one 1.000 OPS season. We are assuming that he’s going to produce even more some day. Chipper Jones has produced far more and he may be one of the greatest BRAVE players ever. He is not expected to ever leave the team. Consider: Chipper .307/.950 OPS lifetime, Tex .285/.906 OPS and yet who has received more criticism? Who is the one who wants to jump ship after getting barely a taste of Braves Nation?

Don’t get me wrong, just think of this as constructive criticism… ;-)

By jed

April 4, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

rlpmetro

why, on an atlanta braves blog, should anyone lay off the subject of mike hampton right now? are you daft? that’s about like going onto a political blog and saying ‘hey fellas, can we not talk about iraq’s effect on the election today? it’s just not cheery news.’

no. YOU go away.

By Ryan

April 4, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

DOB I understand what you are saying. It’s just sick the money the Braves are losing on this guy. I’m sure he doesn’t want any of these freak things to keep happening and is doing everything he can to pitch, but if his body isn’t going to cooperate then just retire. We are talking about 2.5 years now that he has been trying to come back. I mean geez……..if he can’t warm up 20 mins in the pen and not pull something. Yes, it was a cool night and it probably takes a little more to getloose, but we are talking about a professional athlete.

By Section 412

April 4, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this

I know this would be heresy - but since the forecast gets better and better later tomorrow, any chance they would tell FOX to shove off and just play a normal Saturday night game? (I know - it’s crazy to ask TV to NOT show the Mets, but it would give us a better chance of getting the game in).

By Goodoleboy58

April 4, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

DOB-

Do you see Frenchy signing a Alex Rios type contract 7 years 69 mil? Think the Braves and Jeff would go for that?

By Dave

April 4, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Section 412, The Saturday 3:55 game is an MLB Televison contract, not a Braves contract. It’s FOX’s game to schedule from my understanding. MLB isn’t going to tell FOX, the rights holder to the World Series, to “shove off”.

By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)

April 4, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this

Maybe the rain is a sign from the chop gods that our bad luck will be washed away and we’re getting ready to go on a winning streak. I know, I know, I’m reaching here.

By Eric from MO

April 4, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

I dont understand all of the idiots who say that we need to get rid of Hampton (Ryan is one and there are many others). We are going to have to pay him either way so we might as well keep him on the roster and hope he can give us anything, even if it is only 5 starts. That is better than just letting him go. I understand you are mad and frustrated and jealous(who wouldnt want to make 120 million and do nothing) but go to the vent section of this website to let your anger out. We try to use a little rational thought on the blog.

P.S. I agree with FEAR on his 5:18 post. I would rather have C.C. Sabathia than Tex. We have plenty of good young hitters such as Francoeur, McCann, and Escobar. What we need is another ace to go along with Hudson. Think how dominating Hudson and Sabathia would be.

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Ryan, I understand what you’re saying. But there is no simple, clean solution, so why bang your head against the wall? It’s not your money, after all.

By Efrim

April 4, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Bummer about the game. Hopefully we’ll get tomorrow’s game in. Also kind of sucks that we wont get to see Smoltz vs. Santana. I guess the Mets will bypass Mike Pelfrey and Go with John Maine and Johan Santana in the two games.

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 7:11 PM | Link to this

Starting out slow may be one reason why Teixiera hasn�t reached his potential yet.Proeye

That’s a new one. He’s 27 years old (28 next week) and has the fifth-most extra-base hits (behind Pujols, Ortiz, A. Soriano and A-Rod), eighth-most RBIs and ninth-most homers in baseball over the five years he’s been in the majors.

Just think if he ever taps his true potential….

By Train Wreck Bystander

April 4, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

For five, we’ll take Huddy Then pray it gets muddy.

By rlpmetro

April 4, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this

Jed

*why, on an atlanta braves blog, should anyone lay off the subject of mike hampton right now? are you daft? that�s about like going onto a political blog and saying �hey fellas, can we not talk about iraq�s effect on the election today? it�s just not cheery news.�

no. YOU go away.*

No, it is not even close to going on a political blog and not talking politics! It’s perfectly fine to be disappointed that Hampton has had another setback. But you people are making it out like this is some sick joke he is playing on all of us Braves fans, and it’s just plain ridiculous.

For goodness sakes, what good does bashing Hampton do right now??? Not a damn bit of good! Hear DOB’s words…the Braves didn’t count on him doing anything this year. They went into the season feeling that anything they got from him would be icing on the cake. He showed he still had something left in the spring. Cut the guy some slack because throwing swords at a time like this is pointless!

By Proeye

April 4, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

Anyone possibly think that Braves management may be salivating at the chance to put Hampton on the DL? Like DOB says, they basically get their money back because they get insurance money every time he lands on the list. So being overly cautious could be a very, very wise decision financially for the team. Oh, stub your toe? 14 days. Oh, hang nail? 14 days. Groin pull? 14 days. If they do it 11 more times, they’ll make it through the season and Mike will be off the hook… ;-)

By embizzle

April 4, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

DOB, Since apparently people are saying that the Yankees are wanting to go a little bit younger and not as quite free spending like in the past, do you see them being less aggresive in the Tex war, or do you see them bidding on Tex’s services like they would have a couple years ago?

By Retire Mike Hampton

April 4, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

Please just retire and donate the remaining money you make (if you still make it even after retirement) to the Atlanta Braves’ charity.

Can’t believe I was dumb enough to think Hampton wouldn’t start the season on the DL.

By TNScott

April 4, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this

DOB Did anyone say anything about Resop tipping off his pitches last night? Talked to a friend who said he noticed that every time Resop threw his breaking pitch he didn’t move his hand in his glove. When he threw his fastball, he regripped in his glove.

By McCarroll21

April 4, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

DOB, just wanted your take on this: Say they do start the game, what are the chances that Reyes starts in Huddy’s place to hold Huddy back for tomorrow or put him in after the mid-game rain delay?

It would suck something hard to have Huddy burned for five days by going 1.1 IP before the rain came pouring down again (still assuming they get it started).

By Goodoleboy58

April 4, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

the last thing we need is for this game to go 4 innings and have to play 2 tomorrow ouch

By Tom

April 4, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this

This Hampton guy is really just a cash cow for Wren. The Braves get the prorated portion of a $15 million dollar contract each time he goes on the DL. If $15 million gets divided by 30 starts that means they made $500,000 last night. Paid JJ’s salary for the year! Maybe he could miss 3 more starts and kotsay would be free this year too! If he doesn’t pitch until August, Tex is covered! Go Hampton, bring home the bacon!

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

GAME’S RAINED OUT.

SPLIT DH on Tuesday, May 20

By Ron_Paul

April 4, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

Maybe I don’t understand how the DirectTV MLB package works yet, but it would be nice to listen to some Braves’ announcers broadcast a game. All I’ve gotten is a couple of homer Pittsburgh announcers and if they play tonight, I will have to listen to Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez! I think I missed out on The Braves announcers, during the Pirates series because of blackout rules…I am in Pittsburgh.

Agree…let off Hampton.

By robdawg06

April 4, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

When Hampton returns he will pull his left nut the night before and won’t be able to pitch… Talk about an injury-prone player…

Why didn’t McCann pinch hit last night ?

Why not send down some of those extra IF’s and OF’s and call up a couple relievers from Richmond ?

I mean, I’m no Bobby Cox but I do have a brain…

Rainout tonight. That sucks !

By Joebrave

April 4, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Can we all just get along ? and can these Braves just git-r-done!!!

By BravesFanInRockies

April 4, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Goodoleboy58,

I believe DOB said earlier we won’t play two tomorrow; the next time Da Muts are in town we will.

By Section 412

April 4, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

Rained out - day / night DH on May 20.

By Deep Throat

April 4, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

Game postponed. Doubleheader on May 20.

Bummer.

By McCarroll21

April 4, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

Ron_Paul, if you have the Extra Innings package through Directv, you should have access to both the home and away telecasts. The fact you’re in Pittsburgh is what kept you from receiving the Braves telecast of those games.

By BravesFanInRockies

April 4, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Ron_Paul,

You’re right; the blackout got you. I’m in the Denver area and have watched two games on Peachtree TV thru my MLB Extra Innings. If you’re outside the “home market,” it picks up feeds for both teams. If you’re in one or the other markets, you have to get the local feed and that’s it.

You should get the Braves announcers any time they’re not playing the Pirates (and maybe the Phils, depending on how the MLB gods define local market).

By woogidy

April 4, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Anyone else see this, Joe Girardi not managing the Yankees tonight because of illness. I am so disturbed by this. When was the last time Bobby Cox missed a game? Bobby Cox didn’t miss a game when he had back spasms so bad last year he couldn’t make a pitching change, yet Girardi, in the first year of a 3 year $7.5 million dollar deal, is sitting out his 4th game ‘cause he’s sick? You guys want to talk about someone mailing it in, get off of Hampton, and jump on this guy. All he has to do is manage the game, and plus Bobby’s 66 and Joe is 43. Dang. This bothers me.

By McFann

April 4, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

By Stephen

April 4, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

DOB:

Any word on how this effects the probable pitchers for the next two games?

By robdawg06

April 4, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

Hampton was COUNTED ON to be the 4th starter this year. Don’t tell me he wasn’t counted on. He screwed the Braves last night and forced Bennett to go and put duress on the bullpen. I would release him tonight (I know you still gotta pay his sorry azz) and just cut my losses. I’d love to make $100 million dollars on the DL. Who wouldn’t ?

By BOOHOO

April 4, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

Ripmetro Hampton really doesn’t have health problems.Kotsay does,DOB does,I do,Mike strained a t**,who’s ever done that ?

By Overlord

April 4, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

DOB arent they moving tomorrow game to a night game? Weather is supposed to be better at night than early afternoon.

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Note I just turned in for posting online:

The Braves’ Friday night series opener against the New York Mets at Turner Field was rained out and rescheduled as part of a split doubleheader on Tuesday, May 20.

Also washed out as a result was a highly anticipated Sunday matchup between John Smoltz and new Mets ace Johan Santana. Braves manager Bobby Cox decided to push back his starters a day with the rainout, so Tom Glavine is now scheduled to face Santana on Sunday.

It will be Glavine’s first game against the team he spent the past five seasons with. Glavine was originally scheduled to start Saturday afternoon against the Mets, but Tim Hudson will start that one against the Mets’ John Maine.

The May 20 doubleheader games are set for 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Fans with tickets for Friday’s game can use them for entry to the 1 p.m. game. A separate ticket will be required for admission to the 7 p.m. game.

By parks

April 4, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this

Robdawg not sure what you do not understand. Did we count on Hampton to start last night? YES. Are we counting on him for the year? NO. Last year we counted on him to be in the rotation thats why we had to scramble to sign Redman. This year we Have Chuck James. You understand?

By Ryan

April 4, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

DOB If it isn’t my money how exactly do the players get paid?

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this

Overlord: No. Tomorrow’s game is nationally televised Fox game. They’re not moving it.

Besides, KU’s playing tomorrow night. They wouldn’t conflict with that (kidding).

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Hudson vs. John Maine on Saturday, Glavine vs. Santanta on Sunday.

Smoltz comes off DL to pitch Monday at Colorado.

By Section 412

April 4, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

So can they keep Smoltz on the DL an extra day and keep another reliever for Sunday, or does Smoltz have to be activated or put on the DL for another cycle?

By LT-AA blogger

April 4, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Crap- the wife goes out with the girls and I get the kids to bed early and find the game is rained out…..what on earth am I supposed to do now?

On a side note, anyone out there know of a way to kill a pine tree without “killing” a pine tree? My neighbor planted two pine trees a foot off my property and refuses to get rid of them. I need Fat Tony the arboriculture.

Oh yeah, the Braves will be fine- just a rocky start.

By jed

April 4, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

rlpmetro

check out my 6:21 pm post.

i think the only realistic explanation for hampton’s endless array of muscle strains and pulls is that he’s having physical breakdowns as a result of steroid use. if so, he brought this on himself, and many contracts have a clause whereby the contract is voided if one injures himself through irresponsible behavior. ie, jeff kent’s motorcylcle accident controversy back when he was playing for the giants.

however, hampton still accepts the money without being able to perform.

how is this not a relevant area of speculation for braves fans on a braves blog the night after he misses his first regular-season start?

wanta say i’m speculating wildly?

fine. i realize no one’s even investigated the matter yet. (that’s why i raise the subject.)

but if you responded with that assertion (that i’m speculating wildly), then although i’d disagree, i would certainly recognize it as a reasonable subject for posting on this blog.

By Sir Stealth

April 4, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

I’m the biggest Bobby supporter ever but he’s a huge grinch for screwing with the Smoltz-Santana matchup in Smoltz’s season debut. Also, aren’t the Braves going to Colorado after that? Does he really want Smoltz pitching in that climate? Of course, if Glavine did beat Santana, that would be hilarious. However, it seems much less likely to happen than Smoltz doing so. Oh well, in Bobby I trust.

By Scott Boras

April 4, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

I’m worried. At this rate, Teixeira is well on his way to earning a 2 year, 36 million dollar contract in the 2008-2009 offseason.

:(

By Goodoleboy58

April 4, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

woogidy,

not very concerned with what the yankees got going on… long as they are losing i’m happy… it is hard to believe Girardi is sitting out a game.. we’ve been blessed with Bobby here… that is unheard of around these parts

By BravesDave

April 4, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

A rainout is like a win tonight. Any night without a loss is like a win right now. I have watched all of the games so far this season, but something that just scrolled across ESPNews brought it home - the Braves bullpen has 22 appearances in 4 games this season. Thank you, rain.

Another night for Kelly Johnson to heal. A night of rest for the bullpen. Maybe the Braves miss Santana, since Randolph has said that he is not going to change the rotation because Pelphrey has not pitched for almost two weeks.

All around, tonight is only the second good night of this early season.

By ncscoots

April 4, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Wow. Glavine vs. Santana, huh? I must admit, my first thought would have been to give Glavine the extra day and get the rotation slots back to Hudson/Smoltz. Smoltz is eligible to come off Sunday, anyway. Maybe there’s something I’m missing.

By BravesDave

April 4, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

DOB, is Santana a definite for Sunday? The Mets announcers on SNY said that Randolph was going to go with Pelphrey on Sunday.

By Bobby's Cox

April 4, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this

God must be a braves fan sending in the rain today to rest our ‘pen…

…and for giving hampton that little setback so he wouldn’t pull an oblique with the cold weather yesterday.

now if he could only send all the angels to sell out the Ted.

By Jeff321

April 4, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this

“On a side note, anyone out there know of a way to kill a pine tree without �killing� a pine tree?”

Try giving it a daily golden shower.

By Sky King

April 4, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Eric from MO So you don’t understand the ”idiots” who think it’s time for the team to retire Hampton ? Isn’t that kind of an oxymoron ? I can understand if you disagree but there’s more than the individual considerations.Hampton has been a 3 year distraction to the team and fan base.Who knows how much negative effect this ongoing saga has had on the team ? On a personal note,I’m just plain sick of it.

By Reid in EAV

April 4, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Had a chance to meet Our Crusading Everyman (tm) this evening, who’s just as crusty in person as he is online. Only kidding, David!

re: 5:39 pm — I was going to mention that; great song and utterly apropos. (A friend of mine shot the video for that song, too.) Who’s the music geek playing the stadium PA tunes?

Mandatory Lyrics:

Hang Me Out To Dry Cold War Kids

Careless in our summer clothes splashing around in the muck and the mire Careless in our summer clothes splashing around in the muck and the mire

fell asleep with stains cake deep in the knees what a pain

now hang me up to dry you wrung me out too too too many times now hang me up to dry I’m pearly like the whites the whites of your eyes

all mixed up in the wash hot water bleeding our colors all mixed up in the wash hot water bleeinding our colors

now hang me up to dry you wrung me out too too too many times now hang me up to dry I’m pearly like the white the whites of your eyes

By Hampton's Pectoral

April 4, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

Who said I was all bark and no bite?!?!

By mahad

April 4, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

jsdxn asjxcbdhaxcajx as

By Sir Stealth

April 4, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

It’s entirely possible to say that Hampton’s injuries are the result of steroids. However, to say that this is the only rational explanation is completely ridiculous. It’s more like only the most rank speculation. If there was proof that the guy did steroids, I would be as mad as anybody about his body breaking down. However, without that, it’s offensive to pass judgment about it. The man is an Atlanta Brave who’s done all he can to try and get on the field for his team. I hope he makes it back as soon as possible. I also don’t get all this criticism over the guy for stealing money. He was offered a fairly negotiated contract which he was incredibly intelligent to agree to. Baseball contracts are guaranteed as negotiated through collective bargaining. It would be one thing if the guy signed his name and took his money, and then mailed in his performance for the rest of his career, but that’s not what’s happened here. If you’re frustrated about his injuries, which at this point most certainly have become a joke, my advice is to take comfort in our rotation depth or go take your rant to the Brave Vent page.

By Ray K

April 4, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

DOB, With all due respect (and it’s quite a bit) how in the world could you make the assertion that a predicament whose remedy possibly entails Buddy Carlyle is not a huge setback? If by adding depth you mean the unproven Jeir Jurjens and the unyoung Tom Glavine, then I agree with you.

But that’s kind of like saying we added depth to a bowl of soup by giving it a pinch of salt.

In a trio of thirty five plus year old pitchers, we did merely just lose Hampton, the Cindy of the Braves Bunch.

But if this year becomes another reliance upon Marsha, Marsha, Marsha, we are sunk.

Go Braves.

By Logan23

April 4, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

On the bright side Thomas Hanson has a five inning no-no with 13 strikeouts for Myrtle Beach.

By TJ

April 4, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this

Looks like Tommy Hansen has something special going for Myrtle Beach. 13 strikeouts in 5 innings so far. Wow!

By Proeye

April 4, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Can you strain a nipple?

By oasisbraves

April 4, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

How come the Braves cant trade for Jake Peavy? Wont the Padres take Scott Thorman for him?

By TJ

April 4, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

Ha, great minds think alike, Logan.

Also, noticed that former GA Tech (boo) catcher Matt Wieters has 2 HR in his first pro game, in the Carolina league.

By rlpmetro

April 4, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

jed

Nowhere did I say not to talk about Hampton. I am more so suggesting that the people who are kicking the man while he is down, suggesting that he screwed the Braves, screaming for him to retire, suggesting that the Braves cut him, those people should let it go. It does no good to bash Hampton…except maybe make those people feel better. The guy who kicks a man when he is down is ALWAYS the weaker man!

Once again, appreciate the fact that the organization learned from last years mistake, and they added glavine & jurrjens so that they aren’t in the same pickle they were last year when Hampton went down!

As for the steroid theory, anything is possible in this day and age of baseball. But I still don’t peg Hampton for a steroid user.

By StingerSplash

April 4, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

So Smoltz is going to come off the DL in Colorado, at Coors, against that lineup? Ohhhh kaaaayyy. What move will the Braves make to make room for 29?

By Tomas

April 4, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

What a discouraging start of the season : Mike Hampton injured yet again, the bulpen has been very innefective with the exception of Soriano and Ring, and Kelly Johnson is injured possibly going to the DL, and worst yet we lost the series in home to the worst team in the national league tied with Florida.

Now lets hope Chuck James can throw at least 80 pitchers without feeling arm fatigue and that John Smoltz retuners with no sign of injury, because I do not want to see Buddy Cayrlile in the near future or Jo-jo Reyes. And please do not trust Chris Resop in a tied ball game ever again.

I mean I’m sure the Braves have the talent to be the best team in baseball, and I know you can not base the teams performance in 4 games, I mean look at the tigers, many said they had the best team in baseball at the start of the season with all the players they got, and they got sweap by Kansa City and lost to the whitesox today, that doesn’t mean they won’t get to the playoffs this year, just look at that amazing lineup and reason will tell you that they will be in the playoffs, they have renteria batting 7th.

The Braves have a complete team, there Bulpen was one of the best last year, they’re just taking a little while to get back to there rythm, Mark Texeira will hit better than a 2 for 19 I garantee it, as will David Ortiz that got to a very similar start. Tim Hudson has been very consistent throughout his career and this year it will not be any different, John Smoltz if he is able to stay healthy results will be there, Tom Glavine is a good number 3 starter that is very consistent and I think he will be able to keep the Braves in the game to win games, Mike Hampton we can not count on because of his weak body, Chuck James is a good pitcher but I dont know if he has suficient arm strength to be a starter, he just went 6 or more innings only twice last year, and I think if the braves need another starter Jeff Bennet is a very good option, at least better than Jo-jo Reyes, and Buddy Cayrlile for sure.

By LT-AA blogger

April 4, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

It makes sense to push Tommy G back to face Santana. I predict that Glavine will have have the same luck against the Mets as he did the Braves (with the exception that it’ll be the opposite), and the Braves will hit against Santana- Braves win 6-3.

To make it a complete win, Metropolitan Man will trip and fall at the bottom of the 7th completely spilling his beer across the front of his pants symbolically foreshadowing the Mets season (or was that just last season I was remembering?).

By Sky King

April 4, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Sir Stealth How do you know Hampton’s done all he can do to prepare ? I think if a reasonable person were to judge by the types of injuries he’s had,that person might conclude it’s more likely he hasn’t prepared well enough.My personal opinion is if he prepared as well as he lets on he’d be in better condition.

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

Now that (LT-AA blogger) was funny.

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Ryan, so you’re upset because it IS your money that Hampton’s soaking up. OK, got it. Thanks for clarifying.

I thought it was big advertisers and billion-dollar TV contracts, even more so than soaring attendance, that makes it possible for players to make huge salaries. But apparently it’s not. Or are you saying that you are the reason those advertisers and TV networks pay those rates?

Feeling pretty important, aren’t we?…

DOB, how in the world could you make the assertion that a predicament whose remedy possibly entails Buddy Carlyle is not a huge setback? If by adding depth you mean the unproven Jeir Jurjens and the unyoung Tom Glavine, then I agree with you.RayK

Didn’t say that. Carlyle is about 8th on the list of Braves starters this season, which is why they are in such better shape than last year and are so able to absorb a Hampton injury, unlike last season. They added Jurrjens and Glavine, and also didn’t have Bennett available most of last season.

Or I guess you don’t think Jurrjens and Glavine are good starters for the middle and back of a rotation?

By THB

April 4, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this

DOB-After looking on all the minor league rosters for the Braves, I couldn’t find Cole Rohrbough’s name anywhere. Any reason for this?

By McBreeze

April 4, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this

DOB Do these tv networks,sports equipment manufacturers,soda makers,etc,etc print money ? I’m not an expert on economics but I do know as a consumer I’ll pay my share of the inflated salaries of players AND the execs who put their mugs on billboards whether I choose to or not.

By Deep Throat

April 4, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

Smoltz is a big game pitcher. Coming back to pitch against the Mets and Santana, all that adrenaline pumping, Smoltz would have probably thrown seven or eight innings on shutout baseball.

Instead we have Glavine, who’ll probably pitch 6 innings and give up 3 runs. And that’s fine 9 times out of 10 from your third starter. But that could very well be all Santana needs.

I’d flip Smoltz and Glavine if I was Bobby Cox.

By Tomas

April 4, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

I forgot about Juirjiens, he has been very impressive, he has good control and good velocity on his pitches.

Starting pitchers(order from best to worst)

Tim Hudson
John Smoltz
Tom Glavine
Mike Hampton(cannot depend on)
Jair Jurriens
Chuck James(needs arm strength)
Jeff Bennet
Jo-jo Reyes
Buddy Carlyle

By Loran Wallace (100 miles away and ready to strike)

April 4, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

There goes Loran Wallace, the greatest pitcher to ever toe the rubber.

By LT-AA blogger

April 4, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Man- wife just pulled up- gotta go. Fun for LT-AA blogger is done for the evening. I know how much you guys like music. Listen to Pavements cover of No More Kings (School House Rocks). One great measure of a band is their covers:

He even has the nerve To tax our cup of tea. To put it kindly, King, We really don’t agree.

Gonna show you how we feel. We’re gonna dump this tea And turn this harbor into The biggest cup of tea in history!

……….yes 3 beers now is definitely the limit.

By Austin

April 4, 2008 9:56 PM | Link to this

I really disagree with the decision to push Smoltz back to Monday. IMO their are two negatives in this. One Smoltz has to pitch in hitter friendly Coors field instead of pitching at Turner Field. Also your givin the Mutts a advantage in the pitching matchup.

I don’t get it.

By Jim Mora

April 4, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Playoffs?! Don’t talk about playoffs. Are you kidding me? Playoffs?! I’m just hoping we can win a game, another game!

By George

April 4, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

It’s time to send Michelle Hampton’s a* packing. He needs to go NOW and Bobby Cox needs to learn how to manage his relief pitchers/bench. It’s a shame when you run out of players in a 10 inning ballgame.

By Logan23

April 4, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

TJ Only one beat blogger per affiliate!

By BravesDave

April 4, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

The blog is dead tonight. When does the late night crew arrive?? Uga-brave, are you out there?

By bobby

April 4, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

Game rained out! At least Bobby can’t mishandle the pitching staff tonight.

By TJ

April 4, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Yeah, let’s send Hampton packing.

Let’s see, we release him, and he no doubt clears waivers, so we pay all of his $15 mil salary. Then he recovers from the pec strain in about 2 weeks, and signs on with either the Phillies or Mets - both of whom need starting pitching and have plenty of money (and it wouldn’t take much, since he’s already got our $15 mil in his pocket for ‘08). Since they could probably sign him cheap, it’s a no risk proposition for them. And a no-win for us.

I think that’s a great idea.

By Steve McP

April 4, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

I thought that the Braves might have sent Smoltz to the mound in Atlanta on Sunday- I don’t have all the stats, but I think I recall reading or hearing that Glavine has been one of the best visiting pitchers in Colorado,saving him for Monday may have made sense if my recollection is correct.

By Mark in PA

April 4, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

When Hampton returns he will pull his left nut the night before and won�t be able to pitch�-robdawg

Would that be Pete Moylan’s kangaroo nut? I thought they were supposed to rub it, not pull it…

(if they left that thing in Florida, they need to go get it. If they brought it with them, they need a ceremonial burning, ASAP!)

By richbrave

April 4, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

TJ:

Serious post dude. Tell it like it is!!

By woogidy

April 4, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Good point TJ. I concur. Hey for all you modern rock listeners out there, 10 years has posted 5 new songs from their new album due out May 13, I think they are amazing, yo can check them out here.

By Lee in S GA

April 4, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

The relief pitchers needed a postponed game to rest. If Cox continues his overuse of the pen we will need many of these nights to occur.

A rainy night in GA on a Friday night. No wonder the blog is dead tonight.

By ncgary

April 4, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

By oasisbraves

April 4, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

How come the Braves cant trade for Jake Peavy? Wont the Padres take Scott Thorman for him?

oasis only if we agree to take maddux too, snark

By ScottBravesfan

April 4, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

I still can’t watch the games on Peachtree TV. Why did the Braves sign a deal with them when Fox Sports Net wanted to show the 45 games, that way everyone could have seen the games.

Stupid decision by the Braves.

By scott boras

April 4, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

braves fans: my client will be fine there is nothing to worry about.

By David O'Brien

April 4, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

TJ, it is brilliant, isn’t it? The idea to release him and pay him $15 mill? Makes good business sense.

By N8

April 4, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB, any word on that Tex trade? I think the Rangers would take Salty and Andrus for him. What do you think?

What’s that? Why the stupid question that was actually already answered in real life about 8 months ago?

I’m sorry. I just thought with all the lunacy surrounding the Hampton injury (like nobody saw that coming), and WHO was gonna replace him, that I’d add my own silly question.

People. For 4 days I’ve been griping just as much if not MORE than anybody on here.

The rotation (and Tex’s hitting), should be the LEAST OF OUR CONCERNS. Provided Smoltz is actually ready to contribute, which I’m sure he will be - but DOB was sure enough about Hamtpon to write a blog about him being ready only a mere 4 hours before we found out he WASN’T ready!

Since DOB is more in the “know” of whats’ going on than I am, don’t take “my word” on Smoltz’ availability. LOL!

Don’t believe me about the rotation? Hudson was AWESOME in his first start. If not for his bad throw on the pick off, the whole inning might have been different. His pitching WASN’T the problem.

Glavine looked just fine. Could he have gone another inning or two to make me feel “better”? Sure. But without the errors and extra 30 or so pitches he had to throw because of those errors, he might have pitched into the 7th inning. Surely good enough for me.

JJJ. The kid is 22 years old, and looked like he’s been in the big-leagues for a decade, with that command and change-up (a pitch MANY say is the hardest to perfect). He not only will be just fine, I predict that he will be our best pitcher this year, when it’s all said and done. Just a hunch.

Bennett looked OK as the spot starter last night. So whether it’s him, Chuck or Jo-Jo in the “5th spot” I don’t care. It’s the 5th spot.

Which brings us to Smoltz. If he is the Smoltz that we all know and love, our rotation (as I’ve stated in a 1000 word essay), will be just fine.

So DOB was EXACTLY correct to say it wasn’t, isn’t and won’t be that big of a deal to be without Hampton.

THAT being said. A healthy Hampton that pitches like the Hampton of old, would make a HUGE difference in making us better 1-5 in the rotation.

As it stands, we’re only really good in the 1-4 spots. With Chuck James (last years #3 guy), in the 5th spot.

Call me crazy, but there might be about 25 other teams in the majors that would LOVE to have our “problem” that we have with our rotation.

By Metropolitan Man

April 4, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this

Lucky, Lucky braves. Just sobered up a little and strarted reading all the somber post here. I was so disappointed in not getting to see the METS pound some brave starters and bullpen.

LT-AA blogger No beer spilling here in the 7th or any inning, they cost too d a m n much.
Hey ODB, you off the editor’s Dl I see. Let me clear something up with you. I never started a Tex is not cluth campaign, the Rangers fans did on their blog in 07 after the trade. I personally dont want him now because he has been tainted with brave colors. He puts up good numbers but how many game changing hits does he get a season, anybody know that number? Not many free agent 1B available in 2009 so I’d rather see Omar trade for one than sign Tex. Mix and matching division players soils the race if you ask me. Glavine sure did, HaMpton would if he could pitch, and so would Gotay if he goT some playing time.
Tomorrow I’ll be drunk again rooting the METS to another victory over the braves. LETS GO METS!!

By scott boras

April 4, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

metropolitan man go get a real life. you get joy writing about the mets on a braves blog.. you should be terminated

By Lee in S GA

April 4, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

The strange thing about it all is that is seems like it has been the little things that has cause this 1 - 3 start. A few inches here and there as far as homers, defensive plays and pitch counts and we would possibly be 4 -0.

I understand this is baseball and sports overall….a game of inches. The breaks have got to go our way sooner or later.

Listening to “the Cranberries - Wake Up and Smell the Coffee CD” now. To me a much underrated band as were the Pretenders.

By Metropolitan Man

April 4, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this

Yeah Scott Boras, If I didnt write about the METS here, I could just sit back and read what you guys write about them. Oh wait a minute, that is why I blog here, retorting braves propaganda about the METS.

LETS GO METS!!

By Carson

April 4, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

Why would they give the people who bought a FRIDAY night game ticket a makeup date that is a weekday DAY game? I paid the most money because it was a Friday game, I can’t do the 1pm weekday game because of my schedule. Great. They still better have the damn magnetic calendars.

By scott boras

April 4, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

hate to tell you but mets rotation sucks ..real bad your # 4 #5 are on Dl for a while hahaha…

By Amos Moses

April 4, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this

Is Bobby Cox still the Braves’ manager? It feels like Tony La Russa took over with all the bullpen management this season. Two, sometimes three relief pitchers in one inning? Typical La Russa.

Is Moylan really the setup man? Usually real setup men are allowed to pitch full innings, to both left and right handed batters.

By scott boras

April 4, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

mets 1 title in last serveral decades so i would hate to be a mets fan

By scott boras

April 4, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

DOB, i just thought your blog title yesterday was so fitting i know you were talking about your back but… you could look at it as hampton saying im ready ..oh wait im banged up.

By Wayne in Utah

April 4, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

Night crew is officially on duty…but it might be a short shift, as I am dog tired this evening. Long drives this week.

DOB Maybe you should have a litmus test for bloggers. For those that don’t understand that you don’t just drop Hampton, they shouldn’t be allowed on a keyboard. They might hurt themselves.

Two rainouts would surely cure a lot of ills with our staff.

Somebody was having reservations against pitching Smoltz in Colorado. That would be the BEST place to pitch our BEST competitor.

Sounds like Tommy Hanson had a good night at MB. Any updates?

Utah Jazz update We were on national TV tonight (though I watched the local broadcast) Jazz KILLED the San Antonio Spurs. It was such a drubbing, that Parker, Gino and Duncan sat for the entire 4th quarter. 90-64!! There is hope for a deep penetration into the playoffs.

I hear the Hawks might make the playoffs this year! Hmmm. One team in the west with over a .600 record will be going home, and the Hawks can’t even crack .500.

Life is not fair.

Let’s pray for more rain tomorrow night.

By Lee in S GA

April 4, 2008 11:37 PM | Link to this

Amos Moses - Not knocking your name because it is cool but aren’t you an old Jerry Reed song.

By Wayne in Utah

April 4, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

Thoughts on Pete Moylan. Instead of a set up man. I would love to see him used similar to the way he was used last year. As a “shut-down” man. First guy out of the pen some nights, when the other team is threatening in the 6th inning or so. He could go 1+ on those occasions. When there are no threats, then he could be used later in the game when the other team had some of their better players coming up. Doesn’t matter what inning.

Does this theory of usage make sense? I just hate saving one of our two best pitchers for the 8th, when sometimes he is needed earlier.

By Wayne in Utah

April 4, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this

Amos Moses was a cajun, he lived by himself in the swamp. He hunted aligators for a livin’……

Great song.

By Wayne in Utah

April 4, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this

well they raised up a son who could eat up his weight in groceries….named him after a man of the cloth, called him Amos Moses…(then that funky guitar)

By Lee in S GA

April 4, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah - granted it will not be the Hawks but the East just might pull off the NBA championship this year (Celtics or Pistons). Don’t get me wrong I am a Jazz fan …have been always…even when they were in New Orleans.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 4, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this

TJ Barbaro Canizares knocked in three runs tonight with a double and a single. I think that is 6 RBI for him in two days. He had three singles yesterday.

By TJ

April 4, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this

Wayne, Hanson was pulled after the five lights-out innings (poor opposing pitcher… also threw 5, 1 hit, 9 K’s, and got OUTPITCHED.) Anyway, MB won 2-0 in 13 IP… on the whole, MB pitchers gave up 3 hits and struck out 21.

It’d be great if Hanson could dominate a few more games at high A and get called up to AA early.

Oh, and somebody asked about Rohrbrough (sp?): I read that he had some minor elbow tendinitis and was being kept in Florida for extended S.T. No big deal, they don’t think…

By brian

April 4, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

for those who say we should release Hampton and eat the $15 million so he could play for someone else.

Who do you think would sign him if the Braves released him? The Mets. Why would we release someone cold and be on the $15 million hook so we could pay him to play for someone else like the Mets?

By Lee in S GA

April 4, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this

Wayne in Utah - actually have that song on an old 45. Guess it gives away my age.

By Wayne in Utah

April 4, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

Lee You might be right, but I bet if the Pistons or Celtics had to play in the west, they would have a few more losses this year.

So you were a Jazz fan in the day of Pistol Pete, huh? He passed way too young.

By Metropolitan Man

April 5, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this

Glavine, who won his 300th game as a Met, admitted yesterday that he has dreaded the idea of pitching against his former team of five seasons.

Thank you Glavine for your honesty. Anyway you can lobby for Wagner to be a brave like you did for Gotay. Your boyfreind misses you very much?

By Lee in S GA

April 5, 2008 12:07 AM | Link to this

So you were a Jazz fan in the day of Pistol Pete, huh? He passed way too young.

He lived life in the fast lane too much. I use to be accused of that also. Think goodness age settles SOME people down. He was one of my all time favorites though as far as basketball goes.

By Bubdylan

April 5, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

Our main blah the blah Bobby blah bullpen obviously blah blah 1 win and three losses. If we think blah blah blah the Mets, then we’d seriously bloggedy Hampton blippety Tex blah Kelly do-doddle Mets Mets Mets. Ridiculous to expect ANY blah blah asinine yackity before we even freaking yadda ya ya INSANE. NO WAY WE’RE EVER GONNA yeah yeah yeah. IMMEDIATELY! Just my opinion.

By BravesDave

April 5, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

Wayne, I agree with your opinion on Moylan. That is the reason that he was so valuable last season. I think that is by far the best use for him. With some pretty good depth in the bullpen - Acosta, Ohman, Ring - the Braves have guys that can handle the 8th inning, if necessary, to get to Soriano. Moylan is best suited to getting that ground ball required for the double play or getting out of an inning and stranding runners. I would rather see him in the game in a big spot in the 6th or 7th, than watch someone like Resop come in and give up the lead before they ever get to the 8th inning.

I am really hoping that Mike Gonzalez can make it back and contribute this season. The Braves are going to need a fresh arm or two by June with the way Bobby is burning up this pen.

By Metropolitan Man

April 5, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this

April 4, 2008 — ATLANTA - Add Ruben GotayRuben Gotay to the list of ex-MetsNew York Mets vowing revenge against their former team.

Like Lastings Milledge and Paul Lo Duca earlier this spring, Gotay is angry with the Mets for giving up on him without what he considers a reasonable explanation.

Gotay, who was scooped up by the Braves after being put on waivers by the Mets last week, hopes to take out his frustration on the Amazin’s during the three-game series that begins here tonight.

“Yes, I’m mad,” Gotay told The Post yesterday. “I never thought they would put me on waivers after what I did last year. I felt I deserved a chance.”

Gotay, a 25-year-old backup infielder and switch-hitter who hit a career-high .295 in 98 games with the Mets last year, was let go at the end of spring training in favor of 38-year-old Damion EasleyDamion Easley .

Gotay appeared to blame Willie Randolph for that decision based on how he responded when asked about seeing the Mets’ manager this weekend.

“I’m not going to go out of my way to talk to him,” said Gotay, who had tears in his eyes last week when told he was put on waivers. “I’ll talk more to the players than him, because I’ve always had a pretty good relationship with the players.”

The Mets explained their decision to Gotay by telling him they wanted a stronger right-handed bat off the bench. They also felt Easley was a more versatile infielder while viewing Gotay as almost strictly a second baseman.

Gotay also was out of options and didn’t help himself by suffering a severe ankle sprain the first week of spring training, an injury that sidelined him for much of the Mets’ Grapefruit League schedule.

“This year, we didn’t feel he was in the mix - it’s as simple as that,” Randolph said in his only comments to reporters about the Gotay move.

Gotay, though, isn’t buying the Mets’ line.

“They know I can play short and third,” he said. “You can’t make that excuse about me. If they think I can only play second, then that’s just an excuse. That’s their problem, not mine.”

The Braves didn’t have the same qualms about Gotay. Because they have concern about second baseman Kelly Johnson’s knees, Gotay could be getting playing time soon.

All that hostility and still not in the lineup, hmmmm!

By Bill

April 5, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

Hey the Braves won one.They got rained out.

By bravesfan

April 5, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

Andruw Jones just got his 1st RBI as a Dodger.

By BravesDave

April 5, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

Two notes from the rest of the baseball world tonight…..

Looks like the Pirates remembered that they were the Pirates tonight with that loss to the Marlins. Another reminder of the fact that a terrible team just took 2 out of 3 in Atlanta.

Also, looks like it only took Torre a few days to drop Andruw Jones to the 6th spot in the order.

By jed

April 5, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

rlpmetro

kicking a man when he’s ‘down’? you need a reality check, friend. the man’s made a small fortune throwing a baseball. how ‘down’ do you really think he is? because if so, i’ll pay for him to take a ride through cabbagetown and see what ‘down’ looks like.

and if you havent thought about hampton’s injuries within the context of steroid use, i really gotta wonder about your ability to think for yourself.

By THE BEAR

April 5, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

Let me see if I can penetrate some pretty thick skulls around here.

I am a strong TEX fan and am looking forward to him replacing Andruw at clean up. He will be fine.
TEX is the one who said he never worried about spring training numbers because he got ready for the season.
Well, the season started with the first game in Washington in case any of you missed out on that.
TEX is not producing at the plate. That is a fact regardless of being robbed of one double. If every hard hit ball was a hit then BA’s would be around .500.
I said if TEX had gotten prepared for opening day and had been hitting then the Braves could easily have a 4-0 record.

All those facts stand. I am not a negative person. I am factually oriented however and can always look at the facts. I see that is difficult for some bloggers here especially if facts come down on the sad side of their favorite player.

I think the Braves have an excellent team and it will certainly be better when TEX starts driving in some of those runs he is expected to produce.

By ObiWanKobe

April 5, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this

Hey Met Man, You see that Gomez guy the Twin’s have? He’s pretty good, right? Isn’t cool that he plays every day? Almost makes you forget about Scott Kazmir…

By AmazinsAgain08

April 5, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this

Amazins your name says it all Mutts Trash!! and Booby you can Blow that trash at someone that really gives a crap!!! Both pieces of feces!!!JoeBrave

Oh you big brutal bully,you. you are just so scary sitting hidden behind you computer.Blowhard jerk. Southern white trash I betcha. It doesn’t impress anyone except with your stupidity. Get over yourself bubba. Believe me, every else has.Pathetic little loser.

By uga-brave

April 5, 2008 2:11 AM | Link to this

BravesDaves,

what did uga tell you in august. good to see a smart baseball fan back.

bravesdave, is a N.Y. guy. bet you did not see that BAER STEARNS thing coming.

By AmazinsAgain08

April 5, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this

JJJ. The kid is 22 years old, and looked like he�s been in the big-leagues for a decade, with that command and change-up (a pitch MANY say is the hardest to perfect). He not only will be just fine, I predict that he will be our best pitcher this year, when it�s all said and done. Just a hunch.N8

Bad hunch IMO. Has nobody noticed that he is another two-pitch pitcher at least as far as effectiveness is concerned? His breaking ball has looked pretty pathetic the times I watched him scouting out youse guys. No way he is your best pitcher over the year unless Smoltz and Glavine both go down.If that happens it won’t matter who is in your rotation.

By uga-brave

April 5, 2008 2:24 AM | Link to this

DOB,

i work at ONE buckhead plaza. today when coming back from lunch, i saw TEX.

the deep tissue massage and chiropractic massage clinic is in our building.

for all you, it is in the nava building, or CHOPS building.

either way a great night for a rainout.

two early thoughts, FRANCOUEUR is a good player but never a star.

b’macc aint ever gonna be that good again.

he will always be vertically challenged.

By uga-brave

April 5, 2008 2:35 AM | Link to this

well no big deal about seeing TEX there, saw smoltz in the off season there, saw warrick dunn there.

got lucky enough to talk to mark derosa, at j chistohers.

derosa is a great guy.

By Murphy

April 5, 2008 2:36 AM | Link to this

For anyone in Charlotte, I ran across channel 136 on Time Warner Digital cable tonight which carries Ptv.

Yeah!!!

By BravesDave

April 5, 2008 2:53 AM | Link to this

Uga, wasn’t surprised about Bear Stearns, just surprised that Lehman didn’t follow.

Sadly, we are still in agreement on Francoeur. I keep waiting for the light to go on with Francoeur, but it is not happening. I can appreciate that he might be showing a little more patience at the plate, but it is not translating. Look, hitting .293 last season was not bad, but that is going to make him a solid pro, not a star.

By uga-brave

April 5, 2008 2:57 AM | Link to this

BAER STEARNS,

if the baer, could hit, hit leadoff let him.

accoring to the JOBS report we just lost 80,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate went to 5.2 %.

By uga-brave

April 5, 2008 3:04 AM | Link to this

LEAHMAN BROTHERS is next.

they have more crap on the balance sheets than baer.

LOTS OF CMOS. and a ton of collaterized debt. they wrote that last quarter off.

By BravesDave

April 5, 2008 3:08 AM | Link to this

Uga, rational thought no longer exists. This housing “crisis” is no different from the internet bubble of 10 years ago. That’s why I’d rather talk about baseball.

I am shocked that the first 4 games of the season have played out so similarly to the whole of last season. Get good starting pitching and the Braves can’t score. No clutch hitting in close games. Poor situational hitting.

A new wrinkle, though, has been the horrible defense. I love Diaz, but he has been a wreck in left field so far. Prado, KJ, Escobar, and good ‘ol Corky have all contributed to this nonsense. On the other side of the spectrum, the Red Sox have not made an error in five games.

By uga-brave

April 5, 2008 3:13 AM | Link to this

bravesdave,

got a huge straddle on LEAHMAN,

CALL’S VS. THE PUTS. THINK THERE WILL BE SOME VOLATILIY.

june 45’s vs. june 45,s

would love some serious volatility.

need whiskey money.

By uga-brave

April 5, 2008 3:22 AM | Link to this

agreed dave,

the problem aint the bullpen it is our inability to knock out a starter.

By uga-brave

April 5, 2008 3:33 AM | Link to this

for all of you dont get it.

i am betting on volatility.

i thhink that leahman bros, is going way up, or down.

that is how i buy whiskey, or if if not…..

By BravesDave

April 5, 2008 3:33 AM | Link to this

Uga, well, about two weeks ago LEH was down $7 followed the next day by up $14 when they released their quarterly report. I’d say some volatility remains on the horizon. Plus, you’ll get some movement before the next quarterly is released in June. Good luck with that.

I need to stick to money markets with the new baby and the wife out of work.

By uga-brave

April 5, 2008 3:51 AM | Link to this

bravesdave,

you are to smart to stay out of work.

i have been betting, on hard commoditees for a while.

gold is pushing $1000. DOLLARS and oz. oil is right there at 100 dollars a barrell.

lot different then betting on sunw.

was there when companies like cisco, and intel, and amat made us money.

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 3:59 AM | Link to this

Looks like Bobby Cox finally gave the bullpen a rest today. I guess the weather was the universe’s way of telling him to chill out with the reliever usage.

By uga-brave

April 5, 2008 4:08 AM | Link to this

yeah hippie,

it is bobby cox’s fault about the bullpen.

how about the fault of his offense. they dont put him in the position to not match up all the time, it would be nice if we hit better early.

By DS

April 5, 2008 4:09 AM | Link to this

Let’s see….Mike Hampton - I feel sorry for the guy. No, not bcause he’s a multi-millionaire, but because he’s a competitor who can’t compete. Any of you former jocks get frustrated because you couldn’t perform like you used to? Yea, I thought so. On the Braves poor start - errors, Prado boots an out, Miller has 2 passed balls leading to multiple runs. It won’t be like this every day. One run games are killers, especially on the losing end. Last year I believe that we lost 40 one-run games during the season. Not good, but if we start winning these one-run games we win 95 - 105 games. Forgive me for a momentary lapse - Joe Girardi didn’t take the bench last night in order to keep his guys healthy. If he’s contagious and knocks out some of their old geezers the Boss won’t be happy, nuff said there.

By BravesDave

April 5, 2008 4:10 AM | Link to this

I hear you uga. I am not staying out of work, just staying out of the market for now. I was partial to AOL back in the days. Bought my first house thanks to that stock. Enjoyed some fun with SUNW, too. I gave up on that industry as a career, though. Too much dishonesty.

By BravesDave

April 5, 2008 4:15 AM | Link to this

uga, it would be nice if the team would hit better period, not just early. I do understand your point, though. No offense against the Nationals. Nothing against Zach Duke until the 6th inning. Nothing impressive against Gorzelanny until the explosion late against the Pirates bullpen. Not much against Snell until the other Pirates bullpen implosion in the 9th. The Braves hitters need to get into the opposing bullpens earlier in games.

By uga-brave

April 5, 2008 4:26 AM | Link to this

tell scott mcneelly at sunw that i said hello.

bravesdave,congrats on your new edition. i really missed your opiniion in the offseason. i know DOB DID.

GOTTA go my brother, see you on fox tommorow.

By uga-brave

April 5, 2008 4:33 AM | Link to this

BravesDave,

is back have fear plebes because he gets it. always have and always will.

for all you neo-braves fans you could learn a thing or two from this guy.

By BravesDave

April 5, 2008 4:36 AM | Link to this

Thanks uga. I really need to go, too. Before I know it, the baby will be waking up and I’ll have been sitting in front of the computer all night.

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 5:26 AM | Link to this

Maybe the bullpen problems are because Bennett is the only guy who is stretched out for more than an inning, and he has to be kept fresh so that if someone misses a start, he can pick up some of the slack—see Thursday. I realize that the it takes more micro-management in a tight game. Problem is, there were four games that were bloody squeakers (yes, even the win), in a row. At some point you just have to figure that the overuse is hurting the pen more than it’s helping the team, and maybe let Soriano go a couple instead of using two more relievers for the ninth. If he’d gotten in a jam, there would still be Ring and Resop to go to at that point.

I guess mother nature gave the whole team a chance to rest and reset. Hopefully Fearless Leader will have gotten over whatever phone-grabbing compulsion he’s been struck with this past week and we’ll get to see 100 pitches each or so from Huddy and Glav, and maybe three relievers, tops, for each of the next couple games.

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 5:29 AM | Link to this

I guess what I’d really like to see would be for Huddy to go seven innings or so, get pulled for a PH, and then for Ohman to come in for the 8th, and give him enough rope to hang himself. If it’s a close game, then maybe yank Ohman for Soriano to close it out, but otherwise, let him get stretched out a bit.

Then, I’d like to see Glavine in the game for 6 innings, then get an very well-rested Moylan in. And since the Tattooed Tasmanian Devil will then be on 3 days rest, he could pitch until he decides he’s had enough, or until he gets in trouble. At that point, Royce Ring gets the ball if there’s more than a one-run lead, or if it’s a lefty due up, and Soriano can be available (having rested Friday) if it’s one of those games where I eat a lot of Rolaids.

Of course, none of that is going to happen, because Bobby with a fresh bullpen is like the Cookie Monster with a fresh pan of brownies, but I can dream, can’t I?

By Bobby's Cox

April 5, 2008 5:43 AM | Link to this

Slow day eh? While you’re on the economy uga-brave might as well check out this article:

http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2008/04/02/depression/index.html??source=yahoo

Good thing you’re investing in gold. It’ll probably hit $2000 soon. This housing market crisis is a lot worse than the dot com crisis.

Go braves.

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 5:46 AM | Link to this

I’ve decided that as far as nicknames go, just adding “-y” to the first syllable of someone’s name is kind of boring and can lead to embarrassment (Lilly? Matty? Please!). I’ve come up with my own pet names for this year’s Braves, and who knows? Maybe one of them will stick.

I’ll post them shortly, I’m typing them out in KWrite and then I’ll paste them over.

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 6:27 AM | Link to this

Starting Pitchers:

Tim “Rock” Hudson - because he is one.

John “Gunnery Sergeant” Smoltz - hard core, crusty old veteran, totally refuses to let the youngsters show him up in any way. Would staple his own leg back on to keep from blowing a game. You can take his baseball when you pry it from his cold, dead fingers. Wouldn’t put it past him to spend the next off-season learning to pitch lefty, or at least getting that knuckleball down pat.

Tommy “Timex” Glavine - runs like clockwork: six or more, three or less, at least two out of every three times.

Jair “Wonderboy” Jurrjens - because he is one.

Mike “Tomcat” Hampton - career-wise, he’s on his ninth life—after all, he’s been KO’d 8 times running.

Chuck “Two-Two” James - two pitches, twice through the order and done.

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 6:44 AM | Link to this

BTW, Mark Redman went 5 2/3 IP, 9H, 4ER for the loss last night. Chuck James is in line to face Redman Wednesday.

Boy howdy, what a contest that will be.

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 6:59 AM | Link to this

Relievers

Rafael “Voodoo Child” Soriano - this is one scary m-f’er when he’s on the spot.

Peter “Taz” Moylan - named after another wild-and-crazy sidewinding Aussie. Alternate nickname: the TazMoylan Devil.

Manny “Costly” Acosta - I’m still not over the pair of jacks bookending a single, a wild pitch and a walk from game 1 against the Pirates. That wasn’t a gas can he was toting, it was a sweaty stick of dynamite.

Jeff “Sly” Bennett - big props for dropping big pounds. I hear the Rocky theme music when I think of him running the stadium steps trying to get in shape to make the team.

Will “to Win” Ohman - most outs recorded without an earned run on the team. Ohman could make Gonzo’s reappearance less of a difference-maker by being a difference-maker himself.

Chris “poseR” Resop - this one wasn’t my idea, but so far, in a game of put up or shut up, he needs to shut up. He has some on here missing Tyler Yates, but I have a feeling he’ll make us miss Reitsma before it’s over.

“Get Back” Jo-Jo Reyes - never mind his atrocious ERA, how the heck do you make ten starts plus a relief app and only make 50 2/3 innings on the season?

Royce Ring - I don’t know yet—Bobby won’t let him pitch long enough for me to form an opinion. Maybe “Short Leash” would be a good one, since it looks like that’s what he’s on. Doesn’t he split pretty evenly against lefties and righties?

Mike “Gonzo the Great” - once again, not my idea, but he is Gonzo, and he was pretty great in 2006. I hope when he comes back, Soriano keeps the closer job, because that will mean Soriano’s owning it.

By Mrs Met

April 5, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Lets go Mets!

By PostseasonBlues

April 5, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

We know how this always ends for our Braves………..and a liqoured up, hungover to hell “Bourbon” Bobby Cox will be muttering and mumbling about the strikezone after every pitch today. It never gets old!

By J.R.

April 5, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

DOB-

Just want to say that, as much as I like you as a beat writer, your cultural digressions are just as praiseworthy. And your taste in music is usually commendable. Do you ever hang around with Poz?

By Steve McP

April 5, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Not looking good for today, news gives rain forecast pretty much all day.

By N8

April 5, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Amazins

“Has nobody noticed that he is another two-pitch pitcher at least as far as effectiveness is concerned?”

Normally I’d agree with you, about the 2 pitch “scouting report”.

But he has shown EXCELLENT command (from what I heard listening to the spring training games), and what I saw the other night, not to mention the actual “scouting report” on him is that he has great command.

I go back to something that Leo Mazzone used to say. That there is NOTHING more effective than a “well located” fastball, and another pitch to keep hitters off of it.

Add to that, the Pirates hitters were giving his change up great praise, saying it looked just like his fastball.

So, I’ll assume by calling him a two pitch pitcher, you’re comparing him to Chuck and Jo-Jo. Obviously, his track record is too short to really get a good assessment of, but from what I’ve seen, his location/command of the fastball, and his deception with the change-up, puts him ahead of those two.

But you are right, for him to have long term success, not only in a game (3rd time through the order), but in a season (2nd and 3rd time teams face him), he’ll need command of a 3rd pitch to be as “good” as I predict he’ll be.

So maybe me saying he’ll be the best pitcher THIS YEAR, is a stretch.

But let’s not for get, that Maddux made his living with a “live” moving fastball (JJJ appears to have that same natural movement - and locates it well too), and a VERY deceptive “dive-bomb” change up.

Maddux very rarely used his slider. But he DID use it, so it shouldn’t be forgotten, when discussing his success.

Am I comparing JJJ to Maddux? Nah. That would be silly. But having watched Maddux pitch everyday for about 10 years, I’d say that there are definite “similarities”.

Which is a GOOD thing, IMO.

By PostseasonBlues

April 5, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

There is one person rejoicing regarding the bad weather and that is “Bourbon” Bobby Cox. An all day bender followed by a Sunday of red faced chirping from the dugout is in the cards it appears. The main event will be Cox vs. Beam in a loser drinks another bottle match. Duck Mrs. Cox, just duck.

By Efrim

April 5, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Not sure if anyone brought this up last night…

High A Myrtle Beach’s Tommy Hanson struck out 13 batters in 5 innings for the Pelicans last night. He walked one and didn’t give up a hit. Pelicans won 2-0 in 13 innings.

I don’t remember Kyle Davies missing bats like that.

Hopefully Hanson continues his dominance and is in Atlanta by next year.

By BravesFanInRockies

April 5, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Don’t look now, denizens, but the forecast for Denver next week just turned south.

Monday — 50% chance of rain or snow; temps in the 30s and 40s.

Tuesday — 20% chance of rain, temps in 40s.

Wednesday — 40% chance of rain, temps in 40s.

Guess we’ll play a triple-header here on an off-day in August, right?

By McFann

April 5, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

b�macc aint ever gonna be that good again.

he will always be vertically challenged. Uga-Brave

McCann is 6’ 3”. Or were you talking about his AVG?

By AmazinsAgain08

April 5, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

So, I�ll assume by calling him a two pitch pitcher, you�re comparing him to Chuck and Jo-JoN8

Not really. I just think that he needs better command and better action on his breaking ball to be as good as you are suggesting he will be. I think he is ahead of Reyes and James at this point. I look forward to seeing him pitch against the Mets. Too bad about the washout, it probably helped youse guys. Double Rats! Go Mets!

By JC from UT

April 5, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

I need help. Does anyone know where I can find box scores for the minor league affiliates?

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

Sorry about discontinuing the nickname list—fell asleep at the keyboard.

By McFann

April 5, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Don’t look now, fellow Braves fans, but the Nats lost and are out of first place. And they didn’t give it up to the Marlins�

By Sonny

April 5, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

Hey DOB…it’s funny how Hampton never strains any muscles going to get that paycheck every week.

Strains a muscle WARMING UP after 2 years off??? The guy’s an embarrassment to pro athletes everywhere and JS’s worst move ever.

By TexasBrave

April 5, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

I don�t remember Kyle Davies missing bats like that.Efrim

Sure you do, usually ending in a easy stroll to first base.

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Catchers

“Heap” McCann - Another one that’s not my idea, but it just fits.

Corky “Harold” Miller - because I don’t have the heart to give a goofy nickname to someone who already has a goofy name.

Brayan “Band-Aid” Pena - he’s two positions away from being a super-DUPER utility man, and not too shabby as a hitter.

By Efrim

April 5, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

JC

Minorleaguebaseball.com

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

McFann - before you panic about first-week standings, try to talk whoever works on your schoolwork with you into letting you branch out into Statistics during math-time. Any attempt to analyze such a small sample of data is totally unreliable as a predictor of the overall outcome.

I’m serious, BTW. Stats is a fun course if you like math at all, and even if you don’t it will be a way to use baseball as a learning tool. Here’s a link to a Stats textbook you cann use. Don’t be intimidated by the math in there, I got through a college stats course with just high-school algebra and geometry to fall back on, and I had been out of high school 9 years when I took it. You don’t really need calculus to understand this stuff.

By Interested Obsever

April 5, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

I think Kotsay’s nickname should be “Stop Gap”.

By Ted's Cannibal Cabal

April 5, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

it�s funny how Hampton never strains any muscles going to get that paycheck every week.

Do you prefer to be called envious or jealous?

I need help. Does anyone know where I can find box scores for the minor league affiliates?

There’s this wonderful tool called Google.

Sorry about discontinuing the nickname list

No one asked for your apology because no one cared. Go back to bed.

There is one person rejoicing regarding the bad weather and that is �Bourbon� Bobby Cox. An all day bender followed by a Sunday of red faced chirping from the dugout is in the cards it appears. The main event will be Cox vs. Beam in a loser drinks another bottle match. Duck Mrs. Cox, just duck.

Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the crackpipe.

is back have fear plebes because he gets it. always have and always will. for all you neo-braves fans you could learn a thing or two from this guy.

somebody types with crayons

Amazons you little Sumbitch,I twell ya what you little waste of scrotum juice,You Name the time,and Place,and I will show You a bad a$$�Putup now or Shut up PUNK!!!

Poor Joebrave. All those years of carbon monoxide poisoning in momma’s trailer took a terrible toll

By William

April 5, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

To all the Atlanta folks……..Is there any chance we get this game in this evening?

By Cliff

April 5, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

JC from UT (and others).

A good source for Minor League stuff is Minor League Baseball . com (milb.com). Their rosters have been posting slow (uesterday, Blaine Boyer was still on Richmond’s roster) but they box score every game by the next morning.

By Ted's Cannibal Cabal

April 5, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

I�m serious, BTW. Stats is a fun course if you like math at all, and even if you don�t it will be a way to use baseball as a learning tool. Here�s a link to a Stats textbook you cann use. Don�t be intimidated by the math in there, I got through a college stats course with just high-school algebra and geometry to fall back on, and I had been out of high school 9 years when I took it. You don�t really need calculus to understand this stuff.

You ain’t a hippie. You’re a square. A square with a crew cut.

By Runnin

April 5, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Here’s a minor league site:

here

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Infielders

Yunel “Dixie” Escobar - the whistling cracks me up.

Kelly “Can-Do” Johnson - the kid will do whatever it takes to play ball, including spending his vacation learning a new position and rehabbing from major surgery.

Chipper Jones - Larry already has a nickname.

Mark “Money” Teixeira - next year he’ll have enough of it to build a life-size replica of himself out of 24kt gold, then have it shipped airmail to Australia, without noticing the expense.

Martin Prado - he needs a good nickname, but I can’t think of one. Any suggestions?

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 5, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Jurrjens really has two different fastballs. One that sits at 93-94 with heavy sink and another that moves side to side at around 89-90 MPH.

His change up is of course the bread and butter that sets up his fastball and it is outstanding.

Jurrjens also throws a slurve that breaks like the traditional slider and at times it looks like a cutter.

His repertoire effectively consists of three or four pitches depending on your view of the differing fastballs.

Jurrjens control is impeccable, he can spot his fastball at any point in the count to get ahead of hitters or go with his change up and pitch to contact.

By Steve McP

April 5, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

William, The best chance to get this game in is at 4.00 as scheduled - there are some big storms due in around 7.30 - 8.30 and this morning’s drizzle seems to be easing off, maybe if we are lucky we will be able to get 5 in and avoid another double header later this season.

Just as I type this it has started pouring again!

By nOLIE

April 5, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this

I need help. Does anyone know where I can find box scores for the minor league affiliates?JCfromUT

Go to HERE select scoreboard. select the league that you are interested in.Select the date that you are interested in. It’ll give you a choice of Recap &/or Box.

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

TCC - I’ll admit that over time, I’ve gone from long-haired garage band guitarist with a van covered in smiley-faces and daisies, to more of the Earth Day, grown-man-in-sandals, organic produce kind of hippie, but stop trying to put me in a box, man. Why do you feel the need to fit me into some arbitrary mold of what a hippie should or shouldn’t be? This kind of thing is the problem, not the answer. What, hippies aren’t allowed to get an education?

By rlpmetro

April 5, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

jed

kicking a man when he�s �down�? you need a reality check, friend. the man�s made a small fortune throwing a baseball. how �down� do you really think he is? because if so, i�ll pay for him to take a ride through cabbagetown and see what �down� looks like.

and if you havent thought about hampton�s injuries within the context of steroid use, i really gotta wonder about your ability to think for yourself.

So because the guy has capitalized on his talents, and he has made a lot of money, he suddenly doesn’t have the ability to be disappointed, upset, frustrated, etc., etc.??? You are the one that needs the reality check. Yeah, Hampton has made great money, but he did that by playing the game he loved. Don’t you think, if he didn’t have it in his heart to play baseball, that he would have quit after the SECOND elbow surgery? The guy has given his all to try to get back on the field, and he continues to have setbacks. Can’t you fathom how frustrated that must make the man feel? Or, since he has millions of dollars, his life must be perfect, huh?!? Get a clue, jed.

As for my intelligence, don’t you worry about my ability to think for myself. I am doing just fine, thank you. Not every one cries foul and assumes steroids most definitely played a part in Hampton’s downfall. I, personally, doubt that is the case. See, pitchers since the late 70’s have had issues with this joint called an elbow. Countless Tommy John surgeries have been performed due to the undue stress they put on their arms. So to suggest that an injury absolutely couldn’t happen to the same person twice is ridiculous! It most definitely could. The guy has had some really bad luck…when you consider his efforts to try to get back on the field and play the game he loves.

By AmazinsAgain08

April 5, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Jurrjens also throws a slurve that breaks like the traditional slider and at times it looks like a cutter.Coach

Yes I saw that he has one but it was a very weak one with poor command when I have watched him pitch. Right now I see fastball-looks like both 2 & 4 seamers-/changeup guy. Two pitches, ok maybe three. I think he is a fine looking prospect, but we are going to beat his brains in anyway. Go Mets!

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Nicknames: I’m out of gas - time to bring in the ‘pen on making up the rest of the nicknames.

By Lew

April 5, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Trippy-Don’t know about you, Dude, but this old Hippie has an education-that sometimes seems to de-evolve after reading some of the posts here that range from vitriol to pure idiocy (not your’s Trippy). Seems many here have forgotten that there’s still 158 games left for us to catch up (if, in fact, we ever get to play again).

Time to lighten up people. Much more of this and you’ll either all commit suicide or eat each other, just like Ted says.

BTW-On Jurrjens-what Coach said. Guy is NOT a two pitch pitcher.

By richbrave

April 5, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

R-Braves results and commentary on ChopChick’s blog if anyone’s interested.

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Here’s a baseball-meets-pop-culture type riddle:

Omar Infante

Ruben Gotay

Tim Hudson

Brian McCann

Matt Diaz

Andruw Jones, for one day last year

What does this list mean?

Hint: the significance has nothing really to do with baseball, it’s about how they’re dressed.

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Happy birthday, Merle Haggard. He’s 71 today, and that’s a lot of livin’ in those seven decades….

Steve McP, let’s hope like hell they can do that — get in five between the rains (and before the KU-UNC game)….

By richbrave

April 5, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

TJ:

Just saw yours on 4:55 p.m. yesterday. Go to ChopChick’s Blog. Got something down on Canizares. There are age issues. If you check around the internet, he’s variously placed between 28 and 36. Man can he hit. Being used here as a dh. He’s an American League team dream.

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Lew - thanks. I just get tired of stereotypes sometimes.

By george

April 5, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

No, Dave OB and TJ. We can just keep him around sitting on his dead a$$ and paying him $15 million dollars. Think back. When was he ever available when the Braves truly needed him (playoffs, etc). He’s 2-6 in the postseason (0-2 with the Braves in two starts). He always pulls up lame at crucial times. When he played for Houston he choked in the post season (after winning 20 in the regular season.

Sometime you just have to admit your mistakes and take your loses. I would love to have the Mets or Phils sign him. If they are that desperate for pitching, it means they are in bad shape. The Braves would feast on him, and they can certainly find something better to put on the mound…SOMEBODY YOU CAN COUNT ON BEING THERE.

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Jurrjens a two-pitch pitcher? Are you kidding me? Dude already has FOUR pitches, and just turned 22….

Canizares? Can’t play defense, and doesn’t hit enough to compensate for that flaw, at least not in this organization (unless they get desperate).

By Ted's Cannibal Cabal

April 5, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Make love, not stats.

By nOLIE

April 5, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Go to HERE select scoreboard. select the league that you are interested in.Select the date that you are interested in. It�ll give you a choice of Recap &/or Box.Nolie to JC

HERE was supposed to be a link to MILB.com

By Ted's Cannibal Cabal

April 5, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Confucious say: “Baseball wrong - man with four balls cannot walk.”

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

Well, George, if the Braves decide they’d rather pay him to go away than pay him to perhaps — perhaps — pitch 10, 15, 20 games for them this season, then I guess they’ll do as you suggest.

Until then, don’t really know what to tell you, other than try to explain why they haven’t made that decision yet, and why they have to pay him one way or the other. At least if he’s hurt, insurance covers part of it. Is that impossible to comprehend? Really?

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Additional riddle hint: the given name Hugo.

By Steve McP

April 5, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

DOB - is the whole playing area covered at the Ted?

I cannot the outfield being playable if not, with the amount of rain that has fallen it would be dangerous to run around if not.

By AmazinsAgain08

April 5, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

April 5, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this

Jurrjens a two-pitch pitcher? Are you kidding me? Dude already has FOUR pitches, and just turned 22DOB

Youse guys are such homers. He might have 4 pitches, but the breaking ball looks like crap every time I see him throw it so he does not have 4 effective pitches. If you want to call the two types of fastballs as two different pitches them he seems to have 3 effective ones and an in process breaking ball. Some old-times like myself would say that a fastball is a fastball no matter which way you throw it,so then he would have 2 effective pitches and one in process. I’ll go with calling the two types of fastballs as two pitches if you want, but from what I have seen I’m not going to agree that the slurve is worth calling a pitch in the same sense. Whichever, we are going to knock him on his butt no matter how much I like him. Go Mets!

By bravesfan

April 5, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

DOB, how is the weather looking up there?

By TJ

April 5, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

George, not gonna debate the merits of Hampton when healthy. He’s pitched some great post-season baseball, and had some mediocre starts. His postseason era is a very respectable 3.74 and is tainted by one bad outing, in 1997. Ask the Met fans about his 16 scoreless innings in the 2000 NLCS.

Anyway, the idea that we nurse him through 30 months of rehab for TJ surgery, and then kick him loose because he pulls a muscle in his chest, is just ridiculous. He may never pitch again - I don’t know - but if he does, this year, it better be for us, not against us.

And you say he pulls up lame “at crucial times.” Huh? Was Thursday, April 3, against the Pirates, somehow “crucial?” Maybe the one spring training start he missed in early March was crucial. Oh, I know, it was the Mexican League game he had to leave. Man, he’s really let us down this year.

Sorry it makes you and others mad that he’s on the team; but it makes no sense to give up on him now.

By TJ

April 5, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Oh, and george, actually he’s 2-4 in the postseason, and 0-1 with Atlanta. It is easy to misread those stats on bbr; the 2-6 is the team record in series.

By David-ATL14

April 5, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Sad to say, that despite the esteemed blog master’s efforts to educate the citizenry.

The blog has been overrun by shallow, bitter, small minded denizens who only distinguish themselves for their lack of knowldege about baseball and ability to spew vitriol at Hampton.

Serves no purpose whatsoever. Hopefully in time the blog can return to it’s usual standards.

Where baseball, music and all other pursuits of the general blog denizens can be discussed rationally and without malice.

If at any time since Thursady PM you have called for the Braves to just “Quote” cut their losses by releasing Hampton maybe you should consider spending time on another blog where idiocy is looked upon with favor.

Or at the very least where baseball at the MLB level is not considered a serious endeavor to be discussed with purpose.

By Lew

April 5, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Don’t the Mets just wish they actually had a 22 year old pitcher with even one pitch?

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Amazing Again08 whats amazing is how your mouth can be so freaking big, not even the circus your team turned out to be last year can make you stop saying ridiculous stuff about them.

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this

Atlanta weather radar

By MattyRoss

April 5, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

DOB - Just wanted to say thanks for the Black Keys recommendation. That song “Lies” is a new favorite. I don’t know if you’ve ever heard of Bonnie “Prince” Billy, but if not I think you’d dig it. His album “Superwolf” would be a good place to start if interested. Couple years old, but seems like it might be up your alley…

By TexasBrave

April 5, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

george - Hampton is at best #4 in the rotation. That means when we get to the playoffs and if things are going well he might get a start in the NLCS and the World Series.

David-ATL14 - Man I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but as popular as this blog has become it may never revert back to the good ole days. Like complete games and relievers that go more than one inning it happens but not very often.

By AmazinsAgain08

April 5, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Amazing Again08 whats amazing is how your mouth can be so freaking big, not even the circus your team turned out to be last year can make you stop saying ridiculous stuff about themOverlord

my such vitriol. go ahead and attack my person and ignore what I said. About 15 are you? My posts have been complimentary to Jair so why are you whining like a little boy, little boy? There are a lot of immature posters here who can not stand to read anything negative about their hereos, no matter how small or from which poster. I see why so many posters from outside the Braves’ Nation love to come here with the express purpose of getting youse guys all in a frenzy. My posts are not directed at that, but it sure is tempting to stir up emotional children like yourself. Alas I am much to nice to resort to such tactics. As I said several times I think that you have a fine prospect in Jair, one who looks like he will get even better with time. If that offended you, well… Still going to kick his butt though. Deal with it kiddo. Go Mets!

By george

April 5, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

David-ATL 14, I have been a Braves fan since 1954 (while they were in Milwaukee), and a baseball fan since 1947. I’m not sure how old you are, but I think it would be fair to say I have more than just a general knowledge of baseball. I’ve attended games in almost all of the old venues, and many of the new ones. Because I happen to have a different view of Mike Hampton’s abilities does not mean that I am irrational or filled with malice. We’re all entitled to our opinions, and I will continue to express mine.

TJ, I think you and I both know that I was not referring to his start against the Pirates as crucial. I do think it would be nice to have a reliable person in the rotation that you can count on MOST of the time, however. I’m sure Bennett would have appreciated more than 10 minutes notice before starting a game. Just how long are the Braves supposed to “nurse him through”? I was actually hoping that this might finally be the year Mike Hampton actually helped the Braves, but sooner or later you have to accept the fact that probably is just not going to happen. Put someone in the rotation that will actually pitch most of his scheduled starts. John Smoltz pitches with his arm almost falling off.

Agree with me, or disagree with me. There is no reason for the personal attacks from either of you.

By Braveheart

April 5, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Jurrjens scouting report:

http://www.baselinereport.com/baselineblog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/jurrjensjair.pdf

By Lew

April 5, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

What’s Amazin to we Braves’ Fans is that after all these years of futility, a more than 20 year absence from a Championship, one division and then out the past two years, a history of more losing seasons than winning and after the worst tanking in all of Major League History, that the Mets’ fans think they actually have the right to consider the Mets Amazin. Go figure.

By TJ

April 5, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

george, I don’t think I attacked you personally. I did say it was “ridiculous” to cut Hampton now, but that’s attacking an idea, not you.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Im not 15, im 7, and i can now understand why everything you say makes no sense….. you are just a clown like mets players. And your words are intended only for little boys like me. Maybe you should go blog in www.toysrus.com, you fill fit there a little better.

Go Amazins Go. Even that sounds ridiculous.

By Cherokee

April 5, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

**Buster Olney chat with Jeff Francoeur ESPN

Q&A with Jeff Francoeur posted: Friday, April 4, 2008 |

Jeff Francoeur is beginning his fourth season in the major leagues as the Atlanta Braves’ right fielder. We e-mailed questions to him, and he e-mailed answers.

For us folks on the outside looking in: What in the heck does it feel like to get hit in the face with a fastball?

JF: It’s definitely not very fun. I haven’t had any feeling like that in all of sports. Your face sort of goes numb for a minute there and then all of the sudden you come back to your senses. I can’t even compare it to any feeling I’ve had as an athlete. A 99 mph pitch right to your face is not something I want to experience again.

FANTASY ON THE RISE � Johnny Cueto, Reds: Probably was the most pursued fantasy player on Thursday evening.

� Bartolo Colon, Red Sox: He was spectacular in his Triple-A start Thursday, as Jim Donaldson writes.

� John Danks, White Sox: Scouts who watched him in Arizona came away believing he had taken his game to the next level, and on Thursday in Cleveland, they were proven to be right. ON THE DECLINE � Gary Sheffield, Tigers: He said his injured finger looks all deformed. It’s unclear how long he’ll be out. � Mike Hampton, Braves: He teases, he tantalizes, and he rarely pitches. He got hurt again. 2. You and Zack Greinke and Jeremy Hermida were all part of the recruiting class that verbally committed to Clemson, and then you all signed professionally. Have you ever spoken to those guys about that?

JF: I’ve talked to Jeremy Hermida about it. The year before, Josh Burrus and Matt Whitney also signed to play with Clemson, but both of them decided to turn professional as well, because both of those players were also first-rounders. Jeremy and I will see each other sometimes (we have the same agents, we play in the same division) and we talk about how much fun we would have had in the outfield at Clemson, trying to go for a College World Series. We both grew up in the Atlanta area (Josh, too) and that is close to Clemson so we’ve known each other for a long time.

If you could be another athlete for a day, who would it be, and under what circumstance?

JF: I want to be Tiger Woods in the final round of The Masters. Simple as that.

If you could be another baseball player for a day, who would it be, and under what circumstance?

JF: Great question. For current players, I’d like to be Derek Jeter for one day, and one day only. Just to feel what it would be like to be “the man” in New York City. I have a lot of respect for who he is and the way he plays the game. But I’d also love to have been in Cal Ripken Jr.’s shoes the day he broke the consecutive-game record. What an experience that must have been for Cal.

Toughest pitcher for you to hit against is who? And why?

JF: Brandon Webb. His sinker is the nastiest one I have ever seen. He knows how to pick his spots, especially on the outside, better than so many pitchers. It’s a true saying that Brandon might only give you one pitch to hit every time you come up to bat. One pitch.

Best feeling you’ve ever had on the baseball field came under what circumstance?

JF: Clinching the 2005 NL East title was the best feeling I’ve ever had on the baseball field. The celebration afterwards in the locker room is something that I will never, ever forget.

The most chatty first baseman in the NL is: (Your former teammate Adam LaRoche doesn’t count). What does this first baseman like to talk about?

JF: Sean Casey. The Mayor. He’s a great guy, but after you talk to him for so long you almost feel like you are completely lost in what is going on in the baseball game.

What is the restaurant you look forward to the most when the Braves are traveling?

JF: Tao in New York City. The sea bass is the best sea bass in the entire world.

You just got married; what is the biggest change in your life that you didn’t expect, now that you’re in the marriage?

JF: It’s the little things. Making sure that I put the toilet seat down after I go to the restroom, or making sure to put the toothpaste cap on after I’m brushing my teeth. Oh, and I’m also playing less golf.

If you have a rough game, what is the best way for you to shake that off? Talk with teammates? Go to bed? Or does it gnaw at you until the next game?

JF: Go home, sleep, and get up the next morning. That’s the best way to get over a rough game. No question.

By Lew

April 5, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Hampton has someone scheduled to make all his starts-he’s on the DL. He has not kept someone deserving from receiving a roster spot during his injury stretch (maybe shouldn’t use THAT term-and besides, has there really BEEN anyone deserving?). While on the DL these past several years, we have received insurance money for him, enabling the miserly TW to do……well, something.

Not too sure what everyone’s problem with the guy is. He’s been hurt. I just don’t see him as the type of guy to fake an injury and I’m sure he didn’t intentionally pull a muscle the other night. Is it really realistic for him to retire and just walk away from it all? Would any of y’all do that? If so, what does that say about you?

I’d love if he were able to add to our rotation, but does anyone really think he as been detrimental? Come on now, let’s get real. You want to gripe about someone, gripe about those who’ve taken his place and not done well. Let’s see-Hampton made Davies bad?

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

AmazinsAging08 - Personally I find your outlook refreshing. Here we have lots of guys whining and moaning about a bad four-game stretch by an otherwise solid team - and the loss of a pitcher they never really had in the first place - an all ready to give up on the year before the first week is over, and then there’s you, with so much optimism for a team that really is falling apart. Kudos to you, man.

By Metropolitan Man

April 5, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Don�t the Mets just wish they actually had a 22 year old pitcher with even one pitch?

Nah, Lew, I’ll stick with Maine, Perez, Santana, and Pelfrey if he gets it together.

By Justo

April 5, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB we going to play the game today?

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Amazins, no matter what you say, for me it is enough just to think of the look on your face last year after the fish took care of your big mouth. No matter what you say, until your team is able to reverse that agony it will be fun just to remember it. Have a nice 2008.

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

MattyRoss, glad you’re digging that Black Keys album. I’ve got a lot of Bonnie “Prince” Billy. Love how eclectic he is (not to mention how talented).

By David-ATL14

April 5, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

george

I didn’t realize I had attacked you personally. I attacked the people here whom have said release Hampton.As TJ mentioned earlier more the idea than the individual.

If that’s your call(to release Hampton) then you either don’t undertsand the game or have a personal axe to grind with Hampton.

DOB has been telling people repeatedly that’s not how it’s done.

Yanks still have Pavano on the payroll. With all his injuries and all their financial werewithall.

That should tell you samething about the business side of the game.

If you want to curse Hampton’s mere existence then be my guest, rant away Just understand that he won’t be released.

Waste of time both the bloggers and readers to even propose such.

By AmazinsAgain08

April 5, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

What�s Amazin to we Braves� Fans is that after all these years of futility, a more than 20 year absence from a Championship, one division and then out the past two years, a history of more losing seasons than winning and after the worst tanking in all of Major League History, that the Mets� fans think they actually have the right to consider the Mets Amazin. Go figureLew

you just can’t help yourself can you Lew? Even if a Mets’ fan’s post is mostly positive & friendly, you still gotta attack doncha? LOL. I actually like your stuff for the most part except for your knee-jerk attacks of all things Mets. Oh well. I guess I can deal with it. Lord knows I’ll give it my best shot.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Lew, you must understand its the result of frustration on some people. If the braves were winning, nobody would have said anything about hampton. The fact that we need him makes lots of people hate him. But…… take note as most of them will be cheering when he starts cruising before is gone.

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Best thing for the Man of Paper would probably be to go and try to get a couple of rehab starts while on the DL, just to shake the remaining rust off and get any remaining hangnails out of the way without putting a game on the line as to whether or not he can make it to the mound that day. Then, when he’s made back-to-back starts on schedule and gone 6 innings at least once, he could come back and try again at the MLB level.

By Efrim

April 5, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Metro Man

You might have a great trio, but Pelfrey won’t getting anything together anytime soon. Not unless he develops a second pitch.

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

Here’s a slight rephrasing of my earlier riddle:

Omar Infante

Ruben Gotay

Tim Hudson

Brian McCann

Matt Diaz

Andruw Jones, for one day last year

What does this list mean to a fat guy named Hugo?

By taylor s

April 5, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

DOB, whats your gut tell ya, are we getting it in today ?

By Lew

April 5, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-Yes, that three person rotation is bound to get you……well, somewhere.

It’s Amazin to me that y’all have Mets’ fans griping about Jurrjens, who is younger than almost anyone in the Mets’ entire system (don’t y’all hire 40 year olds for A ball?), who has won 4 of 5 ML decisions and the closest thing you have is Pelfrey, two years older than JJJ, who won what? Two games his entire rookie year? Whatever. The smog has eaten your brains.

By Robert

April 5, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

DOB

ARE WE PLAYING TODAY

By TK

April 5, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

I have been reading what some of you have been thinking about Tex. I will make a bet that Tex will hit higher than the 4th hitter the Braves had for most of last year. btw for all of you that type first on a new blog grow up you sound like children at the lunch line!!

By AmazinsAgain08

April 5, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Im not 15, im 7, and i can now understand why everything you say makes no sense�.. you are just a clown like mets players. And your words are intended only for little boys like me. Maybe you should go blog in www.toysrus.com, you fill fit there a little better.Overlord

don’t I hear your mommy calling you, brat? Come back when you grow up, however many decades that takes. Gee even most morons can argue about the issues instead of insulting the speaker all the time. Tata

By AmazinsAgain08

April 5, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Jurrjens scouting reportBraveheart

Interesting. I guess I have only seen his slider which they rank as a 45 which is a bit below average. The ones that I have seen in the two times I have watched him did not look even that good. I can’t remember seeing a curve. Is it a 12-6? How much break? Thank you. As I said I think he is a fine prospect. Much better looking at this point than the other young Braves’ pitchers that I have seen. Go Mets!

By McFann

April 5, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Trippy Hippie—

I was sorta making a joke about the standings. I told everyone not to look because I know how worked up some of them cann get. Besides, we’re only 1.5 game out, anyway, so it’s really nothing to get freaked out about.

I love stats, and I love math (which is prob’ly why I love stats, but anyway�). The only stat I don’t understand is Range Factor. What does that mean, anyway? I’ve got the 2007 edition of The Official Rules of Major League Baseball, so I’ll look it up there, but I’d like a simple explanation. (If there is such a thing!)

Don’t need calculus? Good. I like math, but not that much!

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Lew you better think before making your statements:

The smog has eaten your brains.

Brains??? Does this guy has one??? Let me google him and check, but i kind of doubt it.

By Lew

April 5, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Overlord-Well, you may be right, but that is still no excuse for the abuse heaped on Hampton for this situation. I mean, if you have a bad day, do you go take it out on a golf ball or beat your wife and kids? The Braves are merely an extension to our families for we true Braves’ fans. You (not you personally, of course-I’m sure you’re a good guy) don’t kick your family’s butt when you feel bad or are frustrated. If you do, it says more about you than the situation you’re upset about.

By AmazinsAgain08

April 5, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

It�s Amazin to me that y�all have Mets� fans griping about Jurrjens, who is younger than almost anyone in the Mets� entire system (don�t y�all hire 40 year olds for A ball?), who has won 4 of 5 ML decisions and the closest thing you have is Pelfrey, two years older than JJJ, who won what? Two games his entire rookie year? Whatever. The smog has eaten your brains.Lew

you are what is amazin’ Lew. Almost everything I have said about Jurrjens has been positive but you still gotta attack. Go for it Big Dog.

By Metropolitan Man

April 5, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Lew, the jury is still out on Jurrens. Granted he stepped up and took the ball and did well. When he peaks, all will know but that has yet to be seen on a regular season basis. If Pelfrey can get 20 starts this year, you will see what he is made of. He will win gems and lose badly at times. We may not know what we have with him until next year. However with the trio or Maine, Perez (hope to resign if he keeps up the good stats), and Santana, just getting a 4 or 5 starter shouldnt be so hardfor 09’. Add a 1st baseman and leftfielder and heck we are set for the future.

By Lew

April 5, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Amazin Again-Dude, Did I mention you by name? Did I attack you personally? Did I say anything derogatory to you or about you? How exactly is that an attack? I am not a Mets’ fan. Must I remind you that this is a BRaves’ blog and not one dedicated to the Mets?

If you want to come here a comment, you’re welcome. If you don’t attack anyone here personally, you won’t be attacked in return. However, if you come here expecting to hear us support you, your point of view, or your love of the Mets, can I interest you in a GPS locater? It’s obvious you are in the wrong place if those are your expectations. Perhaps a Homing Pigeon would be better?

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

For everyone bugging about the weather, it looks like the rain is going to move off by this afternoon.

By anti-brave

April 5, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

1-3 hilarious. And the way you all whine, hilarious. 1-3, this is going to be a hilarious year “denizens.”

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

People, let Amazins keep dreaming. let IT think JJJ is just another pelfrey. JJJ will make IT wake up very soon.

By Lew

April 5, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-A 4 or 5 starter for 09? Dude, you don’t have either for 08.

By Sir Stealth

April 5, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

If the game today is delayed for three hours or so, how’s the TV broadcast shake out?

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

McFann - the study of mathematical statistics has a lot more applications than just baseball, and it might be a way for you to get ahead for college. When I was homeschooling, my mom let me work however fast I could to get through the curriculum, and then when I finished a course for the school-year, she let me pick something else related to do. For example, when I was in sixth grade and finished my Saxon math book, I decided to try a pre-algebra book for the rest of the year. When I finished that, she let me go on and try regular high-school algebra the next year. I went to public school for high school, but by the time I got there I had already done several of the classes at home and was able to retake them for credit and breeze through them for good grades. What level math are you on now?

By Lew

April 5, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Well-AS much as I live for this repartee, I must go draw pictures and listen to some good Ole Southern Rock-maybe the new DBT and new Black Crowes, maybe some old Molly Hatchet, too. Later y’all. Try to take it easy on the Mets’ fans. They need all the help (and pitching) they can get.

DOB-Maybe for the next blog intro Steve Earle’s Guitar Town would be an acceptable choice?

By AmazinsAgain08

April 5, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Amazin Again-Dude, Did I mention you by name? Did I attack you personally?Lew

well you said ” what’s amazin to Braves fans” instead of amazing which I took as a shot at me at least in a roundabout way. If I read too much into it I apologize

By TJ

April 5, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Metro Man, frankly, I have never understood the hype about Pelfrey. His minor league numbers are good, but nothing special at all. (compare them to Chuck James or even Kyle Davies, and they look pedestrian). And his “peripherals” in the majors - 58 K’s, 51 walks, 110 hits in 94 innings - are absolutely awful.

I’m really not being a smarta__ about it, but aside from the fact that he was a 1st round (#9 overall) draft pick, what makes anyone think he’s any good?

By Metropolitan Man

April 5, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

No 4th or 5th starter Lew, now thats funny coming from a braves fan.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Is it pouring at the Ted? Is there gonna be a game?

By Metropolitan Man

April 5, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Tj, the only reason Pelfrey is still a MET is becasue he is making guarentted money wether he is in the Minors or Majors. It was part of the signing bonus and no team will take him in a trade because he makes a million a year reagardless. He knows his time is short and he has to put up, shut up, or go home. Too bad we cant find suckers like the braves do to make trades to take your overhyped junk pithcers.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Lew does JJJ, hampton, james, bennett ring any bells to you??? it does for me, specially while thinking about 4th and 5th. I wouldnt mention JoJo just yet, cause he aint ready, but slowly closing in.

By TJ

April 5, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

Metro Man: well, the Braves tend to draft ‘em out of high school, let ‘em pitch well at Rookie and A ball (which many can do), and trade ‘em before they’ve had a chance to prove they’re not really that good. Wainwright was the one who actually developed into something, but overall, it’s been a pretty successful model! Thanks for the reply… makes sense.

By Gil in Mechanicsville

April 5, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

DOB Canizares? Can�t play defense, and doesn�t hit enough to compensate for that flaw, at least not in this organization (unless they get desperate).

Now that’s funny… This from an organization that stuck with Thorman last year. No, he does not hit for as much power but the dude can flat out hit. That does not mean he will make it to Atlanta as actual ability to play the game does not seem to be a prerequisite for the Braves when they make roster moves.

By Steve C.

April 5, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Metro Man,

Yeah, it really is a shame you guys don’t have a GM that knows how to work a deal that benefits your club. Last time I checked, 1 mil a year for a starting pitcher that is remotely mediocre is peanuts. So, please come with something stronger to excuse the fact that Pelfrey is in your rotation than that…

By Metropolitan Man

April 5, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

Steve C, the reason stated above is why he wasnt included in the Twins trade. The Twins aren’t gonna pay any guy a million who may not be a starter for them if he is in the minors. Sorry you didnt like my an answer but common sense prevails over ” I dont know” anyday.

By woogidy

April 5, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

Robert, I don’t think “We” will be playing today, Blogging? yes, playing?, U Kno Who is the only blogger who plays that I know of… unless I wasn’t invited to play.

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this

THIS JUST IN: Smoltz vs. Santana is BACK ON for tomorrow. Smoltz will pitch tomorrow, Glavine will start opener at Colorado on Monday. They agreed to switch (or Glavine agreed to switch, when asked).

Change was made early last evening, but the Braves didn’t tell anyone until today.

Change makes perfect sense, since it’s gonna be cold out there and probably not the ideal place for Smoltz and his shoulder, plus those breaking pitches he’s spent the spring working on. (Breaking balls don’t break much at high altitude).

Glavine said didn’t matter to him. He’s pitched some good games out there, by the way.

Oh, and Kelly’s knee felt much better when he tested it this afternoon. Said he could play, but Bobby wants to wait another day. So Escobar’s leading off, Kotsay hitting second, Prado playing second and hitting eighth.

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Overlord, not only is there going to be a game, but we’re supposed to be starting on time. Hasn’t rained here in over an hour, just drizzle off and on.

By anti-brave

April 5, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

No, really, this is hilarious. I haven’t had so much fun since the June swoon, unless of course you count last Aug/Sept. Now that was a hoot.

By David-ATL14

April 5, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Smoltz back on for Sunday

Bobby didn’t want his first start to come in the Cold Climate of Denver.

Smoltz-Sunday!

Glavine-Monday!

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

NOW HEAR THIS: Mike Hampton’s contract is GUARANTEED. That means that even if the Braves do get rid of him, they still have to pay him. Maybe that will get people off of the idea that releasing him will somehow help the team. After all, he’s not taking up a roster spot if he’s on the DL, and once his 15 days are up, he can be moved back to the active roster if he’s ever ready again. I’m not sure what happens to his status if he is brought back but again fails to make it to the mound without injury, whether he would have to restart his DL time or if the callup wouldn’t count if he didn’t play, but the possibility of him pitching while the team pays his salary is still better than getting rid of him and still paying the same money.

By Metropolitan Man

April 5, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

Oh yeah Steve C., I guess your GM fixed the braves bullpen problems. Let me see in 07’ you had starter problems, fix them in 08’ only to have bullpen problems? Yeah you have GM of the year in Atlanta.

By Sir Stealth

April 5, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Great news about Smoltz pitching Sunday if its true. The right move for a number of reasons.

By Metropolitan Man

April 5, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Off to the Ted, see you guys there if you can leave your pc’s.

By Trippy Hippie

April 5, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

4 8 15 16 23 42

By woogidy

April 5, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Yippeeee! Let’s go to Turner Field and witness Santana lose his first game as a Met! One of many more to come!

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

Sir Stealth, “if it’s true”? I just talked to Bobby Cox, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine about the switch. Who else would you like to confirm it?

By David-ATL14

April 5, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this

We get it trippy!

You’re a LOST fanatic.

Hurley’s lottery numbers considered unlucky to say the least at least by hugo himself.

By McFann

April 5, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Trippy Hippie—

We use Saxon math also! It’s great. I’m in Algebra 2. That’s all the info I cann give out on here.

So you were home schooled? That’s great! We sure do love it!

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

SKIP CARAY has been presented his Wurlitzer drawing, and he very much enjoyed it. “It’s a nice thought,” he said to me a few minutes ago, as he held it up to show me after opening it in the press box.

He said he was going to call or write Lew to extend his appreciation. He really did seem moved by the gesture. Fine job, Lew.

By KC

April 5, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Metroman: Check your email.

I’m sure you would like to back out of the bet, but I’m afraid that won’t do. You have to follow through now. =)

By Steve C.

April 5, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Metro Man,

Exactly who can determine the Braves have bullpen problems after 4 games??? You? If you haven’t noticed, the bullpen has been asked to do ALOT already, certainly more than anyone could have imagined, what with 2 extra inning games, along with Hampton not going, and our long relief guy going in at a moment’s notice. 4 games…too early to determine about the bullpen, Tex hitting, and/or Kelly’s knee. By your logic, is it too early to go ahead and count Pedro out this year?

By KC

April 5, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this

What could be worse than ESPN’s baseball coverage?:

Fox’s coverage.

By Pete H.

April 5, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

DOB What could Cox, Smoltz and Glavine possible know about it?

This blog is endlessly entertaining if only for comments like that one.

By KC

April 5, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

This is torture. I can’t listen to these Fox idiots anymore!!!!

By Lew

April 5, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

DOB-Thanks for all of your help in getting it to him. It has traveled from Vermont to Orlando to Vermont to Atlanta-almost as well traveled as yourself and the recipient.

Skip is one of a kind and we’re quite fortunate to have been honored with his presence and his talent for all these years. Much of the time he did play by play for the games of some quite pitiful teams and he still kept our attention and always kept it interesting.

Thanks also to the other Denizens who shared their thoughts with Skip as well. I put them into book form and sent them with the drawings. There were a LOT of you. Not a single person that I contacted failed to contribute a few paragraphs (plus Braveheart’s 3 page letter).

By Randy S

April 5, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Oh God, Joe Buck.

By Randy S

April 5, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Oh God, Tim McCarver.

By 22oz

April 5, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

KC, let me paint a picture so horrible, i plan on strangling whoever came up it if i ever meet them. And i’m a mild mannered guy. The video game MLB 2k8 features the broadcast “talents” of Jon Miller and Joe Morgan, AND Jeanie Zelasko. Good lord, why didn’t they go ahead and throw in McCarver to put the nail in my coffin?

By Sir Stealth

April 5, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

DOB - there’s a helluva lag on this here blog and I posted that before your post came up for me. Don’t persecute me man! (kidding) By the way, I’m gonna be in the front row to see Steve Earle in about a week. I know it’s not getting direct reports from BC, Smoltzie, and 47, but not bad right?

By Randy S

April 5, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Looks like the big SunTrust sign on the stairway for the new seats is covered up. Guess Fox put the kibosh on that.

By Murphy

April 5, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

No way McCarver and Buck are worse than Miller and Morgan. It is not even close.

By TexasBrave

April 5, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Crap!!!!! I can’t believe it. Game supposed to be on Fox, not in Texas. No they show Detroit and Chicago. I’d understand if it were the Rangers and someone, he11 Atlanta is closer to me than either one of those teams.

Good Grief. I supposed I will be relegated to listen to it on radio.

By Efrim

April 5, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

FOX games are awful. The microphone at home plate is very annoying.

By TexasBrave

April 5, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

What could be worse than ESPN�s baseball coverage?KC

How about no coverage.

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Afternoon denizens…

One half inning into our first game with the Flushing brigade. Hudson’s got good movement on his fastball and the sinker today as evidence by the three lil grounders elicited by the top of the order.

I think a lot of folks were looking forward to Smoltz vs Santana tomorrow, so good to hear that BC is obliging.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Hey muts fan…… see the difference between a HOF and our 3B???

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Just wondering how long it’ll be before Kotsay isn’t bashed on here by a few folks. Or will they keep dismissing things like his triple off the center-field wall that nearly tied the last game, or his first-inning oppo single in this game, or his perfect throw to the plate the other night….

By ugaman

April 5, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

Once we get Tex on track we are going to take off.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Hey John Freakin Maine just loaded the bases with a walk…… get him Mc

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this

TexasBrave, just an AL thing, I’d guess. The station there probably had the choice of taking either game, and chose the AL one. Figured it’d be an attractive matchup, since no one thought Tigers would start out way they have.

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Nice job of hitting by both Kotsay and Chipper. Kotsay went with the pitch and deposited it into left, Chipper rips a single to right, Tex walks to load them for a McCann sac fly to right.

Looks like Sam Holbrook isn’t giving either pitcher the inside corner to the lefties. Both Hudson and Maine had pitches that look like they caught the plate called balls.

By ugaman

April 5, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Dave, I would like your opinion on something. It seems to me that the Braves hitteres don’t take a really good approach when batting with runners on third and less than two outs. Many times, I notice that they swing at the first pitch they can handle to get a fly ball in order to get the run in. While it’s great that they get the run in, it would seem like they could concentrate more on hitting line drives in order to have really big innings. I’m kind of tired of watching at bats like McCann’s in the first inning where it seems like the batter settles for driving only the runner on third in instead of working the count and getting a pitch to really drive. What do you and the other bloggers think about this?

By MattyRoss

April 5, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Up the ladder on Frenchy…tough pitch to lay off. Anyone got a sense of the ratio of Mets to Braves fans at the park? Hearing a lot of moans when Maine wasn’t locating…

By Efrim

April 5, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Maine’s fastball is pretty tough. That fastball that he threw to Frenchy was rising at 96 mph.

By 22oz

April 5, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

Looks like the strike zone is smaller than home plate today. Huddy got squeezed in the first, and me thinks Tex shoulda been wrung up too, but hey, i’ll take that walk!

By Murphy

April 5, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

When will McCann and Frenchy stop swinging for the fences…when?

By bobboo

April 5, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

Pshh stupid Braves. Pay off the ups to get an edge?

Texeira clearly punched out on that 1-2 pitch. Unbelievable

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

If frenchy didnt hack at ball 4….. that guy was in deeeeeeeep trouble.

By TexasBrave

April 5, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

DOB - As Braves fans we want it all; high average/homerun hitting, base running, strong throwing, field covering center fielder. Anything less is unthinkable.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

DOB i admit i was hard on him, i hope he proofs me wrong. Im pleased with his defense.

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Hudson’s streak ended at 23 consective batters retired with that groundball single up the middle.

Then another groundball single up the middle….

By MattyRoss

April 5, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

plays like that one with Chipper and Delgado just make me hold my breath. I’d much rather have Hoss healthy than get that out at third.

By Efrim

April 5, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

WTF!!!

Damn Prado…

By 22oz

April 5, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Those lineup introductions on Fox remind me too much of Chris Berman, with the way each player has a little nickname. “And batting 8th, Martin “the devil wears” Prado!”

Once again our defense costs a run!

By Tar-Heeler

April 5, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

DOB Ready to take your whippin ? Just kidding, what’s your prediction on the game tonight ? I’ll say 80 76 Heels.

By Epinephrine

April 5, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

Two plays Prado should have made. Where are the KJ bashers now?

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

We dont make a complete fielding 2B out of KJ and Prado.

By TexasBrave

April 5, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

Let the Prado bashing begin!!!!

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Would-be inning-ending double play chance ended with that bobble by Prado with runner bearing down on him. Run scored on the play…

By Epinephrine

April 5, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

DOB, completely agree on Kotsay.

By WoodstockJake

April 5, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Not only does Prado miss the hard liner through the infield but he bobbles the sure double play ball which would have kept us in the lead. Thank God Kelly is coming back soon, we can’t afford stupid plays like that against the Mets.

By TJ

April 5, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Somebody remind me again why Martin Prado is so much better than KJ. Please.

Anyway, Hudson looks good. If Maine keeps throwing nothing but fastballs (almost), we’ll eat him alive.

Lew, big ups on the gift for Skip. Sorry I wasn’t involved, but that’s okay… good for you and all who were.

By Murphy

April 5, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

For the record. I love Kotsay. See above post on McCann and Frenchy…that is exactly what Kostsay does not do. He is not hitting for the fences, but simply getting the ball in play to get the runner around or in and himself on base. He is hard nose…love him so far.

By TexasBrave

April 5, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

DOB - I would thing that they would also take into account the great number of Braves fans out there that have been displaced because they can no longer get the games on TBS.

Correct me if I am wrong but the Mets seem to have a good fan base outside of NY also.

Guess I am bias.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

10 grounders in the inning and they scored a run…….not possible.

Tims pitch count a little higher than we would like…needs a 10 pitch 3rd.

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Tough way to give up a run. Delgado singles to center and takes third on the Angel Pagan single and then collides with Chipper, who was leaning out for Kotsay’s throw. He then scores when Prado can’t cleanly field Yunel’s toss on what would be a textbook 6-4-3.

By chase

April 5, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

HOW MANY FREAKIN’ RUNS is the 2nd BASE Defense gonna cost?

GOOD GRIEF!

By GT81

April 5, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Frenchy HAS to take ball four up at his eyes with 2 out basses loaded. He’s got to get his head in the game!

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Phillies and Nats already lost their games.

Lets get another run.

Matt and yunel up if somebody gets on base.

By Allen

April 5, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Not sure what Chipper was doing there. He was about 4 feet away from the base. The ball was thrown pefectly by Kotsay. If Chippers is on the bag he snags the throw and tags him out easily. Oh well.

Then Prado blows the easy double play.

Eeesh!

By Allen

April 5, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Not sure what Chipper was doing there. He was about 4 feet away from the base. The ball was thrown pefectly by Kotsay. If Chippers is on the bag he snags the throw and tags him out easily. Oh well.

Then Prado blows the easy double play.

Eeesh!

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Hey, seriously….Prado is hitting really good. It doesnt looks like good luck. He is getting on base a lot.

By Caleb

April 5, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

and Hudson gets screwed. should have been a double play, or at least an unearned run.

By bgvt

April 5, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Hmmm…not turning the double play costs us a run. What do the three one-run losses all have in common? Errors. In the one win? No errors.

By Caleb

April 5, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

were some of the Braves napping in the dugout when the team was practicing fundamentals during spring training??

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

We fail again on fundamental small ball. Braves should fine any braves player that fails to advance a runner and that swings for the fence more than 2 times in a row. Say 5 000 $$$$$. LOL.

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Somebody would have won a boatload of money if they bet Martin Prado would have the first stolen base of the season series between these two teams.

By Bravesfan79

April 5, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Mark Lemke whered you go!!

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

Maine has 45 pitches….. it doesnt looks like he will make it to the 6th.

TJ i said Prado was better than KJ fielding…. guess he is crying out loud that i was wrong.

By Deion

April 5, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

DOB, will you walk over and punch Tim McCarver in the face? Thanks!

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

OK gang….. Huddy is on…..he is dealing…. totally in command of all his pitches…… Strike after strike. I hope offense returns the favor and get some runs quick so he can relax a bit.

By anti-brave

April 5, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

More hilarity. That Prado is such a hoot.

Remember last year, what’s his name would sing “there’s a donkey in the dugout clap your hands,” and all the denizens would have absolute fits? Now that was funny!

By Caleb

April 5, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Deion, I second that!

By Murphy

April 5, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Why are they talking about the Yankees? Who cares about A-rod and the Yankees during a Braves game????

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

Maine is all over the place….. he has lost home plate, at least for the moment. He looks tired already.

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

One thing I forgot to mention earlier is a thank you to DOB and Lew for getting Skip his Wurlitzer. Lew was kind enough to reach out to this denizen for some comments and I was too happy to oblige. It’s a very happy day indeed to hear that Skip enjoyed Lew’s talents.

Folks, Hudson is cruising. He’s under contract until after next season, but it certainly should be a priority to either sign him to an extension or give him a great contract to sign after next October.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Then again……..why does McCann wants to hit it out of the ball park……the guy is out of control mannnnnnnn

By Efrim

April 5, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Tex and Chipper do there job, lets see if Frenchy and Heap can get it done

By Caleb

April 5, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

If McCann and Francoeur don’t pull an Andruw this year, they will end up with a ton of rbi’s with Chipper and Tex being on base constantly.

By Murphy

April 5, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

Good job Frenchy!

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Frenchy with a pitching wedge to right-center to score Chipper.

Nice…

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Frenchy just muscled that one out of the infield……….he was totally jammed.

By Murphy

April 5, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Good job Frenchy!

By ugaman

April 5, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Matty is a RBI machine. I love his approach to hitting. A true professional hitter!

By MattyRoss

April 5, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

By the way, I think it’s safe to say Diaz will have at least five of those down the line homeruns that just hook inside the pole this year. Do we play in Fenway at all? Matt would have 3 in the series…

By brent a.

April 5, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

I prefer Smoltz over Glavine against Santa, anyway.

Even though it’s early, and Smoltz has been sore; I still think he’s more likely to go 7+ than Glavine, and we need that if we can get it.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Maine is out of gas people

By MattyRoss

April 5, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Let’s not be too hard on Prado. Anybody getting his uni that dirty that fast has got to be working hard…

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this

if we can hit like this off the Mets #2 pitcher, since thats been such a hot topic lately, things will be looking good… looks like Maine can only throw his fastball for a strike… that’s good news for our fastball raking team!

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Oops, correction, left-center. Regardless, really nice job by Frenchy finding green acres to get the run in.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Matt is an everyday player…… do we all now agree?

If defense plays big league level, this game is over…. Huddy is on!!!!!

By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)

April 5, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

* DIAZ and FRANCO*

We have a saying among players - he wanted THAT HIT.

Both players did a good job because they WANTED THAT HIT.

Long way to go but lookin’ good so far.

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

if we can hit like this off the Mets #2 pitcher, since thats been such a hot topic lately, things will be looking good… looks like Maine can only throw his fastball for a strike… that’s good news for our fastball raking team!

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Lets see…….

Chipper 2-2, Runs scored.

Wright 0-2 sit down!!!!!

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

is it too early for Diaz for MVP talk?

By Allen

April 5, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

DOB, will you walk over and punch Tim McCarver in the face? Thanks! Deion

Go ahead and give Buck a swift kick in the balls if you’re gonna be over there.

Man, I hate national broadcasts! You would think that if it was your JOB you would be accurate with the information you provide.

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

not that i’m saying the sky is falling, the sky is falling… but just out of curiosity can lillibridge play 2nd and is his defense better then what we’ve seen so far? I’m not ready to throw Prado or Kelly away I’m just wondering about the future with Escobar at SS….

By ugaman

April 5, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Anybody got a pitch count on Huddy? It sure seems like he is throwing alot of pitches.

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Hudson has thrown 69 pitches, 46 strikes

By TJ

April 5, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

I’m no fan of the Fox guys, and certainly not of McCarver. National broadcasts are almost always less “accurate” than local ones.

But you gotta admit, the Braves are getting an awful lot of love from Fox and ESPN. It hasn’t been that way the last couple of years.

Just checked a Mets blog, and they’re out of their mind at how “pro-Braves” this broadcast has been.

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

DOB and MattyRoss both make good points on Prado. That play at second on what could have been a double play had Prado at the bag with Ryan Church barreling down on him.

Dontrelle Willis is dealing as well. No hits through five in the Motor City.

By Epinephrine

April 5, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Huddy is at 69, Maine 85, I believe.

By Eric from MO

April 5, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

If the Braves are going to compete our defense has to get better. I have never seen our defense this bad.

By ColoradoBravesFan

April 5, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

Huddy 69 pitches thru 4. maine… 83 thru 3 an da third.

PLease keep updates coming. Here in Colorado we get Dogers and Padres. I get to see AJ swing and miss.

By Yunel Lillibridge

April 5, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Escobar looks uncomfortable in the leadoff spot today. Could just be Maine has his number, but I like Yunel in the 2-hole regardless. Let Kotsay leadoff - He’s been slapping the ball all over the field with some pop all year.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

CHIPPER….. YOU ARE NOT HUMAN

By brent a.

April 5, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

Chipper = MVP

Teixeira = Payroll Flexibility this off-season

By 22oz

April 5, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

If Chipper could just get hot….

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Wow, Tim Hudson is on his game today, but Tim McCarver doesn’t seem to be.

Wonder where the White Sox played their home games in ‘91 and ‘92 since their current ballpark opened in 1993 (according to McCarver) and old Comiskey Park was demolished in 1991?

RBI single by Tex. Let’s go Mark T!

By ugaman

April 5, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this

Maine is absolutely terrified of Chipper. Me thinks ol’ “You know Who” has a chip on his shoulder, especially when playing the Mets and thier media christened mvp Wright. Chip and Tex driving in runs, folks, get used to it, it’s going to happen all year long if those two stay healthy. McCann needs to go see his dad for some swing tips. He’s uppercutting on ever swing and it looks like he’s trying to hit it out of the park. I would really like to see a greater commitment from him to get in better shape during the off season. I really believe he could be a much better player, maybe MVP caliber, if he lost about 20 pounds.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Wheres the TROLL???

DOB any news on KJs knee? Is he available to PH???

By brent a.

April 5, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this

Something else that’s going to stink about national broadcasts this year; is all the “Teixeira’s gonna leave talk.”

At this point, I really don’t care, and it’s really not that interesting to me.

I’ve seen Javy, Sheffield, Maddux, Glavine, and Andruw Jones all walk.

So you know what? I don’t care. Bye Teixeira. Just play your heart out this year, and we’ll use your, Kotsay’s, Hampton’s and Glavine’s money to make some noise this off-season.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

I agree on your las comment yunel.-

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Angel Pagan is not so bad a player. That guy knows how to hit what he is given.

By Justo

April 5, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Come on Huddy hold the lead dog.

By MattyRoss

April 5, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

that’s a nice piece of hitting by Pagan…he’s impressed me so far this year. Huddy’s locating well, but he’s not untouchable today by any means. I have to say, though, I feel with Timmy the way I used to with Maddux. No matter how many baserunners or what the situation, I’m just confident he’ll get the ground ball he needs. Maybe not all the time, but enough to keep the ulcers at bay…Pinch hit for Maine in the 5th.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Hey Metroman great line for Maine today.

By MattyRoss

April 5, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

Pretty DAMN sure that ball bounced!!! What a break.

By Epinephrine

April 5, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

hahaha that sucks for the Mets

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Oh, my. What a TERRIBLE call to benefit the Braves. That ball landed 8 inches in front of Kotsay’s glove and bounced into it. Not a catch, though ruled one…

By brent a.

April 5, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Love that umpire! ;-)

By Epinephrine

April 5, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

And they got it right. Still saved on that one, would have been two runs.

By Justo

April 5, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Damn yall looks like hudson is going to get wacked hard this inning, mets probably going to take the lead.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

Great play by Kotsay……the ball was traped… Tim McDumb in fox tv says it wasnt even close……. how stupid…….it was really close.

By Caleb

April 5, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

these umps are TERRIBLE!!!

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

So Pagan passes Church on the base path….. what about that? It doesnt matter…….we will kick axx

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

Good call on reversal. It’s only fair thing to do.

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

that was a hot mess… glad we got out of it relatively decently

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

Messy, messy top of the 5th…

They got the call right in the end and Hudson gets out of the inning with the lead.

By William

April 5, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

Ok, I agree with the reversal, but those first 3 pitches to Castillo were STRIKES!!!!!!

By Austin

April 5, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

This is a disgrace to baseball. No other umpire saw the play well enough to overturn the play. Then Mets players are passing each other on the bases but who cares right? Mets get 2 cheap runs. It makes me wanna puke.

By Austin

April 5, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

DOB

It’s fair to reverse a play based on replay? Because they sure as hell didint see what happened.

By William

April 5, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

When did Huddy become a dog?

By chase

April 5, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

He trapped it BUT!!!! you can change the call and award EVERYTHING in the Muts favor…

PAGAN should have been OUT for passing the lead runner I don’t care what else happened!

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Juuuuuuuuuuuust a bit outside by Joe Smith for ball two.

By Caleb

April 5, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

DOB, the only fair thing to do is reverse the catch, but call Pagan out for passing the runner ahead of him. He would have passed him whether they called it a catch or a hit.

By chase

April 5, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

Justo is a MUTS fan people don’t let him fool you!

By Rocky

April 5, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Man we actually got a damn break from the umps and then the umps took it away. How many times have they reversed a call for the Braves like that? Not too many times that is why I am made because of the reverse call. When Bobby goes out there they ignore him and then when Randolph went out there they acted like he knows everything. Bunch of b******!

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

It will be a miracle if tim goes unharmed this inning…… braves went 1-2-3 really quick, tim needed some time. His pitch count is us. It could be his last inning since he is due up next bottom half.

By chase

April 5, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this

Honestly if NO UMP really saw the play they SHOULDN’T change it based ONLY on complaints by the opposing team!

By William

April 5, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Speaking of someone wanting to puke……..Tim McCarver makes me want to hurl every time he speaks. Joe Buck doesn’t do much better. I was I had Braves radio here.

By Interested Observer

April 5, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

DOB, I think I have to respectfully disagree with you. I think Bobby should have protested that ruling. Yes, the umpires obviously missed the original call. But they miss judgement calls all the time. If they go back and let the hit count, then they have to call the runner out for passing the other runner. I don’t see how they can essentially say since they missed the call they will let the play continue as if they hadn’t, but the part where the runners pass each other WON’T play out as if they call hadn’t been missed.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Beltran is something…. man he has not been fooled by any of tims pitches in the game….

By Caleb

April 5, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Lost in the shuffle of that mess though was the great attempt at that single by Kotsay. Looks like his back is doing pretty well.

By chase

April 5, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

That UMP is still SQUEEZING Huddy very very hard..to Castillo and now Beltran…

Ump is virtually making him throw it high over the middle!

And I have had ENOUGH of Joe Buck and McCarver taking shots at Atlanta fans…very thinly vailed insults!

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Not only is the no-no gone in Detroit, so is Willis’ bid for the win. Chisox touch him for three to tie and their bully gives up the lead. 4-3 Chicago in the seventh.

By ugaman

April 5, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Huddy has nasty movement on his pitches. I think he gets better as he gets tired as long as he doens’t elevate the ball.

By Michael

April 5, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

DOB, Does Bobby Cox have a good cause for protest? I’m guessing it’s too late now, but how do the umps just make a guess on what would have happened? Certainly, they can if a fan touches the ball, but Pagan likely would have passed the runner on 3rd, and how can the umps be sure whether Kotsay would have been able to force one of the runners out (possibly 2nd). It looked like the runners were already somewhat on their way back to the bases they were already on (especially the runner on 3rd).

By macdwolfpack

April 5, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

As a former umpire you never change a call unless someone actually saw the error(by that I mean another umpire saw it),if not first call stands. uMPIRES CAN’T OVERTURN A CALL THEY DIDN’T SEE.

By William

April 5, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

The reversal was the right call. Clearly he trapped the ball. If that would have happened to us we would have flipped the *&%K out. As I said, those first two pitches to Castillo were clearly strikes though. I’m more upset over those to ball calls than I am on the reversal. Either way we still have the lead so lets just hold on to it.

By Efrim

April 5, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

Good job by Huddy. Tough lineup to face. 6 innings and 3 earned runs aint bad. Should of been 2 earned if not for Prado’s error.

By William

April 5, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see Hudson go one more inning.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

Hey bobby……. let huddy pitch one more inning. You wont put hank aaron in to PH for him, so let him pitch one more, he is cruising and he is not tired.

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

quit being homers and be objective… regardless of the original call the ball was clearly trapped.. we caught a break b/c they screwed it up the first time or 2 runners would have scored because Pagano wasn’t stopping… we MAY have been able to get an out at 2nd base but that is questionable as well… we got out of the trouble pretty good though because the heart of the Mets lineup was at the plate

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Gotay!!! lol… he reminds me of Betemit

By TJ

April 5, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

That base knock has to feel good for Gotay.

By Epinephrine

April 5, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Here we go. Let’s see it Esco.

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Folks I’m guessing the call was reversed because either Gerry Davis at 1st or Brian Gorman at 2nd saw enough of Kotsay’s attempt to see it was a clear trap. No other way they would have reversed that call. The Braves did get a bit of a break on that play in that Angel Pagan would have easily scored on the play. In the end, he scored on Castillo’s ground out, so the break we got didn’t last long.

Really really pleased with Hudson’s day. 6 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 Ks.

Nice single by Gotay against his former teammates and Escobar gets the bunt down to move him to second.

By Interested Observer

April 5, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

Good questions being raised on the controversial call.

DOB, if you get a chance to speak to the umpires after the game, I hope you get the opportunity to determine 1. which umpire called for the reversal (the 2nd and 3rd obviously didn’t see it or they would have called it) and 2. Why were they able to ignore the runners passing each other and how they were able to determine that a force out at 2nd would not have been possible.

By William

April 5, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this

Kotsay was safe at second. The should reverse that.

By MattyRoss

April 5, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Everyone’s going to flip out about Kotsay maybe being safe, but let’s just be happy with the run. He deserved to be out with that baserunning move anyway. In a game where the umps miss so many calls I think you just have to hope you’re on the right side of it at the end.

By William

April 5, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this

Dang, Chipper actually got out. Isn’t that the first one of the year?

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Acosta Moylan Soriano

Go Get�em

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Great job of hitting by Kotsay to put the Braves up by 2, but got caught in no man’s land when Beltran cut the throw off, still, he looked safe at second. I think his foot got to the bag before Reye’s tag.

By Efrim

April 5, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Prado has had a rough day at 2nd base…..

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Prado’s defense has been surprisingly bad. Should’ve made that play, no question.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

Id say…… let gotay start at 2B, LOL

By William

April 5, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

OMG Joe Buck is making these umpires sound like Gods because they got “the call” right. GEEZ if they were worth a darn they would have gotten it right the first time. The ball only bounced a foot in front of Kotsay.

By chase

April 5, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

There is a JOE BUCK/TIM McCARVER METS LOVEFEST going on on the broadcast

Everytime the UMP at home calls a close pitch in the METS’ favor they TOTALLY AGREE!

By William

April 5, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

DOB Agree, Prado should have made that play, but we got out of the inning. Should have been a error though.

By William

April 5, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this

We need some runs here with the middle of the lineup. I’m sure the Mets have another rally in them.

By Ron Roberts

April 5, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Wow…I didn’t even RECOGNIZE Jorge Sosa. He’s dropped some serious weight since last year, this time.

By chase

April 5, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this

Again I ask: How many runs and baserunners is the 2nd base position going to cost us?

By TJ

April 5, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

Gotay looks really good from the left side. If KJ were down for a while, I think he and Prado would be a pretty good platoon at 2B (none of our 2B seem to be able to play defense right now, but I’m sure that’ll change). Mainly, though, having KJ out takes a bite out of our team. With him in there, and Kotsay coming around, this is an awesome lineup.

btw, kind of unusual: through 6+, 18 total hits in the game, all singles.

By chase

April 5, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

If KJ doesn’t get back soon I think you might see GOTAY get a start!

By MEB

April 5, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

I like the aggressive play by Kotsay. It took an absolutely perfect snag and throw by Delgado to make the out at second. Well, you know what I mean, because he was SAFE!

Bring on some Sosa-meat.

LETS GO BRAVES!!!

By Deep Throat

April 5, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this

Kelly Johnson can’t get back soon enough.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

Mc is such a better hitter when he doesnt hit for the fence.

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this

Twenty hits in the game, and McCann’s double here in the seventh was the first extra-base hit. 19 singles.

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

KJ….

Very, very NICE

By gobirds42

April 5, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

go kj go kj!

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

April 5, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

HOW ABOUT KELLY JOHNSON! SUPERSTARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

By TJ

April 5, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

That, folks, is what you don’t get from Martin Prado.

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

wooooo that knee is looking GOOOOOD go KJ

By radoncbravesfan

April 5, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

yeahhhh!!!!!!!!

By Pete H.

April 5, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Sniff. Makes me nostalgic for Jorge’s second Braves season.

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Hip, hip Jorge!

By Kevin

April 5, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

Where are all you Prado lovers now? Atta boy KJ!

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this

WOW. Well, that worked out well for the Braves, I’d say. Having Kelly come in to pinch-hit.

Pinch grand slam on a 3-2 pitch. His second career grand slam, first career pinch homer.

By cricket

April 5, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

WELCOME BACK off the kneed list, KJ.

By TexasBrave

April 5, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

Way to go KJ!!! Wish I could have seen it.

By Chop Chop

April 5, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

Nice little PH GS for Kelly Johnson, eh?

Suck on that, Mets.

By hansoal

April 5, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this

I just want to be one of about 100 to say…

GRAND SLAM!!!!

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

KJ get healthy and stay healthy soon we need that bat

By james

April 5, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

GRANDE SALLLLLAMI!!!!!!!!!!!

By Yars

April 5, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

Holy *hit!! KJ that a boy!!! *ucking A!

By jimmac

April 5, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

Good comment, Deep Throat, that KJ can’t get back soon enough.

By MEB

April 5, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

Sosa-meat is a dish best served cold. MMMMMmmmmmmmmmMMMM!!!

LETS GO BRAVES!!!

By AdirondackDave

April 5, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this

Holy Smoke… A grand slam for Johnson!!!!

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 5, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

How about that bench ! Grand Salami off the bat of Kelly Johnson.

I would have to say that Willie Randolph made the worst decision possible by bringing Jorge Sosa into the game.

The Braves know how to handle Sosa and they did.

By blueridge

April 5, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this

that was a bomb. KJ coming up big.
wear-it Sosa.

By Murphy

April 5, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this

Da** my neighbors think I am nuts.

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

this is what happens when you’re only allowed to pitch to Adam LaRoach… you get a false sense of security against leftys… come on Royce

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this

Hey KJ……. dont gives us that knee crap…..get your azz in the lineup.

GOOOOOOOOOO BRAVOS!!!!!!!!

By AdirondackDave

April 5, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Think Randolph is regretting leaving righty Sosa in there against Johnson?

By Dutchie

April 5, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Congrats all you Braves!

Now that was a dinger:)! I’m watching from Holland. A q: where can I pick up the rotation schedual? Of course I’m slightly interested in how Jair is fairing. In addition to his name, it’s Jurrjens with to ‘silent’ j’s, as you pronounce the y in young.

Close up the game now!

By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)

April 5, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

DOB, tell me that Royce Ring will be the odd man out tomorrow when Smoltz comes off the DL.

By Rocky

April 5, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

yeah lets trade KJ for a reliever. lol. Yep lets make a one for one swap with Colorado for Fuentes or some other reliever. Lets get er done. We dont need a Cheap, Good, Young patient on base machine in KJ. Sure his glove is not great but it is good enough. Yep lets go ahead and get rid of that KJ kid. We wont look back at that trade in 3 years from now and shake our heads. lol (I am being sarcastic just in case a few of you folks that take EVERYTHING seriously did not know it).

By William

April 5, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this

Lets shut this down bullpen. How about a comfortable win for change. I’m tired of the one run games.

By jbutler

April 5, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

Anyone notice they don’t flip to live shots of the the booth w/Buck/McCarver like they do w/Buck/Aikman? Thanks Fox for the Aikman eye candy. And for sparing McCarver from us. But…I’ve never heard Buck do baseball before. And hopefully never will again. Ugh.

By William

April 5, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this

I’d like to get those runs back before the top of the 9th.

By TJ

April 5, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

It’d be nice to pound this Figueroa guy, just to mess with the Mets plans for starting pitching.

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

Ring came in and did his job gang even with giving up two on back-to-back doubles to Beltran and Delgado. He didn’t walk anyone which to me is the cardinal sin in pitching with a six run lead. Let them put the ball in play for your defense to get them out.

Good to see we haven’t completely lost the European fan base with AJ in LA. Welcome Dutchie, we really like Jair also. Hang around here and DOB will keep you up to date on the rotation, or you can keep up also on the club’s website (www.braves.com) with both the full schedule and the next game’s starter.

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

Hey Overlord, he wanted to play today. It’s not Kelly’s call as to who’s in the lineup.

Or should he have lied to the trainer and said the knee was perfectly fine? He was honest, said it was a lot better, not perfect but that he could play.

By MattyRoss

April 5, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Looking good right now after Ring got into a bit of trouble. BTW, Kevin a Prado “lover” is still here. I think the kid’s young, plays hard, and brings a spark to the team. I guess when evaluating who’s a positive part of the team I’ll defer to Chipper Freaking Jones (who said just that in an article on braves.com), but we can’t all be as smart as you.

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

CO-MVPs

Chipper and Huddy

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

TJ, very good point on the KJ/Prado thing at 6:48.

By the way, Tex also has two hits and two walks in this tilt.

By ColoradoBravesFan

April 5, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

OH yeah… Go Braves. KJ with a big fly.

Sux that I don’t get to see the game. But hey I got to see A Jones pull a low and away slider for a slow roller to third and then not hustle down to first.

Hope Kotsay keeps up the good work.

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 7:10 PM | Link to this

Tex is heating up

By TJ

April 5, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this

Ring came in and did his job gang even with giving up two on back-to-back doubles to Beltran and Delgado. He didn�t walk anyone which to me is the cardinal sin in pitching with a six run lead. Let them put the ball in play for your defense to get them out.

Very well said, Greg in TN.

By William

April 5, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Now that’s what I’m freaking talking about Frenchy!!!

By jimmac

April 5, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

We’re gonna have a remarkably good run differential for a 2-3 team.

By Dutchie

April 5, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

Thx Greg. Checked out www.mlb.com, that sucked quit big. And don’t worry about AJ, he went to the wrong LA team, and that’s probably good! hahaha. I’ve allready bookmarked the blog.

And sorry for being a Dodger-fan also. It’s Kirk Gibson’s fault! The young mind is soooo easily impressed!

Time for some optimism now guys. One more day and Glavin restores the .500 record!

By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)

April 5, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

It looks like the Braves are about to draw first blood against the Mets. We knew this team would score, but thirty-seven runs in the first five games. That is ridiculous.

Smoltz and Santana tomorrow, it’s gonna be good !

By bgvt

April 5, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this

Where have all the Mets’ fans gone?

John Maine had to throw lots of pitches per inning. The Mets don’t have a deep enough bullpen to cover for short starts — one of the problems the Braves had last year.

By AdirondackDave

April 5, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this

Hey DOB — Tilt… I like it. Haven’t hear it used for a ballgame in many years!

By AJinAZ

April 5, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Where are the Mutts fans now

By TexasBrave

April 5, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this

Did Soriano really need the work? He has been in 2 of the first four games already. He is going to see plenty of action this year, lets keep him fresh.

Is Jo - Jo up yet? Why not throw him?

Oh Well - Braves Win!!!

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

Thanks TJ.

Folks it might have been a day more in tune for the bank of the Thames, but the sun is shining on Planet Braves after Soriano came in and gave the mets and their fans a little bit of third-degree nasty in the ninth. His MO last year was that he had a little bit of an issue bearing down and throwing in situations where the Braves had a bit of a lead, not so today.

If the Pirates can bounce back from last night’s walk off Marlin’s win and turn the tables this evening, we gain a game on everyone in the division. A very good day indeed for Braves Nation.

Chipper was 3 for 5 today. His mets counterpart, the Golden Child, went 0-4 and left four on base. Won’t have very many days like that, so it’s good to take advantage when we get them.

Sets up the five star matchup everyone’s been looking forward to since the last few days of spring and that’s Smoltz vs Santana tomorrow.

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

On a side note I bought the MLB.TV package… to watch the braves here in the desert… I watched the games against Pittsburgh and AFN (armed forces network) has managed to put back to back Marlins/Pittsburgh games on TV here so I feel like I’m a Pirate fan lol watching every game…. That Nady and McClouth though are tough outs

By chase

April 5, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

Now let SMOLTZ out-duel SANTANA and we’ll leave town 3-3 with a 2-0 record against the Muts and all will be right with the world again!

By TJ

April 5, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

DOB, Write a really quick, crummy wrapup and get off somewhere fun to see the Kansas game (I’m pulling for UNC cause I’ve got family ties there but, whatever, enjoy the game and good luck.)

By MattyRoss

April 5, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Good win, didn’t have to go too far into the ‘pen, KJ’s knee looks alright, Mac was raking, Huddy was dealing. I’m all set for tomorrow, but first some final four action! Here we go, Tar Heels! Sorry, DOB…

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

No problem Dutchie. I like your optimism.

Won’t give you any grief over the dodgers even though they were public enemy number one here from the 80s through the time the club moved to the East. A lot of former Braves out there now with Torre as manager and Furcal and AJ in the lineup.

DOB, good luck against the powder blues later tonight.

By Chris J.

April 5, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Glad to see Smoltz will be pitching in good weather in Atlanta on Sunday, because the forecast for the Colorado series is awful. Chance of rain or snow for all four games, with temperatures in the 30s at night and 40s at most for the Thurs day game. MLB should explain why in the world Colorado has home games in early April, and if they have to be at home, why they aren’t hosting a NL West team where the snowed-out games could easily be made up later in the season, instead of Atlanta for its only visit of the year.

By MEB

April 5, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

ColoradoBravesFan… Did Andruw have that big “it don’t mean nothing” smirk on his face as he lolly gagged to first? Man I really miss that.

LETS GO BRAVES!!!

By Overlord

April 5, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this

I forgot to mention another MVPs Castillo and Wright 0 for 9 with 8 men LOB. Great work!!!!!

Hey Santana, i hope you sleep well.

By scott boras

April 5, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

great move by bobby cox switching the pitchers for tomorrow. I gotta say bobby been a bit different so far this year..didnt get ejected this game. made that resop move to LF. i hope he doesnt retire. I believe Braves will win NL EAST. and TEX will have a monster year.

By scott boras

April 5, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

great move by bobby cox switching the pitchers for tomorrow. I gotta say bobby been a bit different so far this year..didnt get ejected this game. made that resop move to LF. i hope he doesnt retire. I believe Braves will win NL EAST. and TEX will have a monster year.

By Chop Chop

April 5, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this

Nice win for the boys today. Huddy wasn’t great, but he was decent. The bats pounded out 15 hits, including three apiece for Chipper and Frenchy. A nice inning of work from Soriano closed things out.

Any win is nice, but any win over the Mets is like breaking David Wright’s face with a hobnail boot. Gotta love it.

By Chop Chop

April 5, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

KU better win that damn game tonight. I picked them to win it all. If they lose to Psycho T…ugh.

By bodobob

April 5, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

How is Smoltz vs Santana a good matchup? Smoltz USED to be a good pitcher.

Santana is the best there is. Good win for us today….I don’t expect a W tomorrow. Santana is filthy and will probably mow us down.

Some of you Atlanta fans are acting like John Smoltz is 27 and in the all star prime of his career. He’s old and very hittable. Be grateful going 1-1. I don’t see a W tomorrow.

By Dutchie

April 5, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Enjoy the victory guys. Over here it’s time to crash shortly (2 am).

Go braves!

By TJ

April 5, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this

scott boras, you’re right. Cox does seem a little more flexible this year. Kind of like Richt with UGA. Who knows… maybe something to keep an eye on.

By BraveKiller

April 5, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

Mets fans are right here you incest farming b*tch. It’s one game. Should we give Atlanta the crown now? Should we? Your still behind us in the standings chump so pipe down.

Santana, I hope you sleep well?? Yeah I’m sure hes shaking in his boots. The best pitcher in baseball, who has mowed down the Detroit, Yankee, and Boston offense is afraid of the NL lineup Braves. Hahahahaha please.

Santana is going to cruise tomorrow. Braves wont get 2 runs off him. Mets win easily….and all will be back in order.

One game and Braves fans are jacking off to Yunel Escobar rookie cards. So great. Lost 2 of 3 to the Pirates, and we should crown you champs. Retards. Watch some more Nascar.

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this

Greg in TN

I heard Furcal is a freeagent after this year… wonder where he’ll end up?

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this

When a mistake is made by an umpire like it was in that play, the other umps can confer and change the call. If they do, the play is ruled dead from the point at which the missed call was made, and all that occured AFTER that is moot (i.e., one Met runner passing another on the basepath).

COX: “They got it right. Can’t say much. The umpire’s error [nullified] all that [afterward]. They got it right. That’s the most important thing. What’s fair is fair.”

By Pete H.

April 5, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

Gee, where is Metroman and all those Mutt Morons? I thought for sure they’d be here gloating. Oh, wait, the invincible Mutts got crushed. So sad.

I was just looking at our third baseman’s .468 batting average, and the thought occurred to me that the guy can play a little. I say we keep him.

By Chop Chop

April 5, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Yeah, DOB. Bobby’s right. The umps did a good job with that. In the end, the better team won the game, so the home fans can’t ask for much more than that.

By Greg in TN

April 5, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

Goodoleboy58,

Absolutely correct, signed until the end of the year unless he works out an extension with LA. Right now I’d say he’s likely going to resign with them since Escobar is the future here, but lots of baseball to play between now and then.

By DCbrave

April 5, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

Wow, I missed the game and just came back. what a game!

Coach I would have to say that Willie Randolph made the worst decision possible by bringing Jorge Sosa into the game. The Braves know how to handle Sosa and they did

I thought we could not get many hits/runs against him last year. I don’t have stats with me tho.

Yars
Holy *hit!! KJ that a boy!!!

Holy hit indeed! The holyest :-)

By jbutler

April 5, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this

Chris J I think it makes perfect sense for the Rox to play their whole March/April..what the heck- even first part of May on the road. Why not???? Actually- lets just keep all the cities who may dip below ideal/vacationland temps living in suitcases until the weather is better suited for their games. Please. We have skiing here until July 4 at A-Basin. Its not Florida

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this

Got Memphis in my bracket to take it all… but I seal the deal with this win WOOOT WOO

By Pete H.

April 5, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

Wow, an even classier Mutt fan than usual. Watch your team dissolve slowly but surely, pal. And remember as you watch that your payroll is larger than the Red Sox and even the Tigers. HAHAHAHA. Only the Yanks are outspending you guys for a mediocre, rapidly aging, injury-prone pack of overpaid chokers.

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

Greg in TN,

Yea preseason before I was sold on the Escobar/KJ tandem I was holding out hope Rafey would come back and we could have Escobar at 2nd… who knows how it’ll work out now but Rafey is always welcome as far as I’m concerned lol

By Tar-Heeler

April 5, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this

Goodoleboy58 yea, it’ll be amazing how many people ”had Memphis all along” after that game.

By AGTfan

April 5, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Hey Mets fans, Santana wasn’t even the best pitcher in the AL last year,much less the best in baseball. Cleveland has 2 pitchers that I’d take over him any day of the week. So do the Braves. I’m not knocking Santana. I just think you’re over-hyping him a little bit. Kinda like you do your mister universe at third. He’s a pretty good player, but I wouldn’t swap our third baseman for him, unless you threw in a prospect.

By Philliesuk

April 5, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this

Can we all agree now that people for freaking out too early? I absolutely love this offense. They will definitely have some bad streaks, but when they are on, this lineup is going to eat pitchers alive. Look at poor John Maine today. A few other thoughts…Where’s all of the David Wright talk? I guess Chipper absolutely ripping s@!* up is shutting up some folks. Diaz is an absolute man. Love to see Bobby playing him every day. Diaz seems to get a lot of timely hits - something some other Braves could learn from. Last thought is this…why are we carrying two catchers on the bench? I cannot, for the life of me, understand why Corky Miller is on our team. I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but I would much rather see a guy like Josh Anderson on the bench. Anderson could be vital in late/extra innings where you need a pinch runner who can fly on the basepaths and get us into scoring position.

By McFann

April 5, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

We went to our neighbors’ house for a party, so we stick a tape in, AND IT DIDN’T RECORD A THING!!!

But, sometimes that’s all it takes for a good game, right?

(Speakin’ of “Right”, Not wRight’s hitting streak has mercifully come to an end. We did that to him last year, if I’m correct. Sa-WEET!)

GREAT GAME, though. Absolutely wonderful. And was that MetroMan I saw holding his head after Johnson hit his Grand Salami?

But I don’t wanna gloat too soon, ya know. Gotta wait and see what happens tomorrow.

(Oh, and I was wonderin’ when Brian was gonna hit one of his doubles. Lovin it!)

By AGTfan

April 5, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this

I was trying to follow the game online. Did Brian actually score from first on a double?

By scott boras

April 5, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this

DOB,,, do you believe that mistake by the umpires helphed the braves? i do. that event changed the tempo of the game, the mets were on a hot hitting streak quickly and we all know pagan at second was gonna score on that missed catch by Kotsay. He ran past the runner at third! Hudson got a break and warmups and recoved. yes two scored by those two were gonna score anyways! that was a huge boost.

By Metropolitan Man

April 5, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this

Man great game today even with the loss. I’m telling you brave fans, being at the game is a pleasure in itself. I met some great brave fans today and they were really into the game as yours truly was. I even posed for some pictures from braves fans as me and METSPUSSYCAT tried to keep braves fans at bay to no avail. Tomorrow is a diffrernt story with Santana going but I must admit, the fans who attended the game were really into it and baseball was alive and well, great game guys. Could you not here my Jose chants and Larryyyyyyy chants, it was great today.

LETS GO METS!

By Tar-Heeler

April 5, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

O’Brien,I’m callin you out,name the score Jayhawk.I got the kings of the naval stores industry 80 to 76,that’s an obscure reference to non-North Carolinians ( does that include you Jayhawk ? ).

By Cardog

April 5, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

AGTFAN You nerd shutup. I wouldn’t trade Chipper for Wright and half the mets team, let alone a prospect.

That’s the difference in Chip and Wright as we saw today, Chipper just doesn’t get fooled. He has a near perfect eye and puts a smooth poke on the ball each at bat. It isn’t all about stats. It’s demeanor at the plate. Chipper is in a entirely different level.

By Metropolitan Man

April 5, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

GREAT GAME, though. Absolutely wonderful. And was that MetroMan I saw holding his head after Johnson hit his Grand Salami?

Yes Mcfann, that was me holding my head down after the grand slam. I tried rooting my boys to a rally after that to no avail. Tommorrow will be a different story but once again congrats. Washington in 1st and Florida in second, how long will that last?

LETS GO METS!!!

By radoncbravesfan

April 5, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Hey Bravekiller You better hope Santana is on tomorrow. Seems like he’s the only one delivering the goods but these Braves can hit anyone. Good luck and you can gloat if you’re right but if you are wrong then I expect an apology from your arrogant and obviously ignorant arzz!!

By McFann

April 5, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this

I thought so, MetroMan.

A different story? Time will tell�

This might be my last post for the night. So, just in case,

Night, all!!

By Chris J.

April 5, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this

jbutler didn’t say the Rox should be on the road the whole month of April, but it doesn’t make much sense for them to be home in the first part of the month. Not the Brave’s problem that the Rox chose to have an outdoor stadium with no retractable roof in a location that frequently has very cold weather and snow early in the season. At least if they are going to host this early, have another NL West team in there so the postponed games can be easily made up later in the season, instead of forcing Atlanta to make another trip into town during a scheduled off day.

By Goodoleboy58

April 5, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this

Tar-Heeler

I don’t claim to know much about college basketball but I had Memphis from the start.. but I must admit I didn’t know a single player on the team and I was worried after the first game I watched and they clanked all their free throws… It worked out for me though and I won the office pool… so what you know bout that lol

By woogidy

April 5, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

I’d say Kansas is looking pretty good so far.

By TexasBrave

April 5, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Did Brian actually score from first on a double? AGTfan

First of all there were two outs, so McCann is off and running with the crack of the bat. Second, it was a long double.

By MEB

April 5, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

DOB… you must be loving this whooping the Jayhawks are laying on the Heels. I was looking forward to a good game tonight. Still love watching Psycho T battling Kansas all by himself.

LETS GO BRAVES!!!

By Lew

April 5, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

AGTFan-I was listening to XM Home Plate the other day-don’t remember if it was Charlie Steiner’s show or Diddble and Kennedy. They made an interesting comment. They were saying that it would not be Santana who won the division for the Mets if they won, but Pedro, El Duque, Perez and Maine.

I guess we see where this one is heading, don’t we.

By AGTfan

April 5, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this

MetroMan I just gotta say, you are one classy Mets fan. Good luck to you. If the other Mets fans were as cool as you, no one would really mind the trolling. Cardog LOL. I might have to consider trading Chipper for Wright and half the Mets team…..as long as it was the half that included Santana and Beltran. Truth be told, Wright’s a good player coming into his prime and Chipper’s a great in the twi-light of his career. No one can tell now, but I think that when both careers are finished, no one will ever think of Wright as being good enough to carry Chippers jock.

By Braveheart

April 5, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

BRAVES WIN! MAGIC NUMBER IS 158!

By AGTfan

April 5, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

TexasBrave

Still it was McCann. I’ve heard some folks using the old Bruce Bennedict story about coming in third in the race with the pregnant lady to describe his speed. Good hustle.

By Steve McP

April 5, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

I was at the game today and had a great (if somewhat damp) time.

DOB good to see that you got most of the windows closed on the press box, hope that helped to keep your back warm and dry!

I am not a negative person, but a couple of things did concern me about the general Braves play, Prado looked over matched in fielding, not only for the error on the double play, but a couple of balls got past him far too easily.

The other is a bit unfair, but Kotsay is not Andruw (I know Andruw has 10 gold gloves so that is why it is not fair) but he does not seem to move quickly to the ball, seeming to be caught on his heels occasionally and not charging the ball (except the one that was over ruled by the umpires) which could mean that he gets to balls that are not hit too far from him on the first bounce rather than catching them.

While talking about the over rule, a replay was not shown on the big screen, so the crowd had no idea what had happened, in instances like this showing the play on the screen would defuse the crowds anger.

I think that the screen could also be used to give more explanation of decisions, which would be more fan friendly.

By David O'Brien

April 5, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

O’Brien, I’m callin you out,name the score Jayhawk.Tar-Heeler

Nah, I think i’ll just keep watching the game. Maybe you’d like a mulligan on your prediction, though?

By Lew

April 5, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this

MetroDude-Was Kelly’s Home Run your worst experience at a Mets’ game?

Mine was last year in Boston when Willie Mo Pena hit a HR to make it 13-0 Boston (at the time-ended up 13-3) and the Boston Faithful started doing the tomahawk chop in sheer derision.

Dude-that really sucked. It’s very difficult being a person of my substance and trying to become invisible in a Fenway Park seat while wearing a Braves’ shirt.

The Braves did win the second game 13-0, but of course we didn’t have tickets for that one.

By Lew

April 5, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

SteveMcP-They might not show much on the screen because it can show Umpires up, too. They might be trying to avoid that. The fans should have known that if there had been a real, justified complaint, Bobby would have gotten thrown out over it.

By History Channel

April 5, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

USS Maine, the first ship of the New York Mets to pitch against the Atlanta Braves in 2008, was a second-class pitcher designated as a first class pitcher by Mets fans.

Maine and Sosa were unusual in that they were never that good but Mets fans deluded themselves into thinking they were.

This severely limited the ability of the Mets to contend.

Maine was the stronger of the two pitchers, but inferior in every way to older battleships like Smoltz, Glavine, and Hudson.

The sinking of the Maine on April 5, 2008 precipitated the demise of the Mets and also popularized the phrase Dismember the Maine! and to Hell with Sosa!

In subsequent years, the cause of the sinking of the Maine and the Sosa became the subject of much celebration.

His name was Kelly Johnson!

By KC

April 5, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

THE METROMAN/KC BET IS ON!

Just wanted to fill you all in on a little wager between MetroMan and myself…

Last week, MetroMan predicted that the Mets would finish in 1st place with 102 wins, and the Braves would finish 3rd with 85 wins. I asked him to back up his talk, and to his credit, he immediately agreed.

Here is the bet:

If the Braves fail to win 90 games OR if the Mets finish 10 games ahead of the Braves… MetroMan wins. If neither of those things happen (and they won’t), then I win.

When MetroMan loses, he will be forced to stand out by the main gate with a “METS SUCK” poster board held high over head, and he must shout the anti-Mets phrase of my choosing repeatedly at the top of his lungs.

He also has to buy the Skip and Pete’s BBQ and my beverage of choice.

When the time comes, I will email pictures to all interested!!! That should be a Kodak moment if ever there was one!!!!!

By Ron_Paul

April 5, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Lew

Wasn’t difficult, but being in the stands for Ventura’s walk-off grandslam single, in game 5 of the 1999 NLCS, was pretty difficult. Also pretty sweet, if it possibly can be to watch the Muts beat the Braves.

By Metropolitan Man

April 5, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

AGTfan Thanks for the compliment, when the game is on, fun is to be had by all. I sure wish the METs won but oh well tomorrow is another day. I’m just glad to be at the park to witness it.

Lew That slam Johnson hit took the wind out of my sails for a minute. I think the worst moment at Turner came for me when:

Brian Jordan’s two-out grand slam off John Franco capped a seven-run rally in the ninth inning as Atlanta beat the New York Mets 8-5 Saturday to bolster the Braves’ chances for a record 10th straight postseason appearance. Atlanta trailed 5-1 before rallying off relievers Armando Benitez (6-4) and Franco. The Braves overcame their biggest ninth-inning deficit since scoring six runs in the ninth to beat the Boston Red Sox 7-6 in June 8, 1998.*

Yeah, thats it right there with the walk off playoff victory for you guys in a close, very close second.

By the Stranger

April 5, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

rock. chalk. jayhawk.

By Lew

April 5, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

Ron-I also saw the Braves blow a 10-2 lead in Montreal with Maddux pitching. Luckily, all the fans there were Braves’ fans. That Tomahawk Chop in Boston was REAL bad.

By Braveheart

April 5, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

John Maine’s last 27 starts: 4.68 ERA

John Maine’s last 17 starts: 5.70 ERA

By AGTfan

April 5, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Lew I can see the logic in that. This is a team sport with a very long season. I don’t think either team can win the division strictly on the strength of their number one pitcher. Not even on the strength of their one and two pitchers. Teams winning it all with a “Spahn and Sain and pray for rain” pitching staff rarely win it all. I do honestly think the race is going to be between us and the Mets this year. I give us the edge because I think we’re much better in pitchers 2 through 5. I also think we have more pitching depth and can better with stand an injury to to a starter. I kinda think the season’s going to turn on which teams aging superstars or maybe just stars makes it through the season the best.

By Metropolitan Man

April 5, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Lew, the drinking still has me going. That slam of course was at Shea. The worst memory at the Ted is anytime the METs lose.

KC: I should be good. The METS should win a 100+ and the braves should finish 10 behind. Either way I WILL honor the bet and hope to meet you at a game.

By KC

April 5, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

MetroMan: Are you going to be at the game tomorrow? If so, I’ll come shake your hand… I’m planning to be there with the family in tow.

By KC

April 5, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this

It cracks me up… I heard Kevin K. on the Fox broadcast talking about how he picked the Mets to win this year because they got Santana.

He went on to say that he picked them while assuming that Pedro wouldn’t be in the picture much of the season.

WOW. Mr. Kennedy likes

Santana, Maine, Perez, Pelfey, and ???

more than he likes

Hudson, Smoltz, Glavine, Jurrjens, and Hampton/James.

By my count, the Braves still have 2 aces to the Mets’ one. The Braves have enough depth to handle the loss of not one, but TWO starters… where the Mets couldn’t afford to lose anyone out of that rotation.

Somebody please explain the logic there. Doesn’t make much sense.

Maybe he picked them because of the Mets’ superior bullpen?

Oh wait… their bullpen isn’t superior to the Braves.

Maybe it’s because the Mets offense is better?

Braves

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