AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USFinally, Smoltz on the mound
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hey, it’s dry at Turner Field today. (Not quite sunny yet, but that’s OK.) And I hear there’s a pretty decent match-up on the mound. John Smoltz makes his eagerly-awaited and one-day-sooner than expected start. Kinda.
Shoot, even those of us who saw Smoltz in spring training didn’t really see him. He made only one Grapefruit League start down there. I’m thinking Tiger Woods has a better idea of where Smoltz’s stuff is than we do. So I’m looking forward to it, as I’m sure all of you are. And we all owe a debt to Tom Glavine don’t we? For taking one for the team and pitching in Coors Field, so Smoltz can go against Johan Santana here today.
I knew Glavine was a good guy, but yeah…he did say this morning, he’d be expecting some kind of something in return from Smoltz. Perhaps a few strokes in a round of golf, or better yet maybe a plane ticket to somewhere warm would be fitting.
Bobby’s got the every day lineup in there today - too early in the season for the Sunday day game after a night game business - and it’s the Mets. And it’s Santana.
And that includes Kelly Johnson, he of the pinch hit grand slam Saturday afternoon. No way was he going to sit today. This will be his first start since the second game of the season. He’s had five days (including an off day and a rain-out) to give that right knee a rest since he made his last start during the home opener on Monday.
“It feels real good,” he said this morning. “Last two days went from jogging when I didn’t think I could run much more than that, to the next day being able to run. Simulate running the bases today. It’s getting close to normal.”
Johnson said he had an MRI on the off-day Tuesday and it came back negative, so surgery isn’t necessary. It’s just a treat-and-tough-it-out kinda thing.
Not sure how confident Bobby Cox is feeling about it, when I commented/asked about Kelly being ready to go today, he said: “See what happens. Find out.”
Jo-Jo Reyes was packing his bags for Richmond this morning. He was optioned back to make room for Smoltz on the roster - I’m assuming Smoltz. The Braves haven’t officially announced that one yet…but ok, let’s not even go there. Too much wacky stuff has happened here this week.
Anyway, speaking of Richmond? I just came from there, and I know I’m spoiled, but the Diamond does leave a bit to be desired. The clubhouse reminded me of the visiting clubhouse at Wrigley Field, only without the charm of the fact that it’s at Wrigley.
I offer a shout-out to Gil from Mechanicsville for his hospitality, intelligent input, and the pillow his wife gave me to sit on for a couple cold innings on the upper deck bleachers during the home opener on Thursday. Preesh….
The bigger roster decision will come Wednesday when Chuck James is activated to take Mike Hampton’s place in the rotation vs. the Rockies. Looks to me like Jeff Bennett is proving pretty useful around here for his long relief ability and the groundballs he can induce.
Maybe the choice then comes down to Blaine Boyer, Chris Resop and Royce Ring. Given the accolades I overheard Bobby giving a reporter today on the bench about Boyer, I’d guess it won’t be him. But then, Bennett is the only one of those four who has options left. The other three would have to clear waivers if the Braves are to put them in Richmond. Bennett is the easy answer. But the hard one too. Hunches anyone?
DOB is on his way to Colorado already to give you full coverage of the four-game series with the defending NL champs, and to freeze his rear off. But given the high he’s feeling with the Jayhawks, don’t think he’ll feel it too much. So I’ll be bringing it to you live today. Enjoy the matchup.
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Comments
By Carroll Rogers
April 6, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
ok smoltz is long-tossing in right field. the braves will surely announce he’s activated any minute. ahem.
By NRBQ
April 6, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
How many losers will type “First!”?
By Murphy
April 6, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Good Blog Carroll! I think Resop will be sent down. I know his stuff is electric, but he has not located well….Just a hunch.
By Chop Chop
April 6, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
As long as Smoltz doesn’t overthrow too much, he should be fine. The DL stint should shock him into picking the right spots in which to air it out. I expect a solid performance today.
Go Braves!
By Goodoleboy58
April 6, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
this could be a huge boost for the Braves if we can get to Santana early… to get to Maine and Santana and rough them up will get the NY media all over the Mets and hopefully get them rattled…
Let’s go Braves and Smoltzie
By Randy S
April 6, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Props to Glavine for moving around so much at the beginning of the season. He moved hos first start up when Smoltz’s shoulder flared up and now he moves his second start 2 days back. Team player.
By William
April 6, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Hi Carroll. Glad to have you with us today.
By Chop Chop
April 6, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Just you, NRBQ.
(Kinda had to do that, but somebody else will probably type “FIRST!” and ruin this comment.)
By Captain Calabash
April 6, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Ron, Julia, party of two. Your table is ready.
By saltlakedawg
April 6, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Boston vs. Toronto on TBS. This is a sad day in the life of Braves fans, especially if you’ve been around since the early days of TBS and the Braves, and if you no longer live in the Atlanta area.
Being out west we got the Dodgers and Padres yesterday on Fox. I saw 2 of Andruw’s at bat’s. One of them he struck out swinging on a breaking ball about 2 feet off the outside corner. The other one he hit a weak roller to 3rd on a similar pitch, except maybe it was only a foot off the plate. Good luck Dodger fans.
By Robert
April 6, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
what channel is this game on
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 6, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
The game is on and once again, MLB.com has crashed. Unbelievable.
By William
April 6, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Are we expecting any more than 80 pitches from Smoltz today?
By 18 Wheels of Love
April 6, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
I like the new/old blue version of the alternate away jersey than the red. The hats that go with the red are pretty bad.
By Dutchie
April 6, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Hello bravers!
Can anyone tell me on which channel the game will be broadcasted? Then I can look for it on the net.
Thx allready!
And hope there will be an ‘old fashioned’ outing by Schmoltz!
Holland is watching :)
By William
April 6, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Still can’t figure out how Wright got the gold glove when every throw to first is an adventure.
By alex
April 6, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Any free radio links would be great…thanks for any links! A
By William
April 6, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
I like the red uni’s and I’m wearing the “pretty bad” hat right now.
By William
April 6, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Well, looks like we are going to get squeezed today.
By William
April 6, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
so he calls the ball 6 inches outside a strike?
By scott
April 6, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
MLB.COM, overpromising and underdelivering
By Philliesuk
April 6, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Smoltzie looking good so far. Unfortunately, this ump is completely robbing him on his slider. Not sure how on earth you can expect Smoltz to locate his pitches if they take away his best pitch.
Still…Delgado still takes a seat.
By Philliesuk
April 6, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Anyone watching MLB Extra Innings? If I have to listen to that annoying commercial one more time, I’m gonna shoot myself in the head. ‘Boise???’ Give me a break.
By Epinephrine
April 6, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Say what you will about arguing balls and strikes, but there is no question in my mind that it helped John out in that last inning.
He needs to keep his pitch count down though.
KJ whiffs against Johan. Not surprising, lefty and first time through.
By TJ
April 6, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
alex, this site lists stations that may be carrying the game. I don’t know how many of these are ‘blacked out’. I don’t really need this cause I’m in Atlanta… hope you find it.
By Eric from MO
April 6, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Im glad that Smoltz and Glavine switched spots. It made so much sense. 1. Glavine struggled for a couple years against the Braves when he first left Atlanta. Whats to say he wont do it now against NY. 2. They talked all Spring how they wanted to find a way to give Smoltz and Glavine an extra day between starts every now and then. This was a perfect time to do it. 3. Smoltz loves big games and what could be a bigger game in April than the Mets with their new ace Santana.
By Carroll Rogers
April 6, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
yes 25 pitches for smoltz in the first inning, looks like it should have been way less. david wright looked to be struck out for the third out but gerry davis didn’t quite see it that way. so he had to face two more batters.
By Justo
April 6, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or does KJ strike out on the first at bat of almost every game.
By Epinephrine
April 6, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Love that Jurrjens is bringing the Netherlands in on our side, despite the departure of Druw. Welcome.
Santana is dealing first time through. Let’s hope we begin to pick him up, or he continues with the long ball trouble.
12 pitch inning for Smoltz, I hope.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 6, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Missed the first half inning and then I get to watch Johan Santana sit the Braves down, one-two-three. Happy Happy joy joy ! It’s gonna be a long day at the Ted.
By Eric from MO
April 6, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
I will agree the hats with the red uniforms are bad. However, I like the red uniforms. I didnt at first, but they grew on me. I dont like the new blue ones though. They are to plain.
By Moby Grape
April 6, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
I like the red uni’s and I’m wearing the “pretty bad” hat right nowWilliam
I like them too and the hat is just fine. Actually my favorite Braves’ uni at this time
By William
April 6, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Looks like the pitchers duel this game was hyped up to be.
By Epinephrine
April 6, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Wow. Anyone want any more predictions from me? 11 pitches on the button.
By Steve from OH
April 6, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
If your cable provides MLB extra innings, you can watch the game as there is a free preview today. That’s why MLBTV is blacked out.
By William
April 6, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
justo Yes, it’s just you.
By Eric from MO
April 6, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Just got to keep it close til we get to the bullpins. If we are within a run or two when we get to the bullpins then we can win it then.
By William
April 6, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Dang, Frenchy just missed that one.
By Dutchie
April 6, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Thx Epinephrine.
But really, Dutch baseballfans will allways be there, despite AJ. If we would need big players to be interested it would be a looooooong wait!
Unfortunatly no streaming on the net:(.
Hope all of you will enjoy the game. I’ll be rooting!
By alex
April 6, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Thanks Go braves all the way from switzerland!! A
By Eric from MO
April 6, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine not that impressive. You said 12 and it was 11. So you were wrong. You take a good pitcher like Smoltz and say 12 and most of the time you will be within 1 or 2 pitches.
By Epinephrine
April 6, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Except I said 12. Oh well.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 6, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Who says you can’t steal second off a lefty. Matt Diaz just did. No score and it’s no surprise.
By William
April 6, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
How is the glove thing Smoltz is doing not a balk?
By FEAR
April 6, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
yeah here augusta,ga sports south is supposed to be showing the Braves. SO WHY IN THE HELL IS THEIR A COLLEGE BASEBALL GAME ON INSTEAD?
By William
April 6, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
HUGE K there!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 6, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Andruw would have caught that short fly ball in right center. Smooltz did a great job of pitching around the defensive lapse by Kotsay.
The online feed today through mbl.com is terrible. Yesterday was near perfect, but right now, it is brutal.
By William
April 6, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Nice hit Kotsay. No, don’t miss Druw at all.
By NRBQ
April 6, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop
What are the chances all those idiots would take today off?
Maybe they have too much respect for Mizz Rogers.
By Paula
April 6, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t assume Andruw would have gotten that ball. Also, if your feed is so bad, how do you know Andruw would have caught it?
By TNRON
April 6, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Is anyone else having trouble with SportsSouth?Comcast told me Ted Turner couldnt get the contract to broadcast the games on SportSouth.Sounds like a bunch of Comcast BS to me.The Braves website is showing the game to be on sportssouth.Any answers?
By FEAR
April 6, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
finally came on SS in the bottom of the 3rd. MORONS!!!!! Braves getting it done. Johan does not impress me.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 6, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
I don’t miss Andruws bat either, but his gold glove will definitely be missed.
By William
April 6, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
TNRON…….watching game on SS.
By robertE
April 6, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Comcast in Marietta is showing the game on 53 and in HD on 848.
By TJ
April 6, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Even if AJ would have gotten the ball, so what? I don’t think anyone said Kotsay, or anyone else, is better at coming in on balls than AJ. That’s something we gave up, in the process of dumping about 18 million dollars in salary and a terrible hitting approach.
Kotsay is very good in CF; makes more plays than most guys, and has a solid arm, but if we’re gonna compare his D (especially catching the ball) to AJ in his prime, we’ll always be complaining.
By William
April 6, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Nope, don’t miss ANDRUW at ALL!!!
By FEAR
April 6, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
KOTSAY!!!!!! Whatta throw!!!! Good pick up. I should have not 2nd guessed that choice!
By Jeff321
April 6, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Wow, Kotsay has a better arm than Andruw Jones.. but ya probably already knew that right? Good Riddance to that rally killer!
By FEAR
April 6, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
I worked for comcast up until feb. They’re full of sh*t constantly!
By NCBravesFan
April 6, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Andruw WHO?!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 6, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
WOW, Kotsay just caught Carlos Delgado off first base, doubling him up for the third out of the inning.
That is a play that Andruw would not have made. I’m impressed.
By William
April 6, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Coach I disagree. I think Kotsay is just fine defensively. Also, he always seems to be hustling. Can’t say Andruw always hustled.
By DAP
April 6, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
justo Is it just me or does KJ strike out on the first at bat of almost every game.
its just you.
fun game today so far, i think bobby needs to let smoltz pitch 100 today, even though its his first start. we need smoltz today.
By chase
April 6, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
William…. and everyone JUSTO is a MUTS’ FAN in disguise
Don’t let him fool you he poses as a Braves fan BUT HE IS A MUTS TROLL
By Epinephrine
April 6, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Frenchy has gotten a bunch of lucky bloop hits this year. But this is even with Santana’s double earlier.
By Murphy
April 6, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
nice play Kotsay!!
By Greg in TN
April 6, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Afternoon denizens…
Wrestling with Comcast for the first few innings because the FSN feed was on the SportSouth channel, but all seems to be well in order now. And the folks at Comcast got it fixed just in time to see Yunel double in Mark Kotsay with the first run of the game and also caught the great play in center just now as Kotsay catches Delgado napping off of first for the double play.
And a hello out to the Holland and Switzerland members of Planet Braves, which is truly worldwide.
Great hustle just now by Frenchy. Angel Pagan, Reyes and the Golden Child didn’t seem to get together on that bloop fly. One out and we need to do what we can to get Frenchy in.
Really pleased with what I’ve seen so far in terms of Smoltz’s location and velocity, but I’ll admit that I’ve only been able to see one half inning at this point.
By Overlord
April 6, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Het Coach I wonder if AJ would have hit a leadoff double and made a superstar DP in the bottom of the same inning…… Didnt think so.
By Get Real
April 6, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Leave Andruw alone already. He is gone and he did a great job for us for many years.
By Overlord
April 6, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
2 more innings out of smoltzie and we will be in great shape.
By Allen
April 6, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
I’ll miss Andruw’s ability to track down fly balls. Nobody and I mean nobody does it better. But he if yall have noticed, he still aint hitting and Kotsay sure is. Even his outs have been hit hard.
There’s also no way Andruw makes that throw to first. Andruw might have had a decent arm, but it is not accurate.
Really glad we got Kotsay. Hope he stays healthy.
Kotsay 2mill Andruw 18mill
You pick.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 6, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Overlord, your brilliant. I guess you probably think that Kotsay will win the batting title and gold glove to.
Perspective my friend. P-E-R-S-P-E-C-T-I-V-E.
By William
April 6, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Any chance BC lets Smoltz go one more? He’s up 3rd in the bottom half of the inning.
By TJ
April 6, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Santana has just one strikeout in 4 innings? Against the Braves? Really?
If I’m a mutts fan, I don’t like that number.
By William
April 6, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
As Jeff321 stated……Andruw was a rally killer!!!!
By FEAR
April 6, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
smoltz is cruising. love to see a complete game shutout……but that won’t happen!
By Overlord
April 6, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Phillies losing again….. they dont look very good.
By chase
April 6, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
EASY on the ANDRUW bashing everyone..you are ready to toss a 30 year old 11-time Gold Glove winner with over 368 HRs, 1886 hits, .268 career avg and 5 all-star appearences under the bus for WHAT?
KOTSAY is a .281 career hitter with NO all-star appeareances or Gold Gloves
Some of you people are EXTREMELY UNGREATFULL for all that he did for this club..How many VICTORIES and ERA saver do SMOLTZ, HUDDY, MADDUX, and GLAVINE owe to ANDRUW’s glove
He frustrated me at times too at the plate but don’t try and pretend he isn’t or hasn’t been a GREAT PLAYER
He’ll be in the HALL of FAME when people don’t even remember Kotsay’s name..
I’m not knocking Kotsay but he ain’t on Andruw’s level
By William
April 6, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
I don’t know about a batting title for Kotsay, but I got money that says he will hit for a higher average and have more outfield assist than Andruw.
By chase
April 6, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Took Smoltz out…He could’ve gone one more inning!
By Murphy
April 6, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Darn it bobby. Why, why take out Smoltz now!
By Overlord
April 6, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Only guys not hitting .300 right now are McCann and Tex and both are capable of doing so….. this team could easily have constantly 6 guys in the starting lineup hitting more than 295 and 8 hitting more than 285
By FEAR
April 6, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
SMOLTZ DONE!?!?! AFTER 5?! great now were gonna have to rely on the crappy bullpen to take us through the 2nd half of the game………great……..
By Overlord
April 6, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Im not sure if taking smoltzie out after 5 is a good idea. i would have let him give us 1 more inning…..but i guess cox knows better.
By J.D.
April 6, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
looks like Smoltzie’s shoulder tightened up again
By Deep Throat
April 6, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Why only five innings?! Is it because the bullpen has been pitching so well (sarcasm).
By Carroll Rogers
April 6, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
ok that’s a wrap for smoltz…..5 shutout innings, two hits, two walks, six strikeouts….leaves with a 1-0 lead. ….the distance will come. just not yet. 78 pitches, 51 for strikes.
By TexasBrave
April 6, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
What the He11 - Why is Smoltz out of there after only 78 pitches. He was doing great. Should have at least let him go one more inning. Sheesh!
Unless Smoltz said he he had enough, which I can’t see, Bobby should have left him in. Common Bobby.
By geauxbraves2000
April 6, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
There ain’t no way a 1-0 nothing lead is going to hold up if the bullpen has to pitch 4 innings. I hope I’m wrong, but…
Geaux Braves!!
By TJ
April 6, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
For those that don’t have the broadcast, Smoltz was doing a lot of rubbing and pointing to his neck/shoulder (both on the mound and in the dugout), like the tightness (or whatever it is) was back. Not like he was severely injured, but like it was there.
Smart move by the Braves to pull him. It’ll be up to the ‘pen, but that’s better than pressing Smoltz in his first start back.
By Bobby Cox
April 6, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
I tell you, our bullpen has been simply amazing this year. Smoltz was at a whole 75 pitches. Don’t you guys trust Resop? I do.
By DAP
April 6, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
i dont like taking smoltz out in the 5th in such a close game. i would have liked to have seen one more inning, but im sure bobby planned on doing this anyways.
we are just gonna have to use our best arms. boyer up first…lets cross our fingers.
By Overlord
April 6, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
I dont like this decision, 4 bullpen innings is not something i would like to see.
By Greg in TN
April 6, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is out now after five, a few shots SS ran show a little bit of a grimace from Smoltzie in the dugout and again on the mound during the top half.
Big time start from a big time pitcher. Smoltz clearly outpitched Santana today, going five and giving up two hits while walking two and striking out six. Not to say Santana isn’t pitching well either, he is just as advertised through five as well.
Time for Blaine Boyer to come in and we really need him to pitch well again today along with his mates in the pen.
By JimD
April 6, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget, Smoltz was on a program with a specific pitch count target. He had reached it, or was at least close.
Plus, Smoltz was shown flexing the trap both on the field in the top of the 5th and in the dugout in the bottom of the 5th. No need pushing it at this point.
This was more like a final Spring tune-up outing for Smoltz.
By Andrew
April 6, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
CHASE,
I’m not disagreeing with you about all that Andruw has done for the Braves…but…
I just wanted to say that amounts of gold gloves and all-star appearances is really not the best way to measure a ball player’s abilities. Just saying.
By William
April 6, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Ahhh since when do we all of a sudden have a “crappy” bullpen???? Yeah, the first couple games were rough, but our bullpen is suppose to be one of our strong suits. Of course now that I say that we will probably get rocked.
By TJ
April 6, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Great job, Boyer!
By Epinephrine
April 6, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Nice work Boyer. Big inning, I’m feeling it. Then Moylan, Acosta, Soriano? Or Moylan gets it off?
By Allen
April 6, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Chase, at this point in their careers Kotsay is a much better hitter then Andruw and his arm is much better.
Does Andruw have more power? Yes
Will Andruw get to more balls then Kotsay? Yes
Kotsay, however, will have more outfield assists and get more hits as long as he stays healthy.
I’m appreciative of what Andruw did here, but he never listened to Terry or any of our hitting coach’s when things were going wrong for him at the plate. He always insisted on doing things his way.
Again, at this point in their careers I would rather have a healthy Kotsay for the price.
By Overlord
April 6, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Castillo + wright = 0 for 14 in the series with 10 LOB. Tough to win with your #2 and #3 hitters doing such a great job.
By Greg in TN
April 6, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Great work by Boyer in the sixth as Boyer victimizes both Castillo and the Golden Child with knee high and outside corner fastballs.
By Epinephrine
April 6, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Great call Bobby’s Cox, as usual. Sacrifice Smoltz in early April for a two game series against the Mets at the expense of the season.
By TexasBrave
April 6, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
TJ thanks for the observation.
Carroll anything on why John was taken out?
Great job by Blaine!
By Philliesuk
April 6, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Look, Bobby did the right thing. Smoltz is coming off of an injury, and it’s very early in the season. We don’t want to risk losing him. Today he showed us exactly how valuable he is.
Really good game so far. I do have a feeling that we (the pen) will blow it, but that wouldn’t be the end of the world. So far today we’ve shown that Smoltz can duel (and do a better job) with Santana. And even though we only have one run to show for it, it’s obvious that this is the best offense the Braves have had in many, many years.
By Greg in TN
April 6, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
TJ,
Completely agree. No way would I press my luck with Smoltz. Not after just activating him from the DL.
By Yunel Lillibridge
April 6, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Bobby and Smoltz planned on Smoltz throwing 100 to 110 pitches today according to Skip and Pete, so it’s obvious he was pulled due to the shoulder tightness. His pitch count had nothing to do with being lifted. Now we hold our collective breaths until we know if he’s okay for his next start, which will more than likely cause the tightness again. This will nag him all year it seems.
By chase
April 6, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Andrew
You said: “all star appearences and Gold Gloves are not the best way to measure a players abilities”
Other than hits and HRs how else do measure a player’s abilities?
If he keeps his current pace..He’ll have OVER 500 HRs before age 35 , and 16 Gold Gloves, and will be at least close to 3000 hits. (probably have to play until 36 or 37 to get that)
SO….I ask you again: How else do you measure a player’s abilities?
By Jon
April 6, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Lets see TexasBrave, its his first start this year after being on the DL. Hmmmm??? Maybe thats why he was taken out? oh, I dont know.
By richbrave
April 6, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
From one Boyer to another - great work. Keep it up. And denizens keep the comments coming. Richmond delayed or rained out, not sure which.
By Eric from MO
April 6, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Are you all crybabies that stupid. Smoltz just came off the DL and is makeing his 1st start of season and you all want him to continue to pitch. What if he tears up his arm and misses the next 2 months? Would be worth it? These are the same crybabies who complained that bobby left JJJ in to pitch the 6th inning the other day. Dont tell me it is different because he had a shutout after 5 too. GET OVER YOURSELVES!!!
By chase
April 6, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
ALLEN How do you argue the fact that ANDRUW was the 2nd fastest in the HISTORY of BASEBALL to hit 350 HRs…. and always had around or over 100 RBIs a season?
He is 30 and has 368 HR!!!!!!
Some players are just not high avg hitters
BUT who wouldn’t take 30-40 HRs, 100+RBI, and Gold Glove D EVERY YEAR?
By Stuart
April 6, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine,
You know nothing about baseball. Smoltz was ready to go. He has a knot in his neck, not rotator cuff damage. If BC made him throw over 100 pitches, your point might have some merit, but 75 easy pitches is perfect.
Smoltz did exactly what the ball club needed him to do. BC handled him just right.
BTW Escobar has SICK range.
By Braveheart
April 6, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Escobar keeps making plays up the middle that I am used to giving up on as a viewer. I keep saying damn, single. And then all of a sudden Escobar shows up out of nowhere.
By William
April 6, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Chase If Andruw is your player that’s cool, but I’m telling you this team is better without him. If he goes to the Dodgers and has a great year I’d be happy for him. So far though it’s the same Andruw as last year.
By Overlord
April 6, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Rookie mental mistake by yunel
By Bravesfan79
April 6, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
TBS BLOWS!! Goodluck trying to sell a game featuring a canadian team to people in Braves Territory for the past 30 or so years! I feel sorry for all the pple that live outside the southeast now, especially all the older fans who dont have money for things like highspeed internet and satellite.
TBS = TRAITORS!!
By FEAR
April 6, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
ok so smoltz had some tightness…..now it DOES make sense why he left after 5
By FEAR
April 6, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
bullpen actually looks good……maybe we’ve worked off the rust
By Eric from MO
April 6, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Williams 3:10 post is right. All offseason you babies mouth about how great the bullpin is(which it is) then 5 games into the season you decide it is the worst ever.
By richbrave
April 6, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
CARROLL ROGERS:
So glad you enjoyed your stay in our fair city, and appreciated the cozy conditions at the ballpark. Nice of Gil to provide you with a little reminder of home. Sorry I couldn’t come out. Health reasons. I got to say I’m disappointed in the turnouts here so far. Of course, the opener was horrific weather-wise. Did you say for the next game?
By richbrave
April 6, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
CARROLL ROGERS:
If you want R-Brave stats go to ChopChick’s Blog I’ve been posting results and comments there.
By Pete H.
April 6, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Well, this game is as advertised, for sure.
By Stuart
April 6, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Andruw has more pure talent, but Kotsay is much more fund. sound. Andruw has much more range, and can take hits away. He played so shallow, hits like the Santana double just didn’t happen. Kotsay is a different player. He will save the braves bases because his arm is so much more accurate. However, he will not get to as many balls as Andruw.
I want to cheer Dru when he comes back, but if Kotsay hits .280 and does okay with the glove, this team will be better than last year, because the lineup will turn over more.
By NCBravesFan
April 6, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Who’s a hater? You can appreciate what AJ did for the Braves over the years, but that doesn’t mean that some of us miss some of the baggage that came with him.
I’m with Allen - I’ll take Kotsay - dude’s a steal if he stays healthy.
By William
April 6, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
ALLEN How do you argue the fact that ANDRUW was the 2nd fastest in the HISTORY of BASEBALL to hit 350 HRs…. and always had around or over 100 RBIs a season?
The key word to your statement is “HISTORY!!” He is clearly on the decline. Sure he did some great things for the Braves, but in my opinion the Braves made the right move letting him go.
By William
April 6, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
McCann with an easy double……….you know that ball was in the gap….haha
By Braveheart
April 6, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
The way you people bash Andruw Jones makes you sound clueless. Absolutely clueless. Terrible, terrible, unintelligent fans. If you don’t think a .350 OBP, .500 SLG, 35 HR, 100 RBI, outstanding defensive player is not missed then …… Seriously, go watch tennis or golf. Maybe those are your sports. Baseball is just not your thing. One awful season and everyone just bashes one of the best players in the history of the franchise. Disgraceful. What a horrendous fan base.
By FEAR
April 6, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
nice hit mccann
By Epinephrine
April 6, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Stuart, what the hell are you talking about? Its obvious Smoltz came out because of his shoulder, which as a euphemism we are all calling his neck. He was stretching it in the dugout and on the mound during the fifth. I don’t care if its a “knot”, it isn’t a good idea to exacerbate it and let it turn into something worse. I know nothing about baseball? Seriously, what are you talking about?
I can’t even decide if you took my last post seriously, which was criticizing the poster “Bobby’s Cox” for taking him out, or my earlier post saying it was a good idea. Either way, what is clear is that I know a lot more about baseball than you know about sentence construction.
By chase
April 6, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
William
My point about ANDRUW is that, Other than the Batting AVG…WHAT is there to complain about?
And how can you complain about AVG when he plays Spectacular GG D-fense, hits 30+ HRs, and 100+ RBIs?
Ryan Howard has a sorry @zz Batting Avg but nobody complains about that…HE STRIKE OUT MORE THAN ANDRUW!
Its just amazing to me that people find the ONE thing someone doesn’t do to complain about and overlook the 5 or 6 other things that they do great!
By richbrave
April 6, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
BravesFan79:
TBS BLOWS. REFUSE TO WATCH and TRY NOT TO BUY PRODUCTS ADVERTISED THERE.
By brent a.
April 6, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
I live in Atlanta, see all the Turner/TBS billboards, literally every, single day, and I had no idea that TBS was showing a Major League game today until I saw this blog.
Why aren’t they marketing this better?
Anyway, back to the point/question I had last season: For everyone who thinks that ESPN has a Yankees-Red Sox bias, we will find out the truth this season as TBS, a traditionally southern station, televises major league baseball.
If today is any indication of what is coming in the future, then perhaps we can’t just point fingers at ESPN. Of course, to be fair, the Red Sox are the World Champs.
By William
April 6, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Ok, you have to give it to Wright on that play. That was nice.
By Dutchie
April 6, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Hey everyone.
I’m completely shut out on the net. Anyone for a short match update? Still leading 1-0?
What I did get was a good, maybe even great, performance by Schmoltz?!
Holland will love you for updates!
By brent a.
April 6, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
David Wright just earned his gold glove (from last season).
By Greg in TN
April 6, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Solid play by the Golden Child on Bryan Pena’s smash to end the seventh.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 6, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
This MLB.com feed is an absolute joke. I can’t even watch the game because it keeps cutting out every few seconds.
Gonna switch over to audio only and see if that even works.
I wonder if MLB.com can spell CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ?
By Hitman
April 6, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
We shouldn’t have sent JoJo back to richmond, instead we should have sent Corky Miller. It makes no sense to be carrying 3 catchers.
By TJ
April 6, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
It’s also worth noting that Smoltz had his batting helmet on going into the 6th… which tells me he didn’t ask to be taken out. He’s obviously feeling the injury a little, and Cox was smart to take him out, but doesn’t seem like a big deal.
By Braveheart
April 6, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
CARROLL ROGERS: If you want R-Brave stats go to ChopChick’s Blog I’ve been posting results and comments there.
Richbrave why do you keep going to someone else’s blog and telling them to leave their own blog to go check out what you write on yet another person’s blog? Post your sh!t here or shut the hell up about it.
By chase
April 6, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
William
He reached that HISTORIC mark LAST YEAR!
The same year he won ANOTHER GG, still had close to 30 HRs and 100 RBIs…AND THAT WAS IN HIS WORST SEASON!
Most guys PRAY for those numbers for THEIR BEST SEASONS!
If he has less results this year you can say he is declining BUT if he surpasses those numbers it was one bad year that still wasn’t that far off his average!
By Interested Observer
April 6, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
What’s the latest on Omar Infante? Has he started doing any hitting or anything yet?
By Philliesuk
April 6, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Nice play by Wright. Only about 2,000 more Wright highlights, and we can start comparing his career to Chipper’s.
By Overlord
April 6, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
My opinion on todays game so far.
Braves have done very very good against Santana. Only 1 run on the board. It could have easily been 3 or maybe 4. He is not fooling anybody, he has been hit hard, very hard. Some good luck for him. Some very good pitching whole game in order to get out of messes but he has not been lights out nor nothing near to it.
By TexasBrave
April 6, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Yea Jon - knee jerk reaction to a great pitching performance and the fact that Joe said he was given the indication that he would go 100 - 110 pitches. It now makes sense that if he came out that early something had to be going on.
By chase
April 6, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
BRAVEHEART
THANK YOU SO MUCH! I was beginning to think I was the only intellegent BASEBALL person on here when it came to ANDRUW and his STATS!
KOTSAY only has .013 points higher BA than Andruw anyway!
By TJ
April 6, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
If you don’t think a .350 OBP, .500 SLG, 35 HR, 100 RBI, outstanding defensive player is not missed then…
Braveheart, that was the AJ of 2006 and before. He’s not that player any more. Wasn’t in 2007, won’t be in 2008. I don’t see any reason to “trash” him, of course. He did a lot of good for the Braves. But no reason to wish he was still here, either.
By Bobby's Cox
April 6, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
is t just me or does moylan scare the living bejesus out of you too? side armers have a nack of hanging pitches in the middle of the plate. moylan may be good, but he’ll always have me biting my nails.
By Greg in TN
April 6, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Moylan gives up a hit to Schneider, but otherwise does his job well in the 8th. Also agree with Joe Simpson on the SS broadcast, a very smart play by Yunel to understand Schneider was the base runner and turned and flipped Anderson’s grounder to KJ for the force out.
By richbrave
April 6, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
BRAVEHEART:
KMA!! I promised ChopChick I would and though shallow pricks like you might be interested. F-you!!
By Billy (TBFnB)
April 6, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
For the bullpen haters, can’t complain so far.
For the AJ haters,get real.
By Braveheart
April 6, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Anyway, back to the point/question I had last season: For everyone who thinks that ESPN has a Yankees-Red Sox bias, we will find out the truth this season as TBS, a traditionally southern station, televises major league baseball. If today is any indication of what is coming in the future, then perhaps we can’t just point fingers at ESPN. Of course, to be fair, the Red Sox are the World Champs.
They show the Yankees and the Red Sox because the Yankees and the Red Sox sell and get ratings.
By Overlord
April 6, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
McFann see what i meant about brian? a pitch out and he is not able to gun down Anderson… his is fast but not as reyes or something like that. Not a good throw to 2B. Just a point, not hammering his head.
By Bravesfan79
April 6, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Man im gonna miss watching Smoltz start big games for us. Think of how strong the bullpen would be if Soriano was the setup man and Smoltz was the closer.
If Smoltz cant go 5 or 6 innings in a few years anymore, i hope the Braves are smart enough to stick him in the bullpen as the closer until he gets as old as Julio Franco…till the wheels fall off!! Great performance by Smoltz…and of course Santana was good, him and Holiday were my favorite AL pitchers for years. Wheres all the mets fans talking junk about Smoltz is old and done at??
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
April 6, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Andrew I just wanted to say that amounts of gold gloves and all-star appearances is really not the best way to measure a ball player’s abilities. Just saying.
So being voted by the fans as one of the top players, and being voted by the managers and coaches as the top at your position for defenders isn’t good enough — THEN WHAT THE HELL IS ??
Wait a minute, let me put on my seat belt, strap into my chair, because I gotta here this BS explanation.
OK - sure - players get voted to the all-star game on PAST reputation but they were great players to start with. And those that got voted in were not continuing to receive Gold Gloves. So what type of made-up stat, or mathematical BS are you going to come with.
You know with numbers I can make a Little League pitcher (Almonte?) look more dominating than a major leaguer.
So please — come on with it. The BLOG is waiting.
By Greg in TN
April 6, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Forget Prudential…
Get a piece of the Tex.
NICE
By FEAR
April 6, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! go Tex!!!!!
By Chop Chop
April 6, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Big Tex with a two-run shot. 3-0 Braves.
(And I had Heilman pitching today for one of my fantasy teams. Thanks a lot, Heilman…you lousy f***.)
By MEB
April 6, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Bobby says… “Way to go Mark T!!!”
LETS GO BRAVES!!!
By Overlord
April 6, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
3 more outs and we get some flies out of the blog for some time, at least if they come theyll only bring dumb points to the table…… nothing positive to say about their por muts and Wright.
Sky high HR by big TEX.
By Dutchie
April 6, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
Thx Greg for the not adding to the nonsense AJ discussion, whilest there’s a ballgame going on!
Top of 9 now?
By Bobby's Cox
April 6, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
that a boy tex!
By Carroll Rogers
April 6, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
hitman, you don’t need that many pitchers on the roster. i hear your point on three catchers but you need some pinch hitters off the bench.
By William
April 6, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Let’s not mess around here……1,2, 3!
By TexasBrave
April 6, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
brent a. - Why would TBS spend money advertisement in Atlanta for any game other than a Braves game. I am willing to bet not too many people in Atlanta interested in any other baseball team than the Braves?
I also have to say that I used to watch TBS all the time when the Braves were playing and not just the games. They had advertisements for movies that I wanted to watch and thus I watched even more TBS.
I am almost sure the last time I watched TBS was the last Braves game. My hope is that them televising games other than the Braves is such a huge flop that they realize their mistake and go back to showing just the Braves. Probably not, but one can hope.
By Dutchie
April 6, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Close that game now and your .500 record is there again guys;):).
The good performances of the last two starters are a good example for the rest of the rotation…..
Braves are getting there!
By William
April 6, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
ok…..not the start we need with the walk….
By jbutler
April 6, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
richbrave I have no issue w/tossing a reference to Chop Chicks blog- I’m not sure why anyone would. But…any chance of toning down the language?? You’ve kicked it into the overnight language awful early in the day. Much appreciated..
By blueridge
April 6, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
TEX. That’s what you get when you walk Chipper.
By William
April 6, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
one more to go!!!!
By Bobby's Cox
April 6, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
lets face it…besides for 2006, andruw never lived up to the potential we all thought he had, and now his career looks like it’s in a downturn. still love the guys for all the years he’s put in to our team
By FEAR
April 6, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
3-1. sure am F’ing glad we got that Tex homer!
By TJ
April 6, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
What is Soriano doing roaming around off the mound and scratching his head. Get on the hill, and throw strikes.
By Overlord
April 6, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Ooops we need a closer. Moylan? Acosta? Soriano is not sharp…
By Chop Chop
April 6, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Tex with a two-run bomb and a key diving stop in the top of the ninth to get the real save in this game…
Smoltz looks very good in a Braves win…
AND
A mini-sweep of the Mets…
All in all, a great day at the ol’ ballpark.
By FEAR
April 6, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
TEX the man today…..game winning HR and game saving final out!!!
By Goodoleboy58
April 6, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
MVP MVP TEX
By Bobby's Cox
April 6, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
lets go soriano
By Stuart
April 6, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
After the 9th he had, time to cue up the “Mark Texiera Song”
Great win by the bravos.
By Billy (TBFnB)
April 6, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
atta boy tex!
By TJ
April 6, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
Pretty good day for Tex… home run is the game winner, and a great play saves us from a tie game.
By Bobby's Cox
April 6, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
sweep.
By Pete H.
April 6, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Oh, ignorant, abusive Mutts fans! Where are you-ou? Are you sulking? Crying in your beer? Hiding from the internets?
We so much wanted to discuss this game in detail with you.
Snicker.
By DAP
April 6, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
did you guys see soriano’s face? he looked scared. something wasnt right with him today. he made me very nervous, too.
awesome play by tex to get him out of it, and get us the win!
hopefully, this will be the last time this we see a .500 record from the braves. lets keep adding on!
By Dutchie
April 6, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
A bit of a scare there in the end, but congrats braves!
Keep it up and hopefully after Glavine and Jurrjens it’ll be a 0.625.
Enjoy the series victory, no matter what happens in may!:)
By Deep Throat
April 6, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Johan Santana is today’s game’s LOOOOSER pitcher.
By blueridge
April 6, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
pitching+defense=W It’s been a while since we saw that formula in the ATL. Looks good.
By Overlord
April 6, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Hey we need soriano to be sharp, he is not a closer as for this moment.
Great play bye TEX to end it, he runs to give a high5 to chipper as saying, DAD we won, hehe, pretty emotional. He had his fist pumping. For what i saw in TEX on that play, he really enjoys playing for the braves, so dont count the braves out on Tex Sweepstakes for 2009 and after.
TEX and smoltzie the MVPs for today.
So….. now the mets are behind us in the standings, and if scores stand right were they are…. braves will be in 1st place by the end of the day.
Have a nice sunday.
GOOOOOOO BRAVOS!!!!!!!!!!!
By A-ville Ranger
April 6, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Great,huge win,Smoltz is a warrior,Tex was the man.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 6, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
The Braves have two wins, the Mets have two losses and the baseball universe is as it should be.
By J.D.
April 6, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
someone get that guy a long term deal
By brian
April 6, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
now that is much better. What a play by Tex. I also love how he showed a little emotion at the end. It was a nice win against a team that we need to beat. Notice how he ran across the diamond to give high 5 to Chipper first?
It is nice to beat the Mets and should make everyone feel better about the Pirate series. Made me feel better at least. Now on to Colorado and hopefully the Braves will come in with good focus.
Again, there is no team I like beating more than the Mets, but the Braves hopefully remember who is defending NL East champions - that is the team to beat
By Pete H.
April 6, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Oh, Mutts fans, come out and play-ay!!!!
By Bobby's Cox
April 6, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
texasbrave
the last time i watched TBS was also the last braves game they aired. I hope this is a flop too. Not that I’m boycotting TBS, but i have no other need to watch it. TBS served me well here in California for 18 years and i think they made a terrible business decision.
I’d rather watch braves games on Yahoo! Sports’ boxscore with a 30 second reresh, like I did today, than to watch another team on TBS (like today) while the braves are playing at the same time.
By brian
April 6, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
chase - who would you rather have had hitting cleanup for the Braves last year Andruw Jones or Ryan Howard?
By Greg in TN
April 6, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Not exactly how one would have wanted the top of the ninth to go, but I’ll take it. Great stop by Tex to stop Schneider’s grounder and flip to Soriano to record the final out.
Looked like Soriano was overthrowing it a bit there in the ninth. Was outside and high. Perhaps a bit hyped up, but he got the job done.
Kudos to the bully today. Gave up one run over four. Tex’s homer in the bottom of the eighth was the difference maker.
BraveKiller (aka drooling fool) did have one thing right during his little classless diatribe yesterday afternoon. All is indeed back in order now.
Nice way to end a key early season series gang. The difference between the two lineups in this abbreviated series to me is how the top four fared in this series.
Mets top four: 3 for 31 (.097), 3 BBs, 8 Ks, 11 LOB, 2 RBIs, 2 runs scored.
Braves top four: 10 for 31 (.323), 4 BBs, 6 Ks, 5 LOB, 5 RBIs, 7 runs scored.
Won’t hold the potent mets lineup down like this all year long, but really got to like how we came out against them and against Santana and scratched out enough against him to get Smoltz the W.
By N8
April 6, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Very nice outing by Smoltz today.
I knew that he was too stubborn and set in his ways to throw more off-speed stuff and not go for so many strikeouts, as he hinted that he might.
He is what he is….a POWER pitcher, and a damn good one at that. Let’s hope that shoulder holds up.
Tex made TWO very nice plays with the glove today. Which went a long way in going towards what I said would happen when we play stellar defense.
Having starters that only go 5 or so innings (So far, that’s Glavine, JJJ, Bennett and Smoltz), our bullpen and starters need all the defense we can give them. Well done today.
As for Soriano? Probably a little “amped” up, going for his first save. Fastball, looks live enough, so I’m not concerned about the elbow. But that location……..uggh….pass the mylanta please. YIKES.
Over all a VERY good day in Braves land.
As Lou Brown, the Indians manager, said in Major League II….
“We win today, that’s two in a row… …if we win tomorrow, that’s called a winning streak. It has happened before…”
Let’s hope this is the beginning of a nice stretch of baseball by the Braves, and not the 2 or 3 game teaser variety, that we’ve come accustomed to over the past two years.
By Efrim
April 6, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Good win for the Braves. 3-3, very well could be 6-0. Lets take this momentum onto the road and beat up a Colorado team that is struggling to score runs.
By richbrave
April 6, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Well, the Braves had their “A” game going this abbreviated series. That’s two for the good guys. Let’s win the next 16 as well.
By Slider29
April 6, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Just watched post-game…who knew Matty D. was such a good interview….
Who needs a changeup when you can locate a 96 mph fastball and devastating slider…Smoltz forever.
This is going to be a fun summer.
By Braver007
April 6, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Good series boys. Good to see the bounce back from the Pirates series. Team looks sharp.
That said, lets not get too big headed. We are 6 games into the season and the Mets big bats were pretty flat this series. Any Atlanta fan that realistically expects to keep Reyes, Beltran, and Wright at bay all year is on some serious drugs. Remember, we didn’t really beat santana. Smoltz beat the Mets.
My point is….some of you are concerned with Philly. I’m not. Their pitching is terrible..literally. And although they are NL East defending champs, the Mets pretty much served it to them on a silver platter.
I think the Mets will be our main opposition this year, because even the most diehard Braves fan knows the NY bats are going to be better than what we just saw. Lets not get too cocky.
That said….Go Braves!
By Braver007
April 6, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Good series boys. Good to see the bounce back from the Pirates series. Team looks sharp.
That said, lets not get too big headed. We are 6 games into the season and the Mets big bats were pretty flat this series. Any Atlanta fan that realistically expects to keep Reyes, Beltran, and Wright at bay all year is on some serious drugs. Remember, we didn’t really beat santana. Smoltz beat the Mets.
My point is….some of you are concerned with Philly. I’m not. Their pitching is terrible..literally. And although they are NL East defending champs, the Mets pretty much served it to them on a silver platter.
I think the Mets will be our main opposition this year, because even the most diehard Braves fan knows the NY bats are going to be better than what we just saw. Lets not get too cocky.
That said….Go Braves!
By BraveChopper007
April 6, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Good series boys. Good to see the bounce back from the Pirates series. Team looks sharp.
That said, lets not get too big headed. We are 6 games into the season and the Mets big bats were pretty flat this series. Any Atlanta fan that realistically expects to keep Reyes, Beltran, and Wright at bay all year is on some serious drugs. Remember, we didn’t really beat santana. Smoltz beat the Mets.
My point is….some of you are concerned with Philly. I’m not. Their pitching is terrible..literally. And although they are NL East defending champs, the Mets pretty much served it to them on a silver platter.
I think the Mets will be our main opposition this year, because even the most diehard Braves fan knows the NY bats are going to be better than what we just saw. Lets not get too cocky.
That said….Go Braves!
By Ryan
April 6, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
DOB, I know this is way too early to speculate about so maybe you could just humor me, I’ve liked Kotsay since his days with the Marlins, admittedly didn’t see him much with the A’s but he always struck me as a “Braves type” player. Do you think if Schaffer is ready next season that Kotsay would entertain resigning to play LF next season?
By Bravesfan79
April 6, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Today would of been a great day to break out the Tex song, 2 bad they WORE IT OUT last summer. By the end of the season i wanted to throw a baseball thru the tv everytime i had to hear those 2 guys from Auburn singing on the couch again.
Man if we could only play 2 game series instead of 3 game series all the time. If we win the first 2 games Bobby usually puts all the backups into the game the 3rd game.
Thats why we only had what… 3 or 4 sweeps all of last year? This year will be different tho, no wilson, woodcrap, thorman or any other has been or never was to come in and loose a game for us.
By KPH
April 6, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Man I am glad that the Mets are the best team in baseball as their mouthy fans say. I guess that makes the Braves world beaters huh? Where are you mouthy metrosexual man? Probably in the corner somewhere sucking his thumb I would imagine LOL! LOL! LOL! LOL! GOOOOO BRAVES!!!! Kick that mut butt HA! HA! HA! By the way Metropolution man we understand why you are so mouthy it must have really sucked for your boy’s to have to bow down to the great Braves machine for 14 straight years especially when you can see it is about to happen again! No problem go ahead and run that mouth as only a New York fan can we understand the pain you have been through1 LOL!
By Braver007
April 6, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Woops, sorry for the double post. Thought my one login was bad. Night guys.
By TJ
April 6, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Great left-handed ab’s from KJ and Kotsay against the best lefthander in baseball, Santana.
Santana had a pretty good day, of course, but only struck out 3, and we hit the ball solid all day long. A very good offensive performance even if we didn’t score a lot.
By Ryan
April 6, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
I just noticed that Carroll Rodgers is the blog leader today so my apologies to her I scrolled down quickly to post something about Kotsay and assumed it was DOB sorry Ms. Rodgers, my rookie mistake.
By McFann
April 6, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Ya know, it’s so nice when it happens good!
Nice that they kept Reyes off he bases for the first time in 35 Braves-Mets match ups!
Only problem was that stolen base by Anderson. Sheesh. I shoulda kept my big mouth shut…
But McCann got his AVG up to .300! And Tex is all the way to .192! Things are lookin’ up!
By ernesto
April 6, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Mets come to town 2-1, leave town 2-3.
Shwwwwwwwwweeeet!
Got to say Santana, for not being too sharp today, looks like the real goods, but Smoltzy didn’t look any too shabby himself.
By TJ
April 6, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Great left-handed ab’s from KJ and Kotsay against the best lefthander in baseball, Santana.
oh, and MCCANN too… sure didn’t mean to leave him out!
By Slider29
April 6, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
SS has got to be careful with the camera work in the post game locker room or either the Braves have got to find bigger towels for Chino Cadahia….I threw up in mouth a little.
By McFann
April 6, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
TJ—
Don’t forget, Brian hit a double off that lefty.
8 )
By Philliesuk
April 6, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
What a win today. Six games into the season, Tex finally looks like Tex. You gotta love watching him sprinting over to Chipper after the final out. And finally, the bully looks like it is gaining some confidence (with the exception of Soriano). Boyer and Moylan looked sharp. And is it me, or does everyone get a little more nervous once Will Oh-Man enters the game?
Solid start to the season. Let’s bury the Mets and Fillies.
By Yunel Lillibridge
April 6, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
With all due respect, I’d rather have an extra pitcher than Corky Miller. If that roster spot is devoted to a position player, then bring up Josh Anderson (who had three hits yesterday for Richmond). Corky has to go!
By Allen
April 6, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Chase, did you completely look over the part of my post that said “at this point in their careers”? 3 years, 5 years and beyond I would take Andruw, BUT HE IS NOT THE SAME PLAYER ANYMORE!!
Don’t try the comparison with Ryan Howard. You can say whatever you want on that, but ask any opposing pitcher who they would rather face, Howard or Andruw? Ask the actual pitchers!! I bet they say Andruw. Again, 3 years, 5 years ago, maybe not. I want to make sure and say that again since you didn’t get it with my previous post.
Your sitting there pumping Andruw on what he’s done in the past. Guess what, what he did 3 years isn’t going to win us or the Dodgers JACK in 2008.
Roger Clemens is historically a better pitcher then Jair Jurrjens. Guess what, right now I’d rather Jair.
Frank Thomas has hit more home runs then Mark Texiera. Guess what, right now I would rather have Mark.
We are talking about the here and now. What did Andruw do last year? What is he doing RIGHT NOW?
He sure aint doing what Kotsay’s doing. Hitting line drives, working counts, and gunning down runners, and only at 2mill out of our pockets. LA is currently getting the same Andruw from last year and paying 18 mill for it.
Do you get it yet? I’m sorry. The most I can do here is bold italics and CAPS. I can’t draw pictures or spell it out in crayon for you.
By McFann
April 6, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
KPH—
Calm down, dude. Remember, 156 more to go…
By Carroll Rogers
April 6, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
bobby said after the game it was only five innings for smoltz because the knot came up in his arm in the fifth… smoltz said he might normally have tried to pitch through it but knew better of it, especially this early in the season. he says he’ll be fine to go friday.
By McFann
April 6, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Dang it! Sorry, TJ! I typed my post as you posted yours!
Guess I was a bit to pushy. Sorry about that!
By N8
April 6, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
ernesto
“Got to say Santana, for not being too sharp today, looks like the real goods, but Smoltzy didn’t look any too shabby himself.”
That comment right there (along with Santana’s performance today), is what separates the men from the boys on the “bump”.
Good pitchers CAN have great days. Great pitchers have Excellent starts even when they’re not at their best.
My guess is, if you asked Johan about his performance today, he’d say he never felt comfortable, and was a “little off”.
Not too shabby, for a guy NOT having his good stuff.
Amazinsin08
ARE YOU OUT THERE MY FRIEND??????
I counted 4 pitches that were not fastballs or changeups to day from Johan?
How EVER will he survive being only a two pitch pitcher? LOL!
Just razzing you man. But that display by Johan, shows what a good located fastball, and the mere THREAT of that change-up of his, lurking behind it, can do to a hitter’s (or a whole lineup’s), timing at the plate.
Don’t get me wrong. Similarly to when I said that JJJ doesn’t quite deserve to be in Maddux’s neighborhood, he surely doesn’t belong in Johan’s either.
But JJJ surely has excellent command of his fastball (about the same velocity as Johan’s…91-94 MPH), and his change-up, which looked NASTY the other night.
As long as he can stay one step ahead of the hitters (partially McCann’s responsibility), he should be a fine ML pitcher for years to come.
IE….A pitcher can survive just fine on two pitchers (and as DOB said, he has good command of 4 pitches, anyhow), as long as he locates them.
Smoltz did it today, as well. Fastballs and Sliders ALL DAY. I counted 2 change-ups, and only 2 or 3 splitters.
Give me a pitcher with GREAT command of 2 pitches, over a guy with 4 mediocre pitches ANY day of the week.
By Bobby's Cox
April 6, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
spring training just ended for tex. he’s ready to go.
By TJ
April 6, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
No prob, McFann. Soon as I posted the original, I thought of you and knew I’d messed up big-time!
By VaBravesfan
April 6, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
TBS sucks. Will never watch on of their “game of the week” telecasts. Had to buy the Directtv package to watch the Braves in Virginia. But it is nice to see almost every game. (Wife doesn’t think so)
By beki
April 6, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Did anyone notice Soriano’s deep breath of relief when McCann congratulated him at the end of the game? He must have been mentally “out of it.” Anyway, great game especially when the Bravos beat the Mets. Goooooooooooooo Bravos!
By Pete H.
April 6, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
For $150 million and four of the Mutts top prospects, Santana BETTER be the real thing. Which he is. But the Mutts gave up a ton to get him and like all pitchers, he’s one bad curveball away from TJ surgery.
By THE BEAR
April 6, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
After the Braves game I have been watching the Dodger/Padre game. Andruw has 2AB’S and two K’s. Down swinging on one and watched the third called on the second. His BA is down to .150 right now. And no I would not trade Kotsay for him at this point. Braves made a great move in not offering him arbitration.
By Robin
April 6, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
Nice win!! I’d like to see a little more “fire” outta Soriano though. He was moping around out there. I realize it’s his make-up but, still, don’t want the D on their heels waiting on him. Boyer looked sharp.
By Eric from MO
April 6, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
So I guess it was still a bad idea to pull Smoltz after 5. The way some of you were talking the world had come to an end. Also I cant believe some of you. Soriano gets the save and you complain he gave up his first run of the season(Overlord). Oh well. The Mets are a good team.
By chase
April 6, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
ALLEN
I didn’t say anything ANDRUW did THIS year could help the Braves…
I was/am defending the player he IS and HAS BEEN for the WHOLE of his career!
Also you are comparing different things when you atrt talking about who you’d rather have “for the price”
Answer yourself this question buddy..
If the pay where equal…who would you rather have?
You are a LIAR if you say KOTSAY!
Also just mentioning “who pitchers would rather face” is NOT THE WHOLE STORY…
Compare the Defense..all Howard is is an all or nothing power hitter…Andruw at least brings outstanding GG defense!
Also you wanna talk decline? How many games does ANDRUW miss each year? And what’s the history on KOTSAY?
There is also something to be said for PLAYING EVERYDAY!
By chase
April 6, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
ALLEN
I am sorry if Cold-Hard FACTS and STATS get in the way of YOUR OPINION!
By Wayne in Utah
April 6, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
A couple of thoughts after listening to most of the game (too cheap for the DirectTV package).
Smoltzie looking good. Santana is definitely the real deal.
Andruw Jones keeps getting brought up on this blog. Uh, folks, he is a Los Angeles Dodger now. Who cares what he does or doesn’t do this year? He was great while here. Unfortunately, he could have been better, but was too stubborned to listen.
I thought it funny AJ’s revelation that over the off season, he figured out that he was spreading out too much, and that he was too thin.
Stock in McDonald’s has got to be on the incline.
Kotsay will be fine, and when Schafer is ready, Kotsay will be gone. We have too much potential OF talent to not give them a shot (BJones, Anderson, Diaz, Blanco, Hayward, Johnson, Hernandez, etc).
I really like Prado….. on the bench.
Also, who with me thinks it will be something with the catchers on Wednesday when James is added to the 25. We can’t afford Corky if he is going to give up runs like he did the other night. We gotta either get Pena some time behind the plate, or get another warm body out there (Fasano or Sammons, maybe?).
I would like to see us give some of these arms a few more weeks to get it together, and not make too quick of a decision on guys with live arms (Bennett, Ring, Resop).
Have a great evening folks!
By TJ
April 6, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Eric, I have no complaint that BMF gave up a run. I really didn’t like his demeanor on the mound, and that he couldn’t, or wouldn’t, throw strikes.
No big deal… tomorrow is another day. But he didn’t look great out there today, imo.
By mo in the boonies
April 6, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Scrambled around looking for a channel to see the game. It’s on Sports South…rats, I can’t get that. Then I found out it would be free on Extra Innings. Great! Got all set to watch, Smoltz is on the mound…. And…we get company… not just company, but people who are not baseball watchers. Kept the game on Mute, but could only peek at it occasionally in-between talk. After Tex’s home run, company decided to leave….sigh
By LivininAL
April 6, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Smoltz and Boyer looked real sharp.. If Chucky has a couple of quality starts and then Hampton is ready to return, What do you think happens?
By Metropolitan Man's Secretary
April 6, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
I dictate this post on behalf of Metropolitan Man. M.Man is too upset to post for himself so I will and here is what he has to say. Not being at the game and taking a loss (Santana at that) makes him crancky. No excuse for the bats not to respond today. Coming up lame against that bullpen two days in a row after the Nats and Pirates ripped them is unaceptable (Friday off did them some good). Give those braves credit where credit is due, they held on, dug deep and kept the METS at bay at the plate and on the bases. M.Man would like me to add that if this first week is any indication of the NL East, then it will be sloppier than the NL Central was last year. M.Man wants to relay that he still feels Tex isnt clutch even after his bat and glove heroics today. J. Smoltz is still the ultimate competitor who probably wouldnt be back yet if Hampton didnt go down.
Santana did not let the METS fans down with his performance. He probably thought he was back in Minn. with that run support today. The METS staged some dramatics in the ninth, but defense said otherwise, mainly no clutch Tex. Keeping Reyes off base (first time in 2 years), holding Wright, Castillo, and Beltran at bay won’t be an all year thing. Once again congradulations, Booby got the boys up for the METS once again and they responded. There is nothing else a fan can do but wait until the next matchup and anticipate vengence. Now off to Talkback and calm the METS fans down who are ready to throw out the baby with the bathwater. This has been a message from M.Man and he approves of this message.
LETS GO METS!!
By Eric from MO
April 6, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Chase I would rather have Kotsay even if the price is the same. Andruw isnt the same defensive player he once was. If he wins 16gg like you predicted earlier it will be because of his reputation. Which is why it was stated earlier All-star games and GG dont mean as much as stats. There are plenty of years you see players who go to the all-star games that have missed 50% of the games. They get there because of homer picks and fans dont always pay attention around the league.
As far as Andruw’s hitting there is no way you could say you would rather have AJ unless you missed last year. Andruw had so many rbi oppurtunities he was bound to get close to 100. I guarentee Tex gets at least 50 more rbis than AJ got last year. This is basically the same lineup. Only difference is Tex will make all of his oppurtunites count.
By Cardog10
April 6, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Just came from the game. The homeplate ump was ridiculous. SO many terrible calls against Smoltz, and then for Santana. Cost Smoltz an inning. I just looked this ump up, he umpired the 1996 world series. I remember all the calls going the Yankees way. New York fan or Braves hater? I got a piece of him at the end of the game though coming in through the Visitor’s dugout
Well done though Braves! Kotsay was putting the best swings on the ball. He was all over Santana. Very impressed with everyone. Invincible Santana huh? What a joke.
By Robin
April 6, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
TJ, I agree with ya. He looked lackadaisical at best. :( Not what I want to see from our closer. Yet again, good win!
By Pete H.
April 6, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
if Chucky has a couple of quality starts and then Hampton is ready to return, What do you think happens?
The Mutts and Fillies will need telescopes to see us.
By fastasballs
April 6, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
Great win today! The starting pitching has been great to this point. Anyone wanting to push Smoltz totoday is nuts. He’s too important & this is only game 6. I’d like to have him around for game 66.
I think Kotsay is going to be a key contributor this season. He’s not going to put up Andruw #’s, but he won’t need to.
I’m going to jump in this Andruw discussion & give me 2 cents worth. He was a great Brave & one of my favorites, but for the team’s sake I’m glad he’s gone. It has nothing to do with him personally.
We all know the money wasn’t there to bring him back & even if it was there was better ways to use it. His defense is second to none & maybe will be for a few more years, but his offense is in decline & has been the past year or so. The #’s don’t lie.
He was a liability batting in the middle of the line up last year. Cox was loyal & stubburn so he was never moved to the 7 hole where belonged. That would have taken some pressure off of him. At the least he would not have hurt the team so bad like he was batting 4th or 5th.
Andruw was & is an incredible talent, but he never reached his potential because of his plate discipline. He refused to hit the ball where it was pitched thus creating a weakness that every pitcher exploited to get him out.
By Cardog10
April 6, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
Just came from the game. The homeplate ump was ridiculous. SO many terrible calls against Smoltz, and then for Santana. Cost Smoltz an inning. I just looked this ump up, he umpired the 1996 world series. I remember all the calls going the Yankees way. New York fan or Braves hater? I got a piece of him at the end of the game though coming in through the Visitor’s dugout
Well done though Braves! Kotsay was putting the best swings on the ball. He was all over Santana. Very impressed with everyone. Invincible Santana huh? What a joke.
Oh yeah, I had a man behind me explaining to another man the entire game of baseball during the whole game. What the difference between a curve and fastball were, what a bunt does, etc. Two college couples in front of us came late to dugout seats (one left two innings later), didn’t say a word about baseball and didn’t clap a single time , except when the saw won the race around the bases. GIVE YOUR TICKETS TO TRUE FANS. DON’T COME TO THE GAME IF YOU ARE A DOUCHEBAG AND/OR DON’T GET INTO THE GAME. There are plenty of other fans that would make better use of these tickets.
By Chop Chop
April 6, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Cardog10,
Smoltz might have gotten squeezed a little, but he adjusted just fine after the first inning. Most of the pitches Smoltz was frustrated about during that first inning weren’t strikes. A couple might have been, but the Braves only gave up one run on five hits today. The umpiring couldn’t have been too bad.
By TheCutMan
April 6, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
A big WOW!, for Smoltz.
A big WOW! indeed. In my former career as a cornerman for the fight game, he reminds me of a guy I once worked with, that being Pernell “Sweetpea” Whitaker who, like Smoltz, was hard to hit and had the heart of a champion.
I’ll leave it there because this day is really all about a champion effort from Smoltz.
By Eric from MO
April 6, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
Also Chase, AJ price isnt the same as Kotsay. If we had Andruw we wouldnt have Glavine and Tex.
By Chop Chop
April 6, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
Baseball Prospectus is right about Andruw. Last year was a fluke. While it’s true that he probably won’t hit as many homers out in L.A., the main difference for Andruw last season compared to previous ones was in the 15 fewer homers he hit. His strikeout rate really isn’t that bad. Look at the number of walks the man has compiled in his career. Andruw is still a very good player, but you have to look beyond the crappy .260 batting average he normally posts. The Braves did the right thing in letting him go, but Andruw was having a Hall of Fame career in Atlanta. Don’t forget that.
And now, he’s gone. No more Andruw talk.
By TJ
April 6, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop, so you’re gonna post your (weak) opinion on AJ, and close it with “And now he’s gone. No more Andruw talk.”
OK. Guess you get the last word.
By LT AA blogger
April 6, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
LOL -“This has been a message from M.Man and he approves of this message.”
Good to see ya kept your sense of humor Metropolitic. You’re gonna need it the rest of the season.
The only thing that can stop the Braves this year is father time and/or injuries.
By Cardog10
April 6, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
chop chop Indeed Smoltz was amazing. It is easy to feel good about this victory and not get onto the ump, but I know how I would feel if we had lost because of those few close calls. If Wright(who should have struck out with two outs) scored, that would have swayed the momentum completely the Mets way. That came close to happening because of a couple of bad calls, luckily Smoltz is a stud.
By Chop Chop
April 6, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
TJ,
I expressed a “weak” opinion because I don’t have a strong like or dislike for Andruw Jones. If I had known that I was supposed to go on some ill-conceived, moronic rant (not pointing the finger at you, but you’ve certainly seen such rants on this blog) about how Andruw is either A) the greatest player ever, or B) the worst piece of trash that ever decomposed in a Braves uni…well, I guess I wouldn’t have offered an opinion.
(By the way, I usually have the last word on every subject. I just keep saying words until, at long last, everyone else agrees with me. Well, in my own mind, at least.)
By fastasballs
April 6, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
Looks like some nasty weather in Colorado the next four days. They need no worse than a split, hopefully take 3 of 4.
The problem last year is the Braves would beat the Muts & then turn around and get swept by the Reds, Pirates or the Nats. Granted the Rockies are much better, but their offense is averaging about 1.5 runs a game right now.
By TJ
April 6, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
By the way, I usually have the last word on every subject. … etc…
Chop Chop, fair enough! I guess we all want to have the last word, we just don’t have the balls to demand it.
btw, AJ just struck out for the 3rd time today - this time with a fast runner (Furcal) on 3rd and one out: a ground ball scores a run, but alas…
I know it’s early in the year, but I think AJ is in serious decline and am real happy he’s not here any longer.
By TennesseePaul
April 6, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this
I guess the only thing that would have made this better, for me anyway, was a live feed of the games to go along with time to watch.
Glad the Braves won. Ooohhh so glad. Impressed with Smoltz’s results. And dually impressed with KJ, pinch-hit slam. And lastly, love the blog. Even when you’re unable to follow the game live, you can go back and read the blog to find out how it all went from a fans perspective. Couple that with the box score and it’s just down right good.
GO BRAVES!!
By DCbrave
April 6, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
Coach This MLB.com feed is an absolute joke. I can’t even watch the game because it keeps cutting out every few seconds. Gonna switch over to audio only and see if that even works
I’ve got the audio since ST and I’ve never had any problem. Just love it.
By Allen
April 6, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Chase, Chase, Chase Are you reading my entire post or just picking out what you want to. Your responses just keep showing everybody that you and only you are not listening to and not getting what I’m saying.
AGAIN, I AM NOT DOWNPLAYING ALL THE GOOD ANDRUW DID IN THE PAST. NO NEED TO DEFEND HIS PAST WITH ME. HE DESERVERS TO BE IN THE HOF AND I’M SURE WILL BE. HE IS NOT THE SAME OFFENSIVE THREAT HE USED TO BE NOW, IN THE PRESENT, CURRENTLY
You can spout off all of his past stats all that you want. I know them too. You can live in the past if you want. I prefer what is going on now. I am interested on what will help the Braves win NOW. Not about stats that were built up in the past. How many World Series did those stats win us. You do realize that’s the goal, right? A World Series victory is what the Braves are after. Not gold gloves and all the other stats.
When you FIRST mentioned the Ryan Howard Comparison you were talking about his hitting stats. That’s what that part of my post was in response too. You said nothing about his defense. Keep up with what your talking about.
You can call me a liar if you want, but if Andruw is going to hit .220 I’m not paying him one red cent. I don’t care how many fly balls he catches. He hasn’t proven that last year was a fluke yet.
The point of my post are not to downplay what Andruw DID. I simply am saying AT THIS POINT I would rather have Kotsay.
PLEASE if you respond to this, read the entire post first. Let it soak and be sure that you understand it and keep in mind what you have said.
By Braveheart
April 6, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
When your closer is in the game in the 9th, there should never be a need for a trip to the mound from the pitching coach or for another reliever to start warming up. Soriano has got to get his act together.
By Metropolitan Man
April 6, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
LT AA blogger
A loss is a loss. Got to take the bad with the good. Dont get me wrong, I’m feeling sick from the losses and livng in bravesland makes it no easier. Everyone knows I’m a METS fan so even without blogging I’m getting razzed left and right from co-workers, nasty Text messages from braves and stankees fans. Got to get this stench called “lost weekend” off immediately.
Now its time to get vengence on the philthies and take it out on them.
LETS GO METS!!
By Lew
April 6, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
Nathan-Kind of like Albie Lopez? he had about six pitches that he threw at three different speeds and four arm angles. He just couldn’t fool hitters with them-just his catchers.
By Carroll Rogers
April 6, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
have you guys scared off the mets fans today?!
richbrave, thanks, and no i didn’t go back the second night. i drove by on 95 on my way to dinner with my boyfriend who lives up there (don’t tell the boss) and noticed a lot of empty seats in the upper deck. all empty seats. i do hope fans don’t take out their anger on the mayor by staying home. but i spose that’s their right. i imagine that team will be good again.
ryan, no worries. think it’s a little early for that kind of projection/decision for mark kotsay. DOB knows him better than i do from his marlins days. i’m just getting to know him. so if DOB wants to take a stab at that, he’s welcome.
By northBeach Scott
April 6, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Allen well said. Loved Andruw in his day, but he is in a serious decline and will never be the same offensive or defensive player he was. He has relied on his remarkable natural ability, but he never actually learned how to hit. Now that he is a very old 30, he needs to make adjustments, like every other player, he is unable to do so. I think it likely he will be out of baseball in 3 years.
We are grateful for Andruw’s contributions to the Braves and even more grateful that Braves management sized up correctly that he is not worth the kind of money he seeks. Best of luck to him, but even the Dodgers/Torre are realizing that he is no better than a #6 or #7 hitter.
The Kotsay deal looks like a terrific deal both in terms of what he can contribute to the Braves on the field and off. Not doing a deal with Anduruw is also why we had the funds to resign other key components.
I saw about 65 games at the Ted, last year, and can tell you how inept Andruw has become. Not a hater, but at some point even the Dale Murphy’s of the league became of marginal value.
By Chop Chop
April 6, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this
TJ,
As you can see, I had the last word on the Andruw stuff.
(I am now slamming my head against my computer screen…)
I think most of us here would like to have the last word. I guess that DOB and Carroll are really the only people here who have earned that right.
Oh, and maybe joebrave.
By BravesFanInRockies
April 6, 2008 7:22 PM | Link to this
Nice win and a mini-sweep today. As N8 said, Soriano may just have been amped up. It was his first save opty of the year, and he was doing it against the top division rival.
Also remember, denizens, he missed a good deal of ST with various ailments. He may not be at full speed for several more outings.
This looks like a good time to face the Rox. They’ve scored only 10 runs so far this season.
Hope the wet stuff stays away so we can get these games in.
Go Braves!
By fastasballs
April 6, 2008 7:23 PM | Link to this
Had Wright not made that great play, Pena would have had yet another pinch hit. I would like to see him get some starts on McCann’s days off instead of the Corkster.
I wonder when Infante comes off the DL will Wren send down Prado or maybe Miller. I really don’t see a need for a 3rd catcher. Diaz would be the emergency catcher. Speaking of him does anyone else in the league do more with less?
The MVP of the weekend goes to the rain out, IMO.
By TexasBrave
April 6, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this
Carroll - a belated answer to your question posed in your opening.
When Chuck comes up to take Hampton’s turn in the rotation Bennett needs to be the one to go down. I just don’t think we will have had enough time to evaluate who to keep of Boyer, Resop and Ring. I know that leaves us without a long relief man but Boyer did have 12 or so starts last year for Richmond so he could serve if needed.
I would also like to see Bennett get some more innings of work in just in case 1. we have more than one starter go down 2. Would make him more of an effective long reliever/spot starter.
By fastasballs
April 6, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Wed’s game should be an offensive show with James facing Mark Redman.
By McFann
April 6, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Thanks, TJ!
: )
By Eric from MO
April 6, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
His strikeout rate isnt really that bad- ChopChop
If Andruws strikeout isnt that bad then who is? He strikesout at least 140 times a year and in any big moment he strikes out.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 6, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this
Carroll Josie says you are welcome and I apologize for not offering to buy you dinner but it was so cold I was not sure when I would have to leave. Let me know the next time you plan to grace our fair city and Jo and I will take you out for the best Maryland crab cake this side of Baltimore.
I think the weather has had a very negative impact on attendance. I plan to go to the Thursday day game and hopefully it won’t be below freezing.
JoAnn said she was trying to remember the last time she was so miserable from the weather and I reminded her of a day we played golf in similar conditions. BBBBRRRRRRR….
richbrave Let me know when you are feeling up to taking a field trip…
By Braveheart
April 6, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this
Hey. not that anyone cares, but my thing with Andruw is that I just can’t stand people who wanna knock him as if he was a nothing bum the entire time he was here.
His season last year sucked. Absolutely sucked. But let’s stop with the whole we’re not gonna miss that bum when we talk out about Andruw. Please let’s stop that crap. I am so sick and tired of it.
The best we are gonna get out of Kotsay this year is a .340 OBP and a .420 SLG. Damn fine numbers for a centerfielder. But when you get right down to it, not much different than Andruw’s .310 OBP and .410 SLG at his absolute worst. Losing 26 homers is not something you can entirely ignore either.
And Andruw still has much better range than Kotsay. That much has been evident early in the season (although Kotsay is still damn good defensively).
As good as Kotsay is defensively, going from Andruw to Kotsay on defense is like going from Reggie White to Patrick Kerney. Kerney and Kotsay are still damn good but not an immortal on defense like Reggie White and Andruw Jones.
Kotsay on this team makes sense for the Braves for two reasons. At 1 or 2 million dollars, he is a much better bargain for a team on a budget than 18 million for a player who is sadly in clear decline.
The other reason is that tying up Andruw would have blocked Jordan Schafer. We just have to hope that Schafer ends up being the next Sizemore or Finley. He looked darn impressive to me from a statistical standpoint last season and from what I saw with my eyeballs in spring training. I think there is something very special about that Schafer kid.
But please let’s stop the bashing of one of the greatest players in the history of the franchise. It is absolutely childish and pathetic.
What Andruw did in centerfield for the Braves until the age of 30 has been done by only a handful or two of centerfielders in the history of the game.
Good fans understand that and appreciate him for what he was, warts and all. They bid him farewell and the best of luck knowing it is probably for the best for their team for the next five seasons.
Good fans, however, never say good riddance to a player like Andruw Jones.
The type of fans who do that are the types who can’t even fill a ballpark in a series against the hated Mets where two of the greatest pitchers of the past 25 years are facing off against each other.
By your daddy
April 6, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
first?
By Braveheart
April 6, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
Lew, please don’t bring up Albie Lopez again. I almost blocked that nightmare out of my mind.
By Braveheart
April 6, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
RICHBRAVE I owe you an apology. I acted like a real douchebag to you. The Andruw bashing was really annoying me and I took it out on you. It’s cool that the Chop Chick blog has gotten very active. There’s nothing better for the Braves or the fans than an active blog community and family. I love your passion and it’s nice to see that at least two Richmond natives like you and Gil have not given up on the Braves or the AAA team. Again, sorry for being a jerk to ya.
By your daddy
April 6, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
hey, braveheart idiot… don’t let me hear you compare yohand santana to John Smoltz like that again. yohand has not pitched enough yet to be considered in the top anything of pitching. and as far as the met fan-like bashing of Braves fans who don’t go to games - sorry, some of us don’t live down the street from the yard.
by the way, if andruw wasn’t the fattest, laziest outfielder in baseball, he would have made everyone forget that Mays guy….
By Eric from MO
April 6, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Braveheart in a perfect world there would never be a need to have your pitching coach go to the mound. Get over yourself. Even the great John Smoltz always had a least one runner on when he was a closer. Many times allowing a run to score if he had a couple run lead. I havent checked the stats cause I really dont care but I know Smoltz’s era his 1st full season as closer was well over 3.00 maybe even over 4.00.
By TexasBrave
April 6, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
fastballs - Agree with almost everything in your 7:23 except that if Prado is the odd man out he will either have to be traded or waved and someone is sure to snatch him up. For my money Prado has more to give this club than Corky does.
Looking ahead the tough decision comes when Hampton returns off the DL. Do you send Chuck back down or is this the time to release one of Boyer, Resop or Ring and keep Chuck or bring back up Bennett?
By richbrave
April 6, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
BRAVEHEART:
Sorry my response was much worse. All is forgiven.
By Shamus Thacker
April 6, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
As great as Andruw was, he was still an underachiever. Now he’s a fat, less-talented, and older underachiever…
By jbutler
April 6, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
Gil in Mechanicsville Hey- are you in Denver? I’m planning on taking two of my kids to the day game Thurs, but it looks miserable. So far..a high of 40 is forecast. Brr….Anyway..just checking!! Not sure if we’ll still get there- but would love to see them since this is their only trip this way. But what an awful week to come.
By TennesseePaul
April 6, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
Smoltz’s first full season as a closer resulted in a 3.25 ERA over 80+ innings with 85K’s. It also resulted in Smoltz setting the National League Single Season Saves record, 55. Gange later tied that record when he was on the juice.
By fastasballs
April 6, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
texasbrave, I didn’t think Prado was out of options. I was thinking this was his second year on the 40 man. I may be wrong, it’s happened before, lol. I’m all for sending Corky down. The two passed balls the other night was not good for his future with the Braves.
As far as when & if Hampton returns I would say James goes back unless he really impresses. Even if he does I don’t see room for him. Ring & Resop has not impressed me in the least, but it’s early. I think Boyer, Ohman, Moylan & Soriano is going to be the bullpen stoppers with Bennett the long man. All have done a good job. Soriano is still working out the kinks.
By brian
April 6, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Texas - pretty optimistic about Hampton coming off the DL are you? I noticed you said when he comes off the DL. I am still saying if he comes off the DL.
Good point though. If Chuck pitches well it would be hard to move him out of the rotation. I also agree about Corky Miller. If Pena would be picked up off waivers, then send Corky down. I would be surprised if anyone picked him off waivers.
I still think the Braves are trying to move Pena
By Chop Chop
April 6, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
Nice post about, uh, that guy I had the last word on. I find it very odd that people rip Andruw to shreds. Not too many guys can do what Andruw did in ‘05 and ‘06.
I’d like for people to go to this page and look at what Andruw meant to the Braves’ last playoff team. Damn impressive, eh? His crappy .219 career average with 2 outs/RISP won’t be missed, but nearly everything else will.
I mentioned earlier that I don’t really have a strong like or dislike for Andruw. That is true. However, I don’t like seeing people discount the guy. Assuming that his ability isn’t rapidly declining before he turns 31 in a couple of weeks, Andruw will hit over 500 homers in his career and be an absolute lock for the Hall of Fame.
As that great stretch of division titles steadily disappears from my rearview mirror, I think a lot of us will realize just how great some of these guys actually were. Just look at Chipper. A few years ago, this blog had Chipper pegged as a malingering bum who cared more about flirting with Erin Andrews during an extra-inning NLDS game than winning. Now, lo and behold, Chipper is the man! Go figure. I guess his wonderful ability to rake speaks for itself only after we realize that he’ll soon be gone.
Ain’t it funny how times change?
By JC FROM UT
April 6, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
If CJ pitches good and Hampton comes off the DL, I think they should go with a 6 man rotation. With the age of the 3 of the 5 starters, it would not hurt at all to give them all an extra days rest. I also agree that Pena is still being shopped along with Gotay. I think one of them will be moved, hopefully for a young arm that can develop in the minors so we do not have to worry about options.
By Lew
April 6, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
Texas Brave-They didn’t send Bennett anywhere, so they don’t have to call him up. When Hampton was placed on the DL, they brought up JoJo. He will be sent down to make room for CVhuck James.
I would imagine any move that would have to be made IF Hampton comes back, will depend on how James and Bennett do in their roles while he is still injured.
As for Prado-I don’t think he’s out of options, so why would they have to waive him?
By JC FROM UT
April 6, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
Lew: wasn’t Jojo sent down today to make room for Smoltz?
By N8
April 6, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
“As that great stretch of division titles steadily disappears from my rearview mirror, I think a lot of us will realize just how great some of these guys actually were.”
While that is true. This team won it’s division in 91, 92, 93, 95 (also winning the WS that year), WITHOUT Andruw Jones.
So to say or assume that we HAVE TO have him in this lineup, is silly.
Was he fun to watch? Absolutely.
Was he frustration to watch? Absolutely.
Will we miss his defense in CF? Certainly.
Will Kotsay look like Ryan Klesko in CF? More than likely not.
Since 1996, 7 teams (Yankees, Marlins, Diamondbacks, White Sox, Red Sox, Angels and Cardinals), have WON the World Series.
Last time I checked Andruw wasn’t on ANY of those rosters.
We’ll move on (as most of us have), and not only survive without him, but prosper, IMO.
It’s NOT that he was a horrible player. But his salary no longer had a place on a team looking to pinch pennies. That money ear-marked for him, is better spent on a few players that make our TEAM better, (as Wren and JS obviously decided last off-season), rather than having another ALL-STAR at one position.
If we were the Yankees or Red Sox (or the Braves that were owned by Ted Turner), we could have/would have signed him to the 36 million dollar 2 year contract. Marched him out to CF as we have the past 11 years, and SLOWLY brought along Schafer.
All while STILL signing Glavine, trading Renteria for JJJ, and more than likely batting Andruw anywhere from the 6th to 8th spot in the order.
But we DON’T have that budget, so he had to go. No knock on him (and I’ve knocked PLENTY), but his time was up in Atlanta.
Period.
By Lew
April 6, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
Why would you want to release Boyer? 4 of the 5 innings he’s pitched so far, he’s been lights out.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 6, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
jbutler I can only dream of being in Denver…. No, actually in Richmond although the weather has been very Colorado like. Or as our good friend jimmy smith would say, “just like it, but different”.
On Andruw, he was a great center fielder, maybe the greatest I have ever seen play and I appreciate the opportunity to root for him but it was time for him to move on. I watched him the other night play San Francisco and he failed to make a play we have seen him make repeatedly over the years.
He has closed up his stance and has shown more patience at the plate, it may take a while for the change to take affect. Let’s see what his stats are by June.
By Lew
April 6, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
ChopChop-Back in the 60’s, the Reds traded Frank Robinson to the Orioles. When asked why they were traded him-he was only 30-they were informed that he was an OLD 30. He won the Triple Crown that year.
Andruw will not win the Triple Crown this year. He IS an old 30.
By fastasballs
April 6, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
To this point Pena has been a damn good pinch hitter so I hope he sticks around. I just can’t see his value being that great to another team to bring a promising young arm. Gotay was picked up off of waivers so I don’t see his trade value being that great either. A lot of teams had to pass on him before the Braves got a shot to claim him.
The bullpen arms will sort themselves out shortly & some moves will be made along the way. Gonzo hopefully returns mid season or so & that will be a shot in the arm if he is effective.
There is going to be a glut of infielders when Infante comes off the DL so we’ll see what happens there. I would like to see a power bat for the bench, but so far the pinch hitting has been good.
By Lew
April 6, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
JC-You might be right. I hadn’t thought of that.
By Josh C
April 6, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Evening, denizens.
What a weekend, eh? Even the pen looked good.
Regarding Andruw, I’ve gotta say that I sit on the other side of the fence from Braveheart. I absolutely said “good riddance” at the end of last season. I get that Andruw was (is?) a great defensive CF and power hitter. My problem with Andruw is twofold:
1) While Andruw was a very good player for the Braves, laziness caused him to fall short of where he could have been. The kid has NO fire in the belly whatsoever. Wanna know why his RISP was so poor? Simple. No intensity. Strike out, smile, and sit down. Or jog to first on a grounder. Or get fat in the offseason.
2) Andruw ruined last season for himself (and to a lesser extent, the team) by trying to hit home runs. If you’ll recall Bobby was quoted last May as saying that Andruw had his own agenda. Every time Andruw landed on his knee with two strikes I realized how selfish he hd become. Rarely have the Braves been so willing to cut ties with a long tenured player. I’m guessing it wasn’t all about the agent. Notice they replaced him with a “good clubhouse guy”. Hmmm…
Oh well, my two cents. I am very excited about this team folks. Go Bravos!
By N8
April 6, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul
“Smoltz’s first full season as a closer resulted in a 3.25 ERA over 80+ innings with 85K’s.”
I remembered him getting hammered a couple of times early in that season, so I was curious as how the “splits” were on a monthly basis for him. Pretty amazing “find”.
In March/April Smoltz allowed more ER (9) than he did in June, July August and September COMBINED (7). In between he allowed 11 ER in May.
So, up until May 31, he allowed 20 ER in 30.1 IP (5.93 ERA), with 30 K’s, and 14 Saves.
After June 1st, he allowed 7 ER in 50 IP (1.26 ERA), with 55 K’s, and 41 Saves.
Simply amazing.
Then when you add that to the 2003 and 2004 numbers as closer, you get the following:
From June 1st of 2002, he pitched 196 innings, allowing 40 ER (1.83 ERA), with 213 K’s, and 130 Saves.
Silly numbers, if you ask me. As Stuart Scott would say…..“That ain’t right!”
By doug
April 6, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
actually JoJo got sent down today to make room for Smoltz. See above.
By JC FROM UT
April 6, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
When I say Pena or Gotay could be traded for a young arm, I’m not saying one that would help this season but an arm in say A or AA who may be helpfull in the future. A sleeper so to speak.
By KL
April 6, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
It appeared that when Roger M. came out to talk to Soriano, he just turned away and was into his own little world. It seems we run into this attitude with closers (Bob Whitman, Rocker, etc.) — Makes you appreciate Smoltz even more with his unselfish attitude as a closer. Smoltz also said Jurgens came to him after his first start and asked what did he need to improve on. Makes you like him too.
By BravesDave
April 6, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Good weekend for the Braves. The rainout on Friday night gave the bullpen some needed rest. Saturday and Sunday gave the Mets’ aces losses. Can’t ask for more than that…….well, maybe we can ask for some consistency.
Overall, after 6 games, the starting pitching has been excellent. The bullpen has been hot and cold (see Boyer as a perfect example). The hitting is coming around. Clutch pinch hit GS on Saturday by Kelly and a clutch two-run bomb by Tex today. Kotsay is looking better and better. The defense was solid today. We do need to keep Kelly in the lineup, though. Hope that knee holds up. I am loving Matt Diaz as an everyday player (although his defense can be worrisome).
Happy days are here again. 3 out 4 in Colorado, anyone??
By Metropolitan Man
April 6, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this
Come on METS fans, get your head out of the sand and let them know you are still proud!
By BravesDave
April 6, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
By the way, with all of the Andruw Jones discussions, there was a classic Andruw Jones moment in the Dodgers-Padres game today. Tied at 2 in the 7th inning, I believe. Furcal led off the inning with a hit, stole second, and ended up on third with one out for Andruw Jones. Of course, Andruw Jones looked at a called strike three and walked to the dugout with the famous smirk. The Dodgers failed to score in the inning.
By KC
April 6, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
THIS WEEKEND PROVED THE BRAVES ROTATION IS BETTER THAN THE METS’.
Two things became apparent over the last couple of days:
1 - Maine has excellent stuff, and had a good season last year… but he’s no Tim Hudson. He may get there, but he’s not there yet.
2 - Santana is great. He really is. BUT… Smoltz takes a back seat to no one. Not yet anyway. He’s still as great a big game pitcher as there is in MLB.
Mets fans, there’s no denying the fact that the Braves have two aces, and the Mets have one.
Yes, I know… IF Pedro can get/stay healthy, they have a great 1-2 punch. But I would contend that IF Hampton can get/stay healthy, the Braves have a great 1-2-3 punch.
Aside from his health, there was a huge “?” hanging over Hampton as to whether he would still have it after a couple of years on the shelf. But anyone who saw him throw this spring no longer has any doubt.
Hampton still has the stuff to be an ace. It’s just a question of whether or not he can stay healthy… JUST like Pedro.
Hampton and Pedro cancel each other out. Both pitchers represent a HUGE x-factor for their team. But neither can be counted on.
Difference is, the Braves are equipped to deal with fact that Hampton can’t be counted on. Can NY mitigate that kind of loss? That remains to be seen.
Bottom line is this:
However you slice it with Hampton and Pedro in the picture or without… The Braves have 1 more ace than the Mets, and more depth at the back end.
Advantage Braves.
By TexasBrave
April 6, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
fastballs & Lew - Oops! I meant Pena not Prado. Too many P’s for me I guess. Pena would not make it through waivers and has more to give than Corky.
brian - yes call me an eternal optimist but I really feel Hampton is going to contribute mightily towards our Division Title run. Don’t give up on him yet! You are probably right though that the Braves are trying to make a move to avoid sending someone through waivers.
Lew - I was talking about when Chuck comes up to take Hampton’s start that they should send Bennett down. But then upon Hampton’s return was wondering whether they would keep Chuck or bring back Bennett. For that sonario I would rather Chuck keep starting down at Richmond and bring Bennett back. However, I would much rather the Braves decide to trade or place on waivers one of Resop or Ring.
JC FROM UT - I believe DOB or someone had mentioned the 6 man rotation to Bobby and DOB said he shot it down. Probably would need to have 26 members of a team instead of 25.
I had a little different suggestion in order to give some starters a rest. When the time comes to skip the fifth starters spot (lets say it is Jair) in the rotation, perhaps skip Smoltz, then Hampton, then Glavine on a rotating basis. It still should work out that the other starters are getting regular rest while giving another starter 9 or 10 days off before his next start.
By Metropolitan Man
April 6, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Not so fast KC. Maine didnt pitch well but all his strikeout pitches were fouled off yesterday and that wont likely happen all year. He is s strikeout pitcher and the braves attacked him very well. Santana and Maine are the top two right now for the METS, with Perez working on a contract so hopefully we get more positive than negative from him. I’m not counting on Pedro anymore, or El Duque. These two will comeback when their replacements are doing well and mess up the flow. The NL East Elite Pitchers are now: Hudson, Smoltz, Santana, Maine, Perez(if your a METS fan), Hammels and????
LETS GO METS!!
By Pete H.
April 6, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
I checked the dictionary, Metroman. Proud is nowhere defined as arrogant, churlish, abusive, obscene and nasty.
You can look it up.
By KC
April 6, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
MetroMan: “Not so fast KC. Maine didnt pitch well but all his strikeout pitches were fouled off yesterday and that wont likely happen all year.”
Metro, Maine’s last 15-20 starts, (dating back to last year) have not been pretty. No pretty at all. He’s got something to prove in my eyes.
In any event, I repeat…
John Maine is no Tim Hudson.
I’m glad to hear you’re not counting Pedro out. I’m not counting Hampton out either. Again, as far as I’m concerned, they cancel one another out. Both teams have that X-factor that if they can get that guy healthy… could provide a tremendous lift!
Again though, the Braves prepared for this in advance. The Mets did not.
By Metropolitan Man
April 6, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Pete H.
Did I whizz in your cornflakes? Where did I spew venom here today? I gave kudos to your squad while not selling the METS down the river. Try losing the arrogant, churlish, abusive, obscene and nasty behavoir when its uncalled for.
By chase
April 6, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Eric from MO…fastballs…Shamus Thacker…Allen and others who continue to IDIOTICALLY rant about ANDRUW “not reaching his potential” are RIDICULOUS!!!
Sorry but what in the hell is the guy supposed to do to reach YOUR perceived level of potential?
The guy was the 2nd fastest in history to reach 350 HRs..He has 11 GG, over 1800 hits AND HE IS STILL 30!!
Good grief! Maybe just Maybe you have slightly UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS…its as though because he didn’t average 50 HRs, 135 RBIs, and a .330 average that the guy “sucked” or “was lazy”
Do you realize HOW SPECIAL a player has to be for his “worst season” to still have nearly 30 HRs 100 RBIs, and a GG?
I mean do you really realize how impossible that is or how ridiculous your expectations must be?
He averaged 35 HRs, 102 RBIs, a .268 avg, and a GG EVERY YEAR for his career!
WHAT should he have done to make you happy? or to live up to your idea of what his potential should be?
And I am sorry but if you could have ANDRUW or KOTSAY for THE EXACT SAME MONEY ….NOBODY would take KOTSAY!
By Metropolitan Man
April 6, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
KC
I’m not counting on Pedro anymore, or El Duque.
Time for this METS fan to move on about that pipe dream of seeing those two productive for any long stretch. Time for others to step up and make a claim to be a MLB pitcher on that METS roster. They know who they are.
By chase
April 6, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
The funny thing about many many of you ANDRUW bashers is that you are the SAME type of people who thought he was the greatest player ever in 2005 and 2006 when he was going great!
That makes you fairweather front runner what have you done for me lately people!
By Steve McP
April 6, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
I am concerned that the umps seem to be making the strike zone small for Glavine and Smoltz- has there been some directive from the “powers that be” to umpires to be particularly vigilant for these two pitchers, both of them seem to have been hard done by (although remaining effective, if frustrated) in their last outing and if this continues it does not bode well for the season.
By Allen
April 6, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Braveheart
I pretty much agree with everything you’ve said.
Besides the numbers you gave I believe there are situations that Kotsay will fair much better in then Andruw offensively. That may be the only small thing we disagree on.
I think (hope) I’ve made it clear that I don’t discount what Andruw is done for Atlanta and I wish him the best. I just simply think Kotsay is better for us right now. Chase couldn’t seem to get that.
Good weekend for the Braves! Man I really like our team this year!
I think I’m gonna call it a night. Guess I’ll check out Baseball Tonight on the DVR first. See what kinda praise the give the Bravos. Just got back from seeing the movie “21”. It’s good, I recommend it.
By David O'Brien
April 6, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
Greetings from chilly Denver, where I can see snow-capped mountains from my 11th-floor room. Well, I could a couple hours ago. It’s dark now.
TexasBrave, that is correct: I mentioned six-man rotation to Bobby, and he said can’t do it. He didn’t elaborate on why, but you’d either have to go a man short in the men or on the bench to make it happen. There’s a reason no team does it….
Couple of great shows here Wednesday, The Eels in Boulder and the mighty Black Keys at the Ogden Theater in Denver. But we’ve got night games until Thursday, and the Keys show is sold out anyway.
By Allen
April 6, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
Chase
I never said anything about Andruw not reaching his potential. Don’t lump me in with 5 other posters.
I’ve said my piece on Andruw. I think everybody but you understands what I’m saying and where I’m coming from with it. The subject is old now and I’m tired of repeating myself for someone who just don’t get it.
Good night
By Lew
April 6, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
Chase-You’re just noticing this?
By Train Wreck Bystander
April 6, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
Nice to see a sweep of the Mets this weekend, even if it was a whiskbroom sweep (2 games).
And it looks to be a good two weeks out in the hinterlands - no Peachtree games until next Friday!
I see that MLB is about to redraw the territorial map for blackouts (story here. Maybe the insanity is truly about to end.
By Steve McP
April 6, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
PTV - that running issue on here. I was just looking at the schedule and noticed that there is one spell in June when they have 13 of 21 games, for those of us blacked out from mlbtv and not able to get Peachtree or one of the other channels that have come to some agreement with them, that is going to be a rough time.
By THE BEAR
April 6, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
By chase
April 6, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
BRAVEHEART THANK YOU SO MUCH! I was beginning to think I was the only intellegent BASEBALL person on here when it came to ANDRUW and his STATS! KOTSAY only has .013 points higher BA than Andruw anyway!
Hello “intellegent BASEBALL person”. As of this moment Kotsay is hitting .292 and Andruw is hitting .136. And you say that is only .013 difference. Where did you learn your math?
Incidentally Andruw went 0 for 4 again today with 3 KO. Way to go Andruw. Keep up the good work for the Dodgers. Oh yeah, the Dodger announcers were griping about him not producing. How about that? I am thinking Andruw needs to listen to Torre or to his hitting coach and learn to stay away from those low outside pitches. Every pitcher in the NL knows hot to get him out.
By Glass Half Full (GHF)
April 6, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
How about “Kotsay’s Hot Gays” for next homestand? Imagine a boisterous group of guys in Daisy Dukes, half shirts, and combat boots. I’m willing to bet they’d receive zero screen time.
By MEB
April 6, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
I’m happy with our centerfield situation this year and I don’t have to worry about any hypothetical situations involving Andruw. I don’t think that makes me a fair weather fan nor do I regret being a fan of Andruw in the past. Like goes on and I wish Andruw the best with the Dodgers. This years Braves sure have me more excited than many years in recent memory.
GO BRAVES!!!
By David O'Brien
April 6, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this
Do you realize HOW SPECIAL a player has to be for his “worst season” to still have nearly 30 HRs 100 RBIs, and a GG?Chase
Chase, Andruw hit .222 with 26 homers, 94 RBIs, a .311 OBP and a .413 slugging percentage.
The homers and RBIs — yes, still very solid numbers for a center fielder. The average and OBP? Absolutely awful. Sorry, dude, but there’s no way to sugarcoat the fact that he hit .222 with career-lows in OBP and slugging.
If he reverses it this year and gets back to hitting over .260 with 30 bombs and 100 RBIs, that’s one thing. But what if he hits .240 this season? Or worse? Then you can’t just pretend he’s the same hitter he was. And he’s gettting paid much more this season and again in 2009 than in any previous season of his career (two-year, $36.2 mill deal).
By Chop Chop
April 6, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
chase,
Andruw would be much more well-liked by some fans if the Braves had won a World Series or two with him on the team. I think that’s the bottom line with Andruw Jones. He’s not worth the $18 million the Dodgers are paying him, but he’s still one of the best combo defensive/offensive (put the D first) centerfielders to play this game.
By the way, most fans are fair-weather, front-running people. That’s just the way it goes. I had a conversation with my dad today about that topic. He grew up in College Park, but he’s a Red Sox fan. He claims that he never became a Braves fan because “they were a team from another city.” He never liked the Falcons, but I’m guessing that’s because they’ve never been any good, which makes it even funnier that the only Atlanta teams he cheers for are the Hawks (who also came from another town…his logic is a little skewed) and the Thrashers. Anyway, he’s been a fan of the Redskins, Raiders, 49ers, UNC basketball, and several other teams over the years. He can front-run with the best of ‘em (he never jumped on the Braves’ bandwagon because they choked so much…bah), but he has always appreciated Andruw Jones. He knows Andruw wasn’t perfect, but he certainly played hard in the field, which goes a long way to show how much a guy cares about his job.
Now that he’s gone, it’s easier to accept that Andruw Jones will never be the kind of hitter that a lot of us thought he should be, but my guess is that he never had it in him to begin with. Some players just don’t have it in them to become the next Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays or Babe Ruth. Throw in his patented little smirks after whiffs at the plate that always annoy the p** out of fans and, well, you’ve got the perfect recipe for people underrating/underappreciating Andruw. That being said, I personally don’t think I’ll miss him that much. It will take sustained butchery in the outfield to remind me how steady he was out there. Oh, and maybe a banjo-hitting offensive black hole forming in CF.
As for N8, bah. You’re definitely right about the money.
And Lew, good job on the Skip Wurlitzer. I hope the words we put in there can knock the sarcasm/cynicism out of that lovable old fart for just a minute or two. That would make my day.
I’ve posted more today than I have in a long, long, long time. Shoot me now.
Goodnight everyone…
By Epinephrine
April 6, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Nice to see the Rockies bull pen getting abused the last three days. Hopefully they come in gassed. Acosta, Resop (eesh) should be real fresh, and the rest of our guys haven’t exactly been abused-Boyer, Ohman, and Resop should all be good to go. Moylan is due for another day off.
DOB, who do you think gets sent down when Chuckie comes up? Bennett, Resop, a catcher, or other?
By fastasballs
April 6, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
Chase For one I wasn’t ranting & neither were most of the people that commented on Andruw. You seem to miss that most if not all consider him a great Brave. If he doesn’t completely fall to pieces he should go to the HOF.
To make fact based arguments that he’s been in decline since the middle of 2006 to present isn’t being a “fair weather” fan of his. To say the Braves didn’t have the extra 18 mil to pay him is a fact. JS knew he was, he’ll never say it, but rarely has anyone that’s been a Brave for that long not been offered a contract.
If you were such a great fan of Andruw you would have noticed his decline as well.
When I say potential I mean he had the ability to finish his career in the top 5 in homeruns & probably RBI’s given his age. He should have had at least 125 rbi’s last year based on plate AB’s w/RISP. He had nearly, if not the same # that ARod had last year yet had 60 or so less RBI’s. He batted behind a guy who lost the batting title by only a few points & several others who were on base constantly.
Andruw is & has always been a stubburn hitter. He does it Andruw’s way. Read his comments or TP’s & even the rare one from Cox over the years about Andruw’s approach to hitting & you’ll get the idea.
Don’t you find it strange that a guy who has hit 50 HR’s in the past & tried to hit one every time up would have finished with more than 26 HR’s last year?
Murphy was my favorite for years & I hated to admit he was in decline, but I’ll always remember him accepting a trade because it was in the Braves’ best interest.
By Philliesuk
April 6, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
Have to echo some of Braveheart’s comments above. I think it is atrocious that we couldn’t sell out today. It was the freaking Mets, and it was freaking Smoltz vs. Santana. If I didn’t live 700 miles away, I would have been there. I would have given my left nut to be within driving distance of that stadium. As it stands, I’m driving to three parks just to see some of our away games, and each drive will take hours. So for the guy who commented that he wasn’t close enough to ‘the yard,’ that’s fine as long as you truly live far away. Atlanta is a very large city, and Atlanta has always been known to have fair-weathered fans. Can we please change that now? If Atlanta fans can’t pack the stadium for today’s game, when are they going to ever sell this place out?
Finally, I must weigh in on Andruw. I’m one of those Braves fans who loved Andruw, and I was sad to see him go. But at the same time, I was also glad to see him go, because it was best for the team. He’ll go down in Braves history as one of our best ever. Unfortunately, many people are forgetting how great his career was. I seem to recall the same sentiment from a few people when we lost Murph.
By fastasballs
April 6, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
Lew Have you got a picture posted of Skip’s Wurlitzer? I’d love to see it.
DOB Is the weather still looking rough for tomorrow night?
By Overlord
April 6, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Eric in MO it aint about the run he allowed….. he was not sharp. A closer is not about getting last 3 outs with luck and asking for mercy. Its the other way around…. hitters should be the ones having a look in their faces like they were asking for mercy.
He is a really good pitcher, above average. I just dont think you want him closing a 1 run game in the playoffs.
By Epinephrine
April 7, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
Braveheart and Philliesuk:
Simple truth of the matter is that a large portion of the Braves current fanbase are young people. Atlanta has so many transplants that the core of games in summer is remarkably full high school to grad school aged kids. So when summer comes around, attendance inevitably spikes. That’s the base of kids that have grown up liking this team. It was the same last year, not great at the beginning and then increasing. I’d be surprised if the same trend didn’t continue.
By chase
April 7, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
DOB You sir need to read ALL of my earlier posts on the ANDRUW subject..I said the same thing you did..IF he has another year like last year then you can say he is in DECLINE…BUT if he bounce back then it was just a bad year!
And isn’t 26 and 92 nearly 30 and 100? I didn’t say those numbers were exact…
We have been figuring and talking about his whole career stats not just last year..
DOB..if it were for the SAME money would you still rather have KOTSAY than ANDRUW? I bet I know the answer to that question!
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
I dont think the argument about AJ should only include his numbers.
I think as important as that is the fact of how bad he looked when he made an out. That includes KKK, DP, ground outs, lazy fly outs, etc. He looked totally lost more than half his ABs, like if he was basically guessing.
I know he had very good seasons, but he is the biggest rally killer (regular player) that the braves have had in recent years.
Last year i just couldnt watch him bad. I knew nothing good was gonna happen, and not only that, he was gonna look ugly while failing.
I was hard on Kotsay 1st few days of the season. But we have seen what a CF is about. And that you dont need to pay more than 10 million to get a good CF.
By Epinephrine
April 7, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
Overlord we’ll see. I think you’re dead wrong. I think Soriano isn’t sharp, but if he hits a stretch like he did last year, I’d be shocked to hear about anyone on another team wanting him to come in.
By chase
April 7, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this
Hey THe BEAR
you need to read ALL my posts before commenting as well…the .013 average differential is FOR THEIR CAREER NOT THIS SEASON buddy!
And I never said the Braves should’ve kept ANDRUW…I am simply sick and tired of the relentless bashing of guy who is one of the best players to ever put on a BRAVES UNI!
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
One thing we learned today is that moving Glavine for tomorrows game was a really good move. IF glavine pitched today, no way braves would have won. No chance.
We have seen what Santana is capable of against us, so make no mistake, when we get to face him again, braves should make sure huddy or smoltzie get on the mount as well.
By chase
April 7, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
Fastballs one year does not make a decline! Like I said..if he has the same numbers this year you can say that BUT it was just a couple seasons ago that he finished 2nd in the MVP voting and carried the team to the playoffs w/o Chipper..
By Bama
April 7, 2008 12:11 AM | Link to this
I think the Dodgers got screwed with AJ and his $18 million a year. Joe will put his butt on the pine if he don’t perform, something Cox wouldn’t do. Thank God he’s gone and the future in Atlanta looks very bright in the outfields.
By chase
April 7, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
and EVERYONE please understand that I am not saying the Braves should’ve kept him and paid him that money..I am just sick of the constant bashing of guy for no other reason than you didn’t think his BATTING AVG was high enough!
It didn’y matter how many good things he did..that is all anyone comes back to.
And don’t give me this “lazy” crap…the Guy went to the post virtually everyday of his Braves career!
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this
Epinephrine, i will always pull for Raffy. But for Christs sake, i know it cant be automatic, but at least it should be more often than not. I like baseballs emotions, but my coronaries could use a 1-2-3 to end the game rather than feeling the game is a sneeze away to be given away.
What about Acosta? you think he is more inconsistent and that as he has less experience he is not a better choice?
What about moylan? Maybe soriano is our best option, at least until Gonzo gets back.
By fastasballs
April 7, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
chase, However you want to see it is your choice. I’ll try & view Andruw as being in a mini 1 & 1/2 year slump, not a decline.
By Epinephrine
April 7, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
Overlord, again I think you’re off point. I like Glavine vs. Santana a heck of a lot more than I’d imagine they like Hudson vs. Ollie or Pelfrey.
By N8
April 7, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
“DOB..if it were for the SAME money would you still rather have KOTSAY than ANDRUW? I bet I know the answer to that question!”
DING DING DING!!! You just gave away your intelligence, with that post, my friend. That has to be one of the dumbest questions EVER on this blog, IMO.
Hmmmm. If it wasn’t for the MONEY, would you have rather had Millwood, or Estrada?
If it wasn’t for the money, would you have rather re-signed Sheffield or gone with Mondesi?
If it wasn’t for the FEAR of him accepting arbitration again (thus a really high salary), wouldn’t we have rather had Maddux?
Hell, even last year. I’m sure ALL money “issues” aside, JS went to sleep with fantasies of Mark Redman in his head, rather than Tom Glavine being in our rotation.
I’ll repeat. Most ridiculous “hypothetical” of the past 6 months.
Well done.
And to answer your silly hypothetical, I’ll add that if both players were in their “prime” and healthy, I probably WOULD take Kotsay (who in his prime was one helluva CF - add to that he knows how to handle the bat), over Andruw.
Give up. NOBODY on hear is gonna agree with you. Hell, if “You know Who” was posting, he’d probably be laughing at your lunacy.
By chase
April 7, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
FASTBALLS
A 1 & 1/2 year decline huh?
Thats funny because in 2006 he hit 41 HRS and had 129 RBIs…
I bet alot of players would like to be in that kind of decline!
And by the way FASTBALLS and DOB and other believers in ANDRUW’S decline..Remeber this:
In 2004 (the year before his 51 HR season)..he had 29 HRs and 92 RBIs..VERY similar numbers to last year! I guess that was a “decline” too huh?
By chase
April 7, 2008 12:31 AM | Link to this
Again please everyone..Don’t let my FACTS and STATISTICS get in the way of your “Opinions”
Good NIGHT
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
I didnt get your point there Epi
By poorbrave
April 7, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this
Chase- Maybe he was on the juice o4, 05, 06/ He sure did drop fast after the Bonds mess. Man he’s gone get over it and wish him the best in LA.
By N8
April 7, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
“I am just sick of the constant bashing of guy for no other reason than you didn’t think his BATTING AVG was high enough!…It didn’y matter how many good things he did..that is all anyone comes back to.”
Let’s get more specific here, shall we?
His OVERALL batting average means NOTHING TO ME. It’s the .231 BA with RISP in 173 AB’s, that amounted to ONLY 70 RBI in those situations.
This was for our clean-up hitter, in his walk year. Simply NOT good enough.
Here’s a “hypothetical” for you. IF we lose Tex after this year (I think we WILL), along with IF the prospects we gave up for Tex amounting to anything. We can blame it mainly on Andruw’s shoulders.
Quite simply, and getting DIRECTLY to the point. Andruw’s LACK of production with RISP, and LACK of protecting Chipper FORCED US to trade for Tex (who, btw, hit .405 with RISP, in 131 AB’s AND with his 77 RBI in those situations, had 7 more than Andruw in 48 less AB’s).
So don’t give me the “.220” batting average crap.
Add to that, Bobby didn’t do Andruw any favors (in the fans eyes), by leaving him in the clean-up spot for so long. All that did was magnify his deficiencies, IMO.
Hope that clarifies MY stance on it. I’m sure you’ll try and twist it around to attempt to make a point that I’m “out to get” Andruw.
Nope. Just wanted a guy that said he wasn’t gonna accept a “hometown discount” to play like a guy that SHOULDN’T have had to settle for one.
You watch. Torre is gonna have him hitting 8th before too long. For cryin’ out loud, he dropped Arod in the batting order. You think he’s gonna let Andruw’s PAST keep him from managing his team?
I wouldn’t be that shocked if by mid-season, Andruw is in a platoon and is a late inning defensive replacement, provided the Dodgers have a young kid that Torre thinks can actually help them with his bat.
You heard it here first.
By N8
April 7, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this
Chase
You are the ONLY person on the planet. Check that. You are one of THREE people on the planet (the other two are Andruw and Bora$$), that think he is NOT in decline.
Let’s think about this. A guy around the age of 30, who has won a GG in EVERY full season of his big league career (btw, those are won more often than not on reputation, NOT actual play - unless you think Palmeiro deserved the GG at 1B when he was primarily a DH), and is a free agent.
Yet NOBODY offers him a 5 or 6 year deal. NOBODY offers him the 20-25 million per year, that Bora$$ predicted. When guys like Gary Matthews Jr., Rowand, and Jose Guillen were getting BIG dollars?
Looks to me, like 31 other clubs seem to think he’s in decline, too.
No other way to explain it my friend.
Sleep tight.
By fastasballs
April 7, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this
Chase, You might do a little research on Andruw’s stats instead of reading them from the back of a baseball card.
Have you actually watched the damn games over the years? Believe what you want, but if the rest of the league thought it was a fluke year he would have landed a big 5-7 year deal at 20 mil a pop now wouldn’t he? Even the big money teams were smarter than that.
By Lew
April 7, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
Fastasballs-Check it out at LewHartman.com in the baseball gallery. I’m sure you can figure out which picture it is.
ChopChop-I wish you had seen all of the other comments we sent with the drawing. A lot of people thought well of him. Every Denizen I asked to contribute did so.
I’m going to bed. See everyone tomorrow.
By THE BEAR
April 7, 2008 12:56 AM | Link to this
CHASE, if you write what you mean maybe I won’t have to fall your hand in the future. You do seem to do a lot of ROUNDING OFF. Even DOB had to call you on that.
Andruw is doing what he has been doing for the last 18 months, playing like a poor hitter. I have never written anything critical about his fielding, it would take an idiot to do that and I don’t think I qualify.
As for a hitter he has lost it and will never get it back until he listens to someone who is smarter than he is and there is no shortage of such people.
By yunel is the man
April 7, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
I have said since last year, Moylan should be the closer. I think the BC is thinking outside the box this year…. he might get his chance
By fastasballs
April 7, 2008 1:07 AM | Link to this
Lew Good stuff. That picture brought back good memories & I’m sure it did for Skip.
By Joebrave
April 7, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this
I’d like to take a moment and be really serious: People for the love of God,Please put your Children in the Backseat of your Vehicles,and make tham wear the proper eauipment. I will Bury my 10 year old Nephew on Wednesday,While His 5 year old Brother clings to Life at Scottish rite in Atlanta. Traveling with their Uncle on Saturday,their Uncle being My sister-in-Law’s brother,The Older Nephew ,and the Uncle were Killed on Impact when the Vehicle they were traveling in Hydrplaned,Killing the 10 yr old ,his maternal uncle,and Causing serious Brain injuries to the 5 yr old.
Please Take Care of Your Children,We Need them,and They deserve Our Protection!!
By Joebrave
April 7, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this
Please pray for My Nephew, James Ashton Evans, He is such a sweet little angel,and is in the Children’s intensive ICU at the Scottish Rite Hospital.
By TennesseePaul
April 7, 2008 1:45 AM | Link to this
Wow. This is a bit much. Andruw Jones gave this team his best and his worst. He gave this team everything. That wasn’t enough? There is no need to run him into the ground. He’s some place else now. Kotsay’s keeping the spot warm for the next guy. Hopefully the next guy can by just as much to this team as Andruw was for the past decade-plus.
Now… Let’s take these Rockies down. It’d be nice to see our pitchers hold Holliday hitless while Chipper tees off.
By Joebrave
April 7, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this
N8,Good points. I for one love A.Jones,however it was time for him to go!! I wish Him Nothing But the BEST!!!
By midtownBrave
April 7, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this
Why are we talking about Andrew now? He WAS a great player and every Braves fans should be proud of what he’s accomplished, and he is still capable of producing an enviable HR + RBI total.
But, is he a reliable hitter in many situations now? Lets say you have runners on the corners with 1 out, trailing by a run in the bottom of the ninth. Would you rather have Andrew hitting or Kotsay?
We could spend several days trying to decide if the Braves would have been better off with Andrew or Kotsay. BUt kinda pointless to think about it now. The management did what it thought was the best thing to do. Bring in Kotsay for a year until Schafer is ready to take over, at the same time freeing up some green to go and get Glavine.
Not signing Andrew and trading Renteria made this team a whole lot more competitive in its division. It helped us bring in Glavine and Jurjjens to bolster that rotation. Also, Schafer is the future CF and for this season I’m fine with Kotsay handling the job, if it is going to let us win the division with a strengthened rotation.
So, Andrew may be better than Kotsay or not, but what needed to be done was done. I like this team the way it is right now. We should spend less time comparing Kotsay and Andrew, and more time enjoying a great season ahead!
By midtownBrave
April 7, 2008 1:54 AM | Link to this
Why are we talking about Andruw now? He WAS a great player and every Braves fans should be proud of what he’s accomplished, and he is still capable of producing an enviable HR + RBI total.
But, is he a reliable hitter in many situations now? Lets say you have runners on the corners with 1 out, trailing by a run in the bottom of the ninth. Would you rather have Andruw hitting or Kotsay?
We could spend several days trying to decide if the Braves would have been better off with Andruw or Kotsay. But kinda pointless to think about it now. The management did what it thought was the best thing to do. Bring in Kotsay for a year until Schafer is ready to take over, at the same time freeing up some green to go and get Glavine.
Not signing Andruw and trading Renteria made this team a whole lot more competitive in its division. It helped us bring in Glavine and Jurjjens to bolster that rotation. Also, Schafer is the future CF and for this season I’m fine with Kotsay handling the job, if it is going to let us win the division with a strengthened rotation.
So, Andruw may be better than Kotsay or not, but what needed to be done was done. I like this team the way it is right now. We should spend less time comparing Kotsay and Andruw, and more time enjoying a great season ahead!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 7, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this
Andruw Jones best years were played while in the employment of the Braves.
He ain’t with the Braves anymore.
I’ll put it this way, Kotsay’s defensive gem in the fourth inning of todays game is the type of play that Andruw would have made three or four years ago but not anymore.
Kotsay is two years older than Andruw and in much better physical condition.
I’m thinking that the Braves are getting more bang for their buck than the Dodgers are when comparing contracts.
Initially, I had my doubts about Kotsay. Now I’m sold. The dude can play.
By fastasballs
April 7, 2008 1:59 AM | Link to this
Joebrave That’s very sad news to hear. I was just checking the blog before heading to bed, glad I did so I can add your nephew to my prayers tonight. Any family death is difficult, but when it’s a child or children……it’s unimaginable.
I’ll be praying for your nephew’s recovery, those lost & your family. I’m sure many, many others that post & read the blog will as well.
By jed
April 7, 2008 2:20 AM | Link to this
RIPmetro
you should really try reading my posts before responding. if you had, you’d have noticed i’m not talking about his elbow injuries. yes, he’s a pitcher, so those will happen. i’m talking about the endless array of muscle strains and pulls he’s suffered. his latest being a pec injury. something is causing that. either he’s on the lamest stretching program in sports (which would be his fault) or his body is falling apart prematurely. gosh, why would his body be falling apart prematurely?
By yunel is the man
April 7, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this
joebrave…me and my family will keep yall in our prayers. I am very sorry to hear that. May god be with you and your family, as will our family with the faith of our lord. Please remember miracles do happen, be with that baby everyday and show you the love I yall have and the lord will be with yall. GOD BLES
By AmazinsAgain08
April 7, 2008 3:22 AM | Link to this
Good game today Braves denizens. Both pitchers did fine. I have to admit that when Smoltz left after the 5th that I thought we could get into your pen for enough to win a close one. Instead you got into ours. So you guys get first blood but the games continue and we will be back. Congrats. Go Mets!
By AmazinsAgain08
April 7, 2008 3:30 AM | Link to this
N8
To Shea as we say up here. well some of us say it sometimes. Great control is a mighty sword. I think Johan’s FB and change are rated a bit higher than Jair’s at this point, but JJ has looked good so far. I’ll trade you Pelfrey and a PTBNL?
By johnny 99
April 7, 2008 3:53 AM | Link to this
With all the Andruw talk on the blog lately, I thought I might take a moment to present a voice of “reason.”
The good news is that, if you note Chipper’s mentions of him from early in spring training, Andruw “still wants to be here.” I believe the inference was that the short deal he signed would allow him to come back to Atlanta quickly.
Just think, in two short years, the brass can bring him back to play right field just in time for Frenchy to bolt for NYC. I mean, we already know he wants to “be Jeter for a day” thanks to Buster Olney, and his fav restaurant is there, too.
I mean, Andruw can lope around right field and drive in 100 runs and swing at bad pitches all the while—he’s a known commodity! So don’t worry, Andruw fans, he’ll get the opening day 2010 start in right.
And before the blog bursts into flames, the 99er’s tongue is planted firmly in his cheek….
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 4:53 AM | Link to this
Many a truth hath been spoken in jest…
By mets fan in atlanta
April 7, 2008 5:32 AM | Link to this
I mentioned on the blog Thursday or Friday it would not surprise me one bit to see the Braves win the series this weekend. The Braves obviously put more emphasis on these games than the Mets do. Why, I’m not sure, and that goes both ways. The Mets could have easily made sure that Oliver Perez started on Friday instead of Maine, which would have pushed him back to Saturday against Hudson. Maine could have pitched in Washington earlier with not as much pressure, and Perez could have continued his Brave-killing ways.
Willie did quite a few perplexing things today. When Santana’s spot came up in the 8th, he pinch hit for him instead of bunting Schneider over to 2nd. While Santana may not be a great bunter, it couldn’t have been worse than that lazy grounder. Then Santana could have pitched the 8th which would have meant no Tex HR.
I don’t know, it aggravates me that the Mets laid an egg this weekend, but it also is encouraging that while Reyes, Castillo, Wright, and Beltran were all hitless today, we were one bounce away from tying the game in the 9th. Considering the terrible offense by the Mets’ top of the lineup this weekend, and for them to have a chance to win both games before back-breaking HRs, that tells me when the offense comes around, the Mets will be deadly.
I mean really, the Braves scored 8 runs yesterday with 2 outs. 8!!! I don’t think the Mets scored a run with 2 outs the entire two games. I also think all 3 runs today were scored with 2 outs. As we saw last year, once the “clutch” hitting stopped, the record dropped dramatically for the Braves. So I’m not worried.
By David O'Brien
April 7, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
Someone asked about the weather here in Denver: Yes, it’s pretty nasty. Showers and temps in 30s during tonight’s game, that’s the forecast….
And just to finish this tired subject:
“DOB..if it were for the SAME money would you still rather have KOTSAY than ANDRUW? I bet I know the answer to that question!”” chase
Just for the record, the Dodgers are paying NINE TIMES as much this season for Andruw as the Braves are paying Kotsay (Braves only paying $2 mill of Kotsay’s salary).
I also don’t think the Braves would want Andruw, at least not the Andruw we saw since the middle of the 2006 season, signed to a two-year deal and blocking Jordan Schafer a year from now.
By the way, Chase, it’s way early, but so far Andruw is 3-for-22 with one RBI, six strikeouts and two GIDPs in six games for L.A.
And here are Andruw’s updated numbers since July 21, 2006: .221 (178-for-806) with 39 doubles, 43 homers, 136 RBI in 222 games, with,112 walks, 192 strikeouts, 6 SBs, 22 grounded-into-double-plays.
That’s .221-43-136 in 806 ABs and 222 games.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
Come on, admit it.. I’ll bet some of you folks still lament the Dale Murphy trade, even though it was the key for the Braves becoming a very good franchise.
The Redskins made the mistake of keeping their team together for a year too long and suddenly they *all got old at the same time.
Let Andruw go. We were lucky to have him when we did, now the Braves are a better team because he is gone. Don’t weep too loudly for him. He is making $18 million a year. A sure salve for his wounds.
By j-school dropout
April 7, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
DOB:
You forgot to add that Andruw is batting sixth in the Dodger lineup. I personally think Torre’s worried about his CFer.
By flange1
April 7, 2008 8:57 AM | Link to this
Morning All,
Seems like a beautiful day no matter what it looks like outside with a nice mini-sweep over the Mets.
A couple of comments:
JoeBrave, My condolences on your family’s tragedy. My prayers are with the youngster in the hospital. We bicker about baseball and then something like this happens and we see the real importance of things. Keep us posted..
On Andruw, I enjoyed his time with the Braves. I feel honored to say that I got to watch one of the best 2 centerfielders ever to play the game in his prime. Wish him the best going forward. Hope he can turn his offensive problems around. Sorry to see him go, but change is the only constant in life!
On the Mets series, Great to see Smoltz on the hill pitching like the stud he is. I hope the shoulder is not a problem for the rest of the year.
I was happy with the work of the pen. Soriano looked a little rattled yesterday, but thanks to Tex, we won the game.
The more experience the better for the young guys, and winning is a real help.
Hope we have no “cold” related problems in Colorado.
DOB, how is the back?
By eware
April 7, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
I would like to hear some other people’s opinion on this…
Gotay has not impressed me - mainly its his demeanor. During each at-bat he acts like a Met. If he strikes out he strolls off and drops his bat. Always has a word for the ump, etc.
This is not a Bobby Cox-type player. I hope he gets this straightened out, cause I think Gotay has talent.
By KC
April 7, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
DOB, any word on Mike Gonzalez’s progress?
Just curious.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
eware If I were Gotay, I would not get too comfortable in a Braves uniform. There is a reason the Braves signed Spiezio to a minor league contract when they are already loaded with infielders. Plus the fact that Infante will be coming back in a month, looking for a place to play. Ah well, nothing like a little competition to bring out the best in a player.
By Efrim
April 7, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
KC
THIS WEEKEND PROVED THE BRAVES ROTATION IS BETTER THAN THE METS’.
Did you really mean that at 10:11 PM last night? Long way to go. I’d say both rotations are very good. Smoltz impressed me so much though, it’ll be interesting to see how he bounces back with his next start against the Nats.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
I hope the old “cold ring finger” does not rear it’s ugly head on a frigid night.
By TommyP
April 7, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
J-school dropout: Andruw is a natural fit for the 6 hole. Power hitter with lower average…Braves tried to force him to be a 4 guy but he just wasn’t/isn’t.
Rumors floating that the Giants could be inquiring about Thorman. I wonder if the Braves still view him as an offseason contingency plan? I also wonder what he could net us.
By DAP
April 7, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
chase youre kinda being a weenie.
DOB’s post acknowledged andruw’s ALMOST 100 RBIs and ALMOST 30HR, but pointed out his horrible OBP .311 and slg% .413. both the lowest of his career, at age 30. thats not good. in 2004, before the led the majors with 51 HR is 2005, your right, andruw had 29 HR and 91 RBI. those numbers are similar to 2007, but his OBP was .345 and his slg% was .488. thats not eye-popping, but thats very good for a center fielder. this past year…not so much. he was terrible, no way around it.
as far as his 1 1/2 slump…thats pretty accurate. look at his game logs starting in august ‘06, and youll see whats going on. its a steady decline from there.
he might get it back together, and i hope he does…i root for him. but hes horrible right now, thats a fact.
By eware
April 7, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Good call, Gil. I didn’t think about Spezio replacing him. It makes sense as Bobby likes proven veterans. And, two World Series rings is proven in my book…
By Shaun
April 7, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
I was obviously surprised that Andruw was as bad as he was at the plate last season. Despite that, I will be surprised if he’s that bad all this season. But it’s obvious, given his age, body type and skill set that he’s never going to be the 1998-2006 Andruw again.
Joe Sheehan: …old players’ skills are power, plate discipline and sure-handedness. Young players’ skills are speed, contact and range. Loosely speaking, a young player with the former is more likely to fade out early. Like Paul Sorrento.
Andruw was/is an odd example of a player who basically always had some old players’ skills. It’s weird because he had good speed and range for a while. But his speed faded quickly and his instincts covered up his loss of range. But he was always one of the most sure-handed players in the game, an old players’ skill.
At the plate, he was obviously never a contact hitter and he had decent plate discipline.
Andruw had/has a unique mix of skills. A lot of old players’ skills combined with great range.
By Steve McP
April 7, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Gil - the only problem with your comment on Gotay is that he was claimed off of waivers, which (I think) means the Braves have to keep him on the roster for the year.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Pena is not hurting his own chances to stay with the Braves either. He may not be getting a hit at every at bat but he is hitting the ball hard. The play David Wright made on Pena smash down the left field line was only equaled by Tex in the ninth when he saved Soriono’s bacon with a great stop.
By Big Tub of Goo
April 7, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Gil: Come on, admit it.. I’ll bet some of you folks still lament the Dale Murphy trade, even though it was the key for the Braves becoming a very good franchise.
Actually, the true fans still lament that we didn’t trade Murph two years earlier for Lenny Dykstra, Rick Aguilera, and Howard Johnson.
By Shaun
April 7, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
chase and DAP, if anyone still doesn’t believe RBI are highly context-dependent, look at Andruw Jones.
By TommyP
April 7, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
DOB: Not sure you have a lot of time to read other others’ work but which writer/newspaper is your favorite to read?
I have two papers that I personally enjoy: Denver Post and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Their sports sections offer tons of baseball/home team articles.
And to chime in briefly on this CF debate, I’ll stick to my assertion that Nate McLouth would’ve been the best acquisition for the Braves to make this past offseason.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Anybody knows about hamptons progress or condition?
Im really happy to see kotsay play. Its known that i never liked AJ, but besides that, Braves should learn the lesson. CF is a position for a versatile player, not for a slugger. A guy you can bat leadoff, 2nd or 8th, arm, speed, etc. Not a glove that goes for the fence while batting.
Efrim i was really impressed by smoltzie yesterday also. He was not sharp to start the game but after that, man, you couldnt tell he is an oldie. I knew he could take care of the mets, but that offense is good and he kept them at bay.
By BossLady
April 7, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Well said, Chase 4/6/ 2:55 post.
We owe Andruw a thanks for what he did over the 11 years he was here.
Also, his WEB gem was on ESPN last night, showing that people are interested in what he is still doing.
By richbrave
April 7, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
GIL IN MECHANICSVILLE:
Where did you see SUNDAY’s game? And I’m running on one artery right now. Doc says no extremes of height or cold, so until it warms up I’ve gotta’ limit seeing my grandsons and the Braves. After this next by-pass should be O.K., mid-season I should think. Saw in today’s paper that Spiezio is 35. I guess if the Braves are gonna’ utilize him, now is the time. Too many infielders to keep everyone. Pena, Infante, Gotay, Spiezio. Have no idea who’s the odd-man out. They’re all doing well.
By Shaun
April 7, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Big Tub of Goo and Gil, best thing the Murphy trade did was open up a spot in the outfield for Justice. But without Schuerholz’s signing of Bream (along with a lot of other Schuerholz and Cox moves) the Braves would have gone nowhere. I know I’m splitting hairs but I wouldn’t say the Murphy trade was the “the key for the Braves becoming a very good franchise.” I’d say the keys were having Bobby Cox as the GM, then Schuerholz.
By KC
April 7, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
EFRIM: Sure, there’s a long way to go. Anything/everything is always subject to change. You never know how things are going to turn out.
My point is that, as it appears right now, the Braves have a better rotation.
The tandem of Smoltz/Hudson is better than Santana/Maine or Santana/Perez. No one is better than Santana, but whoever the Mets want to call their #2 guy at the moment doesn’t quite measure up to Smoltz or Hudson.
Sure, IF Pedro can get/stay healthy, they may very well have another ace. But I think the Braves can say the same of Hampton.
Depth is another factor. As I (and many others) pointed out before, the Braves appear far better equipped to deal with the loss of a starter (or even 2!) than the Mets are.
So again, as it stands, the Braves have 2 aces, to the Mets’ 1… and the Braves appear to have greater depth in the rotation.
That’s why I say, as things look right now, Atlanta’s rotation is better.
By Efrim
April 7, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
Overlord
Like I said, I can’t wait to see what type of performance he’ll put on agains the Nats next weekend.
By richbrave
April 7, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
GIL:
When does the Danville Braves season begin? Been thinking of subscribing to the DANVILLE BEE to get late results on the players. Cardiac rehab time. Post me up around 1:00 p.m. if you can. See ya’, or rather read ya’.
By Greg O.
April 7, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
DOB, is anything falling out of the sky out there yet? I’m at the airport getting ready to fly out there for the series. Hopefully my flight will actually get there today. My first trip to Denver - any recommendations?
By McFann
April 7, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Joebrave—
I am so sorry to read about your nephew! I will keep him and your family in my prayers!
God bless!
By Shaun
April 7, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Im really happy to see kotsay play. Its known that i never liked AJ, but besides that, Braves should learn the lesson. CF is a position for a versatile player, not for a slugger. A guy you can bat leadoff, 2nd or 8th, arm, speed, etc. Not a glove that goes for the fence while batting.
Yeah, Andruw stunk for a lot of his time here, didn’t he?
All he did was play the best centerfield in history and perform above average offensively in most years. They should have traded him in ‘96!
By chase
April 7, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Coach (LGB2008)
You said: “Kotsay is two years older than Andruw and in Much Better physical condition”
REALLY? How many games has Anruw missed due to constant injuries? How many has Kotsay missed?
If he is in such good shape then why is there constant questions about his back and whether or not he can play all season?
DOB I know the Dodgers are paying nine times more for ANDRUW than we are for Kotsay..AND I WOULD NOT PAY HIM THAT EITHER…But I was arguing that point with someone who earlier had said They would take Kotsay over Andruw even it were for the same 2 million dollars
I am sorry but that is ridiculous.
Also many of you who are ready to throw Andruw under the bus in favor Kotsay are the same people who just a few days ago were ready to DUMP Kotsay and bring Schaefer up because Kotsay couldn’t cut it….
N8 Come on man…ANDRUW didn’t “win his gold glove on reputation” Claim what you want about compartmentalized STATS like what he hit with 2 out and runners on BUT NOBODY matched him Defensively!
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
richbrave I have the MLB package for DirecTV. It is the one indulgence I allow myself. The feeds are not always Braves’ broadcast but none of them are worse than Jon Miller and Joe Morgan.
By KC
April 7, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
EFRIM: To follow up…
The reason I said that this weekend proved the Braves rotation is better than the Mets, is for two reasons:
1 - Again, I think we can see that John Maine (their current #2 starter) is no Tim Hudson or John Smoltz.
2 - This weekend reminded the baseball world that even though the Mets went out and got an ace… the Braves have one too. TWO of them in fact, and either is capable of standing toe to toe with Santana on any given night.
So while the addition of Santana was HUGE for the Mets, it did not give the Mets an edge on the Braves rotation.
The top of the Braves rotation is still the best in the NL (just as it was last year).
The difference between 2007 and this year (obviously), is the strength the Braves now have at the middle and back of the rotation.
The Braves rotation is stronger at the front end, and deeper at the back end.
By N8
April 7, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
AmazinsAgain08
“To Shea as we say up here. well some of us say it sometimes.”
Sadly enough….I like that!
“I think Johan’s FB and change are rated a bit higher than Jair’s at this point, but JJ has looked good so far.”
No doubt about it. I’m not denying that. In fact without digging back and re-reading my post to you, I believe I stated that JJJ is NOT in Johan’s league (and may never be).
“I’ll trade you Pelfrey and a PTBNL?”
No thanks. LOL!
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
Richbrave I had thought about trying to catch the Braves farm team when they play Potomac.
You realize you can get that information on line don’t you? You can link thru the www.rbraves,com site.
By Efrim
April 7, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this
KC
Considering Smoltz’s shoulder, I think the Mets tandem of Maine/Perez and Santana is better. But yes, the overall depth of the Atlanta rotation makes them better at this point. Hopefully Mike Hampton could come back and make this starting staff even better.
Rich Brave
June 15th
By flange1
April 7, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Gil,
Totally agree with you on the Gotay thing. He is a good pinch hitter, but with Infante coming back and Spiezo hopefully to be ready soon, 2 guys have got to go. Corky better play some better defense and Gotay beter light it up at the plate.
Gotay can be traded or waived with no problems.
Also interesting that SF is “interested” in Thorman. Why didn’t they claim him when he was on waivers? What is his value - NEXT TO NOTHING. He cleared waivers so any team that wanted him could have had him for the league minimum.
To me the bigger deal is what happens when Chuckie is activated. Do you send Bennett down when he has pitched pretty well and is the only long guy?
Resop and Ring are the two I would think about moving. Wonder if the Tigers would be interested in Resop?
By brent a.
April 7, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Texasbrave: You may not see this; but, as an FYI, Turner advertises HEAVILY!!!!!! in Atlanta for all of its networks/programming. Looking out my office window, right now, there is a billboard for Tyler Perry’s show on TBS.
Drive up/down I75/85, and they will let you know what movie is on Turner Classic Movies at 9:00PM that night.
Don’t forget the Cartoon Network.
Last year, for almost a whole month, they had MLB play-offs posters up all over town.
I would suspect that during the next week, or so, Mr. Perry’s billboard will be replaced with an NBA play-offs billboard.
In case you missed the memo, Turner Broadcasting is based here in Atlanta.
And that is why I was surprised to see them showing Boston-Toronto yesterday, without any type of advertisement anywhere in town noting that MLB was on TBS. It is surprising, considering the way they market everything else here.
And Braveheart, you are preaching to the choir. I understand fully, 100%, that the Yankees and Red Sox sell. That is not news to me (nor about anyone else) in the least.
Yet, there are still people that get uptight over Yankees and Red Sox coverage, and are of the opinion (which may actually have some validity to it), that baseball fans would actually enjoy seeing a nice sampling of the best teams across baseball; as opposed to just the Yankees or Red Sox. And thus, being born, the accusations of a Yankees-Red Sox bias on the part of ESPN.
Therefore, I think it is highly interesting to see how TBS, covering MLB for the first time, will choose its games, considering that TBS is known as the network of the Atlanta Braves, and the South. If they bow down to the Yankees and Red Sox, as well, then it only strengthens the point that the NY and Boston teams are what people want to see, and what advertisers will pay for, and has little or nothing to do with any “bias” by a network.
By KC
April 7, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
SELF CORRECTION:
I said the top of the Braves rotation is the best in the NL…
I should have said the top of the Braves rotation is AS GOOD AS any in the NL.
Webb and Haren may prove to be just as tough a 1-2 punch.
By KC
April 7, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
EFRIM: “Considering Smoltz’s shoulder, I think the Mets tandem of Maine/Perez and Santana is better.”
Efrim, as long as Smoltz is still out there making his starts, he’s better than Perez, and a hell of a lot better than Maine.
Even if Smoltz is only giving you 5-6 innings a start this year, I’ll take that over Maine or Perez.
Now Perez could change my mind if he comes out and has a season like he had several years ago for the Pirates. But right now… he’s not in the same class as Smoltz. Not even a sore-shouldered Smoltz.
By brent a.
April 7, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
For those interested, here is TBS’ MLB schedule through May. The Braves-Dodgers will be on in 2 weeks.
text to be linked
Personally, I thought it would’ve been a nice gesture to make the Braves the first game; however, my hunch is that they figured if they showed the Braves first, people across the country wouldn’t know that any change had occurred.
By McFann
April 7, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
Can’t we move past Andruw until the Dodgers come to town? He’s not our concern anymore. He was a great player up until last year, when he got lazy and wouldn’t listen to his coaches. That’s it.
By The Numbers Game
April 7, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Not Braves-related, but …
While looking through a number of daily newspapers, I came across this truly mind-blowing stat:
After seven games, the starting pitchers for the Minnesota Twins have more balks (two) than walks (one).
By Shaun
April 7, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
chase, I think Andruw versus Kotsay is pretty much a toss-up at this point, if their contracts were equal. I suppose you could make a good argument for Andruw because he was the better player at his peak so maybe there is still some potential for him to turn things around and, as bad as he’s been at the plate, he hasn’t had any significant injuries pretty much ever.
But it’s silly to ignore contracts. If Andruw asked for $2M, my guess is he’d still be here.
By JEB
April 7, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
DOB your post at 7:37 am is dead on to end the issue concerning Andruw. It is very easy to look at those numbers and see that AJ is NOT 9 times better than Kotsay! AJ was a great player in his time but… not 9 times better than Kotsay right now. On another issue, I can’t remember one season when Bobby ever kept 3 catchers (except after call up in Sept). I realize Pena is an exception because of his versatility, but I think the Braves are holding on to him in hopes of making a trade with him. This would at least give them something in return for him (even if it is a minor leaguer) rather than just placing him on waivers, and losing out all together. This spot would then afford them the ability to keep the extra pitcher in the bullpen. THOUGHTS??
By KC
April 7, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
“Considering Smoltz’s shoulder, I think the Mets tandem of Maine/Perez and Santana is better.” - Efrim
Yeah, CLEARLY Smoltz is unable to pitch effectively with soreness.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Is there any truth to the rumor that MLB is creating a made for TV league that will only consist of the Yankees and the Red Sox and they will play a 162 game schedule against each other assuring maximum TV ratings over the course of the season?
WooHoo… Look out for Tampa Bay. Do you think they maybe have figured out how to use all those talented youngsters they have in their system?
By timmy
April 7, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Joebrave, my condolences to you and your family. I have a 2 month old, who is my 1st and only, I watch her every movement like there is no tomorrow. I thought I was being an obsessive parent, being a 1st time parent and all. But when you her tragedies like this, and one I read in the paper up here in NYC, I realize I am doing the right thing. Again, my condolences to you and your family.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Shaun if i had a chance to get AJ again and the gods told me he was gonna have some good years as in 199x, i wouldnt take him. You are a guy that like stats….. well , here are some for you, im pretty sure you already knew them, but im gonna give you anyway.
14th on active list in KKK, and he is only 31.
64th on the all time list and he is only 31, he has 1400 KKK. The all time leader is Reggie Jackson (2597) and 2nd is Sammy Sosa (2306). Considering he has played 11 full seasons, his average yearly is 127 KKK/season. Lets say he plays till 39 (sosas age as we speak), he will end up with 2547 KKK. That is 40 short of the all time leader. As he is getting older, his rate of KKK per AB might increase but his ABs per season might also decrease, which might give us a balance right there. All this being said, AJ could and will easily end up in the top 5 in KKK all time…..GIVE ME A BREAK. And what is worse, he looks terrible while doing so.
By KC
April 7, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this
JEB: The Braves may be hoping to trade Pena, but more than anything… I think they just don’t want to LOSE him.
He’s out of options, so if he’s not on this roster, he would most certainly be claimed off waivers by another team, and the Braves would get nothing for him.
Whether his value is trade value, or performance value (in a Braves uni)… he’s WAY too good a talent to lose and get NOTHING in return for him.
By BT
April 7, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Joebrave,
Horrible about your tragedy. God bless you and your family.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Shaun on the active list of AB/K ratio, he is #200 with 4.6, come on, that will make any fan sick. There are only 22 players with a worse ratio than him on the list.
In 2004 he hit into 24 DP, the record is 36, he would have got closer to it if he didnt strike out a career high 147 times that season. You think his good season in 2005 made me forget about his horrible year in 2004? The answer is no in case you were wondering.
By David O'Brien
April 7, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
KC, agreed on Pena — if he goes, it’d be in a trade. He’d never clear waivers, and Braves know that. They’ve had plenty of trade offers, but aren’t eager to move him unless they get right deal.
By KC
April 7, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Joebrave: Wow man. My heart bleeds for you and your family. I can’t imagine. I’m very, very sorry to hear that.
By Luther
April 7, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Did anyone watch Braves Live after the game and see when they interviewed Chipper? Chino Cadahia walked behing Chipper and in front of the camera wearing only a small white towel around his waist that was splitting at the thigh. I thought they had a 7 second delay on tv?
By Lew
April 7, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Joe Brave-We’re thinking of you Dude. Hang in there-your nephew, too.
SteveMcP-I think that it’s only the Rule 5 Draft that requires keeping the player a full year. As far as I know, they own Gotay’s contract and can send him wherever they choose-options allowing, of course.
I could be wrong and if I am, I’m certain another Denizen will pick up on it.
On that subject (on the ball Denizens)-I was listening to Charlie Steiner’s show on XM the other day, not long after DOB was on. They were talking to a “famous Journalist”-not sure which one. He was really denigrating bloggers as uninformed and undertrained (as opposed to Journalists and their “Years” of training, as he put it).
Maybe DOB needs to invite this reprobate to the MIB BBQ blog. I think he may just be quite shocked at the accumulated knowledge that is apparent here on a daily basis. I suppose none of us have “Years” of baseball knowledge and insight into how the game is played. From the Younger crowd such as McFann (young and still learning, but doing so quickly, to the more mature crowd such as Adirondack Dave and Gil in Mechanicsville, we might just surprise them with how much we know.
No training, indeed. What a moron.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Shaun, since 2001 he has only hit .265 or more only once (.277 in 2003).
His career BA is .262, and by the way things are going, there is a chance it will drop bellow .250 very quick.
He has tons of HR and RBI, but to tell you the truth, i couldnt care less, he just looks terrible while hitting, not like a superstar, but like one of the 3 stooges.
By Efrim
April 7, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
KC
You are jumping to conclusions after one start man. I think we have to wait to see the full body of work of the season. I mean, you said not to panic after the Braves started 1-3 and the reasoning being that the season is a marathon. You’re completly right. So with that said, I think you have to wait before making Smoltz out to be a picture of health. He pitched great on Sunday, but again, you have to wait and see if he can do that once every five days.
By The Dead Horse
April 7, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
Druw was a great Brave. Sorry to see him go in a lot of ways. But, anyone watching the games for the last year and a half knows Andruw was a rally killing machine.
Maybe he’ll turn it around, but he showed little inclination to adjust his approach last year.
So that being said, offensively we are better now than we were with the Andruw of the last roughly two years.
Defensively, you’ve got to admit having Andruw patrolling CF was/is a huge asset, and from what I’ve seen, Kotsay isn’t a butcher but he’s no Andruw.
Don’t think Andruw makes that throw to first yesterday to get that DP though.
By JEB
April 7, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
KC & DOB thanks for input on Pena. If it is true that they have had offers on Pena, then I would think that, at this point in the season, there is no reason to just give up his talent for just any one in return. Just not that pressing of an issue right now. If they needed to make sure they had extra arms in the bullpen, or other injuries occured, then I am sure this would be a different situation.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
April 7, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
The question was asked of DOB whether he would want Kotsay or Andruw. At this particular time I would say I would rather have Kotsay. Here is why. I know Kotsay is going to put the ball in play. He is not going to strikeout or popup 80% of the time in run producing situations and while Andruw is better defensively than Kotsay it isn’t really that much better.
I love Andruw but he is stubborn. He is doing the same crap with the Dodgers that he was doing with the Braves. He is swinging at pitches a foot off the plate.
Fact is this. He is not worth that contract he is getting and by mid-summer the Dodgers are going to be regretting it if they aren’t already.
By 22oz
April 7, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
One thing to remember about the TBS Sunday afternoon game is that they are competing against other games going on at the same time. ESPN’s Sunday night baseball and FOX’s game of the week have exclusive rights to that timeslot-meaning no other games can be broadcast on tv at the same time. TBS has to pick the games that will maximize their ratings, which right now would be the Red Sox or Yankees. Don’t get me wrong, i’m as sick of the over-coverage of those 2 teams as anyone, but i understand the choice by TBS. The only people that watched the TBS game were Red Sox and Blue Jay fans, and out of market fans who can’t watch their favorite teams’ game. I’m pretty sure most baseball fans were watching their own team play. The Sox are the trendy team right now, so they get the best ratings.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Forecast in Denver: 34ºF right now. It will be something like that by game time. Chances of precipitation right now are 60%. It will be less than that by game time. Light rain and snow.
By KC
April 7, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
EFRIM: Who said Smoltz was a picture of health?
From what I hear, Smoltz has pitched through soreness or one variety or another the majority of the past 2 or 3 seasons.
If it’s nothing serious (no muscle tears or apparent threat of anything like that), which appears to be the case… there’s no reason to be overly worried about Smoltz.
Sure, he’ll miss a few starts, and he probably won’t pitch as many innings this year overall as he did the last couple seasons. But even so, he’s STILL more valuable than Perez or Maine.
By KC
April 7, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
DOB: Any word on Mike Gonzalez’s progress?
By ernesto
April 7, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Overlord, what’s up with all the KKK? Wouldn’t just the one K suffice? Although Andruw was usually good for more than one per game.
By 22oz
April 7, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Lew Joe Buck and Tim McCarver have “years” of experience, and they made several mistakes Saturday: 1-Andruw signed a one year deal with the Dodgers 2-We signed Kotsay to a one year deal 3-McCarver saying the Mets losing Pedro and us losing Hampton were pretty much equal in terms of blows to the team.
Now i don’t expect national announcers to know everything about every team, but when you do say something, at least know what you’re saying! I can picture Rosenthal in the dugout beating his head against the wall while those 2 idiots give us the “info”.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Braves pitching staff, 4th in KKK and tied for 2nd for the least HRs allowed.
By Efrim
April 7, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
KC
You’re right, you didn’t say that, but I think we need to wait and see how he responds every start. He isn’t a “worry”, but isn’t as sure a thing as some of the other aspects of this team. Like Kelly Johnson delivering against the Mets…over and over again……
….an all star in the making.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Lew My years of experience has taught me that the expert is “always the guy from out of town with the briefcase”..
I do not deride a man for plying his trade by whatever means but far to often I have seen governments and organizations throw away money hiring consultants to tell them what they want to hear.
Far too often, we measure a person by their paycheck and not by their ability. That said, while I might not always agree with other bloggers, I certainly respect their opinions and take into account their reasoning.
By McFann
April 7, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
From the Younger crowd such as McFann (young and still learning, but doing so quickly), to the more mature crowd such as Adirondack Dave and Gil in Mechanicsville, we might just surprise them with how much we know.
Thanks, Lew.
By chase
April 7, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
OVERLORD
You said: “Since 2001 Andruw has hit over .277 only once..HE has tons of HRs and RBIs but I don’t care”
So ALL you care about is batting AVG?
KOTSAY’s career BA is ONLY 13 points higher than ANDRUW’S (thats about 1 hit in every 50 at bats)
The fact that Andruw had 51 HRs and 126 RBI in 2004 and 41 & 129 in 2005 mean nothing because he had a low BA and struck out too much?!
I guess half the power hitters in the game Howard, Dunn, etc. should be kicked to the curb as well b/c they strike out too much and have a low BA!
368 HR, 1886 Hits, 1117 RBI, 11 GG mean NOTHING to you because he struck out too much and had a .268 career AVG!?
Good Grief
I shouldn’t even respond to remarks that stupid!
And if AJ puts up his yearly AVG of 35 HR, 102 RBI, and a GG…ANYONE is ABSOLUTELY STUPID to pass that up for KOTSAY IF the MONEY were the SAME!
I know it is not and I am not saying he should be here or that I want him to still be here BUT NOBODY should discount what he has accompished and what he has meant to the Braves!
By tkg
April 7, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Went the game yesterday at The Ted … Paid way too much for my tickets to sit 12 rows behind home plate, spent too much money eating a bad brunch at the 755 Club and I still came home happy.
Great game yesterday. Can’t wait to see them again….
Maybe this series is the start of a 10 to 12-game winning streak? That’d be nice.
JoeBrave … Many prayers for your family.
By chase
April 7, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Oh…and those of you who keep saying “Andruw wouldn’t have made that throw yesterday to get Delgado”
You are right…YOu know why?
Because if AJ was in center field Delgado would have expected him to catch the ball and would’ve never been that far off base to begin with
The fact that Delgado ran that far means he didn’t expect that Kotsay had enough range to get to the ball and neither did the MUTS’ first base coach!
By Lew
April 7, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
McCarver and Buck would be well advised to listen to a Vin Scully broadcast sometime and learn what preparedness really is.
By flange1
April 7, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
Chase,
Why don’t you let this one go? You keep contradicting yourself and the whole argument is getting boring.
Bottom line, AJ was a great player for the Braves. His defense was the best ever. His offense never lived up to expectations, but was great for a few years. Last year, he was horrible. This spring he was horrible. So far this year he has been horrible.
Maybe that is not a trend, but it ain’t chopped liver either.
Maybe he is in decline, maybe not.
He cost a bunch of money this year, more than the Braves were willing to pay.
Kotsay, is much cheaper, a better for average hitter with less power. He is a good defensive player, maybe not great like Andruw was in his prime but good.
Do we need to say anymore on AJ/Kotsay?
I don’t think so.
By THE BEAR
April 7, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Andruw’s career is BEHIND him. Ask TP for verification.
Unless he gets into shape and begins trying to hit to right field he will see his performance continue its downward drift. Follow the Dodger box scores and see how long it will take for Torre to drop him from 4th to 7th or lower in the batting order. The Dodgers made a collossal error in signing him.
I appreciated him while he performed but that appreciation went south when he began killing rallies with his smiling K’s and DP’s. That drove me nuts.
By David L.
April 7, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
[www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/04/giants-interest.html](www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/04/giants-interest.html}
Giants Interested In Scott Thorman
I think the time is RIGHT NOW to pounce on this opportunity with the Giants. I have no confidence in Mike Hampton coming back to the Braves and being effective. And if he does come back this year, he sure won’t be here for next season. If the Giants are willing to talk about Scott Thorman, then the Braves should be willing to talk about Lincecum or Cain in return. I think the time is right now to make moves while the NL East is up for grabs instead of waiting for the offseason or waiting for Mike to come around and rely on Jo-Jo Reyes to fill in. Giants are horrible and they’re old. Why not just throw them Reyes, Thorman, and a prospect and build around guys like Hudson, Jurrjens and either Cain or Lincecum for the future?
By Chop Chop
April 7, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
Chase,
It’s cool, man. You can let the Andruw stuff go. No, really, I mean it. I’m mostly on your side about Andruw, but there’s only so much arguing you can do.
Not that my advice is being requested, but when I read something here that strikes me as being patently absurd, I just try to point it out, get my jabs in, and move on. This way of blogging keeps things here flowing along until the next intractable argument. Yippee!
By chase
April 7, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
Overlord
You are comparing AJ to Reggie Jackson in an effort to describe how bad he is??????
Now I’m really confused!
I think you are making my case for me brother!
By London Correspondent
April 7, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
My take on Andruw/Kotsay. For a lot of years, at his peak, I’d take Andruw. For a cheap, single season bridge before bringing up the next phenom, I’d take Kotsay.
Oh look - that’s exactly what we did.
By Lew
April 7, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Chase-Dude, he’s not with the Braves anymore-time for you to get over it. I liked Andruw as a Brave myself, but he was hardly the same player he was in years past.
1.His batting average has been anemic along with his OBP and getting worse.
That ankle breaking swing was not only painful to watch, but all the more frustrating because he wouldn’t listen to how to improve it-it went on for almost two full season while his home run output dropped by 50% from 51 in 05 to 25 in 07. That right there is a pretty big indicator of eroding skills.
He was increasingly uncoachable -“Ill wait until the offseason and look at film.” ??????? What was wrong with watching it three months earlier?
4.He has definitely lost a step. He never ran hard to first and he was letting many more balls get past him in the outfield. Yes, he still makes some spectacular plays, but used to be nothing got past him to the wall. If it was because of injuries, then he should have taken time off to heal and not insisted on staying in the lineup against all common sense.
Dude, I think it’s perfectly obvious he was no longer the player he once was-still decent, mind you, but his head grew even harder. I for one was tired of that little grin whenever he struck out or grounded into yet another DP. He’s the Dodger’s problem now. Let him be.
By Philliesuk
April 7, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
If anyone still had doubts about ESPN and their Yankees/Red Sox blatant bias…today on Sportscenter their lead baseball games were Tigers, Red Sox, Yankees, etc. Hmmm. Am I missing something? Was there a better game yesterday? I guess the Smoltz-Santana match-up just wasn’t ‘interesting’ enough. I guess the incredible play Tex made to end the game just isn’t a good enough highlight to them. I’m also confused, because I thought since we were at least playing a NY team, we would be one of the lead stories. I’m just so sick of their ‘preferences.’ ESPN is a complete waste.
I can’t believe how much discussion there has been regarding Andruw. Is there anyone on the planet that thinks the Braves should have given him $18 million when we have more solid outfield prospects in baseball (Heyward, Schafer, B.Jones, Hernandez)? If we had given up $18 million, there would have been a 0% chance we would re-sign Tex, instead of the 5% chance we currently have.
By Lew
April 7, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
DavidL-I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and pretend I didn’t just hear you propose a trade of Thorman for Lincecum or Cain. Please tell me I misread that. If that IS what you said-Surely you’re not seriously considering that the Giants would not laugh outright at that suggestion?
By N8
April 7, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
chase
You’re still talking? You wouldn’t have happened to be one of the Gold Club girls from a few years back, would you?
Good god. Get a room, with you man-crush on Andruw, already.
“The fact that Delgado ran that far means he didn’t expect that Kotsay had enough range to get to the ball and neither did the MUTS’ first base coach!”
Yeah, because Kotsay has NEVER been known as a guy with a good arm. As they said on the broadcast yesterday, NOBODY has more OF assists in the past 10 years, than Kotsay does.
So if the “MUTS’ first base coach” was unaware of Kotsay’s arm, he should be looking for a new job today.
You’re UNBELIEVABLE!
“And if AJ puts up his yearly AVG of 35 HR, 102 RBI, and a GG…ANYONE is ABSOLUTELY STUPID to pass that up for KOTSAY IF the MONEY were the SAME!”
You’re STILL making this silly hypothetical????
THE MONEY IS NOT THE SAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get it through your skull. If Andruw has his typical “35 HR and 102 RBI” season at 18 million dollars, that means Kotsay only has to get about 1/9 of the votes for a GG, hit 4 HR and have 12 RBI, to be “equal dollar for dollar” to Andruw, since we’re paying him about 2 million dollars.
Not to mention, that the money we “saved” on Andruw netted us Glavine (8 million dollars), and helped pay for Tex as well.
So, you’re saying you’d RATHER have Andruw Jones in CF, than have Kotsay in CF, Glavine in the 3-hole of the rotation, and Tex at 1B????
Pardon my French, but you appear to be the one that is ABSOLUTELY STUPID. Not the rest of us.
Keep it coming son. You make it too easy.
By jbutler
April 7, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
joebrave My prayers are with you. I literally can’t imagine. Every time I get in the car and think that I’m just popping around the corner, they’ll be fine- some horrific accident happens to remind me to take 2 secs. to do it. That’s all it is. What a tragedy.
By chase
April 7, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Flange1
Who’s expectations did he not live up too?
2nd fastest in history to reach 350 HRs. All those RBIs, GGs
What exactly were YOUR expectations?
This is where people’s arguements break down…Because what you are mad about is that he Averaged 35 HRs and 102 RBIs a year instead of 50 and 130!
If that is the foundation of your arguement it is built in quicksand
Nobody ever lives up to “expectations” because no matter how great someone (or team) does there are going to be people who B*TCH because they didn’t do more!
By Original Jon
April 7, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
David L What are you proposing here? Are you saying what I think you are saying? Thorman and Jo-Jo for Lincecum or Cain? You wouldnt get neither for Thorman and JJ. You would have to throw in at least 2 or 3 more prospects for the Giants to even consider that trade.
By KC
April 7, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
David L: We won’t be relying on JoJo Reyes to fill in. Chuck James is the guy that will be stepping in. And after him, it would be Jeff Bennett. We are well equipped to handle any starts in Hampton’s absence.
Having said that, it would be wonderful to get Cain or Lincecum… But what do you suppose we’d have to put with Scott Thorman to get either one of those guys?
The chances of getting Cain for Thorman are about the same as our chances of trading M.Prado for Brandon Webb.
Young talented starters are the most valuable commodity in baseball. To even have a shot at landing someone like Cain, we’d have to give up a LOT, including at least one of our top 5 prospects. Thorman would mean next to nothing in a deal like that.
By Steve C.
April 7, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Chase,
Check back with me when Andruw is hitting his weight. Oh…wait a minute, I guess hoping he bats .300 this year is probably a stretch, huh?
By j-school dropout
April 7, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
David L:
In what universe are the Giants dumb enough to trade one of their two best pitchers—Lincecum or Cain—for Scott Thorman? We’ll be lucky to get a AA catcher or A pitcher for the guy. Get real!
By jbutler
April 7, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
N8 Made me laugh. Truly. Good knock down. We’ll see if he’s delusional enough to actually try and get up. Kind of hoping he cries “uncle.” But he needs a mercy killing.
By Chop Chop
April 7, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Philliesuk,
The last paragraph of your 12:13 is the main thing that needs to be remembered about Andruw’s situation. Whether you were sick of Andruw Jones for some reasons, or loved him for others, the bottom line is that the Braves had much cheaper options in CF this season.
The thing I’m really wondering about is the possibility of Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton all coming off the books at the end of the year. In that scenario, the Braves would have no excuse for not paying Tex top dollar. I don’t even know how Frank Wren could face the fans if Tex is not re-signed. I guarantee you that such a failure would make it very easy for Bobby to hang ‘em up. I know we’re only a few games into this season, but the next offseason could bring about the complete break from the good, old days.
By chase
April 7, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
N8
READ my post carefully before you speak!
I never said anything about Kotsay’s arm on that play buddy!
His throwing ability is/was irrelevant if Delgado/1st base coach DIDN’T think he couldn’t catch it to begin with!
He ran because he was sure that it would drop!
And N8 you were one of the people ready to can Kotsay the other day in favor of Schaefer!
and N8 please read all the posts..I didn’t make that hypothetical anology about the SAME MONEY..someone yesterday said that they would take Kotsay over Andruw for the same money and I have been saying it is ridiculous…
Read everything before you speak sir..“Better to stay silent and thought an idiot than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!”
By Shaun
April 7, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Overlord, you wouldn’t take Andruw 1998-2006? Because of strikeouts?
Well, I count eight of the top 20 players in career strikeouts in the Hall of Fame. And the non-Hall of Famers all had good careers (or either they’re not eligible yet).
Let’s look at the numbers that are more telling that batting average and strikeouts or whatever other stats you want to cherry pick:
.341 career OBP
.496 career SLG
113 OPS+
2.63 Range Factor per game
2.77 Range Factor per 9 innings
A reputation to match the defensive stats, a pretty good indication he was a great fielder, perhaps the greatest centerfielder ever.
I wouldn’t take Andruw now for anywhere near the money he wanted but for almost a decade he was a truly great player (above average with the bat and a Hall of Fame fielder).
(Oh, and what’s with the KKK stuff? Not sure what that means in the context of baseball.)
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Chase i never compared AJ with Jackson. When Jackson was at the plate, pitchers were scared. When AJ is at the plate, pitchers know the only thing the have to do in order to go unharmed is throw the ball precisely on the lefties batting box, and it will better if it bounce 2 feet in front of the batting box. How many of AJs RBI didnt mean anything? half? half of his homers and/or RBI were hit in blowouts (braves in front or braves losing).
By chase
April 7, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
N8
My goodness..if you would only read ALL of my posts you would save yourslef alot of typing!
I don’t want ANDRUW to still be here..I think he is overpaid…I have no problem with Kotsay…
I am just sick of the lunatic fringe who acts like he was a horrible player who never did anything!
If you had just read each post carefully you’d alreaady know that!
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
April 7, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Look, Andruw is a good player who has flashed of brilliance. He could become a great player but obviously he is not willing to do what it takes to become that great player.
He is possibly the best defensive centerfielder to ever play this game but his stubborness and and hollow offense makes him only an above player.
Lets be real. If Andruw’s defensive skills were that of Juan Pierre’s, would he really be that much of a better player than Pierre?
By Big Easy
April 7, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
David L. Thorman for Lincecum or Cain? You’ve got to be kidding! It’ll take a LOT more than Thorman to get one of those guys. I mean, I know the Giants are bad, but seriously…
~E~
By chase
April 7, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Anyone who wants to chime in on this Andruw discussion NEEDS to read all the posts and Replies on the subject before commenting!
You can’t take an out of context post or reply and think you understand the points trying to be made.
Steve C
TEX is hitting .143 I dare say that is not his weight..should we not resign him? Is he in decline? That comment was stupid 6 games into the season!
By N8
April 7, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
chase
“Nobody ever lives up to “expectations” because no matter how great someone (or team) does there are going to be people who BTCH because they didn’t do more!”*
Let’s get one thing straight.
I would have traded Andruw before he became a 10/5 guy. That had NOTHING to do with his ability. But everything to do with our payroll situation, and the fact that only ONE TEAM EVER has won the world series with one player taking up more than 16 percent of the total team payroll (2002 Angels).
Secondly, my expectations of him were NEVER anymore than what he gave us. But as soon as Bora$$ and Andruw acted like HE was doing the Braves a favor for playing for his beloved Bobby Cox, for a mere 13.5 million per year, THAT is when my expectations ROSE to un-reachable (for Andruw), proportions.
He and Bora$$ wanted to fool us (you know, fans who watched him FLAIL at low and outside pitches for a decade - save ONE fantastic season), into thinking he was as good a hitter as Arod, Vlad, Pujols, or even Bonds or Griffey in their prime.
You claim that his 100 RBI and GG should be enough reason to OVERPAY for him.
Hmmm. Jeff Francoeur is coming off of his 2nd straight 100 RBI performance, and he just won his first (of what appears to be many GG’s), yet he’s only cost us $427,000 last year?
So WHY should we (a team trying to save dollars), give a guy that is IN DECLINE (no matter what you see or say), 18 million per year? Even IF we could afford it.
Mark it down. At the end of the year, when all the pundits are discussing who the most overpaid guys this year were, Andruw will be at, or near, the TOP of that list.
By brent a.
April 7, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Hey everyone - I just saw Hank Aaron in my neighborhood!
We were driving down the street, and a lady crossed in front of us, and a man stopped in the other lane. At first, I was afraid he was going to walk out in front of us. My wife, hit the brakes, but he stopped, so we drove by the guy at < 5 MPH.
So, I looked, and it was none other than The Hammer himself!
We got to the end of the road, and my wife decided to turn around, and sure enough, he and the lady were pulling away in a Toyota with “Hank Aaron Toyota” emblazoned on the back.
He actually stopped in the street, and opened his car door, so I was just about 3 feet from him, and I waved, but of course, we kept going.
I only wish it had been April 8th!
By chase
April 7, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Overlord
Man you backpeddled fast enough to impress Deion Sanders!
And to say half his HRs and RBIs meant nothing is ABSOLUTLEY RIDICULOUS..By saying that you are saying that the Braves would’ve been the same team the past 10 years if AJ had only hit 184 HRs and 550 RBIs..COME ON MAN BE REALISTIC!
By Philliesuk
April 7, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure what we would have to throw in to get someone like Lincecum or Cain, but my guess is that it wouldn’t happen without us throwing in one of our outfield prospects. While I would be surprised if Brandon Jones or Gorkys Hernandez is moved at some point for another starter, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. Chop Chop brings up a very good point about preparing for the upcoming years.
Personally, I would love to see a trade like that happen, because our outfield of the future is Heyward, Schafer, and Francoeur. Our future on the mound looks pretty bleak, as it stands now.
By TennesseePaul
April 7, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
Lew: I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and pretend I didn’t just hear you propose a trade of Thorman for Lincecum or Cain. Please tell me I misread that. If that IS what you said-Surely you’re not seriously considering that the Giants would not laugh outright at that suggestion?
I hear what you’re saying but… For the Giants we’d have to offer an older player in decline. Thorman is way to young to snatch Cain. Maybe if we still had Franco and Pratt.
In recent seasons, Sabean has traded away two top-tier relievers in Joe Nathan and Jeremy Accardo (each of whom eclipsed 30 saves in ‘07) and an All-Star starter in Liriano.
—Gennaro Felice
By Shaun
April 7, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
chase, I think a lot of us would agree that if the money were the same and a relative small amount, we’d probably take Andruw.
Philliesuk, ESPN has a bias toward whatever story makes them the most money. People watch Yankees and Red Sox stuff. Yankees-Red Sox regular season games get hiring ratings than NBA playoff games. So, yes, ESPN is biased. Biased in favor of the almighty dollar.
And maybe people are sick of Yankees-Red Sox. But until it’s blatantly obvious in the ratings, do you think ESPN is going to take a chance on emphasizing other baseball stories? I’d have a hard time changing things if the things I’m doing continue to rake in the dough.
By Renegator
April 7, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
chase
who cares if Delgado and the first base coach didn’t think he would catch that ball?
That fact is he did catch that ball and doubled up Delgado - something Andruw would never had done if he had been in CF.
Get over your man crush - Andruw is gone and in decline.
By Joebrave
April 7, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Thank You All for your Prayers,It means so very Much!! Update on the Little one,He has been put into a drug induced Coma to stop any Brain activity,Little man is a fighter though!!! Net 3 days will be really treacherous!! Thank You all once again for the good will,and Prayers!!! Sincerely Joebrave.
By Lew
April 7, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
ChopChop-I have it on real good authority that Bobby Cox is not going to retire.
By chase
April 7, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
N8
For the love of all that is decent and holy read all my posts…I DIDN’T SAY WE SHOULD’VE KEPT ANDRUW or that he was worth 18 MIL
BUT give him credit for what he did and don’t forget that several years ago he shut Boras out of the negotiations and signed a LESSER CONTRACT than he could’ve gotten somewhere else because of his loyality to the Braves!
By Steve C.
April 7, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Ummm…Chase…my comment had actually more to do with what Andruw’s average has been since July 2006 (.221), which I think is more of an indicator than just a few games. Care to look up what Tex’s average is since July 2006? Surely, way more than his weight, unless he went through a Len Barker period. :) Well, now I am just dating myself, how embarrassing…
By N8
April 7, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
chase
“If you had just read each post carefully you’d alreaady know that!”
I’ve read them all. I get your stance. But what I can’t get over, is that you CONTINUE to say “if the money were the same…..”
That’s has been, is and still will be tomorrow, a HORRIBLE hypothetical. The money will NEVER be the same.
But I’ll let the argument die, as to just move on.
“And N8 you were one of the people ready to can Kotsay the other day in favor of Schaefer!”
Nope. I’ve never said that Schafer should be up now instead of Kotsay. What WAS said, is that if Kotsay struggles, I believe that he (like Mondesi and Jordan when Francoeur came up), will be on a short leash, because BOBBY has said that Schafer could play defense up here right now.
And since Kotsay is hitting 8th (perfect spot for Schafer to break into the order), if Kotsay isn’t hitting anyhow, what would the difference be.
Never once said that Kotsay has to go. I’ve been in love with the Kotsay trade from day one (barring he’s healthy - which he appears to be).
*”someone yesterday said that they would take Kotsay over Andruw for the same money and I have been saying it is ridiculous…”
I was the one who said that IN THEIR PRIME and fully healthy, I would take Kotsay over Andruw.
Kotsay, fits the type of player that I like. A guy who makes contact. A guy that takes the ball the other way. A guy that in the #2 spot of the order, did EVERYTHING that everybody had a hard on over Renteria doing the past two years. A guy that played GREAT defense in CF, and let’s not forget….
A guy that has played CF for TWO World Series Champions. How many has Andruw played for?
It’s not that I was saying Kotsay put up better numbers than Andruw. But he is the type of player that doesn’t fold under pressure the way Andruw has (other than the first two AB’s of his WS career).
Hell. I’d take Grissom over Andruw in their primes. Grissom was damn near as consistent in CF, and a helluva a lot better hitter when the chips were on the table. Check the post-season numbers.
I didn’t say that if I was looking for a cleanup hitter, I’d take Kotsay over Andruw.
What I meant was, that if I was constructing a team in the manner that I would like to construct one, in his PRIME, I’d take Kotsay as my CF over Based on what he brings to the table in the batters box, besides long HR’s against mediocre pitchers that make mistakes.
For that matter, I’d take Kenny Lofton in his prime over Andruw as well. Poor club-house attitude and all. That guy CHANGED games.
By Braves20
April 7, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Robert (Chipper Is Best): First, didn’t it used to be Justice is Best?
But that aside, you hit the nail on the head on Andruw - great skill sets but not willing to go the extra mile.
As this old slap struggled with his sneakers early this morn on the way to the gym, there was Tiger on TV saying he didn’t know why some people hit the snooze alarm. He obviously doesn’t! Andruw, we can only surmise, does.
By Steve C.
April 7, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Scratch that, meant to put Terry Forster, not Len Barker…
By David O'Brien
April 7, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Guess what, folks: It just started snowing here in Denver.
By BravesFanInRockies
April 7, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
BTW, denizens, it just started snowing pretty hard in downtown Denver. Sticking to the pavement, too.
Silver bells … (sing along now!)
By chase
April 7, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Think about this..as good as TEX is..even if he hits 50 HRs a year the next TWO seasons..he will still be over 100 HRs behind what AJ had at the SAME AGE!
By Lew
April 7, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
ChopChop-I have it on real good authority that Bobby Cox is not going to retire yet.
If Tex is not resigned, I would imagine all of that money will be spent on pitching to try to bring our rotation back to dominance.
I’m not so certain that signing Tex is the way we should go. He will be outrageously expensive and the money could be better spent on pitching (we will likely have to replace Glavine, Hampton and maybe Smoltz next year), with a stop gap kind of like Kotsay in center for first base until Heyward or Kai’Hue are ready to take over.
By BravesFanInRockies
April 7, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
BTW, it’s supposed to reach the low 40s later today. Probably be just warm enough to rain around gametime. And then get colder. Ouch.
By Lew
April 7, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
That’s weird-it posted a partial post. Cyberspace is tripping again.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Chase your superstar has 3 hits in 22 AB with no HR, 1 RBI, 6Ks in 6 games. Wow, now thats impressing. You are right, i was wrong, AJ is a superstar, let hand the dodgers their NL ring.
Its way early, but you know those numbers will not get much better. Can you feel the pressure?, thats the name of the game, specially in LA where his babysitter manager is not there anymore.
By chase
April 7, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
For the GIANTS to even consider giving up Cain or Lincecum
the Braves would have to give up THORMAN plus JO JO or Chucky and maybe even PENA or one of those young minor league infielders/outfielders
And if that peaked their interst I would consider it!
By Lew
April 7, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
TenPaul-You may be right. The Giants love those 40 somethings almost as much as the Mets do.
By AGTfan
April 7, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
Please let the AJ controversy end, he says as he prepares to add to it. IMHO Andruw, in his prime, was the best defensive Center Fielder ever. Yes, I’m old enough to have seen Willie Mays play and I think Andruw was better. I think those arguing against Andruw are somewhat overstating his offensive liabilities, based on last season. Andruw frustrates the heck out me because, I don’t think he has ever done what it takes to reach his full potential. What he as reached was pretty darned good. And yes, the Braves made to right decision to let him go.
Now, on to my pet peave. Defensive Indifference! I understand the logic behind it, but I hate it. I can see it with a 3 run lead, but when the lead is down to 2 runs and your closer is having a hard time locating the strike zone, I hate it.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
James vs Redman on wednesday. Guess James has a chance to win even if he is not that ready yet.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
April 7, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
N8, I was also one who wanted to trade Andruw before he became a 10/5 guy. I had two main reasons for wanting to trade him. 1. It was obvious he was not going to re-sign with the Braves and I felt they should have gotten something for him before he was untradeable. 2. His decline in production was becoming obvious. It was apparent he wasn’t going to ever correct his flaws and I felt despite his defense he could be moved for another centerfielder with upside.
I hate to beat a dead horse but I am going to do so. Just imagine if JS would have accepted the Red Sox offer of Crisp, Jed Lowrie, and Cason Gabbard. The Braves would have a more than solid back of the rotation starter in Gabbard, an excellent prospect in Lowrie, and a coveted centerfielder in Crisp who could be used to yield even more talent. And, yes, the Braves would have been just as good last year with Crisp in the lineup as Andruw.
By TennesseePaul
April 7, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Mark it down. At the end of the year, when all the pundits are discussing who the most overpaid guys this year were, Andruw will be at, or near, the TOP of that list.
Andruw might be near the top, but there is no way he is going to be on top of this list. Not possible. As much as Andruw is being paid, he’s only being paid that much for two (2) seasons. The man at the top of this list will more than likely be Barry Zito. Zito could dethrone the man that has occupied the spot for quite some time, Mike Hampton. I think Hampton has done a strong job of keeping Pavano off the top of that list. It wasn’t easy, but I think he pulled it off.
Of course, even if AJ turns in a duplicate of last season, he’s still more productive than Juan Pierre. And Pierre is signed to be a Dodger for longer than AJ. In total Pierre will cost more than AJ, hold a roster spot longer than AJ, and even at AJ’s worst, Pierre is still a miserable player.
Now that I’m at the end of this post I’ll venture a guess that AJ won’t be at the top of this list due in large part to the duration of his contract. Not with the Zito’s, Hampton’s, Pierre’s, Matthews’, Pavano’s, Tejada’s, Giambi’s, and Farnsworths’ of the league. To go along with pretty much the entire Giants team. Is Russ Ortiz still being paid by the D-Backs? I know they cut him after only a season but that’s the thing about a guaranteed contract…
By Mitchie-san
April 7, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Two things from me.. 1. I dont miss Andruw Jones at all. I am glad he is gone to tell you the truth.
I hate the Mets and am very happy about this weekend.
As you were.
By Mitchie-san
April 7, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Two things from me.. 1. I dont miss Andruw Jones at all. I am glad he is gone to tell you the truth.
I hate the Mets and am very happy about this weekend.
As you were.
By OrlandoFan
April 7, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Man, a few days away and all the debate is about Andruw. I thought he went to LA? Greatest defender I’ve ever seen play his position, but he clearly has not found a way to end the decline that began in late 2006. Did I wish he had stayed when the Braves said go? You bet. But that didn’t happen, and we all move on. Just like after Murph was traded (someone cited that). You get mad; you get over it. You don’t the take his successor (not the ordained one, but a rented one, at that) and compare every play or non play. That’s just a waste of time and brain power.
By chase
April 7, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Steve C..you said “THIS YEAR” in your post so that was all I had to go on man!
Renegator
You also need to read all posts on a subject before speaking.
AJ would’ve never got a chance to make that DP becuase DELGADO would not have gotten that far off base with AJ in center b/c he would’ve expected AJ to catch it!
He DIDN’T expect Kotsay to catch it so he ran which allowed for the DP opportunity!
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Mets and Phillies go at it tomorrow, interesting series there.
Dodgers vs Arizona, Haren pitches today.
Phillies are leading the reds 3-2 early in the game.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Hey Chase, maybe Braves can trade TEX for AJ, he might be able to play 1B. Lets try make that steal!!!!!!!
By Shamus Thacker
April 7, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
We got Andruw’s raw, natural, undeveloped, ability, and that’s all we got. In the outfield that was more than enough, but at the plate he lacked a LEARNED discipline. He never applied himself to the art of hitting, so in my mind he was the classic underachiever.
Now he’s a fat underachiever, and on his way out….
By chase
April 7, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Overlord
If you have read all the posts you’d know that I said that IF AJ’s #s are the same this year then you can say he is in decline BUT
Until then it is a bad year..Remember he had virtually the EXACT SAME numbers in 2004 as last year beofre HUGE years in 2005 & 2006
By Shaun
April 7, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
AGTfan, what’s the difference between defensive indifference with a 3-run lead and with a 2-run lead and the closer “having a hard time locating the strike zone”? Either way the tying run is not the runner on base.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Chase If AJ was to caught that ball yesterday….. instead of throwing back to 1B, he would have stopped there and smile, just the same smile he gave us after a KKK (there you go Ernesto), and then he would have gone to 2B.
By Andruw Jones
April 7, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Hi guys, it’s me ‘Druw Jones. I’m hitting .136 so-far this season (3-for-22) with no homeruns and only one extra-base hit. My OBP is .208 and my slugging percentage is .182.
Yes it’s early in the season, but I’ve been in a clear decline for a while now, both offensively and defensively. It’s okay to like me a lot still, that’s cool, just don’t pretend I’m still the 2005, or even the 2006 me.
The Dodgers will be paying me 18 million for the privilege. Meanwhile, you guys have a somewhat decent stopgap in center until that reportedly-good Jordan Schafer is ready. And you’re only paying him two million!
It’s fine to like him a lot still. I did a lot of things for the team. But stop acting like the Braves still need my big salary and have no one decent. They don’t and they do.
Goodbye for now!
By Andruw Jones
April 7, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Hi guys, it’s me ‘Druw Jones. I’m hitting .136 so-far this season (3-for-22) with no homeruns and only one extra-base hit. My OBP is .208 and my slugging percentage is .182.
Yes it’s early in the season, but I’ve been in a clear decline for a while now, both offensively and defensively. It’s okay to like me a lot still, that’s cool, just don’t pretend I’m still the 2005, or even the 2006 me.
The Dodgers will be paying me 18 million for the privilege. Meanwhile, you guys have a somewhat decent stopgap in center until that reportedly-good Jordan Schafer is ready. And you’re only paying him two million!
It’s fine to like me a lot still. I did a lot of things for the team. But stop acting like the Braves still need my big salary and have no one decent. They don’t and they do.
Goodbye for now!
By ernesto
April 7, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
JoeBrave, good thoughts to you and your family - I have two little ones myself, and I can’t think of a greater personal tragedy.
By richbrave
April 7, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
GIL:
Do you know about Verizon? They must have a package. Right? I’ve been reading some real hate mail about that package though. Do you think its worth it?
By KC
April 7, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
The universal laws of cruel ironies suggest that Mark Redman should pitch well against us on Wednesday… but hopefully we’ll be able to scratch out a win.
By northBeach Scott
April 7, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
chase I think I can speak for most of the blog when I say, Your and Idiot. Enough with the Andruw whinning. The horse is putrid at this point and fossilization is beginning on the subject.
By Braves20
April 7, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Lew - Before getting back to the grind, have to agree with your 12:57 post. This team will have enough offense without Tex. Never knew a team to have too much pitching.
By Epinephrine
April 7, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Ugh. I just hope we get out of Colorado without any injuries given the temperature. A split series would be fine with me, even though we are a much better team imo. It’d be nice to get to their pen early, considering they have been abused over the last three games.
Also, give it a rest with the Andruw talk. There is nothing left to say.
By David O'Brien
April 7, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Think about this..as good as TEX is..even if he hits 50 HRs a year the next TWO seasons..he will still be over 100 HRs behind what AJ had at the SAME AGE!Chase
Chase, the whole problem with your argument, and the reason you’re getting so many people opposing your view, is that you’re judging Andruw’s career and comparing it to all these different guys, or simply ignoring the fact he’s not the player he was a few years ago.
Other Braves fans here are talking about Andruw NOW, the present, the past year-and-a-half. All, or at least 99 percent, agree he was the greatest defensive center fielder of this era, and many believe he was the best of all time. That’s not the point.
The point is, what kind of player is he NOW, for this team (or rather, for the Dodgers, at $18.1 mill per season for two years).
So stop citing career numbers compared to Tex at 27 years old. It’s just pointless. That’s not the argument. No one disagrees with you that Andruw was a tremendous all-around player. But only you refuse to acknowledge he’s not the player he was. Perhaps not even close, at least in terms of hitting.
By Efrim
April 7, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Lew
I couldn’t agree more with your 12:57 post. Money would be better spent on pitching. Stop gap until Heyward is ready, although he hasn’t played at first yet. And you should read up on this other kid we have playing 1st base for Rome, Freddie Freeman. 6’5” left handed hitter with a good glove. Tyler Flowers is also a long term possibility at 1st base too.
By GermanBravesFan
April 7, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
David L: Lincecum/Cain for Thorman????? I want some of what you are smoking!!!
By BossLady
April 7, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
This is a trip! The Braves complete a mini-sweep of all teams the Mets. The blog has spent the last 24 hours discussing Andruw.
The Braves looked very good and showed confidence this weekend. They must have come to grips that either they will beat the Mets or they won’t beat them. They looked loose and comfortable and the mood in the dugout was a championship atmosphere.
It appears that somehow, the Bobby Cox winning attitude spread through the dugout and they strutted their respective stuffs.
Glavine and Bobby always have shown a winning and confident demeanor.
By flange1
April 7, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Chase,
Bud, you just don’t get it do you? You tell everyone to read your posts that you don’t read everyone else’s.
It is common knowledge on this blog and everywhere else for that matter, that when AJ came up, expectations were that he COULD have hit for a high average and hit for power.
He was considered a true 5 tool guy.
His weight gain over the years eliminated his speed and hurt his arm.
His lack of coachability assisted in his entire offensive game slumping in 07 and now in 08.
Got it? Did you read it all?
My best suggestion to you is to drop it. You are getting smacked around by everyone on this blog because you are wrong.
What is coming next is a slew of posts suggesting that:
Your. And. Idiot.
Keep it up and we will see!
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
I have already said this before, i think youll see a better Reds team this year, maybe not good enough to battle for the division, but good enough to go .500, or maybe a little better.
As for the Cards….whats up with their fast start? i thought they were gonna be out of it by june.
By chase
April 7, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
northBeach Scott
you said: you can speak for most everyone on the blog when I say Your and idiot
Excuse me? I think it is “You’re” not Your and it is “AN” not And
Maybe you should learn SIMPLE GRAMMAR before calling someone else an idiot
And it is funny that I am an idiot anyway when everything I said is supported by STATS!
By Chop Chop
April 7, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
If anyone else is bored, turn it over to Sport South and watch Tex sink the Mets’ battleship. It’s going to the bottom of the sixth right now.
By chase
April 7, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
DOB why can’t you and EVERYONE read all posts before commenting..?
I NEVER SAID HE SHOULD STILL BE HERE or even that I wanted him here! ESPECIALLY for that kind of money!
I am just NOT going to let people trash what he has done for his career WHICH THEY WERE/ARE DOING.
And DOB someone else brought up a stupid stat and I was comparing what TEX was doing NOW 6 games into the season to what ANdruw is doing…Tex is hitting .143 and AJ is hitting .200
I brought that up to show how stupid it was to judge numbers 6 games into the season!
And since someone wanted to drag Tex into the conversation..I gave the HR totals
I WOULD take TEX 100 times out of 100 right NOW if the choice was between he and AJ! No question!
Flange 1
Again people who don’t know basic grammar shouldn’t be calling people idiots..It is YOU’RE AN IDIOT NOT YOUR AND IDIOT…
By Steve C.
April 7, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
chase, you are proving their point… YOUR. AND. IDIOT. let me know when you catch on…
By TJ
April 7, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Remember that the Braves apparently came very close to trading AJ for Magglio Ordonez, in the summer of ‘04. They saw then that he was becoming increasingly “inefficient” at the plate; The team struggled that first half, and the whole city was ready to run AJ out of town.
He seemed to get motivated by the trade talks, and responded with a pretty good second half that year (and the Braves rallied to a great second half), and then the monster power year in ‘05.
Based on that year, the Braves brass were afraid to trade him at the deadline in ‘06 when we were (sort of) in a pennant race. It’s a shame that didn’t happen. (give the Braves credit, IMO, for never giving up on a season when there’s still a chance to win. It’s not always the right decision, in hindsight, but I respect the position they take.)
And btw, if AJ is still what he once was, why did he not even qualify as a Type A free agent when he left? If he had, we’d have gotten an extra 1st round draft pick from the Dodgers.
By chase
April 7, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
DOB
Come on man almost EVERYONE who is arguing with me IS saying that AJ is/was NOT a great all around player..THAT IS WHY I AM ARGUING!
If the multitude was smart enough to realize what kind of all around player AJ was/is then I WOULDN’T have ever been arguing!
By Roman Gal
April 7, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Think about this..as good as TEX is..even if he hits 50 HRs a year the next TWO seasons..he will still be over 100 HRs behind what AJ had at the SAME AGE! Chase
Tex was 23 when he came to the majors compared to Andruw who was 19. You may have heard that Tex went to college in Atlanta…then again, maybe not.
By PatioDaddio
April 7, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
The games is just starting on SNY CH 625 Directv at 2:00pm
By Big Easy
April 7, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
chase:
Your and idiot is a catchphrase on the blog. Not a grammatical error.
And, dude, seriously, give the Andruw lovefest a rest. We loved Andruw. We did. But his stubbornness at the plate really started to hurt us last year. Yes, Andruw is one of the best CF ever to strap on the spikes. But his stats indicate that he is on the decline. And that is the bottom line.
The Braves moved on. Maybe you should, too.
~E~
By N8
April 7, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
chase
“Think about this..as good as TEX is..even if he hits 50 HRs a year the next TWO seasons..he will still be over 100 HRs behind what AJ had at the SAME AGE!”
While a decent point, if you’re talking AGE. Which you were. But let’s not forget that Tex played 4 years of college, and Andruw made his ML debut at age 19.
So to make the comparison FAIR, let’s see what they did through the same amount of MLB experience. Here are their numbers through their first five FULL SEASONS in MLB:
Tex: 2840 AB’s, 170 HR, 555 RBI
AJ: 2854 AB’s, 145 HR, 452 RBI
One of these players in 2008 is ON HIS WAY UP to his prime.
One of them is on the way down.
By ssiscribe
April 7, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Chase: Dude, the whole “Your. And. Idiot.” is a long-running joke here on the ol’ Braves/MIB blog. So relax, dude. This isn’t grammar school and you’re not the teacher. Chill.
And for what it’s worth, AJ isn’t anywhere near the player now he was a few years ago. What he did for the Braves is indisputable, but I for one am glad Atlanta wasn’t blinded by loyalty on this one and sign him, especially with his skills falling off and Schafer waiting in the wings.
—30—
By chase
April 7, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Steve C
Let me give you and some others some advice I posted earlier..
Better to remain SILENT and thought AN IDIOT than to OPEN YOUR MOUTH and remove ALL DOUBT
NAME CALLING is the Last Refuge of a defeated person! Once you become emotional in an argument YOU HAVE LOST!
By N8
April 7, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
22 posts.
What is the above number you may ask?
It’s where I’m starting the over/under on how many times Chase is gonna post, ranting on somebody for their grammar, regarding the HILARIOUSLY ironic, “Your and idiot”, post.
Like I said. I’m going with 22. Any other takers?
By Maybe so
April 7, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Chase, haven’t you said enough? It seems that even the people who share your views see the continuation of the subject matter to be more than a little annoying. Why is it so important to you. Your last post said enough… that you wish people would not de-value Andruw.
That seems to suffice.
Yet, can you not understand that people value players differently? I would imagine that there are players that you look at and wonder, “what do people see in them? They aren’t that great.” Should others be offended that you de-value that player? Or maybe it would be better said that you have a different value from others for a particular player.
Obviously, Andruw has very good baseball skills. Even the most loyal Andruw fan, on the other hand, could see that there are flaws in his approach to the game in certain areas of the game. In later years, the joke around here is when the bases are loaded and there is only one out and Andruw is at the plate, people will say, “they have us where they want us.” Usually, the statement would be the other way around. But not with Andruw at the plate.
What Andruw was and what he is may be two different things. I think some people on the blog are trying to get you to recognize that fact. You lump all of his past into one set of stats. His career stats do not necessarily show who he presently is.
However, most everyone here has said, that they agree that Andruw was great. Some add that he did not ever meet his potential. You take exception to that. But that is a subjective matter. Why argue it? But even you can look at some things that could help to give a better appearance of meeting potential. Surely someone not running out ground balls, etc. would actually appear to be more oriented toward meeting their potential than one who does not. That is something the player actually can do something about. It is not a matter of projection, as is most “potential”.
I don’t want you to answer any of my questions. I ask them just for you to consider. If not,that is fine. It is really not that important.
Why does it have to be that if someone has a different valuation of things than you do they have to be “an idiot” or whatever? GMs throughout baseball have different valuations for players and for different aspects of the game. Even top tier GMs have different views on baseball matters. That does not make one a genius and the other an idiot.
I can’t really answer your question about who I would have to be the Braves CF if the dollar amount was the same. There are too many unknowns for me. But if it was based on my limited knowledge, I would choose Kotsay rather than Andruw. When I say that, it is not a matter of de-valuing Andruw’s past, but looking at the present. Admittedly, it is based on some values that I personally have that are not in the stats. I personally like hustle. Not only does it create scoring opportunities at times, but it affects the whole atmosphere on a team. Also, I see Andruw’s consistent failure with RISP in the same manner. It repeatedly knocks the breath out of team.
These are just some examples of reasons why I would choose Kotsay rather than Andruw for our CF this year. But again, I want to make it clear that there very well could be some intangibles of which I am unaware in regard to Andruw. And…. certainly there is the matter of health. If Kotsay is not able to play most of the year because of injuries, his value certainly decreases. But the Braves do not feel that that is an issue. So that is not a point that really can be discussed.
Btw, it may be helpful to read others’ post and try to do so objectively just as you have asked others to do with your posts. You jumped on someone for saying that Kotsay is in better shape than Andruw by sighting Kotsay’s injuries. Injuries are not the same as conditioning. An olympic athlete can be in great condition but still suffer injuries. The fact that they are injured does not mean that they are any less in a state of good conditioning. Yes, poor conditioning can make one more prone toward injuries, but it is not always the cause of injury.
But again, I can appreciate your stance of thinking highly of Andruw, but I would encourage you to consider that others may have a different valuation of him as a player (and for seemingly good or bad reasons) than you do without the difference making them an idiot.
For example, someone earlier said that the Braves would be foolish not to try to bring Tex back (in essence, but I would assume within some limits) no matter what the cost. I do not agree with that stance. But on the other hand, I don’t think the other person is an idiot for what they have said. Certainly, Tex is good, but what I think is reasonable and what others think is reasonable in trying to get him to stay is probably very different. The person’s reasoning included the fact that the Braves could be losing 3 pitchers from the payroll. That is true, but to me, it means we need pitchers, not so much 1st basemen. Then again, it is not black and white. And again, there is so much we do not know about what upper management already has in the works and what direction they plan on going in the future. In regard to next year, there is so much that will happen that will change everyone’s mind about most any issue that it is not really worth projecting upon what is going to happen as far as I am concerned. Certainly, I don’t mind that person expressing his/her thoughts. I just think it will be interesting to see how things shake out in the future.
Anyway, sorry for the long post. I got interrupted so this took a long time to write. Probably not good timing now… the whole thing (hopefully) has passed.
By ADD LaRoche
April 7, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
chase you are the first blogger to make me look smart. Thank you. Your.And.Idiot
By N8
April 7, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
TJ
“And btw, if AJ is still what he once was, why did he not even qualify as a Type A free agent when he left? If he had, we’d have gotten an extra 1st round draft pick from the Dodgers.”
BINGO!
By Yars
April 7, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Cards just getting off to a fast start. I still see the Brew Crew winning NL Central. I also expect the Tigers to turn it around & go on some insane 12 game winning streak. We gotta remind ourselves it’s still early! Gonna be cold in Denver tonight. Regarding Andruw, I don’t miss him. However, I still keep up with his stats on a daily basis. Sad to see he’s off to an awful start with Dodgers. now playing: Chant No.1 by spandau ballet.
By chase
April 7, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Roman Gal
I try to block out the fact that TEX went to college at TECH while I cheer for him! LOL
But that again proves the player AJ is/was He was hitting HRs in the World Series at an age when most people or just thinking about going to college.
If TEX were on AJ’s level then he would have been in the Majors earlier!
By dunwoody in denver
April 7, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, welcome back to Denver.
Too bad you’re catching the crappy weather, especially considering it was 70 on Friday for the home opener and will be in the 70’s this weekend. Oh well, that’s springtime in CO for you. (But at least it was in the 70’s for the World Series, right?)
Hopefully it’ll be nice enough for you to walk around downtown a bit and see how much it’s changed in the 6 months since you’ve been here. It’s truly amazing how much stuff is being built downtown, what with the Convention coming to town and all.
A couple of places you might want to try while you’re here (I’m not sure where you’re staying, so I don’t know how far they are from you):
-The Corner Office (14th and Curtis). Great martini bar, incredible, eclectic menu, great food and atmosphere. -Elway’s (19th and Curtis in the new Ritz-Carlton). The 2nd outpost of surprisingly one of the best restaurants in the city. Really, really good.
Well, have fun while you’re here; tomorrow should be much nicer weather.
By N8
April 7, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
10 posts.
What is THAT number you ask?
Well, it’s my REVISED over/under on when Chase will “get it”, now that two people have explained it to him.
I’m guessing he still rants a couple of more times until HE reads the explanation.
sscribe & Big Easy
You guys made it too easy on him. Should have left him hanging a while longer. It was just getting fun. LOL!
And for your telling him the answer, I say to the both of you….
Your Both and idiot. (just kidding of course)
By AGTfan
April 7, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Shaun what’s the difference between defensive indifference with a 3-run lead and with a 2-run lead and the closer “having a hard time locating the strike zone”?
LOL. The only real difference is my anxiety level. I didn’t say this was a rational pet peeve.
Chase It’s time to let it drop. I feel for you. You just started out by trying to get people to just stop trashing Druw, now it’s evolved way out of control. I hate it when people start trashing players after they leave. I think there’s a big difference between the folks who make arguments that Druw’s not the player he once was and the ones who just trash him. You’re argument isn’t with most of the folks you’re now arguing with. And the ones who are trashing him are just fools anyway. Ignore them. They’re mad that Druw finally took some of the financial rewards for his play that passed on a few years back. Nothing is going to change their minds. No amount of stats, no pleas to appreciate what he provided to the Braves, not reminding them that he passed on the advice of his agent and stayed with the Braves during his prime at a much lower pay rate than he could have gotten, will sway them. Let it go, man.
By Mitchie-san
April 7, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
why is everyone cranky? Didnt we just (technically) sweep the Mets? LIke Bobby Mcfarrin sais..”dont worry, be happy”
By Steve C.
April 7, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Thanks Chase, I feel better now, don’t you? I love it when people wax poetically with stuff they read off of bumper stickers…PRICELESS! Get it?
By SandyB
April 7, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
By chase DOB why can’t you and EVERYONE read all posts before commenting..? ummmm….there is a list on the top left hand side of the blog that lists all the previous blogs….it might take a while, but you could read and learn about YOUR AND IDIOT.
joebrave: so sorry to hear about your nephews…what a sad time…hope good news comes with the one still in the hospital. Your family will be in our prayers. My 21 year old son has just taken to riding a motorcycle, and we are petrified that we are going to get “the call” one day….
Is the replay of the game on Sportsouth reminding anyone else of the early days of TBS? I remember that the games would be replayed at all hours of the day and night. I do have to say, however, that the win looks as good at 12 midnight as it did in person.
By Shaun
April 7, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Think about this..as good as TEX is..even if he hits 50 HRs a year the next TWO seasons..he will still be over 100 HRs behind what AJ had at the SAME AGE!
What does that tell us, really? Teixeira didn’t reach the bigs until age 23, after spending one season in the minors.
Andruw reached the majors at 19 but spent almost three seasons in the minors.
Tex went to college and Andruw didn’t, which is the primary reason why Andruw has more homers.
Counting stats aren’t necessarily telling when it comes to trying to get a picture of players’ abilities.
Let’s look at the key numbers, AVG/OBP/SLG:
Andruw - .262/.341/.496
Tex - .285/.370/.538
Andruw’s homer total is higher because he was in the majors at a very young age, was in the lineup everyday for most of his career and had good to great power. But what the homer total doesn’t tell you is how often Andruw got on base whether he got other types of extra-base hits besides homers.
I think Andruw was underrated as a hitter in his prime. But I’d be very surprise if Teixeira ends up with a worse career than Andruw offensively.
By Efrim
April 7, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Get off the subject people. Talk about Glavine’s start tonight or how the Mets suck or how we should thank our lucky stars we didn’t trade for Bronson Arroyo at the deadline last year. Stuff like that.
By 18 Wheels of Love
April 7, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Chase,
Time to trade in that 25 jersey for a number 10. He won’t let you down and his number will be retired before 25 will. And you can watch him play for the Braves!
By Carolina Gent
April 7, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
To jump in on the CF discussion, I’m not going to say much about Andruw. I loved watching him roam CF for the Braves, especially in his prime. But I’ve also got to say that Kotsay is off to a really good start. His defense is all that it was made out to be, maybe more, and he’s been getting good wood on the ball. Even thought it’s early, and he does have the history of back problems, at this point in the season I’d say it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to keep him around for another years or so if we could get him. Maybe Schafer is ready, maybe not.
Say DOB, you’re really on a roll this year with your Jayhawks. I know it will pain you to have to sit through rain/snow and watch an early April ballgame when your beloved KU is playing for the national championship. I certainly hope the basketball team fares better than the FB team did in the Orange Bowl. For your sake, I’m for the ‘birds tonight!
By TJ
April 7, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Just did some research (we don’t need no stinkin’ jobs!), based on something KC posted earlier.
The Mets’ “number 2”, with Pedro out, John Maine: in his last 12 starts, is 3-6, with a 6.32 era, and has gone 6 innings or more exactly 3 times. Mets have a problem in their rotation.
I politely posted this on a Mets’ blog, just for fun… we’ll see what kind of response it gets.
By Big Easy
April 7, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Sorry, N8. Just couldn’t take it any longer.
On the plus side, it is nice (after the slow start we got off to this year) to look at the standings and see the Braves at the top of the NL East. Everything is starting to click.
~E~
By Chop Chop
April 7, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Regarding next year’s rotation (and anything else)…
2009 MLB Free Agents
I don’t know how accurate that list is, but it’s obvious to me that C.C. Sabathia is the big starting pitcher prize. Since the Indians haven’t worked a deal out with him yet, you have to think that the Red Sox, Yanks, and Mets will be licking their chops. If all those contracts come off the books, the Braves definitely should get in on it as well.
By STRETCH
April 7, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
Major League Baseball is pressuring teams to reduce television blackouts before Baseball Channel launches in 2009!
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Chase you have looked bad enough already, do yourself a favor pal. I dont think people is here to win anything, we are all just blogging out our points.
Theres nothing to be ashamed of… dont loose your cool, its just a blog. We are all friends here (all but metroman). I hope you understand its been enough for AJ today. We all got your point.
Your point did not get a lot of supporters today. Maybe your next point will, thats the way it works. Let it go…
By Philliesuk
April 7, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Enough about Andruw…please.
I would rather talk about why things didn’t work out with Nick Esasky.
By N8
April 7, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
“If TEX were on AJ’s level then he would have been in the Majors earlier!”
NOW we’re on to a whole new set of ignorant stances.
Ever think that Tex WANTED to go to college to get a degree, just in case of injury, he’d have a career after (or instead of baseball)??
To say that Tex couldn’t have/wouldn’t have been in the big-leagues at 19 or 20, because he CHOSE to go to college is very ignorant.
MLB just happens to be the last of the major 3 sports that will allow kids to come right out of HS to play pro-ball.
Maybe Tex wasn’t ready at 19, maybe he was. But don’t say he didn’t make it to the big-league sooner than he did because of ability. He signed on to play college ball, and honored that commitment.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
richbrave I am too far out in the sticks to have fiber optic cable so I was unable to try them. I am sure there are folks who are disgruntled by poor service but are they any different from anyone else? I tried Comcast for a while but found DirecTV to be superior. Well, except during thunderstorms… and hard rain… and snow…
A friend has Verizon internet and it tickled to death with it. The only thing I can suggest is to do a little research.
By David O'Brien
April 7, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
I certainly hope the basketball team fares better than the FB team did in the Orange BowlCarolina Gent
Uh, what are you talking about? The Jayhawks beat Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Maybe you were remembering Carolina’s bowl game. Oh, wait….
Anyway, NEW BLOG IS UP
By cricket
April 7, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
joebrave Really sorry for your loss man, hope the young guy pulls through. I have folks visiting for abroad (where no one even wears seat belts)to go to disney, including 2 young ones, and I’ll make sure to buy and use child seats and seat belts.
By SandyB
April 7, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
At least Andruw had somewhere to go….Barry is still unsigned. It appears that most of the memories, except a plaque, are gone.
Cubs are leading the Pirates 7-0…Gorzelanny was pitching and didn’t make it to his first at-bat.
By chase
April 7, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Sandra …i was referring only to this CURRENT blog..
Guys..I’m a double major History/Philosophy and working on my Masters in Political Science….
I want to be in politics..I’ll NEVER YEILD AN ARGUMENT!
That’s just how I’m made
By DAP
April 7, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
shaun DAP, if anyone still doesn’t believe RBI are highly context-dependent, look at Andruw Jones.
amen, brother.
overlord 14th on active list in KKK, and he is only 31.
andruw in the KKK? wow. they are really branching out.
chase
you gotta drop the andruw thing. it isnt working. batting average isnt all that matters, but a .311 OBP is horrible. ive yet to see you respond to THAT stat. dont compare andruw to guys like dunn, because dunn’s OBP is closer to .400. why? dunn has plate discipline.
kotsay for 2 mil or andruw for 2 mil? if andruw is gonna play like he did in 2007, id take kotsay. no question about it. andruw killed us last year, and we dont need a hitter like that on this team. we need a guy that doesnt strike out and handles the bat well. kotsay.
you said Remember he had virtually the EXACT SAME numbers in 2004 as last year beofre HUGE years in 2005 & 2006
ok, take your own advice and read all the posts on the topic before saying stuff. i pointed out to you earlier that andruw’s 2004 stats WERE NOT similar to his 2007 stats. take another look. if he was as productive in 2007 as he was in 2004, the braves would have offered him arbitration, and would have rejected it, being a type A free agent and all.
Excuse me? I think it is “You’re” not Your and it is “AN” not And
and youve solidified the fact that your and idiot.
why dont you sit the next couple of plays out. keep reading, but dont say anything. come back when all this has blown over, and we all forget what and idiot your being.
By ernesto
April 7, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
On another note, who’s the odd man out in the pen? I’ve got to think it’s Resop, he sure hasn’t shown me much this year.
By N8
April 7, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Shaun
VERY well said at 2:25.
See. Sometimes we think the same. LOL!
You just word things better than I do, and more calmly. Which is why I’m and idiot.
By Roman Gal
April 7, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Chase Teixeira was drafted by the Red Sox before he went to college.
Oh…and I feel ya on the whole GT thing.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
AGTfan i trash AJ, and i couldnt care less what do they pay him. All im happy for is that he is not here anymore. I dont care how many HR and RBI he had, he is not a good hitter. I bet that if any 3rd, 4th of 5th hitter in the league swings for the fence every single pitch he sees……. they would have same numbers as AJ has. I dont think its that hard to hit 50HR if you try to do so some 1800 times during a season.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
And this final note…. There are some folks who give credence to Charlie Steiner’s assessment of bloggers…
By i cant take it anymore
April 7, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
I think we need a reminder.John Smoltz throws a better game than santana. santana gets beat by the braves. braves take two out of two from the mets. David L, you are right. The braves should trade thorman and jojo for tim lincecum. that would be niceperhaps we could get cain as a “throw in”, too.
By DAP
April 7, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
chase Better to remain SILENT and thought AN IDIOT than to OPEN YOUR MOUTH and remove ALL DOUBT
did you really just say that? well….i guess you would know. we will try not to make the same mistake you did.
By Cardog10
April 7, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Okay you’ve said what you had to say 50 different ways. You like Andruw. We all did. Now shutup. You are taking away from this blogs topic THE BRAVES SWEPT THE MUTTS
By chase
April 7, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
I guess when AJ gets to the HALL of FAME he’ll be “the worst hall of famer of all time” huh?
LOL!
I won’t bring this discussion to the new blog!
By DAP
April 7, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
chase I want to be in politics..I’ll NEVER YEILD AN ARGUMENT!
That’s just how I’m made
thats a character flaw that i hope youll grow out of soon. it will not serve you well in this world. you wont get anywhere with it.
By THE BEAR
April 7, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Chase said: And DOB someone else brought up a stupid stat and I was comparing what TEX was doing NOW 6 games into the season to what ANdruw is doing…Tex is hitting .143 and AJ is hitting .200
Chase, you are either careless or too dumb or too lazy to look up the numbers before you stick your foot in your mouth yet again. Today Tex is hitting .193 and AJ is hitting .143. Surely you can do better than that.
And speaking of the word police thing at 2:18 you wrote, “But that again proves the player AJ is/was He was hitting HRs in the World Series at an age when most people or just thinking about going to college.”
I think you may just want to correct a mistake by changing “or” to “are” in your sentence above. Looks pretty stupid when you make a bobble doesn’t it?
And one final question on comparing Andruw with Kotsay. But first we must forget the salaries, forget Andruw’s past heroics and forget Kotsay’s past injuries. Now the question: Do you believe the Braves would be a better team (right now)with Andruw playing center field than it is with Kotsay playing CF? That is the only important question here…with which player would make the Braves the better team?
I say it is Kotsay. What say you? Smile now; the cameras are watching.
By THE BEAR
April 7, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Chase said: And DOB someone else brought up a stupid stat and I was comparing what TEX was doing NOW 6 games into the season to what ANdruw is doing…Tex is hitting .143 and AJ is hitting .200
Chase, you are either careless or too dumb or too lazy to look up the numbers before you stick your foot in your mouth yet again. Today Tex is hitting .193 and AJ is hitting .143. Surely you can do better than that.
And speaking of the word police thing at 2:18 you wrote, “But that again proves the player AJ is/was He was hitting HRs in the World Series at an age when most people or just thinking about going to college.”
I think you may just want to correct a mistake by changing “or” to “are” in your sentence above. Looks pretty stupid when you make a bobble doesn’t it?
And one final question on comparing Andruw with Kotsay. But first we must forget the salaries, forget Andruw’s past heroics and forget Kotsay’s past injuries. Now the question: Do you believe the Braves would be a better team (right now)with Andruw playing center field than it is with Kotsay playing CF? That is the only important question here…with which player would make the Braves the better team?
I say it is Kotsay. What say you? Smile now; the cameras are watching.
By THE BEAR
April 7, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Chase said: And DOB someone else brought up a stupid stat and I was comparing what TEX was doing NOW 6 games into the season to what ANdruw is doing…Tex is hitting .143 and AJ is hitting .200
Chase, you are either careless or too dumb or too lazy to look up the numbers before you stick your foot in your mouth yet again. Today Tex is hitting .193 and AJ is hitting .143. Surely you can do better than that.
And speaking of the word police thing at 2:18 you wrote, “But that again proves the player AJ is/was He was hitting HRs in the World Series at an age when most people or just thinking about going to college.”
I think you may just want to correct a mistake by changing “or” to “are” in your sentence above. Looks pretty stupid when you make a bobble doesn’t it?
And one final question on comparing Andruw with Kotsay. But first we must forget the salaries, forget Andruw’s past heroics and forget Kotsay’s past injuries. Now the question: Do you believe the Braves would be a better team (right now)with Andruw playing center field than it is with Kotsay playing CF? That is the only important question here…with which player would make the Braves the better team?
I say it is Kotsay. What say you? Smile now; the cameras are watching.
By chase
April 7, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
DAP
MY character has served me well! My wife and I have achieved more by age 28 than most people twice our age.
I am tenacious and fight for what I believe in. If that is a “Character flaw” then I wish more people had it brother.
By Chris
April 10, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
PLEASE JOHN GO BACK TO THE BULLPEN!
By jimelyyes
May 3, 2008 2:35 AM | Link to this
there is the professional world of warcraft power leveling here. welcome.