AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIt’s chilly here, as are the Rockies
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Denver — The bad news is that it’s snowing outside my downtown Denver hotel as I type this, and the forecast for tonight’s Braves-Rockies series opener calls for temps in the 30s and showers, which could turn to more snow.
The good news for the Braves: Even if we have a rain- or snow-out, there’s still a very good chance they will face Mark Redman in this series.
Yes, that Mark Redman.
In case you missed it, the lefty who was released by the Braves (and by the Rangers, and the Blue Jays) last season ended up with the Rockies and actually won a couple of games for them during their amazing September playoff drive.
So they brought him back. And since the Braves face Colorado the second week of the season, it means they get to hit against Redman before he’s released by the Rockies (that wasn’t fair, I know).
He’s scheduled to face Chuck James Wednesday in the third game of the four-game series. Chuck will be making his first start coming off the DL, after pitching in one Grapefruit League games and a couple of sim games in spring training and six simulated innings last week at Class A Rome.
And making that first start at Coors, no less. Yikes.
Oh, well, Chuck probably couldn’t have handpicked a better opposing pitcher under the circumstances. Since July 30, 2006, Redman is 6-10 with a 7.07 ERA and .334 opponents’ average in 24 major league games (21 starts), with 159 hits, 45 walks and 62 strikeouts in 112 innings. He has four quality starts in that span.
Speaking of sure things…. If you were surprised John Smoltz was able to come off the DL and match Johan Santana pitch-for-pitch (for five innings) on Sunday, well, you probably shouldn’t have been.
For one thing, it was a big game, at least relatively speaking. Smoltz loves big games.
Secondly, it was Turner Field. Smoltz loves pitching there and thrives with the home crowd behind him.
Not that he’s a slouch on the road. Whatever the venue, Smoltz remains a legit No. 1-caliber starting pitcher, albeit one who’s going to go six or seven innings most nights instead of his previous eight or nine.
But at Turner Field? Chances are good you’re going to see a special performance from Smoltz any time he walks to the mound.
Consider that since he returned to the starting rotation in 2005, Smoltz is 27-13 with a 2.76 ERA in 52 starts at the home ‘yard, and the Braves are 36-16 in those games.
In his last 20 home starts, Smoltz is 12-5 with a stingy 2.00 ERA and .224 opponents’ average, with 129 strikeouts in 134-2/3 innings. In the five losses, the Braves scored no runs while he was in three games, and one run in two.
Before the knot in his shoulder led to his five-inning exit Sunday, Smoltz had 16 quality starts in his last 19 home games (a quality start is defined as six innings or more, with three earned runs or fewer).
Humidor Man gets ring: While the Rockies were being swept by the Diamondbacks during the weekend, they took time to unveil their NL championship pennant and distribute rings to Colorado players and other select team employees.
Among the others receiving rings (kind of like others receiving votes in a poll) was Tony Cowell, described in the Denver Post as “the pioneer of the Coors Field humidor.”
By the way, the D-backs outscored the Rockies 20-5 in the series. The Rockies are 1-5, and their .209 team batting average includes 5-for-50 with runners in scoring position. They’ve been outscored 40-10 for the season.
Something tells me that won’t last too long, though. This is a very good Colorado lineup.
Anyone still worried about Tex? Mark Teixeira had two homers and five RBI in his past four games, which gives him 19 homers and 61 RBI in 60 games for the Braves since he was traded to Atlanta on July 31.
Teixeira has a .303 average, .388 OBP and .598 slugging percentage in 234 at-bats for the Braves.
By the way, he’s hit .360 with three homers and six RBI in six games against the Rockies. His only visit to Coors Field was in June 2006 with the Rangers, when he homered in each of his first two games and finished the three-game series 6-for-13 with four extra-base hits and five RBI.
Quick hits: The surge goes unabated for Chipper Jones, who has hit .353 with 58 doubles, 6 triples, 49 homers, 159 RBI and a 1.084 OPS in 191 games since June 24, 2006. On the road in that period, he’s hit .368 with 64 extra-base hits in 93 games, with a .463 OBP and a .694 slugging percentage…. Peter Moylan and Will Ohman are tied for the NL lead with five relief appearances apiece before today… Rockies 1B Todd Helton has hit .351 with 17 doubles, 5 homers, 31 RBI and a .463 OBP in 50 games against the Braves this century. He hasn’t homered against them since hitting five during the 2000-01 seasons, but Helton has hit .371 with 11 doubles and an amazing .524 OBP (25 walks) in his last 22 games against the Braves.
”POCATELLO” by James McMurtry
Picked you up in Pocatello
In some truck stop parking lot
Out beside that burned up Volvo
With the smoking engine shot
And you just left that Volvo lying
You never gave it half a thought
Faithless, fine, and gone
You said you came from Randolph
Up across the Wasatch Range
You kept talking clear to Salt Lake
Liked to drove us all insane
But now I’m flying down
That four lane highway screaming out your name
Faithless, fine, and gone
Batten down the hatches I can hear my grandma say
Boy you like to play with matches
Gonna burn yourself someday
I’m gonna haul on back to Denver
Just as soon as I get through
And I’m burnt down to smoldering embers
But I guess I can make do
And now I hear some guy that used to
Manage some band I never heard of
Is trying to manage you
Faithless, fine, and gone
Comments
By David
April 7, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Let’s hope the Braves get out of Colorado with 2-3 wins and NO INJURIES! Snow and ice - yikes!
By Reid in EAV
April 7, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
Let’s not lick our chops too quickly about Redman. It may well be that he’s the beneficiary of that odd, inexplicable flailing the Braves sometimes do against otherwise eminently hittable pitchers. Then again, how about that Jorge Sosa over the weekend, eh?
By stamper
April 7, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
DOB- about this ‘knot’ thing on smoltz’s shoulder… should we really expect this to be just a minor hiccup in his return? or do you think this is the beginning of something bad?
By BillyBrave in Germany
April 7, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
40th
By Brad Kommisk
April 7, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
near the top
By Rod
April 7, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
FIRST!!!
By Brad Kommisk
April 7, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
near the top
By chase
April 7, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
new blog NO AJ TALK ALLOWED!!!!!! LOL
By BamaBrave
April 7, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Ugh…being scheduled four games in Colorado for early April is like playing Green Bay in January. The schedule-makers always seem to give the Braves a little elbow to the ribs when they can.
By mat
April 7, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe Redman still has a major league job. I’m praying my baby boy is a lefty b/c you can ride that mediocre train all the way to the bank.
By Jim H.
April 7, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
1.) That Wednesday game sounds like one of those 13 to 11 jobs.
2.) John Smoltz has the heart of a lion.
3.) Kotsay is looking pretty dang good so far, eh?
4.) For God’s sake…we gotta re-sign Tex!
5.) Escobar will be an All-Star this year.
Thank you for your time.
By JimD
April 7, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
I hate snow! Feels like the weather here in ATL today is about the same as for Denver. YIKES!
Oh … am I first?
By Slider29
April 7, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
DOB, Who do you thinks gonna be the odd man out in the rotation? I’d hate to see Resop or Ring get claimed.
By Drew
April 7, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
I love baseball and I crave stats, but who picks June 24th of last year to compare stats to? Such an arbitrary number. Why not July 1? Why not 162 games ago from today. I never understand why stat geeks tend to close their eyes and pick some random unimportant date when gathering their so called ammo.
Since I’m not one to complain without a solution, why not use the since the All-star break of last year, in the last 162 games, since the start of the 2004 season. Someone let me know why arbitrary numbers are used in baseball. It’s pointless
On another note. Bullpen looked amazing yesterday. I loved seeing the LH McCann AND Kotsay stroke the ball against the best pitcher in the world. We looked frickin’ aweomse this weekend, lets ride it high boys..
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Only thing I fear from the Rocs is they are due…
By Lee in S. GA
April 7, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Hopefully the Braves can take care of Colorado and get out of town before the Rockies find their bats. I hope the weather clears while the Braves team is on a roll. Really charged up for the game tonight with Glavine starting and the momentum turning our way the past couple of games.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Hey Chase did you say AJ? LOL
By Slider29
April 7, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Should’ve proofed my previous post… obviously what I meant was: When Chuckie takes Hampton’s spot this week, who do you think will be moved to make room?
By Shaun
April 7, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Something tells me that won’t last too long, though. This is a very good Colorado lineup.
I actually had this discussion last week on Dugout Central. I think the Rockies are in for a decline in ‘08.
A lot of folks out there see what the Rockies did last season, look at their youth and assume they’ll be better this season. But they got several good seasons from unlikely sources – young pitchers and veteran, normally mediocre pitchers. Plus, if we adjust for ballpark, their offense wasn’t all that spectacular (a 103 OPS+).
By Cardog10
April 7, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
I don’t like the idea of Chipper charging balls in the snow. I hope he knows to half-a* it on dribblers. I better not hear anyone give him a hard time about it either. The ground being frozen is another issue. If we get a decent lead, let him rest.
By NCBravesFan
April 7, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Wow - I’m with mat … can’t believe Redman still has a major league job. Boy have the Braves come a long way in the starting pitching department from last year.
By Shaun
April 7, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
In Dugout Central’s NL Predictions, Mike Dove says, “I think [the Rockies] can only get better. Hawpe, Tulo, Atkins and Holliday may be the best 4 hitter combo in the NL. Ubaldo and Morales emerge as studs for the rotation this year.”
Career OPS+:
Hawpe: 113
Tulo: 102
Atkins: 111
Holliday: 129
Their career stats AVG/OBP/SLG away from Colorado:
Hawpe: .280/.372/.483
Tulo: .250/.325/.381
Atkins: .269/.344/.437
Holliday: .273/.333/.448
Look at the Phillies top four:
Howard: 150
Utley: 126
Rollins: 98
Burrell: 118
The Phillies’ second-best hitter (a second baseman) is essentially as good as the Rockies’ best (a corner outfielder) and their worst hitter (as far as career goes) just won the NL MVP. The Mets’ Wright, Reyes, Beltran and Delgado could be better than Colorado’s foursome if Delgado rebounds. The Braves’ have Chipper, Teixeira, Kelly Johnson and McCann. So that’s at least three foursomes that could be better than the Rockies’.
By David O'Brien
April 7, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
I never understand why stat geeks tend to close their eyes and pick some random unimportant date when gathering their so called ammo.Drew
Because that’s when he caught fire at the plate. What don’t you understand? Just like with Andruw, I went back to when he really started to struggle at the plate. The purpose is to make a point.
Really, I don’t know why you couldn’t understand the purpose of that.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
How come no muts fan have come to blog with us???
Really strange …….
By charlie liebrandt
April 7, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Glavine sucks in cold weather. We are doomed! Or was it Avery who couldn’t pitch in cold weather? Hmmm … anyway … we are all doomed!
Actually, I am liking this team more and more, but I am glad I am not the one pitching tonight! Kotsay is actually looking competent. I think the bullpen will come around, young arms just need to get in a nice groove … it will happen … and the Rockies got cold bats. I predict a sweep.
By AGTfan
April 7, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Overlord
Consider one of my statements from the previous blog to be revised, since I don’t consider you to be a fool. (Not that you care what I think.)
By the Stranger
April 7, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
Nice preview on the Braves/Rockies series, DOB, but what about the other game tonight?
By Lee in S. GA
April 7, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Shaun
I tend to agree with you about the Rockies decline this year. I do not see Colorado making it to post- season play. Did not surprise me the D-backs swept them in the recent series.
By AGTfan
April 7, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Overlord How come no muts fan have come to blog with us???
They have, but they’ve been so civil, you couldn’t recognize them.
By Bo
April 7, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
DOB Are the Braves still looking to make a trade or two? What can you say except the Braves looked great against the Mets. Hope you are feeling better DOB.
By Kotsay
April 7, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
I’m the centerfielder here, AJ hitting .137 after his three K’s yesterday, so drop it, and my wife’s hotter
By ernesto
April 7, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Slider29, I posted on the last blog…I think Resop will be gone, he hasn’t shown that much.
By OrlandoFan
April 7, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Hey, DOB, did you see that Bob Dylan won a Pulitzer Prize today? He actually received a special “citation” for music. And he didn’t have to join the WPost (which won 6) or the NYT to do so!
By Shaun
April 7, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Braves four best hitters, career OPS+:
Chipper - 143
Teixeira - 130
McCann - 116
Diaz - 114
(I left Escobar out because of his limited number of plate appearances.)
By BravesFanInRockies
April 7, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
I would guess Resop, too. Ring appears to have the ability to get out lefties. Resop throws hard but his pitches in the strike zone — when he gets them there — must be straight, cuz they sure get clocked.
By doug
April 7, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Here’s a prediction. The first start of the year for Gregor is tonight in Centerfield.
My surgically repaired back seizes up in cold weather like you wouldn’t believe. If they want to give Kots a rest, tonight is the night.
Just a thought.
By poorbrave
April 7, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
lets keep the players wife out of this.
By will36206
April 7, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
The natives are restless in New York. Muts fans are unhappy with Omar, Willie, and their no clutch lineup and complaing on thier blogs. Life’s Great in Braves Nation!
By Dan
April 7, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
OK..my 2 cents. Lets stop bashing AJ. He was great and i will wish him the best, but i like what i see with M.Kotsay. Def.and O. Love to see a guy making contact.Which in the long run is much better then HR stats. Think about it AJ at the plate was all or nothing…don’t think M.K. will be like that. Another example to why Frenchy IS getting better and better.He also cut down on the all or nothing approach and started thinking contact which yes his HR totals went down but his hitting with runners on went way up. keeps rallys going. HR will come, but all of the braves players seem to be making contact which will lead them a long way. Lets enjoy the two game mini sweep and hope it continues in Colorado. GO BRAVES.
By Bubdylan
April 7, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Okay, after the Hampton and Rain Stay Away blogs, I’d hoped you’d remain slyly ambibuous… using titles inpenatrable by the baseball gods. So… if there’s a weird warm front tonight, or the Rockies “catch fire,” you’re gonna have to cut it out, yes?
By BamaBravesFan
April 7, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
DOB-
What are your thoughts on Bill Self potentially leaving Kansas after this game?
GO BRAVES!
By bigchiefrg
April 7, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Mets fans were so obnoxious this wknd in the ATL. After the loss on Sat they were already talking about how awesome Johan was gonna be on Sunday…AFTER A LOSS!!! G-whiz, the guy is awesome but not perfect.
Speaking of awesome, Tex was the man late in the game yest. From his HR to the diving stab to end the game, this guy plays the right way. I wasnt for overbidding to keep Glavine, Maddux, Andruw, etc, rather build from within. But ladies and gents, I submit to you that this is the GUY we build our organization around for the future. He is a perfect example of how the game should truly be played and would be the one to carry the torch.
Long live Smoltzie, GO BRAVES!!!!
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Does anybody knows if the cards and brewers are for real this season? Quick start for the cards. Solid start for the brewers and it was expected.
By Jess
April 7, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
David,
I notice last year a couple Red Sox balplayers doning plastic/rubber tubing around their necks. This year chipper and a few Braves have followed suit with the color coordinated fishing line gear. What gives/ I hope this trend dissipates in the near future.
By bigchiefrg
April 7, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Oh, and DOB, excuse me if you already have, but I think you should do some research for a possible story on the stadium usher Herm. I dont know if anyone else knows who Im talking about but he was an older Gentleman in section 121. HE WAS AWESOME. Always dancing, laughing, starting chants, and making sure every man woman and child are enjoying themselves.
By Slider29
April 7, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Not that I’m in love with the radar gun, but I just hate to lose a live young arm like Resop. Bobby’s already shown a little more creativity than usual this year….I wish there was (though I don’t see it) a roster juggling act to keep these guys safe…maybe a trade at least.
I never thought I’d be this attached to an entire Braves bullpen. This is exciting.
By Bama
April 7, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Man it would be great if the Braves could come home with (Brian Fuentes) in a trade with the Rockies.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 7, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
The game sounds doubtful tonight in Denver. Maybe O’Brien will get to see his beloved Jayhawks without having to cover the baseball contest at the same time.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
April 7, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
The Brewers start is for real. The Cards start is not!
By Mac
April 7, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I know this question is really early for a 3-3 team but, how would a World Championship affect the Braves chances of signing Mark Texiera? Would the money the Braves make from the postseason have any effect on future payroll?
Thanks!
By Pulpwood Smith
April 7, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
DOB-
Great call on James McMurtry. Seriously underrated performer. I have a recurring dream about seeing Bruce and the E Street Band cover “Can’t Make It Here Anymore”.
By Slider29
April 7, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Cards cant be for real. Rick Ankiel might be Roy Hobbs and all, but I know they’d trade his bat for his pre melt down arm any day of the week. On the other hand, Ned Yost has the BrewCrew drinking the KoolAid. They’re gonna win the Central.
By doug
April 7, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
It’s called a Phiten necklace and it helps releives muscle pain. Go ahead and Google it.
By mo in the boonies
April 7, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Just got caught up reading the last blog. Can some one tell me what channel the game is on tonight?
JoeBrave Prayers went up for your nephew, and for the souls of the departed. Sad thing to happen, even more so if it could have been prevented.
By doug
April 7, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
I say we get Smoltz one of those necklaces, and bye-bye knots??
By Goodoleboy58
April 7, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
The Pirates are battling back on the Cubbies… McClouth and Nady are on fire this year
By Carolina Gent
April 7, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
My bad, DOB! Never let it be said that I let the facts stand in the way of an opinion. I guess I was thinking about the Mizzou game, where it was a close-but-no-cigar finish. Anyway, the point is, I sure hope the basketball team fares better in its championship appearance, though I still hate that a team I rooted for all throughout the 60’s and 70’s, Davidson, got beat out.
Anyway, though Coors field is a beautiful park, has there ever been any thought given by the Rockies or MLB for that matter to have a domed stadium there? Seems like this time of year that would be the smart way to do it.
By AMG
April 7, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
game is on sports south tonight … accoring to the schedule I got at the game yesterday
By brooklynbrave
April 7, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
there’s nothing like coming into work in nyc on a monday after that braves sweep over the weekend. all the mets fans in the office were so fired up on friday, but no ones been by my office today???
By Josh H
April 7, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
“By bigchiefrg
April 7, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Oh, and DOB, excuse me if you already have, but I think you should do some research for a possible story on the stadium usher Herm.”
Did he make a prediction that the Braves would win? I had front row seats on the 3rd base line opening night, and I do remember the old usher singing and dancing.
By jbutler
April 7, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
DOB Welcome to the Mile Hi…we were headed to the game tonight..but w/snow and two kids tagging along under 5, decided to postpone. Will maybe hit Thurs. game if it gets - say above 40?? Ugh.
Great new Buffalo steak/burger place just off the 16th street mall by the Westin Tabor. About a month old- enjoy!!
By Slider29
April 7, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Good idea Carolina Gent…then maybe we could pressurize it to sea level.
By dunwoody in denver
April 7, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Well, since I missed the last blog…
DOB, welcome back to Denver. It’s too bad you’re getting the crappy weather, especially considering it was 70 for the home opener on Friday and will be in the 70’s this weekend. Oh well, that’s springtime in CO for you.
Hopefully it’ll be nice enough so that you can explore downtown a little bit and see all the changes that have occurred in the last 6 months since you’ve been here; the amount of new construction in downtown is amazing, what with the Democratic Convention coming to town and all.
A couple of places you should visit (I’m not sure where you’re staying, so I don’t know how far away these are from you):
-The Corner Office (14th and Curtis). Great martini bar, amazing and eclectic menu, great atmosphere and food.
-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.
-Steuben’s (17th Ave., 3 blocks east of Broadway). Some of the best food I’ve had in a long, long time.
Well, have fun while you’re here, and hopefully the weather will be nicer tomorrow.
By mo in the boonies
April 7, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Thanks AMG but I’m not happy about SportsSouth. Can’t get them on my Direct TV. :>(
By N8
April 7, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
DAP
This was on the last blog, but I couldn’t let it go unmentioned. Instant classic.
In response to overord saying:
“14th on active list in KKK, and he is only 31.”
To which you responded:
“andruw in the KKK? wow. they are really branching out.”
I don’t care who you are, that right there is FUNNY. Reminds me of the Dave Chapelle skit.
Good stuff indeed.
By Shamus Thacker
April 7, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
BOB DYLAN WINS PULITZER
By KC
April 7, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
brooklynbrave: NICE!
Are you from down south? How did you become a Braves fan in NY?
By H from Marietta
April 7, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
How ‘bout them Los Mets!!!
Muhahaahahahaaha!!!
By dunwoody in denver
April 7, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Oh, and BamaBrave, Denver in April is NOT like Green Bay in January. Hell, Denver in January isn’t like Green Bay in January. That’s a common misconception; everyone thinks we’re buried in snow 9 months out of the year. I’d say Denver in April is more like Asheville in April.
Last Friday it was 70 for the home opener. Ask DOB; when he was here for the World Series (Oct. 26-28) it was in the mid 70’s. It’ll be in the 70’s this weekend.
If the weather here was so cold and miserable then we wouldn’t be so overrun with Texans and Californians moving here by the thousands.
Stop spreading lies, Bama!
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
April 7, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Amazing how quiet the Mets fans are when they get their asses handed to them isn’t it?!
By bigchiefrg
April 7, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Josh H— no prediction that I remember but that Herm was AWESOME and what I would plan to be like when if i get to pass into the 70’s
By Erin
April 7, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Why wouldn’t Colorado have built a stadium with a retractable roof?? Absolutely no reason a baseball game should be subject to SNOW! Ridiculous!!!
By chase
April 7, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
I refuse HENCE FORTH to mention or be sucked into a discussion mentioning #25 or as I will now refer to him “He who must not be named”
LOL
The Defense has rested!
By Steve McP
April 7, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Herm was definitely at the game on Saturday (didn’t see him Sunday but he could still have been there). He had official tags but I don’t know if he was being an usher or just having a good time!
By SandyB
April 7, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
If anyone’s interested: Yates pitching the 8th in a tie game (DeRosa committed an error to allow the tying run to score in the last inning)…Cubs/Pirates 8-8. No runs allowed, but the last out went to the warning track.
I wish the Braves game would hurry and start.
By DAP
April 7, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
thanx, N8. not many (including my wife, at times) realize what a comedic genius i am. (yeah right!)
i just read a q&a with rafael soriano on the braves main website. sounds like a great guy, but im worried about him after yesterday. i didnt see ALOT of talk about it on the blog, but did soriano look scared to anyone else? if anything, he didnt have his best stuff, for sure.
By brooklynbrave
April 7, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
KC- spent 6 formative years in lawrenceville, GA then on to NC and went to undergrad in western NC. been in nyc for 10 years, fighting ‘em off the whole time [first 8 years were easy]
By David O'Brien
April 7, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
BamaBravesFan, Bill Self is not leaving KU for Okla. State. If he does, then it’s a sheer money grab and the man will never have another shot at a national title. You don’t leave KU for Okla. State, regardless of what check T. Boone writes. Not if winning is as important to you as money….
Those who’ve asked, my back’s much better. Did a ton of stretching and such in recent days. Got a couple of tips from Kotsay (seriously) about stretches I didn’t know.
OK, gotta get to the ballpark. Gotta make sure I’m staked to a spot directly next to a TV with the game on. Not the Rockies-Braves game, THE game.
By DAP
April 7, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
i heard that in colorado, humans are subservient to moosen, gas is $5 a gallon, and resident born below a certain elevation arent allowed to vote.
what do you say to THAT, dunwoody?
By bigchiefrg
April 7, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
I wouldnt worry about Soriano just yet DAP… He always has very good control and the strike zone was being pinched yesterday. I think he just got some tough calls early on but i think he battled really well.
oh and steve mcp…Herm was def there on Sunday as well. We were on the other side of the field and still watchin him, plus he was on the JumboTron a few times.
By BravesFanInRockies
April 7, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Coors Field is a little more than a dozen years old and the locals would not accept a tax increase to pay for a new ballpark, or to retrofit Coors with a retractable roof.
At the time it was built, to my knowledge the choice was to build a fixed dome or an open-air stadium. Retractable roofs were sci-fi imaginings. Wasn’t the BOB in Phoenix the first one of those?
Come out here any time after May 1 and see a game … you’ll understand why a fixed dome was never an alternative.
Of course, if MLB wants to pony up the money to pay for a removable roof, sure, why not?
Remember, too, folks, it can snow in Detroit and Cleveland in April. And rain can wash out games anywhere, anytime.
By dunwoody in denver
April 7, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Erin, have you ever been to Denver?
99% of the time it’s nice in April (as well as May, June, July, August, September, and October); this just happens to be one of those not-so-nice times. Besides, if they built a retractable roof, it would eliminate the views of the mountains; kind of defeats the purpose of living in CO, now, doesn’t it?
Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, New York, Boston, Pittsburgh, Philly, and Miami need retractable roofs FAR more than Denver. After San Diego, Denver has the 2nd most number of sunny days.
By Varoadrunner
April 7, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Just a thought about Jake Peavy - If it’s DIRT - then why is ONLY on the fingers used for throwing a curve ball?
By N8
April 7, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
DAP
“not many (including my wife, at times) realize what a comedic genius i am. (yeah right!)”
I seem to have the same issues. LOL!
As for Soriano looking scared? I’m not sure if scared is the right word. But he surely didn’t have that glowing anger/confidence that he was carrying around last year.
Time will tell. Can’t imagine that he would admit to anybody if he WAS scared, and if he would admit to that to Bobby, I’d assume that Bobby would get him out of that role.
To those whining about Coors Field NOT having a roof, due to snow in the spring. I’ll remind you that most of the time, they are warmer in March and April than cities like Chicago, Detroit, New York, Boston, Baltimore to name a few.
One neat thing about Coors Field that many people might not know is that the field is “heated”, and has a state of the art drainage system (as most newer stadiums do now).
Back in April of 1998, I attended a couple of the games of the Braves/Rockies series in Denver. I missed the Friday night game, and that evening it snowed to beat hell.
Woke up in the morning, and thought that there was no chance of the Saturday afternoon game happening. We left Colorado Springs in the morning, got to the park about an hour before game time. At that time the streets were still covered in dirty, slushy snow.
We proceeded to walk into the park to a PERFECTLY green and snow free field. From inside the stadium, without a cloud in the sky, it looked like it was the middle of June.
So, while the cold temps might not be ideal (but certainly no different than opening a season at Wrigley), or the snow is falling big time (which also could happen at many parks), there is a better chance of the game continuing after a snow filled day, at Coors than many other stadiums.
By Reid in EAV
April 7, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Chase, who’s #25? I forgot already. ;-)
DOB: Just try not to call a 3-run HR (inevitable in Coors Field, yes?) a “three pointer” in your game story. LOL.
By BamaBrave
April 7, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Relax, Dunwoody. Don’t take things so literally and you may just add a few years to your life. I think most folks understood what I meant… I just wish we didn’t have to play in cold weather this early when injuries can happen more easily…
By Varoadrunner
April 7, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Just a thought about Jake Peavy - If it’s DIRT - then why is ONLY on the fingers used for throwing a curve ball? Blow up the pic and look!
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
brooklynbrave I learned many years ago that if you are going to dish it out, you better know how to take it. Just put a sign on your door that says the a$$ kicking has taken place, you are now recording their names… :-)
By ku_alum
April 7, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
DOB- From one Jayhawk to another. Rock Chalk- RB
By Shamus Thacker
April 7, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Redman in that thin air? Folks sitting above the outfield wall better wear body armor.
By ChampDawg
April 7, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
James vs. Redman sounds like a toss-up to me partner. Chuckie James has no major league talent whatsoever.
By ku_alum
April 7, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
DOB- From one Jayhawk to another. Rock Chalk- RB
By scott boras
April 7, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
braves offense too much for CO.
TEX=mvp
By dunwoody in denver
April 7, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
DAP,
It’s moose, not moosen, and there aren’t that many of them here. Elk, well that’s another story.
Gas is cheaper here than in ATL. I think you may have CO confused with CA.
Only Californians and Texans. Everyone else is eligible.
By TennesseePaul
April 7, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Not the Rockies-Braves game, THE game.
Sorry DOB. From the spot I’ve staked out already, there is only 1 THE game and that game is always Braves vs…. But I hope you enjoy the other game. Kansas did themselves well over the weekend. Knocked out my second favorite college hoops team. They have a tough nut to crack tonight. Only 1 loss…
Snowing… please tell me you’ll get in at least one snowball toss.
By chase
April 7, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
DAP
Pretty LOW thing you did on other BLOG criticizing a man’s character that you don’t know.
My character has served me well. My wife and I have accomplishe dmore at 28 years old than most people twice our age.
I am tenacious and fight for what I believe in…if my opposition makes a fair point I concede it and work for a compromise…BUT I will not yeild to in what I beleive…
If that is a “character flaw” as you say..then I wish more people had that same flaw brother!
By BravesFanInRockies
April 7, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Elevation in Denver is several thousand feet below that of the ski resort towns that are just 100 miles or so away. It’s difficult to understand that if you’ve never spent much time here.
And yes, as Dunwoody said, Denver has an incredible number of sunny days. It’s an arid climate, about as dry as Southern California. The snow melt provides enough water to quench us thirsty city folk.
By dunwoody in denver
April 7, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
N8
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Bravo.
By Shamus Thacker
April 7, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this
Hey, I wasn’t kidding about Dylan winning a Pulitzer. It’s a citation for his full body of work, but he still gets the hardware.
Nobody on earth more deserving…
By AGTfan
April 7, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
DOB You’re absolutely right, Roy Williams would never leave Kansas for UNC…..oops, got caught in a time warp. I mean Bill Self would never…Good luck tonight.
By TennesseePaul
April 7, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Chuckie James has no major league talent whatsoever.
This is like race baiting. Both of which are espoused by those who know very little.
By Braveheart
April 7, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
I thought Soriano looked funny yesterday as well. He looked like he sharted.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Jake Peavy … Shades of Kenny Rogers… Don’t you just love high def?
Where is Frank Robinson when you need him?
By ChampDawg
April 7, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
FYI and as a sidenote— I heard during the Mets series (I think the announcers (Tim McCarver, etc.) might have mentioned it)that there’s no way Tex stays in Atlanta. Said the Yankees and Mets will be all over him. Given the Braves track record of not paying big bucks, I’d say they are probably right. Tex and Escobar (and maybe Francouer) are the future of the franchise. If we don’t keep Tex, the future doesn’t look bright at all.
By brooklynbrave
April 7, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
gil- i usually just tape up the back page of the NY post outside my door. the silver lining from this past weekend for the mets in todays paper was that delgado looked sharp-i could run all day with that.
By TennesseePaul
April 7, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
It’s an arid climate, about as dry as Southern California
Is this the beach area of SoCal, the desert area or the chapel area?
The one difference I noticed between the two when I visited was Denver can put up a very hot muggy July if it so chooses. Beach Area SoCal will put a muggy day up in August, pretty much like the rest of America. But other than that it’s typically 30+% humidity and 70 degrees. Inland is something else entirely. Head to the Valley of the Dirt People and you’d think you were in Oliver Stone’s U-Turn.
By mo in the boonies
April 7, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
dunwoody in Denver, I spent four great days in June in Denver several years ago. I sat out on a hotel patio, and it was sunny, warm, and no mosquitoes or flies like we have in the Midwest. Couldn’t get over it. Didn’t get to any ballgames, but rode that little trolley downtown to the park, and Museum.
By chase
April 7, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
I’m with you TENN Paul…
How can you say a guy who has won double digit games 2-3 years in a row has “no major league talent”
Could the Braves get Cain or Lincecum from the GIANTS for THORMAN, PENA, and either JO JO or CHUCKIE?
And if so, would you do that?
Or what do you think it would take to get one of those guys?
By ChampDawg
April 7, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
Know more than you buddy. Look at James performance last year. Pitiful. If he were MLB material right now he would have made the 25-man roster to start the season. Hell, at least Redman’s on someones roster. James is here only because Hampts on the DL……. dude!
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Well, I see the blog has not change much… Just the names are new…
By scott boras
April 7, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
david: Let’s hope the Braves get out of Colorado with 2-3 wins and NO INJURIES! Snow and ice - yikes!
i agree but why not a sweep. i predict co and sf fighting in the bottom of the standings.NL WEST too strong for ROX!
By Jobu
April 7, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
I don’t think a guy from the Dominican Republic that has been through Tommy John Surgery and been hit in the head by a Vladimir Guerrero liner is scared because he is pitching in a 3 run game against the Mets in April. I can almost guarantee you that he may have been feeling discomfort in his elbow, thus the grimace and look of uncomfort. That’s how I perceived it. Definitely not that of someone pitching scared.
By BravesinTN
April 7, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
DOB, if back problems persist, see a PT in the Atl area named Robert Medcalf - he’s one of the best and teaches courses to PT’s all over the world. He’s helped me successfully treat 100’s of patients in the past few years. Plus, he’s a Braves fan. Also, how long do you think Bobby will keep 3 catchers, seems to me he’s either auditioning Pena for trade with the frequent PH or is leaning towards him as the #2 guy.
By OrlandoFan
April 7, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
I love Coors Field. One of my favorites. The location is great, amenities are great, the games are fun there (for obvious reasons) and the backdrop — on many days — is the most beautiful of any stadium anywhere (and I’ve been in a few). Dodger Stadium may be my out-and-out favorite, but Coors is right behind it. Just proves I don’t judge stadia by who plays there.
By Sean C
April 7, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
werent we supposed to rough up odalis perez on opening day too…
that didnt go so well
i dont want to celebrate what were gonna do to redman til its done, lets avoid that embarrassment
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
Lew It is becoming more and more evident that Stiener may have been right….
By AGTfan
April 7, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Chuckie James has no major league talent whatsoever.
In 48 big league starts he has a 22-14 record, a 4.00 ERA, a 1.32 WHIP, and a .250 BAA. If that’s no major league talen whatsover, then you must believe that the DAWGS have no NCAA level football talent.
By Slider29
April 7, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
ESPN is reporting that Spiezio is getting three years probation after a guilty plea.
By N8
April 7, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
Dunwoody
“Couldn’t have said it better myself. Bravo.”
Thank you. Just calling it like I see it.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this
BravesinTN I think Bobby is using Pena to pinch hit so much because he is the best right hand bat available off the bench right now…
By keylargo
April 7, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Mo In The Boonies
Try channel 737 for Directv/Braves tonight at 8:30.
By McFann
April 7, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
*From the spot I’ve staked out already, there is only 1 THE game and that game is always Braves vs…. * 10Paul
That’s exactly the way I feel, too!
By ChampDawg
April 7, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Chuckie still not good enough to make the #5 spot in this years rotation. I don’t care what stats you throw out there. The guy can’t break a wet bag!!!
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
For a good time click here
By Lew
April 7, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
Gil-Actually, it was a guest on Steiner’s show. To give Charlie his due, he did have someone with an opposing view, as well.
However…….Your point is well taken. We will have no future if we don’t sign Tex-only about $20 something million to spend on pitching. It’s all so bleak.
By Goodoleboy58
April 7, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
anybody watching this cubs/pirate game? extra innings and Nady just led off the inning with a double
By dunwoody in denver
April 7, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
To everyone who was worrying about a snow-out:
As befitting a city with schizophrenic weather patterns, it’s now a beautiful sunny day, with temps approaching 50. It should be a beautiful (albeit a bit chilly) night for baseball.
By PTC DAWG
April 7, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
Why is it so hard to get the out of town games delivered in HiDef?
By OrlandoFan
April 7, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
I don’t know, DOB, I think Bill Self might be thinking of going back to OK State. That’s a lot of cash, and it is his alma mater. It’s a blood/water thing. Look at Billy Donovan. He had the money in hand (NBA), but he went with his blood (colleges). Yes, he probably did turn down Kentucky. But Self would have both the money AND the blood on both side of the conversation. I think if the numbers are as have been discussed (and it’s all premature), it will be difficult to stay at KU, win or lose tonight.
By keylargo
April 7, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Bama Braves Fan
Do you really want to steal ANOTHER coach? You already have O’Saban Bin Laden coaching your football team. You know you can never go to the Orange Bowl and return with him alive.
Dunwoody in Denver and Braves Fan in the Rockies
I’m riding in the Ride the Rockies this year. Starts in Durango and ends a week later in Breckenridge. Hard to simulate 12,000 foot passes down here in the Keys. I may be on O2 before it’s over.
By ernesto
April 7, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Anyone in the mood for a little blog karoake? Ahem, give me a C, a bouncy C…
“Beat the Mets, Beat the Mets, Step right up and sweep the Mets. Bring your kiddies, bring your wife. Tell them to run from the guy with the knife. Because the Mets are really ready to fall. Watching Tex hit home runs over the wall. East side, West side, everybody’s coming down to beat the M-E-T-S Mets, of New York town.”
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 7, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
ChampDawg Did you ever stop to think that maybe the Braves’ number 6 and 7 guys are better than many teams number 3,4 or 5? It is called depth and it has taken the Braves 5 years to archive the amount of pitching depth they currently possess.
If they play tonight, everyone is going to be miserable and half the team is going to be sick next weekend..
By Matt
April 7, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this
Amen to those of you praising God’s Country. Denver is SUCH great town - I love living out here, but I’m still going to the game tonight to root for the Braves. My wife is p** she has to come along.
By TennesseePaul
April 7, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this
Yes. Dawg. Very insightful.
If he were MLB material right now he would have made the 25-man roster to start the season
James was on the DL. So by that logic then… Smoltz has no MLB talent either? He was sitting right next to James come opening day…
Look at James performance last year
OK… Do you want pre or post rotator cuff injury? Or do you conclude that the mere idea of a guy getting injured is proof he has no MLB talent? If so, well… Smoltz and Chipper would beg to differ.
The injury manifest itself in mid season, late July it appears…
Not very pretty at all. Thankfully James gutted it out and was able to finish the season on a positive note winning 2 of his final four starts while the team won all four of them…
Prior to that Injury James produced the following in the Majors, against MLB talent…
35 starts, 153 strike outs a 3.66 ERA and almost 200 innings. Not bad at all. But I’m done. I’ve been through this too many times.
By Epinephrine
April 7, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
I honestly don’t know what is worse. Some people honestly believe Chuck James is good enough to be traded in a package deal, alongside Scott Thorman, Bryana Pena, and a bag of peanuts, for Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum…Or that some people believe Chuck James has no major league talent? What is the matter with you people?
It’s pretty astounding that people can invest this much time learning about baseball on the internet, and still know absolutely nothing about the sport.
There have been a lot of complaints recently that this blog will “never be what it once was”. That isn’t true. It was fantastic throughout the entire off season and the spring. It was also great for the majority of last season. The only time that the blog begins to descend into idiocy is when the Braves are attracting the most national attention. Thus, at the beginning of the season, or after the Tex trade, or after a Hampton injury, voila! The average blog IQ drops to room temperature.
Fear not everyone. Come mid may, the requirement of an attention span will separate the wheat from the chaff.
By jbutler
April 7, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Carolina Gent Having been around for the whole Coors Field dome/no dome debate- I was surprised how little serious thought was actually given to having one. I think given that Colorado wears their skiing reputation as a badge of honor they felt like anyone coming here would just put up w/the elements. That- and well, its still truly a football town. As nuts as the town was during Sept/Oct for the Rox last year- its over.
As a fan- we were hoping to get to one of the games this week w/out having to wear our ski clothes..but no luck apparently.
By TennesseePaul
April 7, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Lew: Of that pitching you wish to spend on, who is it you think the team should attempt to acquire via FA? Did you look at the list? Just a top 5 or 3 would be cool to hear… er… see I guess, since this is a blog.
Also, while spending on the pitcher, some warm body must replace Teixeira on the field… who would you suggest as the replacement?
By supa
April 7, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
The weather in Denver is another reason why it was good to start Smoltz yesterday.
I agree with an earlier post…hopefully the Braves can escape Colorado with 2-3 wins, but most importantly no injuries with the slick playing conditions.
By jbutler
April 7, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this
Erin It seems every year the weather debate comes up during April. Remember last year the Indians players having a snowball fight on the field instead of batting practice? There’s a handful of cities who are apt to sheer guessing when it comes to what the weather is like. The debate always dies down by early May…so until someone gets serious about actually changing the schedule- each year will seem an awful lot like Groundhog Day!!
By David O'Brien
April 7, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
It’s dry here for now, has been for about 5 hours. But it’s getting colder in a hurry….
OrlandoFan, with all due respect, your Billy Donovan argument doesn’t really fit with the Self thing at all.
Like I said, if he takes the money grab and returns to O-State, then more power to him. But I don’t see Self as the type that would give up the chance to win national championships, which is exactly what he’d be doing. Whether it’s college football or college hoops, you don’t leave a top-five coaching job just for cash or to return to your alma mater, not unless said alma mater is another of the top-five coaching jobs (i.e. Roy Williams returning to Carolina).
If I’m wrong, I’m wrong. But I think they’ll offer Self the highest salary of any college hoops coach, and I think he’ll turn it down. And if he doesn’t, well, rest assured Kansas will have its pick of great up-and-coming coaches. It’ll be hard to find a better recruiter than Self, though.
(That’s also another thing that’ll go wasted at O-State — his recruiting ability. He’ll land the best in-state guys and a few others, but he won’t have a roster sprinkled with McDonald’s All-Americans like he does now.)
By TennesseePaul
April 7, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine: I’m not one to advocate including James in any trade. But, trading with the Giants isn’t quite the same as with most teams. The package suggested is far too young. We’d have to send someone using a walker in order to get such good young talent back from the Giants. We did have a couple of 37 year old minor league catchers at AAA last season… maybe that’d pique Sabean’s interests. They could bat clean up and give Molina a rest.
By Teddy Jack Eddy
April 7, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
DOB I’m sure you’ve posted on this before but have you been to the Pec (El- Chapultepec) the little Jazz club just south of Coors ? I lived on the Western Slope in the 90s and when I trekked across the Rockies I’d usually stop in.It ain’t fancy but I’m guessing it fits you about right.
By Chop Chop
April 7, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
If Chuck can find a way to last longer in games and keep the ball in the park more often (he could give up 30 in 200 and still be very effective), he’ll be a very solid starter in the bigs. Maybe he’ll figure it out this year. We’ll see.
Moving on to a different topic, I just want to say that I’m not willing to give Frank Wren a lot of slack. Think about the scenario here: Schuerholz decides to quit, picks Wren to replace him (without any kind of GM search that I know of), becomes team prez…and then quickly rides off into the sunset. For the hyperbolic purposes of this blog, that means to me that Wren damn well better be the greatest replacement GM in history for one of the greatest GMs in the history of baseball. Because of Schuerholz’s confidence in him (and the way he was hired), Wren is going to have to show me a lot. Otherwise, he could end up being the Reitsma/Kolb to Schuerholz’s Smoltz. We don’t need that. God, we don’t need that.
It also leads me to saying that ponying up big bucks (I don’t know if Liberty has the sack/guts to do so) to hold onto a great power hitter like Tex may be well worth it. Chipper’s only getting older. Aside from Francoeur, there’s no power in the outfield. Some here were blogging about place-sitters the past few days, and I think that Matt Diaz is the definition of a place-sitter. If Heyward makes it (no reason to think he won’t), he could play left field with Tex at first base. Tex is a confirmed beast and masher of the baseball. The Braves need a beast in the lineup. Without it, I don’t see how they can compete with better-hitting (Phils)/bigger-spending (Mets) teams in the division. Barring a major free-agent signing for the starting rotation, I can’t see the Braves being any better next year, so Wren is going to have a tough choice (signing Tex, a very good starter, or less likely, both). Granted, paying a first baseman huge money is a dicey proposition. It’s not that difficult to find first basemen with power, but the high OBP/plus-defense aspect of Tex makes him very valuable.
Blah-de-blah.
The end.
By chase
April 7, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Epinenphrine
You can take shots at my trade proposal involving Chuck James or JO JO and others but all I was trying to do was spark a conversation about what it MIGHT take to get one of those guys from the Giants.
Good grief man.
SanFran is going nowhere and IF they are intersted in Thorman then what would it take to go along with that to get one of those guys.
Did you need read that I posed it as a question and then asked another question that if that wasn’t good enough what would be?
i never said I though they’d take the deal…I was just trying to get a conversation going on the topic.
By David O'Brien
April 7, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Erin, there’s no retractable roof at Cleveland or Detroit, either, and it’s colder at more games there than it is at Denver. For that matter, it’s colder at more games in Boston than in Denver.
It’s just the first month of the season that can get very dicey in Denver, which is why it’s stupid of MLB to schedule interdivision games this time of year, when Braves are not coming back so they MUST get these games in. They made the same mistake last year when they had Seattle play in Cleveland early, and that ended up being a disaster where teams are flying places on their off day to make up games, etc.
By Chop Chop
April 7, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
I hope Bill Self leaves. Kansas has the same damn self-indulgent, arrogant, and thoroughly off-putting “basketball royalty” crap going on that Kentucky, UNC, Duke, and UCLA have. Even so, I picked KU to win tonight! Do it for my brackets, you smug jerks!
By Goodoleboy58
April 7, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
Mad-Dog is pitching a gem against the Giants
By David O'Brien
April 7, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
As for who might get SENT DOWN when Chuck is activated, I asked Bobby if it’d be a pitcher and he said not necessarily, because of the fact they’re at Coors Field for four games. Anywhere else, yes it’d be a pitcher. And here it might be, too. But if they use five relievers in each of the first two games…. you never know.
If it is a pitcher, I’d guess it might be Bennett simply because he has options, and you’d rather not lose one of the out-of-options guys unless you have a trade in place for one of them.
By Goodoleboy58
April 7, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
chase
Thorman cleared waivers so I’m not sure why anyone would trade for him since they could have had him for free…
By DonCoburleone
April 7, 2008 6:48 PM | Link to this
DOB good luck on the game tonight… I’ve got Kansas winning in my “friends” bracket, but in order to win the thing outright I need the final score to be in the neighborhood of 71-68 Kansas, I don’t have nearly enough points for either team do I???
By jb
April 7, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this
I don’t know why everyone is so down on Chuck James. He wins ballgames! Isn’t that what you really want from a starting pitcher? I agree a few more innings would be nice, but it’s not like he’s the ace of the pitching staff. The other nice part is he still has options. That gives the Braves flexibility to have an older starting rotation, and fortunately he was around when Hampton was put on the DL. Also I agree that the Braves need to make Tex a serious offer when the season is over if not sooner. I can live with him signing elsewhere for a lot more money if the Braves at least made a decent offer. Not some low ball figure like they offered Glavine in the past, but a real offer.
By AMG
April 7, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Just something I have noticed in the first week: Kotsay is a good baseball player, not a superstar but knows how to play the game. I will enjoy watching him this season hopefully for 150 or so games. DOB was right about him.
By Duke
April 7, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
DOB, I was trying to figure out which writer was you at the game Sunday. I was sitting in the Golden Moon Casino level just to the left of the media box, or whatever you call it. Great game though, playoff atmosphere and a good crowd. Suggestion for your next blogs song, Cortez the Killer, my favorite Neil Young song.
By Teddy Jack Eddy
April 7, 2008 7:01 PM | Link to this
I agree it’s stupid to schedule in Denver this early.DOB may remember better than me but I think it was April 1999 we drove in and stopped over in Georgetown the night before a scheduled 1 pm start.When we got up that morning there was 7 inches of snow.The game was delayed a couple of hours and by game time you wouldn’t have known it’d snowed…dry climate you know.
By Drew
April 7, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Apologies, I didn’t mean to single you out or disrespect you a few hours ago. I thoroughly enjoy the work and honestly, like most people, you get me through the work day. Do us a favor and try to keep our bats warm and the Rockies bats colder than the weather.
By Bravesfan79
April 7, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
someone wrote: “DOB, Who do you thinks gonna be the odd man out in the rotation? I’d hate to see Resop or Ring get claimed.”
Why in the world would cox keep corky miller around? we dont need a 3rd catcher. Unless that guys name is Mike Piazza who can come off the bench to jack a HR! When our “defensive specialist” played he made errors, and when he batted he struck out or popped up. So we choose this guy over Javy because?? Anyways with us having so many 5 inning pitchers theres NO WAY we should dare let Resop or Ring get away!
In fact sending down anyone other than corky miller just dosent make sense. i mean really…whats the point of a “defensive specialist” that catches games maybe once a week, yet gets hitting chances in crucial hitting situations time after time??
By Chop Chop
April 7, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this
DonC,
I’ve got KU winning 84-77. I think that’s probably too high of a score. Somewhere between your pick and mine is where it will probably end up.
By Epinephrine
April 7, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
What would it take? I have no idea. The Giants would want a proven winner at pitcher in return, a far better first baseman than Scott Thorman, and another young stud. If I had to guess what it would take for Cain…maybe Jair Jurrjens, Jordan Schafer, and Thorman? Maybe more, maybe a tad less but I doubt it.
I know the Giants wouldn’t take Alex Rios straight up for either Lincecum or Cain. I know that the Reds wouldn’t give up Jay Bruce straight up for Lincecum. Those are the margins, and that was before the season began. That should give you an idea of what kind of ballpark we are talking about. It will also take more to get Cain than Lincecum. But James, Pena, and Thorman? Seriously?
By McFann
April 7, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
That’s funny, ernesto!
Hey, anybody got the lyrics to that song somebody wrote after the Mets Collapse? It’s been stuck in my head, but I only know the first part:
Beat the Mets, Beat the Mets
Last place teams defeat the Mets…
By Braveheart
April 7, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine, great post at 6:14
By embizzle
April 7, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
Don’t know if anybody else has noticed… but Kotsay is featured in the opening credits/song for BASEBALL TONIGHT. You know when the baseball cards are hitting/catching/throwing around the baseball… Kotsay is the one they show jumping at the wall to grab the ball. Even though he’s still in an Oakland jersey. Look for it next time.
By jbutler
April 7, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
* Teddy Jack Eddy* Hey…a fellow El Chapultchapec (sp??…been a long time) frequenter!! Spent many a night w/some spicy hot mexican food and great music. Terrific spot.
By Pete H.
April 7, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
I wonder if every time someone in the clubhouse drops a sandwich from the post-game spread, they turn around, glare at Kotsay, and say, “Andruw would have had that.”
Perhaps DOB could illuminate us.
By Matt from Athens
April 7, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
DOB, are the Braves going classic gray or so-so blue tonight? Seems like wearing it against the Rockies, the kings of the unfortunate alternate jersey (purple, anyone?) would be appropriate.
Not that I hate the blue jerseys, I’m pretty neutral on them, I guess I’m just a purist that prefers grays.
By David O'Brien
April 7, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
Going with the greys. The Rockies chose black tonight, so Braves couldn’t go with blues.
If Rockies choose white, then it’s the Braves’ starting pitcher’s call, whether to where the blues or the grays. Now there’s something I bet you didn’t know, huh? Because I sure didn’t.
You heard it here first. I just asked the Braves’ PR man after I saw your question, and he had just been talking to Braves equipment guy about that subject.
By Lew
April 7, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
TenPaul-It’s April 7, Dude and you want to know who I might consider for pitching and first base for NEXT year? Please give me a break.
All I know is that Hampton’s salary and Glavine’s will be off the books and I would rather find a stop gap at first (much like we did with Kotsay in center), until Heyward, Flowers, Kai’hue or whomever is ready and spend whatever else we have on pitching-either to pay salary if we acquire someone through trade or through the free agent market (and besides Sabathia, who is off to a rough start, I have no earthly idea who else will be available). I would also say that this year’s performance would make a difference on who I’d go for when the time comes.
Or maybe Hanson, Rohrbaugh or someone else will be ready to step into the rotation (though I doubt they’d jump all the way to the bigs). Maybe JoJo will have an epiphany and learn control and an in your face attitude.
All I’m saying is that spending $20+ million on pitching would do us much more good than spending it on Tex-we can still field a relatively awesome offense without him, but new pitching blood is definitely going to be needed.
Besides-I’m not the GM. Maybe there’s another deal for another Jurrjens out there. Of course we COULD try to get Lincecum or Cain for Scott Thorman, right?
By David O'Brien
April 7, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Teddy Jack, the Chapultepec is a great place. Classic dive, man. Had a few burritos there, including one last year during the World Series. Great place to hear jazz, too.
By Reid in EAV
April 7, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
So if it’s not a pitcher getting sent down, that makes one of the three catchers the most likely prospect. We know Brayan Peña is out of options — what about Corky Miller?
By Teddy Jack Eddy
April 7, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
jbutler It’s been awhile but next time I’m in Denver I’ll make time for the Pec.
By Tony C.
April 7, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Props on the James McMurtry selection, DOB….he gets too little press.
By TJ
April 7, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
You might get Cain for Pena and Thorman… if you agreed to take Barry Zito in the deal too.
By Matt from Athens
April 7, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB, I actually did know that about the starting pitcher (think I heard Skip or Pete say it about a decade ago and it stuck in my mind).
Good thing for the Braves merchandising staff that they automatically have to wear the home reds on Sundays, no one would pick them on their own.
By Chop Chop
April 7, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
This great song popped up on my iPod, so I figured I’d post a link to this YouTube clip…
Back on the Chain Gang
Such a sexy voice could still any AJ debate…
By chase
April 7, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
Goodoleboy58
I only mentioned Thorman b/c earlier someone posted theat mlbtraderumors.com add an article about a possible trade of Thorman to the Giants!
I wouldn’t give two buckets of balls and dozen bats for him right now myself.
By David O'Brien
April 7, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Someone asked about Mike Gonzalez: The lefty faced hitters in live BP this week, and Frank Wren says he will have game action next week in extended spring training.
Still on pace for first week in June, I believe.
By cameron
April 7, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
hey DOB hows the weather down there, does it look like there will be a game tonight?
By Wayne in Utah
April 7, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
I noticed that there have been some conversations about trying to get a pitcher from the Giants. Personally, Cain is the biggest catch, but we wouldn’t be willing to send them what it would take to get him. I suspect that they would require either Jurrjens/James/Reyes, plus one of our top low A pitchers, and a couple of other players, like maybe Gorks and Lillibridge (I wouldn’t trade Schafer).
Something else I have wondered. Would they send Zito for a smaller package? Pena, Thorman, Reyes. With that deal, we would probably not get much salary relief.
I would think that a guy like Zito as a #3 pitcher would be a good addition to our staff, say maybe next year.
We could try to do another Hampton/Renteria deal (taking their high paid guy with some salary relief sent along.
What do you think?
By TJ
April 7, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop, I was about to argue with you about your Wren/JS post, and then you sent that link. One of the alltime great songs by one of the alltime cool performers. thanks.
By MIZIKE
April 7, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
yo dave whats the chances of the game being played tonight? forcast says its going to start raining at 6pm. whats it lookin like?
By Thunder Road
April 7, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
It’s a looooong season Ernesto & Mcfann. Enjoy the moment. There’s a lot of time left for payback.
By JC from UT
April 7, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Chase: That was me that read the rumor of the Giants interest in Thorman. The original writer of the rumor stated that they were interested in Thorman, but Nick Johnson is their first choice. It did not say anything of Thorman being their second choice nor did it mention any other possible options.
By Billy (TBFnB)
April 7, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
I’m in Wyoming and watching the FSN Rockies and they are giving Chipper mad props. Rockies Bullpen ERA is 5.79.
By Metropolitan Man
April 7, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Keep singing our song, it will come back to bite you. One of our grandpas is on the way back.
LF Moises Alou, on the disabled list after recovering from hernia surgery, has started swinging the bat at the Mets’ spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, Fla. “That’s encouraging when he starts to swing the bat,” manager Willie Randolph said. “It’s a matter of him getting his strength back. He needs to be in great shape so he doesn’t tweak something else.”
LETS GO METS!
By McFann
April 7, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
I take it, Thunder Road, that you’re a Mets fan.
I just want to know the rest of the words. I’m not gloating. But have you ever had a song stuck in your head and you only knew a few of the words? Obnoxious.
Funny rule about the jerseys—that the starting pitcher gets to pick, I mean.
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
April 7, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
DOB - question about options
Is 1 option good for an entire season or does each trip down count as 1 option, meaning can a player be sent back and forth several times in a season with it just counting as 1 option.
By Bravesfan79
April 7, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
So it IS the dreaded Mark Redmen that we came to hate last spring!
I STILL hold my ground that our anemic bench (one of the 3 worst in baseball last season in pinchitting) led by the TERRIBLE decision to put Woodcrap over Escobar on the roster…combined with throwing away 7 or 8 games last year giving redmen chance after chance was the reason that the Braves didnt make the playoffs! NOT because of Jo Jo, or James, or Buddy!
Final Score Wed: Braves 50, Rockies 10
By scott boras
April 7, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
according to mlbtraderumors there could be plenty of good relief pitchers ava at july deadline
By Scott
April 7, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
McMurtry’s “Too Long In the Wasteland” is really great also. And his Dad did pretty well with the Lonesome Dove stuff. I hope the Braves find a way to keep Ring and Resop. Resop hasn’t done much yet, but it sounds like he has a great arm and a lot of potential. Ring is great to have against left-handed batters.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 8:21 PM | Link to this
Hey Metroman i just hope alou does better than pedro, maine and santana.
LETS GO METS!!!!!! LOL, you sure are amazin, LOL.
By JimD
April 7, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Capt., I am not DOB, but I can tell you a single option is good for the whole season. A player can go up and down more times than a yo-yo during the season and it only counts as one option.
By woogidy
April 7, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
Rain in the 6th and an early bed time for me wouldn’t bother me.
By Philliesuk
April 7, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
Just wondering if anyone wanted to weigh in on whether or not we are better off without Andruw.
By woogidy
April 7, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Let’s all pitch in and get Boog a comb.
By Teddy Jack Eddy
April 7, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Great news about Gonzalez he could be a real difference maker.DOB you need to be watching basketball tonight,good luck.
By William
April 7, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
Metro Man Enjoyed the 2 game series this weekend. What about you?
By woogidy
April 7, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Hey Met man, seems like the same quotes about pitching that Bobby gave to Hampton a week or so ago, Don’t count your chickens buddy.
By William
April 7, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
This is a night I wouldn’t mind seeing Chipper sit out.
By Andy K
April 7, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Oh brother..MLB.TV picked up the Rockies network…*
By KC
April 7, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
JB: I would certainly have to agree that there’s too much Chuck James hatin’ in this blog.
From the day James came up in 2006, until hit shoulder starting giving him trouble… Chuck James -while not without flaw- was most definitely a solid starter.
His ERA on July 30th of last year (2/3 of the way through the season) was 3.55. That ranked him among the top 15 starters in the league.
Then the shoulder thing happened and he started getting hit pretty hard… but prior to that, he was very good.
Sure, the Braves would have liked more innings out of him, but a 3.55 ER is excellent in this day and age.
And don’t forget his 2006 production (11-4, 3.78).
Chuck James is a fine 4th or 5th starter. You won’t get a ton of innings from him, but if he’s healthy, the innings you do get will be very good.
By Murphy
April 7, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Go Chipper!!
By Metropolitan Man
April 7, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Enjoyed being at the game, hated results. Now time for Colorado to make the NL east look worst than it already does. If that dummy Cook can settle down. Enjoy the game folks.
By TexasBrave
April 7, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s the Man!!! Wow!
By William
April 7, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Okay, before everyone starts slamming my comment about Chipper……..I was just saying because of the weather. No doubt the man is a hitting machine.
By Goodoleboy58
April 7, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
anyone having trouble getting the Braves video on MLB.TV or is it just me?
By Joseph A. Swiatek
April 7, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Trying to see or listen to this game…. any help would be appreciated…. huge Bravos fan from Western New York….. thanks !
By Bravesfan79
April 7, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah: Man u cant be serious about wanting Zito! Taking on his contract would be the worst decision the Braves have made since well …last spring when we signed Redmen and Woodcrap. I think Zito might of been on roids because his velosity has REALLY gone down. He would be just as much a waste of money as Hampton has been. Your right, maybe hes a good 3rd option guy, but NOT at 18million a season or however much hes overpaid!
By McFann
April 7, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
How was that for a nice defensive play, eh, Overlord? Niiiice!! No bunt hit there! Oh yeah!
By chuckaluck
April 7, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
William —I understand exactly what you were saying. Felt the same way.
By David O'Brien
April 7, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
CaptCaveman, JimD’s right on the options answer. Only one option is used to move a player up and down as many times as the club wants to do so during a season.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Brilliant play by the Rockies RF Hawpe….. we continue to be victims of great defensive plays.
By William
April 7, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Joseph Your best bet is MLB extra innings package if you have Direct TV.
By Andy K
April 7, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
Joseph…there’s mlb.tv, and that costs about 90 bucks a year….theres other more expensive options too…or MLB Extra innings…
By FEAR
April 7, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Glavine looking good so far
By robo
April 7, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Lets see; Kotsay is batting .296 and even has 2 outfield assists with no errors and the guy he replaced is batting a snazzy .136!!!
By AJ
April 7, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Hey Mr. Wren… I WANNA COME HOME.
By FEAR
April 7, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
ZITO??!?! GOD NO!!!!
By Teddy Jack Eddy
April 7, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
It’s like a great time warp watching Glavine pitch for us.
By Deep Throat
April 7, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
And a merry last place to the New York Mets!
Atlanta Braves 3-3 .500 Florida Marlins 3-3 .500
Washington Nationals 3-4 .429 Philadelphia Phillies 3-4 .429 New York Mets 2 3 .400
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
goodoleboy58 im using it and its pretty nice here, but there were problems in sundays game, i think they are doing some working on their servers or something.
Metroman NL east doesnt looks bad. Braves just swept the muts and are in 1st place. We are leading the game, so we will get to 4-3….. thats a pretty good look from here…. its not our problem if it looks bad from NY.
By Slider29
April 7, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
May just be my tv but, the infield grass looks just about long enough to bail.
By Billy (TBFnB)
April 7, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
http://player.cumulusstreaming.com/Play.html?WIFN-FM
thats a good one
By Goodoleboy58
April 7, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
If Tommy keeps this up he should be able to go atleast 7… he is efficient today
By Pete H.
April 7, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Did someone seriously suggest trading for Barry Zito? No, that couldn’t have happened. Hey, we could pony up for Mark Prior and Mark Redman, too.
I swear that some people make their player decisions by whether the guy has a cool baseball card or not.
Barry Zito can no longer pitch at a major league level. Period.
By mitchie-san
April 7, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Holy Crap. Not sure if this got asked yet, but DOB does this mean that Redman gets a NL Championship ring??????
By Billy (TBFnB)
April 7, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
game going by quick so far
By FEAR
April 7, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
alright let’s get tommy some runs!
By woogidy
April 7, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Tavares and Glavine, This is what baseball is all about. Two guys who know what he’s good at and not trying to do something either is not capable of. Each one using his strengths to be successful. One obviously has been doing it a lot longer than the other.
By Scott
April 7, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
It wouldn’t hurt for Glavine to mix in a salad every now and then. Dude, look at that gut.
You would think with his millions he could hire a trainer and personal chef …
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Metroman what about this?
Santana 1-1
Glavine 2-0
More importantly, Santana lost to a division rival already. Yucks…..
By William
April 7, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
DOB You aren’t saying much. You’re not frozen solid are you? Oh, nevermind……..I guess tip off is in about 3 mins.
By scott boras
April 7, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
billy willthat site work for all braves games?
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
goodoleboy58 what exactly is your problem.
By William
April 7, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Yeah, game is going quick. They are playing like it’s cold as heck. I don’t mind, I have to get up early in the morning. I don’t think the 1-0 lead will hold up though. We need some runs.
By FEAR
April 7, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
double play…..awesome…quick game
By Slider29
April 7, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Glavine’s “new” starting position in the full windup, that he moved to in NY (third base side), is kinda cool because you can see his starting grip from the centerfield camera. It makes sense, but it looks like he always starts with a circle change grip, then changes, if need be, just as he starts his motion.
But Teddy Jack Eddy, your right, it’s an awesome sight. He’s the Braves equivalent of Dick Clark.
By Goodoleboy58
April 7, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Great turn by KJ with Matt barreling down on him…
By scott boras
April 7, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
so far every game the braves starters have given the team a good chance to win! 2008 N.L. East Champs right here
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Glavine is pitching everything to the knees, he looks as the old glavine. Ill say it again, SP is looking better than we expected.
By Billy (TBFnB)
April 7, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
not sure….has so far though….got it from someone else on the Blog….heres another link…..it has all radio stations that MAY carry braves games. Not all work.
http://freebaseballradio.com/Atlanta.html
By Sir Stealth
April 7, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Anyone else realized that today’s date is the same as Glavine’s number? I’m just sayin’….
By MattyRoss
April 7, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
DOB didn’t get a chance to tell you, but congrats on that thrashing of my Tar Heels. That first possession might be indicative of Memphis’s game plan, getting it into Dorsey and not letting the long KU guards clog the passing lanes. And, on cue, a steal and a KU fast break. I think we’re in for a good one…best of luck, good sir.
By Ray K
April 7, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
I just called Time Warner Cable to complain about the MLB package. This thing is on the fritz every other day. What a waste of 49.99 a month. Sure wish I could tune in…
By Bravesfan79
April 7, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah seems to know baseball pretty good, so i don’t know why he would mention Zito…with that contract of his especially. Plus i like your name sir, Wayne is my grandfathers first name, and mine and my dads middle name.
Ill give Wayne benefit of the doubt and say he had a flashback to 2005.
BTW someone mentioned the Mets maybe getting Tex…..could they afford another 20million player? After signing Santana?
Im doubting Tex to NY would ever happen. I think Tex would well be worth 17-18 million/year , but only for 2 or 3 years. Then i think that Heyward kid will be our starting 1st baseman. Also when i heard about Laroach not signing a contract extension with the Pirates…makes me wonder if hes counting on the Braves not resigning Tex and jumping back on the Braves.
By Billy (TBFnB)
April 7, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
I like the Rockies broadcasters.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
Is tulowitzki playing all 8 positions? The guy is everywhere. Great fielder.
By woogidy
April 7, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Hey overlord, when was the last time the ‘pen came in and didn’t give up a run? Calm down with the “We’ve won already” talk! Save it for when the game is over.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
BTW, Cook has also been just outstanding, great location and movement.
By Andy K
April 7, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
FYI, Spiezio is playing third for Richmond tonight, and is one for three with a 2-RBI Double, and a Sacrifice Fly. Hitting .364 overall.
By geauxbraves2000
April 7, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Freeze, blur, freeze, freeze, blur. Who am I? I’m MLB.TV.
Geaux Braves!!
By Joseph A. Swiatek
April 7, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Billy (TBFnB) — Thank-you… got the game on radio and watching the basketball game…. life is good.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
Metroman Glavine is really done, i think braves should release him. LOL.
By MattyRoss
April 7, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
my my, this is vintage Tom Glavine tonight. So good to have him back. With every good to great start from him, I just feel better about the Braves’ chances this year…
By woogidy
April 7, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
Glav’s # is 472008?
By Slider29
April 7, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Geez….Glav looks great. This kind of dominant Smoltz-Glavine back to back definitely feels like ‘95-‘96.
By SandyB
April 7, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
it’s obvious that Tulowitzki and Wright are twins…..
By Pete H.
April 7, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
I know it has to have happened before, but when was the last time only one run was scored in Denver through 6?
Glavine appears to be in good form, given that I can’t see him pitch. This could be a very, very great year.
By mitchie-san
April 7, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
geauxbraves2000 How are you getting the game? I am blacked out on MLB.TV even though I am about 2000 miles away from Denver. I have not been able to watch a single Braves game yet this year. Speaking if wastes of money….
By FEAR
April 7, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
glavine awesome……is it 1991?
By Andy K
April 7, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Tommy is doing just what we need, a longer, quality start for the rotation, giving some rest to the bullpen, and keeping us ahead/in the game.
By Philliesuk
April 7, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
This is old-school vintage Glavine, so far. Absolutely love watching him deal in a Braves uni again.
I’m starting to have a really good feeling about this team. Once we get Spezio coming off the bench and boot Corky, things will be even better…
By Hue Jass
April 7, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Man those Mutts fans were right. This Glavine character is such a freaking bum. Everything’s out over the plate, he’s as flat as a pancake. Let’s try and get this Redman guy I keep hearing about.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
There is not doubt… Tom is ready for 2008. If hampton is able to bounce back, this will be the best rotation in baseball 1-5
By poorbrave
April 7, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Kansas28 Memphis 28 in 1st 4:09 to go.
By geauxbraves2000
April 7, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
mitchie-san I live in IL, so we are able to get it here.
Geaux Braves!!
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
I have watch every braves game on mlb.tv
By Hue Jass
April 7, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
In all seriousness, though, Glavine has been lights out so far. I can’t say so much about the offense, however. I think we were all expecting a big offensive breakout, but I guess if this one ends early, I’ve got more time to watch Kansas beat the snot out of Memphis. Oh well, it’s all good either way.
LETS GO A-TOWN B-RAVES!!!!!!!!!
By woogidy
April 7, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Time for the ‘pen to come through. for once.
By geauxbraves2000
April 7, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
Awesome game Glavine!!
Geaux Braves!!
By FEAR
April 7, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this
I kinda wish we had one or two more runs….but Cooke is smoking!
By bigchiefrg
April 7, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Welcome home Tommy, Welcome home. Gutsy performance. The consumate professional…I want him healthy as much as anyone but it may be a blessing in disguise that Hampton is on the DL so that Chuck can get some tutelage under this guy.
By Hue Jass
April 7, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
woogidy, the bullpen came through last night.
By 22oz
April 7, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
88 pitches and Glavine’s done. Typical Cox. Now Moylan is about to blow it. Whats the over/under on his arm falling off anyway?
By bigchiefrg
April 7, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE!!!
By Tilt3
April 7, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
Overlord-We don’t even need Hampton to bounce back. If Chuck James has a year like he did in 2006, and Jurrjens is solid, we will have the best overall rotation in the majors. Huddy, Smoltz, Glavine, Jurrjens, and James? That sounds good to me.
If we can’t sign Tex, I would really like getting Laroche back. Maybe we could sign someone like Ben Sheets too?
By FEAR
April 7, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
good come back Moylan…..I got scared sh*tless there for a second!
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
Now thats solid baseball… Go bravos!!!!
By Bravesfan79
April 7, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this
That was a HUGE strikeout by Moylan! Now lets get some insurance runs!
By Tilt3
April 7, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Also-Barry Zito would be a smart project if the Giants would pay just about all of his salary—and he didn’t come for much. Maybe playing for a winning team and a decent pitching coach could turn him around. Plus working out with Huddy might help since he’s pitched with him before. But not right now, it just isn’t the right time.
By radoncbravesfan
April 7, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
Great pitches to Taveras by Moylan, retires the side, no runs.
By michigan jeff
April 7, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
The mile high already makes it hard to recover after pitching there. Why add to that by making Tommy go more than he needs to. Good move Bobby. \ By the way, Moylan did well in that half inning.
By Goodoleboy58
April 7, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
correct me if im wrong but dont pitchers have to come to a complete stop with their glove over their belt before they can pitch, otherwise its a balk? where is ol balkin’ bob
By Teddy Jack Eddy
April 7, 2008 10:20 PM | Link to this
What a gem by Glavine,back to back great games by the old dudes…bring back Mad dog.
By Philliesuk
April 7, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Hell of a job by Moylan against Taveras.
I’m already nervous about Soriano.
By Goodoleboy58
April 7, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
someone needs to show this ump the strike zone
By uga-brave
April 7, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
why would you ever throw diaz anything near the strike zone. he makes francoeur look patient.
braves have seen 83 pitches through eight innings.
By wiki
April 7, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
I’m not critical of our fearless leader often, but if he’s going to lean on the bullpen this much, he’s going to have to let them go multiple innings (except Soriano) or we’ll see a ‘pen collapse a la ‘07 Muts.
By woogidy
April 7, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
Hue Jass, without that play from Tex to end the game yesterday, Soriano blows a save. He still gave up one run, which is the current lead. …Leadoff double.
By FEAR
April 7, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
boyer getting pitches up again
By uga-brave
April 7, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
hanging curve ball 0-2. i guess that bobby’s fault.
By Goodoleboy58
April 7, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
overlord- i finally got it working it was just slow to get started.. preciate it though
By N8
April 7, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
How convenient.
Just walked in the door to see the beginning of the bottom of the 8th.
Nice hook by Boyer. Followed by ONE TOO MANY. How’s the old saying go?
“You hang em’, we’ll bang em’!”
Come on Blaine. Step it up son. Locate that fastball, and everything will be just fine.
By FEAR
April 7, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
F*CK!!!!!!! way to go bullpen AGAIN!!!!! never failS!!!
By poorbrave
April 7, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
No Bull in the Pen!!!
By chase
April 7, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
Why does the bullpen always screw us late in a ballgames we were dominating leaving us NO TIME to come back?
By Justo
April 7, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
WOW, Im not really in shock, kind of a had a feeling that would happen. I dont think are bullpen is that bad its just how Bobby Manages it. Well we just lost.
By d1bell
April 7, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
What a shame for Glavine after the gem he pitched!
By Epinephrine
April 7, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
That hurts. A lot. Second Glav win denied.
Not sure what is going on with Boyer, but his usual 96 is at 92. Have to wonder why Boyer is in rather than Acosta and Resop, both of which haven’t pitched in quite some time. At the same time, Boyer is relatively rested. Its just he did pitch yesterday.
Well, they are having closer issues. Hopefully we can turn it around with the top of our lineup.
By N8
April 7, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
That fastball was NOT located very well.
Anybody mind if I pizz and moan a little bit?
What do you know though? ANOTHER guy that shouldn’t be allowed to beat us, is gonna beat us.
Unreal.
But hey……it appears as though Glavine is BACK, huh? LOL!
By woogidy
April 7, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
I’d rather be wrong, but my point has been proven. Bullpen still hasn’t had a scoreless appearance.
By The Goche (A.J.)
April 7, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
bad decision. i’d have liked to see Holliday pitched around then Ohman or Ring to pitch to Hawpe.
By mitchie-san
April 7, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
I am in Mississippi (not on purpose…military) I dont understand why I keep getting blacked out. I really hope that I am not going to get blacked out for every Sportsouth and PTV game!
By Hue Jass
April 7, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Before all of you start bashing Boyer, the offense has looked HORRIBLE tonight. Plus, you can’t expect the bullpen to be lights out every night, especially in that ballpark. If we lose this game, it’s all on the lineup, not the pitching.
By uga-brave
April 7, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
when you get two hits it is kinda hard to fault the pitching.
boyer has no movement on his fastball. nady, now holliday. dont think we will see that fist pump again.
By Philliesuk
April 7, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Great job Blaine
By Original Jon
April 7, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Why didnt they pitch around Holliday with an open base? And hope for the double play? WTF!!!!!!!!! First pitch fastball down the middle and what do you know, homerun. I bet Glavine is fuming over another blown game from the bullpen.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Uga you got it right, see, you are smart, its Cox fault. 1st base open and he lets boyer pitch to an MVP guy? What the hell is all that about? Predictable. Another 1 run loss because a tactical mistake. Not because players bad performance.
By Justo
April 7, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
It was just set up to be a dissapointment. I dont know about yall but I get nervous when he goes to the pen.
By The Goche (A.J.)
April 7, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
whoops, forgot about Adkins, still would have liked to see us avoid Holliday.
I’d much rather face Adkins with 2 on and a double play situation than Holliday AND then Adkins with the tying run on second.
By mark
April 7, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
My opinion sorry you leave Tom glavine in this game he s warm enough everyone else is too cold and the Braves Bullpen again has a meltdown why is Boyer on the team…Bobby you blew this game sorry…Ohhh Those bullpen blues..
By Efrim
April 7, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
Wow. Another one run loss if we can’t score off Corpas.
Crazy…..
By Bravesfan79
April 7, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
I was thinking we should of pulled the pitcher after he had that long foul off of him. Why does Bobby pull him NOW??
Why waste another reliever just to pitch to someone with 2 outs and no one on base?? Its only been what 7 games and so far ive seen Cox do this 3 or 4 times.
By Chop Chop
April 7, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
Bravesfan79,
Carlos Delgado is getting paid $16 million this year with a $4 million buyout. Delgado is definitely declining, so look for the Mets to pay that buyout and cut him loose. That would free up first base for a guy like Tex. In addition, Pedro Martinez’s contract ($11 million in ‘08) is up at the end of this season. Moises Alou’s $7.5 million will also be off the books. El Duque’s $6.5 million will be off the books. Oliver Perez and John Maine will both be free agents, so the Mets will have to make a decision on them.
(That’s more Mets crap than I ever want to look at again.)
By fastasballs
April 7, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
N8 Hurry up & start b***. You’re our rally monkey. When you start moaning during the game usually good things happen, lol.
By N8
April 7, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
uga-brave
“hanging curve ball 0-2. i guess that bobby’s fault.”
Not to be a smart-azz, but Coors (and Mile High before it), has been NOTORIOUS for not being a curve-ball pitcher’s paradise. Humidor or not.
So….yes. Going with a guy (Boyer), that relies on that 12/6 curveball (which did nothing but hang tonight), falls on Bobby’s shoulder, right?
What, he’s NEVER managed in Coors before?
but bottom line is that, we gotta score more runs than 1 in Coors field, with our “alleged” all world offense.
Scold me if you disagree. LOL!
COME ON KELLY! Let’s get some hits.
By jed
April 7, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
swell pitch to holliday, boyer. smart.
By Epinephrine
April 7, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Nice work Kelly. All right Esco let’s see it!
By FEAR
April 7, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
hue jass our bullpen is never lights out
By chase
April 7, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
You know it is a bad night when Glavine pitches thta gem…then the game is blown, then YUNEL hits into a DP at a CRUCIAL TIME!
By N8
April 7, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Nice job by KJ.
Not so nice job by Yunel.
Come on Chip!
By Kim
April 7, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Chalk up another loss on the bullpen. We better be up by more than one run when those jokers get in or we are going to lose a lot more like this.
By Efrim
April 7, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Rough way to lose. 0-4 in one run games. I mean, we should of at least one of those, right?
By Chop Chop
April 7, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Well, that’s why you need to score more than one run in a game.
By Goodoleboy58
April 7, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
momma said they’ll be days like this…
lets get back and get them tomorrow… excellent performance by Tommy tonight
By Gator
April 7, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
bunt!!!!!!!!!!!the!!!!!!!!!!!!ball!!!!!!!!!!!!
By N8
April 7, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
fastasballs
Who you callin’ a monkey? LOL!
Sorry. Didn’t see any of the game tonight, accept for the bottom of the 8th.
So I don’t feel justified b!tching about something I didn’t watch. I’ll assume our bats were putrid tonight.
I can attest that Boyer was. I wonder if his favorite song is Hangar 18 by Megadeth. If it’s not, it SHOULD BE.
That was one ugly inning (bot 8th & top 9th), that I just witnessed.
Yikes. Too bad it didn’t snow more. Damn heated field.
By geauxbraves2000
April 7, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
This is utterly ridiculous. I know the offense didn’t do anything tonight, but they did have the lead. They have got to find ways to start winning these games. How do you expect to compete in the post season if you can’t win 1-0? Night after night the bullpen comes in and gives up runs. This is a game the Braves should have won.
Nite all.
Geaux Braves!!
By Hue Jass
April 7, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Geez why can’t we have both the pitching AND the hitting do well in one game? This team needs to start treating EVERY game like it’s a must win, not just giving it their all against the Mutts and Philthies. We’ll see all the homo Mutts fans in here pretty soon, don’t you worry.
By Original Jon
April 7, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Why is it that teams you would think the Braves are supposed to beat, are the ones that beat us. Our 4 losses have come at the hands of Washington, Pirates, and now the 1-5, oh wait, make that 2-5 Rockies. The team needs to take the same intensity level into every game it plays, it needs to play like every game is against the Mets. You cant go into Coors Field and score only 1 run while Glavine pitches a helluva game only to let the bullpen blow it up. Boyer I am starting to think will be the one to go when someone has to go.
By Tilt3
April 7, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
We need Gonzo back…until then, our bullpen is gonna be a little inconsistent. But why is our offense so inconsistent?
By Todd A
April 7, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
Bobby never ceases to amaze me with his stupidity. His “square peg, round hole” theory of using his pen needlessly, even when the starter is in control of the game. Anyone think Glavine was done at that point in the game? Sure didn’t look like it to me.
By chase
April 7, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
My ONE big complaint with BOBBY is in him CONSTANTLY allowing the ONE most dangerous player on the other team to beat us….
That philosophy cost us TWO games against the PIRATES becuase he refused to avoid NADY!
Cost us again tonight!
By uga-brave
April 7, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
the bullpen may of given up the lead but they did not lose the game.
the braves saw NINETY PITCHES, NINETY PITCHES, in colorado no less.
mccaan, diaz, and francoeur might of swung at 5 strikes combined.
the braves are gonna play a lot of games when they score two or less and a lot when they score six or more.
just like last year when they could not score runs late in close games.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
The Goche (A.J.), you know the game my man.
Braves are 3-0 Cox is 0-4
Cant lose 4 games by 1 run because braves pitchers pitch to the wrong guy with bases open or at least 1st open.
Bobby might be a great manager but he overexposes their pitcher to unnecessary dangers.
By Bravesfan79
April 7, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
WTF…. why didnt we get a bunt down that time? I know Escobar is good but common, a man on 2nd with Chipper and Tex coming up…what more could u ask for! Ahh this sucks.
Im guessing anyone named Holliday, or Albert P, or ANY REALLY hot or good hitter LOVES playing the Braves because they know Bobby Cox is so freakin stubborn and believes in his pitchers to much.
Tonights game wasnt really his fault, but ive seen several games were the other teams hottest hitter was at bat with 2 out and bases empty, and were given a chance to beat us. How many 1 run games are we gonna loose!!
By Ted Simmons
April 7, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Isn’t walking the other team’s best hitter…maybe the Natl leagues best hitter…with first base open and 1 out in a key situation obvious? When is the last time BC actually contributed to a win with a good move? Has it EVER happened? That was a HORRIBLE way for a MGR to BLOW it for his team.
By poorbrave
April 7, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Hue Jass thats BS. Nothing can demoralize a team as much as a sorry bull-pen.. We had that game won,till the no bullpen showed up. What a joke.
By brent a.
April 7, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox baseball on display in the 9th inning for the Braves.
Best manager in the history of the world; but, the Braves keep losing 1-run games.
By Austin
April 7, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
Thanks Glavine. Too bad your manager lost you the game.
Why the hell was Acosta not in the game. Bobby has made some terrible decisions this year.
By IlliniBrave
April 7, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, last nite the FOX crew showed a totally shocking statistic: the Braves are the worst team in MLB in one-run games over the past three years - something like a .300 W/L percentage. Is that accurate?
If so, that’s embarassing! Every year we spend all of this effort and money on the bullpen, but obviously nothing’s working. What are we doing wrong? (and please, don’t put this all on Cox - that’s ridiculous).
By Goodoleboy58
April 7, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
Memphis looks lost on offense… the refs are unwilling to call any fouls as well on both ends
By Efrim
April 7, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
I would of pitched to Holliday. Put the go ahead run on 1st base? I understand the thinking….walk Holliday, get Atkins out, then bring in Ohman to face Hawpe. I guarentee BC won’t pitch to Holliday in the same situation tomorrow night. Regardless, gotta figure out a way to win some of these one run games. Worst record in baseball since opening day 2006 in one run games.
By Philliesuk
April 7, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
I don’t like to second-guess Bobby, but…
At the time, I wished he had left Glavine in the game to finish the 7th. He was still locating his pitches well. That way, I was hoping we would go to Moylan in the 8th and the Soriano in the 9th. I think we would have had a better chance at winning that way. Alas, it’s very easy for me to second guess from home…
By Ray K
April 7, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
Tying it wouldn’t have mattered anyway—we would have just lost it in the 11th as usual. Here’s a little tidbit I discovered when writing for my Braves Blog- they have lost nine out of their last 13 extra inning games going back to last year. Never win the close ones. Gross.
By Northern Redneck
April 7, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
why do you all have to go running your mouth’s saying we’ve won before the game is over. I hate mets fans as much as you do but if you start running your mouth talking about how good we are before we even close out a game its going to come back and bite you in the azzzz. That my friends is called karma…at least wait until after the game to talk trash
By chase
April 7, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
EVEN RON GANT just said he disagreed with Bobby..”should’ve walked Holliday!
You can see on GANT’s face that he is P*SSED
By Jared
April 7, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
What is with this team and the one-run games?
Feels like 2006 again. This bullpen is horrible. So many horrible, late-game losses. Get well soon Mike Gonzalez.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Why didnt yunel bunt with no outs an the one of the best 3-4 punch in baseball coming up?
Im 100% sure that was not yunels call, Im not sure why people in baseball media keep saying cox is the best. And the worst is that im pretty sure that if it would happen again, he would do the same. Cox and Dumber.
By JC from UT
April 7, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
I guess everyone wants to release or start taking trade offers for Boyer know.Too bad for Glavine, but only 2 hits after the first…not good. Aaron Cooke pitched a great game as well. I think it may be time to give Blanco a start. I like Diaz alot but he really swings at bad pitches.It really is amazing how he keeps his AVG up. BC needs to get some speed into the lineup until these guys start hitting with more consistency. Would have been nice to see KJ running to at least try stay out of the DP.
By fastasballs
April 7, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
3-4 or not the starting pitching has been damn good. If the starters continue to pitch as they have that 3-4 will start turning into 5-2 & 6-1 as the season goes on.
This team really reminds me of some of the 90’s teams. Those teams never had a lights out pen either.
Nobody got of the gate in the NL East on fire so everyone relax & be glad we have the starters we do. The pen will come around if they are not run into the ground by the break.
By bigchiefrg
April 7, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
If we swing the bats like that tomorrow then we will make redmen look like Johan. We have got to be a little more selective and get a pitch to handle. Everyone is gettin a little too antsy to hit in a MILE high ball park sigh.
By Pete H.
April 7, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this
Well, that was a bummer, but I bet we are not the first team to lose to a Rockies’ HR. Hand it to their pitching and defense, two real novelties in the Rocky Mountains.
By Austin
April 7, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
Efrim*
He continued to pitch to Nady. Obviously he isin’t the sharpest tool in the shed.
By uga-brave
April 7, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
overlord,
you never put the winning run on base.
that is boyers fault. just like he did with nady. you got to keep the ball in the yard.
By michigan jeff
April 7, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
Well, Boyers 0-2!!!!!!! pretty sure he can make it through waivers.
By Todd A
April 7, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
How many times has Holliday beaten us with a late HR? That’s at least twice, maybe 3 times in his brief career he’s done that to us.
It’s gotten to the point with our pen (especially since the Kolb/Reitsma/Wickman debacles), that I now expect the absolute worst outcome late in games when the pen is trying to nail down a close game. Nothing seems to have changed this year either.
By Stuart
April 7, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
This team is just incredible. They cannot handle prosperity. They win 2 against a divsion rival, looking great in the process, then blow a winnable game in the eighth.
Welcome to game 169 of the 2007 season, or so it seems. They did this all of last year and look like they did not learn or improve.
This team is going to struggle until they get an 8th inning guy.
It looks like Moylan is going to be the “middle closer”. That leaves a HUGE hole in the 8th right now. Boyer has the stuff, but outings like tonight make me wonder if he has the guts or head to do it. Why he wants to throw curveballs in 30 degree weather is beyond me. Someone needs to tell him to pound the fastball since bats are slower in cold weather, either that or someone needs to show him tapes of Smoltzie in October.
By Reid in EAV
April 7, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Well, protecting a one-run lead at Coors is an almost impossible task (and that homer was “Coors Field” all the way) but still, I gotta vent:
Bloody hell! If we lose, I’d rather get blown out than a 1-run nailbiter, exacerbated by some extremely poor pitch selection by today’s middle reliever goat! Boyer!! GRRRRR!
Bullpen: 0-4. And I agree, they’re better than this, but they’re sure not showing it consistently yet.
By Original Jon
April 7, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this
Every year we spend all of this effort and money on the bullpen, but obviously nothing’s working. IlliniBrave
I dont think we are actually spending that much money on the pen this year. The only one under a multi-year contract is Soriano, maybe Gonzalez, but he hasnt pitched yet.
By Bama
April 7, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Thanks Bobby Cox, great job maybe you and Wren need a raise. Hall of Fame Mgr. CRAP>
By chase
April 7, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
ANd WHY WHY WHY is Kotsay batting ahead of DIAZ…THAT should NEVER happen again unless Kotsay is hitting 1st or 2nd
By TPM
April 7, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Tom Glavine pitched a great game. Getting 6 and 1/3 innings out of him is about all you can expect.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - They cannot win with old pitchers and a suspect bullpen. There is a big hole in the middle of the game when your jurassic rotation can only give you 5 or 6 innings.
By In midst of Idiots
April 7, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Pathetic hitting. Put the blame where it should be, on the hitters. Typical.
By brent a.
April 7, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
Glad to see Bobby Cox come into question on here by someone other than just “donk boy”.
Bobby may be one of the best managers (why debate it, if you do, you’ll be told you’re an idiot), but he is no master tactician.
Personally, I think Bobby spends the winter scripting his season out:
1) change pitcher here 2) pinch-run there 3) Pick nose then 4) bunt … NEVER 5) swing, Swing, SWING AWAY!
By Hue Jass
April 7, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
poorbrave, I agree that Bobby didn’t manage the game well, and Boyer through a terrible pitch to a great hitter, but come on: this offense scoring 1 measily run at COORS FIELD? Now that’s BS.
By chase
April 7, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
GANT is still ripping COX
He said the Braves lost because of a MENTAL mistake in pitching to Holliday in that situation…
JJ said they had to calm GANT down on set when that happend
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
Efrim i guarantee you he will pitch to holliday again and again…. you wouldnt, he will. He is that dumb. But the team is so good they will win even if he is around.
By N8
April 7, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
“Chalk up another loss on the bullpen. We better be up by more than one run when those jokers get in or we are going to lose a lot more like this.”
Well, in our 7 games, we’re 3-4. Two of our Wins have been of the blowout variety (nothing new the past couple of years), the other Win was 3-1.
All four of the losses are of the 1-run variety.
So you tell me.
Is that a bullpen problem?
Is that a clutch hitting problem?
Is that a manager problem?
I’m gonna go with “D”, all of the above.
But this much, I DO KNOW:
In our seven games, our starters have compiled 38.2 IP (5.2 per outing), with only 11 ER allowed (2.56 ERA).
Just so long as the IP by the starters continues to increase, and the offense heats up, things will be OK.
Might be a bit (or a LOT) frustrating in the next couple of weeks. But I’m VERY happy with our starting pitching so far.
By Overlord
April 7, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this
Uga you never pitch that late in the game to the winning run if he is the batting champion and MVP of the team.
By ObiWanKobe
April 7, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Let’s keep the total score 153 or less!!! Slow it down!
By radoncbravesfan
April 7, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Seems to be a pattern developing. Pitching overall good. When we hit, we win. When we aren’t hitting, we have had a hard time winning. The little things in the late innings are killing us. Losing all the one run games is not going to cut it.
Seasons young, this too can change.
By Efrim
April 7, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Tonight’s loss is on a couple of people, not just BC. You could blame the whole offense. Everyone who didn’t take pitches. I guess it didn’t really matter because we did get a shot at Herges to put up an extra run. It’s pretty bad when you sit there watching this game, knowing that 1-0 was not going to be the final score. In the end, I blame the offense. One thing is clear, we need Gonzo back. We need a relief pitcher who has experience in high leverage situations-8th innings. I like Boyer, Moylan, Acosta and Ohman a lot, but Mike Gonzalez would really change things. Moylan just doesn’t miss enough bats and he is just so much better against righties. He would be better utilized where BC used him tonight. But again, we need a guy like Gonzo back. Too bad he won’t be “Mike Gonzalez” until later this year if not in 2009.
By MT Braves Fan
April 7, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Is anyone else concerned that we have to run out never-has-been guys like Boyer and Resop in game-changing situations? Resop can’t ever find the damn plate, and Boyer seems to have an aversion to the corners of the plate and below the belt. We’ve got to find someone, somewhere that can come in and not walk people and/or give up gopher balls to dangerous hitters. Unbelievable.
By Epinephrine
April 7, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
Everyone complaining about the hitting,
You go out and hit in that weather. Seriously, give it a try. There is reason both starting pitchers tonight couldn’t be touched.
By N8
April 7, 2008 11:07 PM | Link to this
IlliniBrave
“Hey DOB, last nite the FOX crew showed a totally shocking statistic: the Braves are the worst team in MLB in one-run games over the past three years - something like a .300 W/L percentage.”
That’s your fearless manager HARD at work….er….sitting on his hands.
“(and please, don’t put this all on Cox - that’s ridiculous).”
Ooops. Maybe I should have read that last part, before I typed the other line, huh?
In all seriousness HOW IS IT NOT partially his fault? I won’t give him ALL the blame. Like I said before, Boyer didn’t locate the pitch. But Bobby chose to use HIM.
Bobby didn’t hit into the DP that Yunel did, but with Chipper and Tex on deck, Bobby chose NOT to have Yunel bunt KJ over.
The players have to execute. I can agree with and live with that.
But every now and then the manager has to manage too, right?
By brent a.
April 7, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
Yes, people get caught up in some of these old adages and fail to recognize that they are not hard fast rules.
Sure, you don’t intentionally put on the go ahead run; but, that doesn’t mean that you instead hang a curveball to the go ahead run.
Baseball does require some thinking, you can’t just run a game on auto-pilot, based upon some rules of thumb some old sages came up with years ago.
By Todd A
April 7, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this
*Hey DOB, last nite the FOX crew showed a totally shocking statistic: the Braves are the worst team in MLB in one-run games over the past three years - something like a .300 W/L percentage. Is that accurate?
If so, that’s embarassing! Every year we spend all of this effort and money on the bullpen, but obviously nothing’s working. What are we doing wrong? (and please, don’t put this all on Cox - that’s ridiculous).*
Don’t think all these one run losses and Bobby’s playoff record(when the Braves were the proverbial “bull in the woods” in the National League) aren’t synonymous? He certainly doesn’t deserve all the blame, but it’s not just a coincidence either. You don’t let the Rockies best hitter beat you in that situation.
By David O'Brien
April 7, 2008 11:13 PM | Link to this
For those wondering why Blaine Boyer was pitching in the eighth inning, it’s because Cox was giving Soriano the night off and Acosta was going to close.
Boyer said he was trying to throw a fastball inside to Holliday and left it over the middle. That’s two decisive homers he’s given up in a week, the other to Xavier Nady.
By Efrim
April 7, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
N8
It is a “clutch” problem. Bad luck is a big part too. The team hasn’t been the luckiest in the years that I have watched them…..at least since 2002.
In 2002, Game 5 against the Giants, Chipper smacking that ball right to J.T. Snow with runners on 1st and 3rd one out still bothers me. Sheffield striking out makes me even more mad.
By Bobby Cocks
April 7, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
I’m still a hall of fame idiot, my players love me, but I have no clue how to manage a tight game, rather have Ron Gant on the bench calling the shots than me
By poorbrave
April 7, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Hue Jass Sorry man, I’m just p!ssed at Cox and pen. Yes the hitting sucked. Gant might get fired for telling the truth. You can’t cut the master..Sh@%.
By brent a.
April 7, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
In case anyone gets tired of bashing Bobby Cox …
AJ25 is 0-3 again tonight …
By N8
April 7, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
“You go out and hit in that weather. Seriously, give it a try. There is reason both starting pitchers tonight couldn’t be touched.”
How about a bunt? How about choke up on the bat and take it where it’s pitched? How about NOT fall for the Coors Field trap and try and take a sinkerball pitcher deep?
Like I said before. I didn’t watch the whole game, but I didn’t need to see all of it (just the 1 run for us on the scoreboard), to tell me that our hitters did NONE of that.
Not to mention that Holliday didn’t seem to have too much issue with it, did he? Why has the weather been and excuse so far TWICE this year for us, yet the OTHER TEAM played in the same condiditons.
Weak argument.
And before you jump all over me. You should know that I grew up and still live in ND. Played baseball MANY times (granted not against ML pitchers), in weather that probably was MUCH WORSE than what they did tonight, and we didn’t have heaters in the dugout, or a clubhouse to go down and get warm in.
So forgive me, if I don’t feel sorry for them.
LOL!
By brent a.
April 7, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
apologize for my earlier post - that was not a curveball to Holidy - it was a fastball, fat, and out over the plate.
By N8
April 7, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
DOB
“For those wondering why Blaine Boyer was pitching in the eighth inning, it’s because Cox was giving Soriano the night off and Acosta was going to close.”
Maybe Bobby should have given Soriano the “night off” in the 10-2 victory the other day, huh?
Then again, with this bullpen, I’m not sure an 8 run lead is safe. So kudos to Bobby for doing what he had to do to nail down a victory.
By Todd A
April 7, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
*Personally, I think Bobby spends the winter scripting his season out:
1) change pitcher here 2) pinch-run there 3) Pick nose then 4) bunt … NEVER 5) swing, Swing, SWING AWAY!*
LOL, brent a, good stuff. And just think, Frank Wren has already stated that Cox can manage this team as long as he wants to. More good times ahead.
By Hue Jass
April 7, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
Did everyone forget that Yunel tried to get a bunt down on the first pitch? I wouldn’t have minded to see him try it again, but at the same time you don’t want him to be down in the count 0-2. Like N8 said, it isn’t all Bobby’s fault, but some partial blame must be given to Cox.
By BravesDave
April 7, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
I have just about had it with watching Jeff Francoeur. No one is ever going to convinvce me that this guy is going to become a great player. He will be a solid major leaguer and nothing more. He was absolutely atrocious at the plate tonight. He has been atrocious for the first 7 games actually. His bloop double between 3 Mets and, I believe, 2 infield hits already are not impressing me. Nor did his meaningless HR. He has absolutely no clue at the plate. He got himself out tonight twice by swinging at pitches that almost hit him. Does TP ever work with this guy or do we have another Andruw on our hands, another guy that will never learn and never improve? I don’t want to hear about him hitting .293 last season. Big deal.
By uga-brave
April 7, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
overlord,
lets say the roles are reversed and escobar gets down a sac bunt in the 9th inning.
that brings up chipper with the tying run on second. do you think they would of walked HOSS? i would bet no. you never intentionally put the winning run on base.
you are not gonna win many 1-0 games on the road.
the braves hitters saw ninety pitches in this game. they dont have the patience to consistently put pressure on opponents in close games.
the success of this offense revolves around the long ball.
you guys can blame bobby all you want, but there are gonna be a lot of nights when this offense struggles with consistent run production.
By Ted Simmons
April 7, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
I think we’re all missing a key part of the problem.
Atlanta’s news media is full of pansies who don’t ask the tough questions when critical mistakes are made by Braves Mgt. Never have, probably never will. Would Bobby Cox have managed for a team this long if he were in New York? You could debate that…one thing that is for sure though…the media would skewer him. ATL is full of too many “homers” that like to play nice.
I’d trade every writer the AJC has on staff for one good pitbull from New York.
By Interested Observer
April 7, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
Soriano wouldn’t have needed the night off if he hadn’t pitched Saturday in a meaningless situation.
By N8
April 7, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this
Anyhow. I’m not really mad about tonight.
As you might suspect, I’ve come to expect it. The only thing confusing about the “pattern” is that the Rockies WERE in the WS last year.
We normally beat up on the good teams, while losing 1-run games to the Pirates, Nats and Marlins.
What’s that? The Rockies were 1-5 going into tonight? Oh. Whaddy know? We can’t beat a team that couldn’t buy a win coming into tonight.
I guess the pattern DOES hold true, huh?
By chase
April 7, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Why brent a Why
It is people like you who drug me into a crazy long battle on the other blog…
The guy was a great Brave..he is gone..why are you still bashing him? GET OVER IT…we have enough people to vent on who are still here
Unbelievable
By Hue Jass
April 7, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
poorbrave,
No problem man, me too. Tough losses like these are gonna happen, but the season is young. I still think Boyer will have a good year, he’s just made two VERY costly mistakes in the early going. We’ll get the offense cranked up for tomorrow, and we’ll also see some good results from a healthy Chuckie James.
LETS GO A-TOWN B-RAVES TOMORROW NIGHT 8:35 ON SPORTSOUTH!!!!!
By Goodoleboy58
April 7, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
I can shoot free-throws better then Memphis come on now yall are killing me
By Tar-Heeler
April 7, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
Great job by your Jayhawks DOB…OT time.
By woogidy
April 7, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
Chalmers = Clutch - Amazing!
By Bravesfan79
April 7, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
I cant believe Kansas just got that 3! And D Rose is hurt…not looking good for Memphis going into OT.
By Stuart
April 7, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
The old adage is NOT to put the winning run on base. However you do not have to give the MVP runner up fat pitches to hit with first base open. If you put Holiday on, Ohman faces Hawpe, and maybe you get a DP, or maybe you get burned.
The 2 strike leadoff double really hurts in that situation. Luck is ususally requried to get out of that situation without damage.
It is hard to blame BC for not wanting to put the winning run on, but maybe players like Holiday need a different ‘book’.
The lack of small ball kills this team. When KJ got that leadoff hit, then Yunnel’s only goal in life should be to get him over to 2nd, PERIOD!!!!! Why not bunt or attempt one? Then the Rocks have to face either Chipper or Tex or both with the tying run on 2nd.
When the ball does not leave the yard, this team struggles to score runs. It has for 2 decades. The speed this team is supposed to have gained with Blanco or Andersen is not applicable since they do not play. This team is HORRIBLE at moving runners over. It has been that way for 3 years. They do not attempt steals. They do not walk enough. They strike out WAY to much.
For a team that waits on the 3 run homer, they sure do lack in the raw power department. Tex is the only one who qualifies as a raw power hitter. Chipper is one of the best pure hitters in baseball, but his brute power is not where it was when he was younger. I will be pleasantly surprised if he hits more HRs than he did last year.
BTW no one, besides Chip and Tex, in the everyday lineup hit more than McCann’s 20 HR last year. Maybe a lineup with a bunch sub 20 HR hitters might want to rethink their approach. This team needs to run more.
The bully is going to take a beating until someone locks down the 8th inning role. BC is going to have to play matchups in tha inning unless someone steps up. That is going to lead to some high appearance numbers, and some weary arms. Moylan is going to be used as the bridge to the 8th and closer or that is how it appears. Gonzlaez better be 100 percent or we are in trouble. BTW, this team would be better with Soriano in the 8th and Gonzo in the 9th, provided Gonzo is the Gonzo of his Pittsburgh days.
By uga-brave
April 7, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this
DOB,
GUESS you just wizzed in your pants.
memphis cant make their free throws and kansas just drilled a long three ball.
By dogmeat
April 7, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
The hitting will never be great in cold weather.
By ColoradoBravesFan
April 7, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
SH&, SH&, S&, and SH&. Four S**’s for four stinking losses, all by one run, all with the bullpen giving up deciding Homeruns. And yes, with Bobby Cox deciding to pitch to very Dangerous/hot/MVP caliber hitters.
N8… I live in Colorado Springs and read earlier about you traveling to watch the Rockies from the Springs. Are you still living here? If so are you going to see the Sky Sox this weekend? I’m taking my 6 yr old to get cotton candy. Trying to bribe him early to get him interested in the game.
GO BRAVES..
By BravesDave
April 7, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
No momentum at all from this team tonight. You would think taking two from your division rivals (against their aces, no less) would get this team on a roll…..instead they roll over against Cook. No patience from anyone tonight. None. It was like a video game or something. Cook throws, Braves hitters swing.
I posted earlier but it didn’t show up, so I’ll say it again…this is 2007 all over again. It is almost amazing how the script has been exactly the same as last season (with the exception of better starting pitching).
By ObiWanKobe
April 7, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
NO… OT BAD!!! Sorry DOB
By Stuart
April 7, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Self is looking like a 10 million dollar coach, isn’t he???
By Todd A
April 7, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
I have just about had it with watching Jeff Francoeur. No one is ever going to convinvce me that this guy is going to become a great player. He will be a solid major leaguer and nothing more.
BravesDave, I feel your pain. Jeff will get a big contract one day, but I don’t think it will be with the Braves. He will wear out his welcome by the time he becomes a free agent. It doesn’t look like he’s ever going to change his stubborn approach at the plate. If he doesn’t, good riddance.
By Roundball Roughhouse
April 7, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
Great comeback by Kansas, aided by one of your all-time memorable choke jobs by Memphis.
By uga-brave
April 7, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
BravesDave,
i second that. absolute mirror image with better starting pitching up till now.
By ObiWanKobe
April 7, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
NO… OT BAD!!! Sorry DOB
By IlliniBrave
April 7, 2008 11:49 PM | Link to this
Just to weigh in on the debate about who should share the blame. Our hitters haven’t been the best. Since I get all the Fox channels I was switching back and forth between Braves and Mets announcers, and they were commenting on Francouer’s lack of plate discipline, Texiera’s slow start, missing KJ at 2B, etc. And our fielding has cost us a couple games. The Mets guys took a swipe at Prado - I thought it was kinda funny. Add in some shoddy base-running (B-Mac), repeated failure to execute the bunt (Yunel), Hampton’s annual breakdown (holy crap, now here comes Chuckie!), and the effects of age on Smoltzie, and you have plenty of blame to spread all the way around. But what’s been bothering me is the fact that, all of us on this blog, truth be told, are crapping our pants every time we go to the pen with the game on the line.
By Tar-Heeler
April 7, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
Great game,great comeback win by Kansas,congratulations to your Jayhawks DOB.I figure you guys are due again in 2028.
By Goat Horns
April 7, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
All I read is that the bullpen blew the game.
The offense had done it’s part with 1 run at hitter friendly Coors?
The offense last year was feast or famine!
I was hoping for more consitent offense this year.
By Goodoleboy58
April 7, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
I’ve never seen a bigger meltdown… has Memphis even scored in overtime? that was blown by poor freethrow shooting and poor offense execution.. got to hand it to Kansas for sticking it out
By uga-brave
April 7, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this
DOB,
time to light up that cohiba, heck of a finish.
By Todd A
April 7, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
Would Bobby Cox have managed for a team this long if he were in New York? You could debate that
There’s nothing to debate, Cox would have been gone in 1998 (if he were coaching in New York), after the San Diego debacle. Schuerholz did as much as he could after that series( Ted wouldn’t allow him touch Bobby), he fired CJ and Beachamp, and demoted Bobby Dews. Hell, Denny Neagle won 20 games that year, and he was our 4th starter. That series, coming on the heels of the ‘97 loss to the wild card Marlins (another 100 win Braves team), and the great collapse to the Yankees in ‘96, no doubt he would have been fired by 1998 if he were coaching in New York or Boston.
By the Stranger
April 7, 2008 11:57 PM | Link to this
rock, chalk, DOB
By N8
April 7, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
ColoradoBravesFan
“N8… I live in Colorado Springs and read earlier about you traveling to watch the Rockies from the Springs. Are you still living here?”
No. I live in ND. My father in law, lives in Colorado Springs. From 95-99 we came down every year during the time the Braves were there. Since then, with our kids being in school, and the un-balanced schedule, the Braves always seem to be in Denver in April or September.
Can’t really justify taking the kids out of school for a week to go see the Braves. Well….I could. But not so much from the wife. LOL!
But my wife’s dad, has season tickets to the Sky Sox, and we always go to 2 or 3 games when we’re down there. I absolutely love it. His seats are in the second row right by the Sky Sox batters box, so it’s a cool view. Little scary though, because that is RIGHT where the screen behind home-plate ends.
My father in law, has paid (not sure of how much it costs), to have each of my boys be part of “throwing out the first pitch” on their birthday weekends. Pretty cool for each of them. Something they BOTH still talk about. Last time we went, I just took the boys, and let them play in the little park thing with the slide down the LF line, and just stood there and watched the game. Good times indeed. Beautiful weather to watch a game in, during the summer months.
Enjoy the game (and the cotton candy). LOL!
By Wayne in Utah
April 7, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this
bravesfan79 Can I defend my earlier statement concerning Zito. He is a “broken” pitcher. Why, I am not certain. Some would say the pressure of being the #1 did him in, but while he had a bad year in ‘07, it was not a terrible year. His ERA was up, but his hits per 9 were good.
What I was commenting on was a possible scenario where we could add a younger, capable arm in 2009. A Hampton/Renteria type trade was my suggestion.
SF would love to get out from under some of those contracts they are carrying. We were able to get Hampton for about 8-9 million per (let’s not go over that again), and Renteria for about 5 million per year as we were able to get some salary relief from their previous team.
Renteria’s deal was a sweet one. Hampton’s would have been, had he stayed healthy. (also, let’s not get into bashing a guy who’s health went south).
So, if you had a guy like Zito for 10 million per year, and could plug him into the 3rd slot, would that be a good choice? Would he return to his “pre-Giants” form? 15 wins, high 3’s ERA?
If you could get that deal without blowing up your minor league or major league roster, would it be a good deal?
That is the sort of deal JS was in the habit of making. Is Frank Wren a true disciple?
So, while you might say that Zito is a terrible pitcher, is there more to the story??
Just kind of thinking outside the box for next years staff.
Sick in Denver Got into town this morning, and been coughing my head off all day and evening. Slept on the hotel bed during most of the Braves game. I was tempted to go tonight, but I am trying to get out tomorrow night (if I can get some sleep tonight!) It’s time for some serious drugs!
DOB What a comeback (or a choke on the line for Memphis!). Either way, congrats.
2008-2009 Free Agent Pitchers. Who will be available next year?
I suspect it will take a trade to upgrade the rotation. This is why i was hoping we would have made a move for Haren or Bedard this past winter.
By BravesDave
April 8, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this
DOB - quick question on the Kansas-Memphis game. How did you feel when they showed Roy Williams sitting in the stands wearing a Kansas t-shirt??? If I was a Kansas fan sitting nearby, I may have ‘accidentally’ spilled one or two beers on him. What a shameless pig. Bails on Kansas to take his ‘dream job’ at UNC and then sits there wearing a Kansas t-shirt. Bill Self should spit on him.
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 12:02 AM | Link to this
uga-brave, it’s a Romeo Y Julieta “Bully” and it’s gonna be goooooood. I’m gonna light it up and walk back to the hotel.
By N8
April 8, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
BravesDave
“No momentum at all from this team tonight.”
How’s the old saying go? Momentum is only as good as your next day’s starter?
Well since our starters have been very good so far, as Braves fans we might need to re-write that saying to say:
“Momentum is only as good as the next arm coming out of your bullpen.”
Unfortunately, we’re gonna see a LOT of two game winning streaks snapped this year.
By Todd A
April 8, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this
I posted earlier but it didn’t show up, so I’ll say it again…this is 2007 all over again. It is almost amazing how the script has been exactly the same as last season (with the exception of better starting pitching).
Agree. But, even with better starting pitching, Cox is still going to the pen too early. Last year he had no choice. Tonight, he did.
DOB, now that Self has his title, do you think he bolts to Okla State?
By ObiWanKobe
April 8, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this
143 total score, just paid for the MLB Extra Innings Package. Go Braves! And to all whinning about taking Glavine out; it was sub-40 degrees. You don’t even want hin throwing 1 pitch. So better to lose the battle & give yourself a chance to win the war. Any rational contradictions?
By Mt Braves Fan
April 8, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
I agree with having Escobar bunt in that situation, then you force Hurdle to either pitch to the two big guys or put the winning run on himself. Also, I agree with those who’ve said this team needs a change of mentality on offense. We have plenty of good hitters, but Frenchy can be a buzzkill at the plate, he’s not disciplined enough and kills too many innings with k’s or by getting himself out on poor pitches. Why, in the years since Furcal has been gone, have we never been able to find a speed leadoff guy? KJ’s a good hitter, but would be better suited to hitting lower in the order, moving runners, and driving in runs. Plus, with this bullpen, Tex and Hoss and McCann are going to have to hit a bunch of homers to make up for The Sop and Boyer getting shelled every time out. Think we’ll be ok, but we do need a re-shuffle in the pen.
By BravesDave
April 8, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
Jeff Francouer. Let’s see. No plate discipline whatsoever. So, I guess we can put up with the lack of plate discipline because he is a great power hitter. Hmmmm. Let me check how many Braves hitters had a higher slugging percentage than the All-Georgia, poster-boy hero last season. OK…Kelly Johnson, Yunel Escobar, Brian McCann, Chipper Jones, Mark Teixeira, Edgar Renteria, Matt Diaz. Wait??? Are you telling me that three middle infielders had higher slugging percentages than Jeff Francoeur??? Yep, that’s right. Actually, Corky Miller had the same slugging percentage as Jeff Francoeur last season.
By ColoradoBravesFan
April 8, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
N8
Thanks for the reply. The Sky Sox games are great indeed.
GO BRAVOS…
By brian
April 8, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this
DOB - can the Roy hating finally end in Kansas?
I never understood the Roy hating. Here is a man who was offered a job at his alma mater (UNC - at least a lateral move, unlike OSU opportunity for Self). Both Roy and his family are from North Carolina. Both his children were living in North Carolina (though Scott lives in London now I now). He had a beach house in Charleston. He had ailing family members that he wanted to see more before they died. not to mention that Kansas pretty much pushed out Roy’s good friend and AD Frederick. He took the UNC job and said nothing but the highest compliments for Kansas. Roy poured his heart and soul into that job at Kansas. I just do not understand the hatred towards Roy. Then Kansas goes and hires away another team’s coach while complaining that UNC took their coach. UNC hired the best person to take over as UNC head coach and then Kansas obviously hired the best person to take over at Kansas. Why could that not be the end of that and can this finally be the end of the saga?
Roy took Kansas to great heights but they obviously needed someone to take them over the top, and as good a coach as Roy was at Kansas he could not win a title until he came to UNC. The schools are very linked in history with Dean Smith, Larry Brown (who stole Danny Manning from UNC by hiring his dad as assistant coach if I remember), and Roy Williams. Can’t they just get along now?
By ernesto
April 8, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
The pen - she don’t look good.
0-4 in 1 run games this year, for a team that’s a major league leading worst in that category this is a bad sign.
By BravesDave
April 8, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
N8, with this starting pitching, you would think that this team is built for long winning streaks. They haven’t had a poor start in 7 games. Even Bennett pitched well in an emergency situation. Somehow, we all watched this team perform so inconsistently from an offensive perspective last season and thought ‘if we could just improve this rotation, all would be right in the world.’ Obviously, this was due to the black hole behind Smoltz and Hudson. Unfortunately, the maddening, inconsistent, inpatient, unprofessional offense remains. I think Tex is a great player, but that said, so far this season, I see one hitter with a clue. Of course, that is Chipper Jones, as usual. Tex is swinging at too many pitches and popping up at an alarming rate. I am sure that he will improve as the year progresses, but I can’t say the same for Escobar, KJ, McCann, Francoeur, Diaz, or Kotsay. These guys just refuse to make pitchers work for outs. Even Kelly seems less patient than last season. A lineup with 7 out of 8 regulars hacking away is not going to succeed.
By Contra
April 8, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
the guy that brought up the 96, 97, and 98 playoff collapses just bummed me out even more than i was…
i forgot how loaded those teams were and how little they ended up accomplishing.
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
This was a helluva ballgame at Coors Field, just unfortunate that Glavine’s work was spoiled. Folks, Glavine so far has surpassed my expectations. He’s been outstanding….
Tar-Heeler, yeah, that’s just two in the past 21 seasons for the Jayhawks. How many has UNC won in that span?
Oh, that’s right. Two.
But the Heels will have another crack at it next year, since “Psycho T” will be back for his senior year. No since coming out when you’re not a lottery pick.
By Bravesfan79....sarcasm at its best...err worst..
April 8, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this
Hey i gotta GREAT idea! Lets use our closer to close out games were winning by 5+ runs, so that way when the next 3 or so games are really close we have to depends on our bottom of the bullpen guys in tight spots!
DOB run this idea by cox, for some reason i have a hunch he’d approve.
Also have to give Kudos to Cox for giving Holliday a chance to beat us. Im mean it just wouldnt be fair to the other team to not give their best hitter a chance to beat us.
Also major props to Braves for carring a slow, offensively useless “defensive specialist that never plays defense” 3rd catcher.
I mean thats so much more usefull than a speedster on the bench that can steal a base and score from 2nd!
By Wayne in Utah
April 8, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this
Anybody who thinks Self goes to the Cowboys, needs to put down the crack pipe.
By Chop Chop
April 8, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
Congrats on the KU win, DOB. Memphis finally blew a game at the line, but their best free-throw shooters did it. That’s why I had them losing to Texas in the regional final. I should have known it would come back to bite them at the worst possible moment.
(By the way, I was happy to see Rock Chalk “superfan” Roy Williams with that Jayhawk sticker on his shirt. I was kind of hoping it was an over-sized lapel pin that someone had punched into his chest…)
Anyway, KU deserved to win the title. That dismantling of UNC in their national semifinal was one of the more impressive wins (even with the UNC comeback) I’ve seen in a big-time college game in years.
Also, my brackets look damn good this year. I never pick the winner.
By Robert
April 8, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this
That is horrible that Bobby Cox is blaming Blaine Boyer. Why did Cox Pitch Soriano in a blowout on Saturday for no reason. Soriano should have been ready for tonight. Bobby Cox screwed up.
By Tar-Heeler
April 8, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
DOB you’re really not at all a gracious person.You project some childhood deal with your dad onto a whole state like a kid.I’ve given it a shot but it doesn’t matter to me,or the state I’m sure.
By Tar-Heeler
April 8, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this
Sorry I posted that last one a minute too soon,oh well,congratulations again,great game,no harm no foul,etc,etc.
By Wayne in Utah
April 8, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this
If I had more time, I would record all those that are lamenting “something” about the Braves at this point in the season: clutch hitting, impatient hitting, weak bullpen, etc.
Folks, we have a very good team, and it is a very long season. Give it some time.
Also, as for Frenchy, let’s not try to turn him into a Chipper Jones. Chipper is a Hall of Famer. That would not be fair for Francoeur.
Frenchy will come around, and knock in over a 100 RBI’s, probably with 30HR’s and a 280-300 average. Will probably even walk 50 times.
Is somebody recording this???
By ernesto
April 8, 2008 12:42 AM | Link to this
Just scrolling up, and BRAVES DAVE I don’t think you can say the O “rolled over” tonight for Cooke. Dude sawed more wood tonight than Paul Bunyan on a three day meth binge.
The blame lies with the leaky pen. I hope this is just early season “bumps in the road”, otherwise, we’re a seriously flawed team.
By Chop Chop
April 8, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
Francoeur is getting better as a player. He had 59 extra-base hits last year, which is exactly the number he had in ‘06. He just had ten fewer HRs and no triples (he had 6 in ‘06). The loss of HRs didn’t affect his slugging percentage that much (it was only .005 lower last year than the year before). Francoeur hit 33 points higher on his BA (from .260 to .293), raised his OBP from .293 (atrocious) to .338 (average). He walked 19 more times (23 to 42) and struck out three fewer times (132 to 129). Francoeur is a career .310 hitter 2 outs/RISP situations. He’s a career .304 hitter in close and late situations. He’s a career .310 hitter in tie-game situations.
In other words, it’s too damn early in the season to judge anyone, much less a guy who is never going to be somebody who walks much. He may pull his Captain Caveman routine from time to time, but the man’s still only 24. Patience, young grasshoppers.
The whole team sucked at the plate tonight. As the weather heats up, so will they. Too many good hitters in that lineup to be down for long. I’d be more concerned about the bullpen. You have a lot of guys who don’t have a lot of MLB experience trying to hold down important spots.
By ernesto
April 8, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this
For everyone saying “relax, it’s early” I hear you about everything except the pen. 7 games and honestly no one performance I would call “good”, he!! they’ve all been shaky.
If I’m Wren, I thinking about the ‘pen.
With a staff of older twirlers, it’s gonna get used, so it better not suck.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 8, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
Lots of power and no speed.
To many Chiefs and not enough Indians.
Tyler Yates + Pirates = 1.59 ERA
Our rotation’s ERA is 2.30
Blaine Boyer is 0-2 with an ERA of 7.94
Royce Ring ‘s ERA is 9.00, ditto for Resop.
Manny Acosta’s ERA is 12.00
The bullpen is on pace to blow seventy games.
If this keeps up, heads are gonna roll. Bobby Cox won’t put up with this bull**.
Congratulations David, your Jayhawks are C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N-S.
By Todd A
April 8, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
Anyone that just totally dismisses Okla St as a possible designation should put down the crack pipe. He’s an alum, he’s already won a title, and the Cowboys can throw a ridiculous amount of $$$ at him. It all depends on what’s most important to him. Not saying he’s going. I think he stays, actually. But, I wouldn’t be surprised if he left.
By BravesDave
April 8, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
Ernesto, the Braves swung at EVERYTHING that Cook threw up there tonight. Literally, Francoeur got jammed into groundouts on two pitches that would have hit him in the stomach if he didn’t swing at them. Is that great pitching or weak-@ssed hitting? Can you honestly say that they went into this game with any particular approach tonight, besides swing for the fences against a sinker-baller and pound numerous balls into the infield dirt? Is it too early in the season for actually taking a scouting-report approach to a pitcher?
The four 1-run losses are just as much on the offense as the bullpen, or have you forgotten that that the Braves offense has produced only 1 run each in two of those 4 losses - against Odalis Perez and Aaron Cook????? Both 2-1 losses. Can’t ask for much more from a pitching staff than to give up 2 runs. The offense needs to produce when the pitching staff performs that well.
By Philliesuk
April 8, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
I’m not sure if anyone mentioned this or not, but if we had Josh Anderson (instead of Corky Miller) on the bench, he could have pinch-run and gone for a steal. I wouldn’t mind those odds, and it may allow Yunel to swing away. Putting pressure on the pitcher also helps make things happen, as we all know.
Note to Braves management: We need a fast base-stealer on the bench to manufacture runs late in the game. Bring Anderson up NOW!!!!!!
By BravesDave
April 8, 2008 1:05 AM | Link to this
Coach, no speed and no patience.
DOB, is it just me or are your blog titles just laying the hex on the Braves early this season. “Hampton ready…” and “Rockies are chilly…” have not worked out well.
Maybe stick to “Monday Blog”, “Tuesday Blog”, and so on. Just a suggestion. Or use reverse psychology and title the next one “Braves Lose 7 in a Row”.
By Bravesfan79
April 8, 2008 1:10 AM | Link to this
Philliesuk: Ive been saying that on here since last season.
To me i dont even care if the guy cant play baseball! I say get someone like Michael Jonhson (in his prime) off the US track and field team and carry him on the team so when someone slow gets on base in a crucial situation you can stick a guy in there and hed have a 90% or so chance of stealing 2nd, and then a 99% chance of scoring from 2nd on a basehit!
It would take a innovative manager to be the first to do it, but i think it would work great. You think a sprinter on the bases wouldnt help in 80 one run games over the course of a season!??
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this
Congrats on the KU win, DOB. Memphis finally blew a game at the line, but their best free-throw shooters did itChop Chop
That’s what surprised me, too, that their best free-throw shooters clanged ‘em at the end. And when they missed two and STILL got the rebound, I honestly thought it was over.
Like you, I was one saying all along that Memphis wouldn’t win six games because of its free-throw shooting. And I was certainly prepared to eat crow with a few minutes left in that game tonight.
Mario Chalmers will never have to buy a beer again in Lawrence or Kansas City.
By ObiWanKobe
April 8, 2008 1:23 AM | Link to this
Robert, How or where is Bobby blaming Boyer? Sorry if it was obvious & I’m missing it.
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this
Maybe Bobby should have given Soriano the “night off” in the 10-2 victory the other day, huh?N8
Agreed. Don’t know why he pitched Soriano in that blowout. Didn’t make sense.
…Just got a call from Mark Bradley at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio as I was in the middle of typing this comment.
He said it was one of the best games he’s ever covered, and he’s covered a lot.
By Chop Chop
April 8, 2008 1:39 AM | Link to this
Yeah, DOB. That truly was one of the more ironic choke jobs I’ve seen in a title game. Bradley’s column is right on. I guess Coach Cal might want to work on free throws a little more often, although I don’t know that you can truly prepare for your two most reliable guys at the stripe to start clanging them. Oh well. It’s not easy to blow a nine-point lead in the final two minutes in college basketball, but Memphis made it look easy.
Time to hit the rack.
By Greg O.
April 8, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this
I was at the game tonight and what struck me as more of a mistake than pitching to Holliday, was Boyer giving Tulowitzki two consecutive pitches to hit when ahead in the count, 0-2, to start the 8th. I thought Boyer dodged a bullet with the long foul fly ball down the right field line and I thought he would’ve learned his lesson. But he went right back into the zone on 0-2 and got burned.
By bfan54
April 8, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this
Wayne in Utah. Props, to you, my man, usually on target, but, alas, not this time. Zito is through, he’s not a 3, 4, or 5. He’s a Mo Vaughn, or, sad to say, even worse a contract than Mike Hampton. Wanna be wrong, dude!
By mr baseball
April 8, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this
Just over a week into the season and the Braves are already 0-4 in 1-run games. They are consistently one of the least successful teams in baseball in 1-run games. Could the manager be at least part of the problem? Not according to the Atlanta media.
Bobby Cox is the one of the greatest managers ever. Everybody here with press credentials says so. Just look at his record.
Watch him manage night in and night out and you might come to a different conclusion. He may actually be one of the greatest clubhouse managers ever, but once the game starts, it’s another matter. Not that anybody here with access to the printed page or a microphone would entertain that idea.
Over the years, Cox has demonstrated an innate ability to use the wrong reliever in the wrong siutation. The offense was truly awful tonight, but the team did have a lead going to the bottom of the 8th.
The decision to use Soriano Saturday with a 6-run lead had its repercussions, as evidenced by what happened tonight. And once again, Cox displayed his inability to view a game from an overall strategic standpoint. Given the Rockies’ batting order, the key inning was going to the 8th, which is when Cox should have had Moylan in the game. He could have either left Glavine in the game in the 7th or tried to mix and match before going to Moylan.
In his defense, pitching to Holliday was the right thing. Don’t want to put the winning run on base with Atkins coming up.
At some point, you would think that someone in either the Atlanta or national media is going to take a critical look at Cox’s managerial skills, but I wouldn’t bet on it. They’ve already convinced themselves that his record and his players’ devotion to him says all that needs to be said.
By BA
April 8, 2008 1:50 AM | Link to this
This one is on Boyer, not Bobby Cox. You throw a fastball belt high to a cleanup hitter, he’s going to jack it. Is the suggestion that if Soriano (who needed some work that night) hadn’t pitched, Cox should have used him for the eighth inning? Why would you use your closer in the eighth inning? We should have bunted? We shouldn’t be hacking away? Are you suggesting a conservative approach at Coors field? None of this makes much sense to me. All sounds kind of reactionary. Bottom line: Boyer grooved a pitch he shouldn’t have. Rafael Belliard hits that one out. Why are all these Braves fans dumb enough to constantly second guess a hall of fame manager?
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 1:56 AM | Link to this
Greg O, very true. Just bad location on the pitches to Tulo, then again on the fat first pitch to Holliday.
By ObiWanKobe
April 8, 2008 1:57 AM | Link to this
Uh-o, Atlanta’s through 1/23rd of the season; time to trade the vets for prospects. Maybe they can get Salty back for Tex & Escobar. Move McCann to first & plan for the future… Not really, relax people.
By ObiWanKobe
April 8, 2008 2:06 AM | Link to this
DOB, Bradley obviously didn’t cover the Indiana / Cuse game in 1987 (I think), sorry I was 10.
By Double Deuce
April 8, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this
All the hand wringing over the Braves’ bullpen is wasted energy. Blaine Boyer didn’t pitch well tonight and got burned. But is he the only relief pitcher who had a bad day? Take a look around baseball guys. It’s the nature of a bullpen that it is filled with guys who will be good some days and not so good on others. If they were good every time out they would be starters but baseball is littered with guys who have great arms, OK command and are inconsistent, that’s why they are in somebody’s bullpen. If you are expecting the pen to be great every day you have the wrong impression of a bullpen. They will be great every so often. They will be bad every so often. What you are hoping for is that enough of them are good on the same day to save the game. The problem is not unique to the Braves, it’s repeated every day in every Major League ballpark, so give the bullpen some slack. In the end they will be better than most and the Braves will be in the hunt in September. That’s really all you should expect.
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this
BA, exactly right.
I think the only suggestion (at least lucid one) from some here was that if Soriano hadn’t pitched in the blowout Saturday, he would’ve been available tonight and Acosta would’ve then pitched the eighth instead of Boyer.
But again, you’re right. We’ve had people on here talking for months about how Boyer should make the team, how he could be a closer option, etc. So if Bobby can’t trust him to pitch in a close game in April, well …
You gotta find these things out.
By cough cough
April 8, 2008 2:32 AM | Link to this
BA = BS!
By MT Braves Fan
April 8, 2008 2:33 AM | Link to this
BA, I’m with you on it being at least mostly on Boyer. How do you not bounce a couple, or throw one at his eyes up and in? Or, why is he trying to throw a curve to Tulowitzki when it’s 30 degrees out? The only blame I have for Bobby in this situation, and it probably goes to Frank Wren and everybody else as well, is why do they keep thinking guys like Boyer and Resop (this year) or Reitsma, Kolb, Paronto, Wickman, and Foster in years past (though that was probably JS more than Wren) can be counted on late in games to get key outs? Have these guys really never seen a good relief pitcher, to know what one looks like and in their case, doesn’t look like? The only ones I’d trust out there now are Ohman, Moylan and Soriano. The rest can’t be trusted, as evidenced by the PIRATES tearing them up. They’d better find some decent help out there, be a shame to keep wasting good starting pitching like this.
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this
Just over a week into the season and the Braves are already 0-4 in 1-run games. They are consistently one of the least successful teams in baseball in 1-run games. Could the manager be at least part of the problem?mr baseball
Mr. Baseball, another guy who knows a thing or two about baseball, Bill James, wrote a lengthy article on this one-run-game subject in 2002 for Diamond Mind Baseball.
The last part of the article was about Cox, specifically, because James had heard a comment similar to the one you made above.
Here’s what James wrote:
“Rany began this discussion with a comment about Bobby Cox’ relatively poor record in one-run games. Well, from 1990 through 2001 the Atlanta Braves scored 8,836 runs, allowed 7,409. This is a ratio of 1.19 to 1. In one-run games they have gone 297-256, a ratio of 1.16 to 1.
“The Braves have missed their expected won-lost record in one-run games, over the ten years, by 2.1 wins. Obviously, no conclusion of any kind can be drawn from such an occurrence. One-run games involve a huge amount of luck. This may be the only safe statement that can be made about them.”
Mr. Baseball, by “consistently,” maybe you meant the last few years? Or perhaps you were just talking off the top of your head, rather than basing anything you said on actual facts?
See, that’s the problem with being a member of the media. You’re supposed to actually have facts to support your assertions, unless you’re a columnist and your job is to opine as much or even more than it is to report facts.
By DSan
April 8, 2008 3:00 AM | Link to this
4 losses to the season and the bullpen has lost all 4. The bullpen is a glaring weakness. Soriano is unreliable at closer and all the other relievers are hit or miss. I have no faith in any of our relievers right now. Something needs to be done immediately! I can’t survive another week with this frustration! Maybe I just need to calm down and breathe, where’s my paper bag?
By yunel is the man
April 8, 2008 3:18 AM | Link to this
DSAN, it just sounds like you need to go to be and hope for a better day tomm. Go saw a log or 2
By yunel is the man
April 8, 2008 3:18 AM | Link to this
DSAN, it just sounds like you need to go to bed and hope for a better day tomm. Go saw a log or 2
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 8, 2008 3:26 AM | Link to this
Concerning Acosta. The man hasn’t pitched since last Thursday, he has appeared in the fewest games(three so far), given up two gopher balls and has the highest ERA at 12.00
Did I mention that he has options?
He was also kept in the bullpen when Yates was traded.
It’s just seven games and to small of a sample size, but if fingers are to be pointed in the future, Bobby Cox will be the one left holding the bag.
By AmazinsAgain08
April 8, 2008 3:52 AM | Link to this
Overlord Consider one of my statements from the previous blog to be revised, since I don’t consider you to be a fool. (Not that you care what I think.)AGTfan
I consider him to be one. Hi Overlord, just wanted you to know that we are sill here.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
April 8, 2008 3:57 AM | Link to this
The good news is, the bench is starting to look better.
Sometime in the near future we might have a bench that could include: Omar Infante, Ruben Gotay, Scott Spiezio, Corky Miller and or Gregor Blanco/Josh Anderson.
Thats not bad considering the comparison to last season of Woodward, Wilson, Orr, Langerhans, Franco, Thorman and Harris.
By Moby Grape
April 8, 2008 4:01 AM | Link to this
Braves four best hitters, career OPS+:
Chipper - 143
Teixeira - 130
McCann - 116
Diaz - 114Shaun
It’s a little better with the humidor, but people still need to look at their away stats to get a decent read on their player’s abilities IMO
By Braveheart
April 8, 2008 4:11 AM | Link to this
Boyer gives up too many walks, gives up too many hits, doesn’t strike out enough people. His stats in AA & AAA are awful for one who is supposed to become a quality MLB reliever. But he is out of options. I have never understood the fascination with Boyer. Give me a results guy over a stuff guy. Boyer ain’t any good.
By MeanPosterBlues
April 8, 2008 4:29 AM | Link to this
Lew It is becoming more and more evident that Stiener may have been rightGil
sanctimonious litte bugger ain’t ya Gil. And whining to Lew of all people about board behavior? LOL
By Imadummy
April 8, 2008 4:39 AM | Link to this
Could the Braves get Cain or Lincecum from the GIANTS for THORMAN, PENA, and either JO JO or CHUCKIE?
And if so, would you do that?Chase
obviously all those great achievements of you and your wife weren’t in baseball. Thor just went through waivers, anybody who wanted him could have got him for free; so why in hail should they now be willing to trade a great starter for him and some other mediocre talent?
By JimD
April 8, 2008 5:05 AM | Link to this
GANT is still ripping COX
He said the Braves lost because of a MENTAL mistake in pitching to Holliday in that situation…
JJ said they had to calm GANT down on set when that happend chase
Perhaps that is why Ron Gant’s name is mentioned as a possible candidate for every MLB managerial job that opens up.
By DOB For President
April 8, 2008 5:45 AM | Link to this
It’s amazing to me how much fans of my favorite team (the Braves of course) freak out over very little. It’s early early in the season but people act like we’re in the hunt with just a week left or something. Calm down folks. Bobby Cox still knows what he’s doing and this team is going to be really good this year in my opinion.
By ncgary
April 8, 2008 5:55 AM | Link to this
congratulations jayhawks, wtg * dob *, its a shame it couldnt been davidson, but an abc party is always evident on final monday, anyone but carolina is always a winner,sorry you and bradley couldnt worked out a im you you me for a day
By ssiscribe
April 8, 2008 6:28 AM | Link to this
Crazy week here and it’s only going to be crazier today, so I won’t be posting for a couple of days.
Just wanted to say another tough one-run loss last night, but hang in there, folks. Just a bad pitch by Boyer; missed his spot, just as Moylan missed his spot to Zimmerman. Glavine has been spectacular. Aaron Cook was very good, too, did a great job shutting down the Atlanta offense.
Time to bounce back tonight. Four tough one-run losses; hang in there, denizens. Long season, remember …
And major congrats, DOB. One helluva game last night. I’ll fire one up in honor of KU if I ever get through these next few days, ha ha ha!
The Scribe abides.
—30—
By ncscoots
April 8, 2008 6:37 AM | Link to this
DOB, congrats. I’ll curse ‘Nova for a year, ‘cause I really would have liked to see my guys and your guys tangle. Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em, my friend.
Obviously Boyer is betting on games, and intended to let Holliday win the game for the Rox. Of course. I’m sure Blaine plans to throw a gopher ball in EVERY high-leverage situation this year.
The man made a bad pitch. Humans make mistakes. That’s baseball. Fervent believers might want to check the rest of MLB to see how many games have been chunked by bullpens already this year. It’s the nature of the beast in April. EVERYBODY is trying to get a handle on bullpens, and part of that is finding out the minuses as well as the pluses. Anyone here believe that ANY opening day bullpen survives static till the All-Star break? If so, please try to keep up.
And the offense? Please. Decent pitching in that weather would put the quietus on the ‘27 Yankees.
By Shamus Thacker
April 8, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this
Bobby’s big, ugly, puss-filled, zit, has reared its ugly head again. I’m Bobby’s biggest fan, but he’s never been able to manage a bullpen. That, in my opinion, is his only consistent flaw. We’d have more than one WS win if not for that.
Congrats on the Kansas win DOB! WHAT A GAME!!
By Shamus Thacker
April 8, 2008 7:06 AM | Link to this
Bring on Redman!! That’ll get us back on track.
By Shamus Thacker
April 8, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this
I should add that some years Bobby didn’t have much to work with pen-wise.
By Lew
April 8, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this
MeanPosterBues-Do you even have a clue about the reference Gil was making? It had nothing to do with people behaving badly. It referenced an interview on Charlie Steiner’s XM show where the “Journalist” interviewed said that all bloggers were less than informed.
We disagreed, but we could make an exception in your case.
By jbutler
April 8, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this
Colorado Braves Hey…my family/I love going to the minor league games..way back in the day..we used to go to the Denver Bears back when they played at Mile Hi Stadium. Great atmosphere - and it made it a ton of fun when any of the players would make it to the big leagues..kind of felt like you were there from the beginning!!
By TommyP
April 8, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this
DOB: Edit: Fuentes is still on the team. (3rd to last paragaph)
By London Correspondant
April 8, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this
Yeah yeah, that bullpen’s full of bums. They gave up 4 runs in 10 innings on Thursday, 2 in a blowout Saturday, 1 in 4 Sunday, and a home run at Coors, the home of the home run, last night. Cut the lot of them, that’s what I say.
By Braveheart
April 8, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Can we please stop the whole Blaine just missed a spot rationalization?
That’s who he is.
Blaine “Just Missed a Spot” Boyer.
The WHIP over 1.40 in the minors and the WHIP over 1.40 in the majors tells you that Boyer is always gonna “just miss a spot.”
The only spot he apparently can’t miss is a spot on the roster.
That’s the one spot I wish he would miss.
Get Boyer the hell out of here.
By brent a.
April 8, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
My last thought on the subject:
Do you think that at any point in his career, that Babe Ruth may have been intentionally walked when he represented the go-ahead/winning run?
If not, do you think he might have at least been “pitched around” in that situation?
By mp
April 8, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
I don’t have time to read all the comments but I bet 90% of them are about the “bad relief pitching”. However, anytime you only score 1 run in a MLB game you have yourself a hitting problem first. This is the case with both of Glavine’s outings. Both times we lose on a homerun. You cannot grade the relief pitchers work on one inning. I believe Boyer and Moylan are both above average pitchers. WHERE ARE THE BATS?
By Dadgum
April 8, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
DOB…two things, first Psycho T would definitely be a lottery pick if/when he comes out. It is certainly not definite he is coming back though he has hinted that he will.
Congrats to Kansas. Yes, Kansas did back into the title no question and Self admitted as much. It’s not Kansas’ fault that Memphis can’t make a free throw so Kansas had to play well enough to be there to accept that meltdown. As I reflect back on the tourney this was the season that very could have seen cinderella win the tourney, read: Davidson. I will remember Davidson in this tourney over all the other teams.
Actually three things….sounds like Glavine is getting chapped at the bullpen just two starts in. Welcome back Tommy. Go talk to Hudson about those great starts that get vaporized.
By Erin
April 8, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
It’s early yet, no need to panic… The bullpen will be okay…The offense will be fine….
Okay, but at what point should one be concerned? Do we keep using these excuses if things haven’t changed by the All-Star break? Bottom line is the bullpen MUST turn things around and do it quickly. The Braves cannot keep losing 1 run games like this if they ever plan to play into October.
Tom Glavine was magnificent. Maybe his team will back him up and get him a win one of these days.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, let’s see…Boyer has 10 strikeouts and one walk in 5.7 innings so far this season. Boyer has given up a grand total of three major league homers in his career (46 K and 20 BB in 49.3 IP). Boyer belongs in the bigs.
Boyer just made a mistake to a good hitter and it happened to be late in a close game so a lot of folks will brand that in their mind instead of looking at his overall abilities as a pitcher.
DOB, interesting quote from Bill James concerning one-run games. Did you see the 60 Minutes profile?
I just looked it up. For all you Robert’s out there: 1991-2007 the Braves had the third-best record in baseball in one-run games.
Let’s look at Bobby Cox managed teams’ records in one-run games:
1978-1981 Braves - 6th best record in MLB in one-run games
1982-1985 Jays - 6th best record in MLB in one-run games
1990-2007 Braves - 5th best record in MLB in one-run games (although Cox wasn’t the manager for the beginning of 1990)
I’m guessing the recent one-run losses have to do with the pitching not being better than the offense and allowing opponents to keep up with the Braves’ offense. Also, luck is a big factor.
By 22oz
April 8, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Erin, no need to worry, its early. Early season losses only count as a half a loss in the standings. Oh wait…
This season is on a very familiar pace. Lose a couple, win a couple and get back to .500, think the team is about to get on a roll, then lose some more 1 run games. Laugh now, but i’m betting we make Redman look good on wednesday. And Glavine looked pretty mad in the dugout last night, is there a reason he was out after 88 pitches?
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
mp, very cold night in Colorado, early in the season. It’s pretty easy to understand why the Braves didn’t score but one last night.
I listened to an ESPN Baseball Today podcast this morning and Peter Pascerelli brought up that last season runs per game were almost half a run more in September than in April.
April 2007 - MLB average of 112 runs in 25 games (4.48 R/G)
September 2007 - 138 runs in 28 games (4.93 R/G)
By Efrim
April 8, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Braveheart
Boyer should stay in this bullpen. 10 K’s in 5.2 innings. A lot of our other relievers haven’t been missing bats since the season started. You need to find out which relievers can pitch in high leverage siutations. Boyer isn’t there quite yet.
The problem is that I am not sure who should pitch those 8th inning spots. Moylan is valuable where he pitched last night….getting out of trouble. We don’t have to have a “8th inning guy”, but it would sure help to set up roles. Which I am sure BC is doing by trying different guys in certain situations. It takes time.
This team has just been very unlucky the past few years.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
The WHIP over 1.40 in the minors and the WHIP over 1.40 in the majors tells you that Boyer is always gonna “just miss a spot.”
Boyer’s career batting average allowed on balls in the field of play is .344. That means his defense and/or lady luck has let him down more than the typical pitcher. This is the problem with WHIP, hits can be very dependent on factors that are out of the pitcher’s control.
Let’s look at the telling numbers:
Majors - 46 K, 20 BB, 3 HR in 49.3 IP and 54 G. 0.21 HR/9, 3.92 BB/9, 7.42 K/9.
Minors - 469 K, 252 BB, 5 HR in 564.2 IP and 160 G. 0.29 HR/9, 4.01 BB/9, 7.47 K/9.
By Supes
April 8, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
*By 22oz * is there a reason he was out after 88 pitches?
Yeah, he’s a 42 year old pitcher, second week of the season, near freezing temps. Pretty much all of the above.
By 18 Wheels of Love
April 8, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
DOB
Medical question. Do you know or can you find out what procedure Kotsay had on his back? He and I are the same age and I am just wondering what procedure he went thru that now allows him to make diving catches. Thanks!
By Steve McP
April 8, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves just don’t like cold weather, seems like their defeats have all been on days when it was cool, perhaps they should get sponsorship with a meat company and try training in their cold room during next years ST to get ready for these early season games when the mercury falls.
By Bryan from Kansas ( Go KU )
April 8, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
David….
Rock Chalk!!!!
Did you see Roy Williams at the game with his black shirt on and his KU sticker….
By ncscoots
April 8, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
The problem is that I am not sure who should pitch those 8th inning spots.
Efrim, I’m with you on this, and I’d bet real American-American dollars that BC is in the same boat. So far, at least, it appears that he wishes to keep Moylan as a tactical weapon, rather than in a “role”. So, somebody has to step up and claim an 8th inning slot.
And the only way to do that, boys and girls, is to put some folks in high-leverage situations and see what happens. Some of those ain’t gonna work out…better to know now than September.
By John
April 8, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
COOOOMMMMMMMEEEE ONNNNNNN GONZO!!!!
Hopefully we can hold out until June when we get Mike back!
By Original Jon
April 8, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Here’s what I dont get….Bobby said that the reason Blaine was in there was because he was giving Soriano the night off, and the reason for that was because he pitched in that blow out on Saturday, but what about the April 3rd game? What was the point in bringing the closer into a tie game in the 8th inning? That was pointless there too. Also, arent closers supposed to be able to go out there and pitch when needed? You shouldnt get days off when your job is to close games. Bobby needs to be a little more careful with how he uses his ‘pen, not putting the closer into a blow out game then giving him a day off when he is needed the most.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Steve McP, the cold weather just helps explain why they only scored one run (and why the Rockies only scored two). They lost because of one bad pitch and some bad luck.
By BamaBravesFan
April 8, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Keylargo…
Easy buddy. I wasn’t talking about Alabama getting Bill Self. The rumor is that he is going to take the Oklahoma State job. Unfortunately, we are stuck with Gottfreid for another year, while our program spirals out of control. You must be either an Auburn, LSU, or miami dolphin fan. Some people just won’t let it go.
DOB,
Thats what i think too. However, the money might be too much for him to turn down. I hope he stays..i think he is a really outstanding coach. Congrats on the win last night.
GO BRAVES!
By Efrim
April 8, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
NcScoots
Agreed man. Gotta figure these things out now.
Anyone notice that after tonight’s game against Ubaldo Jimenez, the Braves will face southpaws four games in a row. Redman, Francis, Chico, and Lannan. We have already faced 4 in 7 games this season. 8 in the first 12 games after that four game stretch. Crazy…..
By brent a.
April 8, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Just heard Bill Self on ESPNradio, and all I can say for sure is that he is in line for a huge payday, whether it be in Lawrence (sp.), or in Stillwater.
It’s coming.
I actually admired his forthrightness. He basically said, “I’m gonna meet with my people here in Kansas, and see what they want to do.”
By ncscoots
April 8, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
There are a ton of reasons that could be the explanation for Bobby’s use of Soriano so far, many of them not game-related. The guy didn’t get a lot of work in ST, had a health problem, etc. He may still be mentally affected by the elbow. BC could have wanted to put him in low-stress situations to build his confidence and/or test his elbow. He may have wanted to give Soriano more work to make up for the lack of ST. Who knows?
I’m not saying that any of these possibilities actually occurred, only that there are often reasons for managerial decisions that are far from game-related, and invisible to fans and bloggers.
By Steve McP
April 8, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
Shaun - I was not just referencing this game, but the other losses have also been in poor weather conditions.
There does seem to be a pattern developing, these are the temps according to the box scores for the games this season so far:-
Washington (L) - 49 Pirates (1st loss) - 56 Pirates (W) - 74 Pirates (L) - 51 Mets (W) - 62 Mets (W) - 61 Rockies (L) - 41
They have won every game when the temperature was over 60 and lost every one when it was below.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
What was the point in bringing the closer into a tie game in the 8th inning?
In many cases the game is more on the line in the 6th, 7th or 8th inning. Why only bring in your best reliever in the 9th inning when you already have the lead? Good move by Cox to not follow the mindless convention of only bringing in your best reliever when you already have a lead and in the 9th inning.
Also, arent closers supposed to be able to go out there and pitch when needed?
There aren’t many human beings that can pitch everyday.
By Renegator
April 8, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Is it a requirement that Moylan and Ohman pitch in every game. How about giving those guys a night off instead of Soriano.
Why do you people use the “It’s early - chill out” statements all the time. Last time I checked the games in April count the same as the games in September.
Same blow pen - different year. Same cast of characters - same results. Get the picture and get this team some relief help.
By BossLady
April 8, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
By BossLady
April 8, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
If Tommy put them on, then how can Boyer think that he can get them?
Bobby Cox better get his bullpen organization together. Didn’t he see how hard they hit Boyer on foul balls, showed they saw him well.
I don’t know if the bullpen costs Glavine or the coaching of the bullpen.
I said, “get him out of there” when the rocket shifted foul in homerun distance, but, did he listen to me, NO.
By Thunder Road
April 8, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Looks like the only team the Braves can beat are the Mets.
By MT Braves Fan
April 8, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, I’m with you all the way on the Boyer thing, guy’s never gonna be anything more than a mop-up type, as he can’t keep the ball out of the middle of the plate. It’s just a disturbing trend on this team, and has been for awhile, that they are so high on these relievers, and so many that they’ve trusted late in games have been so awful. They need to get a deal in place with Boyer and Thorman/Pena by the time Chuck is activated, call up Anderson and get a decent reliever up and out in the pen. Gotta love the comments on here to “just relax, it’s a long year” type stuff, I agree it is a long year and this team will be very good, but this bullpen has the feeling of two years ago, and I don’t think any of us want that again.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Steve McP, not sure we should jump to any conclusions after seven games and four losses. I wouldn’t call that a pattern.
By N8
April 8, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
DOB
Last night I made the following comment:
“Maybe Bobby should have given Soriano the “night off” in the 10-2 victory the other day, huh?”
To which you replied:
“Agreed. Don’t know why he pitched Soriano in that blowout. Didn’t make sense.”
I want to clarify for the record, when I rag on Bobby, it has MUCH MORE to do with “moves” like the above, when it comes to his decisions. Yes, sometimes his in-game strategy, makes me scratch my head (like bringing the infield in with a guy at the plate that is NOT gonna lay down a bunt), etc..
Later you made the following comment, while dissecting having Boyer in a tight game:
“We’ve had people on here talking for months about how Boyer should make the team, how he could be a closer option, etc. So if Bobby can’t trust him to pitch in a close game in April, well….You gotta find these things out.”
I do agree with this comment. For one, I think Boyer has good enough stuff (I still wouldn’t have used a guy that relies on that 12/6 curveball in Coors field - but that’s just me), and I do believe that the first month of the season (maybe the first two - if you’re a person that says you can’t assess your team until Memorial Day passes), is a fact finding mission to figure out who can handle what role, and be relied on in tight situations.
If this was a bullpen filled with veteran guys or guys NOT coming of of injuries or guys like Bennett who came off of injury late last year, you might know “what you’ve got” out there. But with youngsters, and guys that haven’t pitched in a while, Bobby’s gotta figure it out.
I guess the theory is that you hope you win more than you lose and stay close until June and then make your move.
But similarly to last year, when 5 games made the difference in the division, it’s frustrating to drop some of these “heart-breakers” in early April.
I guess in the 90’s when you knew with our rotation and the lack of competition within the division, (when we consistently won the division by 10 or more games), we could afford slow starts, knowing there would be a COUPLE of stretches of winning 15 of 20 that would separate us from the pack.
But I’m not sure this team (add to that, two other teams that are pretty evenly matched with us, IMO), is capable of those kind of runs.
By Lew
April 8, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
I’m not going to question Bobby’s decision to not walk the Rockie’s best hitter in that situation, nor will I rag on Boyer for leaving the ball in his wheelhouse-it happens to the best of pitchers and managers.
My question is this-Why did Yunel not bunt Kelly to second with Chipper, Tex and McCann following?
By KC
April 8, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
I, like many of you was ready to key Bobby Cox’s car after his not walking Holliday last night. I was pi$$ed. But after looking at the situation a little more closely, I have to admit I was wrong.
BOBBY COX MADE THE RIGHT CALL BY NOT WALKING HOLLIDAY.
Here’s why:
Garrett Atkins bats behind Matt Holliday.
Over the past 2 seasons, Atkins has 54 homers and more than 230 RBI. He has also hit over .300 the past couple seasons.
Now of course, those numbers are subject to Coors field stat inflation correction, but then, so are Holliday’s.
My point is that Holliday isn’t THAT much better than Atkins offensively. AND Adkins had been swinging a hot bat, unlike Holliday, who was slumping early.
So it made sense in that situation to NOT put the go-ahead run on base for another very good hitter (Adkins).
It’s always easy to second guess after we know the results, but it wasn’t a bad call on BC’s part.
By KC
April 8, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Man, I sure hope Gonzo can stay healthy when he comes back, and doesn’t take long to return to form.
That would be a HUUUUUGE lift for this team.
If Gonzo is healthy and pitching the way he’s capable of pitching… we would have perhaps the best bullpen trio in baseball.
Here’s hoping.
By Braveheart
April 8, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, let’s see…Boyer has 10 strikeouts and one walk in 5.7 innings so far this season.
Wow. Great small sample size you gave me. Ignore how the rest of his professional track record says he won’t keep that up. 1.66 WHIP in AA. 1.72 WHIP in AAA. Fairly low K9 rate for a “great stuff” guy. If you’re gonna be a sample size tramp, be consistent about it.
Boyer just made a mistake to a good hitter and it happened to be late in a close game so a lot of folks will brand that in their mind instead of looking at his overall abilities as a pitcher.
Nah. I’ve long felt this way about Boyer. Great stuff. Bad results. There will always be a mistake or a “just missed a spot” said about Boyer. He’s just a mistake and a missed spot waiting to happen. His whole AA and AAA tenure was a tale of mistakes and missed spots.
Boyer’s career batting average allowed on balls in the field of play is .344. That means his defense and/or lady luck has let him down more than the typical pitcher. This is the problem with WHIP, hits can be very dependent on factors that are out of the pitcher’s control.
Good stab but you missed the mark. Kind of like Boyer.
That very high BABIP means that his stuff is not good enough to induce enough feeble groundballs, soft liners, popups, and lazy flyballs.
Because he always makes a mistake and just misses that spot, the liners and groundballs are hit just that much harder than they should be.
The failure to be more dominant in striking hitters out would indicate that despite the great stuff we are always told about, he either does not have stuff as great as they say or he repeatedly makes mistakes and misses the spots he needs to locate his “great stuff” and get the K that he needs.
When he needs a K , he just misses spots and does not miss bats.
When he needs to prevent a hit, he just misses a spot and does not miss the barrel of the bat.
When he needs to keep people off base, he just misses spots and walks too many hitters.
That’s Blaine Boyer. 1.49 WHIP in the majors. 1.66 WHIP in AA. 1.72 WHIP in AAA.
Noticing a pattern? Or is Lady Luck Blaine Boyer’s dominatrix or something?
By Nathan
April 8, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Record in one-run games:
2006: 19-33 2007: 18-25 2008: 0-4
A 37-62 record is pretty horrendous luck the past few years.
By Renegator
April 8, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Shaun:
According to you the Braves are the unluckiest team ever. Don’t you ever hold anybody accountable for anything or do you just blame it all on luck?
Sucks that we have the unluckiest team. I guess it doesn’t matter what kind of talent you have on the roster since it’s all luck anyway.
By BossLady
April 8, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Oh well, questions huh?
Why did our offense go for 0’fers?
If they don’t hit, get on base, and score then Glavine or anyone else cannot help them. Chipper cannot do this alone.
By chase
April 8, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
Imadummy
Your name says it all pal…
I addressed your little problem earlier with my post about trading Thorman and others to the Giants.
I AM NOT THE ONE WHO BROUGHT THAT UP! I was asking that question after someone else said there was a trade rumor about it on mlbtraderumors.com
If you have a problem with it, save your venom for who brought up the idea.
No my accomplishments haven’t been in baseball..By the way Which major league team or you the GM of my friend
Oh that’s right…So then just what are YOUR baseball accomplishments?
JimD
Why are YOU attacking me for posting what GANT said?
My only point in posting that was to show that GANT agrred with many on here who thought that the BRAVES should’ve walked HOLLIDAY…
And GANT should be given credit for publically questioning COX..everyone on here says that NOBODY in the Atlanta Media has the stones to Question COX…and then when someone FINALLY does…you attack him!
Unreal
By Efrim
April 8, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Renegator
Sucks that we have the unluckiest team.
Yes we do….and it does suck. Hopefully that luck will change and the ball will bounce our way. Of course it bounced our way for something like 15 years. Minus the playoffs of course.
By richbrave
April 8, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
DAVID O’BRIEN:
Any feed-back on that stadium configuration thing you were gonna’ propose. I’m guessing the planning is already finalized. They’re gonna’ have to step on the gas to get this thing done by ‘09.
By Mike M
April 8, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
As disappointingAs disappointing as the ‘pen has been thus far over the first few games, you gotta be encouraged by the starting rotation (Hampton’s issues aside). Glavine, Smoltz, Jurrjens, and Hudson have been outstanding thus far, and assuming they all stay healthy, it bodes well for the Braves over the long term. As for this one-run game issue…I think it’s important to remember it’s not just a bullpen issue as I think it’s somewhat easy to assume, but also has to do with those little fundamental things like bunting a guy over, moving a runner over by keeping the ball on the right side of the infield, making productive outs….getting runners on 3rd in with less than 2 outs—essentially, making the most of your opportunities late in the game. This is something I think the Braves have been sorely lacking in for the last few years.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
MT Braves Fan, are you serious? The guy has given up a grand total of 8 homers in 214 pro games. He made one not-so-great pitch to a good hitter. But this is predictable for the fans on this blog who have a college football mentality.
Boyer was in a tight game because he’s a good pitcher. He strikes out hitters at a decent rate, his walk rate is okay and he has given up a grand total of 8 homers throughout his pro career.
Lew, not a good idea to give the tying run a free pass to first on a chilly night in April when no one has hit the whole game.
The reason Escobar didn’t bunt is because he’s a darn good hitter, and that would have been just using up an out when you potentially only have three left.
Escobar is a fast runner so he hit into an unlikely scenerio. Cox probably figured worse case was a runner on first one out and your best hitters coming up. But you give Escobar a chance to hit, maybe it’s a gapper and Johnson scores. Play for the win on the road, the tie at home.
By DAP
April 8, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
the offense should have scored a few more runs last night, but i put this loss on the bullpen. we did have the lead, after all. the bullpen’s job is to hold them, not to only give up a few runs.
i think it was a mistake for bobby to pitch soriano on saturday, but i also think it was a mistake to hold him out of last nights game. soriano should be able to pitch three days in a row, especially in such a close, important game.
i think there is more to this. after seeing soriano’s face on sunday, and him being “unavailable” last night, i think there is something wrong with him. he’s fighting an injury, probably.
By Efrim
April 8, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this
Mike M
I agree. It isn’t just a bullpen issue. People need to realize this. Braves had a chance to extend the lead against Herges in the Top of the 8th. They couldn’t. Tex did it against Heilman and the Mets. These things matter….
By McFann
April 8, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
BravesDave—
I agree with your posts about Jeff Francoeur (though if I myself would have said that, they’d have me tarred and feathered LOL). I want the man to have a very good career, but he won’t if he doesn’t calm down at the plate. The media’s set the bar awfully high for him. Why can’t they just wait for a player to develop before they crown him the next Chipper Jones?
I’m also with you about the others you mentioned—McCann, Yunel, etc.—giving the pitchers free outs. What’s up with that, anyway?? It’s extremely frustrating to watch, and they better shape up now!
Tonight should be int’resting: JJJ vs. UJ. Have fun at the game, Wayne. (And tell McCann to hit me a homer!)
: )
By chase
April 8, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Should’ve been “are” not “or” in my last post…
By brent a.
April 8, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this
For those who have been asking, they did say on SportSouth that the bunt was on during the first pitch to Yunel.
He took the pitch, and then the bunt was taken off.
He promptly grounded into a DP.
By ghbrave
April 8, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
Just a note regarding one run loss records….the last two World Series champs had losing records in one run games. St.Louis in 2006 was 22-27 and Boston in 2007 was 22-28. The season is much too young to be very concerned yet. Our only concern could be the mindset of the team if these losses continue. They may fall into the Murphy’s Law syndrome and begin to expect to lose the close ones.
By Lew
April 8, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
Shaun-I know. If you’ll check again, my question was about Yunel not bunting Kelly to second in the ninth-NOT about the walk.
You’re right-the bats had been silent all night and it was the kind of play that will always be second guessed. However, there was no reason NOT to advance the runner with the middle of our lineup coming next. Like the books says-Play for the tie on the road.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Braveheart, how do you explain the fact that Boyer’s only given up 8 homers in his pro career (majors and minors combined)? If he “misses the mark” consistently allowing hard hit balls, why wouldn’t he give up a lot of homers? At least more than 8?
Okay, small sample size for this year. I concede that. But what about the good K rate over his pro career and very low HR rate and acceptable walk rate over his entire pro career? Those seem to indicate Boyer’s a major league caliber pitcher.
The idea is that there is not all that much that seperates a grounder right at the shortstop from one that is a step or two out of his reach, as far as the pitcher is concerned. The pitcher can’t help it if the positioning of the SS is a step or two off or if the SS doesn’t have much range or if the SS doesn’t read the ball right, etc.
Renegator, it’s not all luck. As I said, it’s also the fact that Braves pitchers haven’t been as good as their hitters the past couple of seasons, which allows opponents to keep up with the Braves offense on some days/nights.
By cricket
April 8, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
While we have been concentrating on the bullpen for obvious reasons, I would like to point out that our bullpen will still get used a LOT due to the starting pitching. Based on current situation (JJ stil young and may not have strength to go deep in the games, CJ and Glav max 6 inn. pitchers and somltz’s shoulder), we can hope only Hudson to pitch for 7 innings or more a few times and will have to be happy if others give us 6 innings. That will leave at least 3 innings for the bullpen most of the games, which is a recipe for potential disaster if the offense is not scoring a bunch of runs. About Bobby bash - I don’t pray at the altar of the man and do disagree with him many times during the games. But someone mentioned that even though Bobby is generaly considered a great manager, one may not agree with it, if you watch him day in and day out. Well, I would say you should not make that statement unless you watch another manager equally closely because I guarantee you’ll find many more faults and bad in-game decisions with other managers over the long season. I think other managers, players and BASEBALL PEOPLE realize this and hence consider him one of the best. As for the people making argument that every game counts at the end, thanks for stating the obvious. You guys can go to metsblog.com and philly.com blogs - there’s a lot of like minded people there. Enjoy the crying.
By DAP
April 8, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
i wouldnt have bunted with escobar either. you play for the lead on the road, not to tie. in fact, last night, when escobar was showing bunt i was yelling at the tv…”dont bunt with your best hitter!”
how it turned out really sucked, because yunel did what he doesnt do much, hit into a double play. but as good a hitter as escobar is, i wouldnt bunt with him down by one. now, if we were down by one at HOME i might, or if we were TIED in the road, i might, but not in the situation we were in.
as far as walking holliday…i dont know. i definetly wouldnt have given him anything to hit, but obviously boyer didnt intened to pitch it there. i dont think i would have even pitched boyer in that situation, actually.
By Efrim
April 8, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
ghbrave
They may fall into the Murphy’s Law syndrome and begin to expect to lose the close ones.
Well they have the worst record in one run games since opening day 2006. I don’t think that they expect to lose one run games, but it would sure be nice to win a few in a row here to gain some confidence…for our young players of course.
By McFann
April 8, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Why was the bunt on for the first pitch, but not for the second pitch? It’d be int’resting to see what would have happened had Escobar gotten the bunt down.
By McFann
April 8, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
i was yelling at the tv…”dont bunt with your best hitter!”
They weren’t bunting with their best hitter, they were bunting with Escobar. Our best hitter ended the game with a ground out.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this
Lew, actually, I thought it was play for the win on the road and the tie at home.
At any rate, the fact that the meat of the lineup was due up was even more reason not to give up one of your three remaining outs to advance Johnson one base.
As I said, the probable reason Escobar didn’t bunt is because he’s a darn good hitter, and that would have been just using up an out when you potentially only have three left.
Escobar is a fast runner so he hit into an unlikely scenerio. Cox probably figured worse case was a runner on first one out and your best hitters coming up. But you give Escobar a chance to hit, maybe it’s a gapper and Johnson scores. Play for the win on the road, the tie at home.
By DAP
April 8, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
LEW Like the books says-Play for the tie on the road.
i think you have it backwards?
By Braveheart
April 8, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
1.49 WHIP in the majors
1.66 WHIP in AA
1.72 WHIP in AAA
Boyer sucks. Spin it all you want. Ridicule people all you want. Call them college football fans all you want. The bottomline is that Boyer sucks. The stats and your eyeballs tell you that.
Being a contrarian for the sake of being a contrarian and being selective about the stats you use while entirely ignoring some very troubling ones does not make your mentality any better than the college football fan.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
McFann, who knows what would have happened?
I’ll take my chances with a runner on first, no outs and Escobar, Chipper and Teixeira trying to drive him in rather than give up an out and leave it to the other two already down an out.
By Overlord
April 8, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Efrim i dont think we have players on the field that could mentally be affected by 1 run loses. The young ones are tough kids.
Sad thing is we will continue to lose those kind of games. History has shown us its the way cox manages games and he wont change it. Thats what he believes in and he aint changing it.
As for someone comment last night, i dont think glavine was done when he took him out. That was not enough trouble to take a SP thats throwing a gem, out.
But making that move was bad enough to say he blew it right there, cause if he did not remove glavine and rockies hit a homer or a double then we would be trashing him.
The big mistake was pitching to Holliday.
By DCbrave
April 8, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this
DOB
Just read your updates for Hampton and Gonzalez entitled “Hampton, Mike Gonzalez Updates.” It’s nice to know Gonzo shall be back on schedule - Boy, could we use some help from him now!
A side note (and maybe somebody already pointed out), in the “etc.” of the article, you left the names of “Kotsay” and the Angels’ player blank.
By cricket
April 8, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Can someone please tell me how to get the paragraphs in the posts? Pressing Enter does not help. All my posts come up as a single paragraph.
By DAP
April 8, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
McFann They weren’t bunting with their best hitter, they were bunting with Escobar. Our best hitter ended the game with a ground out.
that doesnt change what i yelled at the tv last night!
2nd best hitter. ok?
By Overlord
April 8, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
McFann, bunt was not on on the 1st pitch, that was just a fake, yunel was not trying hard to bunt that ball.
I have to say that i liked what i saw from Boyer last night. Other than the HR he was locating the ball very well. I think he struck out Helton on a good pitch.
By Overlord
April 8, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Shaun it doesnt matter what would have happened, the baseball book says you have to bunt the ball. Why does it says that? Its simple, because the chances your runner in scoring position have more possibilities than not to score. It boost the pressure on defense. Specially if the guy at the plate is Chipper. Maybe they choose to walk chipper. Then he has to throw strikes to TEX or load the bases. The scenario was great. Bad execution. And if TEX fails you still have your allstar catcher up a lefty.
Cox had all the peaces in place, he just let the prey run away.
By GTI in Chicago
April 8, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
I know it’s just a week in here, but one thing about the team this year already reminds me of last year - not in a good way. Both the Bullpen and the lineup all seem to go hot and cold at the same time, and it’s hard to tell, from one day to the next, how they’ll be. When the hitters mash, they MASH. When the bullpen is on they DOMINATE. Then the next game: field mice.
What’s up with that? Is it youth?
By MGL
April 8, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
A different topic, has anyone read this article? http://saberscouting.com/2008/04/07/borasclientprice/
It looks like Scott Boras is running the draft for MLB, and with these ludicrous signing bonuses, it might as well just be turned into a free agent type of fight for the best prospects.
By McFann
April 8, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
DAP—
Hmm…I guess he could be our second best hitter, but not our best. The man with the .400 BA remains the best—no way around it.
Cricket—
Press Enter twice. That’ll put you a space below the rest of your typing.
Overlord—
OK, so…why did Escobar fake bunt?
By Overlord
April 8, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Sorry to end the party, but yunel is not our 2nd best hitter. TEX and KJ have better eye. Yunel knows how to put the ball in play better, but TEX and KJ put a lot more pressure as they know how to let bad pitches go trough. Yunel and Matt are kind of alike. Whatever you pitch to them, they put into play. But Chipper by far is the best hitter, he makes that and more.
Cricket you have to press ENTER twice.
By Overlord
April 8, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
What about a Hit and run? Good contact hitter, speed on the bases?
Dangerous, i know, but you need to take risks to win games.
I like the BUNT much better. There are no IFs there. That run would have scored if yunel bunts the ball.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
being selective about the stats you use
Braveheart, this is hilarious. The only stat you’ve brought up is WHIP and I’ve already told you the problem with WHIP. Many hits are largely affected by things the pitcher has no control over. According to WHIP, Curt Schilling has had a better career than Roger Clemens and Greg Maddux.
Yes, I’m being selective. I’m selecting the stats that actually give us insight into Boyer’s abilities.
By Overlord
April 8, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
McFann i dont know, maybe to open some holes for the next pitch???
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
A side note (and maybe somebody already pointed out), in the “etc.” of the article, you left the names of “Kotsay” and the Angels’ player blank.By DCbrave
No, DCBrave, I most assuredly did not leave Kotsay and the “Angels player” blank. I have no idea what you’re talking about, but this below is what I wrote, and what appears online right now. If it doesn’t appear on your screen when you called up the item, I can only guess it’s a computer issue with your laptop reading boldface or something. I have no idea. But why on earth would I leave “Kotsay and the Angels player” blank? And by the way, how would even know if was an Angels player if it was “blank,” unless you happen to have Vlad’s numbers memorized?
Anyway, here’s what in the online story, and what I wrote:
Etc.
When center fielder Mark Kotsay threw to first base to double off the Mets’ Carlos Delgado in the fourth inning Sunday, he raised his totals to 112 assists and 31 double plays since 1998. He leads the majors in both categories in that period, ahead of the Angels’ Vladimir Guerrero (107 and 28). ..
By BravesFanInRockies
April 8, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Congrats DOB and Jayhawk fans. That was one of the best finals from recent memory. And yeah, the two best teams were in it.
About Hansbrough’s future: I think he’ll come back for his senior season. He’s a first-rounder but not a lottery pick unless he fits a particular team’s needs. I don’t think he’ll be a bust in the NBA, but we may not know that for a couple of seasons. Best case, he’s a Carlos Boozer or Antawn Jamison type, and that’s dang good; worst case, Matt Harpring. He’ll have to maintain his energy level through 80 games rather than 40.
As for the Braves — you do have to wonder why they pitched to Holliday with (face it) not your best reliever. With Acosta, Moylan or Soriano, sure. Boyer? Nope. Esp. w/Ohman coming in to face Hawpe.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this
Overlord, does it? I’m not so sure the runner doesn’t have a better chance to score on first with no outs versus on second with one out. Maybe if it was second versus third but I’m not sure about first versus second.
If Johnson’s on second with no outs, I’m probably bunting because he can score with a hit, sac fly, error, a wild pitch. On first it has to be a hit or a sac fly and a hit or two hits. And once your down one out, a sac fly or a groundout to the right side then only puts him at third with two outs.
By DAP
April 8, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
overlord Sorry to end the party, but yunel is not our 2nd best hitter.
it depends on how you define it…if your going for the hot hand, or results so far this season, chipper and yunel have been the best and 2nd best on the team.
party on.
By ncscoots
April 8, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Yeah, yeah, yeah, and if Escobar hits a screaming double to the gap, the run scores, too. With one less out in the inning, and a chance for more. You know, to actually WIN the game?
Those blessed with hindsight might consider the part of the anatomy from which that “sight” emanates. But such seldom do so.
Overlord, I’m not cranking on you especially, but the blog is being overrun with second-guessers who are always right. Or so it would appear. Or in their own tiny minds. Or whatever.
By N8
April 8, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
McFann
“They weren’t bunting with their best hitter, they were bunting with Escobar. Our best hitter ended the game with a ground out.”
Nicely said.
Way to go Punky Brewster!
By cricket
April 8, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Thanks McFann -
Let’s see how this works..
By McFann
April 8, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
OK, Overlord, I guess that makes sense…
(And I don’t really think Yunel is our second best hitter, either. But If he has to be in the top two [which he doesn’t] then he’d have to be second. Actually, I see that Johnson and Francoeur both have better BA’s than Escobar now that I looked it up.)
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
I actually admired his forthrightness. He basically said, “I’m gonna meet with my people here in Kansas, and see what they want to do.”brent a.
It’s called having bargaining power. He’ll never have more than he’s got today, and he’s right to use it to get a raise well above what the football coach is making, since basketball is the consistent money-maker that funds KU sports. Mangino got a raise and extension a year ago that gave him a higher salary than Self, even before Mangino’s team had done anything of significance.
Turns out Lew Perkins (the A.D.) made a brilliant move in signing Mangino to the extension, thus preventing him from jumping ship to a bigger football program after his Top-10 finish and Orange Bowl win this year.
Perkins is a smart man, and he’ll give Self enough of a raise to keep him. I’d be shocked if Self even seriously considered O-State, regardless of the money. T. Boone can’t buy what Self has at KU, he could only make him the highest paid coach in the nation with no chance to be a perennial national power.
By MT Braves Fan
April 8, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Yes Shaun, I’m serious. The bottom line is a career 4.20 ERA, and 50 hits in 49 career innings. Decent, average-at-best numbers, but not somebody that should ever be trusted in a one-run game. Especially with a thus-far dominant lefty ready in the pen and a free swinging lefty on deck. Boyer just gets too many pitches up and in the middle of the plate, allows too many baserunners, and doesn’t get k’s in the spots where big k’s are needed. He has good stuff, that’s for sure, he just can’t locate it.
By ncscoots
April 8, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this
Its simple, because the chances your runner in scoring position have more possibilities than not to score.
Myth. Only about three thousand statisical studies (done on actual played games) show that more runs score in an inning with runner-first-no-out than with runner-second-one-out.
In a case where one run is more important than multiple runs (late and close, a single run wins the game), then bunting the guy makes sense. But giving up an out late when you need multiple runs to win is hardly the smart play.
By Lew
April 8, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
DAP-Maybe I do have it backwards, but Yunel is not our best hitter. Chipper is. I still would have played for the tie-you can’t win it until you tie it.
If Yunel had sacrificed (and he did it the other day, BTW), we would have had a runner in scoring position with Chipper, Tex and McCann-our RBI guys-coming up next.
Sorry, but it is about time we started to play some fundamental baseball here. In a pitcher’s duel like we had last night, a single run means very much.
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
18 Wheels of Love: Kotsay had microdiscectomy surgery, during which a portion of a herniated disk was removed from his lower back.
By sportsmandh
April 8, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Well, while we have to suffer through watching another one run loss and bullpen failure, look on the bright side. At least we no longer have to stomach watching he of the .115 batting average (Andruw) or he of the .087 batting average (Adam LaSuck).
By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy
April 8, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
DOB,
DC Brave is right. What appears online to us is that entire paragraph in bold, minus the 3 names. I’m sure it’s something similar to the problem the AJC has with replacing some of your punctuation marks Egyptian Hieroglyphic-like symbols. Just trying to clear DC Brave’s Laptop of any guilt :-)
By DCbrave
April 8, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
DOB
Thanks. Maybe it’s my computer. As long as the names are there, it is ok. I did not mean to be a jerk, but just wanted to remind you. I just went to that article again, and it was still the same. The word “Etc.” was not in bold but all the text below it were in bold, and the names of Kotsay et al. are missing.
It’s not a big deal but does anybody else on this board see the same thing?
Here is a copy of that text (I copied and pasted, and bold here is bold there):
Etc.
When center fielder threw to first base to double off the Mets’ in the fourth inning Sunday, he raised his totals to 112 assists and 31 double plays since 1998. He leads the majors in both categories in that period, ahead of the Angels’ (107 and 28). … ‘s six strikeouts Sunday raised his total to 2,981, 50 behind the Mets’ for 15th on the all-time list.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
MT Braves Fan, again, many hits and ER are highly dependent on things out of the pitcher’s control.
And, again, if he gets so many pitches up and in the middle of the plate, how do you explain that he’s only allowed 8 homers his entire pro career?
Lew, yes, Chipper and Tex would be up with one out already. It’s easy to criticize in hindsight. My guess is if Escobar had ripped a double in the gap, you would have never come on the blog saying he should have bunted. He hit into a double play but what were the odds of that happening? I doubt they were very high.
I’d take my chances letting my 2-3-4 hitters swing away with no outs and a runner on rather than use up an out just to put that runner on second when I only had three outs left.
By eware
April 8, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, did you ever get that deluxe edition of WHISKEYTOWN’s STRANGERS ALMANAC? I’m pretty impressed with a lot of the stuff they never released. What a great band.
By Tom in NYC
April 8, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
Dave, DCBrave is not making that up, my article is showing up the same way as shown below with Vlad Guerrero (I didn’t even know who it was until you posted it in here) being left out. This is EXACTLY how I see it, I just copied and pasted:
Etc.
When center fielder threw to first base to double off the Mets’ in the fourth inning Sunday, he raised his totals to 112 assists and 31 double plays since 1998. He leads the majors in both categories in that period, ahead of the Angels’ (107 and 28). … ‘s six strikeouts Sunday raised his total to 2,981, 50 behind the Mets’ for 15th on the all-time list.
By MGL
April 8, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Re the mysterious paragraph - Not in bold to me, but the names are not there.
By timthebrave
April 8, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
We need someone that can shut people down in the 7th and 8th. I like Moylan and Soriano is solid when he doesn’t get behind hitters but we need someone that can shut people down completely. I hope Mike Gonazelez can be that guy.
By Braveheart
April 8, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
Shaun, that is a great stat about Boyer’s ability to not give up the homer. It really is. It’s pretty incredible actually. But I would attribute that to his great stuff.
The way he gives up too many hits + walks and does not strike out enough hitters tells you that all he has is great stuff and that he will routinely miss spots and make mistakes.
His “stuff” alone prevents him from giving up homers.
His repeated mistakes and missed spots keep accounting for too many hits, too many walks and not enough strikeouts despite having great stuff.
AA BABIP : .370
AAA BABIP: .355
MAJORS BABIP: .344
Blame that all on luck and fielders all you want. Why doesn’t everyone else have such horrendous BABIPS against?
Boyer is a thrower. Not a pitcher.
A summer of Boyer is a summer of missed spots and mistakes mischaracterized as bum luck and poor fielding.
By Overlord
April 8, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
People, i think all we are doing is saying what we think should have been done.
Its my opinion, Lew´s opinion, Shaun´s opinion, DAP´s opinion, etc. Nobody is saying that bloggers opinion is the right one.
I just think bunting was by far the best option. Maybe yunel could have hit a gaper, he didnt.
Its a fact that Cox refuses to play small ball and it is costing us games. And it reflects on his players performance since less than half of them are a sure thing when it comes to advancing the runner.
I mean, maybe your 1B or 3B or RF you could excuse. But your SS should be able to bunt like Beliard did and your 2B like lemke did. Their are some position that should be able to bunt with their eyes closed. SS, 2B are a must. You should inlcude the guy that bats 8th. Braves fail to advance runners constantly. Maybe thats why Cox didnt want to bunt. Maybe he lost faith on them, LOL.
By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy
April 8, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
But besides all the grammar patrolling, those are some mighty impressive stats for Kotsay. I wonder what the records are for outfield assists and double plays in a career.
By Lew
April 8, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Shaun-Quite honestly, it’s nothing more than idle speculation-I rarely if ever second guess as it’s a fruitless endeavor. However, I really would like to see a successful sacrifice upon occasion. It would just be nice to see some fundamentals exhibited every now and then.
Yes, IF Yunel had doubled, I wouldn’t have posted anything, but still-let’s see some fundamentals. We know Yunel can bunt-he did it last week. If ever there was a situation where playing for one run might have been appropriate, that was it.
What would have been nicer than seeing a true pitching duel (at Coors, no less) and station to station ball wining a game. I would love to see that sometimes.
By TennesseePaul
April 8, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
I’d have to agree with Payne and Scoots on this. Letting Yunel swing was the better play. Had it been Todd Pratt or Ryan Langerhans at the plate with a runner on first a bunt would have been imperative. Those two are guaranteed outs. Might as well put them to use. But it was Yunel, Chipper and Teixeira. It didn’t work out. I suspect it will work out more times than not as the season carries on.
By MT Braves Fan
April 8, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
So, if hits and runners and such are out of the pitcher’s control, why do good and/or elite setup men not have stats like that? Because they know how to pitch in those situations, which Boyer doesn’t. I may have mis-spoken earlier when I said that he will never be good in those situations, but he has to learn how to use the stuff he has before running him out there in tense, game-changing situations. Put it this way: After giving up a 3-run jack to Nady in a tie game, and giving up the game-winner last night, would you run him back out there in a tight game? I wouldn’t.
By DAP
April 8, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
LEW your right about the importance of scratching out every run in a close game. nothing wrong with doing that at all.
i still wouldnt have bunted with escobar though…
yes i know yunel is not our best hitter…can i not holler out whatever i want in the privacy of my own home due to the passion i feel for braves baseball?? :-)
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
DCBrave, others: Thanks much for pointing out what is obviously a bad computer glitch on our end. When I call that note up online, it appears perfectly fine on my Mac PowerBook. Very odd.
I’ve notified the higher-ups.
By Lew
April 8, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
DAP-Holler away, Dude, but with the price of HD TV’s these days, don’t pull a Coach and throw beer cans at it.
By Overlord
April 8, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
What if Escobar bunts?
Do you people think they would have pitched to chipper?
Take it as a poll…..
Do they pitch to chipper???
Cause if the dont, then there were even more reasons for yunel to bunt.
By matt
April 8, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
DOB, How can you say Self would have no chance to make OKSt. a national power? I think you’re selling Self short. He’s an excellent coach. He had Illinois built to be a national power and due to Weber’s inability to recruit he’s been unable to continue what Self started at Illinios. Other big schools with pretty decent bball programs have become national powers with the help of an excellent coach as well. Look at Florida, Wisconsin, UConn, Memphis, maybe even Tennessee (to be determined). A lot of these types of programs just end up getting derailed when the coach moves on to one of the premier jobs in the land. Examples, Sell at Illinois or Texas A & M and Gillespie. I don’t think Self will go either, but I think it’s unfair to say that he couldn’t have a national powerhouse if he was willing to stay at OKSt. like Calhoun has been willing to stay at UConn. Nevertheless, congrats on the championship, that must be a cool feeling, as an Iowa fan I have no clue and probably never will.
By Efrim
April 8, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
In regards to tonight’s game, I hope the Braves work the count and get Ubaldo out of the game early. He can be very wild. Although at times, effectively wild.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, wonder what the typical BABiP is for AA and AAA pitchers. I would guess it’s higher than the typical major league BABiP because the fielders aren’t as good.
Also, I see absolutely nothing wrong with his strikeout rate (well over 7 K/9 in the majors and minors). And his walk rate is not that bad (around 4 BB/9).
Just doing some research. John Smoltz had a higher line-drive percentage last season than Blaine Boyer’s career line-drive percentage.
Not saying Boyer is a star reliever, but he’ll be a decent major leaguer.
By matt
April 8, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
Duke is another example of a fairly good program that became a national power with the help of an excellent coach.
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Matt, you’re right, he’d have a chance to make them a national power. I shouldn’t have said “no chance.”
So make it, “with little chance of being a perennial national title contender.”
By DAP
April 8, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
overlord if kelly is on 2nd with one out, i think they pitch around chipper and take thier chances with the slow-starting tex. you may be right, i dont know though. i always feel good about yunel swinging the bat.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Lew, why show off the fundamentals of bunting if it’s not what’s best for the team?
I’m not so sure that would have been playing for one run. My guess is the odds would have been lower for scoring any run with an out and a runner on second. If Johnson were on second with no outs, yes, let’s see some fundamentals.
Overlord, I doubt they walk Chipper and put the winning run on with Tex and McCann coming up.
By Mitchie-san
April 8, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
DOB I cant believe it didnt get a single comment from anyone else, but I had asked before…did Redman get a championship ring as a member of the Rockies???? I havent been able to sleep since I thought of this…..ugh, I feel sick….
By BravesFanInRockies
April 8, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Self to OKState? I’m with DOB. Unless Kansas absolutely whiffs on its raise/extension offers, he’s staying. And he should.
OKState has a terrific basketball tradition that goes way past Eddie Sutton, but it will be really tough to recruit the sort of talent there that you can get at Kansas. Even with T. Boone’s millions invested in better facilities, etc.
Come to think of it, Sutton did a fantastic job there making the team a perennial Sweet 16/Elite 8 caliber club that could occasionally sniff the Final Four.
By TennesseePaul
April 8, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Lew: Just saw your response from last night. I wasn’t able to get back earlier. Sorry about that. I missed the game as well, but we lost so that must mean Cox was out managed.
Anywho, I keep seeing the speculation of spending on pitching and I honestly don’t see any free agent pitchers worth spending on. I understand your statement of the calendar. I’ve seen it a lot. But the funny thing is, as the calendar flips, the Free Agent class of 2008-2009 doesn’t change. (I suppose a pitcher could really really stink it up and be released, but that isn’t a change for the better). CC is a popular choice but I got the feeling he’ll demand a contract duration I’m not sure the Braves would want to offer… Something in line with Santana. As for 1B, well I suppose anything could happen there. So long as it isn’t Todd Pratt.
I don’t know what’s going to happen either, but the outlook isn’t exactly thrilling. Leaving the choice to “Future Wren” was a relaxing way to go but not necessarily prudent. Which has been my point the entire time. Whatever. I’ll reserve the right to posit that same question every time I see an assertion that all our future troubles will be resolved by the FA Market of next off season.
In the mean time I’ll just watch this season play out. Hopefully we’ll start winning these 1 run games. Maybe this is just our run of bad luck right now. Lose all the 1 runs early in the season and then win all the ones that occur later in the season. It’ll be nice when Teixeira catches fire. This team will be hard to stop.
By TN Jeff
April 8, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Game last night - Glavine leaves & relievers start having trouble giving up hits & the Braves announcers start talking about difficulty gripping a ball in the cold despite the fact that the game has a score of 1 to 0. Why is it that only Braves relief pitchers have problems gripping the ball in cold weather and then sweat issues similarly causing grip problems in the heat. The weather ain’t the problem - the relief pitchers’ pitching is the problem.
By Braveheart
April 8, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
I just think Boyer is in the Villareal and Yates mold. All three have good stuff but all three for different reasons just have something missing. All three are serviceable enough but also expendable enough at the drop of a hat as well. I just don’t want to see Boyer in too many big spots just like I never wanted to see Villareal and Yates in a big spot either.
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Psycho T would definitely be a lottery pick if/when he comes out. It is certainly not definite he is coming back though he has hinted that he will.By Dadgum
Really? Definitely a lottery pick? Do you know something that the draft geeks who get paid to talk to GMs and put together mock drafts don’t know?
Because when I googled NBC mock drafts, I didn’t find a single one that’s got him as a lottery pick.
Let me know when you find one that has him in the top 15, because I couldn’t find one. Most have his own teammate Ty Lawson ahead of him.
Here are the spots where Hansbrough is projected to be drafted if he comes out for this year:
No. 20 pick in collegehoops.net
No. 24 pick in draftexpress.com
No. 23 pick in MyNBAdraft.com
No. 18 pick by NBCSports.com
By ncscoots
April 8, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Its a fact that Cox refuses to play small ball
Also incorrect. It’s a fact that he refuses to play small ball as much as bloggers desire. However, he’s paid to actually win games, so that little factoid will probably persevere.
By TennesseePaul
April 8, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Thinking about last nights game… Maybe this is what Smoltz needed. Now that a different former Braves Pitching great is on the mound the bullpen will be busy blowing his leads and fabulouse starts while not having any crap left and thus sustaining Smoltz’s leads and fabulous starts. Looks like this could be the season Smoltz finally gets all 20+ of his wins instead of the pen snaking ‘em from him.
Sucks for Glavine though.
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Mitchie-san, Redman certainly did get a ring…
BravesFaninRockies: Agree with you on all counts, including the part about Eddie Sutton doing a great job. And by the way, O-State’s renoved Iba Arena is a terrific basketball venue.
By TennesseePaul
April 8, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Now this is amazing
By Lew
April 8, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
Shaun-Excuse me, I certainly don’t want to get into another all day deal with you. I will say this and then I’m going to go draw pictures and mail some stuff and you can feed off of your antimatter all alone.
Huh? Why show off fundamentals? Not the best thing for the team? Playing for one run to tie the game rather than losing outright is not best for the team?
Dude, you can’t win until you tie it up. Tie it up and THEN worry about winning the game. I know damn well Bobby was thinking Yunel would line a single to right, moving KJ to third with no one out-or hoping to see him line a double and scoring Kelly. Wonderful scenario. But you talk about odds? What were the odds that would happen?
The one thing you did NOT want to happen in that situation was exactly what DID happen. What were the odds on that? Would it not have been safer odds wise to bunt? Then, in all likelihood, if it failed, you still would have had a runner on first with one out instead of no one on and two outs. That is the scenario with the most chance of a somewhat successful to a completely successful outcome-NOT waiting for a hit which never came.
By Efrim
April 8, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Dadgum
Hansborogh is not a lottery pick. He is too small. As DOB said, I would take Lawson over Hansborogh in a minute.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
April 8, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
With all due respect Oklahoma State isn’t some sort of mid-major program. Lets not forget that it wasn’t but a couple of years ago Oklahoma St. was annually battling for the Big 12 title with the almighty Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma. I see no reason Self couldn’t make OSU a perrinial national contender.
By Braveheart
April 8, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this
And yeah BABIPs are of course typically higher in AAA and AA. But isn’t that accounted for in his BABIP dropping by a few points in each level but still remaining way too high for any of the three levels?
His K9 rate is not bad but it is also not the kind of rate that makes you think he’s any “good reliever” you need to defend as if he rarely makes mistakes or misses spots.
His BB9 rate is not awful but is also sloppier than you would prefer - especially since he gives up too many hits.
By Efrim
April 8, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
TennPaul
Sheets, Ollie Perez, Burnett….what’s not to like about guys that have been teases all of their career’s? Add to it CC Sabathia, and there will be a lot of money spent on those four this offseason. Hopefully the Braves don’t get involved with any of them.
By DCbrave
April 8, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
DCBrave, others: Thanks much for pointing out what is obviously a bad computer glitch on our end. When I call that note up online, it appears perfectly fine on my Mac PowerBook. Very odd. by *David O’Brien *
You’re quite welcome! The denizens here will always protect the Crusading Everyone. I’m also glad my good ol’ laptop was cleared :-) (And this ol’ denizen too: And by the way, how would even know if was an Angels player if it was “blank,” unless you happen to have Vlad’s numbers memorized?).
Mac? Don’t talk about mac! You kidding me?! Mac?! Steve Jobs put too many tricks there, and you just cannot trust it.
By Overlord
April 8, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
DAP & Shaun, you see, you cant agree on what would they do with chipper. For me that only means, getting to 2B was amazingly important. They wouldnt know what to do with chipper, that means it was a win win situation. Why because you said it well, 2 good RBI guys were coming up. But i think most importantly……as i mentioned before…..
They walk chipper, that puts tons of pressure on Corpas and TEX has a very good eye. Im sure TEX would have seen more than 1 strike. If not, he loads the bases and mcCann coming up.
If he takes the other option, he pitches to chipper and we all know he is hitting very well.
How could you loose on a yunels bunt?
I just cant see it.
By TennesseePaul
April 8, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Scoots: It’s a fact that Cox refuses to play small ball
Also incorrect
Scoots, obviously you haven’t seen The Footage yet. It has Cox down in the dugout being asked rather stringently to play small ball. He was kicking and screaming and stamping his feet. He even resulted in covering his ears and humming until they quit asking. Which was a good thing. From what I hear they were about to resort to the dreaded Indian Burns and nipple twists.
By OrlandoFan
April 8, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
DOB, I think DCBrave pointed out the same glitch taht I did during spring training. Seems a coding problem.
By Lew
April 8, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
TenPaul-Whether or not placing your trust in “Future Wren” as you put it is prudent or not, I guarantee that’s the way it will go.
Besides-I don’t place much credence in free agents, anyway, since we apparently don’t have the money to be all that competitive. However, it’s YOUNG pitching I’d like to see in Atlanta (even if we’re out of the running for a year or so), which means trade. Another Jurrjens or two would be nice to go with Hanson and Rohrbaugh in a couple years. Plenty of time to deal with that, though.
By Bravesfan79
April 8, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
While were talking about college basketball… GT is getting the nations top recruit, a center, Derrick Favors from South Atlanta in 09…hopefully…were favored… but 09 will be a great year for GT hoops! Hey we had a off year this year and still gave Kansas one of their closest games AT Kansas.
It seemed fate was just on Kansas side the past 3 games. (Davidson, UNC, Memphis)
By Overlord
April 8, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Perez was in a jam in the 1st but got out of it beautifully with a K. I guess all we want is both teams bullpen to wear down in this series.
By David
April 8, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Love this blog, and I really think DOB is a GREAT blogger & writer, but MAN he can sure jump on somebody if there is a hint of criticism or a correction requested…..maybe it comes from so many people here jumping on every little thing, but WOW…..
By TJ
April 8, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
10Paul, as to Braves starting pitching for ‘09… I think we need to “think outside the box” (to use a really annoying, overworn expression).
Johan Santana wasn’t a free agent this year; neither was Haren, or Bedard. All were acquired for prospects, for the most part.
Hudson wasn’t a free agent either when we acquired him. Again, prospects.
I don’t see the Braves pursuing Sabathia… too much money, too much injury risk and way too much negotiating power.
We should have plenty of prospects to deal if need be (if we can avoid dumping guys at the trade deadline this year!), and enough money to pay for a guy in his arbitration years. Maybe he’ll be under our control for only a year or two, and then we can decide whether to sign him longterm (whoever it is). Or if a couple of our young starters develop, just let him go for draft picks after that year or two.
I’d look at guys who are free agents after ‘09 and ‘10 (and maybe even ‘11) as possibilities. It probably won’t be a “Santana” quality guy, but I don’t see that as a requirement.
The Tampa Bays, Pittsburgh, Kansas City’s of the world may talk about holding all their pitching, but when it comes down to actually paying for it, tight-fisted ownership will rule.
By BayAreaSteve
April 8, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
10Paul,
that clip was exceptional. Thank you, sir.
By Efrim
April 8, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
We might have Rohrbough and Hanson in this rotation by next year.
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
I see no reason Self couldn’t make OSU a perrinial national contender.Robert (CIB)
Then I guess we’ll find out if OSU grad Self sees it the same way you do, because he’ll likely get offered something close to twice as much to leave as he’ll be offered to stay.
My bet is he doesn’t see it the way you do. If I’m wrong, I’m wrong.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
Lew, again, I’m not sure bunting in that situation equates to playing for one-run. As someone else brought up, a runner on first with no outs increases your chances of scoring a run more so than a runner on second with one out.
A runner on first, no outs and your 2-3-4 hitters due up.
I know damn well Bobby was thinking Yunel would line a single to right, moving KJ to third with no one out-or hoping to see him line a double and scoring Kelly. Wonderful scenario. But you talk about odds? What were the odds that would happen?
Yes, the odds were probably low of that happening. But the odds are even lower of Johnson scoring if you use up an out to get him to second, as someone (I think ncscoots) brought up earlier.
Braveheart, is Boyer’s BABiP because of something he does or is it fielding, luck, etc. that is out of his control? Well, his line-drive percentage in the majors is not all that high, from what I can tell.
By MGL
April 8, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Some of you are correct, the loss last night was clearly Bobby’s fault. When asked after the game, why he didn’t have Escobar bunt, he said “The obvious best play would have been to signal Yuni for a home run, but it was soo cold that I didn’t want him to have to run all the way around the bases. Everyone was shiverring so I called for the double play from Yuni and told Chipper to ground out so that we could all hurry up and get back to the warm comfy hotel.”
By ernesto
April 8, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
TenPaul, great find. That is soooo freakin’ cool. Those kids will never forget that.
By Bobby's Cox
April 8, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Could’ve used this approach last night & in one of our 4 1-run losses this year:
“The overriding story line for the series was that new Dodgers manager Joe Torre was getting through to his hitters. They are embracing the same grind-it-out approach that Yankees hitters embraced during Torre’s ultra-successful 12-season run as manager in the Bronx. Wear out the starter, the idea goes, and you’ll get into the soft part of the bullpen.
Torre stressed this approach after the club looked bad early in spring training. The challenge for the Dodgers’ hitters is balancing patience and aggressiveness. As the Yankees proved under Torre, it can be done.
‘You want them to have an idea how they want to hit,’ Torre told reporters. ‘When you have (Zito) averaging 20 pitches an inning, that’s a pretty good way to start the season.’
why can’t the braves do this? Their inconsistancy makes me sick, especially against weak teams, teams that are struggling, teams they should beat, when they receive and good starting pitching, etc… This is starting to be a joke. We don’t need a bunch of free-swinging HR hitters in our lineup. Yeah we’ll blow out teams on some nights, but more often than not, we’ll have games like our 4 losses this year.
We need to adopt Torre’s approach to be successful. We just have to. We only saw 90 pitches last night? That’s a joke TP and Bobby, and I’ll throw in Frenchy’s name too. I’m getting sick of his hitting too. Bat the guy 9th to teach him a lesson.
By Efrim
April 8, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t trade any of the following prospects:
Heyward, Schafer, Gorkys Hernandez, Cody Johnson, Flowers, Locke, Hanson, Rohrbough, Freeman, Gilmore, Teheran.
I know that is a lot, but it just shows how deep our farm is. Any others I am missing?
By Bobby's Cox
April 8, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Have you read this? Why aren’t the braves doing this? This is why we have been less successful than the yankees folks.
The overriding story line for the series was that new Dodgers manager Joe Torre was getting through to his hitters. They are embracing the same grind-it-out approach that Yankees hitters embraced during Torre’s ultra-successful 12-season run as manager in the Bronx. Wear out the starter, the idea goes, and you’ll get into the soft part of the bullpen.
Torre stressed this approach after the club looked bad early in spring training. The challenge for the Dodgers’ hitters is balancing patience and aggressiveness. As the Yankees proved under Torre, it can be done.
“You want them to have an idea how they want to hit,” Torre told reporters. “When you have (Zito) averaging 20 pitches an inning, that’s a pretty good way to start the season.”
By 18 Wheels of Love
April 8, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
DOB
Thanks for the surgical info. I’m going to ask my Dr. about it again…
I wonder if Dr. James Andrews takes new patients? Is that who did Kotsay?
By Nola
April 8, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
Here we go again, with the Cox mentality. I would not have pinched hit for Moylan in the 8th, and let him at least start the 9th. He did a great job in the 8th, let him finish the job. But, Cox has to fix things that aint broke. So he blows another.
By Bobby's Cox
April 8, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Gotta love Ronny Gant for showing so much passion.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Overlord, no way they walk Chipper and put the go-ahead run on with Tex and McCann due up.
You lose with Escobar bunting because it uses up an out and gives you only two to work with.
One out and a runner on second, the odds are against any hitter (even Chipper). And remember, with one out and a runner on second, two sac flies don’t work.
Take a look at this.
Runner on 1B and 0 outs, 92.6 percent chance of scoring.
Runner on 2B and 1 out, 72.8 percent chance of scoring.
You could argue that that 72.8 percent is higher with Chipper and Tex. But I think you would also have to argue that the 92.6 percent is higher with Escobar, Chipper and Tex.
By TJ
April 8, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, maybe I’m missing the point of your post, but the Dodgers have scored 23 runs in 7 games… talking about how to hit is a lot different than actually doing it, and the Dodgers ain’t doing it.
By TennesseePaul
April 8, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Lew: Whether or not placing your trust in “Future Wren” as you put it is prudent or not, I guarantee that’s the way it will go
Not much of a stretch of the imagination to guarantee that’s the direction. It’s the only choice left.
I don’t place much credence in free agents, anyway, … which means trade
Well then trade away. But how is that going to fulfill the statement only about $20 something million to spend on pitching?
By Bobby's Cox
April 8, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Shaun
You have no logic. The odds of getting an extra base hit with no outs and a runner on 1st are WAAAAAAAY worse than getting just a single with 1 out and a runner on 2nd. Are you crazy?
It doesn’t even have to be a single, it could be an error from the infield that scores the run from 2nd.
Besides, if yunel gets out, like he did, then you have a runner on 1st with 1 out, and those odds are definately worse than scoring the run than scoring him if he’s on 2nd with 1 out.
Even if you don’t bunt with the runner on 1st and 0 out, the odds are worse of getting 2 hits (singles) and scoring that runner than getting 1 hit with 2 outs. Your statistics are all screwed up my friend.
Did you factor in yunel hitting into a double play, then it taking a 2-out home run from chipper to tie the game into your equations? Bet you did not.
By N8
April 8, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox
GREAT post at 1:40. I’ve been asking that question for about 10 years.
The answer, is because Bobby doesn’t wanna take away their “aggressiveness”.
Kinda silly, isn’t it?
Ironically, it’s EXACTLY what teams do to the Braves when they’re facing them.
Pirates took pitches against Glavine. Mets took pitches against Smoltz.
ESPECIALLY early in the season, hitters should do this. Most pitchers are not prepared to go 9 innings, and even if they are (or they think they are), most managers aren’t gonna let them.
But apparently Bobby thinks swinging at EVERY pitch is the right approach. LOL! You know, because if everybody hits a solo HR on the first pitch, that adds up to a LOT of runs, right?
Ever wonder why a piece of sh!t like Paul O’Neill became a GREAT hitter under Torre? Do you think it’s coincidence that Jeter is the player he is today?
That was ALWAYS the “plan” of those great Yankees teams in the 90’s, and even their offensive philosophy in recent years.
Here’s the catch. If the Braves hitters were patient early in games and made pitchers WORK, and got the starters out of the game sooner, there would be more 2nd tier (or worse) relievers to go for those 3-Run HR’s Bobby likes so much, later in the game.
Maybe someday they’ll figure it out.
I’m not sure if this is a Bobby issue, or a stubborn player issue.
But either way, the “buck” stops with Bobby. So he’s either DIRECTLY responsible for their aggressive approach, or indirectly responsible, by not DEMANDING that the hitters listen to his and TP’s advice.
By DCbrave
April 8, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, maybe I’m missing the point of your post, but the Dodgers have scored 23 runs in 7 games… talking about how to hit is a lot different than actually doing it, and the Dodgers ain’t doing it. By TJ
TJ - I thought part of Torre’s point, and thus that of boy’s cox’s, is the balance of patience and hitting so that the opposing starting pitcher’s pitching count gets up quick. That does not automatically translate into runs of course.
By TennesseePaul
April 8, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
TJ: Yes. That may be the way to go. I’m not sure if it will happen. Hopefully it will. We had that opportunity this off season and passed it up. But we’ll see I guess.
By ernesto
April 8, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
With a runner on first and no outs a team scores over 92% of the time?
Yeah. Right.
By Bobby's Cox
April 8, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
TJ
my point is, the dodgers don’t give the opposing pitcher easy outs. They make the pitcher work for their outs, or at least are trying to adopt that strategy.
We have a better lineup than the dodgers, but if we actually made the pitchers work, we’d see more baserunners, more mistake pitches from the pitchers, would get into bullpens faster, etc…
yeah the dodgers have scored less runs, but they also have a better record. That wasn’t even my point though. My point is, this team fails in 1 run games. The pen could throw 5 shutout innings, and it would still be a close game because this offense is REALLY stagnant at times, mostly in close games. We need to make the opposing pitchers work.
By DCbrave
April 8, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
I meant balancing patience and aggressiveness, not patience and hitting in a previous message.
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
18 Wheels, Dr. Andrews doesn’t do backs. He’s mostly shoulders and elbows. A renowned back specialist in Calif. did Kotsay’s surgery.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, the Braves tied for the 2nd highest batting average, 4th highest OBP and 6th highest SLG. Not sure what’s wrong with that approach. Guess some people won’t be pleased until the offense scores 1,000 runs and the Braves go 162-0.
By TennesseePaul
April 8, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Payne: I don’t think that is a percentage being listed. Otherwise bases loaded no outs is a sure fire score 235% of the time. I think, what that link shows is the expected number of runs acquired in a given situation. Not the probability of scoring with X number of outs. If it were it’d have to be a different function that would have results lower than or equal to 1. That’s is, 50% of the time to 100% of the time. Can’t be more than 100%. And I can tell from watching the game that a runner on first with no outs does not score 92% of the time.
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
OrlandoFan, you’re right. I checked and was told there has been a glitch occasionally with some using PCs, seeing something different than those using Macs. Wish I’d known that this spring, when I had no idea what you were referring to….
… will be a great year for GT hoops! Hey we had a off year this year and still gave Kansas one of their closest games AT Kansas. It seemed fate was just on Kansas side the past 3 games.Bravesfan79
The Jackets did give KU a great game. But the game played in Atlanta, not KU. I attended.
(I also attended the last one Tech played at KU, on New Year’s Day 2005, the year after Tech went to the championship game. Now THAT was a great game, Tech with Jarrett Jack and Co. gave them all they could handle before KU came back from 16 down to win 70-68 at Allen Fieldhouse.)
By Philliesuk
April 8, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
The return of Mike Gonzalez will have a huge impact in our bullpen, if he is at least 90%. I remember the beginning of last year being confused that he wasn’t our full-time closer. I do really like Soriano, but Gonzo is a TRUE closer. Look at his numbers from 05-06. I wish Bobby would have Gonzo close (as long as he proves he’s healthy), but I know he won’t.
By TJ
April 8, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, and others on this “patience” issue:
I’m just not convinced that “patience at the plate” is a prerequisite for good hitting (and by good hitting, I mean getting on base, driving in and scoring runs). I’ll do a little digging to see if I can support my feeling (and that’s all it is) on the subject, but if anyone has “stats” to suggest that seeing more pitches makes one a better hitter, I’d love to see them.
Obviously, some very good hitters are very patient hitters … but Chipper Jones, Miggy Cabrera, Matt Holliday… these guys are not especially “patient” as measured by pitches per at bat.
Obviously, if a pitcher is having trouble throwing strikes, you want to make him do so. But overall, I’d rather my hitters swing at pitches they think they can hit, as opposed to taking strikes for the sake of making the pitcher work.
I bet that hitters who don’t go 0-1 or 0-2 in the count very often have a much better rate of success than hitters who see a lot of pitches. No?
By chuckaluck
April 8, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Self has as much of a chance of building a national power in Stillwater as someone would have of doing the same thing in Auburn or Clemson. It’s ain’t going to happen. T Boone can write him a big, ol’ check and it still won’t happen. There is no in-state recruiting base and — I believe David said this earlier — McDonald’s AAs are not going to Stillwater, no matter who the dang coach is. That said, if I am Bill Self, I take the money and run. If he fails, he’s a wealthy man who still has his national title. If he makes the pokes into a power, he’s god.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, who said anything about the odds of getting an extra-base hit?
You have a better chance to score a run with a runner on first and no outs than you do with a runner on second and one out. That’s a fact that can’t be disputed. So why would anyone in there right mind, knowing this, have a hitter give up their first out of an inning to advance the runner to second?
Bobby’s Cox, not sure where to find team pitches seen data. But I see that last season the Braves had the fifth most total plate appearances in baseball. That’s probably a good indication they worked pitchers, etc.
By ncscoots
April 8, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
As someone else brought up, a runner on first with no outs increases your chances of scoring a run more so than a runner on second with one out.
Actually, that’s not what I said nor what I meant. Studies show that MORE runs score in an inning with runner-first-no-out than with runner-second-one-out; NOT that the chances of scoring a single run are greater. Big difference.
The penalty for bunting and sacrificing is that you run the clock on yourself, if you think of outs as the “clock”.
If you’re playing for the last shot to win it, that can be OK; reducing the probability of scoring more to increase the probability of scoring…enough.
If you’re behind, running clock ain’t too smart, as I understand it. I’m not against employing the beloved-and-exalted “small ball” tactics, just their use at the wrong time, with the wrong players, in the wrong game situation. Which is when most of the bloggers here yell for that kind of thing the most, LOL.
By ContactBuzz
April 8, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
(I also attended the last one Tech played at KU, on New Year’s Day 2005, the year after Tech went to the championship game. Now THAT was a great game, Tech with Jarrett Jack and Co. gave them all they could handle before KU came back from 16 down to win 70-68 at Allen Fieldhouse.)DOB
I prefer the GT / Kansas game in ‘04 when Jack took control in OT. :)
By Bobby's Cox
April 8, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
yeah shaun, i bet you love those 1 run losses and games where we can’t seem to get a hit. It’s becoming more and more evident that we need to start putting teams away or give our pen a couple of runs to work with.
Last I checked we had pretty damn good offensive numbers last year and failed to make the postseason. All those hits and runs in blowout wins like last season don’t mean crap if you can’t work counts and get clutch hits in close games, espcially if you know your pen is mediocre.
You could score 30 runs in 10 games and be 1-9, by putting up a lopsided 12 one game then only scoring 2 runs per the remaining 9 games. That’s an exaggeration, but that’s what our offense has looked like the past couple of years.
Ya the numbers are nice but by no means are they clutch or show that we can win close games. I’d rather have consistancy or our hitters show some purpose at the plate.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul, true. My mistake. Didn’t look close enough.
Still, run expectancy is higher with 0 outs and a runner on first than 1 out and a runner on second.
By Lew
April 8, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Efrim-You really think Hanson and Rohrbaugh will jump two levels to the bigs? Aren’t they still at Myrtle Beach in High A ball?
TenPaul-Spending the money comes in after they trade for someone. As was mentioned earlier, Hudson, Bedard and Santana were acquired through trade-then they had to be paid or signed long term-hence needing money. If a deal can be made for more young guys like Jurrjens, then you spend the $$$$ on a first base option better than a one year stop gap and buy a decent bench and some good relief help.
Just why in the hell are you so worried about next year when this year just started and why do you insist on trying to pin ME down to what will happen? Honestly, I’m much more concerned right now with winning some one run games-even if it means bunting runners over. There are so many scenarios and so many possibilities and variables for anyone to come up with an even vaguely logical proposal on how they’ll go.
I never propose trades-that’s what the front office is for and why they make much more money than I do. If you don’t like our front office-then oh well. Like Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow once said-If you don’t like Rock and Roll, you’re too late now.
Frank Wren is the GM and chances are he will be making the deals for years to come-no matter what you, I or any other fan may think of that.
By jbutler
April 8, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Heard a hilarious take on what Self should say over the next couple of days as he’s drowning in questions of whether he’s headed to OU…Bobby Knight said he should just “lie. Completely/totally lie. Than if you take it, say you changed your mind.” He didn’t even change expressions when he said it. At least he’s cutting to the chase.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
April 8, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
DOB, I think Self will stay too but I think it will be because he doesn’t have to retool the Kansas program like the OSU program has to be retooled. I live in Oklahoma and many people bemoanded Sean Sutton being named coach. They thought it should’ve been Scott Sutton and it appears they were right. I honestly believe this OSU program is on the edge of being a great program again.
I happen to think that OSU should go after a hungry young coach with a winning rep instead of throwing money at a big name.
By BayAreaSteve
April 8, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
scoots, or shaun, or anybody,
would you please provide a link to an accepted, by you, study on runner-first-no-out vs. runner-second-one-out.
I’d like to see what the percentages for each situation are, with regard to scoring more vs. scoring once, and am too lazy to go searching.
Perhaps someone can provide a link.
By DCbrave
April 8, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, the Braves tied for the 2nd highest batting average, 4th highest OBP and 6th highest SLG. Not sure what’s wrong with that approach. Guess some people won’t be pleased until the offense scores 1,000 runs and the Braves go 162-0. By Shaun
Shaun - that is the danger to rely only on stas, especially stats of a short period. Those stats you cited were definitely inflated and masked, and cannot be used to justify that there is no flaws in the Braves’ hitting strategy, i.e. ultra-aggressiveness. If you look at the games they played so far, in those 2 or 3 high scoring games, their ultra-aggressive strategy prevailed: almost everyone got multiple hits, and then in those low scoring games, which is more than those high scoring games, they could not get many hits especially timely hits, and more especially late in the game, also due to the ultra-aggressiveness. It is like when someone hits 900 in one game, then hits zero in two other games, and his stats? 300!! Is he a good hitter? The Braves do need to seriously think about their hitting strategy and stressing the balance of patience and aggressiveness cannot be overstated. Why is the Braves’ winning ratio for one-run games that bad in the past couple of years? You cannot blame the relieves for all, maybe not even for most, very often, it is the hitters who just could not get a run late in the game especially in a tie situation, plagued by the ultra-aggressive strategy.
By The Goche (A.J.)
April 8, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
If the Hawks had their first round pick then it would make sense for Hansbrough to come out this year.
Nothing Billy Knight likes more than a 6’9” forward.
By Bobby's Cox
April 8, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
shaun:
if you don’t advance the runner on 1st with 0 out, then you have a runner on 1st with 1 out, and most likely you will need an extra base hit to score him because the odds of getting 2 hits, or 1 baserunner and a hit, or 3 baserunners are less than scoring the runner on 2nd with 1 out.
the odds are for the pitcher to get an out with a runner on 1st and 0 out. I’d rather trade an out for the advancement of a runner, especially with 2 career .300 hitters coming up next. Not sure where your getting your stats, but a runner on 1st with 0 outs scoring 92% of the time is flawed.
By JC FROM UT
April 8, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
Whatever happened to Eric Campbell?
By Tom in NYC
April 8, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Dave, I have to be honest, I really dislike Bill Self, mostly because I’m a huge St. John’s fan and he passed Norm Roberts to us. Sure Norm has run a clean program, but he has also run it into the ground in the process, and it’s getting worse each year. The man can’t coach a lick, and was advertised as a great recruiter; still waiting for that.
And if you don’t know the story, Norm was hired by Self after coaching at Queens College (and having a losing record) and writing a letter to Self which eventually led to an interview. Yes, I’m disgruntled!!
By Gil in Mechanicsville
April 8, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Shaun Interesting stat on the probability of scoring with a runner on first and 0 outs and runner on second with 1 out. However, you cannot use raw stats to prove your point. There are so many variables to consider. Weather conditions, hitters involved, teams involved, pitchers involved. It is why they play the game using real people vs just showing us a computer simulation.
Stats tell us the Tigers should be 6-0 and not 0-6….
By DAP
April 8, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
this hasnt been said yet…but lets not forget what a good pitcher cook is. seriously. every now and then, we might just run into a guy have a great game. that happens to alot of team with great offenses. the yankees get shut down sometimes…the tigers have been this year, too.
our offense doesnt always do well, but sometimes, maybe that because their pitcher is good, not because our offense is bad.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, I only see three Braves regulars that didn’t post at least the NL average OPS in close and late situations last season. McCann, Diaz and Andruw Jones were the only regulars who weren’t good in close and late situations.
By Renegator
April 8, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Did you guys see where Castillo had to leave the Mets game because of right knee soreness? I haven’t heard how serious it is. Easley is filling in.
By woogidy
April 8, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
DOB, I owe you a beer. I based my bracket for the office pool on your fanhood of KU, seeing I have no knowledge of college basketball, and it payed off. Thanks for the hundred bucks. I filled it out in about 3 minutes this year. Usually, I’m doing research for hours, filling out several brackets ‘til I’m happy with one, but not this year. Thanks.
By Efrim
April 8, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Lew
I don’t expect them to start 2009 with the team, but mid season callups- definetly. Hanson should finish the year in double A. With a good showing there, don’t be suprised if they get him in ATL by August of 2009. Rohrbough probably won’t make it to the bigs until 2010. Hopefully all goes well. Rohrbough had an ankle injury this offseason, and he has been experiencing shoulder discomfort. He should be ready to pitch in a couple of weeks.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
DCbrave, umm…those are last season’s stats. And this season they’ve added Tex and the aweful version of Andruw isn’t in the lineup.
Bobby’s Cox, the 92 percent was flawed. My mistake. That was run expectancy, which still shows it’s better to have a runner on first with no outs than a runner on second with one.
Over the course of a season (according to 2007 data), a team can expect on average 0.92599 runs with a runner on first with no outs. But 0.72842 runs with a runner on second with one out.
Yes, it’s worse to have a runner on first with one out than a runner on first with no outs. But a runner on first with no outs is better than a runner on second with one out. .300 hitters can’t give you back the out that you just used up.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Gil in Mechanicsville, stats tell us the Tigers should be 6-0 and not 0-6? That’s news to me!
By TennesseePaul
April 8, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Lew: Fair enough. I do recall you asking me the very same question when I said the Braves should look into Haren. You wanted to know who exactly I would trade and lamented that you would like just once to see our young pitchers in the majors sporting a Braves uni. Any forth coming trade for a pitcher like you described will more than likely require one or more of our young pitchers.
I did notice the other day you posted about how that is one reason to keep a good farm. I agree. Only I think it would have been prudent to do so to acquire Haren. 20 million would still be available for whatever else as Haren already had a favorable multi year contract.
And you are right. Wren is the GM. He will make the deals. But that doesn’t mean everyone must agree with said deals.
I will be cheering this team. Not so much tonight as I have a long day ahead of me. But I hope very much to come home and pull up the scores and find a W, complete game shut out from Jair, along with several grand slams from the heart of the Braves line up.
Or just a win will do.
By Shaun
April 8, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Gil in Mechanicsville, stats tell us the Tigers should be 6-0 and not 0-6? That’s news to me! What stats are you looking at? Or what are you smoking when you are looking at those stats? I need some of that!
By ncscoots
April 8, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
…and am too lazy to go searching.
And, what, I’m not, LOL? Unlike many, I don’t keep all that kind of stuff archived, except in my head.
I think I may remember a link, though, so I’ll try to rummage it up.
But just because it’s you, man. HA!
By David O'Brien
April 8, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG is up for perusal
By Efrim
April 8, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Shaun
What are your thoughts on the Tigers? How many wins did you have them at before the season started, and how many do you have them at now with this 0-6 start?
By BravesFanInRockies
April 8, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
FWIW, folks, if you were watching last night’s game, Yunel actually attempted (or at least bluffed) a bunt on the first pitch. Then he swung away …
By Choppinmama
April 8, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
DOB: Congrats to you and your alma mater for the exciting win last night! I sure was thinking of you trying to watch both games. Nice of the baseball guys to finish in time for you to give your full attention to THE game. I know you’re riding high today.
Just wish we could have pulled it out in the 9th. I keep reading about our lousy record in 1-run games, but how many did we win last year?
By Renegator
April 8, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Mets just blew the lead in the 7th. Now Sosa is in. HAHA.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
April 8, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
What does everyone on here think about the Braves making a play for Harden or Blanton for the rotation?
By N8
April 8, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
DAP
April 8, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
“seriously. every now and then, we might just run into a guy have a great game. that happens to alot of team with great offenses…..our offense doesnt always do well, but sometimes, maybe that because their pitcher is good, not because our offense is bad.”
You’re EXACTLY right. But it happens offenses that AREN’T disciplined (like ours - save Chipper annd Tex), more often than to other offense.
Above average pitchers KNOW HOW to get hackers and impatient hitters out. Or should I say, they know how to make impatient hitters GET THEMSELVES out?
Which is a BIG reason why Bobby Cox led teams, have choked more often than not in the playoffs. We’re usually facing pretty good pitchers come October. Along with some NOT SO GOOD pitchers that follow a good game plan (IE: Sterling Hitchcock).
It also is why our rotations were able to shut down a good hitting team like the Pirates in 91 and 92, along with the Rockies, Reds and Indians in 95.
It ALSO shows how LUCKY we were in the 95 WS, when Jim Poole missed his “target” by about 2 feet and hung the pitch for Justice to hammer out for the only run of the deciding game.
It also explains why good hitting teams like the Yankees ADJUSTED to guys like Maddux and Glavine the 3rd time through the order in the 99 WS.
Everybody always talks about LUCK in the post-season.
I’m NOT buying that the Atlanta Braves were the unluckiest team in baseball for 13 of 14 playoff runs.
They were teams that had NO GAMEPLAN against good pitchers, and if they did, they didn’t follow through on it.
But in general, you are right. I’ve always felt like good pitching trumps good hitting. But every now and then a good hitting APPROACH will trump good pitching. Just ask the Braves of the 90’s.
By Bobby's Cox
April 8, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Shaun:
how many times do those runners on 1st with no out move to 2nd with 1 out?
what about late in games? What are the stats then? How many times are those runners bunted over to 2nd and score?
your numbers don’t tell the whole story.
Just because you have a runner on 1st with no outs doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bunt. You have a ridiculous argument here for late game strategy/close game strategy with .300 career hitters waiting on deck.
By N8
April 8, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Choppinmama
I don’t know the numbers off the top of my head, but somebody posted something earlier today, (or maybe last night), that we are the WORST TEAM IN MLB the last three years in 1-run games.
Enough said. THAT tells the story, more than the actual “number” of times it happened.
The bottom line, is that this TEAM as it’s constructed has no experience in winning on a regular basis.
Only 4 players has significant playoff experience:
Smoltz, Glavine, Chipper and Kotsay. (I’ll count Hampton when he actually pitches for us again).
That leaves 21 players on the 25 man roster that have not played for a consistent winning ball-club that knows what it takes to win tight “playoff atmosphere” games.
So, all of Bobby’s leadership and experience as a winning manager, hasn’t seemed to rub off on the youngsters yet, has it?
Until he takes THIS core of players to a division title and wins a playoff series with them, I’m gonna stick to my “guns” that having an All-Star at almost every position, along with 3 HOF starters in his rotation, is the ONLY reason that Cox has a winning record as a manager.
Until he proves me wrong, I have no choice but to believe that.
By mo in the boonies
April 8, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Keylargo Was the game on in your area last night on DirectTv 737? It wasn’t on in mine in northern Michigan. Dang it!
McFann Another reason for faking a bunt is to bring the infield in, and then try to hit one “where they ain’t.”
All I know about the game is from the argument on here, but it is smarter to play for the tie, because then you go into extra innings, and have a better chance to win it. There are no ties in baseball. Yunel should have bunted. But Cox makes that call not Yunel. You had what are supposed to be the top hitters coming up with Chipper and Tex, to bat the runners over. And it is also Cox’s fault if the batters don’t know how to bunt. And it is his fault if he picks the wrong bullpen guy to put in .
Overlord They had to pitch to either Chipper or Tex. Couldn’t walk both of them.